Page:The ancient language, and the dialect of Cornwall.djvu/21

 %hz Jlndent l^anguitge mh the ^robindal THE DECLINE OF THE ANCIENT COKNISH LANGUAGE. "DEFORE saying anything about the provincial dialect of the Cornish people, it may be of use to give a sketch of the decline of the old Cornish language, and also notice what has been attempted in the preservation of its remains. It appears necessary to do this, because, as the old language decayed the English took its place, and a long time was occupied in the process. Indeed, this transitional period may be called an interregnum, during which the provincial dialect of Cornwall became gradually formed. In thus reviewing the decline of the old Cornish language, we are passing on to the dialect which took its place. Like its predecessor the Ancient Cornish, it is in its turn doomed, and rapidly changing into ordinary English. Many reliable authorities have given a great deal of information about the old Celtic language of Cornwall, A