One gloomy eve I roamed about <br />Neath Oxey's hazel bowers, <br />While timid hares were darting out, <br />To crop the dewy flowers; <br />And soothing was the scene to me, <br />Right pleased was my soul, <br />My breast was calm as summer's sea <br />When waves forget to roll. <br /> <br />But short was even's placid smile, <br />My startled soul to charm, <br />When Nelly lightly skipt the stile, <br />With milk-pail on her arm: <br />One careless look on me she flung, <br />As bright as parting day; <br />And like a hawk from covert sprung, <br />It pounced my peace away.<br /><br />John Clare<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/song-2-5/
