So now I think my time is near. I
trust it is. I know
The blessed music went that way my soul
will have to go.
And for myself, indeed, I care not if
I go to-day.
But, Effie, you must comfort her
when I am past away.
And say to Robin [4] a kind word, and
tell him not to fret;
There’s many worthier than I, would
make him happy yet.
If I had lived—I cannot tell—I
might have been his wife;
But all these things have ceased to be,
with my desire of life.
O look! the sun begins to rise, the heavens
are in a glow;
He shines upon a hundred fields, and all
of them I know.
And there I move no longer now, and there
his light may shine—
Wild flowers in the valley for other hands
than mine.
O sweet and strange it seems to me, that
ere this day is done
The voice, that now is speaking, may be
beyond the sun—
For ever and for ever with those just
souls and true—
And what is life, that we should moan?
why make we such ado?
For ever and for ever, all in a blessed
home—
And there to wait a little while till
you and Effie come—
To lie within the light of God, as I lie
upon your breast—
And the wicked cease from troubling, and
the weary are at rest.
[Footnote 1: 1842.
But still it can’t be long, mother,
before I find release;
And that good man, the clergyman, he preaches
words of peace.
Present reading 1843.]
[Footnote 2: 1842-1848.
He show’d me all the mercy, for
he taught me all the sin.
Now, though, etc.
1850. For show’d he me all the sin.]
[Footnote 3: 1889. Come.]
[Footnote 4: 1842. Robert. 1843. Robin
restored.]
First published in 1833, but when republished in 1842
the alterations in the way of excision, alteration,
and addition were very extensive. The text of
1842 is practically the final text. This charming
poem is founded on ‘Odyssey’, ix., 82
‘seq.’
“On the tenth day we set foot on
the land of the lotos-eaters who eat a flowery food.
So we stepped ashore and drew water... When we
had tasted meat and drink I sent forth certain of
my company to go and make search what manner of
men they were who here live upon the earth by bread...
Then straightway they went and mixed with the men of
the lotos-eaters, and so it was that the lotos-eaters
devised not death for our fellows but gave them
of the lotos to taste. Now whosoever of them
did eat the honey-sweet fruit of the lotos had no more
wish to bring tidings nor to come back, but there
he chose to abide with the lotos-eating men ever
feeding on the lotos and forgetful of his homeward
way. Therefore I led them back to the ships weeping
and sore against their will ... lest haply any should
eat of the lotos and be forgetful of returning.”
(Lang and Butcher’s translation.)
