95 



without the city, and the brook that ran though the midst of the 

 land ; Babylon was taken by turning the course of the Euphrates; 

 and many modern oriental cities would easily fall by the same 

 means. 



On the 18th we reached the plains of Arras, the spot which 

 had been so fatal to Ragobah in his last battle with the ministerial 

 army, before the English junction: there, in conformity to the 

 Hindoo superstition of omens, astrological calculations, and Brah- 

 minical predictions, the enemy resolved once more to try their 

 fortune in a general action. Most of the Indians firmly believe in 

 omens, whether from cows, birds, or accidental circumstances; 

 ignorant and superstitious, the brahmins and Mullahs encourage 

 such a disposition, and make their advantage of it. The prac- 

 tice of astrology has prevailed in a greater or less degree among 

 most nations unenlightened by Christianity. Suetonius mentions 

 the army of Vitellius to have been directed by the flight of an 

 eagle in the way they were to march. " Praemisso agmini Icetum 

 evenit auspicium ; siquidem a parte dextra repente aquila advo- 

 lavit : lustratisque signis, ingressos viam sensim antecessit." Homer 

 abounds in omens; the Jews were continually requiring signs and 

 tokens, and positively ordered to place no confidence in diviners, 

 nor to hearken to dreamers. 



Ragobah and the superstitious brahmins svho surrounded him 

 were aware of the prevailing opinion in the enemy's camp; they 

 doubtless performed many prayers and ceremonies to avert the fatal 

 consequences, but we had reason to suppose they placed greater 

 confidence in Brilish valour, superior tactics, and formidable artil- 

 lery: still it was unpleasant as well as inconvenient to act under 



