I struggled as one who was fighting for breath!
Till, in fancy, I passed through the last mortal throe,
And my spirit sought rest in the regions below.
My passport delayed me a while, but, at last,
Through the wide-yawning portals of Pluto I passed;
Then, warned by a goblin I met on the way,
My respects to the grim king of Hades I pay:
I advance to his throne, and, without falling prostrate,
I pay my devoirs to the great arch-apostate.
He rose up and told me to follow his wake,