Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/326

278 without a murmur, until the first symptoms of approaching dissolution manifest themselves. Then it is that he is surrounded by a multitude of females, some of whom forcibly close the mouth and eyes; others envelop him in the hammock, oppressing him with the whole of their weight, and causing him to expire before his time; and others, lastly, run to extinguish the candle, and dissipate the smoke, that the soul, not being able to perceive the hole through which it may escape, may remain entangled in the structure of the roof. That this may be speedily effected, and to prevent its return to the interior of the dwelling, they surround the entrances with filth, by the stench of which it may be expelled.

Relatively to the destiny of the soul itself, there are various opinions: some believe that it goes to the other world, to live as in this one, but in the enjoyment of a greater degree of repose. One of the earliest missionaries to the Maynas tribe, inquired of a dying old man, whether he was desirous to visit another world? He replied, without hesitation, yes, and for this reason, that his relations were there, in expectation of him, with boiled plantains and jucas. As whatever they figure to themselves is material, they are consequently of opinion that, in a future state, there are dances and scenes of revelry, wars, and rural excursions. The flashes of lightning are the assaults; the noise of the exhalations, the decapitated enemies, who are instantly converted into wild beasts; and the milky way, the grove of diversions. The warrior there finds a splendid reception; on which account they are tomed