No More Learning

that cannot be. "

We rose up from the fountain-side; 65
And down the smooth descent
Of the green sheep-track did we glide;
And through the wood we went;

And, ere we came to Leonard's rock,
He sang those witty rhymes 70
About the crazy old church-clock,
And the bewildered chimes.



* * * * *


VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1820.

Now, Matthew, let us try to match 1800. ]


[Variant 2:

1837.

Down to the vale this water steers, 1800.

Down to the vale with eager speed
Behold this streamlet run,
From subterranean bondage freed,
And glittering in the sun. C.

From subterranean darkness freed,
A pleasant course to run. C.

Down to the vale this streamlet hies,
Look, how it seems to run,
As if 't were pleased with summer skies,
And glad to meet the sun. C.

And glad to greet the sun. MS.

No guide it needs, no check it fears,
How merrily it goes!
'Twill murmur on a thousand years,
And flow as now it flows. C.

Down towards the vale with eager speed,
Behold this streamlet run
As if 'twere pleased with summer skies
And glad to meet the sun. C. ]


[Variant 3:

1837.

The blackbird in the summer trees,
The lark upon the hill, 1800. ]


[Variant 4:

1832.

. . . is . . . . 1800 and MS. ]


[Variant 5:

1815.