And brought it forth into the light: 90 The Shepherds met him with his charge, An unexpected sight!
Into their arms the lamb they took, Whose life and limbs the flood had spared; [11]
Then up the steep ascent they hied, 95 And placed him at his mother"s side; And gently did the Bard Those idle Shepherd-boys upbraid, And bade them better mind their trade.
The "bridge of rock" across Dungeon-Ghyll "chasm," and the "lofty waterfall," with all its accessories of place as described in the poem, remain as they were in 1800.--Ed.
VARIANTS ON THE TEXT
[Variant 1:
1800.
The valley rings with mirth and joy; And, pleased to welcome in the May, From hill to hill the echoes fling Their liveliest roundelay. 1836.
The text of 1845 returns to that of 1800.]
[Variant 2:
1836.
It seems they have no work to do Or that their work is done. 1800.
Boys that have had no work to do, Or work that now is done. 1827.]
[Variant 3:
1805.
I"ll run with you a race."--No more--1800.
We"ll for this Whistle run a race." ... 1802.]
[Variant 4:
1836.
Said Walter then, "Your task is here, "Twill keep you working half a year. 1800.
"Twill baffle you for half a year. 1827.]
[Variant 5:
1836.
Till you have cross"d where I shall cross, Say that you"ll neither sleep nor eat." 1800.
"Now cross where I shall cross,--come on And follow me where I shall lead--" 1802.
"Cross, if you dare, where I shall cross-- Come on, and in my footsteps tread!" 1827.]
[Variant 6:
1827.
James proudly took him at his word, But did not like the feat. 1800.
... the deed. 1802.
The other took him at his word, 1805.]
[Variant 7:
1827.
... began ... 1800.]
[Variant 8:
1827.
... pale as any ghost, 1800.]
[Variant 9:
1827.
... he spies 1800.]
[Variant 10:
1836.
He drew it gently from the pool, 1800.]