Page:Researches respecting the Book of Sindibad and Portuguese Folk-Tales.djvu/154

 viii The absence of such a translation in the Italian edition had been already deplored. Mr. Coote did his best to overcome the difficulties which this task presented, due to the corrupt state of the Spanish text, and to this being itself a translation, very imperfect in some passages, from the Arabic.

The sad illness which overtook Mr. Coote before he had revised his translation caused some considerable delay in the publication, but through the unwearied labours and prompt and valuable assistance of Professor Comparetti, who has kindly read all the sheets, the Council has been able to complete the task of publication. Since Mr. Coote has once more been able to resume his interest in the work of our Society—and it is a deep and abiding interest—he has been constant in the expression of his desire to see this translation worthy of the learned and instructive original; and as no labour or trouble has been spared in endeavouring to obtain this object, it is hoped that it may be considered in some degree to merit its position. I am sure the members of the Society will appreciate the labours, as they have already done the kindness and learning, of Mr. Coote, who has been one of the mainstays of the Society from the commencement, and from whom I still continue to receive every assistance within his power.