Volume 2 — Song for the Wandering Jew

Composed 1800.—Published 1800

Included among the "Poems of the Fancy."—Ed.

The Poem

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Though the torrents from their fountains Roar down many a craggy steep, Yet they find among the mountains Resting-places calm and deep. Clouds that love through air to hasten, Ere the storm its fury stills, Helmet-like themselves will fasten On the heads of towering hills. What, if through the frozen centre Of the Alps the Chamois bound, Yet he has a home to enter In some nook of chosen ground: And the Sea-horse, though the ocean Yield him no domestic cave, Slumbers without sense of motion, Couched upon the rocking wave. If on windy days the Raven Gambol like a dancing skiff, Not the less she loves her haven In the bosom of the cliff. The fleet Ostrich, till day closes, Vagrant over desert sands, Brooding on her eggs reposes When chill night that care demands. Day and night my toils redouble, Never nearer to the goal; Night and day, I feel the trouble Of the Wanderer in my soul. Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places Main Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A 5 10 15 20 25

Variant 1:

This stanza was added in the edition of 1827.

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Variant 2:

1827

Though almost with eagle pinion O'er the rocks the Chamois roam, Yet he has some small dominion Which no doubt he calls his home. 1800

Though, as if with eagle pinion O'er the rocks the Chamois roam, Yet he has some small dominion Where he feels himself at home. 1815

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Variant 3:

1836

Though the Sea-horse in the ocean Own no dear domestic cave; Yet he slumbers without motion On the calm and silent wave. 1800

Yet he slumbers—by the motion Rocked of many a gentle wave. 1827

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Variant 4:

1827

... he loves his haven 1800

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Variant 5:

1815

On ... 1800

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Variant 6:

This stanza was added in 1827.

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Variant 7:

1800

Never—never does the trouble Of the Wanderer leave my soul. 1815

The text of 1827 returns to that of 1800.

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Footnote A:

In the editions of 1800 to 1832 stanzas 4 and 5 were transposed. Their present order was adjusted in the edition of 1836.—Ed

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Contents: Poems on the Naming of Places Main Contents