The Hindoo's Paradise

Anonymous

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 thou been through purgatory?" Brahma said,

"No, but I've 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.

But scarce had he entered the garden fair,

When another Hindoo asked admission there.

The self-same question, Brahma asked,

"Hast thou been through purgatory?"

"No, what then?" "Thou canst not enter," did the God reply.

"Why, he that entered first was there no more than I."

"All that is true, but he has married been,

And so on earth, had suffered from all sin."

"Married, 'tis well, I've been married twice."

"Begone, we'll have no fools in Paradise."