The Commentary of Father Monserrate 2.5.3

2.5.3

In commenting on the journey that was thus brought to a conclusion, one may notice in the first place that the country from the coast northward rises, as it were, in a series of terraces, such as are seen in gardens placed on a slope. The mountain-ranges represent the walls of these terraces. Secondly it should be observed that the religious zeal of the Musalmans has destroyed all the idol temples, which used to be very numerous. But the carelessness of these same Musalmans has on the other hand allowed sacrifices to be publicly performed, incense to be offered, oil and perfumes to be poured out, the ground to be sprinkled with flowers, and wreaths to be hung up, wherever—either amongst the ruins of these old temples or elsewhere—any fragment of an idol is to be found. Thirdly, in place of the Hindu temples, countless tombs and little shrines of wicked and worthless Musalmans have been erected, in which these men are worshipped with vain superstition, as though they were saints. This moved the Fathers to deep pity, not unaccompanied by tears and heart-felt grief. For who would not deeply pity these who—to the destruction of their souls—give reverence to vices instead of virtues, to crimes instead of miracles, to abandoned wretches instead of holy saints?