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ail arbour of dry boughs, where the dead body is placed: the living 
victim follows, dressed, in her bridal jewels, surrounded by rela- 
tions, priests, and musicians. After certain prayers and ceremo- 
nies, sire takes off her jewels, and presenting them with her last 
blessing to her nearest relative, she ascends the funeral pile, enters 
the awful bower, and placing herself near the body of her husband, 
with her own hand generally sets fire to the pile; which being 
constantly supplied with aromatic oils, the mortal frames are soon 
consumed: and the Hindoos entertain no doubt of the soul’s re- 
union in purer realms; where, however false the principle, they 
are taught to believe that such heroic virtue, and approved con- 
stancy, will meet with a proportionate reward. During the cre- 
mation, the noise of the trumpets, and other musical instruments, 
overpowers the cries of the self-devoted victim, should her resolu- 
tion fail her: but those who have attended this solemn sacrifice, 
assure us, that they always observed, even the youngest widows, 
to manifest the greatest composure and dignity throughout the 
awful scene. 
The Hindoos are much addicted to astrology, and place such 
implicit faith in their Brahmins and soothsayers, that they will not 
make a bargain, enter into a contract, nor suffer a ship to sail, on 
a day, or an hour, which they pronounce unlucky. They have 
even lucky minutes, when important business can only be trans- 
acted. But Greece and Rome, even in the highest state of civi- 
lization and refinement, produced many persons who were equally 
credulous in omens and auspices, and as much addicted to astro- 
logy and augury, as any of the modern Hindoos. 
Religious disputes and unavailing controversies, seldom disturb 
