Storia do Mogor 16: XI. CONCLUSION.

16

Having now stated the reasons which have for many years made the question of Manucci and his history a curious literary problem, and having thrown upon it and upon him all the light that ten years of research have produced, I take my leave of him. I know that this book, and still more its translator and editor, are open to adverse criticism; but of one thing I am convinced, that no fair-minded reader ought to say that Manucci is, for many pages together, so dull as to be uninteresting and unreadable.
Here I may state the reasons which have led me to prepare an English translation instead of bringing out the original text. It is obvious, in the first place, that a work in three languages—Italian, French, and Portuguese—would be somewhat of an anomaly. If this be conceded, as I think it must be, it follows that one of the three languages would have to be preferred, and into it the other portions must be translated. Even if Italian, as the author's mother-tongue, be chosen, two-thirds of the book would still be a translation, and we should be as far as ever from a reproduction of the original text. On the other hand, Italian is not so generally known as French or English. But the main reason determining my choice was that the work is one whose interest lies more in its matter than its form. It is not a literary classic, and what it has to tell us can be just as well reproduced in English as in any other language. Then, through an English edition, we address a much larger audience in England and America; and the needs of Indians interested in the history of their country, now an increasing class, are also served much more effectually.
In the course of my task I have received abundant and generous help from many persons, whose names I have endeavoured to record, either in this Introduction, or as occasion arose in the course of the book. I have not willingly overlooked any kindness shown me, but in such an extensive and long-sustained effort, ramifying in so many directions, it may well be that I have omitted some names; and if this be so, I crave those persons' pardon, and so bid all farewell with many thanks.