Blair Collection > Gaelic dictionary, in two parts

PREFACE.
Maxy of those who cultivate literature will acknowledge, that their exertions are oftener the
result of accident, or of preci})itate resolution, than of long cherished design, or mature reflec-
tion; — that their most laborious enterprises are, sometimes, undertaken without due regard
to the difficulties which stand in the way of their completion ; and that although the possibility
or likelihood of ultimate success be at intervals contemplated, the ardour of the pursuit is
kept up by causes independent of such considerations.
Firmness of purpose is peculiarly requisite in the Lexicographer who has had no precursor
in his particular walk of compilation ; who has had to encounter, at every step, the ruggedness
and perplexities of an untrodden path ; to contend with difficulties at every turn ; to find
barrenness where he hoped for fertility, obscurity where he looked for light, and misappre-
hension and error, where he expected certainty and truth. His difficulties are, without
question, of a disheartening character : this I may be allowed to say from my own experience ;
yet I should be unwilling to utter an expression of dissatisfaction or regret : for I might be
told that my labour was voluntary ; that he who throws himself into trouble has nothing to
blame but his own rashness ; and that he who challenges difficulties or misfortune, deserves
only ridicule for his complaints.
In undertaking the present task, I did not, perhaps, sufficiently consider the disadvantages
under which I laboured, nor the odds against which I had to contend ; but I knew that
formidable obstacles have often yielded to steady resolution, and unremitting diligence.
It is not easy, in speaking of one's own labours, to avoid the imputation of egotism ;
I shall, therefore, leave it to others to form their own estimate of the present publication. I
can only say that, though my task has been severe, it has not been without advantage ; and
that though it should never be crowned with great public approbation, it has not been alto-
gether without its reward. It has pointed my way to various sources of learning which
otherwise I should not have approached ; it has led me to consult authors whom otherwise I
should not have known ; it has procured for me patronage which cannot be exalted by my
praise, and friendship which I shall ever be proud to cherish.
The first remark which may occur in opening these sheets is, that I have been too lavish
of quotations in some instances, and too sparing in others. On this subject I shall only