OF NUSSOOH. TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL HINDUSTANI BY M. KEMPSON. LONDON: W. H. ALLEN & CO., 13 WATERLOO PLACE, TRANSLATOR'S NOTICE. THE Hindustani tale, of which this little volume is a free version, came into my hands in the course of work in India. It was published shortly afterwards by the author,* and, though little known to Europeans, has passed through several editions in the native presses of Agra and Lucknow. I translate it for three reasons. First, because I am sure that the kindliness with which the condition and progress of our Indian fellow-subjects are regarded by Englishmen will be enhanced in the minds of those who care to peruse the version; secondly, because the insight which the tale affords into the domestic habits of the people cannot but be useful to all who are engaged in, or look forward to, an Indian career; and thirdly, because I wish to draw attention to the original as the best specimen yet published of the most widely used of the Indian vernaculars, as it is spoken in the home of the language, Dehli, which is the scene of the story. * MAULVI Haji Hafiz NUZEER AHMED, Khan Bahadur, Superintendent Revenue Department, H.H. The Nizam's Dominions, Haidarabad, Deccan. The Repentance of Nussooh, equally with its companion tale, The Bride's Mirror, was written for private circulation among the author's family connections, in the first instance; and the picture of life and manners which it presents could have been drawn by a native only. The author, who is a finished scholar and dialectician of the Oriental school, was long a "Deputy-Collector" under the English Government, and some years ago was chosen by the late Sir Salar Jung to fill an important office in the administration of Haidarabad, which he still holds. I have his permission to translate the work. Ascot, 1884. M. K. |