nstrous
to behold, some of silver, some of brass and other metals: and also
painted sticks, and Targets, and most strange kind of Arms, as Bills,
Arrows, Spears and Swords. But these Arms are not in the Buddou's
Temples, he being for Peace: therefore there are in his Temples only
Images of men cross-legged with yellow coats on like the Gonni-Priests,
their hair frilled, and their hands before them like women. And
these they say are the spirits of holy men departed. Their Temples
are adorned with such things as the peoples ability and poverty can
afford; accounting it the highest point of Devotion, bountifully to
dedicate such things unto their Gods, which in their estimation are
most precious.

[They worship not the Idol, but whom it represents.] As for these
Images they say they say they do not own them to be Gods themselves
but only Figures, representing their Gods to their memories; and as
such, they give to them honour and worship.

[The revenues of the Temples; and the honours thereof.] Women having
their natural infirmities upon them may not, neither dare they presume
to come near the Temples or houses of their Gods. Nor the men, if
they come out of houses where such women are.

[They are dedicated to Gods.] Unto each of these Pagodas, there are
great Revenues of Land belonging: which have been allotted to them
by former Kings, according to the State of the Kingdom: but they have
much impaired the Revenues of the Crown, there being rather more Towns
belonging to the Church, than unto the King. These estates of the
Temples are to supply a daily charge they are at; which is to prepare
victuals or sacrifices to set before the Idols. They have Elephants
also as the King has, which serve them for State. Their Temples have
all sorts of Officers belonging to them, as the Palace hath.

Most of these Pagodas are dedicated to the name and honour of those,
whom they call Dio or Gods: to whom, they say, belong the Government
on earth, and of all things appertaining to this life.

[Private Chappels.] Besides these Publick Temples, many people do
build in their yards private Chappels, which are little houses, like
to Closets, sometimes so small, that they are not above two foot in
bigness, but built upon a Pillar three or four foot from the ground
wherein they do place certain Image of the Buddou, that they may have
him near them, and to testifie their love and service to him. Which
they do by lighting up candles and lamp