186 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
various parts of the country, and frequently on build- 
ings, where they take root, and by these means the 
tree becomes extensively propagated. It is held in 
great veneration by the Hindoos, and has been there- 
fore confounded with the “ ficus religiosa,” a tree al- 
together different in its growth and properties. 
The approach to Cawnpoor is exceedingly picturesque. 
Here is an immense variety of buildings, especially at 
Currah, which may be called the city of tombs. This 
was, once the residence of the Mogul governor of the 
district. The tombs are really splendid, presenting 
an appearance of sepulchral magnificence, of which no 
one can form an adequate conception from the ideal 
associations of a European churchyard. Here the 
dead are deposited amid the splendours of earthly 
pomp, as if so one is involuntarily tempted to think 
— they despaired of that glory which is prepared for 
the righteous hereafter in a world eternal ; since the 
lives of Indian heroes present but few features of 
resemblance to the meek and lowly Christian for 
whom the heavenly inheritance is reserved. Here, 
amid those gorgeous pageantries, which pass away 
with the hour, they are borne to their last homes 
upon earth, and, surrounded by marble monuments 
ornamented with bold relief or more delicate tracery, 
sleep their long sleep of silence and of death. But 
does all this save them from the common heritage 
of mortality ? In the grave, where is the distinction 
between regal and vulgar clay ? “ The worm feeds 
sweetly” upon all ! What a lesson to human vanity ! 
It is usual to see Mahomedans, whose ancestors 
repose amid these costly memorials of departed great- 
