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 |  |
453
THE ANCIENT HEROE
Not with the nodding feathers modern prideOr gilded swordcase dangling by his side
Or fringed shoulder nott or blazing star
Was bravery born the triumph of the war
But naked to the winds & dreary plain
Save wrapt in Skins his infant hands had slain
The hard young hero first appeard in sight
When David met the giants in the fight
With all the war armd soldiers vengance stung
The spear like thrust was dealt & stone he flung
& were the unskilful war the hottest came
His young unpractisd valour made its aim
While victory haild him not by thousands slain
But dauntless valour which the brave mentain
As beetling rocks wears the waves vengance out
His steady stands no shocks coud put to rout
The onset of the fight the last retir'd
The bright example which his followers fir'd
& each young Hero his rude weapon plied
With all a Soldiers valour by his side
& when beat down beneath a stronger foe
His feeble hands still turnd its vengful blow
Lookd up on braverys face for vengance sighd
& strove to rise & graspd his stick & dy'd
| The early poems of John Clare | |