BOOK V NOTES.
[1] This is no fictitious description, as similar scenes may be witnessed in Hindoostan to this very day. We may observe, however, that the satti is here placed in its most favourable light; and that if the grounds on which the Hindoo defends the practice were necessarily true, little could be said in opposition to him; but, situated as the world now is, it is to be feared that the widow’s affection is not always so very powerful as to carry her through the fiery ordeal. It is to be hoped that the time will speedily come when the rays of a purer faith will dispel from the fair regions of India a foul custom, that has originated from the demon of superstition, and has been maintained through the influence of a corrupt and interested priesthood.
[2] Siyah-dil Black-hearted.
[3] Mihmanseraï The house appointed for guests or strangers.