268 



Terms of address in use 



distinction between 'green, blue, and black. Thus, when we 

 say, ^Qo^ocS in respect of our eyes, we do not mean, 

 u blue ornament of dark eyes," but simply the darkness 

 of one's eyes, or the dimness which one feels on getting a fit 

 of fainting. 



But Mr. Stark is right when he understands the phrase 

 lotus-mouth, as referring to " red lips ;" for it is 

 remarkable that whilst western nations sing the praises of 

 the lips signifying the mouth, in a limited sense ; the orientals 

 speak of the mouth in a like sense to signify the lips. Z5)®(5 

 is specifically the " red lotus," and in comparing the mouth 

 to that flower, we only convey the redness of the lips, as the 

 English bard conveys the same idea, by referring to Coral. 

 Speaking of tambara Mr. Stark, thinks that " it might well 

 give occasion to the same name as a designation of the 

 Island, ^DaDQo^^ f Tambraparni,' red leaf, whence the 

 classic appellation for Ceylon, Taprobane" — p. 78. 



The origin of this word is no longer a matter for specula- 

 tion. It is well known that it is derived from Tamba- 

 vanna, " copper colour," — that hue which seems to be held so 

 sacred amongst the Hindus, that, according to the institutes 

 of Manu, (Cap. iv. § 130), it is an offence to pass over even 

 the " shadow of a copper-coloured man " : but I am glad of 

 the opportunity thus presented, of correcting an error into 

 wduch the learned translator of the Mahawansa has inadvert- 

 ently fallen. 



Dr. Mill, in recording his opinion on " this most authentic 

 History of Ceylon ;" says, in the Bengal Asiatic Society's 

 Journal, for December 1836 ; — 



" This real origin of the celebrated name Taprohane (whatever may 

 be thought of the story connected with it in the Mahawansi, and which 

 may seem with greater probability to have arisen from the Tamra-varna, 

 or copper colour, of its southern cliffs near Matura, so well known to 

 Navigators) — is one of the points of curious and interesting information 



