[C 1] [Blank] [C 2] [Blank] [C 3] LEABHAR NAN GLEANN GEORGE HENDERSON NORMAN MACLEOD [TIOTAL 1] LEABHAR NAN GLEANN: THE BOOK OF THE . . GLENS . . . WITH ZIMMER ON PICTISH MATRIARCHY BY GEORGE HENDERSON, Ph.D. EDINBURGH: NORMAN MACLEOD, The Mound. [TIOTAL 2] INVERNESS: “THE HIGHLAND NEWS” PRINTING WORKS. 1898. [DA 1] PREFATORY NOTE. THE following pages are reprinted from “The Highland Home Journal,” the weekly supplement of “The Highland News,” where they appeared for the first time. The sweet voices associated in my memory with so many of them, I know, I shall hear no more, and yet they abide with me in spirit. If for a little time they may enable any one else to share in a portion of the joy given me, my aim will have been amply fulfilled. My original intention was to restrict myself entirely—as I have to a good extent done—to unpublished sources, and to have included some Gaelic romances. When I had proceeded but a part of the way I had mapped out, inner considerations led me to offer some transliterations from the Fernaig MS., actuated in part also by a suggestion given by the editors in their preface. To give the whole, space fails me; but what is here given includes an interesting portion, and, perhaps, what is in all respects of most permanent significance. It was not my aim to obliterate dialectal traits unnecessarily. The shroud of the traditional orthography would here have often marred the living form; but I have no quarrel with the rigid traditional script in its place. May I venture to hope therefore that, as it is, my reading of Macrae’s often puzzling, inconsistent phonetic spelling, does no great injustice to a noble voice, which is to me daily deepening a long-cherished fondness for Kintail. Macrae’s work lets us have a glimpse of more than one side of Highland [DA 2] character from the Reformation to the Revolution. It is a side not generally known. There were then other Highlanders also whose literary interest was not confined within their own narrow surroundings. But they were not so fortunate in transmitting the evidence, and it is not likely that there were many such whose character in interest and attractiveness could, as a whole, vie with his. He had a profoundly interior mind, and had absorbed the greatest heritage of mankind—an absorption to which he often gave utterance in a form of great beauty. In a MS. which passed through my hands at Oxford more than once, I noticed on the final folio two lines of Gaelic poetry, in part obscured, with a signature underneath as clear as if it were written yesterday. MS. Bodleian Selden, B. 24, was written in Scotland, as shown by an entry—“Nativitas principis nri Jacobi quarti anno dni Mmo iiii. lxxii. xvii. die mensis martii viz in festo sancti Patricij confessoris. In monasterio ste crucis prope Edinburgh.” It must have been written in the Monastery at Edinburgh soon after 1472. It contains some of Chaucer’s minor poems and poems attributed to Chaucer; also the unique copy of the Kingis Quair (i.e., Book), by King James I. of Scotland, edited for the Scottish Text Society by Skeat, who takes this manuscript to be a somewhat faulty transcript from a fairly good original. The scribe is somewhat reckless in his way of attributing pieces to Chaucer. The poem by our King of happy memory was copied half-a-century after its composition, and is not all in one hand. This unique MS. must have afterwards passed into the possession of a well-known Highland worthy, who has his finely-written signature attached to two lines of Gaelic poetry, in the Gaelic literary [DA 3] hand—“Mise Domhnull Gorm.” This handwriting, of course, is entirely different from the handwriting of the MS. itself, and is in every way a finer hand. Curiously enough, Skeat makes no reference to it either in his edition of the Kingis Quair or in his “Minor Poems of Chaucer.” Perhaps the forthcoming volumes of “The Clan Donald” may contain, minutiæ to justify a further inference. Anyhow, Domhnull Gorm’s name is a link in the history of the MS., and his name is also referred to in the Fernaig:— “Ni air mhaireann fir Innse-Gall Mór an call dom r’a m’ aois Ceannard an t-sloigh Domhnull Gorm Is Ruaraidh nan corn ’s nam pìos.” I am beholden to Heinrich Zimmer, the illustrious Professor of Sanskrit and Comparative Philology, University of Greifswald, Prussia, whose many-sided learning and insight throws a glory upon the German name, for gracious permission to render his paper on the Pictish Matriarchate, which is included in the present volume. Some of the notes to that paper I have found it best to incorporate in the text, and the classical quotations are done into English. No greater master of critical Gaelic learning has arisen, and it is good to look at this tantalizing problem with his eyes. The airs to the words on pages 113, 117, 122, 144, 166, and 173 of this book are to be found on pages 16, 29, 13, 24, 27, and 26 respectively of the supplement now appearing to the “Gesto Collection of Highland Music,” by Dr K. N. Macdonald. It is with great pleasure I turn over its pages, as thus far in this matter I find my own judgment quite unexpectedly and independently confirmed. Naturally, oral versions are different in different districts. I have been careful to keep the dialectal words, [DA 4] e.g., “Thig a samhradh le ruthadh” is the title in the Gesto Supplement, p. 29, where I have “Thig an samhradh s am futhar.” “Futhar with me means the “dog days,” equivalent to the time of the year termed “an Iuchar.” One speaks also of “futhar an earraich” and of “futhar an fhoghair,” i.e., “the fall” of autumn. It ought perhaps to be written “fughar.” The unusual word “oistig” was confirmed to me by Mrs Macdonell of Keppoch; it is founded on the Scotch “oist”—a sacrifice—from L. “hostia.” This piece and several others I owe to the goodness of my dear friend, the Rev. Allan Macdonald, a worthy scion of the House of Keppoch. To the various friends—happily, still with us—who have stimulated, whether by thought or word or deed, I am profoundly grateful, and I hereby ask each of them to accept my heart-felt thanks— “Quosque ego fraterno dilexi more sodales, O mihi Thesea pectora juncta fide! Dum licet, amplectar.” [DA 5] AN CLAR. PAGE. Matriarchy among the Picts 1 The Pabbay Poet 43 Caismeachd na h-Airde 106 Tuireadh 109 Oran Sùgraidh 111 Mo chruinneag dhonn 113 Fìor thoisich an t-samhraidh 115 Thig an samhradh s am futhar 117 Gur mise ta na m’ éiginn 119 Fēill Leor-nam-Manach 121 Comhluadar Sùgraidh 122 Oran an iasgair 124 Cumha 125 Mise tha trom airtneulach 127 Alastair Torraidh 129 Do sgoth 131 Do dh’fhear Chille-Brìde 132 Oran Sheumais Mhoir 133 Cumha do Dhomhnull Foirbeis 134 Marbhrann do Mhr Aonghas Lochabair 138 Ràbhadh Mhic Shimi 140 Labhair Acham faichdeil rium 141 Laoidh na ban-fhighich 142 Nighean donn a Còrnaig 144 An t-Urramach Ailein Macilleathain 146 An t-Urramach Aonghas Donullach 151 Latha nan trì rìghrean 161 Marbhrann le sagart bha’nn am Mòrar 163 Oran an amadain bhòidhich 165 Cumha 169 Eolas an Déididh 171 Nach b’fheàrr leat mi bhi agad 171 Se dhuisg gu grad a’m’ shuain mi 173 Mi air ionndrainn a ghaisgich 175 Mi leam fhìn air an tulaich 177 Ealaidh le Huistean Donn Siosal 179 Iain Ghlinne Cuaich 180 Taisbean Adhamhnain, o Leabhar na h-Uidhri 183 Fear na Pàirce 198 An t-Easbuig Carsewell 211 Sir Iain Stiubhart na h-Apuinn 218 Crosanachd Ille Bhrìd 223 Alastair Monro, Strathnabhair 226 Donnachadh nam Pìos 229 Appendix I.—On Farquhar Macrae 294 Appendix II.—On Duncan Macrae 300 Appendix III.—On Gaelic Testimony as to Matriarchy and the Couvade 301 [DA 6] READ Sovereignty, pp. 17, l. 15, and 18, ls. 15 and 21; Jupiter, 23, y; infirmities, 25, 11; Scarista, 43, 2; dh’iasgach, chur sa bhradan, 74, x., a and b; tùrsach, 79, 111.; glùn, 86, VIII.; faicear for faisear, 88, VI.; Donn, p. 144; da, not do, p. 144, l. 11; Crosanachd, p. 198; oistig, not oifig, 139, 21; diulnach, 92, z; bhuail, 95, 2, not bhuil; giùlan, 95, I; gun, 96, V, not gum; droch, 90, VII., not drochd; aca, p. 91, XIII., 5, belongs to line 4; tighinn a nuas s pìob chiùil rompa, in 93, IV., is l. 6 of VII., p. 94; easbhuidh, 102, IV., ead or iad, not ear, p. 97; Bruiach, 108, not Bruaich; ioghnadh, 155, 12 Abstol, 183, 31; daormhuinn, 207, VII. [TD 1] MATRIARCHY AMONG THE PICTS. FROM THE GERMAN* OF HEINRICH ZIMMER. CHAPTER I. HITHERTO in a discussion of the question as to whether among the peoples of the Aryan family with their social order based upon Patriarchy (the right of succession on the father’s side), another social order has preceded, in which Matriarchy (hence, with attention solely directed to birth) was dominant, and whether among some peoples of the Aryan family certain actual forms of law are to be regarded as rudimentary organs in the body politic of these peoples—in discussing these questions it is surprising one has not considered the juridical situation which existed centuries long in historic times among the independent non-Aryan primitive populations of Britain, still less the verdict of the surrounding Aryan Celts of the British Isles upon the same. From the importance of the questions mentioned for the science of Aryan antiquity, further discussion, it seems to me, is well in place. I prefix a bird’s-eye view of the historical situation. Cæsar, during his stay among the coast tribes of South East Britain, heard there * Zeitschrift der Savigny-Stiftung für Rechtsgeschichte XV Rom. Abth Verlag von Hermann Böhlau in Weimar. [TD 2] were in Central Britain peoples who regarded themselves as the primitive inhabitants of the land in contrast to the Celts of the coasts, who were of kin to the Gauls (Bellum Gallicum v. 12). After Cæsar’s departure it was close upon a century (97 years) ere Roman legions set foot again upon the soil of Britain (43 A.D.). Within forty years they opened up the island—lengthwise, from the Sussex shores to the Firths of Forth and Clyde, breadthwise, from the coasts of Norfolk to the isle of Anglesey (Mona). Numerous peoples came within their ken and were subjected. If one excepts the Silures who dwelt north of the Bristol Channel in the South Wales of the present day (Glamorgan, Brecknock), it did not occur to the Romans that any of the numerous peoples they conquered—as far north as the Firth of Forth and Clyde—were anywise of a different stock from the south-eastern tribes of (the then) Sussex, Kent, and Essex. Even if here and there—perhaps still at Cæsar’s time there had been primitive non-Celtic aboriginals—in the middle of the first century after Christ all was Celticized. In the isle of Anglesey, so far removed from the south coast of Britain lay the central seat of the religious and national resistance of the British Celts. “Novae gentes*” (Tacitus * Tacitus (Germ. 20), with reference to the Germans, speaks of the “mighty limbs and frames that we see with so much admiration,” and (c. 4) says they “all possess the same physical characteristics—fierce, blue eyes, red hair, and large frames, which are good only for a spurt; they certainly have not a corresponding power of endurance for hard work.” The following is what Tacitus (died about 118 A.D.) says on the races of Britain:—“Whether the earliest inhabitants of Britain were an indigenous or an invading race is, as might be expected to be the case with barbarians, an open question. Some evidences, however, may be drawn from the difference of physique that prevail. The red hair and the large limbs of the Caledonian people testify to a German origin. The swarthy complexion of the Silures [in South Wales] and the frequency of curling hair among them, with the fact that Spain lies opposite their district, lead us to believe that the ancient Iberians [TD 3] Agricola 22), however, appeared—and indeed “novae” (new) in another sense than the Ordovices, Brigantes, and others had been—when Agricola pushed beyond the line of the Firths of Forth and Clyde and prepared to threaten the remaining northern portion of the island; these are the inhabitants of Caledonia, “populi Caledoniam incolentes. Rutilae comae, magni artus Germanicam originem adseverant,” says Agricola’s son-in-law in the passage where he classifies the remaining inhabitants of Britain according to language, manners, and other characteristics among the Gauls (Tacitus Agricola c 11). The difference from the Celtic Britons must have been strongly marked, even if the reference to Germanic origin is worthless. Already in the first half of the second century Ptolemy gives a list of names of these independent Caledonian peoples distinct from the British Celts. In the days of Constantine, for the first time, in 310 the name “Picti” turns up in the Gaulish panegyrist Eumenius as inclusive denotation [probably the ancestors of the Basque] crossed the sea and settled in those parts. The tribes that dwell nearest to the Gauls are likewise similar to them. It may be because they were originally descended from them, and still show it; or because, though the countries extend in opposite directions, the climate has produced similarity of physique. On the whole, however, it seems most likely to have been the case that the Gauls established themselves on an island so close to them. You find their religious rites [Druidism] in Britain as also their ingrained superstition; there is not much difference between the languages. Both races are equally bold in defyng any danger beforehand, and equally timorous in running away from it when it arrives. The Britons, however, display more spirit, for they have never yet been long enough at peace to grow tame. History tells us that the Gauls were great warriors once. Since that day a life of ease has bred in them an unwarlike temper, and with their liberty they have lost their valour. A similar change has come over those of the Britons who were conquered sometime ago, the rest are what the Gauls once were.” (Townshend’s Trans.)—The red hair and large limbs assigned by Tacitus to the Caledonians does not by any manner of means allow of kinship with the Iberians who had that swarthy complexion which does not go along with red hair.—G. H. [TD 4] for the whole, a name that thence sticks to them among the Latin writers. According to Ammianus Marcellinus, in 368 A.D., the “Picti” were divided into two chief groups: “Dicalidonas” and “Vecturiones” (lib. xxvii., c 8); this will be the same twofold division which, according to the excerpts of Xiphilin (s Monumenta histor. Britannica I., s lv.) is already known to Dio Cassius in the days of Severus, where he mentions that the independent peoples north of the Firths of Forth and Clyde are composed of two géne: “Kaledónioi kaì Maiátai (s lx. of above). This two-fold division in the third and fourth century is all the more interesting because the Picts in the days of Columba (second half of the sixth century), nay, even in Bede’s time (died 735), when they still formed an independent state, were so classified: the classification “australes Picti” (Bede’s History iii. 4) and “septentrionales Picti, transmontani Picti” (v. 9) corresponds exactly to the Maiátai and Kaledónioi in the excerpts of Xiphilin. To the Roman supremacy in Britain, by this time restricting itself to a defensive policy in consequence of the other conditions of the Empire, and to the Britons, the Celtic subjects of the same, the Picts, since the days of Severus, were become a standing menace. This same, from the middle of the fourth century onwards waxed greater in that the Picts found allies for their incursions in the inhabitants of neighbouring Ireland. From two points of North-West Britain, from Galloway and Cantyre, in clear weather one sees the coast of North-East Ireland (Down and Antrim) distinctly. As on his fifth campaign, Agricola sojourned in these regions, an Irish chieftain put in his appearance and sought to persuade Agricola to effect a landing in Ireland (Tacitus Agricola 4). The bond of alliance [TD 5] which for their plundering incursions the Picts found among the Scotti is accordingly easily understood. When in the first decade of the fifth century the Roman troops were finally withdrawn from Britain, the “Picti” and the “Scotti” then pitched themselves in against the unarmed and defenceless “Brittones,” as the Briton Gildas one hundred years later portrays in the introduction to his Epistola, in Jeremiad tones. In the second half of the fifth century two events led to a bringing about of a consolidation of affairs in North Britain, north of a line drawn from Morecambe Bay in the West to the estuary of the Tees in the East. On the East Coast, south and north of Hadrian’s Wall, Germanic Angles settled themselves fast, and founded the two English states, Deira and Bernicia, which in the course of things became incorporated in the powerful state of Northumbria. On the West Coast, in the present county of Argyle, Irish from the counties of Antrim and Down made an abiding settlement, and founded on the west coast of Britain an Irish state, which more and more strove to subdue the original inhabitants of Britain north of the Firths of Forth and Clyde (the Picts), just as the Angles sought to do with their British neighbours south of the same. The political edifice of North Britain in the 7th century was as follows:—North of the Firths of Forth and Clyde existed two kingdoms separated through the so-called mountainous chain, “Dorsum Albaniæ” (Druim Alban); that on the west coast, at first the smaller, was the kingdom of the Scots (Irish), that on the east coast, the larger, stretching as far as the Orkneys, the kingdom of the Picts. South of the boundary named there were likewise two kingdoms; on the west coast as continuation of the Scottish state to the south, a state of the British Celts, the [TD 6] kingdom of the North Cymri (Cumbria), embracing the Scottish counties of Dumfries, Ayr, Lanark, and the English Cumberland, Westmoreland; parallel thereto on the east coast as continuation of the Pictish state to the south, was the kingdom of the Angles, Northumberland. In the confusion which the Vikings, from the end of the 8th century onwards, brought upon Great Britain, the Scottish King, Kenneth MacAlpin, managed, about 844, to get possession of the Pictish throne, and thus to found a united Scoto-Pictish kingdom (Alba), north of the line of the Firths of Forth and Clyde. Exactly 100 years later the English ruler Eadmund, who possessed Northumberland, and Malcolm, ruler of the Irish-Pictish state, Scotland, made an end of the then still existing British state on the west coast, south of the boundary so repeatedly referred to, and divided it between them such that the Irish-Pictish state, Scotland, extended also south of this border line. Through fully 500 years, until the downfall of the Pictish kingdom, the Irish (Scotti) were most closely bound up with the Picts; first they are confederates of the Picts, then burdensome friends, who no more return home; finally, after they have Christianized them, and lingually assimilated them—the northern Picts, at least—they take away from them their independence. That we must, first and foremost, question these good friends of the Picts if we are to learn more about the Pictish stock is clear. And we learn many things. The Irish name for the Picts is “Cruthentuath (Cruithentuath) i.e., Cruthen-folk (tuath”); the individual Pict is called Cruithne, or Cruthnech (Cruithnech), two formations from “Cruthen,” in “Cruthentuath,” like Latin “patrius” and “patricus,” from “pater.” In Irish Saga, semi-historical [TD 7] works, annals, &c., the three words are so common that to give contexts were to carry coals to Newcastle. Etymologically these words are very interesting. From the earliest time down to the present day “cruth” is one of the words most used in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It means figure, form; it glosses the Latin “forma.” The denominative verb “cruthaigim” occurs in countless glosses of the St Gall Priscian, with the meaning “form.” Hence it is evident that the Irish designation of the Picts as Cruthen-folk betokens the same as the Latin “Picti,” which Mommsen (Hist. of Rome, 5.173) translates “Tattooed.” “Cruthentuath” is “the folk of the tattoo,” of those provided with “cruths,” with figures, with forms. If one puts alongside of this that the Britannic Celts (the Cymri) originally designated the Picts in like fashion, in that they—as we shall see in the course of the discussion—used the same word as the Irish, only with a change in consonance with their own Celtic dialect, the supposition lies close at hand that the Latin designation “Picti,” which turns up about the year 300 A.D., is but a Latin translation of the word which the Romans in North Britain heard from the Celticized Britons* The primitive inhabitants of that portion of North Ireland, which nowadays forms the counties of Down and Antrim, although they are completely Gaelicized, are in an old Saga text, further in Adamnan, Columba’s biographer (died, 704), in Muirchu’s Notes upon Patrick, written about 690 A.D., finally in Tigernach’s Annals, and in the Ulster Annals, * Picti can scarcely be separated from the Gaulish Pictavi, now Poiters, says Mr Macbain, who, while disallowing a Latin derivation, quotes E. Ir. cicht, and is inclined to leave the idea of tattooing intact. But Zimmer’s reasoning could apply to some parts of Gaul. There are no reasons to suppose that the Gauls were an unmixed race, they had their non-Aryan element. It is with the Pictish customs that we are, however, here directly concerned. [TD 8] frequently called Cruithne “Picts.” In the old North Irish Saga text—the Cattle-Spoil of Cooley (Tain Bo Cualnge), it is related in the Book of the Dun recension that the Queen of Connaught had devastated the territory of the Ulster men and of the Picts as far as Dunsewerick on the north coast of Antrim. “For sligi Midluachra dino dochoidsi doindriud Ulad ocus Cruthne condice Dunsobairche,” L.U., 70a, 33). In two other places of the same text in the Book of Leinster recension, this pillaging incursion in North Ireland is described as the “devastation of the Ulstermen and the Picts” (“indriud Ulad ocus Cruthni,” LL. 92a, 48-95b, 47.) The present day Dunsewerick is accordingly the most northerly point of the Picts of Ireland. According to the notices written about 690 A.D. upon Patrick, “mons Mis” lies in the territory of the “Cruidneorum” (Book of Armagh, fol. 3a 1 in Stokes’s Tripartite Life of Patrick II., p. 276). “Mons Mis” is in pure Irish “sliab Mis”—that is the present day Slemish in County Antrim. Reeves, in his edition of Adamnan’s Vita Columbæ (Dublin, 1857, p. 94, note H), has collected the passages from Adamnan and from the annals showing that the completely Gaelicized inhabitants of Down and Antrim were still designated Picts (Cruithne). I select but the one given by Adamnan, who wrote about 697 A.D. to the effect that the famous Irish Abbot of Bangor, in Ulster, named Comgall, instructor of St Gallus as well as of Columban, the renowned founder of Bobbio, that Comgall, whom we know with certainty to have been born in County Down (circa. 517 A.D.), was of Pictish descent (Vita Columbæ I., 49). In the North of Ireland in the seventh century one was still aware that the Gaelic-speaking population of the then Down and Antrim was of Pictish lineage, of the same blood as the inhabitants of Caledonia, then the complete Gaelicization [TD 9] of this now Celtic mass in the two counties cannot have been of really very long standing. From this district of Ireland, however, principally came, in accordance with geographical position, the “Scotti” (Irish), who from the middle of the fourth century assist the Picts of Britain; thence came certainly the Irish, who at the end of the fifth century and in the present day Argyll founded an Irish state upon British soil: these Irish are really only in part Aryan Celts, in greater part Gaelicized Picts from Ireland, and this explains much of the great civilising influence which the small Irish state on the west coast of North Britain wielded over the much more extensive Pictish state of North Britain. The Picts accordingly formed the pre-Aryan (pre-Celtic) primitive population of Britain and of Ireland. On British soil they had been subdued and Celticized in the last quarter of the first century of our era, with the exception of the independent tribes of Caledonia. In Ireland it was still remembered that the basic-stock of the population of the north-east belonged to the same race as the Picts of Caledonia. In reference to the Picts, Beda relates, in his “Life of Cuthbert,” c. 11, that the same had come “ad terram Pictorum qui Niduarii vocantur.” Niduarii are the dwellers of the Nith (Nidd, in Bede. Hist. Ecel., 5, 19), the eastern border river in Galloway, on the Solway Firth. It is quite well possible that in this corner of the Irish Sea a Pictish remnant had for a longer time preserved itself amid Celtic surroundings, so that one was well aware in Bede’s time that the inhabitants of that district were of Pictish descent, just as at the same time they knew in Ireland that the basic-stock of the Irish population of Antrim and Down was of Pictish descent. Testimonies from Irish literature that preserve the remembrance that in other parts of Ireland than in those named, to wit, Connaught and Meath, [TD 10] Picts had once settled is adduced by Herbert in his “Additional Notes to Todd’s Leabhar Breathnach” (Dublin, 1848). One proof I will add from the language of the Celtic Britons that the Picts once inhabited the whole island of Britain. The two races of the island Celts, the Celtic Britons and the Celtic Irish, are split lingually from the beginning of documentary evidence on the phonological side, like the Latin-Faliscian and the Umbrian-Sabellic peoples of Italy. Just as here we have on the one side “coquina,” “quadru-,” “quod,” “quis,” “quae,” on the other side “popina,” “petur-,” “pod,” “pis,” “pai,” so, in like manner among the island-Celts, save that in Ireland the old “qu” had already got to be pronounced like pure “k,” as in the French “quatre,” “quand,” “quinze,” &c., thus parallel to the Scoto-(Irish)-Celtic “mac,” “cenn,” “ech,” “cruim,” “cach,” we have the “Brito-Celtic (Cymric) “map,” “penn,” “ep,” “pryf,” “paup” (“pop”). Quite similarly and sound for sound to the Irish “cruth” (figure, form), on which the Irish name for the Picts is based (“Cruthentuath,” “Cruthne,” “Cruthnech”), correspond Old Cymric “prit,” Middle Cymric “pryd,” with the same meaning. Phonologically, to the Irish “Cruithne” (from the proto-Celtic “Crutenios”), mediæval Welsh “Prydein,” from “Prutemos,” must correspond exactly, and thus throughout the Middle Ages until the present day Britain is called in Welsh “Ynys Prydein” (Isle of the Picts). The present day Welsh unconsciously testify still that Britain, ere the Celts’ arrival, was the “Pictish Isle.” Where we are to look for the kinsmen of this pre-Celtic population of the British Isles cannot, to my thinking, to say it shortly, be made out. The attempts to show that they are allied to the primitive Finnish-Esthonian population of North-East Europe scarcely deserve consideration. Rhy’s recent attempt, too (“Proceedings of the [TD 11] Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1892, pp. 263-351), acute as it is, to connect them, through help of present-day Basque, with the Iberian population of South-West Europe, I cannot approve. Under the influence of their lingually Gaelicized kinsmen, the “transmontani” (septentrionales”) “Picti” became Gaelic-speaking at an early period. When Columba, in the second half of the sixth century, brought them Christianity from Iona, only in intercourse with the common people did he require the aid of an interpreter, but no longer in intercourse with the King and the Court. The introduction of Christianity through the Irish hastened the lingual Gaelicization of these Picts. At the end of the fourth century missionary Celtic Britons had already introduced Christianity among the Southern Picts. The higher culture acquired under Roman dominion by the North British Celts, with whom, after the withdrawal of the Romans, the Southern Picts were in close contact, hastened the lingual Celticization (Welshifying in this case) of the Southern Picts. Many of the Pictish names handed down from the sixth century are accordingly either Iro-Celtic (Gaelic), or Brito-Celtic (Cymric), just as in each case they come from the Northern or the Southern Picts, and where the names are certainly non-Celtic they bear the impress, each according to origin, of Irish or of Brythonic phonology. The linguistic material suffices to let us see that the language of the pre-Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles was not Aryan (Indo-Germanic), but more it does not reveal. In the case of the linguistic remains of the Etruscans in Italy, of the Lykians in Asia Minor, which are infinitely more extensive than is the case in Pictish, the result of investigation is—so many heads, so many opinions. That should, in the case of Pictish, withhold us from a useless learned waste of [TD 12] time. Any further moment of truth than the absolutely insufficient linguistic one in support of the Iberian origin of the Picts has not been brought forward. So long as in this state of things the scarcely-ever-to-be-attained proof has not hitherto been found, to the effect that the entire pre-Celtic population of West Europe, above all the primitive pre-Aryan population which preceded the Celts and Germans in France and Germany, was of Iberian stock, there is thus far no meaning in reckoning the pre-Celtic population of the British Isles among the Iberians. Skene would regard the Picts as Celts, to wit, the Northern, later Gaelicized, Picts as members of the Irish branch, the Southern Brythonized ones as Cymric. By reason of his deficient linguistic training, the correct principle never attains the mastery with him—that in Pictish names from Christian times it is not that which can be Irish or Welsh in them that is decisive, but that which can neither be Irish nor Welsh nor Celtic. Especially, he takes no regard of the inscriptions got in the Pictish area—some of them certainly found subsequently—on which Rhys, in his paper already mentioned, rightly lays stress. In them the non-Celtic (non-Aryan) substratum, under a light Irish veneer, comes clear to view. Further, Skene takes no account of the fact that the order of social life among the Picts and their ancestors in the British Isles was fundamentally different from the Aryan-Celtic social order, as we shall see. [TD 13] CHAPTER II. Among the remnant of the pre-Aryan (pre-Celtic) primitive peoples of Britain Matriarchy (mother-right) was still in full swing; it still regulated the order of succession for centuries after the Picts had long been Christianized and lingually assimilated, until the downfall of the Pictish State in the ninth century. Women did not take a particularly high place; on the contrary, so far as we see, a woman never rules; THE MOTHER, HOWEVER, AND BY CONSEQUENCE, THE BIRTH, DECIDES TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP, THE RIGHT OF INHERITANCE. To a Pictish ruler and his brothers the son of the eldest does not succeed, the son of the sister succeeds. After him and his eventual brothers on the mother’s side, a sister’s son succeeds, and so on.* We have quite a series of testimonies mutually supporting one another. An indirect witness, the Pictish Chronicle, may be cited at the outset. The Pictish Chronicle (“Chronica de origine antiquorum Pictorum”) is a literary monument written in Latin in the lifetime of the Scotic King Cinaed, son of Malcolm * cf. The Uist custom, where the household cows are given the mother’s names from generation to generation. In the glens of Antrim, if I mistake not, a young woman is locally known by her mother’s name, not solely by her own. “A woman may take her husband’s name when she marries, or she may not. If she keeps her own, she may keep either her father’s name or her mother’s maiden name. Suppose that a girl at the age of ten is called Mary Macneill; she may grow up and marry a husband of the name of Maclarty, and subsequently another husband of the name of Macelheran, and after all she may die as Mary Docharty, because that was her mother’s maiden name.”—Blackwood’s Magazine, Sept., 1893, p. 370. [TD 14] (971-995), but is partly, as the Irish words left in it betray, worked up from an older Irish source. It is printed by Skene, CHRONICLES OF THE PICTS AND OF THE SCOTS AND OTHER EARLY MEMORIALS OF SCOTTISH HISTORY, Edinburgh, 1867. The little work falls into three divisions: (1) a proto-history (i.e. a pre-historic account) of the Picts chiming in with the “Origines” of Isidor; (2) a list of the Pictish Kings from Cruithne, the “Heros Eponymus” of the race, down to Bred, the last ruler of Pictish stock; (3) a somewhat more detailed chronicle of the Irish-Celtic rulers of the North British Scottish-Pictish Kingdom united in 844 under Kenneth MacAlpin down to the reign of the so-called Kenneth, son of Malcolm (971-995). Only the second part interests us here, the first is quite worthless: e.g., thirty kings, all bearing the name of Brude*, are given one after another, as rulers over Britain and Ireland. On fully reliable historical ground we stand when we come to the entry: “Bridei filius Mailcon XXX. annis regnavit; in octavo anno regni eius baptizatus est a sancto Columba.” From the time of this first Christian ruler of the Northern Picts (died 583) onwards we have reliable contemporary sources at hand; the Angle Beda, writing in Northumberland in 731, naturally takes a good deal of account, in his “Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum,” of things Pictish, and in Ireland we have two annalistic works (the Annals of Tigernach and the Ulster Annals) which in a prominent manner occupy themselves with the affairs of their countrymen in North Britain. We can accordingly from the years 583-840 control the names and periods of reign of the Pictish rulers of the Chronicle from independent sources. If we * Most likely a Pictish title.—G. H. [TD 15] glance over the series of names of the rulers of Pictish race certain peculiarities involuntarily strike us: (1) a limited number of king’s names occur (Brede, Talore,* Drest, Nechtan$; (2) the further method of naming is as among the British and Irish, hence the addition of the father’s name with “filius” (son) prefixed e.g. “Breidei filius Wid”; (3) THESE FATHERS OF KINGS NEVER THEMSELVES APPEAR AS KINGS; they succeed each other, “Garnard filius Wid iv. annis regnavit, Bridei filius Wid v. annis regnavit, Talorc frater eorum xii. annis regnavit”; after these three brothers, sons of Wid, comes “Tallorcen filius Enfret v. annis regnavit,” after him “Gratnait filius Donnel vi. annis regnavit et dimidium” and “Drest frater ejus vii. annis regnavit”; then after these two brothers comes “Bredei filius Bili”—all of them names occurring in the Irish Annals; (4) THE FATHERS OF THE PICTISH KINGS, to judge from the names, ARE FOR THE MOST PART NOT PICTS, BUT BELONG TO THE NEIGHBOURING IRISH OR WELSH OR ANGLES. Thus, the father of “Tallorcen filius Enfret, who reigns, according to the Ulster Annals, from 653-657 is according to his name (Ainfret, in the Irish Annals Enfret), certainly an Angle (Eeanfrith, Enfrith). The father of Tallorcen’s successors, “Gratnait filius Donnel” reigning from 657-663, and his brother “Drest” (666-673) is according to his name (“Donnell, Donall”) certainly Irish. The father of the successor of both these brothers, viz., of “Bredei Bili” (died 693) is according to his name a Welshman. In the case first adduced we can make the deduction drawn from the name almost positively certain * A form remaining in a parish named after a Pictish saint.—Kiltarlity (Cilltaraglan, for Talargan) ($) in Mac Naughton.—G. H. [TD 16] from reliable sources. From Bede’s History i., 34; ii., 12; iii., 1, and from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the years 593, 607, 617, 633, 634, we learn the following:—From 593-617 King “Aedilfrid” ruled over Bernicia, the most northerly Angle State bordering on the British Kingdom; contemporary with him, over the neighbouring Angle State Deira there ruled “Aeduine.” Now when Aedilfrid fell in 617 “Aeduine” of Deira forcibly snatched the control and drove away the sons of Aedilfrid, seven in number; they are enumerated in the Saxon Chronicle under the year 617, and the eldest of them is named Eanfrid (Enfrith). After Aeduin’s death in 633 the Princes of the ruling house of Bernicia come back, and Eanfrid becomes king, but falls in 634 fighting against the British King Ceadualla. Where did the Angle Princes, the eldest of whom was named Eanfrid (Aenfrid, Enfrid), sojourn between 617-633? Bede tells us distinctly: “tempore toto quo regnavit Aeduini (617-633) filii prafati regis Aedilfridi (617) qui ante illum regnaverat, cum magna nobilium juventute apud Scottos sive Pictos exulabant.” Hence Eanfrid with his brothers and fellow-exiles sojourned from 617-633 with the Irish (Scots) and Picts. Is it in any wise bold to identify the Angle Prince Eanfrid, who between 617 and 633 sojourned at the Pictish Court, with Enfrit (Anfrit), the father of the Pictish king Tallorcen, who reigned from 653-657? In like manner we can show that Bili, father of the Pictish king Bredei, who died in 693, was a Cymric prince, who, very likely, like Eanford, had been a guest at the Pictish Court. If we contemplate the result arrived at from a consideration of the Pictish Chronicle, and hold points three and four particularly before our mind’s eye, remem- [TD 17] bering that the examples chosen are not the exception but a hard and fast rule, it seems clear to me that on the hypothesis that the Pictish tribal membership and right of inheritance were grounded, as among the Germans and the Celts, upon Procreation, with succession in the male line, it seems to me on this assumption, that the situation in the Pictish Royal House remains unexplained. Everything becomes plain if tribal membership and right of succession was with the Picts determined through birth, therefore by the Mother’s Right (succession in the female line). The sister’s son always succeeds in the sovereignity, accordingly father and son never turn up among the Picts as kings. This conclusion, inferred from a consideration of facts, will now be confirmed through a series of direct testimonies. At the outset I take the oldest traditional evidence. Bede, in 731—hence at the time of the existence of the Pictish state—writes in his history that the right of inheritance among the Picts was such that “ut ubi res perveniret in dubium, magis de feminea, regum prosopia quam de masculina regem sibi eligerent: quod usque hodie apud Pictos constat esse servatum.” Accordingly the “a priori” possible interpretation of the words “ubi res perveniret in dubium,” that only in cases where one had doubt as to the fathership of a Pictish king with reference to the son born to him by his spouse, that in such case the sister’s son succeeded, this interpretation is already excluded, because, as a matter of fact, among the Picts the son never succeeded the father upon the throne. One must hold in one’s mind’s eye that it is not a Pict who has written the above words, but an Anglo-Saxon, regarding an institution foreign to his ideas of legal right, and, besides, following an Irish source. The Irish could not see anything essentially different in [TD 18] that among the Picts, given a case of several brothers, the same followed one another on the throne in order of birth, until the last died out. Then, however, the right of inheritance among the Picts and Irish was decided on a different priniciple, which is expressed by the above words, “res pervenit in dubium”; with the Picts, right of succession in the female line, with the Irish, right of succession in the male line came in. Add to this that in numerous Irish sources which take up with the Picts and their affairs, it is stated cut and dry, and without limitation, that the Picts “iar mathru gabait flaith ocus gach comarbus olchena,” “after the mothers they take sovereignity and every other inheritance besides (v. Skene, “Chronicle of the Picts and Scots,” p. 319; Todd, “Leabhar Brethnach,” Dublin, 1848, Additional Notes, p. lxxi., where it is translated—it is in right of mothers they succeed to sovereignity and all other successions). In slightly altered words several Irish sources announce the same: v. Skene, p. 40, l. 4; 328, l. 10; 329, l. 14; Todd, “Leabhar Breathnach,” p. 126, 11; 140, 13; Additional Notes, p. lxx., 13; lxxiv., 22. Succession in the female line, as above set forth, regulated not only the Pictish succession to the throne, but in a time, too, which the Irish well remembered—the whole Pictish social order was based on it. We have an interesting proof as to how firmly succession in the female line was still in the ninth century regarded as the form for the royal succession among the Picts. When the ruler of the Irish (Scottish) Kingdom on the West Coast, Kenneth MacAlpin had made himself at the same time ruler of the Pictish State, he transferred his residence to Scone (Perth), the residence of the independent Pictish Kings. In the Ulster Annals accordingly he is directly named on his death “rex Pictorum.” His brother, “Domnull MacAlpin succeeded him as King down to 862. To [TD 19] him succeeded, in accordance with the strict Irish rule of Hereditary Succession, the son of Kenneth, down to 876 (Annals of Ulster). When, however, his brother “Aed MacCinaeda,” got himself ready to succeed him as King of the Picts, he was murdered by a certain Ciric (Girg)—“a sociis suis” the Ulster Annals say under the year 878—who placed the son of the sister of Kenneth upon the throne, “Eochaid filius Run,” and held it for eleven years. Both were driven out in 889, and then, in accordance with the Irish Doctrine of Succession in the male line “Domnal mac Constantin mic Cinaeda” ascended the Pictish throne (Pictish Chronicle, ed. Skene, p. 9), hence the son of a former king (Constantin, 862-876). who, again, was the son of a king (Kenneth, 844-858). From then onwards until the extinction of this Irish dynasty with Alexander III. in 1286, the succession to the throne in the male line was not violated. This Domnall mac Constantin is the first in the Annals of Ulster to be styled “rì Alba” (King of Alba), under him, accordingly the personal union of the Irish State with the Pictish State was done away with, and one sole Kingdom of Alba was set up. It is clear, as Skene, too, assumes (Celtic Scotland, I., 329), that in the murder of Aed, the son of Kenneth, and in the succession to the throne of a son of the daughter of this Kenneth (Eochain filius Run), we have to see the attempt of a Pictish party to carry through the old Pictish doctrine of succession in the case of the new reigning family of Irish race. The outcome was the entire abolition of Pictish independence (anno 889), which, through the personal union with the Scotic State, was partially retained. In course of the fifth century the Southern Picts were Christianized by the British Celts (Cymri), their Northern racial brethren in the second half of the sixth century, through [TD 20] Columba of Hi (Iona), descended from the house of O’Neill (lat. nepotes Nelli)—the noblest among the Hiberno-Celts. The reports of the Anglo-Saxon Bede and of the Irish with regards to the peculiar social institution of the as yet politically independent Picts, date traditionally, at least, from the beginning of the eighth century (Bede was born in 674, wrote in 731 his Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum), otherwise from the ninth century and later times. We must accordingly note well, even if succession in the female line still existed, that among the “Christian” Picts from the seventh to the ninth century the social relations expressed by the doctrine of succession above adduced no longer existed in its purity (sit venia verbo). There was only succession-in-the-female-line as modified by Christianity, by Christian views of the world, and by the Christianized Aryan-Celtic culture of the Irish and of the Cymri. It would have been otherwise among the non-Aryan aboriginals of Britain in the times of transition towards assimilation in region and in language to the Aryan Celts, otherwise, too, in the days of Paganism, and of the as yet unbroken folkdom of the primitive non-Aryan inhabitants of the British Isles. But, as a matter of fact, since the days of the Cæsars we have a series of interesting notices which permit us to take an instructive glance at the social relations of the primitive non-Aryan inhabitants of the British Isles before their assimilation with the Aryan Celts and before their reception of Christianity. In face of these notices one has heretofore been mostly somewhat perplexed: they could not be got to harmonize with what we otherwise from olden time know about the social polity of the Celts, one could not perceive how, upon the social basis gleaming forth through these notices, the social order which the Irish and Cymri in [TD 21] the fifth and sixth century have to show as one in deed and truth handed down from olden time—one could not perceive how this could have grown up in a night. One did not, to wit, pay sufficient regard to the Picts and to the doctrine of succession in the female line in important respects still in vogue with them in the ninth century. One accepted everything related about “the inhabitants” of Britain without proof as a report upon the “Aryan” Celts of Britain. In the light of the preceding, the notices which I further adduce receive for the first time a correct light thrown upon them, and reflect from their side fresh light. Cæsar (Gallic War, V., 14), in speaking of the condition of Britain, says:—“Uxores habent deni duodenique inter se communes, et maxime fratres cum fratribus parentesque cum liberis; sed qui sunt ex iis nati, eorum habentur liberi, quo primum virgo quaeque deducta est.” Rhys thinks (Celtic Britain, p. 55) if Cæsar had not here in his mind’s eye “a passage from some Greek book of imaginary travels among imaginary barbarians,” one would have to think of a misunderstanding on Cæsar’s part in his conception of the island Celts, where ten and more men, with their wives and children, lived as in an enlarged family partnership under the patria potestas of the family head. As a possibility further removed Rhys regards it that Cæsar, through the Celts of the coasts, had got reports regarding the otherwise differently-moulded social order of the non-Aryan aboriginals, and given these in his own manner in the above words* * “The most civilised of all these nations are they who inhabit Kent, which is entirely a maritime district, nor do they differ much from the Gallic customs. Most of the inland inhabitants do not sow corn, but live on milk and flesh, and are clad with skins. All the Britons, indeed, dye themselves [i.e., Pomponius Mela and Pliny] with woad, which occasions a bluish colour, and therefore have a more terrible appearance in fight. They wear their hair long, [TD 22] On a further consideration of the chapter, this view seems the one required. Chapter fourteen contains four propositions:—(1st) Cæsar speaks of the inhabitants of the coast as whose representatives he names the inhabitants of Kent; (2nd) he speaks of the Britons of the interior; (3rd) he reports something which all the Britons (omnes Britanni), therefore the inhabitants of the interior (interiores) and those of the coast have in common; then (4th) comes the sentence emphasized above. Now, that Cæsar here does not speak of “omnes Britanni” (all the Britons), but, regarding the foregoing clause as parenthetical, reports something further regarding the interiores, one point seems to me to prove this. In the first Cæsar sums up his judgment on the coast inhabitants, “neque multum a Gallica differunt consuetudine” (i.e., nor do they differ much from the Gaulish custom). But he could not have given out the remarks laid stress on above as the report on the coast inhabitants, who in their customs scarcely differed from the Gauls. The possibility of being misunderstood Cæsar probably did not feel, because, simply from his knowledge of the facts, he was precluded from conceiving that these reports had reference to the inhabitants of the coasts. On Cæsar’s own estimate (V., 12) interior Britain was inhabited by such as regarded themselves as aboriginal inhabitants in contrast to the Aryan-Celtic inhabitants of the coasts. In the above emphasized words, therefore, I see the impression which the entirely different social order of the primitive non-Aryan inhabitants of Britain made upon the Aryan Celts of Britain. and have every part of their body shaved except their head and upper lip. Ten and twelve have wives common to them, and particularly brothers among brothers and parents among their children; but if there be any issue by these wives, they are reputed to be the children of those by whom respectively each was espoused when a virgin.—(Cæsar’s Gallic War, V., 14—Bohn’s tr.). [TD 23] Some seventy years later Strabo, in his Geography (IV., 4, C., 201; Meineke, p. 275), gives the following report of Ireland:—“Concerning Ierna (Ireland) we have nothing certain to relate further than that its inhabitants are more savage than the Britons, feeding on human flesh, and enormous eaters, and deeming it commendable to devour their deceased fathers, as well as openly to have commerce not only with other women, but also with their own mothers and sisters. But this we relate perhaps without very competent authority.”* CHAPTER III. We have seen already that Irish Literature in the seventh century after Christ is aware that in the most different parts of Ireland there had been primitive non-Celtic settlers. On the words in italics, accordingly, one has to set weight, because Irish Saga, as we shall see, is very familiar with such a state of matters in days byegone. Two hundred years after Strabo, Dio Cassius comes to speak of the wars of Severus (200-211) with the independent Caledonians. He says regarding the two sections of those, viz., of the Maiatai (Southern Picts) and Caledonioi (Northern Picts):—“The two most considerable bodies of the people of that island (Britain), and to which almost all the rest relate, are the Caledonians and the Meatae. The last dwell on this side the great wall that separates the island in two parts. * Homer makes the six sons of Eolus marry their six sisters, and Juno addresses herself to Jupitor as “et soror et conjux.”—Note by Translator in Bohn. [TD 24] The others live beyond it. Both of them inhabit upon barren, uncultivated mountains, or in desert, marshy plains, where they have neither walls nor towns nor manured lands, but feed upon the milk of their flocks, what they get by hunting, and some wild fruits. They never eat fish, though they have plenty of them. They have no other houses than tents, where they live stark naked and barefooted. The women are common between them, and they take an equal care of all the children they bring forth. Their government is popular, and they dearly love freebooting. They fight upon chariots. Their horses are low, but swift. They have great agility of body, and tread very securely at the same time. The arms they make use of are a buckler, a poinard, a short lance, at the lower end of which is a piece of tin in the form of an apple, with which their custom is to make a noise, with a design to frighten their enemies. They are accustomed to fatigue, to bear hunger, cold, and all manner of hardships. They run into the morasses up to the neck, and live several days there without eating. When they are in the woods they feed upon roots and leaves. They make a certain food that so admirably supports the spirits that when they have taken the quantity of a bean they feel no more hunger or thirst. This is the manner of living among the inhabitants of Britain. . . Severus having undertaken to reduce the whole island under his subjection, entered into “Caledonia,” where he had endless fatigues to sustain, forests to cut down, mountains to level, morasses to dry up, and bridges to build. He had no battles to fight, and saw no enemies in a body. Instead of appearing, they exposed their flocks of sheep and oxen, with a design to surprise our soldiers that should stray from the army for the sake of plunder. The warriors, too, extremely incommoded our troops, insomuch that some [TD 25] of the soldiers, being able to march no further, begged of their companions to kill them that they might not fall alive into their enemies’ hands. In a word, Severus lost fifty thousand men there, and yet quitted not his enterprise. He went to the extremity of the island, where he observed very exactly the course of the sun in those parts, and the length of days and nights in winter and summer. He was carried over the island in a close chair by reason of his infirmaties, and made a treaty with the inhabitants by which he obliged them to relinquish part of their country to him.” Here we have to do with the direct ancestors of the Picts, among whom, 600 years later, strict descent in the female line was the rule of succession to the throne. This same Dio reports (lib. lxxvi., 16) that Julia, the spouse of Severus, reproached the wife of a Caledonian on account of the, from Julia’s point of view, lax manners of the Caledonian women, and puts this cutting reply into the mouth of the Caledonian lady:—“This corruption of the Roman manners occasioned once an agreeable repartee from a Caledonian woman, whose name was Argentocoxa, to the Empress Julia. As they were in conversation together after the conclusion of the treaty made between the two nations, and Julia was rallying the other about the liberties the Caledonian women took publicly with men, she answered her in these words:—‘We satisfy the necessities of nature in a more commendable manner than you Romans, for whereas you seek secrecy to prostitute yourselves to the vilest of men, we appear in the face of the world enjoying the society of the best.’”—Lib. lxx., vi., 12, Xiphilin. In like manner, in the seventh century, Christian princesses gave themselves up openly to such of the nobles of the Angles, Irish, and Cymri as pleased them among the refugees at the Pictish Court. [TD 26] Two hundred years later, regarding the Scotti and Atecotti, who at that time, through pillaging incursions in alliance with the Picts, disturbed the peace of North Britain, who became also Roman mercenaries, and found occupation on the Continent, Hieronymus in several places reports that the same “uxores proprias non habent; nulla apud eos coniux propria est, sed ut cuique libitum fuerit pecudum more lasciviunt;” and in another place that these same “promiscuas uxores communes liberos habeant” (Monum. Britannica I., xcix.). I have shown above that about the year 700 the Irish were still well aware that the basic-stock of the population of the two counties lying within sight of Scotland, viz., Down and Antrim, were not of Celtic origin, but belonged to the Pictish race. I have also indicated that it is in accordance with the course of things that the Scotti, who from the middle of the fourth century appear as allies of the Picts, come, the majority of them, from those parts of Ireland named. These Scotti and Atecotti are, therefore, the majority of them, but the primitive non-Aryan inhabitants of Ireland, to wit, Picts subjugated by the Irish Celts, under the leadership, doubtless, of the Celtic nobility, but themselves not as yet assimilated to the Irish Celts. The distinct statements of Hieronymus can from this be very well explained. Two hundred years later the interpolator of Solin relates about a king of the Hebrides—“Nulla illi femina datur propria, sed per uicissitudines, in quamcumaque commotus sit, usuarium sumit, unde ei nec uotum NEC SPES CONCEDITUR LIBERORURN*” and of the in- * “Next come the Isles, called Hebrides, five in number, whose inhabitants know not what corn means, but live only by fish and milk. They are all under the government of one king. . . . . The king hath nothing of his own, but taketh of every man’s. He is bound to equitie by certain laws, and, lest he may start from right by covetousness, he learneth justice by poverty [TD 27] habitants of Mainland, the chief of the Shetland group, he says—“Utuntur feminis vulgo, certum matrimonium nulli” (Mommsen, Solin, p. 234, 26, to 235, 26). That we have to regard the primitive inhabitants of the Hebrides and of the Shetland Isles as members of the same race to which the primitive pre-Aryan inhabitants of Britain and Ireland belonged is a latent inference. Mommsen perceived (Solin, p. xlvii., lxiv.) that this interpolation was made by an Irishman at Lake Constance, likely by Columban, who sojourned there from the years 609-610 to 612-613, or else by an associate of his. In the “Proceedings of the Prussian Royal Academy of Sciences for 1891,” p. 282, &c., I have sought to show that in these additions to Solin we have the gist of the reports which the Irish anchorites collected from their own observation on their voyagings in the Atlantic Ocean in the sixth century. All these reports, from that of Cæsar in 55 B.C. down to the Interpolator of Solin (circa. 610 A.D.), reflect but the impressions of people who knew no other than the Aryan social order, based upon marriage and succession in the male line—impressions received on their coming into passing contact with the pre-Aryan population of the British Isles, with their social order based upon quite another principle. These observers could not leave their own skins, if I may so say; they judged what they saw in accordance with their own views—observed what on the surface deviated from these. Hence it is not uninteresting that, with reference to the inhabitants of the Hebrides, it particularly struck the Irish vouchers of the Interpolator of Solin that the as one who may have nothing proper or peculiar to himself, but is found at the charges of the realm. He is not suffered to have any woman to himself, but whomsoever he hath mind unto he borroweth her for a time, and so others by turns. Whereby it cometh to pass that he hath neither desire nor hope of issue . . . . (in Thule), they use their women in common, and no man hath any wife.”—Julius Solinus Polyhistor, c. 34. [TD 28] King had no children: it was thus the doctrine of succession in the female line (Mother-Right), in virtue of which the son of the King was excluded from the succession, except he were at the same time the son of the King’s sister, presented itself to his mind. I will resist the temptation to portray, in accordance with these testimonies, a detailed picture of the social order among the primitive non-Aryan population of the British Isles. In place thereof I shall adduce a fact which becomes for the first time intellgible in the light of the preceding discussions. In Irish we possess a specially rich archaic saga-literature; the historic back-ground of the old heroic Saga (the Cuchullin Saga) is the first century after Christ, the time preceding the introduction of Christianity and the plundering expeditions to North Britain; the social order rests upon monogamic marriage and upon descent in the male line. In this society of Irish Heroic Saga and in legend, too, the female figures, almost without exception, bear an unspeakably common character, in contrast to the principle of the social order. All the women, matrons and maidens, queens and chieftainesses, have the vulgivaga deportment of the priestesses of Venus in our modern centres of culture. They throw themselves round the neck to-day of this one, to-morrow of that one that pleases them, as Dio’s Caledonian lady commends. The brother sleeps with the sister, and begets a son by her, stepsons likewise with their stepmother, three brothers in common impregnate their sister, the son begets a son by his mother, the father by his daughter, so that the mother of the offspring is sister to the same. Hence all this, by means of many instances from old Saga, proves what Strabo mentions concerning the inhabitants of Ireland at the time of Christ, and would prefer not to believe. In the “Zeitschrift für Deutsches Altertum,” vol. 33, [TD 29] pp. 281-285, I have adduced material, stifling in its copiousness, from the oldest Irish literature, and the same could be heaped up still further. Without exaggeration, I believe I am able to maintain that the literatures of all the Aryan peoples of olden time taken “together” do not by a long way exhibit all the filth which Irish Saga by itself has to show. From the standpoint that the Irish, according to their language, are an Aryan people, and that with them the social order rests upon monogamy and descent in the male line, this is certainly very surprising but conceivable in the light of the preceding discussions. The stream of Aryan blood which with the Celts poured from the European Continent to the British Isles became, in proportion to its distance from the centre of origin, even weaker, in North Britain and in Ireland weaker than in South-East and Interior Britain. With reference to Ireland, it is not without import that the material brought together at the end is “essentially” handed down through the Heroic Saga of “Ulster and Connaught.” Precisely for North and North-East Ireland we have evidence that the primitive pre-Celtic population settled here down to semi-historic times. The stream of Celtic Aryans who emigrated from Gaul to the south-east coast of Britain (Sussex, Kent, Essex) will naturally have rolled on in Britain towards the North and West. From the west coast of Wales the hills of South Ireland (Leinster) were visible—“Ab hinc” (St Davids in Pembrokeshire, South-West Wales) “sereno tempore montes Hiberniæ prospici possunt, mari Hibernico tantum uno contractiore transnavigabili die interjacente. Unde et Gulielmus, Guilelmi regis bastardi filius, et Nordmannorum in Anglia rex secundus, qui et rex Rufus est agnominatus, Kambriam suo in tempore animose penetrans et circumdans, cum a rupibus istis Hiberniam forte pros- [TD 30] piceret, dixisse memoratur: Ad terram istam expugnandam, ex navibus regni mei huc convocatis, pontem adhuc faciam” (Giraldus Cambrensis: Itinerarium Kambriæ II., 1, ed. Dimock; Giraldi Cambr, Opera VI., p. 111). Just as the Anglo-Normans in the twelfth century began the conquest of South-East Ireland from this point, so the Aryan Celts in the fifth century before Christ would have crossed over from this point to Ireland, and by degrees have penetrated into North-West and North Ireland, their Aryan blood getting more and more thin. Of course, these Aryan Celts who crossed the Irish Sea had still the power to subdue the primitive non-Aryan inhabitants throughout unto the furthest corners of the North-West and North Ireland. They made the ancient Aryan social order, which they brought with them from their distant home, the basis of the social order in Ireland, to which the subjugated population must outwardly adapt themselves. But these Celts, according to number, were in North Ireland certainly in the minority, as were, e.g., the Franks in Gaul, the Goths in Spain, accordingly the customs of the vanquished primitive inhabitants were not changed at once, as the reports of the ancients and the reminiscences of the Irish Heroic Saga prove. The most powerful lever for bringing about a change in the customs founded on the former social order of the non-Aryan population in Ireland was Christianity, which, since the commencement of the fourth century, pushing forward from the South, gradually found entrance, and in the beginning of the fourth century was introduced likewise into the North. In the ninth and tenth centuries a powerful stream of Aryan blood came into the veins of the Irish, as the Norwegians and Danish Vikings gradually became Gaelicized, Christianized, and commingled with the Irish. [TD 31] When in the seventh-eighth century the Picts of North Britain had been Christianized for 200 years and Gaelicized for a period of almost equal length, there existed on the side of morality no difference in principle between Pictland and Ireland. The concept of marriage and of matrimonial fidelity would, with the Picts, have been more lax and more elastic; from the side of the Church the “tolerari posse” would have been as widely extended as possible in face of Pictish national custom. If one did not feel herein any chief difference, a marked difference between the social order of the Christian Picts and of the Christian Irish would have struck with all the more surprise the keenly observant, in literary respects, highly-cultured Irish of the seventh-eighth century, viz., the totally divergent Pictish Right of Succession—this “rocher de bronce” of Mother-Right. As something quite unintelligible for them, it must have aroused their astonishment and wonder. They sought to explain this riddle in the way one commonly solved similar problems in those times—they invented an explanatory history. The Irish are the authors, but I shall give the story here according to Bede as he reports (Historia, Eccl. I., 1) it from Irish sources. After he has related the occupation of Britain by Celtic Britons, on the pre-supposition that they found no primitive inhabitants before them, and were thus really the first possessors, he goes on—“The nation of the Picts, from Scythia, as is reported, putting to sea in a few long ships, were driven by the winds from the shores of Britain, and arrived on the northern coasts of Ireland, where, finding the nation of the Scots, they begged to be allowed to settle among them, but could not succeed in obtaining their request. Ireland is the greatest island next to Britain, and lies to the west of it; but, as it is shorter than Britain to the [TD 32] north, so, on the other hand, it runs out far beyond it to the south, opposite to the northern parts of Spain, though a spacious sea lies between them. The Picts, as has been said, arriving in this island by sea, desired to have a place granted them in which they might settle. The Scots answered that the island could not contain them both; but ‘we can give you good advice,’ said they, ‘what to do; we know there is another island, not far from ours, to the eastward, which we often see at a distance when the days are clear. If you will go thither, you will obtain settlements, or if they should oppose you, you shall have our assistance.’ The Picts, accordingly, sailing over into Britain, began to inhabit the northern parts thereof, for the Britons were possessed of the southern. Now, the Picts had no wives, and asked them of the Scots who would not consent to grant them upon any other terms than that when any difficulty should arise, THEY SHOULD CHOOSE A KING FROM THE FEMALE ROYAL RACE RATHER THAN FROM THE MALE, WHICH CUSTOM, AS IS WELL KNOWN, HAS BEEN OBSERVED AMONG THE PICTS TO THIS DAY. In process of time, Britain, besides the Britons and the Picts, received a third nation, the Scots, who, migrating from Ireland under their leader, Reuda, either by fair means or by force of arms, secured to themselves those settlements among the Picts which they still possess. From the name of their commander they are to this day called Dalreudins, for, in their language, daal signifies a part.” The whole, of course, in the sense in which Bede gives it, and believes it has no more value than e.g. *Fritz Reuter’s “Urgeschicht von Mecklenborg.” Such stories are of learned origin; * A modern German poet who wrote in Low German (Platt-Deutsch).—G. H. [TD 33] then they frequently become half and half folk-tales, whose worth consists in that they simply confirm the presence of certain striking social or ethnological phenomena which they seemingly explain. It is palpable that this story has been invented to explain the actually existent Pictish Mother-right which astounded the Irish. We know from other sources that in the 6-7 century the Irish held themselves to be the rightful lords of Ireland just as the Britons, their kindred in blood and language, held themselves to be of Britain. As we saw, the remembrance of unassimilated Picts having been settlers in Ireland, was at that time still fresh among them; in North Britain there still were Picts in the enjoyment of political independence. The Irish of the 6-7 century, read up in classic literature, could have the information that Scots in the 4th century fought as allies of the Picts in Britain. In short, all the elements were before them out of which the Irish in the 6th or 7th century wrought the story related by Bede as an explanation of the Pictish descent in the female line. With more or less of alteration in single points, which are immaterial to the kernel, the story is to be found in Irish literature in all the passages above cited from the works of Skene and of Todd. With regard to the question touched on above as to whether in the pre-Aryan inhabitants of the north-western isles of Europe we have to seek for kinsfolk of the Finnish-Esthonian, or of the Iberian, or of a third race, which, perhaps, had settlers of kin to them dwelling in pre-Aryan Gaul and Germany—in this reference I can quite well, after the foregoing discussions, point out but one thing. More important than the vague comparison of Pictish words, for the most part come down to us in Aryan-Celtic dress (Irish or Welsh), with quite modern Basque or Finnish words, [TD 34] and such linguistic phenomena, for the solution of the said question a greater contribution will be made by inquiring whether for the Finnish-Esthonian or for the primitive Iberian race we have to pre-suppose the same social order which was certainly in vogue among the primitive pre-Aryan race of the British Isles, and among their descendants, still continued in principle far down into historic times. If this cannot be proved for the Finnish-Esthonian, or for the primitive Iberians, then the primitive pre-Aryan population of the British Isles belongs of a certainty to a race different from those named. CHAPTER IV. Let us return again to the starting point of our discussion. What do we learn from the conditions brought to light as having juridically existed among the primitive non-Aryan population of Great Britain? What do we learn for answering the question as to whether among the peoples of Aryan stock a social order preceded that based upon the foundation of father-right—an order in which mother-right was in vogue? Further, whether certain forms of right among individual peoples of Aryan stock are to be regarded as remnants of an older social order? We learn several things, I think. When the Celts crossed over to the British Isles we know not. It is a view widely diffused that the Celtic extension towards North-West Europe falls in close connection with that great Celtic movement beginning in the sixth-fifth century before Christ. It is supposed that the Germans at that time still dwelling [TD 35] east of the Elbe pressed upon the Celts settled north of the Main and east of the Rhine as far as beyond the Weser and opposite the Elbe, and had caused that strange commotion among the Celts which about 500 B.C. caused Celtic hoards to come to the Iberian peninsula, led others at the beginning of the fourth century B.C. before the gates of Rome, pushed forward troops of Celts in Alexander’s time towards Macedonia, and led them in the following century towards Greece and Asia Minor (Galatia). This same impulse which led to the Celtic movement towards the South-West, South, and South-East is said, in the sixth-fifth century B.C., to have brought about the conquest of the British Isles through Celts from North Gaul. The circumstance that about the middle of the first century B.C. Cæsar, on the south-east coast of Britain, met in with Celts near of kin to the Gauls, but heard, however, that in Central Britain there was settled a primitive non-Celtic population; the further circumstance that 130 years later (about 80 A.D) an unassimilated non-Aryan population still occupied Caledonia, while in Ireland at the same time, or soon thereafter, the last non-Aryan primitive population was Celticized—all these circumstances well fit in with the supposition that the occupation of Britain, and then of Ireland, through Celts in the sixth-fifth century before our era took place in connection with that Celtic movement which brought the Celts into North Spain. Hordes such as those which fought the Romans on the Allia, or those which in the third century penetrated Asia Minor, could bring about the conquest and gradual Celticization of Great Britain and Ireland. But this one will have to concede, that the facts just alleged with reference to Britain and Ireland since the days of Cæsar scarcely permit that one should put the landing of the Celts on the British Isles later than the fifth [TD 36] century before our era; already in the fourth century Pytheas of Massilia met Celts on the coast of Albion, which he for the first time calls “Brettaníke.” If one keeps the social circumstances of the primitive non-Aryan population of Britain, as described, before one’s eye alongside of the verdict of the Celts in historic times upon them, then one must conclude THAT THE CELTS, AT THE LATEST, IN THE SIXTH-FIFTH CENTURY B.C. POSSESSED, IN POINT OF LEGAL RIGHT, NO INSTITUTION WHICH OFFERED ANY CONNECTING LINK WITH THE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT SOCIAL ORDER OF THE PRIMITIVE NON-ARYAN POPULATION OF BRITAIN AND OF IRELAND. More, however, for judgment of the above repeated queries, one can learn if one will only keep in mind certain pre-suppositions founded upon fact. Such are the following:—(1) Among all peoples who by means of their language can be accounted of the Aryan stock, be it Indians or Celts, Iranians or Italians, father-right (procreation) forms the clear basis of the existent social order. Also it cannot be doubted that this must already have been the case among the proto-Aryans (v. O. Schrader’s Sprachvergleichung und Urgeschichte 2. Aufl. S. 553-586; B. Delbrück, Die Indo germanischen Verwandtschafts namen, ein Beitrag zur vergleichenden Alterthumskunde in den Abhandlungen der phil: historischen classe der Königl. Sächs. Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften, 1890, Band XI., 381-606). (2) How far back into antiquity have we to place this primitive community? For this we get a sort of small scale-of-proportion in the fact that, according to recent investigations, the Indian Aryans already in 3500 B.C. were settled as conquerors in the Punjab, and lived in the faith that a wife was a friend, that to have a daughter was a sorrow, a son, however, a joy in the [TD 37] highest heaven (v. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, The Orion or Researches in the Antiquity of the Vedas, Bombay, 1893; Jacobi, Ueber das Festschrift an Rud. von Roth, Tübingen, 1893, 68-73). 5000 B.C. is the furthest limit to which one can put back the Aryan primeval community, in which father-right was already the basis of the social order. (3) Like as the Aryans, on their having wandered into North-West India, did not find before them a land without inhabitants, but one rather with an already double layer of earlier settlers, just as little have the members of the Aryan stock who in the beginning of the historical period have their abode in European lands which to-day we call Greece, Italy, Germany, France—thus Greeks, Italians, Germans, Celts—just as little have these found a land formerly free of men in the countries inhabited by them at the commencement of the historic period. The Celts of Gaul, the Teutons of Germany, when they emerge in the light of historic tradition, are certainly not in blood any longer of one stock. The more recent Science of Aryan Languages and Antiquity, starting from the observation that the widely diverging paths taken by Low Latin in its development to the Romance Languages of the present day are based to an important degree upon the variety of peoples who adopted the Roman sounds—starting from this observation one seeks in the greater or lesser mixture of non-Aryan elements in pre-historic times to explain the greater or lesser degree of removal of a lingual stock from the Aryan proto-speech. The knowledge that among Germans and Celts already at the beginning of their historical period one can no longer speak about a unity of Aryan descent in accordance with blood, this knowledge must be made use of in all provinces of Aryan archæology. [TD 38] Once granted that among this or that Aryan people—let us say Germans, Greeks, or Italians—there are to be found stray cases of juridical right which at bottom are only intelligible in the light of descent in the female line, should not in such cases attention to the three points adduced, combined with consideration of the facts which we have learned to know within the British area, prevent us from blindly supposing that we had here before us rudimentary organs of a social organisation which in principle among the Aryans must have already more than 5000 years before have been overcome, if it had at all formerly existed among them? Should not then the supposition lie more near at hand—always presupposed that without descent in the female line one cannot get on—to suppose that here we have traces of a non-Aryan primitive population, assimilated in somewhat strong proportions—a population in which, as among the primitive peoples of Britain and Ireland, descent in the female line held the field? One point I would still emphasize. As a matter of fact, here and there actually existent cases of mother-right have been pointed out; further, a social order with descent in the male line, along with traces of mother-right, has been pointed out; but a proof that the social order based upon mother-right has anywhere, “without extraneous influence,” developed itself to patriarchy—such a proof one has not earnestly attempted, still less anywhere given. One simply takes mother-right (matriarchy) as self-evidently the antecedent step to a social order based upon patriarchy. With the same, and perhaps with greater right, one may regard matriarchy and patriarchy as the opposite poles of development starting from a like basis. With like right one can regard a perfected matriarchy as an order of society which of itself does not develop itself into [TD 39] patriarchy. Let us suppose that the politics of Imperial Rome had not led to a conquest of Britain; that Britain, lying over against Gaul, had been left untrodden by Roman legions, as was actually the case with Ireland, lying over against the Romans of Britain—what would have happened then? Britain and Ireland, probably like the Germanic North (Denmark, Scandinavia), would have emerged from the seventh-eighth century onwards for the first time more and more into the light of history; on its southern coast, on the east coast far northwards as well as far inland, Germanic tribes—Angles, Jutes, Saxons—would have settled, just as in Cæsar’s time Celts possessed those parts. Behind these Germanic peoples, along the west coast, there would have been settled a people speaking a Celtic idiom (Cymric), and in Ireland, as well as in the Caledonian Highlands, a closely-related Celtic idiom would have been spoken by the inhabitants. To judge according to language, one would accordingly have found before one in the British Isles Germanic and Celtic Aryans, just as in the first century B.C. Celtic and Germanic Aryans settled in France and Germany. Inasmuch as without the Roman superiority in Britain Christianity would have taken firm root on British and Irish soil 200-300 years later, a powerful helping factor in the more speedy assimilation of the social order of the subjugated non-Aryan population to the quite differently organized society of the conquering Aryan Celts would have fallen away. In the social polity, in the juridical conditions among the supposed Celtic-Aryan population in West and North Britain, as well as in Ireland, it were not only merely possible, but very probable, that many more evident remnants of a former matriarchal system would have been found than one—falsely, as I believe—credits the Germans with. One would, perhaps, [TD 40] have still found in North Britain among the Celtic-speaking (thus Aryan) population the rule of succession in the female line. The totally false conclusions which one would draw nowadays, in spite of points one and two above emphasized, are evident; likewise, too, the application to the questions proposed above. The solutions of these questions in the sense hinted at could be further made more exhaustive by a thorough-going investigation as to whether and to what extent in the fixed legal right of the island Celts forms of law are to be found which with more or less certainty must come from the matriarchal system of the subjugated and assimilated primitive population. This would yield instructive parallels to Germanic forms explained by some from a pretended pre-Deluvial Aryan Matriarchate. For the legal system of the island Celts, Cymri, and Irish, we have extensive codifications written in the native language. The “Cyvreithiau Hywel Dda” contain as basis the Cymric law valid in different parts of Wales in the middle of the tenth century; the edition of the same—Ancient Laws and Institutes of Wales, London, 1841—is tolerably good, the accompanying English translation tolerably trustworthy; and F. Walter, in his work “Das Alte Wales, Bonn 1859,” has done good preparatory work. With regard to Ireland, the case is quite altered. Several collections and tractates on single topics are preserved and edited. In the first rank, what goes by the name of the “Senchas Mór” falls to be considered. The native tradition ascribes this codification of Irish law to a commission held under Patrick’s presidency. In reality, the redaction that has come down to us dates from the end of the tenth century (Zeitschrift fur Deutsches Alterthum B. 35.85). The written tradition of this and of other documents written in Irish is, however, much later and more corrupt than the Cymric [TD 41] collection; the edition—Ancient Laws of Ireland, Vol. I., Dublin, 1865; II., Dublin, 1869; III., Dublin, 1873; IV., Dublin, 1879—is, as regards the text, more than imperfect, and the English rendering in all cases of difficulty is absolutely worthless. Monsieur D’ Arbois’ Resumé d’ un cours de droit Irlandais: Paris, 1888-1892 (4 broschures) does not help us much further. Through a bold Hussar-ride this province can not be conquered; heavy artillery, rather, is necessary, and this the believers in pre-Deluvial and post-Deluvial Aryan Matriarchy do not seem to have at their disposal. TRANSLATOR’S NOTE. Principal Rhys gives the following as “the inscriptions which appear to be for certain more or less Pictish in point of language”:— 1. ehtarrmnonn—(at) Scoonie. 3. Drosten-ipe Uoret et Forcus—St Vigeans. 5. Maqqo Talluorrn-ehht Vrobbaccennevv—Aboyne. 7. (1) Iddaiqnnn Vorrenn ipua Iosir—Newton. (2) Edde ecnum Vaur, &c.—Newton. 8. (1) Eddarnonn—tumo—Brodie. 9. Allhhallorr edd Maqq Nuuvva rreirng—Golspie. 11.—alluorrann uurract pevv Cerroccs—Burrian. 12. x Ttocuhetts: ahehhttmnnn: hccvvevv; Nehhtonn—Lunasting. 14. (2) Ehtecon Mor—Coningsburgh. 15. besmeqqnanammovvef—Ninian’s Isle. 16. (1) Crroscc: Nahhtvvddadds: dattrr: ann—Bressay. (2) Berrisef: Meqqddrroann—Bressay. [TD 42] The learned writer then sums up—“Here we have a certain number of inscriptions which appear to be more or less Pictish, so let the advocates of the Celtic theories come forward and explain these inscriptions as Celtic. Let those who cherish the Welsh or Brythonic theory—for they seem to be just now foremost—take the carefully written and punctuated Ogam from Lunasting:—x Ttocuhetts: ahehhttmnnn: hccvvevv: Nehhtonn, and let them explain it as Welsh, and I shall have to confess that I have never rightly understood a single word of my mother tongue. If they cannot explain it so, let them explain it as any kind of Aryan. Till then I shall treat it as unintelligible to me as a Celt, and as being, so far as I can judge, not Aryan.”—(Rhys in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, May 9th, 1892). [TD 43] NEIL MORISON, THE PABBAY POET. NEIL MORISON was born at Is-na-Sìth, near Scanista, Harris, in 1816. For forty-one years he was a shepherd without going out of his native neighbourhood save once or twice by steamer to Portree, and possibly once to Greenock for a few days. The periods of his life map themselves out as follows:—(1) At Cleit-na-ducha, with Mr Macrae, son of Maighstir Fionnladh, a former minister of North Uist; (2) at Scarista with Mr Macdonald; (3) in the Isle of Pabbay, with Stewart of Ensay. It is the new house of Ensay that he celebrates in “Oran na Lùchairte,” and it is of a member of the same family that he sings in “Marbhrann do Mr Uilleam Stiubhart” who died on board ship on the homeward voyage from Africa, whither he had essayed to bring tidings of glad things—of the things which have proved themselves to be best. In was in Pabbay that he lived most of his life, so that Neil Morison may fittingly be called the Pabbay Bard. But Pabbay, i.e., the Pope’s Isle, so named from the produce of its fertile soil, having in pre-Norwegian times been at the disposal of the missionaries of the day, was for the poet unspeakingly lonely. He complains of its being more of a prison than the Indies. He scans the tillage operations in [TD 44] St Kilda—tha Hiort cha dlùth dhomh s gu’n cunnt mi’n t-àiteach—and is hemmed in by the bounding main. It is a lonely isle, and little wonder in “Oran a Chianalais”—a song of solitude, in which he alludes to his inability to write—that he casts longing eyes on Blìval, under whose shadow he was reared. But he had the society of his wife and young children—of Fergus, to whom later the satire “Oran Eithir Fhearaguis” was dedicated; and of Donald Maclean. All of these had the opportunity of learning Neil’s songs of the period. To the intelligent Donald Maclean the Bible, Connell’s Astronomy in Gaelic, and Neil Morison’s songs were a sufficient library, and it is to this companion of the poet and the poet’s daughter at Cleit-na-ducha that the honour falls of having most correctly preserved in memory the songs of the Pabbay days. It is from these two and from Miss Catherine Macleod of Borve that I have written down the poet’s compositions, which are exceedingly relished by Harrismen, many of whom can give snatches of them. The poet was a man of blithe and merry nature—“duine air leth sunndach toilichte air nach fhacas gruaim riamh”—and he delighted in singing his songs to his children. The continual loneliness, however, was apt, especially in winter, to nurture a feeling of the eerie, and to foster a dread of the spirits of the night, who are so dangerous to human kind. In “Oran an Eagail” he recalls an experience familiar to us all. The air of the last song is one invented by Mairi nighean Alasdair Ruaidh, and the lines “chuireadh roimh ban-Leodach,” &c., refer to the Pabbay banishment of the Queen of Modern Gaelic poetry. I never knew formerly of her having been sent there, but her caustic wit was a thorn in the sides of so many, and so frequently to her own disadvantage, [TD 45] that she may at one time or another have been sent to Pabbay, as well as on another occasion elsewhere. He latterly, in the service of Mr Mackenzie of Luskintyre, lived at Cleit-na-ducha, a place in Harris, which would in pure Gaelic be Craigdhubh, i.e., black crag. Cleit (in Danish “klint”) is from the Norse “klettR,” a rock cliff; in the plural, a range of crags; kletta-skora—a scaur. Final R was silent in Norse by the time this word was taken over by the Gaels. Cleit carries with it nowadays the notion of rocks by the seaside. Here he lived for fourteen years: here he died in the spring of 1882 in his sixty-sixth year, survived by a son and two daughters and grandchildren. His wife’s name was Raonuid Nic-ill-Sheathain, from Skye, by whom he had in all seven children. He was carried to his fathers in Scarista, where Lord Macaulay’s ancestor, a former minister of Harris, lies buried. The poet was tall, dark-eyed, glas san aghaidh, and one of Nature’s gentlemen. When he was eighteen he composed his first song, very likely one to Kirsty Bruce, his first sweetheart, on whom he composed a number, of which the love song with which I begin is the best. “Oran an Eich Odhar” is one of his early songs. “Oran Càinidh an Rodain” is possibly the last, with the exception of a hymn he composed before dying, and which has in all likelihood gone with him to Heaven. He composed many songs which are now irrecoverably lost. He was somewhat shy in his latter days of dictating his own poems to such even as might have wished to preserve them. It was a result of modesty, perhaps of native shyness, with the sense, too, that his poems dealt with secular themes, which, though popular with the young, were still Orain Dhiomhain. With a former gifted [TD 46] minister of Harris, the late Rev. Charles Maclean, be was on very intimate terms. They were cronies for a long time, and the minister, according to credible report, made a transcription of his earlier songs, which seems to have gone lost. This clergyman’s widow, writing from Ullapool, reports a search among her husband’s papers to have been in vain. The late Donald Munro Morison—Iain Gobha’s son—who was to the poet a good friend, wrote down the love song which opens this collection, and as it is in the handwriting of his Leacli teaching days, that must have been over thirty years ago. As his version contains two stanzas which are not in mine, I have given it in preference. A version of this song has been popular on the mainland—Mr Sinclair’s “Oranaiche” gives it. That, along with three stanzas of “Moladh na Lùchairte,” is all that has come to me in writing. The rest, but for this present effort, would have also perished. The poet lived an exemplary life, and did what he could to make others happy. Years before he was invited by Iain Gobha to recite his poems to him at Leacli. The ageing saint was ever interested in the efforts of the generations younger than himself, and he made no exception in the case of Neil. They were not blood relatives, and were of a different sept of Morisons. Iain Gobha, who was a most consummate poetic critic, heard him repeat all the “Orain Dhiomhain,” and told him he had once a day composed many such himself, but had given them up. He dissuaded his junior in years from indulging too freely in satire, adding that, though a beneficial weapon, it was to be discreetly used. He counselled him to adopt worthy themes, and concluded the interview with [TD 47] the remark—“Bithidh thusa na do dhuine math fhathast”—“You will be a good man yet.” After Iain Gobha’s death it fell to the lot of his poetic survivor, who was twenty-six years his junior, to compose an elegy, which exhibits want of maturity in this branch of his art, and is neither firmly knit together, nor without palpable demerits. This first elegy cannot have given general satisfaction, and one detects a reference to this fact in the opening lines of the second elegy—“Cliù Iain Ghobha”—composed in the poet’s thirty-sixth year or so— “Bho’n is ‘fear-fòghluim’ mi air a cheàird sa Luch-brithimh Gàilig ‘na tugaibh beum Air cainnt mhi-iùlmhor neo-dhìreach, lubte Nach gabh dhomh dlùthadh na cur na chéil.’” It was to remedy these defects, of which the poet himself was conscious, that, after some interval, he composed a second elegy, which at once gave pleasure to all who loved Iain Gobha, an elegy which is a worthy tribute to one to whom tribute was due. Though there are some weak touches, it is one of the most exalted efforts of the modern Gaelic Muse—one that would alone secure him a place of honour among the select bards of the Gael. In its workmanship it is vastly superior to the frst, so that one cannot well institute any comparison between them. It shows how the memory of the saint was cherished by him, and how much he imbibed, or was beginning to imbibe, of what was best in his teaching. The gloaming of an autumn evening was falling upon land and sea as Iain Gobha’s son and I were, in harvest, 1892, wending our way by Borve, when Catherine Macleod, with a lapful of sand-eels, glistening in the twilight, was returning from the sea-beach, and sung it to the [TD 48] air of “Coire Cheathaich,” the melancholy cadences of which were ever and anon deepened, as in natural counter-point, the wail of mournful joy being carried on the evening breeze to the sound of the sea billows—by the low-throated waves of the Atlantic as they broke and boomed upon the rocks. Ceit Nic Leoid’s voice rang clear. Her version was as the poet left it forty years before, as was confirmed by its correspondence with that of Mrs Macleod of Tarbert (Harris), an intelligent lady, who afterwards gave an additional stanza. Eoghan Morison had never heard this elegy on his father sung before. A few stars began to glimmer over Harris. I was deeply moved, and God was above us all. Oxford, May, 1896. ORAN GAOIL. LUINNEAG. Ho ro gu’m bi mi Ga d’ chaoidh ri m’ bheò. Ma thréig thu mise Cha lughaid orm thu; Nan tigeadh tu’n rathad Bü tu m’ aighear s mo rùn S nam faighinn do litir Gu’m *briosgainn a null. I. Air do m’inntinn bhi strith riut S a sìr dol mu’n cuairt Air an rìbhinn oig chùl-duinn G amhrac dlùth air a snuadh; Ghabh mi tlachd na do bhainnteachd Ann an cainnt nach gabh luaidh S mi bha togarrach falbh leat Air feadh gharbh--chriochan tuath. Ho ro, &c. * Tiotainn. [TD 49] II. Tha mo chridhe co luaineach Ri duilleach na craoibh Nuair bhios e air ghluasad Le fuachd us le gaoith; Bho nach d’labhair mi ’facal riut A bha fodh mo shuim— Dh’ fhàs seo na ghath-gearraidh Fodh m’ asnaichean taoibh. Ho ro, &c. III. Do cheum air an driùchd Maduinn ciùin ris a ghréin Sìoda ri dearrsadh Bho àirde do chléibh A dh’ionnsuidh do shàilean Gu ’m b àilleachd leam féin Mi bhi teannadh na d’ chòir, Clàistinn còmhraidh do bhéil, Ho ro, &c. IV. Gu’n téid mi san ùir air Mo dhùnadh sna clàir, Ailleachd do ghnùis bidh Na m’ shùilean gu bràch, Dh’fhàg thu neo-shunntach Mi ’dìreadh nan àrd Muigh aig fuarain nam beann Anns gach àm s gun mi slàn. Ho ro, &c. V. Ged tha mi na m’ chiobair A dìreadh nam beann A cruinneachadh chaorach Feadh raontan us ghleann, S ann a théid mise mach far An cluinn mi do chainnt, Gu’m bu leasachadh slàint leam Do làmh chur na m’ laimh. Ho ro, &c. [TD 50] VI. Gur a binn’ thu ri d’ chlàistinn Na ealtainn nan speur No’m pianno ri ceòl S cluiche seolta ri teud No a chuthag air lòn Latha ceòthach air ghleus No smeorach nam badan Air meangan fodh gheug. Ho ro, &c. VII. Do Shléibhte nam bradan Far an deachaidh tu thàmh, Nach mise bha mar riut Gun leabaidh ach càrn; Cha b’fhaireachadh gòrach Leam t’ eòlas s do ghnàths, Bu bhinne le m’ chluais thu Na fuaim a chiùil àird. Ho ro, &c. VIII. Diluain air an rathad S mi falbh leis an spréidh Chuala mi naigheachd, Thug mo chridhe-s as leum, Gu’n d’thainig uat litir S gu’n do chlisg mi gu léir Mo smaointeannan marbha Ghabh iad tearbadh o chéil. Ho ro, &c. IX. Am meadhon na mara Ged bhithinn na m’ shuain Do ghradh bhitheadh laiste Ga m’ bheothachadh suas; Cha téid mi ar àicheadh Gu bràch dha’n an t-sluagh Nach tu’n aon té a b’fhearr leam A dh’ fhàs oirre gruag. Ho ro, &c. [TD 51] X. Tha fear eil’ ann sa bhaile Tha ga d’iarraidh gu teann, A dhianadh do ghabhail Ged bhitheadh tu cam, Gun chaoirich gun othaisg Gun ghobhair gun mheann, S nan dianadh e t’ fhaicinn Bü tu taghadh na bhiodh ann. Ho ro, &c. XI. Tha mo shuilean air sileadh Mar fhrasan o’n àird Mo rasgan air losgadh Aig teothad do ghràidh Fodh eagal fodh immdidh Fodh imcheist gach là Gu’n toir mac a Ghoill uam thu S nach buanaich mi d’ làmh. Ho ro, &c. XII. Ri feamainn a chladaich Cha bhi sinn a strìth Le corran ga ’buain s ga Cur suas air ar dr(u)im S ann théid thusa ’Shléibhte Far an éibhinn beat bhì S théid mise na d’ dhéigh Dh’aindeoin Cléir no cruaidh-bhinn. Ho ro, &c. [TD 52] ORAN A CHIANALAIS. FONN— Och chòn mar thà mi us mi ’n am aonar Is cianail dh’fhàg iad mi ’n seo ’n am onar Och mo dhìobhail nach mi bh’ air tir ann Am mullach Bhlìth-bhal far am b’ òg robh mi. I. Gur mi tha cianail ’san eilean fhiadhaich Gur fhada ’n iar e cha’n fhiach an t-àit’ e ’S olc am prìosan e seach na h-Innseann Do dh’ fhear a dhìtead airson na meàirle. II. Nur ni mi lùbadh a muigh mu’n chùl aig Tha h-Iort cho dlùth dhomh s gu’n cunnt mi’n t-àiteach A th’ aig an t-sluagh ann, gur culaidh thruais mi Bhi glaiste suas ann le cuanntan gàirich. III. Mo bhean cho neònach s mo chlann cho gòrach S nach dian ead còmhradh domh na ceòl-gàire Ta mi gun sòlas ’n am àite cómhnuidh Ach Domhnull gòrach le seacaid bhàn air. IV. ’N uair thig an geamhradh bithidh mi fo champar Gur dlù do’n Teampull mi ’n àm na dàisneachd Mi na m’ dhroch shaighdear air feadh na h-oidhche Gu’n duine dh’fhoighniceas ciamar tha mi. V. Mar tha Fearagus cha dian e seanachas Is duine balbh e ’tha marbh ’n a nadur Tha crith ’n a ghluinean le fuachd na Dùdlachd [TD 53] S mar dh’fhag an lùths ead gun ’dhiùlt ead tamh dha. VI. Nan dianainn sgriòbhadh gur fhad o dh’innsinn Do nabuídh dileas na thill mo nadur, Mar chothrom luaidhe ri m’ chridhe fuaighte Ga m’ dhianamh gruaimeach a Luain ’s a Shàbaid. VII. Ri tìde ghailbheach bithidh toirm na fairge Ri creagan garbha a’ stairirich laidir Mar thorunn geamhraidh bhiodh eadar bheanntan S mar stalla teann oir an ceann ’g a spairnich VIII. Bithidh Druim-na-béisde ’n uair nì i éirigh Gu’n cluinn thu ’beucal le séideadh graineil ’N a steallaíbh glé-gheal ’dol dha na speuraibh Toir’ dhiom na gréine s Beinn Shléibhe Bhearnarai. IX. Ge geal le neònain na raointean còmhnard Gu’m b’ fhearr ’bhi ’m mòinteach nam mòr bheann àrda Nan gilean lùghmhor, nan geugan cùbhraidh A bheireadh ùrachadh dha mo shlàinte’. X. Coire Bhlìth-bhal’ is tric air m’ ìnntinn Le fhuarain fhìor-ghlain bu chùbhraidh faileadh Biolair uaine a’ fàs m’ a bruaichibh Gur mor an suaimhneas do shluagh an àite. XI. Gach lus is boidhch air an tulaich chomhnard A mach o’n t-sròin ’dhianamh lòn us àrach Do dhaoine breòite ’am bailtibh mòra ’S e chur ri’n sroin ’bheireadh beò o’n bhàs iad. [TD 54] XII. Mu bhruach do chaochain gur pailt na caoirich N’ an craicionn maoth gheal ’s an fhraoch gu sàmhach S na h-uain ’s a Chéitein air luim a rhéidhlein A ruith ’s a leumraich gun éis o’m màthair. XIII. Cha teirigeadh Gàilig ga cur ’s an dàn seo A dh’ ìnnseadh chàsan do nàbuidh eòlach Ach bho nach fheàirrde mi ’bheag an trath-s’ Gu fan mi sàmhach ’s cha chan mi’n còrr dheth. ORAN AN EAGAIL. LUINNEAG. H-ìthill uthill agus o-hò H-ìthill o-ho hóireannan; H-ìthill uthill agus o-hò H-ìthill o-ho hóireannan; H-ìthill uthill agus o-hò H-ìthill o-ho hóireannan; H-ìthill u h-ullill ò Gheóbhradh bho ho h-ith-il-an. I. Gur h-e mis’ ’tha fodh mhulad Tha leann-dubh air mo shàrachadh Ann an Eilean Dubh Phabbai ’S beag a th’agam-s’ a dh’ àbhachd dheth; ’N uair a bhios mi gun mhòine A’ tional òtraich nam bàghannan Gur h-i feamainn na ceilpe ’Bhitheas a’ goil a bhuntàta dhomh. II. Geamhradh fad’ air bheag cuideachd ’S e thug buileach droch shnuadh orm, M àite còmhnuidh s mo thuineach Dlùth air tulach nan uaghannan; [TD 55] ’N uair a chiaras am feasgar Bidh an t-eagal ga m’ chuairteachadh, Cha’n fhalbh mis’ gun mo bhata ’S car na m’ òmhaich mu’m buailear mi. III. Mü ni ’n cuilean dubh dranndan Their a’ chlann rium an cuala tu Their a bhean le guth fann rium Las an lamp ’o ’s e fuath a th’ann; Bheir mis’ an sin grad leum As a’ chathair gu bruailleanach, M’fheòil air chrith air mo chnàmhan, Leigeil “Pharaoh” ’g a fhuadach bhuainn IV. ’S theid an dorus a chrannadh Le barantas dùnaidh air, Clach eòrna fir Lingaidh Chur gu h-iosal ri lùdagan; Sparrar iarunn us maidean Ghabhadh seachnadh ri chulaobh-san ’S gus an teid i ’n a bordaibh Cha tig bòcain ar n-ionnsuidh-ne. V. Gu bheil Teampuill an t-sagairt Air an starsnaích ’s cùis uamhais e Le chrois Phàpanaich fhéin Chuireadh geimh air na fuamhairean Air a’ bhinneag ’n a seasamh O nach leig sibh gu luath dhuinn i! ’S nach i bh’ aig Seonaid Nic Phàice Gu dianamh fàisneachd nan gruagaichean. VI. ’S ann timchioll ormsa tha’n gàrradh Cha tig beaírn air ’s gu’n leumainn i Cha tuit clach gu là bhràth dheth ’S daingean làidir an stéidheadh e, ’S gad bhiodh cabhlach na Bànrighinn ’S iad gu h-ard--cheannach bréid-ghealach ’S fheudar stad air a chùlaobh Tillidh smùid Drùim-na-Bèisd iad. [TD 56] VII. Eilean lomarra fuaraidh Eilean gruamach gun tioraileachd Eilean leth-oireach truagh e ’N uair ’thig fuachd us droch shìantan ann Chì thu ’n fhairge ’n a gleanntan Tighinn mar bheanntannan iargalta ’S bidh mi ’suathadh mo chluasan Ma’ m buail e air fiar chugam. VIII. ’S mì nach iarradh an sealladh A bhi ’g amhrac nan cìosanaich Stigh bho Hàisgeir nan ròn A mach bho shròn Rhù Ghrìminnis ’G éisdeachd fuaim Garrai Grànnda ’Nall ’o Bhàlai cha bhinn leam e ’S gob Rhù Rhòsagaidh ’m Pabbai Far nach stadadh an drìlleachan. IX. Chuireadh roimhe Ban-Leodach Air fògradh dha’n àite seo, Rinn i luinneag us crònan Chuir air dòigh ann am bàrdachd dhuinn; Bhiodh i ’g gearann a cluasan Iomadh uair s cha bu nàir dhi e ’G éisdeachd gàirich a chuain Bha cho cruaidh ris na tàirneanaich. X. Tha e soilleir ri dhearbhadh Gu’n do mharbhadh na ciadan ann Le gaoth thioram a Mhàirt Bheireadh an àird bho an t-siabunn ead; Us cha’n iarrainn mar cheàird ’Bhi ’g an àireamh air lionmhoireachd Gu’m bu chianail am fàgail Tighinn am bàrr gun an tiodhlaiceadh. XI. Thoir an t-soraidh uam thairis Gu talamh nam frìtheannan Far an cinneadh a mhaigheach S na daimh chabrach ’n am milteannan [TD 57] Eilid chaol nan cas fada Ann an gleannan na sìth-bhruthain Far am faodadh an sealgair Spòrs an anamoich bhi cinnteach dha. XII. ’S am bradan seang far an fhior uisg Bhios a’ dìreach gu luath-chleasach Ann an linneachaibh lùbach Ghlinne chùbhraidh nam fuarannan B’ fhearas chuideachd do dh’ inntinn A bhi stri aig na bruachannan Slat us streang aig a’ fulang Gus an tugadh e’ n uachdar air. ORAN A BHUNTATA. RINNEADH S A BALIADHNA ’N DO LOBH ’S ’N DO GHROD IAD, 1846. I. S bochd a ghaoir anns gach dùthaich Aig clann daoine ga d’ ionndrain O thainig plàigh ann san ùir A rinn t’ fhògradh. II. Dh’ fhàg do’ n t-sluaigh air dhroch blas thu Mar an gual ann an dreach thu S tu cho cruaidh ris na clachan. Fodh d’ chòmhdach. III. Thar gach seorsa bhiodh aca Bu tu ’m pòr s an robh ’n taice Do gach aon nach robh pailt Ann an stòras. IV. O mhiosg na talmhainn a b’ fheàrr Thainig sgriob ort ro gheàrr Ach na mhair dhiot feadh bhàgh Ann am mòintich. [TD 58] V. S ioma dì-mios us tàir Bha thu ’giùlan ’s gach ceàrn Gad do thogair thu ’m fàgail Cha b’ neònach. VI. Bhi ’g ad chrochadh air stàilinn Ann am prìosannan pràisich S uisge goillteach an àird Chum am beòilean. VII. Gu’n deadhadh cuibhrige daraich A’s do cheann ’g a theann sparradh Gus am fàgadh do neart Ann sa cheò thu. VIII. S nur a bheirist’ a bhàn thu Gus do thaomadh s a chlàr Gu’m bitheadh leth-dusan làmh Agad còmhla. IX. S leam cha’n ìoghnadh thu theicheadh S a liuthad aon a bha breith ort A thug toll air do sheiche Le’n òrdag. X. Us cuid eile ga d’ riabadh A cur “forka” na d’ chliabhaich O nach b’ fhiù leo t’ fhiachainn Le’ m meòirean. XI. S nam faiciste sgall ort A dhianamh grian le teas samhraidh Readh do thilgeil air cheann Na chuil-mhòine. XII. No t’ fhàsgadh gu teann S do chur sios chum na gamhn’ Gus an adhairc a phlanndaiceadh Bòidheach. [TD 59] XIII. Cha robh cléireach na tàilleara Niall Mac Eoghain us Ian Bàna Domh’ll Og Fear Chnoc Ard Nach b’e ’n doigh-san. XIV. A bhi cruinneachadh bhiastan A leir-sgrios thu ga ’m biadhadh Spreidh a mhiosadh bho chian A bhi neò-ghlan. XV. Fear nach b’fhiach leo gu ’m b’fhiù e Re’ag a thilgeil ’s a chùl-tigh Gus an tigeadh mios dùdlachd Na reòtachd. XVI. Ni e biadh dha na mucan A chur saill agus sult orr’ Ach a nis cha’n eil guth Air an dòigh sin. XVII. S bha mor-shluagh dha’m bu cheàird Bhi ga d’ itheadh s ga d’ chàineadh Thu’irt gur beatha bha fàiligeach Breòit’ thu. XVIII. Thilg ort gun bhi fallain Leis nach b’fhiach thu mar arain Tarruing cola air an stamaig S tu neò-ghlan. XIX. Ach an diugh bu mhath ac’ thu Gad do bhitheadh thu bruich seachdain S tu cho fuar ris an t-sneachd’ Air Strath-Leòsaid. XX. S math an còcair an t-acras S e nach dianamh ort tarcuis Ged a bheireadh tu’n aileag Dha’n sgòrnan. [TD 60] XXI. Bha cuid eile ga d’ mhalairt Ann an éirig an arlais Leis nach b’ fhiach thu thùbh tartraich Dh’am bòrdaibh. XXII. S tu mar thairneanaich caismeachd Do na pàisdean bhiodh acrach Ann an éirigh s a mhaduinn Le sòlas. XXIII. A teannadh dlù riut gus t’ fhiacainn S iad ga d’ fhàsgadh ri ’n cliabhaich Gus an sàsuich thu cìocras Am beòil-san. XXIV. S bhiodh cuid eile do chaileacha Bhiodh ga d’ reic airson airgiod Tional stuthan neo-thar(bh)ach leat Gu còisir. XXV. Ach ’s iomadh leisgeadar greannach Leis nach b’ fhiach thu mar arain A ni ath-chuinge fhad airson Tròcair. XXVI. Thu bhi ac’ ann am falach Ann sa chùl taigh fo’n talamh S ri teannachd na gaillinn Gu fòir orr. XXVII. Ruaraidh H-iortach s Ian Màrtainn S Aonghus bochd Cheann-na-tràghad S iad nach tréigeadh le gràin thu Mar bheò-shlaint. XXVIII. Reiceadh (i)àd an cuid aodaich Ann an geall airson t’ fhaotuinn S cha ’n fhaigh iad ri ’n saoghal An leòir dheth. [TD 61] XXIX. S b’ iad na làthaichean cearta Nuair bha cinneachadh pailt ort Us nach cluinnteadh “collection” S an dùthaich. XXX. G a thional aig daoine A h-uile Di-h-aoine S ’g a tharruing s ’g a shlaodadh G’ an ionnsuidh. XXXI. Tha ’n gruaidhean air seacadh S an aoduinn air cairteadh Le goinne s le acras Ga d’ ionndrainn. XXXII. Aig maorach a chladaich Air am fàgail cho laga Us nach éirich iad ceart Air an glùinean. XXXIII. Tha na raointean a chleachd ’N cuid ròd a bhi g at leat Air tionndadh gu gaiseadh Mi-ghnàthaicht. XXXIV. Air crionadh s air seacadh Mar lusan ri gaillionn Gun fhios ciod e’n talamh Is feàrr dhut. XXXV. Theid cuid leis na spealan A sgath dhiot a bharra Cho lom ris an talamh ’S e’s àill leo. XXXVI. ’S cuid eile ’ga d’ spionadh A nuas ás do fhrìamhan S ga d’ fhàgail-sa shìos Fodh na fàilean. [TD 62] XXXVII. Ann san Iuchar b’e ’n sòlas Bhi ga d’ fhaicinn fo d’ chòmhdach Fodh do dhitheannan boidheach. Us driùchd orr. XXXVIII. Ann an ciaradh an fheasgair Iad a liùgadh s a preasadh S a ghrian a tighinn deasarr Na cùrs orr. XXXIX. Nuair a bhiodh tu lan abuich Bhiodh na h-ùbhlan na’n gadan A tuiteam sna claisean Gach tùbh dhiot. XL. Ma chreidear mo bhriathran Bidh cuimhn’ air a bhliadhna S na dh’fhalbh thu le fiabhrus Na h-ùireach. ORAN AN TI. I. Cuidhtichidh mi’n diugh a cheàird S e ’n diugh Di-màirt, a Dho’ill, Cha’n e buileach cràdh mo chnàmh Ach nàir airson nan othaisg A theich bh’uam moch-thrath la na Sàbaid S mis’ ’riarachadh mo chàileach Leis ’n stuth a chreach mi mar a thà mi A dianamh dàil ga h-òl-sa. II. Bha ’chearc-ruadh le goin us strùp oirr Us driùchd a’ tighinn m’a bord. A tilgeadh a cinn os a cionn S mo shùil-s’ oirre ma doirt i [TD 63] S bha Raonuid cus a b’ fhearr gu stiùireadh Ag éigheach cum a “hatch” dùinte S cuimhnich ma chailleas i a sùgh Nach diù i cur gu bord dhuinn. III. Cha mho a b’fheàirrde mur bu mhisd’ i An t-uisgearlach s dath ruadha Gun air fiù agus blas milis S olc a ghibht dha’n t-sluagh e Gad do ghabh iad uice cìocras Gun dad feum ínnt ach casg mianna Tha i ri marbha’ nan ciadan Le droch bhiadh s gun bhuaidh oirr. IV. Ach s aithne dhomh gu leòir s an dùthaich A ghiùlaineas n’am pòcaid Uibhean nan cearc a falbh na sprùilleach Gu bùthaintean mar stòras Dh’iarras: tomhais dhomh dhi ùnnsa S tomhais leis cairteal siùcair Ach fiach nach mill thu air mo chliù Nach seall thu ’n guin na shròichdean. V. Curraicdhean an cinn (i)ad srachdte’ Gu breac geal le otraich S gun fiù nam brogan air an casan, Air sgagadh ta (i)ad le mointich; Their iad rium gu’m b’ fheàrr i aca Na’n gun is fhearr a thig á Glaschu, S co math leo i bhuath us aca Mar a cairt i’n sgornan. VI. Ga be rud a th ’ann an tùbh-sa S bruideil bhi toirt groat air An t-siathamh earann diag de’n phunnd B’e’n spuilleadh e air storas Nur a gheobh thu e gu teann An deíghidh a cheangal ’nad laimh Mur tachair a luach a bhi ann Gu’n teid am peann gu sgroban. [TD 64] VII. Siud am fear nach diùlt a bhriag S làmh gu rian ga stiùireadh Thig na ceithir dhut gu sia A riadh am beagan ùine. . . . . . . . . VIII. Gad a thuirt mi ’n uiread ribh Gu’n robh mi fhìn an toir oirr Gad s i a b’ aobhar dha mo sgìths A siubhal frith us mointich, Gun àite ann san cluinninn miaghal Ga b’ mhìltean uam nach fhiachainn S mi ri fritheach ’n dùil gur h-iad Bhiodh fodh sgiath nam bruachan. IX. Nur dh’ fhàs mi fhéin s an cù cho fann Gur gann a dhianainn eubha Ga chur s ga chasg am feadh nam beann S an tìde a bh’ann cho creubhaidh M’ fhallus a leigheadh mar a bhùrn ’Toirt an radharc om’ dhà shuil M’ ioscaidean a call an luthais A lubadh air a chéile. X. S truagh nach robh thu fhéin sa do bhràthair Far nach traigheadh ’n dìle A liughad teaghlach bochd a dh’ fhàg sibh S a cheàrn seo dha’n rìgheachd E-san ga losgadh gu ceo S tusa sa bhurn theth ’tòcadh Dh’ fhàg sibh na mìltean dh’ easbhuidh treoir S am pocaid gun da i innte. [TD 65] MOLADH NA LUCHAIRTE. no ORAN TIGH EASAIDH. (AIR FONN NA, “Flowers o’ Edinburgh.”) I. ’S ann latha ’n Nollaig ùire A chunnaic mi le m’ shùilean An aitreabh ’tha mi ’n dùil a Gheobh cliù ’s an tùbh-tuath; ’Nuair ’chaidh mi ’steach do’n lùchairt, ’S a sheall mi air gach tùbh dhiom, Cha mhór nach d’ thug mo shùilean Mo thùr uile bhuam; Aig ’mheud ’s a ghabh mi dh’ioghnadh Mu’n chlachaireachd ’s mu’n t-saorsneachd: Cia mar b’ urrainn daoine Gach aon diubh ’chur suas: ’Toirt uisg’ ’o ’n charraig ailbhinn Le pìoban umha ’s airgeid, Le glasan ’tha neo-chearbach, A dhearbhas ’bhi buan. II. Ach fhir a chosg na ciadan Ri talla nan clach’ sgiamhach Cha’n ’eil a leithid lionmhor An iar air na caoil; Follaiseach ri fairge, Us gun e fad ’o ’n gharbhlach, Gur pailt am bradan tarragheal ’G a mharbhadh ri ’thaobh. Ge b’fhear mi a bhi eòlach Bho Rudh’-na-circe ’n Leódhas Gu’n ruiginn Rudh-’-na-h-òrdaig, Cha b’eòl domh dhiubh aon; Troimh uinneagan do sheòmair Gu’m marbhaistinn an ròn ás Gun charachadh bho’n bhòrd, no Bho’n chòisir ’bhiodh daor. [TD 66] III. Ach fhir nach fhaca riamh e Cha chreideadh tu mo bhriathran ’Sann ’shaoileas tu gur briag tha Na m’ sgial’ air a chùis; Ach bhidh e fhathast feumail Do fhear a bhios ’n a éiginn Nur dhorchaicheas na speuran S a thréigeas e ’chùrs’ A steach os cionn Dhùn Aruinn ’G a fhaicinn ann san dearrsaidh Us eagal air roimh Shàghaidh ’S an Eàrr air a cùl Romh dhorchadas na h-oidhche; ’S na seòlaidean cho aimhleathann ’S an rathad buileach aimhreidh Feadh staingean us lùib. IV. ’Nuair lasar do chuid choinnlean Ceann shios us shuas na stoidhre Ni seòltairean na h-oidhche Ris aoibhneas le sunnd, ’Se t’uinneag a rinn soillse Ni’s fheàrr na solus Hoidhsgeir, Gur iomadh fear ’ni ’fhoighneachd Có rinn an reul-iùil Gu teasairginn nan ànrach A bhios ’an cunnart bàthaidh ’G an toirt gu cala sàbhailt’, Le deàrrsadh do rum; Us ead a’ ruith fo’n chòrsa A steach gu caolas Shròmaidh, Gu Bun-an-t-sruth far ’n còir dhaibh An ròp ’chur sa ghrunnd. V. ’Nuair théid an tigh an òrdugh ’S an uidheam mar is còir dha ’Cha’n fhear gun mhodh gun eòlas Is còir ’thigh’nn dha dlùth; Ach Fhearchair ruaidh na stròine, Ma thig thu ’chaoidh fodh sheòl ann Gu’m feum thu do dhà bhròig ’bhi Fodh ’n chleòc’ air do chùl: [TD 67] Cha’n fhaigh thu cead ’bhi ’starachd Ann sios us suas mar b’ àbhaist, Le brogan mór Chinntail ort S fodh ’n sàilean spuir-chùil, Le’n spìcean ’s le’n cuid thàirlean, Air chor ’s ma nì ead làrach Nach glanar gu lath’ bhràth e Le sàl no le bùrn. VI . . . . . . . . Is bho’n tha’n tigh cho luachmhor A thogadh leis an Uachdaran Cha’n fhaigh dhiot-sa suas ach A’ chluas ’s an leth-shùil; Mur faigh thu dol do’n trannsa Air uaireannan a dh’ amhrac, Gun fhios gu’m bi thu ann; ’g a Do chrampadh an cùl. VII. ’S b’e sid an t-eilean fiachmhor Is paillt a chinneadh fiar ann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An doinionn gheur an Fhaoillich ’Cur saill air mairt ’s air caoirich Cha chluinn thu guth air caoil’ Air a h-aon diubh tighinn dlùth ’S ged ’s foghluimt air a cheàird mi Ris an can ead bàrdachd, Gur fhearr dhomh fuireach sàmhach Na càch a radh rium Gu’m bheil e mò ’s dana Dhomh rann a sheinn do’n àros Nach dean mi dad is feàrr na Chuir ceàrr bun os cionn. [TD 68] MARBHRANN DO MHR STIUBHAIRT NACH MAIRIONN. A BHA DO THEAGHLACH EASAIDH. I. Tha e mar fhàgail aig sliochd Adhaimh Gu’n toir am bàs fo chìs iad S cha dian an àilleachd ni dü stà dhaibh S cha’n eil càil a dh’ ìnnleachd Air faotuinn bhuaith oir bha e buaidheach A dol mu’n cuairt s gach rìgheachd, Tha’n cruaidh-lann geur fo bhun a sgéith Rinn lot le éugail mhìlltich. II. S mur mios do chairdean dhomh dàna Dh’innsinn pàirt dhe d’ ghiùlan Ga faon mo sgobadh ann sa chàs Mu theist an àrmuinn chiùitich; Cha’n fheumainn fianuis mu do ghníomh Oir co’n neach riamh thug sùl ort Na chuir ort eòlas leis nach bròn Nach d’ mhair thu beò car ùine. III. Fhiùrain fhìor-ghlain ’s cruaidh ri innseadh An nì chur crioch air t-uaisle, Plàigh nan Innse a bhi strì riut Fad o thìr do dhualchais, Fiabhrus làidir s puinnsean bàis ann Ghreas ri làr cho luath thu S gun léigh bhi làmh riut dhianamh stà dhut Gus do thàrsuinn bhuaithe. IV. Ach’s lionmhor Gaedheil fo uchd éididh Dh’éireadh na do thòireachd Nam b’e gu’n saoileadh iad gur foill A ghabh na Goill air bòrd ort; Cha d’ rug’ an Sasunnach sin riamh A dhianamh gniamh ’s gach dòigh riut, Air long nan crannag s i ruith dian Gur i chuir crìoch cho òg ort. [TD 69] V. Is e fiamh an àrmuinn s pian a bhàis air A tha tighinn làmh ri m’ inntinn, Ar leam gu’m mi le mo shùilean Nur dh’fhag do lùths s do chlì thu, Mar chuir ead suas thu ann san fhuar-bhrat S tu gun ghluasad sìnte Gun phlosg a’ d’ chré fo smachd do’n eug S b’e sid am beud san rìgheachd. VI. Sùil mar sheobhag s pearsa dhealbhach Aigneadh meanamach aotrum, Pailt an gliocas s àrd am misneach’ S móran mios aig daoin’ ort; Gu seoladh cuan co ni riut suas Cha d’fhuair’ s cha d’ rinneadh fhaotuinn S bu ghrinn do lámh air stiùireadh bàrc An aghaidh bàirlinn Faoillinn. VII. Nam b’ nì bhiodh òrduichte do bhòrdaibh A bhi ri còmhradh bruidhne Cha robh ball-acain bha na d’ bhàrc Nach toireadh* gàir’ le mì-ghean G iarraidh t’ fhàgail air a clàr Gu ’n tàireadh i gu tìr leat Am feagal do chur ann sa chuan Fo bhinn an uamh-bheist mìllteach. VIII. S bu tu an sealgair dìreadh garbhlaich Is tric a dhearbh do lamhach A bhi cinnteach s tu nach dìobradh Bhi toirt cìs dhe’n làn-damh; Sa bhadan luachradh ann sa chruadhlach A tighinn mu’n cuairt gu sàmhach Fo tharruing t’ùird gu’m biodh an t-ùdlach A dol gun lùths gu làr leat. * -tobhradh, tabhradh. [TD 70] A CHIAD ORAN DO MHORAIR DUNMORE. FONN— Air fàillirin ìllirin ùillirin ò Air fàillirin ìllirin ùillirin ò Air fàillirin ìllirin ùillirin ò Gur u bòidheach do chomunn Glan soilleir gun sgleò. I. Nur chunncas do longa ’G àireamh thonn ’tighinn o’n Dùn Si marcach na fairge Gun chearb air a cùrs Tighinn direach gu Bhàllai S i deàrrsadh fo siùil S a bratach ag innseadh Co bh’innte fo rùm. II. Bha na canain ’toirt caismeachd S tu a teannadh ri tìr S mac-talla nan gleanna Os an cionn riu a strì Na creigean a sgealbadh Le stararaich nam pìob S tein’ adhar nam beanna S’ e mar lainntir an Rìgh. III. Se do shluagh a bha aoibhneach Nàm cluinntinn do sgeul Gu’n robh thu tighinn dhachaigh S i agad fo d’ sgéith A’ chòmhnuidh ’n ad dhùthaich N robh bùirean an fhéidh Us pladaraich a bhradain Le caismeachd a leum. IV. Dha na ghleann an robh ’choill Far an cluinntear na h-eòin Le’n ceileiribh binn S ead ’n am mìltean gun bhròn [TD 71] An doire nan geug Muigh air réidhleach nan cnò Ann an Ròdul chraobhach S na raontaichean feòir. V. Na h-eileanaich aotrum Readhadh aontach ’s an ruaig Ri aghaidh na caonnaig Le faobhar glan cruaidh Na faicist air raon thu S do thaobh g a thoir bhuat Mur sguireadh am blàr Gu’m biodh bàs ann no buaidh. VI. Tha Gaidheal Dhuntuilm Air a chuirm s cha b’ ao-còir Cha b’ann o Rhù-Huinis Bha ’dhùthchas no ’chòir An coire nam fuar-bheann Far an d’ fhuaradh tu òg Aig sàil Beinn-na-Leacainn S an t-Arclaidh ’m bi’n ceo. VII. Thig éileadh cruinn cuachach Mun cuairt air do bhac Us osannan balla-bhreac Mu chalpa gun smal S e t’éideadh s do shùgradh Bhi ’s na stùc-bheanna cas ’Dul ri ùdlaich an fheidh S fhuil ’n ad léini air stad. VIII. Tha Domhnullach Scarastai S cha dearmad mi ’ainm Làmh dhearg air a ghualainn Le suaicheantas teann Fòghluimte fìrinneach Dìreach gun mheang Le ’ghliocas s le ’eòlais Toirt seòlaidh dha’n champ. [TD 72] IX. Cha robh mi ’n ur fianuis N àm riaghlaidh na bh’ann Chum gàir Dhruim-nam-biast mi Gad ’dh’iarrainn ’bhi ann Ach dh’ innseadh dhomh sgiala Gun fhiaradh gun chàm S mu phosadh an Iarla Gu’n criochnaich mi’n rann. AN DARA ORAN MOLAIDH do MHORAIR DUNMORE UACHDARAN NA H-EARADH. I. Cha mhios siobh mi ro dhàna Gad tharladh s nach urra mi Cliù an Iarla Rioghail Le fìrinn a chumadh dhuibh; Gad ’bhithinn na mo bhard S iomadh cànain domh furasda Cha tugainn cliù ’n duin’ uasail No’n dùthchas bho’n d’ rugadh e. II. Gun agam ach a Ghàidhlig S pàirt dhi nach eil uil’ agam Ach s i bha ghnàth air feadh na ceàirn seo Ann san àit an d’ rugadh mi; Cha chuir mi idir i fo thàir S ann innt tha bhàrdachd urramach S e sin a theireadh Donnachadh Ban A seinn nan dàn a thubhairt e. III. S tu uachdaran fir Langai S nam beann is glan sealladh dhiubh Far bi na féidh ’n am mìltean A dìreadh s a langanaich; [TD 73] Na coireachan s na gleanntan S pailt meann us laogh-ballach ann Damh donn ’is lionmhoir miaran Air mullach grianach Cheanna-Val. IV. S nur chìteadh tu ghreidh uallach Air fuaran a bhiolaire S tu coimhead as na neoile Dé an dòigh am frigist orra, Gill’-ealaich air do chùlaobh Do mhìalchu-s’ a’ clisgeartaich Do chéil agad ’g a giùlan Mu’n ruig uisg’ no flicheadh oirre. V. N àm tachairt dhut aig Sron-na-Scuirt Bhiodh agad spuirt s bu toilicht thu Féidh us bradan s ead cho pailt ann Ga b’e ac a thogradh tu; Daimh us éildean feadh a chéile A ruith air sgéith nam bealaichean Tarmachain us fraoch-chearc dhonn O thom gu tom sa phlabarsaich. VI. S math thig dhut an t-éideadh Nach fheum a bhi ga theannachadh Ach dealg san darna taoibh dheth ’Sa fhraoch gu bhi baganta; Thig cuilbhearr fo do sgéith dhut Thollas biana fad astar uat Nuair bhitheas luchd na Beurla Sìor eubhachd tha’n t’acras orr’. VII. Gu’n lùbadh tu do ghlun ris An ùdlaiche bu cheanalta S nur gann a lasadh t’fhùdair Bhiodh smùid ris a teannachadh; Air slios nam beannaibh stùcach Bu shunndach ag astar thu Damh donn s e air a thaobh ann San fhraoch roimh do dhealanaich. [TD 74] VIII. An Gàidheal rìgheil air bheag sgìths A dìreadh ris na coireachan Na éideadh sealgair gu neo-chearbach Feadh nan garbh bheann tosgarlach; Cha b’fhear gun lùths a dheanamh tùirn riut Ri dìreadh stùcan Uisabhail Na Goill us iad a’ ràinich Roimh thairneinich a ghunn’ agad. IX. S fainichear air an t-sràid Measg chàich ann an Lunnainn ort Gur mor tha dheth ’n fhuil riomhach A dìreadh na d’ chuisleannan Gur ann san àird an iar bha Do mhiann-sa bhi tuineachd ann Air srath nam bradan tàrrageal S tu seanachas air Uamh-Uill-eadal. X. Nuair a readhadh tu mach a dh’rasgach Readhadh strìan a chum sa theadan leat Cha b’fhasan e ga d’ fhàgail Mur ’s gnàths dha na Sasunnaich Nur bhiodh do dhubhan giar ann Do dhriamlach ’g a theannachadh Bu ghrinn do làmh a strìth ris Go tìr ga’ thoirt go tanalach. XI. Na éideadh geal a ruith gu bras A Righ! cha b’fhad a leanadh e, A tighinn bho’n bhùrn bha os a chionn Bu shunndach thu ri carach ris, Slat a diasgail, driamlach sniasail B’e do mhiann mar ealainn e Gur mór a b’fhearr leat sid mar cheaird Na manran luchd nan casagan. [TD 75] XII. Bho’n thaineadh tu dha’n dùthaich seo S tu dh’ùraich na fasannan Bha’n toiseach aig ar sinnsear Bu dìleas ’g an leantuinn thu; Na Gàidheil bheò ghleusda Bhi leum s a cath cloiche riut A ruith nan each sa réis s gur Tu fhéin bha toirt mosglaidh dhaibh. XIII. Cha’n ìoghnadh uaill bhi air an t-sluagh Ri’n canar tuath a Mhorair seo A stochd na h-uaisle cha do bhuaineadh An gluasadan tha collach riut; Tha smear na h-uaisle si gun truailleachd Na do bhuadhaibh corparra An t-Earach fìr-ghlan rìgheil suairce, Na d’ ghnùis tha snuadh na h-onaireachd. XIV. Nuair chruinnich thu do dhaoin air An raon bha iad eireachdail Nuair chaidh iad ann an ordugh Bu bhoidheach na fleasgaich iad Le’n fhéilidh pleatach cuachach Bu chuannt iad fo’n deiseachan S an Domhnullach Fear Scarastai Toirt dearbhaidh dhaibh mar sheasadh ead. XV. Nur chaidh a phìob a ghleusadh Air réidhlean na faiche dhuibh Ri cluich nam porta siubhlach Bu shunndach an aignidhean; Chaidh Cabar Féidh a dhannsa Gun mheang le ’chuid lasgairean S an t-Earach glan s Ian Stiubhart Gu faicist driùchd le fallus tromh. XVI. Bha sithionn fhiadh aca mar bhiadh Gu pailt air miasan oiseanach Mar bha aig Fionn dha chuid-sa sluaigh Is tric thug buaidh sna cogannan; [TD 76] Deoch gun truailleadh tighinn a nuas Ann sna cuachan gocanta Slainteachan g an ól gun dìth Le sonn neo-chlì g a chosg orra. XVII. S nur shìn an dannsa stigh sa champ Gu’n d’iarr thu dram chur deiseil orr’ S an glan Ghàidhlig thog thu’n àird Deoch slàinte Bàn-righinn Bhreatainn doibh; Gun ghaodh an sluagh o dheas gu tuath An fhuaim a bha co-fhreagarrach S gu’n thog na h-uaislean air an guaillibh Leo bhuainne fa dheireadh thu. XVIII. Bha “Mhaighdionn h-Earach Rìoghail” Fo sìoda s fo brataichean A feitheamh gu na thill thu Air tìr o na ceathairnich; Nur fhuair i air a bord thu Gu’n sheòl i gu h-aithghearr leat S bu luath i air an fhairge Na ’n earb air a ghlas fheurach. XIX. A cùl ri deas s a stiùir gu tuath Fo chainbe nan dual fulangach A cumail aodaich gu math réidh Romh anail speur mu’n tuiteadh ead, Sgioba aotrum beothail gleusda A chumadh strain air fulagan Troimh Chaolas H-iort ’na bheannaibh uain’ Ag éirigh s bruaichean struthaibh air. [TD 77] CAISTEAL ALLT AN T-SIUCAIR. Se Caisteil Allt An t-Siucair Tha sònruichte; Rinneadh gun bhuill’ ùird S ann tha’n neònachas, Dìreach snaidhte dlùth S e gun char gun lùig S mor an t-aobhar uaill S an Roinn Eòrpa e; Nur thig mi gu dlùth Dh’ amharc air le m’ shùil Chionn e bhi n am dhùthaich Tha pròis orm; S ged bhithinn a’m’ bhàrd B’olc mi ann sa’ cheàird Airson a chuid àilleachd A steòrnadh dhuibh; Na h-oisinnean s na h-uinneagan Tha leinne ’n an cuis-ìoghnaidh Bho thogadh ann an ealamhachd Nach tuit gu crioch na lathaichean Mo bheannachd aig na clachairean A chaith air an cuid saothrach. Gur mor an t-aobhar thoileachaidh Dha’n t-sluagh thig gus an Nollaig ann Bhi danns’ air ùrlar lobhtaichean Le farum ’dol s an ruidhle, Luchd frithealaidh cho aigionnach Cho ealamh ri na dealanaich Gun srann ach Beurla Shasunnach ’G a labhairt ann cho cùmteach, Fear shios us shuas toirt sporaidh dhaibh Fear thall s a bhos ’g am brosnachadh Toirt siola stòp us botul leo S Nic Coisealaim ’g a sgriobhadh. Bha ’m plan air a tharruing Cho faisg air a bhùrn ann S nach luigear a leas Dhol fada ’g a ghiùlan; Bha fuaran fo’n leabaidh S e ’g éirigh bho’n aigeal [TD 78] Us feadannan cama Dol a steach anns gach rùm dheth, A mhuinntir nach fhac e S beag ìoghna a chleachd ead Mur saothraich iad fada Gu ’choimhead le’n sùilean, Cha chualas s cha’n fhacas Bho linn Bànrighinn Anna Ioghnadh eil’ air an talamh A théid os a chionn-san, Ann an céitean an earrich Thig a Pharlamaid dhachaigh S ma chreideas sibh m’ fhacal Bidh aca-san cùirt ann S gur mór a chùis-mhaslaidh Am bothan tha faisg air Mur cuir sibh e ás Theid a bhlastadh le fùdair, S a bhaintighearna’ caineil! Nach dian e do chearcaibh A chionn s gur e ceapan Is ball’ air a chùlaobh. S their sibh gur e rannachd dhamh Bhi labhairt air a bhriaghad, S nach eil guth no facal ann San ealainn-s ach a bhriag; Tha bhuil oirbh nach fhaca sibh Na h-uile seòrsa dath bh’ air S na dealbhaidhean bu mhaisiche ’N deigh ’m marcadh air a chliathaich; Bha Fionn us Caoilt us Oisean ann Le saighde geura corranach ’G an clapadh oir bha colas orr Bhi togairt dhol a dh’ fhiadhach; Bha lòmhainn air a teannachadh Air eagal ball s gun caraicheadh ead Tromh ghlinn us ead a tabhunnaich A sgalaich ann an iarunn. [TD 79] ORAN AN EICH ODHAR. I. A bhean nach sguir thu shniamh Labhair briathran air choireigin Fiach an tog thu fiannis Mu ghniamh an eich uidhir leam Am fac’ thu beathach riamh Bha cho dian gu bhi ’g obair ris ’S a nise mus e’n t-aog e Bith do chaol-drom’-sa dona dheth. II. Gu’m facas umad bruadair S bu luath leam a bhreithneachadh Thu bhi’n toiseach t’ òige Us spògan mar shearrach ort Do chruth-sa corra cruinn ’Bhi ’n a thuill s gu’n a dh’ aithnich mi Nach faighist thu gu brath S gur e’m bàs a chuir spearrach ort. III. Gur mise bha gu tursach Mo thruaighe mi mur faighear thu Ged bha thu air leth-shùil Gu’m bu thùrnail a’s ’t-earrach thu Bu ghramail fo do chliabh thu Gu fiaradh nam bearranan ’S a steach bho Rhu-an-Teampuill A stranntraich le smearalachd. IV. Us mise air mo phianadh Ga d’ iarraidh feadh mhonaidhean Mar faighear thu gu siorruidh S mór iarguin Nic Thoruill ort Gad bha thu cam bu mhath ann Airson feum air choireigin Le sopag chrion do dh’fhiar fo d’ bhial Am biadh am biodh tu toilicht’ air. [TD 80] V. Us mar e’m bàs ’thighinn ort cho tràth A muigh air sgàth nam bearranan Gu’m b’e do mhiann ’bhi ’san t-sròn ard Mur àite tàimh a fantuinn ann Thu fhéin ’s na feidh a ruith ’s a’ leum Gu’n tigheadh feam na gaillinn ort ’S cha’n iarradh tu mar stàbull Ach àiridh a Chamaire. VI. Bu tu mu steud bha dlùthmhor réidh Bu ghrinn do cheum gu trotadh leam Le sparraig airgid fo do charbard Us tu gu meanamach togarrach Strian math dhùbailt ’g a do stiùireadh H-uile tùbh bu toileach leam S e lionmhoireachd do lùth-chleasan Dh’ fhàg m’ionndrain cho domhain ort. VII. Cha b’fhear fann bhiodh air droch ceann A ghlacadh tu ’n uair thigeadh ort Na dhianamh breachd air calp an t-srap Us tu gu siùbhlach beadarrach A ruith na ruaig le neart do luathas Cur chuige cruaidh gu greasad ort Mar fhiadh a’ ruith tromh ghleann a’ teich O shranndraich nam peilearan. VIII. Cha deachaidh biot air, siol’ no fian S cha deachaidh strian no biorach air A ruitheadh riut us tu fo d’ dhiollaid ’S t’ fhalbh mar fhiadh nam firichean Gur tu nach fheumadh slachdan cliabhaich A bhi cur pian le giorraig ort Ach spuir mu shàil na bòtan-a B’e sin an dòigh gu ruith thoir ort. [TD 81] IX. S aig La Fheill Mhìcheil* cha bu chlì thu Nur bhiodh strì mu’n choiseach ann Sleamhuinn slìobach air do chìreadh. S eich na sgìre ’n cogadh riut Bu tu’n t-àilleagan fo’n phlàta N uair a chàirt an t-srathar ort Cha do ghiùlan làir riamh Each a b’fheàrr na m’ ghearran-sa. X. Nan robh thu’n ceart uair ann am bad S an dian’mh mo chasan grunnachadh Gad tha mi sean ’s air fàs cho lag Gu tugainn ás gu curant thu; Ma chuala tu mo chomhradh-sa Gur neònachas buileach leam Nach goireadh tu le sianlas Bhi ’g iarraidh ás do chuideachadh. ORAN MOLAIDH THOMAIS IC COINNICH BH’ANN AN LUSKINTIR. I. A Righ! gur mis tha fo mhulad S mi na m’ shìneadh fo uilinn nan stùchd Sear s a siar tha mi ’sealltuinn Dh’fhaicinn réir ’s mar a chleachd mi o thùs Uain us caoirich a’ tearnadh Gu machairean Chracow ’nan grunn A Righ! gur mis tha gu cianail Tha mo thuigse s mo riaghailt air chall. II. Aois us tinneas us doirbheas ’Toir iomadach tolg na mo cheann Mi mar neach ann an teasaich Gun chus dha mo lethbhreacan ann * St Michael, patron saint of horses; the reference is to games in which horses played a prominent part on that day. [TD 82] Mi’n seo ’n Cleit-na-dubhcha Air mo ghlasadh fo mhùiseig nan Gall O’n a dh’fhalbh an duin’ uasal S an robh mais agus suairceas us tlachd. III. S iomadh neach tha ag ìonndrain An saoi a riaghladh gu pailt O’n chiall e’n iuchair a thionndnadh S a làmh a dh’fhuasgladh a ghlas Bho na stòr a bha fialaidh Dha gach neach bhiodh gun bhiadh s iad nan airc S nur a readhadh iad ’g a iarraidh S tu nach labhradh gu fiadhaich ’gan casg. IV. S tu nach fuilingeadh an t-acras Tighinn shealg air a bhaile ’n robh thù Cha robh chridh aig a nochd’ Fhud s a dh’fhoghnadh min-chorc agus flùr Cha b’e peic a mhin-eòrna N deigh a thomhais gu dòlum o ghrunnd Chìteadh ’n laimh Mhaighstir Tómas Ach saic chur air òrdugh s na cùirn. V. S tric a chìteadh t-each dioll-ta S e cho luath ris an fhiadh air an traigh S iomadh muir-lan s e ri brùchdadh Gu brais dian ás na lùban an àird S tu g a mharcach’ gu sunndach Gus am faigheadh tu null air an t-sàl S cha b’ann gu dànarra grugach Bhiodh tu teann’dh air dhionnsuidh an làr. VI. Cha robh cron ort ri leughadh Ach nach robh thu cho geur-shuileach teann Air do bhuachaillean chaorach Bhi g an slad feadh nan caochan s nan allt; [TD 83] Cha robh riamh ’n càrn-a-Chaoruinn Le chuid shionnach s a saobhuidhean ann A tholl gach liuthadach sgòrnan S gun thu thuigsinn cho mór sa bha’n call. VII. Leam is math nach e’n éiginn Thug ort gu na ghéill thu cho luath Ach thu faicinn na sléibhtean Bhi cho fosgailte réidh ris an tuath S nach robh toil agad éirigh Air an cuid bhi ga chréibheadh cho cruaidh S o’ nach robh rinn thu fhàgail S gu’m b’e guidh gach là dhut deagh bhuaidh VIII. Leam is math nach do thuit thu Gad a fhuair thu droch thuisleadh sa ghleann Gun do sheas thu fhathast do chasan Gad bha’n rathad cho clachach s cho càm Gad a dh’fhàg thu na mìltean Feadh gach slochd agus dìg a bha ann Tha thu fhathast ’sna brogan Ann sam bì thu ri d’ bheò s neo-ar-thaing. IX. Saoilidh fear nach eil eolach Nur a chì e cho boidheach s tha dreach Eadar cladach us mòinteach Gun taom na stòras gu pailt Ach ’an doinionn an Fhaoillidh S ioma uair ann san caochail e beachd Nuair a chì e chuid spreidh S ead nan sìneadh gun éirigh nan airc. X. Gad is gorm iad a’s t-samhradh S ceart cho dubh ann sa gheamhradh a réir Aite lomarra fuairidh Fóghnaidh fliuch ’am bidh fuachd air na féidh [TD 84] Cha robh cus dhut ga bhuannachd S o nach robh na biodh gruaim ort na dhéigh S o’n a fhuar thu ás fuasgladh Biodh e nis aig an uachdaran fhéin. XI. Ga’ do leanainns air òran Gus an tréigeadh mo chomhradh gu léir Thaobh t-inbh’ us do chòire Cha robh ’n comas mo bheòil chur an géill Ach b’e mo dhùrachd gach lò dhut Bhi cluinntinn aig càch ort mar sgeul Thu bhi mealtuinn do shlàinte Agus pailteas na d’ làmhan gun éis. XII. Ach nan cuireadh tu feum air S iomadh fear dhianamh éirigh na d’chùis Dh’ fhalbhadh mar riut gu deònach Dhianamh sin s an cuid chòtaichean dhiubh; Nam b’e foillidh no fòirneart Bheireadh bhuat t’ àite-còmhnuidh s do ghrunnd Bhiodh e agad seachd bliadhna ’S t’éile ’bharrachd nam miannaicheadh tu. XIII. Ach gheobhainn iomadoch fianuis Eadar Ròdel riomhach nan craobh Agus timchioll na duthcha A dh’ aontaicheadh leam nach dubhairt mi An treas trìan s nu bu chòir dhomh Mu chliù Mhaighstir Tòmas mar b’fhiach S e thu dh’fhalbh ás an dùthaich Dh’fhag iomadach dùil ann an dìth. [TD 85] ORAN EITHIR FHEARAGUIS. I. Thoir mo shoraidh uam a Phabbai Dh’ionnsuidh Ann’ bean An Onsa S innis dhi gu bheil mi’n dràsda An deigh mo charamh ann san toll-sa, Mo dhruim-sa réidh ri athar Aig luchd sgeig s luchd càin s luchd cuartan Cuid ga m’ mholadh s cuid gam’ chàineadh S mor gu’m b’fheàrr mo thobhairt uatha. II. Dhaoine! seallaibh air a bhàta Nach ann aic tha’n t-sàil s an t-sliasaid Nach i dh’ fhaodas a dhul dàna Air caolas Scarai ’s Druim-na-Biasda; Nur ’shuidheas Fearagus ’g a stiùireadh S a chumas e a cùrs’ an iar oirr’ Siùil ard’ an ion us sgàineadh Le cruaidh spàirneadh nan tonn fiadhaich. III. S fhir a chuir i ann an cumadh Bheir mi’n urram dhut gu saoirsneachd! Tormaid Saor agus Mac Chuthais B’e na luidrean ri du thaobh ead; Dh’ fhàg thu’n iùbhrach gu glan cuimir S i nach eil an cunnart sgaoileadh S maille ri do pheadhadh cumant Cuiridh mi’n diugh ort an daorach. IV. Fulagan us dubhain iarruinn Ri crann ruighinn miadh na ròsaid Nuair a dheadhadh i gu h-astar Tighinn a mach gu fulang seòlaidh Fearagus s a dha bhonn an tachdsa S e ’g cumail ás mar b’ chòir dha S theid i ’snaoisean gu poll Phabbai Far nach cum a chlach le ròp i. [TD 86] V. S iomadh eithir matha dianta ’N taobh an iar a Bheinn a Chaoilais Eadar sin s am port am Bearnarai S gu’n tug thu’m bàrra air gach aon diubh Nur chìtear air a chuan i Cha’n ann ruadh a bhios a h-aodach Geal mar churrachd air bean-bainnse Brataichean ri crann s iad sgaoilte. VI. S Aonghuis agus Iain Oige Na tigibh le ur bòsd ni’s faide Le ur n-eithrichean gu seoladh S an cuid sheol an deigh am paitseadh Braoileagan nach cumadh suas ead Nur a thigeadh cruas nam frasan Cheart cho grod ri iris shacain Bhiodh aig Uine an ceann a chlachain. VII. S ged bhiodh tu agam an ceart uair Cha deighinn a Haisgeir gu cléir leat Le buidheann chrubagan us dhallag O’s siad anabus gach creutair S ann a théid mi leat a Scalpai Dh’ iasgach s sgadan le chéile Mi fhìn us buachaille Phabbai Duine tapaidh s bu mhath fheum ann. VIII. S Fhearaguis ghlais na fiasaig fada Nan cas cama s nan glùi luatha Cha l’ig thu leas a bhi ri fanoid Cha deighinn a bharrachd mu thuath leat S mor gu’m b’ annsa bhi san aonach Feadh nam fraochan s ann sa chruadhlach G altrum uan s a’ tional chaorach S greis air mo thaobh a’ dianamh dhuanag. [TD 87] ORAN DO’N BHRACSI. I. Marbhphaisg ort a Bhracsi Gur h-e ’n galar a tha millteach thu B’e ’n sionnach am miosg threudan thu S b’e ’m beud nach d’ fhuaireadh dìth chuir air S ann aige bha’n droch ceaird ’Bhi cur nimh air bhàrr nan dìtheinean S mur sgur thu dha d’ dhroch ghniamharan Gu fiach mi treis dhe’n phriòsan dhut. II. S cò chualas riamh thug fabhachd dhut Le baighealachd no truacantachd Bha sgathadh bhuainn an fhailich Chumadh blàth bho sgal an fhuachd sinn Thoir seachad dhomh-s na h-urrachan S cha’n urrainn mi cho cruaidh cur riut S mar to’ir gheobh thu sumanag Mar ruiginn ann Port Uaine leat. III. Tha moran na do dhùthaich Bhiodh ag ùrnuigh mi thighinn teann orra S leis am b’ fhad an ùine gus An tigheadh dù’lachd geamhraidh orr’ Mi nochdadh anns sna na cùiltean Agus claidheamh ruisgt a’ m’ laimh agam G a leigeadh mar a dh’iarradh iàd Ga riarachadh an ganntar dhaibh. IV. Gur h-e clann Choinn’ Ic Iomhair Thug le’m briathrachas dha’n ionnsuidh mi Ag ìnnse a chunntais chiadan Bha fo ’riaghladh s rinn sinn cumhnanta Nan tighinn ann ’n am fhabhar Annsa cheardaich nach biodh cùram S gu’n lorgadh iadsan carna dhomh Annsa chliff cho blàth ri cùlaisde. [TD 88] V. Arsa Fearagus Mac Iain Bhàin Tha gnàthaicht an ceann Dùlavaig E féin s an gaodhar bàn aige Gur tric bha blàth mo shùigh-s’ orra S na bi tighinn na’s faide leis Na labhairt ma do chuilteireachd Gur tric bha coin us ciòbairean Gu cìnnteach an deagh dhùrachd dhomh. VI. Chuala mi le eachdtraidh Gu’m bacaiste le òran thu S nach tigheadh tu na b’ fhaide na Bhi ’g aithris air do rògaireachd S bheir mis’ ort ma nì Gàidhlig e Gu’n cluinntear pàirt dhe d’ sheòltaichean S nach faisear thu gu bràcha Tighinn air àiridhean m’ àite còmhnuidhsa AN DARA ORAN DO’N BHRACSI. I. A chiòbair ghlais a th’ann am Pabbai Bheir mi fathast eubhach ort Gad nach fhiach thu’n diugh mo bhlas Ach ainneamh nuair is éiginn dut Gur tric a chunncas mi mu t’ amhaich A tighinn a steach Loch Eideal leam ’Och mo dhruim gur e tha goirt Gan toirt thromh ghob Rhù Rhéiminis’. II. S tric a thug mi dhut do leòir Nam fòghnadh feòil us cnàmhan Cha dianamh sin a chùis gun chlòimh A cumadh còmhdach blàth umad Gur liònmhor aite ’bheil do chòmhnuidh Feadh na fròig s na fàsaichean S bu trom thu’n Isibost mu thuath S bidh Seumas Ruadh ag àireamh sin. [TD 89] III. Cha’n eil meirleach fodh na ghréin ’Miosg spréidh a tha cho siùbhlach riut Cha’n eil àite ’n toobh-s’ do’n chaol Bheil othaisg mhaol nach strùilich thu Nur thaineadh tu a Phabbai féin Na’m dhéigh gur beag bha dhùil agam Gu faicinn sealladh dhiot gu bràch Bho chàin mi thu gu d’ chùlagan. IV. S lionmhor neach a tha dhe’n t-sluagh Their gur buannachd dha mo sheorsas thu Gu’m bi sùil us ceann us cluas Us claigionn cruaidh an ordugh ann Ceithir luirgnean fada lom Cha’n fhiacha ead bonn grota dhut S mar tha’m mionach s beag a luach Mur tilg mi bhuam dha’n òtraich e. V. S an t-eilean eile tha ’n am nàbachd Thug a mhéirleach spùill orra ’G am murt gun fhios dhaibh ann an Sgarai S Donnachadh Bàn gleidh dhium’ach dhiot Ach nur a thuig iad mar a bhà Chaidh Spainneach làn do dh’fhùdair innt A chur gun fhios dhut fo na ghàradh S thàir thu snàmh g am ionnsuidh-sa. VI. Ach s neònach leam mar fhuair thu nall S a gheamhradh troimh ’n chuan ùdlaidh seo S gur gann a thigeadh eoìn nan speur Tro’mh ’n bhéisd ’nuair bhitheas i ’bùireadaich Ach ’s e’m Bàillidh a thug duais Do dh’ Aonghus Ruadh us ionnsach’ dhut Far an tigeadh tu air tìr S an cunnta sios san Uig greis riut. [TD 90] VII. Ach seana Bhlàireag us Macridsean Dithis tha glé chòirrdte rium Ian Ruadh us Murchadh Balitidh ’S trice dh’ith iad spòlta dhiom S iad nach cluinnistinn ri cùl-chain Air mo chùl s cha b’ chòir dhaibh siud Cha’n ionnan sin s am fear tha’n diumbadh Le drochd mi-rùn ri òran dhomh. VIII. “An Drug” s a h-inghean ann am Borbh A cumail lorg do ghnàth orm Ma gheobh iad té dhiubh ris a ghréin Gur h-éiginn breith gun dàil oirre Bheir iad a chreidsinn air Mac Rath Gu’n tug am Bracsi tàire dhith S e thug oirnne toirt a steach Sinn ’bhi airson a sàbhaladh. IX. Ach labhraidh Ian leis a ghob Mo mhollachd agaibh nàir’ch sibh mi Cha’n e’m Bracsi th’ oirre so Se mult’ a bha s a phàirc th’ ann Ach their an t-seann té éisd a choin, Nach seall thu corp an aird’ oirre Nach greas thu ort thoir dhomh a chorc S gu’n stob mi san tùbh chearr aic i! X. S cha luaithe chur thu cas air tràigh Na thug thu’n àird feadh Lingai ort A dròbhaireachd a chuid a b’ fheàrr S gu’n tàireadh tusa cìs thoirt diubh Nur a chaidh mi’m mach a màireach Thuig mi, ’mhearirlich, t-innleachdan Nur fhuair mi iad ’nan sìneadh marbh Le creuchdan garbh bho d’ ìngnean-sa. [TD 91] XI. Ach s iongantach mar bha do ghnìomh S am miann a bh’air an t-seòrs’s agad S nach faca mis thu la riamh ’Cur uiread s bial air feòil gin dhiubh Ach ’g am fàgail air an t-sliabh Aig biataich dianamh ròic orra S ’g an seideadh cho dubh fo’n bhian Ri pios du riasg na mòintich ud. XII. Mo mhollachd ort bi falbh gu luath Thoir an toobh tuath na Beàrnara ort Cha’n fhada gus an toir thu uam Na h-uile cluas a thàinig thu Cha dian murran s cha dian fraoch An saoradh ás do lamhan-sa S ged a chuirinn iad dha’n fhaing Theid thu troimh thuill a ghàraidh thuc. XIII. S ioma fear a dheth do sheòr-sa A bhitheas le spòrs ’g am chàineadh-sa Ni cuirm mhilis dhiom aig bord S bidh mi na m’ chlòimh s na m’ shnàth Nur thig iad am fianuis dhaoine aca Caochlaidh iad an ràidh sin S cho luath s a thionndaidhs iad an cùlaobh Bidh iadsan rium-s’ a’ gàireachdaich. XIV. S ioma cìobair fada glas Le chuaille bat us cù aige Mas fhiach an creidsinn leis an sgreamh A labhrar airson diumbaidh rium Nam fanainn bhuatha buileach glan Gun tighinn ’n am faisg’ a dh’ionndraneadh mi Cus na’s mò na ’n tombaca S gun e pàilt ’n an spliùcanan. [TD 92] XV. Ach gad nach tiginnsa gu bràch S mi dh’ fhaighinn a bhàis s mo thiodhlacadh Tha bracsi eil ann s cha’n e’s fheàrr Na sgeirean grannda giar agaibh Us mur a faigh sibh leò fàth Theid cù us dà-chur fhiacal ann A l’igeadh riutha feadh nan càrn A bristeadh chnàmh us shliasaidean. BANAIS IAIN MHARTAINN. I. Fiadhachadh farsuinn gu banais Iain Mhàrtainn Chualas s gach àit an t-iomradh aic Gu na shaoil leam an toiseach gu’m b’ann ann am Mànuis Bhiodh i air sgàth nighean Dhughaill aca Bha mise ’g am bhiodadh nach d’thòirteadh mi ann Chur crioch air na bh’ann a chùrsachan Na gookaichean H-iortach bha còrr agus bliadhn’ An crochadh san riasg bha sùghanta. II. Tha seann duine teisteil a fuireach s an t-obb’ Duin onarach còir us bùth aige D’an d’thug mi mo ghealladh gu’n dianainn an rann S bha fianuisean ann mu’n chùmhnanta Gu’n innsinn an fhìrinn gun fhacal dhe’n bhréig Mu dhéidhinn na feasd bha fiùghantach Bha Dòmh’ull Munro ’na shuidh aig a bhòrd S a bhotul ’na dhòrn s b’e ’n dùil nach e. [TD 93] III. S a Dhòmh’ill Munro cha ghabh thu rium fearg Ged a bhidhteadh t’ainm air iomradh ann An cuimhne leat idir nur chaidh tu mach bhuainn S a dh’ fhalbh thu le ruaig a’ chùilteireachd Dh’ fhalbh thu mar leisgeul a lasadh na pìoba S tharruing thu’n tìde dùbailte. S air m’ fhocal gu’m fhasa dhomh ’n t-ubh thoirt o’n chòrr Na faighinn na d’ chòir s … IV. S nur chaidh mi stigh rinn mi beannachadh bàird Nur chunna mi’n t-àros lùchairteach Bha caochladh gach dibh’ am batul leis fhéin Us lasraichean geur a strùthadh asd’ Bha sithion ’na gadan a laigh’ air no mìosan Us shuidh sinn aig biadh na fiùghantachd Tighinn a nuas s pìob chiùil rompa Ach ’s truagh nach robh ’m Bailli us Callum Ic Rhuaraidh Air a cheann shuas s fear Hùisinnis. V. S bha fasannan eil’ ann nach fhaca mi riamh Gu’n mhothaich mi riaghhailt ùr a bh’ann Gach iosal us uasal bhi maille ri chéil Gun dad ach thoir féin g’ ad ionnsuidh e Nam fair’cheadh tu fathadh bha portair us beòir ann Mar gu’m biodh òl a bhùirn ac’ air Air m’ fhacal nach d’fhairich mi mionaid san oidhche An comunn gun fhoill nan lùth-chleasan. [TD 94] VI. Ach bog-theanga mabach a’ seanchais an Ruaraidh Ghoid i cho luath an ùine bhuainn Br’ìdhinn mu chreagan mu uibhean s mu eòin S an doigh air am frict’ air an t-sùlaire Bhitheadh lomhainn a ruithe air chipean gu h-ard Us fear air a bàrr s na stùc-chreagan Bhitheadh ionghannan a chas agus meoirean a lamh Us fhiaclan an sàs ’nan triùir aige. VII. Ach seallaibh a mach ach am faic sibh an còmhlan Bainnis Iain Oig tha dùil agam rithe Eiric mu nighean le boineid s le sròl S bu toileachadh dhomhs’ an t-sùil a bh’ aic Nach seall sibh a mach ach am faic sibh na h-uaislean Tha’n tigh seo ro chumhang ’s onn ormsa tha’n naire ’Thormaid a ghràidh dian rùmail e. VIII. S nur chruinn’cheadh a chuideachd s nur chaidh iad a siòs Bha’n t-Hiortach gu briathrach s struis aisde Ri oghaidh an teallaich a ròsdadh nan ian S lamhan cho mia ri buidsear aic S an còrr uair a chuireadh i ’corrag s a ghravy Dh’fhiachadh i fhéin robh sùgh innte sin Gu leigeadh i’n éigh ri Nighean Ac Raìll Sìn thugam an spàin s gu’n drùill mi seo. . . . . . . . . . . . [TD 95] ORAN A BHIAST DUIBH. no ORAN AN DOBHRAIN. Air fonn Cuach Mhic Ille Andrais. I. Smis’ a ghabh an t-eagal S cha bu bheag na ghabh mi ’chùram Nur chaidh mi air an fheasgair ud A chleasachd do’n tigh-smiùiridh Bha miasa air bhuntàt’ agam Mar b’àbhaist dhomh ga ’gùilan Gus an damh bh’aig Niall a bhi ’G a bhiadhadh leis na rùsgan. II. Gun sheas an damh san bhuil; thog e A chluasan s rinn e gnùsad S gun thoisichear ri gémlich s e Na bhéisd a tìghinn g am ionnsuidh Gun fhios a’m dé bu sgiala da Leis an sgian a bha ’na shùilean S gu’n cluinneadh tu e ’ràinich ann Am Bearnarai gus n’ thùch air. III. S nur sheall mi air mo ghualainn An tùbh shuas dhiom fo’n stòl-smiuiridh Bha fiadh-bheothach ag gluasad Ann sa chùaich us e ri tionndadh A shùilean an deigh lasadh us Droch ghart air a tighinn dlù dhomh S nur thug mi leum gu teicheadh às Bhuail mo leth-cheann air an ùrlar. IV. Nur dh’ éirich sinn ’s a mhaduinn chaidh An té b’fhaide fiasaig A shealltuinn dha an amharus Ma’n d’aithris mi na briagan [TD 96] S nur dh’fhosgail i an dorus fhuair I sealladh a bha cianail Am beathach grannda lachdunn S e cho fada ri slat iasgaich. V. N sin thuirt am fear bu chalma Mas beathach talmhaidh Criosduil e Ris an teid mise dh’ argumaid Gum arm ach mu dheich miairean Ma gheobh mi greim a’m’ lamhan air Cha gheàrr e leum gu siorruidh S ma chluinnear ann san t-sruth e Gheobh mi’n t-urram tha mi ’g iarraidh. ORAN AN RODAIN. I. Innsidh mi sgial na rodain A thainig a bothag Ruari Fhuair ead aileadh na mine S ann b’ mhò chruinnich iad mu’n cuairt di Cha robh cuip a bh’air an culaobh Nach dìanadh a chuis gu buailtean S uiread mo dhùirn orra ’shodan S mo mhollachd aig an cluasan. II. S dh’aithnichinn rodan Bho-na-Cilleig S iad bu ghile na cuid Chràcow Nur a bhiodh iad gu tric gan nigh S iad a frigheachd air na bàirnich Nur a chunn’ mi iàd a’ tighinn S còlas millidh air na biasdan Thug mi oidhirp air an cunntais Gu’n deach iad a null air ciadan. [TD 97] III. Thainig uisge ma mo shùilean S thionndain mi mo chùl s mi ’g griosad S gun dad agam gus mo theàrnadh Ach an seana-chu bàn gun fhiaclan Dh’ fhalbh mi’n uair sin às a’ liùgail Air mo ghlùinean s air mo chliathaich S nur a chithinn an corc a lubadh Bu tric mo shùil air a fiaradh. IV. Mi toir oidhirp air dhul dhachaigh S gun dad unnam ach am blialum S mi air chrith cho luath ri duilleig Leum mo chuislean mar fhear fiabhruis Gu’m bu diombach mi du Ruaraidh O’n là chuir e’n suas an stor dhuibh ’Dhol a dh’fhàgail min us siùcair An àite gun fiù na còmhladh. V. Tharruing sid ear air astar O’n àite bu chleachd leo còmhnuidh Timchioll iothlainn Tigh-a-Chladaich Far ’m bu phailte bhiodh an t-eòrna Ach nan deanainn-sa sgriobhadh S mi gu’n innseadh anns gach aite Far ’na thug thu’n aitreabh riomhach Meadhon dig agus làthach. VI. S gad a rinn thu’m balla dianach Tha do chliathaich ’na cùis nàire Fiodh air grodadh le na siantan Nur a thuit an sgliat gu làr dhi Seo an t-àite nach robh feumarach Air an spreidh ad a thighinn pailt ann Bha gu leòir ann às an aonuis Dh’ fhair’lich air daoine cur as doibh. [TD 98] VII. Mur biodh ’cata glas ’g an sealg dhuinn Moch us anamoch s meadhon là Bheireadh iad asaibh na sùilean Nan tuiteadh orr’ dùsail cadail S cha dian mis’ guidhe gheur no sgaiteach Dha’n fhear a tharruing sibh dlù dhomh Ach am fear is mò am fiaclan Bhi leìreadh do bhian s tu ruisgte. VIII. S greim a bhidh aig ann an àit’ ort Eadar thu us là ’roimh d’ chùlthaobh Gur mis’ a dhianamh an gàire Nam bithinn slàn ris an iumradh. . . . . . . . . . . S lean cuid eile dha na Bàigh thu Gu’n d’raineadh tu bàt an Uamhais S nur a rannsaich iad s gach ait i S nach d’fhuair iad càil ghabh ’d tuaileasg S chum iad sios ris a chladaich Cho na stad ead sa chaol ghruamach S chaidh an ceann thoirt feadh na h-airde Gu na chur e fàilt air Ruaraidh. MARBHRANN DO DH’ IAIN GOBHA. I. Rinn an teachdaire tighinn Fhuair thu fios gur he ’bh’ann, Bha do lòchran laiste Gun dol as ás a ’ghleann, Ga do threòireachadh dhachaigh Troimh na slochdan a bh’ann S nur a ràineadh tu’n dorus Fhuair thu fosgladh air ball. II. Bhana-chleasaiche bhriagach Athog a sgial ort nach b’fhiù Leis am b’ àill thusa chàradh Miosg nan tràillean sa chùil; [TD 99] Gun tig breith oirr’ o’n Ard-Righ A bheir bàrr air a cliù S a chuid dheth fhathast nach d’thàinig Chì càch e le’n sùil. III. Chì thu’n Gobha a’d’ fhianuis Mar tha’n ghrian ann sna neoil Leis an deise cho sgiamhach S tha e diant’ ann an glòir; Chluinn thu’n t-Athair ag iarraidh Laogh biadht thoir na ’chòir Gus a mharbhadh gu biadh dha Thoir bainne s fion dha ri òl. IV. O! ’sin a fhreagras ise Le guth briste na ’beul; Am faigh mi mathanas idir Ga do dh’ innis mi ’bhreug. S a liùthad té mar bha mise Nach do ruitheadh cho dian A fhuair mathanas peacaidh S i toirt aidmheil na ’gniomh. V. Ach éirigh Britheamh a cheartais— Agus las E ’na ghnuis— “Chaidh an t-àm sin ort seachad, Na bi labhairt na’s mù; Fhuair na maoir bhuam an t-òrdugh Airson an còrachan dlù; Togaibh libh Raon Ac Leòid A dh’ ionnsuidh bròn bho mo shùil.” VI. Mur tig là ort nach d’thàinig Dol a’ làthair Mhic Dhé Crithidh t’ fheòil s bidh do chnàmhan An innis sgàinidh o chéil Nur a chluinn’s tu e’ g ràdhtinn— “An tusa phlàigh! a cheart té Thug do m’ dhearbh leanabh gràsmhor Greis do thamailt s do bhréig?” [TD 100] VII. S théid an t-slochd ort a dhùnadh S cha dùil ri tighinn ás Ach air do thilgeadh gu siorruidh Miosg dhiabhlan am feasd, Meadhon lasraichean siorruidh S mallachd Dhia air do mhuin Sam bi thu cagnadh do dhiolam Ag gul s ag giosgan gun sgur. . . . . . . . . . VIII. Dh’ fhalbh mais an tigh-leughaidh Bho’n chaidh do chré-sa fo’n ùir; Nuair a dh’fhosgladh tu ’m Biobull S tu nach dibreadh luchd-tnù; Bha uchd-éididh na Fìrinn’ Mar sgiath-dhìdein nad shiùil Ga do dhian bho do naimhdean S iad nan camp air do thùbh. IX. Thog thu’n steigh gu daingean Air a charraig nach gluais Gad tha bàrcadh nan tuiltean G iathadh umad mu’n cuairt; Bha do chreidimh sa ládair An aghaidh gàbhaidhean cruaidh Thaobh b’e Criosda ’chlach-oisinn Air na thog thu cho luath. X. S bha thu ’d’ lìghiche feumail Air feadh do ré us do chuairt Do chuirp s do anaman chreutair A rinneadh an reubadh s iad truagh; Bha thu iriosal bàigheil Coineil càirdeil ri sluagh S mor bha ghlòir an Fhir Shaoraidh Ann an aogaisg do shnuagh. [TD 101] CLIU IAIN GHOBHA. I. Bho ’n is fear-foghluim mi air a cheaird-sa Luchd brithimh Gàidhlig na tugaibh beum Air cainnt mhi-fhiughmhor neo-dhìreach lùbte Nach gabh dhomh dlùthadh no cur na chéil: Cha b’ e cion dùrachd a thigeadh rium-sa N àm seinn a chliù-san nam biodh air éis Ach inntinn nadmhorrach us easbhuidh grais oirr Gu ’n teid i cearr ann an cluith nan teud. II. S mo bhilean gràineil neo-thimchioll gheàirrte Gu faic sibh dana dhomh bhi ri cainnt Air cliù na fianuis a dh’ fhalbh o ’n fhion-lios Bu chliùiteach gniomhach am miosg nan crann; Bha eagal diadhaidh às deigh a lionadh Gu ’m biodh a chrionachd n’ ar miosg neo-ghann Bu tric e ’g ùrnuigh ’dol ann an cumhnant Airson ar cùmhnadh* aig cathair gràis. III. An ceistear cliuiteach bu mhor luchd ionndrainn A tha mi ’g iomradh air na mo dhàn Bu lionmhor suil bha gu silteach srùlach An àm do dhunadh ’s a’ chiste chlar; Bu lochran iùil thu da dhuill gun suilean Bhiodh gun tùr air a ghniomh a b’ fhearr A’ ruith gu direach fo ’n t-slighe mhilltich A’ dion nam mìltean o dhiol a bhàis. * Caomhnadh. [TD 102] IV. S o thog thu ’n aidmheil bu lochran laist thu Nach cuireadh fras às la doinionn gheur; Cho fad s a dh’ fhan thu cha ’n fhacas smal ort Ach daonnan laist ann an ruith na réis: A’ dol troimh ’n fhàsach gun eagal namhuid Ach spionnadh gràis ga do chumail treun, S tu ruith gu buaidheach gun easbhudh luathais ort Gu ’n d’ fhuair thu ’n duais a th’ aig pobull Dhé. V. Bu dìleas durachdach dha do ghairm thu Cha b’ ionnan s foirmealaich nan ceann ard Nach b’ urrainn cainnt ach gu mabach manntach Le raige teanga s an ceann cho làn: G iarraidh cus storais dha ’n inntinn fheòlmhor S i ciocrach, neo-ghlan s an taic a ghnàth Air stéidheadh aotrum bhios dhaibh na ’fhaoineis Aig là an caochlaidh nur thig am bàs. VI. Is ann ort a b’ fhuathach luchd fein na h-uaille Bha ’g iarraidh suas gun dhol dha na chrò, Am miosg nan caorach le ’n eàrradh sgaoilte S gu fainicht an gaoid air gach taobh dhe ’n chleòc; Bu tric thu dearbhadh orr’ ga bu shearbh leo e Gu ’m biodh tearbadh ann là a mhòid; Cuid gu oighreachd sam bitheadh an t-aoibhneas Cuid eil’ dha ’n ghoinntir sam bitheadh am bròn. [TD 103] VII. Bha thu ainmeil s gach ceàrn an Alba Mar ghaisgeach calma le d’ chlaidheamh geur Air taobh na còrach a’ sgrios luchd dò-bheairt Bu tric thu comhrag ri luchd mi-bheus: Bhiodh feachd na h-euceairt a’ crith fo d’ éisneachd, An coguis fhéin s i ga ’m bioradh cruaidh Bhiodh fallus drùidhteach a’ sileadh dlùth dhiot Le spàirn ’to’airt cunntais dhoibh air an Uan. VIII. Bha tlachd us ciatachd le aoidh na diadhachd A’ dearrsadh sgiamhach na d’ aghaidh chiùin S bhiodh peacaich gharbha bu ghairge seanachas Le umhlachd leanabail a’ tighinn dhut dlùth; Gur tu bha eudmhor air-son an treuda, Bhiodh faire gheur agad air an cùl, Bu tric thu ’g éigheach an cluas luchd éisdeachd A chungaidh fheumail a dheanadh cùis. IX. B’ e beatha d’ àraich a h-uile Sàbaid Bhi ’g innseadh chàch gu ’n robh ’n t-slighe réidh Gu geat an àrois am faight’ an t-slainte O ’n chraoibh ’tha fàs ann le meas nach tréig: Fo dhuilleach àghmhor gu ’m faighte samhchar O dhoinionn craiteach s o àmhghar gheur, O ruaig an namhaid bh’ air-son an tàrsuinn Le innleachd bàsmhor mar chreach dha féin. [TD 104] X. Do ’n osna ’dhùsgadh o ’n chridhe bhrùideil Air bheagan curaim bu bheag do spéis, O chaidh ol-ungaidh ’chur air do shùilean S nach togta cliù leat air luchd mi-bheus; O ’n bha thu eolach mu ’n t-sionnach lùbach A chuir a chùl riut fo d’ armachd gheur Bha ’n garaidh uaigneach ri d’ linn ’san duthaich, S o ’n dh’ fhalbh thu dhùisg e ri spùill da féin. XI. Bha t’eagal diadhaidh to’airt air na mìltean Air feadh nan sgire gu ’n robh iad balbh, Mar an pheùcag an gath na gréine Le itean eugsamhuil nan iomadh dealbh; Oir bha thu ungte s do fhradharc dùbailt Ag gabhail dlù-bheachd air sligh an ceum S ged thigeadh Iudas le ’phòig a d’ ionnsuidh Gum b’ shuarach thu air droch rùn a mhèinn. XII. Bu lionmhor bacach bha ’deigh a bhacail Le ainneart peacaidh do chum gu ’n tréigt’, A bha thu seoladh gu Loch Shiloaim A chum an comhlachadh aig an Leigh; Leis an fhirinn bu tric thu dearbhadh dhaibh Mar grad fhalbh iad gu ’n teid iad eug, Fo phlàigh na loibhre an là na féirge S nach beireadh *tionchds’ orr’ a dhianamh feum. * Mercy, salvation, saving power. [TD 105] XIII. An àm dhut éirigh ’s a choinnimh urnuigh, An sluagh a’ dùmhlachadh ort mu ’n cuairt, Bu chridhe cruaidh agus inntinn bhrùideil Nach dianamh lùbadh le d’ ghuth san uair: Bu ghaisgeach treun thu gu innseadh sgeul dhoibh Mu chliù na h-éifeachd bha ’m fuil an Uain S air damanadh siorruidh nan gobhair fhiadhaich Air sgeiribh giara dol sios do ’n chuan. XIV. Thainig dorchadas air a cheàrn seo Le mùchadh bàsmhor o ’n rinn thu triall Do thir Emanueil am miosg do bhraithrean S tu ’dianamh gairdeachas ann an Dia; Chum ar tearnadh o chumhachd namhuid S o phian na h-àmhuinn tha loisgeach dian, Bheir air na h-uamharraich gu loisgear suas iad Mar an asbhuaine nur thig a chrioch. XV. Aig là do chriochnachaidh fhuair thu t-iarratus Mar bu mhiann leat taobh thall a bhàis, Gach gealladh fhuair thu ’n tùbh bhos dha ’n uaighe Chaidh dhianamh suas dhut gu daingean slàn; Gath a bhàis chaidh a dhianamh ciùin dhut S an uaigh cha chum i thu ann an sàs; Gu ’n dian thu dùsgadh le glaodh na trompaid Roimh ’n crith gach dùil a chaidh ann san làr. [TD 106] XVI. Thainig Gabriel o na h-àrdaibh Us àithne laidir aic air do thòir, Thubhairt riut gu ’m b’ fheàrr dhut thu rìoghachd àghmhor, Nach goid na mearlaich a steach na d’ chòir; Fhuair thu ’n dìleab s a chulaidh rìoghail S ainm an Righ oirr’ gun smal gun sgleò, Cho buan ri siorruidheachd a tha neo-chriochnach, Us t’aoibhneas siorruidh nach crioch a ghlòir. The following piece has been current in the Lovat country from the beginning of the century. It may have been composed during the last quarter of last century. From the traditional evidence it must have been known prior to Waterloo. The author seems to have been reared in the upper reaches of the Beauly Valley. Strathfarrar, Struy, Aigas, Dounie (i.e., Beaufort), and Bruiach were favourite haunts of his childhood, the abode of his friends. It is lofty, dignified, and full of chaste restraint, with a certain feeling familiar enough in the days of Iain Lom, but not so readily met with in its purity in the period succeeding the ’45. The air is bold and martial, each stanza being sung twice, the second time a little higher than the first. The words are not likely to have been changed; I got them from Mr Donald Maclean, a native of the valley and a neighbour. Like the Piobaire Dall and the Clarsair Dall, he has had the trying misfortune of being bereft of his eye-sight from early days owing to small-pox. From this [TD 107] reason, rendered doubly fitting owing to great inherent natural talent, he was trained in music, so that even now, in old age, he can play the violin, the bagpipes, and sing Gaelic songs—a combination of qualities very rarely united in any one man. He had the words from his mother, who in turn had them from her mother. I have not seen Mr Maclean for some years. He must be now about the three score and ten; he lives alone. Owing to his loss of eye-sight, his sense of touch is preternaturally heightened, as well as his sense of hearing. In spite of occasional pranks that may be played upon him, he never plays after a certain hour on a Saturday evening; he spends a portion of every day in prayer. My wish is that he may live as long as his uncle, who died a few years ago, having reached the age of five score and three. “Guidheam dhut gu bràch thu bhiodh na d’ ioma shlaint ’s na dhéigh sin sonas Mhic Dé a’d’ lorg!” Mr Maclean’s voice was of great range and power, and fitted to cope with the most difficult operatic airs—his repertoire being both rich and varied. I give in consecutive order some of the songs I have learned from him, with notes where such may be necessary. They are generally anonymous, like so many of our Scottish ballads; no famous name is at their head, but they have the genuine breath of the mountains, and are as healthy as the old red pine of Strathglass. Love, NOTE.—The reference in the last three stanzas fits only General Simon Fraser XIX. of Lovat, who died at Downing Street, London, 8th February, 1782, aged 56 He was imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle, 1747; pardoned in 1750; called to the Scottish bar, 1757; served in Canada, 1757-1762; M P. for Inverness-shire, 1761-1782; estates restored, 1774. This Gaelic song was composed between 1750 and 1774. I infer from the style that it was composed by Domhull Gobha Siosal of Strathglass, who also composed a lament on the Siosalach Bàn, who died circa 1793. Both are similar in manner. The Iain of the poem may be John of Knockfin. The poet was not aware of Alex. Fraser (elder brother of Simon of ’45) or any heirs of his being alive then. [TD 108] passion, and beauty are the shades of their immortality:— CAISMEACHD NA H-AIRDE. Trom mo cheum s mi air m’ aineol Ann san tìr-sa dol thairis Dhianainn faoilte ri beannan na h-Airde. ’N àm bhi dìreadh Strath Fhairig S mór b’annsa, Strath Farrar Far nach cunntadh ead bainne na(m) bà ruinn. Gheobhainn iasg agus sithionn Im càis agus gruitheam S bhiodh mo chairdean ga m’ ghuidheadh gu fardoich. A Righ! gu’m b’ ùirneach mo leabaidh Ann am biadh s ann an caidrimh Eadar Struidh Mhor nam bradan us Aigais. Eadar Douni na coille Agus Bruaich an eilich S air mo lamh-sa nach ceileadh ead gràdh orm. Mo chion ort Iain bha suairce Chaoidh cha tabhair mi fuath dhut Aig fheobhas s a fhuair mi thar chàch thu. Beir an t-soiridh null thairis A dh’ionns’ na dùthcha ta thall ud Far an d’fhuair mi ré tamull de m’àireach. Gu muinntir mo chridhe Far nach cluinntear am bruidhinn Nuair a dhianadh ead suidhe san teagh tharluim. S e bu bheus dhaibh mar chleachdamh Ag òl fion dearg ann am pailteas Greis air phìoban tombaca s air manran. [TD 109] S ead gun bhruaidlean gun trioblaid Gun luaidh air a bhiodag Ach a pàidheadh na thigeadh mar bhraithrean. Ach nam b’ àill le Mac Shimi Thighinn a thàmh mar ri chinneadh Air mo làmh-sa nach pillear an dràsd e. Thighinn gu fhonn us gu fhearann. Us gu oighreachd a sheanair Mi-loinn air an fhear leis nach b’àill e. Fhir thug Israel thairis A chruthaich grian agus gealach Cuir an duthaich le ceannas na h-Airde. TUIREADH. Moch sa mhaduinn Diluan Dol a rathad seo shuas Fhuair mi naigheachd a ghluais dhom bròn. Fhuair mi sgeul nach robh binn Gu robh m’ aighear s mo mhiann S e na laighe fodh dhian nam bòrd. Ann an léine chaol fhuar Fodh dhubhar nan stuadh Dh’fhàg siud mise ri fhuasgladh dheòir. Ann an ciste chinn chaoil An deigh a snaidheadh bho’n t-saor S air a sparradh le faobhar òrd. S lionar gruagach bha tinn A’ spionadh cuailein a cinn N àm do thogail dho cill do sheòid. Agus òigear fodh ghruaim N àm rùsgadh dhut uaigh Fhir nach seachnadh an ruaig nan tòir. [TD 110] Fhir a shiubhlas mo cuairt Beir an t-soiridh seo bhuam Dhionns’ an talla ’m bi fuaim a cheòil. Agus innis gun bhreug Gu’m beil mise gun fheum Bho chaidh m’aighear s mo chéill fodh’n fhòd. Bu tu sealgair a gheoidh S a choilich air ghéig Marbhach eala agus féidh agus ròn. Làimh tholladh na béin Mo dhul fodha na gréin Cha b’e’n ainnis bu ré na d’ dhòigh. Ach uisge beatha na(m) pìos Ruma làidir us fìon Se ga chaitheamh gu fial mu d’ bhòrd. Bho nach urra mi féin Gun bhi cur smal air do bheus S ann a ghabhas mo bheul gu fòil. Thig Sir Domhnull bho Shléibht Le chuid oigfhearu treun Thig Mac Cailein na dhéigh s Macleòid. S thig MacCoinnich a nall Bho na h-eileannan thall Chluinnteadh farum na lann s na stròl. S thig Mac Shimi bho’n Aird Na t’ionad gun dàil An leomhann fireachail laidir borb. . . . . . . . . S bho nach urra mi féin Dhul na’s fhaid’ ás do dhéigh Guidheam caidreamh Mhic Dhé ’do lorg. [TD 111] ORAN SUGRAIDH. Cha d’fhuair mi’n raoir cadal Air leabaidh s mi m’ònar Chridhe! cha bhithinn fodh mhulad Far an cluinninn do chomhradh Do bheul binn gasda grinn Labhras gu fìor sheolta S gu’n dianainn riut suairceas Cho uaisle s a b’ eòl dhomh. Bean samhla dha m’ leannan Gur h-ainneamh air feur i Gur gile s gur glain’ i Na canach an t-sléibhe Corp min geal crìdh gun smal S ainneamh bean t-eugaisg Tha thu bhuam s tu mu luaidh Cruaidh orm s mi m’ éigin. Na m’ éiginn a ta mi Bho na thàir mi’n ciad iùl ort Bhean nam bas bàna Dh’fhàs gu nadurrach cliùiteach Gu là luan m’aigne buan Bidh mo bhuan dùil riut S bidh m’aigne gun déigh ort Mur faoid mi do phùsadh. Ged a dhianamh sinn pùsadh Bu chliùiteach ar beusan Cha’n fhaichteadh fodh bhròn sinn Fhud s bu bheò sinn le chéile Ged bhiodh sàradh gun dàil Aig a bhàs fhéin oirnn Bu ghann da mu leònadh S do phòg gun bhi réidh dhomh. Do phòg a bhi réidh dhomh A gheug bho’n ait mànran Dha’m beil a chaol mhala S am broilleach geal bràghaid [TD 112] Gorm do shùil, glan do ghnùis Lùb a chùl àr-bhuidh S tu beul nach gluais fearg na gruaim B’éibhinn bhuat mànran. B’éibhinn bhuat mànran B’e m’àilghios s mo cheòl e Dhut thug mi ’n cion falaich Nach dealaich ri m’ bheò rium N gaol buan thug mi bhuam Se-sa ghluais bròn dhomh S cha d’fhuair mu’n raoir cadal Air leabaidh s mi m’ònar. Cha d’fhuair mi’n raoir cadal Air leabaidh s mi m’ònar Chridhe! cha bhithinn fodh mhulad Far an cluinninn do chomhradh Mhairi ùr nan ciabh dlùth Labhras ciùin bainndidh S ged a shiùbhladh leam na duthchan S neo-lionar dhut samhla. O ghruagaich an leadain Tha feagal ro mhòr orm Ma théid thu do’n chaisteal Gu strac ead s a chòir thu Theid fios gu luath chur ort suas Ghruagach nan t-seomair S ma thig thu fhéin ás gun bheud Tha mi glé dheonach. Chaidh fios gus an t-séisean S gu eildeir an teampuill Gu’n d’robh mise s a nighean A bruidhinn gle ghreannor Cha’n eil fios ’nan ar dithis Co’n cridhe dh’fhàs feallsa Ghabh ise fear eile S tha mise na m’ bhanntraich. [TD 113] An sin freagraidh an nighean agus seinnidh i:— Tha sac air mo chridhe S cha ligh ni chàireadh Cha leighis an leubh e N tig an t-eug bho’n treun Ard-Righ Gu là luan m’aigne buan Cha dual dhomh bhi slàn dheth Oig shuairc a chùil dhuanaich Gur truagh gun bhi làmh riut. Oig-fhear nam mìog-shùil Tha sgrìoban do phòig orm S nam faighinn i fos n-iosal Righ b’éibhinn leam beò thu Gu’m b’annsa do bhrìodal Na ceòl theudan us òrgan S gu’m b’annsa do shùgradh Na’m pùsadh tha’n lorg orm. MO CHRUINNEAG DHONN. Och mar thà mi s mo chridhe trom ’S mi ann san àite nach tog mi fonn Tha m’inntinn cràiteach ag caoidh nan càirdean Ach s bochd a dh’fhàg mi mo chruinneag dhonn. Ni mi gàir agus ni mi gean Saoilidh càch gu bi mi mear Ach nuair a thionndanas mi mo chùlaobh Bidh mo shùilean a siora ghal. Mar chanach sléibh thu nach dual bhi dubh Mar chobhar gle-gheal am bial an t-sruth Mar shneachd air gheugan thig bho na speuran Tha broilleach m’eudail cho geal s an gruth. [TD 114] Gu dé an t-àite no dé an taobh A chuireadh t’ aogasg dhomh air chùl Tha mais a’d’ ghruaidhean a rinn mo bhuaireadh S gach ball mu’n cuairt dut ’toirt buaidh fa leth S deimh an t-àit’ ’m biodh mo ghràdh an cleith Nach gleidhinn fàth air a dhul a steagh Shiùbhlainn fàsaich’, stuchd nan àrd-bheann Chionns’ gu’m fàilticheadh tù mo theagh Bha m’ulaidh s m’eudail air t’aoduinn ghlas S ann air do phògan a gheobhainn blas S mor gu b’annsa bhi riut a’ sùgradh Na bhi pùsd aig an Iarla Ross. Ach nam bithinnsa na mo shaor Dhianàinn long leis a falbhadh gaoth Chuirinn siùil rithe ged b’ann de m’ ghùn ead Bratach ùr dheth mo léine caol. Tha triùir ghàirnealan ann san lios S tha ead an dòchas gu faigh ead mis S ged tha ead gòrach air beagan stòras Le briodal beòil gu na mheall ead mis’ S ioma té chuir mo léine ’m bùrn Us bana-ghrùdair a rinn dom’ leann Agus griasaich a rinn dom’ brògan Bho’n fhuair mi’n còta seo ’n toiseach riamh. S ioma bùth ann sa beil mo sgian Agus bòrd air a beil mo mhias Agus bòsd o na ghabh mi snaoisean S lionar aoduinn a labhair rium. [TD 115] S eol dom fhìn riut nach eol do ’m arm S eol dom coilltean us cragan garbh S eol dom Sgùrrnan tha ’m bun nan srùthan S am badan dlùth ann sa Choille Gharbh*. ORAN Le Mr Siosal còir chaochail ann am Bealadrum, air do’n tritheamh mac dha falbh do na cogaidhean a dh’éirich ri linn Bonipart. Rugadh ann sa Chreidh e, os cionn Eisciadal, Leòr-na-Manach. Fior thoisich an t-Samhraidh Bhuail meall mi bha geur Dh’fhàg muladach mall mi San àm am biodh m’fheum Cha b’e déireadh an Earraich Gad a chailinn a spréidh Dh’fhàg mise fodh smalan Ach carraid an Riogh. Och ochan s mi m’ aonar S mi faoin gun mo chlann Luchd a dhianamh mo shaothair S a shaoradh mo chrann Cha bu ghearan leam dithis Gad a bhiodh ead thall Ach se ràinig mü chridhe Chaidh an’ tritheamh fear ann. Us na dh’ fhalbh bhuainn an toisich Is e bh’ac’ an toil fhein Cha d’fhàg ead na’n déigh Na choisneadh dhaibh beum Ach ’s e dh’falbh bhuainn an gobhainn Fear foghainteach treun S ged bu chosnach gasd e Chuir crois e bho fheum. * In Glen Affric. [TD 116] B’fhear gasd thu gu saothair Nach do smaoinich mi riamh Cha rachadh tu’n taobh ad Nam maireadh do chiall Gu’n a mheall thu mi m’bhalair S gur oil leam gur fhior Chuir siud mise gu carraid Nach lamh mi chur dhiom. Bha cuid air a bhalair Gu’m b’fharasd domh dhiant Nan gabhadh e comhairl Bha’n gnothuich ad diant Gu faighinn-sa duine Agus tuillidh chur sios Es ’dh’fhuireach aig a bhaile ’Toirt an aire air a ghniomh Ach bhòidich e dhuinne Nach fhan’dh e san tìr Nach biodh e fodh sgannal S nach fhuilingeadh e beum Gu’n gabhadh e chunnart Dheth na ghunna s dheth ’ghleus S gu’n coisneadh e’n t-aran Cho fad s a mhaireadh dha fhéin. Och och mar tha mise S beag tha dh’fhios sin aig càch Tha mo chridh air a dhochunn S mi ag osnaich gach là Ghar an diù leam bhi ’g ìnnse Mu mü mhì-ghean do chàch Gu’m beil mulad air m’ ìnntinn Na dh’ fhàg’ gu tinn duine slàn. Tha mo chiabhag air glasag S mi lag leis an aois Bho na dh’fhalbh mo chul-taice S mi ga m’ fhaicinn ro fhaoin Ach nan tigeadh na gillean Mar shirinn bho’n Riogh Gun mhasladh do m’ chinneadh Bhiodh gean orm a chaoidh. [TD 117] Ach dh’fhaodadh siud tachairt Na mairinns’ ri tìm Gu faicinns’ sibh fhathast Na ’n ür laighe ann san tìr Nuair a’s àird oirnn an aisith S ann is fhaisg oirnn an t-sìth S bidh mo dhùil-sa ri ’r faicinn Mur taisgear mi fhìn. ORAN a rinneadh, a réir mar tha e air aithris, le botular a bha aig Mac-an-Tòisich. Bha cion-falaich aig an t-seirbhiseach seo agus aig nighean a mhaighstir air a cheile agus, ma’s fior, rinneadh an t-amhran seo leis a bhotular mas deachaidh a pheanasachadh an Iornis. Thig an samhradh s a futhar Thig a chuthag á Eirinn Thig gach ian a bharraich S ead an tachda ri chéile ’Dhianadh ciùil dhuinn air chrannu Us air bharru nan geugan Ach ’s ann tha mise s mo leannan Sìor teannadh bho chéile. S mairg nach imrich an copan Sùmhail socrach s e dearr-lan Sid a riut nach d’ rinn mise S ann a bhris mi féin bearn ás Aig ro-mhiad na h-uairgnis Rinn deth ’n ionracan mearlach Chuir sid mise gu saothair S tha e daor dha mo chairdean. O! ghruagaich an leadain S mi gu freagradh t’ ordugh Ann an glaice nan creagan S ann am preasu beag bòidheach [TD 118] Aig ro mhiad s thug mi ghaol dut Gun do dhaoine bhi deonach S mi gu laigheadh ri d’thaobha An gleannan caomh nan laogh oga. Fhir a ghabhas a rathad Ghabhas a rathad gu siobhailt Le faoilt agus furan Cum do bhunaid fos n-iosal Aig ro mhiad do churam Dian ùmhlachd dha’n ribhinn S gu’m bi mise ’n trom ghràdh s tu C’è b’e àit’ ann sam bidh thu. Cha teid mi do’n chaisteal Cha bhagair na b’ àbhaist Bidh piob ann bidh fiodhull Bidh trompaid bidh clàrsaich Ciod an ceol tha fodh ’n adhar Nach bidh feitheamh mo ghràdh-sa S truagh a Righ! s gun bhi mar riut Gheug nam meal-shuilean tlàtha. Tha mo mhaighstir priseil Fodh mhì-ghean s fodh ghruaim rium Cha teid mi na choinneamh A chur rutha na ghruaidhean Cha teid mi na choinneamh Cha chuir rutha na ghruaidhean S ann a dh’iarr e le graide Mo ghrad spadadh le luaithe. S mairg nach sealladh riamh Air na mnathan ga bòidheach Mas gabhadh e shrachdadh Cur seachad air posadh Chor tha bhuaidh ad air fad orr’ Bhi gu sochaireach gòrach S e gheobh mise mar thochradh A chroich ar deagh m’fhogradh. S truagh a Righ! nach b’e ’m bàs e Air na trathu gun fhuireach Mas fhacar bean t’eugaisg Nach fhaodar a phosadh [TD 119] Troidh chruinn am brog chumhang Dham bo chubha bhi spòrsail Fodh do chalpannan mìn-gheal Troidh nach ìllsich am feòirnein. Uilleam Og Aberarder Cha tu bàillidh na còrach Nuair a dhiarr thu mu spealtadh Fodh gheaird Ic-an-Tòisich S a dhul timchioll a chabhsair Gun mu chairdean bhi m’ chomhdhail S mòr gu’m b’annsa na fagail Na bhi là air a mhòd sin. ORAN SUGRAIDH. A love song of the days of one of the Georges. The musical accent shows the air to be old. In similar cases Burns, to suit Celtic airs, had to use an end-O for metrical and musical consonance. S gur mise ta na m’ éiginn Gad ’s fheudar dhom’ dheth fhulachdainn Nach urrainn mi dheth leubhadh Mo chreuchdan s mo dhuilichinn Cha nì cha’n òr s cha’n airgiod Chuir san dearmad buileach mi Ach caileag laghach bhòidheach A dh’fhàg fodh bhron s fodh mhulad mi. Tha cùl donn dualach Na chuachagan glé channach ort Do dha shùil ghorma bhoidheach Dà ghruaidh mar ròs ri balla-geal Tha beulan tana sìobhalt Labhras mìn gle channach rium Gu’m b’annsa bhi ga d’ phògadh Na bualadh bhò-le-cailibho. [TD 120] S gur mòr a thug mi spéis dhut Cha thréiginn airson earras e Cha’n fhaca mi bean t’eugaisg Air féille na air ballachan. Dì-dòmhnuich dul do’n t-searmaid S ainmic té bheir barrachd ort An gilead us am bòichead S cha ghòruich bhios air t’aire-sa. Gur math a thig an sìoda Air cìochan mine bhoirionnaich Cha mhiosa thig an cotan N òrdugh ghar an go-foin dha. Thig gùintean stuth dha’n rìbhinn Cho math s thig siod dü dh’iomadh té S cha’n fhaca mi bean t’eugaisg S an t-saoghal fhüd s a dh’imich mi. S na faighinn bho’n stòl phòsd thu Gu cuirinn seòl air aran dut Fhead s leanadh mo dhà dhòrn rium Gu’n gleidhinn lòn gun ghainne dhut. Didòmhnuich dul do’n t-searmoid Cho stoirmeil ri bean baili U! Aig am bidh’n crodh air àilean S na làraichean breith shearrach dhaibh S a nis mu chuir thu d’ chùl rium Gun dùil agam ri d’ bhuineachduinn Thig frasan air mo shùilean Thig tùchan us trom mhulad orm. Mas fheàrr leat fear le airgiod Gu’n chaill mi m’earbsa buileach dhiot Ciad soraidh slàn a’d’ dhéigh-sa Tha’n fhéill cho réidh dha’n chuile fear. S gad tha mi gann dü stòras Bhean liòn an stòp le drama dhuinn Tha airgiod aig Riogh Seòras S e deònach chur mü rathad-sa Aithrisidh mi’n t’òran Glé dheònach dha na caileagan S an té nach gabh me ’m blìadhna. Gu dearbh cha’n ìarr mi’n ath-bhliadhn’ i. [TD 121] FEILL LEOR-NA-MANACH. Bha mi feasgar anamoch S a Mhanachainn air féill Chunna mi’n t-Art meanamach S e seanachas ri té Bha mise air an cùlaobh To’airt aire mhath dha’n t-sùgradh Bha fabhur às a bhùth ann A lùbte fodh sgéth S lionar fleasgach bòidheach Us òigh air an fhéill Gadheadh cha’n ’eil gu leòir ann Chum sòlas dom fhéin Dur raineadh mi’n taigh òsda Bha farum mòr air ceòl ann Gu’n d’aithnich mi Iain Sheòrais A sgròbadh nan teud Bu chridheach aig an danns ead Na bh’ann deth gach seòrs Bu chridheach ead le sùgradh Tionndainn mu’n bhòrd Bu dealasach us faobhurr’ S fallus air an aoduinn Gun òr a bhi ach faoin daibh N àm chaoineadh nam bròg. Gu’n tug sid osann ciùrrt orm Dur dh’ionndrainn mi bhuam Nach fhaca mi mü ghaol Am miosg na bh’ann a shluagh Nach fhaca mi mo ghaol Am miosg na bh’ann a dhaoine Beul seanraich an fhuilt chraobhaich Mar chaoruinn do ghruaidh. S dur rainig ceann an là ead S dur thòisich a phìob Gu daoine chur an òrdugh Gu seòl chur air sìth Bha Gilbeart an Diùc ann Na chaiptean air an tùbh-sa Us Archie air an tùbh ad Lan muirn agus beus. S dur rainig ceann an là ead [TD 122] S a sgaoil ead gu léir Thainig fear le faobhur S mi ’g aoileas leam féin Dh’fharraid e nam b’àill leam Dhul thairis gu’n robh ’n tràth ann S thubhairt mise ris gu’m b’àill Mu bha bàta dhom réidh “Cha’n ’eil mi math air òran S cha’n òigheadar mi Bho nach d’fhuair mi còir Air an òigear dhom fhìn S ann bheir mi thairis m’òran D’an fhear a ni na brògan S ann dh’fhàg mi san taigh òsd ead Ag òl s ann air fìon. S coltach ri rasg calman Falbhan do shùil S i gu corrach colgant Cho gorm ris an driùchd Do bheul tha màthair sìobhalt S do bheachd mar mheachair mhìn-gheal S do theangaidh cha to’air mì-chliu S i binn gu na chiùil. COMHLUADAR SUGRAIDH. Bhean an teagh na biodh spreig ort Their am botul a nuas Dh’ uisge beatha math fearail Air a tharruing dà uair Deoch slàinte mo chaileag Si bu mhath leam bhi luaidh Gu’n òlainn i thairis Gu barrach na cuaich. Bheiti dhonn bhòidheach! ’Falt an ordugh an cìr, Dul na chlachan Di-dòmhnaich Co’s bòidhche na i? [TD 123] Nuair shuidhinns’ mu’ coinneamh N àm chromadh a cinn Cha bhi cuimhn’ air a phearsain Fodh do rasg-shuilean mìn. Mis’ air mo bhuaireadh Sgeula chuala mi’n dé Gu’n d’rinn fear eile do bhuaireadh Airson buaile do spréidh Gur h-e s fhearr le do chàirdean S nach e’s táire leat fhéin S gar a b’fheárr e na’n ròcus Gheobh fear stòrasach spéis. “Ach a ghaoil na toir cluais Do dh’ aon tuaileasg fodh ’n ghréin Chaoidh cha tobhair mi fuath dhut Airson buaile do spréidh Thréiginn m’ athair s mo mhàthair S mo chàirdean gu léir S chuirinn cùl ri fear airgid S leanainn sealgair an fhéidh.” Mas e luigean a’s fheárr leibh A chàramh oirr’ bhréid Dur bhios e-s’ air a chluasag Gun ghluasad gun fheum Dur bhios e-s’ air a chluasag Gun ghluasad gun fheum Gu’m bi mise gu h-uallach S mi ruagadh an fhéidh. A bhradag gun nàire Ars’ a mathair s i leum Chuireadh cùl ri fear fàrdoich Dhianamh stà dhut us feum Aig bheil crodh agus caoirich Air gach taobh dha na bhéinn S a dh’fhalbhag air fuadan Le fear ruagag an fhéidh S truagh nach robh mi s mü ghruagach N áite fuadain leinn féin Gun fhios da dü chàirdean Mas tigeadh càs ort na beud [TD 124] Ann an gorm ghleannan fàsaich Far na ràinig na féidh S ged a thigeadh am fuachd ort Chumainn bhuat e le béin. ORAN AN IASGAIR. A fisherman’s song, the air and sentiment alike being characterised by Highland vivacity and spirit. An cluinn thu mi mo chailin donn Eisd us thoir an aire dhomh Tha moran dheth na bhalair sin Gur òg an leannan dòmhs thu. S gil’ thu na na faoileagan S binn’ thu na na clàrsaichean Mar lilidh ann sa ghàradh thu S gur àilleagan gill’ òg thu. S an uair char sinn a dh’iasgach Cho fad s an t-eilean Sgìtheanach S truagh nach robh na lìn againn Gu’n sgrìobadh sinn na h-òban. Tighinn a stigh à Scàniport Gu’n d’fhalbh na siùil a b’àirde dhinn S cha robh air bòrd ach tàillearan Gu’n tàirneadh ead na ròpan. C’ar son a bhiodh sinn cianail Us sgadan ann sna lìn againn An sgiob s am bàt gu sàbhailte Siud! chailinn, lion an stòp dhuinn. Cha phòitear mi s cha dhrungar mi Ach ga’aidh mi dram an companas Cha toil leam fhìn na spongairean Nach toireadh bonn à’m pòcaid. [TD 125] CUMHA. Le Raoull Domhnullach, Uist a Chinne Deas eadhon, Raoull mac Dho’uill Ic Aonghais Bhàin, Smeclait, mach o theaghlach Ghleannaladail. Thainig a sheanair a dh’ Uidhist fodh thearmud an deis dha biast-dubh (otter) a mharbhadh bh’aig Mac-Ic-Alastair. Do charaid chaidh a bhàthadh an Grianaig. Fhuair mi naigheachd o dh’ fhalbh mi Nach bu mhath leam a dhearbhadh co luath Air an òganach thlachd mhor Nach eil dùil leam ri fhaicinn air chuairt Cha do leag iad thu dhachaigh Rinn iad tuilleadh s do neart a thoirt bhuat S ann air deireadh na slighe A dhéirich a mhiothlamh thruagh. S olc leam osnaich do phàisdean N àm tighinn dhachaigh bho’n bhàl s iad ri bròn Fear nach fhàgadh an cùil iad Bhi na laighe gun dùil ri tighinn òirnn Gun robh beannachd MhicDé leat Gach latha s e feumail gu leòir Ge da dh’ fhalbh thu na d’ phàisd òirnn S ioma peacadh san latharach thig òirnn. Tha do pheathraichean truagh dheth S iad a smaointinn cruaidh e gu leòir Bho’n a chaill iad a tacsa An robh cùram ri ’m faicinn air dòigh Fear a ghabhadh an leisgeul S nach robh gnè dheth ’n lethtrom fodh d’ chòt S tu na d’ shìneadh sna bàighean Leam is duilich bhi ga d’ stiùireadh feadh òib. [TD 126] Chaill do bhràthair a mhisneach Ged a thachair dha ’n trioblaid an òil Cuimhnich, seall air gach taobh dhiot Bhith na d’ fhaire nach fhaod e bhith ’d’ chomhair Fear a bhualadh leat buille S e an àite nach urrainn e dòrn S fheudar suidhe ’n àm caonnaig Bìdh tu tuillidh aig daoine fodh spòig. Gu ’m beil cridhe do mhathar S gur ann umad a dh’ fhàs e na ghual Dh’ fhàg thu faobhar ga tholladh Air gach taobh dheth tha pronnadh gu leòir S e do thurus do Ghrianaig Rinn saod air a lìonadh s i òg Gus an càirear san làr i Cha tog a h-inntinn-sa car ris a cheòl. Gu ’m beil t’ athair gu deurach Cha ’n eil ìoghnadh leam fhein sid an dràsd Dh’ fhalbh gach nì a bh’ air aire Cha ’n eil iomradh air teannadh ri stàth Leig iad h-ugad an graide Gur ann sgaoil iad fodh d’ chasan am bàt’ S rinn an Sassunach t’ eucoir. S cha d’amais thu fhéin air an t-snàmh. Tha iad deurach ga d’ chumhadh Ann sna duthchannan annad gu lìon Anns gach àite robh t’eòlas Bha teisteanas còir air do ghnìomh Bha thu iriosal càirdeal Ris gach duine bu tàileant thu riamh Chionn gu’n robh thu cho bàigheal Thainig cuireadh co luath ort bho Chriost. S luchd thogail na còrach Cha’n eil h-aon ’n diugh mu’n chrò dhiubh ri thràth Na Domhnullaich uile Nuair thàirrnt’ iad bhiodh fuil aca blàth [TD 127] S tric a leig thu dhaibh bruadal Nàm suidhe san uaille measg chàich Gus an deachaidh an sgaoileadh Chuirteadh Sassunn an caonnaig mu d’bhàs. Nam biodh ceartas an Albainn Bhiodh mu t’àmhaich cainb air a bhord Bhiodh an tuagh mu d’ sgòrnan Chaill thu buileach do thròcair s do chiall Ann am miadhon a chaolais Leig e’n triùir ud mu bharraibh nan tonn S mor bha dhiombadh Mhic Dé ort Ged a bhuinnig e fhéin na chaidh sios. CEATHRANNA. [A rinn am BARD ceudna s e bochd.] FONN—Dh’ fhàg thu mi muladach. Mise tha trom airtneulach Sa mhaduinn an àm éirigh A’ smaointeachadh nam fearaibh Feadh a bhaile ri ’n cuid feuma. A’ smaointeachadh nam fearaibh Feadh a bhaile ri ’n cuid feuma Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. A tarruinn ugam dhrogaichean S nach dian dotair feum dhomh Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Mo leigheas aig mo Shlànuighear Bheir dùil do gach feumrach Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. [TD 128] Cha d’ fhuair sibh am Pears-Eaglais domh S mòr m’ eagal s mi gun éisdeachd Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Mi cunntas mo chuid peacannan A mach air streath a chéile Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Gu bheil na rinn mi fhìn dhiubh Aig Mìcheil mhìn ga ’n leughadh Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. S mise seo gun chàirdean Ach pàisdeachan na ’n léinidh Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Mi smaointeachadh mo bhràthar An dràsd a bhiodh e feumail Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Cha bhìdh thu, ghràidh, mu’n cuairt domh Nàm uaigh a chur ri chéile Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. Gur fada bhuam a tà thu Ni càcha an toil fhéin rium Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. S gu ’m beil mi nis gun stòras Cha ’n fheòraich iad fhéin mi Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. [TD 129] Cha tig iad ga mo shealltuinn Na bheil ann diubh s beag an spéis dhiom. Mise seo na m’ shìneadh S nach till iad bho ’n eug mi. ALASTAR TORRAIDH—[TORRIE]. [Leis a BHARD cheudna.] Fhuair thu òrdan an Uidhist— Bha Clann Dòmhuill ann a fuireach— Cuid nan Niallach a rithist Bhi air a shuidheachadh dha: Lamh is grinne ni sgrìobhadh S a labhairt na fìrinne O théid mi dh’ ìnnseadh Gach nì mar a bhà. Tha do nàdur cho uasal, ’s leat beannachd nan tuatha Cha ’n fhaicear ort tuasaid s bu shuarach ort à* Chunna mise dol sìos thu air each bàn nan ceum fiadhaich An cunnart a Chrìosduidh na d’ dhiollaid gu h-àrd. S e cheum nach bu curaidh† ’n àm falbh leis air thuras Air a shrein cha bhiodh cumail ach na spuir ga thoirt dha. Tha mòran a smaointinn foinear do na daoine Bho chuir sibh fodh sgaoileadh luchd saothrach bhàc’ ann. Cha ’n iarrainnsa tuilleadh nam fàgadh sibh Iain Bho dhianainn a ruighinn nur a bhiodh rud gann. * à is Uist pronunciation of e—it, he. † Exhausted; weary. [TD 130] Bha thu coingeis air Gàidhlig’, gu ’m fàgadh tu càsan N àm bruidhne ri Bàillidh ’s tu b’ fheàrr leam bha beò. Bu mhath air ar cùlaobh gu réiteach gach cùis thu Gur mise tha tùrsach s fear ùr aig a bhòrd. S o ’n thainig am Bàillidh nach tuig bhuainn a Ghàidhlig Cha ’n ’eil duine san àite, dha ’n fhaigh càirdeas dad bhuaith Is e’n t-airgiod an tarruinn, bheir i cìs bharr na Gallaibh Gur mise tha galach o dhealaich sibh bhuainn. Och us ochan mar thà mi o chaill mi mo chàirdean Cha ’n urrainn domh àicheadh mar a tha mi fodh bhròn. Mi ri smaointeach nam fearaibh thug le faobhar a mach i Ged thug Mac ic Ailein, òirnn seachad a chòir. Bha sibh ainmeil gu feum ann an Alba s an Eirionn Gu ’n d’ thug sibh Blàr-Léine, a bha reubadh air feòil. S a rithisd air Mor-thir dh’ fhag sibh Siosalaich leòinte Gu ’n do phut Clann an Tòisich gu leòir dhuibh nar còir. Bha thu fiughantach daicheil bu choimh-dheas air snamh thu Air a ghunn’ bha thu àraid, bu tu namhaid an ròin. Nuair a théid e ri d’ shuil-se aig aoduinn an t-siùbhladh Nur a lasas ris t’ fhudar cha tionndaidh e beò. [TD 131] Tha thu cinnteach a’ d’ shealgair, ’s e do ghunna ni marbhadh S e b’ fhiach a bhi falbh leat seach arm gun doigh. Tha e coimh-dheas . . . . . . Is tric a leig thu na gadan dheth na lachan sna h-òib. Do choin feadh na frìotha a falbh agus sgrìob asda Iad gu ’n gearradh an t-sìnteag ag iarraidh ghaoithe le stròn. Ead a faighinn an fhàilidh air na féidh mar a b’ abhuist Nur a chluinnear do làmhaich bhiodh pàirt dhiubh gun deò. DO SGOTH. [Smodail leis a BHARD cheudna.] Dh’ fhalbh gach airtneul a bh’ òirnne nuair a dhòl sinn na trì S e’n deireadh bhuain a bh’ aig Uilleam chuir gu m’ fhulang mi fhìn. Mi ri tomhas a rathaid mi tighinn dachaigh le m’ dhruim Ghabh mi null feadh na pàirc s mi sior chràgnadh a phuill. Thog na daoin air du thòrachd s iàd fo bhròn ann san àm Ead ag radh nach mairionn h-aon a dh’ fhan s a bha ann. Ead ri cunntas gach deifir s gach cuis freasdail a bh’ ann Nach dian urnuigh pears-eaglais dad a sheasamh dhaibh thall. [TD 132] Oran do dh’ fhear Cille-Brìde, Uilleam Mac Ille Mhaoil, a mhuinntir an Eilein Sgiathanaich bha caoimhneil dha ’n t-sluagh an àm teirce mhoir (anno 1847?) leis a bhard cheudna. Tapadh leat Uilleam ic Eoghain Tha thu mòr air fàs a’ d’ nadur Cridhe na féile ga dhùsgadh Bheir mi ’n ionnsuidh seo gun dàil ort. B ’e do mhiann a bhi ri fearann Cha bhi gainne far am bì thu Rinn thu mulainn agus cruachan Chur suas an cille-Bhrìde. Tha mi fhìn a’ sgur mar tha mi Air mo shàrachadh ga ìnnse Tric mi smaointinn ort Uilleam Bu tu ’n curaidh nur a ghluaist thu. Is math thig claidheamh caol chinn astar Oir a ghlaic* s tu dol gu cruadal Is minic a thachradh ri d’ chuid faobhuir Nàm dha d’ ghairdean bhi ga bhualadh. Bha thu Chamaranach gu cinnteach Bha e sgniobht ort a ’s gach lathair . . . . . . . . . . A’d’ uinich às na blàraibh. Ga b’ e dh’ iarradh e na dhùisgeadh Air an tubh ad eile tha thu Tha thu dùbailt ás na Leodaich S thug bith a chòir o d’ mhathair. Thainig teircinn ann san t-samhradh Sinn gun cheannard ann san tìr seo Cha robh feum dhuinn bhi ga ghearain Feadh an fhearainn na bha dhìth oirnn. Nar a chual e gaoir na pàisdean Mar a bha ead feadh na tìre Thug e ’mhin á bùth nan Gallaibh Ceann na beannachd thug á tìnn† sinn. * Uist way of saying, Air do ghlaic. † Teinn. [TD 133] Siud an t-òigear a bha uasal Tha do ghruaidhean dearg us lìonta Cas a shiubhal an t-sléibhe S ann ri feum a bhiodh tu cinnteach. Tha do chaoirich a’s na beannan Tha gach gleannan agad lìonta Bha thu tric air féill an Sasunn Creic s a’ ceannach na bha dhìth ort. ORAN SHEUMAIS MHOIR. [LEIS A BHARD CHEUDNA.] S tric mo smaointean air Seumas Duine foghainteach treubhach a bh’ann Bha ainmeil sna fearainn Bidh iad daonnan ga fharraid sa Fhraing Cha’n eil long thig gun philot S nach dian cuibhleas a th-aoisadh gu crann Nuair a theid thu ga h-ionnsuidh Bheir an sgìobair an stiùir ann ad laimh. Ge do thigeadh am fliùcadh Agus séideadh us sileadh gu h-ard Caitheadh mara gu h-ìseil S i air a ceongal s gach ìrean an sàs Mar tha esan co eòlach Is e a leanadh an t-seòlaid a b’fheàrr Cha téid acair bho guaillionn Gus an éigheadh e—fhuasglaibh sa bhàgh. Làmh dhianamh nan gasgan S a chuibhle s [am] fasgan nam ball Bheir thu gramachadh cruaidh Air gach riof âs nach fuasgail ann ceann S leat an urram ga rìreabh Air gach fear an àm dìreadh do’n chrann Airson eagal no faoineas. Cha bu rud leam le d’ dhaoine bhi ann. Nuair theid thu do Lunnainn Gu cinnteach bidh furan ort ann Gu’m bi ounar gach luinge Gabhail sgeula—se’m buinnig bhitheas ann [TD 134] Cha’n eil aon bhitheas an eiginn Nach toir Seumas à staing Gus am fàgadh tu’n cal’ iad Gu cinnteach le barantas teann. Bü tu pòitear na dibhe San tigh-òsda ’n àm suidh aig an dràm S tu gu’m b’urrainn ga ’riaghladh Cha robh ’n daolaireachd riamh air do laimh Gu’n robh duthchas do chinneadh Tighinn an àird ort—cha b’ioghantach à, Am beagan a dh’fhàg iad Thuit iad uile san latharach a bh’ann. Bü tu iasgair an sgadain S iomadh h-aon leis ’m bu mhath leat bhi ann Eadar Albainn us Eirinn S iad ga d’ fheitbeamh-s—fear-feuma measg bhall N àm bhi tarruing do lionabh S ioma fear bhiodh ga iarruidh “Siud e” S mur a bha thu co fialaidh Dh’fhàgadh beannachd gach Criosduidh iad làn. CUMHA DO DHOMHNULL FOIRBEIS. Sagart a chaochail ann am Bun Ruaidh. Shearmonaich e tri fichead bliadhna agus a dhà eadar Braighe Lochaber s gach àit eile. [Le ALASTAIR MOR, Am Bard Abrach.] Is e’n t-ochd ceud thar a mhìle A dh’fhàg sinn uile fodh mhì-ghean S na h-ochd deug s na tri fichead A thug bhuainn ar misneach S a chuir gu bruaidlean gach sean agus òg. S a chuir gu bruaidlean gach sean agus òg Chaill sinn uile ar misneach An àm dùnadh na ciste ’S iomadh sùil a bha silteach [TD 135] Bha gaoir bhròin measg nan dligheach Bho ’s ann bhuaps’ bha’n ionndraichinn mhòr Bho ’s ann bhuaps’ bha’n ionndraichinn mhòr. Is iomadh neach a bha truagh dheth Dar chaidh a thogail air guaillibh An àm treachladh na h-uaighe Bha sinn uile an cruaidh-chàs Bhi call an saoi bu mhór feum anns gach seòl Bhi call an saoi bu mhór feum anns gach seòl. ’S ann an Cill’-Chaoirill sa Bhràigh Tha an saoi mòr air a chàradh Ann an reilig a chàirdean Na chairtealan geàmhraidh An ciste chumhainn s i druidta fo’n fhòd An ciste chumhainn s i druidta fo’n fhòd. Bha sinn uile trom deurach Thainig sgrios le beum-sléibh oirnn Chaill sinn iteag chùl-sgéithe Bu shàr-bhuachail threud e S e nach cailleadh a spréidh ann sa cheò. S e nach cailleadh a spréidh ann sa cheò. Mar fhear-teagasg bha cliù aig Is òg a dhearbh e sa chùis ad Cha b’ann le brais na le mùiseig A bhiodh esan ’g ar stiùireadh Ach gu foighidneach caoimhneil gun bhòsd Ach gu foighidneach caoimhneil gun bhòsd. Bha sinn uile ’n trom luaidh air Cha d’thug aon neach idir riamh fuath dha S mor an t-ionndraichinn bhuainn e Dor a thigeadh an cruaidh-chàs Bho’n b’e ar cairt-iùil s ar fear-sgeòid. Bho’n b’e ar cairt-iùil s ar fear-sgeòid. [TD 136] S mòr’ bheairn às an dùthaich Fear ’fhogluim s a ghiùlain A bhi bhuainn gu’m b’e diùbhail An àm socrachadh cùis e Bho’n b’e fhéin ar sgiath-chùil anns gach seòl Bho’n b’e fhéin ar sgiath-chùil anns gach seòl. Bha a chomhairle feumail S dhearbh e móran domh fhéin dhith Dor bha mise an éiginn Gun mhacnus gun éibhneas Gun aon neach fo’n ghréin tighinn na m’ chòir Gun aon neach fo’n ghréin tighinn na m’ chòir. Fhad s a dh’ìmich e’n saoghal Bha e taitneach us aoidheil Bha e seasrach us daonntach Gun ghaise gun chlaonadh Ach gu fìùghantach suairce gun bhosd. Ach gu fiùghantach suairce gun bhòsd. An âm tighinn gu aitreabh Bha e caoimhneil us taitneach Cha bhiodh bruaidlein na aigne Ach an uaisle mar chleachd e Bho’n b’e dhùthchas bhi caoimhneil us coir. Bho’n b’e dhūthchas bhi caoimhneil us coir. Bha e measail aig uaislean Bha e iochdar ri truaghain Aig a bhail’ agus bhuaithe Gu ceanalta suairce S e sin an leasan a fhuair e’n tùs oig’. S e sin an leasan a fhuair e’n tùs oig’. [TD 137] Bha e caoimhneil us bàigheil Bha e iochdor us gràsor Bha e cinneadail càirdeil Ro rìoghail na ’nàdur Bha ead ainneamh thug bàrr air s gach seòl Bha ead ainneamh thug bàrr air s gach seòl. Bha sinn uile trom deurach Mar is dual do gach creutair Cha dian mulad bonn feum dhuinn ’S ann bu chòir a bhi éibhinn Chionn s gu’m faic sinn a chéil ann an glòir. Chionn s gu’m faic sinn a chéil ann an glòir. Tha’m bàs mar chìs oirnn uile Air gach neach tha sa chruinne Cha seachain e duine Nach fheum falbh air thurus Nach till gu bràch gus a seas e sa mhòd Nach till gu bràch gus a seas e sa mhòd. Tha bàs mar chìs air gach creutair Dor a dh’fhuilig Mac Dé e Dor a chaidh e a cheusadh A thoirt saorsa gu léir dhuinn Chionn s gu’m bithimid leis fhéin ann an glòir. Chionn s gu’m bithimid leis fhéin ann an glòir. Is còir dhuinn cliù thoirt do Chriosda A dh’fhuasgail ar piantan Dor a phàigh e na fiachan A chaidh oirnne le’r diorrus A chuir clann-daoine gu léir an trom-cheò. A chuir clann-daoine gu léir an trom-cheò. [TD 138] Bithidh mi nis a’ cur crìch air Bho’n tha mi lag ann an inntinn Air bheag fhoghluim gu sgrìobhadh S a chur sìos mar bu mhiann leam Us guidheam sòlas gu siorruidh dha àros. Us guidheam sòlas gu siorruidh dha àros. Is còir dhuinn uile bhi taingeil Gu’n d’thainig na àite Fear fiùghantach gràsmhor Ro rioghail na ’nàdur S tha riaghladh gach cùis mar is còir. S tha riaghladh gach cùis mar is còir. MARBHRANN. Do Mhr Aonghas Mac-Ghill’-Iosa bha iomadh bliadhna na Shagart ’am Bràigh-Lochaber. [Le NIAL STUIBHARD.] Fhuair mi naigheachd air Diluain a dh’fhàg an sluagh na’n càs Ceann na h-Eaglais bhi air deile às a leine bhàin Ar n-Athair-éisteachd o na dh’eug e, cha dian leigh dhuinn stàth O chòin a luaidh! tha ionndrain bhuainn, nach tig e’n uair a bhàis. S ann an diugh tha sinn gun léirsinn, tha ar speuclar bhuainn Dh’fhag siud mollaich air na speuran s air na beanntaibh gruaim ’S beag an t-ioghnadh siud a rìru ’s ann tha’n dìth air sluaigh O’n là dh’fhalbh a sagart prìseil, beul na fìrinn bhuainn. [TD 139] Beannachd lag leat agus làidir, fhir bu bhlàithe gnùis ’S tu thaisbeanadh do chàileachd gu neo-sgàthach dhuinn Air do lionadh leis an Trianaid, ’s e Mac Dhé do stiùir O na chaidh thu ás ar fianuis is cianail sinn ga chionn. Tha ar cridheachan air lionadh, tùrsach, cianail, fann Sinn mar eòin bhig air sliabh ’déis na sgiathan chall O nach faic sinn gnuis na féile air altair Dhé gu bràch Mìle beannachd nan diol-déirce ’dhianamh réidh do chàs. C’àit an cruinnich sinn Di-dómhnuich mar bu chòir do ’n t-sluagh Ceann ar comhairl us ar seòlaidh a chomhnuich ann san uaigh: Is lionar oifig agus ùrnaigh chuir thu duinne suas Nise o na chaidh thu null bhuainn gheobh thu dubailt duais. Tha do chorp an Tom-nan-Aingeal air a thasgaidh bhuainn Agus t’ anam aig do Shlànuighear ann am Pàrais bhuan Dh’ fhàg siud sinne dheth fo phràmh air linne ghlidcheas fuar ’S e do bhàs rib sinn gu làr, is e a ruisg sinn truagh. Is iomadh gal us achdan feumnach tha ’g éirigh ’n diugh sa ghleann Tha na bochdan a sìor éigheach ri Mac Dhé mo’n call Bidh sinn uile troisgeach déirceach, gheibh sin léigh a nall A leighiseas ar n-anma féin seach neach d’an treud a chall. [TD 140] RABHADH MHIC-SHIMI.* Mhic Shimi! mosgail á d’ shuain Eirich suas us cuimhnich d’olc Ma rinn thu dò-bheairt na’s leòir Tha deireadh do sgeòil ’teannadh ort. An aois a ’cur smal air do chéill Is alluidh an dréin a chì mi ort Fear muinntir fhir-mhuinntir Dhé Bhi an talamh breun le mi-thoirt. Na bi cur sàradh air Dia Is fear gun chiall a bheanadh dho S nach fhaodar dol thar a cheart Gur mairionn a neart gach lò. Tha cléireach an t-Sagairt an laimh Is neo-thaingeil siud do’n Phàp Am fear thug roimhe thusa á guais Is dona ’n duais a thug thu dhà. Is iomadh donas us diombuaidh A chunnaic do shluagh riamh ri d’ linn B’e siud an donas gun àgh Chuir sonas gu bràch a’ d’ dhìth. Nis, o chaidh do chiall air chall S gu ’n d’thug thu ball o’n fhear nach còir Faic an léir an leth le d’ rosg Miad an rosaid tha na lorg. Ge uaibhreach thu ’n éirigh do neart Ge buadhail do neart a shealbh Tha bùrn tighinn fothad gun fhios. Is misd’ thu gu’n bhristear air t’ arm. Is misd’ thu MacCailein bhi bhuat Is misd’ thu ’n taobh-tuath gun bhi leat Is misd’ thu gu’n mheall thu do righ Seal mu’n cuimhnich thu do leas. * Lord Lovat’s warning, after John Bàn Keppoch’s M.S. Probably by Father Farquharson (of Strathglass), whose name occurs in the Ossianic controversy, according to the tradition of the Sliochd-An-Taighe family. [TD 141] Ge mùirneach maiseach thu fhéin Ge sùrdach abartach treun Ge teomach sionnach nan cleas Tha tuilleadh s a leas na dhéigh. Tha nathraiche neimhe san fhraoch Nach cuir thu le draoidheachd gu clos Tha tuirc neimhe ri d’ thaobh Feitheamh ri gaoth fhaotuinn ort. Tha fàidheachd a’ tighinn gu teachd Gu’n dianar creach ort us tòir Gu’m faicear do bhuidheann gun cheann Gu’m bidh do chlann nuadh gun treòir. Beag ìoghnadh leam cridhe goirt Bhi gun fhios aig fear do bheus Liuthad mollachd duine bochd Chuir thu fo d’ chois gu d’ eug. Is mairg a dheasaicheadh dhut càisg Na chuireadh ola-bhàis ri d’ chré Na dhéisdeadh d’ fhaosaid gun stàth Mur dian thu faoilt ri grasan Dé. Mhic Shimi! mosgail á d’ shuain Ge fad’ an duain ruigear a ceann Tha m’ fhàisneachdsa tighinn gu dlùth Cha chuir thu air chùl i le cainnt. Chìtear do choluinn gun cheann*. With the above compare the following metrical account of the life of our Lord, which must have been long, as two verses are taken to narrate our Lord’s miracles from Marion Smith, daughter of Patrick Smith, the famed “sgialaiche;” also from Donald Campbell, father of Bard John:— Labhair Acham fàichdeil rium Gad a bha mi ànachdach Air ball bidh slàint air aisig dhut (Mu chlàisneachd us mo threòir). * The piece is here (when Lovat comes to be represented as beheaded) either defective, or it was intentionally left in that condition. What followed was impossible to describe. [TD 142] Thusa ghairm gu h-imeachdach Air crann Esekiel Chuir cnàmh ri cnàimh ri chéile Eadar fhéithean agus fheòil. Nuair chualas ann ’n Ierusalem Gu’n d’rugadh Righ nan Iudhach Chaidh chathair mhor gu ùbraid S bha righ a chrùin fodh bhròn. Air banais Chana Ghalilee Rinn thu ’n gniomh ro annasach De bhùrn ghlan na b-abhuinne Rinn thu’m fion bu dath-te cròic. Cha tainig cruaidh na spàirn ort An uair a dhuisg thu Lasarus Ged thuirt a phiuthar Màrta riut Tha ’bhréin’ air fàs na fheòil. LAOIDH NA BAN-FHIGHICH. The weaveress’s hymn was sung by Mrs Smith, South Boisdale. A woman who had been working at sea-weed came into the house cold and wet. She congratulated the weaveress on her nice and comfortable occupation. “I’ve got my own troubles always working with other people’s goods, and the responsibility is great,” said she, and she sang:— Gur bochd an saibhir sanntach Nach léir leis fhéin a ranntan Nuair théid an ceangal teann air An àm a chur san lic. Nuair théid a chur sa chàrnaich Gur beag an lùths na àbhachd Cho mór s gu’n dion e dh’ fhàgail De dh’ earneis no de chuid. [TD 143] Nuair théid a shùil a dhùnadh Sa chiste chaol nach diùlt ris Nach b’ fheàrr nach beirt bho thùs e Nuair théid a chunntais ris. Cunntais mhór a phianaidh ’S e siud a dh’ fhàgas shios sin Na thichean gu siorruidh B’e sin an niamhair dhubh. B’e sin an niamhar ghrannda Gun eireachdas gun àilleachd S a Dhia s a Righ nan gràsan Dian iochd us fabhar ris. Tha ifrionn searbh le fuarachd Tha i na h-àite duathail S an Tì a rinn ar fuasgladh G’ar cumail bhuaithe sin. Cairdeas agus coibhneas Do’n anam nach do thoill e S a Dhia s a Righ na soillse Gu’n fhoighnichdinn e riut. S bha luchd nan saighdean cealgach Ga d’ iarraidh le’n cuid armaibh S do mhathair fhéin a’ falbh leat Ag iarraidh tearmad dhut. Gu’n ghabh ead ciadan airgid Airson thu fhéin a mharbhadh Tha’n t-aithreachas cho dearbhta S tha’n t-anfhainn ann sa mhur. Gu’n d’ rùisg oir a shléisdean* Do chom ga ’thoirt o chéile Le giùlan a chroinn cheusaidh S do ghuala fhéin ga chur. Bha t’ fhuil a’ falbh na h-allta Us tàirrnean anns gach laimh dhiot Nach truagh an tuigse bh’ann-san San àm bhi ga’n cur. * —air do shéisdean. [TD 144] Nach do sheòl e t’aodunn S tu athair sluagh an t-saoghail Na dh’fhalbh s na thig de dhaoine Bha’m fiamh an aoguis riut. An t-ian a bha sa ghainntir Dh’ éirich e gun taing dhaibh Gu’n ghairm e air an t-slabhruidh Le saighdean Righ nam feart. TUIREAM. Nighean Don à Còrnaig. (Tha do char air an fhonn). Fonn—Mo nighean donn á Còrnaig Gu’n robh thu buidhe bòidheach, Mo nighean donn á Còrnaig. S olc sgeula chuala mi An luan an déigh an Dòmhnaich, Mo nighean donn, &c. Nar chaidh càch dha’n t-searmun Chaidh na sealgairean dha’n mhòintich, Mo nighean donn, &c. Nan robh claidheamh rùisgt agam Gum fiachainn lùths nan dòrn daibh, Mo nighean donn, &c. S mo nighean bhuidhe bhadanach Na cadal air a mhòintich, Mo nighean donn, &c. Gu’n robh do chuaillean slaodadh riut Do léine chaol na stròicean. Mo nighean donn, &c. Gur truagh nach mi bha’n taca riut San lag an robh an dòbheairt, Mo nighean donn, &c. [TD 145] S olc an obair fheasgair leam Bhith deasachadh do thòraidh, Mo nighean donn, &c. S olc an obair mhaidne leam Bhith ’cur nam fear an òrdugh, Mo nighean donn, &c. S an deoch a bha gu d’ bhainnis ’sann Gu t’ fhalairidh a dh’ òladh, Mo nighean donn, &c. Cha tugainn dha na ghobha thu Ge b’ mhiaghalach le òrd e, Mo nigheam donn, &c. Cha tugainn fein dha’n fhìdhleir thu Ge binne e le ’mheòirean, Mo nighean donn, &c. Cha tugainn a ghin idir thu S mi fhìn a ghaoil an tòir ort. Mo nighean donn, &c. Shiùbhlainn fada fada leat Do’n eilean robh mi eòlach, Mo nighean donn, &c. Rachainn do Chinntìre leat S a thìr a bharraich bhòidhich, Mo nighean donn, &c. Shiùbhlainn fada fada leat Gu eilean Locha Lòchaidh, Mo nighean donn, &c, Shiùbhlainn gu ruig Uidhist leat Am buidhicheadh an t-eorna, Mo nighean donn, &c. Is olc an sgeula chuala mi An Luan an deigh an Dòmhnuich, Mo nighean donn, &c. [TD 146] Father Allan Maclean, a nephew of Mr Maclean of Glen Uig, Moidart, was a most capable Gaelic poet; he excelled as a huntsman, and was a fine hand at fishing. This priest was educated in Spain, and learned to speak Spanish like a native. He went to Cape Breton, where he died as priest in 1872. He was a universal favourite, could play the pipes, and was fond of dancing. He composed a number of hunting songs, and songs of every species. Some of these may still be held in memory in Cape Breton. Everybody who knew him praised his talents and his warm generous character; he was unanimously esteemed and allowed the benefit of his qualities. His song in praise of Miss Mary Macrae of Ardintoul proves him to have been a poet of fine genius. ORAN MOLAIDH. LEIS AN URRAMACH AILEIN MACILLEATHAIN. FONN— Ho an clo dubh He an clo dubh Ho an clo dubh S fhearr am breacan. Uidhist ghlas nan cradh-gheach* Tha’n traigh sin fada bho Ailean Gad is iomadh lamhach A dh’fhag e an cois na mara Is aithne dhomh gach àite Bhios grannda ri cur an t-sneachda Is tric a ghabh mi tàmh ann Fodh sgàilean du dh’fhilleadh breacain. * Shell-drakes: cradh-gheadh—strand-goose or strand-drake; ian breac geal s th’n coileach dheth’n t-seorsa breac mu’n mhaich. [TD 147] Gheobh mi gunna sonruichte Air dòigh nur theid mi a Ghlaschu Is fearr na Nic an Tòisich Gad ’s mór a bòsd aig Domhull Sagart. Nur chuirinn ri m’ shùil e Gu fùdar a chur na dheannaibh Bhiodh Ròn Glas a stairirich Stoirm air s e dol gu astar. Mharbh mi’n coileach riabhach An t-ian is briagha ann san ealtuinn S Mairi ghrinn ga spìonadh Gu biadh ’dhianamh dha na sagairt. Mur a biodh am fùdair Air chùl nam peilearan glasa Cha robh h-aon a’s* duthaich Chuireadh smuid ri coileach lachunn. . . . . . . . . ORAN. LEIS AN URRAMACH AILEIN MACILLEATHAIN, Do Mhiss Caimbeul, piuthar do Mhr Caimbeul, Sagart stuama suairce a dheug ann an Dalibrog, Uidhist a Chinne-Deas, November, 1893. FONN— Nighean donn a chotan duibh Nam faotuinn shuidhinn cuide riut Nighean donn a chotan duibh Nam faotuinn shuidhinn lamh riut. Nam bu bhàrd a thàireadh iùl mi Sheinninn dàn s gu’m b’àrd mo chliù ort Na nighean Barain na Diùca Tha suidh an cùirt na Banrighinn. * —ann sa duthaich. [TD 148] Chuireamaid seachad gach gruaman S dh’ innseamaid le seorsa duanag Ribhinn òg bha’m Bòrnish fhuarach S mór luaidh s gach aite. Cha’n eil fear aig a bheil oighreachd Eadar Manainn s Baile-Staoile Nach bi farraid dhiom le caoimhneas Maighdinn na sùl blàtha. Do chuailean craobhach daonnan maiseach N’an ciabh òr-bhuidh an ordugh beachdt Mala chaol fo’n caog an rasga S gruaidh mar dhearcag fàsach. Ta do ghruaidhean mar na ròsan Ruiteach dearg air dealbh an neoinein Ta do dheud gu réidh-gheal comhnard S boidheach leam an càradh. Ciochan bàn-gheal lan dü bhuadhan Sioda blàth cur sgàil mu’n cuairt daibh Slios mar eala bhàn nan stuadha Air bharr nan cuantan carr-gheal. Calpa lionta mìn-gheal sunnta Le ceol fidhle piob no siùnnsar Troidh is fìnealta ni tionndadh Grad air urlar clàraidh. Fhuair thu buaidh bu dual bho Dhiarmud Leanaidh pairt gu bràch ri d’ iargin* Cridhe blàth fodh àilleachd chioch A rinn gach ciall a thàladh. * —posterity, fr prep iar and gin to beget. [TD 149] ORAN MOLAIDH A RINNEADH MAR DHUAIS, LEIS AN URRAMACH AILEIN MACILLEATHAIN, Do mhaighdinn òg, Mairi Macrath, Ardintoul, mu choinneamh Lochaibhs, a thug dha lein’-aifrinn. Tha seudan luachmhor an grunnd nan cuantan Nach deach a bhuannachd le luasgadh thonn S tha geug nam buadhan le fear nach cualas An diugh na m’ thuarmsa mas buaidh dha m’ fhonn. A Mhairi aoidheil nach tig thu’n taobh-sa Le d’ chuailean craobhach na ’m maoth thlà donn A leug nan caoin-bhasan, do ghruaidh mar chaorunn S do shlios mar fhaoilinn air aoduinn thonn. S tu shiol nan àrmunn thog buaidh sna blàraibh O Chrò Chinntàil, inid thàmh nan sonn Bu chlis sa bhàta s a bhristeadh charr-gheal, Is tric a shàraich iad lan damh donn. Tu shiol nan sealgaire a b’fhearr bha’n Albainn A chleachd mar armachd an earr-chul donn S a bhristeadh targaid air slinnean meanamach, Fir-iasgaich shàile, fir-fhalbh nan tonn. Gad sheinn gach Salmadair breac le tailmrich Air chorra-mheuran s an earr-ghlas lom ’S tu choisinn cliù le d’ chuid luinneag siùbhlach S a chuir glas-chiùil air an siùnnsar crom. Is fallain nadur na stuic o’n d’fhàs thu Ta buaidh na slainte fodh bhlath ad chom Mar lili bhàn air an lochan chàrra Us fiamh a ghair oirr’ air barr nan tonn. [TD 150] Do cheum is fhìnealta theid san ridhle Le ceol na fìdhle is misle pong Gach aon a chì thu am barail chìnnteach Gur imeachd sìthe cluith ghrinn do bhonn. Cha luaidh mi ainme do phearsa dhealbhaich Mu’n dùisg mi farmad us fearg ro throm Ged chuir do cheutadh Diana euchdach Ag altrum eud riut fodh sgeith nan tonn. Do bhuadhan nadur’ cha’n fhaodar aireamh Le caogad bardaibh an dàn le fonn Cha tuig thu t’àilleachd gu ruig thu’n sgàthan S mo shoraidh slan le d’ chul fainneach donn. ORAN NA GRIUTHRAICH. LEIS AN URRAMACH AILEAN MACILLEATHAIN. Fonn—Och us och us mo dhóruinn Tuigidh móran mo ghalar Trom us tùrsach na d’ dhéigh mi Ghnùis na féile s na glaine. Nur a bha mi ann san Iochdar Dh’fhàs mi bochd le coltas fiabhruis Dh’fhairich mi saighead a’m chliathaich Mar gu’m bi iarunn ga’ shàthadh. Oir mo laimhse Mhic do sheanair Gad a fhuair thu mi sa leabaidh Gheobh sin sgadan a Loch Carron Dh’fhàgas sinn gu fallain làidir. Nur a bheir mi dhiom an fhiasag Bunnan móra fada riabhach Cho fad ri ìnean cait fhiadhaich Bheireadh ead am biadh á bairnich. [TD 151] Nam biodh agam gunna dùbailt Paidhir fhlask s adharc fhùdair Dhianainn ïaladh air mo ghlùinean S chuirinn smùid mü chul a chràdh-gheadh. Leagainn urchair ri bhi smearail Dheanadh tarneineach us torrunn Dhuisgeadh creagan agus clachan Us crith air fearann Chlann-Rà’ill. Dh’eirich mi gu moch Diciadaoin Cha mi mach a dhianamh ïaladh Thuit mi air mo thaobh sa lionaidh Air mo bhialü s air mo chraigean.* . . . . . . . . Gad tha mise seo na m’ ghlagair Is e mo chasan chuid a’s airde. ORAN. Le Aonghus Donullach, Sagairt am Barraidh, nuair a bha lionnadh (i.e., leannachadh) air s a chaidh a leigheas leis an Dotar Leòdach. Dà mhios dhiag agus ràthaich Bho’n thàrmuich an cnap A fhuair mise fo m’ mheòirean Ann an còs air an asnaidh Ged a bha e gun chràdh Gu’n robh e fas mar an rainich S cha’n eil fhios ciod de’n t-aobhar Chuir mo thaobhs air an alt sin. * Crògan. [Father Angus Macdonald died in Rome in 1833 as Rector of the Scotch College. He was of the Mac-ic-Ailein (Clanranald) family, and was born in Eigg. “Laoidh A Phurgadair” is said to be by him. I need not give it here as it has been printed in Father Allan Macdonald’s Comhchruinneachadh de Laoidhean Spioradail (Oban: Hugh Macdonald, “Oban Times” Buildings, Esplanade, 1893), pages 27-31]. [TD 152] Ged a bha mì san tigh-òsda Cha d’fhuair mi dorna na bat’ ann S cha robh mi air an dòirich Chuireadh taoim ann am phearsainn Cha do thuit mi air garbhlach Ann an anmoch na mochthrath Cha mhua thachair mi’n tuasaid Dhianamh tuaireap na lochd dhomh. Nuair a dh’fhairich mo nàdur Gur fliodh a dh’fhàsadh an cais e Ge do bha e gun chràdhadh S e’n tì gu’n sàruichte m’ aisnean: Gu’n robh cunnart no dhà A bhi ga àrach na b’fhaide Ge do dhiante mo riasladh Is e sgriob an iarruinn as fhasa. S gur e’n cnap tha mi ’g ràitinn Thog a lance ghabh beachd air; Thug e sgrìob air gach taobh dheth S a mheoirean sgaoilte ga ’fhaicinn Chuir e null e mu’n fraighe Thug sùid an airde le gradadh Leig e’n comhair a chùil e S thug faobhur ùr e bho’n asnaidh. Gun d’ fhosgail feadannan siùbhlach Nuair a dhlùthaich an sgian ris Chraosgaoil sionnsar fo’n asnaich S a cheann air stad ann sa chliathaich Dh’fhalbh sput as bha sàmhach Chaidh an àirde le fiaradh Us thainig buaidh a bha cradh-dhearg E ruith gur làr s gun e fiaradh. Gun d’fhuair an lighich air sealladh Mus d’rainig boinne dheth ’n t-ùrlar Bha dual aige na ’laimh Ann san àite chaidh spùt as Thug fear-freasdail da snaithle A chaidh chàradh gu dluth ris Sgaoil am bogha ann am briosgadh Us chaidh bhristeadh an ùpraid. [TD 153] Chaidh an lot ud a dhùnadh S an craicionn dlùth a chur fairis Chaidh na plaistir an òrdan Leis an ordag bha daingean Fo’n chrios a bha null air Gabhail lùbadh us tarruinn S e falbh seachad gu boidheach Anns gach dòigh am biodh bannadh. Gu’n robh meall air an deili Us bu déistinn an sealladh Gu’n robh meòirean air fhiaradh Chnaipean fiaraidh air bhealaich Gur ioma h-aon ann de’n t-seorsa Le cion foghluim us aithne An àite cobhar g’an slainte Bidh gu cràiteach ga ghearain Thainig ’sin lighich á tuath dhuinn Bha sgileil suairce gu beachdail Bha measail aig uaislean Thaobh a ghluasad s a bheachda Gur ioma h-aon tha san tìr seo Bha diugh ’crionadh fo leacan Tha gu eireachdail laidir Gniomh do làimh agus t’fhacal. S gu’m dhiubh sin a bha’n Leòdach Gu’n d’fhuair e fòghlum us aithne Gu’n robh laimh air a dhearbhadh Us ainm anns gach fearann Gu’n d’rinn e’n t-saothair ud cinnteach Gur fad a bhios mi na’ anfhiach Mur dian mi ga d’ phaigheadh Guidheam grasan dha t’anam. [TD 154] ORAN DO MHAC NEILL BHARRAIDH RI LINN COGADH NAPOLEAIN. LE MR AONGHUS CEUDNA. S thàin naigheachd gu’r n-ionnsuidh Dh’fhag sinn uile fodh chùram san àm Mu thigearna na dùthcha Bhi ’n Cath Waterloo s bu mhor call Far robh suinn na Roinn-Eòrpa N deigh tarruinn an òrdan gu strì Is lionar curaidh a leònadh Agus mìli gun deò a dh’fhan shìos. Chaidh tu a rioghachd na Spàinte Far robh neart aig an nàmhuid gu leòir A h-uile latha bha blàr ann Fhuair thu’n urram ged bha thu ro òg Dhearbh thu spionnadh a Ghàidheil Claidheamh mór de chruaidh stàilinn na d’ dhòrn S thug thu mach a bhuaidh-làrach Is lionar corp bha san àrfhaich gun deò Nam beanadh dhut luaidhe S tu thuiteam an cruadal a bhlàir Is lionar neach bhiodh ga d’ionndrainn S a shileadh an suilean gu làr Is iomadh baintighearna riomhach Bhiodh duilich gu dìlinn a’ d’ dhéigh Leis am b’ fheairrd’ thu ri d’ phòsadh No ged bheirte an Roinn Eòrpa dhaibh fhéin. Thainig litir á Sasunn Gu’n robh Poni air ais ann san Fhraing Gu’n robh Ludhais na ’éiginn Gu’n robh ’chuideachadh feumail san àm Chaidh do chur ann san trùpa Gu bhi mar ris an Diùca bha thall S fhuair an Corsican glaodhadh S theich a ghràisg mar a dh’fhaod iad bho’n chall. [TD 155] Bu tu mhaighdinn ri t’ fhaicinn Is tu laoch sa chath nach robh crion Bu tu mhisneach an cruadal Nach critheadh ’n àm gluasad san t-strìth Mar bha ’chreag bha san fhairge Seasamh daingean romh gharg bhristeadh thonn Seasuidh tusa romh d’ nàmhuid Doirtidh fuil air do dhearnaibh s do lann. Nur a reachadh tu na d’ éideadh S a chiteadh na dhéigh thu am blàr Cha bhiodh sùil ach a dh’aon taobh Gabhail beachd ort le iognadh gun tàmh Bhiodh na h-uinneagan lìonta S iad a sealltuinn sios ort air straid Bheil do leithid fodh Sheòras Ann am pearsaidh am boichead na’m blàth? CUMHA DO CHOIRNEIL MACNEILL. LE MR AONGHUS CIANDA. An raoir a chuala mi’n naigheachd A dh’fhag gun aighear gun sunnd mi Gu’n robh Ruaraidh na laighe S e gun umhail dha ’dhùthaich A’s a chrann air a chàradh An deigh na tàirnean ga dhlùthadh Is e thu dh’ fhalbh a Shasunn A dh’fhàg fodh airteal do mhùinntir. Mìle marbhaisg’ an t-saoghal Is e tha caochlaideach carrach Gur a lionaire chùrsa Na’m maduinn-driuchd air an talamh An neach bha’n dé ann an sólas An diugh gu brònach ga ghearain Gun leag a chuibhle gu làr e An dé bhi’n àird ann an sealladh. [TD 156] Gur e mo thruaighse am bannal An diugh gad sgaradh bho d’ dhùthaich Sior chur sios air do bheusan Ghnùis na féile ga d’ ionndrainn Us cha b’ioghnadh dhaibh-p fhéin sin Bu tu ’n tréis air an cùlaobh S tu nach fhaic’dh ead an éiginn Fann no feumnach le diùbhail. Nuair a thigeadh an ganntar Na daoine fann le cion spéird S nach b’ionnan s an sanntach Nach dian sealltuinn do’n treud sin Is ann a theirte ri d’ bhàillidh: Na biodh fàilinn no éis orr’ Na biodh caomhaineadh a’m’ phoca S air a leòir dha’n dian feum dheth. Is liònar banntrach tha d’fhearann Tha’n diugh ag gearain gu deurach Nach fhaic iad thu’m Barraidh A Righ! bu mhathasach d’fheum daibh Nam biodh dilleachdan falamh Is tu gu’n sealladh gu léir orr’ S bu bheag an cùram dha’n gheamhradh S Mac-Néill na cheann air an treud sin. Is lìonar neach th’ann na d’ dhùthaich Tha’n diugh fodh chùram ga chall sin Is ann dhiubh Domhnull ri ghradhtinn Tha ’Vatersai thall dhuinn Chaill e unnad a bhrathair Chaill e chàirdeas us annsachd Bu tu uair agus fhortan Bu tu olc agus ànnradh. Is beag an t-ioghnadh do phiuthar Bhi gu dubhach trom deurach Mar ris’ teaghlach ac uile Bhi’n cumhadh mu d’ dheighinn Gu’m onair le Diùc i Cho dlùth dhut ri h-iarraidh Le d’fhoghlum s le d’ ghliocas S leis an tuigse thug Dia dhut. [TD 157] An àm bhi cunntais a mhàil dhut B’e bhi baigheil du chleachdadh ’S tu nach maoidheadh a bhàrlinn Air fear-anraidh na dreapadh Ged nach dianta dhut peaghadh B’ann leis càirdeas us fasgadh Mar ri còmhnuidh dha phàisdean Gun bhi ’rainich le acras. Fhuair thu dearbhadh s gach àite As na tharruinn ead iùl ort Eadar Albainn us Sasunn S na b’fhaide na chunntais Ann an riaghladh an airgid Bha thu ainmeil sa chùis ad Mar an seobhag san ealtuinn Bha thu dearct’ anns gach dùthaich. Fhuair thu dearbhadh s gach aite Thu bhi cairdeil us déirceil Thu bhi iriosal bàigheal S gu h-àraid ri feumnach Nam biodh dìblidh fodh annradh Us t’ fhàrdrach ri cheile Tha mo dhùil as an Ard-righ Gu’n du phaigh e ga réir thu. A dol an coinneamh do namhuid Cha bu sgàthach oir ’each thu S tu toirt seachad an ordain Mar bu chòir do cheann-feachda Nur a chitheadh thu’n t’àm ann B’e bhi ann do chleachdadh S b’e mo thruaigh do’n phairt sin Sheasadh dàna romh d’phearsain. Is mor mo chruadal mu’n mhaidsear Thu’n drasd air a leònadh Leis an t-saighead a chràidh thu Bho’n a dh’fhàg e fodh’n fhòd thu Cha b’ìoghnadh dha fhéin sin Is tu nach treigeadh ri bheo e Bha sibh càirdeach dha chéile Mar ri speis agus eolas. [TD 158] Mar a bha ort-s gach ceutadh Bha thu treunmhor us neartor Bha thu deas dealbhach S tu gun chearba ri t’fhaicinn Bha thu blasd ann ad sheanchus Bha thu ainmeil an eachdraidh Bha do libhirt ga réir sin S tu neo-bhonnail a’ d’ fhacal. A Ruaraidh òg dhut mo dhurachd-s Glac an stiùir us dian feum dhut Mar cheann-cinnidh dian cliù dhi Mar a bu dùthchas do’n tréibh sin; Seachain obairt na h-oige Na bi stròghail am mì-sta Fhuair thu’n t’aran gun bhearna Cum e glan s na dian diochuimhn. ORAN DO MHAC NEILL. LE MR AONGHUS CIANDA. Tha mi fodh mhì-ghean Ag iarraidh fearainn domh fhìn air an tuath Is ann a dhòrduicheadh glìb dhomh Gus mo chreideas s mi fhìn chumail suas S mur a b’urrainn mi phaigheadh Bidh mi ag guidhe air mo Shlanuighear gu cruaidh Do mhac a bhi ’d’ àite Ann am Barrai an àigh mar bu dual. Is ann a fhuair thu bho d’ nàdur Cridhe foinneadail blàthsor ro mhór; Gabh bho t’athair an samhladh Thug e seachad s gach àm air a chòir * Mh pronounced like w in Englisli “cow;” oir ’each—air t’each; ioghnadh pronounced iounadh; libhirt—heritage; neo-bhonnail—neo-bhorrail, i.e., not swaggering. [TD 159] Bi na d’ thacsa g’an bhantraich Diana’ ’n dilleachdan fann a chur suas Taisbein iochd-san do’n dìblidh, Gheobh thu ’mios rinn do shinnsearachd buan. Is fada muinntir fo chùram Tha liunn-dubh orra drùghadh gach là Ach bheir misneachd us dùthchas Dhut bhi daonnan air thus ann sa bhlàr: Ma tha’n t-sìth sin cho truagh dheth S gun tobhair ead bhuainn thu gun dàil Bidh sinn uile fodh mhì-ghean Ma tha’n naigheachd ad cinnteach a thàin’. Thainig naigheachd bho Shasunn Thug dhuinn furtachd bho’n t-sacsa an dé Gu bheil sgeul air tighinn dachaigh Gu’m beil Ruari gun dad air gun bheud Las ar cridhean le sólas Fhuair fallain o’n dóruinn a bha’nn Thu thighinn thugainne sabhailt Gu d’ chuideachd s gu d’ chàirdean a nall. Tha leam dul air a chunntais Is ceann fìn’ thu le cliù thar Cloinn Nìll Is iad n’an treubh ann san duthaich S nach eil fios co’n taobh as an tìr Treubh tha fialaidh mu’n chùinneadh Treubh bha macanta mùirnte s gach nì Treubh iriseal cliùiteach A sheasadh gun tionndadh an Rìgh. TURUS NEILL A MHIONNLAIDH. Air tighinn bharr Galldachd Do Niall san àm sin Bhios daoine trang s iad Buan an eorna. S a bhean s a chlann aig Air thuar bhi caillte Gun bhiadh gun annlann Gun deoch gun mhòine; [TD 160] Och, och, mar tha mi Us mi na m’ aonar Dol romh na caoil far A’ robh mi eolach. Ged ’s moch a dh’fhalbh mi Gun bhiadh gun ùrnuigh ’Se thug mo thùr asam Sugh an eòrna. A null mu Shanndraigh S a’ ghaoth cho gann domh Ghrad leum an crann mach A’ broinn na geolaidh. S mar bi Sgeir Linis Bha mise millte S ged fhuair mi innte Bha m’ inntinn brònach. An uair a dhìr mi Os cionn na stuadhach ’S ann theap mo chluasan Bhi air am bodhradh. S na sgairbh ag éigheach Gur ann a dh’eug mi S nach fhad gu’m feumainn Bhi air mo ròsladh. Nam faighinn innse Dha’n t-sagart ghaolach Gur e an daorach Thug orm seoladh. Bhiodh m’inntinn aotrun S bhiodh m’ anam saor us Chaoidh cha taoghainn Na taighean òsda. Bha Eoghain Stiubhard Fodh mhoran cùram S e ann an dùil gur E bh’ annam bòcan. [TD 161] Bha mise tùrsach Mi air mo ghluinean A’ gabhail m’ urnuigh (’S ann domh bu chòir sin.) Bha Iain Ruadh Fodh urrad gruaimein Gu’n sheas a ghruag air A cheann mar chònusg. Us Mac-an-t-Shaoir s e Gun stad ag glaodhaich ’Ne duine saoghalta No an e an ròn thu? Tha Dòmhull Eoghainn Na dhuine tùrail S e fhein a stiùireadh Ged tha o leointe. Us bithidh e ’dùrdal S a’ lòin* ga chiùrradh Ach dearbh co dhiu(bh) ’S math ’rinn e’n t-òran. LATHA NAN TRI-RIGHREAN. Fhuaras an duan seo am measg paipearean Mhr Alastair Gillies, Sagart a bh’ann an Eilean Eige. Air dhuinn bhi là ’sa bheinn-sheilg An oidhche a’ teachd ’oirnn le smal Chunnacas reul a b’àillidh snuadh A’ teachd a nuas o’n airde ’n ear Thog Coibhi nan ciabh liath a cheann A’ lùbadh a ghlùin sios gu grad— “Eisdibh ri sgial tha ro bhinn S ar Slanuighear nise ar teachd.” * siataig. [TD 162] Labhair an t-seann draoidh gu h-ard— “O moladh do dh’ard rìgh na flath A tha ’taisbean dhuinn mo Dhia na’ gràs Mar thubhairt na fàidhean bho shean; Imich a Righ na’ geur lann Tho(bh)airt aoraidh do righ na’ flath Imich s thoir leat-sa righ Eirinn S righ Shasunn nach géill sa chath.” “’S ro-aoibhneach leam-sa do chainnt” Thubhairt Treunmor a b’àillidh snuadh Mar fhuaim sruth uaibhreach nam beann Ghluais e romh’n ghleann fodh chruaidh Shiubhail na righrean gun dàil Thar sàile le’n longaibh luath S an rionnag daonnan ’g an stiuireadh Bho chùrsa na h-airde tuatha: Mar thorc ciar air chruaich nam beann Chuala Herod mu theachd nan rìghrean, Gu gruamach, dorcha gun fhialachd Bha’n t-Iudhach ag iarraidh tuasaid. Mar ghluaiseas sruth uaibhreach nam beann Ghluais Treunmor air thùs nam fear Mar dharach ard nan gleann Sheas Righ na h-Alba ri ’shleagh; Mar bheum-sleàgh ’teachd bho’n ghleann A spionadh leis gach craobh us creag Mar sin a bha gluasad nan righrean A’ dol sios thun a chath. “Fosadh,” thubhairt Herod le oillt, “Air comhrag nan lann s nan sleagh Ma thainig sibhse mar chàirdean Thigibh gun dàil thun na cuirme.” Ghluais na righrean na’n oraich Ghluais Treunmor gun sgath gun fhiamh Sgiath bhallach an crochadh ri thaobh A chlogaid air taobh a chinn. [TD 163] Ràinig iad aitreabh an righ Gun ghuth air strì no air comhrag An t-slige dol trice mu’n cuairt Dh’aom oidhche gu luath le sòlas. ’Sa mhaduinn nuair dh’ìmich na righrean* S a dh’fhàg iad tigh mor a choisridh Chunnaic iad le fior thoilinntinn An rionnag a’ teachd na’n comhdhail. Fhuair iad òigh bu mhothar snuadh An tigh fuar gun sgath gun dian Righ nam feartan air a glùn A’ ghnùis a’ dealradh mar ghrian. Thuit na deoir bho righ nan lann ’Toirt aoraidh do Righ nan Righrean An òigh toirt dhaibh mìle taing Le aoibhneas s le mor thoilinntinn. MARBHRANN. A rinneadh le sagart ann am Mòrar Ic Shimi air d’a dhà bhrathair fhéin agus an duine aig a phiuthar bhith air am bàthadh. Is duilich leam a nochd Iain Ghranndaich Gu’n chaill thu ’chlann a b’fheàrr beus Theirinn fhéin gu’m biomaid taingeil Mur a biodh ’ad ann le chéil; Seo a bhliadhna liath romh ’n àm thu Dh’fhàg i mall us trom na d’ cheum thu Cha’n eil ioghnadh thu bhith ann Gur mor tha ’chall a measg nan ceud ort. Ach ma dh’fhalbh sibh air an turus Gun tilleadh tuilleadh gu ur càirdean Dianaibh sibhse galar fulainn Masa h-urra sibh o’r nàdur * Cf Relicto aulae strepitu iterum vidunt stellam. [TD 164] Marbh-phaisg air an t-saoghal uile Cha’n eil duine ri bhith tàmh ann Ach mar thilgeadh craobh a duilleach Mise ’n diugh us tusa ’màireach. Ach Alasdair Bhàin a charaid ’S fhada leam a tha thu’n iochdar ’S òg a bha thu na mo thaice Is carthannach a bha mi riamh ort Bha thu siobhalta ri t’fhaicinn O ’se ’chleachd thu’n àite miothlachd Cha bu mhac thu mar an t-athair Nam biodh atharrachadh fiamh ort. Oigear a chloinn Ic-Leoid thu Ged nach b’ agam-s’ aithne dhlùth ort Ged nach robh mi umad eolach ’Se na b-eolaich bheir an cliù ort; Mac an athar nach robh comhstrach Fhuair e ’leoir s bu mhòr an dìubhail Chuir e am fear eil’ fo’n fhòid dhiubh S cha robh sid cho mòr ri ionndrainn. Nam b’e stoirm a dhian’dh ur mealladh Cha bhiodh a ghearain cho mòr dhibh Na ain-neart am miadhon mara Ach ’s ann a chailleadh na fir eolach S ’ad a’ tighinn ri cois a’ chladaich Iad tighinn dachaigh bharr a vòge (voyage) Gur e “Seillear” dubh a chala S i na h-astar oidhche Dhònuich. Us tha Ann’ gu tùrsach galach Cha’n eil ioghnadh mar a tha i S i bhi cumhadh fear an taighe A deagh chaidreamh s a deagh bhrathair Nuair a dh’éireas i sa mhaduinn Bithidh a’ leabaidh lom fàs Mar gu’n rachadh sgian na ’cridhe Bidh i mar sin fad’ a làithean. [TD 165] Tha Anna gu tùrsach truagh dheth A gruaidhean gu silteach siubhlach I ri cumhadh na bheil buaithe Measg an t-sluaigh bu mhor a h-ionndrainn An Dia a thug dhut ’se thug bhuat ’ad Ni e fuasgladh anns gach cùis dhut Ach ’s duilich leam am bàs a fhuair ’ad Sgrios a chuain s an uaigh ga’ dùnadh. Bho Mhairi nighean Thormoid ic Ille-Mhaoil, Tigh an t-sagairt, Erisgai, 10 December, 1892. ORAN AN AMADAIN BHOIDHICH. Tha e air aithris gur e mac ministear a bh’ann, a mhuinntir Ghearrloch s gu’n do ghabh e gaol air banarach ’athar. Cha robh am ministear ro thoileach air seo. Coma co dhiubh chuir e a mhac do’n Oilthigh s chaidh na litrichean a bha e ’cur chuice a cheapadh. Là dhe na lathaichibh chaidh innseadh dhi gu’n d’fhuair e’m bàs ann an tigh-eiridinn. Ghabh i gus an leabaidh s cha d’éirich i tuillidh. Air dhàsan bhi air tilleadh dhachaidh co choinnich e mu’n phàirc, treis bho’n tigh, ach searbhant agus dh’fharraid e dhi ciamar bha bhanarach. “Oh,” ors ise “nach cuala tu fhéin mar tha?” Na dheighidh seo chaidh e s laigh e air an uaigh aice; bha e a caoidh s ri bròn ro mhór s a réir mar a chuala mise chaidh e cho mór bho ’aire fhéin s gu’n robh e ag itheadh an fhiair a bha fàs os cionn na h-ùrach. Thàinig ’athair an sin s ghabh e dha leis an t-stréin. Se buil a bh’ann gu’n do thréig a chiall e s bhiodh e air uairean na shlaod an sid s an seo mar neach gun mhoineid. Ged bha e air dul bho [TD 166] ’reusan bha e siubhal na duthcha—gu math trice gun aodach. Fhuaras e na laigh air là fuar sneachdaidh air taobh shìos na Manachainn, mas math mo chuimhne, s gun air de chòmhdach ach caob de sheol luinge agus sin fhéin air reothadh air. Chaidh adhlaiceadh an cladh Chille Chriosd faisg air Blàr an Uird. Is e’n t-amadan bòidheach bh’aig an t-sluagh air s theireadh cuid ris an t-amadan rùisgt. Tha mi ’dianamh dheth gu’n do chaochail e bho chionn còrr agus leth-chiad bliadhna. FONN—Cha chadal, cha chadal Cha chadal s cha tàmh S mi bhi smaointinn mo leannain Ribhinn thairis chiùin thlàth. Seo a bhliadhna ’chuir ás domh S thug a falt ’bhàrr mo chinn A chuid nach eil deth air glasadh A’ falbh na shad leis a ghaoith. Tha mo shuilean a’ sileadh Cheart cho mire ri allt Tha mo bheul ar fàs tioram S tha mo chridhe air fàs fann. Tha osach throm air mo chridhe Nach tog fiodhull na pìob Bho’n là dhealaich mo leannan Rium air cladach Port Rìgh. NOTE.—According to information got by the Rev. A. Maclean-Sinclair from Malcolm Maclean, a native of Snizort, the authorship was as follows:—“Malcolm Maclean, son of Angus Maclean, mason, a native of the parish of Snizort, came to this country in 1858. He is quite an intelligent man, and knows a good deal about Gaelic songs. He called at the Manse recently and got questioned about Oran an Amadain Bhoidhich. I got the following information from him:—Angus Matheson, son of William Matheson, of the parish of Portree, Skye, was the author of the song which is ascribed in The ‘Highland News’ to the Amadan Boidheach. He composed it about the year 1828 for a young girl named Nicholson, who emigrated to America at the time. He died in decline [TD 167] Is diom(b)ach mis’ air mo chàirdean S air mo phàrantan féin Nach do leig ead dhomhs’ phòsadh An ribhinn òg a b’fheàrr beus. Tha gach aon diubh ag ràdhtinn Fhir gun nàire gun chéill Is ann a thoill thu do shràcadh Ann san làraich le stréin. Innsidh mise mu m’ leannan— Gruaidh thana dhearg’ mar ’n ròs Suil ghorm fodh chaol mhala Slios mar eal’ air an lòn. Beul is binne na teudan Falt na chleitein de’n òr Calpa cruinn a cheum eutrom A thogadh m’ éislein s mo bhròn. Is truagh nach robh mi s mo leannan Urrad fad’ ann sa bheinn Ann an lagan beag soilleir Far ’m biodh an coileach a’ seinn. Gun duine bhi faisg oirnn Far a faiceadh ead sinn Ach mise s an òigh s o! Righ bu shòlasach sinn. Dhianainn treobhadh a stearrach S chuirinn gearran an crann Ghleidhinn seòl dhut air aran Ged tha’m beartas air chall. the following year. The first verse is, ‘So a bhliadhna chuir as domh,’ &c. The second is as follows:— “Cha dean lighich’ bonn feum’ dhomh “Dad fo ’n ghrein ach aon ni, “Bho nach fhaicinn mo cheud ghaol, “’S mi call mo cheille dha dith. “The third verse is, ‘Tha mo shuilean air sileadh.’ &c., and the fourth, ‘Chaidh m’ astar am maillead,’ &c. The fifth verse is as follows:— “Tha mo shuilean gun leìrsinn, “’S gach ball do reir sin gun chli, “Bho ’n la ’dhealaich mo leannan “Rium air cladach Port Righ. [TD 168] Bheirinn fiadh dhut á fàsach Thogainn amhran le fonn S gu stiùirinn am bàta Air mór àirdead nan tonn. Ged bhiodh agam do stòras Na bheil a dh’òr aig an Rìgh B’fheàrr bhi comhla ri m’ Sheònaid Ann an seomar leinn fhìn. Dh’fhuaighinn balt dhut ri brògan Bileach boidheach s cho teann Gheobhainn corc dhut us eòrna Cha bhiodh do stòras-sa gann. Och nan och! mo chùis-mhulaid Mu nì nach urrainn mi ìnns’ Laigh sachd air mo chridh Nach tog fiodhull na pìob. Us an cadal an cadal Cha’n eil an cadal an dàn O nach fhaic mi mo leannan An rìbhinn thairis chiùin thlàth. Cha dian lighich bonn feum dhomh No sugh fodh ’n ghréin ach ’t-aon nì Mi bhi ’faicinn mo cheud-ghradh S mi ’call mo chéill air a tì. A dà ghruaidh mar an caorunn A slios mar fhaoilinn air chàrn Is e bhi sealltuinn na t’aoduinn A bheireadh, ’ghaoil, dhomh mo shlaint “In the sixteenth verse, which should be the eleventh for ‘Laìgh sac air mo chridhe’ read ‘Tha sac trom air mo chridhe.’” Certainly several variants exist—all of them sufficient to show that a real basis of fact lay behind. The pure fact it may not be possible now to recover. In the Lovat country it was attributed to the Amadan Ruisgt, who was found dead near Beauly from 30-50 years ago. Possibly his song had a few stanzas of his own added to Matheson’s original; possibly vicê versâ. The notes of grief in the first four and in the last eight stanzas are at any rate very touching. Romance has touched the rest. Sinclair’s Oranaiche, p. 191, gives another version. [TD 169] Tha mo shùilean air sileadh Cheart cho mire ri allt Tha mo bheul air fàs tioram S tha mo bhil air fàs mall. Chaidh m’astar am mailled S chaidh mo mhisneachd air chall Is truagh nach d’chuir sibh mi’n tasgaidh Ann sa chlachan ud thall. Mo shùilean nis sileadh Mo chridh air fàs fann Chaill mo chasan an coiseachd S tha mo cheuman air chall. Och! an cadal cha chadal Cha chadal s cha tàmh Mi bhi smaointinn mo leannain An rìbhinn thairis chiùin thlàth. CUMHA. DO NIGHEAN ALASDAIR NIGHEAN AONGHUIS IC IAIN LEIS A BHARD CHIANDA. Gur a mis’ tha fodh mhulad Mi ri ionndrainn mo chruinneig gun tàmh Rinn thu falbh uainn an uiridh Air a bhàt ann an cuideachadh chàich Cha robh sinne gad’ ionndrainn S tu ri tighinn g’ar n-ionnsuidh gun dàil Is truagh aRigh! mar a thachair Rinn an nà(mh)ud thu ’ghlacadh ’am bàs. ’Se thu dh’fhalbh s gun thu thilleadh Chuir an t-saighead na m’ chridhe cho luath Dh’fhàg e m’ inntinn gu tùrsach Dh’fhàg snigh mo shùl air mo ghruaidh Bho’n a chaidhe do chairea(mh) Ann an ciste chaol chlàraich san uaigh Far nach cluinn thu mo chomhradh Gad tha mis umad brònach gach uair. [TD 170] ’Se bhi smaointinn cho tric ort Dh’fhàg mo chridhe fodh mhulad s fodh bhron Dh’fhàg e m’ aignidh-sa dùdlach Is tric a’ sileadh o m’ shuilean na deoir Ann am chadal s am dhùsgadh Bidh mi smaointinn gu dlù oir a dhoigh* Is truagh nach mise bha làmh riut Far an deachaidh do chàireamh fodh’n fhòd. S fhuair sinn sgeul far an aisig Nach robh éibhinn na taitneach san àm Thusa fhéin ga d’ chàradh S tu gun Bheurla na Gàidhlig na d’ cheann— Comas freagairt na amaisidh Na do litir a sgriobhadh le peann— Sin an naigheachd a leòn mi Sgeul do bhàis a thoirt dhomhsa romh’n àm. S gad a thug am bàs uainn thu Cha’n e sin tha ga m’ ghualadh gu trang Tha e daonnan mu’n cuairt oirnn Cha’n eil saod air tighinn bhuaith aig an àm ’Se dh’fhàg m’inntinne tùrsach Agus snigh’ air mo shùilean mar allt A bhi smaointinn gu dlù air Thu bhi ’d’ shìneadh an dùthaich nan Gall. Ach ’se bhi taingeil ar cuid-ne S gu bheil an t-àm-s a’ tighinn uile oirnn dlù Sinn gun aithne gun léirsinn Mar an leananiaid fhéin ar ceann-iùil Bheir dhuinn fradharc us fòghlum Air na ni’chean tha còir a thoirt dhuinn Cha dian airgiod no òir Mura cuir sinn san Tròcair ar dùil. * air do dhòigh. [TD 171] EOLAS AN DEIDIDH. Chunnaic mi Tàbhart (sic!) ’Siubhal air beanntaichean Nabot A chnei(mh) na ’dheud Gun tuigse na ’bheul Dhianag leigheas dha ’dheud Ach tha mise ga d’ leigheas An ainm Mhic Dhé [An t-ainm.] Is e seo an t-eòlas bha aig Iain Macillineain (“An Lùb”) nach maireann airson an déididh. Dh’ionnsuich e an t-eòlas seo bho chionn còrr agus ceithir fichead bliadhna sa deich bho fhìor sheana bhoirionnach aig taobh Loch Monar, mar a bha e air a chleachdadh, na ’barailse, bho làithean an t-Soisgeil. A réir a beachd-sa bha e ri chreidsinn gu’n do leighis an Slànuighear a chnai(mh). Bha’n duine seo ainmeil airson casgadh an déididh s bhiodh e ’toir biorain seachad a rachadh a chur san fhiacail. Nuair bha e sireadh a bhiorain bha e ga(bh)ail an Duain. “Mas e a bhiast tha sa chnai(mh)” os es “ni mi do leigheas.” Sgriobh mi na focail bho Padruig Stiubhart. ORAN. Nach b’fheàrr leat mi bhi agad Na mac breabadair beo? Ghar an dianainn dhut fighe Bhiog sithionn mu d’bhòrd. Gu’m biog fuil an daimh chabraich Ruith ri altan do mheòir. Is e do nighean-sa ‘Dhonnchaidh Chuir an truime-cheist mhór òirnn. [TD 172] Air an d’fhàs an cùl dualach Bho ’gualainn gu ’bròg. Air an d’fhàs an cùl bachlach S a dhreach mar an t-òr. Cha b’e dìreadh na bruthaich Chuir mo shiubhal gu leòin. Na teas an là ghréine Gad a dh’éirich i òirnn. Ach cur us cathadh fodh m’fheusaig S nach léir dhom mo bhròg. Dé cha léir dhom nis faisg dhom Fiù bhata na’m dhòrn. Ged a cheannaich mi’n buideal Cha’n fhaigh mi cuideachd ni òl. Mur tig buaichaill an t-seasgaich[?]. Mach ’n àm fheasgair mu’n t-Sròin. Se mo bhuideal gach lodan Se mo chopan mo bhròg. Se mo thu(bh)ailt mo bhreacan Se na leacan mo bhòrd. Se mo theagh mór na beanna Se gach cragan s gach scòrr. Treis air mhucagan fàsaich Treis air fàsgadh nan dòrn. Greis air smeòraich dhubh dhrisean S treis air bhristeadh nan cnò. S truagh nach robh mi s tu ’ghaolach Ann san aonach ’m bi’n ceò. Ann am bùthag bhig bharraich Gun bhi mar-ríum ach t’fheòil. [TD 173] Mur biog ruagairean beag leinidh A cheileadh sid òirnn. Nam faighinn cead na frìthu Bho’n Riogh s bho’n Iarl Og. Gu’m biog* fuil an daimh chabraich ’Sileadh fala feadh feòir. ORAN. Se dhùisgeadh grad a’m’ shuain mi Am bruadar an raoir Cha chadal domh ach smuaintean Bho’n dh’fhuaraich do chraoidhe Mo rìbhinn òg nan dualach Toir fuath dhom(h) gun ao(bh)ur Grad imich us gabh truas dhiom Bho’n fhuair thu mo ghaol. Nach mairg mi thug mo ghaol dhut Ged thaobhaich thu mì Nach mairg mi thug mo ghaol dhut S gu faotainn cead dhì Cha’n eil agam stòras Cha leòir leat-sa mì Ach ’s fheudar dhomh bhi beo Gar am posadh tu mì. Gad gheobhainns’ na bheil aig Righ Seòras Làn stòras us nì Gad gheobhainn e bho Sheòras Làn chòir air dhomh fhìn Gad b’oighre air an Diùc mi Mar chrùn air an Righ S tu dhianainn a phùsadh Mar diùltadh tu mì. * biodh. [TD 174] Tha m’ aigne(g) trom fo éislein Mo chreuchdan ro mhór Mo chridhe cha dian éirigh Gad dh’ éistinn ri ceòl Ma chuir thu rium do chùlaobh S gu’n dhiùlt thu dhom do phòg Cha toir mi ri mo shaoghal Mo ghaol do bhean òg. Tha mi trom fo ghruaimein S fo ghruaimein uile tinn Gaol thoir dha na ghruagach S fuath thoir dha chinn Ma bheir fear eile bhuam thu Nach truagh leat-sa mì Nach b’ fheàrr a bhi san uaighe Gu là Luan na bhi dhìth. Mar lilidh thu gun mhórchuis Gur boidhch’ thu na càch Le d’ chùl bachlach bòidheach Sian òir air gu ’bhàrr Mo ghaol-s’ an rìbhinn òg A dh’fhas comhraideach tlàth S nan gealladh tu mo phosadh Thiginn beò bho na bhàs. Ise:— “A fhleasgaich òg gabh truas rium S mi’n cruaidh chàs ro mhór Grad imich air do smuaintean Mu’m buainear dhom fód Oir ’s léir a bhlàth air m’ aoduinn Bhi daonndan ri bròn Gus an cuir na saoir mi An caol chiste bhòrd. Cha tug mi gaol do dh’ airgiod S cha tug mi gaol do dh’ òr Cha tug mi gaol do shìoda S cha mhu thug mi ’shròl [TD 175] Cha tug mi gaol do dh’ fhìon-dearg Go lionadh gach stòp S ann thug mi gaol dha’n rìbhinn Tha daondan a’m’ chòir. Is comhairl’ bheirinn air òigear S cha ghòraichide i Gun ’shùil a chur san òg-mhnaoi Air bhòichead dam bì Ged labhradh i gu ciùin riut Cum dùinte do chridhe Gu ’m b’ fheàrr nach d’ chuir thu d’ shùil innt Mar lùbar leat i. ORAN. [Le MACCURACHDAL (MacQuorkadale) a mhuinntir Cinntàil]. Mi air ionndrainn a ghaisgich ’Dh’ fhalbh shràid Bhaile Chaisteil an tuim Dh’ fhàg sid luasgan air m’ aigne(g) Us iomrall air cadal na h-oidhch’; Ma chailleadh tu, Aonghais Bheir sin trois air bhi ’g iomradh do loinn Gur h-e dh’ fhàg muladach m’ inntinn Bhi gad shireadh feadh fhritheannu choill. Is mòr an t-ionndrainn san dùthaich Gu’n chailleag am fiùran deas òg Sàr ceannard na fine Clann ic Mhaolain gad shireadh s tu beò Tha MacCurrachdal duilich Bha’n dh’ fhalbh thu ’m balloon nan sgiath Air an astair nach pill thu Ghabh thu seachad as cionn Loch nan Ian. [TD 176] Gha(bh) thu ’rathad a b’ àird Gus a faiceadh tu c’àit a robh ’ghrian Gur h-e tilleadh a b’ fheàrr leat Nuair dh’ fhairich thu gàilich nan nial Cas shiubhal an fhirich Is sealgair a gheòidh air an t-snàmh Maille ri ianlu us lachdu B’e do mhiann bhi g’an caitheamh le d’ làmh. Fiodh do chist bhi ga shàthag S daoin uaisle bhi fàsgag nan dorn S dü leannan gun éiridh Gus an d’ fhuaras ort sgeula bho’n chrò Bha t’ athair ag éigheach Ri ianlan nan speur do thoir beò Is truagh a ghaoil nach robh mise An ciste chaol nan trì slisu fo ’n fhóid. Sin labhair an duin’ bha gu h-àrd ris:— Co às a thainig an sonn Tha’n urrainn mise do phaidheag Bho’n tha mis’ agus m’ àrdaich car lom Bha mi roimhe ga gearrag S tha mi nise ga faireadh gu trom Mü leabaidh air rò-bheag dion oirr’ Fodh shileag nam miar aig a bonn. Labhair Aonghus gu sùghar Ma chreiceas tu ’chraobh bitheas tu pàidht Bha mi fada ga d’ shireadh S chuir thu éis air mo phiseach gubràch S mas àit e ’m bheil aoibhneas Leigear mis’ seal oidhche na t’ àit. Aonghuis ladurn gun nàire Gu dé thug thu ’m’ fhàrdaiche riamh Nur bhiog thu a balair A chraobh le cuid barrach a bhuain A chraobh mhaireas gu siorruidh A’s a ghealach chum fianuis do’n t-sluagh. [TD 177] Ach labhair Aonghus an gaisgeach:— Cha’n fhàg maoidheag mi gealtach an dràsd Cha ghabh m’ inntinn-s’ bonn lapan Fhead sa mhaireas mo hatchag a’m’ làimh Thusa ’bhodaich th’ air liathag Us mise na’m’ dhiomhanach treun Théid do chrochadh ri miar dhi S bi ’chraobh cho (fo?) mo riaghladh-sa réist. Sin dh’ éirich na suinn na’n seasamh Gu dhul san eadraig fa léth Gus na thòisich an t-sabaid Cha robh seann duine ’g agairt na réit Ach nuair tharruinn e ’ghàirdean Is ann dh’ ìmich Mac Mhaoilinn sna speur Sid mar sguir tha mi ’m beachd Ceanna-fìnid na h-eachtraidh gu léir. CUMHA LE IAIN MAC DHONILL IC IAIN BHAIN DO NIGHEAN AONGHAIS IC RAONILL AN ERISGA SA BHLIADHNA 1877. S mi leam fhìn air an tulaich Tha mo smaointean air iomadach dòigh Gad a leiginn ri càch e Cha teid aon ac’ am fabhar mo sgeòil O’n a thainig am bàs O fear gun tiomadh gun fhàbhar na’s mò ’S mis’ fhaodadh a ghradhtinn Gu’n do chaill mi do mhanran gle òg. Thug thu Fhlòraidh do chùl rium Dh’fhàg sin mise gu tùrsach fodh bhròn Chaidh mo cheum ann an truimeid S mi fo éislein air caochladh sheòl Dh’fhalbh mo shunnd s mo dhibhersain Mi gu’n sùgradh gun aighear gun cheòl Bho’n a dh’fhal’chadh an ùir thu S chaidh smàl air an t-sùil nach eil beò. [TD 178] S gu bheil m’inntinne tùrsach Is tric a’ sileadh o m’ shùilean na deòir Tha mi sgìth ga chur seachad Tha iàd daonnan a tachairt am chòir S nach eil aon air an talamh Ris am faod mi mo ghearain na’s mò O’n tha’n aon té nach mairionn Air a sìneadh sa chlachan fo’n fhòd. Nach b’e gruthrach na dunach Nuair thainig i thugainn dha’n tir Thug i bearn as ar cuideachd ’S mor an àireamh a bhuinnig i ’n chill Fear nach d’fhalbh le a mhathair Gu bheil a phiuthar na bhrathair ga dhìth ’Ad na’n sìneadh san Tàlann* Far an lionar ri’n àireamh na suinn. Bi(dh) mi smaointinn gach là Air na dh’ fhàgadh gun tachdsa ri ’linn Gad nach aithn’ dho(mh)s’ uil’ ead Tha ’ad lionar a’ fulang sa’ caoidh Nuair a chluinn’as mi ’m màireach Maighister Ailean ag àireamh a’ ruinn Bidh mo chridhe ga fhàsgadh Gad a thiarainn an t-Ard Riogh mi fhìn. Thainig galar an taobh-sa Dh’fhàgas cridheachan brùite gu bràch Ris an can sinn a ghruthrach ’S ann a thainig i dhuinne mar phlàigh Ach gad a tha sinn ag ionndrain N’eil† a dhìth air ar cunntais an dràsd A Fear thug bhuainn ead ga ionnsuidh ’Se bheir leasachadh dhùinne n’ar càs. * —after Father Hallinan, an Irish Missionary. † —na bheil. [TD 179] EALAIDH. LE HUISTEAN DONN SIOSAL. I. Is ann an Uisdein tha mùirn nan gruagach Mo chreach smo dhiùbhail ma bheir ead bhuam thu An taigh an t-sùgraidh bi’s ead ga t’ ionndrain S gur math do chliù far am bi na h-uaislean. II. Is math thig fàbhar fos cionn do ghruaige Osan sgàrlaid mu d’ chalpa cuimseach Do phaidheir gharstan s an sìoda pailt ann S do bhrògan dathte s cha bhitheag a chuaig orr’. III. De! cha’n ìoghnadh ged bhitheag thu’d’ ghealtair S tu shliochd nam mór shluagh dha’m bitheag am pailteas Taigh Chùldaochail nan daoine gasda, Spuir ’snam bòtan, stròl ’s nam bratach. IV. A mach a dh’Eirionn nuair dh’éireadh buaireadh Bi’s tu-sa fhéin ann gu treubhach buadhach Le d’ chlaidhean geur-lannach air do chruachainn Is lionar ceud-fhear us ceud a bhuail thu. V. Dur thig am Frangach n nall us frachd (feachd) aig Gu’n teid Righ Seòras ga thilleadh dhachaigh Bi’s tusa ’n tràth sin air cheann breatallion S gur mór do chàil a bhi stigh sa bhaiteal. [TD 180] VI. Ma cha thu bhuainne air chuan a Shasuinn Gu ma fallain sunndach a gheobh thu’n t-aiseag Dheagh bheul na rùnachd dh’ fhàg m’ìnntinn tùrsach Gur mór an diùbhail mar pill thu dhachaidh VII. Is iomadh té a thug spéis do shuaircean Le aghaidh bheusach, sùil-eud nan gruagach Bidh òr na h-Eiphit air guaillu m’ eudail S a bhreacan féilidh mar éideadh guaill air. IAIN GHLINNE CUAICH. Ach Iain Ghlinne Cuaich Fear do choltais cha dual da fàs Do chùl bachlach nam buadh Air a phleatadh mu’n cuairt gu bhàrr; Beir an t-soiridh seo bhuam Dh’ionns’ an fhleasgaich is uaisle dreach Air na bhuilich mi m’ ghaol S a chuir saighead an aoig fo m’chneas. Ghaoil, nach cuimhn’ leat an là A bha sinn san àth leinn féin Is tu nach dianadh, ghaoil, m’ àicheadh Nam bithinn-s’ san àm ga d’ réir Ach c’uim bhithinn-s’ fo ghruaim Ged tha mi san uair gun chéill A chaora bhi slàn S am madadh bhi làn d’a réir Cha tug mise mo spéis Do dh’ fhear eil’ tha fo’n ghréin ach thu S cha toir as do dhéigh Gus an càirear mi’ n céis tha dùint; Ach Iain s a ghaoil Ce mar chuir thu mi faoin air chùl Gun chuimhn’ air a ghaol Thug sinne mar aon an tùs. [TD 181] Cha b’e doire gun diù As na bhuainear a fiùran àrd Slat na choille thiugh dhlùth Air a lùbadh le mios gu làr Is e do phearsa dheas ghrinn Dha’n tug mise mo ghaol thar chàch Cha ’n eil cron ort ri inns O mhullach do chinn gu d’ shàil. Slat dhe’n chraoibh a b’ àillt As a ghàradh am biodh na h-eòin S cha be umaidh nan Gall Dha’n do chrom mi mo cheann co mòr Far am biodh ’n t-a(bh)ull fo bhlàth Sa ghàradh am biodh na seòid S cha b’e crionach nan crann Dha’n tug mise mo ghaol s mi òg. Is iomad maighdinn ghlan òg Thig le furan a’d’ chòir air stràid Ged tha m’fhorstan-s’ cho cruaidh S gu’n d’ thug mi dhut luaidh thar chàch Ach an trian chuid de d’ chliù Cha chuir mise an céill an tràths, Gun eòlas as ùr Gus am fiosraich mi thu ni’s fheàrr. B’e miann mo dhà shùl Bhi ’coimhead gu lù a’ d’ dhéigh S gu’ m b’ airidh mo rùin-s’ Air bean-oighre a chrùin fo sgéith. . . . . . . . Bha mi uair s cha do shaoil Gu’m bithinn cho faoin mi féin S gu’n tugainn mo ghaol Do dh’fhear a choimhdeadh cho faoin a’m’ dhéigh. Ach ’se beus do gach aon De mhnathan an t-saoghail gu léir Bhi ga ’m mealladh araon Le sgeulachdan faoin a béul. [TD 182] Cha d’thug mise mo ghaol Air dhòigh s gu’m faod mi chleth Cha b’e’n giullan bochd truagh Ris na tharruinn mi suas mar fhear; Ach an t-òigear deas ùr Cas a dhireadh nan stùc-bheann bras, Dhianadh fuil air an driùchd Leis a ghunna nach diùlt an t-srad. Ach Iain a ghaoil Nach truagh leat mi mar a tha Liuthad là agus uair Chuir thu’n céill gu’m bu bhuan do ghràdh Ma rinn mi ni suarach No ma choisinn mi t’fhuath no t’fhearg Mo bheannachd ad dhéigh Fiach an gléidh thu dhut féin ni’s fheàrr. Nis imich thusa mar ’s àill Dh’ionns an té dha’m beil gràdh agad fhéin Ach mas e mise ta’n dàn Cha’n fhaigh téile gu bràch mo bhréid S ce mar bhithinn fo bhròn S a liuthad fear òg as mo dhéigh Nach cunntadh an t-òr ’Chur a cheannach mo bhròg gu féill. Ma dh’fhaoidte nach buin an ceathramh a leanas do’n amhran seo do bhrìgh s nach ann air an aon dòigh a tha aig caochlaidh cranaiche. Cha’n eil e soirbh r’a fhaicinn de’n ceart chomhcheongal tha aig na sreathan a leanas ris a chuid a cha roimh— Cha b’e dùthchas mo luaidh-s’ Bhi sa mhonadh ri cuallach bhò Ach bhi’n ceardaich a ghuail Ag éisneachd ri fuaim nan òrd; Bu tu’n Tomasanach glan Bha ainmeil mear ann san ròd S ce b’e chuireadh ort fearg Bhiodh do chopan dhaibh searbh ri òl. [TD 183] TAISBEAN ADHAMHNAIN. Air atharrachadh o’n t-seann Ghàidhlig a réir “Leabhar na h-Uidhre” a chaidh a sgriobhadh mu thimchioll 1100 de aois ar Tighearna. Ach tha mi ’meas gu’n deachaidh “Fís Adamnàin” (faic Windisch: Irische Texte, Leipzig, 1880, taobh duilleig 167) mar a dh’ainmichear an taisbean seo o shean, a chur air a ballaibh còrr agus 200 bliadhna roimh ’n àm sin. Is uasal agus is òirdhearc Coimhdhe nan Dùl agus is mór agus is miorbhuilech a neart agus a chumhachda. Is sèimh agus is tlath is trocaireach agus truacanta e. Cuiridh e chuige féin do chum nèimh luchd na déirce agus na tròcaire, luchd an tlàiths agus luchd na bàigh; ach ni e coimhthional eucràbhach eutarbhach na(m) mac mollachd a thabhairt agus a thilgeil a chum iffrinn. Bheir e diol-thuarasdail dhiomhair agus eugsamhla nèimh dhoibh-san a ta beannuichte agus bheir e iomadach pian eugsamhuil do mhacaibh bàis. Nise de naomhaibh agus d’fhìreanaibh Dhia nan Dùl agus d’apstolaibh agus desciplibh Iosa Criosd, is liuthadach neach do’n d’fhoillsicheadh rùinte agus diomharusa rioghachd nèimh fo’n chuma sin agus duaisean ro-òirdhearc nam fìrean agus fòs d’an d’fhoillsicheadh piantan eugsamhla ifrinn maille riusan a ta unnta. Dh’ fhoillsicheadh do rìribh do Pheadair Abstoil an soitheach ceithir-oisinneach a leigeadh a nios o nèamh agus ceithir chùird ris, bu mhilse na bhi ag eisneachd gach seorsa ciùil. Ghlacadh suas an t-abstol Pòl cuideachd gus an treas nèamh gus an cual e briathran do-labhairt nan aingeal agus iom-agallaimh oirdhearc muinntir nèimh. Thugadh fòs na h-abstoil uile an là ’theasd Muire (eadhon là a deas-ghabhail) gus am fac iad piantan agus peanasan truagha nan daoine mì- [TD 184] shuaimhnech nuair a dh’agair an Coimhdhe air ainglibh an fhuinid (e. àirde luighe na gréine) an talamh fhosgladh roimh na h-apstoil chum s gu’m faiceadh iad s gu’m meo(mh)raicheadh iad air ifrinn le ’iomadh phiantaibh, amhuil mar gheall e féin doibh an nì sin ré cian roimh ’n deachaidh a cheusadh. Dh’ fhoillsicheadh ma ta fo dhèoidh a dh’ A(dh)a(mh)nan O’ Thinne, a dh’ àrd fhear-eagnaidh an domhain shiar, an nì a chuirear sìos an so, an uair a dh’fhalbh ’anam as a chorp air là féill Eòin Baist, an tràth rugadh leis e chum Phàrais le a h-ainglibh ’s a dh’ Iffrinn le a gràisg-shluagh. An tràth scar an t-anam ris a chorp, leig a h-aingeal choimhideachd, an céin bha i sa choluinn e féin ris di air ball s thug e leis i air thùs a dh’ fhaicinn righeachd nèimh. Is e a chiad tìr gus an d’rainig iad, tìr nan naomh. Tìr mheasach sholusda matà an tìr sin. Còisirean eugsamhla iongantach inte le còmhdaichibh de lìn geal umpa le currachdaibh glé gheal os an cinn. Naoimh an domhain-shoir na’n còisir air leth an taobh an ear thìr’ nan naomh. Naoimh an domhain-shiar an taobh an iar na tìre ceudna. Naoimh taoibh tuath agus taoibh deas an domhain na’n dà chòisir deara-mór, deas agus tuath. Gach aon, cuideachd, a ta an tìr nan naomh, is comh-fhogus da éisteachd a chiùil agus beachd-smuaineachadh air an t-soitheach ann sa bheil naoi gràda nèimh do réir an cor agus an inbh. Mu dhéighinn nan naomh, aon uair tha iad a’ seinn ceol ard-uasal a’ moladh Dhé, uair eile tha iad fo shochd ag éisteachd ri ceol muinntir nèimh oir cha ruig na naoimh a leas ni éile ach éisteachd ris a cheòl a ta iad a’ cluinntinn agus meo(mh)areachduinn air an t-soillse a ta iad a’ faicinn agus iad féin a shàsachadh dhe’n deagh bholtrachas a ta san tìr. A ta flath ro òirdhearc gnùis ri gnùis dhaibh soir-dheas bhuatha agus [TD 185] sgàil glainidh eatorru agus for-dhorus òrdha gu deas dha. Is ann trìd-sa chithear dealbh agus eadar-dhealachadh muinntir nèimh. Cha’n eil sgàil no doillearachadh sam bith eadar muinntir nèimh agus na naoimh ach ata iad am follais agus am fochair dhaibh an leth riu do ghnàth. Cearcull teinnteach mu’n tìr sin mu’n cuairt agus gach neach a dol ann is as gun urchoid air bith. An dà apstal dhiag agus Muire òg-ingen na còisir os leth mu’n Choimhdhe chumhachdach. Na priomh-athraichean agus fàidhean agus descipuil Iosa am fagus do na apstalaibh. Tha òighean naomh’ eile air deas laimh Mhoire agus ré nach cian eatorru. Naoidheannan agus leanabannan mu’n cuairt daibh air gach àird agus ceòl ianlaith mhuinntir nèimh ga’n airfeideadh. Buidhne àna de ainglibh-coimhid nan anmannan ag umhlachd agus a’ frithealadh eadar na còisirean sin am fianuis an righ do ghnàth. Cha chomasach neach sam bith ta làthair tuairisgeul no innseadh mu na còisirean sin a ta an tìr nan naomh, amhuil mar a thubhairt sinn, ta iad bith-mhairionach sa mhór-ghlóir sin gu mór-dhàil là bhràtha gu’n cuir am britheamh fìreannach n’an òrdugh iad air là a bhreathanais sna h-inbhibh agus ann sna h-ionadaibh am bì iad a’ faicsinn gnùis Dhé gun bhrat gun sgàil eatorru tre linn nan linn. Ce mór ma ta agus ce adhbhal an taitinneas agus an t-soillse a ta an tìr nan naomh, amhuil mar a thubhairt sinn, is mó fo mhil uair an loinnearachas a ta am magh muinntire nèimh mu rìgh-shuidhe a Choimhdhé féin. Is amhlaidh a ta an rìgh-shuidhe sin na chathair chòmhdaichte le ceithir colbhaibh de leugaibh luachmhoir foi. Ce nach biodh ma ta a dh’ oirfeid aig neach ach comh-cheòlmhoireachd co-chuimte na(n) ceithir cholbh sin, bu leòir do ghlòir agus d’aoibhneas da è. Tri eòin eireachdail ann sa [TD 186] chathair a(m) fianuis an rìgh agus a’ memna air an cruithear gu bitheanta; is e sin an dàn. Ta iad a’ coimhead nan ochd tràth a’ moladh agus ag àrdachadh a’ Choimhdhé le co-sheirm nan àrd-aingeal a’ teachd fòdha. O na h-énaibh agus o na h-àrd-ainghlibh tionnsgain a chiùil agus muinntir nèimh uile eadar naoimh agus ban-naoimh iar sin ga’m freagradh. Stuagh deàra-mhór os cinn an Uile-chumhachdaich na chathair rìgheil cleas clogaid gréidhichte no mionn rìgh. Nam faiceadh roisc dhaonna e leaghadh iad as sa cheart uair. Trì criosan mu thimchioll air eatar na h-ainglibh agus an sluagh agus cha’n fhios le tuairisgeul ciod a ta annta. Sia mìle de mhìltibh le dealbhaibh each agus ian air lasadh mu’n chathair theinnteach gun cheann gun chrìch. Cha tig e do neach sam bith bhi ’faisneis mu’n Choimhdhe chumhachdach a ta san rìgh-chathair sin mur dian e féin innseadh no mur labhair e ri gràdaibh (inbhibh) nèimh. Oir cha’n innis neach a ’bhruth no a bhrìgh, a dheirge no a rò-shoillearachd a òirdhearcas agus a aoibhneas, a sheirce agus a sheasmhachd, ’iomadh aingeal agus àrd-aingeal a’ cantuinn chiùil dhò—co ro liuthad de theachdairean chuige agus bhuaith le freagairibh ro gheàrr do gach buidheann fa leth—a mhìne agus a ro-chiùinealachd ri feadhainn, a ain-mhìne agus a ghairge ri luchd éile diubh. Nam biodh neach ga shìor-fhaicinn, a dearcadh mu’n cuairt air, an ear agus an ìar, á deas agus á tuath, gheobhadh e air gach taobh de aghaidh eireachdail, seachd uair na’s soilleire na ’ ghrian; gu deimhin cha’n fhaiceadh e dealbh duine air, ’cheann no’ chas, ach na ’neul theinnteach a’ lasadh tre’n chruinne, gach neach air chrith agus air uamhunn roimhe. Is loma-làn de ’shoillse [TD 187] neamh agus talamh agus ruthadh cleas solus righ timchioll da air fad. Trì mìle fonn bho gach coisirchiùil a ta a’ co-sheirm uime agus gach aon cheòl dhiubh air leth na’s binne na uile cheòl an domhain. Agus fòs a chathair ann sa bheil an righ-shuidhe sin, is amhluidh a ta agus seachd mùir glainidhe le dathaibh eugsamhlaibh na ’tiomchioll. Is àirde gach aona mhùir na’n fhear eile. Bràigh agus fìor bhonn iochdarach na cathrach de ghlaine ghil air lì na gréine le breacadh de ghorm agus uain agus corcur s gach dath eile. Muinntir bhlàth mhìn chiùin gun easbhuidh maitheas sam bith orra, ’s ann aca tha aitreabh sa chathair sin. Oir cha ruig agus cha thog aitreabh do ghnàth innte ach làn-naoimh agus eilthirich durachdach do Dhia. Agus fòs an eagar agus an òrdugh is duilich fios fhaotainn cionnus a thachair iad oir cha’n eil druim neach dhiubh no a shlios ri neach eile. Oir is amhlaidh a chàirich cumhachd do-labhairt a choimdhe iad agus rinn an coimhead, gnùis ri gnùis na’n srethaibh agus na’n coronaibh co-àrda timchioll an rìgh-shuidhe mu’n cuairt le òirdhearcas agus le aoibhneas agus an aghaidh uile ri Dia. Crann-caingil (chancel-rail) de ghlaine eadar gach dà shreath de’n luchd-ciùil le còmhdach deàrsgnaidh dearg-òir agus airgid air le srethaibh ro àluinn de leugaibh luachmhor agus le breacadh de usgraichibh eugsamhail agus le cathairibh agus le coronaibh carrmocail (carbuncle) air na cruinn-caingil sin. Trì leugan luachmhoir le foghair binn agus le binnid chiùil eadar gach dà phriomh-chòisir agus an leth-an-uachdar aca cleas lòchrannan air lassadh. Seachd mìle aingeal an dealbhaibh phriomh-chainnel a’ soillseachadh agus a’ sorchachadh na cathrach mu’n cuairt, seachd mìle eile na’ ceart mhiadhon a’ sior lassadh mu’n chathair rìoghail. Ged bhiodh fir an [TD 188] domhain, ge lionmhoir iad, an aon àite dh’fhòghnadh dhaibh mar bhiadh boltrachas o cheann aon-chainnl’ de na cainnlibh sin. Do neach, matà, de dhaoinibh an domhain nach ruig a chathair sin ás am beatha agus da’m bheil e’n dàn a h-aitreabh iar breitheamhnas là bhràtha, is annta so a ta iad air fuadan, gun fhois agus air udmhall—an daingneachaibh agus an cnocaibh, an seasgannaibh agus am boglaichibh rotach an aitreabhan—gus—an tig chuca bràth. Is amhlaidh tà ata na slòigh sin agus na còisirean, agus aingeal coimhideachd gach aon anma tha unnta ag umhlachd agus a frithealadh di. Fìal teine agus fìal d’ eigh am priomh-dhorus na cathrach na’m fiadhnuise agus siad a’ comh-thuargain cinn ar chinn gu sìor. Foghar agus fuaim na fìal sin a’ bualadh an aghaidh a chéile, cluinnear iad air feadh a chruinne. Nan cluinneadh sìol Adhaimh am foghar sin, ghabhadh iad uile crith agus uamhunn do-fhuilingte roimhe. Is tùrsach mata agus is buairte na peacaich aig an fhoghar sin. Gidheadh, mas ann air an taobh a ta ri muinntir nèimh a ta e, cha chluinner a réisd de’n gharbh thorrunn sin ach a làn-bheag a mhàin agus is binne e na gach ceol a chualas. Is adhbhal a réisd, agus is ioghnadh ri ’innseadh, suidheachadh na cathrach sin, oir is beag de mhór an nì a dh’ innis sinn de ’h-òrdaibh eugsamhlaibh agus de a h-iongantasaibh. Is ainneamh mata leis an anam, iar communn agus comh-chuideachd na colna. maille ri a suan agus ri a sólas agus ri a saoirse agus ri a soighneas dul a dh’ ionnsuidh rìgh-shuidhe a Chruithear, mur tig i ann tre iùl aingeal, oir is duilich, dréim na seachd neamh, oir cha’n fhassa aon diubh na chéile. Oir a ta sia dorais ghleidhidh air cinn a chinne-daonna gu ruige an rioghachd. [TD 189] Shuidhicheadh cuideachd dorsair agus fear-faire o mhuinntir nèimh a choimhead gach dorus diubh. An dorus matà is fhaisge do neamh is air a shuidhicheadh Mìchael àrd-aingeal agus dithis bhan-naoimh na ’fharradh le fleasgaibh iaruinn na’n uchdaibh a shroghall agus a shluaistreadh nam peacach air chor s gur h-ann an sin a ta na peacaich a ’coinneachadh ri ciad ghliobhaig agus ri ciad cheusadh an séud (slighe) agus an siubhail. Agus fòs air dorus an dara nèimh is e Ariel àrd-aingeal is fear-coimhead dhò agus dà òigh na ’fharradh le sroghallaibh teinnteach na’n làmhaibh; is leo sin a ta iad a’ srogladh nam peacach tar an gnùisibh agus tar an roscaibh. Do shuidhicheadh matà sruth teinnteach, le mór-lassair air, am fianuis an doruis sin. Abersetus ainm aingil ghleidhidh an t-srutha sin a dhearbhas agus a nigheas anmannan nan naomh de’n chudtrom chionta a ta ’leantuinn riutha gu’n cinn iad cho glan agus cho soilleir ri reul loinnearach Shuidhicheadh réisd an sin tobair taitinneach le blàth agus boltrachas a ghlanadh agus a dh’fhairigeadh anman nam fìrean. Greadaidh agus loisgidh e anmannan nam peacach s cha toir e nì sam bith dhiùbh ach is tuilleadh péine agus peanas a thig g’an ionnsuidhe ann. Eiridh a réisd ás a sin na peacaich le bròn agus le dubhachas deàra-mor, na fireannan gidheadh le subhachas agus mòr-fhaoilte gu dorus an treas nèimh. Sòrn teinnteach matà a’ lassadh do ghnàth an sin. Dà mhìle dhiag làmh-choille, fhead sa ruigeas a lassair an àirde. Am priobadh man sul thig anmannan nam fìrean tre’n t-sòrn sin. Eararaidh agus loisgidh e anmannan nam peacach gu ceann dà bhliadhna dhiag. Bheir an aingeal choimheadachd iad iarsin gus an ceathramh dorus. Is amhlaidh a ta àrd-dhorus a cheathramh néimh agus sruth teinnteach timchioll air [TD 190] cleas an struth roimh-radhte. Ta mùr air lassadh timchioll da, liad a theine air a thomhas, suas ri dà mhìle dhiag làmh choille. Theid anmannan nam fìrean thairis mar nach biodh e ann idir agus fasdaidhidh e anmannan nam peacach suas ri dà bhliadhna dhiag an truaighe agus am peanas gus an toir an aingeal choimhideachd iad gu dorus a chóigeamh nèimh. Sruth teinnteach fòs an sin cuideachd ach is eucosmhuil e ris an t-sruth eile oir a ta saobh-choire àraid am miadhon an t-srutha sin agus cairigidh e mu’n cuairt anmannan nam peacach agus fasdaidh e iad gu ceann sia bliadhna diag. Gidheadh theid na fìreannan thairis air a dh’aon sgrìob gun fuireach sam bith. An uair is mithich, matà, anmannan nam peacach fhuasgladh as, ni an t-aingeal beantuinn ris an t-sruth le fleasg cruaidh co-ionnan ri cloich gus an dian e na h-anmannan a thogail suas air ceann an fhleasg. Bheir Michel iarsin na h-anman—nan gu dorus an t-siathaimh nèimh. Gidhcadh cha’n eil e air aithris gu’m bheil pian no peanas air an cur air na h-anmannan san dorus sin ach soilleirichear iad o shoillse agus o bhoillsge leug luachmhor. Theid Mìchel na dheigh sin gu aingeal na Trianaide agus taisbeanaidh iad na’n dithis an t-anam am fianuis Dhé. Is adhbhal, matà, agus is do-luaidhte faoilte muinntire nèimh agus a Choimhdhe féin ris an anam an uair sin mas anam neo-chiontach fìreanta i. Ach mas an-fhrìeanta agus mas an-fhoirfidh an t-anam, gheobh i anamainnt agus anshocair o’n Choimdhe chumhachdach. Agus abraidh e ri aingliu nèimh. Tarruingibh libh, a aingliu nèimh, an t-anam eucràbhach-sa agus thoiribh a laimh Lucifer i da a bàthadh agus da mùchadh am fo-dhomhain iffrinn i gu suthainn sìor. [TD 191] Is ann an sin a sgairear an t-anam truagh sin gu h-eagallach agus gu searbh agus gu h-uamhunnach o fhochair flatha nèimhe agus gnùis’ Dhé. Is ann an sin a leigeas i aisde an osann is truime na gach osna a’ teachd am fochair an diabhail an deighidh aoibhneasan rìgheachd nèimh fhaicsinn. Is ann a sgairear i o chomraig nan àrd-aingeal leis an d’ thàinig i do chum nèimh. Is ann an sin a shlugas na dà dhràgoin-theine dhiag gach anam an d’éis a chéile gus an cuir an dràgon is iochdaraiche i am bial an diabhoil. Is ann an sin a gheobh i lànachd gacha h-uilc am fochair an diabhoil tre linntinibh na bith-bhuanntachd. Nise an uair a dh’fhoillsich an aingeal choimhideachd do anam Adhamhnain na taisbeanaidhean-sa fhlaitheas nèimh agus ciad-ìmeachda gacha h-anma iar teachd as a chorp, rug e leis i iarsin d’ionnsuidh iffrinn iochdaraich le iomad a pian agus a riasladh agus a cràlad. A chiad tìr gus an d’ràinig e, tìr dhubh dhòthte, i falamh faloisgte gun phian idir. Gleann làn de theine an taobh-sa dhi. Lassar deàra-mhóir ann a’ tighinn thar na h-oirean aige air gach leth. A ìochdar dubh, a mhiadhon agus a uachdar dearg. Ochd biastan ann, an sùilean mar bhreò theinnteach. Drochaid deàra-mhór tarsuinn an gleann; a’ ruighinn o’n aon oir gus an oir eile, àrd na’ miadhon, ìosal san dà cheann. Trì feachd, ag oidhearpachadh air teachd thairis agus cha ruig iad uile. Feachd dhiubh, is leathann doibh an drochaid o thùs gu deireadh, air chor s gun tig gu h-òg-slàn gun uamhunn gun eagal thairis air a ghleann teinnteach. Feachd eile a’ tighinn ga h-ionnsuidh, caol daibh air thùs i ach leathan fo dheoidh, gu’n ruig iad mar sin tarsuinn an gleann iar mór-ghàbhadh. Am feachd deirionnach is leathann doibh air [TD 192] thùs an drochaid, caol agus cumhang fo dheòidh, gus an tuit iad de a miadhon sa ghleann ghàbhaidh cheudna am bràghadaibh nan ochd bhiast bhreò-theinnteach ud aig am bheil an aitreabh ann sa ghleann. Is iad so luchd d’am bu shoirbh an seud (e. slighe) sin, muinntir gheamnuidh, muinntir làn aithreach, dearg-mhartuirean dùrachdach do Dhia. A bhuidheann d’am bu chumhang air thùs agus d’am bu leathann an t-slighe fo dheòidh, is iad sin dream a ta air an co-éigneachadh chum toil Dhé a dhianamh s na lòrg sin a ta ’tionndainn an éiginn gu toilinntinneas ann a bhi tabhairt fòghnadh do Dhia. Ach dhaibh-san d’am bu leathan air thùs an drochaid agus d’am bu chumhang i fo dheòidh, is iad na peacaich a dh’éisdeas ri searmonachadh briathar Dhé agus nach coimhlion e an deigh a chlàistinn. Ata slòigh ro-mhóra cuideachd ann an dì-chumhachd air tràigh na péne suthaine air an taobh bhos de thìr-eadar-dha-sholus. Aon uair tràighidh am pian dhiubh, air uair eile thig e thairis orra. Iadsan matà d’am bheil e mar sin is iad luchd d’an comhthrom am maith agus an olc. Agus an là a bhràtha breithnichear eatarru agus bàthaidh am maith an olc ann san là sin agus beirear iad do phort a bheatha am fochair Dhé gu bràch. Ata dream mhór eile cuideachd ann, am fagus do’n luchd sin agus is adhbhal a pian. Is amhlaidh mata a tha iad, fo chùmhrach ri colbh teinnteach, muir theine umpa gu ruige an smige, slabhraidhean teinnteach m’am miadhon air dhealbh nathrach. Ta’n gnùisean a’ lassadh os cionn a phéin. Is iad mata a ta sa phian sin, peacaich agus fionnghalaich agus luchd milleadh eaglaise Dhé agus rianadairean eutròcaireach a ta an làthair tàisealan nan naomh os cionn thiodhlacan agus dheachamh na h-eaglais agus a [TD 193] nì de na h-ionmhasaibh seilbh sonruichte dhaibh fhéin seach dha aoighibh agus ainniseachaibh a Choimhdhe. Seadh, a ta slòigh mór ann na’n seasamh do ghnàth an làthachaibh ciar-dhubh gu ruige a criosa. Cochuill ghearra eigh umpa. Cha’n fhois agus cha tàmh dhaibh gu bràch ach na criosan g’an losgadh eadar fuachd agus teas. Feachdan dheamhan timchioll dhaibh agus pluic theinnteach na’n làmhaibh g am bualadh air an cinn, agus siad a’ sìor-thagradh riu. Uil’ aghaidhean nan truaghan gu tuath agus gaoth gharbh ghoirt an clàr an aoduinn mar aon ri gach olc. Frasa dearga teinnteach ag fearthuinn orra gach oidhche agus gach là agus cha’n urrainn daibh an seachnadh ach a’ fulang gu siorruidh ag caoi agus an dòruinn. Feadhainn dhiubh agus sruthan teine an tollaibh an gnùise; cuid eile agus cloidheannan teine tre’n teanghaibh, cuid dhiubh tre’n cinn o’n taobh a muigh. Is iad mata a ta sa phian sin, eadhon gaduichean agus luchd-mionnan-eithich, luchd-brath agus luchd-toibheum, luchd-slad agus luchd-creach, brithimh gò—bhreathach agus muinntir chonnspoideach, mnathan nan ubagan agus éisgean, luchd-dioghaltais agus luchd-léughaidh a shearmonaicheas eiriceachd. Ata drong mhor eile ann an innsibh am miadhon mara tene. Mùr airgideach umpa de’n aodaichibh agus de’n déircibh. Is iad sin foireann a nì tròcair gun dearmad agus gidheadh a bhios le strian-thuainic annta a’m peacaidhibh collaidh gu crìch am bàis agus nì na rinn iad air almsadh cobhair orra am miadhon na mara theine gu bràch agus cuirear iad o phort na beatha iar là ’bhràtha. Tha buidheannan mór eile ann agus cleòcachan dearga teinnteach gu làr umpa. Cluinnear an crith agus an gàir air feadh an iarmailt. Drong di-sgrùidte de dheamhnaibh ’toir giug-thachdaidh dhaibh agus coin [TD 194] bhreuna leth-amh leotha na’n lamhaibh iad a’ toir furail air na peacaich an ith agus an caitheamh. Rotha dearga teinnteach a’ sìor-lassadh m’am bràghadaibh. Beirear suas iad gus an iarmailt gach caochladh uair, tilgear sìos iad am fìor-dhoimhneachd iuthairn uair eile. Is iad matà a ta sa phian sin, cléirich a bhrist air an cùmhlaidean agus fuath-chràibhtich agus briagadairean a dh’ìnnseas briag agus ’mheallas na slòigh agus a ghabhas orra fhéin fearta agus mìorbhuilean nach urrainn iad a dhiananh daibh. Na naoidheannan a ta ’teumadh nan cléireach, is iad sin an luchd a chaidh earbadh riu a leasachadh agus cha do leasaich siad iad mu’m peacaidhibh. Ata dream deara-mhór eile ann soir is siar dhaibh gun stad daibh thar na leacaibh teinnteach ag cathachadh ri feachdaibh nan deamhnan. Is lionmhor ri àireamh frassa nan saighead a’ dearg-lassadh dhoibh o na deamhnaibh. Tha iad a’ teachd na’n ruith gun fhantuinn gun fhois gus an ruig iad dubh-locha agus dubh-aibhne a bhàthadh nan saighead sin annta. Is trioblaideach agus is truagh a ghàir agus ’ghal-ghàir a nì na peacaich ann sna uisgibh sin oir is truimided péne a ta annta dhoibh. Seadh, is iad a ta sa phian sin, luchd-ceàird agus figheadairean agus ceannaichean easionraic, brithimh gò-breitheach nan Iudhach agus gach cinneach eile agus righrean eucràibhteach, rianadairean claon a ta collaidh, mnathan adhaltrach agus teachdairean a mhilleas iad na’m mì-ghniomhraibh. Ta mùr teine cuideachd air an taobh thall do thìr nam pian; is seachd uair is uamhasaiche agus is seirbhe e na tìr nam pian féin. Ach cha’n eil anmannan ag còmhnuidh ann gus a’ bhreitheanas oir is le deamhnaibh na’n aonar a riaghladh gu là bhràtha. Is mairg matà a ta sna pianaibh sin an comh-aitreabh muinntir’ an diabhuil. Is [TD 195] mairg nach eil na’m faichill romh ’n mhuinntir sin. Is mairg d’am bidh na thighearna deamhan dìobhargach musach. Is mairg a bhios ag éisteachd ri osnadh agus ri gal-ghàire nan anmanann an truaighe ag gearain ris a choimhdhe mu theachd chuca latha bhràtha gu luath, mas e s ma dh’ fhaoidte gu’m faigh iad fionnarachadh sam bith sa bhreathanas oir cha’n fhaigh iad fois gu là bhratha ach trì uairean gach dòmhnach. Is mairg d’am bu dhùchas dìleas am fearann sin gu bràch! oir is amhlaidh a ta: Sléibhtean tolltach dealgnach ann agus fòs maghan loma s iad loisgteach agus lochan breuna biastaidhe. Talamh garbh gainmhech s e anabarrach mì-chòmhnard làn eigh. Leacan leathann teinteach air a lar. Mara móra le onfhadhaibh uamharraidh sam bidh aite-còmhnuidh agus aitreabh nan diabhul do ghnàth. Ceithir sruthan deara-mór thar a làr: sruth teine, sruth sneachda, sruth neimhe, sruth uisge dubha dorchaidh. Is annta sin a dh’fhairigeas feachd dìobhargach nan deamhan iad féin an deighidh an còmh-dhail agus an cleasachd a’ pianadh nan anmannan. An sin nuair thogas slòigh naomha muinntir’ nèimh’ ceòl comh-chubhaidh nan ochd tràth gu subhach agus gu furmailteach a’ moladh a’ Choimhdhe, is ann an sin bheir na h-anmannan nualla truagha tùirseach air dhaibh bhi air an tuairgneadh gun tàmh le drongaibh nan deamhan. Is iad sin mata na piantan agus na peanasan a dh’fhoillsich an aingeal choimhideachd do dh’anam Adhamhnain iar tadhall rìoghachd nèimh. Thugadh an sin an t-anam am priobadh shùl tre’n àrd-dhorus òrdha agus tre’n roinn sgàil ghlainidhe gu tìr nan naomh; is innte thugadh i a cheud uair iar di dealachadh ris a chorp. Nuair ghabh i miann matà air fantuinn agus air fairis san tìr sin chuala i na’ deighidh tre’n roinn-sgàil guth an aingil [TD 196] a’ cur mar chorrachd oirre i ’thighinn air a h-ais a rithist gus a chorp chianda as an d’fhalbh i, a chum gu’n innseadh i an dailibh agus an coimhthionalaibh neo-chléireach is chléir duaisean nèimhe agus piantan iffrinn mar dh’fhoillsich an aingeal choimhideachd di. Is e sin matà am foircheadal a b’abhaist do dh’ Adhamhnain a bhi gnàthachadh do na slòigh o sin a mach, fhead s a bha e na bheatha. Seadh is e sin an nì a shearmonuich e am mór dhàil fir Erenn an uair a chaidh reachd Adhamhnain a chur air na Gàidheil agus an uair a chaidh na mnathan a shaoradh [o bhi ’dul do chogadh] le Adhamhnan agus le Fìnnachta Fleadhach righ Erenn, agus le mathaibh Erenn cuideachd. Seadh is e a chiad-sgial a ghnàthaich Patraic mac Calpuirn am bidheantas, sochairean nèimhe agus piantan iffrinn innseadh do’n fheadhainn a chreideadh sa Choimhdhe trìd ’fhoircheadal agus a shealbhaich an anam-chàirdeas troimh-sa aig éirigh an t-soisgeil. Is e fòs foircheadal bu mhinige thug Peadar agus Pòl agus na h-abstail eile seachad, eadhon, piantan agus sochairean a chur an géill, oir dh’fhoillsicheadh dhoibh eat fo’n chuma chianda. Is e sin a rinn Silvester aba ’n Ròimh do Chonstantin mac Elena, àrd-righ an domhain ann san mhór-dhàil an uair a dh’ìobair e an Ròimh do Phòl agus do Pheadar. Is e seo cuideachd rinn Fabian comharba Pheadair do dh’ Philip mac Gordian rìgh Ròmanach an uair a chreid e an Coimhdhe agus nuair a chreid ioma mìle eile san àm sin. Is esan a chiad rìgh de na Ròmanaich a chreid ann san t-Slànuighfhear Iosa Crìosd. Is e seo an sgial is gnàthach le Eli innseadh do anmannaibh nam fìrean agus se fo chrann na beatha am Pàras. An uair a dh’ fhosgaileas Eli an leabhar a dh’ fhoircheadal nan anmannan, thig anmannan nam fìrean [TD 197] an sin an riochdaibh ìan glé-gheal chuige o gach àird. An sin innsidh e dhaibh air thùs sochairean nam fìrean, aoibhneas agus àluinnteachd rìgheachd nèimh s tha iad ro fhaoillteach ré sin. Iarsin innsidh e dhaibh piantan agus peanasan iffrinn agus earalan là bhràtha agus is follaiseach gu mór gnè a a bhròin air féin agus air Enoch ’chor s gur iad seo dà bhròn rìgheachd nèimh. Iarsin dùinidh Eli an leabhar agus bheir na h-eòin nuall-ghàir an uair sin agus deasaichidh iad an iteagan gu teann r’an cuirp gu’n tig srutha fala asda air omhann phiantan iffrinn agus là bhràtha. Nis o ’siad anmannan nan naomh, d’an dàn sìor-aitreabh righeachd nèimh, a tha ’togail an nuall-ghàir sin bu mhithiche do dhaoinibh an domhain, ged a b’ iad deòir fhola a shileadh iad iar doibh aire bhi aca air là bhràtha agus piantan iffrinn. Is ann an sin a dh’ ìocas an Coimhdhe a thuarasdal féin do gach duine san domhain, eadhon sochairean do na fìreanaibh agus piantan do na peacaich. An sin cuiridh e na peacaich ann an rò-dhoimhneachd péne shuthain air an ìadh glas briathar Dhé fo fhuath britheamh a bhràtha tre linn nan linn. Bheirear cuideachd na naoimh s na fìreannan, luchd na déirce agus na tròcaire air deas laimh Dhé a bhith-aitreabh righeachd nèimh, eadhon, àit sam bidh ead sa mhòr-ghlòir sin gun aois gun chrionadh gun cheann gun chrìch tre linn nan linn. Is amhluidh mata a ta ’chathair sin, flaitheas gun uaill, gun uabhar, gun ghò, gun thoibheum, gun chealg, gun chuilbheart, gun ruic, gun ruarais, gun mhiabalachd, gun mhealltaireachd, gun tnùth, gun mhòr-chuis, gun theinn, gun ghalar, gun bhochdain, gun nochdainn, gun dhìth, gun dhìobhail, gun chlach-mheallain, gun sneachda, gun ghaoth, gun fhliuchadh, gun thoirm, gun thorrunn, gun dhorchad, gun fhuachd, flaitheas uasal [TD 198] ion-chliùiteach chiatach, fodh thoradh, fodh shoillse, fodh bholadh tìre làin ann sa bheil deagh shólas gach maitheas. FEAR NA PAIRCE. Macculloch of Park, near Dingwall, flourished before 1600. He was maternal great-grandfather of Duncan Macrae, who wrote the Fernaig MS., from which I here transliterate. The whole of this MS. was transcribed and annotated by Professor Mackinnon, who in April, 1885, wrote a full description of it—(see “Transactions of Gaelic Society of Inverness,” vol. xi., 311-339, where this admirable monograph on the chief of the Macraes is given). Afterwards it was transcribed, though not entirely, by the late Rev. Alex. Cameron, LL.D.—(Rel. Celt., vol. ii., 1-137). The remainder was completed by Mr Macbain. CROSDHANACHD. [A rinneadh le FEAR NA PAIRCE.] I. Beannuich, Dhé, mo leabhar Ann sa(n) mhaduinn Mo sheadh ga chur air mheamhair An ceum lag. II. Cha cheum lag dhuinn bhi leanmhuinn Air a(n) t-sligh’ Ta againn ’dhìon ar n-anman Bho Rìgh nimh’. III. Bho Righ nimh’ ta na briathran Air an deachdadh Chuireas an céill duinn a riaghailt Sinn da cleachdadh. [TD 199] IV. Cleachdar leinn leughadh leabhair Much is anmoch Cur urnuigh Mhic Dhé airaird Dhìon ar n-anman. V. ’Dhìon ar n-anman ata solar Do shìol Adhaimh ’Leughadh s an éisneachd an t-Soisgeil Cur ri cràbhadh. VI. ’Cur ri cràbhadh biodh gach duine Air gach slighe Gheibh e gach uile math shireas Bho Righ nimhe. VII. Bho Righ nimh’ ta gach uile Math ri chostnadh Thugmaid gach urraim is onoir Dhò-s air thoisich. VIII. Air tùs rinn Dia ’saoghal uile Réir a thoil Chuir e ’shaothair fo smachd dhuinne, ’Còir a mholadh. IX. Còir bhi moladh Dhé gach aon la Sa bhi ga leanmhuinn Do rinn e’n duine le mhioraild Do dhust talmhainn. X. Do dhust talmhainn rinn Dia ’duine, E na ònar; Thug aisinn as a thaobh ’s e na chodal Rinn dhi Eòbh. [TD 200] XI. Do rinn e Eubh dha mar chuideachadh Sa(n) t-saoghal; Bha iad faraon naobh gun tuiteam Air an coimhcheangal. XII. Coimhcheangal rinn Dia ’t-Athair— Pàrras bunaidh— Daingneachadh (’n) dithis na chathair Mar àithne duinne. XIII. Mar sin chuir Dia Eò is Adhamh Na ghàradh aoibhneach Thug àithne dhaibh mar a b’aill leis Ead bhi cuimhneach. XIV. Chuimhnich an t-abhersoir cealgach Ead bhi sa ghàradh T(h)ainig m’an comhair gu meallta Mar so tharlig. XV. Labhair riu as a chraoibh (An) riochtu nathrach:— “Ithidh do’n mhios Co cumhachdach ri Dia na cathrach Bidh sibhs’.” XVI. Thug Eubh lamh an san chraoibh Do bhuin di u(bh)all Cha(idh) Adhamh leatha air a comhairl Dhoibh bu phudhar. XVII. Dhoibh bu phudhar bristeadh àithn Dhé gun eas(bh)uidh Le caitheamh ’n ubhaill gu dàn Nach robh cneasda. [TD 201] XVIII. ’Thoiseach rinn Dia ’t-Athair Air a(n t-saoghal Bhrosnuich gach neach shiol Adhaimh Ta baoghal. XIX. Ta sinn a(m) baoghal fodh pheac’ N-ar ciad athar Bhrist air fàin Dhé a(m) flaitheas E na ’chathair. XX. Cathair aingle(an) Dhé a(m) Pàras Nan uil’ aoibhneas Cha’n fheudar le neach àireamh Mar tha choibhneas. XXI. Ta ’choibhneas ’ghnà air uile ’Dòirteadh saoibhris Oirnn shiol Eò agas Adhaimh Is sinn daoibhir. XXII. Ta sinn daoibhir dheth creideamh Na ar cridhe Gun ar meamhair bhi freagair Da ar dlighe. XXIII. Dligh gach neach an san t-saoghal De shiol Adhaimh Bhi ’guidhe Mhic Dhé da saoradh Bho gach gàbhadh. XXIV. Righ na pais sian ás gach càs D’ ar dìon bho ar mealladh, (’N) ti chruthaich sinn sa cheannaich Ainm bi’ beannuicht. Beannuich Dhé, &c. [TD 202] AON FATHAST DO RINNEADH LE FEAR NA PAIRCE. I. ’G éirigh dhomhsa ’s a’ laighe Biom gach tràth sìor ghuidh a(n) Rìgh Cha(idh) le thoil air chrann da ar ceannach Dul na chion cha mheallar mi. II. Le làn eàrlaid biom a’ triall (A) fhlathanas mo mhiann gach uair Saoghal breugach chur air chùl Mo rùin, dul sa(n) t-slighe bhuan. III. Sligh na fìrinn ar neart Soisgeul dìreach, reachd Mhic Dhé Ga b’e mhìnicheadh o ceart (Gu) fìreantach, bhiodh sliochd na dhéigh IV. Deighidh ’mhìneachaidh-s’ thoirt leinn Bidh Iosa mar r(u)inn sa(n) àm Lionmhora bhiomar bho iochd Mar gheall Dia ’shliochd Abraham. V. Beannuicht do bhidheas gach tì Chreideas Iosa sa chì e Mallaicht gach neach s a réim Chuireas a chùl ri Mac Dhé. VI. Dìol gach neach nach gabh a roghainn Faire ri h-eug air bhreith’ dhò; Dul fhlathas Dhé nan àrd-aingeal Sa chathair éibhinn bithidh na slòigh. VII. Cha’n ionann cor da’n t-sluagh threigt’ Sa taigh éitidh leigear ead Dh’ iffrinn fhuar [’m] bi teintean lasrach Da’ pian’ a’ feasd gun dul eug. [TD 203] VIII. Eibhinn cor na(n) daoine taghta [?] Dul air an aghart gach n-uair Mar ri Iosa an comunn ainglean Bidh ead aighearach bith-bhuan. IX. Righ na paise! feuch do ghràsan Orm-san is mi’n càs gach tìm Bho na naimhdean ta ga’m leanmhuinn Bho taim anfhann, sibh mo dhìon. X. Righ na soillse! thoir neart domhsa Bhrìgh t’annsachd s mi air chéilidh Gu bhi cuimhneach air do ghuidh N àm laigh dhom s ag éirigh. G éirigh dhomh-sa, &c. SGREAD AN ANMA DO RINNEADH. LE FEAR NA PAIRCE. I. Ta cogadh oidhche agus là Orm a ghnàth, cruaidh an càs Cha sguir e dhiom gu là m’ éig Truime leam fa cheud na’m bàs. II. Cogadh ata air mo thì Aobhar eagail gach ti e; Còir dhuinn àicheadh gu mór Caithriseach ni’s leoir an gnè. III. Triùir ta cogadh gach lò— Aobhar bròin dhom a mhèud— Saoghal, an t-aibhearsoir s an fheòil Air thì mo leòn do bhidheas ead. [TD 204] IV. Aon de’n triùir a deirim ribh Saoghal, do mheall na slòigh Ga’n dalladh bho thìm gu tìm Mealladh gach tì bheir r’a dhòigh. V. Ta’n saoghal dalladh an t-slòigh Thaobhas e gu mór gun cheart; Gun e againn ach mar cheò Cha chòir dhuinn leòn le neart. VI. Cha’n fhóghainn le duine ’leòir, Cha’n fhóghainn ni’s mó ’ga mhèud, Miann leo cruinneachadh san àm, Sìor chur na cheann do bhidheas ead. VII. Ach fhir a chruthaich uil’ na slòigh Chòirich dhom na’s leòir do nì Dìon bho’n t-saoghal mi s mi dall Gach saobhadh bidh feall do chì. VIII. Darna namh se gun bhreug ’Cholluinn an teid an sannt Ni’s miann le mo cholluinn chré M’ aimhleas gu léir do bhidheas ann. IX. Cholluinn a bheil mo stéidh Orm a bhidheas i, cruaidh an càs ’Cothachadh gach tìm s i ’bhith Da mo ruith le peacadh bàis. X. Aobhar dubhachais dhom féin Gach subhachas theid a’m’ chorp Le h-àilgheas bho thìm gu tìm Càirear mi fo dhìon sa(n) shlochd. [TD 205] XI. Riar na colna mairg do nì Bho is ullamh i dol le breug Nuair is mo s is fearr a cor Gu uabhar le toil gu teid. XII. Iosa shlànear a(n) t-slòigh Guidheam e bhi dhomhs da m’ dhìon Mo chollainn [a] chur fo smachd Gun dolaidh theachd orm na dhìol. XIII. Treas nàmh làn do dh’ fheirg ’T-Abhersoir le cheilg a ghnàth, Mar leomhunn air a(m) bi glut Dh’ionnsuidh ar slugadh gach tràth. XIV. Mar sin biom an càs teann Fhir chaoi air cheann an t-slòigh Bho na naimhdibh ta ga mo ruith Teasruig is no math* mi dhoibh. XV. Tòireachd orm do bhidheas ead Air thì mo mhealladh gach là Gu fuirear is còir dhom bhith Le caithris is urnuigh a ghnàth. XVI. Urnuigh is aithri an t-slòigh Chaisgeas domh-s an cogadh mór Le guidh Iosa gach n-uair Cìosaichear gu luath an tòir. XVII. Thoir mathanas dhom s mi dall Go do chathair thall ’s miann leam dol, La do spiorad dian dom iùl, Cuireann riutha cùl air gach coir. * Permit, allow. [TD 206] XVIII. S mì t-anam a ta fo ghlas Anacal mi nis, o Rìgh! Bho na naimhdibh ta ga m’ riuth S mi air crith freagair mi. XIX. Eagla mo naimhde(an) gu léir Ta orm-sa féin a ghnàth Athair na smuaineam ’s tu chì Bho ’s fiosrach sibh mar a ta. Ta cogadh, &c. AON EILE DO RINNEADH. LE FEAR NA PAIRCE. I. Tagham (an) rìgh fìrinneach Dia Dilis dò mo thriall gu bi, Le umhlachd mo chuirp da ghuidh Lùbadh le mo chridh’ nì. II. Trì gnè dhaoin’ th’ air a(n) t-saoghal Do’n a(n) dligher miosg a(n) t-sloigh Air an ceongal buain ra dùire Cha’n fhaighear ùmhlachd mar roigh. III. ’Ciad fhear de’n triùir mar chual’ Gun eòlas air a mhath do chì Cha ghabh e teagasg bho aon neach Gun eagla aimhleas do nì. IV. Darna fear dhiubh gu tuigseach Da bheil ciall is gliocas mór Bidh thuigs’ dul dò air dhearmad Cha’n fheàirrde neach e bhios fa chòir. [TD 207] V. Treas fear de’n triùir nach cniosd Fiosrach air a chòir san àm Dh’ oibricheas le neart eu-còir Gun’ cheart na ’Mhac Dhé [a] chàil. VI. Ach sin agaibh triùir tha don’ Air an t-saoghal chorrach th’ ann Mairg na’ lorg’ air a’ leanmhuin S an ord dheamhna ta na (’n) ceann. VII. Mairg do ni uabhair sa(n) t-saoghal S a(n) t-eug ga ’mhaoidheadh gach lò Dheth gach sean s gach òg nì doarmhuinn E bhi cuimhneach leotha. VIII. Cuimhnich an t-eug ort mar eallach Cuimhnich an tì cheannuich thu daor Nuair a sgaras riut an t-anam Sa(n) talamh cha téid leat maoin. IX. Dhuin’! na dean Dia de’n t-saoghal Bi-sa cuimhneach air do chéil Mar ata Dia éudor na ghealladh Mairg neach a mheallas e féin. X. Bhaim-s’ òg, nis taim sean Cha’n fhacas sid ri mo ré Fear ceart dul a dhìth no ’shliochd Gun iochd fhaotuinn bho Mhac Dhé. XI. Ach gun bhi againn ach cuairt ghearr Air a(n) t-saoghal dearbh mar chì Bhi ’guidhe Mhic Dhé mo rui(gh)* Na m’ uidh tagham an Righ. * Variant of rì (a king) pronounced rui and written usually riogh; in stanza II. it rhymes with slòigh. [TD 208] AON DO RINNEADH. LE FEAR NA PAIRCE. I. Saoghal air a bheil mi! Ghoir mi ri Mac Dhé gun dul Bho ta seachran a’m’ fheòil M’aigne ann do ròid cha* d’ chuir. II. Sligh ’an t-Soisgeil dheachd Criosd D’a Ostail gu fìor a thug Dhìon an anman do gach tì Chreideas an righ ’dòigh nach tuig. III. Tuigeadh gach aon neach sa(n) t-saoghal Baoghal do dh’fhuilinn Mac Dé Le ’leth éibhinn ri crann’ thàrnaig’ Fodh beinc Phìloit cheusadh e. IV. Se dh’fhuilinn gach pian Dhòirt ’fhuil gu fìor dhìon an t-sluaigh Da’ ghuidh leinne Criosd a bhi Le ar cridh feasd da luaidh. V. Gun bhi’ g ùrnaigh le creideamh ’N eagla Dhé ta mar bhaoghal, Bidh na naimhdean da ar leòn ’T-Abhersoir, an Fheòil s an Saoghal. * MS. has mj churr for ni churr: a similar substitution of m for n is seen in Rel. Celt. II. p. 20, line 9. Otherwise, we should read, perhaps: m’éiginn ann do ròid mi chuir. [TD 209] DO GHNE ORAIN A RINNEADH. LE FEAR NA PAIRCE. I. Iosa molaim, an crann toraidh Ta ga fhuran féin gach lò Air gach duin’ bheir dha onair Bhios gu soilleir cinnteach dhò. II. Chorp le annsachd thug mar shanns’ Is a dhìon an anma leis Dh’iffrinn chuaidh, chruinnich na slòigh Bha uile fodh leòin, millt treis. III. Chreach an t-seis a b’ion a thréigs’ Do shiol Eubh is Adhamh air thùs Fodh “beinc” Philoit dh’fhuilinn pianadh Da ar dìon bho Ifrinn a nuas [?.] IV. Treas là dh’éirich, phàidh ar n-éirig Biodh gach treud gu smuainteach (?) trom Aobhar brosnaidh dhaibh ra chosnadh Bhi ’choimh-aoisnibh cuimhneach ra ’shloinn. V. Air laimh dheis athar suas na ’chathair Shuidh gu flathail fìrinneach Thig gu neartmhor nuas thobhairt ceartais Air gach neach gu mìorailteach. VI. Le fuaim trumpaid thig gach aon neach Cha bhi aon neach bhuath san uair Bheir Dia ceart orr’ gun easbhuidh Ead a teachd go ’n oighreachd bhuan. [TD 210] VII. Threud taght’ uile air a laimh dheis cuiridh ’Rìgh dh’ fhurain air a shluagh Na h-àrd-ainglibh bidh da leanmhuin Gu chathair aoibhneach chaoidh bhi-bhuan. VIII. ’Sluagh crosta air a laimh thoisgeil Gun fhear lesgeil bidh gu truagh Leigear sìos ead deigh’ tréigsi(n) Do taigh éitidh ’chaoi bhi-bhuan. IX. Mar bha glutan deighidh tuiteam ’G iarraidh furtach(d) an ain-tìm Bidh na sluaghridh ’g iarraidh fuaraidh Nuair nach truagh le Dia an dìol. X. ’Là nach d’éisneadh leo na fàidh’ Lagh no ’àithnt’ da chur an céill Cha bhi dìona ac’ na furtach(d) Deigh tuiteam bho Mhac Dhé. XI. Nàmh feallsa tairg’ ar mealladh Da ar tarruing thaigh gun dhìon Feitheamh òirnn mar leomhain ghlut’ Gach uair thuiteas sinn na’(n) lìon. XII. Caithris, urnaigh agus aithri Ar barrand ’bhi a(n) Dia Slighe dhìreach ga ar dìona Go rìgh dìlis biodh ar triall. XIII. Eibhinn, aighireach ar gleidheadh, Suas na ’chathair là theid sinn, [Na] ’fhlathas bunaidh ta dhuinn uile S a crann toraidh fos ar cinn. [TD 211] XIV. Moille dhuinn le breug dh’ eirich Fàd (?) bho’n fhìrinn éisdear leinn Moladh Iosa, Rìgh na Paise Meud a ghràs’ tuigidh (?) sinn. XV. Meud ar peacaidh ghnàth da’n cleachdadh Mór an easbhuidh dhuinn gun sgìths S mó na gràsan no mar ta sinn Bhi gach trath sìor ghuidh Ios’. IAIN CARSWELL. John Carswell, Bishop of the Isles, flourished between 1520-1572. He is remembered as the translator into Gaelic of Knox’s “Liturgy.” This work appeared in 1567, and is the first work printed in Gaelic. The only perfect copy now known to exist is in the library of the Duke of Argyll. Two other imperfect copies exist—one of these in the Edinburgh University Library; the other, now in the British Museum, was found in a farmer’s house in Stratherrick. Dr Maclachlan edited a handsome new edition of the book in 1873. It is often more of a paraphrase than of a close translation. He heaps on epithets where none exist in the original. He seems to have been conscious of his lack of a full mastery of the Gaelic language. His was not the pen of Keating. He was under the influence of the traditional native schools, and was not forced, like the Dean of Lismore or like Duncan Macrae of Kintail, to manufacture an inconsistent phonetic style of spelling. He had a fair mastery of the language. His hymn to the Note.—XIV, 1, dhaoin? XIV., 4, corrupt? II. 1, sanns’ from Handsel, a variant of sainnseal. VIII., 1, crosta—forbidden, prohibited. [TD 212] book (p. 24) is happily done. The diction is clear and easy. Dr Maclachlan blundered three consecutive lines in stanza four, which runs— “Gach seancha gan seanchus sáobh Gach fear dano nar aomh brég Cumand eadrad agas iad A leabhrain bhig biadh go hég.” Maclachlan renders it— “Every teacher without wise teaching, Every poet who hates not a lie, A distance between thee and these, Little book, let there be unto death.” It literally means— “Every teacher without false teaching, Every poet, moreover, who inclines not to a lie, Communion between thee and them, Little booklet, let there be until death.” Danó (moreover) is the only obsolete word in the whole 20 lines, but the title, “Adhmad Beag,” which Maclachlan renders “A Little Hymn,” is curious. I take it to be genuine, and possibly from the root in “meadhrach,” with the suffix “ath-.” This root occurs in dermad, farmad. The Old Irish “taithmet” (memoria) is met with in the old hymns, where it is glossed “foraithmet.” We have thus a proto-Celtic *ati-mento, where mento is cognate with Latin com-mentum, and with English mention. The Milan Codex has the phrase—“Cen nech dimm aes dim chlaind frim foraithmet”—which is in modern Gaelic—“Gun neach de m’aois (e linn), de m’ chloinn ri m’ chuimhneachadh.” I take adhmad, accordingly, to imply memorial, remembrance, technically applied in this case to verses commemorative of friendship. No evidence occurs to me to prove that the * i.e., Archibald, 5th Earl of Argyll, to whom the work was dedicated. [TD 213] meaning “hymn” is original to the word. The good doctor made a random guess. The word is now extinct, and I substitute, “aidheam,” a joyous carol; the adjective “aidheamach” (joyous) being still in use. Prevising so much, the Bishop’s hymn to the Gaelic translation of 1567 would run as follows nowadays— Aidheam Bheag an seo a rinn M. Seon Carsuel do chum an leabhair bhig-sa fein. Gluais romhad a leabhrain bhig Gu O’Duibhne* rig a’d réim Cho luath sa dh’fhàgas tu an clò Na’ àros dò soirbhich seun. Na dheidhidh sin siubhail gach tìr Ar fhad Alban go mìn mall Ach ort o nach ’eil am feum Na tabhair ceum an gort Ghall. An d’éis sin taisdeal gach tonn Go crìch Eireann na fonn fial Ge beag air na brathairibh thu Gluais air amharc an sùl siar. Gach seanachaidh gun seanchus saobh Gach fear maraon nach aom breug Comunn eatar riut agus iad A leabhrain bhig biodh go h-eug. Gach neach do ghràdhuich a chòir Do shìol Adhaimh roimh cha ghuais, Aca sin dèan do nead Romhad, a leabhrain bhig gluais! * The name Campbell is but the nick-name “wry-mouth.” O’Duibhn’ is the old name—evil-going, evil one! (Devil-worship?) See Mr Macbain’s admirable paper on Personal Names (Gael. Soc., Inverness. Trans. vol., XX. 303). [TD 214] AON DO RINNEADH. Le Mr EOIN CARSWELL, Easbuig, Eara-ghaidheal. I. Cholluinn! thugad a(m) bàs Tuig féin gu bheil thu ’nuadh chàs Dàile, ’cosmhuil, is càsa dhuit Tha bàs ann san ursainn agad. II. Creid nach fada bhuat an t-eug Bi-sa, cholluin, air do choimhéad [--guard] Cha mhair a(n) saoghals ach seal Thaobhadh dhuit-san cha dlighear. III. Imeachd do chois, lùs do làmh— Creid na ceud-fath’ ra’n caochladh— Smaoinich air dhoille na(n) dearc Moill’ air t’ imnidh is air t’ éisneachd. IV. Bho is éigin dut dul a fad Feuch ’do dheigh is feuch romhad Feuch futhad is fos do chinn Feuch gach taobh ma d’ thimchioll. V. Feuch a toradh thig a mach Assad-s’, cholluinn, chiontach, Do chòrra diomhain re treis Air feadh a(n) domhain [’n] dì-meas. VI. Feuch na fiaclaibh, feuch do [?] rosg Cha ghlic nach gabh teagasg, Bho ta e air fheuchainn duit an dàn Creid a(n) sgeul bho sgathan. * In stanza V., 3, còrr-càrr, red flesh of the pig (Eriskay); translate “lazy carcase;” it is the same as carna i. feoil-O‘Clery. In VII., 1, tìm means last or final end of life. I render it: alas and alas! the final end V., Windisch sub timme (2). [TD 215] VII. Feuch rithist, ro-mhairg tìm Pian an anma an uamh Iffrìnn Nach eil furtachd bho’n olc ann, Ort-s’ an chontrachd, a chollain, Cholluin, thugad, &c. N.B.—In the second and fourth lines of this metre the dysyllabic ending has a secondary accent. Another hymn on the same topic was published by D. Kennedy, Kilmelfort, in 1786, but it is quite different from this one; it is credited to Carswell. AON EILE DO RINNEADH. Le Mr EOIN CARSWELL. I. Tha seachd saighdean air mo thì Gach saighead dhiubh da mo lot Ochóin fàth ghearain gach là Gun ghabh iad tamh ann mo chorp. II. A h-aon dhiubh an t-saighead shiar Bith da ’n co-ainm a’ chraos Minig do mheall mi a phòit Gos na thainig fois de m’aois. III. Darla saighead gur h-e sannt Mairg dha ’n do rinn guin Cha ’n fhaodam sgaradh ris réidh Ach ’n teid cré air mo mhuin. IV. Treas saighead a ghlac chur Diomas tha ’cur rium gu h-olc Maille ri m’anam a chràdh Cha slàn a dh’ fhàg sin mo chorp. [TD 216] V. Ceathramh saighead a ta An altaibh mo chnamh a stigh Cha leig an leisg mi d’a deòin Air aon slighe chòir sa bith. VI. Coigeamh saighead an t-sùil Farmad is tnù ris na chì Na seuid sin da ’n tugas cion Unnt’ sin cha ’n fhaigheam brìgh. VII. Séisamh saighead gu garg An fhearg thig eatar mi is càch, Criosd a chasg nan urchair dhiom Is Dia da mo dhìon a ghnàth. VIII. Seachdamh saighead am fear mòr Mairg air am beir tòir nan arm Cha [d’] thilg ead neach nach do bhuail Cha mhó bhuail neach nach do mharbh. IX. Gabham paidir do Mhac Dé Is creud nan Ostal gu beachd, Criosd eatar mi is guin nan arm Le cóig salm, sia no seachd. Tha seachd saighdean, &c. N.B.—Macrae writes, “Creid nj Nasple” (creud nan Abstol); Carswell “easpalaibh.” One cannot infer that Macrae had Carswell’s book before him, though old Mr Farquhar had no doubt a copy of the work in Kintail. The Dean of Lismore ascribes this piece to Donnchadh Og, and certain references in the Dean’s text, such as “Muire ’chasg nan urchair,” &c., show that Macrae’s version is an expunged one. Carswell may have caused this to be done, and then the hymn, wrongly, was ascribed to him just as, e.g., Bishop Chis- [TD 217] holm was thought, even by many priests, to have done the fine Gaelic translation of the Latin hymn, “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” the fact being that it was done by Father Rankine, formerly of Moidart, who died in Melbourne. Macrae’s version gives only six of the deadly sins, and in a different order from the Dean. Macrae misses drùis out altogether. The Dean’s enumeration is “craos, drùis, leisg, sannt, diomas, fearg, farmad.” Keating has “sannt, diomas, fearg, craos, leisg, drùis, mailis.” The Leabhar Breac—a manuscript 500 years old—gives the number as eight, viz., “díumas, etrad, sant, uabar, inócbail, craes, ferg, toirsi, snimche;” for “leisg,” and “farmad” it has “toirse” and “snimche,” i.e., melancholy and dejection. The Leabhar Breac writer states that the capital sins are put to flight by the seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer, “because lowly entreaty of the High Father puts down pride; the sanctifying of God’s name in us through chastity puts away lust; the continuous supplication for the coming of the Kingdom of God removes avarice; the desire of performing God’s will lowers boastfulness; the asking for daily bread restrains gluttony; the forgiving of sins without maintenance of hostility subdues anger; serenity and constancy in the endurance of persecution and temptation puts away from us the vice of earthly sadness; and freedom obtained from the Lord removes melancholy.” All which is so. Maclachlan was not always lucky in his transliteration of the Dean’s version—e.g., in place of “Am bith d’ an co-ainm a’ chraos” he wrongly has “Dha an gath ann mo chrios,” thus missing the point and the metre; near (“an fhear”) he transliterates “an t-uabharr!” The Dean’s 11th line—“In cogew sayd din zlag chur demis a chur rwm gi holk” he renders—“An cuigeamh saighead an glamair, dimeas a chuir rium gu h-olc,” which has no [TD 218] sense. He evidently did not know the word “diomas”—pride, inordinate puffed-up-ness, vanity. Mr Macbain derives “diomus” from dim, excess, and “meas;” but this is not strictly correct, as it fails to account for the vocalism. I have “*dí-od-mess” marked in my dictionary, which is Zimmer’s quite satisfactory derivation (Kelt. Stud., ii. 10 n.) The first line of stanza iv. I take in the sense of difficult or painful wrestling, the special reference being to Ephesians vi., 12, cf. 1 Pet., v., 5; Matt. iv., 7, where spiritual pride is shown to be a thing to be resisted. The contest is fitly designated a hard wrestle.—Thus far of Carswell of Carnassery. N.B.—In the dialect of Munster “Cré nan Aspal”—the Apostles’ Creed; it here agrees with Macrae and Carswell, save that in parts, at all events, of Munster the d is dropped. SIR JOHN STEWART OF APPIN (who flourished towards end of sixteenth century.) Laoidh do rinneadh le Sir Iain Stiubhart na h-Apuinn. I. Dallaidh sannt sluagh an domhain ’N aghaidh Dhé sgu[r] diocuir’ dhoibh; Cailleadar an ciall mu na bhreug mhilis. . . . . . . . . II. Na[’n] creidmaid dul eug fa dheireadh Smuaineamaid sid mo biomaid dall Chuireamaid cuid mhóir de ar n-ulaidh Sa taigh fa dheoidh is bunaidh 1 thall [TD 219] III. Mor am mearan 2 do na daoine Breug fealls’ da’n cur fo cheò S nach creid luchd nan seud le’n solar Dul eug gun an connach 3 leò. IV. Ga … teanal taigh Seirbhid e bhi cur na cheann, Si ’n uaigh dhearbhas an fhìrinn Tuig nach seilbh dhìleas ta ann. V. Droing eile, dhearbhadh ge connach Daonnachd is ailmsidheachd 4 is òmhla 5 Gheobh iad seo chionn am féile Nèamh bho rìgh ghréin na glòir. VI. Ga dh’iomadh neach ann san taigh sin Gheobh gach fear dhiubh inbhe rìgh Mealaidh iad ’n oighreachd gun chonas, Saibhreas is sonas is sìth. VII. Eiginn duibh dul air sligh Shioin Peighinn lòin cha leig(f)ear libh Mairg aig an d’fhàs am bùireadh bréig Dhi’fhàgas (?) gu truagh tréig(f)idh sibh. VIII. Dà theagmhais 6 tha fa ’r comhair Seallidh bhuaibh co dhiubh is miann Taigh r’ar pianadh gu daor do-bhròini Taigh cliaraidh 7 ’n oird ollabhair 8 chaoimh IX. Taigh am bi teas gun dìon tuilleadh Is na gathan neimh da[’n] deòl Taigh eil’ bho is ead is ullaimh Da bidh na ceud cuilbh ceòil. [TD 220] X. Faide dàil na(n) dithis bho chéile Sàil is seirbh’ is fìon so-bhlas, Mairg fhuair aim air a taghadh, Ga[’n] tugadh dàil a ruith as. XI. Mar 9 threobhair’ thearbas bho ’chaoraibh Mac-tìre 10 is e fad am feall Nuair a bheirear ceart na n-anman Glacaidh na deamhnai na daill. XII. Ach athchuinge ’rinneas—aona Mhic Muir’ Nach do dhiùlt dìon fo do rosg mall Nuair a sgaras sinn bho’n cholluinn Gun ar n-anam ’dhul dall. 1 habitation; 2 madness; 3 wealth, gear, affluence; 4 alms-giving; 5 humility; 6 chances, contingencies; 7 melody, music; 8 host, multitude; 9 treobhair, a husbandman, same as treabhaire, householder, farmer—O’Don. Suppl. 10—wolf. Diocuir’ in I. 2, is short for diocuireadh repulsion, expulsion, driving off. Last lin. of first stanzs Triall nach teid go’n innis-fhlaithe’ If this be correct, it still needs the o vowel; IV. 1, might perhaps be corrected to ga cruaidh ’saothair teanal taigh’. In stanza VII f. of the future survived; 3 and 4 of this stanza are to me unclear. AON EILE DO RINNEADH LEIS. I. Creud fa tarlamar ’tùirs’ S na th’ann fo shuills’ blàth bréig Gun an saoghal ach na sgàil mheallaidh Mar neulai(bh) dhallaidh na gréin’. II. Mar an dealt ri là ciùin No ’sneachd is dlùithe bhios geal Toradh nan duill’ air a chrand Cha mhair a dh’aon séun ach seal. [TD 221] III. Ròs is cùbhraidh no lili Plumbis no siri dearg Gur gearr a bhios ead fo bhuaidh Siud meamhair an t-sluaigh gu dearbh. IV. Samhradh ga mór a theas Foghar theid ás gu luath Crìonaidh gach lus a mhàigh ghuirm ghlais Mar sin theid sólas an t-sluaigh. V. Ach ’s éibhinn leis gach neach an dàil Fhaighinn gu àilghios an cuirp, Léir dhuinn mar a dall Nach eil duill’ air crann nach tuit. VI. Cha d’ fhàs air talamh suas De dhaoin’ no chrann no bhuar De dh’ aon nì nach crìon fa dheòidh Mo sgeul bròin a bhi ga ’luaidh. VII. Aobhair tùirs is aobhair bròin Gun tuigs’ a bhi do ghlòir Dhé Gun smuaintean bhi air ar cridh O Rì nan Rì cobhair mi. VIII. Do bhi triuir da m’ ruith gu teann Saoghal s an sannt s an fheòil Dhé dìon-sa mis’ bho ’n triùir Sa Rì nan Dùl na leig leò. IX. Dhé dìon-sa mis’ bho’n triùir Do bhi air mhiann feall is bréig Agus cobhair mi do ghnàth Neartaich mo ghràdh is mo chréud. Creud fa tarlamar, &c. [TD 222] NA DEICH FAITHNTEAN. ANN AM MEDRACHD DAIN. I. Creid dìreach an Dia nan Dùl Cuir air chùl ùmhla do dhealbh Na toir ainm Rì nan Rì Ma gheobhar thu sa ghnìomh an geall. II. Dòmhnach Ri neimh nan neul Na do chridh coimhead saor Do mhathair is t’ athair gach n-uair Thobhair honoir daibh bhuat faraon. III. Marbhadh no meàirle na taobh Adhaltras no smaointean car Na t(r)og fianuis ach gu fìor Sin an rathad gu crìch ghlain. IV. Na dian sannt air mhor no air bheag Friamh an uilc a’d chòir na leag Sin deich fàithntean Dhé dhuit Tuig gur fìor iad agus creid. N.B.—“Neoil” is dialectal for “neul”—“nial” in genitive plural—and may have been used in original of II. Transcript has “noil;” “trog” in III. is for “tog,” and exemplifies the well-known phenomenon of an introduced r. [TD 223] CROSANACHD ’ILLE BHRID’. I. Truagh cor chlainn Adhaimh Aimhghlic càird’ a … Diombuan doi(bh) a(n) tòir air [?] Glòir dhiomhain Donain [?.] II. An aoibhneas se fàth a(n) tùirse Toic bhochd na beatha-s’; Theid an seal sin(n?) seach(ad) Mar ghaoithibh ra cur cheatha. III. Cha’n eil annt ach lasair Na leitir air ghlaic éirigh No brùchd shoinionn ’Fhaoillidh Air tùirleum bho théarnadh. IV. Truagh truagh da’(n) tì mheallas Miol-bhréig is beag toraidh; Blàth diombuan an domhain ’Gréidheadh dhiombuaidh na dheoghaidh V. Mairg do gheobh a(n) glòir-s Gearr a mhaireas a mheamhair; Bidh iad cian fa chomhair Pian na deigh dhlighear [ghleidhear]. VI. Cè nis neart Shamsoin No saothair Iorcla laisde Neart Chonchullin chleitghil Cè Ector no Achill. VII. Cè àille Absoloin Innleachd Aristotle Teangadh threun “Tull’ Cicer’” Fodh bheil freumh gach focla. [TD 224] VIII. Cè cumhachd Chésair No seun Alecsander Cé an carn-chlach caoidhe Rath nan Arm na’n Ard Ghuill. IX. Cè fòs bheil Solamh Saoi dàn eagnaidh iomlan Na ’righ, ’mhac, saoi, shoghràdhaich “Jonat” a b’fhearr iomradh. X. Cholluinn! a cholluinn Chì cealg an t-saoghail Biodh ort mar omhunn Do chrìoch bhochd bhaoghal. XI. Bhiadh bhiast chiarraidh Chrainn-luaidh air luath gheil Bhlàth ’gheug air crionadh Creud is fàth da t’ uabhur. XII. Gearr gu bi biast chiorcrach Criom’ do chnàmh’ gu ro luam, Brùgh chnuimhean is chiarag Bheath’ chnaimh do cholluinn. XIII. Gearr gu bi beul corcur Na chreadhaidh uidhir d’éis dubhadh Meoir thimchioll na troidhe Faraon air aon chumadh. XIV. Bho[’n] ìmich (?) go aithchearr ’N àit na(n) rosg ré-ghlan Do shliasaide sìtheil Na’n leabaidh aig daol-gheur. [TD 225] XV. Ach so crìoch do chomuinn Ris’ chruinne chealgach Bho ta e air tì do chnodadh Ga do chlaoidh chaoi le chàirde. XVI. Ach mar fhaighear bhuathsan ùmhlachd Agus aigne sìochaidh Gràdh coitchionn gun chaochladh Iar foir-cheann gur fìor-truagh. This piece does not seem to be by Macrae, else he would have super-added “leis an Sgriobhair.” The reference to the great worthies of the past was no doubt a forcible way of illustrating the transitoriness of the present. It was a method always in vogue, and will continue to be so. The learned and eloquent Keating, in meditating on the unprofitableness of the vain glory of the world, says—“Biodh a fhiadhnaise sin ar na daoinibh is òirdhearca do chuaidh romhainn; óir nior chaomhainn a cheannas feadhna Cæsar; na a neart Samson; ná a eagna Solamh; na a áiteas (triumph) Alexander; ná a áille Absalón ná a intleacht (intellect) Aristotles; náid a bhriathra bláithe briocht-shnoighte (beautifully cut) Cicero; ná aon eile acfuinn d’a mbi ann, ar ghuaisibh an bháis.” In vi. Iorcla is the Greek Hercules, Achill is Achilles; the epithet in vi. 3 refers to one of the numerous feats of the Gaelic hero, Cuchullin; omhunn in x. is the older form of uamhunn fear; foir-cheann in xvi. means final end; luam in xii. means swift, and is a form that occurs in the St Gall glosses as the equivalent of Latin celox. In xii. 3 kuigg of the transcript I transliterate “ciarag” as the vowel assonance requires it; it would seem to be justified by the reference to daol (beetle) further on. In vii. 4 bho [TD 226] would suit as a rendering of vo, but fodh also makes equally good sense, and I have preferred it, as I have met with speakers who say bho dhion for fodh dhion. I am not sure of “oimbig” in. xiv. 1, which might stand for iomadh, which does not fit the context. Macrae, perhaps, got this piece from oral tradition, or possibly copied it from some other person’s writing. In i. 2 chowlain ought to yield chomhlainn. ALASTAIR MONRO, STRATHNAVER. “He died before 22nd December, 1653.” (Rel. Cel. ii. 3.) Laoidh do rinneadh le Alastair Monro, fear-teagaisg bha ann an Strath-Nabhar (Strathnaver, Sutherland.) I. O Dhé nèimh da léir freumh Gach treaghaid shannt is dheamhna Bronn dom gràs a chum bha ’gràdh’ dhaoin’ Chum s gur fàsmar diadhaidh. II. O Rì! aidbheam ta mo pheacaidh’ Sgrìobh[t’] air fad na t’fhianuis: Do t’ thaobh is fuath mo chaomh dhuala’, Claoidh iad fothad na t’dhiorras. III. Claon toil m’fheòil, mo bhaoith’ is m’òig Saoghal fòs s na deamhnai Strì gu calma ’sìor chlaoidh m’anama Chaoidh gu damanadh sìorruidh. IV. O Dhé ghràdhuich bheir trid do ghràsan Le treun làimh do chaoraibh Bho bheul làidir bhreugach Shàtain Sa bheir dhoibh pàirt de d’ rìgheachd. [TD 227] V. Noah san àrc dhion do chàirdeas Ach na thraogh fearg na dìle Agus Joseph ciallach thobhairt bho iarnai’ Gu sluagh bhiadhadh an daorsa. VI. Maois mac Amram á caol a(i)bhne Le mnaoi allamharr’ shaor sibh; Nuas bho’n Eiphit ghluais le gliocas (An) sluagh gheibh air shaorsainn. VII. Thug sibh ’fàidh ’ceann tri làithe(an) As’ mhial ghàbhuidh saor bhuaith’ Fòs Rì Dàidh bho Gholàias Tar éis coir’ àilghis dhioghailt. VIII. Sadrach, Mesach, Abednego Do dhealbhai(bh) bréig nach isleadh, Dhìon san àmhuinn bha gu gràineil Triùir-s’ ’n àireamh t’ fhìrean. IX. Thug Susanna le claidheamh rò-mhath Bho thnù fhear a mì-rùin; Daniel crodhaidh á crò leómhainn Ard-rì mhóir nan cleaver. X. Thug Manasseh á laimh Assir’ Gu tàmh an taimhibh Israel; Do luchd àraidh bho bhruid Bhàbeil Thug thus’ a laimh Chyruis. XI. Dìon mar seo mi, O Rì ghloir-mhoir Bhrìgh do throcaire aomadh S nach buail traghadh air abhuinn gràis Ach ’s eòl dà-s’ lìonadh. [TD 228] XII. O Dhé mi teagasg le fìor chreidimh Brìgh teanga chìnnticheadh Fàd-sa, tra, trid do Mhic ghràidh Strad de d’ghràs na m’ìnntinn. XIII. O Rì dìon mi bho ghniomh bréig S gu tagham treubh na fìrinn Ni thus’ Iosa! le t’thoil cheund Na cuirp chaomh a shaoradh. XIV. Dian le spionnadh treun do spioraid Dhé! mo philleadh is m’thiolpadh Ath-nuadhaich is ùraich mo chridhe dhùllai(gh) S gu faighinn sùil saor dhiadhaidh. XV. Ga taim loghta, O Rì shòghraidh’ Le brìgh t’ Fhocla dìon mi; Le treòir Iosa bheir mo ghnìomhs’ Glòir da triùir is aon Dia. Dhé nèimh, &c. NOTE.—The author was well up in the Bible. Whatever version he used it contained the Apocryphal History of Susanna. He pronounced ao like long i; ea in deamhun (devil) as a diphthong having assonance with ìo in sìorruidh in stanza iii. Bronn vb., distribute, bestow; treaghaid, sb., a dart; iarnaidh’—iarnaidheachd—the sense being, out of irons, out of imprisonment; allamhorra, adj., foreign, strange; lit., over-sea, beyond the sea; 1st Chronicles vi. 3 is reference in vi. The genitive of the word for river is written “awne,” as if amhna, a pronunciation which varies with aibhne; dùllaigh, adj., for dùdlach, wintry, gloomy. Transcript in stanza [TD 229] v. has mairk, which ought to be nairk; again, in xv. it has truis, which should be truirs, as in viii.; stanza x. refers to 2nd Chronicles xxx. 2; vhjh in iii. is bhaoith for bheath, is written with ea in Crosanachd Illebhrìd, line 6. DONNACHADH NAM PIOS. DUNCAN MACRAE OF INVERINATE, CHIEF OF THE MACRAES. “His father was Alex. Macrae of Inverinate, a man of whom little is known; but his grandfather, the Rev. Farquhar Macrae, minister of Gairloch, and afterwards of Kintail, was a man of mark. Mr Farquhar was a student of Edinburgh, and so distinguished himself in Classics and Philosophy that it was proposed in 1603 to make him Regent of the College, in succession to James Reid. But Lord Seaforth interposed. . . The writer of the Fernaig Manuscript was not only a man of high intelligence, but was also a deeply religious man. His own compositions, as well as the general character of the collection, prove this. He was an ardent Episcopalian; a vehement Jacobite. He was also evidently a man of assured social position in the district. Duncan Macrae undoubtedly was all this. He was the head of his name, chief of a subordinate, but an old and warlike, clan. Many of his family were Episcopalian clergymen in the district. . . He was undoubtedly a remarkable man, and a character pleasant to contemplate. I have no reason to doubt that there were many like-minded Highland gentlemen living in those days—cultured, liberal, and pious men; but undoubtedly Duncan Macrae, the engineer and mechanic, the ardent ecclesiastic, [TD 230] the keen, though liberal-minded politician, the religious poet, and collector of the literature of his countrymen, is as different from the popular conception of a Highland Chief of the Revolution as can well be conceived. . . His end was tragic. His wife was heiress of Raasay; but she, more zealous for the dignity of her own clan than for that of her husband, secretly conveyed the title-deeds of Raasay to a relative of her own, and deprived the Macraes of the lands. Duncan Macrae prospered notwithstanding. He bought the lands of Affaric from The Chisholm, and went to the east country to complete the titles. . . When returning. . . Macrae and his attendant attempted to cross the River Connag at Dorisduan. The river was in flood. . . The Chief was drowned. . . . A pibroch called Cumha Dhonnachaidh nam Pìos” was composed upon the occasion, of which the minister of Glenshiel has only recovered the first two lines:— S grianach an la, ho! Thainig lighe ann san abhuinn, hi! Captain Matheson has been able to trace the following stanzas of an elegy composed to Macrae’s memory, it is said, by his wife, Janet Macleod of Raasay:— Na’n iomradh sibh, ’illean, Sheinneadh mise dhuibh iorram Air mo laimh cha b’e binneas Bu bheus dhi; Tighinn a nuas Caolas Scalpai, S ann a chuala mi naigheachd, B’e mo dhiubhail mar thachair S b’e ’m beud e; [TD 231] Gu robh Donnachadh mo chridhe Ga ghiùlan le lighe, Fear mor meamnach tighearnail Beusach.” (v. Professor Mackinnon in vol. xi. Gael. Soc. Inv. Trans.) The Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair, in his Gaelic Bards (1715-1765) says Macrae was born about 1635, and was drowned some time after 1693, and that he was educated at the University of Edinburgh. The Rev. Mr Maclean Sinclair gives the first three stanzas of “Laoidh a rinneadh an am mulaid,” which agrees with the Fernaig MS. version save that in stanza iii. he has “thugadh” in place of “bhreith” of Fernaig MS. Macrae got the epithet, “nam Pìos” from the magnificenec of his table service. “Pìos,” a cup, Stokes takes from Latin “pyxis,” a box, and Mr Macbain seems to agree. Macrae’s brother perished in Gleann Lic about 1680; Mr Maclean Sinclair thinks the date given in the Inverness Gaelic Society Transactions, xii., viz., 1620, clearly wrong (v. Gaelic Bards, 1715-1765, p. 260.) If the lines— (An) Tì bu mhiann leinn ’diu againn Siud sa mhaduinn air bhreith bhuainn refer to his brother’s death, it would be composed about 1680. An elegy on this brother’s death was composed by a Kintail poet, am Bard Mac Mhurchaidh Mhic Iain Ruaidh, who lived at Mamag, in Gleneilchaig, Kintail. It is given in “Gaelic Bards” (1411-1715, pp. 24-26), and I take the liberty of copying it here, with its introduction, to give an indication of the sad event. In transcribing it I mark the quantity of the long vowels, which is a vital point in Gaelic and ought not to be neglected. As regards the phrase [TD 232] in the 5th stanza—cha “chuir” càirdean “an ìre” dhuinn e—I use it in the sense of “reproach,” “cast up,” which is the Kintail use of it also, but in parts of the Outer Isles the phrase means “to make to believe,” e.g., “tha’d ga chur an ìre dha,” they are making him believe. “Represent to one” is the general idea. For what is known of the fortunes of the Fernaig M.S., see “Reliquiæ Celticæ,” vol. 2. where it is fully transcribed (pp. 4-90) by the late Rev. Dr Cameron, pp. 91-137, by the editor, Mr Macbain. The orthography of the MS. is often very puzzling. But “next to the Dean of Lismore’s book, it is our most important document for older Gaelic, a good part of its value, as of its weakness, consisting in its phonetic spelling. Its poetry, which is mostly religious and political, is of an unusually high order; and it is hoped that a modernised and transliterated version of it, wholly or in part, will be undertaken by some patriotic Gael.”—(Pref. to Rel. Celt., ii.) “Murdoch Macrae, Murchadh Mac Alastair, was the seventh son of Alexander Macrae of Inverinate, Chief of the Macraes. In the beginning of the winter 1680 (?) he went on a hunting excursion to the upper parts of Glen Lic. As he did not return when expected, his friends became alarmed about him. After a search of fifteen days they found his lifeless body at the foot of a large rock. He may have been killed by falling over the rock; but the common belief was that he had been thrown over it by a wicked wretch that he had found stealing his goats. The poet was a herdsman with Murdoch Macrae’s brother”—(Gaelic Bards, 1411-1715, p. 24):— [TD 233] CUMHA DO MHURCHADH MACRATH A Chailleadh an Gleann-Lic ’sa bhliadhna, 1680 (?). (Leis a’ Bhàrd Mac Mhurchaidh Mhic Iain Ruaidh.) I. Och nan ochan s mi sgìth ’Falbh nan cnoc seo ri sìon; Gur neo-shocrach an sgrìob tha san Dùthaich. II. Cha b’e t’fhàsach gun nì No t’fhearann àitich ’chion sìl, Ach sgeul ro chràiteach a mhill ar Sùgradh. III. Thu bhi ’Mhurchaidh, air chall Gun aon chuimse cia ’m ball; Siud an urchair bha caillteach Dhùinne. IV. ’S beairt nach guidhinn de m’dheòin Ach ’s ni ’lughaig Dia òirnn. Do chùl buidhe bhi chòir na H-ùrach. V. ’S cruaidh an càs ’sa bheil sinn Is goirt cràiteach gach cridh’ S cha chuir càirdean an ìre Dhùinn e. VI. Och mo chlisgeadh s mo chàs Gun thu’n ciste chaoil chlàr Le dearbh fhios aig do chàirdean Ciùrrt’ air. [TD 234] VII. Bu chall céill agus bàigh S gu’m bu mhisde mo chàil Mar a tuigt’ air mo dhàn gu’m B’fhiù thu. VIII. Nuair a shuidheadh tu ’sheòid Mar ri buidhinn ag òl Mar bu chubhaidh bhiodh ceòl mu’n Tùrlach. IX. Slàn le treubhantas seòid Slàn le gleusdachd duin’ òg Nuair nach d’fheud thu bhi beò gun Chùram. X. Slàn le gliocas s le céill S a bhi measail ort fhéin S nach eil fios ciod e’n t-eug a Chiùrr thu. XI. Slàn le binneas nam bàrd Slàn le grinneas nan làmh Co ’ni mire ri d’mhnaoi no Sùgradh? XII. Slàn le grinneas nam meur Slàn le binneas luchd theud ’Nuair a sheinneadh tu’m beul gun Tùchan. XIII. Slàn le uaisle na’s leòir S tu bhi suairce gun bhròn Bho nach d’fhuaras thu sheòid gu H-ùrail. [TD 235] XIV. Slan le fiadhach nam beann Slàn le iasgach nan allt; Co chuir iarunn an crann cho Cliùiteach? XV. Do luchd-fair’ tha gun fhiamh Bho’n bha t’air’ orra riamh; ’N nochd cha ghearain am fiadh a Chùram. XVI. S ait le binnich nan allt Chor s gu’n cinnich an clann Gu’n do mhilleadh na bha’nn de Dh’fhùdair. XVII. Faodaidh ’n earbag ’n nochd Eatar mhaoisleach is bhoc Cadal samhach air cnoc gun Chùram. XVIII. Faodaidh ise bhi slàn ’Siubhal ìosal is àird Bho na chailleadh an t-àrmunn. Cliùiteach. In XV. 1 the reference is to the red deer; “binnich nan allt,” the roe deer; “tùrlach,” a large fire. I now proceed in order with the pieces which are by Duncan Macrae himself; his collection he calls “Dorlach Laoidhean do sgrìobhadh le Donnchadh Mac Rath” (1688). [TD 236] LAOIDH DO RINNEADH LEIS A SGRIOBHAIR AN AM MULAID. I. Shaoghail! is diombuan do mhùirn Mairg a ni tùirn nach fiach Gad bhiomar [an] diu ri ceòl Geàrr ’bhiodh bròin da chur sìos. II. Chunnas cha’n fhad bho’n uair Cuirm is ceòl is suairceas glan; Taobh a staigh dh’fheasgair an cuairt Chunnas sin sluagh ri gal. III. Mairg do nì bun sa(n) t-saoghal Bho’(n) is baoghalach e gach n-uair; Tì bu mhiann leinn ’diu againn Siud sa mhaduinn air bhreith bhuainn. IV. Ach unnad-sa Mhic mo Dhé Mo mhuinighin gu léir gu(n) cuir, Do gach anam gur tu is leubh Chreideas unnad féin is t’fhuil. V. Fòir orm-sa, Mhic mo Dhé Na cuirear leat mi air dhàil Bho ta saoghal-sa na ’leum Teasairg mis’ Dhé, bho chàs. VI. Teasraig-s mis’ bho chàs (N) t-saoghail-sa ta làn do chuir, Mar theasraig’ thu clann Isiral Bho Pharoah ’bháthadh sa mhuir. VII. ’Cuala sibh na rug air Dàidh Nuair thuit e an gàbhadh peacaidh, Absolom, a mhac a b’àillde ’Breith ’àite bhuaith, beachdail? [TD 237] VIII. Ach amhraic a chùis fa dheireadh ’N éiric dha-san bhi foill Ga bu mhór leis àilt a ghruaig Chroch i e ri uair sa choill. IX. Nach faic sibh seo cor an t-saoghail ’Mac ’gabhail baoghail air ’athair Ga do dhiant a chùis le saobhadh Tuig nach saoiread e là bhratha. X. Dhaoin! bithidh na ’ur n-aire, Fear air fear ’g iarraidh baoghail Ach mairg neach ni-aighear ris Bho s mór a(n) carraìche, ’n saoghal. Shaoghail is diombuan, &c. NOTE.—This poem may have been composed about the time Macrae’s brother was killed in Glen Lic. Cameron transliterated this piece in full, but did not keep carefully to the original—e.g., in ii. 1 transcript has “vo,” which he transliterates as “o,” thus laying aside a characteristic touch; ii. 4, “chùnnis shjn” he makes “chunnadh sinn,” quite an unnecessary departure from the original; “ri gal” I keep in common with Cameron, but Macrae seems to have spoken it as “ri ghal;” iv. 1 and 3 has “undids,” which is best given as “unnad-s,” not “annads’”; vii 2, “gavig” of transcript is “gàbhadh,” not “gàbhaidh,” as in Cameron; viii. 2, “nehrig” Cameron gives as “nearachd,” which is neither good poetically nor correct, for final “chd” is in Macrae written as “ghk;” it clearly means “’n éiric,” which in North Inverness-shire is as a rule pronounced without the strong on-breath “glide” before the final c; viii. 3, “àild’ a ghruag,” Cameron; but as “gruag” is feminine, it must have “i” in genitive; in [TD 238] ix. 4 Cameron’s “bhreith” will never do, as it cannot rhyme with “athair;” x. 1, “Zhoon bihi no ir naihr” Cameron renders “Dhuinn bidh na ar n-ath’r,” but this does not suit the context, and is not in touch with the poetical flow; “zhoon” ie Macrae’s usual way of writing “dhaoin’,” and three lines previously “athair” is written “ahir,” so that “aihr,” it is reasonable to think, means “air(e);” Cameron reads “saoraidht’” in ix. 4. In the superscription “i naimb” could bear transliteration as “an aim,” thus preserving the dative case of “am,” time; “an aim dhaibh dhul dachaidh,” as they were about going home, I have heard used. In x. 1 “bithidh” in my transliteration is imperative, 2nd plural. Imperatives, 2nd plural in “-ibh” I have never heard used in Gaelic as actually spoken. They are pure corruptions. If a vote were taken at the present day this idol, which exists mostly in the grammarians’ heads, would soon go the way of all flesh. And it is contrary to the old language. “Leubh” in iv. 3 represents north Inverness-shire pronunciation of “léigh,” physician, commonly, “lighiche.” AON FATHAST DO RINNEADH LEIS. I. ’Rì na cruinne! ta gun chrìch Dian mi cuimhneach ort gach tràth Na leig air sheacharan mì Air sligh’ ta baobhaidh bàth. II. Seòl mis’ sa(n) t-slighe cheirt ’Righ na(m) feart! ta fos ar cionn A leith aoin Iosa, do Mhic Math gach peacadh rinneadh liom. [TD 239] III. Math dhom nach peacadh gu léir Do rinneadh liom fein a ghnàth Agus saorsa mi bho lochd Bho is fiosrach thu nochd mar taim. IV. Taim-s’ nochd gu truagh Taim-s’ truaillidh a’ m’ chorp Ta mo chridhe-sa fo leòn Ta peacadh bàis iar mo lot. V. Ach ’fhir dh’fhuilinn bàs ri crann Le piantai(bh) teann is cam bhreith Dìon-sa mis a mhic mo Dhé Cuir-sa gu treun as mo leith. VI. Cruthaich unnam-s cridhe nuadh Fhir chaidh san uaigh gun lochd Bho is fiosrach thu mar a ta Cridhe-cnàmha na mo chorp. VII. Deònuich dhom aithri gu tràth Na leig-sa làthair mo dhìth Bho is tu-s’ tobair gach gràis, Fuainig as gach càs mi, ’Rì! ’Ri na cruinne, &c. NOTE.—“Bàth”—“baoth;” in ii. 2, “fos,” not “os,” as in Cameron; with Cameron I keep the dative form of “leth,” though I do not think it necessary; v. 1, Cameron has “dh’fhuiling” thus taking liberties with “zullin” of the MS.; in vii. 4, “fuanig”—“tuainig,” and is Macrae’s form; in same line I take “mj” as “mi,” not “mo.” I take it to be what Macrae meant; Cameron’s “mo rìgh” sounds to me stilted. The “ghom” of the MS. Cameron puts down as “dhomh” throughout. But this is not what [TD 240] the people say, at least in the whole of North Inverness-shire from the Aird, through Strathglass to Kintail, “dhom” is used as frequently as “dhomh.” The grammarians never point this out. M. Loth, I think, made an attempt to account for this variation; he noticed the Irish grammarians give both forms, and observed it was unknown in Scotland, which is false. When writing down the songs I kept it as I heard it, and as I use it. Only afterwards did I see Loth in the “Reveu Celtique” drawing attention to it. AON EILE RINNEADH LEIS A(N) SGRIOBHAIR. I. Glòir is moladh dhuit ’Dhé Eibhinn duinn gur tu is Rì Air nimh air talamh a bhos, Gur stòl chos dhuit gach tìr. II. Soilleir dhuinn cumhachd Dhé Air siubhal na gréin’ mu ’cuairt, Nuair a thoilicheas mo Rìgh Iompaichidh oirnn teas is fuachd. III. ’Muir, ge farsuinn a crìoch Agus ge lìon’ i gu brais S aithne di cumhachda mo Rìgh ’Pilleadh gu crìch féin air ais. IV. Lionmhor uisge dul na ’ceann As gach gleann tha ma cuairt Gidheadh cha mhó a’ muir an diu Na ’n ceud là chaidh struth sa chuan. [TD 241] V. Iomadh ghnè iasg tha sa mhuir Chruthaich cumhachd mo rìgh; Gnè is lionmhoir ta dhiubh Gnè dheth mó tha dul a dhìth. VI. ’Leth a ruitheas air talamh ’bhos Beathaich ceithir chosach air tìr Is lionmhoir’ na char a bhàn Ga dh’iomadh lamh th’air a(n) tì. VII. Nach faic sibh seo gràsa Dhé E ’freasdal ’n d’éis gach nì Cha mhó is leithid gràs péin’ [?] Air a mheud da ’n teid a dhìth. VIII. Ach thugmaid buidheachas do (n) rìgh Chòirich dhuinne ni na’s leòir Bho ta ’chumhachd-sa a sgrìobh Soilleir ann an crìochaibh ’domhain. IX. Is dianmaid aithri gu teann Agus gabhmaid an t-àm na ’leum, Nach fiosaichear leinn, sinn dall, Nach ann air ball thig an t-eug. X. Guidheamaid es’ gach aon tràth Le a spiorad gràidh da ar seòl Far a seinn sinn da gu léir: Moladh dhuit-sa, Dhé, is glòir. Glòir is moladh, &c. NOTE.—“Muir” (sea) seems used by Macrae as both m. and f. The gender of this word varies in other places; in the old language it was neuter; “char” in vi. 3 is dialectal for “chaidh,” “chuaidh.” Macrae’s “neoph” in i. 3 I transliterate as “nimh;” this is the dative form as in Keating, who [TD 242] often, however, uses the form “neamh,” and this variant also occurs in the Highlands, where the phrase, “air neov” (in heaven) is used; Keating’s genitive is “nime,” in keeping with the older language. Now, in Fear na Pàirce’s Crosanachd, neoph is in the genitive case, and in the two instances there it is bound to have assonance with “sligh’” (way). This is historically a better form than the usual present-day Scotch Gaelic genitive in “nèimh.” The sound used by Macculloch must have been “niv.” AON EILE DO RINNEADH LEIS FO MHULAD A PHEACAIDH. I. Ochadoin! a Rìgh na(n) gràs Amhraic orm-s’ s mi’n càs cruaidh Mo pheacaidh ta air mo chràdh Mar shac a bhàis orm cho’n uaigh. II. Miad an t-saic a tharlig orm Dh’fhàg siad mi gun cholg gun bhrìgh Ach bho is tusa Rìgh na(m) Feart Aotromuich mo shac a rìsd. III. Aotromuich mo shac gu luath Na leig mi an ruathar dàil Oir is tric iad siud da m’ leòn, ’T-Abhersoir, an Fheòil ’s a(n) Sannt. IV. Na peacaidh do rinneas leò Aobhar bròin dom iad gun chrìch Ach guidhim air Rìgh na Glòir’: Furtaich is fòir a leith Ios’. [TD 243] V. ’Smachdaich a(n) t-Abhersoir treun Caisg dhiom féin an toil-s’ a’m’ fheòil Sannt breugach iomain gach taobh Cuireann riu cùl ri mo bheò. VI. Mo chomhfhurtach(d) gun dol eug Ann san phéin d’fhàg iad mì; M’ eàrlaid ’bhi gach n-uair Sa ghealladh bhuan sin thug Ios’. VII. ’Gealladh sin do thug mo Rìgh Dhòirt fhuil gu fìor air a chrann Cha chuirear e leis a dhìth Air gach tì chreideas ann. VIII. Creidim-s’ ann a(m) mac mo Dhé Slànuighear na(n) léigh s na fann Na ta dh’eas(bh)uidh air mo chréud Meudaich féin is cuir na cheann. IX. Meudaich mo chreide(amh) a ghnàth Meudaich gràsan ann mo chrìdh’ Meudaich m’ aithri gach aon là Meud’ mo ghràdh fos cionn gach nì. X. Meudaich a Dhé mo ghràdh ’Rìgh na fàidh’! gràdhaich mì Teasruigs’ mi ás gach càs Bhrìgh bhàis do dh’fhuilinn Ios’. XI. Iosa, bho is tu-s’ Mac mo Dhé, Cuidich mi, na leig mi dhìth Do chuideachadh orm mar ’fheum Cheann na(n) treubh na tréig-s’ mi. [TD 244] XII. Dòirt orm-s bho neomh a nuas Le uile luathas-a tuillidh gràis Dh’fhàgas m’ aithri gu buan Go mo fhuasgladh as gach càs. XIII. Le do Spiorad dian dom iùl Gu cathair chùbhraidh na ceòil Gu cuireann ’sin air chùl M’ aobhar tùirs’ is m’ ochadòin. Ochadòin! Righ, &c. NOTE.—In viii. 2 “leipt” of transcript may stand for “léigh,” physician, pronounced “leubh;” scarcely for “leamh;” compare “Qurrijn” in v. 4; “quirrjn,” xiii. 3 with “Kuirrijn,” 19.16 Rel. Cel., II. AON EIL’ FATHAST DO RINNEADH LEIS. I. Corrach do chor a shaoghail Làn do charaibh baoghail, Saoghal nach buan bla[dh] Thaobhadh dhuinn cha dlighear. II. Gearr a chuairt ga saoibhir leinn Fearr a(n) t-aobhair fhianuis th’ againn Glòir is buaidh da (’n) tì thug. . . . . . . . III. Mairg do ghràidh’ a(n) saoghal seal, Bladh fo bhaoghail eu-tail (eutoil) Mo chrìon cholluinn m’ aimhleas Maille da m’ anam saoibhreas. [TD 245] IV. Bu shaoibhreas bho Dhé nan Dul Ciall agus reasan Gu ciad-fathach bu chòir dhuinn Bhi ’sìor ghuidh’ Dhé, a(n) t-Athar. V. Ach cha’n amhlaidh mar a ta ’N amsir an diu a(n) comhradh Nuair a leughar sgread gach fir Ni bhi fear glic mar a(n) saibhir. VI. Bidhim gun charaid, gun treubh Bidhim ac’ a(m) fhear coigreach Cha bhinn’ mo ghlòir-s’ na cnead Bho bhli(bh), air m’ òir e air m’airgiod. VII. Cha’n eil seo nach fuilinn leon Na deàrnadh duin’ dò-bhròn Nì na cruinne agus a buar Tréigidh sinn uile ’n aon uair. VIII. Dearnmar aithri dhuit a Dhé Réir do thoil a ta ’t’ Fhocla Oir is ceum baoghal a(n) t-àgh Tréigmid a(n) saoghal-s’, e corrach. This piece requires to be read with attention to the secondary accent: of the reading La in II. 4 I am doubtful; in VI. 1 we should perhaps read càraid, spouse. [TD 246] AON DO RINNEADH LEIS A SGRIOBHAIR AIR TUITEAM ADHAIMH A EDEN. I. Fonn le moladh dhuits, a Dhé Rìgh! do chruthaich thu gach nì, Dhealbhadh leat an duin’ bho thòs De luathreadh an talmhainn mhìn. II. Tar éis duit cruth thobhairt dò Na t’ ìomhaigh fòs fa leith Lasadh leat-san anail bhéo ’Cuinnlean a shròin a staigh. III. Gu ’n d’fhuaireadh leis smachd bu leòir Air gach creutair bha fodh ’fhlath Gach ainm thoilich e thoirt doibh Chunncas da do ghlòir-s’ e math. IV. Iar amhraic dhuit air gach cré Do rinneadh leat féin gu cniosd Companach diongmhalt dò Cha’n fhacas leat fothast na ’m miosg. V. ’Sin do labhair mo Righ:— Cha diogmhalt dhuinn a fear Bhi na ònar a miosg chàich Dianmar companach dhà-san chean’. VI. Do chuireadh leis codla trom Air Adhamh s a chom ri làr Bhuineadh leis asna as a thaobh, Di rinn compach diongmhalt dà. [TD 247] VII. Labhair Adhamh nuair a ghluais E as an t-suain chaidh chur; Cnàmh dhe m’ chnàmhaibh ta sin Pàirt do m’ fheòil is fuil do m’ fhuil. VIII. Deirim-s’ riut-s a bhean Bho ’s ann as an fhear a tà Tréigidh ’fear athair s a mhathair Leanaidh se ri ’mhnaoi a ghnàth. IX. Càraidear an sin faraon Adhamh agus a bhean Aon an staid neo-lochdta naomh Gu saor an garden Eden. X. Le comas thobhairt daibh-p fhéin Air mios gach craoibh’ mu na thuit Ach shìamaidh o dhaibh fa dheòidh Craobh eòlais ’mhath agus uilc. XI. Ma chaithear libh de na chraoibh Ta mar phéin am fàithn’ oirbh Dearbh dhuibh gu ’n tig an t-eug Oirbh-s’ le chéil air a lorg. XII. Faighear iad an sin faraon Gun eudach air bhith m’an corp Gun eòlas ’bhi air mhiann De dh’ aon gnè chaochlaidh na dh’olc. XIII. Gu bith-bhuan an sin an cor Na (m) maireadh iad ’seo buan; Ach ghabh aingle(an) sholuis àird [?] Farmud ri Adhamh gu truagh. [TD 248] XIV. Gu ’n d’ ìmich am fear gun ìochd ’Riochdu na (n)athrach neimh’ Agus streapadar gu h-àrd Gu seasgair am bàrr na craoibh’ XV. Labhrar as a sin ri Eubh Iar bhith dhi féin a dul seach:— Nach gabh thus’ ’mhios na craoibh’ Ro-mhath ’feum s is feàrr (?) dreach. XVI. Do fhreagair is’: cha’n fheudar Is Dia math féin air ar casg Gu ’n gheall e dhuinn gu ’m b’ eug Nam b’e s gu feuchmar a bhlas. XVII. Labhair es’ mar bu bheus:— “Cha’n eug dhuibh-p fhéin e gu ceart Ach gheibh sibh tuigs’ is tuille léirs’ Mas e s gu feuch sibh a bhlas.” XVIII. ’Sin dar a chunnaic Eubh Mios na craoibh’ do bhi àluinn Gu ’m bu mhath dhaibhs’ chon beath’ e Go tuigs is léirsinn a thàrsuinn. XIX. Thug is’ lamh ann san chraoibh Do choisinn eug agus bàs Chàilich is’ dheth cuid féin Gu ’n tug i e réisd a dh’ Adhamh. XX. Fhuaradh leoth-’s an sin léirs, Leasachadh céill nach b’fheàird’ Thuig iad as bhi gun éideadh Ghabh iad-’s ’réisd as sin nàir. [TD 249] XXI Toisichear an sin le chéil Ri teumadh agus ri faim Duilleagan na craoibh’ fhìgis Chon Nicker agus chon apron. XXII. Siubhladar an sin gu fiamhach Dh’ionnsuidh dìomhaireachd nan àilean Da’m falach romh chruth s romh eudann Dhé thug dhaibhs’ an t-àit. XXIII. Cluinneadar seal na dhéigh seo Guth Dhé ag ’eighachd sa gharden Esan ri gabhail sgéil Cé dheth ’t-àit bheil thu, Adhaimh. XXIV. Do fhreagair es’ gu dìblidh: Ghabh mi romhad fiamh is nàir ’Là thuig mi bhi gun éideadh Cheil mis’ mi fhìn gu h-ea(r)lamh. XXV. Co dh’ innis duit-san an sgeul Gu ’n robh thu chion éididh nochdt’ No na chaith thu ’mhios na craoibh’ Mu tugas féin an àithn’ ort-s’. XXVI. Bhean sin thug thu dhòmh-s Dòigh liom-s’ gu ’n bhuin i fhéin da Chuir ise pàirt dhe a’m’ dhòrn-s’ Chàilich mi gu m’ leòn na déigh e. XXVII. Do labhair e sin ri Eubh Gu de ’beud-s’ do rinn thus’? Do fhreagair is’ gu séimh: Mheall an nathair neimh mis’. [TD 250] XXVIII. Do labhair e ris an nathair:— Curst thu fathast am miosg chreutair Air do thàrr ni tu gleidheadh Luaìthridh mar bhiadh chon teugmhail. XXIX. Ach suidhichidh mise gamhlas Eadar sliochd na mnà s do shliochd-s’ Bruthar leatha-s do cheann-s’ Cha tìaruinn ’shail bho t’ theachd-s’. XXX. Do labhair se rithist ri Eubh: Mheud s gu ’n ghéill thu dh’ fhear na foill ’N do-bhròn, an cràdh s an imnidh Bithidh do mhiann is breith do chloinn. XXXI. Bithidh tu s’ bhuaith seo pianail Is do mhiann gu fear do thaigh Riaghailtichidh e fos do chionn-s’ Mheud ’s gu ’n d’ icheadh thu na mheas. XXXII. Do labhair e an sin ri Adhamh ’Ghuth do mhnàth’ là bha tu umhailt Gu ’n bhristeadh leat-san air m’àithn’ S gu ’n chaitheadh leat pàirt de ’n ubhall. XXXIII. Mallaichidh mi air do sgàth-s’ ’N talamh, bithidh as duit leitheach; ’N do-bhròn càilichear gach tràth leat T’aran fad làithe do bheatha. XXXIV. Drisean mar an ciand is cluaran De dh’fhàsas suas duit faraon Agus càilichear gu truagh leat De luibhibh suarach na raon. [TD 251] XXXV. Mar sin am fallus do ghruaidh Do bhuaidhichear leat do bheatha Ach gu pill thu dh’ionnsuidh ’talmhainn Bho ’n dhealbhadh tu ’n tùs do latha. XXXVI. Fuadichear iad a Eden ’N d’fhuaireadh leo eibhneas is aiteas Ach ghabh se truas riu le chéil Do rinn daibh eudach do chracnibh. XXXVII. Caireadar an sin cherub Eadar iad féin is an athair Ma biodh iad-s’ mar e féin deth Le feuchainn air chraoibh na beatha. XXXVIII. Ach sin an sgeul mar thuit Adhamh Le laigs’ Eubh is innleachd (n)athrach Là bha iad duinn na ’n sìnnsir Tha ’m peacadh-s’ [’n] ar n-inntinnibh am falach. XXXIX. Ach ’s éibhinn duinn fhìn [?] an gamhlas Cheangladh eadar an da shliochd-s’ Criosd bhi againn mar cheannard Gu ’n ceannsuicheadh e fear gu ’n iochd dhuinn. XL. Glòir is moladh do Dhia ’t-Athair Chum ruinn fathast gach ni ’gheall Cho fad is beò mi sa bheatha-s’ Seinnim dhuit le aighear fonn. Fonn le moladh, &c. [TD 252] AON A RINNEADH LEIS AN SGRIOBHAIR AIR LATHA A’ BHREITHANAIS. I. Smaoineamar an là fa dheoidh (Is) còir dhuinn a dhol eug; Smaoineamar peacaidh na h-òig’; Smaoineamar fòs na thig na dhéigh. II. Smaoineamar na thig na dhéigh Gur e là na mòr bhreith; Gach ni rinneadh leinn san fheòil Cha’n fhaodar na’s mò a chleith. III. Cha’n fhaodar na’s mò a chleith Math no sath a rinneadh leinn; ’N uair chì sinn Britheamh nan slogh Teachd òirnn sna neoil, tromp’ ga seirm. IV. ’N uair a sheirmear an trompaid mhòr Cruinnicheadar na slòigh ma seach; Gach neach a thàrlas diubh beò Caochlaidh iad (an) dòigh ’s am beachd. V. Caochlaidh muir agus tìr Caochlaidh gach ni as nuadh Liobhraidh an talamh suas, Gach neach chaidh ann san ùir. VI. Gach neach a chaidh ann san ùir Eiridh iadsan ’n an nuadh chorp; Is gabhaidh gach anam seilbh S a choluinn cheilg an robh chlos(d). [TD 253] VII. Nior chlos(d) an sin do na chuan Gluaiseadar e fa leth; Na bhàthadh bho thoiseach tìm, Liobhraidh se air chionn na breith. VIII. Breith bheir buaidh air gach breith, Cha Bhreitheamh leth-bhreitheach an Rìgh Shuidheas air cathair na breith S a bheir ceart bhreith air gach tì. IX. Gach tì a bha cur ri olc Tearbar an nochd air an laimh chlì; Càirear air a laimh dheis Gach tì bhios deas air a chionn. X. Gach tì (bh)ios deas air a chionn Labhraidh (’m) Breitheamh riu gu ceart: Bho’n is buidheann bheannuicht sibh, Maitheam-sa dhuibhs’ ’n ’ur peac’. XI. Maitheam-sa dhuibhs’ ’n ’ur peac’ Gabhaidh-s’ seilbh cheart ’s an rìo’chd Chomharraich m’ Athair bho thòs Dhuibh-san ann an glòir gun chrìch. XII. Oir iar bhi dhomh-sa fo thart Fo fhuachd, fo acras chum bàis (’M) prìosan gun treòir gun neart Dh’fhuasgail sibh ceart air mo chàs. XIII. Iar bhi dhomh a’m choigreach céin S a’m “thraveller” anns gach bail’ Fhreasdail sibh dhomhsa ’n am fheum Cha robh ar deagh-bheus (?) dhom gann. [TD 254] XIV. Ach freagraidh iadsan am Breitheamh Cuin’ chunnaiceamar sibh fo thart Fo fhuachd, fo acras, chum bàis S a dh’fhuasgail sinn do chàs ceart? XV. Bheirim-sa dearbhadh dhuibh Dh’fhuasgail ’s gur ann duibh nach olc Mheud s gu’n d’ rinneadh leibhse dhiol Ri piantaibh mo bhràithre bochd-s’. XVI. Sin labhraidh (’m) breitheamh os n-àird Riu fhuair àit’ air a laimh chlì Imichidh uamsan gu bràth Dh’ionnsuidh càs is cràdh gun chrìch. XVII. Far am bi(’n) t-Abharsair am péin Aingle sa chléir air fad Mheud ’s nach d’rinneadh leibhse dhìol Ri piantaibh mo bhraithre lag-s’. XVIII. Imichidh iad so gu truagh Dh’ Ifrinn fhuair am bi fuachd is teas, Dhoibh-san ge duilich an càs Nior faigh iad bàs ann am feasd. XIX. Ach ìmichidh buidheann a ghràidh A fhuar àit air a laimh dheis (Do) fhlaitheanas nam flath féile O! eibhinn doibh-san an treis. XX. O! eibhinn doibh-san an treis Eibhinn doibh-san gach ni chì Eibhinn bhi’n cathair nan gràs, Eibhinn bhi lathair a Bhreithimh. [TD 255] XXI. Eibhinn bhi lathair a Bhreithimh, Eibhinn a shiochai’ s a bhuaidh; Cha’n fhaodar a chur an céill Meud eibhneis an àite bhuain. XXII. Eibhneas e nach faca sùil Eibhneas e nach cuala cluas Eibhneas e nach teid air chùl Dhoibh-san d’an toirear mar dhuais. XXIII. Duais is mó na gach duais Ta shuas air nèamh aig mo Righ Eibhinn do gach neach a ghluais Air chor ’s gu’m buaidhichear ì. XXIV. Air chor s gu’m buaidhichear ì Smaoineamar air crìch an sgeòil; Smaoineamar ar peacaidh bàth Smaoineamar an là fa dheoidh. Smaoineamar an là, &c. N.B.—This piece has been admirably transliterated by Professor Mackinnon. It has been of the greatest help to me in attempting the other parts of the MS. In North Inverness-shire chionn (verses ix. and x.) is often sounded as chinn, hence the rhymes here. In verse xv. MS. has rijws—ruibhs’. [TD 256] GNE CHUMHA DO RINNEADH LEIS AN SGRIOBHAIR AN AM DO A MHNAOI BHI’N EIGINN. I. Rì nan Abstol dian seasamh Gu làidir leinn Dìon sinn am feasd le do fhreasdal Gun chall gun dhìth Bho is tu ’cleasaiche bheir greasad Slàint a tinn Beir le do dheas làimh gun fheasd As a chàs sinn. II. Rì na cruinne s gach uile A ta fodh na ghréin Da léir gach duine s gach mulad Dh’fhàs orra féin Bho ’s ann unnad-s’ tha ar muinighin Gu bràch nar n-earb(s) Dìon sinn gun urraidh bho chunnard An darla h-eug. III. Athair na soillse do chruthaich’ Maighdinn’ is mnài Gur leat-sa mar oighreachd gach neach Is fo t’eìneachd gu bràch; Ach ’bhrìgh s gu bheil coibhneas Mar riut-s’ gu saoibhir a ghnàth Math dhomh-s’ ’s mi féumach Mo choimh-leapaiche oidhch’ agus là. IV. Ach bho taim cha lobhta S gu’n thoill mi an-shocair gach tràth Thaobh ghniomhn(ra) corporra Is dearbh choisinn a bàs Ga taim-sa goint’ Is is’ loit’ air a cràdh Na mu h-è mo thoil-s Ach do thoil-s’ bhios diant ann sa chàs. [TD 257] V. Mheud s gur tu-sa fear-lighich Thug Lazarus rithist bho’n bhàs Agus nighean Iaria Tar éis di bhi ré air a làr Tha do ghràsan cho brìghor S a bha e da’ taobh-s ’sin fathast ’S ann de do thaobh-san, a Thighearn Tha mo dhùil-s ri slighe na slàint. VI. Cheann slighe gach slàint Se do ghrasan a thràghas gach muir Gur tu theasraig na bràithre(an) As an àmhuinn bha gràineil ri ’cur Bho siad ar peacannan làidir Tha ’tarruinn gach càs air ar muin Bidh mo mhuinighin is m’eàrlaid Ann mo Shlànaighear bàigh, Mac Muir’. VII. Mhic Muir’ s a Thrìanaild Do dh’fhuilinn pian agus creuchd A leith gach aoin Chriosduidh Ghabhas aithri na ’dhìomhnaibh-p fhéin Mheud s gur tu-s rinn dìoladh Le t’thoil mhath ’nar gniomharaibh bréig Math dhuinn gu sìorruidh Ar peacannan dìomhair gu léir. VIII. Gur h-iad mo pheacanna mòr’ Fàth mo bhròin gach là Cha’n iomairt luchd-foill [fòil?] Rinn mo leòn no mo chradh, Ach misg is striopachd is pòit Rinn mi’ m’ ògalachd bhàth Mar ri bristeadh an Domhnuich Is mionnan móra do ghnàth. [TD 258] IX. Gnàth leinn bhi ri mionnan Nach iomraich ar creud Ri sannt agus gionach Ann an ainid da chéil Gun nàir’ gun athadh Ri bhi labhairt na bréig’ Ach dian trocair òirnn fathast Bho (is) tu-s ar n-athair, ar n-eud. X. Ach eud agus athair Tha’n an cathair na ceòil Amhraic òirnn bho do fhlathas Thobhair mathanas duinn Ann ar sannt ann ar gabhail Ann ’n athais ar beòil Ann ar bréig ann ar n-ainbh-fhiach [?] Ann ’n aighear ar n-òig’. XI. Truagh truagh cor na h-òig’ Caothach mór i is dìth-céill, Gabhar leisgeul sin domhs’ Na mo dhòbheairtibh-p fhein, Liuthad bàirligeadh so-ghlic Chuir do ghlòir-s’ dhom ’n céill Le freasdalaibh dhe’n t-seors’ Do dh’òrduich Mac Dhé. XII. Mhic Dhé bho ’s ann unnads Tha ar muinighin gu teann Mheud s gur tu-sa rinn fulang Dhòirt t’fhuil air ar ceann; Chì thu féin a Mhic Muir’ Fàth ar mulaid san am Dìon sinn bho chunnart Gach uile dhaoin’ fann. [TD 259] XIII. Mar thugadh leat Ionas A iasg mór a mhuir bhàtht’ Mar shaoradh leat Ioseph Gun leòn as gach càs Bho imirt mnatha seòlt’, Miann a feol’ air a cràdh, Dìon sinn bho ar dò-bheairt Is bho dhòruinn a’ bhàis. XIV. Cha’n e bàs chuirp pheacaich Tha mi faicinn bho m’ chrìdh’. No iomairt mo chàirdean Gad sharuich iad mì; Ach fhir nach beir tràghadh Air do ghràsan a chaoidh Mheud s gur tu rinn ar ceannach Na leig-s’ ar n-anam a chlaoidh. XV. Ach nuair sgaras an t-anam Bho na cholluinn gun bhrìgh Na tagair thus òirnn Gach dolaidh rinn sinn; Ach fosgail-sa dorus Thre’ cathrach do ’shìth Dhuinn am fochair nan aingeal S gu ma beannuicht thu, Ri! Ri nan Abstol, &c. Macrae’s Rj nj nesple, i.e., Rì nan Aspal, agrees with Munster, in Ireland, where they say, e.g., Cré nan Aspal, i.e., Creud nan Abstol. [TD 260] AON DO RINNEADH LEIS A SGRIOBHAIR. I. Och ochòin a Dhé Truagh mo sgeul an nochd Fàth aithri dhom chon m’eug Mheud ’s a rinn mi lochd. II. Aig mheud ’s a rinn mi lochd Cha leir dom an t-ochdamh pàirt ’T-Athair da mo dhìon Bho m’ pheacaidh diomhair bàis. III. Mo pheacaidh diomhair bàis Orm mar chàs maraon; O Athair nan gràs Aithreach gach nì rinn. IV. Aithreach leithid ’s a rinn Dheth do réir-s o rìgh Miann mo cholluinn chriadh Gu b’e riamh mo ghniomh. V. Gu b’e riamh mo ghniomh Ré linn dom bhi òg Connas agus strì Strìopachas is pòit. VI. Strìopachas is pòit Mionnan mór gun stà Bristeadh na là naoimh B’e mo ghaol-sa ghnàth. [TD 261] VII. B’e mo ghaol-sa ghnàth Mo thoil féin smo dhòigh ’G imeachd a(m) bàthai(bh) Ann a(n) là(thaibh) m’ òig. VIII. Ach sin mar chaitheas m’ òig Och ochoin, a Dhe Nuair thàineas cho’n aois Cha d’ chaochla’ mi beus. IX. Cha d’ chaochail cuid dhe bheus Ni mó thréig mi t’olc, Oir ann am miadhon m’aois Cha lon-chraos mo chorp. X. Cha lon-chraos mo chorp Aig gionach ’s aig sannt Farmad ri cuid chàich, ’T-airgead gur e b’ anns’. XI. ’T-airgead a b’ anns’ Liom-s’ no gach seud, Gad thàirlinn e gun chòir Mo dhòigh cha bu léir. XII. Cha bu léir dhomh ’chòir Ach mo dhòigheas fein Mo sheòl rinn mo leòn Och, ochòin, a Dhé. XIII. Och, ochòin, a Dhé Truagh mo sgeul o Rìgh Cha do thréig mi ’t-olc Ach na thréig a(n) t-olc mi. [TD 262] XIV. Cha d’thréig a(n) t-olc mi Ach na thréig mo neart Air olc a chur a(n) gniomh ’S móid a(m) miadh a(m) peac’. XV. ’S móid a(m) miadh a(m) peac’ Nach d’ chaitheann mo lon-chraos Tuigs’ bhi agam dhò Lò mhiadhon m’ aois. XVI. Lò mhiadhon m’ aois Ni mi m’fhaosaid ceart Riut-s’ o rìgh na glòir Bho ’s tu mo threòir s mo neart. XVII. Bho ’s tu mo threòir s mo neart Teasrig mi bho’n bhàs Ghleusas gach neach Bhios peacach fos cionn chàich. XVIII. Thaim peacach fos cionn chàich Cha’n àicheadh mi mo ghiamh Thobhair, athair na(n) gràs Bàigh dhom a(s) leithe Chrìosd. XIX. Bàigh dhom a(s) leithe Chrìosd Thaim ’grìosad ort Mheud ’s gu’n d’rinn e dìol A leith ghiamh is lochd. XX. A leith ghiamh is lochd Gach peacach aithreach thinn Se dh’fhuilinn a bàs Shìol Adhaimh bu bhinn. [TD 263] XXI. Shìol Adhaimh bu bhinn Bàs dh’fhuilinn thu Mhic òigh na(n) gràs Cuir m’ àrsaidheachd air chùl. XXII. Cuir m’ àrsaidheachd air chùl Dian-sa m’ iùl gu beachd Air slighe nan gràs Fàg mo chràbhadh ceart. XXIII. Fàg mo chràbhadh ceart Meud’ o Dhé, mo ghràidh, Gach easbhuidh th’air mo chreud Leasaich féin gach là. XXIV. Leasaich féin gach là Mi ann do ghràsan, Ios’! Math dhom na rinn mi òg Treòraich mi ’na m’ aois. XXV. Treòraich mi ’na m’ aois, Caochail-sa mo bheus, Thoir aithri dhom na’s leòir Seal mu’n teid mi eug. XXVI. Seal mu’n teid mi eug Dian mo réit, o rìgh S gu fiosraichinn fadheòidh Gu’n deònuich thu dhom sìth. [TD 264] XXVII. Gu deònuich thu dhom sìth S gu mìnich thu gu réidh Na peacaidh rinn mo leòn Och, ochòin, a Dhe. Och ochòin, &c. àrsaidheachd—inveteracy, as e.g., in sin: àrsaidheachd bhur peacaidhean. In XIV. 4 mijwe, undoubtedly—miadh; the adj. miadhail is pronounced “miavail” in North Inverness-shire, and in many districts. CROSANACHD DE GHNE CHOMHLUADAIR EADAR A CHOLANN SAN T-ANAM, DO RINNEADH LEIS AN SGRIOBHAIR. I. A’ CHOLANN. Chualas guth air mhaduinn S mi m’ chadal a’m’ ònar. AN T-ANAM— Cha’n i ’chòir a th’ agad Bhi laigh’ fad Dì-Domhnuich. II. CHOL— Dh’éirich mi gu h-agach Na m’ aigne ma b’fhiòr dhomhs Co seo nì tagair orm Leis an teagasg nòs. III. Thuirt guth s e freagair— T-ANAM— Mis’ an t-asam uasal Na gabh fiamh na eagla Romh mo theagasg nos [nuas]. [TD 265] IV. CHOL— Se làn do bheatha-s, anam Ionmhuinn leam do chaidreabh Thoir dhuinn pàirt dhe d’ sheanchus Gu’n leanmhuinn air do chreideamh. V. T-ANAM— Shaoilinn-s gu’m b’fhiòr sin Ach fiamhach mi romh d’chaidreabh Dhleasad an diu do Chriosduidh Caochladh gnìomhs bhi agad. VI. CHOL— Gu de’n gniomh a t’ agam S mi’m chadla gu comhnard Gu beil mi sgìth làn airt(n)eil Bho sheachduin gos an Domhnach-s. VII. T-ANAM— Thu féin is fàth da t’ airteal Bho sheachduin gos an lò sin, Choluinn bhreugaich pheacaich Truagh an t-àite tasgaidh dhomh-s thu. VIII. Ach is fheudar dhom bhi umhailt Do na chumhachd is àird, Gad tha mo leabaidh cumhang Ach an guidh am bàs thu. IX. Cha’n e sin fath m’ acain Ach mar chleachdar leat an Domhnach Gu càirich thu mi’n Iutharn Far a bi cumh’ is doruinn. [TD 266] X. CHOL— Sin do fhreagair mis’ S mi clisgeadh gu h-earluath: ’S ann is cosmhuil thusa nis Ri fear misg is canrain. XI. T-ANAM— Cholluinn a cholluinn Shaoil leat gu’m b’ thu féin mi Cha ’n eil misg no canran orm Gur nàir’ dhut bhi breugach. XII. Ach is minig a bha thu-s Gu globhtach gu sàr-mhath, Mise staigh an tuigs G innse dhut bhi gràineil. XIII. Gad bhiodh tu ’n eireachdas Dhé bu dearail domhs e Cha b’fhearr leat uair eile dhì Ach deireadh là Di-Domhnuich. XIV. CHOL— Do fhreagair mi fos n-iosal e— Cha’n fhiach leam fhìn do chomhradh Gur truagh an deireadh commuin duit Bhi soillearachd mo dhòbheairt. XV. Ach mas ann mu bhristeadh Domhnuich Tha ’chontrachd a t’aire-sa Cha deantar ’ghniomh nam fóghnadh Mo dheoin ann san bhaile-sa. [TD 267] XVI. T-ANAM— Tha ’chontrachd orm gun amharus Mar chaithear leat-s an Domhnach Ach air a mheud da labhair thu Cha’n aobhair airidh dhomh-s e. XVII. S gu’n ludhaig Dia sia latha dhut Chaitheamh ri do shaothair; Dh’ òrduich e gun amharus Là diubh chumail naomha. XVIII. CHOL— Na(’n) seoladh tu dhomhs Mar is còir domh chleachdadh Cha bhristinn e le m’ dhòbheairt Da mo dheòin am feasda. XIX. T-ANAM— Sheòlainn sin duits Na(’n) tuigeadh tu bhuam e Dhùisgeadh tu sa mhaduinn Bhiodh t’aigne saor bho fhuathas. XX. Ann an am dhut éirigh B’ fheumail dhut do chaisrig’ Ann an ainm na Trianailt ’Na chriòchnuicheadh do bhaist(n)eadh. XXI. Nuair chuireadh tu ort t’eudach Mar b’ aoidheil do dh’fhear aitim Rachadh tu air do ghlùinibh Dhianamh tùirs a leith do pheacaidh. XXII. Ghuidheadh tu Dia ’n t-Athair A leith Mhic Iosa E dheònachadh mathanais Ann a’d shath is t’uile ghniomhar(aibh). [TD 268] XXIII. Shiubhladh tu gun seacharan Ma sheachnadh e am dìt’ Dh’ éisneachd tuille teagaisg Ann an eaglais do chill sgìre. XXIV. Ann san ghabhail rathaid duit Na labhair ach an fhìrinn Bidh dearbh gu’m faigh thu ann Do fhradharc luach do shaoth’r. XXV. Ach na bi-sa dìchuimhneach Ma chìtear leat na bochda Air ni thobhairt an iasad daibh Mar dh’ òrduich Criosd is Ostla. XXVI. Nuair theid thu steach a’n eaglais Air fear t’theaguisg bi cuimhneach Na biodh t’inntinn mearanach Thoir aire air gach ni chluinn thu. XXVII. Dar thig thu mach an deighidh so, Mar a rogha leat bhi t’ ònar, Tagh-s’ an comunn laghail Na tagh luchd na pòit’. XXVIII. Bi furanach càirdeach Ris na bràtharaibh ceart Na gabh fiamh no nàir’ Gad dhian’ thu càch a sheachnadh. XXIX. Siubhail rithist gun seacharan Dhachaigh dh’ionnsuidh t’ theaghlach Gach ni chualas leat-sa Aithris daibh is meamhraich [TD 269] XXX. CHOL— Dùsgadh ann mo leabaidh dom S an cadla air mo bhualadh Sin an sgeul mar thachair Dh’aithris mi mar chuala. RUINN DO RINNEADH LEIS AN SGRIOBHAIR AN AM AN D’ FHOGRADH RIGH SEUMAS VIImh A SASUNN, ANNO 1688. I. Gur feallt carail an saoghal Gu meall e barail nan saoidhean Saoilim-s’ gur fìor an sgeul Bho na dh’dhéirich do Righ Bhreatunn. II. Ga b’ mhór a shaibhreas sa mhùirn “Style” fòs s a dhà chrùin ’Shluaghraidh uile sa threis Dh’fhògradh leo e gu mi-dheis. III. Ga b’ mhór a thobhairt s a dhuais Da chomhairle agus da shluagh Do dh’ìoc iad fhéile le tais Eitigh an sgeul ra aithris. IV. Mac a pheathar fàth an euchd ’N co-cheangal ris air dha ghleus A chliamhuinn, ’fheoil agus fhuil, Dh’ìmich da dheòin gu ’chrùn a ghuin. V. Gad thaim-s’ ’cur an céill Do dhiomb’ dhuinn, fior sgeul Ni bheil fios air bith cia dheth Aobhar Dhé no fàth a dhiombaidh. [TD 270] VI. Ach ghreasadh (’n) Rì air mheud a threis Bhuainn bhrìgh cothruim coingeis Gun ’rùin’ leigeil fa sgaoil No ’dhaoin ’mhealladh le daoi-ghlòir. VII. ’Shluaghraidh uile chumail ceart Dò-chreid[imh] fo làn smachd Réir s mar theagasg Criosd gu beachd Agus tar éis theist Ostla. VIII. Sia ciad bliadhna tar éis eug Bha bhriathra dhuinn uile réidh Leanmar na ceumanna ciand S na éignicheamar am focla. IX. As sin tuigfir mar a dall Gur aon slighe ’chosnas thall; Cha d’ fhoghlum iad riamh an sgoil Thoil thoirt do gach aon fhear. X. Ach gach [bu] fhear-brithimh mi sa chùis Th’eadar Ri Breatunn s a’ Prìonns’, Dearbh tha ar peacaidh cho cùrt, Sgiùrsar sinn a leith na cairbh’. XI. Ni ioghnadh sin ’theachd oirnn Uamharr’ [?] leinn gach sean, dhall gach nuadh, Do bhreugnaich sinn uile ’n teist Bheir sinn gun cheist na h-eith’-mhionnan. XII. Caochlaidh sinn mar chaochlas struth, Seumas an dé (’m) Prìonnsa ’diu; Dearbh leam, bho sgeul duthair B’ airidh’ ’ti bu dual no (’n tì) thainig. [TD 271] XIII. Ach guidheamaid as an leith gu teann Iad bhi faraon air aon rann Go glòir Dhé is Iosa ’n ceann Chor s gu’n diant an toil. XIV. Dianmar bròin agus traisg Mu leanar leinn [?] na mór reachd Le ùmhladh do Dhia s gach càs Air ar glùinibh, ’ghnàth gu soilleir. XV. Tréigmid farmad is uabhar cuirp Tréigmid mi-rùn is mór ghluit Tréigmid fuar chreidimh gun bhlàth Tréigmid gu bràch bhi foilleil. XVI. Iarrmaid sìochamh, iarrmaid iochd Iarrmaid fuidh Dhé [’n] tùs bhi glic, Iarrmaid creideamh, tréigmaid sannt Bho is feallt carail an saoghal. Gur feallt carail, &c. GNE ORAIN DO RINNEADH LEIS A SGRIOBHAIR ’SAN AM CHIAND ANNO 1688. I. Ta saoghal-sa carail Tha e daondan da’r mealladh gu geur; Liuthad caochladh th’air talamh Is daoin’ air an dalladh le bhréig; Chreic pàirt diubh-s’ an anam S do chaochlaidh iad barail chionn seud Fhir chaidh ann sa chrannaig Dhòirt t’fhuil da ar ceannach O! aoin Rìgh Mhoire beannuich nar créud. [TD 272] II. O! Athair nan gràs Na fàiling sinne ’nar cruas Ach amhraic òirnn tràth Le tlàths o d’fhlathas a nuas Mar thug thu le d’ mhìoraild Clann Israel gun dhìobhair sa chuan Dìon t’eaglais da rìreadh (Ga ghuidh le luchd a mì-ruin) Bho ’sgrìob-s ta teachd mu’ cuairt. III. ’S còir dhì-s’ a bhi umhailt Gad tha i fo dhubh ann san am; Gur h-iad ar peacannan dubhar’ Tharruing oirnn pudhar is call; Ach deanmar trasg agus cumha Ris an fhear dh’fhàg an t-iubhair sa chrann, Chon s’ gu’n ceannsuich e ’bhuidheann Chleachd an eu-coir as duibhe Mar tha breugan is luighean is feall. IV. Dhé churanta làidir Dh’àlaich muir agus tìr Tha thu faicsinn an dràsda Mar dh’fhàiling am pràbar-s’ an Rìgh Ach réir s mar thachair do Dhàidh Nuair ghabh Absolon fàth air go dhìth Beir dhachaigh ’na dhàil leat Dh’aindeoin am pàirtidh Nar Rìgh chon àite le sìth. V. Fear eil’ ’s math is eòl dom Tha’n gest uair air fògaireadh ’na phàirt Shliochd nan cuireannan seòlta Da thogradh s nach òbadh an spàirn; Ga tamull leinn bhuainn thu Cha toireamar fuath dhut gu bràch; S ann da ’r seòrs bu dual sin Eatar mhith’ agus uaislean Bhi air do dheas-laimh an cruadal s an càs. [TD 273] VI. Truagh nach fhaicinn thu teachd Mar b’ait le mo chridh san am Far ri Seumas le buidheann Nach géill a dh’iubhair nan Gall; Tha’n drasda ro bhuidheach Mheud s gu’n shuidhich iad feall Le’n seòladh s le’n uidheam Ann sna mòdaibh as duibhe Chuir fa dheòidh sibh air siubhail do’n Fhraing. VII. Ach thamar an dùigh Gu’n caochail an cùrsa seo fothast, Gu’m faic mi le m’ shùilibh Bhi sgiùrsadh gach tnu bha sna mòid; S gach Baron beag cùbach ’Mhealladh le caraibh s le lùban Prionns’ Or; Gheibh Mac Cailein air thùs diubh Dh’ aindeoin a chùirte ’Galair bu dùthchasach dhò. VIII. B’e ’dhùthchas bho sheanair Bhi daondan r’a mealladh gach tì Cha b’fhearr e ’thaobh athar Ga b’ mhór a mhathas bho ’Rìgh; Ma ’se seo an treas gabhail Thug eug bhuaith ’bhathar gu prìs; Le maighdinn sgoraidheach sgathail Cha d ’cheannsuicheadh aisith; Ged thuit thu cha’n athais duit ì. IX. Iomadh Tighearn is “post” Nach eol domh-s’ a nis ’chur an dàn Tha’n dràsd gu moiteil Le phràbar gu bòsdail a’ d’ phàirt; [TD 274] ’S ann diubh sin Cullodar Granntaich is Rosaich a chàil Nuair thionndas an rotha Chon annsachd bho thoiseach Gur teannta dhaibh ’chroich ’miosg chàich. X. Ach fhearaibh na h-Alba Ga deal(bh)ach libh ’dràsd ’n ur cùirt Gad leught’ sibh bho’r leanabachd S bho là ’ghéil sibh a dh’ Fhergus air thùs Thuit gach fine le toirmeasg Do threig s nach robh earbsach do’n chrùin Ach seo t-eallach a dhearbhas Gur h-airidh an seanchas— Gu éirich mi-shealbhar da’n cliù. XI. Cha cha’n mi na’s léir dhom Ri ’ur maithibh, ri’r Cléir, ri’r pòr D’éis ’ur mionnan a Shearlas Gu seiseamh sibh-p fhéin ’n aghaidh deòin S an t-oighre dligheach na dh’ éis Thuit nis go Righ Seumas r’a bheò Ach dh’aindeoin ’ur léirs’ Ga mór ’ur cuid leugh’ Ar iom-s gu’n ’reub sibh a chòir. XII. … air còir dhìrich Le masladh na dhìobair do phàirt Bha uair a staid ìosal S tha air dìreadh le uchd math an dràsd; Seann fhacla s gur fior e Bha rìamh eatar Chrìostuidhean gràidh Gur miosa na ana-spiorad Duine mi-thaingeil Ghabh na’s leòir dhiubh-s an aim air na chàs. [TD 275] XIII. Càs eile nach fas’ Dh’ éirich mar fhasan sa ruaig-s’ Chlann féin bhi na’n taic Do gach neach tha ’cur as da mu cuairt; Do thréig iad s cha’n ait daibh ’N cuigeamh fàithn’ bha ’chasgadh an t-sluaigh; ’N aghaidh nàdur a bheart seo Do neach ’ghabh baisteadh Ann an ainm nan trì pearsa(n) ta shuas. XIV. Ach fhir ’dh’oibrich gach mìoraild Bha miosg Chlainn Israel bho thùs Nach soilleir an giamh seo Dh’aon neach ghabh ’Chriosdachd mar ghrunnd; Bho laigh geilt agus fiamh mór Air gach Marcus, gach Iarl s gach Diùc Casg féin an iorghalt-s Mas toil leat-s a Dhia e Mu tuit sinn fo fhiabhrus do ghnùis. XV. Is mór dh’éireas dhut, a Bhreatuinn S nach d’fhaodadh do theagasg na am, Cha léir dhut fàth t’eagla Gu’n tharruing ana-creidimh ort call; Bho’n là mhurtadh libh Searlas Tha fhuil-san ag éigheachd gu teann Gabh aithri a t’eucoir Thoir dhachaigh Righ Seumas Neo thig sgiùrsa bho Dhé ort a nall. XVI. ’Ghaidhealu gasda Na laighidh fo mhasladh sa chùis Ach faighear sibh tapaidh S Righ Seumas na thaic air ’ur cùl [TD 276] Ga ta Uilleam an Sasunn Na géillibh (sic) a feasd da chrùin Liom is cinnteach mar thachras Thaobh innleachd a bheairtean Gu pìlltear e dhachaigh gun chliù. XVII. Na ma h-ioghnadh libh-p fhéin seo S gun ghlac es’ an eucoir air cheann Bha “manifesto” ro éitigh Nach faic sibh gur breugach a chainnt S gach gealladh do rinn se Do Shasunn do threig se gu teann Tha iad nis ’n aghaidh chéile Nuair thuig siad an reusan Ach na tha Phresbiterianich ann. XVIII. Na ma lughaid’ ’ur misneachd Gu robh iad seo bristneach na cùrs Fo sgàile “religion” B’e ’n abhaist s an gliocas bho thùs Co dhiubh àlach a nise Nach … le mi-ruin Ach tha’n àite le fios dhuinn Ged dh’ fhàiling righean tric iad Aig gach àrmunn bha tiorcadh a chrùin. XIX. Gu ma h-amhluidh seo dh’éireas ’Mhaithibh Alba s na h-Eire san am Tha ’coitheamh le Seumas S nach d’amhraic iad féin air an call; Ach b’fheall am bathais s an eudann Fo gach neach bha ri éiginn s ri feall Ghabh a “test” bha éitigh Eatar mhaithibh is Chléire ’Thoir an anman dha’n éucoireach mheallt. [TD 277] XX. Ach tha mi dall na mo bharail Mar ceannsuich Dia ’charachd-sa tràth S mar mhealtar leis barail ’Chleamhnais fhuair alloil gun bhlàth; Is mairg a thòisich mar ealaidh Athar-céile ’chur ealamh bho bhàir Ach seo òrdugh nam balach Far ri dòchus nan cailleach San t-saoghal chruaidh charail-s’ a tà. Ta ’saoghal-sa carail, &c. Note.—V. 2—“Gest uair,” a widely-spread form of “an ceart uair;” iii. 8—“Luighean,” pl. of “lugh,” oath, also “lughadh,” eg., “thug e lughadh mór as;” xx. 7 and vi. 3 have “far,” a Kintail variant of “mar:” Macleod & Dewar’s Dictionary also notes this form; i. 8 and iv. 8 have “nir,” i.e., “nar,” our: the form “nár” exists in Ireland, e.g., “seo na fir a ghoid nár gcuid ba (Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie); ii. 157—O. Irish—“náthar,” e.g., “cechtar náthar,” each of us: it is cognate with L. “nostrum.” [TD 278] SORAIDH CHAIDH A CHUR AM MEADRACHD DAIN DH’IONNSUIGH NAN UAISLE GAIDHEALACH BHA ANN AN LA RAOIN RUAIRIDH. (July 27th, 1689). I. Ciad soraidh do na h-uailsibh Leis na bhualadh an cruinn-ord, Ann an là Raoin Ruaraidh Romh fuathas mór-dhuinionn; Gur fad là chualas Cha bhi buaidh mhór gun chunnard Bha ’bhuil ann san uair sin Choisinn cruadal duibh unoir. II. Chuaidh sgeula do dh’ Eire Mar dh’ éirich an là ud Choisinn cliù agus ceutamh Do cheudaibh do Ghaidheil; Cha bu leth ’chuid bròinein San Olaind ra aireamh Mar tharladh d’an mhór-shluagh S mar dh’fhògradh “Mackay” ann. III. Bha maithibh Chlainn Dòmhnuill Le ’n cònlainn san am seo Mac-Il-Sheathain is òig-fhear Sir Eoghann s Clann Chamroin Dul an coinneamh an fhuathais “Claver” suairce mar cheannard Gun e dithis ma triùir ann Cha d’ dhiùlt e “advance.” IV. Air “Mackay” s e gu seòlt Ann an òrdugh “bhatallion” Le mhìltibh de shlòghraidh S a shròilte ri crannaibh [TD 279] Ga b’e chitheadh am fuathas B’e sid uair dha go fhaighinn, Fras pheilearaibh luaidhe Le mòr fhuaim nan “cannon.” V. Iomadh òganach suairce Thuit san uair ud gu talamh Do dh’uailsibh Chlainn Dómhnuill Chlainn Chamroin s shìol Alain; Ach na thearuinn bho luaidh Thug iad ruathar le lamnaibh Thoirt a mach an ratréut Le ceart éiginn s le h-ain-deoin. VI. Cha do shnosadh leò eudann Thoirt do réubaldaibh grathail Ach toirt fo chéile Le beum-sgeith agus claidheamh Ach gun ghabh iad ratreut Le réis chon na h-abhna S gu d’fhàgadh leo ceudan San t-sréip ud na’n laighe. VII. Bu lionmhor san uair ud Corp a’ gluasad s e leòint; Cinn, aid (hats) agus gruaigean Fear gun chluasan gun chòr’ Cha chluinnt’ ann a dh’éighe Ach “alas!” agus “woe is me!” “Quarters for Jesus!” Bu Bheurla dhaibh ’n còmhnuidh. VIII. Mu thimchioll na h-abhna Bu ghàbhail an léirse ’Robh na mìltibh (sic!) na’n laighe Tha ann fathast gun éirigh, [TD 280] Bha cuid diubh gun lamhan— Beòil ri flathas ag éigheachd S nam maireadh an là Na dh’fhàg ar claidheamh gu’m b’eug dhaibh. IX. Gu ma slàn do na curaidhean Leis na chuireadh an t-orghain Nach cualas a cuimeas Bho’n là ’sguir Iubhir-Lòchaidh; Is math a fhuaras fir Mhuile S gach duine Chlainn Dòmhnuill S gu dearnadh siad tuilleadh Nam fuireadh an “rògaire.” X. Cha b’ann le ar dùrachd Thàir e uatha mar “hajck” Ach le dubharalachd oidhche Agus miorbhuilleachd eachaibh; Truagh nach robh e san réidhlein ’Deubhadh a ghaisgich Ach nach beireadh e “Chlaver” Gun Uilleam “Herie” na thaca. XI. S mur biodh bàs “Chlaver” Bu treubhach mar thachair; Chuir sid moill’ agus éis mhór Air Righ Seumas theachd dhachaigh; Rud beag eile ta ’g éirigh S ag éigheachd ar masladh— A chàirdean cha léir dhuibh Seach an treubh tha cur as da. XII. Gur h-iomadh làmh threubhach Eatar Eir’ agus Breatunn Chathadh le Seumas S a dh’éireadh an gest uair, Mur bhith eagla an treuda ’N céilean s an capuill; Gu teirigt’ libh-p fhéin iad Nan tréigt’ leo’ dachaigh. [TD 281] XIII. Na mhealadh mise builg-séididh Is strian mhath de m’ acfhuinn Mur cathainn-sa féin leis Cho fad sa dh’fhaodadh mo phearsa; Ach bho’s beart seo nach réidh dhom Thaobh gach eucoir thaim faicsinn Bidh mi guidh le Seumas Ach gu tréig sibh i fason-s. XIV. S a cheannu nan treubhan Da ’m beusan am mailis Ma ghealladh cùis réidh libh Caisgidh ’n eu-coir-s’ gu h-ealamh; Is trom osna nam bantrach S na clannanu falamh S gu t(r)og iad seo ceann duibh Mur ceannsuich sibh ’ur maille. XV. Nach eòl duibh an seorsa Ghlac òrdugh bho Uilleam Chuir Righ Seumas air fògradh Bho chòirean a sheanair; ’N cualas riamh do-bheart Bu sheòlt air a h-imirt Na mar tharruing iad òirnne Fòlaindeach Fionnfhuar. XVI. Cha mhó chualas breugan Bu treuna na bh’ac Mar chuir iad an céill duinn Na’n ceud “manifesto” Mhurt a bhrathair Rìgh Searlas S an Tearlach sin “Essex” Mac Gobha na Ceardaich Bhi ’n àite oighre Bhreatuinn. [TD 282] XVII. Gur iom’ ni bharr seo Chuir iad àird mhór ’n céill da Ach gun mhealladh leo armaild S gu’n thearb iad a chléir bhuaith: Leig e ullamh (?) gu dearbhadh Ann am Parlamaid reusain Ach bho nach faight leo creidich Is ann a dh’fhògradh leo Seumas. XVIII. Bha leisgeul sin àraid Sa Pharlamaid eucoireach S gu d’ éigh iad as àit’ e Is gun thearn e bho’n teugmhail Ghlac Uilleam is Mairi T-àite le reuson Tha fios aig Dia gradhach sin ’Nàdur s am beusan. XIX. Gur fada là chualas Gu b’ fhuarail an cleamhnas— Na dhearbh iad sa nuair-sa Le fuath mhór is gamhlas; Mac a pheathar da fhuadach Se fuaighte ri seannrach Miosg Thurcaichibh truaillidh Cha d’ fhuaradh riamh ’shamhladh. XX. Gad tha creideamh mar sgàil ac’ Is tur dh’ àicheadh iad ’m Bìobul, Fhuair Ahitophel àit’ Ann am Mairi ’cheart rìreadh, Dar a thréigeadh leo càirdeas Agus “caritas” dìreach S a bhrist iad gu gràineil Air an àithn’ thug Crìosd daibh. [TD 283] XXI. Dhé chomhairraich bàigh dhuinn’ Umhla, gràdh agus fìrinn Cha ’n eil e mar chàs air A chàraid-s a philltinn Ach réir s mar thachair a Dhàidh S a mhac àluinn da shìor-ruith Thig-Righ Seumas gu àite Dh’ aindeoin cràbhadh Phresbìtrie. XXII. S gad dh’ éireadh ur feachd-s Dhà-san thaobh iasaid Thig mac a Ghobhainn a dh’ fhàg sibh Gu cheardach le caonnaig; Bheir e garadh teth gàbhaidh Do gach àrmunn a dh’ ìobair e Ni e tairgne cha’n fheàrr duinn Air mhachru nan stìopla. XXIII. Ach ’s mór m’ imnidh s mi smaointinn Thaobh gach cùis a ta ’g éirigh Gu bi Breatunn dhe ciùrrt Fuil bhrùtht’ ann an Eire Gu bi bristeadh a chnàmha Eatar Mairi is Seumas S gu bi smior aig an Fhrangach Ma ceannsuich sibh chéile. XXIV. Dhé! Dh’ òrduich na rìghean ’Chumail sìth ris gach duine Bho is tu-san is brìghmhoir’ No gach tì dhiubh siud uile Casg féin le d’ mhìoraild An t-srìth-s’ gu h-ullamh Ceartaich robairean Sheumais Bàth réubaldan Uilleam. [TD 284] XXV. Ach fhir a shiùbhlas air chuairt bhuainn Dh’ ionnsuidh uaislean na h-onoir Bha ann là Raoin Ruaraidh— Gach uair (?) fhuaireadh leo cothrom— Gur ait liom mar bhuail iad-s An ruathar ud orra Na ceil thu-s’ mar chuala Is beir bhuam-sa ciad soiridh. NOTE.—“Cònlainn,” hosts; “tairgne,” plundering, devastation; “orghain,” plunder, pillage, slaughter; last word of x., 2, ought to be “theachdair,” and possibly the final letters got dropped or faded. ORAN DO RINNEADH. (August 21, 169-.) I. Bho tìm sin an uraidh chaidh m’ inntinn an truimid Sgeul cinnteach so chuireas fos n-ard Ga bu shunntach mo thurus dul dh’ionnsuidh Phrionns’ Uilleam Chaidh mo shùgradh gu mulad Di-màirt; ’Là sgaoilmear an naigheachd dh’fhàg sinne fo mhasladh Le saothair air leapannan clàr Cha b’fheairrde mo shonas na ghabh pàirt le Sir Tomas Siud ’a mheudaich mo dhorran s mo chràdh. II. Bha’n cealgair ud brionnach cho seolta ri sionnach— Na fóghnadh leat mionnan is mnai— Nuair thàireadh leis iomairt sa dh’fhàiling ar cinneadh Gu’n d’fhàg iad ’ceann-fin’ ann a b’àird; [TD 285] S mairg da’m bu chompan thu nuair bha na campair neo-chumhail S a ruagair iad urrainn na càird’, S a chumadh bho’n chroich e le fhuasgladh san droch uair, S math a dhuaisich e tuagha dha. III. Thug e ionnsuidh air Sasunn far an d’ionnsuich e ’fasan-s’ Thionndaidh iad-s’ bhuaith dhachaidh go’n àit Gad bha es’ gu foilleil cha’n ann air-s’ tha mo choire Ach air na dh’fhàiling ’Chlann Choinnich sa chàs; Dar a thréigeadh leo ’n onoir gun éiginn gun chunnard, S mairg d’an d’éirich no chunnaic an là (’N) can gach aon fhear le brosgla nach fac-sa mi-fhortain Mar cheannsuich iad Fort-Sea gu nàir? IV. Fir eile bha’n cruadal, ’thàinig thar chuantaibh Gu’n aithris iad fhuaim seo gu h-àrd Leis am b’ìoghnadh seo thachairt s nach do smaoinich a bheairt-sa Muna ghluais iad go machair bho thràigh; Sa liuthad laoch gasd bha iad faicsinn fo bhrataich Nach faight’ ri gealtachd gun spàirn B’ann diubh Mr Cailean agus Alastair fearail Le iomadh ceann baile na gheàird. V. Oig Ghearloch bho thuath leis le àrmunn gun ghruamain Nach tarlum a bhi san tais, Fear eile nach b’fhuath leam, ga b’ Shimi [?] gle chruaidh e Nuair chunnaic e uailse na càs; [TD 286] Agus Iain [?] cha cheilinn, oighre Dhonnachidh Mhaic Coinnich Cha’n fhaight’ e air deireadh sluagh bàir Seo na bheag dhe a chinneadh ’chathadh leis gun ghiorraig Gad do bhiodht’ ga iomairt chon bàis. VI. Ach fhleasgaichibh uails’ gun erras gun uallach Mar fhaict’ ac’ buailte(an) air blàr Ni chuirt’ leo suarach ma buaint gu cruaidh ris Gad bha cuid air a buaireadh le càch; Na biomar da’n sloinneadh an dràsd gu follais S nach math tha mo chomas an dàn, Ach chunna(ca)s pàirt diubh dar dh’fhàg an ceann iùil iad Frasach a shileadh an sùilean gu làr. VII. Cha b’ionann s a dùn diubh bha san am ud gu cùbach Cha b’fheàirrd iad am buirdeisich fann Sa dh’aindeoin an cùirt bithidh ’charachd-sa cùrt’ Da ’n tì sin a lùb iad gu meallt; Gun bhi ’g iarraidh bhodach ach cur romh bhi gealtach Sa chomhairle mhaslaidh-s thoirt da Sa thréig an ceann cinnidh air son maoidheadh luchd millidh Gad dh’éireadh dha iomairt bhi bàth. VIII. Ruith ’chuibhl’ air a fortan, mo chreach! tha mì-choslach Nach do . . iad do thoiseach na pàirc (?) Cha bhi mi ri brosgul ma can mi ni’s olc leo Ach Dia thionndaidh an roth na àit, [TD 287] Thoirt comhairle threun daibh iad chaitheamh le chéile Ann an iomairt, an éiginn sa spàirn S gur fada là chualas cha bhi ain-iochd gun fhuathas Na fine mhór suas gun bhi’n cràdh. IX. Ach thig mi san uair-s air na labhradh gu suairc ris Cha bhì mi ri buaidhreachd cainnt S cha cheil mi mar chuala thuirt cuid a dhaoin’ uails’ Nach reiceadh an dualchas air sannt Mo . . bhi suas . . an am cruadail Le d’ chlaidheamh s le d’ luaidh air do làimh S na crath dhiot do chàirdean air son mì-ghean do naimhdean Ach gu’n naisgear leat snaim orra ’m bann. X. Pill fathast gu d’ dhùthchas là thig Buchan a nunn bhuainn S leig sgaoileadh do d’ mhuinntir ach pàirt Ach gu fosglar duit dorus dhianamh t’ shìochai(n) le onoir Chionn s nach faicear leat cothrom is fearr; Seo ’chomhairle fhuair e bho thriathraibh nach luaidh mi S gu cuala mo chluasan a radh Gu cumt’ leo suas e dh’aindeoin am bruaidlein Air m’ fhaluinn! bha dhualchas sin daibh. XI. S gu cathadh iad fein leis na iomairt s na éiginn Gad do thréigt leo féudail is spreidh Truagh nach ann mar seo dh’éirich gad a bhithinn-s an éis de Mu’n deach e fo (’m) méinn-san (an) laimh [TD 288] Ach a Ghaidhealu gasd na géillidh mi-thapaidh Gad do dh’fheuch iad dhuinn masladh no dhà Mar bha là sin ’mhealtuinn dar chaidh Livingston feall òirnn Tha nis ann a tholla ri chràdh. XII. Thig fathast thar chuantaibh ma gheobh iad deagh fhuaradh Na chuireas an sluagh ud bho bhàir S gad tha’m feachdannan lionmhor s dòigh gu’m faic sibh droch dhiòl orr’ Ann an toradh an gniomha mhi-nàir’; S na mhealladh mi m’eudach mar a b’ait leam bhi ’g éisneachd Gacha tì dhiubh ’g éigheachd ’nur bàigh: Dhé earaltich na gréine fòir an neach-sa chaidh ’n éiginn Is greas dhachaidh Rì Seumas gu àit. XIII. Na faighinn mo rùn daibh cha bhiodh iad ciurrt Ni mó dheanmar ùmhla do chàch S gu tuiteadh a’ sgiùrsa-s’ air gach aon neach gu dùbailt Bha caitheamh nan lùbain gu fealls’; Ach leigim-sa ’chùis gu stòl (?) na tì chrùn e Neach is urrainn da fhuasgladh a càs S bho chaidh m’ ìnntinn an truimid mu ’nì sin a chunnas ’Sgeul cinnteach seo chuir mi fos n-ard. NOTE.—“Fort-Sea,” i.e., Seaforth. The word “campair” is used by Iain Lrn, e.g., “Cha b’e ’n campair air chùl na sgéithe e (Là Raon Ruari.”) The poet seems to bave taken an oath of allegiance. One such oath had to be taken before December 31, 1691, but Macrae does not refer here to the Mass- [TD 289] acre of Glencoe, February 13, 1692. The Sir Tomas is no doubt Sir Thomas Livingston, governor of Inverness, who served under General Mackay, and succeeded him as Commander-in-Chief in November, 1690, and was employed in King William’s Continental wars. In 1696 he was created Viscount Teviot, and died in 1711 without male issue. This Livingston was a different individual from Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston, who was detected in a traitorous conspiracy against Sir Thomas. This Sir Thomas was the official through whom the orders for the massacre of Glencoe were conveyed. Writing on 23rd January, 1692, to Hamilton, commanding officer at Fort-William, he says:—I understand that the laird of Glencoe, coming in after the prefixed time, was not admitted to take the oath, which is very good news to us, seeing that at Court it is wished that he had not taken it, so that the very nest might be rooted out. So here is a fair occasion to show you that your garrison serves for some use. I desire you will begin with Glencoe, and spare nothing of what belongs to them, but do not trouble the Government with prisoners.”—“Culloden Papers,” quoted in “Life of General Hugh Mackay,” ed. 1842, p. 20 n. To Iain Lom. William was but a “righ iasaid,” a loan king. NOTE.—At beginning of note, line 2, read “Lom” (not “Lorn.”) In stanza vi. 1. 3, of preceding piece read “buint” (not “buaint.”) [TD 290] AON EILE DO RINNEADH LEIS ’N AM CRADHADH BHI NA ’CHEANN. (Rel. Cel., II., 69.) I. Tùrsach mise, mhic mo Dhé! Tha tuinns’ mo chré do m’ lot Aidbheam do dh’athair nan gràs Gu’n chaitheas mo là gu h-olc. II. Sgiot bhuam-s’ madainn, mo theirm Mar chliobaig gun stréin, gun fhios Mar chrann curraidh gun stà Gun duille gun bhlàth, gun mhios. III. Chaitheas fòs mo mhiadhon lò Gun mhathas ach òl is craos Gach gràdh dh’fhàdaim-sa d’an fheòil D’a m’aigne is bròn r’a m’aois. IV. Thainig m’fheasgair, mo nuar! Da m’ ghreasadh gu luath cho’n uidh (aoi?) Beannuicht an Tì thug an tail Gun an t-anam a ghnàth ri caoidh. V. Aithreach gach ni’ rinneas rìamh Dhe do riar-s’, a cholluin bhras, Gun bhi againn da ’chi(o)nn Ach claigionn tinn is ciabh ghlas. VI. Dìan le do Spiorad mo bhròin Thoir ionad dom an glòir a nis Air chor s gu’n claoidheamaid an fheòil S gu biomaid fa dheòidh r’a tuirs’. Tùrsach mis, &c. [TD 291] “Cliobag -aig,” f. filly, seems connected with “clioba,” manger (a word in daily use); “curraidh,” exhausted, weak; “tail,” wages, pay; “tuinnse,” bruising, beating, thumping; but Macrae seems to have pronounced it “tuills” (MS. “tuilsh.”) There is somethng wrong in last line. If “tuirs’” be a right reading, “gu” ought to be “nach.” PAIRT DO CHOMHAIRLE MHIC EACHUINN MHIC FHEARCHAIR DO MHAC-AN-TOISICH A DHALT. (Rel. Celt., II., 27). I. Fhir da’m b’àill comhairle bhuam Thobhair leat ’fuaim gu mion Feuch nach tig seach air do bheul Glòir a dhearnadh dhuit féin cion. II. Biodh toisneach ri ràite ruit Ma tharlas duit bhi taigh an òil Gur minig ’thainig bho dhibh (dhigh) Glòir a bh’fheàrr a staigh gu mòr. III. ’N am comhairle bi gu mìn Na tobhair i ach gu mall; Far am bi thu bi gu beachd Na bi aca bhos is thall. IV. Na bi mar “thrais” do mhéinn Na lean t’àilgheas féin air aon Na cuir air an anmhuinn neart Chionn tairbh le ceart chlaon. V. Bi foidhideach tre an airc Na cath cealg air dhuine bochd Fear conais na biodh do [d’] réir Na dean teum da’m faighear lochd. [TD 292] VI. Bi gu mor, bi gu math Mu ghabhail(t) rath na bi gun réim Thoir do chomhairle ma seach Air gach neach a bhios na fheum. VII. Air an t-saoghal na dean sannt Tuig nach bi thu ann ach uair S nach eil de t’aimsir a bhos Ach tionndadh na bois mu cuairt. VIII. Mhio(dha)rachd leig ma seach Tuig nach buinig i neach àgh; Ge dh’uireasbhuidh air do mhaoin Bi furachar mu réir chaich. IX. Gach cunnart da’n tarl thu fa chòir Fo uile dhoigh bi ma seach Na bi gu h-iomlaideach a dhaoin’ Chionn ’s gu’m biodh tu réir gach neach. X. Ma tharlas dhuit bhi’n cuirt ghlic Ge leigear dhuit bhi mar roigh Bi-s’ furachar ma réir Anns gach aon ni is miann leo. XI. Trodan cheann teallaich na dean Na amaladh daibh ge b’e nì Na tobhair an ascaoin ma seach As an treis gu’n tig do shìth. XII. Air do charaid na gabh àm (aim) Na lean e gu teann na leum Aon ni dhì-molas tu ’chàch A theanal siud gu brach na dean. XIII. Na bi ro mhór s na bi beag Ri fath-dhaoin’ na cath do chuid ’Laoich mheanmich na dean trod Na ob mas éiginn duit. [TD 293] NOTE.—Verses similar are given in Nicolson’s “Gaelic Proverbs” (p. 395). Cameron made a transliteration of the whole, the first verse excepted. In iv. 1 the word seems Eng. “trash,” which is often used in Gaelic. I do not see how Cameron could get “thrasd” ont of Macrae’s “hrais.” In ix. 3 he was wrong in rendering it by “gu h-ùmhailteach.” In x. 2 “roth” out of “roih” is impossible,” and gives no sense. In xi. 2 “amble” of MS. could never give “amhail,” which, moreover, does not suit the context. In xi. 4 he took an unallowable liberty in rendering “oinnoile” by “ionann,” for that leads the unwary reader to think Macrae is wrong. Not so. “A theanal sin cha’n fhacas riamh,” i.e., “The like of that I never saw,” is excellent Gaelic. Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair” (p. 14.) 1. ii. (8th ed.), has—“Cha’n fhaca mi riamh tionnail Moraig so,” i.e., “I never saw the like of this Morag.” Again, on p. 10— Cha’n fhaighear a tiunnail Air mhaise no bhunailt No’m beusan neo-chumant Am Muile no’n Leodhas. i.e., “The like of her is not to be found,” &c. This word is also, I recollect, given in the glossary to Stewart’s Collection, but I have not got it by me to refer to the context; also, in Macbain’s “Gaelic Etymological Dictionary,” “tionnail,” “the likeness of any person or thing,” without any derivation. Macleod and Dewar gives “sunnailt,” f. “likeness, comparison.” The “l” seems to be put for “n” in order to dissimilation, and the root must be the same as in “ionann,” for which see Macbain s.v.; “trodan cheann teallaich,” i.e., “fireside, bickering,” xi. 1. In this case both Cameron’s transcript and the editorial correction are wrong. [TD 294] Appendices. FARQUHAR MACRAE, GRANDFATHER OF “DONNACHADH NAM PIOS. “Mr Farquhar, second son of Christopher MacConnachie (‘Dhonnachaidh,’) was born at Islandonan, anno 1580, being a seven months’ child. Howbeit, he became afterwards to be a man of very strong body; and his father perceiving his good genius for learning, sent him to the school of St Johnstown, where he stayed four or five years, and became a great master of the Latin language, as appears by some discourses of his still extant. From Perth his father sent him to the College of Edinburgh, where he became a pregnant philosopher beyond his co-disciples, and commenced M.A. under the discipline of Mr Thomas Reid, his regent, who afterwards became principal of the college, all the members of which pitched on Mr Farquhar as the most accomplished and capable to take Reid’s place as regent; but Kenneth Lord Kintail being then at Edinburgh, opposed the designs, and prevailed with the members of the College to pass from Mr Farquhar, who himself preferred to be a preacher of the Gospel to any other calling whatsoever and for that end he had for some months preceding heard the lessons and lectures of Mr Robert Rollack, professor of Divinity, so that, omitting that opportunity of improving his great abilities, he was brought by Lord Kenneth home to Chanonry of Ross, where he was overseer of the Grammar School which then flourished there, and stayed for the space of fifteen months; and having passed his trials, he became a sound, learned, eloquent, and grave preacher, and was pitched [TD 295] upon by the Bishop and clergy of Ross as the properest man to be minister of Gairloch, that thereby he might serve the colony of English which Sir George Hay of Airdry, afterwards Chancellor of Scotland, kept at Letterewe making iron and casting cannon. Mr Farquhar having entered then did not only please the country people, but the strangers, especially Sir George Hay. In the year 1610 Kenneth Lord Kintail brought Mr Farquhar with him to the Lews, where he preached the Gospel to the inhabitants, who were great strangers to it for many years before, as is evident from his having to baptise all under forty years of age, which he did, and married a vast number who lived there together as man and wife, thereby to legitimate their children and to abolish the barbarous custom that prevailed of putting away their wives on the least discord. This was so agreeable to the well-meaning part of the people that my Lord Kintail, promising to place such a man among them, made them the more readily submit to him, so that all the inhabitants at this time took tacks from him except some of the sons of Macleod of Lewis, who fled rather than submit to him. Mr Lord, falling sick, returned home in haste to Chanonry of Ross, where he died, and was the first of the family that was buried there, leaving the management of his affairs to Rory Mackenzie, his brother, commonly called the ‘Tutor of Kintail,’ of whom all come the family of Cromerty. Mr Farquhar married Christina Macculloch, eldest lawful daughter of Macculloch of Park, the first day of December, 1611, and dwelt at Ardlair, where several of his children were born. But when Sir George Hay went from Letterewe to Fife, he seriously invited Mr Farquhar to go with him, promising he would get him an Act of Transplantation and his choice of several parishes of which he was [TD 296] patron; and would, besides, give him a yearly pension from himself, and endeavour to get for him ecclesiastical promotion. Mr Farquhar could not, in gratitude, refuse such an offer, and was content to go with him was it not that Colin Lord Kintail prevailed with Sir George to dispense with him, Lord Colin himself proposing to transplant him to Kintail, which was then vacant by the death of Mr Murdow Murchison, uncle by the mother to Mr Farquhar, who accordingly succeeded his uncle both as priest of Kintail and constable of Islandonan, anno 1618, as will appear by a contract betwixt Lord Colin and him, dated at Chanonry that year. Mr Farquhar lived here in an opulent and flourishing condition for many years, much given to hospitality and charity. After Earl Colin’s death his brother, George, Earl of Seaforth, not only confirmed his right during his own life of the lands of Dornie, Inig, Arighuagan, Drimbui, &c., but also, for a certain sum of money, added some years in favour of Mr John Macra, minister of Dingwall, to be enjoyed by him after his father (Mr Farquhar’s) death. Earl George committed to his care Kenneth Lord Kintail, his son and heir, to be educated at Islandonan, where other gentlemen’s children were brought to keep him company, till it was thought proper to send him to a more public school. The young lord was at no disadvantage by being so long with Mr Farquhar, as it was by his care, and the wholesome, rather than delicate, diet he prescribed him that he grew so strong and healthy that he could afterwards endure great hardships and undergo vast fatigue without any bad consequences. Besides that, his being in Kintail so long made him known to the way and manner of the Highlands so well that he made an excellent chief and leader. Mr Farquhar being rich when he came from Gairloch, provided [TD 297] his children considerably well, having six sons and two daughters that were settled in his own life-time, viz., Alexander, Mr John, Mr Donald, Milmoir or Miles, Murdoch, and John. He got a wadsett of the lands of Inverinate, Dorisduan, and Letteranigmuir for his eldest son, Alexander, from Earl George for the sum of six thousand merks Scots. To Mr John and Mr Donald he gave liberal education and some provision. His eldest daughter, Isebel, was first married to Malcolm Macra, son to John Oig MacUnlay Dhiu—a pretty young gentleman, bred at school and college, and was killed at the Battle of Auldearn. After his much-lamented death, she married William Mackenzie, son to Mr John Mackenzie, some time minister of Lochalsh, of the family of Dauchmaluack. Helen, his second daughter, was married to John Bain, second son to John Bain, of Knockbain, whom his father provided with some lands in Dingwall. As Mr Farquhar was prosperous and well-to-live, he was envied by severals, some of whom suggested to Patrick Lindsay, then Bishop of Ross, that he became too secular a man, and neglected his charge as minister, whereupon the Bishop informs him to come and preach before him and the Synod next Provincial Assembly, where the Bishop, having to preach the first day, had the same text of Scripture, viz., “Ye are the salt of the earth,” upon which Mr Farquhar had prepared to preach. Mr Farquhar having told this to some of the brethren, an air of it came to the Bishop’s ears, who called him and told him he would by no means allow him to preach on any other. Mr Farquhar on this occasion performed his part so well that it was then a common question among his hearers whether the Highland or the Lowland salt savoured best, and it so recommended him to the Bishop ever after that [TD 298] his accusers were justly believed to have reported falsely of him. He thereafter preached once or twice before Bishop Maxwell, who, having asked the opinion of the brethren, they all commended the performance, and asked his lordship’s own judgment in the matter, to which he answered—‘A man of great gifts, but, unfortunately, lost in the Highlands, and pity it …’ In the year 1651 Mr Farquhar, being then old and heavy, removed from Islandonan by reason of the coldness of the air to a place near it, called Inchchuiter, where he lived very plentifully for eleven years, some of his grandchildren, after his wife’s death, alternately ruling his house, to which there was a great resort of all sorts of people, he being very generous, charitable, and free-hearted. In the year 1654, when General George Monk passed through Kintail with his army, they on their return carried away 360, but not the whole of Mr Farquhar’s cows, for which, after the restoration of King Charles II., he was advised to put in a claim; but his love for the change of affairs made him decline it, and at his death he had as many cows as then, and might have many more were it not that they were constantly slaughtered for the use of the family which he had of his grandchildren and their bairns about him. Being at last full of days, and having seen all his children that came of age settled, after he had lived fifty-four years in the ministry, ten of which at Gairloch, he departed this life in the year 1662, and the 82nd year of his age. He was buried with his predecessors at Kildwick, in Kintail. His son above-named is the next to be treated of; referring Alexander, according to the plans laid down, to be the last spoken of. Mr John, second son of Mr Farquhar, was born at Ardlair, in Letterewe, March 13th, 1614. After he had learned his grammar at [TD 299] Chanrey, his father, knowing he would prove a scholar, sent him to the College of St Andrews, under the care and discipline of Mr Mungo Murray, where he became a pregnant philosopher, few in the University paralleling him. He had for his antagonist the Earl, afterwards Duke of Lauderdale. When he had commenced Master of Arts his father, finding him of a scholastic genius, sent him to study Divinity at Aberdeen, under Dr Robert Barrow, with whom he remained three years, in which time he became a great divine and profound schoolman. He made several attempts to go off the nation in time of the violent pressing of the Scots Covenant, which his father knowing, crossed his design, keeping him with himself in Kintail, and though he had offers of a kirk he would not embrace any, because he must needs take the oaths and subscribe the National Covenant. But in the year 1640 the violent pressing of the Covenant became somewhat more remiss, and George Earl of Seaforth, patron of the Church of Dingwall, which was then vacant by the deprivation of Mr Murdoch Mackenzie for not submitting to the acts of the General Assembly at Glasgow, wherein the Bishops were deposed, anno 1638, gave him a presentation thereunto, wherein he entered without subscribing the Covenant, in which capacity also he was more fit for the chair than the pulpit, giving such evidence of his learning as the place he was in and the society he was among would allow, and of his piety and vigilance such as they could desire or expect from any.” [TD 300] DONNACHADH NAM PIOS. Duncan, the lineal heir and grandson, as said immediately above, of Mr Farquhar, was married to Janet, co-heiress of Raasay, and had by her Farquhar, Kenneth, and John, and two daughters. Farquhar, his eldest son, was married to a daughter of Mr Simon Mackenzie of Torridon, by whom he had Duncan, Christopher, and John, Janet, Mary, and Ann. He died in 1711, Duncan, the eldest son of Farquhar, was married to Florence, daughter of Charles Mackenzie of Cullen, of the family of Kilcoy, and died in 1726, and had by her a son called Farquhar, who married Mary Mackenzie, daughter of Alexander Mackenzie of Dauchmaluack, by whom he had eight sons and four daughters. He died in December, 1789. Duncan, the son of Alexander, the son of Mr Farquhar, was drowned in fording a burn near his own house in Dorisduan, on his return from the low country, by which accident the family lost much property by the destruction of bonds and other papers which he had upon him. NOTE.—The above is from a transcript in my possession, which I owe to Alexander Carmichael, of the Macrae genealogy, and which agrees with the MS. in possession of Horatio R. Macrae, Esq. of Clunes, to whose kindness I am indebted for a former perusal. The title is—“A Genealogical Account of the Macra’s, as written originally by Mr John M‘Ra, some time minister of Dingwall, in Ross-shire, who died in the year of our Lord, 1704. Transcribed by Farquhar M‘Rae, of Inverinate, in 1786. Copied by Captain John M‘Ra, of the Royal Scots, from this transcript in the possession of his son, Dr John M‘Ra, of Chittagony, in the year 1816.” [TD 301] ON GAELIC TESTIMONY AS TO MATRIARCHY AND THE COUVADE. In addition to the historical testimony to the Pictish Matriarchate, as set forth by Zimmer, it may be useful to summarise any further references to the subject. Briefly—(1.) The Testimony of Gaelic Proverb: “Cha’n abair mi mo bhrathair ach ris a mhac a rug mo mhathair,” i.e. (I will not say brother but to my mother’s son.) This is a common proverb, and is given in Sheriff Nicolson’s “Gaelic Proverbs,” p. 105 of 2nd ed. 1882. The Sheriff remarks it looks like a relic of a time when birth-rights and blood-ties were calculated from the maternal rather than the paternal side, of which Mr Skene has found traces in the early history of our country—“Celtic Scotland,” I., 252; Maclennan’s “Primitive Marriage,” 2nd ed., p 129. Another common saying is: “Se càirdeas na mathar is dilse”—It is mother kinship that is nearest. In many parts of the Highlands it is to my own knowledge still held that the sisters’ children are more closely akin than brothers’ children. The people whom I have questioned cannot give me a reason for this, but persist that it is so. (2.) Many of the great heroes in Gaelic literature have their descent reckoned on their mother’s side, e.g., Cuchulinn, who is, according to Tigernach “fortissimus heros Scotorum,” known as Cuchulainn mac Dechtere; so, too, Fergus MacRòg, Diarmad o Duinn (Duibhne). (3.) Traces still survive in Gaeldom of a folk-belief in the Couvade. The Couvade was observed by the Iberians and by the ancient Corsicans v. Strabo, III., 165; Diodorus, v. 14. It seems to have originated in a kind of dodge or social fiction, whereby [TD 302] the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy was facilitated. To the father was attributed a sort of birth-debility, in virtue of which he could make good his claim to personal possession in his offspring. This is a world-wide belief or custom. I have long known a case in the Highlands—that of a man believed to suffer in this manner, and two other cases have been authenticated to me on trustworthy authority—one from Uist, the other from Lochaber. It is the folk-belief that needs explanation in this case; what the fact was is another thing. 4. References to the Couvade in “Fled Bricrend” as observed among the Ultonians. We cannot deduce from these references that it was never observed among the Gaels, still less that the Picts were not Celts. All we can infer is that among the Gaels at the time of these references the Matriarchal stage had been quite overcome. That it never existed we cannot infer on these grounds. Professor Carl Pearson, in his “Chances of Death and other Studies in Evolution,” gives a chapter on “Evidences of Mother-Right in the Customs of Mediæval Witchcraft and on Kindred Group Marriage.” According to him, early Ayran culture was Matriarchal. The Professor’s evidence is mainly from the Teuton side—the last branch of the Ayrans who took part in the great migration, which, with the breaking-up of old social customs, would tend to the substituting of Patriarchy for Matriarchy. It would not be safe to fix upon the exact date at which such substitution took place among the Gaels; but some of the oldest portions of Gaelic literature show a deep difference was perceived by the Celts of the Gaelic territory of Meath between themselves and the Ultonians. This is evidenced by the contemptuous reference on the part of Emer ingen Forgaill Manach ben Concul- [TD 303] aind. Emer, Cuchulinn’s wife, was from Meath, and when in “Fled Bricrend”—a Gaelic tale, the poetical parts of the redaction of which may safely be dated circa. 700 A.D.—Cuchulinn’s wife jibes at the Ultonians, she knows no more distasteful comparison than: “Is i richt mná siúil sedda Ulad uli corrici mo chele-se Coinculaind,” i.e., The braves of the Ultonians all are like unto women in child-bed compared with my spouse Cuchulinn. She evidently refers to the Ultonian practice of not fighting during the particular week of the Couvade—the season when the men feigned birth-sickness. (5.) The evidence of the old story, “Noinden Ulad.” There are at least four versions of this story. Two of them have been edited by Windisch (“Berichte über die Verhandlungen der k. Sächsichen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften.” Phil. Hist. Classe, No. 36, year 1883-84.) The oldest is from the “Book of Leinster,” 125 b., a MS. compiled about 1150. “Noinden Ulad” is one of the introductory tales to the Tain Bo Cuailnge. When Queen Meave of Cruachan, with her powerful following, had made a hostile descent upon Ulster, Cuchulainn alone was in a position to oppose her forces. Conchobar, King of Ulster, and the other Ultonian braves were in the condition of debility known as “cess noinden Ulad,” L.L., 56a l. 9. O’Curry rendered this as Child-birth Debility of the Ultonians. The word “noinden” seems indeclinable: “atá Conchobar na chess noinden.” What the origin of the word is is not beyond question. It has been proposed to derive it from “noi n-,” i.e., nine; and “den,” O. Ir. “denus,” a period of time; Skr. “dina,” day. This derivation would harmonise with what the story relates as to its lasting for five days and four nights. O’Davoren glosses it by [TD 304] “tinol,” assembly; and if that were the primary meaning, it might be a loan from L. “nundinæ.” TRANSLATION. “Noinden Ulad,” whence is it? Not difficult. Crunniuc, son of Agnoman, was a rich farmer. He lived in solitude and on the mountains, and many sons were by him. His wife, however, died. One day, as he was in his house alone, he saw a woman coming towards him into his house. The appearance of the woman seemed to him magnificent. She began at once as soon as she had sat down, to make preparations for eating, as if she ever had been wont to be in the house. When night came on she gave directions to the household without asking any questions. She slept with Crunniuc at night. Thereupon she was a long time with him, and, thanks to her, they had no scarcity of any product, whether of food or drink or good things. Not long thereafter a fair was to be holden by the Ultonians, and they were wont to go to the fair with man, wife son (and) daughter. Crunniuc also betook himself with the others to the fair; he was well got-up and well-looking. “It behoves thee,” said his wife to him, “not to be [so] unguarded” (puffed-up) [as] “to say an imprudent thing.” “Impossible,” said he. The fair comes off, and at the day’s end the King’s chariot comes [first] to the terminus. His chariot and horses scored a victory. The people said, “There is nothing to match these horses for swiftness.” “My wife is swifter,” said Crunniuc. He was forthwith seized by the King. This was told to Crunniuc’s wife. “It is a real affliction for me that I should have to go to set him free,” [TD 305] said she, “and me heavy.” “What affliction!” exclaimed the messenger; “he will be killed if thou comest not. Thereupon she went to the race-course (fair), and the pains of child-birth gat hold of her. “Help me,” said she to the people; “for of a mother has each of you been born. Wait for me till I am delivered.” She could not obtain that [request] of them. “Good, then,” she answered; “thence will come the greatest of ills, and long will it endure for all the Ultonians.” “What is thy name?” said the king. “My name,” she made answer, and the name of my progeny will for ever be associated with the fair (race-course). Macha, daughter of Sainreth, son of Imbath, is my name.” Thereupon off she went with the chariot; and as the chariot arrived at the terminus, her delivery forestalled its arrival, for she gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl. From that comes Emuin Macha (lit., twins of Macha). At her delivery she gave such a cry that it set every one who heard it into a condition of debility for five days and four nights. All the men of the Ultonians who had been there, they all fell into the same condition unto the ninth generation (fri saegul nónbair ocan fhiur ro bai ann). Five days and four nights, or five nights and four days, that was the [duration of (?)] Noinden Ulad. The strength of a woman in travail, that was the strength each man of the Ultonians had in the Noinden until the ninth generation. Three classes there were on which the Noinden Ulad did not lie, viz., the youths and the women of the Ultonians and Cuchulainn (Treide for na bíd noenden di Ultaib i maic 7 mnaa Ulad 7 Cuchulaind). The period during which it weighed on the Ultonians was from the time of Cruincon, son of Agnoman, son of Curirulad, son of Fiatach, son of Urmi, until the time of Forco, son of Dallan maic Mainich, maic Lugdach, &c. Curir Ulad, [TD 306] it is from him the Ultonians are named. Thence then comes Noinden Ulad and Emuin Macha. There are versions of the above in the Yellow Book of Lecan, also in the Book of Fermoy, and in the Harleian MS., 5280, fol. 53 b (British Museum, fifteenth century). The latter, though verbally differing from the Book of Leinster, tells the story much to the same effect, but gives the man’s name as Cruind, and says Macha was the name of that woman, as the learned say (Macha dana ainm na mna sin, ut periti dicunt). Mention is likewise made of the taboo laid on the man. “You are not to go to the race-course,” said the woman, “that you may not fall into the danger of speaking concerning us, for our continuing together lasts only so long as thou dost not speak of me in the assembly (race-course, fair.”) The son and daughter are given the names of Fír and Fíal. “Then, from dire necessity and sickness, she broke out into a cry. God forthwith granted her relief, and she bare at one birth a son and a daughter, Fír and Fíal. When all the folks heard the cry of the woman, it so overcame them that they all had but the same degree of strength as the woman in her state of debility had. ‘From this hour henceforth the affront you have given me will turn out to your dishonour. For in your greatest straits each one of you in this province will have but the strength of a woman on her delivery, and for the space of time that a woman is in child-bed, for the same time will (this debility) last, viz., five days and four nights, and it will weigh upon you unto the ninth man, i.e., until the time of nine men (ninth generation.”) That also was true; for it clave to them from the time of Cruncon until the time of Fergus, son of Donald. But [TD 307] this debility lay not on the women, nor on the youths, nor on Cuchulainn, for he was not of Ultonian lineage, nor on any one who was then outside of Ultonian territory. Hence comes it that the debility lay on the Ultonians. “La sodhain atracht a scret n-ese ar tiachra an galair Ro gle Dia di fo cetuair 7 beirid mac 7 ingin a n-oentairbirt i. Fír ocus Fíal. Amail ro colutar an sluag uili a scrit inna banscalai fos-ceird foo co m-boi hinann nert doib uili 7 an banscal boi isan galur. Bidh aithis tra daib ond uair si ind ainecraca forurmid-sie orm-sa. An tan bus ansam duib ni cor bia acht neurt mna seula lib do neuch taircella a coicet sa 7 an eret bis ben a seolai issi cret nom-biaid si i. co cend coic laa 7 cetheora aidchi 7 biaid forib dana co nomadh náo i. co haimsir nonbair. Ba fír son dana. Fordarulil o aimsir Cruncon co haimsir Fergusa meic Domnaill. Ni biid tra an ces sa for mnaib 7 macnaib 7 for Coinculaind ar nar bó do Ulltaib do nach for cach oen no bíidh frisan crich anechtair. Is do sein tra ro boi an ces for Ulltaib et reliqua.” Thus far of a Gaelic story invented to explain the Couvade practice.