We can't (and we shouldn't) be always in the "serious"
mood, nor can we be for ever on the grin; and it seems to me that a
mental dietary, by turns, of what is wise and of what is witty should be
most wholesome. But, of the two, I confess I prefer to take the former,
even as one ought to take solid food, in great moderation; and, after
all, it is surely better to laugh than to mope or weep, in spite of what
has been said of "the loud laugh that speaks the vacant mind." Most of
us, in this work-a-day world, find no small benefit from allowing our
minds to lie fallow at certain times, as farmers do with their fields.
In the following pages, however, I believe wisdom and wit, the didactic
and the diverting, will be found in tolerably fair proportions.
But I had forgot--I am not writing a Preface, and this is already too
long for a Dedication; so believe me, with all good wishes,
Yours ever faithfully,
W. A. CLOUSTON.
GLASGOW, February, 1890.
CONTENTS.
FLOWERS FROM A PERSIAN GARDEN.
I Sketch of the Life of the Persian Poet Saadi--Character of his
Writings--the _Gulistan_, or Rose-Garden--Prefaces to
Books--Preface to the _Gulistan_--Eastern Poets in praise of
Springtide
II Boy's Archery Feat--Advantages of Abstinence--Nushirvan 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
Kazi--Astrologer and his Faithless Wife--Objectionable Neighbour
III On Taciturnity: Parallels from Caxton's _Dictes_ and preface to
_Kalila wa Dimna_--Difference between Devotee and Learned Man--To
get rid of Troublesome Visitors--Fable of the Nightingale and the
Ant--Aphorisms of Saadi--Conclusion
ORIENTAL WIT AND HUMOUR.
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