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 early poems of John Clare | ||
514
ADDRESS TO A COPY OF ‘CLARES POEMS’ SENT O. GILCHRIST ESQR
To thine & mine our topmost friend
I send this little book & know too
Thou wilt not wish at journeys end
A better set of friends to go to
Theyre none o' those where pride prevails
As fine to thee as they may seem
Hadst thou for author prince of w---s
Thoudst meet no more from their esteem
I send this little book & know too
Thou wilt not wish at journeys end
A better set of friends to go to
Theyre none o' those where pride prevails
As fine to thee as they may seem
Hadst thou for author prince of w---s
Thoudst meet no more from their esteem
& plain & simple as ye seem
In value scarcly worth a groat
I know yell meet a friends esteem
& doubtless get a gilded coat
L---d knows I coudnt help but laugh
To see ye fixt among yer betters
Upon the learned shelves set off
& flas[h]t about wi golden letters
In value scarcly worth a groat
I know yell meet a friends esteem
& doubtless get a gilded coat
515
To see ye fixt among yer betters
Upon the learned shelves set off
& flas[h]t about wi golden letters
& then I know thy spark o' pride
Set off in this exalted station
Strouted i' glass case side to side
Mong wits of a'most every nation
Shoud thee & me chance meet again
When all this kindness to thee's shown
Thoult turn thy nose up wi' disdain
& thinkt disgrace thy dad to own
Set off in this exalted station
Strouted i' glass case side to side
Mong wits of a'most every nation
Shoud thee & me chance meet again
When all this kindness to thee's shown
Thoult turn thy nose up wi' disdain
& thinkt disgrace thy dad to own
Jan 21. 1820
The early poems of John Clare | ||