Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/65

 MEGASTHENES ON INDIAN CASTES 39 After the hunters and the shepherds, follows the fourth caste, which consists, he says, of those who work at trades, retail wares, and who are employed in bodily labour. Some of these pay taxes and perform certain stated services. But the armour-makers and ship- builders receive wages and provisions from the king, for whom only they work. The general-in-chief fur- nishes the soldiers with arms, and the admiral lets out ships for hire to those who undertake voyages and traffic as merchants. The fifth caste consists of fighting men, who pass the time not employed in the field in idleness and drinking, and are maintained at the charge of the king. They are ready whenever they are wanted to march on an expe- dition, for they bring nothing of their own with them, except their bodies. The sixth caste is that of the Ephoroi, or inspectors. They are intrusted with the superintendence of all that is going on, and it is their duty to make private reports to the king. The city inspectors employ the courtezans of the town as their coadjutors; and the inspectors of the camp enlist the services of the women who follow it. The best and most faithful persons are appointed to the office of inspector. The seventh caste consists of counsellors and asses- sors of the king. To these persons belong the offices of state, tribunals of justice, and the whole administration of affairs. It is not permitted to contract marriage with a person of another caste, or to change from one profes-