Storia do Mogor 281.16.3

281.16.3

It would be better to convert annually only a dozen, without frightening the others, rather than end in not converting a single one by attempting to convert the whole of them at one effort. They [the Christians] said, furthermore, that what he was undertaking might have unfortunate results, which would recoil upon the Christians who lived in those territories where they had the free exercise of our religion, while living under the rule of their own prince. In short, as they told him, the Hindus made a mock of him, taking him for a jogi. This is a kind of person in this country who, in order to pick up a few coppers, draws crowds in the market-places to look at certain feats of legerdemain or serpent-dancing, somewhat as done by our conjurers, or marionette-dancers, or hawkers of quack medicines. They added many similar arguments. But in spite of this excellent and most sensible advice, the reverend father never altered, but went on as he had begun. In the end the Hindus grew tired of his importunities, and stated publicly that they would abandon Pondicherry if they could not be left alone in peace. They would never allow the Farangis to enter the enclosures of their houses, where their women live, nor would they permit them (the Farangis) to force Christianity upon them.