138 THE ROMANS IN AMERICA. 



If so short an interval has produced a transformation so bold in a written 

 language, what might we look for in one spoken only ? 



But, an interval of three times five hundred years has passed since the 

 Romans and the Sioux held intercourse with each other, and we yet find 

 the general structure of the two languages strikingly similar, and several 

 of their words identical in meaning and pronunciation ! And, though the 

 latter observation fails in some cases, even this, so far from proving any- 

 thing averse to the position before assumed, serves to strengthen it. 



The word paler^ for instance, pronounced alike in both languages, dif- 

 fers in signification ; being used in the one to imply father, in the other 

 fire. This apparent discrepancy of meaning may be explained in a few 

 words. The Sioux are accustDmed to venerate the sun as one of the more 

 especial manifestations of the Divine Essence, who is regarded as the 

 FATHER or creator of all things ; and it, being the great source of light 

 and heat, is naturally looked upon as an immense body of fire. Thus, in 

 the course of ages, the term became perverted in its meaning and applica- 

 tion, and, instead of being used to express the sun, or Great Spirit, the 

 father of all, it now only implies the simple element of fire, an emanation 

 from the sun. 



So in relation to the Latin word tepor, warmth, and the Sioux word tepe, 

 a lodge. The lodge is employed in winter to retain the heat within itself, 

 and exclude the cold air; nor is it wonderful that, in the progress of years, 

 the term tepor, or tepe, should become the only one by which a lodge is 

 known. 



The word mena, is also pronounced the same in both, though different in 

 its signification ; meaning, in Latin, a narrow sharp fish, and, in Sioux, a 

 knife. In explanation of this, I would barely refer to the similarity of 

 shape between a knife and a narrow sharp fish. 



The relationship disclosed between these two languages is seemingly 

 too close and significant to be attributed to mere chance or accident, and 

 can be in no other way satisfactorily accounted for, than by admitting the 

 correctness of the premises before quoted. 



But this position, curious as it may seem to some readers, and impreg- 

 nable as it must doubtless prove, has other weapons to protect it at com- 

 mand ; and, ere dismissing the subject, I will briefly notice some of them. 



It is by no means a conjecture of recent origin, that the ancient Romans 

 did actually colonize portions of the American continent. The industri- 

 ous researches of antiquarians have long since brought to light many items 

 which prove and strengthen it, though none of them so tangible and obvi- 

 ous as those previously noticed. 



Several obscure hints of the existence of extensive Roman colonies 

 planted westward of the Pillars of Hercules, (doubtless alluding to the 

 American continent,) have been detected in the Vv'ritings of ancient authors 

 yet axtant; but still further proof is afforded in the relics of temples, cities, 

 roais, and fortified camps, long since discovered in Peru, Mexico, and the 

 United States, which strongly savor of Roman origin. 



The ancient works at Marietta, Ohio, have been regarded, by not a few, 

 as the offspring of Roman industry and military science, — and various other 

 remains, that signalize the Mississippi valley, point quite plainly to this 

 nation for a parentage. But a proof, still more conclusive than any yet ad- 



