LIFE—WORK 7

Before we go on following Dr. Rand in his life-work, many readers would like to know more about those pages in his Diary which are of so much interest to the linguist and the antiquary. Herelet Dr. Rand speak for himself, so that now, as years ago, his personality may explain his position, and disarm all criticism.

“ May 6th, 1877.—I do not think I am ambitious of fame, but I think it meet that friends should know that, proposing to translate the Scriptures into the languages of the Indians, I can furnish them with some confidence of my ability in foreign languages and dead languages. But I fear to spend too much time over it. . . . I have received a letter from Jacob Martin stating that his brother Moses will be willing to assist in translating the Scriptures into Mo- hawk, but would prefer coming down to N. S. I am quite taken with the idea. It would obviate one objection to the work, as I need not then wholly neglect the Micmacs.

10th. . . . Have studied Mohawk to—day; and corrected Latin hymns and studied Latin versification by way of relaxation.”

Here it may not be out of place to insert one stanza of the Latin hymn upon which he was working “ by way of relaxation.” The final form of the stanza will be inserted also, to show his freedom of expression in Latin. He is translating the hymn, “ Just as I am.”

(Ax written 101/2 Illa], 1877. )

Prorsus ut sumunec ulla spe, Nisi Tu mortuus sis pro me, Et jubes ire me ad Te,

0, Agnus Dei, sum, (adsum).

(Ax pub/{Med in 1881.)

Sicuti sum-nec sine spe, Quia Tu mortuus es pro me, Et jubes ire me ad Te—

0 Agnus Dei, venio.

(A page from one of the Latin Sen‘z'om oft/lg Diary.)

17th May, 1872. Hic est dies meus natalis. Sum hodie annos natus sexaginta et duo. Gratias ago multum Domino Deo meo pro