Note [14.] "Shems-ed-Deen" signifies "the Sun of the Religion;" and "Noor-ed-Deen," "the Light of the Religion."

Note [15.]—Customs observed after a Death. Though the men, in Arabian countries, make no change in their dress in indication of mourning, they observe other customs after the death of a relation. By the term here used in the original for "mourning" ("'azá," the primary signification of which is "consolation" or "condolence"), an allusion is made to receiving the visits of condoling friends. On the night immediately following the burial, several persons are employed to perform recitations of portions of the Ḳur-án, &c. The most remarkable of these ceremonies consists in repeating thrice one thousand times, "There is no deity but God:" one of the performers having a string of a thousand large beads by means of which to count these repetitions. Some persons are also hired to perform a recitation of the whole of the Ḳur-án in the afternoon or evening of the first Thursday after the funeral, and often on other days; and the merit of these and the former religious acts is transferred to the soul of the deceased.—These customs I have fully described in my work on the Modern Egyptians, vol. ii. ch. xv.

Note [16.] The island here alluded to is that called "Er-Róḍah," or "The Garden."

Note [17.] The prayer-carpet, which resembles a wide hearth-rug, is seldom used as a covering for the saddle except when the rider is a person of the learned profession. It is probably mentioned here to shew that Noor-ed-Deen was an officer of the pen, which was generally the case with the Wezeers of the Sulṭáns of Egypt.

Note [18.] Jerusalem is called in the original, and by the modern Arabs, "El-Ḳuds," which signifies "Holiness."

Note [19.] The Arabic name of Aleppo is "Ḥalab."

Note [20.] An Arab of rank is seldom seen on foot outside the threshold of his own house, unless it be merely to cross the street.

Note [21.] The decoration here alluded to consists in furnishing the apartment with costly carpets, handsome cushions, rich coverings for the deewáns, and coloured lamps, &c.

Note [22.] This, to some readers, may appear odd: it should therefore be explained that most articles of Arab clothing are equally suitable to young and old, thin and stout.

Note [23.] "Ḥasan" signifies "Beautiful" or "Handsome."