[526]. Arab. “Nákús,” a wooden gong used by Eastern Christians which were wisely forbidden by the early Moslems.
[527]. i.e. a graceful, slender youth.
[528]. There is a complicated pun in this line: made by splitting the word after the fashion of punsters. “Zarbu ’l-Nawákísí = the striking of the gongs, and “Zarbu ’l Nawà, Kísí = striking the departure signal: decide thou” (fem. addressed to the Nafs, soul or self). I have attempted a feeble imitation.
[529]. The modern Italian term for the venereal finish.
[530]. Arab. “Najm al-Munkazzi,” making the envious spy one of the prying Jinns at whom is launched the Shiháb or shooting-star by the angels who prevent them listening at the gates of Heaven. See vol. i. [224].
[531]. Arab. “Sandúk al-Nuzur,” lit. “the box of vowed oblations.” This act of sacrilege would find high favour with the auditory.
[532]. The night consisting like the day of three watches. See vol. i.
[533]. Arab. “Al-Khaukhah,” a word now little used.
[534]. Arab. “Námúsiyah,” lit. mosquito curtains.