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THE PREFACE.
xi

lines are accordingly given from the end of the poem, to which is subjoined, the autograph of the transcriber.[1]

It may be proper, however, before expressing any sentiments as to the poetical merit of the Howlat, to give a brief summary of the fable,[2] for the benefit of those readers who may not be very conversant with writings so

  1. This, as well as the other ornaments in the volume, were executed by Mr Lizars; that on the title-page being taken from a very clever design by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esq., for which, and for many similar favours, I owe my best and most grateful acknowledgments.
  2. In the following summary, much unnecessary trouble has been saved, in availing myself of an elaborate analysis of this poem, by the late Alexander Thomson, Esq.—kindly communicated to me by Dr Robert Anderson, from the collections of his lamented friend, which were intended for a History of Scotish Poetry; but in which no considerable progress seems to have been made.