104 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
tified just at the entrance of a small village at seeing 
a fruit stall, on which there was no despicable dis- 
play of some of the choicest fruits which this fine 
climate produces. It was a shed very rudely con- 
structed, thatched with long wiry grass, and sup- 
ported by four slender bamboos. The front was open, 
but the back was covered by a light frame of bam- 
boo thatched like the roof, while a coarse drapery 
hung down on one side. The girl who presided over 
this rude pavilion of the Indian Pomona, was a 
prepossessing young Hindoo, the graceful flower of 
sixteen summers ! 
Arched is her brow like heaven’s gay bow of light, 
Her gentle breast heaves lovely to the sight, 
With the bright moon her brighter face may vie, 
And with the lotus’ purest tint her eye. 
Her step the elephant’s proud gait reveals, 
And sweetness from the cygnet’s* voice she steals. 
She was leaning with her back against the stand on 
which some of her fruits were disposed for sale in 
tempting profusion, while at her feet lay a basket of 
pine apples and bananas. She pressingly but gracefully 
invited us to become purchasers of the choicest of her 
stock, for which she courteously asked us about ten 
times its value ,* but who could refuse what was so 
eloquently demanded by this interesting creature? 
W e bought the best of what she had to offer, and paid 
her without reluctance what she demanded, which 
gave her, no doubt, an idea that we were more liberal 
than wise.t 
* The Hindoos have a fabulous bird so called, which is said 
to feed on pearls, and whose voice is most melodious. 
t See title page. 
