John Clare: The Midsummer Cushion :: :: University of Virginia Library

I have traced the valleys fair
In may mornings dewy air
My bonny Mary Lee
Wilt thou deign the wreath to wear
Gathered all for thee
They are not flowers of pride
For they graced the dingle side
Yet they grew in heavens smile
My gentle Mary Lee
Can they fear thy frowns the while
Though offered all by me

Heres the lily of the vale
That perfumed the morning gale
My fairey Mary Lee
All so spotless & so pale
Like thine own purity
& might I make it known
Tis an emblem of my own
Love—if I dare so name
My esteem for thee
Surely flowers can bear no blame
My bonny Mary Lee

Heres the violets modest blue
That neath awthorns hides from view
My gentle Mary Lee
Would show whose heart is true
While it thinks of thee
Though they chuse each lowly spot
The sun disdains them not
I m as lowly too indeed
My charming Mary Lee
So Ive brought these flowers to plead
& win a smile from thee

Heres a wild rose just in bud
Springs beauty in its hood
My bonny Mary Lee
Tis the first in all the wood
I could find for thee
Though a blush is scarcely seen

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Yet it hides its worth within
Like my love for Ive no power
My angel Mary Lee
To speak unless the flower
Can plead excuse for me

Though they deck no princely halls
In bouquets for glittering balls
My gentle Mary Lee
Richer hues than painted walls
Might make them dear to thee
For the blue & laughing sky
Spreads a grander canopy
Than all wealths golden skill
My charming Mary Lee
Love would make them dearer still
That offers them to thee

My wreath of flowers are few
Yet no fairer drank the dew
My bonny Mary Lee
& may seem as trifles too
Yet not I hope to thee
Some may boast a richer prize
Under pride & wealths disguise
None a fonder offering bore
Then mine to thee
& can true love wish for more
Surely not Mary Lee