his life--that he had supported an aged parent with his labor--
that he had been a very tender husband and a kind father--and
that he had ruined himself by being bail for his friend. At
which words the gate opened, and Minos bade him enter, giving him
a slap on the back as he passed by him. A great number of
spirits now came forwards, who all declared they had the same
claim, and that the captain should speak for them. He acquainted
the judge that they had been all slain in the service of their
country. Minos was going to admit them, but had the curiosity to
ask who had been the invader, in order, as he said, to prepare
the back gate for him. The captain answered they had been the
invaders themselves--that they had entered the enemy's country,
and burned and plundered several cities. "And for what reason?"
said Minos. "By the command of him who paid us," said the
captain; "that is the reason of a soldier. We are to execute
whatever we are commanded, or we should be a disgrace to the
army, and very little deserve our pay." "You are brave fellows
indeed," said Minos; "but be pleased to face about, and obey my
command for once, in returning back to the other world: for what
should such fellows as you do where there are no cities to be
burned, nor people to be destroyed? But let me advise you to have
a stricter regard to truth for the future, and not call the
depopulating other countries the service of your own." The
captain answered, in a rage, "D--n me! do you give me the lie?"
and was going to take Minos by the nose had not his guards
prevented him, and immediately turned him and all his followers
back the same road they came.

Four spirits informed the judge that they had been starved to
death through poverty--being the father, mother, and two