[221]. As before noted, her love enables her to deal in a somewhat of prophetic strain.
[222]. This scene may sound absurd; but it is admirable for its materialism. How often do youthful-lovers find an all-sufficient pastime in dressing themselves up and playing the game of mutual admiration. It is well nigh worthy of that “silliest and best of love-stories”—Henrietta Temple.
[223]. The text bluntly says “Wa Nikáh,” which can mean nothing else.
[224]. Scott calls him “Yiah”; vi. 354.
[225]. Arab. “Akhbarú-hu,” alluding to the lord Yahyà.
[226]. Here I presume a “Kála” (quoth he) is omitted; for the next sentence seems appropriate to Yusuf.
[227]. In Arab. “Tastaghís” = lit. crying out “Wa Ghausáh!”—Ho, to my aid!
[228]. The “Zug” or draught which gave him rheumatism—not a romantic complaint for a young lover. See vol. ii. 9. But his power of sudden invention is somewhat enviable, and lying is to him, in Hindustani phrase, “easy as drinking water.”
[229]. Who evidently ignored or had forgotten the little matter of the concubine, so that incident was introduced by the story-teller for mere wantonness.
[230]. In text “Mazbúh” = slaughtered for food.