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)

AND TIIK WOODCUTTER. 171

proved the reward of his toil, which at best
afforded the poor couple but a scanty meal
after his day's exertions.

" The prophet Moosa passed the Woodcutter
one morning, who accosted him with ' O Moosa!
Prophet of the Most High; behold I labour
each day for my coarse and scanty meal; may
it please thee, O Huzerut! to make a petition
for me to our gracious God, that He may in
His mercy grant me at once the whole supply
for my remaining years, so that I shall enjoy
one day of earthly happiness, and then, with
my wife, be transferred to the place of eternal
rest." Moosa promised and made the required
petition ; his prayer was answered from Mount
Tor, thus:—

" ' This man's life is long, O Moses! never-
theless, if he be willing to surrender life when
his supply is exhausted, tell him thy prayer
is heard, the petition accepted, and the whole
amount shall be found beneath his jhaawn
namaaz (prayer carpet) after his early prayers.'
" The Woodcutter was satisfied when Moosa
told him the result of his petition, and when