[276] That is, “completely armed.”  Vide note 2, page 87.

[277] On the exact meaning of dastar-khwan, see note, page 104.

[278] The Musalman confession of faith, see note 3, page 156.

[279] The idiom “do mahine ek,” about two months, similar to the phrase, “pachas ek baras,” v. note 1, page 161.

[280] Literally, “began to smack his lips;” denoting his satisfaction.

[281] Tartar, African, and Turkish slaves.

[282] Literally, “I have not proved false in what you have entrusted to me.”

[283] The coffee and pipe are always presented to visitors in Turkey, Arabia, and Persia, and they are considered as indispensable in good manners.

[284] “dant kholne” is fully explained in my Grammar, page 129.  It appears to have sadly puzzled a learned critic, to whom I have occasionally alluded.

[285] Literally, “middle brother;” as there were three in number, of course the “second” and “middle” are identical.

[286] The Siyum are the rites performed for the dead on the third day after demise; it is called the tija in Hinduwi.

[287] Alluding to God.

[288] Or it may mean, “my blood boiled” [with resentment].

[289] The Muhammadan sabbath is Friday.

[290] A kafila means a company of merchants who assemble and travel together for mutual protection.  It is synonymous with caravan.

[291] Bukhara is a celebrated city in Tartary; it was formerly the capital of the province called Mawaralnahr, or Transoxiana, before the Tartar conquerors fixed on Samarkand.  It lies to the northward of the river Oxus or Gihun, which divides Tartary from Persia, or as the Persian geographers term it, Iran, from Turan. Bukhara is celebrated by Persian poets for its climate, its fruits, and its beautiful women.

[292] The boza is an intoxicating drink made of spirits, the leaves of the charas plant, tari, and opium. Tari, erroneously called todee, is the juice of the palm tree.

[293] Literally, ale-house, or tippling-house.  One is strongly led to believe that this is the origin of our cant word boozing-ken, imported from the East by the gipsies some four or five centuries ago.

[294] A grateful and luxurious operation in the warm climate of India, more especially after the fatigue of travelling. Shampooing is a word of uncertain etymology; the French have a better term, masser.  The natives say it has a physical advantage, as it quickens their languid circulation; perhaps they are right.

[295] A kos is nearly two English miles, being about fifteen furlongs.

[296] Literally, “the fire was kindled in my stomach.”

[297] Pointing to his two brothers who were present, and heard his tale.