ಪುಟ:ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕವಿಚರಿತೆ ದ್ವಿತೀಯ ಸಂಪುಟ.djvu/೪೭

18 The Karnataka-Kavicharite or Lives of Kannada Poets The first volume of this work was published so far back as 1907, nearly twelve years ago, and it may naturally be asked why there was such a long delay in bringing out the Second volume of the work It is my duty to answer this question, and in answering it some personal matters have also to be mentioned Mr S G Narasimhachar, my collaborator in writing the first volume, died within a few years after its publication His Sound scholarship in Kannada, his poetical skill, his great modesty and amiable disposition commanded the admiration and respect of all hose who Cd me in contact with him. It is not too much to say that his untimely death is a great loss not only to the Mysore State but also, to the whole Kanilada (ountry Personally it was an irreparable loss to me It e voled my zeal for this labour of love With the heavy duties of the Archæological Department, il appeared well-nigh impossible for me to find leisure to continue this worlk single-handed I therefore came to the conclusion, thouglı with the greatest reluctance, that I should give up the u Ork and leave its completion to other scholars, But after the lapse of some time I found that there was no likelihood of any one else undertaking the work, and it occurred to ime that the experience gained in writing the first volume anel the inaterials laboriously collected for the work ought not to be lost to the country, and that the duty of conpleting the lash, however difficult and wearisome, ought to be undertaken hy me Patriotism and the love of the language thus impelled me to take a firm resolve that I should somehow find time and do this humble service to the Kannadigas The Second Volume. When however the woth was commenced, the difficulties appeared to increase in number, it was found that the materials pieviously collected were meagre and incomplete