1&66.] On Ordeals. 45 



" I will declare the rules for the (ordeal by) rice grains, as it is 

 described by its particular characteristics; but the maxim is, that 

 the ordeal by rice grains should be allowed in case of theft only, not 

 otherwise." 



He should order grains of Qali, not of any other (kind of rice), to 

 be made white. Unsullied (by impurities) he should expose them in 

 an earthen vessel to the sun, and should keep them mixed with water 

 from the bath (of the god) for one night, and should perform the 

 ceremonies beginning with the bringing near of the gods according to 

 the rule during the night." 



Katyayana also (says) : 



" At the eating of rice grains mixed with the water of the god's bath, 

 he (the accused) shall be considered clean, if he spits them out clean 

 (not mixed with blood, etc.) ; he (who does) otherwise (is) guilty, and 

 should be punished." 



Pitamaha (says) : 



" He should declare that man guilty, who is seen to bleed, whose jaw 

 or palate is torn, or whose body trembles." 



Now (follows) the rule for (the ordeal) by hot masha- — grains (made 

 of metal). 



Pitamaha (says) : 



" I will declare the rule for (the ordeal by) hot mashas (which is) 

 good for (the judge) clearing (men). He should have made an iron or 

 copper vessel of sixteen fingers (in circumference) and four fingers deep, 

 or an earthen round (vessel). He should have it filled wfth clarified 

 butter and oil (to the weight oi) twenty palas. Then he should 

 place into it, (when it is) well-heated, a golden masha — grain. 

 (The accused) should take out the hot masha, with the thumb and 

 (first) finger. If he does not move the ends of the fingers, or no 

 blister comes, he whose fingers are not hurt is (considered) innocent 

 according to the law." 



The same describes another mode (of undergoing this ordeal). Being- 

 pure, he (the judge) should order clarified butter prepared from cow's 

 (milk) to be heated in a golden, silver, copper, iron or earthen (vessel), 

 and he should throw a beautiful golden, silver, copper or iron coin, 

 which has once been washed with water, into the (liquid). When it 

 is full of small and great gyrating waves and cannot be touched with 



