Then wherefore should I fear to die? 60

VII [12] Young as I am, my course is run, [13]
I shall not see another sun;
I cannot lift my limbs to know
If they have any life or no.
My poor forsaken Child, if I 65
For once could have thee close to me,
With happy heart I then would die,
And my last thought would happy be; [14]
But thou, dear Babe, art far away,
Nor shall I see another day. [15] 70

* * * * *

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1:

1798.

The stars were mingled with my dreams; 1815.

The text of 1836 returns to that of 1798.]

[Variant 2:

1820.

In sleep did I behold the skies, 1798.]

[Variant 3:

1827.

I saw the crackling flashes drive; 1798.

I heard, and saw the flashes drive; 1820.]

[Variant 4:

1815.

... you ... 1798.]

[Variant 5:

1815.

Too soon despair o'er me prevailed;
Too soon my heartless spirit failed; 1798.]

[Variant 6:

1815.

... you ... 1798.]

[Variant 7:

1845.

My friends, when you ... 1798.

... when ye ... 1815.]

[Variant 8:

1815.

A most strange something .... 1798.]

[Variant 9:

1815.

... a little child. 1798.]

[Variant 10:

1815.

... you ... 1798.]

[Variant 11:

1815.

You ... 1798.]

[Variant 12: This stanza was omitted in the editions 1815 to 1832, but
restored in 1836.--Ed.]

[Variant 13:

1836.

My journey will be shortly run, 1798.]

[Variant 14:

1836.

... I then would die,
And my last thoughts ... 1798.

... I then should die, 1800.]

[Variant 15:

1836.

I feel my body die away,
I shall not see another day. 1798.]

* * * * *

THE LAST OF THE FLOCK

Composed 1798.--Published 1798.

[Produced at the same time as 'The Complaint', and for the same
purpose. The incident occurred in the village of Holford, close by
Alfoxden.--I. F.]

Included among the "Poems founded on the Affections."--Ed.

* * * * *

THE POEM

I In distant countries have I been, [1]
And yet I have not often seen
A h