PRESENT STATE OF DELHL 445 



left hand. Wfe then went back, with our faces to- 

 wards the presence, made the same obeisance as be- 

 fore, and returned again to the Musnud. After a 

 slight conversation, we were directed to go without 

 the inclosure, and put on the libelants which his Ma- 

 jesty ordered for us; they consisted of light India 

 dresses ; a turban, jammah, and kummerbund, al! 

 cotton, with small gold sprigs. On being clothed in 

 these dresses, we again returned to the TusLeah Khd- 

 nab, and after a few minutes stay, previous to which 

 Captain Reynolds received a sword from the King, 

 we had our dismission • and some servants were or- 

 dered to attend us in viewing the palace. 



The present King, Shaii Allum, is seventy-two 

 years of age ; of a tall commanding stature, and dark 

 complexion ; his deportment was dignified, and not 

 at all diminished by his want of sight, though he has 

 suffered that cruel misfortune above five years. The 

 marks of age are very strongly discernible in his coun- 

 tenance : his beard is short and white. His Majesty 

 appeared at our introduction to be in good spirits ; 

 said he was happy at our arrival ; and desired we 

 would visit his palace and the fort of Sclim Gbur* 

 He was dressed in a rich kheem-khaub, and was sup- 

 ported by pillows of the same materials. 



I imagined I could observe in his aspect a 

 thoughtfulness, as if sufficiently well acquainted with 

 his present degraded situation, and the recollection 

 of his former state. 



The palace of the royal family of Tim lr was 

 erected by the Emperor Shah J eh an at the time he 



finished 



