No More Learning

Back must I, having come so far?
Stretch as thou wilt thy gloomy jaws,
I'll on, nor would I give two straws
For lantern or for star! "]


[Variant 29:

1820.

And so, where on the huge rough stones
The black and massy shadows lay,
And through the dark, . . . 1819. ]


[Variant 30:

1827.

. . . made . . . 1819.
]


[Variant 31: In the two editions of 1819 only.

Now you'll suppose that Peter Bell
Felt small temptation here to tarry,
And so it was,--but I must add,
His heart was not a little glad
When he was out of the old quarry. ]


[Variant 32:

1827.

Across that . . . 1819. ]


[Variant 33:

1836.

And now he is among the trees; 1819. ]


[Variant 34:

"No doubt I'm founder'd in these woods--
For once," quoth he, "I will be wise,
With better speed I'll back again--
And, lest the journey should prove vain,
Will take yon Ass, my lawful prize! "

Off Peter hied,--"A comely beast!
Though not so plump as he might be;
My honest friend, with such a platter,
You should have been a little fatter,
But come, Sir, come with me! " 1819.

(The first of these stanzas was omitted in 1827 and afterwards;
the second was withdrawn in 1820. )]


[Variant 35:

1836.

But first doth Peter deem it fit
To spy about him far and near; 1819.