Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.86

c7.86

is out of weakness and infirmity, that they cannot practice the same, acknowledging that the contrary Vices are to be abhorred, being abomination both in the sight of God and Man. . . . When they travel together a great many of them, the Roads are so narrow, that but one can go abreast, and if there be Twenty of them, there is but one Argument or Matter discoursed of among them all from the first to the last. And so they go talking along all together, and every one carrieth his Provisions on his back for his whole Journey. . . . At their leisure when their affairs will permit, they commonly meet at places built for strangers and way-faring men to lodge in, in their Language called *Amblomb*, where they sit chewing *Betel*, and looking one upon the other very gravely and solidly, discoursing concerning the Affairs at Court, between the King and the great men; and what Employment the People of the City are busied about. For as it is the chief of their business to serve the King, so the chief of their discourse is concerning such matters. Also they talk of their own affairs, about Cattel and Husbandry. And when they meet with Outlandish-men they enquire about the Laws and Government of their Countrey, and if it be like theirs; and what Taxes and Duties we are bound to pay, and perform to our King, &c.