eries of a poor old woman.' I told her that my
object and duty was to save and preserve her; I was come to urge her
to live and keep her family from the disgrace of being thought her
murderers. I tried to work upon her pride and fears. I told her that
the rent-free lands on which her family had long subsisted might be
resumed by Government if her children permitted her to do this act;
and that no brick or stone should ever mark the place of her death;
but if she would live, a splendid habitation should be made for her
among the temples, and an allowance given her from the rent-free
lands. She smiled, but held out her arm and said, 'My pulse has long
ceased to beat, for 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, and if you wish proof order some fire,
and you shall see this arm consumed without giving me any pain.' I
did not attempt to feel her pulse, but some of my people did, and
declared that it had ceased to be perceptible. At this time every
native present believed that she was incapable of suffering pain,
and her end confirmed them in their opinion. Satisfied myself that
it would be unavailing to attempt to save her life, I sent for all
the principal members of the 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
midday, I sent down notice to the old lady, who seemed extremely
pleased and thankful. The ceremonies of bathing were gone through
before three, while the wood and other combustible materials for a
strong fire were collected and put into the pit. After bathing she
called for a _pan_ (betel-leaf) and ate it, then rose up, and with one
arm on the shoulder of her eldest son, and the other on that of her
nephew, approached the fire. 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 upwards said, 'Why have they kept
me five days from thee, my husband?' On coming to the sentries her
supports stopped, she walked round the pit, paused a moment; and while
muttering a prayer threw some flowers into the fire. She then walked
deliberately and steadily to the brink