TWO SONNETS TO MARY

I

I met thee like the morning, though more fair,

And hopes 'gan travel for a glorious day;

And though night met them ere they were aware,

Leading the joyous pilgrims all astray,

Yet know I not, though they did miss their way,

That joyed so much to meet thee, if they are

To blame or bless the fate that bade such be.

Thou seem'dst an angel when I met thee first,

Nor has aught made thee otherwise to me:

Possession has not cloyed my love, nor curst

Fancy's wild visions with reality.

Thou art an angel still; and Hope, awoke

From the fond spell that early raptures nurst,

Still feels a joy to think that spell ne'er broke.

Life and Remains of John Clare, The "Northamptonshire Peasant Poet" · 第 211 / 247 题