»A Tryst at an Ancient Earthwork« is a short story by Thomas Hardy, originally published in 1885. THOMAS HARDY [1840-1928] was an English poet and author. His work is characterized by realism and criticism of the strict Victorian ideals which he believed limited people's lives and happiness. He achieved great success with the novel Under the Greenwood Tree [1872] and continued with successes such as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles .