Note 23 — Early Poems
Reading edition
In 1833 the following stanza took the place of the one here substituted in 1842:— Come, Alice, sing to me the song I made you on our marriage day, When, arm in arm, we went along Half-tearfully, and you were gay With brooch and ring: for I shall seem, The while you sing that song, to hear The mill-wheel turning in the stream, And the green chestnut whisper near. In 1833 the song began thus, the present stanza taking its place in 1842:— I wish I were her earring, Ambushed in auburn ringlets sleek, (So might my shadow tremble Over her downy cheek), Hid in her hair, all day and night, Touching her neck so warm and white.