GENTLENESS IS POWER. 127 
: homely earthen pitcher that had been her constant companion in 
youth, when feeding her father’s flock, and which she used in com- 
mon for supplying the sheep and herself from the spring. This was 
the sole relic she had reserved of her humble state of maidenhood, 
and she enjoined her daughter to bear it with her wherever her fu- 
ture lot might be cast, as it would serve to remind her of her mo- 
ther’s simple and innocent origin, and check any rising thoughts of 
superiority in rank or station. “I die,” said, she “ with cheerful 
satisfaction, because I have fulfilled my destiny. I was granted but 
one image of myself to rear, and so precious is that one to my heart, 
so kindly has it yielded to my fostering hand, that I leave it without 
asad thought. For we shall be separated only in the body, Caran- 
za; my spirit will be ever near you, to cheer you in trouble, and 
comfort you at all times. I shall behold your opening eyes, and 
watch at your side when their lids are closed. When the storms of 
sorrow rise (for storms you must have), remember that your mother 
is near you, and be steadfast.” 
Without the city lay an extensive plain, and in the centre of it 
was arising ground. Here Caranza, by the consent of the king, 
ordered that the last ceremony of disposing the remains of Sufeika 
should be solemnized. No troops attended the procession, no pomp, 
no pageantry. But the whole city, and all the country round, 
poured forth their thousands; so that, by the time the sun had just 
appeared above the edge of the plain, the area round the hill was 
one sea of population ; and at that point of time issued from the 
city gate the corpse of the queen, borne on the heads of loving ser- 
vants, and followed by Caranza alone ; for as it was not the custom 
of the country that the king should attend any funeral, Azum Beg, 
rather than infringe the rule of a state ceremonial, was content to 
forego the paying the last tribute of affection to a virtuous and mag- 
nanimous consort. Azum was selfish ; he therefore gladly pleaded 
an insignificant excuse for absenting himself, where he would have 
; been the least important person in the procession. He could not 
afford the bereavement of state pageantry, trappings, and garniture. 
He remained behind, and was not even thought of. 
They laid the dead queen upon a lofty pile of wood, made more 
inflammable by odoriferous gums, oils, and resin ; and while the 
purifying element was performing its fierce office, Caranza, apart, 
upon her knees, with all the multitude following her example, 
awaited the consummation. Nothing was heard throughout that 
peopled space but the roaring of the fire and the smart chidings of 
the burning timber. When the sacrifice was completed, the ashy 
