THE MOHAMMEDAN FAVOURITE. 
53 
The engraving represents a Mohammedan of rank 
receiving a visit from one of his favourite women, 
who, according to the custom of the East, among the 
votaries of the sensual Prophet of Mecca, is presenting 
him with a rose, as a pledge of her affection. The 
lordly mussulmaun is enjoying his hookah in all the 
state of Oriental luxury, the Chowry-burdaur being 
in attendance to keep off the musquitoes, and other 
troublesome insects, by waving over the head of his 
luxurious master the tail of the Thibet ox, known to 
Eastern naturalists under the Tartaric designation of 
Yak. Upon these, and similar occasions, it generally 
happens that the great man is attended by a band of 
musicians, who exert their skill to share his approba- 
tion with the beautiful favourite. 
The Mohammedans in Hindostan frequently employ 
Hindoo musicians at their entertainments, because 
these are generally better skilled in their profession 
than those of a different creed ; and music is consi- 
dered essential to the perfection of Eastern luxury. 
What would stun a European ear, or sadly discom- 
pose nerves familiarised with the more fascinating 
vibrations of European melodies, is in India relished 
as an enjoyment of the highest kind. 
Perhaps there is no amusement in which both Mo- 
hammedans and Hindoos so much delight as in music. 
It accompanies all the festivals of the latter, all their 
processions, whether solemn or gay, many of their 
religious ceremonies, and is almost everywhere daily 
resorted to as an evening recreation for the social 
circle. Live where you may in India, if it be within 
the vicinity of a hamlet, or even of a single hut, you 
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