Book 2 — TO AN UNFORTUNATE WOMAN[172:1]
Reading edition
TO AN UNFORTUNATE WOMAN[172:1]
WHOM THE AUTHOR HAD KNOWN IN THE DAYS OF HER INNOCENCE
Myrtle-leaf that, ill besped, Pinest in the gladsome ray, Soil'd beneath the common tread Far from thy protecting spray! [173] When the Partridge o'er the sheaf 5 Whirr'd along the yellow vale, Sad I saw thee, heedless leaf! Love the dalliance of the gale. Lightly didst thou, foolish thing! Heave and flutter to his sighs, 10 While the flatterer, on his wing, Woo'd and whisper'd thee to rise. Gaily from thy mother-stalk Wert thou danc'd and wafted high— Soon on this unshelter'd walk 15 Flung to fade, to rot and die.
1797.
FOOTNOTES:
LINENOTES:
Title] Allegorical Lines on the Same Subject MS. Cottle.
[
5
]
When the scythes-man o'er his sheaf Caroll'd in the yellow vale
MS. Cottle.
When the rustic o'er his sheaf Caroll'd in, &c.
1797.
[Note. The text of Stanza ii dates from 1803.]
[
9
]
foolish] poor fond MS. Cottle.
[
15
]
Soon upon this sheltered walk, MS. Cottle, Second Version.
[
16
]
to fade, and rot. MS. Cottle.