J. F. Campbell Collection > Dàn an Deirg agus Tiomna Ghuill (Dargo and Gaul)

PREFACE.
In translating the follomng poems, I have endeavoured
to be as nearly literal as is consistent with the idiomatic
differences between the two languages, and with a due
regard to rhythm. My plan has been, fìrst to ascertain
the exact rendering of each line in the Gaelic, and then
to turn the same into euphonious English ; so that those
who are unacquainted with the former language may get
a tolerably correct idea of the form, as well as the matter,
of the professed original. I say " professed," because
the^ genuineness of the Gaelic text of these Ossianic
collections is stiU disputed by many, and it is no part
of my purpose to take part in the controversy ; nor do
I wish to be understood as expressing an opinion either
way, though I have thought it well to state, for the in-
formation of the general reader, the main arguments
which have been adduced on both sides with regard to
Macpherson's Ossian. Should any critics see fit to main-
tain that Dr. Smith himself composed the whole or any
considerable portion of the Gaelic, which he has given
as the equivalent of his translation, I will not contradict
them ; should they, however, assert that he did so after
OTfrom the said translation, I will be bold enough to