
* A Project Gutenberg Canada Ebook *

This ebook is made available at no cost and with very few
restrictions. These restrictions apply only if (1) you make
a change in the ebook (other than alteration for different
display devices), or (2) you are making commercial use of
the ebook. If either of these conditions applies, please
check gutenberg.ca/links/licence.html before proceeding.

This work is in the Canadian public domain, but may be
under copyright in some countries. If you live outside
Canada, check your country's copyright laws.
IF THE BOOK IS UNDER COPYRIGHT IN YOUR COUNTRY,
DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR REDISTRIBUTE THIS FILE.

Title: The Young Cadet [1836 version]
Author: Hofland, Barbara (1770-1844)
Illustrator: Williams, S.
Engraver: Springsguth, S.
Date of first publication: 1836 [this revised version];
   1827 [original version]
Edition used as base for this ebook:
   London: Arthur Hall, Virtue & Co., [January 1, 1856:
   date of publisher's catalogue bound in with the book]
   [The Hofland Library]
Date first posted: 1 November 2011
Date last updated: 1 November 2011
Project Gutenberg Canada ebook #879

This ebook was produced by David Edwards, Ross Cooling
& the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team
at http://www.pgdpcanada.net

This ebook was produced from images generously made
available by the Internet Archive/University of California Libraries






[Illustration: THE HOFLAND LIBRARY.]




  THE YOUNG CADET.

[Illustration: S. Williams Del.        S. Springsguth Steel.

_in one of which sat the little Bridegroom gleaming and glittering like
a rich Jewel in a Velvet Casket_.

_Page 130._]




  The

  YOUNG CADET,

  by

  _Mrs. Hofland_.

  Author of

  _Humility_, _Clergymans Widow_, _&c._

  _LONDON_,

  ARTHUR HALL, VIRTUE & Co.

  25, PATERNOSTER ROW.




  TO

  ALEXANDER JAMES BERESFORD,

  THIRD SON OF

  THOMAS HOPE, ESQUIRE,

  &c. &c. &c.

    *    *    *    *    *

  MY DEAR MASTER B.

I have the greatest pleasure in presenting you, by the permission of
your dear mamma, this little book, because I know you are fond of
reading the Travels of Alfred Campbell, and may therefore be pleased
with those of Henry Delamere.

I have lately heard from my friend, your tutor, that you are improving
daily in every branch of your education, at which I rejoice
exceedingly; not only because I love you, and wish you to grow up a
learned and good man, but because I consider it particularly your duty
to use extraordinary exertion, that you may prove yourself worthy of
being the son of a father, whose splendid genius, extensive knowledge,
and superior virtues, call upon his sons to follow his steps so far as
they are able.

With sincere desire and heart-felt hope that your future years may
realize the promise of your childhood, I remain, my sweet little friend,

    Your affectionate
        and faithful servant,
            B. Hofland
  _June_ 12, 1827.




  TO THE READER.

    *    *    *    *    *


In preparing a new edition of "the Young Cadet" for the present year, I
have been induced to alter the original, in so far as to omit that
account of the Burmese War which formed a great object of interest at
the time it was written, but is now become less attractive.

I have done this for the sake of giving my young readers abridged
accounts of various places and circumstances, detailed in that admirable
new work, "Scenes and Characteristics of Hindostan," by Miss Emma
Roberts. Her delightful volumes combine all the charm of fiction with
the value of truth; and she will, I trust, pardon me for transplanting a
few flowers from her brilliant and extensive garden, for the welfare of
the young, to whom I earnestly recommend the source from which I have
drawn, in order to give them pleasure and information.

           B. HOFLAND.

      _Kensington,
  September_ 5, 1836.




  CONTENTS.

    *    *    *    *    *


  CHAPTER I.

    Introduction to the Cadet's family.--Arrival of the important
    letter.--Feelings of a kind and virtuous family.--Religious
    resignation of the mother.--Sensible exhortation of the
    father.--Inquiries of the children on the subject       Page 1

  CHAPTER II.

    The East India Company.--Their possessions, powers, and
    conquests.--History of Hindostan.--Irruptions of the
    Turks.--Tamerlane's ferocity.--Hyder Ali.--Tippoo Saib.
    Extension of power in Asia                              Page 9

  CHAPTER III.

    Character of Henry.--Anxiety of his parents.--Preparations for
    his removal.--Presents of the little ones.--Summons to the
    ship.--Sorrowful parting with his family.--with his
    father.--They sail.--Sea-sickness and recovery.--Arrive at
    Madeira.--Beautiful view of Funchal.--Proceed to St.
    Helena.--Ceremony of Crossing the Line.--Arrive in Chapel Valley
    Bay                                                    Page 21

  CHAPTER IV.

    They arrive at the Cape of Good Hope.--History of this
    place.--Tremendous storm for some time prevents their
    landing.--Pleasant run from thence to Madras.--Henry's surprise
    at landing.--New trees, new birds.--A new world around him
                                                           Page 34

  CHAPTER V.

    Henry writes to his parents.--His description of the Madras
    roads.--The Black and White Towns.--The inhabitants.--Pride of
    the Mahometans.--Grace of the women.--The
    Peons.--Dubashes.--Native troops.--Armenian gentlemen.--Wealthy
    natives.--Description of a pagoda.--Its hideous
    idols.--Affectionate conclusion.--Proceed to Ceylon    Page 46

  CHAPTER VI.

    Description of Ceylon.--Voyage to Bengal.--Enters the Hooghly
    River.--Calcutta.--Letter to John.--Description of the
    inhabitants.--Black Hole, and Governor Holwell's
    sufferings.--Jewish congregation.--Barrackpoor.--Howdah
    elephants.--Letter concluded                           Page 57

  CHAPTER VII.

    Voyage to Berampore.--Moorshedabad.--Elephants.--Ruin of
    Gour.--Fakirs.--Monghyr and its springs.--Henry arrives at
    Benares.--Writes to his mother.--The streets, pagodas, Bramins,
    mosques of Benares.--Letter continued.--Henry removes to
    Cawnpore.--Method of travelling.--Description of Allahabad and
    Cawnpore.--Letter concluded                            Page 68

  CHAPTER VIII.

    Henry's letter to his brother, with a description of the mode of
    living by the Anglo-Indians.--Numerous servants.--Large
    dinners.--Children.--Ftes of the natives, &c.         Page 76

  CHAPTER IX.

    Henry's letter to his sister.--His commission.--Removal to
    Agra.--Mode of travelling.--Camp dinners.--Tigers in the
    jungles.--Henry's adventure with one.--Horrible murder by the
    Thugs                                                  Page 89

  CHAPTER X.

    Letter from Oude.--Description of the splendid processions at
    the Buchra Eade, at Lucknow                           Page 102

  CHAPTER XI.

    Henry to his father.--Delhi, its buildings and court.--Account
    of the Begum Sumroo.--Colonel Gardiner's marriage with a
    native.--Return to Bengal                             Page 111

  CHAPTER XII.

    Henry writes to his sister.--Account of his journey to
    Bengal.--Escape from a Cobra Capello.--Arrival in
    Calcutta.--Dancing girls.--Dancing serpents           Page 117

  CHAPTER XIII.

    Voyage to Bombay.--Madras.--Pondicherry.--Goa, new and old
    cities.--Convent.--Tomb of Xavier.--Departure from Goa.--Arrive
    at Bombay.--Beautiful neighbourhood.--Good living and
    hospitality.--He determines to visit the Caves of Elora
                                                          Page 125

  CHAPTER XIV.

    Sets out for Elora.--Visits Elephanta.--Pleasant sail to
    Panwell.--Proceeds on horseback.--The Ghauts.--The Temple of
    Karli.--Arrives at Poonah.--Pursues his way to the village of
    Elora                                                 Page 134

  CHAPTER XV.

    Arrives at the excavations of Elora.--Temple of Keylas.--Its
    insulated state, prodigious size, and elaborate finishings.--The
    area.--The obelisks.--Sphinxes.--Galleries and statues.--Visits
    Teen Tal.--Its grandeur, statues, &c.--Continuation.--Temple of
    Visvacarma.--Temple of Juggernaut                     Page 140

  CHAPTER XVI.

    Temple of Indra.--Leaves Elora.--Poonah, and burning of Malabar
    widows.--Aurungabad.--Splendid
    monument.--Aurungzebe.--Punishment of an Hindoo.--The
    Fakirs.--Festival at Poonah.--Conclusion              Page 154




  THE YOUNG CADET.

    *    *    *    *    *


  CHAPTER I.

    Introduction to the Cadet's family.--Arrival of the important
    letter.--Feelings of a kind and virtuous family.--Religious
    resignation of the mother.--Sensible exhortation of the
    father.--Inquiries of the children on the subject.


"You have indeed a numerous and lovely family," said Mr. Wingrove to Mr.
Delamere, as his lady and her eight children were quitting the
dining-room; "but you must frequently feel great anxiety on the subject
of providing for so many, in such a manner as their birth and education
entitle them to expect."

"I am not without anxiety, my friend," returned Mr. Delamere, "but there
is at present no painful solicitude in my mind on that account, for I
have always observed that those young persons who belong to a numerous
family do best in the world, from being compelled early in life to think
for themselves, and act with energy and industry. I have brought up my
eldest boy in such a manner, that I trust he will be a father to the
girls if they should have the misfortune to lose me. He has been
constantly told, that although he will be the possessor of my estate, he
must take my duties along with it; and that although he will be richer
than his brothers, he will yet have more claimants on his justice and
generosity. The younger have all been taught from the cradle, that in
some way or other they must be self-dependent; that on their own
exertions alone they must rely to maintain their rank in society, since
their father can give them little besides the education necessary for
their future advancement."

"I could gather as much from the conversation I held just now with the
two little boys; for John told me he was designed for a lawyer, and he
gave me proof of considerable classic attainment, whilst little William
displayed great emulation in learning also, giving me a hint that he
read chemistry, from which I conclude that he is designed for a
physician: they are however too young for any thing to be decided upon.
But what do you mean to do with Henry? he is fifteen, and such a fine,
well-grown boy, that he will soon be of an age to fix upon his future
plans?"

"It is respecting him that I am most solicitous: he is a clever,
sprightly fellow, with such a spirit of enterprise about him, and such
an insatiate curiosity for exploring distant regions, that he seems born
to be a traveller and a soldier; but as a retired country gentleman, and
in the present happy state of peace, there appears little chance of my
providing for him in that way to which his inclinations point."

"But you have a _friend_, my dear Delamere, who lives in the busy world,
and is not without the power of assisting your views. I like the boy
exceedingly; he is a fine, open-hearted, generous youth, has been, I
well know, brought up in sound principles of religion and morality, and
is full of that warm affection for his family which is likely to
preserve him in those principles which he imbibed from the lips of his
parents in the dear home of his early life:--yes! yes! I will not forget
Harry."

Mr. Delamere did not mention this conversation to his son Henry, lest it
should lead him to form hopes of a wild and desultory nature; but when
their kind visitor, Mr. Wingrove, had returned to London, he took more
than common pains to impress on the mind of the boy, a necessity for
attending to his studies, of gaining, especially, a knowledge of
geography beyond what he possessed, improvement in modern languages, and
the practice of mathematics so far as he was able.

One evening, the following autumn, the family were all thrown into
astonishment, and, indeed, temporary confusion, by the arrival of a
letter from Mr. Wingrove to Mr. Delamere, presenting him with a
cadetship for Henry, who was required to prepare himself as soon as
possible for his appointment, as his friend proposed that he should
sail, soon after Christmas, in the Unicorn East Indiaman, bound for
Calcutta.

The idea of Henry going to leave them, and especially to go such a long
_long_ way, and to sail upon the wide ocean, awakened the utmost
consternation in the minds of the younger children; and even John, the
eldest, felt for a time overpowered by it, especially when he observed
his mother look extremely pale, and saw that, as she bent over the
little babe which lay upon her lap, tears, which she endeavoured to
conceal, were dropping upon its head. His heart laboured with manly and
generous thoughts, and pressing closely up to his father, he said--"Dear
father, do not let Henry go and leave us! at least not for the sake of
money, or any thing of that kind. You have often said, you hoped I
should do my duty by my family; let me give the first proof of
fulfilling your wishes, by sharing the privileges of my birthright with
dear Harry."

"But don't let me refuse this cadetship. Oh, no; pray let me go to the
East Indies!" cried Henry. "I thank you, dear John, a thousand times,
for all the good you intend me; and I hope I shall live to be as good a
brother to the little ones as you are: but I _must_ travel, I _must_
fight, I must get to be a man in the world, or it will break my heart."

"But it will break my mother's heart to see you go," said John.

Henry threw himself on his knees by the side of his beloved mother, and
as he bound his arms round her and the innocent babe on her lap, looked
inquiringly and almost tremblingly into her face, as if to beseech her
consent to his departure.

"My dear child," said Mrs. Delamere, suppressing her emotion as well as
she was able, "I not only fully consent to your acceptance of this gift,
but am truly grateful to the good friend who has procured it, and hope
that you will hereafter so conduct yourself as to merit his kindness. I
am now the mother of nine children, and cannot expect that they should
all remain around me. It is the will of God that each should seek to
establish himself, for it is the condition of our nature, and I can
resign you to His providence, Henry, because I well know his eye is upon
you every where; and since not a sparrow falleth to the ground without
his permission, surely my child will be under the highest, the only sure
protection, whether present or absent."

"Thank you, _dear, dear_ mother!--go where I may, I shall never, _never_
forget----"

Poor Henry could say no more, for his heart was too full, and whatever
might have been his wishes a minute before, he now clung to his dear
parents and sisters with an intensity of affection that seemed as if he
found it impossible to leave them. Mr. Delamere was much affected, and
felt that it would be indeed a great trial to part with a child of so
amiable and loving nature--one, too, whose gaiety of disposition and
sweetness of temper had made him the life of the house and the darling
of every creature around him; he struggled, nevertheless, with his
feelings, and addressed himself to his two eldest sons with peculiar
earnestness and tenderness.

"Dear John, I hope Henry will never forget the proof of affection you
wished to give him, nor the information I now give you both--that it is
not in his power, as an honest man, to alienate his future possessions,
even for the most generous purposes. He is the representative of an
ancient house, and will one day be its head, and it is his duty to hold
his property unshackled and unembarrassed, so that all the branches of
his family who need it, may find a home and protector in his house,
without injury to his own progeny, should he have one. He must be the
master of many servants, the guardian to many dependents, the landlord
to many tenants, the example to other gentlemen similarly situated, and
also to many descendants, the children of those children around us. With
so many duties to perform, you will see the necessity of not pressing
upon him beyond his powers; of conceding to him all those natural rights
which he holds from the laws of his country, and for the general benefit
of the whole, more especially your sisters; and I hope all my younger
boys will, in a different but equally effective manner, feel proud of
going out, like Henry, into the world, and attaining independence by
honourable exertion."

The countenance of each boy brightened up as they severally declared,
"that they were determined they would try and be men as soon as they
could," whilst Henry, whose dreams of the future were always the most
sanguine, took the hand of his favourite sister, and promised "that he
would give her a fortune at all events."

"But, dear Henry," said the poor girl, as she clung fondly on his arm,
"what is it to be a Cadet? What are you to do? Where are you to go?"

"These are indeed very important questions, Selina," replied the youth,
"and such as I must myself ask of my father; for although I am sure Mr.
Wingrove has done me a great service, I am certainly as ignorant of the
nature of the obligations it imposes as you can be."

"I will tell you all which I know of the matter to-morrow," said Mr.
Delamere, "for it is now time that we had family prayer, which will
compose our spirits, and remind us how much it is our duty to beg a
blessing on the new path which is opened for one of our circle so young
and inexperienced as our dear Henry."




  CHAPTER II.

    The East India Company.--Their possessions, powers, and
    conquests.--History of Hindostan.--Irruptions of the
    Turks.--Tamerlane's ferocity.--Hyder Ali.--Tippo
    Saib.--Extension of British power in Asia.


The following morning, it will be readily believed that Mr. Delamere's
chair was environed by several blooming children, who, although silent
from modesty and respect, looked up to him with eyes that said, "Pray,
father, what is a Cadet?"

"A Cadet is a youth sent out by the East India Company at their own
expence (as to his voyage) to join their army; where, when an
opportunity occurs, they will present him with a commission."

"But what is the East India Company?" said John.

"It is a body of the greatest merchants in the world, John, who hold, by
a charter from our government, immense possessions in Asia, levy armies,
support a governor in the style of an emperor, and pay a prodigious
revenue to the mother country.

"But how did they get this country at first?"

"In order to answer that question properly, my dear, it is desirable
that I should give you a few of the leading historical facts respecting
the country now become so interesting to us all, and of so much
importance to Henry. Fetch your map of Asia and lay it on the table, as
it will be useful and pleasant to see the relative situation of those
countries I may have occasion to name, and I will then tell you, as
briefly as I can, that which you desire to know."

A gentle murmur of thanks, a close encircling of the kind father's seat,
succeeded; Mr. Delamere then spread the map before them, and thus
resumed his discourse to his lively, but attentive children.

"Asia, which is the largest, as well as most illustrious quarter of the
globe, (as being that in which man was first created, and where the
glorious scene of his redemption took place,) is, you will perceive,
divided into but a _few_ immense empires, if we consider the riches,
population, and power of each. The consequence of this extent of
territory is, that the reigning sovereign and his court know little of
the countries they govern, which are, in fact, ruled by deputies, under
the names of Soubahs, Nabobs, and Rajahs, who oppress the subjects, rule
them with despotic power, and when they have increased their own wealth
and importance sufficiently for the purpose, rebel against their head,
or make war upon each other.

"These remarks apply more particularly to the empire of the Moguls, or
Hindostan, which you see, by the map, is bounded on the north by the
mountains of Tartary and Thibet, on the east by Assam and Aracan, on the
south by the sea, and on the west by the river Indus. It is a land rich
in all the productions necessary for man, and was originally inhabited
by a mild and ingenious race of men, who, with little energy as to the
more important objects of life, were yet capable of pursuing elegant and
useful arts."

"Those were the Gentoos, I believe?" said Selina.

"They were, my dear; these continue to be the principal inhabitants in
point of number, but they have been conquered and overrun by the
Mahomedans, who are called the Moors of Hindostan, and whose language it
will be necessary for Henry to acquire as soon as he is able. Several of
you will recollect that Alexander the Great penetrated India as far as
the Ganges, (and I dare say even William could tell me what the gigantic
king Porus said to the great Grecian conqueror,) but he could not be
said to subdue this noble country; and we know but little of its
internal situation till the year 1000 of the Christian era, when a
terrible irruption of Mussulmen drove the sovereign from the capital,
and established the religion of the Koran by the point of the sword."

"That is the only way to do it," observed John in a low voice. His papa
continued.

"In 1398, Tamerlane, a Tartar prince, poured over the plains of
Hindostan a flood of ruin. His furious hordes, directed by abilities
that would have merited his appellation of 'the Great,' had they been
properly directed, in their ferocious conquests exceeded all that
imagination can conceive of destructive cruelty, and went far beyond
their former invaders. Tamerlane was called from his labour of blood on
the plains of Delhi, where he had secured immense treasures, to conquer
Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks, whom he took prisoner, and is said to
have confined in an iron cage. He died in the midst of his glory in
Egypt, which he had subdued also, and left the Mogul Empire to his
successors, who managed it in the manner I have mentioned, each despot
giving power to other despots, generally more tyrannic than himself.
From these arose, in 1667, the famous Aurengzebe, who was a great and
politic prince, capable of consolidating and extending his mighty
empire, and whose conduct, after he took possession of the throne,
merited more praises than we can give to any of the progeny of
Tamerlane. At his death, four of his grandsons disputed the throne, and
the empire, weakened by these contentions, invited the incursions of
the Mahrattas; and it was no wonder that Nizam, a successful general
against these invaders, became, in fact, the governor of the country,
whose weak and quarrelsome princes afforded no rallying head for the
people. A great country, my dear children, like a private family, should
be at union with itself, if it would escape the evils of a foreign
tyranny.

"Nizam, it is said, invited Kouli Khan, the Persian monarch, to invade
Hindostan, and we are assured this conqueror destroyed two hundred
thousand Gentoos, and took no less a treasure than the value of two
hundred and thirty-one thousand millions of our money, when he fixed the
heir in the throne of his ancestors at Delhi. This empire has since then
fallen into that decay inevitable to its impoverished state, and was
again plundered in 1756. The city of Delhi was taken in 1803 by the
British under General Lake, and continues a part of the possession of
the East India Company."

"But, dear papa!" said little William, "you have not yet told us who
that Company is, and what made them go to Asia among these strange
people."

"The whole of the country I have spoken of, my dear child, was formerly
known to us Europeans only through the traffic we had with them by means
of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the caravans which crossed the
Arabian Deserts with merchandise, which they disposed of at Grand Cairo,
Aleppo, Alexandria, and other Egyptian marts; but, in 1497, Vasca de
Gama, an enterprising Portuguese, having succeeded in sailing round the
Cape of Good Hope and reaching Calicut (at that time an extensive
sovereignty), a new world was opened for the enterprising spirit which
was then set afloat by the discovery of America, and every important
power endeavoured to avail themselves of it.

"Portugal first obtained leave to plant a colony, for the purpose of
mutual benefit to the two nations concerned, on this coast; and Gama
himself died viceroy of the Indian settlements which were the result of
his discovery. France followed, but did not effect much, for the habits
and genius of this great nation are not commercial. The government of
the United States, on the contrary, formed an East India Company, which
have realized great wealth and power. England, you may be certain, was
not idle when others were busy, but for a long time circumstances were
against her. Queen Elizabeth, in the latter part of whose reign the
proposal for forming such a company originated, was grown too
parsimonious to afford necessary aid; and though carried into effect in
the reign of James the First, yet it did not get sufficient
parliamentary assistance till the beginning of the last century, since
which time other beneficial acts have also passed, and the immense
increase of territory and wealth which has during that period accrued to
this great body, and through them to this country, is now beyond
belief."

"But, dear papa!" cried little Frederick, "if they went there to trade
with the natives, ought the company to fight with them, and take their
cities and fields, as if they were enemies?"

"My dear child, wherever there is a conflicting interest, it must needs
be that offences will come. As I have already shewn you, this country
has been always subject to wars among its subordinate princes, and such
of those as made it the interest of our Company to assist them with
money, men, or arms, could not fail to find them friends, whereby the
opposite party were of course made enemies to the new comers.

"The native soldiers are valiant, but so completely undisciplined, that
the value of our military tactics were soon appreciated, and we were of
course courted by many native princes, though hated by others, and no
doubt can arise but that these princes in their aggressions merited the
chastisement they received. That many wrongs have been committed, that
our people have exercised a haughty spirit towards those on whom they
have intruded, I cannot doubt; but I also do firmly believe that the
Gentoos, under our dominion, are better protected, and more kindly
treated, than by any of their native princes. The sense of justice, the
rights which spring from good laws and good government, are so entirely
unknown in that unhappy country, save by the British population, that
one can scarcely consider any circumstance which introduces a new order
of things, in any other light than a blessing."

"I suppose we always beat them, if we fight at all?"

"Not always, for they are much improved by being so frequently engaged
with us; besides, the French, when at war with us in Europe, have
afforded our enemies in the East instruction. Great numbers will
sometimes carry the day, against even the finest troops and the highest
courage. You recollect, that Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, are the three
places where we were originally permitted to station ourselves. The
latter place is the capital of Bengal, and in 1756, Nabob Surajah Dowla,
governor of that province, overpowered our garrison, and threw Colonel
Holwell and his companions into a place named the Blackhole, where a
hundred and twenty-three died of suffocation, only twenty-three
surviving the sufferings of that horrible night. An account of this
unparalleled act of barbarity was written by Mr. Holwell, who survived
and became afterwards governor.

"With Hyder Ali, an usurper, and Tippoo Saib, his son, the Company
contended for many years: they were sovereigns of Mysore, a country
lying between the Carnatic and Cape Komorin, of which Seringapatam is
the capital. In 1792, Lord Cornwallis laid siege to this city, and
compelled Tippoo to pay an immense sum for its ransom, taking his two
sons, then about the age of you, Charles and William, as hostages, till
the treaty was fulfilled--a circumstance the more affecting, as their
mother, a very amiable woman, had died within a fortnight."

"Surely, papa, that was very cruel?" cried the younger children.

"Not so; the usage of the country, and the faithlessness of the tyrant,
rendered it necessary. Speaking of cruelty, I ought to tell you, that in
taking the forts, no less than forty Europeans, the remains of five
hundred, were found in one of Tippoo's dungeons, who, although prisoners
of war, had been treated with the most horrid barbarity, being almost
famished by hunger, and maimed by torture. The innocent hostages were
brought to the English camp, with all that gorgeous display of wealth
for which the east has been so long celebrated; they came in a howdah,
borne by a milk-white elephant, the trappings of which were richly
embroidered, and hung down to his feet, and were accompanied by the
first minister of the sultan, their father, and preceded by an immense
cavalcade of soldiers and servants. They were handsome boys, and most
splendidly clothed in silver muslins and turbans, with jewels, and their
demeanour was dignified and interesting. Lord Cornwallis received them
affectionately, presented them with watches, and, in short, made them as
happy as he could do."

"But what became of their father?" said Selina.

"After his affairs were settled, and his sons returned to him, he
renewed his aggressions against all his neighbours, and fell in 1799,
when Seringapatam was finally taken by the British, and the crown
restored to the legitimate heir, whose ancestor had been dispossessed by
Hyder Ali. Treasures and money, to the amount of more than a million
sterling, were found in the palace of Tippoo; but the jewels worn about
his person, and which were inestimable, have never been brought forward:
the body, when recognised, was stript of them. In these wars of the
Mysore, the Duke of Wellington, then a very young man, laid the
foundation of that knowledge, and exercised that courage, which rendered
him afterwards the greatest general in Europe.

"The latest wars we have been engaged in were with the Burmese, a
people whose dominions lie in the eastern peninsula. They had taken it
into their heads, that they were the people destined to drive the
British out of India, and therefore made an irruption on the
neighbouring states, and took Rangoon. The end of this affair was, their
utter discomfiture, the loss of the finest portion of their dominions,
and the payment of a large sum of money, in order to prevent the
violation of their capital, by the presence of the infidels. The higher
orders are cunning, faithless, and tyrannical; the lower, a most
pitiable race, who found, in their invaders, that mercy and support,
never afforded by their own government. Never did the British army prove
its power of endurance, in addition to activity and courage, more fully
than during their long suffering march into Burmah, under Sir Archibald
Campbell, an excellent general, and most worthy man."

"But, papa, did they get more money than paid their expences?" said
Selina.

"I apprehend not, my dear; the days of Indian wealth are gone by,
although a great deal of shew and glitter may still be found, on state
occasions, among the native princes, of which Henry's letters will, I
trust, give you some account. I trust my son does not go out with any
false ideas of amassing wealth, much less of wringing it out of the poor
natives; he goes to discharge certain duties, which will entitle him to
a respectable situation in society, and render him eligible to that
which is higher. God forbid that he should ever forget to protect and
defend the right, so far as he is able--that he should become luxurious
and extravagant, for that is the foundation of avarice and oppression."

"God forbid indeed!" ejaculated Henry, as the tears sprang to his eyes,
and he silently grasped the hand of that dear father whose watchful care
he felt at this moment to be alike dear and invaluable.




  CHAPTER III.

    Character of Henry.--Anxiety of his parents.--Preparations for
    his removal.--Presents of the little ones.--Summons to the
    ship.--Sorrowful parting with his family--with his father.--They
    sail.--Sea-sickness and recovery.--Arrive at Madeira.--Beautiful
    view of Funchal.--Proceed to St. Helena.--Ceremony of Crossing
    the Line.--Arrive in Chapel Valley Bay.


Mr. Delamere had little further opportunity for informing his young
family on these points at present, for he deemed it necessary to give
all his time to the improvement of that child who was so soon to be
removed from him, whose education it was therefore necessary to
complete, so far as time allowed, and whose principles it was his duty
to render as stable as his early youth and pliant mind permitted. Henry
was a courageous, high-spirited, and honourable boy, of a generous and
cheerful temper, a compassionate, affectionate heart. He had been from
his cradle brought up in the performance of religious duties, carefully
instructed in scripture truths and the rites of the Established Church,
of which his parents were worthy members and so dearly did he love those
parents, that at this time the simple fear of grieving or offending
_them_ would preserve him in the path of virtue: but yet he was the
source of much anxiety, for he was extremely young, full of those
buoyant spirits and those agreeable qualities which expose gay hearts
and pliant natures to temptation. Many a time would tears start into the
eyes of his mother, when she beheld him eagerly preparing for his
departure, or heard him descant on the pleasures in store for him; and
often would a sigh rise to the father's lips, when he reflected on the
distance that would part his lively boy from the counsels which were
wont to guide him.

The younger children gazed in astonishment at the numerous articles
provided for his wardrobe, and his amusement, during the long voyage
before him, and every one produced something from his own little store,
which might add to the pleasure of the traveller. One sister knitted a
purse, another made a portfolio; one little girl brought her doll as her
best treasure, and her youngest brother his kite; and as it would have
grieved them to refuse their gifts, Henry took them to his mother, and
in a voice full of extreme emotion, entreated her to put them carefully
by, adding, "If ever I return, I will claim these presents of the
children that gave them. Yes! mother, these dear creatures and my sister
Selina must be my care, if it please God to prosper me. My eldest
brother must allow me the pleasure of sharing his duties, and being a
kind of father to them. I shall not always be thoughtless little Harry,
you know."

At length the summons came, Henry must join his ship, now lying off
Deal, and it was happy for all parties that not an hour could be lost.
Mr. Delamere accompanied his son, but of all the rest of the family,
leave must be taken. Servant after servant claimed attention, for they
all loved Harry, whose faults and rogueries, whatever they might have
been as a heedless boy, were all forgotten at this moment, and praises
were mingled with lamentations on every side; yet _their_ kindness,
though it really affected him, was not like that of the clinging,
weeping sister, the quiet, silent, wringing pressure of his brother
John's hand; and what was even that to the low smothered tone with which
his mother blessed him? her fond kiss, her tearful smile, put to flight
all his mustered resolution, and his father was obliged to lead the
sobbing boy to the carriage, in a state of distress that for a short
time was completely overpowering.

Many hours had passed, the passion of grief had exhausted itself, and a
few hours of unbroken sleep had recruited the faculties of our
traveller, when he reached the sea-port from which he was to sail to
another far distant country, and realize all the wishes of his inquiring
mind. It is however certain, that the idea of parting with his
fondly-beloved, his deeply-venerated father, again affected him so
severely, that he would gladly have resigned at this moment all his
long-cherished wishes, if a sense of duty had not come to his
assistance. He had the good sense to know, that having gone so far, he
was bound to go farther: and rousing all that was manly and firm in his
nature, he determined neither to disgrace himself by retracting any of
his former professions, nor wound the heart of his father, by sinking
under the pain of parting, as he had done in the first instance.

This praiseworthy magnanimity in Henry became its own reward. He found
his spirits rise when he went on board the ship, the sea-breeze seemed
as inspiring as the cricket-ground at home had ever been, and he was
again conscious of his usual wishes for that destination he was called
to fulfil; and when he found himself strained for the last time to his
father's bosom, he was enabled to say, "Pray tell my mother that I am
very happy, dear father."

The father whispered one word of approbation, and closed a scene he bore
with difficulty by descending to the boat. There were other fathers,
other partings, and other sufferers, but for a short time Henry forgot
all the world save his own dear parent; and, when the last glance of his
figure was completely gone, sought only to hide himself and his
feelings from every eye, yet he had one sense of consolation in having
quitted his father with fortitude.

The wind was favourable, the ship was under weigh next morning, and soon
began to clear the Channel; but poor Henry then began to experience that
trouble to which new voyagers are generally subject, and long before he
lost sight of his native shores, suffered all the depressing sensations
of sea-sickness. He had never known more than a day's illness within his
memory, and that had been soothed by the tenderness of his mother, or
amused by the playfulness of his companions; and _now_, when he felt so
much worse, to meet no attention, save that of a joke from his
messmates, or assistance, except from a menial, at first struck him as
hard to bear. He found that there were others who suffered equally,
reflected that he had entered on a course which, whether of hardship or
ease, was certainly of his own choosing, and remembered that its evils
had been pointed out to him, and he had promised to meet them firmly; he
therefore set himself to endure, and bore his first trial with as much
heroism, or more, than any other passenger.

In the course of a fortnight, health and appetite returned, and the
captain congratulated Henry on what he termed his resurrection. He now
became capable of attending to what was around him, and was never weary
of admiring the noble vessel in which he sailed. The beauty,
cleanliness, convenience, and even elegance of his floating home, the
excellent table, the pleasant company, the commanding yet protecting air
of the captain, the friendly manners of the ladies, all struck him as
being charming and delightful, and he began to wonder that any person
could consider a long voyage disagreeable, unless, like himself, they
had suffered from sea-sickness.

This agreeable change had taken place about ten days, when he was one
morning called on deck to hail that sight of land which even the oldest
seaman greets with joy. He beheld Madeira rise from the bosom of the
blue deep, like a rich gem embossed with emeralds. Every moment it
became more and more apparent, the lofty mountains covered with forest
wood, the grounds below covered with vines; and then the town of Funchal
itself, the houses rising tier above tier, intermingled with churches
and monasteries, met his view, and he felt as if this alone repaid him
for all the sufferings of his voyage.

This sensation greatly increased on entering the island, which presented
on all sides something so totally different to every thing he had left
in his own country, as to offer at once the gratification and the
stimulus to curiosity. The city was populous and handsome, yet there was
not a single carriage, except clumsy cars drawn by oxen. The very
cornucopia of Nature appeared to be emptied here, in the quality and
quantity of fruit: but even from this sight, grateful as it is in such a
climate, he was withdrawn to gaze on a procession of monks, and a body
of inhabitants, whose dark complexions, indolent gestures, and unknown
language, gave him that sense of being for the first time in a foreign
land, which all who have experienced it will remember.

It so happened, that the ship in which Henry sailed was laden with
stores for St. Helena, and the captain therefore lost as little time as
possible in taking in what was necessary at the Madeiras, and he desired
the passengers to return to the ship as soon as possible. Henry urged
his wishes to examine the island, and especially to climb the mountain
of Rica Ruiva.

"The thing is impossible," returned the captain, "and were it not so,
you would see nothing but the sea, and you will have enough of that, I
promise you. All the world knows, that Madeira was discovered by the
Portuguese, who found it covered with wood, which they set on fire to
clear it. They escaped with difficulty, the fire burnt for seven years,
and so fertilized the soil, that they afterwards raised an unequalled
abundance of sugar and wine, the last of which continues excellent to
this day. The inhabitants are mostly poor, or proud; but it is a jewel
of an island, and the prettiest thing in the Portuguese diadem, if they
knew how to polish it; but don't stay to talk about it now."

Henry returned reluctantly, and looked back with eyes that lingered on
the beautiful novelties around him: it was now evening, and he saw a
group of the lower inhabitants, who appeared to be vine-dressers,
dancing under the shadows of the beautiful paibanco trees, to the sound
of the Spanish guitar, and added to the beauty of the spectacle in the
distance--no wonder he was sorry to depart.

The second part of the voyage proceeded less rapidly than the first, and
Henry began to think the words of the captain true as to his having
"enough of the sea;" but he was happy in the society of the passengers,
who became more friendly with each other the farther they proceeded; and
books in the early part of the day, and a dance on the deck in the
evening, beguiled the time; whilst the store of luscious fruits taken in
at Madeira preserved their health, in despite of the increasing heat
which they now experienced. Every day would the heart of Henry anxiously
revert to his dear home, the occupations and the improvement of its
inhabitants, and birthdays, holydays, and visiting seasons, continued to
awake in him the most lively interest; he had no doubt that they all
thought of him with as much tenderness as he remembered them, and he
rejoiced in the belief that neither climate, country, nor
circumstances, could break the tie of affection which bound them to each
other.

After their continuing a steady progress some weeks longer, unmarked by
any incident, Henry was one morning awakened by an uncommon noise among
the sailors, which, notwithstanding there was no enemy to dread, gave
him the idea of preparation for an engagement. He had just begun to
dress, that he might see what was stirring, when a sudden irruption was
made into the cabin, and an old sailor, fantastically dressed up to
represent Neptune, attended by various personages, whose appearance was
rather comical than classical, gave him to understand, "that the ship
was then passing the line, and he must be immerged in the seas of the
new hemisphere to make him free of the South." Henry had heard of this
old joke, and gladly paid the fine, which was imposed on several
passengers as well as himself, and gave the sailors their usual treat of
grog on such occasions: but one young man who resisted underwent the
penalty, and was roughly handled by the seamen, and laughed at by the
passengers for his obstinacy.

Continual inquiries as to the state of their progress, conversations on
Bonaparte, and renewed diligence in gaining as much of the Moors'
tongue as their situation admitted, filled up the time till they arrived
within sight of St. Helena, which is seen from a great distance, Henry
thought himself fortunate in seeing this remarkable place, which is not
often visited by _outward_-bound ships; and, young as he was, he could
not forbear to reflect much on the fate of that great warrior, for whom
this mighty rock formed first a prison, and now a tomb.

As they drew near to this remarkable island, the difference betwixt it
and the beautiful Madeira struck him forcibly. Sometimes it appeared
like a stern-looking castle or fortress, rising in frowning grandeur; at
others, like a mass of broken rocks thrown by some sudden convulsion of
Nature from the bottom of the deep; but in no point of view could he
conceive it to be the abode, much less the pleasant habitation, of man.
"Ah!" said he to himself, "how must the hearts of gay Frenchmen and
their wives have sunk within them, when from the deck they contemplated
their future home! at least _their_ sacrifice was noble who followed the
fortunes of a ruined master to such a melancholy exile; and whatever
were the faults of him who so long embroiled Europe and spilled the
blood of her sons like water, their attachment is honourable to those
who gave and him who received it."

In due time the vessel wound its way to the only point of entrance to
the island, called Chapel Valley Bay, which is fortified not only by
fifty large cannon, but by the perpetual dashing of prodigious waves, as
if nature herself denied access to her most inhospitable shores, which
are at length only reached by a small boat, which lands a few men at a
time in a little creek. The impression of desolation was aided in the
mind of Henry at this moment by large flights of sea-birds, a gloomy
atmosphere, and a threatening wind, which blew so strong as to have
nearly prevented their landing at all, a circumstance by no means
uncommon. When this difficulty was got over, those persons who had no
merchandise to dispose of or to purchase, eagerly began to form into a
party for the purpose of exploring the island, and as our young friend
was one of them, he found himself more agreeably situated than at their
last landing, as he had plenty of time for seeing any object of
curiosity.

For those who have been many weeks at sea, confined to one monotonous
view, apparently cut off from the wide world, and placed upon an element
capable of opening every instant and swallowing them alive, and when
appearing most smooth and smiling, liable in a single hour to exhibit
the most alarming change, the simple circumstance of feeling _solid_
earth beneath their feet is a delightful change. They look round on all
living creatures as a kind of new-found brethren, renew their
acquaintance with houses and trees, feel their hearts glow with
veneration at the sight of a church, and busy their minds with eager
comparisons between the things they behold, and the dearer things which
they remember.

These emotions filled the mind of Henry with pure delight, as he pursued
his way into the higher part of St. Helena, where every step which took
him from the shore presented objects of beauty, and conquered the
impression of barrenness and desolation hitherto inspired. In fact, a
rich though shallow coat of earth covers this mighty rock, which
produces fruit-trees, feeds cattle, supplies wheat in small quantities,
and vegetables in abundance. There are no forest-trees, but the vine has
been propagated successfully; and the ground is so broken into green
hills and rich valleys, as to render views from the interior frequently
very beautiful, and give the idea of a paradise in the mighty ocean,
fenced in by a fortress of impregnable strength.

In due time they reached the former home of Bonaparte, and were minutely
informed of all those particulars which have been so often transmitted
to Europe, that repetition is needless, respecting the situation, the
conduct, and death of Bonaparte. All viewed his grave with interest,
and Henry felt again that pleasure a traveller cannot fail to experience
in actually viewing scenes of which he has heard much, and greatly
desire to behold.




  CHAPTER IV.

    They arrive at the Cape of Good Hope.--History of this
    place--Tremendous storm for some time prevents their
    landing.--Pleasant run from thence to Madras.--Henry's surprise
    at landing.--New trees, new birds.--A new world around him.


The examination of St. Helena only quickened the desire to proceed in
our young traveller, and he was not sorry to be summoned on board. They
proceeded with somewhat of a brisk gale, and soon lost sight of the
pinnacled rocks, ceased to talk of the dearness of provisions there, and
the impositions of the natives, and began to look forward to their
arrival at the Cape of Good Hope, which is always deemed a point of
great importance.

Henry borrowed from a lady Mickle's translation of Camoen's Lusiad, a
poem written on the discovery of India by Vasco de Gama, which he read
at this period with great pleasure; but when he arrived at the
description which is there given of the storms which took place off the
Cape, for which they were steering, he could not help saying, that he
thought the poet had made them too tremendous.

"I shall be very glad," returned the captain, "if you continue to think
so; but as you have seen very little rough weather yet--for we had only
a slight rocking even in the Bay of Biscay--I cannot allow you to be a
judge. Not that I like the description of Camoens at all, for he must
needs paint the spirit of the storm, by way of increasing its horrors
and ugliness, and to my mind he had done far better in giving its
natural effects, which every body can conceive, and which far exceed in
grandeur and terror any conception of man; in a very few words, our own
service in the Prayer-book gives a better idea by half."

A few days after this conversation, the joyful tidings of land being
descried from the topmast was given, and Henry hastened with others to
the deck, each holding a glass, for the purpose of descrying the welcome
_terra firma_. In a short time they discovered the Table Mountain of the
Cape of Good Hope, and before the sun went down, had the satisfaction of
discerning not only that, but several other prominent landmarks with the
naked eye.

The following morning Henry rose soon, impatient to observe all that
could be seen, and anticipating a day of uncommon pleasure, because he
apprehended it would be one of activity and diversity. To his great
surprise, he found the captain giving various orders, with a tone of
such anxiety as bespoke in his care that pain rather than pleasure was
expected; and on looking up, he observed the mountain covered completely
with light vapoury clouds, resembling snow.

"You see," said the captain, "the Table is having the cloth laid upon
it; and we sailors can assure you that it is a bad preparation for a
dinner, should those fleecy-looking wind-messengers descend; depend upon
it, we shall have one of those storms which caused the first name given
to the place to be Cape Tormentoso."

"I believe the native inhabitants of all the land in our eye are the
Hottentots; but that, although the Portuguese were the first
discoverers, it was the Dutch who first planted a colony: am I right?"

"You are. For many years, the Dutch, in their voyages to the Indies,
used to land here to take in water and provisions, and the ships going
out used to deposit their letters under a case of iron, covered by a
stone, which the ships returning took home, and conveyed thus
intelligence of their voyage to different parts. John Van Riebeck, a
surgeon, and a man of abilities, first conceived the idea of forming a
better establishment, for the purpose of aiding his country, by a
settlement, which being about midway from their possessions in India and
Europe, might afford assistance to travellers from each country. His
plan was adopted by their East India Company. Ships were sent out, the
friendship of the natives ensured, Cape Town built, land granted to
settlers on advantageous terms, and the place became wealthy, populous,
and productive."

"But did they incur no trouble from their savage neighbours?"

"For about ten years they were engaged in continual skirmishing to
maintain their footing, but after that became easy; and during that time
proved that the soil was well worth cultivation, and the climate
favourable. Farther up the country there are many wild beasts, more
particularly lions, tigers, leopards, and wolves, but they rarely come
near the coast, where they have yet abundance of game, particularly
large herds of deer, and where the birds are numerous and beautiful,
and, so far as I can learn, no country in the world boasts an equal
number of curious plants. At a considerable distance from the coast,
there is a settlement of the Moravians, who have made converts of a
number of the natives, and whose collection of botanic curiosities is
prodigious, being assisted in their researches by those sable brethren
to whom they have imparted far better things."

Whilst the captain had been imparting this information, the dense mists
he had termed the "table-cloth" had crept down to the very foot of the
mountain, and quick blasts of wind coming from the land-side, whistled
among the cordage, and violently shook the sails of the vessel, many of
which were now reefing. When summoned to breakfast, every face wore
disappointment, and all the more experienced said it would be a day or
two before they made the port--a thing which appeared to the novices
next to impossible. They had, however, no time to dispute on the
subject, for the wind suddenly rose tremendously high; a sudden swelling
of the waves communicated the idea that there was a wind below the
surface of the sea, not less than over it, and a terrible confusion
arose throughout the maritime dwelling.

Soon after, black clouds overspread the face of heaven; all sight of the
deceitful coast was denied; the waves, impelled by the wind, and rising
every moment higher and higher, seemed to come as revengeful enemies
from the land to forbid their approach; and many were extremely desirous
that the captain should stand out for sea, and give up all intention of
visiting such an inhospitable shore. In general, this gentleman, though
firm and authoritative among his men, was not only gentle and
conciliating in his manners, but of a disposition to comply with any
request properly urged; but, on the present occasion, Henry observed
that he turned a deaf ear to all remonstrance and entreaty, and making
up his mind to meet the difficulties before him, either enforced
obedience or silence on all around. Henry, in despite of the greater
objects of surprise and curiosity around him, could not forbear giving
his unqualified admiration to this conduct, which he considered not only
praiseworthy in itself, but as affording a most salutary lesson to
himself; and many a time did he inwardly ejaculate--"If ever I am called
upon to hold the lives of others in my power, to combat with danger, or
to enforce command, God grant I may act like Captain Murphy!"

In a short time the storm so increased in its terrors, from the more
rapid swell of the waves and the loud pealing of thunder, the vessel was
pitched so violently, and her rigging was so injured, that many of the
passengers gave themselves up for lost, and only one besides Henry was
permitted to remain on deck, lest they should suffer for their temerity
on the one hand, or impede the efforts of the seamen by their
expressions of fear on the other. Henry had attended much to the working
of the ship ever since they left Madeira; he understood the sea-terms,
and he now lent a willing and able hand to every manoeuvre for her
preservation which was pointed out, whilst he kept his mind in that
state of quiet endurance of evil, and calm expectation of good, which
his father had frequently said was the only kind of courage to help a
man in the time of need. Henry was aware that even he, young as he was,
might, on the present occasion, practise this species of manly bearing,
though he could not have done it on the field of battle; for there,
anger for the wound he had received, or revenge for the death of a
companion, might, in addition to the arrogancy natural to a young
impetuous soldier, have rendered him too eager to be guarded, too
venturesome to be wise. He had now to contend with danger in a way that
rather asked the strength of fortitude than of valour, yet it asked for
exertion against that grief which was awakened by the thoughts of home,
that fear the existing terrors around him were likely to awaken; but he
rallied his mind, he lifted up his heart to God, and felt that, in the
midst of this awful scene, he had a heavenly Protector, who was above
all, and commanded all, and who, in another state of existence, would
give him life eternal for present death.

Often did he think on those words in the Psalms to which the captain had
lately referred, and acknowledge how admirably they depicted the state
in which the vessel now stood, but he did not speak either of his
recollections or feelings to him or to any one; it was a time for
acting, not talking; and in those pauses from labour, when his thoughts
could retire to his own breast, and, as it were, attend to their own
business, he was aware that it was his duty, in deep humility, to
prostrate his heart before God, submitting to his will, recommending
also the souls of all that partook his situation.

Night closed upon them, the thunder ceased, and the forked lightning no
longer showed those fearful abysses of the parting waves which had so
long threatened to swallow them; but as the hurricane still raged, their
danger appeared hidden from them only to render them the surer prey.
Henry descended into the cabin, at length, to take some necessary
refreshment, of which he stood in extreme need, and there found all the
passengers assembled, in that state of fearful expectation, silent awe,
and bitter sorrow, which bespake the effect of their situation on
different minds. It was a moment when all disguise was dropped, and some
of high vaunting displayed miserable pusilanimity; whilst, in several
instances, timid women looked pale, but placid and resigned. It was to
Henry a heart rending scene, and affected him infinitely more painfully
than the threatened death which he beheld above. There was something in
the sublimity of the latter which was stimulating in its magnificence;
but the faint breathings of sighs, the wailings of fear, and even the
quietness of the firm, were affecting and distressing to his
compassionate heart; and when, with great difficulty, from the perpetual
rocking and pitching, he had obtained a little biscuit and swallowed a
small portion of brandy, he returned to the deck.

"You well deserve to carry good news to the poor wretches below," said
the captain, "for you have proved yourself worthy an admiral's honour;
return, and tell them we have got on a good tack, and the breakers are
subsiding ahead. I thought this before I sent you down, but am now
certain of it."

Henry did not wait to hear the observations nor exclamations which
followed this good news, for he hastened to rejoin the indefatigable
man, who was to him the most interesting person on board. A second night
did he continue to watch and labour, but was rewarded by seeing the sun
go down on a gradually improving state of weather; but the surf was
high, and the gale still brisk; when, by the wonderful skill and
alacrity displayed by the captain and crew, the ship at length drove
with amazing celerity into the bay.

Although the Cape of Good Hope now belongs to the English, who took it
twice within a few years, a great number of its first inhabitants are
found there, together with many French and other Europeans; and Henry
was exceedingly amused with all around him, save the original
inhabitants of the soil, whom he pitied, yet could not approve. The
cleanliness of the Dutch, placing the filthy habits of the Hottentots
in the strongest point of view, rendered them the more disagreeable; but
the avarice and meanness of the settlers would, in a more lengthened
stay, have shown him, that immoral dirt is the more disgusting of the
two.

Provisions and water being obtained, the Table Mountain visited, old
friends looked at, and letters dispatched for England, they became as
impatient to quit this place as they had lately been to arrive at it;
and as the weather was now very fine, they enjoyed a pleasant and speedy
run to Madras.

Being prepared for the high surf, the danger of reaching the shore on
the present occasion appeared trifling to them, after the tempest we
have mentioned, and they rather enjoyed the landing, which is effected
by boats of a particular construction, and which placed them in a few
minutes high and dry upon a fine beach, apparently out of the reach of
all injury from that mad surge which had so lately threatened them, and
still appeared to rave against them.

Here, then, was Henry in Hindostan! that country which must be to him a
future home, and how strange a one it was! All he had seen of novelty
before was far short of this; for not only was he surrounded by such
vessels, carriages, and people, as he had never beheld till now, but the
very trees were strangers; and as he proceeded, the rich broad-leafed
plantain, the bending bamboo, the tall palm, the curious cocoa-nut, and
the majestic banian, each claimed his surprise and admiration, and told
him he was on a soil he had never trod before.

Nor did the inhabitants of these trees less delight him; for here the
green parroquet spread his wings at liberty, and numbers of those
brilliant birds, seen only stuffed in the museums of Europe, flitted
about in all the glowing glory of life and beauty.

Madras itself struck him as magnificent: Fort George, its garrison, is
high, commanding, and without any architectural pretensions, is yet
imposing. The city is divided into two parts, the Black and the White
Town; and to the latter, as the residence of the Europeans, Henry was
conducted by those of his fellow-travellers who were acquainted with the
place.

The hospitality practised in the East Indies is so extensive, that few
persons are under the necessity of making a temporary stay at the houses
of public entertainment; but Henry considered himself one of them until
his letters were delivered; and with three other gentlemen he proceeded,
under the captain's direction, to the principal street of the White
Town. Every step presented new and extraordinary sights, which he beheld
with all that vivid enjoyment of the wonderful which belonged to his
age; and we think our young readers will at this period of his travels
read his letter to his dear family at home, describing his feelings, as
well as the objects which excited them, with more pleasure than our own
description, and shall therefore continue this account of our young
Cadet, through this natural and characteristic channel.




  CHAPTER V.

    Henry writes to his parents.--His description of the Madras
    roads.--The Black and White Towns.--The inhabitants.--Pride of
    the Mahometans.--Grace of the women.--The
    Peons.--Dubashes.--Native troops.--Armenian gentlemen.--Wealthy
    natives.--Description of a pagoda.--Its hideous
    idols.--Affectionate conclusion.--Proceed to Ceylon.


  "MY DEAR PARENTS,

"I have at length arrived at Madras, and find myself in a land of
wonders. Every thing around me presents a moving picture of
extraordinary character; and although I fancied, from the descriptions I
had read, and the views I had seen, that every object would be familiar
to me, yet I find them not less new and striking in the effect they have
upon my eye, than if I had not read or heard of them before.

"The White Town of Madras looks very handsome to those eyes which have
long desired the sight of human habitation, although the houses are only
one story high; they are fiat-roofed, built of brick, and covered with a
plaster made of sea-shells, which no rain can penetrate. There are
three principal streets, barracks, hospital, town-house, &c. surrounded
by a strong stone wall, with batteries, bastions, flankers, cannon, and
all those means of defence which seem to belong to a fortress placed in
the land of enemies. It is inhabited by merchants and their dependents,
military men, and troops of the natives under our command. The Black
Town is inhabited by Gentoos, Mahometans, Jews, and Indian Christians,
who are chiefly Armenians; it is also a fortified place. The streets are
wide, with trees planted to protect the inhabitants from the burning
heat of the sun; but a considerable part of the town consists of
miserable cottages, which are inhabited by a crowded and poor
population; so that, although many are rich and exhibit marks of wealth,
they are contrasted by the extreme of want; but, they tell me, this is
rather an appearance than reality. In this town there are several
pagodas, which are the Gentoo temples, and are full of the most hideous
idols; but none of them give an idea of those large and costly places I
expect to see hereafter.

"Ah! what a delightful thing did I find it yesterday, to assemble with
my countrymen once more in the house of God, and offer up prayers for
those I loved, and praises for the mercies I had experienced, with so
many similarly situated! I had witnessed, even in this short time, so
much of what was strikingly ridiculous and disgusting in the religious
ceremonies of the proud Mussulmen and the silly Hindoos, that I felt as
if I could never sufficiently express my gratitude for having my own lot
cast in the 'goodly heritage' of Christian light. Dear mother, be
assured, that the lessons you have given me will grow only the firmer in
a place where I am every day compelled to feel their value and their
truth.

"But my brother John bade me tell him something about the Bramins. I
must begin by observing that all the native inhabitants of Hindostan are
divided into four great tribes, and that of the Bramins is the most
noble, being, like the Levites among the Jews, the only one which can
officiate in the priesthood; but they are not all priests, as we used to
suppose, but are merchants, agriculturists, &c., but never in any menial
capacity; and I assure you that they are as proud and hard-hearted
towards their humbler countrymen, as any conquerors could be, and,
generally speaking, are by no means the amiable personages we boys at
home used to fancy them. The second tribe is the Sirri, who are military
men, but blend other business with that profession. The third is the
tribe of Beise, who are merchants, brokers, banias, or shopkeepers. The
fourth is that of Sudder, who are menial servants, and can never raise
themselves above the disadvantage of their birth. Besides these there is
the cast of Harri, who are held in detestation by the rest, and never
employed but in the vilest occupations.

"Besides these grand distinctions they have grades arising from the
superiority of one city to another, and they would die on the spot
rather than give up one inch of their prerogative. I do not pretend to
judge of such matters; but this system of holding back all progressive
virtue and merit, appears to me so bad, that I do not wonder that so
many strangers have intruded on their country, and become their rulers.
But I will not moralize about them, when you are all asking what they
are like? Come, my dear Selina, you shall have a camera-obscura view of
the road on which I have been driving. The grand drive here leads from
the fort to St. Thomas's Mount; it has a fine avenue of trees, the whole
nine miles; and at the distance of seven, is a race-course and a
handsome stand. All the way as you go, there are garden-houses in the
country, with beautiful verandahs and porticoes, which, being covered
with chunum (a plaster which resembles white marble), have a beautiful
appearance.

"The carriages are all English, and I need not describe them, as there
is not, so far as I have seen, any thing remarkable: therefore, leaving
this gay promenade, I will take you with me into the Black Town, in that
part where the population is chiefly Mahometan. These fellows like not
_us_; there is a curl of the whiskers, a flash of the eye, a proud
curbing of the rein, or the step, as they pass an Englishman, which
bespeaks an angry sense of his superiority--a remembrance that _he_ now
occupies the ground _they_ sought to subjugate. I must confess, however,
that they are a brave and enterprising race; I like their boldness
better than the servile supple natives, of whose simplicity and
harmlessness I have very little opinion; for certainly a more cheating,
extortionate, usurious, and invincibly obstinate race, never existed.
They are handy, it is true, and are therefore, in one sense, agreeable
servants; but being also lazy, proud, and dishonest, are very unfit for
being about careless young travellers. Ah! how you would have laughed to
have seen us all at daybreak, the first morning after our arrival, when
half-a-dozen of the natives, in white dresses, red turbans, gold
ear-rings and finger-rings, poured into the dormitory, and applied
themselves, with amazing dexterity, to dressing, shaving, or
shampooing[1] each of the party! I never felt so odd in my life, as when
one of them began unexpectedly to wash my feet. I felt, indeed, as if we
were both degraded by the action; and the poor fellow was so adroit in
his business, and even elegant in his motions, that I could scarcely
forbear to conceive he had been born to far higher employments, and
stooped to me as a captive bends to a conqueror: so that, on the whole,
I found it disagreeable enough, and I hope that I shall not be amongst
the number of those who are ruined by the luxurious and effeminate
practices of the East.

"These sensations were still more excited, when I made my first _entre_
to a palanquin, which is always attended by nine men, who have no other
clothing than a cloth twisted round the middle, and who carry you by
turns, four at a time. The carriage itself is like a bed with panels,
which are painted and varnished like the panels of a coach, with
Venetian blinds and sliding doors, handsomely lined with leather, silk,
or chintz. It has poles like a sedan chair, and you may lie at your
length, or sit up and look out as you please. The bearers will run with
you twelve miles in three hours, frequently relieving each other,
singing as they go in a measured cadence, which seems to assist their
steps.

"But let us look around once more.

"There goes a group of native women, carrying water to their houses, in
just such urn-like vessels as you read of in Alfred Campbell's Visit to
Samaria, for I understand they are common all over the East. These
women walk gracefully, have fine persons, and although their dress
consists of only one piece of cloth, it is so managed as to be not only
equivalent to other garments, but perfectly picturesque. It passes round
the loins, then covers the bosom, and is either thrown, hood-like, over
the head, or falls negligently, mantle-wise, over the left shoulder.
Their shining hair is disposed elegantly in folds on the crown of the
head, and often ornamented with chaplets of yellow flowers.

"They are succeeded by men with red turbans, breastplates, sashes, and
swords, and with belts of leather, or tiger skin. These are Peons of the
Zillah, or police foot soldiers. After them come a party of Dubashes,
fat looking black men, with very white dresses and turbans, and large
ear-rings. These are a kind of agents, ready to execute any commission
for you.

"Now come a body of horsemen, well dressed and mounted in the English
mode. They have comparatively light complexions, and are accompanied by
an officer carrying a chowrie or fly-flap, which is made of the bushy
tail of the Bootan cow. These are the body-guard of the governor; they
are followed by a corps of black soldiers, completely dressed as British
troops, except the cap, which is peculiar to the sepoys of the Madras
Establishment; they are a very fine regiment indeed.

"Now comes a monk of pale complexion, grey hair, and highly intelligent
countenance--he is indeed an Italian, and his black robe, white cords,
and small scull-cap, altogether present a picture of great interest: he
belongs to the Capuchin convent in the Black Town.

"Near him walks an Armenian gentleman; he is a fine-looking young man in
a white vest, blue sash, and high velvet cap; and he stops to speak with
a priest of his own country in a purple robe and mitre cap, who is a
stout man with a long bushy beard. They are succeeded by a large man,
well mounted, wearing a shawl turban, gold-threaded sash, and
silver-headed creese (or dagger). The housings of his horse are
embroidered with gold, his reins are silk, and he is decorated with a
breastplate of shells. A servant runs by him with a screen shaped like a
spade, so as always to shade his face; he looks vain but cheerful, and
is the native of a distant province--a man in power, as I judge from his
appearance and the salaams[2] he receives. But I must finish my pictures
of men and women, whether low or high, Mahometan or Gentoo, to give you
that of a pagoda, the temple of the Hindostanee.

"A high solid wall, built in an oblong square, incloses a large area. At
one end is the gateway, above which is raised a pyramidal tower, which
is ascended by steps in the inside, and divided into stories; the
central spaces on each side are open, and become smaller as the tower
rises; the light seen through them has a beautiful effect, and they are
completely covered with sculpture; but this is rather elaborate than
elegant. When you have passed through the gate, you find yourself in a
spacious paved court, in the midst of which stands the inner temple,
which is raised about three feet from the ground, open, and supported by
numerous stone pillars. An enclosed sanctuary at the end contains the
idol; but all the other parts of the pagoda are also covered with images
of their numerous and hideous deities, most of which look as if they
were made to frighten naughty children. Vishnu the preserver, Siva the
destroyer, Kamadova riding on a parrot, Agare on a ram, and Varoona, god
of the seas, mounted on a crocodile, meet your eyes in black granite at
every turn, and appear to me vile guests for such stately mansions.
Before the exterior we frequently find a bull, as large as life,
extended; but within, the figures are far less prepossessing.

"Around the whole court is a deep verandah and colonade, which in many
parts, I am told, consists of pillars of marble, enriched by precious
stones. Near every pagoda is kept a huge wooden car, which is, in fact,
a portable temple; on which, at certain seasons, some favourite idol is
placed for the purpose of processions, when immense crowds unite in the
labour of moving it.

"I must now conclude this letter, as I am summoned to my ship, and trust
that long before it reaches you, I shall be safe at Calcutta. Dear
mother, after what I have said of Hindoo temples and deities, I hope you
will readily believe that I feel more value for the true faith than I
ever did before, and am aware that I can never be sufficiently grateful
for the blessing of being educated in Christian principles. God grant
that your advice may always rest upon my memory, and influence my heart
and conduct, so that, although I am thrown at so great a distance, I may
be worthy of my excellent parents and my dear country!

"When I think of you all, when I reflect that on this letter your eyes
will glance, your kind observations arise, my heart grows so full, that
I dare not remember the situation in which I am placed; but,
nevertheless, I know that I am in the element which I long wished to
explore. Life is before me in all its varieties, an honourable
profession, and, as I hope, a respectable competence, and I enter on my
task with a light heart; so do not allow yourself a moment's uneasiness
for your thankful and affectionate son," &c. &c.

Henry returned to his ship in high spirits, being amused by all he had
seen, and glad to increase his stock of knowledge by all the inquiries
he could make from those on board. From them, in sailing near the coast,
he learned the ancient and present state of Calicut, once an empire, and
the scene of the notorious Hyder Ali's irruptions and cruelties, but now
principally in possession of the English, who took it from Tippo Saib,
who himself fell at Seringapatam, in the same line of country, being a
part of Malabar. The capital is now principally supported by the
importation of the teak tree.

Time passed pleasantly; and he recognised, either by sight or
description, every object of interest; but none were found so important
as the Isle of Ceylon, to which Henry was enabled to make a flying
visit, through the kindness of the captain, who happened to have some
business with a merchant resident near the coast.

[Footnote 1: Shampooing is a pressing and gentle friction applied to the
limbs after fatigue, and is considered a refreshment; the operator
concludes this service with pulling the joints till they crack. This
custom has been lately introduced into this country, and is said to have
a very good effect on rheumatic and paralytic patients.]

[Footnote 2: A bow with the hands crossed on the breast.]




  CHAPTER VI.

    Description of Ceylon.--Voyage to Bengal.--Enters the Hooghly
    River.--Calcutta.--Letter to John.--Description of the
    Inhabitants.--Black Hole, and Governor Holwell's
    sufferings.--Jewish congregation.--Barrackpoor.--Howdah
    elephants.--Letter concluded.


Well might Henry be delighted with Ceylon, that land of fruits and
spices, for it appears a kind of store-room, in which Nature has hoarded
up all her choicest productions. It is fertile in various kinds of rice,
which in these regions is the staple food of man; and pepper, ginger,
sugar, cotton, and mangoes, are abundant, besides the gorunda goucha
tree, which produces cinnamon, which is its bark, and a nut, which is
used for oil. The vegetable wealth of this island is indeed astonishing,
and it is also rich in precious stones and mines of gold and silver.
Henry had seen poor Chuny in London, so that he thought himself
acquainted with the form of the elephant; but those which he saw in
Ceylon, employed in the service of man, and adapting their mighty
strength and intelligence to his use, astonished and delighted him. He
found that the elephants of Ceylon are deemed superior to those on the
continent of Asia, and that the island produces also buffaloes, deer,
hogs, goats, tigers, monkeys, and jackals, a great variety of curious
birds, many serpents, and some of an enormous size. From these latter
detestable animals he was not likely to be annoyed, as he had no time to
explore the country; but he was awakened, the only night on which he
slept on shore, by the melancholy cry of the jackals. On rising and
looking out half asleep from his window, he saw only the broad hanging
leaves of the bigaha tree, which is always in motion, and held in great
estimation by the natives, who place their idols under it. A glance at
these strange objects told the poor boy that he was in a new country,
far from that of which he had been dreaming; but as he saw no object of
annoyance, he returned to his bed, satisfied of his safety, and pleased
to remember, that if his own beloved country boasted not the sparkling
ruby, nor the fragrant spice tree of Ceylon, neither was it subject to
the fangs of the tiger, nor the poison of the serpent.

Leaving this rich island, which is of an oval form, sixty miles wide,
and two hundred and forty long, they entered the Bay of Bengal, and
being favoured by the weather, soon achieved the long-desired voyage,
and found themselves entering the Hooghly, a branch of the sacred
Ganges, that river which the Hindoos considered capable of conferring
immortality and eternal happiness.

On the eastern bank of the Hooghly, about one hundred miles from its
mouth, rises the city of Calcutta. If Madras be striking in its strong
walls and fortified air, rising from a stern sandy soil, infinitely more
so is this eastern city of palaces; and the ground around it, which is
called "Garden Reach," from the number of beautiful villas and gardens,
shrubberies and lawns, which bespangle it, seem a neat frame for such a
noble picture. Calcutta is built only of brick: but it is so covered
with the beautiful white chunam, that the effect of marble is produced;
and as the government-house, the fortress, and esplanade, open to the
eye, are seen in conjunction with a magnificent spread of river,
enriched by shipping, and animated by a diversity of light vessels
rapidly moved by natives in gay and various costume, nothing can exceed
the magnificence, vivacity, beauty, and interest of the objects it
presents. No European city can vie with Calcutta in the striking
effects, the pleasurable emotion it excites in a stranger.

Nor does landing destroy the charm of novelty and beauty which thus
seizes on the senses, but rather increases it; for on every side the
traveller beholds all that entrances him with surprise as being _new_,
united with that which is endeared to him by being _familiar_. Coaches,
chariots, tilburies, and barouches, are seen driving along, and
reminding him of dear old England; whilst black drivers, in muslin
wrappers and turbans, tell him that he is far from thence; and when he
sees Armenian and Gentoo merchants, dressed in shawls, and lolling in
landaus made in Long Acre, he cannot forbear to think how extraordinary
a scene he is witnessing, in thus beholding his countrymen residing in
the land of another people, at once in a state of close union and
complete division; exercising the command which belongs to power, where
they had once no claim but that of permission, and blending conjunctly
the benevolence of protection, and the tyranny of assumed right, over a
weak but unchanged population.

Though Henry was received in the most kind and courteous manner by the
family who expected him, and was exceedingly delighted with all around
him, yet he could not fail to be sorry to part with the captain and his
fellow-voyagers, for they seemed to him a part of his own country; of
course, he did not neglect to write when the vessel returned, and we
therefore transcribe his letter to his brother.

    *    *    *    *    *

  "MY DEAR JOHN,

"Depend upon it, Calcutta is the finest place in the world. I know there
are towns with far larger and grander buildings; but then they are not
half so clean, and new, and beautiful, as this bride-like city. I have
been standing on the roof of the house the last half-hour for air, and
as it was midnight, had an opportunity of seeing all the gay company
returning from an entertainment at the government-house; and I assure
you I never witnessed any thing that could compare with the splendour
and gaiety exhibited. Whilst the torches of servants were flying about
in all directions, lighting the coaches and palanquins, I started at the
cry of the jackals, and remembered that Calcutta, with all this show of
population and grandeur, is yet surrounded by a jungle, where the tiger
prowls for his prey, and too frequently seizes on the defenceless
native; that the palaces by which you are surrounded are little more
than the growth of half a century.

"Here, as in Madras, there is a Black Town, as well as a White one;
indeed, the place seems to me a home for all the people of the earth.
Chinese, Arabs, Persians, as well as Armenians, and every tribe of
Hindostanee origin, may here be met with, and the Black Town literally
swarms with population. The difference between the domestic servants
here, and those of Madras, is striking, as they are here completely
covered by a loose robe with wide sleeves, full trowsers, slippers, and
a flat turban half shading the face and neck; in speaking, they join
their hands, and lift them forward with a respectful, deprecating air.
They are delicately clean in their persons, and graceful in their
motions; and it is from these qualities, and their humble manners, that
they have established the character many writers give them: but, in
fact, the Bramins of India are the proudest people I ever met with, and
the most cruel and insolent to their own countrymen of inferior caste.

"I have been here a week, and, as you may suppose, have run all over the
town, or been run with by others; but the truth is, that I have been
taken by Mr. ----, my kind friend in his curricle. The government-house
is very splendid; but I was more delighted with the venerable form of
the Marquis of Hastings than all the trappings of state by which he was
surrounded. I was delighted with the museum, where I saw an amazing
number of war instruments from all parts of India, together with
specimens of their sculpture, and some very beautiful ones of the nutmeg
and clove plants, with other oriental curiosities.

"There are two establishments for the education of natives under our
protection, being colleges for Mahometans and Hindoos, who are taught by
Moonshees and Pundits, that they may be qualified to fill the place of
petty officers in the Company's service. In the former, I was
exceedingly pleased by the intelligent looks of both teachers and
learners; in the latter they appeared to be stupid-looking fellows, not
likely to make much progress.

"There are many charitable institutions in Calcutta, and a noble
reservoir of water, which is supplied by springs; near to which is a
monument erected by Governor Holwell to the memory of those unfortunate
persons who perished in the Black Hole--a circumstance you remember my
dear father mentioning to us. It is now little more than sixty years
since the Nabob Surajah Dowlah crammed one hundred and forty-six of our
countrymen into a hole of eighteen feet square (amongst whom was a
lady), to die by most horrible sufferings; while seventy thousand
Moorish troops were encamped around them. What a change has taken place
since then! indeed that change was soon effected, for the victors held
their 'vantage ground only for a short space, and no one can regret
their removal.

"There is also a fine Botanic Garden belonging to Calcutta, with which I
have been much pleased, on account of the novelty and beauty of all I
saw, and the extraordinary fragrance of the flowers; but if I had
understood botany, I should have had more pleasure a great deal.
Knowledge of any subject increases our interest tenfold, and I hope
henceforward to get rid of my school-boy haste in dispatching lessons of
any kind, and to study for the sake of improving my mind instead of
finishing my task.

"I was much struck with the Armenians at Madras, and now admire the
women as well as the men. They are very pale, but their eyes are large,
dark, and expressive, their features full of intelligence and pensive
softness. They wear on their heads a cap with jewels in front, like a
tiara, over which they throw fine shawls, which, descending in graceful
folds, veil their forms, yet add to their dignity. I have been to the
Armenian church, and was much pleased with the air of deep devotion
apparent in all the worshippers; but the assumed splendour in the dress
of the priests, and the ceremonies of wrapping the Gospel in gold
tissue, did not suit my taste, from being used to the plain good sense
and simplicity of our own establishment; nevertheless, there was much to
admire and approve in all that I beheld, and the church itself is a neat
plain building, well calculated for a Christian temple.

"I have also seen a little Jewish congregation, which was very striking,
for I could have fancied that the Patriarchs themselves, in a state of
Babylonish captivity, had been placed before me. Their long silver
beards, handsome but marked features, and the kind of half-lighted,
dungeon-like room where they assembled to read the Old Testament from an
ancient manuscript volume, favoured this idea; and as I gazed upon
them, my very heart ached with the intense desire I felt, that they
would come to that light which our Lord brought to a benighted world,
and was offered _first_ to their forefathers--that instead of skulking
in holes and corners to worship the true God, they would add to that
worship, faith in His Son, and gratitude for His great sacrifice.

"What a contrast was afforded, in both these places of worship, to a
Hindoo pagoda and its hideous idols! Compared to them, the Mahometans'
worship is really respectable; and the veneration these people entertain
for Abraham and Moses, seems to me a kind of connecting link between
them and us, which one can never feel for the Gentoo idolaters, who,
whilst they adhere, with the most obstinate stupidity, to their
religion, yet appear to know its folly and frivolity, as the makers of
idols continually recommend them to the English, with 'Please to buy
them for the children, masters.' Surely this is the height of folly.

"At this time, the Holy Scriptures are printing here in no less than
sixteen different dialects; so that we may hope, in the course of
another century, knowledge of the most important truths will become
general in this immense country, especially as upwards of an hundred
schools are established by the Company.

"The Governor has a beautiful seat at Barrackpoor, about fifteen miles
from hence, on the banks of the Hooghly. Our kind friend took me there
in his budgerow, as I preferred going by water, to traversing the fine
road which leads to the park. I was much pleased with the whole scene,
which combines the character of an English nobleman's residence with
that of an eastern prince; but nothing struck me so much as seeing the
Howdah elephants carrying out the governor's domestic party for their
evening airing. Near the park is a cantonment for five thousand sepoys,
with several streets of neat-looking bungalows for the officers.

"But I must now say something of myself. I have been received every
where most kindly, and find I am shortly to be sent to Benares, the very
place I so ardently desired to see, as the ---- regiment is now in the
neighbourhood, to which I am to be attached. Mr. ---- thinks that I
shall get a commission very soon; but whether that is the case or not, I
hope I shall see service and learn my duty. He has given me much good
advice, particularly on the subject of not attaching myself too strongly
to young officers of whose character I am ignorant: and I mean,
therefore, to find my pleasure rather in observation on the country and
the inhabitants, than in society. This resolution is the more necessary
for me, because you well know, dear John, that I was always given to
hasty friendship, and got into more scrapes at school that way than any
other boy, as you may remember, for you had no little trouble to get me
out of them. Ah! my brother, when the remembrance of your kindness, or
that of my beloved parents, comes over my mind; when my happy home, the
haunts of my childhood, or even the images of our dogs and horses, rise
in my memory, for a time it completely overpowers me, and I feel as if I
would give the whole wealth of the Indies twice told, to be with you
again, and never, never leave you more. But do not be uneasy on my
account; these acute recollections do not last long; and I soon shake
off my sorrow, look round on the new world before me, and feel delighted
with all it presents, and impatient to see more.

"You shall hear from me as soon as I am stationary; and in the mean
time, with duty to my parents, and love to all the dear young ones, I
am, my beloved John, affectionately yours,

  Henry Delamere."




  CHAPTER VII.

    Voyage to Berampore.--Moorshedabad.--Elephants.--Ruins of
    Gour.--Fakirs.--Monghyr and its springs.--Henry arrives at
    Benares.--Writes to his mother.--The streets, pagodas, Bramins,
    mosques of Benares.--Letter continued.--Henry removes to
    Cawnpore.--Method of travelling.--Description of Allahabad and
    Cawnpore.--Letter concluded.


Not long after despatching this letter, Henry set out with an officer
and company of troops in a budgerow (which is a long vessel with an
awning, well calculated for river voyages), up the Hooghly for
Berampore. He was exceedingly pleased with the views presented as the
vessel gently moved forward, and showed characteristics of the country;
particularly when they saw a neat Indian village, where the elders were
assembled under a group of trees, and the young men were driving home
their flocks of cream-coloured cattle, and the women bringing down their
brazen urns to fill them with water, in the same way that Rebecca of old
went forth to the well at eventide. He was also amused with the busy
scene presented by the river itself, as vessels of all forms and sizes,
laden with merchandise, and frequently managed by the most
picturesque-looking navigators, were continually passing: many of them
were covered with matting, and looked like floating cottages.

From Berampore they proceeded to Menshedabad, a place of considerable
importance, where minarets, domes, and palaces, conveyed the idea of a
Moorish city in perfection. In the neighbourhood is the Meetie Jeel, or
pearl lake, on which stands a superb palace, raised by Alinudy Khan.
This magnificent place, built chiefly of the finest marble, was already
in decay; but whilst Henry was looking at it, and lamenting its ruins,
he saw ten fine elephants brought down to the lake by their keepers,
which diverted his attention. They were thin, and had an air of having
also fallen from the high estate they once held in the palace; but yet
they marched with a proud step, as if conscious that they had belonged
to royalty.

They next stopped at Gour, or Guara, once the capital of Bengal, and
showing ruins fifteen miles in length by three in breadth. This ancient
city flourished above seven hundred years before the birth of Christ;
but it is now gone down to the dust so completely, that it must be
searched for to be found. The luxuriant foliage of India, with
astonishing avidity covers the mouldering wall, and climbs the falling
turret; and although abundance of ruins mark the site of Gour, when you
reach the ground they occupy, it is necessary to toil over bush and
brake to arrive at them.

A short time after leaving Gour, Henry was shown the habitation of a
Fakir, who had lived in solitude and silence a great number of years,
and lately completed his self-imposed miseries by drowning himself in
the sacred waters of the Ganges. The Fakirs are a class of persons to be
met with all over Hindostan, who give up their lives to tormenting
themselves, in the hope of thereby securing immortal happiness. Some put
live coals upon their heads, or hold them in their hands; others sit in
one posture till they lose all use of their limbs; twistings of hair,
dislocation of joints, long fasts, severe immersions, the suffering of
years, and the sacrifice of life, are the common self-inflictions of
these unhappy and deluded beings.

The cotton plant, with its bursting pod, disclosing that beautiful
substance, which affords to us such various, elegant, and useful
articles--the indigo shrub--the betel plant, and the graceful bamboo,
all varied the way as they proceeded to Monghyr, which is remarkable for
a hot spring. It is gathered into a walled well, round which, as
formerly at the Pool of Bethesda, numbers of cripples and sick people
were assembled; but the healing stream was guarded by many stout healthy
Bramins, who never suffered the pennyless to approach the stream; and
even when Henry had relieved a poor wretch, took the money instantly
from him--a decisive proof of the hard-hearted avarice common to this
celebrated caste.

Henry now approached the celebrated city of Benares, having passed
Ghazipoor, and seen in its neighbourhood a mausoleum erected to the
memory of the venerable Marquis Cornwallis. As Benares is the finest
city now left in the possession of the Gentoos, and a place which every
Indian traveller desires to see, we shall offer Henry's own account of
his view of it in a letter to his mother.

    *    *    *    *    *

  "My dear mother,

"I write to you from the very focus of oriental learning and
splendour--'the land of roses, the garden of beauty.' It is, in truth,
the most curious place you can conceive, and can only be seen in a
palanquin, or on horseback; for the streets are so narrow, and you find
such crowds of people in them, that you are obliged to have a police
trospee to clear your way, or you would not be able to get on at all.
The houses are built of brick, and form a kind of labyrinth of lanes,
being six or seven stories high, and frequently connected with each
other by small bridges thrown across the street. These houses are
painted in stripes, or ornamented with the Hindoo deities. The shops are
all in distinct streets, according to their trades; in one are
embroiderers of gold and silver muslin, which they do so beautifully, it
would be a treat to the girls to see it; in another are displayed the
finest shawls; a fourth is filled with jewels; a fifth with jewel
merchants. Several streets are entirely filled with the makers of brass
idols, together with lamps, dishes, and vessels of the same metal, and
these are really splendid.

"You meet in the street numerous Bramins, in open palanquins with
crimson canopies, or hackrees, drawn by two showy horses, with flowing
manes, richly caparisoned. The women are beautifully formed--wear
garments of the richest materials--walk gracefully, yet fetch their own
water, and therefore form a striking feature in the population. The most
remarkable, however, is that of the great number of Hindoo youth of high
caste sent to Benares for education. These do not reside in schools, or
colleges, but board in the houses of the Bramins who instruct them, to
the number of six or seven only.

"I went into one temple dedicated to Mahadena, which was externally
covered with sculpture, and internally with flowers, and so far
attractive; but, considering the character of Benares as the seat of
learning and religion, the pagodas are by no means grand or numerous.
Adjoining this temple was a sacred spring, which I found guarded by a
fat, stupid-looking Bramin--as fine a picture of lazy pride and
ignorant dulness as you can well imagine.

"I visited also a famous mosque built by Aurungzebe, in the heart of the
city, of the very materials which had constituted their proudest pagoda,
to commemorate the triumph of the crescent in India. What would this
proud Mussulman have said, could he have known that the cross would so
far have laid low his boasted acquisitions, as it has done in our time,
and that his descendants and their opponents would alike have crouched
at the bidding of these 'Christian dogs' whom they despised with so much
scorn, and, when opportunity offered, treated with such barbarity!

"I saw also a fine observatory built by a Hindoo rajah, who must have
been of a very different description to any of his race; and in the very
heart of the city is a school founded by a wealthy Bramin, who is really
a liberal man, and certainly not an enemy to Christianity; so that it
would be wrong not to allow him merit."

    *    *    *    *    *

  (_In continuation._)

"Unexpected information has removed me from the neighbourhood of Benares
to Cawnpore, from whence I resolved to dispatch my letter. I have had a
very pleasant journey, setting out after dark, and travelling in a
palanquin, on which I could lie or sit, as I felt inclined. My clothes
were packed in neat hampers, and the palanquin had drawers,
writing-desk, two or three books, and a lamp; likewise a canteen
convenience for meals. I stopped every day twice, to wash and take
refreshment; and found relays of bearers every ten or twelve miles, so
that nothing could be more convenient and comfortable.

"I saw in my course Allahabad, an ancient city near the confluence of
the Ganges and the Jumna; near which I visited a subterraneous cavern,
where, during the reign of Moorish persecution, the Gentoos retired to
perform their own superstitious rites. Even now, multitudes of pilgrims
crowd to the confluence of these sacred rivers, and every year there are
some who voluntarily rush to death; and when the swollen corpse rises
again to the surface, it becomes the prey of the vultures which hover
round the scene of sacrifice. Who that beholds such horrid spectacles,
can forbear to desire the conversion of a people so unhappily blind to
present happiness and eternal glory!

"Cawnpore is a noble-looking place, with numerous domes and cupolas, and
a large inclosure for tombs, which is much more grand and solemn than
any church-yard I have ever seen. The Mahometans are fond of walking in
their cemeteries at the hour of sunset; and their serious deportment,
flowing garments, and stately step, suit well the solemnity of such
scenes. Altogether, I am pleased with this town: there are good houses
and bungalows[3], fine Howdashed elephants, gay barouches and tilburies;
and, on the whole, it seems a second Calcutta.

"And now, dear mother, with love and good wishes to every one of my
beloved brothers and sisters, and more gratitude to yourself and my
excellent father than I have words to express, I must say farewell, &c.
&c."

[Footnote 3: Garden houses.]




  CHAPTER VIII.

    Henry's letter to his brother, with a description of the mode of
    living by the Anglo-Indians.--Numerous servants.--Large
    dinners.--Children.--Ftes of the natives, &c.


"Being now, my dear John, settled for a short time at Cawnpore, in the
beautiful bungalow of my father's friend, Colonel S----, I think I
cannot do better than give you some account of the things around me, as
I understand, and indeed perceive, that the same services and
circumstances take place in all the other houses where we visit.

"I ought to tell you, in the first place, that the bungalow, or country
house, where I am a happy guest, is very large, and beautifully
furnished; yet it is only built of _cutcha_, that is, unbaked mud, and
covered with tiles. The rooms below are built _en suite_, and the doors
kept open for circulation of air; but a sort of gauze work, formed of
split bamboo, and coloured green, is put up, to give some degree of
privacy to each. The furniture is placed at some distance from the
walls, to keep it from insects, which are very destructive; indeed
there are neither looking-glasses nor curtains admitted, as they are
found to harbour musquitoes and white ants, the plagues of every part of
India. The floor is covered with chunam, over which is laid matting, and
upon that a _setringee_, which is a kind of thick calico, made by the
natives, and looking very handsome. The garden, upon which we look from
the verandah which surrounds the bungalow, is very beautiful, and
enriched with mangoes, plantains, melons, oranges, shaddocks, custard
apples, and guavas, besides multitudes of beautiful flowers, such as I
never saw at home, the perfume of which is equal to their beauty.

"You have heard how many servants are necessary in Hindostan, even to an
European; I will name a few of the principal; the head of them is a
_khansanah_; I believe he attends to all the confectionary and
fiddle-faddle dishes at table, and then takes his place behind his
master's chair. Every person in the family has a _khidmatzu_, who
attends on them in the same way. Then there is the _abdar_, or butler,
who cools the wine; the _hookah badar_, who takes care of the colonel's
pipe, and who, like his khansanah and abdar, is splendidly dressed, and
stands at his back. Then we have two cooks and two maulsaulchees, who
are Mussulmen, as the Hindoos can have nothing to do with the kitchen,
on account of their religion forbidding the slaughter of any animal:
indeed, they will not even touch a clean plate, in consequence of its
having been defiled some time.

"The _sirdar bearer_ is a Hindoo; he takes care of the oil, and two
mates assist in pulling the punkahs. The _meter_, or sweeper, is also a
Hindoo, but of a low caste; but in my opinion he is worth all the rest,
for he does what they leave undone. Then there is the _ayah_, and the
_metranee_, her assistant, who are ladies' maids, and the _dirzee_.
These are the house servants, to which must be added those who take care
of the _baba logue_, or nursery, which are ten more, for the colonel has
five children, and in every family here each child has two for its
share. As every servant thus employed makes as much noise as possible,
under pretext of amusing the child, and all the other servants exalt
their voices, in order to be heard, I beg you will try to conceive how
much noise must be submitted to in every gentleman's house who has a
family; but you will never be able to do it: when I was at home, leading
all of you into mischief, our dear parents out--Sally scolding--the
housekeeper insisting--and James laughing, it was all a mere nothing to
the perpetual uproar of an Anglo-Indian establishment.

"Our out-of-door servants consist of the _bheestie_, or water-carrier;
the two _chuprassies_, who are a kind of running footmen; and being
high-caste Bramins, always appear with swords by their sides. There are
_hurkarus_, but they are a low people, who perform the same offices, and
sit in the ante-rooms, to answer the question (qui hi), 'who waits?'

"Then there are _mallees_, who take care of the garden; the _dobhy_, or
washerman; the _berry wallah_, who has the charge of goats or sheep; and
every horse must have his _syce_ and grass-cutter. To this moderate
account add eight bearers, four punkah-pullers, and extra helpers in
each department, and you will see what an assemblage it will make, and
how much noise must be inevitable.

"I retract now what I said hastily, John, in an early letter, about the
cunning and selfishness of the people who serve you, for I firmly
believe that good masters make good servants here as well as elsewhere.
In this family, such is the devoted affection of the servants, I am
certain many of them would die for their employers; and Colonel S----
assures me, the activity and honesty of his _khansanah_ greatly assists
his income. The syces, who frequently take valuable horses from one
station to another, have never been known to fail in their duty, under
so strong a temptation as the temporary possession of a valuable horse
certainly offers; and even when they have been taken ill, and died on
the road, they have in many cases, by great exertions, placed their
charge in the hands of English persons, in order to ensure its safety.

"Never boast in England of your hospitable entertainments, I mean so far
as concerns the quantity of fare set before the company; for here we
never have a few friends, without placing a dinner before them that
would do for a corporation feast at Norwich. I have seen, at one time, a
sirloin of beef, a saddle of mutton, ham, turkey, fowls, ducks, tongues,
pigeon-pies, curry, &c. But it is no use recapitulating; the whole table
is covered twice in this way, for the second course is little less
substantial than the first. The worst part of the business is the great
waste of victuals; for as the Hindoo poor around will not touch it, the
greatest part must inevitably be lost.

"The wine is kept cool by wetted cloths tied round the necks of the
bottles, like little petticoats, the colour being contrived to tell the
nature of the wine. They tell me, that the _burra khanas_, or grand
dinners at Calcutta, afford a very attractive spectacle, and remind the
gazer of those baronial feasts of which we have read, but never seen;
but there can be no better description than that of Miss Roberts:--

"'In a hall, paved with marble, supported by handsome stone pillars, and
blazing with lights, sixty guests perhaps are assembled; punkahs wave
above their heads, and chouries of various kinds, some of peacock's
plumes, others of fleecy cow-tails, mounted upon silver handles, are
kept in continual agitation, to beat off the flies, by attendants
beautifully clad in white muslin. At every third or fourth chair, the
hookah, reposing on an embroidered carpet, exhibits its graceful
splendours; but unhappily the fumes of the numerous chillums, the steam
of the dishes, the heat of the lamps, and the crowd of attendants,
effectually counteract the various endeavours made to procure a free
circulation of air.'

"Here you have the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, before you;
though we may say, 'if not a feast, we have a hecatomb' before _us_, the
supply of good victuals will not suffice for comfort; indeed it helps to
destroy it.

"Balls here are very different from such meetings at home; for so far
from ladies being wall-flowers, they have each two or three gentlemen
waiting for a chance of dancing with them. I suppose I must get a
commission before I have any chance for a partner; I am sure I am tall
enough now. Every one here is fond of dancing, to the great surprise of
the natives, who think it very foolish in people who are rich enough to
hire dancers, who would do it for them. To judge by appearances, a good
many English would indeed do little enough for themselves: the children
here look pale and languid, and are scarcely able to play or amuse
themselves; and even when naturally clever, scarcely learn any thing.

"All the country stations are called mafussil. I believe this of
Cawnpore is (taken altogether) the most agreeable; but the extreme
delight and novelty I experienced at Benares, render my present
pleasures comparatively tame, although I have many comforts here to
which I was then a stranger. I will take the opportunity of my present
leisure, to say something of the fruits and trees peculiar to this
country.

"The first is the mango, which grows on a very beautiful stem, something
like our walnut trees, but more graceful; the blossoms grow in pyramidal
bunches, and are followed by clusters of fruit, each attaining the size
of a good pear. Whilst ripening, you see them on the same tree, all
shades, from an apple-green to a glowing crimson. In some parts I
understand a mango will attain the weight of two pounds; the skin is
smooth, the flesh more cool and delicious than the finest peach, and
until the country of Tavoy was added to the possessions of the Company,
it was considered the finest fruit India produced, but it now yields in
honour to the mangostein, which has been thus described to me:--

"The mangostein[4] grows upon a very ornamental tree, about twenty feet
high; the leaves are large; the flowers resemble those of the camellia
japonica, and the general arrangement of the branches is beautiful and
majestic; the fruit, when ripe, is the size of an ordinary orange, the
rind of a similar thickness, and thin membranes divide the pulp into six
portions; this pulp has been described to me by many as most exquisite,
but none of them agreed as to the flavour; it has not hitherto been
transported out of its native soil. The durion is another Burmese fruit,
and a very singular one, being so noisome in its smell, it is a wonder
any person ever ventured to taste it; but having done so, the pure white
pulp it encloses was found delicious, wholesome, and possessing so much
of animal flavour, as to be sustaining also; it is said never to pall on
the appetite, and even to restore the tone of disordered stomachs. When
full grown, it is nearly as large as a man's head: it is covered with a
kind of scales, and when too ripe, these burst, the pulp putrifies, and
the seeds drop to the ground; these may be roasted like chesnuts, but
they taste of turpentine and camphor, and smell as bad as the fruit,
which I fancy is more like Harrowgate water than any thing else, from
what I can learn.

"I must not omit the bread-fruit, of which there are two kinds, the
inferior being called jacca; it is by no means a tempting thing, but

affords a coarse food, not to be named with potatoes. After it comes
the banano, of which the fruit is abundant, sweetish, but insipid; it is
said, that one acre of land will produce eighty thousand pounds weight
of bananas, each being about half-a-pound.

"The tamarind tree is very beautiful, being very like our own acacias,
and its acid juice an important addition to the luscious fruit. The
papan is a fruit as large as a moderate sized melon. The pine-apple, the
oranges of various kinds, and the Otaheite apple, are said to be
imported; but the pillaw, with its bag of nuts--the carambale, with its
juicy berries like the grape, are, I believe, native. Figs, mulberries,
grapes, plums, and apples, are also to be met with in many places.

"Now let me tell you a little about trees, for they are here so
splendid, as to make the whole country seem like one magnificent garden.
The cotton tree deserves to be named first, on account of its
usefulness; it grows fifty feet high without a branch; but after that,
throws out numerous boughs covered with purple flowers, which protect
pods, in which lie the pure white cotton, which gives clothing to all,
and food to thousands in its manufactory. Then comes the mulberry tree,
which feeds the silk-worms, and we well know their value. From the
fibres of the cocoa-nut, excellent cordage for shipping is produced; but
I believe the natives here would give preference, even over all I have
named, to those which produce oils, for as they kill no animals, these
trees are required both for food and light. The sweet _ponna_ tree,
which is a forest tree covered with sweet-scented flowers, yields seeds,
from which all the common lamp-oil is extracted. Then there is the
castor-oil tree, and the _phutwarrah_, which produces abundance of nuts,
from the kernals of which oil is extracted. I need not tell you that
madda and indigo plants produce excellent dyes, and are cultivated to a
great extent in India on that account.

"Of the magnificent flowering shrubs and trees in this country, I can
really convey no idea by words, any more than I could enable you to
scent their perfume; the fulness of blossoms and brilliance of colour
may be shown by a painter, but cannot be described even by a poet. I
will, nevertheless, confess to you, that the birds and insects please me
even more than the flowers; there is something in life and motion that
is more endearing than can be found even in the finest productions of
inanimate nature.

"The first hours of morning is the time when you see these winged
flowers to the greatest advantage; then, and again in the evening, every
description of the parrot and parroquet, and many birds I cannot name,
clothed in purple, scarlet, and yellow, may be seen glancing from point
to point, and appearing anxious to shine in the sunbeams; small doves,
with pink breasts, blue jays, green pigeons, crested woodpeckers, and
byahs, whose breasts are of the brightest yellow, together with
fly-catchers, a bird of slender form and emerald-green colour, offer to
the eye and the mind a source of the purest delight. The butterflies are
every where abundant, and of very various descriptions, but always
gorgeously beautiful in their colouring; and to them are added many
other insects, of brilliant hue and elegant form; they seem expressly
made to live amongst oleanders, _banbools_, the sweetest of all flowers,
and those lovely ones which vary their hues through the day, and die at
night, the name of which I have never heard.

"But the children are going to have a _kat portlee nautch_, and I must
make one, for themselves and their friends are to me a pretty spectacle,
reminding me of the dear little ones at home, when Selina had contrived
some particular amusement for them in the drawing-room. Our own and
neighbours' assemblage here, on such occasions, is rendered the more
interesting, from the introduction of a few native children, clad in
white muslin chemises, with silver bangles round their wrists and
ankles; many of these children are perfectly beautiful save for their
complexions, to which my eyes are now pretty well accustomed, and I
delight in the expression of pleasure flashing from their fine dark
eyes, as they gaze on the spectacle which brings them together.

"But you will ask, 'what is this spectacle?' I answer, it is a dramatic
entertainment, performed by a man, a goat, and a monkey dressed as a
sepoy, who go through a great variety of evolutions, and understand each
other so well, and play into each other's hands with such ability and
good humour, that I really think, many of your first-rate performers in
Europe might take a lesson from them to great advantage.

"By the way, talking of lessens, I must say, that many youths here, the
sons both of officers and civilians, do great credit to the education
they have received, whether from parents, friends, or masters; I am
ashamed to say, that many are much better read than I am in general, and
at least my equals in the classics; and to this, they add a knowledge of
Hindostanee, which I can never hope to attain, for it is their native
tongue, all the children speaking it long before they gain English. From
this it appears, that we are quite wrong in supposing it absolutely
necessary for children to be sent to Europe for education, and equally
so, that young men from home are required to take situations of
emolument, or even employment here, for they have plenty for that
purpose inured to the climate, and capable of its duties. Their merit
makes me greatly distrust my own success, dear John; nevertheless, I
must do them justice, and I will not despair for myself, but continue
every means for my improvement. So adieu, with more love and good wishes
than I have time to give, &c. &c."

[Footnote 4: See Mudie's admirable work.]




  CHAPTER IX.

    Henry's letter to his sister.--His commission.--Removal to
    Agra.--Mode of travelling.--Camp dinners.--Tigers in the
    jungles.--Henry's adventure with one.--Horrible murder by the
    Thugs.


  "MY DEAR SELINA,

"I know you are never more happy than when you have good news to
communicate, therefore I commission you to tell my dear parents, and
after them all my beloved brothers and sisters, that Henry is become a
soldier and has actually entered on the business of his new situation,
for my commission arrived from headquarters, along with orders for a
removal to Agra.

"You will perhaps say fighting is the business of a soldier, and we are
now at peace in India; true, my dear Sely; but I assure you, in this hot
country, it requires no small exertion to prevent both officers and men
being totally unfit for service, should they be called unexpectedly to
take part in actual warfare. Such is the courage of our troops, that I
am persuaded it will never fail in the field, and the very excitement
of a battle will supply much of that courage necessary to the fighting
man; but if he is not in a state of discipline, as regards his habits
and his health, all his courage may be unavailing, when contending with
a body of natives, treble the number of British, to whom the climate is
probably as favourable as to him it is the contrary. I assure you, many
experienced officers have told me, they found more difficulty in
conquering themselves in minor points, than they had ever found in
opposing their enemies; thanks to the wise as well as kind education
given to me, I may look forward to an escape from the besetting sins of
which luxury and idleness are parents.

"Nothing can exceed the bustle and novelty of an Indian removal, when,
as in our present case, many families, each of which has an immense
establishment, are the travellers. To those who step out of their own
carriage to enter a mail-coach in England, to go a couple of hundred
miles, nothing could seem more unnecessary than the immense preparations
for such a transit which are here imperatively called for. In the first
place, you have an auction, in order to dispose of those things it would
be inconvenient, or perhaps impossible to take; in the next, you have
such a packing of goods and chattels as we can form little idea of, for
rust, ants, and rats, will destroy almost any thing, and the very house
itself be soon in ruins, if left without a resident. Next, you must
purchase every thing requisite for food--procure tents under which to
sleep and to cook--procure hackeries (or bullock-carts) in which to
convey the female servants--hire camels, or an elephant, for the
carriage of baggage--see glass, china, looking-glasses, and wash-basins,
packed for men to carry, and order the disposal of gridirons,
frying-pans, and all the wants of a moveable kitchen. The _khansanah_
must have a horse--the khidmutghars bestride camels--the children be
accommodated with a palanquin carriage drawn by bullocks--in short,
three persons require the attendance of a hundred; therefore, you may
judge what a body would accompany Colonel S----'s family of nine
persons.

"The master of this family was on horseback with his regiment--I drove
Mrs. S----in a buggy, and was exceedingly amused by the appearance of
the party on our setting out; still better, however, did I like my
journey, when, on our first halt, I found the abundant comforts provided
by our little army of followers, many of whom had preceded us, and
provided comforts in the midst of the widest jungle, only to be expected
in the houses of the wealthy, and of which my Dk travelling had given
me no idea. Our tents were pitched, our breakfasts preparing, and many
of our four-footed helpers already reposing after their toils; during
the middle of the day we rested, and I never had a better dinner than
our cooks contrived to procure from fires made in this wilderness, and
viands partly procured there, as several of us found very good sport in
the woods, and added game to the excellent _Burdwan_ stew preparing.
Immediately after this meal, away went cooks, mussaulchees, and others,
after rapidly packing up all the utensils required, and set forward to
furnish our evening entertainment.

"We stopped one day on our road for general relief, and were happy enough
to be stationed in a most beautiful spot, richly wooded, adorned by a
small silvery lake, and near the ruins of a once splendid city, of which
I have made two or three sketches for you. Here we received visits from
several persons, making the same route with ourselves; and I was
particularly amused by one gentleman, who had just returned from Oude,
and whose information, respecting the king and his splendid pageants, I
will give you as soon as we are a little settled. In the course of the
day, we were amused by witnessing the long procession of a native noble,
in honour of his son's betrothment, a boy, I should think, not more than
ten years old. First came a troop of camels, jingling all over with
bells, and bedizened with tufts of various colours--then many bullock
carriages, covered with scarlet cloth, and these were followed by open
palanquins, canopied with fringed curtains, in one of which sat the
little bridegroom, gleaming and glittering like a rich jewel in a velvet
casket; after these, a stately elephant, with a silver howdah, appeared,
which was shaded by an umbrella of various colours; and this was
followed by a motley group of suwars, or soldiers, ill-clad and ill
mounted, the whole finished by the _outr_ appearance of an old English
gig, in which sat two grave Turks, in flowing green robes, and white
turbans, appearing as grotesque and incongruous as any thing you can
well conceive.

"The procession was rendered more interesting and romantic, from the
beautiful country through which it wound its way, and the loud shouts of
the party communicating an idea of the importance and the happiness of
the nuptials. We were soon, however, called upon to think of other
matters, as our attendants informed us that a tiger had been seen
prowling about the ruins the night before, and there appeared every
reason to expect his visit in our own encampment, since the smell of the
victuals was but too likely to allure him. Not only are wild beasts
drawn to follow temporary resting-places, but birds also; and we had no
doubt that all we left behind would be taken good care of by troops of
vultures, adjutants, and others of the cormorant tribe.

"As evening advanced, talk of the tiger increased, and although no great
dread pervaded the inhabitants of the female tent, yet Captain ----
being assured that the body of a native, partly devoured, had really
been seen within a little distance, thought it right to look after the
perpetrator of such deeds. Two other officers arose, and offered to
accompany him, and I begged leave to join them, and we all took the arms
necessary for the purpose. We were attended by three natives, sepoys,
because they understand the habits of this ferocious animal, and are
quick in detecting his lair. We had proceeded a very short way into the
jungle, when one of them gave the alarm, and Captain ----, to whom I was
speaking, pointed out to me what appeared like the twinkling of two
bright glow-worms, from some brushwood opposite. I then became instantly
aware these were the glaring eyes of the tiger, but not seeing his huge
brindled form, was not sensible of the terror it was calculated to
inspire; and though I prepared to fire, I very foolishly (in my own
mind) wished the creature to come out, and make sport for us; when, just
as my piece went off, he vaulted clean over my head (being on higher
ground than that we occupied), and seized on one of the native troops
behind us. Captain ----, with admirable presence of mind, turned and
lodged the contents of his piece in the body of the tiger, which fell
dead upon his victim. There was a ball found in the animal's shoulder,
which we thought must have been mine, and perhaps had been the cause of
that tremendous spring which led to the poor man's death. On examining
him, we found the bones of his head literally crushed by the fangs of
the tiger. I cannot tell you how great a shock I experienced; but we all
agreed to say nothing on the subject till morning, lest apprehensions of
further intrusion from such visitants should be awakened among the
ladies.

"If it were not for tigers and bears, the jungles would be perfect
paradises--the beautiful antelopes, silver grey foxes, stately nylghaus,
together with innumerable birds, flowers, and shrubs, forming themselves
into arcades and bowers; the patches of beautiful greensward, sometimes
covered by a venerable banana, and his thousand pendant boughs through
which sunshine and shadow alternately prevail, render these places
charming. It is true, they have also many of the serpent tribe nestling
in these green retreats, and the boa-constrictor arrives unmolested to a
tremendous size in many of them; and I must own I was not sorry, after
our tiger adventure, to find myself reaching more immediately to the
neighbourhood of cities. Even here, however, jackals prowl nightly, and
their melancholy howlings are much less endurable than the chattering of
the monkeys in the jungles, which amused me very often, though they are
an animal for which I have very little affection; commend me to one
good-natured terrier, in preference to even the most cunning of the
tribe.

"Nothing can be more exciting than the sports of India, since, in almost
every case, they combine danger and difficulty, with the stimulants of
novelty and exercise, and they are earned on amid the most luxuriant
scenes the hand of nature ever spread for her creatures. Formerly,
native princes, especially the Nawab of Bengal, would take the field
against his four-footed subjects with a body-guard of cavalry, and
himself and European guests, set out in splendid palanquins, followed by
elephants, horses, and camels, to be used as occasion required. They
were accompanied by greyhounds, hawks, and cheetahs, which are a small
leopard trained to the chase, and wearing hoods like our carriage
horses: these are always used for hunting the tiger; but this sport is
no longer carried on in this princely style; nevertheless it is still
noble and spirit-stirring in a great degree, and strikes a stranger the
more, from the contrast it offers to the general languor of Anglo-Indian
manners, and because ladies delight to witness these diversions, and to
partake the inconveniences attending a bivouac in the jungles. There
are no pheasants in Bengal, but the pea-chick supplies their place, and
jungle fowl are also excellent for the table; and it is by no means
uncommon to make parties into a jungle, who agree to live only on the
produce of their own exertions. For the purpose of tiger-hunting,
elephants are required, since few horses can be brought to face the
tyrant of the jungles; indeed the elephant frequently shrinks from an
encounter. His great endeavour is to receive the tiger on his tusks, or
crush him by his weight; and hunters are not unfrequently placed in
great danger, from the unwieldly animal throwing himself upon his side,
in order to overwhelm the assailing tiger, which, if it does not fully
answer, of course exposes the persons in the howdah to a twofold danger.

"But there are, dear Selina, worse animals than tigers in India, the
poison of whose tongues exceed in fatality its most insidious serpents.
These are an organized body of murderers, called Thugs, or Phansegars,
the business of whose lives it is to destroy, and afterwards rob their
fellow-creatures. Certain portions of this most horrible and detestable
body, make it their business to discover who among friends or strangers
is about to travel; of which they give information to others, who then
fall in with the persons in question, it being common in India, for the
sake of general safety, to make such associations, and proceed in a
body, as a security against wild beasts and robbers; a third portion
proceed in advance, to places pitched upon, where they prepare graves
for their intended victims. On reaching the spot pitched upon, the men
who have been associating as friends and brothers with the unsuspecting
travellers, suddenly throw a prepared noose round the head of the
unhappy man, and seldom fail to perpetrate instant death; for although
probably a stronger man and capable of resistance, the terrible facility
obtained by practice, enables them in a short time to dispatch alike the
aged or the youthful object of their wicked designs.

"So soon as they are assured of his death, they proceed to strip the
body and bury it, in some cases finding perhaps considerable booty
concealed close to the person; but in many instances they have practised
upon travellers, with scarcely the means of purchasing a single meal. It
appeared, from the confession of one of these wretches, whose horrible
account was afterwards fully borne out by the relatives of the deceased,
that within a short time they had thus destroyed forty-two persons. In
several instances they were men of consequence, travelling with a number
of attendants in palanquins; and one person in particular, they followed
four whole days before they could find the opportunity they sought.
Another day they murdered six palanquin-bearers, two women, and two
children, although well aware that a very few rupees and their cooking
vessels were all they could possibly obtain. No other banditti, or
thieves of any description, I have heard, or read of in any country,
have committed the most awful of all crimes with so much apathy and
reckless depravity; indeed the burkings at Edinburgh were the only
murders at all resembling these in the records of human atrocity. I
ought here to remark, that the system was only exercised upon their own
countrymen, considering that any British subject would be soon missed
and rigidly sought; they never appear to have ventured on a prey that
was so likely to bring them into trouble.

"These sanguinary deeds, if one may so term the extinction of life, with
an especial care to shed no blood, generally took place in jungles, near
to which probably a large party might be sitting, so that no suspicions
of evil intention could arise, till the instrument of destruction was
felt on the throat of the sufferer. This is said to have been a long
damp napkin, twisted so as to occupy little room on the person of the
Thug who used it.

"I have been assured that there are five classes of murderers in
Hindostan, found in different parts of the country, and using different
means for the same hateful and appalling end. In 1811 sixty-eight
persons, called _junadars_, were proved to be murderers, through the
means of deleterious drugs; another band were expressly devoted to
destroying the pilgrims to Jaggernaut. In every case, robbery was the
end for which murder was committed, a circumstance the more remarkable,
because the dacoits or thieves of India are considered the most expert
in the world; they are so supple as to make their way into tents, even
while the party are seated there, and stealing as it were their goods
before their eyes; of course they are the last of their own wicked class
who have an excuse for their assassinations.

"It is hoped that the methods taken by the Company's servants, by
planting _Chokies_, or station-houses on the public roads, and by
otherways guarding travellers, will, after a time, render these murders
unavailing for their purpose, and thereby put an end to the attempt, in
addition to prompt punishment of the guilty. Many a poor traveller has
been reported as slain by tigers, that found his grave from the cruelty
of his fellow man, who, when devoid of religious principle, is the most
heartless, avaricious, and ferocious animal, that walks on earth.

"We are now at Patna, which is a fine city, but with a very melancholy
recollection attached to it; for here forty British prisoners were
invited, as friends, by Mir Cossim, and butchered by his troops in cold
blood. I have every reason to expect being sent to Oude myself, in a
short time, therefore I have forborne relating the account, which amused
me in the jungles. Be assured, I will tell you whatever I think will
entertain you, and believe me, ever your truly affectionate brother, &c.
&c.

    *    *    *    *    *

"P. S. Never omit, dear Selina, to keep me as much as you can in the
memory of the little ones; however happily I may be situated, or however
highly gratified, my heart is still with my family and my country; and
anxiously do I hope to retain my present feelings, for there is a
pleasure mingled with the pain they give me. I think I must be a better
man for my attachment to those so near to me in blood, so much above me
in virtue."




  CHAPTER X.

    Letter from Oude.--Description of the splendid processions at
    the Buchra Eade, at Lucknow.


"Here I am, dear John, at Lucknow, the only place now left which
realizes the dreams of my school days, when I read the Arabian Night
Tales till my head was almost turned. I have arrived just at the time of
the celebration of the Buckra Eade, which is a commemoration of the
offering of his son by Abraham; but the followers of Mahomet maintain,
that Ishmael, not Isaac, was the intended sacrifice. It is a season of
great rejoicing and benevolence; for as numerous animals are offered in
sacrifice, the richer Mahomedans supply their poorer brethren with goats
and sheep for that purpose, and every house is blest with a plentiful
feast.

"The first preparation for this grand occasion is the washing and
painting the elephants, also oiling: their skins; after which they are
decorated with embroidered jhools of the most costly descriptions,
surmounted by howdahs of silver or beautiful enamel. The horses are
caparisoned with equal splendour; their tails are dyed scarlet, the
saddles and stirrups are of solid silver, and they have costly
necklaces, composed of medallions of rich beads, their heads being
adorned with tufts of silk, which have a very picturesque effect. The
camels are decorated in a similar manner. All the troops have new
clothing; and different regiments are differently arrayed, but all in a
costly and striking costume; and amongst them the warlike music of the
_dunkahs_, or kettle drums, is constantly heard, and appears at this
suitable.

"The van was formed of the camels; after which came the gunners; then
two troops of cavalry; next, a body of _suwars_, in scarlet cloth, and
caps of black lambskin; these were followed by a body in grand barbaric
costume; after which arrived the most gorgeous part of the spectacle,
the king and his court. The monarch himself was seated on a throne, in a
triumphal silver car, canopied with crimson velvet, embroidered and
fringed with gold, and drawn by four elephants, matched exactly in size
and colour. The great men by whom he was followed had only two elephants
each, but all glittered with gold and silver, gems and brocade. Their
turbans were adorned with costly aigrettes of jewels, clasps, studs, and
belts; even their slippers were enamelled by gems; and the rich tissues
and beautiful shawls, in finely-flowing drapery, aided the general
effect. Round their chariots, _chebdars_, _chupraises_, _kurkaries_, and
other state attendants, brandished their scimitars, fanned the air with
their chowries, and shouted forth the titles of the puissant personages
to whom they belonged. A cloud of irregular horse hovered on either
side, tilting and curvetting in the most graceful manner; and after them
came the led horses of the king, splendidly caparisoned, and led by
grooms in the richest liveries.

"After these came the royal palanquin and paalkie, which are constructed
entirely of wrought gold, and carried by bearers in long scarlet vests,
embroidered with gold, and their turbans ornamented with the emblems of
royalty. There was also a state carriage, of English make, drawn by
eight black horses, and driven by an English coachman. Then came those
English gentlemen in the king's suite, mounted upon elephants; and the
whole was closed by horse and foot soldiers; those belonging to the
Company with colours flying, and bands playing, while hundreds of
bannerales of gold and silver tissue were flaunting in every direction.

"When this gorgeous multitude arrived at the place appointed, the
cavalcade being properly arranged, the king, who is about to offer his
sacrifice, receives from the moollah, or high priest, a knife, which he
plunges into the throat of a camel, prepared for the occasion. This is
followed by a discharge of cannon, and then it is considered that the
religious part of the ceremony is concluded, and the rejoicings of the
day are begun; the animal thus slaughtered is prepared for the royal
table, and happy is the courtier who is honoured with a share of it.

"The festivities of the Buckra Ede are concluded by fireworks and
illuminations in the town; nautches and music are the amusements of the
ladies in their zenanas; and the king gives a spectacle of wild beast
fights to his guests, at which I was surprised to see many British
ladies present. I did not think they cut a good figure, in any sense of
the word, for the spectacle was a very barbarous one, and their clothing
looked shabby in substance, and inelegant in fashion, as contrasted with
the rich material and flowing draperies around them.

"The King of Oude sometimes will be present at the marriage of an
European, and has sometimes given the bride away. On such occasions it
is customary to give splendid presents, but so rigid are the laws of the
British government, that the bride is not permitted to accept them, and
sees, with extreme mortification, trays of brocades, shawls, and jewels,
offered to her sight, and then snatched away for ever.

"At Delhi and Lucknow alone are to be seen such pageants as I have
described; but in every place the inhabitants have their seasons of
festival, connected with their religious ceremonies; and at this time
they will frequently associate pleasantly on such occasions; but
formerly they were scenes of quarrel and bloodshed, between Hindoos and
Mussulmen. During the celebration of the Moharrun, although a fast of
the most mournful kind, several splendid processions take place. It was
instituted in honour of Hossein, and his death is dramatically
represented on the last day, and his funeral obsequies performed with
great pomp, and an appearance of sorrow that is surprising. Even the
poorest person will contrive to subscribe something towards the
splendour of the funeral of their idolized hero, for whose achievements
I must refer you to books, those treasures you can always command, but
which we rarely enjoy in comparison."

    *    *    *    *    *

  (_In continuation._)

"I conclude my letter from Agra, whither I came by Dk, and from the
incompetence of my bearers, had a very unpleasant and even dangerous
journey; but I am already more than repaid by what I have seen of this
enchanting place--I call it so, on account of the beauty of the
buildings, and the romantic and impressive character of its scenery. So
far as I can learn, the society here, and their amusements, are at a
low ebb; but I have personally no right to complain of
inhospitality--indeed that is unknown in India.

"You have heard of the Taaje Mahal, the Palace Tomb built by the Emperor
Shah Jehan, to the memory of his beloved wife, Moom Taza Mhal, to whom
he declared, when dying, "that as she had surpassed all other women in
beauty and virtue, so should her tomb surpass all others;" and well did
he fulfil his promise--would that I could describe it to you properly!

"Imagine, dear John, a wild and desolate plain, in which you find a
palace of red stone, inlaid with pure white marble, surmounted by domes
and open cupolas, and which seems to have been raised by the hand of an
enchanter; this is the gate of the Taaje Mahal only, and from its
grandeur, symmetry, and elegance, is worthy to detain you from the
principal object. Having passed through this majestic entrance, you find
yourself in most delicious gardens, in which marble basins receive the
tribute of numerous sparkling fountains, and at the end of a long avenue
of graceful cypresses, the Taaje arises like a fairy palace. It is built
of polished marble, so exquisitely white and shining, it might be
mistaken for mother-o'-pearl. The mausoleum is placed upon a marble
platform, but the place of actual sepulture is a chamber within the
platform, around which are suites of apartments, with lattices of
perforated marble for the admission of air from the garden. At each of
the four corners springs a lofty minaret--the centre is crowned by a
dome, and the whole chaste and beautiful, yet strictly oriental. Never
did affection devise so rich an offering to the memory of the lamented
one, by whose side his dust now reposes, after a reign of many
disasters. To this emperor we owe our first settlement in Hindostan,
which was a grant of land in Bengal to an English physician, whose skill
had been beneficial to one of his daughters. He appears, therefore, to
have been a man of kindly affections and generous disposition, not less
than one of most magnificent designs.

"The _mortus musjid_, or pearl mosque, is so very beautiful and splendid
a building, that many persons prefer it even to the palace tomb. Its
richly-sculptured arcades, fine cloisters, elegant cupolas, all of white
polished marble, when seen by moonlight, are perfectly magical in their
effects, and seem to transport you into a new and beautiful world, of
which you had hitherto no conception.

"The fort, the palace, the _durbar_, or hall of audience, are striking
and beautiful, as well as costly proofs of the wealth, taste, and power
of the princes who raised them; but they fail in exciting great
admiration after visiting the places I have first named.

"The palace is very splendidly adorned with silver, spar, and other
glittering substances; but what struck me the most, was the circumstance
of the pavement being cut into channels, for the purpose of allowing a
perpetual flow of water through them in the hot season, for that was
truly a luxury to be envied.

"The tomb of Utta ma Dowlah is within the compass of a morning drive
from Agra; and from the roof I saw the most splendid view on which my
eyes can ever look. Near to it were the gardens of the Rambourgh,
beautiful as those described in the Arabian Tales; and for many a long
mile the blue waters of the Jumma glided through a rich champaign
country, whilst opposite, the city of Agra, with its bastioned fort,
marble palace, broad ghauts, intermixed with trees, stands in all the
pomp of eastern architecture; whilst beyond, in silvery lustre, gleams
the Taaje Mahal, rising above the darkly-waving cypresses, that speak of
its funereal character.

"I have never seen marble nearly so abundant as at Agra; they tell me it
is brought from Oodipore, and that Bundelkhund furnished the precious
stones, so freely used in the palace and other places.

"Adieu, dear brother! I am about setting out for Delhi, or
Shahjihanebad, from whence I will write; but my accounts of it will
necessarily be short, as my mission will conclude there, and a journey
of immense length succeed. No matter, I am still in health, despite the
heat of Agra, and the many evils which arise to blight our enjoyments,
even in the most glorious scenes of Asiatic splendour.

  "&c. &c."




  CHAPTER XI.

    Henry to his father.--Delhi, its buildings and court.--Account
    of the Begum Sumroo.--Colonel Gardiner's marriage with a
    native.--Return to Bengal.


  "MY DEAR FATHER,

"I write to you from the magnificent city of Delhi, the destruction of
which by Nadir Shah, I well remember you described to us one winter
evening, when I little thought of ever seeing the place, whose riches so
far exceeded my ideas, and whose destruction drew tears from my eyes.
Since then Abdallah took it, and gave it up to pillage; and in the
beginning of this century it was taken by Lord Lake; but the British
conqueror did not resemble the preceding ones.

"Delhi is enclosed by walls of red granite, and entered by magnificent
gateways; groves of trees appear to surround it, beyond which, domes,
mosques, minarets, and a palace of immense dimensions, are beheld, with
the blue Jumma gleaming in the distance.

"The palace is named the Peacock Throne, and the audience-chamber said
to be that described as--

  'Oh if there be an Elysium on earth,
  It is this--it is this!'

and certainly both that and the luxurious gardens which appertain to it,
deserve all that can be said of them. The Chandery Choke, or principal
street, is wide and handsome, Grecian piazzas, porticos, and pediments,
frequently forming the fronts of both Moslem and Hindoo dwellings. The
crowds I first witnessed at Benares, where the streets are narrow, is
almost equally striking here, where animals of all kinds parade through
the street, jingling their silver ornaments, and tossing their
tuft-adorned heads. Delhi is full of great persons, and not one of them
passes along without having his titles shouted forth by his followers,
and these being aided by venders of every description, trumpeting
elephants, neighing horses, and discordant musicians, the noise is
intolerable.

"To this nuisance is added a more than common portion of that general
plague, _dust_. The aridity of the soil, the frequency of the fiery
simoom, which lasts four months, and the neglect of the natives, renders
this evil greater here than in any part of India; and to that is added
the plague of flies, which are a kind of animated dust, trebling the
inflictions of the former.

"Since I came here, I have heard frequent mention of Colonel Gardiner,
as a man of wonderful courage and abilities, who has gone through so
many adventures, and achieved so many exploits, as to be the most
remarkable man in Hindostan. He married a native Princess, who retains
her religion and the habits of her country, and whose daughters are
allowed to take the rank of their mother.

"I have also heard much of the Begum Sumroo, now a very aged woman, but
retaining her faculties and her activity in a wonderful manner. Early in
life, this Princess, then a very young widow, married Sumroo, a German
adventurer, whose name is stamped with eternal infamy, as the man who
invited the English to the table of Cossim, at Patna, and murdered them.
Being desirous of returning to Europe, much against the wishes of the
Begum, she, by her intrigues, induced him, in a moment of alarm, to
destroy himself, since when she has reigned alone, and has made the
Company heir to her dominions. She has had no children to either of her
husbands, so far as it is known. She is immensely rich, and very
generous and hospitable; but her character is stained with cruelty; and
though her political abilities are allowed, her charities extensive, and
she has made the fortunes of numerous dependants, it is said she has
not one sincere friend in her circle, though unquestionably she has made
the fortunes of many.

"One instance of her cruelty and revenge has been related to me, which
places her in so diabolical a point of view, as to render her detestable
in my eyes. Being at one time jealous of a young slave, she caused a
place to be dug under her apartment, into which the poor girl was thrust
alive, and the aperture covered up. Knowing that all the inhabitants of
the palace were grieved for a beautiful and probably very innocent
creature, whose cries for mercy they could still hear, she caused her
bed to be placed in the apartment, thereby guarding her victim, and
enjoying her groans and sufferings.

"Oh, how much pleasanter is it to speak of places than persons, when
they are so wicked! The _Kootah Minar_, a tower two hundred and
forty-two feet in height, which rises in the midst of the ruins of old
Delhi, like a solitary mourner for its desolated brethren, is
exceedingly admired: but its founder and the time of its erection are
unknown. Bentinck Square tells of its present occupiers, and is well
worthy of the country which has erected it--a large quadrangle, entered
by four streets, presenting fronts of Doric columns with piazzas behind,
is worthy the name of Delhi, and forms suitable abodes for those who
are 'merchant princes,' like those of Tyre and Phoenicia.

"I shall quit this splendid city without regret, but not the less
rejoice that I have seen it, for the wide earth scarcely contains one so
remarkable for its sufferings and its riches; to this might be added the
extraordinary perfection to which its artificers of every description
have arrived. From their nearness to Cashmere, a constant intercourse
with that country is carried on; the beautiful shawls woven in Cashmere
are embroidered in Delhi with silk or gold, and are considered the best
all over India. The goldsmiths and jewellers produce work of a very
superior description; and the artizans in ivory are equally excellent.

"From all I can learn, our missionaries in India (of whose piety,
patience, zeal, and activity, too much cannot be said) are beginning to
see some good arising from their indefatigable exertions. The
pilgrimages to Jaggernaut are fewer, and the horrors formerly practised
greatly diminished. The Holy Scriptures, and many tracts explanatory of
them, are diffused in various dialects; and I cannot think so meanly of
the intellect of the natives, as to suppose they will not in time revolt
from the hideous idols by which they surround themselves, and with
thankfulness accept the more merciful creed of that people, who,
although too frequently ungracious in their manners, have
unquestionably improved the condition of their country. The memory of
many Englishmen is dear to the Indians, and their good deeds familiar to
their minds. I believe if Hastings (the governor persecuted at home) had
died here, he would have been held as a saint amongst them; and I am
happy to say, that our good king's sons (both the dead and living) are
remembered with the warmest esteem. Many of the natives wish that the
Earl of Munster should become viceroy at Bengal; and really it seems to
me a very natural desire, and proper situation. But I am no politician,
dear father, but only your truly grateful and very affectionate son, &c.
&c."




  CHAPTER. XII.

    Henry writes to his sister--Account of his journey to
    Bengal.--Escape from a Cobra Capello.--Arrival in
    Calcutta.--Dancing girls.--Dancing serpents.


  "DEAR SELINA,

"I am once more at Calcutta, for which I am very thankful; for as the
rainy season has begun since I set out on my long journey, I was exposed
to such discomforts as you can form little idea of. The former part I
performed by dk, and was by no means sorry to escape the glare and dust
of Delhi, and regain the shade of the jungles; but on reaching those
parts of the country subject to the swelling of the streams from
mountains in the neighbourhood, both myself and bearers were in a bad
plight. They were, however, careful and courageous; I gave them many
good words, and as much brandy as I could possibly spare, and we got on
very well considering. As they could not in conscience drink out of my
cup or glass, I could only pour the brandy into the palms of their
hands. Once we were obliged to cross a very considerable river, upon a
raft made of boughs, at a time when it was too dark to see how fragile a
support was provided; but as we were entering Bengal, I had the great
good fortune to join a large party removing to Barrackpoor, and able to
lend me a tent. Here indeed I had so narrow an escape from danger of the
most painful kind, that I must relate the incident, knowing that your
grateful heart will ascend to Heaven in thankfulness for my
preservation.

"I had risen; and as my slippers were close to my bed, had put my right
foot into the nearest, when a khitmudgar, belonging to the party,
entered to call me. The man saw my left foot extended towards the other
slipper, on which he uttered a violent cry, and ran out of the tent to
obtain assistance. I thought the man was seized with madness; but, lo!
from the slipper up rose a Cobra de Capello, or hooded snake, rearing
its terrific head in nearly a straight line, at less than two feet
distant from me, so that a single dart would have made me inevitably its
victim. I dared not to move, even for security; and you have no idea, my
dear Selina, what long hours even minutes become in such a situation.
Having no weapon of defence, no power to fly, without approaching my
enemy still nearer, all I could do was to watch his motions, by fixing
my eyes on the malignant stars which beamed in the head of this
terrific creature. My power of doing this was ebbing away, and I
certainly began to experience those sensations ascribed to fascination,
when one of my faithful bearers entered the tent with a bamboo cane, and
cleverly killed the snake in a moment. Ah, poor fellow; how richly did
he repay to me that which he considered extraordinary kindness, although
it was in fact but common humanity.

"I dare say you know the general form of this scourge of India; but yet
I send you a drawing of it, and a bit of the skin, which is beautiful
and curious. These creatures are from three to eight feet long, and have
two large fangs hanging out of the upper jaw; the head and neck are
covered with scales, and the eyes fiery. The one of which I speak was
five feet only, and had coiled itself very closely, as you may suppose;
but its bite would not have been the less fatal to me because it was
young.

"You will not wonder that I hailed Calcutta as a dear home; and as I
gazed on its white buildings, verdant environs, and noble river, it
appeared to me a fairer abode than all I had beheld in my absence. In
truth, I had the happiness of finding there friends which would have
made any place dear to me. It is only the stranger in a strange land
that can know the value of a warm reception, or the charm attached to
the voice of a friend.

"Being now pretty well recovered from the fatigue of my journey, and
having had the pleasure of giving decided satisfaction to my superiors,
and got into a little better trim as to my clothing, I last night made
one at a party given by Sir ----, where, for the first time, I saw a
superior _nautch_, the best dancing girls in India being the performers.
I assure you, these personages, when celebrated, are of great
importance, for a lady who ranks as a prima donna with you, will cost
two or three hundred rupees a-night, and will not go up the country for
less than five hundred, which is sixty pounds of our money. They dress
very splendidly, wearing silken trowsers, over which there is a very
showy, full petticoat, richly embroidered, which flies out in their
whirling motions, and gives great effect. Their feet and ankles are
bare, but the latter are ornamented with rows of small silver bells,
which they move in cadence with their music; and they have also
castanets in their hands, which they manage very adroitly. There are
generally four of these females, who alternately relieve each other as
they become exhausted with the fatigue of the dance, that being rendered
extremely laborious from their custom of singing with it. I assure you,
nothing can be more graceful and agile than the motions of these women,
who are generally very handsome; indeed, if you can allow for the dark
olive complexion, you would call them beautiful. Their fine tresses of
hair, perfumed and adorned with fragrant flowers, their teeth of
dazzling whiteness, shown between small coral lips of delicate form,
together with finely-modulated noses, soft yet brilliant eyes, and
shapes of the most pliable and elegant construction, give them a right
to this praise. When you can get them to dance to their own soft voices,
it is really delightful to behold them; but, unfortunately, they are
always accompanied by a parcel of fellows who play _tam-tams_, a most
execrable kind of little drum, vile guitars, and abominable cymbals, and
add to these a most intolerable roaring out with their own voices. These
fellows, as they proceed, become so enamoured of their own noise, that
their exertions, their gestures, and profuse perspiration, are one
moment excessively ludicrous, the next disgusting; they become
absolutely convulsed, and make the most hideous grimaces you can
conceive; so that nothing in nature can be less accordant with the
graceful or gay motions of the dancers who certainly merit a very
different style of music.

"To-day I have witnessed a dance of a very different description, that
of serpents. These terrible, beautiful, but to me _detestable_
creatures, are caught and tamed by a tribe of musical itinerants, who
have the secret of drawing them out of their holes, catching them, and
extracting the poison from them. Most probably the art is very ancient,
for you know in the Psalms we read of the 'deaf adder, that stoppeth her
ear, and will not listen to the voice of the charmer.' I understand they
use the tabor and pipe to draw the reptile from his hole; but how they
contrive to render him harmless, remains a secret to all but the
initiated. So well do they manage it, that even the Cobra de Capello
will spread his hood, spring at his master, and actually draw blood by
the bite he inflicts on the leg, and the man remain uninjured, beyond
the slight wound. At another time, a large serpent wound his muscular
form round the man's leg and thigh, in the most terrific manner; but, on
a particular tune being played, unloosed his gripe, and, retreating to
his basket, indulged in a comfortable nap, content with having earned
his daily food. At the word of command, they will fight with each other,
or perform those various convolutions called dancing. Several gentlemen
present admired their graceful movements; but I must confess that it was
to me a very disagreeable sight, and I was heartily glad when the men
and their supple _protges_ were gone. My own affair with the Cobra de
Capello was much too recent for any of his family to be agreeable in my
eyes. Besides, I really do think that all the serpent tribe are
singularly hateful to man; and I know many brave men who are decidedly
of my opinion, and consider it mere affectation and bravado in those who
affect to admire this display of their beauty. It is not less certain
that they give proofs of such intelligence that we cannot be surprised
that our Lord called them _wise_, and that one should be pitched upon by
the Evil Spirit as the vehicle of his designs, when he sought the ruin
of man.

"And now, my dear girl, I must say adieu, for I am again going on
ship-board, ay! and for a very long voyage too. Do not deceive
yourselves, and think I am coming to England, though I am going to sail
thitherwards. No, no; many a long day must pass, before the dear shores
of my native land meet my view; but I am happy to say, that I am going
to Bombay, where I shall be stationed for some time. I count myself
singularly lucky in a circumstance which will enable me to see so much
of our settlements; and it shall go hard with me, but I will go from
thence to Elora, the most wonderful place in the world for its
excavations. Captain Seely has written a very clever book about them,
and I am impatient to see them; and I understand the thing is much more
practicable now than it was when he accomplished it, owing to the
increased power and influence of the Company in that quarter. Whatever I
see, and wherever I may be, you will be present to my thoughts; and
whatever I can relate to give you pleasure, be assured will never be
omitted by

  "Your most affectionate,
  "Henry."




  CHAPTER XIII.

    Voyage to Bombay.--Madras.--Pondicherry.--Goa, new and old
    cities.--Convent.--Tomb of Xavier.--Departure from Goa.--Arrive
    at Bombay.--Beautiful neighbourhood.--Good living and
    hospitality.--He determines to visit the Caves of Elora.


  [_Henry to his brother John._]

  "Bombay.

"Here I am, my dear brother, after such a delightful voyage, that had I
not known what it was to see old Ocean in a rage, I never could have
believed that so fair a mirror could have been so transformed. The whole
voyage was a kind of coasting, as you may suppose; and there were times
when we enjoyed very beautiful views of the country. We put in at
Madras, but for so short a time as not to afford me any new matter for
observation. We also stopped at Pondicherry, with which I was much
pleased, especially with the surrounding rice-ground, which exceeded any
thing I have seen in India; the port is, however, very bad; we had great
difficulty in landing, and afterwards in regaining our ship, the flux
and reflux of the tide on a sandy shore being very troublesome and
dangerous.

"I was sorry not to see the Island of Ceylon again, but was highly
gratified by being permitted to accompany a brother officer to the
interesting city of Goa, where we stayed a day and night. There is an
old and new town of Goa, and time was, that no European settlement in
India could vie with this, the metropolis of Portuguese possessions. The
port is considered the finest in the Indies; and no expense has been
spared to fortify it with castles and towers, which are abundantly
furnished with good cannon. We entered the outer harbour in a small
coasting vessel, called a patamare, and rowed rapidly up a second reach,
where stands modern Goa, in the appearance of which I was much
disappointed. It is some miles below the old city, which was our object
of curiosity, and it was necessary that we should apply to the governor
here for permission to see it. We remarked that the inhabitants looked
poor and indolent, yet proud and affected; and there appeared scarcely
any thing going on amongst them indicative of that commerce they once
undoubtedly enjoyed.

"Having obtained permission, we proceeded, and were delighted with the
thick plantations of the cocoa-nut (which is always graceful), that
clothed the bank on either side of the water, and from the midst of
which we soon saw the churches and monasteries, the palaces and
prisons, of Old Goa peering out. In this place the horrors of the
Inquisition were for many years practised in the most cruel manner, and
it is therefore no wonder that it is forsaken as much as possible by all
mankind. There is yet an air about it of great interest, the palaces of
the archbishop and viceroy, a magnificent square (in the centre of which
_auto-da-fs_ have been performed), and the numerous convents, all
wearing the appearance of loneliness and desolation, of decaying
grandeur and melancholy seclusion, which, for the time we view them,
cannot fail to awaken our regret. Besides, in this place repose the
bones of Francis Xavier, called the 'Apostle of the Indies,' and whose
zeal in the propagation of Christianity entitles him to our admiration
and gratitude. Vasco de Gama also, the brave adventurer who first
weathered the Cape of Good Hope, and opened the way for the great
Albuquerque (who made himself master of Goa), ended his days here,
crowned with the honours he merited.

"Our first business was to find our way to the Augustine convent, for
whose superior we had a letter of introduction. Never shall I forget the
deep full sound of its melancholy vesper bell, as we entered the church,
which was large and magnificent. Nothing could be more striking than the
contrast between the place of worship and the small number of
worshippers. The priest, the chanters, and even the tinkling bell used
in their service, seemed oppressed by the silence of the place, and
unequal to filling the vast cavity around them.

"After prayers, whilst a servant was dispatched with the letter, we
walked round the cloisters, which are adorned with paintings in fresco,
the subjects being generally the martyrdom of the brethren of the order.
On my expressing a desire to find the tomb of Francis Xavier, a young
sacristan led me to a dark chapel which contains it. It is richly
ornamented, but his ashes are said to be contained in a silver chest
above, around which lamps of silver are hung. Below this are four
reliefs, beautifully wrought in bronze, describing his preaching to the
idolaters, his baptism of the converts, his persecution, and death. It
was impossible not to feel affected by the memory of a man so nobly
devoted to the cause of Christ, and to lament that he belonged to a
church which could make the ground-work of his labours the foundation on
which to raise the most terrible of all tribunals.

"After leaving the tomb, we were conducted to the senior brother of the
Augustine monks, who was polite even to officiousness, and gave us some
excellent Lisbon wine and biscuits. He was by birth an Indian, of a deep
yellow complexion, and probably from a distant province, as the natives
of Goa are of a shining black complexion. He was a man of no
information whatever, as my companion, who spoke his language, assured
me; and indeed the way in which he carried and exhibited a large bunch
of keys, showed me that he had much more of the old housekeeper about
him than the student. He gave us, however, excellent beds, with fine
linen, which in this sultry climate is a great luxury, and showed us
every possible kindness.

"The next morning we rose at the sound of the same deep-mouthed bell,
and went down into the cathedral, where we found the canons in their
stalls, the sacristans, vespers, and choristers in their places, and the
dean officiating. One old Portuguese gentleman and ourselves constituted
the congregation. Afterwards we breakfasted with the monks, and then set
out to inspect the city. Within a walk of two miles we saw seven fine
churches, and found every where the complement of pastors belonging to
the establishment, with their black or white robes, small caps, silk
cassocks, red scarfs, and glittering vestments; but where were their
flocks? In one place we saw a few common black native Christians, and in
another a few Indian-Portuguese; but the rest of the churches were
desolate.

"The convents, in like manner, are nearly deserted, not one of them
having their brotherhood complete. The palaces are sinking rapidly, and
grass grows all over the streets. The black natives are a fine grown
people, of athletic frame, with curling hair, white teeth, and bright
cunning eyes. The general character of the inhabitants of Goa is very
bad: they are proud, indolent, fierce, and revengeful; and the women are
said to understand the practice of poisoning but too well. Altogether,
our little excursion was one of great interest and pleasure, and the
return to our ship most delightful, in the views it presented on either
side of this fine harbour; the fortifications are indeed magnificent,
and the channel, in running up the country, divides it into beautiful
little islands and bays, abounding with verdure.

"On the third day after this, we arrived at Bombay, which, like Goa, was
once in the possession of the Portuguese, and was given to Charles II.
as a part of the marriage portion of his Queen. The clergy then resident
objected to the town being possessed by English heretics, and it was a
long time before the affair was settled; and when that was done, the
crown found it best to make it over to the East India Company, who
consider it their third settlement.

"I was much pleased with the docks, on my arrival at Bombay, but the
town did not strike me in the same way as Calcutta had done, but I saw
in a moment, it was infinitely superior to Madras. A three weeks' stay
has rendered me decisive in preferring it even to the former, for the
rides about it are most beautiful. The mighty range of mountains called
the Ghauts, or Gauts, which run within a distance of about an average of
fifty miles from the shore, all down this coast, have a wonderful effect
on the landscape every where, and the different kind of building
occasioned by such a variety of inhabitant, spread over the face of the
country objects of the most curious and captivating nature, so that you
are never wearied of inspecting them.

"We have here ruinous convents and monasteries, erected by its first
conquerors the Portuguese, noble country-houses of Englishmen, Mahratta
fortresses, Hindoo pagodas, and Mahometan mosques. The villages of the
Hindoos are patches of rich cultivation, on which the eye rests with
delight; and we have groves of cocoa-nut and date trees, rich in all the
luxuriant pride of vegetation.

"If we turn our eyes toward the sea, we have a fine sandy beach and a
beautiful isthmus in view, called Malabar Point, thickly studded with
villas; and within fourteen miles is a pleasant little island called
Salsette, on which there is a military station; so that we have a
charming sea-breeze, and the most pleasant water excursions you can
possibly conceive.

"There is also another great advantage in Bombay over Calcutta, which
affects persons with families very much, and is of consequence even to a
young fellow like me. The servants in Bengal will only do one thing for
you; and, let the necessity be ever so urgent, not one of them will do
the least piece of service, except that for which they are expressly
hired; so that an incredible number must be kept, which is in itself a
great nuisance. The Bombay servant is precisely worth five of the
Calcutta menials. Every material for the table is had in abundance, and
very reasonable; the houses are larger than the Calcutta houses; but I
have not hitherto thought the parties quite so pleasant which may be
owing to the wider range in which hospitality is practised, and of which
it would ill become me to complain. My whole mind is now bent on
visiting the celebrated excavations of Elora, which, so far as I can
learn, far exceed what Belzoni has recited of those in Egypt, and even
what Captain Mangles visited in Arabia Petra. There is a work on the
subject in the British Museum, which, you may remember, was shown to my
father when we were with him: but we were then such little boys, I can
remember but few of the plates; nevertheless, the impression they made
upon me remains the same, and I feel inclined to encounter any dangers,
rather than omit seeing them whilst I remain on this station.[5] I
believe I am at present not more than three hundred miles from Elora,
which lies within a few miles of Auringabad, which is itself well worth
visiting. The great difficulty is that of reaching the place, the road
to it being in the possession of the Mahrattas, who are a people so
savage and uncivilized, that there is just cause to apprehend danger
when travelling without a military guard. However, I must venture; and
as we are now at peace, and apparently, indeed, in friendship with them,
I must hope for the best.

"Adieu! believe me, your most affectionate brother, &c. &c.

  "Henry Delamere."

[Footnote 5: Mr. Daniell's Views, from Sketches by Mr. Wales, a most
elaborate and magnificent work.]




  CHAPTER XIV.

    Sets out for Elora.--Visits Elephanta.--Pleasant sail to
    Panwell.--Proceeds on horseback.--The Ghauts.--The Temple of
    Karli.--Arrives at Poonah.--Pursues his way to the village of
    Elora.


  [_Henry to his brother John._]

  "Elora.

"Well, my dear John, here I am at last, and, oh! how do I wish that you
were with me, that we might gaze together at this most wonderful and
stupendous of all the works of man, this Temple of Keylas! I will,
however, not waste time and paper in exclamations, but proceed regularly
to tell you how I have managed to effect my purpose, and arrive at a
place where so few have arrived before me.

"I took Captain Seely's book for my guide, as I was certain he
understood the route necessary; at least, I wished, as nearly as I
could, to tread in his steps, and therefore I made it a point, in the
first place, to go to the island of Elephanta, being thus far
accompanied by many friends; so that it was altogether the excursion of
a party of pleasure, such parties being frequently made from Bombay.

"The island has its name from a statue of an elephant, of immense
proportions, carved out of the solid rock. It is of considerable
elevation, and famous for the caves which are hewn in the living rock,
and contain colossal figures of four of the principal Hindoo deities.
The view from these caves is most magnificent, and better worth seeing
than the caves themselves; for they are much injured by the admission of
water from the top; and though surprising, are not to be named with any
of the numerous temples in this place. However, the whole trip was
delightful, and the sail we had passing by Salsette, and forward to
Panwell, where I parted with my friends, I must always remember as the
pleasantest voyage of my life.

"I now began to travel by land, and, making the best bargain in my
power, addressed myself for Poonah, which was nearly sixty miles
distant. My travelling accommodation was by no means good; but a man who
had travelled so much, was not likely to be easily frightened at
deficient conveniences; so I set out in good spirits, determined to make
the best of every thing, being mounted on a tolerable pony, called here
Tattoo, with two bullocks to carry my luggage, and their drivers.

"Thus equipped, I pushed on to Capooly, a poor village, where, having
far outstripped my servant and the provisions, I was at a great loss for
food, which, however, I supplied in some measure by bathing, which is a
refreshment of incalculable service in these hot climates. To my great
satisfaction, they came up before I set out again, and I determined for
the future never to leave them so far behind. We passed the night in a
tent at the foot of the Ghauts, and I never remember enjoying moonlight
scenes more in my life, than in the novel and picturesque views around
me.

"The following day I began to ascend the passes in the mountain before
me, and was every where delighted with the wildness of the scenery
around me, the freshness of the mountain air, and the sylvan objects
occasionally presented of little Hindoo farms. In the course of my
journey, I saw several fine tanks, which are in this country often made
as a public charity; and in a hot climate may deservedly rank with the
greatest benefits a man can bestow on his fellow-creatures. They are
often made by damming up an outlet, and not unfrequently finished at a
prodigious expense of money and labour; but, unfortunately, there are no
funds appropriated for repairs, from which circumstance many of these
noble works are going to decay.

"I afterwards passed through the open country to the mountain of
Eknerah, where there is a large temple hewn out of the living rock,
called the Temple of Karli. On entering this surprising place, I found a
ponderous arched roof of solid stone, supported by two rows of pillars,
the capitals of each surmounted by a well-sculptured figure of a male
and female, seated, with their arms encircling each other, on the back
of crouching elephants. The vestibule to this temple was very noble,
having the sitting figure of Budah at the entrance. I thought this
temple so far superior to the caves of Elephanta, that it quickened my
desire of proceeding to Elora. My next place of halt was Teligaum, where
I procured another Tattoo and some cold provisions, which I placed,
along with my pistols, in my holster. I was anxious to get on to Poonah,
where I had friends that would receive me; and I could not expect my
baggage to get up to me.

"It so happened, that after a day of great fatigue, I entered Poonah
just as the sun was descending in all his glory; and nothing could
exceed the effect thus given to the appearance of a noble city,
containing all the most striking features of oriental magnificence. The
Rarbutti temple, Hindoo palaces, white terraced houses, castles and
gardens, intermixed with the buildings and shops of all descriptions,
with open windows, and the goods exposed on declining platforms, formed
a _tout ensemble_ highly amusing. This was animated by that variety of
inhabitants always so striking; Arab horsemen, completely armed, and
mounted on fine chargers; pretty Hindoo women, in milk-white vestments;
Jews and Portuguese Christians; state elephants and led horses, richly
caparisoned; and occasionally a British siphanee in his neat dress,
altogether made a moving spectacle of the most lively description.

"I was received at the house of my friends with all the usual
hospitality of the country; and after taking sufficient rest, I was
provided by my friend, Captain S----, with a fresh horse, new coolies,
and a guard of siphanees; and I set out for our military station at
Seroon, and accomplished my journey of forty-two miles thither in one
day.

"Here again every civility was accorded me; but it might truly be said,
that after I left my friends here, I left the civilized world behind me.
I had abundant opportunity for observing the ravages made by the
Mahrattas among the peaceful Hindoo villagers, and several parties of
Bheels and other robbers (for this country abounds in organized bands of
freebooters), frequently approached us. My band of siphanees always took
care to show their arms on such occasions, and we did not experience any
actual insult. The latter part of the journey was almost entirely
through a jungle, in which the Bheels find snug hiding-places; and in
the whole of my road I did not find one tolerable village till I arrived
at that of Elora, which is about a mile distant from Elora itself.

"This place is embosomed in trees, and inhabited by Bramins, and guarded
by a body of Raypoots. The first place I entered was a pagoda, which,
seated in a most romantic-looking spot, offered me that protection from
the sun in which I stood greatly in need. A fine tank was before me, and
a grove around me; and here I waited till my baggage arrived, and the
means of refreshment after a long hot ride were afforded me.

"And now I must bid you adieu till to-morrow, when I will resume my
letter; assured, that, although I have no means of conveying to you my
own sensations of delight on finding myself so near the object of my
desires, yet, that you will be pleased with the efforts of my pen and
pencil, intended for your amusements."




  CHAPTER XV.

    Arrives at the excavations of Elora.--Temple of Keylas.--Its
    insulated state, prodigious size, and elaborate finishings.--The
    area.--The obelisks.--Sphinxes.--Galleries and statues.--Visits
    Teen Tal.--Its grandeur, statues, &c.--Continuation.--Temple of
    Visvacarma.--Temple of Juggernaut.


  [_Henry in continuation._]

"I well remember that Captain Mangles described his emotions as vivid in
the extreme, when at a great distance he perceived a temple cut in the
pinnacles of a rock in the desert, glittering in the sunbeams. Such were
my sensations, when, after taking a hasty meal, I pushed forward with my
attendants for the temples of Elora, nor can I describe the overpowering
emotion which seized me, when I actually beheld the great temple of
Keylas before my sight.

"The perfect calmness and deathlike tranquillity of all around, the
solitude of the adjoining plains, the mountain before me, which, for
more than a mile, is perforated in every part with such magical skill
and power, that it appears to have been the work of more than human
hands, have an effect on the mind which renders wonder and delight even
oppressive. The more I gazed, the greater was my astonishment; and every
step which brought me farther into the temple, rendered this
unparalleled perforation the more surprising.

"Only think, John, of a stupendous temple, within a large open court,
with all its parts perfect and beautiful, completely detached from the
neighbouring mountain by a spacious area all around, two hundred and
fifty feet deep, and one hundred and fifty broad, yet all actually cut
out, and from this very mountain! The height is one hundred feet, the
length one hundred and forty-five, the breadth sixty-two, and the doors,
windows, staircases, all perfectly formed and polished; containing five
rooms divided by rows of pillars, figure galleries, or verandas, with
not less than forty-two gigantic figures of the Hindoo mythology; the
three galleries containing and occupying between four and five hundred
feet of excavated rock. Is it not beyond belief that the hands of man
could effect such a work--that the mind should conceive it?

"When one considers that the chisel alone could have been employed in
effecting this elaborate work--an instrument so slow in its operation,
and requiring, even for a single isolated statue, that niceness of
admeasurement, you may remember we once witnessed, in the attelier of
Mr. Behnes, in London, it appears inconceivable that such an extensive
work, with so many various parts, and such copious details, could have
been hewn out of the solid granite. We can form no idea of the number of
hands employed, the rules by which the labour of each was adjusted, nor
the expence incurred. Of one thing alone can we be certain, which is,
that the country must have been in a far different state to that it has
enjoyed for many centuries. There must have been a prodigious
population, profound peace, abundant wealth, an absolute prince, and
numerous subjects well informed in those arts which are here exhibited
so strikingly.

"Within the court, and opposite to the verandas, stands 'Keylas the
Proud,' a mighty mass of rock; but this I will leave, and carry you with
me, as well as I can, through the temple itself.

"We entered the area at the western front, passing through a handsome
gateway. Here a variety of sculptured figures and ornaments, in high
relief, arrest your attention, with the goddess Bhavani on the right,
Ganessa on the left, and two elephants with their trunks entwined; and
here the whole area appears hewn out to make room for the grand temple.
On either side there is a ledge of rock, which serves as a bridge for
communicating with the great temple, and under this bridge is a
communication between the areas. A few feet beyond these are two large
obelisks, eleven feet square, and forty-one feet high, the shaft at the
base being seven feet; so that, you see, they are larger than the famous
Needles of Cleopatra.

"They are indeed beautiful objects, and are alone worth coming a long
way to see. They are handsomely carved, and have had an animal of some
kind at the top of each. There are long ranges of apartments, on either
side of this entrance, all covered with their absurd mythological
stories, and frequently as indecent as they are ridiculous; but the
labour evinced in these specimens of ancient lithography is not the less
remarkable. We have now passed the gateway, and entered the body of the
temple, on each side of which are two flights of stairs, which bring you
to a portico; on this are the figures of two sphinxes, which I thought
very remarkable, as it seems a connecting link between the ancient
religion of this country and that of Egypt; and I have understood Sir
Stamford Raffles found a sphinx at Java, which extends the supposition
as to the diffusion of this belief over the East.

"When you have seen these figures, you ascend three steps, and enter a
separate room, in which the sacred bull Nundi is seen in a state of
repose. You descend seven steps, and enter a kind of balcony, where the
nobat (a large drum) and pipes are sounded at certain hours; from this
you have a fine view of the plain and the village of Elora, at a
distance. The whole range of excavations standing upon a considerable
elevation, and having a gentle acclivity, enjoy a beautiful prospect;
and when, leaving the outer view, you recross the passages, and look
down into the piazza below, with its numerous deities, the pillars, and
the court, nothing can be conceived more picturesque in effect--it
realizes all the fairy tales of our childhood, in its grandeur and
vastness.

"The great hall of the temple is enriched by two gigantic Chubdars (_i.e._
keepers of silence), placed on either side of the door; and the hall
itself is divided by four ranges of pillars, the middle space being much
wider than the rest. These noble pillars were to me the most beautiful
objects; for I have really not knowledge enough of the Hindoo mythology,
and the attributes of its deities, to look with any pleasure or interest
upon their hideous and disgusting forms. I have not the least doubt, but
you, who read so much, know more about these gentry than I do, and
therefore you will award them their places in a temple, which I grieve
to think should have been dedicated to any thing so vile and hideous.

"After wandering in the temple till the sun had set and the moon arisen,
shedding her clear mild rays on this magnificent object, with that
brilliancy of light and depth of shadow which give so much effect in
works of this description, I was at length obliged to return to the
village, where my tent was pitched; my servant prepared a curry, and the
great fatigue I had undergone made me sleep soundly, in despite of that
nervous irritability so generally produced by the pleasure I had
experienced.

"The following morning I formed an acquaintance with an aged Bramin, who
was willing to become my guide to Elora, as I was impatient to visit the
temples of Do Tal, and the arched temple of Visvacarma, preferred by
some to that of Keylas itself.

"The first object to which my attention was drawn on my second visit,
was Teen Tal, called also 'Rama Swaming's Dwelling:' it is a vast
excavation of three distinct stories, with massive pillars, rich
sculpture, and fine flights of steps. The insular situation of Keylas
gives it one advantage over this wonderful work, but, in all other
respects, it is not less surprising. There is a fine area, from which
the whole front of three stories appears to the greatest advantage; to
each story are appropriated eight square pillars and two pilasters. The
rooms are very fine, and one contains a large figure of Siesha, who, the
Bramin informed me, passed through seven incarnations, and in the last
was born in the human shape. There were also very large figures of
Angeri and Adnant, in a sitting posture, the crown of their heads
touching the ceiling within a few inches; every where through this
excavation are fine cisterns of beautiful water.

"On ascending the stairs, we found a large figure of Cuvera, the god of
riches; and facing the southern entrance, a large figure of Sey Doo,
their immortal serpent, that assumed the human form: near to this
curious subject were five gigantic brothers, sitting under a canopy of
waving drapery, upheld by small figures. They have evidently received
the highest finish the artist could bestow; and my old Bramin gave me a
long account of their origin and deeds; but all was so extremely absurd,
that it was impossible to look in his venerable and intelligent
countenance, and think that he could believe one word of the nonsense he
uttered; yet it is not less certain that he did, and there was something
extremely imposing in his seriousness. It is impossible for me to
describe one half of the rooms and figures which I afterwards saw; but I
must not omit to mention, that in another place we found seven figures,
sitting also under a canopy, and greatly resembling each other. Their
faces were all painted with oil and red ochre, which gave them a most
ludicrous appearance. The principal one I understood to be Sita, who was
a virtuous damsel, that ran all the way to Ceylon, to escape from King
Ravan: there are annual feasts in honour of her purity, and I
understand she is a very popular person.

"This excavation was altogether so very superior to any thing I had
expected to see after Keylas (with the exception of Visvacarma), that
when I arrived at the temple of Do Tal (or two stories), I thought it
comparatively very poor; 'tis true, I was now wearied, and evening was
coming on, but yet I do not think it possesses any striking beauty. The
area is a hundred and two feet long, the breadth forty-four feet; the
upper stories are in good order, but the lower ones injured. There are
not many sculptured figures here, and only statues of Rama Chandra and
his two brothers. In any other place, Do Tal would be a great wonder,
but at Elora it becomes a secondary object; it closed, however, my
second day's search; and as I now grew better satisfied from habit with
our general safety, I caused my tent to be pitched near the mountain,
and closed my eyes amid the proudest wonders of Elora. I need not tell
you, for your own heart will, that you were, in _one_ sense, constantly
present with me during this day and the former, and that I sincerely
regretted your absence, at the same time."

    *    *    *    *    *

  (_In continuation._)

  "Temple of Visvacarma.

"I write to you now, my dear John, sitting under the mighty arch of the
Temple of Visvacarma, after sitting three hours opposite to it, in order
to make the accompanying drawing; for I am well aware, that in all
matters of description, the pencil goes far beyond the pen in conveying
an accurate idea. But indeed, my dear brother, neither the one nor the
other can convey to you an adequate notion of this stupendous
excavation; it penetrates more than a hundred and thirty feet into the
solid rock, forming a deep and spacious temple, with a magnificent
arched roof, apparently supported by a series of octangular pillars,
which go completely to the end. In front are immense figures of
Visvacarma, who was the Vulcan of the Hindoo mythology, attended by
Karli and Canarah.

"The area in front is about fifty feet, and on the basement floor is a
kind of veranda, encircling an apartment probably intended for an
orchestra, as the cylindrical drums, pipes, and bells, are much used in
the Hindoo worship. It is, at all events, a beautiful apartment, and
from it you enjoy the finest possible view of the temple. The roof is
especially fine, being carved into ribs of stone, that have at once a
light and strong appearance, and which rest on a beautiful projecting
architrave, the foot of every one being adorned by a sitting figure of
the most finished sculpture. The Temple of Karli somewhat resembles
this, as does that of Elephanta, but neither of them can compare with
it; for, in addition to the magnificent columns, there is a deep grand
frieze connecting these massive supporters with the roof, which is
covered with sculptured figures, in high relief; so that the whole is
complete in all its parts, and is at once rich and light, massive and
elegant. My admiration of this extraordinary production greatly
delighted the old Bramin, who still continued to accompany me: he is
certainly a very pleasing old man, and seems entirely free from that
pride and obstinacy, which is so conspicuous in the inhabitants of great
cities, of his own sacred caste. He expressed, with natural zeal, great
sorrow for the desertion of these glorious temples, and great anger
towards the memory of Aurungzebe, who had done his best to blow up some
of these fine excavations with gunpowder; and I shall never forget the
horror of his countenance, when he told me of the sacrilege committed by
this conqueror. It appears, that on finding it impossible to effect this
cruel and shameful purpose, the barbarian ordered his soldiers to slay a
cow within the sacred walls of one of the finest temples, in
consequence of which it is defiled for ever, and not one of the Hindoos
would, on any account, ever enter the once sacred enclosure. To say the
least of this, it was a hateful exertion of power over a prostrate and
suffering foe; but such, generally, has been the conduct of the Crescent
in the day of its power.

"My third day's examination was given to the Temple of Juggernaut, the
Lord of the Creation. This is the same terrific personage, whose temple,
at Orissa, has made so much noise in the world, beneath whose ponderous
car, men, women, and children, have been thrown by their enthusiasm to
perish, as many respectable Europeans have grieved to witness. When poor
Ferdinand de Pinto described the movements of that mighty car, near
three hundred years ago, and spoke of people seeking to win heaven by
laying themselves under its wheels, his tale was ridiculed, and he was
named the 'Prince of Liars;' but the thing has now ceased to be a
wonder; and there can be no doubt, but on this very spot, centuries on
centuries ago, the same mad follies have been exhibited. I am most happy
to say, that these shocking practices have so far abated, that, on
several late annual festivals of Juggernaut, there have been found no
self-sacrifices; and that so little respect was found for the grim idol,
that, it was difficult for the priests to procure a sufficient number of
persons to move his ponderous vehicle. It seems, however, that a rich
Hindoo, within a few years, left the sum of thirty-five thousand pounds
towards improving the road from Benaris to the Temple of Juggernaut; so
that this bloody-toothed idol has a few friends left.

"From this temple to the one at the extremity of the southern range, I
find, on measurement, to be a mile and a quarter. All are dug out of the
same mountain and the same species of rock; but there is none absolutely
separated from the parent mountain, besides Keylas, or Kaloise, which I
have already described. This of Juggernaut is extremely grand; but the
area in front is nearly filled up with pieces of fallen rock, so that
you have some difficulty in gaining a complete view; but you find, on
inspection, that not one of the temples is more highly finished, or more
magnificent in effect. The ceiling is supported by twelve pillars, ten
feet in girth, beautifully fluted, and tastefully decorated with wreaths
of flowers. The length of the apartment thus supported is nearly sixty
feet, and the veranda, or outer front, is fifty feet in height. From the
basement it is covered with figures of lions, kneeling men, and
serpents; and the whole of this grand basement appears to rest on the
back of four elephants. The whole of this temple and the veranda have
something light and elegant; it seems a place where one might like to
live. It has not the magnificence of Keylas, and it is far more injured
than Visvacarma; but it is more cheerful than either, and not less
elaborate in all its ornaments. I should yet judge, from appearances
around, that it never has been completed; probably the stone[6] was
found too hard to work upon, for there are proofs in all these temples,
that some parts have been found to resist the chisel effectually, as you
see now and then a piece left in an unsightly manner, in the midst of an
elaborately-finished frieze; such pieces are always found in the upper,
or quite exterior part of the temple where they occur.

"Close to this temple, and indeed connected with it, is a small one,
dedicated to the hero Adnant, who is represented in a figure about four
feet high, in a sitting posture. In this small excavation the same pains
are taken for the purpose of embellishment: it is supported by four
quadrangular pillars, and in the centre of the shaft is a tiger's head,
with a wreath of flowers in the mouth, most tastefully executed. The
statues here are more injured than in any other of the temples, owing to
their being exposed to currents of air.

"I shall now close this long letter, as the return of two siphanees to
our military dept will enable me to forward it, through the officers,
to you; but to-morrow I shall continue my observations. Be assured, that
I am very well, though my provisions are reduced, and I am now living on
rice and vegetables, and drinking the pure water, which pours, in two
prodigious cascades, down this most romantic of all mountains, affording
to every one of the excavations an abundant supply. At present, I have
taken up my abode within the veranda of this temple, and consider the
use of one of its splendid cisterns as my chief luxury. I find myself
secure from the snakes, which was not the case in my tent, when pitched
in the valley; and I met with no opposition from the Bramins, as I
apprehend I am not in that which was considered the more holy part.

"Adieu, my dear brother! give my love to all my dear home circle; never
shall I again send it from a place so singular and so contrasted with my
own dear home.

  "Henry Delamere."

[Footnote 6: I was informed by my friend, the late Mr. Smith, of the
British Museum, that in the interior of a large granite rock, there is
frequently found considerable moisture, so that it may be wrought with
comparative ease; whereas, on the outer part it is perfectly hard. Such
was the case with the Portland stone at the time when St. Paul's
Cathedral was building; in consequence of which, Sir Christopher Wren
caused many blocks to be worked on the spot; but the difficulty of
conveying them with safety, after they had been so wrought, occasioned
him to abandon that method of proceeding.]




  CHAPTER XVI.

    Temple of Indra.--Leaves Elora.--Poonah, and burning of Malabar
    widows.--Aurungabad.--Splendid
    monument.--Aurungzebe.--Punishment of an Hindoo.--The
    Fakirs.--Festival at Poonah.--Conclusion.


  [_Henry to his Brother John._]

"I began this letter in the Temple of Indra, my dear John; where I shall
end it, I cannot tell. It is now three days since I dispatched my last,
during which time I have surveyed every part of the excavations, several
of which, though of a smaller character than those I have described, are
well worth seeing; but I shall confine myself to speaking of the one
from whence I date, because I have made an elaborate drawing of it, and
I hope I can give you a good idea of it. Taking it altogether, I think
the front is the most striking of any of these stupendous and beautiful
works; at least it is second only to Keylas, and decidedly superior to
Teen Tal, which is, however, the larger.

"This temple, like that of Keylas, has had a wall in front, for there
are gateways left standing; and you see, by the drawing, that there is
an obelisk as an ornament to the entrance. My old Bramin friend assures
me that there were two, but that one was removed by Aurungzebe: but of
this I have my doubts, because I can perceive no remains; and it is
evident that the present one was used to hold lights at the top, on
festivals.

"I entered this curious excavation at the upper story, by a
communication from the Temple of Juggernaut, which also gives an opening
to another, viz. Parasa Kama, and, in doing this, convinced myself that
these excavations had been begun at the top and continued downward; and
that the workmen had found themselves able to effect the most difficult
and delicate part of their labour best, the more they proceeded. The
present noble excavation looks directly into the area, and faces an
insulated temple in the court below. It is formed by sections of pillars
into nearly two square apartments, within each other. The inner square
has a raised floor, and an altar placed in the centre. The floors are
richly carved in many places, and the roof is supported by pillars of
immense dimensions, twelve in number, each finished with a large
globular top, compressed like a pillow, and beautifully fluted, the
shafts and pedestals being elegantly sculptured in relief. Not only are
the walls adorned with pilasters, but there is scarcely five inches of
them left undecorated with wreaths of flowers, and emblems of their
religion, amongst which a sacred string is predominant. At the north and
south ends of the apartment are statues of the god Indra and his wife
Indranee. These personages are of the more importance, because they gave
name to the country originally called Indu, but corrupted to Hindu, or
Hindoo.

"At the north and south sides of the temple are gigantic figures of
various deities, whose names I cannot remember; and indeed I must now
take leave of these mighty temples, this wonderful mountain and
enchanting valley, the peaceful village and the melancholy Bramins--my
time is expired--my duty calls me, and I must return to another world,
which will seem to me almost as wonderful as to the hero whom Homer
sends into the mansions of Erebus and the fields of Elysium, for surely
my journey hath partaken of both. The wild, the beautiful, the ancient,
and the grand, in all their most striking features, have been exhibited
to my delighted gaze; but they have been alloyed by the proofs of a
debasing idolatry, absurd in its mysteries, disgusting in its objects,
and perpetually pressing upon the heart a deep sense of the degradation
of those very men whose art and power is so strikingly displayed.

    *    *    *    *    *

  "Poonah.

"Here am I thus far on my return: and the kindness with which I am
treated, the interest taken in my details and drawings, make me only
regret that I am obliged to pay so short a visit, for the kindness of
Captain and Mrs. S---- is greater than I can express. But indeed there
is no place in the world like India for genuine hospitality. Every body
who has a house, seems to think he holds it as much for others as
himself; and from living in a land of strangers, every additional guest
conveys the idea of increasing a sacred band of one's own countrymen
around them. When I arrived here, to tell you the truth, I was in a very
exhausted state: the weather had been excessively hot, and my labours of
examination had been beyond my strength. My friends here think that my
Hindoo table of herbs had contributed to this end; but I do not think
much of that, for I enjoyed luxury, compared to my situation on travel.
I have, however, at present every advantage, and may already be said to
be well.

"To these comforts are added that sweetest of all pleasures--excellent
society. Captain S---- is a man about fifty, has seen a great deal of
the world, and is well acquainted with this country in particular. You
have undoubtedly heard of the hateful practice in Malabar, of widows
burning themselves on the same pile with their husbands. As I never
could, I am certain, prevail upon myself to attend a spectacle of this
nature, I will relate to you the manner in which Captain S----witnessed
its performance.

"The burning of a widow with her husband is called a Suttee, and is
considered an act of the highest piety and grandeur, none but persons of
family importance thinking of such a sacrifice. Captain S----, hearing
that such an exhibition was about to take place, thought it his duty to
repair to the spot, and, if he could do so with any propriety, interfere
to prevent it; but this he found to be impossible. The widow had been
married a very short time--she was only twelve years of age, and the
late husband was an ill-favoured man of fifty. At the time of his
arrival, the funeral pyre was constructed in the form of an altar,
decorated with large branches of trees, and upon it was laid the body of
the deceased. A procession of Bramins were walking around, also a great
number of their usual musicians beating tam-tams and cymbals, and the
whole affair wore the air of a festival.

"In a short time the victim widow appeared, walking between two Bramins,
and followed by her relations: her youth, beauty, and the utter
improbability that she was drawn to the awful sacrifice from love to the
poor wretch before him, induced Captain S---- to press eagerly forward,
and question the Bramins as to the validity of her death. All his
objections were speedily over-ruled, by the assurance, 'that her death
was completely voluntary, and not only enjoined by the _shaster_, but
permitted, as a religious usage, by the government.' In doing this, he
obtained a close view of the widow, whose completely stupified air
assured him that they had given her opium till her senses were nearly
gone. When arrived at the pile, she took off her costly ornaments, or
rather tried to do so, for she had not the power, and was assisted by
the women; after which, a burning torch was placed in her hand, with
which she was to set fire to the branches around her: she mounted the
place, and sat down by the corpse; but how she used the torch could not
be seen, for in a moment the whole place was simultaneously fired by the
assisting Bramins, and the tam-tams redoubled their discordant sounds,
to drown the cries of the expiring woman, if, in her agonies, any such
escaped her.

"At another time, he saw a woman about to be burned alive in a pit with
her husband, that being the mode used in some provinces: this poor
creature was only eleven years old, and merely betrothed to her husband;
and at the time when he reached the place, her mother was hanging upon
her in all the agonies of extreme distress, forming a spectacle that
must have touched the heart of any human being, save that of a bigoted
Bramin. Captain S----had by that time learned, that, according to their
own laws, a woman cannot burn till she is of full age (viz. sixteen),
and that all opium is forbidden. As it was evident to all that she had
been affected by taking this drug, and both her parents were present
attesting her age, and it was known to all her neighbours that she was
not yet a wife, he so protested against the illegality of the burning,
that he finally rescued the victim, and rendered even the crowd sensible
that he was right in so doing.

"That some women burn willingly, there can be no doubt, but I believe
they are very few in number. Captain Seely mentions one, who on being
dissuaded, put her finger into the flame, and held it there resolutely,
to show she despised the pain; but though ardent affection, family
pride, and that heroism which is consistent with the gentlest natures,
may sometimes thus operate, it is assuredly but very seldom; and these
unnatural murders may, with great truth, be laid at the door of the
priests, who keep them up as a part of the ancient religion. They cannot
be such fools as not to know, that if, in the course of providence, one
parent is taken, the value of the other increases tenfold to the
children; yet they shut their hearts to the cries of nature, alike from
the parents and offspring of the victim; they immolate not only an
innocent creature of life, by the severest of all tortures, but deprive
age of its support, and youth of its protector. A more diabolical system
of cruelty never held the sanction of law amongst any people upon earth.

"Infanticide used to be very common; but this crime, like the burning of
women, is much on the decline; yet even now, if a man of high caste has
a female child born, more than he can conveniently provide for, he does
not hesitate to have the babe strangled, or killed by opium. It was once
the practice to drown them, but the presence of the Europeans prevents
this a good deal at this time. When men were so sick as to be given
over, they used to take them to the Ganges' banks, where the waters
might flow over them, or crocodiles devour them, as it happened; and in
some parts, where the river is held more particularly sacred, this is
still done, but it is by no means so common as it used to be. The pains
taken by the Company to enlighten the minds of the natives, certainly
has a happy effect, though the progress is slow. There are in fact few,
very _few_, converts to Christianity; but there is a general
amelioration of prejudices, a consultation of their own judgment, rather
than the absurd dogmas of their priests, which will in time lay a
foundation on which to build up a pure religion; and it appears to me as
if, in this respect, it were better to travel slowly, than to ruin all
by attempting too much.

"In entering on this subject, I lost sight of my general journal-like
style; the great interest it necessarily excites in every mind must be
my excuse. I must now tell you, that on quitting Elora, I went to visit
Aurungabad, which is only thirteen miles from the excavations, and a
place of great importance. The first thing I found worthy of attention,
was the tomb of the great Aurungzebe, in the little town of Roza, within
two miles of Elora. This mausoleum is neither grand nor elegant, but
there were many lamps burning in it, and a number of _Pirs_ (holy men)
were guarding it. The tomb was covered with green velvet, having rich
tassels, and fringe of the same colour, which is sacred in the eyes of
Mussulmen.

"Soon after this, I arrived at the astonishing fortress of Dowlutabad, a
pyramidal rock, rising abruptly to the height of more than five hundred
feet--its insulated position and scarped sides offer a singular specimen
of ingenuity and labour; it is defended by four walls, within each
other, and the town within them; but the most extraordinary thing is the
fortress in the upper works, which would insure destruction to any
assailants who had carried the lower walls; I mean, of course, to speak
of the mode of warfare practised by Asiatics, who have indeed long
considered Dowlutabad as impregnable: our system of military tactics has
proved these hill-forts no longer available.

"Leaving this striking object to the right, I pursued my way to
Aurungabad, which I found a large but decaying city, bearing every mark
of past glory and present dejection. The streets are wide, the mosques
and caravanseras large and elegant, and the shops exposed to view so
many costly articles of India produce, that even I was tempted to become
a purchaser. A few groups of handsome-looking Mussulmen were standing
about the streets, from whom I experienced much politeness in the way of
answering my inquiries: but the whole place reminded me of Goa; it was
indeed less deserted, less melancholy, and much less sacred, but it
carried the same deplorable air of sinking into ruin.

"I did not fail to examine the far-famed mausoleum of Rahea Doorany, the
favourite wife of Aurungzebe, that being, indeed, a principal object in
my visit to this city. It was built, I believe, nearly after the model
of Taaje Mhal. In the first place, you pass a large gateway, covered
with plates of embossed brass, and enter a court, in the centre of which
is a piece of water, with thirteen fountains, all shaded by a profusion
of beautiful trees. At the upper end, built on a terrace, stands the
fabric, which is ascended by a few steps. The material of the building
is white marble, and it is ornamented with the most exquisite
trellis-work; it is surmounted by a lofty dome; the tomb is inclosed in
the centre with an elegant screen of the most beautiful trellis-work,
like the meshes of a fishing net; the delicacy of the chiselling is
really beyond conception; and the fine marble wall inclosing the whole
is chastely magnificent. The tomb itself corresponds with the superb
edifice; over it was thrown a covering of scarlet velvet, with a deep
gold fringe; the whole is said to have cost no less than ninety thousand
pounds.

"Such was the place consecrated to the memory of a wife evidently
beloved with tenderness, by a man of as savage and ferocious a character
as any on record! such was the expense incurred by a man, whose
descendants are at this moment supported by pensions from the East India
Company of merchants!

"The palace of Aurungzebe never was very magnificent, for he was a man
more fond of power than show, and besides was very avaricious, which
rendered his expensive tomb the more remarkable. I have nothing,
therefore, to say farther of Aurungabad, than that I witnessed there the
very painful and disagreeable ceremony of a Hindoo regaining his caste,
who had forfeited it.

"When a man has performed an act of apostacy, or in any way become
defiled, by which he forfeits the honour of his birth, he may be
restored, by having two large hooks run into the flesh of his back, by
which means he is fixed on a pole, which is itself placed horizontally
upon another that is planted in the ground; and by means of a rope at
the opposite end to his own prostrate body, he is swung and twirled for
the space of half an hour, when the act of penance is completed.

"I have already mentioned the Fakirs, or men who live in perpetual
misery. I have seen, in the course of this journey, several who have far
exceeded all I could have conceived on the subject. One man was swinging
by his heels in a tree over a slow fire; another had held his arm in one
posture, till the muscles were so stiff, he could not bring it down; a
third had an iron pin run through his tongue; and I saw one man that had
hopped on one leg with the other tied up, until it was contracted and
perfectly useless.

"At Poonah I have witnessed a much pleasanter spectacle, in the festival
of the goddess Sita. It was really a gay kind of _fte_, for there were
painted lanterns, wreaths of flowers, bands of dancers, and jugglers in
abundance. These fellows used to be among the wonders of the East, but
since their curious feats have been exhibited in England, there is no
need for me to describe them. I shall send off this long letter and the
drawings, accompanied by my purchases at Aurungabad, in which every dear
member of my family will find that I have remembered them. It is true,
that with the exception of the shawl for my dear, _dear_ mother there is
little of value; and I may repeat our old nurse's adage in making my
little offering--

  'The gift is small,
  But love is all.'

And truly that love is greater than I have the power to express. Far
from being diminished by distance, or diverted by circumstance, every
day and every scene draws my mind still closer to you all; and many an
hour of pleasant reverie do I enjoy, wondering whether you are all
altered as I am, and trying to imagine how my sweet Selina looks in the
dress of a woman, and lovely little William in that of a man.

"Farewell once more! present me dutifully and affectionately, as you
know I desire to be to our inestimable parents, and all the rest; and
believe me, dear John, most sincerely yours, &c. &c.

  "Henry Delamere."


  THE END.


  J. BILLING, PRINTER, WOKING, SURREY.




  THE

  HOFLAND LIBRARY:

  FOR THE

  INSTRUCTION AND AMUSEMENT OF YOUTH.

  ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES.

  _Each volume handsomely bound in embossed scarlet cloth with gilt edges,
    &c._


  PUBLISHED (BY ASSIGNMENT OF A. K. NEWMAN AND CO.) BY
  ARTHUR HALL, VIRTUE & CO.,
  25, PATERNOSTER ROW.


  First Class, in 12mo. Price 2s. 6d.

1. Alfred Campbell; or Travels of a Young Pilgrim.

2. Decision; a Tale.

3. Energy.

4. Farewell Tales.

5. Fortitude.

6. Humility.

7. Integrity.

8. Moderation.

9. Patience.

10. Reflection.

11. Self Denial.

12. Young Cadet; or, Travels in Hindostan.

13. Young Pilgrim; or, Alfred Campbell's Return.


  Second Class, in 18mo. Price 1s. 6d.

1. Adelaide; or, Massacre of St. Bartholomew.

2. Affectionate Brothers.

3. Alicia and her Aunt; or, Think before you Speak.

4. Barbadoes Girl.

5. Blind Farmer and his Children.

6. Clergyman's Widow and her Young Family.

7. Daughter-in-Law, her Father and Family.

8. Elizabeth and her Three Beggar Boys.

9. Godmother's Tales.

10. Good Grandmother and her Offspring.

11. Merchant's Widow and her Young Family.

12. Rich Boys and Poor Boys, and other Tales.

13. The Sisters; a Domestic Tale.

14. Stolen Boy; an Indian Tale.

15. William and his Uncle Ben.

16. Young Northern Traveller.

17. Young Crusoe; or, Shipwrecked Boy.




  A Catalogue

  OF

  INSTRUCTIVE AND AMUSING

  WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.


  INCLUDING THOSE
  FORMERLY PUBLISHED BY CLARKE & CO.
  (LATE DARTON & HARVEY.)


  LONDON:
  ARTHUR HALL, VIRTUE & CO.
  25, PATERNOSTER ROW.

  _J. Menzies, Edinburgh._]      [_J. McGlashan, Dublin._




  New and cheaper Edition, price 4_s._ cloth gilt,

  A BOY'S ADVENTURES IN THE WILDS OF AUSTRALIA.

  By WILLIAM HOWITT.

  WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY HARVEY.

    *    *    *    *    *

  This day is published, price 3_s._ 6_d._, or 5_s._ gilt edges,

  LADY MARY AND HER NURSE;

  OR,

  A PEEP INTO THE CANADIAN FOREST.

  By MRS. TRAILL,

  AUTHOR OF "CANADIAN CRUSOES."

  With Illustrations.




  Instructive and Amusing

  WORKS FOR THE YOUNG.

    *    *    *    *    *

ACKWORTH VOCABULARY,
   or English Spelling Book; with the Meaning attached to each Word.
   Compiled for the use of Ackworth School. New Edition, 18mo. cloth
   lettered. Price 1_s._ 6_d._

ART of CHESS-PLAY.--A NEW TREATISE
   on the GAME of CHESS. By George Walker, Esq. Ninth Edition, 12mo.
   cloth lettered, reduced to 2_s._ 6_d._

BARBAULD'S (Mrs.) LEONS POUR DES
   ENFANS, depuis l'ge de Deux Ans jusqu' Cinq. Avec une
   Interprtation Anglaise. New Edition. 18mo. cloth lettered. Price
   2_s._

BOY (THE) AND THE BIRDS.
   By Emily Taylor. With Sixteen fine Woodcuts, from Landseer's
   Designs. 16mo. gilt edges. Price 2_s._ 6_d._

"A delightful book for children. The birds tell of their habits to a
little inquiring boy, who goes peeping into their nests and watching
their doings, and a very pleasant way they have of talking, sure to
engage the young reader's attention. The designs are pretty, and nicely
cut on wood."--_Spectator._

CANADIAN CRUSOES;
   a Tale of the Rice Lake Plains. By Mrs. Traill, (late Catharine
   Parr Strickland,) Authoress of "The Backwoods of Canada," &c. In
   foolscap, with numerous Engravings. Price 6_s._ cloth gilt.

   Edited by Agnes Strickland. Illustrated by Harvey.

"This is an extremely pleasing and not very improbable fiction. The
object of the writer has been to inculcate the virtues of energy and
self-reliance under circumstances of difficulty and danger. The book is
exceedingly well calculated for children, to whom its interesting
contents, its handsome appearance and beautiful illustrations will
render it an acceptable present."--_Tait's Magazine, Sept._ 1852.

"A very delightful book for young readers. The interest is deep and well
sustained, the style uniformly agreeable and lively, and the knowledge
of the writer, who has lived for some time on the Rice Lake Plains, the
scene of the story, adds a value to the book for readers of all ages.
Mr. Harvey has contributed some excellent woodcuts, and the book is
altogether a pretty and interesting one."--_Guardian._

CHEMISTRY NO MYSTERY;
   being the Subject Matter of a Course of Lectures by Dr. Scoffern.
   Illustrated with Diagrams and Woodcuts. Second Edition, revised
   and corrected, with Index, price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth lettered.

"A very agreeable account of some of the leading facts and principles of
Chemistry, not only made plain to the meanest capacity, but attractive,
we should imagine, to the most idle youth, and amusing to
all."--_Spectator._

"This work contains quite as much information as is requisite for any
person who does not intend to make Chemistry a professional or
hobby-horsical pursuit. The various information is conveyed in a clear
and distinct manner, so that the dullest child can hardly fail to
understand what it means. We recommend every father to purchase this
work for his children, unless they happen to be particularly stupid. It
does much credit to Mr. Scoffern, the author: it is very well printed
and neatly bound."--_Polytechnic Journal._

COLA MONTI;
   or, the Story of a Genius. A Tale for Boys. By the Author of "How
   to Win Love." With Four Illustrations by Franklin. In foolscap
   8vo. cloth. Price 3_s._ 6_d._

"No one possessing common sensibility can read this book without a
thoughtful brow and a glistening eye."--_Chambers' Edinburgh Journal._

"An exceedingly well-told tale, which will interest boys of all
ages. * * * As a holiday companion, few books would be more
popular."--_English Churchman._

"A lively narrative of school-boy adventures."

"A very charming and admirably-written volume. * * * It is adapted to
make boys better."

"A simple and pleasing story of school-boy life."--_John Bull._

DECOY (THE);
   or, an Agreeable Method of Teaching Children the elementary Parts
   of English Grammar. Price 1_s._ sewed.

DOCTOR'S LITTLE DAUGHTER.
   The Story of a Child's Life amidst the Woods and Hills. By Eliza
   Meteyard. In foolscap 8vo. price 7_s._ 6_d._ elegantly bound and
   gilt, with numerous Illustrations by Harvey.

"This is a very delightful book, especially calculated for the amusement
and instruction of our young friends; and is evidently the production of
a right-thinking and accomplished mind."--_Church of England Review._

"An elegant, interesting, and unobjectionable present for young ladies.
The moral of the book turns on benevolence."--_Christian Times._

"This Story of a Child's Life is so full of beauty and meekness, that we
can hardly express our sense of its worth in the words of common
praise."--_Nonconformist._

"This will be a choice present for the young."--_British Quarterly
Review._

"The whole story is told with a most touching grace, and a golden glow
of poetry pervades it. The fine designs of Harvey which illustrate the
book, add greatly to its attractiveness, and we cannot entertain a doubt
of its becoming one of the most popular volumes in the 'Children's
Library.'"--_Eliza Cook's Journal._

EARTH (THE) AND ITS INHABITANTS.
   By Margaret E. Darton. Crown 8vo. cloth, with coloured
   Frontispiece. Price 5_s._

EDGEWORTH'S EARLY LESSONS.
   New and cheaper Edition, fcap cloth, 3_s._ 6_d._ or in Four
   Pocket Volumes, price 10_s._

ENGLISH STORIES of the OLDEN TIME.
   By Maria Hack. A New Edition. With Vignettes by Harvey.
   [_In preparation._

"A popular History of England, from Alfred to Elizabeth, adapted to the
capacities of young persons. The matter is unexceptionable, and embodies
a good deal of information, valuable and interesting to juvenile
readers, with dispassionate and just estimate of the characters of the
persons, and the causes and influence of events."--_Spectator._

EVENINGS AT HOME;
   or, the Juvenile Budget opened. By Dr. Aiken and Mrs. Barbauld.
   Sixteenth Edition, revised and newly arranged by Arthur Aiken,
   Esq. and Miss Aiken. With Engravings by Harvey. Fcap. 8vo. Price
   3_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

  Geldart, (Mrs. Thomas,) Works by,

LOVE, A REALITY, NOT ROMANCE.
   In fcap. Price 3_s._ 6_d._ handsomely bound, with gilt edges.
   Cuts by Gilbert.

"Few writers are more indefatigable in their offices of benevolence than
the authoress of this elegant little volume, who has once more done
herself infinite credit by a transcript of the realities of life, so
fairly and truly made, as to go home to the heart of every one who
follows the tale to the conclusion. It is a high gift to be able to
write well; but it is a far higher and nobler privilege to be known to
write usefully, and to the best of purposes; and this Mrs. Geldart has
nevermore effectually done than in 'Love, a Reality, not a
Romance.'"--_Bell's Messenger._

    NURSERY GUIDE. 18mo. cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

    ELDER BROTHERS, 16mo. cloth. Price 9_d._

    MAY DUNDAS. Fcap. cloth. Price 2_s._ 6_d._

    EMILIE, THE PEACE-MAKER. Fcap. cloth. Price 2_s._ 6_d._

    STORIES OF SCOTLAND. Fcap. cloth. Price 2_s._ 6_d._

    THOUGHTS OF HOME. Fcap. cloth. Price 2_s._ 6_d._

    TRUTH IS EVERYTHING. Second Edition. Fcap. cloth. Price 2_s._
    6_d._

GRECIAN STORIES.
   By Maria Hack. With Thirty-eight fine Illustrations by Gilbert,
   engraved by Wright and Folkard. 12mo. cloth lettered. Price 6_s._

"These historical narratives are composed on the popular plan of the
entertaining and instructive stories of the authoress relating to
England. They will be valuable, especially to the non-classical, as an
accurate picture of Greece, its annals, and its great men."--_Tait's
Mag._

HEROINES OF THE MISSIONARY
   ENTERPRISE: or, Sketches of Prominent Female Missionaries. By
   Daniel C. Eddy. With Preface by the Rev. John Cumming, D.D. Third
   Edition, in fcap. 8vo. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

"This is a book for the many, and cannot fail to be a great favourite,
especially with the sex whose virtues and labours it records."--_British
Banner._

HOWITT.--A BOY'S ADVENTURES IN THE
   WILDS OF AUSTRALIA; or, Herbert's Note Book. By William Howitt.
   With Designs by Harvey. New Edition, price 4_s._ cloth gilt.

"It is really the next thing to a personal pilgrimage through the Golden
Land. In vivid portraiture of things as they are, it far excels every
publication that has yet reached us from Australia."--_British Banner._

"All the boys in England, whether 'old boys' or young ones, will rejoice
in this fascinating book, full of anecdote and wild adventure; sober as
we are and little given to roam, it has inspired us with a strong desire
to take a journey in the Bush, if we could see the end of it. The
descriptions of the scenery, the trees, and the animals are extremely
spirited and graphic,--they have all the appearance of being written on
the spot, and are redolent of the fresh open air. We have very seldom
read a book of travels that has charmed us so much, and we shall
consider that the young folks who find it hanging on the bough of their
'Christmas tree' are extremely fortunate."--_Athenum_.

"As might be expected, they will find not only interesting and amusing
incidents and descriptions, but a good deal of useful information on the
subject of Australian life, among the natives as well as among
emigrants. There are several woodcuts illustrating some of the most
striking scenes, and the book will take a high rank among Christmas and
New Year presents."--_English Churchman._

"This is a capital book, and will commend itself alike to young and old.
It is full of humour, adventure, excitement, and those incidents of
peril and pleasure which seem indigenous to Australia. The
gold-diggings, bush-rangers and bush-fires--floods, robbers, and hunting
'scapes--all contribute their quota to this interesting book. It is
emphatically a boy's book, and will be a very acceptable
Christmas-gift."--_Church and State Gazette._

"This book was written in the midst of the scenes it describes, and has
the reality and vividness of actual experience and adventure. In the
form of a boy's journal, it pictures Australian scenes, and records the
incidents of travel in the bush. The natural history of the bush is very
instructively and amusingly woven into the story. . . . . Let us then
commend it, to boys especially, as decidedly first-rate--one of the best
books ever furnished for their gratification."--_Nonconformist._

HOW TO WIN LOVE;
   or, Rhoda's Lesson. A Story Book for the Young. By the Author of
   "Michael the Miner," "Cola Monti," &c. With Illustrations on
   Steel. Second Edition, in square 16mo. handsomely bound in cloth.
   Price 2_s._ 6_d._ with gilt edges.

"A very captivating story."--_Morning Post._

"Truthfulness, descriptive talent, and pure morality in every
line."--_Literary Gazette._

"Just what a story for children ought to be."--_Douglas Jerrold's
Newspaper._

LADY MARY AND HER NURSE; or, a
   PEEP INTO THE CANADIAN FOREST. By Mrs. Traill. Author of
   "Canadian Crusoes." Illustrated by Harvey. Fcap. cloth. 3_s._
   6_d._

LAWRENCE'S (Miss) STORIES FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.
   New Edition, with cuts.      [_In preparation._

  New Series of Illustrated Manuals.

MANUAL OF HERALDRY,
   Being a concise Description of the several Terms used, and
   containing a Dictionary of every Designation in the Science.
   Illustrated by 400 Engravings on Wood. New Edition, in fcap. 8vo.
   Price 3_s._ in emblematic cover.

  _Uniform with the above, price 3s._

MANUAL OF PERSPECTIVE.
   Illustrated by numerous Engravings. By N. Whittock.


  _Just Published, also uniform, price 3s._

MANUAL OF GEOGRAPHY,
   Physical and Political. For the use of Schools and Families, with
   Questions for Examination. By Edward Farr, Author of "History of
   England," &c.

"Though perfectly free from pretention, and proposed only as an
assistant to the mother or the teacher, this little book is one of the
best works on general geography that have come under our notice for a
long time. A careful reading of the more recent works of statists and
travellers is apparent in its pages. The information is well put
together, and the several subjects are profusely
illustrated."--_Athenum._


MIRACLES OF NATURE AND MARVELS OF ART.
   Numerous Cuts. Price 1_s._ each.

   LAND CREATION. 14 Engravings.
   THE TROPICS AND THE POLES. 10 Engravings.
   NATURE AND ART. 18 Engravings.

MY OLD PUPILS.
   With four Illustrations on Wood. Square 16mo. Price 2_s._ 6_d._
   handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges.

MY YOUTHFUL COMPANIONS.
   By the same Author. 12mo. cloth. Price 1_s._ With Steel
   Frontispiece.

NAOMI;
   or, the Last Days of Jerusalem. By Mrs. J. B. Webb. With View and
   Plan of Jerusalem. New Edition, with Designs by Gilbert. Fcap.
   8vo. cloth lettered. Price 7_s._ 6_d._

"One of the most interesting works we have read for some time. The
sentiments are appropriate, the style is graceful, and the tale is well
contrived. * * * We are not, then, surprised at the popularity it has
attained, it deserves it; and we cordially wish it further
success."--_Metropolitan._

PHILOSOPHICAL CONVERSATIONS:
   in which are familiarly explained the causes of many daily
   occurring Natural Phenomena. By Frederick C. Bakewell. Third
   Edition, with Cuts, Fcap. cloth lettered. Price 3_s._ 6_d._

"We can most confidently recommend the Philosophical Conversations to
heads or families, as a work at once highly amusing and
instructive."--_Birmingham Journal._

"We have seldom, if ever, met with so much Instruction on curious and
philosophical subjects conveyed in a form so clear, so entertaining, and
so perfectly free from the pedantry or affectation of learned
technicalities. We shall be surprised if this work does not speedily
become the favourite rudimental manual of Natural Philosophy in public
seminaries and in private tuition."--_Bath Herald._

"This is a very pleasing and lucid work, well adapted to allure young
people to the study of Natural Philosophy."--_Leeds Mercury._

"We have perused this volume with much pleasure and improvement. It is a
work we can confidently recommend, especially to the heads of families,
as from the subjects selected, and the familiar style in which they are
treated, it cannot fail of proving both instructive and
amusing."--_Cambridge Chronicle._

PICTORIAL FRENCH & ENGLISH PRIMER.
   With nearly One Hundred Engravings on Wood. Price 6_d._

PICTORIAL SPELLING BOOK;
   or, Lessons on Facts and Objects. With 130 Graphic Illustrations.
   Fifth Edition. Price 1_s._ in cloth.

PIPPIE'S WARNING;
   or, the Adventures of a Dancing Dog. By Catharine Crowe, Author
   of "Susan Hopley," &c. With Cuts. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.

PLEASANT PASTIME;
   or, Drawing-Room Dramas for Private Representation by the Young.
   With Cuts. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ with gilt edges.

RAILWAY APPLIANCES,
   in the Nineteenth Century; or, the Rail, Steam, and Electricity.
   With Illustrative Anecdotes, Engravings, and Diagrams. Fcap. 8vo.
   cloth lettered. Price 1_s._ 6_d._

RECOLLECTIONS OF MRS. ANDERSON'S
   SCHOOL. A Book for Girls. By Jane Winnard Hooper. Illustrated by
   Franklin. Fcap. 8vo. Price 3_s._ 6_d._ cloth gilt.

"A pretty unpretentious volume, neatly embellished, and gay in its
livery of green and gold. Outside and in 'tis precisely the beau ideal
of a present or a prize-book for a young lady. More fresh and more
delightful reading than this book it has rarely been our fortune to
meet."--_Morning Advertiser._

"An amusing series of descriptions likely to interest the young folks
for whom they are intended."--_Express._

"Although professedly a 'book for girls,' the volume is so interesting
in itself as to be calculated to give amusement to those who have
attained a riper age; and, although there is nothing attempted beyond
amusement, yet a high moral is conveyed in its pages. One word as to the
'getting up.' The typography is faultless, and the binding and finish
such as to fit it especially for the place which we sincerely hope it
will be found largely to occupy--the drawing-room table."--_Belfast
Mercury._

"A young lady's experiences of a boarding school, which are related in a
very amusing and natural manner."--_English Churchman._

"This little work is calculated to be exceedingly useful in forming the
minds of female children."--_Bell's Messenger._

RODWELL'S CHILD'S FIRST STEP TO
   ENGLISH HISTORY. With many Cuts. New Edition, revised by Julia
   Corner, 16mo. cloth. 2_s._ 6_d._

ROWBOTHAM'S (J., F.R.S.A.) DERIVATIVE
   SPELLING BOOK, in which the Origin of each Word is given from the
   Greek, Latin, Saxon, German, Teutonic, Dutch, French, Spanish,
   and other Languages; with the Parts of Speech, and Pronunciation
   accented. 12mo. cloth. Price 1_s._ 6_d._

ROWBOTHAM'S GUIDE TO THE FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CONVERSATION;
   consisting of Modern French Dialogues, with the Pronunciation of
   the most difficult Words; for the use of Schools, Travellers, and
   Private Students. A New Edition, by De La Voye. Demy 18mo. Price
   2_s._ 6_d._ handsomely bound in French morocco.

SCRIPTURE SITES AND SCENES,
   from actual Survey, in Egypt, Arabia, and Palestine. Illustrated
   by Seventeen Steel Engravings, Three Maps, and Thirty-seven
   Woodcuts. By W. H. Bartlett. Price 4_s._ post 8vo. cloth gilt
   edges.

SELECT POETRY FOR CHILDREN;
   With brief Explanatory Notes, arranged for the use of Schools and
   Families. By Joseph Payne. Tenth Edition, corrected and Enlarged.
   18mo. Price 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth, or 3_s._ gilt edges.

"A very nice little volume, containing a charming collection of
poetry."--_Spectator._

"We do not know any other book that, in the same compass, contains such
a rich selection of pieces, that are at once sprightly and instructive,
pathetic and devout."--_Congregational Magazine._

"A very pleasing and suitable selection."--_Westminster Review._

"It is really a treat to see anything so simply good us the little
volume before us."--_Metropolitan Magazine._

STUDIES IN ENGLISH POETRY;
   with short Biographical Sketches, and Notes explanatory and
   Critical, intended as a Text-Book for the higher Classes in
   Schools, and as an Introduction to the Study of English
   Literature. By Joseph Payne. Third Edition. 12mo. Price. 5_s._ in
   cloth, red edges.

"The plan and the execution are equally good; altogether it is an
excellent reading book of poetry."--_Watchman._

"The work is deserving of commendation, as comprehending much that is
excellent--the very flowers and gems of English poetry--and nothing
exceptionable."--_Tait's Magazine._

"We can honestly recommend the volume to the favour and confidence of
our readers."--_Eclectic Review._

"Mr. Payne is entitled to the highest praise for the care bestowed on
the antiquated orthography of the earlier authors, and the ability and
judgment displayed in the annexed notes throughout the volume."--_The
Student._

STRATAGEMS.
   By Mrs. Newton Crossland (late Camilla Toulmin). With Cuts. Price
   2_s._ 6_d._ gilt edges.

"A sweet tale, penned in a fair mood, and such as will make a rare gift
for a child."--_Sun._

TALES OF MANY LANDS.
   By Miss M. Fraser Tytler. Author of "Tales of the Great and
   Brave." Fcap. 8vo. cloth lettered. With Engravings and Woodcut
   Illustrations. New Edition.    [_In preparation._

"Sketches of common life, and traits of childish character, intermingled
skilfully with pictures of foreign scenery and national characteristics;
and pathetic stories, written with talent, and in a manner to interest
youthful readers. Each tale is illustrated by a clever wood
engraving."--_Spectator._

WAKEFIELD'S (Priscilla) FAMILY TOUR THROUGH THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
   A New Edition, revised and corrected to the present time. With a
   Map. 12mo. cloth. Price 6_s._

WAKEFIELD'S (Priscilla) JUVENILE
   TRAVELLERS; a Tour throughout Europe. A New Edition, corrected to
   the present time. With a Map. 12mo. cloth. Price 6_s._

WAKEFIELD'S (Priscilla) INSTINCT
   DISPLAYED in the Animal Creation. A New and Revised Edition, with
   many Additions to the original Work of Priscilla Wakefield.
   Foolscap 8vo. cloth lettered. New Edition.    [_In preparation._

"A nice little work, in the shape of letters between two young ladies
who are induced to study natural history. The anecdotes are well
selected, and told in a simple and unaffected manner, which greatly
enhances their value. The object the authoress had in view is humane,
and her book ought to be in the hands of every child from eight to
twelve years of age."--_Bristol Mercury._

WATTS'S (Dr.) DIVINE and MORAL SONGS
   FOR CHILDREN. With Anecdotes and Reflections, by the Rev. Ingram
   Cobbin, M.A. With Frontispiece and Fifty-seven Woodcuts. New
   Edition, Price 1_s._ in cloth, or 1_s._ 6_d._ with gilt edges.

WINTER EVENINGS;
   or, Tales of Travellers. By Maria Hack. A New and Cheaper
   Edition, with Illustrations by Gilbert. Fcap. cloth. Price 3_s._
   6_d._

[Illustration]

  Arthur Hall, Virtue, & Co. 25, Paternoster Row.




  INSTRUCTIVE AND AMUSING


  Darton & Harvey's Publications.


  Price Half-a-Crown.

ALFRED DUDLEY; or, the Australian Settlers.
   Second Edition. With Nine Illustrations. 16mo. cloth lettered,
   gilt edges.

BOY AND THE BIRDS. By Emily Taylor.
   With Sixteen Fine Woodcuts, from Landseer's Designs. 16mo. gilt
   edges.

CHARLIE'S DISCOVERIES; or, a Good Use for
   Eyes and Ears. With many Cuts, by T. Williams. 16mo. cloth, gilt
   edges.

CITY SCENES; or, a Peep into London. With
   many Plates. 16mo. cloth lettered.

FIRESIDE STORIES; or, Recollections of my
   Schoolfellows. Third Edition, with Thirteen Illustrations. 16mo.
   cloth lettered, gilt edges.

FOOTSTEPS TO NATURAL HISTORY. With Cuts. Square 16mo. gilt edges.

LITTLE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE; containing
   Useful Information on Common Things, for Young Children. By
   Elizabeth G. Noverre. With Eight Elegant Illustrations. 16mo.
   gilt edges.

NEW GIFT BOOK FOR YOUTH, 26 Illustrations, square fancy covers.

OLD OAK CHEST; or, a Book a Great Treasure.
   By the Author of "Charlie's Discoveries," &c. With Cuts. 16mo.
   cloth gilt.

PAUL PERCIVAL; or, the Young Adventurer. With Cuts. 16mo. cloth gilt.

RHYMES FOR THE NURSERY. By the Authors
   of "Original Poems." Illustrated Edition, in Large Type. With
   Sixteen fine Cuts, by Wright, from Designs by Gilbert. 16mo.
   cloth, gilt edges.

MY BOY'S FIRST BOOK. By Miss M. Fraser
   Tytler. With fine Cuts. 16mo. cloth.

"A pretty little one for very young children, consisting of a number of
tales full of interest, yet all tending to improve the morals of the
youthful reader. We recommend both these works as presents to all good
children."--_Metropolitan Magazine._

MY BOY'S SECOND BOOK. By the same Author. With fine Cuts. 16mo. cloth.

HYMNS AND SKETCHES IN VERSE. By
   M. F. Tytler. With fine Cuts. 16mo. cloth gilt.

THE SQUIRRELS AND OTHER ANIMALS; or,
   Illustrations of the Habits and Instincts of many of the smaller
   British Quadrupeds. By George Waring. With Cuts. Square 16mo.

THE YOUNG NATURALIST'S BOOK of BIRDS.
   By Percy B. St. John. A New Edition, with Sixteen Wood
   Engravings, by Folkard and Whimper. Square 16mo. gilt.


  Price Two Shillings.

COTTAGE in the CHALK-PIT. By C. A. Mant.

CRABBE'S TALES FOR CHILDREN. In a Familiar Style.

HACK'S STORIES OF ANIMALS. In Two Vols.
   Adapted for Children from Three to Ten.

HACK'S HARRY BEAUFOY; or, the Pupil of
   Nature. A New Edition, with Cuts by Landseer.

HENDRY'S HISTORY OF GREECE. In Easy
   Lessons. Adapted to Children from Six to Ten years of Age.

HENDRY'S HISTORY OF ROME. In Easy Lessons.
   Adapted for Children from Six to Ten years of Age.

JUVENILE ANECDOTES; or, Stories of Children.
   By P. Wakefield. A New Edition.

LIMED TWIGS TO CATCH YOUNG BIRDS.
   By the Authors of "Original Poems." 18mo. cloth lettered.

LITTLE BOOK OF OBJECTS. Many Cuts. Square cloth.

OPEN AND SEE; or, First Reading Lessons. By
   the Author of "Aids to Development," &c. &c. With Twenty-four
   Engravings on Wood.

ROBINSON CRUSOE. With Illustrations. 18mo. cloth.

RURAL SCENES; or, a Peep into the Country.
   A New and Revised Edition, with Eighty-eight Cuts. Cloth
   lettered.

SANDFORD AND MERTON. With Cuts.

WILLIE FRASER; or, the Little Scotch Boy: and
   other Tales. By Mrs. R. Lee. With Four Illustrations.


  Price 1s. 6d. each.

ACKWORTH VOCABULARY,
   or English Spelling Book; with the Meaning attached to each Word.
   Compiled for the use of Ackworth School. New Edition. 18mo. cloth
   lettered.

EAST INDIANS AT SELWOOD; or, the Orphan's Home. With Illustrations.

ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTION FOR JUNIOR STUDENTS.

GLEANINGS FROM MANY FIELDS.

LAPLAND AND ITS REINDEER.

NURSERY RHYMES. By the Authors of "Original
   Poems." 18mo. cloth lettered.

ORIGINAL POEMS FOR INFANT MINDS. A
   New and Revised Edition. In Two Vols.

ROAD TO LEARNING; or, Original Lessons in
   Words of One and Two Syllables.

ROWBOTHAM'S (J., F. R. S. A.) DERIVATIVE
   SPELLING BOOK, in which the origin of each word is given from the
   Greek, Latin, Saxon, German, Teutonic, Dutch, French, Spanish,
   and other Languages; with the parts of Speech, and Pronunciation
   accented. 12mo. cloth.

SIMPLE TALES, on Every-Day Subjects.

TALES OF DISTANT LANDS.

TEACHER'S TREASURE. By Mrs. Lamont. A
   Reading-Book. On a Novel Plan.


  Arthur Hall, Virtue, & Co. 25, Paternoster Row.




  THE

  HOFLAND LIBRARY;

  FOR THE

  INSTRUCTION AND AMUSEMENT OF YOUTH.

Illustrated with Plates, and handsomely Bound in Embossed Scarlet Cloth,
with Gilt Edges, &c.


  FIRST CLASS, in 12mo.--_Price_ 2_s._ 6_d._


1. Memoir of the Life and Literary Remains of Mrs. Hofland. By
   T. Ramsay, Esq. With Portrait.

2. Alfred Campbell; or, Travels of a Young Pilgrim.

3. Decision; a Tale.

4. Energy.

5. Fortitude.

6. Humility.

7. Integrity.

8. Moderation.

9. Patience.

10. Reflection.

11. Self-Denial.

12. Young Cadet; or, Travels in Hindostan.

13. Young Pilgrim; or, Alfred Campbell's Return.


  SECOND CLASS, in 18mo.--_Price_ 1_s._ 6_d._


1. Adelaide; or, Massacre of St. Bartholomew.

2. Affectionate Brothers.

3. Alicia and her Aunt; or, Think before you Speak.

4. Barbados Girl.

5. Blind Farmer and his Children.

6. Clergyman's Widow and her Young Family.

7. Daughter-in-law, her Father, and Family.

8. Elizabeth and her three Beggar Boys.

9. Good Grandmother and her Offspring.

10. Merchant's Widow and her young Family.

11. Rich Boys and Poor Boys, and other Tales.

12. The Sisters; a Domestic Tale.

13. Stolen Boy; an Indian Tale.

14. William and his Uncle Ben.

15. Young Crusoe; or, Shipwrecked Boy.



  _Published_ (_by Assignment of_ A. K. Newman & Co.) _by_ ARTHUR HALL,
  VIRTUE, & CO. 25, PATERNOSTER ROW.

  R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.


  =Transcriber's Notes:=
  hyphenation, spelling and grammar have been preserved as in the original
  Contents Chapter I., the importtant letter ==> the important letter
  Contents Chapter II., Turks--Tamerlane's ==> Turks.--Tamerlane's
  Contents Chapter III., his family--with ==> his family.--with
  Contents Chapter XII., his sister--Account ==> his sister.--Account
  Page 4, soon after Chrismas ==> soon after Christmas
  Page 5, on his kness ==> on his knees
  Page 74, in their cemetries ==> in their cemeteries
  Page 114, is to it speak ==> is it to speak
  Page 117, to Bengal--Escape ==> to Bengal.--Escape
  Page 119, charm at tached ==> charm attached
  Page 126, added round bracket after which is always graceful
  Page 130, but two well ==> but too well
  Page 133, Auringabad possibly should be Aurungabad
  Page 134, Temple of Keylos ==> Temple of Keylas
  Page 163, remind me of Goa ==> reminded me of Goa




[End of The Young Cadet, by Mrs. Hofland]
