[359]. i.e. Turcomans; presently called Sístán, for which see vol. ii. 218.
[360]. In my Pilgrimage (i. 38), I took from Mr. Galton’s Art of Travel, the idea of opening with a lancet the shoulder or other fleshy part of the body and inserting into it a precious stone. This was immensely derided by not a few including one who, then a young man from the country, presently became a Cabinet Minister. Despite their omniscience, however, the “dodge” is frequently practised. See how this device was practised by Jeshua Nażarenus, vol. v. 238.
[361]. Arab. “’Alam,” a pile of stones, a flag or some such landmark. The reader will find them described in “The Sword of Midian,” i. 98, and passim.
[362]. Mr. Clouston refers to the “Miles Gloriosus” (Plautus); to “Orlando Innamorato” of Berni (the Daughter of the King of the Distant Isles); to the “Seven Wise Masters” (“The Two Dreams,” or “The Crafty Knight of Hungary”); to his Book of Sindibad, p. 343 ff.; to Miss Busk’s Folk-Lore of Rome, p. 399 (“The Grace of the Hunchback”); to Prof. Crane’s “Italian Popular Tales,” p. 167, and “The Elopement,” from Pitrè’s Sicilian collection.
[363]. In sign of impatience; “Look sharp!”
[364]. i.e. the resemblance of the supposed sister to his wife. This is a rechauffé of Kamar al-Zamán iid.
[365]. This leaving a long lock upon the shaven poll is a very ancient practice: we find it amongst the old Egyptians. For the Shúshah or topknot of hair, see vol. i. 308. It is differently worn in the several regions of the Moslem world: the Maroccans of the Ríf country grow it not on the pole but on one side of the head. As a rule, however, it is confined to boys, and is shaved off at puberty.
[366]. Suspecting her to be a witch because she was old and poor. The same was the case in Europe when these unfortunates were burned during the early part of the last century and even now the country-folk are often ready to beat or drown them. The abominable witchcraft acts, which arose from bibliolatry and belief in obsolete superstitions, can claim as many victims in “Protestant” countries, England and the Anglo-American States as the Jesuitical Inquisition.
[367]. It is not easy to make sense of this passage especially when the Wazir is spoken of.
[368]. This is a rechauffé of the Sandal-Wood Merchant and the Sharpers. Vol. vi. 202.