[195]. This incident occurs in the “Third Kalandar’s Tale.” See vol. i, [157]; and note to p. [145].
[196]. The Mac. Edit. has “Nahr” = river.
[197]. i.e. marked with the Wasm or tribal sign to show their blood. The subject of Wasm is extensive and highly interesting, for many of these brands date doubtless from prehistoric ages. For instance, some of the great Anazah nation (not tribe) uses a circlet, the initial of their name (an Ayn-letter), which thus shows the eye from which it was formed. I have given some specimens of Wasm in The Land of Midian (i. 320) where, as amongst the “Sinaitic” Badawin, various kinds of crosses are preserved long after the death and burial of Christianity.
[198]. i.e. from the heights. The “Sayl” is a dangerous feature in Arabia as in Southern India, where many officers have lost their lives by trying to swim it.
[199]. Arab. “‘Ujb.” I use arrogance in the Spanish sense of “arrogante,” gay and gallant.
[200]. In this rechauffé Paul Pry escapes without losing an eye.
[201]. Eastern tale-tellers always harp upon this theme, the cunning precautions taken by mankind and their utter confusion by “Fate and Fortune.” In such matters the West remarks, “Ce que femme veut, Dieu veut.”
[202]. As favourite an occupation in Oriental lands as in Southern Europe and the Brazil, where the Quinta or country villa must be built by the road-side to please the mistress.
[203]. The ink-case would contain the pens; hence called in India Kalamdán = reed (pen) box. I have advised travellers to prefer the strong Egyptian article of brass to the Persian, which is of wood or papier-mâché, prettily varnished, but not to wear it in the waist-belt, as this is a sign of being a scribe (Pilgrimage i. 353).
[204]. The vulgar Eastern idea is that women are quite knowing enough without learning to read and write: and at all events they should not be taught anything beyond reading the Koran, or some clearly-written book. The contrast with modern Europe is great; greater still in Anglo-America of our day, and greatest with the new sects which propose “biunes” and “bisexuals” and “women robed with the sun.”