good living, sir." "That was but a small one," replied
the spirit; "but I had another a little better."--"Very well," said
Minos; "let the poor people pass." At which the parson was stepping
forwards with a stately gait before them; but Minos caught hold of him
and pulled him back, saying, "Not so fast, doctor--you must take one
step more into the other world first; for no man enters that gate
without charity." A very stately figure now presented himself, and,
informing Minos he was a patriot, began a very florid harangue on public
virtue and the liberties of his country. Upon which Minos showed him the
utmost respect, and ordered the gate to be opened. The patriot was not
contented with this applause; he said he had behaved as well in place
as he had done in the opposition; and that, though he was now obliged
to embrace the court measures, yet he had behaved very honestly to his
friends, and brought as many in as was possible. "Hold a moment," says
Minos: "on second consideration, Mr. Patriot, I think a man of your
great virtue and abilities will be so much missed by your country, that,
if I might advise you, you should take a journey back again. I am
sure you will not decline it; for I am certain you will, with great
readiness, sacrifice your own happiness to the public good." The patriot
smiled, and told Minos he believed he was in jest; and was offering to
enter the gate, but the judge laid fast hold of him and insisted on his
return, which the patriot still declining, he at last ordered his guards
to seize him and conduct him back.

A spirit now advanced, and the gate was immediately thrown open to him
before he had spoken a word. I heard some whisper, "That is our last
lord mayor."

It now came to our company's turn. The fair spirit which I mentioned
with so much applause in the beginning of my journey passed through very
easily; but the grave lady was rejected on her first appearance, Minos
declaring there was not a single prude in Elysium.

The judge then addressed himself to me, who little expected to pass this
fiery trial. I confessed I had indulged myself very freely with wine and
women in my youth, but had never done an injury to any man living, nor
avoided an opportunity of doing good; that I pretended to very little
virtue more than general philanthropy and private friendship. I was
proceeding, when Minos bade me enter the gate, and not indulge myself
with trumpeting forth my virtues. I accordingly passe