Variants On The Text

[Variant 1:

1815.

... when the stars had just begun 1800.]

[Variant 2:

1836.

... a wild scene Of mirth and jocund din! ... 1800.

... concourse wild 1805.]

[Variant 3:

1836.

... And, when it chanced That pauses of deep silence mock'd his skill, 1800.

... and, when a lengthened pause Of silence came and baffled his best skill, 'The Prelude', 1850.]

[Variant 4: This and the following line were added in 1805.]

[Variant 5:

1815.

... ere he was ten years old. 1805.]

[Variant 6:

1845.

Fair are the woods, and beauteous is the spot, The vale where he was born: the Church-yard hangs 1800.

Fair is the spot, most beautiful the Vale Where he was born: the grassy Church-yard hangs 1827.

The text of 1840 returns to that of 1800.]

[Variant 7:

1836.

And there along that bank when I have pass'd At evening, I believe, that near his grave 1800.

... I believe, that oftentimes 1805.

And through that Church-yard when my way has led 1827.]

[Variant 8:

1815.

A full half-hour together I have stood, Mute--for he died when he was ten years old. 1800.

Mute--looking at the grave in which he lies. 1805.]

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