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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TO MR J. TURNILL |
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| II. |
 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
TO MR J. TURNILL
T[urni]ll (lov'd name) a clown would fainley sendTo thee some token that thou mightest know
How he esteems thee as a real friend
For favours past which he must ever owe
Yet anxious far as lies within his power
To make acknowledgement for all thy pains
Thou took to learn him every leisure hour
He humbly greets thee with these simple strains
Simple indeed!—yet simple as they are
O best and dearest friend could they but show
That this warm praise is utter'd from the heart
That without flattery friendship makes me glow
O could they but to thee these truths impart
Ah then my hopes are Crown'd beyond compare
| The early poems of John Clare | |