Chapter VIII: Part 8

But I am inclined to believe further, that the descent of the Britons from the first Japhetic tribes that settled in Greece, was more direct, than thro the Gomerians or Cimbri, who travelled northward along the shores of the Baltic. I suspect that very ancient colonies settled on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Italy and Spain, and thence found their way to Gaul and Britain, before the northern tribes arrived thro Germany and Belgium. This would account for the affinity between the Hebrew language and the Welsh. The opinion however is not well supported by historical facts, and the ancient name of the British language, _Cymraeg_, denoting its descent from the _Cimbric_ is a weighty objection.[131]

It is certain however that Carthage was settled by Phenicians, about 900 years before Christ. Greek colonies went thither in the following century, and not long after they settled at Marseilles in Gaul. The people therefore on both shores of the Mediterranean were descended from the same stock as the northern nations.

Accordingly we are not surprized to find some radical words nearly the same in all the existing languages of Europe. See Jackson's Chronological Antiquities, vol. 3, with Lhuyd, Geblin, and others.

To illustrate what I have advanced, respecting the first peopling of the world, and the derivation of most European languages from one mother tongue, I will here insert some remarks from Rowland's Mona Antiqua Restaurata, p. 261, with a table of words, evidently of Hebrew original.

"_A_ TABLE, _shewing the Affinity and near Resemblance, both in
Sound and Signification, of many Words of the Ancient Languages of
Europe with the Original Hebrew Tongue_.

"For the better understanding of the parallels of this following table, it is to be observed, that letters of one and the same organ are of common use in the pronunciation of words of different languages--as for example, _M_, _B_, _V_, _F_, _P_, are labials: _T_, _D_, _S_, are dentals: _G_, _Ch_, _H_, _K_, _C_, are gutturals--and therefore if the Hebrew word or sound begins with, or is made of, any one of the labials, any of the rest of the same organ will answer it in the derivative languages. The same is to be observed in using the dental and the guttural letters. For in tracing out the origin of words, we are more to regard the sound of them than their literal form and composition; wherein we find words very often, by the humors and fancy of people, transposed and altered from their native sounds, and yet in their signification they very well fit their original patterns. I shall only exemplify in the letters _M_, _B_, and _V_, which are of one organ, that is, are formed by one instrument, the lip; and therefore are promiscuously used the one for the other, in pronouncing words of one language in another. The Hebrew _B_ is generally pronounced as a _V_ consonant. And the Irish also, most commonly in the middle of a word, pronounce _M_ as a _V_; as we find the ancient Britons to have made use of _V_, or rather _F_, which they pronounce as _V_, for _M_ and _B_ in many Latin words; as,

LATIN. BRITISH.

_Animal_ _Anifail_
_Turma_ _Tyrfa_
_Terminus_ _Terfyn_
_Calamus_ _Calaf_
_Primus_ _Prif_
_Amnis_ _Afon_
_Arma_ _Arfau_
_Firmus_ _Ffyrf_
_Monumentum_ _Monfent_
_Firmomentum_ _Ffurfafen_
_Lamentor_ _Llefain_
_Elementum_ _Eifen_
_Memorare_ _Myfyrio_
_Hyems_ _Gauaf_
_Clamare_ _Llafaru_
_Numerus_ _Nifer_
_Columna_ _Colofn_
_Gemelli_ _Gefeill_
_Roma_ _Rhufain_
_Scribo_ _Scrifenu_
_Liber_ _Llyfr_
_Remus_ _Rhwyf_
_Domo_ _Dofi_
_Rebello_ _Rhyfela_
_Pluma_ _Pluf_
_Catamanus_ _Cadfan_
_Dimetæ_ _Dyfed_
_Lima_ _Llif_
_Lamina_ _Llafn_, &c.

"We are not to wonder at this analogy of sounds in the primitive distinction of languages. For before the use of writing, which has established the correct form of words, people were only guided by the ear in taking the sound of words, and they pronounced and uttered them again as the organs of their voice were best fitted for it; and it happening that the aptitude and disposition of those organs, peculiar to some people and countries, were various (as we find to this day some nations cannot shape their voice to express all the sounds of another's tongue,) it accordingly affected and inclined some parties of people to speak the same consonants harder or softer, to utter the same vowels broader or narrower, longer or shorter, as they found themselves best disposed to do. And thereupon custom prevailing with particular sets of people, to continue the use of such different pronunciation as they affected, the words so varied came at length to take on them different forms, and to be esteemed and taken as parts of different languages, tho in their origin they were one and the same.[132]

_Hebrew._ _Derivatives._ _English._

Auch Awch _Brit._ The edge of a sword
Even Maen A stone
Agam Lagam _Corn._ A pool or lake
_or_
Leagam
Ivah Deis-yfu _Br._ To desire
Auor Awyr Lightened air
Ano Yno Then
Achei Achau Brethren or kindred
Aedenei Gwadnau The soles of the feet
Calal Cyllell To wound or pierce
Domen Tomen Muck or dung
Gehel ---- Coal
Sâl Sâl _Br._ Vile or of no account
Kadal Gadael To forsake or desist
Aggan Angeion _Greek_ A vessel or earthen pot
Alaph 'Alpho[=o] To find
Bama Bo[=o]mòs An altar
Hag Agios Holy
Hadar {Cadair _Br._ Honor or reverence
{Katha _Irish_
Hia Y hi _Br._ She
Goph Corph A body, corpse
Deraich {Braich An arm
{Raich
Dad Diden _Br._ The dug or udder
Ager Aggero _Lat._ To heap together
Elah -Illi, illæ They, _masc. & fem._
Angil Axilla The arm pit
Dapsh Daps Cheer or dainties
Hen En! ecce! Lo! behold!
Phar Phér[=o] _Greek_ To bear or carry
Harabon Arrhabon A pawn or pledge
Phalat Phulátt[=o] To keep or defend
Pathah Peíth[=o] To persuade
Gab Gibbus _Lat._ Bent or crooked
Dur Duro To endure
Laish Lis _Greek_ A lion
Deka Dek[=o] To bite
Ephach Ophis A serpent
Dath Deddf _Br._ A law
Denah Dyna This, that, there it is
Hissah {Ys taw Be silent
{Distaw
Cala Claf To be sick
Clei Cleas _Irish_ Jewels, ornaments
Devar Deveirim To speak
Ein Ynys _Br._ Island
Hama {Aman _Armor._
{Ymenyn _Br._ Butter
{Im _Irish_
Ivo Nava His enemy
Beala Mealam To be wasted
Vock {Vacuus _Lat._ Empty
{Gwâc _Br._
Aita Ydyw Is, or are
Bar Bar _Irish_ Son
Bareh Bara _Br._ Meat, or victuals
Beram Verùm _Lat._ But, nevertheless
Beth Bwth _Br._ A house, booth
Se She _Irish_ He, or him
Gaha Iachau _Br._ To heal, or cure
Gad Càd An army
Boten Potten _Br._ The belly
Gever Gwr A man
Hada Ed[=o] _Greek_ To cherish
Boa Bá[=o] To come
Aniah Anía Sadness
Charath Charâtt[=o] To insculp
Maas Misé[=o] I hate
Semain Semaín[=o] I shew
Aaz 'Aix A goat
Aleth Alaeth _Br._ A curse
Elil Ellylly Idol
Allun Llwyn A grove of oaks
Amunath Amynedd Constancy
Ap Wep Face
Itho Iddo With him
Atun Odyn A furnace
Atha Aeth Went, or came
Ische Yssu To burn
Emaeth Ymaith From him
Barach Parch To esteem, or bless
Gobah Coppa The top
Geven Cefn A ridge, or back
Gedad Gwiwdod Excellency
Gaiaph Cau To shut, or inclose
Evil ---- Evil
Beasch ---- Base
To babble, cabal; and
hablar in Spanish, to
Babel ---- speak; Lat. fabula;
Fr. fariboles, idle
talk
Baroth ---- Broth
Gaah ---- Gay
Dum ---- Dumb
Dusch ---- To dash
Hebisch ---- To abash
Hua ---- He, _masc. gend._
Haras ---- To harass
Chittah ---- Wheat
Mesurah ---- A measure
Sahap ---- To sweep
Charath ---- To write
Saar ---- A shower
Aanna ---- To annoy
Phæer ---- Fair
Pheret ---- A part, or portion
Phærek ---- Fierce
Eretz ---- Earth; Sax. hertha
Sad ---- Side
Spor ---- A sparrow
Kinneh ---- A cane
Kera ---- To cry
Shekel ---- Skill
Rechus ---- Riches
Kre ---- A crow
Pasa ---- To pass
Halal ---- A hole
Catat ---- To cut
Ragez ---- To rage
Ragal ---- To rail, or detract
Maguur Magwyr Habitation
Madhevi Myddfai Distempers
Doroth Toreth Generations, encrease
Dal Tal Tall and high
Havah Y fu Was, or has been
Mahalac Malc A pathway, or a balk
Hilo Heulo Shining. _Apollo, Sol._
Tor {Toar _Irish._
{Terfyn _Br._ A boundary, or limit
Siu Syw Resplendent
Achalas Achles Defence, Achilles
{Machno Places of defence of old
Machaneh {_and_ in the co. of Montgomery.
{Mechain Penmachno
Chorau Crau Holes
Choresh Cors _Br._ A place full of small
wood or reeds
Nodah Nodi To make known, or note
Jadha {Addef To know
{'Oída _Greek_
Hathorath Athrawiaeth _Br._ Discipline
Jch Eich Your, or your own
Jared I wared Descended
Cha Chwi You
Jain Gwîn Wine
Toledouth Tylwyth Generations
Lus Llyfu To go away, or avoid
Caolath Colled A loss
Hounil Ynnill Gain
Jester Ystyr Consideration
Jadadh Gwahodd To invite
Cafodoth Cyfoeth Honours, or wealth
Cis Cîst A chest
Bar {Far _Lat._
{Bara _Br._ Bread corn
Shevah ---- Seven
Dakar ---- A dagger
Hinnek ---- To hang
Shelet ---- A shield
Hever ---- Over, or above
Shibbar ---- To shiver, or quake
Jiled ---- [133]A child
Choebel ---- A cable
Parak ---- To break
Gannaf ---- A knave, or a thief
Coll ---- All
Hannah ---- To annoy, or hurt
Eth {Etos _Greek_
{Ætas _Lat._ A year, or age
San Coena A supper
Nabal Nebulo A churl
Mot Motus _Lat._ Motion
Bath Batos _Greek_ A thorn
Eden Edone Pleasure
Kolah Klei[=o] To praise
Sas Ses A moth
Phac Phake Lentil
Skopac Scop[=o] To speculate
Jounec Jevangc _Br._ A suckling
Hamohad Ammod Covenant
Parad Pared A partition
Keren Corn A horn
Kefel Cefail The armpit
Me-Ab Mâb Son, or from a father
Luung Llyngcu To swallow
Temutha Difetha Destruction
Ceremluach Cromlech A sacrificing stone
Hamule Aml Plenty, or store
Mah? Mae? What? where? how?
Magal Maglu To betray
Makel Magl A staff
Meria Mêr Fat, or marrow
Mout Mudo To remove
Meth Methu To die, or fail
Mar Maer A lord
Marad Brad [134]Rebellion
Nafe Nef Joyful
Taphilu Taflu To cast
Hanes Hanes To signify
Nevath Neuadd Habitation
Jissal Isel _or_ Iselu To throw down
Naoaph Nwyf Lust
Nadu Nadu They moan
Sethar Sathru To throw under feet
Heber Aber A ford, or passage
Nucchu Nychu Being smitten
Nuu Nhwy They, or those
Naodhad Nodded To escape
Gadah Gadaw _Br._ To pass by
Niued Niweid To spoil
Goloth Golwyth Burnt offerings
Mohal Moel Top of a hill
Galas Glwys Pleasant
Hasem Asen A rib, or bone
Garevath Gwarth Shame
Taphug Diffyg Want, or defect
Phoreth Ffrwyth Fruit, or effect
Pach Bach A crooked stick
Pinnouth Pennaeth Chief, or uppermost
Phinnah Ffynnu To prosper
Path Peth A part or portion
Philegesh Ffiloges A concubine
Caton Cwttyn Short and little
Cir Caer A walled town
Reith Rhîth Appearance
Tireneh Trîn To feed and look after
Ragah Rhwygo To tear, rag
Rasah Râs _and_ Rhâd Grace, or good will
Semen Saim Fat, or oil
Saraph Sarph A serpent
Sac Sâch A [135]sack
Phuk {Ffûg Disguise
{Fucus _Lat._
Phærek Ferocia Fierceness
Pinnah Pinna Battlement
Pigger Piger fuit Lazy
Naca Neco To slay
Ad Ad Unto
Nut Nuto To nod
Darag Trech[=o] _Greek_ To run to, or come at
Bala Palai Some time ago
Hannak {'Agch[=o] To strangle
{Tagu _Br._
Naar Nearos _Greek_ New or lately
Agab 'Agapa[=o] To love
Pacha Pege _Greek_ A fountain
Parash Phras[=o] To declare, phrase
Kol Kalè[=o] _G._ Galw _B._ To call
Mashal Basileu[=o] _Greek_ To reign
Shareka Syrinx A syringe
Bekarim Pecora _Lat._ Cattle
Ahel Aula A hall
Carpas Carbasus Fine linen, or lawn
Æsh Æstes _La._ Tês _Br._ Heat, or hot weather
Gibar Guberno _Lat._ To govern
Parah Vireo To look green
Ki Quia Wherefore
Olam Olim Of old
Golem Glomus A clew of thread
Amam Ymam Mother, mamma
Coaphar Gwobr Reward
Cala Caula _Lat._ A sheepfold
Sarch Serch _Br._ Lustful
Goliath Glwth A bed
Pathehen Puttain A whore
Burgad Bwrgais A burgess
Terag Drwg Bad, or evil
Dasgar Dysgl A dish
Shiovang Sionge Honorable
Anas Annos To instigate
Tam Dim Nothing
Pherch Y ferch A daughter
Tetuva Edifar Penitent
Leamor Ar lafar Saying
Casas Ceisio To search
Cark Carchar To bind; _Lat._ carcer
Kam Cammu To bend
Caffa Cyff A beam
Cevel Ar gyfyl Near
Dumga Dammeg A simile
Tor Tarw A bull; _Lat._ taurus
_and_
Sor
Turna Teyrn A prince, tyrant
Manos Myddyn A mountain
Malas Melys Sweet
Palac Plygu To fold
Banc Mainc A bench
Malal Malu To grind
Marak Marc A note
Cadif Gwadu To tell a lie
Tohum Eyfn Depth
Colar Coler A neck band, collar
Corontha Coron A crown
Berek Brêg A breach
Bagad Bagad A great many
Arach Arogli To smell
Nagash Yn agos To approach
Ciliah Ceilliau Stones
Gevr Cawr A giant
Kec Cêg A mouth
Kun Cwyno To lament
Natsar Dinystr Destruction, or ruin
Pinnah Pinagl Pinnacle
Mahalal Mawl _or_ Moli To praise
Hedel Hoedl Life
Halal Haul Sun
Gavel Gafael Tenure
Lashadd Glasaidd Blueish
Gerem Grym, grymmus Bony or strong
Masac Cym-myscu To mingle
Gana Canu To sing; Lat. cano
Celimah Calumnia _Lat._ Reproach
Netz Nisus Endeavor
Ptsel Psile[=o] To make bear
Shushan Souson Lilly
Shecan Scene[=o] To dwell in tabernacles
Kalal Gwael _Br._ Vile
Taffi Diffoddi To extinguish
Tselem Delw An image
Hoberi Obry Men over against
Aen-adon Anudon Disclaiming God, or
perjury

Here are about fifty English words, which, from their near resemblance to the Hebrew, both in sound and signification, must have been borrowed from the latter in modern ages, or been preserved thro successive generations from Heber to the present times. But they could not have been introduced into English in modern ages, for many of them are found in the other branches of the Gothic, the German, Danish and Swedish; and it can be proved that they existed in the original Gothic or northern language. For example, our word _earth_ is found in Hebrew, and in all the dialects of the Gothic. Hebrew, _ert_ or _ertz_; Welsh, _d'aira_; Greek, _éra_; Latin, _terra_; Gothic, _airthai_; ancient German, _erth_ or _herth_; Saxon, _eartho_; Low Dutch, _aerden_; High Dutch, erden; Swiss, erden; Scotch, airth; Norwegian or Norse, _iorden_; Danish, _iorden_; Swedish, _iordenne_; Irelandic, _iordu_. In the pronunciation of these words there is little difference, except such as is common to the several languages. The ancients aspirated their words more frequently than the moderns; hence the old Germans pronounced the word with _h_, as appears by a passage in Tacitus, De Mor. Germ. 40. "Nec quidquam notabile in singulis, nisi quod in commune _Herthum_, id est _terram_, matrem colunt."--The modern nations of the north generally write and pronounce _d_ where we write _th_; as _erden_; and the _i_ of the Norwegians answers to our _e_ or _y_, so that _iorden_ is pronounced _yorden_; and it is remarkable that many of the common English people still pronounce _earth_, _yerth_.

The Hebrew _turna_ is found in the British _teyrn_, signifying a prince or ruler. This word is the root of the Greek _turannos_, the Latin _tyrannus_, the British _dyrnas_, a kingdom or jurisdiction, which is still preserved in the modern Welsh _deyrnas_; and we see the word in the name of the celebrated British commander, _Vortighern_. Our word tyrant is derived from it, but it is always used in a bad sense.

In the Hebrew _rechus_ or _rekus_, we have the origin of the English _rich_, _riches_, and the termination_ rick_ in bishop-_rick_, and anciently, in king-_rick_; the word originally denoting _landed property_, in which wealth was supposed to consist, and afterwards _jurisdiction_. From the same word are derived the Anglo Saxon _ryc_; the Franco Theotisc, _rihhi_; the Cimbric, _rickie_; the ancient Irish or Gaedhlig, _riogda_; the Low Dutch, _rijcke_; the Frisic, _rick_; the German, _reich_; the Swiss, _rijch_; the Danish, _rige_; the Norwegian, _riga_; the Swedish, _ricke_; the French, _riche_, and the Spanish, _riccos_, a general name for nobility, or wealthy proprietors of land.

The word _Caer_ seems to have been a very ancient name for a city or town. We probably see this word in a great number of Welsh names, _Carmarthen_, _Carnarvon_, _Carlisle_, &c. This word seems also to be the origin of _Cairo_, in Egypt; _Carthage_ or town of the horse;[136] the _cirthe_ of the Numidians, and the _Caere_ of the Etruscan. "Inde Turnus Rutilique, diffisi rebus, ad florentes Etruscorum opes Mezentiumque eorum regem, confugiunt; qui _Caere_, opulento tum oppido imperitans--haud gravatim socia arma Rutulis junxit."--Liv. lib. 1. 2. Here we hear of the word before the foundation of Rome.

But the affinity between the Hebrew and British is much more obvious, than that between the Hebrew and English. There are about one hundred and eighty British words in the foregoing table, which are clearly the same as the Hebrew; and there is no way to account for the fact, but by supposing them to be all derived from the same primitive tongue.

The resemblance between the Welsh, Latin and English may be observed in the following.

_Welsh._ _Latin._ _English._

Y'sgol schola school
Y'spelio spolio spoil
Y'sprid spiritus spirit
Y'stad status state
Y'stod stadium _furlong_

The old Britons however might have borrowed these words from the Romans, during their government of the Island; as the English did many of theirs at a later period.

The same remark will not apply to the following:

_Welsh._ _Latin._ _Irish._ _English._

Guin vinum fin wine
Guyl vigilæ feil watch
Gur vir fearr man
Guynt ventus wind
Gual vallum wall
_Armoric_.
Gosper vesper feaskor guespor
_Eng._
Guedhar weather
Guerth virtus worth
Guylht wild

In this table, we see the different nations begin the same word with a different consonant. The ancient Latin _v_ was pronounced as our _w_; vinum, _winum_; hence the English _wine_. So in the following:

_Latin._ _English._

Via way
Venio, ventum went
Vellus wool
Vespa wasp
Volvo wallow
Volo will[137]

That the Welsh should pronounce _gu_, where we pronounce _w_, may seem strange; yet such is the fact, and an anatomist will readily assign the reason. The French, in the same manner, use _g_ where we write and pronounce _w_.

_English._ _French._

War guerre
Warrant garrant
Ward gard
Wise guise
Wile guile
Wage gage
Wicket guicket
William Guillaum
Wales Gales, Gaul, Gallia[138]

A number at least of the words in the foregoing tables, must have existed in the several languages from the earliest times; and therefore must have been derived from the same stock.

In the following words, we trace the common origin of the Greek and Gothic languages.

_Greek._ _English._

Kardia}
Kear } heart
Ki[=o] hie
Kale[=o] hail, call
Koilas hollow
K[=e]das heed, care
Kerdas hire
Keras horn, herald
Axine ax
Ophrun frown
Pur fire
Platus plate
Xeras fear
Mignu[=o] mingle
Eile[=o] heal, hail
Kair[=o] cheer
Gonu knee
Knix gnat
Z[=e]te[=o] seek

The reader will find no difficulty in believing these words to be from the same root, when he is told that the Greeks and the northern nations of Europe pronounced with a strong guttural aspirate; and that _k_ among the Greeks was often a mere aspirate, like _h_. Thus the Romans often pronounced _c_; for which reason that letter is often omitted, and _h_ substituted in modern English. _Curro_ and _hurry_ are the same word; and so are _cornu_ and _horn_; _Carolus_ and _Harold_.

_Greek._ _Latin._ _English._

'Oinos vinum wine
Dama[=o] domo tame
Zeugos jugum yoke
Upper super upper
Gno[=o]} nosco } know
Ginosko} cognosco}

Some old people still pronounce the _k_ in _know_.

In the following, the Welsh differ from the Greek in the prepositives or initial mutes; but they are clearly from the same root.

_Greek._ _Latin._ _English._

Stoma saman mouth
Ikanos digon sufficient
Ark[=e] d'erke beginning
Air[=o] d'uyrey arise
Platun lhydon broad
Papyrun bruyn rushes
Trek[=o] rhedeg run
Petalon dalen loaf[139]

In the following words, the Welsh are nearer the Greek than the Latin; yet all came from one stock.

_Greek._ _Welsh._ _Latin._ _English._

Helios heil sol sun
Hypnos hyn, heppian somnus sleep
Halon halen sal salt
Hamolos hamal similis like
Bounos ban mons mountain
Kleas klad. _Cornish_, klas laus praise
Pepto pobo coquo cook
Hyle hely sylva woods
Krios kor aries ram

These words are incontestibly the same, with mere dialectical variations. All are branches of the same stock, yet neither can claim the honor of being that stock.

But the most curious etymological analysis ever exhibited perhaps in any language, is that found in Gebelin's works. Take the following specimens.

In the primitive language (of Europe) the monosyllable _tar_, _ter_, _tor_ or _tro_, for it appeared under these forms, signified _force_. It was composed of _t_ and _ar_ or _d'ar_, _roughness_, _rapidity_. Hence _tar_ expressed the idea of force, with the collateral ideas of violence, rigor, grandeur, &c. From _tar_ are derived, _taurus_, a bull; _torrent_, _target_, _trunk_, _truncare_, to cut off; _terror_, _trepan_, _tare_, _detriment_, _trancher_, to cut; _retrench_; _tardus_, _tardy_, _retard_, _tergum_, because things heavy, that require force, were carried upon the back; _intrigue_, for it implies difficulties; _trop_, too much, _troop_, _ter_, _trois_, which originally signified a multitude; for many savage nations have names only for the three first numbers; _tierce_, _tres_, very; _tresses_, a braid or plait of hair in three divisions; _triangle_, _tribunal_, _tribe_, _attribute_, _contribute_, &c. _trident_, _trillion_, _trio_, _trinity_, _entre_, _enter_, taken from a relation of three objects, _one_ between _two_, makes a _third_; hence _internal_, _external_, _travers_, across; _tradition_, passing from one to another; _traffic_, _trahir_, to draw; _traitor_, _trepidation_, _intrepid_. From _tra_, between, and _es_, it is, came the Celtic, _treh_, a narrow pass, a _strait_, _strict_, Fr. _etroit_, _astringent_, _detroit_, strait; _distress_, _strength_. The compounds are numerous. _Intrinsic_, _entrails_, _introduce_, _extraneous_, _extravagant_, _transcendent_, _transfer_, _transform_, _transgress_, _transact_, _translate_, _transmit_, _transmigrate_, _transmutation_, &c.

_Paltroon_ is from _pollex_, a _thumb_, and _truncare_, to cut off; for cowards use to cut their thumbs to avoid service.

+TEM+.

_Tem_ signified river, water. Hence _tempero_ in Latin signified to _plunge into water_. We to this day say to _temper iron or steel_. _To temper_, is to moderate. From this root come _temperance_, _temperature_, and a numerous catalogue of other words. The river Thames derives its name from the same root.

+VA+, _to go_, _radical_.

From _va_, the Celtic root, we find a multitude of branches in Greek, Latin, English and French. It is an _onomatope_, a word borrowed from the sound of our feet in walking. Its derivatives are, _wade_, _evade_, _evasion_, _invade_, _invasion_, _venio_, Lat. and _venir_, Fr. to come; _venia_ and _venial_,[140] _adventure_, _avenue_, _convenio_, _convenience_, _convention_, _covenant_ perhaps, _contravene_, _intervene_, _invent_, _prevent_, _province_,[141] _advance_, _via_, _way_, _voyage_, _convoy_, _convey_, _obviate_, _vex_, _invective_, _vein_, a way for the blood; _voiture_, Fr. for a load to carry; _evitare_, Lat. to shun; _inevitable_.

To these derivatives, I will just add a comparative view of the verbs _have_ and _be_ in several languages.

+HAVE+.

_English._ _Latin._ _French._ _Germ._ _Spanish._ _Portuguese._

I have habeo ai[142] habe he éy
Thou hast habes as hast as has
He has habet a hat as ha
We have habemus avons haben avemos hamos, avemos
You have habetis avez habet aveis éys, evéys
They have habent ont haben an ham

_The Substantive Verb_ +BE+.

_English._ _Latin._ _French._ _Germ._ _Spanish._ _Portuguese._

I am, be sum suis bin estoy & soy sou, estou
Thou art, beest es es bist estas, eres es, estas
He is, be est est est-es está, es he, esta
We are, be sumus sommes sind estamos, somos somos, estamos
You are, be estis êtes seyd estais, sois soys, estoys
They are, be sunt sont sind estan, son sam, estam

It is indisputable that _have_, in all these languages, is from the same root. But there seem to have been anciently two substantive verbs, or perhaps three, from which modern nations have borrowed; viz, the Greek ~einai~ or ~eimi~, or the Latin _esse_, from which most of the foregoing are derived; the Teutonic _beon_, whence the Germans have their _bin_ and _bist_, and the English their _be_ and _beest_; and an old Gothic or Teutonic word, _weorthan_, whence the Danes have derived their _voerer_, and the English and Germans their _were_ and _werden_. In the old English phrase, "woe _worth_ the day," we see the same verb.

Having stated my reasons and authorities for believing all the European languages descended from one parent tongue, I will here subjoin the Lord's Prayer in several languages of Celtic and Gothic origin. The affinity between all the branches of the Gothic is very visible; the affinity likewise between all the branches of the Celtic is very obvious, except the ancient Irish. The Cantabrian and Lapland tongues have little resemblance to either of the stocks or their branches.

+GOTHIC.+
|
|
+------------------------------+------------------------------+
| | |
| | |
1. OLD SAXON, 2. FRANCIC, 3. CIMBRIC,
or ANGLO-SAXON. or FRANCO-THEOTISC. or OLD ICELANDIC.
| | |
| | |
| {1. ENGLISH. +--1. GERMAN, +--1. ICELANDIC.
+--{2. BROAD, | or HIGH DUTCH (proper.) +--2. NORWEGIAN,
| or Lowland SCOTCH. +--2. GERMAN | or NORSE.
| | of SWABIA. +--3. DANISH.
| {3. BELGIC, +--3. SWISS. +--4. SWEDISH.
+--{ or LOW DUTCH (proper.)
| {4. FRISIC,
| { or Friezeland Tongue.

Very little affinity is discoverable between the original Gothic and Celtic or their derivatives; yet this is not a proof that they were _ab origine_ distinct languages; for the words in this prayer are few, and it has been proved that there are many words common to both those ancient tongues.

+_CELTIC._+
|
+----------------+--------------------+
| |
+------------+-----------+ |
| | |
1. _The Ancient_ 2. _The Ancient_ 3. _The Ancient_
_GAULISH._ _BRITISH._ _IRISH._
| | |
| | |
_No Language fully_ +--1. _WELSH._ +--1. _IRISH._
_derived from this is_ +--2. _AMORICAN,_ +--2. _ERSE, or_
_now extant, unless it_ | _or Bas Bretagne._ | _Highland Scotch._
_be the AMORICAN,_ +--3. _CORNISH._ +--3. _MANKS, or a Language_
_which yet the best_ | _of the Isle of Man._
_authorities derive_
_from the Ancient_
_British, or_
_CYMRAEG._

SPECIMENS _of the_ GOTHIC LANGUAGES.

The ancient _Gothic_ of _Ulphilas_.

Atta unsar thu in himinam. 1. Veihnai namo thein. 2. Quimai thiudinassus theins. 3. Vairthai vilja theins, sue in himina, jah ana airthai. 4. Hlaif unsarana thana sinteinan gif uns himmadaga. 5. Jah aflet uns thatei sculans sijaima sua sue jah veis afletam thaim skulam unsaraim. 6. Jah ni bringais uns in fraistubnjai. 7. Ak lausei uns af thamma ubilin. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn's _Oratio Dominica in diversas omnium fere Gentium Linguas versa, &c._]

_The_ ANCIENT LANGUAGES _derived from the_ GOTHIC.

I.

_Anglo Saxon._

Uren Fader, thic arth in heofnas. 1. Sie gehalgud thin noma. 2. To cymeth thin ryc. 3. Sie thin willa sue is in heofnas, and in eortho. 4. Uren hlaf oferwistlic sel us to daeg. 5. And forgefe us scylda urna, sue we forgefan scyldgum urum. 6. And no inlead usig in custnung. 7. Ah gefriguiichfrom ftie. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 56]

II.

_Franco Theotisc._

Fater unser thu thar bist in himile. 1. Si geheilagot thin namo. 2. Queme thin rihhi. 3. Si thin willo, so her in himile ist o si her in erdu. 4. Unsar brot tagalihhaz gib uns huitu. 5. Inti furlaz uns nusara sculdi so uuir furlazames unsaron sculdigon. 6. Inti ni gileitest unsih in costunga. 7. Uzouh arlosi unsi fon ubile. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 61.]

III.

_Cimbric_, or old _Icelandic_.

Fader uor, som est i himlum. 1. Halgad warde thit nama. 2. Tilkomme thitt rikie. 3. Skie thin vilie, so som i himmalam, so och po iordannè. 4. Wort dachlicha brodh gif os i dagh. 5. Ogh forlat os uora skuldar, so som ogh vi forlate them os skildighe are. 6. Ogh inled os ikkie i fretalsam. 7. Utan frels os ifra ondo. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 54]

SPECIMENS _of the_ CELTIC LANGUAGES.

--> I am not able to produce any specimen of the _Celtic_, at least any version of the Lord's Prayer, which can be opposed in point of antiquity to the _Gothic _specimen from _Ulphilas_, who flourished A.D. 365.--As the _Celts_ were settled in these countries long before the _Goths_, and were exposed to various revolutions before their arrival, their language has, as might be expected, undergone greater and earlier changes than the _Gothic_; so that no specimen of the old original _Celtic_ is I believe, now to be found.

_The_ ANCIENT LANGUAGES _derived from the_ CELTIC.

I.

_Anc. Gaulish_.

Of this language I cannot find any specimen which can be depended on.

II.

_Cambrian_, or _Ancient British_.

_Eyen Taad_ _rhuvn wyt yn y neofoedodd._ 1. _Santeiddier_ _yr henvu tau._ 2. _Devedy dyrnas dau_. 3. _Guneler dy wollys_ _ar ryddayar megis ag_ _yn y nefi._ 4. _Eyn bara_ _beunyddvul dyro inni_ _heddivu_. 5. _Ammaddeu_ _ynny eyn deledion_, _megis ag i maddevu in_ _deledvvir ninaw._ 6. _Agna thowys ni in_ _brofedigaeth_. 7. _Namyn_ _myn gwared ni rhag_ _drug. Amen_.

[From Chamberl. p. 47.]

III.

_Ancient Irish_, or _Gaedhlig_.

_Our Narme ata_ _ar neamb_. 1. _Beanich_ _a tainin._ 2. _Go_ _diga de riogda_. 3. _Go denta du hoill air_ _talm in marte ar neamb._ 4. _Tabair deim_ _aniugh ar naran_ _limbali_. 5. _Augus_ _mai duin ar fiach_ _amhail maamhia_ _ar fiacha_. 6. _Naleig_ _sin amaribh_. 7. _Ach_ _saarsa sin o olch_. _Amen_.

[From Dr. Anth. Raymond's Introduction to the History of Ireland, p. 2, 3, &c.][143]

SPECIMENS _of the_ GOTHIC LANGUAGES.

I. MODERN LANGUAGES _derived from the_ OLD SAXON.

I.

_English._

Our Father, which art in heaven. 1. Hallowed be thy name. 2. Thy kingdom come. 3. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. 4. Give us this day, our daily bread. 5. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 6. And lead us not into temptation. 7. But deliver us from evil. Amen.

[From the English Testament.]

II.

_Broad Scotch._

Ure Fader, whilk art in hevin. 1. Hallouit be thy naim. 2. Thy kingdum cum. 3. Thy wull be dun in airth, as it is in hevin. 4. Gie uss this day ure daily breid. 5. And forgive uss ure debts, ass we forgien ure debtouris. 6. And leid uss na' into temptation. 7. Bot deliver uss frae evil. Amen.

[From a Scotch Gentleman.]

III.

_Low Dutch_, or _Belgic_.

Onse Vader, die daer zijt in de hemelen. 1. Uwen naem worde gheheylight. 2. U rijcke kome. 3. Uwen wille gheschiede op der aerden, gelijck in den hemel. 4. Onse dagelijck broodt gheest ons heden. 5. Ende vergheeft ons onse schulden, ghelijck wy oock onse schuldenaren vergeven. 6. Ende en leyt ons niet in Versoeckinge. 7. Maer verlost ons vanden boosen. Amen.

[From the New Test. in Dutch.]

IV.

_Frisic_, or _Friezeland Tongue_.

Ws Haita duu deritu biste yne hymil. 1. Dyn name wird heiligt. 2. Dyn rick tokomme. 3. Dyn wille moet schoen, opt yrtyck as yne hymile. 4. Ws dielix bræ jov ws jwed. 5. In verjou ws, ws schylden, as vejac ws schyldnirs. 6. In lied ws nact in versieking. 7. Din fry ws vin it quæd. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 68.]

SPECIMENS _of the_ CELTIC LANGUAGES.

II. MODERN LANGUAGES _derived from the_ ANCIENT BRITISH, _or_ CYMRAEG.

I.

_Welsh_, or _Cymraeg_.

_Ein Tâd, yr hwn wyt yn y nefoedd. 1. Sanctieddier dy Enw. 2. Deved dy deyrnas. 3. Bydaed dy ewyllys ar y ddaiar megis y mae yn y nefoedd. 4. Dyro i ni heddyw ein bara beunyddiol. 5. A madde ini ein dyledion fel y maddeuwn ni i'n dyledwyr. 6. Ag nag arwain ni i brofedigaeth. 7. Eithr gwared ni rhag drwg. Amen._

[Communicated by a Gentleman of Jesus College, Oxon.]

II. _Armoric_, or Language of _Britanny_ in France.

_Hon Tad, pehudij sou en efaou. 1. Da hanou bezet sanctifiet. 2. Devet aornomp da rouantelaez. 3. Da eol bezet graet en douar, eual maz eon en euf. 4. Ró dimp hyziou hon bara pemdeziec. 5. Pardon dimp hon pechedou, eual ma pardonomp da nep pegant ezomp offanczet. 6. Ha na dilaes quet a hanomp en temptation. 7. Hoguen hon diliur diouz drouc. Amen._

[From Chamberlayn, p. 51.]

III.

_Cornish._

_Ny Taz, ez yn neau. 1. Bonegas yw tha hanaw. 2. Tha gwlakoth doaz. 3. Tha bonagath bogweez en nore pocoragen neau. 4. Roe thenyen dythma gon dyth bara givians. 5. Ny gan rabn weary cara ny givians mens. 6. O cabin ledia ny nara idn tentation. 7. Buz dilver ny thart doeg. Amen._

[From Chamberlayn, p. 50.]

SPECIMENS _of the_ GOTHIC LANGUAGES.

II. MODERN LANGUAGES _derived from the_ ANCIENT GERMAN, _or_ FRANCIC, &c.

I.

_High Dutch_, (proper.)

Unser Vater in dem Himmel. 1. Dein name werde geheiliget. 2. Dein reich komme. 3. Dein wille geschehe auf erden, wie im himmel. 4. Unser taeglich brodt gib uns heute. 5. Und vergib uns unsere schulden, wie wir unsern schuldigern vergeben. 6. Und fuehre uns nicht in Versuchung. 7. Sondern erloese uns von dem vbel. Amen.

[From the common German New Testament, printed at London, 12 mo.]

II.

_High Dutch_ of the _Suevian Dialect_.

Fatter ausar dear du bischt em hemmal. 1. Gehoyleget wearde dain nam. 2. Zuakomme dain reych. 3. Dain will gschea uff earda as em hemmal. 4. Ausar deglich braud gib as huyt. 5. Und fergiab as ausre schulda, wia wiar fergeaba ausarn schuldigearn. 6. Und fuar as net ind fersuaching. 7. Sondern erlais as fom ibal. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn's Oratio Dominica, p. 64.]

III.

The _Swiss Language_.

Vatter unser, der du bist in himlen. 1. Geheyligt werd dyn nam. 2. Rukumm uns dijn rijch. 3. Dyn will geschahe, wie im himmel, also auch uff erden. 4. Gib uns hut unser taglich brot. 5. Und vergib uns unsere schulden, wie anch wir vergaben unsern schulderen. 6. Und fuhr uns nicht in versuchnyss. 7. Sunder erlos uns von dem bosen. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 65.]

SPECIMENS _of the_ CELTIC LANGUAGES.

III. MODERN LANGUAGES _derived from the_ ANCIENT IRISH.

I.

_Irish_, or _Gaidhlig_.

_Ar nathair atá ar neamh. 1. Naomhthar hainm. 2. Tigeadh do riaghachd. 3. Deuntar do thoil ar an ttalámh, mar do nithear ar neamh. 4. Ar naràn laéathamhail tabhair dhúinn a niu. 5. Agus maith dhúinn ar bhfiacha, mar mhaithmidne dar bhféitheamhnuibh fein. 6. Agus na léig sinn a ccathughadh. 7. Achd sáor sinn o olc. Amen._

[From Bishop Bedel's Irish Bible. Lond. 1690. 8 vo.]

II.

_Erse_, or _Gaidhlig Albannaich_.

_Ar n' Athair ata air neamh. 1. Gu naomhaichear t tinm. 2. Tigeadh do rioghachd. 3. Deanthar do thoil air an ta amh mar a nithear air neamb. 4. Tabhair dhuinn an diu ar n aran laitheill. 5. Agus maith dhuinn ar fiacha amhuill mar mhaithmid d'ar luehd-fiach-aibh.[144] 6. Agus na leig am buaireadh sinn. 7. Ach saor sinn o olc. Amen._

[From the New Testament in the Erse Language.]

III.

_Manks_, or Language of the _Isle of Man_.

_Ayr ain, t'ayns niau. 1. Casherick dy row dt'ennym. 2. Dy jig dty reeriaught. 3. Dt'aigney dy row jeant er y thalao, myr te ayns niau. 4. Cur d oin nyn arran jiu as gaghlaa. 5. As leih dooin nyn loghtyn, nyr ta shin leih dauesyn tu jannoo loghtyn nyn' oc. 6. As ny leeid shin ayns miolagh. 7. Agh livrey shin veih olk. Amen._

[From the Liturgy in Manks, printed at London, 1765. 8 vo.]

SPECIMENS _of the_ GOTHIC LANGUAGES.

III. MODERN LANGUAGES _derived from the_ ANCIENT SCANDINAVIAN, _or_ ICELANDIC, _called (by some writers)_ CIMBRIC, _or_ CIMBRO GOTHIC.

I.

_Icelandic._

Fader vor thu som ert a himnum. 1. Helgest thitt nafn. 2. Tilkome thitt riike. 3. Verde thinn vilie, so a jordu, sem a himne. 4. Gieff thu oss i dag vort daglegt braud. 5. Og fiergieff oss vorar skulder, so sem vier fierergiefum vorum skuldinautum. 6. Og inleid oss ecke i freistne. 7. Heldr frelsa thu oss fra illu. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 70.]

II.

_Norwegian_, or _Norse_.

Wor Fader du som est y himmelen. 1. Gehailiget woare dit nafn. 2. Tilkomma os riga dit. 3. Din wilia geskia paa iorden, som handt er udi himmelen. 4. Giff oss y tag wort dagliga brouta. 5. Och forlaet os wort skioldt, som wy forlata wora skioldon. 6. Och lad os icke homma voi fristelse. 7. Man frals os fra onet. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 71.]

III.

_Danish._

Vor Fader i himmelen. 1. Helligt vorde dit navn. 2. Tilkomme dit rige. 3. Vorde din villie, paa iorden som i himmelen. 4. Giff oss i dag vort daglige bred. 5. Oc forlad oss vor skyld, som wi forlade vore skyldener. 6. Oc leede oss icke i fristelse. 7. Men frels os fra ont. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 70.]

IV.

_Swedish._

Fader war som ast i himmelen. 3. Helgat warde titt nampn. 2. Till komme titt ricke. 3. Skei tin willie saa paa lordenne, som i himmelen. 4. Wart dagliga brod giff oss i dagh. 5. Och forlat os wara skulder sa som ock wi forlaten them oss skildege aro. 6. Och inleed oss icke i frestelse. 7. Ut an frals oss i fra ondo. Amen.

[From Chamberlayn, p. 70.]

SPECIMENS _of the_ FINN _and_ LAPLAND TONGUES.

I.

The _Finn_ Language.

_Isa meidan joca olet taiwassa. 1. Pyhitetty olcon sinum nimes. 2. Lahes tulcon sinum waldacundas. 3. Olcon sinun tahtos niin maase cuin taiwasa. 4. Anna meile tanapaiwana meidan joca paiwainen leipam. 5. Sa anna meille meidan syndim andexi nuncuin mekin andex annam meidan welwottistem. 6. Ja ala johdata meita kiusauxen. 7. Mutta paasta meita pahasta. Amen._

[From Chamberlayn, p. 82.]

II.

The _Lapland_ Tongue.

_Atka mijam juco lee almensisne. 1. Ailis ziaddai tu nam. 2. Zweigubatta tu ryki. 3. Ziaddus tu willio. naukuchte almesne nau ei edna mannal. 4. Wadde mijai udni mijan fært pæfwen laibebm. 5. Jah andagasloite mi jemijan suddoid, naukuchte mije andagasloitebt kudi mije welgogas lien. 6. Jah sissalaidi mijabni. 7. Æle tocko kæckzællebma pahast. Amen._

[From Chamberlayn, p. 83.]

* * * * *

_A_ SPECIMEN _of the_ CANTABRIAN _or_ BISCAYAN LANGUAGE, _still preserved in_ SPAIN.

The _Basque_.

_Gure Aita kerutéan caréna. 1. Erabilbedi sainduqui çure jcena. 2. Ethorbedi çure eressuma. 3. Eguinbedi çure borondatea çerú an becala turre'an ore. 4. Emandieçagucu egun gure egunorozco oguia. 5. Eta barkhadietcatgutçu gure çorrac gucere gure coidunei barkhatcendiotçaguten becala. 6. Eta ezgaitçatcu utc tentacionétan erortcerat. 7. Aitcitic beguiragaitcatçu gaite gucietaric. Halabiz._

[From Chamberlayn, p. 44.]

Here we find many of the same words, with small variations, in all the languages of Teutonic origin. It is however observable that the English have softened some words, by omitting the gutturals. Thus _gehalgud_ in the Anglo-Saxon; _geheiliget_ in the German; _gheheylight_ in the Belgic; and _geheyligt_ in the Swiss, are softened into _hallowed_ in English; _taeglich_ and _dagelijcht_ become _daily_. Similar omissions run thro the language. Thus _nagel_, _hagel_ have become in English _nail_ and _hail_. The _gh_ in _might_, _night_ are still pronounced by the Scotch; but the English say _mite_, _nite_.[145]

The affinity between the ancient British, the modern Welsh, and the Armoric, is very obvious; but in the latter, we find a few Latin or French words--_pardon_, _peichdon_, _deliur_, which we should naturally expect from the vicinity of Britanny to the French language.

I have been at the pains to examin a great number of radical words in the Danish, and find the most of them, amounting to more than four hundred, very little different from the English. Where the English write _w_, the Danes write _v_; _vind_ for _wind_. Where the English write _c_ hard, the Danes, with more judgement, write _k_; _klover_, _kan_, _kommer_, for _cleave_, _can_, _come_. Where the English write _wh_, the Danes, with propriety, write _hv_, _v_ having the sound of _w_; as _hvad_, _hvi_, _hval_; _what_, _why_, _whole_.

The words, common to the Danish and English, are mostly monosyllables.

As a corroborating proof of the Eastern origin of the Goths, authors produce the resemblance between their religious opinions and the notions of the Magi. The Scandinavian mythology is preserved in the EDDA, written by Snorro Sturleson, an Icelander, a learned judge and first magistrate in the 12th century.

In this there are many notions which seem to bear a great analogy to the doctrines revealed in the Bible.

It is represented in the Edda, that before creation, "all was one vast abyss;" an idea not unlike the scripture account of what we usually call _chaos_.--"That _Surtur_, the black, shall come at the end of the world, vanquish the gods and give up the universe to the flames"--a crude notion of the conflagration.--"That _Ymer_ the first man or great giant, slept and fell into a sweat, and from the pit of his left arm were born male and female;" this has some resemblance to the scripture account of the creation of the woman--"That the sons of _Bore_ slew the giant _Ymer_, and all the giants of the frost were drowned, except Bengelmer, who was saved in his bark;" in which notion we observe some tradition of the deluge.

The opinion that the world will be destroyed by fire seems to have been universal among the Gothic nations. The descriptions of that catastrophe resemble those of the Stoics and of the ancient Magi and Zoroaster, from whom the idea was probably taken. These descriptions all agree with the scripture representation of that event in the material circumstances.

The doctrine of a future state, or of a renovation of the world, was part of the Gothic system. It was taught by Zamolxis, the celebrated Druid of the Getæ and Scythians.---- Herod. Lib. 4. § 95.

In this same Edda, we also find the origin of some customs still remaining among the descendants of the northern nations. The drinking of bumpers is not an invention of modern bacchanals; it is mentioned, fable 25, of the Edda, where it is said Thor challenged one to a drinking match.

The custom of hanging up bushes on Christmas eve is derived probably from the superstitious veneration paid to the Misseltoe by the Scandinavians.

Indeed the festival of Christmas was grafted upon an ancient pagan feast, celebrated at the winter solstice, in honour of the sun and to render the new year propitious. It answered to the Roman Saturnalia, and was probably of as high an origin. The night on which it was observed was called _Mother Night_, as that which produced the rest; and the feast itself was called by the Goths _Iuul_.--See Mallet's North. Antiq. vol. 1. p. 130. Hence the old word _yeul_ or _yule_ for Christmas; a word that is still used, or at least has been used till within a century in Scotland and the north of England. "Yule," says that learned antiquary, Cowel, "in the north parts of England, is used by the country people as the name of the feast of our Lord's nativity, usually termed _Christmas_. The sports used at Christmas, called Christmas Gamboles, they stile _Yule Games_. _Yule_ is the proper Scotch word for Christmas."----Cowel's Law Dictionary, tit. Yule. The Parliament passed an act for discharging the _Yule Vacance_, which was repealed after the union by stat. George I. cap. 8. The feast was celebrated from time immemorial among the Romans and Goths; the Christians changed its object and name; tho such is the force of custom, that the Gothic name existed in Scotland till lately, and perhaps still exists among the lower ranks of people.

From the northern nations also we have the names of the days of the week; or at least of some of them. The ancient Goths devoted particular days to particular deities.

TUESDAY was _Tyrsdag_, from Tyr the God of bravery. It is in the Danish, _Tyrsdag_, and in the Swedish _Tisdag_.

WEDNESDAY is _Woden'sdag_, from _Woden_, a celebrated warrior deified. In Icelandic, it is _Wonsdag_; in Swedish, _Odinsdag_; in Dutch, _Woensdag_; in Anglo Saxon, _Wodensdag_.

THURSDAY is from _Thor_, god of the air. In Danish it is _Thorsdag_; in Swedish _Torsdag_.

FRIDAY is from _Frea_, the earth and goddess of love, answering to the Venus of the Greeks. In some languages it is called _Freytag_.---- See Mallet's North. Antiquities.

I will just add, it is a weighty argument in favor of the truth of the Scripture history, and of the opinion here advanced of the common origin of languages, that in all the ancient and modern European alphabets, the letters are of a similar figure and power, and arranged nearly in the same order.[146] The true Greek letters were only the Cadmean letters reversed: This reversal took place early in Greece, when the ancient Phenician and Hebrew order of writing from right to left, was changed for the modern order, which is from left to right. The Hebrew or Phenician Alphabet was clearly the parent of the Greek, Roman and Gothic.

[B], page 52.

The reader will please to accept the following specimen, which will convey an idea of the whole.

_Punic._

Yth al o nim ua lonuth! sicorathissi me com syth chim lach chunyth mum ys tyal myethi barii im schi.

_Irish._

Iath all o nimh uath lonnaithe! socruidhse me com sith chimi lach chuinigh! muini istoil miocht beiridh iar mo scith.

_English._

Omnipotent, much dreaded Deity of this country! asswage my troubled mind! Thou, the support of feeble captives! being now exhausted with fatigue, of thy free will, guide me to my children.

In this example the affinity between the Punic and Irish is striking; and the same runs thro the whole speech.

That Ireland received colonies from Spain or Carthage is probable from other circumstances. The Irish historians say their ancestors received letters from the Phenicians; and the Irish language was called _Bearni Feni_, the Phenician tongue. _Cadiz_ in Spain was first settled by Phenicians; and _cadas_ in Irish signifies _friendship_.

The Irish seems to be a compound of _Celtic_ and _Punic_; and if Ireland was peopled originally from Carthage, and received colonies from thence, the event must have been subsequent to the first Punic war; for this was the period when the Carthaginians adopted the Roman letters, and there is no inscription in Ireland in the Phenician character.

The Hebrew was the root of the Phenician and the Punic. The Maltese is evidently a branch of the Punic; for it approaches nearer to the Hebrew and Chaldaic, than to the Arabic. For this assertion we have the authority of _M. Maius_, professor of the Greek and oriental languages in the Ludovician university of Giessen, who had his accounts from _Ribier_, a missionary Jesuit and native of Malta. This fact will account for the correspondence between the Irish and the Maltese, in several particulars. In Maltese, _Alla_ signifies _God_; in Irish, _All_ is _mighty_. _Baol_ in Maltese, and _Bel_ or _Bal_ in Irish, signify _Chief Deity_ or _Sun_. In Maltese, _ordu_ is _end_ or _summit_; in Irish, _ard_, _arda_, are _hill_, _high_. These words are probably from the same root as the Latin _arduus_, and the English _hard_, implying labor. _Bandla_ in Maltese, is _a cord_; in Irish, _bann_ is suspension. In Maltese, _gala_ is the sail of a ship; and in Irish, _gal_ is a gale of wind. These Maltese words are taken from a Punica Maltese Dictionary, annexed to a treatise, Della lingua Punica presentamente usitate da Maltese, by G. Pietro Francisco Agius de Solandas.

There is also a correspondence between the Irish and Punic, in the variation of their nouns, as may be observed in the following example.

_Punic._ _Irish._

Nom. A dar, the house an dae, the house, &c.
Gen. Mit a dar, of the house mend na dae
Dat. La dar, with or to the house la dae
Acc. A dar, the house an dae
Voc. Ya dar, O house a dae
Abl. Fa dar, with or by the house fa dae

In several particulars the Irish bears a close affinity to the Hebrew and Greek. It was the custom with the Hebrews, and it still remains with them, to face the east in the act of devotion. From this practice it proceeded, that the same word which signified _right hand_, signified also _south_; the same with _left hand_ and _north_; _before_ and _east_; _behind_ and _west_. This is the case also in the Irish language.

_Hebrew._ _Irish._

Jamin,[147] right hand, south deas, the same
Smol, left hand, north thuaidh, the same
Achor, behind, west tar, the same
Cedem, before, east oir and oithear, the same, or
rising sun. Latin, oriens

That the Greeks had an intercourse with the islands of Britain and Ireland, or sent colonies thither, is not impossible; and Dr. Todd, not many years ago, discovered, at Colchester, in Essex, an altar dedicated to the Tyrian Hercules, with an inscription in Greek capitals,

~HÊRAKLÊS TYREO DEIO DOKA ARCHIERIA~.

There is a place in Ireland called _Airchil_. And it is a remarkable fact, that some fragments of old Irish laws, which, for a long time, puzzled the antiquaries of the nation, are found to be written in a very ancient language, and in the manner which the Greeks called _Boustrophedon_; that is, from right to left, and from left to right, in the manner that oxen plow. This was supposed to be an improvement on the Hebrew and Phenician order of writing all the lines from right to left, which Cadmus introduced into Greece. This manner of writing in Greece was prior to Homer, and if the Irish copied from the Greeks, which is not impossible, the fact would prove a very early settlement of Ireland by Greek colonies or their descendants. See Leland's Hist. of Ireland, Prelim. Dis.

All these circumstances corroborate the opinion that the Celts came originally from the east, and formed settlements on the shores of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. The affinity between the Phenician, the Punic, the Maltese, the Irish and the British languages, discoverable in a great number of words, makes it probable, that after colonies were settled at Carthage and at Cadiz, some commercial intercourse was carried on between them and the nations at the head of the Mediterranean, and that an emigration from Spain might people Ireland before any settlements had been made there by the Gauls or Britons. It is however more probable that the Punic words in the Irish language might have been introduced into that island by subsequent colonization. At any rate, from the Hebrew, Chaldaic, or Phenician, or the common root of these languages, proceeded the Punic, the Maltese, the Iberian or Spanish, the Gaulish, the British, and the Irish. The order I have mentioned is obvious and natural; and history furnishes us with some facts to strengthen the supposition.

[C], page 58.

Bishop Hickes, in his Saxon Grammar, which is a vast treasure of valuable learning, has preserved a specimen of the language and of the opinions of the English respecting it, in an extract from a manuscript of one Ranulphus Higdenus, _de Incolarum linguis_, translated by John Trevisa in 1385, and the ninth of Richard II. Trevisa's stile bears some affinity to that of Chaucer, with whom he was cotemporary.