In giving to the world, at the cost of much time and labour, this, the first volume of a complete translation of the Makamat of Al Harîri, it is necessary that I should say a few words on the objects of the work, and the principles on which it has been executed. The inestimable value of the Arabic language is admitted by every scholar and by every practical Oriental linguist. It is the most perfect and elaborate speech of the family to which it belongs; its copiousness, its varied and delicate inflexion, the learned and abtruse grammar that has been built upon it, give it the highest importance in the scientific study of language. It is, moreover, the sacred and classic tongue of all the Mohammedan peoples, and the study of it is the key to a knowledge of the thoughts, habits, and tendencies of this great section of the human race. A vast and comprehensive literature rewards the pains of any one who perseveringly applies himself to it.