It was originally compos'd in the _Chaldean_ Language, to which both you and my self are perfect Strangers. It was translated, however, into _Arabic_, for the Amusement of the celebrated Sultan OULOUG-BEG. It first appear'd in Public, when the _Arabian_ and _Persian_ Tales of One Thousand and One Nights, and One Thousand and One Days, were most in Vogue: OULOUG chose rather to entertain himself with the Adventures of _Zadig_. The Sultanas indeed were more fond of the former. How can you, said the judicious OULOUG, be so partial, as to prefer a Set of Tales, that are no ways interesting or instructive, to a Work, that has a Variety of Beauties to recommend it? Oh! replied the Sultanas, the less Sense there is in them, the more they are in Taste; and the less their Merit, the greater their Commendation. I flatter my self, thou Patroness of Wisdom, that thou wilt not copy after those thoughtless Sultanas, but give into the Sentiments of OULOUG. I am in hopes likewise, when you are tir'd with the Conversation of such as make those senseless Romances abovemention'd their favourite Amusements, you will vouchsafe to listen for one Minute or two, to the Dictates of solid Sense. Had you been _Thalestris_ in the Days of _Scander_, the Son of _Philip_; had you been the Queen of _Sheba_, in the Reign of _Solomon_, those Kings would have been proud to have taken a Tour to visit you. May the Celestial Virtues grant, that your Pleasures may meet with no Interruption; your Charms know no Decay; and may your Felicity be everlasting! _SADI._ THE Approbation. I, Who have subscrib'd my Name hereto, ambitious of being thought a Man of Wit and Learning, have perus'd this MANUSCRIPT, which I find, to my great Mortification, amusing, moral, philosophical, and fit to be read, even by those who have an utter Aversion to Romances; for which Reason, I have depretiated it, as it deserves, and have in direct Terms told the CADI-LESQUIER, that 'tis a most detestable Performance. THE CONTENTS. CHAP. I. _The blind Eye_ CHAP. II. _The Nose_ CHAP. III. _The Dog and the Horse_, &c. CHAP. IV. _The Envious Man_ CHAP. V. _The Force of Generosity_ CHAP. VI. _The Just Judge_ CHAP. VII. _The Force of Jealousy_ CHAP. VIII. _The Thresh'd Wife_ CHAP. IX. _The Captive_ CHAP. X. _The Funeral Pile_ CHAP. XI. _The Evening's Entertainment_ CHAP. XII. _The Rendezvous_ CHAP. XIII. _The Free-booter_ CHAP. XIV. _The Fisherman_ CHAP. XV. _The Basilisk_ CHAP. XVI. _The Tournaments_ CHAP. XVII. _The Hermit_ CHAP. XVIII. _The Riddles, or AEnigmas_ _ZADIG_: AN Oriental History. CHAP. I. _The Blind_ EYE.