[272]. Arab. “Yá Házá,” see vol. i. 290.
[273]. In text “Yumkinshayy,” written in a single word, a favourite expression, Fellah-like withal, throughout this MS.
[274]. In text “Tafazzalú”; see vol. ii. 103.
[275]. The word (Saráy) is Pers. but naturalised throughout Egypt and Syria; in places like Damascus where there is no King it is applied to the official head-quarters of the Walí (provincial governor), and contains the prison like the Maroccan “Kasbah.” It must not be confounded with “Serraglio” = the Harem, Gynecium or women’s rooms, which appears to be a bastard neo-Latin word “Serrare,” through the French Serrer. I therefore always write it with the double “canine letter.”
[276]. I have noted (vol. i. 95) that the “Khil’ah” = robe of honour, consists of many articles, such as a horse, a gold-hilted sword, a fine turban, etc., etc.
[277]. This again shows the “Nakkál” or coffee-house tale-teller. See vol. x. 163.
[278]. This is the Moslem version of “Solomon’s Judgment” (1 Kings iii. 16–20). The Hebrew legend is more detailed but I prefer its rival for sundry reasons. Here the women are not “harlots” but the co-wives of one man and therefore hostile; moreover poetical justice is done to the constructive murderess.
[279]. I am not aware that the specific gravity of the milks has ever been determined by modern science; and perhaps the experiment is worthy a trial.
[280]. Arab. “Dúna-k.” See vol. iv. p. 20.
[281]. “Al-Wazíru’l-’Arif bi-lláhi Ta’álà,” a title intended to mimic those of the Abbaside Caliphs; such as “Mu’tasim bi’llah” (servant of Allah), the first of the long line whose names begin with an epithet (the Truster, the Implorer, etc.), and end with “bi’llah.”