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University of Virginia Library

Blackberries

by William Allingham

Allingham, William (1824-1889)

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[Earthborn, in earthly things much sport I find]

[Other men, we think]

[How short is the life of a man!]

[New things happen every day]

[Man's life is not too happy at the best]

[The cruellest of animals is Man]

[If too presumptuous 'twere to pray]

[What bodily and mental fuss]

[How grave (the child thinks) deep and wise]

[Just at the age when a man is clearest and firmest in mind]

[O were I but rid of these ties]

[What hinders me, you ask, to do my best?]

[Clever Youth of acquisitive turn]

[The Spirit said “Be on my side]

[I cannot see, but still I can conceive]

[O the swarm of trifles]

[How obey, yet be autocrat still?]

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20

Words, Words.

Of knowledge we so precious hold
Great part is mocking elfin-gold;
Spells of similitude and phrase
What mists of glamour can ye raise!