Part 32

Some two hours after we set sail, we were becalmed, having not the least breeze of wind, the weather withal being exceeding hot and sultry: at length we arrived in _Swalley-Road_, where was riding an English Vessel; there we cast anchor: the English men came aboard of us, whom our Captain welcomed with the best of his entertainment. I could not forbear embracing my dear Country-men, shewing them so many demonstrations of joy, that by their looks, they seemed to question whether I was in my right wits. Their Masters-mate calling me aside, askt me, how I came to be ingaged in this Vessel? how long since I came from _England_? with many other questions too tedious here to relate. To all which I gave him such satisfactory answers, that he seemed very well pleased. I gave him a summary relation of what I had suffer’d, since my departure from my own Country; the report whereof, seemed to extract much pity from him. In fine, I told him, I had a great desire to see _England_ again, and to that end desired him to make use of what interest he could, to remove me into their Ship: he promised he would; and accordingly giving a Present to our Captain, he so far prevailed upon him to let me go, and perswaded the chief of whom he was concerned withal, to entertain me, which they did with much willingness. I was so like a Sea-man in this short time, that none could distinguish me from one that received his first rocking in a Ship. I carried about me as deep an hoguo of Tarpawlin as the best of them, & there was no term of art belonging to any part of the Ship or tackling, but what I understood. I could drink water that stunk (as if _stercus humanum_ had been steept two or three days in it) as well as any of them, and eat beef and Pork (that stirred as if it had received a second life, and was crawling out of the platter to seek out the rest of his Members) I say, I could devour it with as much greediness (scorning that my appetite should be ever again taxed with any of those Epithets, either nice or squeamish) as if it had been but nine hours, instead of nine Months, in salt. And to make me the more compleat, I had forgot to wash either hands or face, or what the use of a comb or shirt was, neither did I know how to undress my self; or if wet to the skin, to make use of any other means than my natural heat to dry my self: I never lookt on a hat or band, but as Prodigies. But to return to my purpose, where I left off. In three days time we set sail for _Swalley-Road_, steering our course from them, all along the coast of _India_, _Decan_, and _Malabar_. I knew not whither they intended, neither did I care now, as thinking my self safe, being amongst my friends: on the 20 of _April_, seven days from our weighing anchor in _Swalley-Road_, we came to an anchor at _Delyn_, a Town of the _Malabars_: We durst not land, the people being so treacherous and bloody; yet we suffered them to come aboard us in their small Canoos, selling us for any trifles, Coco-nuts, Jacks, Green-pepper, Indian-pease, Hens, Eggs, and the like. They brought us likewise Oranges of so pleasant a taste, the rind vying with the juice, which shall become most grateful to the palate: We had likewise from them Plantanes, a fruit supposed by some, to be that which _Eve_ was tempted withal; if a man gathers them green, yet will they ripen afterwards, coloured with a dainty yellow: the rind or skin will peel off with much facility; they melt in the mouth, giving a most delicious taste and relish. These _Malabars_ are coal-black, well limb’d, their hair long and curled; about their heads they only tye a small piece of linnen, but about their bodies nothing but a little cloth which covers their secrets. Notwithstanding their cruelty & inhumanity, we man’d out our long-boat, and 15, whereof I was one, went ashore, carrying some Muskets and Swords with us, suspecting the worst: Landing, they fled from us, but not without sending good store of poysoned arrows & darts amongst us. It is no wonder that these people are so black, for they live under the scorching fire of the torrid Zone. We returned to our Ship, finding it no way safe to stay here longer; next morning hoisting sail, we came to _Canavar_, where we met with people more civil; whereupon we landed; and receiving things from the inhabitants of considerable value, for toys and trifles we gave them in lieu, we resolved to stay here a while. The better sort of these people are called _Nairo’s_, whose heads are cover’d with a low tulipant, & their middles with a party-coloured Plad, resembling a Scotch Plad: The poorer sort have nothing but a small vail over their privities, wholly naked elsewhere; which veil or flap the women in courtesie will turn aside, and shew a man their _Pudenda_, by way of gratitude for any courtesie received, as if they would render satisfaction with that, which could never receive plenary satisfaction it self. They have a strange custom in their Marriages, observed among them by the highest to the lowest: who so marrieth, is not to have the first nights imbraces with his Bride, but is very well contented to bestow her Maiden-head on the _Bramini_, or Priests, who do not always enjoy it, being glutted with such frequent offerings, and therefore will many times sell them to strangers. Such a proffer I had once made me, and with shame I must confess, I did accept it, forgetting those sacred vows I made in _Newgate_, to live a more pious, strict and sober life. The Bride that night, was plac’d in one of their Fanes, as is customary, the Priest or _Bramin_ coming to her; but instead thereof, according to agreement between this Priestly Paynim and my self, I went: I wondred to find her so low of stature, but I did not much matter it then, minding something else; which having performed, I departed. The next morning I had a great desire to see her, but was amazed to see her so young, believing it impossible (though I knew the contrary) a child (for I may so call her, being but seven years of age) could be capable of mans reception at that tender age. Afterwards, I was informed, it was usual for them to marry so soon: first, being extreamly salacious and leacherous, and as fit, nay, as prone to enjoy man at that age, as _Europæans_ at fourteen. Next, they extreamly honour Wedlock, insomuch, that if any of their children die whilst very young, they will hire some Maiden to be married to him, and so lie with him the night after his decease. So soon as we arrived (which is a custom they use to all strangers, of what Country soever) we had presented us choice of many Virgins; our Boat-swain chusing one he fancied for a small price, she guided him to a lodging, where if he would have stayed so long, she would have performed his domestick affairs, as well at board as bed, discharging her duty very punctually: but he that undertakes any such thing, must be very wary that he be not venereally familiar with any other woman, lest that she with whom he hath contracted himself for such a time, doth recompence his inconstancy with mortal poyson. At his departure, her wages must be paid to her Parents, who returns then with much joy, and they receive her with as much credit and ostentation. The chiefest among them hold it a very great courtesie, if any one will save them the labour, pain & trouble, by accepting the Hymeneal rites of his Bride. I should have told the Reader, that the _Bramins_ are so much respected and esteemed by the commonalty, that if any of them gets their wives or daughters with child, they believe that off-spring to be much holier than their own, being extracted from Pagan piety. Their Funerals they celebrate after this manner: Bringing the dead corps near to their Fanes or Churches, they consume it to ashes, by fire made of sweet smelling wood, unto which they add costly perfumes in Aromatick gums and spices; If the wife only (for here they will not hear of Polygamy) cast not herself into the flames voluntarily, they look upon her to be some common prostitute, having not any thing commendable in her natural disposition; but if she freely commits her self to the flames, with her husbands carcase, she from that noble act (for so it is esteemed of among these infidels) derives to her memory, reputation and glory amongst her surviving friends and kindred. They are deluded on to this resolution by their _Bramins_, who perswade them by so doing, they shall enjoy variety of perpetual pleasures, in a place that is never disturbed by alteration of weather, wherein night is banisht, there being a continual spring; neither is there wanting any thing that shall ravish each individual sense. This was at first a stratagem invented by some long-headed Politician, to divert them from murdering their husbands (which they were frequently guilty of, by reason of their extream leachery and insatiate venery) so by that means they were reduced to that good order, as that they tender’d the preservation of their husbands healths and lives equally with their own. For my part, I could wish the like custom enjoyn’d on all married English females (for the love I bear to my own Country) which I am confident would prevent the destruction of thousands of well-meaning-Christians, which receive a full stop in the full career of their lives, either by corrupting their bodies by venemous medicaments administred by some pretended Doctors hand (it may be her Stallion) unto which he is easily perswaded, by the good opinion he hath of his wifes great care and affection for him: or else his body is poysoned by sucking or drawing in the contagious fumes which proceed from her contaminated body, occasioned by using pluralities for her venereal satisfaction, and so dies of the new Consumption.

Or lastly, by pettish and petulant behaviour, she wearieth him of his life, and at last is willing to die, that he may be freed, not only from the clamorous noise of her tongue, but that the derision of his neighbours, and scandal that she hath brought upon him, may not reach his ears. That all such might be mindful of their duty, I would have (were it at my disposing) these two lines fixt as a Motto to their doors.

_A Couchant Cuckold, and a rampant Wife, Are Cop’latives disjunctive all their life._

CHAP. LXX.

_From _Delyn_ he sailed to _Zeyloon_; with what he there observed._

The Isle of _Zeyloon_ is very famous, and not far distant from the Point of _India_, called _Cape Comrein_; it abounds with all sorts of odoriferous and Aromatical Spices; the people are Pagans, not owning a Deity; some though have heard of Christ, and others of _Mahomet_, but such are rarely to be found. They go naked, not compelled thereunto by want or poverty, but meer heat of the Sun. They are great Idolaters, worshipping things in monstrous shapes. On the top of a high Mountain, they have set conspicuously the Idæa of an horrible _Caco-dæmon_, unto which Pilgrims from remote parts do resort; and upon this account, a King of _Zeyloon_ coming, once derided this Idol: another time, intending to make a second repetition of his former derision, the King was even frighted out of his wits; for not only he, but his attendants all saw how this _Dæmon_ threatned him for so doing, by shaking a flaming Cymeter, and rowling his fiery eyes: from his mouth gaping, issued out fiery flames; whereat this King returns with as much penitence as amazement, resolving by his due respect and worship for the time to come, to make an atonement for his former errors. For my part, had I not believed there was a Devil, the sight of this horrid monstrous representation would have induc’d me into the belief that this was one really. They have in another place a Chappel, in which they adore the Devil (whom they call _Deumo_) the height whereof is about three yards, and uncovered: the wooden entrance is engraven with hellish shapes; within, their beloved Devil or _Deumo_ is enthronized on a brazen Mount: From his head issue four great horns, his eyes of an indifferent proportionable bigness, having somewhat a larger circumference than two sawcers; his nose flat; a mouth like a portcullice, beautified with four tusks, like Elephants teeth; his hands like claws, and his feet not unlike a Monkeys; beside him stand lesser _Deumo_’s attending on this grand _Pagod_, some whereof are represented or pictured devouring souls. Every morning the Priest washeth them, not departing till he hath craved their malediction; and when he takes his leave, he is very careful of offending the Devil by shewing his posteriors, and therefore goes from him retrograde, stedfastly fixing his eyes on the Idol. ’Tis strange that a rational soul should be so much infatuated, as to adore such a monstrous and ridiculous thing. The people in way of mutual love and amity, use to exchange their wives; a thing, though much hated by the jealous _Spaniard_, yet would be very acceptable to other _Europæans_, or else to be rid of them altogether, who are the daily murderers of their content and quiet. Polygamy, or plurality of Wives is here permitted; and as the men are granted the liberty to have more than one wife, so are the women allowed more than one husband. However, the woman hath the disposal left her of her children, giving them to him she hath the greatest affection for; which he receives, not questioning his interest or right (by generation) unto the infant.

_Elsewhere the Fates decreed a Cuckold’s lot, To keep that child another man begot; And by his joy therein he plainly shows, He thanks the man that pay’d those debts he owes: But these _She-Blacks_ in justice thought it fit, That he which got the child, likewise keep it: Therefore both love and custom made it so, On the true Father they the child bestow: By which good Law unto each man ’tis known, That he doth keep no other child but’s own. Were this observ’d in _England_, I durst swear, Some _what-d’ye-lacks_ would Heirs to Lords appear; And half of what some own, must be conferr’d On such who have a Fathers name deserv’d. These _Blacks_ do tax our women, for they paint The Devil white, and make him seem a Saint; To let them know, they are far greater evils; For fairest females oft are foulest Devils._

We stayed not long here, but having dispatcht what we came for, we sailed along the coast of _Choromandel_, and landed at Meliapor. The people are much after the same complexion of those of _Delyn_, only a little more duskie, and go in a manner naked, too. Here are likewise great store of _Bramins_, who are very busie and industrious to instruct these poor ignorant souls in the perfect way to damnation; for which they have the honour and estimation of all conferred upon them. We man’d out our long-boat and went ashore; upon our landing, it was our hap to be eye-witnesses of one of their Funerals, which was performed after this manner. The husband was carried before the combustible Pile; his most dearly loving wife closely following after, attended by her Parents & children; musick (such as they have, which I cannot compare to that of the Spheres) playing before, behind, and on each side of her. She was drest both neatly & sumptuously, to the height of the rudeness of their art; her head, neck, and arms (not omitting her nose, legs, & toes) each bedeckt and charged with Bracelets of silver, with jewels every where about her distributed: She carried flowers in her hands, which she disposed of to those the met. The Priests going backwards before her, shewed her a magical glass, which represented to her sight whatever might be pleasing to her sensual appetite. The _Bramin_ all along inculcating to her thoughts, the sense-ravishing and affable joys she shall possess after her decease; at which this poor deluded soul smiled, and seemed to be much transported. We followed them till they came to the fire, which was made of sweet odoriferous wood. As soon as her dead husband was committed to the flames, she voluntarily leapt in after him, incorporating her self with the fire and his ashes: we wondred that the standers-by would permit her thus to destroy her self, imagining this rash action proceeded from the ardency of her affection; but perceiving her friends to throw in after her, jewels and many precious things, with much exultation and expressions of joy, we concluded this to be the effects of custom. Such as refuse to burn in this manner, are immediately shaven, & are hourly in danger to be murdered by their own issue or kindred, looking upon them as strumpets: and indeed many of them are so audaciously impudent, that upon the least distaste, or not having their luxurious expectations answered, nothing more intended or indeavoured than the lives of their husbands. They are in these parts so extreamly idolatrous, and so over-swayed by the Devil, that they adore a great Idol made of Copper gilded, whose statue is carried up and down, mounted on a glorious Charriot, with eight very large wheels overlayed with gold; the ascent or steps to the charriot are very large & capacious, on which sit the Priests, attended by little young girles, who for devotion sake, prostitute themselves freely to the heat of any libidinous spectator; for so doing, they are intitled the _Pagodes_ children: A very strange zeal in their bewitched or besotted Parents, to destinate the off-spring of their bodies, from their non-age, to such an abominable liberty; for by letting them know the use of Man so soon, it cannot but be very prejudicial to their bodies, but also invest them with the thoughts of perpetual whoring: For, that woman that shall admit of more than one to her private imbraces, will admit of any upon the like account. Nay, such is their blind zeal and superstition, that as the Charriot passeth, some will voluntarily throw themselves under the wheels, who are crusht in pieces by the weight of the Idol and its attendants, suffering death without the benefit of a happy (but to them unhappy) Martyrdom.

CHAP. LXXI.

_From _Zeyloon_, he arrived at _Syam_; and what there he saw and observed._

_Syam_ is a Kingdom contiguous to _Pegu_, a part of the _East-Indies_; And, as the people are included within the burning Zone, therefore far from being fair; yet are tall of stature, very strong and valiant, and generally so strait, that few are found among them crooked. Formerly they were much given to _Sodomy_: to prevent which, ’twas wisely ordered, (though strangely) that the males as soon as born, should have a bell of gold (and in it a dry’d Adders tongue) put through the prepuce and flesh. When the desire of copulation stimulates any of them, he presents himself to some expert Midwives, who advise him to drink _Opium_, or some such somniferous potion; which having done in their presence, he falls asleep; during which interval, they remove the bell, and apply to the orifice from whence it was taken, an unguent, which affords a speedy cure: then is he free to make use of such as his fancy leads him to. The young Girls are served in a worse manner; for as soon as born, their _Pudenda_ is sowed up, and only a small _foramen_, or passage left, as an _aquaduct_: about eight or nine she is unstitcht; & it is as great a rarity, to finde a pure Virgin here at ten years old, as to finde a Maid at sixteen, in most places of _France_, or its neighbouring Countreys. And that these young leacherous Fry maybe capable of that employment they are destinated unto, they have potions given them to drink which have the efficacious power as to distend their _muliebria_ to such a capacity, as that (if their bells were not withdrawn) their males would finde too easie an entrance. The women here (still the more to allure the men from that detestable & unnatural act of _Sodomy_) go naked; (as little a novelty in these parts, as for _Irish_ and _Scotch_ to wash their cloaths with their feet, their coats, smock and all tuckt up about their middles, though twenty men stand by as (deriding) spectators): I say, they go naked to their middles, where the better sort are covered with a fine transparent Taffata or dainty Lawn, which by a cunning device is so made to open, that as they pass along, the least air discovers all, to all mens immodest views. Their Priest, which they call _Tallapoi_, are seeming very zealously superstitious: they somewhat incline to Mahometanism; for they pretend they will not drink wine, being forbidden it by their Law, yet are abominable hypocrites: for, though they wear a sheep-skin with the wool thereon, not suffering any hair to be on their bodies, and in shew lead a chaste life, yet I found the contrary; as you shall understand by what past between one of them and my self. I being on shore with our Ships crew, I chanc’d to walk abroad, carrying with me a bottle of _Spanish_-wine: As I entred into a Wood, intending not to adventure too far, there came to me one of these _Tallapoi_ or Priests, in the habit aforesaid, with a horn about his neck, resembling a Sowgelder’s, but much less; with which, I was told, they, with the sound thereof, used to convene the people to hear them preach. This holy Infidel espying me, blest himself, (as I guest by his gesture) & approaching near me, I imagined that he prayed for me, by the elevation of his eyes and hands: as a requital, I proffered him some of my wine; and having tasted thereof, lik’d it so well, that by signs, I understood he desired his horn full of me: to tell you the truth, I lik’d it so well myself, that I had no desire to part with one drop more of it; but his importunities so far prevailed, that I granted his request; which having obtained, he made no more ado but drank it off, making but one gulp thereof; a thing contrary to the strictness of his profession. After this, he seemed to bless me, and so departed. It was but a little while, before he again presented himself to my view; and beckoning to me, I followed him; coming close up to him, he pointed with his finger to a place, where covertly I espy’d three Maidens (as I supposed) to whom he by signs perswaded me to go. Sitting down amongst them, they entertained me with as much civility as they were endued withall, and courted me after their amorous fashion. One of these was the handsomest that I had seen in those parts; though not to be compared, for form of face, with the homeliest Kitchin-stuff-wench in _London_. I dallied with her so long, till that lust conquer’d my fancy; attempting something, and being in a fair way to it, this _Satyr Goat-Devil_, (I can’t invent a name bad enough to call him by) presently falls down upon us; and taking me thus unawares, lying on my belly, I was not able to help my self, that he had like to have performed his business; and questionless had effected it, but that the two Maidens standing by (no ways ashamed at this most shameful sight) assisted me, pulling him off. I presently started up, & seized him; and tripping up his heels, I laid him on his back: having so done, I bound him; then taking out my knife, I could not find in my heart to spare him one inch; and that he might not have any witnesses left of what was done, I took away his testicles too. The three young Girles fled, fearing my rage and revenge might have extended to them: And fearing my self, that they would give information of what I had done, I fled too to my Ships-Comerades; and giving them account of what had happened, we all judged it the safest way to go aboard; and so we did, with all expedition possible.

CHAP. LXXII.

_From hence he sails to _Do-Cerne_, so called by the _Portugals_; who _Adam_-like, give (or, as I may say, take too much liberty) in imposing names on all new places, and things. By the _Hollanders_, it is called _Mauritius_. Its general Description._