Note 493
TALE OF NUR AL-DIN AND HIS SON. (continued 2)
Arab. "Malik" (King) and "Malak" (angel) the words being written the same when lacking vowels and justifying the jingle.
[FN #494] Arab. "Hurr"; the Latin "ingenuus," lit. freeborn; metaph. noble as opp. to a slave who is not expected to do great or good deeds. In pop. use it corresponds, like "Fatá," with our "gentleman."
…he good and great: His justice makes all regions safe and sure, * And against froward foes bars every gate: Bold lion, hero, saint, e'en if you call * Seraph or Sovran [FN#493] he with all may rate! The poorest suppliant rich from him returns, * All words to praise him were inadequate. He to the day of peace is saffron Morn, * And murky Night in furious warfare's bate. Bow 'neath his gifts our necks, and by his deeds * As…
Return to passage