Out of India; Things I Saw, and Failed to See, in Certain Days and Nights at Jeypore and Elsewhere
Rudyard Kipling
Paperback
(TheClassics.us, Sept. 12, 2013)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... of that book will show; and the name of the PadreSahib is honored, as these ears have heard, throughout Udaipur and far around. The faith that sends a man into the wilderness, and the secular energy which enables him to cope with an ever-growing demand for medical aid, must, in time, find their reward. If patience and unwearying self-sacrifice carry any merit, they should do so soon. To-day the people are willing enough to be healed, and the general influence of the Padre-Sahib is very great. But beyond that . . . Still it was impossible to judge aright. CHAPTER VIII. "SAD STORIES OF THE DEATH OF KINGS"--HIS HIGHNESS PRIME MINISTER RAE PUNNA LAL IS A RACIAL ANOMALY. In this land men tell "sad stories of the death of Kings" not easily found elsewhere; and also speak of sali, which is generally supposed to be an " effete curiosity " as the Bengali said in a manner which makes it seem very near and vivid. Be pleased to listen to some of the tales, but with all the names cut out, because a King has just as much right to have his family affairs respected as has a British householder paying income tax. Once upon a time, that is to say when the British power was well established in the land and there were railways, there was a King who lay dying for many days, and all, including the Englishmen about him, knew that his end was certain. But he had chosen to lie in an outer court or pleasure-house of his Palace; and with him were some twenty of his favorite wives. The place in which he lay was very near to the City ; and there was a fear that his womenkind should, on his death, going mad with grief, cast off their veils and run out into the streets, uncovered before all men. In which case nothing, not even the power of the Press, and the...