pra'crit poetry. 447 



VI. Prose ; and Verse mixed zvi/h Prose, 



I FOLLOW the example of Sanserif writers on proso- 

 dy, in proceeding to notice the different species of 

 prose. They discriminate three and even four sorts, 

 under distinct names. 1st. Simple prose, admitting no 

 compound terms. It is denominated Muclaca. This 

 is little used in polished compositions : unless in the 

 familiar dialogue of dramas. It must undoubtedly havx 

 been the colloquial style, at the period when Sanscrit 

 was a spoken language. 2d, Prose, in which compound 

 terms are sparingly admitted. It is called Cnlaca, 

 This and the preceding sort are by some considered as 

 varieties of a single si)ecies named Chuniica. It is of 

 course a common stile of composition : and, when po- 

 lished, is the most elegant as it is the chastest. But it 

 does not command the admiration of Hindu readers. 

 3d, Prose abounding in compound words. It bears the 

 appellation of Utcalica praya. Examples of it exhibit 

 compounds of the most inordinate length : and a sin- 

 gle word exceeding a hundred syllables is not unprece- 

 dented. This extravagant stile of composition, being 

 suitable to the taste of the Indian learned, is common in 

 the most elaborate works of their favourite authors. 4th,, 

 Prose modulated so as frequently to exhibit portions of 

 verse. It is named Vrittagand'hi. It will occur with- 

 out study, and even against design, in elevated compo- 

 sitions ; and may be expected in the works of the best 

 writers. 



Some of the most elegant and highly wrought works 

 in prose are reckoned among poems, as already intimated, 

 in like manner as the ^"^ Telemachc" of Fenelon- and 

 ^^7od Abels'" of Ges.vek. The most celebrated are 

 the Vasavadatta of Suband'hu, the Dastn Cumara of 

 Dan'di, and the Cadamhari of Va'na. 



