Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c9.25

c9.25

*High spirit* The high spirit of the craftsmen is sufficiently indicated in Knox’s account of them. He *of the crafts-* says: “Next after the degree of Hondrews may be placed Goldsmiths, Blacksmiths, *men* Carpenters and Painters. Who are all of one degree and quality. But the Hondrews will not eat with them: however in Apparel there is no difference; and they are also privileged to sit on stools, which none of the inferior ranks of People hereafter mentioned, may do. Heretofore they were accounted almost equal to the Inferior sort of Hondrews, and they would eat in these Artificers’ Houses, but afterwards they were degraded upon this occasion. It chanced some Hondrews came to a Smith’s Shop to have their Tools mended, when it came to be Dinner time, the Smith leaves work, and goes in to his House to dine, leaving the Hondrews in his Shop: who had waited there a great while to have their work done. Now whether the Smith fearing lest their hunger might move them to be so impudent or desperate as to partake with him of his Dinner, clapt to his Door after him: Which was taken so hainously by those hungry people in his Shop, that immediately they all went and declared abroad what an affront the Smith had put upon them. Whereupon it was decreed and confirmed, that for ever all the people of that rank should be deposed, and deprived of the Honour of having the Hondrews to eat in their Houses. Which Decree has stood in force ever since.