130 History of Nature. [BOOK VI. 



Bodies to fall toward our Hemisphere, and not to theirs ; 

 and that the Sun rose on their Left Hand and set on their 

 Right, rather than contrary wise. Furthermore they related, 

 that the Front of that Island which looked toward India 

 contained 10,000 Stadia, and reached from the South-east 

 beyond the Mountains Emodi. Also, that the Seres were 

 within their Sight, with whom they had Acquaintance by 

 Merchandise : and that the Father of Rachias used many 

 times to travel thither : affirming, moreover, that if any 

 Strangers came thither, they were assailed by Wild Beasts : 

 and that the Inhabitants themselves exceeded the ordinary 

 Stature of Men, having red Hair, blue Eyes, their Voice 

 harsh, their Speech not fitted for any Commerce. In all 

 things else their Practice is the same as that of our Mer- 

 chants. On the farther side of the River, when Commodi- 

 ties are laid down near the Things for Sale, if the Exchange 

 please them they take them away, and leave the other Mer- 

 chandise in lieu thereof: with a juster Hatred of Luxury 

 than if the mind shall consider what and whence it is sought 

 for, and to what end. But even this Island Taprobane, 

 seeming, as it were, to be separated by Nature from all the 

 World, is not without the Vices with which we are tainted. 

 For Gold and Silver are even there also highly esteemed : 

 and Marble, especially if it be fashioned like a Tortoise-shell. 

 Gems and Pearls also, of the better sort, are in great honour : 

 and the Abundance of our Luxury. These Ambassadors said 

 that their Riches were greater, but that we had more use of 

 them. They affirmed, that no Man with them had any 

 Slaves ; neither slept they after Day-light, nor in the Day- 

 time : that the Manner of Building their Houses is low, that 

 the Price of Victuals did not fluctuate ; and there were no 

 Courts, or going to Law. Hercules is worshipped. Their 

 King is chosen by the People, if he is aged, merciful, and 

 childless; but if he should have Children afterward, then he 

 is deposed, in order that the Kingdom may not become here- 

 ditary. He hath thirty Governors assigned to him by the 

 People : and no Person can be condemned to Death unless 

 by the Majority of them : and even then he may appeal to 



