[258]. The principal and best fruits of Egypt are dates, grapes, oranges and citrons of various kinds, common figs, sycamore-figs, prickly pears, pomegranates, bananas, and a great variety of melons. From this enumeration, it appears that there are not many good fruits in this country.
[259]. Or, “El-hamdu li-lláhi rabbi-l-’álameen” (Praise be to God, the Lord of all creatures).
[260]. It is deemed highly improper to rise during a meal, even from respect to a superior who may approach. It has been mentioned before, that the Prophet forbade his followers to rise while eating, or when about to eat, even if the time of prayer arrived.
[261]. The ancient Egyptians used drinking-cups of brass. (Herodotus, lib. ii. cap. 37.)
[262]. “Amyris kafal” of Forskal. An Arabian tree.
[263]. Baron Hammer-Purgstall has remarked, that two other vessels should have been mentioned here (in the first edition of this work), more especially because their names have been adopted in European languages: they are the “garrah” or “jarrah,” a water-jar or pitcher, and the “demigán” or “demiján,” a large bottle, “la dame-jeanne.”
[264]. “Allah yehenneek” (for “yuhenneek”).
[265]. “Nebeed” (more properly, “nebeedh”), or “mudám.”
[266]. Called simply “sharbát,” or “sharbát sukkar,” or only “sukkar.”
[267]. “Leymoonáteh,” or “sharáb el-leymoon.”