Blair Collection > Celtic lyre

-Preface
N issuing the Celtic Lyee, T have been actuated by a desire to phice in
the hands of my fellow-countrymen a choice selection of their songs and
melodies. The peculiarities of Gaelic rhyme have rendered it impossible to
give translations in all cases, but the English words supplied will be found to
be in sympathy with the spirit of the original, and may be of service to those
who are unable to sing the Gaelic words. To such as would wish that the
melodies had been arranged for the pianoforte, I may state that a simple
pedal bass, which any player can supply, is the most effective accompaniment
to our sweet Highland airs, for they
" Need not the aid of foreign ornament,
But are, when unadorn'd, adorn'd the most."
I have to thank those who have permitted me to make use of their
translations in this work.
nONN.