[An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies by Robert Knox]@TWC D-Link bookAn Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies PART III 159/205
If they come for some favour or kindness to be done them, they bestow the better sort of Titles upon them. They have seven or eight words for Thou, or You, which they apply to persons according to their quality, or according as they would honour them.
And they are so, Topi, Umba, Umbela, Tomnai, Tomsi, Tomsela, Tomnanxi.
All these words are gradually one higher than the other. [No difference between a Country man and a Courtier for Language.] Their ordinary Plow men and Husbandmen do speak elegantly, and are full of complement.
And there is no difference between the ability and speech of a Country-man and a Courtier.
When any hath a favour to beg of a Noble-man, or any business with him, they do not abruptly speak their desires or errand at first, but bring it in with a long harangue of his worth or good disposition or abilities; [Their speech and manner of Addresses is Courtly and becoming.] and this in very handsom and taking stile.
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