[FN#151] Al-Khalí’a has been explained in vol. i. 311 {Vol 1, FN#633}: the translation of Al-Mas’udi (vi. 10) renders it “scélérat.” Abú Alí al-Husayn the Wag was a Bassorite and a worthy companion of Abu Nowas the Debauchee; but he adorned the Court of Al-Amin the son, not of Al-Rashid the father.
[FN#152] Governor of Bassorah, but not in Al-Husayn’s day.
[FN#153] The famous market-place where poems were recited, mentioned by Al-Hariri.
[FN#154] A quarter of Bassorah.
[FN#155] Capital of Al-Yaman, and then famed for its leather and other work (vol. v. 16).
[FN#156] The creases in the stomach like the large navel are always insisted upon. Says the Kathá (ii. 525) “And he looked on that torrent river of the elixir of beauty, adorned with a waist made charming by those wave-like wrinkles,” etc.
[FN#157] Arab. Sabaj (not Sabah, as the Mac. Edit. misprints it): I am not sure of its meaning.
[FN#158] A truly Arab conceit, suggesting—
The music breathing from her face;
her calves moved rhythmically, suggesting the movement and consequent sound of a musical instrument.