The way of a snake upon a rock;
And the way of a man with a maid.
[52]. Several women have described the pain to me as much resembling the drawing of a tooth.
[53]. As we should say, “play fast and loose.”
[54]. Arab. “Náhí-ka” lit. = thy prohibition but idiomatically used = let it suffice thee!
[55]. A character-sketch like that of Princess Dunya makes ample amends for a book full of abuse of women. And yet the superficial say that none of the characters have much personal individuality.
[56]. This is indeed one of the touches of nature which makes all the world kin.
[57]. As we are in Tartary “Arabs” here means plundering nomades, like the Persian “Iliyát” and other shepherd races.
[58]. The very cruelty of love which hates nothing so much as a rejected lover. The Princess, be it noted, is not supposed to be merely romancing, but speaking with the second sight, the clairvoyance, of perfect affection. Men seem to know very little upon this subject, though every one has at times been more or less startled by the abnormal introvision and divination of things hidden which are the property and prerogative of perfect love.
[59]. The name of the Princess meaning “The World,” not unusual amongst Moslem women.