CONTENTS.


FLOWERS FROM A PERSIAN GARDEN.

I Sketch of the Life of the Persian Poet Saádí--Character of his
Writings--the _Gulistán_, or Rose-Garden--Prefaces to
Books--Preface to the _Gulistán_--Eastern Poets in praise of
Springtide

II Boy's Archery Feat--Advantages of Abstinence--Núshirván on
Oppression--Boy in terror at Sea--Pride of Ancestry--Misfortunes
of Friends--Fortitude and Liberality--Prodigality--Stupid
Youth--Advantages of Education--The Fair Cup-bearer--'January and
May'--Why an Old Man did not Marry--The Dervish who became
King--Muezzin and Preacher who had bad voices--Witty Slave--Witty
Kází--Astrologer and his Faithless Wife--Objectionable Neighbour

III On Taciturnity: Parallels from Caxton's _Dictes_ and preface to
_Kalíla wa Dimna_--Difference between Devotee and Learned Man--To
get rid of Troublesome Visitors--Fable of the Nightingale and the
Ant--Aphorisms of Saádí--Conclusion


ORIENTAL WIT AND HUMOUR.

I Man a Laughing Animal--Antiquity of Popular Jests--'Night and
Day'--The Plain-featured Bride--The House of Condolence--The
Blind Man's Wife--Two Witty Persian Ladies--Woman's Counsel--The