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44

Propertius. (de Uxoribus Indis.)

Happy the Laws that in those Climes obtain,
Where the bright Morning reddens all the Main!
There, whensoe'er the happy Husband dies,
And on the funeral Couch extended lies;
His faithful Wives around the Scene appear,
With pompous Dress and a triumphant Air;
For Partnership in Death, ambitious strive,
And dread the shameful Fortune to survive!
Adorn'd with Flowers the lovely Victims stand,
With Smiles ascend the Pile, and light the Brand!

45

Grasp their dear Partners with unalter'd Faith,
And yield exulting to the fragrant Death.
 

Mr. Prior justly observes of this barbarous Indian Custom,

In Europe 'twould be hard to find,
“Of all the Sex, one half so kind.”