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at length persuaded to suspend her fatal purpose, until the arrival 

 of her parents; to whom a messenger was dispatched in her pre- 

 sence, with a letter, and money for the expenses of their journey 

 to the capital. The Hindoos attach the merit of the most sublime 

 and holy heroism to this self-devotion; but the resolution once 

 suspended, is seldom resumed, and was not in the present in- 

 stance. 



" I am sorry to remark, that I really believe the Hindoo spectators 

 were rather grieved and mortified, than pleased at our success in 

 saving this poor creature from the flames." 



These human immolations shock an Englishman in every point 

 of view: animal sacrifices are no longer common on the Hindoo 

 altars; but the morning offering of fruit, flowers, and meal, to the 

 benevolent deities, create a pleasing sensation in the mind of the 

 worshipper, the priest, and the European spectator; the latter at 

 least beholds an innocent and grateful sacrifice, the brahmin 

 finds it a beneficial one, and the humble devotee rejoices in having 

 performed his daily duty at the altar of gratitude, for blessings 

 daily enjoyed. 



I am not certain whether the Hindoos have any religious cere- 

 mony, or libation, before their meals, like thelibaminaof the Romans, 

 or the Christian's grace; that ablution precedes their repast is well 

 known; it is also introduced among the Mahomedans, and adopted 

 by some Europeans. Although, after a dusty journey among the 

 Hindoo villages in my districts, I might neither drink out of their 

 cups, nor wash my hands in their basons, yet would the women 

 gently pour water from their jars into my hands, contracted into 

 the form of a cup; and held sloping to the mouth: this is a com- 



