POLYGAMY 199 



continues to be the basis of all Chinese culture, while 

 the modern literature of the Celestials consists mainly 

 of endless prefaces to and comments upon the works 

 of ancient writers. 



Although persistently thwarted by human caprice, 

 Nature never ceases to strive for the accomplishment 

 of her aims, and we can perceive a tendency in 

 the customs of Mahomedanism to break down 

 under the strain she imposes. Thus the marriage 

 of first cousins is looked upon in all Mahomedan 

 countries with special favour. In noting this fact 

 Lane remarks that such unions are generally lasting, 

 and that they have in most cases a true basis of 

 affection, owing to the parties having been ac- 

 quainted with each other in early life. Can the 

 favour with which these matches are viewed be due 

 to a public consciousness of their propriety in point 

 of mutual affection ? Possibly. In that case the 

 awakening sense of the superiority of a love-match to 

 the ordinary Mahomedan marriage may be regarded 

 as the thin end of the wedge. There is certainly 

 little doubt as to the gradual subversion of that curse 

 of Mahomedan life — the veil. In Egypt, according to 

 Lane, " motives of coquetry will frequently induce a 

 woman to expose her face to a man when she thinks 



