“She leaves these objects to a slow decay,
  That what we are, and have been, may be known;
  But at the coming of the milder day, 175
  These monuments shall all be overgrown.

  “One lesson, Shepherd, let us two divide,
  Taught both by what she shows, and what conceals; [C]
  Never to blend our pleasure or our pride
  With sorrow of the meanest thing that feels.” 180

* * * * *

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1: 

1836.

  He turn’d aside towards a Vassal’s door,
  And, “Bring another Horse!” he cried aloud. 1800.]

[Variant 2: 

1827.

  Brach, ... 1800.]

[Variant 3: 

1827.

  ... he chid and cheer’d them on 1800.]

[Variant 4: 

1800.

  With fawning kindness ...  MS.]

[Variant 5: 

1802.

  ... of the chace? 1800.]

[Variant 6: 

1802.

  This race it looks not like an earthly race; 1800.]

[Variant 7: 

1820.

  ... smack’d ... 1800.]

[Variant 8: 

1820.

  ... act; 1800.]

[Variant 9: 

1820.

  And foaming like a mountain cataract. 1800.]

[Variant 10: 

1820.

  His nose half-touch’d ... 1800.]

[Variant 11: 

1820.

  Was never man in such a joyful case, 1800.]

[Variant 12: 

1820.

  .... place. 1800.]

[Variant 13: 

1802.

  ... turning ... 1800.]

[Variant 14: 

1845.

  Nine ... 1800.]

[Variant 15: 

1802.

  Three several marks which with his hoofs the beast 1800.]

[Variant 16: 

1820.

  ... verdant ... 1800.]

[Variant 17: 

1836.

  ... living ... 1800.]

[Variant 18: 

1827.

  ... gallant brute! ... 1800.]

[Variant 19: 

1815.

  And soon the Knight perform’d what he had said,
  The fame whereof through many a land did ring. 1800.]

[Variant 20: 

1820.

  ... journey’d with his paramour; 1800.]

[Variant 21: 

1815.

  ... to ... 1800.]

[Variant 22: 

1815.

  ... has ... 1800.]

[Variant 23: 

1815.

  ... hills ... 1800.]

[Variant 24: 

1815.

  From the stone on the summit of the steep 1800.

  ... upon ... 1802.]

[Variant 25: