[316]. The mildness of the Caliph Mu'áwiyah, the founder of the Ommiades, proverbial among the Arabs, much resembles the "meekness" of Moses the Lawgiver, which commentators seem to think has been foisted into Numbers xii. 3.
[317]. Showing that there had been no consummation of the marriage which would have demanded "Ghusl", or total ablution, at home or in the Hammam.
[318]. have noticed this notable desert-growth.
[319]. The "situation" is admirable, solution appearing so difficult and catastrophe imminent.
[320]. This quatrain occurs in Night ix.: I have borrowed from Torrens (p. 79) by way of variety.
[321]. The belief that young pigeon's blood resembles the virginal discharge is universal; but the blood most resembling man's is that of the pig which in other points is so very human. In our day Arabs and Hindus rarely submit to inspection the nuptial sheet as practised by the Israelites and Persians. The bride takes to bed a white kerchief with which she staunches the blood and next morning the stains are displayed in the Harem. In Darfour this is done by the bridegroom. "Prima Venus debet esse cruenta," say the Easterns with much truth, and they have no faith in our complaisant creed which allows the hymen-membrane to disappear by any but one accident.
[322]. Not meaning the two central divisions commanded by the King and his Wazir.
[323]. Ironicè.
[324]. Arab. "Rasy" = praising in a funeral sermon.
[325]. Arab. "Manáyá," plur. of Maniyat = death. Mr. R. S. Poole (the Academy, April 26, 1879) reproaches Mr. Payne for confounding "Muniyat" (desire) with "Maniyat" (death); but both are written the same except when vowel-points are used.