[Note 4]. The islands of Vakvak, so called by the Arabians, are situated beyond China, and seem to be what are now known by the islands of Japan. The former name was given them, as M. Galland supposes, from a tree, which grows there, and bears a fruit of that name.
[Note 5]. Among the Mahometans, Degial means the same as antichrist. According to them, he will make his appearance at the conclusion of all things, and conquer the whole world, except Mecca, Medina, Tarsus, and Jerusalem; which places will be preserved by angels, who will be seen surrounding them.
[Note 6]. The island of Serendib is the same as is now called Ceylon.
[Note 7]. The island, or rather peninsula, of Comori or Comari, is terminated at Cape Comorin.
[Note 8]. The Barmecides were an illustrious and noble race, who originally came from Persia; and it was from this family, that the grand vizier, Giafar, was descended.
[Note 9]. The word “Rihan,” in Arabic, means an odoriferous plant, something like sweet basil; and it was a custom among the Arabians to call their slaves by the name of some sweet smelling plant.
[Note 10]. By Noureddin, is meant, the “Light of Religion.”
[Note 11]. And by Bedreddin, “the Full Moon of Religion,” is understood.
[Note 12]. The interpretation of Schemseddin is the “Sun of Religion.”
[Note 13]. In the original Arabic there is, in this place, a very long description of the seven different dresses which the daughter of Schemseddin Mohammed put on; and in which she was presented to her intended husband, according to the usual custom of the Arabians. During the whole of this ceremony, there was also a concert on various instruments, accompanied by vocal music, and the recitation of verses. The whole of this description, together with the poetry, is omitted by M. Galland, who asserts, that the first would be very tedious, and the poetry lose all its beauty by the translation.