Lines written while Sailing in a Boat at Evening
Reading edition
Composed 1789.—Published 1798
The Poem
This title is scarcely correct. It was during a solitary walk on the banks of the Cam that I was first struck with this appearance, and applied it to my own feelings in the manner here expressed, changing the scene to the Thames, near Windsor. This, and the three stanzas of the following poem, Remembrance of Collins, formed one piece; but, upon the recommendation of Coleridge, the three last stanzas were separated from the other.—I. F.
The title of the poem in 1798, when it consisted of five stanzas, was Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames, at Evening. When, in the edition of 1800, it was divided, the title of the first part was, Lines written when sailing in a Boat at Evening; that of the second part was Lines written near Richmond upon the Thames. From 1815 to 1843, both poems were placed by Wordsworth among those "of Sentiment and Reflection." In 1845 they were transferred to "Poems written in Youth."—Ed.
The Poem
text variant line number
How richly glows the water's breast Before us, tinged with evening hues, While, facing thus the crimson west, The boat her silent course pursues! And see how dark the backward stream! A little moment past so smiling! And still, perhaps, with faithless gleam, Some other loiterers beguiling. Such views the youthful Bard allure; But, heedless of the following gloom, He deems their colours shall endure Till peace go with him to the tomb. —And let him nurse his fond deceit, And what if he must die in sorrow! Who would not cherish dreams so sweet, Though grief and pain may come to-morrow? 1 2 3 5 10 15
Variant 1:
1815
How rich the wave, in front, imprest With evening-twilight's summer hues, 1798
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Variant 2:
1802
... path ... 1798
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Variant 3:
1815
... loiterer ... 1798
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