287. If one make off with a virgin decked out [for the bridal], he shall pay the highest fine; if she be not so circumstanced, then the lowest fine. Thus it is, if the virgin be of equal cast: if she be of higher cast, [the penalty of] death is ordained. 288. In the case of a virgin consenting and of inferior cast, no offence [is committed]; otherwise, there is a fine.[369] For ravishing her, the man's hand shall be cut off: if the virgin be of the highest cast, [the penalty is] death. 289. Whoso speaks disparagingly of a woman shall forfeit one hundred _paṇas_; but, two hundred, one who brings a false charge against [a woman]. Whoso has carnal knowledge of a brute animal shall forfeit one hundred _paṇas_; if of a lowest cast woman[370] or of a cow, the middle fine. 290. If a man[371] have carnal intercourse with female slaves or servants, or even with common women, [such slaves, &c.] being kept [by those to whom they belong] secluded,[372] he shall pay a fine of fifty _paṇas._ 291. For forcing a female slave,[373] it is written, there shall be a fine of ten _paṇas_; if many [men so] attack one slave, each one shall pay twenty-four _paṇas._ 292. A public woman who refuses after taking her hire, shall forfeit twice the amount; so, if the man [decline after contracting, yet] he shall pay. 293. Whoso knows a woman unnaturally, or voids his water upon a man, also one who has carnal knowledge of a female mendicant, shall be fined twenty-four _paṇas._ 294. [The monarch] shall banish him who goes to a woman of the lowest grade, having branded him with dishonoring emblems: if a Śúdrá so act, he shall be [classed among] the lowest. Death shall be to the man of lowest grade who goes to a respectable woman. 295. Whoso fabricates a royal grant,[374] be it for much or little, or sets free one who has kidnapped a woman, shall pay the highest fine. 296. One who brings dishonor to a bráhmaṇ by giving as food what is unfit to be eaten, is amenable to the highest fine; if to a kshattriya, the medium fine; if to a vaisyá, the lowest fine; if to Śúdrá, half the lowest. 297. If one trade with counterfeit gold, or sell tainted meat; three of his members[375] shall be amputated, and he shall pay the highest fine. 298. Damage caused by four-footed animals shall not be borne by their owner, if he have given warning to clear the way: so, with regard to wood, earth, arrows, stones, a man's arm, or any yoked animals. 299. If death be caused by a vehicle through the breaking of the [animal's] nose-bridle, or through breaking of the yoke, or the like, or from its running backwards, the owner is [to be held] blameless.[376] 300. If the owner of biting or horned animals do not, although able, rescue [a person attacked], he shall pay the lowest fine: but, if there was a cry for help, then, double that fine.