[FN#219] Arab. "Zikr" lit. remembering, mentioning (i. c. the names of Allah), here refers to the meetings of religious for devotional exercises; the "Zikkirs," as they are called, mostly standing or sitting in a circle while they ejaculate the Holy Name. These "rogations" are much affected by Darwayshes, or begging friars, whom Europe politely divides into "dancing" and "howling"; and, on one occasion, greatly to the scandal of certain Engländerinns to whom I was showing the Ezbekiyah I joined the ring of "howlers." Lane (Mod. Egypt, see index) is profuse upon the subject of "Zikrs" and Zikkírs. It must not be supposed that they are uneducated men: the better class, however, prefers more privacy.
[FN#220] As they thought he had been there for prayer or penance.
[FN#221] Arab. "Ziyárat," a visit to a pious person or place.
[FN#222] This is a paternal salute in the East where they are particular about the part kissed. A witty and not unusually gross Persian book, called the "Al-Námah" because all questions begin with "Al" (the Arab article) contains one "Al-Wajib al-busidan?" (what best deserves bussing?) and the answer is "Kus-i-nau-pashm," (a bobadilla with a young bush).
[FN#223] A weight of 71-72 English grains in gold; here equivalent to the diner.
[FN#224] Compare the tale of The Three Crows in Gammer Grethel, Evening ix.
[FN#225] The comparison is peculiarly apposite; the earth seen from above appears hollow with a raised rim.
[FN#226] A hundred years old.
[FN#227] "Bahr" in Arab. means sea, river, piece of water; hence the adjective is needed.
[FN#228] The Captain or Master of the ship (not the owner). In Al-Yaman the word also means a "barber," in virtue of the root, Raas, a head.