Page:Dialogues, Intended to Facilitate the Acquiring of the Bengali Language.djvu/28

 Sir, I am Moonshi. I teach the languages of this country. This rupee is an offering. It is the custom of this country.

You are a Moonshi. What sort of person are you?

Sir, I am a Khayusta of this country.

What languages do you know? Sir, I am acquainted with three or four different languages.

Then you know much; but what languages do you know? Speak particularly.

Sir, I know the following different languages; the Persian, the Arabic, the Hindoostanee, the Bengalee, and a little English.

You will continue in my service, and instruct me?

Sir, if you grant me the favour, I can teach all these.

Do you know nothing but these languages? or do you know how to manage the business of the offices under government, &c.?

No, Sir, not so. I am not only a Moonshi:—I know the business of the offices in this and other countries, and also the business of merchants.

Very well, then first teach me the Bengalee language, and how to read and write, so as to manage business.

From this day you are appointed my Moonshi. What must be your wages?

Sir, our wages have no settled bounds: thirty rupees is the common rate, but then the master sometimes gives something more gratuitously.

Well, I will give you what wages I think to be right.