X translator's preface.

and those of other authors, many difficulties were

experienced, and many researches proved ungrati-

fied. The original is characterised by an ingenuous

and unassuming style ; and it has been my chief

endeavour to paraphrase the text as closely as com-

patible with the two languages. Those idiomatic

constructions which may be met with in the trans-

lation, are owing to this strict adherence to the

original ; but I have at least the consolation of

knowing that the loss by solecism may be consi-

dered as gain in authenticity—the chief object of

the undertaking. Pallme's orthography has been

generally followed as regards Arab terms, excepting

where the same words are familiar to the public in

a different garb, or where they are to be found

otherwise spelt, in at least two accredited English

authors ; for it was impossible to furnish the cer-

tain literation, as the Arab character is not affixed

to the original text.

The Translator.

London, May \sU 1844.