[196] “Mark of Beauty.”
[197] Like the one-eyed young men in the Arabian tale of the Second Kalander, or Royal Mendicant—only they suffered for their curiosity while these (as we shall just see) were the victims of a hard-hearted beauty.
[198] “Picture-like.”
[199] This recalls Milton’s well-worn lines in his description of “our common mother” Eve:
“Grace was in every step, heaven in her eye,
In every gesture dignity and love.”
The “witchery,” or “magic,” of a pretty girl’s eyes is quite as common a subject of complaint, or admiration, in Western as in Eastern amatory poetry: by Muslims it is called “Babylonian magic,” because the Chaldeans were past masters in magical arts.
[200] According to the Hindús, there are ten stages of love: (1) Love of the eyes; (2) attachment of the mind; (3) the production of desire; (4) sleeplessness; (5) emaciation; (6) indifference to objects of sense; (7) loss of shame; (8) distraction; (9) fainting; (10) death!
[201] Betel: the areca or Penang nut palm grown in many parts of the East Indies. Its kernel is used as a masticatory in India and elsewhere. The nut is carried in pouches and presented to guests in the houses of the rich on silver trays wrapped in gold and silver leaf, and in this form becomes an essential part in all ceremonial visits. Indeed, among some of the inhabitants of the Eastern Archipelago, to refuse the betel when offered would give unpardonable offence. It is believed to sweeten the breath, strengthen the stomach, and preserve the teeth; and when chewed with betel leaf (the Piper betel, Linn.) it gives the saliva a red colour, which it imparts also to the lips and gums (Balfour). The presentation of betel to visitors is a signal that the audience or interview is ended.
[202] “Blameless”: “spotless.”