... that ponderous knell-- His far-renowned alarum! 1840.]

[Variant 24:

1820.

With Peter Bell, I need not tell That this had never been the case;--1819.]

[Variant 25:

1819.

... placid ... 1820.

The text of 1827 returns to that of 1819.]

[Variant 26:

1836.

... cheerfully ... 1819.]

[Variant 27:

1827.

Till he is brought to an old quarry, 1819.]

[Variant 28: In the two editions of 1819 only.

"What! would'st thou daunt me grisly den?

Back must I, having come so far?

Stretch as thou wilt thy gloomy jaws, I'll on, nor would I give two straws For lantern or for star!"]

[Variant 29:

1820.

And so, where on the huge rough stones The black and ma.s.sy shadows lay, And through the dark, ... 1819.]

[Variant 30:

1827.

... made ... 1819.]

[Variant 31: In the two editions of 1819 only.

Now you'll suppose that Peter Bell Felt small temptation here to tarry, And so it was,--but I must add, His heart was not a little glad When he was out of the old quarry.]

[Variant 32:

1827.

Across that ... 1819.]

[Variant 33:

1836.

And now he is among the trees; 1819.]

[Variant 34:

"No doubt I'm founder'd in these woods-- For once," quoth he, "I will be wise, With better speed I'll back again-- And, lest the journey should prove vain, Will take yon a.s.s, my lawful prize!"

Off Peter hied,--"A comely beast!

Though not so plump as he might be; My honest friend, with such a platter, You should have been a little fatter, But come, Sir, come with me!" 1819.

(The first of these stanzas was omitted in 1827 and afterwards; the second was withdrawn in 1820.)]

[Variant 35:

1836.

But first doth Peter deem it fit To spy about him far and near; 1819.

"A prize," cried Peter, stepping back To spy ... 1827.]

[Variant 36:

1827.

... a.s.s's back, ... 1819.]

[Variant 37: