NO. 41, — 1890.] REBELION DE CEYLAN. 



495 



CHAPTER V. 



The beginning op Constantino db Sa's Government. 

 He reforms Abuses, and continues the 

 War with Success. 



As foreseen, Ceylan had already commenced to experience 

 mischief from the treaty of peace. As soon as the danger 

 passed away, idleness and pleasure took its place, arms were 

 exchanged for yard measures and scales, soldiers became 

 traders, and gradually left their quarters for Columbo, where 

 they expected to have the same military freedom and licence 

 they had at Manicravare. They began by troubling and 

 annoying the casados* who were obliged to have recourse to 

 arms in defence of their lives and honour. The city was 

 divided into factions, and the turbulence increasing with the 

 disorders, the citizens became as unruly as the soldiers who 

 were bent on ruining it, when Constantino de Sa arrived at 

 Oolumbo, and entered into bis Governorship, September, 

 1619. 



It is no small error in those who administer public affairs 

 not to commence their government with gentleness and 

 clemency, for by these means they easily bring over the 

 peace-loving subjects. This was what our Governor first did : 

 he pacified the city, and with great tact quietly put down 

 mutiny and crime, and silenced strife ; for there was no 

 justice, the laws were ignored, the magistrates had lost their 

 authority, the militia was small and without discipline, all of 

 which were the cause of these disorders and the secret of their 

 success. He cautiously began his reforms like a prudent 

 and wise doctor, who, in the most dangerous and chronic 

 disorders, uses slow but well-administered remedies at first ; 

 for a sick man is fastidious after a long illness, when on the 

 morrow he feels returning health : so with great evils repen- 

 tance is always to be mistrusted, for it is short-lived. Thus 

 the Governor, knowing the character and temper of the people 



* See note, page 508. 



