[FN#137] The Arabic word is el Medineh, lit. the city. Perhaps the narrator meant to compare the citadel to the actual city of Medina.
[FN#138] A well-known theologian.
[FN#139] Koran lxxxix. 6, 7.
[FN#140] According to the Breslau edition, it was the prophet Hond who, being sent of God to exhort Sheddad and his people to embrace the true faith, promised them Paradise in the next world, as a reward, describing it as above. Quoth Sheddad, on hearing this description, "I will build me in this world the like of this Paradise and I have no need of that thou promisest me."
[FN#141] i.e. the prophet Houd (Heber).
[FN#142] Son of Ibrahim el Mausili and still more famous as a musician. He was also an excellent poet and a great favourite with the Khalif Mamoun.
[FN#143] Mamoun's own Vizier, a man of great wealth and munificence.
[FN#144] Witout the town.
[FN#145] Medewwerek, lit. "something round." This word generally means a small round cushion; but, in the present instance, a gong is evidently referred to.
[FN#146] The Prophet's uncle, from whom the Abbaside Khalifs were descended.