The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-03-07
pit was dug in a field without the

lar pit was dug in a field without the
town; in the middle of it was erected a
pile of wood, on the left of which, on
a couch richly ornamented, lay the body
of the deceased Prince in his finest
robes. After numberless rites were
performed by the Brahmins the pile was
set on fire and, Immediately, the I'M
happy women appeared, sparkling with
jewels and adorned with flowers. These
victims walked several times around the
burning pyre, the heat of which was
felt quite a distance. The principal
widow, then holding the dagger Of her
late husband, thus addressed herself to
the Prince, his successor: Here is
the dagger the King made use of to
triumph over his enemies beware never
to employ it to other purposes, never
imbrue it with the blood of your subjects
govern them as a father, as he has done,
and you shall live long and happy as he
did. Since he is no more, nothing can
keep me longer in the world. All that
remains for me is to follow him." With
these words she resigned the dagger
into the Princes hand, who took it from
her without showing the least sign
OF grief OF compassion.
The Princess now appeared
agitated. One of her domestics,
Il Christian woman, had frequently
talked with her upon religion, and
though she never surrendered her idols,
had made some impression on her mind.
pp,,I1 n1,S thnC 1,nur r-atrIyf,l Mill Al.
most expressive look she cried out,
alas! what is the end of human hap
piness? [ know that l shall plunge
myself headlong into hell" On these
words horror was visible on every coun-
tenance, while, resuming courage, she
boldly turned her face to the burning
pile. and calling upon her gods flung
herself into the midst of the flames.
The second widow wa the sister of the
Prince of Blood, who was present and
assisted at the sacrifice. She advanced
to her brother and gave him the Jewels
wherewith she was adorned. Hisfeelings
her neck in tender embraces. Size,
however, remained unmoved, gazing up.
on the fire and then on the assistant.
Then loudly crying: "Chiva! Chiya!'
the name of n other gods, she jumped
into the flames as the former had done.
The others soon followed, some with be-
wildered ,downcast and sorrowful looks.
One OF them shrieked above the rest,
ran to II Christian soldier whom she be-
held among the guards. and hanging
about his neck begged him to save her.
The new convert, stunned with surprise,
pushed the unfortunate woman from
him, and shrieking aloud she fell into
the fiery trench. The soldier, all shiv-
ering with terror, at once retired, and a
delirious fever ended his life the follow
ing night. Though many of the nm
happy victims at first showed the ut
most intrepidity. yet no ooner did
they feel the flames than they screamed
out in the most dreadful manner, and
weltering Owe each other. stroye to
gam the brim of the pit, but in
vain; the assistants forced them
back with their poles and
piled new fuel upon them, The next
day the Brahmins gathered the bones
and threw them into the sea. The pit
was leveled, n temple erected upon the
spot, and the deceased Prince and his
wives We're reckoned among the deities.
The English government has made
every effort to stop these rites but with
out much success.
Many distinguished people have pre-
ferfed widows to maids as partners in
life. George Washington, the father of
his country, sat early in the days of tho
republic a good example in this respect
The great Napoleon married a widow
Scarron's widow became a court favors
lite. Rousseau went crazy after a widow,
and Gilbon. the historian, made him.
self ridiculous Yer one, Disraell
married n widow, and three of the most
distinguished widows in Europe today
are the Empress Eugene Of the French,
Queen Isabella of the Spanish, and
Queen Victoria of the English.