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)

302 SHAH OOD DOWLAH

royal will shall be obeyed,' replied the Minis-
ter; .'but your Majesty must be aware that
the extent of the circuit from the palace to
the outer gate is so great that long before a
slave can get to that road, Shah ood Dowlah
will be beyond the reach of our summons.
With all due submission to your Majesty's
better judgment, would it not be more
prudent to call him from hence, and per-
suade him to ascend the wall in a basket
suspended to a rope. The King agreed, and
the Durweish was hailed. ' Our King, the Pro-
tector of the World, commands Shah ood Dow-
lah's attendance ?'—The Durweish, looking up
at the summoner, inquired, 'Where is the
King?'—' In this apartment,' he was answered.
-—' How am I to get near him ? he is too far
off: an old man does not well to climb.'—
' Wait a minute,' replied the servant, ' your
conveyance shall be prepared.'

"In a few minutes the basket descended
from the upper story, by a strong rope, well
secured against the probability of accident.
The Durweish, — who was covered with a