THE NEW EXPLANATORY READERS. NUMBER VI. PRICE 18. 6d. LONDON: MOFFATT AND PAIGE, 28, WARWICK LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. 16 27 36 43 CHRISTIAN IN THE HANDS OF GIANT DESPAIR THE PHILOSOPHER MICHAEL FARADAY THE AUTHOR OF "PARADISE LOST." WHEN I was at 1 Grand Cairo, I picked up several oriental 3manuscripts, which I still have with me. Among others I met with one entitled The Visions of Mirza, which I have read over with great pleasure. I intend to give it to the public, and shall begin with the first vision, which I have translated word for word as follows: On the fifth day of the moon, which, according to the custom of my forefathers, I always keep holy, after having washed myself, and offered up my morning devotions, I ascended the high hills of 'Bagdad, in order to pass the rest of the day in meditation and prayer. As I was here airing myself on the top of the mountains, I fell into a profound contemplation on the vanity of human life; and passing from one thought to another, "Surely," said I, 66 man is but a shadow, and life a dream." Whilst I was thus musing, I cast my eyes towards the summit of a rock that was not far from me, where I discovered one in the habit of a shepherd, with a little musical instrument in VI.-Moffatt's Ex. Reader. 1 |