14 MADEIRA. 
deira as in some of tlieir commercial stations in the East, 
once flourishing, now sunk into ruin and wretchedness. I 
recollect distinctly, when we were at Macao, to have observed 
one of the inhabitants asking charity at the Enghsh factory, 
dressed in his bag- wig and sword. Indeed the miserable 
people of that settlement are half supported from the money 
that is either spent, or given in charity, by the English and 
other European houses which are established there for the 
conveniency of their commerce with China. 
It would seem that the clergy of Madeira are not very rigid' 
in exacting from others the duties of religion, nor in setting an 
example of pious conduct in their own persons. On the con- 
trary, the loose manners, the intemperate mode of life and the 
free conversation of many of the monks are a disgrace to the 
sacred office which they hold ; yet these men assume to them- 
selves the character of guardians of public morals, and, under 
this cover, sometimes make use of the most extraordinary and 
unwarrantable liberties. We observed, with astonishment, at 
the Governor's table, the impertinent, indecent, and de- 
bauched conduct of a drunken fat friar ; and were equally 
surprized at the little pains that were taken to check his 
career. These men carry about with them evident marks of 
good living ; and if the general appearance of the inhabitants 
indicates few symptoms of plenty or comfort, that of the 
clergy at least is such as even Caesar might not have objected 
to, they being 
" — Men that are fat ; 
Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights." 
