The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth
Chapter 174 : [Variant 9: 1827.... the margin of the lake.That way we turn'd our steps; nor was

[Variant 9:

1827.

... the margin of the lake.

That way we turn'd our steps; nor was it long, Ere making ready comments on the sight Which then we saw, with one and the same voice We all cried out, that he must be indeed An idle man, who thus could lose a day 1800.

Did all cry out, that he must be indeed An Idler, he who thus ... 1815.]

FOOTNOTE ON THE TEXT

[Footnote A: A new road has destroyed this retirement. (MS. footnote in Lord Coleridge's copy of the edition of 1836.)--Ed.]

The text of this poem reached its final state in the edition of 1827.

The same is true of the poem which follows, 'To M. H.', with the exception of a single change.

In Wordsworth's early days at Grasmere, a wild woodland path of quiet beauty led from Dove Cottage along the margin of the lake to the "Point"

referred to in this poem, leaving the eastern sh.o.r.e truly "safe in its own privacy"--a "retired and difficult way"; the high-way road for carriages being at that time over White Moss Common. The late Dr.

Arnold, of Rugby and Foxhowe, used to name the three roads from Rydal to Grasmere thus: the highest, "Old Corruption"; the intermediate, "Bit by bit Reform"; the lowest and most level, "Radical Reform." Wordsworth was never quite reconciled to the radical reform effected on a road that used to be so delightfully wild and picturesque. The spot which the three friends rather infelicitously named "Point Rash-Judgment" is easily identified; although, as Wordsworth remarks, the character of the sh.o.r.e is changed by the public road being carried along its side. The friends were quite aware that the "memorial name" they gave it was "uncouth." In spite of its awkwardness, however, it will probably survive; if not for Browning's reason

'The better the uncouther; Do roses stick like burrs?'

at least because of the incident which gave rise to the poem.

The date of composition is fixed by Dorothy Wordsworth's Journal,

"10th Oct. 1800, Wm. sat up after me, writing 'Point Rash-Judgment.'"

Ed.

TO M. H.

Composed 1800.--Published 1800

[To Mary Hutchinson, two years before our marriage. The pool alluded to is in Rydal Upper Park.--I.F.]

Our walk was far among the ancient trees: There was no road, nor any woodman's path; But a [1] thick umbrage--checking the wild growth Of weed and sapling, along soft green turf [2]

Beneath the branches--of itself had made 5 A track, that [3] brought us to a slip of lawn, And a small bed of water in the woods.

All round this pool both flocks and herds might drink On its firm margin, even as from a well, Or some stone-basin which the herdsman's hand 10 Had shaped for their refreshment; nor did sun, Or wind from any quarter, ever come, But as a blessing to this calm recess, This glade of water and this one green field.

The spot was made by Nature for herself; 15 The travellers know it not, and 'twill remain Unknown to them; but it is beautiful; And if a man should plant his cottage near, Should sleep beneath the shelter of its trees, And blend its waters with his daily meal, 20 He would so love it, that in his death-hour Its image would survive among his thoughts: And therefore, my sweet MARY, this still Nook, With all its beeches, we have named from You! [4]

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1836.

But the ... 1800.]

[Variant 2:

1827.

... on the soft green turf 1800.

... smooth dry ground MS.]

[Variant 3:

1827.

... which ... 1800.]

[Variant 4:

1800.

... for You. 1802.

The text of 1815 returns to that of 1800.]