Text: Charles W. Kent (notes) Robert A. Stewart (variants) (ed. J. A. Harrison), “To —— ——,” The Complete Works of Edgar Allan PoeVol. VII: Poems (1902), 7:147


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[page 147:]

TO —— ——.
“I SAW THEE ON THY BRIDAL DAY.”

Page 10.

1827, 1829, 1845; BROADWAY JOURNAL, II. 11.

Text, 1845 (J. L. Graham copy).

Variations of 1827 from the text.

Title: — To —— ——.

I. 1 thy (the) 1 day — (;) 3 Though (Tho’) 3 happiness (cap.) 4 thee: (.) II. 1 And (And,) 1 eye (eye,) 1 a (the) 2 (Whatever ... be) (Of young passion free) 3 Earth (earth,) 3 aching (chained) 4 could (might) III. 1 perhaps (I ween) 1 shame — (:) 2 pass — (:) 3 Though (Tho’) IV. 2 thee, (, —) Though (Tho’) 3 happiness (cap.) 3 lay, (;) 4 love (cap.) 4 thee. (. —).

Variations of 1829 from the text.

Title: — To —— ——.

I. 3 Though (Tho’) II. 1 And (And,) 2 ( ...) ([ ...]) 3 aching (fetter’d) III. 3 Though (Tho’) 3 raised (rais’d) IV. 3 Though (Tho’).

Broadway Journal shows no variations from the text.

EDITORS NOTE.

The poet sees the burning blush and mysterious light which by its loveliness kindles in him a fierce flame, though happiness is around and before her.

This poem may well refer to the marriage of Miss Royster (with whom Poe had been in love before he entered the University) to Mr. Shelton. From Miss Royster's own account of her attachment this blush may be interpreted as shame for her desertion rather than mere maidenly modesty.

The poem is in cross-riming quatrains.


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Notes:

None.


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[S:0 - JAH07, 1902] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Editions - The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe (J. A. Harrison) (To ---- ----)