254 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
those stimulating feelings which his peculiar situation 
excited,, than a settled habit of soul, induced by the 
fervour of religion, and of hopes engendered in the 
bosom of such as love it for its own sake, and fol- 
low it because obedience to God is with them, not a 
slavery, but an acceptable service. 
Towards the afternoon the rain had entirely sub- 
sided ; still, peals of thunder were heard at intervals, 
while the flashes that succeeded were distinct and 
vivid. These threatenings of the heavens did not re- 
tard the preparations for the sacrifice which the vic- 
tims of a father’s wrath were about to undergo. Large 
logs of wood were piled immediately round the stake, 
just allowing room for the criminals to stand, side by 
side, within a circle of three feet diameter. Under 
the logs was placed a quantity of light fuel, and the 
whole covered with a profusion of ghee, to accelerate 
combustion. 
About a quarter of an hour before sunset the vic- 
tims were led forth, and bound to the fatal pyre. They 
■were not allowed to approach each other until they 
reached the stake. By this time the thunder had 
become awfully loud, and the lightning fearfully me- 
nacing ; this, however, did not divert the purpose of 
Jumsajee Merjee. His victims were led to the stake, and 
being placed within the circle, were both tied together to 
the bamboo with strong silken cords. An awful silence 
prevailed ; nothing was heard save the perpetual crash- 
ing of the thunder. The lips of the poor girl became 
white, and trembled with emotion, as she looked upon 
the object of her affection at her side, and thought of 
the sufferings she should be doomed to witness. Her 
