[note]In some editions this poem is given the title “The Clasp”; as I have discussed in the Introduction to this site, I believe that “The Clasp” is not a poem title but a structural marker, so have named this poem as “Untitled.”[/note]
Give me a[note]a] the 1653 [/note] free and noble style that goes[note]style that goes] Stile, 1653 [/note]
In an uncurbed strain, though wild it shows:[note]In an uncurbed strain, though wild it shows:] Which seems uncurb’d, though it be wild: 1653 [/note]
Though[note]Though] For though 1664; For, though 1668 [/note] it runs wild about,[note]wild about,] about 1664, 1668 [/note] it cares not where,
It shows more courage than it doth of fear.
Give me a style that Nature frames, not Art, 5
For Art doth seem to take the pedant’s part.
And that seems noble, which is easy, free,
And not bound up[note]And not bound up] Not to be bound 1653 [/note] with o’ernice pedantry.