[545]. Elder Victory: “Nasr” is a favourite name with Moslems.
[546]. These are the “Swan-maidens” of whom Europe in late years has heard more than enough. It appears to me that we go much too far for an explanation of the legend; a high-bred girl is so like a swan in many points that the idea readily suggests itself. And it is also aided by the old Egyptian (and Platonic) belief in pre-existence and by the Rabbinic and Buddhistic doctrine of ante-natal sin, to say nothing of metempsychosis (Joseph Ant. xvii. 153).
[547]. The lines have occurred before. I quote Mr. Payne for variety.
[548]. Arab. “Al-Khayál”: it is a synonym of “al-Tayf” and the nearest approach to our “ghost,” as has been explained. In poetry it is the figure of the beloved seen when dreaming.
[549]. He does not kiss her mouth because he intends to marry her.
[550]. It should be “manifest” excellence (Koran xxvii. 16).
[551]. The phrase is Koranic used to describe Paradise, and Damascus is a familiar specimen of a city under which a river, the Baradah, passes, distributed into a multitude of canals.
[552]. It maybe noted that rose-water is sprinkled on the faces of the “nobility and gentry,” common water being good enough for the commonalty. I have had to drink tea made in compliment with rose-water and did not enjoy it.
[553]. The Valley Flowery: Zahrán is the name of a place near Al-Medinah.
[554]. The Proud or Petulant.