Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/120

98 (Hindu drums,) and carry brazen pots to receive the gifts of the people. They are seldom entirely refused, as a handful of raw rice will dismiss them to the next door, and the curses they invoke on those who will not pay them this tax are greatly feared. The perseverance, importunity, and impudence of these so-called holy men is such, that they are like bands of locusts devouring the fruits of the poor labourers. They do not ask because they are poor, but because this is their calling, and they confer a favour upon those from whom they receive. To give to them is an act of piety; to refuse, of impiety. Their blessing gives riches and prosperity; their curse brings loss, sickness, and misfortune. Believing these things, the people will not refuse, though they may hate them.

Without, were discordant noises; within, all seemed still and Sabbath-like. The Christian may carry his Sabbath with him to India. Even here are some who delight to keep holy-day, and to meet to worship God among the heathen. On going at half-past eight to the school bungalow, we found the higher classes of the girls' and boys' Tamil schools assembled as a Sunday-school, and busily reciting catechisms and