Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/141

Rh errands; but he cannot preach. Better pay five or ten cents to a cooly or servant to do a half or whole day's work, than exhaust yourself, and take from the strength that should be devoted to study and missionary duties. Many a young missionary rebels against this necessity of being served, and of conforming in India to Indian ways; and often have they paid the penalty in broken health and an early death.

More especially are you compelled to conform to the customs of India in the matter of servants. The Hindu is immovably set in the way of his fathers. He will do what it is “custom” for him to do, and no more. The matey who waits at table, cleans the knives and lamps and dishes, and does your shopping, would no more think of feeding or harnessing a horse than of preaching a sermon or painting your likeness; and the syce (horse-keeper) would laugh at the idea of his undertaking the duties of the matey. The cook goes to market, but must have a cooly to carry home his purchases, and a woman to bring water, pound rice, and make curry for him. The ayah who takes care of the children will not sweep the floor; and the woman who brings water and sweeps would be horrified if asked to make a