Books and other items printed in Gaelic from 1871 to 1900 > Gaelic bards, and original poems

PREFATORY NOTICE.
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may be questioned whether Mr. Pattison did not
attempt too much in the task which he set himself, and
whether the result at which he aimed was not beset by
unnecessary hindrances to a felicitous poetical translation.
In presenting his readers with a version of Gaelic Poems,
that conveys not only the substantial but the literal
meaning of the originals, and that combines the original
metres, line for line, with the English element of rhyme,
it is plain that he had one fruitful source of embarrassment
to contend with from which the Bards were free. At the
same time, such as can compare the Translations with the
originals, must acknowledge the remarkable fidelity with
which even the most difficult passages have been rendered;
and, although they may censure the plan on which the
Translations were projected, they will not fail to make
allowance for the difficulties it entailed. Even in this
particular the Translator’s aim was high.
“But while anticipating for the volume a hearty
welcome at the hands of all for whom the poetry and
literary activity of an ancient and kindred people have
attractions, I fear it will give the reader little insight
into the fair proportions of the Translator’s mind. Those
who knew his devotion to English Literature, his accur¬
ate and profound acquaintance with its history, his
severe study of its greatest Masters, and the fine
combination of strength and culture with which he latterly
approached it, will feel with me that the translation of
Gaelic Poetry was not a fair test of his literary powers,
and that no amount of success in it can indicate the full
extent of the loss sustained by us in his death. All who
enjoyed his private friendship, are aware that his work
on “The Gaelic Bards,” was little more than an effort in
a bypath of his studies and pursuits. If I am not
mistaken, the impulse to it may be traced, in a great
measure, to the “Highland Tales,” published by Mr. John
Campbell, of Islay. Being asked to assist in the collection
of materials for that work, Mr, Pattison responded by