342 THE UNIVERSE. 



or smallage. Burning branches of pine and stems of papyrus lighted the proces- 

 sion, which advanced to the sound of funereal flutes, in the construction of which 

 only boxwood and lotus were employed. They always made use of a pyre of 

 resinous wood to consume the dead body. Its action was more rapid and its odor- 

 ous emanations absorbed the smell of the burned flesh. The relatives piously 

 collected the ashes and placed them in urns, mixed with perfumes of myrtle and 

 rose, frankincense and violet. After this they were deposited in the tomb. 



