Classic Poem

AH INDOO died; Ahappy thing to do,
When fifty 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 gardens 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 who went in was there no more than I. "
" All that is true, but he has married been,
And so on earth has suffered for all his sin. "
" Married? Tis well, for I've been married twice. "
" Begone! We'll have no fools in paradise! "