And here I end this long volume with repeating in other words and other tongue what was said in “L’Envoi”:—
Hide thou whatever here is found of fault;
And laud The Faultless and His might exalt!
After which I have only to make my bow and to say
[1]. Arab. “Zarábín” (pl. of zarbún), lit. slaves’ shoes or sandals (see vol. iii. p. [336]) the chaussure worn by Mamelukes. Here the word is used in its modern sense of stout shoes or walking boots.
[2]. The popular word means goodness, etc., e.g. “A’mil al-Ma’arúf” = have the kindness; do me the favour.
[3]. Dozy translates “’Urrah” = Une Mégère: Lane terms it a “vulgar word signifying a wicked, mischievous shrew.” But it is the fem. form of ’Urr = dung; not a bad name for a daughter of Billingsgate; and reminds us of the term “Dung-beardlings” applied by the amiable Hallgerda to her enemy’s sons. (The Story of Burnt Njal, ii. 47.)