_Page 99._ “The ārNāerection of bridges, caravanserais, and mosques.”—It is doubtful whether “caravanserais” be the correct rendering of the word _ribāt_. It may denote one of the dome-shaped buildings (_kubba_), having an oratory annexed, and an institution endowed for the maintenance of students (_tālibān-i-`ilm_), who are to pass their lives in reading and devotion.—Sa`dī, in his _Bustān_, b. i, says: “No one hath come into the world for continuance, save him who leaveth behind him a good name; nor hath any one died who hath left as an inheritance a bridge, a mosque, a hostel, or an hospital. Whoever hath left no such memorial behind him, his existence has been but that of a tree which never bore fruit; and whoever hath departed and left no mark, his name after his death will never be lauded.” The “erection of mosques” may remind the reader of a passage in _Hamlet_, iii, 2: “There’s hope a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year; but, by’r Lady, _he must build churches then_.”
_Page 99._ “His advice was followed in all matters of importance.”—The text says: “he appointed him Grand Vizier” (_wazīr-i a`zam_).
_Page 99._ “This King had Ten Viziers, who conceived a mortal hatred against Abū Temām,” &c.—See Note, pp. 137–9.—So too in Norse and other European Folk-Tales, envious courtiers endeavour to ruin or destroy a King’s favourite by inciting the monarch to set him to perform some difficult and dangerous exploit, in which, however, he always succeeds.
_Page 100._ “Princess of Turkistān.”—Turān, Turkomania (or Transoxiana), is the country which lies beyond the Jihūn, or Oxus. Under the names of Irān and Turān the Eastern historians comprehend all the higher Asia, excepting India and China; and sometimes they imply “the whole world.” The Tātār nations in general have fine countenances, with large black eyes. Of all the towns in Turkistān, Chighil is the most famous for handsome men, expert archers, and beautiful maidens:
“The ringlets of the idols of Chighil Are altogether the abode of the soul, and the dwelling of the heart.”[87]
_Page 100._ “When the King heard the extravagant praises of her beauty he became enamoured.”—See Note pp. 157–8.
_Page 101._ “When the King of Turkistān heard of Abū Temām’s arrival, he sent proper officers to receive and compliment him.”—See third note, p. 131.—In Lescallier’s version the interview between the King and Abū Temām is related in more detail, to the following effect: