J. F. Campbell Collection > Original collection of the poems of Ossian, Orrann, Ulin, and other bards, who flourished in the same age

Ixxviii HIEFACE.
Other ancient bards of Caledonia, whici) competent
judges thought might be edifying to the public, as
remains of genius and taste. We shall only here
forewarn the indulgent reader, now entering upon
the poems, not to be disgusted with the wild and
undisciplined method of our Highland bards.
For, as the judicious Dr. Blair observed, " The
question is not whether a few improprieties may
be pointed out in their works; whether this or
that passage might not have been worked up with
more skill and art by some writer of happier times :
a thousand such cold and frivolous criticisms, are
altogether undecisive as to their genuine merit
But have they the spirit, the fire, the inspiration
of poetry? Do they utter the voice of nature; do
they elevate by their sentiments; do they interest
by their descriptions; do they paint to the heart
as well as to fancy; do they make their readers
glow, and tremble, and weep? These are the great
characteristics of true poetry ; where these are to be
found, he must be a minute critic indeed, who can
dwell upon slight defects. A few beauties of this
high kind, transcend whole volumes of faultless
mediocrity. Uncouth and abrupt our bards may
sometimes appear, by reason of conciseness; bug
they are sublime, they are pathetic, in an eminent
degree. If they have not the extensive know-
ledge, the regular dignity of narration, the fulness
and accuracy of description, which we find in
Homer and Virgil; yet in strength of imagination.