many unpublished poems and also his Diary which, at present, is unknown
to the general public. John Clare was well styled the English Burns and
his notes and Memoranda on the various local events are most valuable to
those who take an interest in the sayings and doings of the early part
of the 19th century.

Many charms are used at the present time and, altho' reticent, the
villagers, (when you have gained their confidence), will tell you of
their belief in the various whims and of the successful results of their
practice.

In almost every proverb where Peterborough is mentioned it is associated
with pride, and some people say that they are still applicable.

The first and second of the following rhymes date from before the
Reformation:

Crowland as courteous, as courteous may be,
Thorney the bane of many a good tree,
Ramsey the rich and Peterborough the proud,
Sawtry, by the way, that poor Abbey,
Gave more alms than all they.

Ramsey the rich of gold and of fee,
Thorney the flower of the Fen Country,
Crowland so courteous of meat and of drink,
Peterborough the proud, as all men do think,
And Sawtry by the way, that poor Abbaye,
Gave more alms in one day, than all they.