«عَلَيْهِ سَمَلٌ وَفِي مِشْيَتِهِ قَزَلٌ»
He wore ragged clothing and had a limping or uneven gait.
Samal denotes worn-out garments or rags, while qazal points to lameness or an impaired manner of walking. These physical details show the visitor’s condition rather than merely labelling him poor.
The details suggest hardship but do not by themselves prove the truth of everything he will claim. The narrative lets outward appearance shape the audience’s first impression while leaving his identity open.