Of the Dutch language our immortal lexicographer, Johnson, says, “Our knowledge of the northern literature is so scanty, that of words undoubtedly Teutonic the original is not always to be found in any ancient language, and I have therefore inserted Dutch or German substitutes, which I consider not as radical, but parallel; not as the parent of, but as sisters to the English.” To close this digression, the language, I must confess, did not sound dissonant to my ear from the lips of well-bred persons.
The following specimens will enable the reader to observe the solidity of the learned doctor’s remark.
Was you at Lord Nelson’s funeral? Yes.
Waart gy by Lord Nelson’s begravenis? Ja.
Waren sie bey Lord Nelson’s begræbniss? Ja.
Be then so good as to describe it to me.
Weest dan zoo goed en beschryft het my.
Sein sie dann so gut, und beschreiben sie es mir.
The procession was abruptly broken into three parts,
De processie was volmaakt afgebroken in drie deelen,