Chapter XCIX

by Herman Melville

　　During the afternoon of the day of the diver's decease, preparations were making for paying the last rites to his remains, and carrying them by torch-light to their sepulcher, the sea; for, as in Odo, so was the custom here.

　　Meanwhile, all over the isle, to and fro went heralds, dismally arrayed, beating shark-skin drums; and, at intervals, crying—"A man is dead; let no fires be kindled; have mercy, oh Oro!—Let no canoes put to sea till the burial. This night, oh Oro!—Let no food be cooked."

　　And ever and anon, passed and repassed these, others in brave attire; with castanets of pearl shells, making gay music; and these sang—

　　    Be merry, oh men of Mondoldo,

　　      A maiden this night is to wed:

　　    Be merry, oh damsels of Mardi,—

　　      Flowers, flowers for the bridal bed.