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274
SOTRAKRITÂNGA.
The sinner does not confess his wrong, but rather boasts of it when reprimanded. Though he is admonished not to act as most men do, he becomes weak again and again. (19)
Some men of great intelligence who perform their duties as supporters of women, get into their power, though they be well acquainted with the Strivêda ?. (20)
(The adulterers') hands and feet are cut off, their skin and flesh are torn off, they are roasted alive, and acid is poured into their wounds. (21)
Their ears and nose are cut off, and their throats cut; (all this) they will suffer, but though suffering here for their sins they will not promise not to do? the same again. (22)
All this some have learned, and it has been well demonstrated in the Strîvêda. Though (people) know it, they do wrong (impelled) by Karman. (23)
One man (women) have in their heart, another in their words, and another still in their actions. Therefore a monk should not trust women, knowing that they are full of deceit. (24)
A young woman, putting on fine ornaments and clothes, will say to a Sramana : 'I shall give up (my former way of life) and practise the rough (viz. control). Reverend sir, teach me the Law!' (25)
Or by professing herself a lay-disciple and coreligionist of the Sramanas, (she will try to make a friend of him). As a pot filled with lac (will melt)
II. e. Kamasastra, or rather the part of it treating on courtezans, Vaisika, that had been composed by Dattaka. He is mentioned by the commentators in an anecdote they relate ad v. 24.
2 The original has kâhinti'they will do ;' it must be kâ ham ti I shall do.
