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)

248 ANECDOTE OF

say, wife, had I known your sentiments sooner ;
but I believed you were as contented as myself
with homely fare and honest labour; but be
comforted, you shall have a share of the next
offering made by the King to Syaad Harshim,
provided your present inclination remains un-
changed by time.' This promise quieted the
wife's angry humour, and peace was again
restored between them.

" ' Wife,' said the Syaad, ' this al-kaulock
(Arab's coat of calico) of mine requires a little
of thy labour : as I have now no other garment
to change with, I trust you may please to wash
it whilst I take my sleep;—one caution you
must observe,—I have occasion for the water,
in which this dress is to be washed; preserve
it carefully for me, my good wife;' and he laid
him down on his mat to sleep. The wife, obe-
dient to her husband's wishes, washed his dress,
and took care to preserve the dirty water; when
he awoke, she brought him the clean garment,
and received his warm commendations for her
diligence. She then produced the pan of dirty
water, in which she had cleansed the garment,