CEYLON BRANCH — ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 



37 



in a military and civil point of view, whom Ceylon ever pro- 

 duced, the Rajah Katnacari informs us, that he was instruct- 

 ed in the following eighteen sciences— grammar, oratory, 

 poetry, languages, astronomy, law, rhetoric, physic, general 

 knowledge, history, the science of giving counsel, that which 

 teaches the attainment of Nirwana, that which teaches the 

 knowledge of good and evil actions, of the discernment of 

 thoughts, of invisible beings, the knowledge of words, hunt- 

 ing, and the care of elephants. Some of these pretended 

 sciences may appear ridiculous to the European mind, en- 

 lightened as it is with the truths of modern philosophy, but 

 let it be remembered, that such was the course of study 

 in Ceylon, when Europe was sunk in barbarism, and long 

 before the trivium and quadrivium of the schools, displayed 

 the ignorance of the day. Nor were their ideas of feminine 

 qualifications, such as to indicate ignorance of human nature 

 or a want of civilization, for in describing the virtues of the 

 consort of the prince just referred to, the same work ascribes 

 to her beauty, great kindness, a merciful disposition, un- 

 exampled modesty, piety, wisdom, a knowledge of the 

 doctrine of Budhu, together with the lighter graces of sing- 

 ing and dancing. 



If then, we may judge of the literature of Ceylon, from 

 that which has already been translated, viz. the historical 

 works ; there can be little doubt, that many a gem lies buried 

 in it, which it requires but the enquirer to exhibit to the 

 world ; and we cannot surely be considered as too sanguine, 

 if we give expression to the hope, that when their science, 

 their religious works, and their poetry have been clothed in 

 an English dress, many a new idea, and many a sparkling 

 thought, will have been added to the richness and variety of 

 English composition. Let us hope that the exertions of the 

 Asiatic Society of Ceylon, will be the means of pro- 

 ducing, at least some part of this effect. 



