At the bottom of this were
three large tassels of silk, mounted with gold. Her eyebrows and
eyelashes were painted with black. Her neck was covered with jewels of
such beauty, and of such a variety, that it is impossible for me to
describe them. Around her ankles were large rings which looked like
braided silver. To these were attached very many little bells, which
rung as she walked. I believe all dancing-girls wear these rings. We
felt very sad when we thought that she was dedicated to a life of infamy
and shame."
There is an ornament worn by the followers of the god Siva, on their
arms, or necks, or in their hair. It is called the _lingum_. The nature
of this is so utterly abominable, that I cannot tell you a word about
it.
Married women wear an ornament peculiar to themselves. It is called the
tahly. It is a piece of gold, on which is engraven the image of some one
of their gods. This is fastened around the neck by a short yellow
string, containing one hundred and eight threads of great fineness.
Various ceremonies are performed before it is applied, and the gods, of
whom I will tell you something by and by, with their wives, are called
upon to give their blessing.
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