A HINDOO died—a happy thing to do

When twenty years united to a shrew.

Released, he hopefully for entrance cries

Before the gates of Brahma’s Paradise.

“Hast been through Purgatory?” Brahma said.

“I have been married,” and he hung his head.

“Come in, come in, and welcome, too, my son!

Marriage and Purgatory are as one.”

In bliss extreme he entered heaven’s door,

And knew the peace he ne’er had known before.

He scarce had entered in the Garden fair,

Another Hindoo asked admission there.

The self-same question Brahma asked again:

“Hast been through Purgatory?” “No; what then?”

“Thou canst not enter!” did the god reply.

“He that went in was no more there than I.”

“Yes, that is true, but he has married been,

And so on earth has suffered for all sin.”

“Married? ’Tis well; for I’ve been married twice!”

“Begone! We’ll have no fools in Paradise!”