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"I take the bow from the hand of the dead, to be to us help, glory and strength. Thou art there: we are still here with our brave sons; may we conquer all enemies that attack us."-Ŕv. X, 18.
THE FUNERAL CEREMONIES
Hereupon he fixes the bow-string, walks round the pile, and after having broken the bow he throws it on the pile. If this act is performed by an old servant, somebody else must recite the verses for him (because as a Śúdra he would not be allowed to recite sacred verses).
After this, according to the Commentary on the Sútras, pieces of gold are to be placed on the seven apertures of the head, and oily seeds with butter are to be sprinkled over the dead. Áśvaláyana himself proceeds to give rules as to how the different sacrificial implements, which are to be burnt with the dead, are to be attached to different parts of the corpse.
After this is done, the animal which was led behind is brought, the fat is cut out, and put like a cover over the face and head of the dead. The following verse is used at this occasion:
"Put on this armour [taken] from the cows [to protect thee] against Agni, and cover thyself with fat! that he, the wild one, who delights in flames, the hero, may not embrace thee, wishing to consume thee!"-Rv. VIII, 16, 17.
The kidneys also are taken out and put into the hands of the dead with the following words:
"Escape on the right path the two dogs, the foureyed, tawny breed of Saramá; then approach the
