348 



OBSERVATIONS ON SINGAPORE, EAST INDIES. 



honors or wealth, never returns to his native place, he is like 

 a finely-dressed person walking in the dark — it is all thrown 

 away." 



The extent to which they carried gaming, after the regulai 

 business hours were over, could not fail to attract our atten- 

 tion. Gaming was going on in all their shops and houses, and 

 their whole soul seemed to be staked with their money. They 

 use cards and dice ; but their games are different from our 

 own. The stake in general was a small copper coin, not 

 larger than a dime. It was also observed, that they are pas- 

 sionately fond of theatrical entertainments. These take place 

 under a temporary shed, which is only large enough to accom- 

 modate the performers. The interior is decorate^ with silk 

 hangings, and illuminated with many colored lamps. The 

 stage is furnished with a table and chairs, but without scenicai 

 decorations to assist the story, as in our theatres. The actors 

 are magnificently dressed in silk and gold cloth, adorned with 

 jewels. The females are represented by young men. I 

 cannot say much for the acting, or music ; the former appeared 

 stiff, the latter a perfect jargon. 



One day I visited their principal Josh-house, or temple. 

 It is a very singular-looking edifice ; the roof is surmounted 

 with dragons, and a thousand of other whimsical devices. 

 The columns supporting the front are likewise very curiously 

 sculptured. It has no windows ; and the main entrance, in- 

 stead of being in the centre of the building, is near one of the 

 corners. Its interior may be described as a square court, sur- 

 rounded by a portico filled with niches, containing the wooden 

 images to which adoration is paid. The space in the centre 

 of the court is paved and furnished with seats, which are 

 occupied by the worshipers. All the idols are representations 

 of th*, human form in its most bulky aspect ; they seemed to 



