[10] Tovar is a Serbian measure, representing what a normal horse can carry on its back. It is now an obsolete term.
[11] Dervish is an ecclesiastic official amongst the Mohammedans. When applied to the laity it is used as a term of reproach.
[12] Literally, “until thy good luck calls thee,” and means in Serbia until she marries.
[13] This is a reference to Lazar, who fell at the battle of Kossovo.
[14] Kessedjiya means ‘fighter’ or ‘bully,’ and is the nickname of an Albanian chevalier-brigand Moussa, who defied for years the distant power of the Sultan. The incident described in the poem here referred to recounts—according to some Serbian historians—an event which actually took place in the beginning of the fourteenth century. There is hardly any inn or tavern in the villages of the Southern Slavs on the front wall of which one cannot see a rough fresco illustrating the duel between Marko and Moussa.
[15] Arbanass is another appellation for Albanian.
[16] Dyugoom, a water vessel made of copper and enamelled inside.