Page

Preface

VII

Introduction

XIII

Prologue by Bar-Hebræus

3

List of Chapters

5

Sayings of the Greek Philosophers

7

Sayings of the Persian Sages

18

Sayings of the Indian Sages

28

Sayings of the Hebrew Sages

31

Sayings of the Christian Recluses

38

Sayings of the Muhammadan Kings

56

Stories of teachers and learned men

66

Sayings of the Arab Ascetics

70

Sayings of Physicians

80

Stories of the speech of irrational beasts

90

Stories of those whose dreams have come true

95

Stories of wealthy and liberal men

105

Stories of Misers

111

Stories of men who followed despised handicrafts

122

Stories of actors and comedians

129

Stories of clowns and simpletons

140

Stories of lunatics and demoniacs

156

Stories of thieves and robbers

165

Stories of wonderful events

170

Physiognomical characteristics described

177

Apologue by Bar-Hebræus

186

Miscellaneous moral exhortations

187

Bar-Hebræus on the death of John Bar-Ma‘Danî

193

Index

199-204