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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE COTTAGER'S COMPLAINT, ON .. ENCLOSING SUTTON-COLDFIELD, by JOHN FREETH Poet's Biography First Line: How sweetly did the moments glide Last Line: Who murders my content. Alternate Author Name(s): Free, John Subject(s): Business; Markets; Retail Trade; Businessmen; Businesswomen; Supermarkets; Stores; Shops; Shopkeepers | |||
HOW sweetly did the moments glide, How happy were the days! When no sad fear my breast annoyed, Or e'er disturbed my ease; Hard fate! that I should be compelled My fond abode to lose, Where threescore years in peace I've dwelled, And wish my life to close. Chorus Oh the time! the happy, happy time, Which in my cot I've spent; I wish the church-yard was his doom, Who murders my content. My ewes are few, my stock is small, Yet from my little store I find enough for nature's call, Nor would I ask for more! That word, ENCLOSURE! to my heart Such evil doth bespeak, I fear I with my all must part, And fresh employment seek. ChorusOh the time, &c. What little of the spacious plain Should power to me consign, For want of means, I can't obtain, Would not long time be mine: The stout may combat fortune's frowns, Nor dread the rich and great; The young may fly to market-towns, But where can I retreat? ChorusOh the time, &c. What kind of feelings must that man Within his mind possess, Who, from an avaricious plan, His neighbours would distress? Then soon, in pity to my case, To Reason's ear incline; For on his heart it stamps disgrace, Who formed the base design. Chorus Oh the time! the happy, happy time, Which in my cot I've spent; I wish the church-yard was his doom, Who murders my content. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LAST SONG FOR THE MEND-IT SHOP by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE STRAWBERRIES IN MEXICO by RON PADGETT SUMMER SHIRT SALE by CARL SANDBURG ESSAY: THE HANGING PARADOGS SLIP by ELENI SIKELIANOS DRUG STORE by JOHN VAN ALSTYN WEAVER HUDSON RIVER ANTHOLOGY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS ANTIQUE JEWELER by FREDERICK HENRY HERBERT ADLER THE SEAMSTRESS by HENRI BARBUSSE |
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