Dialogue Between an Exciseman and Death

DESCRIPTION: A tax-collector argues for his life against Death who has come for him. Afraid of final judgement, he concedes his past evil-doing and advises excisemen to shun the practice
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1846 (Dixon-AncientPoemsBalladsSongsOfThePeasantryOfEngland)
LONG DESCRIPTION: A tax-collector seeking "a booty 'mongst merchant's goods which had not paid the duty" confronts Death who has a writ to take him. Fearing the judgement seat, he wishes he had not taken gold. "Let all Excisemen hereby warning take, To shun their practice for their conscience sake"
KEYWORDS: virtue death money dialog religious
FOUND IN:
REFERENCES (2 citations):
Dixon-AncientPoemsBalladsSongsOfThePeasantryOfEngland, Poem #5, pp. 19-23,241, "Dialogue between an Exciseman and Death" (1 text)
Bell-Combined-EarlyBallads-CustomsBalladsSongsPeasantryEngland, pp. 249-252, "A Dialogue Between an Exciseman and Death" (1 text)
Roud #V35056
File: DixP005

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