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

[page 147:]

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.

EDITOR’S 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.