37 
under the Portuguese. 
liowever, they defended themselves with the utmost obstinacy, 
and vepulsed every attack of their mimeroiis assailants. Ent a 
Portuguese fleet which attempted to relieve them, being de- 
feated, and no hope of any succour remaining, the garrison 
at length surrendered, and the Portuguese were thus totally 
driven from the island. 
This history of the manner in which the Portuguese obtained 
and lost possession of Ceylon, affords many useful lessons to 
its future proprietors. By cultivating a good understanding 
with the natives, they might have easily retained possession of 
the valuable lowland country ; or by building a chain of forts 
have secured their plantations against casual incursions. Their 
pride, however, induced them to attempt carrying every thing 
■with a high hand, and their efforts were wasted on the im- 
practicable attempt of subduing the Candians amidst their 
mountains and fastnesses. Their attention being engrossed by 
these foolish and ineffectual enterprizes, they neglected the im- 
portant object of strengthening their harbours and securing 
themselves against the attacks of a foreign enemy. When the 
Dutch arrived, indeed, they seemed to regain a portion of their 
ancient spirit, and fought with a valour that appeared to 
deserve success. But the errors of their former policy reii- 
dererl all their efforts fruitless. 
These persevering and prudent republicans were also careful 
to assist their commanders with continual re-inforcements, wdiile 
the Portuguese government in Europe, feebly trusting to the 
renown of former exploits, left their valuable colonies to their 
o¥/e unassisted efforts. 'File consequences were inevitable. The 
Portuguese of Ceylon had no internal resources to trust to. 
Their commerce was entirely cut off by the 'fleets of the Dutch ; 
