Note 79 — HASAN OF BASSORAH.[5]

Yá layta, still popular. Herr Carlo Landberg (Proverbes et Dietons du Peuple Arabe, vol. i. of Syria, Leyden, E. J. Brill, 1883) explains layta for rayta (= raayta) by permutation of liquids and argues that the contraction is ancient (p. 42). But the Herr is no Arabist: “Layta” means “would to Heaven,” or, simply “I wish,” “I pray” (for something possible or impossible); whilst “La’alla” (perhaps, it may be) prays only for the possible; and both are simply particles governing the noun in the oblique, or accusative case.