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Thus much I can declare of the Persians with entire certainty, from
my own actual knowledge. There is another custom which is spoken of
with reserve, and not openly, concerning their dead. It is said that
the body of a male Persian is never buried, until it has been torn
either by a dog or a bird of prey. That the Magi have this custom is
beyond a doubt, for they practise it without any concealment. The
dead bodies are covered with wax, and then buried in the ground.
The Magi are a very peculiar race, different entirely from the
Egyptian priests, and indeed from all other men whatsoever. The
Egyptian priests make it a point of religion not to kill any live
animals except those which they offer in sacrifice. The Magi, on the
contrary, kill animals of all kinds with their own hands, excepting
dogs and men. They even seem to take a delight in the employment, and
kill, as readily as they do other animals, ants and snakes, and such
like flying or creeping things. However, since this has always been
their custom, let them keep to it. I return to my former narrative.
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