Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/24

Preface After I had uttered these words he threw away the flowers from his skirts, and attached himself to mine [saying]: "When a generous fellow makes a promise he keeps it."

On the same day I happened to write two chapters, namely on polite society and the rules of conversation, in a style acceptable to orators and instructive to letter-writers. In short, some roses of the garden still remained when the book of the Rose-Garden was finished, but it will in reality be completed only after approbation in the court of the Shâh, who is the refuge of the world, the shadow of God, the ray of His grace, the treasury of the age, the asylum of the Faith, strengthened by heaven, aided against enemies, the arm of the victorious government, the lamp of the resplendent religion, the beauty of mankind, the boast of Islâm, Sa'd, son of Atabek the great, the majestic Shâhanshâh, owner of the necks of nations, lord of the Kings of Arabia and Persia, the Sultân of the land and sea, the heir of the kingdom of Solomon, Muzaffaruddin Abu Bekr, son of Sa'd Zanki, may Allah the Most High perpetuate the prosperity of them both, and direct their inclinations to every good thing.

Perused with a kind glance, adorned with approbation by the sovereign, it will be a Chinese picture-gallery, or design of the Arzank. Hopes are entertained that he will not be wearied by these contents, because a rose garden is not a plase of displeasure. The more so as its august preface is dedicated to Sa'd Abu Bekr Sa'd, the son of Zanki.

My negligence and backwardness in diligent attendance at the royal court resemble the case of Barzachumihr, whose merits