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)

172 ANECDOTE OF MOSES

the first duties of the morning were concluded,
he failed not in looking for the promised
remittance, where, to his surprise, he fotmd a
heap of silver coins. Calling his wife, the
Woodcutter told her what he had required of
the Lord through his Holy Prophet Moosa ;
pointing to the result, they both agreed it was
very good to enjoy a short life of happiness
on earth and depart in peace; although they
could not help again and again recurring to
the number of years on earth they had thus
sacrificed. ' We will make as many hearts re-
joice as this the Lord's gift will admit,' they
both agreed, 'and thus we shall secure in our
future state the blessed abode promised to
those who fulfil the commands of God in this,
since to-morrow our term of life must close.'

" The day was spent in providing and
preparing provisions for the meal. The whole
sum was expended on the best sorts of food,
and the poor made acquainted with the
rich treat the Woodcutter and his wife were
cooking for their benefit. The food was cook-
ed for the indigent, and allotments made to