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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| II. |
 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
543
SONG
[In a bonny black wench & the best I set eyes on]
In a bonny black wench & the best I set eyes on
A love at first sight I have found
But shame dare not name it—ah there lies the poison
That serves to keep open the wound
A love at first sight I have found
But shame dare not name it—ah there lies the poison
That serves to keep open the wound
Then what must I do for the best I set eyes on
For the love at first sight I have found
The wench is a stranger—ah there lies the poison
That hoplesly burns in the wound
For the love at first sight I have found
The wench is a stranger—ah there lies the poison
That hoplesly burns in the wound
Come muse gi' me hopes of the best I set ey[e]s on
Sing the Love at first sight I have found
The praise of the stranger—O Curse the foul poison
Will serve but to deepen the wound
Sing the Love at first sight I have found
The praise of the stranger—O Curse the foul poison
Will serve but to deepen the wound
| The early poems of John Clare | |