the most tender and sympathetic study. Indeed, without reading all
or many, we will not understand the superficial meaning of even
one. For instance, in one of the many histories of Cuculain's many
battles, we read this--

"It was said that Lu Mac AEthleen was assisting him."

This at first seems meaningless, the bard seeing no necessity for
throwing further light on the subject; but, as we wander through
the bardic literature, gradually the conception of this Lu grows
upon the mind--the destroyer of the sons of Turann--the implacably
filial--the expulsor of the Fomoroh--the source of all the
sciences--the god of the Tuatha De Danan--the protector and
guardian of Cuculain--Lu Lamfada, son of Cian, son of Diancect, son
of Esric, son of Dela, son of Ned the war-god, whose tomb or
temple, Aula Neid, may still be seen beside the Foyle. This
enormous and seemingly chaotic mass of literature is found at all
times to possess an inner harmony, a consistency and logical unity,
to be apprehended only by careful study.

So read, the sublimity strikes through the rude representation.
Astonished at himself, the student, who at first thinks that he has
chanced upon a crowd of barbarians, ere long finds himself in the
august presence of demi-gods and heroes.

A noble moral tone pervades the whole. Courage, affection, and truth
are native to all who live in this world. Under the dramatic image
of Ossian wrangling with the Talkend, [Note: St. Patrick, on account
of the tonsured crown.] the bards, themselves vainly fighting against
the Christian life, a hundred times repeat through the lips of Ossian