[84]. Mosul boasts of never having been polluted with idolatrous worship, an exemption which it owes to being a comparatively modern place.
[85]. The Aleppines were once noted for debauchery; and the saying is still “Halabi Shelebi” (for Chelebi) = the Aleppine is a fellow fine.
[86]. Mr. Payne omits the last line. It refers to what Persian boys call, in half-Turkish phrase, “Alish Takish,” each acting woman after he has acted man. The best wine is still made in monasteries and the so-called Sinai convent is world-famous for its “Ráki” distilled from raisins.
[87]. i.e. what a difference there is between them!
[88]. Arab. “Salli ala ‘l-Nabi,” a common phrase; meaning not only praise him to avert the evil eye; but also used when one would impose silence upon a babbler. The latter will shuffle off by ejaculating “Al” and continue his chatter (Pilgrimage ii. 279).
[89]. Arab. “Sukát” (plur. of Sáki, cupbearer, our old “skinker”): the pure gold (tibr) is the amber-coloured wine, like the Vino d’oro of the Libanus.
[90]. That is, fair, white and red: Turkish slaves then abounded at Baghdad.
[91]. A Wady near Meccah where one of Mohammed’s battles was fought. The line means his waist is a thread connected broad breast and large hind quarters.
[92]. Arab. “Zaurá” which may mean crooked, alluding to the well-known rib.
[93]. A pun. Bakr was the name of the eponymous chief and it also means virgin, as in Abu Bakr.