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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UPON THE PLAIN
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
UPON THE PLAIN
A Ballad
Upon the plain there livd a swainA Flock his whole employ
Unknown loves cares & all its snares
To damp his humble joy
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To bles him with increase
Contentment made his humble trade
A Scene of Health & Peace
But Cupid sly whose jealous eye
Envied his happines
With pointed darts & subtle arts
Resolvd on his distress
Tho first in vain he Workd his brain
But practisd in deceit
Fresh schemes & plans where nigh at hand
& some was sure to hit
In fatal hour he provd his power
A Shepherds form he tain
With hook & song he hums along
& thus acosts the swain
Go friend he cried to yonder side
The hedge that bounds the plain
For there a lamb has lost his dam
& calls for help in vain
He instant starts his tender heart
Oerlooks the subtle snare
The swains beguild pleasd Cupid smild
Fair florimel was there
The Rosys red her cheeks bespred
Her bosom lily white
To view her charms each bosom warms
Enrapturd at the sight
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Her shape genteel & tall
Her charms divine Unrivald shine
Alike confest by all
Beneath the shade the lovly maid
Was shelterd from the sun
O luckles swain go fly the plain
Or stay & be undone
For ah twas provd by them that lovd
She had a scornful eye
Her pride was vain no way to gain
He[r] pity but to dye
—Stretchd on the Green—her beauty seen
To all advantage there
To meet the breeze that fand the trees
Her snowy breast was bare
She meets his view Sweet Peace adieu
And Pleasures kno[w]n before
He sighs—Approves—Admires & loves
—His heart's his own no more
| The early poems of John Clare | |