"
"I know not," said Rasselas, "what pleasure the sight of the
catacombs can afford; but, since nothing else is offered, I am
resolved to view them, and shall place this with my other things
which I have done because I would do something."
They hired a guard of horsemen, and the next day visited the
catacombs. When they were about to descend into the sepulchral
caves, "Pekuah," said the Princess, "we are now again invading the
habitations of the dead; I know that you will stay behind. Let me
find you safe when I return." "No, I will not be left," answered
Pekuah, "I will go down between you and the Prince."
They then all descended, and roved with wonder through the
labyrinth of subterraneous passages, where the bodies were laid in
rows on either side.
CHAPTER XLVIII--IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL.
"What reason," said the Prince, "can be given why the Egyptians
should thus expensively preserve those carcases which some nations
consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all
agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be
performed?"
"The original of ancient customs," said Imlac, "is commonly
unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has
ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to
conjecture; for what reason did not dictate, reason cannot explain.
Pages:
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189