48 SIKHIM LAWS. 



should not be allowed to communicate with the enemy for fear of 

 treachery. They should not be lazy. Until peace is declared the 

 messenger should receive no reward. 



Should you be defeated, you must give up your arms, and those 

 who give them up must not be killed. Should any one kill one who 

 has given up his arms, he must be derided and scoffed at as a coward. 



If during a conflict you capture a General or officer of rank, you 

 shovdd bind his hands in front with a silk scarf ; he should be allowed 

 to ride his own horse or another good horse, and should be treated 

 well, so that in the event of your ever falling into his hands he may 

 treat you well also. Any other prisoners should have their hands tied 

 behind them and they should be made to walk. Officers should be 

 placed on old, worn-out horses with broken harness and I'ope stirrups. 

 Should an army be defeated and be obliged to fly, nothing should 

 be said to them, but they should not be rewarded or receive any 

 presents, even though the leader be a great man. The prisoners 

 should receive what is necessary for subsistence and also expenses for 

 religious ceremonies, and men of rank shoidd be treated well and with 

 consideration. 



A man can only make a treaty for himself and his descendants. 



No, 3. — Foe Officers and Government Servants. 



These should leave off their own work and apply themselves 

 entirely to Government work, should obey the orders of the Viceroy 

 and head of the Church, should not change the shari (hat sects) and 

 Tub-tha (religious sects). 



In the fifth month they should kill no animals, and the Eaja's 

 store should be well kept, so that there be no deficiency. They should 

 repair the images, temples and books, and all passes and roads. Also 

 on the 10th of this month the " dadok" ceremony must be performed.* 



If a man be sent on private business, the name of Government 

 should not be used. Debts may be recovered through officers, who 

 should patiently hear the case and not give arbitrary orders. They 

 should give just judgment and not favour those who can reward them. 

 They should enquire diligently into all cases, and leave no case 

 undecided, so that all men can say your work has been well done. 



No. 4. — Law of Evidence. 



You should listen carefully to what is said by both parties. Equals 

 by birth should be heard at the same time and place. Those that are 



* This puja is performed in order to send our enemies away. 



