[M&D p. 22] Spoiler -- Question

[Juan Cires Martinez]

Spoiler-cum-question below:

























On page 22, the L.E.D. says:

 "[...] we go on as tail-wagging Scheherezades, ever a step away from
  the dread Palm Leaf, nightly delaying the Blades of our Masters by
  telling back to them tales of their humanity."

What does the Palm Leaf mean?  What is it?  I am guessing that
Scheherezade must be the wife in "1001 Nights", am I correct?
(Right after that a sailor says: "Oh I say, Dog in Palm Leaf, what 
nonsense")

Saludos, Juan.