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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POOR SOLDIER |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
POOR SOLDIER
O long I have fought for my country & king
& now am returnd for to beg
Robd of the fruits which my labour did bring
By the loss of a arm & a leg
In pity dont turn me away from your door
Nor linger my tale to believe
A crust will but little diminish your store
A crust hunger'll gladly recieve
& now am returnd for to beg
Robd of the fruits which my labour did bring
By the loss of a arm & a leg
In pity dont turn me away from your door
Nor linger my tale to believe
A crust will but little diminish your store
A crust hunger'll gladly recieve
Ive beat the rude storm & Ive fought wi' the brave
Ive stood where the valiant have fell
Ive saw horrors glory hapt up in his grave
& tales of long sorrow coud tell
But pity neer drives me away from her door
Nor questions if sorrow decieves
Compasion soon spares me a crust from her store
—A crust hunger gladly recieves
Ive stood where the valiant have fell
Ive saw horrors glory hapt up in his grave
& tales of long sorrow coud tell
But pity neer drives me away from her door
Nor questions if sorrow decieves
Compasion soon spares me a crust from her store
—A crust hunger gladly recieves
O Life thourt a burthen I wish thee away
A cripple & loaded wi years
My Sorrow[s] are much—do beli[e]ve what I say
—‘Yes I believe all in thy tears
In pity thourt welcome to beg at my door
& deeply my bosom does grieve
To tell thee a crust is the height of my store
A crust thou art glad to recieve’
A cripple & loaded wi years
My Sorrow[s] are much—do beli[e]ve what I say
—‘Yes I believe all in thy tears
In pity thourt welcome to beg at my door
& deeply my bosom does grieve
To tell thee a crust is the height of my store
A crust thou art glad to recieve’
| The early poems of John Clare | |