In the Persian desert the sad sight may be seen of brick pillars
in which many an unfortunate victim has been walled up alive,
as a horrible method of inflicting capital punishment. Some
awful tales of cruelties perpetrated here are told. The victim
is put into the pillar, which is half built up in readiness,
then, if merciful, the executioner will cement quickly up to the
face, when death comes speedily; but sometimes the torture is
prolonged, and the inmate has been heard groaning and calling
for water for three days.
How many lives are walled lives--built around and bricked in by
torturing limitations that suffocate joy and hope, and are no more than
a lingering death!
(1559)