George Crabbe: Poems, Volume 3 (of 3)

Chapter 108: JANE ADAIR.

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About This Book

The volume gathers later narrative and miscellaneous poems, presenting a sequence of Tales of the Hall followed by posthumous pieces and shorter lyrics. An editor’s preface and textual notes outline manuscript sources and variant readings. The poems offer realistic portraits of rural and domestic life, closely observed scenes, and moral reflection on passions such as pride, grief, revenge, and belated refinement, delivered through narrative sketches and reflective commentary. Tone alternates between anecdotal storytelling, satirical observation, and sober moralizing.

JANE ADAIR.

Wert thou, my Love, some Vagrant Maid
Who beg’d from Door to Door,
And wert thou then of Vice afraid,
And good as well as poor:
I still would true and faithful prove
And Fortune’s Wrongs repair;
I’d lead thee to the Altar, Love,
And wed with Jane Adair.

Wert thou a Lady of the Land,
Thy Charm should be my theme;      
Still would I ask that lovely Hand,
Still woo thy fond Esteem;
Thro’ Rivals I would win my Way
To one so good and fair;
And do the Deeds I dare not say,
To wed with Jane Adair.

The Treasures that in Mountains hide
Adventurous Men explore;
Or deep in cavern’d Mines abide,
And dig the glittering ore;      
And shall the Wretch who toils for gain
More persevering be
Than I, who labour to obtain
Love, Happiness, and thee?