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)

TO MARRIAGE. 353

His wise decree in this important business.
The prayer concluded, he seats himself with
solemn gravity on the prayer-carpet, again and
again imploring Divine guidance, without which
he is sure nothing good can accrue: he then
draws one slip from under his carpet; if " to be"
is produced, he places it by his left side;—a
second slip is drawn out, should that also bear
the words "to be," the business is so far de-
cided. He then offers thanks and praises to
God, congratulates his wife on the successful
issue of the omen, and discusses those plans
which appear most likely to further the prospects
of their dearly-loved son. But should the se-
cond and third papers say "not to be," he is
assured in his heart it was so decided by " that
Wisdom which cannot err;" to whom he gives
praise and glory for all mercies received at His
hand: after this no overture or negotiation
would be listened to by the pious father from
the same quarter.

The omen, however, proving favourable, the
affair is decided ; and in order to gain the best
possible information of the real disposition of all

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