The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume I Part 38

1836.

(Compressing six lines into four.)

--Though Liberty shall soon, indignant, raise Red on the hills his beacon's comet blaze; Bid from on high his lonely cannon sound, And on ten thousand hearths his shout rebound; His larum-bell from village-tower to tower Swing on the astounded ear its dull undying roar; 1820.]

[Variant 184:

1836.

Yet, yet rejoice, though Pride's perverted ire Rouze h.e.l.l's own aid, and wrap thy hills on fire!

Lo! from the innocuous flames, a lovely birth, With its own Virtues springs another earth: 1820.]

[Variant 185:

1836.

Lines 646-651 were previously

Nature, as in her prime, her virgin reign Begins, and Love and Truth compose her train; While, with a pulseless hand, and stedfast gaze, Unbreathing Justice her still beam surveys. 1820.]

[Variant 186:

1836.

(Expanding eight lines into nine.)

Oh give, great G.o.d, to Freedom's waves to ride Sublime o'er Conquest, Avarice, and Pride, To sweep where Pleasure decks her guilty bowers And dark Oppression builds her thick-ribbed towers!

--Give them, beneath their breast while gladness springs To brood the nations o'er with Nile-like wings; And grant that every sceptred Child of clay, Who cries, presumptuous, "here their tides shall stay," 1820.]

[Variant 187: This couplet was added in 1836.]

[Variant 188:

1836.

Swept in their anger from the affrighted sh.o.r.e, With all his creatures sink--to rise no more! 1820.]

[Variant 189:

1845.

Be the dead load of mortal ills forgot! 1820

Be fear and joyful hope alike forgot 1836.]

[Variant 190: This couplet was added in 1827.]

[Variant 191:

1836.

Renewing, when the rosy summits glow At morn, our various journey, sad and slow. 1820.

With lighter heart our course we may renew, The first whose footsteps print the mountain dew. 1827.]

SUB-VARIANTS

[Sub-Variant 1:

A single taper in the vale profound s.h.i.+fts, while the Alps dilated glimmer round; 1832.]

[Sub-Variant 2:

And, ... 1832.]

[Sub-Variant 3:

... above yon ... 1836.]

[Sub-Variant 4:

By the deep gloom appalled, the Vagrant sighs, 1836.]

[Sub-Variant 5: This couplet was cancelled in the edition of 1827.]

[Sub-Variant 6:

Or on her fingers ... 1836.]

[Sub-Variant 7: This couplet was withdrawn in 1827.]