Ossian Collection > Aspects of poetry

282 THE POETRY OF THE [iX.
it is natural to suppose that there must originally have
been one master-spirit, who struck the key-note of a
poetry, containing so much that was original, exalted,
and unique.
What the characteristic faults of the Gael are, we
have been well told by Dr. Arnold, and many other
writers. It is more to our purpose now, to note their
characteristic excellences, as these appear in their native
poetry.
The exquisite, penetrating sensibility which has been
so often noted as the basis of Celtic character, is fully
reflected in these Ossianic poems. Quickness to see,
quickness to feel, lively perceptions, deep, overpowering,
all-absorbing emotions, these, the exact opposite of the
Saxon temperament, tough, heavy, phlegmatic, are no-
where more conspicuous than in the Scottish Gael, and
in that early poetry which rose out of their deepest
nature, and has since powerfully reacted on it. This
liveliness of eye, and sensitiveness of heart, have been
noted as main elements of genius, and no doubt they
are.
One side of their sensibility is great openness to joy —
a sprightly, vivacious nature, loving dance and song.
The other side is equal openness to melancholy, to de-
spondency. Gleams intensely bright, glooms profoundly
dark, exaltations, depressions — these are the staple of
the Gael's existence, and of his poetry.
Turned on human life, this high-toned sensibility