The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 23.1.8

23.1.8

Among the Mogolls there are many strict Mahometans, many that follow Aly, his sonne-in-law, and other new risen Prophetts, which haue their Xeriffs, Mulas, and Preistes, their Mosquies, religious votaries, washings, Prayings, and Ceremonyes infinite; and for Penetenciaryes, no herecye in the world can show so strange examples, nor bragg of such voluntarie Pouertyes, Punishmentes, sufferinges and Chastismentes as these; all which are esteemed holy men, but of a mingled religion, not vpright with their great Prophett. The Gentilles are of more sortes, some valiant, good souldiers, drinking wine, eating hogges-flesh, but woorshiping the figure of a beast; some that will not touch that flesh which is not holy by imputation; others that will not eate any thing wherin euer there was any blood, nor kill the vermin that assaulteth them, nor drincke in the Cup with those that doe; superstitious in washing, and most earnest in their profession; but all of them ascribe a kind of Diuinitie to the Riuer Ganges, at which at one season of the yeare 4 or 500,000 meete, and Cast in gould and siluer for oblation. In like manner to a Piggs head in a Church near this Citty, and to all liuing Cowes, and to some other beastes and kindes. These haue their synogoages and holy Men, Prophetts, Witches, sooth-sayers, and all others the Diuelles impostures.