பிரதாப முதலியார் சரித்திரம்/PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
My object in writing this work of fiction is to supply the want of prose in Tamil, a want which is admitted and lamented by all, and also to give a practical illustration of the maxims of morality contained in my former works, Nidinool," "Penmady Malai," "Samarasa Keerthana" & c.
The scene is laid in Southern India. The hero is a well educated native gentleman of brilliant parts, wit and humour. He gives an account of his birth, parentage, education, marriage and other important events of his life and the narrative is intermixed with various scenes of humour and pleasantry, and observations of a mora tendency.
The principal personages who play important parts in this novel are the hero's mother, Sundara Anny and of virtue; of virtue not angelical nor above probability. for what we cannot feel we shall never imitate but the highes and purest that humanity can reach, which, exercised in such trials as the various revolutions of things shall bring upon it, may, by conquering some calamities and enduring others, teach us, what we may hope, and what we can perform. Vice-for vice is necessary to be shown-shauld always disgust. Wherever it appears, it should raise hatred by the malignity of its practice, and contempt by the meanness of its stratagems. For, while it is supported by either parts or spirit, it will be seldom heartily abhorred."
I am not aware that a similar work of prosic fiction in Tamil has ever been presented to the public. Will I therefore flatter myself this work prove both entertaining and instructive to all readers. At the same time I crave the indulgence of the public for any shortcomings I might have been guilty of in a novel attempt of this kind.
| Mayavaram 23rd August, 1879. |
S. VEDANAYAKAM PILLAI
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