[129] The Kalam-dan, literally "the pen-holder," means here the small tray containing pens, inkstand, a knife, &c.
[130] Tirpauliya means three arched gates; there are many such which divide grand streets in Indian cities, and may be compared to our Temple Bar in London, only much more splendid.
[131] Ethiopian, or Abyssinian slaves, are commonly called Sidis. They are held in great repute for honesty and attachment.
[132] The chauk is in general a large square in Asiatic cities, where are situated the richest shops; it is sometimes a large wide street.
[133] In the original there is a play on the word 'alam which signifies "beauty," "the world," also "a multitude of people," or what the French call "tout le monde."
[134] Literally, "the observance of the [form of greeting] "sahib salamat," or "salam 'alaika," by which he had been at first accosted by his customer.—Vide note on this subject, page 41.
[135] The verb uthna like the Persian bar-khastan is used idiomatically in the sense of "to go away," to "vanish."
[136] Literally, "your command is on my head and eyes," a phrase imitated from the Persian "ba sar o chashm."
[137] The phrase "rah dekhna," literally to look at the road," (by which a person is expected to come;) hence, very naturally and idiomatically it signifies "to be anxiously waiting for one." Again, rah dikhana is the causal form, signifying "to make one wait," of "keep one waiting."
[138] The word janwar means "an animal," in general; but it is frequently used in the more restricted sense of "a bird".