26 On Ordeals. [No. 1 



(now), and free me from suspicion. If I have done wrong, mother, 

 make me descend ; if I am pure, let me ascend.' " 



Narada (says) : 



" Having bound (the accused) by oaths, he (the judge) should again 

 make him ascend the scales in (a place) sheltered from wind and 

 rain, having tied to his forehead a scroll (on which the accusation 

 is written)." 



Samayaih parigrihya, having bound him by oaths. These (oaths) are 

 given (in detail) by Vishnu : 



" The hells of the murderer of a Brahman, the worlds where the liars 

 go to, those are the worlds (destined) for him who practises fraud at 

 the time of weighing." 



Narada declares the address (to the scales) at the time of ascending 

 it for the second time (to be the following) : 



" Thou knowest the bad and good deeds of all creatures ; thou alone, 

 oh god, knowest, what men do not know ; this accused man is weighed 

 on thee, therefore deign to protect him who is under suspicion, accord- 

 ing to truth. By truth thou excellest gods, Asuras and men. 



" Thou art truthful, divine one, in discerning right and wrong. 

 Sun and moon, wind and fire, heaven and earth, the waters, the 

 heart and Yama, day and night, and the two (gods of) the twilight 

 and Dharma know the deeds of men." 



Pitamaha (says) : 



" A Brahman of good character, who knows astronomy, should 

 examine the time (when the accused has ascended the scales for the 

 second time). Five Palas are the time allowed for the ordeal — that 

 should be known to (those who are) expert (in the matter). But the 

 lung should employ as examiners the best of Brahmans who (will) 

 announce the result as they see it, (who are) wise, pure not covetous. 

 All the witnesses (after the lapse of five Palas) announce to the king 

 (whether the accused) is guilty or not guilty." 



Vinadyah (means) Palas ; because (it is written) in the Smriti, that 

 the time (required) in pronouncing ten long syllables is called a breath, 

 (Prana, and) six (such) breaths are one vinadika (Pala). 



Narada (says) : 



" If the man who is being weighed, rises, he shall doubtlessly be 

 guiltless ; if (the scales) remain even, or if it sinks, he shall be guilty." 



