Storia do Mogor 238.1.4

238.1.4

When they draw near to the enemy, their musicians begin to sing songs in a loud voice, with a violin accompaniment, in praise of their courage. These musicians are also on horseback and well armed, all drunk with opium, their eyes flaming and red. In place of saying that they will slay, they say Me mariche — that is, ' We mean to die.' Then, grasping their lances firmly, they throw themselves on the enemy like madmen. If by mischance the spear is broken, they draw the cattane (? kaftan, or dagger), and blindly cut and stab at all they meet and never retreat, so that they either conquer or lose their lives. I have sometimes seen some of them so impatient that, on hearing the violins strike up, though the enemy was still far off, they rode out of their squadron, and, putting their horses to their full speed, galloped like madmen into the middle of the foemen, and there sacrificed their lives. When they till the ground they always hold their spear ; and in the midst of the fields they are never without sword, shield, and dagger at their side. Thus equipped, they lay hold of their plough and urge on their oxen.