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 TOMB |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
THE TOMB
Once musing oer an old effaced stoneLonging to know who's dust it did consceal
I anxious ponder'd oer what might reveal
And sought the seeming date with weeds oergrown,
But that prov'd fruitles—both the date and name
Had been for ages in oblivion thrown.
The dim remains of sculptur'd ornament
Gave proof sufficient t'was reward for fame.
This did my scearching view so much torment
That time I qu[e]stion'd to expose the same
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‘'Bout who lies here?—since thou whilt quickly be
‘Forgot like him:—Then time shall bid thee go
‘To Heavens pure bliss or hells tormenting woe’.
| The early poems of John Clare | |