Note dv — CANTO THE SECOND
Reading edition
Frown not upon me, churlish Priest! that I Look not for Life, where life may never be: I am no sneerer at thy phantasy; Thou pitiest me, alas! I envy thee, Thou bold Discoverer in an unknown sea Of happy Isles and happier Tenants there; I ask thee not to prove a Sadducee;[*] Still dream of Paradise, thou know'st not where,[**] Which if it be thy sins will never let thee share.[***] —[MS. D. erased.]
[*]The Sadducees did not believe in the Resurrection.—[MS. D.]
[**] But look upon a scene that once was fair.—[Erased.] Zion's holy hill which thou wouldst fancy fair.—[Erased.]
[***] As those, which thou delight'st to rear in upper air.—[Erased.] Yet lovs't too well to bid thine erring brother share.—[D. erased.]