When he had learnt what thing it was,
  That sent this rueful cry; I ween
  The Boy recovered heart, and told 80
  The sight which he had seen. 
  Both gladly now deferred their task;
  Nor was there wanting other aid—­
  A Poet, one who loves the brooks
  Far better than the sages’ books, 85
  By chance had thither strayed;
  And there the helpless lamb he found
  By those huge rocks encompassed round.

  He drew it from the troubled pool, [10]
  And brought it forth into the light:  90
  The Shepherds met him with his charge,
  An unexpected sight! 
  Into their arms the lamb they took,
  Whose life and limbs the flood had spared; [11]
  Then up the steep ascent they hied, 95
  And placed him at his mother’s side;
  And gently did the Bard
  Those idle Shepherd-boys upbraid,
  And bade them better mind their trade.

The “bridge of rock” across Dungeon-Ghyll “chasm,” and the “lofty waterfall,” with all its accessories of place as described in the poem, remain as they were in 1800.—­Ed.

* * * * *

VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1: 

1800.

  The valley rings with mirth and joy;
  And, pleased to welcome in the May,
  From hill to hill the echoes fling
  Their liveliest roundelay. 1836.

The text of 1845 returns to that of 1800.]

[Variant 2: 

1836.

  It seems they have no work to do
  Or that their work is done. 1800.

  Boys that have had no work to do,
  Or work that now is done. 1827.]

[Variant 3: 

1805.

  I’ll run with you a race.”—­No more—­1800.

  We’ll for this Whistle run a race.” ... 1802.]

[Variant 4: 

1836.

  Said Walter then, “Your task is here,
  ’Twill keep you working half a year. 1800.

  ’Twill baffle you for half a year. 1827.]

[Variant 5: 

1836.

  Till you have cross’d where I shall cross,
  Say that you’ll neither sleep nor eat.” 1800.

  “Now cross where I shall cross,—­come on
  And follow me where I shall lead—­” 1802.

  “Cross, if you dare, where I shall cross—­
  Come on, and in my footsteps tread!” 1827.]

[Variant 6: 

1827.

  James proudly took him at his word,
  But did not like the feat. 1800.

  ... the deed. 1802.

  The other took him at his word, 1805.]

[Variant 7: 

1827.

  ... began ... 1800.]

[Variant 8: 

1827.

  ... pale as any ghost, 1800.]

[Variant 9: