Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/530

 may be prejudice. I looked at Mulka Begam, how far she pushed her delicate fingers down her throat—wah! wah!

"The prophet used to eat with three fingers, the thumb, the forefinger, and the middle finger; and after eating he used to lick his blessed fingers before touching any thing else." The prophet said, "Repeat the name of God, and eat with your right hand; the devil has power over that meat which is eaten without remembering the name of God." "Verily God is pleased with a servant who eats a mouthful and says God's praise, and drinks a draught of water, and says God's praise." "When any one of you eats, he must do it with his right hand; and when any one of you drinks, he must take hold of his water-pot with the right hand, because the devil eats and drinks with his left."

After the repast silver vessels were handed round, and our mouths and fingers underwent ablution. Besan, the flour of gram, as good for the purpose as almond-paste, was presented to each guest; with it the grease was removed from the fingers, and water was poured over them.

Necklaces most beautifully made of silver tissue were now given to the whole of the company, both within and without the tent; the lights were carried away, a portion of the parda was removed, and we, unseen, could then observe what was going on without the tent, the nāching, and the company. Seeing the Begam apparently fatigued, I requested she would give me my dismissal, which, having received, I made my salām and returned to Colonel Gardner, with whom I sat looking at the nāch until 3, at which hour the prince, by taking his departure, broke up the assembly. "On retiring, the senior guest, addressing the host, says, 'Be pleased to, or will you, give us leave, or permission, to depart?' Adding, 'May God bless and prosper you! I have made a hearty meal, or dined heartily (orig. eaten a belly full)!' To which the other replies, 'It is the will of God and Muhammad,' i. e. not mine; or, 'Very well:' 'Certainly.' Then the whole company rise, calling out, 'As salām alaikum!' 'Peace be unto you,' and take their departure ."