[203]. i.e. the young beard (myrtle) can never hope to excel the beauties of his cheeks (roses).
[204]. i.e. Hell and Heaven.
[205]. The first couplet is not in the Mac. Edit. (ii. 171) which gives only a single couplet; but it is found in the Bres. Edit. which entitles this tale “Story of the lying (or false = kázib) Khalífah.” Lane (ii. 392) of course does not translate it.
[206]. In the East cloth of frieze that mates with cloth of gold must expect this treatment. Fath Ali Shah’s daughters always made their husbands enter the nuptial bed by the foot end.
[207]. This is always done and for two reasons; the first humanity, that the blow may fall unawares; and, secondly, to prevent the sufferer wincing, which would throw out the headsman.
[208]. Arab. “Ma’áni-há,” lit. her meanings, i.e. her inner woman opposed to the formal seen by every one.
[209]. Described in my Pilgrimage (iii. 168, 174 and 175): it is the stone upon which the Patriarch stood when he built the Ka’abah and is said to show the impress of the feet; but unfortunately I could not afford five dollars entrance-fee. Caliph Omar placed the station where it now is; before his time it adjoined the Ka’abah. The meaning of the text is, Be thy court a place of pious visitation, etc. At the “Station of Abraham” prayer is especially blessed and expects to be granted. “This is the place where Abraham stood; and whoever entereth therein shall be safe” (Koran ii. 119). For the other fifteen places where petitions are favourably heard by Heaven see ibid. iii. 211-12.
[210]. As in the West, so in the East, women answer an unpleasant question by a counter-question.
ALI THE PERSIAN.
It is said that the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, being restless one night, sent for his Wazir and said to him, “O Ja’afar, I am sore wakeful and heavy-hearted this night, and I desire of thee what may solace my spirit and cause my breast to broaden with amusement.” Quoth Ja’afar, “O Commander of the Faithful, I have a friend, by name Ali the Persian, who hath store of tales and pleasant stories, such as lighten the heart and make care depart.” Quoth the Caliph, “Fetch him to me,” and quoth Ja’afar, “Hearkening and obedience;” and, going out from before him, sent to seek Ali the Persian and when he came said to him, “Answer the summons of the Commander of the Faithful.” “To hear is to obey,” answered Ali;——And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say.