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V,70
WITNESSES.
245
case of false evidence) concerning gems produced in water, and everything consisting of stone.
2. In the case of honey or clarified butter (the consequence) is the same as (when false evidence has been given) with regard to small cattle. He incurs the same guilt as in the case of a horse (by giving false evidence) regarding a vehicle. The case of silver, clothes, grain, or the Veda is equal to the case of a cow.
3. Having considered all these evil consequences attending a false declaration, (a witness) must declare openly everything as (he has) heard or seen (it).
4. Kubera, Aditya, Varuna, Sakra (Indra), the son of Vivasvant (Yama), and the (other) guardian deities of the world are constantly looking on with divine eyes.
5. Let (the judge) ask a Brahman for his testimony by saying, 'Speak;' a Kshatriya by saying, "Speak the truth ;'a Vaisya, by referring to his kine, grain, and gold; but a Sudra (by conjuring him) by all possible wicked deeds.
6. Whatever places (of torment) are assigned (in a future state) to the murderers of Brahmans, or to the slayers of women and children, and to him who betrays a friend, or shows ingratitude, those very places shall be thy home (after death) if thou speakest falsely.
7. All meritorious deeds which thou, O good man, hast done since thy birth, would go to the dogs, if thou shouldst speak falsely.
4. Smritik. kuberâdityavarunasakravaivasvatâdayah i pasyanti lokapålås ka nityam divyena kakshusha 11
5-9. Vy. K. Identical with Manu VIII, 88-92.
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