| No definitive text exists for "Ode on a Grecian Urn." During
Keats's lifetime, it was published in two versions. In addition, four
handwritten transcripts made by friends who read Keats's
handwritten version(s) survive. Editors of Keats's poems must make
a choice among these versions; occasionally an editor combines features
from two or more of the variants. The problem of interpretation is
particularly acute with the much-quoted couplet in the last stanza.
The meaning of the lines changes, as well as the intention of the
poem, in these variants. I have included the three major variants, for
your
comparison and consideration.
Version 1
This version is based on a comparison of the four transcripts by
friends. They agree on the wording, but not on capitalization.
Beauty is Truth,--Truth Beauty,--that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to
know.
Version 2
This version appeared in the Annals of the Fine Arts, for
MDCCCXIX. It was probably published in January 1820.
Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.--That is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to
know.
Version 3
This version appeared in the volume of poetry published in July
1820, during Keats's lifetime. It is not clear that he was well
enough to correct typographical errors.
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,"--that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to
know.
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