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 |  |
506
SONNET
[Well have I learnd the value of vain life]
Well have I learnd the value of vain lifeLong have I stood the worlds reproach & scorn
& braved fates sea full many a cloudy morn
Long bristling many a waves contending strife
Long curs'd the luckless day that saw me born
& brought to light my miserys & me
But now vain life & use me how ye will
Ill kiss the rod & smile at every ill
Ive learnd thy value & I've learnd thy end
A mad braind wanderer & without a friend
Age learnd me little & experience much
& as a beggar leans upon his crutch
On my last hope a pilgrim here I bend
For peace beyond the grave were all my woes shall end
| The early poems of John Clare | |