XXXI. Observations on the Derivation of the English Language. In a Letter from the Rev. William Drake, A.M. F.S.A, to the Rev. Mr. Norris, Secretary

Extract

You may remember I sent you formerly some observations upon the English language, endeavouring to prove it originally Gothic. It must indeed be allowed that many Celtic terms are visible in it; for which many causes may be assigned; but that the chief materials of which our language is constituted are purely Teutonic no one that attentively considers it can, I think, possibly deny. The Gothic of which we have happily recovered such valuable remains, is the parent, from whence a very numerous progeny are descended. The learned Grævius, in his life of Junius, has traced the pedigree with great accuracy, which, if you give me leave, I will insert in his own words: