The bashful guest betray’d.
[Surpris’d, he sees, etc.] First version, and Vicar of Wakefield, first edition:—
He sees unnumber’d beauties rise,
Expanding to the view;
Like clouds that deck the morning skies,
As bright, as transient too.
[The bashful look, the rising breast.] First version, and Vicar of Wakefield, first edition:—
Her looks, her lips, her panting breast.
[But let a maid, etc.] For this, and the next two stanzas, the first version substitutes:—
Forgive, and let thy pious care
A heart’s distress allay;
That seeks repose, but finds despair
Companion of the way.
My father liv’d, of high degree,
Remote beside the Tyne;
And as he had but only me,
Whate’er he had was mine.
To win me from his tender arms,
Unnumber’d suitors came;
Their chief pretence my flatter’d charms,
My wealth perhaps their aim.
Vicar of Wakefield, first edition, has:—‘the gay phantastic crowd.’
[Amongst the rest young Edwin bow’d.] First version:—
Among the rest young Edwin bow’d,
Who offer’d only love.