[1] Argyll Street
18 Sept 1821
Sir
I have the satisfaction of thanking you for your letter of 5th Sept. I am on the point of embarking on a voyage on which I shall be several months absent; and do not expect to return earlier than the middle of next year, when I shall have the pleasure of addressing you. I must beg your excuse, if my present answer does not embrace all the subjects of your inquiry, & is hasty and jejune.
Two or three Sanscrit works are known, which are somewhat in the style or manner of the Hitópadésa & Pancha-tantra: consisting of popular tales strung together. One is the Sinhásana dwatrinsati, comprising stories that purport to the told by the thirty two images which adorned Vicramádityaʼs throne; another is the Vétála-panchavinsati or twenty-five stories told by a corpse possessed by an evil spirit; & some more, of which I do not immediately recollect the titles These works are in an easy, familiar style –
[2] Some popular tales are subjects of more finished performances: one instance is the Vásavadattá noticed in my treatise on Sanscrit &c poetry in the Asiatic Researches.
I entirely concur in opinion with you that a Catalogue raisonné of a collection of Indian Manuscripts is a work much wanted – In the conviction of its utility I once began such a Catalogue of my own Collection; but want of leisure prevented my persevering in it when I could command requisite assistance of a librarian.
There is in England a considerable number of Sanscrit manuscripts collected by the late Sir Robert Chambers Chief Judge of the Supreme Court at Calcutta; which his heirs were desirous of selling some time ago, & probably still are so. It was offered for sale in more than one quarter, with a condition that the collection should not be scattered but kept together, & continue to bear Sir Robertʼs name. Whether that or any other restriction would now be proposed, I cannot positively say: but after my return from abroad I will tender to you my services to ascertain all particulars you may be desirous of being furnished with.
[3] I have it in contemplation to devote a portion of the abundant leisure of ship board to the translation of a german work or two by way of retrieving my knowledge of the language, which I formerly knew, but have neglected of late – Without pledging myself on the subject I think it likely I may present myself to you on my return as translator of one of your own works
I am with great regard
Yours very obedly
HColebrooke
[4] M. A. W. von Schlegen
Bonn
Prussian dominions
on the Rhine
18 Sept 1821
Sir
I have the satisfaction of thanking you for your letter of 5th Sept. I am on the point of embarking on a voyage on which I shall be several months absent; and do not expect to return earlier than the middle of next year, when I shall have the pleasure of addressing you. I must beg your excuse, if my present answer does not embrace all the subjects of your inquiry, & is hasty and jejune.
Two or three Sanscrit works are known, which are somewhat in the style or manner of the Hitópadésa & Pancha-tantra: consisting of popular tales strung together. One is the Sinhásana dwatrinsati, comprising stories that purport to the told by the thirty two images which adorned Vicramádityaʼs throne; another is the Vétála-panchavinsati or twenty-five stories told by a corpse possessed by an evil spirit; & some more, of which I do not immediately recollect the titles These works are in an easy, familiar style –
[2] Some popular tales are subjects of more finished performances: one instance is the Vásavadattá noticed in my treatise on Sanscrit &c poetry in the Asiatic Researches.
I entirely concur in opinion with you that a Catalogue raisonné of a collection of Indian Manuscripts is a work much wanted – In the conviction of its utility I once began such a Catalogue of my own Collection; but want of leisure prevented my persevering in it when I could command requisite assistance of a librarian.
There is in England a considerable number of Sanscrit manuscripts collected by the late Sir Robert Chambers Chief Judge of the Supreme Court at Calcutta; which his heirs were desirous of selling some time ago, & probably still are so. It was offered for sale in more than one quarter, with a condition that the collection should not be scattered but kept together, & continue to bear Sir Robertʼs name. Whether that or any other restriction would now be proposed, I cannot positively say: but after my return from abroad I will tender to you my services to ascertain all particulars you may be desirous of being furnished with.
[3] I have it in contemplation to devote a portion of the abundant leisure of ship board to the translation of a german work or two by way of retrieving my knowledge of the language, which I formerly knew, but have neglected of late – Without pledging myself on the subject I think it likely I may present myself to you on my return as translator of one of your own works
I am with great regard
Yours very obedly
HColebrooke
[4] M. A. W. von Schlegen
Bonn
Prussian dominions
on the Rhine
