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rice : that it is not always voluntary, we have many undeniable 
proofs: but the fatal consequence of not submitting to this extra- 
ordinary viaticum, or of eluding its effect, by returning to his family, 
in case of a rescue or recovery, is so provided for by the brahminical 
laws, that death is far more desirable than the continuance of life 
on such terms: many instances might be produced to confirm this 
assertion; I shall rather recite what Captain Williamson, from 
more experience than myself, has recorded on this subject. 
“ Many Hindoos, in their old age, or when seriously ill, are 
removed to the banks of the Ganges, whose waters are held sacred; 
and when about to resign their breath, are taken to the edge, of 
the river on their beds ; where a Brahmin attends to perform the 
religious ceremonies: no doubt that many, who might recover, are 
thus consigned to premature death. The damp borders of the 
stream, with a burning sun, rarely fail, however favourable the 
season may be, to put a speedy termination to the sick person’s suf- 
ferings; but it has often happened, that the attendants become tired 
by the delay the poor wretch makes in ‘ shaking off his mortal 
coil/ and perhaps with the humane intention of finishing his pain, 
either place the bed at low-water mark, if the spot be within the 
flow of the tide; or smear the dying man with the slime of the 
holy waters, and fill his mouth with the precious mud. When a 
person has been taken to the side of the Ganges, or other substi- 
tuted water, under the supposition that he is dying, he is, in the 
eye of the Hindoo law, dead : his property passes to his heir, or 
according to his bequest; and in the event of recovery, the poor 
fellow becomes an outcast: not a soul, not even his own children, 
will eat with him, or afford him the least accommodation: if by 
