382 REMARKS AND OFINIONS. 



verb, variously combined with all the particles that 

 modify it, with simple, double or half-double, 

 and euphonically altered roots. It is indisputable, 

 that with this advantage their representation of the 

 Tagalese verb does not correspond with the 

 original simplicity of the language, and strives to 

 present one system where, in fact, another exists. 



Articles and prepositions combined with the 

 verb generally mark no more than a direct and 

 indirect case. The plural, and not, as in the Malay, 

 the singular, is particularly marked by a separate 

 particle. The pronouns are the same as in the 

 Malay, only more complete. Besides the two 

 plurals of the first person (one of which includes, 

 and the other excludes, the person addressed,*) 

 there is also a dual of each of the three persons. 

 The pronouns have, in the direct and indirect case, 

 different forms. The root which expresses the 

 action has particles prefixed, affixed, and inserted, 

 which answer to the prepositions in our language, 

 and mark in it the time, and the relations which 

 we are used to express in the substantives and 

 pronouns, either by declining them, or by accom- 

 panying prepositions ; hence the three passives, to 

 teach the meaning and use of which is the most 

 difficult task of the Tagalists. We can place in 

 a sentence only the subject or object of the action 

 in the nominative, and mark the relation in the 



"* These two plurals of the first person, besides the present 

 branch, are still found in the Quitchua, or Peruvian language. 



