An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

352 TIBET.viding for, a numerous family, exposes her new-born infant to perishin the fields : a crime, however odious, by no means, I am assured,unfrequent. With this, the Tibetians never can be charged. Theircustom, as it eventually operates against superabundant population,tends also to prevent domestic discords, arising from a division offamily interests, and to concentrate all the spirit, and all the virtues,inherent in illustrious blood.The ceremonies of marriage are neither tedious nor intricate inTibet. Their courtships are carried on with little art, and quicklybrought to a conclusion.The elder brother of a family, to whom thechoice belongs, when enamoured of a damsel, makes his proposal to theparents. If his suit is approved, and the offer accepted, the parents,with their daughter, repair to the suitor's house, where the male andfemale acquaintance of both parties meet and carouse Ibr the space ofthree days, with music, dancing, and every kind of festivity.At theexpiration of this time, the marriage is complete.The priests of Tibet,^^'^,^'"\ who shun the society of women, have no share in these ceremonies,or in ratifying the obligation between the parties.Mutual consent istheir only bond of union, and the parties present are witnessesto tliecontract, which, it seems, is formed indissolubly for life. The husbandhas it not in his power to rid himself of a troublesome companion,nor the wife to withdraw herself from the husband, unless indeedthe same unison of sentimentthat joined their hands, should prompttheir separation ; but in such a case, they are never left at liberty toform a new alliance.Instances of incontinency are rare, but if a marriedfemale be found to violate her compact, tlie crime is expiated by