"Some of them have studied law in England, and all are forward to avail
themselves of the advantages of education. A merchant-prince of this
sect was noted as a philanthropist; and for the vast sums of money he
gave for benevolent institutions, the Queen knighted him, as she did Sir
Modava for his public service. This gentleman is Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy
He died in 1859."
"Parsees do not eat anything cooked by a person of another religion, and
reject beef and pork, especially hams. They are not permitted to marry
outside of their own sect. Their dead are not buried or cremated, but
are committed to what is called the Tower of Silence. The bodies are
exposed on an iron grating, where the carniverous birds of the air can
get to them until the flesh has all disappeared. Then the sun-dried
bones fall through into a receptacle, from which they are removed to a
cavern in the earth."
"How horrid!" exclaimed the ladies with one voice.
"The Parsee does not think so; and perhaps he has the same view you have of
our manner of disposing of the dead. In spite of the awe and respect with
which the Parsees regard fire, they are about the only eastern people who
do not smoke. But I think you need a rest by this time, and I will retire
for a little while."
The company applauded as usual, and then began to pace the promenade deck.
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