PRINTED BY W. H. ALLEN AND CO., 13 WATERLOO PLACE. S.W.
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, Superin-
tendent Revenue Department, H.H. The Nizam's Dominions, Haidar-
abad, Deccan.