Storia do Mogor 344.3.5

344.3.5

In old days, when the Portuguese had made themselves masters of many parts of Ceylon island, they compelled the inhabitants of the towns to come out to greet any soldier who might have started from the city on his way back to camp. They had to appear as soon as he gave a signal of his arrival in the village by discharging his musket. At once all the villagers came out headed by their chief men, and escorted the soldier with great politeness and respect into the village. They assigned to him the best house to be found in the place, and complied with all his demands in every particular. In addition, they were obliged when night came on to produce the best-looking woman of the place. If she did not suit him, it was the custom to take several to him, so that he might chose the one he fancied most. It often happened that the daughters and wives of the village headmen were selected. But this was not felt any grievance, nor considered any sin, it being the custom of the locality — nay, rather did they hold it an extreme honour. Those inhabitants were obliged, in addition, to provide as many load-carriers as were required to carry the baggage to the camp. These men were changed at each village. But returning to the obligation they were under of giving their women, this applied not only to soldiers passing through