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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AFTER READING A FLATTERING PRAISE ON THE GRAVE STONE OF AN OLD TRANSGRESSOR |
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| b. |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
251
AFTER READING A FLATTERING PRAISE ON THE GRAVE STONE OF AN OLD TRANSGRESSOR
‘A foolish trifle often makes a cure’
So says the proverb so this stone declares
Foolish enough if wick[ed]ness is pure
By filling dead mens mouths wi scraps of prayers
So says the proverb so this stone declares
Foolish enough if wick[ed]ness is pure
By filling dead mens mouths wi scraps of prayers
When thieves are tryd—the lawers have a knack
To plead em innoscent—no doubt this clay
Tends tugging this stone counsellor on his back
To act as pleader at the judgment day
To plead em innoscent—no doubt this clay
Tends tugging this stone counsellor on his back
To act as pleader at the judgment day
| The early poems of John Clare | |