Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c12.5

c12.5

The principle of evidence here asserted is precisely the same which has been followed in the discussions on Sandhi and on Syllabic Restoration. It reduces to secondary importance all questions as to the readings of the Saṃhitā or Padapāṭha texts: and accordingly, whilst the readings of the former are noted throughout, and those of the latter when they are of interest, the general discussion of them will be reserved till the end of the chapter: for only in cases in which the metrical evidence leaves reasonable doubt will it be justifiable to pay regard even to so ancient a tradition as that of the Saṃhitā text.