Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

English poet Thomas Hardy uses an echo based on the last few words of a number of questions he puts regarding his future. It’s a somewhat dark poem, but a good one.

The Echo Elf Answers

How much shall I love her?
For life, or not long?
               “Not long.”
 
Alas! When forget her?
In years, or by June?
               “By June.”
 
And whom woo I after?
No one, or a throng?
               “A throng.”
 
Of these shall I wed one
Long hence, or quite soon?
               “Quite soon.”
 
And which will my bride be?
The right or the wrong?
               “The wrong.”
 
And my remedy– what kind?
Wealth-wove, or earth-hewn?
               “Earth-hewn.”