The following is the order of the stanzas in the edition of 1802.
The first, fifth, and last had not appeared before.
| Sometimes most earnestly he said; "O Ruth! I have been worse than dead: False thoughts, thoughts bold and vain Encompass'd me on every side When I, in thoughtlessness and pride, Had cross'd the Atlantic Main. Whatever in those Climes I found Irregular in sight or sound Did to my mind impart A kindred impulse, seem'd allied To my own powers, and justified The workings of my heart. Nor less to feed unhallow'd thought The beauteous forms of nature wrought, Fair trees and lovely flowers; The breezes their own languor lent; The stars had feelings which they sent Into those magic bowers. Yet, in my worst pursuits, I ween, That often there did intervene Pure hopes of high intent; My passions, amid forms so fair And stately, wanted not their share Of noble sentiment. So was it then, and so is now: For, Ruth! with thee I know not how I feel my spirit burn Even as the east when day comes forth; And to the west, and south, and north, The morning doth return. It is a purer better mind: O Maiden innocent and kind What sights I might have seen! Even now upon my eyes they break!" —And he again began to speak Of Lands where he had been. |
The last stanza is only in the editions of 1802-1805
.
| 1836 | |
| And then he said "How sweet it were | 1800 |
And then he said "How sweet it were