Eastern writings; as to the style, there is a rhythmical or natural harmony or modulation, elegant and well-turned cadences, some vivid description and pleasing imagery, which, with its pretensions to a divine original, render it the standard of excellence among the Arabians, and in their opinion inimitable[1].
Before we proceed in our delineation, it should be premised, that a variety of conjectures has been formed respecting the real author of the Koran, and the subject is still enveloped in impenetrable mystery. Some assert, that Mohammed was assisted by Abdia Ben Salen, a Jew[2], and a Christian Monk, known by the name of Sergius, in the Western, and Bahira, in the Eastern Churches:
- ↑ Professor Lee observes, "That some of the Arabs have confessed, that the Koran could not only be equalled, but surpassed in elegance."—See Maracci di Alcorano, p. 44, 5.
"And that this has been done, no one will doubt, who can read the Makamát of Hamadáni and Haríri."—Persian Controversies, p. 18.
- ↑ See Koran, chap. 16, note, and chap. 25.
