Volume II. Guth na Bliadhna ' leabhar II.]

unpropitiouSi. He is, as it were, a genealogist rather than an historian. He is more concerned with sources] than with principles, with methods rather than with persons. Thus, he quotes with approval Dr. Hans Hildebrand's assertion that " every work of human art, higher as well as lower, has its shape determined by two agents : the end which it is to

Celtic Arts and Industries: Metal Work 81

serve, and the taste of the people and the time of which it is the fruit". " In other words," says Mr. Allen, " there is an utilitarian as well as an orna­mental side to almost every object fashioned by man to satisfy his wants. The form of an object must depend primarily upon the practical use to which it is intended to be put, and the decorative features generally follow afterwards in due course. The function of the decorative features, however, should be to add grace and beauty to the original form of the object; but not to attempt to disguise the utilitarian purpose it fulfils."

This is certainly " well and truly laid " from the practical point of view, though it leaves something to be desired in respect of the religious impulse or spiritual influence which has been at work in the creation of so many beautiful objects. In our opinion, it would require almost a saint to do justice to that aspect of our theme; for who but one that has passed through such an ordeal in pursuit of perfection, for the s§,ke of the spiritual delight which perfection commands, could hope to deal at all adequately with the spiritual motives underlying those priceless relics of antiquity ? We doubt if those early Christian craftsmen paid much attention to the " utilitarian purpose " of the objects evolved by their genius and piety. Their art was rather the intense expression of souls whose com­mune was with God alone. Their marvellousness consists in this, that they completely subordinated their art to religious influences. They were almost as superhumans, working under the spell of the Divine enchantment.

We cannot take our leave of this useful and charming book without acquainting our readers with some of the conclusions arrived at by its

82 Celtic Arts and Industries: Metal Work

talented author. " In conclusion," says he, " I wish to emphasise the fact that the beauty and individ­uality of the ornamental designs found in early Christian Art in Great Britain and Ireland are due chiefly to the great taste with which the different elements are combined, and the exquisite finish lavished upon them. I cannot see that it in the least detracts from the praise due to the originators of the style if it can be shown that the ideas under­lying many of the patterns were suggested by a pre­existing native style or adapted from a foreign one. Interlaced work, key-pattern spirals and zoomorphs are to be found separately in the decorative art of many races and many periods; but nowhere and at no time have these different elements been used in combination with such consummate skill, as in the early Christian period in Great Britain and Ireland." Mr. Allen's concluding observation is no less worthy of quotation. " I consider," he says, " the so-called Celtic style to be a local variety of the Lombardo-Byzantine style, from which the figure subjects, the interlaced work, the scrolls of foliage, and many of the strange real and fabulous creatures were apparently borrowed. The Lombardo-Byzan­tine style was introduced into England after the Saxons had become Christians; and being grafted upon the Pagan Art of the late Celtic period was developed in different ways in different parts of Great Britain and Ireland. However, it in no way detracts from the artistic capacity of the Celt that he should have adopted certain decorative motives belonging to a foreign style, instead of evolving them out of his own inner consciousness. Al­though his materials may not all have been of native origin, they were so skilfully made use of in combination with native designs, and developed

Am Maraich agus an Fhairge 83

with such exquisite taste, that the result was to produce an entirely original style, the like of which the world had never seen before."

We cannot too strongly recommend this useful book, whose modest price brings it within the compass of all.¹ It ought to be in the hands of every patriotic Celt at home and abroad. Igno­rance is sometimes excusable; but it is no longer so when it is deliberate, or arises from a frivolous or indifferent disposition. Faith and knowledge have this in common, that the want of them is iniquitous and contemptible on the part of such as, being offered, will not put forth a hand to possess them.

AM MARAICH AGUS AN FHAIRGE

Tha ioghnadh orm A chuain! gu'm biodh tu 'feu­chainn ri giulan a thoirt dhut fèin nach buin dhut. Tha thu 'teachd thun a' chladaich mar gu'm biodh tu miodal ris, agus tha do stuadhan beaga 'com-hartaich mar mhesan. Tha do stuadhan beaga camlagach a tha nis coltach ris na camlagan a bhios air cinn nan nigheanan òga, a ruith gu cois na traghad ag atharrais air a chèile. An uair a sheallar ort, cha saoileadh neach sam bith (cha smaoinicheadh iad gu'm biodh e comasach) gu'm bristeadh tu loingeas, no gu'n reubadh tu mar-aichean as a chèile le d'fhiaclan geura, geala.

Cia fhad, m'aon bheag ghràdhach, o'n a bha do mheoirean fada, caola a' teamachadh sgòrnain nam maraichean aig an luing ud a chaidh a bhristeadh ?

So, so, aon ghòrach! cha'n 'eil feum sam bith

1 Seven shillings and sixpence net.

84 Am Maraich agus an Fhairge

The League of St. Columba

85


dhut a bhith 'feuchainn ris a' char a thoirt asamsa air an dòigh so.

A chuain ! tha thu iongantach 'na d'neart, agus 'na d'chumhachd; ach cha 'n 'eil barrachd tlachd agam dhiot mar a tha thu nis na an uair a tha thu air a 'chaochladh de dhòigh.

An uair a tha thu 'nad chadal, tha thu 'cor cait 'nam chuimhne. Cha 'n 'eil crònan do stuagh­annan dad na's lugha mealladh na crònan a' chait, an uair a tha e 'na leith-dhùsgadh. Bheir thu leum asad gu grad as do chadal, agus tu gu h-acrach, borb; agus bidh lèir-sgrios uamhasach 'nad dheigh.

Theid do bheucaich suas a dh'ionnsuidh nan speur, agus le cop mu do bheul, le do spuirean an-iochdar leumaidh tu ris na creagan.

A chuain! ged a tha mi 'bruidhinn ruit mar so, na sgrios mo long.

Tha mi beag agus lag; am feadh's a tha thusa cumhachdach agus mòr. Cha 'n fhiach dhut dragh a chur air mo long bheag-sa, an uair a chaidh agad air cabhlach mòr na h-Espàine a sgrios.

Cha 'n 'eil agam ris an t-saoghal ach i fèin; agus is math a fhreagradh dhutsa fabhar sonraichte a nochdadh dhomhsa. Tha thu na's neo-sheasmh-aiche na boirionnach, agus na's an-iochdmhoise na cat. Ged a tha fiamh gàire ort, agus tu 'gluasad gu mothar mail, cha mheall thu mise; agus A chuain! cha'n 'eil earbsa sam bith agam 'na do chrònan, agus 'na do ghuth ceòlmhor binn.

Tha mi a' ruith fo d'dhìon, A Mhàthair Naomh Dhè ! Na diùlt m'iarrtas an àm mo fhèuma; ach saor mise daonnan bho gach cunnart. 'Oigh glòr­mhor agus bheannaichte!

THE LEAGUE OF ST. COLUMBA

We have already drawn attention in the pages of this Beview to the lamentable scarcity in Scotland of devotional literature in the Gaelic language ; and although our observations on that subject have been subjected to some criticism, we see no reason to depart from our original statement. Our re­marks on the occasion referred to were designed with a view to emphasise present-day requirements in this respect, and were by no means intended as a sketch or account of what has already been accomplished in that field; but which, owing to neglect and indifference, is no longer of any use to us. It is obvious that publications which are out of print, or are only to be got by dint of protracted search amongst second-hand booksellers' catalogues, are in the nature, not of necessaries, but of luxuries ; which the very poor, and those whose opportunities for book-collecting are few, may be excused for neglecting. To object that such and such a manual or prayer-book was published thirty or forty years ago (but is now out of print) supplies no adequate answer to our complaint, whose gravity seems scarce to be realised. The Highlands are badly in need of cheap devotional literature in the Gaelic language, and we shall continue to ventilate this grievance until the want we refer to has been supplied.

With a view to discovering what is being done in Ireland at the present moment in the direction indicated by our remarks, the conductors of this periodical recently put themselves in communica­tion with the body known as the " League of St.

umha"; and, we are pleased to say, with the most satisfactory results. In response to our inquiries, the secretary of the League, whose seat is at Maynooth College, and whose members princi­pally, if not exclusively, consist of students attend­ing the Irish National Seminary for the priesthood, most courteously communicated to us many inter­esting particulars respecting his Society, together with a printed leaflet which, as it seems to put the whole case for a revival of Gaelic devotional literature in a nutshell, we propose to do our readers and ourselves the pleasure of reproducing in these pages. It should be stated that the leaflet in question is in the form of a circular letter, " openly" addressed to the clergy of Ireland, and is signed, in behalf of the League, by its duly ac­credited representatives or officers. It is in the following terms:—
THE COLUMBAN LEAGUE.

St. Mary's,

Maynooth College,

20th November, 1904.

Vert Eev. Father,

It must have already struck you that while Irish Ireland is growing more productive every day in secular literature, very little has yet been done to put religion before the people in their own tongue. Up to this, com paratively little preaching has been done in Irish, almos no catechising has heen done in Irish, and the number o religious publications in Irish is very small. Now, when we remember that in the past our religion and language grew up side by side, and that the spirit of the one became inseparably bound up with that of the other, we canno help concluding that in the future also, the one must go hand in hand with the other, if we would have Irish Ireland also a thoroughly Catholic Ireland. As custodians and teachers, therefore, of the Catholic religion, it is the duty of the clergy to adapt themselves to the spirit of their

own day, and give to the people a religious literature in their own tongue. A task such as this we cannot put upon the shoulders of the Gaelic League or Catholic Truth Society, for the one is non-sectarian, and the other cannot be expected at present to undertake the work of which we speak. The duty, therefore, devolves upon the priesthood of the country.

We beg, Eev. Father, to submit the following project to your consideration :—

Among the MSS. in our College Library there are hundreds of sermons in the Irish Language, the very sermons that helped to keep the Faith so strong in Ireland during the days of persecution. If these could be given to the public in a suitable form, a great work would be done for God and Erin. The Columban League is anxious to undertake the publication of such sermons, and of any religious MSS. to be found in the Library. But, as we are weak in funds, we must rely upon the generosity of past Columban Leaguers and the priests of Ireland in general.

As to the question: Who is to take up the literary portion of the work, there is no difficulty; for Dr. O'Hickey is only too anxious to work with the most competent Irish scholars amongst the students. At present there are about a dozen gentlemen experts at manuscript reading ; and under the tuition of Dr. O'Hickey they would have a respectable volume ready for the Press in a very short time. We have no fear but equal talent will be found in the college as the years go by. We see no reason, therefore, apart from the question of funds, why the Columban League should not, in the course of years, give to the world the religious and literary treasures which have lain hidden in the College Library for well-nigh half a century.

This very year we intend to make a beginning. Our Editors are already at work; and it is to be hoped that, before this academic year has run its course, the Columban League will have its first work, a volume of Irish sermons, ready for the Press. As we have already said, we lack the necessary funds, and, therefore, we ask you to lend a helping band. We are confident, Very Eev. Father, that you will not turn a deaf ear to our appeal, but that you will give us, in addition to your subscription, your advice on the above project.

We may add that this whole idea has not originated with the students. It was first suggested by one of the professors, and it seems to have the whole-hearted approval of the college staff.

It has been, moreover, suggested that amongst the priests an association be formed to provide funds for, and superintend the publication of, the Maynooth MSS. At present we do not know what to think of this idea. It might be possible to have this whole question discussed at the next meeting of the Maynooth Union.

The following list will give some indication of the nature of the sermons we are about to publish.

In Murphy MS. 40, there are, amongst others, sermons in Irish on the following subjects:—

Temptation; The Danger of Deferring Eepentance; Avoiding the Occasions of Sin; Confession; Examination of Conscience; Day of Judg­ment ; Holy Communion; Sacrifice of the Mass, etc.

In Murphy MS. 43, there are, to name only a few, sermons in Irish on the following subjects:—

Necessity and Efficacy of Penance; The Dangerous State of the Sinner; Death; Swearing; Un­worthy Communion; Advantages and Neces­sary Conditions of Prayer; Love of our Enemies; Joys of Heaven; Our Lord's Pas­sion ; The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, etc.

Besides sermons, there are a great many religious works, which would be well worth either reprinting or editing. The following will serve as a sample:—

Douay Catechism (translated into Irish); Denn's Explanation of the Commandments; The Spiritual Mirror; The Spiritual Physician, etc.

Writing of the foundation of the League, the secretary remarks: " It is now about seven years since the inception of our Society. Many can still recall the state of the college, as regarded the Irish

Ireland movement, at that time. Here is an ac­count given by an eye-witness :—

"' The Gaelic League was then young, and its influence not generally felt through the country. The students of Maynooth were not below the Anglicised portion of our own people. Neither will it be contended that we were very advanced Irish Irelanders. We admired Irish music, as we knew it in a very few of the more hackneyed of Moore's melodies. Irish was of course taught as an obligatory subject to the junior classes, which could count a few earnest workers, determined on acquiring a mastery of the language as a spoken tongue. A few enthusiasts attended the voluntary classes in the senior division; perhaps half a dozen tried to read Irisleabhar na Gaehdilge; but that was all. In fact the spirit amongst us was anything but favourable to national studies. There was very little idea then amongst the students of an Irish "sgeulachd," an Irish speech or recita­tion, of honest and serious study of Irish history and the Irish language, of cultivating our own music, or of the necessity of supporting home industries. Our ideas were more cosmopolitan.

"' Literary societies then existed in the college, and it was a paper read at one of these that first aroused the students to a sense of their position. The paper had for its title, " The Anglicisation of Ireland," which in the present state of Maynooth would be regarded as commonplace; but then it was sensational. The paper contained a simple statement of the abnormal condition of the country, the priests' obligations in the face of such a national decadence were not left untold, nor minimised in the telling, and in conclusion a general suggestion of an organisation, in which the priests of Ireland might further the revival, was put forward for consideration. The result was thoroughly satis­factory. Thought was awakened, discussion aroused, and sympathy in the national cause enlisted. On consideration, however, it was felt that an organisa­tion among the clergy was not very practicable, seeing that the Gaelic League was at the disposal of every priest. Why should not the students them­selves form an organisation within the college, to do for the college what the Gaelic League was doing for the rest of Ireland, it was demanded? This suggestion was received by the students with the greatest enthusiasm, and the League of St. Columba was formally established with the sanction of their Lordships the Bishops; and the work of de-Anglicisation had begun.'

"The new League was to foster studies in the national language, history and literature, with the kindred subjects hagiology, archaeology, social manners and customs, in order that its members might be more zealous, and better qualified to labour in extending and controlling movements connected with these objects; and so perpetuate the truly religious and Catholic nationality re­presented by and identified with them. In one word, the Columban League has for its object the realisation of an Irish Ireland in the fullest and broadest sense. It is a conscious effort to resume the well-nigh lost civilisation and culture of our forefathers. It aims at making the Ireland of the future a worthy continuation of the Ireland that has passed away, realising to the full that as the national traits and characteristics of the individual ought to a great extent to determine the kind of his education, so the education of a race ought to be, before all else, national. It works for a self-sup­porting, self-reliant Ireland, an Ireland animated by the spirit of the past, speaking her own language, preserving her customs and traditions, and develop­ing from within along national lines. The under­lying principles are identical with those of the Gaelic League. The League of St. Columba is in fact the Gaelic League adapted to Maynooth's circumstances, and in this manner it determines Maynooth's position in the great revival.

" To discover the character of that position, let us take a glance at the objects of the revival; and first at the language. The Gaelic League bases its hopes for the revival of the national spirit on the language. It makes the language the chief aim of its own existence. So does the League of St. Columba. Possibly in the early years of its existence the results achieved in each separate department of Irish study may not have been very great; for the same facilities were not within its reach as now. Much of its attention had to be devoted to propagandist work, to inspiring its members with its own ideal of nationality; exhort­ing them to study the history and language of their country, the language which St. Columba, the patron of the League, loved in exile and spoke in far-off Iona, to sing the old traditional songs, to play the airs which Carolan and the other bards have handed down to all succeeding generations of Irishmen as the most precious of heirlooms.

"Frequently at the divisional and general meetings papers were read on these and kindred subjects. These appeals did an incalculable amount of good. One thing certainly they achieved, inas­much as they cleared the air of many false notions of nationality, contracted through long years of thoughtlessness and the Anglicising influence of a system of intermediate education, which, unfortu-^ nately, had the moulding of the minds of many of our students. Year by year the language loomed] larger and larger in the view of Columban Leaguersi In addition to a more earnest attendance at the obligatory classes under the professor, voluntary classes sprung up under the conduct of the students] themselves. This year the number of such classes' is much in excess of previous years, and the numbèn of earnest students attending the classes has ex­ceeded the wishes of even the most enthusiastic.! Nor has the adage, 'Beatha teangadh 'si do labh-\ airt '—the life of a tongue is to speak it—been fori gotten. Mere desultory study of primers counts] for very little. At present it is no uncommora thing to find batches of students, brought together by a common love for the national tongue, inter-j changing their ideas, as they take their rounds of the grounds, with all the facility of native speech:] And then there is the' Cuirt na Gaodhal,' or Parlia­ment, held weekly, where all who have a sufficient mastery of the language meet and debate in it inj true Irish style every conceivable topic affecting] themselves and the League. Here plans for futurei work are discussed, resolutions passed, and enter­tainments organised. Before Christmas a truly! Irish concert, with nothing but Irish entries on thej programme, was given to the students by members] of the League, and with the greatest success.

" Cultivation of the national music is also a part of the League's programme; and very good work] has already been achieved in this direction. The] character of the entertainments given on college festivals has thus been radically changed, in order, to satisfy the growing demand for high-class music:' Another addition to the college entertainments in­troduced by the Columban League is the Irish drama. Within the past two years, before delighted audiences, the students have staged successfully jthree or four Irish plays, one of which was written toy a member of the League. At the present mo­ment another excellent little drama, written also by a Leaguer, is being rehearsed, and will be played