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 SHAH SHERD?, 279

received at the throne of Mercy. I entreat
then, at the hands of this venerable assembly,
the aid I require.'

" The pretended Soofie looked haughtily on
the sick man, and bade him retire to his home ;
he should have a prayer offered, he might de-
pend, but it must be in private. The sufferer
was still importunate, and urged every argu-
ment he could command, to induce the inex-
orable Soofie to allow the present assembly
to offer a prayer on the spot for his recovery;
but nothing he could urge availed with the
proud Soofie, who at length grew angry even
to the use of bitter words.

" Shah Sherif ood deen observed in silence
the scene before him ; at length he ventured (in
the most respectful terms) to suggest to the
heads of the assembly the propriety of vouch-
safing the poor man's request; and hinted that,
the prayer of some one more pure of heart
than the rest might effectually reach the throne
of Mercy in behalf of the supplicant.

" ' And pray,' said the leader, rising haughtily,
' who gave you leave to suggest or recommend