1882.] 



IBN BATUTA IN THE MALDIVES AND CEYLON. 



resort for their diversion and for bathing. The natives term 

 these amusements tetdjer * and they then have games on board 

 the vessels. The Vizier and chiefs send offerings to the Queen 

 of such things as are found in the island. I met there the 

 Queen's sister, wife of the preacher Mohammed, son of Djemdl 

 eddin, and his mother, who had been my wife. The preacher 

 visited me, and he was served with food. 



Meanwhile some of the inhabitants went across to the Vizier 

 7 Aid Allah and announced my arrival. He put some questions 

 about me and the persons who had come with me, and was in- 

 formed that I had come to take my son, who was now about two 

 years old. The mother presented herself before the Vizier to 

 complain of me, but he told her, " I will not prevent him taking 

 away his son." He pressed me to go to the island (Mahal), and 

 lodged me in a house built opposite the tower of his Palace, in order 

 that he might be aware of my estate. He sent me a complete 

 suit of clothes, betel, and rose-water, according to custom. 

 I took to him two pieces of silk to throw down at the moment 

 of saluting him. These were received from me, with the inti- 

 mation that the Vizier would not come out to receive me that day. 

 My son was brought to me, and it seemed to me that a sojourn 

 among the islanders was what was best for him. I, therefore, 

 sent him back, and remained five days in the island. I thought 

 it best to hasten my departure, and asked the usual permission. 

 The Vizier sent for me and I repaired to his presence. They 

 brought to me the two pieces of stuff they had previously taken 

 from me, and I cast them before the Vizier and saluted him in 

 the customary way. He made me sit by his side and questioned 

 me of my condition. I ate in his company and washed my hands 

 in the same basin with him, which thing he does with no one. 

 Then betel was brought and I came away. The Vizier sent me 



* Tetdjer ;*m*GL M. kuli-jahm 1 sports.'— B. 



