Composed September 25, 1803.--Published 1815
[This was actually composed the last day of our tour between Dalston and Grasmere.--I.F.]
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets" in 1815 and 1820.--Ed.
Fly, some kind Harbinger, to Grasmere-dale! [1]
Say that we come, and come by this day's light;
Fly upon swiftest wing round field and height, [2]
But chiefly let one Cottage hear the tale;
There let a mystery of joy prevail,
The kitten frolic, like a gamesome sprite, [3]
And Rover whine, as at a second sight
Of near-approaching good that shall not fail:
And from that Infant's face let joy appear;
Yea, let our Mary's one companion child--
That hath her six weeks' solitude beguiled
With intimations manifold and dear,
While we have wandered over wood and wild--
Smile on his Mother now with bolder cheer.
* * * * *
VARIANTS ON THE TEXT
[Variant 1:1837.
Fly, some kind Spirit, fly to Grasmere Vale! 1815.
... dale, 1827.]
[Variant 2:1837.
Glad tidings!--spread them over field and height; 1815.]
[Variant 3:1837.
The Kitten frolic with unruly might, 1815.
The happy Kitten bound with frolic might, 1827.]
* * * * *
FOOTNOTE ON THE TEXT
[Footnote A: In the editions of 1815 and 1820, this poem bore the title, 'On approaching Home, after a Tour in Scotland, 1803',--Ed.]
"Sunday, September 25, 1803.--A beautiful autumnal day. Breakfasted at a public-house by the road-side; dined at Threlkeld; arrived at home between eight and nine o'clock, where we found Mary in perfect health, Joanna Hutchinson with her, and little John asleep in the clothes-basket by the fire."
(From Dorothy Wordsworth's 'Recollections of a Tour made in Scotland',1803.)--Ed.
* * * * *
YOU ARE READING
THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - VOL. 2 (Completed)
ClassicsThe poetical works of William Wordsworth, edited by William Knight.
