were indeed some persons, but their number was very small, that
continued a kind of hobbling march on the broken arches, but fell
through one after another, being quite tired and spent with so long a
walk.

10. I passed some time in the contemplation of this wonderful structure;
and the great variety of objects which it presented. My heart was
filled with a deep melancholy, to see several dropping unexpectedly in
the midst of mirth and jollity, and catching at every thing that stood
by them to save themselves. Some were looking up towards the heavens in
a thoughtful posture, and in the midst of a speculation, stumbled and
fell out of sight. Multitudes were very busy in the pursuit of bubbles,
that glittered in their eyes and danced before them; but often, when
they thought themselves within the reach of them, their footing failed,
and down they sunk.

11. In this confusion of objects, I observed some with scymitars in
their hands, and others with urinals, who ran to and fro upon the
bridge, thrusting several persons on trap-doors, which did not seem to
lie in their way, and which they might have escaped, had they not been
thus forced upon them.

12. The genius, seeing me indulge myself in this melancholy prospect,
told me I had dwelt long enough upon it: take thine eyes off the bridge,
says he, and tell me if thou seest any thing thou dost not comprehend.
Upon looking up, what mean, said I, those great flights of birds that
are perpetually hovering about the bridge, and settling upon it from
time to time? I see vultures, harpies, ravens, cormorants, and, among
many other feathered creatures, several little winged boys, that perch
in great numbers upon the middle arches. These, said the genius, are
envy, avarice, superstition, despair, love, with the like cares and
passions that infest human life.

13. I here fetched a deep sigh: Alas, said I, man was made in vain! how
is he given away to misery and mortality! tortured in life, and
swallowed up in death! The genius, being moved with compassion towards
me, bid me quit so uncomfortable a prospect. Look no more, said he, on
man in the first stage of his existence, in his setting out for
eternity; but cast thine eye on that thick mist into which the tide
bears the several generations of mortals that fall into it.

14. I directed my sight as I was ordered, and (whether or no the good
genius strengthened it with any supernatural force, or dissipated part
of the mist tha