286. For adultery with a woman of equal cast, a man incurs the highest fine; with a woman of lower cast, the middle fine; with a woman of higher cast, [the penalty is] death,[367] and the woman is to have her ears, &c.[368] cut off.
287. If one make off with a virgin decked out [for the bridal], he shall pay the highest fine; if she be not so circumstanced, then the lowest fine. Thus it is, if the virgin be of equal cast: if she be of higher cast, [the penalty of] death is ordained.
288. In the case of a virgin consenting and of inferior cast, no offence [is committed]; otherwise, there is a fine.[369] For ravishing her, the man's hand shall be cut off: if the virgin be of the highest cast, [the penalty is] death.
289. Whoso speaks disparagingly of a woman shall forfeit one hundred paṇas; but, two hundred, one who brings a false charge against paṇas; if of a lowest cast woman[370] or of a cow, the middle fine.
290. If a man[371] have carnal intercourse with female slaves or servants, or even with common women, [such slaves, &c.] being kept [by those to whom they belong] secluded,[372] he shall pay a fine of fifty paṇas.
291. For forcing a female slave,[373] it is written, there shall be a fine of ten paṇas; if many [men so] attack one slave, each one shall pay twenty-four paṇas.
292. A public woman who refuses after taking her hire, shall forfeit twice the amount; so, if the man [decline after contracting, yet] he shall pay.
293. Whoso knows a woman unnaturally, or voids his water upon a man, also one who has carnal knowledge of a female mendicant, shall be fined twenty-four paṇas.
294. [The monarch] shall banish him who goes to a woman of the lowest grade, having branded him with dishonoring emblems: if a Śúdrá so act, he shall be [classed among] the lowest. Death shall be to the man of lowest grade who goes to a respectable woman.