Portuguese in Ceylon, 167 
I 
them; and there are many of them who profess the Protestant 
religion and go to the churches of the Dutch. In general they 
are somewhat fairer than the Moors and Malabars; but those 
who are so to any considerable degree, may be looked upon 
as the offspring of the Dutch in later times ; for the blood of 
the European Portuguese has been so intermixed as to leave 
scarcely a trace behind. Complexions of all sorts are indeed 
found among this mongrel race, from a jetty black to a sickly 
yellow, or tawny hue. Their hair, which is black or dark 
brown, is worn long, and usually tied, contrary to the custom 
of the Mahometans. Some of their women are pretty, and 
much admired for their figures. The men are about the middle 
size, slender, lank, and ill-made, so as easily to be distinguished. 
Their whole expence runs upon dress ; they are fond to excess 
of shew and finery, and never stir out without putting on their 
best clothes. They are lazy, treacherous, effeminate, and pas- 
sionate to excess ; and retain so much of the character of their 
boasted progenitors, as to be distinguished for a ridiculous pride. 
Like the Portuguese of Europe, they have always a long string 
of sounding names, beginning with Don Juan, Don Fernando, &c. 
They have no regular cast, and are usually esteemed the 
worst race of people in India. Originally a spurious and out- 
cast brood, they retain only the blemishes which tarnished the 
characters of their ancestors ; and they combine all the vices of 
the Europeans and Indians, without any of their virtues. 
It was from these black Portuguese, that the troops known 
by the name of Topasses were taken. They were called To- 
passes from wearing hats instead of turbans ; the word topee, or 
chaupee, which appears to be a corruption of the French cha- 
peau, being the term used in their language for a liat. They 
5 
