One of the
reasons why the orthodox heaven is so depressing a place is that
there seems to be no room in it for laughter; it is all harmony and
meekness, sanctified by nothing but the gravest of smiles. What
wonder that humanity is dejected at the thought of an existence
from which all possibility of innocent absurdity and kindly mirth
is subtracted--the only things which have persistently lightened
and beguiled the earthly pilgrimage! That is why the death of a
humorous person has so deep an added tinge of melancholy about it,
because it is apt to seem indecorous to think of what was his most
congenial and charming trait still finding scope for its exercise.
We are never likely to be able to tolerate the thought of Death,
while we continue to think of it as a thing which will rob humanity
of some of its richest and most salient characteristics.
Even the ghastly humour of Milton is a shade better than this. It
will be remembered that he makes the archangel say to Adam that
astronomy has been made by the Creator a complicated subject, in
order that the bewilderment of scientific men may be a matter of
entertainment to Him!
"He His fabric of the Heavens
Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move
His laughter at their quaint opinions wide.
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