Is it a party in a
parlour?
William Wordsworth
Whereat, in resolute mood, once more
He stoops the Ass's neck to seize--
Foul purpose, quickly put to flight!
For in the pool a startling sight
Meets him, beneath the shadowy trees. 1819. ]
[Variant 53:
1819.
. . . the gallows . . . 1832.
The text of 1836 returns to that of 1819. ]
[Variant 54:
1836.
Or a gay ring of shining fairies,
Such as pursue their brisk vagaries 1819. ]
[Variant 55: In the two editions of 1819 only.
Is it a party in a parlour?
Cramm'd just as they on earth were cramm'd--
Some sipping punch, some sipping tea,
But, as you by their faces see,
All silent and all damn'd! [a]]
[Variant 56:
1827.
A throbbing pulse the Gazer hath--
Puzzled he was, and now is daunted; 1819. ]
[Variant 57:
1836.
Like one intent upon a book--1819. ]
[Variant 58:
1836.
And drops, a senseless weight, . . . 1819. ]
[Variant 59:
1827.
A happy respite! --but he wakes;--
And feels the glimmering of the moon--
And to stretch forth his hands is trying;--
Sure, when he knows where he is lying,
He'll sink into a second swoon. 1819. ]
[Variant 60:
1827.
