The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 1 · Richard Francis Burton translation

Note 580
Tale of the Jewish Doctor.

Arab. "Laylat al-Wafá," the night of the completion or abundance of the Nile (-flood), usually between August 6th and 16th, when the government proclaims that the Nilometer shows a rise of 16 cubits. Of course it is a great festival and a high ceremony, for Egypt is still the gift of the Nile (Lane M. E. chapt. xxvi—a work which would be much improved by a better index).

ITS PLACE IN THE BOOK

…and its charms whereof every viewer as he approacheth saith, 'Verily this spot is specialised with all manner of excellence!' And if thou speak of the Night of Nile full,[FN#580] give the rainbow and distribute it![FN#581] And if thou behold The Garden at eventide, with the cool shades sloping far and wide, a marvel thou wouldst see and wouldst incline to Egypt in ecstasy. And wert thou by Cairo's river side,[FN#582] when the …

Return to passage
MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE

Reading settings

Appearance
Typeface

There is always another world waiting between the pages.

Your preferences stay in this browser. No account needed.