Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

xvill INTRODUCTORY LETTER.

I have found (and I believe many will coin-
cide with me in the opinion) that it is far
easier to think with propriety than to write
our thoughts with perspicuity and correctness;
but when the object in view is one which con-
science dictates, the humblest effort of a female
pen advances with courage; and thus in-
fluenced, I venture to present my work to the
public, respectfully trusting they will extend
their usual indulgence to a first attempt, from
the pen of a very humble scribe, more soli-
citous for approbation than applause.

The orthography of Asiatic words may differ
in some instances in my pages from those
of other writers,—this, however, is from error
not design, and may be justly attributed to
my own faulty pronunciation.

I have inserted in these Letters many anec-
dotes and fables, which, at the first view, may
be considered as mere nursery tales. My ob-
ject, however, will I trust plead my excuse :—
they are introduced in order to illustrate the
people whom I have undertaken to describe ;
and, primarily strengthened by the moral ten-