The Brothers’ Subject on their Morning Ride Was, as it chanced, the Misery of Pride!
[illegible attempts.] The very Virtues suffer! and but few Altho’ unshamed bear Want and pity too. This is the Serpent Poverty that Stings! And Wealth, thus flying, certain misery brings.
The Wretched then the common fate deplore And mourn Enjoyments that return no more. They who so dearly loved in happier times Doubt the tried Worth; their Sorrows are their Crimes. They spoil the Temper; they disturb the rest; Men fly the Scold, the Comforter, the Guest. (M.)
instead of ll. 48-53:
“Oh! that we had the virtuous pride to show We know ourselves what all about us know; Nor, when our board contains a single dish, Tell lying tales of market-men and fish! We know ’tis hard from higher views to fall— What is not hard when life is trial all?” (O.M.)
after l. 67:
“But I digress, dear Richard, who despise Tellers of tales, who stop and moralize; As some good editors of Esop used Their privilege, and readers’ sense abused: Who half a page to write their fable took, And just a page and half to swell their book. But to that gentle being I return, And, as I treat of patience, let me learn.” (O.M.)
instead of ll. 106-7: