[FN#260] A well-known soldier and statesman, noted for piety and austerity.  A somewhat fuller version of this story, from which I have borrowed certain details, is given in the Biographical Dictionary of Ibn Khallikan (i. 303-4).  The latter, however, calls the first Abd al-Malik “Ibn Bahran” (in the index Ibn Bahram), which somewhat spoils the story.  “Ibn Khallikan,” by-the-by, is derived popularly from “Khalli” (let go), and “Kana” (it was, enough), a favourite expression of the author, which at last superseded his real name, Abu al-Abbas Ahmad.  He is better off than the companion nicknamed by Mohammed Abu Horayrah=Father of the She-kitten (not the cat), and who in consequence has lost his true name and pedigree.

[FN#261] In Ibn Khallikan (i. 303) he is called the “Hashimite,” from his ancestor, Hashim ibn Abd Manaf.  The Hashimites and Abbasides were fine specimens of the Moslem “Pharisee,” as he is known to Christians, not the noble Purushi of authentic history.

[FN#262] Meaning a cap, but of what shape we ignore.  Ibn Khallikan afterwards calls it a “Kalansua,” a word still applied to a mitre worn by Christian priests.

[FN#263] Arab.  “La baas,” equivalent in conversation to our “No matter,” and “All right.”

[FN#264] As a member of the reigning family, he wore black clothes, that being the especial colour of the Abbasides, adopted by them in opposition to the rival dynasty of the Ommiades, whose family colour was white, that of the Fatimites being green.  The Moslems borrowed their sacred green, “the hue of the Pure,” from the old Nabatheans and the other primitive colours from the tents of the captains who were thus distinguished.  Hence also amongst the Turks and Tartars, the White Horde and the Black Horde.

[FN#265] The word has often occurred, meaning date-wine or grape-wine.  Ibn Khaldun contends that in Ibn Khallikan it here means the former.

[FN#266] L25,000.  Ibn Khallikan (i. 304) makes the debt four millions of dirhams or L90,000-L100,000.

[FN#267] In the Biographer occurs the equivalent phrase, “That a standard be borne over his head.”

[FN#268] Here again we have a suggestion that Ja’afar presumed upon his favour with the Caliph; such presumption would soon be reported (perhaps by the austere intrigant himself) to the royal ears, and lay the foundation of ill-will likely to end in utter destruction.

[FN#269] Bresl.  Edit., vol. vii. pp. 258-60, Night dlxvii.

[FN#270] Fourth Abbaside, A.D. 785-786, vol. v. 93.  He was a fantastic tyrant who was bent upon promoting to the Caliphate his own son, Ja’afar; he cast Harun into prison and would probably have slain him but for the intervention of the mother of one of the two brothers, Khayzaran widow of Al-Mahdi, and Yahya the Barmecide.

[FN#271] Third Abbaside, A.D. 775-785, vol. vii. 136; ix. 334.