been so long supported, might be resumed by the Government, as a mark of displeasure against the children for not dissuading her from the sacrifice; that the temples over her ancestors on the bank might be leveled with the ground, in order to prevent their operating to induce others to make similar sacrifices; and, lastly, that not a single brick or stone should ever mark the place where she burned, if she persisted in her resolution; but that, if she consented to live, a splendid habitation should be built for her among these temples; a handsome provision assigned for her support out of these rent-free lands; her children should daily visit her, and I should frequently do the same. She smiled, held out her arm, and said: ‘My pulse has long ceased to beat, my spirit has departed, and I have nothing left but a little earth that I wish to mix with the ashes of my husband. I shall suffer nothing in burning; if you wish proof, order some fire, and you will see this arm consumed without giving me any pain.’
“Satisfied that it would be unavailing to save her life, I sent for all the principal members of her family, and consented that she should be suffered to burn herself if they would enter into engagements that no other member of their family should ever do the same. This they all agreed to; and the papers having been drawn out in due form, about mid-day I sent down notice to the old lady, who seemed extremely pleased and thankful. The ceremonies of bathing were gone through with, the wood and other materials for a strong fire collected and put into the pit. She then rose up, and, with one arm on the shoulder of her eldest son, and the other on her nephew, she approached the fire. I had sentries placed all around, and no one else was allowed to go within five paces of it. As she rose up fire was set to the pile, and it was instantly in a blaze. The distance was about one hundred and fifty yards. She came on with a calm and cheerful countenance, stopped once, and, casting her eyes upward, said: ‘Why have they kept me five days from thee, my husband?’ On reaching the sentries her supporters stopped; she advanced, walked once round the pit, paused, and, while muttering a prayer, threw some flowers into the fire. She
