Do sinners fall? ’tis mercy to mankind. ADIEU! can one so miserable be, Rich, wretched man, to barter fates with thee? II. Yet, ere I go, some notice must be paid To JOHN, his Clerk, a man full sore afraid Of his own frailty—many a troubled day Has he walk’d doubtful in some close by-way, Beseeching Conscience on her watch to keep, 50 Afraid that she one day should fall asleep. A quiet man was John; his mind was slow; Little he knew, and little sought to know. He gave respect to worth, to riches more, And had instinctive dread of being poor. Humble and careful, diligent and neat, He in the Dealer’s office found a seat; Happy in all things, till a fear began To break his rest—He served a wicked man, Who spurn’d the way direct of honest trade, 60 But praised the laws his cunning could evade. This crafty Dealer of religion spoke, As if design’d to be the wise man’s cloak, And the weak man’s encumbrance, whom it awes, And keeps in dread of conscience and the laws. Yet, for himself, he loved not to appear In her grave dress; ’twas troublesome to wear. This Dealer played at games of skill, and won Sums that surprised the simple mind of John; Nor trusted skill alone; for well he knew, 70 What a sharp eye and dext’rous hand could do; When, if suspected, he had always by The daring oath to back the cunning lie. John was distress’d, and said, with aching heart, “I from the vile, usurious man must part; For, if I go not—yet I mean to go— This friend to me will to my soul be foe. I serve my master: there is nought to blame; But, whom he serves, I tremble but to name.” From such reflections sprung the painful fear— 80 “The Foe of Souls is too familiar here; My master stands between: so far, so good; But ’tis at best a dangerous neighbourhood.” Then livelier thoughts began this fear to chase— “It is a gainful, a convenient place. If I should quit—another takes the pen, And what a chance for my preferment then? Religion nothing by my going gains; If I depart, my master still remains. True, I record the deeds that I abhor, 90 But these that master has to answer for. Then say, I leave the office: his success, And his injustice, will not be the less; Nay, would be greater—I am right to stay; It checks him, doubtless, in his fearful way. Fain would I stay, and yet be not beguiled; But pitch is near, and man is soon defiled.” III.