[FN#376] The grave.

[FN#377] Arab.  “Sawwan” (popularly pronounced Suwan) ="Syenite” from Syrene; generally applied to silex, granite or any hard stone.

[FN#378] A proceeding fit only for thieves and paupers:  “Alpinism” was then unknown.  “You come from the mountain” (al-Jabal) means, “You are a clod-hopper”; and “I will sit upon the mountain"=turn anchorite or magician. (Pilgrimage i. 106.)

[FN#379] Corresponding with wayside chapels in Catholic countries.  The Moslem form would be either a wall with a prayer niche (Mibrab) fronting Meccah-wards or a small domed room.  These little oratories are often found near fountains, streams or tree-clumps where travellers would be likely to alight.  I have described one in Sind ("Scinde or the Unhappy Valley” i. 79), and have noted that scrawling on the walls is even more common in the East than in the West; witness the monuments of old Egypt bescribbled by the Greeks and Romans.  Even the paws of the Sphinx are covered with such graffiti; and those of Ipsambul or Abu Simbal have proved treasures to epigraphists.

[FN#380] In tales this characterises a Persian; and Hero Rustam is always so pictured.

[FN#381] The Parsis, who are the representatives of the old Guebres, turn towards the sun and the fire as their Kiblah or point of prayer; all deny that they worship it.  But, as in the case of saints’ images, while the educated would pray before them for edification (Labia) the ignorant would adore them (Dulia); and would make scanty difference between the “reverence of a servant” and the “reverence of a slave.”  The human sacrifice was quite contrary to Guebre, although not to Hindu, custom; although hate and vengeance might prompt an occasional murder.

[FN#382] These oubliettes are common in old eastern houses as in the medieval Castles of Europe, and many a stranger has met his death in them.  They are often so well concealed that even the modern inmates are not aware of their existence.

[FN#383] Arab.  “Bakk”; hence our “bug” whose derivation (like that of “cat” “dog” and “hog”) is apparently unknown to the dictionaries, always excepting M. Littre’s.

[FN#384] i.e. thy beauty is ever increasing.

[FN#385] Alluding, as usual, to the eye-lashes, e.g.

          An eyelash arrow from an eyebrow bow.

[FN#386] Lane (ii. 168) reads:—­“The niggardly female is protected by her niggardness;” a change of “Nahilah” (bee-hive) into “Bakhilah” (she skin flint).

[FN#387] Koran iv. 38.  The advantages are bodily strength, understanding and the high privilege of Holy War.  Thus far, and thus far only, woman amongst Moslems is “lesser

[FN#388] Arab.  “Amir Yakhur,” a corruption of “Akhor"=stable (Persian).

[FN#389] A servile name in Persian, meaning “the brave,” and a title of honour at the Court of Delhi when following the name.  Many English officers have made themselves ridiculous (myself amongst the number) by having it engraved on their seal-rings, e.g.  Brown Sahib Bahadur.  To write the word “Behadir” or “Bahadir” is to adopt the wretched Turkish corruption.