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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CHUBS REPLY |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
111
CHUBS REPLY
Nature unequal modelizes allSome she makes great and others mighty small
Of this last fairey sort tho jiant proud
One market day amid the gaping crowd
A three foot nothing did a horse bestride
'Pareing as well as when on bullocks hide
A shouting jackdaws seen to sit alone
Just so this monster on the saddle shone
And as for pride no jiant no goliah
Could of his mighty person think no higher
For all who look'd (and many was affraid)
Nay if a stranger stopping only made
A wrinkled brow as ready for a stare
He in a passion would begin to swear.
—But spite of this young chub in close review
Just like a pointer fairley stard him thro'
For having often heard the story told
About tom thumkin and his acts so bold
He really took this mighty man to be
Tom Thumkins person in reallity
So on he stard with all the eyes he had
Till his suppos'd tom thumb grown wond'rous mad
In thundering vengance made this question known
Demanding answer in magestic tone
‘Thou sensles dog, why thus my views impede?
‘Thou two leg'd bastard of the swinish breed
‘What makes you stare so mungrel of a whore?
‘Did you ne'er see base dog—a man before?
Chub vex'd at such foul names soon turnd awry
His mouth in posture ready to reply
112
His beaver a cock up)—‘but what I have
‘But I should be d---nd cunning could I see
‘E'en the worst sort in such Tom-thumbs as thee!’
‘Thumb’ struck with this he little thought to hear
From such a fool as chubby did appear
Sneak'd off asham'd and still as ere he could
For fear the crowd that gaping round 'em stood
Should catch the sharp reply and run him down
By joining chorus with the gauling clown
Warn'd by this caution for the time to come
To keep his questions and affront at home
For Madam Wit no chuser of her place
Is often cloath'd in rags as well as lace
| The early poems of John Clare | |