Composed 1802.--Published 1807
[Town-end 1805.--I. F.]
One of the "Poems founded on the Affections." From 1807 to 1832 the title was simply 'Louisa'.--Ed.
I met Louisa in the shade,
And, having seen that lovely Maid,
Why should I fear to say [1]
That, nymph-like, she is fleet and strong, [2]
And down the rocks can leap along
Like rivulets in May? [3]
She loves her fire, her cottage-home;
Yet o'er the moorland will she roam
In weather rough and bleak;
And, when against the wind she strains,
Oh! might I kiss the mountain rains
That sparkle on her cheek.
Take all that's mine "beneath the moon," [A]
If I with her but half a noon
May sit beneath the walls
Of some old cave, or mossy nook,
When up she winds along the brook [4]
To hunt the waterfalls.
* * * * *
VARIANTS ON THE TEXT
[Variant 1:1807.
Though, by a sickly taste betrayed,
Some will dispraise the lovely Maid,
With fearless pride I say 1836.
The text of 1845 returns to that of 1807.]
[Variant 2:1845.
That she is ruddy, fleet, and strong; 1807.
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THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)
ClassicsThe poetical works of William Wordsworth, edited by William Knight.
