1866.] On Ordeals. 25 



u Having firmly tied the scales (plates) to the two rings (at the 

 ends) of the scale-beam, let him place in the one scale the man, in the 

 other a stone. On the northern side scale let him place the man, on 

 the southern (side) the stone. (Or) let him fill the basin with bricks, 

 dust or clods of earth." 



The same (Narada) declares the manner of examining (the respective 

 weights of the man and stone) ; 



" (Before the weighing) the examiners (should) always (make) the 

 scale-beam even by means of two mason's plummets, and (people who 

 are) expert (in this business) should (always, when weighing,) pour 

 water on the scale-beam." 



" That scale-beam on which the water does not flow, is what one 

 should know — to be even? 



Pitamaha (also) prescribes the two plummets (to be used) in order 

 (to produce) evenness : 



" At the two ends should he make two arches( torana), (which should 

 be) higher than the scale-beam by ten lingers, and a mason's plummet 

 (should hang down from each arch (torana) made of clay, tied (to the 

 arch) by a string, touching the corner of the scale-beam." 



Pitamaha (further says) : 



" Having weighed the man first, he should make him descend from 

 the scale ; but he should always adorn the scales with wimples and 

 banners ; then (a Brahman) who knows the Veda should bring the 

 gods near to it by this rule, with drums and horns, perfumes, wreaths 

 and ointments." 



Narada (says) : 



11 Let him first honour the scales, with red sandalwood powder, per- 

 fumes and flower-wreaths, curds, cakes, unground (rice) and the like; 

 then he should honour the learned (Brahmans)." 



Yajnavalkya (says) : (II. 100 and 101) : 



" People who are expert in weighing should make the accused ascend 

 the scale, (and) when they have placed (in the other scale) a weight 

 equal to his (weight) and made a line on the scales, he should be 

 ordered to descend. (Before he ascends the scale for the second time, 

 the accused) should address the scales with this Mantra : 



" ' Thou, oh balance, hast been formerly constructed by the gods to 

 be the abode of truth, therefore, oh good (goddess), speak the truth 

 4 



