An Indian sword-player declared at a great public festival, that he
could cleave, vertically, a small lime laid on a man's palm without
injury to the member; and the general (Sir Charles Napier) extended
his right hand for the trial. The sword-player, awed by his rank, was
reluctant, and cut the fruit horizontally. Being urged to fulfil his
boast, he examined the palm, said it was not one to be experimented on
with safety, and refused to proceed. The general then extended his
left hand, which was admitted to be suitable in form; yet the Indian
still declined the trial; and when pressed, twice waved his thin,
keen-edged blade, as if to strike, and twice withheld the blow,
declaring he was uncertain of success. Finally, he was forced to make
trial, and the lime fell open, cleanly divided: the edge of the sword
had just marked its passage over the skin without drawing a drop of
blood!--_Sir Charles Napier's Administration in Scinde_.