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pleasures. Within this protection, secluded from the world, the 
voluptuous Mussulman, laying aside the grandeurs of the day, 
with the irritation of mind which accompanies ambition, aban- 
dons himself to soft repose; and, in the stillness of a starry night, 
acquires that serenity of mind which lulls the soul into pleasing 
complacency; forming a delightful contrast to the stormy pas- 
sions of an agitated day. Negligently stretched upon his couch, 
he listens to the melodious song; and contemplates the graceful 
forms of the surrounding dancers; amid the odoriferous smoke of 
incense. 
These oriental gardens bear a great resemblance to those of the 
Pheacian monarch, both in situation and general effect. 
‘ Close to the gates a spacious garden lies, 
Trom storms defended, and inclement skies ; 
Tall thriving trees confess’d the fruitful mould. 
The swelling mango ripens here to gold; 
Here the blue fig with luscious juice o’erflows. 
With deeper red the full pomegranate glows ; 
The branch here bends beneath the weighty pear. 
And verdant olives flourish round the year; 
The balmy spirit of the western gale 
Eternal breathes on fruits untaught to fail: 
The same mild season gives the blooms to blow. 
The buds to harden, and the fruits to grow : 
A plenteous fountain the whole prospect crown’d ; 
Which through the garden leads its stream around. 
Visits each plant, and waters all the ground.” 
Homers Odyssey. 
The palace and gardens of Mahmud-a-Bhaug were out of 
repair; as the Moguls of rank are seldom at any trouble or ex- 
