[FN#448] See in M. Zotenberg’s “Ala al-Din” the text generally; also p. 14.

[FN#449] Mr. Payne, in his Essay, vol. ix., 281, computes less than two hundred tales in all omitting the numerous incidentals; and he notices that the number corresponds with the sum of the “Night-stories” attributed to the Hazar Afsan by the learned author of the “Fihrist” (see Terminal Essay, vol. x. pp. 70).  In p. 367 (ibid.) he assumes the total at 264.

[FN#450] This parlous personage thought proper to fall foul of me (wholly unprovoked) in the Athenaeum of August 25, ’88.  I give his production in full:—­

Lord Stratford De Redcliffe.

August 18, 1888.

In the notice of Sir R. Burton’s “Life” in to-day’s Athenaeum it is mentioned that his biographer says that Capt.  Burton proposed to march with his Bashi-bazuks to the relief of Kars, but was frustrated by Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, who, according to Sir Richard, “gained a prodigious reputation in Europe, chiefly by living out of it.”

This is a strange inversion of facts.  The proposal to relieve Kars by way of Redoutkale and Kutais originated, not with Capt.  Burton, but with the Turkish Seraskier, who recommended for this purpose the employment of Vivian’s Turkish Contingent and part of Beatson’s Horse ("his Bashi-bazuks"), in which Capt.  Burton held a staff appointment.  In the last days of June, 1855, General Mansfield, Lord Stratford’s military adviser, was in constant communication on this subject with the Turkish Ministers, and the details of the expedition were completely arranged to the satisfaction of military opinion, both British and Turkish, at Constantinople.  Lord Stratford officially recommended the plan to his Government, and in his private letters to the Foreign Secretary strongly urged it upon him and expressed a sanguine hope of its success.  But on July 14th, Lord Clarendon telegraphed:  “The plan for reinforcing the army at Kars contained in your despatches of 30th June and 1st inst. is disapproved.”  Lord Panmure really “frustrated” the Turkish plan; Lord Stratford never “frustrated” any attempt to succour the Army of Asia, but, contrariwise, did all in his power to forward the object.

As to the amiable reference to the Great Elchi’s reputation, no one knows better than Sir R. Burton by what queer methods reputations may be annexed, but it is strange that anyone with the reputation of a traveller should consider Constantinople to be “out of Europe.”

S. Lane-Poole.

The following was my reply:—­

       Lord Stratford De Redcliffe and Mr. S. Lane-Poole.

London, Aug. 26, 1888.

Will you kindly spare me space for a few lines touching matters personal?