The lamb had slipped into the stream, And safe without a bruise or wound The cataract had borne him down Into the gulf profound. 70 His dam had seen him when he fell, She saw him down the torrent borne; And, while with all a mother's love She from the lofty rocks above Sent forth a cry forlorn, 75 The lamb, still swimming round and round, Made answer to that plaintive sound. 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: 1827. ... he spies 1800.] [Variant 10: 1836.