[339]. See the conclusion of the story.
[340]. i.e. I have said my say.
[341]. Arab. “Al-Mutabattil,” usually = one who forsakes the world. The Katarát al-Naysán or rain-drops in the month Naysán (April) produce pearls when falling into the oyster-shells and poison in the serpent’s mouth. The allusions to them are innumerable in Persian poetry, and the idea gives rise to a host of moralities more or less insipid.
[342]. This is the general idea concerning the diamond in all countries where the gem is dug, but I never heard it of the pearl.
[343]. Arab. “Faras,” properly a mare; but the writer begins by using the feminine, and then employs the masculine. It is an abominable text.
[344]. Arab. “Rutab wa manázil,” may also mean “stations and mansions (of the moon and planets).” The double entendre was probably intended.
[345]. Arab. “Za’íf,” still a popular word, meaning feeble, sick, ailing, but especially, weak in venery.
[346]. See the original of this tale in King Al-Af’á: Al-Mas’udi, chap. xlvi.
[347]. He says this without any sense of shame, coolly as Horace or Catullus wrote.
[348]. i.e. of the caravan with which he came.