[337]. The moles are here compared with pearls; a simile by no means common or appropriate.
[338]. A parody on the testification of Allah's Unity.
[339]. Arab. "Simát" (prop. "Sumát"); the "dinner-table," composed of a round wooden stool supporting a large metal tray, the two being called "Sufrah" (or "Simat"): thus, "Sufrah házirah!" means dinner is on the table. After the meal they are at once removed.
[340]. In the text "Dastúr," the Persian word before noticed; "Izn" would be the proper Arabic equivalent.
[341]. In the Moslem East a young woman, single or married, is not allowed to appear alone in the streets; and the police has a right to arrest delinquents. As a preventive of intrigues the precaution is excellent. During the Crimean war hundreds of officers, English, French and Italian, became familiar with Constantinople; and not a few flattered themselves on their success with Turkish women. I do not believe that a single bonâ fide case occurred; the "conquests" were all Greeks, Wallachians, Armenians or Jewesses.
[342]. Arab. "Azím": translators do not seem to know that this word in The Nights often bears its Egyptian and slang sense, somewhat equivalent to our "deuced" or "mighty" or "awfully fine."
[343]. This is a very serious thing amongst Moslems and scrupulous men often make great sacrifices to avoid taking an oath.
[344]. We should say "into the noose."
[345]. The man had fallen in love with her and determined to mark her so that she might be his.
[346]. Arab. "Dajlah," in which we find the Heb. Hid-dekel.