EL FUREIDÎS.
BY THE AUTHOR OF "THE LAMPLIGHTER" AND "MABEL VAUGHAN."BOSTON: TICKNOR AND FIELDS.
M DCCC LX.Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by TICKNOR AND FIELDS, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. University Press, Cambridge: Electrotyped and Printed by Welch, Bigelow, & Co.
PREFACE.
ADDRESSED TO MR. AND MRS. D. AND DR. C., BUT OPEN TO PUBLIC PERUSAL.
DO you remember, my friends, those winter evenings when I sat with you in a certain pleasant library in New York, and listened with attentive ears while you discoursed of past experiences in Eastern lands? Do you remember how, with maps spread out upon the table, you recalled each familiar scene, and introduced me, novice as I was, into the porch of that temple of historical and sacred lore in which you were already devotees?
"Always worship the rising sun," was the worldly-wise maxim of an old nurse, who exercised a vast influence upon my childhood; and recalling this favorite proverb of my early oracle, I set myself diligently to the study and comprehension of that mystical secret which makes the Orient a charmed land.
In El Fureidîs, you behold the result. Stanley took me by the hand, and led me across Sinai into page: iv-1[View Page iv-1] the Canaan of promise. Kelly, with his select company, next became my travelling-companion. Porter has been throughout my friend and guide. Robinson has proved a safe mentor to my inexperience. I have shared the adventures and perils of Van de Velde. Thompson has unfolded to me the details of Syrian life, Churchill has lured me into the mountains of Lebanon, Chasseaud has by his fascinations compelled me to linger there. Burckhardt has introduced me to Bedouin hospitality. Burton has taken me on the sacred pilgrimage, Lamartine has sung for me his sweetest songs.
Here a slice and there a crumb, all these have contributed to satisfy my cravings and supply my need. I have had chance fellow-travellers too, occasional helpmates, way-side friends. How shall I thank them, who are too many even to name?
I can but humbly follow their example, and, as they have guided me through scenes of actual romance, pleasure, incident, and danger, invite those who may be so inclined to follow me in my imaginary experiences, trusting that there are some in whom I may be so fortunate as to awaken an interest in a land which has aroused my own enthusiasm, and that, pursuing with what patience they may the route which I have trod, they may come at last to feel, like me, at home in El Fureidîs.
