Do make a sign of some sort to me. I sent you a string of Questions
about Salaman last week, all of which I did not want you to answer _at
once_, but wishing at least to hear if you had leisure and Inclination to
meddle with them. There is no reason in the world you should unless you
really have Time and Liking. If you _have_, I will send you the Proofs
of the Little Book which Mr. Childs is even now putting in hand. Pray
let me know as soon as you can what and how much of all this will be
agreeable to you.
You don't tell me how Hafiz gets on. There is one thing which I think I
find in Salaman which may be worth your consideration (not needing much)
in Hafiz: namely, in Translation to retain the original Persian Names as
much as possible--'Shah' for 'king' for instance--'Yusuf and Suleyman'
for 'Joseph and Solomon,' etc. The Persian is not only more musical, but
removes such words and names further from Europe and European Prejudices
and Associations. So also I think best to talk of '_A Moon_' rather than
'_a Month_,' and perhaps 'sennight' is better than 'week.'
This is a little matter; but it is well to rub off as little Oriental
Colour as possible.
As to a Notice of Jami's Life, you need not trouble yourself to draw it
up unless you like; since I can make an extract of Ouseley's, and send
you for any addition or correction you like. Very little needs be said.
I have not yet been able to find Jami out in the Biographie Universelle.
. . .
Now let me hear from you _something_--whatever you like. Yours and
Lady's, E. F. G.
You, I believe, in your Oxford Essay, translate Jami's 'Haft Aurang' as
the '_Seven Thrones_,' it also meaning, I see, the seven Stars of the
Great Bear--'The Seven Stars.' Why should not this latter be the
Translation? more intelligible, Poetical, and Eastern (as far as I see)
than 'Thrones.'
_To Mrs. Cowell_.
LONDON. Friday [_April_ 25, 1856].