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The later poems of John Clare

1837-1864 ... General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger

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253

[In cant & mystery there lurks a wrong]

In cant & mystery there lurks a wrong
Poisonous as fangs within the Serpents head
The subtlest one to Priest craft does belong
They humbug till the living turn the dead
Hypocricy the highest holds her head
In Pulpit placed with fair & smirking face
With tongues newoiled & hearts as cold as lead
The priests descending into hells embrace
The surplus leaves & shows a harlots face