The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
 | I. |
 |
| II. |
 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
THE BIRTH OF CHARITY
A Beggar turnd up to [a] noblemans dwelling
Ere charity shone on our shore
The dogs kept on purpose gan barking & yelling
& drove him away from the door
His forhead was tore & his face deeply furrowd
& the Grave his last hope coming fast
& flying their fury Most deeply he sorrowd
When a maiden lookt out as he passt
Ere charity shone on our shore
The dogs kept on purpose gan barking & yelling
& drove him away from the door
His forhead was tore & his face deeply furrowd
& the Grave his last hope coming fast
& flying their fury Most deeply he sorrowd
When a maiden lookt out as he passt
380
She heard his sad story of harms & of pining
& soon as his woes met her eye
In the half started tear Pitys Image was skining
& mercys loud mourn in the sigh
& soon as his woes met her eye
In the half started tear Pitys Image was skining
& mercys loud mourn in the sigh
With the look of an angel Mixt beauty & feeling
She heerd the poor beggar forlorn
& when in her pocket her hand it was stealing
That moment was charity born
She heerd the poor beggar forlorn
& when in her pocket her hand it was stealing
That moment was charity born
| The early poems of John Clare | |