5) i have recorded in this book some aspects of this art some of which i have understood by revelation and some by consideration and i have extracted some of them from poetry and have pointed out the neglect of those poets who have neglected it and who have deviated from what most of them are upon due to a doubt that has entered into it. i am not yet innocent of stumbling and slipping. i am not independent of you if i have come across something of warning and indication nor am i ashamed to return to the right from error. for this art is subtle and hidden and the son of adam is prone to weakness infirmity and haste and above every possessor of knowledge is the allknowing. we ask god to benefit us/and you with knowledge and to make us know its value and to make our occupation with work that brings us closer to him and to give us by his grace the best of what he has given to those who hope for it with the best intentions upon it and the most guiding guidance to it. he is vast and generous.
٥) وقد قيدت بهذا الكتات أطرافا من هذا الفن أدركت بعضها بالتوقيف، وبعضها بالاعتبار، واستخرجت بعضها من الأشعار ونبهت على إغفال من أغفل من الشعراء وخالف ما عليه أكثرهم لشبهة دخلت عليه. وما أبرأ إليك بعد من العثرة والزلة. وما أستغنى منك ١ إن وقفت على شىء من التنبيه والدلالة ولا إستنكف من الرجوع إلى الصواب عن الغلط. فان هذا الفن لطيف خفى، وابن آدم إلى العجز والضعف والعجلة وفوق كل ذى علم عليم ٢ . ونحن نسأل الله أن ينفعنا/ وإياك بالعلم، ويعرفنا قدره، ويجعل شغلنا بالعمل المقرب منه، ويؤتينا بفضله أفضل ما آتاه من أمله بخير نية عليه، وأرشد هدى إليه. إنه واسع كريم.