Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/1026

980 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. [ Chap. — “The widow was a remarkably handsome woman, apparently about thirty, and most superbly attired. Her manner was marked by great apathy to all around her, and by complete indifference to the preparations which for the first time met her eye. From this circumstance an impression was given that she might be under the influence of opium ; and in conformity with the declared inten- tion of the European officers present to interfere, should any coercive measure be adopted by the Brahmins or relations, two medical officers were requested to give their opinions on the subject. They both agreed that she was quite free from any influence calculated to induce torpor or intoxica- tion.” “Captain Burnes then addressed the woman, desiring to know whether the act she was about to perform was voluntary or enforced, and assuring her that, should she entertain the slightest reluc- tance to the fulfilment of her vow, on the part of the British Government he would guarantee the protection of her hfe and property. Her answer was calm, heroic and constant to her purpose. “| die of my own free will; give me back my husband, and I will consent to live.” “Ere the renewal of the horrid ceremonies of death was permitted, again the voice of mercy, of expostulation and even of entreaty was heard; but the trial was vain, and the cool and collected manner with which the woman still declared her determination unalterable chilled and startled the most courageous. Physical pangs evidently ex- cited no fears in her; her singular creed, the