Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/316

264 AN EARLY DUTCH ACCOUNT OF INDIA gold, the which they melt, and if the molten gold show- eth clear, they hold it for a good omen and think that it is proper to proceed with the marriage; but if it showeth dark, it is an ill omen and the marriage is deferred. Nevertheless, the Bramines hold very little to this omen. Whenever a daughter is sought in marriage by any one, then must the father of the daughter seek to see the man by whom this suit is made, and to have knowl- edge of his position, and after he hath been acquainted therewith, if the man pleaseth him, he then permitteth the bachelor to come unto the friends of the daughter and that he may also see the daughter with his own eyes. If, then, they fancy each the other, and if this be well pleasing to the friends, the marriage is concluded and confirmed. But those of the Soudra caste will not grant their daughters except the bridegroom count out for the daughter a certain sum of money which the father bespeaketh; so that he seemeth to buy her. Neverthe- less, they will not call this money purchase-money, but a gift. When a marriage is agreed upon, then is a time set for a certain good day, that the friends may come to- gether from every side to perform the ceremonies which are by custom used amongst them whensoever two per- sons have plighted their marriage troth. And these are as follows: the father of the bride giveth betel to the friends of the bridegroom, and he testifieth in the presence of all them that are there present that he hath given his daughter unto N., sib of the friends there