Part 15

A Spirit, with his angelic wings, C.

[31] 1827.

... --'twas She who wrought 1815.

[32] 1837.

... the ... 1815.

[33] 1837.

... one that did fulfil 1815.

[34] 1837.

... (such was the command) 1815.

[35] 1845.

To be by force of arms renewed; Glad prospect for the multitude! 1815.

To be triumphantly restored; By the dread justice of the sword! 1820.

[36] 1827.

This ... 1815.

[37] 1827.

... blissful ... 1815.

[38] 1837.

Loud noise was in the crowded hall, 1815.

[39] 1837.

... which had a dying fall, 1815.

[40] 1837.

And on ... 1815.

[41] 1820.

... wet ... 1815.

[42] 1837.

Then seized the staff, and thus did say: 1815.

[43] 1837.

Forth when Sire and Sons appeared A gratulating shout was reared, With din ... 1815.

[44] 1837.

--A shout ... 1815.

[45] 1837.

And, when he waked at length, his eye 1815.

[46]

Oh! hide them from each other, hide, Kind Heaven, this pair severely tried!

Inserted in the editions of 1815 to 1832.

[47]

How could he chuse but shrink or sigh? He shrunk, and muttered inwardly,

Inserted in the editions of 1815 to 1832.

[48] 1837.

He paused, her silence to partake, And long it was before he spake: Then, all at once, his thoughts turned round, 1815.

[49] 1837.

... were beloved, 1815.

[50] This line was added in 1837.

[51] 1827.

Was He, ... 1815.

[52] 1820.

I, in the right ... 1815.

[53] 1827.

... to stand against ... 1815.

[54] 1837.

Thee, chiefly thee, ... 1815.

[55] 1837.

The last leaf which by heaven's decree Must hang upon a blasted tree; 1815.

[56] 1827.

... we have breathed ... 1815.

[57] 1837.

... he pursued, 1815.

[58] 1837.

Now joy for you and sudden chear, Ye Watchmen upon Brancepeth Towers; Looking forth in doubt and fear, 1815.

[59] 1837.

Forthwith the armed Company 1815.

[60] 1837.

... hail ... 1815.

[61] 1837.

... the mildest birth, 1815.

[62]

With tumult and indignant rout

Inserted in the editions of 1815 to 1832.

[63] 1827.

Came Foot and Horse-men of each degree, 1815.

[64] 1827.

And the Romish Priest, ... 1815.

[65] 1827.

But none for undisputed worth 1815.

[66] 1815.

Like those eight Sons--embosoming Determined thoughts--who, in a ring 1827.

The text of 1837 returns to that of 1815.

[67] This line was added in 1837.

[68] In youthful beauty flourishing,

Inserted in the editions of 1815 and 1820.

[69] 1837.

--With feet that firmly pressed the ground They stood, and girt their Father round; Such was his choice,--no Steed will he 1815.

[70] 1845.

He stood upon the verdant sod, 1815.

... grassy sod, 1820.

[71] 1837.

... higher ... 1815.

[72] 1827.

Rich ... 1815.

[73] 1837.

... --many see, ... 1815.

[74] 1837.

... these ... 1815.

[75] 1837.

... on ... 1815.

[76] 1837.

He takes this day ... 1815.

[77] 1837.

Stretched out upon the ground he lies,-- As if it were his only task Like Herdsman in the sun to bask, 1815.

[78] 1820.

That he ... 1815.

[79] 1837.

And Neville was opprest with fear; For, though he bore a valiant name, His heart was of a timid frame, 1815.

[80] 1837.

And therefore will retreat to seize 1815.

[81] 1837.

... comes; ... 1815.

[82] 1837.

... giving ... 1815.

[83] 1837.

--How often hath the strength of heaven 1815.

[84] 1837.

... on the sacred wain, On which the grey-haired Barons stood, And the infant Heir of Mowbray's blood. Beneath the saintly Ensigns three, Their confidence and victory! 1815.

Stood confident of victory! 1820.

[85] 1837.

When, as the Vision gave command, The Prior of Durham with holy hand Saint Cuthbert's Relic did uprear Upon the point of a lofty spear, And God descended in his power, While the Monks prayed in Maiden's Bower. 1815.

[86] 1837.

... and uphold."-- --The Chiefs were by his zeal confounded, 1815.

[87] 1837.

... raised so joyfully, 1815.

[88] This line was added in 1837.

[89] 1837.

... frail ... 1815.

[90] 1827.

--So speaking, he upraised his head Towards that Imagery once more; 1815.

[91] 1827.

Blank fear, ... 1815.

[92] 1837.

She did in passiveness obey, 1815.

[93] 1837.

Her Brother was it who assailed Her tender spirit and prevailed. Her other Parent, too, whose head 1815.

[94] 1837.

From reason's earliest dawn beguiled The docile, unsuspecting Child: 1815.

[95] 1837.

... music sweet Was played to chear them in retreat; But Norton lingered in the rear: Thought followed thought--and ere the last Of that unhappy train was past, Before him Francis did appear. 1815.

[96] 1837.

"Now when 'tis not your aim to oppose," Said he, "in open field your Foes; Now that from this decisive day Your multitude must melt away, An unarmed Man may come unblamed; To ask a grace, that was not claimed Long as your hopes were high, he now May hither bring a fearless brow; When his discountenance can do No injury,--may come to you. Though in your cause no part I bear, Your indignation I can share; Am grieved this backward march to see, How careless and disorderly! I scorn your Chieftains, Men who lead, And yet want courage at their need; Then look at them with open eyes! Deserve they further sacrifice? My Father!..." 1815.

[97] 1837.

... remains ... 1815.

[98] 1837.

At length, the issue of this prayer? Or how, from his depression raised, The Father on his Son had gazed; 1815.

[99] 1845.

Suffice it that the Son gave way, Nor strove that passion to allay, 1815.

[100] 1837.

The like endeavours 1815.

[101] 1837.

From cloudless ether looking down, The Moon, this tranquil evening, sees 1815.

[102] 1837.

... with moors between, Hill-tops, and floods, and forests green, 1815.

[103] 1827.

The silver smoke, and mounts in wreaths. 1815.

[104] 1827.

Had ... 1815.

[105] 1837.

The same fair Creature which was nigh Feeding in tranquillity, When Francis uttered to the Maid 1815.

... who was nigh 1820.

[106] Lines 40-43 were added in 1837.

[107] 1836.

But where at this still hour is she, The consecrated Emily? Even while I speak, behold the Maid Emerging from the cedar shade 1815.

[108] In the editions of 1815 to 1832, the paragraph ends with this line. The remaining nine lines in these editions are added to the following paragraph.

[109] 1837.

Yet the meek Creature was not free, Erewhile, from some perplexity: For thrice hath she approached, this day, The thought-bewildered Emily; Endeavouring, in her gentle way, Some smile or look of love to gain,-- Encouragement to sport or play; Attempts which by the unhappy Maid Have all been slighted or gainsaid. 1815.

[110] 1837.

--O welcome to the viewless breeze! 'Tis fraught with acceptable feeling, And instantaneous sympathies Into the Sufferer's bosom stealing;-- Ere she hath reached yon rustic Shed 1815.

Yet is she soothed: the viewless breeze Comes fraught with kindlier sympathies: Ere she hath reached yon rustic Shed 1827.

Ere she had reached ... 1832.

[111] 1837.

Revives ... 1815.

[112] 1837.

... --'tis that bless'd Saint 1815.

[113] 1837.

Thou Spirit ... 1815.

[114] 1837.

Descend on Francis:--through the air Of this sad earth to him repair, Speak to him with a voice, and say, "That he must cast despair away!" 1815.

[115] _Italics_ and capitals were first used in the edition of 1820.

[116] 1837.

--She knows, she feels it, and is cheared; At least her present pangs are checked. 1815.

[117] 1837.

--And now an ancient Man appeared, Approaching her with grave respect. Down the smooth walk which then she trod He paced along the silent sod, And greeting her thus gently spake, 1815.

--But now ... 1827.

[118] 1837.

In friendship;--go--from him--from me-- Strive to avert this misery. 1815.

[119] 1837.

--If prudence offer help or aid, On _you_ is no restriction laid; 1815.

[120] 1837.

"Hope," said the Sufferer's zealous Friend, "Must not forsake us till the end.-- 1815.

[121] 1837.

... may have the skill ... 1815.

[122] 1837.

Their flight the fair Moon may not see; For, from mid-heaven, already she 1815.

[123] 1837.

... haughty ... 1815.

[124] _Italics_ were first used in 1837.

[125] 1837.

... to the cause. 1815.

[126] 1837.

They shout aloud--but Heaven decreed Another close To that brave deed Which struck ... 1815.

[127] 1820.

... spreads ... 1815.

[128] 1820.

... and as seldom free 1815.

[129] 1820.

And from the heat of the noon-tide sun, 1815.

[130] 1837.

They to the Watch-tower did repair, Commodious Pleasure-house! and there 1815.

[131] 1837.

He was the proudest ... 1815.

[132]

Dead are they, they were doomed to die; The Sons and Father all are dead, All dead save One; and Emily No more shall seek this Watch-tower high, To look far forth with anxious eye,-- She is relieved from hope and dread, Though suffering in extremity.

Inserted only in the edition of 1815.

[133] _Italics_ were first used in 1820.

[134] 1837. In the editions of 1815-32 the following passage took the place of this line:--

She turned to him, who with his eye Was watching her while on the height She sate, or wandered restlessly, O'erburdened by her sorrow's weight; To him who this dire news had told, And now beside the Mourner stood;

[135] 1837.

Then on this place the Maid had sought: And told, as gently as could be, The end of that sad Tragedy, 1815.

[136] These two lines were added in 1827.

[137] 1827.

... the people cried, 1815.

[138] 1837.

For sake of ... 1815.

[139] 1837.

He rose not in this quarrel, he His Father and his Brothers wooed, Both for their own and Country's good, To rest in peace--he did divide, 1815.

[140] 1820.

To scatter gleams ... 1815.

[141] 1837.

... of ancient love, But most, compassion for your fate, Lady! for your forlorn estate, Me did these move, and I made bold, And entrance gained to that strong-hold. 1815.

... of ancient love; And, in your service, I made bold-- And entrance gained to that strong-hold. 1820.

[142] 1837.

... 'We need not stop, my Son! But I will end what is begun; 'Tis matter which I do not fear To entrust to any living ear.' 1815.

[143] 1820.

Had seen ... 1815.

[144] 1837.

Glad ... 1815.

[145] 1837.

... be not ... 1815.

[146] 1837.

... beauteous ... 1815.

[147] 1837.

Then Francis answered fervently, "If God so will, the same shall be." 1815.

[148] 1837.

Immediately, this solemn word 1815.

[149] 1837.

... had reached the door, The Banner which a Soldier bore, One marshalled thus with base intent That he in scorn might go before, And, holding up this monument, 1815.

[150] 1837.

... that were round 1815.

[151] 1837.

This insult, and the Banner saved, That moment, from among the tide 1815.

[152] 1837.

Bore unobserved ... 1815.

[153] 1820.

... to encourage ... 1815.

[154] 1837.

"Yet, yet in this affliction," said The old Man to the silent Maid, "Yet, Lady! heaven is good--the night Shews yet a Star which is most bright; 1815.

[155] 1837.

Why comes not Francis?--Joyful chear In that parental gratulation, And glow of righteous indignation, Went with him from the doleful City:-- He fled--yet in his flight could hear The death-sound of the Minster-bell; 1815.

[156] 1837.

With motion fleet as winged Dove; 1815.

... as a wingèd Dove; 1832.

[157] 1837.

An Angel-guest, should he appear. 1815.

[158] 1837.

Along the plain of York he passed; The Banner-staff was in his hand, The Imagery concealed from sight, And cross the expanse, in open flight, Reckless of what impels or leads, Unchecked he hurries on;--nor heeds The sorrow of the Villages; From the triumphant cruelties 1815.

Spread by triumphant cruelties 1827.

The sorrow through the Villages, 1832.

[159] 1827.

And punishment without remorse, Unchecked he journies--under law Of inward occupation strong; And the first ... 1815.

[160] 1837.

... did he maintain Within himself, and found no rest; Calm liberty he could not gain; And yet the service was unblest. 1815.

[161] 1820.

Raised self-suspicion which was strong, Swaying the brave Man to his wrong: 1815.

[162] 1837.

Of all-disposing Providence, Its will intelligibly shewn, Finds he the Banner in his hand, Without a thought to such intent, Or conscious effort of his own? And no obstruction to prevent His Father's wish and last command! And, thus beset, he heaved a sigh; Remembering his own prophecy Of utter desolation, made To Emily in the yew-tree shade: He sighed, submitting to the power, The might of that prophetic hour. 1815.

[163] 1837.

... and, on the second day, He reached a summit whence his eyes 1815.

[164] 1837.

How Francis had the Banner claimed, And with that charge had disappeared; 1815.

[165] 1837.

Behold the Ensign in his hand! 1815.

[166] 1837.

... freight I bear; It weakens me, my heart hath bled Till it is weak--but you beware, Nor do ... 1815.

[167] 1837.

Which ... 1815.

[168] 1820.

... with a Warrior's brow 1815.

[169] 1845.

... had snatched A spear,--and with his eyes he watched Their motions, turning round and round:-- His weaker hand the Banner held; And straight by savage zeal impelled Forth rushed a Pikeman, as if he, Not without harsh indignity, Would seize the same:--instinctively-- To smite the Offender--with his lance Did Francis from the brake advance; But, from behind, a treacherous wound Unfeeling, brought him to the ground, A mortal stroke:--oh, grief to tell! Thus, thus, the noble Francis fell: There did he lie of breath forsaken; The Banner from his grasp was taken, And borne exultingly away; And the Body was left on the ground where it lay. 1815.

But not before the warm life-blood Had tinged with searching overflow, More deeply tinged the embroidered show Of His whose side was pierced upon the Rood! 1837.

The text of 1837 is otherwise identical with the final version of 1845.

[170] These two lines were added in 1837.

[171] 1837.

Two days, as many nights, he slept Alone, unnoticed, and unwept; For at that time distress and fear Possessed the Country far and near; The third day, One, who chanced to pass, Beheld him stretched upon the grass. A gentle Forester was he, And of the Norton Tenantry; And he had heard that by a Train Of Horsemen Francis had been slain. Much was he troubled--for the Man Hath recognized his pallid face; And to the nearest Huts he ran, And called the People to the place. --How desolate is Rylstone-hall! Such was the instant thought of all; And if the lonely Lady there Should be, this sight she cannot bear! Such thought the Forester express'd, And all were swayed, and deemed it best That, if the Priest should yield assent And join himself to their intent, 1815.

[172] 1837.

That straightway ... 1815.

[173] 1840.

... on a bier In decency and humble chear; And psalms are sung with holy sound. 1815.

And psalms they sung--a holy sound That hill and vale with sadness hear. 1837.

[174] 1827.

Tow'rds ... 1815.

[175] 1820.

... deep ... 1815.

[176] 1820.

... calm ... 1815.

[177] 1845.

The walks and pools neglect hath sown 1815.

[178] 1837.

There is ... 1815.

[179]

There seated, may this Maid be seen,

Inserted in the editions of 1815-1832.

[180] 1827.

... has ... 1815.

[181] 1837.

For, of that band of rushing Deer, 1815.

[182] 1837.

... its ... 1815.

... his ... 1832.

[183] 1837.

... and more near, Stopped once again;--but, as no trace Was found of any thing to fear, Even to her feet the Creature came, 1815.

[184] 1837.

... choicest ... 1815.

[185] 1837.

For both a bounteous, fruitful meeting. 1815.

[186] 1837.

And take this gift of Heaven with grace? 1815.

[187] This line was added in 1837.

[188] 1837.

... this ... 1815.

[189] 1837.

... was there ... 1815.

[190] 1837.

Did she behold--saw once again; 1815.

[191] 1837.

So doth the Sufferer deem it good Even once again this neighbourhood 1815.

[192] 1827.

... writhed 1815.

[193] 1837.

... kindly ... 1815.

[194] 1827.

... as the whitest ... 1815.

[195] 1815.

... through an ... 1827.

The text of 1837 returns to that of 1815.

[196] 1837.

Did now a very gladness yield At morning to the dewy field, While they side by side were straying, And the Shepherd's pipe was playing; 1815.

[197] 1837.

... wandering ... 1815.

[198] 1845.

Mild, delicious melancholy: 1815.

[199] 1837.

Up doth she climb to Norton Tower, And thence looks round her far and wide. Her fate there measures,--all is stilled,-- The feeble hath subdued her heart; 1815.

[200] 1837.

This single Creature ... 1815.

[201] 1837.

So beautiful the spotless Thrall, (A lovely Youngling white as foam,) That it was brought to Rylstone-hall; Her youngest Brother led it home, The youngest, then a lusty Boy, Brought home the prize--and with what joy! 1815.

[202] 1827.

Nor did she fear in the still moonshine 1815.

... in still moonshine 1820.

[203] 1837.

For that she came; there oft and long She sate in meditation strong: 1815.

[204] 1820.

... her ... 1815.

[205] 1837.

That ... 1815.

[206] 1837.

... we frame, ... 1815.

FOOTNOTES:

[A] This is the final form of the "Advertisement" to _The White Doe of Rylstone_. The variations from it, which occur in earlier editions, from 1815 onwards, need not be noted. The poem was placed in the 1820 edition in volume iii., in 1827 in volume iv., in 1832 in volume iii., and in 1836-37 and afterwards in volume iv. of the Collected Works.--ED.

[B] _I.e._, in the small bower in the orchard of Dove Cottage, Grasmere.--ED.

[C] Compare _The Faërie Queene_, book I. canto i. stanza iv. l. 9--

And by her, in a line, a milkewhite lambe she lad. ED.

[D] See _The Faërie Queene_, book I. canto viii. stanza xliv. l. 9--

That blisse may not abide in state of mortall men. ED.

[E] The above extract, which, in 1837 and subsequent editions, follows the Dedication of the poem to Mrs. Wordsworth, is taken from the tragedy of _The Borderers_, act III. line 405 (vol. i. p. 187). In the prefatory note to _The Borderers_--published in 1842--Wordsworth says he would not have made use of these lines in _The White Doe of Rylstone_ if he could have foreseen the time when he would be induced to publish the tragedy. It is signed M. S. in the 1837-43 editions.

In a note to the edition of 1837, he says, "'Action is transitory,' etc. This and the five lines that follow were either read or recited by me, more than thirty years since, to the late Mr. Hazlitt, who quoted some expressions in them (imperfectly remembered) in a work of his published several years ago."