MUKHUNPORE. 
performed. Mounting our elephants, and attended by my ser- 
vant and Gopinath, we set off for the rowzah, or tomb. At the 
gate of the outer court we were received by a great number of the 
priests, and conducted through three courts to the shrine. In each 
of these were multitudes of Faquirs, roaring, dancing, and prayings 
with the most frantic gestures. The drums and shrill trumpets, 
with large brass basons beaten with hollow sticks, added to the dis- 
cordance of the noise. Even the walls were crowded, and we should 
have made our way with difficulty, had it not been for the exertions 
of our Faquirs, who, expecting a handsome present from the Lord 
Saib, repelled the crowd, and repressed with indignation the demands 
of some of the most superstitious, that we should take off our shoes. 
Of course this was complied with by our native servants. The tomb 
itself is placed in the centre of a square building, with four windows 
of fret work ; through one of which is occasionally an opening. It 
is of the usual shape and size, and is covered w4th cloth of gold, 
with a canopy of the same over it, highly perfumed with attar 
of roses. We went the circuit, and looked in at each window ; after- 
wards, we visited the mosque, in front of which is a fountain, and 
two prodigious boilers, where a constant miracle is performed; for 
if unholy rice is put into them, they still continue empty : I had not 
time to see this executed ; but it is a trick not very difficult to play. 
I was glad to escape by ordering my Faquir to return to the tents. 
In taking a tour through the fair, I saw a fellow with snakes and a 
mangose; the latter in about two minutes killed three of the former, 
in despite of their twisting round him. On reaching the tents, I found 
many of the holy men in attendance, inasmuch as they were afraid 
of trusting each other, although each considered himself as perfect. 
VOL. I. D D 
