The Poetry Corner

Ballad. "When Nature's Beauty Shone Complete."

By John Clare

When nature's beauty shone complete. With summer's lovely weather, And even, shadowing day's retreat, Brought swains and maids together; Then I did meet a charming face, But who--I'll be discreet: Though lords themselves without disgrace Might love whom I did meet. "Good evening, lovely lass," said I, To make her silence break; The instant evening's blushing sky Was rival'd in her cheek; Her eyes were turn'd upon the ground, She made me no reply, But downward looks my bosom found: "You've won me," whisper'd I. And I did try all love could do, And she try'd all to fly, Now lingering slow to let me go, Then hurrying to pass by: "My love," said I, "you've me mistook, No harm from me you'll meet;" She only answer'd with a look, But it was 'witching sweet. I own'd my love, and prais'd her eyes, Whose power she little knew; And doubtless then she fancied lies, What since she's proved true; Confusion mingling fear and shame, Between the "Yes" and "No," O when I mention'd love's soft name How sweet her cheeks did glow! I told her all the open truth, 'Bout being a labouring swain, With not one groat to boast, forsooth, But what hard work did gain: And begg'd excuse in such-like clothes Within her way to fall; Wenches are ta'en with flashy beaus-- But she excus'd it all. As near the humble cot we came, Her fears did meet alarm Lest friends imprudent ways should blame, And think I meant her harm: So there I prest her to my heart, And there a kiss was ta'en, And there I vow'd, ere we did part, To meet her soon again.