ae ee 
of Keeners varied the melody according to their tafte and 
mufical abilities, carefully, however, preferving the fubject, or. 
burden of the fong throughout, both in the vocal and inftru- 
mental part, as begun by the leading Keener.. 
Ar prefent the Caoinan is much neglected, being only prac- 
tifed in remote parts, fo that this antient cuftom will foon 
finally ceafe, Englifh manners and: the Englifh language fup- 
planting thofe of the aboriginal natives. The following ex- 
ample bears evident marks of bardic origin, both in its ver- 
fification and language: it is probably a produdtion of the 
15th century. The mufic of the Gol- or chorufes is the fame 
er nearly fo with that played by the modern pipers, and by 
them denominated the Irifh cries. This example, being an imi-- 
tation of extreme and violent grief with broken lamentations, . 
is wild and irregular, and can have but little merit as a mu- 
fical compofition; but may be of fome account, as preferving - 
the laft remains of a very antient and univerfal cuftom.. 
CAOINAN,. 
