[551]. Without which the marriage was not valid. The minimum is ten dirhams (drachmas) now valued at about five francs to shillings; and if a man marry without naming the sum, the woman, after consummation, can compel him to pay this minimum.
[552]. Arab. "Khatmah"=reading or reciting the whole Koran, by one or more persons, usually in the house, not over the tomb. Like the "Zikr," Litany or Rogation, it is a pious act confined to certain occasions.
[553]. Arab. "Zírbájah"=meat dressed with vinegar, cumin-seed (Pers. Zír) and hot spices. More of it in the sequel of the tale.
[554]. A saying not uncommon meaning, let each man do as he seems fit; also="age quod agis": and at times corresponding with our saw about the cap-fitting.
[555]. Arab. "Su'úd," an Alpinia with pungent rhizome like ginger; here used as a counter-odour.
[556]. Arab. "Tá'ih"=lost in the "Tíh," a desert wherein man may lose himself, translated in our maps "The Desert of the Wanderings," scil. of the children of Israel. "Credat Judæus."
[557]. i.e., £125 and £500.
[558]. A large sum was weighed by a professional instead of being counted, the reason being that the coin is mostly old and worn: hence our words "pound" and "pension" (or what is weighed out).
[559]. The eunuch is the best possible go-between on account of his almost unlimited power over the Harem.
[560]. i.e. a slave-girl brought up in the house and never sold except for some especial reason, as habitual drunkenness, etc.