286- 



INDIAN AND OTHER 



warlike hosts, is assembled. The pipes of tobacco are lighted, 

 the pots of masato are handed round, and when Bacchus has 

 already taken possession of their senses and faculties, they de- 

 liberate on this important point, and on the nation which is 

 to be the obje6t of their vengeance. The causes are, either 

 a desire to plunder ; or because they deem themselves affronted ; 

 or, lastly, because they have received an injury from other 

 tribes on which they dare not seek revenge. The expedition 

 being resolved on, they recommend to the Mohan certain fasts, 

 to which he is to subjedl himself most rigorously. For this 

 purpose he retires from all human intercourse, and immures 

 himself in a solitary hut, which he usually quits half dead. 

 He replies by urging the necessity of entering on the campaign. 

 If it be prosperous, they bestow on him a thousand praises, 

 and the best of the spoil ; but if it terminate unfortunately, he 

 receives from them as many stripes and execrations. When 

 the day arrives on which they are to march, they invest them- 

 selves with all the trappings and offensive weapons that have 

 been pointed out, carrying, as defensive ones, bucklers made 

 with interwoven reeds, and lined with the skins of animals. 

 That they may have a clear sight to descry the enemy, they 

 rub the eyes with red pepper. Having formed in column, 

 the general delivers a short harangue, exhorting his people to 

 valour and constancy ; and from time to time bestows a few 

 taps on the legs of those whom he observes to be sluggish, or 

 to be out of their station.- This disposition having been made, 

 they set out for the enemy. 



As these piracies are frequent and unexpedted, the towns 

 they inhabit are as many fortifications prepared for defence. 

 They are formed of several large buildings, with two doors of 



commu- 



