FOOTNOTES
[1] Leromenos signifies soiled, which among the Greeks is the highest title of a brigand bravo, evinced in the filth of his long-worn and unwashed fustanella.
[2] “Brigand Albanian!” “Bath-boy!”
[3] “Very well, we shall see, it may be done.”
[4] Turkish ethnology divides the human race into seventy-seven and a half nations, the Jews representing the half, and the gypsies being entirely excluded. This is clearly an improvement upon Mohammed’s estimate of the number of different sects in Islam, etc.
[5] In August, 1875, the law of inheritance on vakouf lands was modified and improved.
[6] Boghcha, bundle.
[7] Leyen, basin.
[8] Ibrik, jug.
[9] Pastes for soup and pilaf.
[10] Molasses made from grapes.
[11] Preserves made with molasses from fresh or dried fruits.
[12] Starch made from wheat, much used for making sweets.
[13] “How do you do?”
[14] “Valley-lord,” or feudal chief.
[15] Generally a European, who often attains to high rank and fortune.
[16] In polite language, “child of unknown paternity.”
[17] A few years ago the mother of Sultan Abdul-Aziz, desirous of further reducing this number, brought forward an old palace regulation, that every seraglio woman found enceinte should be subjected to the operation of artificial abortion, with the exception of the first four wives.
[18] Under-superintendent of the harem.
[19] Should the father be unacquainted with the form of prayer, an Imam is called in, who reads the prayer over the infant, outside the door.
[20] Old women, whose mission it is to be the bearer of invitations to all ceremonies.
[21] Wonderful! Let it be long-lived and happy!
[22] The Italian expression “Multi Saluti” is the nearest approach to a correct interpretation of this word.
[23] “Baron” signifies Mr.
[24] Wonderful!
[25] Giving rise to the Greek saying of “καμαρώνει σά νύμφἤ.”
[26] The best man and head bridesmaid, whose duty it is subsequently to be the godfather and godmother of the children: [see p. 40].
[27] The following is a translation of this distich:—
“O Maldever! O Stardever! why do you wait outside?
Dismount thy steed and enter thy husband’s house, O bride!”
[28] These crosses are of three classes, and range in value from 100 to 500 piastres—14s. to 3l. 10s.
[29] Blind or lame, is he or she acceptable?
[30] Sourah lvii. v. 19.
[31] Sourah xxxv. v. 44.
[32] Sourah ii. v. 275.
[33] The evil being is supposed to be of immense size, his upper lip touching heaven, and his lower earth; and he holds in his hand a huge iron cudgel.
[34] In some inland towns the relations continue to chant the Myriologia all the way to the church, and afterwards to the burial-ground.
[35] H⸺ Bey, on visiting London, finding to his surprise that “sinking underground” entered into the routine of every-day life, on returning home, said to his mother, “Hanoum yerin dibineh batunméh? Ben batum da chiktum.” (“Have you ever sunk underground? I have done so, and risen again.”)
[36] This is referred to in the first verse of a popular song:
Φεγγαράκι μοῦ λαμπρό
Φέγγι μοῦ νὰ προπατῶ
Νὰ πεγαίνω’ς τὸ σχολεῖο
Νὰ μαθαίνω γράμματα
Τοῦ θεοῦ τὰ πράγματα
[37] Those who wish to have some idea of Bulgarian poetry will find an interesting account of it in a work on Slav poetry by Madame Dora d’Istria.
[38] Δεῦτέ λάβετε φῶς ἐκ τοῦ ἀνεσπέρου φωτὸς καὶ δοξάσατε Χριστὸν τὸν ἀναστάντα ἐκ νεκρῶν.