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diff --git a/12145-h/12145-h.htm b/12145-h/12145-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb410c1 --- /dev/null +++ b/12145-h/12145-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,53321 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Wordsworth's Poetical Works, Volume 2</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= +"text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<meta name="keywords" content= +"Wordsworth's Works, Wordsworth, Knight, poem, poems, poetry, literature, English Literature, e-book, Public Doman, free e-book"> +<meta name="description" content= +"'Wordsworth's Poetical Works', volume two of a series of eight now available in html form, as a free download from Project Gutenberg"> +<style type="text/css"> +body {background:#ffff99; margin:10%; text-align:justify} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {color:#A82C28} +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, +Vol. II., by William Wordsworth + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, Vol. II. + +Author: William Wordsworth + +Release Date: April 26, 2004 [EBook #12145] +Last Updated: April 9, 2018 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORDSWORTH, VOL. II. *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathon Ingram, Clytie Siddall and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team! + +HTML file revised by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + +<a name="Wordsworth2"></a> + +<img src="images/WI1.png" width="571" height="490" align="right" border="1" alt="Dame Tyson's Cottage" title="Dame Tyson's Cottage"> + +<h1>Wordsworth's <br> +<br><br> +<br> + +<i>Poetical Works</i></h1> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<b>volume 2<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + +edited by<br> +<br> + +William Knight<br> +<br><br> +<br> + + +1896</b><br> +<br> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + +<p><b><a name="toc">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2a">1798</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2b">1799</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2c">1800</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2d">Poems on the Naming of Places</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2e">1801</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2f">1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#Wordsworth2g">1803</a></li> +</ul><br> + +<br> + +<hr> +<br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2a"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1798</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocA">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section1">Peter Bell</a></li> +<li><a href="#section2">Lines, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey, on revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a tour, July 13, 1798</a></li> +<li><a href="#section3">There was a Boy</a></li> +<li><a href="#section4">The Two Thieves; or, the Last Stage of Avarice</a></li> +<li><a href="#section5">Written with a Slate Pencil upon a Stone, the largest of a Heap lying near a Deserted Quarry, upon one of the Islands at Rydal</a></li> +</ul> +<br> +<br> +<hr> +<br> +<br> +<h2><a name="section1"></a>Peter Bell: a Tale<a href="#1A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1798<a href="#1B"><sup>B</sup></a>—Published 1819.</h4> + +<a href="#section1a">The Poem</a> + +<blockquote><a name="fr1C"></a>What's in a Name?<a href="#1C"><sup>C</sup></a><br> +<br> +Brutus will start a Spirit as soon as Cæsar!<a href="#1D"><sup>D</sup></a><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + To <b>Robert Southey, Esq., P.L., Etc., Etc.</b><br> +<br> + <b> My Dear Friend</b>—The Tale of <i>Peter Bell</i>, which I now introduce + to your notice, and to that of the Public, has, in its Manuscript + state, nearly survived its <i>minority</i>:—for it first saw the + light in the summer of 1798. During this long interval, pains have + been taken at different times to make the production less unworthy of + a favourable reception; or, rather, to fit it for filling + <i>permanently</i> a station, however humble, in the Literature of our + Country. This has, indeed, been the aim of all my endeavours in + Poetry, which, you know, have been sufficiently laborious to prove + that I deem the Art not lightly to be approached; and that the + attainment of excellence in it, may laudably be made the principal + object of intellectual pursuit by any man, who, with reasonable + consideration of circumstances, has faith in his own impulses.<br> +<br> + The Poem of <i>Peter Bell</i>, as the Prologue will show, was composed + under a belief that the Imagination not only does not require for its + exercise the intervention of supernatural agency, but that, though + such agency be excluded, the faculty may be called forth as + imperiously and for kindred results of pleasure, by incidents, within + the compass of poetic probability, in the humblest departments of + daily life. Since that Prologue was written, <i>you</i> have exhibited + most splendid effects of judicious daring, in the opposite and usual + course. Let this acknowledgment make my peace with the lovers of the + supernatural; and I am persuaded it will be admitted, that to you, as + a Master in that province of the art, the following Tale, whether from + contrast or congruity, is not an unappropriate offering. Accept it, + then, as a public testimony of affectionate admiration from one with + whose name yours has been often coupled (to use your own words) for + evil and for good; and believe me to be, with earnest wishes that life + and health may be granted you to complete the many important works in + which you are engaged, and with high respect, Most faithfully yours,<br> +<br> + <b>William Wordsworth</b>.<br> +<br> + <b>Rydal Mount</b>, <i>April</i> 7, 1819.</blockquote><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Alfoxden. Founded upon an anecdote which I read in a +newspaper, of an ass being found hanging his head over a canal in a +wretched posture. Upon examination a dead body was found in the water, +and proved to be the body of its master. The countenance, gait, and +figure of Peter were taken from a wild rover with whom I walked from +Builth, on the river Wye, downwards, nearly as far as the town of Hay. +He told me strange stories. It has always been a pleasure to me through +life, to catch at every opportunity that has occurred in my rambles of +becoming acquainted with this class of people. The number of Peter's +wives was taken from the trespasses, in this way, of a lawless creature, +who lived in the county of Durham, and used to be attended by many +women, sometimes not less than half a dozen, as disorderly as himself, +and a story went in the country that he had been heard to say, while +they were quarrelling, "Why can't ye be quiet, there's none so many of +you?" Benoni, or the child of sorrow, I knew when I was a schoolboy. His +mother had been deserted by a gentleman in the neighbourhood, she +herself being a gentlewoman by birth. The circumstances of her story +were told me by my dear old dame, Ann Tyson, who was her confidante. The +lady died broken-hearted. In the woods of Alfoxden I used to take great +delight in noticing the habits, tricks, and physiognomy of asses; and I +have no doubt that I was thus put upon writing the poem out of liking +for the creature that is often so dreadfully abused. The crescent moon, +which makes such a figure in the prologue, assumed this character one +evening while I was watching its beauty in front of Alfoxden House. I +intended this poem for the volume before spoken of, but it was not +published for more than twenty years afterwards. The worship of the +Methodists, or Ranters, is often heard during the stillness of the +summer evening, in the country, with affecting accompaniments of rural +beauty. In both the psalmody and voice of the preacher there is, not +unfrequently, much solemnity likely to impress the feelings of the +rudest characters under favourable circumstances.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Classed by Wordsworth among his "Poems of the Imagination."—ED.</span><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section1a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4> +<ul> +<li><a href="#1p">Prologue</a></li> +<li><a href="#1p1">Part the First</a></li> +<li><a href="#1p2">Part Second</a></li> +<li><a href="#1p3">Part Third</a></li> +</ul> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1p"></a><b>Prologue</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="Peter Bell" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There's something in a flying horse,<br> +There's something in a huge balloon;<br> +But through the clouds I'll never float<br> +Until I have a little Boat,<br> +Shaped like the crescent-moon.<br><br> + +And now I <i>have</i> a little Boat,<br> +In shape a very crescent-moon:<br> +Fast through the clouds my boat can sail;<br> +But if perchance your faith should fail,<br> +Look up—and you shall see me soon!<br><br> + +The woods, my Friends, are round you roaring,<br> +Rocking and roaring like a sea;<br> +The noise of danger's in your ears,<br> +And ye have all a thousand fears<br> +Both for my little Boat and me!<br><br> + +Meanwhile untroubled I admire<br> +The pointed horns of my canoe;<br> +And, did not pity touch my breast,<br> +To see how ye are all distrest,<br> +Till my ribs ached, I'd laugh at you!<br><br> + +Away we go, my Boat and I—<br> +Frail man ne'er sate in such another;<br> +Whether among the winds we strive,<br> +Or deep into the clouds we dive,<br> +Each is contented with the other.<br><br> + +Away we go—and what care we<br> +For treasons, tumults, and for wars?<br> +We are as calm in our delight<br> +As is the crescent-moon so bright<br> +Among the scattered stars.<br><br> + +Up goes my Boat among the stars<br> +Through many a breathless field of light,<br> +Through many a long blue field of ether,<br> +Leaving ten thousand stars beneath her:<br> +Up goes my little Boat so bright!<br><br> + +The Crab, the Scorpion, and the Bull—<br> +We pry among them all; have shot<br> +High o'er the red-haired race of Mars,<br> +Covered from top to toe with scars;<br> +Such company I like it not!<br><br> + +The towns in Saturn are decayed,<br> +And melancholy Spectres throng them;—<br> +The Pleiads, that appear to kiss<br> +Each other in the vast abyss,<br> +With joy I sail among them,<br><br> + +Swift Mercury resounds with mirth,<br> +Great Jove is full of stately bowers;<br> +But these, and all that they contain,<br> +What are they to that tiny grain,<br> +That little Earth of ours?<br><br> + +Then back to Earth, the dear green Earth:—<br> +Whole ages if I here should roam,<br> +The world for my remarks and me<br> +Would not a whit the better be;<br> +I've left my heart at home.<br><br> + +See! there she is, the matchless Earth!<br> +There spreads the famed Pacific Ocean!<br> +Old Andes thrusts yon craggy spear<br> +Through the grey clouds; the Alps are here,<br> +Like waters in commotion!<br><br> + +Yon tawny slip is Libya's sands <br> +That silver thread the river Dnieper;<br> +And look, where clothed in brightest green<br> +Is a sweet Isle, of isles the Queen;<br> +Ye fairies, from all evil keep her! <br><br> + +And see the town where I was born!<br> +Around those happy fields we span<br> +In boyish gambols;—I was lost<br> +Where I have been, but on this coast<br> +I feel I am a man. <br><br> + +Never did fifty things at once<br> +Appear so lovely, never, never;—<br> +How tunefully the forests ring!<br> +To hear the earth's soft murmuring<br> +Thus could I hang for ever! <br><br> + +"Shame on you!" cried my little Boat,<br> +"Was ever such a homesick Loon,<br> +Within a living Boat to sit,<br> +And make no better use of it;<br> +A Boat twin-sister of the crescent-moon! <br><br> + +"Ne'er in the breast of full-grown Poet<br> +Fluttered so faint a heart before;—<br> +Was it the music of the spheres<br> +That overpowered your mortal ears?<br> +—Such din shall trouble them no more. <br><br> + +"These nether precincts do not lack<br> +Charms of their own;—then come with me;<br> +I want a comrade, and for you<br> +There's nothing that I would not do;<br> +Nought is there that you shall not see. <br><br> + +"Haste! and above Siberian snows<br> +We'll sport amid the boreal morning;<br> +Will mingle with her lustres gliding<br> +Among the stars, the stars now hiding,<br> +And now the stars adorning. <br><br> + +"I know the secrets of a land<br> +Where human foot did never stray;<br> +Fair is that land as evening skies,<br> +And cool, though in the depth it lies<br> +Of burning Africa. <br><br> + +"Or we'll into the realm of Faery,<br> +Among the lovely shades of things;<br> +The shadowy forms of mountains bare,<br> +And streams, and bowers, and ladies fair,<br> +The shades of palaces and kings! <br><br> + +"Or, if you thirst with hardy zeal<br> +Less quiet regions to explore,<br> +Prompt voyage shall to you reveal<br> +How earth and heaven are taught to feel<br> +The might of magic lore!"<br> + <br> +"My little vagrant Form of light,<br> +My gay and beautiful Canoe,<br> +Well have you played your friendly part;<br> +As kindly take what from my heart<br> +Experience forces—then adieu! <br><br> + +"Temptation lurks among your words;<br> +But, while these pleasures you're pursuing<br> +Without impediment or let,<br> +No wonder if you quite forget<br> +What on the earth is doing.<br><br> + +"There was a time when all mankind<br> +Did listen with a faith sincere<br> +To tuneful tongues in mystery versed;<br> +<i>Then</i> Poets fearlessly rehearsed<br> +The wonders of a wild career.<br><br> + +"Go—(but the world's a sleepy world,<br> +And 'tis, I fear, an age too late)<br> +Take with you some ambitious Youth!<br> +For, restless Wanderer! I, in truth,<br> +Am all unfit to be your mate.<br><br> + +"Long have I loved what I behold,<br> +The night that calms, the day that cheers;<br> +The common growth of mother-earth<br> +Suffices me—her tears, her mirth,<br> +Her humblest mirth and tears.<br><br> + +"The dragon's wing, the magic ring,<br> +I shall not covet for my dower,<br> +If I along that lowly way<br> +With sympathetic heart may stray,<br> +And with a soul of power.<br><br> + +"These given, what more need I desire<br> +To stir, to soothe, or elevate?<br> +What nobler marvels than the mind<br> +May in life's daily prospect find,<br> +May find or there create?<br><br> + +"A potent wand doth Sorrow wield;<br> +What spell so strong as guilty Fear!<br> +Repentance is a tender Sprite;<br> +If aught on earth have heavenly might,<br> +'Tis lodged within her silent tear.<br><br> + +"But grant my wishes,—let us now<br> +Descend from this ethereal height;<br> +Then take thy way, adventurous Skiff,<br> +More daring far than Hippogriff,<br> +And be thy own delight!<br><br> + +"To the stone-table in my garden,<br> +Loved haunt of many a summer hour,<br> +The Squire is come: his daughter Bess<br> +Beside him in the cool recess<br> +Sits blooming like a flower.<br><br> + +"With these are many more convened;<br> +They know not I have been so far;—<br> +I see them there, in number nine,<br> +Beneath the spreading Weymouth-pine!<br> +I see them—there they are!<br><br> + +"There sits the Vicar and his Dame;<br> +And there my good friend, Stephen Otter;<br> +And, ere the light of evening fail,<br> +To them I must relate the Tale<br> +Of Peter Bell the Potter."<br><br> + +Off flew the Boat—away she flees,<br> +Spurning her freight with indignation!<br> +"And I, as well as I was able,<br> +On two poor legs, toward my stone-table<br> +Limped on with sore vexation.<br><br> + +"O, here he is!" cried little Bess—<br> +She saw me at the garden-door;<br> +"We've waited anxiously and long,"<br> +They cried, and all around me throng,<br> +Full nine of them or more! <br><br> + +"Reproach me not—your fears be still—<br> +Be thankful we again have met;—<br> +Resume, my Friends! within the shade<br> +Your seats, and quickly shall be paid<br> +The well-remembered debt."<br><br> + +I spake with faltering voice, like one<br> +Not wholly rescued from the pale<br> +Of a wild dream, or worse illusion;<br> +But, straight, to cover my confusion,<br> +Began the promised Tale.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr1v1"></a><a href="#1v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v2"></a><a href="#1v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v3"></a><a href="#1v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v4"></a><a href="#1v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v5"></a><a href="#1v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v6"></a><a href="#1v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a 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+<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +165<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +170<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +175<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +180<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +185<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +190</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="1p1"></a><b>Part the First</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="Peter Bell 2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>All by the moonlight river side<br> +Groaned the poor Beast—alas! in vain;<br> +The staff was raised to loftier height,<br> +And the blows fell with heavier weight<br> +As Peter struck—and struck again.<br> +<br> +"Hold!" cried the Squire, "against the rules<br> +Of common sense you're surely sinning;<br> +This leap is for us all too bold;<br> +Who Peter was, let that be told,<br> +And start from the beginning."<br><br> + +—"A Potter, Sir, he was by trade,"<br> +Said I, becoming quite collected;<br> +"And wheresoever he appeared,<br> +Full twenty times was Peter feared<br> +For once that Peter was respected.<br><br> + +"He two-and-thirty years or more,<br> +Had been a wild and woodland rover;<br> +Had heard the Atlantic surges roar<br> +On farthest Cornwall's rocky shore,<br> +And trod the cliffs of Dover.<br><br> + +"And he had seen Caernarvon's towers,<br> +And well he knew the spire of Sarum;<br> +And he had been where Lincoln bell<br> +Flings o'er the fen that ponderous knell—<br> +A far-renowned alarum.<br><br> + +"At Doncaster, at York, and Leeds,<br> +And merry Carlisle had he been;<br> +And all along the Lowlands fair,<br> +All through the bonny shire of Ayr;<br> +And far as Aberdeen.<br><br> + +"And he had been at Inverness;<br> +And Peter, by the mountain-rills,<br> +Had danced his round with Highland lasses;<br> +And he had lain beside his asses<br> +On lofty Cheviot Hills:<br><br> + +"And he had trudged through Yorkshire dales,<br> +Among the rocks and winding <i>scars</i>;<br> +Where deep and low the hamlets lie<br> +Beneath their little patch of sky<br> +And little lot of stars:<br><br> + +"And all along the indented coast,<br> +Bespattered with the salt-sea foam;<br> +Where'er a knot of houses lay<br> +On headland, or in hollow bay;—<br> +Sure never man like him did roam!<br><br> + +"As well might Peter, in the Fleet,<br> +Have been fast bound, a begging debtor;—<br> +He travelled here, he travelled there;—<br> +But not the value of a hair<br> +Was heart or head the better.<br><br> + +"He roved among the vales and streams,<br> +In the green wood and hollow dell;<br> +They were his dwellings night and day,—<br> +But nature ne'er could find the way<br> +Into the heart of Peter Bell.<br><br> + +"In vain, through every changeful year,<br> +Did Nature lead him as before;<br> +A primrose by a river's brim<br> +A yellow primrose was to him,<br> +And it was nothing more.<br><br> + +"Small change it made in Peter's heart<br> +To see his gentle panniered train<br> +With more than vernal pleasure feeding,<br> +Where'er the tender grass was leading<br> +Its earliest green along the lane.<br><br> + +"In vain, through water, earth, and air,<br> +The soul of happy sound was spread,<br> +When Peter on some April morn,<br> +Beneath the broom or budding thorn,<br> +Made the warm earth his lazy bed.<br><br> + +"At noon, when, by the forest's edge<br> +He lay beneath the branches high,<br> +The soft blue sky did never melt<br> +Into his heart; he never felt<br> +The witchery of the soft blue sky!<br><br> + +"On a fair prospect some have looked<br> +And felt, as I have heard them say,<br> +As if the moving time had been<br> +A thing as steadfast as the scene<br> +On which they gazed themselves away.<br><br> + +"Within the breast of Peter Bell<br> +These silent raptures found no place;<br> +He was a Carl as wild and rude<br> +As ever hue-and-cry pursued,<br> +As ever ran a felon's race.<br><br> + +"Of all that lead a lawless life,<br> +Of all that love their lawless lives,<br> +In city or in village small,<br> +He was the wildest far of all;—<br> +He had a dozen wedded wives.<br><br> + +"Nay, start not!—wedded wives—and twelve!<br> +But how one wife could e'er come near him,<br> +In simple truth I cannot tell;<br> +For, be it said of Peter Bell,<br> +To see him was to fear him.<br><br> + +"Though Nature could not touch his heart<br> +By lovely forms, and silent weather,<br> +And tender sounds, yet you might see<br> +At once, that Peter Bell and she <br> +Had often been together. <br><br> + +"A savage wildness round him hung<br> +As of a dweller out of doors;<br> +In his whole figure and his mien<br> +A savage character was seen<br> +Of mountains and of dreary moors.<br><br> + +"To all the unshaped half-human thoughts<br> +Which solitary Nature feeds<br> +'Mid summer storms or winter's ice,<br> +Had Peter joined whatever vice<br> +The cruel city breeds.<br><br> + +"His face was keen as is the wind<br> +That cuts along the hawthorn-fence;<br> +Of courage you saw little there,<br> +But, in its stead, a medley air<br> +Of cunning and of impudence.<br><br> + +"He had a dark and sidelong walk,<br> +And long and slouching was his gait;<br> +Beneath his looks so bare and bold,<br> +You might perceive, his spirit cold<br> +Was playing with some inward bait.<br><br> + +"His forehead wrinkled was and furred;<br> +A work, one half of which was done <br> +By thinking of his '<i>whens</i>,' and '<i>hows</i>';<br> +And half, by knitting of his brows<br> +Beneath the glaring sun.<br><br> + +"There was a hardness in his cheek,<br> +There was a hardness in his eye,<br> +As if the man had fixed his face,<br> +In many a solitary place,<br> +Against the wind and open sky!"<br><br> + + ————<br><br> + +One night, (and now my little Bess!<br> +We've reached at last the promised Tale;)<br> +One beautiful November night,<br> +When the full moon was shining bright<br> +Upon the rapid river Swale,<br><br> + +Along the river's winding banks<br> +Peter was travelling all alone;<br> +Whether to buy or sell, or led<br> +By pleasure running in his head,<br> +To me was never known.<br> <br> + +He trudged along through copse and brake,<br> +He trudged along o'er hill and dale;<br> +Nor for the moon cared he a tittle,<br> +And for the stars he cared as little,<br> +And for the murmuring river Swale.<br><br> + +But, chancing to espy a path<br> +That promised to cut short the way;<br> +As many a wiser man hath done,<br> +He left a trusty guide for one<br> +That might his steps betray.<br><br> + +To a thick wood he soon is brought<br> +Where cheerily his course he weaves,<br> +And whistling loud may yet be heard,<br> +Though often buried, like a bird<br> +Darkling, among the boughs and leaves.<br><br> + +But quickly Peter's mood is changed,<br> +And on he drives with cheeks that burn<br> +In downright fury and in wrath;—<br> +There's little sign the treacherous path<br> +Will to the road return!<br><br> + +The path grows dim, and dimmer still;<br> +Now up, now down, the Rover wends,<br> +With all the sail that he can carry,<br> +Till brought to a deserted quarry— <br> +And there the pathway ends.<br> +<br> +He paused—for shadows of strange shape,<br> +Massy and black, before him lay;<br> +But through the dark, and through the cold,<br> +And through the yawning fissures old,<br> +Did Peter boldly press his way<br><br> + +Right through the quarry;—and behold<br> +A scene of soft and lovely hue!<br> +Where blue and grey, and tender green,<br> +Together make as sweet a scene<br> +As ever human eye did view.<br><br> + +Beneath the clear blue sky he saw<br> +A little field of meadow ground;<br> +But field or meadow name it not;<br> +Call it of earth a small green plot,<br> +With rocks encompassed round.<br><br> + +The Swale flowed under the grey rocks,<br> +But he flowed quiet and unseen;—<br> +You need a strong and stormy gale<br> +To bring the noises of the Swale<br> +To that green spot, so calm and green!<br> +<br> +And is there no one dwelling here,<br> +No hermit with his beads and glass?<br> +And does no little cottage look<br> +Upon this soft and fertile nook?<br> +Does no one live near this green grass?<br><br> + +Across the deep and quiet spot<br> +Is Peter driving through the grass—<br> +And now has reached the skirting trees;<br> +When, turning round his head, he sees<br> +A solitary Ass.<br> +<br> +"A prize!" cries Peter—but he first<br> +Must spy about him far and near:<br> +There's not a single house in sight,<br> +No woodman's hut, no cottage light—<br> +Peter, you need not fear!<br><br> + +There's nothing to be seen but woods,<br> +And rocks that spread a hoary gleam,<br> +And this one Beast, that from the bed<br> +Of the green meadow hangs his head<br> +Over the silent stream.<br><br> + +His head is with a halter bound;<br> +The halter seizing, Peter leapt<br> +Upon the Creature's back, and plied<br> +With ready heels his shaggy side;<br> +But still the Ass his station kept.<br> +<br> +Then Peter gave a sudden jerk,<br> +A jerk that from a dungeon-floor<br> +Would have pulled up an iron ring;<br> +But still the heavy-headed Thing<br> +Stood just as he had stood before!<br><br> + +Quoth Peter, leaping from his seat,<br> +"There is some plot against me laid";<br> +Once more the little meadow-ground<br> +And all the hoary cliffs around<br> +He cautiously surveyed.<br><br> + +All, all is silent—rocks and woods,<br> +All still and silent—far and near!<br> +Only the Ass, with motion dull,<br> +Upon the pivot of his skull<br> +Turns round his long left ear.<br><br> + +Thought Peter, What can mean all this?<br> +Some ugly witchcraft must be here!<br> +—Once more the Ass, with motion dull,<br> +Upon the pivot of his skull<br> +Turned round his long left ear.<br><br> + +Suspicion ripened into dread;<br> +Yet with deliberate action slow,<br> +His staff high-raising, in the pride<br> +Of skill, upon the sounding hide,<br> +He dealt a sturdy blow.<br><br> + +The poor Ass staggered with the shock;<br> +And then, as if to take his ease,<br> +In quiet uncomplaining mood,<br> +Upon the spot where he had stood,<br> +Dropped gently down upon his knees;<br><br> + +As gently on his side he fell;<br> +And by the river's brink did lie;<br> +And, while he lay like one that mourned,<br> +The patient Beast on Peter turned<br> +His shining hazel eye.<br><br> + +'Twas but one mild, reproachful look,<br> +A look more tender than severe;<br> +And straight in sorrow, not in dread,<br> +He turned the eye-ball in his head<br> +Towards the smooth river deep and clear.<br><br> + +Upon the Beast the sapling rings;<br> +His lank sides heaved, his limbs they stirred;<br> +He gave a groan, and then another,<br> +Of that which went before the brother,<br> +And then he gave a third.<br><br> + +All by the moonlight river side<br> +He gave three miserable groans;<br> +And not till now hath Peter seen<br> +How gaunt the Creature is,—how lean<br> +And sharp his staring bones!<br><br> + +With legs stretched out and stiff he lay:—<br> +No word of kind commiseration<br> +Fell at the sight from Peter's tongue;<br> +With hard contempt his heart was wrung,<br> +With hatred and vexation.<br><br> + +The meagre beast lay still as death;<br> +And Peter's lips with fury quiver;<br> +Quoth he, "You little mulish dog,<br> +I'll fling your carcass like a log<br> +Head-foremost down the river!"<br><br> + +An impious oath confirmed the threat—<br> +Whereat from the earth on which he lay<br> +To all the echoes, south and north,<br> +And east and west, the Ass sent forth<br> +A long and clamorous bray!<br><br> + +This outcry, on the heart of Peter,<br> +Seems like a note of joy to strike,—<br> +Joy at the heart of Peter knocks;<br> +But in the echo of the rocks<br> +Was something Peter did not like.<br><br> + +Whether to cheer his coward breast,<br> +Or that he could not break the chain,<br> +In this serene and solemn hour,<br> +Twined round him by demoniac power,<br> +To the blind work he turned again.<br><br> + +Among the rocks and winding crags;<br> +Among the mountains far away;<br> +Once more the Ass did lengthen out<br> +More ruefully a deep-drawn shout,<br> +The hard dry see-saw of his horrible bray!<br><br> + +What is there now in Peter's heart!<br> +Or whence the might of this strange sound?<br> +The moon uneasy looked and dimmer,<br> +The broad blue heavens appeared to glimmer,<br> +And the rocks staggered all around—<br><br> + +From Peter's hand the sapling dropped!<br> +Threat has he none to execute;<br> +"If any one should come and see<br> +That I am here, they'll think," quoth he,<br> +"I'm helping this poor dying brute."<br><br> + +He scans the Ass from limb to limb,<br> +And ventures now to uplift his eyes;<br> +More steady looks the moon, and clear,<br> +More like themselves the rocks appear<br> +And touch more quiet skies.<br><br> + +His scorn returns—his hate revives;<br> +He stoops the Ass's neck to seize<br> +With malice—that again takes flight;<br> +For in the pool a startling sight<br> +Meets him, among the inverted trees.<br><br> + +Is it the moon's distorted face?<br> +The ghost-like image of a cloud?<br> +Is it a gallows there portrayed?<br> +Is Peter of himself afraid?<br> +Is it a coffin,—or a shroud?<br><br> + +A grisly idol hewn in stone?<br> +Or imp from witch's lap let fall?<br> +Perhaps a ring of shining fairies?<br> +Such as pursue their feared vagaries<br> +In sylvan bower, or haunted hall?<br><br> + +Is it a fiend that to a stake<br> +Of fire his desperate self is tethering?<br> +Or stubborn spirit doomed to yell<br> +In solitary ward or cell,<br> +Ten thousand miles from all his brethren?<br> +<br> +Never did pulse so quickly throb,<br> +And never heart so loudly panted;<br> +He looks, he cannot choose but look;<br> +Like some one reading in a book—<br> +A book that is enchanted.<br><br> + +Ah, well-a-day for Peter Bell!<br> +He will be turned to iron soon,<br> +Meet Statue for the court of Fear!<br> +His hat is up—and every hair<br> +Bristles, and whitens in the moon!<br><br> + +He looks, he ponders, looks again;<br> +He sees a motion—hears a groan;<br> +His eyes will burst—his heart will break—<br> +He gives a loud and frightful shriek,<br> +And back he falls, as if his life were flown!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v20"></a><a href="#1v20">20</a><br> +<a name="fr1v21"></a><a href="#1v21">21</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v22"></a><a href="#1v22">22</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v23"></a><a href="#1v23">23</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> + +<a name="fr1v24"></a><a href="#1v24">24</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v25"></a><a href="#1v25">25</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + + +<br> +<a name="fr1v26"></a><a href="#1v26">26</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr1v27"></a><a href="#1v27">27</a><br> +<br><a name="fr1v28"></a><a href="#1v28">28</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr1v29"></a><a href="#1v29">29</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v30"></a><a href="#1v30">30</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v31"></a><br><a href="#1v31">31</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v32"></a><a href="#1v32">32</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v33"></a><a href="#1v33">33</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v34"></a><br><a href="#1v34">34</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v35"></a><a href="#1v35">35</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr1v36"></a><a href="#1v36">36</a><br> +<a name="fr1v37"></a><a href="#1v37">37</a><br> +<br><a name="fr1v38"></a><a href="#1v38">38</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr1v39"></a><a href="#1v39">39</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v40"></a><a href="#1v40">40</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v41"></a><a href="#1v41">41</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v42"></a><a href="#1v42">42</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v43"></a><a href="#1v43">43</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v44"></a><a href="#1v44">44</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v45"></a><a href="#1v45">45</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v46"></a><a href="#1v46">46</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v47"></a><a href="#1v47">47</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v48"></a><a href="#1v48">48</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v49"></a><a href="#1v49">49</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v50"></a><a href="#1v50">50</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v51"></a><a href="#1v51">51</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v52"></a><a href="#1v52">52</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v53"></a><a href="#1v53">53</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v54"></a><a href="#1v54">54</a><br> +<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v55"></a><br><a href="#1v55">55</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v56"></a><a href="#1v56">56</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v57"></a><a href="#1v57">57</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v58"></a><a href="#1v58">58</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1F"></a><a href="#1F">F</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +195<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +200<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +205<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +210<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +215<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +220<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +225<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +230<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +235<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +240<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> 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+<br> +<br> +<br> +380<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +385<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +390<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +395<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +400<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +405<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +410<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +415<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +420<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +425<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +430<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +435<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +440<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +445<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +450<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +455<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +460<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +465<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +470<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +475<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +480<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +485<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +490<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +495<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +500<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +505<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +510<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +515<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +520 +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +525<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +530</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1p2"></a><b>Part Second</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>We left our Hero in a trance,<br> +Beneath the alders, near the river;<br> +The Ass is by the river-side,<br> +And, where the feeble breezes glide,<br> +Upon the stream the moonbeams quiver.<br><br> + +A happy respite! but at length<br> +He feels the glimmering of the moon;<br> +Wakes with glazed eye, and feebly sighing—<br> +To sink, perhaps, where he is lying,<br> +Into a second swoon!<br><br> + +He lifts his head, he sees his staff;<br> +He touches—'tis to him a treasure!<br> +Faint recollection seems to tell<br> +That he is yet where mortals dwell—<br> +A thought received with languid pleasure!<br><br> + +His head upon his elbow propped,<br> +Becoming less and less perplexed,<br> +Sky-ward he looks—to rock and wood—<br> +And then—upon the glassy flood<br> +His wandering eye is fixed.<br><br> + +Thought he, that is the face of one<br> +In his last sleep securely bound!<br> +So toward the stream his head he bent,<br> +And downward thrust his staff, intent<br> +The river's depth to sound.<br><br> + +<i>Now</i>—like a tempest-shattered bark,<br> +That overwhelmed and prostrate lies,<br> +And in a moment to the verge<br> +Is lifted of a foaming surge—<br> +Full suddenly the Ass doth rise!<br><br> + +His staring bones all shake with joy,<br> +And close by Peter's side he stands:<br> +While Peter o'er the river bends,<br> +The little Ass his neck extends,<br> +And fondly licks his hands.<br><br> + +Such life is in the Ass's eyes,<br> +Such life is in his limbs and ears;<br> +That Peter Bell, if he had been<br> +The veriest coward ever seen,<br> +Must now have thrown aside his fears.<br><br> + +The Ass looks on—and to his work<br> +Is Peter quietly resigned;<br> +He touches here—he touches there—<br> +And now among the dead man's hair<br> +His sapling Peter has entwined.<br><br> + +He pulls—and looks—and pulls again;<br> +And he whom the poor Ass had lost,<br> +The man who had been four days dead,<br> +Head-foremost from the river's bed<br> +Uprises like a ghost!<br><br> + +And Peter draws him to dry land;<br> +And through the brain of Peter pass<br> +Some poignant twitches, fast and faster;<br> +"No doubt," quoth he, "he is the Master<br> +Of this poor miserable Ass!"<br><br> + +The meagre shadow that looks on—<br> +What would he now? what is he doing?<br> +His sudden fit of joy is flown,—<br> +He on his knees hath laid him down,<br> +As if he were his grief renewing;<br><br> + +But no—that Peter on his back<br> +Must mount, he shows well as he can:<br> +Thought Peter then, come weal or woe<br> +I'll do what he would have me do,<br> +In pity to this poor drowned man.<br><br> + +With that resolve he boldly mounts<br> +Upon the pleased and thankful Ass;<br> +And then, without a moment's stay,<br> +That earnest Creature turned away,<br> +Leaving the body on the grass.<br><br> + +Intent upon his faithful watch,<br> +The Beast four days and nights had past;<br> +A sweeter meadow ne'er was seen,<br> +And there the Ass four days had been,<br> +Nor ever once did break his fast:<br><br> + +Yet firm his step, and stout his heart;<br> +The mead is crossed—the quarry's mouth<br> +Is reached; but there the trusty guide<br> +Into a thicket turns aside,<br> +And deftly ambles towards the south.<br><br> + +When hark a burst of doleful sound!<br> +And Peter honestly might say,<br> +The like came never to his ears,<br> +Though he has been, full thirty years,<br> +A rover—night and day!<br><br> + +'Tis not a plover of the moors,<br> +'Tis not a bittern of the fen;<br> +Nor can it be a barking fox,<br> +Nor night-bird chambered in the rocks,<br> +Nor wild-cat in a woody glen!<br><br> + +The Ass is startled—and stops short<br> +Right in the middle of the thicket;<br> +And Peter, wont to whistle loud<br> +Whether alone or in a crowd,<br> +Is silent as a silent cricket.<br><br> + +What ails you now, my little Bess?<br> +Well may you tremble and look grave!<br> +This cry—that rings along the wood,<br> +This cry—that floats adown the flood,<br> +Comes from the entrance of a cave:<br><br> + +I see a blooming Wood-boy there,<br> +And if I had the power to say<br> +How sorrowful the wanderer is,<br> +Your heart would be as sad as his<br> +Till you had kissed his tears away!<br><br> + +Grasping a hawthorn branch in hand,<br> +All bright with berries ripe and red,<br> +Into the cavern's mouth he peeps;<br> +Thence back into the moonlight creeps;<br> +Whom seeks he—whom?—the silent dead:<br><br> + +His father!—Him doth he require—<br> +Him hath he sought with fruitless pains,<br> +Among the rocks, behind the trees;<br> +Now creeping on his hands and knees,<br> +Now running o'er the open plains.<br><br> + +And hither is he come at last,<br> +When he through such a day has gone,<br> +By this dark cave to be distrest<br> +Like a poor bird—her plundered nest<br> +Hovering around with dolorous moan!<br><br> + +Of that intense and piercing cry<br> +The listening Ass conjectures well;<br> +Wild as it is, he there can read<br> +Some intermingled notes that plead<br> +With touches irresistible.<br><br> + +But Peter—when he saw the Ass<br> +Not only stop but turn, and change<br> +The cherished tenor of his pace<br> +That lamentable cry to chase—<br> +It wrought in him conviction strange;<br><br> + +A faith that, for the dead man's sake<br> +And this poor slave who loved him well,<br> +Vengeance upon his head will fall,<br> +Some visitation worse than all<br> +Which ever till this night befel.<br><br> + +Meanwhile the Ass to reach his home,<br> +Is striving stoutly as he may;<br> +But, while he climbs the woody hill,<br> +The cry grows weak—and weaker still;<br> +And now at last it dies away.<br><br> + +So with his freight the Creature turns<br> +Into a gloomy grove of beech,<br> +Along the shade with footsteps true<br> +Descending slowly, till the two<br> +The open moonlight reach.<br><br> + +And there, along the narrow dell,<br> +A fair smooth pathway you discern,<br> +A length of green and open road—<br> +As if it from a fountain flowed—<br> +Winding away between the fern.<br><br> + +The rocks that tower on either side<br> +Build up a wild fantastic scene;<br> +Temples like those among the Hindoos,<br> +And mosques, and spires, and abbey-windows,<br> +And castles all with ivy green!<br><br> + +And, while the Ass pursues his way,<br> +Along this solitary dell,<br> +As pensively his steps advance,<br> +The mosques and spires change countenance,<br> +And look at Peter Bell!<br><br> + +That unintelligible cry<br> +Hath left him high in preparation,—<br> +Convinced that he, or soon or late,<br> +This very night will meet his fate—<br> +And so he sits in expectation!<br> +<br> +The strenuous Animal hath clomb<br> +With the green path; and now he wends<br> +Where, shining like the smoothest sea,<br> +In undisturbed immensity<br> +A level plain extends.<br><br> + +But whence this faintly-rustling sound<br> +By which the journeying pair are chased?<br> +—A withered leaf is close behind,<br> +Light plaything for the sportive wind<br> +Upon that solitary waste.<br><br> + +When Peter spied the moving thing,<br> +It only doubled his distress;<br> +"Where there is not a bush or tree,<br> +The very leaves they follow me—<br> +So huge hath been my wickedness!"<br><br> + +To a close lane they now are come,<br> +Where, as before, the enduring Ass<br> +Moves on without a moment's stop,<br> +Nor once turns round his head to crop<br> +A bramble-leaf or blade of grass.<br><br> + +Between the hedges as they go,<br> +The white dust sleeps upon the lane;<br> +And Peter, ever and anon<br> +Back-looking, sees, upon a stone,<br> +Or in the dust, a crimson stain.<br><br> + +A stain—as of a drop of blood<br> +By moonlight made more faint and wan;<br> +Ha! why these sinkings of despair?<br> +He knows not how the blood comes there—<br> +And Peter is a wicked man.<br><br> + +At length he spies a bleeding wound,<br> +Where he had struck the Ass's head;<br> +He sees the blood, knows what it is,—<br> +A glimpse of sudden joy was his,<br> +But then it quickly fled;<br><br> + +Of him whom sudden death had seized<br> +He thought,—of thee, O faithful Ass!<br> +And once again those ghastly pains,<br> +Shoot to and fro through heart and reins,<br> +And through his brain like lightning pass.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v59"></a><a href="#1v59">59</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v60"></a><a href="#1v60">60</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v61"></a><a href="#1v61">61</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v62"></a><a href="#1v62">62</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v63"></a><a href="#1v63">63</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v64"></a><a href="#1v64">64</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v65"></a><a href="#1v65">65</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v66"></a><a href="#1v66">66</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v67"></a><a href="#1v67">67</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v68"></a><a href="#1v68">68</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v69"></a><a href="#1v69">69</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v70"></a><a href="#1v70">70</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v71"></a><a href="#1v71">71</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v72"></a><a href="#1v72">72</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v73"></a><a href="#1v73">73</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v74"></a><a href="#1v74">74</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v75"></a><br><a href="#1v75">75</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v76"></a><a href="#1v76">76</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v77"></a><a href="#1v77">77</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v78"></a><a href="#1v78">78</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v79"></a><a href="#1v79">79</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v80"></a><a href="#1v80">80</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v81"></a><a href="#1v81">81</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1G"></a><a href="#1G">G</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +535<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +540<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +545<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +550<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +555<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +560<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +565<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +570<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +575<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +580<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +585<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +590<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +595<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +600<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +605<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +610<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +615<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +620<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +625<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +630<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +635<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +640<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +645<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +650<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +655<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +660<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +665<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +670<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +675<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +680<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +685<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +690<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +695<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +700<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +705<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +710<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +715<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +720<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +725<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +730<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +735</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1p3"></a><b>Part Third</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="PB3" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I've heard of one, a gentle Soul,<br> +Though given to sadness and to gloom, <br> +And for the fact will vouch,—one night<br> +It chanced that by a taper's light<br> +This man was reading in his room;<br><br> + +Bending, as you or I might bend<br> +At night o'er any pious book,<br> +When sudden blackness overspread<br> +The snow-white page on which he read,<br> +And made the good man round him look.<br><br> + +The chamber walls were dark all round,—<br> +And to his book he turned again;<br> +—The light had left the lonely taper,<br> +And formed itself upon the paper<br> +Into large letters—bright and plain!<br><br> + +The godly book was in his hand—<br> +And, on the page, more black than coal,<br> +Appeared, set forth in strange array,<br> +A <i>word</i>—which to his dying day<br> +Perplexed the good man's gentle soul.<br><br> + +The ghostly word, thus plainly seen,<br> +Did never from his lips depart;<br> +But he hath said, poor gentle wight!<br> +It brought full many a sin to light<br> +Out of the bottom of his heart.<br><br> + +Dread Spirits! to confound the meek<br> +Why wander from your course so far,<br> +Disordering colour, form, and stature!<br> +—Let good men feel the soul of nature,<br> +And see things as they are.<br><br> + +Yet, potent Spirits! well I know,<br> +How ye, that play with soul and sense,<br> +Are not unused to trouble friends<br> +Of goodness, for most gracious ends—<br> +And this I speak in reverence!<br><br> + +But might I give advice to you,<br> +Whom in my fear I love so well;<br> +From men of pensive virtue go,<br> +Dread Beings! and your empire show<br> +On hearts like that of Peter Bell.<br><br> + +Your presence often have I felt<br> +In darkness and the stormy night;<br> +And, with like force, if need there be,<br> +Ye can put forth your agency<br> +When earth is calm, and heaven is bright.<br><br> + +Then, coming from the wayward world,<br> +That powerful world in which ye dwell,<br> +Come, Spirits of the Mind! and try,<br> +To-night, beneath the moonlight sky,<br> +What may be done with Peter Bell!<br><br> + +—O, would that some more skilful voice<br> +My further labour might prevent!<br> +Kind Listeners, that around me sit,<br> +I feel that I am all unfit<br> +For such high argument.<br><br> + +I've played, I've danced, with my narration;<br> +I loitered long ere I began:<br> +Ye waited then on my good pleasure;<br> +Pour out indulgence still, in measure<br> +As liberal as ye can!<br><br> + +Our Travellers, ye remember well,<br> +Are thridding a sequestered lane;<br> +And Peter many tricks is trying,<br> +And many anodynes applying,<br> +To ease his conscience of its pain.<br><br> + +By this his heart is lighter far;<br> +And, finding that he can account<br> +So snugly for that crimson stain,<br> +His evil spirit up again<br> +Does like an empty bucket mount.<br><br> + +And Peter is a deep logician<br> +Who hath no lack of wit mercurial;<br> +"Blood drops—leaves rustle—yet," quoth he,<br> +"This poor man never, but for me,<br> +Could have had Christian burial.<br><br> + +"And, say the best you can, 'tis plain,<br> +That here has been some wicked dealing;<br> +No doubt the devil in me wrought;<br> +I'm not the man who could have thought<br> +An Ass like this was worth the stealing!"<br><br> + +So from his pocket Peter takes<br> +His shining horn tobacco-box;<br> +And, in a light and careless way,<br> +As men who with their purpose play,<br> +Upon the lid he knocks.<br><br> + +Let them whose voice can stop the clouds,<br> +Whose cunning eye can see the wind,<br> +Tell to a curious world the cause<br> +Why, making here a sudden pause,<br> +The Ass turned round his head, and <i>grinned.</i><br><br> + +Appalling process! I have marked<br> +The like on heath, in lonely wood;<br> +And, verily, have seldom met<br> +A spectacle more hideous—yet<br> +It suited Peter's present mood.<br><br> + +And, grinning in his turn, his teeth<br> +He in jocose defiance showed—<br> +When, to upset his spiteful mirth,<br> +A murmur, pent within the earth,<br> +In the dead earth beneath the road,<br><br> + +Rolled audibly! it swept along,<br> +A muffled noise—a rumbling sound!—<br> +'Twas by a troop of miners made,<br> +Plying with gunpowder their trade,<br> +Some twenty fathoms underground.<br><br> + +Small cause of dire effect! for, surely,<br> +If ever mortal, King or Cotter,<br> +Believed that earth was charged to quake<br> +And yawn for his unworthy sake,<br> +'Twas Peter Bell the Potter.<br><br> + +But, as an oak in breathless air<br> +Will stand though to the centre hewn;<br> +Or as the weakest things, if frost<br> +Have stiffened them, maintain their post;<br> +So he, beneath the gazing moon!—<br><br> + +The Beast bestriding thus, he reached<br> +A spot where, in a sheltering cove,<br> +A little chapel stands alone,<br> +With greenest ivy overgrown,<br> +And tufted with an ivy grove;<br><br> + +Dying insensibly away<br> +From human thoughts and purposes,<br> +It seemed—wall, window, roof and tower—<br> +To bow to some transforming power,<br> +And blend with the surrounding trees.<br><br> + +As ruinous a place it was,<br> +Thought Peter, in the shire of Fife<br> +That served my turn, when following still<br> +From land to land a reckless will<br> +I married my sixth wife!<br><br> + +The unheeding Ass moves slowly on,<br> +And now is passing by an inn<br> +Brim-full of a carousing crew,<br> +That make, with curses not a few,<br> +An uproar and a drunken din.<br><br> + +I cannot well express the thoughts<br> +Which Peter in those noises found;—<br> +A stifling power compressed his frame,<br> +While-as a swimming darkness came<br> +Over that dull and dreary sound.<br><br> + +For well did Peter know the sound;<br> +The language of those drunken joys<br> +To him, a jovial soul, I ween,<br> +But a few hours ago, had been<br> +A gladsome and a welcome noise.<br><br> + +<i>Now</i>, turned adrift into the past,<br> +He finds no solace in his course;<br> +Like planet-stricken men of yore,<br> +He trembles, smitten to the core<br> +By strong compunction and remorse.<br><br> + +But, more than all, his heart is stung<br> +To think of one, almost a child;<br> +A sweet and playful Highland girl,<br> +As light and beauteous as a squirrel,<br> +As beauteous and as wild!<br><br> + +Her dwelling was a lonely house,<br> +A cottage in a heathy dell;<br> +And she put on her gown of green,<br> +And left her mother at sixteen,<br> +And followed Peter Bell.<br><br> + +But many good and pious thoughts<br> +Had she; and, in the kirk to pray,<br> +Two long Scotch miles, through rain or snow,<br> +To kirk she had been used to go,<br> +Twice every Sabbath-day.<br><br> + +And, when she followed Peter Bell,<br> +It was to lead an honest life;<br> +For he, with tongue not used to falter,<br> +Had pledged his troth before the altar<br> +To love her as his wedded wife.<br><br> + +A mother's hope is hers;—but soon<br> +She drooped and pined like one forlorn;<br> +From Scripture she a name did borrow;<br> +Benoni, or the child of sorrow,<br> +She called her babe unborn.<br><br> + +For she had learned how Peter lived,<br> +And took it in most grievous part;<br> +She to the very bone was worn,<br> +And, ere that little child was born,<br> +Died of a broken heart.<br><br> + +And now the Spirits of the Mind<br> +Are busy with poor Peter Bell;<br> +Upon the rights of visual sense<br> +Usurping, with a prevalence<br> +More terrible than magic spell.<br><br> + +Close by a brake of flowering furze<br> +(Above it shivering aspens play)<br> +He sees an unsubstantial creature,<br> +His very self in form and feature,<br> +Not four yards from the broad highway:<br><br> + +And stretched beneath the furze he sees<br> +The Highland girl—it is no other;<br> +And hears her crying as she cried,<br> +The very moment that she died,<br> +"My mother! oh my mother!"<br><br> + +The sweat pours down from Peter's face,<br> +So grievous is his heart's contrition;<br> +With agony his eye-balls ache<br> +While he beholds by the furze-brake<br> +This miserable vision!<br><br> + +Calm is the well-deserving brute,<br> +<i>His</i> peace hath no offence betrayed;<br> +But now, while down that slope he wends,<br> +A voice to Peter's ear ascends,<br> +Resounding from the woody glade:<br><br> + +The voice, though clamorous as a horn<br> +Re-echoed by a naked rock,<br> +Comes from that tabernacle—List!<br> +Within, a fervent Methodist<br> +Is preaching to no heedless flock!<br><br> + +"Repent! repent!" he cries aloud,<br> +"While yet ye may find mercy;—strive<br> +To love the Lord with all your might;<br> +Turn to him, seek him day and night,<br> +And save your souls alive!<br><br> + +"Repent! repent! though ye have gone,<br> +Through paths of wickedness and woe,<br> +After the Babylonian harlot;<br> +And, though your sins be red as scarlet,<br> +They shall be white as snow!"<br><br> + +Even as he passed the door, these words<br> +Did plainly come to Peter's ears;<br> +And they such joyful tidings were,<br> +The joy was more than he could bear!—<br> +He melted into tears.<br><br> + +Sweet tears of hope and tenderness!<br> +And fast they fell, a plenteous shower!<br> +His nerves, his sinews seemed to melt;<br> +Through all his iron frame was felt<br> +A gentle, a relaxing, power!<br><br> + +Each fibre of his frame was weak;<br> +Weak all the animal within;<br> +But, in its helplessness, grew mild<br> +And gentle as an infant child,<br> +An infant that has known no sin.<br><br> + +'Tis said, meek Beast! that, through Heaven's grace,<br> +He not unmoved did notice now<br> +The cross upon thy shoulder scored,<br> +For lasting impress, by the Lord<br> +To whom all human-kind shall bow;<br><br> + +Memorial of his touch—that day<br> +When Jesus humbly deigned to ride,<br> +Entering the proud Jerusalem,<br> +By an immeasurable stream<br> +Of shouting people deified!<br><br> + +Meanwhile the persevering Ass,<br> +Turned towards a gate that hung in view<br> +Across a shady lane; his chest<br> +Against the yielding gate he pressed<br> +And quietly passed through.<br><br> + +And up the stony lane he goes;<br> +No ghost more softly ever trod;<br> +Among the stones and pebbles, he<br> +Sets down his hoofs inaudibly,<br> +As if with felt his hoofs were shod.<br><br> + +Along the lane the trusty Ass<br> +Went twice two hundred yards or more,<br> +And no one could have guessed his aim,—<br> +Till to a lonely house he came,<br> +And stopped beside the door.<br><br> + +Thought Peter, 'tis the poor man's home!<br> +He listens—not a sound is heard<br> +Save from the trickling household rill;<br> +But, stepping o'er the cottage-sill,<br> +Forthwith a little Girl appeared.<br><br> + +She to the Meeting-house was bound<br> +In hopes some tidings there to gather:<br> +No glimpse it is, no doubtful gleam;<br> +She saw—and uttered with a scream,<br> +"My father! here's my father!"<br><br> + +The very word was plainly heard,<br> +Heard plainly by the wretched Mother—<br> +Her joy was like a deep affright:<br> +And forth she rushed into the light,<br> +And saw it was another!<br><br> + +And, instantly, upon the earth,<br> +Beneath the full moon shining bright,<br> +Close to the Ass's feet she fell;<br> +At the same moment Peter Bell<br> +Dismounts in most unhappy plight.<br><br> + +As he beheld the Woman lie<br> +Breathless and motionless, the mind<br> +Of Peter sadly was confused;<br> +But, though to such demands unused,<br> +And helpless almost as the blind,<br><br> + +He raised her up; and, while he held<br> +Her body propped against his knee,<br> +The Woman waked—and when she spied<br> +The poor Ass standing by her side,<br> +She moaned most bitterly.<br><br> + +"Oh! God be praised—my heart's at ease—<br> +For he is dead—I know it well!"<br> +—At this she wept a bitter flood;<br> +And, in the best way that he could,<br> +His tale did Peter tell.<br><br> + +He trembles—he is pale as death;<br> +His voice is weak with perturbation;<br> +He turns aside his head, he pauses;<br> +Poor Peter from a thousand causes,<br> +Is crippled sore in his narration.<br><br> + +At length she learned how he espied<br> +The Ass in that small meadow-ground;<br> +And that her Husband now lay dead,<br> +Beside that luckless river's bed<br> +In which he had been drowned.<br><br> + +A piercing look the Widow cast<br> +Upon the Beast that near her stands;<br> +She sees 'tis he, that 'tis the same;<br> +She calls the poor Ass by his name,<br> +And wrings, and wrings her hands.<br><br> + +"O wretched loss—untimely stroke!<br> +If he had died upon his bed!<br> +He knew not one forewarning pain;<br> +He never will come home again—<br> +Is dead, for ever dead!"<br><br> + +Beside the Woman Peter stands;<br> +His heart is opening more and more;<br> +A holy sense pervades his mind;<br> +He feels what he for human-kind<br> +Had never felt before.<br><br> + +At length, by Peter's arm sustained,<br> +The Woman rises from the ground—<br> +"Oh, mercy! something must be done,<br> +My little Rachel, you must run,—<br> +Some willing neighbour must be found.<br><br> + +"Make haste—my little Rachel—do,<br> +The first you meet with—bid him come,<br> +Ask him to lend his horse to-night,<br> +And this good Man, whom Heaven requite,<br> +Will help to bring the body home."<br><br> + +Away goes Rachel weeping loud;—<br> +An Infant, waked by her distress,<br> +Makes in the house a piteous cry;<br> +And Peter hears the Mother sigh,<br> +"Seven are they, and all fatherless!"<br><br> + +And now is Peter taught to feel<br> +That man's heart is a holy thing;<br> +And Nature, through a world of death,<br> +Breathes into him a second breath,<br> +More searching than the breath of spring.<br><br> + +Upon a stone the Woman sits<br> +In agony of silent grief—<br> +From his own thoughts did Peter start;<br> +He longs to press her to his heart,<br> +From love that cannot find relief.<br><br> + +But roused, as if through every limb<br> +Had past a sudden shock of dread,<br> +The Mother o'er the threshold flies,<br> +And up the cottage stairs she hies,<br> +And on the pillow lays her burning head.<br><br> + +And Peter turns his steps aside<br> +Into a shade of darksome trees,<br> +Where he sits down, he knows not how,<br> +With his hands pressed against his brow,<br> +His elbows on his tremulous knees.<br><br> + +There, self-involved, does Peter sit<br> +Until no sign of life he makes,<br> +As if his mind were sinking deep<br> +Through years that have been long asleep!<br> +The trance is passed away—he wakes;<br><br> + +He lifts his head—and sees the Ass<br> +Yet standing in the clear moonshine;<br> +"When shall I be as good as thou?<br> +Oh! would, poor beast, that I had now<br> +A heart but half as good as thine!"<br><br> + +But <i>He</i>—who deviously hath sought<br> +His Father through the lonesome woods,<br> +Hath sought, proclaiming to the ear<br> +Of night his grief and sorrowful fear—<br> +He comes, escaped from fields and floods;—<br><br> + +With weary pace is drawing nigh;<br> +He sees the Ass—and nothing living<br> +Had ever such a fit of joy<br> +As hath this little orphan Boy,<br> +For he has no misgiving!<br><br> + +Forth to the gentle Ass he springs,<br> +And up about his neck he climbs;<br> +In loving words he talks to him,<br> +He kisses, kisses face and limb,—<br> +He kisses him a thousand times!<br><br> + +This Peter sees, while in the shade<br> +He stood beside the cottage-door;<br> +And Peter Bell, the ruffian wild,<br> +Sobs loud, he sobs even like a child,<br> +"Oh! God, I can endure no more!"<br><br> + +—Here ends my Tale: for in a trice<br> +Arrived a neighbour with his horse;<br> +Peter went forth with him straightway;<br> +And, with due care, ere break of day,<br> +Together they brought back the Corse.<br><br> + +And many years did this poor Ass,<br> +Whom once it was my luck to see<br> +Cropping the shrubs of Leming-Lane,<br> +Help by his labour to maintain<br> +The Widow and her family. <br><br> + +And Peter Bell, who, till that night,<br> +Had been the wildest of his clan,<br> +Forsook his crimes, renounced his folly,<br> +And, after ten months' melancholy,<br> +Became a good and honest man.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocA">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v82"></a><a href="#1v82">82</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v83"></a><a href="#1v83">83</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v84"></a><a href="#1v84">84</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v85"></a><a href="#1v85">85</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v86"></a><a href="#1v86">86</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v87"></a><a href="#1v87">87</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v88"></a><a href="#1v88">88</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v89"></a><a href="#1v89">89</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v90"></a><a href="#1v90">90</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v91"></a><a href="#1v91">91</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v92"></a><a href="#1v92">92</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v93"></a><a href="#1v93">93</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v94"></a><a href="#1v94">94</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v95"></a><a href="#1v95">95</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v96"></a><a href="#1v96">96</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v97"></a><a href="#1v97">97</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v98"></a><a href="#1v98">98</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v99"></a><a href="#1v99">99</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v100"></a><a href="#1v100">100</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v101"></a><a href="#1v101">101</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v102"></a><a href="#1v102">102</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v103"></a><a href="#1v103">103</a><br> +<a name="fr1v104"></a><a href="#1v104">104</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v105"></a><a href="#1v105">105</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v106"></a><a href="#1v106">106</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v107"></a><a href="#1v107">107</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v108"></a><a href="#1v108">108</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v109"></a><a href="#1v109">109</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v110"></a><a href="#1v110">110</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v111"></a><a href="#1v111">111</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v112"></a><a href="#1v112">112</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v113"></a><a href="#1v113">113</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v114"></a><a href="#1v114">114</a><br> +<a name="fr1v115"></a><a href="#1v115">115</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v116"></a><a href="#1v116">116</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v117"></a><a href="#1v117">117</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v118"></a><a href="#1v118">118</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v119"></a><a href="#1v119">119</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr1v120"></a><a href="#1v120">120</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1v121"></a><a href="#1v121">121</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> 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+<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +1120<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +1125<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +1130<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +1135</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="1v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And something</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1849</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Whose shape is like</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For shape just like</blockquote></td> + <td>1845</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The noise of danger fills</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Meanwhile I from the helm admire</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... I soberly admire</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Or deep into the heavens </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Or into massy clouds</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... between ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... are ill-built,<br> + But proud let him be who has seen them;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> +1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... between ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That darling speck ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And there it is, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... heartless ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>In the editions of 1819 and 1820 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Out—out—and, like a brooding hen,<br> + Beside your sooty hearth-stone cower;<br> + Go, creep along the dirt, and pick<br> + Your way with your good walking-stick,<br> + Just three good miles an hour!</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the land ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> My radiant Pinnace, you forget</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For I myself, in very truth,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Off flew my sparkling Boat in scorn,<br> + Yea in a trance of indignation!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Spurning her freight with indignation!</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... to my stone-table<br> + Limp'd on with some vexation. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... tow'rd my stone-table</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... promptly ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Breath fail'd me as I spake—but soon<br> + With lips, no doubt, and visage pale,<br> + And sore too from a slight contusion,<br> + Did I, to cover my confusion,<br> + Begin the <i>promised</i> Tale. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>All by the moonlight river side<br> + It gave three miserable groans;<br> + "'Tis come then to a pretty pass,"<br> + Said Peter to the groaning Ass,<br> + "But I will <i>bang</i> your bones!"</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>In the two editions of 1819 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"Good Sir!"—the Vicar's voice exclaim'd,<br> + "You rush at once into the middle;"<br> + And little Bess, with accent sweeter,<br> + Cried, "O dear Sir! but who is Peter?"<br> + Said Stephen,—"'Tis a downright riddle!"</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Squire said, "Sure as paradise<br> + Was lost to man by Adam's sinning,<br> + This leap is for us all too bold; </blockquote></td> + <td> +<td><br> +<br> +1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Like winds that lash the waves, or smite<br> + The woods, the autumnal foliage thinning—<br> + "Hold!" said the Squire, "I pray you, hold! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The woods, autumnal foliage thinning— </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... its ponderous knell,<br> + Its far-renowned alarum!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his ponderous knell,<br> + A far-renowned alarum! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that ponderous knell—<br> + His far-renowned alarum! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1840</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With Peter Bell, I need not tell<br> + That this had never been the case;—</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... placid ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 returns to that of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... cheerfully ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Till he is brought to an old quarry,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>In the two editions of 1819 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> "What! would'st thou daunt me grisly den?<br> + Back must I, having come so far?<br> + Stretch as thou wilt thy gloomy jaws,<br> + I'll on, nor would I give two straws<br> + For lantern or for star!"</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And so, where on the huge rough stones<br> + The black and massy shadows lay,<br> + And through the dark, ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... made ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> In the two editions of 1819 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Now you'll suppose that Peter Bell<br> + Felt small temptation here to tarry,<br> + And so it was,—but I must add,<br> + His heart was not a little glad<br> + When he was out of the old quarry.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Across that ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And now he is among the trees;</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v34"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 34:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"No doubt I'm founder'd in these woods—<br> + For once," quoth he, "I will be wise,<br> + With better speed I'll back again—<br> + And, lest the journey should prove vain,<br> + Will take yon Ass, my lawful prize!"<br> + <br> + Off Peter hied,—"A comely beast!<br> + Though not so plump as he might be;<br> + My honest friend, with such a platter,<br> + You should have been a little fatter,<br> + But come, Sir, come with me!" </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +(The first of these stanzas was omitted in 1827 and afterwards; +the second was withdrawn in 1820.)<br> +<a href="#fr1v34">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v35"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 35:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But first doth Peter deem it fit<br> + To spy about him far and near;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> "A prize," cried Peter, stepping back<br> + To spy ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v35">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v36"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 36:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Ass's back, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v36">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v37"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 37:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> With ready heel the creature's side;</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With ready heel his shaggy side;</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v37">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v38"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 38:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> In the editions of 1819 to 1832 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> "What's this!" cried Peter, brandishing<br> + A new-peel'd sapling white as cream;<br> + The Ass knew well what Peter said,<br> + But, as before, hung down his head<br> + Over the silent stream.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A new-peeled sapling;—though, I deem,<br> + The Ass knew well what Peter said,<br> + He, as before, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1920</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... —though I deem,<br> + This threat was understood full well,<br> + Firm, as before, the Sentinel<br> + Stood by the silent stream.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v38">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v39"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 39:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"I'll cure you of these desperate tricks"—<br> + And, with deliberate action slow,<br> + His staff high-raising, in the pride<br> + Of skill, upon the Ass's hide</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C. and 1819.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v39">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v40"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 40:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>What followed?—yielding to the shock<br> +The Ass, as if ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v40">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v41"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 41:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And then upon ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v41">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v42"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 42:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... as ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v43"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 43:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Beast on his tormentor turned<br> + A shining hazel eye. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>His shining ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1836 returns to the text of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v44"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 44:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Towards the river ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v45"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 45:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Heav'd his lank sides, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v46"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 46:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836. In the two editions of 1819 this stanza formed two +stanzas, thus:</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> All by the moonlight river side<br> + He gave three miserable groans,<br> + "'Tis come then to a pretty pass,"<br> + Said Peter to the groaning ass,<br> + "But I will <i>bang</i> your bones!"<br> + <br> + And Peter halts to gather breath,<br> + And now full clearly was it shown<br> + (What he before in part had seen)<br> + How gaunt was the poor Ass and lean,<br> + Yea wasted to a skeleton!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In the editions of 1820-1832, only the second of these stanzas is +retained, with the following change of text in 1827:</blockquote></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And, while he halts, was clearly shown<br> + (What he before in part had seen)<br> + How gaunt the Creature was, and lean, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +In the final text of 1836 the two stanzas of 1819 are compressed into +one (ll. 446-50).<br> +<a href="#fr1v46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v47"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 47:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But, while upon the ground he lay,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That instant, while outstretched he lay,</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v48"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 48:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A loud and piteous bray!</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v48">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v49"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 49:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Joy on ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v49">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v50"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 50:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... an endless shout,<br> + The long dry see-saw ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v50">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v51"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 51:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And Peter now uplifts his eyes;<br> + Steady the moon doth look and clear,<br> + And like themselves the rocks appear,<br> + And tranquil are the skies, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And quiet are the skies.</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v52"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 52:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Whereat, in resolute mood, once more<br> + He stoops the Ass's neck to seize—<br> + Foul purpose, quickly put to flight!<br> + For in the pool a startling sight<br> + Meets him, beneath the shadowy trees.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v53"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 53:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the gallows ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1836 returns to that of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v54"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 54:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Or a gay ring of shining fairies,<br> + Such as pursue their brisk vagaries </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v55"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 55:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>In the two editions of 1819 only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Is it a party in a parlour?<br> + Cramm'd just as they on earth were cramm'd—<br> + Some sipping punch, some sipping tea,<br> + <a name="fr1fa"></a>But, as you by their faces see,<br> + All silent and all damn'd!<a href="#1fa"><sup>a</sup></a></blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v56"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 56:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A throbbing pulse the Gazer hath—<br> + Puzzled he was, and now is daunted; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v57"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 57:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Like one intent upon a book—</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v57">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v58"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 58:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And drops, a senseless weight,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v58">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v59"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 59:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A happy respite!—but he wakes;—<br> + And feels the glimmering of the moon—<br> + And to stretch forth his hands is trying;—<br> + Sure, when he knows where he is lying,<br> + He'll sink into a second swoon. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v59">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v60"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 60:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... placid ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v60">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v61"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 61:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>So, faltering not in <i>this</i> intent,<br> + He makes his staff an instrument<br> + The river's depth to sound—</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>So toward the stream his head he bent,<br> + And downward thrust his staff, intent<br> + To reach the Man who there lay drowned.— </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v61">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v62"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 62:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The meagre Shadow all this while—<br> + What aim is his? ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v63"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 63:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That Peter on his back should mount<br> + He shows a wish, well as he can,<br> + "I'll go, I'll go, whate'er betide—<br> + He to his home my way will guide,<br> + The cottage of the drowned man." </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> But no—his purpose and his wish<br> + The Suppliant shews, well as he can;<br> + Thought Peter whatsoe'er betide<br> + I'll go, and he my way will guide<br> + To the cottage of the drowned man. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v64"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 64:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This utter'd, Peter mounts forthwith</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This hoping, </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Encouraged by this hope, he mounts </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This hoping, Peter boldly mounts </blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v64">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v65"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 65:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v66"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 66:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And takes his way ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v66">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v67"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 67:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Holding ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v67">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v68"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 68:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840 and C.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> What seeks the boy?—the silent dead!</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Seeking for whom?— ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v68">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v69"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 69:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Whom he hath sought ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v69">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v70"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 70:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... doth rightly spell; </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v70">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v71"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 71:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... noise ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v71">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v72"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 72:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... to gain his end</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v73"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 73:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... footstep ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v73">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v74"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 74:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... along a ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v74">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v75"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 75:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>In the editions of 1819 and 1820 the following stanza +occurs:</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The verdant pathway, in and out,<br> + Winds upwards like a straggling chain;<br> + And, when two toilsome miles are past,<br> + Up through the rocks it leads at last<br> + Into a high and open plain.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v75">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v76"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 76:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v76">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v77"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 77:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> How blank!—but whence this rustling sound<br> + Which, all too long, the pair hath chased!<br> + —A dancing leaf is close behind, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But whence that faintly-rustling sound </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But whence this faintly rustling sound<br> + By which the pair have long been chased?</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v77">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v78"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 78:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When Peter spies the withered leaf,<br> + It yields no cure to his distress—</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v78">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v79"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 79:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Ha! why this comfortless despair?</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v79">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v80"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 80:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the Creature's head;</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 returns to that of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v80">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v81"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 81:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... those darting pains,<br> + As meteors shoot through heaven's wide plains,<br> + Pass through his bosom—and repass!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v81">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v82"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 82:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Reading, as you or I might read<br> + At night in any pious book,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v83"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 83:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1826</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the good man's taper,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v84"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 84:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The ghostly word, which thus was fram'd,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... full plainly seen,</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v84">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v85"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 85:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... to torment the good</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v85">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v86"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 86:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I know you, potent Spirits! well,<br> + How with the feeling and the sense<br> + Playing, ye govern foes or friends.<br> + Yok'd to your will, for fearful ends— </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v86">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v87"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 87:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... I have often ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v88"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 88:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And well I know ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v88">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v89"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 89:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and danc'd ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v89">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v90"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 90:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... clearly ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v90">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v91"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 91:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... hath ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v91">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v92"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 92:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... to confound ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v93"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 93:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But now the pair have reach'd a spot<br> + Where, shelter'd by a rocky cove, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Meanwhile the pair </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v93">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v94"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 94:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The building seems, wall, roof, and tower,</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v94">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v95"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 95:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Deep sighing as he pass'd along,<br> + Quoth Peter, "In the shire of Fife,<br> + 'Mid such a ruin, following still<br> + From land to land a lawless will, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v95">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v96"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 96:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Making, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v96">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v97"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 97:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As if confusing darkness came </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And a confusing</blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>While clouds of swimming darkness came<br> + Over his eyesight with the sound.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v97">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v98"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 98:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Italics</i> were first used in the edition of 1820.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v98">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v99"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 99:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A lonely house her dwelling was, </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v99">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v100"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 100:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... her name ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1827 returns to the text of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v100">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v101"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 101:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Distraction reigns in soul and sense,<br> + And reason drops in impotence<br> + From her deserted pinnacle!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v101">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v102"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 102:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... ears ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v102">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v103"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 103:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Though clamorous as a hunter's horn<br> + Re-echoed from a naked rock,<br> + 'Tis from that tabernacle—List! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The voice, though clamorous as a horn<br> + Re-echoed by a naked rock,<br> + Is from .... </blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v103">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v104"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 104:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... pious ...</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v104">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v105"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 105:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> 'Tis said, that through prevailing grace</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v105">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v106"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 106:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... shoulders scored<br> + Meek beast! in memory of the Lord </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Faithful memorial of the Lord </blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v106">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v107"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 107:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In memory of that solemn day</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v107">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v108"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 108:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Towards a gate in open view<br> + Turns up a narrow lane; ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v108">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v109"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 109:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Had gone two hundred yards, not more;<br> + When to a lonely house he came;<br> + He turn'd aside towards the same<br> + And stopp'd before the door.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v109">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v110"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 110:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In hope ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v110">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v111"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 111:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Close at ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v111">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v112"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 112:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>What could he do?—The Woman lay</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v112">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v113"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 113:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the sufferer ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v113">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v114"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 114:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1819</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... stair ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1827 returns to the text of 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1v114">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v115"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 115:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And to the pillow gives ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v115">return</a><br> +<br> +<br><a name="1v116"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 116:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And resting on ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v116">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v117"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 117:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He turns ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v117">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v118"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 118:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his inward grief and fear— </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his sorrow and his fear— </blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v118">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v119"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 119:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... had ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v119">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v120"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 120:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Towards ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v120">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1v121"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 121:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... repressed ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1819</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr1v121">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="1A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The title in the two editions of 1819 was <i>Peter Bell: A +Tale in Verse.</i> —Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> In Dorothy Wordsworth's Alfoxden Journal the following +occurs, under date April 20, 1798: <blockquote>"The moon crescent. <i>Peter Bell</i> +begun."</blockquote> + +Ed.<br> +<a href="#section1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"><i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, act II. scene ii. l. 44. This +motto first appeared on the half-title of <i>Peter Bell</i>, second +edition, 1819, under the advertisement of <i>Benjamin the Waggoner</i>, +its first line being "What's a Name?" When <i>The Waggoner</i> appeared, +a few days afterwards, the motto stood on its title-page. In the +collective edition of the Poems (1820), it disappeared; but reappeared, +in its final position, in the edition of 1827.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> <i>Julius Cæsar</i>, act I. scene ii. l. 147.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Prelude</i>, book iv. l. 47:</span> + + <blockquote> 'the sunny seat<br> + Round the stone table under the dark pine.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> In the dialect of the North, a hawker of earthen-ware is +thus designated.—W. W. 1819 (second edition).<br> +<a href="#fr1F">return</a><br> +<br><br> + +<a name="1G"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote G:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Prelude</i>, book v. l. 448:</span> + + <blockquote> 'At last, the dead man, 'mid that beauteous scene<br> + Of trees and hills and water, bolt upright<br> + Rose, with his ghastly face, a spectre shape<br> + Of terror.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1G">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1H"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote H:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This and the next stanza were omitted from the edition of +1827, but restored in 1832.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1H">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1I"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote I:</span></a> The notion is very general, that the Cross on the back and +shoulders of this Animal has the origin here alluded to.—W. W. 1819.<br> +<a href="#fr1I">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1J"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote J:</span></a> I cannot suffer this line to pass, without noticing that it +was suggested by Mr. Haydon's noble Picture of Christ's Entry into +Jerusalem.—W. W. 1820. <br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Into the same picture Haydon "introduced +Wordsworth bowing in reverence and awe." See the essay on "The Portraits +of Wordsworth" in a later volume, and the portrait itself, which will be +reproduced in the volume containing the <i>Life</i> of the poet.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1J">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="1K"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote K:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> The first and second editions of <i>Peter Bell</i> (1819) +contained, as frontispiece, an engraving by J. C. Bromley, after a +picture by Sir George Beaumont. In 1807, Wordsworth wrote to Sir George: +</span> + <blockquote> "I am quite delighted to hear of your picture for <i>Peter Bell</i> .... + But remember that no poem of mine will ever be popular, and I am + afraid that the sale of <i>Peter</i> would not carry the expense of + engraving .... The people would love the poem of <i>Peter Bell</i>, but the + <i>public</i> (a very different thing) will never love it."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Some days before Wordsworth's <i>Peter Bell</i> was issued in 1819, another +'Peter Bell' was published by Messrs. Taylor and Hessey. It was a parody +written by J. Hamilton Reynolds, and issued as 'Peter Bell, a Lyrical +Ballad', with the sentence on its title page, "I do affirm that I am the +<i>real</i> Simon Pure." The preface, which follows, is too paltry to quote; +and the stanzas which make up the poem contain allusions to the more +trivial of the early <i>Lyrical Ballads</i> (Betty Foy, Harry Gill, etc.). +Wordsworth's <i>Peter Bell</i> was published about a week later; and Shelley +afterwards published his<i> Peter Bell the Third</i>. Charles Lamb wrote to +Wordsworth, in May 1819:</span> + + <blockquote>"Dear Wordsworth—I received a copy of 'Peter Bell' a week ago, and I + hope the author will not be offended if I say I do not much relish it. + The humour, if it is meant for humour, is forced; and then the + price!—sixpence would have been dear for it. Mind, I do not mean + <i>your</i> 'Peter Bell', but <i>a Peter Bell</i>, which preceded it about a + week, and is in every bookseller's shop window in London, the type and + paper nothing differing from the true one, the preface signed W. W., + and the supplementary preface quoting, as the author's words, an + extract from the supplementary preface to the 'Lyrical Ballads.' Is + there no law against these rascals? I would have this Lambert Simnel + whipt at the cart's tail."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(<i>The Letters of Charles Lamb</i>, edited by + A. Ainger, vol. ii. p. 20.)<br> +<br> +Barron Field wrote on the title-page of his copy of the edition of +<i>Peter Bell</i>, 1819, </span> + + <blockquote> "And his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it."</blockquote> + + 1 Kings xiii. 24.<span style="color: #555555;">—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1K">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="1fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This stanza, which was deleted from every edition of +<i>Peter Bell</i> after the two of 1819, was prefixed by Shelley to his poem +of <i>Peter Bell the Third</i>, and many of his contemporaries thought that +it was an invention of Shelley's. See the note which follows this poem, +p. 50. Crabb Robinson wrote in his <i>Diary</i>, June 6, 1812: </span> + + <blockquote> "Mrs. Basil Montagu told me she had no doubt she had suggested this + image to Wordsworth by relating to him an anecdote. A person, walking + in a friend's garden, looking in at a window, saw a company of ladies + at a table near the window, with countenances <i>fixed.</i> In an instant + he was aware of their condition, and broke the window. He saved them + from incipient suffocation." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth subsequently said that he had omitted the stanza only in +deference to the "unco guid." Crabb Robinson remonstrated with him +against its exclusion.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr1fa">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocA">1798 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section2"></a>Lines<a href="#2A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a>, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey, on revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a tour, July 13, 1798<a href="#2B"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>B</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed July 1798.—Published 1798</h4> + +<a href="#section2a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[July 1798. No poem of mine was composed under circumstances more +pleasant for me to remember than this. I began it upon leaving Tintern, +after crossing the Wye, and concluded it just as I was entering Bristol +in the evening, after a ramble of four or five days, with my sister. Not +a line of it was altered, and not any part of it written down till I +reached Bristol. It was published almost immediately after in the little +volume of which so much has been said in these Notes, the <i>Lyrical +Ballads,</i> as first published at Bristol by Cottle.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section2a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Five years have past; five summers, with the length<br> +Of five long winters! and again I hear<br> +These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs<br> +With a soft inland murmur.—Once again<br> +Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs, <br> +That on a wild secluded scene impress<br> +Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect<br> +The landscape with the quiet of the sky.<br> +The day is come when I again repose<br> +Here, under this dark sycamore, and view <br> +These plots of cottage-ground, these orchard-tufts,<br> +Which at this season, with their unripe fruits,<br> +Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselves<br> +'Mid groves and copses. Once again I see<br> +These hedge-rows, hardly hedge-rows, little lines <br> +Of sportive wood run wild: these pastoral farms,<br> +Green to the very door; and wreaths of smoke<br> +Sent up, in silence, from among the trees!<br> +With some uncertain notice, as might seem<br> +Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods, <br> +Or of some Hermit's cave, where by his fire<br> +The Hermit sits alone.<br> + These beauteous forms,<br> +Through a long absence, have not been to me<br> +As is a landscape to a blind man's eye: <br> +But oft, in lonely rooms, and 'mid the din<br> +Of towns and cities, I have owed to them,<br> +In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,<br> +Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;<br> +And passing even into my purer mind, <br> +With tranquil restoration:—feelings too<br> +Of unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps,<br> +As have no slight or trivial influence<br> +On that best portion of a good man's life,<br> +His little, nameless, unremembered, acts <br> +Of kindness and of love. Nor less, I trust,<br> +To them I may have owed another gift,<br> +Of aspect more sublime; that blessed mood,<br> +In which the burthen of the mystery,<br> +In which the heavy and the weary weight <br> +Of all this unintelligible world,<br> +Is lightened:—that serene and blessed mood,<br> +In which the affections gently lead us on,—<br> +Until, the breath of this corporeal frame<br> +And even the motion of our human blood <br> +Almost suspended, we are laid asleep<br> +In body, and become a living soul:<br> +While with an eye made quiet by the power<br> +Of harmony, and the deep power of joy,<br> +We see into the life of things. <br> + If this<br> +Be but a vain belief, yet, oh! how oft—<br> +In darkness and amid the many shapes<br> +Of joyless daylight; when the fretful stir<br> +Unprofitable, and the fever of the world, <br> +Have hung upon the beatings of my heart—<br> +How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,<br> +O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods,<br> +How often has my spirit turned to thee!<br> + And now, with gleams of half-extinguished thought, <br> +With many recognitions dim and faint,<br> +And somewhat of a sad perplexity,<br> +The picture of the mind revives again:<br> +While here I stand, not only with the sense<br> +Of present pleasure, but with pleasing thoughts <br> +That in this moment there is life and food<br> +For future years. And so I dare to hope,<br> +Though changed, no doubt, from what I was when first<br> +I came among these hills; when like a roe<br> +I bounded o'er the mountains, by the sides <br> +Of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams,<br> +Wherever nature led: more like a man<br> +Flying from something that he dreads, than one<br> +Who sought the thing he loved. For nature then<br> +(The coarser pleasures of my boyish days, <br> +And their glad animal movements all gone by)<br> +To me was all in all.—I cannot paint<br> +What then I was. The sounding cataract<br> +Haunted me like a passion: the tall rock,<br> +The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood, <br> +Their colours and their forms, were then to me<br> +An appetite; a feeling and a love,<br> +That had no need of a remoter charm,<br> +By thought supplied, nor any interest<br> +Unborrowed from the eye.—That time is past, <br> +And all its aching joys are now no more,<br> +And all its dizzy raptures. Not for this<br> +Faint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other gifts<br> +Have followed; for such loss, I would believe,<br> +Abundant recompence. For I have learned <br> +To look on nature, not as in the hour<br> +Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes<br> +The still, sad music of humanity,<br> +Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power<br> +To chasten and subdue. And I have felt <br> +A presence that disturbs me with the joy<br> +Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime<br> +Of something far more deeply interfused,<br> +Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,<br> +And the round ocean and the living air, <br> +And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:<br> +A motion and a spirit, that impels<br> +All thinking things, all objects of all thought,<br> +And rolls through all things. Therefore am I still<br> +A lover of the meadows and the woods, <br> +And mountains; and of all that we behold<br> +From this green earth; of all the mighty world<br> +Of eye, and ear,—both what they half create,<br> +And what perceive; well pleased to recognise<br> +In nature and the language of the sense, <br> +The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,<br> +The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul<br> +Of all my moral being.<br> + Nor perchance,<br> +If I were not thus taught, should I the more <br> +Suffer my genial spirits to decay:<br> +For thou art with me here upon the banks<br> +Of this fair river; thou my dearest Friend,<br> +My dear, dear Friend; and in thy voice I catch<br> +The language of my former heart, and read <br> +My former pleasures in the shooting lights<br> +Of thy wild eyes, Oh! yet a little while<br> +May I behold in thee what I was once,<br> +My dear, dear Sister! and this prayer I make,<br> +Knowing that Nature never did betray <br> +The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege,<br> +Through all the years of this our life, to lead<br> +From joy to joy: for she can so inform<br> +The mind that is within us, so impress<br> +With quietness and beauty, and so feed <br> +With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues,<br> +Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men,<br> +Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all<br> +The dreary intercourse of daily life,<br> +Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb <br> +Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold<br> +Is full of blessings. Therefore let the moon<br> +Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;<br> +And let the misty mountain-winds be free<br> +To blow against thee: and, in after years, <br> +When these wild ecstasies shall be matured<br> +Into a sober pleasure; when thy mind<br> +Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms,<br> +Thy memory be as a dwelling-place<br> +For all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then, <br> +If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief,<br> +Should be thy portion, with what healing thoughts<br> +Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,<br> +And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance—<br> +If I should be where I no more can hear <br> +Thy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleams<br> +Of past existence—wilt thou then forget<br> +That on the banks of this delightful stream<br> +We stood together; and that I, so long<br> +A worshipper of Nature, hither came <br> +Unwearied in that service: rather say<br> +With warmer love—oh! with far deeper zeal<br> +Of holier love. Nor wilt thou then forget,<br> +That after many wanderings, many years<br> +Of absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs, <br> +And this green pastoral landscape, were to me<br> +More dear, both for themselves and for thy sake!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocA">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v1"></a><a href="#2v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v2"></a><a href="#2v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v3"></a><a href="#2v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v4"></a><a href="#2v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v5"></a><a href="#2v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v6"></a><a href="#2v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v7"></a><a href="#2v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v8"></a><a href="#2v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2v9"></a><a href="#2v9">9</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr2C"></a><a href="#2C">C</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr2D"></a><a href="#2D">D</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2E"></a><a href="#2E">E</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2F"></a><a href="#2F">F</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2G"></a><a href="#2G">G</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2H"></a><a href="#2H">H</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr2B"></a><a href="#2B">B</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +135<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +145<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +150<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="2v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sweet ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... with their unripe fruits,<br> + Among the woods and copses lose themselves,<br> + Nor, with their green and simple hue, disturb<br> + The wild green landscape ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1798</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselves<br> + Among the woods and copses, nor disturb</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Though absent long,<br> + These forms of beauty have not been to me,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1798</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... inmost mind</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As may have had no trivial influence </blockquote></td> + <td>1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1798</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... wood,</blockquote></td> + <td> 1798 (some copies)</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... or ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Not ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr2v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="2A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> I have not ventured to call this Poem an Ode; but it was +written with a hope that in the transitions, and the impassioned music +of the versification would be found the principal requisites of that +species of composition.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#section2">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The title in 1798 was <i>Lines, written a few miles</i>, etc. In +1815 it assumed its final form.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the Fenwick note to the poem <i>Guilt and Sorrow</i> +(vol. i. p.78) This visit, five years before, was on his way from "Sarum +plain," on foot and alone—after parting with his friend William +Calvert—to visit another friend, Robert Jones, in Wales.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr2C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> The river is not affected by the tides a few miles above +Tintern.— W. W. 1798.<br> +<a href="#fr2D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In the edition of 1798, an additional line is here +introduced, but it is deleted in the <i>errata</i>. It is</span> + + <blockquote>'And the low copses—coming from the trees.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr2E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Prelude</i>, book xi. l. 108:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive,<br> + But to be young was very Heaven.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr2F">return</a><br> +<br><br> + +<a name="2G"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote G:</span></a> This line has a close resemblance to an admirable line of +Young, the exact expression of which I cannot recollect.—W. W. 1798.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">It is the line:</span> + + <blockquote> 'And half-create the wondrous world they see.'</blockquote> + +<i>Night Thoughts</i>, (<i>Night</i> vi. l. 427).<span style="color: #555555;">—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr2G">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="2H"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote H:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare, in <i>The Recluse</i>, canto "Home at Grasmere," l. 91:</span> + + <blockquote> Her voice was like a hidden Bird that sang,<br> + The thought of her was like a flash of light,<br> + Or an <i>unseen</i> companionship. </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr2H">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocA">1798 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section3"></a>There was a Boy</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1798.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section3a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany, 1799. This is an extract from the Poem on my own +poetical education. This practice of making an instrument of their own +fingers is known to most boys, though some are more skilful at it than +others. William Raincock of Rayrigg, a fine spirited lad, took the lead +of all my schoolfellows in this art.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This "extract" will be found in the fifth book of <i>The Prelude</i>, ll. +364-397. It was included among the "Poems of the Imagination." In the +editions of 1800 to 1832 it had no title, except in the table of +contents. In 1836, the finally adopted title of the poem was given in +the text, as well as in the table of contents.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="section3a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There was a Boy; ye knew him well, ye cliffs<br> +And islands of Winander!—many a time,<br> +At evening, when the earliest stars began<br> +To move along the edges of the hills,<br> +Rising or setting, would he stand alone, <br> +Beneath the trees, or by the glimmering lake;<br> +And there, with fingers interwoven, both hands<br> +Pressed closely palm to palm and to his mouth<br> +Uplifted, he, as through an instrument,<br> +Blew mimic hootings to the silent owls, <br> +That they might answer him.—And they would shout<br> +Across the watery vale, and shout again,<br> +Responsive to his call,—with quivering peals,<br> +And long halloos, and screams, and echoes loud<br> +Redoubled and redoubled; concourse wild <br> +Of jocund din! And, when there came a pause<br> +Of silence such as baffled his best skill:<br> +Then, sometimes, in that silence, while he hung<br> +Listening, a gentle shock of mild surprise<br> +Has carried far into his heart the voice <br> +Of mountain-torrents; or the visible scene<br> +Would enter unawares into his mind<br> +With all its solemn imagery, its rocks,<br> +Its woods, and that uncertain heaven received<br> +Into the bosom of the steady lake. <br> + <br> + This boy was taken from his mates, and died<br> +In childhood, ere he was full twelve years old.<br> +Pre-eminent in beauty is the vale<br> +Where he was born and bred: the church-yard hangs<br> +Upon a slope above the village-school; <br> +And, through that church-yard when my way has led<br> +On summer-evenings, I believe, that there<br> +A long half-hour together I have stood<br> +Mute—looking at the grave in which he lies!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocA">Contents</a><br> +<br> +<a href="#3n1">Note</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v1"></a><a href="#3v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v2"></a><a href="#3v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr3v3"></a><a href="#3v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v4"></a><a href="#3v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr3v5"></a><a href="#3v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v6"></a><a href="#3v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v7"></a><a href="#3v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr3v8"></a><a href="#3v8">8</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr3A"></a><a href="#3A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br><hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="3v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... when the stars had just begun</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... a wild scene<br> + Of mirth and jocund din! ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... concourse wild </blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... And, when it chanced<br> + That pauses of deep silence mock'd his skill,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and, when a lengthened pause<br> + Of silence came and baffled his best skill,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <i>The Prelude</i>, 1850</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This and the following line were added in 1805.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... ere he was ten years old.</blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Fair are the woods, and beauteous is the spot,<br> + The vale where he was born: the Church-yard hangs </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Fair is the spot, most beautiful the Vale<br> + Where he was born: the grassy Church-yard hangs </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr3v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And there along that bank when I have pass'd<br> + At evening, I believe, that near his grave</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... I believe, that oftentimes</blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And through that Church-yard when my way has led</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A full half-hour together I have stood,<br> + Mute—for he died when he was ten years old. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Mute—looking at the grave in which he lies.</blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr3v8">return</a><br> +<br><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="3A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In <i>The Prelude</i> the version of 1827 is adopted for +the most part.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr3A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="3B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Graduati Cantabrigienses</i> (1850), by Joseph +Romily, the Registrar to the University 1832-1862.—Ed</span>.<br> +<a href="#fr3B">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="3n1"></a><span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth sent this fragment in MS. to Coleridge, who was then living +at Ratzeburg, and Coleridge wrote in reply on the 10th Dec. 1798:</span> + + <blockquote> "The blank lines gave me as much direct pleasure as was possible in + the general bustle of pleasure with which I received and read your + letter. I observed, I remember, that the 'fingers woven,' etc., only + puzzled me; and though I liked the twelve or fourteen first lines very + well, yet I liked the remainder much better. Well, now I have read + them again, they are very beautiful, and leave an affecting + impression. That + + <blockquote> 'uncertain heaven received<br> + Into the bosom of the steady lake,'</blockquote> + + I should have recognised anywhere; and had I met these lines, running + wild in the deserts of Arabia, I should have instantly screamed out + 'Wordsworth'!"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The MS. copy of this poem sent to Coleridge probably lacked +the explanatory line,</span> + + <blockquote> 'Pressed closely palm to palm and to his mouth,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">as another MS., in the possession of the poet's grandson, lacks it; and +the line was possibly added—as the late Mr. Dykes Campbell +suggested—"in deference to S. T. C.'s expression of puzzlement."<br> +<br> +Fletcher <a name="fr3B">Raincock—an</a> elder brother of the William Raincock referred to +in the Fenwick note to this poem, as Wordsworth's schoolfellow at +Hawkshead—was with him also at Cambridge. He attended Pembroke College, +and was second wrangler in 1790<a href="#3B"><sup>B</sup></a>. John Fleming of Rayrigg, his +half-brother—the boy with whom Wordsworth used to walk round the lake +of Esthwaite, in the morning before school-time, ("five miles of +pleasant wandering")—was also at St. John's College, Cambridge, at this +time, and had been fifth Wrangler in the preceding year, 1789. He is +referred to both in the second and the fifth books of <i>The Prelude</i> +(see notes to that poem). It is perhaps not unworthy of note that +Wrangham, whose French stanzas on "The Birth of Love" Wordsworth +translated into English, was in the same year—1789—third Wrangler, +second Smith's prizeman, and first Chancellor's medallist; while Robert +Greenwood, "the Minstrel of the Troop," who "blew his flute, alone upon +the rock" in Windermere,—also one of the characters referred to in the +second book of <i>The Prelude</i>,—was sixteenth Wrangler in +Wordsworth's year, viz. 1791. William Raincock was at St. John's +College, Cambridge.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocA">1798 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section4"></a>The Two Thieves; or, the Last Stage of Avarice</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1798.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section4a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This is described from the life, as I was in the habit of observing +when a boy at Hawkshead School. Daniel was more than eighty years older +than myself when he was daily, thus occupied, under my notice. No books +have so early taught me to think of the changes to which human life is +subject, and while looking at him I could not but say to myself—we may, +one of us, I or the happiest of my playmates, live to become still more +the object of pity, than this old man, this half-doating +pilferer.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Old Age."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="section4a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>O now that the genius of Bewick were mine,<br> +And the skill which he learned on the banks of the Tyne,<br> +Then the Muses might deal with me just as they chose,<br> +For I'd take my last leave both of verse and of prose.<br><br> + +What feats would I work with my magical hand! <br> +Book-learning and books should be banished the land:<br> +And, for hunger and thirst and such troublesome calls,<br> +Every ale-house should then have a feast on its walls.<br><br> + +The traveller would hang his wet clothes on a chair;<br> +Let them smoke, let them burn, not a straw would he care! <br> +For the Prodigal Son, Joseph's Dream and his sheaves,<br> +Oh, what would they be to my tale of two Thieves?<br><br> + +The One, yet unbreeched, is not three birthdays old,<br> +His Grandsire that age more than thirty times told;<br> +There are ninety good seasons of fair and foul weather <br> +Between them, and both go a-pilfering together.<br><br> + +With chips is the carpenter strewing his floor?<br> +Is a cart-load of turf at an old woman's door?<br> +Old Daniel his hand to the treasure will slide!<br> +And his Grandson's as busy at work by his side. <br><br> + +Old Daniel begins; he stops short—and his eye,<br> +Through the lost look of dotage, is cunning and sly:<br> +'Tis a look which at this time is hardly his own,<br> +But tells a plain tale of the days that are flown.<br><br> + +He once had a heart which was moved by the wires <br> +Of manifold pleasures and many desires:<br> +And what if he cherished his purse? 'Twas no more<br> +Than treading a path trod by thousands before.<br><br> + +'Twas a path trod by thousands; but Daniel is one<br> +Who went something farther than others have gone, <br> +And now with old Daniel you see how it fares;<br> +You see to what end he has brought his grey hairs.<br><br> + +The pair sally forth hand in hand: ere the sun<br> +Has peered o'er the beeches, their work is begun:<br> +And yet, into whatever sin they may fall, <br> +This child but half knows it, and that not at all.<br><br> + +They hunt through the streets with deliberate tread,<br> +And each, in his turn, becomes leader or led;<br> +And, wherever they carry their plots and their wiles,<br> +Every face in the village is dimpled with smiles. <br><br> + +Neither checked by the rich nor the needy they roam;<br> +For the grey-headed Sire has a daughter at home,<br> +Who will gladly repair all the damage that's done;<br> +And three, were it asked, would be rendered for one.<br><br> + +Old Man! whom so oft I with pity have eyed, <br> +I love thee, and love the sweet Boy at thy side:<br> +Long yet may'st thou live! for a teacher we see<br> +That lifts up the veil of our nature in thee.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocA">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v1"></a><a href="#4v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v2"></a><a href="#4v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v3"></a><a href="#4v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v4"></a><a href="#4v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v5"></a><a href="#4v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v6"></a><a href="#4v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v7"></a><a href="#4v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v8"></a><a href="#4v8">8</a><br> +<a name="fr4v9"></a><a href="#4v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4v10"></a><a href="#4v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><a name="fr4A"></a><a href="#4A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr4B"></a><a href="#4B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="4v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Oh! now that the boxwood and graver were mine,<br> + Of the Poet who lives on the banks of the Tyne,<br> + Who has plied his rude tools with more fortunate toil<br> + Than Reynolds e'er brought to his canvas and oil.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + MS. 1798</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Then Books, and Book-learning, I'd ring out your knell,<br> + The Vicar should scarce know an A from an L.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. 1798.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Little Dan is unbreech'd, he is three birth-days old,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... a-stealing ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... of peats ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dan once ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> 'Twas a smooth pleasant pathway, a gentle descent,<br> + And leisurely down it, and down it, he went. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. 1798.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... street ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... is both leader and led;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> For grey-headed Dan ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The grey-headed Sire ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr4v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="4A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Thomas Bewick, the wood engraver, born at Cherryburn, near +Newcastle-on-Tyne, in 1753, died 1828. He revived the art of wood +engraving in England. His illustrations—drawn for the <i>General +History of British Quadrupeds</i> (1790), and for his own <i>History of +British Birds</i> (1797 and l804)—were unrivalled in their way.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr4A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="4B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> +<span style="color: #555555;">Charles Lamb, writing to Wordsworth in 1815, spoke of </span> + + <blockquote> "that delicacy towards aberrations from the strict path, which is so + fine in the 'Old Thief and the Boy by his side,' which always brings + water into my eyes."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See <i>Letters of Charles Lamb</i>, edited by Alfred Ainger, vol. i. p. +287.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr4B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocA">1798 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section5"></a>Written with a Slate Pencil upon a Stone, the largest of a Heap lying near a Deserted Quarry, upon one of the Islands<a href="#5A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a> at Rydal</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1798.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section5a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Inscriptions."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="section5a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Stranger! this hillock of mis-shapen stones <br> +Is not a Ruin spared or made by time,<br> +Nor, as perchance thou rashly deem'st, the Cairn<br> +Of some old British Chief: 'tis nothing more<br> +Than the rude embryo of a little Dome <br> +Or Pleasure-house, once destined to be built<br> +Among the birch-trees of this rocky isle.<br> +But, as it chanced, Sir William having learned<br> +That from the shore a full-grown man might wade,<br> +And make himself a freeman of this spot <br> +At any hour he chose, the prudent Knight<br> +Desisted, and the quarry and the mound<br> +Are monuments of his unfinished task.<br> +The block on which these lines are traced, perhaps,<br> +Was once selected as the corner-stone <br> +Of that intended Pile, which would have been<br> +Some quaint odd plaything of elaborate skill,<br> +So that, I guess, the linnet and the thrush,<br> +And other little builders who dwell here,<br> +Had wondered at the work. But blame him not, <br> +For old Sir William was a gentle Knight,<br> +Bred in this vale, to which he appertained<br> +With all his ancestry. Then peace to him,<br> +And for the outrage which he had devised<br> +Entire forgiveness!—But if thou art one <br> +On fire with thy impatience to become<br> +An inmate of these mountains,—if, disturbed<br> +By beautiful conceptions, thou hast hewn<br> +Out of the quiet rock the elements<br> +Of thy trim Mansion destined soon to blaze <br> +In snow-white splendour,—think again; and, taught<br> +By old Sir William and his quarry, leave<br> +Thy fragments to the bramble and the rose;<br> +There let the vernal slow-worm sun himself,<br> +And let the redbreast hop from stone to stone.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocA">Contents</a> </td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr5v1"></a><a href="#5v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5v2"></a><a href="#5v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr5v3"></a><a href="#5v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5v4"></a><a href="#5v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5v5"></a><a href="#5v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5v6"></a><a href="#5v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5v7"></a><a href="#5v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr5B"></a><a href="#5B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="5v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Is not a ruin of the ancient time,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... antique ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which was to have been built </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of some old British warrior: so, to speak<br> + The honest truth, 'tis neither more nor less<br> + Than the rude germ of what was to have been<br> + A pleasure-house, and built upon this isle.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the Knight forthwith</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of the ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Bred here, and to this valley appertained</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1798.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr5v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... glory, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr5v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br><hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="5A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In a MS. copy this is given as "the lesser Island."—Ed</span>.<br> +<a href="#section5">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="5B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Wordsworth'</span>s + +<blockquote>"objections to white, as a colour, in +large spots or masses in landscape," </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">in his <i>Guide through the +district of the Lakes</i> (section third).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr5B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocA">1798 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1798</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2b">1799</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2b"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1799</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocB">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section6">1799</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section7">Influence of Natural Objects in calling forth and strengthening the Imagination in Boyhood and Early Youth</a></li> +<li><a href="#section8">The Simplon Pass</a></li> +<li><a href="#section9">Nutting</a></li> +<li><a href="#section10">Written in Germany, on one of the Coldest Days of the Century</a></li> +<li><a href="#section11">A Poet's Epitaph</a></li> +<li><a href="#section12">"Strange fits of passion have I known"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section13">"She dwelt among the untrodden ways"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section14">"I travelled among unknown men"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section15">"Three years she grew in sun and shower"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section16">"A slumber did my spirit seal"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section17">Address to the Scholars of the Village School of ——</a></li> +<li><a href="#section18">Matthew</a></li> +<li><a href="#section19">The Two April Mornings</a></li> +<li><a href="#section20">The Fountain</a></li> +<li><a href="#section21">To a Sexton</a></li> +<li><a href="#section22">The Danish Boy</a></li> +<li><a href="#section23">Lucy Gray; or, Solitude</a></li> +<li><a href="#section24">Ruth</a></li> +</ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h2><a name="section6"></a>1799</h2> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The poems belonging to the year 1799 were chiefly, if not wholly, +composed at Goslar, in Germany; and all, with three exceptions, appeared +in the second edition of <i>Lyrical Ballads</i> (1800). The exceptions were +the following:</span> +<ul> + <li><span style="color: #555555;">The lyric beginning, "I travelled among unknown men," which was first + published in the "Poems" of 1807;</span></li> + + <li><span style="color: #555555;">and two fragments from <i>The Prelude</i>, viz. <i>The Influence of + Natural Objects</i> (which appeared in <i>The Friend</i> in 1809), and + <i>The Simplon Pass</i> (first published in the 8vo edition of the + Poems in 1845).</span></li> +</ul> +<span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth reached Goslar on the 6th of October 1798, and left it on the +10th of February 1799. It is impossible to determine the precise order +in which the nineteen or twenty poems associated with that city were +composed. But it is certain that the fragment on the immortal boy of +Windermere —whom its cliffs and islands knew so well—was written in +1798, and not in 1799 (as Wordsworth himself states); because Coleridge +sent a letter to his friend, thanking him for a MS. copy of these lines, +and commenting on them, of which the date is "Ratzeburg, Dec. 10, 1798." +For obvious reasons, however, I place the fragments originally meant to +be parts of <i>The Recluse</i> together; and, since Wordsworth gave the +date 1799 to the others, it would be gratuitous to suppose that he erred +in reference to them all, because we know that his memory failed him in +reference to one of the series. Therefore, although he spent more than +twice as many days in 1798 as in 1799 at Goslar, I set down this group +of poems as belonging to 1799, rather than to the previous year. It will +be seen that, after placing all the poems of this Goslar period in the +year to which they belong, it is possible also to group them according +to their subject matter, without violating chronological order. I +therefore put the fragments, afterwards incorporated in <i>The +Prelude</i>, together. These are naturally followed by <i>Nutting</i>—a +poem intended for <i>The Prelude</i>, but afterwards excluded, as +inappropriate. The five poems referring to "Lucy" are placed in +sequence, and the same is done with the four "Matthew" poems. A small +group of four poems follows appropriately, viz. <i>To a Sexton, The +Danish Boy, Lucy Gray</i>, and <i>Ruth</i>; while the Fenwick note +almost necessitates our placing the <i>Poet's Epitaph</i> immediately +after the Lines <i>Written in Germany</i>; and, with Wordsworth's life +at Goslar, we naturally associate five things—the cold winter, <i>The +Prelude</i>, the "Lucy" and the "Matthew" poems, and the <i>Poet's +Epitaph</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section7"></a>Influence of Natural Objects in calling forth and strengthening the Imagination in Boyhood and Early Youth</h2> + +<i>From an Unpublished Poem</i><br> +<br> +[This extract is reprinted from <i>The Friend</i><a href="#7A"><sup>A</sup></a>.]<br> +<br> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1809</h4> + + +<span style="color: #555555;">It was included by Wordsworth among the "Poems referring to the Period +of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section7a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Wisdom and Spirit of the universe! <br> +Thou Soul, that art the Eternity of thought!<br> +And giv'st to forms and images a breath<br> +And everlasting motion! not in vain,<br> +By day or star-light, thus from my first dawn <br> +Of childhood didst thou intertwine for me<br> +The passions that build up our human soul;<br> +Not with the mean and vulgar works of Man:<br> +But with high objects, with enduring things,<br> +With life and nature: purifying thus <br> +The elements of feeling and of thought,<br> +And sanctifying by such discipline<br> +Both pain and fear,—until we recognise<br> +A grandeur in the beatings of the heart.<br><br> + + Nor was this fellowship vouchsafed to me <br> +With stinted kindness. In November days,<br> +When vapours rolling down the valleys made<br> +A lonely scene more lonesome; among woods<br> +At noon; and 'mid the calm of summer nights,<br> +When, by the margin of the trembling lake, <br> +Beneath the gloomy hills, homeward I went<br> +In solitude, such intercourse was mine:<br> +Mine was it in the fields both day and night,<br> +And by the waters, all the summer long.<br> +And in the frosty season, when the sun <br> +Was set, and, visible for many a mile,<br> +The cottage-windows through the twilight blazed,<br> +I heeded not the summons: happy time<br> +It was indeed for all of us; for me<br> +It was a time of rapture! Clear and loud <br> +The village-clock tolled six—I wheeled about,<br> +Proud and exulting like an untired horse<br> +That cares not for his home.—All shod with steel<br> +We hissed along the polished ice, in games<br> +Confederate, imitative of the chase <br> +And woodland pleasures,—the resounding horn,<br> +The pack loud-chiming, and the hunted hare.<br> +So through the darkness and the cold we flew,<br> +And not a voice was idle: with the din<br> +Smitten, the precipices rang aloud; <br> +The leafless trees and every icy crag<br> +Tinkled like iron; while far-distant hills<br> +Into the tumult sent an alien sound<br> +Of melancholy, not unnoticed while the stars,<br> +Eastward, were sparkling clear, and in the west <br> +The orange sky of evening died away.<br><br> + + Not seldom from the uproar I retired<br> +Into a silent bay, or sportively<br> +Glanced sideway, leaving the tumultuous throng,<br> +To cut across the reflex of a star; <br> +Image, that, flying still before me, gleamed<br> +Upon the glassy plain: and oftentimes,<br> +When we had given our bodies to the wind,<br> +And all the shadowy banks on either side<br> +Came sweeping through the darkness, spinning still <br> +The rapid line of motion, then at once<br> +Have I, reclining back upon my heels,<br> +Stopped short; yet still the solitary cliffs<br> +Wheeled by me—even as if the earth had rolled<br> +With visible motion her diurnal round! <br> +Behind me did they stretch in solemn train,<br> +Feebler and feebler, and I stood and watched<br> +Till all was tranquil as a summer sea.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v1"></a><a href="#7v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v2"></a><a href="#7v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v3"></a><a href="#7v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v4"></a><a href="#7v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v5"></a><a href="#7v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v6"></a><a href="#7v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v7"></a><a href="#7v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v8"></a><a href="#7v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v9"></a><a href="#7v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v10"></a><a href="#7v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v11"></a><a href="#7v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v12"></a><a href="#7v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v13"></a><a href="#7v13">13</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr7v14"></a><a href="#7v14">14</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="7v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1809</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That givest ... </blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Nor ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1809</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... valley ... </blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... I homeward went</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> 'Twas mine among the fields ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1809</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... blazed through twilight gloom,</blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... to me </blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... car'd not for its home— ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... cares not ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... loud bellowing ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Meanwhile ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... while the distant hills</blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> To cut across the image ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1809</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>To cross the bright reflection ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That gleam'd upon the ice; and oftentimes </blockquote></td> + <td>1809 (This line occupied the place <br> + of lines 51-52 of the final text.)</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That fled, and, flying still before me, gleamed<br> + Upon the glassy plain; and oftentimes,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <i>The Prelude</i>, 1850.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="7v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1809</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... as a dreamless sleep.</blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr7v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="7A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The title of the fragment, as it appeared in <i>The Friend</i>, +No. 19, (Dec. 28, 1809,) was <i>Growth of Genius from the Influences of +Natural Objects on the Imagination, in Boyhood and Early Youth</i>. It +first appeared in Wordsworth's <i>Poems</i> in the edition of 1815. It was +afterwards included in the first book of <i>The Prelude</i>, l. 401.<br> +<br> +The lake referred to with its "silent bays" and "shadowy banks" is that +of Esthwaite; the village clock is that of Hawkshead (see the footnotes +to <i>The Prelude</i>). The only physical accomplishment in which Wordsworth +thought he excelled was skating, an accomplishment in which his brother +poet and acquaintance, Klopstock, also excelled.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section7">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section8"></a>The Simplon Pass<a href="#8A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1845</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br><hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td> —Brook and road <br> +Were fellow-travellers in this gloomy Pass,<br> +And with them did we journey several hours<br> +At a slow step. The immeasurable height<br> +Of woods decaying, never to be decayed, <br> +The stationary blasts of waterfalls,<br> +And in the narrow rent, at every turn,<br> +Winds thwarting winds bewildered and forlorn,<br> +The torrents shooting from the clear blue sky,<br> +The rocks that muttered close upon our ears, <br> +Black drizzling crags that spake by the wayside<br> +As if a voice were in them, the sick sight<br> +And giddy prospect of the raving stream,<br> +The unfettered clouds and region of the heavens,<br> +Tumult and peace, the darkness and the light— <br> +Were all like workings of one mind, the features<br> +Of the same face, blossoms upon one tree,<br> +Characters of the great Apocalypse,<br> +The types and symbols of Eternity,<br> +Of first, and last, and midst, and without end.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr8v1"></a><a href="#8v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr8v2"></a><a href="#8v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="8v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... gloomy strait,</blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr8v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="8v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... pace ...</blockquote></td> + <td><i>The Prelude</i>, 1850</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr8v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="8A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> This is an extract from the sixth book of <i>The Prelude</i>, l. +621. It refers to Wordsworth's first experience of Switzerland, when he +crossed the Alps by the Simplon route, in 1790, in company with his +friend Robert Jones.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section8">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section9"></a>Nutting</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section9a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany; intended as part of a poem on my own life, but +struck out as not being wanted there. Like most of my schoolfellows I +was an impassioned Nutter. For this pleasure, the Vale of Esthwaite, +abounding in coppice wood, furnished a very wide range. These verses +arose out of the remembrance of feelings I had often had when a boy, and +particularly in the extensive woods that still stretch from the side of +Esthwaite Lake towards Graythwaite, the seat of the ancient family of +Sandys.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section9a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td> —It seems a day <br> +(I speak of one from many singled out)<br> +One of those heavenly days that cannot die;<br> +When, in the eagerness of boyish hope,<br> +I left our cottage-threshold, sallying forth <br> +With a huge wallet o'er my shoulders slung,<br> +A nutting-crook in hand; and turned my steps<br> +Tow'rd some far-distant wood, a Figure quaint,<br> +Tricked out in proud disguise of cast-off weeds<br> +Which for that service had been husbanded, <br> +By exhortation of my frugal Dame—<br> +Motley accoutrement, of power to smile<br> +At thorns, and brakes, and brambles,—and, in truth,<br> +More ragged than need was! O'er pathless rocks,<br> +Through beds of matted fern, and tangled thickets, <br> +Forcing my way, I came to one dear nook<br> +Unvisited, where not a broken bough<br> +Drooped with its withered leaves, ungracious sign<br> +Of devastation; but the hazels rose<br> +Tall and erect, with tempting clusters hung, <br> +A virgin scene!—A little while I stood,<br> +Breathing with such suppression of the heart<br> +As joy delights in; and, with wise restraint<br> +Voluptuous, fearless of a rival, eyed<br> +The banquet;—or beneath the trees I sate <br> +Among the flowers, and with the flowers I played;<br> +A temper known to those, who, after long<br> +And weary expectation, have been blest<br> +With sudden happiness beyond all hope.<br> +Perhaps it was a bower beneath whose leaves <br> +The violets of five seasons re-appear<br> +And fade, unseen by any human eye;<br> +Where fairy water-breaks do murmur on<br> +For ever; and I saw the sparkling foam,<br> +And—with my cheek on one of those green stones <br> +That, fleeced with moss, under the shady trees,<br> +Lay round me, scattered like a flock of sheep—<br> +I heard the murmur and the murmuring sound,<br> +In that sweet mood when pleasure loves to pay<br> +Tribute to ease; and, of its joy secure, <br> +The heart luxuriates with indifferent things,<br> +Wasting its kindliness on stocks and stones,<br> +And on the vacant air. Then up I rose,<br> +And dragged to earth both branch and bough, with crash<br> +And merciless ravage: and the shady nook <br> +Of hazels, and the green and mossy bower,<br> +Deformed and sullied, patiently gave up<br> +Their quiet being: and, unless I now<br> +Confound my present feelings with the past;<br> +Ere from the mutilated bower I turned <br> +Exulting, rich beyond the wealth of kings,<br> +I felt a sense of pain when I beheld<br> +The silent trees, and saw the intruding sky.—<br> +Then, dearest Maiden, move along these shades<br> +In gentleness of heart; with gentle hand <br> +Touch—for there is a spirit in the woods.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#9n1">Note</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v1"></a><a href="#9v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr9v2"></a><a href="#9v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr9v3"></a><a href="#9v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr9v4"></a><a href="#9v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr9v5"></a><a href="#9v5">5</a><br> +<a name="fr9v6"></a><a href="#9v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v7"></a><a href="#9v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v8"></a><a href="#9v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v9"></a><a href="#9v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v10"></a><a href="#9v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v11"></a><a href="#9v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9v12"></a><a href="#9v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr9A"></a><a href="#9A">A</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="9v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This line was added in the edition of 1827.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> When forth I sallied from our cottage-door, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And with a wallet o'er my shoulder slung,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With a huge wallet o'er my shoulder slung,</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... I turn'd ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Towards the distant woods, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Toward ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... of Beggar's weeds<br> + Put on for the occasion, by advice<br> + And exhortation ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Among the woods,<br> + And o'er the pathless rocks, I forc'd my way<br> + Until, at length, I came ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... milk-white clusters ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... beneath ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Even then, when from the bower I turn'd away, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="9v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and the intruding sky.—</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr9v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="9A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> The house at which I was boarded during the time I was at +School.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr9A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="9n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555;">The woods round Esthwaite Lake have undergone considerable change since +Wordsworth's school-days at Hawkshead; but hazel coppice is still +abundant to the south and west of the Lake.—Ed.</span></span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section10"></a>Written in Germany, on one of the Coldest Days of the Century</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section10a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +I must apprize the Reader that the stoves in North Germany generally +have the impression of a galloping Horse upon them, this being part of +the Brunswick Arms.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<a name="10f1"></a><span style="color: #663300;">[A bitter winter it was when these verses were composed by the side of +my sister, in our lodgings at a draper's house, in the romantic imperial +town of Goslar, on the edge of the Hartz Forest. In this town the German +emperors of the Franconian Line were accustomed to keep their court, and +it retains vestiges of ancient splendour. So severe was the cold of this +winter, that when we passed out of the parlour warmed by the stove, our +cheeks were struck by the air as by cold iron. I slept in a room over a +passage that was not ceiled. The people of the house used to say rather +unfeelingly, that they expected I should be frozen to death some night; +but with the protection of a pelisse lined with fur, and a dog's skin +bonnet, such as was worn by the peasants, I walked daily on the +ramparts, or on a sort of public ground or garden, in which was a pond. +Here I had no companion but a kingfisher, a beautiful creature that used +to glance by me. I consequently became much attached to it. During these +walks I composed the poem that follows, <i>A Poet's Epitaph</i>.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<a href="#fr11n1">return to <i>note</i> after <i>The Poet's Epitaph</i>.</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection." Wordsworth originally +gave to this poem the title "The Fly," but erased it before +publication.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section10a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>A plague on your languages, German and Norse! <br> +Let me have the song of the kettle;<br> +And the tongs and the poker, instead of that horse<br> +That gallops away with such fury and force<br> +On this dreary dull plate of black metal. <br> +<br> +See that Fly,—a disconsolate creature! perhaps<br> +A child of the field or the grove;<br> +And, sorrow for him! the dull treacherous heat<br> +Has seduced the poor fool from his winter retreat,<br> +And he creeps to the edge of my stove. <br> + <br> +Alas! how he fumbles about the domains<br> +Which this comfortless oven environ!<br> +He cannot find out in what track he must crawl,<br> +Now back to the tiles, then in search of the wall,<br> +And now on the brink of the iron. <br> + <br> +Stock-still there he stands like a traveller bemazed:<br> +The best of his skill he has tried;<br> +His feelers, methinks, I can see him put forth<br> +To the east and the west, to the south and the north<br> +But he finds neither guide-post nor guide. <br> + <br> +His spindles sink under him, foot, leg, and thigh!<br> +His eyesight and hearing are lost;<br> +Between life and death his blood freezes and thaws;<br> +And his two pretty pinions of blue dusky gauze<br> +Are glued to his sides by the frost. <br> + <br> +No brother, no mate has he near him—while I<br> +Can draw warmth from the cheek of my Love;<br> +As blest and as glad, in this desolate gloom,<br> +As if green summer grass were the floor of my room,<br> +And woodbines were hanging above. <br> + <br> +Yet, God is my witness, thou small helpless Thing!<br> +Thy life I would gladly sustain<br> +Till summer come up from the south, and with crowds<br> +Of thy brethren a march thou should'st sound through the clouds.<br> +And back to the forests again!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr10v1"></a><a href="#10v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr10v2"></a><a href="#10v2">2</a><br><a name="fr10v3"></a><a href="#10v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr10v4"></a><a href="#10v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr10v5"></a><a href="#10v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr10v6"></a><a href="#10v6">6</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr10v7"></a><a href="#10v7">7</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr10v8"></a><a href="#10v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr10v9"></a><a href="#10v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr10v10"></a><a href="#10v10">10</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="10v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A fig for ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> On his ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1837 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr10v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Our earth is no doubt made of excellent stuff,<br> + But her pulses beat slower and slower,<br> + The weather in Forty was cutting and rough,<br> + And then, as Heaven knows, the glass stood low enough,<br> + And <i>now</i> it is four degrees lower.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza occurs only in the editions of 1800 to 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr10v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Here's a Fly, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and not back to the wall, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... and the South ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>See! his spindles ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>How his spindles ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... no Friend ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No brother has he, no companion, while I </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="10v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... comes ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr10v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section11"></a>A Poet's Epitaph</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + + <span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="sectionxa"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Art thou a Statist in the van <br> +Of public conflicts trained and bred?<br> +—First learn to love one living man;<br> +<i>Then</i> may'st thou think upon the dead.<br><br> + +A Lawyer art thou?—draw not nigh! <br> +Go, carry to some fitter place<br> +The keenness of that practised eye,<br> +The hardness of that sallow face.<br><br> + +Art thou a Man of purple cheer?<br> +A rosy Man, right plump to see? <br> +Approach; yet, Doctor, not too near,<br> +This grave no cushion is for thee.<br><br> + +Or art thou one of gallant pride,<br> +A Soldier and no man of chaff?<br> +Welcome!—but lay thy sword aside, <br> +And lean upon a peasant's staff.<br><br> + +Physician art thou?—one, all eyes,<br> +Philosopher!—a fingering slave,<br> +One that would peep and botanize<br> +Upon his mother's grave? <br> + <br> +Wrapt closely in thy sensual fleece,<br> +O turn aside,—and take, I pray,<br> +That he below may rest in peace,<br> +Thy ever-dwindling soul, away!<br><br> + +A Moralist perchance appears; <br> +Led, Heaven knows how! to this poor sod:<br> +And he has neither eyes nor ears;<br> +Himself his world, and his own God;<br><br> + +One to whose smooth-rubbed soul can cling<br> +Nor form, nor feeling, great or small; <br> +A reasoning, self-sufficing thing,<br> +An intellectual All-in-all!<br><br> + +Shut close the door; press down the latch;<br> +Sleep in thy intellectual crust;<br> +Nor lose ten tickings of thy watch <br> +Near this unprofitable dust.<br><br> + +But who is He, with modest looks,<br> +And clad in homely russet brown?<br> +He murmurs near the running brooks<br> +A music sweeter than their own. <br><br> + +He is retired as noontide dew,<br> +Or fountain in a noon-day grove;<br> +And you must love him, ere to you<br> +He will seem worthy of your love.<br><br> + +The outward shows of sky and earth, <br> +Of hill and valley, he has viewed;<br> +And impulses of deeper birth<br> +Have come to him in solitude.<br><br> + +In common things that round us lie<br> +Some random truths he can impart,— <br> +The harvest of a quiet eye<br> +That broods and sleeps on his own heart.<br><br> + +But he is weak; both Man and Boy,<br> +Hath been an idler in the land;<br> +Contented if he might enjoy <br> +The things which others understand.<br><br> + +—Come hither in thy hour of strength;<br> +Come, weak as is a breaking wave!<br> +Here stretch thy body at full length;<br> +Or build thy house upon this grave.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#11n1">Note</a> </td> + <td><a name="fr11v1"></a><a href="#11v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr11v2"></a><a href="#11v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr11v3"></a><a href="#11v3">3</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr11v4"></a><a href="#11v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr11v5"></a><a href="#11v5">5</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr11v6"></a><a href="#11v6">6</a><br> +<a name="fr11v7"></a><a href="#11v7">7</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr11A"></a><a href="#11A">A</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr11B"></a><a href="#11B">B</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="11v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Statesman, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of public business ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... to some other place<br> + The hardness of thy coward eye,<br> + The falsehood of thy sallow face. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Art thou a man of gallant pride,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Thy pin-point of a soul away!</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That abject thing, thy soul, away!</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... nor ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr11v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... self-sufficient ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1815 returns to the text of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr11v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="11A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">D. D., not M. D. The physician is referred to in the fifth +stanza.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr11A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="11B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Thomson's description of the Bard, in his <i>Castle +of Indolence</i> (canto ii., stanza xxxiii.):</span> + + <blockquote>'He came, the bard, a little Druid wight,<br> + Of withered aspect; but his eye was keen,<br> + With sweetness mixed. In russet brown bedight,<br> + He crept along, etc.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr11B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fr11n1"></a><a name="11n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">See</span> <a href="#10f1">the Fenwick note</a> t<span style="color: #555555;">o the poem, <i>Written in Germany, on one of the +coldest Days of the Century</i> (p. 73). </span> + +<blockquote>"The <i>Poet's Epitaph</i> is +disfigured to my taste by the common satire upon parsons and lawyers in +the beginning, and the coarse epithet of "pin-point," in the sixth +stanza. All the rest is eminently good, and your own."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Charles Lamb to +William Wordsworth, January 1801.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section12"></a>"Strange fits of passion have I known"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany, 1799.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections." In MS. Wordsworth gave, as +the title, "A Reverie," but erased it.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Strange fits of passion have I known: <br> +And I will dare to tell,<br> +But in the Lover's ear alone,<br> +What once to me befel.<br><br> + +When she I loved looked every day <br> +Fresh as a rose in June,<br> +I to her cottage bent my way,<br> +Beneath an evening moon.<br><br> + +Upon the moon I fixed my eye,<br> +All over the wide lea; <br> +With quickening pace my horse drew nigh<br> +Those paths so dear to me.<br><br> + +And now we reached the orchard-plot;<br> +And, as we climbed the hill,<br> +The sinking moon to Lucy's cot <br> +Came near, and nearer still.<br><br> + +In one of those sweet dreams I slept,<br> +Kind Nature's gentlest boon!<br> +And all the while my eyes I kept<br> +On the descending moon. <br><br> + +My horse moved on; hoof after hoof<br> +He raised, and never stopped:<br> +When down behind the cottage roof,<br> +At once, the bright moon dropped.<br><br> + +What fond and wayward thoughts will slide <br> +Into a Lover's head!<br> +"O mercy!" to myself I cried,<br> +"If Lucy should be dead!"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr12v1"></a><a href="#12v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr12v2"></a><a href="#12v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr12v3"></a><a href="#12v3">3</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr12v4"></a><a href="#12v4">4</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr12v5"></a><a href="#12v5">5</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr12v6"></a><a href="#12v6">6</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="12v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... I have known,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="12v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> When she I lov'd, was strong and gay<br> + And like a rose in June,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="12v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="12v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My horse trudg'd on, and we drew nigh</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="12v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Towards the roof of Lucy's cot<br> + The moon descended still<a href="#12fa"><sup>a</sup></a>. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="12v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the planet dropp'd. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr12v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="12fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the lines in Arthur Hugh Clough's poem, <i>The +Stream of Life</i>:</span> + + <blockquote>'And houses stand on either hand<br> + And thou descendest still.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#12v5">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section13"></a>"She dwelt among the untrodden ways"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections." In the edition of 1800 it +is entitled <i>Song.—Ed.</i></span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>She dwelt among the untrodden ways<br> +Beside the springs of Dove,<br> +A Maid whom there were none to praise<br> + And very few to love:<br><br> + +A violet by a mossy stone <br> + Half hidden from the eye!<br> +—Fair as a star, when only one<br> + Is shining in the sky.<br><br> + +She lived unknown, and few could know<br> + When Lucy ceased to be; <br> +But she is in her grave, and, oh,<br> + The difference to me!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr13v1"></a><a href="#13v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr13v2"></a><a href="#13v2">2</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="13v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A very few ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of the edition of 1805 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr13v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="13v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> The word "lived" was italicised in the edition of 1800 +only.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr13v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section14"></a>"I travelled among unknown men"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.-Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I travelled among unknown men,<br> + In lands beyond the sea;<br> +Nor, England! did I know till then<br> + What love I bore to thee.<br><br> + +'Tis past, that melancholy dream! <br> + Nor will I quit thy shore<br> +A second time; for still I seem<br> + To love thee more and more.<br><br> + +Among thy mountains did I feel<br> + The joy of my desire; <br> +And she I cherished turned her wheel<br> + Beside an English fire.<br><br> + +Thy mornings showed, thy nights concealed<br> + The bowers where Lucy played;<br> +And thine too is the last green field <br> + That Lucy's eyes surveyed.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr14v1"></a><a href="#14v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr14v2"></a><a href="#14v2">2</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr14A"></a><a href="#14A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="14v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The gladness of desire; </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr14v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="14v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And thine is, too, the last green field<br> + Which ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr14v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="14A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Sara Coleridge's comment on this poem in the +<i>Biographia Literaria</i> (1847), vol. ii. chap. ix. p. 173. Also Mrs. +Oliphant's remarks in her <i>Literary History of the Nineteenth Century</i>, +vol. i. pp. 306-9.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr14A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section15"></a>"Three years she grew in sun and shower"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section15a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[1799. Composed in the Hartz Forest.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination." It has no title in any edition, +but from 1820 to 1836 the second page occupied by the poem is headed +"Lucy." In the editions of 1836 to 1843 it is called "Lucy" in the list +of contents.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section15a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Three years she grew in sun and shower,<br> +Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower<br> +On earth was never sown;<br> +This Child I to myself will take;<br> +She shall be mine, and I will make <br> +A Lady of my own.<br><br> + +"Myself will to my darling be<br> +Both law and impulse: and with me<br> +The Girl, in rock and plain,<br> +In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, <br> +Shall feel an overseeing power<br> +To kindle or restrain.<br><br> + +"She shall be sportive as the fawn<br> +That wild with glee across the lawn<br> +Or up the mountain springs; <br> +And her's shall be the breathing balm,<br> +And her's the silence and the calm<br> +Of mute insensate things.<br><br> + +"The floating clouds their state shall lend<br> +To her; for her the willow bend; <br> +Nor shall she fail to see<br> +Even in the motions of the Storm<br> +Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form<br> +By silent sympathy.<br><br> + +"The stars of midnight shall be dear <br> +To her; and she shall lean her ear<br> +In many a secret place<br> +Where rivulets dance their wayward round,<br> +And beauty born of murmuring sound<br> +Shall pass into her face. <br><br> + +"And vital feelings of delight<br> +Shall rear her form to stately height,<br> +Her virgin bosom swell;<br> +Such thoughts to Lucy I will give<br> +While she and I together live <br> +Here in this happy dell."<br><br> + +Thus Nature spake—The work was done—<br> +How soon my Lucy's race was run!<br> +She died, and left to me<br> +This heath, this calm, and quiet scene; <br> +The memory of what has been,<br> +And never more will be.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr15v1"></a><a href="#15v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr15v2"></a><a href="#15v2">2</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr15A"></a><a href="#15A">A</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr15B"></a><a href="#15B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="15v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Her Teacher I myself will be, + She is my darling;— ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1801, and the edition of 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1805 returns to the text of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr15v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="15v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +A reading—printed in the edition of 1800, but replaced in its list of +<i>errata</i> by that given in the text—may be quoted here, +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> A beauty that shall mould her form ...</td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr15v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="15A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Dryden's <i>Indian Emperor</i>, iv. 3.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr15A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="15B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">On Oct 9, 1800, S. T. Coleridge, in writing to Sir Humphry +Davy of his own <i>Christabel</i>, said, </span> + + <blockquote>"I would rather have written <i>Ruth</i>, and <i>Nature's Lady</i>, than a + million such poems."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This poem was printed in <i>The Morning Post</i>, March 2nd, 1801.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr15B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section16"></a>"A slumber did my spirit seal"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;"><a name="fr16A"></a>Included among the "Poems of the Imagination."<a href="#16A"><sup>A</sup></a>—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>A slumber did my spirit seal;<br> + I had no human fears:<br> +She seemed a thing that could not feel<br> + The touch of earthly years.<br><br> + +No motion has she now, no force;<br> + She neither hears nor sees;<br> +Rolled round in earth's diurnal course,<br> + With rocks, and stones, and trees.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr16B"></a><a href="#16B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="16A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">It was one of the "Lucy" Poems. In his instructions to the +printer in 1807, Wordsworth told him to insert "I travelled among +unknown men" after "A slumber did my spirit seal."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr16A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="16B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Suckling's <i>Fragmenta Aurea</i> (The Tragedy of +Brennoralt), p. 170, edition 1658.</span> + + <blockquote>Heavens! shall this fresh ornament of the world,<br> + These precious love-lines, pass with other common things,<br> + Amongst the wastes of time? What pity 'twere. </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr15B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section17"></a>Address to the Scholars of the Village School of ——</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1798 or 1799.—Published 1842</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed at Goslar, in Germany.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">First published in "Poems, chiefly of Early and Late Years," and +included, in 1845, among the "Epitaphs and Elegiac Pieces."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I come, ye little noisy Crew,<br> +Not long your pastime to prevent;<br> +I heard the blessing which to you<br> +Our common Friend and Father sent.<br> +I kissed his cheek before he died; <br> +And when his breath was fled,<br> +I raised, while kneeling by his side,<br> +His hand:—it dropped like lead.<br> +Your hands, dear Little-ones, do all<br> +That can be done, will never fall <br> +Like his till they are dead.<br> +By night or day blow foul or fair,<br> +Ne'er will the best of all your train<br> +Play with the locks of his white hair,<br> +Or stand between his knees again. <br> +<br> + Here did he sit confined for hours;<br> +But he could see the woods and plains,<br> +Could hear the wind and mark the showers<br> +Come streaming down the streaming panes.<br> +Now stretched beneath his grass-green mound <br> +He rests a prisoner of the ground.<br> +He loved the breathing air,<br> +He loved the sun, but if it rise<br> +Or set, to him where now he lies,<br> +Brings not a moment's care. <br><br> + +Alas! what idle words; but take<br> +The Dirge which for our Master's sake<br> +And yours, love prompted me to make.<br> +The rhymes so homely in attire<br> +With learned ears may ill agree, <br> +But chanted by your Orphan Quire<br> +Will make a touching melody.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dirge</b><br><br> + +Mourn, Shepherd, near thy old grey stone;<br> +Thou Angler, by the silent flood;<br> +And mourn when thou art all alone, <br> +Thou Woodman, in the distant wood!<br><br> + +Thou one blind Sailor, rich in joy<br> +Though blind, thy tunes in sadness hum;<br> +And mourn, thou poor half-witted Boy!<br> +Born deaf, and living deaf and dumb. <br><br> + +Thou drooping sick Man, bless the Guide<br> +Who checked or turned thy headstrong youth,<br> +As he before had sanctified<br> +Thy infancy with heavenly truth.<br><br> + +Ye Striplings, light of heart and gay, <br> +Bold settlers on some foreign shore,<br> +Give, when your thoughts are turned this way,<br> +A sigh to him whom we deplore.<br><br> + +For us who here in funeral strain<br> +With one accord our voices raise, <br> +Let sorrow overcharged with pain<br> +Be lost in thankfulness and praise.<br><br> + +And when our hearts shall feel a sting<br> +From ill we meet or good we miss,<br> +May touches of his memory bring <br> +Fond healing, like a mother's kiss.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>By the Side of the Grave Some Years After</b><br><br> + +Long time his pulse hath ceased to beat;<br> +But benefits, his gift, we trace—<br> +Expressed in every eye we meet<br> +Round this dear Vale, his native place. <br><br> + +To stately Hall and Cottage rude<br> +Flowed from his life what still they hold,<br> +Light pleasures, every day, renewed;<br> +And blessings half a century old.<br><br> + +Oh true of heart, of spirit gay,<br> +Thy faults, where not already gone<br> +From memory, prolong their stay<br> +For charity's sweet sake alone.<br><br> + +Such solace find we for our loss;<br> +And what beyond this thought we crave<br> +Comes in the promise from the Cross,<br> +Shining upon thy happy grave.<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#17n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br><br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br><br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +70<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="17n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">To this poem, when first published in the "Poems of Early and Late +Years" (1842), Wordsworth appended the note, </span> + +<blockquote>"See, upon the subject of +the three foregoing pieces, <i>The Fountain</i> [p. 91], etc. etc. in +the fifth volume of the Author's Poems." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">He thus connects it with the +poems referring to Matthew in such a way that it may be said to belong +to that series; and, while he assigned it to the year 1798, both in the +edition of 1845, and in that of 1849-50, it is quite possible that it +was written in 1799. "The village school" was the Grammar School of +Hawkshead, where Wordsworth spent his boyhood; and the schoolmaster was +the Rev. William Taylor, M. A., Emmanuel College, Cambridge, who was the +third of the four masters who taught in it during Wordsworth's residence +there. He was master from 1782 to 1786. Just before his death he sent +for the upper boys of the school (amongst whom was Wordsworth), and +calling them into his room, took leave of them with a solemn blessing. +This farewell doubtless suggested the lines:</span> + + <blockquote> the blessing which to you<br> + Our common Friend and Father sent.</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Mr. Taylor was buried in Cartmell Churchyard. In <i>The Prelude</i>, +Wordsworth writes of him as "an honoured teacher of my youth;" and there +describes, with some minuteness, a visit to his grave. (See book x. l. +532.) It will be seen, however, from the Fenwick note to <a href="#section18"><i>Matthew</i></a>, that +the Hawkshead Schoolmaster, like the Wanderer in <i>The Excursion</i>, was +"made up of several both of his class and men of other occupations;" but +of the four masters who taught Wordsworth at Hawkshead—Peake, +Christian, Taylor, and Bowman—Taylor was far the ablest, the most +interesting, and the most beloved by the boys, and it was doubtless the +memory of this man that gave rise to the above poem, and the four which +follow it. He was but thirty-two years old when he died, 12th June, +1786. This fact, taken in connection with line 14 of the <i>Address</i>, may +illustrate the composite character of <i>Matthew.—Ed.</i></span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section18"></a>Matthew</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section18a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +In the School of—is a tablet on which are inscribed, in gilt letters, +the names of the several persons who have been Schoolmasters there since +the foundation of the School, with the time at which they entered upon +and quitted their office. Opposite one of those names the Author wrote +the following lines.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<a name="fr18A"></a><span style="color: #663300;">[Such a tablet as is here spoken of continued to be preserved in +Hawkshead School, though the inscriptions were not brought down to our +time. This, and other poems connected with Matthew, would not gain by a +literal detail of facts. Like the Wanderer in <i>The Excursion</i> this +Schoolmaster was made up of several, both of his class and men of other +occupations. I do not ask pardon for what there is of untruth in such +verses, considered strictly as matters of fact. It is enough, if, being +true and consistent in spirit, they move and teach in a manner not +unworthy of a Poet's calling.—I. F.]<a href="#18A"><sup>A</sup></a></span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the editions of 1800 to 1820 this poem had no title except the note +prefixed to it above, although in the Table of Contents it was called +<i>Lines written on a Tablet in a School</i>. From 1820-32 "Matthew" is +the page heading, though there is no title. In the editions of 1827 and +1832 it was named, in the Table of Contents, by its first line, "If +Nature, for a favourite child." In 1837 it was entitled <i>Matthew</i>. +It was included among the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection." The +Tablet, with the names of the Masters inscribed on it, still exists in +Hawkshead School.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="section18a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>If Nature, for a favourite child,<br> +In thee hath tempered so her clay,<br> +That every hour thy heart runs wild,<br> +Yet never once doth go astray,<br><br> + +Read o'er these lines; and then review <br> +This tablet, that thus humbly rears<br> +In such diversity of hue<br> +Its history of two hundred years.<br><br> + +—When through this little wreck of fame,<br> +Cipher and syllable! thine eye <br> +Has travelled down to Matthew's name,<br> +Pause with no common sympathy.<br><br> + +And; if a sleeping tear should wake,<br> +Then be it neither checked nor stayed:<br> +For Matthew a request I make <br> +Which for himself he had not made.<br><br> + +Poor Matthew, all his frolics o'er,<br> +Is silent as a standing pool;<br> +Far from the chimney's merry roar,<br> +And murmur of the village school.<br><br> + +The sighs which Matthew heaved were sighs<br> +Of one tired out with fun and madness;<br> +The tears which came to Matthew's eyes<br> +Were tears of light, the dew of gladness.<br><br> + +Yet, sometimes, when the secret cup <br> +Of still and serious thought went round,<br> +It seemed as if he drank it up—<br> +He felt with spirit so profound.<br><br> + +—Thou soul of God's best earthly mould!<br> +Thou happy Soul! and can it be <br> +That these two words of glittering gold<br> +Are all that must remain of thee?<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr18v1"></a><a href="#18v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr18v2"></a><a href="#18v2">2</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="18v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the oil ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr18v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="18v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... to thee?</blockquote></td> + <td> 1805, and MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr18v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="18A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">On the 27th March 1843, Wordsworth wrote to Professor Henry +Reed of Philadelphia:</span> + + <blockquote>"The character of the schoolmaster, had like the Wanderer in <i>The + Excursion</i> a solid foundation in fact and reality, but like him it was + also in some degree a composition: I will not, and need not, call it + an invention—it was no such thing."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr18A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section19"></a>The Two April Mornings</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>We walked along, while bright and red <br> +Uprose the morning sun;<br> +And Matthew stopped, he looked, and said,<br> +"The will of God be done!"<br><br> + +A village schoolmaster was he, <br> +With hair of glittering grey;<br> +As blithe a man as you could see<br> +On a spring holiday.<br><br> + +And on that morning, through the grass,<br> +And by the steaming rills, <br> +We travelled merrily, to pass<br> +A day among the hills.<br><br> + +"Our work," said I, "was well begun,<br> +Then, from thy breast what thought,<br> +Beneath so beautiful a sun, <br> +So sad a sigh has brought?"<br><br> + +A second time did Matthew stop;<br> +And fixing still his eye<br> +Upon the eastern mountain-top,<br> +To me he made reply: <br><br> + +"Yon cloud with that long purple cleft<br> +Brings fresh into my mind<br> +A day like this which I have left<br> +Full thirty years behind.<br><br> + +"And just above yon slope of corn <br> +Such colours, and no other,<br> +Were in the sky, that April morn,<br> +Of this the very brother.<br><br> + +"With rod and line I sued the sport<br> +Which that sweet season gave, <br> +And, to the church-yard come, stopped short<br> +Beside my daughter's grave.<br><br> + +"Nine summers had she scarcely seen,<br> +The pride of all the vale;<br> +And then she sang;—she would have been <br> +A very nightingale.<br><br> + +"Six feet in earth my Emma lay;<br> +And yet I loved her more,<br> +For so it seemed, than till that day<br> +I e'er had loved before. <br><br> + +"And, turning from her grave, I met,<br> +Beside the church-yard yew,<br> +A blooming Girl, whose hair was wet<br> +With points of morning dew.<br><br> + +"A basket on her head she bare; <br> +Her brow was smooth and white:<br> +To see a child so very fair,<br> +It was a pure delight!<br><br> + +"No fountain from its rocky cave<br> +E'er tripped with foot so free; <br> +She seemed as happy as a wave<br> +That dances on the sea.<br><br> + +"There came from me a sigh of pain<br> +Which I could ill confine;<br> +I looked at her, and looked again: <br> +And did not wish her mine!"<br><br> + +Matthew is in his grave, yet now,<br> +Methinks, I see him stand,<br> +As at that moment, with a bough<br> +Of wilding in his hand. <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr19v1"></a><a href="#19v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr19v2"></a><a href="#19v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr19v3"></a><a href="#19v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr19v4"></a><a href="#19v4">4</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr19v5"></a><a href="#19v5">5</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr19A"></a><a href="#19A">A</a><br><br> + +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="19v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And on that slope of springing corn<br> + The self-same crimson hue<br> + Fell from the sky that April morn,<br> + The same which now I view! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr19v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="19v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With rod and line my silent sport<br> + I plied by Derwent's wave,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr19v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="19v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And, coming to the church, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr19v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="19v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... sung;— ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr19v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="19v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... his bough</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr19v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="19A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the <i>Winters Tale</i>, act IV. scene iii. ll. 140-2:</span> + + <blockquote>'when you do dance, I wish you<br> + A wave o' the sea, that you might ever do<br> + Nothing but that, etc.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr19A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section20"></a>The Fountain</h2> + +<h4>A Conversation</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>We talked with open heart, and tongue<br> +Affectionate and true,<br> +A pair of friends, though I was young,<br> +And Matthew seventy-two.<br><br> + +We lay beneath a spreading oak, <br> +Beside a mossy seat;<br> +And from the turf a fountain broke,<br> +And gurgled at our feet.<br><br> + +"Now, Matthew!" said I, "let us match<br> +This water's pleasant tune <br> +With some old border-song, or catch<br> +That suits a summer's noon;<br><br> + +"Or of the church-clock and the chimes<br> +Sing here beneath the shade,<br> +That half-mad thing of witty rhymes <br> +Which you last April made!"<br><br> + +In silence Matthew lay, and eyed<br> +The spring beneath the tree;<br> +And thus the dear old Man replied,<br> +The grey-haired man of glee: <br> + <br> +"No check, no stay, this Streamlet fears;<br> +How merrily it goes!<br> +'Twill murmur on a thousand years,<br> +And flow as now it flows.<br><br> + +"And here, on this delightful day, <br> +I cannot choose but think<br> +How oft, a vigorous man, I lay<br> +Beside this fountain's brink.<br><br> + +"My eyes are dim with childish tears,<br> +My heart is idly stirred, <br> +For the same sound is in my ears<br> +Which in those days I heard.<br><br> + +"Thus fares it still in our decay:<br> +And yet the wiser mind<br> +Mourns less for what age takes away <br> +Than what it leaves behind.<br><br> + +"The blackbird amid leafy trees,<br> +The lark above the hill,<br> +Let loose their carols when they please,<br> +Are quiet when they will. <br><br> + +"With Nature never do <i>they</i> wage<br> +A foolish strife; they see<br> +A happy youth, and their old age<br> +Is beautiful and free:<br><br> + +"But we are pressed by heavy laws; <br> +And often, glad no more,<br> +We wear a face of joy, because<br> +We have been glad of yore.<br><br> + +"If there be one who need bemoan<br> +His kindred laid in earth, <br> +The household hearts that were his own;<br> +It is the man of mirth.<br><br> + +"My days, my Friend, are almost gone,<br> +My life has been approved,<br> +And many love me; but by none <br> +Am I enough beloved."<br><br> + +"Now both himself and me he wrongs,<br> +The man who thus complains!<br> +I live and sing my idle songs<br> +Upon these happy plains;<br><br> + +"And, Matthew, for thy children dead<br> +I'll be a son to thee!"<br> +At this he grasped my hand, and said,<br> +"Alas! that cannot be."<br><br> + +We rose up from the fountain-side; <br> +And down the smooth descent<br> +Of the green sheep-track did we glide;<br> +And through the wood we went;<br><br> + +And, ere we came to Leonard's rock,<br> +He sang those witty rhymes <br> +About the crazy old church-clock,<br> +And the bewildered chimes.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr20v1"></a><a href="#20v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr20v2"></a><a href="#20v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr20v3"></a><a href="#20v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr20v4"></a><a href="#20v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr20v5"></a><a href="#20v5">5</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr20A"></a><a href="#20A">A</a><br><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +70<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="20v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Now, Matthew, let us try to match</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr20v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="20v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Down to the vale this water steers, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Down to the vale with eager speed<br> + Behold this streamlet run,<br> + From subterranean bondage freed,<br> + And glittering in the sun. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>From subterranean darkness freed,<br> + A pleasant course to run. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + C.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Down to the vale this streamlet hies,<br> + Look, how it seems to run,<br> + As if 't were pleased with summer skies,<br> + And glad to meet the sun. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And glad to greet the sun.</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No guide it needs, no check it fears,<br> + How merrily it goes!<br> + 'Twill murmur on a thousand years,<br> + And flow as now it flows.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Down towards the vale with eager speed,<br> + Behold this streamlet run<br> + As if 'twere pleased with summer skies<br> + And glad to meet the sun.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr20v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + <a name="20v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The blackbird in the summer trees,<br> + The lark upon the hill,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr20v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="20v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... is ....</blockquote></td> + <td> 1800 and MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr20v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="20v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... his hands, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr20v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="20A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Pour me plaindre a moy, regarde noti tant ce qu'on moste, que ce qui + me reste de sauvre, et dedans et dehors."</blockquote> + +Montaigne, <i>Essais</i>, iii. 12.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare also:</span> + + <blockquote>"Themistocles quidem, cum ei Simonides, an quis alius artem memoriæ + polliceretur, <i>Oblivionis</i>, inquit, <i>mallem; nam memini etiam quæ + nolo, oblivisci non possum quæ volo.</i>"</blockquote> + +Cicero, <i>De Finibus</i>, II. 32<span style="color: #555555;">.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr20A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section21"></a>To a Sexton</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany, 1799.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Let thy wheel-barrow alone—<br> +Wherefore, Sexton, piling still<br> +In thy bone-house bone on bone?<br> +'Tis already like a hill<br> +In a field of battle made, <br> +Where three thousand skulls are laid;<br> +These died in peace each with the other,—<br> +Father, sister, friend, and brother.<br><br> + +Mark the spot to which I point!<br> +From this platform, eight feet square, <br> +Take not even a finger-joint:<br> +Andrew's whole fire-side is there.<br> +Here, alone, before thine eyes,<br> +Simon's sickly daughter lies,<br> +From weakness now, and pain defended, <br> +Whom he twenty winters tended.<br><br> + +Look but at the gardener's pride—<br> +How he glories, when he sees<br> +Roses, lilies, side by side,<br> +Violets in families! <br> +By the heart of Man, his tears,<br> +By his hopes and by his fears,<br> +Thou, too heedless, art the Warden<br> +Of a far superior garden.<br><br> + +Thus then, each to other dear, <br> +Let them all in quiet lie,<br> +Andrew there, and Susan here,<br> +Neighbours in mortality.<br> +And, should I live through sun and rain<br> +Seven widowed years without my Jane, <br> +O Sexton, do not then remove her,<br> +Let one grave hold the Loved and Lover!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr21v1"></a><a href="#21v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="21v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thou, old Grey-beard! ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr21v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section22"></a>The Danish Boy</h2> + +<h4>A Fragment<br> +<br> +Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section22a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;"> [Written in Germany, 1799. It was entirely a fancy; but intended as a +prelude to a ballad-poem never written.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the editions of 1800-1832 this poem was called <i>A Fragment.</i> +From 1836 onwards it was named <i>The Danish Boy. A Fragment.</i> It was +one of the "Poems of the Fancy." —Ed. </span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section22a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>Between two sister moorland rills<br> +There is a spot that seems to lie<br> +Sacred to flowerets of the hills,<br> +And sacred to the sky.<br> +And in this smooth and open dell<br> +There is a tempest-stricken tree;<br> +A corner-stone by lightning cut,<br> +The last stone of a lonely hut;<br> +And in this dell you see<br> +A thing no storm can e'er destroy,<br> +The shadow of a Danish Boy.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v1"></a><a href="#22v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22A"></a><a href="#22A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>In clouds above, the lark is heard,<br> +But drops not here to earth for rest;<br> +Within this lonesome nook the bird<br> +Did never build her nest.<br> +No beast, no bird hath here his home;<br> +Bees, wafted on the breezy air,<br> +Pass high above those fragrant bells<br> +To other flowers:—to other dells<br> +Their burthens do they bear;<br> +The Danish Boy walks here alone:<br> +The lovely dell is all his own.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr22v2"></a><a href="#22v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr22v3"></a><a href="#22v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr22v4"></a><a href="#22v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v5"></a><a href="#22v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v6"></a><a href="#22v6">6</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>A Spirit of noon-day is he;<br> +Yet seems a form of flesh and blood;<br> +Nor piping shepherd shall he be,<br> +Nor herd-boy of the wood.<br> +A regal vest of fur he wears,<br> +In colour like a raven's wing;<br> +It fears not rain, nor wind, nor dew;<br> +But in the storm 'tis fresh and blue<br> +As budding pines in spring;<br> +His helmet has a vernal grace,<br> +Fresh as the bloom upon his face.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr22v7"></a><a href="#22v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v8"></a><a href="#22v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v9"></a><a href="#22v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>A harp is from his shoulder slung;<br> +Resting the harp upon his knee;<br> +To words of a forgotten tongue,<br> +He suits its melody.<br> +Of flocks upon the neighbouring hill<br> +He is the darling and the joy;<br> +And often, when no cause appears,<br> +The mountain-ponies prick their ears,<br> +—They hear the Danish Boy,<br> +While in the dell he sings alone<br> +Beside the tree and corner-stone.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v10"></a><a href="#22v10">10</a><br> +<a name="fr22v11"></a><a href="#22v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v12"></a><a href="#22v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v13"></a><a href="#22v13">13</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>There sits he; in his face you spy<br> +No trace of a ferocious air,<br> +Nor ever was a cloudless sky<br> +So steady or so fair.<br> +The lovely Danish Boy is blest<br> +And happy in his flowery cove:<br> +From bloody deeds his thoughts are far;<br> +And yet he warbles songs of war,<br> +That seem like songs of love,<br> +For calm and gentle is his mien;<br> +Like a dead Boy he is serene.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr22v14"></a><a href="#22v14">14</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td>45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="22v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... a cottage hut;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He sings his blithest and his best;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> She sings, regardless of her rest,</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But in ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The bees borne on ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Nor ever linger there. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He seems ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A piping Shepherd he might be, <br> + A Herd-boy of the wood. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... nor ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He rests the harp upon his knee,<br> + And there in a forgotten tongue<br> + He warbles melody. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of flocks and herds both far and near</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of flocks upon the neighbouring hills</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sits ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When near this blasted tree you pass,<br> + Two sods are plainly to be seen<br> + Close at its root, and each with grass<br> + Is cover'd fresh and green.<br> + Like turf upon a new-made grave<br> + These two green sods together lie,<br> + Nor heat, nor cold, nor rain, nor wind<br> + Can these two sods together bind,<br> + Nor sun, nor earth, nor sky,<br> + But side by side the two are laid,<br> + As if just sever'd by the spade.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza occurs only in the edition of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr22v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="22v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>They seem ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr22v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="22A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> These Stanzas were designed to introduce a Ballad upon the +Story of a Danish Prince who had fled from Battle, and, for the sake of +the valuables about him, was murdered by the Inhabitant of a Cottage in +which he had taken refuge. The House fell under a curse, and the Spirit +of the Youth, it was believed, haunted the Valley where the crime had +been committed.— W. W. 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr22A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section23"></a>Lucy Gray; or, Solitude</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section23a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Goslar, in Germany, in 1799. It was founded on a +circumstance told me by my sister, of a little girl, who, not far from +Halifax in Yorkshire, was bewildered in a snow storm. Her footsteps were +tracked by her parents to the middle of a lock of a canal, and no other +vestige of her, backward or forward, could be traced. The body, however, +was found in the canal. The way in which the incident was treated, and +the spiritualizing of the character, might furnish hints for contrasting +the imaginative influences, which I have endeavoured to throw over +common life, with Crabbe's matter-of-fact style of handling subjects of +the same kind. This is not spoken to his disparagement, far from it; but +to direct the attention of thoughtful readers into whose hands these +notes may fall, to a comparison that may enlarge the circle of their +sensibilities, and tend to produce in them a catholic judgment.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section23a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray:<br> +And, when I crossed the wild,<br> +I chanced to see at break of day<br> +The solitary child.<br><br> + +No mate, no comrade Lucy knew; <br> +She dwelt on a wide moor,<br> +—The sweetest thing that ever grew<br> +Beside a human door!<br><br> + +You yet may spy the fawn at play,<br> +The hare upon the green; <br> +But the sweet face of Lucy Gray<br> +Will never more be seen.<br><br> + +"To-night will be a stormy night—<br> +You to the town must go;<br> +And take a lantern, Child, to light <br> +Your mother through the snow."<br><br> + +"That, Father! will I gladly do:<br> +'Tis scarcely afternoon—<br> +The minster-clock has just struck two,<br> +And yonder is the moon!" <br><br> + +At this the Father raised his hook,<br> +And snapped a faggot-band;<br> +He plied his work;—and Lucy took<br> +The lantern in her hand.<br><br> + +Not blither is the mountain roe: <br> +With many a wanton stroke<br> +Her feet disperse the powdery snow,<br> +That rises up like smoke.<br><br> + +The storm came on before its time:<br> +She wandered up and down; <br> +And many a hill did Lucy climb<br> +But never reached the town.<br><br> + +The wretched parents all that night<br> +Went shouting far and wide;<br> +But there was neither sound nor sight <br> +To serve them for a guide.<br><br> + +At day-break on a hill they stood<br> +That overlooked the moor;<br> +And thence they saw the bridge of wood,<br> +A furlong from their door.<br><br> + +They wept—and, turning homeward, cried,<br> +"In heaven we all shall meet;"<br> +—When in the snow the mother spied<br> +The print of Lucy's feet.<br><br> + +Then downwards from the steep hill's edge <br> +They tracked the footmarks small;<br> +And through the broken hawthorn hedge,<br> +And by the long stone-wall;<br><br> + +And then an open field they crossed:<br> +The marks were still the same; <br> +They tracked them on, nor ever lost;<br> +And to the bridge they came.<br><br> + +They followed from the snowy bank<br> +Those footmarks, one by one,<br> +Into the middle of the plank; <br> +And further there were none!<br><br> + +—Yet some maintain that to this day<br> +She is a living child;<br> +That you may see sweet Lucy Gray<br> +Upon the lonesome wild.<br><br> + +O'er rough and smooth she trips along,<br> +And never looks behind;<br> +And sings a solitary song<br> +That whistles in the wind.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#23n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><a name="fr23v1"></a><a href="#23v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v2"></a><a href="#23v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v3"></a><a href="#23v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v4"></a><a href="#23v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr23v5"></a><a href="#23v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v6"></a><a href="#23v6">6</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr23v7"></a><a href="#23v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v8"></a><a href="#23v8">8</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v9"></a><a href="#23v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr23v10"></a><a href="#23v10">10</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr23A"></a><a href="#23A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="23v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Oft had I heard ...</blockquote></td> + <td>Only in the second issue of 1800.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800 (2nd issue).</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She dwelt on a wild Moor</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She lived on a wide Moor</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... bright ... </blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He snapped ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And now they homeward turn'd, and cry'd</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And, turning homeward, now they cried</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Mother turning homeward cried,<br> + "We never more shall meet,"<br> + When in the driven snow she spied </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Then downward ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Half breathless ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and never lost<br> + Till ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr23v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="23v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... was ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr23v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="23A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Gray's ode, <i>On a Distant Prospect of Eton +College</i>, II. 38-9:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Still as they run they look behind,<br> + They hear a voice in every wind.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr23A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="23n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This poem was illustrated by Sir George Beaumont, in a picture of some +merit, which was engraved by J. C. Bromley, and published in the +collected editions of 1815 and 1820. Henry Crabb Robinson wrote in his +<i>Diary</i>, September 11, 1816 (referring to Wordsworth):</span> + + <blockquote> "He mentioned the origin of some poems. <i>Lucy Gray</i>, that tender + and pathetic narrative of a child lost on a common, was occasioned by + the death of a child who fell into the lock of a canal. His object was + to exhibit poetically entire <i>solitude</i>, and he represents the + child as observing the day-moon, which no town or village girl would + ever notice." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">A contributor to <i>Notes and Queries</i>, May 12, 1883, whose signature +is F., writes:</span> + + <blockquote>"<b>The Scene of <i>Lucy Gray</i></b>.—In one of the editions of + Wordsworth's works the scene of this ballad is said to have been near + Halifax, in Yorkshire. I do not think the poet was acquainted with the + locality beyond a sight of the country in travelling through on some + journey. I know of no spot where all the little incidents mentioned in + the poem would exactly fit in, and a few of the local allusions are + evidently by a stranger. There is no 'minster'; the church at Halifax + from time immemorial has always been known as the 'parish church,' and + sometimes as the 'old church,' but has never been styled 'the + minster.' The 'mountain roe,' which of course may be brought in as + poetically illustrative, has not been seen on these hills for + generations, and I scarcely think even the 'fawn at play' for more + than a hundred years. These misapplications, it is almost unnecessary + to say, do not detract from the beauty of the poetry. Some of the + touches are graphically true to the neighbourhood, as, for instance, + 'the wide moor,' the 'many a hill,' the 'steep hill's edge,' the 'long + stone wall,' and the hint of the general loneliness of the region + where Lucy 'no mate, no comrade, knew.' I think I can point out the + exact spot—no longer a 'plank,' but a broad, safe bridge—where Lucy + fell into the water. Taking a common-sense view, that she would not be + sent many miles at two o'clock on a winter afternoon to the town + (Halifax, of course), over so lonely a mountain moor—bearing in mind + also that this moor overlooked the river, and that the river was deep + and strong enough to carry the child down the current—I know only one + place where such an accident could have occurred. The clue is in this + verse: + + <blockquote>'At day-break on a hill they stood<br> + That overlooked the moor;<br> + And thence they saw the bridge of wood,<br> + A furlong from their door.'</blockquote> + + The hill I take to be the high ridge of Greetland and Norland Moor, + and the plank she had to cross Sterne Mill Bridge, which there spans + the Calder, broad and rapid enough at any season to drown either a + young girl or a grown-up person. The mountain burns, romantic and wild + though they be, are not dangerous to cross, especially for a child old + enough to go and seek her mother. To sum up the matter, the hill + overlooking the moor, the path to and distance from the town, the + bridge, the current, all indicate one point, and one point only, where + this accident could have happened, and that is the bridge near Sterne + Mill. This bridge is so designated from the Sterne family, a branch of + whom in the last century resided close by. The author of <i>Tristram + Shandy</i> spent his boyhood here; and Lucy Gray, had she safely + crossed the plank, would immediately have passed Wood Hall, where the + boy Laurence had lived, and, pursuing her way to Halifax, would have + gone through the meadows in which stood Heath School, where young + Sterne had been educated. The mill-weir at Sterne Mill Bridge was, I + believe, the scene of Lucy Gray's death."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Sterne Mill Bridge, however, crosses the river Calder, while Wordsworth +tells us that the girl lost her life by falling "into the lock of a +canal." The Calder runs parallel with the canal near Sterne Mill Bridge. +See J.R. Tutin's <i>Wordsworth in Yorkshire</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section24"></a>Ruth</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1799.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section24a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Germany, 1799. Suggested by an account I had of a wanderer +in Somersetshire.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Classed among the "Poems founded on the Affections" in the editions of +1815 and 1820. In 1827 it was transferred to the "Poems of the +Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="section24a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>When Ruth was left half desolate, <br> +Her Father took another Mate;<br> +And Ruth, not seven years old,<br> +A slighted child, at her own will<br> +Went wandering over dale and hill, <br> +In thoughtless freedom, bold.<br><br> + +And she had made a pipe of straw,<br> +And music from that pipe could draw<br> +Like sounds of winds and floods;<br> +Had built a bower upon the green, <br> +As if she from her birth had been<br> +An infant of the woods.<br><br> + +Beneath her father's roof, alone<br> +She seemed to live; her thoughts her own;<br> +Herself her own delight; <br> +Pleased with herself, nor sad, nor gay;<br> +And, passing thus the live-long day,<br> +She grew to woman's height.<br><br> + +There came a Youth from Georgia's shore—<br> +A military casque he wore, <br> +With splendid feathers drest;<br> +He brought them from the Cherokees;<br> +The feathers nodded in the breeze,<br> +And made a gallant crest.<br><br> + +From Indian blood you deem him sprung: <br> +But no! he spake the English tongue,<br> +And bore a soldier's name;<br> +And, when America was free<br> +From battle and from jeopardy,<br> +He 'cross the ocean came. <br><br> + +With hues of genius on his cheek<br> +In finest tones the Youth could speak:<br> +—While he was yet a boy,<br> +The moon, the glory of the sun,<br> +And streams that murmur as they run, <br> +Had been his dearest joy.<br><br> + +He was a lovely Youth! I guess<br> +The panther in the wilderness<br> +Was not so fair as he;<br> +And, when he chose to sport and play, <br> +No dolphin ever was so gay<br> +Upon the tropic sea.<br><br> + +Among the Indians he had fought,<br> +And with him many tales he brought<br> +Of pleasure and of fear; <br> +Such tales as told to any maid<br> +By such a Youth, in the green shade,<br> +Were perilous to hear.<br><br> + +He told of girls—a happy rout!<br> +Who quit their fold with dance and shout, <br> +Their pleasant Indian town,<br> +To gather strawberries all day long;<br> +Returning with a choral song<br> +When daylight is gone down.<br><br> + +He spake of plants that hourly change <br> +Their blossoms, through a boundless range<br> +Of intermingling hues;<br> +With budding, fading, faded flowers<br> +They stand the wonder of the bowers<br> +From morn to evening dews,<br> +<br> +He told of the magnolia, spread<br> +High as a cloud, high over head!<br> +The cypress and her spire;<br> +—Of flowers that with one scarlet gleam<br> +Cover a hundred leagues, and seem <br> +To set the hills on fire.<br><br> + +The Youth of green savannahs spake,<br> +And many an endless, endless lake,<br> +With all its fairy crowds<br> +Of islands, that together lie <br> +As quietly as spots of sky<br> +Among the evening clouds.<br><br> + +"How pleasant," then he said, "it were<br> +A fisher or a hunter there,<br> +In sunshine or in shade <br> +To wander with an easy mind;<br> +And build a household fire, and find<br> +A home in every glade!<br><br> + +"What days and what bright years! Ah me!<br> +Our life were life indeed, with thee <br> +So passed in quiet bliss,<br> +And all the while," said he, "to know<br> +That we were in a world of woe,<br> +On such an earth as this!"<br><br> + +And then he sometimes interwove <br> +Fond thoughts about a father's love:<br> +"For there," said he, "are spun<br> +Around the heart such tender ties,<br> +That our own children to our eyes<br> +Are dearer than the sun.<br><br> + +"Sweet Ruth! and could you go with me<br> +My helpmate in the woods to be,<br> +Our shed at night to rear;<br> +Or run, my own adopted bride,<br> +A sylvan huntress at my side, <br> +And drive the flying deer!<br><br> + +"Belovèd Ruth!"—No more he said.<br> +The wakeful Ruth at midnight shed<br> +A solitary tear:<br> +She thought again—and did agree <br> +With him to sail across the sea,<br> +And drive the flying deer.<br><br> + +"And now, as fitting is and right,<br> +We in the church our faith will plight,<br> +A husband and a wife." <br> +Even so they did; and I may say<br> +That to sweet Ruth that happy day<br> +Was more than human life.<br><br> + +Through dream and vision did she sink,<br> +Delighted all the while to think <br> +That on those lonesome floods,<br> +And green savannahs, she should share<br> +His board with lawful joy, and bear<br> +His name in the wild woods.<br><br> + +But, as you have before been told, <br> +This Stripling, sportive, gay, and bold,<br> +And, with his dancing crest,<br> +So beautiful, through savage lands<br> +Had roamed about, with vagrant bands<br> +Of Indians in the West.<br><br> + +The wind, the tempest roaring high,<br> +The tumult of a tropic sky,<br> +Might well be dangerous food<br> +For him, a Youth to whom was given<br> +So much of earth—so much of heaven, <br> +And such impetuous blood.<br><br> + +Whatever in those climes he found<br> +Irregular in sight or sound<br> +Did to his mind impart<br> +A kindred impulse, seemed allied <br> +To his own powers, and justified<br> +The workings of his heart.<br><br> + +Nor less, to feed voluptuous thought,<br> +The beauteous forms of nature wrought,<br> +Fair trees and gorgeous flowers; <br> +The breezes their own languor lent;<br> +The stars had feelings, which they sent<br> +Into those favored bowers.<br><br> + +Yet, in his worst pursuits, I ween<br> +That sometimes there did intervene <br> +Pure hopes of high intent:<br> +For passions linked to forms so fair<br> +And stately, needs must have their share<br> +Of noble sentiment.<br><br> + +But ill he lived, much evil saw, <br> +With men to whom no better law<br> +Nor better life was known;<br> +Deliberately, and undeceived,<br> +Those wild men's vices he received,<br> +And gave them back his own.<br><br> + +His genius and his moral frame<br> +Were thus impaired, and he became<br> +The slave of low desires:<br> +A Man who without self-control<br> +Would seek what the degraded soul <br> +Unworthily admires.<br><br> + +And yet he with no feigned delight<br> +Had wooed the Maiden, day and night<br> +Had loved her, night and morn:<br> +What could he less than love a Maid <br> +Whose heart with so much nature played<br> +So kind and so forlorn!<br><br> + +Sometimes, most earnestly, he said,<br> +"O Ruth! I have been worse than dead;<br> +False thoughts, thoughts bold and vain, <br> +Encompassed me on every side<br> +When I, in confidence and pride,<br> +Had crossed the Atlantic main.<br><br> + +"Before me shone a glorious world—<br> +Fresh as a banner bright, unfurled <br> +To music suddenly:<br> +I looked upon those hills and plains,<br> +And seemed as if let loose from chains,<br> +To live at liberty.<br> +<br> +"No more of this; for now, by thee, <br> +Dear Ruth! more happily set free<br> +With nobler zeal I burn;<br> +My soul from darkness is released,<br> +Like the whole sky when to the east<br> +The morning doth return." <br> +<br> +Full soon that better mind was gone;<br> +No hope, no wish remained, not one,—<br> +They stirred him now no more;<br> +New objects did new pleasure give,<br> +And once again he wished to live <br> +As lawless as before.<br><br> + +Meanwhile, as thus with him it fared,<br> +They for the voyage were prepared,<br> +And went to the sea-shore,<br> +But, when they thither came, the Youth <br> +Deserted his poor Bride, and Ruth<br> +Could never find him more.<br><br> + +God help thee, Ruth!-Such pains she had,<br> +That she in half a year was mad,<br> +And in a prison housed; <br> +And there, with many a doleful song<br> +Made of wild words, her cup of wrong<br> +She fearfully caroused.<br><br> + +Yet sometimes milder hours she knew,<br> +Nor wanted sun, nor rain, nor dew, <br> +Nor pastimes of the May;<br> +—They all were with her in her cell;<br> +And a clear brook with cheerful knell<br> +Did o'er the pebbles play.<br><br> + +When Ruth three seasons thus had lain, <br> +There came a respite to her pain;<br> +She from her prison fled;<br> +But of the Vagrant none took thought;<br> +And where it liked her best she sought<br> +Her shelter and her bread.<br><br> + +Among the fields she breathed again:<br> +The master-current of her brain<br> +Ran permanent and free;<br> +And, coming to the Banks of Tone,<br> +There did she rest; and dwell alone<br> +Under the greenwood tree.<br><br> + +The engines of her pain, the tools<br> +That shaped her sorrow, rocks and pools,<br> +And airs that gently stir<br> +The vernal leaves—she loved them still; <br> +Nor ever taxed them with the ill<br> +Which had been done to her.<br><br> + +A Barn her <i>winter</i> bed supplies;<br> +But, till the warmth of summer skies<br> +And summer days is gone, <br> +(And all do in this tale agree)<br> +She sleeps beneath the greenwood tree,<br> +And other home hath none.<br><br> + +An innocent life, yet far astray!<br> +And Ruth will, long before her day,<br> +Be broken down and old:<br> +Sore aches she needs must have! but less<br> +Of mind, than body's wretchedness,<br> +From damp, and rain, and cold.<br><br> + +If she is prest by want of food, <br> +She from her dwelling in the wood<br> +Repairs to a road-side;<br> +And there she begs at one steep place<br> +Where up and down with easy pace<br> +The horsemen-travellers ride.<br><br> + +That oaten pipe of hers is mute,<br> +Or thrown away; but with a flute<br> +Her loneliness she cheers:<br> +This flute, made of a hemlock stalk,<br> +At evening in his homeward walk <br> +The Quantock woodman hears.<br><br> + +I, too, have passed her on the hills<br> +Setting her little water-mills<br> +By spouts and fountains wild—<br> +Such small machinery as she turned <br> +Ere she had wept, ere she had mourned,<br> +A young and happy Child!<br><br> + +Farewell! and when thy days are told,<br> +Ill-fated Ruth, in hallowed mould<br> +Thy corpse shall buried be, <br> +For thee a funeral bell shall ring,<br> +And all the congregation sing<br> +A Christian psalm for thee.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#24n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocB">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v1"></a><a href="#24v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v2"></a><a href="#24v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr24v3"></a><a href="#24v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v4"></a><a href="#24v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v5"></a><a href="#24v5">5</a><br> +<a name="fr24v6"></a><a href="#24v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v7"></a><a href="#24v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr24v8"></a><a href="#24v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr24v9"></a><a href="#24v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v10"></a><a href="#24v10">10</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr24v11"></a><a href="#24v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v12"></a><a href="#24v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr24v13"></a><a href="#24v13">13</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> 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+<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr24I"></a><a href="#24I">I</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +135<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +140<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +145<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +150<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +165<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +170<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +175<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +180<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +185<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +190<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +195<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +200<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +205<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +210<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +215<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +220<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +225<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +230<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +235<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +240<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +245<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +250<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +255<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="24v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And so, not seven years old,<br> + The slighted Child ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And from that oaten pipe could draw<br> + All sounds ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This stanza was added in the edition of 1802.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She pass'd her time; and in this way<br> + Grew up to Woman's height. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Ah no! ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1805</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... bare ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He spake of plants divine and strange<br> + That ev'ry day their blossoms change,<br> + Ten thousand lovely hues! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... every hour ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Of march and ambush, siege and fight,<br> + Then did he tell; and with delight<br> + The heart of Ruth would ache;<br> + Wild histories they were, and dear:<br> + But 'twas a thing of heaven to hear<br> + When of himself he spake!</td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + Only in the editions of 1802 and 1805.</td> +</tr> +</table><br> + +The following is the order of the stanzas in the edition of 1802.<br> +The first, fifth, and last had not appeared before.<br> +<br> + +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Sometimes most earnestly he said;<br> + "O Ruth! I have been worse than dead:<br> + False thoughts, thoughts bold and vain<br> + Encompass'd me on every side<br> + When I, in thoughtlessness and pride,<br> + Had cross'd the Atlantic Main.<br> + <br> + Whatever in those Climes I found<br> + Irregular in sight or sound<br> + Did to my mind impart<br> + A kindred impulse, seem'd allied<br> + To my own powers, and justified<br> + The workings of my heart.<br> + <br> + Nor less to feed unhallow'd thought<br> + The beauteous forms of nature wrought,<br> + Fair trees and lovely flowers;<br> + The breezes their own languor lent;<br> + The stars had feelings which they sent<br> + Into those magic bowers.<br> + <br> + Yet, in my worst pursuits, I ween,<br> + That often there did intervene<br> + Pure hopes of high intent;<br> + My passions, amid forms so fair<br> + And stately, wanted not their share<br> + Of noble sentiment.<br> + <br> + So was it then, and so is now:<br> + For, Ruth! with thee I know not how<br> + I feel my spirit burn<br> + Even as the east when day comes forth;<br> + And to the west, and south, and north,<br> + The morning doth return.<br> + <br> + It is a purer better mind:<br> + O Maiden innocent and kind<br> + What sights I might have seen!<br> + Even now upon my eyes they break!"<br> + —And he again began to speak<br> + Of Lands where he had been.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +The last stanza is only in the editions of 1802-1805<a href="#24fa"><sup>a</sup></a>.<br> +<a href="#fr24v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And then he said "How sweet it were </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A gardener in the shade,<br> + Still wandering with an easy mind<br> + To build ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In sunshine or through shade<br> + To wander with an easy mind;<br> + And build ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sweet ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dear ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Sweet Ruth alone at midnight shed</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... unhallow'd ...</blockquote></td> + <td> 1802 and MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1805 returns to the reading of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... lovely ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... magic ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... gorgeous ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That often ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1805 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For passions, amid forms so fair<br> + And stately, wanted not their share</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1805 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Ill did he live ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1805 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1805</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When I, in thoughtlessness and pride,<br> + Had crossed ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When first, in confidence and pride,<br> + I crossed ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +C., and the edition of 1840, revert to the reading of 1805.<br> +<a href="#fr24v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840 and C.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"It was a fresh and glorious world,<br> + A banner bright that was unfurled<br> + Before me suddenly: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1805</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A banner bright that shone unfurled</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> Lines 163-168, and 175-180, were added in 1802. Lines +169-174 were added in 1805. All these were omitted in 1815, but were +restored in 1820.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> So was it then, and so is now:<br> + For, Ruth! with thee I know not how<br> + I feel my spirit burn</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"But wherefore speak of this? for now,<br> + Sweet Ruth! with thee, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dear Ruth! with thee ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Even as the east when day comes forth;<br> + And to the west, and south, and north, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> It is my purer better mind<br> + O maiden innocently kind<br> + What sights I might have seen!<br> + Even now upon my eyes they break!<br> + And then the youth began to speak<br> + Of lands where he had been. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But now the pleasant dream was gone, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Full soon that purer mind ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And there, exulting in her wrongs,<br> + Among the music of her songs<br> + She fearfully carouz'd<a href="#24fb"><sup>ib</sup></a>.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And there she sang tumultuous songs,<br> + By recollection of her wrongs,<br> + To fearful passion rouzed.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>wild brook....</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And to the pleasant Banks of Tone<br> + She took her way, to dwell alone</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... grief, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1805</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>(And in this tale we all agree)</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1805</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The neighbours grieve for her, and say<br> + That she will ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This stanza first appeared in the edition of 1802.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr24v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="24A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Taken from the portrait of the chief in Bartram's +frontispiece.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"The tall aspiring Gordonia lacianthus ... gradually changing colour, + from green to golden yellow, from that to a scarlet, from scarlet to + crimson, and lastly to a brownish purple, ... so that it may be said + to change and renew its garments every morning throughout the year."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East Florida, +the Cherokee Country</i>, etc., by William Bartram (1791), pp. 159, +160.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Its thick foliage of a dark green colour is flowered over with large + milk-white, fragrant blossoms, ... renewed every morning, and that in + such incredible profusion that the tree appears silvered over with + them, and the ground beneath covered with the fallen flowers. It, at + the same time, continually pushes forth new twigs, with young buds on + them."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Bartram's <i>Travels</i>, etc., p. 159.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> Magnolia grandiflora.—W. W. 1800; <span style="color: #555555;">and Bartram's +<i>Travels</i>, p. 8. —Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"The Cypressus distichia stands in the first order of North American + trees. Its majestic stature, lifting its cumbrous top towards the + skies, and casting a wide shade upon the ground, as a dark intervening + cloud," etc.</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Bartram's <i>Travels</i>, p. 88).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> The splendid appearance of these scarlet flowers, which are +scattered with such profusion over the Hills in the Southern parts of +North America is frequently mentioned by Bartram in his +<i>Travels</i>.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24G"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote G:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Mr. Ernest Coleridge tells me he </span> + + <blockquote> "has traced, to a note-book of Coleridge's in the British Museum, the + source from which Wordsworth derived his description of Georgian + scenery in <i>Ruth</i>. He does, I know, refer to Bartram, but the + whole passage is a poetical rendering, and a pretty close one, of + Bartram's poetical narrative. I have a portrait—the frontispiece of + Bartram's <i>Travels</i>—of Mico Chlucco, king of the Seminoles, + whose feathers nod in the breeze just as did the military casque of + the 'youth from Georgia's shore.'"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24G">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24H"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote H:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "North and south almost endless green plains and meadows, embellished + with islets and projecting promontories of high dark forests, where + the pyramidal Magnolia grandiflora ... conspicuously towers."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Bartram's <i>Travels</i>, p. 145).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr24H">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24I"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote I:</span></a> The Tone is a River of Somersetshire, at no great distance +from the Quantock Hills. These Hills, which are alluded to a few stanzas +below, are extremely beautiful, and in most places richly covered with +Coppice woods. W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr24I">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="24fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The edition of 1805 substitutes the stanzas beginning,</span> + + <blockquote> 'It was a fresh and glorious world'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">for stanzas 2, 3, and 4 of the above six in this note, but it inserts +these omitted stanzas later on as Nos. 27, 28, 29.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#24v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="24fb"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote b:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth wrote to Barren Field in 1828 that this stanza</span> + + <blockquote> "was altered, Lamb having observed that it was not English. I like it + better myself;'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(i.e. the version of 1800) </span> + + <blockquote> "but certainly to carouse cups—that is to empty them—is the genuine + English."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#24v27">return</a><br> + +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="24n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> gives the date +of the stanzas added to <i>Ruth</i> in subsequent editions:</span> + + <blockquote>"Sunday, March 8th, 1802.—I stitched up <i>The Pedlar,</i> wrote out + <i>Ruth</i>, read it with the alterations.... William brought two new + stanzas of <i>Ruth.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The transpositions of stanzas, and their omission from certain editions +and their subsequent re-introduction, in altered form, in later ones, +make it extremely difficult to give the textual history of <i>Ruth</i> in +footnotes. They are even more bewildering than the changes introduced +into <i>Simon Lee</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocB">1799 Contents</a><br><a href="#toc">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2a">1798</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1799</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2c">1800</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2c"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1800</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocC">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section25">1800</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section26">"On Nature's invitation do I come"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section27">"Bleak season was it, turbulent and bleak"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section28">Ellen Irwin; or, The Braes of Kirtle</a></li> +<li><a href="#section29">Hart-Leap Well</a></li> +<li><a href="#section30">The Idle Shepherd-Boys; or, Dungeon-Ghyll Force</a></li> +<li><a href="#section31">The Pet-Lamb</a></li> +<li><a href="#section32">The Farmer of Tilsbury Vale</a></li> +</ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h2><a name="section25"></a>1800</h2> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Towards the close of December 1799, Wordsworth came to live at Dove +Cottage, Town-end, Grasmere. The poems written during the following year +(1800), are more particularly associated with that district of the +Lakes. Two of them were fragments of a canto of <i>The Recluse</i>, entitled +"Home at Grasmere," referring to his settlement at Dove Cottage. Others, +such as <i>Michael</i>, and <i>The Brothers</i>—classed by him afterwards among +the "Poems founded on the Affections,"—deal with incidents in the rural +life of the dalesmen of Westmoreland and Cumberland. Most of the "Poems +on the Naming of Places" were written during this year; and the "Places" +are all in the neighbourhood of Grasmere. To these were added several +"Pastoral Poems"—such as <i>The Idle Shepherd Boys; or, Dungeon-Ghyll +Force</i>—sundry "Poems of the Fancy," and one or two "Inscriptions." In +all, twenty-five poems were written in the year 1800; and, with the +exception of the two fragments of <i>The Recluse</i>, they were published +during the same year in the second volume of the second edition of +"Lyrical Ballads." It is impossible to fix the precise date of the +composition of the fragments of <i>The Recluse</i>; but, as they refer to the +settlement at Dove Cottage—where Wordsworth went to reside with his +sister, on the 21st of December 1799—they may fitly introduce the poems +belonging to the year 1800. They were first published in 1851 in the +<i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i> (vol. i. pp. 157 and 155 respectively), by the +poet's nephew, the late Bishop of Lincoln. The entire canto of <i>The +Recluse</i>, entitled "Home at Grasmere," will be included in this edition.<br> +<br> +The first two poems which follow, as belonging to the year 1800, are +parts of <i>The Recluse</i>, viz. "On Nature's invitation do I come," (which +is ll. 71-97, and 110-125), and "Bleak season was it, turbulent and +bleak," (which is ll. 152-167). They are not reprinted from the +<i>Memoirs</i> of 1851, because the text there given was, in several +instances, inaccurately reproduced from the original MS., which has been +re-examined. They were printed here, in <i>The Recluse</i>(1888), and in my +<i>Life of Wordsworth</i> (vol. i. 1889).—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section26"></a>"On Nature's invitation do I come"</h2> + +<h4>Composed (probably) in 1800.—Published 1851</h4><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + + +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>On Nature's invitation do I come, <br> +By Reason sanctioned. Can the choice mislead,<br> +That made the calmest, fairest spot of earth,<br> +With all its unappropriated good,<br> +My own, and not mine only, for with me <br> +Entrenched—say rather peacefully embowered—<br> +Under yon orchard, in yon humble cot,<br> +A younger orphan of a home extinct,<br> +The only daughter of my parents dwells:<br> +Aye, think on that, my heart, and cease to stir; <br> +Pause upon that, and let the breathing frame<br> +No longer breathe, but all be satisfied.<br> +Oh, if such silence be not thanks to God<br> +For what hath been bestowed, then where, where then<br> +Shall gratitude find rest? Mine eyes did ne'er <br> +Fix on a lovely object, nor my mind<br> +Take pleasure in the midst of happy thoughts,<br> +But either she, whom now I have, who now<br> +Divides with me this loved abode, was there,<br> +Or not far off. Where'er my footsteps turned, <br> +Her voice was like a hidden bird that sang;<br> +The thought of her was like a flash of light<br> +Or an unseen companionship, a breath<br> +Or fragrance independent of the wind.<br> +In all my goings, in the new and old <br> +Of all my meditations, and in this<br> +Favourite of all, in this the most of all....<br> +Embrace me then, ye hills, and close me in.<br> +Now in the clear and open day I feel<br> +Your guardianship: I take it to my heart; <br> +'Tis like the solemn shelter of the night.<br> +But I would call thee beautiful; for mild,<br> +And soft, and gay, and beautiful thou art,<br> +Dear valley, having in thy face a smile,<br> +Though peaceful, full of gladness. Thou art pleased, <br> +Pleased with thy crags, and woody steeps, thy lake,<br> +Its one green island, and its winding shores,<br> +The multitude of little rocky hills,<br> +Thy church, and cottages of mountain-stone<br> +Clustered like stars some few, but single most, <br> +And lurking dimly in their shy retreats,<br> +Or glancing at each other cheerful looks,<br> +Like separated stars with clouds between.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#26n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="26n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> This Grasmere cottage is identified, much more than Rydal Mount, with +Wordsworth's "poetic prime." It had once been a public-house, bearing +the sign of the Dove and Olive Bough—and as such is referred to in +<i>The Waggoner</i>—from which circumstance it was for a long time, and +is now usually, called "Dove Cottage." A small two storied house, it is +described somewhat minutely—as it was in Wordsworth's time—by De +Quincey, in his <i>Recollections of the Lakes</i>, and by the late +Bishop of Lincoln, in the <i>Memoirs</i> of his <a name="fr26A">uncle.</a> </span> + + <blockquote>"The front of it +faces the lake; behind is a small plot of orchard and garden ground, in +which there is a spring and rocks; the enclosure shelves upwards towards +the woody sides of the mountains above it."<a href="#26A"><sup>A</sup></a> </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The following is De +Quincey's description <a name="fr26B">of</a> it, as he saw it in the summer of 1807. </span> + +<blockquote>"A white cottage, with two yew trees breaking the glare of its white + walls" (these yews still stand on the eastern side of the cottage). "A + little semi-vestibule between two doors prefaced the entrance into + what might be considered the principal room of the cottage. It was an + oblong square, not above eight and a half feet high, sixteen feet + long, and twelve broad; wainscoted from floor to ceiling with dark + polished oak, slightly embellished with carving. One window there + was—a perfect and unpretending cottage window, with little diamond + panes, embowered at almost every season of the year with roses; and, + in the summer and autumn, with a profusion of jasmine, and other + fragrant shrubs.... I was ushered up a little flight of stairs, + fourteen in all, to a little drawing-room, or whatever the reader + chooses to call it. Wordsworth himself has described the fireplace of + this room as his + + <blockquote>'Half-kitchen and half-parlour fire.'</blockquote> + + It was not fully seven feet six inches high, and in other respects + pretty nearly of the same dimensions as the rustic hall below. There + was, however, in a small recess, a library of perhaps three hundred + volumes, which seemed to consecrate the room as the poet's study and + composing room, and such occasionally it was. But far oftener he both + studied, as I found, and composed on the high road."<a href="#26B"><sup>B</sup></a></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Other poems of later years refer, much more fully than the above, to +this cottage, and its orchard ground, where so many of Wordsworth's +lyrics were composed.<br> +<br> +The "orchard ground," which was for the most part in grass, sloped +upwards; but a considerable portion of the natural rock was exposed; and +on its face, some rough stone steps were cut by Wordsworth, helped by a +near neighbour of his—John Fisher—so as more conveniently to reach the +upper terrace, where the poet built for himself a small arbour. All this +garden and orchard ground is not much altered since 1800. The short +terrace walk is curved, with a sloping bank of grass above, shaded by +apple trees, hazel, holly, laburnum, laurel, and mountain ash. Below the +terrace is the well, which supplied the cottage in Wordsworth's time; +and there large leaved primroses still grow, doubtless the successors of +those planted by his own and his sister's hands. Above, and amongst the +rocks, are the daffodils, which they also brought to their +"garden-ground;" the Christmas roses, which they planted near the well, +were removed to the eastern side of the garden, where they flourished +luxuriantly in 1882; but have now, alas! disappeared. The box-wood +planted by the poet grows close to the cottage. The arbour is now gone; +but, in the place where it stood, a seat is erected. The hidden brook +still sings its under-song, as it used to do, "its quiet soul on all +bestowing," and the green linnet may doubtless be seen now, as it used +to be in 1803. The allusions to the garden ground at Dove Cottage, in +the poems which follow, will be noted as they occur.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<br> + +<a name="26A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See the <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, vol. i. p. 156.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr26A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="26B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Recollections of the Lakes</i>, etc., pp. 130-137, +Works, vol. ii., edition of 1862.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr26B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section27"></a>"Bleak season was it, turbulent and bleak"<a href="#27A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed (probably) in 1800.—Published 1851</h4><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Bleak season was it, turbulent and bleak, <br> +When hitherward we journeyed, side by side,<br> +Through burst of sunshine and through flying showers,<br> +Paced the long vales, how long they were, and yet<br> +How fast that length of way was left behind, <br> +Wensley's rich vale and Sedbergh's naked heights.<br> +The frosty wind, as if to make amends<br> +For its keen breath, was aiding to our steps,<br> +And drove us onward like two ships at sea;<br> +Or, like two birds, companions in mid-air, <br> +Parted and reunited by the blast.<br> +Stern was the face of nature; we rejoiced<br> +In that stern countenance; for our souls thence drew<br> +A feeling of their strength. The naked trees,<br> +The icy brooks, as on we passed, appeared <br> +To question us, "Whence come ye? To what end?"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#27n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="27A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This is a fragment of <i>The Recluse</i>, ll. 152-167; but +it was originally published in the <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i> by his +nephew (1851).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section27">return to footnote mark</a> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="27n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This poem refers to a winter journey on foot, which Wordsworth and his +sister took from Sockburn to Grasmere, by Wensleydale and Askrigg; and, +since he has left us an account of this journey, in a letter to +Coleridge, written a few days after their arrival at Grasmere—a letter +in which his characterisation of Nature is almost as happy as it is in +his best poems—some extracts from it may here be appended.</span> + +<blockquote> "We left Sockburn last Tuesday morning. We crossed the Tees by + moonlight in the Sockburn fields, and after ten good miles riding came + in sight of the Swale. It is there a beautiful river, with its green + banks and flat holms scattered over with trees. Four miles further + brought us to Richmond, with its huge ivied castle, its friarage + steeple, its castle tower resembling a huge steeple.... We were now in + Wensleydale, and D. and I set off side by side to foot it as far as + Kendal.... We reached Askrigg, twelve miles, before six in the + evening, having been obliged to walk the last two miles over hard + frozen roads.... Next morning the earth was thinly covered with snow, + enough to make the road soft and prevent its being slippery. On + leaving Askrigg we turned aside to see another waterfall. It was a + beautiful morning, with driving snow showers, which disappeared by + fits, and unveiled the east, which was all one delicious pale orange + colour. After walking through two small fields we came to a mill, + which we passed, and in a moment a sweet little valley opened before + us, with an area of grassy ground, and a stream dashing over various + laminæ of black rocks close under a bank covered with firs; the bank + and stream on our left, another woody bank on our right, and the flat + meadow in front, from which, as at Buttermere, the stream had retired, + as it were, to hide itself under the shade. As we walked up this + delightful valley we were tempted to look back perpetually on the + stream, which reflected the orange lights of the morning among the + gloomy rocks, with a brightness varying with the agitation of the + current. The steeple of Askrigg was between us and the east, at the + bottom of the valley; it was not a quarter of a mile distant.... The + two banks seemed to join before us with a facing of rock common to + them both. When we reached this bottom the valley opened out again; + two rocky banks on each side, which, hung with ivy and moss, and + fringed luxuriantly with brushwood, ran directly parallel to each + other, and then approaching with a gentle curve at their point of + union, presented a lofty waterfall, the termination of the valley. It + was a keen frosty morning, showers of snow threatening us, but the sun + bright and active. We had a task of twenty-one miles to perform in a + short winter's day.... On a nearer approach the waters seemed to fall + down a tall arch or niche that had shaped itself by insensible + moulderings in the wall of an old castle. We left this spot with + reluctance, but highly exhilarated.... It was bitter cold, the wind + driving the snow behind us in the best style of a mountain storm. We + soon reached an inn at a place called Hardrane, and descending from + our vehicles, after warming ourselves by the cottage fire, we walked + up the brook-side to take a view of a third waterfall. We had not + walked above a few hundred yards between two winding rocky banks + before we came full upon the waterfall, which seemed to throw itself + in a narrow line from a lofty wall of rock, the water, which shot + manifestly to some distance from the rock, seeming to be dispersed + into a thin shower scarcely visible before it reached the bason. We + were disappointed in the cascade itself, though the introductory and + accompanying banks were an exquisite mixture of grandeur and + beauty.... After cautiously sounding our way over stones of all + colours and sizes, encased in the clearest water formed by the spray + of the fall, we found the rock, which before had appeared like a wall, + extending itself over our heads, like the ceiling of a huge cave, from + the summit of which the waters shot directly over our heads into a + bason, and among fragments wrinkled over with masses of ice as white + as snow, or rather, as Dorothy says, like congealed froth. The water + fell at least ten yards from us, and we stood directly behind it, the + excavation not so deep in the rock as to impress any feeling of + darkness, but lofty and magnificent; but in connection with the + adjoining banks excluding as much of the sky as could well be spared + from a scene so exquisitely beautiful. The spot where we stood was as + dry as the chamber in which I am now sitting, and the incumbent rock, + of which the groundwork was limestone, veined and dappled with colours + which melted into each other with every possible variety of colour. On + the summit of the cave were three festoons, or rather wrinkles, in the + rock, run up parallel like the folds of a curtain when it is drawn up. + Each of these was hung with icicles of various length, and nearly in + the middle of the festoon, in the deepest valley of the waves that ran + parallel to each other, the stream shot from the rows of icicles in + irregular fits of strength, and with a body of water that varied every + moment. Sometimes the stream shot into the bason in one continued + current; sometimes it was interrupted almost in the midst of its fall, + and was blown towards part of the waterfall at no great distance from + our feet like the heaviest thunder shower. In such a situation you + have at every moment a feeling of the presence of the sky. Large + fleecy clouds drove over our heads above the rush of the water, and + the sky appeared of a blue more than usually brilliant. The rocks on + each side, which, joining with the side of this cave, formed the vista + of the brook, were chequered with three diminutive waterfalls, or + rather courses of water. Each of these was a miniature of all that + summer and winter can produce of delicate beauty. The rock in the + centre of the falls, where the water was most abundant, a deep black, + the adjoining parts yellow, white, purple, and dove colour, covered + with water—plants of the most vivid green, and hung with streaming + icicles, that in some places seem to conceal the verdure of the plants + and the violet and yellow variegation of the rocks; and in some places + render the colours more brilliant. I cannot express to you the + enchanting effect produced by this Arabian scene of colour as the wind + blew aside the great waterfall behind which we stood, and alternately + hid and revealed each of these fairy cataracts in irregular + succession, or displayed them with various gradations of distinctness + as the intervening spray was thickened or dispersed. What a scene too + in summer! In the luxury of our imagination we could not help feeding + upon the pleasure which this cave, in the heat of a July noon, would + spread through a frame exquisitely sensible. That huge rock on the + right, the bank winding round on the left with all its living foliage, + and the breeze stealing up the valley, and bedewing the cavern with + the freshest imaginable spray. And then the murmur of the water, the + quiet, the seclusion, and a long summer day."</blockquote> + +Ed.<br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section28"></a>Ellen Irwin; or, The Braes of Kirtle<a href="#28A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section28a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[It may be worth while to observe that as there are Scotch Poems on this +subject in simple ballad strain, I thought it would be both presumptuous +and superfluous to attempt treating it in the same way; and, +accordingly, I chose a construction of stanza quite new in our language; +in fact, the same as that of Bürger's <i>Leonora</i>, except that the +first and third lines do not, in my stanzas, rhyme. At the outset I +threw out a classical image to prepare the reader for the style in which +I meant to treat the story, and so to preclude all comparison.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the editions of 1815 and 1820 this was included among the "Poems +founded on the Affections." In 1827 it was placed in the "Memorials of a +Tour in Scotland, 1803."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br><hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="section28a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Fair Ellen Irwin, when she sate <br> +Upon the braes of Kirtle,<br> +Was lovely as a Grecian maid<br> +Adorned with wreaths of myrtle;<br> +Young Adam Bruce beside her lay, <br> +And there did they beguile the day<br> +With love and gentle speeches,<br> +Beneath the budding beeches.<br><br> + +From many knights and many squires<br> +The Bruce had been selected; <br> +And Gordon, fairest of them all,<br> +By Ellen was rejected.<br> +Sad tidings to that noble Youth!<br> +For it may be proclaimed with truth,<br> +If Bruce hath loved sincerely, <br> +That Gordon loves as dearly.<br><br> + +But what are Gordon's form and face,<br> +His shattered hopes and crosses,<br> +To them, 'mid Kirtle's pleasant braes,<br> +Reclined on flowers and mosses? <br> +Alas that ever he was born!<br> +The Gordon, couched behind a thorn,<br> +Sees them and their caressing;<br> +Beholds them blest and blessing.<br><br> + +Proud Gordon, maddened by the thoughts <br> +That through his brain are travelling,<br> +Rushed forth, and at the heart of Bruce<br> +He launched a deadly javelin!<br> +Fair Ellen saw it as it came,<br> +And, starting up to meet the same, <br> +Did with her body cover<br> +The Youth, her chosen lover.<br><br> + +And, falling into Bruce's arms,<br> +Thus died the beauteous Ellen,<br> +Thus, from the heart of her True-love, <br> +The mortal spear repelling.<br> +And Bruce, as soon as he had slain<br> +The Gordon, sailed away to Spain;<br> +And fought with rage incessant<br> +Against the Moorish crescent.<br><br> + +But many days, and many months,<br> +And many years ensuing,<br> +This wretched Knight did vainly seek<br> +The death that he was wooing.<br> +So, coming his last help to crave, <br> +Heart-broken, upon Ellen's grave<br> +His body he extended,<br> +And there his sorrow ended.<br><br> + +Now ye, who willingly have heard<br> +The tale I have been telling, <br> +May in Kirkonnel churchyard view<br> +The grave of lovely Ellen:<br> +By Ellen's side the Bruce is laid;<br> +And, for the stone upon his head,<br> +May no rude hand deface it, <br> +And its forlorn Hic jacet.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#28n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr28v1"></a><a href="#28v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr28v2"></a><a href="#28v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr28v3"></a><a href="#28v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr28v4"></a><a href="#28v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr28v5"></a><a href="#28v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr28v6"></a><a href="#28v6">6</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="28v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Gordon ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="28v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But what is Gordon's beauteous face?<br> + And what are Gordon's crosses<br> + To them who sit by Kirtle's Braes<br> + Upon the verdant mosses?</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="28v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Proud Gordon cannot bear the thoughts</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="28v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And, starting up, to Bruce's heart</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="28v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Fair Ellen saw it when it came,<br> + And, stepping forth ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="28v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>So coming back across the wave,<br> + Without a groan on Ellen's grave</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And coming back ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr28v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="28A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> The Kirtle is a River in the Southern part of Scotland, on +whose banks the events here related took place.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#section28">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="28n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">No Scottish ballad is superior in pathos to <i>Helen of Kirkconnell</i>. +It is based on a traditionary tale—the date of the event being +lost—but the locality, in the parish of Kirkpatrick-Fleming in +Dumfriesshire, is known; and there the graves of "Burd Helen" and her +lover are still pointed out.<br> +<br> +The following is Sir Walter Scott's account of the story:</span> + +<blockquote> "A lady of the name of Helen Irving, or Bell (for this is disputed by + the two clans), daughter of the laird of Kirkconnell in Dumfriesshire, + and celebrated for her beauty, was beloved by two gentlemen in the + neighbourhood. The name of the favoured suitor was Adam Fleming of + Kirkpatrick: that of the other has escaped tradition, although it has + been alleged he was a Bell of Blackel-house. The addresses of the + latter were, however, favoured by the friends of the lady, and the + lovers were therefore obliged to meet in secret, and by night, in the + Churchyard of Kirkconnell, a romantic spot, surrounded by the river + Kirtle. During one of their private interviews, the jealous and + despised lover suddenly appeared on the opposite bank of the stream, + and levelled his carbine at the breast of his rival. Helen threw + herself before her lover, received in her bosom the bullet, and died + in his arms. A desperate and mortal combat ensued between Fleming and + the murderer, in which the latter was cut to pieces."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border</i>, vol. ii. p. 317.<br> +<br> +The original ballad—well known though it is—may be quoted as an +admirable illustration of the different types of poetic genius in +dealing with the same, or a kindred, theme.</span> + +<blockquote>I wish I were where Helen lies!<br> +Night and day on me she cries;<br> +O that I were where Helen lies,<br> + On fair Kirkconnell lee!<br><br> + +Cursed be the heart that thought the thought,<br> +And curst the hand that fired the shot,<br> +When in my arms burd Helen dropt,<br> + And died to succour me!<br><br> + +Oh think ye na my heart was sair,<br> +When my love dropt down and spake nae mair!<br> +There did she swoon wi' meikle care,<br> + On fair Kirkconnell lee.<br><br> + +As I went down the water side,<br> +None but my foe to be my guide,<br> +None but my foe to be my guide,<br> + On fair Kirkconnell lee—<br><br> + +I lighted down, my sword did draw,<br> +I hacked him in pieces sma',<br> +I hacked him in pieces sma',<br> + For her sake that died for me.<br><br> + +Oh, Helen fair, beyond compare!<br> +I'll weave a garland of thy hair<br> +Shall bind my heart for evermair,<br> + Until the day I dee!<br><br> + +Oh that I were where Helen lies!<br> +Day and night on me she cries;<br> +Out of my bed she bids me rise,<br> + Says, "Haste, and come to me!"<br><br> + +O Helen fair! O Helen chaste!<br> +Were I with thee I would be blest,<br> +Where thou lies low and takes thy rest,<br> + On fair Kirkconnell lee.<br><br> + +I wish my grave were growing green,<br> +A winding sheet drawn o'er my e'en,<br> +And I in Helen's arms lying<br> + On fair Kirkconnell lee.<br><br> + +I wish I were where Helen lies!<br> +Night and day on me she cries,<br> +And I am weary of the skies,<br> + For her sake that died for me!</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;"> Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section29"></a>Hart-Leap Well</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section29a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +Hart-Leap Well is a small spring of water, about five miles from +Richmond in Yorkshire, and near the side of the road which leads from +Richmond to Askrigg. Its name is derived from a remarkable chace, the +memory of which is preserved by the monuments spoken of in the second +Part of the following Poem, which monuments do now exist as I have there +described them.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. The first eight stanzas were composed +extempore one winter evening in the cottage, when, after having tired +myself with labouring at an awkward passage in <i>The Brothers</i>, I +started with a sudden impulse to this to get rid of the other, and +finished it in a day or two. My sister and I had passed the place a few +weeks before in our wild winter journey from Sockburn on the banks of +the Tees to Grasmere. A peasant whom we met near the spot told us the +story so far as concerned the name of the Well, and the Hart, and +pointed out the Stones. Both the stones and the well are objects that +may easily be missed. The tradition by this time may be extinct in the +neighbourhood. The man who related it to us was very old.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Imagination,"—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section29a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> +<ul> +<li><a href="#29p1">Part the First</a></li> +<li><a href="#29p2">Part Second</a></li> +</ul><br> +<br> +<a name="29p1"></a><b>Part the First</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The Knight had ridden down from Wensley Moor<br> +With the slow motion of a summer's cloud<br> +And now, as he approached a vassal's door,<br> +"Bring forth another horse!" he cried aloud.<br><br> + +"Another horse!"—That shout the vassal heard <br> +And saddled his best Steed, a comely grey;<br> +Sir Walter mounted him; he was the third<br> +Which he had mounted on that glorious day.<br><br> + +Joy sparkled in the prancing courser's eyes;<br> +The horse and horseman are a happy pair; <br> +But, though Sir Walter like a falcon flies,<br> +There is a doleful silence in the air.<br><br> + +A rout this morning left Sir Walter's Hall,<br> +That as they galloped made the echoes roar;<br> +But horse and man are vanished, one and all; <br> +Such race, I think, was never seen before.<br><br> + +Sir Walter, restless as a veering wind,<br> +Calls to the few tired dogs that yet remain:<br> +Blanch, Swift, and Music, noblest of their kind,<br> +Follow, and up the weary mountain strain.<br><br> + +The Knight hallooed, he cheered and chid them on<br> +With suppliant gestures and upbraidings stern;<br> +But breath and eyesight fail; and, one by one,<br> +The dogs are stretched among the mountain fern.<br><br> + +Where is the throng, the tumult of the race?<br> +The bugles that so joyfully were blown?<br> +—This chase it looks not like an earthly chase;<br> +Sir Walter and the Hart are left alone.<br><br> + +The poor Hart toils along the mountain-side;<br> +I will not stop to tell how far he fled, <br> +Nor will I mention by what death he died;<br> +But now the Knight beholds him lying dead.<br><br> + +Dismounting, then, he leaned against a thorn;<br> +He had no follower, dog, nor man, nor boy:<br> +He neither cracked his whip, nor blew his horn, <br> +But gazed upon the spoil with silent joy.<br><br> + +Close to the thorn on which Sir Walter leaned,<br> +Stood his dumb partner in this glorious feat;<br> +Weak as a lamb the hour that it is yeaned;<br> +And white with foam as if with cleaving sleet.<br><br> + +Upon his side the Hart was lying stretched:<br> +His nostril touched a spring beneath a hill,<br> +And with the last deep groan his breath had fetched<br> +The waters of the spring were trembling still.<br><br> + +And now, too happy for repose or rest, <br> +(Never had living man such joyful lot!)<br> +Sir Walter walked all round, north, south, and west,<br> +And gazed and gazed upon that darling spot.<br><br> + +And climbing up the hill—(it was at least<br> +Four roods of sheer ascent) Sir Walter found <br> +Three several hoof-marks which the hunted Beast<br> +Had left imprinted on the grassy ground.<br><br> + +Sir Walter wiped his face, and cried, "Till now<br> +Such sight was never seen by human eyes:<br> +Three leaps have borne him from this lofty brow, <br> +Down to the very fountain where he lies.<br><br> + +"I'll build a pleasure-house upon this spot,<br> +And a small arbour, made for rural joy;<br> +'Twill be the traveller's shed, the pilgrim's cot,<br> +A place of love for damsels that are coy.<br><br> + +"A cunning artist will I have to frame<br> +A basin for that fountain in the dell!<br> +And they who do make mention of the same,<br> +From this day forth, shall call it <b>Hart-Leap Well</b>.<br><br> + +"And, gallant Stag! to make thy praises known,<br> +Another monument shall here be raised;<br> +Three several pillars, each a rough-hewn stone,<br> +And planted where thy hoofs the turf have grazed.<br><br> + +"And, in the summer-time when days are long,<br> +I will come hither with my Paramour; <br> +And with the dancers and the minstrel's song<br> +We will make merry in that pleasant bower.<br><br> + +"Till the foundations of the mountains fail<br> +My mansion with its arbour shall endure;—<br> +The joy of them who till the fields of Swale, <br> +And them who dwell among the woods of Ure!"<br><br> + +Then home he went, and left the Hart, stone-dead,<br> +With breathless nostrils stretched above the spring.<br> +—Soon did the Knight perform what he had said;<br> +And far and wide the fame thereof did ring.<br><br> + +Ere thrice the Moon into her port had steered,<br> +A cup of stone received the living well;<br> +Three pillars of rude stone Sir Walter reared,<br> +And built a house of pleasure in the dell.<br><br> + +And near the fountain, flowers of stature tall <br> +With trailing plants and trees were intertwined,—<br> +Which soon composed a little sylvan hall,<br> +A leafy shelter from the sun and wind.<br><br> + +And thither, when the summer days were long<br> +Sir Walter led his wondering Paramour; <br> +And with the dancers and the minstrel's song<br> +Made merriment within that pleasant bower.<br><br> + +The Knight, Sir Walter, died in course of time,<br> +And his bones lie in his paternal vale.—<br> +But there is matter for a second rhyme, <br> +And I to this would add another tale. +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v1"></a><a href="#29v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v2"></a><a href="#29v2">2</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29v3"></a><a href="#29v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr29v4"></a><a href="#29v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29v5"></a><a href="#29v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v6"></a><a href="#29v6">6</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v7"></a><a href="#29v7">7</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v8"></a><a href="#29v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v9"></a><a href="#29v9">9</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v10"></a><a href="#29v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v11"></a><a href="#29v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v12"></a><a href="#29v12">12</a><br><br> +<a name="fr29v13"></a><a href="#29v13">13</a><br> +<a name="fr29v14"></a><a href="#29v14">14</a><br> +<a name="fr29v15"></a><a href="#29v15">15</a><br> +<a name="fr29v16"></a><a href="#29v16">16</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v17"></a><a href="#29v17">17</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29v18"></a><a href="#29v18">18</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v19"></a><a href="#29v19">19</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v20"></a><a href="#29v20">20</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +95<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29p2"></a><b>Part the Second</b><br> +<br> +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The moving accident is not my trade;<br> +To freeze the blood I have no ready arts:<br> +'Tis my delight, alone in summer shade,<br> +To pipe a simple song for thinking hearts.<br><br> + +As I from Hawes to Richmond did repair,<br> +It chanced that I saw standing in a dell<br> +Three aspens at three corners of a square;<br> +And one, not four yards distant, near a well.<br><br> + +What this imported I could ill divine: <br> +And, pulling now the rein my horse to stop,<br> +I saw three pillars standing in a line,—<br> +The last stone-pillar on a dark hill-top.<br><br> + +The trees were grey, with neither arms nor head:<br> +Half wasted the square mound of tawny green; <br> +So that you just might say, as then I said,<br> +"Here in old time the hand of man hath been."<br><br> + +I looked upon the hill both far and near,<br> +More doleful place did never eye survey;<br> +It seemed as if the spring-time came not here, <br> +And Nature here were willing to decay.<br><br> + +I stood in various thoughts and fancies lost,<br> +When one, who was in shepherd's garb attired,<br> +Came up the hollow:—him did I accost,<br> +And what this place might be I then inquired. <br><br> + +The Shepherd stopped, and that same story told<br> +Which in my former rhyme I have rehearsed.<br> +"A jolly place," said he, "in times of old!<br> +But something ails it now: the spot is curst.<br><br> + +"You see these lifeless stumps of aspen wood— <br> +Some say that they are beeches, others elms—<br> +These were the bower; and here a mansion stood,<br> +The finest palace of a hundred realms!<br><br> + +"The arbour does its own condition tell;<br> +You see the stones, the fountain, and the stream; <br> +But as to the great Lodge! you might as well<br> +Hunt half a day for a forgotten dream.<br><br> + +"There's neither dog nor heifer, horse nor sheep,<br> +Will wet his lips within that cup of stone;<br> +And oftentimes, when all are fast asleep, <br> +This water doth send forth a dolorous groan.<br><br> + +"Some say that here a murder has been done,<br> +And blood cries out for blood: but, for my part,<br> +I've guessed, when I've been sitting in the sun,<br> +That it was all for that unhappy Hart.<br><br> + +"What thoughts must through the creature's brain have past!<br> +Even from the topmost stone, upon the steep,<br> +Are but three bounds—and look, Sir, at this last—<br> +O Master! it has been a cruel leap.<br><br> + +"For thirteen hours he ran a desperate race; <br> +And in my simple mind we cannot tell<br> +What cause the Hart might have to love this place,<br> +And come and make his death-bed near the well.<br><br> + +"Here on the grass perhaps asleep he sank,<br> +Lulled by the fountain in the summer tide; <br> +This water was perhaps the first he drank<br> +When he had wandered from his mother's side.<br><br> + +"In April here beneath the flowering thorn<br> +He heard the birds their morning carols sing;<br> +And he, perhaps, for aught we know, was born <br> +Not half a furlong from that self-same spring.<br><br> + +"Now, here is neither grass nor pleasant shade;<br> +The sun on drearier hollow never shone;<br> +So will it be, as I have often said,<br> +Till trees, and stones, and fountain, all are gone."<br><br> + +"Grey-headed Shepherd, thou hast spoken well;<br> +Small difference lies between thy creed and mine:<br> +This Beast not unobserved by Nature fell;<br> +His death was mourned by sympathy divine.<br><br> + +"The Being, that is in the clouds and air, <br> +That is in the green leaves among the groves,<br> +Maintains a deep and reverential care<br> +For the unoffending creatures whom he loves.<br><br> + +"The pleasure-house is dust:—behind, before,<br> +This is no common waste, no common gloom; <br> +But Nature, in due course of time, once more<br> +Shall here put on her beauty and her bloom.<br><br> + +"She leaves these objects to a slow decay,<br> +That what we are, and have been, may be known;<br> +But at the coming of the milder day, <br> +These monuments shall all be overgrown.<br><br> + +"One lesson, Shepherd, let us two divide,<br> +Taught both by what she shows, and what conceals;<br> +Never to blend our pleasure or our pride<br> +With sorrow of the meanest thing that feels."<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#29n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v21"></a><a href="#29v21">21</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v22"></a><a href="#29v22">22</a><br><br> +<a name="fr29v23"></a><a href="#29v23">23</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v24"></a><a href="#29v24">24</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v25"></a><a href="#29v25">25</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29v26"></a><a href="#29v26">26</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29v27"></a><a href="#29v27">27</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr29v28"></a><a href="#29v28">28</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><a name="fr29A"></a><a href="#29A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr29B"></a><a href="#29B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr29C"></a><a href="#29C">C</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +100<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +115<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +125<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +135<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +145<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +150<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +155<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +165<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +170<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +175<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +180</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="29v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He turn'd aside towards a Vassal's door,<br> + And, "Bring another Horse!" he cried aloud.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Brach, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... he chid and cheer'd them on</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> With fawning kindness ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... of the chace?</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> This race it looks not like an earthly race;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... smack'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... act;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And foaming like a mountain cataract. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> His nose half-touch'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Was never man in such a joyful case,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>.... place.</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... turning ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Nine ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Three several marks which with his hoofs the beast </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... verdant ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... living ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... gallant brute! ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And soon the Knight perform'd what he had said,<br> + The fame whereof through many a land did ring. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... journey'd with his paramour;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... to ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... has ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... hills ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>From the stone on the summit of the steep</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... upon ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... scented ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But now here's ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> For them the quiet creatures ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr29v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="29A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>Othello</i>, act I. scene iii. l. 135:</span> + +<blockquote> 'Of moving accidents by flood and field.'</blockquote> +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr29A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the sonnet (vol. iv.) beginning:</span> + + <blockquote> "Beloved Vale!" I said. "when I shall con ...</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr29B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Tennyson, <i>In Memoriam</i>, v. II. 3, 4.</span> + + <blockquote>'For words, like Nature, half reveal<br> + And half conceal the Soul within.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr29C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="29n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This poem was suggested to Wordsworth in December 1799 during the +journey with his sister from Sockburn in Yorkshire to Grasmere. I owe +the following local note on <i>Hart-Leap Well</i> to Mr. John R. Tutin +of Hull. </span> + + <blockquote>"June 20, 1881. Visited 'Hart-Leap Well,' the subject of Wordsworth's + poem. It is situated on the road side leading from Richmond to + Askrigg, at a distance of not more than three and a-half miles from + Richmond, and not five miles as stated in the prefatory note to the + poem. The 'three aspens at three corners of a square' are things of + the past; also the 'three stone pillars standing in a line, on the + hill above. In a straight line with the spring of water, and where the + pillars would have been, a wall has been built; so that it is very + probable the stone pillars were removed at the time of the building of + this wall. The scenery around answers exactly to the description + + <blockquote>More doleful place did never eye survey;<br> + It seemed as if the spring time came not here,<br> + And Nature here were willing to decay.<br> + ...<br> + Now, here is neither grass nor pleasant shade.</blockquote> + + "It is barren moor for miles around. The water still falls into the + 'cup of stone,' which appeared to be of very long standing. Within ten + yards of the well is a small tree, at the same side of the road as the + well, on the right hand coming from Richmond."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The Rev. Thomas Hutchinson of Kimbolton wrote to me on June 18, 1883:</span> + +<blockquote> "The tree is not a Thorn, but a Lime. It is evidently an old one, but + is now in full and beautiful leaf. It stands on the western side of + the road, and a few yards distant from it. The well is somewhat nearer + the road. This side of the road is open to the fell. On the other side + the road is bounded by a stone wall: another wall meeting this one at + right angles, exactly opposite the well. I ascended the hill on the + north side of this wall for some distance, but could find no trace of + any rough-hewn stone. Descending on the other side, I found in the + wall one, and only one, such stone. I should say the base was in the + wall. The stone itself leans outwards; so that, at the top, three of + its square faces can be seen; and two, if not three, of these faces + bear marks of being hammer-dressed. The distance from the stone to the + well is about 40 yards, and the height of the stone out of the ground + about 3 or 4 feet.<br> +<br> + "The ascent from the well is a gentle one, not 'sheer'; nor does there + appear to be any hollow by which the shepherd could ascend. On the + western side of the road there is a wide plain, with a slight fall in + that direction."<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"> +<br> +"<i>Hart-Leap Well</i> is the tale for me; in matter as good as this + (<i>Peter Bell</i>); in manner infinitely before it, in my poor + judgment."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Charles Lamb to Wordsworth, May 1819. (See <i>The Letters of Charles +Lamb</i>, edited by Alfred Ainger, vol. ii. p. 20.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section30"></a>The Idle Shepherd-Boys; or, Dungeon-Ghyll Force<a href="#30A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>A Pastoral</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section30a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. I will only add a little monitory +anecdote concerning this subject. When Coleridge and Southey were +walking together upon the Fells, Southey observed that, if I wished to +be considered a faithful painter of rural manners, I ought not to have +said that my shepherd-boys trimmed their rustic hats as described in the +poem. Just as the words had passed his lips two boys appeared with the +very plant entwined round their hats. I have often wondered that +Southey, who rambled so much about the mountains, should have fallen +into this mistake, and I record it as a warning for others who, with far +less opportunity than my dear friend had of knowing what things are, and +far less sagacity, give way to presumptuous criticism, from which he was +free, though in this matter mistaken. In describing a tarn under +Helvellyn I say:</span> + +<blockquote>"There sometimes doth a leaping fish<br> + Send through the tarn a lonely cheer."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #663300;">This was branded by a critic of these days, in a review ascribed to Mrs. +Barbauld, as unnatural and absurd. I admire the genius of Mrs. Barbauld +and am certain that, had her education been favourable to imaginative +influences, no female of her day would have been more likely to +sympathise with that image, and to acknowledge the truth of the +sentiment.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section30a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The valley rings with mirth and joy; <br> +Among the hills the echoes play<br> +A never never ending song,<br> +To welcome in the May.<br> +The magpie chatters with delight; <br> +The mountain raven's youngling brood<br> +Have left the mother and the nest;<br> +And they go rambling east and west<br> +In search of their own food;<br> +Or through the glittering vapours dart <br> +In very wantonness of heart.<br><br> + +Beneath a rock, upon the grass,<br> +Two boys are sitting in the sun;<br> +Their work, if any work they have,<br> +Is out of mind—or done.<br> +On pipes of sycamore they play<br> +The fragments of a Christmas hymn;<br> +Or with that plant which in our dale<br> +We call stag-horn, or fox's tail,<br> +Their rusty hats they trim: <br> +And thus, as happy as the day,<br> +Those Shepherds wear the time away.<br><br> + +Along the river's stony marge<br> +The sand-lark chants a joyous song;<br> +The thrush is busy in the wood, <br> +And carols loud and strong.<br> +A thousand lambs are on the rocks,<br> +All newly born! both earth and sky<br> +Keep jubilee, and more than all,<br> +Those boys with their green coronal; <br> +They never hear the cry,<br> +That plaintive cry! which up the hill<br> +Comes from the depth of Dungeon-Ghyll.<br><br> + +Said Walter, leaping from the ground,<br> +"Down to the stump of yon old yew <br> +We'll for our whistles run a race."<br> +—Away the shepherds flew;<br> +They leapt—they ran—and when they came<br> +Right opposite to Dungeon-Ghyll,<br> +Seeing that he should lose the prize, <br> +"Stop!" to his comrade Walter cries—<br> +James stopped with no good will:<br> +Said Walter then, exulting; "Here<br> +You'll find a task for half a year.<br><br> + +"Cross, if you dare, where I shall cross— <br> +Come on, and tread where I shall tread."<br> +The other took him at his word,<br> +And followed as he led.<br> +It was a spot which you may see<br> +If ever you to Langdale go; <br> +Into a chasm a mighty block<br> +Hath fallen, and made a bridge of rock:<br> +The gulf is deep below;<br> +And, in a basin black and small,<br> +Receives a lofty waterfall.<br><br> + +With staff in hand across the cleft<br> +The challenger pursued his march;<br> +And now, all eyes and feet, hath gained<br> +The middle of the arch.<br> +When list! he hears a piteous moan— <br> +Again!—his heart within him dies—<br> +His pulse is stopped, his breath is lost,<br> +He totters, pallid as a ghost,<br> +And, looking down, espies<br> +A lamb, that in the pool is pent <br> +Within that black and frightful rent.<br><br> + +The lamb had slipped into the stream,<br> +And safe without a bruise or wound<br> +The cataract had borne him down<br> +Into the gulf profound.<br> +His dam had seen him when he fell,<br> +She saw him down the torrent borne;<br> +And, while with all a mother's love<br> +She from the lofty rocks above<br> +Sent forth a cry forlorn, <br> +The lamb, still swimming round and round,<br> +Made answer to that plaintive sound.<br><br> + +When he had learnt what thing it was,<br> +That sent this rueful cry; I ween<br> +The Boy recovered heart, and told <br> +The sight which he had seen.<br> +Both gladly now deferred their task;<br> +Nor was there wanting other aid—<br> +A Poet, one who loves the brooks<br> +Far better than the sages' books, <br> +By chance had thither strayed;<br> +And there the helpless lamb he found<br> +By those huge rocks encompassed round.<br><br> + +He drew it from the troubled pool,<br> +And brought it forth into the light: <br> +The Shepherds met him with his charge,<br> +An unexpected sight!<br> +Into their arms the lamb they took,<br> +Whose life and limbs the flood had spared;<br> +Then up the steep ascent they hied, <br> +And placed him at his mother's side;<br> +And gently did the Bard<br> +Those idle Shepherd-boys upbraid,<br> +And bade them better mind their trade.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#30n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v1"></a><a href="#30v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v2"></a><a href="#30v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v3"></a><a href="#30v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v4"></a><a href="#30v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v5"></a><a href="#30v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v6"></a><a href="#30v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v7"></a><a href="#30v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v8"></a><a href="#30v8">8</a><br> +<a name="fr30v9"></a><a href="#30v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr30v10"></a><a href="#30v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30v11"></a><a href="#30v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr30B"></a><a href="#30B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="30v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The valley rings with mirth and joy;<br> + And, pleased to welcome in the May,<br> + From hill to hill the echoes fling<br> + Their liveliest roundelay.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr30v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>It seems they have no work to do<br> + Or that their work is done. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Boys that have had no work to do,<br> + Or work that now is done.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1805</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> I'll run with you a race."—No more— </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>We'll for this Whistle run a race." ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Said Walter then, "Your task is here,<br> + 'Twill keep you working half a year. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>'Twill baffle you for half a year. </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Till you have cross'd where I shall cross,<br> + Say that you'll neither sleep nor eat." </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"Now cross where I shall cross,—come on<br> + And follow me where I shall lead—"</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"Cross, if you dare, where I shall cross—<br> + Come on, and in my footsteps tread!" </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> James proudly took him at his word,<br> + But did not like the feat.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the deed.</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The other took him at his word, </blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... began ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... pale as any ghost,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... he spies</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> He drew it gently from the pool,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Said they, "He's neither maim'd nor scarr'd"—</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr30v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="30A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <i>Ghyll</i>, in the dialect of Cumberland and Westmoreland +is a short and for the most part a steep narrow valley, with a stream +running through it. <i>Force</i> is the word universally employed in +these dialects for Waterfall.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">"Ghyll" was spelt "Gill" in the editions of 1800 to 1805.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section30">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="30B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the <i>Ode, Intimations of Immortality</i>, iv. l. +3 (vol. viii.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr30B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="30n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The "bridge of rock" across Dungeon-Ghyll "chasm," and the "lofty +waterfall," with all its accessories of place as described in the poem, +remain as they were in 1800.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section31"></a>The Pet-Lamb</h2> + +<h4>A Pastoral</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section31a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. Barbara Lewthwaite, now living at +Ambleside (1843), though much changed as to beauty, was one of two most +lovely sisters. Almost the first words my poor brother John said, when +he visited us for the first time at Grasmere, were, "Were those two +Angels that I have just seen?" and from his description, I have no doubt +they were those two sisters. The mother died in childbed; and one of our +neighbours at Grasmere told me that the loveliest sight she had ever +seen was that mother as she lay in her coffin with her babe in her arm. +I mention this to notice what I cannot but think a salutary custom once +universal in these vales. Every attendant on a funeral made it a duty to +look at the corpse in the coffin before the lid was closed, which was +never done (nor I believe is now) till a minute or two before the corpse +was removed. Barbara Lewthwaite was not in fact the child whom I had +seen and overheard as described in the poem. I chose the name for +reasons implied in the above; and here will add a caution against the +use of names of living persons. Within a few months after the +publication of this poem, I was much surprised, and more hurt, to find +it in a child's school book, which, having been compiled by Lindley +Murray, had come into use at Grasmere School where Barbara was a pupil; +and, alas! I had the mortification of hearing that she was very vain of +being thus distinguished; and, in after life she used to say that she +remembered the incident, and what I said to her upon the occasion.—I. +F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section31a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The dew was falling fast, the stars began to blink;<br> +I heard a voice; it said, "Drink, pretty creature, drink!"<br> +And, looking o'er the hedge, before me I espied<br> +A snow-white mountain-lamb with a Maiden at its side.<br><br> + +Nor sheep nor kine were near; the lamb was all alone,<br> +And by a slender cord was tethered to a stone;<br> +With one knee on the grass did the little Maiden kneel,<br> +While to that mountain-lamb she gave its evening meal.<br><br> + +The lamb, while from her hand he thus his supper took,<br> +Seemed to feast with head and ears; and his tail with pleasure shook.<br> +"Drink, pretty creature, drink," she said in such a tone<br> +That I almost received her heart into my own.<br><br> + +'Twas little Barbara Lewthwaite, a child of beauty rare!<br> +I watched them with delight, they were a lovely pair.<br> +Now with her empty can the Maiden turned away:<br> +But ere ten yards were gone her footsteps did she stay.<br><br> + +Right towards the lamb she looked; and from a shady place<br> +I unobserved could see the workings of her face:<br> +If Nature to her tongue could measured numbers bring,<br> +Thus, thought I, to her lamb that little Maid might sing:<br><br> + +"What ails thee, young One? what? Why pull so at thy cord?<br> +Is it not well with thee? well both for bed and board?<br> +Thy plot of grass is soft, and green as grass can be;<br> +Rest, little young One, rest; what is't that aileth thee?<br><br> + +"What is it thou wouldst seek? What is wanting to thy heart?<br> +Thy limbs are they not strong? And beautiful thou art:<br> +This grass is tender grass; these flowers they have no peers;<br> +And that green corn all day is rustling in thy ears!<br><br> + +"If the sun be shining hot, do but stretch thy woollen chain,<br> +This beech is standing by, its covert thou canst gain;<br> +For rain and mountain-storms! the like thou need'st not fear,<br> +The rain and storm are things that scarcely can come here.<br><br> + +"Rest, little young One, rest; thou hast forgot the day<br> +When my father found thee first in places far away;<br> +Many flocks were on the hills, but thou wert owned by none,<br> +And thy mother from thy side for evermore was gone.<br><br> + +"He took thee in his arms, and in pity brought thee home:<br> +A blessed day for thee! then whither wouldst thou roam?<br> +A faithful nurse thou hast; the dam that did thee yean<br> +Upon the mountain tops no kinder could have been.<br><br> + +"Thou know'st that twice a day I have brought thee in this can<br> +Fresh water from the brook, as clear as ever ran;<br> +And twice in the day, when the ground is wet with dew<br> +I bring thee draughts of milk, warm milk it is and new.<br><br> + +"Thy limbs will shortly be twice as stout as they are now,<br> +Then I'll yoke thee to my cart like a pony in the plough;<br> +My playmate thou shalt be; and when the wind is cold<br> +Our hearth shall be thy bed, our house shall be thy fold.<br><br> + +"It will not, will not rest!—Poor creature, can it be<br> +That 'tis thy mother's heart which is working so in thee?<br> +Things that I know not of belike to thee are dear,<br> +And dreams of things which thou canst neither see nor hear.<br><br> + +"Alas, the mountain-tops that look so green and fair!<br> +I've heard of fearful winds and darkness that come there;<br> +The little brooks that seem all pastime and all play,<br> +When they are angry, roar like lions for their prey.<br><br> + +"Here thou need'st not dread the raven in the sky;<br> +Night and day thou art safe,—our cottage is hard by.<br> +Why bleat so after me? Why pull so at thy chain?<br> +Sleep—and at break of day I will come to thee again!"<br><br> + +—As homeward through the lane I went with lazy feet,<br> +This song to myself did I oftentimes repeat;<br> +And it seemed, as I retraced the ballad line by line,<br> +That but half of it was hers, and one half of it was <i>mine</i>.<br><br> + +Again, and once again, did I repeat the song;<br> +"Nay," said I, "more than half to the damsel must belong,<br> +For she looked with such a look, and she spake with such a tone,<br> +That I almost received her heart into my own."<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr31v1"></a><a href="#31v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="fr31v2"></a><a href="#31v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> + + +<a name="fr31v3"></a><a href="#31v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v4"></a><a href="#31v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v5"></a><a href="#31v5">5</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v6"></a><a href="#31v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v7"></a><a href="#31v7">7</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v8"></a><a href="#31v8">8</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr31v9"></a><a href="#31v9">9</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="31v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> No other sheep ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Towards the Lamb she look'd, and from that shady place</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... is ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v4">return</a><br> +<br><br> + +<a name="31v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... are ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Poor creature, it must be<br> + That thou hast lost thy mother, and 'tis that which troubles thee. </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the raven in the sky,<br> + He will not come to thee, our Cottage is hard by,<br> + Night and day thou art safe as living thing can be,<br> + Be happy then and rest, what is't that aileth thee?" </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Italics</i> first used in 1815.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="31v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> This word (damsel) was <i>italicised</i> from 1813 to 1832.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr31v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section32"></a>The Farmer of Tilsbury Vale</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1815<a href="#32A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<a href="#section32a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[The character of this man was described to me, and the incident upon +which the verses turn was told me, by Mr. Poole of Nether Stowey, with +whom I became acquainted through our common friend, S.T. Coleridge. +During my residence at Alfoxden, I used to see much of him, and had +frequent occasions to admire the course of his daily life, especially +his conduct to his labourers and poor neighbours; their virtues he +carefully encouraged, and weighed their faults in the scales of charity. +If I seem in these verses to have treated the weaknesses of the farmer +and his transgressions too tenderly, it may in part be ascribed to my +having received the story from one so averse to all harsh judgment. +After his death was found in his escritoir, a lock of grey hair +carefully preserved, with a notice that it had been cut from the head of +his faithful shepherd, who had served him for a length of years. I need +scarcely add that he felt for all men as his brothers. He was much +beloved by distinguished persons—Mr. Coleridge, Mr. Southey, Sir H. +Davy, and many others; and in his own neighbourhood was highly valued as +a magistrate, a man of business, and in every other social relation. The +latter part of the poem perhaps requires some apology, as being too much +of an echo to <i>The Reverie of Poor Susan</i>.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included in the "Poems referring to the Period of Old Age."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section32a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>'Tis not for the unfeeling, the falsely refined,<br> +The squeamish in taste, and the narrow of mind,<br> +And the small critic wielding his delicate pen,<br> +That I sing of old Adam, the pride of old men.<br><br> + +He dwells in the centre of London's wide Town; <br> +His staff is a sceptre—his grey hairs a crown;<br> +And his bright eyes look brighter, set off by the streak<br> +Of the unfaded rose that still blooms on his cheek. <br><br> + +'Mid the dews, in the sunshine of morn,—'mid the joy<br> +Of the fields, he collected that bloom, when a boy;<br> +That countenance there fashioned, which, spite of a stain<br> +That his life hath received, to the last will remain.<br><br> + +A Farmer he was; and his house far and near<br> +Was the boast of the country for excellent cheer:<br> +How oft have I heard in sweet Tilsbury Vale<br> +Of the silver-rimmed horn whence he dealt his mild ale!<br><br> + +Yet Adam was far as the farthest from ruin,<br> +His fields seemed to know what their Master was doing;<br> +And turnips, and corn-land, and meadow, and lea,<br> +All caught the infection—as generous as he.<br><br> + +Yet Adam prized little the feast and the bowl,—<br> +The fields better suited the ease of his soul:<br> +He strayed through the fields like an indolent wight,<br> +The quiet of nature was Adam's delight.<br><br> + +For Adam was simple in thought; and the poor,<br> +Familiar with him, made an inn of his door:<br> +He gave them the best that he had; or, to say<br> +What less may mislead you, they took it away.<br> +<br> +Thus thirty smooth years did he thrive on his farm:<br> +The Genius of plenty preserved him from harm: <br> +At length, what to most is a season of sorrow,<br> +His means are run out,—he must beg, or must borrow.<br><br> + +To the neighbours he went,—all were free with their money;<br> +For his hive had so long been replenished with honey,<br> +That they dreamt not of dearth;—He continued his rounds,<br> +Knocked here-and knocked there, pounds still adding to pounds.<br><br> + +He paid what he could with his ill-gotten pelf,<br> +And something, it might be, reserved for himself:<br> +Then (what is too true) without hinting a word,<br> +Turned his back on the country—and off like a bird.<br><br> + +You lift up your eyes!—but I guess that you frame<br> +A judgment too harsh of the sin and the shame;<br> +In him it was scarcely a business of art,<br> +For this he did all in the <i>ease</i> of his heart.<br><br> + +To London—a sad emigration I ween—<br> +With his grey hairs he went from the brook and the green;<br> +And there, with small wealth but his legs and his hands,<br> +As lonely he stood as a crow on the sands.<br><br> + +All trades, as need was, did old Adam assume,—<br> +Served as stable-boy, errand-boy, porter, and groom;<br> +But nature is gracious, necessity kind,<br> +And, in spite of the shame that may lurk in his mind,<br> +<br> +He seems ten birthdays younger, is green and is stout;<br> +Twice as fast as before does his blood run about;<br> +You would say that each hair of his beard was alive,<br> +And his fingers are busy as bees in a hive.<br><br> + +For he's not like an Old Man that leisurely goes<br> +About work that he knows, in a track that he knows;<br> +But often his mind is compelled to demur,<br> +And you guess that the more then his body must stir.<br><br> + +In the throng of the town like a stranger is he,<br> +Like one whose own country's far over the sea;<br> +And Nature, while through the great city he hies,<br> +Full ten times a day takes his heart by surprise.<br><br> + +This gives him the fancy of one that is young,<br> +More of soul in his face than of words on his tongue;<br> +Like a maiden of twenty he trembles and sighs,<br> +And tears of fifteen will come into his eyes.<br><br> + +What's a tempest to him, or the dry parching heats?<br> +Yet he watches the clouds that pass over the streets;<br> +With a look of such earnestness often will stand,<br> +You might think he'd twelve reapers at work in the Strand.<br><br> + +Where proud Covent-garden, in desolate hours<br> +Of snow and hoar-frost, spreads her fruits and her flowers,<br> +Old Adam will smile at the pains that have made<br> +Poor winter look fine in such strange masquerade.<br> +<br> +'Mid coaches and chariots, a waggon of straw,<br> +Like a magnet, the heart of old Adam can draw;<br> +With a thousand soft pictures his memory will teem,<br> +And his hearing is touched with the sounds of a dream.<br><br> + +Up the Haymarket hill he oft whistles his way,<br> +Thrusts his hands in a waggon, and smells at the hay;<br> +He thinks of the fields he so often hath mown,<br> +And is happy as if the rich freight were his own.<br><br> + +But chiefly to Smithfield he loves to repair,—<br> +If you pass by at morning, you'll meet with him there.<br> +The breath of the cows you may see him inhale,<br> +And his heart all the while is in Tilsbury Vale.<br><br> + +Now farewell, old Adam! when low thou art laid,<br> +May one blade of grass spring over thy head;<br> +And I hope that thy grave, wheresoever it be,<br> +Will hear the wind sigh through the leaves of a tree.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#32n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v1"></a><a href="#32v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v2"></a><a href="#32v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr32v3"></a><a href="#32v3">3</a><br><br> +<a name="fr32v4"></a><a href="#32v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr32v5"></a><a href="#32v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v6"></a><a href="#32v6">6</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v7"></a><a href="#32v7">7</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr32v8"></a><a href="#32v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr32v9"></a><a href="#32v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v10"></a><a href="#32v10">10</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v11"></a><a href="#32v11">11</a><br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr32v12"></a><a href="#32v12">12</a><br> +<a name="fr32v13"></a><a href="#32v13">13</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v14"></a><a href="#32v14">14</a><br> +<a name="fr32v15"></a><a href="#32v15">15</a><br> +<a name="fr32v16"></a><a href="#32v16">16</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v17"></a><a href="#32v17">17</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v18"></a><a href="#32v18">18</a><br><br> +<a name="fr32v19"></a><a href="#32v19">19</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v20"></a><a href="#32v20">20</a><br><a name="fr32v21"></a><a href="#32v21">21</a><br> +<a name="fr32v22"></a><a href="#32v22">22</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v23"></a><a href="#32v23">23</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v24"></a><a href="#32v24">24</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v25"></a><a href="#32v25">25</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v26"></a><a href="#32v26">26</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v27"></a><a href="#32v27">27</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v28"></a><a href="#32v28">28</a><br><a name="fr32v29"></a><a href="#32v29">29</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v30"></a><a href="#32v30">30</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr32v31"></a><a href="#32v31">31</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr32v32"></a><a href="#32v32">32</a><br> +<a name="fr32v33"></a><a href="#32v33">33</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +90<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="32v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Erect as a sunflower he stands, and the streak<br> + Of the unfaded rose is expressed on his cheek. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... still enlivens his cheek.</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>There fashion'd that countenance, which, in spite of a stain</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>date</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> There's an old man in London, the prime of old men,<br> + You may hunt for his match through ten thousand and ten,<br> + Of prop or of staff, does he walk, does he run,<br> + No more need has he than a flow'r of the sun.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza appeared only in 1800, occupying the place of the three +first stanzas in the final text.<br> +<a href="#fr32v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... name ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Was the Top of the Country, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Not less than the skill of an Exchequer Teller<br> + Could count the shoes worn on the steps of his cellar.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>How oft have I heard in sweet Tilsbury Vale<br> + Of the silver-rimmed horn whence he dealt his good ale. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... plough'd land, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the noise of the bowl,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>On the works of the world, on the bustle and sound,<br> + Seated still in his boat, he look'd leisurely round;<br> + And if now and then he his hands did employ,<br> + 'Twas with vanity, wonder, and infantine joy.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + Only in the text of 1800.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... were ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For they all still imagin'd his hive full of honey;<br> + Like a Church-warden, Adam continu'd his rounds, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... he kept to himself;</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>You lift up your eyes, "O the merciless Jew!"<br> + But in truth he was never more cruel than you;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... —and I guess that you frame<br> + A judgment too harsh of the sin and the shame;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... scarce e'en ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> <i>Italics</i> first used in 1815.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... lawn ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> He stood all alone like ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... needs ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1827 returns to the text of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr32v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Both stable-boy, errand-boy, porter and groom;<br> + You'd think it the life of a Devil in H—l,<br> + But nature was kind, and with Adam 'twas well.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He's ten birth-days younger, he's green, and he's stout,<br> + Twice as fast as before does his blood run about,<br> + You'd think it the life of a Devil in H—l,<br> + But Nature is kind, and with Adam 'twas well.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza appeared only in 1800. It was followed by that which now +forms lines 53-56 of the final text.<br> +<a href="#fr32v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<a name="32v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He's ten birth-days younger, he's green, and he's stout, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>You'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... does ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... have come ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1820 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr32v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>...he'll stand</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Where proud Covent-Garden, in frost and in snow,<br> + Spreads her fruits and her flow'rs, built up row after row;<br> + Old Adam will point with his finger and say,<br> + To them that stand by, "I've seen better than they."</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... her fruit ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +(The text of 1815 is otherwise identical with that of 1837.)<br> +<a href="#fr32v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Where the apples are heap'd on the barrows in piles,<br> + You see him stop short, he looks long, and he smiles;<br> + He looks, and he smiles, and a Poet might spy<br> + The image of fifty green fields in his eye.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + Only in the text of 1800.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in the waggons, and smells to the hay; </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in the Waggon, and smells at ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... has mown,<br> + And sometimes he dreams that the hay is his own.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... where'er ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1850</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... spring up o'er ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... over ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr32v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="32A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"><i>i. e.</i> first published in the 1815 edition of the +Poems: but, although dated by Wordsworth 1803, it had appeared in <i>The +Morning Post</i> of July 21, 1800, under the title, <i>The Farmer of +Tilsbury Vale. A Character</i>. It was then unsigned.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section32">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="32n1"></a><i>Note:</i> With this picture, which was taken from real life, compare the +imaginative one of <i>The Reverie of Poor Susan</i> [vol. i. p. 226]; and see +(to make up the deficiencies of this class) <i>The Excursion, passim</i>.—W. +W. 1837.<br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents 1800</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2b">1799</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1800</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2d">Poems on the Naming of Places</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2d"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: Poems on the Naming of Places</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocD">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section33">Poems on the Naming of Places</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section34">"It was an April morning: fresh and clear"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section35">To Joanna</a></li> +<li><a href="#section36">"There is an Eminence,—of these our hills"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section37">"A narrow girdle of rough stones and crags"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section38">To M. H.</a></li> +<li><a href="#section39">The Waterfall and the Eglantine</a></li> +<li><a href="#section40">The Oak and the Broom</a></li> +<li><a href="#section41">"'Tis said, that some have died for love"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section42">The Childless Father</a></li> +<li><a href="#section43">Song for the Wandering Jew</a></li> +<li><a href="#section44">The Brothers</a></li> +<li><a href="#section45">The Seven Sisters; or, The Solitude of Binnorie</a></li> +<li><a href="#section46">Rural Architecture</a></li> +<li><a href="#section47">A Character</a></li> +<li><a href="#section48">Inscription for the spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert's Island, Derwent-Water</a></li> +<li><a href="#section49">Written with a Pencil upon a Stone in the Wall of the House (an + Out-House), on the Island at Grasmere</a></li> +<li><a href="#section50">Michael</a></li> +</ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<h2><a name="section33"></a>Poems on the Naming of Places</h2> + +<i>Advertisement:</i><br> +<br> +By Persons resident in the country and attached to rural objects, many +places will be found unnamed or of unknown names, where little Incidents +will have occurred, or feelings been experienced, which will have given +to such places a private and peculiar interest. From a wish to give some +sort of record to such Incidents or renew the gratification of such +Feelings, Names have been given to Places by the Author and some of his +Friends, and the following Poems written in consequence<a href="#33A"><sup>A</sup></a>.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="33A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">It should be explained that owing to the chronological plan +adopted in this edition (see the preface to vol. i.), two of the poems +which were placed by Wordsworth in his series of "Poems on the Naming of +Places," but which belong to later years, are printed in subsequent +volumes.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section33">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section34"></a>"It was an April morning: fresh and clear"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Grasmere. This poem was suggested on the banks of the brook +that runs through Easdale, which is, in some parts of its course, as +wild and beautiful as brook can be. I have composed thousands of verses +by the side of it.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>It was an April morning: fresh and clear<br> +The Rivulet, delighting in its strength,<br> +Ran with a young man's speed; and yet the voice<br> +Of waters which the winter had supplied<br> +Was softened down into a vernal tone. <br> +The spirit of enjoyment and desire,<br> +And hopes and wishes, from all living things<br> +Went circling, like a multitude of sounds.<br> +The budding groves seemed eager to urge on<br> +The steps of June; as if their various hues <br> +Were only hindrances that stood between<br> +Them and their object: but, meanwhile, prevailed<br> +Such an entire contentment in the air<br> +That every naked ash, and tardy tree<br> +Yet leafless, showed as if the countenance <br> +With which it looked on this delightful day<br> +Were native to the summer.—Up the brook<br> +I roamed in the confusion of my heart,<br> +Alive to all things and forgetting all.<br> +At length I to a sudden turning came <br> +In this continuous glen, where down a rock<br> +The Stream, so ardent in its course before,<br> +Sent forth such sallies of glad sound, that all<br> +Which I till then had heard, appeared the voice<br> +Of common pleasure: beast and bird, the lamb, <br> +The shepherd's dog, the linnet and the thrush<br> +Vied with this waterfall, and made a song,<br> +Which, while I listened, seemed like the wild growth<br> +Or like some natural produce of the air,<br> +That could not cease to be. Green leaves were here; <br> +But 'twas the foliage of the rocks—the birch,<br> +The yew, the holly, and the bright green thorn,<br> +With hanging islands of resplendent furze:<br> +And, on a summit, distant a short space,<br> +By any who should look beyond the dell, <br> +A single mountain-cottage might be seen.<br> +I gazed and gazed, and to myself I said,<br> +"Our thoughts at least are ours; and this wild nook,<br> +My <b>Emma</b>, I will dedicate to thee."<br> +—Soon did the spot become my other home, <br> +My dwelling, and my out-of-doors abode.<br> +And, of the Shepherds who have seen me there,<br> +To whom I sometimes in our idle talk<br> +Have told this fancy, two or three, perhaps,<br> +Years after we are gone and in our graves, <br> +When they have cause to speak of this wild place,<br> +May call it by the name of <b>Emma's Dell</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#34n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr34v1"></a><a href="#34v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr34v2"></a><a href="#34v2">2</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="34v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The budding groves appear'd as if in haste<br> + To spur the steps of June; as if their shades<br> + Of <i>various</i> green were hindrances that stood<br> + Between them and their object: yet, meanwhile,<br> + There was such deep contentment in the air </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr34v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="34v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... seem'd as though ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr34v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="34n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The text of the "Poems on the Naming of Places" underwent comparatively +little alteration in successive editions. Both the changes in the first +poem were made in 1845. From the Fenwick note, it is evident that "the +Rivulet" was Easdale beck. But where was "Emma's Dell"? In the autumn of +1877, Dr. Cradock, the Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford, took me +to a place, of which he afterwards wrote, </span> + +<blockquote>"I have a fancy for a spot just beyond Goody Bridge to the left, where + the brook makes a curve, and returns to the road two hundred yards + farther on. But I have not discovered a trace of authority in favour + of the idea farther than that the wooded bend of the brook with the + stepping stones across it, connected with a field-path recently + stopped, was a very favourite haunt of Wordsworth's. At the upper part + of this bend, near to the place where the brook returns to the road, + is a deep pool at the foot of a rush of water. In this pool, a man + named Wilson was drowned many years ago. He lived at a house on the + hill called Score Crag, which, if my conjecture as to Emma's Dell is + right, is the 'single mountain cottage' on a 'summit, distant a short + space.' Wordsworth, happening to be walking at no great distance, + heard a loud shriek. It was that of Mr. Wilson, the father, who had + just discovered his son's body in the beck."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In the "Reminiscences" of the poet, by the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge, +which were contributed to the <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, written by his +nephew (vol. ii. pp. 300-315), there is a record of a walk they took up +Easdale to this place, entering the field just at the spot which Dr. +Cradock supposes to be "Emma's Dell."</span> + +<blockquote>"He turned aside at a little farm-house, and took us into a swelling + field to look down on the tumbling stream which bounded it, and which + we saw precipitated at a distance, in a broad white sheet, from the + mountain." (This refers to Easdale Force.) "Then, as he mused for an + instant, he said, + + <blockquote> 'I have often thought what a solemn thing it would be could we have + brought to our mind at once all the scenes of distress and misery + which any spot, however beautiful and calm before us, has been + witness to since the beginning. That water break, with the glassy + quiet pool beneath it, that looks so lovely, and presents no images + to the mind but of peace—there, I remember, the only son of his + father, a poor man who lived yonder, was drowned.'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This walk and conversation took place in October 1836. If any one is +surprised that Wordsworth, supposing him to have been then looking into +the very dell on which he wrote the above poem in 1800, did not name it +to Mr. Coleridge, he must remember that he was not in the habit of +speaking of the places he had memorialised in verse, and that in 1836 +his "Sister Emmeline" had for a year been a confirmed invalid at Rydal. +I have repeatedly followed Easdale beck all the way up from its junction +with the Rothay to the Tarn, and found no spot corresponding so closely +to the realistic detail of this poem as the one suggested by Dr. +Cradock. There are two places further up the dale where the "sallies of +glad sound" such as are referred to in the poem, are even more +distinctly audible; but they are not at "a sudden turning," as is the +spot above Goody Bridge. If one leaves the Easdale road at this bridge, +and keeps to the side of the beck for a few hundred yards, till he +reaches the turning, —especially if it be a bright April morning, such +as that described in the poem,—and remembers that this path by the +brook was a favourite resort of Wordsworth and his sister, the +probability of Dr. Cradock's suggestion will be apparent. Lady +Richardson, who knew the place, and appreciated the poem as thoroughly +as any of Wordsworth's friends, told me that she concurred in this +identification of the "dell."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section35"></a>To Joanna</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Grasmere. The effect of her laugh is an extravagance, though +the effect of the reverberation of voices in some parts of the mountains +is very striking. There is, in <i>The Excursion</i>, an allusion to the +bleat of a lamb thus re-echoed, and described without any exaggeration, +as I heard it, on the side of Stickle Tarn, from the precipice that +stretches on to Langdale Pikes.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Amid the smoke of cities did you pass<br> +The time of early youth; and there you learned,<br> +From years of quiet industry, to love<br> +The living Beings by your own fire-side,<br> +With such a strong devotion, that your heart <br> +Is slow to meet the sympathies of them<br> +Who look upon the hills with tenderness,<br> +And make dear friendships with the streams and groves.<br> +Yet we, who are transgressors in this kind, <br> +Dwelling retired in our simplicity <br> +Among the woods and fields, we love you well,<br> +Joanna! and I guess, since you have been<br> +So distant from us now for two long years,<br> +That you will gladly listen to discourse,<br> +However trivial, if you thence be taught <br> +That they, with whom you once were happy, talk<br> +Familiarly of you and of old times.<br><br> + + While I was seated, now some ten days past,<br> +Beneath those lofty firs, that overtop<br> +Their ancient neighbour, the old steeple-tower, <br> +The Vicar from his gloomy house hard by<br> +Came forth to greet me; and when he had asked,<br> +"How fares Joanna, that wild-hearted Maid!<br> +And when will she return to us?" he paused;<br> +And, after short exchange of village news, <br> +He with grave looks demanded, for what cause,<br> +Reviving obsolete idolatry,<br> +I, like a Runic Priest, in characters<br> +Of formidable size had chiselled out<br> +Some uncouth name upon the native rock, <br> +Above the Rotha, by the forest-side.<br> +—Now, by those dear immunities of heart<br> +Engendered between malice and true love,<br> +I was not loth to be so catechised,<br> +And this was my reply:—"As it befel, <br> +One summer morning we had walked abroad<br> +At break of day, Joanna and myself.<br> +—'Twas that delightful season when the broom,<br> +Full-flowered, and visible on every steep,<br> +Along the copses runs in veins of gold. <br> +Our pathway led us on to Rotha's banks;<br> +And when we came in front of that tall rock<br> +That eastward looks, I there stopped short—and stood<br> +Tracing the lofty barrier with my eye<br> +From base to summit; such delight I found <br> +To note in shrub and tree, in stone and flower<br> +That intermixture of delicious hues,<br> +Along so vast a surface, all at once,<br> +In one impression, by connecting force<br> +Of their own beauty, imaged in the heart. <br> +—When I had gazed perhaps two minutes' space,<br> +Joanna, looking in my eyes, beheld<br> +That ravishment of mine, and laughed aloud.<br> +The Rock, like something starting from a sleep,<br> +Took up the Lady's voice, and laughed again; <br> +That ancient Woman seated on Helm-crag<br> +Was ready with her cavern; Hammar-scar,<br> +And the tall Steep of Silver-how, sent forth<br> +A noise of laughter; southern Loughrigg heard,<br> +And Fairfield answered with a mountain tone; <br> +Helvellyn far into the clear blue sky<br> +Carried the Lady's voice,—old Skiddaw blew<br> +His speaking-trumpet;—back out of the clouds<br> +Of Glaramara southward came the voice;<br> +And Kirkstone tossed it from his misty head. <br> +—Now whether (said I to our cordial Friend,<br> +Who in the hey-day of astonishment<br> +Smiled in my face) this were in simple truth<br> +A work accomplished by the brotherhood<br> +Of ancient mountains, or my ear was touched <br> +With dreams and visionary impulses<br> +To me alone imparted, sure I am<br> +That there was a loud uproar in the hills.<br> +And, while we both were listening, to my side<br> +The fair Joanna drew, as if she wished <br> +To shelter from some object of her fear.<br> +—And hence, long afterwards, when eighteen moons<br> +Were wasted, as I chanced to walk alone<br> +Beneath this rock, at sunrise, on a calm<br> +And silent morning, I sat down, and there, <br> +In memory of affections old and true,<br> +I chiselled out in those rude characters<br> +Joanna's name deep in the living stone:—<br> +And I, and all who dwell by my fireside,<br> +Have called the lovely rock, <b>Joanna's Rock</b>." <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#35n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr35v1"></a><a href="#35v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v2"></a><a href="#35v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v3"></a><a href="#35v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v4"></a><a href="#35v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v5"></a><a href="#35v5">5</a><br> +<a name="fr35v6"></a><a href="#35v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v7"></a><a href="#35v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35v8"></a><a href="#35v8">8</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr35A"></a><a href="#35A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="35v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Your time ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Is slow towards...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... toward.... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... are taught... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... betwixt ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which looks towards the East, I there stopp'd short, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... toward ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And trac'd ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Is not for me to tell; but sure I am</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="35v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Joanna's name upon the living stone. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr35v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="35A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The Rectory at Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived from 1811 +to 1813, and where two of his children died.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr35A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="35n1"></a><i>Note:</i> In Cumberland and Westmoreland are several Inscriptions upon the native +rock which from the wasting of Time and the rudeness of the Workmanship +had been mistaken for Runic. They are without doubt Roman.<br> +<br> +The Rotha, mentioned in this poem, is the River which flowing through +the Lakes of Grasmere and Rydale falls into Wyndermere. On Helm-Crag, +that impressive single Mountain at the head of the Vale of Grasmere, is +a Rock which from most points of view bears a striking resemblance to an +Old Woman cowering. Close by this rock is one of those Fissures or +Caverns, which in the language of the Country are called Dungeons. The +other Mountains either immediately surround the Vale of Grasmere, or +belong to the same Cluster.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +Most of the Mountains here mentioned immediately surround the vale of +Grasmere; of the others, some are at a considerable distance, but they +belong to the same cluster.— W. W. 1802.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The majority of the changes introduced into the text of this poem were +made in the year 1836.<br> +<br> +The place where the echo of the bleat of the lamb was heard —referred +to in the Fenwick note—may be easily found. The "precipice" is Pavy +Ark. "The 'lofty firs, that overtop their ancient neighbour, the old +steeple-tower,' stood by the roadside, scarcely twenty yards north-west +from the steeple of Grasmere church. Their site is now included in the +road, which has been widened at that point. They were Scotch firs of +unusual size, and might justly be said to 'overtop their neighbour' the +tower. Mr. Fleming Green, who well remembers the trees, gave me this +information, which is confirmed by other inhabitants. </span> + +<blockquote>"When the road was enlarged, not many years ago, the roots of the + trees were found by the workmen." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dr. Cradock to the editor.) The</span> + +<blockquote>'tall rock<br> + That eastward looks'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">by the banks of the Rotha, presenting a "lofty barrier" "from base to +summit," is manifestly a portion of Helmcrag. It is impossible to know +whether Wordsworth carved Joanna Hutchinson's name anywhere on Helmcrag, +and it is useless to enquire. If he did so, the discovery of the place +would not help any one to understand or appreciate the poem. It is +obvious that he did not intend to be literally exact in details, as the +poem was written in 1800, and addressed to Joanna Hutchinson,—who is +spoken of as having been absent from Grasmere "for two long years;" and +Wordsworth says that he carved the Runic characters <i>in memoriam</i> +eighteen months after that summer morning when he heard the echo of her +laugh. But the family took up residence at Grasmere only in December +1799, and the "Poems on the Naming of Places" were published before the +close of 1800. The effect of these lines to Joanna, however, is +certainly not impaired—it may even be enhanced—by our inability to +localise them. Only one in the list of places referred to can occasion +any perplexity, <i>viz.</i>, Hammar-scar, since it is a name now disused in the +district. It used to be applied to some rocks on the flank of +Silver-how, to the wood around them, and also to the gorge between +Silver-how and Loughrigg. Hammar, from the old Norse <i>hamar</i>, signifies +a steep broken rock.<br> +<br> +The imaginative description of the echo of the lady's laugh suggests a +parallel passage from Michael Drayton's <i>Polyolbion</i>, which Wordsworth +must doubtless have read. (See his sister's reference to Drayton in her +<i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>, in 1803: in the <a href="#109n1">note</a> to the +poem, <i>At the grave of Burns</i>, p. 382 of this volume.)</span> + +<blockquote>Which <i>Copland</i> scarce had spoke, but quickly every Hill<br> +Upon her verge that stands, the neighbouring valleys fill;<br> +<i>Helvillon</i> from his height, it through the mountains threw,<br> +From whence as soon again, the sound <i>Dunbalrase</i> drew,<br> +From whose stone-trophèd head, it on the <i>Wendrosse</i> went,<br> +Which tow'rds the sea again, resounded it to <i>Dent</i>,<br> +That <i>Brodwater</i> therewith within her banks astound,<br> +In sailing to the sea, told it to <i>Egremound</i>,<br> +Whose buildings, walks, and streets, with echoes loud and long,<br> +Did mightily commend old <i>Copland</i> for her song.</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;"><i>Polyolbion</i>, The Thirtieth Song, ll. 155-164. + + +Any one who compares this passage with Wordsworth's <i>Joanna</i> will see +the difference between the elaborate fancy of a topographical narrator, +and the vivid imagination of a poetical idealist. A somewhat similar +instance of indebtedness—in which the debt is repaid by additional +insight—is seen when we compare a passage from Sir John Davies's +<i>Orchestra, or a poem on Dancing</i> (stanza 49), with one from <i>The +Ancient Mariner</i>, Part VI. stanzas 2 and 3—although there was more of +the true imaginative light in Davies than in Drayton.</span> + +<blockquote>For lo, the sea that fleets about the land,<br> + And like a girdle clips her solid waist,<br> +Music and measure both doth understand;<br> + For his great crystal eye is always cast<br> + Up to the moon, and on her fixed fast:<br> + And as she danceth in her palid sphere<br> + So danceth he about his centre here. </blockquote> + +<b>Davies</b>.<br> + + +<blockquote>Still as a slave before his lord,<br> + The ocean hath no blast;<br> + His great bright eye most silently<br> + Up to the moon is cast—<br><br> + + If he may know which way to go;<br> + For she guides him smooth or grim.<br> + See, brother, see! how graciously<br> + She looketh down on him.</blockquote> + +<b>Coleridge</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">These extracts show how both Wordsworth and Coleridge assimilated past +literary products, and how they glorified them by reproduction. There +was little, however, in the poetic imagery of previous centuries that +Wordsworth reproduced. His imagination worked in a sphere of its own, +free from the trammels of precedent; and he was more original than any +other nineteenth century poet in his use of symbol and metaphor. The +poem <i>To Joanna</i> was probably composed on August 22, 1800, as the +following occurs in Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> under that date:</span> + + <blockquote> "William was composing all the morning ... W. read us the poem of + Joanna, beside the Rothay, by the roadside."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Charles Lamb wrote to Wordsworth in January 1801, of</span> + + <blockquote> "these continuous echoes in the story of 'Joanna's laugh,' when the + mountains and all the scenery seem absolutely alive."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section36"></a>"There is an Eminence,—of these our hills"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[It is not accurate that the Eminence here alluded to could be seen from +our orchard-seat. It rises above the road by the side of Grasmere Lake +towards Keswick, and its name is Stone-Arthur.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There is an Eminence,—of these our hills<br> +The last that parleys with the setting sun;<br> +We can behold it from our orchard-seat;<br> +And, when at evening we pursue our walk<br> +Along the public way, this Peak, so high<br> +Above us, and so distant in its height,<br> +Is visible; and often seems to send<br> +Its own deep quiet to restore our hearts.<br> +The meteors make of it a favourite haunt:<br> +The star of Jove, so beautiful and large<br> +In the mid heavens, is never half so fair<br> +As when he shines above it. 'Tis in truth<br> +The loneliest place we have among the clouds.<br> +And She who dwells with me, whom I have loved<br> +With such communion, that no place on earth<br> +Can ever be a solitude to me,<br> +Hath to this lonely Summit given my Name.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#36n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr36v1"></a><a href="#36v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr36v2"></a><a href="#36v2">2</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="36v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this Cliff, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr36v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="36v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Hath said, this lonesome Peak shall bear my Name.</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr36v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="36n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Stone-Arthur is the name of the hill, on the east side of the Vale of +Grasmere, opposite Helm Crag, and between Green Head Ghyll and Tongue +Ghyll.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section37"></a>"A narrow girdle of rough stones and crags"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[The character of the eastern shore of Grasmere Lake is quite changed +since these verses were written, by the public road being carried along +its side. The friends spoken of were Coleridge and my Sister, and the +facts occurred strictly as recorded.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br><hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>A narrow girdle of rough stones and crags,<br> +A rude and natural causeway, interposed<br> +Between the water and a winding slope<br> +Of copse and thicket, leaves the eastern shore<br> +Of Grasmere safe in its own privacy: <br> +And there myself and two belovèd Friends,<br> +One calm September morning, ere the mist<br> +Had altogether yielded to the sun,<br> +Sauntered on this retired and difficult way.<br> +—Ill suits the road with one in haste; but we <br> +Played with our time; and, as we strolled along,<br> +It was our occupation to observe<br> +Such objects as the waves had tossed ashore—<br> +Feather, or leaf, or weed, or withered bough,<br> +Each on the other heaped, along the line <br> +Of the dry wreck. And, in our vacant mood,<br> +Not seldom did we stop to watch some tuft<br> +Of dandelion seed or thistle's beard,<br> +That skimmed the surface of the dead calm lake,<br> +Suddenly halting now—a lifeless stand! <br> +And starting off again with freak as sudden;<br> +In all its sportive wanderings, all the while,<br> +Making report of an invisible breeze<br> +That was its wings, its chariot, and its horse,<br> +Its playmate, rather say, its moving soul. <br> +—And often, trifling with a privilege<br> +Alike indulged to all, we paused, one now,<br> +And now the other, to point out, perchance<br> +To pluck, some flower or water-weed, too fair<br> +Either to be divided from the place <br> +On which it grew, or to be left alone<br> +To its own beauty. Many such there are,<br> +Fair ferns and flowers, and chiefly that tall fern,<br> +So stately, of the queen Osmunda named;<br> +Plant lovelier, in its own retired abode <br> +On Grasmere's beach, than Naiad by the side<br> +Of Grecian brook, or Lady of the Mere,<br> +Sole-sitting by the shores of old romance.<br> +—So fared we that bright morning: from the fields,<br> +Meanwhile, a noise was heard, the busy mirth <br> +Of reapers, men and women, boys and girls.<br> +Delighted much to listen to those sounds,<br> +And feeding thus our fancies, we advanced <br> +Along the indented shore; when suddenly,<br> +Through a thin veil of glittering haze was seen <br> +Before us, on a point of jutting land,<br> +The tall and upright figure of a Man<br> +Attired in peasant's garb, who stood alone,<br> +Angling beside the margin of the lake.<br> +"Improvident and reckless," we exclaimed, <br> +"The Man must be, who thus can lose a day<br> +Of the mid harvest, when the labourer's hire<br> +Is ample, and some little might be stored<br> +Wherewith to cheer him in the winter time."<br> +Thus talking of that Peasant, we approached <br> +Close to the spot where with his rod and line<br> +He stood alone; whereat he turned his head<br> +To greet us—and we saw a Man worn down<br> +By sickness, gaunt and lean, with sunken cheeks<br> +And wasted limbs, his legs so long and lean <br> +That for my single self I looked at them,<br> +Forgetful of the body they sustained.—<br> +Too weak to labour in the harvest field,<br> +The Man was using his best skill to gain<br> +A pittance from the dead unfeeling lake <br> +That knew not of his wants. I will not say<br> +What thoughts immediately were ours, nor how<br> +The happy idleness of that sweet morn,<br> +With all its lovely images, was changed<br> +To serious musing and to self-reproach. <br> +Nor did we fail to see within ourselves<br> +What need there is to be reserved in speech,<br> +And temper all our thoughts with charity.<br> +—Therefore, unwilling to forget that day,<br> +My Friend, Myself, and She who then received <br> +The same admonishment, have called the place<br> +By a memorial name, uncouth indeed<br> +As e'er by mariner was given to bay<br> +Or foreland, on a new-discovered coast;<br> +And <b>Point Rash-Judgment</b> is the name it bears. <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#37n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v1"></a><a href="#37v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v2"></a><a href="#37v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v3"></a><a href="#37v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v4"></a><a href="#37v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v5"></a><a href="#37v5">5</a><br> +<a name="fr37v6"></a><a href="#37v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v7"></a><a href="#37v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v8"></a><a href="#37v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr37v9"></a><a href="#37v9">9</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr37A"></a><a href="#37A">A</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="37v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815. (Compressing five lines into three.)</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... thistle's beard,<br> + Which, seeming lifeless half, and half impell'd<br> + By some internal feeling, skimm'd along<br> + Close to the surface of the lake that lay<br> + Asleep in a dead calm, ran closely on<br> + Along the dead calm lake, now here, now there,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Its very playmate, and its moving soul.</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... tall plant ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sweet ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... with listening ...</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And in the fashion which I have describ'd,<br> + Feeding unthinking fancies, we advanc'd</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... we saw</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... a lake.</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr37v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="37v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the margin of the lake.<br> + That way we turn'd our steps; nor was it long,<br> + Ere making ready comments on the sight<br> + Which then we saw, with one and the same voice<br> + We all cried out, that he must be indeed<br> + An idle man, who thus could lose a day </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Did all cry out, that he must be indeed<br> + An Idler, he who thus ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr37v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="37A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">A new road has destroyed this retirement. (MS. footnote in +Lord Coleridge's copy of the edition of 1836.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr37A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="37n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The text of this poem reached its final state in the edition of 1827. +The same is true of the poem which follows, <i>To M. H.</i>, with the +exception of a single change.<br> +<br> +In Wordsworth's early days at Grasmere, a wild woodland path of quiet +beauty led from Dove Cottage along the margin of the lake to the "Point" +referred to in this poem, leaving the eastern shore truly "safe in its +own privacy"—a "retired and difficult way"; the high-way road for +carriages being at that time over White Moss Common. The late Dr. +Arnold, of Rugby and Foxhowe, used to name the three roads from Rydal to +Grasmere thus: the highest, "Old Corruption"; the intermediate, "Bit by +bit Reform"; the lowest and most level, "Radical Reform." Wordsworth was +never quite reconciled to the radical reform effected on a road that +used to be so delightfully wild and picturesque. The spot which the +three friends rather infelicitously named "Point Rash-Judgment" is +easily identified; although, as Wordsworth remarks, the character of the +shore is changed by the public road being carried along its side. The +friends were quite aware that the "memorial name" they gave it was +"uncouth." In spite of its awkwardness, however, it will probably +survive; if not for Browning's reason</span> + +<blockquote>The better the uncouther;<br> +Do roses stick like burrs?</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">at least because of the incident which gave rise to the poem. +The date of composition is fixed by Dorothy Wordsworth's +<i>Journal</i>, </span> + + <blockquote>"10th Oct. 1800, Wm. sat up after me, writing <i>Point + Rash-Judgment.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section38"></a>To M. H.</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[To Mary Hutchinson, two years before our marriage. The pool alluded to +is in Rydal Upper Park.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Our walk was far among the ancient trees:<br> +There was no road, nor any woodman's path;<br> +But a thick umbrage—checking the wild growth<br> +Of weed and sapling, along soft green turf<br> +Beneath the branches—of itself had made<br> +A track, that brought us to a slip of lawn,<br> +And a small bed of water in the woods.<br> +All round this pool both flocks and herds might drink<br> +On its firm margin, even as from a well,<br> +Or some stone-basin which the herdsman's hand<br> +Had shaped for their refreshment; nor did sun,<br> +Or wind from any quarter, ever come,<br> +But as a blessing to this calm recess,<br> +This glade of water and this one green field.<br> +The spot was made by Nature for herself;<br> +The travellers know it not, and 'twill remain<br> +Unknown to them; but it is beautiful;<br> +And if a man should plant his cottage near,<br> +Should sleep beneath the shelter of its trees,<br> +And blend its waters with his daily meal,<br> +He would so love it, that in his death-hour<br> +Its image would survive among his thoughts:<br> +And therefore, my sweet <b>Mary</b>, this still Nook,<br> +With all its beeches, we have named from You!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#38n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr38v1"></a><a href="#38v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr38v2"></a><a href="#38v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr38v3"></a><a href="#38v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr38v4"></a><a href="#38v4">4</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="38v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But the ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr38v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="38v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... on the soft green turf</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... smooth dry ground</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr38v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="38v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr38v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="38v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... for You.</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr38v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="38n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">To find the pool referred to in the Fenwick note, I have carefully +examined the course of Rydal beck, all the way up to the foot of the +Fell. There is a pool beyond the enclosures of the Hall property, about +five hundred feet above Rydal Mount, which partly corresponds to the +description in the poem, but there is no wood around it now; and the +trees which skirt its margin are birch, ash, oak, and hazel, but there +are no beeches. It is a short way below some fine specimens of ice-worn +rocks, which are to the right of the stream as you ascend it, and above +these rocks is a well-marked moraine. It is a deep crystal pool, and has +a "firm margin" of (artificially placed) stones. This may be the spot +described in the poem; or another, within the grounds of the Hall, may +be the place referred to. It is a sequestered nook, beside the third +waterfall as you ascend the beck—this third cascade being itself a +treble fall. Seen two or three days after rain, when the stream is full +enough to break over the whole face of the rock in showers of snowy +brightness, yet low enough to shew the rock behind its transparent veil, +it is specially beautiful. Trees change so much in eighty years that the +absence of "beeches" now would not make this site impossible. In a MS. +copy of the poem (of date Dec. 28, 1800), the last line is</span> + +<blockquote>'With all its poplars, we have named from you.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Of the circular pool beneath this fall it may be said, as Wordsworth +describes it, that</span> + +<blockquote>'... both flocks and herds might drink<br> + On its firm margin, even as from a well;'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and a "small slip of lawn" might easily have existed there in his time. +We cannot, however, be confident as to the locality, and I add the +opinion of several, whose judgment may be deferred to. Dr. Cradock +writes:</span> + + +<blockquote> "As to Mary Hutchinson's pool, I think that it was not on the beck + anywhere, but some detached little pool, far up the hill, to the + eastwards of the Hall, in 'the woods.' The description does not well + suit any part of Rydal beck; and no spot thereon could long 'remain + unknown,' as the brook was until lately much haunted by anglers."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">My difficulty as to a site "far up the hill" is, that it must have been +a pool of some size, if "both flocks and herds might drink" all round +it; and there is no stream, scarce even a rill that joins Rydal beck on +the right, all the way up from its junction with the Rothay. The late +Mr. Hull of Rydal Cottage, wrote:</span> + +<blockquote> "Although closely acquainted with every nook about Rydal Park, I have + never been able to discover any spot corresponding to that described + in Wordsworth's lines to M. H. It is possible, however, that the + 'small bed of water' may have been a temporary rain pool, such as + sometimes lodges in the hollows on the mountain-slope after heavy + rain."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Mr. F. M. Jones, the agent of the Rydal property, writes: </span> + +<blockquote> "I do not know of any pool of water in the Upper Rydal Park. There are + some pools up the river, 'Mirror Pool' among them; but I hardly think + there can ever have been 'beech-trees' growing near them."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">There are many difficulties, and the place cannot now be identified. +Wordsworth's own wish will doubtless be realised,</span> + +<blockquote>'The travellers know it not, and 'twill remain<br> + Unknown to them.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section39"></a>The Waterfall and the Eglantine</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Suggested nearer to Grasmere, in the same mountain track as that +referred to in the following note. The Eglantine remained many years +afterwards, but is now gone.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>"Begone, thou fond presumptuous Elf,"<br> +Exclaimed an angry Voice,<br> +"Nor dare to thrust thy foolish self<br> +Between me and my choice!"<br> +A small Cascade fresh swoln with snows<br> +Thus threatened a poor Briar-rose,<br> +That, all bespattered with his foam,<br> +And dancing high and dancing low,<br> +Was living, as a child might know,<br> +In an unhappy home.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr39v1"></a><a href="#39v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr39v2"></a><a href="#39v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>"Dost thou presume my course to block?<br> +Off, off! or, puny Thing!<br> +I'll hurl thee headlong with the rock<br> +To which thy fibres cling."<br> +The Flood was tyrannous and strong;<br> +The patient Briar suffered long,<br> +Nor did he utter groan or sigh,<br> +Hoping the danger would be past;<br> +But, seeing no relief, at last,<br> +He ventured to reply.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr39A"></a><a href="#39A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>"Ah!" said the Briar, "blame me not;<br> +Why should we dwell in strife?<br> +We who in this sequestered spot<br> +Once lived a happy life!<br> +You stirred me on my rocky bed—<br> +What pleasure through my veins you spread<br> +The summer long, from day to day,<br> +My leaves you freshened and bedewed;<br> +Nor was it common gratitude<br> +That did your cares repay.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr39v3"></a><a href="#39v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>"When spring came on with bud and bell,<br> +Among these rocks did I<br> +Before you hang my wreaths to tell<br> +That gentle days were nigh!<br> +And in the sultry summer hours,<br> +I sheltered you with leaves and flowers;<br> +And in my leaves—now shed and gone,<br> +The linnet lodged, and for us two<br> +Chanted his pretty songs, when you<br> +Had little voice or none.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr39v4"></a><a href="#39v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><a name="fr39B"></a><a href="#39B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>"But now proud thoughts are in your breast—<br> +What grief is mine you see,<br> +Ah! would you think, even yet how blest<br> +Together we might be!<br> +Though of both leaf and flower bereft,<br> +Some ornaments to me are left—<br> +Rich store of scarlet hips is mine,<br> +With which I, in my humble way,<br> +Would deck you many a winter day,<br> +A happy Eglantine!"</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr39v5"></a><a href="#39v5">5</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>What more he said I cannot tell,<br> +The Torrent down the rocky dell<br> +Came thundering loud and fast;<br> +I listened, nor aught else could hear;<br> +The Briar quaked—and much I fear<br> +Those accents were his last.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#39n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr39v6"></a><a href="#39v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="39v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... a thundering Voice, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A falling Water swoln with snows<br> + Thus spake to a poor Briar-rose, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in this, our natal spot, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... wreath ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Winter's day,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The stream came thundering down the dell<br> + And gallop'd loud and fast; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Torrent thundered down the dell<br> + With unabating haste; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With aggravated haste;</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Stream came thundering down the dell </blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr39v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="39A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Ancient Mariner</i> (part I. stanza II.):</span> + + <blockquote>And now the Storm-blast came, and he<br> + Was tyrannous and strong. </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr39A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="39B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>A Farewell</i>, p. 325, l. 17.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr39B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="39n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The spot referred to in this poem can be identified with perfect +accuracy. The Eglantine grew on the little brook that runs past two +cottages (close to the path under Nab Scar), which have been built since +the poet's time, and are marked Brockstone on the Ordnance Map.</span> + + <blockquote> "The plant itself of course has long disappeared: but in following up + the rill through the copse, above the cottages, I found an unusually + large Eglantine, growing by the side of the stream."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dr Cradock to the editor, in 1877.) It still grows luxuriantly there.<br> +<br> +The following extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> illustrates both +this and the next poem:</span> + +<blockquote> "Friday, 23rd April 1802.—It being a beautiful morning, we set off at + eleven o'clock, intending to stay out of doors all the morning. We + went towards Rydal, under Nab Scar. The sun shone and we were lazy. + Coleridge pitched upon several places to sit down upon; but we could + not be all of one mind respecting sun and shade, so we pushed on to + the foot of the Scar. It was very grand when we looked up, very stony; + here and there a budding tree. William observed that the umbrella + Yew-tree that breasts the wind had lost its character as a tree, and + had become like solid wood. Coleridge and I pushed on before. We left + William sitting on the stones, feasting with silence, and I sat down + upon a rocky seat, a couch it might be, under the Bower of William's + 'Eglantine,' 'Andrew's Broom.' He was below us, and we could see him. + He came to us, and repeated his Poems, while we sat beside him. We + lingered long, looking into the vales; Ambleside Vale, with the + copses, the village under the hill, and the green fields; Rydale, with + a lake all alive and glittering, yet but little stirred by breezes; + and our own dear Grasmere, making a little round lake of Nature's own, + with never a house, never a green field, but the copses and the bare + hills enclosing it, and the river flowing out of it. Above rose the + Coniston Fells, in their own shape and colour, ... the sky, and the + clouds, and a few wild creatures. Coleridge went to search for + something new. We saw him climbing up towards a rock. He called us, + and we found him in a bower,—the sweetest that was ever seen. The + rock on one side is very high, and all covered with ivy, which hung + loosely about, and bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side, + it was higher than my head. We looked down on the Ambleside vale, that + seemed to wind away from us, the village lying under the hill. The fir + tree island was reflected beautifully.... About this bower there is + mountain-ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, roses, + flowers, and a carpet of moss. Above at the top of the rock there is + another spot. It is scarce a bower, a little parlour, not enclosed by + walls, but shaped out for a resting-place by the rocks, and the ground + rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet. We resolved to go and + plant flowers, in both these places to-morrow."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This extract is taken from the "Journal" as originally transcribed by me +in 1889. When it appears in this edition it will be greatly +enlarged.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section40"></a>The Oak and the Broom</h2> + +<h4>A Pastoral</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section40a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Suggested upon the mountain pathway that leads from Upper Rydal to +Grasmere. The ponderous block of stone, which is mentioned in the poem, +remains, I believe, to this day, a good way up Nab-Scar. Broom grows +under it, and in many places on the side of the precipice.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section40a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>His simple truths did Andrew glean<br> +Beside the babbling rills;<br> +A careful student he had been<br> +Among the woods and hills.<br> +One winter's night, when through the trees<br> +The wind was roaring, on his knees<br> +His youngest born did Andrew hold:<br> +And while the rest, a ruddy quire,<br> +Were seated round their blazing fire,<br> +This Tale the Shepherd told. </td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v1"></a><a href="#40v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>"I saw a crag, a lofty stone<br> +As ever tempest beat!<br> +Out of its head an Oak had grown,<br> +A Broom out of its feet.<br> +The time was March, a cheerful noon—<br> +The thaw wind, with the breath of June,<br> +Breathed gently from the warm south-west:<br> +When, in a voice sedate with age,<br> +This Oak, a giant and a sage,<br> +His neighbour thus addressed:—</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v2"></a><a href="#40v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>"'Eight weary weeks, through rock and clay,<br> +Along this mountain's edge,<br> +The Frost hath wrought both night and day,<br> +Wedge driving after wedge.<br> +Look up! and think, above your head<br> +What trouble, surely, will be bred;<br> +Last night I heard a crash—'tis true,<br> +The splinters took another road—<br> +I see them yonder—what a load<br> +For such a Thing as you!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>"'You are preparing as before<br> +To deck your slender shape;<br> +And yet, just three years back—no more—<br> +You had a strange escape:<br> +Down from yon cliff a fragment broke;<br> +It thundered down, with fire and smoke,<br> +And hitherward pursued its way;<br> +This ponderous block was caught by me,<br> +And o'er your head, as you may see,<br> +'Tis hanging to this day!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v3"></a><a href="#40v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>"'If breeze or bird to this rough steep<br> +Your kind's first seed did bear;<br> +The breeze had better been asleep,<br> +The bird caught in a snare:<br> +For you and your green twigs decoy<br> +The little witless shepherd-boy<br> +To come and slumber in your bower;<br> +And, trust me, on some sultry noon,<br> +Both you and he, Heaven knows how soon!<br> +Will perish in one hour.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v4"></a><a href="#40v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>"'From me this friendly warning take'—<br> +The Broom began to doze,<br> +And thus, to keep herself awake,<br> +Did gently interpose:<br> +'My thanks for your discourse are due;<br> +That more than what you say is true,<br> +I know, and I have known it long;<br> +Frail is the bond by which we hold<br> +Our being, whether young or old,<br> +Wise, foolish, weak, or strong.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v5"></a><a href="#40v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v6"></a><a href="#40v6">6</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VII</span></td> +<td>"'Disasters, do the best we can,<br> +Will reach both great and small;<br> +And he is oft the wisest man,<br> +Who is not wise at all.<br> +For me, why should I wish to roam?<br> +This spot is my paternal home,<br> +It is my pleasant heritage;<br> +My father many a happy year,<br> +Spread here his careless blossoms, here<br> +Attained a good old age.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v7"></a><a href="#40v7">7</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VIII</span></td> +<td>"'Even such as his may be my lot.<br> +What cause have I to haunt<br> +My heart with terrors? Am I not<br> +In truth a favoured plant!<br> +On me such bounty Summer pours,<br> +That I am covered o'er with flowers;<br> +And, when the Frost is in the sky,<br> +My branches are so fresh and gay<br> +That you might look at me and say,<br> +This Plant can never die.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v8"></a><a href="#40v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v9"></a><a href="#40v9">9</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IX</span></td> +<td>"'The butterfly, all green and gold,<br> +To me hath often flown,<br> +Here in my blossoms to behold<br> +Wings lovely as his own.<br> +When grass is chill with rain or dew,<br> +Beneath my shade, the mother-ewe<br> +Lies with her infant lamb; I see<br> +The love they to each other make,<br> +And the sweet joy which they partake,<br> +It is a joy to me.'</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">X</span></td> +<td>"Her voice was blithe, her heart was light;<br> +The Broom might have pursued<br> +Her speech, until the stars of night<br> +Their journey had renewed;<br> +But in the branches of the oak<br> +Two ravens now began to croak<br> +Their nuptial song, a gladsome air;<br> +And to her own green bower the breeze<br> +That instant brought two stripling bees<br> +To rest, or murmur there.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr40v10"></a><a href="#40v10">10</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XI</span></td> +<td>"One night, my Children! from the north<br> +There came a furious blast;<br> +At break of day I ventured forth,<br> +And near the cliff I passed.<br> +The storm had fallen upon the Oak,<br> +And struck him with a mighty stroke,<br> +And whirled, and whirled him far away;<br> +And, in one hospitable cleft,<br> +The little careless Broom was left<br> +To live for many a day."<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#40n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr40v11"></a><a href="#40v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="40v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... thundering, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... half giant and half sage, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> It came, you know, with fire and smoke<br> + And hither did it bend its way. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And hitherward it bent its way.</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Thing had better been asleep,<br> + Whatever thing it were,<br> + Or Breeze, or Bird, or fleece of Sheep,<br> + That first did plant you there. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Or Breeze, or Bird, or Dog, or Sheep,</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That it is true, and more than true,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... be we young or old,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Here spread ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Spring for me a garland weaves<br> + Of yellow flowers and verdant leaves,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... on me ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>To feed and ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>To rest and ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="40v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>One night the Wind came from the North<br> + And blew a furious blast, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr40v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="40n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The spot is fixed within narrow limits by the Fenwick note. It is, +beyond doubt, on the wooded part of Nab-Scar, through which the upper +path from Grasmere to Rydal passes. There is one huge block of stone +high above the path, which answers well to the description in the second +stanza. Crabb Robinson wrote in his <i>Diary</i> (Sept. 11, 1816):</span> + + <blockquote> "The poem of <i>The Oak and the Broom</i> proceeded from his" (Wordsworth) + "beholding a tree in just such a situation as he described the broom + to be in."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section41"></a>"'Tis said, that some have died for love"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>'Tis said, that some have died for love:<br> +And here and there a church-yard grave is found<br> +In the cold north's unhallowed ground,<br> +Because the wretched man himself had slain,<br> +His love was such a grievous pain.<br> +And there is one whom I five years have known;<br> +He dwells alone<br> +Upon Helvellyn's side:<br> +He loved—the pretty Barbara died;<br> +And thus he makes his moan:<br> +Three years had Barbara in her grave been laid<br> +When thus his moan he made:<br><br> + +"Oh, move, thou Cottage, from behind that oak!<br> +Or let the aged tree uprooted lie,<br> +That in some other way yon smoke<br> +May mount into the sky!<br> +The clouds pass on; they from the heavens depart:<br> +I look—the sky is empty space;<br> +I know not what I trace;<br> +But when I cease to look, my hand is on my heart.<br><br> + +"O! what a weight is in these shades! Ye leaves,<br> +That murmur once so dear, when will it cease?<br> +Your sound my heart of rest bereaves,<br> +It robs my heart of peace. <br> +Thou Thrush, that singest loud—and loud and free,<br> +Into yon row of willows flit,<br> +Upon that alder sit;<br> +Or sing another song, or choose another tree.<br><br> + +"Roll back, sweet Rill! back to thy mountain-bounds,<br> +And there for ever be thy waters chained!<br> +For thou dost haunt the air with sounds<br> +That cannot be sustained;<br> +If still beneath that pine-tree's ragged bough<br> +Headlong yon waterfall must come,<br> +Oh let it then be dumb!<br> +Be anything, sweet Rill, but that which thou art now.<br><br> + +"Thou Eglantine, so bright with sunny showers,<br> +Proud as a rainbow spanning half the vale,<br> +Thou one fair shrub, oh! shed thy flowers,<br> +And stir not in the gale.<br> +For thus to see thee nodding in the air,<br> +To see thy arch thus stretch and bend,<br> +Thus rise and thus descend,—<br> +Disturbs me till the sight is more than I can bear."<br><br> + +The Man who makes this feverish complaint<br> +Is one of giant stature, who could dance<br> +Equipped from head to foot in iron mail.<br> +Ah gentle Love! if ever thought was thine<br> +To store up kindred hours for me, thy face<br> +Turn from me, gentle Love! nor let me walk<br> +Within the sound of Emma's voice, nor know<br> +Such happiness as I have known to-day.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#41n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr41v1"></a><a href="#41v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr41v2"></a><a href="#41v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr41v3"></a><a href="#41v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr41v4"></a><a href="#41v4">4</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="41v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Ye leaves,<br> + When will that dying murmur be suppress'd?<br> + Your sound my heart of peace bereaves,<br> + It robs my heart of rest.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr41v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="41v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... yon ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr41v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="41v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thou Eglantine whose arch so proudly towers<br> + (Even like a rainbow ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the rainbow ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr41v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="41v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... or ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr41v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="41n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">If the second, third, and fourth stanzas of this poem had been published +without the first, the fifth, and the last, it would have been deemed an +exquisite fragment by those who object to the explanatory preamble, and +to the moralising sequel. The intermediate stanzas suggest Burns's</span> + +<blockquote>'Ye banks and braes o' bonnie Doon,<br> + How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair!<br> + How can ye chant, ye little birds,<br> + An' I sae weary, fu' o' care!'</blockquote> + + <span style="color: #555555;">and Browning's <i>May and Death</i>:</span> + +<blockquote>'I wish that when you died last May,<br> + Charles, there had died along with you<br> + Three parts of spring's delightful things;<br> + Ay, and, for me, the fourth part too.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This mood of mind Wordsworth appreciated as fully as the opposite, or +complementary one, which finds expression in the great <i>Ode, Intimations +of Immortality</i> (vol. viii.), l. 26.</span> + +<blockquote>'No more shall grief of mine the season wrong,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and which Browning expresses in other verses of his lyric, and +repeatedly elsewhere. The allusion in the last stanza of this poem is to +Wordsworth's sister Dorothy.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section42"></a>The Childless Father</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.-Published 1800<a href="#42A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h4> + +<a href="#section42a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. When I was a child at Cockermouth, no +funeral took place without a basin filled with sprigs of boxwood being +placed upon a table covered with a white cloth in front of the house. +The huntings on foot, in which the old man is supposed to join as here +described, were of common, almost habitual, occurrence in our vales when +I was a boy, and the people took much delight in them. They are now less +frequent.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section42a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>"Up, Timothy, up with your staff and away!<br> +Not a soul in the village this morning will stay;<br> +The hare has just started from Hamilton's grounds,<br> +And Skiddaw is glad with the cry of the hounds."<br><br> + +—Of coats and of jackets grey, scarlet, and green,<br> +On the slopes of the pastures all colours were seen;<br> +With their comely blue aprons, and caps white as snow,<br> +The girls on the hills made a holiday show.<br><br> + +Fresh sprigs of green box-wood, not six months before,<br> +Filled the funeral basin at Timothy's door;<br> +A coffin through Timothy's threshold had past;<br> +One Child did it bear, and that Child was his last.<br><br> + +Now fast up the dell came the noise and the fray,<br> +The horse and the horn, and the hark! hark away!<br> +Old Timothy took up his staff, and he shut<br> +With a leisurely motion the door of his hut.<br><br> + +Perhaps to himself at that moment he said;<br> +"The key I must take, for my Ellen is dead."<br> +But of this in my ears not a word did he speak;<br> +And he went to the chase with a tear on his cheek.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr42v1"></a><a href="#42v1">1</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr42B"></a><a href="#42B">B</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr42C"></a><a href="#42C">C</a><br><br> +<br> + +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="42v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The basin of box-wood, just six months before,<br> + Had stood on the table at Timothy's door,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The basin had offered, just six months before,<br> + Fresh sprigs of green box-wood at Timothy's door;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr42v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="42A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Also in <i>The Morning Post</i>, Jan. 30, 1801.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section42">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="42B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> In several parts of the North of England, when a funeral +takes place, a basin full of Sprigs of Box-wood is placed at the door of +the house from which the Coffin is taken up, and each person who attends +the funeral ordinarily takes a Sprig of this Box-wood, and throws it +into the grave of the deceased.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr42B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="42C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In the list of <i>errata</i>, in the edition of 1820 "one child" +is corrected, and made "a child"; but the text remained "one child" in +all subsequent editions.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr42C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section43"></a>Song for the Wandering Jew</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Though the torrents from their fountains<br> +Roar down many a craggy steep,<br> +Yet they find among the mountains<br> +Resting-places calm and deep.<br><br> + +Clouds that love through air to hasten,<br> +Ere the storm its fury stills,<br> +Helmet-like themselves will fasten<br> +On the heads of towering hills.<br><br> + +What, if through the frozen centre<br> +Of the Alps the Chamois bound,<br> +Yet he has a home to enter<br> +In some nook of chosen ground:<br><br> + +And the Sea-horse, though the ocean<br> +Yield him no domestic cave,<br> +Slumbers without sense of motion,<br> +Couched upon the rocking wave.<br><br> + +If on windy days the Raven<br> +Gambol like a dancing skiff,<br> +Not the less she loves her haven<br> +In the bosom of the cliff.<br><br> + +The fleet Ostrich, till day closes,<br> +Vagrant over desert sands,<br> +Brooding on her eggs reposes<br> +When chill night that care demands.<br><br> + +Day and night my toils redouble,<br> +Never nearer to the goal;<br> +Night and day, I feel the trouble<br> +Of the Wanderer in my soul.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v1"></a><a href="#43v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v2"></a><a href="#43v2">2</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v3"></a><a href="#43v3">3</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v4"></a><a href="#43v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr43v5"></a><a href="#43v5">5</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v6"></a><a href="#43v6">6</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43v7"></a><a href="#43v7">7</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr43A"></a><a href="#43A">A</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="43v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> This stanza was added in the edition of 1827.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Though almost with eagle pinion<br> + O'er the rocks the Chamois roam,<br> + Yet he has some small dominion<br> + Which no doubt he calls his home. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Though, as if with eagle pinion<br> + O'er the rocks the Chamois roam,<br> + Yet he has some small dominion<br> + Where he feels himself at home. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Though the Sea-horse in the ocean<br> + Own no dear domestic cave;<br> + Yet he slumbers without motion<br> + On the calm and silent wave. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Yet he slumbers—by the motion<br> + Rocked of many a gentle wave. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... he loves his haven</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>On ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> This stanza was added in 1827.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr43v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="43v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Never—never does the trouble<br> + Of the Wanderer leave my soul. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr43v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="43A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In the editions of 1800 to 1832 stanzas 4 and 5 were +transposed. Their present order was adjusted in the edition of +1836.—Ed</span>.<br> +<a href="#fr43A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section44"></a>The Brothers<a href="#44A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.<a href="#44B"><sup>B</sup></a>—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section44a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This poem was composed in a grove at the north-eastern end of Grasmere +lake, which grove was in a great measure destroyed by turning the high +road along the side of the water. The few trees that are left were +spared at my intercession. The poem arose out of the fact, mentioned to +me at Ennerdale, that a shepherd had fallen asleep upon the top of the +rock called the Pillar, and perished as here described, his staff being +left midway on the rock.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section44a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>speaker</i></td> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>These Tourists, heaven preserve us! needs must live<br> +A profitable life: some glance along,<br> +Rapid and gay, as if the earth were air,<br> +And they were butterflies to wheel about<br> +Long as the summer lasted: some, as wise, <br> +Perched on the forehead of a jutting crag,<br> +Pencil in hand and book upon the knee,<br> +Will look and scribble, scribble on and look,<br> +Until a man might travel twelve stout miles,<br> +Or reap an acre of his neighbour's corn. <br> +But, for that moping Son of Idleness,<br> +Why can he tarry <i>yonder</i>?—In our church-yard<br> +Is neither epitaph nor monument,<br> +Tombstone nor name—only the turf we tread<br> +And a few natural graves."<br><br> + + To Jane, his wife,<br> +Thus spake the homely Priest of Ennerdale.<br> +It was a July evening; and he sate<br> +Upon the long stone-seat beneath the eaves <br> +Of his old cottage,—as it chanced, that day,<br> +Employed in winter's work. Upon the stone<br> +His wife sate near him, teasing matted wool,<br> +While, from the twin cards toothed with glittering wire,<br> +He fed the spindle of his youngest child, <br> +Who, in the open air, with due accord<br> +Of busy hands and back-and-forward steps,<br> +Her large round wheel was turning. Towards the field<br> +In which the Parish Chapel stood alone,<br> +Girt round with a bare ring of mossy wall, <br> +While half an hour went by, the Priest had sent<br> +Many a long look of wonder: and at last,<br> +Risen from his seat, beside the snow white ridge<br> +Of carded wool which the old man had piled<br> +He laid his implements with gentle care, <br> +Each in the other locked; and, down the path<br> +That from his cottage to the church-yard led,<br> +He took his way, impatient to accost<br> +The Stranger, whom he saw still lingering there.<br><br> + +'Twas one well known to him in former days, <br> +A Shepherd-lad; who ere his sixteenth year<br> +Had left that calling, tempted to entrust<br> +His expectations to the fickle winds<br> +And perilous waters; with the mariners<br> +A fellow-mariner;—and so had fared <br> +Through twenty seasons; but he had been reared<br> +Among the mountains, and he in his heart<br> +Was half a shepherd on the stormy seas.<br> +Oft in the piping shrouds had Leonard heard<br> +The tones of waterfalls, and inland sounds <br> +Of caves and trees:—and, when the regular wind<br> +Between the tropics filled the steady sail,<br> +And blew with the same breath through days and weeks,<br> +Lengthening invisibly its weary line<br> +Along the cloudless Main, he, in those hours <br> +Of tiresome indolence, would often hang<br> +Over the vessel's side, and gaze and gaze;<br> +And, while the broad blue wave and sparkling foam<br> +Flashed round him images and hues that wrought<br> +In union with the employment of his heart, <br> +He, thus by feverish passion overcome,<br> +Even with the organs of his bodily eye,<br> +Below him, in the bosom of the deep,<br> +Saw mountains; saw the forms of sheep that grazed<br> +On verdant hills—with dwellings among trees, <br> +And shepherds clad in the same country grey<br> +Which he himself had worn.<br><br> + + And now, at last,<br> +From perils manifold, with some small wealth<br> +Acquired by traffic 'mid the Indian Isles, <br> +To his paternal home he is returned,<br> +With a determined purpose to resume<br> +The life he had lived there; both for the sake<br> +Of many darling pleasures, and the love<br> +Which to an only brother he has borne <br> +In all his hardships, since that happy time<br> +When, whether it blew foul or fair, they two<br> +Were brother-shepherds on their native hills.<br> +—They were the last of all their race: and now,<br> +When Leonard had approached his home, his heart <br> +Failed in him; and, not venturing to enquire<br> +Tidings of one so long and dearly loved,<br> +He to the solitary church-yard turned;<br> +That, as he knew in what particular spot<br> +His family were laid, he thence might learn <br> +If still his Brother lived, or to the file<br> +Another grave was added.—He had found<br> +Another grave,—near which a full half-hour<br> +He had remained; but, as he gazed, there grew<br> +Such a confusion in his memory, <br> +That he began to doubt; and even to hope<br> +That he had seen this heap of turf before,—<br> +That it was not another grave; but one<br> +He had forgotten. He had lost his path,<br> +As up the vale, that afternoon, he walked <br> +Through fields which once had been well known to him:<br> +And oh what joy this recollection now<br> +Sent to his heart! he lifted up his eyes,<br> +And, looking round, imagined that he saw<br> +Strange alteration wrought on every side <br> +Among the woods and fields, and that the rocks,<br> +And everlasting hills themselves were changed.<br><br> + +By this the Priest, who down the field had come,<br> +Unseen by Leonard, at the church-yard gate<br> +Stopped short,—and thence, at leisure, limb by limb <br> +Perused him with a gay complacency.<br> +Ay, thought the Vicar, smiling to himself,<br> +'Tis one of those who needs must leave the path<br> +Of the world's business to go wild alone:<br> +His arms have a perpetual holiday; <br> +The happy man will creep about the fields,<br> +Following his fancies by the hour, to bring<br> +Tears down his cheek, or solitary smiles<br> +Into his face, until the setting sun<br> +Write fool upon his forehead.—Planted thus <br> +Beneath a shed that over-arched the gate<br> +Of this rude church-yard, till the stars appeared<br> +The good Man might have communed with himself,<br> +But that the Stranger, who had left the grave,<br> +Approached; he recognised the Priest at once, <br> +And, after greetings interchanged, and given<br> +By Leonard to the Vicar as to one<br> +Unknown to him, this dialogue ensued.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v1"></a><a href="#44v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v2"></a><a href="#44v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr44v3"></a><a href="#44v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v4"></a><a href="#44v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v5"></a><a href="#44v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v6"></a><a href="#44v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr44v7"></a><a href="#44v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v8"></a><a href="#44v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v9"></a><a href="#44v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v10"></a><a href="#44v10">10</a><br> +<a name="fr44v11"></a><a href="#44v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v12"></a><a href="#44v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v13"></a><a href="#44v13">13</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v14"></a><a href="#44v14">14</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v15"></a><a href="#44v15">15</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v16"></a><a href="#44v16">16</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v17"></a><a href="#44v17">17</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v18"></a><a href="#44v18">18</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<br> +<a name="fr44C"></a><a href="#44C">C</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td> You live, Sir, in these dales, a quiet life:<br> +Your years make up one peaceful family; <br> +And who would grieve and fret, if, welcome come<br> +And welcome gone, they are so like each other,<br> +They cannot be remembered? Scarce a funeral<br> +Comes to this church-yard once in eighteen months;<br> +And yet, some changes must take place among you: <br> +And you, who dwell here, even among these rocks,<br> +Can trace the finger of mortality,<br> +And see, that with our threescore years and ten<br> +We are not all that perish.—I remember,<br> +(For many years ago I passed this road) <br> +There was a foot-way all along the fields<br> +By the brook-side—'tis gone—and that dark cleft!<br> +To me it does not seem to wear the face<br> +Which then it had!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +125<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +135<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Nay, Sir, for aught I know,<br> +That chasm is much the same—</td> + <td><a name="fr44v19"></a><a href="#44v19">19</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + 140</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>But, surely, yonder—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Ay, there, indeed, your memory is a friend<br> +That does not play you false.—On that tall pike<br> +(It is the loneliest place of all these hills) <br> +There were two springs which bubbled side by side,<br> +As if they had been made that they might be<br> +Companions for each other: the huge crag<br> +Was rent with lightning—one hath disappeared;<br> +The other, left behind, is flowing still, <br> +For accidents and changes such as these,<br> +We want not store of them;—a water-spout<br> +Will bring down half a mountain; what a feast<br> +For folks that wander up and down like you,<br> +To see an acre's breadth of that wide cliff <br> +One roaring cataract! a sharp May-storm<br> +Will come with loads of January snow,<br> +And in one night send twenty score of sheep<br> +To feed the ravens; or a shepherd dies<br> +By some untoward death among the rocks: <br> +The ice breaks up and sweeps away a bridge;<br> +A wood is felled:—and then for our own homes!<br> +A child is born or christened, a field ploughed,<br> +A daughter sent to service, a web spun,<br> +The old house-clock is decked with a new face; <br> +And hence, so far from wanting facts or dates<br> +To chronicle the time, we all have here<br> +A pair of diaries,—one serving, Sir,<br> +For the whole dale, and one for each fire-side—<br> +Yours was a stranger's judgment: for historians, <br> +Commend me to these valleys!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v20"></a><a href="#44v20">20</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v21"></a><a href="#44v21">21</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44D"></a><a href="#44D">D</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br><br> + +145<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +150<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +165<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +170</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td> Yet your Church-yard<br> +Seems, if such freedom may be used with you,<br> +To say that you are heedless of the past:<br> +An orphan could not find his mother's grave:<br> +Here's neither head nor foot-stone, plate of brass, <br> +Cross-bones nor skull,—type of our earthly state<br> +Nor emblem of our hopes: the dead man's home<br> +Is but a fellow to that pasture-field.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fr44v22"></a><a href="#44v22">22</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +175<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Why, there, Sir, is a thought that's new to me!<br> +The stone-cutters, 'tis true, might beg their bread <br> +If every English church-yard were like ours;<br> +Yet your conclusion wanders from the truth:<br> +We have no need of names and epitaphs;<br> +We talk about the dead by our fire-sides.<br> +And then, for our immortal part! <i>we</i> want <br> +No symbols, Sir, to tell us that plain tale:<br> +The thought of death sits easy on the man<br> +Who has been born and dies among the mountains.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44E"></a><a href="#44E">E</a></td> + <td><br> + 180<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +185<br> +<br> +<br> + +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>Your Dalesmen, then, do in each other's thoughts<br> +Possess a kind of second life: no doubt<br> +You, Sir, could help me to the history<br> +Of half these graves?</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + 190<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td> For eight-score winters past,<br> +With what I've witnessed, and with what I've heard,<br> +Perhaps I might; and, on a winter-evening, [23]<br> +If you were seated at my chimney's nook,<br> +By turning o'er these hillocks one by one,<br> +We two could travel, Sir, through a strange round;<br> +Yet all in the broad highway of the world.<br> +Now there's a grave—your foot is half upon it,—<br> +It looks just like the rest; and yet that man<br> +Died broken-hearted.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v23"></a><a href="#44v23">23</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +195<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +200<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>'Tis a common case.<br> +We'll take another: who is he that lies<br> +Beneath yon ridge, the last of those three graves?<br> +It touches on that piece of native rock<br> +Left in the church-yard wall.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +205<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>That's Walter Ewbank.<br> +He had as white a head and fresh a cheek <br> +As ever were produced by youth and age<br> +Engendering in the blood of hale fourscore.<br> +Through five long generations had the heart<br> +Of Walter's forefathers o'erflowed the bounds<br> +Of their inheritance, that single cottage— <br> +You see it yonder! and those few green fields.<br> +They toiled and wrought, and still, from sire to son,<br> +Each struggled, and each yielded as before<br> +A little—yet a little,—and old Walter,<br> +They left to him the family heart, and land <br> +With other burthens than the crop it bore.<br> +Year after year the old man still kept up<br> +A cheerful mind,—and buffeted with bond,<br> +Interest, and mortgages; at last he sank,<br> +And went into his grave before his time. <br> +Poor Walter! whether it was care that spurred him<br> +God only knows, but to the very last<br> +He had the lightest foot in Ennerdale:<br> +His pace was never that of an old man:<br> +I almost see him tripping down the path <br> +With his two grandsons after him:—but you,<br> +Unless our Landlord be your host to-night,<br> +Have far to travel,—and on these rough paths<br> +Even in the longest day of midsummer—</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v24"></a><a href="#44v24">24</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v25"></a><a href="#44v25">25</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v26"></a><a href="#44v26">26</a><br></td> + <td><a name="fr44F"></a><a href="#44F">F</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> + <br> +210<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +215<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +220<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +225<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +230<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>But those two Orphans!</td> + <td><a name="fr44v27"></a><a href="#44v27">27</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Orphans!—Such they were—<br> +Yet not while Walter lived:—for, though their parents<br> +Lay buried side by side as now they lie,<br> +The old man was a father to the boys,<br> +Two fathers in one father: and if tears,<br> +Shed when he talked of them where they were not,<br> +And hauntings from the infirmity of love,<br> +Are aught of what makes up a mother's heart,<br> +This old Man, in the day of his old age,<br> +Was half a mother to them.—If you weep, Sir,<br> +To hear a stranger talking about strangers,<br> +Heaven bless you when you are among your kindred!<br> +Ay—you may turn that way—it is a grave<br> +Which will bear looking at.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>235<br> + <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +240<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +245<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>These boys—I hope<br> +They loved this good old Man?—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + 250</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>They did—and truly:<br> +But that was what we almost overlooked,<br> +They were such darlings of each other. Yes,<br> +Though from the cradle they had lived with Walter, <br> +The only kinsman near them, and though he<br> +Inclined to both by reason of his age,<br> +With a more fond, familiar, tenderness;<br> +They, notwithstanding, had much love to spare,<br> +And it all went into each other's hearts. <br> +Leonard, the elder by just eighteen months,<br> +Was two years taller: 'twas a joy to see,<br> +To hear, to meet them!—From their house the school<br> +Is distant three short miles, and in the time<br> +Of storm and thaw, when every water-course <br> +And unbridged stream, such as you may have noticed<br> +Crossing our roads at every hundred steps,<br> +Was swoln into a noisy rivulet<br> +Would Leonard then, when elder boys remained<br> +At home, go staggering through the slippery fords, <br> +Bearing his brother on his back. I have seen him,<br> +On windy days, in one of those stray brooks,<br> +Ay, more than once I have seen him, mid-leg deep,<br> +Their two books lying both on a dry stone,<br> +Upon the hither side: and once I said, <br> +As I remember, looking round these rocks<br> +And hills on which we all of us were born,<br> +That God who made the great book of the world<br> +Would bless such piety—</td> + <td><br> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v28"></a><a href="#44v28">28</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v29"></a><a href="#44v29">29</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v30"></a><a href="#44v30">30</a><br> + +<br> +<a name="fr44v31"></a><a href="#44v31">31</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +<br> +<br> +255<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +260<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +265<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +270<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +275<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>It may be then— </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Never did worthier lads break English bread;<br> +The very brightest Sunday Autumn saw<br> +With all its mealy clusters of ripe nuts, <br> +Could never keep those boys away from church,<br> +Or tempt them to an hour of sabbath breach. <br> +Leonard and James! I warrant, every corner<br> +Among these rocks, and every hollow place<br> +That venturous foot could reach, to one or both<br> +Was known as well as to the flowers that grow there.<br> +Like roe-bucks they went bounding o'er the hills; <br> +They played like two young ravens on the crags:<br> +Then they could write, ay and speak too, as well<br> +As many of their betters—and for Leonard!<br> +The very night before he went away,<br> +In my own house I put into his hand<br> +A bible, and I'd wager house and field<br> +That, if he be alive, he has it yet.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr44v32"></a><a href="#44v32">32</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v33"></a><a href="#44v33">33</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v34"></a><a href="#44v34">34</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v35"></a><a href="#44v35">35</a></td> + <td></td> + <td>280<br> + <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +285<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +290<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +295<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>It seems, these Brothers have not lived to be<br> + A comfort to each other—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>That they might <br> +Live to such end is what both old and young<br> +In this our valley all of us have wished,<br> +And what, for my part, I have often prayed:<br> +But Leonard—</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr44v36"></a><a href="#44v36">36</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + 300<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>Then James still is left among you! </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Tis of the elder brother I am speaking:<br> +They had an uncle;—he was at that time<br> +A thriving man, and trafficked on the seas:<br> +And, but for that same uncle, to this hour<br> +Leonard had never handled rope or shroud: <br> +For the boy loved the life which we lead here;<br> +And though of unripe years, a stripling only,<br> +His soul was knit to this his native soil.<br> +But, as I said, old Walter was too weak<br> +To strive with such a torrent; when he died, <br> +The estate and house were sold; and all their sheep,<br> +A pretty flock, and which, for aught I know,<br> +Had clothed the Ewbanks for a thousand years:—<br> +Well—all was gone, and they were destitute,<br> +And Leonard, chiefly for his Brother's sake, <br> +Resolved to try his fortune on the seas.<br> +Twelve years are past since we had tidings from him.<br> +If there were one among us who had heard<br> +That Leonard Ewbank was come home again,<br> +From the Great Gavel, down by Leeza's banks, <br> +And down the Enna, far as Egremont.<br> +The day would be a joyous festival;<br> +And those two bells of ours, which there you see—<br> +Hanging in the open air—but, O good Sir!<br> +This is sad talk—they'll never sound for him— <br> +Living or dead.—When last we heard of him,<br> +He was in slavery among the Moors<br> +Upon the Barbary coast.—'Twas not a little<br> +That would bring down his spirit; and no doubt,<br> +Before it ended in his death, the Youth <br> +Was sadly crossed.—Poor Leonard! when we parted,<br> +He took me by the hand, and said to me,<br> +If e'er he should grow rich, he would return,<br> +To live in peace upon his father's land,<br> +And lay his bones among us. </td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v37"></a><a href="#44v37">37</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v38"></a><a href="#44v38">38</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v39"></a><a href="#44v39">39</a><br> +<a name="fr44v40"></a><a href="#44v40">40</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v41"></a><a href="#44v41">41</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v42"></a><a href="#44v42">42</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v43"></a><a href="#44v43">43</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44G"></a><a href="#44G">G</a><br> +<br></td> + <td>305<br> + <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +310<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +315<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +320<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +325<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +330<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +335<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>If that day<br> + Should come, 'twould needs be a glad day for him;<br> + He would himself, no doubt, be happy then<br> + As any that should meet him—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>340</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Happy! Sir— </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>You said his kindred all were in their graves,<br> + And that he had one Brother—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>345</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>That is but <br> +A fellow-tale of sorrow. From his youth<br> +James, though not sickly, yet was delicate;<br> +And Leonard being always by his side<br> +Had done so many offices about him,<br> +That, though he was not of a timid nature,<br> +Yet still the spirit of a mountain-boy<br> +In him was somewhat checked; and, when his Brother<br> +Was gone to sea, and he was left alone,<br> +The little colour that he had was soon<br> +Stolen from his cheek; he drooped, and pined, and pined—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +<br> +350<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +355<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>But these are all the graves of full-grown men!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Ay, Sir, that passed away: we took him to us;<br> +He was the child of all the dale—he lived<br> +Three months with one, and six months with another;<br> +And wanted neither food, nor clothes, nor love:<br> +And many, many happy days were his.<br> +But, whether blithe or sad, 'tis my belief<br> +His absent Brother still was at his heart.<br> +And, when he dwelt beneath our roof, we found<br> +(A practice till this time unknown to him)<br> +That often, rising from his bed at night,<br> +He in his sleep would walk about, and sleeping<br> +He sought his brother Leonard.—You are moved!<br> +Forgive me, Sir: before I spoke to you,<br> +I judged you most unkindly.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v44"></a><a href="#44v44">44</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + 360<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +365<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +370<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>But this Youth,<br> + How did he die at last? </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>One sweet May-morning,<br> +(It will be twelve years since when Spring returns)<br> +He had gone forth among the new-dropped lambs,<br> +With two or three companions, whom their course<br> +Of occupation led from height to height <br> +Under a cloudless sun—till he, at length,<br> +Through weariness, or, haply, to indulge<br> +The humour of the moment, lagged behind.<br> +You see yon precipice;—it wears the shape<br> +Of a vast building made of many crags; <br> +And in the midst is one particular rock<br> +That rises like a column from the vale,<br> +Whence by our shepherds it is called, <b>The Pillar</b>.<br> +Upon its aëry summit crowned with heath,<br> +The loiterer, not unnoticed by his comrades, <br> +Lay stretched at ease; but, passing by the place<br> +On their return, they found that he was gone.<br> +No ill was feared; till one of them by chance<br> +Entering, when evening was far spent, the house<br> +Which at that time was James's home, there learned <br> +That nobody had seen him all that day:<br> +The morning came, and still he was unheard of:<br> +The neighbours were alarmed, and to the brook<br> +Some hastened; some ran to the lake: ere noon<br> +They found him at the foot of that same rock <br> +Dead, and with mangled limbs. The third day after<br> +I buried him, poor Youth, and there he lies!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v45"></a><a href="#44v45">45</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v46"></a><a href="#44v46">46</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v47"></a><a href="#44v47">47</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v48"></a><a href="#44v48">48</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v49"></a><a href="#44v49">49</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44H"></a><a href="#44H">H</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td>375<br> + <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +380<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +385<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +390<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +395<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +400<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>And that then <i>is</i> his grave!—Before his death<br> + You say that he saw many happy years?</td> + <td><br> + <a name="fr44v50"></a><a href="#44v50">50</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Ay, that he did— </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>And all went well with him?—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>405</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>If he had one, the Youth had twenty homes.</td> + <td><a name="fr44v51"></a><a href="#44v51">51</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>And you believe, then, that his mind was easy?—</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Yes, long before he died, he found that time<br> +Is a true friend to sorrow; and unless<br> +His thoughts were turned on Leonard's luckless fortune,<br> +He talked about him with a cheerful love.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 410</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Leonard</i></td> +<td>He could not come to an unhallowed end!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>Priest</i></td> +<td>Nay, God forbid!—You recollect I mentioned<br> +A habit which disquietude and grief<br> +Had brought upon him; and we all conjectured<br> +That, as the day was warm, he had lain down<br> +On the soft heath, and, waiting for his comrades,<br> +He there had fallen asleep; that in his sleep<br> +He to the margin of the precipice<br> +Had walked, and from the summit had fallen headlong:<br> +And so no doubt he perished. When the Youth<br> +Fell, in his hand he must have grasp'd, we think,<br> +His shepherd's staff; for on that Pillar of rock<br> +It had been caught mid way; and there for years<br> +It hung;—and mouldered there.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v52"></a><a href="#44v52">52</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v53"></a><a href="#44v53">53</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v54"></a><a href="#44v54">54</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> + <br> +415<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +420<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +425</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td> The Priest here ended—<br> +The Stranger would have thanked him, but he felt<br> +A gushing from his heart, that took away<br> +The power of speech. Both left the spot in silence; <br> +And Leonard, when they reached the church-yard gate,<br> +As the Priest lifted up the latch, turned round,—<br> +And, looking at the grave, he said, "My Brother!"<br> +The Vicar did not hear the words: and now,<br> +He pointed towards his dwelling-place, entreating <br> +That Leonard would partake his homely fare:<br> +The other thanked him with an earnest voice;<br> +But added, that, the evening being calm,<br> +He would pursue his journey. So they parted.<br><br> + +It was not long ere Leonard reached a grove <br> +That overhung the road: he there stopped short,<br> +And, sitting down beneath the trees, reviewed<br> +All that the Priest had said: his early years<br> +Were with him:—his long absence, cherished hopes,<br> +And thoughts which had been his an hour before, <br> +All pressed on him with such a weight, that now,<br> +This vale, where he had been so happy, seemed <br> +A place in which he could not bear to live:<br> +So he relinquished all his purposes.<br> +He travelled back to Egremont: and thence, <br> +That night, he wrote a letter to the Priest,<br> +Reminding him of what had passed between them; <br> +And adding, with a hope to be forgiven,<br> +That it was from the weakness of his heart<br> +He had not dared to tell him who he was. <br> +This done, he went on shipboard, and is now<br> +A Seaman, a grey-headed Mariner.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#44n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v55"></a><a href="#44v55">55</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v56"></a><a href="#44v56">56</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v57"></a><a href="#44v57">57</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="fr44v58"></a><a href="#44v58">58</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44v59"></a><a href="#44v59">59</a><br> +<a name="fr44v60"></a><a href="#44v60">60</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br><br> + +<br> +430<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +435<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> + +440<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +445<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +450<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +455 +</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="44v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... their ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Upon the forehead of a jutting crag<br> + Sit perch'd with book and pencil on their knee,<br> + And look and scribble, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... youngest child,<br> + Who turn'd her large round wheel in the open air<br> + With back and forward steps.... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... who ere his thirteenth year<br> + Had chang'd his calling, with the mariners</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... green ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... at length, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... traffic in ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... which he liv'd there, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... of one whom he so dearly lov'd,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Towards the church-yard he had turn'd aside,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... and he had hopes</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and hope was his </blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As up the vale he came that afternoon, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... he thought that he perceiv'd </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And the eternal hills, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And the everlasting hills, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He scann'd him ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... cheeks, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 returns to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr44v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Why, Sir, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Companions for each other: ten years back,<br> + Close to those brother fountains, the huge crag<br> + Was rent with lightning—one is dead and gone, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Why we have store of them! ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Cross-bones or skull, type of our earthly state<br> + Or emblem of our hopes: ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... winter's evening,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For five ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... still preserv'd</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... these ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... For<br> + Though from their cradles they had liv'd with Walter,<br> + The only kinsman near them in the house,<br> + Yet he being old, they had much love to spare, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The only Kinsman near them, and though he<br> + Inclined to them, by reason of his age,<br> + With a more fond, familiar tenderness,<br> + They, notwithstanding, had much love to spare, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Was ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... when elder boys perhaps<br> + Remain'd at home, go staggering through the fords </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... I've ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The finest Sunday that the Autumn saw, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... these ....</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<a name="44v34"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 34:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Where foot could come, to one or both of them</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v34">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v35"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 35:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... and I'd wager twenty pounds,<br> + That, if he is alive, ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>.. and I'd wager house and field</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v35">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v36"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 36:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that end, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v36">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v37"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 37:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v37">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v38"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 38:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And, though a very Stripling, twelve years old; </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v38">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v39"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 39:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>'Tis now twelve years ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v39">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v40"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 40:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... was ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v40">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v41"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 41:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... a very festival,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v41">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v42"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 42:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the Lad</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v43"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 43:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>If ever the day came when he was rich,<br> + He would return, and on his Father's Land<br> + He would grow old among us. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v44"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 44:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... liv'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v45"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 45:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With two or three companions whom it chanc'd<br> + Some further business summon'd to a house<br> + Which stands at the Dale-head. James, tir'd perhaps,<br> + Or from some other cause remain'd behind.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v46"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 46:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... it almost looks<br> + Like some vast building ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v47"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 47:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... it is called, <i>The Pillar</i>.<br> + James pointed to its summit, over which<br> + They all had purpos'd to return together,<br> + And told them that he there would wait for them:<br> + They parted, and his comrades pass'd that way<br> + Some two hours after, but they did not find him<br> + At the appointed place, a circumstance<br> + Of which they took no heed: but one of them,<br> + Going by chance, at night, into the house<br> + Which at this time was James's home, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... but they did not find him<br> + Upon the Pillar—at the appointed place.<br> + Of this they took no heed: ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which at that time ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Upon the Summit—at the appointed place. </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... they found that he was gone.<br> + From this no ill was feared; but one of them,<br> + Entering by chance, at even-tide, the house</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +In all else the edition of 1820 is identical with the final text of +1827.<br> +<a href="#fr44v47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v48"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 48:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Some went, and some towards the Lake; ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Some hastened, some towards the Lake: ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v48">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v49"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 49:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Lad ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v49">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v50"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 50:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... said ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v50">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v51"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 51:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Lad ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v52"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 52:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Upon the grass, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v53"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 53:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... he perish'd: at the time,<br> + We guess, that in his hands he must have had </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> must have held </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v54"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 54:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... for midway in the cliff<br> + It had been caught, and there for many years </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v55"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 55:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... but he felt<br> + Tears rushing in; both left the spot in silence,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v56"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 56:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Pointing towards the Cottage, he entreated</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v57"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 57:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... fervent</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v57">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v58"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 58:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Were with him in his heart: his cherish'd hopes,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v58">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v59"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 59:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... travell'd on ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v59">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44v60"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 60:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That night, address'd a letter to the Priest</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr44v60">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="44A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> This Poem was intended to be the concluding poem of a +series of pastorals, the scene of which was laid among the mountains of +Cumberland and Westmoreland. I mention this to apologise for the +abruptness with which the poem begins.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#section44">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal </i>the following +entry occurs:</span> + + <blockquote> "Friday, 6th August (1800).—In the morning I copied <i>The Brothers</i>."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> This description of the Calenture is sketched from an +imperfect recollection of an admirable one in prose, by Mr. Gilbert, +Author of <i>The Hurricane</i>.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare another reference to <i>The Hurricane; a Theosophical and Western +Eclogue</i> etc., by William Gilbert, in one of the notes to <i>The +Excursion</i>, book iii. l. 931.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr44C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> The impressive circumstance here described, actually took +place some years ago in this country, upon an eminence called Kidstow +Pike, one of the highest of the mountains that surround Hawes-water. The +summit of the pike was stricken by lightning; and every trace of one of +the fountains disappeared, while the other continued to flow as +before.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr44D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> There is not any thing more worthy of remark in the manners +of the inhabitants of these mountains, than the tranquillity, I might +say indifference, with which they think and talk upon the subject of +death. Some of the country church-yards, as here described, do not +contain a single tomb-stone, and most of them have a very small +number.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr44E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The name in the original MS. was "Wilfred Evans."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr44F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44G"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote G:</span></a> The great Gavel, so called I imagine, from its resemblance +to the Gable end of a house, is one of the highest of the Cumberland +mountains. It stands at the head of the several vales of Ennerdale, +Wastdale, and Borrowdale.<br> +<br> +The Leeza is a River which flows into the Lake of Ennerdale: on issuing +from the Lake, it changes its name, and is called the End, Eyne, or +Enna. It falls into the sea a little below Egremont—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr44G">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="44H"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote H:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See Coleridge's criticism of these lines in a note to +chapter xviii. of <i>Biographia Literaria</i> (vol. ii. p. 83 of the edition +of 1817).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr44H">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="44n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This poem illustrates the way in which Wordsworth's imagination worked +upon a minimum of fact, idealizing a simple story, and adding</span> + +<blockquote> 'the gleam,<br> + The light that never was, on sea or land,<br> + The consecration, and the Poet's dream.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It is the only poem of his referring to Ennerdale; but perhaps the chief +association with that dale, to those who visit it after becoming +acquainted with this poem, will be the fact that the brothers Ewbank +were supposed to have spent their youth under the shadow of the Pillar, +and Leonard to have had this conversation, on his return from sea, with +the venerable priest of Ennerdale. The district is described with all +that local accuracy which Wordsworth invariably showed in idealization. +The height whence James Ewbank is supposed to have fallen is not the +Pillar-Rock—a crag somewhat difficult to ascend, except by practised +climbers, and which has only been accessible since mountaineering became +an art and a passion to Englishmen. But, if we suppose the conversation +with the priest of Ennerdale to have taken place at the Bridge, below +the Lake—as that is the only place where there is both a hamlet and "a +churchyard"—the "precipice" will refer to the Pillar "Mountain." Both +are alluded to in the poem. The lines,</span> + +<blockquote>You see yon precipice;—it wears the shape<br> +Of a vast building made of many crags;<br> +And in the midst is one particular rock<br> +That rises like a column from the vale,<br> +Whence by our shepherds it is called, <i>The Pillar</i>,</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">are definite enough. The great mass of the Pillar Mountain is first +referred to, and then the Rock which is a characteristic spur, halfway +up the mountain on its northern side. The "aëry summit crowned with +heath," however, on which "the loiterer" "lay stretched at ease," could +neither be the top of this "rock" nor the summit of the "mountain": not +the former, because there is no heath on it, and it would be impossible +for a weary man, loitering behind his companions, to ascend it to rest; +not the latter, because no one resting on the summit of the mountain +could be "not unnoticed by his comrades," and they would not pass that +way over the top of the mountain "on their return" to Ennerdale. This is +an instance, therefore, in which precise localization is impossible. +Probably Wordsworth did not know either that the pillar "rock" was bare +on the summit, or that it had never been ascended in 1800; and he +idealised it to suit his imaginative purpose. In connection with this +poem, a remark he made to the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge may be +recalled.</span> + +<blockquote> "He said there was some foundation in fact, however slight, for every + poem he had written of a narrative kind; ... <i>The Brothers</i> was + founded on a young shepherd, in his sleep, having fallen down a crag, + his staff remaining suspended mid-way."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See the <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, by the late Bishop of Lincoln, +vol. ii. p. 305.) It should be added that the character of Leonard +Ewbank was drawn in large part from that of the poet's brother John—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section45"></a>The Seven Sisters; or, The Solitude of Binnorie<a href="#45A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800<a href="#45B"><sup>B</sup></a>.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section45a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + +<a name="fr45C">The</a> Story of this Poem is from the German of Frederica Brun<a href="#45C"><sup>C</sup></a>.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section45a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>Seven Daughters had Lord Archibald,<br> +All children of one mother:<br> +You could not say in one short day<br> +What love they bore each other.<br> +A garland, of seven lilies, wrought!<br> +Seven Sisters that together dwell;<br> +But he, bold Knight as ever fought,<br> +Their Father, took of them no thought,<br> +He loved the wars so well.<br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr45v1"></a><a href="#45v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>Fresh blows the wind, a western wind,<br> +And from the shores of Erin,<br> +Across the wave, a Rover brave<br> +To Binnorie is steering: <br> +Right onward to the Scottish strand<br> +The gallant ship is borne;<br> +The warriors leap upon the land,<br> +And hark! the Leader of the band<br> +Hath blown his bugle horn. <br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>Beside a grotto of their own,<br> +With boughs above them closing,<br> +The Seven are laid, and in the shade <br> +They lie like fawns reposing.<br> +But now, upstarting with affright<br> +At noise of man and steed,<br> +Away they fly to left, to right—<br> +Of your fair household, Father-knight,<br> +Methinks you take small heed!<br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>Away the seven fair Campbells fly,<br> +And, over hill and hollow, <br> +With menace proud, and insult loud,<br> +The youthful Rovers follow.<br> +Cried they, "Your Father loves to roam:<br> +Enough for him to find<br> +The empty house when he comes home; <br> +For us your yellow ringlets comb,<br> +For us be fair and kind!"<br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr45v2"></a><a href="#45v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>Some close behind, some side by side, <br> +Like clouds in stormy weather;<br> +They run, and cry, "Nay, let us die,<br> +And let us die together."<br> +A lake was near; the shore was steep;<br> +There never foot had been;<br> +They ran, and with a desperate leap<br> +Together plunged into the deep,<br> +Nor ever more were seen.<br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr45v3"></a><a href="#45v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td>45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>The stream that flows out of the lake,<br> +As through the glen it rambles,<br> +Repeats a moan o'er moss and stone,<br> +For those seven lovely Campbells.<br> +Seven little Islands, green and bare,<br> +Have risen from out the deep:<br> +The fishers say, those sisters fair,<br> +By faeries all are buried there,<br> +And there together sleep.<br> +Sing, mournfully, oh! mournfully,<br> +The solitude of Binnorie.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="45v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I could ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr45v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="45v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Irish Rovers ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr45v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="45v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The sisters ran like mountain sheep</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And in together did they leap</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr45v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="45A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">It is a well-known Scottish Ballad. In Jamieson's +<i>Popular Ballads</i>, vol. i. p. 50 (1806), its title is "The Twa +Sisters." In Walter Scott's <i>Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border</i>, +vol. iii. p. 287, it is called "The Cruel Sisters." In <i>The Ballads of +Scotland</i>, collected by W. Edmonstone Aytoun (1858), vol. i. p. 194, +it is printed "Binnorie." In 1807 Wordsworth printed the sub-title +<i>The Solitude of Binnorie</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section45">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="45B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal there is an entry, +under date August 16, 1800, </span> + + <blockquote>"William read us <i>The Seven Sisters</i>."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It is uncertain whether this refers to his own poem or not, but I +incline to think it does.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="45C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In a MS. copy this note runs thus:</span> + + <blockquote>"This poem, in the groundwork of the story, is from the German of + Frederica Brun."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr45C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section46"></a>Rural Architecture</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section46a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. These structures, as every one knows, +are common amongst our hills, being built by shepherds, as conspicuous +marks, and occasionally by boys in sport.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section46a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There's George Fisher, Charles Fleming, and Reginald Shore,<br> +Three rosy-cheeked school-boys, the highest not more<br> +Than the height of a counsellor's bag;<br> +To the top of <b>Great How</b> did it please them to climb:<br> +And there they built up, without mortar or lime,<br> +A Man on the peak of the crag.<br><br> + +They built him of stones gathered up as they lay:<br> +They built him and christened him all in one day,<br> +An urchin both vigorous and hale;<br> +And so without scruple they called him Ralph Jones. <br> +Now Ralph is renowned for the length of his bones;<br> +The Magog of Legberthwaite dale.<br><br> + +Just half a week after, the wind sallied forth,<br> +And, in anger or merriment, out of the north,<br> +Coming on with a terrible pother, <br> +From the peak of the crag blew the giant away.<br> +And what did these school-boys?—The very next day<br> +They went and they built up another.<br><br> + +—Some little I've seen of blind boisterous works<br> +By Christian disturbers more savage than Turks,<br> +Spirits busy to do and undo:<br> +At remembrance whereof my blood sometimes will flag;<br> +Then, light-hearted Boys, to the top of the crag;<br> +And I'll build up a giant with you.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr46v1"></a><a href="#46v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr46v2"></a><a href="#46v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr46v3"></a><a href="#46v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr46v4"></a><a href="#46v4">4</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr46A"></a><a href="#46A">A</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="46v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>From the meadows of <b>Armath</b>, on <b>Thirlmere's</b> wild shore, </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1832 reverts to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr46v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="46v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1800</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... were once tempted to climb;</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1832 reverts to that of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr46v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="46v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In Paris and London, 'mong Christians or Turks,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr46v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="46v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This last stanza was omitted from the editions of 1805 and +1815. It was restored in 1820.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr46v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="46A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> Great How is a single and conspicuous hill, which rises +towards the foot of Thirl-mere, on the western side of the beautiful +dale of Legberthwaite, along the high road between Keswick and +Ambleside.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr46A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section47"></a>A Character</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[The principal features are taken from my friend Robert Jones.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I marvel how Nature could ever find space<br> +For so many strange contrasts in one human face:<br> +There's thought and no thought, and there's paleness and bloom<br> +And bustle and sluggishness, pleasure and gloom.<br><br> + +There's weakness, and strength both redundant and vain;<br> +Such strength as, if ever affliction and pain<br> +Could pierce through a temper that's soft to disease,<br> +Would be rational peace—a philosopher's ease.<br><br> + +There's indifference, alike when he fails or succeeds,<br> +And attention full ten times as much as there needs;<br> +Pride where there's no envy, there's so much of joy;<br> +And mildness, and spirit both forward and coy.<br><br> + +There's freedom, and sometimes a diffident stare<br> +Of shame scarcely seeming to know that she's there,<br> +There's virtue, the title it surely may claim,<br> +Yet wants heaven knows what to be worthy the name.<br><br> + +This picture from nature may seem to depart,<br> +Yet the Man would at once run away with your heart;<br> +And I for five centuries right gladly would be<br> +Such an odd such a kind happy creature as he.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#47n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr47v1"></a><a href="#47v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr47v2"></a><a href="#47v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr47v3"></a><a href="#47v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="47v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For the weight and the levity seen in his face: </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr47v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="47v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... and ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr47v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="47v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>What a picture! 'tis drawn without nature or art,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr47v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="47n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The full title of this poem, in "Lyrical Ballads," 1800, is <i>A +Character, in the antithetical Manner</i>. It was omitted from all +subsequent editions till 1837. With this early friend, Robert Jones—a +fellow collegian at St. John's College, Cambridge—Wordsworth visited +the Continent (France and Switzerland), during the long vacation of +1790; and to him he dedicated the first edition of <i>Descriptive +Sketches</i>, in 1793. With him he also made a pedestrian tour in Wales in +1791. Jones afterwards became the incumbent of Soulderne, near +Deddington, in Oxfordshire; and Wordsworth described his parsonage there +in the sonnet, beginning "Where holy ground begins, unhallowed ends." +(See Wordsworth's note to the sonnet <i>Composed near Calais</i>, p. +333.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section48"></a>Inscription for the spot where the Hermitage stood on St. Herbert's Island, Derwent-Water</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included in 1815 among the "Poems referring to the Period of Old Age," +and in all subsequent editions among the "Inscriptions."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>If thou in the dear love of some one Friend<br> +Hast been so happy that thou know'st what thoughts<br> +Will sometimes in the happiness of love<br> +Make the heart sink, then wilt thou reverence<br> +This quiet spot; and, Stranger! not unmoved <br> +Wilt thou behold this shapeless heap of stones,<br> +The desolate ruins of St. Herbert's Cell.<br> +Here stood his threshold; here was spread the roof<br> +That sheltered him, a self-secluded Man,<br> +After long exercise in social cares <br> +And offices humane, intent to adore<br> +The Deity, with undistracted mind,<br> +And meditate on everlasting things,<br> +In utter solitude.—But he had left<br> +A Fellow-labourer, whom the good Man loved <br> +As his own soul. And, when with eye upraised<br> +To heaven he knelt before the crucifix,<br> +While o'er the lake the cataract of Lodore<br> +Pealed to his orisons, and when he paced<br> +Along the beach of this small isle and thought <br> +Of his Companion, he would pray that both<br> +(Now that their earthly duties were fulfilled)<br> +Might die in the same moment. Nor in vain<br> +So prayed he:—as our chronicles report,<br> +Though here the Hermit numbered his last day <br> +Far from St. Cuthbert his belovèd Friend,<br> +Those holy Men both died in the same hour.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#48n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr48v1"></a><a href="#48v1">1</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr48A"></a><a href="#48A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="48v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +1832.<br> +<br> +The text of this poem underwent so many changes, which are not easily +shown by the plan adopted throughout this edition—portions of the +earliest version of 1800 being abandoned and again adopted, and the +whole arrangement of the passages being altered—that it seems desirable +to append the entire text of 1800, and extensive parts of that of +subsequent years. The final text of 1832 is printed above. +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> If thou in the dear love of some one friend<br> + Hast been so happy, that thou know'st what thoughts<br> + Will, sometimes, in the happiness of love<br> + Make the heart sink, then wilt thou reverence<br> + This quiet spot.—St. Herbert hither came<br> + And here, for many seasons, from the world<br> + Remov'd, and the affections of the world<br> + He dwelt in solitude. He living here,<br> + This island's sole inhabitant! had left<br> + A Fellow-labourer, whom the good Man lov'd<br> + As his own soul; and when within his cave<br> + Alone he knelt before the crucifix<br> + While o'er the lake the cataract of Lodore<br> + Peal'd to his orisons, and when he pac'd<br> + Along the beach of this small isle and thought<br> + Of his Companion, he had pray'd that both<br> + Might die in the same moment. Nor in vain<br> + So pray'd he:—as our Chronicles report,<br> + Though here the Hermit number'd his last days,<br> + Far from St. Cuthbert his beloved friend,<br> + Those holy men both died in the same hour. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of the editions of 1802 and 1805 (which are identical), omits +one line of the text of 1800. The passage reads: + + <blockquote>He dwelt in solitude.—But he had left<br> + A Fellow-labourer, whom ...</blockquote> + +And the following variants occur in 1802 and 1805: + + <blockquote> Make the heart sick, ....<br> +<br> + ... he would pray that both</blockquote> + +The text of 1815, which is continued in 1820, begins thus: +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> This Island, guarded from profane approach<br> + By mountains high and waters widely spread,<br> + Is that recess to which St. Herbert came<br> + In life's decline; a self-secluded Man,<br> + After long exercise in social cares<br> + And offices humane, intent to adore<br> + The Deity, with undistracted mind,<br> + And meditate on everlasting things.<br> + —Stranger! this shapeless heap of stones and earth<br> + (Long be its mossy covering undisturbed!)<br> + Is reverenced as a vestige of the Abode<br> + In which, through many seasons, from the world<br> + Removed, and the affections of the world,<br> + He dwelt in solitude.—But he had left<br> + A Fellow-labourer, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1815 and 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> + In 1827 the poem began thus: +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Stranger! this shapeless heap of stones and earth<br> + Is the last relic of St. Herbert's Cell.<br> + Here stood his threshold; here was spread the roof<br> + That sheltered him, a self-secluded Man,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr48v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="48A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the last stanza of "Strange fits of passion have I +known," p. 79 of this volume.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr48A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="48n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> The "shapeless heap of stones" in St. Herbert's Island, which were +"desolate ruins" in 1800, are even more "shapeless" and "desolate" now, +but they can easily be identified. The island is near the centre of the +lake, and is in area about four acres. The legend of St. Herbert dates +from the middle of the seventh century. The rector of Clifton, +Westmoreland, Dr. Robinson, writing in 1819, says:</span> + + <blockquote>"The remains of his hermitage are still visible, being built of stone + and mortar, and formed into two apartments, one of which, about twenty + feet long and sixteen feet wide, seems to have been his chapel; the + other, of less dimensions, his cell. Near these ruins the late Sir + Wilfred Lawson (to whose representative the island at present belongs) + erected some years ago a small octagonal cottage, which, being built + of unhewn stone, and artificially mossed over, has a venerable + appearance."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See <i>Guide to the Lakes</i>, by John Robinson, D.D., 1819). This cottage +has now disappeared. The following version of this "Inscription" occurs +in a letter from Wordsworth to Lady Beaumont, dated 26th November 1811:</span> + + <blockquote>This Island, guarded from profane approach<br> + By mountains high and waters widely spread,<br> + Gave to St. Herbert a benign retreat.<br> + Upon a staff supported, and his Brow<br> + White with the peaceful diadem of age.<br> + Hither he came—a self-secluded Man,<br> + ...<br> + Behold that shapeless Heap of stones and earth!<br> + "Tis reverenced as a Vestige of the Abode<br> + ...<br> + ... —And when within his Cell<br> + Alone he knelt before the crucifix,</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In a previous letter to Sir George Beaumont, dated 16th November 1811:</span> + + <blockquote>By mountains high and waters widely spread,<br> + Is that Seclusion which St. Herbert chose;<br> + ...<br> + Hither he came in life's austere decline:<br> + And, Stranger! this blank Heap of stones and earth<br> + Is reverenced ...</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br><p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section49"></a>Written with a Pencil upon a Stone in the Wall of the House (an + Out-House), on the Island at Grasmere<a href="#49A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Inscriptions."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Rude is this Edifice, and Thou hast seen<br> +Buildings, albeit rude, that have maintained<br> +Proportions more harmonious, and approached<br> +To closer fellowship with ideal grace.<br> +But take it in good part:—alas! the poor <br> +Vitruvius of our village had no help<br> +From the great City; never, upon leaves<br> +Of red Morocco folio saw displayed,<br> +In long succession, pre-existing ghosts<br> +Of Beauties yet unborn—the rustic Lodge <br> +Antique, and Cottage with verandah graced,<br> +Nor lacking, for fit company, alcove,<br> +Green-house, shell-grot, and moss-lined hermitage.<br> +Thou see'st a homely Pile, yet to these walls<br> +The heifer comes in the snow-storm, and here <br> +The new-dropped lamb finds shelter from the wind.<br> +And hither does one Poet sometimes row<br> +His pinnace, a small vagrant barge, up-piled<br> +With plenteous store of heath and withered fern,<br> +(A lading which he with his sickle cuts, <br> +Among the mountains) and beneath this roof<br> +He makes his summer couch, and here at noon<br> +Spreads out his limbs, while, yet unshorn, the Sheep,<br> +Panting beneath the burthen of their wool,<br> +Lie round him, even as if they were a part <br> +Of his own Household: nor, while from his bed<br> +He looks, through the open door-place, toward the lake<br> +And to the stirring breezes, does he want<br> +Creations lovely as the work of sleep—<br> +Fair sights, and visions of romantic joy! <br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#49n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr49v1"></a><a href="#49v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr49v2"></a><a href="#49v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr49v3"></a><a href="#49v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr49v4"></a><a href="#49v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr49v5"></a><a href="#49v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr49v6"></a><a href="#49v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="49v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... and approach'd<br> + To somewhat of a closer fellowship<br> + With the ideal grace. Yet as it is<br> + Do take it in good part; for he, the poor </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... alas! the poor </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="49v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... on the leaves </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="49v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The skeletons and pre-existing ghosts </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="49v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... yet unborn, the rustic Box,<br> + Snug Cot, with Coach-house, Shed and Hermitage.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="49v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>It is a homely pile, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="49v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He through that door-place looks ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr49v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="49A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The title of this poem in the edition of 1800 was simply +<i>Inscription for the House (an Out-house) on the Island at +Grasmere</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section49">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="49n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This "homely pile" on the island of Grasmere—very homely—still remains.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section50"></a>Michael</h2> + +<h4>A Pastoral Poem<a href="#50A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<h4>Composed 1800.—Published 1800</h4> + +<a href="#section50a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at the Town-end, Grasmere, about the same time as <i>The +Brothers</i>. The sheepfold, on which so much of the poem turns, +remains, or rather the ruins of it. The character and circumstances of +Luke were taken from a family to whom had belonged, many years before, +the house we lived in at Town-end, along with some fields and woodlands +on the eastern shore of Grasmere. The name of the Evening Star was not +in fact given to this house, but to another on the same side of the +valley, more to the north.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems founded on the Affections." —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section50a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>If from the public way you turn your steps<br> +Up the tumultuous brook of Green-head Ghyll,<br> +You will suppose that with an upright path<br> +Your feet must struggle; in such bold ascent<br> +The pastoral mountains front you, face to face. <br> +But, courage! for around that boisterous brook<br> +The mountains have all opened out themselves,<br> +And made a hidden valley of their own.<br> +No habitation can be seen; but they<br> +Who journey thither find themselves alone <br> +With a few sheep, with rocks and stones, and kites<br> +That overhead are sailing in the sky.<br> +It is in truth an utter solitude;<br> +Nor should I have made mention of this Dell<br> +But for one object which you might pass by, <br> +Might see and notice not. Beside the brook<br> +Appears a straggling heap of unhewn stones!<br> +And to that simple object appertains<br> +A story—unenriched with strange events,<br> +Yet not unfit, I deem, for the fireside, <br> +Or for the summer shade. It was the first<br> +Of those domestic tales that spake to me<br> +Of Shepherds, dwellers in the valleys, men<br> +Whom I already loved;—not verily<br> +For their own sakes, but for the fields and hills <br> +Where was their occupation and abode.<br> +And hence this Tale, while I was yet a Boy<br> +Careless of books, yet having felt the power<br> +Of Nature, by the gentle agency<br> +Of natural objects, led me on to feel <br> +For passions that were not my own, and think<br> +(At random and imperfectly indeed)<br> +On man, the heart of man, and human life.<br> +Therefore, although it be a history<br> +Homely and rude, I will relate the same <br> +For the delight of a few natural hearts;<br> +And, with yet fonder feeling, for the sake<br> +Of youthful Poets, who among these hills<br> +Will be my second self when I am gone.<br><br> + + Upon the forest-side in Grasmere Vale <br> +There dwelt a Shepherd, Michael was his name;<br> +An old man, stout of heart, and strong of limb.<br> +His bodily frame had been from youth to age<br> +Of an unusual strength: his mind was keen,<br> +Intense, and frugal, apt for all affairs, <br> +And in his shepherd's calling he was prompt<br> +And watchful more than ordinary men.<br> +Hence had he learned the meaning of all winds,<br> +Of blasts of every tone; and, oftentimes,<br> +When others heeded not, He heard the South <br> +Make subterraneous music, like the noise<br> +Of bagpipers on distant Highland hills.<br> +The Shepherd, at such warning, of his flock<br> +Bethought him, and he to himself would say,<br> +"The winds are now devising work for me!" <br> +And, truly, at all times, the storm, that drives<br> +The traveller to a shelter, summoned him<br> +Up to the mountains: he had been alone<br> +Amid the heart of many thousand mists,<br> +That came to him, and left him, on the heights. <br> +So lived he till his eightieth year was past.<br> +And grossly that man errs, who should suppose<br> +That the green valleys, and the streams and rocks,<br> +Were things indifferent to the Shepherd's thoughts.<br> +Fields, where with cheerful spirits he had breathed <br> +The common air; hills, which with vigorous step<br> +He had so often climbed; which had impressed<br> +So many incidents upon his mind<br> +Of hardship, skill or courage, joy or fear;<br> +Which, like a book, preserved the memory <br> +Of the dumb animals, whom he had saved,<br> +Had fed or sheltered, linking to such acts<br> +The certainty of honourable gain;<br> +Those fields, those hills—what could they less? had laid<br> +Strong hold on his affections, were to him <br> +A pleasurable feeling of blind love,<br> +The pleasure which there is in life itself.<br><br> + + His days had not been passed in singleness.<br> +His Helpmate was a comely matron, old—<br> +Though younger than himself full twenty years. <br> +She was a woman of a stirring life,<br> +Whose heart was in her house: two wheels she had<br> +Of antique form; this large, for spinning wool;<br> +That small, for flax; and if one wheel had rest,<br> +It was because the other was at work. <br> +The Pair had but one inmate in their house,<br> +An only Child, who had been born to them<br> +When Michael, telling o'er his years, began<br> +To deem that he was old,—in shepherd's phrase,<br> +With one foot in the grave. This only Son, <br> +With two brave sheep-dogs tried in many a storm,<br> +The one of an inestimable worth,<br> +Made all their household. I may truly say,<br> +That they were as a proverb in the vale<br> +For endless industry. When day was gone, <br> +And from their occupations out of doors<br> +The Son and Father were come home, even then,<br> +Their labour did not cease; unless when all<br> +Turned to the cleanly supper-board, and there,<br> +Each with a mess of pottage and skimmed milk, <br> +Sat round the basket piled with oaten cakes,<br> +And their plain home-made cheese. Yet when the meal<br> +Was ended, Luke (for so the Son was named)<br> +And his old Father both betook themselves<br> +To such convenient work as might employ <br> +Their hands by the fire-side; perhaps to card<br> +Wool for the Housewife's spindle, or repair<br> +Some injury done to sickle, flail, or scythe,<br> +Or other implement of house or field.<br><br> + +Down from the ceiling, by the chimney's edge, <br> +That in our ancient uncouth country style<br> +With huge and black projection overbrowed<br> +Large space beneath, as duly as the light<br> +Of day grew dim the Housewife hung a lamp;<br> +An aged utensil, which had performed <br> +Service beyond all others of its kind.<br> +Early at evening did it burn—and late,<br> +Surviving comrade of uncounted hours,<br> +Which, going by from year to year, had found,<br> +And left the couple neither gay perhaps <br> +Nor cheerful, yet with objects and with hopes,<br> +Living a life of eager industry.<br> +And now, when Luke had reached his eighteenth year,<br> +There by the light of this old lamp they sate,<br> +Father and Son, while far into the night <br> +The Housewife plied her own peculiar work,<br> +Making the cottage through the silent hours<br> +Murmur as with the sound of summer flies.<br> +This light was famous in its neighbourhood,<br> +And was a public symbol of the life <br> +That thrifty Pair had lived. For, as it chanced,<br> +Their cottage on a plot of rising ground<br> +Stood single, with large prospect, north and south,<br> +High into Easedale, up to Dunmail-Raise,<br> +And westward to the village near the lake; <br> +And from this constant light, so regular<br> +And so far seen, the House itself, by all<br> +Who dwelt within the limits of the vale,<br> +Both old and young, was named <b>The Evening Star</b>.<br><br> + + Thus living on through such a length of years, <br> +The Shepherd, if he loved himself, must needs<br> +Have loved his Helpmate; but to Michael's heart<br> +This son of his old age was yet more dear—<br> +Less from instinctive tenderness, the same<br> +Fond spirit that blindly works in the blood of all— <br> +Than that a child, more than all other gifts<br> +That earth can offer to declining man,<br> +Brings hope with it, and forward-looking thoughts,<br> +And stirrings of inquietude, when they<br> +By tendency of nature needs must fail. <br> +Exceeding was the love he bare to him,<br> +His heart and his heart's joy! For oftentimes<br> +Old Michael, while he was a babe in arms,<br> +Had done him female service, not alone<br> +For pastime and delight, as is the use <br> +Of fathers, but with patient mind enforced<br> +To acts of tenderness; and he had rocked<br> +His cradle, as with a woman's gentle hand.<br> +And, in a later time, ere yet the Boy<br> +Had put on boy's attire, did Michael love, <br> +Albeit of a stern unbending mind,<br> +To have the Young-one in his sight, when he<br> +Wrought in the field, or on his shepherd's stool<br> +Sate with a fettered sheep before him stretched<br> +Under the large old oak, that near his door <br> +Stood single, and, from matchless depth of shade,<br> +Chosen for the Shearer's covert from the sun,<br> +Thence in our rustic dialect was called<br> +The <b>Clipping Tree</b>, a name which yet it bears.<br> +There, while they two were sitting in the shade, <br> +With others round them, earnest all and blithe,<br> +Would Michael exercise his heart with looks<br> +Of fond correction and reproof bestowed<br> +Upon the Child, if he disturbed the sheep<br> +By catching at their legs, or with his shouts <br> +Scared them, while they lay still beneath the shears.<br><br> + +And when by Heaven's good grace the boy grew up<br> +A healthy Lad, and carried in his cheek<br> +Two steady roses that were five years old;<br> +Then Michael from a winter coppice cut <br> +With his own hand a sapling, which he hooped<br> +With iron, making it throughout in all<br> +Due requisites a perfect shepherd's staff,<br> +And gave it to the Boy; wherewith equipt<br> +He as a watchman oftentimes was placed <br> +At gate or gap, to stem or turn the flock;<br> +And, to his office prematurely called,<br> +There stood the urchin, as you will divine,<br> +Something between a hindrance and a help;<br> +And for this cause not always, I believe, <br> +Receiving from his Father hire of praise;<br> +Though nought was left undone which staff, or voice,<br> +Or looks, or threatening gestures, could perform.<br><br> + +But soon as Luke, full ten years old, could stand<br> +Against the mountain blasts; and to the heights, <br> +Not fearing toil, nor length of weary ways,<br> +He with his Father daily went, and they<br> +Were as companions, why should I relate<br> +That objects which the Shepherd loved before<br> +Were dearer now? that from the Boy there came <br> +Feelings and emanations—things which were<br> +Light to the sun and music to the wind;<br> +And that the old Man's heart seemed born again?<br><br> + +Thus in his Father's sight the Boy grew up:<br> +And now, when he had reached his eighteenth year, <br> +He was his comfort and his daily hope.<br><br> + +While in this sort the simple household lived<br> +From day to day, to Michael's ear there came<br> +Distressful tidings. Long before the time<br> +Of which I speak, the Shepherd had been bound <br> +In surety for his brother's son, a man<br> +Of an industrious life, and ample means;<br> +But unforeseen misfortunes suddenly<br> +Had prest upon him; and old Michael now<br> +Was summoned to discharge the forfeiture, <br> +A grievous penalty, but little less<br> +Than half his substance. This unlooked-for claim,<br> +At the first hearing, for a moment took<br> +More hope out of his life than he supposed<br> +That any old man ever could have lost. <br> +As soon as he had armed himself with strength<br> +To look his trouble in the face, it seemed<br> +The Shepherd's sole resource to sell at once<br> +A portion of his patrimonial fields.<br> +Such was his first resolve; he thought again, <br> +And his heart failed him. "Isabel," said he,<br> +Two evenings after he had heard the news,<br> +"I have been toiling more than seventy years,<br> +And in the open sunshine of God's love<br> +Have we all lived; yet if these fields of ours <br> +Should pass into a stranger's hand, I think<br> +That I could not lie quiet in my grave.<br> +Our lot is a hard lot; the sun himself<br> +Has scarcely been more diligent than I;<br> +And I have lived to be a fool at last <br> +To my own family. An evil man<br> +That was, and made an evil choice, if he<br> +Were false to us; and if he were not false,<br> +There are ten thousand to whom loss like this<br> +Had been no sorrow. I forgive him;—but <br> +'Twere better to be dumb than to talk thus.<br><br> + +"When I began, my purpose was to speak<br> +Of remedies and of a cheerful hope.<br> +Our Luke shall leave us, Isabel; the land<br> +Shall not go from us, and it shall be free; <br> +He shall possess it, free as is the wind<br> +That passes over it. We have, thou know'st,<br> +Another kinsman—he will be our friend<br> +In this distress. He is a prosperous man,<br> +Thriving in trade—and Luke to him shall go, <br> +And with his kinsman's help and his own thrift<br> +He quickly will repair this loss, and then<br> +He may return to us. If here he stay,<br> +What can be done? Where every one is poor,<br> +What can be gained?" <br> + At this the old Man paused,<br> +And Isabel sat silent, for her mind<br> +Was busy, looking back into past times.<br> +There's Richard Bateman, thought she to herself,<br> +He was a parish-boy—at the church-door <br> +They made a gathering for him, shillings, pence<br> +And halfpennies, wherewith the neighbours bought<br> +A basket, which they filled with pedlar's wares;<br> +And, with this basket on his arm, the lad<br> +Went up to London, found a master there, <br> +Who, out of many, chose the trusty boy<br> +To go and overlook his merchandise<br> +Beyond the seas; where he grew wondrous rich,<br> +And left estates and monies to the poor,<br> +And, at his birth-place, built a chapel floored <br> +With marble, which he sent from foreign lands.<br> +These thoughts, and many others of like sort,<br> +Passed quickly through the mind of Isabel,<br> +And her face brightened. The old Man was glad,<br> +And thus resumed:—"Well, Isabel! this scheme <br> +These two days, has been meat and drink to me.<br> +Far more than we have lost is left us yet.<br> +—We have enough—I wish indeed that I<br> +Were younger;—but this hope is a good hope.<br> +Make ready Luke's best garments, of the best <br> +Buy for him more, and let us send him forth <br> +To-morrow, or the next day, or to-night:<br> +—If he <i>could</i> go, the Boy should go to-night."<br><br> + +Here Michael ceased, and to the fields went forth<br> +With a light heart. The Housewife for five days <br> +Was restless morn and night, and all day long<br> +Wrought on with her best fingers to prepare<br> +Things needful for the journey of her son.<br> +But Isabel was glad when Sunday came<br> +To stop her in her work: for, when she lay <br> +By Michael's side, she through the last two nights<br> +Heard him, how he was troubled in his sleep:<br> +And when they rose at morning she could see<br> +That all his hopes were gone. That day at noon<br> +She said to Luke, while they two by themselves <br> +Were sitting at the door, "Thou must not go:<br> +We have no other Child but thee to lose,<br> +None to remember—do not go away,<br> +For if thou leave thy Father he will die."<br> +The Youth made answer with a jocund voice; <br> +And Isabel, when she had told her fears,<br> +Recovered heart. That evening her best fare<br> +Did she bring forth, and all together sat<br> +Like happy people round a Christmas fire.<br><br> + +With daylight Isabel resumed her work; <br> +And all the ensuing week the house appeared<br> +As cheerful as a grove in Spring: at length<br> +The expected letter from their kinsman came,<br> +With kind assurances that he would do<br> +His utmost for the welfare of the Boy; <br> +To which, requests were added, that forthwith<br> +He might be sent to him. Ten times or more<br> +The letter was read over; Isabel<br> +Went forth to show it to the neighbours round;<br> +Nor was there at that time on English land <br> +A prouder heart than Luke's. When Isabel<br> +Had to her house returned, the old Man said,<br> +"He shall depart to-morrow." To this word<br> +The Housewife answered, talking much of things<br> +Which, if at such short notice he should go, <br> +Would surely be forgotten. But at length<br> +She gave consent, and Michael was at ease.<br><br> + +Near the tumultuous brook of Green-head Ghyll,<br> +In that deep valley, Michael had designed<br> +To build a Sheep-fold; and, before he heard <br> +The tidings of his melancholy loss,<br> +For this same purpose he had gathered up<br> +A heap of stones, which by the streamlet's edge<br> +Lay thrown together, ready for the work.<br> +With Luke that evening thitherward he walked: <br> +And soon as they had reached the place he stopped,<br> +And thus the old Man spake to him:—"My Son,<br> +To-morrow thou wilt leave me: with full heart<br> +I look upon thee, for thou art the same<br> +That wert a promise to me ere thy birth, <br> +And all thy life hast been my daily joy.<br> +I will relate to thee some little part<br> +Of our two histories; 'twill do thee good<br> +When thou art from me, even if I should touch<br> +On things thou canst not know of.—After thou <br> +First cam'st into the world—as oft befals<br> +To new-born infants—thou didst sleep away<br> +Two days, and blessings from thy Father's tongue<br> +Then fell upon thee. Day by day passed on,<br> +And still I loved thee with increasing love. <br> +Never to living ear came sweeter sounds<br> +Than when I heard thee by our own fire-side<br> +First uttering, without words, a natural tune;<br> +While thou, a feeding babe, didst in thy joy<br> +Sing at thy Mother's breast. Month followed month, <br> +And in the open fields my life was passed<br> +And on the mountains; else I think that thou<br> +Hadst been brought up upon thy Father's knees.<br> +But we were playmates, Luke: among these hills,<br> +As well thou knowest, in us the old and young <br> +Have played together, nor with me didst thou<br> +Lack any pleasure which a boy can know."<br> +Luke had a manly heart; but at these words<br> +He sobbed aloud. The old Man grasped his hand,<br> +And said, "Nay, do not take it so—I see <br> +That these are things of which I need not speak.<br> +—Even to the utmost I have been to thee<br> +A kind and a good Father: and herein<br> +I but repay a gift which I myself<br> +Received at others' hands; for, though now old <br> +Beyond the common life of man, I still<br> +Remember them who loved me in my youth.<br> +Both of them sleep together: here they lived,<br> +As all their Forefathers had done; and when<br> +At length their time was come, they were not loth <br> +To give their bodies to the family mould.<br> +I wished that thou should'st live the life they lived:<br> +But, 'tis a long time to look back, my Son,<br> +And see so little gain from threescore years.<br> +These fields were burthened when they came to me; <br> +Till I was forty years of age, not more<br> +Than half of my inheritance was mine.<br> +I toiled and toiled; God blessed me in my work,<br> +And till these three weeks past the land was free.<br> +—It looks as if it never could endure <br> +Another Master. Heaven forgive me, Luke,<br> +If I judge ill for thee, but it seems good<br> +That thou should'st go,"<br><br> + +At this the old Man paused;<br> +Then, pointing to the stones near which they stood, <br> +Thus, after a short silence, he resumed:<br> +"This was a work for us; and now, my Son,<br> +It is a work for me. But, lay one stone—<br> +Here, lay it for me, Luke, with thine own hands.<br> +Nay, Boy, be of good hope;—we both may live <br> +To see a better day. At eighty-four<br> +I still am strong and hale;—do thou thy part;<br> +I will do mine.—I will begin again<br> +With many tasks that were resigned to thee:<br> +Up to the heights, and in among the storms, <br> +Will I without thee go again, and do<br> +All works which I was wont to do alone,<br> +Before I knew thy face.—Heaven bless thee, Boy!<br> +Thy heart these two weeks has been beating fast<br> +With many hopes; it should be so—yes—yes— <br> +I knew that thou could'st never have a wish<br> +To leave me, Luke: thou hast been bound to me<br> +Only by links of love: when thou art gone,<br> +What will be left to us!—But, I forget<br> +My purposes. Lay now the corner-stone, <br> +As I requested; and hereafter, Luke,<br> +When thou art gone away, should evil men<br> +Be thy companions, think of me, my Son,<br> +And of this moment; hither turn thy thoughts,<br> +And God will strengthen thee: amid all fear <br> +And all temptation, Luke, I pray that thou<br> +May'st bear in mind the life thy Fathers lived,<br> +Who, being innocent, did for that cause<br> +Bestir them in good deeds. Now, fare thee well—<br> +When thou return'st, thou in this place wilt see <br> +A work which is not here: a covenant<br> +'Twill be between us; but, whatever fate<br> +Befal thee, I shall love thee to the last,<br> +And bear thy memory with me to the grave."<br><br> + +The Shepherd ended here; and Luke stooped down, <br> +And, as his Father had requested, laid<br> +The first stone of the Sheep-fold. At the sight<br> +The old Man's grief broke from him; to his heart<br> +He pressed his Son, he kissèd him and wept;<br> +And to the house together they returned. <br> +—Hushed was that House in peace, or seeming peace,<br> +Ere the night fell:—with morrow's dawn the Boy<br> +Began his journey, and when he had reached<br> +The public way, he put on a bold face;<br> +And all the neighbours, as he passed their doors, <br> +Came forth with wishes and with farewell prayers,<br> +That followed him till he was out of sight.<br><br> + +A good report did from their Kinsman come,<br> +Of Luke and his well doing: and the Boy<br> +Wrote loving letters, full of wondrous news, <br> +Which, as the Housewife phrased it, were throughout<br> +"The prettiest letters that were ever seen."<br> +Both parents read them with rejoicing hearts.<br> +So, many months passed on: and once again<br> +The Shepherd went about his daily work <br> +With confident and cheerful thoughts; and now<br> +Sometimes when he could find a leisure hour<br> +He to that valley took his way, and there<br> +Wrought at the Sheep-fold. Meantime Luke began<br> +To slacken in his duty; and, at length, <br> +He in the dissolute city gave himself<br> +To evil courses: ignominy and shame<br> +Fell on him, so that he was driven at last<br> +To seek a hiding-place beyond the seas.<br><br> + +There is a comfort in the strength of love; <br> +'Twill make a thing endurable, which else<br> +Would overset the brain, or break the heart:<br> +I have conversed with more than one who well<br> +Remember the old Man, and what he was<br> +Years after he had heard this heavy news. <br> +His bodily frame had been from youth to age<br> +Of an unusual strength. Among the rocks<br> +He went, and still looked up to sun and cloud,<br> +And listened to the wind; and, as before,<br> +Performed all kinds of labour for his sheep, <br> +And for the land, his small inheritance.<br> +And to that hollow dell from time to time<br> +Did he repair, to build the Fold of which<br> +His flock had need. 'Tis not forgotten yet<br> +The pity which was then in every heart <br> +For the old Man—and 'tis believed by all<br> +That many and many a day he thither went,<br> +And never lifted up a single stone.<br><br> + +There, by the Sheep-fold, sometimes was he seen<br> +Sitting alone, or with his faithful Dog, <br> +Then old, beside him, lying at his feet.<br> +The length of full seven years, from time to time,<br> +He at the building of this Sheep-fold wrought,<br> +And left the work unfinished when he died.<br> +Three years, or little more, did Isabel <br> +Survive her Husband: at her death the estate<br> +Was sold, and went into a stranger's hand.<br> +The Cottage which was named the <b>Evening Star</b><br> +Is gone—the ploughshare has been through the ground<br> +On which it stood; great changes have been wrought <br> +In all the neighbourhood:—yet the oak is left<br> +That grew beside their door; and the remains<br> +Of the unfinished Sheep-fold may be seen<br> +Beside the boisterous brook of Green-head Ghyll.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#50n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v1"></a><a href="#50v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v2"></a><a href="#50v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v3"></a><a href="#50v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v4"></a><a href="#50v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v5"></a><a href="#50v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v6"></a><a href="#50v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v7"></a><a href="#50v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v8"></a><a href="#50v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v9"></a><a href="#50v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v10"></a><a href="#50v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v11"></a><a href="#50v11">11</a><br> +<a name="fr50v12"></a><a href="#50v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v13"></a><a href="#50v13">13</a><br> +<a name="fr50v14"></a><a href="#50v14">14</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v15"></a><a href="#50v15">15</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v16"></a><a href="#50v16">16</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v17"></a><a href="#50v17">17</a> / <a name="fr50v18"></a><a href="#50v18">18</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v19"></a><a href="#50v19">19</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v20"></a><a href="#50v20">20</a><br> +<a name="fr50v21"></a><a href="#50v21">21</a><br> +<a name="fr50v22"></a><a href="#50v22">22</a><br> +<a name="fr50v23"></a><a href="#50v23">23</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v24"></a><a href="#50v24">24</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v25"></a><a href="#50v25">25</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v26"></a><a href="#50v26">26</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v27"></a><a href="#50v27">27</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> + +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr50v28"></a><a href="#50v28">28</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v29"></a><a href="#50v29">29</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v30"></a><a href="#50v30">30</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v31"></a><a href="#50v31">31</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v32"></a><a href="#50v32">32</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v33"></a><a href="#50v33">33</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v34"></a><a href="#50v34">34</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr50v35"></a><a href="#50v35">35</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v36"></a><a href="#50v36">36</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr50v37"></a><a href="#50v37">37</a><br> +<a name="fr50v38"></a><a href="#50v38">38</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> 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+<br> +<br> +<br> +360<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +365<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +370<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +375<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +380<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +385<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +390<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +395<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +400<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +405<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +410<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +415<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +420<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +425<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +430<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +435<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +440<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +445<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +450<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +455<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +460<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +465<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +470<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +475<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +480<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +485<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="50v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... beside ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No habitation there is seen; but such<br> + As journey thither ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>There is ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And to that place a story appertains,<br> + Which, though it be ungarnish'd with events,<br> + Is not unfit, ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... It was the first,<br> + The earliest of those tales ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... he had learn'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... the hills, which he so oft<br> + Had climb'd with vigorous steps; ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... linking to such acts,<br> + So grateful in themselves, the certainty<br> + Of honourable gains; these fields, these hills<br> + Which were his living Being, even more<br> + Than his own Blood—what could they less? had laid</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... gain ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1805</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He had not passed his days in singleness.<br> + He had a Wife, a comely Matron, old </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... their ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... their ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... their ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Did with a huge projection overbrow</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... was in his ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... while late ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Not with a waste of words, but for the sake<br> + Of pleasure, which I know that I shall give<br> + To many living now, I of this Lamp<br> + Speak thus minutely: for there are no few<br> + Whose memories will bear witness to my tale.</blockquote></td> + <td> + </td> +</tr> +</table> +These lines appeared only in the editions of 1800 and 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr50v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... yet more dear—<br> + Effect which might perhaps have been produc'd<br> + By that instinctive tenderness, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Blind Spirit, which is in the blood of all, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Or ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This line was first printed in the edition of 1836.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>From such, and other causes, to the thoughts<br> + Of the old Man his only Son was now<br> + The dearest object that he knew on earth.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + Only in the editions of 1800 to 1820.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For dalliance ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>His cradle with a woman's gentle hand.</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... when he<br> + Had work by his own door, or when he sate<br> + With sheep before him on his Shepherd's stool,<br> + Beneath that large old Oak, which near their door<br> + Stood, and from its enormous breadth of shade </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>While this good household thus were living on </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> While in the fashion which I have described<br> + This simple Household thus were living on</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800 (2nd issue).</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As soon as he had gather'd so much strength<br> + That he could look his trouble in the face,<br> + It seem'd that his sole refuge was to sell </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... itself</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>May come again to us ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Italics were first used in 1827.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... for the two last nights </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... through the </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v34"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 34:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Lad ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v34">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v35"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 35:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Next morning ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v35">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v36"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 36:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which close to the brook side</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v36">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v37"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 37:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... should speak<br> + Of things ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v37">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v38"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 38:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... as it befalls </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v38">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v39"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 39:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v39">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v40"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 40:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v40">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v41"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 41:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... from sixty years. </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v41">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v42"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 42:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I for the purpose brought thee to this place.</blockquote></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +This line appears only in the edition of 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr50v42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v43"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 43:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... stout; ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v44"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 44:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1802</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... should evil men<br> + Be thy companions, let this Sheep-fold be<br> + Thy anchor and thy shield; amid all fear<br> + And all temptation, let it be to thee<br> + An emblem of the life thy Fathers liv'd,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v45"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 45:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This line was added in the edition of 1815.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v46"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 46:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Next morning, as had been resolv'd, the Boy</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v47"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 47:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Would break the heart:—Old Michael found it so.</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v48"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 48:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... look'd up upon the sun,</blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... towards the sun, </blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v48">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50v49"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 49:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Sitting alone, with that his faithful Dog, </blockquote></td> + <td>1800</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr50v49">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="50A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The Rev. Thomas Hutchinson, Kimbolton, tells me that in his +copy of the edition of "Lyrical Ballads" of 1800 there is </span> + + <blockquote> "on the blank page facing the announcement, written in Wordsworth's + handwriting, the following lines: + + '<blockquote>Though it be in th' humblest rank of life,<br> + And in the lowest region of our speech,<br> + Yet is it in that kind as best accords<br> + With rural passion.'"</blockquote> </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section50">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The following lines were written before April 1801, and +were at one time meant to be inserted after "summer flies," and before +"Not with a waste of words." They are quoted in a letter of Wordsworth's +to Thomas Poole of Nether Stowey, dated April 9th, 1801.</span> + + <blockquote> 'Though in their occupations they would pass<br> + Whole hours with but small interchange of speech,<br> + Yet were there times in which they did not want<br> + Discourse both wise and prudent, shrewd remarks<br> + Of daily providence, clothed in images<br> + Lively and beautiful, in rural forms<br> + That made their conversation fresh and fair<br> + As is a landscape;—And the shepherd oft<br> + Would draw out of his heart the obscurities<br> + And admirations that were there, of God<br> + And of His works, or, yielding to the bent<br> + Of his peculiar humour, would let loose<br> + The tongue and give it the wind's freedom,—then<br> + Discoursing on remote imaginations, story,<br> + Conceits, devices, day-dreams, thoughts and schemes,<br> + The fancies of a solitary man.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr50B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> Clipping is the word used in the North of England for +shearing.—W. W. 1800<br> +<a href="#fr50C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The lines from "Though nought was left," to "daily hope" +(192-206) were, by a printer's blunder, omitted from the first issue of +1800. In the second issue of that year they are given in full.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr50D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> The story alluded to here is well known in the country. The +chapel is called Ings Chapel; and is on the right hand side of the road +leading from Kendal to Ambleside.—W. W. 1800.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Ings chapel is in the parish of Kendal, about two miles east of +Windermere. The following extract from Lewis's Topographical Dictionary +further explains the allusion in the poem:</span> + + <blockquote> "<i>Hugil</i>, a chapelry six and a quarter miles from Kendal. The chapel, + rebuilt in 1743 by Robert Bateman, stands in the village of Ings, + which is in this chapelry. The free school was endowed with land in + 1650 by Roland Wilson, producing at present £12 per annum. The average + number of boys is twenty-five. This endowment was augmented by £8 per + annum by Robert Bateman, who gave £1000 for purchasing an estate, and + erected eight alms-houses for as many poor families, besides a + donation of £12 per annum to the curate. This worthy benefactor was + born here, and from a state of indigence succeeded in amassing + considerable wealth by mercantile pursuits. He is stated to have been + poisoned, in the straits of Gibraltar, on his voyage from Leghorn, + with a valuable cargo, by the captain of the vessel,"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See <i>The Topographical Dictionary of England</i>, by Samuel Lewis, vol. +ii. p. 1831.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr50E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> There is a slight inconsistency here. The conversation is +represented as taking place in the evening (see l. 227).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr50F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="50G"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote G:</span></a> It may be proper to inform some readers, that a sheep-fold +in these mountains is an unroofed building of stone walls, with +different divisions. It is generally placed by the side of a brook, for +the convenience of washing the sheep; but it is also useful as a shelter +for them, and as a place to drive them into, to enable the shepherds +conveniently to single out one or more for any particular purpose.—W. +W. 1800.<br> +<a href="#fr50G">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="50n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">From the Fenwick note it will be seen that Michael's sheep-fold, in +Green-head Ghyll, existed—at least the remains of it— in 1843. Its +site, however, is now very difficult to identify. There is a sheep-fold +above Boon Beck, which one passes immediately on entering the common, +going up Green-head Ghyll. It is now "finished," and used when required. +There are remains of walling, much higher up the ghyll; but these are +probably the work of miners, formerly engaged there. Michael's cottage +had been destroyed when the poem was written, in 1800. It stood where +the coach-house and stables of "the Hollins" now stand. But one who +visits Green-head Ghyll, and wishes to realize Michael in his old +age—as described in this poem—should ascend the ghyll till it almost +reaches the top of Fairfield; where the old man, during eighty years,</span> + +<blockquote>'had learned the meaning of all winds,<br> + Of blasts of every tone,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and where he</span> + +<blockquote>'had been alone,<br> + Amid the heart of many thousand mists,<br> + That came to him, and left him, on the heights.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">By so doing he will be better able to realize the spirit of the poem, +than by trying to identify the site either of the "unfinished +sheep-fold," or of the house named the "Evening Star." What Wordsworth +said to the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge in reference to <i>The Brothers</i> +has been quoted in the note to that poem, p. 203. On the same occasion +he remarked, in reference to <i>Michael:—</i></span> + +<blockquote>"<i>Michael</i> was founded on the +son of an old couple having become dissolute, and run away from his +parents; and on an old shepherd having been seven years in building up a +sheep-fold in a solitary valley."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(<i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, by the late +Bishop of Lincoln, vol. ii. p. 305.)<br> +<br> +The following extracts from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal,</i> show +the carefulness with which the poem <i>Michael</i> was composed, and the +frequent revisions which it underwent:—</span> + +<blockquote> Oct. 11 [1800.] "We walked up Green-head ghyll in search of a + sheepfold.... The sheepfold is falling away. It is built nearly in the + form of a heart unequally divided."<br> +<br> + 13. "William composing in the evening."<br> +<br> + 15. "W. composed a little." ... "W. again composed at the sheepfold + after dinner."<br> +<br> + 18. "W. worked all the morning at the sheepfold, but in vain. He lay + down till 7 o'clock, but did not sleep."<br> +<br> + 19. "William got to work."<br> +<br> + 20. "W. worked in the morning at the sheepfold."<br> +<br> + 21. "W. had been unsuccessful in the morning at the sheepfold."<br> +<br> + 22. "W. composed, without much success, at the sheepfold."<br> +<br> + 23. "W. was not successful in composition in the evening."<br> +<br> + 24. "W. was only partly successful in composition."<br> +<br> + 26. "W. composed a good deal all the morning."<br> +<br> + 28. "W. could not compose much; fatigued himself with altering."<br> +<br> + 30. "W. worked at his poem all the morning."<br> +<br> + Nov. 10. "W. at the sheepfold."<br> +<br> + 12. "W. has been working at the sheepfold."<br> +<br> + Dec. 9. "W. finished his poem to-day."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It is impossible to say with certainty that the entry under Dec. 9 +refers to <i>Michael</i>, but if it does, it is evident that Wordsworth +wrought continuously at this poem for nearly two months.<br> +<br> +On April 9, 1801, Wordsworth wrote to Thomas Poole:</span> + +<blockquote> "In writing it" (<i>Michael</i>), "I had your character often before + my eyes; and sometimes thought that I was delineating such a man as + you yourself would have been, under the same circumstances."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The following is part of a letter written by Wordsworth to Charles James +Fox in 1802, and sent with a copy of "Lyrical Ballads":</span> + +<blockquote> "In the two poems, <i>The Brothers</i> and <i>Michael</i>, I have + attempted to draw a picture of the domestic affections, as I know they + exist amongst a class of men who are now almost confined to the north + of England. They are small independent <i>proprietors</i> of land, + here called 'statesmen,' men of respectable education, who daily + labour on their own little properties. The domestic affections will + always be strong amongst men who live in a country not crowded with + population; if these men are placed above poverty. But, if they are + proprietors of small estates which have descended to them from their + ancestors, the power which these affections will acquire amongst such + men, is inconceivable by those who have only had an opportunity of + observing hired labourers, farmers, and the manufacturing poor. Their + little tract of land serves as a kind of permanent rallying point for + their domestic feelings, as a tablet on which they are written, which + makes them objects of memory in a thousand instances, when they would + otherwise be forgotten. It is a fountain fitted to the nature of + social man, from which supplies of affection as pure as his heart was + intended for, are daily drawn. This class of men is rapidly + disappearing.... The two poems that I have mentioned were written with + a view to show that men who do not wear fine clothes can feel deeply. + <i>Pectus enim est quod disertos facit, et vis mentis. Ideoque imperitis + quoque, si modo sint aliquo affectu concitati, verba non desunt.</i> The + poems are faithful copies from nature; and I hope whatever effect they + may have upon you, you will at least be able to perceive that they may + excite profitable sympathies in many kind and good hearts; and may in + some small degree enlarge our feelings of reverence for our species, + and our knowledge of human nature, by showing that our best qualities + are possessed by men whom we are too apt to consider, not with + reference to the points in which they resemble us, but to those in + which they manifestly differ from us."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">A number of fragments, originally meant to be parts of +<i>Michael</i>,—or at least written with such a possibility in view,— +will be found in the Appendix to the eighth volume of this edition.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocC">Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2c">1800</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: Poems on the Naming of Places</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2e">1801</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2e"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1801</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocE">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section51">1801</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section52">The Sparrow's Nest</a></li> +<li><a href="#section53">"Pelion and Ossa flourish side by side"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section54">Selections from Chaucer Modernised</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section55">The Prioress' Tale</a></li> +<li><a href="#section56">The Cuckoo and the Nightingale</a></li> +<li><a href="#section57">Troilus and Cresida</a></li> +</ul></ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h2><a name="section51"></a>1801</h2> + +<span style="color: #555555;"><i>The Sparrow's Nest</i>, and the sonnet on Skiddaw, along with some +translations from Chaucer, belong to the year 1801. During this year, +however, <i>The Excursion</i> was in progress. In its earlier stages, and +before the plan of 'The Recluse' was matured, the introductory part was +familiarly known, and talked of in the Wordsworth household, by the name +of "The Pedlar." The following extracts from Dorothy Wordsworth's +Journal of 1801 will show the progress that was being made with it:</span> + + <blockquote>"Dec. 21.—Wm. sate beside me, and wrote <i>The Pedlar.</i> <br> +<br> +22nd.—W. + composed a few lines of <i>The Pedlar.</i> <br> +<br> +23rd.— William worked at <i>The + Ruined Cottage</i>" (this was the name of the first part of 'The + Excursion', in which <i>The Pedlar</i> was included), "and made himself + very ill," etc.</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section52"></a>The Sparrow's Nest</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1801.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section52a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[<a name="fr52A">Written</a> in the orchard, Town-end, Grasmere. At the end of the garden of +my father's house at Cockermouth was a high terrace that commanded a +fine view of the river Derwent and Cockermouth Castle. This was our +favourite play-ground. The terrace wall, a low one, was covered with +closely-clipt privet and roses, which gave an almost impervious shelter +to birds who built their nests there. The latter of these stanzas<a href="#52A"><sup>A</sup></a> +alludes to one of those nests.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This poem was first published in the series entitled "Moods of my own +Mind," in 1807. In 1815 it was included among the "Poems founded on the +Affections," and in 1845 was transferred to the "Poems referring to the +Period of Childhood." —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section52a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Behold, within the leafy shade,<br> +Those bright blue eggs together laid!<br> +On me the chance-discovered sight<br> +Gleamed like a vision of delight.<br> +I started—seeming to espy <br> +The home and sheltered bed,<br> +The Sparrow's dwelling, which, hard by<br> +My Father's house, in wet or dry<br> +My sister Emmeline and I<br> + Together visited.<br><br> + +She looked at it and seemed to fear it;<br> +Dreading, tho' wishing, to be near it:<br> +Such heart was in her, being then<br> +A little Prattler among men.<br> +The Blessing of my later years<br> +Was with me when a boy:<br> +She gave me eyes, she gave me ears;<br> +And humble cares, and delicate fears;<br> +A heart, the fountain of sweet tears;<br> + And love, and thought, and joy.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#52n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr52v1"></a><a href="#52v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr52v2"></a><a href="#52v2">2</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="52v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Look, five blue eggs are gleaming there!<br> + Few visions have I seen more fair,<br> + Nor many prospects of delight<br> + More pleasing than that simple sight! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr52v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="52v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She look'd at it as if she fear'd it;<br> + Still wishing, dreading to be near it:</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr52v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="52A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">So it stands in the Fenwick note; but it should evidently +read, "The following stanzas allude."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr52A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="52n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth's "sister Emmeline" was his only sister, Dorothy; and in the +MS. sent originally to the printer the line was "My sister Dorothy and +I." This poem is referred to in a subsequent one, <i>A Farewell</i>, l. 56. +<a href="#section76">See</a> page 326 of this volume.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section53"></a>"Pelion and Ossa flourish side by side"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1801.—Published 1815</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets." From 1836 onwards it bore the title +<i>1801</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Pelion and Ossa flourish side by side,<br> +Together in immortal books enrolled:<br> +His ancient dower Olympus hath not sold;<br> +And that inspiring Hill, which "did divide<br> +Into two ample horns his forehead wide,"<br> +Shines with poetic radiance as of old;<br> +While not an English Mountain we behold<br> +By the celestial Muses glorified.<br> +Yet round our sea-girt shore they rise in crowds:<br> +What was the great Parnassus' self to Thee,<br> +Mount Skiddaw? In his natural sovereignty<br> +Our British Hill is nobler far; he shrouds<br> +His double front among Atlantic clouds,<br> +And pours forth streams more sweet than Castaly.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr53v1"></a><a href="#53v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr53v2"></a><a href="#53v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr53v3"></a><a href="#53v3">3</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr53A"></a><a href="#53A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="53v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> illustrious ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr53v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="53v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1834</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>fairer ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr53v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="53v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>His double-fronted head in higher clouds,</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... among Atlantic clouds,</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr53v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="53A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See Spenser's translation of <i>Virgil's Gnat</i>, ll. +21-2:</span> + + <blockquote>'Or where on Mount Parnasse, the Muses brood.<br> + Doth his broad forehead like two horns divide,<br> + And the sweet waves of sounding Castaly<br> + With liquid foot doth glide down easily.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr53A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section54"></a>Selections from Chaucer (Modernised)</h2> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth's modernisations of Chaucer were all written in 1801. Two of +them were from the Canterbury Tales, but his version of one of +these—<i>The Manciple's Tale</i>—has never been printed. Of the three +poems which were published, the first—<i>The Prioress' Tale</i>—was +included in the edition of 1820. The <i>Troilus and Cressida</i> and +<i>The Cuckoo and the Nightingale</i> were included in the "Poems of +Early and Late Years" (1842); but they had been published the year +before, in a small volume entitled <i>The Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer +Modernised</i> (London, 1841), a volume to which Elizabeth Barrett, +Leigh Hunt, R. H. Home, Thomas Powell, and others contributed. +Wordsworth wrote thus of the project to Mr. Powell, in an unpublished +and undated letter, written probably in 1840:</span> + + <blockquote>"I am glad that you enter so warmly into the Chaucerian project, and + that Mr. L. Hunt is disposed to give his valuable aid to it. For + myself, I cannot do more than I offered, to place at your disposal + <i>The Prioress' Tale</i> already published, <i>The Cuckoo and the + Nightingale</i>, <i>The Manciple's Tale</i>, and I rather think (but I + cannot just now find it) a small portion of the <i>Troilus and + Cressida</i>. You ask my opinion about that poem. Speaking from a + recollection only, of many years past, I should say it would be found + too long and probably tedious. <i>The Knight's Tale</i> is also very + long; but, though Dryden has executed it, in his own way observe, with + great spirit and harmony, he has suffered so much of the simplicity, + and with that of the beauty and occasional pathos of the original to + escape, that I should be pleased to hear that a new version was to be + attempted upon my principle by some competent person. It would delight + me to read every part of Chaucer over again—for I reverence and + admire him above measure—with a view to your work; but my eyes will + not permit me to do so. Who will undertake the Prologue to the + Canterbury Tales? For your publication that is indispensable, and I + fear it will prove very difficult. It is written, as you know, in the + couplet measure; and therefore I have nothing to say upon its metre, + but in respect to the poems in stanza, neither in <i>The Prioress' + Tale</i> nor in <i>The Cuckoo and Nightingale</i> have I kept to the + rule of the original as to the form, and number, and position of the + rhymes; thinking it enough if I kept the same number of lines in each + stanza; and this is, I think, all that is necessary, and all that can + be done without sacrificing the substance of sense too often to the + mere form of sound."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In a subsequent letter to Professor Henry Reed of Philadelphia, dated +"Rydal Mount, January 13th, 1841," Wordsworth said:</span> + + <blockquote>"So great is my admiration of Chaucer's genius, and so profound my + reverence for him as an instrument in the hands of Providence, for + spreading the light of literature through his native land, that + notwithstanding the defects and faults in this publication" + (referring, I presume, to the volume, <i>The Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer + Modernised</i>), "I am glad of it, as a means of making many acquainted + with the original, who would otherwise be ignorant of everything about + him but his name."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section55"></a>The Prioress' Tale</h2> + +<h4>Translated 1801<a href="#55A"><sup>A</sup></a>.—Published 1820</h4> + +<a href="#section55a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<blockquote>"<a name="fr55B">Call</a> up him who left half told<br> +The story of Cambuscan bold."<a href="#55B"><sup>B</sup></a></blockquote> + +In the following Piece I have allowed myself no farther deviations from +the original than were necessary for the fluent reading, and instant +understanding, of the Author: so much however is the language altered +since Chaucer's time, especially in pronunciation, that much was to be +removed, and its place supplied with as little incongruity as possible. +The ancient accent has been retained in a few conjunctions, such as +<i>also</i> and <i>alway</i>, from a conviction that such sprinklings of antiquity +would be admitted, by persons of taste, to have a graceful accordance +with the subject.—W. W. (1820).<br> +<br> +The fierce bigotry of the Prioress forms a fine back ground for her +tender-hearted sympathies with the Mother and Child; and the mode in +which the story is told amply atones for the extravagance of the +miracle.— W. W. (added in 1827).<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the editions of 1820 and 1827 <i>The Prioress' Tale</i> followed <i>The +White Doe of Rylstone</i>. In 1832 it followed the "Inscriptions"; and in +1836 it was included among the "Poems founded on the Affections." In +1845 it found its appropriate place in the "Selections from Chaucer +modernised."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section55a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td width="60%"><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>"O Lord, our Lord! how wondrously," (quoth she)<br> +"Thy name in this large world is spread abroad!<br> +For not alone by men of dignity<br> +Thy worship is performed and precious laud;<br> +But by the mouths of children, gracious God!<br> +Thy goodness is set forth; they when they lie<br> +Upon the breast thy name do glorify.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>"Wherefore in praise, the worthiest that I may,<br> +Jesu! of thee, and the white Lily-flower<br> +Which did thee bear, and is a Maid for aye,<br> +To tell a story I will use my power;<br> +Not that I may increase her honour's dower,<br> +For she herself is honour, and the root<br> +Of goodness, next her Son, our soul's best boot.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>"O Mother Maid! O Maid and Mother free!<br> +O bush unburnt! burning in Moses' sight!<br> +That down didst ravish from the Deity,<br> +Through humbleness, the spirit that did alight<br> +Upon thy heart, whence, through that glory's might,<br> +Conceived was the Father's sapience,<br> +Help me to tell it in thy reverence!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>"Lady! thy goodness, thy magnificence,<br> +Thy virtue, and thy great humility,<br> +Surpass all science and all utterance;<br> +For sometimes, Lady! ere men pray to thee<br> +Thou goest before in thy benignity,<br> +The light to us vouchsafing of thy prayer,<br> +To be our guide unto thy Son so dear.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>"My knowledge is so weak, O blissful Queen!<br> +To tell abroad thy mighty worthiness,<br> +That I the weight of it may not sustain;<br> +But as a child of twelvemonths old or less,<br> +That laboureth his language to express,<br> +Even so fare I; and therefore, I thee pray,<br> +Guide thou my song which I of thee shall say.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>"There was in Asia, in a mighty town,<br> +'Mong Christian folk, a street where Jews might be,<br> +Assigned to them and given them for their own<br> +By a great Lord, for gain and usury,<br> +Hateful to Christ and to his company;<br> +And through this street who list might ride and wend;<br> +Free was it, and unbarred at either end.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VII</span></td> +<td>"A little school of Christian people stood<br> +Down at the farther end, in which there were<br> +A nest of children come of Christian blood,<br> +That learnèd in that school from year to year<br> +Such sort of doctrine as men used there,<br> +That is to say, to sing and read also,<br> +As little children in their childhood do.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VIII</span></td> +<td>"Among these children was a Widow's son,<br> +A little scholar, scarcely seven years old,<br> +Who day by day unto this school hath gone,<br> +And eke, when he the image did behold<br> +Of Jesu's Mother, as he had been told,<br> +This Child was wont to kneel adown and say<br> +<i>Ave Marie</i>, as he goeth by the way.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr55C"></a><a href="#55C">C</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td>50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IX</span></td> +<td>"This Widow thus her little Son hath taught<br> +Our blissful Lady, Jesu's Mother dear,<br> +To worship aye, and he forgat it not;<br> +For simple infant hath a ready ear.<br> +Sweet is the holiness of youth: and hence,<br> +Calling to mind this matter when I may,<br> +Saint Nicholas in my presence standeth aye,<br> +For he so young to Christ did reverence.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr55D"></a><a href="#55D">D</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">X</span></td> +<td>"This little Child, while in the school he sate<br> +His Primer conning with an earnest cheer,<br> +The whilst the rest their anthem-book repeat<br> +The <i>Alma Redemptoris</i> did he hear;<br> +And as he durst he drew him near and near,<br> +And hearkened to the words and to the note,<br> +Till the first verse he learned it all by rote.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr55E"></a><a href="#55E">E</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td>65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XI</span></td> +<td>"This Latin knew he nothing what it said,<br> +For he too tender was of age to know;<br> +But to his comrade he repaired, and prayed<br> +That he the meaning of this song would show,<br> +And unto him declare why men sing so;<br> +This oftentimes, that he might be at ease,<br> +This child did him beseech on his bare knees.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XII</span></td> +<td>"His Schoolfellow, who elder was than he,<br> +Answered him thus:—'This song, I have heard say,<br> +Was fashioned for our blissful Lady free;<br> +Her to salute, and also her to pray<br> +To be our help upon our dying day:<br> +If there is more in this, I know it not:<br> +Song do I learn,—small grammar I have got.'</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIII</span></td> +<td>"'And is this song fashioned in reverence<br> +Of Jesu's Mother?' said this Innocent;<br> +'Now, certès, I will use my diligence<br> +To con it all ere Christmas-tide be spent;<br> +Although I for my Primer shall be shent,<br> +And shall be beaten three times in an hour,<br> +Our Lady I will praise with all my power.'</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIV</span></td> +<td>"His Schoolfellow, whom he had so besought,<br> +As they went homeward taught him privily<br> +And then he sang it well and fearlessly,<br> +From word to word according to the note:<br> +Twice in a day it passèd through his throat;<br> +Homeward and schoolward whensoe'er he went,<br> +On Jesu's Mother fixed was his intent.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XV</span></td> +<td>"Through all the Jewry (this before said I)<br> +This little Child, as he came to and fro,<br> +Full merrily then would he sing and cry,<br> +O <i>Alma Redemptoris!</i> high and low:<br> +The sweetness of Christ's Mother piercèd so<br> +His heart, that her to praise, to her to pray,<br> +He cannot stop his singing by the way.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>100<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVI</span></td> +<td>"The Serpent, Satan, our first foe, that hath<br> +His wasp's nest in Jew's heart, upswelled—'O woe,<br> +O Hebrew people!' said he in his wrath,<br> +'Is it an honest thing? Shall this be so?<br> +That such a Boy where'er he lists shall go<br> +In your despite, and sing his hymns and saws,<br> +Which is against the reverence of our laws!'</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr55v1"></a><a href="#55v1">1</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVII</span></td> +<td>"From that day forward have the Jews conspired<br> +Out of the world this Innocent to chase; <br> +And to this end a Homicide they hired,<br> +That in an alley had a privy place,<br> +And, as the Child 'gan to the school to pace,<br> +This cruel Jew him seized, and held him fast<br> +And cut his throat, and in a pit him cast.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVIII</span></td> +<td>"I say that him into a pit they threw,<br> +A loathsome pit, whence noisome scents exhale;<br> +O cursèd folk! away, ye Herods new!<br> +What may your ill intentions you avail?<br> +Murder will out; certès it will not fail; <br> +Know, that the honour of high God may spread,<br> +The blood cries out on your accursèd deed.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIX</span></td> +<td>"O Martyr 'stablished in virginity!<br> +Now may'st thou sing for aye before the throne,<br> +Following the Lamb celestial," quoth she, <br> +"Of which the great Evangelist, Saint John,<br> +In Patmos wrote, who saith of them that go<br> +Before the Lamb singing continually,<br> +That never fleshly woman they did know.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XX</span></td> +<td>"Now this poor widow waiteth all that night <br> +After her little Child, and he came not;<br> +For which, by earliest glimpse of morning light,<br> +With face all pale with dread and busy thought,<br> +She at the School and elsewhere him hath sought,<br> +Until thus far she learned, that he had been<br> +In the Jews' street, and there he last was seen.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>135<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXI</span></td> +<td>"With Mother's pity in her breast enclosed<br> +She goeth, as she were half out of her mind,<br> +To every place wherein she hath supposed<br> +By likelihood her little Son to find; <br> +And ever on Christ's Mother meek and kind<br> +She cried, till to the Jewry she was brought,<br> +And him among the accursèd Jews she sought.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +145<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXII</span></td> +<td>"She asketh, and she piteously doth pray<br> +To every Jew that dwelleth in that place<br> +To tell her if her child had passed that way;<br> +They all said—Nay; but Jesu of his grace<br> +Gave to her thought, that in a little space<br> +She for her Son in that same spot did cry<br> +Where he was cast into a pit hard by.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +150<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIII</span></td> +<td>"O thou great God that dost perform thy laud<br> +By mouths of Innocents, lo! here thy might;<br> +This gem of chastity, this emerald,<br> +And eke of martyrdom this ruby bright,<br> +There, where with mangled throat he lay upright,<br> +The <i>Alma Redemptoris</i> 'gan to sing<br> +So loud, that with his voice the place did ring.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIV</span></td> +<td>"The Christian folk that through the Jewry went<br> +Come to the spot in wonder at the thing;<br> +And hastily they for the Provost sent;<br> +Immediately he came, not tarrying,<br> +And praiseth Christ that is our heavenly King,<br> +And eke his Mother, honour of Mankind:<br> +Which done, he bade that they the Jews should bind.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +165<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXV</span></td> +<td>"This Child with piteous lamentation then <br> +Was taken up, singing his song alwày;<br> +And with procession great and pomp of men<br> +To the next Abbey him they bare away;<br> +His Mother swooning by the body lay:<br> +And scarcely could the people that were near <br> +Remove this second Rachel from the bier.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr55v2"></a><a href="#55v2">2</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td>170<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +175<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVI</span></td> +<td>"Torment and shameful death to every one<br> +This Provost doth for those bad Jews prepare<br> +That of this murder wist, and that anon:<br> +Such wickedness his judgments cannot spare; <br> +Who will do evil, evil shall he bear;<br> +Them therefore with wild horses did he draw,<br> +And after that he hung them by the law.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +180<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVII</span></td> +<td>"Upon his bier this Innocent doth lie<br> +Before the altar while the Mass doth last: <br> +The Abbot with his convent's company<br> +Then sped themselves to bury him full fast;<br> +And, when they holy water on him cast,<br> +Yet spake this Child when sprinkled was the water;<br> +And sang, O <i>Alma Redemptoris Mater!</i></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +185<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +190</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVIII</span></td> +<td>"This Abbot, for he was a holy man,<br> +As all Monks are, or surely ought to be,<br> +In supplication to the Child began<br> +Thus saying, 'O dear Child! I summon thee<br> +In virtue of the holy Trinity <br> +Tell me the cause why thou dost sing this hymn,<br> +Since that thy throat is cut, as it doth seem.'</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr55v3"></a><a href="#55v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +195<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIX</span></td> +<td>"'My throat is cut unto the bone, I trow,'<br> +Said this young Child, 'and by the law of kind<br> +I should have died, yea many hours ago; <br> +But Jesus Christ, as in the books ye find,<br> +Will that his glory last, and be in mind;<br> +And, for the worship of his Mother dear,<br> +Yet may I sing, <i>O Alma!</i> loud and clear.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +200<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXX</span></td> +<td>"'This well of mercy, Jesu's Mother sweet, <br> +After my knowledge I have loved alwày;<br> +And in the hour when I my death did meet<br> +To me she came, and thus to me did say,<br> +"Thou in thy dying sing this holy lay,"<br> +As ye have heard; and soon as I had sung <br> +Methought she laid a grain upon my tongue.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>205<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +210<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXI</span></td> +<td>"'Wherefore I sing, nor can from song refrain,<br> +In honour of that blissful Maiden free,<br> +Till from my tongue off-taken is the grain;<br> +And after that thus said she unto me;<br> +"My little Child, then will I come for thee<br> +Soon as the grain from off thy tongue they take:<br> +Be not dismayed, I will not thee forsake!"'</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +215<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXII</span></td> +<td>"This holy Monk, this Abbot—him mean I,<br> +Touched then his tongue, and took away the grain;<br> +And he gave up the ghost full peacefully;<br> +And, when the Abbot had this wonder seen,<br> +His salt tears trickled down like showers of rain;<br> +And on his face he dropped upon the ground,<br> +And still he lay as if he had been bound. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +220<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +225<</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXIII</span></td> +<td>"Eke the whole Convent on the pavement lay,<br> +Weeping and praising Jesu's Mother dear;<br> +And after that they rose, and took their way,<br> +And lifted up this Martyr from the bier,<br> +And in a tomb of precious marble clear <br> +Enclosed his uncorrupted body sweet.—<br> +Where'er he be, God grant us him to meet!</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr55F"></a><a href="#55F">F</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +230<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXIV</span></td> +<td>"Young Hew of Lincoln! in like sort laid low<br> +By cursèd Jews—thing well and widely known,<br> +For it was done a little while ago—<br> +Pray also thou for us, while here we tarry<br> +Weak sinful folk, that God, with pitying eye,<br> +In mercy would his mercy multiply<br> +On us, for reverence of his Mother Mary!"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr55v4"></a><a href="#55v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +235<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="55v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... list ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr55v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... by the Bier ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr55v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote><a name="fr55fa">This</a> Abbot who had been a holy man + And was, as all Monks are, or ought to be,<a href="#55fa"><sup>a</sup></a></blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr55v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For not long since was dealt the cruel blow, </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr55v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="55A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> + <blockquote>"Friday, 4th December 1801.... William translating <i>The Prioress' + Tale</i>." <br> +<br> + "Saturday, 5th. William finished <i>The Prioress' Tale</i>, and after tea, + Mary and he wrote it out" </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i>).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section55">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Il Penseroso</i>, l. 110.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr55B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Chaucer's phrase is "a litel clergeon," Wordsworth's, "a +little scholar;" but "clergeon" is a chorister, not a scholar.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr55C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Chaucer's text is: + + <blockquote>'Thus hath this widow her litel child i-taught<br> + Our blissful lady, Criste's moder deere,<br> + To worschip ay, and he forgat it nought;<br> + For sely child wil alway soone leere.'</blockquote> + + 'For sely child wil alway soone leere,' i.e. for a happy child will + always learn soon. Wordsworth renders: + + <blockquote>'For simple infant hath a ready ear,'</blockquote> + + and adds: + + <blockquote> 'Sweet is the holiness of youth,'</blockquote> + + extending the stanza to receive this addition from seven to eight + lines, with an altered rhyme-system."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Edward Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth +Society</i>, No. III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr55D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Chaucer's text is:</span> + + <blockquote> 'This litel child his litel book lernynge<br> + As he sat in the schole in his primere.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr55E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="55F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Chaucer's text is:</span> + + <blockquote>'And in a tombe of marble stoones clere<br> + Enclosed they this litel body swete.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr55F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="55fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> This was erased in the <i>Errata</i> of 1820, but it +may be reproduced here.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#55fa">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section56"></a>The Cuckoo and the Nightingale</h2> + +<h4>Translated 1801<a href="#56A"><sup>A</sup></a>.—Published 1841<a href="#56B"><sup>B</sup></a></h4><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + + + +<table summary="walk" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td width="10%"><i>stanza</i></td> + <td width="70%"><i>text</i></td> + <td width="5%"><i>variant</i></td> + <td width="5%"><i>footnote</i></td> + <td width="10%"><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>The God of Love—<i>ah, benedicite!</i><br> +How mighty and how great a Lord is he!<br> +For he of low hearts can make high, of high<br> +He can make low, and unto death bring nigh;<br> +And hard hearts he can make them kind and free. </td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr56v1"></a><a href="#56v1">1</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>Within a little time, as hath been found,<br> +He can make sick folk whole and fresh and sound:<br> +Them who are whole in body and in mind,<br> +He can make sick,—bind can he and unbind<br> +All that he will have bound, or have unbound. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>To tell his might my wit may not suffice;<br> +Foolish men he can make them out of wise;—<br> +For he may do all that he will devise;<br> +Loose livers he can make abate their vice,<br> +And proud hearts can make tremble in a trice.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>In brief, the whole of what he will, he may;<br> +Against him dare not any wight say nay;<br> +To humble or afflict whome'er he will,<br> +To gladden or to grieve, he hath like skill;<br> +But most his might he sheds on the eve of May.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>For every true heart, gentle heart and free,<br> +That with him is, or thinketh so to be,<br> +Now against May shall have some stirring—whether<br> +To joy, or be it to some mourning; never<br> +At other time, methinks, in like degree. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>For now when they may hear the small birds' song,<br> +And see the budding leaves the branches throng,<br> +This unto their remembrance doth bring<br> +All kinds of pleasure mix'd with sorrowing;<br> +And longing of sweet thoughts that ever long. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VII</span></td> +<td>And of that longing heaviness doth come,<br> +Whence oft great sickness grows of heart and home;<br> +Sick are they all for lack of their desire;<br> +And thus in May their hearts are set on fire,<br> +So that they burn forth in great martyrdom. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VIII</span></td> +<td>In sooth, I speak from feeling, what though now<br> +Old am I, and to genial pleasure slow;<br> +Yet have I felt of sickness through the May,<br> +Both hot and cold, and heart-aches every day,—<br> +How hard, alas! to bear, I only know.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IX</span></td> +<td>Such shaking doth the fever in me keep<br> +Through all this May that I have little sleep;<br> +And also 'tis not likely unto me,<br> +That any living heart should sleepy be<br> +In which Love's dart its fiery point doth steep. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">X</span></td> +<td>But tossing lately on a sleepless bed,<br> +I of a token thought which Lovers heed;<br> +How among them it was a common tale,<br> +That it was good to hear the Nightingale,<br> +Ere the vile Cuckoo's note be utterèd.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XI</span></td> +<td>And then I thought anon as it was day,<br> +I gladly would go somewhere to essay<br> +If I perchance a Nightingale might hear,<br> +For yet had I heard none, of all that year,<br> +And it was then the third night of the May.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XII</span></td> +<td>And soon as I a glimpse of day espied,<br> +No longer would I in my bed abide,<br> +But straightway to a wood that was hard by,<br> +Forth did I go, alone and fearlessly,<br> +And held the pathway down by a brook-side;</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIII</span></td> +<td>Till to a lawn I came all white and green,<br> +I in so fair a one had never been.<br> +The ground was green, with daisy powdered over;<br> +Tall were the flowers, the grove a lofty cover, <br> +All green and white; and nothing else was seen.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr56C"></a><a href="#56C">C</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIV</span></td> +<td>There sate I down among the fair fresh flowers,<br> +And saw the birds come tripping from their bowers,<br> +Where they had rested them all night; and they,<br> +Who were so joyful at the light of day,<br> +Began to honour May with all their powers.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XV</span></td> +<td>Well did they know that service all by rote,<br> +And there was many and many a lovely note,<br> +Some, singing loud, as if they had complained;<br> +Some with their notes another manner feigned;<br> +And some did sing all out with the full throat. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVI</span></td> +<td>They pruned themselves, and made themselves right gay,<br> +Dancing and leaping light upon the spray;<br> +And ever two and two together were,<br> +The same as they had chosen for the year,<br> +Upon Saint Valentine's returning day. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVII</span></td> +<td>Meanwhile the stream, whose bank I sate upon,<br> +Was making such a noise as it ran on<br> +Accordant to the sweet Birds' harmony;<br> +Methought that it was the best melody<br> +Which ever to man's ear a passage won.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVIII</span></td> +<td>And for delight, but how I never wot,<br> +I in a slumber and a swoon was caught,<br> +Not all asleep and yet not waking wholly;<br> +And as I lay, the Cuckoo, bird unholy,<br> +Broke silence, or I heard him in my thought. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIX</span></td> +<td>And that was right upon a tree fast by,<br> +And who was then ill satisfied but I?<br> +Now, God, quoth I, that died upon the rood,<br> +From thee and thy base throat, keep all that's good,<br> +Full little joy have I now of thy cry. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XX</span></td> +<td>And, as I with the Cuckoo thus 'gan chide,<br> +In the next bush that was me fast beside,<br> +I heard the lusty Nightingale so sing,<br> +That her clear voice made a loud rioting,<br> +Echoing through all the green wood wide.</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr56D"></a><a href="#56D">D</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXI</span></td> +<td>Ah! good sweet Nightingale! for my heart's cheer,<br> +Hence hast thou stayed a little while too long;<br> +For we have had the sorry Cuckoo here,<br> +And she hath been before thee with her song;<br> +Evil light on her! she hath done me wrong. </td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr56v2"></a><a href="#56v2">2</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXII</span></td> +<td>But hear you now a wondrous thing, I pray;<br> +As long as in that swooning-fit I lay,<br> +Methought I wist right well what these birds meant,<br> +And had good knowing both of their intent,<br> +And of their speech, and all that they would say. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIII</span></td> +<td>The Nightingale thus in my hearing spake:—<br> +Good Cuckoo, seek some other bush or brake,<br> +And, prithee, let us that can sing dwell here;<br> +For every wight eschews thy song to hear,<br> +Such uncouth singing verily dost thou make. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +115</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIV</span></td> +<td>What! quoth she then, what is't that ails thee now?<br> +It seems to me I sing as well as thou;<br> +For mine's a song that is both true and plain,—<br> +Although I cannot quaver so in vain<br> +As thou dost in thy throat, I wot not how.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXV</span></td> +<td>All men may understanding have of me,<br> +But, Nightingale, so may they not of thee;<br> +For thou hast many a foolish and quaint cry:—<br> +Thou say'st, <b>Osee</b>, <b>Osee</b>, then how may I<br> +Have knowledge, I thee pray, what this may be? </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVI</span></td> +<td>Ah, fool! quoth she, wist thou not what it is?<br> +Oft as I say <b>Osee</b>, <b>Osee</b>, I wis,<br> +Then mean I, that I should be wondrous fain<br> +That shamefully they one and all were slain,<br> +Whoever against Love mean aught amiss.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVII</span></td> +<td>And also would I that they all were dead,<br> +Who do not think in love their life to lead;<br> +For who is both the God of Love to obey,<br> +Is only fit to die, I dare well say,<br> +And for that cause <b>Osee</b> I cry; take heed!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +135</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVIII</span></td> +<td>Ay, quoth the Cuckoo, that is a quaint law,<br> +That all must love or die; but I withdraw,<br> +And take my leave of all such company,<br> +For mine intent it neither is to die,<br> +Nor ever while I live Love's yoke to draw.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXIX</span></td> +<td>For lovers of all folk that be alive,<br> +The most disquiet have and least do thrive;<br> +Most feeling have of sorrow woe and care,<br> +And the least welfare cometh to their share;<br> +What need is there against the truth to strive?</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr56v3"></a><a href="#56v3">3</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +145</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXX</span></td> +<td>What! quoth she, thou art all out of thy mind,<br> +That in thy churlishness a cause canst find<br> +To speak of Love's true Servants in this mood;<br> +For in this world no service is so good<br> +To every wight that gentle is of kind.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +150</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXI</span></td> +<td>For thereof comes all goodness and all worth;<br> +All gentiless and honour thence come forth;<br> +Thence worship comes, content and true heart's pleasure,<br> +And full-assured trust, joy without measure,<br> +And jollity, fresh cheerfulness, and mirth;</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr56v4"></a><a href="#56v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXII</span></td> +<td>And bounty, lowliness, and courtesy,<br> +And seemliness, and faithful company,<br> +And dread of shame that will not do amiss;<br> +For he that faithfully Love's servant is,<br> +Rather than be disgraced, would chuse to die. +</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXIII</span></td> +<td>And that the very truth it is which I<br> +Now say—in such belief I'll live and die;<br> +And Cuckoo, do thou so, by my advice.<br> +Then, quoth she, let me never hope for bliss,<br> +If with that counsel I do e'er comply. </td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +165</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXIV</span></td> +<td>Good Nightingale! thou speakest wondrous fair,<br> +Yet for all that, the truth is found elsewhere;<br> +For Love in young folk is but rage, I wis;<br> +And Love in old folk a great dotage is;<br> +Who most it useth, him 'twill most impair.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +170</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXV</span></td> +<td>For thereof come all contraries to gladness;<br> +Thence sickness comes, and overwhelming sadness,<br> +Mistrust and jealousy, despite, debate,<br> +Dishonour, shame, envy importunate,<br> +Pride, anger, mischief, poverty, and madness.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +175</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXVI</span></td> +<td>Loving is aye an office of despair,<br> +And one thing is therein which is not fair;<br> +For whoso gets of love a little bliss,<br> +Unless it alway stay with him, I wis<br> +He may full soon go with an old man's hair.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +180</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXVII</span></td> +<td>And, therefore, Nightingale! do thou keep nigh,<br> +For trust me well, in spite of thy quaint cry,<br> +If long time from thy mate thou be, or far,<br> +Thou'lt be as others that forsaken are;<br> +Then shall thou raise a clamour as do I.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +185</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXVIII</span></td> +<td>Fie, quoth she, on thy name, Bird ill beseen!<br> +The God of Love afflict thee with all teen,<br> +For thou art worse than mad a thousand fold;<br> +For many a one hath virtues manifold,<br> +Who had been nought, if Love had never been.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +190</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXXIX</span></td> +<td>For evermore his servants Love amendeth,<br> +And he from every blemish them defendeth;<br> +And maketh them to burn, as in a fire,<br> +In loyalty, and worshipful desire,<br> +And, when it likes him, joy enough them sendeth.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +195</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XL</span></td> +<td>Thou Nightingale! the Cuckoo said, be still,<br> +For Love no reason hath but his own will;—<br> +For to th' untrue he oft gives ease and joy;<br> +True lovers doth so bitterly annoy,<br> +He lets them perish through that grievous ill.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +200</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLI</span></td> +<td>With such a master would I never be;<br> +For he, in sooth, is blind, and may not see,<br> +And knows not when he hurts and when he heals;<br> +Within this court full seldom Truth avails,<br> +So diverse in his wilfulness is he.</td> + <td></td> + <td><a name="fr56E"></a><a href="#56E">E</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +205</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLII</span></td> +<td>Then of the Nightingale did I take note,<br> +How from her inmost heart a sigh she brought,<br> +And said, Alas! that ever I was born,<br> +Not one word have I now, I am so forlorn,—<br> +And with that word, she into tears burst out.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +210</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLIII</span></td> +<td>Alas, alas! my very heart will break,<br> +Quoth she, to hear this churlish bird thus speak<br> +Of Love, and of his holy services;<br> +Now, God of Love! thou help me in some wise,<br> +That vengeance on this Cuckoo I may wreak.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +215</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLIV</span></td> +<td>And so methought I started up anon,<br> +And to the brook I ran and got a stone,<br> +Which at the Cuckoo hardily I cast,<br> +And he for dread did fly away full fast;<br> +And glad, in sooth, was I when he was gone.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +220</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLV</span></td> +<td>And as he flew, the Cuckoo, ever and aye,<br> +Kept crying, "Farewell!—farewell, Popinjay!"<br> +As if in scornful mockery of me;<br> +And on I hunted him from tree to tree,<br> +Till he was far, all out of sight, away.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +225</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLVI</span></td> +<td>Then straightway came the Nightingale to me,<br> +And said, Forsooth, my friend, do I thank thee,<br> +That thou wert near to rescue me; and now<br> +Unto the God of Love I make a vow,<br> +That all this May I will thy songstress be.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +230<</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLVII</span></td> +<td>Well satisfied, I thanked her, and she said,<br> +By this mishap no longer be dismayed,<br> +Though thou the Cuckoo heard, ere thou heard'st me;<br> +Yet if I live it shall amended be,<br> +When next May comes, if I am not afraid.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +235</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLVIII</span></td> +<td>And one thing will I counsel thee also,<br> +The Cuckoo trust not thou, nor his Love's saw;<br> +All that she said is an outrageous lie.<br> +Nay, nothing shall me bring thereto, quoth I,<br> +For Love, and it hath done me mighty woe.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +240</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XLIX</span></td> +<td>Yea, hath it? use, quoth she, this medicine;<br> +This May-time, every day before thou dine,<br> +Go look on the fresh daisy; then say I,<br> +Although for pain thou may'st be like to die,<br> +Thou wilt be eased, and less wilt droop and pine.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +245</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">L</span></td> +<td>And mind always that thou be good and true,<br> +And I will sing one song, of many new,<br> +For love of thee, as loud as I may cry;<br> +And then did she begin this song full high,<br> +"Beshrew all them that are in love untrue."</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +250</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LI</span></td> +<td>And soon as she had sung it to the end,<br> +Now farewell, quoth she, for I hence must wend;<br> +And, God of Love, that can right well and may,<br> +Send unto thee as mickle joy this day,<br> +As ever he to Lover yet did send.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +255</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LII</span></td> +<td>Thus takes the Nightingale her leave of me;<br> +I pray to God with her always to be,<br> +And joy of love to send her evermore;<br> +And shield us from the Cuckoo and her lore,<br> +For there is not so false a bird as she.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +260</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LIII</span></td> +<td>Forth then she flew, the gentle Nightingale,<br> +To all the Birds that lodged within that dale,<br> +And gathered each and all into one place;<br> +And them besought to hear her doleful case,<br> +And thus it was that she began her tale.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +265</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LIV</span></td> +<td>The Cuckoo—'tis not well that I should hide<br> +How she and I did each the other chide,<br> +And without ceasing, since it was daylight;<br> +And now I pray you all to do me right<br> +Of that false Bird whom Love can not abide.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +270</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LV</span></td> +<td>Then spake one Bird, and full assent all gave;<br> +This matter asketh counsel good as grave,<br> +For birds we are—all here together brought;<br> +And, in good sooth, the Cuckoo here is not;<br> +And therefore we a Parliament will have.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +275</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LVI</span></td> +<td>And thereat shall the Eagle be our Lord,<br> +And other Peers whose names are on record;<br> +A summons to the Cuckoo shall be sent,<br> +And judgment there be given; or that intent<br> +Failing, we finally shall make accord.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +280</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LVII</span></td> +<td>And all this shall be done, without a nay,<br> +The morrow after Saint Valentine's day,<br> +Under a maple that is well beseen,<br> +Before the chamber-window of the Queen,<br> +At Woodstock, on the meadow green and gay.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +285</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">LVIII</span></td> +<td>She thankèd them; and then her leave she took,<br> +And flew into a hawthorn by that brook;<br> +And there she sate and sung—upon that tree—<br> +"For term of life Love shall have hold of me"—<br> +So loudly, that I with that song awoke.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +290</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>Unlearnèd Book and rude, as well I know,<br> +For beauty thou hast none, nor eloquence,<br> +Who did on thee the hardiness bestow<br> +To appear before my Lady? but a sense<br> +Thou surely hast of her benevolence,<br> +Whereof her hourly bearing proof doth give;<br> +For of all good she is the best alive.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +295<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>Alas, poor Book! for thy unworthiness,<br> +To show to her some pleasant meanings writ<br> +In winning words, since through her gentiless,<br> +Thee she accepts as for her service fit!<br> +Oh! it repents me I have neither wit<br> +Nor leisure unto thee more worth to give;<br> +For of all good she is the best alive.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr56v5"></a><a href="#56v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +300<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>Beseech her meekly with all lowliness,<br> +Though I be far from her I reverence,<br> +To think upon my truth and stedfastness,<br> +And to abridge my sorrow's violence,<br> +Caused by the wish, as knows your sapience,<br> +She of her liking proof to me would give;<br> +For of all good she is the best alive.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>305<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +310<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><b>L'Envoy</b></td> +<td>Pleasure's Aurora, Day of gladsomeness!<br> +Luna by night, with heavenly influence<br> +Illumined! root of beauty and goodnesse,<br> +Write, and allay, by your beneficence,<br> +My sighs breathed forth in silence,—comfort give!<br> +Since of all good, you are the best alive.<br> +<br> +<b>Explicet</b><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +315<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="56v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> + In 1819 Wordsworth wrote the opening stanza of his version +of <i>The Cuckoo and the Nightingale</i>, in the album of Mrs. Calvert +at Keswick, thus: +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote><i>The God of Love—ah, benedicite!</i><br> + How mighty and how great a Lord is He!<br> + High can he make the heart that's low and poor,<br> + And high hearts low—through pains that they endure,<br> + And hard hearts, He can make them kind and free. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + W. W., Nov. 27, 1819.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr56v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... have heard ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr56v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... sorrow's ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr56v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... gentleness ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr56v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... gentleness, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr56v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="56A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The following extracts from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> +show the date of the composition of this poem. </span> + + <blockquote> "Sunday, 6th December 1801. A very fine beautiful sun-shiny morning. + William worked a while at Chaucer; then he set forward to walk into + Easdale.... In the afternoon I read Chaucer aloud."<br> +<br> + "Monday, 7th.... William at work with Chaucer, <i>The God of + Love</i>...."<br> +<br> + "8th November ... William worked at <i>The Cuckoo and the + Nightingale</i> till he was tired."<br> +<br> + "Wednesday, December 9th. I read <i>Palemon and Arcite</i>, William + writing out his alterations of Chaucer's <i>Cuckoo and + Nightingale</i>." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The question as to whether <i>The Cuckoo and the Nightingale</i> was +written by Chaucer or not, may be solved either way without affecting +the literary value of Wordsworth's "modernisation" of it.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section56">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In <i>The Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Modernised</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "In <i>The Cuckoo and Nightingale</i>, a poem of the third of May—a + date corresponding to the mid-May, the very heart of May according to + our modern reckoning—the poet after a wakeful night rises, and goes + forth at dawn, and comes to a 'laund' or plain 'of white and green.' + + <blockquote> 'So feire oon had I nevere in bene,<br> + The grounde was grene, y poudred with daysé,<br> + The floures and the gras ilike al hie,<br> + Al grene and white, was nothing elles sene.'</blockquote> + + Nothing seen but the short green grass and the white daisies,—grass + and daisies being of equal height. Unfortunately in Tyrwhitt's text + the description is nonsensical, + + <blockquote> 'The flowres and the greves like hie.'</blockquote> + + The daisy flowers are as high as the <i>groves</i>! Wordsworth retained the + groves, but refused to make daisies of equal height with them. + + <blockquote>'Tall were the flowers, the grove a lofty cover, + All green and white; and nothing else was seen.'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth Society</i>. +No. III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr56C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "In Chaucer's poem, after 'the cuckoo, bird unholy,' has said his evil + say, the Nightingale breaks forth 'so lustily,' + + <blockquote> 'That with her clere voys she made rynge<br> + Thro out alle the grene wode wide,'</blockquote> + + Wordsworth has taken a poet's licence with these lines: + + <blockquote> 'I heard the lusty Nightingale so sing,<br> + That her clear voice made <i>a loud rioting</i>,<br> + Echoing through all the green wood wide.'</blockquote> + + This 'loud rioting' is Wordsworth's, not Chaucer's; and it belongs, as + it were, to that other passage of his: + + <blockquote> 'O Nightingale, thou surely art<br> + A creature of a fiery heart,<br> + These notes of thine—they pierce and pierce;<br> + Tumultuous harmony and fierce!<br> + Thou sing'st as if the God of wine<br> + Had helped thee to a Valentine.'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth Society</i>, +No. III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr56D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="56E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> From a manuscript in the Bodleian, as are also stanzas 44 +and 45— W. W. (1841),<br> +<br> + which are necessary to complete the sense—W. W. (added in +1842).<br> +<a href="#fr56E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section57"></a>Troilus and Cresida</h2> + +<h4>Translated 1801.—Published 1841<a href="#57A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="sectionxa"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Next morning Troilus began to clear <br> +His eyes from sleep, at the first break of day,<br> +And unto Pandarus, his own Brother dear,<br> +For love of God, full piteously did say,<br> +We must the Palace see of Cresida; <br> +For since we yet may have no other feast,<br> +Let us behold her Palace at the least!<br><br> + +And therewithal to cover his intent<br> +A cause he found into the Town to go,<br> +And they right forth to Cresid's Palace went; <br> +But, Lord, this simple Troilus was woe,<br> +Him thought his sorrowful heart would break in two;<br> +For when he saw her doors fast bolted all,<br> +Well nigh for sorrow down he 'gan to fall.<br><br> + +Therewith when this true Lover 'gan behold, <br> +How shut was every window of the place,<br> +Like frost he thought his heart was icy cold;<br> +For which, with changèd, pale, and deadly face,<br> +Without word uttered, forth he 'gan to pace;<br> +And on his purpose bent so fast to ride, <br> +That no wight his continuance espied.<br><br> + +Then said he thus,—O Palace desolate!<br> +O house of houses, once so richly dight!<br> +O Palace empty and disconsolate!<br> +Thou lamp of which extinguished is the light; <br> +O Palace whilom day that now art night,<br> +Thou ought'st to fall and I to die; since she<br> +Is gone who held us both in sovereignty.<br><br> + +O, of all houses once the crownèd boast!<br> +Palace illumined with the sun of bliss; <br> +O ring of which the ruby now is lost,<br> +O cause of woe, that cause has been of bliss:<br> +Yet, since I may no better, would I kiss<br> +Thy cold doors; but I dare not for this rout;<br> +Farewell, thou shrine of which the Saint is out!<br><br> + +Therewith he cast on Pandarus an eye,<br> +With changed face, and piteous to behold;<br> +And when he might his time aright espy,<br> +Aye as he rode, to Pandarus he told<br> +Both his new sorrow and his joys of old, <br> +So piteously, and with so dead a hue,<br> +That every wight might on his sorrow rue.<br><br> + +Forth from the spot he rideth up and down,<br> +And everything to his rememberance<br> +Came as he rode by places of the town <br> +Where he had felt such perfect pleasure once.<br> +Lo, yonder saw I mine own Lady dance,<br> +And in that Temple she with her bright eyes,<br> +My Lady dear, first bound me captive-wise.<br><br> + +And yonder with joy-smitten heart have I <br> +Heard my own Cresid's laugh; and once at play<br> +I yonder saw her eke full blissfully;<br> +And yonder once she unto me 'gan say—<br> +Now, my sweet Troilus, love me well, I pray!<br> +And there so graciously did me behold, <br> +That hers unto the death my heart I hold.<br><br> + +And at the corner of that self-same house<br> +Heard I my most beloved Lady dear,<br> +So womanly, with voice melodious<br> +Singing so well, so goodly, and so clear, <br> +That in my soul methinks I yet do hear<br> +The blissful sound; and in that very place<br> +My Lady first me took unto her grace.<br><br> + +O blissful God of Love! then thus he cried,<br> +When I the process have in memory, <br> +How thou hast wearied me on every side,<br> +Men thence a book might make, a history;<br> +What need to seek a conquest over me,<br> +Since I am wholly at thy will? what joy<br> +Hast thou thy own liege subjects to destroy?<br><br> + +Dread Lord! so fearful when provoked, thine ire<br> +Well hast thou wreaked on me by pain and grief;<br> +Now mercy, Lord! thou know'st well I desire<br> +Thy grace above all pleasures first and chief;<br> +And live and die I will in thy belief; <br> +For which I ask for guerdon but one boon,<br> +That Cresida again thou send me soon.<br><br> + +Constrain her heart as quickly to return,<br> +As thou dost mine with longing her to see,<br> +Then know I well that she would not sojourn. <br> +Now, blissful Lord, so cruel do not be<br> +Unto the blood of Troy, I pray of thee,<br> +As Juno was unto the Theban blood,<br> +From whence to Thebes came griefs in multitude.<br><br> + +And after this he to the gate did go <br> +Whence Cresid rode, as if in haste she was;<br> +And up and down there went, and to and fro,<br> +And to himself full oft he said, alas!<br> +From hence my hope, and solace forth did pass.<br> +O would the blissful God now for his joy, <br> +I might her see again coming to Troy!<br><br> + +And up to yonder hill was I her guide;<br> +Alas, and there I took of her my leave;<br> +Yonder I saw her to her Father ride,<br> +For very grief of which my heart shall cleave;— <br> +And hither home I came when it was eve;<br> +And here I dwell an outcast from all joy,<br> +And shall, unless I see her soon in Troy.<br><br> + +And of himself did he imagine oft,<br> +That he was blighted, pale, and waxen less <br> +Than he was wont; and that in whispers soft<br> +Men said, what may it be, can no one guess<br> +Why Troilus hath all this heaviness?<br> +All which he of himself conceited wholly<br> +Out of his weakness and his melancholy.<br><br> + +Another time he took into his head,<br> +That every wight, who in the way passed by,<br> +Had of him ruth, and fancied that they said,<br> +I am right sorry Troilus will die:<br> +And thus a day or two drove wearily; <br> +As ye have heard; such life 'gan he to lead<br> +As one that standeth betwixt hope and dread.<br><br> + +For which it pleased him in his songs to show<br> +The occasion of his woe, as best he might;<br> +And made a fitting song, of words but few, <br> +Somewhat his woeful heart to make more light;<br> +And when he was removed from all men's sight,<br> +With a soft night voice, he of his Lady dear,<br> +That absent was, 'gan sing as ye may hear.<br><br> + +O star, of which I lost have all the light, <br> +With a sore heart well ought I to bewail,<br> +That ever dark in torment, night by night,<br> +Toward my death with wind I steer and sail;<br> +For which upon the tenth night if thou fail<br> +With thy bright beams to guide me but one hour, <br> +My ship and me Charybdis will devour.<br><br> + +As soon as he this song had thus sung through,<br> +He fell again into his sorrows old;<br> +And every night, as was his wont to do,<br> +Troilus stood the bright moon to behold; <br> +And all his trouble to the moon he told,<br> +And said; I wis, when thou art horn'd anew,<br> +I shall be glad if all the world be true.<br><br> + +Thy horns were old as now upon that morrow,<br> +When hence did journey my bright Lady dear, <br> +That cause is of my torment and my sorrow;<br> +For which, oh, gentle Luna, bright and clear,<br> +For love of God, run fast above thy sphere;<br> +For when thy horns begin once more to spring,<br> +Then shall she come, that with her bliss may bring. <br><br> + +The day is more, and longer every night<br> +Than they were wont to be—for he thought so;<br> +And that the sun did take his course not right,<br> +By longer way than he was wont to go;<br> +And said, I am in constant dread I trow, <br> +That Phäeton his son is yet alive,<br> +His too fond father's car amiss to drive.<br><br> + +Upon the walls fast also would he walk,<br> +To the end that he the Grecian host might see;<br> +And ever thus he to himself would talk:— <br> +Lo! yonder is my own bright Lady free;<br> +Or yonder is it that the tents must be;<br> +And thence does come this air which is so sweet,<br> +That in my soul I feel the joy of it.<br><br> + +And certainly this wind, that more and more <br> +By moments thus increaseth in my face,<br> +Is of my Lady's sighs heavy and sore;<br> +I prove it thus; for in no other space<br> +Of all this town, save only in this place,<br> +Feel I a wind, that soundeth so like pain; <br> +It saith, Alas, why severed are we twain?<br><br> + +A weary while in pain he tosseth thus,<br> +Till fully past and gone was the ninth night;<br> +And ever at his side stood Pandarus,<br> +Who busily made use of all his might <br> +To comfort him, and make his heart more light;<br> +Giving him always hope, that she the morrow<br> +Of the tenth day will come, and end his sorrow.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v1"></a><a href="#57v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v2"></a><a href="#57v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr57v3"></a><a href="#57v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v4"></a><a href="#57v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v5"></a><a href="#57v5">5</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v6"></a><a href="#57v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v7"></a><a href="#57v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr57v8"></a><a href="#57v8">8</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr57B"></a><a href="#57B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57C"></a><a href="#57C">C</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57D"></a><a href="#57D">D</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57E"></a><a href="#57E">E</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr57F"></a><a href="#57F">F</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +100<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +120<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +135<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +145<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +150<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +155<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +165<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="57v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... burst</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... hast ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his eye, </blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... whose words ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With a soft voice, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... mine ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>The "even" of 1841 is evidently a misprint.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... too light;</blockquote></td> + <td>1841</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr57v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="57A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In <i>The Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Modernised</i>. It is an +extract from <i>Troilus and Cressida</i>, book v. ll. 518-686.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section57">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Chaucer's text is: + + <blockquote>'And therwithalle his meynye for to blende <br> + A cause he fonde in toune for to go.' </blockquote> + + 'His meynye for to blende,' i. e. to keep his household or his + domestics in the dark. But Wordsworth writes: + + <blockquote>'And therewithal to cover his <i>intent</i>,'</blockquote> + + possibly mistaking 'meynye' for 'meaning'." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth Society</i>, No. +III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr57B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "When Troilus sees the shut windows and desolate aspect of his lady's + house, his face grows blanched, and he rides past in haste, so fast, + says Wordsworth, + + <blockquote>'That no wight his continuance espied.'</blockquote> + + But in Chaucer he rides fast that his white face may not be noticed: + + <blockquote> 'And as God wolde he gan so faste ride<br> + That no wight of his countenance espied.'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth Society</i>, No. +III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr57C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In Chaucer "werreyed" = warred on = fought against.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr57D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> + + <blockquote><blockquote>"'Toward my death with wind I steer and sail.'</blockquote> + + This is Urry's version, but Chaucer's text is, + + <blockquote> 'Toward my death, with wind <i>in stern</i> I sail,'</blockquote> + + Troilus' bark careering towards death, with all sails set, before a + fierce stern-wind."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Professor Dowden, in the <i>Transactions of the Wordsworth Society</i>, No. +III.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr57E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="57F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In Chaucer "aboute" = around.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr57F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocD">Contents 1801</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2d">Poems on the Naming of Places</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1801</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2f">1802</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2f"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1802</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocF">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section58">1802</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section59">The Sailor's Mother</a></li> +<li><a href="#section60">Alice Fell; or, Poverty</a></li> +<li><a href="#section61">Beggars</a></li> +<li><a href="#section62">Sequel to the Foregoing</a></li> +<li><a href="#section63">To a Butterfly (1)</a></li> +<li><a href="#section64">The Emigrant Mother</a></li> +<li><a href="#section65">To the Cuckoo</a></li> +<li><a href="#section66">"My heart leaps up when I behold"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section67">Written in March, while resting on the Bridge at the Foot of Brothers Water</a></li> +<li><a href="#section68">The Redbreast chasing the Butterfly</a></li> +<li><a href="#section69">To a Butterfly (2)</a></li> +<li><a name="cp3"></a><a href="#section70">Foresight</a></li> +<li><a href="#section71">To the Small Celandine</a></li> +<li><a href="#section72">To the Same Flower</a></li> +<li><a href="#section73">Stanzas written in my Pocket Copy of Thomson's <i>Castle of Indolence</i></a></li> +<li><a href="#section74">Resolution and Independence</a></li> +<li><a href="#section75">"I grieved for Buonaparté"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section76">A Farewell</a></li> +<li><a href="#section77">"The sun has long been set"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section78">Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section79">Composed by the Sea-side, near Calais, August, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section80">Calais, August, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section81">Composed near Calais, on the Road leading to Ardres, August 7, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section82">Calais, August 15, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section83">"It is a beauteous evening, calm and free"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section84">On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic</a></li> +<li><a href="#section85">The King of Sweden</a></li> +<li><a href="#section86">To Toussaint L'Ouverture</a></li> +<li><a href="#section87">Composed in the Valley near Dover, on the Day of Landing</a></li> +<li><a href="#section88">September 1, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section89">September, 1802, near Dover</a></li> +<li><a href="#section90">Written in London, September, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section91">London, 1802</a></li> +<li><a href="#section92">"Great men have been among us; hands that penned"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section93">"It is not to be thought of that the Flood"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section94">"When I have borne in memory what has tamed"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section95">Composed after a Journey across the Hambleton Hills, Yorkshire</a></li> +<li><a href="#section96">To H. C.</a></li> +<li><a href="#section98">To the Daisy</a></li> +<li><a href="#section97">To the Same Flower</a></li> +<li><a href="#section99">To the Daisy (2)</a></li> +<li><a href="#section100">Louisa</a></li> +<li><a href="#section101">To a Young Lady, who had been Reproached for taking Long Walks in the Country</a></li> +</ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h2><a name="section58"></a>1802</h2> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The Lyrical Ballads and Sonnets which follow were written +in 1802; but during that year Wordsworth continued mainly to +work at <i>The Excursion</i>, as the following extracts from his sister's +Journal indicate:</span> + + <blockquote>"Feb. 1, 1802.—William worked hard at <i>The Pedlar,</i> and tired + himself.<br> +<br> + 2nd Feb.—Wm. worked at <i>The Pedlar</i>. I read aloud the 11th book of + <i>Paradise Lost</i>.<br> +<br> + Thursday, 4th.—William thought a little about <i>The Pedlar.</i><br> +<br> + 5th.—Wm. sate up late at <i>The Pedlar</i>.<br> +<br> + 7th.—W. was working at his poem. Wm. read <i>The Pedlar,</i> thinking it + was done. But lo! ... it was uninteresting, and must be altered."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Similar records occur each day in the Journal from the 10th to the 14th +Feb. 1802.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section59"></a>The Sailor's Mother</h2> + +<h4>Composed March 11th and 12th, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section59a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written in Town-end, Grasmere. I met this woman near the Wishing-gate, +on the high road that then led from Grasmere to Ambleside. Her +appearance was exactly as here described, and such was her account, +nearly to the letter.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section59a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>One morning (raw it was and wet—<br> +A foggy day in winter time)<br> +A Woman on the road I met,<br> +Not old, though something past her prime:<br> +Majestic in her person, tall and straight;<br> +And like a Roman matron's was her mien and gait.<br><br> + +The ancient spirit is not dead;<br> +Old times, thought I, are breathing there;<br> +Proud was I that my country bred<br> +Such strength, a dignity so fair:<br> +She begged an alms, like one in poor estate;<br> +I looked at her again, nor did my pride abate.<br><br> + +When from these lofty thoughts I woke,<br> +"What is it," said I, "that you bear,<br> +Beneath the covert of your Cloak,<br> +Protected from this cold damp air?"<br> +She answered, soon as she the question heard,<br> +"A simple burthen, Sir, a little Singing-bird."<br><br> + +And, thus continuing, she said,<br> +"I had a Son, who many a day<br> +Sailed on the seas, but he is dead;<br> +In Denmark he was cast away:<br> +And I have travelled weary miles to see<br> +If aught which he had owned might still remain for me.<br><br> + +"The bird and cage they both were his:<br> +'Twas my Son's bird; and neat and trim<br> +He kept it: many voyages<br> +The singing-bird had gone with him;<br> +When last he sailed, he left the bird behind;<br> +From bodings, as might be, that hung upon his mind.<br><br> + +"He to a fellow-lodger's care<br> +Had left it, to be watched and fed,<br> +And pipe its song in safety;—there<br> +I found it when my Son was dead;<br> +And now, God help me for my little wit!<br> +I bear [8] it with me, Sir;—he took so much delight in it."<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#59n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v1"></a><a href="#59v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v2"></a><a href="#59v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v3"></a><a href="#59v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v4"></a><a href="#59v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v5"></a><a href="#59v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v6"></a><a href="#59v6">6</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v7"></a><a href="#59v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr59v8"></a><a href="#59v8">8</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="59v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... I woke,<br> + With the first word I had to spare<br> + I said to her, "Beneath your Cloak<br> + What's that which on your arm you bear?"</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"What treasure," said I,"do you bear,<br> + Beneath the covert of your Cloak<br> + Protected from the cold damp air?" </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"I had a Son,—the waves might roar,<br> + He feared them not, a Sailor gay!<br> + But he will cross the waves no more: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... cross the deep ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1832 returns to that of 1807<a href="#59fa"><sup>a</sup></a>.<br> +<a href="#fr59v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And I have been as far as Hull, to see<br> + What clothes he might have left, or other property.</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And I have travelled far as Hull, to see </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And I have travelled many miles to see<br> + If aught which he had owned might still remain for me.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This Singing-bird hath gone ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... had gone ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As it might be, perhaps, from bodings of his mind.</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Till he came back again; and there </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="59v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I trail ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr59v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="59fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This return, in 1832, to the original text of the poem +was due to Barren Field's criticism, the justice of which Wordsworth +admitted.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#59v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="59n1"></a><i>Note:</i> In the Wordsworth household this poem went by the name +of "The Singing Bird" as well as <i>The Sailor's Mother</i>. + + <blockquote>"Thursday (March 11th).—A fine morning. William worked at the poem of + <i>The Singing Bird.</i> ..."<br> +<br> + "Friday (March 12th).—William finished his poem of <i>The Singing + Bird.</i>"</blockquote> + + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal</i>.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section60"></a>Alice Fell; or, Poverty<a href="#60A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed March 12th and 13th, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section60a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written to gratify Mr. Graham of Glasgow, brother of the author of <i>The +Sabbath</i>. He was a zealous coadjutor of Mr. Clarkson, and a man of +ardent humanity. The incident had happened to himself, and he urged me +to put it into verse, for humanity's sake. The humbleness, meanness if +you like, of the subject, together with the homely mode of treating it, +brought upon me a world of ridicule by the small critics, so that in +policy I excluded it from many editions of my poems, till it was +restored at the request of some of my friends, in particular my +son-in-law, Edward Quillinan.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">It was only excluded from the editions of 1820, 1827, and 1832. In the +edition of 1807 it was placed amongst a group of "Poems composed during +a Tour, chiefly on foot." In 1815, in 1836, and afterwards, it was +included in the group "referring to the Period of Childhood."<br> +<br> +In Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal,</i> the following reference to +this poem occurs:</span> + + <blockquote>"Feb. 16, 1802.—Mr. Graham said he wished William had been with him + the other day. He was riding in a post-chaise, and he heard a strange + cry that he could not understand. The sound continued, and he called + to the chaise-driver to stop. It was a little girl that was crying as + if her heart would burst. She had got up behind the chaise, and her + cloak had been caught by the wheel, and was jammed in, and it hung + there. She was crying after it, poor thing. Mr. Graham took her into + the chaise, and her cloak was released from the wheel, but the child's + misery did not cease, for her cloak was torn to rags. It had been a + miserable cloak before; but she had no other, and it was the greatest + sorrow that could befall her. Her name was Alice Fell. She had no + parents, and belonged to the next town. At the next town Mr. G. left + money to buy her a new cloak."<br> +<br> + "Friday (March 12).—In the evening after tea William wrote <i>Alice + Fell</i>." <br> +<br> +"Saturday Morning (13th March).—William finished <i>Alice + Fell</i>...."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section60a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The post-boy drove with fierce career,<br> +For threatening clouds the moon had drowned;<br> +When, as we hurried on, my ear<br> +Was smitten with a startling sound.<br><br> + +As if the wind blew many ways,<br> +I heard the sound,—and more and more;<br> +It seemed to follow with the chaise,<br> +And still I heard it as before.<br><br> + +At length I to the boy called out;<br> +He stopped his horses at the word,<br> +But neither cry, nor voice, nor shout,<br> +Nor aught else like it, could be heard.<br><br> + +The boy then smacked his whip, and fast<br> +The horses scampered through the rain;<br> +But, hearing soon upon the blast<br> +The cry, I bade him halt again.<br><br> + +Forthwith alighting on the ground,<br> +"Whence comes," said I, "this piteous moan?"<br> +And there a little Girl I found,<br> +Sitting behind the chaise, alone.<br><br> + +"My cloak!" no other word she spake,<br> +But loud and bitterly she wept,<br> +As if her innocent heart would break;<br> +And down from off her seat she leapt.<br><br> + +"What ails you, child?"—she sobbed "Look here!"<br> +I saw it in the wheel entangled,<br> +A weather-beaten rag as e'er<br> +From any garden scare-crow dangled.<br><br> + +There, twisted between nave and spoke,<br> +It hung, nor could at once be freed;<br> +But our joint pains unloosed the cloak,<br> +A miserable rag indeed!<br><br> + +"And whither are you going, child,<br> +To-night along these lonesome ways?"<br> +"To Durham," answered she, half wild—<br> +"Then come with me into the chaise."<br><br> + +Insensible to all relief<br> +Sat the poor girl, and forth did send<br> +Sob after sob, as if her grief<br> +Could never, never have an end.<br><br> + +"My child, in Durham do you dwell?"<br> +She checked herself in her distress,<br> +And said, "My name is Alice Fell;<br> +I'm fatherless and motherless.<br><br> + +"And I to Durham, Sir, belong."<br> +Again, as if the thought would choke<br> +Her very heart, her grief grew strong;<br> +And all was for her tattered cloak!<br><br> + +The chaise drove on; our journey's end<br> +Was nigh; and, sitting by my side,<br> +As if she had lost her only friend<br> +She wept, nor would be pacified.<br><br> + +Up to the tavern-door we post;<br> +Of Alice and her grief I told;<br> +And I gave money to the host,<br> +To buy a new cloak for the old.<br><br> + +"And let it be of duffil grey,<br> +As warm a cloak as man can sell!"<br> +Proud creature was she the next day,<br> +The little orphan, Alice Fell!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#60n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v1"></a><a href="#60v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v2"></a><a href="#60v2">2</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v3"></a><a href="#60v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v4"></a><a href="#60v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr60v5"></a><a href="#60v5">5</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v6"></a><a href="#60v6">6</a><br> +<a name="fr60v7"></a><a href="#60v7">7</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v8"></a><a href="#60v8">8</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v9"></a><a href="#60v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr60v10"></a><a href="#60v10">10</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="60v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When suddenly I seem'd to hear<br> + A moan, a lamentable sound.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And soon I heard upon the blast<br> + The voice, and bade .... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Said I, alighting on the ground,<br> + "What can it be, this piteous moan?" </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Forthwith alighted on the ground<br> + To learn what voice the piteous moan<br> + Had made, a little girl I found, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"My Cloak!" the word was last and first,<br> + And loud and bitterly she wept,<br> + As if her very heart would burst;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"My cloak, my cloak" she cried, and spake<br> + No other word, but loudly wept,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... off the Chaise ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> 'Twas twisted betwixt nave and spoke;<br> + Her help she lent, and with good heed<br> + Together we released the Cloak; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... between ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1840</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A wretched, wretched rag indeed! </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She sate like one past all relief;<br> + Sob after sob she forth did send<br> + In wretchedness, as if her grief </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And then, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="60v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... she'd lost ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr60v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="60A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">There was no sub-title in the edition of 1807.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section60">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="60n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Charles Lamb wrote to Wordsworth in 1815, referring to +the revisions of this and other poems: </span> + + <blockquote>"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."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">See <i>Letters of Charles Lamb</i> (Ainger), vol. i. p. 283.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section61"></a>Beggars</h2> + +<h4>Composed March 13th and 14th, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section61a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[<a name="fr61A">Written</a> at Town-end, Grasmere. Met, and described to me by my sister, +near the quarry at the head of Rydal Lake<a href="#61A"><sup>A</sup></a>, a place still a chosen +resort of vagrants travelling with their families.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The following are Dorothy Wordsworth's references to this poem in her +Grasmere Journal. They justify the remark of the late Bishop of Lincoln,</span> + + <blockquote>"his poems are sometimes little more than poetical versions of her + descriptions of the objects which she had seen, <i>and he treated them + as seen by himself</i>."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, vol. i. pp. 180-1.) </span> + + <blockquote> "Saturday (March 13, 1802).—William wrote the poem of the Beggar + Woman, taken from a woman whom I had seen in May (now nearly two years + ago), when John and he were at Gallow Hill. I sat with him at + intervals all the morning, and took down his stanzas. After tea I read + W. the account I had written of the little boy belonging to the tall + woman: and an unlucky thing it was, for he could not escape from those + very words, and so he could not write the poem. He left it unfinished, + and went tired to bed. In our walk from Rydal he had got warmed with + the subject, and had half cast the poem."<br> +<br> + "Sunday Morning (March 14). —William had slept badly. He got up at 9 + o'clock, but before he rose he had finished the Beggar Boy." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The following is the "account" written in her <i>Journal</i> on Tuesday, May +23, 1800:</span> + + <blockquote>"A very tall woman, tall much beyond the measure of tall women, called + at the door. She had on a very long brown cloak, and a very white cap, + without bonnet. Her face was brown, but it had plainly once been fair. + She led a little barefooted child about two years old by the hand, and + said her husband, who was a tinker, was gone before with the other + children. I gave her a piece of bread. Afterwards, on my road to + Ambleside, beside the bridge at Rydal, I saw her husband sitting at + the roadside, his two asses standing beside him, and the two young + children at play upon the grass. The man did not beg. I passed on, and + about a quarter of a mile farther I saw two boys before me, one about + ten, the other about eight years old, at play, chasing a butterfly. + They were wild figures, not very ragged, but without shoes and + stockings. The hat of the elder was wreathed round with yellow + flowers; the younger, whose hat was only a rimless crown, had stuck it + round with laurel leaves. They continued at play till I drew very + near, and then they addressed me with the begging cant and the whining + voice of sorrow. I said, 'I served your mother this morning' (the boys + were so like the woman who had called at our door that I could not be + mistaken). 'O,' says the elder, 'you could not serve my mother, for + she's dead, and my father's in at the next town; he's a potter.' I + persisted in my assertion, and that I would give them nothing. Says + the elder, 'Come, let's away,' and away they flew like lightning. They + had, however, sauntered so long in their road that they did not reach + Ambleside before me, and I saw them go up to Mathew Harrison's house + with their wallet upon the elder's shoulder, and creeping with a + beggar's complaining foot. On my return through Ambleside I met, in + the street, the mother driving her asses, in the two panniers of one + of which were the two little children, whom she was chiding and + threatening with a wand with which she used to drive on her asses, + while the little things hung in wantonness over the pannier's edge. + The woman had told me in the morning that she was of Scotland, which + her accent fully proved, and that she had lived (I think at Wigtown); + that they could not keep a house, and so they travelled."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This was one of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section61a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>She had a tall man's height or more;<br> +Her face from summer's noontide heat<br> +No bonnet shaded, but she wore<br> +A mantle, to her very feet<br> +Descending with a graceful flow, <br> +And on her head a cap as white as new-fallen snow.<br><br> + +Her skin was of Egyptian brown:<br> +Haughty, as if her eye had seen<br> +Its own light to a distance thrown,<br> +She towered, fit person for a Queen<br> +To lead those ancient Amazonian files;<br> +Or ruling Bandit's wife among the Grecian isles.<br><br> + +Advancing, forth she stretched her hand<br> +And begged an alms with doleful plea<br> +That ceased not; on our English land <br> +Such woes, I knew, could never be;<br> +And yet a boon I gave her, for the creature<br> +Was beautiful to see—a weed of glorious feature.<br><br> + +I left her, and pursued my way;<br> +And soon before me did espy <br> +A pair of little Boys at play,<br> +Chasing a crimson butterfly;<br> +The taller followed with his hat in hand,<br> +Wreathed round with yellow flowers the gayest of the land.<br><br> + +The other wore a rimless crown <br> +With leaves of laurel stuck about;<br> +And, while both followed up and down,<br> +Each whooping with a merry shout,<br> +In their fraternal features I could trace<br> +Unquestionable lines of that wild Suppliant's face. <br><br> + +Yet <i>they</i>, so blithe of heart, seemed fit<br> +For finest tasks of earth or air:<br> +Wings let them have, and they might flit<br> +Precursors to Aurora's car,<br> +Scattering fresh flowers; though happier far, I ween, <br> +To hunt their fluttering game o'er rock and level green.<br><br> + +They dart across my path—but lo, <br> +Each ready with a plaintive whine!<br> +Said I, "not half an hour ago<br> +Your Mother has had alms of mine."<br> +"That cannot be," one answered—"she is dead:"—<br> +I looked reproof—they saw—but neither hung his head.<br><br> + +"She has been dead, Sir, many a day."—<br> +"Hush, boys! you're telling me a lie;<br> +It was your Mother, as I say!"<br> +And, in the twinkling of an eye,<br> +"Come! come!" cried one, and without more ado,<br> +Off to some other play the joyous Vagrants flew!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v1"></a><a href="#61v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v2"></a><a href="#61v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr61v3"></a><a href="#61v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v4"></a><a href="#61v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v5"></a><a href="#61v5">5</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v6"></a><a href="#61v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v7"></a><a href="#61v7">7</a><br><br> +<a name="fr61v8"></a><a href="#61v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v9"></a><a href="#61v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr61v10"></a><a href="#61v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v11"></a><a href="#61v11">11</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v12"></a><a href="#61v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61v13"></a><a href="#61v13">13</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61B"></a><a href="#61B">B</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr61C"></a><a href="#61C">C</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="61v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She had a tall Man's height, or more;<br> + No bonnet screen'd her from the heat;<br> + A long drab-colour'd Cloak she wore,<br> + A Mantle reaching to her feet:<br> + What other dress she had I could not know;<br> + Only she wore a Cap that was as white as snow.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Before me as the Wanderer stood,<br> + No bonnet screened her from the heat;<br> + Nor claimed she service from the hood<br> + Of a blue mantle, to her feet<br> + Depending with a graceful flow;<br> + Only she wore a cap pure as unsullied snow. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Before my eyes a Wanderer stood;<br> + Her face from summer's noon-day heat<br> + Nor bonnet shaded, nor the hood<br> + Of that blue cloak which to her feet<br> + Depended with a graceful flow;<br> + Only she wore a cap as white as new-fallen snow.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1832</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No bonnet shaded, nor the hood<br> + Of the blue cloak ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She had a tall man's height or more;<br> + And while, 'mid April's noontide heat,<br> + A long blue cloak the vagrant wore,<br> + A mantle reaching to her feet,<br> + No bonnet screened her lofty brow,<br> + Only she wore a cap as white as new-fallen snow. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She had a tall man's height or more;<br> + A garment for her stature meet,<br> + And for a vagrant life, she wore<br> + A mantle reaching to her feet.<br> + Nor hood, nor bonnet screened her lofty brow, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In all my walks, through field or town,<br> + Such Figure had I never seen:<br> + Her face was of Egyptian brown:<br> + Fit person was she for a Queen,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Such figure had I never seen<br> + In all my walks through field or town,<br> + Fit person seemed she for a Queen,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> To head ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Before me begging did she stand,<br> + Pouring out sorrows like a sea;<br> + Grief after grief:—on English Land<br> + Such woes I knew could never be;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Her suit no faltering scruples checked;<br> + Forth did she pour, in current free,<br> + Tales that could challenge no respect<br> + But from a blind credulity;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> She begged an alms; no scruple checked<br> + The current of her ready plea,<br> + Words that could challenge ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1832</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Before me begging did she stand<br> + And boldly urged a doleful plea,<br> + Grief after grief, on English land<br> + Such woes I knew could never be. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With yellow flowers around, as with a golden band.</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And they both ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Two Brothers seem'd they, eight and ten years old;<br> + And like that Woman's face as gold is like to gold. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This stanza was added in the edition of 1827.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Precursors of ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>They bolted on me thus, and lo! </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"Nay but I gave her pence, and she will buy you bread."</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> "Sweet Boys, you're telling me a lie; </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Heaven hears that rash reply; </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1807 was resumed in 1836.<br> +<a href="#fr61v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... they both together flew. </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... the thoughtless vagrants flew. </blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr61v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="61A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The spot is easily identified, as the quarry still +exists.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr61A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In the MS. of this poem (1807) the words, "a weed of +glorious feature," are placed within inverted commas. The quotation is +from Spenser's <i>Muiopotmos</i> (<i>The Fate of the Butterflie</i>), +stanza 27; and is important, as it affects the meaning of the phrase. It +is curious that Wordsworth dropped the commas in his subsequent +editions.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr61B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="61C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In Wordsworth's letter to Barron Field, of 24th October +1828 (see the volumes containing his correspondence), a detailed account +is given of the reasons which had led him to alter the text of this +poem.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr61C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section62"></a>Sequel to the Foregoing</h2> + +<h4>Composed Many Years After</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1817.—Published 1827</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In the edition of 1840 the year assigned to this Sequel is 1817. It does +not occur in the edition of 1820, but was first published in 1827. It +was one of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Where are they now, those wanton Boys?<br> +For whose free range the dædal earth<br> +Was filled with animated toys,<br> +And implements of frolic mirth;<br> +With tools for ready wit to guide;<br> +And ornaments of seemlier pride,<br> +More fresh, more bright, than princes wear;<br> +For what one moment flung aside,<br> +Another could repair;<br> +What good or evil have they seen<br> +Since I their pastime witnessed here,<br> +Their daring wiles, their sportive cheer?<br> +I ask—but all is dark between!<br> +<br> +They met me in a genial hour,<br> +When universal nature breathed<br> +As with the breath of one sweet flower,—<br> +A time to overrule the power<br> +Of discontent, and check the birth<br> +Of thoughts with better thoughts at strife,<br> +The most familiar bane of life<br> +Since parting Innocence bequeathed<br> +Mortality to Earth!<br> +Soft clouds, the whitest of the year,<br> +Sailed through the sky—the brooks ran clear;<br> +The lambs from rock to rock were bounding;<br> +With songs the budded groves resounding;<br> +And to my heart are still endeared<br> +The thoughts with which it then was cheered;<br> +The faith which saw that gladsome pair<br> +Walk through the fire with unsinged hair.<br> +Or, if such faith must needs deceive—<br> +Then, Spirits of beauty and of grace,<br> +Associates in that eager chase;<br> +Ye, who within the blameless mind<br> +Your favourite seat of empire find—<br> +Kind Spirits! may we not believe<br> +That they, so happy and so fair<br> +Through your sweet influence, and the care<br> +Of pitying Heaven, at least were free<br> +From touch of <i>deadly</i> injury?<br> +Destined, whate'er their earthly doom,<br> +For mercy and immortal bloom?<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr62v1"></a><a href="#62v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr62v2"></a><a href="#62v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr62v3"></a><a href="#62v3">3</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr62A"></a><a href="#62A">A</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="62v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Spirits of beauty and of grace!<br> + Associates in that eager chase;<br> + Ye, by a course to nature true,<br> + The sterner judgment can subdue;<br> + And waken a relenting smile<br> + When she encounters fraud or guile;<br> + And sometimes ye can charm away<br> + The inward mischief, or allay,<br> + Ye, who within the blameless mind<br> + Your favourite seat of empire find!</blockquote></td> +</tr> +</table> +The above is a separate stanza in the editions of 1827 and 1832. Only +the first two and the last two lines of this stanza were retained in the +edition of 1836, and were then transferred to the place they occupy in +the final text.—Ed.<br> +<a href="#fr62v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="62v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And to my heart is still endeared<br> + The faith with which ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr62v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="62v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... such thoughts ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr62v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="62A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This and the three following lines were placed here in the +edition of 1836. See note to the previous page.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr62A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section63"></a>To a Butterfly (1)</h2> + +<h4>Composed March 14, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section63a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + <span style="color: #663300;">[Written in the Orchard, Town-end, Grasmere. My sister and I were parted +immediately after the death of our mother, who died in 1778, both being +very young.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood." —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section63a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Stay near me—do not take thy flight!<br> +A little longer stay in sight!<br> +Much converse do I find in thee,<br> +Historian of my infancy!<br> +Float near me; do not yet depart!<br> +Dead times revive in thee:<br> +Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art!<br> +A solemn image to my heart,<br> +My father's family!<br><br> + +Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, <br> +The time, when, in our childish plays,<br> +My sister Emmeline and I<br> +Together chased the butterfly!<br> +A very hunter did I rush<br> +Upon the prey:—with leaps and springs <br> +I followed on from brake to bush;<br> +But she, God love her! feared to brush<br> +The dust from off its wings.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#63n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr63A"></a><a href="#63A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="63A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In the MS. for the edition of 1807 the transcriber (not W. +W.) wrote "Dorothy." This, Wordsworth erased, putting in +"Emmeline."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr63A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="63n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> The text of this poem was never changed. It refers to days +of childhood spent at Cockermouth before 1778. "My sister +Emmeline" is Dorothy Wordsworth. In her <i>Grasmere Journal,</i> +of Sunday, March 14, 1802, the following occurs:</span> + + <blockquote>"While we were at breakfast he" (William) "wrote the poem <i>To a + Butterfly</i>. He ate not a morsel, but sate with his shirt neck + unbuttoned, and his waistcoat open when he did it. The thought first + came upon him as we were talking about the pleasure we both always + felt at the sight of a butterfly. I told him that I used to chase them + a little, but that I was afraid of brushing the dust off their wings, + and did not catch them. He told me how he used to kill all the white + ones when he went to school, because they were Frenchmen. Mr. Simpson + came in just as he was finishing the poem. After he was gone, I wrote + it down, and the other poems, and I read them all over to him.... + William began to try to alter <i>The Butterfly</i>, and tired + himself."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare the later poem <i>To a Butterfly</i> (2) (April 20), p. 297. +—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section64"></a>The Emigrant Mother</h2> + +<h4>Composed March 16th and 17th, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section64a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Suggested by what I have noticed in more than one French fugitive +during the time of the French Revolution. If I am not mistaken the lines +were composed at Sockburn when I was on a visit to Mary and her +brothers.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the editions of 1807 and 1815, this poem had no distinctive title; +but in the Wordsworth circle, it was known from the year 1802 as <i>The +Emigrant Mother</i>, and at least one copy was transcribed with this +title in 1802. It was first published under that name in 1820. It was +revised and altered in 1820, 1827, 1832, 1836, and more especially in +1845.<br> +<br> +In Dorothy Wordsworth's Journal the following entries occur:</span> + + <blockquote> "Tuesday (March 16).—William went up into the orchard, and wrote a + part of <i>The Emigrant Mother</i>."<br> +<br> + "Wednesday.—William went up into the orchard, and finished the + poem.... I went and sate with W., and walked backwards and forwards in + the orchard till dinner-time. He read me his poem."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This poem was included among those "founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section64a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>Once in a lonely hamlet I sojourned<br> +In which a Lady driven from France did dwell;<br> +The big and lesser griefs with which she mourned,<br> +In friendship she to me would often tell.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>This Lady, dwelling upon British ground,<br> +Where she was childless, daily would repair<br> +To a poor neighbouring cottage; as I found,<br> +For sake of a young Child whose home was there.</td> + <td><a name="fr64v1"></a><a href="#64v1">1</a> / <a name="fr64v2"></a><a href="#64v2">2</a><br> + <a name="fr64v3"></a><a href="#64v3">3</a></td> + <td></td> + <td>5</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td></td> +<td>Once having seen her clasp with fond embrace<br> +This Child, I chanted to myself a lay,<br> +Endeavouring, in our English tongue, to trace<br> +Such things as she unto the Babe might say:<br> +And thus, from what I heard and knew, or guessed,<br> +My song the workings of her heart expressed.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v4"></a><a href="#64v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr64v5"></a><a href="#64v5">5</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>"Dear Babe, thou daughter of another, <br> +One moment let me be thy mother!<br> +An infant's face and looks are thine<br> +And sure a mother's heart is mine:<br> +Thy own dear mother's far away,<br> +At labour in the harvest field: <br> +Thy little sister is at play;—<br> +What warmth, what comfort would it yield<br> +To my poor heart, if thou wouldst be<br> +One little hour a child to me!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>"Across the waters I am come, <br> +And I have left a babe at home:<br> +A long, long way of land and sea!<br> +Come to me—I'm no enemy:<br> +I am the same who at thy side<br> +Sate yesterday, and made a nest <br> +For thee, sweet Baby!—thou hast tried,<br> +Thou know'st the pillow of my breast;<br> +Good, good art thou:—alas! to me<br> +Far more than I can be to thee.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>"Here, little Darling, dost thou lie; <br> +An infant thou, a mother I!<br> +Mine wilt thou be, thou hast no fears;<br> +Mine art thou—spite of these my tears.<br> +Alas! before I left the spot,<br> +My baby and its dwelling-place; <br> +The nurse said to me, 'Tears should not<br> +Be shed upon an infant's face,<br> +It was unlucky'—no, no, no;<br> +No truth is in them who say so!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>"My own dear Little-one will sigh, <br> +Sweet Babe! and they will let him die.<br> +'He pines,' they'll say, 'it is his doom,<br> +And you may see his hour is come.'<br> +Oh! had he but thy cheerful smiles,<br> +Limbs stout as thine, and lips as gay, <br> +Thy looks, thy cunning, and thy wiles,<br> +And countenance like a summer's day,<br> +They would have hopes of him;—and then<br> +I should behold his face again!</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>"'Tis gone—like dreams that we forget; <br> +There was a smile or two—yet—yet<br> +I can remember them, I see<br> +The smiles, worth all the world to me.<br> +Dear Baby! I must lay thee down;<br> +Thou troublest me with strange alarms; <br> +Smiles hast thou, bright ones of thy own;<br> +I cannot keep thee in my arms;<br> +For they confound me;—where—where is<br> +That last, that sweetest smile of his?</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr64v6"></a><a href="#64v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v7"></a><a href="#64v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v8"></a><a href="#64v8">8</a></td> + <td></td> + <td>55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>"Oh! how I love thee!—we will stay<br> +Together here this one half day.<br> +My sister's child, who bears my name,<br> +From France to sheltering England came;<br> +She with her mother crossed the sea;<br> +The babe and mother near me dwell:<br> +Yet does my yearning heart to thee<br> +Turn rather, though I love her well:<br> +Rest, little Stranger, rest thee here!<br> +Never was any child more dear!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v9"></a><a href="#64v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v10"></a><a href="#64v10">10</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td>65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VII</span></td> +<td>"—I cannot help it; ill intent<br> +I've none, my pretty Innocent!<br> +I weep—I know they do thee wrong,<br> +These tears—and my poor idle tongue.<br> +Oh, what a kiss was that! my cheek<br> +How cold it is! but thou art good; So<br> +Thine eyes are on me—they would speak,<br> +I think, to help me if they could.<br> +Blessings upon that soft, warm face,<br> +My heart again is in its place!</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v11"></a><a href="#64v11">11</a><br> +<a name="fr64v12"></a><a href="#64v12">12</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td>75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VIII</span></td> +<td>"While thou art mine, my little Love,<br> +This cannot be a sorrowful grove;<br> +Contentment, hope, and mother's glee,<br> +I seem to find them all in thee:<br> +Here's grass to play with, here are flowers;<br> +I'll call thee by my darling's name;<br> +Thou hast, I think, a look of ours,<br> +Thy features seem to me the same;<br> +His little sister thou shalt be;<br> +And, when once more my home I see,<br> +I'll tell him many tales of Thee."<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr64v13"></a><a href="#64v13">13</a><br> +<a name="fr64v14"></a><a href="#64v14">14</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td>85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="64v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This Mother ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... English ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... did ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Once did I see her clasp the Child about,<br> + And take it to herself; and I, next day,<br> + Wish'd in my native tongue to fashion out<br> + Such things as she unto this Child might say: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Once did I see her take with fond embrace<br> + This Infant to herself; and I, next day,<br> + Endeavoured in my native tongue to trace<br> + Such things as she unto the Child might say: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Once, having seen her take with fond embrace<br> + This Infant to herself, I framed a lay,<br> + Endeavouring, in my native tongue, to trace </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And thus, from what I knew, had heard, and guess'd, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>'Tis gone—forgotten—let me do<br> + My best—there was a smile or two,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sweet ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For they confound me: as it is,<br> + I have forgot those smiles of his. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For they bewilder me—even now<br> + <i>His</i> smiles are lost,—I know not how!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote><a name="fr64fa">By</a> those bewildering glances crost<br> + In which the light of his is lost<a href="#64fa"><sup>a</sup></a>. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> From France across the Ocean came; </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My Darling, she is not to me<br> + What thou art! though I love her well:</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But to my heart she cannot be</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And I grow happy while I speak,<br> + Kiss, kiss me, Baby, thou art good. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that quiet face, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A Joy, a Comforter thou art;<br> + Sunshine and pleasure to my heart;<br> + And love and hope and mother's glee,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="64v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My yearnings are allayed by thee,<br> + My heaviness is turned to glee. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr64v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="64fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In a letter to Barron Field (24th Oct. 1828), +Wordsworth says that his substitution of the text of 1827 for that of +1807, was due to the objections of Coleridge.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr64fa">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section65"></a>To the Cuckoo</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed in the Orchard at Town-end, 1804.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>O blithe New-comer! I have heard,<br> +I hear thee and rejoice.<br> +O Cuckoo! shall I call thee Bird,<br> +Or but a wandering Voice?<br><br> + +While I am lying on the grass<br> +Thy twofold shout I hear,<br> +From hill to hill it seems to pass,<br> +At once far off, and near.<br><br> + +Though babbling only to the Vale,<br> +Of sunshine and of flowers,<br> +Thou bringest unto me a tale<br> +Of visionary hours.<br><br> + +Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring!<br> +Even yet thou art to me<br> +No bird, but an invisible thing,<br> +A voice, a mystery;<br><br> + +The same whom in my school-boy days<br> +I listened to; that Cry<br> +Which made me look a thousand ways<br> +In bush, and tree, and sky.<br><br> + +To seek thee did I often rove<br> +Through woods and on the green;<br> +And thou wert still a hope, a love;<br> +Still longed for, never seen.<br><br> + +And I can listen to thee yet;<br> +Can lie upon the plain<br> +And listen, till I do beget<br> +That golden time again.<br><br> + +O blessed Bird! the earth we pace<br> +Again appears to be<br> +An unsubstantial, faery place;<br> +That is fit home for Thee!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#65n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr65v1"></a><a href="#65v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr65v2"></a><a href="#65v2">2</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr65v3"></a><a href="#65v3">3</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr65A"></a><a href="#65A">A</a><br><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="65v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>While I am lying on the grass,<br> + I hear thy restless shout:<br> + From hill to hill it seems to pass,<br> + About, and all about! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thy loud note smites my ear!—<br> + From hill to hill it seems to pass,<br> + At once far off and near! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thy loud note smites my ear!<br> + It seems to fill the whole air's space,<br> + At once far off and near! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> <a name="fr65fa">Thy</a> twofold shout I hear,<br> + That seems to fill the whole air's space,<br> + As loud far off as near<a href="#65fa"><sup>a</sup></a>. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr65v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="65v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> To me, no Babbler with a tale<br> + Of sunshine and of flowers,<br> + Thou tellest, Cuckoo! in the vale </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> I hear thee babbling to the Vale<br> + Of sunshine and of flowers;<br> + And unto me thou bring'st a tale </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> But unto me .... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr65v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="65v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No Bird; but an invisible Thing,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr65v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="65A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "<i>Vox et praterea nihil</i>. See Lipsius 'of the Nightingale.'" </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Barron Field.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr65A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="65fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Barron Field remonstrated with Wordsworth about this +reading, and he agreed to restore that of 1820; saying, at the same +time, that he had "made the change to record a fact observed by +himself."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr65fa">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="65n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">In the chronological lists of his poems, published in 1815 and 1820, +Wordsworth left a blank opposite this one, in the column containing the +year of composition. From 1836 to 1849, the date assigned by him was +1804. But in Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> the following occurs under +date Tuesday, 22nd March 1802:</span> + + <blockquote> "A mild morning. William worked at the Cuckoo poem.... At the closing + in of day, went to sit in the orchard. William came to me, and walked + backwards and forwards. W. repeated the poem to me. I left him there; + and in 20 minutes he came in, rather tired with attempting to write."<br> +<br> + "Friday (March 25).—A beautiful morning. William worked at <i>The + Cuckoo</i>." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It is therefore evident that it belongs to the year 1802; although it +may have been altered and readjusted in 1804. The connection of the +seventh stanza of this poem with the first of that which follows it, "My +heart leaps up," etc., and of both with the <i>Ode, Intimations of +Immortality</i> (vol. viii.), is obvious.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section66"></a>"My heart leaps up when I behold"</h2> + +<h4>Composed March 26, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section66a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood." In 1807 it was +No. 4 of the series called "Moods of my own Mind."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section66a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>My heart leaps up when I behold<br> + A rainbow in the sky:<br> +So was it when my life began;<br> +So is it now I am a man;<br> +So be it when I shall grow old,<br> + Or let me die!<br> +The Child is father of the Man;<br> +And I could wish my days to be<br> +Bound each to each by natural piety.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#66n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr66A"></a><a href="#66A">A</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="66A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Milton's phrase in <i>Paradise Regained</i> (book iv. l. +220):</span> + + <blockquote> 'The childhood shews the man,<br> + As morning shews the day.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Dryden's <i>All for Love</i>, act IV. scene I:</span> + + <blockquote>'Men are but children of a larger growth.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">And Pope's <i>Essay on Man</i>, Ep. iv. l. 175:</span> + + <blockquote> 'The boy and man an individual makes.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Also Chatterton's <i>Fragment</i> (Aldine edition, vol. 1. p. 132):</span> + + <blockquote> 'Nature in the infant marked the man.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr66A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="66n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + + <blockquote> "March 26, 1802.—While I was getting into bed he" (W.) "wrote <i>The + Rainbow.</i>"<br> +<br> + "May 14th.— ... William very nervous. After he was in bed, haunted + with altering <i>The Rainbow.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal</i>.) This poem was known familiarly +in the household as "The Rainbow," although not printed under that +title. The text was never changed.<br> +<br> +In <i>The Friend</i>, vol. i. p. 58 (ed. 1818), Coleridge writes: </span> + + <blockquote>"Men laugh at the falsehoods imposed on them during their childhood, + because they are not good and wise enough to contemplate the past in + the present, and so to produce that continuity in their + self-consciousness, which Nature has made the law of their animal + life. Men are ungrateful to others, only when they have ceased to look + back on their former selves with joy and tenderness. They exist in + fragments." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">He then quotes the above poem, and adds:</span> + + <blockquote> "I am informed that these lines have been cited as a specimen of + despicable puerility. So much the worse for the citer; not willingly + in <i>his</i> presence would I behold the sun setting behind our + mountains.... But let the dead bury their dead! The poet sang for the + living.... I was always pleased with the motto placed under the figure + of the rosemary in old herbals: + + <blockquote> 'Sus, apage! Haud tibi spiro.'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare the passage in <i>The Excursion</i> (book ix. l. 36) beginning:</span> + + <blockquote>'... Ah! why in age<br> + Do we revert so fondly, etc.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">also that in <i>The Prelude</i> (book v. l. 507) beginning:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Our childhood sits.'</blockquote><br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section67"></a>Written in March, while resting on the Bridge at the Foot of Brothers Water</h2> + +<h4>Composed April 16, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section67a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Extempore. This little poem was a favourite with Joanna Baillie.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section67a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The Cock is crowing,<br> + The stream is flowing,<br> + The small birds twitter,<br> + The lake doth glitter,<br> +The green field sleeps in the sun;<br> + The oldest and youngest<br> + Are at work with the strongest;<br> + The cattle are grazing,<br> + Their heads never raising;<br> +There are forty feeding like one!<br><br> + + Like an army defeated<br> + The snow hath retreated,<br> + And now doth fare ill<br> + On the top of the bare hill;<br> +The Ploughboy is whooping—anon—anon:<br> + There's joy in the mountains;<br> + There's life in the fountains;<br> + Small clouds are sailing,<br> + Blue sky prevailing;<br> +The rain is over and gone!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#67n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr67A"></a><a href="#67A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="67A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This line was an afterthought.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr67A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="67n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The text of this poem was never altered. It was not "written in March" +(as the title states), but on the 16th of April (Good Friday) 1802. The +bridge referred to crosses Goldrill Beck, a little below Hartsop in +Patterdale. The following, from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i>, records +the walk from Ullswater, over Kirkstone Pass, to Ambleside:</span> + + <blockquote>"Friday, 16th April (Good Friday).—... When we came to the foot of + Brothers Water, I left William sitting on the bridge, and went along + the path on the right side of the lake through the wood. I was + delighted with what I saw: the water under the boughs of the bare old + trees, the simplicity of the mountains, and the exquisite beauty of + the path. There was one grey cottage. I repeated <i>The Glowworm</i> as I + walked along. I hung over the gate, and thought I could have stayed + for ever. When I returned, I found William writing a poem descriptive + of the sights and sounds we saw and heard. There was the gentle + flowing of the stream, the glittering lively lake, green fields, + without a living creature to be seen on them; behind us, a flat + pasture with forty-two cattle feeding; to our left, the road leading + to the hamlet. No smoke there, the sun shone on the bare roofs. The + people were at work, ploughing, harrowing, and sowing; lasses working; + a dog barking now and then; cocks crowing, birds twittering; the snow + in patches at the top of the highest hills; yellow palms, purple and + green twigs on the birches, ashes with their glittering stems quite + bare. The hawthorn a bright green, with black stems under the oak. The + moss of the oaks glossy.... As we went up the vale of Brothers Water, + more and more cattle feeding, a hundred of them. William finished his + poem before we got to the foot of Kirkstone. There were hundreds of + cattle in the vale.... The walk up Kirkstone was very interesting. The + becks among the rocks were all alive. William shewed me the little + mossy streamlet which he had before loved, when he saw its bright + green track in the snow. The view above Ambleside very beautiful. + There we sate, and looked down on the green vale. We watched the crows + at a little distance from us become white as silver, as they flew in + the sunshine; and, when they went still farther, they looked like + shapes of water passing over the green fields."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section68"></a>The Redbreast chasing the Butterfly<a href="#68A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed April 18, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section68a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Observed, as described, in the then beautiful orchard, +Town-end, Grasmere.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems of the Fancy."<br> +<br> +In some editions this poem is assigned to the year 1806; +but, in Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> the following occurs, under +date "Sunday, 18th" (April 1802):</span> + + <blockquote>"A mild grey morning with rising vapours. We sate in the orchard. + William wrote the poem on the Robin and the Butterfly.... W. met me at + Rydal with the conclusion of the poem to the Robin. I read it to him + in bed. We left out some lines."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section68a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Art thou the bird whom Man loves best,<br> +The pious bird with the scarlet breast,<br> + Our little English Robin;<br> +The bird that comes about our doors<br> +When Autumn-winds are sobbing?<br> +Art thou the Peter of Norway Boors?<br> + Their Thomas in Finland,<br> + And Russia far inland?<br> +The bird, that by some name or other<br> +All men who know thee call their brother,<br> +The darling of children and men?<br> +Could Father Adam open his eyes<br> +And see this sight beneath the skies,<br> +He'd wish to close them again.<br> +—If the Butterfly knew but his friend,<br> +Hither his flight he would bend;<br> +And find his way to me,<br> +Under the branches of the tree:<br> +In and out, he darts about;<br> +Can this be the bird, to man so good,<br> +That, after their bewildering,<br> +Covered with leaves the little children,<br> + So painfully in the wood?<br><br> + +What ailed thee, Robin, that thou could'st pursue<br> + A beautiful creature,<br> +That is gentle by nature?<br> +Beneath the summer sky<br> +From flower to flower let him fly;<br> +'Tis all that he wishes to do.<br> +The cheerer Thou of our in-door sadness,<br> +He is the friend of our summer gladness:<br> +What hinders, then, that ye should be<br> +Playmates in the sunny weather,<br> +And fly about in the air together!<br> +His beautiful wings in crimson are drest,<br> +A crimson as bright as thine own:<br> +Would'st thou be happy in thy nest,<br> +O pious Bird! whom man loves best,<br> +Love him, or leave him alone!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr68v1"></a><a href="#68v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr68v2"></a><a href="#68v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr68v3"></a><a href="#68v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr68v4"></a><a href="#68v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr68v5"></a><a href="#68v5">5</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr68B"></a><a href="#68B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr68C"></a><a href="#68C">C</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="68v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1849</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... whom ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... who ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr68v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> In and out, he darts about;<br> + His little heart is throbbing:<br> + Can this be the Bird, to man so good,<br> + Our consecrated Robin!<br> + That, after ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Robin! Robin!<br> + His little heart is throbbing;<br> + Can this ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr68v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Did cover ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr68v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Like thine own breast<br> + His beautiful wings in crimson are drest,<br> + As if he were bone of thy bone.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Like the hues of thy breast<br> + His beautiful wings in crimson are drest,<br> + A brother he seems of thine own:</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in the air together!<br> + His beautiful bosom is drest,<br> + In crimson as bright as thine own: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1836 resumes the text of 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr68v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>If thou would'st be ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr68v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="68A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The title, in the editions 1807 to 1820, was <i>The Redbreast +and the Butterfly</i>. In the editions 1827 to 1843 it was <i>The Redbreast +and Butterfly</i>. The final title was given in 1845.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section68">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Cowley:</span> + + <blockquote> 'And Robin Redbreasts whom men praise,<br> + For pious birds.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr68B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="68C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> See <i>Paradise Lost</i>, book XI., where Adam points out to Eve +the ominous sign of the Eagle chasing "two Birds of gayest plume," and +the gentle Hart and Hind pursued by their enemy.—W. W. 1815.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The passage in book XI. of <i>Paradise Lost</i> includes lines 185-90.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr68C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section69"></a>To a Butterfly (2)</h2> + +<h4>Composed April 20, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section69a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at the same time and place. The Orchard, Grasmere Town-end, +1801.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section69a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I've watch'd you now a full half-hour,<br> +Self-poised upon that yellow flower;<br> +And, little Butterfly! indeed<br> +I know not if you sleep or feed.<br> +How motionless!—not frozen seas<br> +More motionless! and then<br> +What joy awaits you, when the breeze<br> +Hath found you out among the trees,<br> +And calls you forth again!<br><br> + +This plot of orchard-ground is ours;<br> +My trees they are, my Sister's flowers;<br> +Here rest your wings when they are weary;<br> +Here lodge as in a sanctuary!<br> +Come often to us, fear no wrong;<br> +Sit near us on the bough!<br> +We'll talk of sunshine and of song,<br> +And summer days, when we were young;<br> +Sweet childish days, that were as long<br> +As twenty days are now.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#69n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr69v1"></a><a href="#69v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr69v2"></a><a href="#69v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="69v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... short ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 reverts to the reading of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr69v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="69v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Stop here whenever you are weary,<br> + And rest as in a sanctuary! </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And feed ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr69v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="69n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth's date, as given to Miss Fenwick, is incorrect. +In her <i>Journal</i>, April 20, 1802, Dorothy Wordsworth +writes:</span> + + <blockquote>"William wrote a conclusion to the poem of <i>The Butterfly</i>, 'I've + watch'd you now a full half-hour.'"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This, and the structure of the two poems, makes it probable that the +latter was originally meant to be a sort of conclusion to the <a href="#section63">former</a> (p. +283); but they were always printed as separate poems.<br> +<br> +Many of the "flowers" in the orchard at Dove Cottage were planted by +Dorothy Wordsworth, and some of the "trees" by William. The "summer +days" of childhood are referred to in <a href="#section63">the previous poem</a>, <i>To a +Butterfly</i>, written on the 14th of March 1802.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section70"></a>Foresight</h2> + +<h4>Composed April 28, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section70a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Also composed in the Orchard, Town-end, Grasmere.— I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">Included among the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section70a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>That is work of waste and ruin—<br> +Do as Charles and I are doing!<br> +Strawberry-blossoms, one and all,<br> +We must spare them—here are many:<br> +Look at it—the flower is small,<br> +Small and low, though fair as any:<br> +Do not touch it! summers two<br> +I am older, Anne, than you.<br> +Pull the primrose, sister Anne!<br> +Pull as many as you can.<br> +—Here are daisies, take your fill;<br> +Pansies, and the cuckoo-flower:<br> +Of the lofty daffodil<br> +Make your bed, or make your bower;<br> +Fill your lap, and fill your bosom;<br> +Only spare the strawberry-blossom!<br><br> + +Primroses, the Spring may love them—<br> +Summer knows but little of them:<br> +Violets, a barren kind,<br> +Withered on the ground must lie;<br> +Daisies leave no fruit behind<br> +When the pretty flowerets die;<br> +Pluck them, and another year<br> +As many will be blowing here.<br><br> + +God has given a kindlier power<br> +To the favoured strawberry-flower.<br> +Hither soon as spring is fled<br> +You and Charles and I will walk;<br> +Lurking berries, ripe and red,<br> +Then will hang on every stalk,<br> +Each within its leafy bower;<br> +And for that promise spare the flower!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#70n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr70v1"></a><a href="#70v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr70v2"></a><a href="#70v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr70v3"></a><a href="#70v3">3</a><br><br> + +<a name="fr70v4"></a><a href="#70v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr70v5"></a><a href="#70v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="70v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That is work which I am rueing—</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr70v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="70v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr70v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="70v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Violets, do what they will,<br> + Wither'd on the ground must lie;<br> + Daisies will be daisies still;<br> + Daisies they must live and die:<br> + Fill your lap, and fill your bosom,<br> + Only spare the Strawberry-blossom! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr70v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="70v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This last stanza was added in the edition of 1815.</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr70v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="70v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When the months of spring are fled<br> + Hither let us bend our walk;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr70v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="70n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The full title of this poem, in the editions of 1807 to 1832, was +<i>Foresight, or the Charge of a Child to his younger Companion</i>, but it +was originally known in the household as "Children gathering Flowers." +The shortened title was adopted in 1836. The following is from Dorothy +Wordsworth's <i>Journal:</i></span> + + <blockquote>"Wednesday, 28th April (1802).—Copied the <i>Prioress's Tale</i>. William + was in the orchard. I went to him; he worked away at his poem, though + he was ill, and tired. I happened to say that when I was a child I + would not have pulled a strawberry blossom; I left him, and wrote out + the <i>Manciple's Tale</i>. At dinner time he came in with the poem of + <i>Children gathering Flowers,</i> but it was not quite finished, and it + kept him long from his dinner. It is now done. He is working at <i>The + Tinker.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">At an earlier date in the same year,—Jan. 31st, 1802,—the following +occurs:</span> + + <blockquote>"I found a strawberry blossom in a rock. The little slender flower had + more courage than the green leaves, for <i>they</i> were but half expanded + and half grown, but the blossom was spread full out. I uprooted it + rashly, and I felt as if I had been committing an outrage; so I + planted it again. It will have but a stormy life of it, but let it + live if it can."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">With this poem compare a parallel passage in Marvel's <i>The Picture of T. +C. in a Prospect of Flowers</i>:</span> + + <blockquote> 'But oh, young beauty of the woods,<br> + Whom nature courts with fruits and flowers,<br> + Gather the flowers, but spare the buds;<br> + Lest Flora, angry at thy crime<br> + To kill her infants in their prime,<br> + Should quickly make the example yours;<br> + And, ere we see,<br> + Nip in the blossom all our hopes in thee.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section71"></a>To the Small Celandine<a href="#71A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed April 30, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section71a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. It is remarkable that this flower, +coming out so early in the spring as it does, and so bright and +beautiful, and in such profusion, should not have been noticed earlier +in English verse. What adds much to the interest that attends it is its +habit of shutting itself up and opening out according to the degree of +light and temperature of the air.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy." In the original MS. this poem is called +<i>To the lesser Celandine</i>, but in the proof "small" was substituted for +"lesser."<br> +<br> +In Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> the following occurs, under date April +30, 1802:</span> + + <blockquote>"We came into the orchard directly after breakfast, and sat there. The + lake was calm, the sky cloudy. William began to write the poem of <i>The + Celandine</i>.... I walked backwards and forwards with William. He + repeated his poem to me, then he got to work again, and would not give + over."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section71a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Pansies, lilies, kingcups, daisies,<br> +Let them live upon their praises;<br> +Long as there's a sun that sets,<br> +Primroses will have their glory;<br> +Long as there are violets,<br> +They will have a place in story:<br> +There's a flower that shall be mine,<br> +'Tis the little Celandine.<br><br> + +Eyes of some men travel far<br> +For the finding of a star;<br> +Up and down the heavens they go,<br> +Men that keep a mighty rout!<br> +I'm as great as they, I trow,<br> +Since the day I found thee out,<br> +Little Flower!—I'll make a stir,<br> +Like a sage astronomer.<br><br> + +Modest, yet withal an Elf<br> +Bold, and lavish of thyself;<br> +Since we needs must first have met<br> +I have seen thee, high and low,<br> +Thirty years or more, and yet<br> +'Twas a face I did not know;<br> +Thou hast now, go where I may,<br> +Fifty greetings in a day.<br><br> + +Ere a leaf is on a bush,<br> +In the time before the thrush<br> +Has a thought about her nest,<br> +Thou wilt come with half a call,<br> +Spreading out thy glossy breast<br> +Like a careless Prodigal;<br> +Telling tales about the sun,<br> +When we've little warmth, or none.<br><br> + +Poets, vain men in their mood!<br> +Travel with the multitude:<br> +Never heed them; I aver<br> +That they all are wanton wooers;<br> +But the thrifty cottager,<br> +Who stirs little out of doors,<br> +Joys to spy thee near her home;<br> +Spring is coming, Thou art come!<br> +<br> +Comfort have thou of thy merit,<br> +Kindly, unassuming Spirit!<br> +Careless of thy neighbourhood,<br> +Thou dost show thy pleasant face<br> +On the moor, and in the wood,<br> +In the lane;—there's not a place,<br> +Howsoever mean it be,<br> +But 'tis good enough for thee.<br><br> + +Ill befal the yellow flowers,<br> +Children of the flaring hours!<br> +Buttercups, that will be seen,<br> +Whether we will see or no;<br> +Others, too, of lofty mien;<br> +They have done as worldlings do,<br> +Taken praise that should be thine,<br> +Little, humble Celandine!<br><br> + +Prophet of delight and mirth,<br> +Ill-requited upon earth;<br> +Herald of a mighty band,<br> +Of a joyous train ensuing,<br> +Serving at my heart's command,<br> +Tasks that are no tasks renewing,<br> +I will sing, as doth behove,<br> +Hymns in praise of what I love!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr71v1"></a><a href="#71v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr71v2"></a><a href="#71v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr71v3"></a><a href="#71v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr71v4"></a><a href="#71v4">4</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr71B"></a><a href="#71B">B</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="71v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... great ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr71v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="71v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... it's ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr71v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="71v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Scorn'd and slighted ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr71v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="71v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Singing at my heart's command,<br> + In the lanes my thoughts pursuing,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr71v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="71A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> Common Pilewort.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<a href="#section71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="71B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The following stanza was inserted in the editions of +1836-1843:</span> + + <blockquote>'Drawn by what peculiar spell,<br> + By what charm for sight or smell,<br> + Do those wingèd dim-eyed creatures,<br> + Labourers sent from waxen cells,<br> + Settle on thy brilliant features,<br> + In neglect of buds and bells<br> + Opening daily at thy side,<br> + By the season multiplied?'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In 1845 it was transferred to the following poem, where it will be +found, with a change of text.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr71B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section72"></a>To the Same Flower</h2> + +<h4>Composed May 1, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Pleasures newly found are sweet<br> +When they lie about our feet:<br> +February last, my heart<br> +First at sight of thee was glad;<br> +All unheard of as thou art,<br> +Thou must needs, I think, have had,<br> +Celandine! and long ago,<br> +Praise of which I nothing know.<br><br> + +I have not a doubt but he,<br> +Whosoe'er the man might be,<br> +Who the first with pointed rays<br> +(Workman worthy to be sainted)<br> +Set the sign-board in a blaze,<br> +When the rising sun he painted,<br> +Took the fancy from a glance<br> +At thy glittering countenance.<br><br> + +Soon as gentle breezes bring<br> +News of winter's vanishing,<br> +And the children build their bowers,<br> +Sticking 'kerchief-plots of mould<br> +All about with full-blown flowers,<br> +Thick as sheep in shepherd's fold!<br> +With the proudest thou art there,<br> +Mantling in the tiny square.<br><br> + +Often have I sighed to measure<br> +By myself a lonely pleasure,<br> +Sighed to think, I read a book<br> +Only read, perhaps, by me;<br> +Yet I long could overlook<br> +Thy bright coronet and Thee,<br> +And thy arch and wily ways,<br> +And thy store of other praise.<br><br> + +Blithe of heart, from week to week<br> +Thou dost play at hide-and-seek;<br> +While the patient primrose sits<br> +Like a beggar in the cold,<br> +Thou, a flower of wiser wits,<br> +Slip'st into thy sheltering hold;<br> +Liveliest of the vernal train<br> +When ye all are out again.<br><br> + +Drawn by what peculiar spell,<br> +By what charm of sight or smell,<br> +Does the dim-eyed curious Bee,<br> +Labouring for her waxen cells,<br> +Fondly settle upon Thee<br> +Prized above all buds and bells<br> +Opening daily at thy side,<br> +By the season multiplied?<br><br> + +Thou art not beyond the moon,<br> +But a thing "beneath our shoon:"<br> +Let the bold Discoverer thrid<br> +In his bark the polar sea;<br> +Rear who will a pyramid;<br> +Praise it is enough for me,<br> +If there be but three or four<br> +Who will love my little Flower.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#72n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr72v1"></a><a href="#72v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr72v2"></a><a href="#72v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr72v3"></a><a href="#72v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr72v4"></a><a href="#72v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr72v5"></a><a href="#72v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr72A"></a><a href="#72A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="72v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... risen ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr72v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="72v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... shelter'd ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr72v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="72v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Bright as any of the train</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr72v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="72v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>This stanza was added in 1845. (See <a href="#71B">note</a>, p. 302.)]</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr72v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="72v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Let, as old Magellen did,<br> + Others roam about the sea;<br> + Build who will a pyramid<a href="#72fa"><sup>a</sup></a>; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Let, with bold advent'rous skill,<br> + Others thrid the polar sea;<br> + Rear a pyramid who will;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Let the bold Adventurer thrid<br> + In his bark the polar sea;<br> + Rear who will a pyramid; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr72v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="72A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This may be an imperfect reminiscence of <i>Comus</i>, ll. +634-5.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr72A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="72fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Barron Field asked Wordsworth to restore these lines of +1807, and Wordsworth promised to do so, but never did it.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#72v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="72n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is an extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Grasmere Journal.</i> Saturday, May 1.</span> + + <blockquote> "A heavenly morning. We went into the garden, and sowed the scarlet + beans about the house. It was a clear sky. I sowed the flowers, + William helped me. We then went and sat in the orchard till dinner + time. It was very hot. William wrote <i>The Celandine</i> (second part). We + planned a shed, for the sun was too much for us."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section73"></a>Stanzas written in my Pocket Copy of Thomson's <i>Castle of Indolence</i></h2> + +<h4>Begun 9th May, finished 11th May, 1802.—Published 1815</h4> + +<a href="#section73a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed in the orchard, Town-end, Grasmere, Coleridge living with us +much at this time: his son Hartley has said, that his father's character +and habits are here preserved in a livelier way than in anything that +has been written about him. I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section73a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Within our happy Castle there dwelt One<br> +Whom without blame I may not overlook;<br> +For never sun on living creature shone<br> +Who more devout enjoyment with us took:<br> +Here on his hours he hung as on a book,<br> +On his own time here would he float away,<br> +As doth a fly upon a summer brook;<br> +But go to-morrow, or belike to-day,<br> +Seek for him,—he is fled; and whither none can say.<br><br> + +Thus often would he leave our peaceful home,<br> +And find elsewhere his business or delight;<br> +Out of our Valley's limits did he roam:<br> +Full many a time, upon a stormy night,<br> +His voice came to us from the neighbouring height:<br> +Oft could we see him driving full in view<br> +At midday when the sun was shining bright;<br> +What ill was on him, what he had to do,<br> +A mighty wonder bred among our quiet crew.<br><br> + +Ah! piteous sight it was to see this Man<br> +When he came back to us, a withered flower,—<br> +Or like a sinful creature, pale and wan.<br> +Down would he sit; and without strength or power<br> +Look at the common grass from hour to hour:<br> +And oftentimes, how long I fear to say,<br> +Where apple-trees in blossom made a bower,<br> +Retired in that sunshiny shade he lay;<br> +And, like a naked Indian, slept himself away.<br><br> + +Great wonder to our gentle tribe it was<br> +Whenever from our Valley he withdrew;<br> +For happier soul no living creature has<br> +Than he had, being here the long day through.<br> +Some thought he was a lover, and did woo:<br> +Some thought far worse of him, and judged him wrong;<br> +But verse was what he had been wedded to;<br> +And his own mind did like a tempest strong <br> +Come to him thus, and drove the weary Wight along.<br><br> + +With him there often walked in friendly guise,<br> +Or lay upon the moss by brook or tree,<br> +A noticeable Man with large grey eyes,<br> +And a pale face that seemed undoubtedly<br> +As if a blooming face it ought to be;<br> +Heavy his low-hung lip did oft appear,<br> +Deprest by weight of musing Phantasy;<br> +Profound his forehead was, though not severe;<br> +Yet some did think that he had little business here:<br><br> + +Sweet heaven forefend! his was a lawful right;<br> +Noisy he was, and gamesome as a boy;<br> +His limbs would toss about him with delight<br> +Like branches when strong winds the trees annoy.<br> +Nor lacked his calmer hours device or toy<br> +To banish listlessness and irksome care;<br> +He would have taught you how you might employ<br> +Yourself; and many did to him repair,—<br> +And certes not in vain; he had inventions rare.<br><br> + +Expedients, too, of simplest sort he tried:<br> +Long blades of grass, plucked round him as he lay,<br> +Made, to his ear attentively applied,<br> +A pipe on which the wind would deftly play;<br> +Glasses he had, that little things display,<br> +The beetle panoplied in gems and gold,<br> +A mailed angel on a battle-day;<br> +The mysteries that cups of flowers enfold,<br> +And all the gorgeous sights which fairies do behold.<br><br> + +He would entice that other Man to hear<br> +His music, and to view his imagery:<br> +And, sooth, these two were each to the other dear:<br> +No livelier love in such a place could be:<br> +There did they dwell-from earthly labour free,<br> +As happy spirits as were ever seen;<br> +If but a bird, to keep them company,<br> +Or butterfly sate down, they were, I ween,<br> +As pleased as if the same had been a Maiden-queen.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#73n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73v1"></a><a href="#73v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73v2"></a><a href="#73v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr73v3"></a><a href="#73v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73v4"></a><a href="#73v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73A"></a><a href="#73A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73B"></a><a href="#73B">B</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr73C"></a><a href="#73C">C</a><br><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="73v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... did ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr73v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="73v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The beetle with his radiance manifold, </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr73v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="73v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And cups of flowers, and herbage green and gold; </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr73v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="73v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And, sooth, these two did love each other dear,<br> + As far as love in such a place could be; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr73v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="73A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare</span> + + <blockquote> 'And oft he traced the uplands to survey,<br> + When o'er the sky advanced the kindling dawn,<br> + The crimson cloud.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Beattie's <i>Minstrel</i>, book I, st. 20.</span> + + <blockquote> 'And oft the craggy cliff he loved to climb<br> + When all in mist the world below was lost.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Book I. st. 21.</span> + + '<blockquote>And of each gentle, and each dreadful scene<br> + In darkness, and in storm, he found delight.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Book I. st. 22. Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr73A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="73B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare the stanza in <i>A Poet's Epitaph</i> (p. 77), beginning</span> + + <blockquote>'He is retired as noontide dew.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr73B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="73C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Many years ago Canon Ainger pointed out to me a parallel +between Beattie's description of <i>The Minstrel</i> and Wordsworth's account +of himself in this poem. It is somewhat curious that Dorothy Wordsworth, +writing to Miss Pollard from Forncett in 1793, quotes the line from <i>The +Minstrel</i>, book I. stanza 22, </span> + +<blockquote>"In truth he was a strange and wayward wight," </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and adds</span> + +<blockquote>"That verse of Beattie's <i>Minstrel</i> always reminds me +of him, and indeed the whole character of Edwin resembles much what +William was when I first knew him after leaving Halifax." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Mr. T. +Hutchinson called the attention of Professor Dowden to the same +resemblance between the two pictures. With lines 35, 36, compare in +Shelley's <i>Adonais</i>, stanza xxxi.:</span> + + <blockquote> 'And his own thoughts, along that rugged way,<br> + Pursued, like raging hounds, their father and their prey.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr73C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="73n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">There can now be no doubt that, in the first four of these <i>Stanzas</i>, +Wordsworth refers to himself; and that, in the last four, he refers to +Coleridge. For a time it was uncertain whether in the earlier stanzas he +had Coleridge, or himself, in view; and whether, in the later ones, some +one else was, or was not, described. De Quincey, quoting (as he often +did) in random fashion, mixes up extracts from each set of the stanzas, +and applies them both to Coleridge; and Dorothy Wordsworth, in her +<i>Journal</i>, gives apparent (though only apparent) sanction to a reverse +order of allusion, by writing of "the stanzas about C. and himself" (her +brother). The following are her references to the poem in that <i>Journal:</i></span> + + <blockquote>"9th May (1802).-After tea he (W.) wrote two stanzas in the manner of + Thomson's <i>Castle of Indolence</i>, and was tired out.<br> +<br> + "10th May.—William still at work, though it is past ten o'clock ... + William did not sleep till three o'clock."<br> +<br> + "11th May.—William finished the stanzas about C. and himself. He did + not go out to-day. ... He completely finished his poem. He went to bed + at twelve o'clock." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">From these extracts two things are evident, </span> +<ol type="1"> + + <li>who the persons are described in the stanzas, and </li> + + <li>the immense labour bestowed upon the poem.</li> +</ol> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In the <i>Memoirs of Wordsworth</i>, by the late Bishop of Lincoln, there is +a passage (vol. ii. chap. li. p. 309) amongst the "Personal +Reminiscences, 1836," in which the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge virtually +decides the question of the identity of the two persons referred to, in +his record of a conversation with the poet. It is as follows:</span> + + <blockquote>"October 10th.—I have passed a great many hours to-day with + Wordsworth in his home. I stumbled on him with proof sheets before + him. He read me nearly all the sweet stanzas written in his copy of + the <i>Castle of Indolence</i>, describing himself and my uncle; and he and + Mrs. W. both assured me the description of the latter at that time was + perfectly accurate; and he was almost as a great boy in feelings, and + had all the tricks and fancies there described. Mrs. W. seemed to look + back on him, and those times, with the fondest affection."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">I think "the neighbouring height" referred to is the height of White +Moss Common, behind the Fir-Grove, where Wordsworth was often heard +murmuring out his verses," booing" as the country folks said: and the</span> + + <blockquote> 'driving full in view<br> + At midday when the sun was shining bright,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">aptly describes his habits as recorded in his sister's <i>Journal</i>, and +elsewhere. The "withered flower," the "creature pale and wan," are +significant of those terrible reactions of spirit, which followed his +joyous hours of insight and inspiration. Stanzas IV. to VII. of +<i>Resolution and Independence</i> (p. 314), in which Wordsworth undoubtedly +described himself, may be compared with stanza III. of this poem. The +lines</span> + + <blockquote> 'Down would he sit; and without strength or power<br> + Look at the common grass from hour to hour,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">are aptly illustrated by such passages in his sister's <i>Journal</i>, as the +following, of 29th April 1802:</span> + + <blockquote>"We went to John's Grove, sate a while at first; afterwards William + lay, and I lay in the trench, under the fence—he with his eyes + closed, and listening to the waterfalls and the birds. There was no + one waterfall above another—it was a kind of water in the air—the + voice of the air. We were unseen by one another."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Again, April 23rd,</span> + + <blockquote> "Coleridge and I pushed on before. We left William sitting on the + stones, feasting with silence."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">And this recalls the first verse of <i>Expostulation and Reply</i>, written +at Alfoxden in 1798;</span> + + <blockquote>Why, William, on that old grey stone,<br> + Thus for the length of half a day,<br> + Why, William, sit you thus alone,<br> + And dream your time away?'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The retreat where "apple-trees in blossom made a bower," and where he so +often "slept himself away," was evidently the same as that described in +the poem <i>The Green Linnet</i>:</span> + + <blockquote>'Beneath these fruit-tree boughs that shed<br> + Their snow white blossoms on my head.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">On the other hand, the "low-hung lip" and "profound" forehead of the +other, the "noticeable Man with large grey eyes," mark him out as S. T. +C.; "the rapt One, of the god-like forehead," described in the +<i>Extempore Effusion upon the Death of James Hogg</i>. The description +"Noisy he was, and gamesome as a boy," is verified by what the poet and +his wife said to Mr. Justice Coleridge in 1836. In addition, Mr. +Hutchinson of Kimbolton tells me he "often heard his father say that +Coleridge was uproarious in his mirth."<br> +<br> +Matthew Arnold wrote me an interesting letter some years ago about these +stanzas, from which I make the following extract:</span> + + <blockquote> "When one looks uneasily at a poem it is easy to fidget oneself + further, and neither the Wordsworth nor the Coleridge of our common + notions seem to be exactly hit off in the <i>Stanzas</i>; still, I believe + that the first described is Wordsworth and that the second described + is Coleridge. I have myself heard Wordsworth speak of his prolonged + exhausting wanderings among the hills. Then Miss Fenwick's notes show + that Coleridge is certainly one of the two personages of the poem, and + there are points in the description of the second man which suit him + very well. The <i>profound forehead</i> is a touch akin to the <i>god-like + forehead</i> in the mention of Coleridge in a later poem.<br> +<br> + "I have a sort of recollection of having heard something about the + <i>inventions rare,</i> and Coleridge is certain to have dabbled, at one + time or other, in natural philosophy."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In 1796 Coleridge wrote to his friend Cottle from Nether Stowey:</span> + + <blockquote> " ... I should not think of devoting less than 20 years to an Epic + Poem: ten to collect materials and warm my mind with universal + science. I would be a tolerable Mathematician, I would thoroughly know + Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Optics, and Astronomy, Botany, Metallurgy, + Fossilism, Chemistry, Geology, Anatomy, Medicine—then the <i>mind of + man</i>—then the <i>minds of men</i>—in all Travels, Voyages, and Histories. + So I would spend ten years—the next five to the composition of the + poem—and the last five to the correction of it. So would I write, + haply not unhearing of the divine and rightly whispering Voice," etc.</blockquote> + +Mr. T. Hutchinson (Dublin) writes in <i>The Athenæum</i>, Dec. 15, 1894: + + <blockquote>"I take it for granted these lines were written, not only on the + fly-leaf of Wordsworth's copy of the <i>Castle of Indolence</i>, but also + by way of Supplement to that poem; i. e. as an <i>addendum</i> to the + descriptive list of the denizens of the Castle given in stanzas + LVII-LXIX of Canto I.; that, in short, they are meant to be read as + though they were an after-thought of James Thomson's. Their author, + therefore, has rightly imparted to them the curiously blended flavour + of <i>romantic melancholy and slippered mirth,</i> of dreamlike vagueness + and smiling hyperbole, which forms the distinctive mark of Thomson's + poem; and thus the Poet and the Philosopher-Friend of Wordsworth's + stanzas, like Thomson's companion sketches of the splenetic Solitary, + the <i>bard more fat than bard beseems,</i> and the <i>little, round, fat, + oily Man of God,</i> are neither more nor less than gentle caricatures."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It has been suggested by Coleridge's grandson that Wordsworth was +describing S. T. C. in all the stanzas of this poem; that he drew two +separate pictures of him; in the first four stanzas a realistic +"character portrait," and in the last four a "companion picture, +figuring the outward semblance of Coleridge, but embodying +characteristics drawn from a third person"; so that we have a "fancy +sketch" mixed up with a real one. I cannot agree with this. The +evidence against it is</span> +<ol type="1"> + <li>Dorothy Wordsworth's Journal; </li> +<li> the poet's and his wife's remarks to Mr. Justice Coleridge; </li> +<li> the fact that Wordsworth was not in the habit of "passing from + realism into artistic composition," except where he distinctly + indicated it, as in the case of the Hawkshead Schoolmaster, in the + "Matthew" poems. Such composite or conglomerate work was quite + foreign to Wordsworth's genius.</li> +</ol> +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section74"></a>Resolution and Independence</h2> + +<h4>Begun May 3, finished July 4, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section74a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. This old man I met a few hundred yards +from my cottage; and the account of him is taken from his own mouth. I +was in the state of feeling described in the beginning of the poem, +while crossing over Barton Fell from Mr. Clarkson's, at the foot of +Ullswater, towards Askham. The image of the hare I then observed on the +ridge of the Fell.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This poem was known in the Wordsworth household as "The Leech-Gatherer," +although it never received that name in print. An entry in Dorothy +Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> of Friday, 3rd October 1800, may preface what she +wrote in 1802 about the composition of the poem.</span> + + <blockquote> "When William and I returned from accompanying Jones, we met an old + man almost double. He had on a coat thrown over his shoulders above + his waistcoat and coat. Under this he carried a bundle, and had an + apron on, and a night-cap. His face was interesting. He had dark eyes, + and a long nose. John, who afterwards met him at Wytheburn, took him + for a Jew. He was of Scotch parents, but had been born in the army. He + had had a wife, 'and a good woman, and it pleased God to bless him + with ten children.' All these were dead but one, of whom he had not + heard for many years, a sailor. His trade was to gather leeches; but + now leeches were scarce, and he had not strength for it. He lived by + begging, and was making his way to Carlisle where he would buy a few + books to sell. He said leeches were very scarce, partly owing to this + dry season; but many years they had been scarce. He supposed it was + owing to their being much sought after; that they did not breed fast; + and were of slow growth. Leeches were formerly 2s. 6d. the 100; now + they were 30s. He had been hurt in driving a cart, his leg broken, his + body driven over, his skull fractured. He felt no pain till he + recovered from his first insensibility. It was late in the evening, + when the light was just going away."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It is most likely that this walk of William and Dorothy Wordsworth +"accompanying Jones," was on the day of Jones's departure from Dove +Cottage, viz. 26th September.<br> +<br> +The <i>Journal</i> continues:</span> + + <blockquote>"Tuesday, 4th May, 1802.—Though William went to bed nervous and jaded + in the extreme, he rose refreshed. I wrote out <i>The Leech-Gatherer</i> + for him, which he had begun the night before, and of which he wrote + several stanzas in bed this morning...."<br> +<br> + (They started to walk up the Raise to Wytheburn.)<br> +<br> + "It was very hot; we rested several times by the way, read, and + repeated <i>The Leech-Gatherer.</i>"<br> +<br> + "Friday, 7th May.—William had slept uncommonly well, so, feeling + himself strong, he fell to work at <i>The Leech-Gatherer</i>; he wrote hard + at it till dinner time, then he gave over, tired to death—he had + finished the poem."<br> +<br> + "Sunday morning, 9th May.—William worked at <i>The Leech-Gatherer</i> + almost incessantly from morning till tea-time. I copied <i>The + Leech-Gatherer</i> and other poems for Coleridge. I was oppressed and + sick at heart, for he wearied himself to death."<br> +<br> + "Sunday, 4th July.—... William finished <i>The Leech-Gatherer</i> to-day."<br> +<br> + "Monday, 5th July.—I copied out <i>The Leech-Gatherer</i> for Coleridge, + and for us."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">From these extracts it is clear that Dorothy Wordsworth considered the +poem as "finished" on the 7th of May, and on the 9th she sent a copy to +Coleridge; but that it was not till the 4th of July that it was really +finished, and then a second copy was forwarded to Coleridge. It is +impossible to say from which of the two MSS. sent to him Coleridge +transcribed the copy which he forwarded to Sir George Beaumont. From +that copy of a copy (which is now amongst the Beaumont MSS. at +Coleorton) the various readings given, on Coleridge's authority, in the +notes to the poem, were obtained some years ago.<br> +<br> +The Fenwick note to the poem illustrates Wordsworth's habit of blending +in one description details which were originally separate, both as to +time and place. The scenery and the incidents of the poem are alike +composite. As he tells us that he met the leech-gatherer a few hundred +yards from Dove Cottage, the "lonely place" with its "pool, bare to the +eye of heaven," at once suggests White Moss Common and its small tarn; +but he adds that, in the opening stanzas of the poem, he is describing a +state of feeling he was in, when crossing the fells at the foot of +Ullswater to Askam, and that the image of the hare "running races in her +mirth," with the glittering mist accompanying her, was observed by him, +not on White Moss Common, but in one of the ridges of Moor Divock. To H. +C. Robinson he said of the "Leech-Gatherer" (Sept. 10, 1816), that "he +gave to his poetic character powers of mind which his original did not +possess." (Robinson's <i>Diary</i>, etc., vol. ii. p. 24.)<br> +<br> +One of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section74a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><i>stanza</i></td> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">I</span></td> +<td>There was a roaring in the wind all night;<br> +The rain came heavily and fell in floods;<br> +But now the sun is rising calm and bright;<br> +The birds are singing in the distant woods;<br> +Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;<br> +The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;<br> +And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">II</span></td> +<td>All things that love the sun are out of doors;<br> +The sky rejoices in the morning's birth;<br> +The grass is bright with rain-drops;—on the moors<br> +The hare is running races in her mirth;<br> +And with her feet she from the plashy earth<br> +Raises a mist; that, glittering in the sun,<br> +Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v1"></a><a href="#74v1">1</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">III</span></td> +<td>I was a Traveller then upon the moor;<br> + I saw the hare that raced about with joy;<br> + I heard the woods and distant waters roar;<br> + Or heard them not, as happy as a boy:<br> + The pleasant season did my heart employ:<br> + My old remembrances went from me wholly;<br> + And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td>15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IV</span></td> +<td>But, as it sometimes chanceth, from the might<br> +Of joy in minds that can no further go,<br> +As high as we have mounted in delight<br> +In our dejection do we sink as low;<br> +To me that morning did it happen so;<br> +And fears and fancies thick upon me came;<br> +Dim sadness—and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">V</span></td> +<td>I heard the sky-lark warbling in the sky;<br> +And I bethought me of the playful hare: <br> +Even such a happy Child of earth am I;<br> +Even as these blissful creatures do I fare;<br> +Far from the world I walk, and from all care;<br> +But there may come another day to me—<br> +Solitude, pain of heart, distress, and poverty. </td> + <td><a name="fr74v2"></a><a href="#74v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v3"></a><a href="#74v3">3</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VI</span></td> +<td>My whole life I have lived in pleasant thought,<br> +As if life's business were a summer mood;<br> +As if all needful things would come unsought<br> +To genial faith, still rich in genial good;<br> +But how can He expect that others should<br> +Build for him, sow for him, and at his call<br> +Love him, who for himself will take no heed at all?</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v4"></a><a href="#74v4">4</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74A"></a><a href="#74A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VII</span></td> +<td>I thought of Chatterton, the marvellous Boy,<br> +The sleepless Soul that perished in his pride;<br> +Of Him who walked in glory and in joy<br> +Following his plough, along the mountain-side:<br> +By our own spirits are we deified:<br> +We Poets in our youth begin in gladness;<br> +But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr74v5"></a><a href="#74v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v6"></a><a href="#74v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v7"></a><a href="#74v7">7</a> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">VIII</span></td> +<td>Now, whether it were by peculiar grace,<br> +A leading from above, a something given,<br> +Yet it befel, that, in this lonely place,<br> +When I with these untoward thoughts had striven,<br> +Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven<br> +I saw a Man before me unawares:<br> +The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.<br> +[12]</td> + <td><a name="fr74v8"></a><a href="#74v8">8</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v9"></a><a href="#74v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v10"></a><a href="#74v10">10</a><br> +<a name="fr74v11"></a><a href="#74v11">11</a><br><br> +<a name="fr74v12"></a><a href="#74v12">12</a></td> + <td></td> + <td>50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IX</span></td> +<td>As a huge stone is sometimes seen to lie<br> +Couched on the bald top of an eminence;<br> +Wonder to all who do the same espy,<br> +By what means it could thither come, and whence;<br> +So that it seems a thing endued with sense:<br> +Like a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelf<br> +Of rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself;</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v13"></a><a href="#74v13">13</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v14"></a><a href="#74v14">14</a><br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">X</span></td> +<td>Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead,<br> +Nor all asleep—in his extreme old age:<br> +His body was bent double, feet and head<br> +Coming together in life's pilgrimage;<br> +As if some dire constraint of pain, or rage<br> +Of sickness felt by him in times long past,<br> +A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v15"></a><a href="#74v15">15</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v16"></a><a href="#74v16">16</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XI</span></td> +<td>Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face,<br> +Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood:<br> +And, still as I drew near with gentle pace,<br> +Upon the margin of that moorish flood<br> +Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood,<br> +That heareth not the loud winds when they call;<br> +And moveth all together, if it move at all. +</td> + <td><a name="fr74v17"></a><a href="#74v17">17</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v18"></a><a href="#74v18">18</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v19"></a><a href="#74v19">19</a><br> +<a name="fr74v20"></a><a href="#74v20">20</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XII</span></td> +<td>At length, himself unsettling, he the pond<br> +Stirred with his staff, and fixedly did look<br> +Upon the muddy water, which he conned,<br> +As if he had been reading in a book:<br> +And now a stranger's privilege I took;<br> +And, drawing to his side, to him did say,<br> +"This morning gives us promise of a glorious day."</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v21"></a><a href="#74v21">21</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIII</span></td> +<td>A gentle answer did the old Man make,<br> +In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew:<br> +And him with further words I thus bespake,<br> +"What occupation do you there pursue?<br> +This is a lonesome place for one like you."<br> +Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise <br> +Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes.</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v22"></a><a href="#74v22">22</a><br> +<a name="fr74v23"></a><a href="#74v23">23</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v24"></a><a href="#74v24">24</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74B"></a><a href="#74B">B</a></td> + <td>85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIV</span></td> +<td>His words came feebly, from a feeble chest,<br> +But each in solemn order followed each,<br> +With something of a lofty utterance drest—<br> +Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach<br> +Of ordinary men; a stately speech;<br> +Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,<br> +Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr74v25"></a><a href="#74v25">25</a><br> +<a name="fr74v26"></a><a href="#74v26">26</a><br> +<a name="fr74v27"></a><a href="#74v27">27</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XV</span></td> +<td>He told, that to these waters he had come<br> +To gather leeches, being old and poor:<br> +Employment hazardous and wearisome!<br> +And he had many hardships to endure:<br> +From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;<br> +Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance;<br> +And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.</td> + <td><a name="fr74v28"></a><a href="#74v28">28</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v29"></a><a href="#74v29">29</a><br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +100<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVI</span></td> +<td>The old Man still stood talking by my side;<br> +But now his voice to me was like a stream<br> +Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;<br> +And the whole body of the Man did seem<br> +Like one whom I had met with in a dream;<br> +Or like a man from some far region sent,<br> +To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr74v30"></a><a href="#74v30">30</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v31"></a><a href="#74v31">31</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVII</span></td> +<td>My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills;<br> +And hope that is unwilling to be fed;<br> +Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills;<br> +And mighty Poets in their misery dead.<br> +—Perplexed, and longing to be comforted,<br> +My question eagerly did I renew,<br> +"How is it that you live, and what is it you do?"</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr74v32"></a><a href="#74v32">32</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v33"></a><a href="#74v33">33</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v34"></a><a href="#74v34">34</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +115<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XVIII</span></td> +<td>He with a smile did then his words repeat;<br> +And said, that, gathering leeches, far and wide<br> +He travelled; stirring thus about his feet<br> +The waters of the pools where they abide.<br> +"Once I could meet with them on every side;<br> +But they have dwindled long by slow decay;<br> +Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may."</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v35"></a><a href="#74v35">35</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v36"></a><a href="#74v36">36</a></td> + <td></td> + <td>120<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XIX</span></td> +<td>While he was talking thus, the lonely place,<br> +The old Man's shape, and speech—all troubled me:<br> +In my mind's eye I seemed to see him pace<br> +About the weary moors continually,<br> +Wandering about alone and silently.<br> +While I these thoughts within myself pursued,<br> +He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +130<br></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XX</span></td> +<td>And soon with this he other matter blended,<br> +Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind,<br> +But stately in the main; and when he ended,<br> +I could have laughed myself to scorn to find<br> +In that decrepit Man so firm a mind.<br> +"God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;<br> +I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#74n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr74v37"></a><a href="#74v37">37</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr74v38"></a><a href="#74v38">38</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +135<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... which, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +And in MS. letter from Coleridge to Sir George Beaumont, 1802<a href="#74fa"><sup>a</sup></a>.<br> +<a href="#fr74v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... singing ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... happy ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And they who lived in genial faith found nought<br> + that grew more willingly than genial good;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... who perished in his pride; </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that perished in its pride;</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Behind his plough, upon the mountain-side:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... comes ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... was ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When up and down my fancy thus was driven,<br> + And I with these untoward thoughts had striven, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> + +<a href="#fr74v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I spied ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>date</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My course I stopped as soon as I espied<br> + The Old Man in that naked wilderness:<br> + Close by a Pond, upon the further side,<a href="#74vi"><sup>i</sup></a><br> + He stood alone: a minute's space I guess<br> + I watch'd him, he continuing motionless:<br> + To the Pool's further margin then I drew;<br> + He being all the while before me full in view.<a href="#74vii"><sup>ii</sup></a></blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza, which appeared in the editions of 1807 and 1815, was, on Coleridge's advice, omitted from subsequent ones.<br> +<a href="#fr74v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... that ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in their pilgrimage</blockquote></td> + <td>And MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... his age ... </blockquote></td> + <td> MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Himself he propp'd, both body, limbs, and face,</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... his body, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Beside the little pond or moorish flood</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>date</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... moves ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He wore a Cloak the same as women wear<br> + As one whose blood did needful comfort lack;<br> + His face look'd pale as if it had grown fair;<br> + And, furthermore he had upon his back,<br> + Beneath his cloak, a round and bulky Pack;<br> + A load of wool or raiment as might seem.<br> + That on his shoulders lay as if it clave to him.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + This stanza appeared only in MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And now such freedom as I could I took;</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"What kind of work is that which you pursue?</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... for such as ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v24"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 24:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He answer'd me with pleasure and surprize;<br> + And there was, while he spake, a fire about his eyes. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807 and MS. 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He answered, while a flash of mild surprise<br> + Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v25"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 25:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Yet ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v26"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 26:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... pompous ....</blockquote></td> + <td> MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v27"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 27:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>...words ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>...beyond ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v28"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 28:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He told me that he to the pond had come</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... this pond ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v29"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 29:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>This was his calling, better far than some,<br> + Though he had ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v30"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 30:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> But soon ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v31"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 31:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and strong admonishment.</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... by strong admonishment.</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v32"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 32:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table>And MS. 1802.<br> +<a href="#fr74v32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v33"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 33:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And now, not knowing what the Old Man had said, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807 and MS. 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But now, perplex'd by what the Old Man had said, </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v34"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 34:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... live? what is it that you do?"</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v34">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v35"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 35:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And said, that wheresoe'er they might be spied<br> + He gather'd Leeches, stirring at his feet<br> + The waters in the Ponds ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS. 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And said, that, gathering Leeches, far and wide<br> + He travelled; stirring thus about his feet<br> + The waters of the Ponds ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v35">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v36"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 36:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Once he could meet with them on every side;<br> + But fewer they became from day to day,<br> + And so his means of life before him died away. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v36">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v37"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 37:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And now ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v37">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74v38"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 38:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Which he delivered with demeanour kind,<br> + Yet stately ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr74v38">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74vi"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Sub-Variant i:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... hither side,</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#74v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74vii"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Sub-Variant ii:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> He all the while before me being full in view. </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1802.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#74v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Some have thought that Wordsworth had S.T.C. in his mind, +in writing this stanza. I cannot agree with this. The value and interest +of the poem would be lessened by our imagining that Wordsworth's heart +never failed him; and that, when he appears to moralise at his own +expense, he was doing so at Coleridge's. Besides, the date of this poem, +taken in connection with entries in the Grasmere Journal of Dorothy +Wordsworth, makes it all but certain that Coleridge was not referred +to.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr74A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="74B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare in <i>The Matron of Jedborough and her Husband</i>, p. +417, ll. 66-69:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Some inward trouble suddenly<br> + Broke from the Matron's strong black eye—<br> + A remnant of uneasy light,<br> + A flash of something over-bright!'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr74B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Additional variants obtained from this source are +inserted as "MS. 1802."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr74v1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The <a name="fr74C">late</a> Bishop of Lincoln, in the <i>Memoirs</i> of his uncle (vol. i. pp. +172, 173), quotes from a letter, written by Wordsworth "to some friends, +which has much interest as bearing on this poem<a href="#74C"><sup>C</sup></a>. The following are +extracts from it:</span> + + <blockquote> "It is not a matter of indifference whether you are pleased with his + figure and employment, it may be comparatively whether you are pleased + with <i>this Poem</i>; but it is of the utmost importance that you should + have had pleasure in contemplating the fortitude, independence, + persevering spirit, and the general moral dignity of this old man's + character." Again, "I will explain to you, in prose, my feelings in + writing <i>that</i> poem.... I describe myself as having been exalted to + the highest pitch of delight by the joyousness and beauty of nature; + and then as depressed, even in the midst of those beautiful objects, + to the lowest dejection and despair. A young poet in the midst of the + happiness of nature is described as overwhelmed by the thoughts of the + miserable reverses which have befallen the happiest of all men, viz. + poets. I think of this till I am so deeply impressed with it, that I + consider the manner in which I was rescued from my dejection and + despair almost as an interposition of Providence. A person reading the + poem with feelings like mine will have been awed and controlled, + expecting something spiritual or supernatural. What is brought + forward? A lonely place, 'a pond, by which an old man <i>was</i>, far from + all house or home:' not <i>stood</i>, nor <i>sat</i>, but <i>was</i>—the figure + presented in the most naked simplicity possible. This feeling of + spirituality or supernaturalness is again referred to as being strong + in my mind in this passage. How came he here? thought I, or what can + he be doing? I then describe him, whether ill or well is not for me to + judge with perfect confidence; but this I <i>can</i> confidently affirm, + that though I believe God has given me a strong imagination, I cannot + conceive a figure more impressive than that of an old man like this, + the survivor of a wife and ten children, travelling alone among the + mountains and all lonely places, carrying with him his own fortitude + and the necessities which an unjust state of society has laid upon + him. You speak of his speech as tedious. Every thing is tedious when + one does not read with the feelings of the author. <i>The Thorn</i> is + tedious to hundreds; and so is <i>The Idiot Boy</i> to hundreds. It is in + the character of the old man to tell his story, which an impatient + reader must feel tedious. But, good heavens! such a figure, in such a + place; a pious, self-respecting, miserably infirm and pleased old man + telling such a tale!"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="74C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> It is unfortunate that in this, as in many other similar +occasions in these delightful volumes by the poet's nephew, the +reticence as to names—warrantable perhaps in 1851, so soon after the +poet's death—has now deprived the world of every means of knowing to +whom many of Wordsworth's letters were addressed. Professor Dowden asks +about it—and very naturally:</span> + + <blockquote>"Was it the letter to Mary and Sara" (Hutchinson) "about <i>The + Leech-Gatherer,</i> mentioned in Dorothy's <i>Journal</i> of 14th June + 1802?"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr74C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section75"></a>"I grieved for Buonaparté"</h2> + +<h4>Composed May 21, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#75A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<a href="#section75a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[In the cottage of Town-end, one afternoon in 1801, my sister read to me +the sonnets of Milton. I had long been well acquainted with them, but I +was particularly struck on that occasion with the dignified simplicity +and majestic harmony that runs through most of them—in character so +totally different from the Italian, and still more so from Shakespeare's +fine sonnets. I took fire, if I may be allowed to say so, and produced +three sonnets the same afternoon, the first I ever wrote, except an +irregular one at school. Of these three the only one I distinctly +remember is 'I grieved for Buonaparté, etc.'; one of the others was +never written down; the third, which was I believe preserved, I cannot +particularise.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty," afterwards called "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty." From the edition of +1815 onwards, it bore the title <i>1801</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section75a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I grieved for Buonaparté, with a vain<br> +And an unthinking grief! The tenderest mood<br> +Of that Man's mind—what can it be? what food<br> +Fed his first hopes? what knowledge could <i>he</i> gain?<br> +'Tis not in battles that from youth we train<br> +The Governor who must be wise and good,<br> +And temper with the sternness of the brain<br> +Thoughts motherly, and meek as womanhood.<br> +Wisdom doth live with children round her knees:<br> +Books, leisure, perfect freedom, and the talk<br> +Man holds with week-day man in the hourly walk<br> +Of the mind's business: these are the degrees<br> +By which true Sway doth mount; this is the stalk<br> +True Power doth grow on; and her rights are these.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#75n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr75v1"></a><a href="#75v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="75v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> grief! the vital blood<br> + Of that man's mind, what can it be? What food<br> + Fed his first hopes? what knowledge could he gain?</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... grief! for, who aspires<br> + To genuine greatness but from just desires,<br> + And knowledge such as <i>He</i> could never gain? </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr75v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="75A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">It had twice seen the light previously in <i>The Morning +Post</i>, first on September 16, 1802, unsigned, and again on January 29, +1803, when it was signed W. L. D.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section75">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="75n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth's date 1801, in the Fenwick note, should have been 1802. His +sister writes, in her <i>Journal</i> of 1802:</span> + + <blockquote>"May 21.—W. wrote two sonnets on Buonaparte, after I had read + Milton's sonnets to him."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The "irregular" sonnet, written "at school," to which Wordsworth refers, +is probably the one published in the <i>European Magazine</i>. in 1787, vol. +xi. p. 202, and signed Axiologus.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section76"></a>A Farewell</h2> + +<h4>Composed May 29, 1802.—Published 1815</h4> + +<a href="#section76a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed just before my Sister and I went to fetch Mrs. Wordsworth from +Gallow-hill, near Scarborough.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This was one of the "Poems founded on the Affections." It was published +in 1815 and in 1820 without a title, but with the sub-title 'Composed in +the Year 1802'. In 1827 and 1832 it was called 'A Farewell', to which +the sub-title was added. The sub-title was omitted in 1836, and +afterwards.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section76a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Farewell, thou little Nook of mountain-ground,<br> +Thou rocky corner in the lowest stair<br> +Of that magnificent temple which doth bound<br> +One side of our whole vale with grandeur rare;<br> +Sweet garden-orchard, eminently fair,<br> +The loveliest spot that man hath ever found,<br> +Farewell!—we leave thee to Heaven's peaceful care,<br> +Thee, and the Cottage which thou dost surround.<br><br> + +Our boat is safely anchored by the shore,<br> +And there will safely ride when we are gone;<br> +The flowering shrubs that deck our humble door<br> +Will prosper, though untended and alone:<br> +Fields, goods, and far-off chattels we have none:<br> +These narrow bounds contain our private store<br> +Of things earth makes, and sun doth shine upon;<br> +Here are they in our sight—we have no more.<br><br> + +Sunshine and shower be with you, bud and bell!<br> +For two months now in vain we shall be sought;<br> +We leave you here in solitude to dwell<br> +With these our latest gifts of tender thought;<br> +Thou, like the morning, in thy saffron coat,<br> +Bright gowan, and marsh-marigold, farewell!<br> +Whom from the borders of the Lake we brought,<br> +And placed together near our rocky Well.<br><br> + +We go for One to whom ye will be dear;<br> +And she will prize this Bower, this Indian shed,<br> +Our own contrivance, Building without peer!<br> +—A gentle Maid, whose heart is lowly bred,<br> +Whose pleasures are in wild fields gathered,<br> +With joyousness, and with a thoughtful cheer,<br> +Will come to you; to you herself will wed;<br> +And love the blessed life that we lead here.<br><br> + +Dear Spot! which we have watched with tender heed,<br> +Bringing thee chosen plants and blossoms blown<br> +Among the distant mountains, flower and weed,<br> +Which thou hast taken to thee as thy own.<br> +Making all kindness registered and known;<br> +Thou for our sakes, though Nature's child indeed,<br> +Fair in thyself and beautiful alone,<br> +Hast taken gifts which thou dost little need.<br><br> + +And O most constant, yet most fickle Place,<br> +That hast thy wayward moods, as thou dost show<br> +To them who look not daily on thy face;<br> +Who, being loved, in love no bounds dost know,<br> +And say'st, when we forsake thee, "Let them go!"<br> +Thou easy-hearted Thing, with thy wild race<br> +Of weeds and flowers, till we return be slow,<br> +And travel with the year at a soft pace.<br><br> + +Help us to tell Her tales of years gone by,<br> +And this sweet spring, the best beloved and best;<br> +Joy will be flown in its mortality;<br> +Something must stay to tell us of the rest.<br> +Here, thronged with primroses, the steep rock's breast<br> +Glittered at evening like a starry sky;<br> +And in this bush our sparrow built her nest,<br> +Of which I sang one song that will not die.<br><br> + +O happy Garden! whose seclusion deep<br> +Hath been so friendly to industrious hours;<br> +And to soft slumbers, that did gently steep<br> +Our spirits, carrying with them dreams of flowers,<br> +And wild notes warbled among leafy bowers;<br> +Two burning months let summer overleap,<br> +And, coming back with Her who will be ours,<br> +Into thy bosom we again shall creep.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#76n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr76v1"></a><a href="#76v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr76v2"></a><a href="#76v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr76v3"></a><a href="#76v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr76v4"></a><a href="#76v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr76v5"></a><a href="#76v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr76v6"></a><a href="#76v6">6</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr76A"></a><a href="#76A">A</a><br><br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="76v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And safely she will ride ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... will she ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1832</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="76v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... that decorate our door</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="76v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>She'll come ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="76v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="76v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="76v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... sung ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr76v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="76A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See <i>The Sparrow's Nest</i>, p. 236.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr76A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="76n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + + <blockquote> "May 29.—William finished his poem on going for Mary. I wrote it out. + A sweet day. We nailed up the honeysuckle and hoed the scarlet beans."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">She added on the 31st, </span> + + <blockquote>"I wrote out the poem on our departure, which he seemed to have + finished;"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and on June 13th, </span> + + <blockquote> "William has been altering the poem to Mary this morning."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The "little Nook of mountain-ground" is in much the same condition now, +as it was in 1802. The "flowering shrubs" and the "rocky well" still +exist, and "the steep rock's breast" is "thronged with primroses" in +spring. The "bower" is gone; but, where it used to be, a seat is now +erected.<br> +<br> +The Dove Cottage orchard is excellently characterised in Mr. Stopford +Brooke's pamphlet describing it (1890). See also <i>The Green Linnet</i>, p. +367, with the note appended to it, and Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere +Journal, <i>passim</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section77"></a>"The sun has long been set"</h2> + +<h4>Composed June 8, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section77a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[<a name="fr77A">This</a> <i>Impromptu</i> appeared, many years ago, among the Author's poems, +from which, in subsequent editions, it was excluded<a href="#77A"><sup>A</sup></a>. It is +reprinted, at the request of the Friend in whose presence the lines were +thrown off.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Evening Voluntaries."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section77a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The sun has long been set,<br> + The stars are out by twos and threes,<br> +The little birds are piping yet<br> +Among the bushes and trees;<br> +There's a cuckoo, and one or two thrushes,<br> +And a far-off wind that rushes,<br> +And a sound of water that gushes,<br> +And the cuckoo's sovereign cry<br> +Fills all the hollow of the sky.<br><br> + +Who would go "parading"<br> +In London, "and masquerading,"<br> +On such a night of June<br> +With that beautiful soft half-moon,<br> +And all these innocent blisses?<br> +On such a night as this is!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#77n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr77v1"></a><a href="#77v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr77v2"></a><a href="#77v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr77B"></a><a href="#77B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="77v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... and the trees;</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1837 returns to the text of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr77v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="77v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1835</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And a noise of wind that rushes,<br> + With a noise of water that gushes;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr77v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="77A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> It appeared in 1807 as No. II. of "Moods of my own Mind," +and not again till the publication of "Yarrow Revisited" in 1835.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr77A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<a name="77B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare:</span> + + <blockquote>'At operas and plays parading,<br> + Mortgaging, gambling, masquerading.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Burns, <i>The Two Dogs, a Tale</i>, II. 124-5.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr77B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="77n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + + <blockquote> "June 8th (1802).—After tea William came out and walked, and wrote + that poem, <i>The sun has long been set,</i> etc. He walked on our own + path, and wrote the lines; he called me into the orchard and there + repeated them to me."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal.</i>) The "Friend in whose presence the lines +were thrown off," was his sister.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section78"></a>Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed July 31, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written on the roof of a coach, on my way to France.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Earth has not any thing to show more fair:<br> +Dull would he be of soul who could pass by<br> +A sight so touching in its majesty:<br> +This City now doth, like a garment, wear<br> +The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,<br> +Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie<br> +Open unto the fields, and to the sky;<br> +All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.<br> +Never did sun more beautifully steep<br> +In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;<br> +Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!<br> +The river glideth at his own sweet will:<br> +Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;<br> +And all that mighty heart is lying still!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#78n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr78v1"></a><a href="#78v1">1</a><br> +<br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="78v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... heart ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr78v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="78A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> This is an error of date. Saturday, the day of their +departure from London, was the 31st of July.—Ed. </span><br> +<a href="#fr78A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="78n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The date which Wordsworth gave to this sonnet on its first publication +in 1807, viz. September 3, 1803,—and which he retained in all +subsequent editions of his works till 1836,—is inaccurate. He left +London for Dover, on his way to Calais, on the 31st of July 1802. The +sonnet was written that morning as he travelled towards Dover. The +following record of the journey is preserved in his sister's <i>Journal:</i></span> + +<blockquote> "<a name="fr78A">July</a> 30.<a href="#78A"><sup>A</sup></a>—Left London between five and six o'clock of the morning + outside the Dover coach. A beautiful morning. The city, St. Paul's, + with the river—a multitude of little boats, made a beautiful sight as + we crossed <i>Westminster Bridge</i>; the houses not overhung by their + clouds of smoke, and were hung out endlessly; yet the sun shone so + brightly, with such a pure light, that there was something like the + purity of one of Nature's own grand spectacles."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This sonnet underwent no change in successive editions.<br> +<br> +In illustration of it, an anecdote of the late Bishop of St. David's may +be given, as reported by Lord Coleridge.</span> + + <blockquote> "In the great debate on the abolition of the Irish Establishment in + 1869, the Bishop of St. David's, Dr. Thirlwall, had made a very + remarkable speech, and had been kept till past daybreak in the House + of Lords, before the division was over, and he was able to walk home. + He was then an old man, and in failing health. Some time after, he was + asked whether he had not run some risk to his health, and whether he + did not feel much exhausted. 'Yes,' he said, 'perhaps so; but I was + more than repaid by walking out upon Westminster Bridge after the + division, seeing London in the morning light as Wordsworth saw it, and + repeating to myself his noble sonnet as I walked home.'"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This anecdote was told to the Wordsworth Society, at its meeting on the +3rd of May 1882, after a letter had been read by the Secretary, from Mr. +Robert Spence Watson, recording the following similar experience:</span> + + <blockquote>"... As confirming the perfect truth of Wordsworth's description of + the external aspects of a scene, and the way in which he reached its + inmost soul, I may tell you what happened to me, and may have happened + to many others. Many years ago, I think it was in 1859, I chanced to + be passing (in a pained and depressed state of mind, occasioned by the + death of a friend) over Waterloo Bridge at half-past three on a lovely + June morning. It was broad daylight, and I was alone. Never when alone + in the remotest recesses of the Alps, with nothing around me but the + mountains, or upon the plains of Africa, alone with the wonderful + glory of the southern night, have I seen anything to approach the + solemnity—the soothing solemnity—of the city, sleeping under the + early sun: + + <blockquote> 'Earth has not any thing to show more fair.'</blockquote> + + "How simply, yet how perfectly, Wordsworth has interpreted it! It was + a happy thing for us that the Dover coach left at so untimely an hour. + It was this sonnet, I think, that first opened my eyes to Wordsworth's + greatness as a poet. Perhaps nothing that he has written shows more + strikingly the vast sympathy which is his peculiar dower." +</blockquote> +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section79"></a>Composed by the Sea-side, near Calais, August, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Fair Star of evening, Splendour of the west,<br> +Star of my Country!—on the horizon's brink<br> +Thou hangest, stooping, as might seem, to sink<br> +On England's bosom; yet well pleased to rest,<br> +Meanwhile, and be to her a glorious crest<br> +Conspicuous to the Nations. Thou, I think,<br> +Should'st be my Country's emblem; and should'st wink,<br> +Bright Star! with laughter on her banners, drest<br> +In thy fresh beauty. There! that dusky spot<br> +Beneath thee, that is England; there she lies.<br> +Blessings be on you both! one hope, one lot,<br> +One life, one glory!—I, with many a fear<br> +For my dear Country, many heartfelt sighs,<br> +Among men who do not love her, linger here.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#79n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr79v1"></a><a href="#79v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="79v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... it is England; there it lies.</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr79v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="79n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This sonnet, and the seven that follow it, were written during +Wordsworth's residence at Calais, in the month of August, 1802. The +following extract from his sister's Journal illustrates it:</span> + + <blockquote>"We arrived at <i>Calais</i> at four o'clock on Sunday morning the 31st of + July. We had delightful walks after the heat of the day was + passed—seeing far off in the west the coast of England, like a cloud, + crested with Dover Castle, the evening Star, and the glory of the sky; + the reflections in the water were more beautiful than the sky itself; + purple waves brighter than precious stones, for ever melting away upon + the sands."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section80"></a>Calais, August, 1802</h2> + +<h4><a name="fr80A"></a>Composed August 7, 1802—Published 1807<a href="#80A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Is it a reed that's shaken by the wind,<br> +Or what is it that ye go forth to see?<br> +Lords, lawyers, statesmen, squires of low degree,<br> +Men known, and men unknown, sick, lame, and blind,<br> +Post forward all, like creatures of one kind,<br> +With first-fruit offerings crowd to bend the knee<br> +In France, before the new-born Majesty.<br> +'Tis ever thus. Ye men of prostrate mind,<br> +A seemly reverence may be paid to power;<br> +But that's a loyal virtue, never sown<br> +In haste, nor springing with a transient shower:<br> +When truth, when sense, when liberty were flown,<br> +What hardship had it been to wait an hour?<br> +Shame on you, feeble Heads, to slavery prone!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr80v1"></a><a href="#80v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="80v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thus fares it ever. Men of prostrate mind! </blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr80v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="80A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This sonnet was first published in <i>The Morning Post</i>, Jan. +29, 1803, under the signature W. L. D., along with the one beginning, "I +grieved for Buonaparté, with a vain," and was afterwards printed in the +1807 edition of the Poems. Mr. T. Hutchinson (Dublin) suggests that the +W. L. D. stood either for <i>Wordsworthius Libertatis Defensor</i>, or (more +likely) <i>Wordsworthii Libertati Dedicatunt</i> (carmen).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr80A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section81"></a>Composed near Calais, on the Road leading to Ardres, August 7, 1802<a href="#81A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Jones! as from Calais southward you and I<br> +Went pacing side by side, this public Way<br> +Streamed with the pomp of a too-credulous day,<br> +When faith was pledged to new-born Liberty:<br> +A homeless sound of joy was in the sky:<br> +From hour to hour the antiquated Earth,<br> +Beat like the heart of Man: songs, garlands, mirth,<br> +Banners, and happy faces, far and nigh!<br> +And now, sole register that these things were,<br> +Two solitary greetings have I heard,<br> +"<i>Good morrow, Citizen!</i>" a hollow word,<br> +As if a dead man spake it! Yet despair<br> +Touches me not, though pensive as a bird<br> +Whose vernal coverts winter hath laid bare.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#81n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr81v1"></a><a href="#81v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr81v2"></a><a href="#81v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr81v3"></a><a href="#81v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr81v4"></a><a href="#81v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr81v5"></a><a href="#81v5">5</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr81B"></a><a href="#81B">B</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="81v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... when ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... while ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr81v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Travell'd on foot together; then this Way,<br> + Which I am pacing now, was like the May<br> + With festivals of new-born Liberty: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Where I am walking now ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Urged our accordant steps, this public Way<br> + Streamed with the pomp of a too-credulous day,<br> + When faith was pledged to new-born Liberty: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr81v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The antiquated Earth, as one might say,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The antiquated Earth, hopeful and gay, </blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr81v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... garlands, play,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr81v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> I feel not: happy am I as a Bird:<br> + Fair seasons yet will come, and hopes as fair. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I feel not: jocund as a warbling Bird;</blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr81v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="81A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In the editions of 1807 to 1837 this is a sub-title, the +chief title being <i>To a Friend</i>. In the editions of 1840-1843, the chief +title is retained in the Table of Contents, but is erased in the +text.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> 14th July 1790.—W. W. 1820.<br> +<a href="#fr81B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="81C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <a href="#section47">See</a><span style="color: #555555;"> p. 208.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr81C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + + +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="81n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This sonnet, originally entitled <i>To a Friend, composed near Calais, on +the Road leading to Ardres, August 7th, 1802</i>, was addressed to Robert +Jones, of Plas-yn-llan, near Ruthin, Denbighshire, a brother collegian +at Cambridge, and afterwards a fellow of St. John's College, and +incumbent of Soulderne, near Deddington, in Oxfordshire. It was to him +that Wordsworth dedicated his <i>Descriptive Sketches</i>, which record their +wanderings together in Switzerland; and it is to the pedestrian tour, +undertaken by the two friends in the long vacation of 1790, that he +refers in the above sonnet. The character of Jones is sketched in the +poem written in 1800, beginning:</span> + + <blockquote><a name="fr81C"></a> 'I marvel how Nature could ever find space,'<a href="#81C"><sup>C</sup></a></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and his parsonage in Oxfordshire is described in the sonnet:</span> + + <blockquote>'Where holy ground begins, unhallowed ends,<br> + Is marked by no distinguishable line.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The following note on Jones was appended to the edition of +1837:</span> + + <blockquote> "This excellent Person, one of my earliest and dearest friends, died + in the year 1835. We were under-graduates together of the same year, + at the same college; and companions in many a delightful ramble + through his own romantic Country of North Wales. Much of the latter + part of his life he passed in comparative solitude; which I know was + often cheered by remembrance of our youthful adventures, and of the + beautiful regions which, at home and abroad, we had visited together. + Our long friendship was never subject to a moment's + interruption,—and, while revising these volumes for the last time, I + have been so often reminded of my loss, with a not unpleasing sadness, + that I trust the Reader will excuse this passing mention of a Man who + well deserves from me something more than so brief a notice. Let me + only add, that during the middle part of his life he resided many + years (as Incumbent of the Living) at a Parsonage in Oxfordshire, + which is the subject of one of the <i>Miscellaneous Sonnets.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section82"></a>Calais, August 15, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed August 15, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#82A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Festivals have I seen that were not names:<br> +This is young Buonaparte's natal day,<br> +And his is henceforth an established sway—<br> +Consul for life. With worship France proclaims<br> +Her approbation, and with pomps and games.<br> +Heaven grant that other Cities may be gay!<br> +Calais is not: and I have bent my way<br> +To the sea-coast, noting that each man frames<br> +His business as he likes. Far other show<br> +My youth here witnessed, in a prouder time;<br> +The senselessness of joy was then sublime!<br> +Happy is he, who, caring not for Pope,<br> +Consul, or King, can sound himself to know<br> +The destiny of Man, and live in hope.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr82v1"></a><a href="#82v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr82v2"></a><a href="#82v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="82v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr82v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="82v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Another time<br> + That was, when I was here twelve years ago. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... long years ago:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Far different time<br> + That was, which here I witnessed, long ago; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr82v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="82A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> It had appeared in <i>The Morning Post</i>, February 26, 1803, +under the initials W. L. D.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section82">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section83"></a>"It is a beauteous evening, calm and free"</h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section83a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This was composed on the beach near Calais, in the autumn of 1802.—I. +F.]</span><br> +<span style="color: #555555;"><br> +One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets." In 1807 it was No. 19 of that +series.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section83a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,<br> +The holy time is quiet as a Nun<br> +Breathless with adoration; the broad sun<br> +Is sinking down in its tranquillity;<br> +The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea:<br> +Listen! the mighty Being is awake,<br> +And doth with his eternal motion make<br> +A sound like thunder—everlastingly.<br> +Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,<br> +If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,<br> +Thy nature is not therefore less divine:<br> +Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year;<br> +And worshipp'st at the Temple's inner shrine,<br> +God being with thee when we know it not.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr83v1"></a><a href="#83v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr83v2"></a><a href="#83v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr83v3"></a><a href="#83v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr83v4"></a><a href="#83v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr83A"></a><a href="#83A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr83B"></a><a href="#83B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="83v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Air sleeps,—from strife or stir the clouds are free;</blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A fairer face of evening cannot be;</blockquote></td> + <td>1840</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr83v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="83v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... is on the Sea:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr83v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="83v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>date</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But list! ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr83v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="83v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,<br> + If thou appear'st untouch'd by solemn thought, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Dear Child! dear happy Girl! if thou appear<br> + Heedless—untouched with awe or serious thought, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1837</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Heedless-unawed, untouched with serious thought,</blockquote></td> + <td>1838</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr83v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="83A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> I thought, for some time, that the "girl" referred to was +Dorothy Wordsworth. Her brother used to speak, and to write, of her +under many names, "Emily," "Louisa," etc.; and to call her a "child" in +1802—a "child of Nature" she was to the end of her days—or a "girl," +seemed quite natural. However, a more probable suggestion was made by +Mr. T. Hutchinson to Professor Dowden, that it refers to the girl +Caroline mentioned in Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal.</i> </span> + + <blockquote>"We arrived at Calais at four o'clock on Sunday morning, the 3rd of + July.... We found out Annette and C., chez Madame Avril dans la rue de + la Tête d'or. The weather was very hot. We walked by the shore almost + every evening with Annette and Caroline, or William and I alone.... It + was beautiful on the calm hot night to see the little boats row out of + harbour with wings of fire, and the sail-boats with the fiery track + which they cut as they went along, and which closed up after them with + a hundred thousand sparkles and streams of glowworm light. Caroline + was delighted."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">I have been unable to discover who Annette and Caroline were. Dorothy +Wordsworth frequently records in her Grasmere Journal that either +William, or she, "wrote to Annette," but who she was is unknown to +either the Wordsworth or the Hutchinson family. —Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr83A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="83B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Compare:</span> + + <blockquote>'The Child is father of the Man, etc.'</blockquote> + +<a href="#section66">p. 292.</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Also S. T. C. in <i>The Friend</i>, iii. p. 46:</span> + + <blockquote>'The sacred light of childhood,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">and <i>The Prelude</i>, book v. l. 507. Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr83B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section84"></a>On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic</h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section84a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This and the following ten sonnets were included among the "Sonnets +dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National +Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section84a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Once did She hold the gorgeous east in fee;<br> +And was the safeguard of the west: the worth<br> +Of Venice did not fall below her birth,<br> +Venice, the eldest Child of Liberty.<br> +She was a maiden City, bright and free; <br> +No guile seduced, no force could violate;<br> +And, when she took unto herself a Mate,<br> +She must espouse the everlasting Sea.<br> +And what if she had seen those glories fade,<br> +Those titles vanish, and that strength decay; <br> +Yet shall some tribute of regret be paid<br> +When her long life hath reached its final day:<br> +Men are we, and must grieve when even the Shade<br> +Of that which once was great, is passed away.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#84n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr84A"></a><a href="#84A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="84A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>Childe Harold's Pilgrimage</i> (canto iv. II):</span> + + <blockquote>'The spouseless Adriatic mourns her lord.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr84A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="84n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + +<blockquote>"Once did She hold the gorgeous east in fee."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The special glory of Venice dates from the conquest of Constantinople by +the Latins in 1202. The fourth Crusade—in which the French and +Venetians alone took part—started from Venice, in October 1202, under +the command of the Doge, Henry Dandolo. Its aim, however, was not the +recovery of Palestine, but the conquest of Constantinople. At the close +of the crusade, Venice received the Morea, part of Thessaly, the +Cyclades, many of the Byzantine cities, and the coasts of the +Hellespont, with three-eighths of the city of Constantinople itself, the +Doge taking the curious title of Duke of three-eighths of the Roman +Empire.</span> + + <blockquote> "And was the safeguard of the west."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This may refer to the prominent part which Venice took in the Crusades, +or to the development of her naval power, which made her mistress of the +Mediterranean for many years, and an effective bulwark against invasions +from the East.</span> + + <blockquote>"The eldest Child of Liberty."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The origin of the Venetian State was the flight of many of +the inhabitants of the mainland—on the invasion of Italy by +Attila—to the chain of islands that lie at the head of the +Adriatic. </span> + + <blockquote> "In the midst of the waters, free, indigent, laborious, and + inaccessible, they gradually coalesced into a republic: the first + foundations of Venice were laid in the island of Rialto.... On the + verge of the two empires the Venetians exult in the belief of + primitive and perpetual independence."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Gibbon's <i>Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire</i>, chap. lx.</span> + + <blockquote> "And, when she took unto herself a Mate,<br> + She must espouse the everlasting Sea."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In 1177, Pope Alexander III. appealed to the Venetian Republic for +protection against the German Emperor. The Venetians were successful in +a naval battle at Saboro, against Otho, the son of Frederick Barbarossa. +In return, the Pope presented the Doge Liani with a ring, with which he +told him to wed the Adriatic, that posterity might know that the sea was +subject to Venice, "as a bride is to her husband."<br> +<br> +In September 1796, nearly six years before this sonnet was written, the +fate of the old Venetian Republic was sealed by the treaty of Campo +Formio. The French army under Napoleon had subdued Italy, and, having +crossed the Alps, threatened Vienna. To avert impending disaster, the +Emperor Francis arranged a treaty which extinguished the Venetian +Republic. He divided its territory between himself and Napoleon, Austria +retaining Istria, Dalmatia, and the left bank of the Adige in the +Venetian State, with the "maiden city" itself; France receiving the rest +of the territory and the Ionian Islands. Since the date of that treaty +the city has twice been annexed to Italy.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section85"></a>The King of Sweden</h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The Voice of song from distant lands shall call<br> +To that great King; shall hail the crownèd Youth<br> +Who, taking counsel of unbending Truth,<br> +By one example hath set forth to all<br> +How they with dignity may stand; or fall,<br> +If fall they must. Now, whither doth it tend?<br> +And what to him and his shall be the end?<br> +That thought is one which neither can appal<br> +Nor cheer him; for the illustrious Swede hath done<br> +The thing which ought to be; is raised <i>above</i> [2]<br> +All consequences: work he hath begun<br> +Of fortitude, and piety, and love,<br> +Which all his glorious ancestors approve:<br> +The heroes bless him, him their rightful son.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#85n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr85v1"></a><a href="#85v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr85v2"></a><a href="#85v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="85v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... bold ... </blockquote></td> + <td>In 1838 only.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr85v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="85v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... He stands <i>above</i> </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr85v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="85A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See the sonnet beginning "Call not the royal Swede +unfortunate," vol. iv. p. 224.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr85A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="85n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is Wordsworth's note to this sonnet, added in 1837:</span> + + <blockquote> "In this and a succeeding Sonnet on the same subject, let me be + understood as a Poet availing himself of the situation which the King + of Sweden occupied, and of the principles <b>Avowed in His Manifestos</b>; as + laying hold of these advantages for the purpose of embodying moral + truths. This <a name="fr85A">remark</a> might, perhaps, as well have been suppressed; for + to those who may be in sympathy with the course of these Poems, it + will be superfluous; and will, I fear, be thrown away upon that other + class, whose besotted admiration of the intoxicated despot hereafter + placed<a href="#85A"><sup>A</sup></a> in contrast with him, is the most melancholy evidence of + degradation in British feeling and intellect which the times have + furnished."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The king referred to is Gustavus IV., who was born in 1778, proclaimed +king in 1792, and died in 1837. His first public act after his accession +was to join in the coalition against Napoleon, and dislike of Napoleon +was the main-spring of his policy. It is to this that Wordsworth refers +in the sonnet:</span> + + <blockquote>'... the illustrious Swede hath done<br> + The thing which ought to be ...'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It made him unpopular, however, and gave rise to a conspiracy against +him, and to his consequent abdication in 1809. He "died forgotten and in +poverty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section86"></a>To Toussaint L'Ouverture</h2> + +<h4>Composed August, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#86A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Toussaint, the most unhappy man of men!<br> +Whether the whistling Rustic tend his plough<br> +Within thy hearing, or thy head be now<br> +Pillowed in some deep dungeon's earless den;—<br> +O miserable Chieftain! where and when<br> +Wilt thou find patience? Yet die not; do thou<br> +Wear rather in thy bonds a cheerful brow:<br> +Though fallen thyself, never to rise again,<br> +Live, and take comfort. Thou hast left behind<br> +Powers that will work for thee; air, earth, and skies;<br> +There's not a breathing of the common wind<br> +That will forget thee; thou hast great allies;<br> +Thy friends are exultations, agonies,<br> +And love, and man's unconquerable mind.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#86n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr86v1"></a><a href="#86v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr86v2"></a><a href="#86v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td><a name="fr86B"></a><a href="#86B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr86C"></a><a href="#86C">C</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="86v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Whether the rural milk-maid by her cow<br> + Sing in thy hearing, or thou liest now<br> + Alone in some deep dungeon's earless den, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Whether the all-cheering sun be free to shed<br> + His beams around thee, or thou rest thy head<br> + Pillowed in some dark dungeon's noisome den,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Whether the whistling Rustic tend his plough<br> + Within thy hearing, or Thou liest now<br> + Buried in some deep dungeon's earless den;— </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr86v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="86v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... Yet die not; be thou<br> + Life to thyself in death; with chearful brow<br> + Live, loving death, nor let one thought in ten<br> + Be painful to thee ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr86v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="86A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">But previously printed in <i>The Morning Post</i> of February 2, +1803, under the signature W. L. D.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section86">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<a name="86B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Massinger, <i>The Bondman</i>, act I. scene iii. l. 8:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Her man of men, Timoleon.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr86B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="86C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Compare Rowe's <i>Tamerlane</i>, iii. 2:</span> + + <blockquote> 'But to subdue the unconquerable mind.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Also Gray's poem <i>The Progress of Poesy</i>, ii. 2, l. 10:</span> + + <blockquote>'Th' unconquerable Mind, and Freedom's holy flame.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr86C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="86n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> François Dominique Toussaint (who was surnamed L'Ouverture), the child +of African slaves, was born at St. Domingo in 1743. He was a Royalist in +political sympathy till 1794, when the decree of the French convention, +giving liberty to the slaves, brought him over to the side of the +Republic. He was made a general of division by Laveux, and succeeded in +taking the whole of the north of the island from the English. In 1796 he +was made chief of the French army of St. Domingo, and first the British +commander, and next the Spanish, surrendered everything to him. He +became governor of the island, which prospered under his rule. Napoleon, +however, in 1801, issued an edict re-establishing slavery in St. +Domingo. Toussaint professed obedience, but showed that he meant to +resist the edict. A fleet of fifty-four vessels was sent from France to +enforce it. Toussaint was proclaimed an outlaw. He surrendered, and was +received with military honours, but was treacherously arrested and sent +to Paris in June 1802, where he died, in April 1803, after ten months' +hardship in prison. He had been two months in prison when Wordsworth +addressed this sonnet to him.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section87"></a>Composed in the Valley near Dover, on the Day of Landing</h2> + +<h4>Composed August 30, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Here, on our native soil, we breathe once more.<br> +The cock that crows, the smoke that curls, that sound<br> +Of bells;—those boys who in yon meadow-ground<br> +In white-sleeved shirts are playing; and the roar<br> +Of the waves breaking on the chalky shore;—<br> +All, all are English. Oft have I looked round<br> +With joy in Kent's green vales; but never found<br> +Myself so satisfied in heart before.<br> +Europe is yet in bonds; but let that pass,<br> +Thought for another moment. Thou art free,<br> +My Country! and 'tis joy enough and pride<br> +For one hour's perfect bliss, to tread the grass<br> +Of England once again, and hear and see,<br> +With such a dear Companion at my side.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#87n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr87v1"></a><a href="#87v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr87v2"></a><a href="#87v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr87v3"></a><a href="#87v3">3</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr87A"></a><a href="#87A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="87v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Dear fellow Traveller! here we are once more. </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr87v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="87v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... that ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr87v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="87v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> In white sleev'd shirts are playing by the score,<br> + And even this little River's gentle roar, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr87v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="87A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">At the beginning of Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal of a Tour +on the Continent</i> in 1820, she writes (July 10, 1820):</span> + + <blockquote> "When within a mile of Dover saw crowds of people at a cricket match, + the numerous combatants dressed in 'white-sleeved shirts;' and it was + in the very same field, where, when we 'trod the grass of England once + again,' twenty years ago, we had seen an assemblage of youths, engaged + in the same sport, so very like the present that all might have been + the same. (See my brother's sonnet.)"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr87A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="87n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> Dorothy Wordsworth writes in her <i>Journal</i>,</span> + + <blockquote> "On Sunday, the 29th of August, we left Calais, at twelve o'clock in + the morning, and landed at Dover at one on Monday the 30th. It was + very pleasant to me, when we were in the harbour at Dover, to breathe + the fresh air, and to look up and see the stars among the ropes of the + vessel. The next day was very hot, we bathed, and sat upon the Dover + Cliffs, and looked upon France with many a melancholy and tender + thought. We could see the shores almost as plain as if it were but an + English lake. We mounted the coach, and arrived in London at six, the + 30th August."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section88"></a>September 1, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed September 1, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#88A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<a href="#section88a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +Among the capricious acts of Tyranny that disgraced these times, was the +chasing of all Negroes from France by decree of the Government: we had a +Fellow-passenger who was one of the expelled.—W. W. 1827.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section88a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>We had a female Passenger who came<br> +From Calais with us, spotless in array,<br> +A white-robed Negro, like a lady gay,<br> +Yet downcast as a woman fearing blame;<br> +Meek, destitute, as seemed, of hope or aim<br> +She sate, from notice turning not away,<br> +But on all proffered intercourse did lay<br> +A weight of languid speech, or to the same<br> +No sign of answer made by word or face:<br> +Yet still her eyes retained their tropic fire,<br> +That, burning independent of the mind,<br> +Joined with the lustre of her rich attire<br> +To mock the Outcast—O ye Heavens, be kind!<br> +And feel, thou Earth, for this afflicted Race! +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#88n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr88v1"></a><a href="#88v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr88v2"></a><a href="#88v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr88v3"></a><a href="#88v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr88v4"></a><a href="#88v4">4</a><br> +<a name="fr88v5"></a><a href="#88v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr88v6"></a><a href="#88v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr88v7"></a><a href="#88v7">7</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="88v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>We had a fellow-passenger that came </blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... who ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Driven from the soil of France, a Female came</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1838 returns to the text of 1807, but the edition of 1840 +reverts to that of 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr88v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... gaudy ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... brilliant ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A negro woman, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Yet silent ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dejected, downcast, meek, and more than tame:</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Dejected, meek, yea pitiably tame,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But on our proffer'd kindness still did lay</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="88v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... or at the same<br> + Was silent, motionless in eyes and face.<br> + She was a negro woman, out of France,<br> + Rejected, like all others of that race:<br> + Not one of whom may now find footing there.<br> + What is the meaning of this ordinance?<br> + Dishonour'd Despots, tell us if ye dare. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... driv'n from France,<br> + Rejected like all others of that race,<br> + Not one of whom may now find footing there;<br> + This the poor Out-cast did to us declare,<br> + Nor murmur'd at the unfeeling Ordinance. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Meanwhile those eyes retained their tropic fire,<br> + Which, burning independent of the mind,<br> + Joined with the lustre of her rich attire<br> + To mock the outcast—O ye Heavens, be kind!<br> + And feel, thou Earth, for this afflicted Race! </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Yet still those eyes retained their tropic fire,</blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr88v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="88A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">First printed in <i>The Morning Post</i>, February 11, 1803, +under the title of <i>The Banished Negroes</i>, and signed W. L. D.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section88">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="88n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> It was a natural arrangement which led Wordsworth to place this sonnet, +in his edition of 1807, immediately after the one addressed <i>To +Toussaint L'Ouverture</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section89"></a>September, 1802, near Dover<a href="#89A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Inland, within a hollow vale, I stood;<br> +And saw, while sea was calm and air was clear,<br> +The coast of France—the coast of France how near!<br> +Drawn almost into frightful neighbourhood.<br> +I shrunk; for verily the barrier flood<br> +Was like a lake, or river bright and fair,<br> +A span of waters; yet what power is there!<br> +What mightiness for evil and for good!<br> +Even so doth God protect us if we be<br> +Virtuous and wise. Winds blow, and waters roll, <br> +Strength to the brave, and Power, and Deity;<br> +Yet in themselves are nothing! One decree<br> +Spake laws to <i>them</i>, and said that by the soul<br> +Only, the Nations shall be great and free.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#89n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr89B"></a><a href="#89B">B</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="89A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> From 1807 to 1843 the title was <i>September, 1802</i>; "near +Dover" appeared in the "Sonnets" of 1838, but did not become a permanent +part of the title until 1845.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section89">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="89B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare in S. T. <i>Coleridge's Ode to the Departing +Year</i>, stanza vii.:</span> + + <blockquote>'And Ocean 'mid his uproar wild<br> + Speaks safety to his island-child.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr89B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="89n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> In <i>The Friend</i> (ed. 1818, vol. i. p. 107), Coleridge writes:</span> + + <span style="color: #555555;">"The narrow seas that form our boundaries, what were they in times of + old? The convenient highway for Danish and Norman pirates. What are + they now? Still, but a 'Span of Waters.' Yet they roll at the base of + the Ararat, on which the Ark of the Hope of Europe and of Civilization + rested!"</span> + +<span style="color: #555555;">He then quotes this sonnet from the line "Even so doth God protect us if +we be."<br> +<br> +The <a href="#87n1">note</a> appended to the sonnet, <i>Composed in the Valley near Dover, +on the day of Landing</i> (p. 341), shows that this one refers to the +same occasion; and that while "Inland, within a hollow vale," Wordsworth +was, at the same time, on the Dover Cliffs; the "vale" being one of the +hollow clefts in the headland, which front the Dover coast-line. The +sonnet may, however, have been finished afterwards in London.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section90"></a>Written in London, September, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section90a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This was written immediately after my return from France to London, +when I could not but be struck, as here described, with the vanity and +parade of our own country, especially in great towns and cities, as +contrasted with the quiet, and I may say the desolation, that the +Revolution had produced in France. This must be borne in mind, or else +the reader may think that in this and the succeeding Sonnets I have +exaggerated the mischief engendered and fostered among us by undisturbed +wealth. It would not be easy to conceive with what a depth of feeling I +entered into the struggle carried on by the Spaniards for their +deliverance from the usurped power of the French. Many times have I gone +from Allan Bank in Grasmere Vale, where we were then residing, to the +top of Raise-gap, as it is called, so late as two o'clock in the +morning, to meet the carrier bringing the newspapers from Keswick. +Imperfect traces of the state of mind in which I then was may be found +in my tract on the Convention of Cintra, as well as in these +Sonnets.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section90a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td><b>O Friend</b>! I know not which way I must look<br> +For comfort, being, as I am, opprest,<br> +To think that now our life is only drest<br> +For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook,<br> +Or groom!—We must run glittering like a brook<br> +In the open sunshine, or we are unblest:<br> +The wealthiest man among us is the best:<br> +No grandeur now in nature or in book<br> +Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,<br> +This is idolatry; and these we adore: <br> +Plain living and high thinking are no more:<br> +The homely beauty of the good old cause<br> +Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,<br> +And pure religion breathing household laws.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#90n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr90v1"></a><a href="#90v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td><a name="fr90A"></a><a href="#90A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr90B"></a><a href="#90B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="90v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>O thou proud City! which way shall I look</blockquote></td> + <td>1838</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr90v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="90A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The "Friend" was Coleridge. In the original MS. it stands +"Coleridge! I know not," etc. Wordsworth changed it in the proof +stage.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr90A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="90B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare—in Hartley Coleridge's <i>Lives of Distinguished +Northerners</i>—what is said of this sonnet, in his life of Anne +Clifford, where the passing cynicism of Wordsworth's poem is pointed +out.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr90B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="90n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth stayed in London from August 30th to September 22nd 1802.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section91"></a>London, 1802</h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807</h4><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Milton! thou should'st be living at this hour:<br> +England hath need of thee: she is a fen<br> +Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen,<br> +Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower,<br> +Have forfeited their ancient English dower<br> +Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;<br> +Oh! raise us up, return to us again;<br> +And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.<br> +Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart:<br> +Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:<br> +Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,<br> +So didst thou travel on life's common way,<br> +In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart<br> +The lowliest duties on herself did lay.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr91v1"></a><a href="#91v1">1</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr91A"></a><a href="#91A">A</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="91v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... itself ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr91v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="91A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In old English "yet" means "continuously" or "always"; and +it is still used in Cumberland with this signification.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr91A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section92"></a>"Great men have been among us; hands that penned"</h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Great men have been among us; hands that penned<br> +And tongues that uttered wisdom—better none:<br> +The later Sidney, Marvel, Harrington,<br> +Young Vane, and others who called Milton friend.<br> +These moralists could act and comprehend: <br> +They knew how genuine glory was put on;<br> +Taught us how rightfully a nation shone<br> +In splendour: what strength was, that would not bend<br> +But in magnanimous meekness. France, 'tis strange,<br> +Hath brought forth no such souls as we had then. <br> +Perpetual emptiness! unceasing change!<br> +No single volume paramount, no code,<br> +No master spirit, no determined road;<br> +But equally a want of books and men!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr92v1"></a><a href="#92v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr92A"></a><a href="#92A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="92v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But to ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr92v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="92A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> See Clarendon's <i>History of the Rebellion</i>, book +iii.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr92A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section93"></a>"It is not to be thought of that the Flood"</h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#93A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>It is not to be thought of that the Flood<br> +Of British freedom, which, to the open sea<br> +Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity<br> +Hath flowed, "with pomp of waters, unwithstood,"<br> +Roused though it be full often to a mood <br> +Which spurns the check of salutary bands,<br> +That this most famous Stream in bogs and sands<br> +Should perish; and to evil and to good<br> +Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung<br> +Armoury of the invincible Knights of old: <br> +We must be free or die, who speak the tongue<br> +That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold<br> +Which Milton held.—In every thing we are sprung<br> +Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr93v1"></a><a href="#93v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr93v2"></a><a href="#93v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr93B"></a><a href="#93B">B</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="93v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... unwithstood,<br> + Road by which all might come and go that would,<br> + And bear out freights of worth to foreign lands; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr93v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="93v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... must live ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr93v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="93A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> It was first printed in <i>The Morning Post</i>, April 16. +1803, and signed W. L. D.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section93">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="93B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Daniel's <i>Civil War</i>, book ii. stanza 7.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr93B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section94"></a>"When I have borne in memory what has tamed"</h2> + +<h4>Composed September, 1802.—Published 1807<a href="#94A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>When I have borne in memory what has tamed<br> +Great Nations, how ennobling thoughts depart<br> +When men change swords for ledgers, and desert<br> +The student's bower for gold, some fears unnamed<br> +I had, my Country!—am I to be blamed? <br> +Now, when I think of thee, and what thou art,<br> +Verily, in the bottom of my heart,<br> +Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed.<br> +For dearly must we prize thee; we who find<br> +In thee a bulwark for the cause of men;<br> +And I by my affection was beguiled:<br> +What wonder if a Poet now and then,<br> +Among the many movements of his mind,<br> +Felt for thee as a lover or a child!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr94v1"></a><a href="#94v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr94v2"></a><a href="#94v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr94v3"></a><a href="#94v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="94v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But,...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr94v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="94v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I of those fears of mine am much ashamed.</blockquote></td> + <td>1803</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr94v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="94v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> But dearly do I prize thee for I find<br> + In thee a bulwark of the cause of men;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1803</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But dearly must we prize thee; we who find</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... for the cause of men;</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Most dearly </blockquote></td> + <td>1838</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr94v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="94A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">But printed previously in <i>The Morning Post</i>, +September 17, 1803, under the title <i>England</i>, and signed W. L. D. +Also, see Coleridge's <i>Poems on Political Events</i>, 1828-9.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section94">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section95"></a>Composed after a Journey across the Hambleton Hills, Yorkshire<a href="#95A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed October 4, 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section95a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed October 4th, 1802, after a journey over the Hambleton Hills, +on a day memorable to me—the day of my marriage. The horizon commanded +by those hills is most magnificent. The next day, while we were +travelling in a post-chaise up Wensleydale, we were stopped by one of +the horses proving restive, and were obliged to wait two hours in a +severe storm before the post-boy could fetch from the inn another to +supply its place. The spot was in front of Bolton Hall, where Mary Queen +of Scots was kept prisoner, soon after her unfortunate landing at +Workington. The place then belonged to the Scroops, and memorials of her +are yet preserved there. To beguile the time I composed a Sonnet. The +subject was our own confinement contrasted with hers; but it was not +thought worthy of being preserved.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section95a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Dark and more dark the shades of evening fell;<br> +The wished-for point was reached—but at an hour<br> +When little could be gained from that rich dower<br> +Of prospect, whereof many thousands tell.<br> +Yet did the glowing west with marvellous power <br> +Salute us; there stood Indian citadel,<br> +Temple of Greece, and minster with its tower<br> +Substantially expressed—a place for bell<br> +Or clock to toll from! Many a tempting isle,<br> +With groves that never were imagined, lay <br> +'Mid seas how steadfast! objects all for the eye<br> +Of silent rapture; but we felt the while<br> +We should forget them; they are of the sky,<br> +And from our earthly memory fade away.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#95n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr95v1"></a><a href="#95v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr95v2"></a><a href="#95v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="95v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Ere we had reach'd the wish'd-for place, night fell:<br> + We were too late at least by one dark hour,<br> + And nothing could we see of all that power<br> + Of prospect, ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Dark, and more dark, the shades of Evening fell;<br> + The wish'd-for point was reach'd—but late the hour;<br> + And little could we see of all that power </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And little could be gained from all that dower</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr95v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="95v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The western sky did recompence us well<br> + With Grecian Temple, Minaret, and Bower;<br> + And, in one part, a Minster with its Tower<br> + Substantially distinct, a place for Bell<br> + Or Clock to toll from. Many a glorious pile<br> + Did we behold, sights that might well repay<br> + All disappointment! and, as such, the eye<br> + Delighted in them; but we felt, the while, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Substantially expressed—... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Did we behold, fair sights that might repay </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Yet did the glowing west in all its power </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 is otherwise identical with that of 1837.<br> +<a href="#fr95v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="95A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Called by Wordsworth, "The Hamilton Hills" in the editions +from 1807 to 1827.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section95">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="95n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> The following extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's Journal indicates, as +fully as any other passage in it, the use which her brother occasionally +made of it. We have the "Grecian Temple," and the "Minster with its +Tower":</span> + + <blockquote> "Before we had crossed the Hambleton Hill and reached the point + overlooking Yorkshire it was quite dark. We had not wanted, however, + fair prospects before us, as we drove along the flat plain of the high + hill; far, far off from us, in the western sky, we saw shapes of + castles, ruins among groves—a great, spreading wood, rocks, and + single trees—a Minster with its Tower unusually distinct, Minarets in + another quarter, and a round Grecian Temple also; the colours of the + sky of a bright grey, and the forms of a sober grey, with a dome. As + we descended the hill there was no distinct view, but of a great + space, only near us, we saw the wild (and as the people say) + bottomless Tarn in the hollow at the side of the hill. It seemed to be + made visible to us only by its own light, for all the hill about us + was dark."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth and his sister crossed over the Hambleton (or Hamilton) +Hills, on their way from Westmoreland to Gallow Hill, Yorkshire, to +visit the Hutchinsons, before they went south to London and Calais, +where they spent the month of August, 1802. But after his marriage to +Mary Hutchinson, on the 4th of October, Wordsworth, his wife, and +sister, recrossed these Hambleton Hills on their way to Grasmere, which +they reached on the evening of the 6th October. The above sonnet was +composed on the evening of the 4th October, as the Fenwick note +indicates.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section96"></a>To H. C.</h2> + +<h4>Six Years Old</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>O thou! whose fancies from afar are brought;<br> +Who of thy words dost make a mock apparel,<br> +And fittest to unutterable thought<br> +The breeze-like motion and the self-born carol;<br> +Thou faery voyager! that dost float<br> +In such clear water, that thy boat<br> +May rather seem<br> +To brood on air than on an earthly stream;<br> +Suspended in a stream as clear as sky,<br> +Where earth and heaven do make one imagery;<br> +O blessed vision! happy child!<br> +Thou art so exquisitely wild,<br> +I think of thee with many fears<br> +For what may be thy lot in future years.<br> + <br> +I thought of times when Pain might be thy guest,<br> +Lord of thy house and hospitality;<br> +And Grief, uneasy lover! never rest<br> +But when she sate within the touch of thee.<br> +O too industrious folly!<br> +O vain and causeless melancholy!<br> +Nature will either end thee quite;<br> +Or, lengthening out thy season of delight,<br> +Preserve for thee, by individual right,<br> +A young lamb's heart among the full-grown flocks.<br> +What hast thou to do with sorrow,<br> +Or the injuries of to-morrow?<br> +Thou art a dew-drop, which the morn brings forth,<br> +Ill fitted to sustain unkindly shocks,<br> +Or to be trailed along the soiling earth;<br> +A gem that glitters while it lives,<br> +And no forewarning gives;<br> +But, at the touch of wrong, without a strife<br> +Slips in a moment out of life. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#96n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr96v1"></a><a href="#96v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr96v2"></a><a href="#96v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr96A"></a><a href="#96A">A</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="96v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> That ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr96v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="96v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Not doom'd to jostle with ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Not framed to undergo ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr96v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="96A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> See Carver's Description of his Situation upon one of the +Lakes of America.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr96A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="96n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">These stanzas were addressed to Hartley Coleridge. The lines,</span> + + <blockquote> 'I think of thee with many fears<br> + For what may be thy lot in future years,'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">taken in connection with his subsequent career, suggest the similarly +sad "presentiment" with which the <i>Lines composed above Tintern Abbey</i> +conclude. The following is the postscript to a letter by his father, S. +T. C., addressed to Sir Humphry Davy, Keswick, July 25, 1800:</span> + + <blockquote>"Hartley is a spirit that dances on an aspen leaf; the air that yonder + sallow-faced and yawning tourist is breathing, is to my babe a + perpetual nitrous oxide. Never was more joyous creature born. Pain + with him is so wholly trans-substantiated by the joys that had rolled + on before, and rushed on after, that oftentimes five minutes after his + mother has whipt him he has gone up and asked her to whip him again."</blockquote> + +(<i>Fragmentary Remains, Literary and Scientific</i>, of Sir Humphry Davy, +Bart., pp. 78, 79.)—Ed.<br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section98"></a>To the Daisy</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section98a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> + +<blockquote><a name="fr98A"></a>"Her<a href="#98A"><sup>A</sup></a> divine skill taught me this,<br> +That from every thing I saw<br> +I could some instruction draw,<br> +And raise pleasure to the height<br> +Through the meanest object's sight.<br> +By the murmur of a spring,<br> +Or the least bough's rustelling;<br> +By a Daisy whose leaves spread<br> +Shut when Titan goes to bed;<br> +Or a shady bush or tree;<br> +She could more infuse in me<br> +Than all Nature's beauties can<br> +In some other wiser man." <br> +<br> +<b><a name="fr98v1"></a>G. Wither.<a href="#98v1"><sup>1</sup></a></b></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed in the orchard, Town-end, Grasmere.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section98a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>In youth from rock to rock I went,<br> +From hill to hill in discontent<br> +Of pleasure high and turbulent,<br> + Most pleased when most uneasy;<br> +But now my own delights I make,—<br> +My thirst at every rill can slake,<br> +And gladly Nature's love partake,<br> + Of Thee, sweet Daisy!<br> + <br> +Thee Winter in the garland wears<br> +That thinly decks his few grey hairs;<br> +Spring parts the clouds with softest airs,<br> + That she may sun thee;<br> +Whole Summer-fields are thine by right;<br> +And Autumn, melancholy Wight!<br> +Doth in thy crimson head delight<br> + When rains are on thee.<br><br> + +In shoals and bands, a morrice train,<br> +Thou greet'st the traveller in the lane;<br> +Pleased at his greeting thee again;<br> + Yet nothing daunted, <br> +Nor grieved if thou be set at nought:<br> +And oft alone in nooks remote<br> +We meet thee, like a pleasant thought,<br> + When such are wanted.<br><br> + +Be violets in their secret mews <br> +The flowers the wanton Zephyrs choose;<br> +Proud be the rose, with rains and dews<br> + Her head impearling,<br> +Thou liv'st with less ambitious aim,<br> +Yet hast not gone without thy fame;<br> +Thou art indeed by many a claim<br> + The Poet's darling.<br><br> + +If to a rock from rains he fly,<br> +Or, some bright day of April sky,<br> +Imprisoned by hot sunshine lie <br> + Near the green holly,<br> +And wearily at length should fare;<br> +He needs but look about, and there<br> +Thou art!—a friend at hand, to scare<br> + His melancholy.<br><br> + +A hundred times, by rock or bower,<br> +Ere thus I have lain couched an hour,<br> +Have I derived from thy sweet power<br> + Some apprehension;<br> +Some steady love; some brief delight;<br> +Some memory that had taken flight;<br> +Some chime of fancy wrong or right;<br> + Or stray invention.<br><br> + +If stately passions in me burn,<br> +And one chance look to Thee should turn,<br> +I drink out of an humbler urn<br> + A lowlier pleasure;<br> +The homely sympathy that heeds<br> +The common life, our nature breeds;<br> +A wisdom fitted to the needs<br> + Of hearts at leisure.<br><br> + +Fresh-smitten by the morning ray,<br> +When thou art up, alert and gay,<br> +Then, cheerful Flower! my spirits play<br> + With kindred gladness:<br> +And when, at dusk, by dews opprest<br> +Thou sink'st, the image of thy rest<br> +Hath often eased my pensive breast<br> + Of careful sadness.<br><br> + +And all day long I number yet,<br> +All seasons through, another debt,<br> +Which I, wherever thou art met,<br> + To thee am owing;<br> + An instinct call it, a blind sense;<br> +A happy, genial influence,<br> +Coming one knows not how, nor whence,<br> + Nor whither going.<br><br> + +Child of the Year! that round dost run<br> +Thy pleasant course,—when day's begun<br> +As ready to salute the sun<br> + As lark or leveret,<br> +Thy long-lost praise thou shalt regain;<br> +Nor be less dear to future men<br> +Than in old time;—thou not in vain<br> + Art Nature's favourite.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#98n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v2"></a><a href="#98v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v3"></a><a href="#98v3">3</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v4"></a><a href="#98v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v5"></a><a href="#98v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v6"></a><a href="#98v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v7"></a><a href="#98v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v8"></a><a href="#98v8">8</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v9"></a><a href="#98v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v10"></a><a href="#98v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v11"></a><a href="#98v11">11</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v12"></a><a href="#98v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98v13"></a><a href="#98v13">13</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98B"></a><a href="#98B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr98C"></a><a href="#98C">C</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="98v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> + <span style="color: #555555;">The extract from Wither was first prefixed to this poem in +the edition of 1815. The late Mr. Dykes Campbell was of opinion that +Charles Lamb had suggested this motto to Wordsworth, as <i>The +Shepherd's Hunting</i> was Lamb's "prime favourite" amongst Wither's +poems. It may be as well to note that his quotation was erroneous in two +places. His "instruction" should be "invention" (l. 3), and his "the" +(in l. 4) should be "her."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr98v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>To gentle sympathies awake, </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And Nature's love of Thee partake,<br> + Her much-loved Daisy!</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Of her sweet Daisy.</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to the reading of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr98v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When soothed a while by milder airs,<br> + Thee Winter in the garland wears<br> + That thinly shades his few grey hairs;<br> + Spring cannot shun thee; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When Winter decks his few grey hairs<br> + Thee in the scanty wreath he wears;<br> + Spring parts the clouds with softest airs,<br> + That she may sun thee; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in the lane;<br> + If welcome once thou count'st it gain;<br> + Thou art not daunted,<br> + Nor car'st if thou be set at naught;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> If welcom'd ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr98v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He need ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... some chance delight; </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Some charm ... </blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And some ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When, smitten by the morning ray,<br> + I see thee rise alert and gay,<br> + Then, chearful Flower! my spirits play<br> + With kindred motion: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>With kindred gladness: </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Then Daisy! do my spirits play,<br> + With cheerful motion. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> At dusk, I've seldom mark'd thee press<br> + The ground, as if in thankfulness<br> + Without some feeling, more or less,<br> + Of true devotion. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The ground in modest thankfulness</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But more than all I number yet<br> + O bounteous Flower! another debt <br> + Which I to thee wherever met<br> + Am daily owing; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr98v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Child of the Year! that round dost run<br> + Thy course, bold lover of the sun,<br> + And chearful when the day's begun<br> + As morning Leveret,<br> + Thou long the Poet's praise shalt gain;<br> + Thou wilt be more belov'd by men<br> + In times to come; thou not in vain </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Thy long-lost praise thou shalt regain;<br> + Dear shalt thou be to future men<br> + As in old time;— </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Dear thou shalt be </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 returns to that of 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr98v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="98A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> His Muse.—W. W. 1815. <br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The extract is from <i>The Shepherds Hunting</i>, eclogue fourth, ll. +368-80.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr98A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> See, in Chaucer and the elder Poets, the honours formerly +paid to this flower.—W. W. 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr98B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="98C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> This Poem, and two others to the same Flower, which the +Reader will find in the second Volume, were written in the year 1802; +which is mentioned, because in some of the ideas, though not in the +manner in which those ideas are connected, and likewise even in some of +the expressions, they bear a striking resemblance to a Poem (lately +published) of Mr. Montgomery, entitled, <i>A Field Flower</i>. This +being said, Mr. Montgomery will not think any apology due to him; I +cannot however help addressing him in the words of the Father of English +Poets: + + <blockquote> 'Though it happe me to rehersin—<br> + That ye han in your freshe songis saied,<br> + Forberith me, and beth not ill apaied,<br> + Sith that ye se I doe it in the honour<br> + Of Love, and eke in service of the Flour.'</blockquote> + +W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the edition of 1836, the following variation of the text of this note +occurs: "There is a resemblance to passages in a Poem."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr98C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="98n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">For illustration of the last stanza, see Chaucer's Prologue to <i>The +Legend of Good Women</i>.</span> + + <blockquote> 'As I seyde erst, whanne comen is the May,<br> + That in my bed ther daweth me no day,<br> + That I nam uppe and walkyng in the mede,<br> + To seen this floure agein the sonne sprede,<br> + Whan it up rysith erly by the morwe;<br> + That blisful sight softneth al my sorwe,<br> + So glad am I, whan that I have presence<br> + Of it, to doon it alle reverence,<br> + As she that is of alle floures flour.'<br> + ...<br> + To seen this flour so yong, so fresshe of hewe,<br> + Constreynde me with so gredy desire,<br> + That in myn herte I feele yet the fire,<br> + That made me to ryse er yt wer day,<br> + And this was now the firste morwe of May,<br> + With dredful hert, and glad devocioun<br> + For to ben at the resurreccion<br> + Of this flour, whan that yt shulde unclose<br> + Agayne the sonne, that roos as rede as rose<br> + ...<br> + And doune on knes anoon ryght I me sette,<br> + And as I koude, this fresshe flour I grette,<br> + Knelying alwey, til it unclosed was,<br> + Upon the smale, softe, swote gras.</blockquote> + +Again, in The <i>Cuckoo and the Nightingale</i>, after a wakeful night, +the Poet rises at dawn, and wandering forth, reaches a "laund of white +and green." + +<blockquote> 'So feire oon had I nevere in bene,<br> + The grounde was grene, y poudred with daysé,<br> + The floures and the gras ilike al hie,<br> + Al grene and white, was nothing elles sene.'</blockquote> + + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section97"></a>To the Same Flower<a href="#97A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section97a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed in the orchard, Town-end, Grasmere.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section97a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>With little here to do or see<br> +Of things that in the great world be,<br> +Daisy! again I talk to thee,<br> + For thou art worthy,<br> +Thou unassuming Common-place <br> +Of Nature, with that homely face,<br> +And yet with something of a grace,<br> + Which Love makes for thee!<br><br> + +Oft on the dappled turf at ease<br> +I sit, and play with similes,<br> +Loose types of things through all degrees,<br> + Thoughts of thy raising:<br> +And many a fond and idle name<br> +I give to thee, for praise or blame,<br> +As is the humour of the game,<br> + While I am gazing.<br><br> + +A nun demure of lowly port;<br> +Or sprightly maiden, of Love's court,<br> +In thy simplicity the sport<br> + Of all temptations;<br> +A queen in crown of rubies drest;<br> +A starveling in a scanty vest;<br> +Are all, as seems to suit thee best,<br> + Thy appellations.<br><br> + +A little cyclops, with one eye <br> +Staring to threaten and defy,<br> +That thought comes next—and instantly<br> + The freak is over,<br> +The shape will vanish—and behold<br> +A silver shield with boss of gold,<br> +That spreads itself, some faery bold<br> + In fight to cover!<br><br> + +I see thee glittering from afar—<br> +And then thou art a pretty star;<br> +Not quite so fair as many are <br> + In heaven above thee!<br> +Yet like a star, with glittering crest,<br> +Self-poised in air thou seem'st to rest;—<br> +May peace come never to his nest,<br> +Who shall reprove thee!<br><br> + +Bright <i>Flower!</i> for by that name at last,<br> +When all my reveries are past,<br> +I call thee, and to that cleave fast,<br> +Sweet silent creature!<br> +That breath'st with me in sun and air,<br> +Do thou, as thou art wont, repair<br> +My heart with gladness, and a share<br> +Of thy meek nature!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#97n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr97v1"></a><a href="#97v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr97v2"></a><a href="#97v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr97v3"></a><a href="#97v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr97v4"></a><a href="#97v4">4</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="97v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Sweet Daisy! oft I talk to thee, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Yet once again I talk ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr97v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="97v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Oft do I sit by thee at ease,<br> + And weave a web of similies, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr97v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="97v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... seem ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr97v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="97v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Sweet Flower!....</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr97v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="97A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> The two following Poems were overflowings of the mind in +composing the one which stands first in the first Volume (i.e. the +previous Poem),—W. W. 1807.<br> +<a href="#section97">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="97n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">In his editions 1836-1849 Wordsworth gave 1805 as the year in which this +poem was composed, but the Fenwick note prefixed to it renders this +impossible. It evidently belongs to the same time, and "mood," as the +previous poem.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section99"></a>To the Daisy (2)</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section99a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This and the other Poems addressed to the same flower were composed at +Town-end, Grasmere, during the earlier part of my residence there. I +have been censured for the last line but one—"thy function +apostolical"—as being little less than profane. How could it be thought +so? The word is adopted with reference to its derivation, implying +something sent on a mission; and assuredly this little flower, +especially when the subject of verse, may be regarded, in its humble +degree, as administering both to moral and to spiritual purposes.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This was included among the "Poems of the Fancy" from 1815 to 1832. In +1837 it was transferred to the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section99a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Bright Flower! whose home is everywhere,<br> +Bold in maternal Nature's care,<br> +And all the long year through the heir<br> +Of joy and sorrow.<br> +Methinks that there abides in thee<br> +Some concord with humanity,<br> +Given to no other flower I see<br> +The forest thorough!<br><br> + +Is it that Man is soon deprest?<br> +A thoughtless Thing! who, once unblest,<br> +Does little on his memory rest,<br> +Or on his reason,<br> +And Thou would'st teach him how to find<br> +A shelter under every wind,<br> +A hope for times that are unkind<br> +And every season?<br><br> + +Thou wander'st the wide world about,<br> +Uncheck'd by pride or scrupulous doubt,<br> +With friends to greet thee, or without,<br> +Yet pleased and willing;<br> +Meek, yielding to the occasion's call,<br> +And all things suffering from all,<br> +Thy function apostolical<br> + In peace fulfilling.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#99n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr99v1"></a><a href="#99v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr99v2"></a><a href="#99v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr99v3"></a><a href="#99v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr99v4"></a><a href="#99v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr99v5"></a><a href="#99v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr99v6"></a><a href="#99v6">6</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="99v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Bright Flower, whose home is every where!<br> + A Pilgrim bold in Nature's care,<br> + And all the long year through the heir </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Bright flower, whose home is every where!<br> + A Pilgrim bold in Nature's care,<br> + And oft, the long year through, the heir </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Confiding Flower, by Nature's care<br> + Made bold,—who, lodging here or there,<br> + Art all the long year through the heir </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr99v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="99v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1850</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... or ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr99v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="99v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Communion ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1840 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr99v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="99v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And wherefore? Man is soon deprest; </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1837 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr99v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="99v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1837 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr99v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="99v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> +This stanza was omitted in the editions of 1827 and 1832, but replaced +in 1837.<br> +<a href="#fr99v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="99n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The three preceding poems 'To the Daisy' evidently belong to the same +time, and are, as Wordsworth expressly says, "overflowings of the mind +in composing the one which stands first." Nevertheless, in the revised +edition of 1836-7, he gave the date 1802 to the first, 1803 to the +third, and 1805 to the second of them. In the earlier editions 1815 to +1832, they are all classed among the "Poems of the Fancy," but in the +edition of 1837, and afterwards, the last, "Bright Flower! whose home is +everywhere," is ranked among the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection." +They should manifestly be placed together. Wordsworth's fourth poem <i>To +the Daisy</i>, which is an elegy on his brother John, and belongs to a +subsequent year— having no connection with the three preceding poems, +will be found in its chronological place.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section100"></a>Louisa</h2> + +<h4>After Accompanying Her on a Mountain Excursion</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section100a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Town-end 1805.—I. F.] +</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems founded on the Affections." From 1807 to 1832 the +title was simply <i>Louisa.—Ed.</i></span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section100a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I met Louisa in the shade,<br> +And, having seen that lovely Maid,<br> +Why should I fear to say<br> +That, nymph-like, she is fleet and strong,<br> +And down the rocks can leap along<br> +Like rivulets in May?<br> +<br> +She loves her fire, her cottage-home;<br> +Yet o'er the moorland will she roam<br> +In weather rough and bleak;<br> +And, when against the wind she strains,<br> +Oh! might I kiss the mountain rains<br> +That sparkle on her cheek.<br><br> + +Take all that's mine "beneath the moon,"<br> +If I with her but half a noon<br> +May sit beneath the walls<br> +Of some old cave, or mossy nook,<br> +When up she winds along the brook<br> +To hunt the waterfalls.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#100n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr100v1"></a><a href="#100v1">1</a><br> +<a name="fr100v2"></a><a href="#100v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr100v3"></a><a href="#100v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr100v4"></a><a href="#100v4">4</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr100A"></a><a href="#100A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="100v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Though, by a sickly taste betrayed,<br> + Some will dispraise the lovely Maid,<br> + With fearless pride I say </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr100v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="100v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That she is ruddy, fleet, and strong; </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>That she is healthful, ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1836</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr100v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="100v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +In the editions of 1807 to 1843 occurs the following verse, +which was omitted from subsequent editions: +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And she hath smiles to earth unknown;<br> + Smiles, that with motion of their own<br> + Do spread, and sink, and rise;<br> + That come and go with endless play,<br> + And ever, as they pass away,<br> + Are hidden in her eyes.</blockquote></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr100v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="100v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>When she goes barefoot up the brook</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr100v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="100A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Compare Young's <i>Night Thoughts</i>, where the phrase occurs +three times. See also <i>Lear</i>, act IV. scene vi. l. 26:</span> + + <blockquote>'For all beneath the moon.'</blockquote> + +Haywood, <i>The English Traveller</i>, v. 1: + + <blockquote> 'All things that dwell beneath the moon.'</blockquote> + +It was also used by William Drummond, in one of his sonnets, + + <blockquote> 'I know that all beneath the moon decays.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr100A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="100n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth gave as the date of the composition of this poem the year +1805; but he said of the following one, <i>To a Young Lady, who had been +Reproached for taking Long Walks in the Country</i>— "composed at the same +time" and "designed to make one piece"—that it was written in 1803.<br> +<br> +But it is certain that these following lines appeared in <i>The Morning +Post</i>, on Feb. 12, 1802, where they are headed <i>To a beautiful Young +Lady, who had been harshly spoken of on account of her fondness for +taking long walks in the Country</i>. There is difficulty, both in +ascertaining the exact date of composition, and in knowing who "Louisa" +or the "Young Lady" was. Mrs. Millicent G. Fawcett wrote to me several +years ago, suggesting, with some plausibility, a much earlier date, if +Dorothy Wordsworth was the lady referred to. She referred me to +Dorothy's letter to her aunt, Mrs. Crackenthorpe, written from +Windybrow, Keswick, in 1794, when staying there with her brother; and +says</span> + + <blockquote> "What inclined me to think that the poem was written earlier than 1805 + was that it anticipates Dorothy's marriage, and this would more + naturally be present as a probable event in W. W.'s mind in 1794 or + thereabouts than in 1805, after Dorothy had dedicated her life to her + brother, to the exclusion of all wish to make a home of her own by + marriage. The expression 'Healthy as a shepherd boy' is also more + applicable to a girl of twenty-two than to a woman of thirty-three. Do + you think it possible that the poem may have been written in 1794, and + not published till later, when its application would be less evident + to the family circle?"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Dorothy Wordsworth's letter will be quoted in full in a later volume, +but the following extract from it may be given now:</span> + + <blockquote> "I cannot pass unnoticed that part of your letter in which you speak + of my 'rambling about the country on foot.' So far from considering + this as a matter for condemnation I rather thought it would have given + my friends pleasure that I had courage to make use of the strength + with which Nature has endowed me, when it not only procured me + infinitely more pleasure than I should have received from sitting in a + post-chaise, but was also the means of saving me at least thirty + shillings."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">I do not think the date of composition can be so early as 1794. What may +be called internal, or structural, evidence is against it. Wordsworth +never could have written these two poems till after his settlement at +Dove Cottage. Besides, in 1794, he could have no knowledge of a possible +"nest in a green dale, a harbour and a hold"; while at that time his +sister had certainly no "cottage home." I believe they were written +after he took up his residence at Town-end (the date being uncertain); +and that they refer to his sister, and not to his wife. It has been +suggested by Mr. Ernest Coleridge (see <i>The Athenæum</i>, Oct. 21, 1893) +that they refer to Mary Hutchinson: but there is no evidence of +Wordsworth taking long country walks with her before their marriage, or +that she was "nymph-like," "fleet and strong," that she loved to "roam +the moorland," "in weather rough and bleak," or that she "hunted +waterfalls." The reference to his sister is confirmed by the omission of +the delightful second stanza of the poem in the last edition revised by +the poet, that of 1849, when she was a confirmed invalid at Rydal Mount. +Those "smiles to earth unknown," had then ceased for ever. The reason +why Wordsworth erased so delightful and wonderful a stanza, is to me +only explicable on the supposition, that it was his sister he referred +to, she who had accompanied him in former days, in so many of his "long +walks in the country." His wife never did this; she had not the physical +strength to do it; and, if she had been the person referred to, +Wordsworth would hardly, in 1845, have erased such a description of her, +as occurs in the stanza written in 1802, when she was still so vigorous. +Besides, Mary Wordsworth was in no sense "a Child of Nature," as Dorothy +was: while the testimony of the Wordsworth household is explicit, that +it was to his sister, and not to his wife, that the poet referred. I +find no difficulty in the allusion made in the second poem to Dorothy +being yet possibly a "Wife and Friend"; nor to the fact that it was +originally addressed "To a beautiful Young Lady." Neither Dorothy nor +Mary Wordsworth were physically "beautiful," according to our highest +standards; although the poet addressed the latter as "a Phantom of +delight," and as "a lovely apparition." It is quite true that it was +Mary Wordsworth's old age that was "serene and bright," while Dorothy's +was the very reverse; but the poet's anticipation of the future was +written when his sister was young, and was by far the stronger of the +two.—Ed.</span> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section101"></a>To a Young Lady, who had been Reproached for taking Long Walks in the Country<a href="#101A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1802.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section101a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed at the same time and on the same view as "I met Louisa in the +shade:" indeed they were designed to make one piece.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">From 1815 to 1832 this was classed among the "Poems proceeding from +Sentiment and Reflection." In 1836 it was transferred to the group of +"Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section101a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Dear Child of Nature, let them rail!<br> +—There is a nest in a green dale,<br> +A harbour and a hold;<br> +Where thou, a Wife and Friend, shalt see<br> +Thy own heart-stirring days, and be<br> +A light to young and old.<br><br> + +There, healthy as a shepherd boy,<br> +And treading among flowers of joy<br> +Which at no season fade,<br> +Thou, while thy babes around thee cling,<br> +Shalt show us how divine a thing<br> +A Woman may be made.<br><br> + +Thy thoughts and feelings shall not die,<br> +Nor leave thee, when grey hairs are nigh<br> +A melancholy slave;<br> +But an old age serene and bright,<br> +And lovely as a Lapland night,<br> +Shall lead thee to thy grave.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#101n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr101v1"></a><a href="#101v1">1</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr101v2"></a><a href="#101v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr101v3"></a><a href="#101v3">3</a><br> +<br></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="101v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Thy own delightful days, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr101v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="101v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> As if thy heritage were joy,<br> + And pleasure were thy trade.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1802</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And treading among flowers of joy,<br> + That at no season fade, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr101v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="101v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... alive ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1802</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr101v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="101A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">For the original title of this poem,—as published in <i>The +Morning Post and Gazetteer</i>,—see the note to the previous poem. When +first published it was unsigned.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section101">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="101n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">See the editorial <a href="#100n1">note</a> to the preceding poem.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section102"></a>1803</h2> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The poems associated with the year 1803 consist mainly of the "Memorials +of a Tour in Scotland," which Wordsworth and his sister took—along with +Coleridge—in the autumn of that year, although many of these were not +written till some time after the Tour was finished. <i>The Green Linnet</i> +and <i>Yew-trees</i> were written in 1803, and some sonnets were composed in +the month of October; but, on the whole, 1803 was not a fruitful year in +Wordsworth's life, as regards his lyrics and smaller poems. Doubtless +both <i>The Prelude</i> and <i>The Excursion</i> were revised in 1803.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1802</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2e">1801</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1802</i></b></td> + <td>→</td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2g">1803</a></b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> + + +<a name="Wordsworth2g"></a> + +<h2>Wordsworth's <i>Poetical Works</i>, Volume 2: 1803</h2><br> +<br> +Edited by William Knight<br> +<br> +1896<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><b><a name="tocG">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section102">1803</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section103">The Green Linnet</a></li> +<li><a href="#section104">Yew-Trees</a></li> +<li><a href="#section105">"Who fancied what a pretty sight"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section106">"It is no Spirit who from heaven hath flown"</a></li> +<li><a name="cp4"></a><a href="#section107"> Memorials of a Tour in Scotland</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section108">Departure from the Vale of Grasmere. (August, 1803)</a></li> +<li><a href="#section109">At the Grave of Burns, 1803. Seven Years after his Death</a></li> +<li><a href="#section110">Thoughts suggested the Day following, on the Banks of Nith, near the Poet's Residence</a></li> +<li><a href="#section111">To the Sons of Burns, after Visiting the Grave of their Father</a></li> +<li><a href="#section112">To a Highland Girl</a></li> +<li><a href="#section113">Glen-Almain; or, The Narrow Glen</a></li> +<li><a href="#section114">Stepping Westward</a></li> +<li><a href="#section115">The Solitary Reaper</a></li> +<li><a href="#section116">Address to Kilchurn Castle</a></li> +<li><a href="#section117">Rob Roy's Grave</a></li> +<li><a href="#section118">Sonnet composed at —— Castle</a></li> +<li><a href="#section119">Yarrow Unvisited</a></li> +<li><a href="#section120">The Matron of Jedborough and her Husband</a></li> +<li><a href="#section121">"Fly, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section122">The Blind Highland Boy</a></li> +</ul> +<li><a href="#section123">October, 1803</a></li> +<li><a href="#section124">"There is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section125">October, 1803 (2)</a></li> +<li><a href="#section126">"England! the time is come when thou should'st wean"</a></li> +<li><a href="#section127">October, 1803 (3)</a></li> +<li><a href="#section128">To the Men of Kent. October, 1803</a></li> +<li><a href="#section129">In the Pass of Killicranky</a></li> +<li><a href="#section130">Anticipation. October, 1803</a></li> +<li><a href="#section131">Lines on the Expected Invasion, 1803</a></li> +</ul> +</ul><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> + +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">The poems associated with the year 1803 consist mainly of the "Memorials +of a Tour in Scotland," which Wordsworth and his sister took—along with +Coleridge—in the autumn of that year, although many of these were not +written till some time after the Tour was finished. <i>The Green Linnet</i> +and <i>Yew-trees</i> were written in 1803, and some sonnets were composed in +the month of October; but, on the whole, 1803 was not a fruitful year in +Wordsworth's life, as regards his lyrics and smaller poems. Doubtless +both <i>The Prelude</i> and <i>The Excursion</i> were revised in 1803.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocE">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> +<h2><a name="section103"></a>The Green Linnet</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section103a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Composed in the orchard, Town-end, Grasmere, where the bird was often +seen as here described.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section103a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Beneath these fruit-tree boughs that shed<br> +Their snow white blossoms on my head,<br> +With brightest sunshine round me spread<br> + Of spring's unclouded weather,<br> +In this sequestered nook how sweet<br> +To sit upon my orchard-seat!<br> +And birds and flowers once more to greet,<br> + My last year's friends together.<br><br> + +One have I marked, the happiest guest<br> +In all this covert of the blest:<br> +Hail to Thee, far above the rest<br> + In joy of voice and pinion!<br> +Thou, Linnet! in thy green array,<br> +Presiding Spirit here to-day,<br> +Dost lead the revels of the May;<br> + And this is thy dominion.<br><br> + +While birds, and butterflies, and flowers,<br> +Make all one band of paramours,<br> +Thou, ranging up and down the bowers,<br> + Art sole in thy employment:<br> +A Life, a Presence like the Air,<br> +Scattering thy gladness without care,<br> +Too blest with any one to pair;<br> + Thyself thy own enjoyment.<br><br> + +Amid yon tuft of hazel trees,<br> +That twinkle to the gusty breeze,<br> +Behold him perched in ecstacies,<br> + Yet seeming still to hover;<br> +There! where the flutter of his wings<br> +Upon his back and body flings<br> +Shadows and sunny glimmerings,<br> + That cover him all over.<br><br> + +My dazzled sight he oft deceives,<br> +A Brother of the dancing leaves;<br> +Then flits, and from the cottage-eaves<br> + Pours forth his song in gushes;<br> +As if by that exulting strain<br> +He mocked and treated with disdain<br> +The voiceless Form he chose to feign,<br> + While fluttering in the bushes.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#103n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr103v1"></a><a href="#103v1">1</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr103v2"></a><a href="#103v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr103v3"></a><a href="#103v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr103v4"></a><a href="#103v4">4</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="103v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The May is come again:—how sweet<br> + To sit upon my Orchard-seat!<br> + And Birds and Flowers once more to greet,<br> + My last year's Friends together:<br> + My thoughts they all by turns employ;<br> + A whispering Leaf is now my joy,<br> + And then a Bird will be the toy<br> + That doth my fancy tether. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And Flowers and Birds once more to greet, </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1815 is otherwise identical with that of 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr103v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="103v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Upon ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr103v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="103v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> While thus before my eyes he gleams,<br> + A Brother of the Leaves he seems;<br> + When in a moment forth he teems<br> + His little song in gushes: </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My sight he dazzles, half deceives,<br> + A Bird so like the dancing Leaves;<br> + Then flits, and from the Cottage eaves<br> + Pours forth his song in gushes;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>My dazzled sight the Bird deceives,<br> + A Brother of the dancing Leaves;</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1832</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Bird my dazzled sight deceives,</blockquote></td> + <td>1840</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The Bird my dazzling sight deceives</blockquote></td> + <td>C.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr103v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="103v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As if it pleas'd him to disdain<br> + And mock the Form which he did feign,<br> + While he was dancing with the train<br> + Of Leaves among the bushes. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The voiceless Form he chose to feign, </blockquote></td> + <td>1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr103v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="103n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">Of all Wordsworth's poems this is the one most distinctively +associated with the Orchard, at Town-end, Grasmere. Dorothy +Wordsworth writes in her <i>Journal</i> under date May 28th, 1802:</span> + + <blockquote>"We sat in the orchard. The young bull-finches in their pretty + coloured raiment, bustle about among the blossoms, and poise + themselves like wire-dancers or tumblers, shaking the twigs and + dashing off the blossoms."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section104"></a>Yew-Trees</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1815</h4> + +<a href="#section104a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Grasmere. These Yew-trees are still standing, but the spread +of that at Lorton is much diminished by mutilation. I will here mention +that a little way up the hill, on the road leading from Rosthwaite to +Stonethwaite (in Borrowdale) lay the trunk of a Yew-tree, which appeared +as you approached, so vast was its diameter, like the entrance of a +cave, and not a small one. Calculating upon what I have observed of the +slow growth of this tree in rocky situations, and of its durability, I +have often thought that the one I am describing must have been as old as +the Christian era. The Tree lay in the line of a fence. Great masses of +its ruins were strewn about, and some had been rolled down the hillside +and lay near the road at the bottom. As you approached the tree, you +were struck with the number of shrubs and young plants, ashes, etc., +which had found a bed upon the decayed trunk and grew to no +inconsiderable height, forming, as it were, a part of the hedgerow. In +no part of England, or of Europe, have I ever seen a yew-tree at all +approaching this in magnitude, as it must have stood. By the bye, +Hutton, the old guide, of Keswick, had been so impressed with the +remains of this tree, that he used gravely to tell strangers that there +could be no doubt of its having been in existence before the +flood.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section104a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There is a Yew-tree, pride of Lorton Vale,<br> +Which to this day stands single, in the midst<br> +Of its own darkness, as it stood of yore:<br> +Not loth to furnish weapons for the bands<br> +Of Umfraville or Percy ere they marched <br> +To Scotland's heaths; or those that crossed the sea<br> +And drew their sounding bows at Azincour,<br> +Perhaps at earlier Crecy, or Poictiers.<br> +Of vast circumference and gloom profound<br> +This solitary Tree! a living thing<br> +Produced too slowly ever to decay;<br> +Of form and aspect too magnificent<br> +To be destroyed. But worthier still of note<br> +Are those fraternal Four of Borrowdale,<br> +Joined in one solemn and capacious grove;<br> +Huge trunks! and each particular trunk a growth<br> +Of intertwisted fibres serpentine<br> +Up-coiling, and inveterately convolved;<br> +Nor uninformed with Phantasy, and looks<br> +That threaten the profane;—a pillared shade,<br> +Upon whose grassless floor of red-brown hue,<br> +By sheddings from the pining umbrage tinged<br> +Perennially—beneath whose sable roof<br> +Of boughs, as if for festal purpose, decked<br> +With unrejoicing berries—ghostly Shapes<br> +May meet at noontide; Fear and trembling Hope,<br> +Silence and Foresight; Death the Skeleton<br> +And Time the Shadow;—there to celebrate,<br> +As in a natural temple scattered o'er<br> +With altars undisturbed of mossy stone,<br> +United worship; or in mute repose<br> +To lie, and listen to the mountain flood<br> +Murmuring from Glaramara's inmost caves.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#104n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="104n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The text of this poem was never altered. The Lorton Yew-tree—which, in +1803, was "of vast circumference," the "pride of Lorton Vale," and +described as: +</span> + <blockquote> 'a living thing<br> + Produced too slowly ever to decay;<br> + Of form and aspect too magnificent<br> + To be destroyed—'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">does not now verify its poet's prediction of the future. Mr. Wilson +Robinson of Whinfell Hall, Cockermouth, wrote to me of it in May 1880:</span> + + <blockquote> "The tree in outline expanded towards the root considerably: then, at + about two feet from the ground, the trunk began to separate into huge + limbs, spreading in all directions. I once measured this trunk at its + least circumference, and found it 23 feet 10 inches. For the last 50 + or 60 years the branches have been gradually dying on the S. E. side, + and about 25 years ago a strong S. E. gale, coming with accumulated + force down Hope Gill, and—owing to the tree being so open on that + side—taking it laterally at a disadvantage, wrenched off one of the + great side branches down to the ground, carrying away nearly a third + of the tree. This event led to farther peril; for, the second portion + having been sold to a cabinetmaker at Whitehaven for #15, this gave + the impression that the wood was very valuable (owing to the celebrity + of the tree); and a local woodmonger bought the remainder. Two men + worked half a day to grub it up; but a Cockermouth medical gentleman, + hearing what was going on, made representations to the owner, and it + ended in the woodmen sparing the remainder of the tree, which was not + much the worse for what had been done. Many large dead branches have + also been cut off, and now we have to regret that the 'pride of Lorton + Vale,' shorn of its ancient dignity, is but a ruin, much more + venerable than picturesque."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The "fraternal Four of Borrowdale" are certainly "worthier still of +note." The "trunk" described in the Fenwick note, as on the road between +Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite, has disappeared long ago; but the "solemn +and capacious grove" existed till 1883 in its integrity. The description +in the poem is realistic throughout, while the visible scene suggests</span> + + <blockquote>"an ideal grove, in which the ghostly masters of mankind meet, and + sleep, and offer worship to the Destiny that abides above them, while + the mountain flood, as if from another world, makes music to which + they dimly listen."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Stopford A. Brooke, in <i>Theology in the English Poets</i>, p. 259.) With +the first part of the poem Wordsworth's <i>Sonnet composed at —— Castle</i> +during the Scotch Tour of 1803 may be compared (p. 410). For a critical +estimate of the poem see <i>Modern Painters</i>, part III. sec. II, chap. iv. +Ruskin alludes to "the real and high action of the imagination in +Wordsworth's <i>Yew-trees</i> (perhaps the most vigorous and solemn bit of +forest landscape ever painted). It is too long to quote, but the reader +should refer to it: let him note especially, if painter, that pure touch +of colour, 'by sheddings from the pining umbrage tinged.'" See also +Coleridge's criticism in <i>Biographia Literaria</i>, vol. ii. p. I77, +edition 1847, and his daughter Sara's comment on her father's note. +There can be little doubt that, as Professor Dowden has suggested, the +lines 23 to 28 were suggested to Wordsworth by Virgil's lines in the +Sixth Book of the <i>Æneid</i>, 273-284:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Vestibulum ante ipsum primisque in faucibus Orci<br> + Luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curæ;<br> + Pallentesque habitant Morbi, tristisque Senectus,<br> + Et Metus, et malesuada Fames, ac turpis Egestas,<br> + Terribiles visu formæ, Letumque, Labosque;<br> + Tum consanguineus Leti Sopor, et mala mentis<br> + Gaudia, mortiferumque adverso in limine Bellum,<br> + Ferreique Eumenidum thalami, et Discordia demens,<br> + Vipereum crinem vittis innexa cruentis.<br> + In medio ramos annosaque bracchia pandit<br> + Ulmus opaca, ingens, quam sedem Somnia volgo<br> + Vana tenere ferunt, foliisque sub omnibus hærent.'<br> +<br> +<br> + "The 'Four Yew Trees,' and the mysterious company which you have + assembled there, 'Death the Skeleton and Time the Shadow.' It is a + sight not for every youthful poet to dream of; it is one of the last + results he must have gone thinking for years for."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Charles Lamb to Wordsworth, 1815.)<br> +<br> +In Crabb Robinson's <i>Diary</i>, a reference to the Yew-trees of Lorton and +Borrowdale will be found under date Sept. 16 and 20, 1816.</span> + + <blockquote> "The pride of Lorton Vale" is now a ruin, and has lost all its ancient + majesty: but, until the close of 1883, the "fraternal four" of + Borrowdale were still to be seen "in grand assemblage." Every one who + has felt the power of Wordsworth's poetry,—and especially those who + had visited the Seathwaite valley, and read the <i>Yew-Trees</i> under the + shade of that once "solemn and capacious grove" before 1884,—must + have felt as if they had lost a personal friend, when they heard that + the "grove" was gone. The great gale of December 11, 1883, smote it + fiercely, uprooting one of the trees, and blowing the others to + ribbands. The following is Mr. Rawnsley's account of the disaster: + +<blockquote>'Last week the gale that ravaged England did the Lake country much + harm. We could spare many of the larch plantations, and could hear + (with a sigh) of the fall of the giant Scotch firs opposite the + little Scafell Inn at Rosthwaite, and that Watendlath had lost its + pines; but who could spare those ancient Yews, the great + + <blockquote> "... fraternal Four of Borrowdale,<br> + Joined in one solemn and capacious grove;<br> + Huge trunks! and each particular trunk a growth<br> + Of intertwisted fibres serpentine<br> + Up-coiling, and inveterately convolved."</blockquote> + + 'For beneath their pillared shade since Wordsworth wrote his poem, + that Yew-tree grove has suggested to many a wanderer up Borrowdale, + and visitant to the Natural Temple, + + <blockquote>"an ideal grove in which the ghostly masters of mankind meet, and + sleep, and offer worship to the Destiny that abides above them, + while the mountain flood, as if from another world, makes music to + which they dimly listen."</blockquote> + + 'These Yew-trees, seemingly + + <blockquote> "Produced too slowly ever to decay;<br> + Of form and aspect too magnificent<br> + To be destroyed,"</blockquote> + + 'have been ruthlessly overthrown. One has been uprooted bodily; all + the leaders and branches of the others have been wrenched from the + main trunk; and the three still standing are bare poles and broken + wreckage. Until one visits the spot one can have no conception of + the wholesale destruction that the hurricane has wrought; until he + looks on the huge rosy-hearted branches he cannot guess the + tremendous force with which the tornado had fallen upon that "sable + roof of boughs."<br> +<br> + 'For tornado or whirlwind it must needs have been. The Yews grew + under the eastern flank of the hill called Base Brown. The gale + raged from the westward. One could hardly believe it possible that + the trees could have been touched by it; for the barrier hill on + which they grew,—and under whose shelter they have seen centuries + of storm,—goes straight upwards, betwixt them and the west. It was + only realizable when, standing amid the wreckage, and looking across + the valley, it was seen that a larch plantation had been entirely + levelled, and evidently by a wind that was coming from the east, and + directly toward the Yew-trees. On enquiring at Seathwaite Farm, one + found that all the slates blown from the roof of that building on + the west side, had been whirled up clean over the roof: and we can + only surmise that the winds rushing from the west and north-west, + and meeting the bastions of Glaramara and the Sty-head slopes, were + whirled round in the 'cul-de-sac' of the valley, and moved with + churning motion back from east to west over the Seathwaite Farm, and + so in straight line across the beck, and up the slope to the + Yew-tree cluster. With what a wrenching, and with what violence, + these trees were in a moment shattered, only those can guess who now + witness the ruins of the pillared shade, upon the "grassless floor + of red-brown hue."'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section105"></a>"Who fancied what a pretty sight"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section105a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the edition of 1807 this poem was No. VIII. of the series entitled +"Moods of my own Mind." It was afterwards included among the "Poems of +the Fancy," and in a MS. copy it was named <i>The Coronet of +Snowdrops.</i>—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section105a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Who fancied what a pretty sight<br> +This Rock would be if edged around<br> +With living snow-drops? circlet bright!<br> +How glorious to this orchard-ground!<br> +Who loved the little Rock, and set<br> +Upon its head this coronet?<br><br> + +Was it the humour of a child?<br> +Or rather of some gentle maid,<br> +Whose brows, the day that she was styled<br> +The shepherd-queen, were thus arrayed?<br> +Of man mature, or matron sage?<br> +Or old man toying with his age?<br><br> + +I asked—'twas whispered; The device<br> +To each and all might well belong:<br> +It is the Spirit of Paradise<br> +That prompts such work, a Spirit strong,<br> +That gives to all the self-same bent<br> +Where life is wise and innocent.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr105v1"></a><a href="#105v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr105v2"></a><a href="#105v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="105v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1836</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... love-sick ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr105v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="105v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... or ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr105v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section106"></a>"It is no Spirit who from heaven hath flown"</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section106a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Written at Town-end, Grasmere. I remember the instant my sister S. H., +called me to the window of our Cottage, saying, "Look how beautiful is +yon star! It has the sky all to itself." I composed the verses +immediately.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This was No. XIII. of "Moods of my own Mind," in the edition of 1807. It +was afterwards included among the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section106a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>It is no Spirit who from heaven hath flown,<br> +And is descending on his embassy;<br> +Nor Traveller gone from earth the heavens to espy!<br> +'Tis Hesperus—there he stands with glittering crown,<br> +First admonition that the sun is down! <br> +For yet it is broad day-light: clouds pass by;<br> +A few are near him still—and now the sky,<br> +He hath it to himself—'tis all his own.<br> +O most ambitious Star! an inquest wrought<br> +Within me when I recognised thy light; <br> +A moment I was startled at the sight:<br> +And, while I gazed, there came to me a thought<br> +That I might step beyond my natural race<br> +As thou seem'st now to do; might one day trace<br> +Some ground not mine; and, strong her strength above,<br> +My Soul, an Apparition in the place, <br> +Tread there with steps that no one shall reprove!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr106v1"></a><a href="#106v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr106A"></a><a href="#106A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="106v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>O most ambitious Star! an inquest wrought<br> + Within me when I recognised thy light;<br> + A moment I was startled at the sight:<br> + And, while I gazed, there came to me a thought<br> + That even I beyond my natural race<br> + Might step as thou dost now: might one day trace </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> O most ambitious Star! thy Presence brought<br> + A startling recollection to my mind<br> + Of the distinguished few among mankind,<br> + Who dare to step beyond their natural race,<br> + As thou seem'st now to do:—nor was a thought<br> + Denied—that even I might one day trace </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1836 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr106v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="106A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Professor Dowden directs attention to the relation between +these lines and the poem beginning "If thou indeed derive thy light from +Heaven."—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr106A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section107"></a> Memorials of a Tour in Scotland</h2> + +<h4>1803</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">These poems were first collected, under the above title, in the edition +of 1827. In 1807, nine of them—viz. <i>Rob Roy's Grave, The Solitary +Reaper, Stepping Westward, Glen Almain, or, The Narrow Glen, The Matron +of Jedborough and her Husband, To a Highland Girl, Sonnet, To the Sons +of Burns after visiting the Grave of their Father, Yarrow +Unvisited</i>,—were printed under the title, "Poems written during a Tour +in Scotland." This group begins the second volume of the edition of that +year. But in 1815 and 1820—when Wordsworth began to arrange his poems +in groups—they were distributed with the rest of the series in the +several artificial sections. Although some were composed after the Tour +was finished—and the order in which Wordsworth placed them is not the +order of the Scotch Tour itself—it is advisable to keep to his own +method of arrangement in dealing with this particular group, for the +same reason that we retain it in such a series as the Duddon +Sonnets.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section108"></a>Departure from the Vale of Grasmere. (August, 1803)<a href="#108A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed 1811.—Published 1827</h4> + +<a href="#section108a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[Mr. Coleridge, my sister, and myself started together from Town-end to +make a tour in Scotland. Poor Coleridge was at that time in bad spirits, +and somewhat too much in love with his own dejection; and he departed +from us, as is recorded in my Sister's Journal, soon after we left Loch +Lomond. The verses that stand foremost among these Memorials were not +actually written for the occasion, but transplanted from my <i>Epistle to +Sir George Beaumont</i>.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section108a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>The gentlest Shade that walked Elysian plains<br> +Might sometimes covet dissoluble chains;<br> +Even for the tenants of the zone that lies<br> +Beyond the stars, celestial Paradise,<br> +Methinks 'twould heighten joy, to overleap <br> +At will the crystal battlements, and peep<br> +Into some other region, though less fair,<br> +To see how things are made and managed there.<br> +Change for the worse might please, incursion bold<br> +Into the tracts of darkness and of cold; <br> +O'er Limbo lake with aëry flight to steer,<br> +And on the verge of Chaos hang in fear.<br> +Such animation often do I find,<br> +Power in my breast, wings growing in my mind,<br> +Then, when some rock or hill is overpast, <br> +Perchance without one look behind me cast,<br> +Some barrier with which Nature, from the birth<br> +Of things, has fenced this fairest spot on earth.<br> +O pleasant transit, Grasmere! to resign<br> +Such happy fields, abodes so calm as thine; <br> +Not like an outcast with himself at strife;<br> +The slave of business, time, or care for life,<br> +But moved by choice; or, if constrained in part,<br> +Yet still with Nature's freedom at the heart;—<br> +To cull contentment upon wildest shores, <br> +And luxuries extract from bleakest moors;<br> +With prompt embrace all beauty to enfold,<br> +And having rights in all that we behold.<br> +—Then why these lingering steps?—A bright adieu,<br> +For a brief absence, proves that love is true; <br> +Ne'er can the way be irksome or forlorn<br> +That winds into itself for sweet return.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#108n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="108A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> This first poem referring to the Scottish Tour of 1803, was +not actually written till 1811. It originally formed the opening +paragraph of the 'Epistle to Sir George Beaumont'. Wordsworth himself +dated it 1804. It is every way desirable that it should introduce the +series of poems referring to the Tour of 1803.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section108">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="108n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made +in Scotland</i>:</span> + + <blockquote>"William and I parted from Mary on Sunday afternoon, August 14th, + 1803; and William, Coleridge, and I left Keswick on Monday morning, + the 15th."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section109"></a>At the Grave of Burns, 1803. Seven Years after his Death</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803<a href="#109A"><sup>A</sup></a>.—Published 1842</h4> + +<a href="#section109a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[For illustration, see my Sister's Journal. It may be proper to add that +the second of these pieces, though <i>felt</i> at the time, was not composed +till many years after.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section109a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>I shiver, Spirit fierce and bold,<br> +At thought of what I now behold:<br> +As vapours breathed from dungeons cold<br> + Strike pleasure dead,<br> +So sadness comes from out the mould <br> + Where Burns is laid.<br><br> + +And have I then thy bones so near,<br> +And thou forbidden to appear?<br> +As if it were thyself that's here<br> + I shrink with pain; <br> +And both my wishes and my fear<br> + Alike are vain.<br> +<br> +Off weight—nor press on weight!—away<br> +Dark thoughts!—they came, but not to stay;<br> +With chastened feelings would I pay <br> + The tribute due<br> +To him, and aught that hides his clay<br> + From mortal view.<br><br> + +Fresh as the flower, whose modest worth<br> +He sang, his genius "glinted" forth,<br> +Rose like a star that touching earth,<br> + For so it seems,<br> +Doth glorify its humble birth<br> + With matchless beams.<br><br> + +The piercing eye, the thoughtful brow,<br> +The struggling heart, where be they now?—<br> +Full soon the Aspirant of the plough,<br> + The prompt, the brave,<br> +Slept, with the obscurest, in the low<br> + And silent grave. <br><br> + +I mourned with thousands, but as one<br> +More deeply grieved, for He was gone<br> +Whose light I hailed when first it shone,<br> + And showed my youth<br> +How Verse may build a princely throne<br> + On humble truth.<br><br> + +Alas! where'er the current tends,<br> +Regret pursues and with it blends,—<br> +Huge Criffel's hoary top ascends<br> + By Skiddaw seen,—<br> +Neighbours we were, and loving friends<br> + We might have been;<br><br> + +True friends though diversely inclined;<br> +But heart with heart and mind with mind,<br> +Where the main fibres are entwined,<br> + Through Nature's skill,<br> +May even by contraries be joined<br> + More closely still.<br><br> + +The tear will start, and let it flow;<br> +Thou "poor Inhabitant below,"<br> +At this dread moment—even so—<br> + Might we together<br> +Have sate and talked where gowans blow,<br> + Or on wild heather.<br><br> + +What treasures would have then been placed<br> +Within my reach; of knowledge graced<br> +By fancy what a rich repast!<br> + But why go on?—<br> +Oh! spare to sweep, thou mournful blast,<br> + His grave grass-grown. <br><br> + +There, too, a Son, his joy and pride,<br> +(Not three weeks past the Stripling died,)<br> +Lies gathered to his Father's side,<br> + Soul-moving sight!<br> +Yet one to which is not denied<br> + Some sad delight.<br><br> + +For <i>he</i> is safe, a quiet bed<br> +Hath early found among the dead,<br> +Harboured where none can be misled,<br> + Wronged, or distrest;<br> +And surely here it may be said<br> + That such are blest.<br><br> + +And oh for Thee, by pitying grace<br> +Checked oft-times in a devious race,<br> +May He who halloweth the place<br> + Where Man is laid<br> +Receive thy Spirit in the embrace<br> + For which it prayed!<br><br> + +Sighing I turned away; but ere<br> +Night fell I heard, or seemed to hear,<br> +Music that sorrow comes not near,<br> + A ritual hymn,<br> +Chanted in love that casts out fear<br> + By Seraphim.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#109n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr109v1"></a><a href="#109v1">1</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr109v2"></a><a href="#109v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr109v3"></a><a href="#109v3">3</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr109B"></a><a href="#109B">B</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr109C"></a><a href="#109C">C</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr109D"></a><a href="#109D">D</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="109v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1842</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... out of ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr109v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>date</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But wherefore tremble? 'tis no place<br> + Of pain and sorrow, but of grace,<br> + Of shelter, and of silent peace,<br> + And "friendly aid";<br> + Grasped is he now in that embrace<br> + For which he prayed.<a href="#109fa"><sup>a</sup></a> </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr109v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Well might I mourn that He was gone<br> + Whose light I hailed when first it shone,<br> + When, breaking forth as nature's own,<br> + It showed my youth</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1842</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr109v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="109A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> It is dated thus by Wordsworth himself on three occasions, +and the year of its composition is also indicated in the title of the +poem.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section109">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Burns's poem <i>To a Mountain Daisy</i>, l. 15.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr109B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See Burns's <i>A Bard's Epitaph</i>, l. 19.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr109C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Tomb of Burns</i>, by William Watson, 1895.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr109D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Criffel.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr109E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="109F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Annandale.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr109E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="109fa"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Sub-Footnote a:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">See in his poem the <i>Ode to Ruin</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#109v2">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="109n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is an extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Journal</i> of the +Tour in Scotland:</span> + + <blockquote>"Thursday, August 18th.— Went to the churchyard where Burns is + buried. A bookseller accompanied us. He showed us the outside of + Burns's house, where he had lived the last three years of his life, + and where he died. It has a mean appearance, and is in a bye + situation, whitewashed.... Went on to visit his grave. He lies at a + corner of the churchyard, and his second son, Francis Wallace, beside + him. There is no stone to mark the spot; but a hundred guineas have + been collected, to be expended on some sort of monument. + + <blockquote>'There,' said the bookseller, pointing to a pompous monument, 'there + lies Mr. Such-a-one. I have forgotten his name. A remarkably clever + man; he was an attorney, and hardly ever lost a cause he undertook. + Burns made many a lampoon upon him, and there they rest, as you + see.'</blockquote> + + We looked at the grave with melancholy and painful reflections, + repeating to each other his own verses. + + <blockquote> 'Is there a man whose judgment clear,<br> + Can others teach the way to steer,<br> + Yet runs himself life's mad career,<br> + Wild as the wave?<br> + Here let him pause, and through a tear<br> + Survey this grave.<br> + <br> + The poor Inhabitant below<br> + Was quick to learn, and wise to know,<br> + And keenly felt the friendly glow,<br> + And softer flame;<br> + But thoughtless follies laid him low<br> + And stained his name.'</blockquote> + + "I cannot take leave of the country which we passed through to-day + without mentioning that we saw the Cumberland Mountains, within + half-a-mile of Ellisland, Burns's house, the last view we had of them. + Drayton has prettily described the connection which this neighbourhood + has with ours when he makes Skiddaw say: + + <blockquote> <a name="fr109E"></a> 'Seurfell<a href="#109E"><sup>E</sup></a> from the sky,<br> + That Anadale<a href="#109F"><sup>F</sup></a> doth crown, with a most amorous eye,<br> + Salutes me every day, or at my pride looks grim,<br> + Oft threatening me with clouds, as I oft threatening him!'</blockquote> + + "These lines recurred to William's memory, and we talked of Burns, and + of the prospect he must have had, perhaps from his own door, of + Skiddaw and his companions, including ourselves in the fancy, that we + <i>might</i> have been personally known to each other, and he have looked + upon those objects with more pleasure for our sakes."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section110"></a>Thoughts suggested the Day following, on the Banks of Nith, near the Poet's Residence</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.<a href="#110A"><sup>A</sup></a>—Published 1842</h4> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Too frail to keep the lofty vow<br> +That must have followed when his brow<br> +Was wreathed—"The Vision" tells us how—<br> + With holly spray,<br> +He faultered, drifted to and fro,<br> + And passed away.<br><br> + +Well might such thoughts, dear Sister, throng<br> +Our minds when, lingering all too long,<br> +Over the grave of Burns we hung<br> + In social grief—<br> +Indulged as if it were a wrong<br> + To seek relief.<br><br> + +But, leaving each unquiet theme<br> +Where gentlest judgments may misdeem,<br> +And prompt to welcome every gleam<br> + Of good and fair,<br> +Let us beside this limpid Stream<br> + Breathe hopeful air.<br><br> + +Enough of sorrow, wreck, and blight;<br> +Think rather of those moments bright<br> +When to the consciousness of right<br> + His course was true,<br> +When Wisdom prospered in his sight<br> + And virtue grew.<br><br> + +Yes, freely let our hearts expand,<br> +Freely as in youth's season bland,<br> +When side by side, his Book in hand,<br> + We wont to stray,<br> +Our pleasure varying at command<br> + Of each sweet Lay.<br><br> + +How oft inspired must he have trod<br> +These pathways, yon far-stretching road!<br> +There lurks his home; in that Abode,<br> + With mirth elate,<br> +Or in his nobly-pensive mood,<br> + The Rustic sate.<br><br> + +Proud thoughts that Image overawes,<br> +Before it humbly let us pause,<br> +And ask of Nature, from what cause<br> + And by what rules<br> +She trained her Burns to win applause<br> + That shames the Schools.<br><br> + +Through busiest street and loneliest glen<br> +Are felt the flashes of his pen;<br> +He rules mid winter snows, and when <br> + Bees fill their hives;<br> +Deep in the general heart of men<br> + His power survives.<br><br> + +What need of fields in some far clime<br> +Where Heroes, Sages, Bards sublime,<br> +And all that fetched the flowing rhyme<br> + From genuine springs,<br> +Shall dwell together till old Time<br> + Folds up his wings?<br><br> + +Sweet Mercy! to the gates of Heaven<br> +This Minstrel lead, his sins forgiven;<br> +The rueful conflict, the heart riven<br> + With vain endeavour,<br> +And memory of Earth's bitter leaven,<br> + Effaced for ever.<br><br> + +But why to Him confine the prayer,<br> +When kindred thoughts and yearnings bear<br> +On the frail heart the purest share<br> + With all that live?—<br> +The best of what we do and are,<br> + Just God, forgive!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#110n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr110B"></a><a href="#110B">B</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="110A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Though "suggested" on "the day following," these stanzas +were not written then; but "many years after." They must, however, find +a place in the "Memorials" of this 1803 Tour in Scotland.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section110">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="110B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Burns's poem, thus named.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr110B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="110n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">See the <a href="#109n1">note</a> to the previous poem. The line</span> + + <blockquote>'These pathways, yon far-stretching road!'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">refers probably to the road to Brownhill, past Ellisland farmhouse +where Burns lived. "The day following" would be Aug. 19th, +1803. The extract which follows from the <i>Journal</i> is a further +illustration of the poem. August 8th.</span> + + <blockquote>"... Travelled through the vale of Nith, here little like a vale, it + is so broad, with irregular hills rising up on each side, in outline + resembling the old-fashioned valances of a bed. There is a great deal + of arable land; the corn ripe; trees here and there—plantations, + clumps, coppices, a newness in everything. So much of the gorse and + broom rooted out that you wonder why it is not all gone, and yet there + seems to be almost as much gorse and broom as corn; and they grow one + among another you know not how. Crossed the Nith; the vale becomes + narrow, and very pleasant; cornfields, green hills, clay cottages; the + river's bed rocky, with woody banks. Left the Nith about a mile and a + half, and reached Brownhill, a lonely inn, where we slept. The view + from the windows was pleasing, though some travellers might have been + disposed to quarrel with it for its general nakedness; yet there was + abundance of corn. It is an open country—open, yet all over hills. At + a little distance were many cottages among trees, that looked very + pretty. Brownhill is about seven or eight miles from Ellisland. I + fancied to myself, while I was sitting in the parlour, that Burns + might have caroused there, for most likely his rounds extended so far, + and this thought gave a melancholy interest to the smoky walls...."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">On Dec. 23, 1839, Wordsworth wrote to Professor Henry Reed, +Philadelphia:</span> + + <blockquote>"The other day I chanced to be looking over a MS. poem belonging to + the year 1803, though not actually composed till many years + afterwards. It was suggested by visiting the neighbourhood of + Dumfries, in which Burns had resided, and where he died: it concluded + thus: + + <blockquote> 'Sweet Mercy! to the gates of Heaven, etc.'</blockquote> + + I instantly added, the other day, + + <blockquote> 'But why to Him confine the prayer, etc.'</blockquote> + + The more I reflect upon this, the more I feel justified in attaching + comparatively small importance to any literary monument that I may be + enabled to leave behind. It is well however, I am convinced, that men + think otherwise in the earlier part of their lives...."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">It may be mentioned that in his note to the "Poems, chiefly +of Early and Late Years," (1842), Wordsworth does not quote +from the text of his sister's <i>Journal</i>,—which was first published +in 1875,—but from some other copy of it.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section111"></a>To the Sons of Burns, after Visiting the Grave of their Father<a href="#111A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed before 1807<a href="#111B"><sup>B</sup></a>—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section111a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr111C">The</a> Poet's grave is in a corner of the church-yard. We looked at it with +melancholy and painful reflections, repeating to each other his own +verses: + + <blockquote> 'Is there a man whose judgment clear, etc.'</blockquote> + +<i>Extract from the Journal of my Fellow-Traveller.</i>—W. W. 1827.<a href="#111C"><sup>C</sup></a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection" in the 1815 and 1820 +editions.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section111a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>'Mid crowded obelisks and urns<br> +I sought the untimely grave of Burns;<br> +Sons of the Bard, my heart still mourns<br> + With sorrow true;<br> +And more would grieve, but that it turns <br> + Trembling to you!<br><br> + +Through twilight shades of good and ill<br> +Ye now are panting up life's hill,<br> +And more than common strength and skill<br> + Must ye display;<br> +If ye would give the better will<br> + Its lawful sway.<br><br> + +Hath Nature strung your nerves to bear<br> +Intemperance with less harm, beware!<br> +But if the Poet's wit ye share,<br> + Like him can speed<br> +The social hour—of tenfold care<br> + There will be need;<br><br> + +For honest men delight will take<br> +To spare your failings for his sake,<br> +Will flatter you,—and fool and rake<br> + Your steps pursue;<br> +And of your Father's name will make<br> + A snare for you.<br><br> + +Far from their noisy haunts retire,<br> +And add your voices to the quire<br> +That sanctify the cottage fire<br> + With service meet;<br> +There seek the genius of your Sire,<br> + His spirit greet;<br><br> + +Or where,'mid "lonely heights and hows,"<br> +He paid to Nature tuneful vows;<br> +Or wiped his honourable brows<br> + Bedewed with toil,<br> +While reapers strove, or busy ploughs<br> + Upturned the soil;<br><br> + +His judgment with benignant ray<br> +Shall guide, his fancy cheer, your way;<br> +But ne'er to a seductive lay<br> + Let faith be given;<br> +Nor deem that "light which leads astray,<br> + Is light from Heaven."<br><br> + +Let no mean hope your souls enslave;<br> +Be independent, generous, brave;<br> +Your Father such example gave,<br> + And such revere;<br> +But be admonished by his grave,<br> + And think, and fear!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#111n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr111v1"></a><a href="#111v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr111v2"></a><a href="#111v2">2</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr111v3"></a><a href="#111v3">3</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr111D"></a><a href="#111D">D</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr111E"></a><a href="#111E">E</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr111F"></a><a href="#111F">F</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="111v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Ye now are panting up life's hill!<br> + 'Tis twilight time of good and ill, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr111v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Strong bodied if ye be to bear<br> + Intemperance with less harm, beware!<br> + But if your Father's wit ye share,<br> + Then, then indeed,<br> + Ye Sons of Burns! for watchful care</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... for tenfold care</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1827 is otherwise identical with that of 1840.<br> +<a href="#fr111v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1840</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For honest men delight will take<br> + To shew you favor for his sake,<br> + Will flatter you; and Fool and Rake </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For their beloved Poet's sake,<br> + Even honest men delight will take<br> + To flatter you; ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1820</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Even honest Men delight will take<br> + To spare your failings for his sake,<br> + Will flatter you,— ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr111v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="111A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In the edition of 1807, this poem has the title <i>Address to +the Sons of Burns after visiting their Father's Grave (August 14th, +1803)</i>. Slight changes were made in the title afterwards.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section111">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Dorothy Wordsworth wrote, in her <i>Recollections</i> of this +tour, under date August 18th, 1803, +</span> + <blockquote>"William wrote long afterwards the following Address to the sons of + the ill-fated poet."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section111">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This explanatory note appears in every edition of the Poems +from 1827 to 1850. It is taken (but not literally) from the +<i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i> as published in 1875.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr111C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">From Burns's <i>Epistle to James Smith</i>, l. 53.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr111D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">From Burns's poem, <i>The Vision</i>, Duan Second.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr111E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="111F"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote F:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In the edition of 1807, the poem began with what is now the +second stanza, and consisted of four stanzas only, viz. Nos. ii., iii., +iv., and viii. Stanzas i., v., vi., and vii. were added in 1827. Stanza +iii. was omitted in 1820, but restored in 1827.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr111F">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="111n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> In Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections</i> of this Tour we find, under date +August 18, 1803:</span> + + <blockquote>"The grave of Burns's Son, which we had just seen by the side of his + Father, and some stories heard at Dumfries respecting the dangers his + surviving children were exposed to, filled us with melancholy + concern, which had a kind of connection with ourselves."<br> +<br> +<br> + "The body of Burns was not allowed to remain long in this place. To + suit the plan of a rather showy mausoleum his remains were removed + into a more commodious spot of the same kirkyard on the 5th July + 1815."—(Allan Cunningham.)</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;"><i>Ellen Irwin; or, the Braes of Kirtle</i>, comes next in this series of +"Memorials of a Tour in Scotland, 1803." It has <a href="#section28">already</a> been printed, +however, (p. 124), in its proper chronological place, among the poems +belonging to the year 1800. —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section112"></a>To a Highland Girl</h2> + +<h4>(at Inversneyde, upon Loch Lomond)</h4> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section112a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Classed in 1815 and 1820 as one of the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This delightful creature and her demeanour are particularly described +in my Sister's Journal. The sort of prophecy with which the verses +conclude has, through God's goodness, been realized; and now, +approaching the close of my 73rd year, I have a most vivid remembrance +of her and the beautiful objects with which she was surrounded. She is +alluded to in the poem of 'The Three Cottage Girls' among my Continental +Memorials. In illustration of this class of poems I have scarcely +anything to say beyond what is anticipated in my Sister's faithful and +admirable Journal.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section112a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Sweet Highland Girl, a very shower<br> +Of beauty is thy earthly dower!<br> +Twice seven consenting years have shed<br> +Their utmost bounty on thy head:<br> +And these grey rocks; that household lawn;<br> +Those trees, a veil just half withdrawn;<br> +This fall of water that doth make<br> +A murmur near the silent lake;<br> +This little bay; a quiet road<br> +That holds in shelter thy Abode—<br> +In truth together do ye seem<br> +Like something fashioned in a dream;<br> +Such Forms as from their covert peep<br> +When earthly cares are laid asleep!<br> +But, O fair Creature! in the light<br> +Of common day, so heavenly bright,<br> +I bless Thee, Vision as thou art,<br> +I bless thee with a human heart;<br> +God shield thee to thy latest years!<br> +Thee, neither know I, nor thy peers;<br> +And yet my eyes are filled with tears.<br><br> + + With earnest feeling I shall pray<br> +For thee when I am far away:<br> +For never saw I mien, or face,<br> +In which more plainly I could trace<br> +Benignity and home-bred sense<br> +Ripening in perfect innocence.<br> +Here scattered, like a random seed,<br> +Remote from men, Thou dost not need<br> +The embarrassed look of shy distress,<br> +And maidenly shamefacedness:<br> +Thou wear'st upon thy forehead clear<br> +The freedom of a Mountaineer:<br> +A face with gladness overspread!<br> +Soft smiles, by human kindness bred!<br> +And seemliness complete, that sways<br> +Thy courtesies, about thee plays;<br> +With no restraint, but such as springs<br> +From quick and eager visitings<br> +Of thoughts that lie beyond the reach<br> +Of thy few words of English speech:<br> +A bondage sweetly brooked, a strife<br> +That gives thy gestures grace and life!<br> +So have I, not unmoved in mind,<br> +Seen birds of tempest-loving kind—<br> +Thus beating up against the wind.<br><br> + + What hand but would a garland cull<br> +For thee who art so beautiful?<br> +O happy pleasure! here to dwell<br> +Beside thee in some heathy dell;<br> +Adopt your homely ways and dress,<br> +A Shepherd, thou a Shepherdess!<br> +But I could frame a wish for thee<br> +More like a grave reality:<br> +Thou art to me but as a wave<br> +Of the wild sea; and I would have<br> +Some claim upon thee, if I could,<br> +Though but of common neighbourhood.<br> +What joy to hear thee, and to see!<br> +Thy elder Brother I would be,<br> +Thy Father—anything to thee!<br><br> + + Now thanks to Heaven! that of its grace<br> +Hath led me to this lonely place.<br> +Joy have I had; and going hence<br> +I bear away my recompence.<br> +In spots like these it is we prize<br> +Our Memory, feel that she hath eyes:<br> +Then, why should I be loth to stir?<br> +I feel this place was made for her;<br> +To give new pleasure like the past,<br> +Continued long as life shall last.<br> +Nor am I loth, though pleased at heart,<br> +Sweet Highland Girl! from thee to part;<br> +For I, methinks, till I grow old,<br> +As fair before me shall behold,<br> +As I do now, the cabin small,<br> +The lake, the bay, the waterfall;<br> +And Thee, the Spirit of them all!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#112n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112v1"></a><a href="#112v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112v2"></a><a href="#112v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112v3"></a><a href="#112v3">3</a><br> +<a name="fr112v4"></a><a href="#112v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112v5"></a><a href="#112v5">5</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112v6"></a><a href="#112v6">6</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112A"></a><a href="#112A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr112B"></a><a href="#112B">B</a><br><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="112v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... this ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr112v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>In truth together ye do seem </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> In truth, unfolding thus, ye seem </blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1845 returns to that of 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr112v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> The two preceding lines were added in 1845.<br> +<a href="#fr112v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Yet, dream and vision ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... or vision ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1837</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr112v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> I neither know thee ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr112v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Sweet looks, ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr112v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="112A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "The distribution of 'these,' 'that,' and 'those' in these two lines, + was attained in 1845, after various changes. "</blockquote> + +(Edward Dowden.)<br> +<a href="#fr112A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="112B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Virgil's <i>Eclogues</i>, x. 35:</span> + + <blockquote>'Atque utinam ex vobis unus, etc.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr112B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="112n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">In her <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>, 1803, Dorothy +Wordsworth writes:</span> + + <blockquote>"Sunday, August 28th.—... After long waiting, the girls, who had been + on the look-out, informed us that the boat was coming. I went to the + waterside, and saw a cluster of people on the opposite shore; but, + being yet at a distance, they looked more like soldiers surrounding a + carriage than a group of men and women; red and green were the + distinguishable colours. We hastened to get ourselves ready as soon as + we saw the party approach, but had longer to wait than we expected, + the lake being wider than it appears to be. As they drew near we could + distinguish men in tartan plaids, women in scarlet cloaks, and green + umbrellas by the half-dozen. The landing was as pretty a sight as ever + I saw. The bay, which had been so quiet two days before, was all in + motion with small waves, while the swollen waterfall roared in our + ears. The boat came steadily up, being pressed almost to the water's + edge by the weight of its cargo; perhaps twenty people landed, one + after another. It did not rain much, but the women held up their + umbrellas; they were dressed in all the colours of the rainbow, and + with their scarlet cardinals, the tartan plaids of the men, and Scotch + bonnets, made a gay appearance. There was a joyous bustle surrounding + the boat, which even imparted something of the same character to the + waterfall in its tumult, and the restless grey waves; the young men + laughed and shouted, the lasses laughed, and the elder folks seemed to + be in a bustle to be away. I remember well with what haste the + mistress of the house where we were ran up to seek after her child, + and seeing us, how anxiously and kindly she inquired how we had fared, + if we had had a good fire, had been well waited upon, etc. All this in + three minutes—for the boatman had another party to bring from the + other side, and hurried us off.<br> +<br> + "The hospitality we had met with at the two cottages and Mr. + Macfarlane's gave us very favourable impressions on this our first + entrance into the Highlands, and at this day the innocent merriment of + the girls, with their kindness to us, and the beautiful face and + figure of the elder, come to my mind whenever I think of the + ferry-house and waterfall of Loch Lomond, and I never think of the two + girls but the whole image of that romantic spot is before me, a living + image as it will be to my dying day. The following poem was written by + William not long after our return from Scotland."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare the poem called <i>The Three Cottage Girls</i>, in the "Memorials of +a Tour on the Continent, 1820," published in 1822.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section113"></a>Glen-Almain; or, The Narrow Glen</h2> + +<h4>Composed (possibly) in 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Classed in 1815 and 1820 with the "Poems of the Imagination."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>In this still place, remote from men,<br> +Sleeps Ossian, in the <b>Narrow Glen</b>;<br> +In this still place, where murmurs on<br> +But one meek streamlet, only one:<br> +He sang of battles, and the breath<br> +Of stormy war, and violent death;<br> +And should, methinks, when all was past,<br> +Have rightfully been laid at last<br> +Where rocks were rudely heaped, and rent<br> +As by a spirit turbulent;<br> +Where sights were rough, and sounds were wild,<br> +And everything unreconciled;<br> +In some complaining, dim retreat,<br> +For fear and melancholy meet;<br> +But this is calm; there cannot be<br> +A more entire tranquillity.<br><br> + + Does then the Bard sleep here indeed?<br> +Or is it but a groundless creed?<br> +What matters it?—I blame them not<br> +Whose Fancy in this lonely Spot<br> +Was moved; and in such way expressed<br> +Their notion of its perfect rest.<br> +A convent, even a hermit's cell,<br> +Would break the silence of this Dell:<br> +It is not quiet, is not ease;<br> +But something deeper far than these:<br> +The separation that is here<br> +Is of the grave; and of austere<br> +Yet happy feelings of the dead:<br> +And, therefore, was it rightly said<br> +That Ossian, last of all his race!<br> +Lies buried in this lonely place.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#113n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr113v1"></a><a href="#113v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr113v2"></a><a href="#113v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr113A"></a><a href="#113A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="113v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... in this ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr113v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="113v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr113v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="113A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> Compare the poem <i>To the Lady Fleming</i>, stanza iii. ll. 28-9.—Ed.<br> +<a href="#fr113A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="113B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In the Statistical Account of Scotland, however—drawn up +by the parish ministers of the county, and edited by Sir John +Sinclair—both the river and the glen are spelt Almon, by the Rev. Mr. +Erskine, who wrote the account of Monzie Parish in Perthshire. This was +in 1795. A recent authority states:</span> + + <blockquote>"'Glenamon,' in Ayrshire, and 'Glenalmond,' in Perthshire, are both + from the corrupted spelling of the word 'Avon,' which derives from its + being very nearly the pronunciation of the Gaelic word for 'a river.' + These names are from 'Gleann-abhuinn,' that is,'the valley of the + river.'"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See the <i>Gaelic Topography of Scotland</i>, by James A. Robertson, +Edinburgh, 1859.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr113B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="113n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> The glen is Glenalmond, in Perthshire, between Crieff and Amulree, known +locally as "the Sma' Glen." I <a name="fr113B">am</a> not aware that it was ever called "Glen +Almain," till Wordsworth gave it that singularly un-Scottish name.<a href="#113B"><sup>B</sup></a> +It must have been a warm August day, after a tract of dry weather, when +he went through it, or the Almond would scarcely have been called a +"small streamlet." In many seasons of the year the distinctive features +of the Glen would be more appropriately indicated by the words, which +the poet uses by way of contrast with his own experience of it, viz. a +place</span> + + <blockquote>'Where sights are rough, and sounds are wild,<br> + And everything unreconciled.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">But his characterization of the place—a glen, the charm of which is +little known—in the stillness of an autumn afternoon, is as true to +nature as any of his interpretations of the spirit of the hills and +vales of Westmoreland. As yet there is no farm-house, scarcely even a +sheiling, to "break the silence of this Dell."<br> +<br> +The following is Dorothy Wordsworth's account of their walk through it +on Friday, September 9th, 1803:</span> + + <blockquote> "Entered the glen at a small hamlet at some distance from the head, + and, turning aside a few steps, ascended a hillock which commanded a + view to the top of it—a very sweet scene, a green valley, not very + narrow, with a few scattered trees and huts, almost invisible in a + misty green of afternoon light. At this hamlet we crossed a bridge, + and the road led us down the glen, which had become exceedingly + narrow, and so continued to the end: the hills on both sides heathy + and rocky, very steep, but continuous; the rock not single or + overhanging, not scooped into caverns, or sounding with torrents; + there are no trees, no houses, no traces of cultivation, not one + outstanding object. It is truly a solitude, the road even making it + appear still more so; the bottom of the valley is mostly smooth and + level, the brook not noisy: everything is simple and undisturbed, and + while we passed through it the whole place was shady, cool, clear, and + solemn. At the end of the long valley we ascended a hill to a great + height, and reached the top, when the sun, on the point of setting, + shed a soft yellow light upon every eminence. The prospect was very + extensive; over hollows and plains, no towns, and few houses + visible—a prospect, extensive as it was, in harmony with the secluded + dell, and fixing its own peculiar character of removedness from the + world, and the secure possession of the quiet of nature more deeply in + our minds. The following poem was written by William on hearing of a + tradition relating to it, which we did not know when we were there."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section114"></a>Stepping Westward</h2> + +<h4>Composed between 1803 and 1805.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section114a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +While my Fellow-traveller and I were walking by the side of Loch +Ketterine, one fine evening after sun-set, in our road to a Hut where in +the course of our Tour we had been hospitably entertained some weeks +before, we met, in one of the loneliest parts of that solitary region, +two well dressed Women, one of whom said to us, by way of greeting, +"What, you are stepping westward?"—W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">Classed in 1815 and 1820 among the "Poems of the Imagination." —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section114a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>"<i>What, you are stepping westward?</i>"—" <i>Yea.</i>"<br> + 'Twould be a <i>wildish</i> destiny, <br> +If we, who thus together roam <br> +In a strange Land, and far from home,<br> +Were in this place the guests of Chance:<br> +Yet who would stop, or fear to advance, <br> +Though home or shelter he had none, <br> +With such a sky to lead him on?<br><br> + +The dewy ground was dark and cold;<br> +Behind, all gloomy to behold;<br> +And stepping westward seemed to be<br> +A kind of <i>heavenly</i> destiny:<br> +I liked the greeting; 'twas a sound<br> +Of something without place or bound;<br> +And seemed to give me spiritual right<br> +To travel through that region bright. <br><br> + +The voice was soft, and she who spake<br> +Was walking by her native lake:<br> +The salutation had to me<br> +The very sound of courtesy: <br> +Its power was felt; and while my eye<br> +Was fixed upon the glowing Sky,<br> +The echo of the voice enwrought<br> +A human sweetness with the thought<br> +Of travelling through the world that lay <br> +Before me in my endless way.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#114n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr114v1"></a><a href="#114v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr114A"></a><a href="#114A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="114v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... seemed to me</blockquote></td> + <td>In MS. letter to Sir G. Beaumont. N. D.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr114v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="114A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Italics were first used in 1855.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr114A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="114n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is from the <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>:</span> + + <blockquote> "Sunday, Sept. 11th.—We have never had a more delightful walk than + this evening. Ben Lomond and the three pointed-topped mountains of + Loch Lomond, which we had seen from the garrison, were very majestic + under the clear sky, the lake perfectly calm, the air sweet and mild. + I felt that it was much more interesting to visit a place where we + have been before than it can possibly be the first time, except under + peculiar circumstances. The sun had been set for some time, when, + being within a quarter of a mile of the ferry man's hut, our path + having led us close to the shore of the calm lake, we met two + neatly-dressed women, without hats, who had probably been taking their + Sunday evening's walk. One of them said to us in a friendly, soft tone + of voice, 'What, you are stepping westward?' I cannot describe how + affecting this simple expression was in that remote place, with the + western sky in front, yet glowing with the departed sun. William wrote + the following poem long after, in remembrance of his feelings and + mine."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section115"></a>The Solitary Reaper</h2> + +<h4>Composed between 1803 and 1805.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination" in 1815 and 1820. —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Behold her, single in the field,<br> +Yon solitary Highland Lass!<br> +Reaping and singing by herself;<br> +Stop here, or gently pass!<br> +Alone she cuts and binds the grain,<br> +And sings a melancholy strain;<br> +O listen! for the Vale profound<br> +Is overflowing with the sound.<br><br> + +No Nightingale did ever chaunt<br> +More welcome notes to weary bands<br> +Of travellers in some shady haunt,<br> +Among Arabian sands:<br> +A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard<br> +In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,<br> +Breaking the silence of the seas<br> +Among the farthest Hebrides.<br><br> + +Will no one tell me what she sings?—<br> +Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow<br> +For old, unhappy, far-off things,<br> +And battles long ago:<br> +Or is it some more humble lay,<br> +Familiar matter of to-day?<br> +Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,<br> +That has been, and may be again?<br><br> + +Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang<br> +As if her song could have no ending;<br> +I saw her singing at her work,<br> +And o'er the sickle bending;—<br> +I listened, motionless and still;<br> +And, as I mounted up the hill, <br> +The music in my heart I bore,<br> +Long after it was heard no more.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#115n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr115v1"></a><a href="#115v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr115v2"></a><a href="#115v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr115v3"></a><a href="#115v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr115v4"></a><a href="#115v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr115v5"></a><a href="#115v5">5</a><br> +<a name="fr115v6"></a><a href="#115v6">6</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr115A"></a><a href="#115A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="115v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... singing ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr115v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="115v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> So sweetly to reposing bands</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr115v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="115v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>No sweeter voice was ever heard </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sound ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Such thrilling voice was never heard</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr115v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="115v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... sung</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr115v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="115v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I listen'd till I had my fill:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr115v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="115v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And when ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +The text of 1837 returns to that of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr115v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="115A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare <i>The Ancient Mariner</i>(part ii. stanza 6):</span> + + <blockquote> 'And we did speak only to break<br> + The silence of the sea.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr115A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="115n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections</i> of the Tour: +13th Sept. 1803.</span> + + <blockquote> "As we descended, the scene became more fertile, our way being + pleasantly varied—through coppices or open fields, and passing + farm-houses, though always with an intermixture of cultivated ground. + It was harvest-time, and the fields were quietly—might I be allowed + to say pensively?—enlivened by small companies of reapers. It is not + uncommon in the more lonely parts of the Highlands to see a single + person so employed. The following poem was suggested to William by a + beautiful sentence in Thomas Wilkinson's <i>Tour in Scotland.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">In a note appended to the editions 1807 to 1820, Wordsworth wrote:</span> + + <blockquote> "This Poem was suggested by a beautiful sentence in a MS. 'Tour in + Scotland,' written by a Friend, the last line being taken from it + <i>verbatim.</i>"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The first part of Wilkinson's <i>Tours to the British Mountains</i>, which +was published in 1824, narrates his journey in Scotland (it took place +in 1787); and the following sentence occurs in the record of his travels +near Loch Lomond (p. 12),</span> + + <blockquote>"Passed a female who was reaping alone: she sung in Erse, as she + bended over her sickle; the sweetest human voice I ever heard: her + strains were tenderly melancholy, and felt delicious, long after they + were heard no more."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">There can be no doubt that this is the sentence referred to both by +Dorothy and William Wordsworth. Thomas Wilkinson was the friend, in +whose memory Wordsworth wrote the poem <i>To the Spade of a Friend, +composed while we were labouring together in his pleasure-ground</i>. They +were comparatively near neighbours, as Wilkinson lived near Yanwath on +the Emont; and he had given his MS. to the Wordsworth family to read. I +have received some additional information about this MS., and +Wordsworth's knowledge of it, from Mr. Wilson Robinson, who writes,</span> + + <blockquote> "From all the evidence, I conclude that Wilkinson's 'Tour to the + Highlands' was shown in manuscript to his friends soon after his + return;—that he was not only willing to show it, but even to allow it + to be copied, though reluctant to publish it;—that there was + sufficient intimacy between him and the Wordsworths to account for his + showing or lending the manuscript to them, especially as they had + travelled over much of the same ground, and would therefore be more + interested in it; and that in fact it was never published till 1824."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">When Wordsworth was living at Coleorton during the late autumn of 1806 +he wrote to Wilkinson:</span> + +<blockquote> "... What shall I say in apology for your Journal, which is now locked + up with my manuscripts at Grasmere. As I could not go over to your + part of the country myself, my intention was to have taken it with me + to Kendal,... to be carefully transmitted to you; unluckily, most + unluckily, in the hurry of departure, I forgot it, together with two + of my own manuscripts which were along with it; and I am afraid you + will be standing in great need of it.... If you do not want it, it is + in a place where it can take no injury, and I may have the pleasure of + delivering it to you myself in the spring...."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section116"></a>Address to Kilchurn Castle</h2> + +<h4>Upon Loch Awe</h4> + +<h4>Begun 1803.—Published 1827</h4> + +<a href="#section116a">The Poem</a><br> + +<blockquote>"<a name="fr116A">From</a> the top of the hill a most impressive scene opened upon our + view,—a ruined Castle on an Island (for an Island the flood had made + it)<a href="#116A"><sup>A</sup></a> at some distance from the shore, backed by a Cove of the + Mountain Cruachan, down which came a foaming stream. The Castle + occupied every foot of the Island that was visible to us, appearing to + rise out of the Water,—mists rested upon the mountain side, with + spots of sunshine; there was a mild desolation in the low-grounds, a + solemn grandeur in the mountains, and the Castle was wild, yet + stately—not dismantled of Turrets—nor the walls broken down, though + obviously a ruin."</blockquote> + +<i>Extract from the Journal of my Companion.</i>—W. W. 1827.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[The first three lines were thrown off at the moment I first caught +sight of the Ruin, from a small eminence by the wayside; the rest was +added many years after.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section116a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Child of loud-throated War! the mountain Stream<br> +Roars in thy hearing; but thy hour of rest<br> +Is come, and thou art silent in thy age;<br> +Save when the wind sweeps by and sounds are caught<br> +Ambiguous, neither wholly thine nor theirs.<br> +Oh! there is life that breathes not; Powers there are<br> +That touch each other to the quick in modes<br> +Which the gross world no sense hath to perceive,<br> +No soul to dream of. What art Thou, from care<br> +Cast off—abandoned by thy rugged Sire,<br> +Nor by soft Peace adopted; though, in place<br> +And in dimension, such that thou might'st seem<br> +But a mere footstool to yon sovereign Lord,<br> +Huge Cruachan, (a thing that meaner hills<br> +Might crush, nor know that it had suffered harm;)<br> +Yet he, not loth, in favour of thy claims<br> +To reverence, suspends his own; submitting<br> +All that the God of Nature hath conferred,<br> +All that he holds in common with the stars,<br> +To the memorial majesty of Time<br> +Impersonated in thy calm decay!<br><br> + +Take, then, thy seat, Vicegerent unreproved!<br> +Now, while a farewell gleam of evening light<br> +Is fondly lingering on thy shattered front,<br> +Do thou, in turn, be paramount; and rule<br> +Over the pomp and beauty of a scene<br> +Whose mountains, torrents, lake, and woods, unite<br> +To pay thee homage; and with these are joined,<br> +In willing admiration and respect,<br> +Two Hearts, which in thy presence might be called<br> +Youthful as Spring.—Shade of departed Power,<br> +Skeleton of unfleshed humanity,<br> +The chronicle were welcome that should call<br> +Into the compass of distinct regard<br> +The toils and struggles of thy infant years!<br> +Yon foaming flood seems motionless as ice;<br> +Its dizzy turbulence eludes the eye,<br> +Frozen by distance; so, majestic Pile,<br> +To the perception of this Age, appear<br> +Thy fierce beginnings, softened and subdued<br> +And quieted in character—the strife,<br> +The pride, the fury uncontrollable,<br> +Lost on the aerial heights of the Crusades!"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#116n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr116v1"></a><a href="#116v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr116v2"></a><a href="#116v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr116B"></a><a href="#116B">B</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="116v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... has ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr116v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="116v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... of thy infancy!</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr116v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="116A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">The clause within brackets was added in 1837.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr116A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="116B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> The Tradition is, that the Castle was built by a Lady +during the absence of her Lord in Palestine.—W. W. 1827.<br> +<a href="#fr116B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="116n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> From the following passage in Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections</i> of +their Tour, it will be seen that the poet altered the text considerably +in making his quotation in 1827: August 31, 1803.</span> + + <blockquote> "When we had ascended half-way up the hill, directed by the man, I + took a nearer foot-path, and at the top came in view of a most + impressive scene, a ruined castle on an island almost in the middle of + the last compartment of the lake, backed by a mountain cove, down + which came a roaring stream. The castle occupied every foot of the + island that was visible to us, appearing to rise out of the water; + mists rested upon the mountain side, with spots of sunshine between; + there was a mild desolation in the low grounds, a solemn grandeur in + the mountains, and the castle was wild, yet stately, not dismantled of + its turrets, nor the walls broken down, though completely in ruin. + After having stood some minutes I joined William on the highroad, and + both wishing to stay longer near this place, we requested the man to + drive his little boy on to Dalmally, about two miles further, and + leave the car at the inn. He told us the ruin was called Kilchurn + Castle, that it belonged to Lord Breadalbane, and had been built by + one of the ladies of that family for her defence, during her lord's + absence at the Crusades; for which purpose she levied a tax of seven + years' rent upon her tenants; he said that from that side of the lake + it did not appear, in very dry weather, to stand upon an island, but + that it was possible to go over to it without being wet-shod. We were + very lucky in seeing it after a great flood; for its enchanting effect + was chiefly owing to its situation in the lake, a decayed palace + rising out of the plain of waters! I have called it a palace, for such + feeling it gave me, though having been built as a place of defence, a + castle or fortress. We turned again and reascended the hill, and sate + a long time in the middle of it looking on the castle, and the huge + mountain cove opposite, and William, addressing himself to the ruin, + poured out these verses."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare Wordsworth's description of this ruin in his <i>Guide through the +District of the Lakes</i>.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section117"></a>Rob Roy's Grave</h2> + +<h4>Composed between 1803 and 1805.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section117a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +The History of Rob Roy is sufficiently known; his Grave is near the head +of Loch Ketterine, in one of those small Pin-fold-like Burial-grounds, +of neglected and desolate appearance, which the Traveller meets with in +the Highlands of Scotland. —W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[I have since been told that I was misinformed as to the burial-place of +Rob Roy. If so, I may plead in excuse that I wrote on apparently good +authority, namely, that of a well educated Lady who lived at the head of +the Lake, within a mile or less of the point indicated as containing the +remains of One so famous in the neighbourhood.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In the copy of <i>Rob Roy's Grave</i>, transcribed in Dorothy Wordsworth's +'Recollections' of the Tour in Scotland of 1803, there are several +important variations of text, which occur in none of the printed +editions of the poem. These are indicated (to distinguish them from +other readings) by the initials D. W.—Ed.<br> +<br> +One of the "Poems of Sentiment and Reflection" in 1815 and 1820.—Ed.<br></span> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section117a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>A famous man is Robin Hood,<br> +The English ballad-singer's joy!<br> +And Scotland has a thief as good,<br> +An outlaw of as daring mood;<br><br> + +She has her brave<b> Rob Roy</b>!<br> +Then clear the weeds from off his Grave,<br> +And let us chant a passing stave,<br> +In honour of that Hero brave!<br><br> + +Heaven gave Rob Roy a dauntless heart<br> +And wondrous length and strength of arm:<br> +Nor craved he more to quell his foes,<br> + Or keep his friends from harm.<br><br> + +Yet was Rob Roy as <i>wise</i> as brave;<br> +Forgive me if the phrase be strong;—<br> +A Poet worthy of Rob Roy<br> + Must scorn a timid song.<br><br> + +Say, then, that he was wise as brave;<br> +As wise in thought as bold in deed:<br> +For in the principles of things<br> + <i>He</i> sought his moral creed.<br><br> + +Said generous Rob, "What need of books?<br> +Burn all the statutes and their shelves:<br> +They stir us up against our kind;<br> + And worse, against ourselves.<br><br> + +"We have a passion—make a law,<br> +Too false to guide us or control!<br> +And for the law itself we fight<br> + In bitterness of soul.<br><br> + +"And, puzzled, blinded thus, we lose<br> +Distinctions that are plain and few:<br> +These find I graven on my heart:<br> + <i>That</i> tells me what to do.<br><br> + +"The creatures see of flood and field,<br> +And those that travel on the wind!<br> +With them no strife can last; they live <br> + In peace, and peace of mind.<br><br> + +"For why?—because the good old rule<br> +Sufficeth them, the simple plan,<br> +That they should take, who have the power,<br> + And they should keep who can.<br><br> + +"A lesson that is quickly learned,<br> +A signal this which all can see!<br> +Thus nothing here provokes the strong<br> + To wanton cruelty.<br><br> + +"All freakishness of mind is checked;<br> +He tamed, who foolishly aspires;<br> +While to the measure of his might<br> + Each fashions his desires.<br><br> + +"All kinds, and creatures, stand and fall<br> +By strength of prowess or of wit:<br> +'Tis God's appointment who must sway,<br> + And who is to submit.<br><br> + +"Since, then, the rule of right is plain,<br> +And longest life is but a day;<br> +To have my ends, maintain my rights,<br> + I'll take the shortest way."<br><br> + +And thus among these rocks he lived,<br> +Through summer heat and winter snow:<br> +The Eagle, he was lord above,<br> + And Rob was lord below.<br><br> + +So was it—<i>would</i>, at least, have been<br> +But through untowardness of fate;<br> +For Polity was then too strong—<br> + He came an age too late;<br><br> + +Or shall we say an age too soon?<br> +For, were the bold Man living <i>now</i>,<br> +How might he flourish in his pride,<br> + With buds on every bough!<br><br> + +Then rents and factors, rights of chase,<br> +Sheriffs, and lairds and their domains,<br> +Would all have seemed but paltry things,<br> + Not worth a moment's pains.<br><br> + +Rob Roy had never lingered here,<br> +To these few meagre Vales confined;<br> +But thought how wide the world, the times<br> + How fairly to his mind!<br><br> + +And to his Sword he would have said,<br> +"Do Thou my sovereign will enact<br> +From land to land through half the earth!<br> + Judge thou of law and fact!<br><br> + +"'Tis fit that we should do our part,<br> +Becoming, that mankind should learn<br> +That we are not to be surpassed<br> + In fatherly concern.<br><br> + +"Of old things all are over old, <br> +Of good things none are good enough:—<br> +We'll show that we can help to frame<br> + A world of other stuff.<br><br> + +"I, too, will have my kings that take<br> +From me the sign of life and death: <br> +Kingdoms shall shift about, like clouds,<br> + Obedient to my breath."<br><br> + +And, if the word had been fulfilled,<br> +As <i>might</i> have been, then, thought of joy!<br> +France would have had her present Boast,<br> + And we our own Rob Roy!<br><br> + +Oh! say not so; compare them not;<br> +I would not wrong thee, Champion brave!<br> +Would wrong thee nowhere; least of all<br> + Here standing by thy grave. <br><br> + +For Thou, although with some wild thoughts<br> +Wild Chieftain of a savage Clan!<br> +Hadst this to boast of; thou didst love<br> + The <i>liberty</i> of man.<br><br> + +And, had it been thy lot to live<br> +With us who now behold the light,<br> +Thou would'st have nobly stirred thyself,<br> + And battled for the Right.<br><br> + +For thou wert still the poor man's stay,<br> +The poor man's heart, the poor man's hand;<br> +And all the oppressed, who wanted strength,<br> + Had thine at their command.<br><br> + +Bear witness many a pensive sigh<br> +Of thoughtful Herdsman when he strays<br> +Alone upon Loch Veol's heights,<br> + And by Loch Lomond's braes!<br><br> + +And, far and near, through vale and hill,<br> +Are faces that attest the same;<br> +The proud heart flashing through the eyes,<br> + At sound of <b>Rob Roy's</b> name.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#117n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr117v1"></a><a href="#117v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v2"></a><a href="#117v2">2</a><br><br> +<a name="fr117v3"></a><a href="#117v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v4"></a><a href="#117v4">4</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr117v5"></a><a href="#117v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v6"></a><a href="#117v6">6</a><br><br> +<a name="fr117v7"></a><a href="#117v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v8"></a><a href="#117v8">8</a><br> +<a name="fr117v9"></a><a href="#117v9">9</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr117v10"></a><a href="#117v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v11"></a><a href="#117v11">11</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v12"></a><a href="#117v12">12</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v13"></a><a href="#117v13">13</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr117v14"></a><a href="#117v14">14</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v15"></a><a href="#117v15">15</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr117v16"></a><a href="#117v16">16</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr117A"></a><a href="#117A">A</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +75<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +85<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +90<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +95<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +105<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +110<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +115<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="117v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And Scotland boasts of one as good,<br> + She has her own Rob Roy. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1803. D.W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... Outlaw ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D.W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... daring ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D.W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +Stanzas 3 and 4 are thus combined by D. W., and also in a printed (not +published) version, given in a copy of the 1807 edition.<br> +<br> + +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Yet Robin was as wise as brave,<br> + As wise in thought as bold in deed,<br> + For in the principles of things<br> + He sought his moral creed.</blockquote></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<a name="117v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... tyrannous ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D. W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And freakishness ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D. W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... their ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>All fashion their desires.</blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D. W.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>"Since then," said Robin, "right is plain,</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Through summer's heat and winter's snow:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Rents and Land-marks, Rights of Chase,<br> + Sheriffs and Factors, Lairds and Thanes, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1803. D. W.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Sheriffs and Factors, rights of chase,<br> + Their Lairds, and their domains, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... our brave ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For Robin was ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Had Robin's to command.</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="117v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Kindling with instantaneous joy</blockquote></td> + <td>1803. D.W.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And kindle, like a fire new stirr'd, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr117v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="117A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> The people of the neighbourhood of Loch Ketterine, in order +to prove the extraordinary length of their Hero's arm, tell you that "he +could garter his Tartan Stockings below the knee when standing upright." +According to their account he was a tremendous Swordsman; after having +sought all occasions of proving his prowess, he was never conquered but +once, and this not till he was an Old Man.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr117A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="117n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> In Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections</i> of the Scotch Tour the +following occurs:</span> + +<blockquote>"August 27, 1803.—We mentioned Rob Roy, and the eyes +of all glistened; even the lady of the house, who was very diffident, +and no great talker, exclaimed, 'He was a good man, Rob Roy! he had been +dead only about eighty years, had lived in the next farm, which belonged +to him, and there his bones were laid.' He was a famous swordsman. +Having an arm much longer than other men, he had a greater command with +his sword. As a proof of the length of his arm, they told us that he +could garter his tartan stockings below the knee without stooping, and +added a dozen different stories of single combats, which he had fought, +all in perfect good humour, merely to prove his prowess. I daresay they +had stories of this kind which would hardly have been exhausted in the +long evenings of a whole December week, Rob Roy being as famous here as +even Robin Hood was in the forest of Sherwood; <i>he</i> also robbed +from the rich, giving to the poor, and defending them from oppression. +They tell of his confining the factor of the Duke of Montrose in one of +the islands of Loch Ketterine, after having taken his money from +him—the Duke's rents—in open day, while they were sitting at table. He +was a formidable enemy of the Duke, but being a small laird against a +greater, was overcome at last, and forced to resign all his lands on the +Braes of Loch Lomond, including the caves which we visited, on account +of the money he had taken from the Duke and could not repay."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">September 12:</span> + + <blockquote>"Descended into Glengyle, above Loch Ketterine, and passed through Mr. + Macfarlane's grounds, that is, through the whole of the glen, where + there was now no house left but his. We stopped at his door to inquire + after the family, though with little hope of finding them at home, + having seen a large company at work in a hay-field, whom we + conjectured to be his whole household, as it proved, except a + servant-maid who answered our enquiries. We had sent the ferryman + forward from the head of the glen to bring the boat round from the + place where he left it to the other side of the lake. Passed the same + farm-house we had such good reason to remember, and went up to the + burying-ground that stood so sweetly near the water-side. The ferryman + had told us that Rob Roy's grave was there, so we could not pass on + without going up to the spot. There were several tombstones, but the + inscriptions were either worn-out or unintelligible to us, and the + place choked up with nettles and brambles. You will remember the + description I have given of the spot. I have nothing here to add, + except the following poem which it suggested to William."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Rob Roy was buried at the Kirkton of Balquhidder, near the outlet of +Loch Voil in Perthshire. There are three sculptured stones in the rude +burial-place of the Macgregors, at the eastern end of the old church. +The one with the long claymore marks the resting-place of Rob Roy's +wife; the one opposite on the other side is the tomb of his eldest son; +and the central stone, more elaborately carved, marks the grave of the +hero himself.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section118"></a>Sonnet composed at —— Castle</h2> + +<h4>Composed September 18, 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section118a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[The castle here mentioned was Nidpath near Peebles. The person alluded +to was the then Duke of Queensbury. The fact was told to me by Walter +Scott.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">In 1815 and 1820 this was one of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section118a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Degenerate Douglas! oh, the unworthy Lord!<br> +Whom mere despite of heart could so far please,<br> +And love of havoc, (for with such disease<br> +Fame taxes him,) that he could send forth word<br> +To level with the dust a noble horde,<br> +A brotherhood of venerable Trees,<br> +Leaving an ancient dome, and towers like these,<br> +Beggared and outraged!—Many hearts deplored<br> +The fate of those old Trees; and oft with pain<br> +The traveller, at this day, will stop and gaze<br> +On wrongs, which Nature scarcely seems to heed:<br> +For sheltered places, bosoms, nooks, and bays,<br> +And the pure mountains, and the gentle Tweed,<br> +And the green silent pastures, yet remain.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#118n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr118v1"></a><a href="#118v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="118v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Now as I live, I pity that great Lord,<br> + Whom pure despite ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS. letter to Sir Walter Scott. Oct. 1803.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Ill wishes shall attend the unworthy Lord </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr118v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="118n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <blockquote>"Sunday, September 18th.—After breakfast walked up the river to + Neidpath Castle, about a mile and a half from the town. The castle + stands upon a green hill, over-looking the Tweed, a strong + square-towered edifice, neglected and desolate, though not in ruin, + the garden overgrown with grass, and the high walls that fenced it + broken down. The Tweed winds between green steeps, upon which, and + close to the river side, large flocks of sheep pasturing; higher still + are the grey mountains; but I need not describe the scene, for William + has done it better than I could do in a sonnet which he wrote the same + day; the five last lines, at least, of his poem will impart to you + more of the feeling of the place than it would be possible for me to + do."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>.) +Writing to Sir Walter Scott (October 16, 1803), Wordsworth enclosed a +copy of this sonnet, with the variation of text which has been quoted. +Lockhart tells us </span> + + <blockquote> "in that original shape Scott always recited it, and few lines in the + language were more frequently in his mouth."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Compare Burns' <i>Verses on the destruction of the Woods near +Drumlanrig</i>, which refer to the same subject.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section119"></a>Yarrow Unvisited</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section119a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +See the various Poems the scene of which is laid upon the Banks of the +Yarrow; in particular, the exquisite Ballad of Hamilton, beginning: + + <blockquote>"Busk ye, busk ye, my bonny, bonny Bride,<br> + Busk ye, busk ye, my winsome Marrow!"</blockquote> + +W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems of the Imagination" in 1815 and 1820.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section119a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>From Stirling castle we had seen<br> +The mazy Forth unravelled;<br> +Had trod the banks of Clyde, and Tay,<br> +And with the Tweed had travelled;<br> +And when we came to Clovenford, <br> +Then said my "<i>winsome Marrow</i>,"<br> +"Whate'er betide, we'll turn aside,<br> +And see the Braes of Yarrow."<br><br> + +"Let Yarrow folk, <i>frae</i> Selkirk town,<br> +Who have been buying, selling, <br> +Go back to Yarrow, 'tis their own;<br> +Each maiden to her dwelling!<br> +On Yarrow's banks let herons feed,<br> +Hares couch, and rabbits burrow!<br> +But we will downward with the Tweed, <br> +Nor turn aside to Yarrow.<br> + <br> +"There's Galla Water, Leader Haughs,<br> +Both lying right before us;<br> +And Dryborough, where with chiming Tweed<br> +The lintwhites sing in chorus;<br> +There's pleasant Tiviot-dale, a land<br> +Made blithe with plough and harrow:<br> +Why throw away a needful day<br> +To go in search of Yarrow?<br><br> + +"What's Yarrow but a river bare,<br> +That glides the dark hills under?<br> +There are a thousand such elsewhere<br> +As worthy of your wonder."<br> +—Strange words they seemed of slight and scorn;<br> +My True-love sighed for sorrow;<br> +And looked me in the face, to think<br> +I thus could speak of Yarrow!<br><br> + +"Oh! green," said I, "are Yarrow's holms,<br> +And sweet is Yarrow flowing!<br> +Fair hangs the apple frae the rock,<br> +But we will leave it growing.<br> +O'er hilly path, and open Strath,<br> +We'll wander Scotland thorough;<br> +But, though so near, we will not turn<br> +Into the dale of Yarrow.<br><br> + +"Let beeves and home-bred kine partake<br> +The sweets of Burn-mill meadow;<br> +The swan on still St. Mary's Lake<br> +Float double, swan and shadow!<br> +We will not see them; will not go,<br> +To-day, nor yet to-morrow;<br> +Enough if in our hearts we know<br> +There's such a place as Yarrow.<br><br> + +"Be Yarrow stream unseen, unknown!<br> +It must, or we shall rue it:<br> +We have a vision of our own;<br> +Ah! why should we undo it?<br> +The treasured dreams of times long past,<br> +We'll keep them, winsome Marrow!<br> +For when we're there, although 'tis fair,<br> +'Twill be another Yarrow.<br><br> + +"If Care with freezing years should come,<br> +And wandering seem but folly,—<br> +Should we be loth to stir from home,<br> +And yet be melancholy;<br> +Should life be dull, and spirits low,<br> +'Twill soothe us in our sorrow,<br> +That earth has something yet to show,<br> +The bonny holms of Yarrow!"<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#119n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr119v1"></a><a href="#119v1">1</a><br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr119A"></a><a href="#119A">A</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr119B"></a><a href="#119B">B</a><br> +<br></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="119v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... downwards ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr119v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="119A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> See Hamilton's Ballad as above.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr119A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="119B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">In his <i>Recollections of Wordsworth,</i> Aubrey de Vere +reports a conversation, in which the poet said to him, </span> + + <blockquote>"Scott misquoted in one of his novels my lines on <i>Yarrow</i>, He makes + me write, + + <blockquote> 'The swans on sweet St. Mary's Lake<br> + Float double, swans and shadow;'</blockquote> + + but I wrote, + + <blockquote>'The <i>swan</i> on <i>still</i> St. Mary's Lake.'</blockquote> + + Never could I have written 'swans' in the plural. The scene when I saw + it, with its still and dim lake, under the dusky hills, was one of + utter loneliness: there was <i>one</i> swan, and one only, stemming the + water, and the pathetic loneliness of the region gave importance to + the one companion of that swan, its own white image in the water. It + was for that reason that I recorded the Swan and the Shadow. Had there + been many swans and many shadows, they would have implied nothing as + regards the character of the place; and I should have said nothing + about them."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">See his <i>Essays, chiefly on Poetry</i>, vol. ii. p. 277.<br> +<br> +Wordsworth wrote to his friend, Walter Scott, to thank him for a copy of +<i>The Lay of the Last Minstrel</i>, and in return sent a copy of these +stanzas, <i>Yarrow Unvisited</i>. Scott replied gratefully on the 16th March +1805, and said,</span> + + <blockquote>"... I by no means admit your apology, however ingeniously and + artfully stated, for not visiting the bonny holms of Yarrow, and + certainly will not rest till I have prevailed upon you to compare the + ideal with the real stream."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Wordsworth had asked him if he could suggest any name more true to the +place than Burnmill, in the line, "The sweets of Burn-mill meadow." +Scott replied:</span> + + <blockquote> "We have Broad-meadow upon Yarrow, which with the addition of green or + fair or any other epithet of one syllable, will give truth to the + locality, and supply the place of Burnmill meadow, which we have not. + ... I like your swan upon St. Mary's Lake. How came you to know that + it is actually frequented by that superb bird?"</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(See <i>Familiar Letters of Sir Walter Scott</i>, vol. i. pp. 28, 29.)—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr119B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="119n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + +<blockquote>"September 18, 1803.—We left the Tweed when we were within about a + mile and a half or two miles of Clovenford, where we were to lodge. + Turned up the side of a hill, and went along sheep-grounds till we + reached the spot—a single stone house, without a tree near it or to + be seen from it. On our mentioning Mr. Scott's name, the woman of the + house showed us all possible civility, but her slowness was really + amusing. I should suppose it a house little frequented, for there is + no appearance of an inn. Mr. Scott, who she told me was a very clever + gentleman, 'goes there in the fishing season;' but indeed Mr. Scott is + respected everywhere; I believe that by favour of his name one might + be hospitably entertained throughout all the borders of Scotland. We + dined and drank tea—did not walk out, for there was no temptation; a + confined barren prospect from the window.<br> +<br> + "At Clovenford, being so near to the Yarrow, we could not but think of + the possibility of going thither, but came to the conclusion of + reserving the pleasure for some future time, in consequence of which, + after our return, William wrote the poem which I shall here + transcribe."</blockquote> + +(From Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>, +1803.)—Ed. +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section120"></a>The Matron of Jedborough and her Husband</h2> + +<h4>Composed between 1803 and 1805.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section120a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +At Jedborough we went into private Lodgings for a few days; and the +following Verses were called forth by the character, and domestic +situation, of our Hostess.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Old Age" in 1815 and +1820.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section120a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Age! twine thy brows with fresh spring flowers,<br> +And call a train of laughing Hours;<br> +And bid them dance, and bid them sing;<br> +And thou, too, mingle in the ring!<br> +Take to thy heart a new delight;<br> +If not, make merry in despite<br> +That there is One who scorns thy power:—<br> +But dance! for under Jedborough Tower,<br> +A Matron dwells who, though she bears<br> +The weight of more than seventy years,<br> +Lives in the light of youthful glee,<br> +And she will dance and sing with thee.<br><br> + + Nay! start not at that Figure—there!<br> +Him who is rooted to his chair!<br> +Look at him—look again! for he<br> +Hath long been of thy family.<br> +With legs that move not, if they can,<br> +And useless arms, a trunk of man,<br> +He sits, and with a vacant eye;<br> +A sight to make a stranger sigh!<br> +Deaf, drooping, that is now his doom:<br> +His world is in this single room:<br> +Is this a place for mirthful cheer?<br> +Can merry-making enter here?<br><br> + + The joyous Woman is the Mate <br> +Of him in that forlorn estate!<br> +He breathes a subterraneous damp;<br> +But bright as Vesper shines her lamp:<br> +He is as mute as Jedborough Tower:<br> +She jocund as it was of yore,<br> +With all its bravery on; in times<br> +When all alive with merry chimes,<br> +Upon a sun-bright morn of May,<br> +It roused the Vale to holiday.<br><br> + + I praise thee, Matron! and thy due <br> +Is praise, heroic praise, and true! <br> +With admiration I behold<br> +Thy gladness unsubdued and bold:<br> +Thy looks, thy gestures, all present<br> +The picture of a life well spent:<br> +This do I see; and something more;<br> +A strength unthought of heretofore!<br> +Delighted am I for thy sake;<br> +And yet a higher joy partake:<br> +Our Human-nature throws away<br> +Its second twilight, and looks gay;<br> +A land of promise and of pride<br> +Unfolding, wide as life is wide.<br><br> + + Ah! see her helpless Charge! enclosed<br> +Within himself as seems, composed; <br> +To fear of loss, and hope of gain,<br> +The strife of happiness and pain,<br> +Utterly dead! yet in the guise<br> +Of little infants, when their eyes<br> +Begin to follow to and fro<br> +The persons that before them go,<br> +He tracks her motions, quick or slow.<br> +Her buoyant spirit can prevail<br> +Where common cheerfulness would fail;<br> +She strikes upon him with the heat<br> +Of July suns; he feels it sweet;<br> +An animal delight though dim!<br> +'Tis all that now remains for him!<br><br> + + The more I looked, I wondered more—<br> +And, while I scanned them o'er and o'er,<br> +Some inward trouble suddenly<br> +Broke from the Matron's strong black eye—<br> +A remnant of uneasy light,<br> +A flash of something over-bright!<br> +Nor long this mystery did detain <br> +My thoughts;—she told in pensive strain<br> +That she had borne a heavy yoke,<br> +Been stricken by a twofold stroke;<br> +Ill health of body; and had pined<br> +Beneath worse ailments of the mind. <br><br> + + So be it!—but let praise ascend<br> +To Him who is our lord and friend!<br> +Who from disease and suffering<br> +Hath called for thee a second spring;<br> +Repaid thee for that sore distress<br> +By no untimely joyousness;<br> +Which makes of thine a blissful state;<br> +And cheers thy melancholy Mate!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#120n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v1"></a><a href="#120v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v2"></a><a href="#120v2">2</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v3"></a><a href="#120v3">3</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v4"></a><a href="#120v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v5"></a><a href="#120v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v6"></a><a href="#120v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120v7"></a><a href="#120v7">7</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120A"></a><a href="#120A">A</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr120B"></a><a href="#120B">B</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +25<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +35<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +50<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +65<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="120v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>For ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... under Jedborough Tower<br> + There liveth in the prime of glee,<br> + A Woman, whose years are seventy-three,<br> + And She ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> There lives a woman of seventy-three,<br> + And she will dance and sing with thee, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>A Matron dwells, who though she bears<br> + Our mortal complement of years,<br> + Lives in the light of youthful glee,</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... for mirth and cheer? </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>I look'd, I scann'd her o'er and o'er;<br> + The more I look'd I wonder'd more:</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> When suddenly I seem'd to espy<br> + A trouble in her strong black eye; </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> A moment gave me to espy<br> + A trouble ...</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And soon she made this matter plain;<br> + And told me, in a thoughtful strain, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>As bad almost as Life can bring, </blockquote></td> + <td>Added in MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr120v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="120A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Tennyson's <i>Deserted House</i>, stanza iv.:</span> + + <blockquote> 'Come away: no more of mirth<br> + Is here, or merry-making sound.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr120A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="120B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare stanza xiii. of <a href="#section74"><i>Resolution and Independence</i></a>, p. +318.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr120B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="120n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;"> Sept. 20, 1803.</span> + + <blockquote> "We were received with hearty welcome by a good woman, who, though + above seventy years old, moved about as briskly as if she was only + seventeen. Those parts of the house which we were to occupy were neat + and clean; she showed me every corner, and, before I had been ten + minutes in the house, opened her very drawers that I might see what a + stock of linen she had; then asked how long we should stay, and said + she wished we were come for three months. She was a most remarkable + person; the alacrity with which she ran up-stairs when we rung the + bell, and guessed at, and strove to prevent, our wants was surprising; + she had a quick eye, and keen strong features, and a joyousness in her + motions, like what used to be in old Molly when she was particularly + elated. I found afterwards that she had been subject to fits of + dejection and ill-health: we then conjectured that her overflowing + gaiety and strength might in part be attributed to the same cause as + her former dejection. Her husband was deaf and infirm, and sate in a + chair with scarcely the power to move a limb—an affecting contrast! + The old woman said they had been a very hard-working pair; they had + wrought like slaves at their trade—her husband had been a currier; + and she told me how they had portioned off their daughters with money, + and each a feather bed, and that in their old age they had laid out + the little they could spare in building and furnishing that house, and + she added with pride that she had lived in her youth in the family of + Lady Egerton, who was no high lady, and now was in the habit of coming + to her house whenever she was at Jedburgh, and a hundred other things; + for when she once began with Lady Egerton, she did not know how to + stop, nor did I wish it, for she was very entertaining. Mr. Scott sat + with us an hour or two, and repeated a part of the <i>Lay of the Last + Minstrel</i>. When he was gone our hostess came to see if we wanted + anything, and to wish us good-night. On all occasions her manners were + governed by the same spirit: there was no withdrawing one's attention + from her. We were so much interested that William, long afterwards, + thought it worth while to express in verse the sensations which she + had excited, and which then remained as vividly in his mind as at the + moment when we lost sight of Jedburgh."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(From Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>, +1803.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section121"></a>"Fly, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale"<a href="#121A"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>A</sup></span></a></h2> + +<h4>Composed September 25, 1803.—Published 1815</h4> + +<a href="#section121a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[This was actually composed the last day of our tour between Dalston and +Grasmere.—I. F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets" in 1815 and 1820. —Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section121a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Fly, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale!<br> +Say that we come, and come by this day's light;<br> +Fly upon swiftest wing round field and height,<br> +But chiefly let one Cottage hear the tale;<br> +There let a mystery of joy prevail,<br> +The kitten frolic, like a gamesome sprite,<br> +And Rover whine, as at a second sight<br> +Of near-approaching good that shall not fail:<br> +And from that Infant's face let joy appear;<br> +Yea, let our Mary's one companion child— <br> +That hath her six weeks' solitude beguiled<br> +With intimations manifold and dear,<br> +While we have wandered over wood and wild—<br> +Smile on his Mother now with bolder cheer.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#121n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr121v1"></a><a href="#121v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr121v2"></a><a href="#121v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr121v3"></a><a href="#121v3">3</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="121v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Fly, some kind Spirit, fly to Grasmere Vale!</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... dale, </blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr121v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="121v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Glad tidings!—spread them over field and height; </blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr121v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="121v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> The Kitten frolic with unruly might,</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The happy Kitten bound with frolic might,</blockquote></td> + <td>1827</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr121v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="121A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> In the editions of 1815 and 1820, this poem bore the title, +<i>On approaching Home, after a Tour in Scotland, 1803</i>,—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section121">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="121n1"></a><i>Note:</i> + +<blockquote>"Sunday, September 25, 1803.—A beautiful autumnal day. Breakfasted at + a public-house by the road-side; dined at Threlkeld; arrived at home + between eight and nine o'clock, where we found Mary in perfect health, + Joanna Hutchinson with her, and little John asleep in the + clothes-basket by the fire."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(From Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland</i>, +1803.)—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section122"></a>The Blind Highland Boy</h2> + +<h4>A Tale Told by the Fire-side, after Returning to the Vale of Grasmere<a href="#122A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<h4>Date of composition uncertain.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section122a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #663300;">[The story was told me by George Mackereth, for many years parish-clerk +of Grasmere. He had been an eye-witness of the occurrence. The vessel in +reality was a washing-tub, which the little fellow had met with on the +shores of the Loch.—I.F.]</span><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood" in 1815 and +1820.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section122a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Now we are tired of boisterous joy,<br> +Have romped enough, my little Boy!<br> +Jane hangs her head upon my breast,<br> +And you shall bring your stool and rest;<br> + This corner is your own.<br><br> + +There! take your seat, and let me see<br> +That you can listen quietly:<br> +And, as I promised, I will tell<br> +That strange adventure which befel<br> + A poor blind Highland Boy.<br><br> + +A <i>Highland</i> Boy!—why call him so?<br> +Because, my Darlings, ye must know<br> +That, under hills which rise like towers,<br> +Far higher hills than these of ours!<br> + He from his birth had lived.<br><br> + +He ne'er had seen one earthly sight<br> +The sun, the day; the stars, the night;<br> +Or tree, or butterfly, or flower,<br> +Or fish in stream, or bird in bower,<br> + Or woman, man, or child.<br><br> + +And yet he neither drooped nor pined,<br> +Nor had a melancholy mind;<br> +For God took pity on the Boy,<br> +And was his friend; and gave him joy<br> + Of which we nothing know. <br><br> + +His Mother, too, no doubt, above<br> +Her other children him did love:<br> +For, was she here, or was she there,<br> +She thought of him with constant care,<br> + And more than mother's love.<br><br> + +And proud she was of heart, when clad<br> +In crimson stockings, tartan plaid,<br> +And bonnet with a feather gay,<br> +To Kirk he on the sabbath day<br> + Went hand in hand with her.<br><br> + +A dog too, had he; not for need,<br> +But one to play with and to feed;<br> +Which would have led him, if bereft<br> +Of company or friends, and left<br> + Without a better guide.<br><br> + +And then the bagpipes he could blow—<br> +And thus from house to house would go;<br> +And all were pleased to hear and see,<br> +For none made sweeter melody<br> + Than did the poor blind Boy.<br><br> + +Yet he had many a restless dream;<br> +Both when he heard the eagles scream,<br> +And when he heard the torrents roar,<br> +And heard the water beat the shore<br> + Near which their cottage stood.<br><br> + +Beside a lake their cottage stood,<br> +Not small like ours, a peaceful flood;<br> +But one of mighty size, and strange;<br> +That, rough or smooth, is full of change,<br> + And stirring in its bed. <br><br> + +For to this lake, by night and day,<br> +The great Sea-water finds its way<br> +Through long, long windings of the hills<br> +And drinks up all the pretty rills<br> + And rivers large and strong:<br><br> + +Then hurries back the road it came—<br> +Returns, on errand still the same;<br> +This did it when the earth was new;<br> +And this for evermore will do,<br> + As long as earth shall last. <br><br> + +And, with the coming of the tide,<br> +Come boats and ships that safely ride<br> +Between the woods and lofty rocks;<br> +And to the shepherds with their flocks<br> +Bring tales of distant lands.<br><br> + +And of those tales, whate'er they were,<br> +The blind Boy always had his share;<br> +Whether of mighty towns, or vales<br> +With warmer suns and softer gales,<br> + Or wonders of the Deep.<br><br> + +Yet more it pleased him, more it stirred,<br> +When from the water-side he heard<br> +The shouting, and the jolly cheers;<br> +The bustle of the mariners<br> + In stillness or in storm.<br><br> + +But what do his desires avail?<br> +For He must never handle sail;<br> +Nor mount the mast, nor row, nor float<br> +In sailor's ship, or fisher's boat,<br> + Upon the rocking waves.<br><br> + +His Mother often thought, and said,<br> +What sin would be upon her head<br> +If she should suffer this: "My Son,<br> +Whate'er you do, leave this undone;<br> + The danger is so great."<br><br> + +Thus lived he by Loch-Leven's side<br> +Still sounding with the sounding tide,<br> +And heard the billows leap and dance,<br> +Without a shadow of mischance,<br> + Till he was ten years old.<br><br> + +When one day (and now mark me well,<br> +Ye soon shall know how this befell)<br> +He in a vessel of his own,<br> +On the swift flood is hurrying down,<br> + Down to the mighty Sea.<br><br> + +In such a vessel never more<br> +May human creature leave the Shore!<br> +If this or that way he should stir,<br> +Woe to the poor blind Mariner!<br> + For death will be his doom.<br> +<br> +But say what bears him?—Ye have seen<br> +The Indian's bow, his arrows keen,<br> +Rare beasts, and birds with plumage bright;<br> +Gifts which, for wonder or delight,<br> + Are brought in ships from far.<br><br> + +Such gifts had those seafaring men<br> +Spread round that haven in the glen;<br> +Each hut, perchance, might have its own;<br> +And to the Boy they all were known—<br> + He knew and prized them all.<br><br> + +The rarest was a Turtle-shell<br> +Which he, poor Child, had studied well;<br> +A shell of ample size, and light<br> +As the pearly car of Amphitrite,<br> + That sportive dolphins drew.<br><br> + +And, as a Coracle that braves<br> +On Vaga's breast the fretful waves,<br> +This shell upon the deep would swim,<br> +And gaily lift its fearless brim<br> + Above the tossing surge.<br><br> + +And this the little blind Boy knew:<br> +And he a story strange yet true<br> +Had heard, how in a shell like this<br> +An English Boy, O thought of bliss!<br> + Had stoutly launched from shore;<br><br> + +Launched from the margin of a bay<br> +Among the Indian isles, where lay<br> +His father's ship, and had sailed far—<br> +To join that gallant ship of war,<br> + In his delightful shell.<br><br> + +Our Highland Boy oft visited<br> +'The house that held this prize; and, led<br> +By choice or chance, did thither come<br> +One day when no one was at home,<br> + And found the door unbarred.<br><br> + +While there he sate, alone and blind,<br> +That story flashed upon his mind;—<br> +A bold thought roused him, and he took<br> +The shell from out its secret nook,<br> + And bore it on his head.<br><br> + +He launched his vessel,—and in pride<br> +Of spirit, from Loch-Leven's side,<br> +Stepped into it—his thoughts all free<br> +As the light breezes that with glee<br> + Sang through the adventurer's hair.<br><br> + +A while he stood upon his feet;<br> +He felt the motion—took his seat;<br> +Still better pleased as more and more<br> +The tide retreated from the shore,<br> + And sucked, and sucked him in.<br><br> + +And there he is in face of Heaven.<br> +How rapidly the Child is driven!<br> +The fourth part of a mile, I ween,<br> +He thus had gone, ere he was seen<br> + By any human eye.<br><br> + +But when he was first seen, oh me<br> +What shrieking and what misery!<br> +For many saw; among the rest<br> +His Mother, she who loved him best,<br> + She saw her poor blind Boy.<br><br> + +But for the child, the sightless Boy,<br> +It is the triumph of his joy!<br> +The bravest traveller in balloon,<br> +Mounting as if to reach the moon,<br> + Was never half so blessed. <br><br> + +And let him, let him go his way,<br> +Alone, and innocent, and gay!<br> +For, if good Angels love to wait<br> +On the forlorn unfortunate,<br> + This Child will take no harm.<br><br> + +But now the passionate lament,<br> +Which from the crowd on shore was sent,<br> +The cries which broke from old and young<br> +In Gaelic, or the English tongue,<br> + Are stifled—all is still.<br><br> + +And quickly with a silent crew<br> +A boat is ready to pursue;<br> +And from the shore their course they take,<br> +And swiftly down the running lake<br> + They follow the blind Boy.<br><br> + +But soon they move with softer pace;<br> +So have ye seen the fowler chase<br> +On Grasmere's clear unruffled breast<br> +A youngling of the wild-duck's nest<br> + With deftly-lifted oar; <br><br> + +Or as the wily sailors crept<br> +To seize (while on the Deep it slept)<br> +The hapless creature which did dwell<br> +Erewhile within the dancing shell,<br> + They steal upon their prey.<br><br> + +With sound the least that can be made,<br> +They follow, more and more afraid,<br> +More cautious as they draw more near;<br> +But in his darkness he can hear,<br> + And guesses their intent.<br><br> + +"<i>Lei-gha—Lei-gha</i>"—he then cried out,<br> +"<i>Lei-gha—Lei-gha</i>"—with eager shout;<br> +Thus did he cry, and thus did pray,<br> +And what he meant was, "Keep away,<br> + And leave me to myself!"<br><br> + +Alas! and when he felt their hands—<br> +You've often heard of magic wands,<br> +That with a motion overthrow<br> +A palace of the proudest show,<br> + Or melt it into air:<br><br> + +So all his dreams—that inward light<br> +With which his soul had shone so bright—<br> +All vanished;—'twas a heartfelt cross<br> +To him, a heavy, bitter loss,<br> + As he had ever known.<br><br> + +But hark! a gratulating voice,<br> +With which the very hills rejoice:<br> +'Tis from the crowd, who tremblingly<br> +Have watched the event, and now can see<br> + That he is safe at last.<br><br> + +And then, when he was brought to land,<br> +Full sure they were a happy band,<br> +Which, gathering round, did on the banks<br> +Of that great Water give God thanks,<br> + And welcomed the poor Child. <br><br> + +And in the general joy of heart<br> +The blind Boy's little dog took part;<br> +He leapt about, and oft did kiss<br> +His master's hands in sign of bliss,<br> + With sound like lamentation.<br><br> + +But most of all, his Mother dear,<br> +She who had fainted with her fear,<br> +Rejoiced when waking she espies<br> +The Child; when she can trust her eyes,<br> + And touches the blind Boy.<br><br> + +She led him home, and wept amain,<br> +When he was in the house again:<br> +Tears flowed in torrents from her eyes;<br> +She kissed him—how could she chastise?<br> + She was too happy far.<br><br> + +Thus, after he had fondly braved<br> +The perilous Deep, the Boy was saved;<br> +And, though his fancies had been wild,<br> +Yet he was pleased and reconciled<br> + To live in peace on shore. <br><br> + +And in the lonely Highland dell<br> +Still do they keep the Turtle-shell;<br> +And long the story will repeat<br> +Of the blind Boy's adventurous feat,<br> + And how he was preserved.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#122n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<a name="fr122v1"></a><a href="#122v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v2"></a><a href="#122v2">2</a><br> +<a name="fr122v3"></a><a href="#122v3">3</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v4"></a><a href="#122v4">4</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v5"></a><a href="#122v5">5</a><br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v6"></a><a href="#122v6">6</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v7"></a><a href="#122v7">7</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v8"></a><a href="#122v8">8</a><br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v9"></a><a href="#122v9">9</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><a name="fr122v10"></a><a href="#122v10">10</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v11"></a><a href="#122v11">11</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v12"></a><a href="#122v12">12</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v13"></a><a href="#122v13">13</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v14"></a><a href="#122v14">14</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v15"></a><a href="#122v15">15</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v16"></a><a href="#122v16">16</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v17"></a><a href="#122v17">17</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v18"></a><a href="#122v18">18</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v19"></a><a href="#122v19">19</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v20"></a><a href="#122v20">20</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v21"></a><a href="#122v21">21</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v22"></a><a href="#122v22">22</a><br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122v23"></a><a href="#122v23">23</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122B"></a><a href="#122B">B</a><br> +<a name="fr122C"></a><a href="#122C">C</a><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<a name="fr122D"></a><a href="#122D">D</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr122E"></a><a href="#122E">E</a><br><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +25<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +30<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +35<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +40<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +45<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +50<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +55<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +60<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +65<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +70<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +75<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +80<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +85<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +90<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +95<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +100<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +105<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +110<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +115<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +120<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +125<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +130<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +135<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +140<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +145<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +150<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +155<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +160<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +165<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +170<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +175<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +180<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +185<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +190<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +195<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +200<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +205<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +210<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +215<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +220<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +225<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +230<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +235<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +240<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +245<br><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +250<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="122v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>We've ... </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>How ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Aye, willingly, and what is more<br> + One which you never heard before,<br> + True story this which I shall tell</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v4"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 4:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> In land where many a mountain towers, </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v4">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v5"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 5:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... could ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v5">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v6"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 6:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... sweetly ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v7"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 7:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>You ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v8"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 8:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He's in a vessel of his own,<br> + On the swift water hurrying down<br> + Towards the mighty Sea. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>He in a vessel of his own,<br> + On the swift flood is hurrying down </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1827</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Towards the great, great Sea.</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v9"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 9:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... ne'er before<br> + Did human Creature ... </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v9">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v10"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 10:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>The following stanza was only in the edition of 1807:</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Strong is the current; but be mild,<br> + Ye waves, and spare the helpless Child!<br> + If ye in anger fret or chafe,<br> + A Bee-hive would be ship as safe<br> + As that in which he sails.</blockquote></td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v11"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 11:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1815</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>But say, what was it? Thought of fear!<br> + Well may ye tremble when ye hear!<br> + —A Household Tub, like one of those,<br> + Which women use to wash their clothes,<br> + This carried the blind Boy. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v11">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v12"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 12:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And one, the rarest, was a Shell<br> + Which he, poor Child, had studied well;<br> + The Shell of a green Turtle, thin<br> + And hollow;—you might sit therein.<br> + It was so wide and deep.</blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v13"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 13:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1820</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>'Twas even the largest of its kind,<br> + Large, thin, and light as birch-tree rind;<br> + So light a Shell that it would swim,<br> + And gaily lift its fearless brim<br> + Above the tossing waves. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v14"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 14:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... which ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v15"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 15:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... in his arms.</blockquote></td> + <td>1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v16"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 16:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> Close to the water he had found<br> + This Vessel, push'd it from dry ground,<br> + Went into it; and, without dread,<br> + Following the fancies in his head,<br> + He paddled up and down. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And with the happy burthen hied,<br> + And pushed it from Loch Levin's side,—<br> + Stepped into it; and, without dread, </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1815</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v16">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v17"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 17:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> And dallied thus, till from the shore<br> + The tide retreating more and more<br> + Had suck'd, and suck'd him in. </blockquote></td> + <td><br> + <br> + 1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v18"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 18:</span></a> +The two previous stanzas were added in the edition of 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr122v18">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v19"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 19:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... then did he cry<br> + ... most eagerly;</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v19">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v20"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 20:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... read ...</blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v20">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v21"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 21:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>Had ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v22"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 22:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1832</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> She could not blame him, or chastise; </blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr122v22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122v23"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 23:</span></a> +This stanza was added in the edition of 1815.<br> +<a href="#fr122v23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="122A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> The title in the editions of 1807 to 1820 was <i>The Blind +Highland Boy. (A Tale told by the Fireside.)</i><br> +<br> +This poem gave its title to a separate division in the second volume of +the edition of 1807, viz. "The Blind Highland Boy; with other +Poems."—Ed.<br> +<a href="#section122">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122B"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote B:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This reading occurs in all the editions. But Wordsworth, +whose MS. was not specially clear, may have written, or meant to write +"petty," (a much better word), and not perceived the mistake when +revising the sheets. If he really wrote "petty," he may have meant +either small rills (rillets), or used the word as Shakespeare used it, +for "pelting" rills.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr122B">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122C"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote C:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Compare Tennyson's <i>In Memoriam</i>, stanza xix.:</span> + + <blockquote>'There twice a day the Severn fills;<br> + The salt sea-water passes by,<br> + And hushes half the babbling Wye,<br> + And makes a silence in the hills, etc.' </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr122C">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122D"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote D:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">This and the following six stanzas were added in 1815.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr122D">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="122E"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote E:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;">Writing to Walter Scott, from Coleorton, on Jan. 20, 1807, +Wordsworth sent him this stanza of the poem, and asked</span> + + <blockquote>"Could you furnish me, by application to any of your Gaelic friends, a + phrase in that language which could take its place in the following + verse of eight syllables, and have the following meaning." </blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">He adds,</span> + + <blockquote>"The above is part of a little poem which I have written on a Highland + story told me by an eye-witness ..."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This is the nearest clue we have to the date of the composition of the +poem.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr122E">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="122n1"></a><i>Note:</i> It is recorded in Dampier's Voyages that a Boy, the Son of a Captain of +a Man of War, seated himself in a Turtle-shell and floated in it from +the shore to his Father's Ship, which lay at anchor at the distance of +half a mile. Upon the suggestion of a Friend, I have substituted such a +Shell for that less elegant vessel in which my blind voyager did +actually intrust himself to the dangerous current of Loch Levin, as was +related to me by an Eye-witness.—W. W. 1815.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">This note varies slightly in later editions.<br> +<br> +The Loch Leven referred to is a sea-loch in Argyllshire, into which the +tidal water flows with some force from Loch Linnhe at Ballachulish.</span> + + <blockquote> 'By night and day<br> + The great Sea-water finds its way<br> + Through long, long windings of the hills.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The friend referred to in the note of 1815, who urged Wordsworth to give +his blind voyager a Shell, instead of a washing-tub to sail in, was +Coleridge. The original tale of the tub was not more unfortunate than +the lines in praise of Wilkinson's spade, and several of Wordsworth's +friends, notably Charles Lamb and Barren Field, objected to the change. +Lamb wrote to Wordsworth in 1815,</span> + + <blockquote> "I am afraid lest that substitution of a shell (a flat falsification + of the history) for the household implement, as it stood at first, was + a kind of tub thrown out to the beast" [<i>i. e.</i> the reviewer!] "or + rather thrown out for him. The tub was a good honest tub in its place, + and nothing could fairly be said against it. You say you made the + alteration for the 'friendly reader,' but the 'malicious' will take it + to himself."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">(<i>The Letters of Charles Lamb</i>, edited by Alfred Ainger, vol. i. p. +283.) Wordsworth could not be induced to "undo his work," and go back to +his own original; although he evidently agreed with what Lamb had said +(as is seen in a letter to Barren Field, Oct. 24, 1828).—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section123"></a>October, 1803</h2> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; renamed in 1845, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>One might believe that natural miseries<br> +Had blasted France, and made of it a land<br> +Unfit for men; and that in one great band<br> +Her sons were bursting forth, to dwell at ease.<br> +But 'tis a chosen soil, where sun and breeze<br> +Shed gentle favours: rural works are there,<br> +And ordinary business without care;<br> +Spot rich in all things that can soothe and please!<br> +How piteous then that there should be such dearth<br> +Of knowledge; that whole myriads should unite<br> +To work against themselves such fell despite:<br> +Should come in phrensy and in drunken mirth,<br> +Impatient to put out the only light<br> +Of Liberty that yet remains on earth!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> + +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section124"></a>"There is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear"</h2> + +<h4>Composed possibly in 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; renamed in 1845, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>There is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear<br> +Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall,<br> +Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall:<br> +'Tis his who walks about in the open air,<br> +One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear<br> +Their fetters in their souls. For who could be,<br> +Who, even the best, in such condition, free<br> +From self-reproach, reproach that he must share<br> +With Human-nature? Never be it ours<br> +To see the sun how brightly it will shine,<br> +And know that noble feelings, manly powers,<br> +Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine;<br> +And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers<br> +Fade, and participate in man's decline.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr124v1"></a><a href="#124v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr124v2"></a><a href="#124v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="124v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which is worse to bear</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr124v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="124v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... which ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr124v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section125"></a>October, 1803 (2)</h2> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This was one of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; afterwards called, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>These times strike monied worldlings with dismay:<br> +Even rich men, brave by nature, taint the air<br> +With words of apprehension and despair:<br> +While tens of thousands, thinking on the affray,<br> +Men unto whom sufficient for the day<br> +And minds not stinted or unfilled are given,<br> +Sound, healthy, children of the God of heaven,<br> +Are cheerful as the rising sun in May.<br> +What do we gather hence but firmer faith<br> +That every gift of noble origin<br> +Is breathed upon by Hope's perpetual breath;<br> +That virtue and the faculties within<br> +Are vital,—and that riches are akin<br> +To fear, to change, to cowardice, and death?<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><a name="fr125v1"></a><a href="#125v1">1</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="125v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1837</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> ... touch ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr125v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section126"></a>"England! the time is come when thou should'st wean"</h2> + +<h4>Composed possibly in 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">This was one of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; afterwards called, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>England! the time is come when thou should'st wean<br> +Thy heart from its emasculating food;<br> +The truth should now be better understood;<br> +Old things have been unsettled; we have seen<br> +Fair seed-time, better harvest might have been<br> +But for thy trespasses; and, at this day,<br> +If for Greece, Egypt, India, Africa,<br> +Aught good were destined, thou would'st step between.<br> +England! all nations in this charge agree:<br> +But worse, more ignorant in love and hate,<br> +Far—far more abject, is thine Enemy:<br> +Therefore the wise pray for thee, though the freight<br> +Of thy offences be a heavy weight:<br> +Oh grief that Earth's best hopes rest all with Thee!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> + +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section127"></a>October, 1803 (3)</h2> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; afterwards called, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>When, looking on the present face of things,<br> +I see one man, of men the meanest too!<br> +Raised up to sway the world, to do, undo,<br> +With mighty Nations for his underlings,<br> +The great events with which old story rings<br> +Seem vain and hollow; I find nothing great:<br> +Nothing is left which I can venerate;<br> +So that a doubt almost within me springs<br> +Of Providence, such emptiness at length<br> +Seems at the heart of all things. But, great God!<br> +I measure back the steps which I have trod;<br> +And tremble, seeing whence proceeds the strength<br> +Of such poor Instruments, with thoughts sublime<br> +I tremble at the sorrow of the time.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#127n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr127v1"></a><a href="#127v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr127v2"></a><a href="#127v2">2</a><br> +</td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="127v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1845</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... almost a doubt ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr127v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="127v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... seeing, as I do, the strength</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr127v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="127n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The reference is, of course, to Napoleon.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section128"></a>To the Men of Kent. October, 1803</h2> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems +dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Vanguard of Liberty, ye men of Kent,<br> +Ye children of a Soil that doth advance<br> +Her haughty brow against the coast of France,<br> +Now is the time to prove your hardiment!<br> +To France be words of invitation sent!<br> +They from their fields can see the countenance <br> +Of your fierce war, may ken the glittering lance<br> +And hear you shouting forth your brave intent.<br> +Left single, in bold parley, ye, of yore,<br> +Did from the Norman win a gallant wreath; <br> +Confirmed the charters that were yours before;—<br> +No parleying now! In Britain is one breath;<br> +We all are with you now from shore to shore:—<br> +Ye men of Kent, 'tis victory or death!<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<a name="fr128v1"></a><a href="#128v1">1</a><br> +</td> + <td><a name="fr128A"></a><a href="#128A">A</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="128v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1827</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>It's ...</blockquote></td> + <td>1807</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> It's haughty forehead 'gainst ... </blockquote></td> + <td>MS.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr128v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="128A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"> Compare Michael Drayton's <i>Barons' Wars</i>, book i.:</span> + + <blockquote>'Then those of Kent, unconquered of the rest,<br> + That to this day maintain their ancient right.'</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr128A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section129"></a>In the Pass of Killicranky</h2> + +<h4>An invasion being expected, October 1803</h4> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807</h4> + +<a href="#section129a">The Poem</a><br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">From 1807 to 1820 this sonnet was one of those "dedicated to Liberty." +In 1827 it was included among the "Memorials of a Tour in Scotland, +1803." From 1807 to 1820 the title was simply October, 1803.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="section129a"></a><h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Six thousand veterans practised in war's game,<br> +Tried men, at Killicranky were arrayed<br> +Against an equal host that wore the plaid,<br> +Shepherds and herdsmen.—Like a whirlwind came<br> +The Highlanders, the slaughter spread like flame; <br> +And Garry, thundering down his mountain-road,<br> +Was stopped, and could not breathe beneath the load<br> +Of the dead bodies.—'Twas a day of shame<br> +For them whom precept and the pedantry<br> +Of cold mechanic battle do enslave.<br> +O for a single hour of that Dundee,<br> +Who on that day the word of onset gave!<br> +Like conquest would the Men of England see;<br> +And her Foes find a like inglorious grave.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#129n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr129A"></a><a href="#129A">A</a><br> +</td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="129A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> See an anecdote related in Mr. Scott's <i>Border Minstrelsy</i>.—W. W. 1807.<br> +<br> +<span style="color: #555555;">"Oh for an hour of Dundee" was an exclamation of Gordon of Glenbucket at +Sheriffmuir.—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#fr129A">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="129n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">The following is from Dorothy Wordsworth's <i>Recollections of a Tour made +in Scotland</i>, 1803:</span> + + <blockquote>"Thursday, September 8th.—Before breakfast we walked to the Pass of + Killicrankie. A very fine scene; the river Garry forcing its way down + a deep chasm between rocks, at the foot of high rugged hills covered + with wood, to a great height. The pass did not, however, impress us + with awe, or a sensation of difficulty or danger, according to our + expectations; but, the road being at a considerable height on the side + of the hill, we at first only looked into the dell or chasm. It is + much grander seen from below, near the river's bed. Everybody knows + that this Pass is famous in military history. When we were travelling + in Scotland, an invasion was hourly looked for, and one could not but + think with some regret of the times when, from the now depopulated + Highlands forty or fifty thousand men might have been poured down for + the defence of the country, under such leaders as the Marquis of + Montrose or the brave man who had so distinguished himself upon the + ground where we were standing. I will transcribe a sonnet suggested to + William by this place, and written in Oct. 1803."</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section130"></a>Anticipation. October, 1803</h2> + +<h4>Composed October 1803.—Published 1807<a href="#130A"><sup>A</sup></a></h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, +"Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Shout, for a mighty Victory is won!<br> +On British ground the Invaders are laid low;<br> +The breath of Heaven has drifted them like snow,<br> +And left them lying in the silent sun,<br> +Never to rise again!—the work is done.<br> +Come forth, ye old men, now in peaceful show<br> +And greet your sons! drums beat and trumpets blow!<br> +Make merry, wives! ye little children, stun<br> +Your grandame's ears with pleasure of your noise!<br> +Clap, infants, clap your hands! Divine must be<br> +That triumph, when the very worst, the pain,<br> +And even the prospect of our brethren slain,<br> +Hath something in it which the heart enjoys:—<br> +In glory will they sleep and endless sanctity.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#130n1">Note</a><br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr130v1"></a><a href="#130v1">1</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fr130v2"></a><a href="#130v2">2</a><br> +<br> +<a name="fr130v3"></a><a href="#130v3">3</a></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="130v1"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 1:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... with transports of your own. </blockquote></td> + <td>C</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>... with transport of your noise! </blockquote></td> + <td>1838</td> +</tr> +</table> +The edition of 1840 returns to the text of 1807.<br> +<a href="#fr130v1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="130v2"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 2:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>The loss and e'en the prospect of the slain,</blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1803.<br> + And in <i>The Poetical Register</i>, 1803.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote>And prospect of our Brethren to be slain, </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1803.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr130v2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="130v3"><span style="color: #FF3300;">Variant 3:</span></a> +<table summary="variant" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1807</td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><blockquote> True glory, everlasting sanctity. </blockquote></td> + <td>MS. 1803.<br> +And in <i>The Poetical Register</i>, 1803.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fr130v3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="130A"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote A:</span></a> <span style="color: #555555;"><i>i. e.</i> in the edition of 1807, but this sonnet was +previously printed in 1803 in <i>The Poetical Register</i>, vol. iii. p. 340, +in the <i>Anti-Gallican</i> (1804), and in the <i>Poetical Repository</i> +(1805).—Ed.</span><br> +<a href="#section130">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="130n1"></a><i>Note:</i> <span style="color: #555555;">This sonnet, as the title indicates, does not refer to an actual +victory; because, since the Norman conquest, no "Invaders" have ever set +foot "on British ground." It was written—like the two preceding +sonnets, and the one that follows it—"in anticipation" of Napoleon's +project for the invasion of England being actually carried out; a +project never realised. The assembling of the immense French army +destined for this purpose—one of the finest brought together since the +days of the Roman legions—between the mouths of the Seine and the +Texel, roused the spirit of English patriotism as it had never been +roused before. Three hundred thousand volunteers were enlisted in Great +Britain by the 10th of August 1803;</span> + + <blockquote>"all the male population of the kingdom from seventeen years of age to + fifty-five were divided into classes to be successively armed and + exercised" (Dyer).</blockquote> + +<span style="color: #555555;">The story of the failure of Napoleon's scheme is too well known to be +repeated in this note. Wordsworth seems to have written his sonnet in +anticipation of what he believed would have been the inevitable issue of +events, had the French army actually landed on British soil.—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> + +<p><a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></p><hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section131"></a>Lines on the Expected Invasion, 1803</h2> + +<h4>Composed 1803.—Published 1842</h4> + +<span style="color: #555555;">Included among the "Poems dedicated to National Independence and +Liberty."—Ed.</span><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<h4>The Poem</h4><br> + +<table summary="walk" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>text</i></td> + <td><i>variant</i></td> + <td><i>footnote</i></td> + <td><i>line number</i></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> +<td>Come ye—who, if (which Heaven avert!) the Land<br> +Were with herself at strife, would take your stand,<br> +Like gallant Falkland, by the Monarch's side,<br> +And, like Montrose, make Loyalty your pride—<br> +Come ye—who, not less zealous, might display<br> +Banners at enmity with regal sway,<br> +And, like the Pyms and Miltons of that day,<br> +Think that a State would live in sounder health<br> +If Kingship bowed its head to Commonwealth—<br> +Ye too—whom no discreditable fear<br> +Would keep, perhaps with many a fruitless tear,<br> +Uncertain what to choose and how to steer—<br> +And ye—who might mistake for sober sense<br> +And wise reserve the plea of indolence—<br> +Come ye—whate'er your creed—O waken all,<br> +Whate'er your temper, at your Country's call;<br> +Resolving (this a free-born Nation can)<br> +To have one Soul, and perish to a man,<br> +Or save this honoured Land from every Lord<br> +But British reason and the British sword.<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<a href="#tocF">Contents 1803</a><br><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +5<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +10<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +15<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +20</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"> +<br> +<br> +<table summary="directions" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2f">1802</a></b></td> + <td>←</td> + <td><b><i>end of Volume II: 1803</i></b></td> + +</tr> +<tr align="center" valign="middle"> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td><b><a href="#Wordsworth2">Main Contents</a></b></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Poetical Works of William +Wordsworth, Vol. II., by William Wordsworth + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WORDSWORTH, VOL. 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