[454]. In northern Africa the “Dár al-Ziyáfah” was a kind of caravanserai in which travellers were lodged at government expense. Ibn Khaldún (Fr. Transl. i. 407).
[455]. In most of these tales the well is filled in over the intruding “villain” of the piece. Ibn Khaldun (ii. 575) relates a “veritable history” of angels choking up a well; and in Mr. Doughty (ii. 190) a Pasha-governor of Jiddah does the same to a Jinni-possessed pit.
[456]. This tale is of a kind not unfrequent amongst Moslems, exalting the character of the wife, whilst the mistress is a mere shadow.
[457]. Here written “Jalabí” (whence Scott’s “Julbee,” p. 461) and afterwards (p. 77, etc.) “Shalabí”:—it has already been noticed in vol. i. 22 and elsewhere.
[458]. In text “Baltah” for Turk “Báltah” = an axe, a hatchet. Hence “Baltah-ji” a pioneer one of the old divisions of the Osmanli troops which survives as a family name amongst the Levantines and semi-European Perotes of Constantinople.
[459]. Here the public gaol is in the Head Policeman’s house. So in modern times it is part of the Wali or Governor’s palace and is included in the Maroccan “Kasbah” or fortalice.
[460]. In text “Naakhaz bi-lissati-him;” “Luss” is after a fashion λῃστής; but the Greek word included piracy which was honourable, whenas the Arab. term is mostly applied to larcenists and similar blackguards. [I would read the word in the text “Balsata-hum,” until I have received their “ransom.”—St.]
[461]. In the text “Tajrís” which I have rendered by a circumlocution. [For the exact meaning of “Tajrís” see Dozy, Suppl. s.v. “jarras,” where an interesting passage from Mas’údí is quoted.—St.]
[462]. In Moslem lands prisoners are still expected to feed themselves, as was the case in England a century ago and is still to be seen not only in Al-Islam, Egypt and Syria, but even in Madeira and at Goa.
[463]. In text “Hudá Sirru-hu,” i.e. his secret sin was guided (by Allah) to the safety of concealment. [A simpler explanation of this passage would perhaps be: “wa hadá Sirru-hu,” = and his mind was at rest.—St.]