242 



TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



jealousy, which, with revenge, is the only passion 

 that can rouse his stunted soul from its moody in- 

 difference. The men seem to have no sense of 

 modesty ; only the naked women, wheu they are 

 in the presence of strangers, appear to show it, by 

 the manner of their walking. Insensible to the 

 pleasures of the palate, particularly inclined to 

 animal food, the Indian is in general abstemious, 

 following only the calls of nature, without regard 

 to time, and often fasting to suit his convenience ; 

 but he drinks to excess of his Vinhassa, or of 

 brandy when he can procure it. Still and docile 

 in the service of the whites ; unremittingly per- 

 severing in the work assigned him; not to be 

 excited by any treatment to anger, though he may 

 to long cherished revenge; he is born, as the 

 colonists are used to say, only to be commanded. 

 Neither thievish nor deceitful, having no eagerness 

 after any thing that does not relate to the wants of 

 the stomach, he keeps always isolated and separate 

 from the family. However carefully attended by 

 the colonists in sickness, or, in general, loaded with 

 benefits, he feels, during his convalesence, only the 

 greater longing for his wandering life ; and, almost 

 incapable of gratitude, flies, even without any par- 

 ticular inducement, back to his gloomy forests. * 



* An Indian of the tribe of the Coroados was brought up by 

 the whites, and so far educated that he was ordained priest, and 

 read mass ; but all at once he renounced his new profession, 

 threw aside his habit, and fled naked into the woods to his old 

 way of life. 



