Composed 1803.--Published 1807

Cla.s.sed in 1815 and 1820 as one of the "Poems of the Imagination."--Ed.

[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 G.o.d'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 ill.u.s.tration of this cla.s.s of poems I have scarcely anything to say beyond what is antic.i.p.ated in my Sister's faithful and admirable Journal.--I. F.]

Sweet Highland Girl, a very shower Of beauty is thy earthly dower!

Twice seven consenting years have shed Their utmost bounty on thy head: And these grey rocks; that [1] household lawn; 5 Those trees, [A] a veil just half withdrawn; This fall of water that doth make A murmur near the silent lake; This little bay; a quiet road That holds in shelter thy Abode--10 In truth together do ye seem [2]

Like something fashioned in a dream; Such Forms as from their covert peep When earthly cares are laid asleep!

But, O fair Creature! in the light 15 Of common day, so heavenly bright, [3]

I bless Thee, Vision [4] as thou art, I bless thee with a human heart; G.o.d shield thee to thy latest years!

Thee, neither know I, [5] nor thy peers; 20 And yet my eyes are filled with tears.

With earnest feeling I shall pray For thee when I am far away: For never saw I mien, or face, In which more plainly I could trace 25 Benignity and home-bred sense Ripening in perfect innocence.

Here scattered, like a random seed, Remote from men, Thou dost not need The embarra.s.sed look of shy distress, 30 And maidenly shamefacedness: Thou wear'st upon thy forehead clear The freedom of a Mountaineer: A face with gladness overspread!

Soft smiles, [6] by human kindness bred! 35 And seemliness complete, that sways Thy courtesies, about thee plays; With no restraint, but such as springs From quick and eager visitings Of thoughts that lie beyond the reach 40 Of thy few words of English speech: A bondage sweetly brooked, a strife That gives thy gestures grace and life!

So have I, not unmoved in mind, Seen birds of tempest-loving kind--45 Thus beating up against the wind.

What hand but would a garland cull For thee who art so beautiful?

O happy pleasure! here to dwell Beside thee in some heathy dell; 50 Adopt your homely ways and dress, A Shepherd, thou a Shepherdess!

But I could frame a wish for thee More like a grave reality: Thou art to me but as a wave 55 Of the wild sea; and I would have Some claim upon thee, if I could, Though but of common neighbourhood.

What joy to hear thee, and to see!

Thy elder Brother I would be, 60 Thy Father--anything to thee! [B]

Now thanks to Heaven! that of its grace Hath led me to this lonely place.

Joy have I had; and going hence I bear away my recompence. 65 In spots like these it is we prize Our Memory, feel that she hath eyes: Then, why should I be loth to stir?

I feel this place was made for her; To give new pleasure like the past, 70 Continued long as life shall last.

Nor am I loth, though pleased at heart, Sweet Highland Girl! from thee to part; For I, methinks, till I grow old, As fair before me shall behold, 75 As I do now, the cabin small, The lake, the bay, the waterfall; And Thee, the Spirit of them all!

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1837.

... this ... 1807.]

[Variant 2:

1827.

In truth together ye do seem 1807.

In truth, unfolding thus, ye seem 1837.

The text of 1845 returns to that of 1827.]

[Variant 3: The two preceding lines were added in 1845.]

[Variant 4:

1845.

Yet, dream and vision ... 1807.

... or vision ... 1837.]

[Variant 5:

1845.

I neither know thee ... 1807.]

[Variant 6:

1827.

Sweet looks, ... 1807.]

FOOTNOTES ON THE TEXT

[Footnote A:

"The distribution of 'these,' 'that,' and 'those' in these two lines, was attained in 1845, after various changes. "

(Edward Dowden.)]

[Footnote B: Compare Virgil's 'Eclogues', x. 35:

'Atque utinam ex vobis unus, etc.'

Ed.]