Blair Collection > Gaelic dictionary, in two parts

xii PREFACE.
It would be most ungrateful in me not to take this opportunity of mentioning-, that,
notwithstanding all the patronage with which I have been favoured, it is questionable whether
I could ever have offered these sheets to the public, but for the disinterested spirit of my
publisher, Mr. Duncan.
To my Subscribers, in general, I return my sincerest acknowledgments. They may be
assured that very strenuous exertions have been made to fulfil the promises held out in the
Prospectus ; and I trust that I shall be considered as having redeemed my pledge.
To hope that this Dictionary is free from imperfections, even after all the pains I have
bestowed on it, would be presumptuous ; and to expect that any circumstance shall cause
those to be overlooked or forgiven, would be to hope for a favour which has been withheld
from far higher claims and deserts than mine; — for the merits of one's cause are not always a
protection from hostility and censure ; and diligence, however laborious and sincere, is not
always requited with approbation.
I forbear to mention the time which this work has occupied, and the labour which it has
required. I might be discredited by some, and considered by others as indulging my vanity; —
especially when I should add, that I had in the meanwhile to provide for my own sub-
sistence ; and that the compilation which I now send forth to the world, is, in truth, the
production of such hours as I could spare from harassing occupations, or snatch from the
proper seasons of repose.
Having stated this much, I must guard against misconstruction. I have no desire to
conciliate hostility, nor to soften criticism. My cause is good. I have, under all disad-
vantages, done it the best service in my power; and I now, without presumption, yet
without undue anxiety, submit my work to a public intelligent enough to know the value
of every man's labour, and sufficiently generous to assign to all the degree of honour which
they may deserve.