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14
VASISHTHA.
II, 37.
37. Substances used for flavouring may be bartered for (other) substances of the same kind, be it for one more valuable or for one worth less.
38. But salt must never (be exchanged) for (other) substances used for flavouring (food).
39. It is permitted to barter sesamum, rice, cooked food, learning, and slaves (each for its own kind and the one for the other).
40. A Brâhmana and a Kshatriya shall not lend (anything at interest acting like) usurers.
41. Now they quote also the following verses): “He who acquiring property cheap, gives it for a • high price, is called a uşurer and blamed among those who recite the Veda.'
42.*(Brahman) weighed in the scales the crime of killing a learned Brâhmana against the crime of) usury; the slayer of the Brâhmana remained at the top, the usurer sank downwards.'
43. Or, at pleasure, they may lend to a person who entirely neglects his sacred duties, and is exceedingly wicked,
44. Gold (taking) double (its value on repayment, and) grain trebling (the original price).
37-39. Gautama VII, 16-21. .40. Manu X, 117. Krishnapandita reads with MS. B., vârdhushim na dadyâtâm, and explains it by vriddhim naiva prayogayetâm, they shall not take interest.' I read with the other MSS. vârdhushî, and translate that term by 'usurers.' Below, Sûtra 42, vârdhushi is used likewise in this its usual sense.
43. Manu X, 117.
44-47. Vishnu VI, 11-17; Colebrooke I, Dig. LXVI, where 'silver and gems' have been added after gold, and rasâh, 'flavouring substances,' been translated by 'fluids. The translation differs also in other respects, because there the Sûtras stand by themselves, while here the nouns in Sûtras 44 and 47 are governed by the preceding dadyâtâm, they may lend.' They, i. e, a Brâhmana
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