Romance of the Nile?

Posted by Lewis on November 22, 2004

In Reply to: Origin of "Egyptian night"? posted by Tennis Smith on November 22, 2004

: Hi,

: I've often wondered what it meant in phrases like:
: "It seems to me, sunk in my Egyptian night, that the man who fails to do this in the United States to-day is a man who is somehow stupid-- maybe not on the surface, but certainly deep down." - HL Mencken

: Anyone know?

: Thanks,

: -Tennis

Egypt has the reputation for mystery and romance - hence the word 'gipsy' - as well as the older (Old Testament Biblical era) connotations of slavery and frightening power.

I have heard 'Egyptian night' used as evocative of clear skies, starry and perfumed.

Perhaps it is the contrast with day-time Cairo that makes them so alluring?

Lewis