Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/16

Introduction he built a hermitage, settled down, and worked there till his death in A.D. 1291,

Sa’di has left many literary remains, consisting of poems, odes, elegies, verses, anecdotes, mortal maxims, fragments, discourses, and essays. The great beauty of his style is its elegant simplicity. His imagination is more sober than the erotic flights of Hafiz, or the mysticisms of Jalal-uddin Rumi, while many good, useful, and noble sentiments are to be found in all his works.

Sa'di has been called by a brother poet 'The nightingale of the groves of Shirâz.' European poets have long since appreciated and admired his style, his language, and his witty and telling similitudes, while an admiration for his talents has caused his name to be added to a family in France which has lately come prominently into notice.

The present work has been ably and faithfully translated. It will repay perusal, not once only, but several times. Indeed, the oftener it is read, the more the reader will be impressed with Sa'di's truth, wisdom, and knowledge of the humanities.


 * We gave advice in its proper place,
 * Spending a lifetime in the task.
 * If it should not touch anyone's ear of desire,
 * The messenger told his tale; it is enough.