[Footnote 57: 1827.
... He had not heard my steps
As I approached; and near him did I stand
Unnotic'd in the shade, some minutes' space. 1814.
]
[Footnote 58: 1827.
And ere the pleasant greeting that ensued
Was ended, "'Tis," said I, ... 1814.
]
[Footnote 59: 1827.
... but you, I guess, 1814.
]
[Footnote 60: 1827.
... He, at the word,
Pointing towards a sweet briar, bade me climb
The fence hard by, where that aspiring shrub
Looked out upon the road ... 1814.
... He raised his hand,
And to a sweet-briar pointing, bade me climb C.
]
[Footnote 61: 1814.
The gooseberry-trees that showed their dwindled fruit
Hanging in long lank slips, or leafless strings
Of currants might have tempted to o'erleap C.
]
[Footnote 62: 1827.
... As I stooped ... 1814.
]
[Footnote 63: 1836.
Green with the moss of years; a pensive sight
That moved my heart!--recalling former days
When I could never pass that road but She
Who lived within these walls, at my approach. 1814.
Green with the moss of years, and subject only
To the soft handling of the Elements:
There let the relic lie--fond thought--vain words!
Forgive them--never did my steps approach
This humble door but she who dwelt within 1827.
Forgive them;--never--never did my steps
Approach this door but she who dwelt within 1832.
Forgive them for the sake of her who dwelt
Within these walls, who here so oft hath giv'n
To me a daughter's greeting; and I loved her MS.
Green with the moss of years. Upon the simple sight
As there it lay I could not look unmoved!
Forgive the weakness--never did step of mine
Approach this door, but she who dwelt within C.
]
[Footnote 64: 1827.
With chearful hope: but ere the second autumn
Her life's true Help-mate on a sick-bed lay, 1814.
]
[Footnote 65: 1827.
Was all consumed. Two children had they now,
One newly born. As I have said, it was
A time of trouble; shoals of Artisans
Were from their daily labour turn'd adrift
To seek their bread from public charity, 1814.
]
[Footnote 66: 1827.
That peck along the hedges, or the Kite
That makes his dwelling on the mountain Rocks! 1814.
]
[Footnote 67: 1836.
... At his door ... 1814.
]
[Footnote 68: 1836.
He blended, ... 1814.
]
[Footnote 69: 1836.
Without an errand, would direct his steps, 1814.
]
[Footnote 70: 1845.
Is filling all the air with melody; 1814.
]
[Footnote 71: 1845.
... in an Old Man's eye? 1814.
]
[Footnote 72: 1827.
There was a heart-felt chillness in my veins.--
I rose; and, turning from the breezy shade,
Went forth into the open air, and stood
To drink the comfort of the warmer sun.
Long time I had not staid, ere, looking round 1814.
]
[Footnote 73: 1814.
But ... MS.
]
[Footnote 74: 1827.
... far remote.
And glad I was, when, halting by yon gate
That leads from the green lane, once more I saw
These lofty elm-trees. Long I did not rest:
With many pleasant thoughts I chear'd my way
O'er the flat Common.--Having reached the door
I knock'd,--and, when I entered with the hope
Of usual greeting, Margaret looked at me 1814.
]
[Footnote 75: 1832.
Or ... 1814.
]
[Footnote 76: 1814.
With fervent love, and with a look of grief
Unutterable, and with a helpless look
That seemed to cling upon me, ... C.
]
[Footnote 77: 1827.
... but therein 1814.
]
[Footnote 78: 1836.
Which placed it there: and ere that day was ended,
That long and anxious day! I learned from One
Sent hither by my Husband to impart
The heavy news,--that he had joined a Troop. 1814.
]
[Footnote 79: 1827.
Towards the wane of Summer; when the wheat 1814.
]
[Footnote 80: 1827.
... only, I thought, 1814.
]
[Footnote 81: 1845.
Its pride of neatness. From the border lines
Composed of daisy and resplendent thrift,
Flowers straggling forth had on those paths encroached
Which they were used to deck:-- ... 1814.
... Daisy-flow'rs and thrift
Had broken their trim lines, and straggled o'er
The paths they used to deck:-- ... 1827.
]
[Footnote 82: 1832.
... without support. 1814.
]
[Footnote 83: