

1916.] A Tibetan Funeral Prayer. 149 



9. 



come mends and kinsfolk anxious 

 the sufferer. 



Pressing on him food and dainties, which, alas! are left 

 untasted. 



Vain their various arts to cure him; fail alike priest and 

 physician. 



And the body's filth is voided, where it lies, upon the bed- 

 clothes. 



Then descend, etc., etc. 



10. 



Rich foods only rouse his loathing. Shrinks his upper lip all 



pallid. 

 Downward droop the nostril corners. All his teeth are full of 



foulness, 

 Nothing is there that doth please him save a draught of clear, 



cool water. 

 Draweth nigh the hour of parting, and his last requests he 



stammers. 



Then descend, etc., etc. 



11. 



Fondly, anxiously he gazes on the face of friend and kinsman. 

 Seek his hands the hands and clothing of all those he leaves 



behind him. 

 More and more gives forth his body coming death's peculiar 



odour. 



Then descend, etc., etc. 



12. 



All his days and deeds are ended ; nearer draw the pangs that 



sunder. 

 Matter from its comrade Spirit, sure and certain as night's 



coming. 

 Or like to a light that flickers, when, oil spent, it soon must 



vanish, 

 He can stay no moment longer or withhold the parting spirit. 



Then descend, etc., etc. 



13. 



Clutch and claw the nerveless fingers. "0, I die* " he cries, 



appealing. 

 When has ceased the laboured breathing, then is known that 



life has parted. 



