nt
degrees; nor could the grave lady help expressing her astonishment
at it. The future coachman then replied, with a laugh, that they had
exchanged lots; for that the duke had with his dukedom drawn a shrew for
a wife, and the coachman only a single state.

As we proceeded on our journey we met a solemn spirit walking alone
with great gravity in his countenance: our curiosity invited us,
notwithstanding his reserve, to ask what lot he had drawn.

He answered, with a smile, he was to have the reputation of a wise man
with L100,000 in his pocket, and was practicing the solemnity which he
was to act in the other world. A little farther we met a company of very
merry spirits, whom we imagined by their mirth to have drawn some mighty
lot, but, on inquiry, they informed us they were to be beggars.

The farther we advanced, the greater numbers we met; and now we
discovered two large roads leading different ways, and of very different
appearance; the one all craggy with rocks, full as it seemed of boggy
grounds, and everywhere beset with briars, so that it was impossible to
pass through it without the utmost danger and difficulty; the other, the
most delightful imaginable, leading through the most verdant meadows,
painted and perfumed with all kinds of beautiful flowers; in short,
the most wanton imagination could imagine nothing more lovely.
Notwithstanding which, we were surprised to see great numbers crowding
into the former, and only one or two solitary spirits choosing the
latter.

On inquiry, we were acquainted that the bad road was the way to
greatness, and the other to goodness. When we expressed our surprise at
the preference given to the former we were acquainted that it was chosen
for the sake of the music of drums and trumpets, and the perpetual
acclamations of the mob, with which those who traveled this way were
constantly saluted. We were told likewise that there were several noble
palaces to be seen, and lodged in, on this road, by those who had passed
through the difficulties of it (which indeed many were not able to
surmount), and great quantities of all sorts of treasure to be found in
it; whereas the other had little inviting more than the beauty of the
way, scarce a handsome building, save one greatly resembling a certain
house by the Bath, to be seen during that whole journey; and, lastly,
that it was thought very scandalous and mean-spirited to travel through
this, and as highly honorable and noble to