[FN#104] One of the most celebrated, as well as the most witty and licentious, of Arab poets. He was one of Haroun er Reshid's boon-companions and died early in the ninth century.
[FN#105] See note, p. 274.{ see Vol. 3, FN#102}
[FN#106] The above appears to be the meaning of this somewhat obscure passage; but we may perhaps translate it as follows: "May God preserve (us) from the mischief of he Commander of the Faithful!" "O Vizier," answered the Khalif, "the mischief is passing great."
[FN#107] Meaning that the robbery must have been committed by some inmate of the palace.
[FN#108] Amir. Thus the Breslau edition; the two others give Amin, i.e. one who is trusted or in a position of trust.
[FN#109] According to Mohammedan tradition, it was Ishmael, not Isaac, whom Abraham was commanded to sacrifice.
[FN#110] Apparently a sort of blackmail levied upon merchants and others by the soldiers who protected them against the Bedouins.
[FN#111] A village on the Gulf of Scanderoon.
[FN#112] Or perhaps dinars, the coin not being specified.
[FN#113] Or sectary of Ali. The Shiyaites did not acknowledge the first three Khalifs Abou Bekr, Omar, and Othman, and were wont to write their names upon their heels, in token of contempt. The Sunnites are the orthodox Muslims, who accept the actual order of things.
[FN#114] An open-fronted reception-room, generally on the first floor and giving on the interior court of the house.
[FN#115] Instead of "rank of Amir," we should perhaps read "knighthood."
[FN#116] i.e. It is not enough. See Vol. II, p. 74, note. { see Vol. 2, FN#29}
[FN#119] The Mohammedans accuse the Jews, as well as the Christians, of falsifying their sacred books, so as to suppress the mention of Mohammed.
[FN#120] A very famous Arab chieftain of the latter part of the sixth century, especially renowned for the extravagance with which he practiced the patriarchal virtues of generosity and hospitality. He died a few years after Mohammed's birth.
[FN#121] Another famous Oriental type of generosity. He was a celebrated soldier and statesman of the eighth century and stood in high favour with the Ommiade Khalifs, as also (after the change of dynasty) with those of the house of Abbas.
[FN#122] Apparently meaning the upper part of the carpet whereon the Amir's chair was set. It is the place of honour and has a peculiar sanctity among the Arabs, it being a breach of good manners to tread upon it (or indeed upon any part of the carpet) with shodden feet.