Chapter 64.

1. I also saw the soul of a woman (2) who ever came and went crying and wailing; (3) upon her head also, ever came pelting hail; (4) and under foot, hot, molten brass ever streamed; (5) and she ever gashes her own head and face, with a knife. 6. And I asked thus: 'What sin was committed by this body, when the soul ever suffers so severe a punishment?' 7. Srosh the pious, and Adar the angel, said (8) thus: 'This is the soul of that wicked woman who, undutifully, became pregnant from other men, (9) and she effected the destruction of the infant. [i.e. abortion or infanticide] (10) Because of the pain and punishment, she fancies that she hears the cry of that infant, and she runs; (11) and such vehemence of running is occasioned, as of one who walks upon hot brass; (12) and she ever hears the cry of that infant, and gashes her own head and face with a knife, and demands the child, (13) but she sees it not till the re-establishment of the world [i.e.

frashegird, cp. ch. 87.]; this punishment she must suffer.'