THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
215 
CHAPTER X. 
Circumstances which distinguish the Cinglese from the Candians. 
The Cinglese, who inhabit the low lands and parts con- 
tiguous to the coasts, live entirely under the dominion of 
whatever European nation has been able to acquire pos- 
session of that part of the island. The nature of the 
country they inhabit indeed leaves them hardly any alter- 
native but unconditional submission, unless they could either 
meet the Europeans in open battle, or consent to quit their 
plentiful fields for the barren mountains of the interior. 
The subjection under which they have for a considerable 
time lived, while it has effaced the manly features of barba- 
rous independence, has at the same time tended to humanize 
and soften their dispositions. The Cinglese are a quiet, inof- 
fensive people; exceedingly grave, temperate, and frugal. 
Their bodies partake of the indolence of their minds, and it 
is with reluctance they are roused to any active exertion. 
When, however, they are obliged to apply themselves to any 
work, such as agriculture, they are capable of undergoing a 
great deal of labour. They are not indeed so strong as the 
Moor or Malabar race, and never make good palankeen 
bearers, or coolies to carry burthens. 
The milder virtues form the most prominent features of 
the Cinglese character. They are gentle, charitable, and 
