and I can only trust that these pages will prove that their
confidence in my judgment has not been misplaced.

To everyone who has assisted me I tender my sincere thanks, and I
assure them that I shall never forget their abundant kindness.

Finally, in writing this work every possible care has been taken to
ensure accuracy[FN#22]; but that absolute perfection has been
attained is improbable. It is hoped, however,--to borrow the quaint
expression of the Persian poet Jami--"that the noble disposition of
the readers will induce them to pass over defects."[FN#23]


My grateful thanks are due to the following ladies and gentlemen for
various services.

Arbuthnot, Mrs. F. F., 43 South Street, Park Lane, London.
Ashbee, Mr. C. G., Woolstapler Hall, Chipping Cambden,
Gloucestershire.
Agg, Mrs. Hewletts, Cheltenham.
Baddeley, Mrs., Brighton.
Baker, Dr. Grenfell, 25, Southwick Street, Hyde Park, W.
Birch, Mrs. G. M., Lympstone Grange, South Devon.
Blumhardt, Prof. James F., British Museum.
Burton, Mrs. E. J., 31, Wilbury Road, Brighton.
Burton, Major St. George, The Black Watch.
Burton, Mr. Frederick, Brighton.
Cautley, Mr. P. P., 4, Via della Zonta, Trieste.
Clayton, Mr. Arthur, South View, Ropley, Hants.
Carrington, Mr. Charles, 13, Faubourg Montmartre, Paris.