THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
15 
this conduct, besides enabling them to pursue their plans of 
improvement without interruption, was also of very considerable 
benefit to their commerce. The Ceylonese looked upon them 
without jealousy, and were eager by their good offices to shew 
their gratitude to the Guardians of their coasts. The Dutch 
trafficked with them for the natural productions of the island 
to great advantage: and had they persisted in the same wise 
and moderate policy, it is probable that Ceylon would in 
process of time have become as profitable to them from their 
intercourse with the natives, as if it had been wholly possessed 
by Dutch settlers. 
The ruling passion of the Dutch however, their avarice, soon 
began to over-reach itself, and by rapaciously seizing upon every 
opportunity of gain, quickly disgusted and alienated the natives. 
They began not only to push their posts farther and farther 
into the interior, and to seize upon every spot which appeared 
well adapted to cultivation; they also increased their demands 
on the king for the protection they afforded him; and he soon 
found that all the cinnamon which grew in his dominions was 
insufficient to gratify the guardians of his coasts. Enraged at 
their repeated extortions, he at last fell suddenly upon their 
settlements, where he committed the greatest devastations. This 
breach between the Candians and the Dutch was followed by a 
long course of hostilities, during which much blood was shed, 
and no lasting advantage gained by either party. The Dutch, 
however, were the greatest losers by the contest ; for though 
they frequently routed the natives, over-rail tlieir country, and 
