KUNKKUL. 
233 
same mode of trial, and with a trembling step she 
advanced to the council. She then by their desire 
uncovered her head, displaying a remark ably interest- 
ing, if not decidedly handsome face, and winning the 
sympathy of all the by-standers by her modest and 
graceful behaviour. Many and fervent, I am certain, 
were the prayers put up in her behalf, to the effect 
that she might escape punishment by passing the 
ordeal. Whether it is to be attributed to her nervous- 
ness and confusion, or whether indeed she was guilty 
while the boy w r as innocent, certain it is, that after 
having for a long time masticated the barley and made 
repeated efforts to swallow it, she found herself quite 
unable to accomplish it; and as her inability became 
apparent, her efforts grew less and less effectual, until 
at last, in utter despair, and overwhelmed with fear and 
shame, she sunk fainting upon the ground. Water 
was sprinkled upon her face, and she was made to 
drink a small quantity, after which she in a measure 
revived; and then, being supported by two of the mul- 
titude, at a signal given by the Brahmins, a barber 
stepped into the ring, and lock by lock cut from her 
head her splendid hair, which reached almost to her 
feet ; having so done, he completed the operation by 
shaving her head ; and then the principal Brahmin, 
rising, addressed the multitude, exhorting them to 
avoid all crime, more especially that for which this 
woman was punished ; for that the loss of honor in 
such cases must be punished by the loss of that which 
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