[FN#153] These preliminary words of Shehrzad have no apparent connection with the story that immediately follows and which is only her own told in the third person, and it is difficult to understand why they should be here introduced. The author may have intended to connect them with the story by means of a further development of the latter and with the characteristic carelessness of the Eastern story-teller, forgotten or neglected to carry out his intention; or, again, it is possible that the words in question may have been intended as an introduction to the Story of the Favourite and her Lover (see post, p. 165), to which they seem more suitable, and have been misplaced by an error of transcription. In any case, the text is probably (as usual) corrupt.
[FN#154] Breslau Text, vol. xii. pp. 384-394.
[FN#155] The kingdom of the elder brother is afterwards referred to as situate in China. See post, p. 150.
[FN#156] Tubba was the dynastic title of the ancient Himyerite Kings of Yemen, even as
Chosroës and Cæsar of the Kings of Persia and the Emperors of Constantinople respectively.
[FN#157] i.e. a king similar in magnificence and dominion to the monarchs of the three dynasties aforesaid, whose names are in Arab literature synonyms for regal greatness.
[FN#158] i.e. his rage was ungovernable, so that none dared approach him in his heat of passion.
[FN#159] i.e. maidens cloistered or concealed behind curtains and veiled in the harem.
[FN#160] i.e. those whose business it is to compose or compile stories, verses, etc., for the entertainment of kings and grandees.
[FN#161] i.e. that his new and damnable custom. The literal meaning of bidah is "an innovation or invention, anything new;" but the word is commonly used in the sense of "heresy" or "heterodox innovation," anything new being naturally heretical in the eyes of the orthodox religionist.
[FN#162] i.e. women.