[Variant 38:]

In the editions of 1819 to 1832 only.
"What's this!" cried Peter, brandishing
A new-peel'd sapling white as cream;
The Ass knew well what Peter said,
But, as before, hung down his head
Over the silent stream.




1819
A new-peeled sapling;—though, I deem,
The Ass knew well what Peter said,
He, as before, ...


1920
... —though I deem,
This threat was understood full well,
Firm, as before, the Sentinel
Stood by the silent stream.



1827

"What's this!" cried Peter, brandishing
A new-peel'd sapling white as cream;
The Ass knew well what Peter said,
But, as before, hung down his head
Over the silent stream.

A new-peeled sapling;—though, I deem,
The Ass knew well what Peter said,
He, as before, ...

... —though I deem,
This threat was understood full well,
Firm, as before, the Sentinel
Stood by the silent stream.

[return]

[Variant 39:]

1827
"I'll cure you of these desperate tricks"—
And, with deliberate action slow,
His staff high-raising, in the pride
Of skill, upon the Ass's hide



C. and 1819.

"I'll cure you of these desperate tricks"—
And, with deliberate action slow,
His staff high-raising, in the pride
Of skill, upon the Ass's hide

[return]