University of Virginia Library

THE INTRODUCTION.

said the happy Pluto, bowing reverentially, as he drove through
the everlasting portals. “Down Cerberus, down. I give you
welcome, Proserpine, and joy, in your new dominion—back,
you bloody three mouthed cur—droop not, my gentle queen,
you will soon become accustomed to the change of air—we
are populous here, you see, but not crowded. This is the
Styx, and that little murmuring stream on the right, is Acheron.
The people down the river to the left, are ghosts waiting to
cross the ferry; but we, you perceive, dash right ahead,
through fire and water, without stopping for the boat. Here
we are in Tartarus proper. The individuals you see engaged
in different employments, are all persons of the highest consideration—I'll
soon introduce you—you'll be delighted—ah!
allow me to present to you Mr. Tantalus, the president of our
infernal Temperance Society—a very abstemious, self-denying
gentleman—drinks nothing—Mr. Tantalus, the queen of Orcus—you

look thirsty, sir—steady, you fiery colts—Proserpine,
the Misses Danaides—daughters of a king, my dear, and
eminent collaborators with Tantalus, in the liquid cause—deep
in the science of water power—Ladies, our new queen will
give out cards for a ball, as soon as she is rested from her
journey. Lord Sysiphus, my love—a great mineralogist.
Hippodamia, we must tax thy dutiful loyalty to set down that
water pitcher, and do us a few errands. Let our people hear
the news, and share their sovereign's joy. First see chief justice
Minos, and desire him to hasten to the palace to draw a
marriage settlement—carry Mr. Tantalus a bottle of hock—
tell him, I say he must drink it—set Ixion's wheel turning the
other way—drive the vultures from off old Tityus, and tell all
the souls to rest themselves and be happy; this is our royal
wedding-day, and our bridal shall be a jubilee, by the Styx!

Smack, went the whip, and on dashed the royal vehicle,
burning the tracks of its rapid course in lines of vivid lightning.