Note 77 — HASSAN OR THE CHILD OF THE PYRAMID (continued 4)

The original word rendered “good” in the translation of this fine proverb signifies more usually “free,” “noble,” “honourable”; in fact, includes those qualities which ought to be comprised in the character which we designate as a “gentleman.” After studying with some care the proverbs of many European nations, I am bound to say that, in variety of illustration, in terseness and felicity of diction, those found in the Arabic language surpass every other.