第921页 / 共1116页

[FN#68] As Solomon began to reign (according to vulgar

chronometry) in B.C. 1015, the text would place the tale circ.

A.D. 785, = A.H. 169. But we can lay no stress on this date which

may be merely fanciful. Professor Tawney very justly compares

this Moslem Solomon with the Hindu King, Vikramaditya, who ruled

over the seven divisions of the world and who had as many devils

to serve him as he wanted.

[FN#69] Arab. "Ya Ba'id:" a euphemism here adopted to prevent

using grossly abusive language. Others will occur in the course

of these pages.

[FN#70] i. e. about to fly out; "My heart is in my mouth." The

Fisherman speaks with the dry humour of a Fellah.