[134] Gold pieces.
[135] These are the qualifications specified by Hindu classical authorities as necessary to make a distinguished thief.
[136] Every Hindu is in a manner born to a certain line of life, virtuous or vicious, honest or dishonest; and his Dharma, or religious duty, consists in conforming to the practice and the worship of his profession. The ‘Thug,’ for instance, worships Bhawani, who enables him to murder successfully; and his remorse would arise from neglecting to murder.
[137] Hindu law sensibly punishes, in theory at least, for the same offence the priest more severely than the layman—a hint for him to practise what he preaches.
[138] The Hindu Mercury, god of rascals.
[139] A penal offence in India. How is it that we English have omitted to codify it? The laws of Manu also punish severely all disdainful expressions, such as ‘tush’ or ‘pish,’ addressed during argument to a priest.
[140] Stanzas, generally speaking on serious subjects.
[141] Whitlows on the nails show that the sufferer, in the last life, stole gold from a Brahman.
[142] A low caste Hindu, who catches and exhibits snakes and performs other such mean offices.
[143] Meaning in spite of themselves.