first night (}us primae noctis in Latin). This not only explains the European custom of the first-born inheriting all the father's property (primogeniture) but it shows how all classes of Europe were united in blood. China early abolished the feudal system. It had no classes nor restriction on inter-marriage other than its sweeping prohibition of unions of those of the same name. This prevented interbreeding with its resulting racial deterioration. The Malays in marriage had the European idea of unions between relatives to keep together the family property. They rather favored the marriage of cousins. India, with its people socially divided, paid the penalty by not becoming really a great people. Indians are numerous but never has India been of much importance nor is it now. Always it has been a community of communities, and a prey to the invaders. B UDDH A' S
FAILUR E
TO
REFORM
I rmt A
A revolt against India's deadening system came m the sixth century before Christ in the person of a prince. Siddhartha Gautama followed the local custom of retiring to the jungle to meditate. He learned the philosophy, and became disgusted with it, of this land of dreamers and never-doers. He tried fasting and terrible penances , which , as in Europe, sometimes resulted in visions. These aberrations of overwrought imagination were considered the way to religious wisdom. But the new Buddha, after exhausted nature caused unconsciousness , had a refreshing sleep and awoke sensible. The folly of the weakening of himself came home to him and he an38