The first fifty Psalms were published in 1684 by the Rev. Robert Kirk of Balquidder. A version by the Synod of Argyle appeared in 1694. Several other attempts were made in the eighteenth century to produce a good translation of the Psalms in metre, chiefly under the auspices of the Synod of Argyle. At last there appeared in 1783 a version which has been generally received by all good judges of Gaelic idioms and poetry as the best. The author of this version of the Psalter was the elegant Dr John Smith, who received the unanimous thanks of the Synod of Argyle for “executing it in so faithful and beautiful a manner.” An effort was made to force upon the Churches another translation of the Psalter by the Rev. Dr Ross of Lochbroom, a man of considerable ability and distinguished for his knowledge of Gaelic. This version, however, is marred by obsolete phrases and idioms, and has never obtained universal circulation in the Highlands. [Illustration: (decorative end-of-chapter icon)] CHAPTER XVII. THE GAELIC REVIVAL. “Dùisg a leoghain euchdaich, ’s dean éirich gu faramach, Air brat ball-dearg, breid-gheal, ’s fraoch sleibhe mar bharan air; Tog suas do cheann gu h-eutrom, ’s na speuraibh gu caithreasach, ’S theid mi-fhìn cho géire ’s a dh’fheudas mi d’arabhaig: Togam suas do mholadh prîseal, ’s do cheann ríoghail farasda, Cha’n’eil ceann no corp ’s an rioghachd an cruaidh-ghniomh thug barrach ort,— An ceann cruadalach àrd sgiamhach, maisach, fior-dheas, arranta, ’Stric agairt ri uchd an fhuathais, ri âm luchd t’fhuatha tarruinn riut. —MACDONALD. ENGLISH: Awake thou furious lion! awake with lusty roar, On thy bright blood-stained standard, heath-circled as of yore; Thy head lift up full lightly in heaven with raging might, And I will rush with fervour to mingle in thy fight: I raise thy praises precious round thy calm regal head; None e’er throughout the kingdom excelled thy deeds of dread;— That head of strength and valour where fearless beauty glows, Oft roared it out its terrors when onward pressed the foes.