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 2) (London, 1832)

ANECDOTE OF JHAUNGEER. 175

' perhaps he may have some complaint to prefer
against his owner.'

" The courtiers smiled when the ass was
brought into the presence of the monarch, who
upon seeing the poor half-starved beast covered
with sores, was at no loss for a solution of the
mysterious ringing at the bell, for the animal
not finding a tree or post against which he could
rub himself, had made use of the bell-rope for
that purpose.

" ' Enquire for the owner of the ass !' com-
manded the King, ' and let him be brought
before me without delay !' The order promptly
given, was as readily obeyed; and the hurkaa-
rahs (messengers, or running footmen), in a short
time introduced a poor Dhobhie (washerman)
who had owned the ass from a foal. The plaintiff
and defendant were then placed side by side
before the throne, when the King demanded,
' Why the sick ass was cast out to provide for
itself a precarious subsistence V The Dhobhie
replied, 'In truth, O Jahaun-punah! (Protector
or Ruler of the World), because he is grown old
and unserviceable, afflicted with mange, and