361 



They offered presents, and were so hurt at ray refusing any thing 

 tendered for ray acceptance, that I was at length induced to men- 

 tion a gift which I could receive without conscientious scruples, 

 if they could bestow it, which from delicacy alone I had not be- 

 fore asked. Expressing some surprise, and at the same lime ma- 

 nifesting the greatest desire to oblige me, I told them, that as 

 Dhuboy contained many remains of Hindoo antiquity, in broken 

 columns, mutilated images, and remnants of basso-relievo scattered 

 among dilapidated buildings in the city, I requested they would 

 allow me to select a few of the smallest specimens from the exte- 

 rior fragments, which I would bring with me to Europe, and erect 

 a temple for their reception in my own garden. Their astonish- 

 ment increased at this communication, and was followed by a 

 solemn silence. They expressed no apprehension of my ridiculing 

 their religion, but seemed anxious to know why a Christian wished 

 to possess Hindoo idols. I found a little difficulty in convincing 

 them of the general curiosity of Europeans, the gratification it 

 would be to shew them those specimens of oriental sculpture, 

 and the delightful association of my own ideas, when I should 

 behold in my own country the precious relics transported from a 

 distant spot endeared by a thousand tender recollections. 



Their tears flowed when they requested to retire for a few 

 hours, during which they would assemble the recluse religious 

 brahmins, and in a conclave consider the first request of the kind 

 which they had ever heard of. They returned the next morning 

 with countenances indicating mingled sensations of regret at my 

 approaching departure, and of delight at having it in their power 

 to grant my request; to which they acceded in the most liberal 



VOL. HI. 3 a 



