of Cmidy. 267 
The kingdom of Candy has, entailed upon it, all the evils 
of an absolute monarchy: the lower orders are oppressed by 
the great chiefs ; and these in their turn are fleeced by the 
sovereign. Mr. Knox gives a terrible picture of tlie tyranny 
exercised by the prince who reigned during his captivity : but, 
whether from the fear of a revolt which he experienced, or from 
a change of circumstances, the kings of Candy since his time 
have conducted themselves with much more mildness towards 
their subjects. The fear of the Europeans, who are always 
ready to be called in to the assistance of the rebellious, has 
no doubt contributed greatly to prevent the excesses of arbi- 
trary government. The present king is by far the mildest 
prince that has ever hitherto reigned over the Candians. He 
appears to be much attached to us, although the Adigar is said 
to look upon us with a jealous eye. 
The King of Candy affects to be the greatest prince in the 
whole world, and endeavours, by the state he maiotains to 
make good his pretensions. He is the only prince in India, 
or, as the Candians tell you, in the whole world, who wears 
a crown. 
When the king appears in public, he is always attended with 
what in the eyes of a Candian appears magnificence, although to 
an European it may seem scarcely deserving that name. - He 
seldom makes use of a horse or elephant, but is generally 
carried in a palankeen. A number of his guards and persons 
of the first rank always accompany him ; while a profusion of 
flags and streamers of white calico or cloth, are carried before 
the procession. In these are painted or wove of a red colour 
figures of the sun, of elephants, tigers, dragons, and many 
other hideous creatures. The richest of them, however, though 
mm2 
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