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 stand the brunts of toil & stormy weather] |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
504
[To stand the brunts of toil & stormy weather]
To stand the brunts of toil & stormy weatherWhat many gewgaws of the softer sex
What simpring charms to tempt us & perplex
Some with a killing dart from [OMITTED] eye
Our heart receives em as we pass em bye
Some with a rosy cheek have hearts at will
A smile relieves us or a frown must kill
A ruby lip shapd hand or swelling breast
Forbids the aching heart to be at rest
Needless to mention every zembling art
Curls paint & patches but a minutes smart
Deception charms while ignorance befriends
But hate atends the cheat expeirence ends
Charms purly nature beautys still remain
Charms patchd by Art are sickning & vain
Some with a voice bewitch our ravishd ears
As tho they stole the music of [the] spheres
& many a heart has been deserted found
Smit with the eden that appears in sound
& here sweet D[amo]n thy pleasing power excels
Where many a captive heart enrapturd dwells
Here where thy charms an easy conquest makes
Here heaven breaks silence while the angel speaks
But when she sings then charms before unknown
Make all that hear her wish such charms unknown
Blest is the authors toil her voice displays
For what she sings can never fail of praise
No longer in despair he lives unknown
But meets applause for merits not his own
& woudst thou d---m the [OMITTED]
| The early poems of John Clare | |