[182]. Arab. “Ma’ádin” = minerals, here mentioned for the first time.
[183]. For the ear conceiving love before the eye (the basis of half these love-stories), see vol. iii. 9.
[184]. According to Dr. Steingass “Mirwad” = the iron axle of a pulley or a wheel for drawing water or lifting loads, hence possibly a bar of metal, an ingot. But he is more inclined to take it in its usual sense of “Kohl-pencil.” Here “Mirwád” is the broader form like “Miftáh” for “Miftah,” much used in Syria.
[185]. For the Ashrafi, a gold coin of variable value, see vol. iii. 294. It is still coined; the Calcutta Ashrafi worth £1 11s. 8d. is 1/16th (about 5s. to the oz.) better than the English standard, and the Regulations of May, 1793, made it weigh 190·894 grs. Troy.
[186]. In text “Anjar” = a flat platter; Pers.
[187]. By what physical process the author modestly leaves to the reader’s imagination. Easterns do not often notice this feminine venereal paroxysm which takes the place of seminal emission in the male. I have seen it happen to a girl when hanging by the arms a trifle too long from a gymnastic cross-bar; and I need hardly say that at such moments (if men only knew them) every woman, even the most modest, is an easy conquest. She will repent it when too late, but the flesh has been too strong for her.
[188]. A neat and suggestive touch of Eastern manners and morals.
[189]. In text “Ghayr Wa’d,” or “Min ghayr Wa’d.” Lit. without previous agreement: much used in this text for suddenly, unexpectedly, without design.
[190]. The reader will have remarked the use of the Arabic “’Alaka” = he hung, which with its branches greatly resembles the Lat. pendere.
[191]. Arab. “Min al-Malábis”, plur. of “Malbas” = anything pleasant or enjoyable; as the plural of “Milbas” = dress, garment, it cannot here apply.