Note 118 — NIGHT ADVENTURE OF HARUN AL-RASHID AND THE YOUTH MANJAB.[106]
Richard Francis Burton translation · Edition 2
This is usually a sign of grief, a symbolic act which dates from the days of the Heb. patriarchs (Gen. xxxvii. 29–34); but here it is the mark of strong excitement. The hand is placed within the collar and a strong pull tears the light stuff all down the breast. Economical men do this in a way which makes darning easy.