reconciling sense has, I say, its roots in science.

However, on these indirect benefits of science we must not lay too
much stress. Only this must be allowed; it is clear that there are
now in operation two influences, both favourable to a more attentive
and impartial study of Celtism than it has yet ever received from us.
One is, the strengthening in us of the feeling of Indo-Europeanism;
the other, the strengthening in us of the scientific sense generally.
The first breaks down barriers between us and the Celt, relaxes the
estrangement between us; the second begets the desire to know his
case thoroughly, and to be just to it. This is a very different
matter from the political and social Celtisation of which certain
enthusiasts dream; but it is not to be despised by any one to whom
the Celtic genius is dear; and it is possible, while the other is
not.


I.


To know the Celtic case thoroughly, one must know the Celtic people;
and to know them, one must know that by which a people best express
themselves,--their literature. Few of us have any notion what a mass
of Celtic literature is really yet extant and accessible. One
constantly finds even very accomplished people, who fancy that the
remains of Welsh and Irish literature are as inconsiderable by their
volume, as, in their opinion, they are by their intrinsic merit; that
these remains consist of a few prose stories, in great part borrowed
from the literature of nations more civilised than the Welsh or Irish
nation, and of some unintelligible poetry. As to Welsh literature,