[330]. Here after the favourite Oriental fashion, she tells the truth but so enigmatically that it is more deceptive than an untruth; a good Eastern quibble infinitely more dangerous than an honest downright lie. The consciousness that the falsehood is part fact applies a salve to conscience and supplies a force lacking in the mere fib. When an Egyptian lies to you look straight in his eyes and he will most often betray himself either by boggling or by a look of injured innocence.
[331]. Another true lie.
[332]. Arab. “Yastaghíbúní,” lit. = they deem my absence too long.
[333]. An euphemistic form of questioning after absence: “Is all right with thee?”
[334]. Arab. “Kallim al-Sultan!” the formula of summoning which has often occurred in The Nights.
[335]. Lane translates “Almost died,” Payne “well-nigh died;” but the text says “died.” I would suggest to translators
Be bould, be bould and every where be bould!
[336]. He is the usual poltroon contrasted with the manly and masterful girl, a conjunction of the lioness and the lamb sometimes seen in real life.
[337]. That he might see Jamilah as Ibrahim had promised.
[338]. A popular saying, i.e., les absents ont toujours tort.