Note:

Charles Lamb wrote to Wordsworth in 1815, referring to the revisions of this and other poems:

"I am glad that you have not sacrificed a verse to those scoundrels. I would not have had you offer up the poorest rag that lingered upon the stript shoulders of little Alice Fell, to have atoned all their malice; I would not have given 'em a red cloak to save their souls."

See Letters of Charles Lamb (Ainger), vol. i. p. 283.—Ed.

[Contents 1802]
[Main Contents]


Beggars

Composed March 13th and 14th, 1802.—Published 1807

[The Poem]