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.