This case is also often
quoted. Zacchias mentions an instance which, from all
appearances, is authentic. It was that of a young man,
pest-stricken and thought to be dead, who was placed with the
other dead for burial. He exhibited signs of life, and was taken
back to the pest-hospital. Two days later he entered a lethargic
condition simulating death, and was again on his way to the
sepulcher, when he once more recovered.
It is said that when the body of William, Earl of Pembroke, who
died April 10, 1630, was opened to be embalmed, the hand raised
when the first incision was made. There is a story of an
occurrence which happened on a return voyage from India. The wife
of one of the passengers, an officer in the army, to all
appearances died. They were about to resort to sea-burial, when,
through the interposition of the husband, who was anxious to take
her home, the ship-carpenters started to construct a coffin
suitable for a long voyage, a process which took several days,
during which time she lay in her berth, swathed in robes and
ready for interment. When the coffin was at last ready the
husband went to take his last farewell, and removed the
wedding-ring, which was quite tightly on her finger.
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