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 |  |
TO THE VIOLET
Hail to the[e] violet sweet carless spreadNeath each warm bush & covert budding hedge
In many a pleasing walk have I been led
To seek thee—promise of springs earliest pledge
In modest coyness hanging down its head
Unconsious hiding beautys from the eye
& sweetly brooding oer its gracful form
Shunning each vulgar gaze that saunters by
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As virtue startled by approaching harm
Shrinks from delusions false betraying hand[s]
With bashful look that more the bosom warms
So sweetest blossom the coy violet stands
Tempting the plunderer with a double charm
| The early poems of John Clare | |