The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
I. |
a. |
b. |
CHRISTIAN FAITH |
a. |
b. |
a. |
b. |
II. |
The early poems of John Clare | ||
387
CHRISTIAN FAITH
What Antidote or charm on Earth is found
To aliviate or soften fates decree?
To fearless enter on that dark profound
Where Life emerges in Eternity
To aliviate or soften fates decree?
To fearless enter on that dark profound
Where Life emerges in Eternity
Wisdom!—a rush light—vainly boasting power
To cheer the terror sin's first visit gave
Denies Existance at that dreadful hour
& shrinks in horror from a gaping grave
To cheer the terror sin's first visit gave
Denies Existance at that dreadful hour
& shrinks in horror from a gaping grave
O Christianity thou charm devine
That firmness faith & last resource is thine
With thee the christian joys to loose his breath
Nor dreads to find his mortal strength decay
But dear in Friendship shakes the hand of death
& hugs the pain that knaws his life away
That firmness faith & last resource is thine
With thee the christian joys to loose his breath
Nor dreads to find his mortal strength decay
But dear in Friendship shakes the hand of death
& hugs the pain that knaws his life away
The early poems of John Clare | ||