The literature of the Highlanders : $b a history of Gaelic literature from the earliest times to the present dayMacNeill, Nigel
History
The literature of the Highlanders : $b a history of Gaelic literature from the earliest times to the present day
MacNeill, Nigel
Scottish Gaelic literature -- History and criticism
Another poetical address is sent from the romantic district of North
Argyll, where many of the deeds recorded in the ancient ballads
took place, and where, no doubt, the distinguished Cymric scholar
received hearty Highland hospitality from Colin Campbell, pastor of
Ardchattan. The conclusion runs as follows:—
Restituit Scotis sublapsa; caduca Britannis;
Celtis et Pictis deperdita. Cornubiensis
Cantaber, et Scotus quam linquam agnoscit uterque,
Comparat: Affinis sensus hacarte resolvens,
Et renovat surdis aures et lumina cæcis.
Linguas prisca loqui, cogit dum vera fateri,
Literulis larvas fucos dum vocibus aufert,
Hispanum Scotum de divisâ stirpe, Britannum
Historiæ ut taceant, statuit; sermonis amussi
Albanii metas Bretonis Cambrique resignans.
Primus enim Cephilos Scotus, Pephilosque Britannos,
Nosque notas Britonum sib’lasse ostendit anhelas.
Mille alia invenit doctis celebranda Camænis:
Cedite Banniades: Non vestra cupressus erica.
Amicitiæ et gratitudinis ergô
COLLINUS CAMPBELL, _Ardchattanus Pastor_, Lornensis.
The Gaelic addresses are highly interesting to the philologist, as
showing Scottish Gaelic in a transition state. At the period of
Lhuyd’s visit to the Highlands and Isles, and down to the middle of
last century, the Highland clergyman wrote either in Latin or Gaelic.
It was at that time, also, that the Scottish Gael began to depart
from the old style of Gaelic writing and orthography. This departure
might have been dictated to some extent by a Protestant feeling,
but was mainly caused by the desire to make the orthography exactly
expressive of the popular speech. The difference between the Irish
and Scottish dialects was rendered greater by the change. Highland
clergymen of that period being of the better families throughout the
country, were generally well-educated gentlemen. Even generations
after, we find more literary talent than can be found in many places
to-day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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