Chapter I: Preface

In the preparation of this little volume much depended upon the kindness and generosity of certain Oriental scholars, who have allowed me to reproduce some of their translations from Jámí. I have attempted to give their best work in so far as it tends to illustrate the mystical teaching of the last great poet of Persia.

Once more I am indebted to Mr. E. H. Whinfield for permission to quote from his translation of the _Lawá'ih_ (Oriental Translation Fund, New Series, vol. xvi., Royal Asiatic Society, London). I have to thank Prof. Edward G. Browne for allowing me to use his beautiful translation from _Yúsuf and Zulaikha_, which I have called "The Coming of the Beloved." This translation appears, in fuller form, in Prof. E. G. Browne's article on "Súfíism" in _Religious Systems of the World_ (Sonnenschein). The chapter in the present volume entitled "The Story of Yúsuf and Zulaikha" originally appeared in the _Orient Review_, and I am indebted to the editors for their courtesy in allowing me to reproduce it here. I very much appreciate Mr. E. Edwards's kindly interest in my work, and for the valuable suggestions he has made from time to time. I tender my thanks to Messrs. Kegan Paul for allowing me to make a selection from _Yúsuf and Zulaikha_, translated by the late Mr. Ralph T. Griffith (Trübner's Oriental Series).

The translations from _Salámán and Absál_ are by Edward FitzGerald, and those from the _Baháristán_ were originally published by the Kama Shastra Society.

F. HADLAND DAVIS

LONDON,
_March_,1908.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

I. THE LIFE OF JÁMÍ
II. THE STORY OF "SALÁMÁN AND ABSÁL"
III. THE TEACHING OF THE "LAWÁ'IH"
IV. THE STORY OF "YÚSUF AND ZULAIKHA"
V. THE "BAHÁRISTÁN," OR "ABODE OF SPRING"

SELECTIONS FROM "SALÁMÁN AND ABSÁL"
SELECTIONS FROM THE "LAWÁ'IH"
SELECTIONS FROM "YÚSUF AND ZULAIKHA"
SELECTIONS FROM THE "BAHÁRISTÁN"

EDITORIAL NOTE

The object of the editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West, the old world of Thought, and the new of Action. In this endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour.