: John Clare Composes a Begging Letter :
an excerpt by Jordan Smith
A patron requires, first, an accounting
Of gratitude's exact dimensions,
A survey taken of the mounting
Interest on guilt's obligations,
And keep it pleasant, and keep it quaintly
Obsequious with amn'ts and ain'ts,
Since language and humility
Are often at odds, long odds at that,
For anything like dignity.
But grace? Yes, grace. Doff your hat,
As if it were a rustic's fancy
To honor a lord's fantasy
Of peasant chivalry, and bow
Your thanks, and do be circumspect
Whate'er you request with lowered
Eyes and figures and expectations—
Fewer shillings than of paper a dozen quires.
And sign it poet (scratch out Esq).
