Green with the moss of years, and subject only To the soft handling of the Elements: There let the relic lie--fond thought--vain words! Forgive them--never did my steps approach This humble door but she who dwelt within 1827. Forgive them;--never--never did my steps Approach this door but she who dwelt within 1832. Forgive them for the sake of her who dwelt Within these walls, who here so oft hath giv'n To me a daughter's greeting; and I loved her MS. Green with the moss of years. Upon the simple sight As there it lay I could not look unmoved! Forgive the weakness--never did step of mine Approach this door, but she who dwelt within C. ] [Footnote 64: 1827. With chearful hope: but ere the second autumn Her life's true Help-mate on a sick-bed lay, 1814. ] [Footnote 65: 1827. Was all consumed. Two children had they now, One newly born. As I have said, it was A time of trouble; shoals of Artisans Were from their daily labour turn'd adrift To seek their bread from public charity, 1814. ] [Footnote 66: 1827. That peck along the hedges, or the Kite That makes his dwelling on the mountain Rocks! 1814. ] [Footnote 67: 1836. ... At his door ... 1814. ] [Footnote 68: 1836. He blended, ... 1814. ] [Footnote 69: 1836. Without an errand, would direct his steps, 1814. ] [Footnote 70: 1845. Is filling all the air with melody; 1814. ] [Footnote 71: 1845. ... in an Old Man's eye? 1814. ] [Footnote 72: 1827. There was a heart-felt chillness in my veins.-- I rose; and, turning from the breezy shade, Went forth into the open air, and stood To drink the comfort of the warmer sun. Long time I had not staid, ere, looking round 1814. ] [Footnote 73: 1814. But ... MS. ] [Footnote 74: 1827. ... far remote. And glad I was, when, halting by yon gate That leads from the green lane, once more I saw These lofty elm-trees. Long I did not rest: With many pleasant thoughts I chear'd my way O'er the flat Common.--Having reached the door I knock'd,--and, when I entered with the hope Of usual greeting, Margaret looked at me 1814. ] [Footnote 75: 1832. Or ... 1814. ] [Footnote 76: 1814. With fervent love, and with a look of grief Unutterable, and with a helpless look That seemed to cling upon me, ... C. ] [Footnote 77: 1827. ... but therein 1814. ]