The language in which many of these are written is indeed different from the spoken dialect, but not in general more so than the language of Shakespeare or Milton differs from the English of the present day. Some poetical expressions have become obsolete, and some Sanscrit words in the Telugu, as Saxon in the English, may have fallen into disuse; but still the old established authors of reputation in each language form the standards to which the poet and the grammarian, the native and the foreigner must ultimately have recourse in solving every doubt regarding exactitude and. purity of style.
As it is primarily necessary that the learner should acquire some knowledge of the more common expressions of the present day ; he is recommended to commence his studies with the works of Vemana, which although not perhaps classically elegant, will be found well adapted for the object. Next to these should succeed the popular tale of Nala Raza and parts of Runga Natha's translation of the Ramayana ;*[1] some chapters of the Maha Bharata,†[2] and the Bhagavata, particularly the eighth and tenth books.‡[3] The puranas in
- ↑ * This is written in theDwipadametre,as isalsothatversionof'thetalcofNala,to which I allude, and though in an elegant style, these are easier than Vemana; part of that author however, should be read first, as treating of more ordinary subjects.
- ↑ † Of this poem the first three books translated by Nannaya Bhatt and Erra Pragada, are more difficult than the remainder, written by Ticcana Somayajj. The student should therefore, commence in the fourth or fifth books, denominated the Virata Parva and Udydga Parva.
- ↑ ‡ Passing over all passages regarding faith and mysticks, which form a prominent feature of this work. To such subjects the Telugus are much addicted.
