65 2. The peculiarity in the language of Samsthanaka. His citations of literary passages are from the two great Epics and -" not even one from the Puranic legends." Therefore Wilson, suspects that the drama was written prior to the composition of the Puranas.or at least before the stories they contain had acquired by their aggregation familiar and popular currency*. ^N. B.—This argument is not verified. The slaying of Sumbha and Nisumbha by Durga forms the theme of the Markandeya Purana. So are the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice and the killing of Krouncha by Kartikeya.] 3. Hindu law prohibits suicide everywhere but Prayag. But the breach of the law by Sudraka without any odium for the violation, leads Wilson to think that the society of the drama preceded law. J7V.£.-—The subsequent foot-note of Wilson invalidates this assertion. ./That the practice of voluntary, cremation was observed at the beginning of Kali we know from classical authority.' Besides suicide was sometimes permitted and regarded meritorious, e.g., in Sarvaswara sacrifice.]..... 4. .The love of a respectable brahmin for a courtesan though prohibited in the Kali age indicates perhaps a period anterior to the prohibition. ...... , ••. 5. "The .accuracy with which Buddhist observances are adverted to and the flourishing condition . in . which the Buddhists are represented to exist." In the second century the worship of Buddha was prevalent in India and it is clear that th€ play was written in the days of their prosperity* 5.'•' " ;;ultiplication of M S S*ave or comic character, are biting, scratcWng, kissing, • eating, sleeping, bath and the marriage ceremony.