[Footnote A: This sonnet was first published in 'The Morning Post', Jan. 29, 1803, under the signature W. L. D., along with the one beginning, "I grieved for Buonaparté, with a vain," and was afterwards printed in the 1807 edition of the Poems. Mr. T. Hutchinson (Dublin) suggests that the W. L. D. stood either for _Wordsworthius Libertatis Defensor_, or (more likely) _Wordsworthii Libertati Dedicatunt_ (carmen).--Ed.] * * * * * COMPOSED NEAR CALAIS, ON THE ROAD LEADING TO ARDRES, AUGUST 7, 1802 [A] Composed August, 1802.--Published 1807 One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."--Ed. Jones! as [1] from Calais southward you and I Went pacing side by side, this public Way Streamed with the pomp of a too-credulous day, [B] When faith was pledged to new-born Liberty: [2] A homeless sound of joy was in the sky: 5 From hour to hour the antiquated Earth, [3] Beat like the heart of Man: songs, garlands, mirth, [4] Banners, and happy faces, far and nigh! And now, sole register that these things were, Two solitary greetings have I heard, 10 "_Good morrow, Citizen!_" a hollow word, As if a dead man spake it! Yet despair Touches me not, though pensive as a bird Whose vernal coverts winter hath laid bare. [5] * * * * * VARIANTS ON THE TEXT [Variant 1: 1837. ... when ... 1807. ... while ... 1820.] [Variant 2: 1837. Travell'd on foot together; then this Way, Which I am pacing now, was like the May With festivals of new-born Liberty: 1807. Where I am walking now ... MS. Urged our accordant steps, this public Way Streamed with the pomp of a too-credulous day, When faith was pledged to new-born Liberty: 1820.] [Variant 3: 1845. The antiquated Earth, as one might say, 1807. The antiquated Earth, hopeful and gay, 1837.] [Variant 4: 1845. ... garlands, play, 1807.] [Variant 5: 1827. I feel not: happy am I as a Bird: Fair seasons yet will come, and hopes as fair. 1807. I feel not: jocund as a warbling Bird; 1820.] * * * * * FOOTNOTES ON THE TEXT [Footnote A: In the editions of 1807 to 1837 this is a sub-title, the chief title being 'To a Friend'. In the editions of 1840-1843, the chief title is retained in the Table of Contents, but is erased in the text.--Ed.] [Footnote B: 14th July 1790.--W. W. 1820.]