There he was seated like a
living man, elegantly decorated with all his jewels, and clothed in rich
attire.
The corpse being carried first, the wife followed in a rich palanquin.
As she went along, the surrounding multitudes of people stretched out
their hands towards her to show how much they admired her conduct. The
women in particular went up to her to wish her joy, apparently desiring
to receive her blessing, or at least, that she would pronounce over them
some pleasing word. She tried to satisfy them all, saying to one, that
she would long continue to enjoy her worldly happiness, and to another,
that she would be the mother of many beautiful children. Another was
informed, that she would soon arrive at great honor in the world. These,
and similar expressions, she made to all who came near her, and they
departed with the full belief that they would enjoy all the blessings of
which she had spoken. She also distributed among them some betel-leaves,
which they gladly received as relics, or something of blessed influence.
During the whole procession, which was very long, her countenance was
serene and even cheerful, until they came to the pile upon which she was
to die.
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