Note 69 — FIRST SECTION.

The beggars or Fakirs in India wander about the country in thousands, almost uncovered, (Augustine, De Civit. Dei, chs. 14, 17.) and excessively dirty (Havus “Historicae Relatio de Regno et Statu magni Regis Magor,” (Historical Account of the Reign and State of the great King Magor). Antwerp 1605. p. 1695); after their visits unfruitful wives especially become fruitful (δύνασθαι δὲ καὶ πολυγόνους ποιεῖν καὶ ἀῤῥενογόνους διὰ φαρμακευτικῆς,—and they can make even the barren have many children by means of their drugs,—Strabo says, Bk. II.). The people bestir themselves to do them every honour and the men quit their villages, so as to leave the monks a free hand. Papi, “Briefe über Indien,” (Letters on India), p. 217.—P. von Bohlen, “Das alte Indien,” (Ancient India), Königsberg 1830. Vol. I. p. 282.