Page:Anne Bradstreet and her time.djvu/167

Rh And dreadful expectation Of endless pains and scalding flames, Stand waiting for damnation."

The saints have received their place and look with an ineffable and satisfied smirk on the despair of the sinners, all turning at last to gaze upon the battalion of "reprobate infants," described in the same brisk measure:

These infants, appalled at what lies before them, begin to first argue with true Puritanic subtlety, and finding this useless, resort to pitiful pleadings, which result in a slight concession, though the unflinching Michael gives no hint of what either the Judge or his victims would regard as "the easiest room." The infants receive their sentence with no further remark.

You sinners are; and such a share As sinners may expect; Such you shall have, for I do save None but mine own elect. Yet to compare your sin with their Who lived a longer time, I do confess yours is much less, Though every sin's a crime.

A crime it is; therefore in bliss You may not hope to dwell;