MOORSHADABAD. 2,2,1 
From thence we walked through ruined gateways, and over heaps 
of rubbish, to the Munny Begum's, where we were received by two 
very fine boys, children of a man whom she adopted some time ago, 
when at mortal enmity with the Nawaub. He died soon afterwards, 
leaving these children, who, by the Mahomedan law, have every 
right as if naturally descended from her. She lives in a small garden 
of about an acre and a half, which, out of respect to Meer Jaffier 's 
memory, she has not quitted since his death, which is now forty 
years. She conversed from behind a scarlet silk purdah, that was 
stretched across a handsome open room, supported by pillars. The 
whole had an appearance of opulence, and the boys were handsomely 
dressed. Her voice is loud and coarse, but occasionally tremulous. 
She owns to sixty-eight years of age. Mrs. Pattle, who has seen her, 
informs me that she is very short and fat, with vulgar, large, harsh 
features, and altogether one of the ugliest women she ever beheld. 
In this description, who would trace the celebrated nautch-girl of 
Mr. Burke? It is probable, the influence she acquired over her 
husband, was owing more to her intellectual than personal accom- 
plishments : for she has a good understanding, though her temper 
is exceedingly violent. There is no doubt of her being rich ; but 
what will become of her property is uncertain. Nothing can induce 
her to make a will: the very mention of a thing that insinuates a 
supposition of its being possible she can die, throwing her into a 
violent passion. These boys are her legal heirs; but the Nawaub 
is on the spot, and if not prevented by the British, will probably 
seize the whole. During the whole of our stay two minahs * were 
talking most incessantly, to the great delight of the old lady, who 
* Birds that are taught to speak. 
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