[44] A large kind of bat; a popular and silly Anglo-Indian name. It almost justified the irate Scotchman in calling ‘prodigious lecars’ those who told him in India that foxes flew and trees were tapped for toddy.
[45] The Hindus, like the European classics and other ancient peoples, reckon four ages:—The Satya Yug, or Golden Age, numbered 1,728,000 years; the second, or Treta Yug, comprised 1,296,000; the Dwapar Yug had 864,000; and the present, the Kali Yug, has shrunk to 832,000 years.
[46] Especially alluding to prayer. On this point, Southey justly remarks (Preface to Curse of Kehama): ‘In the religion of the Hindoos there is one remarkable peculiarity. Prayers, penances, and sacrifices are supposed to possess an inherent and actual value, in one degree depending upon the disposition or motive of the person who performs them. They are drafts upon heaven for which the gods cannot refuse payment. The worst men, bent upon the worst designs, have in this manner obtained power which has made them formidable to the supreme deities themselves.’ Moreover, the Hindoo gods hear the prayers of those who desire the evil of others. Hence when a rich man becomes poor, his friends say, ‘See how sharp are men’s teeth!’ and, ‘He is ruined because others could not bear to see his happiness!’
[47] A pond, natural or artificial; in the latter case often covering an extent of ten to twelve acres.
[48] The Hindustani ‘gilahri,’ or little grey squirrel, whose twittering cry is often mistaken for a bird’s.
[49] The autumn or rather the rainy season personified—a hackneyed Hindu prosopopœia.
[50] Light conversation upon the subject of women is a personal offence to serious-minded Hindus.
[51] Cupid in his two forms, Eros and Anteros.
[52] This is true to life; in the East, women make the first advances, and men do the bégueules.
[53] Raja-hans, a large grey goose, the Hindu equivalent for our swan.