I860.] On Ordeals. 19 



has to undergo the ordeal is unable (to do so), let (then another 

 person) do what is appropriate. 



In the contrary ease, i. e. when there is a certainty that the defend- 

 ant formerly did commit a great crime, such as the murder of his 

 father or other (near relations) ; or when at some other time (the de- 

 fendant) was suspected of some other matter, the same (Katvayana) 

 declares (that he should perform) the ordeal through a substitute. 



" (In the case) of people who have killed their father, mother, a 

 Brahman, their spiritual teacher, an old man, a woman or a child, of 

 such as have committed a Mahapataka, and especially of atheists, 

 those who bear the sign (of another caste than that to which they 

 belong) of women, of those who arc acquainted with the use of charms 

 and yoga (supernatural power acquired by meditation, etc.), or of tlio.se 

 who are born in a mixed caste, of those who live or cause others to 

 live in a course of vice; — in the case of such shameful accusations, a 

 justice-loving king should by no means order (the accused to undergo) an 

 ordeal. The ordeal ought to be undergone by good people appointed 

 by these (the abovementioned sinners). Where there are no good 

 men, there they should be cleared by their own people (undergoing 

 the ordeal)." Svakaih (by their own people) (means) by relations. 



Here (follow) (the rules regarding) the time (when the several 

 ordeals should take place). 



Pitamaha (says) : 



11 Caitra (March, April) Margacivas (December, January) and Yai<;a- 

 kha (April, May) are months generally (used for all ordeals), and they 

 do not present obstacles to ordeals." 



The (ordeal by the) scales is ordained (to be employed) at any 

 season, (but) one should avoid it, if the wind blows. 



The (ordeal by) fire is declared (to be good) in the dewy, cold and 

 rainy seasons, the (ordeal by) water in autumn and the hot season, that 

 by poison in winter and dewy season. 



Poison (is recommended) to be taken in the cold and dewy seasons, 

 (but) other seasons also (at times) are included ; beacuse further on (the 

 passage) varshe caturyavamatra, etc. will be quoted. 



Narada (says) : 



" Consecrated water may be given at any season (of the year), (and) 

 the scales (likewise) may (be employed) at any time." 



