Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/383

Rh one of these ladies is as follows: when a gentleman, after visiting often at the grate, shall have chosen one to whom he wishes to pay his addresses, an exchange of rings between the parties is first made, after which the lover is permitted to visit his mistress in the convent, in the presence of one of the matrons; then if he still holds his purpose, he is obliged to make a solemn promise of marriage, in the presence of the archbishop of the place, which being done, he may take her away whenever he pleases; after which the archbishop marries them. It is, however, to be observed that the lover, whoever he is, must first make profession of the Roman Catholic persuasion, otherwise no connection would be allowed. I saw three of the young ladies, who were really fine girls, and could not help making some reflections on their unhappy situation. Shut up in a wretched convent, where they must pine away their youth, unless capricious chance should befriend them in the appearance of a husband, and being deprived of the company of men, for whom they were formed to grace society and create affection, they must, if capable of reflection, think themselves most unhappy.

The Captain-General of Goa is also Commander-in-chief of all the Portuguese forces in the East Indies. They have here two regiments of European infantry, three legions of sepoys, three troops of native light horse, and a militia; in all, about five thousand men. Goa is at present on the decline and in little or no estimation with the country powers; indeed their bigotry and superstitious attachment to their faith is so