[FN#55] A character-sketch like that of Princess Dunya makes ample amends for a book full of abuse of women. And yet the superficial say that none of the characters have much personal individuality.
[FN#56] This is indeed one of the touches of nature which makes all the world kin.
[FN#57] As we are in Tartary “Arabs” here means plundering nomades, like the Persian “Iliyát” and other shepherd races.
[FN#58] The very cruelty of love which hates nothing so much as a rejected lover. The Princess, be it noted, is not supposed to be merely romancing, but speaking with the second sight, the clairvoyance, of perfect affection. Men seem to know very little upon this subject, though every one has at times been more or less startled by the abnormal introvision and divination of things hidden which are the property and prerogative of perfect love.
[FN#59] The name of the Princess meaning “The World,” not unusual amongst Moslem women.
[FN#60] Another pun upon his name, “Ma’aruf.”
[FN#61] Arab. “Naká,” the mound of pure sand which delights the eye of the Badawi leaving a town. See vol. i. 217, for the lines and explanation in Night cmlxiv. vol. ix. p. 250.
[FN#62] Euphemistic: “I will soon fetch thee food.” To say this bluntly might have brought misfortune.
[FN#63] Arab. “Kafr”=a village in Egypt and Syria e.g. Capernaum
(Kafr Nahum).
[FN#64] He has all the bonhomie of the Cairene and will do a kindness whenever he can.