Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Gaelic tools

A GAELIC-English English-Gaelic Dictionary 1825:

In reading of other centuries books, I have found it good to use a dictionary of the same period of writing. As even words you feel confident with often had a different common favor in that period of writting. An so the same applies to cross language dictionaries.

Some may find this a useful free source, it is searchable, even if quite hard on old eyes.

TDK




Monday, October 12, 2020

The Druid








From old leaves, I have found, what I feel is an excellent description of what a Druid should strive to do and be today.

TDK



  "With sudden horror rock'd the trembling ground,

And distant thunder shook the vast profound,

When from a cave a venerable form

Stalk'd forth, announced by the preluding storm. About his limbs a snowy garment roll'd, Floats to the wind in many an ample fold ; His brow serene a rich tiara bound,

And loose his silver tresses stream'd around. In his right hand a golden harp declared The sacred function of the Druid Bard."

Pye's Alfred, P. III. v. 143—152.




WHEN the stranger is solicitous to obtain a favourable reception from that part of society among whom he aspires to be conversant, it is necessary that his first appearance be divested of the character of intrusion by the recommendations of friendship, or by an ingenuous account of himself, accompanied by a candid avowal of his intentions. Mankind, indeed, are generally impressed with a desire of knowing something of those who present themselves to their notice, and propriety has rendered it necessary that an attempt should be made to gratify so laudable a curiosity. On the present occasion, therefore, a prefatory address will be expected.
The Druid observes, with regret, that oblivion has nearly obliterated every memorial of his Order, even in the land consecrated, of yore, by the celebration of their ancient rites. He also feels that he is unknown among the progeny of a people, who reverenced his forefathers as the faithful instructors that inculcated those sublime lessons which elucidate the origin of being, the economy and organization of objects, the duties of society, and the rules and institutions affecting the interests and independency of Man.                                                                                  

He honestly avows, however, that he is most desirous of acquiring the attention of his compatriots to the subjects of his diversified studies, while he pledges himself that his utmost efforts shall be exerted to win their approbation, support, and esteem. But he will leave the tendency of his simple doctrines to unfold the motives which have induced him to renounce the obscurity of a peaceful seclusion, and to develope the views by which he has been prompted to assume a character that will lead him to encourage and applaud the actions of the virtuous, and to point out, to disapprobation and infamy, the conduct of the worthless and the bad. To accomplish this purpose, he will endeavour to maintain an appropriate character, and this will include that of a moralist, a monitor, and a minstrel. He will, therefore, offer to the attention of the public, as the subject of the present theme.


ADDWYN I DDRAGON

DDAWN Y DERWYDDON, 1812.