146 SOBRIETY OF THE AMEERS. 



I threw myself on a cliarpoy, well rolled up 

 in double ruzzaie, or wadded coverlet, with 

 my saddle-cloth under my head, and was 

 asleep in five minutes. The Meer's sons are 

 all very temperate, as, indeed, is His High- 

 ness; but those who knew him in early life 

 declare that he was then addicted to the wine 

 cup, and indulged somewhat too freely in the 

 enticing liquors forbidden by the Koran. I 

 certainly have known the Meer take wine, but 

 never to excess ; and the best possible proofs 

 that he never has done so are to be found in 

 the extraordinary steadiness of his hand as a 

 marksman, and the excellent health that his 

 appearance betokens. In fact, I should say 

 that Meer Ali Moorad's life is a better one 

 than that of either of his sons. Dr Burnes 

 declares that the Ameers of Hyderabad never 

 indulged in wine or intoxicating drugs. This, 

 however, certainly does not extend to Khyr- 

 poor, where Meer Roostum's failing is a noto- 

 rious fact that no one hesitates to admit. 



