_ Based on references to datable external events, the story covers at least ten years. The parts of the book that take place in Connecticut are filled with descriptions of changing seasons. Europe and the southern states have no climate.
"two young gentlemen of Connecticut ... graduated at Yale College"
"Beauman ... came regularly once in two or three months"
"Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent"
"[Beauman's] visits became more and more frequent."
"It was summer, and towards evening when [Alonzo] arrived."
To accommodate Beauman's repeated visits, a full year would have to pass.
"The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into actual hostilities, by the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by the battle of Bunker Hill."
The battles took place in April and June of 1775; "the ensuing spring" would mean that the year is 1774.
"Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced..."
1774 changes to 1775
"The spring opened ... the colonies, which had now been dissevered from the British empire, by the declaration of independence"
This is the same spring as in the previous quotation, but if the Declaration of Independence (July 1776) is in the past, it would have to be the spring of 1777.
"It was at the latter end of the month of May"
May 1775 or 1777, depending on one's chosen chronology.
"The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war, are yet remembered by many."
The "action" may be a conflation of two different episodes involving the Trumbull, neither of them early in the war: the first was in June 1780, the second in late August 1781. The Trumbull was towed to New York, not to London.
"who died there about eighteen months ago"
Alonzo took sail shortly after learning of Melissa's death, so we are now in early 1783.
[Melissa's gravestone] "October 26, 1776 / In the 18th year of her age."
Depending on the chronology chosen, Melissa's reported death could have been in 1775, 1777 or 1781. Her 18th year is properly the year leading up to her 18th birthday, but may mean that she was 18 years old.
"to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of
Gustavus"
Gustavus was written by Henry Brooke in 1739 and immediately banned. Its American premiere was in Baltimore on 14 June 1782.
* * * * *
Quotations
Only a few quotations have been identified. Some of the others may be paraphrases.
"Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,
The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns."
Erasmus Darwin, 1731-1802, "The Temple of Nature,
or, The Origin of Society"
But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power,
He lov'd the realms of nature to explore;
. . .
Timothy Dwight (president of Yale), 1752-1817, The Conquest of
Canaan. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature
says that the poem was "written by the time he was twenty-two, but
published when he was thirty-three and should have known better."
"musing, moping melancholy."
Arthur Murphy, The Upholsterer or What News (1758), I:i: "musing,
moping, melancholy lover".
"The breeze's rustling wing was in the tree"
This unidentified line is also quoted in Mitchell's Albert and
Eliza.
the "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook
Misprinted in 1851 as "slitty sound". Probably John Home, Douglas
(1756) IV:i.
"the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood,"
1804 text has "warrior". Isaiah 9:5 (King James): For every battle
of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood.
until "the heavens were arrayed in blackness."
Isaiah 50:3: "I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make
sackcloth their covering."
he cast a "longing, lingering look"
Thomas Gray (1716-71) Elegy.
"Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam,"
The 1804 and 1811 texts have the correct form "tumbling billows".
Anarchiad, a New England Poem (1786-87) with joint authors Joel
Barlow (1754-1812), David Humphreys (1752-1818), John Trumbull
(1750-1831) and Lemuel Hopkins (1750-1801).
"dingy scud"
Printed "dirgy scud" in all but the 1804 original. Possibly from
Charles Dibdin (b. 1745), "Ev'ry Inch a Sailor":
The wind blew hard, the sea ran high,
The dingy scud drove 'cross the sky ...
"... like Patience on a monument ..."
Twelfth Night II:iv.
The "days of other years"
Possibly from "Ossian" (James MacPherson); the phrase is used often.
Here may the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!"
May be a paraphrase of another line in The Conquest of Canaan.
"Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy ...."
Identified in the text as Edward Young, Night Thoughts, 1745. The
couplet on the title page is from the same source.
"To tie those bands which nought but death can sever."
May be "bonds" as in 1804 text. The phrase "that naught but death
can sever" occurs in Spenser, Amoretti VI (1595).
"white as the southern clouds"
The phrase occurs in a translation of Salomon Gessner, as well as
in an 1817 text (Pennie, "The Royal Minstrel"). Both passages are
descriptions of sheep.
"a good old age"
The phrase occurs at least four times in the King James Bible.
* * * * * * * * *
Other Editions
The editions available for comparison were:
1804
Weekly installments in The Political Barometer, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This version was only available in an online transcription.
A number of questioned words were checked with the transcriber, Hugh
MacDougall of the Cooper Society.
1811
Plattsburgh, N.Y. "Printed For The Proprietor."
The first of the pirated editions. Some copies have no author
credit.
1851
Boston. "Printed for the Publishers."
Attached to the end, without page break, is a short narrative poem
with prose introduction, "Henry and Julia, a tale of real life"
(omitted from this e-text).
1864
Philadelphia, Lippincott.
With two exceptions, this is a reprint of the 1851 edition,
including obvious typographical errors and with identical
punctuation. There is a new frontispiece (the 1851 edition had
none). The "Henry and Julia" poem is omitted. Instead, the final
page compresses the last two pages (one full page plus seven lines
of text and a four-line footnote) of the 1851 edition into one,
using a noticeably smaller font.
1870?
New York, Leavitt & Allen.
The date is hypothetical, based on librarian's notation. The book
is probably a reprint of the 1836 Boston edition, which has the same
page count (significantly different from other known editions); 1836
is also a plausible date for the frontispiece.
General Differences:
In the 1804 and 1811 texts, dialogue is usually punctuated as
"To this place (said Melissa) have I taken...."
with some variation between brackets [] and parentheses (). In the 1870 text, dialogue has "modern" punctuation with single quotes:
'To this place,' said Melissa, 'have I taken....'
The earlier versions are
more likely to use "American" spellings such as "jail" (but "gaoler") and "honor"; later editions (published in the U.S.) use "British" spellings such as "gaol" and "honour". The older form "shew" appears only in the earliest editions.
The spelling "stupify" is used consistently, and "vallies" is almost universal. The spellings "discreet(ly)" and "discrete(ly)" seem to have been used interchangeably. Names in "New" such as "New London" were generally hyphenated in 1804; later versions have fewer hyphens, but they never disappear altogether.
The ampersand & appears a few dozen times in the original (1804) version; in 1811 most were changed to "and", and in later editions it survived only in the form "&c."
The 1804 and 1811 texts use "consolate" for "console" almost everywhere, and the name is spelled Wyllys, changed in later editions to Wyllis. The 1811 text consistently uses the spelling "whipperwill", and often uses "come" and "become" for "came" and "became". The 1851 text often uses non-standard spellings such as "visiter", "suiter", "persuit". The 1870 text consistently spells "lilly" with two l's, and uses "set" for "sit"; it often interchanges or omits "the/this/that" and similar.
In All Editions:
With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd [for Edenian]
The panic and general bustle which took place in America on these
events, is yet well remembered by many. ["is" for "are"]
to level on the property of the former
[common error or variant for "levy"]
this measure, once adopted, her father must consent also
[sentence structure is the same in all editions]
constructed of several tier of hewed timbers
["tier" used as a plural]
he should conduct in a very different manner
[sentence structure is the same in all editions]
Details:
The following are highlights, not an exhaustive list. See below for errors corrected in the 1851 text. Spelling and punctuation have been regularized in some cases.
In the time of the late American revolution
1811ff ... the late revolution
at the day appointed
1811ff on the day appointed
her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness
1870 her aspect was tempered ...
[QUOTATION]
For far beyond the pride and pomp of power
1870 pride or pomp
The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's die
1851 the rainbow's dye
a few days, during which time they passed in visiting select friends
and in social parties.
1870 a few days, which time they passed in was visiting ...
1811/51 and social parties
the sound of various instrumental music
1811ff ... of instrumental music
mortgages on lands and houses for security
1811ff ... securities
attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the
brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces
1870 thither ... the sublime graces
the milder and more refined excellencies of the other?
1870 ... of the latter?
He came regularly, about once in two or three months
1811ff He came regularly, once in ...
It was not probable, therefore, that he would be objectionable to
Melissa's friends--Nor to Melissa herself----said Alonzo, with
an involuntary sigh.
1811ff "It is not probable therefore that he will be
objectionable to Melissa's friends or to Melissa herself," ...
Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections?
1870 Was it not highly probable then that ...
the foliage glittering to the western ray
1851 glittering the 1870 glittering in the
the extremest verge of the horizon. "This is a most beautiful scene,"
said Melissa.
1811ff the extreme verge
1851/70 a most delightful scene
he was not always my beau-man
1851/70 he was not always my Beauman
He formally addresses you.
1851 He formerly.
Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.]
1870 ... [A pause.]
but his fears declared otherways
1811ff ... otherwise
friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim
1870 friendship must yield to a superior claim
Were Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated.
1811ff Was Beauman here ...
She was still silent.
1870 She was silent.
Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one. You are entitled to candour.
1811ff ... If it be a proper one you are ...
her voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down.) My parents have
informed me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses
of more than one.
1870 her voice trembles
1811 the particular address
But-- (she hesitated.)
1870 But (she blushed.)
[QUOTATION]
Darted her silvery intercepted ray
1811 Darted his silvery ...
nor had they attempted to influence or forestal her choice
1811ff ... to influence or direct her choice
We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar
1870 We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar
And why have I ever doubted this event" said Alonzo. "What infatuation
hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss?
1870 And why have I doubted ... led me on to the pursuit ...
and will convince both Melissa and Beauman
1811ff and I will convince Melissa and Beauman
she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was the
unsuspecting object of my passion. She was unconscious of the flame
1811/51/70 ... as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious ...
said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most
valued friend
1851/70 said that business prevented him ... most valuable
to which you attended me when you was last here
1870 ... when you last was here
The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects
in sympathetic wailings
1870 in solemn symphony
1811 waftings 1851/70 wafting
the rude despoiling hand of winter
1870 the despoiling hand of winter
She was still silent
1851/70 She was silent.
The "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook
1851 slitty sound 1870 distant sound
the frequent lights darted their paly lustre thro' the gloom
1811/51 palely lustre 1870 pale lustre
but other subjects engaged the mental attention of Alonzo.
1811ff but the other subject ...
Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide explicitly by these
injunctions
1851 ... abide implicitly by ...
1870 ... abide implicitly to ...
That time has now arrived
1851/70 That time has arrived
the deep and solemn silence of night
1870 the deep and sullen silence of night
bowed to the minutia of female volatility
1870 minutiae
[[Note that "minutiae" is the correct form. All earlier editions,
including the 1804 original, have the incorrect word "minutia".]]
finally appointed a day to give both him and Alonzo a determinate
answer
1811ff ... to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer
to make a journey into a different part of the country
1811ff to make a journey to a distant part ...
thither he hasted to gain shelter from the approaching storm.
1811ff thither he hastened ...
In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa.
1870 In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa.
Alonzo felt all the force of the remark
1870 Alonzo felt the force ...
remaining beauties of Summer
1811ff remaining beauties of the summer
the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at
Bunker's Hill.
1870 of Lexington ... of Bunker Hill
1811ff Bunker Hill
Alonzo and she frequently discoursed upon the subject, and they agreed
1811ff Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed
orchards, arbours, and cultured fields
1811ff ... cultivated fields
The inhabitants of this modern Avernum
1851/70 ... Auvernum [sic]
Such was the place chosen for the future residence of Alonzo and
Melissa.
1811ff Such was the place for the residence ...
"the confused noise of the warrior, and garments rolled in blood,"
1811ff ... of the warriors ...
this modern Vacluse [sic]
1851/70 this modern Vaucluse
the walks, the meads, the fountains
1811ff the walks, the mead, the fountains
Around the horizon electric clouds raised their brazen summits,
based in the black vapor of approaching night
1870 Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based
on the
and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single
view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies
1870 and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most
picturesque draperies
she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina
1870 she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina
was expected to arrive before the appointed marriage day.
1811ff ... before the appointed day
He would frequently start up in the bed
1870 ... in bed
He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed
1870 ... after the cloth was removed
that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of
baseness and meanness.
1870 ... acts of baseness.
I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured
1870 ... might be secured
We would not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event.
1811ff We will not ...
I know the old gentleman too well
1870 I know that old gentleman too well
fringed with the gold of even
1851/70 fringed with the gold of evening
Her countenance appeared dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo
1870 Her countenance appeared to be dejected ...
1811ff ... which, on seeing ...
Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew
1870 Thus spoke my father, and immediately withdrew
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidents
1851/70 ... confidants
but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly
1870 but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly
a deep dejection was depicted upon her features
1870 ... in her features
Alonzo was received with a cool reserve
1870 ... a cold reserve
Melissa's father soon entered
1811ff Melissa's father entered
if you marry in your present situation? I know you have talents and
have had an education. But what are they without means? You have
friends
1811/51/70 if you marry in your present situation? You have friends
the hand of Melissa." Thus spake the father of Melissa, and
immediately left the room.
1811ff of Melissa"--and immediately left the room.
it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain
1870 ... scarcely contain
Disappointment seldom finds its votaries prepared to receive her.
1811ff ... her votaries ...
but could not counteract the will of her father
1811ff but could not contradict the will of her father
after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception
1870 after Alonzo had related his reception
of little consequence. But their united situation tortured his
soul.--What was to become of Melissa, what of himself
1870 of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa,
what of himself
With part of this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm
1811ff With this I have ...
a ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom.
1811ff illuminated
[QUOTATION]
Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendors fled
1870 gray
He thought on Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last
saw her.--He thought on the difficulties which surrounded him. He
thought on the barriers which were opposed to his happiness
1811ff He thought of ... thought of ... thought of
The day after you left here, her father received a letter
1811ff The day after you were here ...
Where is your fortitude and your firmness," said he
1851 "Where," said he, "is your fortitude and your firmness
1870 Where is your fortitude and firmness," said he
war ends in peace
1811ff wars end in peace
transports them to another and a better world
1811/51 ... and better world
but where, alas were the means of alleviation?
1811ff but alas! where were ...
ordered her to prepare to become the wife of Beauman
1811ff ordered her to become the wife of Beauman
You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you
1870 ... Jack-with-a-lantern ...
Marry Beauman, and you roll in your coach
1811ff ... you will roll in your coach
I give you now two days to consider the matter
1870 ... to consider of the matter
bordered with the odor-flowering lilac
1811ff bordered with the odour-flowing lilac
He turned, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each
other's arms, and mingled tears
1870 He turned round and saw ... mingling tears
You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude
1870 You, Alonzo, must ever exert your fortitude
It must, I think, ere long, be determined
1811ff ... be terminated
it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour
you will remove them. You cannot wish
1870 it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish
half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee,
"did'nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would come to no terms
1870 half speaking
1811ff I knew the fellow would not come to terms
your daughter. And I should not wonder if you should soon find that
the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed into the bargain
1870 your daughter. I should not wonder ...
1811ff ... find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the
bargain
his eyes flashed resentment
1811/51 flashed in 1870 flashed with
unless she was already apprised of it
1811 was apprised 1851/70 was appraised
the feeble glimmer of the twinkling stars
1811ff glimmering
"Thou still knowest me, Curlow," said Alonzo
1870 ... Carlow ...
Here all was solemn, dark and silent as in front
1811ff Here all was solemn and silent as in front
"Be calm," Alonzo, said she, "I think it will not long last
1851/70 ... not last long
I believe they will trust me to see her
1851/70 I believe they will let me see her
Unfeeling and impertinent intruder (retorted Alonzo)
1811 ... intruder, [retorted Alonzo]
1851 ... intruder? retorted Alonzo
1870 ... intruder?" retorted Alonzo
and were it on no other account, must ever continue to despise and
hate you
1811ff and were it not on one other account ...
1870 ... to hate and despise you
From a coincidence of consequences
1811ff From coincidence of circumstances
the family had retired to rest
1811ff the family had gone to rest
Alonzo's feelings were on the wrack until she returned
1811 on the wreck 1851/70 on the rack
Melissa's aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her
1870 Melissa's aunt had ...
he had sent their daughter to a different part of the country
1811ff ... a distant part of the country
living with the different relatives of the family
1811ff living with the relatives of the family
He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly started up
1851/70 ... suddenly starting up
Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs of
her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to
take a morning's ride, to which she consented. She did not even
perceive the trunk which was fastened on behind the carriage
1870 Melissa had not the most distant suspicion ... a morning
ride ... that was fastend [sic] on behind the carriage
Melissa had frequently attended her father or mother
1851/70 ... her father and mother
her aunt ordered the driver to proceed a different way
1870 her aunt had ordered ...
They arrived at another small village
1811ff They arrived at another village
Melissa's aunt, handing the driver a large bunch of keys
1870 Melissa's aunt handed the driver ...
"La me!" she cried
1870 "La me!" cried she
the opposite side of the house from whence she alighted
1870 ... from where she alighted
This was done, while John and his wife went out, and Melissa's aunt
1811ff This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa's aunt
hoping to see the return of the carriage
1811ff hoping to see the carriage return
surrounded by high, thick walls
1811ff surrounded by a high, thick wall
They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges
1811 ... the door, which screaked ...
as I have took care to lock all the doors and gates after me
1851/70 as I have taken care ...
circumstances have hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into
effect
1870 circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my
scheme into effect
stared around her with a wild and agonizing countenance
1811ff ... a wild agonizing countenance
She remained seemingly insensible throughout the night: just at
morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings,
convulsive startings, long sighs
1811ff through the night ... long drawn sighs
taking the key of that with her. She generally returned before sunset.
When Melissa was so far recovered
1870 taking the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far
recovered
A few medical and odoriferous herbs
1851 medinical [sic] 1870 medicinal
The out buildings were generally in a ruinous situation
1870 ... in a ruinous condition
through several upper rooms to the chamber she inhabited
1811ff ... the chamber they inhabited
West, all was wilderness, from a brook which wound along at a little
distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds she had
crossed when she came there
1811ff from which a brook
1851/70 wound along a little distance from
1870 the uneven grounds which she had crossed
South, was the Sound and Long Island.
1811ff South, was the Sound of Long Island.
Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins
1870 Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins
She could have been contented here to have buried all her afflictions
1811ff ... buried her afflictions
while the disconsolate tear of reflection glittered in her eye
1811ff while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye
more solicitous and importunate. A subject so hateful to Melissa
sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resentment.
1811ff more solicitous and impertinent ...
1851 at other
Melissa sat up until a late hour, expecting her; she then went to the
gate
1811 hour in the night 1851/70 hour of the night
1811ff ... she went to the gate
"I had forgotten," said her aunt, "that my rents became due this
week."
1851/70 ... that my rents become due this week
she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below
1870 she heard a noise of several people ...
It was extremely dark, she could discern nothing. All was still and
she thought she might have been deceived
1811ff It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been
discovered
to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands
1870 ... rented some lands
and in the day time, in walking around the yard and garden
1811ff and in the day, in walking ...
She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out
the candle. She fancied she saw the glimpse of two or three dark forms
pass swiftly along, but so indistinctly that it was impossible to
determine whether they were real, or only shadows produced by objects
intervening the light of the candle. She listened and gazed
1811/51/70 She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and
held out the candle. She listened and gazed
All was still; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed.
1811ff All was silent ...
she heard loud noises in the rooms below
1870 she heard noises in the rooms below
a cold chilly sweat ran down her face
1811ff ... run down her face
grasped her arm which lay on the outside of the bed clothes
1870 grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes
no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down,
pondering these strange events. Was it not possible that she was right
1870 no visible being was in the room except herself; how then could
she account for these events? Was ...
1811ff probable
Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination?
Or if false keys had been made use of to enter the rooms below, might
they not be also used to enter her chamber? But could her room
1870 ... imagination? But could her room
She knew she could not sleep
1811ff She knew she could not go to sleep
The moon had arisen and cast a pale, imperfect lustre over the
landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the doors--
perhaps they were still open.
1811ff a pale lustre ... of the door
She examined the others; they were in the same situation
1870 ... they were all in the same situation
As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whoever
had been in the house were there still
1870 As soon as her scattered senses were collected ...
1811ff ... whatever had been in the house was there still
ascended in pyramidal columns to the zenith
1811 pyramidial 1851/70 pyramidical
1851/70 columns the zenith
A small spot of ineffable brightness succeeded
1851/70 A spot of ...
both sides of it were smoothe [sic] as glass.
1811ff as smooth as glass
The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable
1870 The events of the last night ...
the gate opened and the house entered by the means of false keys.
Her father would as soon do this as to confine her
1811/51 by means of false keys 1870 by false keys
1870 ... as confine her
Innumerous stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their
quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milkyway [sic]
1811ff Innumerable
1811 the milk way 1851/70 the milky way
But why should she fear? She knew of no one she had injured. She knew
of none she had displeased
1811/51/70 But why should she fear? She knew of none she had
displeased
the horizon was overclouded, and it had begun to rain.
1811ff ... and it began to rain
convinced that she was safe and secure, she concluded to go to bed
1811ff convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed
leaving, however, two candles burning in the room. As she for two
nights had been deprived of her usual rest
1870 leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two
nights had been deprived of her rest
a broad flash like that of lightning, transiently illuminated her
chamber
1811ff a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the
chamber
the sounds seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head
1870 the sound seemed to be in the room ...
filled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a
repetition of the thunder--but a very different sound soon grated
1870 with electric effluvium ... a very different sound grated
the doors below alternately open and shut, flapping furiously
1811ff ... slapping furiously
[[The 1804 text uses long "s". The reading "flapping" is the
transcriber's best guess, but the condition of the text does not
allow certainty.]]
she perceived some person crawling on to its foot
1811ff ... on its foot
instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor--with convulsive
grasp, seized the candle
1870 instantly she ...
1811ff with convulsed grasp
she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh
1870 she heard a deep, hollow sigh
Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned
1870 ... since she returned
Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure
1870 ... took a walk around the enclosure
the light gales bore revigorating coolness
1870 the light gales bore invigorating coolness
the flowery verdure of the fields were changing to a russet hue
1870 of the field
1811ff was changed
hammering on the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree, filled
the woods with reverberant echoes
1811ff hammering on some dry and blasted trees
1870 reverberating
the images of departed joys
1870 the images of departing joys
in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence
1870 in this house of gloom rests ...
throughout these now solitary demesnes
1851/70 throughout these solitary demesnes
yonder halls and apartments shone with brilliant illumination. Now
all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of sprites and spectres
of nameless terror.
1811ff in brilliant illumination ... the haunt of spirits
All that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that executed
1870 ... the head that formed and the hand that executed
the rising shower, which slowly ascended in gloomy pomp
1851/70 the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp
The lightning more broader and brighter flashed
1811ff The lightning broader
1851/70 flashes
Convolving clouds pouring smoky volumes
1811ff Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes
Slantways, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend
1851/70 Slant-wise ...
It seemed nothing less than the crush of worlds
1851/70 ... the crash of worlds
pass another night in the lonely mansion
1851/70 ... the lone mansion
a voice behind her exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Melissa!"
1870 a voice exclaimed ...
"No one except myself, Alonzo," she answered
1811ff "No one except myself," she answered
He followed her up to her apartment and seated himself by the fire
1811ff He followed her to her apartment ...
separated from society, and no one present to interrupt them
1811ff separated from society, and no one to interrupt them
Alonzo and Melissa heard little of it
1851 heard a little 1870 heard but little
what course her aunt and she had taken
1811ff what course her aunt had taken
where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before
1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 26
desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned
1870 desiring Alonzo to remain until he returned
they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of Melissa
1870 ... in his affairs and in the welfare of Melissa
It is possible that Melissa is
1811ff It is not possible but that Melissa is
At length a large, tall tree, which stood near him, on the verge of
the moat, or rather, in that place, river, was hurled from its
foundation
1811ff At length a large tree ... or rather in that place, was
hurled from its foundation
He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on to the wall
1811ff ... made his way on the wall
found the door open, which Melissa had left so in her fright
1811ff ... had left in her fright
they could not endure the idea of another and an immediate separation
1811ff ... another and immediate separation
It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay there
1811ff It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay
I would not wish unjustly to censure your father
1811ff I would not censure your father
Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualified
obedience to my parents," said she, "I have ever considered the first
of duties
1870 sighed, wiped ... one of the first duties
for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it
in the way she had proposed, she was not sure but she would be
immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely
treated. To continue there
1870 ... knew nothing of. To continue there
Melissa was to leave the draw-bridge down
1811ff Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down
he passed over, and she slowly withdrew
1870 he passed over and slowly withdrew
The fire-fly sunk feebly twinkling amidst the herbage of the fields
1870 amongst the herbage
1870 NO FOOTNOTE
and assisted him in obtaining a carriage
1870 to obtain a carriage
and another burning on the table
1811ff and another was burning on the table
By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared
1870 By what means had she thus suddenly disappeared
John's hut was situate about one mile north from the mansion where
she had been confined. When he came out near the road
1851/70 situated
1870 When he came near the road
John stared in amazement
1851/70 John started in amazement
her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned
1870 her aunt has gone ...
John informed him that she was there about sunset
1870 ... he was there about sunset
He returned in about half an hour
1870 He returned in half an hour
the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavoring
1870 ... with improperly endeavoring
He told them all that had happened since he was there, of which,
before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and
Vincent
1870 He told him all .... At the house
and she wished to marry somebody else
1811ff and she wishes to marry somebody else
Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue
1870 Alonzo did not hesitate long ...
the idea could not pluck the thorn from his bosom
1851/70 ... from his own bosom
I have got considerable money at command
1870 ... at my command
He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right
1870 ... come to right
his resources had not yet failed him
1851/70 his resources had not failed him
he reached Killingsworth
1870 ... Killingworth
through the night was wrecked with severe pain
1851/70 ... racked with severe pain
it might prove an injury to her if she was there, and could answer no
valuable purpose if she was not
1811ff ... if she were ... if she were not
he could not distinguish her features
1870 he did not distinguish her features
he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced
that it was Melissa
1870 he had a side view of her face, was more ...
he found it was Melissa's cousin
1811ff he found it to be Melissa's cousin
"Do you not think," said Mrs. Wyllis, "that she resembles their cousin
Melissa, who resided there some time ago?"
1870 ... her cousin Melissa ...
what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine upon.
1811ff what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine.
Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features
1870 Alonzo felt no curiosity ...
An incident tended to confirm his resolution
1851/70 ... this resolution
her fine eyes were closed for ever
1851/70 her fine eyes had closed for ever
and shook the trembling frame of Alonzo
1811ff and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo
the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours
1870 ... dispel these distressful hours
the death list arrested his attention
1870 the death list attracted his attention
Died, of a consumption ...
1804/11: DIED, of a consumption on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
uncle, Col. W****** D----, near Charleston, South-Carolina, whither
she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
daughter of J**** D----, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
18th year of her age.
1851: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
uncle, Col. W. D--, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she
had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
daughter of J---- D----, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
eighteenth year of her age.
1870: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
uncle, Col. W. D----, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she
had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
daughter of J. D----, Esq. of ------, Connecticut, in the
eighteenth year of her age.
The fanciful part of our readers may be ready to cast it aside
1811ff ... may cast it aside
the geni which animated and enlivened it
1811ff the genius which animated and enlivened it
Arouse your hero. Call to his aid
1811 Arouse your hero: call to his aid
1851/70 Arouse your hero? call to his aid
to what pathos of grief and wretchedness
1811ff to what paths of grief and wretchedness
regions where my guardian angel is gone
1811/51 regions where my guardian is gone
nature triumphed over disease of body, he slowly recovered
1811 body--he 1851/70 body, and he
an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina [See
Barometer No. 110.]
1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 39. 1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE
roved, he knew not whether [sic] [for "whither"]
1811ff where
the dircle sung mournfully in the grass
1811ff ... on the grass
through which they had passed, were recalled to his mind
1851/70 ... were called to his mind
His fancy saw her--felt her gently leaning on his arm
1870 His fancy saw her--he felt ...
Again was he enraptured by the melody of her voice
1811ff Again he was enraptured ...
the first time he saw her at her cousin's [See Barometer No. 105.
See also allusions to this scene in several subsequent parts of the
story.]
1811/51 [FOOTNOTE] See page 7/8. See also ... 1870 NO FOOTNOTE
his former bliss and anxiety, where every countenance would tend
to renew his mourning, where every door would be inscribed with a
memento mori
1870 the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where every door
would be inscribed with a memento mori
the breezes rustled from their woody coverts
1811ff the breezes rushed
the willderness [sic] of its waters
1811ff its wilderness of waters
A new scene now opened to Alonzo
1811ff A new scene was now opened to Alonzo
[QUOTATION]
Blue tumbling billows, topp'd with foam
1851/70 Blue trembling billows ...
The dingy scud first flew swiftly along the sky
1811ff The dirgy scud ...
It appeared to be of about equal force and dimensions
1811ff It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions
the ship went down and was for ever buried
1870 the ship went down and was buried
as there existed no parental or other impediments to our union
1811ff as there were no ...
the friend and intimate of my angel in my absence. They were now
almost every day together, so that I had frequently opportunities
1811ff the friend and inmate ...
1851/70 ... frequent opportunities
promised to obey her injunctions
1811ff proceeded
1870 injunction
No, it was not this that caused you to perjure your plighted vows
1811ff No, it was not that which ...
I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of distraction
1870 I worked up my feelings ...
gently pressed in the hand of the stranger
1870 ... in the hands of the stranger
a little arbour, at a few yards distant from where I was
1811ff a little arbour, a few ...
1851/70 ... where I sat
"I forgive you, Henry," she said, "I forgive your mistake,"
1851 "I forgive you," Henry, she said, "forgive your mistake"
I made no defence; was condemned to death
1851/70 defence; and was
frequently enter the prison to console and comfort him
[here alone, the 1804 form is "console" rather than "consolate"]
But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a skeleton
1851/70 ... to a mere skeleton
trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the merits of a Redeemer
1811ff ... the sufferings of a Redeemer
were loose and could easily be removed
1851/70 were loose and could be easily removed
every article of which he cut into narrow strips
1811 ... narrow slips
a piece of long timber
1811ff a long piece of timber
as useless encumbrances without his clothes
1811ff as a useless encumbrance ...
You must have experienced a severe gale indeed
1870 You have experienced ...
The sailor mused a few minutes
1870 The sailor mused for a few minutes
Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled American prisoners
were treated
1811ff ... and disabled prisoners were treated
[FOOTNOTE]
were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned
in America
1870 ... imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America
he now found that he had lost his leg
1870 he now discovered ...
it is possible I have been undesigningly accessory
1811ff ... undesignedly accessory
to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: "For
the comforts of life," said he
1870 to make him more
1811ff the comforts of this life
1811 replied he
he would fall into incoherent mutterings
1851/70 ... muttering
a natural stone was placed at its head
1870 ... at his head
bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directing Alonzo
1811ff ... and directed Alonzo
not with a view to returning to America; he had yet no relish for
revisiting
1811ff of returning
1870 ... he had no relish for revisiting
Of this Alonzo gave a minute account
1811ff Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account
Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed
1870 ... the man to whom ...
Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain
1870 ... no reason to complain
Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning
1870 Alonzo dressed in deep mourning
he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse
1870 ... a curious wrought purse
what he esteemed most invaluable
1811ff what he esteemed most valuable
Lost, between the hours of 9 and 10 last evening, in the Rue de
Loire
1811ff nine and ten ... Loir [sic]
had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed
1870 ... of what passed
a letter from his father, while he was at the army
1811 while at 1851/70 while with
Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found
1870 ... which I suppose you to have found
which I probably dropped on replacing in my pocket
1811ff ... on replacing it in my pocket
it has become a most precious and invaluable relique
1811ff ... and valuable relique
The next morning as they were about to part
1811ff ... about to depart
and sighed as ardently for some other trifle
1811ff and sighed as earnestly ...
turns to some other source to supply the vacuum
1811ff ... to supply vacuum
Stripped of all but their intrinsic value
1811ff Stripped of all their intrinsic value
inordinate passion, or what you would call pure affection
1811ff ... what some would call ...
pining for a hopeless object
1811ff ... a hapless object
which will sail for any part of America in some time
1851/70 ... for some time
Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life
1870 Ah! had this but happened ...
consecrated piles, and funereal monuments of the sacred dead
1811ff sacred piles, and funeral monuments ...
October 26, 1776,
1811 Oct.
how tenderly pensive does she beam her lovely eyes upon me!
1811ff how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon me!
There [pointing to the grave] there behold how my dearest wishes
1811ff Then ...
the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips
1870 whispers
determining to proceed on early in the morning
1811ff ... proceed early in the morning
1870 ... proceed early the next morning
which before sunrise encreased to a violent storm
1851/70 which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm
was to be opened for that night only
1851/70 was to be opened that night only
To the general enquiry of "what's the matter? "
1851/70 To the general enquiry, "what's the matter? "
forbade that he should re-pierce the ten thousand wounds
1811ff forbade that he re-pierce ...
[QUOTATION]
Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group
. . .
As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind.
1870 Song, beauty, love ...
1870 As yet a forfeit! ...
They immediately retired to a separate room, where the stranger
1811ff ... when the stranger
private concerns; more extraordinary may you esteem it
1851/70 private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it
"Are you unmarried, sir?" "I am now, and have ever been single."
1811ff Are you married
1851/70 I am not
numberless suitors have sighed for her hand
1811ff numberless suitors sighed ...
It seemed that if she could but speak with him
1870 ... speak to him
This extraordinary dream she has communicated
1851/70 ... she had communicated
Her father, who has but two children besides herself, being dotingly
fond of her
1811 two children, one besides herself
1851/70 two children, one beside herself
1811 doting
in a rallying way told her I had seen her invisible beau
1811 in a railing way
1851/70 told her that I
she thought but little of it
1811ff she thought little of it
my leaving you so abruptly, and of my not returning
1811ff ... and not returning
Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain
1870 Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain
on reviewing the incidents which led to
1811ff on reviewing the incidents which to
I have experienced a sufficient change of objects and of country
1851/70 ... and country
a silk girdle, with diamond clasps
1811ff a silken girdle ...
Did not Alonzo see her death announced in the public prints?
1851/70 ... her death in ...
And is not all this sufficient to prove
1811ff And is not this ...
However the author may succeed in description
1811ff ... in his description
the bower on her favorite hill
1870 the bower of ...
Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist
[FOOTNOTE]
1804 see Barometer, no. 118
their tears fell in one immingling shower
1811ff ... one intermingling shower
you were proof against the whole arcana of beauty
1870 ... the whole arena of beauty
Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your discrimination
1811ff ... your determination
the true novel style
1811ff the novel style
"There I confess," said he, looking at Alonzo
1811ff "Then I confess" ...
He is the son of a deceased uncle
1811ff ... my deceased uncle
a servant took charge of Alonzo's carriage
1851/70 ... took care ...
the eldest, a son about ten years of age
1811ff the eldest son, about ten years of age
to its members and its guests.
And here, were we to adopt the method of some novel writers, we
might close our history, and leave it for imagination to paint the
sequel. But there are some mysteries, which if not elucidated,
will render our story incomplete, and besides were we to stop here,
the real finishing stroke would still be wanting; we shall
therefore pass with as much rapidity as possible over the remaining
incidents of our story, rendered already too lengthy for a weekly
paper.
It was agreed that Alonzo
1811ff to its members and its guests. // It was agreed that Alonzo
[entire paragraph omitted]
I told her that as I had been placed there by my father, I should not
consent to a removal unless by his express orders
1811ff I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and
should not consent
I hardly know what I did wish
1811ff I hardly knew ...
As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion
1870 ... back to the mansion
which put him in a terrible fluster
1851/70 ... a terrible flutter
we have little peace in the house
1870 we have but little peace in the house
the servant delivered a packet of letters
1811ff ... a package of letters
my uncle found it impossible to submit to these stern injunctions
1811ff ... these firm injunctions
soon after the birth of their first child
1811ff ... the first child
Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse
1870 ... the child to nurse
He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman
1870 He finally married to an amiable woman
yet soon greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow
1851/70 yet greatly ...
he considers you to have formed an improper connection
1870 he considers you have ...
I have seen some troubles in this way myself, in my early days;
perhaps my counsel may be of some service
1870 in that way ... council
I immediately gave him a correct account
1811ff I immediately gave a correct account
write to your father, advising him not to proceed too rashly
1811ff ... desiring him ...
her health evidently decreasing after she came to this place
1851/70 ... decreasing. After ...
and was thereafter retained in the family
1811ff and was therefore ...
In Charleston it was also generally supposed
1851/70 In Charleston it was generally supposed
he was not only deprived of you
1811ff he was not only deprived of me
except that you had gone in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you
had gone to New London
1811ff except that you had gone to New London
He then confidentially unfolded to your father
1870 He then confidently ...
from whence you then came, to where you went
1851/70 from whence you then came, or where you went
she had undoubtedly given him his lesson
1811ff ... given him instructions
he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt's favor
1870 he initiated himself ...
he had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances
1870 he had a wife ...
yesterday morning at my uncle's house in town, which Alfred had
proposed for the scene of action
1811ff ... my uncle's house, which ...
I trust that difficulty will soon be removed
1851/70 I trust that that difficulty ...
if he had ever known Doctor Franklin
1811ff if he ever knew Dr. Franklin
I have inflicted a wound still deeper on my own bosom
1811ff ... in my own bosom
your daughter was the subject of my earliest affection
1851/70 ... the object of ...
I shall in some measure realize former happy anticipations
1811ff ... former anticipations
bowed his gratitude and after appointing that day week, departed
1851/70 bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing ...
when a person rapped to the door below
1811ff ... at the door below
to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, no obdurate father
1851/70 to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father
The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape's lovely green
1811 ... the landscapes' ...
encircled by a wreath of flowers
1811ff ... a wreath of artificial flowers
Edgar then rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom
1870 ... mentioned to ...
"Where tides of heavy sorrows swell'd,"
1811ff ... sorrow ...
"And do I receive thee from the dead!" he said. "I am anxious to hear
the mystery unfolded
1811ff And I receive thee as from ... the mighty mystery unfolded
But wearied with the bustles of life
1870 ... business of life
who all soon left it under the foolish pretence or impression of
hearing strange noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the
superstition of people
1811ff who all left
1870 under foolish pretence
1811ff of hearing noises
1851/70 of the people
which might lead to the elucidation
1811ff which might tend to the elucidation
they struck a fire and lit candles, which they had brought with them
1811ff lighted candles
1870 which they brought
where no objects presented, they lay flat on the ground, with orders
not to stir, or to discover themselves
1811ff where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with
orders not to stir, or discover themselves
so that nothing should be discovered from without. Things thus
arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence
1811ff so that nothing could ...
1870 ... almost implicit silence
For a long time no sounds were heard
1811ff ... no sound was heard
to prevent discovery took off their shoes
1811ff to prevent discovery they took off their shoes
"Those rascally cow-boys detained us too long."----"Well, well,
never mind it
1811ff "Rascally cow-boys
1851/70 "Well, never mind it
a noise as if several doors shut to
1870 ... shut too [this spelling is used several times]
gave the signal to the men without
1811ff gave the alarm ...
the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had all
disappeared
1811ff ... had disappeared
That they were part of a gang
1811ff That they were a part of a gang
sold at a very extortionate price
1851/70 sold at very extortionate prices
struck immense sums of it
1811/51 immense quantities 1870 immense quanties [sic]
which had heretofore been only in the open woods
1851 which had therefore ...
we recrossed from the mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders
of ropes, placing a flat piece of thick board
1811ff the old mansion ... a flat of thick board
on touching a spring, it would suddenly fly open
1811ff ... it would fly open
so that on emergency we could traverse every apartment
1811ff so that on an emergency ...
a beautiful young lady asleep in the only bed in the room
1811ff ... on the only bed in the room
to dispossess the fair tenant of premises to which
1851/70 ... of the premises to which
As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion
1870 As soon as they were ...
exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appearances
1870 exhibited ...
some of the same material being placed in its mouth
1811ff some material being placed in its mouth
not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments
1870 not having stripped off ...
which in the night appears like coals of fire
1851/70 ... looks like ...
the generous midshipman, John Brown
1811ff ... Jack Brown
as there were several other British prisoners in the jail
1811ff ... in jail
put under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of
clothes
1870 ... cleansed ...
his ship was ordered for America
1870 ... to America
went before the magistrates of the town
1870 ... the magistrate of the town
planned the structure of their family edifice.
[NOTE] See Barometer 109-110.
1811 [FOOTNOTE] See pages 34 and 38.
1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE
This intimation according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the site
1851/70 This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo.
The site
Spring, with its verdured fields
1864 verdurous [this difference is on the last page: see above]
commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy
1870 ... plaintively and melancholy
* * * *
[THE END]
Daniel Jackson's Novel: Alonzo And Melissa; Or, The Unfeeling Father
_