Chapter 39

The Procedure for the Ordeal of Rice Grains

In the divine ordeal of eating rice grains from the water used to bathe the gods, he is pure if he spits them out pure; otherwise, he is impure and should be controlled. // K_453 //

If a person held in restraint is cleared by the ordeal of consecrated water, the accuser should be made to pay the fine and the amount of the suit. A righteous king should honor a person cleared by a divine ordeal. // K_454 //

He in whom blood is seen, whose jaw trembles, and whose body shakes, should be declared impure. // K_455 //

If there is a divine sign of guilt within three weeks, the accused should be made to pay that amount and a fine with diligence. // K_456 //

If disease, fire, or the death of a kinsman befalls that one person and not the general populace, he is to be made to pay the debt and a fine. // K_457 //

Consumption, diarrhea, boils, severe pain in the palate and bones, eye disease, throat disease, and also insanity may arise. Headache and breaking of the arms are divine afflictions of men. // K_458 //

A pure person should be made to pay half a hundred (50). An impure person is liable for punishment. // K_459 //

In the ordeal of poison, water, fire, the balance, consecrated water, rice grains, and the hot coin, one should determine the punishment in descending order. // K_460 //

One thousand, six hundred, and likewise five hundred, four, three, two, and one hundred—thus one should determine it for lesser cases. // K_461 //