PREFACE. 



The reader may perhaps remember a pleasing 

 fable of Pilpay^s, in which a King is introduced, 

 accompanied by his Vizir, proceeding on a hunting 

 expedition. After the sport was over, the King was 

 returning to his palace ; but by this time the sun 

 was high in the firmament, and the King declared 

 his inability to endure its scorching rays. " If 

 your Majesty pleases/' said the Vizir, " I will 

 conduct you to the foot of a neighbouring moun- 

 tain, where we may enjoy a cool shade and re- 

 freshing breezes/' The King having assented to 

 the proposition, they shortly found themselves at 

 a delightful spot, overcanopied by the most luxu- 

 riant foliage, and surrounded by running brooks 

 and sparkling fountains. Reclining on the smooth 

 grass, the monarch fell into silent contemplation 

 of the works of the great Creator, as exemplified 

 in the inimitable painting of the flowers, and in 

 the many beautiful objects which lay before him. 



