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)

178 THE FAST OF ItUMZATJN.

LETTER VIII.

The Fast of Rumzaun.—Motives for its strict observance.—
Its commencement and duration.—Sentiments of Meer
Hadjee Shaah on the duty of fasting.—Adherence of the
females to the observing this fast.—How first broken.—
.Devout persons extend the term to forty days.—Children
permitted to try their zeal.—Calamitous effects of the
experiment.—Exemptions from this duty.—Joyful termi-
nation of the fast.—Celebration of Eade on the last day.
—The Nuzza.—Nutchwomen and Domenie.—Surprise
of the Natives at European dancing.—Remarks on their
Music.—Anecdotes of Fatima.—The Chuckee.

" The poor man fasts, because he wanteth meat;
The sick man fasts, because he cannot eat.
The miser fasts, with greedy mind, to spare;
The glutton fasts, to eat a greater share.
The hypocrite, he fasts to seem more holy;
The righteous man, to punish sinful folly."

The secret motive of the heart, man cannot
fathom in his neighbour's deeds. There are
some actions so praiseworthy in themselves,
that the charitably disposed will pass over the