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)

276 ANECDOTE OF SIIA1I SIIEIUF.

religious, with their disciples and followers. At
this meeting, as was expected, were assembled
the Soofies, Durweish, and religious mendi-
cants of all ranks and conditions, from those
clothed in gold-cloth and brocade, down to the
almost naked Faakeer; and amongst the latter
number may be classed the humble-riiinded
Shah Sherif ood deen. A small wrapper girt
about his loins by a girdle of black wool
spun into small ropes, and a similar article
wound round his head, with a coarse white
sheet over his shoulders for his summer ap-
parel ; and a black blanket to shelter his naked
limbs from the cold winter, formed his sole
wardrobe.

" This holy man took his station in the most
humble spot of the assembly, ' sitting amongst
the shoes' of the more esteemed or more
aspiring personages. As there was nothing
remarkable in his appearance, he remained
unobserved, or unnoticed by the multitude pre-
sent. Many of the assembly made great dis-
play of their right to pre-eminence, by the cost-
liness of their robes, the splendour of their