words, did not know of Grellmann’s vocabulary, the coincidence appears very remarkable; but it is still more so with the Turkish Gypsey specimen by Jacob Bryant, exhibited also in the 8th Section. Robert Forster of Tottenham, who has been a coadjutor in this work, transmitted the following collection of words obtained from Gypsies in his neighbourhood.
| Gypsey. | English. |
| Parnee | Water |
| Jewcal | Dog |
| Maurau | Bread |
| Kil-maurau | Bread & butter |
| Lavenar | Beer |
| Shill-deues | Cold day |
| Taldu | Hot day |
| Moila | Ass |
| Gur | Horse |
In the conversation a clergyman had with the Bosswell gang, as published in the Christian Guardian for 1812 and 1813, they told him Chum, was the sun; Chuu, the moon; Kalmàro, bread and butter; and Livina, drink. The first two of those words almost exactly accord with Grellmann’s vocabulary, and the latter as nearly with Robert Forster’s and James
Corder’s collection from Gypsies in and about London.
From the comparative views which have been taken of Gypsey expressions in various countries, there is reason to conclude that wherever they have been scattered on the face of the earth, they have spoken and transmitted the same language to their descendants. That it should have been preserved by them, when among people of other tongues, throughout centuries, for no purpose that we are acquainted with, but that of concealment, is indeed astonishing.
SECTION XI.
Sentiments of various persons on the moral condition of the Gypsies
After the extensive survey which has now been taken of the customs and habits of this people, in the various countries they inhabit, the reader will be prepared for the conclusions of Grellmann, that Gypsies are indeed a singular phenomenon in Europe. And remarkable it is, that the combined influence of time, climate, and example, have not effected any material alteration in their state. For the space of three or four hundred years, they have gone wandering about as pilgrims and strangers; they are found in eastern, as well as in western countries; as well among the rude, as the civilized; among indolent and active people; yet they remain in all places, as to customs and habits, what their fathers were.
It is asserted, there are two causes to which this coincidence is to be attributed; one is the country where they originate, with their consequent train of thinking; the other arises out of the circumstances which have hitherto attended their situation. Their peculiar notions and customs, leave no doubt of their being of eastern origin. In oriental countries, attachment to habit is so strong, that what has been once current among them, be it ever so pernicious or ridiculous, is persevered in; any affection which has once predominated, retains its dominion for ages.
Mahomet knowing that the weak side of the Arabians was their veneration for every thing handed down from their forefathers, gave his new profession the colouring of antiquity, and affirmed it to be the religion of Abraham. The Jesuits in China, availed themselves of similar means, by referring to Confucius, in aid of their doctrines, and thus they obtained admission for their religion among the Chinese. In the eastern nations, no change is adopted merely because it is an improvement. The