An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies: Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous EscapeKnox, Robert
History
An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies: Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous Escape
Knox, Robert
Sri Lanka -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; Sri Lanka -- Social life and customs
[Some attempted running away, but were catched.] In this manner we
all lived, seeing but very little sign that we might build upon, to
look for Liberty. The chief of our hopes of it was that in process of
time when we were better acquainted we might run away. Which some of
our People attempted to do too soon, before they knew well which way
to go, and were taken by the Inhabitants. For it is the custom of the
Chingulays to suspect all white People, they meet travailing in the
Countrey, to be Runaways; and to examine them: and if they cannot give
satisfactory answers, they will lay hold of them and carry them back
unto the City. Where they will keep them Prisoners under a guard of
Soldiers in an open House like a Barn with a little Victuals sometimes,
and sometimes with none at all. Where they have no other remedy to
help themselves but Begging. And in this Condition they may lye perhaps
for their Lifetime, being so kept for a Spectacle unto the People.
[Little incouragement for those that bring back Runnaways.] Tho the
common way whereby the King gratifies such as catch Runawayes and
bring them up, is not over acceptable. For they are appointed to
feed and watch them until he calls for them to be brought before
him. At which time his promise is bountifully to reward them. But
these Promises I never knew performed. Neither doth he perhaps ever
think of it after. For when the King is made acquainted with the
matter, the men that have brought up the Prisoner are in a manner
as bad Prisoners themselves, not daring to go home to their Houses
without his leave, but there they must remain. After some years stay,
the common manner is, for them to give a Fee unto the Governor of
the Countrey, and he will licence them to go home, which they must
be contented with instead of the promised reward.
CHAP. IV.
Concerning some other English men detained in that Countrey.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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