[358]. Mr. Payne translates this “And God defend the right” (of plunder according to the Arabs).
[359]. Arab. “Lilláhi darruk”; see vol. iv. 20. Captain Lockett (p. 28) justly remarks that “it is a sort of encomiastic exclamation of frequent occurrence in Arabic and much easier to comprehend than translate.” Darra signifies flowing freely (as milk from the udder) and was metaphorically transferred to bounty and to indoles or natural capacity. Thus the phrase means “your flow of milk is by or through Allah,” i.e., of unusual abundance.
[360]. The words are euphemistic: we should say “comest thou to our succour.”
[361]. i.e. If his friend the Devil be overstrong for thee, flee him rather than be slain; as
He who fights and runs away
Shall live to fight another day.
[362]. i.e. I look to Allah for aid (and keep my powder dry).
[363]. i.e. to the next world.
[364]. This falling backwards in laughter commonly occurs during the earlier tales; it is, however, very rare amongst the Badawin.
[365]. i.e. as he were a flying Jinni, swooping down and pouncing falcon-like upon a mortal from the upper air.