First Edition, First Separate Issue, Presentation Copy of the second of only two books of poetry published in Clough's lifetime. Originally issued in January 1849 as Ambarvalia, a collection of verse by Clough and his Cambridge friend Thomas Burbidge, the book was reissued from the original sheets with Burbidge's poems omitted and a simple fly-title, "Poems / by / Arthur H. Clough", in place of the original title. "This collection contained Clough's choice of the poems written during the years at Balliol and Oriel. Most are short poems, recalling the trials of student years and the journeys of the religious doubter. 'Qui laborat, orat', admired by Tennyson, expresses the tension of prayer to a God who is ineffable; 'The New Sinai' dramatizes the conflict between religion and science. There are poems of love and friendship in various moods and metres, and there is a surprisingly frank celebration of fleeting sexual impulse in 'Natura Naturans'" (ODNB).
Crown 8vo. Original blindstamped brown cloth, front cover lettered gilt, pale cream endpapers, binder's ticket of Bone & Son inside rear cover. Presentation inscription in Clough's hand on front free endpaper, "Miss Blackett from the Author". Cloth slightly watermarked, first opening slightly soiled at foot, else a fine copy.
