Is it not possible that the word 'struggling,' as applied to rill,--when viewed in connection with the words 'without restraint,' in line 8 of Sonnet IX.--points with great definiteness to the localising of the Sonnet at these Seathwaite stones? Certainly the stream as it has descended through the 'deep chasm' of Sonnet XV. between the Pen and Wallabarrow, is well described as having grown after a struggle into a brook of loud and stately march at this point. There are no likelier spots for the children to have put Their budding courage to the proof than here, for there are several houses and farms on the wayside, whose younger inmates would have come down to these stepping-stones, in order to get to the village school, that 'Wonderful Walker' kept with so much honour at Seathwaite in olden time." (H. D. Rawnsley.)] VARIANTS: [Footnote 440: 1837. ... and ... 1820. ] [Footnote 441: Whellan's _History and Topography of Westmoreland and Cumberland_, 4to, Pontefract, 1860, p. 56.] [Footnote 442: _Good Words_, vol. xxiv. p. 579.] X THE SAME SUBJECT Not so that Pair whose youthful spirits dance With prompt emotion, urging them to pass; A sweet confusion checks the Shepherd-lass; Blushing she eyes the dizzy flood askance; To stop ashamed--too timid to advance; 5 She ventures once again--another pause! His outstretched hand He tauntingly withdraws-- She sues for help with piteous utterance! Chidden she chides again; the thrilling touch Both feel, when he renews the wished-for aid: 10 Ah! if their fluttering hearts should stir too much, Should beat too strongly, both may be betrayed. The frolic Loves, who, from yon high rock, see The struggle, clap their wings for victory! XI THE FAËRY CHASM[FJ] No fiction was it of the antique age: A sky-blue stone, within this sunless cleft, Is of the very foot-marks unbereft Which tiny Elves impressed;--on that smooth stage Dancing with all their brilliant equipage 5 In secret revels--haply after theft Of some sweet Babe--Flower stolen, and coarse Weed left For the distracted Mother to assuage Her grief with, as she might!--But, where, oh! where Is traceable a vestige of the notes 10 That ruled those dances wild in character?-- Deep underground? Or in the upper air, On the shrill wind of midnight? or where floats O'er twilight fields the autumnal gossamer? FOOTNOTES: