Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/179

Rh the contrary practice is rare; yet there are still found victims of a false but heroic enthusiasm, who still prevent it from falling into disuse.

Seen by no other man but their husband, and confined within the walls of their apartments, ambition and vanity can only act on things of little import. The applause of the multitude, or future fame, would be faint inducements to such a sacrifice. The Hindoo women are not influenced either by those considerations, or entirely by affection or despair. Their law assures them, that this act ensures not only their own and their husband's salvation, but that of the children and parents of each. The heat of the climate makes it necessary to bury the same day on which a death happens. The widow who has formed this resolution, and repents before she has left the house and been exposed to public view, may be allowed to draw back; but when this is once done, the severity of their manners will not permit it.

Bowanny had been married about twelve years, and had three children. She had been tenderly attached to her husband, insomuch that she chose to dress his food with her own hands, and perform many duties, from which her rank exempted her. She attended him during his illness with the greatest solicitude, and her health and spirits seemed to fluctuate with his. About two months before his death, on his disorder increasing, he asked her, if he died, whether she would accompany him, which she promised, and never swerved from this resolution. As his fate grew more certain, her assiduities became more constant, she did not even withdraw at the entrance of his brothers, or hide her face from them. "For whom," said she, "should I now conceal myself." On his death, in the morning of the 12th Rh