One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets" in 1815 and 1820.--Ed.

Fly, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale! [1]

Say that we come, and come by this day's light; Fly upon swiftest wing round field and height, [2]

But chiefly let one Cottage hear the tale; There let a mystery of joy prevail, 5 The kitten frolic, like a gamesome sprite, [3]

And Rover whine, as at a second sight Of near-approaching good that shall not fail: And from that Infant's face let joy appear; Yea, let our Mary's one companion child--10 That hath her six weeks' solitude beguiled With intimations manifold and dear, While we have wandered over wood and wild-- Smile on his Mother now with bolder cheer.

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1837.

Fly, some kind Spirit, fly to Grasmere Vale! 1815.

... dale, 1827.]

[Variant 2:

1837.

Glad tidings!--spread them over field and height; 1815.]

[Variant 3:

1837.

The Kitten frolic with unruly might, 1815.

The happy Kitten bound with frolic might, 1827.]

FOOTNOTE ON THE TEXT

[Footnote A: In the editions of 1815 and 1820, this poem bore the t.i.tle, 'On approaching Home, after a Tour in Scotland, 1803',--Ed.]

"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."

(From Dorothy Wordsworth's 'Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland', 1803.)--Ed.

THE BLIND HIGHLAND BOY

A TALE TOLD BY THE FIRE-SIDE, AFTER RETURNING TO THE VALE OF GRASMERE[A]

Date of composition uncertain.--Published 1807

[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 sh.o.r.es of the Loch.--I.F.]

One of the "Poems referring to the Period of Childhood" in 1815 and 1820.--Ed.

Now we are tired of boisterous joy, Have [1] romped enough, my little Boy!

Jane hangs her head upon my breast, And you shall bring your stool and rest; This corner is your own. 5

There! take your seat, and let me see That [2] you can listen quietly: And, as I promised, I will tell [3]

That strange adventure which befel A poor blind Highland Boy. 10

A _Highland_ Boy!--why call him so?

Because, my Darlings, ye must know That, under hills which rise like towers, [4]

Far higher hills than these of ours!

He from his birth had lived. 15

He ne'er had seen one earthly sight The sun, the day; the stars, the night; Or tree, or b.u.t.terfly, or flower, Or fish in stream, or bird in bower, Or woman, man, or child. 20

And yet he neither drooped nor pined, Nor had a melancholy mind; For G.o.d took pity on the Boy, And was his friend; and gave him joy Of which we nothing know. 25

His Mother, too, no doubt, above Her other children him did love: For, was she here, or was she there, She thought of him with constant care, And more than mother's love. 30

And proud she was of heart, when clad In crimson stockings, tartan plaid, And bonnet with a feather gay, To Kirk he on the sabbath day Went hand in hand with her. 35

A dog too, had he; not for need, But one to play with and to feed; Which would [5] have led him, if bereft Of company or friends, and left Without a better guide. 40

And then the bagpipes he could blow-- And thus from house to house would go; And all were pleased to hear and see, For none made sweeter melody Than did the poor blind Boy. 45