[FN#41] The Mohammedan grave is a cell, hollowed out in the sides of a trench and so constructed as to keep out the earth, that the deceased may be able to sit up and answer the examining angels when they visit him in the tomb. There was, therefore, nothing improbable in Er Razi's boast that he could abide two days in the tomb.
[FN#42] Nawous, a sort of overground well or turricle of masonry, surmounted by an iron grating, on which the Gueber's body is placed for devoration by the birds.
[FN#43] Munkir [Munker] and Nakir [Nekir] are the two angels that preside at 'the examination of the tomb.' They visit a man in his grave directly after he has been buried and examine him concerning his faith; if he acknowledge that there is but one God and that Mohammed is His prophet [apostle], they suffer him to rest in peace; otherwise they beat him with [red-hot] iron maces, till he roars so loud[ly] that he is heard by all from east to west, except by man and Ginns [Jinn]."—Palmer's Koran, Introduction.
[FN#44] Lit. the oven (tennour); but this is obviously a mistake for "tombs" (cubour).
[FN#45] i.e. as a propitiatory offering on behalf of.
[FN#46] i.e. though he remain at thy charge or (as we should say) on thy hands.
[FN#47] About twenty-five shillings.
[FN#48] About £137 10s.
[FN#49] Meaning the sharper.
[FN#50] i.e. he asketh nought but that which is reasonable.