KNEW a tale of woe, gives the narrator emotional depth.Knew implies familiarity.He didn't just hear sad stories in the past.He cared enough to become involved with the person/people telling him their sadstory.KNEW speaks to his history of caring.He cared then AND he cares now.HEARD is dismissive.He could have HEARD tales of woe in the past but that doesn't mean he cared enough to do anything about it.KNEW works just as well with TOLD