The bride is always displayed in the richest
clothes and ornament that can be mustered or borrowed for the
occasion.
[FN#56] Moles?
[FN#57] There is a play upon words in this line, founded upon the
double meaning of the word shirk, sharing (or partnership) and
polytheism or the attributing partners or equals to God (as in
the Trinity), the one unpardonable sin of the Muslim religious
code.
[FN#58] Both afterwards Khalifs.
[FN#59] i.e. God.
[FN#60] lit "though lying save, yet truth saves and saves."
[FN#61] On which she sits to be displayed.
[FN#62] Placed there for the purpose of the ablution prescribed
by the ceremonial law.
[FN#63] Speaking, of course, ironically and supposing Bedreddin
to be the hunchback.
[FN#64] Bedreddin.
[FN#65] Mosul is a town of Mesopotamia, some two hundred miles
N.E. of Baghdad. It is celebrated for its silk and muslin
manufactories. The Mosulis doubtless set the fashion in turbans
to the inhabitants of Baghdad and Bassora, and it would appear
from the Vizier's remark that this fashion was notably different
from that followed at Cairo.
[FN#66] Eye-powder. The application of kohl to an infant's eyes
is supposed to be beneficial.
[FN#67] The North wind holds the same place in Oriental metaphor
and poetry as does the West wind in those of Europe.
[FN#68] Or kernel.
[FN#69] lit.
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