Quoth Sheddad, on hearing
this description, "I will build me in this world the like of this
Paradise and I have no need of that thou promisest me."
[FN#141] i.e. the prophet Houd (Heber).
[FN#142] Son of Ibrahim el Mausili and still more famous as a
musician. He was also an excellent poet and a great favourite
with the Khalif Mamoun.
[FN#143] Mamoun's own Vizier, a man of great wealth and
munificence.
[FN#144] Witout the town.
[FN#145] Medewwerek, lit. "something round." This word generally
means a small round cushion; but, in the present instance, a gong
is evidently referred to.
[FN#146] The Prophet's uncle, from whom the Abbaside Khalifs were
descended.
[FN#147] Lit. "fugleman," i.e. "leader of the people at prayer,"
a title bestowed upon the Khalifs, in recognition of their
spiritual headship.
[FN#148] Dies albo lapide notanda.
[FN#149] Lit. Kaabeh.
[FN#150] Referring to the station in the Temple of Mecca, known
as the Mecam or standing-place of Abraham. The wish inferred is
that the Khalif's court may be as favourite a place of reverent
resort as the station in question.
[FN#151] Or (quaere) a pair of forceps.
[FN#152] See ante, p. 335. {see Vol. 3, FN#139}
[FN#153] i.
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