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

DUNCAN BAN MACINTYRE.
53
As a poet, his great characteristics are his clear and
sure perception, his fine ear, his excellent judgment,
and his command of his native language, which he
invariably uses with admirable precision, purity, and
effect. He sings always of things which he knew well—
things which he had learned for himself—things which he
was quite sure of—which were not the least obscure to
him. He is always self-possessed and master of himself.
His mind never drifts helmless before an overpowering
emotion; yet his verse is essentially lyrical, even in
description—and frequently expressive of deep and
genuine feeling—of sweet and unchanging devotion.
His style is clear and simple. His rhythm varied, free,
and sonorous. In reading Duncan Ban one feels .that he
was a sweet-tempered, amiable, unaffected man. Perhaps
it is partly owing to this, as well as to the fine faculty his
poetry displays, that he is decidedly the best loved of the
Highland Bards. But so excellent were his gifts that,
notwithstanding his want of culture, no other of the
Gaelic Poets is held in the same esteem, or placed on the
same level with him, excepting Alexander MacDonald.
These two are universally considered and spoken of as the
chief singers among the mountain melodists. Sometimes
the one is preferred, sometimes the other. Duncan Ban
had less variety—less wild vigour than his predecessor—
but he is clearer, smoother, more equable, more har¬
monious. Then something must be allowed for his
untutored efforts,—for that ever blind “groping of the
Cyclops”—that utter want of one limitless external aid,
which claims for him so unique a place among his
country’s most distinguished Bards. If some consideration
might be demanded for Burns, and justly too, (were it not
for his mighty powers) on account of his imperfect
training, and his want of leisure for mental labour, still
more might be asked for this man ; for Burns was learned
compared to him, yet he too does not need it—a proof of
the reality and purity of his master gift.