Tale XVI.
Variant of Title:
THE WEALTHY MERCHANT AND CONSCIENCIOUS CLERK.
l. 4: For—but the terms are only known to friends (D.)
l. 15: Her he immures and fixes in her stead. (D.)
instead of ll. 25–6:
The cruel Man who robs him fain would lend
Aid to his Grief—his Grief is near its End. (D.)
after l. 45:
There are who reason, but in reasoning stray
Because they deviate from the plain, right Way;
Who by their own just feelings might abide
And seldom need a Caution or a Guide. (D.)
instead of ll. 51–2:
In paths of Danger and beware of Sleep—
A Guide he needed, for his Mind was slow. (D.)
l. 75: I from this bold, bad Spirit must depart. (D.)
after l. 79:
Thus reasoned John who, by his feelings led,
Had from his Place as from Contagion fled. (D.)
l. 96: “But, O my Conscience, be not you beguiled.” (D.)
after l. 97:
“’Twas thus I left John Pewit; can you state
How he and Conscience finished their Debate?” (D.)
instead of l. 112:
The Wife whom now her Husband’s Death had freed.
instead of l. 122:
The Man now left appeared awhile as one.
after l. 170:
’Tis a dull story, and of one so vile
I have no Hope that I can raise a Smile;
But from a Life so vile, a Death so swift,
Reflecting Man a moral thought may sift.