Note 197 — THE LOVERS OF THE BANU TAYY.

Arab. “Al-‘Ár.” The Badawi saying is “Al-nár wa lá ‘l-‘ár” (Hell-)fire, but not shame. The sentiment is noble. Hasan the Prophet’s grandson, a poor creature demoralised by over-marrying, chose the converse, “Shame is better than Hell-fire.” An old Arabic poem has:—

The Fire and not shame be the Lord of thee

And e’en to The Fire from shame go flee.

Al-Hariri (Ass. of the Badawin) also has:—

For rather would I die my death than shame,—

On bier be borne than bear a caitiff’s name.