253 
distinct building, separated from the palace by a large garden: 
this, from the jealousy of the Moguls, is forbidden ground, when 
the nabob resides there; but being uninhabited, 1 had an oppor- 
tunity of seeing it: all the windows look into enclosed gardens, 
and have no prospect of any thing beyond them. It seems 
calculated to furnish every pleasure that can be expected by the 
unfortunate females immured under the Argus-eyes of duennas 
and eunuchs. Baths, fountains, fruits, and flowers, the European 
fair ones would think a poor compensation for liberty: the Asiatic 
ladies, accustomed to this confinement, are not discontented with 
their lot. The advice which Telemachus gives to Penelope, is still 
realized in every eastern haram — 
“ Retire, O queen! thy household task resume j 
“ Tend, with thy maids, the labours of the loom : 
“ There, rule, from public cares remote and free ; 
“ That care to man belongs, and most to me. Homer's Odyssey. 
An intelligent oriental traveller, describing a scene in the 
nizanfls country similar to Mahmud-a-Bhaug, justly observes, 
44 that although these gardens cannot be compared to those of 
Europe in taste and variety, they are peculiarly adapted to the 
retired pleasures of a Mahomedan life: the principal requisites ol 
which are coolness, space, and secrecy; besides that, they hold it 
both grateful and healthy to live much among the fragrance of 
plants and flowers; and that pride, jealousy, and modesty, unite 
in demanding perfect security from all intrusion. Hence the high 
walls, so inelegant in the eyes of a European, are the necessary 
guardians of a Mahomedams honour, and the safeguard of Ins 
