This, would they think a fable! even as we Do think the story of the Golden Age; Or as some sensual spirits amongst us be, Which hold the World to Come, "a feigned Stage." Yet shall these infants, after, find all true; Though, then, thereof, they nothing could conceive. As soon as they are born, the world they view, And with their mouths, the nurse's milk receive. So when the Soul is born (for Death is nought But the Soul's Birth, and so we should it call!) Ten thousand things She sees, beyond her thought; And, in an unknown manner, knows them all. Then doth She see by spectacles no more, She hears not by report of double spies, Herself, in instants, doth all things explore, For each thing present, and before her lies. [Sidenote: 4. Objection.] But still this Crew, with questions me pursues; "If Souls deceased," say they, "still living be", Why do they not return to bring us news Of that strange world, where they such wonders see? [Sidenote: Answer.] Fond men! if we believe that men do live Under the zenith of both frozen poles; Though none come thence, advertisement to give; Why bear we not the like faith of our Souls? The Soul hath, here on earth, no more to do, Than we have business in our mother's womb; What child doth covet to return thereto? Although all children, first from thence do come! But as Noah's pigeon which returned no more, Did shew she footing found, for all the flood; So when good Souls, departed through death's door, Come not again; it shews their dwelling good. And doubtless such a Soul as up doth mount, And doth appear before her Maker's face, Holds this vile world in such a base account, As She looks down and scorns this wretched place. But such as are detruded down to hell; Either for shame, they still themselves retire, Or tied in chains, they in close prison dwell, And cannot come, although they much desire. [Sidenote: 5. Objection.] "Well, well," say these vain spirits, "though vain it is To think our Souls to heaven or hell do go; Politic men have thought it not amiss, To spread this _lie_, to make men virtuous so!" [Sidenote: Answer.] Do _you_, then, think this moral Virtue, good? I think you do! even for your private gain; For commonwealths by Virtue ever stood; And common good, the private doth contain. If then this Virtue, you do love so well, Have you no means, her practice to maintain? But you this lie must to the people tell, "That good Souls live in joy, and ill in pain."