y little of this courtesy in the other two
languages of the Bissayas, which are more rude and unpolished. I
thought it good to present the same prayer in these languages, not
only as a curiosity, but to give an idea of their similarity and
differences--giving notice, however, that it is not my intention
to offer an interpretation (which is unnecessary, since we all
know the "Ave Maria"), but, as I said, to show the idioms of these
languages. These idioms, moreover, ought not to displease or appear
ignoble, for every tongue has its own beauty and elegance for those
who are born in it, which the eyes of foreigners cannot discern. This
point has been discussed by Jesus Sidrac in the prologue to his
_Ecclesiasticus_, a holy and Catholic work; and it was proved
at length, and with great erudition, by the most glorious doctor
St. Jerome, in the hundred and first Epistle to Pamaquio.

_The "Ave Maria" in the Harayan tongue_

Maliag cao Maria nabota cao can gracia
Rejoice thou Mary, full thou of grace.

An atun guinoon Dios dian canimo.
He our Lord God is with thee,

Capin icao sa manga babai nga tanan,
fortunate thou among women all;

ig capin naman ang imon bata nga si Jesus
_and fortunate also he thy son Jesus_.

Santa Maria inang can Dios
[Holy Mary], mother of God,

igampo mo cami nga macasasala
let us be favored by thee, us the sinners,

caraon, ig cum mamatai cami.
now and when shall die we.

Amen, Jesus.

_The "Ave Maria" in the Bissayan tongue_

Maghimaya ca Maria napono ca sa gracia
Rejoice, thou Mary, full thou of grace;

An guinoon Dios anaa canimo.
the Lord God is with thee.

Guirayeg ca uyamot sa babaihun tanan
Exalted thou much among women all,

ug guirayeg man an imon anac Jesus.
and exalted also he thy son Jesus.

Santa Maria inahan sa Dios,
Holy Mary, mother of God,

iguiampo mo cami macasasala onia
let us be interceded for by thee, us sinners, now

ug sa amun camatai. Amen, Jesus.
and in our death.

It has been my object in giving this slight illustration of the
difference between these three languages--aside from its singularity
and novelty, which may furnish some pleasure--to make evident the ease
and clearness o