[386]. The verses are very mal-à-propos, like many occurring in The Nights, for the maligned Shaykh is proof against all the seductions of the pretty boy and falls in love with a woman after the fashion of Don Quixote. Mr. Payne complains of the obscurity of the original owing to abuse of the figure enallage; but I find them explicit enough, referring to some debauched elder after the type of Abu Nowás.
[387]. Arab. “’Irk” = a root which must here mean a sprig, a twig. The basil grows to a comparatively large size in the East.
[388]. Arab. “Láit” = one connected with the tribe of Lot, see vol. v. [161].
[389]. For the play upon “Sáki” (oblique case of sák, leg-calf) and Sáki a cupbearer see vol. ii. [327].
[390]. “On a certain day the leg shall be bared and men shall be called upon to bow in adoration, but they shall not be able” (Koran, lxviii. 42). “Baring the leg” implies a grievous calamity, probably borrowed from the notion of tucking up the skirts and stripping for flight. On the dangerous San Francisco River one of the rapids is called “Tira-calcoens” = take off your trousers (Highlands of the Brazil, ii. 35). But here the allusion is simply ludicrous and to a Moslem blasphemous.
[391]. Arab. “Istahi,” a word of every day use in reproof. So the Hindost. “Kuchh sharm nahín?” hast thou no shame? Shame is a passion with Orientals and very little known to the West.
[392]. i.e. Angels and men saying, “The Peace (of God) be on us and on all righteous servants of Allah!” This ends every prayer.
[393]. Arab. “Al-Níyah,” the ceremonial purpose or intent to pray, without which prayer is null and void. See vol. v. [163]. The words would be “I purpose to pray a two-bow prayer in this hour of deadly danger to my soul.” Concerning such prayer see vol. i. [142].
[394]. Arab. “Sákin” = quiescent, Let a sleeping hound lie.
[395]. Arab. “Ásár” lit. traces i.e. the works, the mighty signs and marvels.