But it is evident that this description,
however well it may do for the Cymri, will never do for the Gael,
never do for the typical Irishman of Donnybrook fair. Again, M.
Renan's infinie delicatesse de sentiment qui caracterise la race
Celtique, how little that accords with the popular conception of an
Irishman who wants to borrow money! SENTIMENT is, however, the word
which marks where the Celtic races really touch and are one;
sentimental, if the Celtic nature is to be characterised by a single
term, is the best term to take. An organisation quick to feel
impressions, and feeling them very strongly; a lively personality
therefore, keenly sensitive to joy and to sorrow; this is the main
point. If the downs of life too much outnumber the ups, this
temperament, just because it is so quickly and nearly conscious of
all impressions, may no doubt be seen shy and wounded; it may be seen
in wistful regret, it may be seen in passionate, penetrating
melancholy; but its essence is to aspire ardently after life, light,
and emotion, to be expansive, adventurous, and gay. Our word GAY, it
is said, is itself Celtic. It is not from gaudium, but from the
Celtic gair, to laugh; {84} and the impressionable Celt, soon up and
soon down, is the more down because it is so his nature to be up to
be sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away
brilliantly.
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