the rest of the white men are generally of the same temper; insomuch that the Cingalese have a saying, "That wine is as natural to white men as milk to children."
All differences of ranks and qualities are disregarded among those Cingalese people that are under the Dutch. Neither do the Dutch make any distinction between the "Hondrews," and the low and inferior castes of men; and permit them to go in the same habit, and sit upon stools, as well as the best Hondrews: and the lower ranks may eat and intermarry with the higher without any punishment or any cognizance taken of it. Which is a matter that the Cingalese in Conde Uda are much offended with the Dutch for; and makes them think, that they themselves are sprung from some mean rank or extract. And this prejudiceth this people against them; that they have not such an esteem for them. For to a Cingalese, his rank and honour is as dear as his life.
And thus much of the Dutch.
