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