But i t is time to clofe this addrefs. The Tranflator cannot, however,
conclude without paying that tribute which juftice and gratitude demand.
— Concerning the public zeal, the penetrating and comprehenfive mind, of
the Gentleman to whom the work is dedicated, it is unneceflary to enlarge
in this place. From him the prefent tranflation derives its exiftence ;
and the merit of bis defign received its belt confirmation in the continuance
o f fupport it experienced from his immediate fuperiors, as well
as from his fuceefl'ors in office.— T o the liberal attention and honourable
confidence o f Sir John Macpherson and his Colleagues in the B E N -
G A L government it is owing, that the Tranflator was at all enabled to
look forward to the completion of his labours. Yet this attention and
confidence, flattering as they were, would not have fufficed to bear him
through an arduous and expenlive undertaking, had it not been aided by
the generous and munificent fupport of the Court of D irectors, whofe
regard to every effort which may tend to promote the interefts. of our
Oriental dominions has been repeatedly experienced both by himfelf and
others. Confcious of his own deficiences, he has only to hope it may
appear, that what they have liberally granted has been faithfully and diligently
employed. He entertains too humble an opinion of his abilities
not to be fenfible that, with all his affiduity, aided by the many happy
fuggeftions of the worthy and excellent friend who had ffir fome time been
his Colleague in the performance, it will ftill be found far Iho’rt o f perfection.
— T h e chief bufinefs o f a tranflator, when engaged in an undertaking of
this kind, is fcrupulous accuracy, and the only merit he can claim labo-
rious application. T h e former of thefe the prefent Tranflator has endear
voured to preferve, and the latter he prefumes to affirm has not heen
wanting. Neverthelefs, there is undoubtedly much room for correction
and amendment. T h e very nature of the work rendered the-tranflation
o f it a bufinefs attended with no common degree of difficulty. Treating
of an abftrufe fcience, the technical terms of which are but nakedly explained,
and frequently not to be met with in any of his guides, all the
light the Tranflator-could obtain tp a knowledge o f his fuhjedt neceflarily
Iprung out o f the te x t ; and confequently, as he advanced, he law continual
occaflon for retrofpeaive alterations, which amounted to little lefs
3 than
than a repetition of his labour. He found himfelf therefore frequently
at a lofs ; and repeatedly experienced the truth of an obfervation made by
our immortal Lexicographer,— that “ a writer may often in vain trace his,
“ memory, at the moment of need, for that which yefterday he knew
“ with intuitive readinefs, and which will come uncalled into his thoughts
“ to-morrow.’*’
In confirmation of his wilh to render this publication, as much as in.
his power, worthy of the patronage under which it has been conduced,
the Tranflator hopes he may be indulged in the egotifm of the remark,—
that he has dedicated his three lail years unremittedly to revifal or
re-tranflation.— He now difmiffes it with an anxious wilh that that patronage
may not appear to have been bellowed, or his own efforts applied, in
vain!.
T H E