THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
* 
cither of the parties who desired it. That prince who solicited 
their alliance was of course successful ; and they had always^ 
•the prudence to see their own generosity rewarded, by taking 
possession of the territories of the vanquished prince. By 
these arts they gradually extended their dominions farther 
into the interior of the island; and wherever they became 
masters, their avarice and bigotry prompted them to per- 
petrate such cruelties, as have ever since rendered the name 
of European hateful to the ears of a Cinglese. 
While the natives of Ceylon were thus daily perishing in 
fruitless struggles against the regular discipline and concerted 
plans of the Portuguese, a powerful assistance was oftered 
them, which promised to put a speedy end to their miseries. 
No sooner had the Dutch succeeded in throwing oft' the 
Spanish yoke, than their commercial and enterprising spirit 
led them to explore every coast of the known world in 
search of opulence. The inexhaustible riches of the East 
speedily attracted the adventurous merchants of that na- 
tion. In every quarter, however, they found the Portuguese 
already established ; and the jealousy with which these earlier 
settlers observed the approach of any rival, soon convinced 
them that it was only by force they could ever hope to 
carry their commercial plans into effect. The Dutch and 
Portuguese were actuated by a different spirit, and proceeded 
in a very different manner in extending their foreign posses- 
sions. The former displayed none of that romantic bravery, 
that rapid attack, and dazzling success, which so much distin- 
C 
