The Hindu's Death

A Hindu died-a happy 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 to 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 Hindu asked admission there.
The self-same question Brahma asked again:
"Has been through Purgatory?" "No; what then?"
"Thou canst not enter!" did the god reply.
"He that 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!"

-George Birdseye