412 



a bathing room, under an umbrageous banian-tree, close to the 

 principal well. Bathing is generally eonsidered to be one of the 

 greatest luxuries in India. Early rising, the cold bath, a 

 morning walk, temperate meals, an evening ride, and retiring soon 

 to rest, are the best rules for preserving health in India; and, 

 wherever circumstances permitted, this pleasing routine was my 

 general practice. An amiable medical writer has since given the 

 same advice to the British youth in India, clothed in the pleasing 

 dress of poetry. 



" The peaceful evening draws her sober shade 



Round the green summits of Malaya's hills ; 

 While meek-ey'd Contemplation, pensive maid ! 

 My bosom with a secret rapture fills. 



The gentle sea-breeze scarce is heard to blow. 



The tall areca waves no more its head, 

 The shady plantain in the vale below 



Hangs pensive o'er the modest Hindoo's shed. 



Beneath the humble roof, their frugal meal 



Behold Hindostan's tawny sons prepare j 

 No wish for other dainties do they feel, 



Than their own simple vegetable fare. 



Rash youth, beware! advice attend : 

 Soon as Aurora gilds the eastern skies, 



And birds in pearly dew their plumage lave, 

 Dispel your slumbers, from your couch arise, 



And fearless plunge into the briny wave. 



Next where the towering hills their umbrage lend, 



And fragrant champahs scent the morning gale, 

 On the swift steed your devious courses bend, 



And health from every passing breeze inhale. 



