VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1800.

the art ... 1798.]

[Variant 2:

1802.

... house ... 1798.]

[Variant 3:

1802.

My ... 1798.]

[Variant 4:

1827.

To think, and think, and think again; 1798.]

[Variant 5:

1827.

The young lambs ran a pretty race; The morning sun shone bright and warm; "Kilve," said I, "was a pleasant place, And so is Liswyn farm." 1798.]

[Variant 6:

1836.

...--every trace Of inward sadness had its charm; "Kilve," said I, ... 1827.

This verse was introduced in 1827.]

[Variant 7: 1836.

My boy was by my side, so slim And graceful in his rustic dress!

And oftentimes I talked to him, 1798.

This was stanza v. from 1798 to 1820.

And, as we talked, I questioned him, 1827.]

[Variant 8:

1827.

"My little boy, which like you more,"

I said and took him by the arm-- "Our home by Kilve's delightful sh.o.r.e, Or here at Liswyn farm?"

"And tell me, had you rather be,"

I said and held him by the arm, "At Kilve's smooth sh.o.r.e by the green sea, Or here at Liswyn farm?" 1798.

These two stanzas were compressed into one in 1827.]

[Variant 9:

1836.

For, here are woods and green-hills warm; 1798.]

[Variant 10:

1800.

At this, my boy, so fair and slim, Hung down his head, nor made reply; 1798.]

[Variant 11:

1845.

And five times did I say to him, 1798.

And five times to the child I said, 1800.]

[Variant 12:

1836.