Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/180

152 insolence of the religious mendicants who deceive and oppress them. I cannot forget the look of sensual hardihood and brazen impudence of a Vishnuvite whom we met in this walk. He wore the usual robe of his order, and a showy turban. In one hand he bore a fan, in another a bright brass vessel for alms; around his neck was a rosary of beads. The mark of Vishnu, a stripe of yellow between two of white paint, was painted conspicuously on his forehead. And, not only on his forehead, but on his arms, throat, chest, fan, and pot also, was this emblem of his god vain-gloriously displayed. As he passed the houses, he sang from the purannas (holy books) the praises of Vishnu in a loud, insolent tone; nor would he go from one to another until something had been contributed by its inhabitants. We spoke to him; but our words only excited the most contemptuous and scornful derision. "What was religion to him! what did he care for heaven or hell! He filled his belly, and that was enough for him!” and again he commenced his Vishnuvite hymns. Miserable creature! for such there is little hope. Of a truth, "Their God is their belly!"

But let us enter the dingy room on our left; we shall see a more pleasant sight: it is our