No More Learning

--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 shore,
Or here at Liswyn farm? "

"And tell me, had you rather be,"
I said and held him by the arm,
"At Kilve's smooth shore 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.

And thus to me he made reply; 1798. ]


* * * * *

FOOTNOTES ON THE TEXT

[Footnote A: See Appendix IV. --Ed. ]


[Footnote B: Mr. Ernest H. Coleridge writes to me of this poem:

"The Fenwick note is most puzzling.

1.