t canework, so
ingeniously contrived that when they repose on them, and are inclined to
sleep, _they can draw close the curtains about them by pulling a string_."
This is not translation. An approximate illustration of the real statement
is found in Pyrard de Laval, who says (of the Maldive Islanders): "Their
beds are hung up by four cords to a bar supported by two pillars.... The
beds of the king, the grandees, and rich folk are made thus that they may
be swung and rocked with facility." (_Charton_, IV. 277.) In the _Ras
Mala_ swinging cots are several times alluded to. (I. 173, 247, 423.) In
one case the bed is mentioned as suspended to the ceiling by chains.

[Illustration: Pagoda at Tanjore.]

[1] "_Audax omnia perpeti_," etc.

[2] The G.T. has _nuns_, "_Li nosnain do mostier._" But in Ramusio it is
_monks_; which is more probable, and I have adopted it.

[3] M. Pauthier has suggested the same explanation in his notes.

[4] Running _a-muck_ in the genuine Malay fashion is not unknown among the
Rajputs; see two notable instances in _Tod_, II. 45 and 315. [See
_Hobson-Jobson_.]

[5] See _Journ. Asiat._ ser. VI. tom. xi. pp. 505 and 512. May not the
_dinar_ of red gold have been the gold _mohr_ of those days, popularly
known as the _red tanga_, which Ibn Batuta repeatedly tells us was
equal to 2-1/2 dinars of the west. 220 red tangas would be equivalent
to 550 western dinars, or _saggi_, of Polo. (_Elliot_, II. 332, III.
582.)

[6] I observe, however, that Sir Walter Elliot thinks it possible that the
_Paraya_ which appears on the oldest of Indian inscriptions as the name
of a nation, coupled with Chola and Kerala (Coromandel and Malabar), is
that of the modern despised tribe. (_J. Ethn. Soc._ n.s. I. 103.)

CHAPTER XVIII.

DISCOURSING OF THE PLACE WHERE LIETH THE BODY OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE;
AND OF THE MIRACLES THEREOF.

[Illustration: Ancient Cross with Pehlevi Inscription on St. Thomas's
Mount, near Madras. (From Photograph.)]

The Body of Messer St. Thomas the Apostle lies in this province of Maabar
at a certain little town having no great population. 'Tis a place where
few traders go, because there is very little merchandize to be got there,
and it is a place not very accessible.[NOTE 1] Both Christians and
Saracens, however, greatly frequent it in pilgrimage. For the Saracens
also do hold the Saint in great reverence, and say that he was one of