BOOK II NOTES.
[1] Mountain of Kaf The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form. On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth. Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite. The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.
The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald. In the Borhani-Kati, a valuable Persian Dictionary, we have the following description of it: “Kaf, the name of a famous mountain which surrounds the four quarters of the earth. They say that its altitude is five hundred farasangs (nearly two thousand English miles!) and for the most part the sea washes the base of it,” &c.
[2] four farasangs The farasang is nearly equivalent to four English miles in length. The Borhani-Kati describes it as consisting of twelve thousand guz, each guz being equal to twenty-four finger breadths.
[3] Jumat Jumat or Juma is that day of the week which the Mahommedans have appointed for devotion, and answers to our Friday.
[4] Shahmuhra Shah-muhra, a fabulous precious stone, supposed to be found only in the mouth of the dragon or serpent.
[5] the arrow of love still pierces my heart Oriental writers place the seat of affection not in the heart but the liver; at least the latter is the part at which Cupid generally aims his arrows. We find the same idea frequently expressed by the Greek poets: thus Anacreon iii. 27,
Τανυει δε και με τυπτει
Μεσον ἡπαρ, ὡσπερ οιστρος.
[6] the natives were demons The word [Persian] according to D’Herbelot, is the name of a race of spirits which resemble neither angels, devils, nor men; being what are called Genii or Demons, and nearly the same as the giants in Greek mythology.
[7] Solomon Solomon (Suleiman) is a name, than which none is more famous in eastern tales. He is renowned not only on account of his wisdom, but also for his magnificence and supernatural power. His dominion extended over every living creature that inhabited the earth. The Creator placed under his obedience the whole race of fairies, spirits, demons and genii, good and bad, among all of which the oath by Suleiman is inviolable.
[8] zakkūm The zakkūm is a tree which grows in hell: its branches and leaves are of flaming fire, and the fruits which it bears are heads of devils and loathsome serpents. Thus in the sacred text (Koran. sur. xxxvii, 65, etc.): “This tree is planted in the bottom of hell; and its fruits are heads of devils, and verily the damned shall eat thereof.”
[9] Where is our king, and where are we? Meaning, “the king is far hence, and shall know nothing of the matter.”
[10] we have eaten salt together Among the Arabs, this formed the strongest pledge of amity.
[11] Kulzum According to Muntakhib-ul-Loghat, Kulzum is a name given to part of the Red Sea.
[12] Zulmât The regions of darkness, which are said to contain also the water of immortality.
[13] the two loaves which you used to cast into the river... “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.”—Eccl. xi. 1.