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Classic poem

Market Day

by John Clare

With arms and legs at work and gentle stroke

That urges switching tail nor mends his pace,

On an old ribbed and weather beaten horse,

The farmer goes jogtrotting to the fair.

Both keep their pace that nothing can provoke

Followed by brindled dog that snuffs the ground

With urging bark and hurries at his heels.

His hat slouched down, and great coat buttoned close

Bellied like hooped keg, and chuffy face

Red as the morning sun, he takes his round

And talks of stock: and when his jobs are done

And Dobbin's hay is eaten from the rack,

He drinks success to corn in language hoarse,

And claps old Dobbin's hide, and potters back.

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Public domain/Source

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