Or why the Fear? and all that seemed so good Was only Slyness rightly understood; Then, too, his father living held the Son From the sad Course he was disposed to run. (M.)
instead of ll. 255-8:
“Near to the village, where they now abide, In their own style—the vulgar call it pride— Dwelt the fair sisters: good they were and kind, That prying scandal scarce could error find— And candour none—they spent, they spared, they gave Just as they ought to give, to spare, to save; Like two queen-myrtles in an arbour’s side, So they abode, and so might still abide, But for a blight! it wounds me at the heart, That I have grief and anguish to impart.” (O.M.)
l. 287. alchemist. after l. 419:
“Thus fill’d with fear, that evening they attend To his last home an ancient village-friend; And they, reflecting on the old man’s days, Who living had their love, and now their praise— That good old man, with so much native sense, Such health and ease, such hope with competence: They could but own, if such should be their lot, They should be thankful!—It, alas! was not.” (O.M.)
l. 550. ecstacy. after l. 824:
“I read your looks, my Brother, you would give Largely to these—they should in comfort live, Nor labour thus; but you would find it hard To gain assent: professions they regard As their experience bids them, and they run From ready love, as they would treachery shun; Yet have I woo’d them long, and they attend With growing trust—they treat me as a friend, And talk of my probation; but, afraid, They take my counsel, but refuse my aid.” (O.M.)
Book IX.
Instead of ll. 150-5:
“The weeks fled smoothly, five or six, before, Bless’d in the present, he could think of more. Two months beside were at his villa spent, } Where first enraptured, he became content;} Then went to town, scarce knowing why he went. } His lady with him, as a wife should be— Talk of a moon of honey! there were three.” (O.M.)