Note 219 — TALE OF THE LOVER WHO FEIGNED HIMSELF A THIEF.

Arab. “Thakalata-k Ummak!” This is not so much a curse as a playful phrase, like “Confound the fellow.” So “Kátala-k Allah” (Allah slay thee) and “Lá abá lak” (thou hast no father or mother). These words are even complimentary on occasions, as a good shot or a fine recitation, meaning that the praised far excels the rest of his tribe.