An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies

An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies is by Robert Knox, a captive there near twenty years, with an account of the author’s miraculous escape and a map of the island. The chapter headings list such matters as How they preserve their Flesh, How they take Elephants and The Dowries they give. Chapter II is headed Concerning their different Honours, Ranks, and Qualities, and lists Goldsmiths, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, and Painters.

Chapter III is headed Of their Religion, Gods, Temples, Priests, and its summary says Their Religion is Idolatry and They worship Gods and Devils. The text says that when one comes to anothers house, being set down, the Entertainment is green Leaves, they call Bullat, which they eat raw with Lime and Betel-nut, and Tobacco. The text says the Hollanders had placed some Field-pieces in the Rear of their Army and retreated as if they had been worsted, which was only to draw the Portugueze nearer upon their Guns.