Re: Dhp 36

Dear Bryan,

Thanks for your input on "rakkhetha" with respect to historical and
comparative phononlogy. A lot to consider. I would just like to add to
your remark below.

<< There is an interesting example of historical development in this
verse. rakkhetha is I believe the usual middle form of the optative
(corresponding to Skt. rak.seta, with k.s > kkh and -t- >
aspiration -th-). >>

According to Kc 425 & Sd 898 the regular active and middle voice
terminations of the optative (sattamii) are, in order from 3rd pers.
sg. to 1st pers. pl.:

eyya eyyu.m, eyyaasi eyyaatha, eyyaami  eyyaama; (parassapadaani)
etha era.m, etho eyyaavho, eyya.m eyyaamhe. (attanopadaani)

The tyaadi suffix of "rakkhetha" is "etha" (3rd pers. sg., middle
voice). When I first saw "rakkhetha" in the verse, I thought it was a
2nd pers. pl. form and was puzzled by the translations.

Best wishes,
Jim