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AUTHOR'S PREFACE. To the Religious Candidates of the Tamul language CONSTANT JOSEPH BESCHI WISHES MUCH HEALTH IN THE LORD. I have often heard persons finding fault with the common Grammar of the Tamul Language; as if many things were wanting in it, and some faulty. Yet, as if they all, distrusted their own powers, or feared the offence of novelty, or even intent on better things, disdained this light labor, no one has seemed willing hitherto to put his hand to this work. And doubtless so great is the offence of novelty, that it seems to be allowed to every one to blame what is new, testing talent as they do wine; even under this very pretext, that a work not hardened by the detractions of reproof might grow obsolete. I however make very light of this mark: provided no one shall dare to accuse this short lucubration of mine, as a finding fault with the labor of my predeces- sors. Nor, most certainly, have I meditated writing this new Grammar of the Tamul Language, under the presumption that I know more than others. But a certain Personage, both connected with me by old acquaintance, and conspicuous to all by his singular worth, so urged this work by his requests, that observant whether of may love or my respect, I thought I could no longer refuse what was solicited with so much anxious earnestness by such a man. Especially since the mere desires of men of this note, although they come in the guise of intreaty, are, in fact, commands, which it is unlawful for an ingenuous mind to pass by.
