University of Virginia Library

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

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 Fureidis.