The Hatred of Music

Third Treatise. ON MY DEATH

No music before, during, after the cremation.

Not even a cicada hanging in a cage.

If one of the attendees cries or blows his nose, everyone will feel uncomfortable and this discomfort will be all the greater since music will not hide it. I apologize to those who will remain, for the awkward situation in which I will have placed them, but I prefer this discomfort to music.

No tarabustis.

No rite shall be observed. No song shall be sung. No word shall be spoken. No electrified reproduction of anything or of anyone. No embraces, no slaughtered cocks, no religion, no morals. Not even the conventional gestures. One will have said good-bye to me if one has remained silent.