[Variant 1:]

1827
I've heard ... 1798

I've heard ...

[return to variant mark]

[Variant 2:]

In editions 1798 to 1815 the following is inserted:

Of years he has upon his back,
No doubt, a burthen weighty;
He says he is three score and ten,
But others say he's eighty.
A long blue livery-coat has he,
That's fair behind, and fair before;
Yet, meet him where you will, you see
At once that he is poor.

[return]

[Variant 3:]

1827
... five and twenty ... 1798