Page:A Grammar of the Mahratta Language. To which are Added Dialogues on Familiar Subjects.djvu/12

vi The study of this language having been lately introduced into the College of Fort William (in institution which will always reflect the highe thighest [sic] honour on its Noble Founder and Patron) elementary books became absolutely necessary; and the office of teaching it having been confided to the author of the following work, he thought it a part of his duty to do the utmost in his power towards facilitating the acquisition thereof by attempting this grammar.

Every one must be sensible of the difficulty of reducing to rules a language which has hitherto been almost wholly neglected. On this account it is hoped the public will put the best construction on any imperfections which may attend a first attempt. A grammar of this language was, indeed, written, many years ago, in the Portuguese tongue, but the writer of this, not having been able to procure a copy of it, could not derive any assistance from the labours of its author, and has therefore been obliged to strike out a plan of his own.

Very considerable assistance has been received from