The institutes of Vishnu (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1880)

54

VISHZVU.

IX, 14


14. A Brahmazza, if it is four times as high. He
is, however, not subject to the ordeal by sacred
libation.
15. No judge must administer the (ordeal by)
sacred libation to a Brahmazza ;
16. Except if it be done as a preliminary proof
of his dealing fairly in some future transaction.
17. Instead of (administering the ordeal by)
sacred libation to a Brahmazza (in suits regarding
an object, the value of which amounts to less than
two Suvarzzas), let the judge cause him to swear by
a lump of earth taken from a furrow.
18. To one formerly convicted of a crime (or of
perjury) he must administer one of the ordeals, even
though the matter in contest be ever so trifling.
19. But to one who is known (and esteemed)
among honest men and virtuous, he must not (admi-
nister any ordeal), even though the matter in contest
be ever so important.
20. The claimant must declare his willingness to
pay the fine (which is due in case of his being
defeated);
21. And the defendant must go through the
ordeal.
22. In cases of a criminal action directed against
the king, or of violence (an ordeal may be ad-
ministered) even without (the claimant) promising
to pay the fine (due in case of defeat in ordinary
suits).
23. To women, Brahmazzas, persons deficient in
an organ of sense, infirm (old) men, and sick persons,
the (ordeal by the) balance must be administered.
24. But it must not be administered to them
while a wind is blowing.