THE GAELIC REVIVAL.
“Dùisg a leoghain euchdaich, ’s dean éirich gu faramach,
Air brat ball-dearg, breid-gheal, ’s fraoch sleibhe mar bharan air;
Tog suas do cheann gu h-eutrom, ’s na speuraibh gu caithreasach,
’S theid mi-fhìn cho géire ’s a dh’fheudas mi d’arabhaig:
Togam suas do mholadh prîseal, ’s do cheann ríoghail farasda,
Cha’n’eil ceann no corp ’s an rioghachd an cruaidh-ghniomh thug
barrach ort,—
An ceann cruadalach àrd sgiamhach, maisach, fior-dheas, arranta,
’Stric agairt ri uchd an fhuathais, ri âm luchd t’fhuatha tarruinn
riut.
—MACDONALD.
ENGLISH:
Awake thou furious lion! awake with lusty roar,
On thy bright blood-stained standard, heath-circled as of yore;
Thy head lift up full lightly in heaven with raging might,
And I will rush with fervour to mingle in thy fight:
I raise thy praises precious round thy calm regal head;
None e’er throughout the kingdom excelled thy deeds of dread;—
That head of strength and valour where fearless beauty glows,
Oft roared it out its terrors when onward pressed the foes.
This was the spirit and manner in which the great poet Alex.
Macdonald went about rousing his countrymen to lofty deeds of valour
in the second quarter of the eighteenth century. He lavished all his
poetic enthusiasm on the “praises” of the national lion, and the
inspiration of his muse and of that of a hundred-others bore fruit a
century afterwards. Such poems as Macdonald’s have had a profoundly
formative influence on the minds of the young Highlanders of our own
times,—especially the more susceptible and less sordid spirits, who
would not deny their country, race, or language for all the golden
success that self-effacement as Gaels could secure. These enduring
sons of the Highlands and Islands succeeded at last, although in the
midst of much obloquy and secular loss, in accomplishing a Gaelic
revolution;—in creating a Gaelic revival, and ultimately a powerful
agitation that bore a fruit that has justified the more sanguine
expectations and claims of bards and patriots. This has been the
fruit of a century of Gaelic effort devoted to the study of the
language, history, and interests of the people. While the foes of
such an endeavour have been numerous and supercilious, even in
selfish Highland quarters, let it not be forgotten that a great deal
of sympathy and practical help came from many kindly hearts and hands
among our Lowland fellow-countrymen.
It is interesting to trace the influences that have brought about
this bloodless revolution in the Highlands, some of whose people
a little over a century ago were engaged in rebellion against the
present dynasty. A healthy form of Christianity and common sense
have done it all. The meaning of the one came to them through the
translation of good religious writings and the Gaelic Bible: and the
exercise of the other became possible through the instructed good
qualities of the Highlanders themselves. I therefore in this last
chapter devote some paragraphs to the results that the chief forms of
Gaelic endeavour have produced.
THE GAELIC BIBLE.
The first portion of the Bible translated was the New Testament,
in 1767, by the Rev. James Stewart of Killin. Dugald Buchanan, the
poet, accompanied Mr Stewart to Edinburgh to superintend the work
through the press. The title-page bears that the translation was
undertaken at the request and at the expense of the Society in
Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge. The translator adopted
an orthographical system, which has been perfected into a standard of
Gaelic by succeeding scholars. The first edition of the translation
of the Old Testament was published in the following order:—
Part I., 1783, translated by John Stuart, D.D., of Luss.
Part IV., 1786, translated by John Smith, D.D., of Campbelton.
Part II., 1787, translated by Dr Stuart.
Part III., 1801, translated by Dr Stuart.
The fourth part, assigned to Dr Smith, contained the Prophets, which
had afterwards to be revised, Smith’s version being more poetical
than literal. Dr Stuart was a son of the translator of the New
Testament, and received in 1819 for his labours in connection with
the first and other editions of the Gaelic Scriptures the sum of
£1000 from the Lords of the Treasury, a Government favour which has
not been always recognised. A new and revised edition on which Dr
Alexander Stewart, of Dingwall, was engaged with Dr Stuart, of Luss,
under the instructions of a large committee of Gaelic scholars
appointed by the General Assembly in 1816, was published in quarto
in 1826. It is acknowledged by all competent judges that this
Gaelic version of the Scriptures is beyond all praise; that in many
instances it adheres more closely to the original than the English
Bible, whose beauty and excellence have won universal admiration. The
translation of the Old Testament was also undertaken at the expense
of the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, and through its
liberality the Scriptures were sold at half the cost price. On the
publication of the Revised Version of the English Bible, a committee
of Gaelic scholars undertook the revision of the Gaelic Bible; but
on account of some difficulties with the Society for Propagating
Christian Knowledge the fruit of their labours has not yet appeared.
TRANSLATIONS INTO GAELIC.
It is mostly religious works of the Evangelical and Puritan type that
have been translated into Gaelic. The masterpieces of Bunyan, Brooks,
Baxter, Burder, Owen, Howe, Doddridge, Alleine, etc. etc., have been
rendered into good, popular Gaelic, and have had immense circulation.
Hundreds of religious works have been translated, some as old as
_The Imitation_, and as recent as Newman Hall’s _Come to Jesus_. The
principal translators have been the Macfarlanes, Dr Smith, MacLaurin,
Rose, Dr Macgillivray, Dr Mackintosh Mackay, the Rev. Allan Sinclair,
and the Rev. A. Macgregor, translator of the Apocrypha. It was
MacEachen, a Roman Catholic priest, that translated _The Imitation_.
Several books of Homer’s _Iliad_ were translated by the accomplished
Ewen MacLachlan of Aberdeen; Virgil’s Æneid by Blair; and _Tam
O’Shanter_ and other poems by Robert MacDougall, the bard. As is well
known, the Queen’s Book has been translated into excellent Gaelic by
Mary Mackellar. The Good Templar and Masonic rituals were, with the
help of the present writer, translated by Duncan Macpherson and Angus
Nicholson respectively. Not the least important of recent efforts of
this kind is the admirable translation of that great Highland charter
of Gaelic emancipation, the Crofters’ Act, from the able and accurate
pen of Mr Henry Whyte.
TRANSLATIONS INTO ENGLISH.
A good deal of Gaelic literature has been translated into English,
whilst the “Ossian” of Macpherson has been rendered into Latin and
into most of the European languages. Following is a list of the names
of those who have published anything of importance:—
Jerome Stone 1756
James Macpherson 1760
Rev. J. Wodrow 1771
Ewen Cameron 1777
John Clark 1778
Rev. Dr Smith 1780
Rev. Dr Ross ——
The MacCallums 1816
Mrs Grant ——
Patrick Macgregor 1840
Robert Munro 1843
Rev. Dr MacLauchlan 1862
J. F. Campbell, Esq. 1866
Rev. Thomas Pattison 1866
Rev. Dr Clerk 1870
Robert Buchanan 1872
C. S. Jerram, Esq. 1873
Professor J. S. Blackie 1876
The names of some others, such as Sinclair, the Whytes MacBean,
etc., will occur to the Gaelic reader. The works translated by these
writers would fill many volumes. The works of Macpherson, Dr Smith,
Dr MacLauchlan, J. F. Campbell, Thomas Pattison, Dr Clerk, and
Professor Blackie have received much attention, and are well-known.
Macpherson and Smith translate, on the supposition of translation,
very much in the style of Pope in his Homer with this difference,
that their paraphrastic renderings are only in prose. MacLauchlan,
Campbell, and Clerk have adopted a rigid literality of rendering
which the Ossianic controversy, among other reasons, compelled them
to follow. These writers give the original Gaelic along with the
English version. So does Jerram, whose _Dan an Deirg_ is scholarly
and accurate, very much in the style of Clerk’s _Ossian_. In the
_Gaelic Bards_ of Pattison the original is not given, the work
being intended for popular use among English readers. Pattison’s
translations are metrical and rhyming; and so are Blackie’s in his
admirable and interesting work, _The Language and Literature of the
Scottish Highlands_. Those to whom the Gaelic is a sealed language
have kindled the flame of patriotic enthusiasm by the healthy
mountain breezes which the perusal of these translations has brought
down.
GRAMMARS AND DICTIONARIES.
Several good grammars and dictionaries have been published. Shaw,
towards the end of last century, published a grammar and dictionary
which are not of much value. Stewart’s Grammar in 1812 is still the
best, and any new grammar must take Stewart’s as a basis. Currie,
MacAlpine, Forbes, and Munro have also published grammars. Munro’s
is a work of real scholarship and value, but badly arranged. Dr
Macgillivray and L. MacBean have also written grammars, but the
best of all recent attempts is that published by the late D. C.
Macpherson, Edinburgh. Good grammars have also been written by
Irishmen, and even Germans, from which much help may be obtained.
The vocabularies of Macdonald and Macfarlane paved the way for the
Highland Society’s Dictionary, published in 1828, a noble monument
of Gaelic talent and industry. It appeared in two large volumes.
Its departments are—Gaelic, English, and Latin; Anglo-Gaelic,
Latino-Gaelic. There are 837 pages in the first volume, and 1016 in
the second. The general conduct of the work was entrusted to the
Rev. Dr John MacLeod of Dundonald. He was assisted by the Rev. Drs
Irvine, Macdonald, and Ewan MacLachlan. In its progress through the
press the work was carefully superintended and corrected by the
Rev. Dr Mackintosh Mackay. None of the Celtic languages can boast
of so extensive and learned a lexicon, although it is defective in
etymology, the science of language being then only in its infancy.
Armstrong and MacAlpine have also produced excellent and useful
dictionaries. That of the former is not much inferior to that of
the Highland Society’s, while MacAlpine’s has perhaps been the most
successful of all. The indefatigable labours of the Macfarlanes,
father and son, have been placed to the credit of Drs MacLeod
and Dewar, whose names were thought a necessary guarantee by the
publisher that their dictionary was of standard value. Theirs and
MacAlpine’s are in general circulation. That of the latter is a
pronouncing dictionary, and has been highly appreciated by those
anxious to acquire the language. The translations of phrases and
idiomatic expressions under the principal words are acknowledged
to be a chief excellence of the work. The English-Gaelic part of
MacAlpine’s dictionary was compiled by John Mackenzie, editor of “The
Beauties of Gaelic Poetry,” who had some peculiar ideas of reform
in Gaelic orthography. He was heartily execrated by the irascible
MacAlpine for his labour, which was no doubt a hack business
undertaken for publishers whom Mackenzie could not control. A good
deal of material for an etymological dictionary was left by the late
Dr Alexander Cameron of Brodick, the publication of which is looked
for under the editorial care of Mr Alex. MacBain, M.A.
PROSE WRITERS.
The number of Gaelic prose writers is very limited. This fact is
the result of various causes on the surface of things. Till the
beginning of this century the vast masses of the Highland people were
utterly unable to read, and even those who were able to make use
of books turned to English productions sooner than to Gaelic ones,
a tendency that is not invisible even in our own day. All that the
plain Highlander has been able to consume in the way of literature he
has found in the Book of Books—the Bible—and in the many translations
of religious literature placed within his reach. Families and
individuals destitute of the spiritual instinct have found all the
literary sustenance needed in the old popular tales and poetry which
circulated from mouth to mouth rather than in written forms. To the
Finian tales and similar stuff the Highlanders of the nineteenth
century were till recently as partial as those of the sixteenth
century were to the oral literature of the same pagan character
against which Superintendent Carsuel raised his ineffectual protest
at the time of the Reformation. This oral form of literature required
neither money nor ability to read for its enjoyment; while the manner
of its culture helped to relieve the weariness and monotony of
Highland life. Literature in books, which meant money, was therefore
at a discount.
But to the great credit of sagacious patriots of the Presbyterian
Church of Scotland, efforts were continually made to teach the
people to read and to circulate healthy literature. The Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge rendered splendid services in both
respects, as did also in later times the circulating Gaelic-School
teachers, whose labours early in this century converted many a
dreary moral wilderness into fair fields of spiritual life. Similar
excellent work has been accomplished by the Ladies’ Associations of
Edinburgh and Glasgow during the last forty years. And now at last
well-trained teachers are to be found in Board Schools established by
the national system of education introduced by the Act of 1872, under
which the good old parish schools have vanished. But with all these
revolutionary changes there is no adequate encouragement yet afforded
to the teaching of Gaelic, which a prejudiced Government Department
in London feels reluctant at heart to acknowledge. This state of
matters is a sufficient explanation of the fact that our Gaelic prose
literature is so scanty, and that the writers of it have received so
little reward for their patriotic labours.
In the following paragraphs will be found the names of the most of
those who are the authors of volumes of Gaelic prose, or who are
otherwise recognised as having contributed considerably to our prose
literature:—
REV. HUGH MACDIARMID.—This well known minister of Callander is
the author of a goodly volume of sermons which have had a fair
circulation in the South Highlands. They exhibit no special ability
in the author, but are plain common-sense productions which would not
rouse much holy enthusiasm in the reader, nor make serious demands on
his intellect. At the same time they were often in request in pious
homes, where, on the poor man’s great Day of Rest, they might be
brought forth to be read.
PRINCIPAL DANIEL DEWAR, D.D.—Though the Principal of a Scottish
University, Dr Dewar did not allow himself to get contemptuous
towards the language of his forefathers like many much smaller men
when they get into posts of honour. As pointed out elsewhere, Dewar
published early in the century a fair collection of Gaelic hymns, the
preface to which shows him to be a man of culture and devout spirit.
We find his name also associated with a popular dictionary, and with
all enterprises of his time for the uplifting of Gaelic life. “The
Gaelic Preacher,” a booklet by Dr Dewar, is well-known to the present
generation of Gaelic readers.
REV. JOHN MACMILLAN.—This Arran preacher was one of the ablest men
who occupied Gaelic pulpits in the early part of this century. The
unction and power of his sermons are still remembered by old folks in
his native island, where his labours have been highly esteemed and
loved. “Macmillan’s Sermons” is a posthumous volume issued under the
editorial care of his relative, the Rev. Mr Stewart, who in their
publication has conferred a boon on his Highland fellow-countrymen.
The founders of the great publishing house of Macmillan were not
unrelated to the distinguished preacher of these sermons.
REV. MACKINTOSH MACKAY, LL.D.—This Sutherlandshire divine was the
most distinguished and thorough Gaelic scholar of his time. He
collected and edited Rob Donn’s poems, no small achievement in
itself; had a prodigious share in the production of the Highland
Society’s Dictionary, and published the _Fianuis_ at the time of
the Disruption of the Scottish Establishment—a monument of good
Gaelic prose and powerful exposition of great principles in the
language of the Gael. The pages of the _Fianuis_, however, being
largely controversial, they are now very much forgotten like the
many pamphlets which the Union controversy subsequently brought
forth. For many years Dr Mackay was one of the best-known ministers
of the Scottish Churches at home and abroad. In Australia he helped
divided Presbyterians to unite, but on his return home in his old age
he opposed a similar union in Scotland. He kept up his interest in
Gaelic studies to the very last, and his love of accuracy continued
to the end. Mr William Mackenzie, publisher, of Glasgow, engaged him
to write a Gaelic Church History (1872), which in his last years he
accomplished with all the care and scholarship which distinguished
his work for the great Gaelic dictionary in his younger years.
REV. ALEXANDER BEITH, D.D.—This remarkable divine has only recently
passed away over ninety years of age. As early as 1824 he published
a little book on “Baptism” when he was minister at Oban. It is
interesting as being one of our earliest original prose works.
REV. NORMAN MACLEOD, D.D.—Well has Dr Macleod been styled “The
Highlander’s Friend,” for no Gaelic man of eminence has ever
identified himself with his countrymen more thoroughly than he. The
favourite of Royalty, the personal friend of Sir Robert Peel, few men
of his cloth have ever received more public honour and respect; and
his no less famous son found a people, when he came forward publicly,
affectionately ready to welcome him. It is as a powerful writer of
Gaelic prose, however, that the elder Norman will be remembered.
His writings are full of wit, wisdom, and humour, and will be read
by Highlanders as long as Gaelic continues to be spoken. No other
man has fashioned by his literary efforts the mental habits of his
countrymen so much as he. He has been the Dickens (_plus_ powerful
religious feelings) of the Highlands. No Highlander ever knew better
than he how to touch the heart-chords of his country men. In many
of his labours he had a worthy and scarcely less able co-adjutor
in his brother, the Rev. Dr John Macleod of Morven. His works were
collected, edited, and republished by his accomplished relative, the
Rev. Dr Clerk of Kilmallie.
Macleod’s _Leabhar nan Cnoc_ became their first introduction to
Gaelic literature to thousands of Highlanders who never lost the
first impressions it left on their minds in youth. The first volume
of the _Gaelic Messenger_ for 1830 was condemned by some as too
light and racy; the second and last for 1831 received so little
support that the magazine was stopped. The late Mr W. R. MacPhun,
the publisher, informed the writer, in 1873, that the parcels of
“Messengers” sent to the Highlands and Islands came back at the end
of the year, _after they had been read_, without any accompanying
payment, of course. Dr Macleod and his enterprising publisher saw
then that it was time to give up the business. Some who have lost
time and money in recent times over Gaelic affairs may find some cold
comfort in this incident in the experience of our greatest of prose
writers.
JOHN MACKENZIE.—The compiler of “The Beauties of Gaelic Poetry” wrote
largely in prose, for which he had great natural gifts. He was the
author of an admirable “History of Prince Charles,” in which much
easy and idiomatic Gaelic will be found. His other works of “The
Beauties,” “The English-Gaelic Dictionary,” “The Gaelic Melodist,”
etc., are so well-known that no further description of them is
necessary. The late Gaelic publishers, Maclachlan & Stewart of
Edinburgh, employed Mackenzie on various works for years.
REV. DUNCAN MACCALLUM.—This Arisaig minister has come before us
already as the author of _Collath_, once sent forth as an ancient
heroic poem. He is better known as the author of a Gaelic Church
History, which is written with fair ability. This has at least the
distinction of being the first of the kind in the language.
REV. JOHN FORBES.—The author of the “Double Grammar” (Gaelic and
English in parallel columns), second edition (1848), was a very
clever and a very learned Highlander. He translated much into Gaelic,
in which he wrote with purity and ease. He was very ingenious in
coining new terms for conceptions hitherto alien to Gaelic. He and
Munro having no access to the works of the ancient writers of the
Celtic Missions Churches described by Zeuss became thus needlessly
neologists. Forbes’s _Lochran_, _Long Gheal_, etc., are well-known to
the readers of Gaelic religious literature.
REV. ARCHIBALD CLERK, LL.D.—Dr Clerk’s greatest work is the elaborate
edition of Macpherson’s Ossian (1870), with new translations and
notes, and Macpherson’s original prose version running at the foot
of the pages. All that Celtic culture and accurate knowledge of
Gaelic could do for the Gaelic of 1807 Clerk has done; and the
splendid work, in two volumes, was published at the expense of the
generous Marquis of Bute. But all to no avail; for I find, just as
write, that even Professor Mackinnon at last has given up the old
faith in Ossian. Dr Clerk’s prose writings were numerous as editor
and contributor in connection with periodical literature. He, in
conjunction with Dr MacLauchlan, undertook the revision of the Gaelic
Bible, but with results rather unsatisfactory.
REV. THOMAS MACLAUCHLAN, LL.D.—A very difficult task was taken
in hand by MacLauchlan when he undertook the transcription and
modernisation of the MS. and Gaelic of the Dean of Lismore’s Book.
This work he also translated literally into English. He, too, edited
Macpherson’s Gaelic Ossian, the small edition in circulation having
been issued under his care. Like Dr Clerk he had a hand in and helped
various Gaelic enterprises of his time. Among others he had charge of
the new edition of Carsuel’s Liturgy. His “Celtic Gleanings” (1857),
and “Review of Gaelic Literature” (1872) in Fullarton’s work on the
Highlands and Highland Clans, were the first attempts to give us an
account of the literature of the Gael. His “Early Scottish Church”
was a creditable production, considering the limited materials which
were then available for the general historian’s purposes.
REV. ANGUS MACKENZIE.—Mr Mackenzie, a native of Lewis, has the honour
of being the only man who has ever attempted to write a complete
history of Scotland in Albin’s ancient tongue. His _Eachdraïdh na
h-Alba_ (1867) is written with much ability and in good idiomatic
Gaelic. It covers the whole period of Scottish story, and ought to
have an extensive circulation among Highlanders. But it is feared
that although sold very cheaply it had not the sale it so well
deserved.
REV. ALEXANDER MACGREGOR.—This excellent and patriotic “Sgiathanach”
was among the best story-tellers of his age, ranking probably, as
far as that gift is concerned, next to Norman Macleod. Tales and
sketches on almost everything Highland were continually pouring from
his facile pen for many years. His translation of the Apocrypha,
undertaken at Lucien Bonaparte’s request, will remain a fine monument
of his knowledge of his native tongue. The Gaelic Society of
Inverness and _The Celtic Magazine_ were much indebted to him during
the first years of their existence. When he died he was minister of
the West (Established) Church of Inverness.
REV. ALEXANDER CAMERON, LL.D.—No one in this generation has
contributed so much towards accurate Gaelic scholarship as the late
Free Church minister of Brodick. He taught Gaelic with great success
for years at Glasgow University to scores of Highland students who,
but for his enthusiasm and self-denying labours, would be settling
in Highland pastorates with more than enough of Latin and Greek
and Hebrew but quite ignorant of Gaelic grammar. The more learned
products of Dr Cameron’s pen were published in the _Scottish Celtic
Review_ begun in 1880. This periodical was chiefly written by himself
and largely filled with philology. Mr MacBain of Inverness is
understood to be preparing for the press the materials left behind by
Dr Cameron.
REV. JOHN GEORGE MACNEILL.—The Free Church minister of Cawdor began
writing Gaelic articles while still a student in 1873. He contributed
a large proportion of the general contents of two volumes of _Bratach
na Firinn_ in which also a telling short story, _Tighnacloiche_
appeared from his pen. _An Soisgeul ann an India_ (1888) is a living,
natural and idiomatic translation of Miss Rainy’s admirable volume
on the Gospel in India. This is one of the most interesting, books
in the language the reader finding here the life and customs of
Aryans in the East described in the ancient tongue of Aryans in the
extreme West of Europe, the children of Sanscrit and of Celtic being
once more brought there into close contact. Mr MacNeill has edited
the Free Church Gaelic Quarterly with much spirit and success for
some years. The Gaelic preface to the _Oranaiche_ and a biographical
sketch and notes to the second edition of “Pattison’s Gaelic Bards”
are from his pen.
PROFESSOR DONALD MACKINNON, M.A.—After ages of unreasonable neglect
of the Gaelic language, it is satisfactory to Gaels at last to be
able to point to the Celtic Chair in Edinburgh University as an
academic recognition of its claims; and it is not less satisfactory
to know that the first occupant of the Chair is a scholar well fitted
to adorn the position. Professor Mackinnon’s first contributions
to the literature of his native language appeared in _The Gael_,
and showed that the native ability and culture which secured him
recognition in other spheres of study might be of exceptional service
to Gaelic literature. Mr Mackinnon has published a text-book for the
use of his class; and has contributed more than one series of fresh
and delightful articles to the columns of _The Scotsman_, which will
no doubt appear some day in a more permanent form.
REV. WILLIAM ROSS.—Coming early under the influence of Dr
MacLauchlan, Mr Ross, in the midst of much public work and various
activities, has carried on his Gaelic studies and Celtic researches,
which have been of a careful and extensive character. He has taught
with success a Gaelic class, and lectured on Gaelic literature for
many years at the Free Church College, Glasgow. He has also rendered
a good deal of public service in connection with Highland education.
REV. ROBERT BLAIR, D.D.—This able and popular minister of the Church
of Scotland has contributed very largely to our Celtic periodicals,
delivered many delightful Gaelic lectures, and has in various ways
heartily promoted the cultivation of the Gaelic language. He has
edited an edition of the poetical works of Livingston, and supplied a
good biographical sketch of the bard.
HENRY WHYTE.—“Fionn” is well-known to the Gaelic-reading public at
home and abroad as a clever and industrious Anglo-Gaelic journalist.
A volume of Gaelic-English and English-Gaelic metrical translations,
“The Celtic Garland” (1881), has had a very good circulation.
In prose and verse, in English and Gaelic, Mr Whyte shows great
versatility and considerable culture; while his knowledge of the
music, manners, and life of the Highlanders is extensive.
JOHN WHYTE.—Although his name is attached to no special volume, Mr
Whyte has for many years been recognised as one of our ablest Gaelic
scholars. He writes with elegance and accuracy in both languages,
and, like his brother Henry, is well able to express himself in
verse as well as in prose. He wrote largely for _The Gael_, _The
Highlander_, etc.; while recently he transcribed for the press the
poems and songs of Mrs Macpherson.
LACHLAN MACBEAN.—MacBean’s _Lessons in Gaelic_ has been perhaps the
most popular of all the helps provided for the student anxious to
acquire the language. The author has for many years been a successful
journalist, but in the midst of his professional duties he has found
time to produce some remarkable works, particularly translations
from such standard authors as Dugald Buchanan, etc. Mr MacBean is
equally at home in the use of the Gaelic and English languages, and
it ought to be said that his translations have the desirable quality
of being readable in their English dress. Perhaps the fact ought not
to be omitted that his works have been published by a gentleman who
has shown considerable enterprise for many years in connection with
Gaelic publications—Mr John Noble of Inverness.
The list of those known as fair writers of Gaelic prose is now
well-nigh exhausted. Mackellar, Dugald Macphail, and others whose
names appear in other chapters might also be described as prose
writers. Among others the following also may be mentioned as having
used a Gaelic pen with varying successes:—
_Rev. Neil Dewar_ of Kingussie is an able and accurate Gaelic
scholar, who helped in the publication of an edition of the Gaelic
Bible with references.
The _Rev. D. M. Connell_ is the author of a little treatise on
astronomy published more than forty years ago.
_Dr D. Black_ of Poolewe published a booklet on medicine and nursing
in 1877 which is well written and full of valuable knowledge and
guidance.
_Dr Morrison_ of Edinburgh, son of the sacred bard of Harris, wrote
for some time a good deal for the columns of _The Gael_.
The _Rev. John MacRury_ has supplied in excellent style much of the
Gaelic Supplement to _Life and Work_, the organ of the Established
Church. He has also written well versions of some ancient Gaelic
tales.
_Dr John Clerk_ has exercised his able and ingenious pen in verse and
prose products of various kinds.
_Dr Hugh Cameron Gillies_, another gentleman of the same profession,
author of a small Grammar and Text-book, is at home in the use of the
Gaelic language, and has edited some poetry and music.
_Malcolm Macfarlan_, the author of a little interesting work of
Gaelic Phonetics, has written a good deal in Gaelic with care and
fair accuracy.
The _Rev. James Dewar_, late of Oa, Islay, produced quite a unique
little work, and one of some ability—a Gaelic reply to the celebrated
“Claim and Protest” of the Free Church of Scotland.
* * * * *
There may be some small productions of merit, such as a Sermon by
the _Rev. Archibald Cook_, and similar publications, which are
unnoticed here; but I do not think that many works of any importance
have escaped reference. As already mentioned in another chapter, the
Gaelic is cultivated in Canada as at home. We are all familiar with
the name of the Rev. D. B. Blair, but there have been many others
in the Dominion who have laboured to keep the flame of Gaelic
literature alive. Patrick Macgregor the well-known barrister, was
one of them; and the name of Dr Neil MacNish reminds us that there
are not a few even now—men of ability and patriotic spirit—who
strenuously uphold the interests of Albin’s ancient tongue.
PERIODICALS.
Strenuous efforts were put forth early in this century to supply
the Highlanders with useful literature in their own tongue, but the
necessary sustained support has not hitherto been accorded to such
efforts. Popular poetry and religious writings have therefore been
the main channels through which literature has reached the Gaelic
mind. The following list embraces the chief publications of this
kind:—
In 1803 the _Ros-Roine_, a magazine, commenced, but the publication
ceased with the fourth number.
In 1829-31 _An Teachdaire Gaidhealach_, a monthly, was sent forth by
W. R. MacPhun, publisher, Glasgow, with the elder Dr Norman Macleod
as editor.
In 1835-36 _An Teachdaire Ur Gaidhealach_ was published.
In 1840-43 _Cuiartear nan Gleann_ appeared, with Dr Macleod once more
as chief support and editor.
In 1848 _Fear-tathaich nam Beann_ made its appearance only to
succumb, like its predecessors, after a brief existence.
Some of the writers associated with these efforts were Lachlan
Maclean, Archibald Sinclair, Campbell (the Glasgow publisher), and
the late Rev. Dr Archibald Clerk of Kilmallie.
The Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843 became the chief
theme of an ably conducted periodical, _An Fhianuis_, edited by the
Rev. Dr Mackintosh Mackay.
Even in Canada attempts were made to keep the Gaelic alive by means
of magazine literature. Between 1840 and 1841 Urquhart published in
Canada _Cuairtear nan Coiltean_; and about 1851 John Boyd published
_An Cuairtear Og_ in Antigonish, N.S.
For many years afterwards no efforts were made to publish magazines
till 1871, when Mr Angus Nicholson, a native of Lewis, published in
Canada the first three numbers of _An Gaidheal_ (THE GAEL). On the
advice of some Celtic friends the spirited projector of this venture
transplanted his young sapling into Scottish soil in 1872, where
it continued to appear for about six years. In 1872-4 _Bratach na
Firinn_, chiefly a religious magazine, appeared, published by the
writer in his undergraduate days.
At present the Church of Scotland’s own organ of “Life and Work” has
a _Gaelic Supplement_. The Free Church issues _The Gaelic Record_.
Gaelic articles have also appeared in the newspapers of Inverness
and Oban, editors having discovered of late years that the insertion
of Gaelic articles is not inimical to the circulation of their
journals. _The Celtic Magazine_, ably carried on for some years by Mr
Alexander Mackenzie, and the _Highland Monthly_ at present, though
not written in Gaelic, have helped forward Gaelic scholarship. Nor
must I omit to mention the earlier patriotic efforts of Mr John
Murdoch in _The Highlander_, in writing the language and advocating
its claims—efforts which ought to find a special place in the pages
of the historian of the Gaelic Renaissance of this quarter of the
nineteenth century.
HIGHLAND SOCIETIES.
The Highland Societies of London and Scotland have contributed
materially towards the cultivation of Celtic literature, although
the latter for more than half a century has developed into a merely
agricultural association. The Scottish one has given us the learned
“REPORT” on the Ossianic literature, which Henry Mackenzie, author of
“The Man of Feeling,” edited as well as the magnificent Dictionary
already described. The London Society helped to give Smith’s _Seann
Dana_ to the world more than a century ago, and Patrick Macgregor’s
_Genuine Remains_ of Ossian in 1840. Ibis Society still flourishes
under royal and aristocratic smiles in London, and in recent years,
under the guidance of Dr Farquhar Matheson, Dr Roderick Macdonald,
M.P., and others, has helped many Highland youths with bursaries
to enable them to obtain University training. The Gaelic Society
of London was formed in the year 1777, and is still rejoicing in a
vigorous manhood. In those days there were many Gaelic patriots about
the metropolis who had made considerable fortunes abroad and in the
south; and they felt it a sacred duty to encourage organisations
which might nurse the apparently decaying spirit of the threatened
Scottish nationality. Some twenty years ago the Gaelic Society
of Inverness was formed, and to it the Celtic world is indebted
for a series of annual volumes of Transactions in which we have
materials for a rich museum of folk-lore, poetry, tradition, history,
philology, etc. These volumes will be of the utmost value for the
future student. Two names deserve special mention in connection
with these volumes—that of Mr William Mackenzie, Principal Clerk
of the Highland Land Court, a gentleman who wields a facile pen in
both Gaelic and English; and that of Mr William Mackay, solicitor,
Inverness, who is among the most distinguished archæological lawyers
in the country, and who has furnished contributions of the highest
value to these volumes.
The Gaels of Glasgow more recently formed a Gaelic Society, of
which Mr Magnus Maclean, M.A. of Glasgow University, is the
admirable secretary. This Society has made a good beginning with the
publication of the first volume of its Transactions lately published.
Perth and other large towns have also their Gaelic Societies in this
country, and if we look across the Atlantic we find quite a large
number of them in Canada. The Gaelic Society of Toronto, of which
a distinguished native of Islay—Mr David Spence—has been a moving
spirit, is in a very flourishing condition.
* * * * *
In the great political change which has just come over the dreams
of Highlanders the Gaelic language has been of the most undoubted
service. Indeed it is through its judicious use as a political weapon
that this change was brought to a successful pass in 1886. It was
the thousands of the Gaelic Land-Law Reform manifestoes sent forth
from London in 1883-4, that organised the Highlands and Islands for
the brilliant Parliamentary triumph of 1885, by which the first
practical fruits of the Gaelic revival were reaped. And here it may
be interesting to preserve a copy of one of these manifestoes, which
played so prominent a part in bringing about the Imperial recognition
of Highland rights. The following prose paragraphs may be referred to
as a specimen of the Gaelic of the period as well as a monument of
the services rendered by the use of Gaelic in an important national
crisis:—
A GAELIC LAND-LAW REFORM MANIFESTO.
“_Comunn Gaidhealach Lunnuinn airson Lagh an Fhearainn Aihleasachadh._
“Chuireadh an Comunn so air chois an toiseach air son gu’m biodh
Teachdairean Rioghail air an cur feadh Gàidhealtachd agus Eileana
na h-Alba a rannsachadh mu chor agus mu ghearan na Tuadh Bhig
anns na ceàrnaibh sin; mar an ceudna air son atharrachaidhean a
dheanamh air Laghan an Fhearainn, a shocruicheadh gu dainghean Mail
Chothromach, Greim Seasmhach airan Fhearann, agus Pàidheadh air
son Athleasachaidhean maille ri leithid d o Ath-shuidheachadh air
an Fhearann ’sa bhiodh feumail air son math an t-Sluaigh.
“Air an dara là do Sheptember 1884, choinnich Fir-ionaid o na
Comuinn Ghàidhealach a tha air son Lagh an Fhearainn Ath-leasachadh
ann an Co-Labhairt ann an Inbher-feothrain; agus dh’aontaich
iad air a bhonn a leanas mar Chlar-innsidh air son a’ Chomuinn
Ghàidhealaich a tha air son Lagh an Fhearainn Ath-leasachadh:
“Gu’m biodh Cuirt Fearainn le comasan breith agus riaghlaidh air
a stéidheachadh air son Gàidhealtachd agus Eileana na h-Alba air
son gach ceist a dh’éireas eadar na h-uachdarain agus an Tuath
a shocrachadh; agus an coitcheannas a dh’òrdachadh gu’m biodh
am fearann air a roinn agus air a chur am feum air son math an
t-sluaigh.
“Làn ughdarras gu bhi aig a’ Chùirt—
‘1mh.—A shuidheachadh nam màl a bhios air am pàidheadh, agus nan
cumhnantan air am bi am fearann air a ghabhail.
‘2mh.—A mheudachadh nam bailtean anns am bheil Croitearan a nis,
agus a dheanamh bailtean ùra agus tuathanachais air fearann ’sam
bith a chi a’ Chùirt freagarrach; paidheadh iomchuidh a bhi air
a thoirt airson call ’sam bith a thig air an fheadhainn aig am
bheil am fearann an dràsd.
‘3mh.—A dh’ŏrdachadh gu’m biodh tighean freagarrach, le roinnean
do’n fhearrann, air an ullachadh, air cùmhnantan ceart, air son
seirbheisich agus luchd-obair an fhearainn.
‘4mh.—A shochrachadh gach riaghailt a bhuineas do Shealg; gun
fearann ’sam bith ri bhi air a ghabhaìl air son seilg ás eugmhais
aonta na Cùirt.
“Gu’m bi comas aig Luchd-riaghlaidh nan Sgirean, fo sheoladh
na Cùirt, air aigiod rioghachdail fhaotainn an iasad air urras
nan cisean, gu bhi air a’ thoirt an coingheall do’n Tuath Bhig,
Croiteirean, is Coiteirein, a dh’ullachadh thighean is stoc; na
h-iasaid so ri fuireach fo bhoinn ath-phàidhidh air urras nan
tuathanachais, nam bailtean, nan croitean, ’s an stuic gus am faigh
Luch-raighlaidh nan Sgìrean an cuid féin air ais.
“Gur h-ann aig a’ mhuintir a tha ag àiteachadh a’ ghruinnd a
bhios còir air toradh gach ath-leasachadh no seilbh a bhios air a
chruthachadh ann no air an fhearann leosan a tha ’ga oibreachadh;
agus bidh e comasach doibh an còirchean ’nan gabhaltais a reic no
air dòigh eile dealachadh riu; a’mhuinntir a thig ’nan déigh gu bhi
fo na h-aon chùmhnantan, ’s an seilbh air na h-uile chòirichean
agus shochairean, a bha aig an fheadhainn a bha rompa.
“Gu’m hi gabhaltais cinnteach no seasmhach aig uile
luchd-aiteachaidh an fhearainn; se sin ri râdh nach bi iad air an
gluasad cho fhad ’s a bhios na màil a shuidicheas a’ Chùirt air am
pàidheadh, agus cùmhnantan a ghabhaltais air an coimhlionadh.”
HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY.
The earlier labours of many Highlanders in these fields are not now
of so much value, but a similar remark is equally applicable to those
whose names are associated with other peoples and their history. The
results of such efforts as these are certainly not Gaelic literature,
but they are referred to here as kindred and indispensable in
understanding it. Such books as Grant “On the Descent of the Gael”
and Logan’s “Scottish Gael” remind us of the earlier periods, while
we are able to point to Skene’s monumental work “Celtic Scotland”
as embodying the fruits of the Gaelic learning of our generation.
The “Antiquarian Notes” and other excellent productions from the pen
of Mr Fraser-Mackintosh, M.P., show that some of our legislators in
these times take a living and hearty interest in the annals of their
ancestors. That splendid series of publications, “The Historians of
Scotland,” the Celtic student will find a much-prized possession; and
the series of volumes the Rhind Lecturers have given us will be felt
to be equally valuable. Gregory, Browne (supplemented by Keltie), and
others have written on general Highland history and the achievements
of the Highland regiments. And a large number of writers have
published important works on county and clan histories.
Among those who have published clan histories the name that
undoubtedly stands highest is that of the indefatigable Mr Alexander
Mackenzie of Inverness, whose labours in this field are quite
gigantic. He has produced many large and interesting volumes on
some of the chief clans, and the fulness and accuracy of them
are acknowledged by those most competent to judge. In this field
Mr Mackenzie stands head and shoulders above all his fellows. As
projector and editor of the _Celtic Magazine_ first, and subsequently
of the _Scottish Highlander_, he has supplied his countrymen with an
immense mass of Highland lore of every description.
Very interesting volumes of Celtic waifs and strays, Gaelic tales,
and folk-lore have been published by Mr Nutt, London; and to these
have been contributed exceedingly valuable notes by Mr Alfred Nutt.
The material for these volumes has been supplied by able ministers
of the Church of Scotland—the Rev. Mr MacInnes, Rev. J. G. Campbell
of Tiree, and the Rev. Mr Macdougall of Duror. The name that stands
highest in this sphere of folk-lore is undoubtedly that of the Rev.
Alexander Stewart, LL.D., the well-known and accomplished “Nether
Lochaber,” whose gifted pen has shed the lustre of literary beauty
on all it has touched. Dr Stewart’s powers are as versatile as they
are original and full of the patriotic spirit. For more than a
generation he has poured forth rich contributions in poetic prose and
in verse, in English and in Gaelic, on natural history, literature,
and folk-lore.
* * * * *
In the preceding chapters an attempt has been made to point out the
value of the literary treasures which lie enshrined in the Gaelic
language, as well as the fact that no previous age has witnessed more
Celtic activity than the present, and that the tongue of Ossian is
still a subject of fond use and devotion with many. As an interesting
proof of this the following verses may be appropriately introduced
as a Gaelic close to the volume; and in relation to them it may be
stated that they were first sung in a London church at a Gaelic
service, with organ accompaniment, by a congregation of Gaels, Scots,
Welsh, and Angles!—
THE GAELIC NATIONAL ANTHEM.
A NEW VERSION.
I.
Dhia, gléidh an sluagh le d’ ghràs!
An rîoghachd ás gach câs!
Dhia, gléidh an Crùn!
Biodhmaid a ghnăth fo d’ lâimh
Le buaidh os ceann gacli náimh,
’Nad ghrâdhsa faotainn sâimh!
Dhia, gléidh an Crùn!
II.
A Thighearna, Dhia na glôir,
Dean air gach diblidh fòir
Is gléidh an Crùn!
Cum suas Victoria chaomh:
Roinn ceartas air gach taobh:
Dion oighreachd bhochd do naomh!
Dhia, gléidh an Crùn!
III.
Ar sùil tha Riutsa suas:
Seall air ar cor le truas;
Is gléidh an Crùn!
Cair cuibhreach uilc mu sgaoil!
Tog sinn á slochd an t-saogh’il!
A steach do thir a’ ghaoil!
Dhia, gléidh an Crùn!
[Illustration: (decorative end-of-chapter icon)]
INDEX.
Adamnan, 15, 47, 52, 68, 95
Addis, 33
Adrian, 72
Aengus, 49
Ainle, 93, 95
Andersen, 127
Anderson, Joseph, 27, 85, 222
Aoife, 95
Ap Gwilym, D., 151
Ardan, 93, 95
Argyll, Countess of, 156
Argyll, Duke of, 222
Arnold, 33
Arnold, Matthew, 21
Arthur, 10
Averroes, 146
Avicenna, 146
Auld, 241
Baithen, 63
Bannatyne, Lord, 232
Beattie, Professor, 272
Bede, 99
Beith, Rev. Dr, 333
Bethune, Malcolm, 145
Black, Dr D., 338
Blackie, Professor, 20, 171, 192, 252
Blair, Rev. D. B., 312, 330, 338
Blair, Dr Hugh, 185
Blair, Dr Robert, 307, 337
Bopp, 7
Boswell, 186
Bourke, 20, 21
Breadalbane, Earl of, 261
Boyd, John, 339
Breakspere, 73
Brendan, 59, 66
Brendan of Birr, 59
Brigit [Bridget], 31, 41, 45, 76
Broccan, 51
Brown, Dorothy, 172
Browne, 343
Browning, E. B., 292
Browning, 302
Bruce, King R., 303
Bruce, Michael, 271, 284
Brude, 8, 63
Bryant, Dr Sophie, 56
Buchanan, Dugald, 248-253
Buchanan, Robert, 261, 290
Bugge, Professor Stephen, 84
Bunyan, 254
Burns, 4, 181
Burton, 55, 85
Cadoc, 59
Caedmon, 81
Cailte, 30, 89, 96
Cainnech, 59, 67
Cairbre, 13, 104
Cairnaan, 63
Calder, 229, 242
Calverley, 258
Calphurnius, 32
Cameron, Rev. A., 313
Cameron, Dr A., 38, 336
Cameron, John, 300
Cameron, J. M., M.P., 195
Campbell, Archibald, 300
Campbell, Sir Colin, 308
Campbell, Colin, 146, 176
Campbell, Colin, 228
Campbell, Lord Colin, 156
Campbell, Duncan, 270
Campbell, Sir Duncan, 157
Campbell, Rev. R., 175
Campbell, J. F., 10, 20, 21, 88, 141, 189
Campbell, Rev. J. G., 343
Campbell, John, of Ledaig, 300
Campbell, George, 301
Campbell, Margaret, 316
Campbell, P., 339
Candlish, Principal, 121
Carmichael, Alexander, 324
Carsuel, 120, 129, 222
Caston, Sarah, 4
Cessarotti, 196
Charles, Prince, 237, 268
Chaucer, 130, 219
Ciaran, of Saigheir, 59
Ciaran, of Clonmacnois, 59
Clark, John, 87, 219-220
Clark, Mary, 316
Clerk, Dr Archibald, 12, 20, 190, 208, 334, 339
Clerk, Dr John, 338
Cobhtach, 63
Cochulin, 30, 92
Colonsay, Lord, 193
Columba, 27, 31, 36, 41, 54, 57
Columba, son of Crimthan, 59
Comgall, 77
Conan, 39, 96
Congell, 63
Connacher, 93
Connal, 92
Connell, Rev. D., 338
Conung, 69
Cook, Rev. A., 338
Cook, Alexander, 323
Cormac, 45
Cowper, 198, 248
Crodhearg, 151
Cromwell, 4, 74
Cumberland, Duke of, 268
Cumhal, 96, 98
Cusack, Miss, 40
D’Oyly, Lady, 281
David, K., 72
David, St, 59
Deirdri, 95, 95, 145
Desmond, Earl Gerald, 161
Dewar, Rev. N., 338
Dewar, Rev. J., 338
Dewar, Principal, 324, 332
Diarmad, 30, 96, 110
Diefenbach, 7
Docus, 59
Doddridge, 349
Domnal, 49
Donald, Lord of the Isles, 145
Donnan, 66, 67
Drostan, 68
Du Bartas, 254
Dubthach, 52
Duncan Mor, of Lennox, 160
Eachaid, 63
Ebrard, 191
Earnaan, 63
Eglinton, Earl of, 232
Eliot, George [Evans], 5
Ethne, 54
Eve, 100
Evir, 92, 102
Eyre-Todd, G., 195
Farquharson, 323
Fechno, 63
Fergus, 54, 89, 96, 99
Finian, 63
Finnbarr, 48
Flannan, 66
Fletcher, Angus, 269
Forbes, Rev. John, 334
Foster, 40
Foulis, Sir James, 232
Fraser, Dr A., 229
Frazier, Andrew, 228
Fergus, 54, 89, 96, 99
Ferguson, Professor Adam, 185, 229
Ferguson, Christina, 278
Ferguson, Sir S., 5, 27
Findlater, 323
Fingal, Fionn, Finn, 10, 13, 29, 30
Galen, 146
Gallie, 186, 188, 229
Gaul, Gall, 30, 89, 99
Geddes, Principal, 23
Geikie, 132
German, 59
Gibson, Rev. Dr, 301
Gilchrist, 310
Gildas, Gillas, 59, 80
Gillies, 88
Gillies, Dr H. C., 298, 338
Glas, 160
Glengarry, 273
Goethe, 198
Gordon, W., 270
Gordon, Duke of, 273
Grahame, P., 229
Graine, 10, 30, 80, 89, 96, 100, 110, 122
Grant, 88
Grant, 340
Grant, A., 286
Grant, Mrs, 219
Grant, Rev. Peter, 317
Gray, 181
Gregory, 273, 343
Grillaan, 63, 88
Grimm, 88
Guest, 127
Guinevere, 10
Haco, 17
Hay, Colin, 305
Helen, of Kirkconnel, sen., 167
Hendry, 323
Hennesy, 40
Henry II., 73
Herbert, George, 315
Hill, 88
Homer, 28
Hu Gadarn, 130
Hume, David, 253
Irvine, Rev. Dr, 330
James IV., 145
Jerram, 329
Jocelyn, 43, 44
Johnson, Samuel, 141, 185, 230
Joyce, 20, 231
Keating, 131
Keats, 272
Keltie, 12, 343
Kennedy, Angus, 270
Kennedy, Duncan, 22, 314
Kennedy, Rev. John, 241
Kennedy, Rev. John, 316
Kennedy, Rev. Dr John, 241
Kentigern, 42, 44
Kirk, 224, 325
Knoydart, John, of, 160
Knox, John, 4, 208, 222
Laing, Dr, 164, 208
Laisren, 59
Lamartine, 198
Landor, 309
Leland, 230
Lhuyd, 7, 173, 225
Livingstone, David, 303
Livingston, William, 24, 121, 302-10, 347
Logan, 340
Lovat, 167
Lowe, 284
Luguid, 63
MacAffer, 281
MacAlister, 287
MacAlpine, 32
MacAlpine, Kenneth, 58, 86
MacAlpine, Neil, 330
Mac-an-Olla, 9, 160
MacArt, Cormac, 89, 96, 108
MacArthur, 88, 196, 229
Macaulay, Lord, 178, 294
MacAulay, Z., 178
MacBain, A., 195, 312
MacBean, 249, 324, 337
MacBeth, Fergus, 145
MacBride, 49
MacCabe, 160
MacCaille, 51
MacCallum, D., 87
MacCallum, 311
MacCallum, Rev. Duncan, 321, 334
MacCallum, J. and H., 88
MacCei, Hugh, 153
MacCulloch, 231
MacCunn, 290
MacDiarmad, Rev. H., 204, 229, 332
MacColl, Evan, 293-5
MacCodrum, John, 177
MacCrimmein, 173
Macdonald, Admiral Sir Reginald, 141, 164
Macdonald, Sir A., of Antrim, 184
Macdonald, Alexander, 134, 179-184
Macdonald, Sir Alexander, 170
Macdonald, Archibald, 171
Macdonald, Archibald, 178
Macdonald, Angus, of Islay, 145
Macdonald, Angus, of Glen-Urquhart, 298
Macdonald, Angus, 177
Macdonald, Cicely, 172
Macdonald, Dr George, 290
Macdonald, D., 269
Macdonald, Sir James, 178
Macdonald, John, 170
Macdonald, John, 287
Macdonald, John, 172
Macdonald, John, D.D., 241, 319-20
Macdonald, Dr R., M.P., 195, 340
Macdonald, Ronald, 267
Macdonnell, F., 312
Macdougall, Rev. 343
Macdougall, Allan, 268
Macdougall, Phelim, 163
Macdougall, Robert, 300
MacDougall, Rev. Duncan, 320
MacEachern, 160
MacEachern, 323
MacEachaig, 160
Macfadyen, 314
Macfadyen, John, 286
Macfadyen, Archibald, 324
Macfarlane, Duncan, 278
Macfarlane, P., 278
Macfarlane, Robert, 196
Macfarlan, M., 338
MacFirbis, 144
Macgillivray, John, 278
Macgregor, Alexander, 280
Macgregor, Duncan, 160
Macgregor, Gregor, 165
Macgregor, Sir James, 88, 90, 145
Macgregor, Rev. A., 335
Macgregor, James, D.D., 237, 317
Macgregor, Surgeon-Major, 316
Macgregor, John, 161
Macgregor, Margaret, 270
Macgregor, Patrick, 187, 339, 340
MacHale, 19
MacInnes, Rev. D., 343
MacInnes, A., 271
MacInnes, D., 278
MacInnes, John, 286
Macindeor, 314
Macintyre, 160
Macintyre, Dr, 229
Macintyre, Allan, 270
Macintyre, Donald, 276
Macintyre, Rev. Angus, 283
Macintyre, Duncan, 259-267
Macintyre, Miss, 290
Macintosh, Andrew, 160
Mackintosh, Fraser, M.P., 343
Mackellar, David, 233
Mackellar, Mary, 299
Mackellar, Neil, 171
Mackenzie, Alexander, 340, 343
Mackenzie, Dr A. C., 290
Mackenzie, Rev. Angus, 335
Mackenzie, Henry, 187, 340
Mackenzie, John, 279, 334
Mackenzie, John, of London, 197
Mackenzie, Kenneth, 268
Mackenzie, Murdoch, 278
Mackenzie, William, 176
Mackenzie, William, 314
Mackenzie, William, 341
Mackay, A. M., 255
Mackay, Bryan V., 152
Mackay, A., 286
Mackay, Charles, 298, 294
Mackay, Rev. Dr M., 255, 332, 339
Mackay, John, 173
Mackay, Robert, 255-259
Mackay, William, 341
Mackinnon, A., 269
Mackinnon, L., 172
Mackeich, 314
MacLagan, Rev. James, 186, 229
MacLagan, Archbishop, 315
MacLachlan, Dr, 296-7
MacLachlan, Ewen, 269, 272, 274
MacLauchlan, Lauchlan, 242-247
MacLauchlan, Major, 142, 232
MacLauchlan, Dr T., 12, 20, 95, 107, 145, 222, 335
MacLauchlan, Edmond, 146
MacLaurin, 229
MacLean, Andrew, 184
MacLean, Rev. Duncan, 321
MacLean, Hector, 127, 190
MacLean, Hector, 172
MacLean, Rev. John, 174
MacLean, John, 176
MacLean, John, 274, 276
MacLean, Ewen, 146
MacLean, Lachlan, 339
Maclean, Magnus, 341
MacLean, Malcolm, 177
MacLean, Margaret, 278
Mackinnon, Professor, 164, 208, 336
Mackorkindale, John, 300
MacLear, Rev. Dr, 40
MacLeod, Lord Bannatyne, 273
MacLeod, Donald, 270
MacLeod, Professor, 229
MacLeod, Hector, 170
MacLeod, Murdoch, 287
MacLeod, Dr John, 324
MacLeod, Norman, D.D., 283, 333, 339
MacLeod, Neil, 311
MacLeod, Mary, 133, 165, 169
MacLugas, 281
MacLuy, 96, 107
MacNab, Finlay, 148, 161
MacNab, 302
MacMurchie, 271
Macmillan, Rev. John, 332
Macmillans, publishers, 332
MacNeill, Archibald, 193
MacNeill, Efric, 155
MacNeill, Gilleonan, 68
MacNeill, Hector, 289
MacNeill, Rev. John G., 336
MacNeill, Leogaire, 36, 39, 75
MacNeill, Peter, 290
MacNeill, Sir John, 193
Macnicol, 161, 223, 229
MacNish, Rev. Dr N., 339
MacOmie, Baron Ewen, 160
Macphail, Angus, 272
Macphail, C., 286
Macphail, Dugald, 289
Macphail, Ewen, 146
Macphail, Rev. Hector, 242, 244
Macpherson, Dr, 239
Macpherson, Rev. James, 174, 176
Macpherson, Mary, 313
Macpherson, James, 12, 15, 37, 87, 185-300
Macpherson, D. C., 330
Macpherson, Duncan, 338
Macpherson, Duncan, 158
Macpherson, Lachlan, 267
MacPhun, W. R., 339
Murdoch, John, 340
Macquarrie, 323
Macqueen, Dr, 186, 229
Macrae, Rev. Donald, 301
Macrae, Donald, of Petty, 315
Macritchie, Rev. M., 323
Macroy, 281
MacRuairi, 90, 110
MacRury, Rev. John, 338
MacVurich, 150, 153
MacVurich, John, 159
MacVurich, Neil, 172
MacCrubha, 66
Magee, Abp., 152
Malcolm III., 16, 58, 73, 144, 147
Manning, 33
Manus, 96, 119
Măol-Donuich, 160
Margaret, Queen, 17, 57, 73
Martin, 58
Miller, Hugh, 295, 299
Morison, George, 271
Morrison, R., 173
Morrison, of Petty, 287
Morrison, John, of Harris, 320
Morrison, John, 323
“Mary of The Gael,” 47, 50, 52
Matheson, 172
Matheson, Donald, 240
Matheson, Dr F., 340
Merddyn, 168
Milton, 4, 251
Mitchell, 303
Mobhr, 59
Molaisren, 77
Moluoc, 66
Montrose, 184
Moore, Bishop, 142
Moore, Thomas, 219
Moran, Bishop, 33
Morrison, Dr, 338
Morely, Henry, 4, 84, 107
Mugint, 75, 81
Muireadach, 148, 150
Mullin, Rev. M., 18
Munro, James, 278, 295-6
Murdoch, John, 294
Murray, Sir John Macgregor, 196
Naos, 93
Neale, Dr, 79, 250
Niamh, 136
Nicholson, Angus, 328, 339
Nicolson, 182, 286
Ninian, 31, 36, 48, 72
Ninnidh, 59
Noble, J., 338
Nutt, 341, 343
Nutt, Alfred, 341, 343
O’Cairbee, Diarmid, 160
O’Carril, 149
O’Connor, Charles, 230
O’Curry, 20, 46, 60, 89, 135
O’Daly, 149
O’Donovan, 20
O’Driscol, 73
O’Flanagan, 130
O’Hart, John, 274
O’Grady, 20, 126, 130, 141
O’Hartigan, 132
Orr, D., 181
Oscar, 30, 89, 104, 108
Ossian, 5, 11, 28, 30, 114, 136
Ottir, 69
Oughton, Sir Adolphus, 232
Owen Goronwy, 48
Parry, David, 227
Patrick, 27, 28, 31, 34, 41
Patterson, Rev. Dr, 318
Pattison, 30, 96, 101, 108, 154, 189
Peter, St, 76
Petrie, 47
Pictet, 7
Politus, 32
Pope, 188
Praed, 258
Pritchard, 7
Ramsay, John, 153
Rayne, 30, 96
Reay, Lord, 255-258
Reeves, 75
Rhys, Professor, 21, 28, 48, 74, 86, 224, 225
Robert, Duke, 145
Robertson, 117
Robertson, Principal, 185
Ronan, 66
Rose, John, 324
Ross, Dr Thomas, 187, 196, 229, 325
Ross, Rev. William, 271-2
Ross, Rev. William, 337
Ruadbhan, 59
Rus, 63
Sankey, 324
Sayce, Professor, 1, 28
Scandal, 63
Scott, Sir W., 208, 255-276
Sechnall, 75, 79
Senell, 59
Serf, St, 42
Shairp, Principal, 193
Shaw, 189
Shaw, James, 269
Shakespeare, 5
Shelley, 315
Sherman, 40
Sinclair, Archibald, 279, 289
Sinclair, Rev. A., 149
Sinclair, Rev. A. M., 274, 312
Sinclair, Sir John, 196, 273
Skene, W. F., 12, 20, 95, 132, 135, 145, 164, 188, 343
Smith, Dr D., 142
Smith, Dr John, 22, 69, 87, 201, 202, 212-218, 229
Spence, David, 341
Stephens, 27
Stokes, Miss, 40
Stokes, G. T., 40
Stokes, Dr Whitley, 20, 38, 49, 45, 144
Stone, Jerome, 208-9
Stewart, Rev. Dr Alex., 343
Stewart, A. & D., 88
Stewart, Rev. Dr Alexander, 341
Stewart, Charles, D.D., 278
Stewart, Elizabeth, 4
Stewart, Isobel, 156
Stuart, Francis, 232
Stuart, Dr, John, 143
Stuart, John Roy, 268
Tadgod, 149
Tagd, 149
Taylor, Gilchrist, 160
Temple, 230
Tennyson, 167, 195, 219
Thomson, 303
Tochan, 63
Todd, Rev. Dr, 38, 40, 62, 74
Tremor, 96, 103
Turner, 88, 278
Ultán, 47, 50, 74
Urquhart, 339
VICTORIA, Queen 274, 342
Wallace, 303
Ware, Sir James, 75
Waddell, Dr Hately, 191
Watts, 249
Wellington, 4
Whyte, Henry, 283, 328, 337
Whyte, John, 176, 312, 337
Whitefield, George, 253
Wilkinson, 281
Wodrow, 229
Wordsworth, 299
Young, 88
Zeuss, J. C., 4, 6, 7, 71, 141, 144
[Illustration: (decorative end-of-chapter icon)]
The reader is requested to substitute on page 54 the date “521” for
“520;” and on page 164 “O’Grady” for “Hennesy.”
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
The original book had decorative icons at the end of every chapter.
They were missing from Chapter I, IV and VII due to lack of printing
space in the book. These have been inserted in this ebook.
Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
the text and consultation of external sources.
Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added,
when a predominant preference was found in the original book.
The titles Dr, Mr and Mrs sometimes had a period (Dr. Mr. and Mrs.);
this period has been removed for consistency. The abbreviation for
saint (St.) sometimes was missing the period; this has been added
for consistency.
Some names have several variant spellings in the book, for example:
Glen-Masan, Glen-mason, Glenmasan, Glenmason;
Cochulin, Cuchulin;
Gràine, Graine, Gràinne, Grainne.
These variants have been left unchanged.
The Index has many entries misplaced alphabetically. The printed
order has been left unchanged in this etext.
Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.
Pg 7: ‘Library of Millan’ replaced by ‘Library of Milan’.
Pg 8: ‘in the pronounciation’ replaced by ‘in the pronunciation’.
Pg 13: ‘of his mistifying’ replaced by ‘of his mystifying’.
Pg 15: ‘was alway under’ replaced by ‘was always under’.
Pg 27: ‘EARLY GAELC’ replaced by ‘EARLY GAELIC’.
Pg 30: ‘a mighty metamorphoses’ replaced by ‘a mighty metamorphosis’.
Pg 30: ‘to develope an’ replaced by ‘to develop an’.
Pg 32: ‘latest authorative’ replaced by ‘latest authoratative’.
Pg 41: ‘which occured in’ replaced by ‘which occurred in’.
Pg 41: ‘heart of of his’ replaced by ‘heart of his’.
Pg 49: ‘in Gaelie Scotland’ replaced by ‘in Gaelic Scotland’.
Pg 50: ‘in oppositiion’ replaced by ‘in opposition’.
Pg 51: ‘Be in sackloth’ replaced by ‘Be in sackcloth’.
Pg 64: ‘that we posess’ replaced by ‘that we possess’.
Pg 68: ‘if an increduluos’ replaced by ‘if an incredulous’.
Pg 72: ‘which preceeded the’ replaced by ‘which preceded the’.
Pg 74: ‘ancient Chureh’ replaced by ‘ancient Church’.
Pg 75: ‘Audite Onmes’ replaced by ‘Audite Omnes’.
Pg 76: ‘and inmovable in’ replaced by ‘and immovable in’.
Pg 78: ‘best production’ replaced by ‘best productions’.
Pg 88: ‘considerale length’ replaced by ‘considerable length’.
Pg 89: ‘It it admitted’ replaced by ‘It is admitted’.
Pg 93: ‘Noas, Ainle’ replaced by ‘Naos, Ainle’.
Pg 104: ‘great favourities’ replaced by ‘great favourites’.
Pg 106: ‘Thongh Oscar’s’ replaced by ‘Though Oscar’s’.
Pg 109: ‘he acknowleged in’ replaced by ‘he acknowledged in’.
Pg 115: ‘of the fifteeenth’ replaced by ‘of the fifteenth’.
Pg 119: ‘brillant victory’ replaced by ‘brilliant victory’.
Pg 121: ‘proberbially all’ replaced by ‘proverbially all’.
Pg 124: ‘stood upwright’ replaced by ‘stood upright’.
Pg 125: ‘The reply that’ replaced by ‘They reply that’.
Pg 127: ‘with much o! his’ replaced by ‘with much of his’.
Pg 130: ‘Standish G’Grady’ replaced by ‘Standish O’Grady’.
Pg 131: ‘in Wesiminster’ replaced by ‘in Westminster’.
Pg 135: ‘ancient manuscrips’ replaced by ‘ancient manuscripts’.
Pg 146: ‘science of metaphsies’ replaced by ‘science of metaphysics’.
Pg 148: ‘who held hands’ replaced by ‘who held lands’.
Pg 148: ‘the adminstration’ replaced by ‘the administration’.
Pg 153: ‘one thouand four’ replaced by ‘one thousand four’.
Pg 154: ‘For wise men’ replaced by ‘Four wise men’.
Pg 157: ‘literary offorts’ replaced by ‘literary efforts’.
Pg 159: ‘famous Muireach’ replaced by ‘famous Muireadhach’.
Pg 165: ‘the beginings of’ replaced by ‘the beginnings of’.
Pg 169: ‘has been regardd’ replaced by ‘has been regarded’.
Pg 174: ‘might illnme’ replaced by ‘might illume’.
Pg 179: ‘of orignal power’ replaced by ‘of original power’.
Pg 180: ‘sons and daughers’ replaced by ‘sons and daughters’.
Pg 181: ‘this insignificent’ replaced by ‘this insignificant’.
Pg 191: ‘conflex epics’ replaced by ‘complex epics’.
Pg 192: ‘former magnificance’ replaced by ‘former magnificence’.
Pg 194: ‘the Gaelic Soeiety’ replaced by ‘the Gaelic Society’.
Pg 196: ‘magnficent edition’ replaced by ‘magnificent edition’.
Pg 199: ‘useless in his haud’ replaced by ‘useless in his hand’.
Pg 200: ‘the dismal tempet’ replaced by ‘the dismal tempest’.
Pg 200: ‘in the the hollow’ replaced by ‘in the hollow’.
Pg 203: ‘Wih lightning’ replaced by ‘With lightning’.
Pg 204: ‘reccnt writers’ replaced by ‘recent writers’.
Pg 204: ‘the melodsts sweet’ replaced by ‘the melodies sweet’.
Pg 205: ‘made the the bard’ replaced by ‘made the bard’.
Pg 205: ‘also chatacteristic’ replaced by ‘also characteristic’.
Pg 210: ‘in this adveuture’ replaced by ‘in this adventure’.
Pg 211: ‘was the was the first’ replaced by ‘was the first’.
Pg 220: ‘part of _Morduth_’ replaced by ‘part of _Mordubh_’.
Pg 220: ‘James Macphersou’ replaced by ‘James Macpherson’.
Pg 220: ‘creating unneccssary’ replaced by ‘creating unnecessary’.
Pg 226: ‘their own tougue’ replaced by ‘their own tongue’.
Pg 228: ‘of of the Original’ replaced by ‘of the Original’.
Pg 235: ‘but by flght’ replaced by ‘but by flight’.
Pg 239: ‘contempoporaries, by’ replaced by ‘contemporaries, by’.
Pg 240: ‘is decidely sacred’ replaced by ‘is decidedly sacred’.
Pg 250: ‘beautful production’ replaced by ‘beautiful production’.
Pg 253: ‘acount the author’ replaced by ‘account the author’.
Pg 259: ‘With noue to’ replaced by ‘With none to’.
Pg 261: ‘from the the world’ replaced by ‘from the world’.
Pg 262: ‘bright sea-tront’ replaced by ‘bright sea-trout’.
Pg 263: ‘vety fond of’ replaced by ‘very fond of’.
Pg 266: ‘ths crowds of’ replaced by ‘the crowds of’.
Pg 267: ‘and immmediately’ replaced by ‘and immediately’.
Pg 267: ‘names of the the authors’ replaced by ‘names of the authors’.
Pg 269: ‘many of of his songs’ replaced by ‘many of his songs’.
Pg 270: ‘till he become’ replaced by ‘till he became’.
Pg 274: ‘bards, or seanachies’ replaced by ‘bards, or senachies’.
Pg 274: ‘and and ornamental’ replaced by ‘and ornamental’.
Pg 277: ‘to their manes’ replaced by ‘to their names’.
Pg 278: ‘by the the brothers’ replaced by ‘by the brothers’.
Pg 278: ‘Uist scholmaster’ replaced by ‘Uist schoolmaster’.
Pg 279: ‘immoral tentendency’ replaced by ‘immoral tendency’.
Pg 279: ‘in for requent’ replaced by ‘in for frequent’.
Pg 283: ‘A translatlon by’ replaced by ‘A translation by’.
Pg 285: ‘repeated tree times’ replaced by ‘repeated three times’.
Pg 287: ‘chorus rather’ replaced by ‘chorus is rather’.
Pg 289: ‘after the the death’ replaced by ‘after the death’.
Pg 292: ‘Celtic Rennaissance’ replaced by ‘Celtic Renaissance’.
Pg 293: ‘show he bard’ replaced by ‘show the bard’.
Pg 315: ‘not first first-class’ replaced by ‘not first-class’.
Pg 328: ‘by the accomplised’ replaced by ‘by the accomplished’.
Pg 329: ‘Gaelic along wth’ replaced by ‘Gaelic along with’.
Pg 334: ‘the distiction of’ replaced by ‘the distinction of’.
Pg 336: ‘the secoud edition’ replaced by ‘the second edition’.
Pg 337: ‘has has had a very’ replaced by ‘has had a very’.
Index
Pg 345: ‘Boyd, John, 389’ replaced by ‘Boyd, John, 339’.
Pg 346: ‘Dewar, Principal, 324, 352’ replaced by
‘Dewar, Principal, 324, 332’.
Pg 346: ‘Gœthe, 198’ replaced by ‘Goethe, 198’.
Pg 347: ‘MacAlpin, 32’ replaced by ‘MacAlpine, 32’.
Pg 347: ‘MacAlpin, K., 58, 86’ replaced by
‘MacAlpine, Kenneth, 58, 86’.
Pg 347: ‘MacAlpin Neil’ replaced by ‘MacAlpine, Neil, 330’.
Pg 348: ‘Mackay, Wililam, 341’ replaced by ‘Mackay, William, 341’.
Pg 349: ‘MacVurich, Neii, 172’ replaced by ‘MacVurich, Neil, 172’.
Pg 349: the entry ‘Mossison, John’ was deleted.
Pg 350: ‘Ross, Rev. William, 357’ replaced by
‘Ross, Rev. William, 337’.
Pg 350: ‘Stewart, Rev. Dr Alex., 353’ replaced by
‘Stewart, Rev. Dr Alex., 343’.
Pg 350: ‘Stewart, Charies, D.D., 278’ replaced by
‘Stewart, Charles, D.D., 278’.