The Persian Mystics: Jámí

With men of light I sought these pearls to string, The drift of mystics' sayings forth to bring. JÁMÍ
TO ALL THOSE WHO FIND IN THE WISDOM AND MYSTICISM OP THE EAST GREAT BEAUTY AND A GREAT PEACE THIS LITTLE BOOK IS INSCRIBED
In the preparation of this little volume much depended upon the kindness and generosity of certain Oriental scholars, who have allowed me to reproduce some of their translations from Jámí. I have attempted to give their best work in so far as it tends to illustrate the mystical teaching of the last great poet of Persia.
Once more I am indebted to Mr. E. H. Whinfield for permission to quote from his translation of the Lawá'ih (Oriental Translation Fund, New Series, vol. xvi., Royal Asiatic Society, London). I have to thank Prof. Edward G. Browne for allowing me to use his beautiful translation from Yúsuf and Zulaikha , which I have called The Coming of the Beloved. This translation appears, in fuller form, in Prof. E. G. Browne's article on Súfíism in Religious Systems of the World (Sonnenschein). The chapter in the present volume entitled The Story of Yúsuf and Zulaikha originally appeared in the Orient Review , and I am indebted to the editors for their courtesy in allowing me to reproduce it here. I very much appreciate Mr. E. Edwards's kindly interest in my work, and for the valuable suggestions he has made from time to time. I tender my thanks to Messrs. Kegan Paul for allowing me to make a selection from Yúsuf and Zulaikha , translated by the late Mr. Ralph T. Griffith (Trübner's Oriental Series).
The translations from Salámán and Absál are by Edward FitzGerald, and those from the Baháristán were originally published by the Kama Shastra Society.
F. HADLAND DAVIS LONDON, March ,1908.
The object of the editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West, the old world of Thought, and the new of Action. In this endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour.