The later poems of John Clare 1837-1864 ... General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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MY PEERLESS ADELAIDE |
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 | The later poems of John Clare |  |
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MY PEERLESS ADELAIDE
1
How swift the rack flies through the skyHow mild the clouds sail on
The cutting hail has rattled by
The winters storms are gone
Then walk my peerless Adelaide
Not in a Coronet
But in thy dress of simple braid
The fairest maiden yet
Like sun in darkness light in shade
Walk forth my peerless Adelaide
2
The Pilewort blazes by the wayThe daisey's silver stars
Shed gold and silver light all day
In green that nothing mars
The Primrose pale of Lemon hue
Dew gemmed in mosses shade
Gem like they glisten with the dew
Walk forth sweet Adelaide
Not as the coronetted Queen
But in thy comely gown of green
3
The skylarks winnow through the cloudAnd whistle as they rise
The Black Cap in the wood pipes loud
The rack flies through the skies
Swiftly it passes by my dear
Palm sallows gild the shade
Tis calm and pleasant everywhere
Come forth my Adelaide
In youth and beauty fresh and free
Come forth my love and go with me
| The later poems of John Clare | |