This was a popular class-book of the day, much in use as a book for the moral instruction of children. It is curious that Swift should name it as a representative of the Moderns, since the original compilation is traced back to Sandabar, Chief of the Indian Brahmins, who is said to have lived before the Christian era. It was certainly of Eastern origin ; and, from Hebrew, Greek, and Latin versions, spread all over Europe, being translated into every language. It is a string of stories hanging upon a contrivance like that of the Arabian Nights, and contains some tales that have obtained enormous vogue. Amongst others, that of Gelert, the faithful hound, which has located itself in Wales, is first found in this compilation.