s you are yourself, into historical facts,
let me ask you if you would be willing to read 800 pages folio, in a
barbarous literal Latin version, concerning the exploits of King Haquin
Sarli; the mighty achievements of Ghorfinne Harlecefni, and of twenty
other valiant barbarians? Yet, when you come to read the native undenied
poetic descriptions of the ancient Runic Bards, their forcible images,
their strong paintings, their curious display of ancient manners, I defy
the most torpid reader not to be animated and affected; and then we are
content to make some enquiry after the history of these savage heroes,
that we may understand the songs of which they are the subjects. In like
manner, with regard to your own Owain Gwynedd, without intending the
least disrespect to so valiant a prince, I believe few readers will
desire to know any further of his history, than as it will serve for a
comment to Gwalchmai's very sublime and animated Ode. After all, I would
not have any historical monuments perish, or be totally neglected. They
may come into use upon a thousand occasions, that we cannot at present
foresee, and therefore I am glad, that the northern nations have been
careful to secure even the above (to us uninteresting) narratives from
destruction. And I should be very glad to have the same care taken of
those of the ancient Britons. But I think the first care is due to these
noble remains of ancient genius, which are in so much greater danger or
perishing, because so much harder to be understood.

How strongly is our curiosity excited by the mention you make (in your
letter to Mr. Williams), of the Epic Poem, written in A.D. 578, and the
other works of Aneurin Gwawdrydd. What a noble field for literary
application to rescue such a fine monument of antiquity from oblivion: to
which every revolving year of delay will most certainly consign it, till
it is lost for ever! _Hic Labor_, _hoc opus_. I hope, dear Sir, you
will take in good part the freedom, with which I have ventured to advise
you on a subject, of which you are so much a better judge than myself;
but my zeal, though it may be blind, is well meant. I would fain excite
you to direct that application, which you so laudably bestow on your
ancient language, in such a manner as may be most profitable to yourself,
and most reputable to your country.

Macpherson goes on furiously in picking up subscriptions for his proposed
Translation of the ancient Epic Poem in