( U8 ) 

 THE RECONCILIATION. 



BY JOHN CLARE, THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POET. 



YOUR "Nosegay" brings me back again, 

 And would of scenes remind us 



Those sunny days, unknown to pain, 

 Which time hath left behind us. 



They tell what joys were wont to greet, 

 And what the heart has greeted ; 



Alas ! that Envy's tongue should cheat 

 The heart so easy cheated. 



But let the idle world go on ; 



It leaves some dearer treasures, 

 A joy from merit's praises won, 



Affection's higher pleasures. 



The knave may, in a sly pretence, 



Make honesty his token ; 

 Words uttered in a cunning sense, 



By mere deception spoken ; 



Rut friendship is a sacred name. 



Above such faithless dealings; 

 The heart's choice home creates the flame, 



One^of our dearest feelings. 



Though anger may a moment cloud 



The kindest bosom breathing, 

 Yet, trust me, love that whispers loud 



Around the heart is wreathing. 



Hearts may be sad as oft they are 

 And dearest thoughts be thwarted ; 

 Hearts may be broken down with care 



True love is never parted. 

 Northborough. 



CUPID'S BLINDNESS. 



CUPID wandered forth to play 



In a fragrant summer bower j 

 There he revelled through the day, 



Trifling with each blooming flower. 



The rebel boy pluck'd many a rose, 



And cast it heedless to the ground ; 

 The Maiden's blush the urchin chose 



To cull, and strew its sweets around. 



Cupid, boast not of thy power ! 



A 'vengeful bee lay hid behind 

 A folded leaf of this fair flower 



It stung the little despot blind ! 



E. L. E. 



