The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
214
THE NOSEGAY
Sweet Philis as fair as the hedge Rosey seems& while the maids Envy the charms she displays
The swains to gain favour are planning their schemes
& daily to please her try all winning ways
Their nosegays all charm her—I knew what she lovd
T'other day I took courage to try for the Maid
I hopd—& I sought for the flowers she approvd
& presented the gift as she sat in the shade
O the magic of Beauty—the power of her eyes
How I trembld approaching her near
She turnd a look to'ard me of carles suprise
O my heart how it flutterd for fear
As soon as she saw me she rose from her seat
I approochd her—stood silent—Made a bow & admir'd
& the Nosegay I gatherd—laid it down at her feet
She than[k]d me & pickd out the best & Retird
But shepherd take courage when on[c]e you begin
Let trifles neer daunt—nor by fears be subdud
Fair maids are too fickle for faint hearts to win
I still trusted hope—dispeld fears—& pursud
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Oft turning behind her the meaning I gesst
She waited to hear me I was not to seek
While I begd that a kis for my pains mite be spard
She smild her consent—wipt the curls from her cheek
& the sweets of those Roseys provd double reward
| The early poems of John Clare | |