From Clare’s unfinished novel (opens in new tab)

The black thorn was in its blossom & the soldiers were reminded of their early days & one of them said in such a spot as this comrade I tended sheep & have been delighted at seeing the black thorn in blossom as the earnest of may day a coming when we should play at crookhorn & duck under-water & pelt over the garland -- & I little thought then of where I should ramble & what I should see -- these days Richard are all over & our happiness is gone after them for some other boys to pick up & loo...