From Hell to Heaven · Volume 2 · Chapter 206

At the Capuchin emperors’ crypt Many dead within the coffins! Predominant query about Jesus Views about Rome

1. We actually arrive at the Capuchin’s tomb, with our new escorts’ mixed feelings, as our comedian’s remarks: “I now ask you all, what had this story yielded us? Nothing! The good Paul coaxed us out of one hole and pushed us into a deeper one; is not life lovely? It is wrapped motion made up of hunger, thirst and all sorts of depravation. This bundled up misery is constantly shifted from trench to trench, which appears to be its ultimate destiny. Such journey takes its inception at procreation, to then go on forever from tribulation to tribulation, on and on – Amen.

2. We shall be able in this ancient princes’ crypt to assist the old Habsburgers to spook about a little since they shall not themselves be able to bring it on any longer. Such spooking by a Karl or Rudolf or Leopold is bound to bring relief for hungry Capuchin stomachs, whose incomes from their Masses have dried up, notwithstanding their pulpit noise. How faith in Masses and indulgences could be restored, with the crowds witnessing such spirit spooking! Wherefore, vivett! On with assisting Capuchin, friends!”

3. Says another: “But, friend, is it written that we should consequently tarry in the princes’ coffins in the Capuchin tombs merely for ending up here with our friends who freed us from our first

confinement? This was another of your floppies, Sepal! I opine that these princes too would by now spawn the desire to be awakened from their long sleep, for which reason they turned to these mighty workers of miracles as best they knew how. It was up to us to amble along with them, since we could as well have stayed outside. Being here now however, let us be quiet and see what these miracle-working friends will undertake with these princes’ spirits.”

4. Says the tax collector: “Well, these are words worthy of such solemn place! Every one of these coffins is the history of nations as they lived and fared under such regents. And where God Incarnate Himself visits such place, there grandstanding bunglers like us must nicely shut up, or we might not fare too well. Look over where Paul and the Lord Jesus and the others – probably apostles as well are scrutinizing the coffins compassionately; listen to Paul saying: “Oh Lord. Your love, grace and mercy is without end, yet there is still much death in these caskets! Hear that, Seppl? There is still much death in these coffins!”

5. Says Seppl: “Well, everybody knows that they don’t hold dances in them. I know as well as you do that these old princes brought many tragic episodes over their nations during their often tyrannical reigns! I know to what extent these coffins are honourable or otherwise! But whether yonder Jew conversing with so-called Paul is the famous son of God, is another matter! Everything is possible, but over here we still lack the certainty of what to take for true or untrue. Do you think I am a foe of Christ or have no faith in Him? You are gravely mistaken. I honour Him endlessly high, and for that reason still have second thought, about this Jew. I watch everything, and if I discern that it nevertheless is Him, then you shall be astonished at my bearing towards Him! For be advised that I love Him endlessly!”

6. Says the tax collector: “That sounds nice, but one did not get that impression from your previous comments!” Says Seppl “You may have thought me a bit of an anti-Christian for letting fly over the Roman parsons! But, far from it, friend! As a matter of fact, Christ can be honoured and or shipped only if one is Papacy’s foe, because Christianity and Papacy relate like yes and no; should you not believe me then go and see Paul – he will tell you in Hebrew, should you not understand German!

7. Says the tax collector: “I did not find the Roman religion that bad, and bliss can be gained in it.” Says Seppl: “Indeed, if one is content with the heaven of the peasants’ calendar, but it takes plenty of money, time and patience! Paul is signalling quiet-lets comply!”