Note 570
The Reeve’s Tale.
The insolence and licence of these palace-girls was (and is) unlimited, especially when, as in the present case, they have to deal with a "softy." On this subject numberless stories are current throughout the East.
…of cumin ragout and forget to wash thy hand? By Allah, I will requite thee for thy misconduct. Shall the like of thee come to bed with the like of me with unclean hands?"[FN#570] Then she took from her side a plaited scourge and came down with it on my back and the place where I sit till her forearms were benumbed and I fainted away from the much beating; when she said to the handmaids, "Take him and carry him to the Chief of …
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