Excessive charm pervades the three concluding chapters. If that bigotry and spirit of intolerance of which the Mussulman, no less than the followers of other creeds, is guilty is revealed in no small measure, criticism on that score must give place to wonder and admiration for the sincere and perfervid homage which the poet renders to the Deity whom, in the essence, all nations worship. The narrative, in the eighth chapter, of Sadi’s adventure with the idolaters in Guzerat will be found amusing as well as enlightening. Nothing now remains for the translator but to join with Sadi in his plea for indulgent criticism: Never have I heard it said The wise found fault with what they read. Though of Chinese cloth a robe be made, Inside must a cotton lining be laid. If thou wouldst but the cloth, seek not to condemn— Gloss over the cotton with acumen. On the Day of Judgment the wicked will be Forgiven, through them that have purity. If in my words thou evil find, Do likewise, forgive, for more is behind. If a word in a thousand suit thy taste, Do not denounce the rest in haste. The poet goes on to remark that his compositions are esteemed in Persia as is the choicest musk of Tartary: the translator is less fortunate and more modest. A. H. E. THE BUSTĀN OF SADI PROLOGUE IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL In the name of Him who created and sustains the world, the Sage who endowed tongue with speech. He attains no honour who turns the face from the door of His mercy. The kings of the earth prostrate themselves before Him in supplication. He seizes not in haste the disobedient, nor drives away the penitent with violence. The two worlds are as a drop of water in the ocean of His knowledge. He withholds not His bounty though His servants sin; upon the surface of the earth has He spread a feast, in which both friend and foe may share. Peerless He is, and His kingdom is eternal. Upon the head of one He placeth a crown; another he hurleth from the throne to the ground. The fire of His friend He turneth into a flower-garden; through the waters of the Nile He sendeth His foes to perdition. Behind the veil He seeth all, and concealeth our faults with His own goodness. He is near to them that are downcast, and accepteth the prayers of them that lament. He knoweth of the things that exist not, of secrets that are untold. He causeth the moon and the sun to revolve, and spreadeth water upon the earth. In the heart of a stone hath He placed a jewel; from nothing hath He created all that is. Who can reveal the secret of His qualities; what eye can see the limits of His beauty? The bird of thought cannot soar to the height of His presence, nor the hand of understanding reach to the skirt of His praise. Think not, O Sadi, that one can walk in the road of purity except in the footsteps of Muhammad.