[DA 1] LEABHAR NA FEINNE VOL. I. GAELIC TEXTS HEROIC GAELIC BALLADS COLLECTED IN SCOLTAND CHIEFLY FROM 1512 TO 1871 COPIED FROM OLD MANUSCRIPTS PRESERVED AT EDINBURGH AND ELSEWHERE, AND FROM RARE BOOKS; AND ORALLY COLLECTED SINCE 1859; WITH LISTS OF COLLECTIONS, AND OF THEIR CONTENTS; AND WITH A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE DOCUMENTS QUOTED ARRANGED BY J. F. CAMPBELL NIDDRY LODGE, KENSINGTON, LONDON, W. October 1872. LONDON PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY SPOTTISWOODE & CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE, E.C. 1872 PRICE ONE POUND [DA 2] [Blank] [DA 3-4] AUTHORITIES QUOTED IN THIS VOLUME. [Beurla] [DA 5-10] CONTENTS OF THE COLLECTIONS NAMED. [Beurla] [DA 11-36] GAELIC TEXTS. [Beurla] [TD 1] HEROIC BALLADS. The Gaelic and the English quoted from Books and Manuscripts in the following pages are printed as written and spelt in the copy. The poetry is divided, and the lines are numbered, by the Editor, J. F. Campbell, Niddry Lodge, Kensington, June 4, 1872. I. CUCHULLAIN. THE NAME of this warrior is differently pronounced in different districts of the Highlands, and has been differently spelt by Irish and Scotch writers ever since the Book of Leinster was written, A.D. 1130. Dean Mac Gregor spelt it ‘Cowchullin’ 360 years ago. The hero and his exploits are familiar to all who speak Gaelic. He is described as a very strong, very active, energetic, fair-skinned, blue-eyed man, of great stature, but not a giant. ‘As strong as Cuchullain’ is a Gaelic proverb, as familiar as the English saying, ‘As strong as a horse.’ A plant with a tall stalk and a white flower, with a sweet scent, was named by Mac Donald (p. 41, edit. 1751):— ’S cútbhrai faílidh do mhuineil A chrios-chomhchuluinn na’n cárn! Sweet is the scent of thy neck, Thou Belt-of-Co-chullainn of the cairns. The present sound of the name, as pronounced in Islay, may be expressed by Cochullainn. This warrior appears in tradition as a horseman and charioteer. He is always associated with certain heroes, such as ‘Conlaoch,’ his son, and ‘Connal.’ These names, the hero’s own name, and his adventures, join him to Irish history, and that gives him the date of Cæsar’s invasion of Britain, or thereabouts. In the Book of Leinster, A.D. 1130, is the story of the Tain bo Cuailgne, in which Cuchullin figures as chief character. Fragments of the story are known to old men in the Highlands, and they correspond to the oldest written version, so far as they go. Of this story, versions are in old MSS. in the Advocates’ Library. The oldest manuscript versions of this story are about to be published by Mr. Standish H. O. Grady. I give elsewhere in English all that I have been able to pick up orally concerning Cuchullin,, to show how tradition agrees with writings about 750 years old. Of fragments of Gaelic composition I give the following:— 1. Cuchullin and Eamhair his Wife, page 1. 2. Cuchullin’s Sword, p. 1. 3. Cuchullin’s Car, p. 2. 4. Garabh mac Stairn, p. 3. 5. Conlaoch, p. 9. 6. The Heads, p. 15. 1.—1512. CUCHULLIN AND EAMHAIR. This fragment is not known to me as orally preserved. From it, in 1512, the hero was considered to be an Irish worthy, and one of the Feinne. He is called of ‘Dundalgin,’ which is the old name of Dundalk. The story of this ballad seems to be the same as that which is called ‘The Jealousy of Eamhair,’ which has been published. COWCHULLIN AGUS EIMHAR. A. 1. Dean’s Book, page 64. 56 lines. 1512. 1 LAY a royth in dundalgin Cowchullin ni grow neynti O taid ni gur er a gon Gin sloig wlli na ochyr 2 Halli in noill erin nerre Math si waggidir in nane wlli Keltith fekkich fowich Feine eltych laye za leetiwe 3 Gwr bei in nansych wllith Mnan chogn clanni rowre In cor sen bi degkir reyve Cur ris in naltin dawail 4 In doychis lawee leich Atte dr aytlir chonleich Ni hoynni giderring dalwe Ser winn cholla in gallew 5 Gawis in crann tawill Glan cowchullin gi . . . In lawe bi wath troir Er mor ni hoynene gr . . 6 Ryntyr in neltych wo Ner zarmit umpith ach awyr, Gawis awyr racht fane rynn Dayveine ner chart a cheive 7 Geltyr wee no errik sin Ni kead oyne elli zayvir Lar dorchrith er teive a chnok La creif ni norchr nerrik 8 In gen tryle hicgid gow caith Za anee gin neigiss noynach Ni roe fer gin oe orri Wei slawre or datrych 9 Hug bancheill chongullin Graw dinani di wllim Din charrait eintych aynee Hanik a ymill ollanith 10 Agris ayvr in nolt trwme A cu rith er chongullin Ni hoyne mir gylle deith Gin skail na hyi umpith 11 Da oyr no tre tilfer leis Ni hoyne aldyth sner ammis Gir leme couf mir a chur Iii wrchir hor ni hannich 12 In hurchir reyve royve Sen zol di zaltane gawffee Gin virn er wrane di wlyg Ryef ach keym sin allane 13 Re bleygin ni deach zea Ach twrss nin nane seach Ne hay ymichtych nin nane Is inleut ach in twrskail 14 Mass fer in dathris a woygr Nach darn in cow on chref Slat war zall di zrawhe mnaa Laywith aig voye a 2.—1786. CUCHULLIN’S SWORD. This is the only version known to me; but similar measured prose passages about other warriors abound in oral recitations and in old writings. Quoted by Shaw, 1778, p. 149. CLAIDHAMH GUTH-ULLIN. M. 1. Gillies, p. 211. 13 lines. 1786. CHUIR e an claidheamh, fada, fiorchruaidh, Fulanach, tean, tainic, geur, ’S a cheann air a chur ann gu socair, Mar chuis mholta gan dochair lein, ’S e gu direach, diasadach, dubh-ghorm, ’S e cultuidh, cumtadh, conalach, Gu leathan, liobhadh, liobharadh, Gu socair, sasdadh, so-bhuailte. Air laimh-chli a’ ghaisgich; [TD 2] Gur aisaiche do naimhdean a sheachnadh, Na tachairt ris ’s an am sin; Cha bu lughe no cnoc sleibh, Gach ceum a dheanadh an gaisgeach. 3.—1816. CUCHULLIN’S CHARIOT. Something like this fragment is in the First Book of Fingal (p. 11, edit. 1862). The Gaelic equivalent is at page 107, Ossian, 1818, Gratis edition. I give one sample of fragments orally collected, which differ from the book of 1807. CUCHULIN NA CHARBAD. V. 1. Mac Callum, p. 140. 64 lines. 1813. CIA fath do thuruis, no do sgeul? Fath mo thuruis, is mo sgeul, Feara Eirinn sud mar chimear Air teachd chugaibh as a’ mhagh 4 ’N carbad air bheil an dual fioghara fionnduinn Air a dheanamh gu luthmhor, lamhach, tachdail Far am bu lughor ’s far am bu laidir ’S far am bu lan-ghlic am pobull ur 8 ’S a’ chathair fhrasanta randuidh, Caol, cruaidh, clochara, colbhuidh; Ceithir eich chliabh-mhoir ’s a’ chaomh charbad sin. Ciod a chimear ’sa’ charbad sin? 12 Chimear ’sa’ charbad sin, Na h-eich bhalg fhionn, chalg-fhionn, chluas-bheag, Slios-tana, bas-tana, eachmhor, steudmhor Le sreunaibh chaol, lainnire, limhor. 16 Mar leug, no mar chaoir-theine dearg; Mar ghluasad laoidh creuchda maoisleich; Mar fharum ghaoith chruaidh gheamhraidh Teachd chugaibh anns a’ charbad sin. 20 Ciod a chimear sa’ charbad sin? Chimear sa’ charbad sin Na h-eich liath, lughor, stuadhmhor, laidir, Threismhor, stuaghmhor, luathmhor, taghmhor 24 A bheireadh sparradh air sgeiribh na fairge as an caraigibh. Na h-eich mheargantach, tharagaideach, threiseadach, Ga stughmhor, lughmhor, dearsa fhionn, Mar spur iollaire ri gnuis ana-bheathaich, 28 D’an goirear an liathmhor mhaiseach Mheachtruidh, mhor, mhuirneach. Ciod a chimear sa’ charbad sin? Chimear sa’ charbad sin 32 Na h-eich chinn-fhionn, chrodh-fhionn, chaol-chasach, Ghrinn-ghruagach, stobhradach, cheannardach, Srol-bhreideach, chliabh-fharsuinn, Bheag-aosda, bheag-ghaoisdneach, bheag-chluasach, 36 Mhor-chridheach, mhor-chruthach, mhor-chuinneanach’ Seanga, seudaidh, is iad searachail, Breagha, beadara, boilsgeanta, baoth-leumnach D’an goireadh iad an Dubh-seimhlinn. 40 Ciod a bhiodh na shuidhe sa’ charbad sin? Bhiodh na shuidhe sa’ charbad sin An laoch cumaiseach, cumhachdach, deagh-fhoclach, Liobhara, loinneara, deagh mhaiseach. 44 Tha seachd seallaidh air a rosg; ’S air leinn gur maith a’ fraodharc dha. Tha se meoir chnamhach reamhar Air gach laimh tha teachd o’ ghualainn. 48 Tha seachd fuilteana fionn air a cheann; Folt donn ri tointe a chinn ’S folt sleamhuinn dearg air-uachdar, ’S folt fionn-bhuidh air dhath an oir, 52 ’S na faircill air a bharr ’ga chumail D’an ainm Cuchulin mac Seimh-suailti. Mhic Aoidh, mhic Aigh, mhic Aoidh eile, Tha ’eudan mar dhrithleana dearg, 56 Lughmhor air leirg, mar luath-cheathach sleibhe, No mar luathas eilde faonaich, No mar mhaigheach air machair-mail, Gu ’m bu cheum tric, ceum luath, ceum muirneach 60 Na h-eacha a’ teachd chugain, Mar shneachd ri snoighead nan sliosaibh Ospartaich agus unaghartaich Nan eachaibh g’a t-ionnsuidh. 64 GUCHULIN NA CHARBAD. U. 1. Grant, p. 418. 66 lines. 1814. CEA fath do thurais na do sgeul Fath mo thurais agus mo sgeul Feribh Erinn seud mar chimur Tithinn thugibh as a mhaogh. 4 An carbad air am bel an dual fighara fionnduinn Air a dhianabh gu luathmhar lamhach tacmhal Far mo lutha agus far mo ladir Agus far mo langhlic am pobul ūr 8 ’S a chathair fhrasanta ranndai Caol cruai clochara colobhui Cether ifera chleamhor a chaomh charbad sin. Cud a chimur ’s a charbad sin 12 Chimur ’s a charbad sin. Na heich bhalgionn chalgionn chluasbheg Shliostana bhastana eachmhor steudmhor Le streinibh caol lainnir lumhar 16 Mar leig na mar chaoir theine dheirg Mar ghluaisda chreachdai laoi alluinn Mar fharam gaoi chruai geamhrai Teachd thugibh ann ’s a charbad sin. 20 Cud a chimur annsa charbad sin Chimur ’s a charbad sin. Na h eich lia lu’ar stu’ar ladir Thresmhor stuaghmhor luamhor tadhmhor 24 Bheiragh sparag fi fua na fairg asa caraicibh Cud a chimur annsa charbad sin Chimur ’s a charbad sin. Na h eich bharceach tharceach thresadach 28 Gu stumhor lumhor duarsinn Mar spuir iolair ri gnuis ainbheach Dha’n gioradh an liamhor mhaiseach Mheachtroi mhor mhuirnneach. 32 Cud a chimur annsa charbad sin Chimur ’s a charbad sin. Na h eich chinionn chroidhionn chaolchasach Ghrinn ghruagach stobhrādach, cheannardach 36 S’rol-bhreidich, chliabh-fharsinn Bheg aosda, bheg ghaosdneach, bheg chluasach Mhorchri’ach mhor chru’ach, mhor chuimhlean ach Seangh, seadi, isiad, searachail 40 Briadha, beadara, baoisgeanda baoleumnach Dhan gioradh iad an Duseimhlin. Cud a chimur annsa charbad sin Bhithigh na shuighe ’s a charbad sin. 44 Laoch cuimeaseach, cumhachcach, degh-fhoclach Libhara, loinnera demhaiseach Tha seac meircid air a ruinn S’ar linn gur math a fradharc dha 48 Bha sia meoir chnamch reamhar Air gach lamh dhe ghualinn do Bha siac fhuilt fhiondai air a cheann Falt donn re tonnibh a chinn 52 Falt sleamhuinn dearg air uachgar S’falt fionnabhui air dhath an oir Sna faircill air a bhar ga chunnabhail Dhan anaim Cuchullinn mac Semh Sualti 56 Mhic Ui, mhic Ai, mhic Ai eile Tha aodann mar fritheine deirg Luthmhar air leirg mar lua’ cheach sleibhe Na mar chruas creanda ealta airghe 60 Na mar mhial air mhachair mhail Gum bu tro tric, tro luath, tro mhuirnneach Na heachibh tithinn t’orruinn Mar sneachca ri snaithagh na sliosabh 64 Ospartaich agus unadhartaich Na h eachibh gu tiunsai. 66 X. 1. CARBAD ALAIRE CHUCHUILLIN. 1862. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, Jan. 31, 1872. Sgeulaichte-Eachun Donullach an Talamh-sgeir ’S an Eilean. [TD 3] This fragment was got for me, in 1862, by Mr. Carmichael, from a Skye man. A copy was afterwards sent to Dr. Mac Lauchlan by the collector. The same gentleman got from a blind man the following fragments before 1802:—Z. 57, 7 lines. Z. 74, 7 lines. Z 80, 54 lines. These three are versions of the Gaelic of 1807. It is worth remark that a blind fiddler, in Islay, used to recite passages from Dryden’s Virgil, which he learnt from a student to whom he was teaching the fiddle. At page 84 Gaelic of the Book of the Dean of Lismore is a measured prose description of Mac Gregor’s horse—28 lines. The last 4 speak of coming from Ireland to praise and to seek it in Alba, and this composition of 1512 is very like the oral descriptions of Cuchullin’s Car. Similar passages abound in old Irish writings and in current prose tales. Mac Pherson’s English was condemned by critics, but it was founded upon some old Gaelic original. There is nothing to show where the Gaelic of 1807 came from. BHA moran aig m-athair (Iain mac Iain ic Eoghain, air Carbadan Chuchullinn) Carbad Comhraig agus Carbad Alaire Chuchullin. Cha chuala sibh riamh na bhaaig do bhardachd Oisein. Is cuimhne leamsa nuair bha mi og agus an t aite so lan dhaoine, lan tuath, gum bitheadh an tigh againn cho lan a dh’ oigire ’s a sheanairi (agus do sheanairibh?) fad na h-oiche gheamhraidh agus a chunnaic sibh tigh bail reamh. Moire ’s an a sin a bha an oigiri anns an aite so, agus am pailteas aig duine agus beothach. Ach chuir na caoirich mhor as do ’n aite ’s cha ’n fhaighean an diugh ann ach iad fein’ Seanachaidh. NA h-eich liobhach lairgearach lothar, 1 ’S na spuir oir fotha (fopa?), Sith-fhada shithsheang, Beag-chileach beag ghaoisneach, beag chluasain, 4 Mor chuithach mor cheach, mor chuaileanach Uinich ’us osunnaich nan each, Bha tarruing Cuchuillin air chill. 7 4.—GARBH MAC STAIRN. THIS well-known personage is usually mentioned in Gaelic tradition as a real man: very strong and thick-set; a mighty wrestler, and a Scandinavian prince. I give the following fragments of poems, &c., in which he figures as a foe to Cuchullin and others:— 1 D 1. 151 lines. 2 F 1. 210 lines, versions of the same ballad. 3 O 1. 225 lines, story, language, rhythm, and names different. 4 O 2. 82 lines, a popular tale, joined to the name. 5 Q 1. 64 lines, no story, vague Mac Phersonic poetry. 6 D 31. 40 lines, translation, by Mac Nicol, of D 1, first 10 verses. 772 lines The first two, independently collected about 1750, associate Garbh with Cuchullin’s warriors. The second, got near Dunkeld, about 1800, associates him with ‘Fingal, king of Selma,’ and the warriors of Fionn. This I take to be modern Ossianic. The fourth is a popular tale, which has been hooked on to many names, including ‘The Fiend.’ It is here told of Garbh and Fionn, and Fionn’s wife. The fifth is a vague Lament, in which Mac Stairn is named. The six illustrate the changes which naturally befal historical ballads orally preserved. Part of the story of the ballads (1, 2, 1750) is in Mac Pherson’s ‘Fragments’ (p. 59, No. XIII. 1760.) In 1762 the fragment had expanded into the First Book of Fingal. Many stories of different times got joined, and their heroes became comrades. On looking through Fingal of 1807, not one line of the Gaelic ballads can be found. The language appears to be modern and stiff, and a translation from the English of 1702. This illustrates the growth of an epic from historical ballads and traditions. D. 1. DUAN A GHAIRIBH. 157 lines. 1755. Mac Nicol’s Collection, Ossianic Ballad, No. 16. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 9, 1872. 1 ERICH a Chu ’n teridh Chi mi ’n Longis ha do labhradh; Lom lan na’n Cuan clannich, Do Longis mor na’n Albharich. 2 Bregich hu Dhorsair gu Muadh, Breigich hu Diu ’s gach ion uiar; She han Longas mor na Maoidh Se teasc huginna gar coir. 3 Ha ion Laoich an Doris Teiridh An Port an Riodh gu ro mhenmich; Gra gu gei ’ir leis gun eal, 4 ’S gu ga geal air Feribh Erin. Hugidh mis arsa Cuth raoidh; Araoin agus O’Connachir; 5 Fear dian Taoibh gheil, ’S Fraoich fial Mac Fini . . . . . 6 Aoig masc ârâ a ghluin gheil, ’S Caoilte ro-gheal Mac Ronan. 7 Na tig air sin a Chu Riodh, Na cantir chomhradh gun chli; Cha chorigir ris gan Fhail, Air ard Rioghachd na Herin. 8 Chonnairc mis coig Caha deug, Du Dhamharibh as ni’m Breug; Breth air a Gharibh a’s Tir Hoir. An Maoidh Gallan nan Corag; 9 Sin nar huirt Connil Ceardich, Sonn Chatha na Claoin Tearach; Cha deid mi fein ris am ghuin, ’S cha bhu ’s eoluch mi mu Chlesibh. 10 ’Sin nar huirt Meaoidh hall a Stidh, Inn Ochidh Flath na Fenidh, Na leigibh oglich nan Cath Stidh do high Teridh nan Riogh lath. 11 Sin nar hurt Connil gu coir Daoi Mhac alin edir sgeoil, Cha bhi ro ghraita Bhean, Gun duilt sinnidh ri haoin Fhear. 12 Legidh a stidh an sin an fear mor, Na phrop an fianis an Tloidh ’S Ionnad tri chead a stidh, Chaidh retich a gho san tre sin. 13 Hog Cuchulin ’n sin a Sciath, Air a mhaoidhlin bharradh lia; Heale Snaois air a gha Shlaoith, ’Sghlac Connil a Claidh. 14 Hug iad a stidh an sin Dronnadh, Cheud do Bhiadh agus do Dhibh gun urich, Ga Chaigh gus an fhear mhor, A hanig as an Esraidh. 15 Nuair bu haich an fear mor, Agus a hug e treis air ceoil; Huge sealtin air a nuil, Air Caogid Mac Riodh mu himcheal. 16 Sin nar huirt Brichgain gu Muadh, Mac Mhic Caribridh fan Chraoibh ruadh; Fear is Faoilte dhuit gun eale ar A fianis faribh Erin. 17 Macanichd Erin uile dhuit san ams, A Bhrichdan Bharbhuidh, Fad sa bhis misa am Riodh gu tean Ar ard riodhac na Herin. 18 Bhrahinsa dhuit na Braidin Ana faidhe tu na Tantin Bu leat Lugha Mac Curiodh, ’S Tiabhidh mac Ghoridh, 19 Fear dian taoibh gheil, ’S Fraoch fial Mac Fiui, Aaoig Mac aradha Ghluin gheil, ’S Caoilte ro gheal Mac Ronan. 20 Lul’ im ’s dearmid am Blsoidh, Deo Mhac Righ-Lehin Lubidh; Cormag an Lungais gu Muadh Mac Mhic Caribridh faoin Chraoibh ruaidh, 21 Buinni Borruadh ’s borb e stidh, ’S buin leat gu luadh faoi Fhearais. 22 Ghaidh an sin na Mic Riodh, An ann Tidh Teridh gu fior; Agus schuridh iad a Muidh, Don Treun-fear na fhianis. [TD 4] 23 Ga ba Laoidh gach Fear dhiu sin, Na ’n Garibh Mac Stairn Star-iaclich; Cha le ladh fear soir na Siar, Air asridh ghrian Lonair. 24 Sin nar huirt Brichgain gu Muadh, Mac Mhic Caribridh on Chraibh ruaidh; Cia horidhe dhuit dul ad Luing, ’Shu gun gheil o Chuchulin. 25 Bheil aig Cuchulin Mac na Nighin A sgeile Glac innish gu fior a Bhrichgain; 26 Cha neil aig Cuchulin Mac no Nighin, A sgile Glac, na Daltar Banni Brahid; Na machd Dilis deo mhair, 27 Ach bansa leis Naoish an naidh, Bhrair Alidh as Ardain. 28 Frogair a Choin chulin chaoin Mheic Sedrigh so altich ’Le re bhairt Naois air a chean Air a chuid do d’heribh Erin, 29 Ni ’n feara misi na Snios Nan fear, Laoich a cho Aois; Ach dhinga Snios Ri Horr aigh Ceud do gach curidh cola. 30 Bheirimsa Briar Riodh Ann Fheribh aile na Herin, Nach deid mi fein ann am Luing ’S mi gun Gheil o Chuchulin. 31 Bheirimsa Briar Righ ele, She labhair an tard Chu Armin; Nach toir hu mo Gheil ’s ar Muir, ’S mi fein an am Mheidh. 32 ’S Bodich bhidhan udlidh ’S holc hu fein, ’s holc do Mhuintir ’S ro olc Bean do Haidhe; ’S cha ’n fear a Bean mhuintir 33 ’S cha doir bu mo Gheils an sail ’S cha neil innad fein ach Allabharich. 34 Sin nuair dherich ’n da Hriach, Le neart Chlaidh agus Sciadh Togadir an Talibh Tath Le ’n Tridhe ansa nuair sin. 35 Bimadich Buille o bheil Sciadh, ’S fuaim Clisniche ri Cliar Fuaim Laoin aig Gaoidh nan Gleann, Fu Scleo nan Curidh co tean. 36 Seachd oiche agus seach Lo, Hug iad an sa’n imid Scleo, ’N Cean an teachda Lo, Cha bairde ’n Garibh air a Mhaoidh 37 Na Cuchulin a Ghaisge. 38 ’N Cean an teachda Lo Hug Cuchulin Beum dho, Scoilt e o Bhruan gu Bran An Scia Eugich Orridh. 39 A Choin Chulin ainnich Triach, Agamsa cha mhair mo Scia; Ach aonna cheim Teiche noir na niar, Cha tug mi ribh ’s mi ’m bheidh. 40 Heilg Cuchulin uaidhe Scia, Air an aiche oir as Jar, Gab ennich shud bolc an Fhaoil, Le Mhaibh uaisle na Herin. 41 Ach hug Cuchulin Beum eile, Le moid a Mhemnidh sa’ scennidh; Togadar an Lamh leis an lan, Scarar Cean o ’n Cholein. 42 Macanichd Erin uile Dhuitsa uamsa, arsa Connil, Agus an ciad Choin gun Eall, Ann a fianis Feribh Erin. 43 Ni Gnimh ar Gili na’n Cuan, Credibh an Riogh maras dual Leba ’n ion Laoich mar a ta 44 Ha ion Laoich an so a bha air Saul Ha nis gun ashig le immairt sluaigh Bha trial gu Teridh nan torr tean Ghabhail Geil air Feribh Erin. Fearis Mac Rosidh Mhic Ra ’n Laoich a bairde gheiribh fail, cha Barda Fearis a stidh na ’n Gairibh Mac Stairn na huighe. Bheirimse Briar Righ ann se labhair an tard Chu Armin aoina Cheim teiche ge bearde leat nach hai du chead a hoirt. Do Bhesidh fhir Mhoir a hanig as an Esra, na bitidh na bu Leidhe stigh, dheibhe tu fiagh as faoilte hin Tairishe leum air faoilte, gus an gia mur Braide gus an curin an am Luing Raoinin Mhic Righ na herin. ’N sin thainig an Dorsair a steach do thaidh Teamhradh nam beumanan ’schrath e ’n t slabhraidh gu tean Ri’n eisteadh na ceudin. F. 1. DUAN A GAIRBH MHIC STAIRN. 210 lines. 1750. AIR dha teachd a thoirt Geil air Righ, Eirinn, agus mur Gheil iad uild dha gus an do dhuilt Cuchullin ris a Gheil, an t aon do na Fiannaibh a bha annsa chuirt san am sin. (Da luchd ionidh an Righ.) Fletcher’s Collection, page 183. Advocates’ Library, Edinburgh. January 27, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 EIRICH a Righ na Teimhre, Chi mi luingeas mòr ’se labhram; Lom lan nan cuan is e elannach, Do luingeas mòr nan Allamuireach. 2 Is breugach thu dhorsair gu muaidh, ’S breugach thu ’n diu ’s gach aon uair; ’S th’ ann luingeas nam maogh, ’S an Fhiann a teachd d’ ar cobhair. 3 Cho d’ eisd e ri tuille sgeoil, Ach leum as làthair an Righ mhoir; ’S e thachair air laoch mòr a teachd; A neoir gu dorus na Teimhre. 4 Do bheannaich an dorsair dha ghu màlt, Is dh’ fhiosraich e cò as do; Is dh’ fhreagair am fear mor gu nimhe, Thainig mu thoirt gèil air Connul. 5 ’S ni ’n gabhain cumha na ceart, Ach Eirinn uile theachd fui’m smachd; ’S gach flath ’s gach Righ dhiu thoirt umhluidh A dh’ aindeoin Chonnuil ’s a luchd comhnuidh. 6 Creud d’am bheil ugumsa dheth, Ach dearnam do sgeula; Agus innsidh mi thu gun fheall, Ann an lathair fearaibh Eirinn. 7 Is dh’ imich an dorsair a steach. Do dh’ ard Theimhre nam Beumanan; Is chrath e an t slabhraidh gu teann, Ris an eisteachd na ceudan. 8 Sin ’nuai’ thuirt Connul gu còir, Deadh mhac Righ an Eidir sgeòil; Am bheil allamhuireach a muigh. 9 Tha aon laoch an dorus na Teimhre, An am porsa an Righ ro mheamnach; Is e ag radh gun geabhar leis gun fheall, ’S gun gabh gèil air fearaibh Eirinn. 10 Do bha Corachar thall a stigh, Is ard Righ-laochar na Teimhre; Fionn mac Righ ruaigh An ceathramh cuiridh co mucu. 11 Chuige mise ’n dubhirt Curiogh, Araon agus O Conachir; Aog mac Garadh a Ghluin-ghil, Is Caoilte glegheal Mac Ronain. 12 Na tig air sin a Churiogh, ’S na canta comhra gun chlì; Cho torachar leis gun fhoill, Gèill air rioghachd Eirinn. [TD 5] 13 Mur e ’n Garbh Mac Stairn a t’ ann, On’ Ghrèig uamharaidh ro ghairg; Bheir e leis ar gèill air muir, Dh’ aindeoin fearaibh Fiannaibh. 14 Chunnaic mi cuig catha deuga, Do chathan Fhamhairean ’s ni’m breug; Aig breath san tir Shoir air a Gharbh, A’ maogh Gamain nan goirean. 15 Bheirinse briathar Righ arm, Fhearaibh àilidh na h-Eirinn; Nach do leig an Garbh iad o’n mhaogh, Gus ’n do ghabh è gèil gach aon fhir. 16 Sin ’nuair dubhirt Connull cearnach, Ursan chatha nan blagh teimhreach, Cho d’ theid mi fein ris dam bhuin, Cho mho is eolach mi ma bheusan. 17 Sin ’nuair dubhirt gead mac Machith, ’N laoch b’ fhurast aithsheun; Cha deach mi riabh aon cheum sor na siar, A dh’ fholum gaisge a’ hudligheachd. 18 Tabhair mo ghit thali’ si stigh, Inighin o chli’ Flath na feile; Na leigibh oglach nan Cath, Do thigh teimhre nan Righ-fhlath. 19 Sin ’nuair dubhirt Connull gu còir, Deadh mhac aluin an eidirsgeoil; Cho bhi è re aratin a bhean Gan diult sinn uile re aon fhear. 20 Leigibh a steach am fear mòr, Gu prap am lathair an t slòigh; Ionad cheud areitichadh dho san t sreth; Muna chuireadh e na shuighe. 21 Feargus mac Rossain ic Rà, ’N laoch a b’ àirde dhe fhearaibh Fàil, Cho b’ àirde Fearguth a stigh, No’ a Garbh Mac Stairn ’na shuidhe. 22 Pronn cheud do bhiadh ’s do dhibhe, Chuaidh a dheanamh dosan gun fhuireach; Sa thoirt re na chaitheamh don fhear mhòr, Thainig as an Eassa Roimh. 23 ’Nuair bu shaitheach don fhear mhòr, ’S a thuigeas greis air an òl; Thug se suil uaithe nun, Air chaogad mac Righ mu thimchioll. 24 Do bheathsa fhir mhòir, Thainig as an Eass a roimh; ’S na bitheadh ni bu leithe steach, Gheabha thusa fiall is faoilte. 25 Cho tairis leam air faoilte, Gus an iadham mur ar braide; Gus an cuir fam an nam luing a steach, Righm mhic Rìgh na h- Eirinn. 26 Sin ’nuair ghabha na mic Rìgh, Ann an Tigh Teamhre gu fior; ’S a chuireadh iad a muigh, Don treun laoch na lathair. 27 Ge bu laothadh gach fear dhiubh sin, No an Garbh mac Stairn stanfhiaclach; Cho tialuigheadh fear siar no soir, Dhiubh an asinn a ghniomh lomidh. 28 Sin ’nuair thuirt Brichni gu muaith Mac mhic Cairbre o’n Chraoibh Ruaidh, Fear is faoilte dhuit gun fheall, Ann an lathair fearaibh Eirinn. 29 ’S mise Bhrathadh dhuit na Braidean, As am fuighe tu na tàintean; Buin leat Lugha mac o Rìgh, Agus Fiamhi mac Gorigh. 30 Aogh mac Garadh a Ghluin ghil, Is Caoilte ro Gheal mac Ronain, Fear Dian taobh ghil, Agus Fraoch fiall mac Fiuic. 31 Luagha sgia argumeid am blagh, Deadh mhac Ri leathan Lùcais, Cormaig an Luingeas gu muaidh Mac mhic Cairbre o’n Chraoibh Ruaidh. 32 Buinne borburra nach borb a steach, Buin leat gu luath o Fhearghuth. 33 Maed aineachd air Eirinn uile, Dhuitsa uamsa Bhrichni Bharabhui, Ad sa Bhios mise ’m Rìgh gu teann, Air ard Rioghachd na h-Eirinn. 34 ’S an an sin’ thog Cuchulin a sgia, Thair a mhaolin Bharraliath; Sheal Snaois air a dha shleagh, ’S ghlac Connull a Chloidheamh. 35 Sin nuair thubhirt Brichni gu muaidh, Mac mhic Cairbre o’n Chraoibh Ruaidh; Cia thorchrar leat dol’ na d’ luing, ’S tu gun ghèil o’n Choinchullin. 36 Am bheil aig Cuchullin mac, Innis gu fior a Bhrichni Nim bheil aig Cuchullin Mac, Na nian is Gile glac. 37 Na Dallan munidh Bràghad, Na mac dilis deagh mhàthar, Ach b’ annsa leis naois anaigh, A Bhrathair Ailibhin agus ardan. 38 Freagir a Choinchulluin choin, A mhic seud riogh subhald; Teirbert snaoise an dò cheann, ’S air do chuid do dh’ fhearaibh Eirinn. 39 Nim fearr mir no Snaois, Nim fearr laoch a Chomh aois; Ach Diongidh Snaois còir nath, Ceud do gach cuiridh comhla. 40 Bheirimsa Briathar Riogh ann, Fhearibh Ailidh na h-Eirinn; Nach d’teid mi fein ann nam Luing, ’Smi Gnn Gheil on Choinchullin. 41 Bheirimsa Briathar Riogh eile, Se labhair e n t ard Chù armach; Nach d teid mo Gheilsa air sàil, Smi fein an nam Bheatha. 42 ’S Bodach ù bhiodh an Údluigheachd, ’S olc u fein ’s olc t fhear muintir; ’S olc Bean do thaigh ’S cho’n fhearr a luchd aon tigh, 43 ’S cho d’ tabhir u mo Ghèil air Sàil, S gun annad fein ach allamarrach. 44 Sin nuair dh’ eirich ’n da thriath, Le neart an cloidhean is an sgia; Gun d’ fhogradh an tallamh team, Le traighean ann sa ’nuair sin. 45 ’S ioma Buille fuidh bhile sgia, S fuaim Clishnich re Cliar, Mar fhuaim Coille le gaoith nan Gleann, Bha Scleo nan curidhnan co teann. 46 Seachd oidhchean agus seachd là, Dhoibh aig Imarscleo sa aig Jomarb hai; Sa’n ceann an noidheamh trà Cho b’ aird e n Garbh air amhoigh na Cuchullina Ghaisae. 47 Ach an ceann an t seachdamh lò, Thug Cuchullin beum dhò, Sgoilte leis o Bhruan gu Bran, An sgiath eangach òrbhuigh. 48 Noish on a theirig mo sgia, A Choinchullin a dhairgneas triath; Aon cheim teichidh siar no Sor, Cho dliubhram is mi ’m bheatha. 49 Bheirimsa Briathar Riogh eile, Se labhair e n t ard Chu Joraghil; N t aona Chèim teichi Siar na Sor, Cho n eil fuidh d’ roghun a dheanadh. [TD 6] 50 Thilg Cuchullin dheth a sgia, Thair a mhaolin Bharra-liath; Geb einaeh gum b’ olc an fheall, Ls maitheamh uaisle na h-Eirinn. 51 Thug Cuchullin beum eilli Le moid a mheamnidh is asgeine, Thogadh leis a lamh sa lann, Is sgar e ’n cean ri cholluin. 52 Machd aineachd air Eirinn uilli, Dhuitsr uamsa choinchulin; Sa chead chorn gun fheall, Ann am lathair fearaibh Eirinn. 53 Rinn mise gniomh air gilu nan cuan, Creideadh an Ri mur is dual, Tha leaba aon laoich ’n so a bha air Cuan, Tha niudh gun aisag aig Iomairt stuaigh. 54 Thrial gu tigh teimhre nan Righfhath, Ghabhail gèil air fearaibh Eirinn. O. 1. FIONN IS GARA MAC STAIRN. 225 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 129. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 1, 1872. 1 SGUAB Garbh na sleibhtean, ’S ghull na glinn fo chois; Lub na caoilltean an cinn ualach, ’S thiormuich suas na tuiltean uisg. 2 Shrannadh a’ Mharc shluagh a ghaoth, Thuit am fraoch fo fhuaim an tart; Loisgeadh am feur le’n dian astar, ’S ghull man ghlasan gach bachd. 3 Theich an eilid le fuathas baoth, Chual i glaodh a rain’ a sgairt; Sheall am fir eum gu nuathara claon, Co iad na daoin tha ruag mo theach? 4 Bha garbh treun mar shruth a ghlinne, ’S am fireach a’ cridheadh fo ghluasad; Uamhasach mar thorrun a gheamhraidh, Ri oidhche annradh ann àm fuathais. 5 Arda mar Ghiubhas na beinne, ’San ceò a’ tionaladh mu’n cuairt d’i; Marbhtach mar cheud tamasg, Aig carra daingean Loda bhuailtich. 6 B’ fharsaing rioghachd Gharabh Mhoir, Bu lionmhor sloigh toirt dha cain; Bha clann mhaoth a’ busteadh ainm, Is daoine a’ crathadh an cinn gu cor. 7 Dh’ fhag e a thalla stoirmeil, Dh’ amharc Thuail an fhuilt dhuinn; Tual Mac righ Lochlain aigh, A choimhich ait an Albinn bhig. 8 Air sgiathaibh gaoithe sgoilt e’n cuan, Gu Duu Mhic Tuail nan ioma’ creach; Theich na sloigh roimh a cheum, Bh’ an rathad reidh gu Dun nanclach. 9 Co chogadh ri Garabh Mac Stairn? Co sheasadh blar na fala? B’ fharsaing criochan Thuail, Thar garbh bheanntan ciar na Tuath. 10 A ghaisgich mar aon bha dana, ’S lionmhor blar a chuir iad thairis; Rainig Garabh crom ghleann nan craobh, ’Shloid e sia croinn Ghuibhais o thalamh. 11 Chuir faileas iar o theas na greine (dubhar), Fhreagair na creagan do ghlaoth; Gheill gach bealach do neart, Rainig e ard thir Mhic Tuail. 12 ’S fhuair e gu faolaidh fosgailte. 13 Choinnich Mac Tuail e air an fhraoch, Chuir failt gu caoin iar a charaid; Do bheatha a dh’ Albuinn nam beann, A mhic Stairne o ’n duthaich tha ’n ear. 14 ’S lionar feachd gu cleachd s gu tiorachd, Thig a steach fo sgath mo thighe; Biodh cuirm is aighir air bhordaibh, (1) Seinneadh mo bhaird cliu nan treunfhear. 15 Tha na bliadhna a threig a pilltinn, Latha Sealg nan gleann ciara; Thainig Fionn ’sa shloigh nan coir. 16 Co as tha na fir armach ghasda, ’Se labhair righ Shelma chruinn; Bheil am fiadhac a’ dol leibh, No ’n teid sibh leam gu Dun ban? 17 Bha cliu Ghairbh sna danaibh Bha eagal air Fionn roimh a theachd; Cha b’ ail ail leis a bhann gun am feachd, Ri Mac Tuail bha Fionn an sith. Ach bha mi run anns a ghaoith. 18 Chuireadh Garbh gu Cuirm is cleas nan treun, Gu Dun ban ma ’an eiradh grian, Dun bha faoilidh riamh is farsaing, Dun am b’ ait leam bhi lem’ mheann Dun o’m faicte mile maise. ’S tric an d’ fhuair an t-aineol biadh. 19 Thainig Garabh le cheathairne chor, Ochd fichead fear fo’n earra shroil; Floigh Mac Tuail le chomhairlich fein, ’S le choisridh dhonna dhana threun. 20 ’S ann an sin bha chuirm gun aithris, Fion na Greige as Beoir na Macharach; Ceol nam filidh fonn nan clar, Dan nam ban, is eachd nan Treun. 21 ’S fad bha aoibhneas an Talla ’n Dun, ’S cuimhne leam, a ruin an latha; Ach mo thruaighe dh’ fhalbh am filidh san dan, ’S cha ’n eil a lathair ach smurach faiche. 22 Ann an sealla Dun Mhic Tuail, Bha Dun Fhinn gu uarach ard: 23 A ghaoth a seida seach a bhalla, ’Se gun chrith, chneth, gun spairn; A thuran, daingean da fhilt dealbhach, Mar chreig albhinn lamh ri shail. 24 Sheid an glagaire an corn buadhach, A dh’ adharc buabhull grinn nam beann; A thionaladh a steach na coisruidh, Do ’m bu choir bhi fiadhach mheall. 25 O chreag gu creag leum an glaodh, Mar oiteag ghaoith am bar nan crann; Thainig fuidhi mhor a ghlinne, Le ’n coin innealta gu sealg. 26 Thainig fir a bhraigh sgairteil, Le ’n eachaibh tartarach is le ’n cuim; Thainig gaisgich Locha fhuaimnich, Thainig Duthich, Buich ’s Baimch. 27 Thainig Diarmad donn ’s Cullin, Thainig Buidhne do gach fine; Righ be sin na daoine treubhach, Bha cruit, bha clar, bha feudan redha. 28 A’ cur euslan fad air astar, Sheall Garabh gu dur nuathara; Air na feachdaibh nuadha, calma; Fhinn Mhic Cuthail nan ceud cath, 29 Cha ’n ioghna thu fein bhi dana, Agad tha na buidhne crodha, Dealbhach, tosach, bonnach, craidhach, Toslach, cudthromach, beusach, 30 Gach fear mer reth bhuinne traighe ’S tearc a chithear an leithid. O ob shruth gu ruth nan Gael, Ghluais na fir nan ard shunt; Gu siubhlach thar gnuis na faiche. 31 Mhic Stairne, thuirt Fionn an cainnt reidh, ’S mor do neart, tha t’ ainm ga reir; Tilg a chloch ’s thug deuch a dh’ Albinn, 32 Thog Garabh a chreag ghaileach luchdmhor, ’S thug urchar ri aghaidh ’n Duin; Chrith Selma le mor eagal, Sgoilt peirceall an Dun ge b’ aill. (1) Biodh ard air cuirm is aighir. [TD 7] 33 Dh’ fhag eachuiman san fhaiche, Bheuchd na creagan le toirm; Theich Mac Talla le bruaidhlean, ’S dh’ fhalbh snuadh na coille gu bas. 34 Deach a ris a Ghairbh nam beum, Do mhor spionna fein ’s do chliu. Thuirt Fionn ’s a smaoin a crathadh, Mar cheo a sgaradh air carn. 35 Chrom Garbh a cheann gaisge, ’S thog a chreag gu h-iorsach ur; Dh’ fhalbh i o laimh mar dhealan, ’S rinn i sgar an ceann an Duin. 36 A mhala mhine, tha lan de uisge, Leum an ailbhinn air ais; Gu bras beuamanach, buarasach, ard, Creigean ’s orannan a’ geilleadh Spreidh a’ critheadh gu bas, Stad i air Dail an fhraoich Ged is faon i ’n duigh bhaigh 37 Bha Mic Fhinn ’san gnuis gu deurach, Thug Mac Stairne eibhin buaidh; Dh’ eirich Goll Mor Mac Morna, Fear nach sora riamh am beum. 38 Thog e ’n Tulach a a talhaibh, ’S thug e urchoir laidir dhian; Theich siol Lochlain le ioghna, Thog a chlarsach caithream buaidh, Thog siol Alba lachan gaire, ’S sheall Dun ban air chaochla snuadh. 39 Chaidh iad sin a dh’ fheadhach bheann, A ruaga ’n tuirc le thuisg oillt; Treis an toir air loin is eild, Is air damh alluidh nan ceum calma. 40 Phill Garabh gu Dun Mhic Tuail, Thriall Fionn gu Buth nan struth; Thainig sgeul qha cruaidh ri eisd Dh’ iarr Garabh cios o’n Fheinn le tair. No comhrag cuig ceud sar ghaisgeach, Ceud loghainn chon ceud seobhag suairc Ceud each luath a bhuighnadh geall, Ceud earra shroil leinteag ur. 41 Bhuail Fionn an ard bheum sgeithe, Chruinnich a threun fhearan ri cheil; Bhruchd iad mar thuil nan gleanntan, Co sheasadh san am sin roimh an dluthas. 42 Rainig Garabh buth nan struth, Le buidhinn cholgara dhana; Bha Grainne san tall fo eagal, Fionn a fiadhach am feudanaibh duinte. 43 Dh’ iarr Garabh aoidheachd ’s muirn, Mar charaid a bhitheadh dlu dhi fein; Aoidheachd cha do dhuilt mi riamh, Labhair Grainne le ciall cheart. 44 Ach do cheathairne co mor, Cha ’n ’eil cro an teid a steach; Gheibh sibh aoidheachd air an raon, Ma’s miann leibh fhaotainn Gheibh le tlachd. 45 Thug i dhoibh sithann bheann, As lionn nach do thoga o bhraich; Dh’ eirich na h-almaraich ghnotha, Gu chomhla a tharruing mach. 46 Ach thogar an glaodh Feinne, Is dhuisg gach tom is glaic; Sheall Garabh thar a ghualainn, Chunnaic gu luath Fionn le fheachd. 47 An e so diol na h-aoidheachd a Ghairbh, Mo theach ’s mo bhean a thoirt uam; Teann am rathad gu grad, No stad cha ’n fhaigh thu ach bual. 48 Eagal cha bhiodh orm mhic Cuthail, ’S e labhair Mac Stairn gu fiar dana; Ged eireadh leat mile leomhainn (loghainn) De fhearaibh an domhainn a thainig. 49 Bratach Fhinn sgaoil sa’ ghleann, An deo ghreine bu deirge cruth; Thog a chlarsach a fuaim catha, ’Sthog Caorull gu h-ard a ghuth. 50 Bha Fionn mar ghrian fo ghruaim, ’Nuair dhomhlaicheas uimpe ceo duachni tiugh; Air uairibh chitear a gnuis aoibhinn, Air uairibh i gailach duth, 51 Tharruing na sloigh o ’n t-sliabh, Gu tosdach dian chum euchd; B’ uamhasach sealladh gach mili, Bu cinnteach buille an creuchd. 52 Ni ’n d’ atharaich Garabh Ceum, ’Sa threun fhearan daingean ri chul; An sleaghan nan cuilg nimhe ri ’n guailinn, Am boghan cruaidh deas mar an ruin. 53 Clanna Baoisge thilg an sleaghan, ’S tharruing an claidhean foinneanta geur; Sgath iad siol Lochlain gu talamh Mar loisgeas falaisg an tir fheur. 54 A’ m’ laimhsa bha neart an la ud, A Mhalmhine cha b’ eagal leam; Theich Garabh bras mar cholman, ’San seobhag grad na dheigh, Ghleith sinn ar tighean is ar mnathan, Ar clann, ar fearann ar n’ euchd. NOTE.—This metre cannot be divided into quatrains. It is irregular, like Mac Pherson’s. O. 2. FIONN IS GARA. 82 lines. 1801. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 163. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 3, 1872. Along with the fragment (Fionn is Gara) (see page 129) a ridiculous story is told which was formed to bring these ancient heroic poems into contempt. I shall here insert it copied from the same person who recited the other, viz., Alexander Cameron, Tailor, in Drumcharry, Fortingal, before mentioned. (Dr. Irvine’s note.) 1 RAINIG Garabh Dun nam buadh, Dun ri’ n luaidhear Buchanti; Fhuaras Grainne fuinadh san talla, Bha Fionn na chodal an crethaist dhlu Le lubaibh gun glacadh Mac Stairn. 2 C’ ait bheil Fionn, thuirt Garabh? Cha ’n fhad air falbh, a righ na faich, Gabh aran ’s leag do sgitheas. 3 Mar d’ fhusneadh Grainne le mend a luathas, Dh’ itheadh an Garabh gu dlu dian; Mar mhada fiadhaich Ghormla, Chuir i ghraideall ann am bonnach Dh’ ith e’ n t-earrna foinnamh borba. 4 ’S cruaidh t-aran a gheug na maise, Mar chreag abharnaich dom’ ghoile. 5 Chuir e mheur am beul an leinibh, Bha sa chrethail gu tosdach dealbhach; Chaill e a muir a thiola, Le fiacail ghuineach a bhanbhi, Ciod as aois do d’ leanabh a Ghrainne, ’Se labhair gu h-anrach Garabh. 6 Miosachan beag a th’ am, Ma dh’ fhasas gach mios mar so; ’Se fhreagair Garbh gu tiugh dian, Bithidh airde mar airde nam beann, ’Se neart mar neart na iomghaoith dhochorach 7 Dh’ fhalbh Garbh a choimhead cumhachdan naraig Far an tric a gheill an Roimh, ’S ann fhuair Sliochd nan Gael buaidh, Trusgan a bhuachaill ghabh Fionn, S’ thachair air Garbh aig murlin nan alt. Rinn Faolan le meud a sgoil, [TD 8] Sheas an roth chloch mhailin aig an dorus, Na pilleadh Fionn o ’n t-seilg, ’Se thuirt an Garbh le mor fhiamh, C’ ait am bheil a spionna ’sa threis? 8 Feumaidh e comhrag a thoirt a Ghrabh, No tuiteam gu balbh fo mhein; Cha ’n aon mise de na treun, Deir Luna la treun ghuth. 9 Chunnaic mi Fionn le beag spairn, Tilgeadh na Gra chloich sin thar an tigh; G’a comhlachadh air an taobh eile, M’an ruigeadh i ’m blar g’a luathas. 10 Sheall Garbh le smeithe gaire, Air a chloich cruin mar an Rè; Ballach mar an speur ud shuas, Trom mar Dhungael le choille dheurach, Cha ’n eil e beo do ’n geilinn luaidh. 11 Ghlac e chlach is rain e ’n righ, Triallam do shliabh nan agh; Thachairt air Fionn is mor blagh is brigh, Thuirt Garbh ard a laimh, Gu luath thairis air gleam ’s air beam. 12 Ghluais Luna bu luaithe ceum, Thachair air Garbh an gleann caillich; An Uidham balaich ’se treun, Bha ’n fheudail ri taobh na aibhne seimh 13 Bheil Fionn sa’ choire, no sa chathair? Cha ’n eil, thuirt Luath bheul le cainnt ghrad, Tha Fionn an Innis fail nan tonn, Tha fhonn feadh fhiorach is ghlaic, Tha Fionn an neart gun choimeas, Chuir Fionn righ an Domhain fo smachd. 14 Faic an tarbh beucach gruamach, An cum thu air chluais e air raon? Rug e air an tarbh ge b’ alma Rug Luath bheul air a chluais eile. 15 Sgaoilteadh an t-annit cha b’ fhaoin, A Luath bheul! cha ’n ’eil thu cli; Ma tha Fionn am brigh mar sud, ’S tearc righ a theid na choir, 16 Thogadh Fionn a chreag ud shuas, Thilgeadh gu luath ris an t-sliabh; Reubadh e coilltean om’ freumhaibh, Thogadh e cnuic o ’n t-athaibh; 17 Thionndaidheadh e aimhnichean uisge, Thionndaidheadh Grian dreusg ghradhach; Dhutha e ’n Domhain le torrunn, Co dh’ fheucha’ ri botham a haradh? Fagam a rioghachd gu luath, ’S truagh teachd fo fheirg sna blaraibh. Air an cruinnicheadh lis an Olladh Urramach Alastair Irbhinn Ministir an t-soisgeil ann an Dunchailinn bheag. J. McD. Q. 5. DUIL MHIC STAIRN RI H-EIRIN. 64 lines. Stewart’s Book. 1813. 1 Is tiamhaidh nochd Gleann comhann, Gun ghuth gaothair, a’s gun cheol, Gun fhuaim air Chlàraibh nan tèud, Gun uirsgeul Threun, a’s gun òl. 2 Thosd guth nan Filidh na Mhùr, Tha muirn a Bhuidhne air sgur, Nior fhan ach mise na’n deigh, ’S mo chònadh air treigsin tur. 3 Is mi an sean-fhear gun treoir, Mar aon Lon leont’ anns a choill, Mar shònn gun snodhach, gun fhàs, Air chaileachd buidhir, a’s daill. 4 Cha b’ionann ri linn Mhic Stairn, Bha abhaist Oisein, ’sa neart, Bu mhaith a dhimreadh e lann, Cha b’fhànn a dhorn air a beairt. 5 Cha b’amhlaidh iar chath nan Sleagh Fhònn ’sa mheanma ri fleagh Fhinn, ’Nuair thionail mu’n Righ a Laoich, ’S lasair chraobh ri solus grinn. 6 Chaidh sligean, a’s cuirn mu’n cuairt, Cha’n fhaicteadh gruaim air gnuis, Agus co-sheirm cheann, a’s chlàr, A’ togail àbhachd, a’s mùirn. 7 Ri Ulann, a’s Cairiol, a’s Raoini, Labhair Fionn Ghaël gu fòil, Togaibh Dàin luaidh ar Trein fhir, A choisin o chein cliu, mar chòir. 8 ’S ait le Righ Lochlain nam buadh Na Dàin a luaidheas deagh-ghniomh, ’S is taitneach le Fionn an glèus, Thig air bèus Ghaisgeach na strì. 9 Leig mo Righ maraon, a’s Mac Stairn Ri h-èisteachd Chlàrsach nam rònn, Bha cèud Cruit, ’s dà chaogad Bàrd, Mu’n dà Ard Righ air an Tòm. 10 Chaitheadh mar sin an oiche, Gu soillse maidne sàir-ghil, ’Nuair chluinnteadh caismeachd an stuic, A’ greasadh Fhear Lochlain gu tràigh. 11 Nior liosda astar an long, Ag ascnadh thonn air an leirg, A’s strann-ghaoth Eìre fuasnadh, An Sleisdean thar cuan-shruth-mear. 12 A mhnathan na tìre a’s soir, A’s buidhe folt, ’s is geal braghad, A’s tric air muir tabhairt shùl, ’S a tathaich brù na traigh. 13 Coisgear re seal ur ’n iomguin, ’S an Cabhlach ag iompaidh nur dàil, A’s subhach leam sibh ga fhairgsin Air fairge mar eun fàire. 14 Ach ’s truagh leam cuid agaibh caoidh, Nan Saoi math, ’s fearr na brathair, Na leannain caoin, gheal, ciuin, Nach stiuir am feasd long thar bàrlinn. 15 ’S cruaidh leam ur’n airc mu dheibhinn Na chaidh an Eirin fudh ùir Is tùrsach leam sgal an con Air fiadh, na lon nach tabhair suil. 16 Is goirt leam an donnal bròin, A’ togail sgeoil d’an caomhainn Taibhse nan treun bhi sa cheo ’S an saighdean gun seal aonaich. D. 31. DUAN A GHAIRIBH. (1) 36 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, No. 27. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 7, 1872. SONG OF GARVIE. 1 ARISE! doorkeeper (chief or commander) of the King’s palace; I see ships innumerable, The wavy ocean quite full Of the large ships of the Strangers. 2 Doorkeeper you be this Day, and every Hour (in the Morning), You Lie (or brings false tidings,) to Day and always; It is the Fleet of Moy (2) Coming to our Relief. 3 There stands a Hero in the Gate of Teira; A Hero in the Gate of the King of lofty soul; Who says, that openly (or without Deceit), He ’ll lead Captive the Fones of Ireland. . . . . . . . . (1) Garibh—Gross robust gigantick man. (2) Moy (Maogh)—Appears to be ye name of a place. [TD 9] 5 Forwards spring Cuth, the son of Raogh, And with him Oconnachor; Also ye keen white-sided Warior Taobh-ghil, And the high, (or liberal) minded Fraoch, the son of Fiuidh, (1) 6 Aogh the son of Garadh, with the white knee, And the fair Coilte, (2) the son of Ronan. 7 Speak not so, Chu-riogh, Nor utter thy feeble words; For, without Guile, he cannot be equalled in War, By the mighty Land of Erin. 8 Fifteen tribes of Gigantick Warriors Have I seen in combat with Garive in ye East (or East country), In Moy, the Habitation of Heroes. 9 Then spoke Connil, the chief of the sons of the Forge, who had often conquer’d, The Prowess of Garive is unknown to me, Nor will I engage him in Battle. 10 From another quarter, Maya raised her voice. The beautifull Daughter of one of the Chiefs; Permitt not that Hero in Battle To enter the royall Walls of Teira. 5.—THE DEATH OF CONLAOCH. A.I.M.N.O.V. THIS is an ancient Aryan story. It was told of Zorab and Rustem in Persia. It was in Marie’s Lays (No. 9, ed. 1805, Ellis), written in the early part of the 14th century, in England (Milun, vol. iii. 184, vol. iv. Popular Tales, p. 260.) As part of the Story of Cuchullin, the story was known in Scotland about 1512 (A. 2), and other versions of it are in texts I. 1. M. 2. N. 1. O. V. 2. Y. Z. 34. 52. 59. 60. In all these the main story is that of a son, who is slain in combat by his own father, when he grows up, and comes from his mother to visit him. In the Gaelic ballads Cuchullin, and Conlaoch, his unknown son, are associated with the King of Ulster; the Heroes of the Red Branch, Connul, &c. The heir of Dundalk appears as the love son of a heroine who lived in Skye; and generally all the names agree with Irish history, though the story is British and Aryan. Closely read, all the Gaelic versions, A. M. N. 1. 2. O. U. Y. Z. tell one story, and may be fused so as to make one translation. I. Kennedy’s version is a different Gaelic poem on the same theme. A reference in verse 53 makes me suspect that it was slightly altered after 1762. In any case, it is Scotch Gaelic about a hundred years old. The Aryan story of this genuine old Gaelic ballad is in Mac Pherson’s English Carthon (Note, p. 127, and pp. 134, 142, edit. 1762). Cuchullin is commonly called ‘Cu nan cleas,’ Cu of feats, or of tricks of fence. In Carthon he is made Clessa mòr, which name is compounded from two words which mean ‘great feats.’ The geography is about Clyde and Morven, instead of Skye and the coast of Ireland. The son who is slain is named ‘Carthon,’ instead of ‘Conlaoch.’ Fingal and other names, which are not in the old story, appear. As a composition, the whole seems to be original. The Gaelic of 1807 ends abruptly where the ballad story begins. I believe the Gaelic to be a modern translation from the English, so far as it goes, for I cannot identify one line with any of my Gaelic texts. Nevertheless, the story told of Cuchullin and Conlaoch in 1512 was in the English ‘Carthon’ of 1762. In 1787 Dr. Smith, who lived in the same district as Kennedy (I.), published another Gaelic poem on the same theme, which I believe to be his own composition. 548 lines, p. 158. The following samples are from unpublished manuscripts or rare Gaelic books:— A. 2. CONNLEICH Mc NO CON. 103 lines. GILCALLUM M‘YNNOLLAIG IN TURSKAIL SO SEISS. 1 DI choala ma fad o hen Skail di voneis re cowe Is traa za haythris gow trome Gata mir anneiss orrinn 2 Clanni rowre ni braa mawle Fa chonchor is fa chonnil Di bur low oyg err wyg Er hurlar chogew ullytht 3 Ga hygh no hanik ma genn Fa ullyth leichre vanva Cath ag waall innoyr ellyth Dar zymone clannyth rowre 4 Hanik hukkith borbe a reith Ir gurre croith connleich A zis ni mur glarrith grinn Oo zowu skayth gow errinn 5 Di lawir conchowr re caach Ca zoveniyn chon in naglath Di wrea beacht nyn skaillith zaa Gr teachta la harreith woa 6 Glossis counil nar lag lawe Di wrea skailleith din vackein Er darve torrin din leich Cayvelir connil laa connleich 7 Ner zoive in leich ra lawyth Connil freich forranych Cayd dar sloyg di cawleith less Aygnyth is bone ri haythris 8 Curreith teachtir canni ni conni Woo hardre ayngneith ulleith Gow down dalgin zranyth zlyin Sen down gaylith ni geill 9 Woyn down sin di loyr linni Di zangnowne neyn orginn Teggowss gneive nyn serrith sange Gow reith feiltyth ny warrinn 10 Dissrych sloyg ullith oynnyth Teiggowss kow ni creive roye Mak dettin o zoyg mir howe Nar ettee teacht dor gowir 11 Faddeith or chonchowr riss in gon Wayghiss gin teacht dar gowir Is connil surrych nyn stead marryth In gwrych is keada dor sloygh 12 Deakir zoiss wee ym bred A ir churre er charrit Ne in raith dole in ayngnyth a lanni Si taa lar chawleith connil 13 Na smein gin dole na zye A re ni gormlann granole A lawe croy gin lagga re nacht Smoyn er heddyth is a gwreith 14 Cowchullin nyn sann lanni sleim Noar a choala turyth connil Di zlossa la trane a lawe Di wraa skaille dyn wackawe 15 Innis downi er tocht id zailli A raig in tow nar ob tegwail A liss raa in nawryth zoe Fiss tarm ka di zowchiss 16 Dym zaissew er teacht wom hey Gin skaili a zinsi zoew Da ninsin di neach elli Id zraith zinsin dare 17 Corrik rymsith is egin dud Na skail ainsyth mir charrit Gawsith zi royg a keyv lag Ne gail tyigil vin chorrik 18 Ach na wea gne dighow nargenn A honchow aw ne herrin A lawe zasga in dowss trot Mo clow wea in nasge aggit 19 Heymon and dyr chon a chaill Ni ta corrik a vanvaill Na makan di tor a zwn In daltan croye layveith (1) dh sounds g. (2) Coilte, the son of Ronan, by tradition was one of the Fingalians, and remarkable for his swiftness. [TD 10] 20 Cowchullin is corrik croye Di wee in lay sen fa zemoye A invak di marwe less In ter lat chalm coive zlass 21 Innis downni er cowe ni glass O teith fest for naildeis Tarm is di lonni gi lom Na terg a zulchin orrin 22 Is me conleich mc nocon Ir zleith zown dalgin Is me rown dakgis ym bron Is tow ag skay di tollwm 23 Vii bleyn di waa ma horri Fylwm zasga wom war Ni classi ler horcher maa Waa zessew a vylwum urma 24 Smenis cowchullin vor maik A vc ne in draich za chow Gur smeine nar wraik feiltyth in ir A reyk a chwneith si chateive 26 A arrwm re corp no con Di chow is beeg nor skarri Re fagsin a cowlwoe a zlyn Gasgeith zownyth dalgin 26 Mak sawalti mor a foyme Ne low ym broin it ta orrin. Di. I. 2. BAS CHIUINLAOICH. 444 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 74. Advocates’ Library, April 8, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE DEATH OF CONLAOCH. THE ARGUMENT. THE following poem is a perfect Tragedy. Conlach, or rather Ciuinlaoch (signifies a mild hero), was a son of Cuchulin, born and brought up by his mother in the Isle of Skye, with whom he mostly resided during his minority. Cuchulin having held the cief command of Conal’s army in Ireland during Conlach’s minority, prevented his coming to visit his son to Dunscaich so often as he wished. Conlach was disciplined in hunting, eloquence, music, and the art of war, under the tuition of his mother and her friends in Dunscaich during his less age. Before he became a major he turned out to be the bravest hero and the most accomplished warrior in the Hebride Isles. His mother all this time being surprised that Cuchulin took so little notice of his son during his pubilarity, altho’ a natural one, indeed her malnignity to send him to Ireland in disguise to see his father, sworn not to tell his father or any person whatever who he was or to whom he belonged, but one who could defeat him in a single combat, she not doubting but he would overcome his father, overturn his authority in that nation and supplant himself in his place and become King of Dunscaich in Scotland and Dundalgin in Ireland. The brave and beautiful Conlach set sail with two hands from Dunscaich to Ireland and arrived near the palace of Conal the King, and pitched their tent upon the shore. Fingal and great many of the nobles of Ireland were feasting in Conal’s halls at Conlach’s arrival. Conal sent sixteen chosen men to Conlach to inquire after his news, and to invite him to his halls, who, upon refusal, encountered him one by one, but were all defeated and bound upon the shore. Dall, who watched the shore, went to Conal and told him how it had happened to his men at the shore;whereupon Conal set off and addressed himself to Conlach surprisingly pretty, requested his news and who he belonged to, which the noble youth durst not discover on account of his oath or promise to his mother. They at last engaged, and Conal is defeated. A scout arrived from Cuchulin, who was stationed at Dundalgin, with whom intelligence is conveyed back of Conal’s defeat. Cuchulin set off in a tremendous career towards the shore where the mighty Conal lay vanquished, to whom he addressed himself with the highest encomiums, and likewise to the brave and beautiful stranger whom he strenuously pressed to disclose his embasage and tell who he was, and what place or people he belonged to, which the brave stranger durst not make known untill defeated. The invincible and intripid Cuchullin unwillingly engaged his only son, who tremelously studied only to defend himself and spare his father. Cuchullin finding himself uncapable to overcome him by arms begun to throw the Gath-bolg or arrows, wherewith the valorous Conlach fell as being not accustomed to. This method of fighting is thought to have been executed by throwing their darts and lances at each other upon the watter, one standing upon each side at a certain distance. But it is more probable it has been shooting the arrows, as being always mentioned under the term of Comhrag. ‘Gath-bolg’ signifies fighting by arrows. No story can be more tragical than this of Cuchulin conversing with his son and reflecting his odious and cruel mother, whose avarice and spirit of revenge rendered herself miserable and Cuchulin unhappy by the unfortunate death of their noble, valiant, and beautiful son Conlach. BAS CHIUINLAOICH. 1 GUR e so an t-ursgeul fior, ’S ann leamsa gu sior is cumhain; Ann latha bha sinn gu muirneach, A steach air urlar Cuig Ulann. 2 Maille ri Conal an t-sloigh, Bha ’n t Oscar og, is Riogh Tuire; Is Clann or-bhuigh Riogh na magh, Is Clann Riogh Loitheann, is Ruridh. 3 Gun do dh’ iucas ann ar dail, Gach laoch a b’ fhearr bha’n tir Chonail; Na Luthaich is laoich na Mithibh, Agus Fionn gaolach Mac Cumhail. 4 Dh’ iucas iad oirnn o gach taobh, Ar maithibh caoin-gheal gun tiorna; Gu teach lua’-ghaireach an Riogh, Gun easbhuidh air ni ach snighe. 5 Labhair Conal Thonna-gorma, Biodh gairdeach am ghradh a fhlaithibh; Seinnibh caithream buaidh gach filidh, ’S orain bhinne fea’ mo Thalla. 6 An fhea’ sa raibh fleagh am aros, Deanamh abhachd agus iomairt; Cuiribh an t slige mum cuairt duinn, Biodh eibhneas air gruaidh gac mithi’. 7 O bhardaibh! seinnibh na duana’, Cluinnibh an slaugh ar lua’-ghaire; Coi’-fhreagradh creugan, is gleantaidh, Do choi’-sheirm cheann is chlaraibh. 8 Mar sin duinne subhach, solach, Ag eisteachd ceol san teach eibhinn; Fea’ an lo sin, is na h’ oiche, Gus na shoillsich madainn ghle-gheal. 9 Chunnaig sinn air bharra chuantaidh, Eibheis luath, mar ean air faire; Sgoltadh gach tonn mar a dh’ eiridh, Toirt gu tir nam feara dana. 10 Triuir laoch calma, talmhaidh, treorach, ’S am folt oir mun guaillean arda; Mac samhail cho ’n fhaca ’n iorgail, Bha coi-chuimit ’an neart’ s an aille. 11 Bha diais diu ’n uigheam Oglaoch, ’S am fear corr fui’ chlogaid stailin; Bha cloidheamh ra leis ro an-mhor Is sleagh mar chrann luing ra ghairdein. 12 Shuithich iad pubull do ’n toinnte, Air carraig luim fui’ ar comhnuidh; An triuir sin an uigheam catha, Bu mhaith gabhail ri h-uchd comhraig. 13 Dh’ fhiosraich Conal do’n chle’-armach Bu dea-labhrach ann ’sgach co’ail; Co reachadh a ghabhail sgeula, Do ’n triuir cheutach thainig oirnne. 14 Do fhreagair e laoich na Mitheadh, ’S na Luthaich bu bhinne comhradh; Theid sinne dh’ fhaghail an sgeula, Chonail fheilidh, ma sa deonach? 15 ’S deonach leamsa Chlanna curaidh, A fhuair urram ann sna blarabh; Bha gu h iochdar, feilidh, soghrach, Do gach onrachdan nuair b’ ànrach. [TD 11] 16 Ghluais sea-deug dhiu chum na tràdhadh, Gu muirneach, badhach, faill-labhar; ’S bheannaich iad do ’n Mhacai’ uasol, Bha ur-shnuadhar, mar an t-earach. 17 Labhair Beuldearg bu bhim comhra’, Chuir Conal cro’ sinn gu d’ fheuchainn; Fhir is maille rosg, is aill thu, No mhadainn air earr an t-sleibhe. 18 Co thu fein, no cia do dhuthaich, No cia ’n Tur an d’ fhuair thu t arach; Ciod a ghluais thu gu rioghachd Eireann, Thair na cuanta’, beucach, cair-gheal? 19 Shud dh’ iarr Conal oirnne fheoraich, ’S tu dhol comhla ruinn gu aros; A chaitheadh na flea’ le uaislean, Is a dh’ eisdeachd dhuana bha’ bhinn. 20 Cho ’n fheud mise idir innseadh, Co mi fein no cia mo mhuintir; Aih do laoch d’ an iul ann spair-meachd, Mo dhi-armach, is mo chiumbhreach. 21 Mar a feud tha ogain fhior-ghlain, Dhuinne innseadh ach mar labhair Air tus chaich do bheiream d’ fheuchainn, Air tu fein a chur fui’ cheangal. 22 Dh’ eirich an t-Ogen, is Beuldearg, Air a cheile ’n spoirneachd ghābhaidh; ’S na cara cian taobh na tuinne, Leagadh Mac Luthaich fui’ shailtean. 23 Chuir e a chaoil fui’ n aon rithe, An lathair na Mithich threuna; ’S an croidhe gabhail le ain-teas. Gun do cheangladh leis am Beuldearg. 24 Chomhraig iad o fhear gu fear, An laoch nach nach roibh meat ann t-eug-bhail; Is chuireadh fui’ chuibhreach laidir Leis an Arman an t-sea deug ud. 25 Daol a bha faire na tuinne, Air an eireadh buinnean arda; Ghluais e gu lua’ dh’ ionnsuidh Chonail, ’S dh’ airis e mar so mar tharladh. 26 Tha Mithich nan steuda, meara, ’S na Luthaich is nimhe ’n comhrag; Sea-deug dhiu fui’ chuibhreach gabhaidh, Aig a bhan laoch ud na onrachd. 27 ’S mor is measa no bhi mharbh dhoibh, Bhi di’-armaicht’ aig aon duine; Eirich a Chonail chaomh, bhaghaich, ’S fuasgail air do chairdean uile. 28 Do ghluais Conal, ’s cha bu lag lamh, Dhol a ghabhail sgeul do ’n Mhacai’: A thoirt fuasglaidh do ’n bha ’m bruid, Gun euradh roi’ thruid, no gealtachd. 29 Is bheannaich e gu binn, oscarr, Do dh’ Ogan nam bosa calma; Teas-ghradh dda do las na chroidhe, Ge do bha na Mithich ceansaicht. 30 Fhir mhoir thainig air lear oirnn, Las teas am chroidhe le gradh dhuit; Tha t fholt mar or no gath greine, Loinreadh air na sleibhte lamh-ruinn. 31 Tha do chruth mar ghagan ghleantaibh, Ann teas samhraidh fui’ bharr aille; ’Scaol do mhala, ’s ciuin do rosgan, Mar fhann osnach ghaoith air faire. 32 Mar chrann fui’ bhlath tha do ghruaidhean, ’S fhada buan do shlios a Churaidh; Do shuil mar dhealt air magh sleibhe, ’S deirge do bheul no na sughan. 33 Do dheud mar ur-shneachd air gheugan Mar aiteal do ’n ghrein air magh thu, Ogain chaoin-ghil nan dual ar-bhuidh, ’S mor a dh’ fhas re, ’s math am baile. 34 So dhuit anois bri’ mo sgeilse, ’S maith do ghniomh a threin, ’s do ghabhail; Ciod a ghluais u o d’ theach comhnuidh, Mas ann do ’m chonamh, ’s mor m’ aidhear. 35 Do thainig mise ’n iochd teachdair, Dh’ fhiosracha’ dhiot co do dhaoine; Co u fein, no cia do chairdean, No cia ’n t-aite ’n d’ fhuair u t fhao’lum? 36 Sin a ni nach feudam innseadh, Ach do neach bheir dhiom e reiginn; No ’n innsin e neach sa chala, Do dh’ fhear a ghabhail, cho ’n eurainn. 37 So Riogh Ulann, ’s Thonna gorma, Is aon laoch borbaidh na h-Eeireann; No ceill do sgeul ormsa mhilidh, Ge mor do ghniomh ann an t-eug-bhail. 38 Mo sgeula cho ’n fheudar innseadh, A chonail na mili’ catha, Co mi fein o ’n tha fui’ gheusan, Gus an toir treis dhiom e dh’ aindeoin. 39 ’S mis is urrainn sin, is feucham, Do radh Conal treun, is ghlac e; ’S mi treas laoch gaisgidh an domhain, ’S cho d’ fhuair coimheach riamh mi glaicte. 40 Thug iad na suinn ceud car calma, Taobh na fairg air chadach min-geal; Chluint’ an sraoinich thair na cnocan, Is fathrum an cos bu mhileant. 41 Leagadh Conal leis an treum laoch, Chuir gun chreuchd fui’ chuibhreach chaich e; Rinneadh sud is cha bu chruaidh air, Air sgath a chuain ruaidh ’s na tràdhadh. 42 Do ghluais teachdaire o Chuchulain, A dh’ ionnsuidh Chonail ghil ghradhaich; Riogh Ulann, caomh uasal, greadhnach, O shean Dun faoilidh nan gaidheal. 43 Sin an Dun a thurladh leinn, Do cheart ain-deoin Mor ’n igh ’n Torr-gaill, Leis na faoilich, shaoithreach, sheanga, Bu nimhneach, meamnach san torr-ghail. 44 Nuair chunnaig Conal an Luthar, Labhair e gu ciuin mar b’ abhaist; Tha mise fui’ chuibhreach coimheich, Mar nach raibheas riamh ri’m laithe. 45 Toir fios gu Cuchulin uamsa, Gus an Dun ud urad aluin; Gu Dundealgain grianach geal, ’Se sean Dun ciatfach nan gaidheal. 46 Mo dhilsein coibhreach am eiginn, Mo Dhalta treun is trom armaibh; Innis dho gu bheil gu’ m leireadh, Fui’ chuibhreach an trein laoich chalma. 47 Do ghluais Luthar nan ceum ea-trom, Gu Cuchulin treum na cithe; ’S dh’ airis e mar sin le fuathas, Mar tharladh do ’n t slaugh sa chithe. 48 Ta Conal suairce nan steud mear, Is sia fir dheug da shluagh cuibhricht’; A Chuchulin nan arm troma, Eirich-cobhair air do mhuintir. 49 ’S baoghalach dhamh dol an dail, Na laimh leis na cheangladh Conal; Maille ra Mhithich, ’s na Luthaich, ’S an-fheilidh, cuthaich an coimheach. 50 No smuaintich gun dol na dhail, A laoich nan gorm shile suilbhir; A lamh threun gun eagal roi’ neach, Cuimhnich t Aid, is e ann cuibhreach. 51 Ni ’n cuis duinne bhi fui’ mhein, Fo nach fuasgladh air ar caraid; Fhir mhoir gun laigse nach meat, Nach cuimhnich ar t Aid’ ann carraid. [TD 12] 52 An uair a chuala Cu nan cleas, An luadh sin air cuibhreach Chonail; Ghluais an laoch le neart is danachd, A thabhairt sgeula do ’n Choimheach. 53 Ruigh e siar le tartar uamhann, ’S fuaimneach arm mar spiorad Loda (1); Sgaoileadh gioraig is crith chatha, Fea’ an rathaid gu grad chomhrag. 54 No mar mhiltidh tonn a beucaich, Ann stoirm eitidh ri slios carraig; B’ amhail fuaimneach, arm, ’s a luirich, ’S air a ghnuis bha dullachd catha. 55 Bha cloidheamh liobhaidh a dealradh, Toigt’ an ard an laimh a churaidh; ’S na gaoithibh srannar a gluasad, A chiabh air snuadh sreothadh buinne. 56 No cnuic air gach taobh dhe’ chrithnich, Chlisg an t slighe fui’ a chosan; Las a shuilean dh’ at a chroidhe, B’an-fheilidh a chith ’s choslas. 57 Failte dhuitsa Chonail cheutaich, ’S iomad ceud a dhiong thu ’n comhrag; Ge do tha u ’n diu’ fui’ cheangal, Aon laoch ràthaid gun bhi leointe. 58 Sgaoilte do chliu ann ’s gach am, Air ceithir randaine an domhain; ’S measa no bhi marbh a laoich, Thu bhi fui’ chuibhreach faoin aig coimheach. 59 Tha do ghruaidh mar aiteal sleibhe, Do dhreach gu leir mar an cothar; Aid uasail an aigneadh fheilidh, ’S mi nach euradh tigh ’n do d’ chabhair. 60 A dhaltain is buirb an comhrag, Deis is doghruinneach do natur; Duisg do ghaisgedh, faic an laoch so, Fiosraich dhe’ cia ’n taobh a thainig. 61 Bheamaich Cuchulain do ’n Macaidh, Chliuthaich e ghaisgeadh, is aille; An gloir bhinn, mar chomhra’ filidh, ’S theasaich a chroidhe le gradh dha. 62 Oganaich a thainig an ceun, ’S maith do ghniomh, a threun laoich chalma; ’N tra’ chuir u na seachd fir dheuga, Fui’ chuibhreach, gun chreuchd le arma. 63 Tha aon choi’ aille na h-Eireann, Air do cheann mar shleibhte baraich; ’S ciuin, feuta, fearail leam t urladh, Tha ’n cliu’ san a nasgaidh agad. 64 Tha do chruth san traidh a soillseadh, Mar ghealach ri oi’che shaimhe; A teachd roi’ na neula bailbhe, ’S amhail do shnuadh sa choill bhlathor. 65 ’S e’m adhbharsa theachd an ceun, Dh’ fhiosrachadh dhiot fein, do chomhnuidh; Co thu fein, agus cia t Athair, No ceilse ni ’s faide oirnne. 66 Geusan thainig leam o’m theach, Mo sgeula chumail, os iosal; Na ’n airisinn do neach eile, ’S ann do d’ ghnuis arraid a dh’ insinn. 67 Comhrag a bheireas tu uait, Neo do sgeul mar charaid dhamhsa; Gu d’ rodhain chighle boga, Cho ni dhuit taghadh gu’m chomhrag. 68 Mo gheuasan ri tigh ’n air lear, Mo sgeula chleith, ach air buadhar; No’n insinn e neach thair sàile, ’Sann do d’ ghnuis arraid a luadhain. 69 Do sgeul na t arragaill, O fhir! Do radh ’n treun, air chrith fui’ luirich; Le d gheusan, is t aurra bhreugaich, No h eur innseadh, mas beud duinn. 70 Fui’ gheusan tha mis’ o’m theach, Gun do neach mo sgeula airis; No ’n insinn e neach gun chomhrag, Fear do chomhraidh leam a b aithridh. 71 Comhrag ’s fheudar dhuit thoirt uait, No gu luath do sgeul thoirt dhamhsa; Gu d’ rodhain a gheugag bhog, Cho chiall duit taghadh gu’m choi’ stri. 72 Sin a ni nach feud mis’ ailis, An deidh gealladh thoirt do ’m Mhathair; Co mi fein, no cia mo dhuthaich, No cia ’n Tur an d’ fhuair mi ’m arach. 73 Comhrag riumsa ’s fheudar dhuitsa, No fios t’ ainm is t aite comhnuidh; Gabhs’ do rodhain a ghiallan boga, ’S cho chiall duit taghadh gu ’m chomhrags’. 74 Tri fichid agus cuig ceud, Is mile treun, cho bhreug dhamhsa; Nach deachaidh slan d ’an teach, Da’n d’ thug mi comhrag am ònar. 75 Is thug mi deothaidh bu duaileadh, Comhrag do ’n fhear lia’ Mac Damhain; An deidh fir lea’ nan arma deas, Innis do sgeul agus ailis. 76 Mo sgeula cho ’n fheud mi innseadh, Ach do neach bheir dhiom e’n comhrag; Na ’n innsin do neach tha ’n Eirinn: Do dh’ fhear h eugaisge bu deonach. 77 O’n thug u freitich nach innseadh, Co do thir, no cia do chomhnuidh; Tog bo ghath! Is nochd do ghniomha, Onach eil do d’ dhi ach comhrag. 78 Chuaidh iad ann an dail a cheile, Na trein bu docair ann comhrag; Gach gaoth neartachadh an saothreach, Ruillean baotha, beucach, dòbhaidh. 79 Gu cuidreach, cudthromach, beimneach, Bha na trein mar thuinn sa bhairich; Gan ruagadh le stoirm toirt nuallain, Air carraig chruaidh meaghan bàire. 80 B’amhail sin a ghleachd na Suinn so, Chluint fuaim an loinn ’s gach aite; Faileath feuchainn lu’chleas gaisgidh, Le minig na chasradh nàmhan. 81 Chuaidh an sgiathan breac a bhlai’de, Chuaidh an cloidheamh gorm a bhearnadh; Chuai’ an sleaghan fada, liobhaidh, A chabadh ’san stri bu ghabhaich. 82 Chuai’ a chomhrag nan gath-guainne, Gu neo’ meinach, ’s gu cruai’ ghniomhach; ’S fhuair a Macan grinn a lot, Le Daltan a chatha mhilidh. 83 Thuit e mar ghiusaich san fhasach, An t iùran àluinn le fathram; Gun fhios, thug a charraig fuaim uaith, Chrithich, agus ghluais an talamh. 84 A mhacan a thainig a steach, ’S ann leamsa rinneadh do chreucadh; Is gearr gus an togar do leac, No ceil’ am feast co u fein duinn. 85 Innis dhamhsa ’nois gulom, O na tharladh dhuit am àraich; Co u fein, no cia t ainm, No cia an taobh as an d’ thainig. 86 B’ fhurasda dhuit m’ aithneacha fein, A Cuchulain an t slios aluinn; Nuair thilginn ort, gu fiar fann, A t sleagh an comhair a h-èara. 87 Gur mi Connlaoch, Mac Cuchulain, Oighre dligheach Dun-Dealgainn; ’S mi ’n run a dh’ fhag tu am bruid, Ann Danscaich g’am iomsach. 88 Fichead bliadhna dhamh, ’s tir shoire, A foghlum gaisgidh agus comhrag; O! ’sann leatsa thuit do Mhac, Do ’n chleas a bha dh’ èusbhuidh fho’ lum. (1) This Spirit of Loda here appears for the first time in a manuscript. [TD 13] 89 Mile mallachd aig do Mhathair, Gu Dunscaich lann do chealg; ’Se mhead ’sa bha lochda’ inte, A dh’ fhag t fhuil na linntidh dearg. 90 Ri’ gur diombach mise ’m Mhathair, Oir si chuir orsmsa na geusan; ’Sa chuir mi a dh’ fheuchainn m’ fhullaing, Riutsa Chuchulain nan cleasan. 91 A Chuchulain chaoimh, chneas-ghil, Leis am brisear gach bìrnn ghàbhaidh; Nach feuch thus’, is mi gun anam, Cia dhiu lamh mum bheil am fainne. 92 Glac an t sleagh fhulangach laidir, As mo laimhse laoich gun tioma, Glac sin is mo chloidheamh cruadhach, Tana cruaidh is snuaghar liobhadh. 93 Glac thusa iad sin maraon, Le d’ chloidheamh caol righinn, aghor; An sgiath chorcair th’ air mo dhrìm. Mo chlogaid cinn, ’s mo chrann-àra. 94 ’S truagh an aithne rinn u ormsa, Athair uasail uaibhrich ghradhach; Nuair thilginn òrt gu fiar fann, An t sleagh an comhair a h eara. 95 O na chreachdadh mi ’s ann traidh, Athair ghraidh, tha bas am chinseal; Ulmhaich dhamhsa, leac is uaig, Air an tulaich uaine fhior-ghlain. 96 Thuit Cuchulin air a bhlar, Gun luth ’n cois no ’n laimh gun chreuchdà; Do mheathadh aigneadh le goith, Is chaill e chuimhne ’sa cheatfuidh. 97 Bha Cuchulain, a chloidheamh chruaidh ’S ann la sin tiom, truagh, an-eibhinn; ’Sa Mhac fein air torchairt leis, An t shaor shlat chalma, chaomh, cheutach. 98 ’S mise Cuchulain nan cleusan A chuir na geusan mo laogh uamsa; No ceilidh air na fir fheachda, Gur h-ann dhamhsa ’s deacair truaighe. 99 Gur mi Cuchulain na ceardach, Dalta Chonail, àrd-Riogh Ulann; No ceilidh air luchd an Tuire, Nach mise dh’ uraich a mulad. 100 A mharbh mo Mhacan caomh aluin, B’ fhearr ann gàbhadh du na chunnaig; Na’ m bithidh mo mhac a lathair, Cha bhithinn mar tha co dubhach. 101 Do tha cloidh’ nean is sgiath Chiuinlaoich, Thall air an rùgh, a sior dhealradh; Mi g’ an caoidh mar seach mar sin, Bhi gun chaomh, gun Mhac gun bhrathair. 102 Gur maith do na Loithre buadhach, Gur fearr do dh’ uaisle na h Alla; Gur maith do dh’ aon neach air thalamh, Nach h iad bu bharant gud mharbhadh. 103 Gur maith do ’n fhear liath Mac Damhain, Nach e bu cheannas ri d’ mharbhadh; Nach e fhuair mar shèud ghointe, An sgiath chorcair, is an lann so. 104 ’S truagh nach ann an criochaibh, Edailt Ann ’s na Beuga’ no san Isbein; No ann an rioghachd na Soracha, Do thorachaireadh thus a dhilseinn. 105 ’S truagh nach ann a Muthann Laithre, Nan Laithre nan lanna caola; Na ’s na Cruachanadh braga bladhar, A thuiteadh mo Chiuinlaoch caomhsa. 106 Nan tuiteadh tu ann an Laogam, Ann cathan ghaisgeach, is mhilidh; Cho ghabhain asad mar eiric, Cuig ceud do chlanna Mhic Rioghraidh. 107 Chuala mi, ’s fada uaith sin, Sgeula bu chosmhuil ri cumha; Bhi ga h airis leom gu trom, Gun chiall, gun chonn air an tulaich. 108 A Chonnlaoich ud chaoimh mo charaid, Is mairg mi ghearraich do shaoghal; Na’ m bitheadh tu Chiuinlaoich agam, Cho bhithinn a noc am aonar. 109 Na’ m bithinn, s mo Chonnlaoch caomh, Comhla’ ’g iomairt chleusa, calma; Bh’ eireamaid geill o thuinn gu tuinn, Do dh’ fhearadh Eireann is Albann. 110 Och is ochain! a Mhic dhileis, Mo thuras o Chriocha Ulann; Dholl a chomhrag nan gath-guainne, Ochain! gur a cruaidh am fulang. 111 Och agus och! nan och eithre, ’S truagh mo thuras chum na beinne; Faoighe mo Mhic, san dara laimh, Agus airm ann ’s an laimh eile. Kilbrandon, 1st of May, 1785. That these Poems as they appear in eighty-nine pages preceding this, were transcribed or collected by Mr. Duncan Kennedy, is attested by John Macfarlane, Assistant Minister. Edinburgh, 28th January, 1806. This is the manuscript, mentioned as Manuscript 1st in the List of Gaelic Poems; relative letter and certificates to Henry Mac Kenzie, Esq., dated 27th inst., and this day certified by me, and given in to the Highland Society of Scotland. DUNCAN KENNEDY. M. 2. MARBHADH CHONLAOICH LE CUTHULLIN, ATHAIR FEIN. 120 lines. NUAIR chaidh Cuth-ullin do dh’ Eirinn, dh’ fhag e a bhean, d’ an gair cuid Aoife, an Dun-scàthaich san Eilein Sciathanach, torrach air Connlaoch. Nuair thainig a mac gu foirfeachd, chuir i dhionnsaidh athar e: ach chuir i foi gheasabh e, nach innseadh e re blia’na co e. Ann lorg so a dhiultadh, bhuail athair e leis a Ghath-bhulga, no bhuilg, a dh’ ionnsuich Aoife dha fein, ach a dhearmaid i ionnsachadh do Chonnlaoch, agus leis ambu ghna leo comhrag ann uisge. Deirir gu ’n tilgeadh Connlaoch na gathan air athair ann coinne an earra, ach nach do thuig se e, agus mar sin gu ’n do mharbh e a mhac fein. 1 CHUALAS air fada o shean, Soi-sceul a bhuineadh re m’ chuimhne, La bhi mi gu tuirseach trom Air an taobhsa dh’ Innse-roghuill. 2 Clanna Ruraibh na ’m breath mall, O thigh (1) Chonchair ’s o thigh Chonuill, Le ’n ur chlainn oig air na maghaibh, ’S iad air urlar Chuige Ulunn. 3 Na ’m b’ e ’s gu ’n d’thigeadh ’nar ceann Fior laoch Ula, s’ nior bhreath theann, Gar an’ tigeadh oirn a aon bhall eile Thoirt diombuaidh do Chlanna ruraibh. (2) 4 Tigidh chugainn am borb fhraoch Ancuraidh crothanta Connlaoch, Do fhios na ’m fear gradhach grinn, O Dhun-scathaich gu h Eirinn. 5 Labhair Conchair re cach, Co gheabh sinn chum an og-laoich, A thoirt beachd no sgeula dh’e, ’S gu ’n teachd le h àra uaidhe? 6 Ghluais Conull nach lag lamh, Do ghabhail sceula d’ an ogan, Mar dhearbhadh air toradh an laoich Cheangladh Conull le Connlaoch. 7 Greasar chugainn ar fir laoch’or Gu Connlaoch fraoch’or furanach: Ceud d’ ar sluagh a cheangladh leis; ’S iongna sin ’s is buan r’a innseadh. (1) Thaobh. (2) Chlannaibh-Rurudh. [TD 14] 8 Chuaidh teachdaìreachd gu ceann na ’n conn O Ard Righ iongnaidh Uluinn, Gu Dun-dealgunn grianach glan, Seann Dun ciallach na ’n Gaidheal. 9 An Dun sin a leaghar libh, O Mhai aon nighean Ni Mhorguill, Gu ’n deach gniomh saor na ’n steud mear Gu Righ failteach na ’m fear. 10 Do fhios na h Ula uaine Tigidh Cuth na Craobh-ruaidhe, Mac deud-gheal is gruaidh mar shugh Nach d’ eitich teachd ’nar comhair. 11 Labhair Conchair ris a Choin, ’S fhada bha thu gan teachd d’ ar feachainn Is Conull suireach na ’n steud mear Ann cuibhreach uainn is ceud d’ar sluaghaibh. 12 ’S oil leinn am bith uainn am bruid, Na fir a chabhradh air an cairdibh; Aich ni ’n reidh dhol a shineadh lann Ris an ti leis ’n do cheangladh Conull. 13 Na smuainich gan dol na choinne, Lamh na ’n geur arm graine’il, Lamh nach lágadh roimh neach Cuimhnich t Oide is e ’n cuibhreach. 14 Cuth-Ullin an lamh nach sliom, (3) Re cuimhneach air cuibhreach Chonuill, Ghluais e le treine a lann, Ghabhail sceula d’ an ogan. 15 Innis duinne, re teachd a d’ dhail, Labhair an Cuth ’s nior ghabh teagmhail, O shlios Righ an abhraid duinn, Fios do shlainne, ’s cia do dhuthaich. 16 Geasan orm air teachd o ’m theach, Gu ’n sceula thabhairt do dh’ aoidhe, Na ’n tugadh do dh’ aon neach eile, Do d’ dhreachsa bheireath gu h araidh. 17 Comhrag is eigin duit, No sceula thabhairt mar charaid; Gabh do roghainn a chiabh bog, Cha chiall toghaidh dhuit ga m’ chomhrag. 18 Chum a chomhraig mar bu treun Chaidh an Cuth ’s a mhac fein: A mhac fein gu ’n d’ fhuair a ghuin, Le daltanaibh cruaidhe cath-bheura. 19 Innis duinn, ars Cuth na ’n cleas, O tharladh tu chaoidh’ foi m’ ailleas Fios t’ ainm no do shlainne gu lom, ’S na triall dol ga fholach uainn. 20 ’S measa na sin mar thachair dhuit, Aon Choin uir agh-mhoir, A ghaisgich aird air thus truid; Truaidh mo lus a bhith agad an-asgaidh. 21 Mise Connloach Mac a Choin, Oighre dligheach Duin-tigh-dealgunn, An Run a dh’ fhag thu ’m broinn gu ’n fhios, Ann Dun-scàthaich ga m’ fhoglam. 22 Seachd blia’na san tir sin Ag foghlam gaisge o m’ mhathair, An cleas leis ’n do thorchradh mi Bu dheas damh fhoghlam uaidhe. 23 Thoir thusa leat mo shleagh Agus buain an sciath so diom-sa, ’S thoir leat mo chloidheamh cruadhach, Lann fhuair mi air a liomhadh. 24 Thoir mo mhallachd gu mo mhathair, O ’s i chairich mi foi gheasaibh, Is chuir mi an lathair m’ fhuluing, Cuth-ullin, b’ ann le do chleasaibh. 25 Cuth-ullin chaoimh chrios-ghil, Leis am brisear gach bearn ghaibh, (4) Nach amhairc thu is mi gun aithne, Cia meur mu ’m bheil am faine. 26 ’S olc a thuigeadh tusa uamsa, Athair uailse ain-meinich, (5) Gur mi thilgeadh gu fann fiar, An t sleagh coinne a h earlain. 27 Nuair chunnairc an Cuth air dol eug A mhac air call a choi-bheum, Air smuainteach air failte an fhir, Chaill e a chuimhne ’s a cheutfaidh. 28 Cuth-Ullin ge b’ ard a chail, Gu ’n d’ islich sud triall da onoir, A mhac fein a thorchradh leis An t saor-shlat choranta choi-dheis. 29 Na ’m mairthinns’ is Connlaoch slan, Ag iomairt air chleas ann comhlan, Chuireadhmaid cath formadach treun Air fearaibh Alba agus Eirinn. 30 Dh’iath umam ceud cumha, Mi bhi dubhach ni h iongnadh, O m’ chomhrag re m’ aon mhac, Mo chreuchda a nocht is ioma. N. 1. TEACHT CONNLAOICH GO HEIRINN. Miss Brooke’s Irish version of this lay will be found at page 265 of the originals of the Heroic Poems. 1789. Dublin. For lack of Irish type and space, I omit this version. 184 lines. O. 10. BAS CHONLAOCH. 112 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 49. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 22, 1872. This oral version, collected in the Central Highlands, clearly is the same ballad as A. M. N. O.; but in a different state of preservation. It is printed to show how a ballad, orally preserved, alters to suit the language of the reciter, and the geography of his district. 1 CHUALA ’s cha ’n fhada o sin, Sgeul a dhuinne le comha; Cha ’n athraisear leam ach trom, An ti a Shaor sinn fhin a thoirrara. 2 Clanna Ruro nam breth mall, (cal cam), O thir Chonchair gu tir Chonnuill; Le ’n ur clann aig Righ na Magh, Is iad air Urlar Chuigullin. 3 Nam b’ e gu ’n tigeadh nar dail, Fir Ullinn Laoich marbhaidh ard, cal-merbhi, Teachd a dh’ aindeoin air an taobh eile, Mar dhiom buaidh ri Clanna Ruro. 4 Nan tigeadh oirnn am borb laoch, An curuidh calma Conlaoich; A dh’ fhios gach modh a ghnathuich leinn, O Dhun sgathaich gu Eirin. 5 Gu ’n labhair Conchar ri cach, Co chuireadh sibh an dail an Ogan; A ghabhail beachd mo sgeul dheth, G’an tighin le eura uath. 6 Ghluais Cormull, cha lag lamh, A ghabhail sgeul dhe ’n mhacan; Ge b’ ann a thoireadh nan Laoch, Cheangla Connull le Conlaoch. 7 Beir fios gus gach Laoch mear lan, An coinneamh gach fraoch fear furain; Ceud g’ar sloigh cheangladh leis, B’ ioghnadh sid, bu mhor ri aithris. 8 Teachdaireachd air cheann nan con, Gu ard Righ Aonach Ullin; Gu Dun grianaeh dealgach glan Leann tnr ceallach nan Gael. 9 An Dun sin a bhuidhicheadh leibh, A dh’ aindeoin air Nian Thoirgi; Air gniomh saor nan steud each seang, Bh’ aig righ faoilteach nan fearran. (3) Tiom. (4) Chaith. (5) Anmainich. [TD 15] 10 Gu ’m b’ aill leinn a bhi fo bhraidibh, Fo ’n ti a dh’ fhuasgladh air a charaid; Cha reith dol an tionsgladh lann, Leis an fhear a cheangladh Connull. 11 Na smaonaich gu ’n dol ’na dhail, A laoich nan gorm shuilean tla; A lamh threun gun eagal ro neach. 12 Cuimhnich air h-oide ’se cuibhreach, Nis o ’n thainig mi ’nad Dhail; Mar bha laoch na h ol an teugbhail, A shlios redh an earra bhain. 13 Co thu fein no co do rioghachd? Tha Geasan ormsa o m’ theach, Gu ’n sgeul a thoirt g dh’ aon neach, Nan tugainn do neach fo ’n ghrein, B’ ann do d’ dhreachsa araidh. 14 Comhrag ’s eigin duit thoirt uath, No sgeula innseadh mar charaid; Gabh do roghainn a chiabh bhog, Cha chiall duit tagha gum’ chomhrag. 15 Ghluais na laoich an dail a cheile, Bu tearc torra na lan meine; A mhac fein thorcha leis, An Ealtuinn chruaidh chathara. 16 A mhic gabh thairis do sgeul, O ’n tharladh ort fein mo dhioma; ’S gearr gus an togar a leachd, Na ceil a nis do thiomna. 17 Buin thusa leat mo sheagh, Is thoirear an sgeul sin uamsa; Tog leat mo chlaidheamh crotach, Lamh threun a shil air a liomha. 18 A Chuchullin, a chriosain chruinn ghil, Leis am bristeadh gach beum gabhaidh; Nach amhairc thu s mi g’ an aithne, Co am meur ma’m bheil am faine? 19 ’S olc thuigeadh tusa uamsa, Athair Uasail anmeine; Mi thilgeadh gu fiar fann, An t-sleagh an comhar a h-earlinn. 20 ’S mise Conlaoch Mac nan Con, Oighre dligheach Dhundealgain; An ruin dh’ fhag thu na broinn, ’S mi ’n Dun sgathach gam fhoghiuim. 21 Seachd bliadhna dhomh an Duntuilm, Ag Foghlum gaisge o mhathair; An cleas leis na thorcha mi, ’S mi fo gheasaibh a dh’ fhoghuimin uaithe. 22 Beir mo mhallachd fein do m’ mhathair, O ’n ’si charaich mi fo gheasaibh; O ’n ’si chuir mi ’n lathair m’ fhulang, A Chuchullin, b’ ann fo d’ chleasaibh. 23 Anam ’s cridhe na Con G’a bhron cha mhor nach do sgar; An t-oglach ciallach glan, An gaisgeach ur a’ Dundalgainn. 24 Conlaoch caomh mo charaidsa, ’S mairg mi a ghiorraich a shaoghal; Nann bitheadh Conlaoch agamsa, Cha bhithinn an nochd a’ m’ aonar. 25 Nam bithinnse is Conlaoch caomh, Ag iomairt chleas air aon taobh; Chuireamaid gu tarabeartach treun, Air fearaibh Alb is Eirin. 26 ’S mise leannan na craobh ruaidhe, Leannan Ioghna ’s Ullin; Innis a luchd mantra, Gur mise Cuchullin. 27 Chuchullin a chridhe chruaidh, Gu bheul an nochd fo dhiombuaidh; Bhi faicinn a Mhic ga chleth cal gadhi, Gun chaill e cheut ’s chuimsa. 28 Togamaid leinn airm an fhir, Claidhé ’s giath Chonlaoich ghil; Bheir sinn treis ga chaoidh mar sin, Mar bhean gun Mhac gun bhrathair. * Wrote this poem from the recitation of John Macdonald of Dalchosnie, Bunrannoch, who learned it sixty years ago and more from Donald Stuart, alias Donald ruadh, Mac Aonais ruaidh, resident at Jempar, Dalchosnie. March 6, 1804.—A. IRVINE. V. 2. DAN A’CHONLAOICH. 144 lines. Mac Callum, page 144. This book can easily be referred to. The first ballad continues to be the same, but some variation has taken place in every line. The following is the Argument which contains the story:— ROIMH-RADH. THA eachdraidh Chuchulin no charbad a’toirt dearbhadh dhuinn gu ’n robh e na fhear-cogaidh curanta, crodha, calma, treun. Bha mac aige ri leannan a bh’ aig’ ann an Alba do ’m b’ ainm Aoife. Thug a mhathair Conlaoch mar ainm air. Gheall Cuchulin, do Aoife, air dha bhith na Ardcheann-feadhna air armailte na h-Eirinn, gu ’m pilleadh e dh’ Alba aig am araidh, agus gu ’m biodh Aoife mar mhnaoi aige. Ach cha do phill e. ’Nuair a thainig Conlaoch gu h-aois, chaidh fearas-ghaisge fhoghlam dha ann an Dun-sgathaich ’san Eilean-Scitheanach an t-ait’ a b’ ainmeil san am sin air son foghluim a thoirt seachad do threun-laoich anns gach cluich rioghail a dheanadh feumail iad ann an la a’ bhlair. Fhuair Aoife air fhoghlam d’ a mac gach lu-chleas a b’ fhiosrach i a bha aig Cuchulin, Athair, ach aon chleas, d’ am b’ ainm an gath-bolg. Bu tric le gaisgich san am sin an gath-bolg a chleachdadh ’nuair a bhiodh iad a gleachd le saighdibh ann an uisge. ’Nuair a bha Conlaoch air tighinn gu lan spionnadh, chuir a mhathair fo bhoidean e, gu ’n rachadh e do Eirinn, nach innseadh e co e fein, agus gu ’n dthugadh e athair ceanguilte leis do Alba. Bha fios aig Aoife gu ’m marbhadh Cuchulin a mhac leis a’ ghath-bholg; agus rinn i so mar dhioghaltas—airson a mhealladh-dochais a rinn e oirre. Dh’ fhalbh Conlaoch do Eirinn: chaidh e ’n toiseach far an robh Conull; cheangail e Conul, oide Chuchulin. Chuir Conull fios gu Cuchulin gu ’n robh e ceangailte. Thainig esan a sgaoileadh chuibhrichean ’Oide; agus an uair a dhiult Conlaoch innse co e, ghleachd athair ris, agus mharbh e a mhac fein. 6.—THE HEADS. A. I. V. Z. THIS ballad is supposed to tell part of the Story of the Tain, which is in the Book of Leinster, and is about to be published by Mr. Standish H. O’Grady. The oldest Scotch version known to me is given below. A. 3. A version is in B, but I have not yet got a copy of that manuscript. (May 31.) I. Kennedy’s unpublished MS. version begins with 13 verses, of which I have no other version. The rest of the 47 verses correspond to A. They are not copies from any common written original. They are both imperfect oral recitations of the same ballad. The two fused and translated make a longer and better version. The story is known in Irish manuscripts as ‘The Bloody Havoc of Connal.’ In revenge for the slaying of Cuchullin, his comrade, he takes many heads. These he brings to Eamhir, Cuchullin’s love. She questions, and he answers. V. 3. Mac Callum, p. 132, tells part of the story in his argument, and gives 60 lines of the same ballad, orally collected early in this century. These three versions show how this ballad has altered since 1512, and how it has been orally preserved. Z. Fragments are orally preserved. They are not all worth printing, but they will be considered in translating. NO KINN. A. 3. A HOUDIR SO CONNIL CARNYCH M’EDDIRSCHOL. 96 lines. 1 A chonnil cha salve no kinn Devin lum gyr zergkis tierm No kinn di chw er a zad Slontir lat no fir foe fyve 2 A neyn orgil nyn nach A evir oik ne bree binn Sanna in nerik chon ni gless Hugis loym in ness no kinn [TD 16] 3 Ka in kenn mallych zow mor Dergyth nayn ross a zroy glan Is sa is gir zin le clea A kenn deive ne raa dait 4 Kenn ree mee nyn nach loait Arse m‘carbre nyn goith camm In nerik mo zaltan fen Hugis lwm in gayn a kenn 5 Kai in kenn oid er mye haale Go volt fand gi malle sleime Rosk mir erre dait mir vlait Alda no cach crwth a kinn 6 Manne boe fir nyn nach Makmeyf zi zrach gyth coyn Dagis a chollin gyn kenna Is di hwt wlle lum a loye 7 Ka in ken so zawis tow id laive A chonnil vor ne bae linn O nach marrin kow nin gless Keid verre how er less a kinn 8 Kan v‘erris nyn nacht Verreyth a ceith gyth gurt Mac mo fayr in tur hang Di skarris a khenn ra chwrp 9 Ka in kenn od hear in nolt inn Da greddyth no kinn go laiv Hurris annith er a zow Gyn roveddir sal da rar 10 Sess a sowd di hwt in kow Di rad a chorp fa wrow dass Cow mac conna re nyn rann Hugis lam a kenn ter aiss 11 Ka in da ken so is fadde mach A chonnil vor a vraa byig vinn Er zraigh tenne na kel orn Anym no ver a zon ne herm 12 Kenn leyirre is clar cwlte In da kenn di hut lem zonna Di zon swt cowchullin charn Swn zergis merm na wulle 13 Kai in da kenn so is fadde sorre A chonnil vor gi gal znee Ennyn dae er volt ni verr Derk in groye na ful leych 14 Cwllin bray is cwnlit croye Deiss di verre boye lai ferk A evyr seid sor a kinna Dagis a gwrp fa linna derk 15 Ka ne vi kinn so solk maine De chewe feyn er mye hoyth Gwrm in nye dwe a volt O hilla rosg connil croye 16 Sessir eascardin a chow Chlann challidtein a mwe znaie Is said sud in sessir leyve A hut lwm sin nerm no laive 17 A chonnil vor aithr ree Kayn in ken od da gallith catht Gin or fai treilse wa keyand Gyn codyth slem ghardyth vart 18 Kenna v‘finn v‘rosse roye V‘necnee hor bas lam nert A evir is se so a cheud Ardree layyn nyn land brak 19 A chonnil vor mugh a skail Creid a hut lad laive gin locht Din tloe eignyth a veil sin A deiltiss kinn na con 20 Deachnor is seacht fychid kead Derym peyn is awyr sloe Di hut lomsa drwme er zrum Di neve mo cwlk cunlaa rag 21 A chonnil kynis taidda mnae Inssefail dessne ni con Cowf v’hawalt haye Na veil agga fein ar for 22 A evir keid di zarna mai Gyn mo kowe ym rer san socht Gyn mo zaltan fa mhaa crow A dol voym a mugh so n . . . 23 A chonnil tok me sa vert Tok mo lacht oss lacht no con Os da chowe rachfen ayk Cwr mo vail re bail no con 24 Is mai evyr is keyn dalve Ne feine sarve daylta zoive Di zerr no cha nul mo spess Troe murreich er eiss a chon. A chonnil. I. 2. CONAL REVENGING THE DEATH OF CUCHULIN. 188 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 66. Advocates’ Library, April 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. It is made known by Mr. Mac Pherson, in publication of the Death of C. (The rest of page 66 is torn out, M. McP.) —parts and passeth all between Conal and his wife. The first is addressed to Conal by his wife at his arrival, wherein she mildly reflects upon his long absence in Togorma, &c., and a short account of the Battle to Conal’s wife, who soon thereafter died, and desired to be interred with her son Cuchulin. CONAL. I. EARRANN. 1 A CHONAIL chaoimh nan arma geura, ’Se mo leir a mhaille bha; Ort ann Eilein nan sruth dian, ’S Cuchulain mo chiall sa bhlàr. 2 Thainig Torlamh fuileach fiat, Mar dhubh nial o ’n airde near; Le saighde corranach dlu, ’Saighead chuil a rinn a nimh. 3 Saighead almhuidh, eitidh, chraidh, Saighead a bhais a bha ann; A leag gu h-iosal san uir, Mo Chuchulain, run nan lann. 4 Feinnidh fearr-bhuilleach nan ruag, Mar osag air cuan nan tonn; Bha do shiubhal, meamnach mear, B’ iomad lear na chlaoi’ thu sonn. 5 Tha mo dheoir le dealt na h oi’ch, Snithe bhroin a’ caoidh an laoich; ’S mo thuireadh ri teachd an la, O mhic mo ghraidh! A mhic mo ghaoil 6 A ghaisgich threin nan iomad buaidh, ’S cian a ghluais do chliu’ san stri; Dunscaich na cheathach broin, Bhi gun chruit, gun cheol, gun Riogh. 7 ’S trom m’ aigneadh, ’s is lag mo chail, ’S truime maran no muir sgith; Cuin a Chonail thig an la, Thig chugam mo ghradh arìs. 8 Ionmhuinn àbharach nan leug, Thuit an treun, ach thuit gu mor; An comhrag nan cathan ceud, Lamh bu treine do gach sloigh. 9 O near mar ghrian bha do ghàire, Ann am aros measg na milidh; Do ghuth mar eigheach creag Ullann, ’S gach cumasg gun coisgte stri leat. 10 A measg nan triath bha e cosgairt, An laoch bu docaire ri teirbirt; Builleann cudramach gam bearnadh, Mar fhrois o ’n abhar san leirg e. 11 Chi mi t-arma troma liobhaidh, Tana direach, math san fhulang; Chi mi do sgiath bhreac mar chomhla, ’S do luireach loinreach nan ulag. [TD 17] 12 Chi im do chlogaide cruadhach, A laoich uaibhrich ann san iomairt; Mar charraig thu measg na màmhan Carraig laidir dh’ fhas gun tioma. 13 A bhean thursach, shnithich, dheurach, Eist do d’ leire—chreach—’s do d’ chumha; Bas an armain tha ri dhioladh, ’S tha na miltidh dh ’a gu fulang. II. EARRANN. 14 A Chonail sealbhaich dhuinn na cinn, ’S deimhinn leam gun dhearg thu t-airm; Na cinn a chi mi air a ghad, Slointear leat air fad am faoigh. 15 Ionmhuinn shoirbheartach nan each, Ainnir og na breithe binn; An eiric Cuchulain nan cleas, Thug mi leam o dheas na cinn. 16 Co e’ n ceann sliom, maileach donn mor, Is deirge no ’n ros a ghruaidh ghlan; Sin is fhaisge do d’ thaobh cli, Ceann an Riogh is or-bhuidh dath? 17 Ainnir fhabharrach nan clearc, Mac Maibhe le’ n creachta gach cuan; Mo chomraic se sud a cheann, ’S gur h ann leam a thuit a shluagh. 18 Co e’ n ceann ud a chi’ eam thall, ’S fholt nach gann mar channach sliom; A rosg mar fheur ’s a dheud mar bhlath, ’S gile no cach cro’ a chinn. 19 Leis a sud do thuit ar Rùn, Dh’ fhagas a chorp na chluidh thais; Luthach Mac Chuinn Riogh nan lann Thugas leam a cheann air ais. 20 Co e’ n ceann ud do chi’ eam uam, Do bha ghruaidh air dath an ros; Gur guirme no ’m feur a rosg, ’S buidh fholt air dhath an oir. 21 Ceann Mhic Luthaich a Rois-ruaidh, Mac na h-uaisle thuit le ’m neart; Mo chomraic ’se sud a cheann, Ard Riogh Loitheann nan lann breac. 22 A Chonail mhoir le ’n aidhear Riogh, Co ’n ceann eil air dhiol chaich; ’S an t òr air dhrisinnibh a chinn, Gu finn-bhuidh sliom mar airgead ban. 23 Ceann Biogh Maitheann nan each luath, Mac Fearra-bheum nan dual cam; An eiric mo Dhaltain fein, Thugas leam an cein a cheann. 24 Co e ’n ceann a thogadh tu d’ dhornn A Chonail mhoir, ’s ni ’n aithreach leinn; O nach maithreann Cu nan cleas, Co bhiodh tu air leas a chinn? 25 Ceann Mhic Fheardhais nan each, Muireach dheanadh creach is lot; Mac mo pheathar o ’n Tur sheang, Gun do sgaras a chean o chorp. 26 Cha mhor an onoir mhic Riogh, Imeachar gu min air fholt; ’S mi nach marbhadh e gu brath, Mar biodh e mu bhas a Choin. 27 Co ’n da cheann sin air do laimh hheis, A Chonail mhoir nan cleasan aigh; An t-aon dath tha air fholt nam fear, O ’s mairg bean g ’am bheil am bàidh. 28 Ceann Mhanuis is Shuimhne mhoir, ’Se mo dhoidh gur iad a h-ann; Aca fhuaras ceann a Choin, Air magh Teamhra nan sgor seimh. 29 Co ’n da cheann is faide uam, A Chonail nan cruai’ lann geur; ’S guirme ’n suil no ’n dearc air magh, ’S gile no blath fiodh am bein! 30 Carlla agus Cathull cruaidh, Diais a bheireadh buaidh le feirg; Thugas leam an cinn mar luin, ’S dh’ fhagas an cuirp fui’ Ghleann-deirg. 31 Co na sia cinn air dhroch gré, Chi mi dhiot an taobh mu thuath; ’S gorm an aghaidh, chlaon an ruisg, ’S dubh am fuilt a Chonail chruaidh. 32 Seisear bhraithrean do chi’ eam ann, Tha iad marbh, ’s an clab ri gaoith; Clann Chuilgeadan luchd nan cleas, Dream nach raibh air leas mo ghaoil. 33 Co na cinn is caime dual; Fainneach, cuachach, mar shnuagh greinn; A’ dearladh ri madainn chiuin, ’S mairg da ’n rùn na h-armainn threun. 34 Triuir Mac Torlamh bu bhorb, baoth, ’S iad na laoich a chaoichail gnuis; Bu neo’-meineach iad sa chath, Do Dhaltan nan glac geal ur. 35 Co ’n da cheann is faid o’ d’ chlì, A Chonail mhìn na meall shuilean; ’S fad an leac is deirg nan t-suth, ’S dubh am fuilt, mar shneachd an deud. 36 Da Mhac Riogh Lochlan nan ruag, D’ an ainm Manus is Lua’-lamh; Tharladh doibh a bhi sa chàth, An adhaidh mo Dhaltan graidh. 37 Co ’n ceann sin air dhath an Loin, ’S geal a bhos, is dubh a shuil; Tha chruth mar bhlathan an fhraoich, No ’n gagan air mhaolan ùr. 38 Riogh Muthann nan ceuda tiugh, B’ ard a ghuth san iomar-bhàigh: A comhrag dealain mo rùin, Dh’ fhagas a chorp na chloidh thlath. 39 A Chonail mhoir, ’s maith do sgeul, Cia-mead a thuit le d’ bheum san trod; Do chlanna Maithibh is Riogh, Ann ’san stri bu mhor a lot. 40 Ceann thair fichead agus ceud. Gun aireamh air creuhd no air goidh; Do cheanna Maithibh is Riogh, Thuit sud leam an ìochd a Choin. 41 Thuit an iomar-bhaigh nan laoch, Caogad agus fichead ceud; Thuit do dh’ fhiantidh Thonnagorm, Tri ceud bort, ’s bu mhor am beud. 42 A Chonail chul-fhionn nan Tur ard, ’S mor an t àr, ’s is modha ’n gniomh; A laoich Churanta nam buadh, ’S mor an sluagh a dh’ fhag thu shios. 43 Mar lithe nam beann gu traidh, Dhoirt thu ann san araich fuil; Mar iolair a measg nan ean, Dh’ fhogair thu gach treimh a bun. 44 Ann cath ceatharnail a chraidh, Bha do lamh ag deanamh èuchd; Mar aiteal teinne nam beann, Bha do lann a cosgairt threun. 45 A laoich fhuileachdaich san toir, ’S mor a leon thu do na Mic; Ochoin! mise teirbirt dheur, ’S Cuchulain nan creuchd fui’ lic. 46 Cha dean mi mire san Tur, Dh’ fholbh mo mhuirne, ’s mo cheol-gair; Mar ghrian an cogall nan neul, Dhubh mo ghné, mo chruth, ’s mo chail. 47 A Chonail chaoimh tog mo leac, Mu ’n sgarar m’ anam o ’m chorp; Oir sgearr gus an racham èug, ’S cuir mo bheul ri bèul a Choin. [TD 18] V. 3. LAOIDH NAN CEANN. 60 lines. Mac Callum, page 132. This book can easily be got. The versions already given suffice to show how the ballad existed in the Highlands. The following are references to Manuscripts which contain parts of the Story of Cuchullin:— 1. A Manuscript, attributed to the end of the 8th century, described p. 285, Report on Ossian, 1805, Vellum. Marked V. o. A. No. 1. The place of this MS. is known, but it cannot be got at. There is no complete transcript. It contains a copy of ‘The Tain,’ and a critical exposition of it. A moral and religious poem, and ‘some short historical anecdotes.’ From the facsimile, p. 293, these relate to ‘Fint uao baoiscne’ and his son, whom English readers know as ‘Fingal and Ossian.’ Trinity College, Dublin. (H. l. 13. Hugh O’Daly, 1746, 195, a copy of ‘The Tain,’ p. 342. Birth of Cuchullin, 349. Exploits of Oileal and Meave, King and Queen of Connacht—.) (H. 1. 14, same scribe, 1750, another copy of ‘The Tain.’) (Book of Leinster, 1130, pp. 41 to 80 contain ‘the Tain bo Cuailgne.’ Also ‘the Manifestation of the Tain,’ and a list of prefatory stories. Hennessy’s list, Dec. 9, 1871). (Leabhur na h uidhre,’ published, written about 1100). (H. 1. 13. The bloody Havoc of Connall Kearnach.) (H. 2. 6. Historical tale, Aoidheadh fir diadh, written about 1716. Part of ‘the Tain.’) (H. 2. 17. Breisleach Mhòr mhuighe Muirtheimne, in which Cuchullin was killed.) Royal Irish Academy. (23. c. 26. ‘Luidh nan Ceann.’ ‘The Heads’ in a paper MS. written about 1716, (under the name ‘Conlaoch,’ are 15 entries in the R.I.A. Catalogue.) (A curious story about the ghost of Cuchulaid’s Car is in the Book of the Dun Cow, p. 113. The warrior returns to earth in the days of St. Patrick. He describes his condition in the other world, and tells his earthly story in 96 verses for the conversion of King Loegaire, who flourished A. D. 432.) (H. 2. 16, Book of Leacan, col. 955, Aighead én fir mic? aifi. Conlaoch’s story.) (H. 3. 17 col. 842, a short abstract of the Historical tale of Cuchullin and his son Conlaoch.) The Atalantis, vol. i. 1858, contains a paper by O’Curry. CUCHULLAINN was a Prince of Ulster, inheritor of Cuailgne and Muirthemne, between Drogheda and Dundalk, now Lowth. He was a hero of the ‘Royal Branch’ (? The Red Branch, or the russet tree). Conchubair Mac Nessa, king of Mucha, was the most distinguished king of Emania, and cotemporary with our Saviour. His chief ‘knights’ were, Fergus Mac Roígh; Conall Cearnach; Fergus Mac Leite; Curroi Mac Daire; and Cuchullainn mac Solte, the youngest and the best. Eimer was daughter of Forgall Monach, who lived near Dublin, at Lusk. She was Cuchullin’s wife. Vol. II. p. 98, the story of ‘the sick bed of Cuchullin’ is finished. This is a very wild and curious story, which I have not found in Scotland, unless A. 1. is part of it in verse. When Cuchullainn was angry, he drew one of his eyes back so far that a heron could not reach it. The other he thrust out so that it grew as large as a heifer’s cauldron. This is now told of ‘Goll,’ &c. in Scotland, p. 326. vol. III. Y. In this story are Labhar Cam and Mananan Mac Lir. (Pp. 6159. The Atalantis, London, 1858-60, Brit’ Mu’). The Catalogue of Irish MSS. British Museum, and other authorities are referred to elsewhere in the Introduction. The Story of Cuchullin is built on Irish history; it pervades Irish literature from A. D. 1130, and pervades all Gaelic Scotland now. Z. 5. CHEUD SGEULACHD (THE HEADS). No. 48. Gaelic Index. Y. Vol. IV. 1862. A Gaelic argument, and 62 lines of the ballad sent from Islay by Mr. Alexander Carmichael, who has been collecting ever since. BE Connal agus Cochullain clann an dithis pheathraichin. Bha iad aig an ionnsuichadh ’san aon Oil-thigh. Nuair a bha iad a dealachadh ri cheile ’s gach aon a dol gu obair fein, thug Connal mionnan a cheud duine bheireadh naigheachd bàs Chochullain dha gu’m bitheadh e marbh ’sa mhionaid. La a thuit Cochullain thubhairt e ri gille mor Laoghaire ‘falbhaidh thu a nis agus innsidh tha do Chonnal sgeula mo bhais; feuchaidh thu innseadh dha ann an dubh-fhocal, neo bidhioh thu fein ann an cuinnart.’ Dh-fhalbh Laoghaire, rainig e Connal, agus fhailtich e gu suilbhire e. Thubhairt an Connal ‘Cia mur a tha mo charaid Cochullain.’ ‘Tha gu maith, ars an Laoghaire, tha e nis air thigh ur a dheanamh.’ ‘Gu de, arsa an Connal, an taire a bha aig air an aitribh aosmhor ann s’ con do thamh iomadach laoch cho mor risean, na deth am tigh ùr a rinn e.’ ‘Cha do rinn, arsa an Laoghaire, ach tigh iosal Cumhang. Nuair a shionas e a chasan ruigidh a cheann uachdar, ’sa chasan iochdar, ’sa shronn mullach an tigh.’ ‘Ne sin ri radh arsa Connal gu bheil mo dheadh charaid marbh.’ ‘Fhianais sin ort fein, ars’ an Laoghaire, ’S tu fein a dh’iomraidh air bàs na misa.’ ‘O a Laoghaire bhochd, ars’ a Connal so leis bo chruaidhe a bhas, no leat fein; lean thusa mise agus a chuille Ceann bu mho na cheile a bha an aghaidh Chochullain bheir mise a mach iad.’ Ghabh e troimh an choille leis agus shniomh e seachd gaid agus thug e do Laoghaire iad. Dh-fhalbh iad le cheile agus thoisich an Connal agus a chulla teaghlach a dhinnsidh Laoghaire bha na namhaid do Chochullain, thoisich ann sin an Connal air toirt a mach nan ceann agus Laoghaire cur air a ghad. Cha robh duthaich, na baile, na teaghlach nach deachaidh ann an eagal nuair a chuala iad gun do thoisich an Connal. Bha iad a dol air aghart mar so gus an do lionnadh na seachd goid le cinn. ‘Laoghaire, arsa an Connal, tha mi air mo sharachudh agus tha mi ocrach. Bheil na goid air thuair a bhith làn. Bha iad a nis a dol air aghart dhionnsuidh ‘Ura-mhor.’ Chaidh an duine ann an sgoim agus na bha ma na bhaile nuair a chunnaic iad an Connal a tighean. An sin labhair nighean uasal og ri h-athair, ‘na bithibh fo eagal, cha neil unamsa ach boirineuch agus cuiridh mi Connal gu sith.’ Ghabh i mach na choinnimh agus dh’ fhailtieh i e gu suilbhire Thug an Connul Comain a breathran don nighean oig, Chuir i stigh e roipe don talla gu dhinnir. Nuair a bha an dinnir seachad thannaig na bha ’san teaghlach a mach maille ris, ’s thug iad dha nach do chuir e dragh orra. Nuair a rainig e na Cinn thubhairt an Connal ri Laoghaire, ‘tog leat do chuid cinn a nis ’s ma tha tuillidh a dhi ort gheabh thu iad.’ LABHAIR an nighean ri Connal ‘A Chonnuil dhealbhaich nan Ceann ’S cinnteachd mi gun dhearg thu tairm Na cinn sin a thagad air ghad 4 Sloinnter leat air fad na suinn.’ Nighean thairbheartach nan n’ each Ainnir og na briathraibh binn ’N eiric Chochullain nan cleis 8 Thugadh leinn fo dheas na cinn. Cia e an ceann molach donn Mar dhearg nan ròs ’su ghruaidh ghlan Shìn thu thall air a thaobh chli 12 ‘A Chonnul mhor is aillith dreach?’ ‘Maigheara fairbheartach nan each Mac dha leir creach gach cuain Sgar mi dheasan fein a cheann 16 ’S gar leam a thuit a shlnugh.’ ‘Chonnuil mhoir leat dheugadh righ Co e an ceann ailith air diol chaich Fhalt òr-bhuidhe mar dhealradh grein 20 Gu mollach slim mar airgiod ban?’ ‘Mac an laoigh an rois ruaidh Mac a b’uaisle thuit leam neart Mo dhoigh gur e sin fein a cheann 24 Ard righ Lochlan nan lann breac.’ ‘Cia an du cheann sin air do laimh chli ’S ailidh libhse an nis an dealbh A chonnal mhoir leat dhaighah righ 28 ’Soill leam fein gun dhearg thu t’airm?’ ‘Ceann Mhathnais agus Mhaidh Mhor Se mo dhoigh gur iad a th’ann, Ach a fhuaradh ceann a choin 32 Air ma theannruith nan sruthaibh seimh.’ Co an dà cheann so air do laimh dheis Chonnuil nan cleas ’s’an aigh ’Naon dath air fait nan fear 36 ’Sminic gu bheil am baigh? Calla agus Connal cruaidh; Dithis a bheiridh buaidh ’sa ’leirg Thugadh leamsa an Cinn fu dheas 40 ’S gun do dh-fhag mi an Cuirp Fo ’n aon air. Co an Ceann ad a chithim thall Fhalt thall gu mollach slim 44 [TD 19] A rosg mar fheur, ’s a dheud mar bhla ’Saille nu cach òr a chinn?’ Mac mo pheathar on tur sheinh Sgar mi fein a cheann ri chorp 48 Suarach an onair mhic righ Iomchair ga min air an fhalt. ‘Co na se cinn a chithir thall Shìn thu iad an taobh mo thuath 52 ’S guirme agus Caoine an ros ’S duibhè folt a chinn chruaidh?’ Seasar bhraithre a bha ann Iadsan ’s an clab ri gaoith 56 Bo chlann chalaidir nan cleas Dream nach robh air leas mo ghaoil. Ceann air fhichead agus fichead ceud Gun iomradh air fear croin nan lot 60 Do chlann mhaithibh, ’s Mhacaibh righ Thuit an eiric ceann a choin.’ ‘Nis a Laoghaire tha do cheannsa a dhith air a ghad agus se mo cheann fein, no do cheann fein a theid eir mar toisich tuille.’ ‘Cha ruig sin a leas, as a Laoghaire, bo bheag leamsa no thuit le do laimh ann an eiric Chuchullain, agus leagaidh mi ruith le fear do no goid.’ Laoghaire bhodh bu bheag leaasa na thuit le mo lamsha ann an eiric do mhaighstir mhaith. Thoisich e an ’n uair sin agus bha an eachdraidh a dhiomradh gun mo a thuit leis, no an nuair a lionnadh na seachd goid. II. DEIRDRE. THE STORY OF DEIRDRE. F. M. O. Q. R. THE oldest copy of the Story of Deirdre known to me is in a vellum manuscript now at the Advocates’ Library, described p. 296, Report on Ossian, 1805. The date 1238, the locality of Glenmason, and names of owners are sufficient to prove that the story, of which the scene is partly laid in Argyll, was known in Cowal a long time ago, This manuscript ought to be printed. I can neither read it nor afford time or money for its publication.The Story of Deirdre is related to Indian Epics, and is an Aryan romance which pervades the Old World. A beautiful girl, shut up to baulk a prophecy, is beloved by an old king. She runs away with a family of brothers, and after adventures of many kinds, the story ends in a tragedy. (See ‘Mahábhárata’ for the Story of Draupadi and the 5 Pandarvas, &c., &c.) In Ireland the Story of Deirdre and the 3 sons of Usnoch has been associated with the Story of Cuchullin the King of Emania, and the warriors named above, ever since 1130, at all events. The Atalantis, vol. iii., 1860, p. 398, has a paper by O’Curry introducing a story about ‘the Birth of ‘Deirdriu’ and her adventures, taken from (H. 2—16, Yellow Book of Leacain. Trin. Coll. Ca. 749, date 1391.) Elsewhere, in the Introduction I have told all I know about this story and the publication of it. In Welsh, bits of the story, as told in Ireland and in Scotland, are told in the Story of Peredur, taken from a MS. of the 15th century (See ‘Mabinogion.’) The oldest printed Scotch version of the story known to me is quoted by the Highland Society (P. 291. Report on Ossian, 1805). It follows below, divided according to the metre, by Mr. Hector Mac Lean. Fletcher F. 2. got a version in Scotland from oral recitation about 1750. Gillies M. 3. printed part of the story in 1786. Irvine O. got part of the verse, about 1801, from a foxhunter on Loch Tayside. Stewart Q. 1804, printed a version, p. 562. The Highland Society R. 1805, printed a quotation. Mac Callum, 1816, V. 4. got from Mac Lachlan of Old Aberdeen and reprinted the fragment which Mac Lachlan abstracted, and the Highland Society printed, from the MS. of 1238. X. 14. ‘Duan na Cloinn,’ written in Caithness from the dictation of Betty Sutherland, I have been unable to get, but the name indicates this story. Z. In the autumn of 1870 men in the Isle of Mull could repeat Clann ‘Uisneachain.’ In the autumn of 1871 an old Mac Neill in Barra could tell the story, and Mr Carmichael had written it down. The story, as I had learned it in Scotland, was shortly this:— King Connachar, of Ireland, had a sister, whose three sons, Naois, Ardan, and Ainle, ran off with Deirdre, their uncle’s sweetheart. They went to Scotland, where they wandered about, chiefly in Argyllshire, according to the names. At last the brothers left Deirdre, in charge of a black-haired lad, in an island, which is identified with a small islet north of Jura, in which are ecclesiastical remains. This character is made steward of the King of Scotland in written versions. The ‘black lad’ made love to Deirdre. The brothers, in three ships, returned just in time to save her, and told her their adventures. They had been imprisoned in ‘Lochlan’ or elsewhere, and rescued by a king’s daughter. They all embarked, Deirdre sang a Lament for Scotland, and foreboded evil from dreams. They reached Ireland, and after a grand battle the uncle slew the nephews, who had run away with his sweetheart. She bewailed them, and died upon their bodies. Irish history adds—at Emania, the capital of Ulster, in the reign of Conaire, A.D. 145—152; from whom descend the Dalriads, or Scoto-Irish Gaelic tribes of ‘Oirear Alban,’ as it called in Deirdre’s Lament, version R. Fletcher tells a bit of the story about the beginning and end. Gillies tells the return from Scotland, and gives Deirdre’s Lament for Scotland. Irvine’s foxhunter tells the story told to Deirdre by her lovers on their return. The Highland Society quoted the Lament for Scotland in support of Mac Pherson’s Darthula. Peasant reciters tell the story in accordance with Irish history. Mac Pherson’s Darthula, edit. 1762, is vaguely related to the traditional tale, but the geography is entirely changed. Upon this geography learned men found theories as to ‘Selma’ and ‘Beregonium’ and Vitrified Forts of the Stone Period, which the ignorant who speak Gaelic ignore. There is no Gaelic for Mac Pherson’s Darthula. As it is impossible to collate different bits of a story which is more than 800 years old, I print the text, and will endeavour to mend the story which it tells when I translate. F. 2. EACHDRAIDH AIR CONNACHAR, RIGH EIRINN, agus air truir MHAC RIGH BHARRACHAOIL clann peathar RIGH CONNACHAR roimh ainmichte. Fletcher’s Collection, page 29. Advocates’ Library, January 17, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. This fragment, written by country scribes from the dictation of a man who could not himself write or read, is partly written in stanzas of four lines. This seems to me to indicate the decay of a ballad, and a change into measured prose, made of lines, and smaller fragments of forgotten quatrains. NOCHDA air bhi do Righ Eirinn d’ am bu cho-aim Connachar a dol a phosa Ban-righ d’ am b’ ainm Deirdri, agus air bhi dhoibh ag ullachadh fa chomhair na bainnse mharbh iad laogh òg. Air bhi do shneachda òg air a chuir san àm, dhoirt iad fud an laoigh a muigh air an t-sneachda, agus do luidh fitheach air an fhuil. Air do Dheirdri bhi sealltuinn a mach air uinneig Chunnairc i ’m fitheach aig òl na fola, agus a deir si ris an Righ, nach bu mhaiseach an Duine aig am bitheadh a chneas co-geal ris an t-sneachda, a ghruaidh co-dearg ris an fhuil agus fholt co-dubh ris an fhitheach. Fhreagair an Righ ag radh gun robh clann peathar aigsan, agus gun robh aon diubh air an robh gach buaidh a dh’ ainmich i. Thubhairt Deirdri ris an Righ a rist nach cuireadh ise cos na leabaidh gus am faiceadh i an duine sin. Air an aobhar sin chuir an Righ fios air. Thainig e féin agus a dha bhràthair. Agus do b’ e an ainmeanan Snaois. Aille, agus Ardan. Air do Dheirdri Snaois fhaicsinn lionadh i le gaol dha ionnas gun d’ fhalbh i leis, agus dh’ fhàg i ’n Righ. Air do Shnaois agus do dhà bhrathair long a ghabhail sheòil iad gus an deachaidh iad air tìr aig Beinn-aird. Agus bha giullabeag na ’n cuideachd d’ am b’ ainm an Gille dubh, bha na chomhalta dhoibh agus a’ feitheamh orra. I. PHÀIRT. 1 TUR g’an deachaidh iad air tuinn, Clann Uisneachan a Dù-lochlunn; Dh’ fhàg iad Deirdri agus an Gille dubh, A’m Beinn-aird nan aonaran. 2 C’ àite an cualas dàn bu duileadh, Na ’n Giulla dubh ri dùr shuiridh; Air Deirdri chruinneagach gheal, Bu Chuibhte orm ’us ort bhi cuideachd. 3 Cha bu chuibhte mi is tu, Ghiullan duibh nam mi-rùn; Ach gus an d’ thig iad dhachaidh slàn, Clann Uisneachan a’ Dù-lochlunn [TD 20] 4 Ge b’eùg a rachadh tu dheth, ’S ge d’ fhaitheadh tu bas g’an cumha; Bithidh tu ’us Ian dubh an aon leabaidh, Gus an d’ theid ùir air do leachdain. 5 Gheibheadh thusa Dheirdri ghuanach, Bh’ uamsa air mhadain a màireach; Gheibheadh tu bainne chruidh chraobhaich, Agus maorach à Innis-aonaich. 6 Gheibhte tu muinealan mhuc, Mar sin agus sruthaga shean-tuirc; Gheibhte tu braoideach ’us bò, ’S a laoigh mhin na fuiling aon so 7 Ge d’ gheibhinn uait caolaich fhiadha, Agus bradain bhroinne gheala; B’ annsa leam bior-chul-chas, A làimh Snaois mhic Uisneachan. 8 B’ e Snaois a phoga mo bheul; Mo cheud fhear è ’s mo cheud leannan; B’ e Aille a leigeadh mo dheoch, ’S b’ e Ardan a chaireadh m’ adhart. 9 Ach suil g’ an d’ thug Deirdri ghuanach, Mach air bàr bhaile bhraonuich; ’S àluin an truir bhraithre a chi mi, Snàmhaidh iad na cuantan tharais. 10 Tha Ard, ’us Aille air an stùir, ’Seòladh gu h-àrd ramhach ciuin; Mo ghradh a Gheal-lamhach gheal, Tha m’ fhear féin ga stiuradh sid. 11 Ach smid na d’ thigeadh air do bheul, Ghiullain duibh nam braon sgeul; Mu ’m marbhar thu gun chiontadh dheth, Is nior mò a chreideir mise. 12 O! Chloinn Uisneachan nan each, A thainig à tìr nam fear fuileach; An d’ fhuilling sibh tàir bho neach, No ciod è so bha d’ ar cumail. 13 Bha d’ ar cumailne mach uaitse, An t-eabar-sea fuileach faobhar ruadh; Righ mac Rosnaich ceann fir Phàil, Air ar glacadh ’s air ar dioghmhail. 14 C’ àite an robh ’ur n-airm ghaisge, ’S air lamhan tapaidh fuilleach; N’ ar a dh’ fhuiling sibh, sibh-féin slàn, Do mhac Rosaich bhi gar diong’ ail. 15 Cadal g’ an d’ rinn sinn ’n ar luing, An truir Bhraithre druim ri druim; M’ an d’ fhairich sinn beud na feall, Dh’ iath na sea-longa-deug umainn. 16 Cha bu mhis’ nach d’ innis dhuibhse, A Chloinn Uisneachan bho b’ ionmhuinn; Nach bu làmh air bhlonaga ban, ’S nach bu shurd air cogadh cadal. 17 ’S ge nach biodh cogadh fui’ n ghréin, Ach duine fadadh a thìr féin; Cadal fadadh ’s beag a thlachd, Do dhuine is è air deòrachd. 18 Deòrachd ’s mairg g’am biodh an dàn, Gur gnàthach leatha cuid sheachrain; ’S beag a b-urram ’us mòr a smachd, ’S mairg duine d’ an dàn deòrachd. 19 Ach chuir iadsan ann sin sinn, An uamha shalaich fui’ thalmhainn; F-ar an d’ thigeadh fodhain an sàile, Tri naoi uairean gach aon là. 20 Ach aon inghean mhath bh’ aig an Righ, Ghabh i dhinne moran truais, Seichdeachan a h-athar gu leir, Bu lionmhor ann bian èilde is aidhe. 21 Chuir i eadar sinn ’s am fuar uisg, An ribhinn ùr bho si b’ fhearr tuigse; Ach do bhiodh h-athair sa Chraoibh ruaidh, ’S a chàirdean gu leir mu thimchioll. 22 Teachd mo chagair a Thiormhail, Cha neil rùine nam ban math; Innsidh iad sa chuil, na chluinn iad, 23 Ciod an rùine a bhiodh ann, Nach innseadh tu do t aon inghinn; ’S an rùine a gheibhinse bh’ uait, Gu gleitheinn bliadhna gu dill. 24 Fui’ bhile mo chiche deise, ’S an rùine gheibhinn bho chach Athair ghràidh gun innsean duitse Arsa n-inghean. An Righ ga freagairt. 25 ‘Chuir Righ Eirinn fios air sàil Dh’ ionnsuidh uaislean Bharr-Phàil; Gu ’m fuigheansa làn mo luinge, Do dh’ òr do dh’ innsridh ’s do dh’ ionnas, 26 . . . . . Chionn na Ciomaich ’chuir gun fheall, Air chuan na h-Eirinn am màireach.’ 27 Ach leig an Inghinn osna throm, As a cridhe gu ro mhòr, Threagair aisnichean an tighe Leis an osun ’leig an Inghinn. 28 ‘Cò so leig an osun throm, Gur duilich leo na Ciomaich, ’S mise leig an osun throm, Do Chiomaich gur comadh leam, 29 Tha earrun mhòr ann am thaobh clì, ’S gu marbhadh i caogad Righ; ’S tha luain mhòr air mo chridhe, San taobh eile mo choinneamh na h-earrinn’ 30 Ach thainig i thugainn d’ ar fios, An Thiormhail bu ghile cneas An rabh thu ann san Dùn ud thall; No ciod an aithris a th’ ann oirnne, 31 ‘Bha mise ann san Dùn ud thall, ’S is truagh an aithris a th’ ann oirbhse; Gu ’m fuigh m’ athair làn a luinge, Dh’ òr Dh’ innsridh, ’s do dh’ ionnas, 32 Chionn na Ciomaich chur gun fheall, Air cuan na h-Eirinn a maireach.’ . . . . . 33 ‘Ach sinibh thugamsa bhur casan, A ’s gu ’n tomhais mi na glasan; Nach fhag mi bonn diubh air dearmad Air fad air leud, na air doimhnead.’ 34 ‘Thainig i ’n sin an Ceard cluaineach, Mac-an-t-saoir as a chraoibh ruaidh; . . . . . 35 Eirich thusa a cheird chluainich, Mhic-an-t-saoir as a chraoibh ruaidh, ’S aon inghean Righ air tighinn ga d’ iarruidh.’ . . . . . 36 ’S beag orm fein na bhitheadh ann, Aon inghean Righ, a shiuladh An oidhche gu fior, . . . . . 37 ‘’S e bheireadh i dha thigh ga teach, Treas tuairesgeul na geamhaiche; ’S ann a shiulas duine an lò, Mar a bheireas còir air aoilleachd; 38 Mirre g’ an d’ rinn mi am luing, Air onfha na mara thruim, Iuchraichean m’ Athar gu léir, Bha iad agam fui’ m’ mhi-chéil, 39 Leum iad a mach thar a bòrd, ’S truagh nach deacheas nan druima-lòrg, . . . . . 40 An cuimhne leats’ a Cheard chluainich, ’N latha bha thu san Dùn ud thall, ’Bualadh òir aig m’ athair, ’S a chluan oir a sgriobh iad ort, 41 ’N t-òir a ghaoid thu . . . . . 42 ’S i ’n fhail oir ’thug mise dhuit, A chum an ceann sin air do bhraidhe.’ . . . . . [TD 21] 43 Ach’ dh’ eirich è suas an Ceard cluaineach, Mac-an t-saoir as a chraoibh ruaidh, Is rinn è na tri iuchraiche buadhach, Ri aiteal na h-aon-leth-uaire, 44 Ach smid na d’ thigeadh air do bhéul, Nach gu ’n labhair ’n teintin dubh sin, Na an grinneal an deach’ an deanamh. . . . . . 45 Ach thainig i ’ris d’ ar fios, An Tiormhail nan ciabhadh cleachdach . . . . . 46 ‘S’nibh thugamsa bhur casan; A’s gu ’m fuasgail mi na glasas, Mur dh’ fhag mi bonn diubh air dearmad, Air fad, air leud, no air doimhnead, 47 Ach thog Snaois a chos ri eallachain, Ard is Aille co-fhearr-luath, . . . . . 48 Thug i thugainn ar tri chloidhinn, Agus lòn an cuigibh oidhche, Seorsa cèire leth mar leth; ’S gu bu leir leinn adhaidh’ chèile, 49 Tha long aig m’ athairse air sàl, Ann am barr a bhaile bhraonaich; Seisear’ feathadh lath’ ’s do dh’ oidhche, Agus aon fhear donn a toiseach, 50 . . . . . ’S gu diongadh è ceud an còmhrag.’ 51 Ach ma theid sibhse na dhàil, Gun eagal na gun fhealsga Buailibh gu cothromach ceart, Bhur tri chloidhean na aon alt. 52 Ge bu doirche an oidhche dhoilleir, Gu’m bu ghairge rinneas eolas; Bhuail sinn gu cothromach ceart, Bhur tri chloidhean na aon alt. 53 Thig thusa steach ad’ luing, A Thiormhail a’s ionnmhuinne leinne, A’s aon bhean cha d’ theid os do cheann; Ach aon bhean san tìr an d’ theid thu. 54 Ciod an aon bhean a bhiodh ann, ’S gur mi choisinn dhuibh na h-anamain, B’ uaibhreach dhamhsa sin a dheanamh; ’S a liuthad mac Righ ’tha gam iarruidh, 55 Na ’n trialain air cheumanan cas, Air sga buidhne coimhiche. . . . . . 56 Leubhaidh iad ort. A Gheal shoilleir, Mu as fior gu bheil thu torrach, Mas mac na inghean a bhios ann Ainmich air fear ’tha ’n Dù-lochlunn. 57 ’S mise aon Inghean an Righ, ’S lughaide dhe sin a phrìs; Ach ’s olc an saothraiche re seall, Nach d’ thugadh aon èun an caladh. 58 Ach fanaidh mi bliadhna air do ghaol, Agus bliadhna eile chion t-iomraidh, ’N ceann na cuig na seatha bliadhna, Thig gam iarruidh ’n sin air m’ athair, 59 ’S gleithidh mise do shìth dhuit, Bho Righ an Domhain ’s bho Chonna-chothair, . . . . . PAIRT II. Agus air innseadh na nitheadh sin dhoibh bha Deirdri ro-dhiomach dhiubh, chionn gun d’ fhàg iad Tiormhail nan deigh, agus air son a feothas dhoibhsan nach iarradh ise os a cionn gu bràth. An sin ghabh Deirdri agus iadsan an turas a ris ga iarraidh agus chunnairc ise aisling. 1 AISLING a chunnaic mi ’n raoir, Air truir mhac Righ Bharrachaoil; Bhi g’an cuibhreacha ’s g’an cuir san uaigh, Le Connachar as a chraoibh ruaidh. 2 Ach leag thusa t-aisling Dheirdri, Air aonach nam burthaichean àrda; Air maraichean na fairge muigh, ’S air na chlochaibh garbha glasa. 3 ’S gu’m faigh sinne sith ’s gu’n tabhair, Bho’ Righ an domhainn ’s bho Chonnachobhair. . . . . . 4 Ach co-moch ’s a thain an lò, ’S a sgaoileadh bho’r cul an ceò; C’ àite ’n do ghabh ’ur loingeas tìr Ach fui’ dhorus an àrd Righ. 5 Thainig Connachar fein a mach, ’S naoi ceud-deug sluaigh leis; Se dh’ fheoraich è gu breagha bras, Co iad na sloigh ,so, th’ air an loingeas. ’S iad clann do pheathar féin a t’ ann, Is iad nan suidhe ’n caithir aingis; (ill) Cha chlann peathar dhamsa sibh, ’S cha ne gniomh a rinn sibh orm. 6 Abh mo nàrachadh le feall, Ann am fiadhnais fir na h-Eirinn. . . . . . 7 Ciod ged thug sinn uait do bhean, Deirdri chruinneagach chruin-lamh gheal; Rinn sinn ruit bàigh bheag eile, ’S b’e ’n tra’s àm a cuimhneacha. 8 ’N latha s gàin do long air sàile, ’S i làn do dh’òr is do dh’ airgid, Thug sinne dhuits’ air long fhéin, ’S namh sinn féin cuan mu d’ thiomchioll. 9 Ge d’ dheanadh sibh rium caogad bàigh Air mo bhuidheachas gu fior; Air sibh cha ’n fhaitheadh sibh ’n teann Ach gach aon dioth bu mho g’am feudain. 10 Rinn sinn ruit bàigh bheag eile, ’S b’e ’n tra’s àm a cuimhneacha; ’N latha mheath an t each breac, Ort air faiche Dhun-dealgain nois 11 Thug sinne dhuit an t-each glas, ’Bheireadh gu bras thu ’n t-slighe; Ge d’ dheanadh sibh rium caogad baigh, Air mo bhuidheachas gu fior 12 Rinn sinne dhuit baigh bheag eile, ’S b’e ’n tra’s àm a cuimhneacha; ’N latha cathadh Beinn eudain, ’S a thionndaidh thu rui do chùl, Chuir iad thu ’n innis an-iuil. 13 Chuir sinne cath muirneach mòr, Air do chùl’aobh an lò sin, Agus Bha sinn ga’ d’ dheidh reir, ’S thug sinn thugadsa fui’ d’ iochd, Cinn seachd mic Righ Morfhairge, . . . . . 14 ’S ge d’ dheanadh sibh ruim caogad bàigh, &c. . . . . . 15 Ach thog Snaois a chos r’a bòrd, Ard, is Aille air a dhruim-lòrg; . . . . . An truir bhràithrean, bu bhoidhche ceann-adhaidh 16 Cha bhàs leam a nis bhur bàs, A Chlann Uisneachan gun aois; Bho ’n a thorachair e leibh gun fheall, ’N treas fear a’s aird tha ’n Eirinn. 17 Ach thigsa a mach a’ d’ luing, A Dheirdri chruinneagach chul-chruin; ’S cha ’n fhaitheadh tu ’m cùill no ’n coill, Facal èud no achmhasain. 18 Cha d’ thig mise a mach am luing, Ach am fuigh mi m’aon ragha achuing, . . . . . ’S cha tìr ’s cha n earras, s cha treoghadh. 19 Cha ’n eich gheala ’s mhiol-choin; Ach comas tiotan beag do ’n tràigh, Thoirt miosgain ann deaigh graidh, Do na corpaibh geala cneas-bhàn. [TD 22] 20 Dh’ fhuasgaileadh iad a folt donna-bhui’ tla, M’ an cuairt do ’n rioghain coi-reidh, A h-eudach gu barraibh a cos, Mu’ n d’ thugadh i leatha am braid. 21 Cothrom cro na snathaide; . . . . . 22 Ach aon fhail òir ’bha mu ’m mèur, ’S ann a chuir i sud na beul, A’s dh’ imich i leis do ’n traigh, Fur an robh Clann Uisneachan. 23 Cò choinnich i anns’ an traigh, Ach an saor a snaithe ràmh; . . . . . 24 ‘A shaoir a shnaitheas an ràmh, Ga ’m bhuil an sgian fhaobhair gheur, ’S è bheireamsa dhuit ga cionn, ’N aon fhail òir is fearr tha ’n Eirinn.’ 25 ‘Tur g’an rabh Snaois a cur cloiche, Air feasgar anmoch oidhche shathairne; Bhris e ’n fhail òir bha mu mheur, Le tiorruin na h-aon urachaire. 26 Thug è dhomhs’ an fhail’ bhriste, ’S thug i seallan ’s bu lan ghibht i; Thug mise dhasan an fhail lan, ’S cha b’ ann a mhoithe comainne, 27 ’S na cuimhniche mo ghradh geal a bi aige, Cha b’ eagal dà ’n seachd portaibh deug-n h Eirinn. 28 Ach ghabh an saor meamnadh goirt, Air an fhail is thug è Dheirdri chorc; A’s dh’ imich i do ’n traigh Fur an rabh Clann Uisneachan 29 Teann thusa nall a Shnaois nàraich, A mhic nam flatha d’fhearr àbhaist; Na ’n crithiche marbh roimh bheo eile, Chrithiche tusa (nis) rothamsa. 30 Shìn i an sin a taobh r’a thaobh, Agus chuir i’beul r’a ’bheul; As ghabh i ’n sgian gheur roimhe cridhe, Is dh’fhuair i ’m bàs gun aithreacheas. 31 Ach thilg i an sgian dubh ’sa chuan, Mu ’m fuighe an saor achmhasan, . . . . . 32 Co moch ’s a thainig an lò, Thainig Connchar féin ’s a lod; Mìle màrphaisg do ’n mhi-chéil, Thug ormsa Clann mo pheath’r féin a mharbha, 33 Tha mi ’n diu gun Deirdri dheth, Na gun aon duine tairrisde. Ach tiolaicidh mi ’n aon uaigh Snaois ’us Deirdri ’n aon leabaidh. ’S an lus beag ’ thig roimh an uaigh, Ge b’e chuireas snaim air a bhàr, Gu ’m bu leis aon ragha leannain. . . . . . 34 N’am bithinnsa ’n Iuthar nam buadh A nocht féin ga fuar an t-shian, Gu ’n cuirinn snaim air a bhàr, Ge do bhiodh an crann gu criona. M. 3. CAOI’ DHOIRDIR. 240 lines. CAOI’ Dhoirdir airson Naois agus Clan Uisnich, dhimich Deurdir uaith Chonchair righ Ulamh le Nais Mac Uisnich agus a dhithis bhrathairibh, (iodhain, Ailbhe agus Ardan) gu h Albain, ionad ann rabhadar gu sona snaibhneach re uin’ fhada, gus na chuir Conchair teachdaireachd shithaimh chairdeil nan dei’ gus na phrill iad gu Righ-Eirinn, ach d’imir an righ feall orra, agus mharbh, an triuir chùraibh ’n am dheidh teachd air tìr, an sin dhruid, Deirdir nis na cuirp agus chaoine gu cumhach iad agus chuir, lamh am ach anam fein. 1 CLANN Uisnich nan each geala; Thainig a tir nam fear fùileach, Creud so do bhiodh air ar n eachaibh No creid e a ta g’ar cumaìl. 2 Ta g’ar cumail fada uaine, Creid is fa nach cumhain an ruaig Lamhan (1) air bhog attaibh bàn Nir cheol cadail dhuinn an cogadh. 3 Còdal uìle ’s beag a lochd. Do dhaòine bhiodh ri deoireachd; Ge d’ nach biodh coga fo na ghrein Ach daòine bhi as an tir fein. 4 Chuirmear ar luingeas amach, A chaith’ a chuain gu h eolach, Bha sinn subhach ri seoladh Is bha Deirdir dubhach do-bhronach. 5 Creud e fa do thuirse bhean Agus sinne beo ’n ar beatha Ni h aithne dhuinn neach d’ar bualadh Ni h eagal luinn fuath no sichaimh 6 Aislinn do chunnacas an raoir; Oirbhse thriuir braithre barra chaoin (2) Ar cùibhreach is ar cuir san uaigh, Leis a Chònchair chlaoin ruagh. 7 Air chlochaibh sin is air chrannàibh. Agus air lachaibh na linne Is air chuileinibh na ’m fiadh chor Is air earbas fiar an t Seannaich. 8 Creud bheir sinne ’n daill an laoich Is farsaing na fairge amach ’S a liughad cala caol is cuan A b’ fheudar tarruing (3) gun uabhas. 9 An am luidhe do na ghrein Nìr b’ aobhar suain dhuain e C’ait ionnar ar ghabh long tìr Ach fo Bhaile mor Righ Conchair. 10 Thainig Conchair amach le Sheachd fichid laoch cheann-uallach Is dh’ fhiosraich le briara brais Cia na sloi’ ’ta air an luingeas. 11 Clann do pheathar àta ann; Sin triar a thainig air tuinn Air oineach ’s air chomairc an Ri’ Aig tagradh dilseachd ar cairdeas 12 Cha chlann peathar dhamsa sibh Nir bheairt saoi (4) do rinn sibh orm Thug sibh mo bhean nam a b’ fhoill (5) Si Dèirdiri dhonn shuileach ghlei’ gheal. 13 An uair a sgaoìl do long mu làn Is tu a mullach na mara dìllin Thug sinn dhuit ar long fein Do bhi’mar ann nair sin a’ do reir (6) 14 De d’ mhàrbha sibh caogad righ Air mo bhui’eachas gu fior Ni am faigheadh sibh an diu do m’ shith Ach gach uil’ èasai’ ’m faodain (7) 15 Do rinne mar dhuit bài’ bheag eile O ’s e nis an tam do chuimhnicheadh Chuir sinn’ thu ’n comaonibh lionar. ’S dìlleas ar còir air do chomraich. 16 An tann do chuir Murcha Mac Briàn Na seachd caithibh am binn Eadair (8) Thug sinn’ thugan gun easbhui’ Cinn Mhic righ na h Earrdheise. 17 Ge d’ mharbha sibh caogal Ri’ Air mo bhui’eachas gur fior Ni am bheil sibh an diu do m’ shith Ach gach uil’ eas-shith do ’m feadain. 18 Eirich a Naois is glae do chlai’ A dheagh mhic an Ri is glan coimhead Creud fa ’m faigheadh a cholain shuairc Ach a mhàin aon chuairt do ’n anam. 19 Chuir Naois a shalta (9) ri clàr Is ghlac a chloi ’n a dhorn ’S bu gharg deanal nan laoch Tuitim air gach taobh do bhord. (1) (Soft brooks) threatening white hand. (2) More than mild. (3) Without fear. (4) Sona. (5) Le foill. (6) Friends. (7) (Ea sith) mischief. (8) Eadinn. (9) Resolved. [TD 23] 20 Gluais a Dheurdruinn as do luing A gheug ur nam (10) abhra dhuinn Is ni h eagal do ghnuis ghloin Fuath no ’eud no achmhasan. (11) 21 Ni ’n rachar am seasd as mo luing Ga ’m faighe mi mo raogha achuinge . . . . . . . . 22 Cha tir, cha talamh ’s cha tuar Cha triuir braithre fa ghlan snua’ th Cha ’n or, cha ’n airgiod ’s cha ’n eich Ni mo is bean uaireach mise. 23 Ach mo chead a dhol an trai’ Far am bheil clann uisnich nan tamh, Gu ’n tibhrim mo thri poga meala Do na tri corpa caomh geala. 24 Sgabileadh a fait dualach tlà Aig (12) a mhnaoi bu chuana cail’ Mu ’m bearra si leith a b feill (13) Atrad a bhruid bu choirle, 25 Do ghluais Deirdir an trài’ Is fhuair si Saor aig sna (14) isheadh raimh A sgian aige cion (15) na leith lamh Is a thuagh iona (16) na lamh eile 26 A shaoir is aile am facas riamh Creud air an tiubhra tu an sgian Gur e bheirinn duit g’a ceann, Aon fhaine buaghach na h-Eirinn 27 C’ait an robh am fàine geasach (17) An la do bhaòghluisheadh clann uisnich ’L iongna le buaighibh an fhaine, Mar fhuarah an cràdh no ’n guinsin (18) 28 La gu ’n robh Naoine cur cloiche Ann ’n ursainn cath fiann na faiche; Do sgaoil an fhàil (19) oir fa mheur ’S thug dhamhsa i mo ghragh da ta sgai, 29 Och do chuimhnich mo ghradh gealsa Am faine feartach a bhi na fhochair N baoghal do o ghoil nan sluaghaibh A ghuin le thuath no le sochai’ 30 An sin do shanntaich an saor am faine Air dheise ’s air àilne Gur e bheirin duit ga cheann Aon sgian aghmhor na h-Eirinn. 31 Caoi’, no Triabhunn Deirdir Cha ghairdeachas gun chlann uisnich O! s tuirseach gun bhi’ nar cuallach Tri mic righ le ’n diolfai deoraibh. 32 Tri leoghain a chnuic na h-uamha Tri manuinn a bh’ Ti Bratain (20) Tri seobhaig o shliabh a chuillinn, An triar d’an geile na gaisgich ’S do n tiubhra na h amh thuis uram. 33 Thri Steallain do ’n ubhal oir Nach fuilingeadh deannal nan tir, Tri mic uisnich o Dhun mona’, O tri eoin a chochail chaomh. 34 Na tri eoin a b’ aille snuagh, A thainig air chuan nam bare Tri mic uisnich o ’n charra-chruinn (21) Tri lachaibh air tuinn a snamh. 35 Soiri’ (22) soir gu h-Albain uam Farma mhath fraorac cuain is gleann Ann am biodh clann uisnich ri sealg Bu aobhain suidhe air leirg a beann. 36 Nior (23) b’ iongna mi thabhairt grai Do dh’ Albain ur fa re roid Bu ghlan mo choili na measg Bu leam a h-eich is a h-or. (24) 37 Bail’ agus leath Albain fein Do bhiodh agam ard an ceum, Is le Fergus nan colg laidir Gur maisg a thainig gu h-Eirinn. 38 O ghlinn Maisinn sin gleann Maisin, Gor a chreamh is geal a dhosan Minic do romneas codal iorrach Air do mhulachsa ghlinn Maisinn. 39 Gleann Daruaill sin, Gleann Daruaill An gleann is binne guth cuaich Is binne guth gaodh-air fo ’n choille chruim, Os ar ceann ann Gleann Daruaill. 40 Aoibhinn Dòn Meaghr is Dun Fhionn Aoibhinn an dùn bha os a cheann Aoibhinn Innis Dreoghainn leathain Leis sin agus Dun suibhne. 41 Cearthar sin ann Innis Dreoghain Far nach faodfadh na slogh ar noisheadh Mise fein ’s ni moid an àgh, Naois Aillbhe agus Ardan. 42 Bhiodh Aillbhe againn ri toirbheirt Is Ardan ri seilg sèanta Is Naois fein ceann ar muintir Is mise ri fuaim nan teuda 43 La gu ’n robh fir Alba ’g ol Is clann uisnich bu mor cean (25) Do inghean Draosach Dhun Ireoir Thug Naois dhi pog gun fhios 44 Gu na gheall e dhi alldaimh aon Agh allaigh is lao’ na cois Is thaghaill se aic air chuairt Air pilleadh o shluagh Innarnis 45 Thug a bhean sin o Dhunn Ireoin Briaran is a boid mhear Gur an racha Naois a dh’eug Nach i rachi si fein le fear 46 O choin nar chuala mise sin Lian mo cheann lan do ’n eud Tilgeadar mo churach air tuinn Coimheas leam bhi beo no eug 47 Do thug naois a bhriara sior Is a lugha more am fianuis arm Nach cuireadh ormsa feirg no gruaim Gus an rachamad air sluagh nam marbh 48 Do leanadar mise amach Aillbhe is Ardan a bha treun Is philleadar mi ris a steach An diais a chuireadh cath air cheudan. 49 O da chluinne sibhs anochd Naois dhol fo bhrot an cre Throm ghuile sibh gu bras Is ghuilinse a sheachd leath. 50 ’S iad clann uisnich sud tha thall Is iad nan luidhe bonn ri bonn Is da ’n suimluigheadh marbh roimh mhairbh eile Gu ’n suimlighe sibhse romhamsa. 51 Tri Dreagno dhunmonai Triar currai’ na craobh ruaighe Tareis nan Triath nior bheo mise Triar a bhriseadh gach aon ruaigh. 52 Do threigeas aoibhneas ulamh Fa ’n triar curaibh do b’annsa Mo shaoghal am feasd mor fhade Na ’n laighear aon fheas leamsa. 53 Lair fosgladh a phartainn Na deantaran uaibh le gu docair Biaidh mi ’m fochair na huaighe Far a deantar truai’ agus ochain, 54 ’S mor a gheibhinn do shochair Ann am fochair nan curaibh Le ’m (26) fuinn iad gun teach gun teine Och mise am feasd nach biodh dubhach. (10) Brown complexion. (11) Reproach. (12) Strong constitution. (13) Unintelligible. (14) Shaving oars. (15) Aon. (16) Ann. (17) King of Charms. (18) Guin, stitch. (19) Failbheag. (20) Albainn. (21) Round rock. (22) Bheir soiri. (23) Rion bhi agam bu bhreagh oidin. (24) Seirc. (25) Gheall e nar philleadh e chuairt. (26) Na ’m faighinn. [TD 24] 55 An tri sgiatha is an tri sleagha Ann san leabai dhuinn gu minic Cuiri’ an tri cloi’ cruadha Sint’ osceann uaigh nan gillaibh 56 An tri conaibh is an tri sealbhaic Biatar am feasd gun luchd seilge Tri triari choimhead catha Triar dhalaibh chonnail chearnaich. 57 Tri iallaima nan tri Iun sin Do bhuin osna o mo chridhe ’S ann agamsa do bhiodh an tasgai’ Ga ’m faicsin is aobhar caoi. 58 Och is truagh mo shealla orra ’S e dh’fhag mi fo dhochair is fo thuirse Trua’ nach deach mise san talamh Sol fa ’n do mharbha clann uisnich, 59 O ’s truagh ar tuirse le Fergus Gur cealgach chum na craobh ruaidhe Le na briara blasda binne Fadh ma n’ mhilleadh sibh aon uair 60 Och ’s mise Deirdir gun aoibhneas Anis aig criochnacha mo bheatha Bronnfam do ’n triar mo thri pogaibh Is duinas ann am bron mo laeth. O. 15. DEIRDRE NO CLANN USNACHAN. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 79. 312 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 29, 1872. The name of the heroine in this poem is Tirfail, not Dearduil. It seems a different poem altogether from Mac Pherson’s Darthula; only the names of the three brothers are the same. Deirdre, indeed, is mentioned as her name. And one is at a loss whether the poet gives two names, or whether the poem is a part of two poems. The beginning does not correspond with what follows. (Note by IRVINE.) 1 FAOIN do shuan oigh na maise, An leabaidh fhuar an cois na traigh; Mo chridhe tha briste le taise, Dom’ Dhan glaiste do bhraigh, 2 Tigh gun leus do chomhnuidh Bronach do dhaimh ’s do chairdean. . . . . . 3 Turas gu ’n deachadh iad air luing, Uainn clann Usnachan ionmhuin; Dh’ fhag iad Deirdre san Duth, Am beinn Ardre ’nan aonar. 4 La is bliadhna dhuinn mar sin, Am beinn Ardre nar n-aonar; ’Se thuirt an Duth dis ruim, Ar bainis is mithich a dheanamh. 5 Ar bainis cha’ n’ eil am fath, Ni mo nitear i gu brath; Aig gun tig iad dhathaidh slan, Cloinn Usnachan an ceann bliadhna. 6 Cinnteach bithidh tu gu dith, Ged fhaigheadh tu ’m bas g’an cumhadh; Bithidh tusa ’san Dubh san aon leab, Aig an teid an ur thar a leachd. (leac) 7 Sealladh gu ’n tugas a mach, Air bordaibh a Bharra bhraoin; ’S ionmhuin an truir chuantaidh chas, (chuantair) A shnamhas an cuan dhathigh. 8 Ardan is Ailda air an Stuir, A dhimras gu h-ardanach tuinn; Mo ruin an glac lamhach geal, ’S e m’ fhear fein tha stuiradh sud. 9 Na tigeadh smid as do bheul, O Ille Duith nam fann sgeul; Marbhar thu gun chiont dhe, Ma ni mu ’n creuda iad mise. 10 A chloinn Usnachan nan each, A thainig à tir nam fear fuileach; Ad’ fhidir sibh tair o neach, No ciod a ghraidh a bha g’ar cumail? 11 ’Se bha g’ar cumail bhi dol uat ’S ann duinne gu ’m b’ fhuileach an ruaig; Niall Mac Frasgan ceann fhear fail Bhi g’ar fastail ’s g’ar cumail, 12 Cait an robh iad bhur n-airm ghaisge, An uair a dh’ otha sibh bhur glaca? Do Niall Mac Frasgain ceann fhear fail, Gu bhitheadh g’ar fastail no g’ar cumail. 13 Codal gu ’n d’ rinneas ’nar luing Air onfha na Mara thruim; M’an d’ fharaich sinn bi na ce (no dhur) Dh’ iadh na sè longa deug umainn. 14 Cha mhise nach d’ innis sin duibh, Chloinn Usnachan ionmhuin; Cadal fada ’s beag a thlachd, Do dhuine ’se air Dheorachd. (Thorachd) 15 ’S ann a chuir e sinn an uamhain, Fada, fada fo thalmhain; Far an tigeadh Tharrainn an saile, Tri nao uairean san aon la. 16 ’San sin nuair thainig e g’ar fios An tir-fail bu ghile cneas; Ghabh i gne mhor g’ar truaigh, Bandrach ur na craoibh ruaidh. 17 Cha robh bian eilde na aigh, A fhuar a nighean an Dun a h-athar; Nach do chuir an og bhean a b’ fhearr tuigse, Eadar sinne sam fior uisge. 18 Dh’ imich i do Dhun a h-athar, Tir-fail an fhuilt mhaoth sgathaich; Fuaradh a h-athair san Dun, ’Sa chairdean uile m’a thiomchuill. 19 Thigsa a’m’ chogair a Thirfail (Thirbhail), Ribhinn fharasda dhonn thla; An sgeul a cheileas mi air chach, A ghraidh g’un innsin duitsa, 20 Mari gur olc run nam ban, Innsidh iad sa’ chuil na chluinneas, ’S dona ’n run a bhitheadh ann, Nuair cheileadh tu i air h-aon nighean. 21 Ghleithinn seachd blaidhna i gun fhios, Fom’ chich thosgail an tasgaidh: . . . . . 22 Chuir righ Eirin fios an traigh, Gur math Uaisle Innsefail; Gu faighinnse luchd mo luinge, Dh’ or dh’ airgiod, a dh’ aon druinne, 23 Na cimich a chur, gun fheall, Dha amarach air chuain na h-Eirin. . . . . . 24 Leag a nighean osnadh throm, As a cridhe fein gun charg la; Chlisg aisnichean an tighe, Le aon osna na h-Inghin. 25 G’e b’e leag an osnadh throm, Ri gur ionmhuin leis na cimich; ’S mise leag an osnadh throm, Na cimich gur coma leam. 26 Tha earrainn ann am thaobh cli Gu marbhadh i caogaid righ; Tha earrainn eile a’ m’ thaobh dheas, Is i air luain tharis agam. 27 Sin gur thainig i g’ar fios An Tirfaile bu ghile cneas; An robh thu anns an Dun ud thall, No ’n cual thu aithris oirnn ann? 28 Bha mi anns an Dun ud thall, ’S bochd an aithris bh’ oirbh ann; Chuir righ Eirin fios an traigh, Gu math naisle Innsefail. 29 Gu ’m faigheadh m’ athairse luchd a luinge, Dh’ or dh’ airgiod a dh’ aon druinne; Is sibhse chuir gun fheall, Do mairach air chuain na h-Eirin. [TD 25] 30 Ach sinibh thugamsa ur casan, ’S gu’ n tomhais mi na glassan; Ni ’m fag mi bonn air dhi cuimhne, Air fad mi leud, no air doimhne. 31 Rainig ise an ceird cluanach, Fhuaras ord Gobha na laimh; Is e ga shior bhualadh air innan. . . . . . 32 ’S neonach leam thu a nighean righ, A bhi falbh oidhche ann am chadal. ’Se bheireadh dhomhsa bhi falbh oidhche, Cor m’ fhaoineachd a bhi agad. (coir) 33 ’S naorachd mise a bhi beo, ’S coir a fhaoineachd a bhi agam; ’S an ceann Dubh-sa thair mo bhragaid, Gur tu rinn dhomhsa a ghleitheadh. 34 Bha mi la pronna oir, An ceardach t-athar an Cluanaidh; Choinnicheadh ormsa an t-or a ghaideadh, ’S gu ’m bu sgeul sid air namhaid. 35 Mire gu ’n rinneas a’ m’ luing, Air onfha no mara thruim; Thuit uichrichean m’ athar thar bord, ’S truagh gun mise nan struth lorg. 36 Rinn an Gobha na h-uichrichean buadha, Dhi ri fatail na h-aon uaire, . . . . . 37 Na tigeadh smid as do bheul, Moch no anmoch, no ma fheasgar. Aig an inneas an Grinneal e! No ’n t-innean air an deach an DH deanamh, 38 Sin gur thainig i gur fios, An Tirfail bu ghile cneas! . . . . . 39 Sinibh thuganisa bhur cassan ’S gum fosgail mi na glasan, Mar dh’ fhag mi bonn air dhi cuimhne. Air fad’ air laid no air doimhne, 40 Thug Naois an leum gu h-ealachain, Ardan a b’ aillde co allsa, Ailde an deaghai uin. . . . 41 An triur bhrathran bu mhath diongail: Bheil sibh nise air ’ur cois? No bheil a bhos na ni ’ur diongail, . . . . . 42 No’ m bitheadh againn ar tri claidhean. Agus lon chuig oidhchean, Solus ceire leth mar leth. ’S gu ’m bu leir dhuinn aghaidh a cheile, 43 Chaidh i dh’ iarraidh nan tri claidhean, Cha b’ e faoidh a b’ fhusa dheanamh; Rainig i Gille an t-seomair, An ribhinn ur m’ an iadh an t-Omar. 44 ’S neona leam a nighean righ, Bhi falbh oidhche ann am chadal; ’S e bheireadh dhomh bhi falbh oidhche, Coir m’ fhaoineachd a bhi agad. 45 Na deanamsa ceartas dionnai, Nighean an righ o Dhun Meara; Tha mi ’g iarraidh nan tri claidhean, Agus lòn chuig oidhchean. 46 Solus ceire leth mar leth, ’S gum bu leir dhuinn aghaidh a cheile, . . . . . 47 Cïod a dheanadh tu ’de chloidhe, A nighean righ ard fhlathail, ’S nach b’ urrainn thu chuir leis catha, No thoirt leis latha seirbhis? 48 Bheirinn cloidhe dhiu’ mar ghit, Do mhac a fhuar righ ri Ribhinn; Bheirinn cloidhe eile dhiubh, Do cheud marcach nan each cuin 49 Bheirinn cloidhe eile dhiubh, Do ard mharascail mo luinge; Leag i na naoi piosan oir, Air a bhord air son nam tri chlaidhean. 50 Sin gur thainig i g’ar fios, An Tirfail bu gile cneas; Tha long aig m’ athairse air sal, Roimhe thall air chluan Ciaran. 51 Cuigar agletha na luinge, Aon fhear mor ann os gach duine; Ach buailibh cothromach ceart, Bhur tri buillean san aon alt. 52 Ge bu dorcha dubh an oidhche, Bu neo-bhorb a rinn sinn iomra; Bhuail sinn gu cothromach ceart Na tri buillean san oan alt. 53 Thigsa nad luing Thirfail, A ribhinn fharasda dhonn thla; Cha bhi ach aon bhean os do cheann, Anns na criochaibh Gaileach againne. 54 Cum an rachainn ann ad luing ’S luithead Mac righ tha m’ iarraidh; No gu ’m falbhain fein am braid. Air sgath buidhne coimheach eile. 55 Tilgidh iad ortsa gheal ghlonnach. . . . . . 56 M’as fior gu bheil thu torrach; Luaidhear air fearaibh na h-Eirin e, ’S aon nighean mi do ’n righ, ’S mothaid dhe sud mo phris. 57 ’S dona an t-aran re seal, Nach tabhair aon ian an cala; Ach bheirinn bliadhna air a ghaol, Agus bliadhna air a ghradh. 58 Bliadhna eile cheann bhi bhos, An ceann chuig mile bliadhna; (bile) Thig se an sin am iarraidh. . . . . . 59 A ghraidh fein mar dean thu sin, Taghsa bean san tir an tachair. 60 (Thug Naois a mhionnan gu sior, As ludh e gu dian eutrom oirnn; Nach cuireadh e ormsa gruaim, Aig an tigeadh suain na marbh (racha e ’n) 61 Thug a bhean sin o Dhuntreoir, A mionnan mor ’sa boid mhearr, Aig an rachadh Naois an eug, Nach racha i fein à d’ fhear.) ERRAINN AIR CHALL. 62 Ach na cluinneadh ise nochd, Naois a bhi fo bhrod nan creuchd; Gu guileadh i fein gu goirt. Is ghuilinnsa man seach da reir. This from Capt. Morrison, 2nd Dec., 1802. 63 Thug iad a mach as mo dheigh, Ailld is Ardan air an t-snamh; Is thug iad leo mi gu tir, An dithis a chuir cath air cheud. 64 Nuair a shoillsich dhuinne an lo, Dhuin umainn an dall cheo; Sann ghabh ar currach tir, Fo mhor bhaile an ard righ. 65 Thainig Conchar a mach, ’Sa chairdean uile ma thiomchiol; Labhair e gu broddan bras, Co na laoich tha air an loingeas? 66 Clann do pheathar fein th’ ann, Nan suidh an Eathar ur ramh; (fhriamh) . . . . . 67 Cha chlann peathar dhomhsa sibh, Cha ’n e an gniomh a rinn sibh orm. Ach mo mhaslacha’ gun fheall, Thar fearaibh Uaisle na h-Eirin. [TD 26] 68 Ma thug sinne uat do bhean, Deardre fhuichar lamh gheal; Rinn sinn baigh bheag eile ruit, Be so àm a cuimhneachadh. 69 Ann la chuir Murcha Mac Lir, Na seachd Cathan beinn Eduin; Chuir sinn thu an Innis au Iul, Bha sinn an là sin a dh’ aon run. 70 Ged dheanadh ruim mile baigh, Air mo bhuidheacheas, gu fior; Bhur sith cha ’n fhaigh gun doghair, O ’n righ sin Conach odhar. 71 Rinn sinn baigh bheag eile ruit, B’e so àm a cuimhneachadh; An la bhris do long air sal, Lan do airgiod, lan do or, 72 Thug sinn dhuit ar long fein, Is shnamh sinn an cuain ma d’ thiomchill; Ged dheanadh sibh ruim mile baigh, Bhur sith cha ’n fhaigh sibh gu brath. (1) Ach gach dith is motha dh’ fheudainn. 73 Eirich a Naois, glac do chloidhe, Dheagh Mhic righ ard fhlathail, Chuir Naois ’n sin a chos thar bord, Ardan is Ailde na sthruth lorg. Part wanting. 74 Cha bhas leam anis ’ur bas, Chloinn Usnachan gun aois; O na thuit e leibh gun fheall, Treas Marcaich Uasail na h-Eirin. 75 Dheardhre thigsa as do luing. . . . . . Cum an rachainn as mo luing, Gun mo cheud ragha ath-chanaich. 76 Cha chrobh, cha ’n airgiod, cha ’n oir, Cha choilich ghreagha, cha ’n eich uabhrach; Ach cead comas dol an traigh, Far am bheil clann Usnachan. 77 Thoirt m’ fhios gu ’n tugadh gradh, Da na corpan cneas gheal; . . . . . 78 Sgaoil iad a folt buigh bàn, Air an ribhinn fharasda dhuin thla, Chum nach tugadh i am braid, Letha imrach cro na snaide. 79 Ach aon fhail oir bha ma meur, Gun a thiot e sid na bheul; Dh’ imich e ’n sin do ’n traigh, Far an robh clann Usnachan. 80 ’S e fhuair ise ’n sin san traigh, Saor a snaighe a ramh; Shaoir sinn a shnaigheas na raimh, Gu’m bitheadh a chorc roinn gheur. 81 ’Se bheirinn dhuitsa g’a ceann, An aon fhail oir ’s fearr bha ’n Eirin; Ghabh an saor meanma goirt, Thug e do Dheardre a chorc. 82 Dh’ imich i an sin do ’n traigh, Far an robh clann Usnachan; ’S e fhuair i ’n sin gun agadh, An tri chuirp sinnte sios co fada. 83 Chuir i sios a beul ri beul, A taobh ri taobh, sa gluin ti gluin; Ghabh i ’n sgian gheur ’na cridhe, Is fhuair i bas gun aithreachas. 84 (Druid a null a craois eolaich, Mhath is uilc ’s tu fein a dh’ araich; Nan suilicha marbh roimh bheo, Gun suilicha tusa ro’ amse.) This from Capt. Morrison, 2nd Dec., 1802. 85 Ranaig Conach Odhar an traigh, Is cuig ceud an coinneamh a mhnaoi; ’Se fhuair e ’n sin gun agadh, Na ceithir chuirp sinnte sios cho fhada. 86 Mile mallachd, mile meang (mairg) Air a cheill ata ’gam chumail; Air a cheill thug ormsa deagh (dhe) Chlann mo pheathar fein a mharbhadh. 87 Tha iadsan gun anam dhe, Tha mise gun Dheardre agam; Dh’ adhlaic iad sios an cluan Eggir, Naois is Deardre san aon leaba. 88 Chinneadh lusan as an uaigh, Thigeadh thuige à deas ’sa tuath; G’e b’e chuireadh air a bharr, Bu leis a cheud ragha ath-chuinaich. 89 Nam bithinnse an Turin nam buadh, Nochd fein ga fuar an oidhche; Chuirinn snaim air a bharr, No bhitheadh an crann air criona. Neolan. From Donald McIver, alias Robertson, foxhunter, as before mentioned, Loch Tayside. Q. 6. AOIDHEADH CHLAINN UISNICH. 364 lines. Stewart’s Collection, p. 562. 1 A CHLANN Uisnich nan each geala, A’s sibh an tìr nam fear fuileach, Ciod e do bhi air ur n-eachaibh, Na ’n ceann fath ata ’g ur cumail? 2 Ata ’g ur cumail fada uainn? A’s gur leibh chuireadh an ruaig, D’ a’n lamhadh bagad ur nàmh Ur ’n amladh anns a chumasg. 3 Ach chuireadh leibh ur long a mach, A chaitheadh a chuain gu h-eolach, Bha Naos subhach ga seoladh, A’s Aille, maise nan ògan. 4 Bha Ardan bu deise ga stiuireadh Air freasdal a dhithis bhrathar iulmhor, Codal shùl is beag a thlachd Do’n mhnaoi tha ac air deoraidheachd. 5 Tha an ghaoth gun eisiomail ri’n sceimh, A’ cleachd r’an trilsibh grinne, reidhe, A’s mar an oiche tha folach a boichead, Tha Dearduil dubhach, dubhrònach. 6 Dearduil thug barrachd an ailleachd, Air mnaibh eile na h-Eirin. Ni choimeasar rithise càch, Ach mar bhaideal air sgà na reultaig. 7 ‘Ciod e fath do thùrsa a bhean? A’s sinne beo re do bheatha, A’s nach aithne dhuinn neach d’ar buadhach, An ceithir bruachaibh an domhain.’ 8 ‘Aisling chunnacas an raoir Oirbhse a thriuir brathar barra-chaoin: Ur cuibhreach, a’s ur cur san uaigh, Leis a Chonachar chlaon, ruadh.’ 9 ‘Air chlachaibh sin, a’s air chrannaibh, A’s air lachaibh nan linntean, A’s air cuileanaibh nan fiadh-chon, A’s air iorball fiar an t-sionnaich. 10 Ciod e bheir sinn an dàil an laoich? A’s fairsineachd na fairge a mach, A’s a liuthad cala, caol, a’s cuain, ’S am feudamaid tarruing gun uamhas.’ 11 Ceadal na h-òig mhna ni’m b’fhaoin, A’s diomhaoin spairneadh ri gaoith, Loch Eite bu chian o’n iul, A’s Conuill na crannghail ùire. 12 Cha tig soirbheas a deas mo nuar! Cha’n islich frith na gaoith tuath, Cha tig Naos air ais ri a rè, Cha tog e ri brughach an fhèigh. (1) Added. [TD 27] 13 Ris tha Cuiguladh a dlùthadh, A’s Conachar an gar na mhùr ud, A’s an tir sin uile fudh smachd, Anns na ghabh Dearduil dhe (1) tlachd. 14 Bu shoineamhail le Dearduil an t òg, Agus aghaidh mar shoillse an lò; Air li an fhithich bha ghruag, Bu deirge na an subh a ghruaidh. 15 Bha chneas mar chobhar nan sruth, A’s mar uisge bailbh a ghuth; Bha chridhe fearail, fial, A’s aobhach ciuin mar a ghrian. 16 ’Nuair a dh’eirgheadh a fhraoch, a’s fhearg, Bi choimeas an fhairge gharg, B’ionann agus neart a tonn, Fuaim na lainn aig an t-sonn. 17 Mar reothart a buinne borb, Bha e san araich fri streapa cholg, Anns am facas le Dearduil’ e’n tùs, A’s i coimhead o mhullach an Dùin. 18 ‘Ionmhuinn,’ ars an oigh thlath, ‘An t-aineol o bhlàr nam bèud, Is goirt le cridhe a mhàthar, A dhàinead ri uchd na streapa. 19 Is nearachd nighean do ghràidh An Albain àghmhor nan gèug, ’Nuair chi si e bhord na mara A’s e greasadh gu cala an treun.’ 20 Ach a Dhearduil bu ghrinne nòs, Tha do chòradh air fàs fànn, Tha toirm nan stuadh, a’s na gaoithe, Tabhairt caochlaidh air t’uirgiol aìn. 21 ‘Ionmhuinn tìr, an tìr ud shoir, Albain cona lingantaibh Gur truagh nach mise tha r’a h-oir, Gur truagh nach mise, a’s Naos. 22 Soruidh soir gu h-Albain uam, Far a’ maith fradharc cuain, a’s ghleann, Anns am biodh mic Uisnich re sealg, B’eibhinn suidhe air leirg am beann. 23 Cha b’iongna mise thabhairt graidh Do Albain àir bu reidhe ròid, Bu ghlan mo cheile na measg, Bhiodh leam a h-eich, a’s a h-òir. 24 O ghlinn Masain! sin gleann m’annsachd, Ge gorm a chreamh ’s geal a ghasan; B’ait a dheanain cadal corrach Air do mhullach-sa ghlinn Masain. 25 Gleann Daruadhail, gleann gach buadha, An gleann ’s am binne guth cuaiche, Is binn guth gadhair fa’n choille chruim Air a’ bheinn os gleann Daruadhail. 26 Eibhinn Dùn-meatha, a’s Dùn-fionn, Eibhinn an Dùn bhiodh os an cionn, Eibhinn Innis-droighin leathann A’s lea sin Dùn-suibhne. 27 Ceathrar sinn an Innis-droighin, Far nach feudadh sloigh ar noigheadh, Mise fein, a’s bu mhòid m’ àgh Naos, Aille, agur Ardan. 28 Bhiodh Ardan agam ri teirbheirt, A’s Aille re seilg shleibhtean, Naos na cheann air muintir, A’s mise re tuirmeadh theud ann.’ 29 ‘A nighean Cholla nan sgiath,’ Do radh Naos, bu tiamhaidh fonn, ‘Ge fada uainn Albain nam fiagh, A’s Eite na ciar aighean donn. 30 ’Nuair shiolaidheas an fhairge bhras, A’s a theid stad air a ghaoith tuath, Cothaichidh sinn cala taimh, No samhchair air aghaidh chuain. 31 Rachams’ a choimhead an Duin ud, Biodh Aille re h-iul la thuaisceart, Agus Ardan a faireadh na tragha, Mu’n tig ar namhaid mu’r tuaiream. 32 Fansa ghèug na maise San luing chais, gus an till sinn, Ni h-eagal gu tig bèud na d’ dhàil, A’s claidhean nach cearr ga d’ dhidean. 33 Bu doilgheasach cór na h-Aille, A’s i ’g eisteachd re gàirich thonn, B’ion thruaighe a siltshuil chiuin, A’s a diuir mu Naos nam buadh. 34 Tha cridhe luamain re h-osnaich, A’s nach cluinn i foram a gaoil; Is beag a h-uamhan roimh an donshion, A’s a smuain air comunn a graidh. 35 A Thriath Eite nam morfheart, A’s a bhrathairean nan dearc caomh, Fòiribh air Dearduil a bhròin, A’s na leigibh an tòir na gàr. 36 Chi si ag iompaidh mu coinneamh Naos fudh dhoileireachd gnuis, Taireis da aogasg Chuchullin, A mhothachadh ag uilleann an Dùin. 37 B’adhbhail an Taibhse fudh sprochd Bu lionmhor osnaich a chleibhe Bha rosg fann mar lasair mhuchta, A shleagh na ceo re cùl a sgèithe. 38 Mar ghaoith fhàis an uaimh nan còs, Bha tuireadh, a’s bròn na ghuth. Bu chianoil aigne Naois a’ claistin Sgeala a bhais o an chruth. 39 ‘Cia fàth mu bheil t’aigne trom, A Naois a’s lonnmhor nòs’ Do radh Inghean Cholla gu tìom, ‘A’s gun agams’ ach brigh do ghloir. 40 Cha mhairthean ach Naos, a’s Dearduil, Tha luchd a daimh air dol fudh lic. Tha mi gun athair, gun bhrathair, A’s fear mo shàraich gun iochd. 41 Tha reulan Sheallmaith air dubhadh, A’s a thulach air fàs donn, Cha leim na bric re a shruthaibh, Cha tog cuach na uiseag ann fonn. 42 Cha’n iongna a’s gur bàs do Thruthal, Mo bhrathair thug urram thar slòigh, A’s gur chaireadh Colla caomhach, (B’e m’athair gaolach), fudh an fhòid. 43 Bha Truthal le h-olltuadh cogaidh Chosnadh cothrom, agus còir; Tra bhiosa ma sgaradh nan tràth, Na m’ suidhe ag aird chraoibh an lòin. 44 Thainig am ionnsuidh m’athair Fearsaid chatha bu lorg dha, Air aghaidh fhlathail cha robh sunt, A’s osnadh air grunt a chleibhe.’ 45 ‘A Dhearduil ghradhach,’ ars an righ, ‘Ni mairthean do m’ shiol-sa ach thu, Thorachair Truthal ’s a chath, A’s tha Conachar nan gath dhomh dluth, 46 Aith-dhioladh mo mhic, neo tuiteam, Is e bheir furtach do m’ aois sa, Da faighteadh tearmunn do Dhearduil, B’ èibhinn an àrach dhomh-sa.’ 47 ‘Ma thuit crann iul a chatha, Og rathail na morchuis, Glacams’ athair mo bhogha, A’s tollam Conachar na adhbhar.’ 48 ‘Glacsa Dhearduil am bogha, Is sodhail leam brigh do cheille, Ach feuch gu fuirich thu m’fhochair, A’s do shosta air chùl mo sgèithe.’ 49 ‘Faire na h-oidhche gu tiamhaidh, Ni bu chian gu madain shàrghil, Chaidh mis an uidheam catha, A’s lean mi m’Athair gu deonach. (1) Of Naos. [TD 28] 50 Ri beum sgèithe an aosda, Chruinnich a laoich air an fhaiche, Cha bu sochaidh iad air àireamh, A’s an ciabhan os barr air glasadh.’ 51 ‘Mo cho-aoisean bha tric sa bhlàr,’ Dubhairt Colla gu blath re dhaoine. ‘Is cuimhne leibh cur a chatha Ann do thuit Connfada ni b’fhaoin e. 52 Ata sinn anois air liatha, A’s ar n-òigridh chiatach san ùir, Thuit Truthal ar ceann treun, A’s tha èigin am fogus ar mùr. 53 Ge do lag mata air na’r treoir, Rachamaid le deoin san iomairt, Diolamaid èug ar Macraidh, A’s thugamaid cath gu nimhail.’ 54 ‘Tharraing e a lann a truaill, A’s tharraing a shluagh gach lann leis, Ghluaiseamar a thabhairt còdhaìl Do Chonachar san lòn ma dheas. 55 Bomhanach an iorghuil gharg, Mar dhealanach dearg a teine, Thainig an t-shaighid na srann, Thuit Colla nan lann air a sgèith. 56 B’ioma-ghonta mo chridh ma m’athair Chrom mi gu talamh ga thearnadh, Ach chaochail ruidhe a ghruaidh, Threig a shnuagh, a’s a chàil. 57 Thainig Conachar ’s a shleagh na ghlaic, Ach air m’fhaicinn ri deoir, Dh’iompaidh se uam a h-earrglas, Agus bha a labhairt le doigh. 58 Ach cia uime an tugain gràdh, Do fhear craidh mo bhrathair, a’s m’athair, Agus sgiath, a’s claidheamh mo dhilsean, Air chiosnadh le neart a chatha.’ 59 ‘Agams’ amhàin biodh do ghradh, A Dhearduil a’s fearr a measg bhan, Ionann as reann air aghaidh neoil, Do bhriathra corr, a’s do ghean. 60 Ge fada uainn Eite nam fiagh, A’s cobhair nam Fianna trein, Feadh a’s beo do Naos, ’s do bhrathairean, Cha tig air mo Dhearduil beud. 61 Ni rachamaid iomroll air chuan, Mur bhiodh ghaoth thuath le fogha dhein, ’G ar iomain an luib ar namhaid, Gun asrus, gun fhath air treine.’ 62 Ach ge h-ard’ a ghànras tonna, Ri traigh Chuiguladh nan stèud, Ge doineanta, luaimneach neoil, A toirneadh gu h-aigeal o spèur. 63 Ni bheil mic Uisnich ag iaraidh N h-iorguil bhuirb a sheachnadh, Cha b’eagal leo duine, na daoine, Mur biodh Dearduil chaoin air seachran. 64 Uisnich nan carbad innealt, Mo thuiteas do mhic san àraich, Cha’n innsear gun d’ob siad an iomairt, Cha tig air do chinneadh-sa tàir. 65 Airm ghaisge an trein shinsir, Cha diobair iad ach le’n anam, Agus ged iadh umpa miltean, Cha toillear leo diumadh an athar. 66 B’ àm eirigh an sin do’n ghrein, Ni’n aobhar suaine dhuinn e, A’s long Chlainn Uisnich air tìr, Fudh bhaile mor Righ Conachair. 67 Thainig Conachair a mach le fheachd, Fichead laoch, ceann uallach, A’s d’fhiosraich le briathraibh bras, ‘Cia ua sloigh tha air an luingse.’ 68 Clann air seachran ata ann, Triuir sinn a thainig air tuinn, Air eineach, as air cuimric an righ, Tha gradh dilseachd ar cairdeis. 69 ‘Cha chlann seachrain leam-sa sibh, Ni’m b’fheart saoidh a rinn sibh orm, Thug sibh a bhean uam am braid, Dearduil dhonn shuileach, ghle gheal.’ 70 ‘Eiribh, ol Naos, glacaibh claidheamh, A dheagh mhac righ a’s glain coimhead, Cuim’ am faigheadh a cholun shuairc, Ach amhàin aon chuairt de’n anam.’ 71 ‘Chuir Naos a shailtean re bord, A’s ghlac claidheamh na dhorn, Bu gharg deannal nan deagh laoch, Tuiteam air gach taobh de’n bhord. 72 Thorachair mic uisnich ’s a ghrais, Mar thri ghallain ag fàs co dheis, Air an sgrios le doinean èitidh, Ni’n d’fhag meangan, mear, na gèug dhiubh.’ 73 ‘Gluais a Dhearduil as do luing, A gheug ur an abhraidh dhuinn, A’s cha’n eagal do d’ ghnùis ghlain, Fuath, no èud, na achasan.’ 74 ‘Cha teid mi amach as mo luing, Gus am faigh mi mo raogha ath chuinge, Cha tìr, cha talamh, a’s cha tuar, Cha triuir bhrathrire b’u ghlain’ snuadh, 75 Cha’n òr, ’s cha’n airgiod, a’s cha’n eich, Ni mo a’s bean uaibhreach mise. 76 Ach mo chead a dhol do’n traigh, Far am bheil Clann Uisnich na’n tamh, A’s gu’n tugain na tri pòga meala, Do’n tri chorpaibh caomha, geala. 77 Ghluais Dearduil an sin do’n traigh, A’s fhuair saor ag snoigheadh ramh, A sgian aige na leath laimh, ’S a thuadh aige na laimh eile. 78 A shaoir as fearr da’m facas riamh, Creud air an tuibhradh tu an sgian? Is e a bheirear dhuit d’a ceann, Aon fhaine buadhach na h-Eirin. 79 Shantaich an saor am faine, Air dheisead, a’s air aillead, Thiubhradh do Dhearduil an sgian, Agus rainig i ionad a miann. 80 Cha ghairdeachas gun Chlann Uisnich, O! is tùrsach gun bhi nur cuallach; Tri mic Righ le’n dioltadh deoraidh, Tha gun chòradh re h-uchd uaighe. 81 Tri magh-ghamhna Innse Breatain, Triuir sheabhac o shliabh a chuillin, An triuir dha’n geilleadh na gaisgich, A’s dha’n tiubhradh na h-amhais urram. 82 Na tri eoin a b’àillidh snuadh, A thainig thar chuan nam bàrc, Triuir mhac Uisnich an liunn ghrinn, Mar thriuir Eala air tuinn a snamh. 83 Threigeas gu b-eibhneach Uladh, Fa’n triuir churaidh a b’annsadh, Mo shaoghal nan deigh cha’n fhada, Na h-eagar fear ath bhuailt dhomh-sa. 84 Tri ialla nan tri chon sin Do bhuin osnadh o m’ chridhe, ’S ann agam-sa bhiodh an tasgaidh, Am faicsin is aobhar cumhaidh. 85 A chlann Uisnich tha an sud thall, ’Nar luidhe bonn re bonn, Da’n sumhlaicheadh mairbh roimh bheo eile, Sumhlaicheadh sibh-se romham-sa. 86 A thriuir threun o Dhùn-monaidh, A thriuir ghiollan nam feart buadha, Taireis an triuir ni mairthean mise, Triuir le’m briseadh mo luchd fuatha. 87 Air fosgladh am feartan, Na deanaibh an uaigh gu docair, Bitheam am fochair na h-uaighe, Far nach deanar truaigh, na ochain. [TD 29] 88 An tri sciathan, a’s an tri sleaghan, Anns an leabaidh chumhain cuiribh, Càiribh an tri chlaidhean cruadhach, Sìnte os cionn uaigh nam min-fhear. 89 An tri choin as an tri seabhaic leadhar, Am feasd gun lochd seilge, Cuiribh an gar nan triath chatha, Triar dhalta Chonuil eughaidh. 90 Och! is truagh mo shealladh orra, Fath mo dhocair, a’s mo thursaidh, Nach do chuireadh mi san talamh, Sul mharbhadh geala mhac Uisnich. 91 Is mise Dearduil gun eibhneas, Nis ag criochnachadh mo bhea tha, Bronnam le’m chridhe mo thri pòga, As duineam am bròn mo laithean. Mr. Mac Lean has divided this according to the metre and meaning. I quote from the book. The manuscript ought to be published. R. DEIRDRE’S LAMENT, edit. 1200. Report on Ossian. 1805. P. 297. 36 lines. Do dech Deardir ar a héise ar crichibh Alban . . . agus ro chan an Laoidh. 1 INMAIN tir in tir ud thoir, Alba cona lingantaibh; Nocha ticfuinn eisoli ille, Mana tisain le Naise. 2 Inmain Dun Fidhgha is Dun Finn, Inmain in Dun os a cinn: Inmain Inis Draignde, Is inmain Dun Suib nei. 3 Caill, cuan gar tigeadh Ainnle mo nuar; Fagair linn ab bitan, Is Naise an oirear Alban. 4 Glend Laidh do chollain, Fan mboirmin caoimh Iasg, is sieng, is saill bruich, Fa hi mo chuid an Glend laigh. 5 Glend masain! ard a crimh! Geal a gasain! Do nimais colladh corrach Os Inbhar mungach Masain. 6 Glend Eitchi ann Do togbhas mo ched tigh; Alaind a fidh iar eirghe, Buaile grene Ghlind eitchi. 7 Mo chen Glend Urchaidh, Ba hedh in Glend direach dromchain; Uallcha feara aoisi Ma Naise an Glend Urchaidh. 8 Glend da ruadh Mo chen, Gach fear da na dual; Is binn guth cuach ar craeibchruim, Ar in mbinn os Glenndaruadh. 9 Inmain Draighen is treu traigh, Inmain Auichd in ghainimh glain; Nocha ticfuin eisde anoir, Mana tisuinn lein Inmain. III. FRAOCH. THE STORY OF FRAOCH. A. D. M. Z. THIS story is part of the Dragon Myth, which is the widest spread of all myths known to me. Elsewhere I have written all that I know about it. The fight between a man, a dog, and a water dragon is in the Rig Veda; and I got it in Barra and Uist in 1871, associated with the names of Fionn and Bran. Part of ‘the Tain bo Fhraoich,’ The Cattle-raid of Fraoch, is in the book of Leinster, 1130. The following fragments got in Scotland are not in that book, and I can find very little about Fraoch in Irish Catalogues. In Scotland the story is localised at the nearest place which answers to the description. It is remarkable that other traditions about great snakes or dragons, slain by a hero, helped by a dog, generally are localised where this song is remembered, and that old ruins, ecclesiastical, or civil, or pre-historic, generally are on or near the island where Fraoch uprooted the rowan-tree for Meibh. The names of these characters belong to the Story of Cuchullin and to that date. Since 1512 the story has been a Gaelic ballad in Scotland. I have the following fragments:— A. 4. 132 lines. D. 2. 105. E. 132. G. 1. 132. M. 4. 136. R. 132. Y. Z. 11. 26. Z. 12. 79. Z. 31. 60. I print A. D. M. Z. 31. as samples of a ballad. The story is as old as Homer, if not as old as the Vedas. About 1512 Dean Mac Gregor, of Lismore, wrote the Gaelic ballad. About 1750 Mac Nicol, Minister of Lismore, wrote about it in different orthography, not materially altered as to wording. Stone got it about the same time. In 1786 Gillies printed from some unknown copy. In 1860 Mr. Carmichael, Excise officer, a native of Lismore, wrote it again from oral recitation. After 350 years the dress of words was tattered and torn, but there is the story as fresh as ever. In 1755 Jerome Stone gave the Gaelic story a new English dress. In 1855 Mr Hammerton got hold of it, and gave it a new English shape, with modern Highland dresses and decorations. G. got by Mac Diarmaid is the same as M, less one verse, and altered as to some letters and words. Z. 11. and 12. contain lines which will be considered in translating. A. 4. FREICH Mc FEICH. 132 lines. AUCTOR HUJUS IN KEICH O CLOAN. 1 Hossna charrit a cloan freich Hossne leich a gassil chroa Hossna zaneni tursyth far Agus da gwllin ban oge 2 Ag so har in carn fane wi Freich m‘feich in ult woye Far a ryn bwychis byef Is voe lontir carn freich 3 Gwl ein wna in crochin sor Troe in skail fa wil a wan Is say ver a hossna gyth trome Freich m‘Feich nyn golk sen 4 Is see in nyn wan di neig in gwle Ag dwle da eiss gow cloan freich Fynowr in olt chass ail Inne voyve ga bead leicht 5 Innen orle is our folt Is freich in nocht teive er heive Ga mor far za derge ee Neir zrawig se far ach freich 6 Foyis mewe mwe foye Cardiss freich fa far a gleye Inchuss fa craichtyth a corp Trai gin locht a zanew zee 7 De churre ai gussyth vass Teif re mrave ne tuk o nolk Mor a foor a hoyt la meyf Innossit gyn khelk in noss. Hossni. 8 Kerin di weith er loch maie De chemist in trath za hass Gith rae gach mee Torri abbe de we er 9 Sasse bee in kero sin Fa millsyth na milli a ulae De chonkfa a kerin derk Far gin wey gi kend ix traa 10 Bleyn er heil gi ir di Churri sin fa skail garve Gi borin di lucht kneis Froth a wess is e derk 11 Di wi ainsyth no zoi Ga bea ley chawyr in tloye Pest neif zo we no vonni Vakki zi cath zol da woyn [TD 30] 12 Bein aslaynti throm throm Ynnin ayith ni gorn seyr Di curri lai fiss er freich Feisrych kid hane ree 13 A durde meyve nach be slan Mir woe lane i boss meith Di cheyrew in loch oyr Gin dwneni za woyna ach freich 14 Knossych reyve ne zarni mee Er v‘feich gi knai zerg Ge ger darnis ai er freich Rachsit di vonni ker a veyf 15 Glossis freich fa fer a naye Voyne zi nave er in locht For a fest is ee na soynna Is a kenna soss ris in noss. Hossni. 16 Freich mac feich an erma zeiar Hanik one fest gin is dee Hug a houlti ker nark Ferrin roif meyf zaa tee 17 Ach gai math in duggis latti I durt meyf is gal crow Ne oyr mis a leith loayn Ach slat a woyan as a bonni 18 Togris freich is ner zilli teymmi Naf a riss er in ling vak Is ner ead ach ga mor ayze Hech one vass in roive chwd 19 Gawiss i kerin er varri Targi a cran as i raif Toyrt doe choss zo in der Mogrziss zo riss in pest 20 Beris er agis ai er snawf Is gavis a lawf no chrissyth Di zave sessin is er chail Trow gin a skayn ag freich 21 Fynowr in olt chass ail Di ran chwggi skan din oyr Leddryth a phest a kness bayn Is teskith a lawe er looe 22 Di hudditeyr bone re bone Er trae ni glach cor fo hass Freich m‘feich is in fest Troy a zai mir hug in dress 23 Ga coyrik ne coyrik car Di ruk lass a kanna na lave Mar chonik in neyn ee Di choy na nail er in trae 24 Eris in neyn one tave Gavis in laive bi laive bak Ga ta so na cwt nyn nane Is mor in teach i rin a voss 25 Voyn vass sen di foar in far Loch mai go len din loch A ta in tarm sen dee gi loan Ga zerma in noss guss in noss. Hossni. 26 Berrir in sen gu cloan freich Corp in leich gow kassil chroyg Er in glan tuggi a anm Is mark varris da loo 27 Carn lawe in carn so raym heive A lave reyth di beast sonni Fer ner ympoo in dress fer Bo zawsi nert in drot 28 Invin im bail ner ob zawe Ym beddeis mnan i torvirt fook Invin tearn nyn sloye Invin groye ner zerk in ross 29 Doigh no feach bar a olt Derk a zroye no ful leicht Fa meyni na kower schrowe Gilli na in snacht kneas freicht 30 Cassi na in kaissnai olt Gurm a rosg na yr lak Derk na partain a wail Gil a zaid na blai feich 31 Ard a ley na cranna swle Beynni no teyd kwle a zow Snawe di bar no freich Cho di hene a heif re strow 32 Fa lannyth na koillith a skaith Invin trae ve re drum Coiffad a land is a lawe Lanni cholk na clar zi long 33 Troye nach ann in gorik Re leich di hut freich a fronni oyr Durss sin a huttim la pest Troe a zai nach marrin foss. Hossni. D. 2. LUIDH FRAOICH. 165 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Mac Pherson, May 3, 1872. 1 ASNE Carid fos Cuan Fraoich Corp ’n Laoich ’n Casil Chro ’N Asne fom bo turisich fear ’S fo Guile i Cress bhen oig. 2 Chi mi haul ’n Cairn fo bheil Fraoch mac Fiich ’n Uilt bhaoc Guile rine buichis Meaibh San air Laoinir Carn Raoich 3 Gaoil nom Ban fo Cruachon hoir ’S mor beid mu bheil Bhein Co legis ’n Osne hrom Niin Maoich nan Colg sein. 4 Co i Nune Bhein ri Gul Hig mach fos Carne fraoich Ane ’N uilt Casbhuine Ghail Nin Maoich fos Mian Lui 5 Air mo Laibh nach Stiurin i Air mo Crie Gheir ach fraoich . . . . 6 Ghluais Maoe machehein Cardis Crist ’s fear fon Ghrein Cheut Creichdin ’s Corp ’S mor ’m beud harle leit 7 Ha Caorin fois air Loch Maidh Air ’n Traidh ha siar mu Gheis Muse Raidh na mas Mis Bhis Mis ùr abich fàis 8 Ha Bhuaidh air Chaorin sin Gur misle e na bhiul bhla Gum cume ’n Carin Dearig Duine gun Ospic gu cean naoi tra 9 Bliane haoil gach fhir Gheine e sin na sgeul deribh . . . . 10 Laidh Eslaine hrom hrom Air Niin maoich na Corne fiaul Choire lee fis air fraoich Ghisrich ’n Laoich go de mian 11 Huirt i nach bio i Slann Gun Lan do bhos don dos bhaoc (1) Do Chaorin ’n Lochan Uain Gun duine ga bhuan ach fraoich 12 Cruasichd cha de gharnum riibh Orse Mac sin Fiich An Griabh erig Gus do chase orm ’n Nuair 13 Ghol dhuain Caore fibh . . . . 14 Ghlais fraoich ane erig ’n aidh Chaidh nabh air ’n Loch Gur darich bheist na Suain Craois suais ris ’n doss 15 Mac sin fiich no Arm geir Hane fon Bheist is di Uldich aige ’n Caorin dearig Far ’n ro masibh an sin ti (1) Or bhaoe. [TD 31] 16 San nuair thuirt Maoibh ’s aail cru Go mo fost no hug u leit Cha stinre e mi Laoich luain Gan Tlat bhuain fo buin 17 Fraoich ’n Gile nach ro Tim Chaidh e ’naibh air ’n Lini Vug Cha naoid Duine air Veidaibh Tin as bhais ’m bi Chuid 18 Ruig e air Caorin air bhair Ledir Crann as e reibh E torst gha bhonn fo hir Rist gun darich’ bheist 19 Rug e air ’se air ’n Traibh Rug i air Laidh ’na deid Rug esin oris air Chial Ochain gun ’scian aig fraoich 20 Asre ’Nuill Casbhui ghail Chaidh na eu si le Scian òr Casgur ’m beist Corp ban Huge Cean mach na ghorn 21 Nuair Chunig ’Niin e Huit na neul air an Traidh Nuair gharich i ase suain Gun duair i ’Laibh fo Lai bhug 22 Gad na thu du id Cotain Ein ’S mor Teichd rin thu bhos Air Cuan gur marin Tanim Gur marig ghurich ra Lò 23 ’S inebhin liume (1) no sluo ’S inebhin Gruoidh ’s derige na ròs ’S inebhin beul nach Diult ri dài Ga bi no Mraidh terist phòg 24 Maise ’s Caise bhi na auilt ’S Gurume rosg na ere Loichd ’S derige na partan Bheil Gur gile gheid na Bla fibhe 25 ’S duidh na Fiich bar Uilt ’S derig Lechd na fuil Laoc ’S min na gach Coir srue ’S gile na snechde Corp Raoich 26 Coade ’Laibh ’s Lann ’S Leith a Chloghreach na Clar Luing ’S Le na gach Coile Scia Sime Friach bheir a Druim 27 ’S aide Laoin na Crann suil ’S bine na Teid Ciuil e ghue Snàiche bear na Fraoich Chaide Choir haoibh ri srue 28 ’S truo nach hain Corig Laoich Huit fraoich le provid ’n tor Ochan do hutim le Beist ’S truo Dhe nach Mairre fost Crioch. M. 4. DUAN FRAOICH. 130 lines. THE scene of the following poem is said to have been on the south shore, and on the Island near the south side of Loch-Cuaich, or Lochfraochy, about two miles to the westward of Amalrie, and eleven west from Dunkeld. About a quarter of a mile to the SE. there is, on an eminence, a very ancient ruin, which has probably been the seat of May, and nearly the station of the Bard too, when he said, Ann san Iraidh tha siar fui dheas, i.e. nigh the shore to the westward on the south. May was in love with Fraoch; but her daughter (who by some is called Ceann-geal, or White-head,) and Fraoch mutually loved each other, and because the mother found that he preferred her daughter to herself, she contrived and effected his ruin in the manner related in the poem. (2) DUAN FRAOICH. 1 OSNA Caraid an cluain Fhraoich. Mar osna Laoich an caisteal Chro; An osna sin o ’n tuirseach fear: ’S o ’n trom ghulanach; bean og. 2 Sud e siar an carn am bheil; Fraoch Mac Feadhaich, an fhuilt-mhaodh, ’M fear a rinn buidheachas do Mhai ’S an air a shlointeadh Carn-Fraoich. 3 Gul nam ban o ’n chruachan tuir; ’S cruaidh am fath mu ’n guil a bhean ’S e dfhag m’osna gu trom trom Fraoch Mac Feadhaich nan colg sean. 4 Gur i ’n ainnir a ni ’n gul Tein ga fhios do chluain Fhraoich Donn or-bhuidh an fhuilt (chais) aill; Aon ninghin Mai mu ’m biodh na laoich. 5 Aon ninghin Chòruill is greinne folt Taobh re Taobh a nochd is Fraoch Ge ’h iomadh fear a (ghradhaich) i Nior ghradhaich i aon fhear ach Fraoch; 6 Nuair fhuair i a muigh e Cairdeas an Laoich bu ghloinne gne ’S e abhar mu ’n do reub i chorp, Chionn gun olc a dheanamh lei; 7 Chuir e i gu càth a bhais; (Taobh re mnai ’s na dean a lochd) ’S tuirseach; do thuitim le Beist. Dh innsin duibh gun cheilg a nos. 8 Caòran do bhi air Locha Mai; Ann san traidh tha siar fa dheas Gach a Raithe ’s gach a mios Bhi toradh abuidh ann sa mheas. 9 Bha buaidh air a mheasa dhearg Bu mhilse e na mìl bhla Gu ’n cumadh an caoran is e dearg Neach beo gun bhidh car naoi Trath. 10 Bliadhna do shaoghal gach fir; Dh’innsin duibh anois a dhearbh Gu cabhradh e air luchd chneadh, Brigh a mheasa is e dearg. 11 ’N aimcheist mhor a bha na dhiaidh, Ge b’e leigh a chabhradh na sloigh. A bheist nimh a bhi na bhun; Gràbadh do dhuine dol d’a bhuain. 12 Do bhuail ea-slainte throm throm, Air ninghean Odhuich na ’n corn fial, Chuireadh le fios air Fraoch ’S dfhiosruich an laoch ciod e a mian? 13 Labhair i nach biodh i slan Mar fagha i lan a bos maoth Do chàorann an lochain fhuair, ’S gun aon neach ga bhuain ach Fraoch. 14 Cnuasachd riamh ni ’n drìnneam fein Thuirt Mac Feadhaich nan gruaidh tla; Gar an drinneam arsa Fraoch Theid mi bhuain a chaor ’n do Mhai. 15 Ghluais Fraoch air cheimnibh aidh, ’S chuaidh è shnamh air an Loch; Fhuair e bheist na suram suain; ’S craos suas ris an dós. 16 Fraoch mac Feadhaich nan arm geur. Thanig e o ’n bheist gun fhios, ’S ultach leis d’an chaoran dhearg D’an bhall an raibh Mai na tigh. 17 Ge maith uile na rinneadh leat; Labhair Mai bu chaoine cruth Ni ’m fodhain leamsa laoich luinn Gun an t slat bhuain as a bun. 18 Ghluais Fraoch, s nior Laoch tiom A shnamh air an linne bhoig. Bu deacair, ge bu mhor a radh, Teachd o ’n bhas an raibh a chuid; (1) Or hiurne. (2) In September, 1870, a man sung me this at Ardfenaig, in the Ross of Mull, and pointed to the localities in Loch Laich. The story is localised near the Head of Loch Awe and elsewhere. Fragments of the ballad are still known to many.—J. F. Campbell. [TD 32] 19 Ghlac e an caoran air a bhar, ’S tharuing e ’n crann as a fhreamh, Toirt a chosan do air tir; Rug i air, a ris a bheist. 20 Rug a bheist air, air an traigh, Ghlac i a lamh ann a craos, Ghlac eisin i air dha ghial, Ochoin? gun a scian aig Fraoch? 21 Liodair a bheist a chneas bàn, Liodair i a lamh gu leon, Thainig ninghin ùr nan geal-ghlac ’S ghrad thug i dha scian d’ an or. 22 Cha comhrag sud ach comhrag gearr, Bhuain e an ceann na laimh leis. Fraoch Mac Feadhaich is a bheist, Mo chreach leir mar thug iad greis! 23 Gu do thuit iad bonn re bonn, Air traidh nan clocha donn sa ’n iar. Nuair chunairc an t saor ninghin aidh, Thuit i air an traidh na-nial, 24 Nuair a mhosgail i as a pramh, Ghlac i a lamh na laimh-bhoig, Ge d’ tha thu nochd na d’ chódaibh eun, ’S mor an t euchd a rinn thu bhos. 25 Truadh nach an còmhrag laoch, A thuit Fraoch le ’m pronntadh òr, ’S tursach do thuitim le beist, Aon mhic de! nach mairtheann thu beo. 26 Ionmhuinn Tighearn ionmhuinn Tuath, Ionmhuinn gruaidh a ’s deirge ros, Ionmhuinn beul leis an dioltath dan, Air am biodh na mnai ag toirbheart phog. 27 Bu duibhe na ’m fiach a ghruag, Bu deirge a ghruiaidh na fuil-laogh; Bu mhine na cobhair an t sruth, Bu ghile na ’n sneachd corp Fhraoich. 28 Bu mhaise na ’n càisein fholt, Bu ghuirme a rosg na eir-leac Bu deirge na cruban a bheul ’S bu ghile a dheud na chailc. 29 Bu treise na Còmhla a sciath B’ìomad Triath a bhiodh r’a chul, Bu chomh-fhad a lamh ’s a lann, Bu leïne a chalb na clar laing; 30 B’ airde shleagh na crann seoil Bu bhinne na teud cheol a ghuth Snamhuiche a b’fhear na Fraoch, Cha do leig riamh a thaobh re sruth. 31 Bu mhaith spionnadh a dha laimh, ’S bu mhaith cail a dha chois; Chuaidh d’ aigne thair gach Righ Roimh churaidh riamh cha diar fois! 32 Gu b’e sud an t uabhar mna A ’s mo chuncas air m’ dha rosg, Fraoch a chuir a bhuain a chrainn Ann deis a ’n Caòran a bhi bhos. 33 Togamid anois an Cluain-Fhraoich. Carn an Laoich an Caisteal-Chro; O ’n bhas ud a fhuair am fear ’S mairg as mairtheann na dhiaidh beo? 34 Air a chluain thugtadh ’n t ainm? Loch Mai a raiteadh ris an Loch: Am biodh a bheist anns gach uair; ’S a craos suas ris an dos. Osna caraid an Cluain Fraoich, &c. Z. 31. BAS FHRAOICH. 1862. LOCH FRAOICH—MAR A THAINIG AN T-AINM AIR. BHA bean araidh ann an Raineach, d’ am b’ ainm Maoidh, agus thuit i ann an trom ghaol air Fraoch—‘Fraoch Mac Maothaich nan arm geur’—an duine gu léir, a bu mhaisiche ’s an Fheinn. Bha nighean aig Maoidh, d’ am b’ ainm Aoirlinn a bha mor-mhaiseach agus aillidh; agus thug Fraoch a ghradh dh’ise agus phòs e i. Bha mor-ardan air Maoidh. Chràidhlot e ’n a cridhe i gu ’n robh Fraoch gu sìorruidh g’a dìth, agus gu ’m bitheadh e aig bean eile fo ’n ghréin ach aice féin; agus mar so ann an spidealachd a h-anama dhulanaich i cur as da. Dh’ fhàs Maoidh gu tinn, agus thubhairt i nach robh ach aon ni air thalamh a leighiseadh i. Ars’ ise:— ‘Fo ’n ghréin cha-n’eil leigheas mo thruaighe, Ach caorunn an eilean fhuair ’S gun duine g’a bhuain ach Fraoch.’ B’e ’n t-Eilean fuar eilean bòidheach anns an lochan fhuar; agus anns an eilean so a measg chraobhan bòidheach eile bha craobh chaoruinn; ach cha robh aon ’s am bith a b’ urrainn dol a chòir an eilean, na idir a chòir na craoibhe, le béist mhòr a bha’ chomhnuidh ann, agus d’ am b’ àite tàimh bun na craoibhe caoruinne. Maiseach, sgiamhach agus mar a bha Fraoch, bha e mar aon lùghmhor, misneachail, gaisgeanta. Shnàmh e do ’n Eilean fhuar, agus aig bun na craoibhe caoruinne fhuair e’ bhéist ’n a cadal. ‘Na sioram suain,’ ‘Sa beul a suas ris an dos.’ Shrachd Fraoch meanglan bharr na craoibhe caoruinne, agus thug e dh’ ionnsuidh Maoidh e. Cha robh sùil ’s am bith aig Maoidh gu’n d’ thigeadh Fraoch air ais a dh’ innseadh sgeoil; oir ann am farmad agus mìorun dìomhaireachd a cridhe, bha dòchas aice gu ’n cuireadh a’ bheîst as da. Air do Fhraoch am meanglan caoruinne thobhairt dhith, ’s ann a labhair i le guth aileasach, neo-thaingeil mar a leanas:— ‘’S ged thug thu leat an caorunn ruadh O ’n Eilean fhuar bhàrr taobh an t-sruth; Ni ’m foghnadh leamsa’ laoich luinn Gun an t-slat a nuas a bun.’ Dh’ fhalbh Fraoch a rithisd do ’n Eilean fhuar agus fhuair e ’bhéist, mar a dh’ fhàg e i, ’na cadal aig bun na craoibhe caoruinn. ‘Na sioram s uain’ tuaimilse mu bhun na craoibhe caoruinn. Rug e ’n sin air a’ chrann agus ghrad-spion e a a bhun e, a’ toirt tir air leis le cruaidh spàirn. Dhùisg a’ bhéist. A’ cruaidh shnamh shìn i air dèigh Fhraoich. Rug i air an uair a bha e dlùth air tir; agus ghleachd iad an sin le gleachd spàirn bàis, gus an do ‘thuit iad le chèile, bonn ri bonn,’ ‘air dubh-chladach nan clach lom,’ ‘a bhos.’ ’S ann an sin a rinneadh na rannan a leanas:— 1 ‘Fraoch Mac Maothaich nan arn geur, Thàinig o ’n bhéist gun fhios dith; ’S ultach aige de ’n chaoruinn dheirg Far an robh Maoidh na gith. 2 ’S ged ’thug thu leat an caorunn dearg ’S e ’labhair Maoidh ’bu geal cruth; Ni fhoghnadh leamsa e ’laoich luinn Gun an dos a nuas a bhun. 3 Ghluais Fraoch air cheum mi-àidh A ’bhuain a’ snàmh air an loch: A ’s fhuair e ’bhéist ’n a sioram suain, ’S a craos a suas ris an dos. 4 Rug e’n sin air bhàrr na craoibhe, Spìon e an crann as a bhun; A’ toirt a chasan as gu tir, ’S a’ bhéist mhòr ’ga dhian ruith. 5 Rug e ’n sin air giall na béiste, Ag èigheach air-son lann an laoich Ach mharbhadh am fiùran ’s an chomh-stri O-chain, a righ! ’s gun sgian aig Fraoch. 6 Ghleachd iad an sin gu sunam trom, Gun aon fhoun fo bhoun an cos; Gus an do thuit iad bonn ri bonn. Air cladach nan clach lom a bhos.’ Chualaidh Aoirlinn. Thàinig i, agus an uair a thàinig thuit i ann an neul air an fheur. Air dhith dusgadh e a peàmh ghlac i lamh ‘Fhraoich a gaoil’ ’na lamhan geala-bhoga, agus le deur-dhealt air a gruaidh, agus a ciabhan àir a’ snàmh ’s a’ ghaoith, sheinn i mar a leanas:— 7 O ’s truagh nach ann an comhrag laoch A thuit Fraoch mu ’n do phronn mi deoir; Ach tuiteam an so leis a’ bhéist Mo chreach léir nach mair thu beò. [TD 33] 8 ’S ionmhuinn tighearna, ’s ionmhuinn tuath, ’S ionmhuinn gach gruaidh air an deirge ròs; Ach ’s ionmhuinne na sin beul air an diulte air daimh, ’S air am biodh na mnai a’ tagairt phòg. 9 Gu ’m bu treis, ’thu na comhladh do sgiath ’S iomad triath a bha fo thruime ’S iomad màighdean ’s bean a bha ’n déigh, Air an laoch a dh’ eug air thuinn. 10 Bu mhaisich’ thu na sneachd nan an; Bu ghile do chraiceann na blar fiodh; Snamhadair a b’ fhearr na Fraoch, Cha do shìn a thaobh ri sruth. 11 ’S duibhe na ’m fitheach bàrr t’ fhiult, ’S gile na ’n grudh caoin do chneas; ’S deirge na ’n caorunn do dha ghruaidh. ’S truagh nach robh sgian aig Fraoch. 12 Togamaid a nis an cuan Fraoich Corp an laoich an caisil-chrò; O ’s truagh nach ann an comhrag laoch, A thuit Fraoch mu ’n do phronn mi deoir. Thug bàs Fhraoich ùrachadh do chridhe Mhaoidh, agus air ball dh’ fhàg a dosgainn i. Cha b’ ann mar a bha ’n Fheinn. Bha màr chaoidh ’nam measg arson Fhraoich. Mar so lean Loch Fraoich air an lochan fhuar gus an latha diugh, chionn gar h-ann a chaidh Fraoch a mharbhadh leis a’ bheìst. Sgeulachd innisde le Ceite Laoruidh, Port na h-Apunn. Sgriobhta le Alasdar A Mac Illemhicheil, Liosmòr Do sheùbhis Shiobhalta na Ban-righ. Fath-sgriobhadh. Faoadaidh sinn umseadh do ’n leughadair gu ’m bheil an loch so Loch Fraoich ann Gleann cuaich an Raineach ann an siorramachd Pheairt. Tha e mu ’n cuairt do dha mhile gu leith air fad agus mu leith mhile air leud. Ann an ceann na h-àirde n-iar dheas de ’n loch bhòidheach so tha ’n t-eilean bòidheach, coillteach ’s an do spion Fraoch a’ chraobh agus anns an robh a’ bheithir a’ tàmh. Air bruaich dheas an loch tha bothan seilge bòidheach aig iarla Bhraid-Albann. In 1870, a man in Mull recited the Poem of Fraoch to me on a heather knoll, near Ardfeenaig, almost within sight of Iona, Islay and Jura, and pointed to an island close to the village of Bunessan, to the sea wall, and to the shore, as the scene of the tragedy. In Hammerton’s, ‘Isles of Loch Awe,’ 1855, p. 13, will be found an English poem on this theme, localised in Loch Awe at ‘Fraoch Elain,’ Fraoch means ‘heather,’ also ‘wrath,’ and ‘a ripple on water.’ It probably is the same word as ‘rough,’ in English. ‘Heather Isle’ is therefore a common name. IV. THE STORY OF FIONN AND THE FEINNE. THE rival Tribes of Baoisgne and Morna, and Cormac Mac Art, High King of Eireann:—their wars at home and abroad, their lives and their adventures. Told chiefly in the form of metrical Dialogues between Oisein, the last of the Pagan Heroes, and Padruig, the first of the Western Saints. From manuscripts and books which purport to contain matters orally collected in Scotland, or there written; and from the recitations of men now living, in the Highlands and Isles. Chronologically arranged under numbers and letters. I. CUMHAL. THE Story of Cumhal, the father of Fionn, comes next in chronological order. I have made it up in English, from a great number of versions of the story told to me in the Highlands. A version is published in text Y. This is not recited as a composition, but told as history. The skeleton of the Story is shortly this:—Cumhal and his warriors, ‘the Feinne,’ went from Ireland to Scotland to drive out the Norsemen. They drove them out, and set up for themselves. The Irish king and the Norse king conspired against the formidable rebel, enticed him to Ireland, married him to a princess, and slew him in the arms of his wife. In the ballad of 1512, which I have placed A. 21., Fionn, and Garadh, one of the tribe of Morna, sit on a hill at a deer-pass, and Garadh there tells Fionn how and why the tribe of Morna slew his father. This slaying by the Clanna Morna is known in Ireland as ‘the Battle of Cnucha.’ The place is identified, and the event dated about A. D. 125. A second version of the Scotch ballad, got by Fletcher about 1750, is placed with A. 21. because it seems best to fit in there. The Story of Fionn is put into the mouth of Oisein, his son. His story comes next in order. II. FIONN MAC CUMHAIL—FINT UAO BAOISCNE. I HAVE placed together in Sec. 12, Introduction, a great many Pedigrees of Fionn, orally collected in Scotland, and extracted from Irish manuscripts. The following, O., was got near Dunkeld, about A. D. 1800. With it is a compilation made from Irish authorities, by the Rev. John Francis Shearman of Howth, the Beinn Eadair of ballads, and close to the scene of the Battle of Clontarf. A pedigree from such a locality has peculiar value, especially when compiled by a gentleman who is well known as an archaeologist. III. OISEIN MAC FHINN. VARIOUSLY SPELT. THE oldest known mention of Fionn is quoted page 293, Report on Ossian, 1805, from a manuscript which Dr. Donald Smith then supposed to date from the latter end of the 8th century. Irish manuscripts of the 12th century, later authorities, the ballads which follow, and traditions current where Gaelic is spoken, tell the same story in fragments. Fionn and the Feinne were the successors of Cumhal and Cuchullin, and the soldiers of Cormac Mac Art, High King of Ireland (213. 253.) The Gaelic speaking people amongst whom I was raised, and amongst whom I have been at work during the last twelve years at odd times, tell a story which can be traced from 900 to 1872. I have never discovered a trace of the story or history which is told in Mac Pherson’s Ossian. There is hardly a trace of his Gaelic even in collections made shortly before, and sixty-five years after the publication of Ossian in Gaelic. There is no mention of Fingal, King of Morven, in any known writing older than 1760. But the stories which I have ranged in order from I. to IV. about Cuchullin, Deirdre, Fraoch, Cumhal, Fionn, and Oisein, are so mingled and so woven with Mac Pherson’s English works, that all Gaelic Scotland recognised familiar names and incidents. They unanmiously condemned traditions as spurious and corrupt, and believed Mac Pherson’s Ossian to be a translation from some excellent old Caledonian manuscript. I now believe that Mac Pherson’s Ossian is a great original work of fiction, dating from 1760, when it appeared in print; and that the Gaelic of 1807 is one of many translations. The Gaelic ballads tell Romantic, Metrical, Popular, Scoto-Irish history about the ‘authenticity’ of which there can be no controversy. The outline of the story which is put into the mouth of Oisein, the son of Fionn, is shortly this:— AFTER the general Irish war of the Tain bo Cuailgne, in which Cuchullin of Dundalk was the chief hero, in the time of Conn of the Hundred Fights, from whom many Scotch tribes claim descent, the army quarrelled. The tribe of Morna slew Cumhal, the chief of the tribe of Baoiscne (variously spelt). Scandinavians were concerned in the slaying, and they took possession in Ireland. Cumhal’s posthumous aim, Fionn, was saved, grew up, and fled to the wilds. Art, son of Conn, High King of Ireland, was slain; and his posthumous illegitimate son Cormac grew up in obscurity. After many adventures, Fionn Mac Cumhail returned, gathered his scattered tribe, and made peace with the rival tribe of Moma. Cormac appeared, fought the usurpers, recovered Conn’s seat as High King at Teamhra. Fionn commanded the Feinne at Almhuin, which now is the Hill of Allen, near Tara. They [TD 34] expelled the usurping Danes, and guarded the Irish coast. Like all popular heroes, Fionn had mythical properties, of which the chief was ‘Bran,’ a hound, who, in some strange fashion, was his near relative. The Northern Sea rovers continued to persecute Fionn, and demand Bran, till they were conquered. All sorts of people from Spain, Sorcha, Italy, Greece, Britain, and elsewhere attacked the Feinne, and were defeated; all sorts of mythical magical people schemed their destruction, but in vain. They made raids in all directions, upon Italy and Greece, and Lochlan and Britain, and conquered everybody everywhere. People from distant lands joined them, and served as Feinne. At last they quarrelled. Caoilte had to rescue Fionn from the King, and Cormac slips out of the story. Fionn is called ‘King of Teamhra’ sometimes, and the story probably was that he dethroned Cormac. Then the blood-feud between Fionn and Goll broke out. Goll slew Fionn’s son, and the tribe of Baoiscne slew him. Then jealousy broke out. Diarmaid, Fionn’s twin sister’s son, ran away with his uncle’s bride, Graidhne, Cormac’s daughter. The tribe pursued, and quarrelled and fought, to the joy of Conan. Diarmaid was slain at last by the wiles of Fionn. Next, Oscar, the son of Oisein, the son of Fionn, the son of Cumhal, quarrelled with Cairbre, the son of Cormac, the son of Art, the son of Conn of the Hundred Fights. They fell out at a feast at Teamhra, now Tara, and fought the battle of Gabhra, not far from Dublin. There Oscar and Cairbre slew each other, and Fionn arrived from the sea in time to see his grandson die, and carry him to Almhuin, the Hill of Allen. Long afterwards, Oisein, who had been enchanted by his mother, who lived in the shape of a deer, came back from the Isle of Youth at an impossible age, and told the story to St. Patrick. The old Pagan is made to complain of jangling bells and howling clerics, to sit upon the Fenians’ Mound—that is, upon the Hill of Allen—and point to the graves of his comrades, and tell their story to the priest, who wrote it down. In this form of dialogue between Reciter and Scribe, Pagan and Christian, blind old ballad-singing warrior and audience, this Story is told over winter fires, in fragments which are now crumbling fast. In this very form the story was told in fragments to Dean Mac Gregor, in 1512-26. I have done nothing to these. I have simply gathered them and sorted them. Samples of the Gaelic poems which tell the tale in metre follow, with references to the manuscripts from which they were copied. The prose tales which I have gathered I will place when I translate. The Heroes of Ballads seem all to have been related. ‘Iodhlan’ was ‘Cumhal’s’ brother. Goll, Conan, and Garaidh were chiefs of the Clanna Morna. Fionn, Oisein his son, Oscar his grandson. Diarmaid his nephew, Faolan, Feargus, Roidhne, and Caireall, his younger sons, Caoilte, his relative, make eleven chief characters who, figure in the Ballads which follow. The Pedigrees speak for themselves. FIONN’S PEDIGREE, COMPILED BY THE VICAR OF BIENN EADAIR. [Family tree] [TD 35] O. 40. SLOINNE FHINN LE MHATHAIR. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 311. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. FHINN Mhic Cuthail, Mhic Treithair, Mhic Treumhoir, Mhic Chaoil direach, Mhic Cam na creiche, aon Mhic righ an Domhain mhoir—Dean dhuit fein, thoir as do chasan. F. 4. EACHDRAIDH MAR A CHAIDH FIONN MAC CUTHAIL A THEARNADH, ALTRUM, AGUS A BHAISTEADH. 61 lines prose. Fletcher’s Collection, page 84. Advocates’ Library, January 18, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. ’N UAIR a chaidh Cuthail a mharbhadh bha bhean do ’m b’ ainna Mor ni ’n Taoic mor lea-tromach air Fionn, agus bha Clanna Morne an ti air cur as do ’n leanabh ’n uair a bheirte e mar a chuir iad as da athair. Ach rinn a shean-mhathair inneal teamaidh dha.’N uair a rugadh an leanabh ghaoid i leatha e do choille fhàsaich, agus rinneadh àite dha ann a’m broinn craoibh mhor-fhearna, agus bha e air a bheathachadh le saill reamhar airson bainne chioch. Deirear gun rabh sreang air a ceangall mun t-sail agus lùb air a cheam eill mu ordag a choise, chum is ’n uair a bhitheadh an t-saill a’ dol fada na h-amhaich gun sìneadh è a chas chum nach taichte e. Mar so ghleitheadh è gus an dh’ fhàs e comasach air a shean-mhàthair a leantuinn a muigh feadh na coille. Thug i dha cloidhe agus bha i ’g iarruidh cuin a burra e ga bualadh gus fa dheireadh gun d’ ghearr e pluchd don mhàs dhi leis a chlaidhe. An sin thuig i gum bu mhithic seòl a chuir air a bhaiste. San aig Eas-ruaidh bha ’n t-àite cumanta aig an Fheinn an clann a bhaiste. Thug i leatha e air là àraid, agus bha ann moran eile an là sin a thuilleadh airsin. Do rainig i leis an taobh do ’n uisge air nach rabh cach, agus thilg i san linne e, agus chaidh e fodha. Ach an ceud leum a thug e ’n uachdar ghrad mhulc e fodha am fear a b’ fhaisge dha do ’n chloinn eile agus bhathadh e. Agus mar sin air na h-uile air am fuigheadh e greim, bha e gan grad bhathadh air an t-seoil cheudna. Ach gus an do ghlaodh fear bh’ air an taobh eile do’n Eas. Cò e am fear maol feann-bhan ud a tha sior bhathadh na cloinne oirnn gun tàmh. San an sin a ghlaodh a shean-mhàthair ris. [Pedigree.] Gu meal thu t-aimn Fhionna Mhic Cuthail, mhic Luthair, mhic Trenmhor, mhic Chalapadhireich, mhic Chamna-Creiche, mhic-a Bhriugail-Bhriannaich, mhic-a-Chairpe-Chalhannanaich, mhic-aon Righ an Domhunn mhoir. A mhearlaich thoir as do chasan tha do naimhdean mu d’ thimchioll.’ Thug Fionn a mach air an taobh d’ on Eas air an rabh a shean-mhàthair, agus rug e air chois orre chum a toirt leis, ga tilgeadh thair a ghualain air eagal gu marbhte i. Ach leis a chabhaig feadh na coille bha is ga sgalta is i glaoidhich, a chrom ruidh choille mheirlich Cha d’ thug Fionn fainear ciod a bha i radh a teicheadh troidh choille. Cha rabh aige do ’n Chailich ach a chas a bhana laimh thair a ghualain ’n uair a stad air gu fois. H. THE INTRODUCTION TO KENNEDY’S FIRST COLLECTION. 1774. Advocates’ Library, November 24, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS Introduction is a sample of a dialect of English that never has been printed. It is the English spoken by men whose native language is Gaelic, but Kennedy’s Manuscript is the only written sample of the period that I have ever seen. The beginning is torn off. The word ‘Fingal’ does not once occur in Kennedy’s Gaelic. J. F. C. . . . . . . . . this son of Comhal was afraid that his own wife would do some mischief to this son, and for that reason he ordered the midwife to take him away. She went with him unto the wood and she got a wright and made a hole in the Trunk of a large oak tree, in the same manner as a Canoe would be made, and door to it, so that nobody would find her, and she nourished him their by fat and marrow, when he was coming to age, she was learning him how to fight and wrestle, when she would get the better of him, she would heartily beat him, when he came to the age of eighteen years or there about, he was going out of the woods and one day boys met him Shinnying, the play pleased him, he went and got a rung and began with them, he was seeing that the boys was afraid of him, he would take the ball from them all; since he gained on them he began to beat them with the Shinney, and left them half dead, others he broke their hand or feet (according to his nurse’s regulation, for he thought that they had the same,) when the men have seen their children abused by such a person, they call’d after him saying who is this fellow that is Fionn-é that have done this harm to our sons, his nurse heard them, and she said let bruke his name Fingal the son of Comhal, this is the way that he was baptized; [Pedigree.] for Fionn-Gheal is a Galic word, its signification is fair and white. . . . . . . . . . . to himself; he was running away from his pursuer, and his nurse was turning weary, he took her and put her over his shoulder and was running through thorns and briers, rocks and stony places, when he stop in the middle of the wood his nurse was dead on his back, and her head dashed against rocks with the jumping; in such a manner that one half of her was lost, and he cast the other half in a water loch in the same wood called Lochluirgin, He was then alone in the wood, and nobody with him, he did not know where his father was, but that he heard his nurse saying that his father’s name was Comhal. He met a man at a place called Eas-ruaidh one day and a salmon in his hand, he said into Fingal if thou wilt roast this fish without burning a spot of his skin, I will tell you where your father is, Fingal began the fish, but there was some spots burned on the fish, and he was refusing to tell him anything about his father, then Fingal took hold of him and laid him down, the man was then obliged to tell him where his father was. Fingal went to his father to the army, and this is Fingal’s descent, and that he was nourished according as we are told by the oldest men who are in the country at the present time. The King of Denmark heard in his own kingdom that, it was said by some prophecies, . . . . . . named Fingal that would conquer Ireland to himself, sometimes afterwards he heard that Fingal was in the army among the Heroes; and he ordered a great reward to be given to any one of his own men that would kill Fingal, and take his head to him. Sometimes after that Comhal’s poet happened to meet the King of Denmark’s poet, and they began to drink; before they departed Denmark’s poet told to Comhal’s poet that there was a remarkable person in their army named Fingal, and that their King had offered a great reward for his head. Immediately this was told to Comhal by his Bard, then Comhal sends his son Fingal to his mother and her friends named Chlanna morna, who inhabited all the western coast of Scotland then, a very famous set of people who was remarkable, in strength and bigness, and accordingly good warriors, to take care of him, and to learn him the art of war and hunting, which was their chief education at that time. When Comhal died the heroes heard of Fingal’s fame, likewise his wisdom and bravery, and that he would get a compleat victory over any enemy, they send for him to Scotland to be their King. Fingal succeeded his father, and continued in war against Denmark, till he had almost conquered Ireland; for they fought several battles, and Fingal would always gain the victory. Then the King thought that he would get a wife from the heroes. She would tell them how they might conquer Fingal. Then the King send to Fingal for to ask of him, if he pleased that they would make peace, and that he would take one of their virgins to be his wife. Then Fingal understood his design, he ordered the King for to come to visit him, and that he would get his choice of their women in marriage, and that he would appoint a day for to make a feast, which they settled, and before the appointed day came Fingal ordered his smith to make a set of good knives, then the smith asked of him how he would make them, and Fingal directed him as it is set down in the following verse:— ‘If a blacksmith I wou’d be, How fine wou’d I make knives for fee; With thick iron backs edg’d thin with steel, And yellow shafts smoothly you’d see.’ Those knives are called by us Durks, and Fingal was the first contriver of them. The day of the feast came, and there was joy and mirth within their sounding Halls; there was conditions of peace thought to be betwixt them, but it happened before the feast was over that their foul deeds appeared. Fingal gave to every one of his companions a durk (called by them a hiding knife), and he ordered them, at the hindmost end of the feast, when he would give them notice to make with their new made arms venison for the Gr . . . . . . Denmark’s valiant men. Then the King of Denmark came with his men to Fingal’s house with gr . . . . . . who was saluted very generously by them. [TD 36] Then when dinner was prepared for them, and when it was ready, both were called. Fingal placed the King’s men and his own, man by man according to his rank, and the music of bards was heard in their presence, when dinner was ended, Fingal stabbed his own durk in a piece of beef on the table. Immediately every one of his men stabed the King’s men, and there was none left but the King himself, who was made prisoner. The King of Denmark then promised to Fingal the one fourth part of Ireland to himself now and for ever, and a great reward for to defend the rest from any other brutal force, if he would not trouble him any more (unless it would be his own fault), and to let him at liberty, which Fingal promised to do (and performed all his days), for the reward; since Fingal was called the King of Innis’ fail, a county in Ireland, called now Leinster. When Fingal had settled in Ireland, and had peace, he was coming twice a year to Scotland to visit his mother’s friends, Chlanna Morna (the Heroes of Scotland) and to hunting, then Goll their King and Fingal joined together and made one company, and their chief command was given to Fingal, then he had the chief command of all the wester cost of Scotland and Ireland. Then he fortified places fit for building, and settled the people which he had under his command, nor was he less assisted in that matter by good conduct than by good fortune, for he was invested among them with regal authority with kingdoms. [? Quotation.] [Fingal’s wisdom and bravery triumphed over brutal force; or another nobler still, that the most compleat victory over an enemy is obtained by that moderation and generosity which convert him to a friend. Here, indeed, in the character and description of Fingal, Ossian triumphs almost unrivalled; for we may boldly defy all antiquity to show us any Hero equal to Fingal. Throughout the whole of Ossian’s works, he is presented to us in all the variety of lights which give the full display of a character. In him occur almost all the qualities that can ennoble human nature, that can either make us admire the hero or love the man. He was not only unconquerable in war, but he made his people happy by his wisdom in the days of peace. He was truly the father of his people, and distinguished on every occasion by humanity and generosity. He was merciful to his foes, ful of affection to his children, full of concern about his friends; he was surrounded with his family, and he instructs them all in the principles of virtue peculiar to that age. He was universal protector of the distressed, whether they would be guilty or guiltless; none of such ever went sad from Fingal; as it may be observed by the following advice to his grandson Oscar:— ‘Oscar, bend the strong in arms, But spare the feeble hand; Be thou a stream of many tides Against thy foes in war, But like the gale that moves the grass To those who ask thine aid.’ Fingal says likewise, ‘My arm was the support of the injured; the weak rested behind the lightning of my steel.’ These were the maxims of true heroism, to which he formed his grandson. Fingal’s fame was represented as everywhere spread, the greatest Heroes acknowledged his superiority, his enemies trembled at his name, and the highest encomium that can be bestowed on one whom the poet would most exalt, is to say, ‘That his soul was like the soul of Fingal.’] [? Quotation ended?] Fingal and his heroes combined in strength, wealth, and reputation till decripit old age was coming upon them, then they were decreasing daily. Fingal in his latter days had his dwelling-place in the Isle of Sky (which was called at that time the Isle of Mist), and the house was built on a hill above the place where Mac Kinivin’s old castle lies, the north-west side of Caol reth, and they were still hunting through Sky since it was the best place for hunting at that time, for vanison was very scarce then for a while in both Scotland and Ireland, and they began to till the top of the mountains where it was bare without wood to support them; then the Heroes became lean and poor, but the women were not so, they wondered how comely and fair the women looked besides themselves. The women were always making their drink of the decoction of Southern wood, raspberries, and the like, and supposed that drink was the reason of their complexion being so fair, and besides they were keeping the best pieces of the venison and dressing it for themselves unknown to the Heroes when they would be absent. One day they went to the continent opposite to them to hunt, and they left Garbh unknown to their women in the house for to see what entertainments they would have, besides themselves. Garbh was in his bed after the rest went off for to watch the women, he fell into a deep sleep, and snored, the women heard him and immediately came to him, and tied his hair on both sides of his head, and wove it again into three plaits, and fastened it to wooden pins, and put it in the ground; they went out of the house, then every one of them cried, ‘Huza, huza, huza,’ with a loud voice, then Garbh wakened suddenly out of his sleep (for he thought that the enemy was at hand) and left all his hair of his head with the skin to the pins, and came out in that pitiful condition, and some of the women were laughing at him. When he had seen how he was with their contrivance, and how heartily they were laughing at his calamity, he went immediately to the wood, pulled trees out of their roots and made faggots of them, and brought them home with all speed. When he came he found the women in the house, he locked them in and put a faggot burning in every corner of the house till he set it on fire and all the women within it. Afterwards Garbh ran away into a cave to hide himself from the Heroes; Fingal had seen the house on fire, he called all his men together, and they ran in hopes that they would quench it, and jumped over the small Sound (that is betwixt Sky and the land) on their shields (accept one of them who was called Mac Reth, he was drowned there, and they called that sound Caolreth since that day). When the house could not be quenched but destroyed with the fire, and all their women, children, and furniture ruined, they searched all places about for Garbh (when Fingal told them by southsaying who was the destroyer), and found him in a cave, they conjured him to come out, and examined him about the matter, he told them the truth how all things happened. Then Fingal condemned him to be put to death. Garbh asked a petition of Fingal before he would be banished, that was granted him (for Fingal never refused a petition to any person, and particularly the distressed). Garbh’s petition was that he would be beheaded on Fingal’s thigh by Fingal’s own sword, by the hand of Oscar (the strongest man), then they were all afraid that Fingal would loose his leg, then they thought proper to let Garbh away than to kill him upon Fingal’s thigh; then some of them ordered Fingal’s thigh to be buried seven feet deep in the earth, and to laid his head above Fingal’s thigh upon the earth (since it would not break Fingal’s promise) then Oscar cut his head off, and with the force of the stroke Fingal’s leg was cut above the knee. Then he went to Rome with his attendance for to cure his leg, and left Oscar in his stead. Before he came home the battle of Cathcabhara was fought between Oscar and Cairdaidh, the King of Ireland. Oscar and almost all his men were slain; a few days after the battle was fought Fingal came home and found a few number of his famous champions alive lamenting Oscar; and we hear no more of their deeds afterwards. After so particular examination of Fingal, I proceed to make some observations on Ossian. Ossian lived after them all in Ireland, in the house of his daughter, who was married to Peter Mac Alpin, a man that came from Rome to instruct them in the principles of Religion there. It was that man that was writing all histories and poems of the Heroes which Ossian told him in his latter days, but never published till this age, when there is but few fragments of them to be got. The following is collected from the oldest men, who lives at present in this wester side of Scotland. [Here follows a manifest quotation.] Ossian had all the art and skill of pure poetry. He had the spirit, the fire, the inspiration of a poet. He utter the voice of nature, he elevates by his sentiments. He interests by his description. He paint the heart as well as the fancy. He makes his readers glow and tremble and weep. These are the great characteristics of pure poetry. He breath nothing of cheerfulness as he expresseth himself. How sorrowful is this old age to me, thinking on the warrior’s famous deeds. Like an oak tree in desert most cold after my sheltered neighbour’s laid down low. This is a melancholy verse of Ossian, in which he compares himself to an ancient oak mouldering alone in his place, that the terrible blasts of Eolus with her cold breezes hath laid down the rest and looped his branches away. His continual grief was of thinking that he was left alone to suffer infirmities and sorrow after all the Heroes among whom he flourished. Other times he would cheer himself thinking on their past wars, loves, and friendships. He was not like modern bards, he did not sung for to please readers and critics, for to gain food or raiment, but for to spread their fame, reputation, and generosity thro’ the world, and to reveal his love to them. I do not pre- [TD 37] tend to say any more of him, for I think it too tedious, but let the reader observe the following versification:— After this follows the First Collection, which I have arranged with other versions below.—J. F. C. P. 1. THAOBH BREITH FHINN-IC CUBHAILL, &c. 378 lines prose. Staffa’s Collection, page 1. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 15, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS fragment, written about 1800, in Mull, contains bits of ‘The Battle of Magh Muchdram;’ of ‘Fionn’s Youth;’ of the ‘Birth of Cormac Mac Art;’ and the ‘Battle of Gabhra,’ all mixed in a strange fashion. It shows the tangle into which tradition gets when it has nearly forgotten an old story. SAN amsa bha rioghachd Eirinn roinnte na cuig earrannabh; agus Riogh air gach earrinn dhiubh. B’e athair Fhinn a b’ urramicha do ’n iomlan. Bha buan-chogadh eidar athair Fhinn agus aon do na righribh sin. Air chor ’us man do sguir a Righ ainminnach sin, gun do sgios e an t-iomlan do luchd leanmhuinn athair Fhinn. Ach bha sean fhaith—darichd na measg, ag innsa gun tachradh na nitheamhsa, ach gu fagadh e na dheidh do ’n fhuil Rioghail, na bhuidhnidh a choir air a h-ais. An latha blair mu dheiridh a thug iad, chuaidh athair Fhinn a stigh do thigh Gobhinn. Cha rabh neach a stigh ach ninghin a ghobha. Luidh e leatha, ’us ghabh e thurus gu dol a chumail a bhlair. Tamull. beag na dheigh sin thainig an gobha steach, agus air geur-bheachdachadh air gnuis a ninghin, a deir se rithe, ’s ioghna’ leam a ninghin, an coltas ata ortsan drast, seach ’nuair a dh’ fhag mis u. Ciod e so deir ise? Tha deir eisan gu rabh rosg Brisg maighdinn agad ’nuair a chuaidh mi mach: Agus tha rosg mall mna agad a nois. Cha neil firinn ann sna briathribh sin deir si. Tha ars eisan le feirg, agus bheir mi ’n ceann dhiot mar dean u aidmhail shaor agus fhirinneach dhamhs’ air a mhionaid. Le h-eagal dh’ innis I ga h-athair gun rabh an Righ a dh’ fhear aice. Se mo ghuidheasa ri Dia arsa ’n gobhuinn gun eisan a philleadh air ais ni ’s mo. Agus is amhluidh thachair. Dh’ orduich an Righ agus a chomairle gum biodh ninghin a ghobhinn air a cur ann am priosan, agus air a coimhead ann gu am a h-asaid. Agus air ball chuaidh orda an Righ a chuir an gniomh an graddadh. Chaidh faire agus coimhead churamach a chur orra. Aig ceann naoi miosan iomlan dh’ fhàs Cumhall tinn re saothair chloinne, agus rug I ninghin. Air faichdinn so do luchd a gheard agus na faire dh’ fhag iad i agus ruith iad leis an ait-sgeuladh’ ionnsuidh an righ, agus cha do phill iad ni bu mo. Ach mo dheiridh na h-aoichasa fein rug i mac. Cha rabh neach sam bith a dheanamh frithealadh dhith san ams’ ach Luas Lurgann, Ninghin muim ’us Aoida ’n Righ dhleasanich. Cho-luath sa rugadh an leanamh mic, thog Luas Lurgann an earball a còt’ e agus theich i ’us cha rabh fios caite. Rainig i cu’pan Saor a brathair, am fear ceard a b’ fhearr a bha ’n Eirinn an uair sin. Leig i a ruin ris ag innse dha gach ni mar a thachair. Buichas do Dhia ars eisa mar ata chuis. Ciod e fios nach digeadh an Tarrgeannachd fathast air a chois. Ach caite nois an deid sinn am falach leis. Theid ars ise do Choill-Ulltich. Dh’ fhalbh i fein agus a brathair fuidh dhuibhre na h-oidhche gun stad gun fhois, gun an do rainig iad meadhon na coilltich. Nois deir ise claodhich leaba-dhuinn ann an craoibh mhòir dhiubh sin, far am be mise agus an leanamh ann an tearuinnteachd. Rinn a brathair mar a dh’ iarr i. agus chuir e dorus ris an aite dhethn chraoibh le chairt air chor ’us nach bu chomasach do neach sam bith aithnachadh na fhaotinn a mach. Thug Luas Lurgann suil mu ’n cuart agus thubhairt i ri brathair, faic arsa ise an fhailinn ta gu h-iosal an so. Air sealtuinn dhasan gu mion. Ghlac a phiuthar an tuadh agus chuir a dheth an ceann. Nois ars ise cha ’n eil fear ruin ach mi fein. Bha i na dheidh so a siubhal sear agus iar a’ cruinneachadh gach ni dh’fhaodadh i dhi fein agus do ’n leanamh. Rachadh i scriob feadh nam bailtin mora bu dluthuidh dhi, agus air uairibh do thigh a ghobhainn. Ach cha d’ fhiosruich e riamh dhith cait an rabh odha, na ciod e bu chor dha, ged bha fios aig gur i thug leathe e oir dh’ eug Cubhall a mhathair an uine ghearr an deidh an leanamh a bhreith. Bha n’ t’ oganach a fas ann an aois agus ann an tur. Agus cho luath sa thainig caint dha thoisich i air fhaolim, agus air Scoil a thoirt dha agus air uairibh a cluicha leis air clar—Tathlisc, &c. Agus air fas ni bu neartmhoire dha rachadh e fein agus ise choimruith gu mullac Beinn-Eadinn. Ach man toisichidh iad comhruith bhuanidh iad le h-ordanse da gheig dhreathunn, agus chuireadh i easan air thoisach le teann orda ag iarruidh air e ga thoirt fein as orra. Bhiodh i air a dheidh a ghnath a gabhail air mo chul nan cas a stroichdidh chraichdinn agus na feola la cheile. Ged bu chruaidh so b’ fheudar fhullann car seal. Ach gach aon la mar a bha teachd, bha esan a fas ni bu chruaidhe, ’us ni bu luaithe, ’us ni bu neartmhoire. Air chor ’us nach robh an comas da mhuime, urid ’us aon bhuille thabhairt dha. Bha e nois na chomas agas bha e ga dheanamh, se sin re ràdh, gun rabh e nois ga paidheadh le riadh. Na dheid sin thoisich i air fhaolum re fearasbhodha agus ri cluich—Iomain, &c. Air dhi fhaoghlum air gach ealain a b’ eol di. Dh’ innis i dha co e, cionnus a thainig e; agus ciod e bha aige re dheanamh, ’us re thabhairt gu crioch, agus aire ro mhathathoirt dha fein air eagal gun digidh an ceam dheth. Nois Eudail na fear ars ise theid thusa ’n diugh leamsa dh’ ionnsuidh na cluich-Iomain ta gu bhi air a chumail sa bhaile-mhor-rioghail. Dh’ aonntuich e leatha sa chuis ged nach b’ ann le dheoin. Dh’ fhalbh iad le cheile, ’us ghabh iad an turus, agus air dhoibh teachd dluth do ’n bhaile chuaidh ise do aite uaignich, ach ghabh esan gun athadh gun aodenas, roimh aon neach uasal na an-uasal. Ach gam brudhadh ’us gam pronnidh thall sa bhos. Air chor ’us gum bu leis buaidh gach buille agus Bàir an la sin. Bha iad mar so car dha na tri do laithibh ’us casaid ur agus thrichd a ruidheachd cluasan an Righ air a ghille luideagach bhàn nach rabh fhios co, cia as da. B’ann mo am nan Nolluig a thachair na nithibhsa, ’us b’e Diluain-an t-sainnseail, an latha mor agus deirinnach don fheisd, agus don Iomain. Thuirt an Righ theid mise am phearsuinn fein a choimheadh air, agus chi mi ciod us coltas da. Us amhluidh bha thainig an Righ agus an gille-ban, agus Luas-Lurgunn a mhuime a geur choimhead air a garridh uaignich fein. Oir cha bheo dhealichidh i ris. Thoisich an gille ban an lathasa mar b’ abhaist. [Pedigree.] Ciod e ’n gille fionn ban ud ars an Righ tha mort sa marbhadh nan daoine. Na fanidh e agam fein chuirinn eudach, us earradh air, oir tha coltas foghuinntich air. Thuirt a mhuime ’us i tabhairt an deasachidh sin orra fein, le basibh gam bualidh eir a cheila, ag rà. O! eudail do na fearibh, b’ fhad’ thusa gun bhaistidh. Ach tha u ’n dingh air do bhaistidh da rireadh, agus ’us tusa sin Fionn Mac Cubhaill, mhic Ludich, mhic Treunmhoir, mhic Chlama Baoisga h-Eirinn a Righdh-leasan nich agus ard righ Eirinn fein ge do thugadh do choir uait le ainneart agus le h-eucoir, aich soirbhichidh leat agus gheibh u lamh an uachdar air do naimhdin, &c. Dh’ eirich i agus ri siubhal a ghabh i fein agus Fionn. Agus ri siubhal nan deidh a ghabh muintir an Righ a chois ’us do dh’ each, ’us chuir iad an ruaig agus an toir orra gu teann. Bha Luas-Lurgann a fas sgith agus fann ’us cha b’ urrinn i cumail ri Fiom ann an ruith. Air faicsinn so do dh’ Fhionn thog e chaillich air a ghualinn. Agus suil cha d’ thug e na dheidh, gus an d’ rainig e aite comhnuidh fein. Air leagail an Ealluich dha air làr cha rabh aige da mhuime lathair ach an da lurginn. Thug e urchair dhiubh air lar agus ghuil e gu goirt. Dh’ fhan e ’n oidhche sin mar bha e air a chlaoi’ gun bhiadh gun chadul. Air an ath-la thug e greis air smaointichadh ciod e dheanadh e oir bha e ann an iomachomhairle. Cha rabh a chridh aig aghidh a thoirt air aon aite leis am bu ghnath le mhuime bhi tathich. Dh’ fhalbh e air fainneoladh. Agus gun fhios gu math aige caite. Agus cam gach radhid dha ach gabhail seachad air Eas gam b’ ainm Eas-ruaidh, agus chunnaic e fear ag iasgach air an Eas, agus thubhairt. Fionn ris tha mi deir eisan ann a faillinn mhoir, tha mi guidh’ ort thoir dhamh beathach beag do na h-iasgibh sin a dh’ ichis mi. Cha tabhair, deir an t-isgair. Nam biodhidh tu cho mhath arsa Fionn agus gun cuireadh tu mach an t-slat air mo t-shealbhuidh. Rinn an t-iasgair sin agus air ball dh’ iasgaich e lan-bhradan; Cha toir mi ’m beathachsa dhuit tha e ro mhòr, agus ro mhath. Sann a than so iasg Righ. Nam biodh tu cho mhath ’us gun tuga tu dhomh fein an t-slat. Gheibh lhu sin ars an t-iasgar. Air do dh’ Fhionn an t-slat iasgaich fhaotinn, thilg e mach an dubhan agus tharinn e gu tior braddan a bha na bu mho, na braddan an iasgair. Cha ’n fhaod mi ’m beathachs’ thoir dhuit deir an t-iasgair, ach bheir mi beathach beag a’s ludha na so dhuit. Ach feuma tu rostadh air taobh eile an Eas, agus n connadh air an taobh so, agus ma bhios ball amh na loist’ air caillidh tu do cheann ris, agus ars an t-iasgair theid mise chadul, anus biodh e rosta man duisg mi. Ga d’ bu chruaidh so b’ fheudar aonntachadh leis. Thoisich Fionn air teinnidh fhaddadh ’us air an iasg a rostadh ’us chuaidh an t-iasgair a chadul. Bha Fionn ga th’ sharuchadh a brasnuchadh an teine sa rostadh an eisg, ach uair do na h-uairibh, dh’ eirich balg loist’ air a bhraddan, agus cho luath sa b’ urrinn da leig e mheur air ’us lois- [TD 38] gidh gu craimh e chuir e mheur na bheul le graddadh agus dh’ fhuair e fios an da shaoghail, mar a their iad. [Wisdom tooth.] Thuair e fios sa mhionaid sin gum b’e ’n t-iasgair a mharbh athair Fhinn ’us gum b’e Forca-Dubha-ainm an iasgair ’us gun rabh cloidheamh athair lamh ris ann am falach. Dh’ eirich e le cabhaig agus thuair e cloidheamh athair us thuge ’n ceann do dh’ Forca-Dubha ’us ri siubhal na dheidh sin ghabh Fionn sann uaidhe so a thuradh, sgreubhadh a bhradain ri Easruaidh, cha b’ fhuar e ’s cha bu teth. [The king’s law.] Air ball an deidh an ceann a thoirt dhe ’n iasgar, ghabh Fionn a thuras agus stad na fois cha d’ rinn e gus an d’ rainig Tigh a ghabhinn a sheannair. Bha e greis ga dhiomhacrachadh fein an tiogh a sheamair. Ach la do na laithibh chaidh caorich a ghobhinn do ghàradh an Righ. Dh’ orduich an Righ a cheathramh cas a ghearradh dheth gach aon dhiubh. Mas fior gu rabh ni arid aig an Riogh gam b’ ainm. Teamhair-nan-riogh, agus bha do Bhuaidhibh orra ge b’e uair a bheirta breith chlaon na eucorach gun tuitidh i sios chum an lair, gus an dugadh aon do ’n fhuil Rioghail breith cheart. Chruinnich iad gach sean-fhear agus gach duine gliochd san tior, ach cha d’fhuaradh nam measg neach a thug breith cheart na fhior. Ach chuaidh Fionn a mach gu aite folluiseach. [The verdict.] Agus thubhairt e ‘Barr na caorach, barr na Cluaineadh, da bharr abbuich, thun am buana: Tha ’n da bharr sin coslach re cheila, ’us breith na aghich sin cha tabhar ’m.’ Cho luath sa na briathribh a mach o bheul, dh’ eirich Teamhair nan Riogh. Bha iadsan uile bha lathir, lan chinntich gum b’ aon do ’n fhuil Rioghail an duine so a labhir na briathran leis an d’ eirich an Teamhair. Ghrad chuireadh an toir air gu, teann, ach ruith Fionn ’us cha b’ ann gu mall. Thuair e as orra gun bheud ’us phill an toir gun aite fein. Ghabh Fionn air aghaidh gun chadul gun fhois, agus cha deachaidh stad air a chois na lod as a bhroig gus an do ranuig e ceardach a shean-athir. Dhathnich an seann duine mar a bha. ’Se ni a smaointich e gun cuiridh e moran guail san teallach, agus piosan do sheann iarunn. Sin thoisich e air seididh nam balg, ’us air oibrichadh na sean iarunn, air chor ’us gun rabh do theas anabharrich ’us do shraddagibh anns a chearduich na chum an tòir gun a chroidh aca urid ’us seasamh mionaid ’n taobh stigh da dorsaibh. Bha Fionn car uine ga fholach fein air chul nam balg agus aig an am cheudna, tollidh a bhalla gus an d’ fhuair e as orra. Agus stad na fois cha do rinn e gus an do rainig e pathlis Riogh chuigibh-Colla’. Bha Eirinn na Cuigibh san uair sin. Bha Fionn car uine ann am pathlis an Rioghs’ gun aon neach a dh’ fhiosrachadh dheth co e, na cia as da. Bha e ga ghiubhlan fein gu ro fhaichdillich agus neo lochdach, mo dheiridh chuaidh a dheagh chliu, sa dheandas ma, gu cluasibh an Righ, agus se thachair na lorg sin gun d’ rinnidh e na ard steuart, agus na fhear iomchar dibh ’n Riogh. Se ni arid air ’n do shochdruich an Righ a mharbh athir Fhinn, agus a chomhairlich dhiomhair, gun rachadh an Righ na phearsunn, agus aireamh dhaoine leis, air feadh na h-Eirinn uile chum ainmeannan gach duine ghabail sios ann an sgriobhadh le mionnaibh, dh’-fheuch a fuigheadh e Fionn a mharbhadh, o nach rabh a nois a lathir don fhuil Rioghail ach e. [Cairbre.] An ceann da bhliadhn iomlan thainig Cairbre-Ruadh be sin a Righ a chasgair agus a dhithlarich cairdin athir Fhinn. Am fogus do phaithlis Riogh chuigeamh Colladh, far an rabh Fionn an uair sin na stubhart. Cha do dh’ fhiosruich Righ chuigheamh-Colla’ fhathast cia as do dh’ Fhionn, na cia b’ ainm dha. Rinn Fionn e fein aithnichte dha agus leig e ruina ris agus a dubhairt e. O! Righ ’us feudar dhamhsa teichidh as an aite so agus mo dhreuchd a lubhairt, oir ata ’m bàs am fogasg. ’S mise Fionn Mac Cubhaill, agus tha Cairbre-Ruadh agus a shluagh leis air mo thoir, oir cha d’ fhag e ach mis ’m aonar don fhuil Righail, gun a dhith-lathrichadh agus a sgrios. Tha e gu bhi ’n so a nochd, agus cha ’n urrinn thus, O! Righ mo thearnadh. Us duilich leam ars an Righ, gun rabh e na fhasan agum riamh, nach fiosrichinn do choigrich cia as da, na co e, gus an la ’m biodh e gam fhagail. Ach fan thusa agamsa, oir tha mi ’g iarruidh mile matheamhnis ort. An aite thus a bhi d’ sheirbhisich agamsa sann bu cheart dhlighach dhamhsa bhi am iochdran umhal dhuitse. Agus bheir mi m’ uile oidheirp air a chuis a leasachadh, agus air seasamh do chòrach. Agus thabhair a cheart aire nach h-innis u t ainm a dhaindeoin nas urra mise na a Righ eile dheanamh, oir ’us aithne dhuit fein ciod e mar a labhras tu, agus bidhidh mis’ am charid math air do chùl chum do choir fhaotinn dhuit. Mo dheiridh thainig an Righ ’us thoisich e air ainmin nan daoine ghabhail a sios. Bha Fionn air ais agus air aghich, ’us mo dheir-dh’ fheoruich Cairbre ciod e ainm. Dh’ fhreag air Fionn agus a dubhairt e. Tha mi nois da bhliadhn ’n seirbhis mo mhaighistir, agus cha do dh’ fhiosruich e co mi na ciod e mainm fathast. Agus bha sin na mhulad, agus na ogluidheachd leam, agus on a bha mi cho fhad na sheirbhis, cha ’n innis mi m’ ainm a nochd gun duais, agus cha choltach do ’m leithidsa do dhuine gun iarr mi ach ni nach ionndruinn thus. O! Righ gad dhith. An tabhair mi an toilichidh ud dha, arsa Righ chuige Colla, re Cairbre. Dh’ aonntich Cairbre leis. Us feudar dhamh sin fhaotin fud laimh scriobhte. Thuair e sin. Innis dhuinn t-ainn a nois deir na Righribh ris. Tha ni beag eile dhith orm chum gach ni choimlionadh, agus se sin gun cuir an Riogh a thainig a lamh ris mar fhiannuis gach ni dh’ iaras mi gu fuigh mi. Chuir Cairbre mar an ceudna a lamh ris. Thog Fionn am paipeir na laimh agus thubhairt e. [Pedigree.] Eisdibh agus tuigeamh ’s mise Fionn Mac Cubhail-ic-Lubhich-ic-Treunmhoir-ic-Chlanna-baoisc a h-Eirinn. Agus ard righ Eirinn fein agus a fior dhleasnach ge do thug thusa mo choir uam le h-eucoir agus le h-ainneart. Eirich as t-aite oir us leamsa e le coir cheart. Dh’ fhan Cairbre na thosd! Eirich arsa Righ-Chuiga-Colla mar a eirich thusa, eiridh mise. Cha ’n eirich arsa Fionn ’s math an airidh u fein air do chathir agus air do choir. Chuiridh Fionn na shuidhe air caithir Chairbre, agus mar sin sios. Chuir Righ-Chuige-Colla sluagh mor le Fionn agus e fein air an ceann, gus an d’ fhag e gu sochdrach sabhailte Fionn air Righ chathir athir fein gun bhàs fioir na gille. [Story of Cormac.] Rann ludhich-ic con athir Fhinn. Seachd bliadhma fichid gu fior, Bha Ludhadh mac con na Righ; Gun bhàs gun ghabhadh gun ghuin, Fior, mna na gille bha ’n Eirinn. Crioch. OISEIN AND PADRUIG. THE following fragments, P. P. P. O. O. Y. Z., tell in various ways part of a story which is very commonly told all over the Highlands now. It accounts for the presence of Oisein in St. Patrick’s house, and for the imperfect state of ‘The History of the Feinne.’ When ‘Peter Mac Alpin, would not believe Oisein, the old Hero threw all the history which Saint Peter had written from his dictation into the fire. Saint Peter’s wife, Oisein’s daughter, snatched the papers out of the fire, and saved all that remains of the history.’ This has been gravely told to me as true, over and over again, in Scotland. According to another story, ‘Dabhach’ was the name of Oisein’s wife, who was big, burly, and fat. When he was old and blind, they fell out. The old warrior threw a deer’s bone at her, and threw wide, upon which is founded the saying:— ‘Urchair an Doill mu ’n Damhaich:’ ‘The cast at the blind at the Damhach.’ The word probably meant ‘The Learned’ at first. It also means ‘The abounding in oxen or stags,’ and in later times it has come to mean ‘a Vat,’ which is feminine. The old Islay smuggler who told this to Hector Mac Lean converted the learned Saint and the poet’s wife into a ‘brewing vat.’ ‘So Julius Cæsar dead and turned to clay,’ &c. P. 3. MAR CHAILL OISIN A FAINNE. 12 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 35. Advocates’ Library, February 17, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. BHA Oisin na bhuachaill re cullach na meann aig Padruig agus aig a nighin. Bha e sin la ga ascich fein agus thug e mach an Sporan anns an rabh am fainne, agus chuir e air lar lamh ris e. Agus na dheidh sin chadil e. Thanig am Biatach air Iteaig a nuas as na Speuribh, us e air Faicsin Taip mhor dhearg shaoil leis gum b’ feoil a bha ann agus sgob e leis e dh’ ionnsuidh aneid far an rabh na h-eoin aig an uair sin. Agus thuair e rithist e’ nuair a chuir an Gille Blar odhar leis a chreig e. P. 2. MU SHEALG DHEIRINNICH OISIN. Same Scribe, &c. BHA Oisian na shean aois ann an Tigh a muigh na aonar ann am Baile gan ainm Gleann-caoin-fheoir an Sgithreachd Thorasa. Chuir Pàdruig agus nighean Oisian, cul ris, le ro mheud sa dhichidh e. Chur Padruig cuireadh air Oisin athir-ceila air latha arid chum feusd a dh’ umhluiche do dhream arid dheth na cairdibh. Chuir aon do na daoinibh oga, reasgach a bha nan suidh aig an fheusd, aig an rabh Calpa Feidh ga chreim, a cheist air [TD 39] Oisian a faca e riamh calpa feidh bu mho nan calp ud. Rug Oisin air a chalpa agus mheurich se e oir bha e na dhall an uair sin. Agus fhreagair e ’n t oganach, agus thubhairt e ris gu fac e calpa Luin moran ni bu mho, agus gum b’ aithne dha ’n aite ’n rabh e. Mar a bhi dith na Leirsin. O! se ’n t’ amadan truadh ars a nighin a fear ata tabhairt creideis dhuit led Bhosd agus led Bhriagaibh. Thug i an togail ghrad sin air Eachdraidh na Feinnidh bha sgriobht’ aig a companach Padruig, agus thilg i ’n t-iomlan ann am meadhoin ’n teinidh, agus chuaidh iad re theinidh, man do rug iad ach air ro bheag a shabhaladh dhiubh. Bha Padruig ro dhuilich air an son. Mata ars Oisin dearbhidh mise dhuibh, gur i ’n fhirinn ata agamsa. Agus a Phàdruig mo cheudichis tu dod mhac falbh leamsa lorga mi mach fathast Calpan Luin. Dh’ aonntuich Pàdruig a leigidh leis. Dhalbh Oisin agus mac Phàdruig, ga ’m b’ ainm an Gille-blar-odhar. Choisich iad gu iochdar Beinn an t-sealluidh, agus thog iad a mach ri achadh gan ainm Lurg Iarinn. Thubhairt Oisin re odha cid e laochain a thu nis a faichdinn, oir tha mi cluinntinn monmhor bruidhne. Tha ars odha daoine tha air Seisrich lamh rinn. Thoir mise laochain an rathid a tha iad; rinn odha mar a dh’ iarr e air. ’S math a gheibhar sibh fearamh ars Oisin. Tha sin a deanamh mar dhaodas sinn ars a na fioir. Thoir dhomh do lamh ars Oisin ris a chrann-aorean cha tabhair ars odha, ach tabhair an colltair’ as a chrann, agus tabhar dha e. Rinn an duine mar sin, agus ghlac Oisin ’n colltaire agus lùb e air a cheil’ e. Na dheidh sin thog iad a mach re ma am bradhadil, agus theirinn iad air Leitir Luin, air a bheil an t-ainm sin gus an la ’n diu’. Deir Oisin re odha bi furachair a faic u seana chraobh mhor dharuich agus cos na taobh. Thuair an Gille-blar-odhar i gun ro mhoran saothrich, le seoladh a Shean-athir. Chuir Oisin a lamh a stigh sa chòs ’us thug e mach as calpa ’n Luin. Dh’ imich iad rompa mach as a choillich. Seall a laochain ars Oisin a faic u cnoc mor anns a bhlar an iochdar na coille. Chi ars odha. Treoruich mis’ n sin ars Oisin. Se ainm a chnoic sa Ceann-a chnoc ain. Cnoc-fraorc bu ghnath leis an Fheinn a bhi a tathich gu tric ann sna linnibh roimhe sin. Ceart lamh ris a pholl na thiodhluichd Fionn athir Oisin an coire ris an canar gu an la ’n diu’ poll choir Fhinn. Thuigh iad air a chnoc agus ghabh iad mo thamh an sin re na h-oich’. Ghuidh Oisin gu duthrachdach gum biodh Biorach-Mac-Buidheag an t-aon chu bu dona bha riamh san Fheinn air a dheonuchadh dha. Mhosguil e mu dheiridh na h-aoich’ ’us e mothachadh trom air muin, a chos, agus dh’ athnich e gun d’ fhuair e athchuimhnich. Dh’ fhan e mar a bha aige gu briseadh na faire. Dhuisg Oisin an Gille-blar-odhar, agus thug Oisian eibh na iolach mhor as chuir geilt-chrith air gach creutair gluasadach a bha anns na coilltichin man cuairt dha. Ciod e chi u ars Oisin ris a Ghille-bhlair-odhar? Tha mi faicsinn aireamh lionmhor do chreutairibh beaga seanga ruadha. Leigidh sinn seachad iad sin deir Oisin. Cha ’n eil a sin a Laochain ach sliochd na Luaithe-Luinnich. Thug Oisin an ath-èidh as. Ciod e nois a cha thu laochain. Chi mi ars odha na h-urid do bheathichibh seanga donna. Tha sin sliochd na Deirge-Dasnuiche. Leig sin seachad fathasd. Thug e an treas èidh as Dh’ fheoruich e da odha ciod e bha e faicsinn. Tha mi faicsinn ars odha moran de fheidhibh troma-donna. Bis tuig Biorachmachd buidhaig. Re siubhal a ghabh an cu agus mharbh e seachd lan daimh. Bi furachail a laochain a faic u ’n cu a tighin. O! chi mis e ars an Gille-blarr-odhar agus a chraos fosgailt. Cha neil mo chuileins buidhich seilge fathasd agus marbhich e sinne. Ach feuch a stiur thusa mo lamhs a stigh na bheul nuair a thig e ’m fogasg. Rinn e mar a dh’ iarr Oisin air, agus chuir e lamh na chraos ’us mharbh se e. Tha’ air a nois mi far a fac u na feidh a tuitim. Chruinnich e leis iad air mullach a ghualinn ’us air uallich a dhroma, gus an ruiga e ’n cnoc air an do chaidil iad an oiche roimh sin. Chuir iad suas an turhach. Chruinnich iad connadh. Chuir iad na feidh as beoin. Thog Oisin Coir Fhinn athir as a pholl ’us bhruich iad na feidh. Nois a laochain ars Oisin ri odha fan thusa fad na laimhe uamsa man ich mi thu ’n richd toitein. Mo gheibh mise mo leoir an diugh cha bhi dith na failinn ortsa rid bheo. Ma b’ fhior na fuidhidh e leoir an la sin gum fàsadh e ogail, laidir, neartmhor treubhach. Bha ’n fhagails aiga on leannan Shith. Bha crios ma mheadhoin air son a bhrù theannachadh air a cheila. Bha naoi (1) tinnachan dhethn chrios sa air a chuir seach a cheila, man do thoisich e air itha nam fiadh. Dh’ fheumadh e fhaoitinn do shithinn na lionadh a bhrù ’n sin biodh an crios ann an ruidhidh gus an tinne b’ fhaide mach. Ach nair chunic an Gille-blar-odhar nach rabh coltas air Oisin gum fagadh e fuighlich, sgriob e leis pios mor do na bha air beulthaobh a Shean-athir, agus chuir e sud air a thaobh fein. Dhith Oisin na bha aig an uair sin ach cha rabh e air a shasuchadh. Dh’ ionndrain e na thug odha leis, agus thubhairt e. O! laochain us ro olc thuaras du na faga du an t-iomlan agam bhithinn cho mhath sa bha mi riamh. Thiodhlaichd Oisin an coir ann am poll choir-Fhinn. Ghluais e fein agus odha chum pillidh do Ghleann-caoin-fheoir, ach se chomhairl’ chinn an ceann odha Oisin gu feuchadh e fuidhidh o Oisin a shean-athir a chuir le craig. Chomhairlich a mhathir dha ro laimh sin a dheanamh. Threoruich se e gu bruaich Uiridh-Bhiatich ris an gaorir gu cummanda nois Uiridh ’n-fhithich, agus dh’ fhag e sud e. Thuit e leis a chraig agus stad e meadhoin na h-uiridh. Bha e car uine mam buirinn dha gluasad, ach cho luath sa chuir e ’m preathal sin seachad thoisich e air meurachadh man cuairt da gus an d’ fhuair e fainne dhealluich ris uine roimhe so. Nois sann o Leanna sith a thuair e ’n toisich e. Bha do bhuaidh air nach cailidh e radharc agus nach fuidhidh e bas. Thanic e ’n sin dhathic, le fhainne agus le calpa ’n Luin, agus mar a thubhairt e rin man d’ fhalbh e, us amhluidh b’ fior, be calpa ’n Luin moran bu mho. P. 4. PADRUIG A’ TOGAIL TIGHE Same Scribe, &c. Part of a Legend localised in Mull. The church is specified in Ireland. According to the rest of the story, it ought to be a church on the Hill of Allen, in Ireland, or on Tara. BHA Padruig uair a togail tighe, agus aireamh do dhaoinibh aige, sea na seachd deug do dhaoine foghainntich, bha cleach mhor an sin nach rabh an t-iomlan do na bha lathir nan-urrinn a chur ceart san Tigh. Nan duga’ sibh dhamhs ars Oisin ri Pàdruig, biadh na sea-fear-deug chuirinn a chlach ceart am aonar. Mata gheibh thusa sin arsa Padruig agus ’us math an airidh air thu. Thuair Oisin biadh chuig-fear-deug, chum a nighin biadh fior as. Dh’ich Oisin na thuair e, us dh’ athnich e gun do chumadh pairt dheth. Dh’ eirich e us chairich e chlach, ach dh’-fhag e aomadh orra mach as a bhalladh. Thuirt iad ris nach rabh a chlach ceart fathast. Tha fios agam, ach mar tha bidhidh i uamsa no fuidhinns a biadh na sea-fear-deug, chuir mi chlach ceart, ach a nois tha i ’n sin agabh, agus deanibh fein a caramh mar as aill leibh. Bha chlachsa ri faichdsin ann an Gleann canoir, gus o chionn da bhliadha, bha clachfhearin a togail pairce agus bhris iad a chlach sa sios na bleidhibh le h-ord. O. 31. MAR FHUAIR OISEAN A SHEALLA. 56 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 139. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 1, 1872. Part of the same story about the books made metrical. 1 RACHAMAID deire ro Ghille, Gu mulach an fhirich thud thall; ’S aithne dh’ an fhiagh an t-slighe, Comharaich damh alluidh nan crann. 2 Seol mo shaighead ’na charaibh, ’S ’gu faigheam mo fhradharc air ball; Thainig na Feidh gu h-ualach, Bhuail Oisean damh alluidh nan stang. 3 Cro ’n teine le leacaibh, Faigh an coire ’s dreachaire colg; Gear am Fiadh na mhiribh beaga, Bruich e gu deimhin na bholg. 4 Na blais a shuth, na blais a shithinn; ’S thig mo neart ’s mo shealla gun chealg; Uirichidh m’ aois mar fheur na macharach, Bidheam luath mar fhiadh cheumach ard. 5 ’S ioma beum a fhuair Oisean, Agus gath a dh’ fhan na fheoil; O Linn doghruinn airde tuath, Tha mo shuil ar leonta creuchda. 6 Dh’ fhalbh mo leirsean le sean aois, Eolas no leigheas bh’ aig mo shinnsir; Biodh san tim so dhomh gu caoin, Sudh na h-eilid seoladh ’n rathad, ’S gheibh mo radharc mar mo dhaoin. (1) Tuill. [TD 40] 7 An leighis ulluichta gu grad, Fhuair Oisean a fhradharc, u’il; Bha na beanntan ciar dhubh lachdann, ’S na coilltean gun chleachd gun tur. 8 Dh’ fheuch e tuille dhe ’n leigheas, ’S dh’ fhalbh gach brethal bha dlu; Ach fhathasd bha chreuchdan sileach, Leis gach gath mille na thaobh. 9 Bhlair e ’n Conraich shudhar shladghach, Thuit gath ’s gath caol ri caol; Ach dh’ fhuirich aon gu daingean tearuinte, Dh’ aindeoin fiachann sudh an fheidh. 10 A Ruadh ’s olc a rinn thu oirnn, Bhlais thu sudh an fheidh romham; Cha do bhlais mi sudh an fheidh, Thuirt an Ruadh gu ladarna dana. 11 Bhlais thu sudh an fheidh, Thuirt Oisean an cainnt ghrada; Cha leigheas mo chreuchdan gu brath, Thuit gach gath o ’m thaobh ach aon. 12 Och mo raon ’s truagh mi noch, Nan geilleadh tu dom’ ghuth; Cha bhithinn gun luth gun treoir, Thuiteadh gach gath aon mar aon, ’S bhitheadh mo thaobh gu fallain beo. 13 A Ruaidh is bochd a rinn thu orm, Tha mi nochd gun cholg gun treoir; Tha thu nochd gun tuar, gun treoir, Cha mhair an aois beo gu brath. 14 ’S maith dhuit gu ’n d’ fhalbh gach gath, Ach an aon nach sgar ach bas; Fossa! fossa! ort a Ruaidh, ’Se d’ ghliocas gun truaigh, gun tur. Bheir Beal dhomhsa slainnte luath, ’S fhathasd ruaigidh fiadh san Dun. I do not think that Ossian ever composed this, though I received it under his name. I would not, however, speak with certainty. (Dr. IRVINE’s note, about 1800.) O. 32. MAR CHAILLEADH EACHDRUIDH NAM FIANN, NO ANACREIDEAMH PHADRIC, ON DON CHEUDNA. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 142. 63 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. 1 LA gu ’n robh Selma air sunt, Is Oisean na mhur a steach; Thainig ’na choir Mac Alpin liadh, ’S dh’ fhiaraich ciod bu mhiann na theach? 2 Is dh’ fhalbh an Fheinn guntuar gun chlin, Mar shneachd o’n tur a mach; Cha d’ fhalbh an Fheinn a shean fhir liath, ’S beag orm do cheil gun thachd. 3 ’S ioma latha thug sibh sealg, Oisein, air bharraibh ard nam fiadh; Seadh, Mhic Alpin na binn ghloir; San ait leam do cheol gun mhiadh. 4 ’S breagh am fiadh thair a bhord, Oisean ’s boiche sgiamh (1) ’S moth a chos na damh alluidh, C’ait an d’ fhas a leithid riamh? 5 Leig dhiot do bhaghail Phadric mhaoil, Chunncas lon nach b’ aogas da; Ma ’s ionann do sgeul air an Fheinn Cha bhi mi fein nis faid a’ d’ dhail. 6 Led ran teine, gach tamh loig faoin, (2) ’S breugach do mhaoin Oisein dhoill; Na loisg gach sgeul, ’s filidh dhan, Mo thruaighe, cha laithair do Ullin gaoil. 7 Cha lathair do Charull binn guth beoil, Cha lathair do Oran, brigh gach form; . . . . . 8 Cha lathair do Fheargus cliu gach ceoil, Cha lathair do Ainnir, mor, no Sonn; O Chuthail, faic mo bheud, Tiormaich Mo dheur gun iochd. 9 A Threunmhor tog mo lure broin, A Luthainn, thig a’m’ choir a nochd; O nach robh mi ’n Innis chuin, Mar ri Ebhir run mo chridhe. 10 Mar ri Oscar ceann gach cliar, Mar ri Fionn briathar gach ni; Dh’ fhalbh mo spionna ’s mo threoir, ’S tha mi nochd, mar cheò gun tir. 11 Thoir mi, Ruaidh, gu coill nan geug, Far an tric a dh’ eugh an lon; Gu crann daraig uasal ard, O ’n tric a leag mi gradh nan con. 12 Sin feucham, a Phadric, gun eol, Nach faoin ghloir mo sgeul a nochd; Rainig iad a choill an truir, Oisean an cu, ’s for, 13 Padric thainig nan deigh, Mar fhear gun eric, gun choir, Fhuaras an lon dubh ciar dhubh, Le saighead dian o luinne eille. 14 Shoillsich leus air anam Oisein, Thainig osna grad O Chliabh; An creid thu Mhic Alphin gun chonn, An d’ innis Oisean bonn gun chlith. 15 An ionann do sgeulsa ri so, Faiceam do sgoil san fhrith; ’S olc a rinn mi Oisein fheil, Dean rium baigh do sgeul tha ’m dhith, 16 Mo sgeulsa cha ’n fhaigh thu gu brath, A bha fhir gun tur, gun chlo; Gabh do leabhar leathann ban Sid am fath a mhill mo cheol. O ’n aon cheudna. These two I take to be modern metrical versions of the old story told above.—J. F. C. THE HISTORY OF THE FEINNE. THE slaying of Cumhall, the birth of Fionn, and other current prose stories about Art and Cormac, and the battles of Magh Muchdram, and Crinna, when studied by the light of Keating’s History, drop into their places. They are told in the reciters’ Gaelic words. I will tell them in my English words, in their order. The Story about Oisein and Padruig is at least as old as 1512. The ballads were strung on this string before Dean Mac Gregor’s time; but nobody ever wrote them all in order. I place first:—The religious argument which proves itself to be a Christian’s work, by the absence of every sign of the Pagan’s creed. It must be confessed that the Christian imagined a strong Pagan character in this very strange old ballad. I have the following versions:— A. 5. 6. 139 lines, taken from different parts of the Book, 1512, joined, divided into quatrains, and numbered. F. 5. about 1750. 132 lines. D. 4. 146 lines. Dated 1762. H. i. 284. About 1774. L. i. 105. 1784. O. 17. 122. About 1800. In 1857, John Hawkins Simpson published, p. 42, a translation from a MS. procured in Kerry, by a Mr. J. O. Sullivan. In 1859, the Ossianic Society of Dublin published Irish and English on opposite pages, with notes. These two are very long versions. They take in many ballads, and differ materially from each other. But, nevertheless, all these contain verses which were in A. 350 years ago. I print A. D. F. H. O., which all vary. To save space and cost, I do not print L. J. R. Dr. Young’s version, L., is in the first volume of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy. Hill’s version is compared with it by the Irish collector. R. Dr. Donald Smith quotes Hill’s version. The object of all then concerned was to prove or disprove the authenticity of Mac Pherson’s Ossian. ‘Malvina’ is the equivalent of ‘an Damhach,’ Ossian’s wife, now ‘the Vat’; of old ‘the Learned’—to wit, ‘the Saint,’ to whom the blind bard is made to tell the story. The Polemics which follow, I have never heard orally repeated. Mac Lean has heard old Islay men talking over Oisein’s wickedness. A WIL NEEWA AG FANE EYRRIN? A. 5 and 6. A HOUDIR SO OSSIN McFINN. 139 lines. 1 INNIS downe a phadrik Nonor a leyvin A wil neewa gi hayre Ag mathew fane eyrrin (1) Bian. (2) Lamh. [TD 41] 2 Veyriss zut a zayvin A ossinn ni glooyn Nac wil neewa ag aythyr Ag oskyr na ag goolle 3 Ach is troyg ni skayl Channis tuss cleyrry Mis danew chrawe Is gin neewa ag fane eyrrin 4 Nac math lat a teneir Vee tow si caythre Gin keilt gin noskyr Weith far zutt is taythyr 5 Beg a wath lwmsi Wee ym hew si caythree Gin keilt gin noskyr Weith far rwm is maythir 6 Is farr gnwss vec neyve Re agsin raa am lay Na wil doyr si grwnnith Vea aggit gi hymlane 7 Innis dwne a halgin Skayli ni caythryth noya Verinsi zut gi hayre Scaylli cath gawrraa 8 Ma sea skayll ni cathrych Zeawris tuss a hannor Gin netow gin nagris Gin nenkis gin nanehoyve 9 Ka id muntir neyve Is oyssil fayne eyrrin Vil kroyss na gree Na deilli sead cleyrri 10 Ni heynin is ni fane Ni cosswil eayd ree cheyll Neir zlass glayrre Wea geyrre sprey 11 Er zraw tenni phadrik Na fagsi ni demyh Gin nis di ree noya Ber a steach ni fayni. 12 Ga beg a chwle chronanych Ni in dad one zat zryme Gin nis din re woralych Ne rey fa wil a skaye 13 Ne hay sin di v‘cowle Re math we sin ne faynow, Rachteis fir in doythin ’N a thigh wle gin nearri 14 Is troygh lwm a henor Is how in derri teissi Cha chorymich a wra sin Ver how er mi reissi 15 Barr in chath layddir Verri fenni ny fayni Na di hearnyth crawe Is tow feyn lay cheill 16 Bog sin a henor A ne an coyra bolla Is far dea re hynlay Na fayne errin olla 17 Ga taring mi layis Is me derri meissi Phadrik na toythr ayhis Er mathew clynni beiskni 18 Ne hurrinn zwt aythris Ossin vc in reayne Ach nath innyn far mathis Agis flathis mi heyarni 19 Di marra aggwm conane Far mewlass ni fayni Ne legfe layd wnnill di Chomis a cleyrri 20 Na habbir sen a ossin Is anmein di wrayrri Be fest gi fostynich Is gawe hugit me ryilt 21 Da wacca ni catha Is ni braddiche grast Ne wee ane reid id ter Ter ach moyir ni fayni 22 Ossin vc ni flaa Mest tanmyn a beithyll Na cwne ni cath Cha nil ag asling sin seill 23 Da glun ni gyir Is meith ni shealga Bar lat wee na warri Na wea si chaythir noya 24 Troyg sin a henor Is meithur ni schelga Faychin gi honnor Za wil si chaythir noa 25 Na habbir sin a phadrik Is fallow di wrayrri In deggow sin daynyth Barr finn is no fayni 26 Er a lawe vc eweissni Ne fallow mi wrarri Is farr angil din di hanglew Na finn is ni faynyth 27 Da beanyth mir a weissith A gath zawryth ni beymin Di zelin in demis Ver tow er ayne errin 28 Dimmyth di wor zail Er cath di heill Ni warrin did choyth lawyth Ach how neiss a tenour 29 Da marri mi zenissi Ne estin di choyllane Is zoywo di hemoo In narrik di choyrra 30 Da mardeis sin ulli Si goynith ra cheilli Ne wea mi holli lwe Re vii caithe ni fayni 31 Vii fegthit urrit Urrit vil tuss zi cleyrrew Di huttideis sin ulli Lay oskir na henyr 32 Ta tou in der di heill A henor gin cheyll Scur a neiss id wreysrow Is be fest zim rayr 33 Da wacca in lwcht cogthoill A v‘fin in alvin Ne raacha za gomor Re muntir ni caythre noya 34 Aggis ner low ir dynoyll Nor heg most gow tawri Sanossil ni braythryth Fane woory zi rynis Mathwm zwt a cleyrre Di sgeul na hynnis. Innis down. D. 4. URNIDH OSSAIN. 1762-3. 146 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, May 3, 1872. 1 AILLIS Sgeil, a Phadric, An Onnair do Lebhidh, A bheil neibh gu harrid, Aig Fianibh na Herin. 2 Bheirnnsa Briar dhutsa Ossain nan Glonn, Nach heil Neibh aig Tathir, Aig Oscar na aig Goll. 3 ’S olc an Sgeil a Phadric, A haggad ’dhos’, a chlerich, Com am Bithimse ri Crabhidh Mar heil Neibh aig Fianibh Erin. [TD 42] 4 Nach Doinnigh shin, Ossain, Fhir nan Briaribh baoille, ’S gum bearr Dia re aoin Uair, Na Fian Erin uille. 5 Bearr leum aoin Chath laidir Chunigh Fion na Feine Na Tighearn’ a Chrabhaidh shin, Agus Ussa ’Chlerich. 6 Ge begg a Chuil’ chronanich Agus Monaran na Greine Gun Fhios don Riogh Mhoralich Cha deid fo Bhiligh a Sceigh. 7 N’ saoil u ’m biunnin E ’s Mac Cubhail An Riogh ’bhagguin air na Fianibh, Dhede gach Neich bha air Hallibh Dol na Tsheolle sin gun iarridh. 8 Ossain! ’s fadde do Tshuain, Erich a suas ’s eist na Sailm Fon chaill u nish do Lu ’s do Rath ’S nach cuir Cath ri La gairbh. 9 Ma chaill mi mo Lu ’s mo Rath, ’S nach mairin Cath a bhaig Fion, Do ’d Chleirsnichd, ’s beg mo Speis, ’S do Cheoil eisdichd nin fiach liom. 10 Cha chual u co-math mo Cheoil, Fo hùs an Doibhin bhoir gus a nochd, ’S ha u aoiste ann’-ghlioc Lia, Fhir a dhiligh Cliar air Chroc. 11 ’S trioc a dhiol mi Cliar air Chroc, Illigh-phadric as olc Ruin. ’Se gair dhuitsa ’chain mo Chruit Fon nach duair U Guth air hus. 12 Chualas Ceol os cion do Cheoil, Ga mor a Bholis du do Chliar; Ceoil air nach luigh Letrom Laoich, Faothir builk ai gan Ord Fian. 13 Mara tshuigh Fion air Cnoc, Heinne mid port do ’n Ord Fian, Chuirridh nan Caddil na Sloigh, ’S ochoin bu bhinn’ e na Chliar. (1) 14 Smeorich bhegg dhuth fo Ghleann Smàil, Faothir nan Bàse rish an Tuinn, Heinnigh midde lethidh puirt, ’S bha shin fein ’s air Cruit ro bhinn. 15 Bha 13 Gaothir dheig Fionn Leigidh midde ri Gleann Smàil, ’S bu bhinnigh Glasgheirm air Conn Na do Chlaig’ a Chlerich chaibh. 16 Cuide ruinne Fion air Dia A riar Chliar agus scôil, Hug e La air pronnigh Oir ’S an ath Lo air Meothir Chonn. 17 Aig meid Fhinthir ri Meothir Chon, ’S e dioligh Scoil gach aoin La, ’S aig luthad Eisamail ri Dia, Nois ha Fion nan Fian an Laibh. 18 ’S gann a chreidas mido Sceil, A Chlerich, le’d Leobhar bàn, Gun bithidh Fion na cho fial Aig Duinne na aig Dia an Laibh. 19 Ann an Iffrin ha e ’n Laibh Fear le ’n Sath bhi pronna Oir, Air son a Dhimais air Dia, Chuir iad e ’n Tigh pian fo Leon, (2) 20 Na ’n bigh Clanne Morni ’Steach, ’S clainni Baoisge na Fir Threin, Bheirre midd Fion a mach Na bhigh an Teach aguin fein. 21 Coige Choiginibh na Herin ma sheach, ’S hair Leatsa gur mor am Feim, Cha duga sin Fion a mach, Gad bhigh an Teich agibh pein. 22 Nach math an Tait Iurne fein, A Chlerich gan leir an Scoil, Nach co math i ’s flaitheas De Ma dheothar int’ Feigh as Coin. 23 Bha mise La air Sliagh Boid, Agus Caoilte bu chruaidh Lann, Bha Oscar ann ’s Goll nan Sleigh, Donil nan Fleigh raoin fo ’n Ghleus, Fion Mac Cubhil Corbta Bhrigh, Bha e na Riogh os air Cion. 24 Tri Micibh ard Riogh nan Scia, Bu bhor am Mian air dol Tshealg, A Phadric nan Bachil fial, Cha leigge mid Dia os air cion. 25 Bu bheic liom Diarmad o Duine Agus Fearreas bu bhinn Gloir, Na ’m bo chead leat mi gau luaidh Chlerich nuaidh a heid do ’n Roi. 26 Com nach cead Com u gan luaidh, Ach hoir tairigh gu lua air Dia; Fon ha nois Deirigh air Taois, ’S cuir dod Mhaoigh t-sheanfhir Le. 27 A Phadric, ma hug u cead Air beggan a labhairt Duin Nach aidich u (mas cead le Dia) Flath nan a ghra air Hus. 28 Cha dug misshe Comas duit, Tshean Fhir chuirt agus u lia. Bear Mac Muire re aoin Lo, Na Duinne gan danig riabh. 29 Nar ro math aig neich fon’ Ghrein Gu ’m bear e fein na mo Tshriach Mac muirnich nach deitich Cliar Cha leiggidh e Dia os a chionn. 30 Na coabhid ussa Duinne ri De, Tshein-fhir Le, na brennich e, ’S fadde fo ’n hanig a Neirt As marrigh e ceart gu brach. 31 Choadinse Fion nan Fleigh, Ri aoin neich t-sheoil san Ghrein Cha ’diar riabh ni air neich ’S cha bho dheir e neich ma (1) Ni 32 Bheiramid sheic Cathin Fichid an Fhian Air Shean Druim Cliair a Muigh Cha duga mid Urram do Dhia Na dhaoin (2) Triach (3) a bha air bith. 33 Sheic Caithibh fiochid dhuibhse nar Fein. Cha do chreid shibh ’n De nan dul Cha bharrin Duinne gar Slioc ’S cha bheo ach Richd Ossain Uir. 34 Cha ne shin bu chaorich ruin Ach Turis Fhin a dhol don Roi Cummail Cath-ghaure leoin fein Bha e cluidh air Fein gu mor. 35 Cha ne shin chluidh shibh uille ann A Mhic Fionn fo ’n gear gu ’d Re, Eist ri Raigh Riogh nan Bochd, ’S iar uss’ a nochd Neibh dhuit fein. 36 Comrich an da Aibsdail deig Gabhigh mi dho fein an Diugh Ma rein misse pecca trom Chuir an Cnoc na ’n Tom a Muigh. Crioch. Note on the manuscript. (4) ‘Hoiran Eichdrigh Mhaistir Donil Ha Choinigh an Cois na Tuinne—(viz. Lismore), An Urnigh bha aig Ossain Liaghlas Nach ro riabh ach na’ dhroich dhuinne.’ ‘The above stanzas were compos’d by Duncan Riach Mac Nicol, in Glenorchy, commonly called Modern Ossain.’ Laa shiûthil slethigh dho. (Fragment.) &c. &c. &c. (All deleted.) (1) Or Chlian. (2) Bhron. (1) Or ona. (2) Or Chaoin. (3) Chliar. (4) In ‘The Gaidheal’ (No. 4, p. 84, Glasgow, 1872) this version is printed in different orthography, from Mac Nicol’s manuscripts, which I sorted in 1871. Hill’s ‘version J., mentioned in a note as inaccurate,’ was printed from the manuscript of the Dalmally Blacksmith of 1784. I print from a copy of Mac Nicol’s MS. D., and from Dr. Mac Lauchlan’s reading of A., and from Fletcher’s MS. F. I have no confidence in any orthography, and believe that no two men now alive would agree as to spelling a page dictated in any one of the vernacular dialects of Gaelic now spoken. [TD 43] F. 5. URNUIGH OISAIN. 132 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 9. Advocates’ Library. Feb. 2, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NA OISAIN AGUS PATRIC MACALPIN AIG TAGRADH RA CHEILE. OISAIN. 1 INNIS dhuinne, ’Phàdruic, Air onoir do leubhaidh; ’Bheil neamh gu h-àraidh, Aig Maithibh Fiann na Feinne. PATRIC. 2 Dh’ inninse sin dhuitsa, Oisain nan glond; Cha’ neil neamh aig t-athair, Aig Osgar no aig Goull. OISAIN. 3 ’S olc an sgeula àraidh, Tha agad dhuinn’ a Chleirich; Com am bithinnse ri crabhadh, Mur ’eil neamh aig Maithibh Fiann na Feinne. PATRIC. 4 Oisain gur fada do shuain, Eirich suas is eisd na sailm; Chaill thu nis do luth ’s do rath, ’S cha chuir thu cath ri la-garbh. OISAIN. 5 Mu chaill mi mo luth ’s mo rath, ’S nach cuir mi cath ri la-garbh; Do d’ chleirsneach gur beag mo speis, ’S de cheol eisdeachd m ’m fiach leom. PATRIC. 6 Nior chual tu co-maith mo cheoil, Bho thùs an domhunn mhoir gus a’ nochd; ’S tha thu aosda ana-ghlic liath, Thir a dh’ ioladh cliar air cnoc. OISAIN. 7 ’S tric a dhiol mi cliar air cnoc, ’Iulla Phàdruic is olc run; ’S eucor dhuit a chain mo chruth, Bho nach d’ thuair mi guth an tùs. PATRIC. 8 Chualas ceol bu bhinne na d’ cheol, Ge mor a mholas tu do chliar; Ceol air nach luigh leatrom laoich Faobhar cuilg ris an ord Fiann. OISAIN. 9 N’ ar a shuidhe Fionn air cnoc, ’S a sheinneadh è port don ord Fiann; Gu ’n cuireadh è chadull na sloig, ’S och-òin bu bhinne è na do chliars. 10 Smeoraiche bheag Ghlinne-smail, ’S faothar na barr ris an tom; Is sheinneadh-midne leò puirt, ’S bha sinn fhìn ’s air cruit ro-bhinn. 11 Bha da ghaodhar-dheug aig Fionn, ’S leigeamaid iad re Gleann-smail; ’S bu bhinne leam prosnuich air con, Na da chluigse Chleirich àigh. 12 Ach ciod a rinn Fionn air Dia, Rinn è rian chliar agus sgolp; Thug è latha ri pronnadh oir, ’S an ath-la ri meathair chon. PATRIC. 13 Se miad ’ur ruighe ri meathair chon, ’S bhi diola’ sgolp gach aon la, ’S gun urram a thoirt do Dhia, Anis tha Fionn nam Fiann an laimh. OISAIN. 14 ’S olc a chreideas mi do sgeul, A Chleirich le d’ leabhar bàn; Gu biodh Fionn Mac Cuthail no cho fial, Aaig duine na aig Dia ann laimh. PATRIC. 15 Tha è ’n ifrinn ann an laimh, ’M fear le ghna bhi pronna’ òir; ’S thaobh miad a dhi-meas air Dia, Chuirte è ’n tigh pian fu’ bhron. OISAIN. 16 N’ am biodh Clanna-Baoisge a steach, ’S Clanna Moirne nam fear trein; Bheireamaidne Fionn a mach, Neo bhiodh an teach again fein. PATRIC. 17 Maithean na Feinne ma seach, Leasta ge bu mhor an t-euchd; Cha tugadh sud Fionn a mach, Ni mo bhiodh an teach agaibh fein. OISAIN. 18 Is ciod è an t aite ifrinn fein, A Chleirich a lèubhas an sgoil; Nach bu co-maith è ri flaitheas De, Na faigheamaid ann fèidh is coin. PATRIC. 19 Ge beag a chu’ ill chronnanach, Is mònaran na grèine; Cha theid gun fhios don Righ mhoralach, Fu’ bhar bhilibh a sgeidhsan. OISAIN. 20 Cha b’ ionnan è ’s Fionn mac Cuthail, An Righ bh’ againn air na Fiannaibh; Dh’ fhaodaodh Tr an dombunn, Dol na thallasan gun iarraidh. PATRIC. 21 Na coi-meas thus duine ri Dia, ’Sa shean fhir leith na breithnich è; ’S fhad bho thainig a reachd, Is seasmhaidh a cheart gu la bhra. OISAIN. 22 Choi-measainse Fionna mac Cuthail, Ri aon neach a sheall sa ghrèin; Cha d’ iarr e riamh ni air neach, ’S cha mhò dh’ eur è neach mu ni. 23 Thug sinne latha air sliabh Bhòid, Bha Caoilte am ’s bu chruaidh a lamh; Osgar agus Gòull nan sleagh, Diarmad on Mhaoth ’s Fraoch on Ghleann. 24 Fionn mac-Cuthail bu mhor prìs, Bha è na Righ oirn san àm; ’S a Chleirich nam bachull fiall, Cha leigeamaid Dia bhos air cionn. PATRIC. 25 ’Se sin a chuir as dhiubh riamh, Nach do chreid sibh ’n Dia nan dul; ’S cha mhairthean duine d’ar sliochd, ’S ni beo ach riochd Oisian ìur. OISAIN. 26 Cha b’e sin a chuir as dhuinn, Ach turus Fhinn ’dhol don Roimh; Bhi cuir cath araid leinn fein, ’Se chuir as d’ ar Feinn gu mòr. PATRIC. 27 ’S olc leam sin ’uaitse Oisain, Fhir nam briathra’ bòile; ’S gum b’ fhearr Dia ri aon uair, Na Fiann na Feinne uile. OISAIN. 28 B’ fhearr leamsa aon chath laidir A chuireadh Fiann na Feinne; Na Tighearna a chràbhaidh sin, Is thusa a Chleirich [TD 44] PATRIC. 29 Eisd ri radhadh Righ nam bochd, Is iarr a nochd neamh dhuit fein; ’S bhon tha deire tighinn air t aois, Tog dod’ mhaois a shean fhir leith. OISAIN. 30 Bu bheachd leam bhi tighinn air Diarmad. ’S air Fearghus bu bhinne gloir; Na bu chead leat mi gan luaidh, Chleirich nuadh ’theid don Roimh. PATRIC. 31 Com nach cead leam thu gan luaidh, Ach thoir aire gu luath air Dia; ’S bho tha crioch a teachd air t-aois, Tog do d’ bhaosig a shean fhir leith. 32 (1) Cha tugainse atha do neach, Leis bu dochadh mi fein na me chliar, Mhac muirnich a chualas riamh; Ach Flath nam Fiann a raite air thus. 33 Comraich an da-abstail-deug, (2) Gabhamsa dhomh fein a nochd; ’S ma rinn mise peacadh trom, Biodh è an slochd nan tam nan cloich. H. 1. THE DIALOGUE. 234 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 168. Advocates’ Library, January 3, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THERE was none alive of the Heroes at last but Ossian only, and one of his daughters married to Peter Mac Alpin, or rather St. Peter, who came from Rome to learn the Christian Religion to the Inhabitants of Ireland (to which he addressed all these Poems). And St. Patrick was endeavouring to learn his father-in-law all the principles of Religion, which was very hard to do in his old age, when all his faculties and senses waxed weak by decay and sorrow. Sometimes he had some regard for it, and some other times he would not stay to hear it; it would be as bitter to his ears as the Worm-wood and Gall to his tongue, and he would rather to sing his own Poems than the Psalms of David, and he thinks them to be nothing in comparison to his own melodious songs. He asked one day of St. Peter were all the Heroes in Heaven, and he said that they were not, and they disputed a while about that; St. Peter was still admonishing him to believe in God and to give over his foolish talking, and not to have such an opinion of God, untill he made him pray at last to the Apostles, which confirms that it was after Christ’s death then, when he asked pardon of his sins from them. DAN 29. 1 INNIS dhamhsa Phádraig, O’ onoir a dheadh leabhidh; Am bheil neo’ gu h árraid Ag uaisle fearadh Eirann? 2 ‘Bheireamsa dearbha dhuitsa, Oisain nan glonn; Nach ’eil neo’ aig d’Athair, Aig Oscar no aig Goll.’ 3 ’S olc an sgéul a Phádraig, A th’ agad dhamhsa Chleirich; C’ ar son a bhitheamsa re crabhadh, Mar bheil neo’ aig Fiantidh Eirann. 4 ‘S górach leam sin Oisain, Fhir nam briathraibh bailaisg; ’S gu b’ fhearr Dia re aon uair, No Fiantidh Eirann uile.’ 5 B’ fhearr leamsa aon chath láideir, A chuireadh Fiantidh Eirann; No Tighearna chrabhidh sin, Agus tusa Chleirich. 6 ‘No coi’-meas thusa duine re Dia, No breathnich fhir liath re d’ lá; ’S fhad o na thainig a rath, Is maithridh e mia’ gu bráth.’ 7 Choi-measainnsa Fionn nam fleadh, Re aon neach a’ta fuidh ’n ghréin; Cho d’ iarr e riamh ni air neach, ’S aon ni do neach cho mhó dh’ éur. 8 ‘No coi-meas thusa chaoidh Fionn, Re neach a bha ann o thús; Sa bhitheas anois sa rís. Gun cheann crioich no deireadh úin.’ 9 Ciod e a ghné dhuine sin, A bhitheas anois ’s gu bráth; ’S neach raibh toiseach aig a bhith, Cho duin e ach Spiorad fás. 10 ‘Cho mhodha na sin is seadh, A fhuair bri’ no blagh no cáil; O ni no neach tha air chuan, No air talmhinn fhuair a bhá.’ 11 Ciod e a ghné Spioraid e, Nach d’ thainig o neach a bha; Air an talamh no air chuan, Mor Spiorad fhuar bheantidh árd. 12 ‘Cho ne Spiorad bheantidh fhuar, Th’ ann ach bith tha shuas do ghná; Ann ’s na flaitheasaibh is mó, Far an lionmhor glóir is grás.’ 13 Ciod idir an Spiorad e, A th’ ann ’s na neamhidh is áird; Far an saibhir grás is glóir, Feadh gach lo gun sgur gu bráth. 14 ‘Spiorad a chruthaich an cuan, Is an talamh fuaridh bráit; Gach ni agus neach a th’ ann, Gun chonamh ann an sea láith.’ 15 ‘’S ionngeantach an spiorad leom, A chruthaich am fónn san cuan; Gun chonamh no iarrtas neach, An sea láith le neart a suas.’ 16 ‘Creideam gur h ionngeantach leat, O! neach d’ fhuair thu beachd no iúl; Air an tí tha ’m flaitheas shuas, Far nach criochnaich luadh nir cliú.’ 17 Ciod e ’n t áite flaitheas fein, A Chleirich d’ an leir gach olc; Nach coi-maith an talamh fein, (or rè) Na ’m fiu’ t’ ann éibhneas is loin. 18 ‘Oisain ’s amaideach do ghlóir, Gun dadam eólais no sgóil; ’N uair a choi’-measa tu fein, Aros De re fiathach lon.’ 19 Cia ris deir thu áros De, ’N ann ris na spéura’ ud shiar; O ’n d’ thig sneachd, is uisg, is gaoth, Teine bhaoghlach is mór fiath. 20 ‘Oisain struagh dhuit a bhi beó, Gun ghrásaibh, gun treóir no ciall; Ach mar Eilid an dalla cheó, Nach d’ fhuair braon do dh’ eólas Dia.’ 21 Do fhuair mi eólas is iúl, Cho maith sa bha Mur na Feinn; Gu séinn Clarseich agus ciúil, D ánaibh úr, is sealg an fhéidh. 22 ‘No coi-meas thusa gu bráth, Sealg is Clarsaichibh is duain; Re eólas bhi air lágh Dhe, An tí leirsinnach tha buan.’ 23 ‘Am bheil leirsinn is fios aig, Air gach ni a’ta fuidh ’n ghréin; Gach creatair tha ann sa chuan, ’S air an talmhinn suas le chéil.’ 24 ‘’S deimhinn gu bheil fios sin aig, Air gach creutair tha air lár; Mar an ceudna ann sa chuan, S’e fein dhealbh iad suas le laimh.’ 25 ‘Am bheil fios aige gach uair, Air ar cómhradhne ’s air rádh; ’N uair a bhios sinn ann ar suain, Is tra bhios sinn tínn is slán.’ (1) ‘This verse ought to be placed opposite and sooner,’ i.e. after the 25th verse. (2) Iarramsa. [TD 45] 26 ‘Tha fios aige air gach ni, A labhair gach siol is áll; Is gach sláinte agus león, A thig feadh gach ló o láimh.’ 27 ‘’S ro’ olc leom a ni e sin, A chuireas nimh agus cráth; Air na daoine a rinn e, C’ om an deanamh sin gu brath.’ 28 ‘Ni e e gan toirt fui’ chís, Chums ’s gu striocha gach neach dh’a; Gun deanamh imchuidh faidheoidh, Gu dol comhladh ris gu bráth; 29 ‘Am fuidh sinne dol gun fhios, ’S tigh do ’n ionad sin leinn fein; Chum ’s gu biodhmaid ann gu bráth, Ann na Aros le Mac De.’ 30 ‘Uidhir na cuilaig a ni srann, No monaran fann na gréin; Cha d’ theid gun fhios do ’n Righ mhór, D’a aros gloirmhor r’a re.’ 31 ’S miodhurach leam fein a sheol, Nach d’ theid monaran na gréine; Gun fhios d’ a do fhlaitheas suas, Masa farsuing buan a reileach. 32 ‘Ni ’m fuigh gu siorruidh aon neach, Dol a steach gu ’n cheud on lí so; ’S gun bhi saor o chron ’s ghó, Cho ’n fhuigh cómhnuidh ann na Rioghachd.’ 33 Cho’ b’ ionnan is Fionn Mac Chuthail, An Rígh bh’ again air na Fiantidh; Dh’ fhéudadh gach neach bheir an talamh, Teachd na thallasan gun iarruidh. 34 ‘No coi-meas a choidhch a thalla, Re teach fhlaitheas is na Trionaid; Cha raibh eólas aig air maitheas, Ach air cathaibh agus piantidh.’ 35 ‘Bha sin eólas ais is aithne, Cho mhaith sa tha fós re fhaotainn; Cha deach’ e riamh a chur catha, Ach da aindeóin, ’n uair bu bhaoghlach.’ 36 ‘Cha d’ fhuair e eolas air Dia, Cha b’ e mhiann o thús a lá: Uime sin cho ’n eil e shuas, Ann ionad na luth-ghair.’ 37 Ciod e ’n d’ ionad am bheil Fionn, An ti b’ ainmeala a bha; An tigh Teamhradh bhinn nan téud, Far am b’ eibhinn béul gach Bard. 38 ‘Tha Fionn ann an ifrionn shios, ’S cho d’ thig e’ nios gu la bhráth; Le lughad sa rinn e bhun a Dia, Bidh e ’n tigh nam pian fui’ chradh.’ 39 ’S olc a chreideas mi do sgéul, A Chleirich le d’ leabhar bán; Gu bheil Fionn mo choi’-fhial, Aig duine no aig Dia an láimh.’ 40 ‘Tha e an Ithuirnne ’n laimh, Ge d’ b’e ghna’ bhi pronnadh óir; ’S aig mead aim-beartan air Dia, Tha e ’n tigh nam pian fui’ bhrón.’ 41 ‘Nam bu bheó Coirreal is Goll, Diarmaid donn is Oscar áigh; Cho leigeadh iad Fionn nam Fiann, Aig duine no aig Dia an laimh.’ 42 ‘Ge d’ bu bheó Coirreal is Goll, Diarmaid donn is Oscar aigh; Cho d’ thugadh iad Triath nam Fiann. Gu siorruidh e pian s’ e cradh.’ 43 Nam biodh Clanna Baoisge steach, ’S Clanna Mornna nam fear tréun; Bheir’ maide Fionn amach, Neo bhiodh an teach againn fein. 44 ‘Cuige cutha na h-Eirann air fad, Air leatsa gu’m bu mhor am féum; Cha d’ thugadh iad Fionn amach, Ge d’ bhiodh an teach aca fein.’ 45 Ciod e ’n d’ áit Ithuirnne fein, A Chleirich gan leir an sgoil; Nach coi-mhaith e ’s flaitheas De, Na ’m fuighinn ann feidh is eóin. 46 ‘Oisain leam ’s fhada do shuain, Eirich suas is eist na sailm; O ’n chaill thu do ruth ’s do rath; ’S nach cuir thu cath re latha gairbh.’ 47 Ma chaill mi mo ruth ’s mo rath, ’S nach cuir mi cath re latha garbh; Do d’ Chleirsinnachd ’s beug mo spéis, ’S do cheól eisdeachd cho ’n fhiach leam. 48 ‘Cho chuala tu cho máith mo cheóil, O thús an domhain mhor gus a noc; ’S thu gu h aosmhor, an-ghlic, liath, Fhir is tric a dhioil cliar air cnoc.’ 49 ’N aile ’s tric a dhioil mi cliar air cnoc, Ille Phádraig is olc rún; ’S ea-coir dhuitsa cháin mo chruth, O nach d’ fhuair mi guth o thús. 50 ‘Cha do cháin mise do chruth, Ge d’ thubhairt mi riut gu ciuin; Gu raibh thu gu h an-ghlic liath, ’S nach d’ chual thu riamh cho mhai’ mo chiuil.’ 51 Chualas na b’ fhearr na do cheól, Ge mór a mholas tu do chléir; Ceól air nach d’ luigh leith-trom laoich, Am faol cuilg bh’ aig caoimh na Feinn’. 52 ‘No coi’-meas gu bráth faol garbh, Re sailm Dhaibhidh chalma ghráidh; ’S ni mo-choi’ measas re’ d’ ré, Re Clag Teambal Dhe nan grás.’ 53 ‘Bha sea Lothainn deug aig Fionn, ’S leigeamaid iad re gleann smàil; ’S bu bhinne leam frosnaich ar con, Na do chlog a Chleirich cháich.’ 54 ‘’S amaideach leam fein do ghlóir, Feadh an ló gun sgur no támh; ’N uair a choi-measa tu fein, Coin na Féinn re ’m Chlag gu h’ árd.’ 55 Cha bu coi-meas Coin na Feinn, Re d’ chlog tiamhidh féin air máil; ’S ann a bhios bronach gach neach, Re h ám tionail mu d’ theach cráidh. 56 ‘Oisain ’s gorrach leam do luadh, A toirt fuath gach uair do ghrás; B’ fhearr leat frosnaich Chon na Feinn, No bhi g’ eisteachd mo lua’-ghair.’ 57 ‘B’ ionmhuinne leamsa gach ré, Frosnaich chon na Feinn sa ghleann; A lathach nan Dámh ’s nan Aogh, No na bheil a bhlagh a’ d cheann.’ 58 ‘’S baothail thu Oisain mhic Fhinn, Gur neo’ Chinn do chómhradh cearr; Dhoth thu do Chona’ na Féinn, Na ’s mo no mhac De ’s da rádh.’ 59 Bha seachd Chathanaibh san Fheinn, Au mháith am feum ’s gach ám air bith; ’S cha d’ thug iad urram do Dhia, No Cheann cliar a b’ fhiata cith. 60 ‘’Se sin a chlaoidh sibhsa riamh, Nach do chreid sibh Dia nan dúl; Cha mhaithrean an diu duine d’ ar sliochd, ’S cha bheo ach riochd Oisain úir.’ 61 Cha b’ e sin a rinn ar claoidh, Ach turas Fhinn a dhol do ’n Roimh; Sinne cumail Cath-cabhara leinn fein Sa claoidh ar Féinne gu ro-mhor. 62 ‘Bu chubhaidh sin eiridh dhuibh, Tuiteam is bhur claoidh le cách; Oir b’e bhur rún is bhur miann, Bhi cosgairt nan cliar gach lá.’ 63 ‘Cha b’ e sin a bu bhéus duinn, An dream chaomh a b’ úire bha; Cha d’ rinn riamh marbha’ no leóin, Ach ’n tra’ slóigh oirnn’ cearr.’ [TD 46] 64 ‘Ma ’s fhearr leatsa gu la bhráth, A bhi gáirdeach no fui’ bhrón; Thoir urram is cliú do Dhia, Is dean a riar gach trá-nóin.’ 65 ‘An toir mise cliú le gean, Do neach nach fhaca mi riamh; B’ annsa leam a bhi tra-nóin, A min eisteachd glóir nam Fiann.’ 66 ‘Oisain ’s ceanngailte re’ d’ bheachd, A Chleir-fheachd sin nach raibh tlá; Leis nach b’ ionmhuinn cliú an Triath, A sheinn riamh ach iarguin bhlár.’ 67 Gur beachd leam Diarmaid, is Coireall, ’S Fearadhas bu bhaghara glóir; Na’ m bu chead leat mi da’ n luadh, Chleirich thruaigh a theich o’n Róimh. 68 ‘C’om nach ceud leam thu d’an luadh, Ach thoir aithr’ gu luath air Dia, Le d’ uile dhúrachd ’s do ghradh, Ma ’n glac am bas thu gun fhiath.’ 69 A Phádruic ma thugas ceud, Beagan beag a labhairt dhúinn; Aailais ma-sa ceud le Dia, Flath nam Fiann a radh air thús. 70 ‘Cha d’thug mise comas dhuit, A shean-fhir churta gun chiall, ’S ann a thuirt riut gun bhréug, Iarruidh neamh is lagh’ o’ Dhia.’ 71 Comraic an dá Ostail déug, Gabhamsa dhamh fein a noc; ’S ma rinn mise freadach tróm, Biodh e ’n luidh, san tóm san cnoc. O. 17. URNUIGH OISEIN. 120 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., Page 98. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 29, 1872. 1 INNIS dhuinn a Phadrig, (aithris) Air onar do leughadh; Bheil neamh gu h-araid, Aig maithibh fir na Feinne. 2 Bheirinnse briathar dhuitsa, Oisean nan glonn; Nach eil neamh aig t-athair, Aig Oscar no aig Goll. 3 ’S olc an sgeul araid, Th’ agadsa dhomh a Chleirich; Cum a bithinnse ri crabha, Mar ’eil neamh aig maithibh fir na Feinne. 4 Oisean gur fada do shuain, Eirich suas is eisd na sailm; Chaill thu nis do lugh ’s do ragh, Cha chuir thu cath ri la garbh. 5 Ma chaill mise mo lugh ’s mo ragh, (rath) Mar cuir mi cath ri la garbh; Do d’ghlaggar gur beag mo speis, (al. chleirsneachd) Do cheol eisdeachd cha ’n fhiu leam. 6 Cha chual thu riamh cho maith ri m’ cheol, O thus an domhain mhor gu nochd; Tha thu aosda anaglic liath, (al. agluidh) Fhir a dhioladh cliar air chnoc. 7 Ghille Phadric ’s olc run, (olc leam) ’S eucoir dhuit a chain mo chruth, (deacair) ’S nach d’ fhuair mi guth o thus. (an tus) 8 ’N uair a shuidhe Fionn air a chnoc, ’S ghabhadh e port as an airde Fionn; (air) Chuireadh e chodal na sloigh, ’S a chain bu bhinne na cliar, 9 Bha da ghadhar dheug aig Fionn, Nuair rachadh iad nan deann ri gleann; Bu bhinne leamsa fros nan gadhar, Na do ghlagsa chleirich chaisg. 10 Is leigeamaid iad ri gleann smail, Bu bhinne leam prosnich ar con; Na do thuigse Chleirich aigh. 11 Smeorach bheag ghlinn smail, ’S faighinn na bar ris an tom; Shinneamaid na leth phuirt, Bha sinn fein ’s an cruit, ro bhinn. 12 Latha dhuinne air sliabh Boid, Mac Connuil nan fleagh ’s Ronull o ’n ghleann; Bha Caoilte bu chruaidh lann, Oscar is Goll na sleagh. 13 Dearmad na fleagh ’s Fraoch o ’n ghleann, Fionn Mac Cuthail bu mhor brigh; 14 B’ fhearr leamsa aon chath laidir, Chuireadh Fionn san Fheinne; Na Tighearna a chrabha’ ’s thusa chleirich, Cha tugainnse faimas do neach. 15 Fionn Mac Cuthail oirnn mar bhreithe, ’Se na righ as ar ceann; ’Sa Phadric nam bachul fial, Cha leigeamaid Dia os ar ceann. 16 Na coimeas duine ri Dia, Shean fhear liath ’s na bretich e; ’S fada o ’n thainig a neart, ’S mairidh e ceart gu brath. 17 Choimeasainse Fionn nam fleagh, Ri aon neach a sheall sa ghrein; Cha do iarr e riamh ni air neach, ’S ni mo dh’ eur e neach ma ni. 18 Ge beag a chuibhil chronanach, (chulag) Is monaran na greine; Cha teid gun fhios do ’n righ mhoralach, Fo bhar bhilan na sgeithe. 19 Cho b’ ionann Dia is Fionn Mac Cuthail, An righ bh’ againn air na fiannaibh; Dh’ fheudadh fir an domhain, Dol na thalsa gun iarraidh. 20 ’S olc leam sin uatsa Oisein, Fhir nam briathra b’ fhoile; (b’ aile) Gu ’m b’ fhearr Dia ri aon uair, Na Fionn ’s an Fheinne uile. 21 ’S e sin a chuir as duibh riamh, Nach do chreid sibh Dia nan dul; Ni mairrean duine do ’r sliochd, Cha bheo ach riochd Oisein uir. 22 Cha b’ e sin chuir as duinn, Ach turus Fhinn dol do ’n Roimh; A bhi cur cath araid leinn fein, Sid chuir as do’r Feinn gu mor. 23 Ach ciod rinn Fionn air Dia? Rinn e rian chliar as sgolb; Thug da latha a’ pronnadh oir, ’S an treas la ri meaghair chon. 24 ’Se meud ’ur rudh ri meaghair chon, (n’ iugh) ’S bhi dioladh sgolb gach aon la (dissal sgal) Gun urram a thabhairt do Dhia, Chuir Fionn na Fiann an sas. 25 ’S olc a chreideas mi do sgeul, A chleirich led’ leabhar bàn; Gu ’m bitheadh Fionn no co fial, Aig duine no aig Dia an lamh. 26 Tha e ’n Ifrinn an lamh, Am fear le ’n gnath bhi pronna’ oir; Thaobh meud a dhimeas air Dia, Chuirt’ e ’n tigh nam pian fo bhron. 27 Nam bitheadh clann O’ baoisge a steach, Is Clanna Morna nam feachd treun; Bheireamaid Fionn a mach, No bhitheadh an teach againn fein. 28 Cuignear a chogaibh na h-Eirin, (chuigibh) Leatsa ge bu mhor an t-euchd, Cha tugadh sibh Fionn a mach, Ni mo bhitheadh an teach agaibh fein. [TD 47] 29 Ach ciod an t-aite Ifrinn fein, A chleirich a leughas an sgoil? Nach bu cho maith ri flaitheas De, Nam faigheamaid ann feidh is coin. 80 Eisd ri rath righ nam bochd, As iar a nochd neamh dhuit fein; Ona tha duna’ tighinn air t-aois, Tog a Mhaoisg a shean fhir liath. 81 Comrich an da Abstail dheug Gabhamsa dhomh fein a nochd; ’S ma rinn mise peacadh trom, Biodh e ’n sloc no ’n tom, no ’n cloich. Got from Donald Mac Iver, alias Robertson, and Charles Robertson foresaid. 1802 and 1808. OISEIN’S LAMENT. A. 7. 8. 9. THE following fragments from the Dean’s Book, can be recognized in some shape in other places, but I have not found them orally preserved in Scotland. A. 7. TYLYCH FINN. 16 lines. A HOUDIR OSSAN McFINNA. 1 DI chonna mee tylych finn, Is ner vai tylych teme trea, Aggum di chonna mee scheve, Di vontir in ir in nea 2 Di chonna mee tylych art, Far lar vac donna binni Far is farre ne agga mi. Di chonna mee tylych finn 3 Dane vaga mir a chonna mee, Chonna, m‘ynlain fa ynna Owcht is mark na vagga ea. Di chonnek mai tylych finn 4 Goym ree ni iyg noch gi olk, Za vil er mo chinni. Sin serra marreine o faynna, Dyth chonna ma tylych finn. Di chonna mee tylych. A. 8. IS FADDA NOCH NI NELLI FIYM. 36 lines. A HOUDIR SO OSSIN. 1 Is fadda noch ni nelli fiym, Is fadda liym in nycheith ryr In lay dew gay fadda zoyth, Di bi lor fadda in lay de 2 Fadda lwmmi gych lay za dik, Ne mir sen di cleachta dom Gin deowe gin danyth cath, Gin wea feylim class dlweth 3 Gin nenith gin choill gin chrut, Gin fronith crewi gin zneiwe gray Gin deillych ollom zor, Wea gin neilli, gin oill fley 4 Gin chin er swrri na er selgi, In da cherd rey in royth me Gin dwlli in glaow no in gath, Oichane ach is derrich dow 5 Gin wraith er ellit no er feyg, Ne hawle sin bi wane lom Gin loeg er chonvert no er chon, Is fadda noch na nelli fiym 6 Gin errith gaske gnaath, Gin nimert mir abaill linni Gin snaw zar leithre er loch, Is fadda, etc. 7 Din teill mir a ta mee, Is trowig er bea mir a ta sinn Menir a tarruing clach, Is fadda, etc. 8 Derri ni feyni far noiss, Is mee Ossin mor m‘finni, Gesticht re gowow clokki, Is fadda, etc. 9 Faye a phatrik zoein o zea, Fiss in nini in bea sinni Gith serrir marrien roith locht, Is fadda, etc. Is fadda. A. 9. A TARRING CLOOCH. 48 lines. AUCTOR HUJUS OSSEANE McFINN. 1 ANVINE in nocht nart mo lawe Ne ell mi coozein er laar Is nee enyth zof waa bronych Ym zebil trog sennorych 2 Troyg gi neith cheddeyth doif Seach gi dwn er twne talwon Re tarring clach a hallinn Gow relling hulchin talzing 3 It ta wrskal aggwme zut Er ir zi wuntir phatrik Estith re astenyth inn Schal beg er tocht zin talgin 4 Brwin di rinnyth in swnn Er sleywe quoalgein moelyth lwmm Di churri er feanow phail Ywir in ta hunwail 5 Da drane din wrwin wroyth Chur finn er clan morn Agus in trane elli zeit Ormss is er clannow kiskneith 6 Hugas fregryth nar choyr Er m‘cowle v‘tranewoyr Hurd nach bein fada fa smacht Is nach danyth doo geilleicht 7 Di weit Finn fada na host In leich nac burras a cosga Fer gin noyin gin eggill Nor a quayl in doo regryth 8 Is sea coyrra di raa rwm Flath eanyth ny vane finn Bea tou schell a tarring clooch Ma in deyt how in weit wronyth 9 Di zeyrris is sin ra erg soss O vak cowle a rinzerga Sea lenn me din nane awnyth Cathrow chath croychalm 10 Fastir miss ag in nane Verrir royssa my wraa feyn In lwcht a wa gim heit ann Is da in deit id tame gi anvin 11 Faa meith in coythrlyth croo din nane In gath crwnvonyth Anvin Ymyth nac gin anyth ann Da in tallyth tame gyth anvin anvin 12 Anvin in nocht cley mo curp Creddwm di wraer padrik Eddir lawe is chass is chenn, It tame ullith gi anvin anvin Anvin. A. 10. IN SOO CHONNICH MAA IN NAYNE. 36 lines. THIS fragment places the House of Padruig on the site of Fionn’s house, that is to say, on the Hill of Allen, in Meath. It also names many of the warriors. H. 2. I. 3. are Kennedy’s versions of the ballad, collected about 1774. Dr. Smith had H. 2. from Kennedy. At page 328 of his book in the English, as he made it in 1780. At page 306 in his book of 1787 is the Gaelic which he made out of Kennedy’s copy and others which he had. St. Patrick has become Malvina, and all the names have Latin endings, but nevertheless the passage and the ballad had a common ancestor in A. 10. Kennedy’s second version may be compared with his first, and with Dr. Smith, and with A. 10. by those who care to investigate this subject. To me it seems clear that Mac Pherson’s Ossian had got such hold of his cotemporaries that they could not leave a ballad alone. Kennedy’s sins were small, as appears from a close examination of H. 1. [TD 48] A HOUDIR SO OSSIN. 1 IN SOO claonnich maa in nayne, Di chonnich ma caynan is goole Finni is oskir mi vacki Rynith is art is dermit doone 2 M‘lowith kynkeith ni gaege Garrith derk is ey beg Is ey m‘carrith nor heyme Ni tre finni is fed 3 Glass is gow is garri Galwe nin gead is conane brass Gole is cwin m‘gwille Sokkith m‘fynni is bran 4 Keilt m’ronane ni gath Doywn coylin is leym er gleinni Is caedith a fronith or Is fer one woyne var by vinni 5 Baynith m‘Brassil ni lanni M‘chromchin tenni m‘yn smail Agus oskir m‘carrith zerve Ni tre balwa is ni tre skaill 6 Tre boyane zlinni schroill Tre rwell o voynith reith Vii mic cheilt ni glass Tre zlassni zlessra nyn ser 7 Tre beath chnoki durt Be veddeis fa wurni znath Deach m‘eithit vorni vor Oissi teacht er boie id tad 8 In soo a chonich ma in nane Boyine eall di chenchyth koyll In dimchill ossin is inn Swle zlinni di fronfre or 9 Fer loo is kerrill croye Di verdeis boye er gyth catht Fay canym is felune feall Di chonnik mi ead in soo In soo chonni. H. 2. CAOIDH OISIAIN. 68 lines. Kennedy, 1st Collection, page 179. Advocates’ Library, January 3, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. How Ossian lamented the Heroes one day he was walking on a hill where they had a fortress, and used to be singing, feasting, and hunting. DAN 30. 1 So far am faca mi ’n Fhiann, Chonnamar ann Cian agus Conn; Fionn fein is Oscar mo mhac, Raonidh, Art is Diarmaid donn. 2 Mac-luthaich is Caoin-cheann gun chealg, Daoire dearg agus Aogh beag; Aogh mac Gharidh nach tím, Na tri Finn agus Fead. 3 Glais, agus Geamhail, is Geir, Re cuimhneach nan ceud shonn bras; Goll mac Riogheanaich dhuinn, Eoghan mac Fhinu agus Bran. 4 Seachd mic Chaoilte nan lua’ chas, Na tri Ghlais o shráid nan saor; Na tri Fiaghain bu ghrinn dóidh, ’S na tri Criogheala bu mhor aoidh. 5 Na tri Oscair Gharidh ghairbh, Na tri Bailbh, is na tri sgáir; Beinnidh mac Freasdail nan lann, Troidh chruinn teann, is Mac-o-smáil. 6 Caoilte mac Ronan nan cuach, An Goll guairn, is Leum air línn; Ceud laoch le ’m prointe ór, ’S fear o ’n Bhó’ ain le bheurla bhínn. 7 Moran is Filidh nan duan, Conal suairce na caint thlá; Cuth-fhraoch a b’ fhearr re tím crua’i, No caogad do shluagh Ri Pháil. 8 Muirnne Torman agus Seamh, Ardan Treun fhear ’s Coirreal áigh; Cleasa mór an gaisgeach calm, Agus Fearr-ghuth nan lann bán. 9 Cruai’ fhear lua’- bheumach gun mhéin, Colla féat agus Cáinl thlá; Muireach Meamnach agus Brian, Fir gun fhia’ roi’ iarguin bhlár. 10 Faoghlan mo dhea’ bhrathair fein, ’S Faradhas béul dearg bu bhinn glóir; Treun-fhear Treabhal agus Art, Na lán ghaisgich a b’ fhearr doidh. 11 Fad- éighe nan ioleaeh cruaid, ’S Raonac ruadh an leadain óir; Luimneach ’s Leadan nan rosg máll, Breacan ármach, is gnúis og. 12 Maoth chruth, Torman is Caomh, bhéul, ’S Ceolmhor bu bhinn béus tra’ nóin; Is Faoghlan mo bhrathair fein Ochain nach roibh ’n d’ éug do ’m chóir. 13 Cruth-geal lóinreach is Deó-gréin, A shoilse’ measg chéud air magh; ’S a Milidh áluin nach d’ chlaon, Riamh na laoich re lím an gail. 14 Faoghlan, Suine, is Connlaoch, Na treun laoich bu mhai’ sa chath; Muireach, ’s Brastalan mac Fhraoich, So an t aog a rinn an sgath. 15 Dubh chuimir, s Aille mo ghráidh, Is mic Smáile nan cleas lúidh; Garbh is Conan mac Mornn, ’S mi tha air mo leon gan túrs.’ 16 ’S mac smhail ar luas san ló’d, Mar shrann-ghaoth, no ceó nam beann; Fionn is a dha Choin air éill, Bha iad fein air thús sa ghleann. 17 O nach maithrean ach mise dhiu fein, ’S nach ’eil mi do reir na sgoil; ’Nois o chuaidhe air mo ghleas ’S truagh mo thuras fein an so. I. 3. TUIRIDH NAM FIANN. 68 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 158. Advocates’ Library. April 12, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. In this second copy Kennedy seems to have picked up names and variations. I have marked the most important with *. It is curious to see how verse and assonance govern these changes. 1 * So far am facas an Fhiann, * Chunnacas ann Brian agus Conn; Fionn fein is Oscar mo Mhac, Raini’, Art, is Diarmaid donn. 2 Mic Luthaich, is Caoin-cheann gun chealg, Daire dearg, agus Aogh beag; Aogh Mac Gharai’ nach tim, * Na tri Minn agus Fead. 3 Glais agus Geamhail, is Geir, Ri cuimhneachadh nan ceud shonn bras; Goll mac Riobhanaich dhuinn, * Eodhan mac Mhinn nan lu-chas. 4 Seachd mic Chailte nan lua-chas, * Na tri Glais o Aird an t-saoir; * Iodhlan is Luthar is Leug * Is tri cheud do shliochd inghean Taoibh. 5 * Na tri Toscair Gharai’ ghairbh, Na tri Bailbh is na tri Scair; Beinnidh mac Freastail nan lann, * Troi’ chruinn, Cam is Mac O Smail. 6 Cailte Mac Ronan nan cuach, An Goll guarn is Leum air linn; ’S an ceud laoch le ’m prointe or, * ’S fear o ’n Bho’ ain bu cheolmhor binn. [TD 49] 7 Moran is Filidh nan duan, * Conall suairc agus Caint-thla; Cuth-fhraoch bu treun ann san ruaig Bu mhor buai’ air Cluana Phail. 8 Muirne, Toiman agus Seimh, Ardan, Treun-fhear, ’s Cairil aigh; * Cleasamor an curaidh calm, * Agus Fearr-ghuth nan lann ard. 9 Cruai’-fhear lua’ bheumach, gun mhein * Colla feut, is Deudgheal graidh; * Muireach, Meamnach agus Cian, * Laoich gun fhia’ ann iargain bhlàr. 10 Faodhlan mo dhea’ bhrothair fein, Fearadhas beul dearg bu bhinn gloir; * Treun-lamh, Treathall, is Triall-mall, Laoich nach b’ fhann ’s ann iomairt scleo. 11 Fad eighe nan iolach cruaidh, * Raonai ruadh an leadain oir; Luimnich, s Leadan nan rosg mall. * Bricain armach, is Gnuis og. 12 * Maothchruth, Mungan is Caomhbheul, Ceolor bu bhinn beus tra-non; * Is Miodhlan o Mhuthan gheug * Ochoin! na fir threun san toir. 13 * Cruth-geal orbhuidh is Deo-grein, A shoilseadh measg ceud air magh; * ’S a Milidh aluin nior chlaon, * Riamh na laoich ri tim am bail. 14 Sorglan, Suimhne, is Conlaoch, Na treun laoich bu mhaith sa chath; * Muireach, Bastalan is Fraoch, Och ’s e ’n t aog a rinn an sgath. 15 Duchuimir, is Aille mo ghraidh, Is mic Smaile nan cleas-luidh; * Garabh a sgrios an teach aigh, * Dunscaich nam baideal ur. 16 B’ amhail ar n’ imichd san lo, Is iom-ghaoth, no ceò nam beann; Fionn is a dha choin air eill, Bha iad fein air thus sa ghleann. 17 * Onach maithrean ach mis do ’n Fheinn * ’S nach eil mo do reir mo thoil; * O na chuaidh air mo ghleus, ’S truagh mo thuras fein an so. MALA-MHINE. (? St Patrick.) 62 lines. Reprinted from page 306, ‘Sean Dana,’ Smith. 1787. See above, p. 47. A. 10. THREIG faraon mo sholuis fein, Tha mo chridhe nan deigh mar earr-dhubh; Mi falach mo ghnuise le m’ eide’ ’S mi tuire’ gu geur na dh’ fhalbh uam. Tuiridh; a reultan an àigh, Is blàth leam ur bròn-chuimhne. (1) OISEAN. Is amhuil, is caomh leam fein Ursanna treun a chatha. Ge trom an suain ’s gun lua’ ri ’m faioinn, Tha ’n dreach gun stad ann am smuainte. —So far am faca’ mi ’n Fhiann, Chunnacas ann Cian agus Conn; Fionn fein is Oscar mo mhac, Raoini’ Art, is Diarmad donn; Seimh-mhacLuthaich, ’s Caoin-cheann gun chealg, Mac Ghara garg, tri Fionain ’s Fead. Bu loinreach an so ceann-bheairt Aoigh, ’S bhiodh fead sa ghaoith ag leadan Daoire, Gruag Dheirg mac-samhuil bratach, ’S Treunar gasda mar gheig san doire. Bha Torman mar shruth o ’n aonach, Ardan mar chraoibh ro cheo, Muirne ri thaobh is Sith-bheulain, Ag amharc sèimh thar sgiatha gorma. Cleasamor maraon, an gaisgeach calma, ’S Fearra-ghuth nan lann bàn, Caoireal binn, faraon is Ulann, ’S na sloigh air uilinn ri ’n dàn. —Chunnas ann Moran is Filidh nan duan, Conal suairce na cainnt thlà. Lamh-dhearga le lainn deirg, Is Curach bu mhor feirg am blàr. —’S c’ àit a bheil Liughar na féile, ’S Fad-éighe nan iolach cruaidh; Raon-ùr-rua’ nan leadan òir, Luimne mor-chathach ’s Caoilte luath. —C’àit a bheil Leadan nan rosg mall, Beanno armach ’s Toscar òg, Mao’-chruth, Calmar is Cao-mhala, Luchd-sgarai’ thorc air Gorm’all mor? —C’àit a bheil Faolan mo bhrathair fein, ’S Fear’as beul-dearg bu bhinn gloir, Crù’geal bu loinreach eide’ ’S Deo-greine b’ait le laocha mòr; —C’àit a bheil Ma’-ronnan nan cuach ’S a mhaise bha ’n gruaidh Aillidh? Feuch dhomh ceuma Dhuchoimir, Is Crigeal na haghaidh ghradhaich. —Bha Sorglan, Suine ’s Conn-laoch Mar steud aonaich ann sa chath, Goll mar shrann-ghaoth na fàsaich, Is Conal a’ cur bàis o ghath. —Threig sibh mi, fheara mo ghraidh, Cha ’n ’eil caomh a chàireas m’uaigh; Tha mise ri bròn nur deigh, Is mi fein an t aonaran truagh! ’S tiamha idh mi ’m feasd nur deigh, Air sleibhte fàsail am aonar. Theich oighean mo ghraidh mar reulta, ’S tha mise nan deigh brònach, Mar ghealach tra dh’ eireas a ghrian, ’S na reultan a’ dian-dhol o ’n àite. FRAGMENTS OF LAMENT. THE following fragments, O. A. 11, 12, 13, 14, can be recognised elsewhere in various shapes, but I have not found them orally preserved. O. is a mere fragment of a Lament, got near Dunkeld, about 1800. A. 11. points to the very graves of the warriors named. A. 12. is addressed to ‘Padrik,’ and regrets that the clergy have got the mounds of the Faynith. A. 13. tells what music the Faynith loved, in contrast to the bells. A. 14. treats of sweet voices. These carry on the same idea. The Pagan and the Priest are characters acting a metrical play for the audience, and the scene is the House of Padruig, on the Hill of Allen, amongst the graves of the Faynith. The stage was the reciter’s place, wherever that might be for the time. O. 36. FRAGMENT OF LAMENT. 8 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 153. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. Dh’ fhalbh iad bha laidir neartmhor, Dh’ fhalbh iad bha ’n treis na h’oige; Dh’ fhalbh iad bha ’n laithibh lionmhor, ’S Dh’ fhag iad mise ’m chrionuich bhroite, Mar chraobh sa choill gun gheug m’an cuart di Gu dionadh o thuarih reota. A’ seasamh air firach nah-aonar, ’S gaoth a bagradh h-aois a leonadh. A. 11. NA TULLYCH. 21 lines. GUN AINM UGHDAIR. 1 ID ta fane tullych so toye M‘veckowle is groy colk M‘dadzail neyn in derk Nach tug ra erk braeir borb 2 Id ta fane tullych so dess M‘vec goyne kness mir wlay Cha dor sai nach fa neith In gress noch char veine yth law 3 Id ta fa tullych horryth Ossgyr bi vath gol is gnee Clan morn gai math ni fir Noch char chur sai sen im bree (1) A while, O lend us from the tomb Those long-lost friends for whom we smart, And fill with pious awe and joy-mixt woe the heart. THOMSON. [TD 50] 4 Id ta fa tullych so har Gillyth bi van less nyth mnawe M‘ronane dor weyth clar Fane tallych soo har id ta 5 Id ta fane tullych so foyme Innor vyth von groik is grane Connan dyth zaf gyth murn Fa tullych fume id ta. Id ta. A 12. TWLLYCH NI FAYNITH. 96 lines. 1 TROYG lwm twllych ni faynith Ag ni clerchew fa zeirse Is danyth lucht ni billak In nynit clannyth beisknyth 2 Dayr missi raa croychin Schell fada wroychow gi swgych Beg a hellis gi tarfin In talgin er di wullych 3 Dayr meith skay is sley Conn is gyir fad walle Ga ta nocht knok ni fayni Fa chleyrchew is fa wachlew 4 Da merra clanni morn Ni wee fer nordsi seadtrach Di zoyve schew fer grabbil A lwcht ni baychill breik 5 Da merra m‘lowyth Si vi curri chalma Swl fowkweis in twllych Di wee fer cowlyth garryth 6 Da merra clanni carda Fir nachir chelggi bayssew Ne weith fer glwkgi fer bachlaa Nynit ni bradtych 7 Da merra clanni mayvin Fer nach banvin in droddew Ni weith di wuntir a phatrik Gi laydyr er ni chnoken 8 Da merra clan in dew zerri Da merra keilti croych Ne weith gayr chloogi is chleyrri Ga nestich in raa croychin 9 Da merra rynne roydda Is keilcroy m‘creyvin Ne weith di loywr la cheyll Ir a laywis a bebill 10 Is ni lwrga crwnni Di ryn in swll doyne Di weith di lorga na brossna Da bea osgir er layr 11 Ir in trostane woye Di ryn in swe swnda Math dut nach marrin connan Fa manach dorn duta 12 Du marrein swlzorm seir Conan meil makave ni wane A chleyrre ga mor di zorda Di wonin zut dorn gi dane 13 Da marra m‘ o zoyni Er ni lwrga crossi Di weith di lorga sue mest A bresta fa chaythra clooch 14 Ir chlwga mir helim Da weith dering na woye Di weith di chlog na rabba Woya fa edin a chaythre 15 Ner zarga shmor a cheyth Er gayth geith m‘roynan Na be di chlog gi hannis Ir a wanis a koyllan 16 Ni eddwm bi gi sowthych Ne agkwm m‘kowl si woe Ne ekkym dearmit o doywn Ne ekkym keilt m‘cronan 17 Ne hynyth mi way gi dowyth Er in tullych so phatrik Ne ekkym m‘lowth Ne ekim in chwllych zrawcht 18 Ne ekkim far loo raym heive Ne ekkim oskir na . . . Ne ekkim in nymirt vor Ne ekkim a choanirt cheyf 19 Ne ekkim clanni smoyl Ne ekkim golli mar ni gneyf Ne ekkim feillane fayill Ne ekkim na zey in nayn 20 Ne ekkim ferris mi wrayir Layr meth layr woalta Ne ekkim dyrri doynicht O woymist koyl gi noyrra 21 Ne ekkim fa kanyn Nach beehow aggin er ayrre Ne ekkim ane gar worrin Di bi wor torrin a glar 22 Ne ekkim evinis na hoyl Ne clwnim in koyl di wee Soll di curri mi mi hoo Di fronfwn feyn or gi loyit 23 Inssim zwt a phadrik Da bi zayllwm hecht harsta Nach fayddwm a heillow A vacca may zeivinis agga 24 Missi is cleyrre ni bortwis Nocha droyinum ra chaal Ga ta mee nocht gi dowych Is troygh lwm tullych ni fayne. Troyg lwm. A. 13. SKAILE ER CHOYLE. 40 lines. 1 SKAILE oiknith er choyle cassil, Gow carn wallir berrith mee, Na clwnnith dwnni za glwnnith Gi glwnnith m‘gweill ee 2 Makcowle di choill cossir Er sliss alwin in nor weine Essin oss in gend ne choll Finni in cessew doyr reiwe 3 Ossin dein nichticht is dermit Dey v‘lowith leich nar zann Deiss nar leyr cooza coskir Conan feyn is oskir ann 4 Sloyne a zey leych zawsich Di raye fin fer gyth eyth Faikgen mir sin er oill inn Ca coyll leiwe is binni er beith? 5 Di raye conan yr we in nymirt Eine choyll is binni hor feyn Math lawe in ir re heygh Enrwnith fer sen gr chwnith er cheyll 6 Foskgi zi chwlg in gaith nawit Nach in gath ni choklit sa A loywe in genn is in gossith Koill a bar le oskir aye 7 Koill is mo ruggis zi ryin Di rae deomit ni derk maal A rozraw gin ga boa zawssith Coraa ban is ansith ann 8 Sowd mi choilsi a v‘wurn Er m‘lowith ni narm glan Leym in gleyw mi chon gow cre Fey ga churri in derri zawe 9 Sowd in koill is koyle dowfsyth Di rae fin fla in tloe In neym zeith bayne ley braddeiche Raym finleich fa atteive oyr 10 In tra weime gin eggil nin neksith Ossin a durt fa zoe Mi zane is a zoissith in daskgi Saif rame cloiss clastin a chole. [TD 51] A. 14. BINN GOW. 16 lines. 1 BINN gow duni in teyr in oyr Binn a ghloyr chanyd nyth heoyn Bynn noaillane a nee a quhor Bin in tonn a bwn da treoyr 2 Bynn in fygzir a ne zeye bin gow Coyth oass cassyth conn Alynn in delryth a ne greane Byn in near feddyl nyth lon 3 Bynn gow illyr esse roye Vass kynn coayne v‘moyrnye mor Bynn gow coythaa oyss barrye doss Alynn in tost a nee in coir 4 Fynn mac cowil mayr Fani sacht caa na eaynn gyth grynn In oayr a lykeyst con ra feayn A garrye no zeye bye wynn. Bynn gow. A. 15. NENOR COLIN CHON. 120 lines. THIS is a very difficult bit of language, and the meaning is obscure. It is quite plain that nine battalions, or bands, led by Fionn, the general of the Feinne, went out with their banners, and sought all over Ireland for something. They fought, and won, a great battle, and after it, they found in a little fort ‘maddith za danmist cholin.’ The words seemed to the first translator, and they seem to me, to mean, ‘a hound from which we might obtain a pup.’ But the effort seems too great for the object. If ‘chenni cholin,’ line 2, and ‘chinni cholin chon,’ line 3, mean ‘a whelp of the kindred of Conchullain,’ or of ‘Conn,’ there is better reason for this expedition. ‘A whelp of Conn,’ may mean ‘Cormac, the son of Art, the son of Conn of the Hundred Fights.’ According to tradition, and Irish history, he was brought up in obscurity, and became the greatest of Irish High Kings, after a great fight. (A.D. 213. Battle of Crinna.) I place this ballad here, supposing that I may have guessed right. I wrote the Story of the Battle of Crinna from an old man in South Uist, in 1871, and found out what it meant when I got to Dublin. That story I will tell in its place, in English. 1 NENOR a quhyme fa chyill Di woyn avr chenni cholin Woyn avr chinni cholin chon Ca mo dorin sin doyn 2 Zearemir my lenyth lerga Is glen frethnich ni glawe nerg Is fer nach forrimir ann Maddyth za damis cholin 3 Dearemir glen dorch dow Glen zarve zorrith is gl claehe Is fer nach dorrimir ann Maddyth za danmist cholin 4 Dearmir scheane zrwmmi clywe Is finni wg leive na zei . . . Is fer nach dorrimir ann Maddyth za danmist cholin 5 Dearmir durlis war wail Tawyr wry is down zawrane Is fer nach dorrimir ann Maddyth za danmist cholyn 6 Dearmir glen okothyth Fa forrais awr ossill Is fer nach forrimir ann Maddi za danmist cholin 7 Dearmir finni wy maye Tawyr wry is kintaylle Is fer nach dorrimir ann Maddi za danmist cholin 8 Dearimir erri wlli Eddir chonnith is donni Is fer nach dorrimir ann Maddi za danmist cholin 9 Gerrid downith mir sen Sin feyn pupbill muntyr Gin wakcamir tre cath nach Di clanni reith ni roylayth 10 Cath catchennith de we ann Is cath chonchennith na genn Cath drumanich in dey in ney Donn er chawyr in drom b . . 11 In tley a soiltich gi hard Er inni feyn in eingnyth zark In nochtyr ske cheyttyth chay Er we in tley . . . gead 12 In tleyg soyltich gi chert Er inni feyn fa gall a zlak Er layr skaye cheilt gyn wroyn Weith in tly z in g 13 In tley a soyltich gi heissil Er inni feyn in nagnith eywre In noythtyr skae chrwin charre We tlay ac mak chrunchan 14 Leygis cheiltyth gallan gleith Choylis e nalwin da reroiwe Iss mygh lenyth nyn lanni In dawr is in down reillin 15 Reggir e goole m‘morn Faynith kenard cron woyn A zleyis felane m‘fynni Agis ni balwe a borrin 16 Reggir a ze mhak mawoe breik Is m‘elle o noye brek Scay bregh m‘daythein dayn Is keill croith in nerm rai zeyr 17 Reggir e keinkeith nith golg Agis illin feywr zerg Is keill croith a croyth zrinni Nach estith goyth iywrin 18 Bi winni schenwrannyth sley Agis mowr ni meillith Agis rann wrattich schroill Ag erri a maddin zeith roeith 19 Di hoykgimir dalwe zreynith Brattich inni vor ni faynith Oyr chor sche tennal Fa wor chanan cheintle rwe 20 Di hoykgimir fulling doyrith Brattich zwlle wor v‘morn Menkith we gach troyle chroissich Derryth agis tossyth foylith 21 Di hoykimir in menchenith oyrri Brattich rynith gin nymig sloyeg Sroill lay gonfee knaw is kenni, La leygis fwl gow fybrin 22 Di hoykimir kynill chath Brattich eillane darre Mak finni far flath ni waynith Gilli lay gurre tromley 23 Di hoykimir down neive Brattich ossin na grri Laywe zarg brattich v‘ronane Is oarnay in deive elle 24 Di hoykimir skoyb zawe Brattich oskyr in warffee Re doll in gath na glaee Menkith zarre skopbe zawe 25 Di hoykimir loith lynith Brattich zarmit e zoenith awyissyth Noar heyth in neanith wea sche Awzissyth oeyrith a mach 26 Di hoykimir barne a reybgin Brattich oskyr nar schanith Danyth coyharme m‘gar zlynni La garwe kinni is kenwr 27 Di hoykimir creiwe fowllith Brattich clonni var v‘lowich Noar a heych in nane a mach Is sche wea er in dossych 28 Di rimimir croith chath In dymchill inni oyrlach Ma dudtych finni farri Eddi ni wane worchalmith [TD 52] 29 Marwes ni catkenich linni Agis di goyve ni chonchinnich Hutti ni drumanich wlle In dymchall inn alwin 30 Munnich beg fa dassi zownith In nynwr wrow za zownnith Is math forrimir ann Maddith za danmist cholin 31 Zearimir erre wlle Eddir chonni agis donni Is noech cha dorremir er a feyg Cheaddi ferr o zarve na nenor. Nenor a quhyme. CAOILTE. CAOILTE was the Swift Man in the Story of the Feinne. He was of the tribe of Baoisgne. In the following ballads he appears with mythical characters. He is of Fionn’s generation, and calls him Oide. In Irish legends he and Oisein converse with St. Patrick, and he is made to sing while Oisein tells stories. ‘Caoilte and the Boar’ has not been found current by any of my collectors, and has not been printed. I give three versions, D. F. H. They are not copied from any written original, and all are much broken. ‘The Lay of Astray out Hunting’ is of the same class. It survives in the outer Islands. I give four old versions, D. F. H. O. I have Z. 15, and the music of the Ballad, which is wild and melancholy. The last verse in H. names three chief exploits of Caoilte:—1. ‘The Day he was in Dunanoir;’ 2. ‘The Slaying of the Boar;’ 3. ‘The Slaying of the Giant with Five Heads.’ I have all three stories in ballads. D. 5. MAR A BHAIRIBH CAOILT A MHUC THEISG. 64 lines. 1755. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 1, 1872. 1 LA a bha shin air Gleann cruaidh, Coir air Fraoithidin fad uair; Gherich robhin air an Leirg, Aoin Mhuc Gheisgirnich Bhoin dearg. 2 Leig shin air shia Loinin deig, Rish a Mhuic agus nim Breig; Chuir a Mhuic Dith air air Connibh, As dhag I air shealg gun dianibh. 3 Thug a Bhuc orra Glean Laoigh, Bha Caoilte ra Tarichd Caoibh; Chagnidh I a T-shleighin ruaigh, Mar Bhun shibhaige shean Luachrich. 4 Thug a Mhuc orra Bein oistil, ’S bha Caoilte ga hoirt a naisgidh; Chumigh I ’a Garmin rish, Mar na clachin Garraidh Glassa. 5 Cait a bheil mo Leannan shithigh, Na Nighin na maillich mine; Nach digidh I nois gam chobhir, ’S gur O thigh Beithir I Chonnachair. 6 ’S mianich leatsa Chaolte chaoin, Bhi ’g imra ormsa ’s du ’d hegin; Ach cha bhianich le ’d chorp sheang geal, Tin gu ’m Fhios she gu shith Bhruth. 7 Nan dige du tri oiche Luain, Am Fhios gu shith Bhruthidh bhuan; Cha Bhigh air Mac Riogh san Dobhin, Crossa na Gessa nach fuaisglin. 8 Coir an Fainigh sheo mu d’ Bheir, Coir an Scian sheo air Bhar Tingin; Beir air Chluais air a Mhuic Tsheisg, Na gaibh roippe Fua ne Eggil. 9 Buail I sa Bhall Dorain duth, Na beinnigh do Laibh ga Fuil; Ba Bhas do Mhac Riodh fo ’n Dobhin, Fuil shean’ Mhuicce ’si air Aoghil. 10 Am Marach nitar do Bhannish, Caoilte Mhic Ronain ruinn Tshollist; Mas beo mi fo Ra a Cheartais, Gun dig mi t-iunnsuidh le Hairrichdibh. 11 Croithidh mi ceid maoilsh mhaoil, An Gleann Sheirce Taoibh ri Taibh; Croithidh mishe shin a marach, Air ghilichis mhic Ronain. 12 Croithidh mi ceid Earbe Luain, Nach deig Cuibhne aig Craoigh ruaigh; Croithidh mishe shin a mairach, Air Dhilichis Mhic Ronain. 13 Croithidh mi ceid Daibh aulligh, Nach dag Cuibhne an ard bheannibh; Croithidh misshe shin mairach, Air Dhilichis mhic Ronain. 14 Le cuirt do Gheichibh don-deargidh, Fo Fheirribh oige Fion-arde; Le Gillibh gaiste Coithidichh Nach Curriste Dhi-armiche. 15 A Chead bhean a hig a mach, Air Dorrist Tathidh T-eirigh; Glac us’ I air mheid Rathidh, ’S or Erin fo Chean gu cean 16 Gheobhe du chion gun a gabhail, Ha glioccas an Dobhain uilligh; A Chaoilt air dol an t-aoin’ Bhruinnain, Air gheigh sheola mnaigh shithigh, Nach heil an aoin Rioghichd ruinne. Croich. Am Fearr a bharraigh a Mhuc t-sheisg dheobhigh Ighin Riogh Erin ra posa; is heoil a Leannan shithe do Chaoilt cia mar bharaigh e a Mhuch agus cia mar dhainnigh e nighin an Riogh an deis a cosnidh. Shin nar ghaibh an Riogh Iunigh ga ghlioccas sa chuir e ubhail nach bu ghlioccas saoghilte. F. 13. EACHDRAIDH AIR MUR A MHARBH CAOILTE MAC RONAIN A MHUC GHEARR ANN AM FIONAIS, RIGH NA FEINNE. Fletcher’s Collection, page 140. Advocates’ Library, January 23, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 88 lines. LATHA dhuine sealg nan Cluanan, 1 Do d’ Fhionn is da mor shluagh, ’Se chunnachdar mar a tighinn o ’n leirg A mhuc ghiosganda dhonna dhearg. 4 Chuir i sean dearg air ar conabh, Chuir i sinn fhein air luath mhireadh; Is dh’ fhag sin air seilgne gun deanamh. An sin thuirt Brichdni nam buadh, 8 Is tric olc ga luaidh a steach. Mo Ghuailibh air Ban, Cha bu shuairce muc gar marbhadh Thairg Fionn dhoibh cumha mhòr, 12 Thairg è ceud tunnadh do ’n òr; Agus earradh fhein do ’n t-sròil, Agus toiseach suidhe na seilge, Air na h hard bhraon Bheannaibh, 16 ’S a raotha mnatha foithe toirreachastrom Is i fhein bho h-og altrum. An sin labhair Caoilte. Ni ’m fear sibh mur Chlanna Riogh, 20 Na mi do radh Chaoilte na beammunan, Deangam a mhuc Ghearr as air ceann Fhearaibh uaisle na Feinne. Ach dh’ eirich i ri Beinn laoich, 24 Is bha Caoilte na hearrluine, Is chagnadh i na sleaghan cruaidhe, Mar bhun siobhagain seunn luachrach. Is gun casadh i Garmain ris, 28 Mo na Clachabh Garbha sleabha, Ach dhireach a mhuc ri Beinn asdail, Is bha Caoilte ga thoirt an nasguidh Ochain! gun mo bhas an dee, 32 Mu ’n d’ rinn mi d’ Fhionn breug am fhacal. Ach c’aite am bheil mo leannan sith, Na’ inghin na maladh mineadh, Nach iochdadh an so gam Chobhair, 36 Is gur ogha peathar i Chonna-Chobhair, [TD 53] Ach thainig an ùr inghin a mach o dhùnuaisl sa deise shioda uaine uimpe. Thuirt ise. Bu mhian leatsa Chaoilte chaoin, 40 Bhi gam iarruidh is thu’ a d’ eiginn, Ach bhuaidh sin a mach Gun ghuth tuille bhi mo ’m dheibhin, Ach cha bu mhian le d’ chorp seamh gheal, 44 Tichd d’ gam ionnsuidh gu sith-bhruthain, Ach na d’ thigeadh tu tric oidheach luain, Gam fhiosracha gu sith bhrutha bhuain, Cha neil ceart mhic Righ bho ’n domhain, 48 A Chaoilte nach fuasglaidhin ortsa, Ach deansa suidh an so air làr, Is gu ’n d’ thoir mi dhuit achmhasan; Cuir am fainne so mu d’ mheur, 52 Is glachd an sgian bheag air bartiongain Na math do mhac mnai na fir, Beir air chluais air a mhuich sheisg, Na gabh roimpe fuath na eagal, 56 Is cha dual do mhac Righ nach torchair Buail i sa bhual dorain dubh, Is na beanadh dhuit braon ga fuil; Bu cheart mhic Righ fo ’n domhain, 60 Fuil seanna mhuic is i air aoithall. A cheud bhean a thig a mach a maireach Glac i air miad a rathe E laimh an Righ an àrd fhlatha, 64 Air na bheil a dh’ òr sa teimhrie Cha b’ aill le Fionn thu ga gabhail A maireach a nithear do bhainneis, A dheadh mhic Ronain nan lann solluis, 68 Ma ’s beò mise gu tìm teachd, Thig mi thugadsa le harraichdeadh Croghaidh mi ciad maoisleach mhaol, Air Gleann-easgaduil ri d’ thaobh; 72 Ciad doran is ciad damh alluidh, Nach d’ fhàg an cuimhne an àrd bheannaibh. Ciad comhladh do ’n chreamh Ghlas, Air a bhuain ’san fhaoilteach gheamhraidh 76 Chuirean sud a steach a maireach, Air bhuitheachas mo leannain. Air Graidh do dh’ fheachibh donna dhearg, Fodh chomhlain do dh’ fhearraibh feannaird; 80 Le ’n diol do dh’ fhearraibh coth-sheilg, Is iad uile do dhiar mhaca. Croghaidh iad mise an sith-bhruithion, Is cha d’ thig mi tuille ga d’ amharc 84 Thuirt Fionn. Tha gliocas na Feinne uile, A Chaoilte air dol a d’ t-aonbhruinnean, Na seoltachd na mna sìth Nach robh ann an aon riochd ruinne. 88 H. 3. HOW CAOILTE KILLED A FAIRY WHO WAS IN THE SHAPE OF A WILD BOAR. 1774. 112 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 74. Advocates’ Library, December 12, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871, Dublin. Story known to Hennessy: Poem not known.—J. F. C. Illegible, or missing two lines . . . . . . . . . . . and they had seen no beasts for sport but wild Boar, which was of great bulk and height in proportion. They loosed sixteen Thraves of their Dogs in order to kill him, and pursued him till they overtook him, and then he slew them all upon the spot. Then Fingal offered his choice of their women with many precious gifts, to any man who would kill the Boar. Caoilte, the son of Ronan (who was called Terror of Battle), undertook to kill him. He chased him through woods, mountains, valleys, plains and smooth shores; he at last caught him, but could not kill him, for the Poem says he could jew his arms as green Rushes or Reed: Then he called a familiar spirit who was in love with him, and directed and assisted him till he got the Diabolical beast kill. He went then home, and was generously rewarded and got everything they had promised him. DAN 19. 1 LATHA dhúinne sealg na Cluanach, Le Fionn Mac Chumhail gu h-uallach; ’S cho d’ fhuair sinn an sin do shealg, Ach aon mhuc dhisgearnach dhearg. 2 Dh’ fhuasgail sinn sea Lothain deag, Ris an Torc, ’s cho ’n aona bhréug; Chuir e earr dhearg air ar Conamh, ’S bha ar séilg ainne gu ’n ghonadh. 3 Thairg Fionn an sin cumha, ’s leig, Nach do thairg e riamh na dheidh; Fios a chogair is a sgéulaibh, ’S a rodhain do mhnaithibh na Féinne. 4 Maraon is deich unc do ’n ór, Agus earradh fein do shról; Dh’ aon fhear a mharbhadh an torc, A chloidh ar conamh calm san trod. 5 ’S e fhreagair e Caoilte caol, Mac Ronan, bu luaith ’s an fhraoch; ‘Gabham a chúmha uail gu deónach, Dhea’ Mic Chumhail is cruai’ cómhrag. 6 An sin shín Caoilte air a Mhuic, O Bhéinn, aula, gu Beinn luirc, O Bheinn luirce gu Beinn eudainn, ’S o thrái, Lia-druim gu sliagh éilte. 7 A togail re brái’ Dhruim ruaidh, ’S ann a rug Caoilte air an Fhuath; ’S ghabh e d’ a shleagan géur, le chudhrom, Thall sa bhos mu shlios a muinail, 8 Cho sgriosadh e slios a muinail, Ach mar dhaor, chruai’ no Creug-ullan; Bu luaithe iad fea’ gach aónaich, Na gaoth earraich fea’ ghleann caole. 9 A togail re gleann an Asdair, Bha ’n torc a toirt Chaoilte nasgaidh; . . . (1) casadh e ris a gharmain, . . . . . r na clocha glasa garbha. 10 A tearnadh a sios air Gleann lóchridh, Chuir e Caoilte gu h ann dochas; . . . . . dh e shleaghean ramhra, ruadhe, . . . . . . l sheamrag, cuilc, no luachair. 11 . . . . . agh mo thuras, ’s mo chrioch, . . . . . rinneas breug do ’m Righ; . . . . mnaithaibh feilidh Fhinn, . . . . . . . heach ann an Croma ghlinn. 12 ‘O b’ áit am bheil mo leannan síth, A Dhiorbhail na malla míne; Nach d’ iga’ tu ’nois do ’m chomhair, ’S gu r ogha pealhar mi Chonchair.’ 13 Cho chian do Chaoilte bhi na aonar, ’N uair chunnacas air bharradh an aonaich; Bean luath, eatrom, léimneach mhear, ’S i teachd chuige le deadh ghean. 14 Bha criosan na laimh ro shéimh, ’S fail óir mu bharradh a méur; Sgian bheag a snaidhadh a h iongann, ’S i gu snuadh ghlan déud gheal io’ lach. 15 ‘’S miannach leatsa Chaoilte chéimnich, Bhi d’ am iomradhsa ’s tu d’ eigainn; Ge d’ nach miannach le d’ chorp séimh ghlan, Bhi sínte re ’m thaobhsa ’n séimh-ghleann.’ 16 ‘Nan d’ iga tu shéimh ghleann doilleir, Dhea’ Mhic Ronan nan rosg soluis; Cho bhiodh air do chull a bhos, Aaon ni nach d’ ugainn dhuit fois. 17 ‘So an sgian bheag so tha ’m laimh, Is glac a mhuc sheisge gu ’n sgá’; No faicear air airm mhic Righ, Fuil sean torc cuthaich ’se sith.’ (1) Cut and worn MS. here. [TD 54] 18 Bhuail an d’ oghlaoch bu tréun lamh, An torc nimhe le mór ágh; Gus an do thuit e air an lonan ’S b’ ait an sgéul le Caoilte Mac Ronan. 19 ‘Dean suidh’ ’nois am fogus dhamh, ’S gu d’ ugaim dhuit achmhasan; C’ om an d’ ug thu air mo cheannsa, Aaon bhean tha san Fhéinn aig Fionn-gheal 20 ‘Cho d’ ug mise air do cheannsa, Aon bhean tha ’san Fhéinn aig Fionn-gheal; Cho d’ ug ’s cho tabhair re ’m ré, O ’n thainig thu ’n diu re ’m fhéum.’ 21 ‘C’om an innis thu sin dhamhsa, ’S gu ’r h ann agam a tha eolas; Posar thu ’n ath la gu ’n fhuaradh, Re inghean Aille o Cruachan.’ 22 ‘Si inghean Aille O Cruachan, Bhean is fhearr tha ’s an Fhiann shuas ud, Seachd bliadhna bha Fionn na Féinne, Suirtha’ air inghean Aille ’s fhearr béuse.’ 23 ‘A chéud té thig a’ mach an ath la, Glac thusa Chaoilt i gu h ealamh; ’S air na bheil do dh’ ór na thalla, Cho b’ áill le Fionn thu da fhaghail. 24 ‘Ach ma ’s beó mise gu tra’ teachd, Rigidh mi thusa le gean; ’S bheir mi dhuit ceud maoislach mhaol, An Gleann seirce taobh air thaobh.’ 25 Crodheam dhuit céud alluidh, Nach fhaca riamh teach no talla; Cuiream sin gu teach a máirach, Air sealbhachas mo ghradhaich. 26 ‘Bheir mi dhuit an croisan síd’ so, Is cho chuir ort sgios do dhroma; ’S gu ’n toir mi dhuit an fhail óir so, ’S gheibh thu buaidh gach sluaigh is seóilte.’ Then they departed, and Caoilte returned to the Heroes with the Boar’s head; when Fingal saw that he had it, he was vexed that he promised him his choice of their women, for he was sure that Caoilte would choose his own wife. Then he thought proper to cover all their heads, and to put them out one by one, and to let him take his choice thus, (since it would not break his promise). They put out Fingal’s wife first, in hopes that Caoilte would stop until a good number of them would come out; but Caoilte took the first according to his familiar love’s advice, then Fingal said:— 27 ‘Tha gliocas an domhain uile, Chaoilte air a’ d’ aon bhruinnain; No seoladh mnatha sithe, Nach eil an aon tír ruinne.’ Then had Caoilte Fingal’s wife, and he did not offer such thing any more. Caoilte went next day to meet his first love, who gave him all things she promised him and said:— 28 ‘Biodh déarach agad na lorg, Gu ’r deurach an sgéula leom; Gus an d’ eid Beinn aulla air Beinn luirc, (Tuirc) Cho ’n fhaic thu mise o ’n diu.’ D. 4. MAR BHAIRIBH CAOILT AN FABHAIR. 95 lines. 1755. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, No. XIV. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 2, 1872. 1 LA dhuin an san Bhein Bhain, Shin fein & Fianibh Phail; She dherich dhuin san Bhein bhain, Bhi shior chuir ri sheilg air sheichran. 2 Aig meid na Doirin a dherich ruinn, She thachir gar Fein challama choir; Nach raibh ra fhetin dhiu ma dherigh, Commin aon Deisse ra cheligh. 3 Chuir shin Caoill air Luas a Chas, Gheichin am faicce e dhuin Rathid; Cha duair ach Rathid gairibh sallich, ’S oiche dhorche dhoruinnich. 4 Chunnairc e Toigh mor air Lar, Air urlar Glinn nan Ceid Oigh; Bha Teinne sollist air air a lar, Bha dha Dhorist foscailte. 5 Bha Nithin ur ann an Taibh, A bailigh gam faiccis do Mhnai; Bha Innil Baoi air a Teich, Bha aig Cloighin na cean Aoirt. 6 Bha Coig Mialchoin aic air Slaibhrigh, Bha Coig Sleigh iarrain suas ri Eallachin; San a ghaibh mi crith as Grain, Ro bhi dol a steach am aoinir. 7 Na bigh ortsa Crith na Grain, Mas du Oigear Inse-fail; Nam bigh me Ghra Gealsa a stigh, Riogh gum fhaolidhe ro aoithidh. 8 Hug I gho Trithir ga Biagh, Hug as da Thrithir ga Hedich; Gu de dhuisg mi as mo phraibh, Air un Meangean beg don La. 9 Ach an Nighin ailligh aig rait ruim, Eirich a suas Mhic Righ Phail, Bhuinne gle gheal Dorain. 10 A Mhic na Mnai e Dun dil, Hanig iad ort ’s du air Himmairt Gu de an Immirt hanig orm, A Gheig ur fos fainne Gorm. 11 Am Fabhair Mor an tin fon Traigh, Bear dhuit Eig na dol na Dhail; Hug mi Erigh orm a Suas, San leom fein bu leoir a chruas. 12 ’S gun chuir mi orm muin air bhuin; Mo sheichd Luirichin Treorigh; ’S chuir mi orm air a bhuin shin, Mearrigh uaine air aoin Dath. 13 Bha mo Chlaibh ri ’m T-shlios sheibh, ’S mo Scia Bhreic a suas ri ’m Ghualin; Hug mi Ruathir hun an Dorrist, Gu ro lua ’s gu hiumscarieh. 14 Co dhorchich orm an Ro Sollist, Ach an Fabhair mor mun Ium ghorist Cum uam do Gha dirich deas, Cha nan air do Hise aha Mi. 15 Co air eille ho do Huil, Fhabhair mhoir as du ’m i ruin; Ha Leannan aggum san Duin, Nighin na Malich maul (1) I shuil. 16 An m mo Leannan ha u grait, Abhair Mhoir, as air do Laibhse; Ha Fault Bui orr’ as Cuil Cleichdich, San orm fein uu chuidh an Coileppich. 17 Cha nuinigh leom na ha u labhairt, Mas tu Mac shin an Leth-luachraich; ’S gur misshe a bhairibh Tathair, La Catha Beinnigh Cruaghaich. 18 ’Sa bharrais haist a Mhac, Mar Scuir e dhim ga cho-chleichd; Hug mi lshe Buillin deig, An corp an Fhabhair as cha Bhreig. 19 Fon gherich e Ghrian san Mhaddin Sheal man deich’ I shear san annamich; Hug e sheolligh sheich a Scia, Dheicin faicce a Ghrian. 20 Hug mi Buille beo am Broid, Sca mi na Coig Cinn ga Bhraigid; Leig mi Mullin rish an Tom, ’Shile mo chreichin gu trom trom. (1) Meal. [TD 55] 21 Co ni an Guth curainte binn, Air an Tullich os mo Chion; She bainm dhosa a tin fon Heich Aile Nin Riogh Connich. 22 Aile dian ussa rium Baigh, ’S na hinnish e uille do Mhrai; Tog leat mo Scia gu dun Dil, Cha do hog Bean riabh I rothid. 23 Hog Aile an shin a Scia, Dhimmich I lethigh gu dian; Cha fhroissigh I ’n Druichd don Fheir, S gho bho dhuisgigh I min-ean. 24 Be shin darna Cath a bu Chruaidh, Hug Caoilte nan Beuminn Buaghich; ’S nar a bhairibh e a Mhuc Ghear, Ann an Fiannais Riogh na Herin. Crioch. F. 14. LAOIDH CHAOILTE MHIC RONAIN, AN LATHA BHA É SA BHEINN BHAIN. 1750. Fletcher’s Collection, page 64. 91 lines. Advocates’ Library. February 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 LATHA dhuinn ann sa Bheinn-Bhàin, Sinn fein agus Fionn Righ Phàil; ’Se thachair dhuinn sa Bheinn Bhain, Bhio sior chuir seilg air seacharan. 2 Chuir sinn Caoilte air luathas a chas, Dh’ fheuchain an gleitheadh e rathad; Cha d’ fhuair e ach rathad garbh salach, Is oidhche dhorcha dhoiruintadh, 3 Chunnaic e tigh mor air làr, Air làr glinne-nan ceud oigh; Chunnaic e solus air a làr, ’S a dhorus fosgailte. 4 Chunnaic i inghean air a làr, Ailidh ga ’m facas do mhnaoi; Bha inneal baoigh air a tigh, Bha cuig cloidhean na cheann adhart. 5 Bha cuig miol-choin aic air slabhraidh, Bha cuig sleaghe iaruinn suas ra fraoigh; Is ghabh mi moran crith is grain, Mu dhol a steach a maonaran. 6 Na biodh ortsa crith na grain, M’ as tu oig-fhear Innse-Phàil; N’ am biodh mo ghradh gealsa stigh, Naille b’ fhaoilidh è roimh aoighe. 7 Thug i dhomsa trian ga bighe, Agus da trian ga h-aodach; Gur e dhuisg mi as mo phramh, Air teachd meangan beag do ’n la. 8 Inghean ùr a radh rium, Eirich suas a mhic Righ Phail; ’Mhic nam mnai a Dun-dill, Thainig iad ort s tu air t-iomairt. 9 Ciod an iomairt thainig oirnn, Inghean ùr nam maogh rosg gorma; Fam-fhear mor a teachd bhon traidh, B’ fhearr dhuit eug na dol na dhail. 10 Ach thug mi eirigh orm a suas, Sann leam fheinn bu leoir a chruas; Chur mi orm sid muin air mhuin, Mo sheachd luireaichin treoiridh. 11 Is chuir mi orm air mhuin sin, M’ earradh uaine is i air aon dath; Mo chlaidhe fad air mo shlios seamh, Mo sgia bhreac mhor suas ri ghualain. 12 Thug mi ruathar chum an doruis, Gu ra luath ’s gu h-ioma-sgarra; Gur è dhorchuich orm an ro soluist, Am famh-fhear mòr m’ an ioma-dhorus. 13 Cum uam do ghath direach deas, Cha ’n ann air do thi a tha mi; Co air eile tha do shuil, Fhamh-fhear mhoir ’s tu mi rùn. 14 Tha leannan agam san Dùn, Inghean na malla mhealladh shull, 54 . . . . . . . ’Ni mo leannansa tha thu radh ’n, Fhamh-fhear mhoir is air do laimh; Tha folt buighe ’s a cul cleachdach, Sann orm bu chuibhe ’n coi-leabaich. 58 Cha ’n ioghna leam na bheil thu radhain, Mas tu mac an leigh Luaichraich; ’S gur ann leamsa thuit t athair, Latha catha Beinne-cruaiche. 62 Is ann leam a thuiteas am Mac, Mur sguir e dhiom da cho-ghleachd. 64 Ach thug mi mo sheachd-buille-deug, Ann corp an famh’ air is cha bhreug; Bho dh’ eirich a ghrian gu moch, Gus an deach i siar san anmoch, 68 Thug e suil seach a sgia, Shealtain caite an robh a ghrian; Thug mi buille beo am braid, ’S gath mi na cuig cinn ga bhraidhe. 72 Leig mi m’ uilinn ris an tom, Shil mo chreuchdan gu trom trom Co ni ’n guth furrain ud thall, Air an tulaich bhos ’mo chionn? 76 Gur h-e b’ ainm dhomh teachd bho ’m theach, Ailligh Inghean Righ Chònuinn. 78 Ailli deansa ormsa bàidh, ’S na innis mo sgeul uil do mhnai, Tog leat mo sgia gu Dundill, ’S cha do ghlac bean riamh i romhad. 82 Thog Ailligh leatha an sgia, ’S dh’ imich i leatha gn dian, dian; Cha chuireadh i an druic do ’n fheur, ’S cha mo a dhuisge i min-eun. 86 Gu b’ e sid treas turn bu chruaighe, Rinn Caoilte nam beumanan buagha; ’N la bha ea n Dun an oir ’S an la mharbh e a mhuc ghearr, Ann am fiadhnais Righ na-h-Eirinn. 91 H. 4. HOW CAOILTE KILLED A GIANT. 128 lines. Kennedy, 1st Collection, page 79. Advocates’ Library. December 12, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871, Dublin. Not known to Hennessy, but very like the style of current popular tales in Ireland. THE Heroes were hunting on a mountain called White Mountain; the day being fair and the air favourable: but before the night came great mist overshadowed all the Hills and valleys below, so that the darkness separated the one from the other. They use to bind Caoilte’s knees, because he was so swift in running, that none of them could not be up with him, so that he would walk slowly, but they forgot to bind him that day, and when he went astray once, he made a great way through hills, rocks, mountains, and unknown valleys, and about the Twilight he saw a Hermitage far off in a Glen; he ran towards it, went in, and there was none in it, but a young dame, he was trembling with fear, for it was glittering with arms, but she invited and comforted him, and made him sit down, and was very kindly entertained and lay with her during the night, and told him that she was a King’s Daughter, and that a Giant stol’d her away, and that she inchanted him not to touch her as a wife for a year and a day, the said time was expired when Caoilte came; she awakened him very early, and said that the Genie was coming from of shore and that it was better for him to die than to go to fight with him. Caoilte rose and made himself ready and met him at the door, the Duel began and lasted till sun setting, then Caoilte killed him, the wife carried his arms, and went both together to one of Fingal’s Forts, named White Hill. DAN 20. 1 LATHA dhuinne bhi ’n Gleann cruadhach, A cuir ar saighdan ’s ar sleagh uainne; ’Se tharladh dhuinn an ’san leirg, Gu deachaidh air seachran seilg. [TD 56] 2 Aig mead a cheó sa Bheinn bhán, Ann bhu mhaith ar ’n iúl a ghná; Ge do dh’ iairta sinn cho ’n fhuighte, Comann diais an aon áite. 3 Ach dh’ eirmais Caoilte le luas a chos, Air doireachan ain-eolach ’s chnoc; Is fhuair e rathad fliuch solaih, ’S oidhche dhorcha dhoireannach. 4 ‘Chunnaig e uaithe tigh mór, An lar glinn’ air a cheud óir; Bha inghean úr air a lár, Is a dhoras fosgailt lán.’ 5 ‘Bha inneal baoth air a teach, Bha seachd cloidheamhnan aica steach; Bha d’ a shleagh a suas re fraith, ’S da mhiol chú mhor aica stigh.’ 6 ‘Bha earradh re crann an áird, Cho mhor cho ’n fhacas re’ m lá, Ghabh mi roimpe crith is gráin, A dhol a steach ’s mi ’m aonaran.’ 7 ‘No gabh thusa crith no gráin, Ma ’s tu óg-fhear Innse pháil; ’N uair thig mo ghradh gealsa da thigh, Re oighe ’s ro-fhailteach aigneadh. 8 ‘Thug i orm fein suidhe suas, A dh’ éisteacdh a sgéul ’s a duan; Is thug i dhamh drian d’ a beathaidh, Agus da drian d’ a leabaidh.’ 9 ‘Ach se mhosgail mi as mo phná’, Air theachd beagan beag do ’n lá; Inghean ur ag radh rium fáill, Eirich suas a mhic Righ Pháil.’ 10 ‘O! ogain chaoimh ghil aluin, Mhic Ronan nan rosg málla; ’S na dea’ mhna’ a Dun ghil, Thainig uair d’ iomairt anois.’ 11 ‘Ciod e ’n iomairt thainig orm, Ainnir ur na ’m fuarra gorm; Tha ’m Foghmhair mór a teachd o thráidh, ’S b’ fhearr dhuit éug na dol na dháil.’ 12 ’N sin thug mi eiridh orm a suas, ’S an leam fein bu leóir a chruas; ’S chuir mi orm muin air mhuin, Mo sheachd luireich teanne truide.’ 13 ‘Chuir mi orm air a muin dlu, M earradh uaine fein gu luth’r; Cloidheamh sínte re ’m shlios sios, Is sgia’ air mo ghualain chlí.’ 14 ‘Thug mi ruathar thun an dorais, A shealtain am faicinn am Foghmhair; Co dhorchaich orm an ro-sholus, Ach am Foghmhair mór ’m iom-dhoras.’ 15 ‘C’ um uam do ghath direach nimh, Cho ’n ann air do shíth ’ta mis, Cia air tha do shíth ’s do shúil, Fhoghmhair mhoir is measa run.’ 16 ‘Tha leannan agam ’san Túr, Gur h ann orra tha mo shúil; Dáil bliadhna thugsa dh’ i dhuine, ’S anois do thaingas da h-ionnsuidh.’ 17 ‘A ni mo leannans’ tha tu ’g radh, Fhoghmhair mhoir san air a láimh; A folt buidh ’sa cúl clearcach, ’S ann dhamhsa bu chubhaidh ’n coi-leabach.’ 18 ‘’S maith a labhair mu d’ uaisle, Mas tu mac an Leigh luachrach; Mharbh mi gu ’n athadh no fuaradh, E la catha Beinna cruachan.’ 19 ‘O na tharladh dh’ a bhi ’m mhéin, ’S bhi cho duilbhar rium na ghné; ’S ann leann a thuiteas a mhac, Mar sguir e dhim d’ a choi’-ghleac.’ 20 ‘’S maith gu d’ innis thu sin dhamhsa, Fhoghmhair mhóir nan arma’ graineil; Na cuig cinn ’ta air do bhrádhaid, Biodh aon dhiu agam na pháidhadh.’ 21 Bhuail sinn an sin air a chéile, Mar mhuinne shruth bhristeadh leimnach; ’S bu chruaidh no fuaim mhic talla, Gaoir ar faobhar caoine gealla.’ 22 ‘Bha eisan mar neart na gaoithe, A leagadh coilltach Mhorathairn aobhach. ’S bha mise mar luas nan sruthan, Bhiodh re aodann gaoithe sruthadh.’ 23 ‘Air bhi dhuinn mar sin re cómhrag, Omhoch madain gu trá neóine; O ’n dh’ eirich a ghrian gu moch, Gus an deach i siar a chlos.’ 24 ‘Thug mise seachd buillean déug, An corp an Fhoghmhair mhóir ’s cho bhréug; Thug e ’n sin amharc seach a sgia’, A dh’ fhaicinn ciod a dhur a ghrian.’ 25 ‘’N uair a fhuair mi fein am fáth, ’S mhothaich mi e fuidh chrá’; Thug mi béum beó dh’ a gu gabhidh, Is sgath na cuig cinn d’ a bhrádhaid.’ 26 ‘’N sin leig mi ’m uilean air an tom, ’S shil mo chreucaibh gu trom, trom; ’N deidh builean an Fhoghmhair mhóir, Nach deachaidh neach riamh o león.’ 27 ‘O ogain chaoimh ghil áluin, Is fhearr luas do shluagh Righ Pháile; Ris an goirear giorag comhraig, Mo cheud beannachd fein gu d chomhdach.’ 28 ‘Co ni ’n guth curant ud tháll, Air an tulaich os mo cheann; Gu ’r e ’n t ainm a ghoirear dhamhsa, Aine inghean Righ Connachd ór-bhuidh.” 29 ‘Aine dean thus ormsa báidh, Is na h innis e do mhuaidh; Tog leat mo sgia’ gu Dun-geal, ’S nin do thog bean riamh i ’n glaic.’ 30 Thainig Aine ’n sin gu dian, ’S thog i mo chloidheamh ’s mo sgia’; Cho roisamh i ’n drúchd do ’n fhéur, ’S cho mho dhuisgadh i mean éun.’ 31 ‘’Sin an treas turas a b’ fhearr, A rinn Caoilt’ nam béumaibh lén; ’S ’n uair a chuaidh e Dhún an óir, Agus a mharbh e ’n torc mor.’ 32 ’S muladach mise re ’m ré, A sior thuireamh sios am béus; Mar chrann crion am fasach fuar, ’N deidh cách ’s mo dhuilach thoirt uam. O. 5. CAOILTE ’S AM FOMHFHEAR. 84 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 18. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 16, 1872. In this version the stanzas are so broken that I have numbered the lines. LA dhuinn sealg beinn Aonais, 1 Ler h-oigridh ghasda, fir chalma; La eile sa’ Bheinn Bhain, Sir chuir seilg air seacharan. Suil gun tugas a bhan, 5 Chunncas gleannan nan ceud oigh, (al. aigh) Ainnir sholuis air a lar, ’S a seachd dorsan fosgailte. Bha seachd claidhean air a h-aghairt, 9 Bha seachd sleaghan shuas air alchaig; Inneal baoith air a beart deas, (al. as) Bha seachd miol-choin aig air slabhruidh. Ghabh mi cridh, ghabh mi grain, O na tharladh dhomh bhi m’ aonar ann. 14 Na biodh ortsa cridh no grain, Oigfhear ur à Innis fail, Bu mhiann leam guth a’ Ghael ghlain, An uair am minic chluinninn e. 18 Erich thusa Mhic righ Fail, ’S ann an diugh thain t-iomairt; Ciod am fath iomairt thainig orm, Ighinn ur is gloine rugh. 22 . . . . . [TD 57] Fomhfhear mor bhi teachd nad’ dhail, B’ annsa ’n teug na dol na choir, 24 . . . . . Rinn e dhomh mo leaba dion. Gu beachdail air bathais an Urlair. Gur e dh’ allte leinn m’ an seach; Fion uisge beatha ’s curmailt, 28 (Al’. Fion uisge, is lion is Curmailt.) Chuir i ormsa an leanag shithe, Leth ri ’m shlios, bu leor a mìneid; Chuir i ormsa air mun sin Na seachd luirichean Freamhri. 32 Chuir i sgiath air mo laimh chli, ’S mo chlaidheamh geur a’ m’ laimh dheas, Choluich mise ma ’n radh sholuis Am Fomhfhear mor ma ’n iom dhorus, 36 Team as mo rathad a Chaoilte, Cha ’n ann air a thi a tha mi, Ciod an ti am bheil thusa, Fhomh’ear mor na mi run. 40 Tha leannan agam anns an Dun, Leannan ur na malla seang; An leannan sin a tha thu ’g radhte, B’ait leam agam air son mnaoi. 44 ’S mise ’n duine mharbh t-athair La catha Beinn A Chruachain; Ciod e ged mharbh thu m’ athair La catha beinn a Chruachain. 48 ’Se bhitheas agamsa air son paighe, Na cuig cinn th’ air a bhragaid; Ghabh iad an sin do cheile O mhoch maduinn gu luidhe greine, 52 Thug am Fomh’ ear sealladh fiar (al. siar) Ciod e ’m ball an robh a’ ghrian; Thug mi sealladh beag na dheigh, Sealladh bochd do ’m chreuchdaibh fein. 56 Thug mi sgiobag dh’a m braid, Sgath mi na cuig cinn de bhragaid. 58 Leag mi m’ ullin ris an tom, As shill mo chreuchdan gu trom trom; Co i a bhean tha os mo cheann, Dheanadh a’ chainnt chaoimhneil ruim? 62 Theireadh ruim mu ’n tra so ’n de. Ailde nighean Righ Conair. 64 To mo chlaidheamh tog mo sgiath, Nach do thog bean romhad riamh. 66 Thog i mo chlaidheamh ’s mo sgiath, ’S thog mi fein fo dhion, (al. o ghniamh) Chaoilte Mhic Righ soluis. An ann maireach a bhitheas do bhanais? 72 Ma ’s mairrean mise an Dun til, Gun tiginn t-ionnsuidh le h-airce; Achanaich dh’ iarrainn air mo leannan, An ni sin nach ’eil an laimh, 76 Ceud Douran nach do chlathaich bruach, Ceud eala nach do shnamh air cuan, Ceud searach nach do chraoim air lon, Ceud damh alluidh nach do thilg croc. 80 Gheibhte sud ceud maosach mhaol, An gleann seirce taobh ri taobh, Ceud sobhrach ’s creumh glas, Air a bhuain san fhaoilteach gheamhraidh. 84 Written from the recitation of Archibald Stewart, man-servant, Dalchosnie, Rannoch, February 19, 1801. NORSE WARS. A WHOLE series of Ballads relate to the Invasion of Ireland by ‘Lochlannaich,’ Northmen, or Danes, or Scandinavians. The Sea Rovers wanted Fionn’s famous hound, and his wife, his cup, his two spears, and his sword, Mac an Luinn, and sent all sorts of strange messengers in search of them. In H. 5. they send a messenger with some loud-sounding musical instrument—a Timbrel, according to Armstrong’s Dict.—a Timbrel, Tabor, Drum, Cymbal, according to O’Reilly. The place of the Norsemen, generally, is about Beinn Eudainn, now the Hill of Howth; so these ballads belong historically to the Norse occupation of Dublin, in the reign of Cormac Mac Art, when the Feinne flourished, in the 3rd century. Historians may explain the myths chronologically, if they can. I leave the mythology to comparative mythologists, for I know nothing like it; and as for the geography, it must take its chance. I give the Ballads as I got them. H. 6. describes a monstrous mythical personage. H. 7. describes an early adventure in the Story of Oscar, the son of Oisein and grandson of Fionn. I tell his story elsewhere, in English; how he got his name, and what it means. H. 5. HOW A CHARMER CAME TO THE HEROES, NAMED HARD SCUL, TO SING A TIMBREL TO THEM. 60 lines. Kennedy, 1st Collection, page 66. Advocates’ Library. December 9, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871, Dublin. Not known to Hennessy in Irish manuscripts; not known to me orally preserved.—J. F. C. A MUSICIAN came to the Heroes, whom they called Claigean Mac Choin a chinn chruaidh, (that is, Hard Head or Hard Scul,) to sing a timbrel to them; and he would play so hard and loud that none of them could stay to hear it. Caoilte was watching; he came where he was and asked of him, how many Heroes had Fingal; he told him that they were divided into seven Cathairns, (that is, into seven Regiments or Companies, but it is not known how many were in each, but supposed to be 500,) and that every one had a wife, a servant-man, and two dogs; he went then to the house and played on the Timbrel. Since they could not stay to hear it, Fingal excused himself, saying that their women were . . . sorrowful, and that they do not like any music at present; but he would not give over playing unless he would get his own dog, named Bran, his two spears, and his sword; but Fingal refused that, saying that his music was not pleasant, and that he would not get his request, since he do not deserve it; then he gave three sounds, and the Heroes were deaf a long while afterward. They sent all their dogs after him, but in vain till they loosed Bran, who overtook him at a cave in Beinn Eúdain, and killed him. Though the Heroes did not ever get victory by human strength over any sort of evil spirits, sorcerers, and the like; yet Fingal was inchanted and happy among mortals, so that he would get the better of any sort of spirits, conspirators, inchanters, and brutal force. DAN 16. 1 ‘AILIS dhamh a Chaoilte chruadhach, Mhic Ronan cia mor d’eibhneas; Cia lion tha Mhaitheadh ’n ar Féinnsa, Le ’n coin is le ’n coi’-éiridh.’ 2 ‘Seachd Cathain tha n ar Féinn, ’S cho ’n eil neach dhiu sud gu ’n sgia; Gu ’n bhean gu ’n ghille, gu ’n da chú, Sud e ’n Túr fui ’n dealbhach iad.’ 3 ‘Tha tiombain nan iarrann fuar, Re comhla chruaidh fui ’m sge bhuirb; ’S fear no bean d’am bheil san Fhéinn, Eisteachd ris a ghléus ni ’m fuila.’ 4 Dh’ imich é gu clios d’ar Túr, For ’m bu lionmhor ciuil is báird; Is shéinn air an tiombain phreair, Ceól bu chruaidh’ no iolach báis, 5 Cho ’n eisteadh ris neach san Fhéinn, Do bhrí géir a fuaimnach árd; Ge’d bhiod cuan is mac talla bheann Aig eibhich b’ fhánn seach a gáir, 6 Labhair mac Chuthaill an gloir ghlic, Mar bu nós dh’ a ann ’s gach drip; ‘Tha bantrach’ ar Féinne fui’ bhrón, Eist dhinn a’d cheól fhir.’ 7 ‘Cho ’n eisteam gu ’n do chú glann grinn, Mar athchuinge uait Fhinn fhéil; Do dh’ a shleagh a dhoirteas fuil, ’S Mac-an-loin is goirte béum; 8 ‘Ne ’m fuigh tu mo shean chu séimh, No mo dha shleagh gu ’n chion fath; No Mac-an-lion nan luath bheuim, A thnú ni m fuigh tu gu bráth.’ [TD 58] 9 ‘Mar sin ’s bréug a bhi gu d’ mholadh, Fhinn gu ’n fhéileachd no urram; O ’n thug thu uait san aon la, Eúr is aithis do dh’ aon duine.’ 10 ‘Ni ’n duine thusa gu fior, Ach tnú nathara, nár, mhilteach Gu ’n iúl no oileanach riamh, ’N tra’ dh’ iarradh tu duais dioleadh.’ 11 ’N sin lion an t arrachd a’ mach, Bhuair e uile ar comhnuidh; Rinn e tri sgreadan gábhidh, ’S neach na dheidh cho b’ fhiach am f . . 12 . eamar ris coin na Féinne, Thair gach maoile cnuic is sléibhe, ’S cho raibh teamhair air luas an fhir; Gu h uamh mhór am Béinn éudain. 13 Thug sinn fuasgladh do chu Fhinn, Is ruidh e gu dian neo-mhall; Mu ’n raibh ’m fuath ach gan a steach Rug e air le tioleam garg. 14 Thug e an sin deanal cruaidh, ’S Claigean mac Choin a chinn chruaidh, Is thorchair le Bran gu ’n fheall, Ceann Chlaigain air an uair, 15 Thainig e air ball do ’n Fhéinn, Is ceann Chlaigain ann na bhéul, B’ait an scalla leis an t-sluagh, Ceann an fhuath a bhi fui’ dhéud. H. 6. HOW SILHALAN CAME TO KILL FINGAL. 36 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 62. Advocates’ Library, December 8, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphial. NOTE.—December 17, 1871. Dublin. Not known to Hennessy, in Irish MSS. Not known to me as orally preserved.—J. F. C. A FAIRY or Ghost came into the Heroes, about sun setting, where they use to be walking, and resting themselves on a smooth yellow plain or field, named Silhilan, means little person, who was seen by all men, like a bird’s shadow, on the mountains, in a calm fair evening (all names were poetical in that age) to kill Fingal, but Fingal killed him, he was but a wizard, suppose he was in the form of a fairy, for Fingal was not only unconquerable by human strength, but also by Conjurers and Sorcerers. DAN 14. 1 LATHA dhuinn air magh ór-bhuidh, ’Nar suidh aig cathair nam Fiann; Chunnacas oglaoch neo-ionnalt, Tidhain air magh glinne niar. 2 Gomhal fársuidh, ’s broidhe fiar, ’S amhluidh sin do bha ann fuath; Lorg iarrain air fad á dhroma, Da lurgain loma ’s iad luath, 3 Bha súil aig am bun na cluaise, ’S bha i gu crithanach ciar, ’S bha súil ’eile air dhath na réulla, A mullach an éudain shiar, 4 An sin do dh’ fhiosraich an l árd Righ, ‘Cia ’n t iùl a thainig am fuath?’ Cia b’ ainm dh’ a fein is d’ a athair, Is ogluidhachd air gu luath. 5 ‘’S mise Silhallan mac Sithaill, Dhoirtainn fuil is réubhainn feóil; Bu mhiannach leam ruidh gu reachdmhor, Agus cuir as do Righ Phóil.’ 6 An sin do dheargaich an t árd Righ, Ris a ghlóir do chan am fuath; ’S tharruing e lann fhada liomhidh, Gu fada, deas, direach uaith. 7 Gach buille da ’n liubhradh an t árd Righ, Le chloidheamh cuilgearra, cruaidh; Bheireadh am fuath ’s moran tuillidh, Da bhuille mu n bhuille uath. 8 An sin do chuimhnich Mac Chuthaill, Air a threune chleasaibh lúith; Tharruing e Mac-an-loin gu talmhidh, ’S le ágh mharbh e ’m fuath nach b’ fhiú. 9 Bu mhaith leinn gu d’ imich am fuath, ’S gu deachidh na sluaigh a cás; Oir b’ dara fuath bu mheasa, Thainig riamh air Fianntidh Pháil. H. 7. HOW CROM NAN CNAMH KIL’D SGIATHAN, THE SON OF THE KING OF SCAIRBH. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 33. Advocates’ Library, December 1, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Dublin, December 4, 1871. The story in some shape is in the Book of Lismore, Irish MS., 1450, but this ballad was not identified by Hennessy. I have part of it orally collected. Y. 3, Page 182. THE ARGUMENT. IT was the custom of the Heroes to set out watch every night in the year, and their was coming every night a valiant Hero with an inchanted music; and the watchman would fell asleep whenever he would hear the music, then the Charmer would steal any victuals they would leave in the night-time, and everything he would see proper, they were vexed that such an Owler was coming no them, and that all their attempts was in vain. There was a young fellow in their kitchen who was called by name (at that time) Crom nan cnámh or Crom an eanrich afterwards Oscar, and he said ‘I will watch the night;’ Fingal said that they would not trust themselves to his watching; he said ‘that suppose they would be watching twelve, that he would be with them;’ then Fingal allowed him to watch since they would not be but as usual. The Inchanter came as formerly and he slept, but soon awaked and pursued after him, till he overtook him, and killed him. Observe the Poem. DAN 6. 1 ‘THURAS lorgan laoich sa bhlár, Madainn dhiamhair fui’ dhea’ thrachd; ’S thugas briathar air mo shleagh, Nach bi sin lorg Fhinn no Oisain.’ 2 ‘No Caoilte beag nan cos lumhor, No neach a bha air Loch lurgann; No aon fhear do mhuintir Fhinn, A tharlladh orms ann an Croma ghlinn,’ 3 ‘Thogas ’m éudach ’s leigeas ris, Air fea’ mointich is gairbh dhris, Bha mi fein am ruidh ’s leum, ’S cho raibh ’m fear mor ach na chruai’ chéum. 4 ‘Rugas air is rugas air, An gleann beag eidear dha chreag; D’ ainm ’s do shloinneadh innis dhamsa; No cia ’m ball am bi thu chomhnuidh, 5 ‘’S aimaidach thusa fhir bhig, ’S ógan thu ’s cho ’n eil thu glic; Cho b’ uilair dhuitsa ’n Fhiann uile, Dh’ fhaghail sgéul o ’n aon duine.’ 6 ‘Cho ’n iarrainnsa do ’n Fhiann uile, Ach Fionn is Goll nan treun bhuillean; A chuid nach sracamaid le ’r lamhan, Dhiot loisgeamaid e le ’r ’n anail, 7 ‘Thugas dhamh sin ’s thugas dhamh, An t sleagh mhór a bh’ air a shon; ’S chosgair e i thair mo chlaigean, Da throidh dhéug an aodann dallaig 8 ‘Thugas dh’ a sin ’s thugas dh’ a, An t sleagh bheag a bh’ air mo sgá; Chosgair mi sud roimh a chroidhe, ’S choisg mi moran d’ a luath mhire. 9 ‘Oglaoich mhóir nan iomadidh créuc, Sgearr gus an togar do leac; Innis an deireadh do latha, Cia thu feineach no cia t athair?’ 10 ‘’S mise Sgiathan Mac Righ Sgairbh, Mac an fhir ua’-bhasaich ghairbh; ’S gu b’ e mo nós ann ’s gach teach, Bhi sior chosgairt cuid gach neach.’ [TD 59] 11 ‘Gur mi allail dhuit mar tharladh A Sgiathain mhóir nan sgia’ gráineil; Rinn do Chosgairt an Croma ghlinn, An Gille con ata aig Finn.’ 12 ‘Cho bu Ghille chon thu riamh, ’S cho b’ e sin thu near no niar Ach oglaóch finealta do ’n Fhiann, Is lamh cho tréun ’s tha ’n Eirinn shiar, 13 ‘’S mairg neach a ghoid ort do lón, A madainn dhiamhair re dalla chéo; Thu fein ’s do shleagh air a tóir, ’S mairg air ’n do thuit an trom lórg.’ 14 Air ball dh’ éug an treun laoch gruamach. Bu cheatharnach searbh ’s gach cruadail; Ann an cothas monidh shamhaich, Le buill Oscair tréun gach gabhidh. 15 Creid thusa Ille Phádraig, Gu raibheams uair bu mhor abhachd; Ge do tha mi ’nois gu dubhach, Gun charaid gun chath neo’ shuthach. THE MYTHICAL NORSE CARLIN. Amongst the people sent by the Norsemen to attack and worry the Feinne are one-eyed Hags, who are associated with one-eyed Smiths. They seem to have something to do with the people who appear in the Story of Beowulf. Historically women commanded piratical fleets. The following ballads relate to these Northern Hags:—D. 5. F. 6. H. 8. X. 2. D. 5. CAILLICH GHRAUND. 47 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, No. XIII. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 5, 1872. This version contains fragments of separate ballads, joined at * 1 LA gan ro Fionn air Tullich For, Gaibhric air Erin ma Thimchil; Hunig e air Bharribh nan Tonn, A Chaillich eididh leobhor Chrom. 2 Bu bhor a Honnaigh ’sa Hais, Bu luath a shiubhal ra Haois; Bha Cuabhran aibhlean mu da Bhas, Bha Fiaclan shiar sheich a Craos. 3 Bha Haodin dughlas air Dhreich Guail, Bha Deud Cairbadich crann ruaigh; Bha carr ga Hinibh ma chaolibh a Dorn, Bha car ga Caoilt ma Choil-druim. 4 Bha Bar mar choil Chrinich air Chrith, Bha aoin suil ghloiggich na cean; ’S bu luaigh I na Ruinich Meoirigh, Bha Claibh Meirgich air a Crios. 5 Ri am Feirge bu ghairbh Greis, Bha da T-shleigh air an T aibh eille; Don Fhua Chuil-lia Chaillich, Ri faicin na Fian ma Dheas. 6 Huchda ghaibh a Bhiast nan Innish, Hanig a Chaillich oirne le Hair; ’S reinne lethe cion gun Chommain; Bheirete lethe Caogid Laoich. 7 ’S bha Gairigh sheiribh na garradh Chraos, * Spin I lethe a Chuach fo Fhinn; ’S Ghimmich I Erin fo Thuinn gu Tuin, Gun do mheith I uill’ an Fhian, 8 ’S cha do lean I ach aoin Trithir, Fion Mac Cubhail fear shraona nan raibh; ’S coilte ro-gheal Mac Ronain, Leim a Chaillich har Eass Ruaidh. 9 ’S bu bhor a sath do ’n Uisg uar, Leim I Eass Ruaigh nan Raibh; ’S bha Cuach Fhinn na leth Laibh, Dirigh a mac rish an Taibh eille. 10 Hug Fionn orra urchair T-shleigh, Chroisg e shud ro a criogh, ’S chaisg e Pairt ga luath Bhirigh, Rug Fion fein air a Chuaich, ba leish o Buaigh ’sa Blaoigh. 11 ’S rug Caoilte nan Laibh lua, Air a Claibh Cruaidh ’seir da T shleigh; ’S ghlac Fearr sraonigh nan Raibh, Claithibh Chaoilte Mhic Ronain, 12 Sin mar reinn shin sheoid na Caillich, An La bha shin ga ruigh an Bein-edin. Crioch. F. 6. SGEULA AIR CAILLICH ARAIDH A THAINIG DH’ IARRAIDH FÀTH AIR CUAICH NAM BUAGH BHA AIG FIONN. Fletcher’s Collection, page 103. About 72 lines. Advocates’ Library, January 19, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. This version is so broken, that it cannot all be divided into quatrains. Lines, which were poetry at some time, can be recognised in prose; some are printed separately, as verse 14, and elsewhere.—J. F. C. BHA chuach so ghnà air a gleidhe an tigh tearmuinn agus le fairre Mic Righ agus cuideachd do mhòr ghaisgich churamach maille ris. Thainig a chailleach ann riochd mna bochd, ag iarraidh aoidheachd. 1 BHUAIL a Chailleach aig an dorus gu teann, teann, Is thainig Mac an Righ an dorus cò san am ’ta ann? 2 Is mise Chailleach thruagh, thruagh, ’S truaighe dh’ imich am bi-buan; Is mise chailleach bhochd Nic-aoiste, Leig a stigh mi gam gharadh. 3 Freagra. Ma dh’ imich thu Eirinn go ceann, Ann riochd mnatha no droch dhuine; Gu leanadh do bhuinn ris an làr. Mu ’n d’ thigeadh tu stigh a Chailleach. 4 Nach mòr am maslach do mhac Righ, Le mhòr-ghaisgaich ’s le mòr ghniomh; E fein bhi gu sàbhalta steach, ’S gu diultadh uile iad ri aon Chaillich. 5 Gheibhe tu biadh naonar a mach, Is fuirich a’ d’ thos a Chailleach. 6 Cha ’n iarr mise do bhiadh peacach, Ni mo dh’ iarram t-fhiarr fhacail; B’ fhearr leams’ ceann do theine teith, Is co beathadh ri d’ ghaodhraibh. 7 Cuiridh mise Giulla leat do ’n Fheinn, Ni teine dhuit a dh’ aon bheum a Chailleach. Rachadh an teine sin as, Mu ’n ruiginnse leachda Chonnail; Arsa Chailleach. 8 Cuir thusa do theine beag air làr, Is seid ris gu geur, geur, Agus cuir do spair fothad, ’S dean do ghara ris a Chailleach. Agus dhuin è n dorus orr’ Ach chuir a chailleach ’guala ris, a chleith. 9 Gu ’m bi sid a chailleach ghle-gharbh, Bhrist i na naoi comhla iarruinn; Mar nach bitheadh annt’ ach aon sgialan. (Agua bha i steach orra) ’S griob i leatha cuach Fhinn, ’S dh’ fhalbh i leatha sios an rothad. 10 Thachair Oganach urra agus dh’ fheoraich e dhi, Co as a dh’ imich thu Chailleach? Is freagra fiar a thug i seachad, Ghabhaidh mise srath na h-amhunn. [TD 60] 11 Ma ghabhas tu strath na h-amhunn, Gu mor a th’ ann do Chlanna-reath; Tha cuig-ceud-deug fear fui ’n lionmhor armarchd. Is da choinn air laimh gach fir, A feitheadh ort a Chailleach. 12 Ma ghabhas tu strath na h-Airde, Gur lionmhor ann Clann-na-cearda; Tha cuig-ceud-deug fui ’n làn armachd ’S da choinn air laimh gach fir, A feitheomh ort a Chailleach. 13 Ma ghabhas tu air Bheannta dubha, Gur lionmhor ann Clanna-rutha; Tha cuig-ceud-deug, &c. 14 Fheagair a Chailleach. ‘Ciod e sin theirre tusa Iulla Nam fàgainnse na bheil ann sin uile Eadar chu luath is aon duine? Theire gu bu tapaidh thu Chailleach. 15 Ach ghabh a Chailleach rathad Ach-nabainse, Agus thilg i gath neimhe air Fionn Mac Cuthail, Agus chuir i sud siar as talamh Seachd troidhean do dh’ fhior thalamh. Thilg Fionn a ghath cuilg orra is bhrist e cridhe. 16 An sin leam a chailleach thair an Eas. Is leum gu borborra bras. Is leum an triuir cholgorra dheas An t-eas an deidh na Caillich. 17 Ghlac Mac Cuthail a chuach, O ’s ann da fein bha buaigh ’s blagh; Ghlac Caoilte o’ se b’ fhearr luathas, 18 A chlaidhe cruaidh ’s a da shleagh. Is rug Connan bho sè bha gu deireadh Air top lia na Caillich, is thilg e san Eas i. H. 8. HOW A SPIRIT CAME IN THE NIGHT TIME TO KILL FINGAL AND THE REST OF HIS HEROES. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 64. 60 lines. Advocates’ Library, December 8, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871, Dublin. A story like this is in the Irish tale of Magh Lena, published, ten years ago, from a MS. of 1720. Poem not known to Hennessy. Some verses are the same as the Muilearteach orally preserved, but the story I do not know as orally preserved.—J. F. C. A GHOST came on the Heroes in the night to kill Fingal, Goll, Oscar, Caoilte, and Aogh, &c.; since they would not fight with her, she cast the door of the house off its hinges, and took away with her Fingal’s golden cup, they followed her till they overtook her. This spirit and Silhilan were the worse that ever came to the heroes. DAN 15. 1 OIDHCHE bha sinn a múr Bhéura, ’S moran do Mhaitheadh ar Feinne; Chunnaig sinn a teachd gu lúthmar, Fuath a b’ áirde no ’n fhiúidh. 2 Bu mhór ciannas air fáir, ’S bu mhó a siubhal no h áird; Bha cochall dubh sios ma bian, Is fiacaill seach a craos siar. 3 Bha cloidheamh meirgeach dubh air a leis, Re h ám féirge bu mhor a ghreis; ’S bha sleagh nimhe na deas laimh. Gheibha’ buaidh air sluagh gu ’n fheall. 4 ‘Fosglaibh dhamh fheara’ Fionn; ’S mi gu fliuch luidagach fánn; Shiubhail mi Eirinn fa thri, ’S cho d’ ug duine th’ ann dhamh dion.’ 5 ’Se fhreagair i Fearadhas béul dearg, Bu bhinne glóir a bha ’n Eirinn; ‘Mu rinn thusa sinn a chailleach, ’S ann do chomharaibh droch mhnatha.’ 6 ‘Ma ’n d’ ig thu a steach d’ ar muthainn, Innsidh tu dhuinn brí do thurais; ’Sa ghealltain nachdean thu dó bhairt, Air Fiann Innse-Pháil no Freoine.” 7 ‘Innseamsa sin Fheadharais fhilidh, An t ádhbhar mu ’n d’ ainig mise; A dh’ iarruidh cómhrag air Goll, Air Caoilte ’s air Oscar crom.’ 8 ‘Air Mac Chuthaill nan lamh luath, Is air Aogh Mac Gharabh chruaidh; Air (neo) gheadh duais thoirt dham gu ’n éura, Cho mhaith sa tha múr na Féinne.’ 9 ‘Cho d’ theid sinn chaoidh a chomhrag, Re fuath oidhche raibh na énrachd; Gu ’s an d’ theid Aula air béinn Torc D’ an deóin cho d’ theid iad gu’ d lot.’ 10 ’N tra’ chuala chailleach gloir Fhearadhais, Lion i suas le cuthach feargach; Chuir i roimpe comhla’ Bhéura, ’Sa steach chuai’ i measg ar Féinne. 11 Thog i lé cuach Fhinn fhialidh, Gu grad lamach s’e cho d’ fhaibhraich; Chuartaich i Eirinn le colg, S’ ann Fhiann gu léir air a lorg. 12 Faidheoidh chuir i sinn san fhireach, Cha raibh ’m fogus dh’ i ach triar; Fionn is fear sraoinidh nam rámh, ’S Caoilte beag Mac Ronan áidh. 13 Do leum i gu cas Eas-ruaidh, Ge do bha e cuir ma bhruacha; Leun Fionn air a cas léum, ’S chuir e ghéur shleagh roi’ a cachull. 14 Rug Fionn an sin air a chachull, O ’n bu leis a blagh sa buaidh; ’S rug Caoilte nan lamh tréun, Air a chloidheamh sa sleagh géur. 15 Rug fear srainidh nan ramh, Air a h usgar loimhreach bán; Sin mar tharladh d’ ar fir théune, ’N oidhche bha sinn a múr Bheura. X. 2. A CHAILLEACH. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, February 2, 1872. Another copy of this was sent to me by William Mackay, Esq., Law Student, 67, Church Street, Inverness, who took this down from the lips of his father, who learnt it in his youth, about Glen Urquhart. I have numbered the lines because the stanzas are broken.—J. F. C. A CHAILLEACH. THAINIG a Bhuileardach Ruadh, Mathair Righ Lochluinn do ’n Fheinn a thoirt lethe le foil cuach na geasachd. Fhuair i Oisen maille re cuid de dhaona ann an Talla no Feinne. A BHUILEARDACH RUADH, (a Chailleach). ‘Fosgail, fosgail, laoich loug, 1 Nan airm fullung faothair ghorm, ’S feuch cuid (or pairt) do d’ fhaoilteachd, Do chailleach bhoc a thig a Caoilte, ’S mise sin a chailleach thruagh: 5 ’S fhada a dh’ imich mi ’s mi buan, Cha n-eil an cuigibh na h-Alba, No ’n cuig cuigibh na h-Eirrin, Aon duine ’dhiultadh dhomh fosgladh, Nuair ’chromuinn mo chean fo ’dhorus.’ 10 OISEIN. ‘Ma dh’ imich thusa n’ uigh sin uile, ’S biadhtaichean iad ri droch urra: Fuarichidh do smior a chailleaich, Mu ’m fosgailear dhuit mo dhorus.’ A CHAILLEACH. ‘’S dona ’n aithne sin, a mhic righ, 15 (’Us mac righ ’ga ràdh ruit) Nuair dhiultadh tu fosgladh do dhoruis.’ OISEIN. ‘Cha dhiultinn dhuit a monadh fiadh, Ged’ bhiodh agad triath dy reir, Chuirinn biadh naoidhnear gu d’ theach, 20 ’S biadh feachd leat o ’n Fheinn.’ [TD 61] A CHAILLEACH. ‘Cha bhi agam do d’ bhiadh feachd, Ni mo ’s àill leam do thàir (shar) fhacal; B’ amhsa leam teas do d’ aimhlibh, Agus leabaidh mair ri d’ ghaghradh.’ 25 OISEIN. ‘Gu dearbh cha ’n fhaidh thu teas do m’ aimhlibh, Ni mò dheibh thu leabaidh mair ri m’ ghaghraibh, Chuiruinn gille leat o ’n Fheinn, Dh’ fhadadh teine dh’ aon bheum, ’S gille eile ’ dh’ ulluicheadh deagh inneal.’ 30 A CHAILLEACH. ‘Cha ’neil mo choiseachdsa ach mall. ’S theid an teine sin a crann.’ OISEIN. ‘Bunuig thusa leathtaobh Chuilinn, Cuir geigibh caol fo d’ spuiribh, Seid gu caol geur le d’ anail, 35 ’S dean do ghăradh ris a Chailleach.’ A Chailleach sin bu ghairbh craimh, Chuir i gualluinn ris a chleidh, ’S bhris i na seachd geamhlibh iaruinn, Mur nach bidh annt’ ach seann iallan. 40 A CHAILLEACH. ‘Tha mi nise stigh ’n ur teach, ’S liubha nar mairbh na nar beo, ’S lionmhoir scolb bhios ’n ’ur teach, Na macan beo a marach.’ Cheangail i iad taobh ri taobh, 45 Na b’ eadar an caol ’s an ruidh, ’S rug a Chailleach air a chuach, ’S thug i gu luadh a magh. Chunnachdas a Chailleach le Fionn air dha bhi tighinn dhachaidh o ’n t-sealg. FIONN. ‘A Chailleach ud a th’ air an t-sliabh, Dha bheil an ceum casruith gharbh dhian, 50 Na ’n tarladh tu air srath na h-airde, Bu bhaodhail duit clann na ceairde; Tri cheud deug le ’n dian armachd, ’S lothain choin aig gach fear; Fir thugad a tha Chailleaich?’ 55 A CHAILLEACH. ‘Ciod a theireadh tus a dhiullan, Na ’m faguinnsa iad sin uile, Edar chu luadh agus dheagh dhuine?’ Leam a Chailleach an t-eas, Leam gu garbh brais, 60 Thilg i gath nimhe air Fionn A chaidh seachd troidhean ’san fheur uaine Thairis air bar a dha ghuaillibh, Thilg Fionn a shleagh taobh ’S bhris e ’ cridhe na caol druim, 65 ’S rug Geolach o ’n is i bu luaithe, Air sliasaid chruaidh na Cailleaich; ’S rug Caoilte beag nan cuach, Air a claidheamh cruadhach, ’S air a da shleagh. 70 Bha iad seachd la ’us seachd oidhche. A roinn faobha na Cailleaich; ’S cha d’ rug Oisein a bha air dheireadh, Ach air seann chiabhag liadh na Cailleaich. . . . . . . . OISEIN (?) ‘A Chailleaich o ’n is e ’m bas e, 75 Innis dhomsa ciod e d’ aois.’ A CHAILLEACH. ‘Cha neil m’ aois fein ri aireamh Tri cheud bliadhna ’sa dha. 78 Although the last four lines are recited with the piece as above, they seem to be out of place.—Of the second piece to which I referred in my letter, my father remembers but a few lines, and these, perhaps, not in their proper order—I give them as I got them from him, before I saw the version in Mac Callum’s Collection. WILLIAM MACKAY. PADRUIG MAC ALPINN. Oisein uaisail Mhic Fhionn, ’S tu do shuighe air Tulluich eibhinn, Laoich mhor mhileanta nach meat, Tha mi faicinn sproichd n ad euduinn. OISEIN. Dh’ innsinn fatha bhron ’ th’ orm fein, Phadruig Mhic Alpinn o n Fheinn, La dha ’n robh an Fheinn a muigh, ’Nan suidh air torran coire (or Tora) Siar, Chunnachdas a tighinn o ’n mhagh, A bhean sin a b’ ailte feamh A nighean a b’ ailte snuadh, Bu ghile ’s bu deirge gruigh, Bu ghile no gath na greine, A h earradh gheal fa gaodh a leine, Labhail an oighe fo gheala bheaì’d ’S lachan gaire na ceann. . . . . . . . This is part of the Lay of the Maiden. See below.—J.F.C. D. 6. CRUACHAN CRAIG AN TULLICH. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, February 29, 1872. D. 6. and H. 9. are versions of the same ballad. I have no other versions of it, manuscript or oral, Irish or Scotch. 1 ACH a Chruachan Chraig an Tullich, ’S mi fo Mhullich Slethidh Fanis; Nochd a tharla mi fo d Tegil, Gur trom a leagta do Laibh orm. 2 La shidh Dhuinne ri fiaghich, Bha shin fo d’ Dhiabhir a Thullich; She chunnairc shin Marcich cetich, As e teachd le sceilidh huggin. 3 Sana dhisrich Fion do ’n Mharcich, Gu de fa Taistair fo ’d Chrichibh; Thanig mi fo Thaibh na Shiunidh, She labhair an Giullidh ceudna. 4 San a ghluais e ’n Cean air Corich, Mar gu nigh Folum aig Fillidh; Labhair e am briaribh isligh, Mar gach Marcich shibhailt shiunnidh. 5 Bithibhse a nochd nar fairrich, A Tsheic Cathanin na Feine; Gu de e aobhir air Fairrich, She ni labhair Fear gar Feine? 6 Gu de a aobhir air Fairrich She ni labhir Fear gar Feine? Agus nach heil Linn air bualidh, Nochd air ochd uachoribh na Herin. 7 Naile hig i oiribh a Chaillich, As a Harrachd othar edigh; ’S gun cumidh ruibhse Coibhrig, Gad bhigh air Coinigh le chele. 8 San an shin a labhair Connan, Cha ’b onnarich dhuinne Ghruagich; Mar a fona mid do Chaillich, Dhith fein sga Harrachd ga chruathid. 9 Shin nar huirt Gruagich an ubhil, Air mo chuibhse a Chonnain; Dhaindeoin Sheac Cathan na Feine, Gu dearibh rebidh I do chollair. 10 Thug Connan shiocidh hun an ubhil, Gad nach bo chuibhidh dha bhualidh; San chuir e le ardan spreiggidh, A chluas fo ’n Lechean do ’n Ghruagich. 11 Shin nar ghailibh e uain an Gruagich, She gu fiaghich fuathich fearragich; Mar steid shreinigh dol air aistir, Chluint a Hartir ans gach Bearnigh. 12 An Teich shin a bha fon Ghruagich, Gur he bualiche ra fhaccin; San na Chean a bha ’n Trian orridh, M ro Iunnis na Heoirp do Chlachibh. [TD 62] 13 Har leinne bu bhor a Ghilid, Do T shide do T shrol ’s do Ghiunnis; Fo steid chois chrom a churridh, Le n faighe gach Duinne Duimpich 14 ’S an a ghaibh e uain an Gruagich, Gu fiathich fuathich, le ardan shiubhail; Agus hanig na tri Fuathin, Mar a chualigh Fion Mac Cubhail. 15 Shin nar a hanig a Challich, As a Harrachd air a Culibh; Mar ri Celidh Leth a Leppich, ’S riogh cha b’ aobhir aithis duin e. 16 Cethir fichid Lan-laoich mor, Do chlainnibh Morni huit nan Tus; Uirrid eille Chlainnibh Baoisg, Agus Caogid a chuir leis. 17 Bha ’n oiche shin dhuinne bronich, An deis air Choibhrig ma dherigh; A Tarruing air mairibh gu Huaighin, ’S geil bu chruaithidh leon ’s nin ceillim. 18 Bu truimmigh le Fion na Fuathin, A ghol uaidh gun am marraigh; I ad gun bheim sceinnigh nan Cnaithibh, ’S nach ro Feinn nar sleighibh garridh Na gad rechidh uidhir eille shorchaire Do na Fianibh gorama Gaithil. 19 Hanig iad oirne triuir Chlerich, Air Erigh Greine n Larna-bharich; Agus Ballan shithidh sheirce, Euurigh ga hoirt a Lathair, 20 Dharridh Mac a Chleirich oig, Air cheid chaint an Tos tus do Dfhionn, Ca leas a reinnigh an Teuchd, Na co leis an deint’ am marraigh. 21 Bu duillich leomsa shud inse, Nam bu ni e ghabhidh ceiltin; Gun tuittidh iad le tri Fuaghin; Na bha do Tshluaidh air an Ellain. 22 Labhair Mac a Chlerich mhoir, Gu farriste foil ri Fion; Ha Fear a thogid r an Fhian, A bherigh an da Trian beo. 23 Ba bhath leom shin ars a Fion, Gad a choiste e gho ni mor; Do dhaoin Fhear thogidh an Fhian Gar ’n digidh ach Trian diu leom. 24 Dherich Mac a Chlerich mhoir, Le sheirbhais choir os an cionn; Le Draoghichd Bhallain nam Buaigh Gheirich a Tshluaigh suas le Fionn 25 Mar a thoirchir ’s mar a thuit, Shin iad dhuit do Bhuintir Fhinn; Fon shin fein a reinn an Teachd, Cha ghabhamid Feich ga chionn. 26 ’Mhanarain ga math do Laibh, Thug thu do m Fhein masla mor; Fhinn na gaibhse dheth Tair, Fhir nach tium ri dol san scleo. 27 Fhinn na gaibhse dheth Tair, Fhir nach Tium dol san scleo; Sgur Draoighichd a churridh oirribh, Leis ’n do Chailligh a Chlann choir. 28 Triur air nach deargidh arm, ’S nach loisg an Teinnigh ga Bhoid; ’S nach mo Bhaite leis an Tuinn, Ciod an Tium a bha nan Teichd? Crioch. H. 9. HOW AN INCHANTER WITH HIS WIFE AND CHILD CAME TO KEEP WAR WITH THE HEROES. Kennedy, 1st Collection, page 51. Advocates’ Library, December 6, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 120 lines. Not known to Hennessy in Irish Manuscripts. Not known to me, orally preserved now.—J. F. C. Dublin, December 9, 1871. AN Inchanter came to the Heroes where they were hunting one day, and told them that an old woman, with her husband and child, were coming that night to them, who would keep war with them all. The warluck went away, and came immediately with his wife and child, and killed 310 of the Heroes, and bound 140, but they came to-morrow, and lifted them all to life again into Fingal, without reward. DAN 11. 1 LATHA dhuinue bhi re fiadhach, Gu’ m ann mu dhiamhair na tulach; Do chnnnaig sinn Gruageach ea-trom, Le lidhachd le sgéule chugainn. 2 Do bha stéud ag a Ghruagaich, ’S ann leinne a b’ uallach fhaicsinn; Na cheann do bha an srian ór-bhuidh, Le iomcarachá dh’ ór ’s do chlachaibh, 3 ’S ann leinne bu bhrea a dhiollaid, Do shiode, do shról, dh’ fhiontrain; Air an stéud chois ea-trom churant, Dh’ fhagte leis gach duine diombach. 4 Ghluais e ann na uile chomhdach, Gu Fianntidh phoil mar fhior fhilidh; Agus bheannaich e gu siobhalt Marcaich seimh nan siog- shuil sionnach. 5 Thrus sinn uile ’n sin gu déonach, Gu’s an ogan a b’ fhearr earradh; A dh’ fhaghail sgéul gu ’n éuradh, Uaith gu h éibhneach uallach eallamh. 6 Dh’ fhiosraich Mac Chuthaill d’on Ghruagaich, Ann am briathraibh uasal eibhainn; ‘Ailis dhuinne ’nois air thoisach, Cia as t astar gu riogh’chd Eirann.’ 7 ‘Thainig mis’ o thaobh nan sionnach, Do labhair an gille céalfach; Gu’ m bi sibhsa noc nar caithris, A sheachd cathanaibh na Féinne.’ 8 Ciod e noc adhbhar ar caithris, Do labhair Fionn flath na Féinne; ’S nach aithne dhamh neach d’ ar bualadh, Eidear ceath’r bhruacha’ na h Eirann.’ 9 ‘Do thig chugaibhsa noc cailleach, Is a h arrachd fein le céile; Is cumidh iad ruibhsa cómhrag, A dh’ aingain conamh ar Féinne.’ 10 ’S an dhuinne bu nár r’a aithris, ’Nuair a theannamaid r’ a chéile; Gu céabhadh sin oirnna cailleach, Is a h arrachd fein le céile. 11 ’S ann an sin a labhair Conan, Cho ’n eil onoir dhuinn a Ghruagach; Cia beag a chéabhadh oirnn cailleach, A céile sa h arrachd d’ an cruaidhead. 12 ‘Do fhreagair ’an Gruagach guineach, Air a chubhaidh fein a Chonain; Thig na fuathan oirbh le chéile, Is reubar leó ’noc do ghon shuil.’ 13 Do bha ubhall ag a Ghruagaich, Is thilgaibh e uaith air astar; Cheapadh e e san laimh cheudna, ’S ann leinne bu treabha gaisgaich. 14 Do rug Conan air an ubhall, Cho bu chubhaibh dh’a r’a bhualadh; ’S chluas a bha leith r’ a leith-cheann, Chuir e le spreigadh do ’n Ghruagaich. 15 Do chailh a Ghruageach an t ubhall, Ona bu chubhaidh dh’ a bhualadh; ’S do sgar e ’n da chluais o ’n chlaigean, (1) Gu lom sgaphara do ’n Ghruagaich. 16 An sin dh’ imich uainn a Ghruagach, Se gu fiathaich, fuathach, feargach; Air a stéud chois, ea-trom, ghasta Dheanamh astar thair gach garbhlach. (1) Bha Conan maol o ’n la so suas. [TD 63] 17 Is gearr air imeachd do ’n Ghruagaich, Se sin a chula Mac Chuthaill; Mar fhuaim tuinne na tri Garin, Sann dhuinne gu’ m b’ ádhbhar cumha. 18 An sin thainig oirnne chailleach, Is a h anachd air a culabh; Is a céile leith a leaba, ’S cho b’ adhbhar aitais iad dhuinne. 19 Tri fichead déug ’s caogad curidh, A bhuaileadh buillean le chéile; Se sin a thuit leis na fuathan, Do Mhaithaibh ’s do dh’ uaislaibh ar Féinne. 20 Seachd fichead do Chlanna Mornna, Bha lán do chréucaibh ’s do chneidhaibh; Cho chulas riamh sgéul bu chruaidhe, No na tri fuathan d’ an ceangal. 21 An oidhche sin dhuinn gu bronach, An deidh ar cómhraig fai dheireadh; A slaódaibh ar mairbh gu h uaidhaibh, Sgéula ro thruagh is ni ’n ceileam. 22 Bu mheasa le Fionn na fuathan, Dhol slán uaithe as an áraich; Na mbead is a thuit sa thorchair, Leó d’ ar Fianntidh gorma gaidh’ lach. 23 Cha loisgadh teine da mheud iad, Is cho bháite iad le h uisge; Cho dearagamaid orra le ’r n armaibh, Cáit anois am biodh an guinsan. 24 B’ eisean Gruageach chreag na tulaich, Is sinn air uileann sliabh Mhanuis; Do tharladh dhuinne na fhreasdal, ’S bu truagh a leag e a lámh oirinn. 25 Thainig chugain na tri Chleirich, Gu ro eibhainn ’n dara mháirach; ’S am ballan síbhidh seachlidh Eatara teachd ann san láthair. 26 Dh’ fhiosraich iad do Mhac Chuthaill, Mar a bu chubhaidh san uair sin; ‘Cia leis ’n do bhearna’ na gaisgaich, No créud mu ’n d’ rinneadh am bualadh.’ 27 ‘Gur decair dhuinne sin innseadh, No tionsgalaibh air a rádha, An triuir le ’n d’ rinneadh air bualadh, Ghabh iad mu dhiamhair na dálach.’ 28 ‘Ma sa sinne tha ’nois uait, Thainig sinn gu ’n luach da cheann; Comann gu ’n fholachd gu ’n fhuarachd, ’S togidh sinn do shluabh dhuit Fhinn, 29 Dh’ eirich macaidh do ’n chleir óg, ’S an speirmaise mhór na laimh; Le feartan ballan na’ m buadh, Dh’ eirich a shluabh suas gu Fionn. 30 ‘Na gabhsa masladh a Righ, Fhir leis ’m bu mhiann dol ’s gach tóir; Cha raibh ach draoidheachd uil’ ann, Leis ’n do chlaoidheadh do chlann chóir.’ D. 8. MAR CHAIDH ROCHD DO THIGH FHINN. 48 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 2, 1872. This ballad, of 1750, relates to a well-known and widely spread legend. Roc belongs to the monstrous Smiths. He is here servant to Cormac. That King sends Roc from Tara, to the Hill of Allen; from the Palace to the Barracks, to run a race with the army. The General wins the race and slays the monster. The King will have the General’s head. By 1800, this had become very Mac Phersonic. 1 TEICHDIRE bha aig mo Riogh, Ri Tim dol an naibhreat dho; Giulle a bha aig ra ghairm, Rochd Mac Fhiachair she b’ ainm dho. 2 Sabhail shin mar mhithigh she, Bha aoin Chas Chli as a t-shoin; Bha aoin Laibh as uchd nach Tim, Bha aoin suil an Lar a Chinn mhoir. 3 Bha do ghraoighichd aig an Fhua, Gum bo luaidh naoin chas ghearr; Gun fagigh e gach neich air bith San as a Rith a choir e Geale. 4 Sin nar huirt Cormaig ri Rochd, Mas aill leat bhi nochd gam reir; Gluais gu Hallabin a suas, Cuir geall air Luas rish an Fhein, 5 Ghluais Rochd an Guilligh nach Tim, Air Choibhra ’n Fhir bu bhinn Guth; Rainig e Allabhi nan Lann, Bheannuich e do D fhionn san Bhruth. 6 San nar huirt Diarmaid Donn, Mac o Duibhne nach trom Triogh; Fhir ad a thanig on Chuirt, Gu de choir usa fo ’n Taoigh? 7 ’S missigh Gille Choirmaig Dhuin, ’S air gach Druim bu bhath mo Rith; Hainig mi chur Geall air Luas, Rish na bheil shibh T-shluaigh astigh 8 Gheirich Gille nan Cass caoil, Ga ruidh air feo Fraoich as Bheann; Ga ghlaichde ’s bu bhor a Phian, Dherich an Fhian uille as Fionn. 9 ’S iad a tearnigh gu a Luan, Shin nar chaidh an sluaigh nan trott; Chuir iad Bein Edin air Chrith, Aig meid an Rith a rein Rochd. 10 Leim e Ess Ruaigh ga bu bhor, ’S cha do bhean a Bhrog ga Bhord; Leim Mac Cubhail e gu grad, ’S bha stad air gach Fearr do chach. 11 An uair a chunig mo Riogh, Bhi briste Gessin an T-slhuaigh Ghia e ’Laibh mu aoin Chois Ruic, Air Aodin a Chruic thalabhi nair. 12 Gach Fearr a thige gar Fein, A Dhrium geur gu harruing as; Sin mar chaidh Rochd do thigh Finn; An connibh a Chinn sa Chas. F. 7. RANN MAR A CHAIDH ROC A THIGH FHINN. ROC-MAC-CIOCHAIR, GIULLE BH’ AIG RIGH CHORMAC. 7 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 80. Advocates’ Library, January 17, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. BHA an Giulla so aig an Righ, agus chaidh e chuir geall air luathas ris an Fheinn uile, is cha rabh aig ach aon chos, is aon làmh, agus aon suil, mar a deir an Rann. BHA aon chos fodha nach robh mall, Bha aon làmh as uchd nach cli, ’S aon suil air clar a chinn mhoir, Bha do dhruigheachd air an fhuath, Gu’ m bu luaithe ’n aon chos ghearr, ’S nach beireadh air neach air bith. H. 10. HOW ROCHD WAS KILLED BY THE HEROES. 44 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 55. Advocates’ Library, December 6, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Not known to Hennessy, but a man of this kind is somewhere described. Before the Celts came Ireland was infested by people of this kind called Na Fomhairain, as I learn from the Wars of the Gael, &c., printed.—J.F.C. CORMAIC the King of Ireland had an Inchanter, named Rochd; this was his shape, he had one left foot, only one hand, and a circular eye in the middle of his forehead, like the Cyclops Vulcan’s servants. The King sent him to try race with the Heroes, for he thought that they would not gain victory in running, but Fingal overtook him, and killed him. [TD 64] DAN 12. 1 TEACHDAIR do bha ag an Rig, Re h ám dol an aimhra’ dhó; Gille do bh’ aige r’ a ghairm, Rochd Mac Fhiathchair s’ e b’ ainm dhó 2 Do labhair Cormaic re Rochd, ‘Ma ’s áill leat bhi noc do ’m réir; Truss roimhad gu h Albhéinn suas, ’S cuir geall do luas ris an Fhéinn.’ 3 Dh’ imich Rochd an gille nach tím, Le chómhradh nach bu bhinn léinn; Rainig e Teamhradh nan lann, ’S bheannaich e le greann do ’n Fhéinn. 4 ’S ann mar so do bha a shnúadh, Bha aon chos chlí as a thóin; Aon lamh air uchd nach bu tím, ’S aon súil an clar a chinn mhóir. 5 ’S e fhreagair e Diarmaid donn, Mac O Duimhne bu chruinn troidh; ‘Fhir ud a thainig d’ ar Féinn, Cia do thuras fein o ’d thigh.’ 6 ‘’S mise gille Chormaic chruinn, ’S air gach dream bu mhaith mo ruidh; Thainig mi chuir geall mo luas, Ris na bheil sibh shluanh a stigh.’ 7 Dh’eirich gille nan cos caol, Da ruidh air fea’ fraoich is bheann; Dh’ eirich ge d’ bu mhór a phian, Dh’ eirich an Fhiann uil’ is Fionn. 8 Bha sinn mar sin o luan gu luan, A suibhal bhruach, bheann is chnoc; ’S chuir sinn Beinn éudain air chrith, Le mead na ruidh a rinn rochd. 9 Léum e Eas-ruaidh ge mór, ’S ni ’n do lean e bhórd a léum; ’S leum Fionn e gu grad, ’N uair a stad gach fear do ’n Fhéinn, 10 ’N uair a chunnaig Fionn nam fleadh, Gu d’ bhris e geasan a shluaidh; Dh’ iadh e dha láimh mu chois Ruichd, Air eudann a chnuc ailbhidh fhuair. 11 Mar sin a chuaidh Rochd do thigh Fhinn, An comhair a chinn no chas; ’S gach fear mar thigeadh do ’n Fhéinn, Bho dhrim géur d’ a tharrungas. O. 18. ROC. 132 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 103. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. Cormac, A.D. 213., sends Roc to Albhuin (Allen), to run a race with Fionn. He catches him at Eas Ruagh (Ballyshannon). Then Cormac, King of Ullin (Ulster), is changed into Mhullin (of the Mill) and later into Mhuile (of Mull). At * * * the whole thing changes in style and rhythm. It becomes stiff, and all the names from Cuchullin downwards to the end of the last battle are jumbled together in hopeless strife. ‘Oscar’ slays ‘Connachar.’ ‘Cormac’ praises ‘Fionn.’ Somebody in the East of Scotland manifestly composed upon this theme before 1800. April 1, 1872,—J. F. C. 1 LABHAIR Cormac ri Roc, Ma ’s aill leat bhi nochd am reir; Druid romhad a dh’ Albhuin suas, ’S cuir geall luathas ris an Fheinn. 2 Ni mise sin air a riar, Chormaic nan cliar ’s nan long; Ach ’s eagal nach tig air m’ ais, O laoich bhras na mor ghlonn. 3 Roc bha eagal riamh nad’ chail, On tharladh tu nam luinn; Co chuma ruit an luathas, Dol suas ri eudainn tuim, 4 Luath mar cheathach na beinne, ’S a ghaoth g’a ghreasadh le toirm; Leum Roc na luing leathain, A reuba cuan athach gur traigh. 5 Latha bha sinn an crom ghleann nan cloch, Thainig oirnne an t-athach ioghna; Dh’ fhalaicheadh cuig meoire a thraidh, Trian do urlar an righ thighe. 6 Bha mar dhruchd air an fheur Cha robh ach aon chas chearr o thoin; Aon lamh as uchd gun bhi cli, Is aon suil an clar a chinn mhoir. 7 Oglaoich thainig an Cuin, Ciod a thug thu fein do’r tigh; Is mise gille Chormaic chruinn, Air gach luim bu math mo ruidh. 8 Thaineam a chur geall luathas, Ris na bheil do shluagh ’nar tigh; ’S faoin do bheachd, a Roc nan lub, Ann a’ d’ run tha beairt chli. 9 Cha ’n eil a shluagh aig Cormac nan sleagh, Na dh’ fheucha ruinn an ruidh na fri; Gluaiseachd gille nan cosan caol, Ga ruidh feadh fraoich ’s bheann, 10 Glaccadh bu mhor a shian, Dh’ eirich an Fhiann uile ’s Fionn; Leum e eas Ruadh, ge bu mhor, ’S cha do bhean a bhord ga throidh. 11 Leum Mac Cuthail e gu grad, ’Nuair stad gach fear san Fheinn; Dh’ iadh e lamh ma aon chos Ruic, Air eudainn cnuic talmhain fhuar. 12 Gach fear mar thigeadh do ’n Fheinn, Bha lann ga tarruing as; Sid mar chaidh Roc gu tigh Fhinn, An coinneamh a chinn ’sa chas. 13 Teachdaireachd fhuair Cormac mor, ? New. Gu na leona’ Roc sa ghreis; Mhionnaich e bu diobhail duinn, Nach bitheadh Fiann g’ an cheann thoirt leis. 14 Ghluais e Chosruidh o thulach ard, Gu Seallama a chuir fo thuinn; Bhuail e steach gu comhrag dian, Cu cian a charrais ud duinn. 15 Sheall Fionn o chaislidh nam buadh, Suas gu mullach mhill deirg; Co iad na h-athaich a ghluais, Fhearruis co ’n sluagh air an leirg. 16 Ghluais Feargus armach og, An rod a thainig am feachd; Co iad na fir chalma dhian, A thriall do chrom ghleann an t-sneachd? 17 So Cormac righ Mhuilin an aigh, Cha ’n eil baigh aige ri neach; Ag iarraidh coir o Fhionn nam Fiann, Dioladh Ruic ruaidh nan each. * * * 18 A Chormac a chuireadh cath cheud, ’S mor am beud do theachd air lear; Cuimhnich a chomain a bha, ’S gabh baigh dhuit fein bhuil. 19 Cha chiall duit tagha gu’r feachd, Tha ar neart mar chreag nach aom; ’S tric a chuir sinn do namh gu cuan, Tha Roc na shuain gu faoin. 20 Mar beo do Roc nan cleas luath, Gille bu chruaidhe an cath threun; Diolaidh mi a leon gu cas’ Ma bhitheas an fhaich am reir (do’m). 21 Phill Fearghus bu mhor blagh ’Sa magh a critheadh fo cheumaibh; Sid e Cormac righ na Muile, Ag iarraidh fuil Ruic is beuman. 22 Crom ghleann ’s fhada bha slan, Is tamh aig eilid nan raon; Gun ghuth cogaidh gun luaidh air, Gun fhuaim bais a struth o Mhaoil. [TD 65] 23 Fheara na geillibh do ’n athach, ’Se labhair Fionn ’s cath na ghruaidh; Pillibh an ruaig suas Druimalba, Faiceadh Cormac call a bhuaidh. 24 Chaidh na fir an dail a cheile, Goll a’ caithe na faiche; Oscar mo shar Mhac dealanach, Caoilte eridhe na gaisge. 25 Cuthullin an aigne mhoir, Faolan og, agus Diarmad maiseach; Toscar nan arm geura Bha mi fein a’ measg nan toiseach. 26 Co sheinneadh cath nan laoch, Co dh’ fheuda’ a luaidh an t-ar; Thuit le laimh Ghuil Iolun armach, Mac righ Chormaic sios air lar. 27 Thuit le Oscar Conchar nan lan, ’S gann dh’ fheudta fhearg a chasga; Dh’ eirich Cormac dhiona’ a shloigh, Dh’ eirich Fionn suas mar fhrascharn, 28 Thachair na fir laimh air laimh, Chaidh ’n gathan nam bloighdibh a’ s t-athar Tharruing iad an lannan crodha, Chluinnte fead an arman dathte. 29 Dh’ fhalbh clogaide Chormaic chruinn, Lann bu duilich a chasgadh; Chromaic tha do bhas a’ m’ laimh, Ach ’s aithne do Fhionn Mac na maise. 30 Chormaic eirich ’s leat t-armachd, Pill gu talla garbh na macharach; ’S dochdair Alba ri chlaoidh, ’S lionar suidh tha dhi teachrach. 31 Roc thuit le lubaibh fein, An struth Dhuithe threun nan glas charn; Siol gun bhaigh chatar an uachdar, Buaidh gu brath cha tig le taise (gaise). 32 Tha Fionn, deir Cormac nan ceud, Mar shruth do ’n fheur anam na tior; Mar reul san oidhche da na neoil, ’San ceo a’ camadh ma cheann gun chli. 33 Biodh ruim reidh, a fhlath nan ard bheann, Tha nam h ag iarraidh mo bhagradh; Eirin uile ged bu leam, Gheibheadh tu choinn Garna chasgadh. THE SONG OF THE SMITHY. CELTIC Heroes had mythical weapons like others of their class. They got them from a monstrous Smith, who belonged to the Norsemen. He was one of three brothers: ‘Roc’ was one, ‘Lon Mac Liòbhan,’ the hero of this ballad, was another, and ‘the Smith of the Ocean’ seems to have been the third. Their Father was ‘a mighty man.’ They had one leg and one eye. This one at least had seven arms, with which he plunged swords into his mother’s breast. These mythical Celtic people clearly are the equivalents of Vulcan and the Cyclops, Arges, Brontes, Steropes, &c.; who were slain with arrows by Apollo, because they made thunderbolts, with which Æsculapius was slain by Jove. The versions of this ballad are so like each other, that, by the able help of Mr. Hector Mac Lean, we have hammered them into one. In April, 1872, I collated Y. 1., 104 lines, orally collected in Barra, with Y. 2, 37 lines, written in Islay, see Vol. III. ‘Popular Tales.’ In June, the collector of these and other versions read aloud all other versions which we had got, in their order of date, while I noted each verse of Y. with corresponding letters and numbers. We read D. F. H. M. O. V. Y. Z. From these eight versions, written between 1750 and 1872, by as many collectors, in as many different parts of Scotland, Mr. Hector Mac Lean selected various lines and readings; and, having with great trouble collated the whole, he wrote the words in his modern Gaelic orthography. The result is, that 104 lines taken down from the repetition of one man in Barra, in 1860, have grown to 175 lines, chiefly by the addition of the verses marked F. from Fletcher’s version. The story told in these verses is commonly told with many more incidents, but the verse is forgotten. We next read the whole over again for various readings, and added all that concerned the story in foot-notes. By this process all dialects are lost, and the language is brought down to modern orthography. Nothing else is changed. The men named have swords assigned to them, but the same men and weapons do not always go together. They get eight swords and eight spears. Kennedy sings, H. 20:— ‘B’aidhearach sinn an dara mhaireach Ann an Ceardach Lon Mac Liomhean Gu bu Mhaith ar ’n ochd cloidheamhnan ’S ar ’n o-chd Sleaghan righne fior ghlann.’ Four Heroes were first engaged in the adventure; a second band of four are mentioned, but seven other men are named in different versions. Eleven men and as many weapons are named. Three men and two swords are named, but not together.— 1. Fionn had 1. Mac an Liun. 2. Oisein had 2. Gearr nan Callan; or Gear nan Calg. 3. Osgar had 3. A Chruaidh-Chosgarrach; an Euchdrigh; an Drioghleannach; an Druidhlannach; 4. Daorghlas had 4. An Leadarnach Mhòr; a Chreichd’ich; a Chruaidh-Chosgarrach; 5. Diarmaid had 5. An Liòmharrach; an Loimhcannach; a Chosgarsach Mhòr; 6, 7, 8. The three sons of the tribe of the Smithy, who are often named in other ballads, had three swords. H. 22:— Bha tri cloidheamhnan Chlann na ceardach Bu ro mhaith am féum ri gaisgeadh ’S b ainm do chloidheamhnan nan, Saoithean Feadag is Faochadh, is Fasgadh. Otherwise, 6. Fead; 7. Faoidh; 8. Fasdal:—6. Whistler; 7. Sleep, or Rest from pain; 8. Shelter. 9. Goll; and 10. Faolan, one of Fionn’s sons, have no swords. 9. A Bhagarach, and 10. Mac-na-Ceardich, or A Chonnlann-Nichd-na-Ceardach, have no masters. Sword is masculine, Blade is feminine, so the names vary in different versions. 11. Dearg Mac Droighan is mentioned once in O., a very imperfect late version; he has no sword; and he does not seem to have anything to do with this adventure. One sword has three masters. Eleven swords are named and eleven men. Caoireal, Fionn’s youngest son, is not named. He comes late in the story, and makes up the 12. Here follows the fused version of the Smithy Song: the only bit of cooking that is to be in this work. DUAN NA CEARDAICHE. D. F. H. M. T. Z. 1 LATHA dhuinn air luachair leothaid, Da cheathrar chròdha dh’ aon bhuidhinn; Mi fhéin a ’s Osgar a ’s Daorghlas A ’s Fionn féin, gum b ’e Mac Cumhail. D. 2. 2 Da cheathrar fhialaidh ’s iad beul-dhearg, Da cheathrar bheul-dhearg ’s iad altach; ’Nam suidhe dhuinn air an tulaich, ’S ann leinn ’bu chumha ar cuimhne. D. F. H. O. M. Y. Z. 3 Chunnaic sinn a’ teachd ’nar comhdhail, Òlach mòr a ’s e air aon chois; An culaidh dhuibh ghris-fhinn chraicinn, Le còtan lachdunn ’s le ruadh bhrat. Y. Le chochal (mhanhdal) dubh ciar-dhubh craicin Y. Le cheanna-bheairt lachdann ’s i ruadh-mheirg. Y. Le i ’onnar lachduinn ’s le ruaidh bheart. (bheire) D. D. 4, H. 4 Bha currachd mu cheann maol éitidh, (chlogad) B’ i ’mhaol gheur a bha ro-ghruamach; Aon sùil mholach an clàr aodainn, ’S e ’sìor dhèanadh air Mac Cumhail. D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 5 ’S ann an sin a thubhairt Mac Cumhail, ’N am duinne ’bhith ’dol seachad; Co ’m ball am bheìl do thuineadh, ’Ille le d’ chulaidh chraicinn? H. 4. 6 Nior bheannaich an truth do sheachdnar Fhinn Mhic Cumhaìl O Almhuin; Dhuitse ’s na comainean ceudna Fhuath ro-dhéisnich, éitidh, chealgaich. [TD 66] O. 4. 7 Lonn Mac Liomhuin gu b’ e m’ ainm, Ann tir Lochlain fhuair mi m’ arach; Bu nearachd m’, athair do ’n rugadh mise I ’s mo dhithis bràithrean. D. F. H. M. O. Y. Z. 7A Lon Mac Liòbhann, b’ e m’ ainm ceart e, Na ’m biodh agaibhs’ orm beachd sgeula; Bha mi treis ri uallach gobhann Aig righ Lochlainn anns an Spaoili. D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 8 Thàinig mi g’ ur cur fo gheasaibh, O ’s luchd sibh ’tha ’m freasdal armaibh; Sibh a bhith ’gam’ ruith ’nurn ochdnar Siar gu dorus mo cheardaich. D. F. H. M Y. Z. 9 Cia ’m ball am bheìl do cheardach, A thruth am b’ fheairde sinne’ faicinn; Faiceadh sibhse i ma dh’ fhaodar,— Ma dh’ fhaodas mise cha-n fhaic sibh. D. F. M. Y. Z. 10 Gun d’ thug iad an sin ’nan siubhal Air Chòige Mhumha ’nan luath dhearg; ’S air Ghleann an Buidhe mu bheithe Gun deach iad ’nan ceìthir buidhuibh. D. F. H. M. O. Y. Z. 11 Bu bhuidheann diubh sin an gobha, Bu bhuidheanu eile dhiubh Daorghlas; Bha Fionn ’nan deaghaimn ’san uair sin A ’s beagan de dh’ uaislean na Féinne. D. M. O. Y. Z. 12 Thug e as mar ghaoith an earraich ’Mach ri’ beannaibh dubha ’n t-sléibhe; ’S cha-n fhaiceadh thu ach aìr éigin Cearb d’ a éideadh thar a mhàsan D. F. H. M. O. Y Z. 13 Cha ghearradh an gobha ach aon leum Air gach gleannan faoin romh fhàsach: Air sliabh Buidhe mar bheithir, . . . . . D. F. M. Y. Z. 14 A’ tearnadh air alltan a’ chuimir, A’ dìreadh ri bealach nam faobhar; Chunnaic iad uatha foir fàire Ionad tàimh a ghobhann éitidh. D. M. Y. Z. 15 Fosgladh beag gun d’ thug an gobhainn; Na druid romhain arsa Daorghlas; Na fàg mi ’n dorus do cheardaich An àite teann as mi ’m aonar. H. 15A Chuir iad an lorg siar fai ’n teallach, Is teannachair do chorran caorrainn; No ceathair uird a bha re freasdal, B’ fharr no sud a fhreagradh Dorghlas. D. F. M. Y. Z. 16 Fhuaras an sin builg ri shéideadh; Fhuaras air éigin a’ cheardach; Fhuaras ceathrar ghoibhnean rìgh Meirbhe, De dhaoine doirbhe mi-dhealbhach. D. F. M. Y. Z. 17 Bha seachd lamhan air gach gobha; Seachd teanchairean leothair aotrom; ’S na seachd uird a bha ’gan spreigeadh; ’S cha bu mheasa ’fhreageadh Daorghlas. D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 18 Daorghlas fear gharadh na ceardaich! Bu ghoirt ’s bu ghàbhaidh a throdan! ’S bu deirge na gual an daraich, A shnuadh le toradh na h-oibre. D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 19 Lahhair fear de na goibhnibh Gu grìomach agus gu gruamach; Co e ’m fear caol gun tioma ’Shìneas an teinne crudhach? D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 20 An sin fhreagair Fionn Mac Cumhail Mar ’bu chubaidh dhà ’san uair sin; ‘Cha bhi ’n t-ainm sin gun sgaoileadh, Bha Daorghlas air gus an uair so.’ D. F. M. 21 Fhuaras an sin airm ’n an sìneadh, Na claidhmhean liòmharra daite; ’S iad coimhlionta air an deanadh, De dh’ armaibh dìreacha, gasda. 22 Fhuair sinn an sin arn ochd claidhmhean De dh’ armaibh dìreacha, daite; Tri chlaidhmhean eile ’nam fochair, Fead agus Faoidh agus Fasdal. H. 23 Tri chlaidhmhean chlann na ceardaich Bu ro mhaith am feum ri gaisge; ’S gum bi ’n liòmharrach lann Dhiarmaid, ’S iomadh latha riamh a dhearbh i. Y. Z. 24 A chruaidh chosgarrach lann Osgair; An leadarnach mhòr lann Chaoilte; Mac an Luin aig Fionn Mac Cumhail, Nach fàg fuigheal de dh’ fheoil dhaoine. D. F. H. M. Y. Z. 25 Agam fhéin bha gearr nan collann Bu mhòr farum an am truide . . . . . . . F. 22. 26 ’N sin ’nuair ’labhair an gobhainn ’N déis am faghairt mar a dh’ fhaod e; Cha bhi iad uile gu m’ réir-sa, Gun am faghairt am feoil dhaoine F. 23. 27 Chuir iad an sin croinn mu ’n timchioll, Co air an d’ thigeadh a’ chaol-spairn; Co air an d’ thàinig an iomairt, Ach air Fionn, righ chlann Baoisgne. F. 24. 28 Dh’ imich Fionn dh’ ionnsuidh an doruis, A ’s e làn carruich mu ’n aobhar; ’Se ’tharladh air a’ dol seachad Ceum beag rathaid ’s e ri smaointeach. F. 25. 29 Lean e gus an do ràinig e dorus, Bhuail e mar fhear ag iarraidh faoileachd; Fhreagair seana-bhean e ’bha caslaich; Gu glic, foistneach rinn i fhoighneachd. F. 26. 30 Ciod na nithean ’tha thu sireadh; Na co as do theachd an taobh so? . . . . . . . F. 27. 31 Fhreagair Fionn an sin gu fialaidh, Fios t’ ainme b’àill leam fhaostainn? Ciod e do riaghailt air fuireach? Na do thuineachas an taobh so. F. 28. 32 ‘Gur mise màthair a’ ghobhann ’Bu mhaith a thobhairt nam faobhar; ’S bha mi ri còmhnuidh ’san asdail Anns am bheil thu ’faicinn m’aodainn. F. 29. 33 Tha do mhac ag iarraidh t’ fhaicinn ’ Siar gu dorsaibh a’ cheardaich . . . . . . . F. 30. 34 ‘Tha seachd bliadhna o nach fhaca Mi mo mhac na duine de m’ chairdean; Ach ma tha e ’gam’ shireadh an ceart uair Théid mi g’ a fhaicinn ’san am so.’ F. 31. 35 An sin ’nuair a ghluais Fionn ’s a’ chailleach, ’Siar gu dorsaibh na ceardaich; Chuir e ’bhean a steach an toiseach, O ’n a bha dosgiadh an dàn dith. [TD 67] F. 32. 36 Sparr an gobha na h-airm dhaite Mach ceart troimh chorp a mhàthar; ’N sin thuirt e ri Fionn—‘A dhroch dhuine Thug orm dol am fuil nach b’ àill leam!’ F. 33. 37 Thuirt e ri Fionn—‘Sin di chlaidheamh, ’S dèan a thasgaidh anns an sgàbard;’ Thuirt Fionn, ’nuair a ghlac e ’n chlaidheamh, Gun robh car ann ’s an robh fàillinn. F. 34. 38 Dh’ iarr an gobhainn ri fhaicinn Ciod an car a bh’ ann nach b’ àill leis; B’ aithreach le Fionn a thoirt seachad, ’S dh’ iarr e ’n lann air ais gun dàil air. F. 35. 39 Sparr e ’n claidheamh anns a’ ghobhainn, ’S rinn e ’fhaghart mar a b’ àill leis. . . . . . . . F. 36. H. Y. Z. 40 Gun do ghabh sinn an sin mu shiubhal ’Ghabhail sgeula de righ Lochlainn; Gun do labhair an righ uasal Le neart suarraicheas mar bu chubhaidh. F. M. Y. Z. 41 ‘Cha d’ thugamaid air bhurn eagal Sgeula do sheisear dh’ ’ur buidhinn; Gun do thog sinne na sleaghan; ’S gum b’ ann ri aghaidh nam bratach. F. M. Y. Z. 42 Bha iadsan ann ’nan seachd cathan, ’S cha do smaointich flath air teacheadh; Ach air làr na Foide Fineadh Cha robh sinne ann ach seisear. F. M. Y. Z. 43 Bu dithis diubh sin mis’ agus Caoilte, Bu triuir diubh sin Faolan fial; Bu cheathrar dhiubh Fionn air thoiseach; ’S bu chaignear dhiubh ’n t-Oscar calma. F. H. M. Y. Z. 44 Bu sheisear dhiubh Goll Mac Morna, Nach d’ fhulaing tàir ri m’ chuimhne; Ach sguiridh mi nis d’ an àireamh, O-n chaidh an Fhéinn gu sod oirnn. D. 22. 45 O nach mairionn dèagh Mhac Cumhail, Cas shiubhail nam mòr-cheum doireach; ’Bhith air làn an duirn de ’n aran A’ tarruing nan gallanan uisge. D. F. M. Y. Z. 46 Bu mhaith mi latha na teann-ruith Ann an ceardaich Loin Mhic Lìomhann; A nochd ged as anmhann mo threoir Déis an sgeoil so ’bhith ga innseadh. Various Readings. D. 3. Lines 2, 3. 2 Le Mhantal duth ciar dhuth Craiccin 3 Le Ionnar Lachdin ’s le ruadh-bheirc D. 4. 1 Le Chloggaid mu Chean maol Èitidh. 4 Togadar air Nairm ri fhaicsinn O. 1. Lines 1, 2, 3, 4. Chunncas tighinn o ’n Mhuna Fear fada dubh ’s e air aon chois Le mhantul ciar dubh cricinn ’S apran de ’n eudach chianta. D. 4. Le chlogaid mu cheann maol eitidh A mhaol gheur a ’s ise gruamach Linn duinn a’ bhith faicinn an òglaich Togadar ar ’n airm ri fhaicsinn. H. 3. 1 Bha currachd ma chon-mhaoil chéiste. 3 ’S ’nuair bha sinn mu chomhair a chéile 4 Thogadar ar ’n airm le fuathas D. 5. Lines 3, 4. Co ’n Tir ann aon bi do Bhunnadh, Na Fhìr ud a Chuthail Chraicein? H. 5. Lines 3, 4. Co an tir am bheil do mhuthinn, Fhir ud tha fui’ ’n chuthall gruamach? D. 6. Lines 3, 4. Gur mishe an Tolla Gotha A bhaig Riogh Lochlan San Bheirbhe H. 6. Lines 3, 4. Gu bheil am umhall Gomha Aig Righ Lochlan anns a’ Mheirathair. D. 18. 4 Fead a ’s Faodh agus Fasgadh D. 19. 1 A bhagarach ’s Mac Ceardich 2 Bha Chosgarach mhor aig Diarmid. D. 20. 1 Mac an Loin b i Lann Mhic Cuthail 3 Aig Oscar bhithidh an Euchdrigh 4 ’S gum bi Chreichdich lann chruaidh Chaoìlte D. 21. 1 Agam fein bha Gearr nan Calluin. H. 20. 1 Be Mac an Loin lann Mhic Cuthall 3 Gu b ’e ’n Drioghleannach lann Oscair ’S bi Chruaidh chosgarrach lann Chaoilte H. 21. 1 Gu b’ i ’n Lainheannach lann Dhiarmaid 3 A-gam fein bha gean nan callunn. H. 22. 1 Bha tri chloidheamhan chlann na ceardach 4 Feadag is Faochadh, is Fasgadh. F. 20. 1 Fead agus Faoidh agus Fasdail 2 ’Sa Chomhlann nichd na Ceardach 3 ’S an lann fhada ghlas bh’ aig Diarmaid F. 21. 1 A-gam san bha geur nan calg 3 Machd an Luin a bhaig machd Cuthaill. H. HOW THEY GOT VICTORIOUS ARMS FROM A SMITH WHO INCHANTED BY THE KING OF DENMARK. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 27. 92 lines. Advocates’ Library, Nov. 30, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Not known to Hennessy as preserved in old Irish writings. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL was one day walking on the face of a hill, named Luachair-leodhaid (that is, on the side of a mountain all covered with rushes; all things was named poetically by them) and seven persons along with him, viz.: Ossian, Oscar, Diarmaid, Dorghlas, &c. They saw one person coming to them on ne leg and curriously cloathed. They knew that it was for some mischief he was coming to them, for kings at that time had inchanted persons for their diversion and use, he inchanted them to follow him to the door of his smidy in hopes that he would overwhelm them to death; they followed him with all haste thro’ mountains, vallies, and all rough and desert places, there was none of them near him, but Dorghlas who was called Caoilte since that day; he keeps him always in sight, and overtook him at his smidy; the rest came then one by one, they would not return home without reward for their trouble, they got their eight swords and eight spears that would get victory over any brutal force. M. 5. CEARDACH MHIC LUIN. 104 lines. This version is fused with the rest. It is quoted from Gillies for comparison.—J. F. C. 1 LA dhuinn air Luachar Leobhar Do chearar chrogha do ’n bhuighinn Mi fein, (1) is Oscar (2) is Daorghlas Bha Fionn fein ann, is b’e Mac-Cumhail. (1) Ossian. (2) Diarmad. [TD 68] 2 Chunncas tighinn o’ n mhagh An toglach mor is e air aòn chois Le chochal dubh, ciar-dubh craicion, Le cheann-bheirt lachdainn is i ruadh-mheirg. 3 Bu ghranda coslas an òglaich, Bu ghranda sin agus bu duaicnidh, Le chlogaid ceann-mhor cèutach, Mar mhaol eidi’ dh’fhàs duaicail. 4 Labhair ris Fionn Mac-Cumhail, Mar dhuine bhiodh dol seachad; Cia i an tir am bheil do thuini’ Ghiulla le do chulai’ chraicion. 5 Lun Mac-Liobhain, ’s e m’ ainm ceart, Na ’m biodh agaibhse beachd sgeul orm, ’S gu ’m bithinn re obair Gobhainn Aig Ri Lochlainnann an Spaoili’. 6 Thainig mi gur cuir so gheasaibh O ’s luchd sibh tha freasdal armaibh, Sibh gu mo leantain buighinn shocair, Siar gu dorsaibh mo Cheardaich. 7 Ciod am ball am bheil do Cheardach? Na ’m fearda sinne, g’a faicsin? Faiceadh sibhse sin, ma dh’ fhaodas, Ach ma dh’ fhaodas mise, cha ’n fhaicsibh. 8 Sin n’ar chuaidh iad nan siubhal, Mar chuige mugha na luimedheirg Air sliabh buidhe mar bheithir Gu ’n robh sinn’ nar ceathrar buighnibh. 9 Bu bhuighinn dhiubh sin an Gebhainn ’S bu bhuighinn eile dhiubh Daorghlas, Bha Fionn ’nar deidh san uair sin Is beagan do dh’uaislibh na Fèine. 10 Cha deanadh an Gobhain ach aon-cheum, Thair gach gleannan faoin ’n robh fàsach Cha ruigeadh oirne ach air eigin, Cearb d’ar n’ aodach shuas ar masaibh. 11 Tearna gu urlar a choire Dìre re bealach na saothair; Fosa beag ort, ars’ an Gobhain, Druidse romham arsa Daorghlas. 12 ’S na fàg mi ’n dorsaibh do Cheardaich Ann aite tean is mi ’m aonar. . . . . . 13 Fhuaras ann sin builg g’an seide Fhuaras air eigin ceardach Fhuaras ceathrar Goibhnibh re meirbhidh Do dhaoine dairbhe mi dhealbhach. 14 Gu ’n do labhair fear do na Goibhnibh Gu grimeach agus ga gruamach Co e am fear caol gun timeadh, A shineadh mach tinne Cruadhach. 15 Dubhairt Fionn fear fuasgla’ na ceiste, (An lamh nach tagamh ’san fhiadhach) Cha bhi ’n t ainm sin sgaoilte, Bha Daorghlas air gus an uair so. 16 Bha seachd lamhan air a Ghobhin Agus seachd teanchair leobhar aotrom, Na seachd ùird a bha gà spreige, ’S cha bu meas a fhreagra Caoilte. 17 Caoilte fear fhaire na Ceardaich, Sgeul deirbhte gu ’n troid e Gu ’m bu deirge na ’n gual daraich A shnuadh, a toradh na h-oibre. 18 Fhuaras ann sin na ’n sìne, Do armaibh dìreach daite ’S an coliana air an deanaibh Do dh’armaibh sìnte na faiche. 19 Fead, agus Faoi’ agus Fasdal, Is a Chonnlann nic na Ceardaich, ’S an lann fhad’ a bh’aig Diarmad ’S ioma’ la riamh a dhearbh i. 20 Agam fein a bha Deire na ’n colag, Bu mhor farum a truide ’S Mac-an-Lùin a bh’aig Mac-Cumhail, Nach d’ fhag fuigheal do fheoil dhaoine. 21 Gu ’n do ghabh sinne ma shiubhal, Ghabhail sgeula do Rì Lochlan; Sin n’ar labhair an Rì uasal, Le neart suairc mar bu chuma. 22 Cha tugamaid air bhur eagal Sgeul do sheisir do’r buighinn Gu na thog sinn na sleaghan ’S gu ’m b’ann re aghaidh na ’m bratach. 23 Bha iadsan ann na ’n seachd cathan, Cha do smuainich flath re teiche Ach air lar na foide fineadh, Cha robh sinne ann ach seisir. 24 Bu dithis diubh sin mis; agus Caoilte ’S bu triuir dhiubh Faolan feall, Bu cheathrar dhiubh Fionn air thoiseach, ’S bu chuigear dhiubh an t-Oscar calma. 25 B’ e sheisir Goll Mac-Mòrna, Nach d’ fhuiling tàir re m’ chùine Togaibh mi tuile dheth ’n àireamh, O chuaidh ’n Fheinn gu sodra’. 26 Bu mhath mi la na teann-ruith Ann am Ceardaich Lònaich Lìubhain. An nochd ’s anmhann mo chàil An dèis a bhi ’g rireamh na buighne. A MHUILEIRTEACH. D. F. M. O. &. THIS personage is described in ballads as a woman, having one terrible eye swift as a mackerel, shaggy hair, black blue complexion, and teeth encumbered with splinters of bone. According to some versions, an eagle, or a griffin with claws like a tree was on her head. So at least I read the words. She was an ally of the Norsemen. She came from the sea, and fought all the Feinne, who made a battle ring of their seven battalions before they slew her. Perhaps she represents one of Odin’s corse choosers. I have the following versions:—D. 9. 84 lines. F. 9. 36 lines. J. 2. 87 lines. M. 6. 120 lines. O. 16. 105 lines. S. 1. 97 lines. Y. 2. 225 lines. Z. 3. 30 lines = 687 lines. All these were orally collected between 1750 and 1872, between Dunkeld and the Islands. I print five versions. My own version, orally collected before 1862, by Mr. Hector Mac Lean, will be found in Vol. III. In translating, I will make the best I can of the whole. I tried to fuse these versions, but could not do it to my satisfaction. D. 9. DUAN A MHUILEARTICH. Mac Nicol’s Collection. 84 lines. Ossianic Ballad, copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 1, 1872. 1 LA do ’n Fhein air Tullich toir, Re abhrac Erin man Tiomchil; Chunnairc iad air Bharribh Thonn, An Tarrachd eitidh aotail crom, 2 She b’ ainm do ’n Dfhuath nach ro fann, Am Muilleartich maoil ruaigh mathionn muantich Bha Haodin du-ghlas air Dhreich guail, Bha Deud carbadich claoin-ruaigh. 3 Bha aoin shuil gholggich na ceann, ’S bu luaigh i na riunich Maoirinn; Bha greann ghlas duth air a ceann, Mar dhroch Coill chrinich fo air Chritheann. 4 Ri abharc nan Fian bu bhor Goil, T shauntich a bhiast teachd bhi nan Innis; Mhairbh i le Habhichd Ciad Laoich, Sa Gaira mor na gairbh Chraois. 5 Cait a bheil Fir as fearr na shud, An Diugh ad Fhein a Mhich Cubhail; Chuirinse shud air do Laibh, A Mhuileartich Mhathion mhaoil chammapach. 6 Air sca Luchd chumail nan Conn, Na bi oirne gad mhaoithidh; Gheibh u Cubhigh as gaibh shith, Huirt Mac Cubhil an tard Riogh. 7 Gad’ gheibhinse Brigh Erin uille, A Hor ’sa Hairgid sa Hiunbhis; Bearr leom u Chosgairt mo T-shleigh, Oscair a Raoine, sa Chaorrail. [TD 69] 8 An T-shleigh shin ris a bheil u fas, San aice ha do dhian-bhas; Caillidh tu Dos a Chinn chrin, Re deo Mhac Ossain a dhearraigh. 9 Busa dhuit ord crothidh nan clach, A chaigna fod ’l Fhiaclan Na cobhrig nan Fian fuillich. 10 ’N shin nar dherich Fraoch na Beist, Dherich Fionn Flath na Feinigh; Dherich Oscar Flath nan Fearr, Dherich Oscar agus Iullin. 11 Dherich Ciar-dhuth Mac bramh, Dherich Goll mor agus Connan; Dherich na Laoich nach bu tiom, Laoich Mhic Cubhail nan arm grinn. 12 Agus rein iad Cro-coig-cath, Mun Arrichd eitidh san Ghleann; A chearthir Laoich a b’ fhearr san Fhein, Choibhrigidh i iad gu leir, Agus fhrithilidh I iad ma sheach, Mar Ghath Rinne na Lasrich. 13 Hachir Mac Cubhail an aigh, Agus a Bhiast Laibh air Laibh; Bha Druchd air Barribh a Lainne, Bha laibh a Cholla ri Guin bualidh. 14 Bha Braoin ga Fhuil air na Fraochibh, Thuit am Muileartich leis an Righ; Ach ma thuit cha b’ ann gun strith, Deichin cha duair e mar shin. 15 O La Ceardich Loin Mhic Liobhain, Ghluais an Gothidh leis a Bhrigh; Gu Teich Othar an ard Riogh, ’S bu sgeuligh le gotha nan cuan, Gun do bharraigh am Muileartich maithion maol ruagh. 16 Mar dechidh e an Tailibh tolc, Na mar do bhathigh am muir dobhain Long, Cait ’an ro Dhaone air bith, Na bharraigh am Muileartich mathionn. 17 Cha ne bharbh i ach an Fhian, Buighin leis nach gabhir Giabh; ’S nach deid Fua na arrachd as, Fon T sluaigh aluin Fhalt-bhui-iompaidh. 18 Bheir mise Briathar a rist, Ma bharbhigh am Muileartich min; Nach fhag mise aoin na Ghleann, Tom, Innis na Eillain. 19 Bheir mi breapadich air muir, Agus cnagadich air Tir; Agus ni mi croran Colli (crocoian) Ga tarruing hugamasa Taithichean (Treibhichean). 20 S mor an Luchd do Loingeas ban, Erin uille do Thog bhail ’S nach dechidh do Loingeas riabh air sail, Na thoga Coigibh do dh’ Erin. 21 Mile agus Caogid Long, Sin Caibhlich an Righ gu trom A dol gu Crichibh Erin Air hi na Feinigh nan taragh (fanagh). F. 9. CHAILLEACH ’THAINIG GU TULAICH FHOIRR. Fletcher’s Collection, page 75. 36 lines. Advocates’ Library. January 17, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—March 21, 1872. Wars of the Gaedhel with the Gaill. Todd, 1867. xcv Introduction; page 41, Text. Examples of female adventurers taking command of a fleet are not uncommon in Scandinavian history. The ships of the russet damsel, ‘Inghin Ruaidh,’ and the ships of ‘Oduind’ appear amongst the names of Sea Rovers in the Danish invasions of Munster, together with the name of Carl Otter, the black, who was slain in Scotland by Constantine III., A.D. 916. In this version the poetry is partly written as if it were prose. Là ga ’n rabh Fionn na shuidhe air Tulaich Fhoirr ’s an Fheinn uile ma thiomchioll, chunnacadar a’ teachd ar barr nan tonn, Cailleach eidigh, leothar, chrom, aig teachd a dhubhairt comhraig orra. 1 AIR bhith do Fhionn air tulaich Fhoirr, ’G amharc Eirinn mu thimchioll, Air faicinn dha teachd air bharra thonn, Earrachd eidigh, fheall, chrom. 2 Bu mhòr a h-ionnud ’s a fàs, Bu luath cuid siubhail ri h-aois. Bha cuarain iarruinn mu dà mhàs, Bha fiaclan siar seach a craos; 3 Bha claidhe meirgeach air a crios, Ri àm feirge bu gharbh greis, Bha da shleagh iarruinn air an taobh eile Do ’n fhua’ chul-liath Chailliche. 4 Bha car ga ionain mu chaol a duirn, Bha car ga caothair mu chaol-druim; Bha h-aodan du-ghlas air dhreach guail, Bha deud charabadach chrann ruadh, 5 Bha aon suil gholach na ceann, ’S bu luaith i na rionnach maoire, Bha greann-ghlas orra’ mar bhi Na mar choill chrionaich air crith, 6 Air faicsinn dhi an Fhiann mu dheas, Chuca ghabh a bhiast nan innis. ’N sin thubhairt a Chailleach ruitha, 7 Thainig mis’ dhuabairt còmhraig; Air Fionn mac Cuthail ’s air Goull, mac-Morne, Is air mac Luthaich bu gharg gair Air Caoirreal agus air Baoisge. 8 Thainig a Chailleach oirrnn n’ ar n’ àireamh, Is rinn i oirrnn cion gun chomain, Mharbha leatha ceud laoch, ’S bha gaire na garbh chraos. M. 6. DUAN A MHUIREARTUICH, NO MHUILEARTUICH. 120 lines. 1 LATHA d’ an Fheinn air tulaich shoir Ag amharc Eirinn mu ’n timchioll Chunnairc iad ag teachd air fonn An t-arracht eitidh creathoil crom. 2 ’S e b’ ainm d’ an fhuath nach robh tiom Am Muireartach maol ruadh Muingeann Bha eadan du-ghlas air dhreach guail Bha deud a charbuid claon ruadh. 3 Bha aon suil ghlogach na cheann ’S bu luaithe e na rionnach maodhair Bha greann ghlas-dubh air a cheann Mar choille chrionuich fo chrith-reo. 4 Re faic’inn na Feinne bu mhor goil Shantuich a bheist a bhith nan innis 5 An tosach mireadh agus àir Rinneadh leis gean gun chomain, Mharbh e le abhachd ceud laoch ’S a ghaire na gharbh chraos. 6 O loch nan Cuach thainig mi Gu teith diomasach deadh dhian, Geill as gach aon fhear sa chath Gur e dh’ iar am fuath gu comhrag. 7 Fear is fear ma chomhrag cheud Chuireadh an righ dh’ fhios na beist, ’S mar ruitheadh a mhuir-chlach muigh Mharbhadh am Muireartach Muingeann, 8 C’ait am bheil fir a ’s fear na sud; ’S e labhair am Muireartach Muingeann, San tir san tainig mi chugaibh, Mhic Cumhail, gu grain nan oilein. 9 Chuirinn-se sud air do laimh A Mhuileartuich Mhuingeann chlaoin chaim, Air scath luchd chumail nan cón Na bith oirnne ga d’ mhaoitheadh. [TD 70] 10 Gheibh thu cumhadh ’s gabh sith, Thuirt Mac Cumhaill an t-ard righ, Deich ceud ubhall d’ an òr ghlan ’S tog dh’inn a chulanuichnan coin. 11 Ge d’ gheabhuinn-se brigh Eirinn uile A h or a h airgiod ’s ah ionmhas B’ fhearr leam fo chosgairt mò shleagh Oscar, is Raoine, is Cairioll. 12 Labhair laoch nach d’fhuiling tair Mac Mornai d’am b’ ainm Conan, Caillidh tu dos a chinn chrin Re deagh Mhac Oissain d’ fhoir righ. 13 B’ asadh dhuit ord crothadh nan cloch A chagnadh fo d’ dheudaich Na comhrug nam Fiann fuileach Air nach do bhuadhaich aon duine. 14 Dh’eir’ich Fionn flath na Feinne, Nuair chunnairc e colg na beiste Dh’eir’ich Oissain flath nam fear Dh’eir’ich Oscar agus Iulunn. 15 Dh’eir’ich Ceothach nan arm nuadh Dh’eir’ich sud is Raoine ruadh 16 Dh’eir’ich Ciar-dhubh Mac Brabh Dh’eir’ich Art Mac Morain nam Mionn. Dh’eir’ich diais a b’ aluin dreach Cuchuluinn is Faolan neo mheas. 17 Dh’eir’ich na laoich nach bu tiom Laoich Mhic Cumhaill nan arm grinn Rinn iad cro chum a chatha mhoir Mu ’n arracht air faiche nan scleo. 18 A cheathrar laoch a b’ fhearr san fheinn Chomhruigeadh e iad gu leir Is fhrithealadh o iad mu’d seach Mar ghath raìnne na lasrach. 19 Thachair Mac Cumhaill an aigh Is a bheiste laimh air laimh; Bha taobh a cholla re guin bualuidh, Bha braon d’ a fhuil air na fraochuibh. 20 Thuit am Muileartach leis an righ, Ach ma thuit cha b’ ann gun stri Deuchainn cha d’ fhuair e mar sin O la ceardaich Lóin Mhic Libhainn. 21 Dh’fhalbh an Gobhain leis a bhrigh Gu teach athar an aird righ; Rinneadh beud, deir Gobhain nan cuan, Mharbhadh am Muireartach ruadh. 22 A righ Beatha dhuit is nair Ar saruchadh le luchd aon oilein. 23 Mur do loisg teine, mur do bhath tonn, Mur do shluig muir leathann lom, Cha robh do dhaoinibh air domhain Na Mharbhadh am Muileartach Muingeann. 24 Cha b’e mharbh e ach an Fhiann Buidheann leis nach gabhtadh fiamh; Cha d’ theid fuath na airrachtas O ’n t-sluagh aluin fhalt-bhuidhe chas. 25 Bheir mise briathar a ris Ma mharbhadh am Muileartach min Nach tog mi do Eirinn aigh Tom, innis, no oilein; 26 Nach tog mi an corruibh mo long Eirinn chorranta cho-throm 27 Cuiream breabanuich air muir Ga togbhail as a tonn-bhalla, Crocain chroma re tir Ga tarruing as a taibhe. 28 Is mor an luach do loingis bhain Eirinn uile a dh’ aon laimh ’S nach deachaidh loingear air sal A thogadh cuige do dh’ Eirinn. 29 Chuir e fios gu flathaibh Fail Am Muireartach fhaotain da slan No barra brigh Eirinn uile Eadar mhac righ is aon duine. 30 Gabh mo chomhairle, ’s in choir Labhair Mac Cumhail mhic Trein-mhoir, Is fearr or cruinte nan clach Na comhrag nam Fiann fuileach. O. 16. AM MUIREARTACH. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 93. 105 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 29, 1872. Fragments of the ballad which is current in 1871, with lines from other ballads introduced near the end, where the whole is much broken. 1 LA dhuinn air tulaich Soire (Soiruidh), Ag amharc Eirin uile mar tiomchioll; Chunncas tighinn air bharraibh thonn, Arc ailid agus Iall chrom. 2 Is e b’ ainm do ’n uamhanach ghlan, Am Muireartach Maol ruagh Mhaighe (mhara) Bha a h-eudainn du’ ghlas air dreach guail, ’S a deud charbad garbh ruagh. 3 Aon suil ghlogach na ceann, Na bu luaidhe na sionnacha maighe (rannach) (mara) Agus greann liath-glas troimh a ceann; Mar choille chrionaich fo chrith-reoth (do chrithionn). 4 Air faicsinn nam Fiann fo geasamh (ma coinneamh), Tigeadh a bheisd do ’n Innis; ’Se steud mile gan tionndadh, 5 Mharbh i le gean gun choman, Deich ceud laoch, Agus a gaire na garbh chraos, 6 Co iad na laoich a b’ fhearr na sud, O ’n ti o ’n d’ thainig mi; A thug sibhse air saile, Air sgath Chonalaich nan con (Choniallaich), 7 Oirnne na bitheadh gach maoithe (Mhaoidhe), 8 Bannsa air barraibh mo shleagh, Oscar is Raoini is Caoirrall; 9 Deir an laoch nach d’ fhulang tair, Mac Morna do ’m b’ ainm Conan. Fagaidh tu dos a chinn chrine, Re Mac Oisein iarraidh; 10 Triath as gach naonar ’sa’ mhagh, Gur e dh’ iarr a bheisd gu comhrag; Comhrag de luchd comhrag ceud, Chuir sinne a dh’ ionnsuidh na beisd. 11 Bha bheisd gam frith lannadh seachd, Mar fhiodh chonna air lassadh (Iolum). 12 Gun tharla Mac Cuthail an aigh, Agus a’ bheisd laimh air laimh; Earlunn cha ’n fhacas air sir, O Cheardach Loin Mhic Liomhuin. 13 Cha bu dona Ioghuir an aigh, Rinn cobhair air an laoch ann ruadh; Oisean le ’n deargar na gil, Oscar arm ruadh agus Iolunn. 14 Ach thuit a bheisd leis an righ, Ma thuit cha b’ ann gan chis (stri); Gun deach an Gabhainn leis a bhrigh, Gu teach Gobha an ard righ 15 A dh’ innseadh gu ’n do mharbhadh a Mhuireartach (mhin). 16 Mar do shluig talamh toll, No Muir leathan lom; Cha robh air an talamh sa a shluagh, Na mharbha’ a’ Mhuireartach ruadh. 17 Cha ni rinn e ach am Fionn (an Fheinn), An dream leis an cuirte gach geill; ’S ann duitsa ta a naire a righ, Do chis chatha bhi aig luchd oilean (elan). [TD 71] 18 Ma mharbhadh a Mhuireartach mhin, Bheir mise briathar dhi; Nach fag mi ann an Eirin clach, Ald, no amhainn no fireach, 19 Gun an toghail air bharraibh mo long, An corpa cothromach co trom, 20 Gun tugainn breabanaich air Muir, Gun togail as an tighibh; 21 Corr is nao mile long, Thug righ Lochlain leis; Chum foid na h-Eirin a ghabhail, 22 Dh’ ionnsuidh bas na h-Eirin uile Edar righ agus ro dhuine. 23 Teachdaireachd gu Flath Fail, Chuir Fionn flath an t-sluaigh; Gabh cumha is dean coir, 24 Is gheibh thu deich ceud bratach chaol datha, Deich ceud ealtainn chaol chatha, Deich ceud lan chu thar chonnaibh. Deich ceud con iall lan trom, 25 Deich ceud cu coilair eille (eile). Bheireadh Fionn flath na Feinne, Gabh cumha is dean coir; Agus gheibh thu deich unga de ’n òr dhearg. 26 Ged fhaigheadh e gach seud bhuagha, A bh’ ann Eirin uile; Cha phill se a long, Gus am bi Eirin aig air aon rugha (rutha). 27 Fearus filidh toscar righ, Fear a labhradh gu iular mìn, Labhair e gu fior ghlic, sar ghlic, Ris an righ bu neo-bhrathail; 28 Ge b’ e beag leat tha ’n Fheinn ann, Bheir thu do theann leum air ais, Do d’ luing ghlais, Air no fuilingeadh tu t-aimhleas. An laimh do fhraoich is d’ fheirge. 29 Ille ’s breugach do bheul, Trian na bheil an so do shluagh, Cha robh agaibhse riamh an Eirin; Dhuinne bu mhairg dol nan dail, Agus dhoibhse bu mhairg teachd thugainn. 30 Ba iomadh muinial gu maoladh, Agus corp g’ an trom aomadh; O thus greine gu comh fheasgar, O laimh treuna an Oscair (lamha). 31 Bha lamh an Oscair an tiugh an t-sluaigh, Agus leigeadh leis cuig ceud fear sleagh gach uair. Ach gu ’n thuit air dhith ’n t-sluaigh, Aon righ air meud ionmhas. 32 An sin do chuir sinn an ruaig Mar chliath chatha ri ’n sailtibh bha sinn; Nar cleath chatha g’ an ioman, Air pilltinn duinn air ais, Air leinn gu ’m bu cruaidh an coltas; Rinn corran nan sleagh, Na tolta troi chom an Oscair. Neo-iomlan. From John Stewart, tenant, Bohaly, aged 86. November 1, 1808. &. MUILEARTACH. 30 lines. Written by Mac Phail from the recitation of Norman Murray Habost Ness Lewis. 1866. This fragment is curiously altered. 1 LA do ’n Fhiann air tullach Oirm, ’G amharc Eirinn mu ’n timhchioll; Chuala iad gaoraich air mhuir lom, Chunnacas mar mhuc air bharr thonn. 2 ’S b’ ainm dha an Fhuath nach gann, Am Muileartach maol ruadh moirean; Bha h-aodan air dhreach a ghuail, Deud Charbad cho ruadh. 3 An aon suil ghollach bha na ceann, Bu luaithe i na riomach moime; ’S am falt liath bh’ air a ceann, Mar choille-chrion-chribhean. 4 Ach mar do shluig talamh toll i, No mar do bhàth muir sleamhainn lom i; Cha d’ thainig chum an -tsaoghail a riamh, Lion a mharbadh a Muileartach. 5 Thuit arsa Gobha nan cuan, Mur eil am Muileartach maol ruadh moireann; Clach cha ’n fhag mi dh’ Eirinn ud thall, Ann alt no ’m fireach no’ n amhain. 6 Togaidh mi an coire mo luinge Eirinn, Chomhanta-cho-throm; ‘S chluinntear bragadaich muir, Ga tarruing as a tathan. 7 ’S mor an cualach de luingeas bàn, A thogadh an cuigleadh de dh’ Eirinn: Cuig fichead ’us mile long 8 A thog an righ ’s gur achd-throm. Gu cìs Eirinn a chur fo smal, ’S righ na Feinne na fenadh. MANUS, &c. D. G. H. I. M. O. &. THE demand for Fionn’s Wife, and for his magic cup, and for his arms, and mythical hounds, led to the slaying of the mythical people above-mentioned:—The Musician, and the Witch, and Roc, and the seven-armed Smith his brother, and the Smith’s mother; and the King’s foster-mother, the ‘Muirearteach.’ The Smith of Ocean, whoever he may have been, tells ‘Manus,’ and the King himself in person leads a great fleet to avenge his ‘Muime’ and conquer Ireland, and the Celtic Heroes. Ballads about ‘Manus’ were universally quoted as ‘the originals’ of ‘Fingal’ from 1762 till Mac Pherson’s ‘originals’ appeared in 1807. Collectors in all parts of Scotland wrote versions of the Lay of Manus; and many of these still exist, as they were gathered by the Highland Society, about 1800. All versions known tell the same story, which is not Mac Pherson’s. ‘The Battle of Ventry,’ A. 19, proves that ballads about battles fought on the coast of Ireland, between foreign invaders and Celtic Heroes, were current in Lismore in 1512. In 1739, Pope got C. 4. ‘The Battle of Gabhra,’ in Sutherland, which belongs to the series. About 1755, Mac Nicol, minister of Lismore, got D. 11, 12, 13, 14. About the same time, Fletcher, in Achalladar, got F. 12, and other bits of the story in Argyll. About 1762, Mac Diarmaid wrote G. 2. in the Central Highlands. About 1774, Kennedy got H. 12, 15, and I. 4, 6, &c., about the coasts of Argyllshire. In 1780, Hill got J. 3, at Dalmally, from a blacksmith, and printed what he got. Before 1784, Mac Arthur got K. 1, 2, 3, in Mull; and Dr. Young, an Irishman, got in Scotland, L. 5, &c., which he printed. In 1786, Gillies, of Perth, printed M. 7, 8. In 1789, Miss Brooke printed N. 3, which is an Irish version of the ballad of ‘Manus.’ About 1801, Dr. Irvine, of Little Dunkeld, wrote O. 9, 14. In 1805, the Highland Society quoted the ballad in their report. R. About the same time they got a transcript which is marked ‘16, Poems of Ossian, collected by Io Mac Donald in the western parishes of Strathnaver, Ross, and Inverness-shire, Sept. and Oct. 1805;’ S. 1., 400 lines; S. 7., &c. In 1813, Mac Callum printed V. 8, 9. In 1862, I printed part of the story. Y. 2., orally collected in Uist, and Y. 11, part of the sequel. I then had in MS. Z, 18, 22, 23, 26, 40, 63, 71. Seven fragments of the poetry. I have lots of scraps besides. In 1871, the Policeman at Tiree sang me the Lay of ‘Manus.’ John Cameron, at Castlebay, in Barra, sang 41 verses, 164 lines, almost as in Gillies, omitting one verse. September 26, Angus Mac Donald, in South Uist, sang me his version, in which was this verse: ‘Sin a labhair Fionn Onair agus buaidh Bheir mi air fear theid sios Le sgeual a nuas o ’n t-shluagh.’ The place for this verse is after the 11th in D., and the 8th in G., the 10th in H., I., and the 7th in M., O. The place of it is vacant in all the versions which I had gathered from 1750 downwards; and the gap was filled by a clever old fellow who cannot read a word. [TD 72] In June, 1872, I got a copy of S. 1, and there found an equivalent verse. This seems to me conclusive. This ballad has pervaded Ireland and Scotland for more than a hundred years, it has been orally preserved ever since it became a ballad. Mac Pherson got hold of it. It is worked into the English Fingal, but there is none of it in the Gaelic Fingal. Few ballads in any language have such a pedigree. But, on the other hand, I never heard a reciter repeat any part of Fingal as it was distributed gratis, in Gaelic, in 1818. Nor can I find a single verse of it in any ballad, from A. to Z. In 1805, Dr. Donald Smith picked more than 800 lines out of Manus and other ballads, which he arranged and printed above passages selected from Mac Pherson’s English of 1762. In 1807, ‘The Originals of Ossian’s Poems’ were published. In 1872, I print many of the very ballads out of which Dr. Donald Smith picked lines, in order that Gaelic scholars may judge for themselves. In 1805, Mac Donald and his authority, Alexander Mac Rae, North Erradale, P. of Gerloch, aged 80; had recited and written in order:—1. The Muireartach. 2. Manus. 3. The Banners. 4. Fionn’s Banner. 5. Fionn’s Tribute. 6. The Battle of Beinn Eidin. All these exist separately. I had arranged them in this order, long before Mac Donald’s manuscript was discovered by Mac Phail, in a heap of papers, in a drawer at the Advocates’ Library, in 1872. The story is, therefore, metrical popular history, orally preserved, which believers in Mac Pherson’s Ossian condemned as spurious, and cast aside. The chronology needs explanation. If any Scandinavian Monarch invaded Ireland in the 3rd century, the dates agree. If the Monarch meant be ‘Magnus Barelegs,’ who was slain in attacking Ulster, 1103, then popular bards or Irish historians err. Cormac’s army of the 3rd century conquer Manus about 900 years after their date, and Oisein, one of them, goes back 670 years, to tell the story to St. Patrick. In order that scholars may read, I print:—D. 10, dated 1755, with notes from G., dated about 1762; which versions are alike. D. 12. The Banners. A similar passage from A., 1512, follows, in the place which seems to belong to the ballad in which it occurs. It also occurs in S. 1. I print H., the first of Kennedy’s copies, with I., all that he added in his second copy. J., got from a Smith at Dalmally, can be read in the Gentleman’s Magazine, 1782-1783. K. is in the first number of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy. M. 7. I reprint from Gillies, as the first printed Scotch version, 1786. N. is the first and only printed Irish version. The book is easily got at, and I want room. I print O. with references to M., to show, that a book, printed at Perth, had not affected oral recitations at Dunkeld, after 14 years, and to show that Mac Pherson’s Gaelic Fingal was then unknown in his own district, a few years before it was printed. I do not print Mac Callum’s version, 1816, V. A short fragment marked &. 8., illustrates the present fragmentary preservation of ballads even in districts where their recital has been forbidden. In it the Dialogue between Padruig and Oisein survives. I do not print my own collection. To print all existing versions of Manus is more than I can undertake single handed. As Mr. Kennedy says: ‘Observe the Poems.’ G. 2. ORAN A CHLEIRICH, OR THE DESCRIPTION OF A BATTLE BETWEEN THE FIANDS AND THE DANES. 1872. 168 lines. G. 2, copied from a manuscript wrote in the year 1762, by Eobhan Mac Diarmad, possessed in 1872 by John Shaw, meal-miller, at Kenlochrainneach. Copied by John Dewar, June 11, 1872. Collated with Mac Nicol’s version, and all notable variations entered in italics. D. 10. OSSHAIN AGUS AN CLEIRICH. 1755. 188 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson. Advocates’ Library, May 3, 1872. These two had some common written ancestor, as I believe, from their accordance. G. 1.—OSSHAIN. 1 A Chlerich a chanfas na Sailm, Air liom féin gur borb do Chial, Nach eist hu Tamuil re sgeil Air an Fhein nach fhachd hu riamh. G. 2.—CLEIRICH. 2 Air mo Chumhasa Mhic Fhoin Ga bein leat bhi teachd air Thein, Fuaim na ’n Sailm ar feadh mo Bheoil Gur he siud bu cheoil damh Fein. G. 3.—OSSHAIN. 3 Na bi tu Coimheadadh do Shalm Re Fianachd Erin nan Arm nochd, A Chlerich, gur làn olc lium Nach sgarain do Chean red Chorp. G. 4.—CLEIRICH. 4 Sin faoid Chomrichsa, a Fhir mhoir Laoidh do bheòil gur binn leum fein, Fagamaid suas Altair Thein. (G.) Togbhar leatsa Seallan ann. Bu bhinn liom bhi teachd air Thein. G. 5.—OSSHAIN. 5 Na mbidhin thu, Chlerich chaoimh, Air an traidh ha siar fa dheas, Aig Eass libhridh nan’ Shruth sheamh Air an Fhein bu mhòr do Mheas. G. 6. 6 Beannachd air Anam an Laoich Bu ghairbhe Fraoch ans gach Greish, Fean mac Cumhail, Cean nan Sloigh (G.) Ard righ Laghan O san air a laointe ’n Teass G. 7. 7 La dhuinne fiaghach na ’n Dearg, ’S nach derich an Tealg nar Car, Gu facas deich Mile Bàrc (G.) i’omairt n’an ramh on o’ir. Air an Tràidh a teachd air Lear. 8. 8 Sheasabh sinn uil air an Leirg, Thionnail an Fhein as gach Taoibh; Seachd catha-urcharie gu prop, Gur e dhiadh mu mhachd Nin Taoig. 9. 9 Thanic an Cabhlach gu Tir Greadhin nach bn bhin hair leinn Bu lìonmhor ann Pubul Sroil Ga thoigbhail leo os an Cean. 10. 10 Hogiad an Coishri on Choill ’S chuir iad orra an Airm ghaidh ’S an air Gualin gach Fhir mhoir Is thog iad orra on Traibh. G. 8. 11 Labhair Mac Cumhail ri Fhein; An fhidir shibh fein co na sloigh, Nan nd fisruigh sibh co Bhuidhin bhorb Bheir an Deannal cruaidh san Strachd. G. 9. 12 Sin nuair thuirt Connan a ris; Co bail leat, a Righ, bhi ann? Co shaoleadh tu Fhinn nan Cath Bhiodh ann ach flath na righ? G. 10. 13 Co gheomid an air Fhéin, Rechidh a ghabhail sgeul don sluadh, ’S a bheiridh hugain e gun chleth, ’S gu beireadh e breith is buaidh? G. 11. 14 Sin nuair huirt Conan a ris: Co bail leat, a riogh, dhul ann; Ach Fearghus fior ghlic do Mhachd, O she chleachd bhi dul nan Ceann? G. 12. 15 Beir a Mhallachd, a Chonain mhaoil, Huirt an Fearghus bu chaoin Cruth, Racharsa ghabhail an Sgeil Don Fhein ’s cho bann air do Ghuth. G. 13. 16 Ghluais an Fearghus armail og Air an rod an Coinneamh nan ’m fhear ’S dh fisrich e le Comhradh foil; Co na Sloigh so hig air Lear? [TD 73] G. 14. 17 Manus fuileach, feasich, fial, Mac Riogh Beatha nan Sgia dearg, (G.) A Mhean Crioch. Ard Riogh Lochlan, Ceann nan Cliar, Giolla bu mhor Fiabh as Fearg. 18 Ciod a ghluas a Bhuin bhorb, O Rioghachd Lochlan nan Colg seann Mar han a mheadacha air Thian A hanig air Triath thair Lear? G. 15.—Various. Cia ass a ghabhadar a bhuidhin bhorb Gas ridh Righ Lochlin na ’n Colg-sean, A dhiaridh commun na ’m Fian Ma chian ris an Traidh fa near? G. 16. 19 Air do laimhse, Fheargheas fhoile, As an Fhein ga mòr do Shuim; Cha ghabh sinn Cumha gun Bhran Agus a bhean a hoirt o Fhean G. 17 20 Bheiridh an Fhein Comhrag cruaidh Do d’ shluadh ma ’m fuighe tu Bran Is bheridh Feau Comhrag tréun Dhuit fein, ma ’m fuighe thu Bhean. G. 18. 21 Hanig Fearghus mo Bhrair fein ’S bu chosmhuil ri Grein a Chruth ’S dhisidh e Sgeile go foil Ga b’ osgaradh mor a Ghuth. G. 19. 22 Mac Riogh Lochlan sud faoi ’n Triath, Go de ’n fa dhomh bhi ga chleth? Cha ghabh e gun Chomhrac dlu Na do Bhean ’s do Chu faoi bhreth. G. 20. 23 Choidhe cha tugamse mo Bhean Do dh’ aon neach a ta fuidh ’n Ghréin ’S cha mho mheir mi Bran gu brath Gus an teid am Bas ’n a Bheil. G. 21. 24 Labhair Mac Cumhail ri Goll ’S mor an Glonn duin bi nar tosd Nach tugamid Comhrac borb Do Riogh Lochlann nan Sciadh breachd. 25 Seachd Altramain Lochain lain (1) ’S e labhair Goll gun fhas Cheilg ’S air libhse gur moran Sluaidh Bheir mi ’m Brigh ’s am buaidh gu léir. 26 ’S e huirt an Tosgar bu mhor Prios. Diongamsa Riogh Inse Torc ’S Cinn a dha Clomhirlich dheug Leig faoi m’ choimhir fein an coisg. G. 22. 27 Iarla Muthuin (Munster) ’s mor a ghlonn ’S e, huirt Dianamaid donn gun Ghuin. Coisge mise sud dar Féin No Tuitim fein air a shon. G. 23. 28 Gur e ghabh Mi fein fos Laimh Gad tha mi gun chail a nochd Riogh Termin na ’n Comhrag teann ’S go sgarain a Cheann re Chorp. G. 24. 29 Beribh Bearmachd ’s bumibh Buaidh Thuirt Mac Cumhail na ’n Gruaidh dearg, Manus mac Gharra na ’n Sloigh Diongaidh mise ge mor Fhearg. G. 25. 30 Noiche sin duinne gn Lo Bainmig lein a bhi gun Cheoil Fleagh gu fairsing, fion is Céir So bheidh aig an Fhein ga òl. G. 26. 31 Chuneas mu ’n do ’s car an Lo A gabhail Doighansa Ghuirt Meirg Riogh Lochlin an Aigh Ga hogail on Traidh nan nuchd. G. 27. 32 Chuir sinn Deo-ghreine ri Cran Brattach Fhein bu gharg a Treish Lomlan do Chlochaibh Oir A guinne bu mhor a Meas. G. 28. 33 Iommad Cloimh Dorn chron oir Iommad srol ga chur ri crann An cath mhic Cumhail Fean na ’n fleadh Bu lionfar Sleadh o sair Ceann. G. 29. 34 Iommad Colan iomad Triach, Iommad Skia as Lurich dharamh Iomad Draoiseach as Mac Riogh ’S cha raibh fear riamh dhiu gun Arm. G. 30. 35 Iommad Cloigid maiseach Cruaidh Iommad Tuadh is iommad Gath ’N iath Riogh Lochlan na ’m pìos Bu lionfar mac Riogh is Flath. G. 31. Rinneadar an uirnigh theann Bu cosmhaluch re grian na ’n ord Cath fuileach an da Riogh Gu ma ghuinneach brigh an Colg. G. 32. 36 Rinneader an ’Nuirnidh chruaidh ’S bhrisseadear air Buaidh na ’n Gall, Chrom sinn ar Cean an sa Chath; Is rein gach Flath mar a gheall. G. 33. 37 Thachair mac Cumhail na ’n Cuach Agus Mànus na ’n Ruag aidh, Re Cheil’ ann an Tiugh (Tuitem) an Stluaigh Chlerich nach ba chruaidh an càs. 38 Go ’m be sud an Turleim tean, Mar Dheann a bheridh da Ord, Cath fuileachdach an da Riogh Go ’m bu ghuineach briogh an colg. G. 34. 39 Air Brisseadh do sge an Dearg Air eridh dhoibh Fearg as Fraoch Theilg iad am Buil air an Lar ’S hug iad Spairn an da Laoich. G. 35. 40 Cath fuileach an da Riogh ’S an leinne bu chian an Closs Bha Clachan agus Talamh trom A mosgladh faoi Bhonn an Coss. G. 36. 41 Leagar Riogh Lochlan gan (an) adh Am fianuish Chaich air an Raoch ’S airsan ged nach bhonair Riogh Chuireadh Ceangal nan tri Chaol. G. 37. 42 Sin nuair huirt Connan maoil, Mac Mornadh bha riabh ri Holc, Cumar rium Manus nan Lan ’S go scairrin an Ceann re Chorp. G. 38. 43 Bha neil agam Cairdeas (na caomh) G. Riutsa Chonnain mhaoil gun Fhaalt O ’n harla mi ’n Grasan Fhein ’S ansa leam na bi fu ’d smachd. G. 39. 44 O harla thu ’m Ghrasabh fein Cha ’n iommair mi Beud air Flath Fuasgeath mi husa o ’m Fhein A Lamh Fhreun gu cur mor Chath. (1) Probably the Baltic, which never ebbs.—Mac Nicol. [TD 74] G. 40. 45 ’S gheibh thu do Raoghin a ris Nuair a treid thu do ’d Thir fein Cairdeas is Comunn do ghna No do Lamh a chuir faoi ’m Fhein. G. 41. 46 Cha chuir mi mo Lamh faoi ’d Fhein ’N cian a mhairtheas Cail am Chorp Aon Bhuille Taoighe Fhein ’S aithreach Leinn no reinneas ort. G. 42. 47 Mi fein agus Mathair is Goll Triuir bo mho glonn san Fhein Ged tha sinn gun Draosich no Colg Ach easteachd ri Hord Cleir. D. 12. CUBHA FHINN DO RIGH LOCHLIN. Mac Nicol’s Collection. 43 lines. Ossianic Ballad. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 1, 1872. 1 DEICH ciad cuilain deich ciad Cu, Deich ciad slaibhridh air Milchu; Deich ciad sealtuin chaoil chatha (sleigh) Deich ciad Brat min Datha 2 Deich ceud Gearaltich cruaidh dearg, (Each) Deich ceud nobul don or Dhearg, Deich ceud maighdin le da Ghun, Deich ceid mantul don shid ur, 3 Deich ceid sonn a dherigh leat Deich ceid shrian oir agus airgid. RIGH LOCHLIN. 4 Gad a gheibhidh Riogh Lochlin shud, ’S na bha Mhaoin ’s do T sheidin an Eirin; Cha fhillidh e T-shluaigh air ais, Gus ’m bigh Erin uille air Earras. 5 Suil gun dug Righ Lochlin uaidh. THE FLAGS. 1 Chunnairc e Brattich a tin a mach agus Gille Gaiste air a Ceann air a lasa do Dh’òr Eirinich 2 Dibhuille Duibhne dualich, ’Ni sud Brattieh Mhic Trein-bhuaghich; DIBHUILLE. 3 Cha ni sud ach an Liath-luid-neach, Brattach Dhiarmaid O Duibhne, ’S nar bhigh an Fhian uil’ a mach, ’Shi an Liath-luid-nich bu toisich. 4 Suil gan dug Righ Loch, &c. DIBHUILLE. 5 Cha ni sud ach au aoinchasach ruaidh Brattach Chaoilte nan mor T-shluaidh Brattach leis an sgoiltear Cinn ’S le an doirtir Fuil gu aoibranibh. 6 Suil, &c. DIBHUILLE. 7 Cha ni sud ach an Scuab ghabhidh Bratach Oscair Chro-laidir, ’Snar a ruighte Cath nan cliar, Cha biach fhiarich ach Scuab-ghabhidh. 8 Suil, &c. DIBHUILLE. 9 Cha ni sud ach a Bhriachil Bhreochil Brattach a Ghuil mhoir mhic Morni, Nach dug Troigh riabh air a hais, Gus an do chrithan an Tailibh trom ghlass. 10 Suil, &c. DIBHUILLE. 11 ’S misa dhuitsa na bheil ann, Ha Ghile ghreine an sud a tighin As naoigh slaibhrinin aist’ a shios, Don or Bhuidh gun Dal sgiabh. (Dail) 12 Agus nao nao lan-ghaisgeach Fo chean a huille slaibhrigh A togairt air feo do T-shluagh thibh 13 Mar Chliabh-tragha gu Traigh Bigh gair chatha gad iummain. H. 12. HOW MANUS, THE KING OF DENMARK, CAME TO TAKE AWAY FINGAL’S WIFE BY FORCE. 284 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 11. Advocates’ Library, November 28, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Known to everybody in Ireland, but no copy older than the 18th century known to Hennessy.—J. F. C. THE ARGUMENT. OSSIAN one day began to tell Peter how Manus, the King of Denmark, came to Ireland to make war on Fingal, unless he would get his dog and wife. The Heroes have seen one day a navy coming from the north towards their shore, and when the navy came to harbour, they send Fergus to ask what news, and from what country they came from. They told him that they came from Denmark for Fingal’s wife and dog, or if he would not deliver that willingly, that they would take them by force. When Fingal heard the news, he prepared for them the next day, then they drew up their army on both sides. Fingal and Manus said that they would try combat themselves first, and they ordered their men not to go near them, and whoever would be Conqueror that he would get his desire, and the army on both sides would be spectators. Fingal defeated Manus, and bound him hand and foot. Then he repented that he came at all, and promised with an oath that he would never come to war against him any more. Fingal upon these conditions loosed him, and went away for his own country, but on his way going home, his men said that suppose Fingal was stronger than he, that they were stronger than Fingal’s men, and if he would allow them to return back and give a battle, that they would surely gain the victory, to which he consented. Then Fingal asked of Manus, when he came to him the second time, thus,— ‘Dost thou remember valiant Manus, Last day thy promising oath to all us?’ ‘Most mighty Fingal, that I do, It’s left upon the mountain dew.’ Then the battle began with swords unsheathed in hand very smart, till not one was left of Manus’s host alive, except any person that asked pardon, or fled and hid himself in a solitary place. But Peter Mac Alpin said to Ossian that he had not much regard for his Histories and Poems (at present), besides the Psalms of David. When Ossian heard that, he said that if he would compare his Psalms again to Fingal’s melodious poems, that he would separate his head from off his body. Observe the Poem. DAN 2. 1 A CHLEIRICH a chanas na sailm. Air leam fein gu’r baoth do chiall; Nach eiste tu tamull sgéul, Air an Fhéinn nach cual thu riamh. 2 ‘Air do chubhi ’sa Mhic Fhinn, Ge binn leat teachd air an Fheinn; Fuaim nan sailm air feadh mo bheóil, Gu ’r e sin is ceól leam féin.’ 3 C’ oni bi tu coi-meas do shalmaibh, Re Fionn gaidheal nan arm noicht; A Chleirich ge lán oil leam, Gun sgaram do cheann o d’ chorp. 4 Fuidh d’ chomric tha’ eams fhir mhóir, Laoidh do bheóil is binn leam fein; ’S ma ’n alla chualas air Fionn, Gur binn bhi teachd air an Fheinn. 5 Na ’m biodh tusa Chleirich cháich, Againn air an traidh mu dheas; Aig Eas loitheann nan sruth séimh, Air ann Fheinn bu mhór do mheas. M. 2. 6 Beannachd air anam an laoich, Bu gharg fraoch ri dol ’s gach greis; Ard Righ Lochlan ceann an t sloigh, ’S an air a shlointear an t-Eas. [TD 75] 7 ’Se sin fein an t-Eas so shiar, Eas mu ’n deanamh an Fhiann Seilg; Eas eibhain a b’ aille srath, Bu lionmhor ann loin is deirg. M. 3. 8 Latha dhuinne fiadhach san leirg, Cha d’ thainig an t seilg n ar car; Chunnacamar na h iomadibh lóng, Seoladh gús an traidh o near. M. 5. 9 Thainig an cablach gu tir, Buidheann nach bu mhidhur lein; ’S bu lionmhor sar phubul shróil, Ga thogail dhoibh os an ceann. 10 Dh’ fhiosraich Mac Cuthail d’ a Fhinn, ‘An d’ fhidir sibh an cabhlaich árd; No cia ’s Ceannard air no sloigh, Do ni ’n total mor is traidh.’ 11 ‘’Se fhreagair e Conan maol, Mac Mornna bu chaoil gniomh; Co shaolas tu Fhinn nan cath, Do bhi sud ach Flath no Righ. 12 ‘Dh’ fhiosraich a rís Flath nan cuach, Do mhaithidh sluagh Innse-fáil; Co rachadh a ghabhail diu sgéul, O ’n Fhinn bu mhaith buaidh is ágh.’ 13 ‘’Se fhreagar e Conan maol, A Righ co shaoleas tu dhol an; Ach Fearadhas fir ghlic do mhac, Oir ’s ’e chleachd bhi dol nan ceann.’ 14 ‘Mallachd dhuitsa Choinain mhaoil, Do ra Fearadhas bu chaoin cruth; Reacheamsa dh’ fhaighail dhiu sgéul, O ’n Fheinn ’s cho nan air do ghuth.’ 15 ‘Dean thusa sin Fhearadhais fhéil. Reach a dh’ fhaghail sgéul o ’n t sluagh; ’S cho fhad is bhitheas tu beó, Gu fuigheadh tu moran duais.’ 16 ‘Dh’ imich Fearadhais armach óg, ’S an rod an có-dhail na ’m fear; ’S dh’ fhiosraich é na comhra’ fóill, Co na sloigh thainig air lear?’ 17 ‘Tha Manus orra na Thriath, Mac Righ Meaghich nan sgia’ dearg; Ard Righ Lochlan ceann nan cliar, Gille is ro’ mhor fia is fearg. 18 ‘Ciod e ghluais a bhuidheann bhorb, O ard rioghachd Lochlan nan colbh sean; Ma sann a mheadachadh air Feinn, ’S e beatha bhur tréun thair lear.’ 19 ‘Gur e ghluais a bhuidheann bhorb, O ard rioghachd Lochlan nan arm bras; Gu d’ ugamaid a bhean o Fhionn, Da ain-deoin leinn agus Bran.’ 20 ‘Air a laimhsa Mhanuis mhóir, As do shloigh cia mor do mhuirn; Cia mhead sa thainig leat thair tuinn (lear), Cho tabhair sibh Bran thair tuinn.’ 21 ‘Do bheir an Fhiann cómhrag cruaidh, Do ’d shluagh mam fuigheadh tu Bran; ’S bheir Fionn cath tulchuiseach dlú, Dhuit fein ma ’m fuigh thu a bhean.’ 22 ‘Air a laimhsa Fhearadhais fhéil, As an Fheinn cia mor do ghreann; Cho ghabh mi cumha gu ’n Bhran, Gun a bhean no cómhrag teann.’ 23 ’N sin phill Fearadhas mo bhrathair fein, ’S bu chosmhuil re grein a chruth; B’ fhoisneach a dh’ innseadh é ’n sgéul, Ge b’ osgarra tréun a ghuth. 24 ’Se ard Righ Lochlan a tha ’s tráidh, Ciod é ’m fáth dhuinn bhi d’ a chleith; Gun chómhrag díbhragach dlú, Air ghea’ do bhean ’s do chú fai bhreith. 25 Do dh’ fhan Fionn fada na thosd, ’S bha moran sbrochd air an Fheinn; Oir bu phéin ro’ dhoilich leó, Am brosnadh mor a rinn an tréun. 26 Cha tabhair mise mo bhean, Do dh’ aon fhear a tha fui ’n ghréin, ’S cho mho liubhream Bran le’ m dheóin, ’N fhea’ sa bhios an deó am chré. 27 ‘Is labhair e rís re Goll, ’S mor an trom dhuinn bhi nar tosd; Gu ’n chómhragh díbhragach tréun, A thabhairt dhoibh sud fein a noc.’ 28 Bha freagradh aig Oscar dh’ a, ’S cho bu nár dh’ a teachd gu prop; Leigeadh dhoibh codal gu lá, Is bio’ sa máireach air an corp. 29 ’S do labhair Oscar a rís, Dionamsa Righ innse torc; ’S ceann an da chomhairlaich dhéug, Cuiream iad gu léir o ’n corp. 30 ‘Seachd Iarlacha Locha luan, (I. Maighreachan) ’Se thuirt Momad mor gu ’n cheilg; Iadsan fein ge mor an cruas, Coisgidh mis’ am buaidh san leirg.’ 31 ‘Iarla Muthann is mor glonn, (I. oighre chumainn) Do rá Diarmaid conn gu ’n oth ’n; Coisgeamsa cia mór an t-eachd, No tuiteam fein air a shon.’ 32 ‘Truir mas Innse torc ’s mor cith, Do rá Caoilte nimh nan leirg; Iadsan cia mor feum is treóir, Ni mi ’n lot ’san león le feirg.’ 33 ‘Seachd oighreacha’ ghleann nam fuath, Do rá Fearaghuin luath gu león; Cnuasaichidh mi ’n corp le ’m airm, Gus an traoigh an gairg ’s an treóir.’ 34 ‘Seachd Mic Maitheannis borb feirg, (I. 33. Nathais nan rosg borb) Do rá Garabh bu tréun lamh; Cuireamsa gu bas iad fein, No tuiteam fein air a bhlár.’ 35 ‘Seachd oighribh na Beirathair bhán, (I. 34. Maighre) Do rá Faoghlan bán gun ghó: Coisgeamsa cia mor ’s cia tréun, No tuiteam fein air an lón.’ 36 ‘Seachd Mic Luthaich O Rois ruaidh (I. 35. On lir uaine) Do rá Caoireall bu cruaidh gharg; Coisgeamsa cia mor an teachd, No tuiteam fein leó air ball.’ 37 Da Mhac Mhanuis ceann an t-sluaigh, (I. 36. Braithrean) Do rá Feardhas buadhach gráidh; ‘Coisgeamsa cia mór an gruaim, ’S dheanadh gniomh cruiadh sa bhlár.’ 38 ‘’S ann an sin a dubhras fein, Ge ta mi mar tha mi noc; Righ Garabh nan cómhrag teann, (I. 37. Scairbhe) Gu sgareamsa cheann a chorp.’ 39 ‘Mile beannachd dhuibh is buaidh, Do rá Mac Cuthaill nan ruag áigh, Manus mu ’n tional na sluaigh, Coisgidh mise bhuaidh sa bháir.’ 40 Air bhi dhuinn mar sin gu lá, Cho bu ghná’ leinn bhi gu ’n cheól, Fion is fochlas, feóil is céir, A bhiodh aig an Fhéinn mar nós. 41 Air madain an dara mháireach; Ghluais iad a dh’ fhagail ar puirt; ’S meirgeach Righ Lochlan an áigh, Da thog’ ail o thraidh ’n ar uchd. [TD 76] 42 Leig iad an gadhair fui ’n choill, ’S cheangail iad orra ’n airm áigh; Eallach guaille gach fir mhóir, Thogadar leó fein o’n traidh. 43 B’ iomeadach ann clogaid cruaidh, B’ iomeadach ann tua’ chum sgath; ’N cuideadch Righ Lochlan gu fior, ’S cho raibh aon neach ann gun ghath. 44 B’ iomead cloidheamh ’s b’ iomead sgia’, B’ iomead Triath le luireach gharg; B’ iomead craosach air Mic Righ, ’S cha raibh aon neach dhiu gu ’n arm. 45 Thionail iad an ear san iar, An sin an Fhiann as gach taobh; Seachd Cathain na h iorgaill gu prop, (I. 44. cnoc) Thionail sin mu mhac inghean aoigh. (Taig) 46 B’ iomead cloidheamh an ceann bheairt óir, B’ iomead sról da chuir re creann; Aig fuileachdaich Fhinn nam fleagh, ’S iomead sleagh bha os ar ceann. 47 Thog sinn Gill ghreine re creann, Bratach, Fhinn, bu gharg ’s gach greis; ’S i lán do chlochaibh do ’n ór, A Phádraig nach bu mhór a meas. 48 Chuir sinn a mach dh’ fhulang d’ oghrainn, (I. 47. dorainn) Bratach Fhearadhais óigh mo bhrathair ’S thog sinn a mach bratach Chaoilte, ’N Lia’ luidagach b’ aoibhneach dealradh. 49 Thogadh suas mo bhratach fein, A shoillse mar a ghrein an dúibhre; ’S thog sinn a mach an Lia luidagach, (I. 48. luimineach) Bratach Dhiarmaid óig o duimhne. 50 Thog sin a’ mach bratach Fhaoghlain, Ghuill is Oscair aobhaich amhlaich; Agus bratach gach ard cheannard Bh’ ann ’s na Cathanaibh san uair sin. 51 ’N sin thional Fionn Eirann gu tráidh, (I. 51. Fionn) Thoirt coinneamh do chlanna gall, Air toirt dhuinn ar cinn gu cath, Deanamh gach flath mar a gheall. 52 Do thachair Manus nam buadh, ’S dea’ Mhac Cuthaill nan ruag áig; Ra chéile ’n toiseach an t-sluaigh, A Phádraig nach bu chruaidh an cás. 53 Thilgeadar uathe ’n airm áidh, Chuaidh iad gu spáirneachd laoich; Gu cómhrag dibhragach teann, ’S fathram an lann air an raon. I. 53. (various.) Shuidh sinn an sin an da shluagh, Air ar n’ uilinn shuas sa ghleann; ’Sann leinne bu mhor an gniomh, Na ’m fuigheadh Manus di air Fionn. 54 Shuidh sinn an sin an da shluagh, Air uileann mu thuath a chnuic: ’S air leam fein gu bu mhór ar modh, Cho deach aon laoch dhinn dá ’n cluich. 55 Thug iad an sin deannal cruaidh, Mar nach d’ ugas riamh re ’m linn; Coi meas dhoibh a near no niar, Cho ’n fhacas riamh ag fianntidh Fhinn. (I. 54. Fiannachd) 56 Clochan agus talamh trom, Charaicheadh iad le spoirneach chos; A charachd siar is a niar, O! Phádraig nach bu chian gu ’n chlos. 57 Do leag Mac Cuthail uam buadh, Manus nan ruag air an raon; ’S air leim fein nach b’ onoir Righ, Chuir Fionn ceangal nan tri chaol. 58 ‘Labhair an sin Conan maol, Mac Mornna bha riamh re h olc; Gluais siar O Mhanus nan lann, ’S gu sgaream a cheann o chorp.’ 59 ‘Cho ’n eil cáirdeas dhamh no gaol, Riutsa Choinain mhaoil gu ’n chéil; Tharlladh mi fui’ ghraisaibh Fhinn, ’S céud fearr leam no bhi fui’ d’ mhéin.’ 60 ’S mu tharladh tu fui’ m ghrásaibh féin, Cho d’ rinn mi riamh béud air flath; Gheibh thu do chomas dhuit féin, A lamh thréin a chuir mór chath.’ 61 ‘’S do dha roghain dhuit a rís, No dal da thigh do d’ thir féin; Combanas, comman is grádh, No do lamh a thoirt do ’n Fheinn.’ 62 ‘An fheadh sa bhios mise beó, No bhios an deó ann am chorp; Cho toir mi buille t adhaidh Fhinn, ’S aithreach leam na rinneas ort.’ 63 Dh’ imich iad an sin a dholbh, Do rioghachd Lochlan nan colbh sean, (I. 62. O riogh-’chd Eireann) A eagmhuis bean ’s a choin, (Fhinn) Gu ’n bhuill thoirt le ’n loinn do neach. 64 Bha iad fui’ aimheal ro mhór, Air an t sligh dol d’ an teach; Nach do’ fhéuch iad a chuis air chóir, ’S gu biod fios ac co bu treis. 65 Se sin a dubhairt na sloigh, A bhris le mór ghó an reachd; Ge do bhuadhaich ortsa Fionn, Gheibh sinne buai’ air arm gu beachd. 66 Chuir iad iompaid air an Righ, Gu pilleadh a rís air ais; An dochas gu fuigheadh iad buaidh, Air an t-sluagh bu chruaidhe ’n cath. 67 Phill iad an sin dh’ ionnsuidh Fhinn, ’S thuirt e re Manus gu’ n ghruamaich; ‘C’ áit am bheil do mhionnan mór,’ ‘Fagas le gó fa’ r an d’ fhuaras.’ 68 ’N sin fhreagair e an laoch borb, Air am bitheadh colg ’s gach ghreis; Dh’ fhagas e air dhruc an fheóir, Air an raon mhór ud mu dheas. 69 Thug sin an sin deannal cruaidh, Da chéile gu buailteach cas; Gus ’n do bhuadhaich sinn gu cuanna, Air sluagh Mhanuis uaibhreach bhras. 70 Mach o fhear a ghabh a shith, No rinn a dhidinn gu géur; Da chuideachd Righ Lochlan gu fior, Che deachaidh duine d’a thir fein. 71 Bheireamsa briathair gu fior, Do ’n fhior Chriosduidh fhuair a chéusa Gu bu mhaith a chuir sa fhuaradh, An latha sin sluagh na Feinne. I. 4. THE INVATION OF MAGNUS. 296 lines. A POEM. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 10. Advocates’ Library, April 4, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE—A few various readings are printed in the margin of version H. in italics. Verses which are not in H. are printed below. THE ARGUMENT. MAGNUS, King of Denmark, sailed for Ireland with a strong fleet in order to deforce Fingal of his wife and famous dog (called Bran). At their arrival Fergus one of their most ancient Bards was sent by his Father Fingal to ask their design in their hostile appearance, and if for peace, to invite them to his Hall. Upon enquiry Fergus was told of their view which he communicated to Fingal. Upon the day following Fingal drew up his army and marched towards the shore in order to engage the Danes. Both armies met and Fingal and Magnus agreed to decide [TD 77] the cause in a single combat, wherein Magnus was defeated and bound hand and feet upon the spot. Magnus was set at liberty upon giving oath that he would give no further trouble to Fingal for a year and a day. Magnus sails off for Denmark, and is upon his way persuaded by his army to return back and engage the Fingalians, observing to him that tho’ Fingal was stronger than him that they by superiority would overturn Fingal’s troops. After they landed and pitched their tents Fingal sent out a scout who spoke to them after this manner:— C’ait am bheil mionnan mora Mhanuis? Fagas far an d’ fhuaras. Upon the scout’s return Fingal marched against the Danes who he eagerly attacks. Magnus is kilt, and his whole army are either slain or taken Prisoners. The Poem is addressed to the Son of Alpine. I. 63. THOG na trein an suil gu h ard, Air gach Barc thainig air lear; Mar chuilc loch Leuga bha ’n aireamh, Triall o ’n trai’ san airde near. I. 64. Bha na sluaigh fui’ aimheal buan, Air cuan stuathach nan tonn sgith; Nach do chomhraig Cathain nam Fiann, Bu mhor frioth, is fiach san stri. I. 65. ’S e comhairle thug na sloigh, Air Manus mor nan long aigh; Tigh ’n thuige air an ais o ’n chuan, Gu Maithibh sluaigh Innse phail. I. 66. A dubhradar ris an Riogh, ’S mor an dì dhuinn triall an diu; Gun chomhrag catharra cruaidh, A thoirt do ’n Fhiann mu ’n gluais thair muir. I. 67. Phill na laoich nan caogad borb, ’S bu mhor an toirm air an trai’; Mar fhuaim tuinne bha gach treud; Is fathram nan céud nar dail. H. 67. I. 68. Chuir Fionn teachdire gu luath, Gu Manus nan ruag ’s nan gniomh; C’ait am bheil do mhionnan mor, Fhir nach cum a choir ach clí. H. 68. I. 69. Fhreagair an Triath, gu fiata borb, Air am bithidh, colg ’s gach greis; Th’ fhagas iad ann dealt an fheoir, Air an lon ud siar mu dheas. H. 69. I. 70. Thug sinn an sin deanal cruaidh, Mar nach fac, ’s cha chuala mi; Mar theirbirt teine na nial, Bha gach Triath a’ sgathadh sios. I. 71. Mar choill chrionaich air an t sliabh, ’S an osag dhiann ann nan car, B’ amhail is slachdraich nan sonn, Bha tuiteam fui’ r bonn sa chath. I 72. Thuit Manus armann an t sluaigh, Mar leug teine ’n cuan nan sruth; B’ an-eibhinn iolach nan laoch, ’Nuair chualas gach taobh an guth. H. 70. I. 73. Mach o fhearr a dh’ iarr a shith, ’S ghabh a dhideinn far sgeith; Do chuideachd Riogh Lochlan, gu fior, Cho deachaidh duine d’ a thir fein. H. 71. I. 74. Bheireamsa briathar d’ om Riogh, Riamh ann stri nach d’ fhuiling tair; Gun do thuit do na seachd Cathain. Drian do mhaithibh Innse-phail. I. VERSE 74, OTHERWISE. Bheireamsa briathar do’ m Ri, Mu ’n deachai’ crioch air a ghreis; Ceathrar is ceart leth na ’m Fiann, Th’ fhag sinn air an t-sliabh mu dheas. M. 7. COMHRAG FHEINN AGUS MHANUIS (1) 172 lines. 1 GE b’ e bhiodh leinne an laoi, Air an traidh tha siar foi dheas, Aig uisge Laoi’re na ’n sruth seamh, Air an Fheinn bu mhor a mheas. 2 Beannachd air anam an Laoich, Bu gharbh fraoch anns gach treis, Ard Righ Lochlainn ceann na ’n treun, ’S ann air a shloinnteadh an t-eas. 3 La dhuinn ag fiaghach na ’n dearg ’S nach d’ eirich an t-sealg ’nar car, Gu faca sinn mile bàrc Air an traidh ag teachd air lear. 4 Sheasamh sinn uil’ air an leirg, ’S thionail an Fheinn as gach aird, Dh’ fhiosrachadh co iad na sloigh, Rinn cruinneachadh mor air traidh. 5 Thainig an cabhlach gu tir, Greadhuinn (2) nach bu mhin ’ar leinn, Bu lion mhor ann pubull sroil, Ga thogbhail leo os an ceinn. 6 Thog iad an gasradh o ’n choill; Ghlacadh leinn’ ar ’n airm ghaidh, (3) Da shleagh air gualainn gach fir mhoir Agus thog sin oirn gu traidh. 7 Cea a gheabhamaid na’r Feinn A rachadh ghabhail sceil d’ an t-sluagh, ’S e radh Fionn flath gun chleith, Gu ’m beireadh e breath is buaidh. 8 Sin nuair labhair Conan a ris Co a Righ, b’ ail leat a dhol ann, Ach Fearghus fior ghlic do mhac, O ’s e chleachd a dhol na ’n ceann? 9 Mallachd ort a Chonain mhaoil, Labhair Fearghus bu caoine cruth, Rachain-se ghabhail sceil Do ’n Fheinn ’s cha b’ an air do ghuth. 10 Ghluais Fearghus armoil óg, Air an rod an coinne na ’m fear, ’S dh’ fhiaruich e le comhradh foil, Co iad na sloigh a thig air lear. 11 Manus fuileach fear’a fial, Mac Righ Beatha na ’n sciath dearg, Ard Righ Lochlainn ceann na cliar, Giolla bu mhor fiamh (4) is fearg. 12 Ciod a ghluais a bhuidhean bhorb, O chriochaibh Lochlainn na ’n colg sean, An ann a chuideacha na ’m Fiann A thainig an triath thair lear? 13 Air do laimhse Fhearghuis fheil, As an Fheinn ge mor do mhuirn, Cha ghabh sinn cumha gun Bhrán, No a bhean a thoirt o Fhionn. 14 As do laimh ge mor do dhoigh, ’S as do shloigh ge mor do mhuirn, Mhead agaibh ’s thain’ thair lear, Cha tugadh sibh Bran air tuinn. 15 Bheireadh an Fheinn comhrag cruaidh, Do d’ shluagh mu ’m faigheadh tu Brán ’S bheireadh Fionn comhrag treun Duit fein mu ’m faigheadh tu bhean. 16 Thainig Fearghus mo bhrathair fein, ’S bu chosmhuil re grein a chruth, ’S dh’ innis e sceula d’ an Fheinn, ’S gu ’m b’ oscaradh treun a ghuth. (1) Magnus. (2) Greadhann? (3) Chaith’? (4) Fraoch? [TD 78] 17 Mac Righ Lochlainn sud o ’n traidh, Ciod e ’m fath dhamh bin ga chleath? Cha ghabh e gun chomhrag dluth, No do bhean ’s do chuth a bhi foi bhreath. 18 De cha d’ thugainn-se mo bhean Do dh’ aon fhear ata foi ’n ghrein, ’S Cha mho bheirinn Bran gu brath, No gu ’n d’ theid am Bas am’ bheul. 19 Labhair Mac Cuthaill re Goll, Am mor an glonn duinn bhi ’nar tosd, Nach tugadhmaid cath laidir borb D’ Ard Righ Lochlainn na ’n sciath breac? 20 Seachd altrumain an lochain lain, ’S e labhair Goll gu ’n fhas-cheilg, Ge lionmhor acasan an sluagh, Deangaidh mis’ am buaidh ’san leirg. 21 Thuirt an t-Oscar bu mhor brigh, Leig mise gu Righ Innse-torc, Clann a dha chomhairlich dheug Leig fa m’ chomhair fein an cosg. 22 Labhair e Conull a ris, Deangam-sa Righ Innse-con, Is ceinn a shea-comhalta deug, No biaidh mi fein ar an son. 23 Iarla Mumhan (5) ge mor a ghlonn, Labhair Diarmad donn na ’n con, (6) Caisgidh mi sud d’ ar Feinn, No tuitidh mi fein ar a shon. 25 ’S e feimeas a ghabh mi fein, Ge ta mi gu ’n treine an nocht, Righ Teurmann na ’n comhrag teann Gu ’n scaruinn a cheann r’a chorp. 25 Beiribh beannachd’ beiribh buaidh, Arsa Mac Cuthaill, na ’n gruaidh dearg, Manus Mac Garadh na ’n sluagh, Coisgear leam ge mor fhearg. 26 An oiche sinn duinne gu lo, B’ ainmic leinn a bhi’ gun cheol, Fleadh gu farsuing, fion is ceir Gheibhte aig an Fheinn nias leor. 27 Chuncas mu ’n do scar an lo Gabhail doigh ann sa ghuirt, Meirgh’ Righ Lochlainn an aigh ’Ga togbhail o’ n traigh ’nar uchd. 28 Chuir sinn Deo-ghreine re crann, Bratach Fheinn bu ghairge treis Lomlan do chlochaibh ’n ór, ’S ann leinne (7) gu ’m bu mhor a meas. 29 ’S iomad cloidheamh dorn-chrann oir, ’S iomad srol ga chuir re crann, Ann Cath Mhic Cuthaill na ’m fleadh, ’S bu lionmhor sleagh os ar ceann. 30 Iomad coitein iomad triath, Iomad sciath is luireach gharbh, Iomad tóiseach is Mac Righ, Is ni ’n raibh fear dhiubh gu ’n airm. 31 Iomad clogaid maiseach cruaidh, Iomad tuadh is iomadh gath Ann cath Righ Lochlainn na ’m buadh, Bu lionmhor ann Mac Righ is flath. 32 Rinneadar an urnaidh chruaidh, Bhriseadar air sluagh na ’n Gall, Chrom gach fear a cheann sa chath, Is rinneadh leis gach flath mar gheall. 33 Thachair Mac Cuthail na ’n cuach Is Manus na ’n ruag aigh, R’a cheile ann tuiteam an t-sluaigh, ’S ann leinne gu ’m bu chruaidh an dail! 34 Gu ’m b’ e sud an tuirlin teann, Mar ghreann a bheireadh da órd, Cath fuileach an da Righ, Gu ’m bu ghuineach brigh an colg! 35 Air briseadh do sciath an Deirg, Air eirigh dhoibh fearg is fraoch, Thilg iad am buill air lár ’S thug iad spairn an da laoch. 36 ’Nuair a thoiseach stribh na ’n Triath, ’S ann leinne gu ’m bu chian an clos! Bha clochan agus talamh trom Mosgladh foi spoirn an cos. 37 Leagadh Righ Lochlainn air an traidh, Am fianais chaich air an fhraoch, Air-sin, ge d’ nach b’ onoir Righ, Chuireadh ceangal na ’n tri chaol. 38 Sin nuair thuirt Conan a ris, Mac Morna bha riamh re h-olc, Leigir mi gu Manus na ’n lann, ’S gu ’n scarainn a cheann r’a chorp. 39 Cha ’n ’eil agam cairdeas no caoin, Riuts’ a Chonain mhaoil gu ’n iochd. O tharladh mi ’n lamhaibh Fheinn ’S ionsa leam na bhi foi d’ smachd. 40 O tharladh tu m’ lamhaibh fein, Cha ’n imir mi beud air flath, Fuasglaidh mi thusa o m’ fheinn A Lamh thereun a chuir mor-chath. 41 ’S gheabh thu do roghainn a ris, Do chuir dhathigh do d’ thir fein, (8) Cairdeas is comunn a ghnathach, No do lamh a chuir fa m’ Fheinn. 42 Fa t-Fheinn cha chuir mi mo lamh An cian a mhaireas cail am chorp, Aon bhuille t-aghaidh Fheinn ’S aithreach leam na rinneas ort. 43 Cha ’n ann ormsa rinn thu e, ’S ann duit fein a rinn thu ’n cron; Do na thug thu shluagh o d’ thir ’S beag a philleas ris an sinn. O. 14. EAS LAOIRE, NO CATH MHANUIS. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 73. 136 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 25, 1872. NOTE.—The letter and figure M. 1, &c., refer to Gillies, which had been printed about 14 years. It will be seen how this varies from the book and from earlier versions. 1 A PHADRIC a chanadh na sailm, Air leam fein gur baoth do chiall; Nach eisd thu tamull ri m’ sgeul, Air an Fheinn nach fhac thu riamh. 2 Air do chumhsa Mhic Fhinn, G’e binn leat teachd air an Fhinn, Guth nan salm air feadh mo bheoil, Gur e sid bu cheol leam fein. 3 Nam bitheadh tu comhada do shalm, Ri righ tearmuin nan arm nochd; A chleirich gur lan olc leam, Nach sgarainn do cheann o d’ chorp. M. 1. 4 Nam bitheadh tusa a chleirich aigh, Air an traigh ud siar fo ’n ear; Aig Eas Laoire nan sruth seamh, Air an Fheinn bu mhor do mheas. M. 3. 5 Latha dhuinne siubhal bheann, Cha do thachair an t-sealg nar car; Chunnic sinn a teachd gu traigh, Iomadh barc bu lionair fear (nall thar lear.) M. 6. 6 Thog sinn ar gas ruidh o ’n choill, Bratach Fhinn bu gharg a greis; Air a diona an clochaibh oir (duna) Air leinne gu ’m bu mhor a treis. (5) Mudhan. (6) Gun on. (3) Aigh an Fheinn bu. (8) Nuair tharlas tu d’ thir fein. [TD 79] M. 7. 7 Dh’ fharaid Mac Cuthail ga shluagh, San uair bu mhoir a ghean; Co theid uainn a ghabhail sgeoil, Co iad na seoid a thain’ thar lear? M. 8. 8 Thuirt Conan mearachdach maol, Co a righ a b’ aill leat a dhol ann? Ach Fearghus fior ghlic do Mhac, On ’se chleachd bhi dol nan ceann. M. 9. 9 Mallachd dhuitse Chonain mhaoil, Thuirt amf Fearghus bu caoin ctuth; Rachainnse a ghabhail sgeul, Do ’n Fheinn ’s cha b’ ann air a ghuth. M. 10. 10 Ghluaisidh Fearghus armach og, San rod an comhdhail nam fear; ’S dh’ fhiosraich na choradh foil, Co iad na seoid a thain thar lear? M. 11. 11 Manus fuileach corrach fial Mac righ Betha nan sgiath dearg; Ard righ Lochlain ceann nan cliar, Gille bu mhor feach a ’s fearg. M. 12. 12 Ciod a ghluais a bhuidinn bhorb, O rioghachd Lochlain na colg sean? An ann r chuideachadh nam Fiann, A thainig bhur triall thar muir. M. 13. 13 Air a laimhsa Fhearghuis threin, As an Fheinn ga mor a mhuirn; Cha ghabh sinn gun chomhrag fhear, No bhean is bran a thoirt o Fhionn. M. 14. 14 Air a laimhsa Mhanuis threin, Asad fein g’a mor do spion; Air mheud sa thug thu leat thar lear, Cha tugadh sibh Bran thar tuinn. M. 15. 15 Bheireadh an Fheinn comhrag cruaidh, Do d’ shluagh nan liodhra iad Bran; ’S bheireadh Fionn comhrag treun, Dhuit fein mu ’n faigheadh tu bhean. M. 16. 16 Gluasadh Fearghuis thugainn fein, ’S bu cosmhuil ri deo greine a chruth; Dh’ innseadh e an sgeul gu foil, ’S gu ’m b’ osgara mor a ghuth. M. 17. 17 Sid e Manus air an traigh, Ciod e’ m fath dhuinn bhi ga chleth, Cha ghabh e gan chomhrag dlu, No do bhean ’s do chu fo bhreth. M. 18. 18 Chaoidh cha tugainnsa mo bhean, Da dh’ aon fhear a sheall sa ghrein; ’S cha dealaich mi ri Bran gu brath, Gus an teid am bas na bheul. M. 19. 21. 19 Labhair an t-Oscar ri Goll, ’S mor an glonn dhuinn bhi nar tosd; Chann a she-comhalta deug, Leig mar coinneamh fhein an casg. 20 Deangamsa Cithach nam buadh, Thuirt Caoirreal bu chruaidh colg; G’ an lethtrom a chuir air cach, G’ e b’ e laoch g’ an tig am cho-dhail. M. 23. 21 Iarla Mutha ’s mor an sonn, Thuirt an Dearmad donn g’an chealg, Dheangainse e ’n lathair chaich, No bithidh mo bhas air an leirg. M. 32. 22 Chrom sinn ar ceann sa’ chath, Agus rinn gach flath mar gheall; Bha airm righ Lochain an aigh, G’an togail air an traigh nar sgairt. M. 33. 23 Chonnuich Manus agus Fionn, Mar dheann a thigeadh o dhà ord; Cath fuilleachdach an dà righ, Gum bu guineach brigh an colg. M. 35. 24 Air an sgithach air an leirg, ’S air sgoltadh an sgiath ’s an lann; Thulg iad uatha an airm ghabhi, ’S chaidh iad gu spairn an da laoch. M. 36. 25 Clachan agus talamh trom, Mhosgladh sud fo bhonn an cos; A sraoineachd an ear san iar, B’ fhada ’s cian a chluinnte an clos. M. 37. 26 Leagadh Manus air an traigh, Am fianuis chaich air an raon; Airsan cha b’ onoir righ, Chuirteadh ceangal nan tri chaol. M. 38. 27 Thuirt Conan mearachdach maol mac Morna Am fear bha riamh ri h-olc; Cumar duinn Manus nan lann, ’S gu ’n sgarraim a cheann o a chorp. M. 39. 28 Cha robh comhdhaltas no caomh, Eadar mise ’s tu Chonain mhaoil gun fhalt; O ’n tharla mi fo ghrasaibh Fhinn, B’ annsa leam no bhi fo d’ smachd. M. 40. 29 O ’n tharla tu fom’ ghrasa’ fein, A lamh threun a chuir mor chath; Ni mi do dhionadh om’ Fheinn, ’S cha ’n iomar mi beud air flath. M. 41. 30 Gheibh thu da roghain a ris, Cead dol dathigh do d’ thir fein; No gaol, is comunn, is pairt, Ach do lamh a thoirt do ’n Fheinn. A NEW VERSE. 31 Rach dathigh do d’ thir fein, ’S na tig air h-ais a dh’ eighach cron; Lean fiadh do bheanntan ard, ’S na taghail gu brath a’ m’ chor. A NEW VERSE. 32 Tha mo bhaighse ri neach gun treoir, ’S cuimhne leann an la a chaidh; Foghlum ceart a’ d’ aros mor, Sid a righ an ceo nach luidh. M. 42. 33 Bheirinnse mo bhreathar a righ, Am fad sa mhaireas cail nam chorp; Nach toir mi buille t-aghaidh Fhinu, ’S aithreach leam na rinn sinn ort. M. 39. 34 Cha b’ ann ormasa rinn thu e, ’S am ort fein a reinn thu ’n call; A mheud sa thaineadh leat thar lear Cha teid iad air ais ach mall. From Mr. Mac Intyre foresaid, Glenylon. [TD 80] S 1. PART I.—A BHUIRBHURTACH, to line 97. Part II.—CATH BHEINN EIDIN, from line 97 to the end. 1805. 399 lines. From Mac Donald’s Collection from Alexander Mac Rae in Gairloch, Ross-shire. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, June 11, 1872. 1 LA dhuinn air Tulach sŏir ’G amharc Erin mu ar tiomchal Chunnaic sinn air bharra thonn Aoghalt, athrachd, chuthal, chrom 2 Bha h’ aogais air dreach a ghuail ’Sa deud cairbartach enamh-ruadh Bha crion-fholt glas air a ceann Mar choille chriona, chrith-thean 3 Bha aon suil ronnach na ceann ’S bu luaith i no ronnach muigh’r Bha cloidheamh meirgeach fo crios Air gach taobh don chrithal chois 4 ’S gur b’ ainm don Fhuagh nach tiom A Bhuirbhurtach, mhaol ruagh mhordhin Re amharc nam Fiann fo dheas Gun ruith a bheisd na h’ innis 5 Rinn i gean gun chomann duinn Mharb i le h’ abhachd ceud laoch ’S a gaire na garbh chraos 6 Cait on robh sluagh bu chiallich ’S bu narich na sud agibhs’ Measg Fianna Innse-Fail No air Mhathibh na h’ Erin? 7 Labhair laoch nach d’ fhulaing sàr Mac Moirna’ dha m’ b’ ainm Coinean A bhuidhin sin bha fann Annta dheargadh do bhreim lann 8 Agus air sgath cullanich (1) nan con Oirne na bithid ga’ muighadh Cha n da-fhear dheug a b’ fhearr san Fheinn Thabhart Comhrag do ’n Bheisd 9 ’S urrad eile ged bhithidh iad ann Bhiodh marbh san aona bhall 10 Ach gheibh thu cumha ’s gabh còir Caogad Iuna dhe ’n dearg or Agus ga’ m b’ fhearr or cnodidh nan cloch No cogadh nam Fiann fhaobharach 11 Ged fhoidhin buaidh (2) Erin uile ’H or ’sa h’ airgiod ’s a crionachd B’fhearr leam fo choisgeard mo shleadh Oscar is Reinne is Cairil. 12 O ’n se do phughair a thig dheth Se dheibh thu gun chumha comhrag ’S caillidh tu dos do chinne-chrion’ Re deagh mhac Ossian iarruidh 13 Dar dherich colg na Beisd’ Gan derich Fionn Flath na Feinne Dherich Oissean Flath nam fear Dherich Oscar ’s dherich Iollin 14 Gan derich Diarmad donn Dheirich leis an lion-bhuidhean Dherich laoich nach tim ’s aach tais Dherich an Glas le mhor neart 15 Sin dar dherich iad uile Eadar mhac Ri ’s gach aon duin’ ’S mar Bheisd’ dhioghair ’s a ghlean 16 Rinn iad Cro chrotha cathmhor Mar Mhuir ri clochan a mhol Bha dol aig a Bhuirbhurtach orr’ 17 Ach fhritheal i iad mu seach Mar ruith sradagan lasarach Ach an tus iorghal an aigh Thuit cabhair air na Laoich lann 18 Thuit a Bhurbhurtach leis an Ri Is ma thuit cha b’ ann gun gan stri Deachan cha d’ fhair e mach sud O la Ceardoch Lon Mhic Liobhin 19 Ghluais an Gobh’ leis a bhrigh Gu teach athair an ard Ri Rinneadh beud ars’ Gobhan nan cuan Mharbhadh a Bhuirbhurtach ruagh RI. 20 Mar do slugadh i ’n talamh toll No mar do thagh a mhuir leathan lom Cha rath do dhaoin air an domhain Na mharbhadh a Bhuirbhurtach mhoidhean GOBH. 21 Cha ne mharbh i ach an Fhiann Buidhean nach gabh roimh dhuine fiamh Cha d’ theid Fuath no arrachd as On t shluagh aluin fholt-bhuigh RI. 22 Bheir mise mo mhionnan Ri Na mharbhadh a Bhuirbhurtach mhin Nach fag mi do dh’ Erin an aigh Innis no Ealan no Tom 23 Nach tog mi ’n coir-thaobh mo laong Dh’ Erin churanda ao-throm 24 ’S chuirin breabanich air muir Ga togail as a tonna bhalladh Le Crocan croma ri tir Ga tarring as a tamh-thonnadh GOBH. 25 ’S mor an luchd do luingeas ban Erin uile dh’ aon laimh ’S cha deach do luingeas air sàl Na thogadh Cuigeadh do dh’ Erin 26 Deich fichid agus mile Laong Thog an Ri sud ’s gum b’ fheachd throm Gu geill Erin thabhart amach Agus air shith na Feinne nam faradh. MANUS. S. 1. 27 Bha ceathrar air farthar a chuain Do ghlan daoin’ uailse Innse-Fail Oscar agus Reine Ruagh Ossian nam buadh agus Cairil ard FING. 28 ’N d’ fhiosraich sibh an deas no ’n tuagh Co ni n’ teannal chruaidh san traigh? Chan eil am ach Flath no Ri Thuirt Coinean maol gun fholt 29 Och nam foidhius’ am Fheinn Fear a ghabhadh sgeul an t’ sluaigh ’S e labhair Fionn flath nam fear Gum fordheadh e breith agus buaidh CONAN. 30 Sin thubhart Coinean a risd’ Co a Righ b’ aill leat dhol ann Ach Feargus fior-ghlic do mhac O ’n se a chleachd a dhol nan ceann FERG. 31 Mallachd dhuit a Choinean mhaoil Labhair Feargus bu chaoin cruth Reachinse a ghabhal sgeul Dha ’n Fheinn ’s cha b’ ann air do ghuth 32 Ghluais Feargus armal og Air a rod an coimhneadh nam fear Dhoinich e le comhra foill Cia na sloighs’ tha air lear LOCH. 33 Ma Manus oirne mar Thriath Ard Ri Lochlin nan sgia airm Se Ri Lochlin ceann na Triath Gille bu mhor fiach us fearg. FERG. 34 Thubhart Feargus rubh gu min ’N ann do chuideacha’ nam Fiann Thanig an Triath tha so air lear ’S Ri Lochlin orr mar cheann (1) Cullanach, a dog boy, or dog-keeper, gloss. (2) Some say buur, cattle. [TD 81] LOCH. 35 Air do lamhsa Fhearguis fheile ’S as an Fheinn cia mor do mhuirn Cha ghabh sinn cumha gun Bhran ’S a bhean thabhart o’ Fhionn FEARG. 36 Tha Ri Lochlin air an traigh Ciod e ’n sta a bhi ga chleth Cha ghabh e cumh’ o’ Fhionn Gun a bhean sa chu fo bhreith FINGAL. 37 Cha d’ thugams’ sin bhean Do dh’ aon fhear tha fo ’n ghrein ’S cha mho dhealaichinn ri Bran ’M feadh s’ a bhiodh an deo ’mo chre 38 Ach air bhi fada dhuinn nar tosd Gun smuainich Oscar an aigh Dhol a labhairt re a sheannair ’S a Chleirich bu mhor an cas 39 Bheir mise mo bhriathar doigh Thubhairt Oscar ’s cha be ’n sgleo Cia be laong as fhaide seoil Mug iad air an turas leo 40 Gan seol i le’mfuil fo druin Air neadh nach eil i nan coluin 41 S’ b’ fhearr na bhi gan iarnudh thuinn o’ thuinn ’M foidhean cruinn air aona bhall 42 Siud dar thubhart mi fein Ged eil mi mar tha mi an ochd Ri Lochlin nan Comhrag theann Gu sgarruin a cheann o’ chorp 43 Sin dar thubhart Reine Ruadh Cia mor a thac’ a shluagh baoth Naodh fichid do Gheard an Ri Dhaindeoin an stri, bheir mi an sar 44 Gan dubhart Caoilte nam Fiann ’S cur a sgia air a lamh Naodh fichid Curamh gun diomh Diolidh mis iad air an traigh 45 Ghlac an Duth mac Rivin colg Le guth borb ’s e labhart aird Naonar a luchd comhrag chéud Nam chomhair Fein air an traigh 46 Sin dar thubhart Coinean re Goll ’S mor an glonn dut bhi nad thosd Nach d’ thugamid cath laidir teann Do Mhac Mheathan nan airm noichdt’ 47 Labhair Cuaire gill Fhinn Tog dhiot do sheinn is bi slan ’S ged thanig iad uil’ air thuinn Cha mhor dhiubh theid air sal 48 Beirim beannachd ’s beirim buaidh Thubhart Mac Cumhil nan gruaidh dearg Maonas Mac Garrie nan sloigh Leagidh mis cea mor fhearg 49 Air mhoch erigh n’ la air ’n mharach Ghluais Fergus File gu gle dhan Air chomhail mar bu chòir A dhiondsaidh Mathibh Ri Lochlin 50 Chuir e air a Luirach mhor ’S a Chlogaid de ’n or mu cheann Gun chuir e a chloidheamh ri chrios ’S a dha shleagh re lios ’s a chrann 51 Bheannich e dar cha e mhan Dh’ fhear a sheasomh aite Ri ’S dhoinnich e le comhradh foill Ciod e a mor shluaghs’ a tha air tir 52 ’Saimideach thu reir mo bheachd Co b’ urra sa chleas dhluth? Ach Maonas Ri Lochlin nan Laong Le fheachd trom gu cosnadh cliu FERG. 53 ’S aimideach a bhuail thu ’n speach ’S nach d’ iomradh mi creach no toir ’S ge mor a thug sibh luibh an all Gum feudadh sibh bhi gann a falbh LOCH. 54 Co b’ urra sa chleas dluth? FEARG. 55 Ch b’ urra sa chleas dluth Ach Fionn ur a b’ fhearr buaidh Nach do theich roimh dhuine riabh Ach gan teicheadh na ceuda uaith LOCH. 56 Ni mise cogadh oirbh le ’m fheachd ’S bheir mi creach o Fhianna Fail Bithidh Sgeollach (1) agam ’s Bran ’S bithidh Fionn sa bhean nam lamh FEARG. 57 Feudidh tu a chantan gu beachd Gur creach neart sin oirn gu brath Ach cait am biodh Oscar og Agus Ri nnm Fear mhoir ann ’n lamh LOCH. 58 Dhechinn fein Oscar og Ossian mor is Goll nan cnamh Dechinn sliochd Ri nam Fiann Is Fionna fial cia mor a lamh FEARG. 59 Feadidh ta bhi triall an tir Thubhart Fergus as caoin cruth ’S tu laoch as mo fo ’n ghrein Ma dhearbhas tu fein do ghuth 60 Ciod e a choirre ’s mo rinn Fionn Man d’ thanig sibhs a thogail gheall? LOCH. 61 Se choire ’s mo rinn Fionn Muisne Ri Lochlin nan gleann Gun mharbhadh i ’n Erin shuas Seal mas d’ fhuairis le Clann— FEARG. 62 Cha b’ fhiach a choslas a bh’ ann Bha h’ aogas air dreach a ghuail Bha crion-fholt glas air a ceann ’S co dheanadh clann ri Fuath? LOCH. 63 Cha b’ Fhuath bhann ach Bean Cha robh i fann na tir fein ’S nam foidhidh i comhrag naodhnar Chuireadh i di air an Fheinn. FEARG. 64 Chan fhaca sinne bean ann Ach Cailleach chann ’s i gann do cheill Bha aon suil ghlonnach na ceann ’S chuir i anntlachd air an Fhein FIONN’S TRIBUTE. 65 Dheibidh sibh Cumh’ s gabhibh coir Caogaid Tunna do dhearg or ’S gum b’ fhearr ’or cnodidh nan cloch No na bheir na Feachd da chuinn 66 Dheibh thu seachd ceud nighin bhais-gheal-bhan Is seachd ceud Curadh theidha nan dail Seachd ceud bó gun bhlodhan riabh Seachd ceud Each le ’n deagh thriall 67 Seachd ceud Daimh chabair nam beann Ghlacadh gun ghuth cinn no coin Seachd ceud aogh le n’ seachd ceud Maogh Chuiradh an lamh an’ Leitir Shoir 68 Seachd ceud seobhaga rinn sealg Seachd ceud Gadhar garg am beinn Seachd ceud Ealla dho ’n t’ snamh Seachd ceud Lach le Ràe air Leinn 69 Seachd ceud Ruagh-Chearc dhe ’n fhraoch Seachd ceud Coillach-chraobh air chrann Seachd ceud Iolair o Thuath Seachd ceud Earb’ a luath ran gleann 70 Seachd ceud Cubhag seachd ceud cuach Seachd ceud smeorach ’ ghluais o ’n bheinn Seachd ceud Lon duth am beinn aird Is seachd ceud ni nam b aill’ luibh (1) Fingal’s two dogs. [TD 82] LOCH. 71 Ged fhoidhin buaidh Erin uile ’H or sa d’ airgiod ’s a crionnachd Cha phillinn mo Lòd air Sal Ach am biodh Erin uile air earras (Here follow the Banners, as in other versions.) LOCH. 72 Co i a Bhrachs’ Fhili Dhuanaich Ne sud Brach Mhic-treun Bhuadhich Chi mi Gille gathasd air a ceann ’S air a lasadh dhe ’n or ebhin? FEARG. 73 Cha re sud ach an Lia Luathnach Bratach Dhiarmid og o’ duinne ’S dar thigeadh an Fheinn a mach Gheóbhidh an Lia-Luathnach toiseach. LOCH. 74 Co i a Bhratach ud Fhili Dhuainnich Ne sud Bratach Mhic-treun bhuadhich Chi mi Gille gath’sd air a ceann ’S air a lasadh dhe ’n òr ebhin. FEARG. 75 Cha ne sud ach an Duth-Nea’ (or Nimh’) Bratach Fhoilte Mhic Rea Dar chruinnicheadh Cath na Cliar Cha bhiodh iomradh ach air on Duth- Nea’ LOCH. 76 Co i a Bhratach ud Fhili Dhuainich Ne sud Bratach Mhic Treun bhuadhich Chi mi gille gath’sd air a ceann ’S air a lasadh dhe ’n òr ebhin FEARG. 77 Cha ne sud ach an aona-Chasach ruagh Bratach Reine na mor shluagh Bratach leis am briseadh eirm ’S leis an dorteadh Fuil gu faobartan. LOCH. 78 Co i a Bhratach ud, Fhili Dhuainnich Ne sud Bratach Mhic-treun bhuadhich Chi mi gille gath’sd air a ceann ’S air a lasadh dhe ’n or ebhin FEARG. 79 Cha ne sud ach a Sguab-ghabhi Bratach Oscar chro-laidir Leis an leigta cinn gun amhichin ’S nach tugadh troidh air a h’ ais Ach an crithidh an talamh trom-ghlas 80 Sgaoil sinn an Deo-ghréine re crann Bratach Fhinn bu theann sa chath Loma-lan do chlochan dhe ’n or ’S ann luinn gu ’m bu mhor a meas—rath LOCH. 81 Saolamid gun thuit a Bheinn——— FIONN’S BANNER. FEARG. ’S durra dhuit na bheil ann Geal-gheugach Mhic Cumhil re crann Is naodh slabhrin aisde sios 82 Dh ’n or bhuidhe gun dall-sgiamh Is naodh naodhnar a lann ghaisgich Fo cheann na h’ uile slabhridh Mar Chleath treamhadh gu traigh Bithidh a gair-chath ga d’ ioman. LOCH. 83 ’S breugach do bheul Fhili bhinn Cia mor agads’ sluagh na Feinne Trian na h’ agams do shluagh Cha robh aguibh riabh an Erin. FEARG. 84 Ge beag leatsa an Fhiann theircs A Ri Lochlin na mor chamhlach Bheir thu do theann leum fo ’n fheasgar Roimh lanna glasa ni t-aimhleas. 85 ’Arsin an toisich a chomhrag chruaidh Se lathair Mac Cumhil nam buadh Cromadh gach fear a cheann sa chath Is deantar leis gach Flath mar gheall. 86 Bu lionmhor guaillin ga maoladh Agus coluin a snuaghadh Bu lionmhor ann tuitim fleasgich O eirigh Greine gu feasgar. 87 ’S cha deach faobhar airm gu muir Ach aona mhile do shluagh bàrr Theich iad mar shruth air bhara-bheann Is sinne sa chath gan ioman. 88 Deich fichid ’s mile sonn Thuit eadar Garrie agus Goll O ’n dherich a ghrian gu moch Gus an deach i fo san anmoch. 89 Seachd Fichid ’s seachd Cathan Na bha do shluagh aig Ri Mheathan Thuit sud le Oscar an aigh ’S le Cairil mor na corra-chnamh. 90 Bha Mac Cumhil ’s a shluagh garg Mar chaoir-theina na mor fhearg Mar shardagan diana cas ’M feadhs’ a mhair Lochlinach ris. 91 Thachoir Mac Cumhil nam buadh Is Maonas nan ruag aigh Ri cheil an tuiteam an t’ sluaigh ’S ann luinn gum chruaidh an cas 92 Dar thoisich stri nan laoch ’S ann luinn gum chian an clos Bha clochan agus talamh trom Fuasgladh o’ bhonn an cos 93 Air briseadh don cloidhean ha dearg Dheirich orr fearg agus fraoch Thilg iad am buill’ air an lar ’S thug iad sparn an do laoch. 94 Thuit Ri Lochlin an aigh M’ fianuis chai air an Fhraoch ’S airse ged nach b’ onair Ri Chuireadh ceangal nan trì-chaol. 95 Sin dar labhair Coinean maol Mac Moirne bha riabh bha riabh ri h’olc Leigibh mise gu Maonas nan lann ’S gu sgarruin a cheann o’ chorp. 96 Cairdeas cha neil agam no gaol Dhuitsa Choinean mhaoil gun fholt ’S o ’n thurladh mi ’n lamhan Fhinn ’S annsa leam e na bhi t’ iochds’. 97 Cha n’ iomar mi beum air Flath Fuasglaidh mi thusa o m’ Fheinn A Laoich threin chuir mor-chath. 98 Dheibh thu do roghan a risd’ Dhol as gud thir fein Cairdeas is comunn is gaol No thighin led lann gu m’ Fheinn. 99 ’M fadsa bhithis ceill am chorp Cha bhuail mi buille t’ aghaidh Fhinn ’S aithreach leam na rinnis ort. 100 Cha n’ ann ormsa rinn thu n’ lochd ’S ann rinn thu ’n cron duit fein Dhe ’n thug thu do shluagh o’ d thir ’S beag a philleas a risd dhiubh sin. 101 Ach cia be thigeadh anns an uair Gu mullach Bhein-Eidin fhuar Chan’ fhac ’s cha n’ fhaic e gu brath Urad do dh’ fhaobh ann’ aon la. &C. MANUS. 30 lines. Mrs. Taylor’s, 7, Dalry Park Terrace, Edinburgh. December 23, 1871. I picked up—from the recitation of an old man—the enclosed in Lewis three years go. You will see how closely it and Kennedy’s version agree. I remain, yours very sincerely, MALCOLM MACPHAIL. J. F. Campbell, Esq. [TD 83] 1 LÀ dhuinn a’ fiadhach air leirg, Cha do thachair an t-sealg n’ar còir; Gu faca sinn mile bàrca, Air sàl a’ tighinn o near. 2 Thachair Mac Cumhail nan cuach, ’S Manus nan gruaidhean àigh; Air leth air iomall an t-sluaigh, ’S a Chlèirich nach bu chruaidh an càs. 3 Stad sinne taobh air thaobh, ’S leinne bu chian an clos; ’S nac faodah duine dhol non dàil, Gus am faiceadh cach an lachd. 4 Gidheadh ged nach b’ onair rìgh, Chaidh ceangal nan tri caoil air. . . . . . 5 Oin thuirt Conan ’s e thall, ‘Ged tha mi mar tha mi nocht; Leig mise gu Manus nan long, Ach an sgath mi cheann o chorp.’ 6 ‘Cha ’n eil càirdeas ’s cha ’n eil gaol, Riutsa Chonain mhaol gun fhalt; ’S an tha mi fo ghràsan Fhinn, ’S e ’s àill leam na bhi fo d’ iochds.’ 7 O’ na thachair thu fo m’ ghrasan féin, Cha ’n iomair mi trèun air flath, Leigidh mi thu dhachaidh a làmh thrèun, ’S iomadh a chur treun an cath. 8 ‘Gheibh thu do dha roghainn a rìs, ’N uair a ruigeas tu do thir féin, Càirdeas is carantas is gaol, Ach do làmh a bhi saor o ’n Fheinn.’ A. 17. FLEYGH. 84 lines. IN this a messenger comes over sea to ask Fionn and his warriors to embark, with their two famous hounds. They fall out with the Herald, and do not go. The last two verses are part of Oisein’s Lament to Padruig. 1 FLEYGH wor rinni lay finni Innoiss dowt a halgin Fa hymmi dwn we ann Deanow albin is errin 2 Fearis m‘morn mor Din reane fa gall glor A waktow fleywi zar O hanyth tow weanow errin 3 Di reggir sen finni wane Fa math wle tor is tear Dowrt gi wak fleywi zar Na gi fley ane reywe in nerrin 4 Chongimir huggin won tonn Leich mor ayrrichtich foltinn Gin ane dwn ag ach ay feyn Fa math in toglach essane 5 Mir hanyth shay in gen ni wane A dowrt in toglach fa keyve keyll Tarsyth lomsith noss inni Is ber cayd leich id di hymchill 6 Deych mek eichit morne mor Ber let in dowss di henoyll Fer is ocht zet chlonn feyne Ber is oskir di zane wane 7 Ber deachnor di clannith smoill Is feichit di clanni ronane Ber di clanni mwin let Deachnor elli gin dermit 8 Ber let dermit o dwnith Bar ni swr is no schalge A feyn is kerrill id lwng Deychnor di zanith is di zorrin 9 Ber nenor do zillew let Fa farda how ym bee aggit Agis twss fen a inni A v‘awasse erm zrinni 10 Ber C leich let er twnni Di zna wnntir inn v‘kowle C skay gin m wi nor Dinni m‘kowle v‘tranewor 11 Berssi let in nossa inni In da chonni is ferri in nerrin Ber bran is skoillin let Lowt di zorrin i gimicht 12 Na beith fadcheis ort a inni Di ray in toglach ard evin Tuggir fa woye id heith Di we er ar sloye is soiche 13 Glor anwit hare id chenn Ogle out hanik chwggin Min fayin tow in weanoss inn Di wea di chen gin chollin 14 Di choraa ni churffe in swm A chonane meill ni beymin Is mest in sloye di wee ann Id ta tow agrow anwin 15 Errissyth clanni biskni ann Erss conane in nani Gowis gi neach zeiwe erm leich Tig ni feanith ass gi ane teiwe 16 Marwar in sen mak di zinn Feani gall a zassgi zrinn As mak a zillin m‘morn Fa math in gath chrwnwoynyth 17 Errissyth arriss ann Is daniss a wurrill Fearyth yn beinni cwt Ag gowle di chonan in nani 18 Di wersi a wraa feyn di zinn Di ray gowle mor nim beymin War conan na mess a chinni Na bonfeit ass in tinchin 19 Ferris koill Dr eichid in glen Er nach leyr rawe cheith in ferrin Ay gin fiss nyth feanith ag finn Troyg in skaill so halgin 20 Faddi lommi a halgin trane Nach wagga ma dunni zi nane Ead a shelgi o zlenni gow glenn Is nith aewlt no dymchol 21 Binvin lom ossin m‘finni Na hanich kenn nach deach zee Ter gi dwni gar royve ann Di binvin leom finni wley. Fley. FIONN’S EXPEDITION TO LOCHLAN. D. F. O. P. 261 lines. THIS ballad belongs to the Story of ‘Manus,’ but I am not certain that it is correctly placed in this order. This Scandinavian Herald might be reasonably explained as an old one-legged, one-armed, one-eyed Viking, with a gauntlet on; but as the five toes of his single foot covered two-thirds of the floor of the King’s palace, a good deal must be allowed for poetical license. It is best to leave him as a Celtic myth. The King’s questions, and the answers of the Feinne show that a great deal of the story is lost. I have nothing about the slaying of the King’s sons, or the battles named. In the form of stories a great deal more of this Expedition to ‘Beirbh’ is told in the Islands. The stories I will place in translating. Mr. John Hawkins Simpson, in 1857, at page 209, printed a Mayo version of ‘Fionn Mac Cumhal goes to Loughlin,’ which is the same story. D. 11. AN TATHACH IUNIGH. 67 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection, Ossianic Ballad, No. XII. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 5, 1872. 1 LA dhuinn an Tigh Chromghlin nan Cloch, Hanig gar ’niusuidh an Tathich; ’S dholliche coig Meoir a Thraigh, Trian do Dhurlar an Riogh Thaigh. [TD 84] 2 Bha aoin Suil an Lar a Chinn, Bha aoin Chas chli as a thoin; Bha aoin Chrog uasich as uchd. ’S bu duthidh I na Gualich Gothin. 3 Hog Connan an Dorn le Durichd, Gu Hathich mor na haoin suiligh; Stad a Chonnain fanna’ d cheil, She a labhair Fion flath na Fein. 4 Bu bhor an Taobhir Reachd leom, Gum buailte Teichdire Riogh Lochlin; Sheo a chiad La a hain u gu ’m Theich, A nois Athaich Aonigh. 5 Fhir as gorm aoin suil gun Tlachd, Innish duinne Toir (1) as limm michd; Hanig me fon Lochlin lethich, Agus fon Chudichd ghorm Tsleighich. 6 Hoig mi shinigh nach ro male, Hanig mi fo chrichibh Lochlin; Ighin Riogh Lochlin bha bhuig, Chuir i Fios air Fion gun tairbeart. 7 Missigh labhairt ri Riogh Flath nan Fian. E dhol ga sirigh gu Lochdruim-cliar: Bha sheich ciad Fichid Cota shroil, An Tigh Bhic Cubhail Mhic Treinbhoir. 8 Bha Clogid as Scia as Lurich, Air gach Laoich iursich Ard-ghlunich; Bha Innil gasta air gach Fear, Fraoch teth air gach Laoich lanmhear. 9 Bha Ullich air gach Fearr don Droing, Do Luchd nan Urchair innilte; 10 An dug shibh am iunsuidh Cithich Oran Buaigh? Ars Manus 11 ’S mis ’a bharibh Cithich nam Buaigh, Huirt Mac Cubhail nan Arm ruaigh; Air an Traigh ha shiar mu Thuath, Fenigh far ’n do thuit mor T-slhuaigh. MANUS. 12 An dug shibh gam iunsuidh Gorm T-shuil nan Cath? 13 ’S mis’ a bharibh Gorm T-shuil nan Cath She labhair an Tosgair arramach: Gabhigh mi fostaibh Marraigh an Fhir. Fon a thuit e leom an Iurril. MANUS. 14 An dug shibh gam iunsuidh Laibh nam Beud mo mhac fein? 15 ’S miss’ a bhairibh Laibh nam Beid She labhair Diarmaid O Duibhne, ’S nar ro Math agguibh ga chion, Gad ha mi am Buisgain Fheribh Lochlin. MANUS. 16 Ceanglibh an Fearrbogg ud. 17 Cait a bheil na Miunnin mor a Bhanis? MANUS. 18 Ghagas far an duaras iad. 19 Harruing shin an shin air sheic Fichid Scian, ’S gu la Bhrach gum’ bard air Miagh; She bharaibh shin trithir mun Fheir, Shail man dranig shin an Dorrust. 20 Bhrish shin Buaghinin an Tuir, ’S barbh shin an Dorsair, 21 Chaigh shin gu durragha steach, Shog shin ubhlidh na Cairich; Hainig shin air an Fhaichigh amach. Nar Droing aigintich arramich. 22 Ghlaic shin Riogh Lochlin nan Buaigh, Hug shin lein e niar gu Herin; Sriabh uaigh shin amach Bha Ciosh agguin air Feiribh Lochlin. Crioch. F. 11. MAR A CHUIR RIGH LOCHLUNN FIOS FEALLSA GU FIONN MAC CUTHAIL. Fletcher’s Collection, page 18. 92 lines broken. Advocates’ Library, January 12, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 ’S AN aig tigh Chrom-ghlinn nan clach, Thainig an Tathach ioghna; Dh’ fholuich cuig meoir a throighe, Trian do dh’ ùrlar ar Righ-thighe. 2 Bha aon chos fodha nach clì, Aon suil air clar a chinn mhoir; Bha aon lamh iarnuigh as uchd, ’S bu duighe i na gualach gothain. 3 Thog Conan an dorn gun duire, Gu A’ athach mòr na h-aon sula bhualadh. 4 Stad a Chonnain ’s fan a’ d’ chèil, Se labhair è Fionn fein, Bu mhòr an t-aobhar reachd leam, Thu bhualadh teachdair Righ Lochlunn am theachsa. CEIST. 5 Nach è ’n diu an ceud latha, Thaing thu gu m’ theach Athaich ioghnaidh; Fhir is guirm’ aon sùil gun tlachd, Innis dhomhsa t-airre is t-iompaidh? FREAGRADH. 6 Thanaig mis’ o ’n Lochlunn leathaich, Is o ’n Chuideachd ghorm shleaghaich; Thug mi sìnteag nach robh mall, Thainig mi bho chriochaibh Lochluinn. 7 ‘Chuir Inghean Righ Lochluin Bhà-bhuig, Chuir i fios gu Fionn gun toirbeairt; Leamsa fios a dh’ ionnsuidh ’n Triath, Dol na h-iarraidh thair Loch-druim-cliar.’ 8 Is è bhi seachdain bho màireach, Aig cathair na Bèirbhe ann Lochluin. 9 Bha sid againn seachd ceud fichead còta sròil, Ann tigh Mhic Cuthail, mhic Trenmhoir; Bha da shleagh is lann ’us luireach, Air gach laoch iorsuch àrd ghlunmhor. 10 Bha inneal gasda air gach fear, Agus fraoch teith air gach laoch lanmhear; Bha ùlach air gach fear do ’n droing, Do luchd na ’n urchair innealta is dh’ fhalbh sinn. 11 Rainig sinne Cathair na Bèirbhe ann Lochluin. Thachair Righ Lochluin oirnn a muigh ’us chuir è fàilte chridheil oirnn, agus thug e cuireadh dhuinn a steach. Ghabhadh bhuainn an sin ar cuid àrm, ’us chuir iad an tigh taisge a muigh iad, ach thugadh dhuinn fein an iuchair ga gleitheadh. Thug iad a steach sinn an sinn do Righthigh mòr bha aca ’us dhuinte dorsun an tuir sin do oirnn. Do shuidh fear a dhaoine Righ Lochluin air gach gualain do na h-uile againne, agus bha fear eile a’ frithealadh do na h-uile truir a shuidh fui ’n làn armaibh, agus gun againn ach a mhain sgianan foluich oirnn (mar bu ghnà leinn ann an àm cunnairt). Bha ’n Righ na shuidhe air Cathair os-ar-cionn, d’ ar nurail ’us d’ ar nearrail. Ach ’nuair bha gach cuirm an deidh an cuir thairis ’S e dh’ iarr an Righ fios Ceist. 12 Cò mhàrbh’ mo mhacsa Ciothach nam buadh? 13 Am Freagradh. Is mise mharbh do mhac Ciothach nam buadh, ’S è labhair è Goull arm ruadh, Air an trài’ ud siar mu thuath, Am feinne mun do thuit mòr shluagh. 14 Deir an Righ a rist. 15 Cò mharbh mo mhac Gorm-shuil nan cath; ‘Is mise mharbh do mhacsa Gorm-shuil nan cath, ’S e labhair e an t-Oscar armach, ’S cha ’n-àicheadh mi bàs an fhir, Bho ’n a thuit e leam san iorghaill.’ CEIST. 16 C’ àite an dh’ fhag sibh mo mhac fein, Lamh nam bèud am Biugal-briagha? (1) History. [TD 85] FREAGRADH. 17 ’S mise mharbh Lamh nam bèud, Do mhac fein am Bingal-briagh; Se labhair è Diarmaid-o-duinne, ’S nior robh math agaibh da chionn, Ge d’ tha mi ’m builsgein fir Lochluin. 18 Beirbh air an fhear bheag ud ’s ceanghlaibh è, Arsa Righ Lochluin 19 C’ àite bheil na briathra mòra a Mhànuis? Arsa Fionn. 20 Tharruing sinn an sin ar seachd ceud fichead sgian, Agus aig meud ar gaisge bhu mhoid ar gniomh; Mhairbhte leinn truir mu ’n d’ rainig sinn an dorus, 21 Bhriste leinn dorsun an tuir, Agus mhairbhte leinn an dorsair, Ach phill sin gu dùr a steach Is thog sinn ulaidh na Cathrach. 22 ’S bha sinn a mach air an fhaiche, Mar droing aigneach uallaich; Agus riamh bho sin a mach, Tha cìs againn a fearaibh Lochluin. O. 38. CARRACHD RIGH LOCHLAIN AIR FIONN. 92 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 158. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. THE poem which follows, in the beginning, resembles the beginning of ‘Roc,’ see page 103, but the rest is different. It is called ‘Carrachd Righ Lochlain air Fionn.’ (Collector’s note.) 1 TUR a chuir righ Lochlain fios gu Fionn, San aig tigh chrom ghleann nan clach; Thainig oirnne an tathach ioghna, Dh’ fholuich cuig meoir a throidhe Trian do urlar ar righ thigh. 2 Bha aon chos fo ’n nach robh cli, Aon suil air clar a chinn mhoir; Bha aon lamh iarnuidh as uchd, Bu duibhe i na gualach Gothainn. 3 Thog Conan an dorn g’ an tiorca, Gu athach mor na h-aon suil a bhuala; Stad a Chonain ’s fan a’ d’ cheill, ’Se labhair e Fionn fein. 4 Bu mhor an taobhar reachd leam, Thu bhuala teachdire righ a’ m’ theachsa; 5 Nach e ’n duigh an ceud latha, Thain’ thu gum theach athaich ioghna; Fhir is guirme suil gun tlachd, Innis dhomhsa taire ’s t-iompaidh. 6 Thainig mise o Lochlan laghach (al. learach) ’Son chuideachd ghorm shleaghach; Thug mi sinteag nach robh mall, Thainig mi o chriochaibh Lochlain. 7 Chuir nighean righ Lochlain bhla bhuig, Chuir i fios gu Fionn gun toirbeart; Chuir i fios dh’ ionnsuidh ’n Triath, Dol ga h-iarraidh thar Loch druim cliar. 8 ’Se bhi seachdan o maireach, Aig Cathair na Beirbh an Lochlain; Bha sid againn seachd ceud fichead earra shroil An tigh Mhic Cuthail, Mhic Treunmhoir. 9 Bha da shleagh, is lann is luireach, Air gach laoch iorsach ard ghlunmhor; Bha inneal gasda air gach fear, Agus Fraoch leth air gach laoch lar. 10 Bha ulach air gach fear g’ an droing, Do luchd nan urcharan innealta. 11 Is Dh’ fhalbh sinn. Air sgiathaibh gaoithe a’ siubhal cuan, Dh’ fhalbh sinn gu h-ualach ard; Mar coinneamh chunnaic sinn mar stuagh Cathair na Beirbh an cois na traigh. 12 Thachair righ Lochlain oirnn a muigh, ’S chuir e failte chridheal oirnn; Thug e cuire dhuinn a steach, ’S ged a thug cha ’n ann chum aigh. 13 Ghabhadh uainn ar cuid arm, ’S thaisgeadh iad an carn a muigh; Thuga dhuinn fhein an Iuchar ghatha, Cha smuain gleithe bh’ air ar n-uigh. 14 Chaidh slnn steach do thigh ’n righ mhoir, Dhuinte oirnn dorsan an tuir; Shuidh fear a dhaoine righ Lochlain air guallain a h-uile fear againn: fear a frithealadh do na h-uile truir. Iadsan fon lan armaibh, gun againn ach ar sgenan foluich. An righ na shuidhe os ar ceann gar n-earail; nuair bha gach cuirm an deigh dol thairis. Se dh’ iarr an righ fios co mharbh mo mhacsa, Ceothach nam buadh. 15 ’S mise mharbh do mhac Ceothach nam buadh, ’Se labhair Goll nan arm Ruagh Cha ’n aicheadh. Air an traigh ud siar ma dheas, Am Feinne ann do lot a chneas. 16 Co mharbh mo Mhac Gormshuil nan cath? 17 ’S mise a mharbh do Mhac Gormshuil nan cath. ’Se labhair an t-Oscar armach. Cha ’n aicheadh mi bas an fhir. O na thuit e leam san Tiorghuil. 18 C’ait an d’ fhag sibh mo mhac fein, Lamh nam beud am beag a bhriathra (1) 19 ’S mise mharbh lamh nam beud, Do mhac fein am Beuga Briagha. ’Se labhair Diarmad o Duighne, ’S nior robh math agaibh ga cheann, (chionn) 20 Ged thu mi builsgean fir Lochlain, 21 Beiribh air an fhear bhragaid, 22 Ceanglaibh e ars righ Lochlain, 23 C’ait a bheil na briathra mora Mhanuis? 24 Dh’ fhagas far an d’ fhuaras. 25 Tharruing sinn seachd ceud fichead sgian, Aig meud ar gaisge bu mhor gniomh, Mharbhta leinn truir m’ an fhear. Seall mu ’n d’ rainig sinn an dorus. 26 Bhrisear leinn dorsan an tuir; Mharbthe leinn an dorsar dur, Ach phill sinn lann gu dur a steach, ’S thog sinn ulamh na Carachd. 27 Bha sinn a mach air an fhaiche, Eutrom aigeanach uallach, Agus riamh o sin a mach, Bha cios agalnn air fearaibh Lochlain. This evidently differs from the other, though the character of the messengers answers the Champion of Cormac—from the MS. of Mr. Mac Iver foresaid. (Collector’s note.) P. 10. TURUS FHINN DO LOCHLUNN. Staffa’s Collection, page 65. 64 lines. Advocates’ Library, February 23, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 INNIS thus dhuinn a Phadruig, O ’n a ’s tu a ’s fearr meadhair, Greis air Scialachd Fiannibh Fhinn, La àrid a bha sinn an Cromaghleann. 2 La dhuinn an Cromaghleann nan clach, Thanig oirn an t-athach angabhi; Thuirt e le gloir bhuig nach tìom, Nach căithte leinn cuid an Cromaghleann. 3 ’N sin labhair Fionn le guth mor, Uist a Chonain ’s coisg do dhorn, ’S mor an t-abhar reachda leinn U bhualidh Teachdaire Riogh Lochlunn (1) Breuga Briagha. [TD 86] 4 Ach fhioir as buirbe suil gun tlachd, Sloinnsa dhuinn t-ar agus t-iomachd. 5 Thanig mis o Lochlunn Leathunn O’n chuideachd chuirm fhleaghich, Thug mi treun cheim gun bhi mall Ann an cein o chriochibh Lochlunn, 6 Thug nighin Riogh Lochlunn nam bla buig, Dhuit fein Fhinn a gaol gun dearmad ’Us dh’ iarr i ortsa Mhic Cubhaill, A tabhairt o luchd a troma chleigh. 7 Cairibh air cotana sroil, Air ar corpibh seanga sithar Air Luirichin ’us math maise, Scabbuill òir fui fhillidh gasta. 8 Sciath bhreac nan eangach dar dion Trogamid a ghaoil gun Iomaghuin, Sciath bhil oir ’us Lann ’us Luireach Air gach Gill-Oglaoch Ard ghluinich, 9 Inneal comhann air gach fear, Fraoch Siubhail air gach Gille, Ulà’ ach air gach aon do ’n dream, Do luchd nan uarachairin Innealt, 10 Thog sinn ri drummachull a chuain, A Bhuidhinn ’s cha b’ fhurast air diongabhail Cath-eagar do dh’ Fhiannibh Fhinn, Gun smaointin eagal na Ionaghuin. 11 Latha dhuinn sa mheirbh ag òl, Pobull Fhinn ’us Riogh air tonail Ag òl sa ’g iomairt air leinn, Sinn fein ’us sluaghan Riogh Lochlunn. 12 Sin labhair Riogh Lochlunn fein, An dug sibh leibh Lamh nam beud, Na Cĭthŭch mo mhachd eila, Na Gomunn na Miogthsul briatha. 13 Us mise mharbh lamh nam beud, Ars Osgar ’s ni b’ iomadh breug Gun tainc do dhuine ga chionn, Na na bheil do fhine ’n Lochlunn, 14 ’S mis a mharbh Gomunn do mhac, Arsa Raoini but gheal glachd, Air Traigh a chliabhain fui’ thuath Siar o rudha na morchuan, 15 ’S mis a mharbh Ciŭth’ ĭch do mhac eila Arsa Diarmuid Donn o Duibhne; ’Us gabham re mar bhadh an fhiŏir, O ’n sann leam a thuit ’n Iorghuill, 16 Ghabh sinn air an fhaich’ a mach, Nar dream aiginnich ualich, Scolt sinn roimh Dhorsibh an Tùir; Agus thuair sinn buaidh air na Loch-lunnich. 17 Agus phill sinn air ar ’n ais a chum air ’n aite fein a rìs. Q. 2. AIREAMH FIR DHUBHAIN. Stewart’s Book, Vol. II. p. 547. AS this book is by no means rare, I print this from a modern Irish MS., bought in Dublin. The figures are the same, but the words differ. As this is a numerical puzzle, the arrangement of the men who represent the numbers must always be the same. The Scotch and Irish words by which the numbers are remembered differ, but not materially. The problem is so to arrange two rival parties of 15, as to make every ninth man a foe and slay him. The game is very commonly played with black and white pebbles, ranged in a circle in alternate lots: 4. 5. 2. 1. 3. 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 1. 2. 2. 1. Beginning to count at 4, white for Fionn and his men, the 9th is the last of the first black lot of 5. The 18th is in a black lot of 2, and so all the ‘black strangers’ are cast out as nines, and slain by the craft of Fionn according to the tale. This arithmetical legend seems to fit where cunning was pitted against cunning. GOID FHINN AGUS DHUBHAIN. 4 Ceathrar fionn fiadha ar thùs Fa merbhar liom aniomthus 5 Cuigear dubha na n dail de lucht derbh chogar dhubhain 2 dias o Fhinn borb g bheath 1 Fear o dhubhain teibhartach cath 3 Triur o mhac cubhuill fheill 1 As fear o dhubhain dhreich reidh 1 Suighios Fionn san mbrogh bhan 2 Gha dhias dhubhe ar a laimh deis 2 Is dias eile do mhuntar fhinn allmhuine 3 Truir o dhubhan mo chion 1 Fer fiadhaigh na n aghaidh sinn 2 dha fhear on lioch nar lag lamh 2 dias o Fhinn 1 as fear o dhu ban 30 Copied December 29, 1871, from a modem Irish MS. bought in Dublin from O’Daly. See Stewart, p. 547, Vol. II., where the figures are the same, but the words differ. AN BRUIGHEAN CAORTHUIN. 1603. THIS Fenian tale seems to be a copy made by a Scotch scribe, who used Irish characters and orthography. The story is common in Irish MSS. of late date. This is an old copy, and the language looks still older. I give it as a sample of language, in hopes that some one will print the entire manuscript. The following note is by the gentleman who copied the fragment:— Copied June, 1872, by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, from a transcript made into current hand by the Rev. Donald Mac Intosh, 1804, from the Dunstaffnage MS., written by Ewen Mac Phaill, dated, October 22, 1603. Among the Gaelic MSS. in the Library there is also a transcript of ‘Bruighean Caorthuin’ made into current hand in 1812 by Ewen Maclachlan, Old Aberdeen, from another MS. now in the Library (see Appendix to Ossian, Vol. III. p. 566, ed. 1807). This MS. has no date, but the name ‘Magnus Mac Muirich’ appears on its first remaining leaf. It consists of five Tales in prose, interspersed with pieces of poetry that relate to the subject, a Vocabulary of obsolete words, and a short historical Poem on the Kings of Ireland. (1) On the page cited, MS. 2 is said to consist of 193 pages. The writing is ascribed to about 1600. The poetry is said to be very beautiful, and some of it is ascribed to Cuchulin. Probably this belonged to Clanrannald’s Bands, who were commonly educated in Ireland.—J. F. C. The original is written, in Irish character, on paper, quarto, in a clear hand; but the ink is faded, and the MS. much damaged. This story seems to be a copy from some older writing. It is still current orally preserved. See ‘Popular Tales,’ vol. ii. Y. p. 168. See also ‘Fionn le Feachd na Féinne air cùl Bheinn Eidin a’ sealg,’ orally collected, 1871, by Donald Mac Pherson.—June 20, 1872. THE STORY OF THE ROWAN TREE DWELLING. A FRAGMENT. RI UASAL oireadh ro gabhusa flaitheas & saor lamhas ar na clithre treabhaidh Lochloinnach ar feachd naill i colgean cruaidh armach mac Do ain & do co onn (c)aon & ard oireachdus laisan righ sìos ar saithd na beirbh loch luin bannaigh & rangadur an ceither treabha Lochlanach na chomhdhail la air IS ann sin do labhuir righ Lochlain do ghuth ard mor follus ghlan innsin naonnadh & a feadh adubhuirt Lochluin ar se anaithidh dibh lochd no ainimh mar rigare mar tighearna orumsa a dubhuirt cach uile daitheas aon fhear nar barcuidh a dubhuirt an righni mar sin daisa fein ar se is aith nid damh locht ro mhor oruim o sfheain (shean) creud-he an locht sin (The ten following lines in the MS. are illegible. Top of page 2.) agus forglun na Lochannach is do chaidhe d . d. ar magh duireadnab fomharach & is an do thuirtabhain ce iodhon. Ceaithlann chaladh craos fhiaclach & is ann ata a feart an dun Ceaithlann don taoph at uaidh do mhagh Duir. Is ann sin do duirt Niamhadh cruth tsoluis inghean Neidh gConair slaghuibh & gcona cloinn & is ann ata dfeart don taoibh tshiar do sin & do tuit ann sin clanna Uaneid & is ann ata abfeart ag clar Luighne & agcarn Uineid amarl’ Eareann do cheannladh bal’ Luigh uidh Lamh fhada IS ann sin a dubhuirt ri L. l. isead is ailliomsa ar se dul an Eairinn dfhaighuil ciosa mo sinnsr o (1) Maclachlan’s Analysis, p. 20. [TD 87] Eaireann & dfaghuibh braghad gill re comhall damh a dubhradur maithe Lochlann gar maith leo fein an turus sin re deanamh & gar miste leo a fad condearn e & a dubhuirt ri Lochlann gaism (1) sluaigh do chuir ar an L. l. uile & do chruinnidar chuige U. ruagh chatha ro mhor ar faithce na Beirbe Lochlann aid & do dainighnidar a longa & aluath bharca & do chuaidar ionnta go lid mheach lhgaireach & thugadar leimh sanntach isin a bfairge go fior neartmar & nir bfeuchadar dolc no dan fm lann da furadar no gar gabhadar chuan ad taisc eart Ulladh & tangadar athair co tinneanas nach & do gabhar ag arguin na crìche co coim diochra & is e pa ri air Eirinn an tan sin iodhon Corbmuc mac Art mhic Cuinn ceud chathach & rainic fios na trom daimhe sin go Teamhrindhe mur roibhe Conn ceud chathach & do chuir Corbmuc deachda gu Healmuin Laighean mar roibhe Fionn mac Cuphuill da radha ris an trom daimh dho iongabhail sin diochra deareanachaibh iarna cluin strin sin dFionn do chuir trional ar & cathuip na Féinne tangadar go hobann ath-lamh da ionnsuige isin mbaile & tigid ag coinne na nallmarach ina drongadh disgire dasachtach & mor sguiradar don ruadh’ar no go rangadar ag comhdhailna Lochlan: & ar faicsin a ceile doiph tugadar ionnsuighe neamhais (2) naimh deamhuil fair a cheile & do tuitadar socheidh iondeat ara airg leith don tuireann treun neartmhar sin. IS ann sin do fhearguidheadar an Fian do an datha go Poirt & ll ferdam laidir dala Ghuill Morna ar bfaicinn na Feinne ambaoghal ag na Hallmarachuibh do ionnsuighe mara bfaicuid Meairghe righ Lochlann & do nochd a lann liomhtha leathan leadarach & ro gabhadar urluighe adh garbha amiarmartaca di ar na Lochlandachuibh & diaigh sin tarla he fen & ri Lochlann da cheile Eac do rondadar comhrac disgir dachdac do eudrain re cheile & do tuid ri Lochlainn abfoir ceann an comhruic sin do beamannuibh ghlac laidir Ghuil mhic Morna & do bhriseadh air na Lochlanaich o do tind atdriath & a tighearna & do chuaidh ar tri mhic ri Lochan do chathadh ag an catha o do dhuit anatar & do mharbh dios diobh & ainic Fionn an tres mac diobh, iodhon, Nioch mac colgan & do churadh ar na Lochlanaich ar dtuidim an triar treun fhear sin uadha & ni deacha eal’ chach beatha as diobh gan mharbha & do ghabh Fionn Miòch & do bean alan fuaslaghadhas & do goireadh ri Lochlan do mhidhach ar sin a dubhuirt Mioch re Fionn o do tugais manam damh a lathair cath & gar tuilleas bas dfaghuil ni bfuicfeam thu gu brath & do bheura cios na Lochlannach chugam an Eirinn & caidhfeud maille friotsa he & anfad agad go brath imthusa miodhindh do an se a bfochuir Finn & drong mor da mhuinntir mailleadh fris seal fad do miodach acgcoimhidis & a dubhuirt Conan mac Morna re Fionn is mor an guasachd duit a find ri Lochlan do beadh ad gcoimhidachd do gnath ar marbhadh a athar accath dhuit do radh Oisin mac Fhinn is fior do Chonan sid ar se & o nach aill le ri Lochlann sgaradh friotsa tabhuir fearan do deanam tigaduis & na biodh s’e ad coimhidachd ni siad no do bise. In ann sin do goir Mio mac Colgain cuga & dubhuirt Fionn frios toigis do deanamh & do dtiubhradh se feain a rogha do da triucha cheaudh d fhearaim an Eirinn do & rugh Miodh do roghainn & triuch .c. aon tuaith taoibh tuaith dhi & aseadar far gabh se an fearonn sin, iodhon, Fairsinge an chuain do bhi eaidar an da tir sin & nach biodh coimheud do gna fair adhbhar eile far gabh se an fearann sin anochus go bfeudfan se Lochlannaidh & Greugaidh do tabhairt lais ar an chuan sin an trath do geubha se baoghal faille re deanamh air na Fianaibh & do haindead (3) an fonn sin le Miodach mac Colgain & do liondoice trom conach aige ceithre bliadna do ar anordanadh (4) sin aon do lo da dtàing Fionn & Fian Eirin do tseilg & dfiadhach fa triucha cheaoin (5) ri & fa chriochaibh bfear more ris a raitar Hi Connal Gabhra a Mugh & do suigh Fiond na dumha tseulga ar tulach n fairg sgana fris aratar fearoinn ua ag Conniul anuid & drong dfianaibh Eacpionn ma raon fris an’ Nior cian doibh annsin go bfhocadar aon og laoch da nionnsuighe & he mor mileanta ag teachd do lathair chuga & trealamh comh daingean catha uime, iodhon, cotun suaithnidh sroil & ceannbheairt corr chlochimh buadhach uima cheann & sgiath dond dath aluinn re na ghualuin chli & da shleagh tshith fhoda na laimh dheas & tainic do laithar & do bheannuidh d Fhionn & d Fhianuibh Eairinn & do fiarfuidh Fionn sgeala dhe do raidhsean fear dana me ar se tainic re dan cugadsa IS iongnadh an cul’ (6) fir chatha & fir chomhruicgiodh at sin mar sin. IS fear dana mise ar se tanag re dan chugadsa tri hion’ (7) dana do diol so ar Fionn & tarsa liomsa go bruighuin eaigin do bhruighnibh Eairinn & do geabhar do diol ann uimse a dubhuirt an toglaoch gabhuim mar diol uaidh ar son mo dhana a ciall do thuicain damh & cuirim fo geasuibh tu fon attuicsin damh gabh dan ar Fionn in loisge teine uair ge creach. Ad connuirc teach isin tir, as nach tabhair geill do ri maith sean leur gabhadh eon righ teach tuigim sin ar Fionn is e sin brogh na boinne iodhon, teach Aonghus oig mhic an Dagha or ni feudar a losgadh na creacha is e sin tuigsin an roinn sin ar an fear danadh. Ad connuirc fear sha leith tuaith nach beiras a lan do buaidh ni fear leis amh na bruith. No comhin agarbh cluith. Tuicim sin ar Fionn is e sin cloidheamh Aonghasa oig ad connarcas & ni fearr lais amh na bruithe ag eairaadh cnamh & corp do laimh eachdaidh Aonghas ciodh mall a ceaimtar gach tuaith is luaithe. Ad connarc beannsa leith theas agas clann treu na cneas iodhon. Noach luath & asiad achlann do connarcus, Treana-Tuigim an bean sin, ad connarcus, iodhon, an boinn do leaith teas cneas, iodhon, Bric mall chorcra & a bhradain eaochair breagauir ciodh mall nan sruth sin is luaithe he Eaoch luath oir siubhluidh se an domhain re bliadhuin & no dhiongann each do luas an siubhal sin isi sin tuigsin an rainn sin air an fear dana abhuir tuilleadh dod dhan damh air Fiond dconnuirc ceathearnadh go mbuaidh fan neirgidis iomad sluaigh Eaochuir og is Eaochuir tslat ciod ba frith ad connuirc Tuil’ eaile tuigion sin ar Fionn is cara daonghus og tusa & ni cara damhsa & is i slighe do gabh se leathtreana luthgort fein & ad conuaircus beith beaga os bar dos & deagh bile ag tional ag cnuasaigh & is iad sin an ceatharn ad connaircus is fior sin ar an fear dana ishi sin tuig sin an dana ud do rinne asaduitse cia thusa fein a dubhart Conan mac Morna ane nach aitheaochnur (8) tusa he ni aithnim ar Fionn do aitheanta mise & Osgar & Oisin creud noch aithion uinn si mo mhuinntir fein & ni aithnim an fear ud ar Fionn is dod mhuinntir fein sud ar Conan & ni caruid dhuit e & do budh cona de noach a namhuid daithne no charuid oir isse do dheanad olc dho & is e sud Miodhach Mac Colgan & is leatsa do chuid athuir & a dis dearbh brathair ag cath buidhe Beirbhe & do beanus alan fuasgladh as fein & ata se riceidar mbliadhnaibh deug ag oglaochas agad & ni tugse biadh no deocha duit fris an re sin. A dubhairt Mioch Mac Colgan ni mise as ciontach fris sin a Conain ar se uair us roibhe me aon mi rsin nach beith fleath agam fan chomhair. & us thaonic se da caitheamh & us mo tugas cuireadh do & atan fleadh agam dho anochd tigeadhse da chaitheamh & ata bruidhean air tuinn ata an fleadh & annsa mbruighuin ata air tir do bheirthar da caitheamh iodhon cuirimse Fionn fo geasaidibh uatha as haith le sin & a dubhuirt Fionn re h-Oisin ansa ann so & drong dFiann Eireann maille friot & na leig dionnsuighe bruighne anoilein iad & cuirfead fios sgeula cugadsa cionas a bfias an druidhean: IS iad so an cugar do a fan abfochair Oisin isin duha tsealg. iodhon. Diarmuid O Duibhne & Cailti mac Ronain & Fiacha Mac Finn & Fath Canantar mac mhic Con & Ainn’si mac Suibne tsealga & siad so do cuaidh le Fionn gus an mbruighin iodhon. Goll mac Morna & Conan Mac Morna & Mac Lughach luimneach laiceachdach & Sgiath bhreac bhreac mac Dathchain & Glas mac don a cearta bearta & da mhac Aodh bhig mhic Fhinn & Daolgus & Conan mac an Leith Luachra & Gallan mac an Luachra & da ri Fheinnidh Chonnachd iodhon. Coir cosluath ceud guinach & ceid chinnidh mac Conall Cruacha & da ri Fhianuidh Fhian Laighean. iodhon. Flaitheas bfear Leith broighe & Doncha mac Breasuil & do chuaidh dfiachuin le Fionn & do chuaidh Conan rompa steach ansin mbruighin & ni fhair aon nduine innte & fuair se ag comh maith do Bruighnibh riamh & euduighe sioda so masacha & bruit aille ioldathach or snaithacha ar leath ugadh (9) ar urlar na bruighne & gach re clarinnte. iodhon. clar gle gheal & clar dubh & clar gorm & clar uaine & clar dearg & gach ar doman ar cheann do mol Conan go mor suighugha na Bruighne & do chuaidh asteach innte an tan sin & do shuidhadar ar na bratuibh sioda fuaradar argcionn insin mbruighin & nior baill leo aneuduighe fein beith eateara & euduidhna Bruighne & do bhi baladh sar mhaiseach ag teachd don tinnadh ionnus gur fasadh & gar meudughadh meanman aigionta an baladh sin Dubhuirt Fionn ann sin IS iongna liom ar se fad go faghtar ni eigin do biadhadh na Bruighne si chuguin dubhuirt Goll mac Morna ata ni is iongantuigh leam pein ina sin. iodhon. an tine roibhe boladh suaghuinadh so maiseach ag teachd ann so duinn gar breine hi anois na camra an domhain & is si is mo deathach do deintibh an domhuin uile a dubhuirt Glas mac Aoin Chearta beurrta ata ni is ionganthadh leam fein ina sin. iodhon. an Bruigh- (1) gairm, gloss. in MS. (2) neo-thais, gloss. (3) Ainmichead, gloss. (4) anochdadh, gloss. (5) chrioh caoin, gloss. (6) culaidh, gloss. (7) hionna, gloss. (8) aithnich, gloss. (9) ugona, gloss. [TD 88] ean a roibhe gach re ndatha deurasamh-lachd gach uile datha gan aon clar anois innte ach iarna dluth daingniughadh ar e cheile re slataibh cruaidhe caorthuin & re cula tuath & farchadh da mbualadh eire cheile a Dubhuirt Faolan mac Aodh bhig Finn ata ni is ionganthadhe leam spein ina sin. iodhon. an Bruighean ar a raibhadar seachd n doirsi ag teachd ann so dhuinn nach bfuil anois orrtha ach en doras & a dubhuirt Conan mac Morna ata ni is ionganthuidhe leam spein inasin. iodhon. euduighe sioda & na bruit aille en samhla do bhi fuinn (10) ag suighe ann so duinn nach bfuil en snaith fuinn anois diobh & dair leam gar bi hi cre na talmuin reurgcreathadh anois & gar fuaire i no sneachdadh fhuar en oidhche IS ann sin a dubhuirt Fionn is geis damhsa abeadh am bruighin aon an doruis ar se & is eaguil leam garab bruighean a Fhaill a bhruighean sa a bfuil muidh & gearradh druim ar taoibh i di deanamh mar sin air Conan & tug lamh laochadh tapadh ar armuih & mor feud en cor do chor de IS ann sin a dubhuirt Goll mac morna a Fhinn cuir hortog fad geud fise & foilladhsi duinn creud he an corsa oruinn is deacuir leamsa sin ar Fionn ciodh deacair is eigin damh a deanamh. Cuirus Fionn ordog fan geud & do foillseadh. iodhon. fios & fior eolus do IS annsin a do leig Fionn osna mhor as & a gabhaim ar son mor saoghuil a bfuaras go nuigid so uair ata ri Lochlann re ceithre bliadhni deug ag dealbh na faille chugain & a nois do fuaire se arach ar deanamh agus tug se tre (11) fhear do Ghreugachuibh lais dangoirtar righ an domhuin mhoir & ata se righe deug na fairadh & seachd catha tional gach righ diobh & ata tri righe Innse-Tile orrtha sin. iodhon. tri draoidhe duaibhseacha diabhladhe & tren fhear talcara treun chalma iad sin. iodhon. Nemh & Agha & acuis anamana & is iad do chuir an uirse fuinn da bfuilmuid ceanguilte & ataid am bruighin anoilein & is gearr gottigid gcuirne cumbhais & ni feudmuid ne an bruigheansa dfagbhail no go gcomuiltar fuil na tri righesi do cuir anuirsi fuinn duinn & ba truagh laisan bfein an sgeul sin & do ronnfad caoineadh-adhbal mhor ag cluinsin. A dubuirt Fionn na deanaidsi sin ach gabha meud meanmuin chugaidh re huchd euga oir ni roibhe do saoghal aguinn ach abfuaram & sinnadh an dord fiansa dhuinn mar oirfidhadh duinn rea mbas & do rinnadar amhla sin. IS ann sin a dubhuirt Oisin mac Fhinn do gheal Fionn fios do chuir chugam da ttaitnadh an teannadh andeachuidh fris & agus cia do rachadh d fhios sgeul cugamsa achadsa ar Fiacha mac Fhinn uair is mi duine oige annso rachadsa leat ar Innsi mac Suibhne tsealge agus do gluaisadar rompa chum na bruighne & do chualadar an Dord Fian ag seinnimh go ceolmur & a dubhuirt Innsi mac Seaga Suibhne Is olc ata ar ac an droing do ni an ceol sa ar se uair is re linn do broin is gnath re Fian. uibh eirionn an ceolsa do dheanamh do chuala Fionn comhradh na deise deagh laoch sin & a dubhuirt Fionn ane guth Fiacha mhic Fhinn so ar se-is e go dearbh ar Fiachadh ma se na leig ni is neasa na sin duine e uair atamuid ceanguilt don talamh & duir Innse Tile & do fiarfuidh Fionn deasaich ua do bhi ina foireadh ata da dalta. iodhon. Ainnsi mac S. S. teaidhleas & na leig an gar cath rachna nallbharach e a dubhuirt ainnsi mac S. S. a Fhinn ar se do bolc an luach oileamna damhsa teideadh romhadsa an tan is cruaidh duit & tu an guasachd bais a dubhuirt Fionn o nach ail leatsa deitheadh ar se cuiridh fen & Fiacha ar an athsa ar sgath na bruighne & cosnaidh he no go beura drong eaigin dFiannuidh Eairionn oruibh do rinneadh ar amhladh sin IS annsin a dubhuirt Fiacha a mhic S. ar se comeadsi an tathsa, &c. B. 4. BRUIGHIN CHEISE CORUIN. (1) Twelve stanzas (by Fergus) forming part of the above tale, copied July, 1872, by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, from Rev. Donald Mac Intosh’s Transcript of Ewen Mac Lean’s MS., page 157; and fol. 105, or page 20 of Book II. of MS., finished December 9, 1690. This was written at Ardchonail, in Argyllshire, in the Irish character. See Account of Texts quoted.—J. F. C. 1 BUADHACH sin a Ghuill go mbuaidh Is prap ro fhoros na sluaigh Do bheithmis uile gun chinn Muna tliocfas chugin 2 Giodh mor anuar ro fhoirus riamh Oruinne a Ghuill na nardghliaidh Do bu mo in cas oirne an uar Ar mbeith ceanguilte anenuaimh 3 Camog agus Cuillin chiar Is leo do cheangladh an Fhian Occus Iarnach fa garbh gleic Do cheangal sin tre croibhneart 4 Nuar do bhail leo ar ceinn Dho buan dinn gan eislinn Do chuaidar na triar amach Is dfag siad amhsion go bronach 5 Nior cian doibh sin ar an leirg Na tri deamhnadh fa claon cerd Go facadar ag teachd na gar Goll mor is e na aonar 6 Tiagaid na tri mnai mora Accomhdhail an an churaidh chrodha Occus comhracus riu tre rath An dorus beoil na huamhadh 7 Nior ghnath leis cothrom a diarraidh Goll mor anaignadh fhiallaidh Comhruccus riu go teann Dar mharbh Camog is Cuillin 8 Daon bhuile don loin luim Aghearus iad araon fa ndruim Gur thorcuir Camog an bas Is Cuillin gar cruaidh an cas 9 Iadhas Iarnach leadh da druim Gion calma an curaidh comhlan Iompus Iollain ri go ceart Occus ceanglus i tre croibhneart 10 Nochdas Iollain an lann Is di do bheanfadh an ceann No gur gheall si an Fhian uile Aisde o og go seann duine 11 Sgaoilus Iollain di iar sin Tigid araon don bhruighin Agus sgaoileas dinn uile Edur ri agus ro dhuine 12 Aon gair bheannochd uaine uile O oglach go sean duine Do Gholl ar mbreith amach Don bhuine bhrioghmur bhuadhach. Buadhach. C. BRUIDHEAN CHEISE COREUNN. I copy the following from fragments tied with ‘Pope’s’ papers, but not in his hand. July 3, 1872.—D. M. AIR bhi don fhein ceangailt ambruidhean Cheise Coreunn trid draodheachd le inghin Chontrain mhic aimideil agus air feachain do Fheargus air Goll a teachd dam fuasgladh a dubhairt e an Laoidh. 1 BUADHACH sinne gus an diudh Is bras ro eudheas an sluadh Bha sinn uile gun chinn Mun an tigeadh tusa thugainn 2 Ga mor gach uair dh’ fhoir thu riamh Oirnn a Ghuill nan ard ghliadh Bu mho an cas oirnn an uair Bha sinn ceangailt an aon uaimh 3 Caomag agus Cuilionn chiar ’S ann leo do cheangladh an Fhiann Agus Iornach le garbh gheas Do chuibhrich sinne tre chroneart 4 An uair do baill leo air cinn Do bhuin dinn gun eislan Dochaidh an triuir amach Is dh’ fhag iad an fhiann gu bronach, &c. S. 9. IOMACHD NAODHNAR (i. e. THE ENTERPRISE OF NINE). 52 lines. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, June 14, 1872. This and the following version illustrate changes in oral recitations. The ballad is rare. ARGUMENT. FINGAL with only eight of his train, resting themselves on the heath after the fatigue of the chase, are attacked by the King of Lochlin and his Troops. The Lochlins are slain and the nine Fingalians survive the battle. (10) Foghain, gloss. (11) Treun, gloss. (1) See Lists of Authoritie, No 46. [TD 89] 1 OCH a shithean sin ’s a thulaich Air am bheil mi ’n diugh lan boichdeas Bha mi uair ’s a b’ ionga leam Bhi nam aonar orta’ 2 Mis is m’ aithair is mac Luthach ’N triuir sin dom chubhi ’n t’ sealg Nuair a nochda sinn nar n arma Gur e thuiteadh lium Fiadha dearg 3 Oscar is Goll is Caoilte Faoghlan is Carril is Diarmad ’S air m’ ullain fein a Phadric Gun cuireadh sinn far air fiadhach 4 Le air naodh coin ’s le air naodh goodhir ’S le ar naodh sleaghana mora’ Is le ar naodh claidheamhana glas Bu ghathasd an toisich comhrag 5 Leig sinn anna sin ar naodh gadhair Thug sinn faoch ar feadh nam beannta ’S gan mharbhadh leinn aghana donna Agus Doimh throma nan gleannta’ 6 Air bhi dhuinn bhi sgi airan tulach Thanig thugain olach gabhodh Dhomich ri Fionn gu h’ umhaill ’N tus’ Mac Cumhail aghmhi 7 ’S e sin mise Fionn nam buadhan Cia be thusa do shluagh an domhain ’S mas ann thugain tha ar ’n iorghil Tha sinn naodhnar ma ar comhair 8 ’S tana leam sin re ’n ar n’ aodan ’S a liuthad laoch treuna sleagh Thanig a mach o’ Ri Lochlin Thogail creachan is cis dhibh 9 Air laimh t’ athar ’s do dha sheanair ’S air laimh do leannan shuarich Da mhead ’s tha sibh dhaoine ann Rheir a naodhnar ’s dhuibh bualadh 10 Dhimich an teachdair gu siubhlach ’S shuidhich iad iul mu ar comhair Mharbh gach fear again diubh deichear Sud mar reicadh sinn nar gnothach 11 Ach thug sinn sin an ruathar dàn Bu lionmhor ann far a sluaigh Bu lionmhor ann gaineadh sleagh’ Bu lionmhor ann fleasgach a snuaghadh 12 Bu lionmhor ann cloigin gan sgoltadh Bu lionmhor ann coluin ga maoladh Bu lionmhor ann fear criosa geal A freasadh fol air na fraochadh 13 Ach ’n tim dhuinn sgur do chur a chath ’S na mathibh uile dhiochairt Shuidh sinn sin ’s cha bu dochridh Fear is ochdar air an t’-shithean. X. 2. DUAN NAN NAONAR. Copied by Malcolm Macphail (56 lines), from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, orally collected in Caithness. Edinburgh, February 8, 1872. This fragment belongs to the Norse Wars, and seems to fit in here. 1 SHITHEAN sin is thulach ard, Air a bheil mi ’n diu làn goirteas, Bha mi uair is b’ ioghnadh leam, Gu ’m bithinn m’ aonar ortsa, 2 Mi-fhein is m’ ath ’r ’s mac an Lobhar, An triuir do ’m b’ chubhaidh an t-sealg; ’S nuair a rachadh sinn air ghleus, Se dh’ eireadh dhuinn feidhean dhearg. 3 Oscar is Goll agus Caoilte, Faolan is Coireal is Diarmaid; Och air m’ olluinn fhein Phadruig, Dheanamh sinn fàth air fiadhach. 4 Le naoi coin ’a le naoi gaodhair, ’S le naoi sleaghan geur gabhaidh; ’S le naoi claidheamhan geur glas Bu ghasd iad an tùs comhraig. 5 Leag sin na coin is na gaodhair, Bha faoghaid feadh nam beanntibh; Se mharbhte leo aghan donn, Is daimh thromh nan gleanntibh. 6 Air bhith dhuinn bhi sgith do ’n t-shocair Chunnaic sinn tighinn eolach gabhaidh; Dh’ fheoraich e dhuinn gu h-umhaill, An tusa mac Chumhail aghmhor? 7 ’Se sin mise Fionn nam buadh, Cia b’ e thusa do shluagh an domhain; ’S ma ’sann ruinn tha ur ’n iorghuil, Tha sinn naonar ma ur comhair. 8 Is tana leam sin ri ur ’n eudan, Is liuthad treun ceud laoch gabhaidh; Thainig o righ Lochlinn do chosnadh na h-Eirinn. 9 Air laimh t-athair is do sheanair, Is air dà laimh do leanan shuaraich; ’N aindeoin na chuireas sibh ri ur comhair Bheir sinn dhuibh bualadh. 10 Dhalbh an teachdair gu siubhlach, ’S shuidhich e iul ma ur coinneamh Mharbh gach fear againn diubh seisear, Sud mar reiceadh leinn ur gnothuich. 11 Thug sinn nis ruair dana, ’S bu lionmhoir gearradh sleagh; ’S bu lionmhoir sleagh air slios greis-laoch, ’S iomadh greis-laoch bha na luidhe. 12 Bu lionmhoir ann clagain ga spealtadh Is fleasgach bha ri ioghnadh Is fear shlios goal bha traoghadh, Thala air na fraocha. 13 Bu mhath Gall an tùs a chath ud, Bu mhath m’ athair fein is Caoilte ann; Cha b’ aithne dhomh co aca nach molainn, ’S! bu ionmholta an naonar. 14 Air bhith dhuinn bhi sgith do ’n fhuileach, Is na maithibh chuir a dhith orra; Shuidh sinn ’s cha bu doacaluich, (1) Fear is ochdnar air an t-shithean. Crioch. P. 5. TURUS FHINN DO THIGH ODHACHA BEAGANICH. 1802. Staffa’s Collection, page 38. 177 lines. Advocates’ Library, February 20, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS is a sample of the kind of repetition which is called ‘Ursgeul,’ = a noble of Heroic tale. It is not a fair sample of oral recitations; but as it was written in Mull about 1800, and was still remembered there in 1871, I print this curious story just as it is in the Advocates’ Library. ‘O Finnla’ is now called ‘Righ Fionnaghal,’ that is to say, King of the Fair Strangers. The Norsemen, distinguished from Danes, are so named in old Irish writings. At the end comes a man from Orkney, in a red garment, with a black dog, to challenge Bran. The well-known and greatly admired balled of ‘The Black Dog’ follows. The whole seems to be part of the Northern endeavours to secure or destroy that mythical hound. Like other prose stories about the Feinne, this is more mythical than the verse.—J. F. C. BHA Fionn agus aireamh mhor do dh’ uaslibh na Feinne maille ris aig seilg, agus seachran seilg orra san uair sin chunnic iad fear mor an ard, agus e tighin nan comhdhail, agus fior dhroch colltas air. Bha dorn Gulbunn do dara suil a muigh agus dorn Gullbunn do ’n t-suil eila stigh. [This is told of Cuchullin and others.] An deidh failte chuir air Fionn us air an Fheinn, thubhairt e cha chreid mi fein nach bheil seachran seilg oirbh. Dh’ fhreagair an Fheinn e, agus thuirt iad ris nach rabh, gun rabh an suil ria ged nach dh’ fhuair iad fathist i. Cia as dhuit fein arsa Fionn, agus ciod e brigh do thuris san aitesa. Thainig mis ars eisan air theachdaireachd a dh’ iarruidh Fhinn agus a mhor uaislin, chum cuirm as cuid oich gha- (1) Doacal, afflicted, from di privative and focal a word; hence doacal etymologically means mute, silent, which is invariably the accompaniment of grief and sorrow. [TD 90] bhail ann an tigh Odhacha-beaganich a nochd. Cha ’n fhaod mis ars a Fionn a fhreagar, oir tha mi fuidh gheallidh gu bhi aig Ban-rioghn Eas-ruaidh air an oicha nochd fein. [Ballyshannon, in Ireland.] Cha sin us coir dhuibh a dheanamh arsa Conan, ach da earrunn a dheanamh air na daoinibh a tha maille riut agus Goll a chuir air ceann an dara buidhidh gu Ban-rioghn Eas-ruaidh, agus u fein air ceann na buidhnidh eila gu Tigh Odhacha-beaganich Smath a labhair u Chonain arsa Fionn ni mis a mar a dh’ iarr thu ach feuma tu fein a bhi leam. Roinn iad a chuideachd, agus chuaidh Fionn air ceann an dar buidhne, gu Tiogh Odhacha-beaganich da ’m bu chomhainm Riogh-Finnla. Agus air ruidheachd dhoibh chuiridh Fionn sa chuid daoine ann an tiogh mor fada farsinn gun aon neach a chumail cuideachd na caitheamh aimsiribh leo. Thuigh gach aon do chuideachd Fhinn air aon taobh don Tigh, be Conan fear coimhead chon Fhinn an uair Sin. Thuirt e ri Fionn an deigh greis don oiche dol thairis orra gun cheol, gun òl, gun aidhir, cha neil a choltas oirn arsa Conan gu fuigh sinn a bheag do thoilinntin an so nochd. Tha mi toileach eiridh agus crann a chuir air an dorus, ’us gun duine leigidh a stigh tuilidh a nochd. Dean a Laochain arsa Fionn ma thoilichis tu fein. Dh’ eirich Conan agus chuir e ’n crann air an dorus, agus sheas e fein an taice ris. Cha b’ fhada na dheidh so nair a chualas fosgladh san dorus. Co sud arsa Conan? Tha’ n so mise machd mor O Finnla, agus sea garbh ghaisgich dheug leis, a tiogn a chumail cuideachd us caitheamh aimsirich le Fionn machd Cubhaill a nochd. An leig mi stigh iad Fhinh arsa Conan. Dean a Laochain mo thoilichis tu fein arsa Fionn. Thainig iad a stigh, agus shuidh iad air an taobh eila do ’n tigh, mo choinnibh Fhinn sa chuid daoine, us cha dubhairt aon neach ri neach eila failte dhuit na cia do sgeula Thanig fosgladh ann san dorus. Co sud arsa Conan. Tha ’n so mise Ninghin mhor O Finnla, agus sia maidhdinna-diag leam a tign a chumail crachdaireachd us caitheamh aimsirich, re Fionn mac Cubhaill a nochd. An leig mi stigh iad Fhinn arsa Conan. Dean a Laochain mo thoilichis tu fein, arsa Fionn. Leigh Conan a stigh iad sud Thubhairt Nighin mhor O Finnla, us i togail a guth air aird, cuiridh mi mo cheann rid cheann Fhinn ic Cubhail nach bheil fear dheth do chuideachd nach leag mis ann an coththrom Gleachd. A Bhitch arsa Conan ciod e mam biodh a chroidh na dh’ anam agad do cheann a chuir rim mhaighistirsa. Theid mise Ghleachd riut. An caramh a cheila ghabh iad. Air an dara car chuir i Conan air a dhruim air an urlar, agus cheangail i cheithir chaoil gu daor agus gu dainginn le cord agus le sea snaom-annadiad fhagail air. Bha Conan greis fuidhn chuibhrich sin oir bha naire air Gaisgich Fhinn eiridh ga fhuasgladh, chionn gur a bean a cheangail e. Rachadh fear an drast sa rithist a mach a choimhead na h-oicha, agus dh’ fhuasgladh e snaoim san dol seachad. Agus mar so lean iad gus an d’ fhuasgladh an t-iomlan. Cho luath sa ghabh Conan a chasan an caramh na h-Inghin a bha e an dara h-uair Leag e i air a cheud char, oir bha e air fheargachadh gu h-anabharach. Nach bheil fios agaibhs Fhinn ic Cubhail nach do leag mise bean na nighin riamh a rachadh gam ’euchinn ann an gleachd: nach rabh mi dh’ fhear aice nan leaginn i. Man leiginn air a cois i. Tha ’m fios sin agam arsa Fionn. Bha Conan a dh’ fhear aice ’n lathir na bha stigh. Nach bheil fios agads Fhinn nach bheil te bha mi riamh a dh’ fhear aice nach dug mi ’n ceann dhith. Tha fios sin agam arsa Fionn agus bu leoir a dhonadas. Thug Conan an cean dhi, agus thog e leis i eidar cheann ’us chasan, agus thilg e nach i air taobh muigh an Tighe, agus cha dubhairt aon neach ris gum b’ olc. Chrann e ’n dorus agus sheas e aige: cha b’ fhada na dheidh sin nair a chualas fosgladh san dorus. Co sid arsa Conan? Tha ’n so arsa fear a bha muigh mise tiogn le Torc gu Fionn mac Cubhail agus gu aas-lin cuiridh e mach daoine bheir a stigh e, sann air son suipeir Fhinn a tha e. Bha fear an deigh fior a dol a mach ach cha rabh a h-aon idir a pillidh. Sheall Conan a mach agus faiccar aireamh do chuidhichd Fhinn marbh air an Dùn. Chaidh Conan a mach agus ghrad thiontaich e ’n taobh air an rabh calg-neimh an Tuirc ris an fhear a thug Ionns’ an tigh e, agus bha e marbh air ball. Thug Conan a stigh an Torc agus Bhruich ’us dha’ se e, agus roinn se na thri earannibh e. Thug e da earinn don Fheinn, ’us ghleidh e earinn eadar e fein agus na coin Labhair aon do chuideachd O Finnla agus thubhairt e chuala mi riamh Iomradh math air an Fheinn, mar dheagh bhiatuich agus chreid mi e gus a noch, ach tha mi faicsin a nois nach fior e. ’Ne sin a tha u ’g radh arsa Conan ’us e toirt an urchair sin do ghuala mhor an Tuirc a bha e creim, agus chuimsich e fearsa labhair man cheann, agus spriod e ’n Teanachainn as ris a bhalla: ag radh se mo bharail gu bheil do leoir agadsa dheth. Cha do labhair neach gum b’ olc do chuideachd Fhinn no O Finnla. Cas na dheidh so thanig bualidh san dorus, co tha sud arsa Conan? Tha ’n so fear aig a bheil cu dubh air eill, ag iarruidh comhrug chon air an Fheinn. An leig mi stigh e Fhinn ic Cubhail. Dean a Laochain mo thoilichis tu fein arsa Fionn. Cho luath sa thanig an cu dubh a stigh, am bad chon na Feinne ghabh e, us mharbh e tri chaogid cu air an Fheinn man d’ fhuasgladh Bran. Ach cha do chuimhnich Conan a. Cha rabh neimh sa bhroigs ge do theirta Brog neimh ria, ach na b’ fhior gun rabh spuir neimh air Bran agus gu biodh e feumail air uairibh a bhrogsa bhi mo chois gan geard. Bhrog neimh a thoirt dheth chois Bhrain us bha ’n cu dubh a faotinn a chuid a b’ fhearr do bhran. Labhair Fionn agus a dubhairt e shaoil mi riamh gum bu ghille math chon u gus a nochd a Chonain. Sann a so a chuimhnich Conan nach dug e bhrog neimh dhe chois Bhrain. Dh’ eirich Conan ann an gradidh, a thoirt na Broige do Bhran, ach man d’ fhuair e sin a dheanamh thug na coin sea falannan diag air Conan. Cho luath sa thuair Bran a bhrog ri lar dh’ fhuair e chuid a b’ fhearr an chu dhubh, agus mharbh e thiotadh e. Be so ’n riasan man do chanadh Laoidh a choin duigh, agus so i (see page 49). N.B.—This venomous claw and golden shoe are accounted for in a long story orally collected by myself in 1871.—J. F.C. P. 6. LAOIDH A CHOIN DUIGH. 115 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 49. Advocates’ Library, February 20, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. The sequel in prose continues the story of Fionn’s adventure with the Norsemen, who appear as magicians able to cast enchantments on their enemies. Bran by glamour is made to slay the Fenian women and children in the seeming of deer. 1 LA gan dh’ eirich flath na Fiann, Greis man dh’ eirich Grian air fonn; Chuana sinn a tiogn on Traigh, Fear earraidh dheirg sa choin duidh. 2 ’S gile na gath greine ghnuis, Sa dha ghruaidh air dhreach na suth, ’S gile na gach blath a chorp, Ged thachar fholt a bhi dubh. 3 Cha do ghabh e eagal ro bhair, Sann a dh’ iarr e comhrug chon, Leig sinn na coin chatha cheanndubh, Leis nach bn mhiann dol air chuil 4 An cu dubh bu gharbh a threis, Bhuidhnidh leis tri chaogad cu, Dh’ eirich Fionn a measg an t-sluaigh, ’S dh’ amhairc e gu truagh air bran, 5 Nair dheargich e ’n tor na cheann, Dh’ eirich gart us greann air Bran, Nair chrath Bran an t-slabhruich oir Measg an t-sloigh man doirt an fhuil 6 ’Sann a sin bha Scann-fhuil ghlan, Eidar Bran ’us ’n cu dubh, Thug iad cuir eifeachdach gharbh, ’Us dhagadar marbh ’n cu dubh. 7 Oganich us aille delbh On thorachairidh leinn do chu, Fios do shloinnich b’ aill leinn uait Na co ’n tior as na ghluais u. 8 Ti-mhi-fhortain se ’n diugh m’ ainm, Thani mi fuidh stoirm air con, Shaoil mi nach rabh ann san Fheinn Aona chu bhuidhnadh creachd air Fŏr. (1) 9 Mar a bhi Geola nan car, (? Sgeolan) Agus Bran le miad a luis, An cuilein man duinte ’n Iall, Cha ’n fhagadh e siar nar Dùn. (1) Ainm a choin duibh. [TD 91] 10 ’N sin thiodhllaichd an Fheinn gu leir, An tri chaogad cu fein, ’Us thiodhlaich an Laoch a chu fein, Air chul aonich ’s air aghidh Grun 11 ’S iomad grnagach dheud gheal og, ’Us binn Gloir ’s ’us Guirme suil Thiodhlichdadh an Dun nan Torc, Bheiridh biadh a noch dom chu. Crioch. Na dheidh so chaidh Conan a mach agus rug e air a chu dhudh air earball air dha bhi air fheargachadh airson na mharbhadh do choin Fhinn, agus air son a mhi ghnathich agus an droch aodheachd a thuar Fionn a mhaighistir, agus chuid daoine, phron, ’us bhru, ’us mharbh e na dhamis air ga naimhdibh air Taobh muigh an tighe. Ghlaodh aon do mhuintir O Finnla. ‘O! ars eisan nach dig sibh a mach agus gun caisgidh sibh a fear maol malluicht aig a bheil ’n cu dubh ria Earball.’ ‘Cha ’n fhag e duine beo man stad e.’ Leum gach aon do chuideachd Fhinn a mach as an tigh, a dh’ fhaicsin co bha ann, agus dh’ fhagadh Fionn na aonar. Dh’ eirch na bha stigh do mhuintir O Finnla, chum Fionn a mharbhadh agus chuir iad air Imain e gu Oisin an tighe. Chrom gach aon a chaidh a mach an ceann sa cath maille re Conan. Bha Fionn san ams’ an eigin mhoir. Thug e eidh air an sgiath shnithaich. Chluinnte i ann an cuig cuigibh na h-Eirinn. Cha tughta uair sam bith eidh orr’ ach uair a bhidh Fionn na Eigin, agus mar a digidh comhnadh ga Ionsuidh, man dugadh i ’n treas eidh, bhiodh e cailte, chuala odh Fhinn gam b’ ainm Oscar an eidh, agus a dubhairte, tha mo shean-athir ann an eigin mhoir. Leum gach aon ann am Beairt-thuimhnich, agus cho luath sa ranig Oscar, chaidh e stigh air druim an tighe. Cha rabh e comas dha dol a stigh air an dorus, a chionn gun rabh Geard laidir air. Chaidh e eidar a th’ sean athir agus muintir O Finnla, agus shaor e sheanathir as an lamhaibh. Agus cha d’ fhag iad fear Innse sgeoil, na chumadh Tuairc asgeil, ach machd mor O Finnla, chaidh eisan a mach air mullach an tighe, agus thuair e as orra. Air madinn an la b’ fhoisge ghabh na bha lathir dhiu ’n turas gu pillidh ions’ an aite fein. Agus thachir machd O Finnla riu ann an coltas eila, oir bha draoidheachd aige. Thubhairt e ri Fionn, a bheil an cu sin math, tha arsa Fionn? A marbh e feidh? marbhich arsa Fionn. Cuiridh mise geall ars eisan nach marbh. Tha e ruit arsa Fionn. Mo thachris na feidh oirn. Cha b’ fhada dhoibh mar sin, nair a chunnaic iad aireamh lionmhor dhiubh Stuig Fionn Bran, ach cha ghabhadh Bran stuigidh uaidhe. Cha deanadh each a chluasan a mhaoladh agus fheamman a chrathadh. Nach dubhairt mise ruit arsa fear a thachir orra. Faic a nois gu bheil do gheall ort. Stuig Fionn an dara h-uair e. Ach cha deanadh Bran ach a chuasan a mhaoladh, ’us earball a chrathidh. An treas uair bhuail Fionn e agus ri siubhal a ghabh bran agus thug e fotha s tharl a, us triod us rompa, agus cha mhor nach dug e dith air an Imlan diubh. Nair a chaidh an Fheinn gan aite fein, cha d’ fhuair iad mnathan na clann rompa. Bha iad air a marbhadh le Bran ga aindeoin, oir chuir machd Righ Finnla fu gheasabh iad. D. 20. LAOIDH A CHOIN DUITH. 38 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection, Ossianic Ballad. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 4, 1872. 1 SHE chunnig shin tin fo ’n Traigh, Fearr Earra gheirg as Coin duigh; ’S gille nan Gegan a T-shnuaigh, Bha dha ghruaigh air Dhath nan suth. 2 ’S gille na gach Bla a Chorp, Gad harla ga Fhalt bhi duth; Egil cha do dhaibh e robhin, She dhiar e oirn Coibhrig Chonn. 3 Leigadar rissin Coinn Chaich, Lois nach bu ghna dol air Cul; She ’n Cu duth bu ghairbhe Greis, Thorchir leis tri chaogid Cu. 4 Dherich Fionn am measg an T-shluaigh ’S ghaibhric e gu cruaidh air Brann; Dhearragich a dha T-shuil na chean, Dherich gairt as Grean air Bran. 5 Nar chrath Bran an T-slaibhrigh oir, Measg an T-sloigh le ’n doirte Fuil; San an shin bha Scainnirt Ghlann, Edir Bran as an Cu duth. 6 Thug iad Cuir efichdich gharag, Fagadar mairibh an Cu duth; 7 Oganich as ailigh dealbh, Neis fon horchir lein do chu; Fios do Loinnigh’ bail lein uait, Na co ’n Tir as ’ndo Ghluais u. 8 Ebhin Ossain be sud mainm, Hanig mo stoirm air Conn; Haoil mi nach ro sud nar Fein, Na bhuinigh creichdin air For. 9 ’S ma bhuithur Geola nan car, Agus Bran aig meid a Luigh; Cha ro Cullain mun druid’ Ial, A ghagigh For shiar mun Dun. 10 Suimmid maodin deud-gheal og, ’S binne Gloir sas bui cul; Ha na suithidh ’n Dun nan Torc, Bherigh Biagh a nochd do ’m Chuith. Crioch. F. 15. RANN A CHOIN DUIBH. 60 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 117. Advocates’ Library. Feb. 7, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Eachdraidh air fear a thainig a thagairt comhrug chon air Fionn agus air an Fheinn uile. 1 MOCH eiridh rinn flath nam Fiann, Seal mun d’ eirich grian air magh; Chunnachdar a tighinn o ’n leirg, Fear chochul deirg ’sa choin duibh. 2 B eibhin è ri amhrace suas, Bha dha ghruaidh air dhreach nan subh; Bu ghile na chailc a dheud. Fhalt o tharladh dha bhi dubh. 3 Thainig thugin gu mur Fhinn, Fleasgach grinn sa bhar mur lon; Bho fhuil an fhir ghabh e sga, ’S ann a dh’ iarr e air cach comhrug chon. 4 Fhuasgladar uile coin chaich, Leis nach bu glnath dol air cul; An cu dubh bu gharbh a ghreis, Mharbha leis naoi caogad cu. 5 ’Sann an sin a labhair Fionn, Si shoh an Iorhuil is cha bheag; A’ tionndadh bho charruibh an t-sloigh, Is dh’ amhric e gruamach air Bran. 6 Nuair chralh Bran an t-slabhruidh oir, A measg an t-sloigh bu gharbh a gaoil; Dh’ eirich gart is greann air Bran, Gu bhi an sealbhan a choin duibh. 7 Buinnibh an iall do ’n chuilean gu fior, Bu mhaith a ghniomh gus an diugh; Is gu faichdeadh sibh sgaineart ghlan, Eidir Bran is an cu dubh. 8 Leig iad na coin sroin ri sroin, Measg an t-sloigh gun do dhoirt iad fuil; Le Comhrug diamhar gu dlu, Gus ’n do mharbha an cu dubh. 9 Ach fhir ud a thainig gur Feinn, Bho ’s ann leinn a mharbhadh do chu; Innis do shloinne na t-ainm, No co an tir as an d’ thainig thu. 10 Eibhun Oissian b’e sud m’ ainm, Thainig mi fodh stoirm air cohn; Shaoileam nach robh sud nar Feinn, Aon chu chuireadh creuchd air For. 11 Mur bhi Geola nan car, Agus Bran le miad a luis; An cuilean mu ’n duineadh thu an iall, Cha ’n fhagadh mo Thriath san dun. [TD 92] 12 Dun a choin duibh an dun ud shior, Flath nam Fiann bu gheall a mhur; M’ achuings air Padruic nam fear, Gu ’m faichdar a leachd san dun. 13 ’S ioma maoidean deud gheal og, Bu bhuidhe cul is bu ghuirme suil; Tha na ’n suidh an dun nan torc, A bheireadh a nochd biadh do ’n chu. 14 Thiolaichd sinne am fiorlach fial, An leabuidh chruaidh chon an cu; Gur e thiolaichd sinn nar Feinn, Aon fhichid deug caogad cu. 15 Deichid ceud fichead na narm glan, An la shin a mharbh Bran an cu; Bha aig mac Chuthail nan corn òir, Aig iomairt is aig òl san dùn. H. 14. HOW BRAN KILLED THE BLACK DOG. 84 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 48. Advocates’ Library, December 5, 1871. Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Story known to Hennessy; Poem not. A MAN early in the morning came to the Heroes with a Black Dog, named For (means literally a Dog who would go far and near to get venison and prey for himself), in hopes that he would kill all their Dogs, and killed 150, till they loosed the vanquisher Bran. Observe the Poem. DAN 10. 1 AIR bhi dhuinn la sa Bheinn t-seilg, Bu phuthar leinn bhi gu ’n choin; Ag eisteachd re gárraich ian, Re buirich fhiadh agus lon. 2 Do rinn sinn ár ann gu ’n chealg, Le ’r conaibh ’s le ’r ’n armaibh neimh; ’S thainig sinn d’ ar teach tra’ neóin, Gu subhach ceolmhor le gean. 3 ’N oidhche sin dhuinn an teach Fhinn, Ochóin bu bhinn ann air cor; Re dhuinne bhi sgathadh théud, Re caitheamh ean, fhiadh is lon. 4 Moch eiridh rinn Fionn ’n ath lá, Mu ’n d’ ainig grian ar a bhruth; Is chunnaig e teachd o ’n leirg, Fear chochaill deirg is choin duidh. 5 ’S ann mar so do bha a shnuadh, Bha dha ghruaidh air dhreach nan sugh; ’S bu ghile nan canach a chneas, Ge d’ tharladh d’ a fholt bhi dubh. 6 Thainig thugainn gu mór chrá, ’N Gille grinn ’s a bhár mar lon; Air urrlam cho luidheamh sgá, ’G iarruidh air cach comhrag chon. 7 Leig sinn thuige ’n tus a bhláir, Gach greadhain a b’ fhearr bha ’n ar múr; An cú dubh bu gharg a ghreis, Mharbhadh leis tri chaogad cú. 8 ’S ann an sin a labhair Fionn, ’S e so an iorgaill nach lag;’ (I. s’ mor slad) Thiondaidh e chul ris an t-sluabh, ’S dh’ amhairc e le gruaim air Bran. 9 ’N sin chrath Bran an t-slabhruidh óir, A measg an t-slòigh bu mhor a ghal; Do las a dha shúil na cheann, Is dh’ eirich grann air gu cath. 10 ‘B uineadh an iall do ’m chú gu fior, Bu mhaith a ghniomh gús an diú; ’S gu faicamaid sgannail ghlan, Eidear Bran is an cú dubh.’ 11 Leig iad na coin sróin re sróin, Measg an t-sloigh do dhoirt iad fuil; B’ e sin an deobhidh ladair gharg, Mu ’n d’ fhagadh leis marbh an cú dubh. 12 ‘Fhir ud a thainig d’ ar Feinn, O ’n mharbhadh leinn fein do chú; D’ ainm ’s do shloinneadh ailis dhuinn, Is an tir as na ghluais thú.’ 13 ‘Eibhainn Oisain gur e ’m ainmsa, O riogh’chd torc mu stoilbh ar con; Shaoil mi nach raibh ann ’s an Fhéinn, Aon chu dheanamh créuc air For. 14 ‘Mar bhitheadh (1) Geola nan car, Agus Bran le mead a lúidh; Cha raibh cú mu ’n duinte ’n iall, Dh’ fhagadh mo thriath beó ’n ar Túr.’ 15 ‘’S maith a chuma bh’ air mo chusa, Bha alt luidh fad o cheann; Meadhan leathann, leodhar-chliabh, Uileann fhiar agus speir cham.’ 16 ‘Sboga buidh ’ta air Bran, Da thaobh dhubh, agus tárr geal; Drim uaine re suinn san t-seilg, ’S da chluais bhiorach, chorrach dhearg.’ 17 ‘’S iomad gruageach fhionn gheal donn, Is gurme súil ’s is ór bhuidh folt; Tha an duthaich mhic Righ Torc, Bheireadh biadh do ’m chusa noc.’ 18 ’N sin thiodhlaic am fior laoch fial, An leabuidh chaol chria’ a chú; ’S do thiodhlaicaibh leis an Fhiann, ’S an Dún shiar tri chaogad cú. 19 Dh’ imich Eibhainn Oisain uainn, ’S cho bu bhudhach leis a theachd; O na chaill é a dhea’ chú, Bu mhor eolas ludh is neart. 20 ’S deich céud fichead do ’n arm ghlan, ’N la sin a mharbh Bran an cú; Bh’ aig Mac Chuthaill nan cornn óir, Re h-iomairt ’s re h-ól san Túr. 21 Creid thusa Phádraig gur fior, Gu raibh sinn uair bu mhaith cliú; A chleirich ge d’ tha mise noc, Ann am aon chéilainn bhochd a d’ mhúr. I. 7. AN CU DUBH. 84 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 60. Advocates’ Library, April 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. As this is a second version, written by the same man, I give variations only. THE fame of Fingal’s Hounds for the game was spread over a great part of the world, especially that of his own Grayhound, Bran. A man came from Inis-torc (supposed to be the Orknies) with a large and monstrous Black Dog, not doubting but he could kill all the dogs that pertained to Fingal. At his arrival, For, being the name of the Black Dog answered to, engaged and kilt three fifties of Fingal’s hounds. Fingal liberated Bran, which soon dispatched Forr. Fingal seemed to have had an extraordinary notion of chusing and training these animals being found very useful upon several occasions, especially for the game, and chasing and banishing wild beasts. AN CU DUBH. 2 Do rinn sinn àr air an leirg, Bu mhor ar seilg is ar coin; B’ armach, eibhinn sinn tra’-noin, ’N teach Riogh Phaile Triath gun òn. 3 Triath na feile b’ eibhinn tìm, Ag caitheamh ean agus lon 9 Bu bhorb a ghreann, ’s bu bhuirbe sgal. 12 Fhir ud a thainig d’ ar Feinn, On’ thorchair leinn fein do chu; Do dh’ fhearadh an domhain gu leir, Cho ’n eil fiosam fein co thu. (1) Mathair Bran, agus bha a colg no a fionnadh min. [TD 93] 13 Eibhinn-cosgar gar e m’ ainm, O Innse-torc ma ’stoilbh ar con; 14 Mar bhitheadh Geola nan gath, (? Sgeolan) Agus Bran le mead luigh; 16 Spogan buidh’ ta air Bran, Tarr-geal uaine dhath san leirg; Suil mar airneig spuirean comhlach, ’Sda chluais bhiorach, chrodha dhearg. 17 ’S iomad gruagach rinn-gheal, àrbhuidh, ’S guirme suil, ’s is aille folt; Th’ ann an Innse-torc nan armann, Dheanamh bhaidh ri ’m Chusa noc. 19 Dh’ imich Eibhinn-cosgar uainn, Cha bu bhuadhar leis a theachd; O na thorchair leinn a Chu, Bu mhor alla ludh is neart. DUN AN OIR. D. F. H. I. O. THIS Golden Mound or Fort or Castle is identified with a castle on the island of Cape Clear, at the southern extremity of Ireland. See note page 127, Book of the Dean of Lismore, and Miscell. of Celt. Soc. p. 143. In the poem noted it is mentioned as a remote place, from which guests came to Castle Sween, in Argyllshire, about 1472. The Tribe who owned the Golden Castle are named in ‘The Lay of the Heads’ as slayers of Cuchullin, who were themselves slain by Connal. This ballad, therefore, seems to describe an outbreak of an old feud between the Northern and Southern tribes of Ireland, during a pause in the Norse Wars. Of the six warriors engaged, one may either be ‘Fergus Sweetlips,’ Fionn’s son, or their Norse ally, who appears in a later ballad as a foe. Many places in Gaelic countries are named ‘Golden.’ A Golden Rock is in Sutherland; and a Golden Mountain is in Jura: somewhere in the middle of Scotland is a place called ‘Dun an Oir,’ which has been identified with a Fenian story. In this ballad the place meant was in the West, and the narrator was speaking to Padruig, on the Hill of the Feinne, that is on or about the Hill of Allen. Probably some place on the West coast of Ireland was meant. This exploit is mentioned in one of the ballads about Caoilte. See above: page 55, line 89. D. 19. CATH NA ’N SEISEIR. 62 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by D. Mac Pherson. May 3, 1872. 1 SEISHEAR ga ’m biodhmaid ma ’n Riogh, Cho bi ’n T-seishear bu bheg Briogh, Sgar Ban diu Fearragan Fial. Coilt is Caoireal nan gorm Shrian. 2 Leig sinn air Cuachan re Sruth, Is reinn sinn an Tòl gun Ghuth, Cuach Fhein a bhuidhin an Geall, Shiabhladh i na haoinaran. 3 Thaineic seachd Sheasheair nar Ceann, Don T-sluagh fhuilleach fhaoibhar fhionn, ’S a ’m Fear bu taribh dhibh sinn, Go ’n ’diongadh e Ceud an Ceud an Comhrac. 4 Bhiodh ma Bhragad gach Fir mhoir, Scabbul daingean do ’n dearg shrol, Osean na Craoisiche nimhé, Lanna saoibhir ’s iad doth-chaithe. 5 Da Luireaich an Eidibh Theann Ma Chuirp sheanga na ’n saor-chlann Bhiodh air uachdar sin orr’ uille, Earreadh Uaine air aon Dath. 6 Thairg Fean doibh Cumha mhor An Earreadh fein de ’n dearg shrol, Ceud Bean no Baintreach sa bhron ’S fear os a Chean sa Chomh-ol. 7 . . . . . . . Se huirt Clann a Chuilg na ’n Cleass Cho bhi sinne reidh go Hoiche. 8 Sin nuair dhiosluigh Fean a Gloir, ’S e ’g amhrac ar Sluadh a Chomh-oil, Bheil sibh gabhail Teabheachd dheth, Dul a bhualadh na ’n seachd Sheisear? 9 Bha mi Latha ’n Ruaig na ’n Gleann, Huirt an Tosgar bo mhor Greann, ’S reinn mi Gniobh bu dorra leum, Na ’n Ceinn a bhuintin do Sheishear. 10 ’S huirt Fearragan mac an Riogh, Marbhaidh mi mo Sheashear dhiobh, ’S cho chuir e Truim’ air Neach eille, Na thig slan o ’m Ioruidhailse. 11 Diongidh misidh Sheissir eille She huirt Caorril nan arm gaiste Is cha chuir e trom air Chach Aoin Laoch a hig am Chobhail. 12 Labhair caoilte nan Arm nibh’ Marbhaidh mi mo Sheshear dhibh, Go ma dearg o bhun go barr, ’M Ball an tairngin mo Gheur-lann. 13 Gur mairg a dhagadh air Dail Diaish leis an craimte Craimh; Marbhaidh mise ’s Goll a Ghaisge, Air da Sheishear ’s an aoin Aitteal. 14 Chrom sinn ar Cinn anns a Chath, Is reinn gach Flath mar a gheall; Mharbh mi fein mo Sheishear ar tus; Sud a Phadric mo cheud Chuis. Mharabh Osgar Sheishear is Fear (? Fean) Se mo dhochun bhi ga iomradh. 15 An Fear mu dheire bha aig Fean Mar bhuinne edar dha leann, Ghabh e, is bu mhor an Teachd, Air seachd Buillin na aoin Sgedh, ’S mar bhiodh Osgar nan ceud Radh Cheangladh e sinne nar Sheiseair. F. 10. RANN AN FHIR SHICHD’ IR. DUN AN OIR. 35 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 10. Advocates’ Library, January 17, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. In this version the poetry is broken. The same lines can be recognised in other versions, which follow. LATHA araid’ bha Fionn sa bheinn sheilg, agus seisear do ’n Fheinn comhla ris; chunnacas Laoch a teachd na ’n comhail ris an do chan Fionn am fear Sichd’ir, ag radh 1 Fhir Shichd’ ir sin agus fhir Shichd’ ir, Ciod an t-àite as an d’ thigeadh tu? 2 Thainig mis’ a Dùn-an-òir, An Dùn a ta an fhiar; An Dùn nach d’ thugadh a gheil riamh, Nach d’ thugadh a bhroighdean a muigh, ’S d’ am biodh a naimhdean diomach 3 Rainig Sinne Dùn-an-òir, ’S chrom sinn ar cinn mu ’n cho-òl; ’S thainig seachd seisear d’ fhearaibh mòr na ar ceann. 4 Do shluagh fuileach faobhar arm, ’S am fear bu tàire dhiu sud Gu ’n diongadh è ceud an còmhrag. 5 Bha mu bhraidhe gach fir mhòir, Sgabull daite do ’n dearg òr; Craosach mhaille na ’n làimh neimhe, ’S lannan leobhra’ bha dò-chaithe. 6 Tùs slòigh ’n àm dol san teagmhail, Agus deire tighinn a mach; Bho se’ thoga buaigh na buidhne, 7 Deir Fionn. Ma dh’ fhàg sibh air deireadh cliar, Dithist leis an croimear cnai Diongaidh mis’ ’us Goull a ghaisge, Air da sheisear a dh’ aon aithim. [TD 94] 8 Ach bha ’m fear mu dheire bh’ aig Fionn, Mar Sheobhag eadar dhà lion; Fhritheal è ’s bu mhòr am feum, Air seachd buillean na aon sgeith ’S mur bhith Oscar nan rath, Cheangail è sinne mar seisear. H. 13. HOW FINGAL, WITH SIX OF HIS NOBLES, WERE INCHANTED TO GO TO KEEP WAR WITH CLANN CHUILAGADAN IN THE GOLDEN HILL. 88 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 57. Advocates’ Library, December 7, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Except as part of the Cuchullin Story, this is not known to Hennessy in any shape. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL was one day with six of his Nobles, was walking out, and they saw a Fairy, coming unto them, when he came he looked narrowly on Caoilte, and Caoilte asked of him from whence did he come, thus:— You little wise man, From whence did you come? I did come from the Golden Hill, Which lieth still westwárd; Its prisoners were never got out, Inconquered in all war. For what reason did you come, To us most mighty hands, Who are unconquered yet by men, And exceeds all in war? I came to inchant you six men, With Master to our hands, To dine with us to day in Hill, And then to keep us War. Then the conjurer ran away, when he inchanted them to follow him to the Golden Hill, Caoilte keeps him always in his sight; and had a faggot of sticks, and he would stab a stick in the . . . of every hill, and mount, that the rest would know where to follow him, which he use to do always when he would be in extremely hurry, and he would cast three shadows then, his two foot, [The Gaelic dual.] and his head, when he came to the hill, he found a Table covered and all kind of victuals and liquor on it, which was to be found in that age. In a while after that the rest all came one by one, each according to his swiftness, and tho’ they were both hungry and thirsty and also tyred, they were afraid to eat or drink any, for fear of punishment; since there was none present to invite them, but one of them said, because it was presented to them that they would take some of it, they were not long eating when Four Men came among them, and the weakest of which would kill one hundred in conflight; Fingal offered them a great reward for to touch him not, but they said since they were able to do it, that they would take no reward, but their six heads and to make himself a prisoner, then they rather to give an attempt to them, tho’ they were sure to fall, than to surrender otherwise; they began and killed them all, and brought home with them their arms, apparel, and every precious things which they had in their Tower. DAN 13. 1 LATHA bha Fionn is seisear ag ól, ’S iad nan suidh mu ’n aon bhórd; Thainig seachd seisear ’n ar ceann, Do shluagh fuileachdach faodhbhar arm. 2 B’ iad sin na gaisgich ro mhór, A b ’ ualhmharra cruitheachd croic; ’S am fear a bu táire dhiu, Gu ’n diongadh e ceud gu ’n diú. 3 Bha clog mu cheann gach fir mhóir, An comhdach clocharra córr; Is cotaibh ionnealta grinn, Mu chuirp thréun na fear neo’ thím. 4 Ghabh sinn eagal rompa uile, Nach d’ ghabh sinn riamh roi aon bhuidheann; Gu marbhadh iad sinn gu ’n sóradh, Oir cho deach neach riamh o’n comhrag. 5 Do thairg Fionn dhoibh cumha mhór, Corr agus céud unc do dh’ ór; Céud satth ris nach deachidh srian, Is céud bean bhantrach choi’ fhial. 6 Céud cloidheamh ’s céud earradh óir, Is suidh os a cheann ann ’s gach ól; Coimhdachd Righ ’m baile mór, ’S dol a dh’ fhulang lús a leóin. 7 Se thuirt na curina tréune, O na ’s comasach dhuinne dheanamh, Cho ghabh sinn cumha no geall, Ach bhur sea cinn air aon bhall. 8 An sin dh’ ioslaich Fionn a ghloir, Is sheall e air luchd a choi’ óil; A dhaoine ’n gabha’ sibh deisainn, Dhol a bhualeadh nan seachd seisair. 9 Se thuirt an t-Oscar bu mhór greann, ‘An lá chuireadh ruaig nan gleann; Rinn mi túrnn bu chruaidhe leam, No ge d’ bheiream an ceann do sheisear.’ 10 ‘Diongaidh mise seisear dhiú, Do rá Fearraghuin bu mhór lúth; Cho chuir e lé-trom air cách, Aon laoch a theid o ’m láimh.’ 11 ‘Diongaidh mise seisear eile, Do ra’ Caireall nan arm teine; ’S dearg mo fhraoch re sgalhadh cheann, ’N uair a nochdams’ mo chruai’ lann.’ 12 ‘Diongams’ Caoilte nan lámh luath, Fear is seisear do ’n mhór shluagh; Gu ’r guineach iomairt mo lámh, ’N uair a nochdam lann gu h-ár.’ 13 Diongams Oisain is grad lámh, Mo sheisear fein air aon bhlár; Cho chuir e dragh air aon aitim, Aaon fhear theid o Ghearr-nam-callunn. 14 ‘Mu dh’ fhagadh gu deireadh cláir, Diais leis an creumar cnáimh; Diongaidh mis’ is Goll a ghaisgidh, Ar da sheisear a dh’ aon aital.’ 15 Lean sinn an an sin air a chéile, Seisear do Mhaithidh na Féinne; Is Clann Chuilgadan nan cleas, Gu ’m bu choidhliont ar coi’ ghleac. 16 Do ’n shiubhail mi ’n bhuidh bhraonach, Cho ’n fhacas riamh an coi’ baodhlach; ‘G eisteachd re slacraich ar ’n arm, Mar bhuailt innain le trom fhaithrich. 17 Dhiongas mo sheisear air thús, A Phádraig ’s bu mhór a chliú; Dhiong Oscar a seisear le aon bhéum, Mo sgéul goirt a bhi d’ a iomradh, 18 Rinn na curina mar gheall, Mar rinn mise ’s mo ghradh calma; Ach am fear mu dheireadh a bh’ aig Fionn, Bha mar bhuinn’ eidear dha lionn. 19 Ghlac e ’s bu mhór an téuchd, Ar seachd buillean na aon sgé; ’S mar bhitheadh masg Oscair le rath, Mharbhadh e sinne le ghath. 20 Dh’ imich sinn o Dhún an óir, Gu subhach le gean gu ’n león; ’N deidh cosgairt na tréun aitim, Gheibha’ buaidh ’s gach bláir is batailt. 21 Thug sinn leinn an airm ’s an eideadh, ’S gach gné shéudaibh bu mhó féume; Le moran do dh’ ór an Tearmain, Gu sólasach gu Tigh-teamhra. 22 Creid thusa chleirich na h-Eirann, Gu raibh sinn uair bu mhor eibhneas; Ge d’ nach maithrean aon anois dhiu, Ach mis’ am aonar gu snitheach. [TD 95] I. 5. DUN AN OIR. 92 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 56. Advocates’ Library, April 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. As this is a second version written by the same man I give variations only. THE GOLDEN HILL. FINGAL and six of his nobles and brave Heroes were taking their walk of an evening and saw a Fairy like person making towards them, who Fingal knew to be with Intelligence from far and address’d him as follows:— FHIR shicir toir fios duinn, Cia ’n t-uil as an d’ thigeadh tu? Thainig mis O Dhun an oir, An dun ud siar nan Triath fiontruinn; An dun as nach d’ thuighte bhraidean a mach, ’S da’ am bithidh a naimhde diomach. Ciod e ghluais o Dhun nan cliar, An t-oglaoch fiato, gearr; A dh’ ionnsuidh Cathanaibh na Feinn, Nach d’ fhuiling beud am blar? Thainig mis’ am theachdair cuilg; O Chlann Chuilgeadan nan cleas; A tha ri feist a thoirt do ’n Fheinn, Do mhead sa dh’ eile leis. Fingal instantaneously followed this scout to the Golden Hill, where they arrived much fatigued and found none of Clan-chuilgadan at home. The Women treated them very hospitably and were eating and drinking by the time Clan-chuilgadan came upon them (being 42 in number) who attempted immediately to make Fingal prisoner and kill his attendants. Fingal offers them great many rewards, to no purpose, and be friends. The brave Fingalians seeing they had either to do or die encountered and kilt Clan-chuilgadan and came home victorious to Tura, loaded with arms and valuable accoutrements from the Golden Hill. 1 LATHA chuaidh Fionn do Dhun an Oir, E fein sa sheisear mun aon bhord; Thainig seachd seisir nar ceann, Do shluagh fuileachdach, fao bhar arm. 3 Is cota creithilte grinn, Mu chuirp nan treun nach bu tìm. 4 Mar fhuaim tuinne chluint an comhradh, ’S cha deachaidh neach riamh o ’n comhrag. 6 Ceud cloidheamh, ceud earrad buaidh, Ceud ceann-beairt is sligneach chruaidh; Coimhdeachd Riogh anns gach toir, ’S dol a d’ fhulang tus an leoin. 8 Dhol a bheuma nan seachd seisear. 10 ’G eisteachd ri slachdraich nan dornn, Gach beum mar innein nan ord. 19 Mar bithidh Masg Oscair nan geusan, Mharbhadh e sinne ’nar seisear. 20 Dh’ imich sinn o Dhun an Oir, Gu subhach eibhinn gun leon; An deidh Clann-chuilgeadan nam bèum A chosgairt ’s bu mhor an sgeul. 21 Bu deurach bantrachd nan sonn, A caoidh na dh’ eug air an tom; Mar ghàrraich ean air an tràidh, Chluinte iolach bhròin gach mnàith. 22 Thug sinn leinn an arma geura, Liobhaidh, leudara, san t-eug-bhail; Gu muirneach, miolainte, meamnach, Triall thair gach magh gu Tigh-teamhra. 23 Creid thusa Phadraic nan cliar, Gu raibh sinn la bu mhor miadh; Ged nach maithrean ach mise noc, Am aonaran snithich fuidh sprochd. O. 4. DAN AN FHIR SHICAIR. 73 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 15. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 16, 1872. In this version are lines which do not seem to belong to the ballad. 1 CHUNNACAS tighin o’n lear, An t-aineil mor athach ioghna; Fhir Shicair nan ceuma borb, Ciod an t-ait as an tigeadh tu? 2 Thainig mise á Dun an oir, An Dun ata an aird an Iar; An Dun nach tug a gheill riamh, ’S gu ’m bitheadh a naimhdean diomach. 3 Rainig sinne Dun an oir, ’S chroma ar cinn man cho-ol; Thainig seachd seissir ’nar ceann, Do shluagh fuileach faor arm. 4 Am fear bu taire dhui, sud, Gn ’n deanga o ceud an comhrag; Bha ma bhraigh gach fir mhóir, Sgapul daite dhe ’n oir dhearg Craosach mhaille nan laimh nimhe ’S lannan liobhra bha do-chaithe. 5 Thairg Fionn doibh cumha mor, Thairgeadh leis ceud unga òir. Ceud saoi ris nach deacha srian. Ceud bean bhantrach co-fial, Tus sloigh ’n ’am dol san teugmhail, Agus deire tighinn a mach, O ’se thogadh buaidh na buaighne. 6 Ach fhreagair na cuiridhean calma. O ’s comasach dhuinn a dheanamh, Cha ghabhar lein cumha no geall, Ach ’ur cinn uile air aon bhall. 7 An sin dh’ islich Fionn a ghloir, Sheall e air luchd a cho-oil; Dhaoine an gabh sibh fuathas deth, Dol a bhualadh nan seachd seissir? 8 Deir an t-Oscar bu mhor greann, An la thugadh ruaig nan gleann; Rinneadh gniomh bu chruaidh leam, No na cinn a bhuin do sheissir. 9 Deangar leamsa seissir eile, ’Se thuirt Caorrul nan arm gasda; Bu dearg fraoch a sgaradh cheann (sgatha) Deangai mise seissir righ. 10 ’Se thuirt Feargu an gloir mhin, Cha chuir iad leatrom air chach; Gach aon laoch a thig a’ m’ choail. (cho-dhail) Deangaidh Caoilte nan cas luath, Fear is seissir do ’n mhor shluagh. 11 Deangaidh fear saothrach nan ramh, A sheisir fein air aon bhall; Deir Fionn Mac Cuthail Ma dh’ fhag sibh air deire clair, Dithis leis an croimear cnamh, Diongaidh mise ’s Goll na gaisge, An dà sheissir a dh’ aon aitim. 12 Bha ’m fear ma dheirebh aig Fionn, Mar sheodhag eadar dha lion; Fhrighail e ’s bu mhor am feum, Aiar seachd buillean na h-aon sgeth; ’S mar bhi Oscair nan nadh. Cheangail e sinne ’nar seissir. The following fourteen lines do not seem to belong to the rest in any way, but they are written here, so I leave them. 13 Croilhidh mi ceud maoslach mhaol, Air gleann Easgadail dan laogh; Ceud Douran ’s ceud damh alluidh, Nach d’ fhag an cuibhne an ard bheann. 14 Ceud comhladh do ’n chreamh ghlas, Air a bhuain san fhaoileach gheamhraidh, Chuirinn sid a steach am maireach, Air bhuidheachas mo leannan. Air greigh do eachaibh donn dearg, Fo cholainn do fheara feannaid: ’Se ’n diol do eachaibh co-sheilg, ’S iad uile do dhi armacha, Caoithidh iad mise an sith bhrugh, Ach cha tig mi tuille a’ d’ amharachd. TEANNDACHD MOR NA FEINNE. I AM puzzled where to place this ballad. According to peasant reciters, people from many foreign realms joined the Feinne when their fame had spread. They had [TD 96] beaten Manus, the Northern invader, and the Southern tribes at Dan-an-Oir. According to this ballad, two recruits, of whom one was a son of ‘Leir,’ or Liuir, who seems to have reigned in the Isle of Man, took umbrage, and deserted to the King of Lochlann. According to current tradition, the warrior had a love-mark on his brow, ‘Sugh Seirc.’ The Northern Queen, who was a daughter of the King of France, and newly married, eloped with the deserters, who returned to their comrades. The injured King pursued. Fionn sent a princess, probably one of Cormac’s ten daughters, to offer gifts, and herself. The invaders would have nothing less than Fionn’s head. The Lady blessed them, and rode away. The Banners were hoisted, in a passage which is very old, and common to several ballads, and battle was joined. Goll and his tribe, backed by the Clanna Baoisgne, after eight days, nearly exterminated the Northmen, but a third, or two thirds, of the Irish army died. It somewhere appears that Fearragin had served with the Feinne, and that he, not Manus, enticed them to Lochlann. More of this family appear in prose tales, serving with the Feinne, and slaying giants in Ireland. This ballad is very popular. Copies of it were in Irish MSS. before 1784, and these are in Dublin still. In December, 1871, Mr. Hennessy, who is well read in old Irish MSS., did not know this ballad, of which I had Kennedy’s version. Something like the story is told by Mac Pherson in the Battle of Lora (p. 111, edit. 1762), but that is not the ballad story. No Gaelic for Mac Pherson’s poem exists. It is certain that this ballad pervaded all Scotland more than a hundred years ago, and that it was then commonly recited. A great many versions were orally collected:—1. Pope, 1739, had a version which he called Dibird fli. Apparently it was the same which begins Dibir Dlighe in Mac Donald’s collection. 2. Mac Nicol of Lismore, had two fragments, about 1755, 192 lines. 3. About the same time, Fletcher of Achalader had 224 lines. 4. Kennedy had 248, and 268 lines collected in Argyllshire. 5. In 1780, Hill got 46 lines in Argyllshire. 6. In 1784, Mac Arthur had 10 lines, got in Mull. 7. About the same time Bishop Young had 159 lines. 8. In 1786, Gillies had 236. 9. About 1800, Dr. Irvine got 194 lines from a man who learned the ballad from his grandmother, in Mac Pherson’s country. This version contains many lines which are not in Gillies’, printed at Perth, 1786, and lines which are in no other version known to me. 10. At some late date Mac Donald got 84 lines from George Mackay, in Dalvig House, parish of Farr, aged 55; John Mackay, Knockbreac, parish of Durness, aged 50; and Donald Mackenzie, Duartbeg, parish of Eddrachellis, aged 61, in Sutherland. 11. In 1816, Mac Callum printed 180 lines and 95. 12. In 1862, I had 106 lines orally collected in Barra and Uist by Mac Lean. 13. In 1871-2, I found that the ballad was known to many, and got a great deal of the story from old men in the outer Islands, but few could then recite the ballad itself. I have collated all these, more than 2040 lines. Were I to fuse the versions, they would make about 300 lines. I print D. Mac Nicol’s version, in his own orthography; extracts from F., which is very like D.; Kennedy’s first version, H.; and extracts from his second, I.; extracts from O., and from S. The books quoted can be read. All that is in them, and all that I have collected is represented in the following samples of this curious old historical ballad. It belongs to the Norse Wars. The language is not like the old written language. I believe this to be a popular traditional ballad that was first written early in last century. When it was composed I am unable to guess, but part of it was old in 1512. D. 14. CATH BEIN EDIN. 112 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by D. Mac Pherson, May 3, 1872.—J.F.C. TEANNTACH MOR NA FEINE. 1 LA ga ’n raibh Padric na Mhùr Gun Sailm bhi air Uigh ach òl Chuaidhe Thigh Osseinn mhic Fhinn O san leis bu bhin a Ghloir. 2 Failte dhuit a shean Fhir shuaire ’T ionsaidh air chuairt thanig sinn, A Laoch mhili baile Breach, ’S dearbh nach deir thu neach snad ni. 3 Sgeul a bail linn fhaotin uait, Ogha Chumhail, bu chruaigh Colg, ’N teantach ’s mo an raibh an Fhian, O na ghin thu riamh nan Lorg. 4 Dhinsinse sin dhuit gan Tamh, Ghiolla Phadric na ’n Salm grinn, Teantach smo an raibh na Fir, On a ghineadh Fianachd Fheinn. 5 Dearmad Fleagha ga ’n drin Feann ’S an Albhidh ri Linn nan Laoch, Air Chuid don Fhein shuas Druim dearg, Gu ’n derich a ’m Fearg san Fraoch. 6 Ma dhibir sibh sinne ma ’n Ol, Huirt Mac Ronain le Gloir bhinn, Bherinse is Ailte ur Freiteach Bliana ri Mur Fheinn. 7 Thog iad gu sgiobalt an Triath An Cloimh sa ’n Sgiadh dan Luing An Deish Fhenidh, Armach, Fhial Go Riogh’chd Lochlan na ’n Sgia slim. 8 Muinteris Bliana do ’n Riogh Se thug an Deish a bfhear Dreach Mac Riogh Carchair (1) nan Sleigh Geur, Agus Ailte nach ’d eur neach. 9 Thug Bean Riogh (2) Lochlan nan Sgiadh donn Gaol gu trom ’scha bann go deas Do dh’ Ailte greadhnach an Fhuilte deirg Dh folbh’ I leish an Ceilg sám Braid. 10 Dh folbh’ I leish a Leabaidh ’n Riogh, Sud an Gniomh ma ’n doirte Fuil, Sa nionsaidh Flaitheas na ’m Fhian, Ghabhadar an Trial thar muir. 11 Fhionnail Riogh Lochlan a Sluadh Cabhlach cruaidh sam bhi go deas, (3) Se dheireadh leis re aon Uair, Na naodh Rioghre sa ’n Sluadh leis. 12 Lochlanich a Bhuin bhorb, ’S ro mhaith ’n Colg re dul an Cein, Thug iad um Freitiche Triath, Nach pilleadh iad Srian na ’n deigh. 13 Thogadar an Abhaist (4) ard, Re Crich Eire garbh an Greish ’S chuirthear a ’m Puible a muigh (5) Gaoirid on Bhruth an raibh Feann. 14 Teachdaireachd thanig nar Ceann, (6) Teachdeareachd (7) chuir rinngo Truadh, Comhrac cruaidh o Fhiana Fail, {Fhetin air an Traigh mu thua Gur e bail leo fhaotin uain.} Interlined. Note.—Here fit in verses 15 to 32, Fletcher’s version. 15 Fhregair Ailte ’n Comhrac treun, Fear thabhairt Lan-gheil sgacch Cath {Ceann ali mhic Leirg na lir, Ceann Mhic Neamhi, ’s Ceann Mhic Lir} Interlined. Maoithear leis an dara Beum. 16 Seachd fichid Ceannairt dar Foin, Agus Ailte fein air Tùs Thuit sud le Laimh Fhearagain mhor, Ma ’n deachaidh na Sloigh an dlus. 17 Se raite Feann Flath nan Cuach ’Se gamhrac air Sluadh Inse fail, Co dhiongas Fearagain san Ghreish, Mu ’n leigemid Leis air tair? 18 Se ni ghabhadh sud le Goll, An Sonn nach burraste chluidh, Diongamsa Fearragain san Ghreish, Leigir edir air Cleis Luidh. 19 Cuchulan is Diarmaid Donn, Fearra-chu crom is mac an Deirg, (Leidh) Dhidin o Bhuillibh an Laoch Cuir dish air gach Taobh d’ Sgeth. (1) Riumachain. (2) Bann riogh. (3) Adras gu treish. (4) Colvurs. (5) gu tiugh. (6) gu Fionn. (7) Sgeil Fiom a. [TD 97] 20 Buin leat an seachd fichid Fear mor, Nach uras a chloidh ar Chul, Cuir air Laimh Shoisgeal mo Riogh Chlannaibh morna na ’n Gniobh borb. 21 Buin leat Cath feugra na Fein Nach d fhidir Ceum thoirt air Cùl, Cuir sud air do Ghualin deish, De Shiol Cumhail na ’n Cles luth. 22 Ochd Oiohin duinn is ochd Lo A sior chuir ar air as Tloigh; Ceann Riogh Lochlan na ’n Sgia donn ’S e mhasidhe Goll air an 9th Lo. 23 Tuille is seachd fichid sonn, Thuit sud le Gara ’s le Goll, On a gherich a Ghrian moch, Gus an deacha I siarr Anmoch. 24 Seachd fichid do Chlanaib Riogh, Bu mhor Gaisge agus Gniomh, Thuit sud le Osgar an aidh, Is le Caorreal Cnes-bhànn. 25 Air a Bhaiste thug thu orm, Chlerich a chanfas na Sailm Thuit leumsa ’s le Feann nam Fleagh Coimhliona Ceann ris a Chearthair. 26 Ach nan fuighe E Cothron nan Airm, Deadh mhac Innil nan Lann glass, San Albhaidh na ’n abairte Thriath, Cho ghlaodhta ach an Fhian as. 27 Tuille agus Leth air Fein, Thuit sud air an T-sliabh fa dheas, Ach na ’n lughamid a Ghrian, Cha mho na Trian thanig as. 28 Ach nan lughamid an Riogh A Phadric, le ’m mian gach salm, Ge ’d thanig Droing dar Maithibh as, Cho drin sinn ar Leas san La. D. 13. COBHAIRLE A CHINN AIG FION. 80 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad No. XXV. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 7, 1872. 1 COBHIRLE a chin aig Fion, ’S aig Maithibh Eirin gu leir; Nighin Riogh nan gaibhte uaip, Gun faithidh e sa bhean fein. 2 Hug shinne gha nighin Riogh, Bu ghuirme suil ’s bu ghrinne meir; Chuir shin ga coibhidichd ceud Eich, A’ bear rish an dechidh strian. 3 Chuir shin ga coibhidichd ceud Each, A bear rish an dechigh strian; As ceud marcich air am muin, Le Cullidh T-shriol (oir) le ’n laiste Gniobh. 4 San herrin I air an Raoin, ’S ghagadar na’ doigh na Heich; San a hug I ceim ga choir, ’S da ubhil oir na Laibh dheis. 5 Da Chaillin (1) air Gualin a Guin, Dealibh a Chruin fo Gheil nam port; Do naichd ’s e Pubil Fhinn, Innis duin a Bhrigh sa Bheichd. 6 Mo Naichds’ e Pubil Fhinn, Gu ’n Insin a Bhrigh gu ceart; Mu reinn do Bhean ort Beart chli, Gun’ dimmir I gniobh gu cear. 7 Mu reinn do Bhean ort Beart chli, ’S gun ’dimmir I Gniobh gu cear; Cairdeas as Commun ri Fionn, Gun faigh du ’s mi na Geall. 8 Dheothidh du shud as ceid Leig, As ciad sheud don Tairbhi T-shaoir; Dheothidh du ceud shoebhac suairc, Air am bithidh Buaidh nan Ian. 9 Dheothidh du shud as ceud Corn, Dhianigh do ’n Uisg ghorm an Fion; ’S ga be dholigh aiste Deoich, Cha reichidh a Hart am meud. 10 Gheobhidh du shud as ceud Mios, Cuir sa Riogh a Bheathidh ’naigh; ’S ga be ghlethidh iad rim beo, Chumigh iad Duin og do Ghna. 11 Dheobhidh du shud as ceud Graoidh, As lan Glinne do Chroigh ban; Mar gaibh u shin beannichd leat, Hoir leat do Bhean ’s dian ruin shi. 12 Co duginse Shith do Dhail, Na Mhaithibh Erin gu leir; Ach Fionn fein a dhoil fo ’m Bhreth, Agus Creich a hoirt gu Traidh. 13 Ach cha dug u leat do neirt, Na bherigh a Chreich gu Traigh; Fallaigh mishe ’s beannichd leat, Fon chaigh Teinnich bun do riunn. 14 Cha nailibh thuss’ a chiabh nan cleichd, Riobhin fhairiste Bheoil bhinn; Gheobhidh du no sheide saoir, ’S guilain u fein ri ’m Haibh deis. 15 Cha ’n fhan mish’ a Chean nan Cliar, Fonach traoigh mi Tiabh na Fhearg; Fonach faithin saoir fom Bhreth, Cean na Deishe bu ghann cial. 16 Cha ’n fhagin aguibh do Dhearras, Do Dfhon na Dfherin na Hullich; Ach Erin na croichdan Glass, A hogbhail leom ann am Loingis. 17 Gun thiuntaich I riuthidh a Cuil, ’S mharcich I Cuirsa gu dian; ’B iummid Sroil ga hoiggail suas, ’Nordibh gu lua chaidh an Fhian. 18 Doilfin nic Ghailcin fon Ghreig, Muimme Fhearragin as ni ’m breig; Ri faicinn a Chinn ga Daulte, Righ bu neo ailidh a himmichd. 19 Goul & Oscar an aigh, Connil as Caorril Cneas-bhan; Mo bhuilher mi ’s Fionn nan Fleigh; Gam bunnigh I ’n ceann don Cheirir. 20 Mar Fearr chaidh as o Beul airm, Na chaigh le Maim don Ghreig; Do Riogh Lochlin na ga ni, Cha dranig riabh an Tir fein. F. 12. TEANNDACHD MOR NA FEINNE, AGUS MAILLE RIS, ORDAMH, AGUS TEACHD A MACH NAM BRATAICHEAN. 224 lines. Extracts. Fletcher’s Collection, page 49. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 5, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. I. PAIRT. 13 ’M FOGUSG do ’n rugha ’n raibh Fionn. 23 Gheibhe tu sud is ceud crios, ’S cha d’ theid slios m’ an d’ theid iad eug; Chaisge iad leum-dromma ’s sgios; Leug riomhach nam bucal bàn. 24 Gheibhe tu sud is ciad long, Sgoilte tonn air bhuinne borb; Air an luchdacha gu teann, Deis gach aon-ni a b’ fhearr doigh 25 Gheibhe agus ciad mac Righ. Bhuineadh cìs air chluiche bhuirb; Gheibhe is ciad scobhag shuairc, Air am bitheadh buaigh nan eun, This also occurs in Manus. II. PAIRT. Sgaoil Fearrghus a Bhratach re crann, Mar chomthar gun do dhiult Righ Lochlunn cumhadh. (1) Chainnil. [TD 98] 1 Air faicsinn ’sin ghluais an Fheinn ghaolach gu foil. M’ am biodh Eirinn uil’ air earras. 2 Thainig sluagh thair iomch’ rum thonn, Thainig sud ’s bu trom am feachd; Suil gon d’ thug Righ Lochlunn uaith, Chunnaic è Bratach a tighinn a mach, Is Giulla gasda air a ceann, Air lasadh do dh’ òr Eireannach. DEIR RIGH LOCHLUNN. 3 ‘Co i a Bhratach sid Iulla dhuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Trein-bhuaghaich, Chi mi Giulla gasda air a ceann ’S i fein aig togra thair sluagh.’ DEIR FEARRGHUS. 4 Cha ni sud ach an Liath-luidhmeach, Bratach Dhiarmad-odh-duimhne; ’N tra thigeadh an Fheinn uile ’mach, Ghabhadh an Liath-lui’ neach toiseach, ’S gur h è bu shuaichneas don t-srol-bhuighe Toiseach teachd is deire falbh. 5 ‘Cia i ’Bhratach so Iulla dhuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Trein bhuaghaich Chi mi Giulla,’ &c. 6 Cha ni sud ach án aon chosach (ruadh) Bratach Rhaoine na mor shluagh; Bratach leis an sgoiltear cinn ’S le doirtear fuil gu h-aobrainibh 7 ‘Co i Bhratach so Iulla ghuanaich, An i sud Bratach,’ &c. 8 Cha ni sud ach a Bhriachail-bhròchuil, Bratach Ghuill mhoir mhic Morne; Nach d’ thug troigh riabh air a h-ais, Gu ’s ’n do chrith an talamh trom-ghlas. 9 ‘Co i Bhratach so Iulla,’ &c. 10 Cha ni sud ach an Dubh-nimhe, Bratach Chaoilte Mhic Reathe; Air a mhiad ’s gu ’m bi sa chath, Cha bhiodh iomra ach air an Du’-nimhe. 11 Co i Bhratach so Iulla ghuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Trein-bhuaighaich. Is Giulla gasda air a ceann, ’S i lasadh le b-òr aoibhinn. 12 Cha ni sud ach an sguab-ghabhaidh, Bratach Oscair chrodha laidir; Nuair a ruigte cath na cliar, Cha b’ fhui’ ’fiaruich ach an Sguab-ghabhaidh. 13 Ach thog sinn’ Deò-ghreine ra crann, Bratach Fhinn bu teann ’sa chath; Lom’ lan do chlochamh ’n òr, ’S cosmhail bu mhor meas is rath 14 ’S air faicsinn dha bratach Fhinn, ’Shaoileadh e gu ’n thuit a bheinn.’ FEARRGHUS. 15 ’S duilich dhuitsa na bheil ann. Gath-greine Mhic Cuthail ra crann; Is naoi slabhruidhean aiste sios, Do ’n òr bhuighe, gun dall sgiamh, Agus naoi naoi làn-ghaisgeach. Fu’ cheann na b-uile slabhraidh Aig togairt air feadh do shluaigh. Mar chliath treoghaidh gu traigh Thoir an aire dhuit féin, Biodh gair chatha ga d’ iomainn. RIGH LOCHLUNN. 16 ’S breugach do bheul fhili bhinn, ‘Trian na ta agamsa do shluagh; Cha rabh agaibhse sann Eirinn.’ DEIR FEARRGHUS. 17 Ga beag leatsa an Fheinn thearc so, Bheir thu d’ gheann mu ’n d’ thig am feasgar, Roimhe ’n lana glasa no ni thu d’ th aimhleas. BROSNUCHA FHINN. 18 ‘Cromaibh bhur cinn sa chath, ’S deanadh gath Flath mar a gheall.’ 19 Seachd fichid d’ mhaithibh air Feinne, ’S Ailte fein air an tùs, Thuit sud le laimh Earragain mhor, M ’an deachnaidh na sloigh an t-lùs, 20 D’ fhuirich Fionn fada na thosd, Luigh sproc air ’n Fheinn gu leir; ‘Co dhionghas dhomh Earragain so ghreis, No ’n leigeamaid leis air tàir?’ 21 Sin nuair a labhair Goull, An sonn bha docair a chlaoidh, Leigear mi ’s Earragain sa ghreis, ’S gu ’n feachamaid air cleas luigh, 22 Mac-luthinn agus Ciaran crom, Diarmad donn is Mac-an-leigh, Ga d’ dhiona bho bhuillinn an laoich, Tog dithis air gach taobh mar sge, 23 Seachd fichead agus mile sonn, Thuit sud le Garra’ is le Goull; Dha urrad le Oscar an aidh, ’S le Caoirreal cora cnaidh. 24 ’S air an ainm a thug thu orm, Iulla Phadruic nan salm binn; Gun do thuit leom fein ’s le Fionn, Choi-lion cean ris a chearthar, 25 Mur rabh duine ann, Chuaidh ’mach o bheul airm; Na theich le maoim do ’n Ghreig, Do Righ Lochlunn no da shluagh, Cha deachaidh duine d’ a thir fein. 26 Thuit sinne cor is leth air Fiann, Air an traigh tha siar fo dheas; Ach n’ an lughainne a ghrian Cha mho na air trian a thair as. H. 15. THE BEST BATTLE THAT THE HEROES EVER FOUGHT. 248 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 1. Advocates’ Library, November 27, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. TWO Kings came to Fingal, named Aile and Caoilte, to learn his art of war, hunting, &c. The custom of the Heroes was, that they would make a Feast every Thursday in the year. But the first Thursday after they came the Heroes forgot to hold the feast; Aile and Caoilte thought it was for them they delay’d to hold it. In a short time afterwards the Heroes went all to the mountains to hunt, they left Aile and Caoilte at home to take care of their Habitation (since they were strangers, to rest themselves), there came a heavy shower of hail stones, and the Heroes asked of Fingal what he would give to each of them if the shower was gold (to entice him). Fingal said that he would give a great sum to every one of them, because they would love him; but he did not mind to mention Aile and Caoilte. Fingal would place every man of honour at the formost end of the table, and every man according to his rank would sit there till they would come to the least. They were one day in haste in going away on some Journey, and they did not mind to call them in time, and they sat that day on the Hindmost end of the Table. They thought then that the Heroes had not much regard for them at all. Immediately they swore that they would stay no longer with the Heroes, and that they would not dine with them for a year and a day. They went away then to Denmark, and bound themselves to serve the King for a year and a day, that they would learn his Art of War, Eloquence, &c. When the said time was expired, the Queen fell in love with Aile, they ran away and Caoilte along with them to the Heroes for refuge. The King of Denmark gathered nine Kings with their host along with his own, to revenge himself on Aile and the Heroes, for to gave him refuge. Then the Heroes fought the sorest battle that ever they fought in their life, as you may observe by the following Poem:— DAN 1. 1 LATHA bha Pádraig na mhúir, Cha robh Sailm air iugh ach sgeúl; (ag ol) * Chuaidh (1) e thigh Oisain Mac Fhinn, (Mhic) Oir Sann leis bu bhinn a bheúl. (gloir) * Labhair Oisain an so mar gu bu neach eile labhradh. (1) Gluais. [TD 99] 2 ‘Fáilte (2) dhuitsa! shean fhir shuairce, T’ ionnsuidh air chuairt thainig nu; (3) Laoch mhili’ is caoin dearg dreach, Cha d’ eur thu riamh neach mu ni. 3 ‘Sgéul (4) a b’ áill leam fhaghail (5) uait, Ogha Chuthaill bu chruaidh colg; An teanntachd ’as Moghadh ’n raibh. ’N Cath is teinne chuir an Fhiann O na ghen thu riamh nan lorg,’ 4 Bheireamsa lán dearbh dhuit, Ille Phádraig nan sailm bínn, Mu ’n chath ’s teinne chuir na fir, A na gheinamh fianntidh Fhinn. 5 Dearmad fleagha do rinn Fionn An Albheinn ri linn nan laóch, Bha cuid do ’n Fheinn fui dhruim dearg, ’S dh’ eirich orra fearg is fraoch. 6 Dhioir iad sinne san ór, (ol) Mac Ronain nan gloir ceún binn Dubhairt Caoilte is doidh leinn, ’S ni mo fhuair sinn mar bu choir Ionad suidhe mor mhur Fhinn. 7 ‘An eiric a mi-mheas dhuinn, ’S o neach do chum fleagh na Féist, Bheir mis is tus Ailb’ úr, Freiteach bliadhn re mur na Feinn.’ 8 ’N sin thogadar orra gu triall, An cloidheamh san sgia’ nan luing; ’N diais laoch bu chaoin dearg dreach, Gu Righ Lochlan nan srian sliom, 9 ’S bu Righ air Lochlan san uair, Fear a gheibhadh buaidh ’ sgach blár; Fearraghuin mac (6) aon fhear nan long, O’ Righ bu mhaith a lann sa lámh. 10 Muintearas bliadhna do ’n Righ, Thug an diais bu chaoin dearg dreach, Caoilte Mac Rannaghuin (7) nan sleagh geúd Agus Aillidh nach d’ eur neach. 11 Ach Ban Righ Lochlan nan sgia donn, Ghabh i gaol trom nach roibh deas; Air Aillidh greadhnach nan arm dearg, Gus an d’ rinn i chealg ud leis. 12 Ghluais i a leabiadh an Righ, B’ e sin an gniomh mun dhoirteadh fuil; ’S gu Albheinn aobhneach na ’m fiann, Thogadar an triall thalr muir. 13 ‘Mo chomric orts Fhinn nan coin, Labhair e ghu cro-dhearg aill; Nuair tharlas mi ’n câs na toraichd Tensairgibh mi sloigh Righ Pháil.’ 14 ‘Gabham do chomric thair muir, Roimh aon neach a sheall sa ghréin; Tra tharlas tu an cás san toir Gabhidh ’n slogh do dhion fui ’n sgeith.’ 15 Thionail Righ Lochlan a shlugh, ’N cabhlach a bha gu cruaidh deas; ’S e na thional e mn thuath Naoi Righridh san sluagh leis, 16 Sheól iad an cabhlach gu h-árd, Gu rioghachd Eirann bu ghearg ágh; ’S gu h-Albheinn oigheach na ’m fiann, Thogadar an triall o thráidh. 17 Shiuthich iad am Priplean gu luath, Righ Lochlan sa shluagh nach raibh tiom, Air na tillichean a muigh, Gairid o’ n bhruth an raibh Fionn. 18 Teachdaireachd thainig o ’n Righ; An sgéul tím chuir ruinn gu truagh; No ’n laodhad Innseabh phail Cómhrag fear do mhuintir Fhinn, Fhaghail air a ghlinn mu thuath. 19 Fhreagair Aillidh o ’n cómhrag cruaidh, ’N sgéul truagh sin thainig an céill; Ceann aillidh dea’ mhac Righ Liuir, Thuit leis air an dara beim. 20 Deich Ceannaird fhichead d’ ar Féinn, Is Aillidh féin air an tús; Thuit sud le laimh Fhearraghuin mhoir Ma ’n deachaidh na slóigh an dlús. 21 Thuit nach fhagadh againn teach, No amhuinn no béinn no tulach, Ach Eirinn na cragan glas, Nach d’ uigte steach ann na loingas. 22 Do thairg Fionn dhoibh cumha mhór Do na sloigh thainig an céill, (ceinn) ’S do Righ Lochlan nan colbh sean, Faraon agus a bhean féin. 22 Thug sinne dhoibh ingin riogh ’S guirme suil sa ’s gille deud (P. 89) Chuir sinn ga coimhdeachd ceud each As fearr ris n’ deachadh srian. 23 Ach Lochlanaich a bhuidheann bhorb, Aig mead an colg is an ágh Cha ghabha iad cumha fui ’n ghrian, Gun an Fhiann a chuir nan dáil. 23 ’S ceud marcach air a muin Le ’n earradh sroil on laiste grian (P. 89) Nuair theirrin ’n sin air ’n t-sraid Sa a’ fhag i no deigh na heich. 24 (8) Cha mho ghabhadh Fearraghuin mor, Aig mead a dhóchas as féin Duais no bhean air tir no tuinn, Ach suinn Eirinn bhi fui mhéin. 25 Ach comhairl eile chinn aig Fionn, ’S aig maithaibh Eirinn gu léir, Inghean Righ nan (9) gaibhte uath, A thabhairt dhosan na géill. 26 Fhuaradh an sin inghean Righ, (ur) Bu ghuirme súil ’s bu ghrinne méar, Bha snuagh a ghnuis mar a ghrian ’S b’ fhearr gu mor a ciall ’s a gné. 27 Chuir sinn d’ a coimhdeachd céud each, Bho mhaith ris an deachidh sriann; Is ceud marcaich air a muin, An culaidh shróil bu lasrach fia. 28 ’N uair a thurlig iad air an raon, ’S a fhag iad nan deidh na h-eich; Thug i céum an sin d’ a cóir ’S d’a ubhal óir na láimh dheis, 29 ‘Coid do nuaghachds’ o phobull Fhinn, Ainuir ghrinn sa chiabh nan clearc, ’S an t’ adhbhar mu ’n d’ ainig thu féin, Aithris gu ’n chaird e le gean.’ 30 ’Se mo nuaghachds’ o phobull Fhinn Gu ’n innseam dhuit e gu ’n cháird; O ’n rinn do bhean ort beairt chlí ’S a dh’ imair i e gu cearr. 31 Cairdeas is comman re Fionn, ’S gu fuigheadh tu mi na geall; Anois ’s a rís feadh mo láith ’S gach aon séud is ághoir thall. 32 Gheibhadh tu sin is céud léug, Is céud séud an talla saor; Gheibhadh tu sin is céud scobhag, Air am bitheadh buaidh gach aon. 33 Gheibhadh tu sin is céud crios ’N slios mu ’m bi cha tuit am blár, Coisgidh iad leum drom is sgios, Séud riomhach na ’m bucal léan. (amlag) 34 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud cornn, A ni do ’n bhurnn ghorm am fion, ’S ge b’e dh’ olas asta deóch, Cho bhi dhochartas gu ’n dion. (2) Umplachd. (3) Suinn. (4) Fios. (5) fhaotain. (6) Bè athair a bu mho loingas a bha r’a fhaghail san aimsir sin. (7) Mac Riogh Connachain. (8) This 24th Stanza claims as his own composition. (9) Nan dual arbhui óir. [TD 100] 35 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud mias, An luchuirt Righ am beatha ’n áigh; ’S a b’e ghleadhas iad re bheó, Cumidh iad óg an duine ghná, 36 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud lórg, A sgoilteas tónn air mhuinne bórb; Air an luchdeachadh gu trom, Leis gach aon ni ’s buadhaich colg, From 37 to 53 are not in I. 37 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud each, Cho mhaith ris an deachidh srian, Is céud marcaich air a muin, An culaidh shróil is lasrach fia (10) 38 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud Ghreadh; Is lán glinne do chrobh bán Is mar a gabh thus iad sin, Thoir leat do bhean ’s dean ruinn saimh. 39 Cha tobhair mi sibh gu brath, Do mhaitheadh Eirinn gu léir; Gus am fuigheam Fionn fui ’m bhreith, Is a chreach a thoirt leam féin. 40 Cha d’ ug thu féin leat do neart, Choidh na chuireas Fionn fui ’d bhreith, ’No bhuidhneas a chreach dhuit fein, Ach folbhidh mis’ is beannachd leat.’ 41 ‘Cho ’n fholbh thusa chiabh nan clearc, A righ bhinn fharast a bheóil bhinn, Gheibheadh tu gach seud gu saor, ’S ceannghlam thu re ’m thaoibh geal slím.’ 42 ‘Cho ’n fhan mise Cheann nan cliar, O nach traoidh mi d’ fhia no d’ fhearg, ’S o nach fhuighean féin o d’ bhéul, Sith dh’ fhiann Eirann gu ’n chath searbh.’ 43 Cha tabhair mi sith do dh’ Fhionn, Air son aon ni tha fui ’n ghrein, O ’n thug e tearman do ’n fhear, A mheall uam mo dhea bhean fein. 44 ’N sin charich i riu a cúl ’S mharcaich i d’ ar cúirt gu dian, B’ iomad sról gu chur a suas, An ordamh luath chuaidh an Fhiann. 45 Dh’ imich Fionn an sin air thús Dea mhac Cuthail a ghnuis ghil, A Chumail Comhrag ris an Righ, ’N gniomh sin mun do thuit na fir. 46 ’S deich fichead air a laimh dheis, Do shliochd Cuthail nan cleas lúi; Agus naoi fichead fear mòr, Bu docair a chuir air ceúl, 47 Dh’ fhiosraich an sin flath nan cuach, Do Mhaitheadh sluaigh Innsa fail; Co dhiongadh Fearraguin sa ghreis, Mu ’n deanadh ar mi leas le táir.’ 48 Do bha fhreagradh sin aig Goll Are sonn bu docair a chlaoidh Leigear ni ’s Fearraghuin sa ghreis, ’S gu feuchainn a chleasaibh lúi, 49 Cuimhnich cath feargarra na Féinn ’S Chlanna mornna nan cleas lúi, Is mac Cuthaill nan arm noicht, Air a threune chleasaibh lúdh. 50 Thor leat seachd fichead fear mòr Do Chlanna mornna nan cleas lúi, A dh’ fheitheamh air eacoir an fhir, Cuir Sin air thaobh cúil. 51 Mac Lubhidh is Diarmaid donn, Oscair crom, is mac an Léig, A’ d’ dhion o bhuillean an Laóich, Biodh diais air gach taobh do’ d’ sgè. 52 ’N sin chuaidh sinn an dáil a chèile, Slóigh nan deich Righ is Suinn Eirann, ’S bu luaithe na greann ghath earrich, Sinn a dol an tús na t-eúg’ bhail. 53 Bu luaithe no millidh sruthan, A ruigh an aon slugan o árdaibh; Bhiodh a béucaich gu tréun meamnach, Le toirm Geamhraidh o gach fásach. 54 Cho bheacadh tréun thonn na tuinne, ’N uair bhuailt iad re créugaibh ard; Le neart na gaoith tuath san fhaoillach Cho stuaghda re gaoir an ard chath. The three following poems belong to some other poem, i.e., Dearg Mac Druibhail. P. 93. DR. YOUNG. 55 Ochd laithean duine gun tamh Sior dheanabh ar air no sloigh Cean in riogh Lochlunn no ’n sgiath donn Se buidhin Goll air a naothaobh lath 55 Ceart choimeas cómhrag nam fear, Cho ’n fhac mi riamh re ’m la; Ceann Righ Lochlan nan sgiá donn, Bhuidhinn Goll air an naoi’ amh trá’. 56 Tréunlamh ingheann Bhalcain o ’n Ghréig, Muime Fhearraghuin gun aon bhréug ’N uair thugadh an Ceann da Dalta Rí bu’ neo’ amhluidh a céill, 57 Bha Goll ann, ’s Oscar an áigh, Conall ’s Coireall a chneas bháin: Mar bithidh mi ’s Fionn nam fleagh, Gu ’n d’ ugadh i ’n ceann do ’n cheathrar. 58 Deich fichead is mile sonn, Ceith ir fichead is coig mile sonn (5080) Thuit sud le Garadh ’s le Goll; Uighir le Oscar an áigh; A dha urradh le Oscar an aigh (10160) ’S uighir le Coireall is Sonn, 59 Air a bheastadh thugas orm, Phádraig a chanas na sailm; Gu ’n do thuit leam féin ’s le Fionn, Ceann is uighir ris a cheathrar. 60 O ’n dh’ eirich a Ghrián moch thrá, Gus an deachidh i siar an moch; Cómhrag aon fhear air an t-sliabh ’S beag nach do thuit iad gu h-iomlan. 61 Mach o mhead sa chuaidh leinn fein, No theich air a bhéigh mu dheas; Do Righ Lochlan is da Shluabh, Cho deachadh duine dhiu uainn as. 62 Ach lutheams’ air anam mo Righ, Mu’ deachidh crioch air a ghreis; Ceathrar is ceart leith nam fiann, Thuit sin air an t-sliabh mu dheas. I. 6. FEARGIN.—A POEM. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 1. 204, 64 torn out, = 268 lines. Advocates’ Library, April 3, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. IN this manuscript about 64 lines are torn out. Marginal notes in various hands bear upon each writer’s own share in the Ossianic Controversy. Extracts. THE ARGUMENT. ALLY the son of Lear, and Cailte the son of Rangin, (two petty Kings in the South of Scotland) were sent by their Fathers, Lear and Rangin, to Fingal to be disciplined in the arts of War, Hunting, and Poetry, during their minority. Fingal at their arrival happened to be engaged by Clan-Chuilgidan, (1) a rebelious Clan who took up arms against the Lawful King of Ireland, in which he became victorious, and came home loaded with plunder, which was distributed among the Fingalians according to their rank. Ally and Cailte expected a share of the Prize, as well as those who fought for it; they likewise expected that Fingal ought to hold a feast on account of his victory and their arrival, and that they shou’d occupy the foremost seats in the King’s Hall. Fingal being not in his own Hall cou’d’nt observe these rules to which he was accustomed. Ally and Cailte protested against staying any longer under the tuition of Fingal, and set sail for (10) Is fearr cruth. (1) See the Ballad of Dun an oir. [TD 101] Feargin, King of Denmark, to whom they promised obedience during their pupilarity, on condition he would treat them as becometh their rank, and discipline them in the sciences above mentioned; to which Feargin consented. Soon after their arrival the Queen of Denmark (Feargin’s spouse) fell in love with Ally with whom she fled accompanied with Cailte to Fingal for protection. Feargin raised a powerful army, and all the Kings of Scandinavia with their troops, being nine in number, and sailed for Ireland, assuring themselves of a total defeat of Fingal and overrun his Dominions if he should attempt to protect Ally the delinquent. The outrageous Danes landed, and Fingal sent Ally accompanied with thirty of his bravest men to Feargin to ask his pardon, and offer him his wife back. Feargin kilt the thirty men and Ally leading the van. Fingal equipt his grandiloquent daughter Semhrosg accompanied with one hundred chosen men on Horse-back, and proposed herself to Feargin in place of his own wife, with great many warlike rewards and provisions, and proclaim peace with her father, which he obstinately refused. At the return of Shemrosg Fingal marched against the Danes, who were totally overturned. Fingal lost in the action upwards of one-half of his army, on which account this battle is reckoned to have been the most severe day the Fingalians ever fought. The Poem is addressed to the Son of Alpin. 5 RI linn do Mhac Rannghuin og, ’S do Aillidh an t-ogan treun; Teachd, gu mac Cumhail nan sluagh, Gu Anna nan duan ’s nan teud. 6 Bha Fionn an cath Dhun-an-oir, ’S Riogh nan sloigh bu mhor ann gniomh. Measg clann-chuilgeadan nan cleas, 7 Philleadar mo Thriath a b’ fhearr cliu, Chum an tuir ’s nach diulta daimh; B’ eibhinn aidhearach an Fhiann, Mar thoirm ealtain ian gu traidh. 8 Ann Auana do chlann nan laoch: 10 An comain an teirbirt dhuinne, ’S nach do chum iad fleagh nan ceud, Bheir mis’ is tus’ Aillidh ur, Freiteach bliadhn’ ri mur na Feinn. 12 Fearghinn mac aon fhear nan long; 15 ’S gu h-Auna aobhach nam Fiann. 16 O ’n Mhereir-bhàn sheol na laoich, Leis a ghaoith air chuantaidh mear; Clos cho d’ rinn i ’m port air seimh-shruth, Ach mar ean gu mein nam fear 18 Gabham do chomraic thair muir, Dhea Mhic Liuir nan arman treun; 20 Gu riogh’chd Eirinn bu gharg àr; Gu b-Auna aigheach nam Fiann, 22 Teachdaireachd thainig gu Fionn, 25 Ach Eirinn na crogan creaicht’, Nach d’ thuighte steach ann na loingeas. 27 Cho ghabhadh iad cumha fui’ n ghrein, Ach an Fheinn a chur nan dail. 28 Cha ghabhadh Fearginn nan ruag, Cìs o ’n t-sluagh air son a mhnà; Ach Eirinn o thuinn gu tuinn, ’Sa suinn a chosgairt fui’ phna. Here the Princess gets a name. 29 ’S aig Maithibh Eirinn nam peall; Seimhrosg nan dual arbhuidh oir, A thaibhairt dhosan na geall. 30 Fhuaradh a mach Seimhrosg ur, Bu ghuirme suil ’s bu ghrinne mear; Bha snuagh a gnuis mar a ghrian, ’S b’ fhearr gu mor a ciall ’sa gne. 31 Chuir sin d’a coimhead ceud each, A b’ fhearr ris an deachaidh srian; Is ceud marcaich air pheill oir, ’N eulaidh loinreach bu mor fiadh (miadh) 33 Ciod do sgeul o phobull Fhinn, Annir bhinn an-reinn-fhuilt thlà; ’S an t-a’ bhar mun d’ thainig gu tuinn, Airis dhuinn, ma ’s leinn do ghradh. 34 ’Se mo sgeuls’ o phobull Fhinn, A laoich nach fiom ann tus a bhlair; O ’n rinn do bheann ort beairt chli; ’Sa dh’ imir i ’n gniomh gu cearr. 35 Cairdeas is comann ri Fionn. ’S gu fuigheadh tu mi na geall; Le run dileas feara-phàile, ’S gach aon seud is aghoir thall. 36 Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud leug, Is ceud seud ann tuail nidh saor; Gheibheadh tu sin is ceud seothag Air am bithidh buaidh gach taobh. 40 Le ionnas na tonn a folbh. 57 (1) Ghluais sinn uile le Riogh-phaile, Triath nan armann, b’ fhearr san stri; Bu chosmhuil ri toirm an-fhaslaich, Sinn a’ doll an dail a ghniomh. 58 Mar ghaoth earaich, no lon sleibhe, Bha gach treud a’ triall nar ceann; Mar shruth uisge chluinte ’m beumna, A’ tuiteam far sgè nam beann. 59 Mar leachda’ tuinne san fhaoilich, Sruth dian a’ maoma nan dàil; B’ amhail is slachdraich nan laoch so, A’ cosgairt na dh’ aom o ’n traidh. 61 Treunlamh Mac Bhalcain o’ n Ghreig (muline) Aide Fhearginn ’s cho ’n aona bhreug; Nuair chunnaig e ’n ceann d’ a dhalta, 62 Thug e’ n ceann le shleagh do’ n cheathrar. 63 Is le Cairill, an t-armann donn. 64 Air an iargain thruim so th’ orm, A Phadraic nach dean stoilbh a h-eineach; 65 Ona dh’ eireadh a ghrian moch, Dhuinne gun chlos fad tri la; Comhrag Riogh Lochlan nan sluagh, ’Sa chath chruaidh ann gairte bron. (1) Pages 7 and 8 are wanting. M. 8. TEANNTACH MOR NA FEINNE. 236 lines. 1 DEARMAD fleadha gu ’n d’ rinn Fionn, San Albhainn (1) re linn nan laoch, Air cuid d’an Fheinn shuas Druim-dearg, Gun d’ eirich am fearg ’s am fraoch. 2 Ma dhibir sibh sinn mu ’n ol, Thuirt Mao Ronain le gloir bhinn, Bheirims agus Alde ùr Breiteach bla’na re mur Fheinn. 3 Thog iad gu sciobalt an triall, An cloidheamh ’s an sciath d’an luing, An diais fheinnidh, armaidh, fhial, Gu Righ Lochlainn na ’n srian sliom. 4 Bu Righ air Lochlainn san uair, Fear a bhuidhneadh buaidh gach blar, Earragan Mac Ainnir nan long, Gu ’m bu mhaith a lann ’s a lamh. 5 Muintearas bliana d’ an Righ, Tug an diais a b’ fhearr dreach, Moc Righ Conchair na ’n sleagh geur, Agus Ailde nach d’ ear neach. 6 Thug Bann-ri’nn Lochlann na ’n sciath donn, Trom ghaol trom ’s cha b’ ann gu deas, Ba ilde greadhnach an fhuilt deirg, Is dh’fhalbh i an ceilg lois. (2) 7 Ghluais i leis a leabai ’n Righ, Sud an gniomh mu ’n doirtear fuil, ’S a dh’ ionnsuidh Flaitheas na ’m Fionn, Thogadar an triall thair muir. 8 Chruinnich Righ Lochlainn a shluagh, Cabhlach cruaidh a dh’fhas gu deas, ’S e dh’eirich re aon uair Na naoi Righrin ’s an sluagh leis. (1) Almhain. (2) Leis. [TD 102] 9 Lochlainich a bhuidheann bhorb, Is ro mhaith colg re dol am feim, Thug iad am mionna ag triall Nach pilleadh iad is Fiann nan diaidh. 10 Thogadar an Albaist ard, Seach criocha Eirinn nan colg teann, ’S ann Albain leathann na ’m Fiann, Thugadar an Triath air traidh. 11 Shuidhich iad am puible gu tiugh, Righ Lochlainn ’s a shluagh nach tim, Air an tulach a bha muigh, Guairid o ’n bhrughann raibh Fionn. 12 Teachdaireachd thainig gu Fionn, Teachdaireachd chuir rinn ga truadh, Comhrag dluth d’ Fhiannaibh Fheinn, Fhaotain air na gleinn mu thuath. 13 Thairg Fionn doibh cumha mor, Do na sloigh a thain’ ann cein, Do Righ Lochlainn nam arm sean, Far aon is a bhean fein. 14 Comhairle chinn aig Fionn ’S aig maithibh na Feinne gu leir, Nighean righ na ’n gabhtadh uap, Thoirt do Righ Lochlainn nan arm geur. 15 Ach Lochlainnich a bhuidheann bhorb, Aig feabhas an colg is am mein, Ni ’m b’ ail leo cumha chunnaic grian, ’S an Fhiann fhagail na ’n diaidh. 16 . . . . . Ach Mun foghain leasta sin, Thoir leat do bhean is dean rinn sith. EARRAGAN. 17 Cha d’ thugainn-so sith d’ Ailde fein, Mo mhathaibh na Feinne gu brath, Ach Fionn fein a chuir fo ’m bhreth Is a chreach a thoirt gu traidh. 18 Cha ’tug thusa leat do neart, Do bhrigh mo bheachd-sa, thair sal, Na chuireadh dhuit Fionn fo d’ bhreth, No na bheir a chreach gu traidh, 19 Fhreagair Ailde na ’n comhrag cruaidh, Sceul a thainig truadh dha fein, Ceann mhic Neimhe ’s mhic Lir Madhar leis an dara beum. 20 Seachd fichead do mhaithibh ar Feinne, Agus Ailde fein air thus, Thuit sud le laimh Earrgain mhoir, Mu ’n deachaidh na sloigh ann dlus. 21 ’S e labhair Fionn flath na ’m buadh, ’S e ’g amharc air sluagh Innse-fail, Co dheangas Earragan sa ghreis Mu ’n leigeamaid leis ar tair? 22 Do bhi freagradh sud aig Goll, An sonn bu deacair a chlaoidh, Deanamsa Earragan sa ghreis, Leagar eadrinn le’r cleas-luidh. 23 Cuimhnichibh cath feagarra Feinne, A Chlanna Morna ’s mor cli A Chlanna Baoige na ’n arm deas, Leigibh ris bhur dea-ghniomh. 24 Beir leat Oissain is Diarmad donn, Fearr-chuth crom is Mac au Leigh, Ga d’ dhionadh o bhuillibh an laoich, Cuir diais air gach taobh mar sceith. 25 Buin leat cath feagarra na Feinne Nach d’fhidir ceum a thoirt air cul, Cuir sud air do ghualain deas, Do shiol Chumhail nan cleas-ludh. 26 Ochd latha dhuinne gun tamh Sior chuir air ais an t-slogh, Ceann Righ Lochlainn na ’n sciath donn Bhuighinn Goll an naodhamh lo. 27 Naoi fichead is mile sonn Thuit sud le Garaidh ’s le Goll, O na dh’ eirich a Ghrian moch Gus an deachaidh i siar anmoch. 28 Seachd fichead do chlannaibh Righ, Ga ’m bu dual gaisg’ is mor ghniomh, Thuit sud le Oscar an aigh Is le Cairioll Corra-chnamh. 29 Mun’ fear a chuaidh as o fhaobhar arm, No ’n comhrag le maon do threig, Do righ Lochlainn no do shluagh, Cha deachaidh duine do thir fein. 30 Na ’m faigheadh e co’throm na ’n arm, Earragan Mac Ainnir na ’n arm glas, ’S an Albhuidh na ’n abairt, air Triath, Cha ghlactadh ach an Fhiann as. 31 Corr agus leath ar Fiann, Thuit sud air an t-sliabh mu dheas, Ach na ’n luadhimid a Ghrian, Cha mho na ar trian thainig as, 32 Ach na ’n luaidhimid ar Righ, Cha mhnaoi is Triath fo bhron, ’S ge d’ thainig d’ ar maithibh as, Cha d’rinn sinn ar leas san lo. NA BRATICHEAN. MANUS, RIGH LOCHLAINN. 33 Ge d’ gheabhadh Righ Lochlainn sud, Na bha mhaoin ’s do sheuda ’n Eirinn, Cha philleadh e shluagh air ais, Gus am biodh Eirinn, uil’ air earras. OISSAIN. 34 Scaoil Fearghus a Bhratach o chrann, Mar chomhar gu ’n dhiult Righ Lochlainn cumha, Ghluais an Fhiann ghaolach gu foill Gus am biodh Eirinn uil’ air earras. 35 Thainig sluagh fairim chairim nan tonn, Thainig sud ’s bu throm an fheachd; . . . . . . 36 Suil d’ an tug Righ Lochlainn uaidh, Chunnaic e Bratach ag tidh’n amach, Agus gille gasta air a ceann, Air a lasadh do dh’ Òr Eireannach. MANUS. 37 Cia i a Bhratachsa Fhili dhuanaich; An i sud Bratach Mhic Treun-bhuadhaich? Chi mi gille gasta air a ceann, Is I fein ag togradh their (3) sluaghadh. FEARGHUS. 38 Cha ’n i sud ach an Liath-luineach, (4) Bratach Dhiarmuid o Duibhne, ’N tra thigeadh an Fhiann uil’ amach, Ghabhadh an Liath-luineach toiseach. MANUS. 39 Cia i a Bhratach-sa fhili dhuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Treun-bhuadhaich? Chi mi gille gasta air a ceann, Is i fein ag togradh thair sluaghadh. FEARGHUS. 40 Cha ’n i sud ach an Aon-chosach (5) ruadh, Bratach Raine na ’m mor shluagh, Bratach leis an sgoiltear ceinn ’S le ’n doirtear fuil gu aobranaibh. MANUS. 41 Cia i Bhratach-sa Fhili dhuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Treun-bhuadhaich? Chi mi gille gasta air a ceann, Is i fein ag togradh thair sluagh. FEARGHUS. 42 Cha ’n i sud ach a Bhriachaill Bhrochaill, Bratach Ghuill mhoir mhic Morna, Nach d’ thug traigh riamh air a h-ais; Gus ’n do chrith an talamh trom glas, 43 Gur h e bu shuaimhneas d’ an t-srol bhuidhe, Toiseach teachd is deireadh falbh. . . . . . (3) Bhar. (4) Luidnaech. (5) Fhionn-chosach. [TD 103] MANUS. 44 Cia i a Bhratach-sa Fhili dhuanaich, An i sud Bratach Mhic Treun-bhuadhaich? Chi mi gille garta air a ceann, Is i fean ag togradh thair sluaghadh. FEARGHUS. 45 Cha ’n i sud ach an Dubh-nimhe, Bratach Chaoilte Mhic Reatha; Air mheud d’ am bitheadh sa chath, Cha bhiodh iomradh ach air an Duibh-nimhe. MANUS. 46 Cia i a Bhratach-sa Fhili dhuanaich? An i sud Bratach Mhic Treun-bhuadhaich! Agus gille gasta air a ceann, ’s i lasaradh le h-òr aoibhin. FEARGHUS. 47 Cha ’n i sud ach an sguab-ghabhaidh, Bratach Oscair chrodha laidir, Nuair a rigteadh cath na ’n cliar Cha b’ fhiu a fiaraich ach an sguab-ghabhaidh. OISSAIN. 48 Thog sinn an Deo-ghreine (6) re crann, Bratach Fheinn bu teann sa chath, Lom-lan do chlochaibh an or ’S cosmhuil ga ’m bu mhor a (meas) rath. MANUS. 49 Saoilidh mi gu ’n thuit a bheinn. FEARGHUS. 50 Is doilich dhuise na bheil ann, Gath-greine Mhic Cumhail re crann, Is maoi slabhraidih aiste sios Do ’n or bhuighe gun dall-sgiomh; 51 Agus naoi naoi lan ghaisgeach, Fo cheann na h-uile slabhraidh, Ag togairt air feadh do shluaigh, Mar chliath (7) traodhadh gu traidh 52 Biaidh gair chatha ga d’ iomain. MANUS. 53 Breugach do bheul Fhili bheinn, Trian na ta agam ann so do shluagh Cha robh riamh agaibh-s’ ann Eirinn. Ge beag leats’ an Fhiann thearc-sa, (8) 54 Bheir thu do theann leim mu ’n tig am feascar Roimh lanna glas, no ni thu d’ aimhleas. FIONN. 55 Cromaibh bhur ceinn sa chath, ’S deanadh gach flath mar gheall. OISSAIN. 56 Bu liona ceann ga mhaoladh, Ag us gualain ga shnaigheadh, . . . . . O eirigh Greine gu feascar. 57 Cha deach’ o fhaobhar lann gu loingis, Ach aon mhile do shluagh barr; Theich iad mar shruth o bharraibh bheann, Is sinne san chath ga ’n iomain. 58 Bu lionmhor Fiannaidh agus sonn, Agus curaidh bu throm trost; Ach samhuil d’ Oscar mo mhac-sa Cha robh aca bhos no thall. 59 Seachd cathai do bharr an t-sluaigh Thuit sud le Oscar na ’m buadh, ’S an naonar mac a bh’ aig Manus Ruadh. . . . . . . 60 Seachd fichead agus mile sonn Thuit sud eadar Conan is Goll; Ach Mac Cumhaill ’s a shluagh garg, Mar chaor theine na ’m mor fhearg; 61 Le shradagaibh diana cas, Bha buille gach laoich ann sa ghreis Fhad ’s a mhair Lochlannaich ris. O. 9. TEANNDACHD MHOR NA FEINNE. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 41. 194 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 21, 1872. THIS was orally collected near Dunkeld, about 1800. I have carefully collated it with all the older versions which I have. To save space, I print only lines which do not occur elsewhere—20; and 6 with various readings. 168 lines are in other versions, and vary chiefly in orthography and names; e.g., by a very natural change, we get ‘Albuin’ for Mac Nicol’s ‘Albhidh,’ Kennedy’s ‘Albheinn,’ Fletcher’s ‘Alabainn,’ Kennedy’s ‘Auna,’ Gillies’ ‘Albhainn.’ The place meant clearly is ‘Almhuin,’ according to Irish orthography, and according to these Scotch reciters. But scribes so write the sound, that modern writers contend for Mac Pherson’s geography, and call ‘the Hill of Allen,’ ‘Scotland;’ ‘Almhuin,’ ‘Alba.’ TEANNDACHD MHOR NA FEINNE. Extracts. 12 GU Albuin bheag ladhaich nam Fiann; 43 De righ Lochlain, no de shluagh, Cha deach duine do ’n tir fein; Dh’ fhag sinn coir as leth air Finn, Air an traigh bha siar fo dheas. 44 Ach nan tughainna a’ Ghrian, Cha mhotha na ar trian thainig as; 45 Ach nan lughamaid ar Righ, Chaidh mnai is Triath fo bhron; Ged thainig de’ r maithibh as, Cha d’ rinn sinn ar leas san la. 46 Tog arsa Fionn, gu grad, Tog gu h-arda cliu an Laoich; Bu neartmhor nn Triath na bhad, Ged tha e ’n diugh fo bhac an fhraoich. 47 ’S iomadh suil au Lochlainn fhuair, Sileadh nuas gu frasach geur; Cha ’n fhaic sibh a chaoidh na thuar, An curridh nis a leag air feur. 48 Tha thalla gun chliu gun chlar, ’S damhaich lan broin m’ an fhear; Ard righ Lochlain donn an sar, Se mi agh thug o thu thar lear. 49 Cluinnibh fuaim a Chaoilte ciara, Dh’ fhalbh aighir nan cliar ’s nan con; Am bheil a thannasg a’ siubhal gu fialadh, Na thuit an Triath am beann nan lon. Charles Robertson learn’d this poem from his said grandmother, and also heard it from others many years ago. S. 5. DIBIR DLIGHE. 84 lines. (i.e., THE NEGLECT OF RIGHT.) Copied by Donald Mac Pherson. Advocates’ Library, June 1872. THIS version contains lines which are not in other manuscripts. There are many slight variations in words, etc., which I have not thought worth notice. The following is the Collector’s ARGUMENT. FINGAL gives an entertainment to his Heroes, but neglects Alvin and the King of Rona’s son. They, taking this as an affront, took their journey to Lochlin. After being some time there the King of Lochlin’s wife fell in love with Alivin. Having made an elopement, they return to their native country. In consequence of this rape, the King of Lochlin collects his troops and navy, and invades Scotland, where it is said the Fingalians were at the time. A keen and bloody battle ensued, in which most of the Lochlins fell. Gaul encounters the King in person, and, after a long and severe engagement, the latter falls. 1 LA do Phadric.san Tuir Gun churam air ach ’g ol An tigh Ossian mhoir mhic Fhinn Gur ann luinn bu bhinn. 2 Fios bu mhath lium fhoidhean uat Ogh’ Chumhail ’s cruaidh colg ’N cath ’s cruaidh chuir an Fheinn Se bha mi fein air a lorg. (6) A Ghile-ghreine. (7) Chliabh. (8) Earrasuidh-se. [TD 104] 3 Agams’ tha dheagh bhrath dhuit Phadric sheinnis na sailm bhinn ’N cath is cruaidh chuir na fir O ’n la Ghinneadh Feinn o’ bhinn 4 ’N Dibir-Dligh do rinn Fionn San Albhi (1) ri linn nan laoch Air cuid don Fheinn air Druim-dearg (2) Dherich orr am fearg ’s am fraoch. 5 Dhibir iad sinne san ol Mac Ri Rona bu do-luinn Agus Elbhin (3) Mac Iavir Ruaigh (4) Buidhean a dheargadh gu cruaidh rinn. 6 Dhimich an dithis ud don’ Iar ’S thog iad an triall uainn air muir Do thir Ri Lochliu nan laong Gur ann luinn bu trom an cean 7 Thug bean Ri Lochlin nan laong ’N troma-ghradh nach robh ro-dheas Do dh’ Elbhin greadneach nan airm Rinnis les a cheilg gun fhios. 8 Ghluais i e leabidh an Ri (Sud an gniomh mu ’n dhortar fuil) Gu h’ Albhi fhlathach nam Fiann Thog iad leo an triall gu muir. 9 Gan thog Ri Lochlin nan laong Fheachd gu trom re chur an geill Deich Cathan fichid o’ Thuath Don t’ sluagh b’ fhear bha fo n’ ghrein. 10 Aon Cath deug bha sinn nan dail Do Fhiannidh Fail bu mhath grinn Taghadh gach fear a rug bean San teagheach ghlan an robh Fionn 11 Par dh’ fhas an Ri lom-lan rachd Thog e a Bhratach re crann ’Shuidhich e a luingeas gu tingh Muigh o ’n bhruth ’n robh Fionn. . . . . . 12 Gach treas claidheamh ’s gach treas cù ’S gach treas Luireach ur ni ’n Fheinn Gach treas maighdin og gem fhear Thabhart do Ri Lochlin sa bhean fein 13 Bhagair Elbhin comhrag cruaidh’ Sgeul thruagh re chur an leud Bhiuieas le Iorghil nan lann A cheann air ’n dara beum 14 Deich Ceannaidan fichid do n’ ar Feinn Is ceann Elbhin fein air thus Gan thuit le lamh Iorghil mhoir Mun deach na firr anns an luths’ 15 Dhoinnich Mac Cumhail nan Cuach Re mathibh sluaigh Innse Fail Co choinichas Iorghil re dreis Mun leigadh sibh leis ar sar 16 Gar o fhreagair esan Goll Sonn bha deacair ri chlaoidh Mis agus Iorghil re dreis Leigar eadrin an cleas dluth. 17 Beannachd bhi ais do bheul ’S minic a labhair thu sgeul mhath Chuirt leat cath a chlaidheamh chruaidh ’S ioma neach a chuaidh led chath. 18 Gabh Oscar is Diarmid donn Carril crom is Mac an Leith Dod dhedean o’ bheuma ’n Laoich Dithis air gach taobh dhed sge 19 Tri la is tri oidhch gun bhiadh Bha na firs’ an sgainnir dhearg Ach na bhuineas le Mac Moirni nan lann A cheann air an t’ seachda tra. 20 Moch neach a dhalbh le moim No neach a chaidh as don Ghreig Aon do chuideachd Ri Lochlin Cha deach dh’ athchidh gu thir fein. 21 Fear agus ceart leth nam Fiann Thuit air an t-sliabh fo dheas Ach ma dhinnsis mi mo sgeul gu fior Cha deach a bheag ’s ar trian as. A. 16. YMICH OCHTYR. 52 lines. CATH SEISIR. The Defeat of Carthonn. Tuirbhs re lein tarlach dara. Bardachd Dheireannach Oisein. Carthonn, &c. ASSUMING that the conquest of Fearagin and nine Northern Kings ends the Norse Wars, and frees the Feinne, their next exploit seems to follow in this ballad. It is rare. Eight Warriors: Oscar, Caoilte, Mac Luaith, Fionn, Diarmaid, Oisein, Raodhne, and Caoireal, went forth to war in Italy, France, Spain, and Britain, where they fought and conquered, as Oisein, one of the band, tells Padruig. In Kennedy’s version, they are but six. In Kennedy’s second version, name, argument, and story, are changed. To this belong fragments of Oisein’s Lament. One came to me from Islay, in 1859; the other came from Dr. Mac Lauchlan, with its pedigree, March 31, 1872. This last fragment was printed in the Inverness Courier, with a translation and dissertation by ‘Nether Lochaber.’ The versions here printed explain points which seemed obscure. Whether this be of the time of Charles II., or a poem by Ossian, it certainly is very unlike Mac Pherson’s Ossian, and very like other popular ballads. It has the characteristic Celtic imagery, which ‘Ossian’s Poems’ have not. This poet, in Oisein’s character, identifies himself with his natural, familiar woodland image of withering solitary age. He is not like the last nut in the husk. He is that solitary, withered, relic of past seasons, wavering in the autumn breeze, about to fall; the last of six. These were, Oscar, Caoilte, Oisein, Ruidhne, Goll, and Gorri. The King of Greece, in the 2nd verse, identifies the story, which was the same in all versions. In Kennedy’s second version, lines marked * were altered. They suit a new ‘Argument.’ Where Kennedy’s English ‘Arguments’ are his own his Gaelic Poems remain like others of their kind. When his English improves, his oral ballads yield to Arguments which are not his. The Feinne become Mac Phersonic, pro tanto. Something vaguely like part of this story, was in Mac Pherson’s English, p. 127, 1762. In the latest editions, vol. I., p. 192, are 371 lines of Gaelic, of which I cannot find one in this ballad. No Gaelic for the end of Carthon exists, unless it has been found or composed since 1871. YMICH OCHTYR. 1 COYA lwm ymich ochtyr Chor tocht er my venmyn Cut da nymich cha chellwm Gin gur wellwm gi calmi 2 Oskir is keilt crowith Is m‘lowith fa moltyr Finn agis Dermit deadzale Quogr leyttych zar nochtyr 3 Misse agis rynith is kerrill Keyve in norrin gin lochti Chinnimyr er chreith banwe Gir wea anmyn nochtyr 4 Ymich orrin skaill darwe Inni gi calm fane sottill, Daggimir downe vec cowle Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 5 Zawrmir downe re albin Bi chalme dwne a rochtin Hut reith lay m’kowlle, Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 6 Er zorttymir zwle tagsin Ymith class inta is corkir Finni a wade gi brow Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 7 Huggymir cath sin neddall Di fre tegwalle na porteiv Rugimir boye is cowe Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr (1) Fingal’s Hall. (2) Red or bloody hill.—Mac Donald. (3) Alvin, the same with Aldo, in the Battle of Lora. (4) This is similar in Mac Pherson’s Battle of Lora.—J. Mac Donald. [TD 105] 8 Hugimir caith ni frankgi O sann di fre gi doggir Zowimir geylle is cowe Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 9 Hugimir cath ne spane A tantyn is a tochtyryn Quhoye r my ray fane doyne Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 10 Hugimir caith brettin Bi zeglich ay is be doggir Hoggymir gayle doyne Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 11 Warrimir Crom ni carne Er fargi is ay er ottill Foyrrymir gi ter owille Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 12 Na rey harnik ni clossich A phatrik ossil hochmyn Finni wayde er cowe Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr 13 Noewe a manmsyth phadrik Is hard crawe is sochyr O phakgyth missi id coithr Cowin lwm ymich ochtyr. Cowin lwm. H. 16. HOW SIX PERSONS WENT FROM FINGAL TO LIFT TAXES FROM ALL KINGS, OR ELSE TO KEEP WAR WITH HIM. 60 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 31. Advocates’ Library, Dec. 1, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Dec. 4, 1871, Dublin.—As Tradition this story is common in Ireland, but the ballad was not identified by Mr. Hennessy.—J. F. C. THE ARGUMENT. THERE went away six persons of the choice and ablest of the Heroes from Fingal to lift tribute on every King; or else to keep war with Fingal; they first went away to the King of England (for Scotland was paying a yearly tribute to him) for to get the down off him, and when they got that, they did not go no further. Observe the Poem. DAN 5. 1 ’S BRISTEACH mo chroidhe sa Phádraig, ’S mi tigh ’n air na bha sinn deanamh; ’Nois ged nach maithrean Mac Chuthaill, Leam is cumhain cuid d’ a bheasaibh. 2 Gu ’n innseam dhuibhsa Mhic Alpainn, Aig bheil beannachadh uile Eirann; An treabhantas do rinn seisear, Nach gabhadh eagal no éuradh. 3 Ailis sin dhamh Oisian nárairch, A dhea’ Mhic Fhinn bu leóir abhachd; Ciod an treabhantas rinn seisear, D’ ar laoich éibhneach, threisail áluin. 4 Ghluaiseamar o ’n chathair amlaich, Seisear fear armach do bhuidheann; A dh’ iarruidh freagradh gach tíre, ’S a thogail cís do Mac Chuthaill. 5 Do ghluais sinn an tús ar teachd’ reachd, Dhionnsuidh Righ Sasgan nan géur lann; Ochóin! bu mheamnach ar ’n aigneadh, theachd ro deisainn. 6 Teachdaireachd chuir gu Righ Sasgan, Do bhrí nearta bu chubhaidh; Géill a thoirt dhuinn air ar ’n eagal, Air ghea’ freagradh do Mhac Chuthaill. 7 Do fhreagair dhuinne ’n Righ buadhach, Do bhrí uabhair agus treise; Nach d’ ugadh e géill no freagradh, Is gu b’ ion eagal do ’n t-sheis. 8 Do thogamar ris air sleaghan, ’S gu b’ ann r’ a ádhaidh ar bratach; Re aithris air ár nan gaisgeach, Bha mnái’ o ’n fhairsneach gu galach. 9 Thogamar leinne d’ an uaisle, Cuig ceud gu ’n fhuasgladh do dh’ Eirinn; Sin dhuitsa sgéul a mhic Alpainn, Aig bheil Laideann agus Beurla. 10 Sin na rinn sim suas do bhraidhdean, Le tilgail ar saighde calma; Is na thog sinn d’ an uaisle, Mu ’n d’ fhuasgail sinn bann do dh’ Albinn. 11 Bu diais dhiu mise ’s Caoilte. Bu triar dhiu Faoghlan fearrbhuidh; B’ e ’n ceathramh dhiu ’n t-Aogh Mac Rosaich, ’S b’ e ’n cuige dhiu ’n t-Oscar calma 12 B’ e ’n Seathamh dhiu Milidh áluin, Nach do chlaón riamh bair re’ m chuimhne; ’S a noc gu’ r muladach a’ ta mi, Re tím bhi ’g àireamh na búidhne. 13 Phill sinn air ar ’n ais do dh’ Eirinn, Sinn mar cheathairn éibhneach shutha; Agheilleachdain air a bhagar, Do bhrí feartean Fhinn mhic Chuthaill. 14 Rainig sinne na seachd Cathain, Dream nach deachidh riamh air theicheadh. ’S air clor réidh na fola Feinne, Cho raibh dhinne ’n sin ach seisear. 15 B’ iad sin fein a chuigear chruthach, A dh’ fhag gu trom dubhach mise; Dh’ fhag iad urseann mo chleibh snitheach, Agus crún mo chroidhe bristeach. I. 11. THE DEFEAT OF CARTHONN. 72 lines. A POEM. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 26. Advocates’ Library, April 4, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE DEFEAT OF CARTHON. IT is very probable that this Carthon or rather Carthonn, is the usurper Carausias, who had frequently fought and overcame the Caledonians and forced their neighbour Kings and Lords that possessed the south countries of Scotland to pay him a yearly tribute. These oppressed petty Kings sent for Fingal to whom they agreed to pay him an adequate tribute, upon condition he would rid them of the tyranny of Carausias and recall the Tribute, to which Fingal consented, and sent off three hundred men of the flower of his Bands commanded by six of his brave and most valarous champions to reclaim the tribute of Carthon, who at their arrival upon demanding the tribute (or appoint a day to engage Fingal and his army), were furiously attacked by Carthon’s Legions, of whom the brave Caledonians took 500 prisoners to Scotland where they were kept under close confinement till Carthon laid down the tribute. This and several other successes helped greatly to establish Fingal’s authority over all Scotland, and procured him the love and favour of his neighbouring Kings. The Poem is addressed to the Son of Alpine or St. Patrick. All this is an afterthought. See above, A. 16. H. 16.—J. F. C. 1 ’S BRISTEACH mo chroidheasa Phadraic, ’S mi tigh ’n air na bha sinn deuramh; Noc ge d’ nach maithreann Mac Cumhail; Leam is cumhainn cuid da bheusaibh. 2 * Gun insinn duitse Mhic Alpinn, * Bheireadh claisteachd do dhea’ sgeula; Ann treubhantas do rinn seisear, Nach gabhadh eagal no euradh. 3 Ailis sin damh Oisein naraich (dhainich) A dhea’ Mhic Fhinn bu leoir abhachd; Ciod an treubhantas rinn seisear, * Le ’n laoich bu treise sa ghabhadh, 4 Ghluaiseamar o ’n Chathair amlaich, Seisear fear armach le ’r buidheann; * A dh’ iarruidh freagradh ar Rioghradh, ’S a thogail cìs do Mhac Cumhail. 5 Ghluaiseamar an tùs ar teachd’rachd, Dh’ ionnsuidh Ri’ Sasgann nan geur lann; * Ochoin! bu mheamnach san astar, * Na laoich a chaisgeadh an t-eug-bhail. [TD 106] 6 * Teacdaireachd chuir gu Riogh Carthonn, * Do bhri’ calmachd, mar bu chubhaidh; Geill a thoirt duinn air ar ’n eagal, Air neo-freagradh do Mhac Cumhail. 7 Do fhreagair dhuinne Riogh buaghar, Do bhri’ uabhair agus treise; Nach d’ thugadh e geill no freagradh. Is gu b’ ion eagail do ’n t-seisear. 8 * Dhoirt iad chugainne na sluaigh, * Mar theachd a chuain air rua’ rugha, * Gu beucach, buidhneach ’n ar co’ ail, * ’S nach tuigt’ an comhra’ san uighe. 9 * Mar èitil nan ean ann soininn, * ’S doinnean a dubhadh an àbharr; * Bha toirm nan Treonach, na millidh, * Le gathan liobhaidh, gu ’r bearnadh. 10 Do thogamar ris ar sleighan, ’S gu b’ ann ri aghaidh ar bratach, Ri aithris air àr nan gaisgeach, Bha mnài’ o ’n fhairsnich gu galach. 11 * Mar shileadh nam beann air aonach, * Bha ’n creuchdan nan laoch a’ dortadh; * Mar ghaoth charranach Beinn-auna, * Bha gàir nam fann ann sa chòmhrag. 12 Thugamar leinne da ’n Uaislibh, Cuig ceud gun fhuasgladh do dh’ Eirinn; Sin duitse sgeul a Mhic Alpainn, * Ga ’m biodh Laidinn agus Greigis. 13 Sin mar rinn sinn suas do bhraidean, Le tilgeil ar saighdean calma; Is na thog sinne da ’n Uaislibh, * Ma ’n d’ fhuasgail a chìs do dh’ Albinn. 14 Bu diais diu mis’ is Caoilte; * B’ e ’n treasamh dhiu Faolan fearr-bhuidh; B’ e ’n ceathramh dhiu ’n t-Aogh Mac Rosaich, ’S b’ e ’n cuigeamh dhiu ’n t-Oscar calma. 15 * B’ e ’n seathamh dhiu Aogh Mac Dàire, Nach do chlaon riamh bair ri ’m chuimhne; A noc gur muladach ata mi, Ri tim bhi ’g aireamh na buidhne. 16 * Philleadar air ar ’n ais do dh’ Albinn, Sinn mar cheathairn armaich, shuthaich; A gheilleachdain air a bhagradh, Do bhri’ feartan Fhinn Mhic Cumhail. 17 Do rainig sinn na seachd Cathain, Dream nach do chuaidh riamh air theicheamh; ’S air clor rè na folbha Finnidh, * Rainig sinn iad sin nar seisear. 18 Gu b’ iad sin a chuigear chruthach, A dh’ fhag gu trom dubhach mise; Dh’ fhag iad ursann mo chleibh snithich, Agus crun mo chroidhe bristeach. Z. 9. TUIRBHS RE LEIN TARLACH DARA. Sent by Ion Mac Fergus, Port Weeymss, Islay. Ceud Mios Feadharadh 10 ladh. 1859. SEISEAR bhraithrean sin air sliochd Seisear sinn nach d’ fhidir lochd; Is-cha mhair ean t de ’n seisear gu beachd Air an Lichd ach mise nochd. This verse is printed in Kennedy’s Hymns, page 102, as ‘Cumha nam braithrean,’ which Kennedy got from a Craignish man, who could recite more of the Poems of Ossian than any other between the Mull of Kintyre and Highbridge in Lochaber. X. 5. BARDACHD DHEIREANNACH OISEIN. 36 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, January 29, 1872. 1 SEISEAR sinne saor o shliochd, Seisear nach do smaonaich lochd; Chaidh fear dheth ’n t-seisear fo lic, ’S mor fath mo chlisgidh nochd. 2 Cuigear sinne ’dol air ghleus, Sid e thugad righ na Gréig; On ’s dearmad dhuinn a dhol air chuairt, Bhuineadh uainne fear an treud. 3 Ceathrar sinn a’ sealg ré seal, De bhuidhinn armaibh nach gabh g Air cho cruaidh ’s gan cuirte leinn cath, Bhuineadh uainne fear na fir. 4 Triùir sinn ’an gniomhan cŏr, ’G aithris thairis air chleas arm; Shiubhail a’ Ghrian o ear gu iar, ’S bhuineadh uainn an Triath gun chealg. 5 Suidhidh sinn ’nar dithis a muigh, Sgailidh sinn fo nar gean; Thainig an t-Aog mar bu dlighe, ’S bhuin e uamsa ’n dara fear. 6 Mise ’n am ònar ’n an déigh, Cha bheatha dhomh ach am bàs; Cha d’ thainig air thalamh ’nuas, Aon neach leis nach cruaidh an càs. 7 ’S mi ’n aon chnò ’dh’ fhàs ’s a mhogan, Gun chnò eile ’n am fhasgadh; ’S gearr mo bhogadh gu tuiteam, ’S a ghaoth’ dol fotham gu farsuing. 8 ’S mi ’n aon chraobh a dh’ fhàs ’s a chnoc, Mar stoc a bhuaileas an tonn; Cha bheatha dhomh ach am bàs, ’S mairg do ’n fàgair a làmh lom. 9 Caoillte, Goll, agus Gorri, Agus Oscar, uallach slios-gheal; Mise ’us Ruidhne o ’n a mheanbh bheinn, Gu-m b’e sid ainm an t-seiseir. ‘The above verses have been taken down, by Farquhar Mac Donnell Plockton, from the recitation of an old man, Farquhar Mac Rae, Kintail, who on his deathbed repeated them a day or two before his death.’ ‘Plockton, Lochalsh, February 1, 1866.’ M. 14. LAOIDH LAOMUINN MHIC AN UAIMH-FHIR. 106 lines. Gillies, page 302. I have one other version of this ballad; Gillies gives no hint where he got it before 1786. It is part of the Dialogue between Oisein and Pádruig, with the same actors in it. Laomuin, the Giant’s son, would seem to have something to do with the name of Beinn Laomuin (Ben Lomond.) Supposing him to be one of the people conquered in the last ballad, I place him here. The rhythm of this differs from the usual rhythm of these ballads. 1 IS cian o sin a Thulach ard, Gu facas air do bharr uair A bhuigheann nach diultadh roimh neach, Ge d’ tha thu ’n diu gun teach gun tuar. 2 ’S ann ortsa bhiodh Laomann mor Mac Nuagh-fhir (1) a chlaoi gach treis, Fear a chuir Alb fo aon chain, Le spionna dha laimh ’s a chleis. 3 Acruineachd, a h-airgiod ’s a h-or, A h-iasga geal, a feoil ’s a fion, A leuga logmhor is a maoin Ghabhadh leis an laoch gun fhiach. 4 A ris thainig cairioll ’s an Fhiann Mac Righ Alba na ’n sciath ’n oir; Cha bu ladhaid thu sud mu d’ rath A thulach dhaite dhea’ ghlan snuagh. 5 Bha sinn ann cath niar thiom, Nach do phill re aite cruaidh, Gun easbhuidh faobhair no rainn, Ge mor a bh’air ar ceinn do shluagh. 6 Thainig Diarmad ’s Caoilte cruaidh, Fo ’n bhrataich euchdaich arm-ruaidh, Le ’n eathaibh millteach gun dail Bu dearg sochair an iomairaidh. (1) Cha bhi mi ’s an laoch a riar. [TD 107] 7 Thaing an ceathramh Cath d’ ar Feinn, Curaidh bu mhaith feim air tos, An laoch nach tugadh briathar tais, Iolunn bras Mac Mornai moir. 8 Naoi mic-fhichead Mornai moir Thainig chugainn le ’n sloigh mhear, Naoi fichead sciath gharg ann goil, A dheangadh ceud gach aon fhear. 9 Thainig chugainn Faolan fial, Deich ceud sciath is cloidheamh glas, Goisridh do mhaithibh na ’m Fiann, Gu Dun-laomunn nan ciabh cas. 10 Glaisein connachdach na ’n tonn Choncas an cath trom ag teachd, Fa choinne Feinn flathail Fiann Gu Dun-laomunn na ’n ciabh cas. 11 Thainig chugainn Galdui’ mor Agus Fiannachd Abarneachduinn, Fa choinne Feinn flathail Fiann, Gu Dun-laomunn na ’n ciabh cas. 12 Thainig chugainn an deis noin Cath Fheinn Mhic Cumhail Mhic Treunmhoir; Gu ’m b’ i sud an Toirc ghreadhnach Fionn fein ’s a lan teaghlach. 13 Thainig an Fhiann ghaolach gu mor, Leis na glas laoich bu chruaidh neart; Sluagh, fothrom is caithreim na ’m Fiann, Thainig sin, ’s bu trom am feachd. 14 Bha fear rompa bu caoine gloir, Gun easbhuidh sioda na saor-shroil, Bhiodh air taobh deas an fhir mhoir An cuiseir gasta an-mor. 15 Or gu pailt air na h-earluinn Air slios an laoich mhoir mheanmnich 16 Chuige thionaileadh an Fhiann As gach sliabh an ear ’s an iar. Bu lionar sin a bha sinn ann Lireach agus lann is fear. 17 Corr agus naoi mile Burc Dh’ iath sinn iad mu Dhun na ’n dos; Raineadh sinn Tulach na ’m blath Ghabh sinn tur is tamh is fois. 18 Chuaidh sinn fo ’n Ghil-ghreine Seachd catha na gna Fheinne, Fo ’n chrann chiuil bu mhath buaidh, Foi ’n Reilin daite arm-ruaidh. 19 Chunnaic sinn mu ’n cuairt d’ an Dun Comhlaoich re daoradh dluth shleagh, ’S an laoch fuileach air an ceann, ’S cinnteach gu ’m bu sean a bhias. (2) 20 Dh’ eirich Laomunn gu deas, Air teachd oirne greis d’ an lo, ’S iomadh lamh agus cos A theasgadh leis agus ceann. 21 ’S iomad sleagh a chorcradh leis, ’S lionar cneas sna chuir e lann, Bu lionar draoiseach ’nar Feinn, B’ aillsidh creachdan fo laimh. 22 Dh’ eirich Oscar an aignidh mhoir, A chosgadh ’n fhir bha ’n gar dho; Dhosan comhrag chaogad laoch Niar dh’eitich an saoi sa chleo. 23 An t-Oscar mor bras-bhuilleach Fear a reubadh gach cath, An tuil mhor gharbh ghasta, Ur mhacan an ard-fhlath. 24 Mo mhac-sa bhuadhaich an cnoc, Le h-Oscarr a thuit an t-aoidh, ’S ioma’ reuba bha na chorp, ’S ioma’ loit na dheas-thaobh. 25 Seachd ràthain do ’n Almhain uir Ga leigheas ann cuirt na ’n Gall, ’S cha dubhairt Oscar aich no iòd, Ge h-ioma cnead a bha ann. 26 Is mise Oisain dea’ mhac Fheinn, Is ann rinn gu leigeadh e run; An la sin bu mhor mo rath, Bu mhi an dara cath air thus. 27 Beir mo bheannachd uam an nochd, Beir m’ anam bochd gu Dia; Soruidh uam ad’ chuideachd Fheinn; Leinn a Thulach ard is cian. THE STORY OF DEARG. THE last story was a broken history of a blood feud between Celts and Scandinavians, lasting through several generations, and ending in the ‘tightest battle’ the Heroes ever fought. This seems to be another story of a blood feud. We are told that Cumhall, Fionn’s father, slew the father of Dearg mac an Deirg. A prose story tells that Oisein’s mother was daughter of Dearg, and that she was enchanted, wooed, and won uuder the form of a deer. In a third story the Feinne go hunting with Dearg. To test his wife, they pretend that he has been slain by a boar. The wife prepares the funeral feast, sings a ballad, and dies. Dearg invades Ireland from Scotland; some specify Mull as his kingdom. The Feinne, who had gone from Ireland to hunt with Dearg, fight him when he invades their country, and Goll slays him in a ballad. Of this ballad 10 versions are known to me:—1. About 1690 a version was written at Ardchonail, 267 lines. 2. About 1750 Mac Nicol wrote a version at Lismore, 290 lines. 3, 4, Kennedy wrote two versions, 256 and 256. 5. About 1780 Bishop Young got 36 lines in Scotland somewhere. 6. About 1800 Dr. Irvine got 38 lines about Dunkeld. 7. Mac Donald got 60 lines in the North of Scotland. 8. Mac Callum printed 294 lines in 1813. 9. In 1862 a great many people knew the story, and some few could repeat parts of this ballad. 10 Mac Donald’s version, S., I never heard, but I read his version in June 1872. Fionn next went from Ireland to Scotland to hunt. He fell asleep. Diarag og Mac Righ Deighir, one of the Feinne was with him. A stranger wished to avenge his father on Fionn. Diarag defended Fionn, and was slain. Fionn awoke, lifted the dead warrior, lamented him, and had him buried at Albhi, where the Feinne were buried. The next bit of the story is well known as a ballad. Conn, the son of Dearg, possibly brother to Diarag òg, came from Scotland to Ireland to avenge his father’s death on the Feinne. Goll, who slew the father, also slew the son. The warrior is described as a giant. The Story then concerns four generations: Cumhall, Fionn, Oisein, Oscar:—Irish at blood feud with:—Dreabhal, Dearg, Dearg Mac an Deirg, and Conn Mac an Deirg, Scotch chiefs alternately friends and foes, but with the vendetta always behind. Dearg’s wife says (O. 28., verse 2) that she was the daughter of Laomain, the son of Roc. In M. 14. Laomain, the Giant’s son, is invaded and overcome. But Roc (p. 63) was the name of the one-eyed, one-legged runner slain by Fionn;—brother of the Smiths, who were allies of Manus, the Scandinavian foe. So the whole system hangs together. A great many stories are all brought to the same point. Whatever the story may be, it ends about Teamhra, or Albhinn, the seats of the Irish High King and his army. According to tradition, ‘The praise of Goll was sung after the slaying of Conn Mac an Deirg.’ Verses (33 to 37. D. Conn Mac an Deirg) indicate another blood feud between the Clanna Baoisgne and Clanna Morna, which began in the days of Cumhall and ended in the overthrow of the Feinne. Parts of this series of ballads have been indentified with passages in Mac Pherson’s ‘Calthon and Colmal,’ p. 219, edit. 1762. I cannot see the resemblance. Dr. Smith seems to have composed a poem upon this theme, p. 277. edit. 1780, ‘Dargo the Son of Druivel.’ The Argument contains part of the Story of Dearg, but the poem itself and the Gaelic equivalent differ entirely from the Gaelic ballads which Dr. Smith’s neighbours, Mac Nicol and Kennedy, gathered orally in the same parish and district. Of Conn Mac an Deirg, I have D., 188 lines; F., 210; H., 130; I., 176; L., 170; M., 144; O., 159; S., 116; Z., orally collected by myself, 16, 158; 17, 66; 19, 139; 27, 191; 32, 60. In 1871 I heard the ballad sung by peasants in the Highlands. Of this story in verse I have of Dearg’s Story, 1513; of his son’s story, (2) Sean, no teann a mheas. [TD 108] 2,047; in all, 3,560 lines, which I have collated. I print a selection below. Were they fused these would make about 600 lines, but to fuse them would be to lose the variations which seem to bear upon subjects of general interest, namely, Philology and Tradition. D. 16. DUAN AN DEIRG. 290 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection, Ossianic Ballads. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, February 29, 1872. A comparison of this version with Kennedy’s proves that they had no written original from which to copy. Both wrote from oral recitation in different districts, and their versions vary accordingly. 1 GLEIS air caithreim an Fhir mhoir, Thainig thugain an ceud uair; An treun Laoch bha lan do dh’ oil, B’ e ’n Dearg dana Mac Dreithin. (Treithin) 2 Thug e a Mhuinnin do, An ceud La aig dol air sail; Nach faighadh e geil air bith; Aigh aon Fhianaigh air Fheobhas. 3 Go Thasg nan Fiann as mor Goil, Gluasaidh an Dearg Mac Dreithin, An oir fo Thir nam Fear fionn, Gu crichibh Iaradh Fear Eirin. 4 An Dithist Laoch nach d fhuillin Tair, Aig aibhric a Chuain chobhair bhain; Bha Raoidhne Rod-gheal Mac Finn, San Caoil Crogha Mac Cribhinn Righin. 5 Tra-shoir an Ti thin thair chuan, Thuitidir nan Guilibh Suainn, Gus an do ghaibh Barc an Fhir Bhoir, Car air an Traigh dan geur Choibhidh. 6 Thug an Laoch fa theintidh Dreich, Leim thair a crannibh craosach; ’S tharruing e a Bharc air snaigheadh, Air an Traigh dhil ghaineich. 7 Bha Fault Fion-bhui mar or cheard, Oscion a mhaillcathin nach Duigh; ’Sa dha Gheare ghorma mar ghlainnidh, ’S bu dhealbh-ghnuis do ’n mhilidh. 8 Bha dha shleigh chrann-reibhir chath, An Laibh Mhic an ard Fhlath; ’Sgiath oir air a ghualin chlith, Aig Mac uasal an ard Riogh. 9 Lann nibhe ri liodairt chorp, Aig an Laoch gun eagal coibhraig; Neul cuntuidh clocharra corr, O ’n mhilidh shocharra shuil-ghorm. 10 Geil gaisgaidh an Doibhin Toir, A choissin an Dearg Mac Dreithin; Air mheid a Thappa air Dheilibh, Air choibhrag ceart air cheudibh. 11 Dhuisgidh Raoidhne Rod nior Thiom, ’San Caoil Ceutanuch crogha calma; Glaccadar an airm Laoch nan Laibh, Agus Ruidheadar na choibhdhail. 12 Habhair sgeul dhuinn Fhir mhoir, Oirn’ a ta gaibhrac a Chuainn; Da Mhac Riogh le sar phailt shinn, Dion lan uaislin na h-Eirin, 13 An Toisg fo ’n taine mi nois, Cho ’n ium aon neach da ain-fhios; ’S mi ’n Dearg Mac Riogh nam Fear fionn, ’G iarruidh ard Rloghachd Eirin. 14 Labhair Raoidhne ’n aigne mhir, Ciod e an Rioghan Dearg Mac Dreithin; Freigairt na geil air Tir Fail, Com am faigheadh tus e Laoich Iumlan. 15 Ge maith shibhs’ a Dheishe Laoich, Do bhrigh Farmaid & Fraoich; Co bhacca dhim a gabhail, A glaccadh na hiom ghabhail. 16 Nan sloininse dhuitsa na cathan, A Dheirg Mhic an ard-Fhlath; Slionbhar an Teibhra Laoch Lainn, A dh’ euridh riutsa da’d choibhrag. 17 ’S mo Bhriathar ge borb do Raithin, Deir an Caoil Ceutanaeh croagha calma; Gun rachains do’d dheichuin anois, A Laoich ud a thainig thairris. 18 Air a chaol chrogha bu mhath Dreich, Leimidh an Dearg gu dasanach; Le Fraoch mor & le feirg, ’S mairg air an do bhuail an treun Laoch. 19 Dhianaigh an Dearg coibhrag cruaidh, ’S an Caol crogha le mor uaill; Agus thug iad Torrinn deas teann, Re sgolta sgiath & chath-bharra. 20 Gum iomrapa na Deishe, Ann san Iurrughail nior thairris; Gu do cheangladh leis an dearg, An Caol crogha san Chrodh-linn. 21 Dh’ eirich Raodhne Rod-nior thiom, An deis an Caol crogha do chriplidh; Mac Riogh na Fein gu sar, Choibhid an Treun-fhear ’sga chonbhail. 22 B’ iongantach an cheassibh Goil, Eattara san air chruaidh Feime, Gus ’n do cheangladh leis an Dearg, Raodhne nan Rod ’s nan Luath bheumanan. 23 ’S ro mhaith ’n gniobh san Cala dhuit, Shinne mar Dithis do cheangal. Fuaisgail an Crioplaidh Laoch Lain, ’S bigh shinne nar dithist ma ’d thiomchil. 24 Fuasglaidh an Dearg ’s nior threish Fiach Cuibhreach na Dushe deo Laoch; ’S ghaibhe an Briathar leth far leth, Nach toga shiad arm na Aoghaidh. 25 Gluasadar an shin gu Teibhra, Gu Cormaig a bhoir Theoghlaich; Mac Driethin nan geur Lann buaghach, Gu Triath Teabhra nan deagh Luaidhrean. 26 Dh’ eirigh na Fir shin a Thoabhra, Fir mhora dhireacha dheallabhach; ’S gu ’m b’ iumma Fear dhonn-bhroit-shroil, An tiomchioll Chormaig an ceud uair. 27 Labhair Triath Teabhra gun oir, Suighibhse Chliar chalma churanta; ’S cha ’n uabhar dhuibh Fearg an Fhir, ’S na Togaibh airm na aoghaidh. 28 Air Eachdaridh na Faiche dho, Dho Mhac Dreithin nam mor scleo; Leigas na Roidin Riaghailleach, 29 Bheannuich an Dearg le gloir bhinn, Do Thriath Teabhra gu aobhinn; Agus fhreagair am Flath agus Doruinn, De Chath mhilidh na treun oige. 30 Suighidh an Dearg is nuon thiom, Agus fiarruiche (1) ard Riogh Eirin; Do bhriogh do Thuruish gu Teabhra, Innish e Laoich mhoir mheanmnuich. 31 She beachd mo Thuruishe dhuit, Mhic Airt Churanta Chormaic; Treis do dh’ Eirin bu mhaith leom, Na Fiass bheumanan mu d’ Thiomchioll. 32 Geil Eirin do tabhairt air muir, ’S mairg a dhiaraigh i a threun Fhir; A Prish cha choissin I gu brach, A deis a tabhan le aon oglach. 33 Mu ’n faighinse nalsa Chormaic, Flathas uille gun Doruinn; Coibhrag chuig ceud do chlannibh curaidh, Uaisle Mhic Airt ghrinn churant. (1) Fiosruiche. [TD 109] 34 Chuir Cormaig a cheud calma, A chluidheadh an Deirg ga Bhuintir; Da cheud eille bu ghniobh dho, Chlaoidh an Dearg san aon Lo. 35 Chuir e Teachdarichd gu luath, luath, Gu Mac Cubhail a mhor shluaidh; Thainic air an Lamabhaireach, Mac Cubhail gu mor-dhailich. 36 Le nao mile gaisgeach glan, Nach pillidh ascail na scainnir; Aillibh oir mu cheann gach Fir, Do shluaidh Fheine a h-Albhuinn. 37 Sgiatha Fithidh le ’n Imlibh oir, Le ’n Earraidh sheibhidh saobh-shroil; ’S gheabh sluagh Mhic Morna nan creach, Cuirm is poit an Taigh Teabhradh. 38 B’ e Iomrapa Mhic Riogh na Mionn, Air Tighin a steach ga’r Pobbul; Thug na nao mile cleass Luth, ’S ann ab’ aobhar Iomruinn. 39 Gun bheannuich Fionn gun Dail, ’S fhreagair an Dearg Dreach-bhor dha; ’S dhiar e Cubha gu luath, Air Mac Cubhail na Coibhrag. 40 O ’n La ’s math do Laibhsa Fhir, ’She thubhairt Flath Feinn Albhuinn; Thoirbheirtinse Braidin (2) dhuit, A Dheirg air Eggal coibhraig. 41 Mas sann thuggamsa thrialfas shith, A Laochidh le ’r claighin solluist; Uailse ceud ullabh Fhinn, A Mhic Cubhail airm ghrinn. 42 Chuir Fionn a cheud calma, A chlaoidh an Deirg da mhuintir Air Chonn ’s air Dhorn Mac Smail, ’S air Lann Mac Lonain. 43 Thuit Connan Mac an Lein, Agus an Dorn da reir; Thuit le Laibh gun Lochd, Ceud Fear Fuilleach faobhar-nochd. 44 Dh’ eirigh Faolan le Feirg mhoir, ’S togair a Mheirg shaorridh shroil; Agns phrosduichir a Chip Chatha, Dol a chosnadh mhic an ard Fhlath. 45 Gith Teine gith Cailce cruaidh, Do bhi dheth ’n Lannibh san uair; Agus Gith eille do nimhe, Do bhi do Lannibh na Mhilidh, 46 Gun do thaisgeadar an Lannaibh, Air an Corpadh caobha cneas-ghealla; ’S gun do ghlaic Iad cuim a cheile, An deis an urnaidh do aidbhail. 47 Gun do cheanladh leis an Dearg, Faolan Crogha nan Caoibhruin, 48 A Ghuil Mhic Morna nach miolta, Gniobh do mhir Crogha na Calmhuinn; Caisg dhiom coibhrag an Fhir, Bheirigh Gaisge a mhor shluaidh. 49 ’S leat fein shud air tus do Dhala, Trian Cubhadh & Feudalach; Deich ceud Uighe do ’n oir fa thri Gheibha tu uams’ ars an Ard Riogh. 50 Gad a Dhraotar le Feine, Clanna Morna Mhunga bhuighe; Bheirin fein mo Choibnne dhuit, A Riogh na Heirin da d’ Fhurtachd. 51 Shin mar a ghluasadh Mac Morna, Na chullaidh Chatha, chruaidh choibhraig; A chasg Uabhar an Laoch Lain, ’S mairg a phrosnuiche na choibh-dhail. 52 Shinn mar thogadar an Fhola, An Dithist mhilidh ro ghlanna; Le snaidheadh chloggad is sgiath, Eadar Mac Dreithin is Iulluin. 53 Shin nar thogadar an cleass, Aig an Dreinnadar am mor chloass; ’S aig ’n do Thost Fir Eirin uille Ri Fiass-bheumanan na h-Iurraghaille. 54 Sheichd oichin & sheichd Lo, Far m bu tuirsich Mic is mnai; Gus am fac iad Goll Mor, An uachdar air an Dearg aibhidh. 55 Fuatr Goll mar a ghealladh leis, Fo Mhac Cubhail gun aineas; ’S bu bhuigheach am Flath gun duair, Do choibhrag Iullain arm-ruaidh. 56 La is Bliaghan an Dubhar Ghuile, An deigh bhi coibhrag an Laoch Lain; Bha Mac Morna le Fios, An Taigh Toabhra ga leigheas. 57 Mishe Fear is Fili Fhionn, Air sgath Feine Mhic Cuibhail; Teachd an Trein Fhir air Tuinn, Trian a ghaisgidh nior dh’ Innish. VARIOUS.H. 17. HOW DEARG WAS KILLED BY GOLL. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 83. 256 lines. Advocates’ Library, December 14, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871. Dublin. Not known to Hennessy.—J. F. C. THE ARGUMENT. THERE was a king on a part of Scotland called Drea-bhall, or rather Draó-bhoil, means an Inchanter in Battle, who would get victory over any set of people by his evil wisdom, and he had a son named Dearg; for his cheeks was very red and most beautiful to behold. When he came to manhood, and had learnt how to make use of arms, he thought proper to go to Ireland, in expectation that he would gain all that Island to himself, against all the force of the Cormac. But if they would give him a reward for his fear, he would not want no more, but if not, he wants 100 of their best Champions at once to keep com-flight with him. He killed 1,200 of Cormac’s best Champions in one day; then he sent for Fingal, who lives at Alirin (at that time) in the said Kingdom, for to get his aid. Fingal came, and Dearg killed 200 of his best Heroes in one day: then he send Goll to him, and the Duel last six days and a half before he could kill him; and he was a day and a year lying with his wounds before he was cured. DAN 23. 1 GREIS air caithream an fhir mhoir A thainig oirnne cheud oir; An treun laoch s’ e lan do mhear ghoil, Gu b’ e ’n Dearg dana Mac Drea-bhail. 2 Thug e freiteach an laoch lán. Seal mu ’n d’ ainig e thair sáil; Nach pilleadh gu ’n ghéil gu mór-thir, Do bhri’ na Feinn’ s Chormaic cómhraig. 3 Gu nós na Feinn ’s bu gharg a lon, Dh’ imich an Dearg Mac Dreabhail o noir; O thir na ’m fior feara tréuna, Gu criochaibh fiorann Fiann Eirann. 4 Air dol do ’n laoch lom a sheóladh, Seal mu ’n d’ uabhair e gu cómhrag; Do chomharaich an Dearg déud gheal, Air Beinn éudain nan sluagh aoibhain. 5 Diais do bha aig an tráidh, Coimhead a chuain chobhair bháin; B’ iad sin Righ nan ród mac Fhiun, ’S an Caol-cro mac Ribhinn bhinn. 6 Cho do dh’ fhair iadsan an cuan, Ach thuit iad nan sioram suan; Gus an d’ ainig Bát an fhir mhoir, Air an tráidh mhín da ’n ceart chóir. (2) Hostages. [TD 110] 7 Chuaidh an tréun laoch bu mhór neart, An gathaibh a chaol chrann neo-meat; Leag e beairteachadh gu teóma, ’S tharruing i gu cithe caolais. 8 Dh’ imich an Dearg bu mhaith dreach, Chucasan an sin a steach ’S bha fholt donn bhuidh mar ór ceard, Os ceann a chuirp a b’ áille dreach. 9 Bha da dhearc shuil ghorma ghloin, Ann an gnúis a mhilidh bhail; ’S bha dha ghruaidh cho dearg re corcair, ’S cho chaoin re iughar nan cnocaibh. 10 Bha da shleagh reamhar gu sgathadh, An laimh mhic Righ nan ann latha; ’S cloidheamh sínte r’a shlios garbh-gheal, Gheibha buaidh air sluaigh d’ an calmas. 11 Bha clogaid do ’n teannda mu ’n cheann, Bu tréun aobhneach, neartmhor calm; Is sgia’ uain air gualain chlí, Deadh mhac uasal an árd Rígh. 12 Barr áill is gaisgidh an t-shaóghail, Do choisain an Dearg mac Draobhoil; A mead an gilead, an aóibhneas, An cómhrag deise ’s an ceatfaidh. 13 Bha a milidh clocharra córr, Fuidh chochalach úr-ar ghorm; ’S bha lann nimhe gu claóidh ’s gu leónadh, Air leis gun eagal cómhraig. 14 Ghluais an diais bu mhór ágh, Na choinneadh nach d’ fhuilaing táir, Dhol a dh’ fhaghail sgéula dhe’, Cia e, no cia as a theachd. 15 ‘Ailis sgéula dhuinn fhir mhóir, Oirnne tha coimhead an t-slóigh; ’S diais laoch sar mhaith sinn, Do dh’ uaisle maithaibh fiann Fhinn.’ 16 ‘Ma san chugams’ thainig bhur treis, Cho deachaidh aon laoch riamh o ’m ghreis, ’S mi an Dearg mac Righ nam Fionn, Thoirt Eirinn gu leir o Fhionn.’ 17 ‘A Dheirg nan iomadidh sgleó, ’S faoin do bharail, cia ro mhór; Treise do lamh is do chuim, Gu dean thu re ’r la an túrnn.’ 18 ‘Mar a fuigheam fain gu deónach, Géill air eagal mo gharbh chómhraig; Gheibh Eirinn Dhamh fein re ’m línn, A dhainn-deoin Chormaic is Fhinn.’ 19 ‘Na ’m feacha’ tusa re ’r maitheadh, A Dheirg mhic Righ nan ann lathaibh; ’S iomad laoch a gheibht’ d’ ar seorla, Nach stuatha’ tu choidh r’a chómhrag.’ 20 ‘C’ áit am bheil aon laoch dhiu sin, Se labhair an Dearg le cith; ’S gu feachamaide r’ a chéile, Le fiathach mór ’s le h-ann réite.’ 21 ‘Air a ghlóirsa ge binn aoibhneach, ’S e labhair an Caol-cro céatfach, Gu reachamsa fein gu d’ chlaoidh, O na thainig thu thair tuinn.’ 22 Chuaidh iad an sin chuig a chéile, Na fir mhora bu leóir géire; Choi-sgreadadh gach beann d’ an lannaibh, ’S chrithaichadh am blár fui ’n casaibh. 23 B’ e sin an cómhrag teth teann, A sgoltadh sgia’ is chruaidh lann; Gus ’n do chlaoidheadh leis an Dearg, An Caol-cro, is a thréun fhearg. 24 Chuir e a chaoil gu teann daingann, Na cuigear fuidh ’n aona cheangal; ’S cho raibh fannadh air gu cómhrag, Na ’s mo na tréun tuinn re mór ghaoith. 25 Dh’ eirich Righ nan Ród gu sgiobalt, ’N deidh an Caol-cro a chriophladh; Mac Righ na Féinne gu ’n táir, ’N coinneadh an tréun fir ’s na dháil. 26 Bhuail iad an sin air a chéile, Mar bhriseadh tréun tuinn ag eibhaich; Agus chluinte toirm is gaóiraich, Ac mar shrann ghaoith teach thair aonach. 27 B’ e sin an cómhrag ro gharg, A sgoltadh sgia’ is chruaidh lann; Gus ’n do chlaoidheadh leis an Dearg, Righ nan Ród, is a thréun fhearg. 28 Cheangail s’ e e gu teann gabhidh, ’S cho raibh sin na throm d’ a lamhan; Oir cheangladh e céud lán ármaicht, Do thréun laoich fhuileachdach chalma. 29 ‘’S maith do ghniomh agus do ghabhail, Sin faraon a bhi fuidh d’ cheangal; Fuasgail air cuibhreich a laoich láin, Is tog sinne faraon mu d’ láimh.’ 30 ‘O’ na tharladh dhuinn fui’ d’ mhein, Deansa iochd oirnn le deadh ghné; ’S bheir sinn braithar dhuit gu deónach, Nach tog airm a’ d’ aidhaidh ’n cómhrag.’ 31 Dh’ fhuasgail an Dearg bu mhór neart, Cuibhreach na’ deis’ bha ’n deadh dreach; ’S cho d’ iarr a briathar air neach, Ach leig e mu sgaoil iad as. 32 Ghluais iadsan an dara mháireach, Gu teach Chormaic na mór abhachd; ’S mac Dreabhaill nan geur lann buadhach, Gu teach Auna na mor shluaghaibh. 33 Rainig iad pobull Righ Auna, Na fir bha mór díreach calma; ’S b’ iomaid neach le dhonn bhrat sróil, Mu theach Chormaic teachd d’ ar coir. 34 ’N sin labhair Cormaic gu ’n oth ’n, ‘Suidheadh a chliar chalm san tród; Na stuathadh re feirg an fhir, ’S na togadh bhur ’n airm dh’ a gin.’ 35 Air suidh do ’n Dearg, ’s nior thím, Sin a dh’ fhiosraich ard righ Eirann; ‘Bri’ do thurais-sa thair múir, Innis dhuinne laoich mhóir thruid.’ 36 ‘’Se bri’ mo thurais o Albinn, Ard-righ Churanta Chormaic; Géill Eirinn do bhuntain leom, No fras bhéumanna’ gu ’m chom.’ 37 ‘Geill Eirinn thabhairt thair muir, Gi de ge d’ iannadh tréun truid; ’S cís nach togar i gu brath, Air tathach le aon lámh.’ 38 ‘Mar a fuigheams’ uaisla Chormaic, Maitheas agus duais gu deonach; Cómhrag céud do chlanna curidh, ’S áill leam fhaghail gu aon tulaich.’ 39 ’N sin do chuir Cormac céud calma, A chlaoidh an Deirg a dh’ aon aurra; Thuit an céud sin la roid bhorbsan, Is ceud eile mhuintir Chormaic. 40 ’N uair chunnaig an Righ an Dearg, ’Dol air a luthchleas le fearg; Chuir e teachdaire gu luath, Gu mac Chuthaill na mor shluagh. 41 Thainig orra ’n dara mháireach, Fionn Mac Chuthaill na mór dhálach, Le seachd mile gaisgeach allail, Nach sgiuthadh air ais le sgannail. 42 Bha sgia’ uain’ an iomlaig óir, Air earradh síde séud óir; ’S bha sailm mhór mu cheann gach feinnidh, Air fir Fhinn a h-Albheinn eibhainn. [TD 111] 43 Air teachd gn sa mhagh dhuinne, ’N ar buidheann churanta shuthach; Thog an Dearg mac Righ nam Fionn, Pubull mór gu fulang teann, 44 An sin ’n tra thainig Fionn féin, Is a phobull d’ a dheadh réir; Bheannaich e gu binn do ’n Dearg, Do ’n óg innealta dhon dhearg. 45 Do bheannachdsa Dheirg áluin, ‘’S deirge gruaidh na subhan fásaich; ’S gile bian no canach sleibhe, No úr shnachd air bharra ghéuge.’ 46 ‘Fhir is ághoir neart is uaisle, Raibh mar charraig re h-uchd bualte; Innis dhamsa bri’ do thurais, O Albinn nan armaicht curidh.’ 47 ‘Innseams’ sin dhuit Fhinn gu ’n táir, Is do d’ shluagh o Albheinn árd; A dh’ iarruidh cumha neo cómhrag, Ortsa mhic Chuthaill a ’m ónrachd,’ 48 ‘Air a laimhsa ge maith ’n gabhadh, Se labhair Fionn nam béum gáidheal; Cha toir mise géill dhuit deónach, A Dheirg air eagal do chómhraig.’ 49 ‘Mar a fuigheams’ uaits’ Fhinn shuthaich, Duais mhór air eagal mo luinne; Cómhrag ceud do dh’ fhearra calma, ’S áill leam fhaghail air a bhall so.’ 50 ‘An sin do chuir Fionn céud calma, A chlaoidh an Deirg a dh’ aon aurra; Thuit an ceud sin le roid ghábhidh, Is céud eile shluagh Righ Pháile.’ 51 ’N sin ’n uair chunnaig Fionn an Dearg A dol a’ rís air a luthchleas; Bhrosnaich e a chip chatha, Is uaislean ’sa mhór mhaithaibh. 52 Dh’ eirich Faoghlan am fearg mhor, Le chraosaich rinn iomad león; A dhol a dhiongail an laoich láin, ’S bu mhairg a bhrosnaich e na dháil. 53 B’ e sin an cómhrag nach b’ fhánn, A sgoltadh sgia’ is chruaidh lann; Gus ’n do chlaoidheadh leis an Dearg, Faoghlan fuileach le thréun fhearg. 54 ‘A Ghuill mhic Mornna na mor ghniomh, A churaidh chrodha, ’s tréun air dion; Nach coisg thu cómhrag an fhir mhóir, A lamh a ghaisgidh sa lamh mhór.’ 55 ‘Gheibh tu suidh’ air thús ’s gach áit, Da drian bo is each, is áil; Deich céud unca do ’n ór fhior, Is nas modha o ’n ard Righ. 56 ‘Ge do thuit le d’ chinneach fuileach, Clanna Mornn’ Mungaridh uile; Cho duilt mi mo chonadh dhuit, A Righ Pháil re d’ fheum an diu.’ 57 Dh’ eirich Goll ’s nin d’ fhuilaing táir, Na chulaidh éididh iomlan; ’S na h-airm sheanta do bha ’m bruid, Thog mac Mornna milidh ’n truid. 58 Bhuail iad an sin ait a chéile, Gu cruaidh cuidreach, is cho bhreugach; Chuaidh ’n leirg air chrith fui’ an casaibh, ’S chuaidh teine d’ an arma glasa. 59 Bhuaileadh iad ga neartmhor dobhidh, Mar dha mhuinne bhiodh re cómhrag; Choi’-éighadh creagaibh is beanntidh, Re airm nan curine calma. 60 Se la agus aon tra’ déug, A thug na curine sa bheum, Mu ’n do chlaoidh Goll nam béumaibh, ’N Dearg mór a cheart reiginn. 61 ’S olc a chuir a ruinn an Dearg, Dhiol e oirnna throm fhearg; Thuit leis da cheud do dh’ fhir Fhinn, ’S uighir do fhir Chormaic ghrinn. 62 Thuit sin leis an da la, D’ ar fir bu mho neart is ágh; Gu ’s an do mharbh Goll nam beumaibh E ’n seachdamh la cheart reiginn. 63 La is bliadhna ’n leabaidh Goll, An deidh leadairt an laoich luim; An tigh teamhra’ gu ’n fhios, Bha mac Mornna dá leighas. 64 ’S mise Oisain, filidh dubhach, Bha do ghna’ am Fiann Mhic Chuthaill; ’S mu dh’ éug am fear ud air thoisach, Gu ’r cian re ailis ar dochann. I. 12. BAS DHEIRG. 256 lines. Extracts. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 31. Advocates’ Library, April 5, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. DEARG the son of Dreathal is handed down by tradition in this manner. That he was a petty Lord of an island called Innis-dreithin. That his Father Drathal or Draobail was kilt by Comhal (Fingal’s Father) on account of his frequent invasions into Ireland, and his alliance to the Danes. When Darg come to Man’s state he sailed with 100 chosen men to Ireland, and protested he would be revenged upon both Cormac (then King of that realm) and Fingal for the death of his Father Dreathal. Upon the first day after his arrival he engaged 200 of Cormac’s army, who were all slain. Cormac sent an express for Fingal, who happened to be not far off. Fingal and his army arrived, and two hundred men are sent out to engage Darg’s party. In this action both parties are kilt. None remained now to disturb them, but Darg, who is engaged and kilt after a conflict of six days by Goll the son of Moirne, who lies sic of his wounds for a year and a day. 1 GREIS air caithream an fhir mhoir, A thainig oirnn le ceud sloigh; An treun laoch bu mhaith sa bhail, Gu b’ e ’n Dearg dana Mac Dreabhail. 3 Gu tir nam fior fheara treuna, An criochaibh foireann Fiann Eireann. 4 Air doll do ’n laoch throm a sheoladh, 7 Leag a’ siuil ar lar a taomaidh, ’S tharuing i an sglithe caolais. 8 Bha fholt fionn-bhuidh mar or ceard, 10 Bha da shleagh liobhar gu sgathadh, Ann laimh Mhic Riogh nan ann-latha; Cloidheamh sinte air slios a Ghaidheil, Gheibheadh buai’ air sluagh Riogh Phaile. 11 Bha clogaid do’ n tointe mu cheann, An laoich, cheutaich, neartmhoir, chalm; 12 Ann comhrag deise sann t-eug-bhail. 13 Is loinn nimh a choisgeadh torachd, Air a leis gnn eagal comhraig. 19 ’S iomad laoch dhinn dhol an torachd, Nach stuatha tu choi’ch a chomrag. 21 Gu feuchamsa fein an turnn, Ona thainig thu thar tuinn. 22 Thug iad an sin chuige cheile, Na suinn bu trom ann san t-eug-bhail; Choi-èigheadh gach beann d’ am beum. Chreithnich an leirg le fearg nan treun. 24 Ach mar threun tuinn ri h-euchd doilinn. 26 Sheas na suinn ri h-uchd a cheile, Mar bhriste buinne bha ’m beumaibh; Is chluinte torrainn nan laoch, Mar chreag Ulan roi ’n iom-ghaoth. 27 An comhrag sin, bu gharg, teann, 28 Cheangail e ’n sonn air an traidh, Cha raibh sin na throm da laimh; Oir cheangladh e ceud gun armadh, Do threun laoich fhuileachdach Chormaic. 30 Noch dhuinn einich ann dea’ ghnè; ’S bheir sinn freitich dhuit gu deonach, Gur leat ar ’n airm, is ar conamh. [TD 112] 34 Na stuathadh ri fearg nam fear, ’S na togadh ur ’n airm gu mear. 35 Bri’ do thurais-sa d’ ar rioghachd, Innis dhuinne, laoich, mhor, mhilidh. 37 ’S cìs i choi’ ch nach tog u ’n comhrag, Air a tathach le d’ cheud og-laoch. 38 Cìs is luachmhoir na mo thorachd; 42 ’S bha sai’l mhor mu cheann gach Feinnidh, Air fir Fhinn nan arma geura. 45 No cathamh cuir air bharr gheuga.’ [The introduction of Morven is worth notice. 47 Ortsa Mhic Cumhail na mor bheann. 49 Mar a fuigheams’ Fhinn na feile, Duais Mhic Riogh, gun stri, gun eura’, 55 A thì dh’ eiris air thus na seilg, Gheibh thu drian do mhaoin gach leirg; 56 Ge do thuit le d’ chinneach borb, Clanna Mungairidh nan colbh; 58 Bhuail na suinn air druim a cheile, Gu cruaidh cuidreach, is cho bhreugach; Chreithnich an leirg ’s chlisg no slnaigh Nach d’ thigeadh Mac Moirne uaith. 59 Bha ’n airm liobhara sa bhail, Mar theine na nial sa mhagh; Dh’ éigh na creagan sgread na glinn, Da’ m beumannaibh druim air dhruim. 60 Mun do mharbh Goll nan geur lann, 61 Thuit leis ceithir cheud d’ar sluagh, ’S an leith sud air Fionn nam buadh. 62 Thuit sud leinn an Dearg mor, mear, ’S na laoich a thug e air lear; Trein nam buadh bu chruaidh san toir ’S trugh a thuit san iomairt-sgleo. 63 ’N tigh Teamhra, gun fhios nan coi’ each, Do bha Mac Moirnne ga choimhead. 64 Bu deurach, tursach ann Fhiann, A’ caoidh nan treun air an t-sliabh; Ma thuit an Dearg bu trom docair, Bu chian ri ailis ar dochann. S. 8. DUAN DHIARAG, i.e., DIARAG’S POEM. 60 lines. COLLECTOR’S ARGUMENT. A KING of the name of McCanno, whose father, it seems, Fingal had slain, comes to revenge his death upon the Fingalians. He finds Fingal asleep on the heath, and Diarag, who was an intimate companion of Fingal’s, sitting beside him. Diarag, rather than disturb Fingal, encounters the King in person, and falls in the action. Fingal awoke, found Diarag expiring at his side, and not finding the perpetrator, pours out his lamentations over his lifeless body. 1 SGEUL th’ agam air Fionn fior ghlic ’S air Diarag og nan geallamh ’S air macan nan colg dhiomhasach Thanig anios a tir Ri Channibh. 2 Air Mac Cumhail Mhic treunmhoir Sud an sgeul tha mi ginnse Thanig e do shealg do Alba ’S ann a Erin urghlan Innsin. 3 Geisdachd ri fuaim na srutha Sri gutha nan Eoin Cheinne San thuit suain nach robh gu h’ eatrom Air Fionn-ghlic ogh Threunmhoir 4 Gun luidh sin air Fionn na Feinne ’S e air Tulach fhiorghlas sheamhoir Gun bhi maille ris don Fheannadh Ach Diarag og mac Ri Deighir 5 Labhrin riut am briathra fionald Agus dhinnsin dhut mo sgeul Ma se Fionn is e na chadal Na togair ’s dhol do dh’ fheuchan. 6 Ach air m’ ullain fein a Dhiarag Cha ’n ioslaich mis an ceums’ duit Ach an diobhil mi fein m’ athair Air Fionn oir gur flath nam Fiann e. 7 ’S baoth a ghloir a theiradh tusan Mhic Ceannibh o’ ghleann sleibhe Bithidh do cheann do’d dhimus fhabh thu Led ghloir chinn air ro-bheag ceill. 8 Sin ghluais fearg an da Ghrugair Agus thugadh iad gu cheil ’S b’ fhaid a chluinte no glaothil Curra’ Faoch am buillean ’s am beuman. 9 Tharruing iad sleaghan nimh Tharruing iad claidheamhan geur Bha cuirp is cnamhan gan gearradh ’S iad sior chur fol air a cheile. 10 Sin dar dhuisg Fionn na sleagha gabhi ’S e ’n lathair nam fear chalmund Thog e air a dheas laimh Diarag ’S e shinte sin gun anmuin. 11 Ach air m’ ullain fein a Dhiarag Nam dhidean dhomh do thearnadh Truagh nach bu naodh naonar do ’m mhaithibh Chaidh dhith do ’m ch Chaithibh, t’aitse 12 ’S e mor an-Eric sin air Diarag ’S labhair ris an sluagh lamhich ’S a luithad laoch treun re chathamh Bh’ agads’ do shluagh na h’ Albhi. 13 So an lamh nach diolradh mise Re m’ aois no’ re m’ aineol Ach an d’ thanig an fheachd dhubhach Thugads’ o’ thir Channibh. 14 Sud am meur bu ghlinn air theudan. Fo ’n bheul bu ro mhath guth Sud an lamh a b’ fhearr an ionas Cha ionald riabh san t’ sruth. 15 Togamid e chlaodh na h’ Albhi Far an t’ iolaicir na Fein Agus beannachd a bhi air t’ anam A dheagh Mhic Alpin Fheile. M. 11. DEARG MAC DEIRG. 40 lines. BHA fhios aig an Dearg gu ’n robh mór ghradh aig a mhnaoi dho; ghabh cuid fa laimh a dhearbhadh dho nach robe agradh treibh-dhireach, agus chum na criche-sin; chuir iad teachdair d’a h-ionnsuidh, le cuid eadach lan fola, a dh’ innseadh dh’i gu do mharbhadh an Dearg le Fiachullach. Air cluintin an sceil dhubhaich, chum i an dan so, ghabh i air a clairsich e, bhris a cridhe agus chaochail i. 1 AN Dearg Mac Deirg gur mis a bhean; Air an fhear ni ’n (1) d’ fhidir lochd; Ni ’m bheil saoi nach d’fhuair a leireadh (2) ’S truadh ata mi fein an nochd. 2 Dearg Mac Cholla (3) craobh d’ an Tu’r (4) Leis an seinnte gu ciuin cruit; ’S ionmhuinn aoidh air nach luidh fearg: Chlaoidheadh an Dearg leis a mhuic. 3 B’ ionmhuinn t-aghaidh mhin-dearg mhor, Bu deacair a cloth ann an cath Sin is cridhe farsuing fial, ’S bu ghile na Ghrian a dhath. 4 Mac Cuinn (5) a Innis Da-bhi, B’ ionmhuinn Righ air son ar sealbh; (6) Giolla gun ghaol bo no eich Re am creich, ach cloidheamh Dearg. 5 Ni ’n eitich e duine mu d’ ni, ’S ni ’n d’ iarr ni air neach fo ’n Ghrein: Fear bu mho ’s bu ghlaine dealbh: Cha ’n fhacas ann ach Dearg fein. 6 Ni ’n d’ iarr tha duine fa sheud, Ni ’n d’ rinn breug ’s ni ’n d’ fhidir lochd; ’S niar mho dhiult thu comhrag arm O neach ’gan robh an ’m na chorp. 7 ’S mi nighean Laomuinn Mhic Roidh, Dha ’n tric ’na phronnadh or air cheird; (7) Ge b’ iomadh ga m’ iarruidh saoi B’ fhear leam bhi ’nam mhnaoi aig Dearg. (1) Sud am fear nach. (2) Leir. (3) Mac cholla. (4) An iuil. (5) Print, picture. (6) Saoghn’. (7) B’ ionnann ’s Righ ar sealbh. [TD 113] 8 Gur mi nighean Athain fheinn Leis am fiosraichteadh gach dealbh; O sgaradh mo cheud fhear uam Cuirear mi san uaigh le Dearg. 9 Sud a sheabhac ’s a dha choin, Leis an doi’lich (8) cron na sealg; An tea leis am b’ ionmhuinn an truir Cuirear i nochd uir le Dearg. 10 Bha mi ann tigh an rair, (9) Dia an t-sliabh sin Chnoc na learg, ’S biaidh mi ann an uaigh an nochd Mu ’n scarar mo chorp re Dearg. O. 24. DEARG MAC DEIRG. 28 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 116. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. Rannan briste, or Fragments of Poems, from Captain Morrison Greenock, upwards of 80 years. 1801. 1 DEARG Mac Deirg gur mise bhean, Air an fhear cha didir lochd; Cha ’n eil saoi nach d’ fhuair a leira, Gur truagh tha mi fein de nochd. 2 ’S mi nighean Laomain mhic Roc, Do ’n tric a phronna òr nan ceard; Ge b’ ioma ga ’m iarraidh saoi, Gu ’m b’ fhearr leam bhi nam mhnaoi aig Dearg. 3 Gur mi nighean aithin Fhinn, Leis am fiosraicheadh gach dealbh; O ’n sgaradh mo cheud ghradh uam, Cuirear mi san uaigh le Dearg. 4 Mac Cuiun á Innis Da-bhi, ’S ionmhuinn righ, a sona ur sealbh; Gille gun ghaol bo no eich, Ri am creich ach cloidhe dearg. 5 ’S ionmhuinn t-aghaidh mhin dearg mhor, Bu deachdair a cloth ’n cath; Sin is Cridhe farsuing fial, Bu ghile na a ghrian a dhath. 6 Sud a sheobhag sa dha choin, Le ’n deanar moran cron an sealg; Am fear lem b’ ionmhuinn an triur, Cuirear iad san uir le Dearg. 7 Bha mi ann an tigh an Raoir, Air an t-sliabh sin chnoc na leirg; Bithidh mi ann an uaigh a nochd, Mar sgarar mo chorp o Dhearg. Multum caret. O. 28. DEARG MAC DRUIDHAN. 11 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 121. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 1, 1872. DEARG MAC DRUIDHAN. (al. DROIGHAN) 1 TREIS air chaithrean an fhir mhoir, Thainig an oir fo dhiombuidh (baigh) An treun fhear as e lan do ghoil, An Dearg dana Mac Druidhan. 2 An oir o thir na fear Fionn, Gu sith thoir rann Fiannachd Eirin, Chuid eile air chall ach an Rann ma Dheiri. 3 Seachd oidhche agus seachd la, Bu tuirseach Mic agus mna; Sgathadh chlogaid is cheann, Edar Goll agus Mac Druidhan. Got from Mr. Macdonald, of Dalchosnie, February 26, 1801. D. 17. CONN MAC AN DEIRG. 188 lines. Mao Nicol’s Collection. Advocates’ Library. Copied by D. Mac Pherson, May 3, 1872. 1 SGEAIA air Conn mac an Deirg Air a lìonadh le trom Fheirg, Dol a dhileadh Athar gun Fheall Air (Chriochaibh ro-mhor) na Herin. (Uislith ’s air Mhaithibh) 2 Airis duinne, Osshain narich, Mhic Fhein uasail so-ghraduigh, Sgelachd air Chonn fearrdha fearroil An sonn calma ciun ceannail. 3 Cia bo mho Conn na ’n Dearg mor, Osshain na ’n Briathra Binn-bheoil; No ’m bionnan dealbh dho is Dreach ’S do ’n Dearg mhor, mhearr, mheanmnach? 4 Bu mho Conn gu mor mor Tighin an caradh air sloigh Tarruing a Luinge a Steach Au Cumhang Cuain is Caoilis. 5 Shuidh e air an Tulich gar coir, An Fiuidh curanta ro-mhor, Sgabhadh e ga Chlesibh gargadh Siar an am Baileibh na ’n Niarmoilt. 6 Chaidh e ’n frilinibh nan Neul, Os air Cionn an sa ath-mhoid. (or mhiad) Is ni ’m baile neach faoi ’n Ghréin. No Conn nan Arm faobhar gheur. 7 Gruaidh chorcur mar Eughar caoin Rosg gorm faoi Mhala chorrich, chaoil; Falt orcheardail, grinnail, grinn, Fear mor meanmnach, fearroil eibhin. 8 Colg nimhe re Liodairt Chorp, Aig Laoich teug-bhuailteach na mor olc, Bhiodh a Chlaimh re sgadh Sgeidhe Aig an Laoich ri ath-réite. 9 Buaidh sgach Ball an raibh e riabh Air ghaisge air meud a ghniomh. Ghabh e coibhlan Neart gun Sgios, Re tabhairt Geil a moir chiois. 10 Go ’n tugainse Briathar cinteach, A Phadric, ge nar ri ins’ e Gur ghabh an Fhian Eagal uille, Nach do ghabh iad riabh roimh aoin Duinne. 11 Ri faicsin doibh Conna Choinn Mar Onna Marha le Toinn, Agus Falachd an Fhir mhoir, An coinnibh Athar a dhioladh. 12 Se huirt Connan maoil mac Morna, Leiger huìge an ceud uair mi, ’S go ’m buinin an Cean a mach Do Chonn di-measach, uaibhreach. 13 Marmhasg oirt a Chonnain mhaoil, Nach sguir thu ’d Lonnan a choidhch, Cha bhuinne thu ’n Cean do Chonn, ’S e huirt Osgar na mor-ghlonn. 14 Gluasidh Connan le (mu) mhi-cheil, Dhaindeoin na Feine gu leir, An Coinneabh Choinn bhuadhaich bhrais, Mar Char Tuaghal ma Aimh-leas. 15 Nuair chonnairc Conn bu chaoin Dealbh, Connan a dol an sealbh Arm, Thug e sioca air an Daoi, ’S e teachadh gu luadh do Dh’ Albhidh. 16 ’S iommad Crap is Bailc is Meall, Bha gat a suas air droch Cheann, Air Cean Chonnain mhaoil gu reamhar, ’S na coig Caoil san aoin Cheangal. 17 Beannachd air an Laimh a reinn sin ’S e labhair Fear na ’n Cruth nuadh, ’S go ma Turis gun eridh dhuit, A Chonnain mhi-cheile gun Fhealt. 18 ’N sin se Comhairle chinn doibh Deagh Mhac Fhein bu bhinn Gloir Chuir ghabhail sgeula ’n Fhear dhocair Gluasidh Feargheas binn Fhoclach. (8) Le ceard. (9) Gorta. [TD 114] 19 Gluasidh Feargheas binn, badhach, Glioc cialach mor-dhalach Air Comhairl’ Athar mar bu chòir Ghabhail Sgeul do Chonn ro mhor. 20 A Chuin mhor, bhuadhaich, bhrais, Fhir shugich, ait, eibhin, Ghabhail sgeul Thanas o Fhean Cea Fath do Thuris do D’h erin. 21 Insimse sinn duit gu beachd, Fheargheais, agus buin e leat, Eirig Mathar bail leum uaibhse, O Mhaithibh Teaghlaich ar mor uaisle. 22 Cean Fhein ’s dha Mhic mhora, Ghuill, Ghridhe agus Gharadh, ’S cinn Chlann Morna gu Huile Fheatuin an Eirig aon Duine. 23 Na Erin o Hoinn go Toinn, A gheileachd in do ’m aoin Chuing, Na comhrag coig Ceud dar Finneadh Fhaotain air Mhadain a Marach. 24 Gluasidh Fhearghuis thughain fhein, A Phadric, ni ’n Canam Breug, Go ’n do thosd an Fhein uille, Re cluintin Sgeul an aoin Duinne 25 Cia do sgeula o ’n Fhear mhor, Se raite Fean Flath an stloigh, Ailis dùine e go propadh ’S na ceil oirn’ e a dh’ aoin olcaid. 26 Se mo sgeula o ’n Fhear mhor, Gur ail leis Ceud dar sloigh Fhaoitin air Mhadain a Maroch, Gu Comhrag na Dioth-mhaileadh. 27 Se labhair cuig Ceud dar Finneadh, Caisgidh sinne a luath Mhire; Cha robh sud doibh mar a radh Bhi dul ann san Iommairt bhaite 28 Hug e a mach Cloimh an Deirg mhoir Le conna Catha cheud Uair, Thug e ruadhar Fhir an Gran Mar Sheabhaic measg Ealta mhin-eun. 29 Biomad Fear sa Ghair a bhoss, Iomad Laimh ann is leath-choss, Iommad Cloigin ann is Ceann, Cuirp gun choigleadh air a Bhall. 30 Cuig Ceud eile ge ’d bhi ann, Go ’n tuiteadh iad air aoin Bhall, Is Conn a cailceadh a Sgiadh, ’G iarridh Comhraic ’s go m b’ ain-riar. 31 Hagh sinn seachd fichid Fear mor, Do Mhaithibh Teaghlaich ar mor sloigh Hoirt a chinn do mhac an Deirg, ’S dhaithnigh sinn Fear faoi Throm-fheirg. 32 Chaidh ar seachd Fichid no dhail, ’S ann orra thanic an Di-mhail, Thug e ruadhar Fir forthuin Bu luadhe e na Roth Gall-mhuillin. 33 Thuit ar seachd fichid Fear mor, Babhar Tuirse e ’s Do-bhroin; Go ’n ’d leig an Fhein gair Chruaidh Re dioghugha a mhoir-shluaidh. 34 Fhir a chleachd mo chamhair riamh, Ghoill Mhic Morna no mor-ghniomh, Bu mhian Suile gach ’b aile ’S a Phrionsa Tola na Dio-mhaladh. 35 ’S dana leam Conn bagra ort ’S air Clanna Morna gu huille, Nach buinne thu ’n Cean deth gu fearroil Mar rein thu ga Athair roimhe. 36 Dheanainse sin duitse Fhein, Fhir na ’n breathra, blath, binn, Chuir gach Fuadh ’s folachd air cuil, ’S go biodhmaid uille dh’ aoin Run. 37 Gedo mharbhadh thu m’ Fhein uille, Gu diothugha an aoin Duinne; Bhithin fein ’s mo Threuna leat A Riogh na Feine ga d’ chabhair. 38 Gluaisidh Goll na Chulaidh Chruaidh, Ann an Fianis a mhor-shluaigh, Bu gheal, dearg gnuis an Fhir, Na Horc garg dul an Tus Iorudhail. 39 Huidheachad an sin na Cip Chatha A dhoil a habhairt an ard Latha, ’S na Airm sheanta a bha ’m Braid, Thog Mac Morna mileant Iad. 40 Nuair chaidh iad an Dail a Cheile, Cha nacfas riabh an Co-Baoibhail; Na Curidhnin bu gharmh Cith, Chuir iad an Tulich air bhall-Crith. 41 Dith Fola do chnaimhibh an Cuirp, Dith Teinne do ’n Armaibh nochd, Dith Cailce do sgiaibh ’n Aidh, Dul siar ans na Hiormailtibh. 42 Biomad Gaoir do Theinne ruadh, Teachd o Fhaobhar an arm Cruadh Os cionn na Ceanna bheartibh corrich ’S iad a cuimhnich na mor fhalachd. 43 An da Churidh bu gharibh Cith Chuir iad an Tullich air bhall-Chrith Le ’m Beumnibh bu leor meud, ’S bha ’n Fhein uille gan easteachd. 44 Seachd Laethe agus aon tra Deug, Bu tuirsich Michd agus Mnaidh, Gus ’n do huit le Goll na ’m Beum, Ann Sonn mor air cheart egin. 45 Gair eibhin gun d’ reinn an Fhian, Nach dreinnibh leo roimhe riabh, Re faicsin doibh Ghoill Mhic Morna Nuacar air Chonn Treun-toirich. 46 Se tabhairt Chonnain a Sas, ’N diaghaidh Lonnan a mhi-ghrais. Naoidh Raidhin do Gholl an aigh Da leaghas mun raibh e slan. 47 An seachd Fichid sair cuig ceud, A Phadric, ni ’n Canam Breug, Gon d’ thuit sud le Mac an Deirg, Is bu chruin air Fein na dheaghaidh. Crioch. F 17. EACHDRAIDH A BHA EADAR PADRUIC AGUS OISSAIN MO CHONN MAC AN DEIRG. 210 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 161. Advocates’ Library, February 9, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Collated with Mac Nicol’s version: this has many variations, which follow. This evidently is an ill-written version of a very good oral recitation. 2 AIR maitheamh is uaisleabh na Feinne. 3 A mhic Fhinn shuairchde shoth ghraich; Sgialachh air Chonn, fhearr fearail; 5 A’ toirt a bharcan a steach, Air an traigh ghil ghainmheach. 6 A dol siar am bailceabh nan Iarmailtean. 8 Bha folt buidhe mar òr ceauird, Bhos ceann gealla ghuala a mhileadh. 9 An laoch mòr mear muirneach fearail-eibhin Bha chalg neatha ri leaduirt chorp; Aig laoch teagaisg na mòr olc, 13 Ach coimhrle a chinn aig Fionn, Is aig maitheadh na Feinne gu leir; Cò rachadh a ghabhail sgeulachd do ’n choltach, Ach gluaiseadh Fearguth beul dearg binn fhochdlach. 14 Gluaiseadh Fearguth gu ba binn, Gu glic, suairce sòth ghradhach; 15 Do mhac an Deirg bu gharbh cleachd, Bheannuich Fearghuth gu fior ghlic; Is fhreagair Conn è mur bu choir, Fearghuth fiolanta binn a bheoil. [TD 115] FHREAGAIR CONN. 17 Dh’ innsin-sa naichd dhuit Fhearghuth bainse-leat, Eiric m’ athar a b’ aill leam uaibhse, FEARGHUTH. 18 Ciod an eiric a bhi thu ’g iarruidh air d’ athair, CONN. 19 Ceann Fhinn sa dha mhic mhoir, Ghuill, Ghriuir, Airteair, Chaoirail, agus Chormig, Uaislean Chlanna Morna uile fhaoitin an eiric aon duine. Na eiric bho thuinn gu tuinn. 20 A gheilichdean do m’ an a Chuinn, Na coig ceud bh’ uaibhse air mhoch mhaduin a maireach, Is gu ’n sgarin an Cinn re ’n Corp, A dhaingean Fhinn agus Chormig. THUIRT FEARGHUTH. 23 Gur e b’ aill leis fhaoitean uaibhse, Air mhoch maduin a maireach, Deich ceud gar Fiannaibh, Is gun sgaradh e an Cinn re ’n corp A dh’ aindeoin Fhinn agus Chormig. 24 Is gun buineadh midne an ceann a muidh, Do chonn dimeasach uaimhreach. 25 Ach air dhuine dol na dhail, Ni an robh sùd duinn mar a ghrathain; Thug e ruathar fir am foirrin. Bu luaithe è na roth galla mhuilin. Dol troimh ialt do dh’ ianuibh an t-sleibh. 26 Air an fhaiche is e ’g iarruidh comhruig 27 Is d’ fhaireach sinne Fionn foidh throm fheirg. [This is a kind of Chorus repeated. 28 Chaidh air seachd fichead na dhail, Is thug è ruathar fir a ghna, ’S iomad fear sa ghair a bhos, ’S iomad lamh a bh’ ann is cos, ’S iomad claigean bh’ ann is ceann, Is cuirp gun choigleadh air aon a pheall, Is urrad eile ged bhiodh iad ann. Gu ’n tuitfeadh foth aon a cheann, Is bha Conn a cailceadh a sgiath, Air an fhaiche g iarruidh comhruig gu han fhial. 30 Ionnach orst a Chonain mhaoil, Deich ceud ad leitheabh air traith, Cha dugadh ceann Chuinn an Iomain, Ni ’m buinneadh thusach an ceann do Chonn, 31 Do labhair Osgar na mor ghlonn, Ach gluaisidh Conan mu mhi cheill; A dhaingean na Feinne gu leir, An comhail Chuinn bhuaidheagh bhrais, 32 Mu char tua’ll ga aimhleas, Nuair a chunnaic an Conn bu chaoin cruth, A teicheadh dhachidh gu h Alabuinn, ’S iomad cnap is faob is meall, Bha ’g eiridh suas air dhroch ceann, Air mhaoil Chonain gu dearbh deamhin Chuir e a choig caoil foidh naon cheanguill 33 ’S iomad screud is iolach chruaidh, Bh’ aig Conan am fianuis an t-sluaigh; ’S bu luaithe na fuaime tuinne a teachd, Is an Fhiann uileadh ’g eisdeachd 34 Gu ma slan do ’n laimh a shin duit, ’S e labhair Fionn nan crodh nuadh; Gu ma turas gun ghniomh eiridh leat, A Chonain mhaoil mhi cheili. 35 A mhiann subhla bhois gach bhain. Aurd fhlaith na teaghmhalach. 37 Cuir fuachd is falachd air cul, 39 An sin nuair a shuidh iad na pruip-chatha A dhol a thoirt an aurd latha; Na h-airm tsheandachd a bhachda am braoid, Gun do thog mac Moirnie melenta iad 40 An sin nuair chaidh Goll na chulaich chruaidh Na phrop am fianuis an t-sluaigh; Bugheal dearg gnuis an fhir, Na thorc aurd an tus na hiarghuill, 41 An sin air dhoibh dol an dail a cheil, A d’ fhiachuin co a b’ fhearr beuman; Chuiredh iad di cailceadh d’ an sgiabhibh Is di teineadh gan armaibh. 42 Di foladh do chneasuibh an cuirp, Le ’m buileabh baoibhail, Dol siar am bailceabh nan iarmailtean 43 Am folt a falbh le gaoth nam beann, Le sgleo nan cuirridhean co teann; An da churridh bu gharbh lith, Chuir iad an tullich air bhalla chrith. 44 ’S iomadh caoir do theineadh ruadh, Bha teachd ò neimh nan arm faobhar cruaidh. ’S ceann nan ceanuabheirtibh corrach, Is iad a cuimhneacha na mòr fhalachd. 45 Latha agus aon tra deug, A chum iad comhrag is ni ’m breug; Gun do bhuithin Goll nnm beuman, Ceann a Chuinn mhoir air lòm eigin. 46 Gair gun do leig an Fhiann, Nach do leig a leithid roimhe riamh; Air faichdin doibh Goll a crodhadh; An uachdar air Chonn treun torachd. 47 Bhi fuasgladh Chonain è sas, An deis lonan a mhi ghrais, Naoth raithean do Gholl an aidh, Ga leithis mu ’n robh e slan, Aig òl fionadh a dh’ oiche sa la, Sa stroiche òir le trom a dhaimh. Crioch. H. 18. HOW CONN, THE SON OF DEARG, CAME TO REVENGE HIS FATHER’S DEATH ON THE HEROES. 180 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 92. Advocates’ Library, December 15, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—December 17, 1871. Dublin. Except a general knowledge of the story, not known to Hennessy. CONN came to revenge his Father’s death on the Heroes, to Ireland, and he was but a child when his Father was slain, and killed 1540 of the ablest of the Heroes, in three day’s time, but he was killed by Goll, at the end of seven days. DAN 22. 1 SGEULACHD air Chonn mac an Deirg Air a lionadh le trom fheirg; A dhiol bas athar gu treabhach, Air fianntidh fearoil ’n h-Eirann. 2 ‘Ailis sin dhamh Oisain náraich, A shean fhir shuairce theó-ghrádhaich; Sgéulachd air Chonn fearraidh fearail, An sonn calma, caomhe, ceanail.’ 3 ‘Am b’ ionann d’ a dhealbh is d’ a dhreach, ’S do ’n Dearg mhor, thréun, mheamnach mhear; Na ’n raibh e cho chalm gu león, Ris an fhear a b’ athair dhó.’ 4 Bu mhoda Conn na e gu mor, A teachd am fiadhnais ar sloigh; A tarruing a luinge caoile, An cithe cuain agus caolais. 5 Shuidh air an tulaich d’ ar coir, ’N fhiuidh churanta ro mhór; Bha ghruaidh chorcair mar iughar caoin, Rosg máll agus mala ro chaol. 6 Aigneadh mhór do ’n fhine ghrinn, Mor, meamnach, fearail, eibhinn; Bha lanna nimh gu leadairt chorp, Air slios an laoich gun eagal trod. [TD 116] 7 C’ áit am b’ áille laóch fui ’n ghréin, Na Conn nan arm faodhbhar, géur; A leithid cho ’n fhacas riamh, ’G imtheachd rathaid na mór shliagh. 8 Ghabh sinn eagal roimhe uile, Nach do ghabh sinn riamh roimh aon dhuine; ’S an a chite con-fhathadh Chúinn, Mar on fhathadh mara re tréun túinn. 9 Se chomhairle chinn aig Fionn, ’S aig uaisle Eirann nach b’ fhann; Chuir a dh’ fhaghail sgéul ’n fhear dhocrach, Fearadhas béul dearg, binn fhoclach, 10 Ghluais Fearadhas gu binn bádhach Gu muirneach, meadhach mor aghach; Air chomhairl’ athar mar bu choir, A dh’ fhaghail sgéul do Chonn ro mhór, 11 ‘Fhir mhoir a thainig d’ ar fios, Do radh Fearadhas fior ghlic; Sgéul a b’ áill leam fhaghail uait, Ciod e fath do theachds’ o chuan.’ 12 ‘Se fath mo theachdsa gu beachd, Fhearadhais ma ’s áill leat; Eiric ’m athar a b’ áill leamsa, Do dh’ uaisle fiann Eirann ’s Albann.’ 13 ‘Ceann Ghuill is Ghreathair mac Mornna, Fhinn agus a dha mhic mhordha; Is ceann Chormaic agus Oscair, ’S na bheil sibh beó dh’ Fhiann nochdamh.’ 14 ‘Is Eirinn o thuinn gu tuinn, Fhaghail dhamh fein fui’ m aon chuim; Sin no cuig céud d’ ar fine máireach, Gu cómhrag dibhragach dana.’ 15 ‘Cho b’ ionann sa radh air dóidh, A Chuinn le d’ iomadidh sgleo; Nan d’ igadh cuig céud d’ ar fine, Choisgeadh iadsan do luath mhire.’ 16 Phill Fearadhas mo dhea’ bhrathair, A dh’ inns’ an sgeoil mar a b’ ábhaist; Do ’n Fhéinn gu socrach foillidh, Ge b’ osgarra tréun a chomhradh. 17 ‘Conn mac an Deirg sud tha ’s tráidh, O Albinn nam beanntidh árd; Gu marbhadh Ghreathair is Ghuill, Is Chormaic is Oscair chruinn.’ 18 ‘Fhinn agus a dha mac mór, Chormaic is ar ’n uile shlóigh, Sin is Eirinn ’n eiric athar, No cuig céud fui’ iochd an ath-la.’ 19 Bha ’n Fhéinn uile ’n sin du bhrónach, Le eagal roimh ’n churidh chómhraig; Gu marbhadh e ’n Fheinn le cuthach, Is sluagh Chormaic fein le luinne. 20 ‘Dh’ fhiosrach Fionn an sin gu ’n sólas, Co reachadh an dáil an ógain; ’S gu fuidheadh e duais gu deónach, Nan d’ igeadh e nios o chómhrag.’ 21 ‘Se fhreagair e Conan mac Mornn’, Leigear mi chuige chéud óir; ’S gu d’ ugainn dhe ’n ceann gu fearail, Mar thainig d’ a athair cheanag.’ 22 ‘Mallachd dhuitsa Choinain mhaoil, Cha sguir thu d’ lonan a choidhch; Deich céud a’ d’ leithid air traidh, Cho chuireadh ceann Chuinn gu lár.’ 23 A dh’ aingain na Féinne gu léir, Do ghluais Conan le mhi-chéill, A dh’ ionnsuidh Chuinn bhuadhaich, bhras, Gu car aimhleis gu luath cas. 24 ’N uair chunnaig Cónn bu chaoin dealbh, Conan a dol an seilbh arm; Thug e sitheadh gus an daoi’, ’S e teicheadh uaith ag caoi’. 25 B’ iomaid crap, is faob, is meall, Bha ’g eiridh air a dhroch ceann; ’S chuir caoil Chonain gu daingeann, Na ’n cuigar fuidh ’n aon cheangal. 26 B’ iomad sgairt aig ’s iolach chruaidh, Re am cruinneachadh a mhor shluaigh; Bu labhaire no fuaim tuinne, teachd, An Fhiann uile d’ a eisteachd. 27 Cuig céud ’s cho bu ghniomh dhó, Chuaidh a chlaoidh Chúinn a cheud ló; Chuaidh Conn rompe gu ’n mhéin, Mar sheobhag roimh ealtainn éan, 28 Bha Cónn a cailceadh a sgia’, ’S e ’g iarraidh cómhrag gu dian; Air Féinn Innse pháil is Freoine, Le misg dhearg catha gu ’n soradh. 29 Cuig ceud ’s cho bu ghniomh dho, Chuaidh a chlaoidh Chúinn an dara ló; Chuaidh Cónn rompe gu ’n mhéin, Mar sheobhag roimh ealtainn éan. 30 Bha Conn a cailceadh a sgia’ moire, ’S e sior iarraidh tuillidh cómhraig; Air Mac Chuthaill bu mhaith eólas, ’S gu deanadh e lot is leónadh. 31 Cuig ceud ’s cho bu ghniomh dhó, Chuaidh a chlaoidh Chúinn an treas ló; Chuaidh Conn rompe gu ’n mhéin, Mar sheobhag roimh ealtainn éan. 32 Bha Conn a cailceadh a sgia’ móire, ’S e sior iarraidh tuillidh cómhraig; Air Fiann Eirann agus Albann, ’S gu deanadh gu leir a marbhadh. 33 B’ iomad ar garraich a bhos, B’ iomad lámh ann is leith chos; B’ iomad claigeann ann is ceann, ’S cuirp nan caiginn air aon bhall. 34 Thagh sinn seachd fichead fear mór, Do mhaithaibh teaghlach ar sloigh; A thoirt a chinn do mhac an Deirg, ’N uair chunnaig sinn Fionn fui’ throm fheirg, 35 Thuit ar seachd fichead fear mór, Adhbhar turs’ agus do-bróin; Chómhraigidh am fear bu táire, Céud calma nach b’ fhánn an gábhadh. 36 Thug Cónn ruathar fir chuthaich, Bu luaith’ e no galla mhuilinn; ’S e cailceadh a sgia’ le sólas, A sior iarraidh tuillidh cómhraig. 37 ‘A Ghuill mhic Mornna na mor ghniomh, O! ’s tu chleachd ar cabhair riamh; Cha ’n ann oirnn tha Cónn a bagradh, Ach ortsa Ghuill is mó aigneadh.’ 38 ‘Dearbhamsa sin leats Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh bláth binn; Cuireamaid fuath agus falachd air cúl, ’S biodhmaid uil’ air an aon rún.’ 39 ’N sin chuaidh Goll na chulaidh chruai, Ann an fiadhnais a mhor shluaigh; Is bu chraobh dhearg gnúis an fhir, A dol an tús na h-iorgaill mhir. 40 Na curina bu gharg cith, Chuireadh iad an tulach air chrith; Le ’m beumanna mead air mhead, ’S iad a cuimhneacha’ neo’ mhéin. 41 Le sgreadail an lanna garbha, R’ a chéile le géur neart calma; Chuireadh iasg nan cuntaidh stuadhach, Ann an caoilte caole fuáraidh. 42 Chuireadh feidh nam beanntidh árda, Gus na gleanntidh fuaraidh fasaich; ’S ealtach binn fhoclach nan coilltach, Ann ’s na speura le crith oilte. 43 Cho ’n fhaca mi riamh re ’m láithibh, An leithid an cath no ’n gabhadh; Chuireadh dith teine da ’n lanna, ’S dith fola da ’n cneasa geala. [TD 117] 44 Seachd oidhchean, is seachd lá, Gu bu tursach fir is mnáith; Gus an do chlaoidh Goll nam beumaibh. An Cónn mór a cheart reigainn. 45 Seachd ráidhean do Gholl an aigh, D’ a leigheas gus an raibh e slán; Ag eisteachd ceól a dh’ oidhch ’s do lá, ’S caithreamh óir fuidh throma dhaimh. I. 14. BAS CHUINN. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 40. 176 lines. Advocates’ Library, April 5, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. CON being a Minor when his Father Darg was kilt by Goll, whose death he sincerely regreted, and whose loss time cou’d not efface until he would be revenged upon Fingal and Goll. When Con came to man’s state he sailed from Inis-drain, or rather Inis-drethin, with a Band of 500 chosen men, in hopes of a compleat conquest, make himsel King of Ireland, overturn Cormac the King and Fingal and his valiant Bands. At his arrival he engaged 500 chosen men, which were all kilt. Upon the day following other 500 men were turn’d out to engage Con and his valiant Band, who were all slain. Upon the third Day other 500 men were turned out by Fingal of the flower of his army to encounter Con, who all fell in the action, which occasioned great lamentations among the Fingalians seeing Con always victorious. Con’s army being by this time reduced to 140 men, Fingal upon the fourth day musters his army, and picks up 140 of the best and most experienced warriors out of the Bands of Baisge and Moirnne to encounter Con, who all fell in the attack. Con is left alone now without a single man to assist him, and desires to be engaged by Cormac, Fingal or Goll in a single combat. Goll undertook the fight, which continued for seven days with equal courage and ardour. At last the brave and valarous Con fell by the hands of the mighty and tremendous Goll the son of Moirne. 2 AILIS sin duinn Oiseinn naraich, 3 Na ’n raibh e co chalm san leirg, Ri Mac Dreabhail bu trom fheirg. 9 Chur a ghabhail sgeul do ’n fhear dhocrach, 12 Eiric m’ Athar is aill leom, Neo’ fras bheumanna’ gum chom. 15 Cho b’ ionann sa radh air choir, 18 ’S na ghluaisis d’ ar sluaigh san toir; Is Eirinn an eiric an Deirg, No cuig ceud fui’ bheum san leirg. 19 Bha Cormaic fui’ thime throm, Riogh na Feinne, ’s an treun Goll; Mu phrosnachadh an laoich lain, Bu docair s’ ann iomar-bhaidh. 20 Dh’ fhiosraich mo Riogh, flath nan cuach, Do mhaithibh Eirinn nam buadh; Co reachadh an dàil nam fear, Dhiongail an comhraig air lear. 21 Mar thainig d’ a Athair le Goll. 23 A dh’ ionnsuidh Chuinn, bu trom greis, An tnu ’s cha b’ ann air a leas. 28 A mesg chothann, gun sgath comhraig. 29 Chuai’ Conn rompa gun fhia’, Mar sheobhag roi’ ealtainn ian. 30 Air Mac Cumhail nan arm geur, ’S nan sonn bu docaire beum. 32 Air na Fiantaidh gorma ceutach, Na suinn bu docair san t-eug-bhail. 36 Thug Conn ruathar fir cuthaich, ’S bu luaithe no ghrian a shiubhal; Ag iarruidh comhraig na Feinn, ’S gun duine beo, ach e fein. 39 ’S bu chraobh, or-dhearg gnuis nam fear, A’ dol an tus na h iorgaill mhear. 41 Chuireadh fèidh nan sleibhtidh ard, Gus na gleanntaibh fuarruidh fas; ’S eanlach binn-fhoclach nam beann, ’S an a’bharr le sgreideil lann. 42 Cho ’n faca mi riamh ri ’m linn, An leithid ann comhrag Fhinn; Chuireadh dith teine d’ an lanna, ’S dith fola d’ an cneasibh geala. M. 12. CONN MAC AN DEIRG. 144 lines. 1 AITHRIS dhuinne, Oisiain dhanaich, Mhic Fhinn shuairce sho-ghrádhaich, Sgheulachd air Chonn feardha fearail, An sonn calma, caoin, ceanail. 2 Sgeulachd air Chonn mac an Deirg, Air a lìonadh le trom fheirg Dol a dhìoladh Athar gun fheall Air uaislibh ’s air maithibh na Fēinne. 3 Cia bu mhò Conn na ’n Dearg mòr, Oisiain nam briathra binn bheoil? No ’m b’ ionann dealbh dha is dreach ’S do ’n Dearg mhòr, mhear, mheanmnach? OISIAN. 4 Bu mhò Conn gu mòr, mòr, A’ teachd an garadh ar slòigh, A’ tarruing a luinge a steach ’An cumhang cuain agus caolais. 5 Shuidh e air an tulaich ’gar còir Am fiuidh curanta ro-mhòr, Mar thrágha mara re treun thuinn, Aig ro-mheud falachd an t-suinn. 6 Chaidh e ’m frithleanaibh nan neul Os ar cinn san ath-mheud; Is ghabhadh e d’ a chleasaibh gairge Siar ann am bailcibh na h-iarmailte. 7 A mhac-samhail cha ’n fhacas riamh Ag imeachd magha mo mòr shliabh; ’S cha b’àillidh neach fo ’n ghréin Na Conn nan arm faobhar-gheur. 8 Gruaidh chorcuir mar iubhar-chaor; Rosg chorach ghorm fuidh mhala chaoil; Fait ùr, òr-bhuidh, amlach, grinn, Air an òg mheanmnach, fhearail, aoibhinn. 9 Colg nimhe gu liodairt chorp Aig laoch àghmhor nan trom lot: Bhiodh a chlaidheamh làimh r’a sgéith, Air an laoch re h-aimh-réit’. 10 Buaidh sgach ball an robh e riamh Air ghaisge, air meud a ghnìomh; ’S gu ’m b’ iomadh laoch a bha gun sgìos A’ tabhairt da géill agus mòr chìs. CONAN. 11 ’Se labhair Conan maol mac Morna, ‘Leigear thuige an ceud uair mi, ’S gu ’m buin mi an ceann a mach Do Chonn dì-measach uaibhreach.’ OSCAR. 12 ‘Marbhaisg ort, a Chonain mhaoil, Nach sguir thu d’ lonan a chaoidh? Cha bhuineadh tu ’n ceann do Chonn,’ Do ràdh Oscar nam mòr ghlonn. 13 Gluaisidh Conan na mi-chéill A dh’ aindeoin na Féinne gu léir An coinneamh Chuinn bhuadhaich bhrais Mu char tuathal aimh-leas. 14 ’Nuair a chunnaic an Conn bu chaoin dealbh. Conan dol ’an sealbhaidh arm, Rug e le sichd air an daoidh ’Se teicheadh gu luath uaith. 15 B’ iomad sgread is iolach chruaidh O bheul Chonain nam diom-bhuadh: Chaidh air Conan maol gu deimhin Na cùig caoil fuidh ’n aon cheangal. 16 ‘Beannachd aig an láimh rinn sin,’ ’Se labhair Fionn a’ chruth ghil. Is sheall iad an sin air a chéile Mòran do mhaithibh na Féinne. [TD 118] 17 Gur i chomhairle chinn doibh Sár mhac Fhinn bu chaoine glòir Chur a ghabhail sgeul do ’n fhear dhocrach: Gluaisidh Fearguth binn-fhoclach. FEARGUTH. 18 ‘A Chuin mhòir, bhuadhaich, bhrais, Fhir shùgaich, ait, aobhinn, A ghabhail sgeula thàinig mi. Ciod é fàth do thuruis do ’n tìr?’ CONN. 19 ‘Innseamsa mo sgeul dhuitse, Fhearguth, agus buin leat e. Eiric m’ athar b’ àill leam uaibhse, O ’r maithibh is o ’r mòr uaislibh. 20 ‘Ceann Ghuill ’sa dhà mhic mhòir, Ceann Fhinn flath an t-slòigh; Cinn chlanna Morna uile Fhaotainn ’an éiric aon duine: 21 ‘An tìr uile o thuinn gu tuinn A ghéilleachduinn do m’ aon chuing; No còmhrag cùig ceud d’ ar fineadh, Fhaotainn air madainn am màireach.’ 22 An sin labhair cùig ceud d’ar fineadh, ‘Caisgidh sinne a luath mhireadh.’ Cha robh sud doibh mar a ràdh Re dol anns an iomarbhaidh. 23 Thug e mach claidheamh ’n Deirg mhòir Le confhadh catha sa’ cheud uair. Thug e ruathar fir forthuinn, Mar sheobhag measg ealta mhìn eun. 24 B’ iomad cruth a chaochail greann, Is cuirp ath-chumta le cruadhas lann: Iomad làmh ann is leth chos, Iomad cloigeann thall ’sa bhos. 25 Cùig ceud eile ged’ bhiodh ann Gu ’n tuiteadh sin air aon bhall; Is Conn a’ calcadh a sgiath, Ag iarruidh còmhraigh, ’s gu ’m b’ an-iar. 26 Thogh sinn seachd fichead fear mòr Do mhaithibh theaghlach ar mòr shlòigh A thoirt a’ chinn do mhac an Deirg; Is dh’ aithnich sinn Feann fuidh throm fheirg. 27 Chaidh ar seachd fichead ’na dhàil; ’S ann orra tháinig an dìobhail: A’ dol ’an cumasgadh na buidhinn Bu luaithe e na roth Gall-mhuilinn. 28 Thuit ar seachd fichead fear mòr; B’ aobhar tuirs’ e is do-bròin: Gu ’n do leig an Fhiann gàir chruaidh Re dìothachadh a’ mhòr shluaigh. FIONN. 29 ‘A Ghuill mhic Morna nam mòr ghnìomh, Fhir a chleachd ar cobhair riamh, A mhiann sùile gach baile, A laoich làidir na teugmhaile, 30 ‘Is dána leam Conn a bhagradh ort, Is air clanna Morna uile, Nach buineadh tu ’n ceann dheth gu fearail Mar a rinn thu dheth athair roimhe.’ GOLL. 31 ‘Dheanainnse sin dhuitse, Fhinn, Fhir nam briathra blàtha binn. Cuireamaid fuath is falachd air cùl, Biomaid uile dh’ aon rùn. 32 ‘Ged’ mharbhta an Fhiann uile Gu dìothachadh an aon duine, Bhithinn féin ’s mo threuna leat, A righ na Féinne, ’gad chobhair.’ 33 Gluaisidh Goll ’na chulaidh chruaidh Ann am fianuis a’ mhòr shluaigh. Bu gheal is dearg gnùis an fhir Re dol ’an tùs na h-iorghuile. 34 Dh’ èirich frith, is fearg, is fraoch Air dà mhalaidh an dà mhòr laoich. An dà churaidh bu mhòr cith, Chuir iad an tulach air bhall-chrith. 35 Aon là deug agus tràth Gu ’m bu tuirseach mic is mnài, Gus ’na thuit le Goll nam benmannan An sonn mòr air cheart éigin. 36 Gàir aoibhinn gu ’n d’rinn an Fhiann Nach d’ rinneadh leo roimhe riamh Re faicinn Ghuill chròdha ’n uachdar Air Chonn meanmnach, mór, uaibhreach. O. 7. CONN MAC AN DEIRG. 159 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 29. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 20, 1872. THIS version collated with Gillies proves that the book had not affected oral tradition in the Eastern Highlands; compared with the Western versions, it is easy to see how a popular ballad changes. All that is in Gillies is in the older versions; but in the East there is a tendency towards the Caledonian Fingallan theory, which changes words. In the same district Mac Pherson took no notice of this traditionary ballad. Not a line of it is in his Gaelic. 1 SGEULACHD air Conn Mac an Deirg, Lionnta le mor throm fheirg Teachd dhioladh bas athar gun fheall, Air uaislibh ’s maithibh na Feinne. 2 An sgeul sin rainig Fionn, An Farmail nan creugan Ard; Sheall mu ’n cuairt air armuin ghreadhnach, Ghreas gach laoch gu bhuil chath sgith. 3 Co dhiu’ is mo Conn n’ an Dearg Mor, ’S e labhair Oscair nam binn ghloir? No ’m b’ionann Dealbh agus Dreach, Do Chonn Mor mear meamnach? 4 Chunnacas Conn thar steudaibh glasa, A’ tarruing a luinge a steach, Ann Carrais Cuain nan caolas. 5 Shuidh air an Tulaich ’nar coir, Am Fiui Curranda, dian, mor, Gabhail do chleasa gu garg, Ann am barca nan iarmailtean (thaca na h-earmailt) 6 Bha lann nimhe a liodairt chorp, Aig a Chonn theugbhalach na mor olc; Ealtuinn cheardail ghlan ghrinn, Air an fhear mhor, mhear, mheanmnach, A ’s e gu fearrail suilbhear eibhinn, A mhac samhuil cha ’n fhacas riamh, A’ siubhal sratha, no mor shliabh. 7 Gruaidh chorcara mar Iudhar caoin, Rosg ghorm fo mhala chaoil; Suil a tilgeadh teine ruaidh, A’ loisgeadh gaisge na mor shluaigh. 8 Bha lann fo sga a sge, Aig an laoch gu aireite; Dh’ iomar o iomadh cleas luthaidh, Do ’n Fheinn gu ’m b’ aobhar tuirse. 9 ’S e comhaire chinn aig Fionn fein, ’S aig maithibh na Feinne gu leir; Deagh Mhac Fhinn bu bhinne gloir, A chuir thuige an ceud thos, Dh’ fhiosrachadh sgeul dhe ’n fhear dhocrach Chuir sinn Fearas beul dearg binn fhoclach. 10 Chuinn mhoir mhir mheanmnaich, Gheig uir ghil dhealbhaich; ’Se m’ fhiosrachadh dhiot gu beachd, Ciod fath do thuruis a dh’ Albuinn? 11 Dh’ innsinse sin duit gun chleth, Fhearais mas aill beir leat? Eiric m’ athar b’ aill leam uath, Na bheil sibh a Mhatha san Fheinne. (al. Eirin) 12 Cean Fhinn oirt ’s Ghuill, Cinn chlann Morna uile; Fhaotainn an eiric aon duine No comhrag cuig ceud uath. Do ’r maithibh ’s do ’r garbh shluagh, Gu ’m buinnin na cinn diubh a mach, Dh’ aindeoin Fhinn as Chormaig. [TD 119] 13 ’N uair phill Fearas o ’n fhear mhor, ’S e labhair Fionn flath an t-sloigh; Innis an sgeul dhuinn gu nochte, Na ceil oirm dh’ aon lochd. 14 ’Se sid Conn Mac an Deirg, Alr a lionadh le trom fhearg; Teachd a dhioladh bas athar gun fheall Air uaislibh is maithibh na Feinne. 15 Eiric athar is aill leis, O na bheil sibh mhaithibh ’n Eirin, Ceann Fhinn oirt a Ghuill, Cinn chlanna Morna uile. 16 Fhaotainn an eiric aon duine, No comhrag cuig ceud uath, Do ’r maithibh, ’s do ’r garbh shluagh, Gu buineadh e na cinn diubh mach, Dh’ aindeoin Fhinn ’s Chormaig. 17 An sin thuirt Conan maol Mac Morna, Leigear thuige mi ’n ceud thos, As gu ’m buininn an ceann a mach Dhe ’n Chonn dhimeasach uabhrach. 18 Inich ort Chonain mhaol, Cha sguir thu do loineais ri d shaoghal Cha tugadh tu ’n ceann de Chonn, ’S e labhair Oscair na mor ghlonn. 19 Ghluais Conan na mi-cheil, Dh’ aindeoin na Feinne gu leir; An caramh Chuinn bhuaidhich brais, An car bu tuaile dh’ eirich leis. 20 B’ iomad sgread is iolach chruaidh, Bh’aig Conan nan diombuaidh; B’ iomad faob is crap, is meall, Ag atadh suas air a dhroch ceann. 21 Air ceann Chonain gu reamhar, ’S a chuig caoil an aon cheangal, Bu chruaidhe eigh na toirm tuinne, Is an Fheinn uile ga eisdeachd. 22 An sin thuirt fichead fear Finne, Leagaidh sinne a luath mhire; Rachadh Conn a romha sud, Mar sheobhag troimh ealtainn eun. 23 Thug e ruadhar fir ri foirre, Nas luath ma roth muillein; B’ iomadh ionmhas ’s am bar a bhos, B’ iomadh lamh ann ’s leth chos. 24 Airp gun chogull air aon bhall; (al. cuirp) Uiread eile ged bhiodh ann; Thuiteadh le Conn air aon bhlar. 25 Bha conn a’ cailce a sgiath, Ag eigheach comhraig le an-rian, Chuir sinn cuig fichead fear uain G’ ar maithibh ’s g’ ar mor shluagh, A thoirt a’ chin a Mhic an Deirg, Dh’ aithnich sinn Fionn fo throm fheirg. 26 Rachadh Conn troimh sud, Mar sheobhag troimh ealtuinn eun Rha Conn a’ cailce a sgiath Ag eigheach comhraig gu dian. 27 Dheagh Mhic Morna nam mor ghniomh, Fhir a chleachd mo chomhair riamh; Nach truagh leat conn a’ bagairt ort, Is air chlanna Morna nan geur lot? 28 Nach d’ thugadh tu an ceann deth, Mar a thug thu dhe athair roimhe? Dheanainse sin duitse, Fhinn, Fhir nam briathar blatha binn. 29 Chaidh gach fuachd ’s falachd air chul, Biothad uile a dh’ aon run; An sin chaidh Goll na chulaidh churaidh, An fianuis a mhor shluaigh. 30 Bu gheall dearg gnuis an fhir, Na mheall garbh an tus Iorghuill, Ghluais e gu ciocrasach dana, Dh’ ionnsuidh na teugbhalach. 31 Tha ceth teine de ’n airm chruaidh, Tha ceth fala de chnaimh an cuirp. 32 Tiomadh caor theine ruaidh Teachd o nimh nan arm chruaidh, Os ceann nan ceann bheartain carrach, Is iad a’ cuimhneach na mor fhalachd. 33 An da chuiridh bu mhor cith, Chuir iad an tullaich air chrith Am folt sguabadh gaoth nan gleann, Gleac nan curridhean bha co teann. 34 Seachd laithean agus nao tra, Bu tursach fir is mnai, Aig na bhuidhinn Goll na mor bheum, Ann Conn mor a cheart eigin. 35 Aon ghair eibhinn rinn an Fhiann, Nach do rinn a leithid riamh, Ri faicinn dhoibh Ghuill an uachdar, Air Conn treun, bras, uabhrach. 36 Tri raian aig gun robh slan, Toirt Chonain chrin a sas, Leigheas Ghuill mhic Morna. 37 Sgeulach air Chonn feara fearrail, An sonn mor calma ceanail. X. 9. DUAN CHOINN MAC AN LEIRG. 171 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, February 9, 1872. THIS was orally collected in Caithness, 19th and 20th April, 1854, by George Mac Leod and James Cumming, from the oral recitations of Christina Sutherland or Widow Simpson. She was born 1775 in Rhea, on the West of Sutherland. I print it because Sutherland Gaelic is not often printed. Lines in this MS. are not numbered. It is printed as written, in paragraphs. 1 INNIS dhuinn Ossein naraich, Mhic Fhinn uaisle shuairc sho ghradhich; * Do sgeul air Conn, Fearg, is Fearail, * Na soinn chalmant coghineal. 2 Co bu mho Conn na ’n Dearg mòr, Oissein nam briathar ceolbhinn; Am b’ ionann dealbh dha is dreach, Is do ’n Dearg mhaiseach mhoralach. 3 Bu mho Conn gu mòr mòr, Teachd o mhara le shloigh; * Tarruing a luingeas a steach, * Gu teamhair (1) cuain is caolas. 4 * Bha sgiath nimh air gu leagadh a chorp, * Air crios teug-bhoil na mòr olc; * Is claidheamh air sgath a sgeith; *Air an laoch ud gu h-aimhreaith. * Bha gruaig cuirc (2) air mar iuthar caomh, * Rosg gorm, an dà mhala cho chaol; * Folt buidhe aghmhor teardail, * Uasal fearal aoibhinn grinn. 6 Sheas air an tulach ma ur comhair, Milidh curannt’ bha ro mhor; Leis an gabhta’ chleas gu garbh, Ann am (3) bailcul na h-iarmailt. 7 Bheireams’ mo bhrithar cinnt, Phadruig cha bu nar ri inns’; Gu na ghabh sinn d’ eagal Roimh uile is nach do ghabh, Sinn riamh roimh aon duine. 8 * ’S e chomhairl a dh’ inntrig aig Fionn; ’S aig fearibh uailse Eirinn; Aig clann na mara muirne, Deagh mhic Fhinn o ’m binn gloir, ’Chuir ghabhail o ’n laoch dh’ shocarach, Bhaigheach bhinn fhocalach. (1) Teamhair, a shaded walk on a hill, hence Teamhair cuain, a harbour or bay naturally protected from storm. (2) Gruaig cuirc, curling hair like the gentle yew. (3) In sword exercises the thrusts and cuts made thro’ the air. [TD 120] Ghluais Fergus air comhairl athair, mar bu choir, Do ghabhail sgeul churaidh O Chonn bu ro mhor. 10 Bheannaich Fergus le gloir bhinn, Do Chonn tairise (4) bha ro’ Fhinn; Fhreagair Conn e mar bu choir. Fherguis fhillidh fhir choir. Mhic an fhir (5) dhimeasidh mhear, Dhuainn bhuadhich dheud ghil, Thainig a ghabhail sgeul o Fhionn. ‘Cia fath do thochd do Eirinn?’ 11 Fios mo thuruis ann gu beachd, Fherguis nam b’ fhear a b’ àill leat? Eiric m’ athair a b’ aill leam, Dhibhse mhaithibh fir Eirinn. 12 Gu ceann Ghoill is dà mhac Mhuirn, Fhinn is Chribhinn ’s Chori-Chorn; Gu ceann Chlonnairt na Muirne uile, Gu ’n ditheachadh mar aon duine, Cormaic Mac Airt agus Fionn. ’S na th’ beo do fhearibh Eirinn. O thuinn gu tuinn fhaotainn Dhomsa fo ’n aon chuinge, Comhrag air coig ceud ur sloigh; Air mhoch mhaduinn a maraich, Gu sgarinn an cinn o ’n corp An aindheon Fhinn is Chormaic. Gluaisidh Fergus thugain fein, Phadruig na abairim breug. 13 Chlost sinn sud an Fheinn uile, ’G eisdeachd ri sgeul Fherguis, Labhair Fionn flath nur sloigh Fherguis ciod do sgeul o ’n fhear mhòr? Innis duinn gu beachd. ’S na ceil romhainn na h-ainiochd. 14 Se mo sgeulsa o ’n fhear mhor, Nach fhearr leis gun choig ceud ur slogh Air mhoch mhaduinn a màirich, Gu cath comhraig diobhalaich, Gu ceann Ghoill, is da mhac Mhuirn, Fhinn is Chribhinn ’s Chori-Chorn, Gu ceann Chlonnairt: na Muirne uile Gu ’n ditheachadh mar aon duine, Cormaic Mac Airt agus Fionn, ’S na tha beo do dh’ fhearibh Eirinn, O thuinn gu tuinn fhaotuinn Dhomhsa fo ’n aon chuinge, Labhair Conon mac Muirn mor, Leigibh mise chuige sa cheud doigh Gu sgarainn an ceann ud de, Air a cheann diomsa air a cheann desa, Beir a mholach!—a Chonoin mhaoil! So an onoir nach fhaidh thu chaoidh, Cia fath gu ’n coisgeadh tu Conn Fhuirbidh (6) Oscar na mor lom. 15 Gluaisidh Conon le mhi-cheil, ’N aghaidh na Feinn gu leir, ’N aghaidh Choinn bhuadhich bhrais, Gu car tuasaideach aimhleis, Dar chunnaic an laoch bu chaoin a dealbh, Coinean dol an sealbh uan arm Thug e sidheadh do ’n fhear, Is ghabh e teicheadh a choin fhalbhidh, Ach ’s lionmhor scread is iolach cruaidh. Bha aig Conoin ri aon uair, Bu luaith e na tuirm tuile teachd, ’S an Fheinn uile ga choimhead, Bu lionmhor cnapain agus meall. Bha ’g eiridh suas air a dhroch ceann, Air maoile Choinean gu reamhar. Na coig caoil sa ’n aon cheangail, Beannachd aig an laimh shin riut. Labhair Fionn flath na Fiann, Gu ma turus gun eiridh dhuit, Choinean dhona mhi cheillidh. 16 Ach chuir sinn ur coig ceud a mach, Gu mear meanmarach moralach Cha an laoch ud trompa gun ghrainn, Mar sheobhag dol troimh altan mhin eun, Is mas tionndadh tu barr a bhois Bu lionmhor leth-laimh agus cos, Bu lionmhor colluinn bha gun cheann, Nan coinnlean marbh air ’n aon lamh, Coig ceud eile ciod bhiodh iad ann, Bhiodh iad marbh air ’n aon bhonn, Ghluais sinn seachd fichead fear mòr, Ionnas gu ’n d’ thainig an diobhal oirnne Chaidh e trompa mar mhaoil muileann, Bu luaithe e na rotha gall mhuileann Thuit na seachd fichead fear mor Ionnas gu ’n d’ thainig an diobhal oirnne, Far an d’ rinn an Fheinn an gair cruaidh, Bhi ditheachadh ur mor shluagh, Fhir nach d’ aitheachadh cabhain riamh Air thapiachd ’s air mhor ghniomh, Mhiann suile gach borr: (7) Is phrionnsa gach teugbhoill, Nach fhaic thu Conn ’s e maoitheadh ortsa, Ghoill churaidh gach namhaid, Nach cuireadh tu an ceann ud de gu fearal Mar chuir thu de athair roimhe, Dheanainn sin dhuits’ Fhinn. ’Bhriathraribh nan ceol bhinn, 17 Na ’n cuireamaid gach fearg is fuil air chul, ’S gu ’m bidheamaid uile de ’n aon runn, Dar bha Goll na chullaidh chruaidh’cht, Am fianuis fhlathaibh is a mhor shluagh Bha geal dearg an gnuise an fhir, ’S bha shealladh garg an tùs gach iorghuill Shin an da churadh bu mhor cith (8) Chuirte leo tulach air ball-chrith, Le an ceumibh b’ fhearail linn, An Fheinn uile ga ’n coimhead Bha cith fala chruinn chorp, De las-fhaobhar nan arm nochdt Ann bail cul nan sgiathibh gu ard. Is e dol sios do ’n iarmailt. Latha is aon trath deug. Bha na laoich ud nan sgainnir dheirg Ach na thuit le Goll nam beum Conn mor air cheart ’s air eigin, Sin an gair aoibhinn thug an Fheinn Mar nach d’ thug fos droigh a riamh Bhi faicinn Ghoill chruadhant. An uachdair air Conn treun. Is fuasgladh Chonain a càs. ’Eideadh cuir lannan na mi ghrais, Seachd ràithean do Gholl an aigh Gu ’leigheas ach am bi e slàn, ’G eisdeachd ciul a dh’ oidhch sa lò I! pronnadh òr fo thromh dhaimh. Sin mo sgeulsa air Conn mhic an Deirg. Thainig thugain fo throm fheirg Do dhioladh bàs athair gun fheallsa, Oirbhse mhaithibh fir Eirinn. (Cia fad an duan ruigear a cheann gnath fhocal.) Crioch. (9) (4) Fingal’s pledge of fidelity. Tairis, trustworthiness. (5) Proud and sportive. (6) Fuirbhidh, in derision, ironically, You who are as strong as Oscar. (7) Borr, a bully, a noble, a prince. Borr also means a court, such as that of a King. (8) Cith, ardour; Cith-fala, a shower of blood. Cith fala chruinn chorp is a rare, yet most elegant and descriptive, term for any liquid falling in frequent and heavy drops. Cruinn chorp, round bodied, spherical. Cith contains the idea of the falling shower with all its ordinary accompaniments. The Poet, as if this were not enough, tells that the shower of blood was cruinn chorp. (9) The annotations are the Collector’s. [TD 121] X. 9. BAS CHUINN. Extracts. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, February 7, 1872. 100 lines. Orally collected in Tiree, 1857, by Mr. Cumming, from a man locally known as Alisier Mor. He learned it from a man who went to America afterwards. Of this version I print Mr. Cumming’s Gaelic Argument and lines which vary from other versions, or are not written elsewhere. Lines in this MS. are not numbered. MAS fhior beul-aris chomhnuich Conn san Eilean Mhuileach an deigh bàs athair, a mharbhadh an Eirinn. Air do Chonn thighinn gu lan neart ruinnich e bas athair a dhioladh. Ruig e Eirinn chum na crich so. ’S cha robh duine sheasamh roimh. Chuireadh teachdar do dh’ Albain os iosal on riochd deircach a dh’ fhaicinn an robh doigh ann air am feudta buaidh fhaotain air Conn. Thainig an teachdair Eirinneach gu ruig Mull gu tigh mathair Chuinn. Neach a dh’ fharraid dhe na choigreach co e, is cia as da, is ciod a naigheachd a bh’ aig. Fhreagair easan gun d’ thainig e a Eirinn, gum bu deirceach e, ’s nach robh naigheachd aig ach gun d’ thugadh buaidh air Conn-Mac an Deirg. Eu-comasach ars mathair Chuinn, oir nan cumtadh fion dearg is mnathan o Chonn cha neil an Eirinn na dh’ gheabhadh buaidh air. Mar so fhuair na h-Eirinnich mach an doigh an claoidheadh iad Conn; oir thug an teachdair dhachaidh air; air ball chuireadh meadhonean claoidh Chuinn ri aghaidh is an deigh sin chaill e bhuadhan do chionnsuichte. CO dhiu is mo Conn no ’n Dearg mor? 1 No Oissean nam briathraibh binn bheoil; No ’n ionnan dealbh agus dreach, Dha fein ’s do ’n Deargan mheamnach. 4 Chuir e ’dha shleagh air a sgàth, Teugbhoileachd na mor lochd; ’S a chaitheamh air sgath laoich, Gun eagal aimhreat. 8 Eiric m’ athair a b’ aill leam, O uilsean uile na h-Eirinn; Ceann Chonain ’s dha mhic Ghuill, Ghuill is Chonain is Chormaic. 12 Is na bheil beo do mhaithibh Eirinn, No Eirinn o thuinn gu tuinn, ’Gheileachdan do m’ aon chuim, No cuig ceud fear mor chuir so 16 A chomhrag ri m’ fhear-dioladhsa maireach. Sin mar labhair Coirliomhan, Leagaibh mis’ da ionnsuidh; ’S gun d’ thugainn an ceann de, 20 Thubhairt Fionn. Heisd thusa Choirliomhan, Na bi tighinn air comhaadh cho cli sin; Cha cheannsaichean e gun fhoill, Le da thrian ’s na bheil an Eirinn. 24 Bu lionmhoir sin a chluinnte ann, Pluc is garbh mheall, Glaodh is iolach ard, Ann am beul Chonain 28 Cuim an deanuins’ sin ruit Fhinn, Fhir nam briathribh binn a bheoil, ’S gur fhein a thuit clann a Morla a mhor theachd, Thigeamaid is suitheamaid a dh’ aon ruinn, 32 ’S cuireamaid fuath is folachd air chul, It chuireannsa mo Threun a leat, A righ na Feinn gar comhnadh, Nuair bha Goll dol an cula chomhraig 36 A nuair sin am fiannais a mhoir shloigh, Chuir e sgiath bhucaideach, Bhacaideach air a laimh chli Slacan cruadhach curannta, 40 Claidheamh na laimh dheis, Fhalt mhor mhaiseach fhearail ghrinn, Iuthair gharbh eibhinn, Gruadh corrach mar iuthair chaon, 44 Fo rosg na mala cuma chaoil. Air an seoladh ann an caol bheortan corrach, Is e ri cuimhneachadh na mor olc, Sin dar thoisich an da laoch bu gharbh sgiath, 48 Chuireadh an talamh air balla chrith, Ri sgoltadh na sgeana sgiathach, Is sgoltadh na sgiathibh sgealbach, Ri doirteadh na fola moir, 52 Fo lamhan ùneachdach a cheile, Gus an d’ thainig an oidhche, ’S ’n d’ thainig sithichean nach as na cnuic, Gabhail ioghnadh is mor aithir. 56 B. 6. AN DEARG MAC DRUIBHEIL. 1690. Copied June, 1872, by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, from Rev. Donald Mac Intosh’s Transcript of E. Mac Lean’s Manuscript, p. 169, and fol. iii, or p. 31, Book II. of MS. 1690. The original, written at Ardchonail, in Argyll, is in the ‘Irish’ character. THIS Poem ought to be placed first, as the oldest bit of the Story of Dearg. I only got the copy July 8, so it is placed here. The note copied with this poem is curious, there is not a line of Mac Pherson’s Gaelic Ossian in this composition which is quoted to prove ‘authenticity.’ It is an epitome of the usual Arguments: ‘Because these Heroic Ballads were current, an epic poem, which differs from them, in every respect, is authentic; and they are spurious, corrupt editions of the Epic, of which there is no trace outside of the printed books.’ ‘… I AM happy to add, that Mr. Kennedy’s ignorance will turn out rather favourable than otherwise for Ossian’s authenticity in the part of the proofs which respects the transmission of his Poems to our times. This will appear from the curious circumstance I am now to mention. ‘I have collated the Poem in Kennedy’s called ‘Bas Dheirg’ (page 32 of his MS.) with a Poem ‘Dearg Mac Druibheil,’ transcribed by Mr. Mac Intosh from a MS. of Major Mac Lachlan, written, in 1690, by Ewen Mac Lean, who copied it from an older MS. The Poems are the same in substance, and correspond astonishingly as to measure and expressions, many lines are precisely the same in both. This coincidence is the more striking because the old copy is in the Irish dialect and Mr. Kennedy’s in our vernacular Gaelic. The Poem, too, has every claim to antiquity which internal evidence can yield …’ Letter from Rev. James Mac Donald, Minister of Anstruther, dated January 3, 1803, to Mr. Lewis Gordon, Depute Sec., H. S., Edinburgh.—D. C. M., July 3, 1872. DEARG MAC DRUIBHEIL. 1 TREIS ar caithrem an fhir mhoir Do thanic an oir fa deaghbhail An tren fhear a bhi lan do ghoil An Dearg dana mac Draoibhill 2 Briathra go thug an laoch lan Seall far thriall se ar sall Nach geibhadh gun gheille leis O gach Feinidh da fheabhus 3 Gus na Fianuibh bfearr goil Triallas a Dearg mac Draoibhil Onoir o thir na fear Fionn Ga criochadh oirar Fian Eirionn 4 ’N uair thanic an laoch lan Ar animearmist comhlan Gabhas an Dearg dead gheal cuan Go Bein Eadin mor shluagh 5 Dias noch ar chumhail dail Chaidh choimhead an chuan cobhar ban Feidh na roid (1) geal mhac Fhinn Agus an Caol crodha mac Chreamuinn 6 Sin dias rach ar coimhead cuain Ach tuitim na seairum suain No ghabh barc an fhir mhoir Caladh is trachd naimhdion 7 Leimidh an Dearg bu mhaith dreach Ar tir do chrannuibh a chraoiseach Tharuing e a bharc bu maith snas Ar an trachd gheall ghainmhidh 8 Folt fionbuidh mar or cerd Os cion amhach in gruaidh ’n Dearg Da dreach gormshuil gar gloinn Bu ghlan gnuis a mhilidh (1) Swift, gloss, in MS. [TD 122] 9 Da leccion remor chatha (2) An laimh mhic an athar fhlatha Sgiath oir ar aghuallan chli Ag mac uasal an ard ri 10 Lann nimhe le leadart corp Agan laoch gan eagla comhruic Mhian chumhduigh chlochara chor Fan mhilidh fochar suil ghorm 11 Geall gaisgadh an an domhan toir Ar mhead ar neart ar dheilbh Air chomhrac cheart ar cheduibh . . . . . 12 Eirghus Reidh na roid mac Fhinn Agus an Caol crodha mac creamhinn Do ghlacadar an airm nan dorn Is reathadur na chomhdhail 13 Tabhar sgela duin a fhir mhoir Os oruin ata coimhead an chuan Da mhac ri gu sar bhuaidh sinn D Fiannaibh lan uaisle Eirionn 14 Crioch as an tlanic me anois 15 Is me an Dearg mhic ri na bFionn Ag teachd do dhiaruidh ardrighachd Eirionn Labhrus rer unaghaidh mhire Go dian leis an Dearg mac Draoibhil 16 Ni bfuaidh tusa a laoich lan Urram no geill feraibh Fail Cia maith siese a dhias laoch Canus formud agus fiach 17 Cia bhacas diom a gabhail Da nairisiod duit gach flaith A Dheirg mhoir mhic an ard fhlatha Gur biomadh an Teamhrae laochlann 18 Neaoch a gheibhadh leat comhlan Ca bfuil aon reach diobh a nois (Os maithrionn an Dearg mac Draoibhil) Gu bfechmiste ar a cheile 19 Ar bfiach agus ar naimhreite 20 Dar mo bhriathar giodh pro libh Do radh an Caol crodha mac Creinrinn Racha me do chlaoithsi a nois A laoich iad a thanic thairis 21 Air chaol crodha bu mhaith dreach Leimus in Dearg dasachdach Le feirg mhor is le fiacha Mar gar bhuail in trein laoch 22 Do fhogar an Dearg comhrac chruaidh Gus an Chaol chrodha go mor nuaill Thugadar an toran teath teann Le sgoilte sgiath agus caura (3) 23 Gur beath iomghreis na deisi sin Ansan iomruaigh do bhi e eatora No gur cheangla san rolan roth An Caol crodha san g Comhlan 24 Eirghus Re na road Mac Fhinn Tareis an Chaoil Chrodh do chreachda Mac Ri na Feinne gan tor Ag coine an fhir mhoir sna chomhdhail 25 Gur biomdha gcleas ansan gala An san iorghrail mar leig thairis No gur cheangla cruaidh an ceim Re na rod na luath bheim 26 Maith an gniomh dhuit san ghoil Uaitsi sinne araon do chreapill Fuasgail ar cuimhraich a laochlan Beir leat sin ad timchioll 27 Duasgail Dearg nan arm siach Cuimhrich na deise deadh laoch Is do ghabha bhriathar air gach fear Nach togfadh airm na aghaidh. 28 Gluasadar an sin go Teamhradh Dfhios Chormic sa mhor theaghluidh Mac Draorbhil na gear lann buaidh Gu triath Teamhrach na ndeluaidh. 29 Do eirghadar amach fir Theamhradh Fir mhor dheagh croidhach dhealbhach Gur biomadh fear duin bhruit sroil Attiomchiol Chormaig na gcedach 30 Labhrus triath Theamhra gun onn Suidh a chliair chalma chuirinn Ni huarfidhe diobh meirg aon fhir Nach togadh airm na aghaidh 31 Suidhis treinfhir Innis Fail Greis ar cheil an chomhdhail Le teachd chuga dho go dana Fear foistinach fior mhalla 32 Se teachd ansna maidhinh dho Do mac Draoibhthil na mor ghleo Don og innilta chuimsach Leagadar an rod re shoilsach 33 Beanuidhus an Dearg da ghloir bhinn Do thriath Teamhrach go haobhin Is do fhreagair an flaith gun do dobhruin Chathmhilidh na tren fhodhla 34 Le suidhe don Dearg noch ar thinn Labhrus ard ri Eirionn Brigh do thurus gu Teamhradh Airis a laoich mhoir mheanmnadh 35 Gur be beachd mo thuras duit A Mhic Art Churanta mhic Chormaic Treise na h-Eirionn gur bail leom Dar neamh fis bheamena tiomchioll 36 Geilluid Eirionn ar muir Giodh gur minic shaor siad treinfhir Ni fritur sin fogur gu bruth Eire tabhach le aon oglach 37 Ciodh nach ail leatsa chormic Flaithus a thabhart dum gan dobhruinn Comhrac ced do chlann curadh Uaitse a mhic Art a Nulladh 38 Do churios me curaidh calma Achlaoith anocgmhir Fhinn almhura Thog ameirg noch ar tim Le fearg moir do chum an chomhlain 39 Gur be comhrus a mhic ri na bhfionn An ced sin do thuitim na chomhlan An da ched eile fa ghniomh do Do chlaoidh an Dearg an enlo 40 Nuar chonarc Teamhra Dill An Dearg ar deanamh na hurlaidh Bhrosnuidh teachd go luath Tar mac Cumhail na mor shluagh 41 Agus tanic chugan iarmarach Mac Cumhail ga mor dhalach Tri mile gaisgach geas glan Nach fuar osadh no sgannill 42 Fleise oir fo chean gach fir Do mhuintir Fhinn o h-Almhuin Sgiath fhiodadh go hiomchar air So Eairion sioda sigi sir shroil 43 Gath minic lan is luirach Fa gach laoch og ard sugach Inniol lasta ar gach fear fruoich Deoibhtur ar gach laoch lan gheal 44 Le teachd anns na madhimh dhoimh In t-sluagh curanta chumhduigh Toghbus an Dearg bu maith dreach An pubil oirthuidh iollanach 45 Chuaidh fo Chormac an tim Cnr failte ar feinnibh o Ealmhuin Fuar eluoite Mhio Murn na gercach Pog is cureadh attighe Teamhradh 46 Ghluais mac Ri na bFionn Asteach uain ansa pubill Do thog tri chaog cleis luidh Fa mor an tabhur iomghruis. 47 Gluaisis Mac Cumhail fheil As teach uair ara chead leim Agus beannuidhus se don Dearg Don og aithelach fhionard (2) Re mor chatha, gloss. (3) Cabhara, gloss. [TD 123] 48 Beamughus Fionn noch fhruiluing tar Freagras an Dearg dreach dhana Do gar cumha go luath liom Ar mac Cumhail no comhlan 49 Cia math do lamhsa fhir Do raidh flaith na Feinidh o Ealmhuin Braighde na h-Eirion ni beiridhmise duit A Dheirg le h-eagla do chomhruic 50 Mas thugamsa do thriall sibh Aleachradh osleibhte Laighean Fear chomhrac ced ullamh sin Uaitse a mhic Cumhail arm grinn 51 De chuiris no ched ansin Do chlaoidh in Dearg dom mhuintir Do chuiris mo dhorn mo chonn mhic smoil Do chuiris mo Chonn mac Chonan 52 Tuit mac Conan mhic aleigh Thuit an dorn nach roibh go re Is do mharbha le na laimh gun lochd Gach ceda fear gu faobhar nochd 53 Nuar chonarc mac Cumhail fheil An dearg ur deananh na hurluidhe De bhrosnaich se a chip chatha Do chosg mic anathur fhlatha 54 Eiroghios Faolan le fearg mhor Ghlac ameirg tsaoilhadh shroil Glacadar cumpara cheile Tareis anurnadh do Draoibheil 55 No gur chlaoithadh leis an Dearg an Faolan calma na ccaomh chealg A mhic morna nach meata Chaon chrodheata calma 56 Coisg dhin comhlan an fhir mhoir A cheann ghaisgadh an mor shluagh Deich ced naonnuighe fa thri Uaimsi duit ar antard riogh 57 Agus is leat fein o shoin amach Trian a cumha fa hedola Cia gur fhogradh le teinnidh Clanna Morna no morbhuaidh 58 Mo chumhnadh do bheiram duit A Ri na Feinnadh go turtachd Eirghus Goll nach ar fuiling tar Na chulidh eididh iomashlan 59 Chosg chomhlan an laoi lan Mar bhrosnuidh na chomdhail Tugus an Dearg do chlaoth Ghuill Na hairm nimhe do bhi agcoige 60 Thanic se go diomsach dana Gi ciochrach anait teagmhala Chuimhleadur abfoltanus re cheile An dias dileanta deagh laoch 61 Re snoidhe chloigean is cheann Lionidhe mac Draoibheil is Iollan Bheathadar mur sin fa ghreis No go tugadar an mor theais 62 No gur thost fir Eiroinn uile Le clos beimanach na hiorguile Dith teine, dith cailce, dith cruaidh Do bhi da sgiathuibh san uair 63 Agus dith fola do nimhe Bhi fo chriosanadh na miliah Beathadar comhrac tri là Far thursach mic agus mna. 64 No gur chlaoithadh an Dearg an Le mac Morna na bemanadh Do fuar Goll mar gheulla leis O mhac Cumhail gan ainbhfios 65 Gar buidhach an flaith go mbuadh Do chomhrac Iollain arm ruadh Luidhe bliadhna anuthar Ghuill Tareis comhrac an laoic lonn 66 Attigh Teamhradh gon fhios Agus Feinidh mhic Morna da leighios 67 Do rin an Dearg dithchiol borb Oruin le na moir cholg Thuit ced dar muimtir na throd Agus tre ched do mhuintir Chormaig 68 Is mi Fergus filie Fhionn O gruidh Feinie mhic Cumhail O thrial on feroin ar tuin Trian agaisgidh ni airiosiomh. Finid. THE PRAISE OF GOLL, AND OF FIONN. A. M. N. V. Y. THESE two Poems are in short metre, and would fit a quick cheery tune. The first is attributed to Fionn’s son, Fergus of the Sweet Mouth, the other to Fionn’s son, Oisein. Tradition places ‘The Praise of Goll,’ after the victory over Conn Mac an Deirg. The Poem is still remembered in fragments in the Isles. ‘The Praise of Fionn’ is forgotten. Oisein sings the praises of his Father; but his song is half a Lament to Padruig. After a reconciliation between the rival Tribes, family rejoicings came naturally, so these two are placed together. With them is M. 13, from Gillies. N. 7. Miss Brooke’s Irish version, is at page 298, edit. 1789. Mr. Mac Lean has transcribed this. No Irish type is available. V. 14. is another version printed by Mac Callum. Y. 5. is at page 293, vol. iii. ‘Popular Tales,’ and was orally collected in Barra, before 1862. A. 22. ZOELL. 141 lines. A HOUDIR SO SEIS FARRIS FILLI. 1 ARD agne zwlle, Fer coggi finn Leich loyvir loonn, Owil ne timmi. 2 Seir anich soss, Ser snaig heive Murrich er sloyg, Goole crowich keive 3 Mak mornyth marri, Fa croith in goll A clew fa schen, Far geinnoll sen 4 Reith finnith fayl, Ne timmi glor Ne seywe a chail, Leich eyve mor 5 Noor heyd a gayth, Rayme flath feich Ga meine a chness, Ne in tass in neith 6 A waid ne i myn, Oosi geagi torri Say is glenny gen, Eyddi ni skoll 7 Ooss barri benn, Errir sen rynn Fa heggill lenn, A hagri hecht rinn 8 Derrim rwt a inn, Na drillis noonn Di war agli zwle, Hagni gi tromm 9 Gin chur ra wath, Si cath ne in doe Inseich chayth, Kinseleich sloe 10 A anich ne min, Fullich in fer Dossi ni skoll, Ossil a zen 11 Wrrik a loeg, Torvirdych fayll A throst cayth is boyn Foss flath a chayl 12 Dwn na olt A wrunni mir chelk Wmlane mi chorp, Lomlane da herk [TD 124] 13 Memnycht a weiss, Dalweich a znwss Ne elle re ooss gowle, Ne chell ort a inn 14 Tress ni doon, A zasga zrin Flaaoll foss, Daytholl a kness 15 Er zoole ne cless, Ne slim er hass Broontych a zale, Convych a royr 16 Ferriddi mein, Melleddi moyr Da rayth gi brayth, Aw agis eich 17 Nawch ri cayth, Lawch a leich Claa chonis woyn, Sonnis ni wayne 18 Monmurrycht coyn, Illericht dane Loyvin er aw, Croyth na grewith 19 Loyvir a layve, Royg ni reith Sonnis ni rowd, Sollis a zaid 20 Curris say layve, Gych trayn da wayd Boyn rowni a nir, Boy corrik er 21 Leydwich a zolli, Egni in sterr Leich cwnych loonn, Neawnych la lynn 22 Targissi goole, Argissicht lynni Leich arm mar, Fargycht ra chin 23 Colg convych er, Onchon er zoll Fer zalle ni gonn, Royt zraw ni ban 24 Beith dawe gin non, Di znaa na zarr La beowe rod, A rot ne in tlaa 25 Meith ni grayth, A zrayth fa blaa Seyor a chrow, Awzor a rath 26 Ne in tranith shrow, Na reym in gayth Math morn is dane, Fa orryth a zoyl Innoyr a zloyr, Beith woyn a chrayn 27 Trayth marri mer, Fayle ferri a chorri Gin tayr na zerr, A zaille er forri 28 Mak teadis cheiwe, Nach tregi dawe Gin choggi reith, Nar laggi a layve 29 Oowir a cholk, Is borbe a zloa Nor erris arg, Trane shelga zea 30 A vc cowle zrinn, Coythwil ess gyle See boynych di zoell, Gin noa gin nawle 31 In ness rame lay, A zuayn zoo Werrin gin chelga, Trayn selga zoo 32 Ni twlli a ann, Far nass i gor Graw tenni inn, Trane chon a zooll 33 Treg beich a zwle, Be seichith ronn Nad ray gin ving, Trane feich finn 34 Zoywidsi sinni, Arriss a ayll Is skeil mi zroym, Ne wor mi wane 35 Carri gin kelg, Bail tanni derg Anich si low, A clow oss ard. Ard agni zwl. A. 23. FINN FLA RE NO VANE. 120 lines. ACTOR HUJUS OSSANE M‘FINN. 1 SAI la guss in dei Oy nach vaga mai finn Chanaka rem rai Sai boo zar lym 2 Mak neyn oe heik Ree nyth wollych trom Meddi is mo raith Mo cheyl is mo chon 3 Fa filla fa flaa Fa ree er girre Finn fla re no vane Fa treach er gych ter 4 Fa meille mor marre Fa lowor er lerg Fa shawok glan geith Fa seith er gi carde 5 Fa hillanich carda Fa markyth nor verve Fa hollow er zneith Fa steith er gi scherm 6 Fa fer chart a wrai Fa tawicht toye Fa hynseith naige Fa bratha er boye 7 Fa hai in techter ard Er chalm is er keol Fa dwlta nyn dawf O zaik graig ni glar 8 A kness mir a galk A zroie mir in ross Bi zlan gorm a rosk A holt myr in tor 9 Fa dwle dawf is doonna Fa haryth nyn aw Fa hollow er znee Fa meine ri mnawe 10 Fa hai meille mor Mak mwrna gi mygh Bar lynyth nyn land An cranna os gych ig 11 Fa saywar in rygh A vodla mor zlass nyth Din zort zar zewe Terf nocha thra . . 12 . . . . . . . brone bane . . er nyth tloye Fa bi chroy cham 13 Fa chossnw in greit Fa vanve ni bann Gin dug in flath Trechaid cath fa chann 14 Er scrattych o zea M‘Cowle nor chail Id deir fa zoo Ne closs goo na vail 15 Ner earne er nach Zor air voo ynd Cha royve ach re grane Re reyve vass a chynn 16 Neil aik pest in locht Na arrych in noef Neryn nyn neve Ner varve in ser soyve 17 Ne hynasse zneve A beine gin de bra Ner ynasse voym trane A voye si waa 18 Ach is olk id tam In dei ind ni vane Di quhy less in flath Gi math wa na zei 19 Gin angnow in vor Gin annith glan geith Gin nor in mne ree Is gin wre ni leich 20 Is tursych id tam In dei chinni ni gaid Is me in crann er creith Is me keive er naik 21 Is me chnoo cheith Is me in teach gin schrane Achadane mi nor Is me in toath gin treath 22 Is me ossin m‘fynn Er trane ym zneith Nad be voa finn Di bi lwm gi neith 23 Vii sliss er y hyg M‘Kowl gyn blygh Vii fythit skae cliss Er gi sliss deu sen 24 Kegit ymme oole In dymchale mi ree Kegit leich gin ymzwn Syth gith ymme zeive 25 Xt pley bane Na hallith re hoil Xt urskir gorm Xt corn in noor 26 Ach bi wath in traive A wag finni ni vane Gyn dochil gin drow Gyn glw is gyn gley 27 Gyn talkis ind er In err za ayne Ag dol er gi nae Di weith cach za rar 28 Finn flath in tloye Sothran er a lou Re nyn wlle aig Roy zwnni ni ner zwlt 29 Ner zwlt finn ree nath Ga bi veg a lynn Char churre ass i heach Nach zor danyth ann 30 Math in donna finn Math in donna ai Noch char helic nath Lai zor helic sai. Sai. [TD 125] M. 13. AIR GOLL MAC MORNA. 36 lines. 1 ARD aignidh Ghuill Fear cogaidh Fhinn, Laoch leoghar-lonn, Fulangach, nach tiom, 2 Laoch fionn, fial, A ’s milse glòir; Ni ’n saoibh a chiall, Laoch aoibhidh mòr. 3 A mhèine mèin, ’Sa sgèimh gun chron, ’S e ’s gloine gean, Oide nan sgoil. 4 Ni bheil righ os Goll; Ni ’n ceil ort, Fhinn: Treise na ’n tonn, Air ghaisge grinn, 5 Leòghan air àgh, Cròdha ’na ghniòmh, Neartmhor a làmh, Rogha nan rìgh: 6 Cliath chòmhraig bhuan Do shonas nam Fiann, Mordhalach sluaigh, Iorghuileach dian: 7 Buan rùin an fhir, Buaidh chòmhraig air, Leumnach a ghoil, Euchdach a stair. 8 Fear deud-gheal caomh, Nach tréig a dhàimh; ’An cogadh righ Ni ’n lag làmh; 9 Proinnteach a ghàir, Confhach a threoir; Fiùranda mìn, Mìleanta mòr. N. 7. ROSG GHOILL MAC MORNA. Copied and divided by Hector Mac Lean, June 21, 1872. From Miss Brooke’s Irish Collection. 1 ARD aigneach Goll. Fear cogaidh Finn. Laoch leabhair lonn. Foghail nach tim. 2 Goll cruthach caomh. Saor, eineach suadh. Saorsnasidhach athaobh, Maraighe na sluagh. 3 Mac Morna mear Fa cródha aghal; A chlíu fa sean, Fear seineamhuil sin. 4 Laoch feinnidhe fial, Is gile glór; Ni saobh a chiall, Laoch áobhdha mór. 5 Ni tais do ní, Mar théid accath; Réim flatha faoi; Ce mín a chneas. 6 A mhéin ni mion, Sa sgéimh gan ghron; Is sé is gloine dfhior Oide na Sgol. 7 Nìor lag a làmh, Fear déidgheal caomh; Nach theigean Dáimh A ccogadh rìamh. 8 Os barraibh beann, Iarras ort roinn; Sa heagal linn, A thagra riot Fhinn. 9 Ge trom a chliu, ’S maith Goll um nídh; Gidh mór ni tréith, Sáith sluaigh do righ. 10 Caidreamh na ndámh, Leadrach na slóigh; Toun fairrge thrén, Goll meanmnach mór. 11 Budh heagal dhuit a Fhinn Laoch cinnte ceart; Fraoch mhillte a neart A deirim riot. 12 A Fhinn an fhuilt tais Air Goll na bris; A mheirge ni tais Is mairg thagmhus ris. 13 Flaith gan fheall; Gràin chéad ar Gholl; Air mhéad ar theann, A ccath ni tim. 14 A deirim riot a Fhinn, Comhail is geall; Sith bhuan do Gholl Gan fhuath, gan fheall. 15 Haigneadh go trom. A deirim riot a Fhinn, Na ndrithlis ndonn; Bi ar eagla Ghuill. 16 Ge buan re maith, A ccath ni dóigh; Ionnsaightheach áigh, Cionsealach slóigh. 17 Uasal a ghean, A eineach ni mion; Fuilteach an fear, Duasa na sgol. 18 Oirdheirceach re sluaigh, Toirbheartach trén; Cosg catha is buan, Fós flath e. 19 As fial lomlán da sheirc, Doinne ina fholt; A bhruinne mar chailc, Iomlan a chorp. 20 Eire fa chíos Budh cóir dha chúis; Is meanmnach bhìos Is dealbhach a ghúnis. 21 An gaisgidheach grinn Ni bhfuil ní os Goll; Ni cheilim ort Fhinn, Is treise e na tonn. 22 Flaitheamhuil a fhós, Daitheamhuil a chneas; Ar Goll na clis Nì slim a ttreas. 23 Míleata mór, Bronntach a dháil; Confadhach a threóir, A fhearg go brut ágh. 24 Agus fioch a bhuannachd ar chách, Lámhachadh laoch; Rogha na riogh Leomhan ar ágh. 25 Cródha na ghníomh, Leabhar a lámh; Cleaith chonus bhuan, Sonas na bhfían. 26 Mórdhálach, caoin; Iorghalach dian; Eígneach astair, Buan rún an fhir. 27 Buaidh comhlann air, Leidmheach, aghail; Sonas na rod. Solas a dhead. 28 Cuiridh se lean Air gach tréan da mhéad; Do ghnáth na ghar Organ na ccon. 29 Ro ghrádh na mban, Bion daimh mar sin; Flaith leasgach caoimh, Flathchleach úr. 30 Fear clisde saor, Fear bris múr; Na ccraoiseach ccòrr, Leathan a lann. 31 Cathar Goll, Rìthaoiseach teann; Treig thfíoch a Ghuill, Bi síothdha rinn. 32 Re do réidh gan mheirg, Trian fiodhaidh o Fhionn Ni fuar mo mhéin, Tréighimse mfìoch. 33 Díbh a Fhearguis fhéil, Do sguir mo ghruairn; A chara gan cheilg, A bhéal tana dearg. 34 A eineach ar lúth, Do chlíu os áird THE STORY OF LIUR. I KNOW only two versions of this ballad, both written by Kennedy. He tells the story in his quaint English Arguments. Four different Yarns here join:—1st, the general History of the Feinne; 2nd, the Blood-feud of Fearragin or Erragon and the Norse Wars; 3rd, the Blood-feud of Goll and Fionn; 4th, the Story of Liur, whose son eloped with the wife of Erragon. Dr. Smith had Kennedy’s first copy, and quotes a stanza (page 268, Gaelic, 1787, ‘Sean Dana’) of a similar ballad. He introduces Dan ‘Liughair’ in his poem of ‘Conn.’ The translation is at page 306, Engl. edit. 1780, ‘Cuthon, the son of Dargo.’ Mac Pherson’s Caledonian Fingal is instead of ‘Fionn;’ ‘Selma’ is instead of Teamhra or Almhuin; and Conn Mac an Deirg is named anew like Liur. Possibly Shakspeare’s ‘King Lear’ may be the same person. A mythical Manx king, Lir, often appears in Irish tales. H. 20. HOW LIUR MADE PEACE BETWEEN FINGAL AND GOLL. 128 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 73. Advocates’ Library, December 5, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, December 9, 1871. Not known to Hennessy at all.—J. F. C. [TD 126] THE ARGUMENT. A DISPUTE rose betwixt Fingal and Goll one day till they cast out. Goll went away to gather his army, and to get assistance from other Kings to give battle to Fingal. Fingal then went to an intimate friend named Liur, who was a King, to get his assistance; and when the time of battle came Liur made a peace between them. Liur before he died was beging from house to house, he happen to come where Fingal was hunting one day, then he recompences him all the kindnesses ever he had done to him, got him his Lands and all things which he had before. DAN 9. 1 LATHA chuaidh Fionn do thigh Liuir, Le aon fhichead déug fear gu fior; ’S bu cheannard tri naonar fear feachd, An t-aon fhear bu táire dhinn. 2 Shuidh bean Liuir air gualain Fhinn, Shuidh Fionn air le’ ghualain Liuir; Shuidh Righ Arta na re Aogh, Aogh Mac Garabh a ghnúis ghil. 3 Shuidh Conchair is Cormaic cruinn, Na re Aogh a b’ áille bian; ’So sin a’ rís a mach, Shuidh gach neach bh’ ann air am biadh. 4 Bha cruitean da shéinn san teach, ’S dáin da ghabhail gu ceart chóir; Bha bodha druinais air gach clár, A deanadh gairdeachas is ceól. 5 Mar sin dhuinne caitheamh tím, ’S gu bu bhinn leam fein ar dóidh; Gu ’n easbhuidh air mil no air fion, No air fidhlairachd is ceól. 6 Mar sin bha gu la roi’ n dáil, Gu subhach, samhach gu ’n bhrón; Gus an d’ ainig mor shluabh Ghuill, ’N ’ar fradharc air tuinn d’ ar cóir. 7 ’S ann an sin air labhair Fionn, ‘Chi mi ni is an ait leam; Chi mi thall ud cabhlach Ghuill, Seóladh a nall gu Drim feann.’ 8 ‘Is chi mi bhratach gu h-árd, An gathaibh chrann thair Drim blagh; ’Sa chomraic ud as mo cheann, Nach raibh mi ann coi’ leon sleagh, 9 ‘Comhairle Cailleich cluain, Comhairle chruaidh dhuinn gu beachd; Gach neach tha sibh eolach gu gniomh, Deongidh sibh tri air an fhear.’ 10 ‘Sann an sin a labhair Liur, Tha comain agam air Goll; ’S ma sa cumhain leis an fhear, Bu ro aithridh mi air fonn.’ 11 ’N sin ghluais Liur an co’-ail Ghuill, Triuir air eachamh is e féin; Is bheannaich e gu bhinn dho’, Mar a nochdsa glóir mo sgéil. 12 ‘Gu beannaich an t-agh thu Ghuill, Fhir is fearr a’ ta fuidh ’n ghréin; Fhir is fhearr comain is coir, ’S fhearr thu gu mór na mi féin. 13 ‘An cumhain leat la an eich bhric? Air fraochan os cionn Tom cliar; Thug mise dhuit an t-each glas, Bheireadh tu gu bras do ’n t-sliabh.’ 14 O ’n rinn thusa sin a Liuir, Fir is fhéilidh tha fuidh ’n ghréin; Ma tha t-athchuinge a bhos, Eirich agus gheibh gu réidh.’ 15 ‘Oighe do bha ’m thigh an róir, Fionn Mac Chuthaill taobh mar thuinn; Thu da leigail slán thair sliabh, O ’n tharladh mo bhia ’na bhróinn.’ Dh’ ordaich a bhean chomhairlachidh bh’ aig, Liur, do dhaoine Finn fear a dhol mu chomhair triuir do dhaoine Ghuill o na bha iad cho lionmhor; Mharbhadh each Ghuill latha, agus mhairbhte e fein mar an ceudna, mar a d’ thuga Liur an t-each glas dha. 16 ‘Imichaibhsa air ar ’n ais, A shluabh bras o Innse freóine; ’S mar ghabhsa an t-anam ’n ar corp, No briseadh focal mo bheóil.’ 17 Ghluais sinn uile do thigh Liuir, Is fhuair sinn ann mil is fion; Ge d’ tha e ’n diu na fhasach fuar, Bha e uair a b’ áros Righ. 18 Do chunnaig mise tigh Liuir, ’S bu lionmhor ann mil is fion; ’S chunnaig mi na dheidh sin, Liur ’s a bhean fhial fuidh dhí. 19 ’S chunnaig mi na dheidh sin, Gu ’n spéis dhi aig fear no mnaoi; Aig imeachd o thigh gu tigh, Dh’ fheuch cia ’n tigh a b’ fhearr dha mhaoin. 20 Latha do bha Fionn a sealg, Le Fheinn chalma aig Beinn luire; Co chunnaig fad o lamh, Ach an t-árd Righ d’ a b’ ainm Liur, 21 Dh’ imich gu grad na dháil, Le gean agus gradh is subh; ’S cho d’ leig e neach leis do chach, Chum ’s nach cuirte náir air Liur. 22 So do bheatha fein a Liur, Fhir a chomain ghasta ghrinn; Fhuair mi moran do’ d chuid, ’S cho d’ iarr thu dadum da chionn. 23 Thug thu dhamh ’s tu d’ shuidh ag ól, Aon fhichead déug bo le ’n laoidh; Is baothan an cois gach bó, Air Fraoch os ceann Drim caol. 24 Thug thu dhamh naoi fichead each, Gu ’m iomeachair a cás claoidh; ’S aon fhichead déug fui ’m beairt, Da ’m thabhairt gu tráidh steach thair tuinn. 25 ‘Thug thu sin dham gu ’n bhréug, Gu ’n éura’ gu féilidh cóir; Gu ’n luach no dioleadh da cheann, Fhir is céillidh caint is glóir.’ 26 ‘Cho mhise féin anois Liur, Ors am fear a bu mhór iochd; B’ fhearr leam bás fhulang am theach, No gu ’n gaibhte mi na riochd.’ 27 ‘Gu deimhin ’s tu fein ’nois Liur, Ors ’m fear a b’ aille bian; ’S air an ádhbhar sin gheibh thu, Coi’ dhioleadh a d’ úir gu fial.’ 28 ‘Bheir mi dhuit bó air a bhó, Bheir mi dhuit each air an each; ’S bheir mi dhuit lóng air an lúing, Da d’ thabhairt gu traidh tuinn a steach.’ 29 ‘Fuasglaidh mi dhuit d’ fhearann saor, O gach aon lán laoch d’ am bheil; Ni mi thu a d’ thoicach lán, ’S cuiridh mi thu slán gu d’ theach.’ 30 Choi’ lion e dha sin mar rádh, ’N tra’ chaith iad sea laith a cluich; Chuir e da thigh e mar gheall, Is céud calm d’ a dhion o uilc.’ 31 ‘Sin agaibh iomlaid an da Righ, Mar dh’ iochd iad caoimhneas da chéil; Bu sheirceil, caomhannach, cóir, Gu ’n an-iochd no gó iad féin. 32 ‘Mile beannachd dhuit gach ré, ‘Oisain fhéilidh is binn glóir; Air son an sgeoil co mai’ blagh, ’S a dh’ aithris thu dham re ’m bheó. [TD 127] I. 15. KING LEAR.—A POEM. 124 lines. Extracts. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 44. Advocates’ Library, April 5, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL and Gaul had disputed upon a certain topic, as they had frequently had wrangled for several rights and priviledges Gaul had formerly held when supreme King of Clan Moirne. Gaul went to levy an army among his Friends and Alies to Inis-froon to re-enforce himself and give battle to Fingal. Fingal went to Lear a petty King in Ireland, upon whose aid he depended if Gaul was to surprise him, by whom Fingal and his army are entertained very hospitably. Gaul arrived with a powerful army to engage Fingal, upon which the amicable and courteous Lear marched with three attendants to meet Gaul, who he reconciles with Fingal by his affability and easy address, and invites him to his hospitable Hall, where he makes up amity and good friendship between the two Clans. Lear in his old days was reduced into a state of indigency, whether by the tyranny of the usurping Kings of Ireland or by the brutal force of the Danes is hard to determine. However, it is clear that he was reduced to poverty, and beg’d his livelyhood from one place to another, and happened to come to Fingal in disguise who knew him, replaced him in his regal authority and all the properties which he formerly possessed, and requited him all former favours done him, which had been many and great. We can find no instances in any History that can excel that of the hospitable, generous, and benevolent Fingal requiting the noble, amicable, and charitable Lear all former favours done him with the greatest gratitude and tenderest sensation of love and compassion. The Poem begins with Fingal’s arrival at Lear’s splended Hall, wherein they are entertained with great decorum, plentifulness, and the Music of Bards and Harpers. LIUR. 1 LE aon fhichead deug fear gu gniomh; 3 Lamh ri Aogh a b’ aobhach fiadh; 4 Bha cruiteann g’ an seinn san teach, ’S dain g’ an gabhail, seach gu lo; ’S blagh-bhinn druinneis air gach clàr, A deanadh gairdeachais is ceol. 6 Teach na feile, teach na baigh, ’M bu mhor àbhachd nan ceud sloigh; Gus an d’ thainig cabhlach Ghuill, Am fradharc air tuinn d’ ar coir. 8 Is chi mi bratach an àigh, Ann gathaibh chrann seach Druim-bhagh. 9 Comhairle Chormaic nam buadh, Comhairle chruaidh dhuinn gu beachd; 15 Oigh do bha ’m thigh an raoir, (aoigh) 17 Ghluais iad uile do thigh Liuir, 19 Chunnaig mi feile nam fear, 20 Ach an t-Aghor d’ am b’ ainm Liur. 24 Gu ’m iomachar a cas Chuinn; ’S aon fhichead deug Long fui’ m beairt. 27 Ors am fear a b’ aille ’n Fhiann; Gheibh thu ’n comain do dhea’ ruin, Coi-dhioladh a d’ reir gu fial. 29 Choi-lion mo Riogh mar a gheall, Mo Riogh gun fheall do Ri’-Liur; Am fiontruinn dh’ eidich maraon, A bhean ’san laoch bu mhor cur. 30 Chuiread ceud calma gu dhion, Gus an tir ann d’ fhuair e iul; B’ eibhinn aidhearach an Fhiann, A triall leis an Triath gu mhur. 31 ’S e sin iomlaid an da Riogh, Mar dh’ iochd iad eineach na fèil; Bu cheanail caomhanach, coir, Gun an-iochd na go am beus. These mutual presents of Fingal and Lear may with propriety be compared to those of Solomon to Hiram, King of Tyre.—(Kennedy’s note.) THE LAY OF THE MAIDEN. O’Donovan’s Catalogue, 266. H. 2. 17. Trinity College, Dublin. ‘AN ancient romantic Fenian tale, Bàs an Mhacaoin Mór Mic Righe Na Easpaint. He was killed, according to the story, by the Great Warrior Oscar, the grandson of Finn Mac Cumhaill, in the reign of Cormac Mac; but the whole story is purely legendary, but still worth attention, as it preserves some ancient Irish notions.’ (Two leaves of small folio, vellum, bound up with part of the Book of Leacan.) It somewhere appears that this champion had a cat’s head, and that Oscar’s first exploit was this victory. At least three metrical stories about distressed damsels are preserved:— 1. A Princess of Lochlann is pursued by Dearg, a Greek Warrior. They come to the Feinne while they are out hunting, and the end of the story is that Goll binds the mighty Greek. 2. The Princess of the Land under the Waves is pursued by Maighre Borb. They come by sea to the Feinne at Easruagh. Goll slays the pursuer, and the Lady lives with Fionn for a year as his wife. 3. A Princess of Greece is pursued by Illin or Iolun, Prince of Spain, to the mound on which the Feinne dwelt. The pursuer binds Fionn’s younger sons, and slays the Lady. Oscar, Fionn’s grandson, slays the Spaniard; Oisein tells the story to Padruig, and points to the graves. 4. This story first appeared in print in Mac Pherson’s ‘Fragments,’ 1760, pp. 26 to 30. It begins thus:— ‘Son of the noble Fingal, Oscian, Prince of men! What tears run down the cheeks of age? What shades thy mighty soul? Memory, son of Alpin, Memory wounds the aged. Of former times are my thoughts; My thoughts are of the mighty Fingal.’ Mac Pherson’s ‘Oscian’ then tells the story. The daughter of Cremor, Prince of Inverne, is pursued by Ullin. They come over sea to Fingal. The Pursuer binds his three sons, and slays the Lady. Oscar slays him. Oscian tells the story to the Son of Alpin, and points to the graves. 5. The story next appeared (P. 45, Fingal, Book 3, edit. 1762), as an episode in an Epic, transformed, and polished. ‘Oscar I was young like thee when lovely Fainasolis came, that sunbeam, that mild light of love,’ &c. The Lady, ‘The Maid of Craca,’ is pursued by ‘Borbar;’ he slays the Lady; Ossian slays him, and he tells the story to his son Oscar. Craca is supposed, in a foot-note, to be one of the Shetland Islands. In the latest edition of Ossian’s poems (1870, vol. I., p. 496) Mac Pherson’s last version is printed as his translation from his Gaelic original; but there is no Gaelic original for this episode. I have got together more than 2,500 lines of versions of these ballads, of which the oldest was written about 1512, and the latest I wrote myself in Barra, in 1871, from the dictation of a man who cannot read. I suppose that Mac Pherson paraphrased a version, and that he worked it into his Fingal, together with similar paraphrases of genuine ballads, and his own imaginations. Readers may judge for themselves from the samples which follow. Of the first ballad, I have but one version; of the second, and third I have many; of the fourth and fifth, none. Here is a list:— A. 18. Essroyg 162 D. 19. Eass Ruaidh 139 H. 19. Maighre Borb 124 I. 13. Maire Borb 128 M. 10. Cath, Righ Sorcha 136 N. 5. Moira Borb 160 S. 3. The Fall of Roya 104 lines 953 D. 18. An Invin 106 D. 29. An Ionmhuinn 22 F. 18. Duan na h-Inghin 128 L. 2. Dan na h-Inghin 100 M. 9. Dan na h-Inghin 84 S. 2. Dan na h-Inghin 84 V. 11. Dan na h-Inghin 130 lines 654 Of No. 1, 82 lines; of 2, 953; of 3, 654; of fragments gathered by Dr. Mac Lauchlan, 288; of fragments gathered by myself, 418. Twenty-three versions, 2,395 lines. Versions, heard in 1870-1871, were not counted, but they were numerous. [TD 128] P. 11. LAOIDH MAODH-CHABIR ’US CHAMAGICH. 82 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 69. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 24, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. I HAVE no other version of this ballad. It is written for repeating every half stanza, which manner of singing Heroic Ballads I heard in 1871. THE Princess of Lochlann comes to the Feinne for protection. Her dress is described. She is followed by a personage who is not easy to explain. He seems to be a Greek, and his name is Dearg, Mac Na Deirga Dàsniche. This name is applied to Deer in a legend, and Dearg’s sister was transformed into a Hind, according to another. This warrior overthrew eleven hundred of Fionn’s men, and was himself overthrown and bound by Goll, who held him to ransom. 1 LA gan rabh fiann alabinn, Air maol-fhionn chnoc-o grianan, Air maol-fhionn chnoc-na dălich, Nach d’ fuair Fionn riamh a lagidh, 2 Air maoil fhionn chnoc na dalich, Na d’ fhuair fionn riamh a lagadh Dh’ eirich fionn gu fianntachd Gu h’ ard os cionn na feinne, 3 Dh’ eirich fionn, &c. Sgaoladar na fhianuis, Luchd seilge gach a sleibha 4 Sgaoilada, &c. Man dug an luchd seilge sin, An athannan o cheila 5 Man dug, &c. Chunnachdadar sna maoghannan, Bean sa h-uidhe ro threun ’ar 6 Chunnachdadar, &c. A Bhaobh fharsinn mhoralach Tiogn thuginn mar mhnaoi mhalla. 7 A Bhaobh, &c. Amhluidh ’s do bha ’n og bhean sin, Bha orrase buaidh dealbha 8 Amhluidh, &c. Brat do ’n t-sioda bhuidhe bha, Mo nighin an t-seanga bheoin, 9 Brat do ’n, Folt dualach donna thlath Le ochd oireanna fleadha, 10 Folt Brat do neaghuinn orlucht, An in-chuinc òir ma braghid. 11 Brat Air cheangal le h-òr dearg, Sud uimpe sa Phadruig, 12 Air Air an tulic fhod bhuidhe, Eada rinn ga feuchin 13 Air an Do dh’ fiosruich fionn finnla Do Nionaig cas thanig 14 Do dh’ fiosruich O chathir na Sochai Thainin ars an nionag 15 O chathir ’S nioghn do dh’ Ard Righ Lochlunn mi Maodhchabir a b’ ainn dhuine 16 ’S Niogn ’n Se ’n Righ a bha ’r an Inno Gan d’ rugadh mo mhathir 17 Se Sann sa chabar Lochlunnach A rugadh mi san oiche 18 Sann Dhaolidh mi san fhearann Us se Gealluch l’ ’n air mo Bhrathir 19 Dhaoilidh Rugadh mi mar Bhanacheila Don Dearg muinn mac an dreugmhuinn 20 Rugadh An Dearg mor bha toibheumach Cha d’ fhuair e toil mo mheanmnadh 21 An Dearg Gun rabh an curi cath-mili O ’n latha sin gam leanmhuinn 22 Gun rabh Gum b’ iomadh Tonn Thorr-bhuan Fuidh sparradh an Deirg-Eibhinnich 23 Gum b’ iomadh Thiubhail mis an Domhan, Agus m’ aghich air gach aon neach 24 Thiubhail Fear ghabhail mo chuimrichdsa, Cha d’ fhuaras riamh a mhichd Cubhuill, 25 Fear Ne eagal an Deirg mhoir-chuisich A theachd o Rioghachd na Greiga, 26 Ne Nach gabhainnsa do chuimric ’s, Arsa Fionn Flath na Feinne. 27 Nach Gabhsa Ghuill mo chuimricsa A ghaoil a dh’ fearubh Morna 28 Gabhsa O nach bheil nan chumhachdabh Bhi n aghaigh an fhioir mhor achdannich 29 O nach Cuirims an Ad-mhullich Arsa Goll an lamh bu treina 30 Cuirims Nach bhuil air an Domhan Laoch a gheibha tu air eigin 31 Nach Cha b’ fhada fuin chuinnic sin Do dh’ fearamh Fiann Eirinn. 32 Cha Nair chunnachdar a sonna mhili A tign o ’n bheinn gu cheila 33 Nair Mac na Deirga Dàsniche Nach facas riamh mhac samhla 34 Mac Na chaoiribh dearg mar bharr-lasir Tiogn thuginn gu dian dana 35 Na Bha lann liobh ro-gharbh-mhor, Aig an an Laoch an ceanna dearna, 36 Bha Far fearibh na feorni Maodhchabir sna bearnibh 37 Far Deich ciad toisich Tuarasdil ’S ciad eila leis na bhuidhnidh 38 Deich Mo leagadh an Deirg Mhorchuisich Gum b’ ann dar Feinn a chlaoidhadh 39 Mo Nair mhothuich Goll gniomhachdach Fiannabh Fhinn gan leagadh 40 Nair Dh’ eirich e na fhior-theasamh Mo Iomachd mhic an Dreagmhuinn 41 Dh’ eirich Dh’ eirich an da chath-mhili Gu bras an aigh’ch a cheila 42 Dh’ eirich Eidar an da ro-mhili Gum b’ olc an ioghnadh treina 43 Eidar Sann le ’n casan morchuisach A mhosgladh iad Trom talabhinn [TD 129] 44 Sann Nochdadh an fhuil ghrinnis leo Dol n innibh a cheila 45 Nachdadh Bhiota forra forragharg Na Laoich sin man cloit’ ad 46 Bhiota B’ e deiridh an imarsgeilsa Dimeas mhich an Dreugmuinn 47 B’ e Gun dug Goll leis ceangailt Ann a fiadhnuis fheara Mornne, 48 Gun Us Mile Marg o ’n Dearg A thoirt a nall a Rioghachd na Greiga 49 Us Sud thoirt do Gholl gealamhor Airson Dheirg thoirt uaidh’ air eigin. A. 18. ESSROYG. 80 lines. A HOUDIR SOO OSSEIN. 1 ANNIT doif skayle beg er finn, Ne skayle nach currein soym Er v‘cowle fay math golle, Fa cowin sen rame ray 2 Di wamyn beggane sloyeg, Ag essroyg nym neggin mawle Di chemyn fa holta yr trae, Currych mor is ben ann 3 Keigit leich zownych mane leich, Fa math er gneeit er gych gart Fir rar ness is marg a cheith, Di gowmist er gi ter nert 4 Derrymir wlli gi dane, Ach finn no wane is gowle Dethow churrych fa hard keym Wa na reym scoltyth nyn donn 5 Ne yarnyth tam in na techt Gir zoywe calle si fort ynaa Yth techt dey her in ness Derre ass m‘cayve mnaa 6 Gilli a darli no syth graanne, Is ser mayne nossyth dalwee In nynin hanyk in gane, Di waymin feyn rompyth sorve 7 Heg thuggin gu pupaill finn, Is banneis gi grin doyth Reggir m‘kowle na heiner, In bannow beinn gin toyth 8 Darrit in reith fa math drach, Gi hard di neyn dath zlan Ca trawe as danith in wan, Toywr skaylli gi gar rowne 9 Neyn may re heir fa hwne, Innosit gyth crwn my zayll Ne elli trawe fa neyin grane Nar earis feyn di leich feal 10 A reithyin hwlle gi royd A neyn oyk is math dalwe In tosga fa daneis an gane Tawiris doyth pen gi darve 11 Mi chomryth ort mass tow finn, Di rae run in makayve mna Daywis towr loyryth is di loye Gave mi chomre gi loyth tra 12 Derrich in reith fa math fiss Sloneit a niss ca ter a hei Goym rayd chomre a wen Er gi far za will in greit 13 Tay la feich a techt er murri Leich is math gol er mi lorga Mak re na Sorchir is geire erme Is do fa anm in Dyr borb 14 Di churris gessi ne chenn Gi berre fin may er saylle Is nach bein aggi mir wnee Gar wath a ynee is awge 15 Di raye osgir gi glor mir Far sin di chosk gi reith Gin gar for finn di yess, Ne rach tow less mir wneith 16 Di chemyn techt her stead Leich si wayd oss gi far Sowle ni farga gi dane Si nwle chadni zoyve a wen 17 Clokgit tenn teygne ma chenni Far nar heme is bi tren Skar yawnnych you er a zess A drum lin cless era claa 18 Clawe trome tortoyl nac gann Gi tenn er teive in ir vor A gymirt class assi chind Is a techt in genn tloye 19 Za voneis zasg gi moya A sessow in gawlow skay Er nert er zask er zolle Ne elle far mir achay 20 Naill flath is rosk reith In kenn in ir fa keive crow Math in noyth fa gall a zayd Is loayth a stayd ne si srow 21 Tanik in stead sin in deir Sin far nar weine riss in nayne Kegit leich wemir ann Zonyth ra hynsyth gar nar 22 Er eggill in ir is a heyth Ne royve leich zin gan zrane 23 Da twne mir hanik in deir Darrit in reith fa math clu In nathin tow feyn a wen In na sud in fer a der tow 24 Haneym a v‘coulle a ynd Is fowir linn a zi tane Darg say miss wra less Ga math di thress a inn aylle 25 Derre oskir agus Gowle Bi worbe coskir lonn ni gath Nane sessow in gar in tloye Eddir in far mor si flaath 26 Hanik in leich bi wath tlacht Le feich is lay nart no genn Aggis foddeis woyn in wen Di we gar a zolin inn 27 Tuk m‘Morn in turchir dane Gi croy na zey din tleyg Ner anni in turchir nar hay Za sky gin darny da wli 28 Di crath oskir fa mor ferg A chrissi yerg za layve claa Aggis marveis stayd in ir mor In teaach a rinyth lai 29 Nor hut in stayd er in lerg Zimpoo la ferg is la feich Agis fokgris borbc in teme Corik er in kegit in leich 30 In tewe moe zinsyth fene is dinn Kegit leich nar heim no zall Gar waat in tessow sid drost Di zyle in gask la nyth lawe 31 Varrit da willi gi marri Gi dane di gi far zew sin De nemist wlli fa hur Mir hu ac coryk fir 32 Chaywill tre nenor gi moy Sin nirrill chroy solli di scur Ga croy chaywill ni de cheill Er gi eine dew sin a churr [TD 130] 33 Di zrwt gowle in nagni vir Gu leddirt in ir in gor roit Ga bea chewic eads in sin Bi zarve in gell sin gloe 34 Horchir m‘Morn la laive M‘re nyth sorchir skaylle mor Is margk trave in danik in ven Fa hut in far in gar roit 35 Is er tuttym in ir vor In gar zi choyn croye in ceme Di we neyn re heir fa hwne Bleygin ac finn ansyth nane 36 Flann m‘Morn croy in cass Hor bass fa mor in teacht Ne reive leich a danik as zeive Gin a chneis lane di chrecht 37 Mathirsyth feine by wath tlacht Neach a wackyth reyve neir er In nis ass derri dym zneith Er inn is annit doth skayll. Annit doth skayll. 38 Do zawe sea churre no o skay Leith na thraa zor royve ann Na gin dug ayr mor er ir wane Is gin dranik se a feyn fynn. 39 Mir wee kegit leich garwe In daall in narm zo gi loor Wemist gin choywir fa smach Da goyvys woyn in cor 40 Di weit in glywe gin tocht A cluyith chorp agus skay Co math chorik pen a deiss Ne aykyth reiss er mi ray 41 Eligir aggin ag in ess Fer bi wath tressi is gneive Currir fa wrayth gi moyer Fane oyr in nonor mi reith 42 Deyth bleyin zoolle in narm naye In leith worb nar loyeth in reith M‘Morn fa deyiss lamm Gai leygiss ag finn ni fleygh. D. 19. EASS RUAIDH. Mac Nicol’s Collection. 139 lines. Ossianic Ballad. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, February 27, 1872. THIS is the same as A. 18. ‘Mac Riogh na Sorcha’ is supposed to be the son of the King of Portugal. It is exceedingly curious to note the changes which have taken place in this ballad, written by the Dean of Lismore about 1512, and by the Minister of Lismore about 1755 to 70. Every line has changed, but so as to preserve something like the sound, and something nearly equivalent to the meaning of each line, and each quatrain. A few verses have been forgotten; one verse in the second version is not in the first. The Story and the Ballad continue the same in spite of the changes. A better illustration of the power of tradition I never saw.—J.F.C. 1 LAITHIDH dhuinne beggan sluaidh, Aig Eass Ruaidh nan Egin mall Chuncas aig sheola air Lear, Curach mor & Beann ann, 2 Sheisibh shinn uille gu dion, Moch Fionn nan Fiann & Goll; Aig aibhric a Churich b’ airde leim; ’S bean da reir a scoltadh Thonn. 3 Aithne cha dreinn neach ach tost, Gus ’n do ghaibh i Calla sa phort sheibh; Shin nar dh’ eirigh air an Eass, Thanig as Macca Mnaoi. 4 B’ ionnin dearsa dhith ’s do ’n Ghrein, ’S bu thaoir a Mein ann ’s gach Dealbh; Inghin og thaing an Cein, Beithemid fein roipe sòirbh. 5 Bheannuich I do phobul Fhinn, Gun bheannuich I gu binn doibh; Fhreagair Mac Cubhail na Fein, Gu h-ubhail grinn dith ’s gu foil. 6 Dh’ fhairid an Riodh bu mhath Fios, Cia t-aird a nighin ghlan ur; Nach innish u dhuinn a Bheann, Cò ’n Treabh as an tainig tu. 7 ’S Inghinn mi do Riogh Fa-thuinn, Dh’ insin Shin dhuit ge Cruinn mo Dhail; Nach h-eil Tir mu ’n do Dh’ iath Griann, Nach d’ iarras thusa a Fhlath Phail. 8 Do bhrigh do Thurish air gach Rod, Inghin og as ro mhath dealbh; An t-abhar mu ’n tainig tu ’n lein, Nach tabhair thu fein du’nn a Dhearbh; 9 Ort mo Choimirin mas tu Fionn, Thoir dhaibh Linn a Mhacca Mhnai; Do bhrigh Furluinn is do Bhuaidh, Glac mo Choimirin gu luath tradh. 10 Glacam do choimirin a Bhean, Dh’ aoin Fhear da bheil an Crich; Ach innish dhuine gu beachd, Co an neach bhiodh air do Thi. 11 Ta ga ’m Bheor-uidh ruagidh air Muir, Laoch bu bhor guin air mo Lorg; Mac Riogh na Sorcha ’s geur airm, Neach thin da ’m b’ ainm Maidhre-borb. 12 Geassin a chuirin na cheann, Fhadsa bhithidh Fionn air sail; Nach rachadh du leis mar mhnaoi, Ge math a ghniobh is a Laibh. 13 Labhair Osgar le Gloir bhirr, An Laoch a chaisgidh sud gach Reir; Gad nach foirin Fionn fa Gheass, Cha rachadh tu leis mar mhnaoi. 14 Bliaghna dhuinne san Labh threin, Chuncas an steud air an Leirg; Agus a mheid as gach Fear Shiubhal na Fairge gu dian San Rod cheudna reinn a Bhean. 15 Bha cloggadd teann tuinntaidh mu cheann, Air an Fhear nach bu thiom ’s bu threun; Sgiath dhruimnich nach teid air a h-aish, O Imlaig gu cneas a chleibh. 16 Bha claibhibh trom toirtoil nach gann, Do bhi an Laibh an Fhir mhòir Aig iommairt a chlessibh gu dian A teachd ann Druimlibh a chuain. 17 Bha neul Flath & Rosg Riogh, An ceann an Fhir bu chaoin cruth; Gabh mhaidh a shnuaigh ’s geile dheid, Bu luathidh’ steud na na shruth. 18 Badde labhan na creann Iughir, ’S bu bhinne na Eoin chiuil a ghuth; Tighin o ’n Tuinn gus a chrich, Aig ’n do fharraid an Riogh bu mhath cliu. 19 An saoileadh tu fhéin a Bhean, ’Ne thud an Fear a deireadh tu; Saolidh mi Mhic Cubhail Fheinn, Gur a Coibhlan nach tiom e, Gun tairg eisin mo bhreath leis Ge mor do neart as an Fhein. 20 Thainig an Laoch bu bhor Tlachd, Le Fraoich as le neart nar ceann; Cha ’d fharraid e Curruidh na Triath, Na Laoch gar Fianibh gu raibh ann. 21 Sheisibh Osgar sheisibh Goll, Bu mhor Cosg air Lonn an cath; Nan Dist an Iummil an t-shloidh Eddar am Fear mor sam Flath. 22 Do fhuadich e leis a Bhean, Do bhi ’n cairibh Gualin Fhein; Thug e Tair mhoir air an Fhein, Gus an d’ rainig e fein Fionn. [TD 131] 23 Thug Mac Morn an urchair threun, Gu crothidh as a dheidh da shleagh; ’S cha do bheann an urchair da chre, Ach reinneadar da sgeith da Leath. 24 Do thilg Osgar an aigh, A chraosich dhearg as a Laibh chlith As maratar leis steud an Fhir, ’S mor am beud a chinneadh leinn. 25 Do thuit an steud air an Leirg, Thiuntaidh e le Feirg ’s le Fraoich; Dh’ fhogair ge bu mhor an Taom, Coibhrag air an ar caogid Laoch. 26 Tuilleadh dhiomsa fein ’s do Fhionn, Chaidh ceud nach bu tiom na dhail; Ge bu mhath an aigne san Tosd, Gheall eisin an cosgairt le Laibh. 27 Clann a Morna cruaidh an cas, Fhair Bas ge gairg am Beud; Cha raibh neach a thainigas, Nach raibh chneaslach lan do chreuchd. 28 Bliadhna dhoibhsin gun airm aigh, Gach Laoch gairg a shath a shleagh; Nan Luithidh fa theagasg Fhinn, Dan leighis aig Fionn nan Fleagh. 29 Dh’ eirich Goll an aignuidh mhir, A Liodairt an Fhir san chaol-rod; Ge b ’e chithidh iad an thin, Bu bhor an gail’ is an scleo. 30 Bha claighinin soc ri soc, Re lioddairt chorp & sciath; Tinnil catha’ bh’ aig an Deiss, Cha ’n fhaccas ris roibh riabh. 31 Ga do chlaoidh Mac Morna le Laibh, Mac Riogh na Sorcha as theibh snuaidh; ’S mairg Treabh on dainig a Bhean, Leis ’n do Thuit am Fear on chuan. 32 Thiolica a choir an Eass, An Gilli bu mhaith cleass as clith; Churigh mu Bhraithidh gach Meoir, Fain oir an onnoir mo Riogh. 33 Bha Inghin Riogh Bhara fo thuinn, Fad Bliadhan aig Fionn ann san Fhein; An Deigh Tuitim an Fir mhoir, O Choitha Chuain truadh an sgeul. 34 Mathair fein bu ro-mhath Dreach, Cha do dhuilt e neach da Thruadh no Threin; A nois o ’s deire dha’ m’ chliuth Gu suim gur aithne dhaibh ’n sgeul. H. 19. HOW MAIGHRE BORB, THE SON OF THE KING OF SORACHA, WAS KILT BY GOLL. 124 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 22. Advocates’ Library, November 29, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Known to everybody in Ireland, but no copy older than the Dean’s known to Hennessy: A. 18. above. It is curious to watch the minute changes that have taken place in one man’s version of this old ballad: so I print his two Arguments, and his various readings. THE ARGUMENT. MAIGHRE BORB was courting the daughter of the King of Tir-fuidh-thuinn; and she was not willing to marry him; they happened to be one day walking out together, and he said to her, ‘Who is in life under the sun that is able to keep you from me now?’ ‘You are wrong,’ says she, ‘I shall go to Fingal to Ireland, and he will defend me from you for a year and a day;’ he ordered her to go to Fingal immediately, and that he would take her from him, the spite of all his might and force. She went away with some attendance to Fingal to defend her from him, he pursued her in hopes that he would take her from Fingal; for he was of extraordinary height and bigness, and of strength accordingly, besides being a great Inchanter or Conjurer, but neverless he was kilt by Goll at last. Observe the Poem. DAN 3. 1 THA sgéul beag agam air Fionn, A chuireas mi ’n suim gach uair; Air dea’ mhac Cuthail na ’m fleadh, Leis am buinte blagh is buaidh. 2 Ailis sin dham Oisain fhéilidh, Nach d’ éur aon neach riamh mu sgéul, Ciod an gniomh rinn dea’ mhac Cuthaill, Bhios tu cuimhneacha’ gu h-eibhneach. 3 Latha bho Fionn is beagan sluaigh, Aig Eas-ruaidh nan leag sruth máll; Chunnacas a seóladh o near, Curachan óir is aon bhean ánn. (1) 4 Sheaseamar uil air an tom, ’S Flath nam fiann agus Goll trom; A feitheamh a churachain a b’ fhearr gléus Is e na reis a sgolteadh thonn. 5 Air a churach cha’ d luigh smal, Clos ch d’ rinn am port no támh; Gas an d’ rainig e an t-Eas. Is dh’ eirich aiste maise mná. (2) 6 B’ ioneann dealradh dh’ i ’s do ’n ghréin, Is b’ fhearr gu mór a méin no dealbh; A bhean a thainig an céill, Bha sinn gu léir roip’ gu ’n fheall. 7 Do ghluais i gu pubul Fhinn, Is bheannaich i gu grinn dó; Fhreagair Mac Cuthail gu grinn, A beannachadh binn le dóidh. 8 ‘Mo chomraic ort mas tu Fionn Labhair rinn a macaidh mná; Le feodhas t-ainme ’s do bhuaidh, Mo chomraic ort gu luath tráth.’ 9 Dh’ fhiosraich mo Righ bu mhaith dealbh, Cia as teachd na triall gheal úr; Cia an t-ainm a ghoirte ri, No cia b’ athair dh’ i air thús. 10 ‘Inghean Righ Tir-fuidh-thuinn, Dh’ innsin dhuit gu cruinn mo sgéul; Cho ’n eil rioghachd an d’ eirich grian, Nach d’ iarras dhutsa Righ Fhinn. 11 ‘Brí do thurais as gach ród, Ainnir óg is gloine gné; ’S an t-adhbhar mu ’n d’ ainig thu ’n Fheinn, Aithris gu ’n dáil dhamh fein é.’ 12 ‘Torachd a tha orm air muir, Laoch is trom guin air mo lorg Mac Righ Soracha’ nan sgia’ airm, Triath d’ an goirear Maighre borb.’ 13 ‘Geasan do chuir s’ e am cheann, Nach cumeadh Fionn mi o sháil; ’S nach bithainn bliadhna aige mar mhnaoi, Cia mór leis a ghniomh is ágh.’ 14 ‘Labhair an gaisgeach le glóir mhir, ’N laoch leis an coisgear gach Righ; Gus an liubhreadh Fionn a gheasan, Nach reachaimsa leis gu sior.’ 15 ‘Glacam do chomraic a bhean, Roi’ aon neach a tha an clé; ‘S a dh’ ain deóin a Mhaighre bhuirb, Fad bliadhna gheibh thu uam dion.’ 16 Chunnacamar a tigh ’n air stéud, Laoch do bha mhead thair gach fear; A caitheamh na fairge gu dian, An t-iúl ciadn’ thainig a bhean. 17 B’ fhad a leac bu gheal a dhéud, ’S bu mhire stéud no gach sruth; Adhaidh fhlathail is rosg rioghail, ’N ceann mhilidh bu chaoin cruth. 18 Bha cloidheamh trom toirtail nach gann, Teainnte re slios an fhir mhóir; Sgiath chreinneach dhubh air a leis, ’S e ’g iomairt air chleasaibh gach doidh. (1) Cho b’ ór e ged bha e cho loinrach re h-ór. (2) No macaidh mna. [TD 132] 19 ‘Deir ruinn mar a thainig thu’ Clí, Dh’ fhiosraich mo Righ bu mhai cliú; An aithnich thu fein a bhean, ’N e sud am fear a deir thu,’ 20 Aithnicheams’ e mhic Chuthaill Fhinn, ’S gur puthar leam e do d’ Fheinn, Tairgidh e mise thoirt leis, G’ e mór ar treis asaibh féin. Not in I. 21 ‘Mo cheud beannachd dhuit a’ nois, Is dean mise fein a dhion; O ’n ghaisgeach is buirbe gruaim, O ’n a dh’ fhuathaich mi roi ghniomh.’ 22 ’N laoch sin a thainig o ’n chuan, A eagmhuis sluaigh bu mhor prís; Do bhuidhinn é lois a bhean, ’S i gairid o laimh mo Righ. 23 Dh’ eirich Oscar, ’s dh’ eirich Goll, Bheireadh losgadh lom ’s gach cath; ’S dh’ eirich iad uile na sloigh, Eidear am fear mór ’s am Flath. 24 Goll mac Mornn nan urachair tréun, Asa dheidh do thilg e sleagh; B’ i ’n urachair bu truime ’s bu tréine, D’ a sgé do rinn da blaigh. 25 Thilg an t-Oscar le lán fhéirg, A chraosach dhearg le laimh chli; Do mharbhadh leis stéud an fhir, ’S mór an cion do rinneadh lé. 26 Charaich e ruinn air an leirg, An laoch bu mhor fearg is prís; ’S chlaoidh é naoi naonair gu luath, ’S an iorgaill chruaidh shultidh shíth. 27 Mar bhithead an caogad laoch gárg, Bhi ’g iomairt ar ’n arm fai leith; Dh’ fhagadh é sinne fui’ sbrochd, ’S cho ghaibhte uainne cosg leis. 28 Goll Mac Mornna nan lámh tréun, Bhuail s’e e gu geur le shleagh; Mu chothair a chroidhe le threóir, ’S thuit e air an lon gu ’n fheith. 29 Thug e dha buille na dha, Gus ac d’ fhag an deó a chré; Bu mhairg aen bhean mu ’n de thuit, A leithid do chleitheach treun. 30 Thiodhlaicadh leinn taobh an Eas. Macaidh mor nan cleas ’s nan gniomh; ’S chuir sinn mu bhradhaid gach meóir; Fáinn óir an onoir mo Righ. 31 Bha inghean Righ Tir fui’ thuinn, Bliadhna shlan aig Fionn ’s an Fheinn; An deigh tuiteam an fhir mhóir, Le neart an t-sluaigh ’s mor sgéul. I. 13. MAIREBORB, MAID of CRACO, or EAS-RUAGH.—A POEM. 128 lines. Extracts. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 20. Advocates’ Library, April 4, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—Kennedy’s Geography is not to be depended upon, but it is the traditional geography attributed to this ballad. ‘Sorcha’ is either ‘Portugal’ or ‘Ardnamurchan.’ ‘The Land under the Waves’ is either ‘Holland’ or the small Island of ‘Tiree.’ ‘Sorcha’ means ‘Light,’ and possibly this may be a Gaelic form of ‘Saracen Land.’ THE ARGUMENT. MAIRE-BORB, the son of the King of Soracha or Ardnamurchan, a District of Argyleshire, fell in love with Semhchruth, daughter of the King of that Island Tirrie, then Tir-fui-thinn. Semhchruth, being not fond of Maireborb, seeing her Father willing, they should make it up, sailed (accompanied with a few hands) thro’ the night to Ireland, to be protected by the great generous and hospitable Fingal, who at her arrival was hunting along with a small party at Eas-ruai. Semhchruth made up to Fingal, and made known her story. Fingal undertook to secure her for a year and attack Maireborb if he should attempt to take her off by force. Presently Maireborb approached upon the shore, mounted his steed and took away Semhchruth who sat upon Fingal’s right hand upon the Hill. Goll threw after him his spear and broke his shield. Oscar kilt his steed. Maireborb seeing himself so desperately handled, attacked and overturned four-score and one of Fingal’s party. And if Fingal had not sent fifty men one after another off to Bera for their arms, he would have been overcome by Maireborb and his small Party, and have taken off the captive Lady. Maireborb is kilt by Goll, and interr’d with great solemnity by the Fingalians. Semhchruth resided in Fingal’s Hall for a twelvemonth mourning for the brave and valarous Maireborb. The Poem is addressed to the Son of Alpine. MAIREBORB. 1 CHA raibh ann ach fear is ceud; Leis am bui’nte blagh ’sgach euchd. 2 Ailis sin damh Oisein thim, Laoich is binne bhriathraich beul; Ciod e ’n gniomh rinn dea Ri’-phaile, Triath nam fleagh, nam blar, ’s nam beum. 4 Flath nam Fiann, is an triath Goll; 6 Bha sinn gu leir roipe soirbh. 7 Is bheannaich i gu binn do; 8 Labhair ruinn dea’ mhais gach mnà; 9 Dh’ fhiosraich mo Riogh a b’ fhearr dealbh, Cia as teachd na Triath ghil ùr; Bu deirge gruaidh, bu bhinne guth, ’S bu ghile cruth no ghrian air mur. 10 Inghean Riogh Tire-fui-thuinn, 13 Nach cumadh Fionn mi na dhàil; ’S nach bithinn bha ’n aig mar mo mhiann, 14 Nach reachainnsa leis sa gniomh. 15 Roi’ aon fhear a’ ta ann clì; Re blia ’n bi ’n tuilg ’s an sith. 16 Chunacamar a’ tigh ’n mar ean, 18 Sgia’ chreimneach, dhu air a leis, 21 Mar èitil nan ean ri gaoith, Bha ’n laoch a tign ’n air ar muin; Suntach, sligneach, sran-ard ceum, Mar steud eisg a’ ruigh le sruth. 22 Labhair a bhean fhionn gheal og, Fhinn nan cornn gur an cruas; Tionaladh ann Fhiann na cho-ail, So i ’n torachd-’s leoir a luas. 27 (1) Charuich e ruinn air an leirg, An laoch bu mhor fearg agus pris; Chlaoi’ e naoinaonair gu luath, ’S an iorgail chruaidh, shultaidh shith. 29 Goll tha’ Moirnne nan arm geur, Bhuail e ’n treun laoch ann sa bhail Thuit an t-armaicht, ceanail calma, An lamh gharbh a b’ fhearr sa mhagh. 30 Triath na Sorach bu doirbh ri leon, Chaill e ’n deo, ’s bu mhor am beud; (2) 32 Bha inghean Riogh Tir-fui-thuinn, Blia’ na aig Fionn ann san Fheinn; An deidh tuiteam an fhir mhoir, Le neart an t-sloigh, ’s cruai’ an sgeul. (1) We are apt to believe this passage to be a mere fiction, and beyond credibility that Maireborb could vanquish upwards of fourscore of the flower of Fingal’s army; yet we find in Sacred History many actions more wonderful. Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, had lifted up ‘his spear against 300 of the Philistines, whom he all slew at one time.’ (Collector’s note.) (2) In Kennedy’s first version they hit him when he was down: in this second version they say that it was a great pity he lost his life.—J. F. C. [TD 133] M. 9. DAN NA H-INGHIN. 84 lines. Gillies, page 35. 1 LA d’ an robh sinn uille an Fhiann, Air sliabh Sealmath nan sruth dian, Choncas ag teachd sa’ mhagh, Inghean ’s i ’g imeachd ’na h-aonar; 2 An inghean bu ghloine sinuagh, Bu ghile ’s bu deirge gruaidh: Bha dà rosg àillidh ’na ceann, ’S i ’gamharc falachaidh m’a timchioll. 3 Bha léine do ’n t-sròl a b’ ùire M’a cneas gràdhach, caoin, cùraidh, Is gu ’m b’ àillidh na ’n gath-gréine A bràghad a suas o caomh léine. 4 Chuir i comruich air Fionn, ’S air Goll muirneach Mac Morna, ’S air Oscar an àigh, Làmh chosgair gach teugmhail. AN INGHEAN. 5 ‘Mo chomruich oirbh, Fhianna matha, Eadar chloinn righ is ard fhlatha.’ Ceist gach aon fhir do theaglach Fhinn, San uair sin thugadh do ’n Inghin. FIONN. 6 Dh’ éirich Fionn féin ’na comhair, ‘A rìoghainn donn bhois gheal nàrach, Am bheil tòrachd air do lorg, A gheug mhàlta nan saor cholg?’ AN INGHEAN. 7 ‘Tha sin tòrachd orm féin, Fhinn uasail is rìoghail Féinn, Iulann an airm dheirg a ’s àillidh, Mac oighre righ na b-Iarsmàile.’ CAIREALL, ROIDHNE, FAOLAN, AGUS FEARGUTH. 8 Dh’ éirich ceathrar mac Fhinn gu baoth, Caireall agus Roidhne ruadh, Faolan agus Fearguth òg; ’S dh’ àrdaich iad ’an glòir san uair. 9 ‘C’ àit’ am bheil e ’n oir no ’n iar, No ann an ceithir rannaibh an domhain, Nach fàgadh eanchainn a chinn, Mum buineadh e leis thu, Inghean.’ AN INGHEAN. 10 ‘’S mòr m’ eagalsa, Fhianna matha, D’ ar leadairt is d’ ar mòr dhòrainn. Tha ’m fear mòr, mìleanta, treun, Fiùranta, mear, bras san teugmhail.’ FIONN. 11 ‘Suidh thus’ an so air ar sgàth, Inghean o ’m màlta comhràdh, ’S cha bhuin am fear mòr thu leis, Ge mòr do dhòchas as fheobhas.’ 12 Choncas am fear mòr uainn Ag teannadh gu cal’ as a’ chuan, Ag tarruing a luinge gu tìr, Toirt gu ’r ’n ionnsuidh le h-ain-mèin. 13 Mar illbhinn aillbhinn chraige, Mar stuadhan ainmheasach thugainn, ’Na chaoiribh teinntidh o chladach, Gu ’m b’ e sin coslas a’ mhìlidh. 14 Bha seuchd do ’n t-sròl bhuidhe mu ’n fhear, A cheannbheairt chlochara nèamhain; A lùireach mhòr iursach uallach, ’Sa dhá shleagh ’nan cuilg re ghualainn; 15 A chlaidheamh mòr froiseach neimhneach, Cruaidh cosgara ’s e co’-dhìreach: Sgiath innealt, òrbhui’, le ’m briste blagh, Air dorn toisgealt’ a’ mhìlidh. 16 Thug e ruathar fir gun chéill; Cha do bheannaich e dh’ Fhionn no ’n Fhéinn. Leum an t-saighid le sàr bheachd, ’S thorchair le a làimh, an Inghean, 17 ’S cheangail e ceathrar mhac Fhinn; ’S bha ’n t-Iulann gu h-armach eutrom. 18 Thionndaidh mo mhac-s’, air an leirg, An t-Oscar ’se làn do throm fheirg; ’S thug e ’n aire gu dùr, dàna, Air an òglaoch mhòr, a tháinig. 19 B’ e sin an còmhrag creuchdach, Fuileachdach, feumannach, Bos-luath, beumannach, Ard-leumannach, gábhaidh. 20 Mar abhuinn a’ ruith le gleann Bha sgrios am fola cho teann; Mar chaoiribh dearga o theallach Torran nan laoch namhadach. 21 Ach thug Osgar beum feardha mear Gu h-Iulann ard an deud ghil, S’ thorchair leis a’ bheum ghráineil Mac oighre righ na b-Iarsmáile. M. 10. CATH RIGH SORCHA. 136 lines. Gillies, page 102. 1 TA sgeul beag agam air Fionn, Ge bè chuireadh an suim è Air Mac Cuthail bu dearg dreach, ’S eibhinn leam re mo rè. 2 Lath dhuinn air bheagan sluaigh, Aig eas ruadh na n’ éighin mall, Chunnacas fui sheòl o ’n Ear Curachan oìr is bean ann. 3 Caogaid Laoch sìnne fa thre. Bu mhaith air gniomh cairt, Fir nar deigh gur mairg do chi, Ge be tir am bi mid cuairt. 4 Dh’ eirigh sìnn uile gu dian, Ach Fionn n’ am Fiann-agus Goll, Dh fheitheamh an Curachan a b’ ’airde ’S do bhi treun aig sgolta thonn. 5 Nior ghabh si eùradh no cosg, Nior ghabh si caladh a ’m port gnàth, Air teachd don churachan air an eas, ’Se dheirich as macaibh Mnà. 6 B’ ionann dealra dhi ’S do n’ Ghrèin, ’Saoibhir a mead, maith a deilbh, An Inghin ùr do thàinig an cèin, Do bha sinn fein roimpe soirbh. 7 Do ghluais ì gu pobull Fhinn, Is bheannuigh i gu grinn dhà Fhreagair Mac Cuthail gu binn Am beannacha a roin li dhà 8 ‘Brigh do thurais air gach ròd, Inghean òg as àilte dealbh, Airis an toisach do sgèul, Cia thu fein no creud è d’ ainm.’ 9 ’S Inghean mì do Righ na Suain (Sweden) Innsìm Dhuit gu cruinn mo sgèul, Is ni bhuil sruth fui luidh grian, Nach suibhlain, air iarrtas Fhiannibh fial. 10 Mo chomarich ort fein ma ’s tu Fionn Se thuirt ruinn an macaibh mnà, Do bhri do mhorachd ’s do bhuaidh, Gabh mo Chomruich uam gu trà, 11 ‘Ghabhamsa do Chomruich a bhean, Thaìr aon fhear ga bheil sa Chrìch, Labhair mo Righ bu mhaith fios, Cia noise atà aìr do thi.’ 12 Fiachaibh ata orm thair muir, Triath is mòr gaol air mo lorg Mac Righ na Sorcha is gèur Airm, Gur è ’s ainm dha Daighre borb, 13 Do chuirfeas geasa ann a cheann, Gu ’m beireadh Fionn mi air sàil, ’S nach bithin aigesan mar mhnaoi, Go mòr leis a ghniomh is àgh. 14 Se thuthairt Oscar le ghloir Mhir, An Laoch sin a chaisgeadh gach Righ, No gu ’n cuireadh Tionn do Gheis, Ni ’n rachadh tù leis mar mhnaoi. [TD 134] 15 Chunnaca a teachd air steud, Fear ’s a mheud thar gach fear, Marceach na fairge gu dian. ’San iùl cheudna, thainig a bhean. 16 Da Chraòiseach Catha na dhòrn. A teachd san ròd air a stéud, Air ghile, air dheirge, ’s air dhreach, Ni ’m faca mar neach mar e, 17 Do bhi flath agus rosg Righ, ’S an aoghaidh b’ ailte lì is cruth, Bu bhinne a ghuth no gach teud, ’S bu mhireadh a steud no gach sruth. 18 Cloidheamh trom trosdail nach gann, An teannt air taobh an fhir mhòir, Sgiath leobhar nach mochd air ais, Se g ’iomairt a chleasa corr. 19 O thuinn trá thainig se gu tìr, Labhair mo Riogh bu mhaith cliù, An aithnuigh thu fein a bhean, ’Ne sud am fear a deir thù? 20 Aithneachas a Mhic Cuthail ghrinn ’S mòr am pughar leibh gur he, Tairgidh se mise a bhuin leis, (Ge mòr bhur treis) as an Fheinn. 21 Na dean’sa bòsd a bhean, As aon fhear da bhuil da phòr, Ge ’d shiubhladh se n’ domhain gu leir Gheibh’t san Fheinn fear da chomh, 22 Dheirich Cairioll agus Goll, Dias a fhuair an losgadh trom an cath, ’Nan seasamh an gar an t’ sloigh, Eadar am fear mor ’s na Flaith. 23 Ni ’n d’fheuch é lann no sgiath, Do Laoch na Triath da ’n rabh ann, Gu ’n draoinn é tair air an Fheinn, Gus an d’ thainig é gu Fionn, 24 Air teachd do oig fhear bu mhaith, dreach Thugainn le neart, feachd, is feirg, Gu ’n d’ fhuaidich e uainn a bhean Bhi ’n deas-ghar do laimh Fhinn eilg, 25 Thug Mac morn an urchair dhian, Gu fada na dheigh do shleagh, An urchair nior chuaidhe da reir, ’S da steud chearna si da bhloidh. 26 ’N trà thuit an steud air an leirg, Thionnda e le feirg ’s le fraoch, Smaoinntich e ge cruaidh an càs, Comhrag na ’n tri chaogad Laoch. 27 Mar-bhith na laoich a bhi garg, Is fhagail doibh do t’ airm an leoir, Bhidh siad fa chobhair a smachd, Da ’n geibhte uaithe a cheart choir. 28 Leig e nào naònar gu luath. San iarguil chruaidh mu ’n do sguir, Ceangal guineach nan tri chaol, Air gach Laoch dhiubh sin do chuir, 29 Clann Morna cruaidh an càs, Fhuair iad bàs bu mhor an sgeul, ’S ni n’ raibh aon neach a chuaidhe as, Gun a chneas fa ioma créuchd. 30 Dheirigh Goll an aigne mhir, Leadairt an fhir an cath gh’ leo, Ge be chifadh iad an sin, Bu gharbh an gaoil is an sgleò. 31 Re sgoltadh sgiath, ’s re leadairt chorp, Gu feardha feur treun calma cruaidh, Na leoghainn laidir, ghuineach, dhisgir, Araon comh chiocrach gu buaidh. 32 Do chlaoidh Ioluinn na mòr fheachd Mac Righ na Sorcha sgeul truagh, Gur mairg gus an ’tainig a bhean, Far thuit am fear on chuan. 33 Do Dhalaicmar aig an eas, An gaisgeach bu mher treis is brìgh, Is chuirfadh air fa bharr gach meòir, Fail òir ann onoir mo Righ. 34 Do bhi inghean Righ fa thuinn, (under waves) Bliadhna na mhnaoi aig Feann san fheinn Taréis tuìteam an fhir mhòir, Le neart an t-sloigh, truagh an sgéul! In the last verse the name is the same as it was in A. In verse 9 the name has the same sound, and has the meaning given in italic.—J. F. C. S. 3. THE FALL OF ROYA, OR THE KING OF SORA’S SON. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, from Mac Donald’s Collection. Made in the North of Scotland about 1800. This is the same ballad, in a different dialect of Gaelic, and interesting to students of Gaelic. Therefore I print it, though it is repetition. THE ARGUMENT. A WOMAN pursued by the King of Sora’s son, by name Mayro Borb, escapes to the Fingalians and claims their protection. The Royal Hero appears and falls upon the Fingalians, kills a number of their troops; at last, in single combat with Gaul, he falls on the field of battle. 1 LA do Fhionn as bheagan sluaigh Aig Eas-Ruagh Mhacear mna Chunncas a seoladh o ’n Ear Cuireach oir agus beann ann 2 Sheasamh sinn uile air an t’sliabh Be Fionn nam Fiann agus Goll ’G amharc Curach bu chiun ceum ’Si gu trean a sgoltadh thonn 3 Cha d’ rinn i fuireach no tamh ’S cha mho ghabh fois am port gnà Ach ’g imeachd gu bruach an Eis ’Se dherich as Macear mna 4 ’Se labhair ruinn Macear mna Gabh mo chomrich ma ’s tu Fionn Air ghaol t’earlaid is do bhuaidh Gabh mo chomrich gu luath trath 5 Dheanins’ sin ruits a bhean Seach aon neach athafon ghrein Na ’n innsidh tu dhomh re seal Co ’m Fear a th’ air a shith 6 Geasimh tha orms’ re muir Laoch is trom toir air mo lorg Mac Ri Sorach na sgiathan airm ’S gur e ’s ainm dha Maighre Borb 7 Geasimh cha chuir am’ cheann Gu ’n d’ thiginn gu Fionn air sal ’S gu ’m bithin aige mar mhnaoi Aig feamhas aoidh agus aill 8 Sin dhuinn an tus ar bruidhna Dhoineachd man Ri bu mhath fios ’N athnichadh tu nis a bhean ’N e sud am fear a th’ air do shith 9 Ocha dan Mhic Cumhail Fhinn ’S pughar teinn leam gur e ’S tairgidh e mis a thabhart leis Cia mor do threis as an Fheinn 10 Cha d’ ghlac claidheamh na dhorn ’S cha mho chuir sleagh o ’s chionn Aon fhear a bheiradh tu uainn A dhaindeoin sluagh Innse Fail 11 Chunncas tighin air ’n steud Am fear mor ’s a mhead as gach fear Marcaeh’ na fairge gu dian ’N siubhal ceudn’ rinn a bhean 12 Bu dubh a cheann ’s bu gheall e dheud Bu luaith air an steud e na gach sruth B’ fhaid a lamhan no cruinn iuil Bu bhinne no eoinn ciuil a ghuth 13 A chlogaid gu teintidh mu cheann Air ’n Laoch nach tim ’s nach tla Sgiath chruaidh mheaumnach air a leas A ’g iomard chleas air a chle 14 Claidheamh trom toirteal nach pill Gu dluth ri taobh an fihr mhoir Dha-shleagh ghaisgeal ’s cruaidh rinn Nan seasamh air cul a sgé [TD 135] 15 Dherich Oscar ’s dherich Goll Broisbuinn bha tron sa chath Sheas iad air garadh an t-sloigh Eadar ’m Fear mor sam Flath 16 Cha d’ ath e do churrag no thriath Na dh’ onoir Mhic Ri gu robh ann Ach sior chuir far air an Fheinn Gus ’n dranig e fein air Fionn 17 Thanig an Laoch bu mhor tlachd Thugain le neart ’s le gniomh ’S gan d’ fhuadich e uainn a bhean Bha air guaillin deas an Ri 18 Thilg Oscar ann an sin na dheigh ’N urchair nach bu re an t-sleagh ’S mun do sgath i idir re chle Rinn i dhe a sge da-bhluidh 19 Chrath an t-Oscar bu mhor feirg A Chraosach dhearg as a lamh chlith Leis an urchair thuit steud an fhir ’S mor an cion a chinnech leo 20 ’N cra thuit an steud air an leirg Thionnda’ e le fearg ’s le fraoch Bhagair e cia bu mhor am beum Comhrag treun air cheuda laoich 21 Chuir sinn tri chaogaid do Laoich gharg A chosg meanmnema ’n oig mhir ’S chuire ceangal nan tri chaoil Orra is fuil air taobh gach fir 22 Chlann Mhic Moirni smor ’n gnìomh Gan chaochail iad be ’n truagh sgeul Cha roibh a h-aon diubh thanig as Nach robh o ’n criosa lan do chreachd 23 Mar bithidh tri chaogaid do Laoich gharg Bha dh’ annas airm ann ar comhair Bhithimid fo phughair gun smachd Nam feuchaid dhasan ceart choir 24 Dherich Goll nan aigriadh mhir Fianal an Fhir bu mhor feum Coltas ann comhrag an dithis Chan fhaca mi rithisd na dheigh 25 Thuit le Goll nan aignadh mhir Mac Ri na Sorach ba sgeul thruagh ’S mairg ait as na ghluais a bhean ’N tra thuig i seal a dhinnisidh chuain 26 Nis tiolaic mid fo bhonn an Eis ’M fear mor ’s a mhead ’as gach fear ’S (1) curamid mu chainneal gach meoir Faithin air mar onoir mhic Ri. (1) al. ’S cuiramid mar on air ain an Ri Faithn air mu chainneal gach meoir. D. 20. AN INVINN. 1766. 106 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, May 3, 1872. 1 OSSAIN uasail mhic Finn, ’S tu ’d shuidh air an Tullich eibhin, A Laoich mhoir mhiligh nach mettidh Gun faic misidh Bron air Hintin. 2 Cuid do dhaoibhar mo bhroin fein, A Chlerich, mas àil leat eist, Chunnairc mi uair Teoghlich Fhinn, Bha e mear, mor, meorich eibhin. 3 Air an Tullich sheo bha ’n Fhian (Bha shin uil ann a dhaoin riar) ’S co Chunnig shin tin san Mhaoigh Ach Ighin huggin ’s i na haoinir. 4 An ’Nighin ùr a ’bailidh snuaidh Bu gheal as bu dearg a Gruaidh, Bu ghilidh na gach Gath Greine, A Braidh huas fa caoil Lenigh. 5 Bha da Rosc gharichdich na Ceann, Bha Earridh àlin ma Timchil, Bha Dunidh do ’n or ma Bragid Bha slabhridh oir ma caoin àrin, Bha Lenidh don Tsroil ab ùridh, Le ra cneas graich sheibh, Cùlin. 6 Hug shin air trom-ghaoil di uille, An Teoghlich shin Fhinn e Allabhin (1) Gun neich do ’n Fhein Gaoil do mhnaoi fein, Ach do ’n Ninbhinn. 7 Chuir i a Comrich air Fionn, An Righin ’si gu bog gheal binn; Chuir i a Comrich air Goll, Be sud Laoich alin nan some Air Oscar mac Ossain au an Righ ’S air a Chaoil Chroigh mac Greidh. 8 Ma Chomrich oirbh Fhiannibh mais Eddar Chlannibh Righ as Fhlath Co sheo torichd air do Lorg A Nighin uir as aoibhir colg. 9 Ha shin a torichd orm fein Fhir uasail as ribhich fein, Illin mor milainte mear, Oiridh air Riogh na Hespainte. 10 Gur eigcoir leom Fhianibh phail E gar leidirt as gar dorin Am Fear mor milainte treun ’S airm gu faobharich rein-gheir. 11 Cait an raibh e an Niar na ’n Noir, Na o Cheir raintibh an Dobhain, Nach faiceidh Eannachin a Chinn Man legimid leis thu Inbhinn. 12 Inbhinn bhois-gheal, bhog-gheal, bhinn, Ighin ùr nan gorm-rosc mall, Suidh ussa an seo air me sga, Inghin ga graunte do Chobhra Man doir am Fear mor u leis, Ga mor leat do Dhoigh as Fheothis. (Bhost) 13 Chunnairc shin am Fear mor uain Caibh gu Callidh on Chuan, A tarruing a Luinge gu Tir ’Sa teachd huggin le Hanna-méin. 14 Gu ’m be sud am Fear mor màilte (miltich) Na stuaidh annibh allabharigh, Le Fraoich feirg gu Fianaibh Fhinn, ’S e teachd na Chaoir Heinte huggin. 15 Bha Chlaibh mor froissuch neibhnich Cruaidh osgaridh co-dhirich (interlined) An Cean-bheirt hoecrich fhir chintich, Bha Scia Oir le ’m hriste Blaoigh, An Dorn Toisgealt a Mhilidh. 16 Bha Lurich ard iursich uarich (uallich) Bha sa threin Scabbal breachd buaich, Bha Ceanna bheirt chlochara sheibh Oscion Aghaidh hochridh Inmaccain. 17 Bha Dunidh do ’n noir mu ’n Fhear, ’S ceansichidh shididh gan ceangal, ’S da Thleidh fa ’m bunn bu chruaidh reinn Nan Cuilg shesibh suas ra ghualin. 18 Hug e ruathir Fir gun Cheil, ’S cha do bheannuich e Dhionn na ’n Fhein Bharibh e Ciad do Dhianibh Fhinn Agus mheribhte leis an Innabhin. 19 Cheangil e Faolan mac Fhinn As tri naoinar da Luchd leannabhin Do ’n Chinnidh bhoir mheamnich mhear ’S bha ’n Tillin gu harramich etrim. 20 Hiuntaidh mo mhac’s air an Leirg Oscar ’s e lan do Throm Fheirg, Sgun do dhuabir e Cobhrig Es an Fhear bhor bhois-gheal bha rarich 21 Hiuntaidh Iullin ri ’m mhac fein ’S dheante leo cobhrig trein O ’s fear Ceanriach ceoich Ceann-dearg Grad-leimnich, bras-bheimnich, ainnasich. 22 Mar Hruibh aûnn le Gleann, Bha Scrios am Folidh co tean, Mar Chaoir Heinte tin e Teallich Toirin nan Laoich naudich. (1) Or Allabhitt. [TD 136] 23 Hug Oscar Beim fearraghlan Fir, Gu Illinn arramich deid-ghlann, She mhaoigh e leis Bheim ghraunte Cean mhic Riogh na Hespainte. 24 Air an Tullich sheo ha Leachd, A Mhic Alpin, ha sheo fir; Leachd na mnaidh air an taoibh eille A Dheo mhic Alpin e Hallabhidh. 25 Bha leinnidh gum bo mha eid, ’S nach roibh aoin neich dhiu ach sheid Ach Beannichd air an nannim gu leir ’S hugis beannichd eil air Ossain. Crioch. D. 22. AN IONMHUINN. 22 lines various. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, May 11, 1872. 13 various. CHUNNAIC sinn am fear mòr uainn Ag caitheadh gu cala o ’n chuan Ag tarruing a luinge gu tìr ’S a teachd chugainn le h-an-mein. 14 various. Gu ’m b’ e sud am fear mor mìllteach Na stuaidh ainneamh, allamharaich, Le fraoch feirg’ gu Fiannaibh Fheinn, ’S e teachd na chaoir theinlidh chugain. 15 various. Bha chlaidheamh mor froiseach, neimhneach, Cruaidh coscarra coi-dhireach Bha sgiath ordhadh bhristeadh bladh Ann dorn toisgealt a mhilidh. 16 various. Bha luireach ard, Irseach, uallach, Fo thréun sgabull breac, buaghach; Bha ceann-bheirt chlochara sheimh Os cionn aghaidh shocraidh a mhacaimh. 17 various. . . . . . . ’S da shleagh o ’m bun bu chruaidh rainn Na ’n cuilg seasamh suas ri ghualainn. 22 various. Mar shruthadh amhain le gleann Bha sgrios am fola coi-teann, Mar chaoir theinnte teachd a teallach, Toradh Toiriunn nan Laoch namhadach. F. 18. DUAN NA H-INGHINN. 128 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 1. Advocates’ Library, January 12, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 ACH Oisain uasail mhic Fhinn, ’S tu a’ d shuidh air ’n tulaich èibhinn; Laoich mhòir mhileant’ nach meat, Gu faiceamsa bròn air t-inntinn. 2 Dh’ innsins’ aobhar mo bhròin féin, A Phàdraig na ’m b’ àill leats’ éisd; Mi cuimhneachadh air Fèinn nam Fiann, Bhi air an tulaich so dh’ aon rian. 3 Air an tulaich (so) bha sinn araon, Ille Phàdraig (naomh) na breith saoir; Chunnaic mis’ uair teaghlach Fhinn, ’S iad gu mear, mòr, meamnach, aoibhinn. 4 Air an tulaich so bha ’n Fhiann, Latha dhuinn’ ann dhaon rian; Chuannacas leinn bean ann sa Mhaoth, ’S i teachd thugainne na h-aonar. 5 ’N ainnir ùr a b’ àille snuadh, Bu ghile ’us bu dèirge gruaidh; Bu ghile na gach gath grèine, ’Bragud shuas fui’ caomh lèine. 6 Bha dà rosg àrusgach na ceann, Bha earradh àluin mu timchioll; Bha dùmhna do ’n òr mu bràgud, Bha slabhruidh òir mu caoin àraidh. 7 ’S bha lèine d’ an t-sròl a b’ ùireadh, Leath ri cneas gràdhach, caomh, curaidh; 8 Thug sinne air tromma ghaol uile, An teaghlach sin Fhinn a h-Albainn; Gun aon fhear dhinn ga mhnaoi fèin; Ach air gaol uile do ’n Inbhinn. 9 Chuir iseadh còmruich air Fionn, ’N ribhinn ’s i gu bos-gheal binn; Chuir ise còmruich air Goull, ’S b’ e sid laoch àluin nan sonn. 10 Air Oscar mac Oisain fhèile, Is air a Chaol-chrogha mac Grudhein; ‘Mo chòmhruich oirbh Fhianna maithe, Eadar chlanna Righ is Fhlaithean.’ 11 Cò thà tòrachd air do lòrg, Ainnir ùr a ’s àille dealbh; ‘Tha sin a tòrachd orm fèin, Fhir uasail a ’s riobhaich Fèinn.’ 12 ‘An t-Iolun mòr mileanta, mear, Oighre Righ na h-Eispainte;’ . . . . 14 ’S eagal leamsa Fhianna Phàil, Bhi d’ ar leadairt ’us d’ ar doruinn, Leis an fhear mhòr mhileanta thrèun, ‘Airm iuranta, roinne-gheur.’ 15 Dh’ eirich suas ceathrar mac Fhinn, Caoirreal, agus Rainne ruadh; Faolan, agus, Fearrguth òg, Is dh’ àrdaich iad an glòir san uair. 16 C’ àite an d’ imich è niar na noir, Na bho cheithir àirdibh ’n domhunn; Nach faiceamaid eannchuin a chinn, Mu ’n leigeamaid leis thu Inbhinn’. 17 A ghèug bhonne-gheal, bhosgeal ghrinn, Inghinn ùr nan gorm-rosg eibhinn; Luidh thusa ann so air ar sgàthne, Inghean ge dana’ do chòmhradh. 18 ’S cha d’ thoir am fear mòr thu leis, Ge mòr leat do dhòigh is fheothas; Chunnacas leinne fear mòr bhuainn, A’ caitheadh a chalaidh ’s a chuain. 19 ’S è tarruing a loingeas gu tìr, ’S è teachd thugainn le h-aon-meir. 20 B’ e sid ’m fear mòr bosgheal mi-nàrach, ’N a stuaghaibh alluidh almharadh, Na fhraoch fèirge gu Fiannaibh Fhinn, ’S è teachd ’na chaor theintich, thugainn. 21 Bha chlaidhe mòr froisneach neimhneich, Is è cruaidh cosgurra, co-direach; Bha sgiath òir m’ am bristeadh blaoth, Ann dorn toisgeal a mhìli. 22 Bha luireach ard-iorsach uaibhreach, Bha treun sgàbull breachd buaghach; Bha ceanna-bheairt chlochra’ shèimhidh, Oscionn adhaidh shòchri’-ghaisgich. 23 Bha seachda do ’n òr mu ’n fhear, Bha ceansuichean sioda ga’ n ceangal; Bha dha shleagh ’os bun, bu cruaidhe, roinn, ’S iad na ’n cuilg sheasamh ra ghuailnibh. 24 Thug è ruathar fir gun chèil, ’S nior bheannaich è dh’ Fhionn na ’n Fheinn, Mhairbhte leis ceud d’ fhianna Fhinn, Agus mhairbhte leis an Inbhinn. 25 Cheangail è Faolan mac Fhinn, Is tri naoithnear do luchd leanmhuinn; Do ’n chinne mhòr mhileanta, thrèun, ’S bha an t-Iolun gu h-armach eatrom. 26 Thionndaidh mo mhacsa air an leirg, Oscar ’s è làn do throm fheirg; Sann a dhu’abair è geur chòmhrug, As an fhear mhòr bhosgeal mhi-narach. 27 Thionndaidh ’n t-Iolunn ri ’m mhac féin, Is dheanta leo còmhrug treun; Bho ’s fear mòr creamhach creuchdach, Bas-luath, bras-mheineach, ard-leumnach. [TD 137] 28 Mar shruthadh amhuinn le gleann, Bha sgrios am fola co-teann; Mar chaoir theinntich teachd à teallach Bha torra na ’n laoch namhadach. 29 Thug Oscar bèum fearraghlan fear, Gu h-Iolunn armach deud-ghlan; Sann a bhuin e leis a bheum ghrannda, Ceann mac Righ na h-Eispainte. 30 Air an tulaich so tha leac, Dheadh Mhic-Alpin tha so fior; ’S tha leac na mnai air an taobh eile, A dheadh Mhic-Alpin a h-Albainn. 31 Air leinne gum bu mhaith iad, ’S cha robh ’naon neach dhiubh ach siad, Bennachd air ’n annam araon, Is thugadh beannachd eile air Oisain. X. 3. LAOIDH NA NHIGHINNE. 52 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, January 30, 1872. THIS was orally collected for me, by Mr. Carmichael, in Skye. A copy was sent to Dr. Mac Lauchlan afterwards. Eachun Donullach—Eachun mac Iain mhic Iain, mhic Eoghain an Talamh—sgeir anns an Eilean Sgiathanach. 1 LA dhomh romh ’u Fheinn a muigh, ’S mi nam shuidhe air tulach Coire-siar, Chuannacas a tighinn o’ n mhaogh, Nighean ’s i g-imeachd na h-onar 2 Nighean a b’ ailli snuadh, Bu ghile ’s bu deirge gruaidh, B’ ailli no gathan na greine, Geala bhrollach fo caol leine, 3 Bha lacha ’s gaire na ceann, ’Us slamhraidh oir mu geal bhraigh (pro bhrè). 4 An gaol a thug iad uile dhi, O theaglach mar Fhinn na h-Eeilebhinn, Cha robh speis aig duine ’s an Fheinn, Ga mhnaoi fein ach an nighinn, 5 Mo chomraich air Fionn nam Fiann, ’S mo chomraich air Fiann nam flath, Edar righ agus ard fhlath, 6 Mo chomraich air Diarmad donn, ’S air Faolan nam faotha (? rogha) sonn, Air Goll ’s air Oscar an aigh, Luchd chasgairt na teugmhallach, 7 Tog do chomraich dhiomh a bhean, (Goll) ’S gur mi ’s laige tha fo’ n ghrein, ’S laige mi nam Boc mac smail, ’S laige mi na Greanachar mac Greanacharbhig 8 ’S gur mi ’s laig thig no thainig. ’S ionagh mor leam thu bhi lag, (oighe) ’S mi ga d fhaicim an ana-bheachd, 9 ’S gur tu ’s cuimichte da chois, Dhe ’n shluagh aluinn chruinn choitchean, 10 Chunnacas am fear mor ud uainn, Taoghadh cala as a chuan, Tarruing a luinge gu tir, Tighinn thugain gu h-ana min, 11 Le fhraoch uchd ’s le chruaidh chlogaid, Be sud am fear mor mall, Mar stuaidh dhirich as gach gleann, Le cheanna-bheairt chlochorra chomhar 12 ’S cinn shochair a mhac, Be sud am fear mor gun chiall, Mharbh ciad do dh’ Fhianntaichean na Feinn, Agus an nighean 13 Thionndaidh mo mhac air an leirg, Oscar ’s e lan do throm fheirg, Rinn e comhrag ris gu garg, Gu faobharach fuilteach garbh, 14 Gu ceann-ru dorn-ru tulachain, Mar chaora (chaoire) teinteach teallaich, Bha fuam nan laoch na-udach (? namhaidich) 15 Thug Oscar am beum faradhantach bras, Air gille donn an deud ghlain, Sgaradh leis a bheum ghraneil, Oighre araid an easpuig. THE BATTLE OF FINTRATH. FIONN traigh means ‘white strand.’ In Islay, to the north-west, near Bolsa, is a white sandy beach, on which, as it is said, Fionn and his people fought a great battle with the Northmen. The place is called ‘Fionn-traigh,’ and is said to take its name from Fionn. The ballad taken from the Dean’s Book is not now remembered, but part of the story of it is localised. Mr. John Hawkins Simpson, in 1857, published a translation of an Irish version: ‘The Battle of Ventry Harbour. The battle at the harbour of Ventry (fair strand) is supposed to have been fought about A.D. 240. A translation of the Epic poem relating to the battle is here given. It is not known who was the author of this very ancient work.’ Then follows a good English version of an exceedingly wild, extravagant Irish prose story, which has the marks of old manuscript tales. All the Kings known to the composer of the story, including the Kings of India and France and the Emperor of the World, invade Ireland. Fionn beats them in Homeric single combats. The Ossianic Society of Dublin were about to publish ‘Cath Fhinn Tragha,’ an account ‘of the battle fought at Ventry, in the county of Kerry, in the third century of the Christian era, between Daire Donn, Monarch of the World, and the Fenians. To be edited by the Rev. James Goodman, A.B.’ ‘This battle lasted for 366 days; the copy at the disposal of the Society is the earliest known to exist, having been copied from a vellum manuscript of the fifteenth century, now deposited in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, by the Rev. E. D. Cleaver.’ Unfortunately the Ossianic Society came to an end after printing six volumes, in 1861; so this ‘Battle of Ventry’ is buried in the Bodleian, which has no catalogue of Irish manuscripts. This victory over the whole world seems to place Fionn at his highest point, so I place it, after victories over single foreign champions. Possibly, a real battle might have been fought somewhere, at sometime, during the reign of Cormac; but the battle described never was fought by men anywhere. The ‘fabulous romantic’ tale of Cath Finn Tragha was mentioned by Keating. See p. 344, O. Mahony’s translation. A. 19. TRAYE FINTRATH. 168 lines. ACTOR HUJUS OSSIN. 1 LAY za deach say zai keill, Patrk zrynn ni bachal . . . Rug e in tossin less er wurn, Gow was aa gi . . . sl . . . 2 Is di bail awzail uoid, Ossan nan roak nach teym Coo in tein neaach gin a loyith, Smow chur groym er feanow fynn 3 A cleryth ni bachill brek, Bi wor ym beacht zut reid lin A churri a wrayr a znaath, Ne wai zaw er fanaw fynn 4 Onyth harly zut gin noine, A Ossin gin doll nane dey Bee say er chathris gi braa, How gathris di znaa nyn fane 5 Kegit blyin di bein boa, A geyskych reid choel syth heill Ne hynossit zut gow maik, A luit eacht a rin feanow fynn 6 Fa ranew in doyn traane, Wa agginn fene er gyth . . . Keiss ga hokwail gow fane fin, Na noe in tegwail . . . 7 Ne reive ansyth si doythin vor, Nach da bi chor bea na . . . Ne reive in nalwe nin lann brek, A darveith . . . [TD 138] 8 Da nynnosit zeive in ness, A Ossin nin gress noch mein. Coo yn tein neach bi zar lave, Wa sreyith . . . 9 Mor in feine, a churris orm, A cleyrrith oyd nyth f . . . Ni hynossit gow lay looin, Ne way loye . . . 10 Onyth harlyth how nane dey, A Ossin da dane . . . Coo nyth leich bar lat mait skay, Ri dol din ane ansyth gath 11 Oskir is keilt is gowle, Is m‘lowith nyn lanni maath Fa hymchill v‘kowle ayl Boyin di bi raa si chath 12 Farzone fullych m‘ynreith Is kerrill ri sneive zaath Dermin daath alin gyn nawle, Re hor skaath chin bi waath 13 Collyth m‘cheilt er wley mynni, Kyrkeith curri nyn genk maath Agus rynnith m‘ynreith, Myrychin nar wenyth in gaath 14 Felane foltinn bi wakith ind, Agus garryth in deim narv Derring m‘doyrin gyn none Aygh m‘garryth bi waath law 15 Me fene is g. m‘smail Is dyryth darrith m‘ronane Tre mek nyth kerd gyn chalk, Re oyr hentyth di barm yark 16 Mir a zana ma zut goo, A cleryth wor furt nyth mynni Cha noch banit dossyth din nane Ach gith fer fane a braath a zille 17 Soo id chaithir is gawe di fenni Is wayassi in narm gi ler Gi ein neach ga bi zar laiwe, Hanyth o chaaith guss in nane 18 Hanyth reith lochlin er ler, Daor done skaa by wor gnaa Di wraa keiss errin er koyne, Fane deyryth r sloyg gyth ler 19 Hanyth ith chawr zar wane, Twoa dey hug ass gi knok Carbryth loaechr bi waath lawe, Iiij chayth slane gow port 20 Vii caythin hanik in nane Huggar in near o lea cuynni Ne . . . sa nyth deacha rir gerrow, Oo roe zein slane o zaryth dwnni 21 Is sai waa na chawlyth long, Daryth deown syth hylych fene Xxx caath feit di loyith Nath dea woyin dar der feine 22 Waa ga weeow er in trae, Cown krer bi lawe gin locht Ruk sloyg nyn hynea zeive, Is di hog ea kenni reith er knok 23 Cown m‘reith wllith nin eacht, Agus dollir nan greath trom Di zagamir er in traa Er ym bayth fo zar tonni 24 Iij mec doytith ga bi rane, Yth toythit o lar yn long Fer tenni is kerkil a flwk, A zaik sinni a gorp gi lommi 25 Oor armyth neyn reith grekga, Agus forni nyn beyme trome Di zagamir fa zaar byve, Is ner aig synn in vyve fa bron 26 Iiij mec reith lochlin Bi a chasgr sein de neive arm Ne tre balwe one vorrin or, Neyn deacha sayd voyn ach marg 27 Re in doythin ga bi wor, Dare done skayth bi zall gnaa Di zaig sinn sin a chorp er trae, Er ni lot fo wail nyn nane 28 Di loyew in doythin trane Neyn deacha woyn fene sin nar Ach reith ni franki mir hea An lyn say brea er in nail 29 Er eggill in oskir wll, Cha di leggi ay voyeni er lar Gow glen baltan mir ta hest, Is and di zawe ay foss is tawe 30 Er traye fintrath ni goyn Fer in churri ni sloye in tar Er reow in doythin trane, Di zoil sein fene er sar 31 Di bimmi o reith r narm, Leich a waa marve er in lar Di bimmi clawe agus skayth Na blaya har er in traye 32 Er traye fintraithin nyn port, Di bimmi ann corp ferrane Di bimmi leich fa zar byve, Is di bimmi ann fyve ar 33 Phatrik V’Alpin ail, Neyn danith zar wane wo rae Ach da cath eggr gyn locht Is ny roif in gorp slane 34 Cath di clanni bisskyni zeive, Boein noch char vennyth in law Cath di clanni mornyth nyn grath Is in darne lay clannow smail 35 Er fr lawsyth ath halgin trane, Say zaik sin dar wane sin nar Coyk cathin eggr zar sloyig A legga woyn er in tra 36 xxxth ca feizit gin rath, Deechcayd feithyit gith cath zeive Zarremay loyg zar zoynn, Nach dranik er toynn a reiss 37 A halgin da wreggin clar, O baillait deym pen gych skail Gow dukgai caa zawryth nyth glann, Noch cha danik ken r lay 38 Di rynni sin a gawli long, Agus argit trome in reith In noor sin eydda sin neycht, In neirrin er gi lea dee 39 A Phatrik matha ny mynn An id keilli a waym bass Cur feyn talla her mo knees Oss aggit hay fiss mo skail 40 Ossin o taa tow skeith, Dane a noss di heith gou bass Gau turnigin is ear tlws, Is gew Dea mowch gi lay 41 Ar sleyve Seyane la luain Agus ni sloye er a lar Meichall is mur is mac Dey, Dy hoyrt fene er an law 42 In da espil deyk si wlay Gi clerych may is gi faye Edrwme agis effrin or di Wi gi croy er my lay. Lay. A. 25. NEYN A WRATA INN. 84 lines. THE MAID OF THE WHITE MANTLE. THIS ballad, or the story of it, is known in Irish writings. It is not remembered in Scotland now. It indicates cause for strife amongst the Feinne, and names many of their wives. Though it does not immediately belong to any Story in the series, it fits where the Feinne have reached their glory, and begin to decline. [TD 139] A HOUDIR SO ——. 1 LAA zane deach Finn di zoill In nalwe is ner ymmit sloyg Sessir bann is sessir far Iyn zhil is anneir ucht zaall 2 Finn fayn is Dermoit gin on Keilt is ossain is oskir Conan meithl gom maal er myg Agus mnan nin vi leith sen 3 Mygin is ban einn bi zane Is annir ucht zall mi wan feyn Gormlay aolli is dow rosg Neaof is neyn enneiss 4 Nor a zoyf meska no mnan Tugsiddir in gussi raa Nach royf er in doythin teg Sessir ban in goyth inrylk 5 A dowirt an nynnilt gyn on Is Tulych carnich in doythin Ga maath sewse is ymmith ban Nach drynn fes ach re in ar 6 Gerrid er ve zawe mir sen Tanik in van dar rochtin Ein wrata wmpa gin alda Agus e n iyn naygh 7 Tanik neyn a wrata inn An vaenissi v‘kowle Banichis din re gin non Agis swis na arrygh 8 Feafryth finn skail zyi Din neyn lwchr lawzill A wan a wrat gin alda Keid a rad ow is tein naygh 9 As giss dym wrat gin alda Ban ann ac na ennaygh Nocht chay naygh dein fame wrat Ach ben in ir gyn ralocht 10 Tawir ym brat dym wreith feyn Do ter conane mor gyn chaele Go westmist im brear mir A twg na mnawe wo chanew 11 Gawis ben chonnane ym brat Is curris wmpa la rachta Gom bea sen an loyth locht Dar lek rys wlle a gall ocht 12 Mir a chonnik connan meil Ym brat er cassyth fa teyf Tawris in chreissyth gin neaf Agis marveis in neyn 13 Gavis ben dermoit a zeil Ym brat wo wrei chonnan meil Noch char farr a wassi zyi Cassi ym brat fa keiyf 14 Gawis ben oskyr na zey Ym brad coo adda coyve ray Ga loyvir skayth a wrat inn Noch char ally a hymlyn 15 Gawis myghinis gi aal ym brad Is di churri fa cann Di chass is di chwar mir sen ym brat Gi loa fa clossew 16 Tawir ym brata er m‘raa Dym wneissi is ne cwss clae Go vestmist in ness gon non Tres elli da hymlit dewe 17 Di warynsi brair riss Agis ne brair eggiss Nach darnis di weiss ri far Ach dol dutsi in neiss lenew 18 Nochtis ben vek ree a teef Curris umpi ym brat fer chei . . A sayth eddir chass is lawe Na gi ley er a lwdygnane 19 Ane phoik doaris in braed O wak o zwyne darmit Di reissi ym brad owm laar Mor wea see na hynnirrane 20 Tawrew mi wrat doyf a wnaa Is me nein in derg zrana Noch cha dernis di locht Ach fess ri finn fyvir noch 21 Ber mo wallych is ymith woygin Se der m‘kowle gin boy A dagis fa mhaalych er mnawe Na tyr huggin ane lay. Lay. CAOILTE’S RABBLE. THIS curious production is not remembered in any shape, so far as I know. It indicates a quarrel between King Cormac and his General. In a list of the Irish collection of the Rev. James Goodman of Skibbereen, I find mention of ‘The Quarrel of Cormac and Finn at Teamhair.’ In this old Scotch version Caoilte rescues his chief and kinsman from Cormac. In the next ballad Oisein slays Cormac. According to current Scotch tradition, and Keating’s History of Ireland, Cormac choked on a salmon bone. The very bone is specified in Scotch tales. A. 28. C’HORYMRYTH KEILTA. 288 lines. A HOWDIR SO KEILT M‘RONANE. 1 HEYM tosk zoskla fynn Gow tawri ni draive nevin Gow hormy moyr mhorlat mhirr Gow cormik m‘art inir 2 Ner cleacht me meith my zloon Orss afwllych fer eddrwme Gi waldeis feynth fail Oss word locht a foyall 3 Warwemir in leich lan Mir a warmemir in crayc Di charmisdir leich fane lay Mir a charssmir a ray 4 Hugssmir a cann gin cherri Guss a gnok oss boyamir Di rynis feyn boya tra Di roynis fogryth owlay 5 Di warwiss mun er zlinn Fer gi inwal in nerrin Di roynissi boya tra Di roynissi fogryth owlay 6 Di raddis mun er zlinn Gwl gi inte in nerrin Di roynissi boya tra Di royniss fogryth owlay 7 Ni leith di legin fa boywa Doybis sin nerrin awwor Di roynissi boya tra Di royniss fogryth owlay 8 Ni dorssa er a beith a zeith zark A dosslin ead gi hymard Di roynissi boya traa Di royniss fogryth owlay 9 Ni gurt abbe um halvon Di loskgin eid gu lassal Di roynissi boya tra Di royniss fogryth owlay 10 Noch char aggis reim linn Aa na mullin in nerrin Insin di leyggiddir rwm Eech albin is errin 11 Teym boach er loyss mi chass Gr ranegiss ross illirzlass In sin glossimsi schear Gow taura ni widdir chane 12 Ner harrin eine each zeive Zea roym in dawra za essin Tugis in dawra fa laa Ben in ir chommi za cheilli [TD 140] 13 Is ben in r chomisso nach gwss In fer commisso ella Tugis in dawri gi beach Ben carbre zi cormik 14 Is ben chormik er sin Di raddis ee zi charbre Tugis lwm claywa in reith Uch fa hay mor a wree 15 Mi clawe feyn fa gin gutti Fagwm in droyl chulk chormik In sin di quhoyis in nwnn Is eaddi in dorsser owym 16 Inn nygyth sin doef ge beacht Is me bi kyllor ze chormik Is bert ooklachis is tei Hawle a vaonissi reith errin 17 Ga zaynith leve raa mi zloor Da hwle cheilt yn kyllnor Na habbirsi sen er finn Er ardre ny feyn voltynn 18 Ga tamsi in layve id tei Na ber tar er my wntir Ni hay sin agne cheilt Far a will ay in vorwilty 19 Cha mir sen a connil chynni Er a will dor er talvinn In sin tarnik toylli Ag in re ro zast rawor 20 IIII choss geym in genn ni genn Teym less a is tee cotkin In sin chayis fa zass Di bi wlyg ay di maylass 21 Agis tuggis lwm ym zoyn Kone esgin ard orwayll Eynit lwm in nee riss a ben Ers in re fati firzzlin 22 Balli kness cheilti za zoyn Di chone essgin orwoyl Na habbirsi sen a re Er wiss in ryth a zillin 23 Brarryth broggodych a derri Corsi hoich er orvidi Er a layve a keilt chaylle Mir wee finn flaa eyni 24 Gid tani ne hurfin gyle Derrow albin no errin Er maneach do gi beacht A deaffryth mis zi chormik 25 Gawa tow cow thlaa Woyme zoskla mydda Ne warrir fin lat id te Er ane chowe er talwon 26 Ach ane chow a keilt chaye Da bi toylling tow faywayll Da waya a tow zoif re lay Lawnon woada di gi feayne 27 Di zoyve tow hed er gi Cart cowe cwnnvill Di nasgis in brar mir Er chormik mc art inir 28 Gin leggi gi ray in re Da waya ay ni feyweill Mar nasgis in brar beynn Er re errin ni nwlt inn 29 In deymsow gar zeggir royve Heymsyth ze in dymf Glossim turriss o hawre Fa turriss fr gi mannee 30 Do hymsow ni heltin Gar skeltyth a chwddychi Tuggis lwm ii zelt zark Is ii znew ignyth ym ard 31 Aggis fey fy za won ii lach Sin loch a seyllin II hynnith sleyvecwllin II zaw awlle a burrin 32 II zessivey zowrane zurm II chellych fey a farzhram II hyane kylty creive Di latteve zrom zawreim 33 II zoyvrane a hen a mach O charri donnwane doyvr II eillin o thrae leith lee II rulli a port larga 34 IIII snekga on vrostna wane II anoyk charga d . . . II eachte one eachte ard II smoyrych lettreth lom ard 35 II zroyllane downe yve II cheinkych ni corywe II chur one chorrin cleyth II harreich mwe o foyall 36 II illir chargi ni glach II hawik a keyndyth II fess o locht melwa II cherk ussga o locht erne 37 II cherk reich one vowna math II zergin zow locha II chreithrane mw cowlin II wentane my foyllin 38 II cheythane a glenn awlle II zalvon ni sen awle II phedda oywrri a claa II onchon o chroda claach 39 II zoyane o thrae za wan II erboyk loychir yr II chollum one chess chur II lon a lettir fin chwle 40 II eddoyk letter roye II thrudda tawrych teyve oyr II choneyn a schee doe doynn II wuk awlde cloyth chur 41 II choyag o zrom dave II ane oywryth layn de II yghrgane lanenyth furrith II chreithir one chreive roye 42 II sperr hawk in swn o cleyve gla II loch lay o lwnycht II oyr ane one woyn II ussock on vownych wor 43 II oynlayk a hon chnoyth II brok a creich ollonych II rynith strayth sinnyth II zlassoyk o wroch urri 44 II chrottych o chonych zawlwe II weil won wor hawni II earrinnyth phillhorrych II awllinnych seith boygh 45 II zassidi one wyg wylle II cheith cheinekyche chnaw chyle II woyok oo wrowych brn II neiskin o zowdyr 46 II zerrin o leyve za ane Da chyill wreane turle II annan ar o wy walg II chonlane zatta o zranard 47 II zrin zarrych o zruing II vronargane on vor cheyyl II wlyrrych o zowne ni barga II elli zalle on zaltraach 48 II royin o challow charga II wuk wor on worarga II eskar locht m‘lanene II zarzart my ni nellane 49 II ane vek o wess a chwle II eggin ess v‘mowrn II ellit zlinni zlinn smoyl II woyif o haach mow mor 50 II onchon loyath o loch conn II eychat a hoyw chroychin II chyraa schee zoyvlane zil II vuk vwlcow vlyr [TD 141] 51 Rath is ker chorkrych chass Tugis lwm o einnis Tugis lum each agis lar Di zrey vassych vanynane 52 Tarve is bo zarri o zrwm kein Tugis lwn o wurn vunchane Do chonni di chonnew ni wane Di hir cormik orrum gi dane Teym 53 Gi neith zar chursin ym chenn Tugis lwm is teym Er in dymsychyth ull doyf Gow lar ane ew 54 Nor a baillwme a meyow Zobbredir voyme ach skeillych Di choy in feaych woym o zess Di bi wlya dom awles 55 Di rukgis er in glenn da wan O orrir loch a lurgin Di quhoy mi lach fa layve Nach chussit faywail 56 Ter schroyow berwe brass Gow aych inn zowlass Di zowis e er wrawit Gin ger walaa heach hanye 57 Tugis lwm ee lach gin wacht Dosli fin o chormik Ne fooris zolk roya Heg rwm nyg ve me boa 58 Cha deyd ass mi chree Chinn gin nawleggir may in dalvon Lass ane nane beg lassane nana Dolle a chass ymon 59 Er ni tullych er gi ay Cor fa lawe rg lassyn ane I chonwaille fynn ag in layve Er seiltin gin ead wawne 60 Is vin zeyntyth ay sin de hoyrt Er a gowe dinn fosslow zoywayl In dymsychow sin mir sin Ner toylling fir in doythin 61 Tugis ead gow taura lwm Gow mowr a vor hyle Doss gi zokkir a kin Oppir ead in nyich sin 62 Caythir a wee si walli Er ix dorss fossgillyth Cormik hug zeyve in teacht Mir zoy ym bea gi skei 63 Mir chonni may za gwryth Sin wrow arsing ill wrunych Legga brudlychyth gawe Vin a guddichtyth greithane 64 Huggi ay brow slatzall sollis doyf Er chegit fre zorre Gi in dorris deyve downtyth Ner way in soyve cond in . . 65 Ead sin is tee gi bronych Miss a mwe gi anoyith Mi chree cowe connis Fa la er gi in dorris 66 Ga mor nolk forris royth Wonyth skeythow choolyth Ner leigis ane deyve a mach Gi tra erre in in varrich 67 Anmi ny hyrri skeiltyth A chorymryth keilta Ach a wag sin teyve ra teyve Ne dor chormik za soyve 68 Nor a leggi finn a mach Di skeillidir gi skeiltytht Cha deacha deis na trear Wo hawra zeive er in . . 69 Mi reith feyn agus reach fenn Merrolta cheme wass mi chinn Ni tre neachin fa darryth zoyve Ni troyth sin di hymsichow 70 We skay zoym er mi clow Creddwm in crist is ow Mimirche ass in ew inn Gar vewwm lwm ne weym . . 71 Gar wadda mi leymsi har In dawr lochra ni wayn, Is fadda in laym rugis ter xx kead try in dawr 72 In sen fa lowwr mi leym Wagis si viddircheyn Gin ach bar mi choss a geill Mawl gith tosk er deym. Teym tosk. OISEIN’S COURTING. D. 28. L. 6. M. 15. THIS ballad is rare. I have three versions, which differ chiefly in spelling. Besides the names of Heroes who flourish elsewhere, three are named who seldom act. Twelve go to seek a Bride for Oisein; she was the foreign love of Cormac. There was a fight with Cormac and the Firbolg. Oisein beheaded Cormac. This is the end of a quarrel between the High King and his army, and makes another blood-feud, which ends only in the Catastrophe. Oisein is made to tell this to a woman. In text L. 6, Dr. Young identifies this with an episode in Fingal (book 4, Clerk’s Ossian, vol. II. p. 3). There is not a line of this ballad in the latest Gaelic text of Ossian, though it was twice printed before 1786. D. 28. NINGHIN IUNSA. 70 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, May 11, 1872. Compared with Gillies, page 11, May 24, 1872, with Hector Mac Lean.—J.F.C. 1 ’S Cuth Duinne far nach Ionbhuin Deirimsa riutsa Nighin Iunsa Gu raibh mi m’ dheo-laoch air bheirt eille Gad ha mi m’ sheann Laoch san Lathas’. 2 La gu deachas leinn Eibhir-Aluin Chas-fhalt Fheinn Shi Ninghin fa ’m Geallabhach Glac Leannan Choigrich Chormaic. 3 Gun do ghluais shin gu sruth Locha leige An da Fhear-dheug a b’ fhearr fuidh ’n Ghrein Ge be fhidreadh air Ruin Robhain bu teichbheach droch Cuth. 8 in Gillies. 4 Dh’ fhosgladh dhuinn an Grianan Corr Air a Thughadh do ’n Chloth dhuinn Lion Meanmneadh shinn uille ’Gaibhrac Eibhir Chassfhalt Bhui. 7 in Gillies. 5 Labhair Brian (1) ’scha duirt e Breug Gad bhiogh ann da ninghin-deug Aig feobhas do Chliuth san Fhein Bhiogha Cheud Roghin diubh aig Ossain. 10 in Gillies. 6 Gun ghluais shinn gu Druim Dha-Th S bha Cormaic robhin na Long-phort ’S e dar fethibh gu dana Le sheac Catha deug do ’n deo-mhath-shluath. 11 in Gillies. 7 Sluadh Chormaic gu do Chass Aig na ghaibh an sliaigh bla-lassair 12 in Gillies. 8 Ochdfhear do bhi aig Cormaic Cruinn Ionnun an Gniobh dh’ fhearibh-bolg Mac Olla ’s Daire nan Creuchd Mac Tosgair (2) treun & Taog. 13 in Gillies. 9 Freasdal Baighach Mac an Riogh Daire nan Gnìobh bu bhor aigh Daora ’b fhearr fullang san Chuing ’Smeirge Chormaic Chruinn na Laibh. (1) Bran. (2) Toscar for the first time mentioned. D.M.—Scribe’s note. Supposed to be a mistake for an t-Oscar. [TD 142] NINGHIN IUNSA. 14 in Gillies. 10 Ochd-fhear do bhi aig Oissain ard Iunnan san Cath ga dhion Molla mac Sgeine gu fial Sgeuliche fial Flath nam Fiann. 15 in Gillies. 11 Faolan & Caorril Cass ’N Duibh mac Riobhain nior thais Colg Toscar an tus shiar na Chlann Chuadh fo ’n Chrann an ceann nam Fear bolg. 16 in Gillies. 12 Thachair Tosgar thachair Daoil Taibh ri Taibh an Lath’r ant shluaidh Bha Coibhrig an da Churidh Chaoibh Mar gun doirtigh Gaoth a Cuan 17 in Gillies. 13 Bu Choibhrag dha Leobhan shinn ’S cho n’ iarruidh e sgian da ’n goin Ge bu mhath Saoirsneachd nam Fear Bu bheo na Taosgibh am Fuil. 18 in Gillies. 14 Chuibhnich Tosgar air a Sgithin Arm bu mhian leis an Fhear mhaith Chuir e naoidh Goinibh an Taobh Dhaoil Sheal bog mu n’ do chlasin an Cath. 19 in Gillies. 15 Bha Cormaic aig Corbadh an t-sluaidh Mar Fhuaim Uird le Deirnibh Laibh Giarruidh gu Hoissain gach Uair San Cath cruaidh do bheir e dha. 20 in Gillies. 16 Do sgoilt Oissain air an T-sliabh Caogid Sgiath gu Cormaic Cruinn ’S gun bhrist Cormaic mac Airt Caogid Lann ghlass air an Druim. NINGHIN IUNSA. 21 in Gillies. 17 Thugas an Ceann do Chormaic Cruinn Air an T-sliabh gus a Nochd ’S gun do gluais mi leis gu Flath Fail, ’S an Ceann sin am Laibh air Fhalt. 22 in Gillies. 18 Ge be ghinse dhoibhsa shin An La sin a cuir a Chath Fheiridh rium mar bha mi nochd Gum faigheadh e olc fo ’m Laibh. The story of this is, that the Feinne went to Loch Leige to seek the sweetheart of Cormac, Eamhair. They killed Cormac, and Oisein carried home his head. M. 15. SUIREADH OISEIN AIR EAMHAIR ALUINN. 88 lines. 1 (1) IS Cuth duine far nach Fionduin (2) Deirimse riutsa nighean Iunnsai, Gu ’n raibh mi ’m dhea’ laoch air bheirt eìle, Ge ta mi ’m sheann laoch san latha-s’. 2 Latha gu ’n deachaidh leinn, Eamhair aluinn fholt-ghrinn, Nighean bu ghéal-lamhach glac, Leannan coigrich Chormaig. 3 Ghluais sinn gu saoith Locha Leige (perhaps taobh) An da fhear-dheug a b’ fhear foi ’n ghrein, Ge b’ e dh’ fhidireadh ar run, Romhain bu theichmheach droch cuth. 4 Bheannuich an sin Bran (3) mac Leacan D’ an t-sluagh aluinn, ard, gheal-ghlacach, Gu narach, treoireach, néo-mheata, Nach do phill scannal no ascal. 5 Dh’ fharaid e dh’ inn an gloir bhinn, Ciod e an taisc (4) mu ’n d’ thainig sinn? Caoilte fhreagair air ar ceann, A dhiarraidh do nighin ortsa. 6 Co dha ta sibh ga h-iarraidh? Do dh’ Oisein uasal mac Fheinn, ’S i mo nearac a gheabh thu. A Laoic h-laidir long-phortaich. 7 Labhair Brán ’s ni dubhairt breug, Ge do bhiodh agam da nighin deug, Aig feabhas do chliuth san Fheinn, Bhiodh a cheud nighean aig Oisein. 8 Dh’ fhosgladh dhuinn an Grianan (5) corr, Air a thuthadh do chloth dhuinn, (perhaps clŭth) Lion meanmna sinn uile, ’G amharc Eamhair chas-fholt bhuidhe. 9 ’Nuair a chunnairc Eamhair fhial Oisein Mac Fheinn flath na ’m Fiann, Thug an Ribhin a b’ aille dreach Gaol a h-anma d’ an dea’ mhac. 10 Gu ’n ghluais sinn gu Druim da-thorc, ’S bha cormac romhain na long-phort, ’S e dar feitheamh gu dana, Le seachd catha d’ an dea’ mhalaidh. (6) 11 . . . . . . . Sluagh Chormaig gu ’n do chás Aig na ghabh an sliabh bla lasair. 12 Ochd-fhear do bhi aig Cormag cruinn, Ionann an gniomh dh’ Fhearaibh-Bolg, Mac Colla is Daire nan creuchd, Mac Toscair’ treun agus Taog. 13 Freasdal baghach Mac an Righ, Daire na ’n gniomh bu mhor agh, Daol bu mhaith fulang sa chuing, ’S Meirge Chormaig Chruìnn na laimh. 14 Ochd-fhear bhi aig Oisein ard, Ionann sa chath gharg ga dhion, Mulla Mac Scein agus Fial, Sgeulaiche fior flath na Feinn’. 15 Faolan agus Cairioll càs, Dubh Mac Ribhinn nior thais colg, Toscar an tus siar a Chlann, Chaidh foi ’n chrann an’ ceann na ’m Fearbolg. (7) 16 Thachair Toscar thachair Daol, Taobh re taobh an lath’r an t-sluaigh, Bha comhrag an da churaidh chaoimh Mar gu ’n doirteadh gaoth a cuan. 17 Bu chomhrag dha leomhain (8) sin ’S cha ’n iarradh e scian d’ an guin, Ge bu mhaith saoirsinneachd na ’m fear, Bu cheo na taosgaibh am fuil. 18 Chuimhnich Toscar air an scein, Arm bu mhiann leis an fhear mhaith, Chuir e naoi guine, an taobh Dhaoil, Sealan beag mu ’n chlaon an cath. 19 Bha comhraig ag borbadh an t-sluaigh, Mar fhuaim uird le dearnaibh lamh, Ag iarraidh gu Oisein gach uair ’S an cath cruaidh do bheir e dhoibh. 20 Do scoilt Oisein air an t-sliabh Caogad sciath gu Cormag Cruinn, ’S gu ’n bhris Cormag mac Art Caogad lann ghlas air an druim. 21 Thugas an ceann do Chormag Cruinn Air an t-sliabhsa gus an nochd, ’S gun do ghluais gu Flaith Fail, ’S an ceann sin am laimh air fholt. 22 Ge b’ e dh’ innseadh dhamhsa sin An la sin ag cuir a chath’, Deireadh rium mar tha mi nochd Gu ’m faigheadh e olc o m’ laimh. THE FAIR MAID’S HILL. A. H. I. THE oldest version known is here reprinted from the Dean’s Book, arranged according to the metre. Hunting rights were always matters of dispute; and here, as it (1) Lit. A man is a chief when he is not a Fingal. (2) Iundriun, ionmhuinn? (3) Brian. (4) Taiscealadh, taisge? (5) A round turret or tent. (6) Mhal-shluagh? (7) Ceann na ’m Bolg. (8) Leoghain. [TD 143] seems, the army have taken the King’s preserves, in addition to their own. This huniting song is remembered in the Long Island in 1871, but the most of it has been reduced to mere narrative. It is worth remark, that the method of hunting described here, correspomds to the description of a similar hunt by Taylor, the Water Poet, in the reign of James 6th. V. 13, p. 197, Mac Callum, is a short version of this. A great many hunting stories are current in the Highlands still. A. 20. SLEYVE NY BAN FINN. 68 lines. AUCTOR HUJUS OSSIN. 1 LA zay deacha finn mo rayth, Di helg er sleyve ny ban finn Tri meillith wathyon ny wayn, Ne zeaath skaow vass in ginn 2 Ossin is vinni lwmmi di zloyr, Bannicht foiss er anmyn finn Agus innis gay wayd feyg, Hwtti er sleyve ny ban finn. 3 Ga mor lewe crathamar slee, Or ni deatha voylte in loy Di hutti er sleyve ny ban finn, Di zeyith lay fin nyth wlygh 4 Innis doyf royth gith skayle, Bannith er a waill gin zoyth A bayig eaddith no ermmi, A doll leive a helg gi lay 5 Di weith eaddith agus ermmi, A doll leine a helg mir senni Ni weith feanee zeiwe ym zoe, Gin leynith roylle is men 6 Gin chottone schee schave, Gin lurych sparri zeyr zlynn Gin chenvart clooth di chorrith, S zay ley in norn gi fer 7 Gin skay neynith warryth boye, Gin lanni chroye eskoltith kenn A nearryth in doythin fayn scheath, Ne royth nath bi zer no finn 8 Is schea a barri enicht is awge, Ne zeath lav vassa chinn Doll in dastill a choyn zill, Gi aggin er farri mir finn 9 Cath eggr a choymir schear, A helg er sleyve ni ban finn A phatrik ayd chinni ni glar, Di balin grann vass ir ginni 10 Noyr a hwyth finni r gonni Da binni seirri agus schear Gow gyir o chnok gow cnok, A meskeith hork is feaygh 11 Di weith finn agus brann, Nane swe selli er in tleywe Gyth fer rewe in nayd helg, No ger eirryth kolg in feark 12 Di leggymir tre m cowe, A barri lowe syth way gi garga Warwe gith cowe zewe da eyg Selli fa neyd yn eyll na hard 13 Di hwtti vi meill feyg bar Er a zlann di weith fane tleyve A haggus eyg agus arbe Ne zarne selgi mir sen reywe 14 Gir bee deirrith ir selgi hear, A clarre oyd ni glar is ni glok Deich kayd kow fa lawre loyr Hutti fa leon x c tork 15 Di huttidir lyne ni twrk, A roynith ni helg er in lerga Mir a weyg r lanith is r lawe Di verdis air er in telga 16 A phatrik ni baichill fear, A wakka tow hear no horri Selga in lay raid lin A waynew fin bi woyth no sen 17 Ach sen selga a roinith finn V‘alpin ni minni blayth Gar ni goyllane ansi cheille, Gi bi winni laym ane lay Lay za deach. H. 21. THE BEST DAY THAT THE HEROES EVER HUNTED. 68 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 69. Advocates’ Library, December 11, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Not known to Hennessy, but nevertheless in the Transactions of the Ossianic Society. Dublin, December 17, 1871.—J. F. C. THE ARGUMENT. THEY loosed 3000 dog and each dog killed two deers which was 6000, and Bran had slain 6001, tho’ he was but a puppy, which makes 12001; but the one-third part of their dogs (which was at that day 1000) fell by 100 wild Boars, but they killed them all by their arrows and spears; for they did never go to hunt, or any other way, without being in compleat armour, for it was dangerous at that time to travel a quarter of a mile otherwise. DAN 17. 1 LATHA da deachaidh sinn siar, A shealg air sliabh na ’m ban fionn; ’S mile do Mhaithaibh nam Fiann, Cho deachaidh riamh os a cheann. 2 Oisain gu ’r binn leam do ghlóir, Beannachd fos air anam Fhinn; Ailis dhuinne cia lion fiadh, Thuit libh air sliabh nam ban Fionn. 3 Ailis o thoiseach do sgéul, Beannachd air do bhéul faidheoidh; ’M biodh bhur ’n eideamh is bhur ’n airm, A dol libh ’n bheinn t-seilg gach ló. 4 Gu ’n ar ’n eideamh ’s gu ’n ar ’n airm, Cho reacheamaid a sheilg nan cnoc, Bhiodh air gach feinnidh gach ló, Léine shroil ’s air eill da choin. 5 Bhiodh cót air do ’n t-síde shéimh, Lúireach, is Barghil r’ a shlios; Is ceannbheairt chochalla chórr, ’S a dha shleagh an dornn gach fir. 6 Bhiodh sgia úain air a gheibha’ buaidh, ’S cloidheamh cruaidh gu sgoltadh cheann Bodha (meadach) agus iudhair, ’S caogad guinach ann am balg. 7 Siubhail an domhan mu seach, ’S cho ’n fhuigh thu ann neach mar Fhionn A b’ fhearr inmhe ’sa b fhearr ágh, Cho deachaidh lamh os a cheann. 8 Re cath teagair bha sinn siar, A sealg air sliabh na ’m ban Fionn; A Phádraig a cheann nan cliar, B’ áluin a ghrian os ar ceann. 9 ’N uair a shuidhich Fionn a choin, Air an t-srath a bha fui ’n t-sliabh; Shuidh gach féinnidh air tom seilg, Gus an d’ eirich sgeilg nam fiadh. 10 Dh’ fhuasgail sinn tri mile cú, Bu mhaith lúth, sa bha ro gharg; ’S mharbh gach cú dhiu sin da fhiadh, Seal mu ’n deachaidh iall air aird. 11 Iodhnadh ’s mo ’a chunnacas riamh, No chuala Fiann Innse pháil; Gu d’ mharbh Bran is e na chuilein, Fiadh agus idhir re each. 12 Leag (1) sinn naoi mile fia’ barr, Air an t-srath a’ ta fuidh ’n t-sliabh; A Phádraig san agams tha beachd, Sealg mar sud cho ’n fhacas riamh. (1) . . . 9000 Harts, besides Hinds and Roes. [TD 144] 13 Thuit leinn naoi mile fiadh bar, A eagmhuis earb agus adh; Thuit sin air sliabh nam ban fionn, Do dh’ fhiadhach le Fionn nam fleagh. 14 Ach an deireadh ar seilgne shiar, A Phádraig nan cliar ’s nan clog; Deich céud cu le ’n slabhruidh óir, Thuit sin faidheoidh le céud torc. 15 ’S ann leinn mharbhadh na tuirc A rinn na h-uilc air an leirg, ’S mar bhitheadh ar lamha ’s ar lann Cho deanamaid ár air an t-seilg. 16 Biomad laoch fuileachdach fial, Na sheasamh air sliabh Innse-crot, Gu ’n ach iall a choin na laimh, ’S e pilleadh o ár nan torc. 17 Sealg mar sud cho d’ rinn sinn riamh, A dhea’ Mhic Ailpain na mionn tlá; Guth do cheólain ann sa chíll, ’S mór bu bhinne leam an lá. I. 8. SLIABH NAM BEANN FIONN. 68 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 29. Advocates’ Library, April 4, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE FAIR HILLS.—A POEM. Extracts. OSSIAN recollects by this poem the best day the Heroes had ever hunted the deer upon a place, called Sliabh nam beann Fionn, i. e., The fair and beautiful Hills. 3,000 Heroes handsomely accoutred entered these Mountains with 3,000 Dogs or Hounds, each Grey-hound had slain two Deer, and Bran, Fingal’s Grey-hound, slew as many as all the rest. 1,000 of their hounds fell by wild Boars, and beasts, and 1,000 of their Men were so far overcome with fatigue, before they kilt the Boars and gathered the venison, of which ever after they did not get the better. The Poem is addressed to the Son of Alpin. 3 BEANNACHD air do bheul ni ’n ceol; 4 Cho reachamaid a sheilg nan lon; 5 Bhiodh cot air do ’n fhitidh sheimh, 6 ’S cloidheamh cruaidh, bu mhaith sa cholg; Botha cruadhach air dhea’ luthadh, Chuireadh siubhal fui’ n ghath bolg. 7 A b’ fhearr eineach, sa b’ fhearr agh. 10 Bu gharg luth ri aonach ard; 13 Thuit leinn naoi mile fiadh bar. H. 22. HOW GOLL FALL A HUNDRED OF CLANNA BAOISGE WRESTLING. 68 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 36. Advocates’ Library, Dec. 2, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, Dec. 9, 1871.—Not known to Hennessy. Not found in the Catalogues of Royal Irish Academy. This carries the blood-feud between Goll and the Clanna Baoisgne into the hunting field. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL was one day hunting and Goll was not present, they began to let their dogs after a wild swine, for diversion, and to know which of their dogs would be the vanquisher; Conan, Goll’s brother, ordered them to stop the dogs till his brother would come: Faolan, Fingal’s son, rose and fall Conan; who was viewing them but Goll, he ran, and before he stop, he laid down one hundred of them on the Hill, a bloody battle immediately began, but not deadly. DAN 7. 1 LATHA dhuinne bhi ’n gleann diamhair, Bha sinn re fiathach Muc alte; ’S bha Fionn fein ann, Caoilte ’s Oisain, Luchd a bhrosnacha gach sealga. 2 Bha sinn uil’ ann clann Mhic Chuthaill, Bha faraon ann Coireall ceárnnach; ’S an t-Oscar óg laidair neartmhor, Nach cuireadh an cath air chàird. 3 Ochagain air taobh a ghlinne, Shuidh sinn uile Clanna Baoisge; Do shuidh monad mor air bharradh. ’S cho bu toiseach rath d’ ar daoin ain. 4 Chuir sinn air coin ris an fhireach, Gu claoidh is milleadh na béiste; Dh’ fheachainn co d’ ar conaibh gruamach, A gheibheadh làn bhuai’ air bréine. 5 ’S ann an sin a labhair Conan, B’ e aon laoch comais gach áite; ‘No leigadh bhur gathair gu fireach, Gu ’n chlann ’m athairsa bhi láthair.’ 6 ’S ann an sin dh’ eirich Faodhlan, B’ e aon laoch spáirnneachd gach gnothaich; ’S ann dhuinne bu lóir a dhonas, Gun d’ ug e leagadh do Chonan. 7 An sin do thainig Goll gruamach, Bu shar bheumeannach ’s bu chruai’ buillean, Seal mun d’ fhaodar leinn a chumail, Do leag e céud air an tulaich. 8 ’S ann an sin a dh’ eirich Oscar, ’N laoch leis an coisgte ’n cruaidh chómhrag; Mar bhitheadh dhamh ’s deachainn mo gheallidh, ’S ann dhuitsa b’ aithreach am borbadh. 9 Urram cho ’n fhuigh thusa uamsa, ’Se labhair Goll gruamach re Oscar; Gu ’r h-ann leamsa thuit do Shinnsir, ’S bu dearg linntidh le mor lotaibh. 10 ’N ar measgna dh’ eirich a’ bhuidhin, Bhorb na curina r’a chéile; Bu lionmhor sgia’ bhreac air leith lamh, Agus lann bu leathan gle gheal. 11 Chuaidh gach fear air chul a chloidheamh, ’S chuaidh gach Flath air chul sgéitha; Chum ’s gu d’ fheachamaid le ’r gathaibh, Cia bu treise dhinn no chéile. 12 Chuaidh Goll mor na chulaidh chatha, ’S cho bu toiseach rath d’ ar daoin ain; Aig truimead ’s aig tricead a bhuillean, ’N sin air chlaignaibh Chlanna baoisge. 13 S ann an sin a labhair Conall, ‘Ma ’s beó duine Chlanna baoisge; Diolamh an fheall is a mheodhair, ’N dui’ air chlaignaibh Chlanna mornna.’ 14 ’N sin do fhreagair an Righ Féinne, G ’e maith do chomhairls ’a Chonaill; Fuidh ’m iochdsa thainig Clanna mornna, ’S b’ iad aon laoich sor-ghlic an domhain. 15 An sin do dh’ eirich Fionn fialaidh, Is Diarmaid déud gheal o duimhne; ’S chuir iad na saoi’ ean o chéile Ge d’ bu mhor iargain na bruidhne. 16 A togail dhuinn ris a mhullach, ’S a direadh re uilean an t- sléibhe; Ge do tharladh gu ’n bhi marbh dhuinn, B’ iomadach ann osnaich chléibhe. 17 Bu lionmhor ann cuirp gu silleach, Agus laoich fui’ iomad creacaibh; ’N deidh nu ’m buillean troma dóbhidh, Thug Goll mac mornna mhic neamhain. I. 9. GLEANN DIAMHAIR. Extracts. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 63. 72 lines. Advocates’ Library, April 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE SOLITARY VALE. THE Fingalians were hunting and chasing Wild Beats and wild Boars thro’ the woods and Mountains. The tribe of Baisge wanted to set of their Dogs after the Boar in Gaul’s absence. Conan who was always a Foamer of strife and wrangles with his impertinent loquacity stopt their Dogs untill his Brother Gaul and his Hounds wou’d draw near and see the sport. Instantly Faolan (one of Fingal’s sons) fell on Conan and beat him smartly. Gaul approached and saw his Brother so severely used in his absence, fell furiously upon Clan-baoisge and overturned one hundred of them upon the Hill before his career could be retarded. Thereupon a battle ensued between the two Clans in which the invincable and brave Caledonian Gaul was like to overcome the Tribe of Baisge. The amicable Fingal and curteous Dermid restored peace and amity between both Clans. [TD 145] 1 BHA Fionn fein ann, Caoilt, is Toscar, Luchd a phrosnachadh gach sealga. 3 Shuigh sinn uil’ ann ’s Clanna-ruri; Do shuigh Momad mor air bharradh, Cha bu toiseach ratha dhuinne. 4 Chuir sinn ar coin ris an uchdaich, A chlaoi’, muice nan calg geura; Bu treine gainne nan cuileann, Bha friodh mullaich mar choill chreithich. 5 B’ e aon laoch conais gach aite; No leigibh ur gadhair fui ’n fhireach. 11 Chum ’s gu feuchamaid gun athamb, 12 ’S cho bu toiseach rath d’ ar taith-ne; 13 Mar charraig air aodann tuinne, Air an eireadh buinnean arda; Bha ’n laoch a teirbirt gach buille, Beuma guineach docair gabhaidh. H. 23. HOW FINGAL AND GOLL CAST OUT HUNTING THE LEANA. 132 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 38. Advocates’ Library, December 4, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail Dublin, December 9, 1871.—Not known to Hennessy. I HAVE no trace of this particular composition, but I have many stories about great mythical deer hunts. In this case the scene is laid in Glen Eite, in Argyllshire, not far from the Royal Castles of Dunstaffnage, and ancient forts. In verse 20 Fionn is called ‘High King of Connaught,’ though he is in Morven, and in verse 26, the illustrations are drawn from Beinn Eidian, the Hill of Howth. If these ballads be historical, this belongs to the Dalriads who came to Argyllshire about A.D. 311, and later. The story is part of the Blood-feud of Fionn and Goll, the cause of which is in the next ballad. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL was one day hunting at a place called Leana, nigh Gleaneilte, in Argyle shire, and either of the parties was too lazie, and they were not doing so much as themselves, Goll and Fingal thought proper to devide the muirs, and that every one would stay on his own side; their agreement was that whoever would shut the Deer (if he would go after he would get the arrow), on whatever ground he would fall that it would be theirs which had the ground by Lot; Oscar struck a hart, and fell on Goll’s march and took it away, but Goll, according to their agreement, would not allow him the hart since it was his own, they cast out that moment, and a bloody battle began betwixt both parties. DAN 8. 1 LATHA dhuinne sealg na Leana, A tathach an fheidh o ’n Chlach leadh’d, Shuidh mi fein air Guala buidh; ’S shuidh Mac Chuthaill air Coir-easain. 2 Shuidh Caoilte air Coire-domhnail, Fear a chomhdacha’ ar Féinne; ’S cho d’ fhag a choin no gathair a bhos Aon fhiadh gu ’n tathach gu h-Eite. 3 Shuidh Diarmaid donn gheal o duimhne, Gille muirnneach na morchuis; Maille r’a fhir thréune chatha, Thall air uilean cnoc na h-Og’ ghnuis. 4 Shuidh Mac Mornna san Lia’ ghumh ’s, Tacan siar o Ghuala chuirnn; ’S g’ b’ e chidheadh sealg nam fear, Bu lionmhor ann bás daimh dhúinn. 5 Mu ’n d’ ainig deireadh an ló, Dh’ eirich gniomh bu doilich léinn, Eidear Iodhleann nan arm glas, Agus Oscar Mac Righ ’n leirg. 6 Damh do mharbh Oscar an áigh, Tacan beug o bheulamh Ghuill; ’S thug Goll a bhriathar gu beachd, Nach feuchadh é blas an daimh dhuinn. 7 Do thog Oscar e dh’ a fein, ’S e ’g eisteach re briathar Ghúill; ’S gu b’ eisean an Gille fial, Thog e air a sgiá ’sa lúin. 8 Thainig an t-Oscar donn gu Athair, Thainig Maithadh Chlanna baoisge; Thainig ornna sgiá na cobhair, ’S thainig Colla, mac cruaidh Chaoilte. 9 Thainig Fionn fein an ceannard, Bu chrann teann air Chlanna baoisge, ’S labhair e le iolach uabhair, Thugaibh urram ’s biadh do ’m dhaoine. 10 Thainig Fionn bán Mac Chuathan, Le aon fhichead déug furail ghaisgeach; ’S le uidhir eile do dh’ fhianntidh, Do thainig Maighre Mac Baistail. 11 Thainig a Macaidh dubh siobhalt, Gille gu ’n di meas lan dóghrainn; Le aon fhichead déug sgia’ nach fannaich, ’S cho bu charaid Chlanna mornna. 12 Thainig Mac Nic o-theanraig, A bu roi’ mhaith thun an trotain; Le aon fhichead déug sgia’ nach sgannail, ’S a bu roi’ mhaith theanndadh totail. 13 Le deich ceud curidh do dh’ fhianntidh, Do thainig Diarmaid o dùimhne; Le ’n gathaibh fiata, feargach fuileach, Gu fior mhulleach sliabh Mhic súimhne. 14 Thainig Caoilte fiamh gach catha, Le cuig céud ’s tri laoich gu súimhne; Le ’n lanna’ fior chruaidhe geala, An gleus catha chum ar coibhreach. 15 Le deich ceud ’s fhichead laoch calma, Do thainig Garbh lámh Mac Mornna; Gu Iodhleann nan armaibh fada, D’ a thearnadh o ’r tional mór-ne. 16 Le tri fichead tréun laoch catha; Do thainig Garbh Mac Mornna; ’S bu cheannard air tri fir fheachda, Gach aon neach dhiu teachd gu comhrag. 17 Le céud ursann chath gu ’n athadh, Do thainig Grad lamh gu deonach; ’S na bha air cul gach curidh, Truir laoch fuileachdach gu cómhrag. 18 Thainig le cuig fichead calma, Daoir’ airmailtach Innse freóine; Gu Momad na ’m buillean grada, ’S cho bu rathail d’ ar fir mhór-ne. 19 ‘Beannachd dhuit ’s no fuilaing táir, A Ghuill mhoir do radh Conan; Thoir cath do ’n Fheinn gu ’n laigsa, ’S do rath fein a Righ cho donaid.’ 20 ‘No deansa sin orsa Daóire, ’S feairrde ciall a comhairleachadh; Beannachd dhuit is fuilaing táir; Do dh’ Fhionn árd Righ Connachda.’ 21 ‘C’ om am fuilaingeamsa táir, Do dh’ Fhionn, ’s na gabhsa a pháirt, ’N uair bheiradh é mo dhlighe dhim, C’ om am fuilaingam e gu brath.’ 22 Thionail Fionn an sin a shloigh, Gu Momad mór nan tréun bhuillean; Bu lionmhor ann bratach úr dhearg, Agus laoich fuidh Lúirich bhuidh. 23 Bha deich dorsan air sluabh Ghúill, ’S iad eagnaichd drim air dhrim gu dochann; Is bha caogad Luireach sholuis, A coimhead gac aon dorais. 24 ’N sin chuaidh na fir r’ a chéile, Gu fuileachdach tréunmhor cruaidhe; ’S b’ iomad corp a bha d’ an sineadh, Le buillean a Mhílidh ghruamaich. 25 Gu b’ iomad leith lamh, is leith chos, An deis an leadairt le géur lann; Le buillean a Chuinne chrodha, Bha air an lón shios gu ’n eiridh. 26 ’S an a chluinte fuaim a luinne, Mar chreag ulean no Beinn eudain; A sgathadh chnaman is feóla, B’ e sin an sgéul bróin nach b’ éibhneach. [TD 146] 27 Chluinte fuaim air buillean uile, Mar thoirm tuinne re la gábhidh; No mar Easaichaibh na ’m beanntaibh, Tuiteam ann gach gleann chaol fasaich. 28 Cho raibh brochd no torchd, no taothan, Bh’ ann an sgilp no ’n creag no ’n uamh; Nach do theich ann an gleanntidh, ’S ann am beanntidh fada uainn. 29 ‘Oscair an cumhain mo chomain, ’N uair a bha an Fhiann da leonadh; Thug mi airm laoich a’ d’ laimh, ’S mo chonamh nach b’ fhann an cómhrag. 30 ‘G’ e do dheanamh tu dhamh fein, Gach aon mhaith a bha fui ’n ghréin; C’ om am fuilangeam tailceas Fhinn, ’N fhear sa bhios an deó am chré.’ 31 ‘Cho ’n iongeantach leams ogh Fhinn, Bhi neo chumaillach air fhocal; ’S a bhi borb gu ’n iochd gu ’n dáimh, R’ a thréun naimhde re la dochaint.’ 32 Cho deachidh an Fheinn le gráin, Lead aon iomaire o ’n bhlár; O’ na dh’ eirich a ghrian moch, Gus an deach i siar a thámh. 33 Theic Mac Mornna bu mhor gniomh, Is mu theich cho b’ ann gu ’n dí; Thorchair drian d’ ar Féinne leis, ’S dh’ fhag mise fuidh león gu sior. I. 10. THE CONFLICT OF LEANA. 132 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 33. Advocates’ Library, April 6, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. UPON this day Fingal and Gaul seem’d to have divided the Forests and Mountains into two equal parts, whereby the two Clans were bound by this agreement, that the one Clan shou’d not encroach upon the others Property during the time they were to hunt, and that the Deer shot belonged to whoever Party that occupied the ground whereon he was to fall. Soon after they entered the Mountains and Muirs of Glen-eta, Glenurchy and Glen-finlas in Argyle-shire. Oscar had had chased a stag close upon Gaul’s marches and wounded him. The stag fell upon Gaul’s property. Oscar pursued him and took him away. Gaul (according to terms of Agreement) wou’d have the stag, but Oscar wou’d not part with him. Upon this dispute the two Clans were gathered together and an engagement ensued in which great many of Clan-baisg were killed, but the brave and valarous Gaul was at last defeated, and Ossian acknowledges to get wounded, of which he was lame ever after. LEANA. Extracts. 2 SHUIDH mi fein air Guala-chuilinn, 3 Thall air uilean cnoc nan Ogan. 7 Thog e leis am fiadh, sa loinn. 8 ’S thainig Colla Mac cruaidh Chailte. 9 Thugar urram buaidh do ’m dhaoin 10 Thainig Fionn bàn Mac Cuathan, Le aon fhichead deug curaidh gaisgidh. 11 Thainig a Mhacraidh o ’n Isbein, Gillean gun mhio-mheat an doruinn. 12 Thainig Mac Riogh na Eite, Nan lanna geur ’s nan trodan. 13 Le deich ceud ’s fichead do dh’ fhiantaidh. 14 Le cuig ceud sonn gu sliabh suimhne, Na laoich bu docair le geur loinn. 15 Gu Iolann nan arma geura, ’S bu mhor am beud do Riogh Phaile. 16 ’S e na bha air cul gach curaidh, Triuir laoch fhuileachdach gu coi-stri. 17 Do thainig Grad-lamh gu conamh, ’S bu cheamard air tri fir fheachda, Gach laoch neartmhor teachd gu comhrag. 18 Gu Momad nam buillean treuna, ’N laoch nach euradh an cruai’-chomhrag. 20 ’S feairde Triath a chomhairleachadh. 22 B’ iomadach ann bratach ur-ghorm, Agus laoch ann luraich luthaidh. 23 Bha deich dorsan air Cathain Ghuill. 24 Bhuail sinn an sin air a cheile, Mar dha bhuinn air sgé nan cuantaidh; B’ iomad laoch a thuit gan eiridh, Le buillean a Mhilidh ghruamaich. 26 A’ sgathadh nan sonn sa chomhrag, Sgeula broin ata an-eibhinn. 27 Chluinte toirrm ar beum sa chumasg, Mar fhuaim tuinne ri la gabhaidh. 28 Cha raibh broc, no torc, no baothan, Bh’ ann an cos nan creag, no ’n uaimh. 29 Nuair a bha thu’ m bruid ga d’ leonadh, Thug airm laoich ann a d’ laimh. 30 ’N fhea’ sa bhiodh an deo am chré. 31 A bhi borb gun iochd no baidh, ’S ann iomar-bhaidh na luchd cosgairt. 32 Cha do theich an Fheinn le grain, Lead aon iomaire le sgàth. 33 ’S dh’ fhag mise fui’ leon gun leigheas. HOW CUMHAL WAS SLAIN. A. F. O. IN this ballad, which is old, Fionn and Garradh, of the tribe of Morna, sit at a Pass, and Garradh tells how he and his tribe slew Fionn’s father. I will tell all that I have learned about this story when I translate. The ballad seems to fit here amongst Hunting Songs and tribal quarrels. The first is from the Dean’s Book, 1512. The second is from the Collection of Fletcher, who could not himself write what he could recite. The third is from the Collection of Dr. Irvine, of Little Dunkeld, about A.D. 1800. The ballad is therefore ancient, and it was widely known in Scotland. In the Dean’s Book this fragment is joined to a bit of Cuchullin’s Story, to which it does not belong. It is at page 75, Gaelic. Page 1 above. A. 21. KINNIS DI WARVE SEW COWLL? 72 lines. 1 . . . . feyne in tulg churr Ay deis er gi . . . . Hw a feyne agus garri Teive er heive in nane tr za 2 Gin darrith Finn di zarri Er su zoith na arrith Or is twss do wee ann Kinnis di warve sew cowll 3 Di weyr si zwt mi wrarri Er bee zwt orm za earre Gir heith mi laive laytich lomm Chur in kead za in gowll 4 For in caddrew zoiss sin A clanni morn mar zilli Is wulling is reawor zoif Zess dew mathr a varwi 5 Mass for in catdrew leat sin Inn vec cowill a halwin Leig in carri dr bwnskinni Is tog in nallydis chatchin 6 A dog mis zew lawe A clann morn is mor grane Fa toylling missi wlle For gir gow deith eine dwn 7 Mass di zlassi tussi sin Ymichtin er slycht haithr Bith lemenor sinni er linni Mir weith ein eillytin chowale 8 Gowal chor sinn in woyew Cowle huc orn mor withwr Gowal di zoichir a mach sinn A greithew ni geith 9 Chor dram zeine in nalbin inn Is dram elle in dow lochlinn In tress dram si zreyg zilli Beddit woe cheyl r . . [TD 147] 10 Wemir seableyn deyg A hagwss errin is ner wrag Ner weg in smach downith Sinni gin er dew zagkin 11 In kead lay choymir er teir Zinse errin or weimin Warveir dein is ner wraik a ray Xvi e dein lay 12 Di warvis clanna morn Dan leichew is . . . Cha roif eine dwn zew sen Nach cow eaydi di v . . . 13 Gonith caslane da galnew Clanni morn mor vanmnith In ginni feyn bi leytich Ann a weaniss far nerrin 14 Er a lawsi olach ni wane Cha nakgis horri no har Eine neith hug pask er mi hwle Ach fagsin a choskir 15 Hug say teim fame chree Re fagsin ni slintee Huggimir nein teyg A crithew mowin mor zerg 16 A royth gasge in r Bassid zown owin a warvi Gyn deyve er in twlli hawle Ymbi woa dwnni clann chwle 17 Ronimir reith nach royve maule Gus in ty in roif cowl Huggimir gwn zothin gr fr In gorp chwall zor sleywe 18 Gir gar ruggi missi ann In nor a warve she cowall Ne gneive roym scho ma haa Dielmissi orr wa mer lay. Lay za roymir. F. 3. MAR A CHAIDH CUTHUL A MHARBHADH. Fletcher’s Collection, page 122. Advocates’ Library, January 22, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS version is very much broken. Many passages have returned to prose, and some were written as prose, which turn out to be quatrains, e.g. No. 9, which can nevertheless be identified with No. 18 of the oldest version. THUIRT Fionn ri Gairidh Mornne. Bho nach d’ rugadh mise san àm, Cionnus a mharbh sibh Cuthal? B’ e Cuthal Athair Fhionn, Deir Garra. 1 Is e Cuthal a rinn oirnne an tàir, ’S e rinn a’ mòr sgaradh, ’S fhada dh’ fhògair Cuthal sinne A mach air chriochabh nan coimhach. A. Verse 2. 2 Chaidh dream againn do dh’ Albainn, Is dream eile do ’n Du-lochlan, ’S an treas dream do ’n Ghreige a muigh, Air chriochaibh nan coimheach. A. 11. 3 A cheud latha do bha sinne, Air foid Eirinn nan gorm lann, Mharbh e dhinn is bann r ’a ’n aireamh, Seachd ceud deug air aon leanuin. 4 Do mharbhadh do Chlanna Moirnne, D’ ar Fiannaibh ’s d’ ar maithibh; Is rinn e an sin càrn d’ ar cnamhan, Ann am fiadhnuis na Feinne. 5 ’S e rinn trom air cridheachan, Air cuing a bhi na bhi na slinndeiribh. . . . . . . An sin an uair a thug iad an aireadh, Cuthal a’ tighinn dhachaidh an deidh; Dh’ fhaighinn fios sho a mharbhadh, Do chlanna Moirnne, bha fios aig Garadh gu ’m bu toil le Cuthal na mnathan. Chuir Garadh a phiuthar a mach, gu tachart ri Cuthal mu ’n tigeadh e far an robh iad; Bha do bhuaidh air Cuthal ’nuair a tharladh e ri mnaoi gu ’n tuiteadh e na chadul. Agus co-luath ’s a thachair ise ris thuit o na chadul. Thainig Mor-nin-Taoichd a mach agus glaodh i le h-ard iolaich, ma bheò duine do Chlanna Moirnne, a dhioladh na maithean. A. 17. 6 Thug ’ear leinne ruith nach robh mall, ’S rainig sinn an tigh san robh Cuthal, ’S chuir sinn guin ghoirt gach fear. Ga shleagh ann an corp Cuthail. 7 Bheuchdadh è mur gu ’m biodh mart ann, ’S raoichdeadh è mur gu ’m biodh torc ann Is ge nach b’ onair e mhac Righ, Bhramma Cuthal mar ghearran. 8 Sin agadsa Fhinn mhic Cuthail, Beagan do sgeula mu d’ athair; Gun fhuath gun fholachd o shin, Gun eiseamail na gun urram. D’ thubhairt Fionn an sin. A. 18. 9 Ge nach d’ rugadh mise Ri linn Chuthail na ’n gear lann. An gniomh a rinn, sibhse gu tàireal Diolaidh, mise ann an aon là è. A deir Garadh. 10 ’S maith a gheibh thusa sin fhir, Bhiodh ’g iomachd an slighe t-athar; Cuirse ad cairdeas air cul, ’S tog do ’n fholachd choit-chionta. O. 3. BAS CHUTHAIL. (1) 90 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 11, 1801. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 25, 1872. THE old ballad and the current story are in this composition, so that both can be certainly recognised. But upon their ruins some new hand has built up a Mac Phersonic structure, which lacks the merit of the works of that able architect. Verse 2 has a good deal of one of the addresses to the Sun about it. 1 INNIS Ullin nam binu ghlor, Beud chlanna Morna air M’ athair; 2 Phill Cuthal le aoibhneas, Mar ghrian ag eirigh gun smal, Rinn a thalla buadhach gaire A’ cur failt air righ nan Cath. 3 Bha cheuman dearg le fuil riamh, ’S lionmhor osna craidh ’na dheigh; ’S lionmhor treun a thuit air lair; Rinn e clann a Morna tana. 4 Gu ’n robh gean air is gair, Bha braon a tuiteam o ’n speur, Fraoch ag eiridh gu h-ard, An ceo bha lasadh le ioghnadh, As torran broin a buireadh bais. 5 Chunnaic Garra ceum an fhir, Chunnaic ’sa chridhe g’a chradh; Bha smuain a snamh am fuil, Bha aghuin a’ sireadh aich. 6 Le smeatha breige a dh’ fholuich run, Chuir e failt air Cu nan ceud, Failt ort a Chuthail bhuadhaich, Failt is buaidh leat anns gach ball. 7 Chuir thu t-sealg gu h-ard uabhrach, ’S maith do philleadh uatha gun chall Gabh mo phuithar is aille dealbh, Biodh air di-chuimhn sealg an Duin. (1) Cuthal is sometimes spelt Cumhal, and Cubhal. I consider the first as the most correct. Collector’s note. [TD 148] 8 ’S leat i ga mor beartas, Dean do cheart ri, is do run; Mar reult an oidhche shaimhe, Dealradh air linne bhuig, Las a maise a cruth crodhearg. 9 Bu deas direach grinn a ceum, Mar gheug uaine fo lan meas, Thug an righ a throm ghaoil trom, Do ighinn Mhorna nan cruaidh cholg. 10 Chaill e luathas, thuit fo gheasaibh, Cùridh riamh nach d’ fhuair a chlaoidh; Sgith is fann an ghleann nan lon, Cha b’ ioghnadh ged a dhonadh e. 11 Cheangail iad an righ mu lar, Rinn iad tair ga chuir fo smachd; Mharbhte leo an cùridh calma, Bu mhor ’armachd ag neart. 12 Mar cheo air mullach na beinne, ’S don shion a’ bagradh mu ’n cnairt d’i, Sheall Fionn is osna broin. O chom a’ dusgadh. Cha bhi Cuthal gun dioladh. 13 Chunnacas tighinn nar dail, Garra Mor a mhi aigh; Las ar fearg mar chaor theallach, Thog gach fear a shleagh o thalamh. 14 Thuirt Fionn o nach d’ rugadh mi san àm, Cia mar mharbh sibh Cuthal? 15 ’S e Cuthal a rinn oirnn an tair. ’S e rinn oirnn am mor sgaradh, ’S fada dh’ fhogair sinne Cuthal A mach air chriochan nan ciomheach. 16 Bheuca e mar gu ’m bi mart ann, Roiceadh e mar gu ’m bi Torc ann; ’S ged nach b’ onoir e mhach righ, Bhrama Cuthal mar ghearran. 17 ’S in agadsa Fhinn Mhic Cuthal, Beagan do sgeulaibh t’ athar; Gun fhuachd gun fhalachd o sin, Gun eiseamail gun urram.— THUBHAIRT FIONN. 18 Ged nach d’ rugamsa ri linn nan geur lan, An gniomh a rinn sibh gu tarail, Diolamsa an aon la e, 19 ’S maith a gheibh thusa sin Fhir, Bhi ’g imeachd an slighe d’ athar, Cuirsa an cairdeas air chul, (naimhdeas) ’S tog do ’n fhalachd mhiruin. 20 Cairdeas cha do thoill sibh uam, Chlanna Morna na mor uaill; ’S mar bithinn baigheil ribh, ’S fada o ’n a chlaoidh ’ur faram. GARRA. 21 Mar chreag an aonaich ud shuas, Cruaidh sheasmhach ata sinn; ’S cuirear an cath gun fheall, ’S nir lubar ceann do chlanna Baoisge. 22 Chaidh cuilin is aighir mu ’n cuairt, Dh’ fhogar bròn gu fuachd nam beann; Dh’ ulluich gach gaisgeach e fein, Gu euchd caithream nan lann. 23 Dh’ fhalbh an oidhche san ceo duinte, ’S ghoir a chuach air bharraibh chrann; Dhuisg a’ mhaduinn o leaba san ear, ’S dh’ or a’ ghrian gach leachd is fonn. THE DEATH OF BRAN. D. F. M. O. Z. THIS probably was the great traditional dog fight, in which Graidhne saw the love-mark on Diarmaid’s brow. The first two verses are curious, because they make the Wren, who is king of all birds everywhere, Fionn’s doctor. I print D. M. is the same so far as it goes. F. is nearly the same. O. is a mosaic of fragments. Z. is a fragment with another fragment tacked on to it, in the mind of an old man who is now living in Ness, Lewis. This bit about Fionn’s cup belongs to the Death of Diarmaid, but I have no other version of it. The story is part of the blood-feud of Fionn and Goll. The Hound which caused all the Norse Wars dies at last by the hand of his master’s favourite son; and here begins the obituary of the Heroes, who conquer each other, because nobody can conquer them. D. 22. CHAIDH BRAN A MHARAIGH. 56 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 5, 1872. 1 LAG as lag oirn ars a chorr, ’S faddidh crom mo Luirg’ am dheigh; Nam bristin se I a nochd, Cait am faighin Luss na Leigh? 2 Leithisidh mish’ I ars an Dreolan, Fon leithis mi moran robhid; A Chorribh ha fos mo chion, ’S mishe leithis Fion nam Fleigh, 3 An La bharibh shin an Torc liath ’S iummid Fian a bhan ’sa T-shleigh; ’S iummid Cuillain T-aoibh-gheal sheang; Bha taibh ri taibh san Bheinn bhuig, 4 Nar a tshuich Fion an Tealg, Shin nar ghaibh Brann Fearg ra Chuid; Throidd an da Choin an san T-sliabh, Bran gu dian agus Cu Ghuill. 5 Man daodas smachd chuir air Bran, Dheallich e naoigh uilt ra Dhruim; Dherich Goull Mor Mac Smaile, Cuis nach bu choir mu Cheann Coin. 6 Bhagair e ’n Laibh an ro Bran, Gun Dail hoirt da ach a bharaigh; Dherich Ossain beg machd Fhinn, ’S coig ceid deig an cothail Ghuill, 7 Labhair e an Cora ard, Caisgin do T-shluaigh garg a Ghuill, Bhuail mi Buille don Eil bhuigh, ’S do na Balagibh F-iundirrmich. 8 Dhanlig mi an Tor na Cheann, ’S truaigh reinn mi ’m Beid ro i sheann; T-sheoil mo Chulain har a Ghualin, ’S gu ’m iunigh leis mi ga bhualidh. 9 T-shruthidh e na Frassibh Falla, Fo Raisginin mearrigh glannigh; An Laibh leis ’ndo bhuail mi Bran, ’S truaigh nach han fon Ghualin a scar. 10 Mun dreinn mi am Beid a bhos, Gur truaidh nach hann eig a chaithis; Ciod a Bhuaidh a bhigh air Bran, Arsa Connan uaibhrich mear. 11 Fon ab aois Cullain do Bhran, ’S fon a chuir mi Conn-ial air; Cha nachd fas am Fianibh Fail, Lorg Feigh an deis fhaghail 12 Bu bhath e hauthin Dorain Duin. Bu bhath e hoirt Eisg e Hothin; Gum bear Bran a mharaigh Broc, Na Coin an Talaind’ a thanig, 13 Cheid Leiggidh a huair Bran riabh, Air Druim na Coille coir lia; Naonar do gach Fiagh air bith, Bharibh Bran air a cheud Rith. 14 Cassibh buigh bha aig Bran, Da T-shlios dhuthidh as Tarrageal; Druim uaine mu’n iaghidh (1) an T-ealg, Da Chluais chorriche chro-dhearg. Crioch. F. 15. MAR A CHAIDH BRAN A MHARBHADH. Fletcher’s Collection, page 127. 58 lines. Advocates’ Library, January 22, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. PHONETIC spellngs in this version are of value for the local dialect. It is very close to Mac Nicol’s version. (1) Sui. [TD 149] 1 ’S FHADA lag arsa Chorr, ’S fada crom mo lurga ’m dheidh; ’S cha na Briseansa mo chasan, Cia mar gheibinn lus na leigh. 2 Leighsidh mis’ thu arsa ’n Dreolan, Bho leighis mi moran romhad, A chorr ud’ tha os mo chionn, S ’mise a leighis Fionn na fleadh. 3 An latha mharbh sinn an torc liath, ’S iomad Fiann bha ann sa shleagh; ’S iomad cuilean caomh gheal caomh, Bha taobh retaobh sa mhointich bhuig. 4 Nuair a shuidhich Fionn an t-sealg ’S am a Ghabh Bran fearg r ’a chuid; Throid an da choin ann san t-sliabh, Bran gu dian agus cu Ghuill, 5 Mu ’n fhaod sinn smachd a chuir air Bran, Thug e na naoi uilt o dhruim, . . . . . 6 An sin ’n uair chunnaig, Goll mar thachair ghabh e fearg. 7 Dh’ eirich Goll mor mac smàil, Cuis nach bu choir mo Cheann coin; Bhagair è ’n lamh san robh Bran, Gun dail thoirt da ach a mharbhadh. 8 Dh’ eirich Oisain beag mac Fhionn, Is seach ceud deug an cothail Ghuill; Is labhair e an comhradh aiord Caisgeam d shluagh a Ghuill. 9 Bhuail mi buille air do ’n eile bhuidh, Is do na bailgeabh iundairnich, Is dh’ adhlaiceadh an tor na cheann, ’S truagh rinneadh ’m beud co-teann. 10 B’ ioghna leam chuilean féin, Mise ga bhualadh le h-eil; Is shileadh è na frasa fola, Air a rosgabh ranna ghlana. 11 An lamh leis an do bhuaileadh Bran, ’S truagh nach ann o’ n’ ghuailean sgar; Mu ’n d rinneadh am beud a bhos, ’S truagh nach ann eug a chaidheas. 12 Ciod a bhuaidh a bhiodh air Bran, Arsa Connan uaibhreach mear; . . . . 13 Bho b’ aois cuilean do Bhran, ’S o dhuineadh con-ial-air; Cha ’n fhacas a niar na’ n oir, Lorg feidh an deigh fhagalach. 14 Bu mhaith e thathan dorain duinn, Is cha mheas thoirt eisg e h-amhuin; B’ fhearr Bran a mharbha’ na brochd, Na coin na talmhin a thainig. 15 A cheud leigeadh a fhuair Bran riamh, Air druim na coille corra-liath; Naoinear do gach fiadh air bith, Thuit le Bran air a chiad ruidh. 16 Cosa buidhe bhiodh aig Bran, Da shlios dhubha is tar geal; Druim uaine an suidheadh sealg, Da chluais chorrach chro-dhearg. M. 16. MU MHARBHADH BHRAN. 46 lines. 1 AN la mharbh sinn an Torc, ’S iomad Fiann a bha san t-sliabh, ’S iomad Cuilean taobh gheal seang, Bha taobh re taobh sa bheinn bhuig. 2 ’Nuair a shuidhich Fionn an t-sealg, ’Sin nuair a ghabh bran fearg ra chuid; Throid an da choin sa ’n t-sliabh Bran gu dian agus Cu Ghuill. 3 Mun d’ fheadas smachd a chuir air Bran, Dhealaich è naoi uilt ra dhruim, Dh’ eirich Goll mòr mac smàil, Cuis nach ba choir mu cheann coin 4 Bhagair e ’n lamh an raibh Bran Gun dail a thoirt da ach a mharbha, Dheirich Ossian beag mac Fhinn, ’S cuig ceud deug an codhail Ghuill. 5 Thainig bran mun cuairt, Sann leam bu chruaidh gu n’tainig, Bhuail mi buille do ’n eil bhuighe, ’S do na bailgibh fui an dairnich, 6 Dh’ adhlaic me ’n tòr na cheann, ’S truagh a roinn me am bèud ra theinn! Sheall mo chuilain thair a ghualainn Bioghnadh leis mi ga bhualadh; 7 An lamh sin leis an do bhuaileadh Bran, ’S truagh on ghualain nach do sgath, 8 Mun d rinn mi am beud a bhos, Gur truagh nach ann eug a chuaidheas 9 —Ciod a bhuaidh a bhith air Bran? (Arsa Connan uaibhreach mear) 10 On a ’b aois Cuilean do Bhran, ’S on chuir mi riabh Coin-ial air; Cha ’n fhacas le Fiandaibh fàil, Lorg feigh an deigh ’s fhagail. 11 ’S bu mhaith e thoirt a Bhruic a tuill, Bu mhaith thu chuman Dorain duin. 12 Achèud leigeadh fhuair Bran, Air druim na caoilleadh coir-liath, Naonar do gach Fiadh air bith, Mharbh Bran air a cheud rith. 13 Cosa buighe bhiodh, aig Bran, Da shlios duth, is tarr geal; Druim uaine on suighe sealg, Cluasa corracha cro dhearg. 14 An lamh sin leis an do bhuaileadh Bran Struagh o ’n ghualain nach do sgath. O. 2. CUMADH BHRAIN. 137 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 5. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 15, 1872. THIS is a fusion of fragments of three different ballads;—The Battle of Manus, the Song of the Black Dog, and the Slaying of Bran. I print it to show what happens to popular songs when they are going out of fashion, and get into the hands of scribes out of the mouths of forgetful reciters. 1 ’S FADA lag mi arsa choir, ’S fada crom mo lorg a’ m’ dheigh; Ach nam brinsinnsa mo chosan, Cia mar gheibhinn lus an leigh. 2 Leighidh mise thu, arsa Dreolan. S’ mi leigheas moran romhad; A choir ud tha os mo cheann, ’S mise leigheas Fionn nam Flath. 3 An latha a mharb sinn an Torc liath, ’S iomadh Fionn a bh’ ann le ’shleagh; ’S iomadh cuilean com gheall caomh, Bha taobh ri taobh sa’ mhointich bhuig, ’Nuair a shuidhich Fionn an t-sealg, ’S ann a ghabh Bran fearg ri chuid. 4 Bhuail mi buille air do ’n eille bhuighe, Bran’s death. ’S do na balgaibh iondarnach; Dh’ adhlacadh an Tor na’ cheann, ’S truagh rinneam beud co teann. 5 B’ ioghna leam chuilean a bhualadh le h-eille, Is shilleadh e na frasan fala; Air a roisgibh roinn (1) ghlana. An lamh leis na bhuaileadh Bran, ’S truagh nach ann o ’n ghuailin a sgar, (2) M’ an d’ rinneadh am beud a bhos, ’S truagh nach ann do ’n eug a chaitheas. 6 ’S iomadh cleachda cruaidh dian, San robh Bren triath nan cù; ’S truagh a nis a dhol do ’n eug, ’S nach faic a’ m’ dheigh mo chù. (1) rann. (2) sgath. [TD 150] 7 Chunnacas la a teachd o ’n leirg, Black dog. Fear a chochuil deirg sa chulan duibh; Bha Ailde na dheigh agus Nuath. (al. mar nuath) ’S dha ghruaigh air dhath nan sugh. 8 Bu ghile nan cobhar a chorp, ’S fholt sinnteach e dubh; ’Leigeamsa sar chuilean mo Righ, Cha ’n fhiach gniomh g’ an chuir air chul. 9 An cu dubh is gairbhe treis, Mharbhadh leis tri mile Cu. Ach ’nuair thainig deireadh an lò Labhair Fionn gach gloir cheart Dh’ eirich e measg an t-sluaigh, ’S dh’ amhairc e gu truagh air Bran. 10 Throideas dà choin air an t-sliabh, Goll’s dog-fight Bran gu dian is Cu Ghuill; M’ an dh’ fheud sinn smachd chuir air Bran Thug e na naoi uilt o dhruim. Oganaich o ’n thain’ thu steach, Sid mar thorchadh do chù. 11 Dh’ eirich Goll mor mac Smail, Cuis nach bu choir ma choin a leas (3) cheann; ’S bhagair e ’n lamh an robh Bran Gun dail a thabhairt ach a mharbhadh. 12 Dh’ eirich Oisean beg Mac Fhinn, ’S seachd ceud deug an comhail Ghuill; Labhair e an comhra iad, Caisgeam do stuagh gharg a Ghuill. 13 Mhosgail clachan ’s talamh trom, Mhosgail sid fo bhonn an cos; Ma dheire geill do Oisean thug Goll mor nan cleas leith. (4) 14 Thainig oganach a’ m’ dhail, Ciabh bhlath a leagh mo chre; Thog e ’n t-sleagh gu uabhrach dian. ’S sheol gu fiadhaich chum mo bholg. 15 Ach sealan mu ’n rachadh tu eug, Innis dhomh fein co thu; Eibhin, Oisean gur e m’ ainm, Thainig mi o storm le m’ choin. 16 Shaoileam nach faighinn san Fheinn, Na chuireadh creuchd air For; Ma ri (5) dhomh siubhlach nan car, Agus Bran le meud a luth; Cha ’n fhaca mi cu san Fheinn, Nach fhagainn a’ m dheigh san Dun. 17 Dun a’ choin duibh, Dun os niar, Far an eireadh grian gu moch, Sin thuirt Conan maol gun fholt, Faighear dhomh m’ annsachd nan lann, ’S gu ’n sgathain an ceann de chorp, 18 Cha’ ’neil cairdeas agam ruit, Manus. A Chonain mhaoil gun fholt; B’annsa leam bhi fo gheasaibh. (alias fo ghrasaibh) Fhinn na bhi fo d’ smachd. 19 Ma tharladh dhuit, fom gheasaibh fhein, Cha ’n imear mise beud air flath; Ach cuiream thu do d’ thir fein, Lamh threun a rinn mor chath. 20 Gheibh thu do roighinn a ris, Cleamhnas, no Comunn, no pairt, No do lamh a chur fo ’n Fheinn. Cha dean mise ort Fhinn, Am fad a bhitheas an deo a ’m chorp, Aon bhuille t-aghaidh, fhlath gu brath. ’S aithreach leam na rinn mi ort. Cha ’n ann ormsa rinn thu e, Ach ort fein tha bhlath a nochd. There follow four lines which I saw only in one edition, which are probably modern, and which are scarcely intelligible. I did not think myself, however, justifiable in rejecting them altogether. Collector’s note. 21 Ach mar teid e do ’n Ghreig, No rioghachd na greine air ais; Aon duine cha teid do thir fein, A thainig a dheigh a mach. 22 Ciod a bhuaidh a bhiodh air Bran, Arsa Conan uabhrach mear; O b’ aois cuilein do Bhran, ’S o dhunadh con iall air Cha ’n fhacas an Ear no ’n Iar, Lorg Feidh a riamh a dh’ fhag e. 23 Bu mhaith e thagun Douran duinn, Cha mhiosa thoirt eisg a h-amhainn; B’ fhearr Bran a mharbhadh nam broc, No Coin na talmhainn (6) a thainig. 24 A cheud leagadh fhuair Bran riamh, Air druim no Coille Coire liath; Naonar do gach fiadh air bith, Thuiteadh le Bran air a’ cheud ruidh. 25 Casa (7) buidh bha air Bran, Da shlios dhubha ’s tarra gheal; Druim uaine air cuilean na seilge, (8) Da chluas Chorrach, chro dhearga, (9) ’S truagh a nochd bhi gad dhith. Z. BRAN. 10 lines. Written by Mac Phail, from Murray, 1866. 1 SPOGAN buidhe bha aig Bran, Da shlios Dhubh ’us tàr geal; Druim uaine air dhreach na seilge, ’S da chluais chomhanta-cho-dhearg. 2 Cha do shil mi deur a riamh, Ach mu Bhran ’us mu Oscair aill; Mu mhac ionmhuinn an taoibh ghil, ’S mu Chreachail a chnamh mo chridh. 3 Ach an lamh leis na bhuail mise Bran, ’S truagh nach an bho ’n ghuailean sgar. Z. CUACH FHINN. 8 lines. Written by Mac Phail, from Murray, 1866. THESE two verses belong to a mythical ballad; but the rest I have never found.—J.F.C. 1 AN corn thug i do Threun, ’S an sgian gheur do Fhionn; Soilse ’us rath-dorcha-dubh, Chite sud am fad a crinn. 2 Cha robh deoch a dheidheadh ’sa chorp, Nach deanadh fion dearg na beor, Na deoch bhriagha laidir ghlan, Air am bitheadh iad sea aig òl. FIONN’S CONVERSATION WITH AILBHE. THE story told, is, that Fionn made love to Cormac’s daughter. He married one, who eloped with Diarmaid; so I suppose that he consoled himself. These Questions are current in the Scotch Islands. I have Q. 3., in Stewart’s Book. Y. 6. , p. 36. In December, 1871, I found two copies in Dublin. H. 3. 9. A quarto paper MS., described by O’Donovan, p. 296, transcribed during the last half-century, by Maurice O’Gorman, from some ancient vellum MS., from Sir John Sebright’s collection, purchased at Col. Vallancy’s sale, June, 1792. It contains a Law Tract, copied from the Book of Ballymote; a Description of Tara, copied from H. 2. 16; a satirical Poem, ancient; the Questions, which I copied; and Cormac’s advice to his Son, of which, a copy is in the Book of Ballymote. The second version is in H. 1. 15, p. 653, (1738). ‘The Psalter of Tara,’ O’Donovan’s Catalogue, p. 86. The com- (3) lias. (4) Baigh bhagain riamh. Labhair Caoilte bu mhine Cruth. Tha gliocas na Feinne uile. A Chaoilte air dol a dh’ aon bhreuim ean No seola na mnai sitha. A chaidh an aon riochd ruinne. (5) Marbhi. (6) a Albuin. (7) Otherwise thus described:— Bha cosa dubha air Bran, Da thaobh bhuidhe is tarr gheal, Druim uaine air cuilean na seilge. (8) Al. druim uaine air an suidheadh seal. (9) Bhiorach. [TD 151] position is described as, ‘a curious specimen of old Irish proverbial sayings.’ The book is a large paper folio, of 961 pages, beautifully written. It purports to contain copies of older vellum MSS., such as the Book of Leinster, of the 12th century. ‘Fionn’s Conversation with Ailbhe,’ is like the vernacular of Scotland, and the North of Ireland. It differs from the first version. Mr. Whitley Stokes was kind enough to transcribe it. He says, ‘the MS. is horribly corrupt, and of some passages I can make nothing.’ From this I gather that the language is vernacular, spelt by an unlearned scribe. I give both versions: my own first attempt at transcribing from an Irish manuscript, and a transcript by one of the best living Celtic scholars, who is familiar with the difficulties of the oldest Irish manuscripts. For lack of Irish type, 7 stands for et = agus = and. 4 for ar. 7/4 means et-ar. Sh7uibh means shetuibh. úr 7 cr'ón means úr ocus crion. 2 means r. This sample may help to explain how difficult it is to read the contracted Irish writings of country scribes. Page 58, H. 3. 9. Trin. Coll. SLISNECH seghuinn Fhinn h-bhaoiscne fri h-ailbhe gruib-ric Inghen Corbmaic Scann. 1 CIODH as lionme ina fér ar Fion? Drúchd ar an inghen. 2 Ciodh as teò ina tine ar F—? Gnuis dhuīē maith graneguid aoidhidh gan bíadh aige doib ar an i. 3 Ciodh as luaithe ina gaoith ol F—? Memna mna ar an ī. 4 Ciodh as millsi ina mil ol F—? Biathra tochmhuirce ar an i. 5 Ciodh as duibhe ina fiach ol F—? Ég ar an i. 6 Ciodh as r bhe ina neibhe ol F—? Athais namhot ar an i. 7 Ciodh as faobhre ina clīon ol F—? Cíall mna 7/4 dha f/4 4 an i. 8 Ciodh as fer do sh7uibh ar F—? Sgían ar an i. 9 C. as maoithe ina clúim ar F—? Dearna f’a lecain ar an i. 10 C. as ling f’a gc lus ar F—? Tenchoir ghobhaīn ar a. i. 11 C. as gile ina snesa ar F—? Firine ar ā. ī. 12 C. lion crn fil accoill ar F—? Adho ar an i. i. úr 7 cr'ón. 13 C. as aille dath ar F—? Ruidhedh saor cloine ar ā. ī. Anúar amolta no an aortha. 14 C. as b’osga ina curulán ar F—? Aign7h mna 7/4 2 f/4 ar an ī. (etar da fhear). 15 C. ar nach gabh glas ina slabhre ar F—? Rosg. 16 C. as f/4 do mhnaoi ar F—? Tlás fos feile ar ā. ī. 17 C. as f/4 do rosg ar F—? Fuar dorcha codladh ar ā. ī. 18 C. lion each imghes taillte ar F—? A dho ar ā. ī. .i. firec, 7 bainec. 19 C. as f/4 do bhiadh ar F—? Blios ar ā. ī. 20 C. as f’ do láóch ar F—? Griomh ard 7 uaill isiol ar ā. ī. 21 C. as mesa do bhiadh ar F—? Sblionach ar ā. ī. 7 ól cō2a ar c. longd. Maith tra a. i. ar Fion mainbh coll reasa do co2mc do luidhfin let. imthiaghor coill seach caillte ar ā. ī. do meillt’ tlas gan corcar. eabho2 lion gan mhiodh . imthiagho2 taillte g chairpte. Rano2 forbo gan faobhra iengoid eich g s’ana . dluighth’’ f’on cen tuathoibh . brist’ cnu g dédu. Toghadh cách athogha tochmhuirc, sec Co2mc. Dia bhfaghoinsi t boin uacdhoir do dhentaoc boin iochtair diom Rt’’ Page 653. H. 1. 15. CUMHBRIATHAR (1) FINN 7 AILBHE. 1 Cidh is letheo na rian [sea]? ar Fionn. Is letheo in ceo, ar Ailbhe inghen (2) Cormaic, uar gabaidh se ar muir 7 a tir. 2 Cidh is ferr do sheadaibh? ar fionn. Scian ar Ailbhe. 3 Cidh is gile na sneachta (3)? ar Fionn. Firinne bhar Ailbhe. 4 Caidh is luabhu [sic] berbthar [sic] re gach lucht? ar Fionn. Tenchar gabhann bar Ailbhe. 5 Cred is ma[o]ithi na clumh? ar Fion[n]. Dernu re leacain ar Ailbhe. 6 Ca lín crann adchí suil? ar Fionn. Adó ar in ingen .i. úr 7 cr'ón. VII. Ca mac beo genes o mnai mairbh? ar Fionn. Fadad ingni [sic] gaim [sic] air in ingen. 8 Caidh (4) is ailli dath? ar Fionn. Ruidhiudh saorchlainne ar in ingen. 9 Cid his briscidh na cularain (5)? ar Fionn. Aignedh mna baithe eamhaire ar in inghen. 10 Cidh in [sic] nach gabh glas? ar Fionn. Rosg daonda im caraid ar in inghen. 11 Cidh is maith do rosc? ar Fionn. Fuar olar [sic] dorcha ar in inghen. XII. Cidh is mesa do rosg? ar Fionn. Gres gris gorta ar in inghen. 13 Cidh is ferr do righ? ar Fionn. Gniomh ard uaill iseall ar in ingen. 14 Cidh is fearr do mnai? ar Fionn. Tlas fos feile ar in inghen. 15 Cidh is ferr do biudh? ar Fionn. Blîcht ar in inghen uair maith a the, maith a thiugh, maith a thana, maith a ur, maith a crion. 16 Cidh (6) biadh is mesa (7) ar domhan? ar Fionn. Splionach dorchoirp [sic] te ar in inghen. 17 Cidh is teo na teni? ar Fionn. Gnuis fhir fel gos degaid damha gan a cuid aige ar an inghen. 18 Cidh is luaithe na gaoth? ar Fioim. Men[ma] mna ar in inghen. 19 Cidh is millsi na mil? ar Fionn. Briathra carad im chuirm vel tochmairc ar an inghen. 20 Cidh is duibhe na fiach? ar Fionn. E'ug ar in ingen. XXI. Cidh is ud maille na íara (8)? ar Fionn. Comhairle fir bhaith ar in inghen. XXII. Cidh is ollraichi [sic] na saill tuirc mesa? ar Fionn. Miosgais dobherar ar shearc ar in inghean. XXIII. Cidh is failti cimesgi [sic]? ar Fionn. Boidhi mna fo macamh ar in inghen. XXIV. Cidh is truma slataibh? ar Fionn. Fuacht ar in inghen. 25 Cidh as [s]erbhi [ná] neimh? ar Fionn Aithais namhad ar an inghen. 26 Cidh is geri na cloidemh? ar Fionn. Ciall mna bhis idir da fer ar in ingen. 27 Ca lion each tegaid go Temraidh? (9) ar Fionn. A dhó ar in ingen .i. baineach 7 feareach. XXVIII. Cidh as tana nan tuisgi? ar Fionn. De bar in ingen. 29 Cidh as luaithi na gaoth? ar Fionn. Menma (10) duine bar in inghen. XXX. Cid is lethiu corbhadh [sic]? ar Fionn. Lethiu lear ar in inghen. XXXI. Cidh as gairbi carrag? ar Fionn. Traigh tairgeach ar Ailbhe. Maith trath a ingen ar Fionn . minbhadh milliudh rechta no cana do Cormac ar is faomfainn [sic] tocht i caoimhteach do chuirp. NOTE.—The Roman numbers are not in H. 3. 9., or Stewart, or ‘Popular Tales.’ The first in Stewart, and H. 3. 9., and ‘Popular Tales,’ is not here. The whole lot makes 32. THE STORY OF DIARMAID. I print (A. 26. H. 24. I. 18.) (H. 25. I. 19. M. 17. O. 25.) (A. 27. D. 21. H. 26. I. 20. M. 18. O. 12. Z. 6. &.) These (1) MS. cuinbratar. (2) MS. ingea. (3) MS. sneachtadh. (4) MS. ciadh. (5) A cucumber. (6) MS. cadh. (7) MS. mesadh. (8) Is this a mistake for iathlu, ‘a Cat’? (9) What number of steeds go to Tara? (10) MS. menmna. [TD 152] three lots tell three parts of the story, cover dates 1512 to 1872, and great part of Scotland. I do not print C. 3.; J. 6. 7.; V. 15.; Y. 6. 7. 8.; Z. 50. 67., and a great many scraps and large fragments collected by myself, which I mean to use when I translate. THE Story of Diarmaid runs with the Story of Fionn and his family from the beginning. He is described as a man, gifted, like his comrades, with superhuman attributes. He was invulnerable, save in the sole of his foot. On his brow was a love-mark, ‘sugh seirce;’ the woman who saw it loved Diarmaid. The character, like all the rest, is consistent in every story, and every scrap of verse. The elopement of Diarmaid with Graidhne is an old Aryan story, founded, as I believe, upon human nature. It has been a theme for poets, and it has got entangled with many histories. Fragments of this particular elopement are known to unlearned speakers of Gaelic all over Scotland. In Ireland it is mentioned in a very old list as one of 150 chief stories which Bards used to recite before Kings and Princes; it is known to readers by old and modern Irish writings and books. It is perfectly familiar to the Gaelic speaking population; but the rest of the population know very little about it. The skeleton of the story is in the Story of King Arthur, and it is in the Tale of Troy. This is the skeleton:—After a great many adventures, Fionn, the old leader and chief of his tribe, courts or marries Graidhne, daughter of Cormac mac Art (H. I.). Kennedy tells the story in his quaint English Arguments. At a great feast, during a dog-fight, the Helen of the Drama sees the mark on Diarmaid’s brow, loves the nephew, schemes to entice him, succeeds by wiles, and they elope. Fionn, the uncle, makes love to another sister, as above in the last ballad. Diarmaid laments for his comrades. (A. H. I.) The unfaithful wife is unfaithful to her lover. The husband, uncle, and commander, Fionn, with the Feinne, pursue the fugitives. At Newry (H. I.) Fionn’s tribe quarrel, and Goll’s rival tribe rejoice. Thereupon, Fionn counsels his grandson Oscar (H. O.), whom he wishes to succeed him. After many adventures, through the cunning of Fionn, whose gift was a knowledge tooth, Diarmaid is enticed into a boar hunt. He slays the Boar, which no one else could overcome. The uncle bids him measure the Boar against the bristles; he wounds the sole of his foot with a poisoned spike, which was the Boar’s mythical gift. The uncle will not cure him with his mythical cup. He recites his exploits, declares that he is Diarmaid of Newry, Connaught, and Beura, and he expires. The whole story is exceedingly mythical and exceedingly old. From ballads we learn the place of other ballads. Diarmaid mentions:—1. Latha shuimhne; 2. Am bruth chaorain; 3. Tigh Teamhra; 4. Latha bhothain. 1. I have not got; 2. is at page 86 above; 3. I believe to be ‘The Lay of the Buffet,’ which follows in the Story of Goll; 4. I cannot identify, but I have many stories about adventures in booths. In other versions of this ballad other exploits are named; Y. page 70, verse 22, mentions—5. The Combat of Conall, and a Battle with Cairbre, which I have not got. After he is dead, somebody sings a Lament for Diarmaid, Gradhine, and two Grayhounds. The Dublin Ossianic Society published a prose Irish version of the Pursuit of Diarmaid and Grainne in 1855. The earliest and the latest versions, oral and manuscript, agree as to the story; and cross-references to other parts of the Fenian story abound in these Scotch ballads. From Cape Clear to the Ord of Caithness the story is known, and localised. ‘Graidhne’s Bed’ is in the island of Tiree, and such beds are shown all over Ireland. The well and knoll where the tragedy ended are near Oban, near Loch Carron, in Skye, and somewhere in Sutherland. Beinn Gulban, where the Boar was roused, is in Sligo and Skye, and somewhere in the middle of Scotland; where also is Gleann Sìth, where the mythical Boar abode, with his mythical owner, Mala Lith. The Campbell tribe are said to descend from Diarmaid; their crest is said to commemorate the slaying of this mythical Boar: in short, the Story of Diarmaid is traced in topography, genealogy, and Gaelic mythology throughout the regions where Gaelic is spoken. ‘Against the bristles’ of the national myth. Mac Pherson printed in 1760 fragment VII., at page 31. Ossian tells the Son of Alpin that Dermid and Oscar were one. They killed Dargo (Goll killed Dearg). Dargo’s daughter, who was Oscar’s grandmother, was loved by both (one was her grandson), but she loved Oscar. Dermid politely requests Oscar to pierce his bosom. Oscar ignorantly calls his uncle ‘Son of Morny,’ politely refuses, and begs him to wield his sword, and slay him. They fight by the streams of Branno, and Dermid dies. Oscar grieves, tells a big story to Dargo’s daughter, and makes her shoot him by stratagem accidentally. They converse awhile, she stabs herself, and begs to be buried with Dermid. (Oscar was killed at the battle of Gabhra.) The Deer feed on their graves. Miss Dargo was Oisein’s mother, and a woman transformed into a deer. The story of the ballads is all there; but, like the sun’s image on a rough sea, it is broken and scattered, changed and altered, so that the real shape of it utterly disappears in the reflections of a clever but distorted mind. The following quotation bears upon the Death of Diarmaid, and the mythical Mistress of the mythical Wild Boar. I owe the reference to Mr. Hector Mac Lean, who first called my attention to Tacitus, cap. 45, ‘Germania,’ in December, 1862. Bohn’s edit., Tacitus, ‘Germany,’ 1854. ‘On the right shore of the Suevic Sea (1) dwell the Tribes of the Aestii, (2) whose dress and customs are the same with those of the Suevi, but their language more resembles the British. (3) They worship the Mother of the Gods (4); and, as the symbol of their superstition, they carry about with them the figures of wild Boars. (5) This serves them in place of armour and every other defence; it renders the votary of the Goddess safe, even in the midst of foes. Their weapons are chiefly clubs, iron being little used among them. A. 26. 1512. DYTH WYLELYSS MYSCHI ZRAYNNYTH. 41 lines. 1 DYTH wylelyss myschi zraynnyth Hwnggis nayrri w‘cowle Wee myr it tayme sin nagyn Is bert nach fadyr a wllyng 2 Dyth zhagis clwycht is couzar Er chompan zaw neyss tayr Dyth zhagis mnan gin gillaa Is dyth wilelis myschi a zraynna 3 Dyth zhagis murnd is meygzegr Curme is greygzin is garae Dyth zhagis clwithi fylli Is dyth willis myschi a zraynnaa 4 Keiltaa mor is m‘lowith Deyss er nach drwngi taayraa In feyth nayr roywaa rynnaa Dyth wilelis mischi a zraynna 5 Gold is oskyr is osseyne Acma nach corrith partaa Dyth bynnwynne leo sen synnyth Dyth wylelyss myschi a zraynna 6 Fynn fane in agnaa raawoyr Is woygh zaifmost failtaa Dyth zhagis murndnych hee Is dyth wilelys mischi a zraynna 7 Myr aweyss in noyf chaythi Zoyschi ne hewyr zayrraa A coyad oywaa byggi Dyth wilelis mischi a zraynnaa 8 It doll ter wennew borrifaa Is er wollyth forynnych ban . . Ne mor nach tursych synnaa Dyth willelis myschi a zraynnaa 9 It doll ter ess roygh roinyth Is beg nar obyr my wayle Faa rohwyr geltti glinni Di villiss missi a zrannyth (1) The Baltic Sea. (2) Now the Kingdom of Prussia, the Duchies of Samogitiae and Courland, the Palatinates of Livonia and Aesthonia, in the name of which last the ancient appellation of these people is preserved. (3) Because the inhabitants of this extreme part of Germany retained the Scythico-Celtic language which long prevailed in Britain. (4) A Deity of Scythian origin, called Frea, or Fricca. See Mallet’s ‘Introduction to History of Denmark.’ (5) Many vestiges of this superstition remain to this day in Sweden. The peasants, in the month of February, the season formerly sacred to Frea, make little images of Boars, in paste which they apply to various superstitious uses. (see Eccard). A figure of a Mater Deûm, with the Boar, is given by Mr. Pennant, in his ‘Tour in Scotland,’ 1769, page 268, engraven from a stone found at the great station at Netherby, in Cumberland. [TD 153] 10 Waym gi faddi is gi haazar A tastil eyrrin ani Is trane di woyr sen sinni Di williss mischi zrany. Di willis missi. H. 24. HOW FINGAL GOT GRAINE TO BE HIS WIFE, AND SHE WENT AWAY WITH DIARMAID. 88 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 100. Advocates’ Library, December 16, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Dublin, December 17, 1871.—Story known to everybody in Ireland; this version not known to Hennessy.—J. F. C. THE ARGUMENT. THE King of Denmark sent a Messenger to Fingal to Ireland, to inchant him to go to visit him, and not to take with him any of his own men, since he would give him men to convey him, till he would send him home safe again. Fingal answered the King of Denmark’s order, and went away with the Ambasador. When they came to the King’s Court, the Inchanter said, ‘Here is Fingal now, and do with him as you please.’ The King had no business with Fingal, but to torment and punish him few days, and then to kill him; they began to lay hands on him, but he drew his sword, and killed eighty-one of them, before he stopt, but unluckily he broke his sword. Then they bind him hand and foot, and the King ordered him to be put in the day time under the droping of the Roasts, and in the night time under the droping of the Lintels. They did so, and confin’d him in that sad and woeful condition during a fortnight, then they loosed him, and asked of him whether he would chuse to be beheaded by the sword, than to suffer more punishment, or to go through a valley that was in the Kingdom where no man would not pass, by reason of evil spirits and wild beasts that was in the valley, for in Ossian’s works besides Spirits or Ghosts of departed men, we find some instances of another kind of Machinery spirits of a superior nature to Ghosts and some other of Fairy beasts that were troublesome and ruinous to men in lonesome places, and Fingal choosed rather to go and pass through the Glean, than to fall by their arms or to suffer more punishment. Away he went, and got no arms but his own broken sword, he entered into the Glean and went through it by great dangers too tedious to be mentioned, and the hindmost end of it a wild dog exquisitely fierce met him and his mouth open he was in great confusion what would he do since he had no arms, but he remembered that his stepmother gave him a belt (named in Gaelic Con-taod) and that she ordered him to take a special care of it, and that he would have some use for it sometimes, he took it out of his pocket, and shaked it to the dog, when he saw it he became tame, and fawning to him where he was, he tied the Rope about him, and brought it along with him, he traveled on forward and at last a smith’s house met him, he ordered him to mend his sword, and the smith mended it. There was a fair Virgin along with him exquisitely prety named Gràine, and the smith took her away against her will, and they hide themselves in that lonesome valley but she inchanted the smith not to lay with her for a year and a day. She fell in love with him and besieged him to kill the smith, and that she would go with himself, which Fingal did very willingly; then they went away and stole one of the King of Denmark’s vessels and came safe home to Ireland. When Fingal came home the Heroes made a great feast, and Fingal and Gràine were married together. When they were at meat Gràine saw the loving spot that was in Diarmaid’s forehead, that instant she fell in love with him, and with the leave of the company she took Diarmaid to the door, then she said unto him with inchantment, ‘Thou must be my husband, and go along with me’; he refused to be her husband, saying, ‘I will not go with you in the day nor in the night, a foot nor on horse back, without or within a house, in light in darkness, in company or alone.’ When Diarmaid said thus, he returned into the company. Gràine was contriving in her mind how she would break Diarmaid’s inchantment. She left her bed about the break of day, and found an ass. She brought the ass to the door of the house and walked Diarmaid, and said, ‘Thou must now go with, for it is not day nor night, light nor darkness, I am not on horseback nor on foot, I am not in Company nor alone, neither am I within or without a house, therefore your inchantment is loosed, and you must be my husband and go with me.’ Then Diarmaid was obliged to go along with her, and lost his Friends and his Effects, his joy was turned into grief; they would not walk publickly but privately thro’ lonesome places, such as woods, deserts, valies, for fear of the Heroes, and their abode were rocks, caves, or dens, and their food were fruit, venison and fish. They came over to Scotland, and on their travelling they found a cave at Lochow side in Argyleshire where a Giant was living named Ciach, meaning Fierceness, he and Diarmaid began to play on Dice, the Gigantic gained the play, and took from Diarmaid his wife (for she rather stay than be traveling any more with Diarmaid), and since he had nothing more to give. They departed then, and the unlucky hero went away alone like a beggar from Country to Country, and sometimes thereafter he came to Ciach’s cave for a night’s quarter, the giant made him sit down, Diarmaid had a salmon, he began to roast and dress it for himself, and when it was ready he gave the first piece to Graine, then she knew him; for Diarmaid was inchanted not to eat or drink in any place where women would be till they would take the first of it: That he would not hear the howling of dogs chaising, that he would not answer and follow them: That he would not see any people playing, but he would direct the one that would be going wrong: And that he would never refuse the Heroes anything that they would desire him to do: He and the Gigantic cast out some way or other, and Diarmaid killed him. Gràine stabed a knife in Diarmaid’s thigh, (for she endeavoured to kill him when he killed the Giant). Diarmaid ran away and did not touch her: then she do not know what she would do. She thought proper to follow him to be his wife again the second time, and overtook him about the dawn of day at a mountain in Argyleshire near Cintire, named Sliabhgaoil, the Heron cried and she asked of him, why did she cry so early; he answered her, and lamented his fate by her faults in these following verses. DAN 33. 1 ‘’S MOCH a ghoiras a Chórr, Air an lón a’ ta ’n Sliabh-gaoil, A mhic o duimhne d’an d’ ug mi grábh, Ciod e ’m fáth mu ’n d’ rinn i ’n glaodh.’ 2 ‘A Ghráine inghean Ghormla’ nan stéud, A bhean nach d’ rinn an céum cóir; Innseamsa sin dhuit gu ceart, Do lean a cas re leac reót.’ 3 ‘A Ghráine is áille snuagh, No bláth chrann uaine fui’ bhlath; Ach tha do ghrádh cho ioma luath, Re neoil fhuachd an tús an la.’ 4 ‘’S olc a dh’ imir thu do bhéus, ’N uair dh’ fhuasgail gu léir mo rádh; Chuir thu mi gu h-ánradh cruaidh; ’S truagh a rinn thu orm a Ghrain.’ 5 ‘Thug thu mi o lúchairt Righ, Gu bi ’m dhibarach re ’m la; No mar chumhachag na h-oidhch, Ag caoidh aoibhneas feadh gach áit.’ 6 ‘’S ann tha mi mar agh no fiadh, Feadh ghleanntidh diamhair gach la’, Cho mhiannach leam fhaicsinn aon D’ an raibh gaol dhamh teach nan slógh. 7 ‘Threig mi mo dhaoine gu léir, Bu ghile cré no sneachd air fáir, Bha ’n croidhe dhamh ionmhuinn fial, Ma a ghrian ’s speuran ard.’ 8 ‘Ach lion iad anois le fuath, Dhamh a suas mar chuan nach traoidh, O na mheall thu mi a Ghráin, O! Cho b’ ághor dhamh do ghaol.’ 9 ‘Chaill mi ’m fhearran leat re ’m ré, ’S mo chabhlach bréid gheal gu air sail (brath) Chaill mo shéuda agus ’m ór, ’S goirt a león thu mi le d’ ghràdh.’ 10 ‘Chaill mo dhúthaich is mo dhaimh, ’S ’m fhir nach b’ fhann air chulamh sgé’; Chaill mi caoimhneas agus grádh, Fheara Pháil ’s nam Fiann gu léir.’ 11 ‘Chaill mi aoibhneas agus ceól, Chaill mi coir air ’m onair féin; Threig Eirinn mi ’s na bheil ann, Air son d’ aon ghràdh is do spéis.’ [TD 154] 12 ‘Cho ’n fhaod mi pilleadh gu bràth, Re Fianntidh Pháil bu mhor daimh; ’S fuathaich le Fionn mo bheus, No ua’ bhéiste is géire greann.’ 13 ‘A Ghráine is gile cruth (snuagh) Cho b’ fhearr do ghluasad dhuit féin; Roghnaich thu dol leams’ mar fhuath, No bhi ’n suaimhneas Righ na Féinn.’ 14 ‘A Dhiarmaid is gile gnúis, No sneachd úr, no canch sléibh; B’ ionmhuinne leam fuaim do bheóil, No na bha do shról san Fheinn.’ 15 ‘E’ ionmhuinne leam dreach do shúl, ’S do rosgaibh úr ghorm mar fhéur; No na bha do neart ’s do dh’ ór, An talla mór Righ na Féinn.’ 16 ‘’S am ball seirce bha d’ ághaidh ghil, B’ ionmhuinne no mil’ air srabh; ’N uair a chunuaig mi e shuas, B’ ionmhuinne no shluagh ’s Righ Pháil.’ 17 ‘Thuit mo chroidhe féin a sios, ’N uair chunnaig m d’ iomhaidh (1) ’s d áill, ’S mar a fuighinns thu re ’m thaobh, Cho bhithainn is t-shaogh ’l aon la.’ (mar tha) 18 ‘A laoich chaoimh is gile bos, Ge d ’s mi rinn do lochd gu léir; Gabhsa arís leam mar mhnaói, ’S bheir mi móid a chaoidh nach treig.’ 19 ‘C ’om an gabhamsa mar mhnaói, Thusa’ bhean cia maith do ghlóir, (maoth) Aaon le a threig Righ na Féinn (dhibir) Is mi féin na dheidh gun ghó.’ 20 ‘Is ge do threig mise Fionn, Mun tuitim le caoidh is brón; ’S ge do threig mi rís thu féin, ’N uair bha mi gu léir lan leoint.’ 21 ‘Cho treig mi thu ’nois a chaoidh, Ach grádh ionmhuinn dhuit sior fhas; Mar mheanganaibh ur a craoibh, Le teas caomhail fad mo lá.’ 22 ‘Coi-lion thusa bhean do rádh, ’S go do mhár thu mi gu brón; Gabhidh mi riut fein mar mhnaói, Ge d’ roghnaich thu ’m Foghmhair mór.’ They followed them one another as before, and continued in an island, where was a cave in a rock and an hid Bed: though any one would find the cave out, he would never find the Bed, and there was also fresh water in’t: and that Rock is supposed to be a small island at the coast of North Knapdale named in Gallic Carric-an-daimh, opposite to Dura in Argylshire, for both things is in it unto this day. I. 18. THE DEATH OF DIARMAID. 92 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 91. Advocates’ Library, April 8, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. THE Story of Dermid as handed down by tradition in the following manner, is both tedious and tragical; but we shall narrate it as brief and perspicuous as the connexion of the Poem will admit. Fingal had set out on an Expidition to Denmark, where at his arrival he and his attendants were very hospitably entertained by Gormala, or Gorm-lamh, [? Cormac.] then King of that realm, who had a beautiful Daughter, named Grany, or Gradhinghean, signifies the Loveliest of Maids, with whom Fingal fell in love and married to the great joy and satisfaction of both parties especially Gormala, the King, not doubting thro’ this connection and alliance with Fingal, but he might be re-established in such parts of the Hebrides and Western Islands of Scotland, as Fingal did not himself occupy. ’Tis on this Expidition that Fingal is said to have taken Geolay, [? Sgeolan.] the dame of Bran, his famous and well-known Dog, in the Glen of Ghosts, which defied the experience of the Danes to catch for many years before. It is by a Charm or Belt (called Con-taod), left Fingal by his Foster mother this monstrous Bitch was taken. Fingal set sail for Scotland and arrived at Dunscaich in Sky, where he held a feast for some days, and sailed from thence to Ireland, and arrived at Turra, where a general and sumptuous feast was holden, which was attended by the seven valarous and most victorious Caledonian Bands. Dermid O Duimhne, being a brave and eminnent warrior, Lord of Conacht, and Fingal’s near friend or nephew, was seated opposite to Fingal and his wife at the table whose beautiful complexion graceful mein agreeable carriage, great actions and harmonious voice procured him the applause of all the Fingalians and admiration of Grany, who fell in love with him, and who watched an opportunity to run away with him. Upon discovery of her growing passion and incidious proposal, Dermid strenuously refused to consent to such perfidious scheme which might be of dismal consequences to both, and swore that he never would go with her by night nor by day; on foot nor on horseback; within nor without; with company nor alone. Grany being artful and perspicacious enough to accomplish her treacherous design, she got herself equipt by the dawn of day, and seated upon a Pole she got fixed accross the door of Tura, and sent for Dermid, and told him his oaths were to no effect. That it was neither night nor day, that she was neither upon horseback nor a foot, neither within nor without, with company nor alone. Thus the brave and beautiful Dermid O Duimhne found himself wheedled by a treacherous woman, for whose insinuative humour and base love he forfiets his honour and possessions, protector and friends. They then fled to Scotland and lived among the woods and most solitary places and caves upon fish and venison. They of an evening happened to light upon a Cave where a Giant lodged called Cithich Mac Daol with whom they stayed that night; next morning Cithich quarreled with Dermid for the wife, whom he wanted to stay with himself, finding herself inclinable. Dermid finding himself engaged by both Cithich and his own incidious Wife kilt the Gigantic, and left Grany to do for herself, and fled towards a Mountain in South Knapdale, near Cintire, in Argyleshire, called to this day Sliabh-gaoil, where he is pursued and overtaken by Grany, his wife, who addressed herself to him in the following manner, and who is pardoned by the good-natured and tender hearted Diarmid. Sliabh-gaoil, signifies the Hill of Love, on account love and amity was restored between Diarmid and his wife. NOTE.—The lines which follow differ from the first version; the rest are identical or vary so little that they need not be printed twice. DIARMAID. Extracts. 4 ’S TRUAGH a dh’ imir thu do bheus, Dh’ fhuasgail thu gach roi’ la; Stiur thu mi gu h-ànradh cruaidh, 5 Stiur thu mi o aros Riogh, Bu mhor prìs, gun iomar-bhaigh; Teach na feileachd teach nan sluagh, Am bu lua’-ghaireach na baird. 6 Thug u mi o luchuirt Fhinn, An bu bhinn na teuda ciuil; An diu’ mar Mhenbhaig nam beann, ’S bronach, fann tha mi gun mhur. 8 Bha ’n croidhe dhamh daimheil dlu, Mar a ghrian ann iul an la. 10 Chaill mi m’ fhearann agus m’ fheil, ’S mo chabhlach breideach nan tonn; 11 ’S m’ fhir a b’ fhearr ann cath nan cèud; Chaill mi eineach agus ceol, 12 Chaill mo run a bhos, is thall; Chaill mo cheanal anns’ an Tur, Bu mho cliu ann Innis Ghall. 13 Fu Fiantaidh Phail, nan gearr lann; 14 B’ olc an gluasad, ’s cruaidh an sgeul; Roghnaich thu allmhaidh nam beann, Seach a bhi aig Fionn ’s an Fheinn. 15 A Dhiarmaid is glaine gnuis, No na bha cheol ’s an Fheinn. 16 ’S do ruisg ur mar osnach rè; No na bha do thuilmhidh oir, Ann talla mor Riogh na Feinn. 17 Am ball seirc bha t-aghaidh ghlain, B’ annsa na sa mhagh, na bha; Nuair a chunnaig mi do shnuadh, B’ ionmhuinne no nuall Riogh Phail. (1) Liobharachd. [TD 155] 18 Las mo run, is leagh mo chroidh, ’N uair chnnnaig liobhearachd t-aill; Mar a fuighinnse do ghaol, Cho bhithinn is t-shaogh’ l mar tha. 19 A laoich chaoimh is gile bos, ’S mor mo lochd, ach ’s mor an sgeul; Gabhsa inghean Ghormla nan sonn, Bheir mi moid nan tom nach treig. 20 Aon tè dhibir Riogh na Feinn, ’S a thug speis do ’n Amhair mhoir. 21 Ge do dhibir mise Fionn, O na b’ annsa leam do ghloir; Cha do thaobh mi ’m Famhair treun, ’S mor a b’ eibhinne do cheol. 22 Cho treig mi thu choi’ch a ruin, Ach gradh as ur a sior fhas, Mar mheanganaibh maoth nan craobh, Le teas ghradh nach traoidh gu brath. H. 25. HOW THE HEROES FOUND OUT DIARMAID AND HIS WlFE IN THE NEWRY, AND HOW OSCAR KEPT HIM FROM BEING EXECUTED THAT DAY. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 107. 212 lines. Advocates’ Library, Dec. 18, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. AFTER some continuance in Carric-an-daimh, Diarmaid went to a great wood in Ireland named Newry, to hide themselves there from the Heroes: they one day saw a Ran-tree full of Berries, they climb’d into the top of it, and were gathering some of the fruit. The Heroes were hunting in the woods that day, they were getting no sport: they were tir’d and said that they would sit down there it self, they all sit down among the trees; Oscar and Fingal happened to sit aside the Ran-tree under Diarmaid, and began to play on Dice, for to see which of them would play on the Fiddle. (1) Oscar was not playing right, Fingal wish they began again, Diarmaid saw that Oscar was not playing right, (and to perform his promise, see) he cast a berry down on the table so straight, they looked up and saw Diarmaid and Graine in the tree; immediately Fingal ordered Diarmaid to be executed, but Oscar would not allow him to execute Diarmaid that day, because it was directing himself Fingal noticed him; Ossian and all his sons came to Oscar to wage a battle to Fingal and all his Heroes and preserved Diarmaid from being executed that day. DAN 24. 1 ’S CUMHAIN leam an iomairt ud, A bha aig Flath na ’m Fiann; E fein is mo mhac, ’S ann Iughar so shiar. 2 Shuidheadar san Iughar, Eidear Mhith is Mhaith; Is theannadar re h-iomairt, An t-Oscar is am Flath. 3 Theannadar re h-iomairt, Is cha b’ i ’n iomairt bhaoth; S dh’ iomaireadh an Fhidhal, Eidear an diais laoch. 4 Dh’ iomair iad an Fhidhal, Eatarra gu propail, Gus an d’ eirich an fhocal, Eidear Fionn is Oscar. 5 Bheamar fein ann, Is bha mo dhiais mac; Air leith ghualainn Fhinn, ’S gur h-ann leinn a b’ ait. 6 Dh’ iomairadh an ceud chluich, Air Oscar le Fionn; Mar tha mi d’ a aithris dhuit, Gu ro’ mhaith ’s cumhain leam. 7 Air iomairt na h-ath chluiche, Dh’ eirich an t-olc braghad; Air leigail do Dhiarmaid, An caorann air a chlar. 8 ’N uair a chunnaig Oscair An caorann air chlár; Rug e air gu dea’ thapidh, Is chuir e fear na áit. 9 Air aithneach nan coarann, D’ aonnan sin do dh’ Fhionn, Labhair e gu faodhbharach, ‘Tha neach os ar cionn.’ 10 Chunnaig sin gu h-árd, Os ar ceann san Iudhar; Diarmaid agus Grainne, So an sgeul is cumhain. 11 So mar bhiodh na briathraibh, Eidear ruinn gach la; Bhiodh na caogad mallachd, D’ a thabhairt air Grainn. 12 ’N sin labhair Fionn fialidh, ’N laoch curanta cosgar; ‘B’ e teagasg díreach Dhiarmaid, Is iomairt ealamh Oscair.’ 13 Labhair an sin Oscar, Gu socarach calma; ‘Nach fhaodadh an laoch Diarmaid, A briathraibh a shal’ cha. 14 ‘Na cuir mi air mhearaichain, A laoch cia maith do làmh; Air ghea’ bidh an Sheasgair, Thall sa bhos mu ’n chlár.’ 15 ‘’S cho séinnar an Fhidhal so, Am feast ann am fhia’ nais; Gus am fuigh mise, A ni a’ ta mi ’g iarruidh.’ 16 ‘Labhair an sin Oscar, Mo dhea’ mhac ’s mo rún; Cia Righ do na feara so, Ann sam bheil do shúil.’ 17 ‘An eiric na h-as-umhlachd, A fhuair mi as bhur leith, Cho b’ uilair leam Diarmaid, Fhagail fuidh mo bhreith.’ 18 ‘’S olc a bhreith Righ Fheinne, A bheir tu fein Fhinn; G’ e fuathach leat Diarmaid, Bu choir a leigail leinn.’ 19 ‘Cho ’n olc a bhreith Righ Féinne, Bheir mi fein air mealtoir; A dh’ imich le Gráinne, ‘S an diu gu dán rinn falsachd.’ 20 Labhair an sin Oscar, ‘Cho d’ rinn e riamh d’ fhaoil; ’S nam biodh laoch d’ ar ’n uireasbhuidh, Bu choir a chuir ruinn.’ 21 An sin do labhair Faoghlan, Deadh mhac eile Fhinn, ‘Gur ro bhorb leinn Oscar, A labhras tu ruin.’ 22 ‘Ciod dheanamh tu Fhaoghlain, Re dol an láthair cathanaibh; Gu gearrainn do chnámhan, Mar bhitheadh ánnsachd d’ athar.’ 23 ‘Bha fhreagradh sud aig Faoghlan, ’S cho bu fhreagradh meathaich, Bheireamsa dhuit Oscar, Mo dhulain a’ d’ aghaidh.’ 24 ‘Nin urrainn thu Fhaoghlain, No aon neach mun chlár; Aaon fhocal d’ an abarainnsa, Ghabhail claoidh os laimh.’ 25 ‘Gur mór an guth sin Oscair, Fhir nan cosgar catha; Gun toir thu oirnn eiridh, ’S an iorgaill le ’r ’n athair.’ 26 ‘Cia maith thus’ is d’ athair, ’S na cathaibh gun tiome; Gu toir mi mac o duimhne, O Chlanna baoisge uile.’ (1) Fiddle is a corruption for ‘fithchioll,’ a chess-board, or board for playing some game. [TD 156] 27 ‘Bu mhor dhuit sin Oscair, Do radh Goll tósd nam beumaibh; Gun doir thu ’n laoch d’ ar ain deoin, O thionail Fiann na h-Eirann.’ 28 ‘’S duiladha leam do bhrosnacha, A Ghuill chosgara threabhaich; ’No ’n Fhéinn bhi dhamh mi fhreagarach, ’S gach laoch le bhagairt treabhidh.’ (1) 29 ‘Ma se sin a deir thu, Fhir le ’n caomhe d’ fhacal; Dean do dhiocheall dhuinn, Air an turnna sin a ghlac thu.’ 30 ‘An turnn so ’nois a ghlacamsa, An láthair na Féinne, Ni ’m faodar gu bheil agaibhsa, Na bheiras dhiom e reigaìnn.’ 31 ‘’S mór a chúis a deir thu, Ge maith gu león is leadairt, Dean do dhiocheall dhuinn, (2) Air an turnna sin a sheasamh.’ 32 ‘An túrnn so’ nois a ghlacamsa, Am fiadhnais feara Pháil; Druid a’nuas a Dhiarmaid, Is glacams’ thu air láimh.’ 33 ‘Thig mis orsa Diarmaid, Chugadsa ’s gu d’ athair; Gur mor leam bhur barantas, A dhol an láthair catha.’ 34 Thainig Diarmaid chugainne, ’S cho b’ ann air ar leas; B’ iomadach laoch againne, A dhiothnaichadh sa ghreis. 35 B’ iomadach corp créacaidh, Ce urlamh na Féinne, (Fui) Agus lanna leadarach, Ag leadairt a chéile. 36 Cho ’n fhacas re’ m chuimhne, Urlamh bu mhó géire, No clann Fhinn is Oisain, Air corpaibh a cheile. 37 Seachd céud ’s fichead Toisach Do mhuintir Oscair úr, Chuir Faoghlan gu dea’ thapidh, Le aon laimh air cúl. 38 An sin do labhair Oscar, Fear chosnadh mor urantais, Feach co le ’n deacair, Bhi feachainn greis d’ ar fulangas. 39 Bu chosmhuil re fuaim tuinne, Guth na luinn’ aig Oscar, ’S bu deacair r’ a aireamh, Na bha armaibh a cosgairt. 40 Bu luaith’ e no eas oghann, No seobhag trid na b-ealtainn, ’S gu ’m bu leóir a dheacirachd, Na phronnadh e fui’ chasaibh. 41 ‘Gun togar oirnn mar innisge, ’S am feaste mar sgéul; Gun na laoich so theasargain, O leadairt a chéile.’ 42 ‘An sin do labhair Conan, ’S ’e cuimhneachadh na falachd; Leigar do Chlanna Baoisge, Cuirp a chéile ghearradh.’ 43 ‘’S mise Conan iongantach, Is tusa Goll nam beamaibh; Leig do Chlaun Fhinn is Oisain, Air corpaibh a chéile.’ 44 ‘An cumhain leat an t-iomruagadh, A rinn iad oirnn’ a h-Eirinn; O Rioghachd na Feadailte, Gu rioghachd na Gréige.’ 45 ‘Seachd bliadhna do bhiamar, ’S na Beagaibh fui’ mhealamh; ’S nac leigadh an t-eagal dhuinn, Loc cadail a dheanamh.’ 46 ‘Nach cumhain leat roimhe sin, Gu coidleamaid gu suaimhneach; Air urlar nan leabaiche, An cleitaiche sról uaine.’ 47 ‘Seachd bliadhna do bhiamar, An rioghachd Breatan blá’-mhor; Aig Cumhall d’ ar ’n iomruagadh, ’S aig Iodhlan a bhrathair.’ 48 ‘Cho ’n fhaod mi fein innseadh, Gu deireadh an domhain ór- bhúidh, Na thuit an sin le Cuthall, Do Mhaithedh Chlanna Mornna.’ 49 Seachd láithe do bhieamar, Tiomcheall air an Iudhar; Seach ceud, is caogad Toisach, Do thuit anu gu h-uilidh. 50 A nochda’ ceart an sgéule, Dhuit a cheann nan cliar; Do thuit caogad laoch, Le’ m fhaodhbhar do ’n Fhiann. 51 Is briathar nach bréugach, Dhamhsa fein re rádh; Do thuit céud calma, A thuileadh air cách. Differently placed in I. 52 ’N sin labhair Fioim re h-Oscar, ‘A laoich cuir cosg air h-armaibh; Mam bi Clanna Mornna, Na ’r deidh beó an Albheinn.’ (Albainn in I.) 53 Sin e ’n d’ úr-sgéul fior, Dhuitsa Chleirich chaich; Mar dh’ eirich an d’ iombhriseadh, Eidear Fianntidh Pháil. Oscar kept Diarmaid from being killed that day, and told Ossian the very fact, how Graine loosed his inchantment, and all what happened to them since the time they left them, but Fingal would not believe him, and his wrath increased more and more against him, since he lost so many of his men by his faut that day, and for that reason the unlucky Heroe was obliged to fled from Fingal a second time to preserve his life. Verses 43 to 51 tell part of the Story of Cumhal and Iodhlan, and of the feud between the clans of Morna and Baoisgne. Conan Mac Morna speaks.—J. F. C. I. 19. DIARMAID. 304 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 96. Advocates’ Library, April 9, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. IN this forlorn and disconsolate state Dermid and Grany pursued their journey to a small in the Chanel between the Continent and the Island of Turra, supposed to be Carig-an-daimh, but it is more propable, it has been Carrig-fergus, where they lodged, hid for some time till they got an opportunity to move into the woods of Newry, that country was a property of Diarmid, but is confiscated in favours of Fingal on account of his misdemeanour in complying to run off with Grany. Dermid was upon oath that he should ever pursue the horn and howling of Dogs in the chaise. That he should relieve the distressed and help to redress the injured. That he should oppose the strong and assist the feeble hand. That he should to contuse the Winer and direct the Losser to reclaim his loss at Gamboling. That he should ever obey the highest power or the voice of Fingal, &c. All these vows helped in their turn to shorten his days and hasten his death. Fingal and his Bands happened to be on a hunting party, came into the woods of Newry and rested himself under the shawdow of the very rantree, whereto Dermid and Grany had climbed when they observed Fingal coming. Fingal and Oscar begun to Gambol in which the later had lost three times after another. Dermid upon recollection of his oath directed Oscar by the berries upon every point he should move whereby Oscar won and Dermid was discovered, who was ordered by Fingal to be instantly executed. Oscar (1) I. 28. A bagairt sgreadail geurlann. (2) I. 31. No dibireadh ao rùa O na ’s duth ach dhuit bhi seasadh [TD 157] insisted upon his reprive. Disputes ran so high that the whole tribe of Clan Baisge were divided into two factions the one with Fingal and the other with Oscar. A bloody engagement ensued in which Oscar was like to overpower his Grand Father. Peace is patched up with loss upon both sides, and Dermid is acquited for that Day. The following part of this Poem is composed by Ossian in a Lyrick verse, which renders it very agreeable and entertaining and can easily be played upon the Lyre or any Stringed Instrument. It is known in the original among the Caledonians by the name of ‘Crosanachd an Iughair,’ signifying, the Lyrick of Newry—but orthographically one is ready to take it to be, Our bad luck at Newry. NOTE.—After this introduction, follows a copy of the ballad written in the First Collection, lent to Dr. Smith. A few variations are noticed. The chief is the alteration, of verse 52, from Albheinn to Albainn. M. 17. BRIATHRAN FHINN RE OSCAR. 26 lines. A MHIC mo Mhic, ’se thuirt an Righ, 1 Oscair, a righ nan òg fhlath, Chonnaic mi dealra do loinne, ’s b’ e m’uaill Bhi ’g amharc do bhuaidh sa’ chath. 4 Lean gu dlùth re cliù do shinnsreachd, ’S na dìbir a bhi mar iadsan. ’N uair bu bheo Treunmhor nan rath, Is Trathull athair nan treun laoch, 8 Chuir iad gach cath le buaidh, Is bhuannaich iad cliu gach teugmhail; Is mairidh an iomradh san dàn Air chuimhn aig na baird ’an déigh so— 12 O! Oscair, claoidh thus’ an treun-armach, ’S thoir tearmann do ’n lag-làmhach fheumach; Bi mar bhuinne-shruth reothairt geamhraidh Thoirt gleachd do naimhdean na Féinne, 16 Ach mar fhann-ghaoth shèimh thlà shamhraidh Bi dhoibhsin a shireas do chobhair— Mar sin bha Treunmhor nam buadh ’S bha Trathull nan ruag ’na dhéigh ann: 20 ’S bha Fionn ’na thaice do ’n fhann, ’Ga dhìon o ainneart luchd eucoir. ’Na aobhar shìninn mo làmh, Le fàilte rachainn ’na choinneamh, 24 Is gheibheadh e fasgadh is càird Fo sgàil dhrithlinneach mo loinne. O. 25. COMHAIRLE OISEIN DO OSCAIR. 6 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 117. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. In this fragment the adviser of Oscar is changed from Fionn to Oisein.—J. F. C. COMHAIRLE OISEIN AIR OSCAR AN TUSEUCHD. OSCAR caomh an treun armach; Bi cuin ris an anfhann fheumach; Bi mar shruth reodhairt gheamhraidh, A caithe naimhdean na Feinne, Ach mar thoth chiun sheamh bhlath shamhraidh Dhoibhsan tha ’n gantar eigin. A. 27. 1512. DERMIT M‘O’ZWNE. 104 lines. A HOUDIR SO ALLANE M‘ROYREE. 1 GLENNSCHEE in glenn so rame heive, A binn feig agus lon, Menik redeis in nane, Ar on trath so in dey agon 2 A glen so fa wenn Zwlbin zwrm, Is haald tulchi fa zran Ner wanew a roythi gi dark, In dey helga o Inn ni vane 3 Estith beg ma zalew leith A chuddycht cheive so woym Er wenn Zwlbin is er inn fail, Is er M‘ezoynn skayl troyg 4 Gur lai finn fa troyg in shelga, Er V‘ezwn is derk lei Zwll di wenn Zwlbin di helga, In turkgi nach fadin erm zei 5 Lai M‘ezwnn narm ay, Da by gin dorchirre in tork Gillir royth ba zoill finn, Is sche assne rin do locht 6 Er fa harlow a zail, M‘ozunn graw nin sgoll Ach so in skayll fa tursych mnaan, Gavr less di layve an tork. 7 Zingywal di lach ni wane, Da gurri ea assi gnok In schenn tork schee bi garv, Di vag ballerych na helve mok 8 Soeyth finn is derk dreach, Fa wenn Zwlbin zlass in telga Di fre dimit less in tork, Mor in tolga a rin a shelga 9 Di clastich cozar ni wane, Nor si narm teach fa a cann Ersi in a vest o swoyn, Is glossis woyth er a glenn 10 Curris ri faggin nin leich, In shen tork schee er freich borb Bi geyr no ganyth sleygh, Bi traneiseygh na gath bolga 11 M‘ozwnn ni narm geyr, Fragor less in na vest olk Wa teive reyll trom navynyth gay, Currir sleygh in dayl in turk 12 Brissir an cran less fa thre, Si chran fa reir er in mwk In sleygh o wasi waryerka vlaye, Rait less nochchar hay na corp 13 Targir in tan lann o troyle, Di chossin mor loye in narm Marviss M‘ozunn fest, Di hanyth feyn de hess slane 14 Tuttis sprocht er Inn ne wane, Is soyis sea si gnok Makozunn nar dult dayve, Olk less a hecht slane o tork 15 Er weith zoyth faddi no host, A durt gar wolga ri ray Tothiss a zermit o hocht, Ga maid try sin tork so id taa 16 Char zult ay achonyth finn Olk leinn gin a heacht da hygh Toissi tork er a zrum, M‘ozunn nach trome trygh 17 Toiss na ye reiss, A yermit gi meine a torc, Fa lattis troygh ya chinn, A zil nin narm rind gort 18 Ymbeis be hurrus goye, Agus toissi zayve in tork Gunne i freich neive garve, Boonn in leich bi zarg in drod 19 Tuttis in sin er in rein, M‘O’Zwne nar eyve fealle Na la di heive in turk, Ach sen ayd zut gi dorve 20 A ta schai in swn fa creay, M‘O’Zwne keawe in gleacht Invakane fullich ni wane, Sin tulli so chayme fa art 21 Saywic swlzorme essroye, Far la berrit boye gi ayr In dey a horchirt la tork, Fa hulchin a chnokso a taa 22 Dermit M‘O’Zwne oyill, Huttom tra ead nin noor Bi gil a wrai no grane, Bu derk a wail no blai k . . 23 Fa boe innis a alt, Fadda rosk barglan fa lesga Gurme agus glassi na hwle, Maissi is cassi gowl ni gleacht [TD 158] 24 Binnis is grinnis na zloyr, Gil no zoid varzerk vlaa Mayd agis evycht sin leich, Seng is ser no kness bayn 25 Coythtyc is maaltor ban, M‘O’Zwne bi vor boye In turri char hog swle, O chorreich wr er a zroy 26 Immir deit eyde is each, Fer in neygin creach nar charre Gilli a bar gasga is seith, Ach troyg mir a teich so glenn. Glennschee. D. 21. MAR MHAIRIBH DIARMAID AN TORC NETHIDH. 66 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection, Ossianic Ballad No. xi. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 4, 1872. 1 EISTIBH beg mas aill leibh Laoidh, Air Chuidichd O Chaoid sheo chaidh; (1) Air Bein Ghullibin sair Fion fial, ’S air Mac o Duibhne nan sceul truaidh. 2 Dhimir iad ’s bu bhor an Fheal, Air Mac o Duibhne bu dearg Beul; Dol do Bhein Ghullibin a T-shealg, Tuirc nach feididh arm a chlaoidh. 3 Dharich a Bheist as a suain, Dhaibhirc i uapidh an Glean; Dhairich I Faragra nan Fian, Teachd a noir san niar na ceann. 4 Mac O Duibhne nach’ dob Daibh, Chuir e ’n T-shleigh an dail an Tuirc; Bhrist e inte an crann mu Thri, Bu reachdar leis a bhi san Mhuic. 5 Harruing e t-shean Launn fo ’ n Truail, A bhuinigh Buaidh ans gach Blar; Bhairibh Mac O Duibhne a Bheist, Hachir dha fein a bhi slan. 6 Huidh shin uille air aoin Chnoc, Laidh mor shrocht air Cean Flath fail; Air bhi gha fadda na Thost, Labhair e ’s gum olc a Chail. 7 Tobhis a Dhiarmaid fo soc, Cia miad Troigh san Torc a niar; 8 Shia Traighin deig do dhfhir thobhis, Ha an Friogh na Muice fiaghich; Cha ne shin iddir a Tobhis, Tobhis a rist I Dhiarmaid. 9 Tobhis a Dhiarmaid a rist, Na aoghidh gu minn an Torc: ’S leitsa do Raothin ga Chionn, Iulligh nan arm rein-gheur goirt. 10 Dherich e, ’s be ’n Turris gaidh, As thobhis e ghaibh an Torc; Houll am Frith bha nibhail garg, Bonn an Laoich bu gharg san Trodd. 11 Aoin Deoch ghosa e d chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nan Briaridh blatha binn; Fon chaill mo Bhrigh ’s mo Bhlaoigh, Ochoin gur a truaigh mar dobhir. 12 Cha doir mishe dhuit mo Chuach, ’S cha bho choibhris mi air Hiota; Fon ’s beg a reinn thu dom Leas, ’S gur mor a reinn thu dom, aibhleas. 13 Cha dreinn mishe Cronn ort riabh, Houll na Bhos an oir na ’n iar; Ach immichd le Grain am Braid, Sa Huar gam thobhairt fo gheissibh. 14 Gleann shi an Gleann sheo rar Taoibh, ’Slionbhor Guth Feigh ann as Loin; Gleann an trioc an roibh an Fhian, Anoir san niar an Deigh nan Conn. 15 An Gleann shin fos Beinn Ghullibin Ghuirm ’S aligh Tullachan ha fon Ghrein; ’S trioc a bha na shruthain derrg, An Deigh nan Fian bhi shealg an Fheigh. 16 Shinn e na t-shin air an Raoin, Mac O Duibhn air haibh Feall; Na t-shiuigh ri Taibh an Tuirc, Shin sgeul fhaithin duit gu dearribh. 17 Giulligh Edidh oir as Each, San Eigin nan creich nach gann; Laibh bu bhor Gaisge a Gniomh Ochain mar ha ’n T-saoigh san Ghleann. Crioch. H. 26. HOW DIARMAID WAS KILLED BY A WILD BOAR. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 116. 344 lines. Advocates’ Library, Dec. 20, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. DIARMAID and Graine deserted from Fingal to a place called Eas-ruaidhe, in the county of An . . . a steep river which empties itself into the . . . and made his abode in the woods there abo . . . The Heroes were passing by the sea shore at the end of the Cataract one day, and Fingal saw a speal that Diarmaid cut off a stick in the water, and immediately knew that Diarmaid was in the woods thereabout, for the speal curled round nine times, and it was s . . . quarters long; there was none in Ireland that could do the like) loosed his dogs and let them through the wood after a wild cat which meet them there (for he know that Diarmaid would not break his vows, see. When Diarmaid heard the dogs howling he appeared unto them; then Fingal did not know how to kill him because he was an excellent warrior unconquered in combats; unless he would break his law, and this was it, he would let but one go to fight with any person once, (for he know that they would conquer the whole world by that regulation;) and for another reason none of his best Heroes would answer him to kill Diarmaid since he was guiltless in taking away his. But Fingal was very cuning, he went to a . . . . . a mountain, called Beinnghulban, to kill . . . . . . iperous Boar, who was always slaying their Dog and none of them did never venture to go nigh him for fear of being killed. Fingal ordered Diarmaid to kill the Boar; according to his vow, see. Diarmaid obeyed Fingal, went after the Boar and killed him. Fingal was very sorry that he came safe from the Boar without any detriment; Diarmaid was inchanted, tho’ he would get a wound in any part of his body, it would not be deadly, but there was a Mole spot on the sole of his right feet, and if anything would bleed it, he would empty all his blood to the ground till the last drop: Fingal knew that, and he ordered Diarmaid to measure bare feet the Boar, and that they know how many foot in length that was betwixt his snout and his tail, on his back; he measured the beast downward with great care and leisure and nothing happened to him: Then Fingal desired him to measure the horrid Boar upward against his Bristles, and that he would get any reward or request he would ask: The unfortunate Hero was in great confusion for he dare not break either of his oaths, nor measure the beast upward, but he knew if Fingal would fetch to him out of the Fount, in his own golden Cup, by his own hand and the will of his heart, that it would quench the issue of his wound. He measured the Boar upward on his back . . . . Bristles wounded the spot, then his blood ran down on the Hill like a rivulet’s . . . He asked then a drink of the Spring of Fingal, but he would not gave that untill he lost the least drop of his blood and fall on the heath; Then the Bards and his . . . . lamented over his grave exquisite bitterly, and repents more than ever he did, that he put the excellent warrior who was also his nephew to such a shamefull painfull and pitiful death. DAN 25. 1 ’S GLEANN sith an gleann so r’ ar taobh, Far am biodh faóidh fhiadh is lon; ’S gnáthaichte ruidheadh an Fhiann, ’S an srath shiar an deidh nan con. 2 Eisteadh beag, mar áill libh Laoidh, Air a chuideachd chaoimh so ghluais; Air Beinn-Ghulbann ’s Flath na ’m Fiann, S’ mac o duimhne nan sgial truagh. (1) sheo chaidh uain. [TD 159] 3 ‘C’ om nach eisteamaid re d’ Laoidh, Oisain ionmhuinn ’s binne glóir; No eoin nan cladachd ag caóidhran No eoin chóill re teachd an ló.’ 4 Latha do bha mo Righ fialaidh, . . . fhianntidh nach b’ fhiadhach sgà’, . . sealg feadh ghleanntina diamhair Theirrin sinn sios gus an tráidh. 5 . . sin chunnaig mo Righsa, . ir thus fior fhir thréune Pháil; . . shlisag na cuartaig fhinn gheal, ‘Si naoi fílte teachd gu sáil. 6 Rug e orra na bhois fhoir-ghlain, ’S dh’ amhairc gu bior-shuilach géur; Thomhais e i le chois mhaisaich, ’S b’ e fad cuig traidhe is réis. 7 An sin do labhair gu fiathaich, ‘S’e Diarmaid rinn so gun bhréug; ’S cho ’n aon neach do dh’ fhearra Chormaic, No do cholgaraich na Féinn.’ 8 Dh’ eitich mo Righsa gun bhréug, ‘Nach gabhadh e béidh no deoch; Gus am faichte gnúis an fhéinnidh, Ma bha ’n Eirinn beó an sloc.’ 9 Chuir sinn ar gadhair fui ’n t-sliagh, ’S fui’ n choilltich ro’ dhiamhair chaoin; A deidh fia’ chat nan carnn, ’S gu cluineadh e’ n sgairnn san gaoir. 10 Chual an laoch nach b’ fhann am blár, Gaoir an áird re slios an t-sleibh; Agus labhair e r’ a mhnaoi, ‘Cho’ n éist mi gadhair na Féinne.’ 11 ‘A Dhiarmaid eistsa na gadhair, ’S nach eil ann ach fadhaid bhréige: ’S deacair taobsain re Mac Chuthail, Leis is cumhair bhi gun chéile.’ 12 ‘Ge de cho ’n eist mi na gadhair, ’S taodhlidh mi gach fadhaid sleibhe, Bu nár nan leigain mo shealg dhir Air son an-rún Righ na Féinne.’ 13 Do thainig Diarmaid gus a ghleann, Gu Féinn ainmeil Innse pháile; Is b’ ait an sealadh le Fionn, A thighain nan ceann ’s nan lámhe. 14 Chuaidh sinn gu Beinn-ghulbann ghuirm, ’S áille tulach tha fuidh ’n ghréin; Bu ghnáthaicht’ le a shrathaibh dearg, Sealg bhi orra dh’ Fhionn na Féinn. 15 B’ i Beinn-ghulbann leab an tuirc, A bha tric fuidh chosaibh fhiadh; Mu chomhair deadh mhac o duimhne, Do chaill Grainne cónn sa cíall. 16 Shuidhich Fionn ’s bu dearg a leac, Mu Bheinn-ghulbann ghlais an t-sealg; ‘Fair a Dhiarmaid air an torc, ’S mor an lochd a rinn an fheall.’ 17 ’G eisteachd re con-ghaoir nam Fiann, Near sa niar a teachd n’ ar ceann, Dhuisg an an-beist as a suain, ’S dh’ imich i uainn air a ghleann. 18 Chuir air re faicsinn nan laoch, Sean torc nimhe nam fraoch borb; Bu treine gháinne nam fiodh, ’S bu ghéire ghath nan gath bolg. 19 ‘Sean torc diamhair do tha ’n sud, Lán do fhuil alluidh ’s do ghuin; A Dhiarmaid mhic o duimhn ud fhéil, Leansa féin an an-beist uilc.’ 20 Lean an laoch bu tal’mhidh lámh, An an beist a’ b’ áirde friodh; Charaich e chuige ’s na dháil, Mar fhuaim tuinne n’ áirde lith. 21 An t-sleagh o’ n bhois bhar-ghil bháin, Chuir eisean na dháil ga lot; Do bhris e ’n crann air na thri, ’S dh’ fhag e ’n ceann aic shios na chorp. 22 Tharruing e ’n t-sean lann a truaill, Leis am buidhnte buaidh ’s gach blár; Thorchair le O duimhne bhéist, ’S thainig e fein uaithe slán. 23 Do luidh sprochd air Flath nam Fiann, ’N tra’ shuidh o siar air a chnoc; Leasan cho bu turas áigh, Diarmaid a theachd slán o’ n torc. 24 Air bhi dh’ a tamull na thost, Labhair e ’s gu b’ olc re rádh; ‘A Dhiarmaid tomhais an torc, Cia lion troidh o thochd ga shail.’ 25 Riamh cho d’ eitich aon ni ’n Fhéinn, A chuir iad r’ a ré na dháil; Thomhais e ’n torc air a dhruim, ’S thainig e féin uaithe slán. 26 ‘Tomhais na adhaidh arís, A Dhiarmaid ’s ma ni do lot; Do rodh athchuing’ dhuit d’ a cheann, Ille nan arm ranna ghéur goirt.’ 27 Thomhais e ’s bu mhór a sgá’, Mac O duimhne dhoibh an torc; ’S ghuin am friodhan barr gheur trom, Bonn an laoich bu gharg san trod. 28 Do thuit e ’n sin air an t-sliagh, Mac O duimhne ciabh nan clearc; Aon laoch fuileach dach na ’m Fiann, Air an tulaich siar o ’n teach. 29 Bha fhuil a ruidh o chorp caóin, Mar shruth caól o fhuaran árd; Bu truadh bhi faicsinn a leóin, Gun chionta no gó fuidh chrá’. 30 Ge d’ bu deirge ghruaidh nan t-subh, Bhiodh air uilean chnuic san fhéur; Dh’ fhás iad gu dubh nealach uain, Mar neal fuar air neart na gréin. 31 ‘Aon deoch anois a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh binn, subhach; O ’n dhoirt mi moran do ’m fhuil, Thoir deoch as an fhuaran chugam.’ 32 ‘De cha tabhair mi dhuit deoch, A choisgas do ghoi’ no d’ iota; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh do ’m leas. Nach d’ rinn thu faidhoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 33 ‘De cha d’ rinn mi d’ aimh-leas riamh, Thall no bhos, an ear nan iar; Ach Gráinne dholbh leam am bruid, ’N uair a bhris i orm mo bhriath’r, 34 ‘Aon deoch anois a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh binn, subhach; O ’n dhoirt mi moran do ’m fhuil, Thoir deoch as an fhuaran chugam.’ 35 ‘De cha labhair mi dhuit deoch, A choisgas do ghoi’ no d’ iota; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh de ’m leas, Nach d’ rinn thu faidheoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 36 . . . m bu chumhain leat latha shuine (shuimhne) . . . o ’n eil fáth a bhi da chuimhneach; . . . o mharbhas tri, is ochd ceud dhuit, . . . meisg chothann, ’s le ’m ghéur chuinsair.’ 37 ‘Aon deoch anois a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh binn, subhach; O ’n dhoirt mi moran do ’m fhuil, Thoir deoch as an fhuaran chugam.’ 38 De cha tabhair mi dhuit deach, A choisgas do ghoi’ no d’ iota; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh do m’ leas, Nach d’ rinn thu faidheoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 39 ‘Am bruth chaorainn bha thu ’n láimh, O! Fhinn bu mhaith dhuit mi feinach; ’N uair a bha ’n Deud-gheal, gu d’ ghuin, ’S tu ann an eigainn san d’ éug-bhail.’ 40 ‘Aon deoch anois a’ d chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh binn, subhach; O ’n dhoirt mi moran do ’m fhuil, Thoir deoch as an fhuaran chugam.’ [TD 160] 41 ‘De cha tabhair mi dhuit deoch, A choisgas do ghoi’ no d’ iota; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh do ’m leas, Nach d’ rinn thu faidheoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 42 ‘La eile bu mhaith dhuit mise, An Tigh teamhra’ ’s tu mor iomgain; Bu mhi ’n cosgarrach sa bhail, ’S mi gu d’ chosnamh as gach iorgaill.’ 43 ‘Aon deoch, anois a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam brathraibh bláth, subhach; On dhoirt mi moran do ’m fhuil, Thoir deoch as an fhuaran chugam.’ 44 De cha tabhair mi dhuit deoch, A choisgas do ghoi’ no d’ iota; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh do ’m leas, Nach d’ rinn thu faidheoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 45 ‘Tri mic Innse Tir-fuidh thuinn, Mharbh mi iad uile d’ an ain-deoin; ’S dh’ íonail mi nam fuil thu steach, Ge do chlaoidh thu mi le h-an-iochd.’ 46 ‘Aon deoch anois a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Fhir nam briathraibh binn ’s na cabh; O ’n chaill mi mo bhir’ ’s mo bhlagh, Deoch do ’n fhuaran, neo’ na tabhair.’ 47 ‘De cha tabhair mi dhuit deoch, A choisgas do lot gu siorruidh; ’S nach d’ rinn thu dhamh riamh do ’m leas, Nach d’ rinn thu faidheoidh do ’m mhi-leas.’ 48 ‘Nam bu chumhain leat la Chonalll (‘Chothain’) Bha Cairbnidh roimhad sa mhuintir; Thu fein is an Fhiann ai d’ dheidh, O! ’s truagh ’m ádhaidh gu Beinn-ghulbann.’ 49 ‘Na ’m biodh fios aig mnái’ na h-Oighe, Mise sheoladh ann san luib so; Bu tursach am fir nan ádhart, O! struagh’m ádhaidh gu Beinn-ghulbann.’ 50 ‘Gur mi Diarmaid an Iudhair, Chonnachd, agus Buidh, ’s Béure; ’S mi dalt Aondhais a Bhrodha, Neach air an raibh rodhe deilbhe.’ 51 ‘’S mi dalt Aondhais a Bhrodha, Bheirainn todhaidh do gach ur ’chair; Thug barr air gach fear le fádhaid, O! struagh ’m ádhaidh gu Beinn-ghulbann.’ 52 ‘’S mi seobhag shuil ghorm Eas-ruaidh, Leom a bheirte buaidh ’s gach blár; O! struagh mo thorachairt le muic, Mu thulachainn a chnuic so’ ta.’ 53 Do thiodhlaic sinne faidheoidh, Le cumha, le brón ’s le snith; Aon mhacaidh fuilteach nam Fiann, Air an tulaich siar fuidh lic. 54 ’Nuair a chnnnaig Gráinne uilc, Gu do chiureadh e fuidh ’n lár; Chaill i h-aithne is a gné, ’S thuit i an neal air a bhlár. 55 Nuair dh’ aithrich i as a pná; Sheinn i le crá’ is le brón; Cliú Dhiarmaid bu ghile snuagh, Sios gu duainidh air an lon. 56 ‘Tha leaba deis’ ann sa charraig, Bha Fionn da farraid ré bliadhna; Tha sruith’ os a ceann do sháile, ’S cha fhliuchadh mo ghradhsa Diarmaid.’ 57 ‘S’ i sinn an leab an raibh Leadan, A thogadh t-éug-bhail air fiadhach; Am fear nach do smuaintich eagal, Roimh cheilair nan con san t-sliagh ud.’ 58 ‘Ochóin b’ i sin uair a chéusaidh, Gur goirt ’s gur géur dhamsa h-iar-guin, Do ghorm-shuil a bhi gun leirsinn, Fhir a b’ eibhinn beul is briathraibh.’ 59 ‘Gur tu mac peathar an Ard-Righ, Bha gu badhach ághor fialidh; O! struagh a chuir e gu bás thu, Gun chion fáth a ghraidh a Dhiarmaid.’ 60 ‘Bu tu aon laoich feara Pháile. A dh’ fhaotainn buaidh láir an comhrag; Thug bárr orr’ uile ann ’s gach cluiche, ’S thug an subhachas ’s an sólas.’ 61 ‘Bu ghile da chneas nan canach, No úr shneachd an gleanntidh caola; Thug do chruth barr air an t-sluagh uil’; Fhir bu deirge gruaidh nan caorann.’ 62 ‘Bu ghuirme do suil nan dearcag, A bhiodh air uilean chreach bheann árd, ’S bu chiuine prioba do rosgaibh, No osnach lúbas féur gach fair.’ 63 ‘Bu ghile do dhéud nan gagan, A bhiodh air chrathadh feadh an lá; ’S bu bhinne fuaim do bheoil ionmhuinn. No ceól eoin choilteach, ’s gach clár.’ 64 ‘Mar dhrisinna’ gréine tha d fhalt, Gu fionn bhuidh casarlach gradhach; Tha do chneas cho mhín san cobhar, Fhir a b’ fhodhainntach ’s gach áite.’ 65 ‘’S dubhach mi gun iolach sólais, Ach turs’ is brón a sior eibhich; A chruit chiuil is binne mire, Cha tog mo chroidhe gu h-éibhneas.’ 66 ‘Thuit mo spiorad an cuan stuadhach, Gun chlos, gun suaimhneas ag gárraich; A sior chuimhneacha’ do nosaibh, Och! Mo leonadh is mi gun abhachd.’ 67 ‘Cho chluinn mi tuille do chómhra’, A b’ éibhnaiche no ceól Fiodhail; No ’n smeórach ’s na gleanntidh fásaich, ’S dubh a dh’ fhag gu bráth mo chroidhé.’ 68 ‘Cho ’n fhaic mi ni ’s mó do ghnúis-sa, No deábradh do shuil ghorm shoitheamh; Ochóin s mi fuidh thuilteach gabhaidh, Cho ’n eirich gu bráth gu soluis.’ 69 ‘’S doracha do chomhnuidh fui ’n fhód, Is cumhan do leab reót gun fhuinn; ’S cho dearla mhadain gu lá bhráth, A dhuisgas tu a’ d’ phná a shuinn.’ 70 ‘Ach folaichde chaoidh ann san úir, Mhiannaiche gach súil do chiabhag; Bennachd leat fein is le d’ áille, Anois agus gu brath a Dhiarmaid.’ 71 ‘Dh’ ullaich gach filidh a chlársach, A shéinn moladh do ’n lán laoch chúinn; Gu do-bhronach ’s gu ro thime, Ceól ’s bu shnithach fann gach súil.’ 72 ‘Gu ma beannaicht’ thusa Dhiarmaid, Fhir a’ b’ fhearr briathraibh is ágh; Do na tha am fiamtachd Eirann, ’S an-aoibhinn an diu ar gáir.’ 73 ‘Bha do neart mar thuiltach uisge, A dol a sios a chlaoidh do námh, An cabhaig mar iolair nan spéur, No stéud eisg a ruigh air sáil.’ 74 ‘A Thriath Bhéura b’ áille leadan, No aon fhleasgach tha san Fheinn; Gu ma samhach a raibh d’ ór-chul, Fuidh chudrom an loin gach ré.’ 75 ‘Ni ’s mo cha ’n fhaicar thu air chuan, Air an eireadh stuathan árd, No ’n doire re sealg an fheidh, No ’m blár chéud a sgatha’ chnamh.’ 76 ‘Cho mhó chluintar nual do bheóil, A bu bhinne na glóir nan ean; An Tigh-teamhra’ gu lá bhráth, Fhir bu ro mhaith grádh is gné.’ 77 ‘Gur dubhach an diu gach rosg, Bu gheal do bhos, ’s bu ghil’ do chneas; Bu tréun tabhachdach thu laoich, Bu phailt mais, is aoigh’ is clearc.’ 78 ‘Mile mallachd air an lá A thug Gráinne grádh do d’ ghnúiss B ’e sin a chuir Fionn gu bréin, ’S a chuir thu a’ d’ thréin gu h-úir.’ [TD 161] 79 ‘G’ e b’ iomad daoin agus neart, Mu d’ thiomcheall a chlearc nan áill; ’S tu lamh a b’ fhearr iomairt is ágh, Ochain do na tha sa ghleann.’ 80 ‘Ach mhealladh do chuma gach bean, A mhic o duimhne bu mhear buaidh, ’S do shuiridhe cha d’ thog do shuil, Gus an deach úir air do ghruaidh.’ 81 ‘Cha do ghlac cloidheamh na dhornn, Nam brat sróil is fhearr san Fheinn; Aon neach a bheireadh tu uainn, A dh’ aingain sluagh Righ na Feinn.’ 82 ‘’S cha mho ghlac e sgia’ na lann, Neach d’ an raibh ceann teachd a’ d’ ghao’; Mhic o duimhn ud a’ ta marbh, ’N uair a bha thu ’n arm nan laoch.’ 83 ‘Ach o na dholbh thu le Grainn, Feadh gach áit’ mar fhuath no éilt; Ghabh gach duine dhinn ort fuath, ’S gu h-araid Fionn ’s truagh an sgéul. 84 ‘Cho ’n ionadh mi bhi gun chlí, Is dubhach, tiamhidh gun sólas; ’S a liuthad curidh tréun calma, Thuit dhinn air gach ám an cómhrag.’ 85 ‘Thuit iad uil’ ach mis’ am aonar, Mar chrann mosgain, maol, gun duileach; Gach darag maóthan is ógan, Ge d’ bu lionmhur mor re ’n tuireadh. 86 ‘Ge d’ tha ’n diu gun tréin no comhdach, Bu mhor mo chonadh ’s mo lúth; Gun easbhuidh daoine no nith. Dh’ fhag sin saoghal mu seach dhuinn.’ I. 20. BAS DHIARMAID O DUIMHNE. 320 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 104. Advocates’ Library, April 9, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. AFTER the battle of Newry was over, Dermid related to Fingal how Grany had enchanted him to run away with her, and implored his pardon; but Fingal’s incredulity and inclemency would not permit him to forgive so atrocious a crime as Dermid was constrained to be guilty of. Therefore Dermid and Grany were obliged to fly a second time from the awful presence of Fingal, and continue their Hermitage in the lonesome Woods and dark Caverns of the Rocks as formerly. Fingal upon the day following went to the woods, and loosed his Hounds after a wild Cat he spied hard by him, in order he should alarm Dermid to the sport. Dermid heard the howling of the Dogs and bawling of the Huntsmen; against the instigation of Grany would appear in the chase and throw himself into the hands of Fingal a second time, who wished his death, could it be carried on accidentally without being a wilful murder. Upon the ensuing day Fingal ordered his Bands to go a hunting to a mountain called Bengul-ban. A huge and viperous wild boar hunted this mountain, which defied all the artifice of Fingal’s army and strength of their hounds to kill. The dogs alarmed and pursued the Boar, but durst not come near him. Fingal ordered Dermid to pursue and kill the Boar, and that he would be freely pardoned for his offence. Dermid pursued, attacked, and kilt the dreadful Boar. Fingal recollected that there was a Mole or Mark on the sole of Dermid’s right foot, which if touched by the venemous gristles of the Boar that he should bleed to death. Accordingly he commanded Dermid to measure the Boar, and find out his length from the snout to the tail. Dermid measured the Boar downward and came off safe. Fingal ordered him to measure the Boar upward, to which Dermid consented on condition Fingal would grant him a speedy remedy if he happened to be wounded, whereto Fingal agreed. The brave, valarous, and beautiful Dermid O Duin measured the Boar against the gristles, wherewith he got wounded, and Fingal after he is fallen refused him any remedy, not suspecting his death would be occasioned so suddenly by so slight a wound. We can find few or no instances of this nature in all the actions of Fingal, which has been occasioned by the inconstant and perfictious Grany in deluding Dermid to the detestable crime of adultery. Fingal is seldom possessed with the spirit of cruelty and revenge. We find him of a compassionate disposition, even to his professed enemies; hospitable to all strangers. Full of tenderness and charity to the afflicted; Ready to relieve the miserable, and inclined to Forgive offenders. Slow to cast out with the strong, and powerful to overcome them in war, which is manifested by his advice to his grand son Oscar, one of which we take the liberty to mention here. 1 O OSCAIR! Claoidh an calma treun, Ach dion fui’ d’ sgoith am fann; An aghaidh namham tabhair beum, Mar neart sruth leug nam beann. 2 Bi mar an osag sheimh sa mhagh, Do ’n dream is laige gniomh; Gu maoineach, meineach, meat a leon, Na ’n coimheach broin a striochd. 3 Na tabhair beum, ach gus am fèum, Do chom is treine dhion; No h-ob bhi mall gu comhragg lann, Mar eagal call do d’ Riogh. The following Poem or Lament of Dermid opens upon hunting of the Boar, Dermid expostulating his innocency, enumerating his frequent and great services, and imploring a remedy of Fingal. After his death Grany laments over him in a moving and pathetic manner. Then the Bards sung to his praise and memory in a very tragical and beautiful strain. And Fingal mourned for him many days in the Hall of Turra and Tur-ana. Note.—Here follow lines which differ from the other version. (H. ). All the rest are identical, and in the same order.—J.F.C. June 6, 1872. Collated with H. Mac Lean. 3 OISEINN fheilidh is binne ceòl, No eoin air linnidh nan leug, Mar choill cheud tha fuaim do bheoil. 4 Latha do bha mo Riogh Fionn, Is fhiantaidh bu treun am blar; A’ sealg fea’ ghleantaidh is leirg, Theiring a mheirgeach gu traidh. 5 Do chunnaig mo Thriath geal ur, Bu mhor iul measg fheara Phail; Sliseag nua’ gu cuan nan tonn, Air traidh nan clach donn, ’s nam barc. 6 Ghlac Mac Cumhail an t-sleis og, A b’ fhearr doidh na cornaibh cruinn; ’S ann leinne bu mhor an t-euchd, Bha seachd reisean ann a druim. 7 Do labhair Riogh Phail nan cuach, ’Se Diarmaid truagh rinn an t-euchd; Cho ’n gon fhear do Chathain Chormaic, No ghabh tamh fui’ cholbh na Feinn. 8 Dh’ eitich mo Riogh bu mhor miadh, Nach gabhadh e biadh no deoch; Gus am fuighte Diarmaid donn, Ma bha’ n Eirinn nan lon phort. 10 Chuail an laoch, nach b’ fhann am blar, Gadhair bhan ri slios an t-sleibhe; Agus labhair e ri Graine, Cho’ n eist mi ri gàir na Feinne. 13 Thainig Diarmaid gus a ghleann, Gu Feinn m’ ansachd Innse-Phaile; Is b’ ait an sealadh le Fionn, E tigh’ n os ar cionn air fàire. 36 Mharbhas tri fichead, is ceud duit, Bu mhor m’ fheum le lanna cuinsear. 48 Na ’m bn chumhainn leat latha Clothan, Bha Cairbridh roimhead, ’s a mhuintir; Thu fein is an Fhiann a d’ adhaidh, O! ’s truagh m’ adhaidh gu Beinn-ghulbann. 50 Gur mise Diarmaid an Iudhair, Chonnachd, agus Buidh, ’s Beura; ’S mi dalta Naois nam fear bodha, Laoch air an raibh rodha deilbhe. 51 ’S mi dalta Naois nam fear bodha, 54 ’N uair chunnaig inghean Ghormala nan steud, An treun na luighe ’s an ùir; Chaill e h-aithne,—thuit san fheur, Mar leug gun charuchadh sùl. [TD 162] 55 Tra dh’ airich i as a pnà, Sheinn gu craiteach iolach bhròin; Cliu Dhiarmaid bu ghile snuadh, Shios gu duainidh air an lòn. 59 Gur tu mac peathar Riogh Phaile, 60 Bu tu aon laoch fheara Phaile, A bhuidhinn buai’ làir ann comhrag; Thug barr orr uile ’s gach luth-chleas, ’S thug a d’ ghiulan, sugach, solach, 61 Bu ghile do chneas no ’n canach, No ’n cathadh ’s na gleannaibh caola; Dhealradh do chruth ann ’sna leirgean, Fhir bu deirge leac no ’n caorann. 62 Bu ghuirme do shuil no ’n dearc, Air uileann nan leacann ard; ’S bu chiuine iomairt do rosg, No ’u seimh osnach air feur fair. 63 Mar dhrisinne greine t-fhalt, Am-lubach, cas-lubach,-ar-bhuidh; Tha do chneas co geal ’san cothar, A laoich, nach d’ fhodhain na blàir dhuit. 64 ’S dubhach mi, gun iolach sholais, Ach tursa bhroin a’ sior eughach; A chrùit chiuil is binne mire, Cho duisg mo chroidhe gu h-eibhneas. 65 Thuit m’ aigneadh ’s ann aigeal stuathach, Gun chlos no suaimhneas a’ garraich; A sior chuimhneacha’ do nosaibh, Och! Mo threodhaid bhroin gun abhachd. 67 Ni ’s mo cho ’n fhaicear do ghnuis, A dhealradh gu h-ur ann tur Chonail; Ochoin! Mi! fui’ thuilteach gabhaidh, C’uin a thig a ghraidh ort solus. 68 ’S dorcha do bhuthainn fui ’n fhod, ’S cumhann reot do leaba leom; Cho dearl’ a mhadainn, gu la bhrath, A dhuisgeas mo ghradh an sonn. 71 Gu ma h-aghor thusa Dhiarmaid, Fhir is fearr briathra’ is àgh; Do na tha am Fianntachd Eirann, ’S an-eibhinn an diu’ ar gàir. 73 A thriach Bheura b’ aille loinreadh, No aon ogan tha san Fheinn; Gu ma samhach a roibh t-òr-chul, Fui’ chudram an loin gach re. 77 Mile mallachd air an la, A thug Graine gradh do d’ chruth, Chuir sin Fionn nam Flath o cheill, ’S truagh an sgeul mar dh’ eug u ’n diu’. 78 Ge h-iomad laoch bu mhor neart, Mu thiomchall nan clearcan aill; ’S lamh a b’ fhearr-iomairt, is agh, Ochain-do na bha sa ghleann. 80 Arm ann uasal nan luath bheum. 82 Ach o na dh’ fholbh e le Grain, Fea’ nan carnn mar fhuath nan eug; Ghabh gach duine dhinn air grain, Is Riogh Phaile-’s truagh an sgeul. 84 Bu lionmhor sloigh aig Mac Cumhaill. M. 18. BAS DHIARMUID. 104 lines. 1 EISTIBH beag (1) ma ’s aill libh laoidh Air a chuideachd’ chaoimh so chuaidh, Air Grainne, air Fionn fial ’S air Mac o Duimhne nan scial truadh. 2 ’N Gleann sith sin ’s an gleann r’a thaobh (2) Far ’m bu bhinn guth feidh (3) is loin, Far am minic an robh ’n Fhiann An Ear ’s an iar an diaidh an con. 3 Air an t-suth sin Ghulbunn ghuirm Is aillidh’ tulachain tha fo ’n ghrein, ’S tric a bha na sruthain dearg An diaidh na ’m Fiann bhith sealg an fheidh. 4 Dh’ imir iad ’s bu mhor a chealg Air Mac o Duimhne bu dearg li, Dol do Bheinn-Ghulbunn a shealg Tuirc nach feadadh airm a chaoidh. 5 A Dhiarmuid na freagair an fhaghaid ’S na tadhaill am fiadhach breige, Na rach teann air Fionn Mac Cumhaill, O ’s cumhadh leis a bhi gun cheile. 6 A ghradh nam ban a Ghrainne Na toill-se naire do d’ cheile, Fhreagairinn-se guth na seilge Dh’ ain-deoin feirge fir (4) na Feinne. 7 Dhuisg iad a bheist as a shuain, Bha freiceadan air shuas an gleann, ’G eisteachd re garaich nam Fiann Is iad gu dian fo cheann. (5) 8 An seann torc nimhe a bha garg Thainig o Bhall ard nan Alla-mhuc, B’ fhaide iongna na gath sleagha Bu treise fhriogh na gath builge. 9 Leig iad ris na deadh ghadhair, Gadhair Fhinn is fir na seilge, Chuir iad a mhuc a bhan le liodra (6) ’S bha na t-eun choin air a tionntadh. 10 A mhic o duimhne fhir threin, Ma ’s e ’s gu ’n d’rinneadh euchda leat, Bith-se cuimhneach air do laimh, So an ti fa ’n dearnar leat. 11 Mac o Duimhne nan arm aigh, Air faicinn do a bheist uile, O ’n t-slos thaobh-gheal shlamhnuich thla Chas e ’n t-sleagh an sail an tuirc. 12 Tharruing e ’n t-sleagh o ’n dorn gheal bhan Chum a sathadh ann a chorp, Bhriseadh leis an cran na thri Gun aon mhir dh’ e bhith san torc. 13 Tharruing e ’n t-seann lann as an truaill, O ’s i bhuidhneadh buaidh ’s gach blar, ’S mharbhadh leis an uile bheist Is thearuinn e na dhiaidh slan. 14 Luidh sproc air Fionn fial Is leig e siar e ris a chnoc, Mac o Duimhne nan arm aigh A dhol as gu slan o ’n torc. 15 Air dh’ a bhith tamull na thosd Labhair Fionn ’s gu ’m b’ olc r’a radh; A Dhiarmuid tomhis an torc Cia meud traigh o shoc gu shail. 16 Cha do dhiult e achuing’ Fhinn, ’S aithreach leinn a theachd o ’n tigh, Thomhis e ’n torc air a dhruim Mac o Duimhne nior throm traigh 17 Se traighe deuga do dh’ fhior thomhas A tha ’n druim na muice fiadhuich, Cha ’n e sin idir a thomhas Tomhis e ris a Dhiarmaid. 18 A Dhiarmid tomhis a ris Na aghuidh gu min an torc; Roghainn a gheabhadh tu ga cheann Togha nan lano rinn-gheur goirt. 19 Thomhuis e, ’s cha bu turus aigh, Mac o Duimhne nach trom traigh; Tholl am friogh nimhe bha garg Bonn an laoich bu gharg san trod. 20 Aon deoch dhamh-s’ a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn Dheadh mhic mo righ do m’ chabhair; O chaill mi mo bhlagh ’s mo bhrigh, Ochoin! is truadh mi mur tabhair. 21 Cha toir mise dhuit deoch ’S cha mho choisgeas mi air h-iota, O ’S beag a rinn thu do m’ leas ’S is mor a rinn thu do m’ aimhleas. (1) Beagan. (2) R’a’r thaobh. (3) Fead feidh. (4) Fhear. (5) Is iad ag cuir gu dian mu cheann. (6) Mhan gu leath-trath. [TD 163] 22 Cha d’ rinn mise cron ort riamh Thall no bhos, an ear n ’n iar; Ach im’eachd le Grainne am braid ’S a tuar gam’ thabhairt fo gheasuibh. 23 Thuit so an sin fo chreuchd, Mac o Duimhne ciabh nan cleachd, Sar mhac fulangach nam Fiann, Air an tuluich siar fa dheas. 24 Cumhachdach gu mealladh bhan Mac o Duimhne bu mhor buaidh; An t-suireadh cha do thog a suil O chaidh an uir do ghruaidh. 25 Bha guirme bha glaise na shuil, Bha mine bha maise na ghruaidh, Bha spionnadh bha tabhachd san laoch Bha sud saor fo chneas bàn. 26 Dh’ adhluic iad air aon tuluich, Air sith-dhun na muice fiadhuich, Grainne Ni Chormaig a churuich, Da choin gheal’ agus Diarmud. O. 12. BAS DHIARMAD O DUIGNE. 131 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 60. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 22, 1872. 1 AN gleann Sì, san gleann ri thaobh, An gleann an tric an robh fead laoich; Eoin is Lomhuinn; Far an tric an robh an Fheinn; An ear ’s an iar deigh nan con. 2 Air an t-shi Ghulbuin ghuirm, Air an tulaich is ailde fo ’n ghrein; Air an tric an robh froidhean dearga, An deigh sealg fir na Feinne, 3 Eisdibh tamull ma ’s aill leibh, Air a’ chuideachd chaomh so chuidh; Air beinn Ghulbunn, air Fionna fail, Air Mac O Duighne nan sgeul truagh (sgial) 4 Shuidhich Fionn bu chruaidh cheilg, Air Mac O Duighne bu deirge lith; Dhol a bheinn Ghulbhunn shealg an tuirc, Nach d’ fheudar leis na h-airm ga dhith. 5 Dhiamaid na ruig an fhagad, ’S na taoghail am fiadhach leirge; Na rach teann air Fionn Mac Cuthail, O’ s dubhach thu bhi gun cheille. 6 A ghradh nam ban, a Ghraine, Na toillsa tamailt do d’ cheud ghradh; Rachainse dh’ amharc na seilge, Cheart aindeoin feirg fir na Feinne. 7 Cha d’ fhas mi riamh a’ m’ chrionaich chrithunn, ’S ionnan sa chreag mo runsa; Co a shealladh air graine le toigh, Nam fasadh Diarmad na mheall unich. 8 B’ e mo mhiann bhi ’n cois na seilge, An toir air Torc a’ chraois uamhainn; ’S tric a leag mi ’n lon a luadhas, 9 Shuas air eudainn beinn a Ghulbhuinn, Dh’ fhalbh Mac O Duighne le ceum ard; Bu dubhach bu chraiteach Graine. 10 Shil a deoir Mar fhros na Maidne, Mar cheò glas bha da shuil (al. a gnuis) Cha’ n fhaic mi tuille Diarmaid, Tha m’ anam gu dian na dheigh, 11 Mhic Cuthail bi baigheil ri’ m leannan, Cha bheannachd dhuit m’ aighir a chlaoidh; Dhuisg iad an uile bheist as a shuain, Freicedan air chluas gach beann. 12 ’G eisdeachd ri Coin ghairaich nam Fiann, ’S iad gu dian a ruith fo ceann; Leig iad rithe na deagh ghathair, Gathair ann fir na Feinne. 13 Thug iad a’ mhuc bhan ga leadradh, ’S na sair choin gheala ga teumadh (ga tionndaidh) B’ fhaide e teanga na gath sleagha, B’ fhaide a friogh na gath builge. 14 An seann Torc nimhe bha garg, A ghineadh o ardail nan torc; Bhriseadh leis an dorn gheal bhlar, Thachda dha na bha na chorp, Bhriseadh leis an crann na thri, Gu ’n aon mhir dho dhol san torc. 15 Tharruig e ’n seann lann dubh o ’n truaill, O ’n si b’ ioghna buaidh sgach blar; Mharbha leis an Uile bheisd, As thearnadh na dheigh e fein slan, 16 An sin luidh sproc air Fionn nam Fiann, Luidh e siar ris a chnoc; Air dha bhi tamull na thosd, Labhair ’s gum b’ olc a radh. 17 Dhiarmad tomhais an torc, Cia meud troidh o shoc gu earr? Na duilteam t-achuinich Fhinn, O ’n ’s dan leam cinnteach tighinn o t-iochd (1) 18 Dhiarmad tomhais e ris, Na aghaidh gu min an torc; Uam gheibh tu g’ a chionn Tagha nan laun geur bhar goirt. 19 Thomhais Diarmad bu tuirseach da, Mac O Duighne nan trom troidh; Tholl am friogh nimhe bha garg, Buinn an loich bu gharbh an trod. (al. bu gharg) 20 Aon deoch a’ d’ chuaich Fhinn, Laoich Mhic Cuthail o ’n chro choinich O ’n theirigear mo bhrigh, ’s mo bhlath, Laoich foir no na doir dhuit. (al. no na deoir dhuit) 21 O ’s aithne dhi leigheas gach feachd, (gach creuchd) Cha’ n eil leigheas ann mo chuaich; A Dhiarmad ’s truagh leam do chor, ’S truagh leam Graine bhi gad’ chaoidh 22 ’S truagh an gniomh a rinn an torc, Gam chaoidhsa cha bhi Graine aild; Ged ’sann gu bas a theid mi nochd, ’S aithne dhi cleas nan lub, A t-iulsa tha teid g ’a toil. 23 Tha gaol domh daingean mar chrios; Tha misneach mar Ghailbhin ard, G’ a mor a h-osna cha leig fios, Ged thuit mi le sligh mo namh. 24 Co so tighinn mar cheò, ’S a deoir a srutha gun chaird, Cò ach Graine ’s binne gloir, Annir cha bheo do d’ ghradh. 25 Mar Ghill eigin nach deach snac till, Mar Mhacan is ailde nan t-sugh; Ochadan gad’ chaoidh saghleann (mar t-aoidh) Bha guirme, bha glaise na shuil, Bha mine, bha maise na ghruaidh, Bha spionnadh, bha tabhachd sano lach. Bhi sid saor o shliosean ban, 26 ’S truagh mise bhi gad chaoidh, Ne m’ ainmsa, cha ’n uigh do ghrain, Marbhaisg air an torc, Ach cha ’n e a rinn m’ olc san àm. 27 Cha ’n e, ach Fionn nan cleasan baoth, Mallachd aig nn fhaobh gun tamh; A Ghrain na bi-sa a’ d’ dhiom, Tha Fionn mar Dhiarmad gu d’ dhion. 28 Dh’ fhalbh e ’s b’ olc leam, Cha ’n e me run a rinn an gniomh; 29 Thuit Graine gun cobhair a h-aigh, Air gnuis Ailde Dhiarmad duinn, Stad a chreuchd bha doirt a fhuil, Truagh a bhuil an lo sin duinn. (1) O ’s cinnteach leam tigeinn lochd. [TD 164] 30 Dh’ aidhlaiceadh iad air aon tulach, Air friodhnaich na Muice fiadhaich; Graine nighean Tormaid Mhic Curri, Da choin gheala as Diarmad. 31 A Ghulbhrunn, cluinnear do chaoidh, ’S beag m’ uigh dhol gu t-ianach; Codail a thuire ’n ad chonnuich, Tha do chomhnuidh seasgair dionach. 32 Luidh smal air an Fheinne, M’ athair fein bha dheth diomach, Chlarsach na tog fonn a bhroin, Tha deoir a cheana a’ taomadh. From the recitation of Archd. Stewart, man-servant in Dalchosnie, 19th Feb., 1801. Z. 6. DIARMAID. 56 lines. Written by Macphail from the recitation of Norman Murray, Habost, Ness, Lewis, 1866. I HAVE a great many more versions of this, orally collected by myself and by other collectors in late years. The song is well known in the Islands of South Uist and Barra, 1871. This is a sample of decay, and curious for that reason. LAOIDH DHIARMAID. EISDIBH beag ma ’s aill leibh laoidh, Air a bhuidheann chaoimh a dh’ fhalbh uainn, ’S mac-o-Duimhne nan sgeul truagh. 1 Tha srath a ’m beinn Ghuilbean, ghuirm, ’S àrda tulach fo ’n a ghrein; Far an suidheadh sinn pubull àgh, ’D ol do ’n t-seilg le Fionn nam Fiann. 2 Triall do bheinn Ghuilbean a shealg, Air muc nach feudar aimn dhi; Dhuisg an uilbhiast as a suain, ’S dh’ imich i bh’ uainn air a ghleann. 3 ’N uair chuala i tartar nam Fiann, Ghabh i an Ear san I iar fo ceann; ’N uair chuala i tartar nan laoch, ’S i ’n gleann Sìth an robh Fraoch borb. 4 Bu deirge i na graine fiodha, ’S bu gheire friogha nan gath balg; Bhriseadh leatha an t-sleagh mar stri, An crann bu rioghna fo na mhuic. 5 Bho ’n bhus ’s deirge eilltrich bhlàth, ’S bu chradh leinn nach b’ ann na corp; C’ uim’ nach ciosnaicheadh tu an torc, Le tarum nan laoch bu mhor naimhdeas. 6 Air bhi dha fada na thosd, Labhair e ge b’ olc ri radh; Tharruing e an t-seann lann bho ’n truaill, Or bu leasan buaidh guch blàir. 7 Dhiarmaid tomhais an torc, C’ ia lion troidh o top a ta; Thomhais e mhuc áir a druim, Mac-o-Duimhne nach truime troidh. 8 Dhiarmaid tomhais i rìst, ’Na aghaidh ’s mine an torc; Thiomdaidh ’s cha bu turns àigh, Cha d’ thomhais ach a dha san torc, 9 Chaidh a gath nimh bu mhor craidh, A ’m bonn an laoich nach tlà san trod; Aon deoch an uisge dhomh Fhinn, ’S gheibh thu athchuinge da chinn. 10 Rogha nan arm rionn geur gort, Chi thu air a chnoc ud thall; Cha tabhair mise dhuitse deoch, ’S na ’s mo cha choisg mi air t-iota. 11 Cha d’ rinn thu riamh dhomh leas, Nach d’ rinn thu ’n aon uair dhomh dh’ aimhleas; B’ fhada leis an Fheinn bu chuimhne, Mar a bitheadh Fionn gha iarraidh. 12 Ge bu ghorm an dè an tullach, Bu dearg e ’n diudh le fuil Dhiarmaid; Thiolaiceadh sud anns an tullach, Fo thunnachd na muic fiadhaich. 13 Grainne ni-Chormaic, ni-Chuilleann, Le da dhealbh chuilean ’us Diarmaid; Gu ’m b’ fhada, ’us gu ’m bu bhuidhe fhalt, Mall a rosg us fada a leac. 14 Bha maise ’us guirme na shuilean, Maise ’us caise an cul nan cleachd; ’S mionaig a ruitheadh an Fheinn, Air an t-sliabh an deigh nan con. &. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER Addressed to Miss Mac Leod of Mac Leod, by a Lady, sent April 18, 1872, from Dunregan. THIS shows that Heroic Ballads are known to the very poorest classes in the Highlands, and that they are localised everywhere. ‘Beinn Ianabheig, a peaked hill above the Bay of Portree, was once called Beinn Gulban, where Diarmad, the friend of Fionn, was wounded when measuring the wild boar.’ ‘At Sgor is the grave of Diarmad; and at Benmore is Tobar-an-Tuirc, from which, when dying, he besought Fionn to fetch him a drink. ‘Margaret Macleod, a poor forlorn woman at Portree, knows these places, and can sing the songs about them.’ THE STORY OF GOLL MAC MORNA. P*. 3. (D. 23. I. 16. O. 20. Z. 25.) (H. 27. I. 17. P. 8. X. 13. &.) (A. 24.) THE Story is told by Kennedy in his ‘Arguments,’ and the Ballads tell it for Gaelic readers. I will tell it in English when I translate. Goll was the nickname of Iodhlan: it means ‘one eyed.’ The name was earned in a story about a trip to Lochlann, which I picked up orally. The hero was Chief of the Clanna Morna, the biggest and strongest of the Feinne, with the title of ‘Gaisgeach na Feinne.’ In this capacity he, like Bhima, in the ‘Mahábhárata,’ was concerned about the Commissariat. He had a right to all the marrow, and all that could be got out of the bones. Fionn, Chief of the Clanna Baoisgne, quartered his grandson Oscar upon Goll. He was called names equivalent to Gnawbones and Lickpot, and so played the character whom Dasent named Boots. Gnawbones slew a dragon in a prose story, which I have got and will translate. He earned his nickname of Oscar, and rose from cook’s mate to be a chief. As Goll got old Fionn quartered his youngest son upon Goll; when he grew up he challenged Goll, and proved the strongest. They fought, and Fionn’s son was slain. Thereupon the ancient blood-feud about the slaying of Fionn’s Father by the Clanna Morna, whom he had driven and oppressed, broke out. Fionn’s tribe, as I was told, in 1871, in South Uist, bound Goll, and set him with his face to a gale in a sand-drift, so he was blinded; then they drove him into a cave, and thence on to a rocky point, where he starved to death. His wife came to him, and he bade her marry a Spanish warrior, the only one who ever had vanquished him. In the Ballads which follow it is easy to trace this story, which may be true. It is curious to trace the changes. In 1512, they were going to seek a man’s head; in 1871, the story current amongst the people savours of the ways of Lapps, who live on venison and set great store by marrow bones; but, in 1760 or thereabouts, the poetry savours of chivalry. Instead of the quarrel about marrow bones and food, which must have been a real cause of strife amongst hunters in the middle of the third century, Caoirreal hangs his shield above the shield of Goll in the House of Almhuin. (D. 5. below.) Possibly that pretension was a cause of strife when the Poem was composed or shortly before; but the popular tradition is most probable. A curious underground dwelling in North Uist, discovered a few years ago, was strewed with marrow bones, beef bones, mutton bones, and deer’s horns, and edible shells. In Ireland cattle raids were fertile causes of strife, and famines caused cattle raids. In the hands of Dr. Smith, the marrow bones and shields turned into sentiment as any English reader can see by turning to ‘Gaelic Antiquities, Edinburgh, 1780, by John Smith, Minister of Kilbrandon, Argyllshire.’ [TD 165] P*. 3. LAMH-FHAD. 146 lines. Rev. Alexander Campbell’s MS. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, July 16, 1872. WHILE printing these sheets a collection made, about 1803, by the Rev. Alexander Campbell, Minister of Portree, in Skye, was found in the Gaelic drawer at the Advocates’ Library. I got a list of the contents, and marked it P*. Some person unknown condemned the collection thus: ‘Style low; versification harsh and clumsy,’ ‘Dargo pretty correct,’ and so on. Wishing to judge for myself, and let others judge, I got this extract. A story about Longhand and Goll, in Lochlann, is current in 1871. I wrote it myself in Uist from the telling of Mac Isaig. A story and ballad of the same purport were mentioned by Hill as current about Loch Awe in 1780. It is quoted by Dr. Donald Smith, p. 120, ‘Appendix, Report on Ossian, 1805.’ That story and this ballad belong to Fionn’s Expedition to Lochlann. See above, p. 83. They explain how ‘Iollan’ got the name of ‘Goll’ = One-eyed. A ballad called ‘Laoidh an Duirn,’ or the Lay of the Buffet, is often mentioned in Scotland as one to be greatly admired, and a standard for Lays; but I have never found anyone able to repeat it. A ballad known by that name is common in Modern Irish MSS. In one, which I have, the chief characters, are Iollain Mac Morna, or Goll, and Lughaidh Lagha. In another Lughaidh Lamha is the name. In Mr. Campbell’s Skye ballad the Metre is peculiar. A pronoun connected with the Sun is written e = he, instead of i = she, which is a mistake, because the noun is correctly made feminine by its aspiration. The sentiment is foreign to ballads, and belongs to a later class of Gaelic songs. I conclude that this is a modern version of the old ballad which is known as the Lay of the Fist, or Buffet, or Cuff, of which I have no other Scotch version. 1 CHAIDH Fionn is Oscar is Mac Morn’ ’S moran do mhaitheamh nam Fiann ’Lochlann le cuireadh o Tarcum Gu cairdeas is gaol a choimhead 2 Gu sith am bannamh gun cheilg Cheangal gu dian ’s gu daing an 3 Tiaruinte dh’ imeach na b-armuin Gun chunnart gun ghabhadh gu calla Choinnich slioc Lochlann air traigh riu ’S an t-ard Righ dh’ altuich am beatha 4 Seac la agus oich’ gun sri, Ri ceol ’s ri iomairt ’s ri aighear Bha Fionn is Tarcum nan long ’S a laoich gu fonnar ga chaithibh 5 Ach ’s mealta gun fhuras a saoghal Ge broscalach faoilteal a shealladh Chi’ thu e direadh ’s a tearnadh ’S tric e na scaileadh mar fhaileas 6 Tha Ghrian sa mhadain ag soillseadh ’S e g eiri gun nial air athar Le mor theas togaidh e ’n driuchd Gu suilbhir seallaidh gach fearainn 7 Ach duthaidh go h’ alamh nan speuran Tathaidh neoil thiuidh air na beannamh Chitir an dealan a dearrsadh ’S cluintir an tairnean le forum 8 Silidh an t-uisge gu nuath’ alt Diridh e nuas oirnn na mheallan Croicidh an tuil o ’n a bheinn ’S an earbag teachaidh gu falach 9 Mar sin caochlaidh ur dochas ’S dolas leannuidh fo ghruaim ’N diudh tha thu aobhach gun douruinn ’S labhraidh le solas do bheul 10 Treigidh a mairaich do bharrail, Thig norr’uinn faireas le fuaim; Gun fhios thig saighid cho guinneach ’S tuislidh le turraig do cheum. 11 Rinn Tarcum feadhachas mhor Bha Fionn ’s mhaitheamh fo ghean San dochas gu n’ chairid an Ridh Is sioth nach bristeadh e tuillidh. 12 Ach mealta bha fhocall ’s a ghniomh Ceilg rinn e shniomh gus am milleadh A ghuin sa neimhdeas dha ’n Fheinn Cheil e fo dhuthar nam faolladh 13 Bha Lamhfhad gu borb aig a chuilm Mac baoth na Muirirdeach ruaidh ’S b’ ionmhuinn le Tarcum an laoch Ge b’ aognaidh aogas ’s a ghabhail 14 Scian orbhui chlocharra cheanngheal, Riabh ris nach do dhealaich Mac Chu’aill; Groim thuair Lamhfhad le feall orr, ’S b’ aill leis dha fein gun gleidh 15 Ach ghlac Mac Morn i na laimh Is Lamhfhad ged dh’ iarr cha ’n fhaidh Tus na h-iorghuil ’s na douruin Gu truagh se Tarcum choireach 16 Dh’ eirich greann is fearg a laoich Ach Goll cha chaochladh am bharail Cha d’ thugadh e seachad gun sri Scian bhuadhar an Righ si aig’. 17 ‘Com am bheil thu dusgadh iorghuil? Com bheil thu ’g iarrui dosuin? Do dh’ Fhionngheal buinidh an scian ’S do Lamhfhad a chaoidh cha tabhair 18 Suidh fhir mhoir ’s na mill a chuilm Na bachd toil-inntinn na cuideachd Na brist snaim daingann na sioth Rinn bhur Righre treun an cheangal.’ 19 Cha d’ dh’ eist an t-umpaidh an laoch Cha d’ gheill e le sioth dha chomhairl Dh’ arduich e ghuth fiadhaich cruaidh ’S chluinte fada fuaim a mhuineal 20 ‘Is tric se Morna a rinn thu beud Air maitheamh is treunfhir Lochlann Cha till thu tuilleadh air sal Gu brath cha tarruing thu cloidheamh.’ 21 Tharruing e ’n dorn le laimh chearr; Mac Morna ghearr e gu fuilteach Thuit e fein alamh na dheigh Bho lar cha d’ dh’ eirich e tuilleadh 22 Sparr Goll a scian orbhui na thaobh Chraobh fhuil a choim as a dèadh Ghlaodh e gu cruaidh chaill e chli Cha b’ urrainn Tarcum ga chobhair 23 Glac’ mid ars’ Tarcum bhur ’n airm Suas eirimh uile shliochd Lochlann Doirtibh fuil nam Fiantidh gu lar Na teichidh aon-aonan diubh dhachaigh 24 Tuiteadh iad le ’r faobhair chruaidh ’S biodh aoibhneas air mna’an ’n fhearain Tuillidh cha chaill oighean an gaoil ’S mac cha bhi mathair a tuireadh 25 Bidh Morbheinn ’s a feidh aig Laoich Nach striochd a dh’ iorghuil na dh’ eagall Fionngheal ’s a ghaisgeach san uir Cha dhùisgir tuillidh dhuinn cogadh 26 Bha ’n Fheinn gun chlogaid gun sceith Gun cheilg cha d’ smuainteach air cogadh Gun duil ri tuasaid no sri Gu siothail na suidhe ma ’n t-shligeadh 27 Ach alamh ghlachd iad an airm ’S ged’ thionail na ceudan curri Dhion iad an cuideachd gu treun ’S an ceum a gluasad gu loingeas 28 Rheubadh lamh Oscair an aigh Le geur lann guineach Righ Lochlaun Ach scaradh eisin gu teann ’S bu tiamhaidh buillean nan gaisgeach 29 Bha forrum a sciath san shluasaid Mar fhuaimneach thartarrach chreige Nuair bhuailis dealan i’m fuathas Ga bloidhidh na caoban le ghlaoidhir 30 Mar sin chluinnte fuaim an sciath Gu mor uaibhreach anns a’ chath ’S dh’ arduich air gach taobh an iorghuil Aig ’n d’ rainig an traigh na maitheamh 31 Bhiodh Tarcum na Oscar ’n uair sin Na sineadh gu luath gun anam Mar brist a sleaghan na cheile ’S gu na dh’ eighmh mac Chumhail air Oscar [TD 166] 32 A mhic mo mhic Oscair aigh Bachd do lamh is fàg an t-aineol Tha ghaoth na deannamh gu Morbheinn ’S air siuil bhana ard ri ’n crannaibh 33 Chaill Tarcum urram de laoich Bhuinig thu cliu air ’s an deannal Nach d’ choisinn sinn buaidh na h-àraich Rinn feum mar b’ abhaist dhe ’r lannamh 34 Sheas an iorghuil scuir an t-shri Sheol laoich nam Fiann bho’n chala Is chluinte neimhdean na ’n deigh Ri glaoidhaich eildol gun aighear 35 Deach agus fichead fear mor Gu fuilteach leonadh le’r lannibh ’S a dha dheug eile ’sa naoidh Sin thuit air an raoin gun anam 36 Chaill sinne Faoilte gun ghruaim Is Luath-chas dhireadh nam bealach Dithis bu shuthach aig cuilm ’S nach tiuntadh an cùl san deannal 37 Thog Fionn leis an Coirp ar sàl Air ard bheinn chaireach san talamh Bha mnaoi fad bliadhna gan caonidh Is Righinn tuireadh an caulla. LAOIDH AN DOIRNN. 124 lines. Irish. Extracts. THE story current in Scotland makes this a quarrel in Lochlann. The Irish ballad makes it a civil broil in Ireland, at a feast at the King’s House, at Teamhra, in the reign of Lughaidh Mac Con, who reigned, according to Keating, A.D. 182—212. Oisein, who was present, is made to tell the story to Padruig, whose mission began A.D. 432. I have made shift to copy ten verses from a second Irish copy of this Lay, in which there are 124 lines. I bought both MSS. from Mr. John O’Daly, Dublin, in December, 1871, and I know nothing of their pedigree. If I have erred in reading, I have not done it on purpose. Irish is not my business, but I have done my best to copy it letter by letter.—J.F.C. OISEIN. 1 DO chuadh mar go tos Teamhrai, As bu líonmhar linn teacht ar d-Teaghlaidh; Ar chuir Mac Con na g-cath, Rígh Eireann árd fhlaith. 2 Is e buidhin do tháinigh nár g-cionn, Do mhathaibh Eireann gan feall, Da árd rígh catha ceata, Mac Con a ’s Fionn flaith na Feinne. 3 Cormac Mac Iollalaidh chais, Dear bhrathair Mhèic Con Mac a Mháthar; Brasair bèara fear do bhuaidh, Righ Laigheann re h-iomad sluaigh. 4 Tháinigh cugainn as Cruachna, Liagan luaimhneach luachra; An tréin fhear do bhí lan do ghoil, Iollann Mac Mórna fortail, 5 Do shuidh Iollann Mac Morrna Mór, Gach fear díobh an-ionad áir; Fir Eireann ag-Cathaoir n-uáill, Ag-tigh righ Teamhrai na mór sluagh. 6 Do shuigh Lughaidh Làmha na g-creach, Ar ghualainn Ghoill go dána; Ar aghaidh Fhinn Mhic Cumhaill, As ar ghualainn Bhrasair Bhéara. 7 Ann sin adubhairt Lughaid Lámna focal, A ’s nìor bh-feirde friotal, Bheir muintirsi marseo a d-tir Chuinn, Ni fhacadh tusa a threan Ghoill. GOLL. 8 Do chonairc mise Muintir mhór mhaith, A d-tigh Chuinn ceud catha ag òl; Builli dho dá samhuil a ngloann Catha, Da ghnuis uasal a ’s árd fhlatha. LUGH. 9 Níor comòradh raimh Conn, Re Mac Conn ar toinn; Buillidha da samhuil a ngleann Catha, As dà ghnuis uasal ardfhlatha. GOLL. 10 Do dhlígh tusa guth thabhairt ar Chonn, Tur mhairbh se do shinsir Gur ab e do mhairbh fo-scai Mogha Nuadhat as Maicmadh Mac Luigheach. D. 23. A CHIOS CHNAIMH. 66 lines. Copied from Mac Nicol’s Collection by Donald Mac Pherson. Advocates’ Library, May 3, 1872. THIS fragment is part of the quarrel between Caoirreal, Fionn’s youngest son, and Goll, chief of the Clanna Morna. 1 SIN iad hugaibh hun an Oil, Air mo shithse maodhain mhor, Gun aon Sgiadh air duinne dhibh, Gun a còmhdach uille dh’ or. 2 Dath na ’m Flath air dhath an Eug Dath an S sneachda thig a nuas Dath as aile no air Chach, Rosg Riogh orr uille gu leir. 3 Ha aon Duin’ air thus an Sluaidh ’S na biodh a Mheud mar ha Bhuaidh. Cha d’ imigh e ’m Fear ga Choish Aon Neach ga ’n cumhaidh ris comhrac. 4 Caoirreal ceutach mar bu Dual A chi thu ar thus an T-sluaidh, Da Trian Ruim ort Fhein gan Fheall Rheitichir a Rum roimh Chaoirreal. 5 Go ’n chuir Caorreal ma Mhi-cheil Am Flaitheas a Shean-ath’r fein, A sgiadh osciom sgeithe Ghoill Am an Tulachin Tighe na Halbhaidh. 6 Go de bheireadh sinn duit, Fhir, Do sgiadh chuir acionn mo sgeithe? Gar m’ fheabhas do Mhac Flath, Agus mo chruas a chuir Chath, Mo mhi mion re Bannal Bhan, Agus mo bhi fial re Fili. 7 Dh’ fairid Caorreal seach a Lamh, Dheadh Mhic Cumhail na ’n Arm sean Cia ma ’m biodh a Chios Chnamh Ga cuir uille a dhaon Lathair? 8 A Chios Chnamha, a Chiois Chamha, Gur mairg leinne air ’n do thar Thu ’N fheoil ma ’n do las meanmna an Fhir, Cho raibh ’n sud ach Ciois trian fir. 9 Ge be bheireadh uain an Smior, Chion agus nach bann dom dheoin, Bheirin breitich ris a Chnaimh, Go La bhrath nach blaissin Feoil. 10 Cnaimh an Daimh aillidh san T-sliabh Gun a chuir an coire riamh, Thugthar sud an Laimh na Deishe Air an lar nar fianishne. 11 Leanabh leanabidh is Laoich làn, Cho ’n ann’ Comh’ fhad theid an Comhrac, Cho leanabidh is Mac Riogh thar soal, On Tim the e fein air airtheast. 12 Dheridh Sheishear laidir Laoich Edir an Leanabh san Toglaoich Gun Fhiu na sgein air an Crios Air Eagal a Cheile mharbhadh. 13 Se huirt Connan maol mac Morna ’M fear a bhadh riamh ris an olc Thugthar dhamhsa ma Sgian fein, S go ’m bithin thall eattora. 14 Se huirt Oissean beg mac Fhein, Leith mar leith air an leath Roinn Thugthar dhamhsa mo Sgian fein, ’S thugthar a sgian fein do Chonnan. 15 ’S iomad Og an Earradh Gaisge Agus Laoch ar faicsin Gabhaidh, ’S iomad Laoch luanaich air Lannaobh, Gheibhte thall ma Cheannaibh Chnamha. (1) Gen bheilm. [TD 167] 16 Am facadh tu Iongnadh riamh A Chlerich, channadh gach Cliar (2) Bu mho na ’n Fhein uill a theachd slan, Ga ’n edrigin cu aon Chnainh. I. 16. BAS CHATRILL. 128 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 117. Advocates’ Library, April 10, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—This fragment is a second bit of the Quarrel between Caoirreal and Goll. It describes the death of the young Hero, and ends with Fionn’s Lament for his son. It is not in Kennedy’s First Collection. It seems to be more modern than the other, but it is fine Gaelic poetry. THE ARGUMENT. THE manner by which the death of this famous Hero was brought about was very tragical, whose story is related traditionally as follows:—Gaul being the most experienced Warrior of all the Bands of Fingal; and the only one living of the royal race of Clan Moirne, of whom he held command under the famous Flag and special advice of Fingal, and who upon all occasions and at all solemnities was honoured and regarded above any Man of either Clan—Gaul having always occupied the next seat to Fingal, and enjoyed the best and most delicious Messes, especially a Roast or Colop (called Mirmora) over and above the wont ratio of all the Grand Bands created him in his declining years ill will and aversion, by the ambitious Sons of Fingal, in particular Caril.—This Mirmora, or rather Mircorra, was a favourite Mess of Fingal and Gaul, which was but a choice Colop choped and mixed with marrow and herb seeds: It is described thus:— Mirmora nan laothan saille, Mar shruth meal air barach gheugan; Is greadhainn nan lus ga charadh, Do Mhomad armann nan geur-lann. This Mirmora and every other reward conferred upon Gaul was claimed by Caril, finding himself the bravest and most accomplished Champion among the Sons of Fingal, seeing Gaul aged and unfit for distant services, disputed his birth by dint of arms. The invincible Gaul and inveterate Caril entered the lists and engaged each other in wrestling whereby they could not decide the cause that day, being both equally overcome. The day following they met, well clad in armour, furnished with sword and Lance (against the presuation of Fingal) whereby they shewed great courage and bravery, and Gaul gave the decisive stroke to Caril, who has been lamented by Fingal for many days. Gaul fled and hid himself in a Cave full of grief and sorrow, not chosing to rely upon the friendship of Fingal till his days of mourning elapsed. The Poem opens at their engagement and ends by Fingal and the Bard’s lament over Caril’s corpse. BAS CHAIRILL. 1 ANN Tigh-teamhra nan cruite ciuil, Air dhuinne bhi steach mu’ n ol; Dhuisg an iomar-bhaidh na laoich, Cairill caomh, is Momad mor. 2 Dh’ eirich gu spairneachd na Suinn, Bu truime no ’n tuinn cuilg an cos; Sroinich an cuim chluinte cian, ’S an Fhiann gu cianail fui’ sprochd. 3 Clachan agus talmhinn trom, Threachailte le ’m buinn san stri; A cliarachd re fad an la. Gun fhios cia dhiu b’ fhearr sa ghniomh. 4 Air madainn an dara mhàireach, Chuai’ na suinn an dail a cheile; Cairill cuilgeara nam buadh, Agus Goll nan cruai’ lann geura. 5 Dh’ iathadh, dh’ imiridh, agus thàirneadh, Iad gu naisinnich sa chumasg; Gu cuidreach, cudramach, gàbhaidh Bu chian le cach gair am buillean. 6 Bu mhinig teine d’ an armaibh, ’S cothar garbh d’ an cneasa’ geala; Chuai’ an sleaghan righne bhernadh, ’S an sgiathan gu lar a ghearadh. 7 Thuit Cairill caoin, calma, ceanail, Gun anail fui’ n Chuinne-chrotha; ’S beudach, baolach, borb am buille, Leag an curaidh sa chruai’ chomhrag. 8 Mo laogh, mo leanabh, mo ghradhsa, ’S truagh a chraidh do bhas an t-athair; Do radh Fionn an aignidh chianail, Bu truime no ghrian fui’ phlathadh. 9 O Chairill! A Mhic, a ruinein! Dhruid do shuil, is ghlais do dheud-geal; Ghluais do neart mar osag uamsa, Chaochail do shnuadh mar bhla’ gheugan. 10 Cho ’n fhaicear ni ’s mo do thighin, Air an t-slighe chum na coi-stri; Cho mho chluinn mi fuaim do sgeithe, Ghaoil nam beum a’ teachd do’ m chonamh. 11 ’S truagh nach b’ ann le ain-neart choimheach. No Riogh an domhain a bhuailt u; ’S bheirinnse t-eiric a Chairill, O Chrigaile nan arm buadhar, 12 Beannachd dhuit a Chairill Cheutaich, ’S iomad ceud a dhiong thu ’n comhrag; B’ fhad a thriall u, b’ fhaide cliu ort, Ann ’s gach iul ann d’ fhuaras eolas. 13 Bu mhuirneach, misneachail, meamnach, Thu ’n Tigh-teamhra measg nan ceudan; A laoich fhuilichdich san torachd, Sgeula broin an diu’ mar dh’ eug u. 14 ’S truagh nach ann cathan mhilidh, Leaigt u mhin laoich nan dual arbhuidh; Bhiodh sliochd Cumhaill toirt diu torachd, Fea’ gach roid g’ an leon san àraich. 15 ’S tursach, deurach ceol na Feinne, Caoi’ an treun laoich, b’ eibhinn gaire; ’S tiamhaidh, dolach Fionn ga d’ bhron, Nach faicear beo u ’n teach nan armann. 16 ’S dosgach eug a ghaisgich euchdoil, Thuit gun t-eug-bhail ann sa chumasg; Mar neul oiche ghluais e uainne, ’S e sin an sgeul truagh is cumhainn. 17 Oighean Shora seinnear bron leo, A leith an Ogain chaoimh, aillidh; Mar cheo nam beann tha gach muthainn, ’S nithich, cumhach air lag mharan. 18 Tha’ n laoch araiceil toirteil, talmhaidh, Gun iomairt gun arm, gun uigheam; ’S cumhann conart, t-ionad comhnuidh, Chois an loin-gur mor am puthar 19 Air cuan nan leug, scian a ghluas e, Air sumainne uathmhunn, cair-gheal; Ceolmhor, ceileireach san leirg, Re tim seilg’ a tathach lan-daimh. 20 A laoich, mheidhich, mhuirnich, bhàdhaich, Labhraich laidir luimnich, bheimnich; Mar shruth neartmhor u measg namhan Soraidh leai a ghraidh nan geur-lann. O. 20. GOLL IS CAORULL. 16 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 111. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. THIS fragment, got near Dunkeld, is part of the same ballad of which two fragments are given above. C. 1 BHEIRINN boid ris a chraimh, Gu brath nach blaisinn an fheoil; Nan tugta dhiom an smear (smior) Cheana ’s nach b’ ann a’ m’ dheoir. G. 2 Chailleadh tu a smior, Ga mor do chion air feoil; B’ fhearr do Ghaisgeach luidhe air airm, Na gaoil a thoirt a bharan fheoir. (2) Cleas? [TD 168] C. 3 Air bhar an fheoir, ga mor do thair, ’S tric a sharuich thu ’n damh donn; Ruag thu ’n eild air a bhar, ’S a dh’ eirich tra ri ard nan tom. G. 4 Chaorul ’s beag mo speis, Do d’ chull nach robh riamh ach gann; Cha ’n fhui’ cuis lann air son smior, ’S eu ni troda ma chnaimh. Z. 25. COIREAL. 60 lines. Orally collected by Hector Mac Lean, in Barra, September 30, 1860. SO far as it goes, this version is almost word for word the same as Kennedy’s version, I. The man who sang this, lives still, in Barra. As Kennedy’s manuscript never was published, this shows what national memory is capable of accomplishing. Donald Mac Phie could, and did, repeat and sing to slow tunes, nearly all the Heroic Ballads which Gillies printed in 1786. The book is very rare. He did not know any part of the Gratis edition of Ossian, distributed in 1818; but the Catechist quoted used to give readings from that book. National memory will not be instructed, but is ignorantly conservative. Z. 38. is another version, of 44 lines, written by Alexander Carmichael, and recited by Kenneth Morrison, in Skye, about 1860. A second version was recited to the same collector, by Kenneth. I have them both in vol. 12 of my unpublished collection, see Index, vol. iv., 329, 330. How old this ballad may be, or who composed it, I cannot guess, but it is more than a hundred years old: it was known in Dunkeld, Barra, Skye, and Ceantire, long ago, and it is commonly sung still by the uneducated classes, in spite of the educated, who try to put down this kind of entertainment. COIREAL. ’S ann a thaobh bàis Choiril a bha mìorun aig Fionn do Gholl gus an do mharbh e Conn Mac an Deirg. 1 AN taigh Teamhra nan cruite ciuil, Air dhuinn a bhith steach mu ’n ol, Dhuisg ann an iomar bhaidh na laoich,— Coireal caomh a ’s Mòmad mor. 2 Dh’ eirich gu spairneachd na suinn, Bu truime na ’n tuinn cuilg an cas, Strònaich an arm chluinnte cian, ’S an Fhìnn gu cianail fo sprochd. 3 Clachan agus talamhan trom, Treachaillte le ’m buinn ’s an stri; Cliarachd aca fad an la, Gun fhios co dhiu b’ fhearr ’s a’ gniomh. 4 Air madainn an la ’r na mhaireach, Chaidh na suinn an dàil a cheile,— Coireal cuilgearra nam buadh, Agus Goll nan cruaidh-lann geura. 5 Dh’ iadhadh, dh’ iomaireadh, agus thairneadh. Iad gun nàisneachd anns a’ chumasg; Gu cuidreach, cudthromach, gabhaidh, Bu chian le cach gàir am buillean. 6 Bu mhinig teine d’ an armaibh; Cobhar garbh dh’ an cneasaibh geala: Chaidh an sleaghan ruighne ’bhearnadh, ’S an sgiathan gu làr a ghearradh. 7 Thuit Coireal caomh, calma, ceanail, Gun anail, fo ’n Gholl chròdha; ’S beudach, baoghalach, borb am buille, ’Leag an curaidh ’s a’ chruaidh chomhrag. 8 Mo ghaol! mo leanabh! mo ghradhsa! ’S truagh a chraidh do bhàs an t-athair! Gu ’n robh Fionn an aigne chianail, ’Bu truime na ’ghrian fo phlathadh. 9 O! Choiril! a mhic! a rùnain! Dhruid do shùil a ’s ghlais do dheudach; Dh’ fhalbh do dhreach mar oiteig, uamsa; Chaochail do shnuadh mar bhlàth gheugan. 10 Cha ’n fhaicear na ’s mò do thighinn. Air an t-slighe chum na comh-stri; Cha mhò a chluinnear fuaim do sgéithe, A ghaoil nam beum, a’ tighinn gu m’ chomhnuidh. 11 Is truagh nach b’ ann an cathan mhìlidh A leagt’ thu, ’mhìn-laoich nan dual orbhuidh; Bhiodh sliochd Chumhail ’toirt dhiu tòrachd, Feadh gach ròid ’gan leon ’s an àraich. 12 Is truagh nach b’ ann le ainneart choimheach, Na righ an Domhain a bhuailt’ thu, Is bheirinn-sa t’ eirig, a Choiril; O Bhreatannaich nan arm bhuadhar. 13 Beannachd dhuit a Choiril cheutaich, ’S iomadh ceud a dhiong thu ’n comhrag; B’ fhada ’thriall thu, ’s b’ fhaide cliù ort, Anns gach iuil an d’ fhuaradh eolas. 14 Bu mhuirneach, misneachail, meanmnach Thu ’n taigh Teamhra ’measg nan ceudan;— A laoich fhuileachdaich ’s an tòrachd, Sgeul a bhròin, an diugh, gu ’n d’ eug thu. 15 A laoich mhithich, mhùinich, bhàghaich, Labhraich, làidir, lainnich, bheumnaich; Mar shruth neartar thu ’measg nàmhaid; Soraidh leat a ghràidh nan geur-lann. From Donald Mac Phie, Breubhaig, Barra, who says he learnt it from Roderick Mac Donald, Catechist, North Uist, about 32 years ago. Mac Donald died shortly afterwards, at an advanced age. Breubhaig, Barra, September 30, 1860. H. 27. HOW GOLL DIED. 288 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 128. Advocates’ Library, December 22, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS version was given to Dr. Smith. With it compare ‘Gaul, a Poem,’ p. 150, edition 1780, and ‘Tiomna Ghuill’ (Gaul’s last will), 1787, ‘Sean Dana’, page 40. The Doctor says in a note that the most common editions are much adulterated by a mixture of the Ursgeuls or ‘tales of later times.’ He quotes mention of Goll Mac Morna in Barbour, &c. But nevertheless Mac Lauchlan of Old Aberdeen declared that Dr. Smith himself composed his ‘edition’ of Gaul. I have never been able to find any trace of it outside of these two books. Nevertheless, they contain the usual traces of the traditional poetry in a curiously altered yarn upon which the poetry is strung. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL had a son named Coirall who was an excellent warior, and learnt in all the art of war. Goll was the foremost Hero in the Company, besides Fingal (for he was the first man that would go down in battle, and the last one that would come up). The reward he had for that, was a great Collop every day of the venison, called by them, Mirmorradh, and equal share with the rest again; likewise all the marrow of the bones (for there were none of them so big as Goll, and accordingly he would eat and do more than). Coirall was in enmity with Goll for having such a reward, and said: If he was worth, that he might have this Reward for himself before any other. He ordered Goll to come, and that they would try a single Combat and whoever would be the victor that he would have the Reward afterwards. Goll answered him, and began first to wrestle, the solid ground would shake under them, with their vast strength, but the one would not overcome the other. Again they began with their Arms, and tried several ways, they had for fighting; their swords would glance like a wandering star, and the sweat running down from their bodies like small rivulet’s stream on the plain, and that of a bloody colour, with equal skill and strength, so that the one could not overcome the other. Lastly they tryed the Cross-beam (that is a large piece of Timber they had betwixt them, a cross, and the one drawing it from the other). The one sat on the inside, the other on the outside of the threshold of their house before they gave over, they broke the door, and Coirall gained the victory. Goll was sore vexed that Coirall had gained the victory, and took it as a great afront and shame; Then he asked of Fingal how he would kill Coirall, and Fingal did never refused a petition to any one; he told him if he would go to the middle of the shore and to give a trial there again, when the flowing would come and the waters would become deep, that he might overcome Coirall, because he was lower than him; but if he would kill him that he would loose the kindness of the Heroes now and forever. Goll rather die than to loose his Reward and to sustain afront also: they went away to the shore with their Arms, and began to strike each other, and so lasted untill the tide came to Coirall higher than the navel and [TD 169] could not stand no longer in the water, then Goll killed him. Goll fled then into a cave full of blood and wounds for he durst not go to the Heroes any more, since he killed Coirall. When Oscar heard where Goll was, he went to see him into the cave (for they were fellow-companions in every place and battle), and after a while’s conversation, Oscar went away, and Goll cast his spear after him, and if he would not have his shield on him, he would fall on the spot. Oscar let him alone, but unluckily to him Oscar’s shield got some damage, and when Fingal saw the shield, he ordered the Heroes to go and kill Goll. They all went away to kill Goll, but he ran into a Peninsula that runs into the sea, and Fingal set watch on the Isthmus, so that he could not come out till he would starve in the Island. He made there his last will to his wife, and told her the man she would marry after him, and starv’d at the end of twelve days and a half on the Peninsula. DAN 26. 1 ‘A RIGHINN is binne ceól, Gluais gu nárach ’s na gabh brón; Mar bu bheairt shubhach le saoi, ’S mar bu chubhaidh do dhea’ mhnaoi.’ 2 ‘Na faicar do dhéur a bhos, A righinn is míne bos; No dean déur mu ni nach fhuigh, Agus na dean an tír fhailh.’ 3 ‘Cuimhnich d’ airgead ’s cuimhnich d’ ór, Cuimhnich do shíde ’s do shról; Cuimhnich sior leanmhuinn an fhir, ’S olc a thig diodhlain bean dea’ fhir.’ 4 ‘Cuimhnich air do mhiosair mheamnach, A bhiodh againn an Tigh-teamhra; ’Nuair bhiodhmaid aìr magh na bárach, Bhiodh gach aon neach dhinn re gard’ chas.’ 5 ‘Cuimhnich air do sheachd coin sheilge, Thug mi dhuit an cath Chruai’-leirge; ’S gach aon chu dhiu sin gun sóradh, Gu marbhadh s’ e fiadh na onrachd.’ 6 ‘C’ áit am fuigh mi calma cómhraig, A dhea’ Ghuill mheamnaich mhic mornna; ’S maith is aithne dhamhsa ’n lán laoch, ’Aogh mac na Caillich o ’n Spáilte.’ 7 ‘Air a laimhsa Ghuill ghreadhnaich, Air fhineach is air a dhaoine; Cha bhi mo chomann glan caoin, Aig aon mhac Caillich a choidch.’ 8 ‘Ni mac Caillich a tha ’n Aogh, Ach mac na mná ’s fhearr san t-saogh’l; An t-shaor shlat do ’n chinneadh Oscar, ’S an lamh fheum is fhearr gu Lochlan.’ 9 ‘Beiridh tu dh’ a naonar mac, Agus inghean is geal glac; Gur aithne dhamh béud a bhos, Gun d’ theid i éug d’ a ceud toraich.’ 10 ‘Aine nan suidheadh tu air lár, Gun innsainn dhuit úr-rachd; Air an dea’ churidh dhána, Mhead sa dh’ aithrich mo threun lamhsa.’ 11 ‘Latha do bha air Chruachan curidh, Shinn air fhineach Fhinn mhic Chuthail; Bha sinn fein agus Aogh glinnaich, ’S ann ag ól agus ag iomairt.’ 12 ‘’S ann uamsa thuit an guth dona, Ris an do ghabh Fionn a chorraich; ’S labhair e gu fiatidh cró’-dhearg, A sior iarruidh tuilidh cómhraig.’ 13 ‘De man sguir mis agus tú, ‘D’ ar ’neud is d’ ar ’n namh-rún; Cha bhi d’ ar comann glan grinn, Ach an dara fear an Eirinn.’ 14 ‘Gun toir mi ort a mhic Mornna, Sgur do d’ thair-fhocail ’s do d’ chómhrag; Gu b’ fhearr dhuit úr-labhr’ gun chuimhne, No bhi sior mharbhadh mo mhuintir.’ 15 ‘’N sin labhair fear ciuineadh gach fearg, B’ e sin Breacan mac Righ Cro-dhearg; Greasamar na laoich so luidhe, Tha na laoich air mheisg a mire.’ 16 ‘Chuaidh Fionn a chodal air thús, Chosgar ’n éud is ar namh-rún; Is na bruidhn’ agus na t-éug-bhail, O! ’s ann d’ a bu chubhaidh geur-bhail,’ 17 ‘’N oidhche sin dhuinne gu ló, Sinn re h-iomairt is re h-ol; ’G eisteachd re gáiraich luchd ciuil, ’S re duain fhilidh bu bhinn búr.’ 18 ‘Bha sinn uil’ air theachd an ló, Re h-imtheachd do dh’ Innse-freoin; Bha fuaimneach air ann gu lionmhor, Agus mnái a’ dol nan diolaid.’ 19 ‘Rainig sinn Corcair-an-leirg, ’S do bha an amhuinn na feirg; ’N uair bhiodh i na muinne bras, Cha ’n fhéudadh aon neach dol thairt.’ 20 ‘An sin dhuinn gu meadhan ló, Gus an sgaoileadh am fionna-cheó; Ag éisteachd re fuaim nan gleann, Gus an traoidhadh i gu fánn.’ 21 ‘Amharc da d’ thugeamar uam, Air an t-sligh a bha mu thuath; Gu facamar Righ na Féinne, Cosgairt nam fiadh, is fhir thréune.’ 22 ‘Do Rainig mi aigneadh mhor, Ge d’ nach raibh mi lionmhor sloigh; Gun do dheasaich mi mo lothainn; Air an t-sliagh a bha ma chomhair.’ 23 ‘Do chunnaig sinn a teachd marcaich, An-mhor treabhach, se ro-ghasde; ’S gu b’ e marcaich na meisg chothan, Marcaich a b’ áille san domhan.’ 24 ‘Marcaich cuirnnainach, cas-dhonn, Sa Chuirnne ghlas air a ghualain; Fuidh sgé phoiblidh gu neo’ thime, ’S fui’ éideadh sróil agus sligneach.’ 25 ‘Air each ceann-fhionn ceannard, cleasach, Fad mhuinealach, mhaó, chneasach; B’ e ’n stéud eatrom, úrar, mhearcach, Fuidh ’n ti eibhinn, uasal, mheamnaich.’ 26 ‘Ghluais iad uile ’n sin Fiann Eirann, A dh’ fhagail sgéul do ’n treun fhear; Ciod a b’ ainm dh’ a, nn da bhuthainn, No ciad e ádhbhar a thurais.’ 27 ‘Dh’ innis eisean gu neo’ sgáthach, Aogh mac na Caillich o ’n Spáilte; A dh’ iarruidh mo roghain d’ ar mnái, Cia dhiu ’s aingain libh ’no ’s áill.’ 28 ‘Do fhreagair e Fionn gun lán, ’S faoin do dhuil a churidh láin; Gu ’m fuigh thu do mhiann d’ ar mnáith, A dh’ aingain dea Fhianntidh Pháil.’ 29 ‘Mar a fuigheamsa gu deonach, Mo roghain d’ar mnáithaibh ór-bhuidh; Cómhrag naoi naonair d’ ar calmaibh, ’S áill leam fhaghail air a bhall so.’ 30 ‘Chuir iad naoi naonair laoch calma, A chlaoidh Aogh ghil a dh’ aon aurra; ’S thuit iad uile leis an-ógan, Air uilean an t-sleibh na onrachd.’ 31 ‘An sin chuir Fionn caogad ceannard, A chlaoidh Aogh ghill a dh’ aon aurra; ’S thuit iad ach Fearr ghuin is Faoghlan, Agus Mor-lámh bu chruaidh baoghlach.’ 32 ‘Ghluais iad an sin le mór phnámhan; Leis gu teach Fhinn na mór ábhachd; An deidh an curine calma, Gheibh buaidh is blagh ’s gach an la.’ 33 ‘An sin do chuir Fionn mac Chuthail, Fios chugam fein gu luath lunach; ’S du fuighinn, síth, ’s duais gun aireamh, Nan d’ thiginn a chlaoidh an lan laoich.’ 34 ‘Dh’ imich mi fein le ’m fhir mheamnach, Gu luath luinnach gu Tigh-teamhra; Air iartas beoil Fhinn mhic Chuthail, Gu coimhead a mhná’ o ’n mhuirach.’ [TD 170] 35 ‘Thug e leis gun gheilt roi ’n lámhan, A roghain d’a mnaithaibh sar-gheal; Co cho’ alaich e gun fhann-chrith, Ach mi fein is ’m fheara calma.’ 36 ‘Bu tréun marcaich an eich shonraicht, Thug tri ruaig roimhainn mar sheóchdain; Is do dh’ fhag e marbh air an drim, Naoi naonair gach aon uair dhinn.’ 37 ‘Do mharbhadh leis naoi mic Fhilidh, ’S do mharbhadh leis naoi mic Mhinne; Do mharbhadh leis naoi mic Pháil, ’S do mharbhadh leis naoi mic Aille.’ 38 ‘Do mharbha’ leis Aogh mac Doire, Fear a dhioleadh gach mor bhaile; Fear nach do dh’ éur riamh aon neach, A bhiadh no dheoch le fiaradh leamh.’ 39 ‘Ghluaiseamar fein ann na dháil, Is ma ghluais cha b’ ann gun cháil; Mar neart na tuinne gu mór thir, B’ amhluidh sin ar buillean cómhraig.’ 40 ‘Eisean cha d’ fhodhain d’ a ghniomh, Is cha d’ fhodhain dhosan mi; Thug e spuir sa Bhan-righ leis, ’S mharcaich e san amhuinn deis.’ 41 ‘Ghluaiseamar fein ann san áth, ’S de ma ghluais cha b’ ann mar thá; ’N uair bha an saoghal air sórd, Gu bu nós dhamh laoch a leon.’ 42 ‘Thairneamar cloidheamh a truail, ’N deidh briseadh air sleagh lán-chruai’; ’S deacair inns’ no aithris ulleadh, Do bhuaileama rgu cruai’ cuidreach.’ 43 ‘Mar fhadhadh teine a dornn, ’S mar eabhal air cloidheamh gorm; Do dh’ imich a sgiathsan nach cruinne, ’S gun do dh’ imich mo sgiaths’ uile.’ 44 ‘Eisean cha d’ fhodhain d’ a ghniomh, Is cha d’ fhadhain dhosan mi; Thug leis a spuir sa chéile (cheile) ’S mharcaich e san amhuinn chéudna.’ 45 ‘’N sin thainig Fionn fein a’ mach, An Righ ea-trom suairce glan; (suairce) Thug e sgairt as air an fhaithche, Is tri pogan do ’n mharcaich.’ 46 ‘Mile failte dhuits’ Aogh áluin, A mhic Righ na h-Eas-spáilte; Cia na sloigh a bh’ air do cheann, Ailis Aoigh nam beumaibh calm.’ 47 ‘Sluagh aluin, árd-gheal, neartmhor, Treo’rach, nárach, ’s iad neo’ meate; Gun easbhuidh air each no air duine, An treise nan dreach nan cruitheachd.’ 48 ‘Na h-ursanna catha calma, Gheibha buaidh gach sluaigh is armailt; ’S ann dhamh fein a bha san dán, Teachd o bhuillean trom an lámh.’ 49 ‘Rinn iad an sin reit is ól, Fionn is Aogh bu chalma dornn; Gabh mo chomhairl’ is mo ghrádh, ’S rig le d’ mhaitheas e gun cháird.’ 50 ‘O! ’s coma leam ciod a ni mi, Mar an d’ thig thu steach a mhílidh; Tuilidh mi air sgá’ a chuain so, Fuidh ullach broin agus uamhan.’ 51 ‘Aine fagsa chreag chruaidh, A righinn is gile snuagh; Gus an cinn fraoch air muir mear, Cha d’ theid mi chugad a steach.’ 52 ‘Tri triathibh fichead dhamh gun bhiadh, Mar nach raibh neach roimham riamh; A bhi air sgáth na fairge fuair, Ag ól an t-sàile shearbh ruaidh.’ 53 ‘Nach tárr thusa steach a laoich, ’S dean an codal so re ’m thaobh; Is bheireamsa dhuit mar ioclaint, Do d’ chabhair bainne mo chioche.’ 54 ‘’S measa na sin mar a tha, Inghean Chonaill chaoimh an áigh; Comhairle mná near na niar, Cha ghabh ’s cha do ghabhsa riamh.’ 55 ‘Oir do dh’ fholbh mo cháil a choidch, Mar mhaóth shneachd no duileach cóill; Mar chrionas gach luibh sa Gheamhradh, Dhubh mo chroidhe le nimh is campar.’ 56 ‘Is dh’ fholbh ’m aimsir agus ’m úin, Mar gach cách a chuaidh san úir; Cha mho gháiras grian air fáire, No madain a dhuisgas ’m árdan.’ 57 ‘Beannachd leatsa Aine ghradhach, ’S leis gach ní, is neach, is ábhachd; Ach ullaichadh ’m fheara cómhraig, Uaigh dhamh air an eilain ór-bhui ’s.’ 58 ‘Thuit an tréun laoch air a charraig, Ge d’ bu mhór a neart sna cathain; Aon laoch fuileachdach na Féinne, ’N uair a dh’ éite cath is t-eug-bhail.’ 59 Thuit Aine ’n sin air a bhlár, Fuidh thúrsa, gun treis no cail; Is labhair i le fánn chómhradh, Air an amhail so do-bhronach. 60 ‘A laoich mhílidh bu mhor maitheas, ’S truagh thu chaochla’ air sgeir mhare; A dhiobhail deoch ach an saile; Fhir a gheibha buaidn ’s gach gabhadh.’ 61 ‘Ni ’s mo cha chluinar thu sgathadh, Na naimhde mar ghéuga baraich; Na do ghuth an teach nan céuda, Fhir bu mhor blagh, fonn, is tréune.’ 62 ‘Bha neart do chuim mar thréun tuinne, ’S na blára mar fhiadh air chuthach, Na mar sheobhag a measg eanlaich, Na iolair neartmhor gun mheinach.’ 63 ‘Cha b’ e airm Righridh chuir gu bás, Thu laoich an truid, bu mhor áill; Ach fuachd, is ocras, agus iota, Air sgá’ a chuain fhuaraidh fhior-ghlain.’ 64 ‘A Thriath slios Alba bu mhor agh, Samach dò leaba, gu lá bhrath; Cho d’ thig a mhadain sin a choidhch, A dhuisgas tu o úir gu soìls.’ 65 ‘Threig thu Tigh-teamhra’ gu siorruidh, Is Fionn fialaidh is mor ghniomhach; Bu tu tréun a dhion ’a gach cómhrag, Tha ’n diu cumhach is cha’ neónach.’ 66 ‘Cha chluinn gu bráth fuaim do sgétha, ’S cha mho tharlas orm le h-eibhneas; ’S truagh a thachair dhamh am ónrachd, Fuidh mhor thime, snithach, bronach.’ 67 ‘Cha mhó chi do shiuil air chuantidh, Na do bhratach dhathach uaine; Na oran do rámhach armaicht, Bu bhinn iol-ghair air stuath chalma.’ 68 ‘Cha mhó chi mi sa bhéinn t-seilg, Thu Ghuill mhearcaich bu mhai’ eirmis; Na cothann do ghadhair sheange, Air aonach roi’ d’ fhir mhor, mheamnach.’ 69 ‘Thuit mo chroidh’ gun drislsa deábiach, Ann an dubhachas gun abhachd; Mar a ghrian dorcha le nealaibh, Nach dean gáir air béinn nan seimh-ghleann.’ 70 Tha mi lan shálhach ag amharc, Air do lanna gorma glana; Fhuair buaidh air gach neach an cómhrag, Fhir bu mhai’ cruth, mór treun, solach. 71 ‘A chip chatha bu mhear cómhrag, Gu ma beannaichte do chomhnuidh; Séinneàm da chliú gu neo’ éibhinn, Le deó dheireannach mo chreabhaig.’ 72 ‘Cho ’n ionadh mi bhi gun sólas, ’S mi mar chraoibh an gleann na h-on rachd; Mu seach dh’ fhag iad mi gam leiradh, Le nimh-chrá’ gach la nan deidh uil.’ [TD 171] I. 17. BAS GHUILL. 288 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 121. Advocates’ Library, April 10, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS second version has been considerably altered. Verses are recast, and names are changed in accordance with the changes in the Argument which are remarkable. It seems that Kennedy was falling into the fashion of his time, and altering his texts. The lines which are left out are repetitions of the first version. Whoever composed this wrote very good Gaelic poetry a hundred years ago. THE DEATH OF GAUL. Extracts. THE ARGUMENT. GAUL the son of Moirne remains in the cave whereto he fled after he kilt Caril in a melancholy and forlorn condition, without any other company than his wife, and was frequently visited by Oscar, his trusty companion, they being the only two that were sent upon the most dangerous enterprises by Fingal. Notwithstanding Oscar’s great love and favour, Gaul was afraid he would sometime discover his place of abode to Fingal who seemed still inclinable to be revenged upon him for the death of Caril. Gaul of a day Oscar had gone to see him, when they departed threw his spear after him whereby Oscar was slightly wounded. Oscar did not chose to requite the injury, went home, and was soon obliged to divulge how it happened with him to get wounded to Fingal, who instantly ordered Gaul to be pursued and banished. Gaul fled into an Island or Pininsula. Fingal ordered not to pursue him any further, and planted a watch upon the Isthmus in case he should make his escape. Thus the great, valarous, and invincible Caledonian, Gaul, the Chief of the Clan of Moirne famished upon the desolate Island where he lived for eleven days upon dilse and vegetables. The Poem begins by Gaul comforting his wife Malag who sat upon the opposite shore giving her a charge to carry his effects with her from the Hall of Fingal, and to marry Aogh, a former lover of hers, of whom he gives an account how he had engaged him at a river called Corcar-an-deirg. After his death Malag laments over his grave in a most tragical strain. 2 No dean bron mu ni nach fuigh A choi’ ch no dean tìr shaigh. 3 Toir leat t-airgead, agus t-òr Toir leat do sheudan, ’s do shròl; Cuimhnich sior leanmhuinn an fhir, ’S olc na h-aonaran bean dea’ fhir. 5 Na coin luthar, luimneach, laidir Mharbhadh feidh ann an cuilg na damhair. 8 An t-shaor shlat do ’n fhine chosgar, 10 A Mhalag nan suighe tu air lar, Gun insinn duit ur-sgeul; 15 An caomh Brecan Mac Rìogh Cro-dhearg; Greasamar na sloigh so luighe, Tha laoich air mheisg a’ mire. 16 Laoch na ful gun iomar-bhàidh, Bu mhor speis do dh’ fhiantai’ Phail. 17 Ag eisteachd ri seinn luchd ciuil, 18 Bha fuaimneachd lann oirn’ ag eiridh, 19 Nuair bhiodh i na buinne bras, 20 Ag eisteachd ri fuaim nam beann, ’S Corcair a’ traodhadh nan gleann. 21 A’ cosgairt nam fiadh bu mhor feileach. 23 Gu b’ e macan na misg-chothann. 24 Fui’ sge’ chreimnich gu neo thime, Le eideadh loinreach, is sligneach. 26 Ghluais iad uile Fiann na h-Eireann, A dh’ fhaghail sgeula do ’n treun laoch; Dh’ fhiosraich Fionn gu meigheach, baghach, A thuras thair druim gach bearna. 27 Dh’ innis an laoch gu neo’-sgàthach, Aogh Mac Mhanalain o ’n Spailte; Dh’ iarruidh mna’ a’ d’ bhantrachd Fhinn, Is aille cruth is snuadh cinn. 28 Do fhreagair e Fionn gun on, ’S faoin do thriall o Innse-toir; Gu fuigh u rodhain na mnai; A dh’ aidneoin dea’ Fhiantaidh Phail. 30 Air uilean an t-sleibh air lonan. 31 An sin chuir Fionn caogad toiseach, A chlaoi Aogh ghil, cearta comhla; Thuit iad ach Fearginn is Faoghlan, Agus Morlamh nam beum baoghlach 32 Ghluais iad iule le mor phnàmhan, Leis gu teach Fhinn na mor àbhachd; An deidh nan cur’ aine treuna, Bu mhor buaidh ann cumasg cheudan. 33 An sin do chuir Fionn Mac Cumhail, Fios chugam fein gu Sliabh buidh; ’S gu fuighinn Sith, is cìs aghor, 35 Thug e leis sa ghreis an t-àrmann, Seimhrosg nam buadh, nam bos bana; Co chomhlaich e gun fhann-chrith, Ach mi fein nach treigeadh bantrachd. 38 Fear nach diobradh an cruai’ ghabhadh; Laoch nach do dh’ eur riamh aon neach. 39 Is mu ghluais, cho b’ ann mar thà; Mar neart na tuinne gu mor-thir, B’ amhluidh sin ar beum sa chomhrag. 40 Thug e steud sa Bhan-riogh leis. 44 Thug e leis a steud sa chèile, 47 Gun easbhuidh sa ghreis air duine, An treise no ’n dreach, no ’n cuma. 48 Na suinn chatha, chalma, chalgach, Bu mhor, treubhach, euchdach, armach. 49 Rinn laoich sith reit, is ol, Fionn is Aogh le ’n glaoite ceol, A Mhalag nam ban glac mo ghradh, Srig an Triath nach iargain agh. 50 O! ’s coma leom ciod a ni mi, Mar a tarr u steach a mhilidh; ’S cian mo bhron air sga’ a chuain, Ag caoi gach lo na dh ’ imich uainn. 51 Cho ’n fhaic u mi choi’ch air lear. 55 Dh’ fholbh mo chàil agus mo chlì, Mar chathadh cuir, no coill chrìn; Mar mheathas an luich sa mhagh, Mheath mo chroidh nach diongaite ’m bail. 56 Ghluais mo laith mo bhai’ mo mhuirnn, Mar gach àll a chuai’ sau uir; C’ uin a ghaireas grian air fàire. 57 Ainnir og nan rosgaibh ciùin, ’Sguir a’ d; bhron,—na leon do rùn; Beannachd leat a ghraidh nam ban, ’S cianail bas Och ’s cian a dh’ fhan. 58 Thuit an treun laoch air an traidh, Bu mhor neart ann cneas nam blar; Aon laoch fuileachdach na Feinne, Ann comhrag lann, ri am na t-eug-bhail. 59 Thuit geug nan ciabh air a bhlar, Mar ghealach fui’ neul an là; Dhuisg a h-aigneadh, las a comhradh, B’ fhann a guth, gu tursach bronach. 60 A laoich mhilidh, bu mhor agh, ’S truagh do dhiobradh air tir tràit; 61 Ni ’s mo cho chluinnear u sgathadh Na naimhde mar gheuga’ barraich; Do ghuth Chluinte cian thair ceudan, C’ uin a chluinn mi fuaim do sgeithe. 62 Bha neart mo ghràidh mar ghair tuinne, Ann ’s na blaraibh, b’ aghoir buille; Mar sheobhag u measg nan eun, No iolair nam beann gun mhein. 63 Cho b’ airm Rioghraidh chuir gu bas, An laoch nach dithneicht’ am blar; Ach fuachd, trosg, is gort, is iota, Air sgath a chuain fhuara’ fhior-ghlain. 64 A Thriath nan lear, ’s nam beann àrd, ’S mor an sgeula t-eug ’s an traidh; C’ uin a thig a mhadainn chiuin, A mhosglas an sonn a h-uir? [TD 172] 65 Dhibir u Teamhra’ nan lann, Fhinn na feile ’s bèud a th’ ann; ’S tric a sheas an treun do chomhrag, Laoch nam beum nach euradh coi’-stri. 66 Tarma liobharra, trom, geura, C’ o ni ’ m teirbirt, co ne feum leo? ’S truagh a thuradh dhamh bhi ’m onrachd, Fui’ throm thioma, snithach, bronach. 67 C’ uin a chi, mo run air chuantaidh, No do bhratach dhathach, uaine; No orain do ramhachd armach, Bu bhim iol-ghaire air stuath chalma. 68 Cho mho chi mi sa bheinn t-seilge, Thu Ghuill mheargant a b’ fhearr eirmis; No cothairt do ghadhar seanga, Air aonach nam beann a teamh-ruigh. 69 Chaochail dhamh gu bron a chlarsach, Le luchd nan deur dh’ eug mo mharan; Luigh m’ aigneadh mar cheo air sleibhti’ Nach gluais gaoth nam beann a cheilidh. 70 B’ amhail an laoch is crann-giusaich, Dhionadh a lann gach fann ghluineacht Fhuair buaidh air gach borb an comhrag, Fhir a b’ fhearr cruth, ’s dubh do chomhnuidh. 71 A Thriath nan lann, ’s fann a dh’ fhag mi. Snithich mo rosg nach coisg àbhachd; Seinnim do chliu gun run eibhinn, ’N cian is beo, cho’ n eol damh threigsinn. 72 Cho’ n iodhnadh mi bhi gun sòlas, Mi mar chrann ann gleann na h-onrachd; Mu seach dh’ fhag na h-armainn threibheach Mi fui’ chradh, gach la gu deurach. P. 8. MOLADH AOIDH LE GOLL. 20 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 62. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 22, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS fragment is part of the Death of Goll, picked up in Mull, about 1800. 1 CHA Mhac Caillich idir e: Ach machd na nna ’us fearr fun Ghrein, Oig-fhear gasta glanar grinn Gaisgich e do dh’ Fhiannibh Eirinn. 2 Chunnachdar a tign na cubhich Marchdach air Each Barr-fhionn buidhe, Each-bus-leabh a geug-mhor glan, Ceann aigionnaich eadtrom earroil; 3 Crios leathann mo thaobh an laoich, ’Us cha bu chrios Leathunn do ’n rod chaol, Ceann corr glagganach Leadhar, Scian fhada ghorm Dhìsnich, (1) 4 Bha ’n Abhuinn na buinne brăs ’Us cha ’n fhaoite le neach dol thairt, Ach Marchdach ro ghast an Eich mhòir, Leum eisan thairt ’n ceud-fhear 5 Th’ seasamh mis’ m’ bèul an àth, ’Us th’ saòlis gum bu mhath mo làmh, Chluinnte screadail air sciath ma seach, Ach scoilt e mo sciath re ’m sceamhail. (2) X. 13. DAN AN EICH BHARR-BHUIDHE. 130 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, February 10, 1872. THIS is another fragment of Gaul’s last Dialogue with his Wife. Taken from the recitation of Betty Sutherland, in 1857, in Caithness. 1 AITHNE chragach a chraig a chruaidh, ’S a ribhinn aluinn aon uair, Ach an d’ tig fraoch tre mhic an fhir, Cha bhi diolain aig bean deagh fhear, 2 Aithne na cluinnear do ghul, Ma ni nach gabh ri do chruadh chàs, ’S na biodh do bhron ma ni nach eil, I! nach eil e ’s ’n tir thalmhaidh 3 Cuimhnich t’ airgid cuimhnich t-òr, Cuimhnich do bhuan ghreidh ’S iad gach uair ga d’ ardach’, Cuimhnich do sheachd coin seilg Thainig o thaobh muigh an leirg, 4 Ciod am buaine na fir, Be so uair de ’n iomairt. Bha mi aidhear ’s an Albinn fheile Air fineacha Mhic Cumhail, 5 Mise agus Aodh Dioreach Air fineachan’ chruinn thalmhinn, Air an t’ shreoil is an t’ shide ghlan, ’G òl fion ’s a ’g thoirbheirt 6 Is mise a labhair aig an fhion Comhradh nach b’ fhiach ri radh, ’S ann uam dh’ imich an guth carr Ris na ghabh Fionn a chorruich 7 Labhair sin gu foill Ghoill mheanmuinich ro mhor, B’ fhearr dhut thiginn air labhradh eile Na bhi marbhadh ur muintir, 8 Chaint sin theireadh tu nochd Mhic Muirn na labhradh ard Gu faigheadh tu fo do dhorn gu glinn Gach dara fear a bha sa ’n Eirinn 9 Dh’ eirich fear stiuraidh an tigh Macan mac fir chràbhaidh Dar bhitheas sluagh air mhisg An fhir b’ fhearr an closd, Nan leabaichean 10 Luidh sinne sud uile an Fhiann Eadar an ear ’s an iar Leinn ciod be ur n’ aonadh b’ fhearr, Thug sinn ur trial gu dealachadh 11 Fir dhonn nan each mear Sheang shuairc o ’n ear O bhinn na slait a Greagh Gu binn dol da ’n diollaid. 12 An oidhche sin duinn gu ullumh, Marcachd an deigh a bhuinne Ach an d’ rainig sinn an leirg Is an abhainn na fath feirg Is i na buinne cas 13 Cha rachadh duine againn thairis Bha sinn sin gu brioghal beachdal An oidhche sin duinn gu diarmadach ’G eisdeachd ri gaoth nam beann 14 Ach an traoghadh an abhainn 15 Cha robh sinn a bheag ann Do ’n t’ shluagh b’ fhiach an aireamh Do ’n t’ shluagh adhmholtach laghach, De eich taghadh d’ dheagh mharcaich, 16 Sin dar sgaoil an ceo Dar thainig meadhon an lò Sgaoil pobull Fhinn gu farsuing Is leag e thugainn aon mharcach, 17 Marcach an eich bharr bhuidhe Thainig thugainn da nr guidh. ’S e eanghach taoruingeach leasach Muinealach mor fad shiosach. 18 Marcach an eich chungantach chorr Naoi uairean chaidh e tromhainn, Air a bhàs gus ’n deach ur sluagh Aithne air mun deach e uaithne 19 Thuit le caol druim na suairc Naonar ris gach aon uair Mharbhadh leis Airtair mac Doir, Fear gu biadhadh a chruidh mheanmh 20 Fear nach do dhiult biadh na deoch, Do dhuine riamh ’s e ’n ainnis Thug mi mo sgriob thunn an àth B’ fhearr leam gu ’m b’ ann na thrà (1) Spotted. In a different hand. (2) To his shoulder. In a different hand. [TD 173] 21 Shaoil leam dar bha saoghal air surd Gu ’n gleachduinn aon laoch costadh Chuir mi mo dhruim ris an àth An d’ shùl gu’ n robh druim agam dha 22 Ge truime leamsa do shleagh Cha chumadh i ris an laoch ud aon bhuile Thug e spuir do na bharruinn uaithne Chaidh e ’n abhainn d’ aon uair 23 Chrath oirne barr a shleagh Sgaoil e sinn mar chreathlagan Chaidh e fein is each uaithn slàn Air dhealachas a leannan 24 An ainm a chailinn chneasd Edar anam anus ionmhuinn, Gur e do bheath thighinn dachaidh slàn Oighre aluinn na Esbuig 25 Cia mar bha sluagh bh’ aig Goll. Air taobh tuath na h-eiler? Bha sluagh baighach gradhach ragach Ciallach narach neo-mhisgeach, 26 Na fir og gharg ghast, Ard uaisle a Phannal Cha b’ e olcas an t-sluaigh. ’S cha mho gu ’m b’ e an diomb buaidh, 27 Thug dom s’ thiginn dachaidh slàn Ach bhi bàn air an eathar Aithne mas falthalt an saoi Gur math leat fear ri do thaobh, 28 Tagh do dhionmhaltachd fear Nach nàr leat fhaicin ad leabaidh Ciod e marach bhiodh sin? Aodh cas mac na caillich 29 Cha b’ e a chailleach a mhathair Ach aon ceann cheud thar cach Is b’ e fath’ shluinneadh air a mhnaoi Luathads’ a chlaoidhadh athair, Crioch. &. TIOMNADH GHUILL. 118 lines. Orally collected, in Islay, by Hector Mac Lean, as shown in this extract from his letter:— ‘Ballygrant, Islay, Dec. 25, 1865. ‘SIR,—I send you a fragmentary Fenian Poem, which I wrote down Saturday evening from the dictation of Angus McEachern, brother to Duncan the piper. The old men who recite old Gaelic ballads and stories are disappearing rapidly. Both James Wilson and Malcolm McPhail died in Glasgow, but were taken home, and both are buried at Keills, near Portaskaig. I have not seen this fragment in any book. The old man recited it for me a couple of years since. But a young man, who had read much Gaelic poetry, thought he had seen it in some book, and I accordingly made inquiries among friends in Glasgow, but have not been successful in finding any book which contains it. The old man himself has a notion that it was published in Mr. Woodrow’s book; but Mr. Woodrow’s book contains no Gaelic, and he published no Gaelic book. His notion is that his father learned this and others from Mr. Woodrow, and that Mr. Woodrow got them in Ireland. This I suspect to be a mistake arising from a confused recollection of the conversations taking place between Woodrow and his father. He called the poem ‘Tiomnadh Ghuill,’ but it has nothing in common with ‘Tiomnadh Ghuill’ in the ‘Sean Dana.’ It contains some curious words, and is evidently the remains of a larger poem. Goll is upon a rock in the Sea, and his Wife is upon the opposite shore talking to him, and endeavouring to persuade him to come ashore, but he persists in remaining on the rock, fully resolved to meet his destiny. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, HECTOR MCLEAN.’ ‘J. F. Campbell, Esq., Niddry Lodge, Kensington.’ The second verse is not easy to understand. Goll being blind, and his Wife near him, the dialogue comes in naturally, but the language is difficult, because we know nothing about the personage named Mugan beag Mac Smàil in the third verse. The Reciter said that he was a supernatural being, trysted to meet and slay Goll on this rock; a tall, bloody, fierce-eyed youth, like shòr na cuirce. Sòr of the swine on his body, is something very like Odin in his boar’s hide, but in the meantime we can make nothing out of this supernatural personage. GOLL. 1 SEALL, a mach a lurain, Na ’bheil a’ mhaidinn braonach? Na ’m faic thu laoch a’ tighinn o ’n tràigh? ’S ann an diugh a ’s teann mo chuibhreach. ISE. 2 Chi mi chugam òglach ard, Fear finleachdach faobhar-gharg, ’S e mar shòr na cuirce, Sòr na muic’ air a cholainn. GOLL. 3 ’S e sin Mugan beag Mac Smàil; An diugh a gheall e teachd a’ m’ dhàil; Air bhith dhasan anns na càsaibh, ’S ann dàsan a ’s dàn mo mharbhadh. 4 A righinn a ’s binne ceol, Gluais gu nàrach ’s na gabh bròn; Na dean deur mu ’n ni nach fhaigh thu, ’S na bi’ taighich ’s an tir airguidh. 5 Cuimhnich t’airgiod agus t’ òr; Cuimhnich do shìoda ’s do shròl; Cuimhnich geur leanmhuinn t’ fhir; ’S olc thig diòllannas bean deagh-fhir. 6 Cuimhnich air do theachd o ’n t-sealg Thainig chugad o chath Dhruim dearg; A’ h-uile h-aon le bhuadh-chrann àgh, ’S gu marbhadh e fiadh ’na aonar. 7 Àinne nach fag thu’ chreag chruaidh A righinn èitidh an-fhuar, Gus an tig am fraoch romh mhuir mear, Cha tig an laoch gu d’ chobhair. ISE. 8 Na ’n tigeadh thu ’s teach a laoich, ’S cadal a dheanadh ri m’ thaobh; Bheirinn fhein mar iocshlaint dhuit Bainne mo dha chìch gu d’ chobhair. GOLL. 9 ’S miosa na sin mar a tha A nighean Chonail,—’s ni ’m breug e; Comhairle mnatha, ni h-oir na h-iar, Cha do ghabh mi riamh;—’s ni ’n gabham. ISE. 10 C’ àit am faigh mise fear eile Ann a’ t’ àite-sa’ Ghuill ghreadhnaich? GOLL. Nàille dh’ innseamsa sin duitse;— Aogh gasda, mac na caillich. ISE. 11 Air do laimh-sa a Mhic Morna Air t’ fhine ’s air t’ onair; Cha bhi mo chomunn glan grinn Faraon agus aona mhac caillich. GOLL. 12 Chá bu mhac caillich dhuit Aogh— Mac na mnatha ’s fhearr fa ’n domhan! Ainne do bhi air a mhathair, Nighean Chuinn o ’n Chrònan. 13 Beiridh thu dha naonar mac Agus nighean fa ’n geal glac; Dh’ innsinn dhuit a beud a bhos,— Theid i fhein gu ceud asaid. 14 Latha dhuinn air Cruachan Còrr— Mi fhein agus Aogh Doireach; Air sìoda ’s air sròl mu seach Bìotar ag òl ’s ag iomairt. 15 Thuit nam fhein gu dona mach, Gu ’n d’ ghabh Fionn rium corruich; Nach biodh d’ ar comunn glan, grinn Ach an darna fear ’bhith ’n Eirinn. 16 Thug sinn ionnsuidh air ’n-eich mheara,— ’S ar n-eich thaghta g’ ar giùlan; Fuaim na feoirn’ o cheann na slaite Agus bean a’ dol gu diòllaid. [TD 174] 17 Biotar an oidhche sin mar sin, Sinn ag imeachd air Sliabh Muin, Gus an d’ rainig sinn Corc air leirg; ’S gu ’n robh ’n abhainn ’na feirg. 18 Aig teinnaneachd a’ bhuirne bhrais, Nach fhaodadh duine dol thairis. Bha sinn mer sin gu meadhon là ’G eisdeachd ri faoghaid nam beann. 19 Gus an do sgaoil an ceo ciabhach, Gus an do thraigh an abhainn. Sùil gu ’n d’ thug mi fada uam Air an fhaiche ’bha mu thuath: 20 Faicear Fionn fein am flath, ’S e ’na sheasamh ’na chèir chath; Faicear a’ tighinn am faiteach, ’S eo phuball Fhinn a’ marcachd. 21 ’S e ’m marcaiche bhitheadh an sin Am marcach a b’ àille fa ’n domhan— Am marcach cuirneimeach glas donn, ’S a bhuirne ghlas air a ghualainn. 22 Sgiath phìobaill de ’n or air a shlios ’S fhèile sròl gu sligeannach. A ta ’chluig agus dorn gath, Sgian fhada, lom air dheagh dhath, 23 Air slios odhar an laoich dhuinn A’ dol an cath ’s an cruaidh chomhrag; ’S aig uallaichead an eich chòrr Thug e na tri ruaigean roimhinn. 24 Mharbhadh leis naonar d’ ar muinntir: Mharbhadh leis naonar mic eile: Mharbhadh leis an gaisgeach mu ’n can (1) Aille Mac Giollagain. 25 Chaidh mi fhein air mo steud chath; ’S ma chaidh cha b’ ann mar shratha: Na ’m biodh an seic air soirn Bu dual domhsa ’ghasdadh. 26 Thairngeadh leinn claidheamh a truaill: Bhuail sinn gu cruaidh cuidreach; Mar shradag tein’ ann a’ d’ dhorn, Na mar reul ainneil adhar bu d’ gharbh, 27 ’S dh’ imich a sgiath-san uile, ’S dh’ imich mo sgiath-sa gu bile; Esan cha deachaidh a dhrioma (2) ’S mise cha d’ thug èireadh dhàsan. 28 Thug e spuir ’s a’ bharan leis;— Chaidh e ’san abhainn cheudna: Thainig Fionn fein a mach; An righ feuta fearail. FIONN. 29 Co na sloigh a bhiodh an sin, Ailis duinn Aoigh nam beumannan? AOGH. Sluagh geal, maoth-gheal, and gheal, gleachdach, Ard mhuinealach mhi-leasach. 30 Air bhith dhomhsa ’n dàn; Gu ’n d’ thainig mi slàn o ’n iomasgail. GLOSSARY. Sor, I think should be sorn, a snout. Sorn na muice, the snout of the sow. Tir airgnidh means land of robbery, but reciter says it means tigh seinnse, a public-house. Ainne. This word, I suspect, is a corruption; reciter calls the mother of Aogh Ainne, and Anglicises the name, Ann. Do bhi, the Irish form for bha. Cruachan Còrr. There is a pretty little round hill in the moors west of Staonsha called by this name. Feoirne, gen. of feoran, grass. Corc air leirg, the town of Cork. Teinneineachd, tightness. Cèir chath, probably a corruption of cith cath, battle-rage. Bhùirne, Reciter explains as sgiath or lùireach. Birnie, probably. Phiòbaill. Reciter could give me no explanation of this word. Sratha, a sluggish, inactive person. A dhrioma. I should have written this a ’ghrime, out of his battle, hors de combat. Eireadh, yielding; from eirr, a shield. H. M. L. O. 6. CATH CHLOINNE BAOISGE AGUS MORNI. 117 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 23. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 18, 1872. THIS is part of the Quarrel between Fionn’s tribe and Goll’s tribe, but it seems to me that some modern hand has been at work upon a ballad. I place it here supposing that the ballad was part of the Dialogue between Goll and his Wife. 1 LATHA dhomhsa ’s do Fhionn fiall, Air sliabh luachair ’s bu chubhi leim; (chumha dhuin) Uamsa dh’ imich an Guth, Dhe na ghabh Fionn nam flath coiruich. 2 Air bhi dha g’ am iarraidh, Air feadh bhal is Islar; Air feadh airde nam beann, Is leug iosal nan Eirthire. 3 La dhuinn air sliabh Mhuill, (Moilina) Chunnacas Fionn teachd le sheachd Cathan; Dhomhsa bu chuis sheachnadh sin, As e g’ am shireadh ’s g’ am shir-leanmhuin. 4 Shuidhich Fionn na pubuil gheala, Air na tulchana Ceardaich; Shuidhich mise na pubuil eile, Air a’ mhagh na fhianuis. 5 Mar gu ’m biodh Co-uriad sloigh, ’S cha robh duine agam b’ fhiach; Ach ochd fiched deug deagh ghaisgeach, Thuit an tour air a bhinn, Leum a Ghaur eadarinn. 6 Dh’ fhas an amhainn bras, Cha taradh treun laoch thairis; Ach eisdidh sinn ri gaoth nam beann, Aig an tragh an amhainn, 7 Ghluais a mach o phubuill Fhinn, An t-aon each buidhe baobhail bras; A’s e tighinn fo leasanaibh soluis, Bior-chluasach donn, bar fhionn blar, Uchd leathann donn taobh gheal sholuis. 8 Marcach air muin an Eich mhoir, As ailde gu ’m facas thar sloigh; Luarach le nao srethain oir, Ma chorpan sheimh shith shroil, Sgiath bhulganda bhalganda chor. Air a ghuailinn deas ro mhor, Sgian mhor air a thaobh chli, Air mac uasal an ard righ. 9 Thug e spor do ’n ghearran bhlar, Nach do thaghail riamh an t-ath; Chaidh e nao uairean troimhinn, Marcach an Eich shuntaich chuanta; Cheangladh leis an Donnan fhiodhi, Naonar Mac Ghill Ibhi.— 10 As naonar Mac Tuirmi nan clar, (ne clar) Is Garbhan Mac Maolar; Is Eadargan Mac Doire, Fear nach do dhiùlt biadh no deoch, Do neach riamh san aoduinn. (al. san fheudare) Sguich mi fhin roimh san ath, Leam bu mhiltich ’s bu tra. 11 Uair gu ’n robh saoghal air sogh, Chleachd mi aon laoch a chosgadh. (fhasda) Rug e air mo sgiath ro laothach, ’S ma mo cheann rinn di bloighdean, Mar bhitheadh mo chlogaide ghlan, Chaillinn an ceann lem leanmhuinn, 12 Thug am Marcach mach an t-atha; Thugas steud bhuigh stad bhuigh; T-abhra phog do ’n t-sar mharcach, G’ an dith do bheatha a Mhic Righ Fail, Laoich churranda shoghraidh. (1) Means ris an can iad. (2) A ’ghrime. [TD 175] 13 Ciod an sluagh a fhuair thu thall, Aig Goll Mac Morna na mor lann? Sluagh tuigseach ciallach, Narach neo-mhisgeach, Mar bithe d’ ghrasan domh Fhinn. Cha tiginn slan uath thairis, (1) Ach a nis o ’n tha mi triall, Air an anam a tha ’m chliabh, Fad mo laimh no mo lainne, Cha do chum ris a chuirridh, Ach an t-aon chruaidh bhuille. 14 An sin chaidh sinn an dail a’ cheile, Bu treun ’s bu dochdair a’ chomhrag; Thug an Fhiann tulga air ais; (al. turrag) Thog clann Morna sgal doibh, Chriothnaich am fonn fo ’r casaibh, Stad na sruthain le doghruinn. 15 Chlanna Baoisge nam mor ghniomh, Dream bha misneachail riamh; Sliochd threunmhoir nam blagh, An geill sibh do ’n Gharbh dhragh. Cumhichibh cruadhas na Feinne, Buailibh dannara treuna; Pillibh le tabhachd gu cumasg’ Gleithibh an arach, tionda ’m buinne, 15 Sheall gach fear air a chlaidheamh liomhi As air a shleagh shlan chosgi, Chual gach fear luaidh a’ bhaird, Dh’ iarr le naire a dheagh chliu, Chunnacas Fionn a tearnadh nuas, B’ anbharach a chith sa choslas, Bu chiùn tosdach na Duilean, A bheinn chrath le mor ioghnadh, Phill sinn an ruaig gu grad. 16 Co dheanga Fionn sa ghreis? Thachair Fionn is Goll na mor chleas; Thug iad an cath gailbheach dobhi, Dh’ fhalbh nam bloighdean an sgiathan ball bhreac An clogaidean sgealb air an raon An sleaghan chaidh nam miribh san adhar, Tharruing an claidhean foinnidh fine. 17 Sheas sinn uile an da shlogh, ’G amharch garbh chath na mor thriath, Bheuc na h-uilt le eagal; Sgoilt na creagan le mor thoirm. 18 Lub a choille le fuathas, B’ oilteil torun uamham nan speur, Taighse ’g itealaich sna neulaibh; Sgreadail gu fiadhaich sa’ bheinn Thog iad an talamh le ’n Cruaidh spairn. 19 Lub Fiann guthail a ghruaidh, Ran an Fhionn le meud an eagail; Ran, ’s cha b’ aobhar eagail doibh, Co chuireadh air Fionn? Co sheasadh ris san spairn? 20 Thuit mac Morna nan cruaidh bheum, Shil ar deoir mu Gholl nan ceud; Eirich a Ghuill a leon thu fein, Cha ’n imear mo lannsa ort beud, ’S cuimhne leam an Damh a babhaist, Fhionn riamh nach iarradh lochd, Tha mi fo d’ gheasibh, cian a nochd, Glac mo chlaidheamh, glac mo lamh, Thoir dhuinn sith is bithidh slan. 21 Clann Morna tha direach deanta, Co tha cosmhuil ruitse Ghuill; An cath gailbheach nan crom ghleann, Co sheasadh tu ach Fionn fial, ’S co sheasadh Fionn ach Goll ciar. 22 ’S eibhinn a nochd sith nam braithrean, Sgaoil dhuinn fleagh’ aird iar ceol— Buail clarsach nam fonn aosda.— Oighean thigibh caoin nar coir, Caoin thainig reultan na maise Bha fo smal car tamull an dall cheò, Las an gnuis mar ghrian ag eiridh Cuir aoibhneas air feidh is coilltean. A. 24. KINN ZULLE. 28 lines. IF there were any doubt as to the antiquity of the Story of Goll, this fragment from the Dean’s Book (English, p. 71; Gaelic, p. 50) is conclusive. It places the death of Goll late. Three of the Clanna Morna—Gorraidh, Conon, and Daoire are going to avenge the death of Goll on Ossin, Oscar, and Caoilte. Caoirreal was slain before Goll, Goll was in the slaying of Diarmaid. These three are out of the story. The six here named are in later bits. 1 A zorri tryillmyt gow find Ighilk ernacht sowch linn Zarre kinn zulle er in ree Gyn gurmist aye gai keive cleith 2 Is lesk lumsyth zwle anna Onach clwnnwn gr fan chenna Is nach feadmist a zeilt Kenna v‘morn vor znewe 3 Kail lusse ne is allwm pen Id durd conan mor gyn keale Marmy for mach gyth dunna In deilt zwle olt voe 4 Suyth in trur var mon din nane Onach lamyt di zin fen Abbir a zorre is lawr Fayr sinni sin trom alle 5 Marvesyth ossin mor m‘fyn Marve mai in tosgir nach teymmi Marve dyrre kilte kaye Fayir sinni wlle er in lawe 6 Matht is aggwm ne veis anna Cha dik linna movil er finn Tuttmy ulle sin alle Cha dikge gowle dr gowrne 7 Da byth inni byth le a nort Dyth churmist finni za leacht Is ferr nyth brar gyn nelle A derssi rwt a zorre. A zorre. THE DEATH OF THE WOMEN; OF GARAIDH, AND HIS SON AODH; AND THE BURNING OF TEAMHRA. F. 19. H. 28. I. 21. O. 8. P. 7. 9. FROM this ballad, which never has been printed so far as I can discover, it appears that Fionn and his Feinne had taken possession of the High King’s House at Tara. Goll’s brother left behind, at the suggestion of Conan, another brother, fell asleep. The women wove his long hair to stakes, and shouted a war cry. He started up and tore his hair. In revenge or in prosecution of the blood-feud, he set fire to the house, and burned women and children, rings and garments and plenishing. The Feinne put Garaidh to death, but through his last petition he cunningly made Fionn suffer. Thenceforth Fionn was lame, according to tradition. None of the Heroes whose death songs I have placed earlier appear in this ballad. Padruig is not mentioned in it, but the person who is telling the story points to the mound above him, so this is part of the Story told by Oisein to Padruig upon the Hill of the Feinne, which begins in the Dean of Lismore’s Collection, runs through all the rest, and is still current. I have Z. 51. 7 lines, of the story, localised at the Narrows between Skye and the main land, orally collected by Mr. Carmichael in 1862, bound in Vol. xii. MSS. On the 5th of September, 1871, I arrived at Tobermory at 11, and walked up the hill to the house of William Robertson, who was weaving blankets. I invited him to the Mishnish Hotel, and set him to spout Gaelic while I wrote as best I could. He said that he was 87, that he (1) Got from Roderick Mac Lennan Taksman, in Kintail, who took it down from the oral recitation of Murdoch Mac Lennan—Kintail—aged about 60, who learned it by heart from his father many years before, who had many more poems of the Heroic ages, but which had not been preserved. Miltown Ramoch, 25th August, 1802. Present, Mr. Alexander Stewart and many others. [TD 176] could not read or write, and he could speak no English. I wrote from his dictation, 21 verses of the Lay of Diarmaid, which contained nothing worth adding to versions given above. I read what I had written, and he put his ‘mark’ on the paper. He next sang me 21 verses of the Lay of Garaidh. There are many variations in this version, but it is the same ballad and story which others got from people of this class. But the explanations given to me were wilder. Instead of being stretched on a noble bed, with a purple or red coverlet, the spy was stretched on the ground with his head under the lid of the cooking pot: ‘’S a cheann fo bhrot chosgair a chuain.’ That was the name of the great Caldron. The liquids and some other letters were so quiescent that it was exceedingly difficult to catch the words. Moreover, the old man wandered about the whole Fenian Story directly he was put out of his pace. He localised this story at Jarvis’s Field in Glen Forsa. He did not know what ‘Tail’ meant, but in the same line elsewhere the place was ‘Innse Phàil.’ He explained a line to mean, ‘They let away their falcons to the hills,’ and said ‘they used to go about with sticks between two men and falcons sitting upon them.’ Here he got a dram, and said, ‘That is the stuff, many a time I made it. I have made Treas tarruing so strong that three fulls of water would need to go to it. That’s the stuff.’ His story told after singing the ballad was this:— Garaidh was left at home to find out what food the women took because they were so fat. It was Conan who said that they should do it, out on the hill. He said, ‘We are lost and tired, hunting; and these women are as fat as seals,’ So Garaidh was left. He hid under the kettle, and went to sleep. The food they had was birds’ blood and deer’s blood mixed with ‘Carigean us staimh’—(I first wrote the word Caliguirn)—The root of the Tangle, which still is eaten. Some say that they bled themselves to make this mixture, and that made them so fat. Then they found Garaidh, and they wove his long hair, and pinned it to the ground with pegs. When they had done that, they gave a battle cry, ‘Gaoir chath,’ and he sprang up and left some of his skin. He went to the wood, and got faggots and drove them all in, and put bars on the door, and set fire to the house, and so he burned all that were in the House of Farmalach. That is not far from here for they smelt the fire. ‘But,’ said I, ‘the house must have been near Skye, because of the strait where Mac Reathain was drowned.’ ‘That must be so,’ said Robertson. ‘The kettle is here, still, in Loch Sguapain. If you throw in a stone in winter, it gives a sound still.’ (I may remark, that the kettle is in many other places, and that a man told me all about it in Cape Breton beyond the seas.) ‘The last who took it up was Oisein. That was the time when he went for the big deer for Padruig. It was Oisein who made all these Luidhean (Lays).’ By this time it was 4 p.m. After a rest, we began again, and got to the Lay of Oscar, after which we fell into the Lay of the Great Fool, from which we got to Conan and the Lay of the Buffet. Then he sang the Muilearteach, and at last we finished. So long as this old fellow was allowed to sing a ballad at his own pace he went right through so much as he knew, but questioned or stopped, he was as hard to follow as a grasshopper. It was this man’s talk in 1870 that first made me feel that this Fenian Story might be arranged. On the 27th of September at Polchar, in South Uist, Angus Mac Donald, a crofter, gave me the end of the Story of Garaidh. ‘His son Aògh Mac Gharidh took Misg chatha, the drunkenness of battle, when his father was slain. He worried the Feinne. They put him into geà (1) chladaich, a rift in the shore to hold battle against the speckled people—the breaking waves, and he broke his heart fighting with them, and so he was put to death.’ I read him Robertson’s ballad. He had never heard it, but the story told with it was all right. From notes of this kind I mean to tell my version of these old Heroic legends when I translate the Ballads. F. 19. LOSGADH BRUTH FARBAIRN. 84 lines. Fletcher’s Collection, page 111. Advocates’ Library, February 23, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. NOTE.—This, learned by a man who could not write, and dictated by him to a scribe, must be genuine as an oral recitation. In it Fionn is called King of Teamhra, therefore, as appears in other places, he had taken up his abode in the palace of the Irish High King, Cormac Mac Art. 1 SGRIOB a chaidh Fionn le Fhiannibh, Thair sruibheadh Glasa Innse fail; Chuir iad as na leirgibh gasda, Daimh na Beann baisge dha. 2 Dh’ fhag iad nan diaghidh an corn buadhach Is deadh mhachd Morn nan gruaidh dearg; Aghaidh chiùil a labhradh ra bhinn, Eoin chiùin an torraibh nan cran. 3 An sin nuair a leig Gara mor machd Morn E nunn ann san leppidh chùil; Luidh suain gu trom air a rosgaibh, ’S cheann fuidh’ n’ bhrat chorcair chiùin. 4 Comhairle a chinn air bheag ceille, Aig beantreabhach ùr nan falt cam; Dealgadh caol am brottadh gasda, Folt an laoich an glach dibh chrann. 5 Aisling a chunnaic Mac Morna, Air bhi dha ’na chadal trom; Chunnaic e Garradh fuidh dhiamhir, Cha raibh luaidh air Fhiannuibh Fhinn. 6 Thug e fosgladh air a rosgabh, Ais an aisling fa na deur; Dhealluich an tonn o ’n eannuichin, Fuil an laoich a dheargadh feur. 7 Mead sùgraidh Ban na Feinne, Chaidh e an chaoill is cha cheum deas; Dhuin na dorsan mar a chualas. Is thug criainn air ghualan leis. 8 Bha ceud cotan ceud fainne seunta, Ceud srian bulgach nan each ard; Bha ceud bratach chaol uaine dhathan, A ghabhadh gaoth ri gathaibh chrann. 9 Bha ceud cuilean le muineal airgid, Bha ceud uighan bu ghrinne meur; Bha ceud machdan len brollach sioda, fior ghlan Is ceud bean na muim aìg gach machdan. 10 A fhuair urram an teach na bean treun, Air mo chuigh bha sud san talla; Bha ceud cailleach chasliath ghreanach, Agus altrum a steach air glun gach callaich. 11 Suil gan tug è thair a ghualain, Deadh mhac Chuthail na gruaidh dearg; Chunnaic e ceo talmhi daite A thigh farabairn is lasair aurd. 12 Cuiribh oirbh a leoghain ghasta, Gach aon laoch tha an so rim linn, Sid agaibh an caismeachd anamoch, Is teanachdabh gu grad banntrach Fhinn. 12 Miad air dochais as air laochaibh, Thug an talla dhuin breith chaol; Leum gach fear air barr a shleaghe, Is dh’ fhag iad Mac Reithe sa chaol. 13 An sin anuair a thuirt deadh Mhac Chuthail, San gaisgeadh air dol air cul; Cuirrmid air druim ris an talla, Is caoine mid Garadh air thus. 14 Bu luaithe air cas do ’n talla, Nam biodh fios co leanta ann; Chuir Fionn a mheur fo dheud fios, Fhreagair cach am fios mur dh’ fhuair. Iarruibh gu maith fear am folach, Sann tha Garadh ann san uaimhe. 15 Thig thusa a mach a nis a Gharadh, A mhic Morna na cleas truagh; Na ’m faithin achuing gu harridh, Is gun manam a thoirt uam. 16 ‘Gheibheadh tusa d’ achuinge gu harrid, A dh’ aon seol ga ’m bheil an criodh; Mo dheibhin t-anam na h-iarr e, Bho sann do na Fiannuibh u,’ 17 Mac an Lion a bhi guin manma, B’ e sid m’ achuing a mhic gu fior; Is mo bhraghad a chuir an giurradh, Air caol sleisde gile Fhinn. (1) This word is in Icelandic. [TD 177] 18 Ach chruinneach uaislean na Feinne, Is bha sud na choimhrle chruaidh; Bu mhor a gheil dhuinn air Garradh An Righ san talla bhi uainn. 19 A sin anuair a dh’ fhuasgail iad na geasan Le Clann Righ Innse Cuinn; Thioluig iad cas Righ na Teimhre, Fodh fhoid ghlais don talmhinn thruim. 20 Chuir iad an ceann do Mhac Morna, Is chaidh mac an Lion bhos a chionn; Leig aiteal beag don chalg neatha, Fuil daite gu traighibh Fhinn. 21 Is bu dluithe na driuchd air dearna, Bha fuil bhos cionn glun gearte Fhinn. H. 28. HOW GARABH KILLED THE WOMEN. 152 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 140. Advocates’ Library, December 26, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE story of this ballad is told by Kennedy in his Introduction to his First Collection. See above p. 36. FOR this part we need not say much about it, for it is seen in the Definition largely how Garabh killed the Women, and how Fingal got a severe cut at the time that Oscar beheaded him. DAN 27. 1 LATHA do chuaidh Fionn le Fhianntaidh, Gu srath lia ghlas Innse-pháil; Shuithich sinn ar lomhainn ghast, Air feidh nam beann a bfhaisge laimh. 2 Re cath leagair feadh nan gleanntaidh, Gu binn labhrach, calma bha; ’S leag sinn air na leirge casa, Feidh nan glacag is nan ard. 3 Bha againn Aogh nan cornn buaghach, Mac Righ Fighail nan cul cam; Le croinn chiuil a labhradh ro’-bhinn, Mar eoin air bhara nan crann. 4 Gach séud a loisgeamh san talla, Innseam dhuibh ma ’s meoghair leam; Nin raibh teach bu liughe céudan, ’S gach neach air dhea’ eideadh ann. 5 Ceud seacamh ’s ceud ceann-bheairt bholgach, Is ceud sgia’ le ’n comhdach crann; Is cuig ceud luireach bu lóinreach, Le ’n úr-mhaillaibh ór-bhuidh ann. 6 Ceud cupa ’s ceud fáinne seanta, Ceud clach bhuadhach ’s ceud córnn cam; Is ceud Bratach uaine dhalhach, Ghabhadh gaoth an gathaibh chrann. 7 Ceud cuilain le ’n coilair airgaid, Bha ’nn san Teaghlach bu dhoi’ leinn; Ceud laoch a choidil le seantachd, Is ceud saor bhean an teach Fhinn. 8 Ceud macain le ’n earadh uaine, ’S ceud maighdean bu ghrinne méar; Is ceud bean bu mhuim do ’n mhacridh, Choisainn cliú an teach nan tréun. 9 Ceud earradh le ’m broilach airgeid, Le ’n leintaibh sróil finn-gheal bán; ’S ceud sligneach philleadh gach urchair, ’S ceud srian bulgach nan each árd. 10 Ceud cloidheamh le ’n ceann-bheairt airgaid, ’S ceund sleagh lainnrach bu mhai’ ágh; ’S ceud Craosach le clanna Righridh, ’S ceud Tuadh mílidh bu mhór ár. 11 Ar ’n ór ’s ar uigheam gu h-uilidh, Dh’ fhag sinne steach am Bruth Fhinn; B ’e sin teach nan séuda lomhar, Fa ’r ’m biodhmaid seinn ceól gu binn. 12 Dh’ fhag sinn Garabh mor mac Mornna, ’N taobh an talla ’n leabuidh úir; Luigh suain gu trom air a rosgaibh, ’S a cheann fui’ ’n bhrat chorcair chlúi’. 13 Tamall do bha e san t-shuain sin, Air chúl bantrach nan dual cam; Cheangail iad air dhealga gasta, Falt an laoich an glaca chrann. 14 S’ e sinn a chunnaig Mac Mornna, Air bhi dho na chodal fáill; Gun raibh e fein ’n áite diamhair, ’S gun iomradh air Fianntidh Pháil. 15 An sin do mhosgail Mac Mornna, ’N caslaigeamh a chodal trom; Dhealaich an (1) tonn ris an ionmhar, ’S fhuil nach b’ ionmhuinn sios ga bhonn. 16 Ruigh e ’n sin a mach géur leóinte, Le misg chómhraig ’s ghuil gu géur; ’S dh’ aithnich e co rinn an crá’ dha, ’S truagh a tharladh dhuinn gu léir. 17 An deidh sugradh bhan na Feinne, Chuai’ e ’n choillidh ’s cho chéum deas; Dhruid na dorsan gu teann cruai’, ’S thug crionach air a ghuaille leis. 18 Do loisg e an sin an óigridh, Dheanamh imtheachd mar bu dual; ’N tra lasamh gu druim an talla, Dh’ imich e gu grad gu h-uaimh. 19 Suil do thug e thair a ghualain, Deadh Mhac Chuthail nan ruag áigh: Chunnaig e ceo talmhidh daite, Thigh Teamhra’ is lasair árd. 20 C’ ait am bheil sibh fhear Fiann Eirann, Freagradh a chaisamachd banbh; Nach fhaic sibh ceó talmhidh daite, Thigh Teamhra’ is lasair dhearg? 21 Thionail iad an leomhain chatha, ’S gach Fiann a bha ’n sin r’ ar linn; Do chum teasarginn Tigh Teamhra’, Is a theanacas bantrach Fhinn. 22 Do bri’ ’n dochais bh’ aig na laoich, A lúth an cos ’s cho bhreith chlaon; Leum gach air bar an sleaghe, ’S dh’ fhag iad Mac Reatha sa chaol. (fear) 23 ’N uair rainig sinn taobh an talla, ’N deidh do ’n d’ eug-bhail dol air cúl; Chuir sinn ar druim ris an talla, ’S chaóinte leinn Garabh air thús. 24 ’N sinn chruinich Fiann aili’ Eirann, ’S shuidh iad air tulaich nan deur; Gur mor an dí dhuinn air talla, ’S gun ni ann o ’n leanar é. 25 Chuir Fionn a mhear fui’ dhéud fios, Fhreagair cách am fios a fhuair, Leanamh gu lua’ fear ar falachd, ’S gheibhar leibh Garabh san uaigh. 26 ‘Thig thusa mach orsa Mac Chuthail, A mhic Mornna nan gniomh truagh; Theid nam fuighinn ’m chuing áraid, Gun chead ’m anama iarruidh uait.’ 27 Ghheibh thu sin d’ athchuinge áraid, Do dh’ aon ni am bheil do shúil; A h-eagmhuis d’ anama no h-iarr, O ’n tharlamh air na Fiantidh thu. 28 Mac-an loin thoirt an laimh Oscair, Se sin ’m ath-chuinge gu grinn; Is mo bhradh’d a chur an giorad, Air druim sleiste gile Fhinn. 29 Thainig Garabh ’mach san uair sin, A dh’ fhulang air son a ghò; Air tí fhirinn a chumail, ’S sinn a mio-run uile dho. 30 Dh’ innis dhuinn gach ni mar tharla’, ’S mar a rinn na mnáith a león; ’S mar a sgrios e sios gu leir iad, B’ e sin dhuinne sgeul a bhróin. (1) Ata tonn ris an ionmhar a ciallacha gu do dhealaich fholt agus a chraicean ra chlaigean mar a dhealaichas an tonn re tír, no mar a ruighas an t-uisge re bratha’ mar sin a ruigh fhuil o chorp. [TD 178] 31 Chrunnaich sinn Maitheadh na Feinne, Air tulaich nan deur ’s bu truagh; Bu mhor an geall leinn air Garabh, Ar Triath s air talla thoirt uainn. 32 ’S iad clann Pháil Innse-teamhra, Dh, fhuasgail na geasan gu grinn; Fhuaradh sin gun iarruidh uathe, Ni uach truailleadh briathraibh Fhinn. 33 Chlathaich iad seachd troidhean do ’n talmhinn, ’S an tulaich ghuirm os ar cionn; ’S thiodhlaic cas gheal Rí’ Teamhra, Seachd troidhean fui ’n talmhinn truim. 34 Shin e uaithe ’m bhragaid sochridh, ’N eiric air a gniomh a thoill; ’S ghearr an cloidheamh sud gu h-an-mhor, Is seachd troidhean do ’n talmhin truim. 35 Leig aiteal a chuilg nimhe, Fuil dhaite gu throidh gheal úir; ’S bu luaithe na druc air dearn, Chuislean geairt oscionn a ghluin. 36 ’N sin chruinaich Fiann áillidh Eirann, Gu dubhach, déurach, ro-thruagh; Bu bheag an dí leinne Garabh, Ach ar Triath ’s ar tall’ thoirt uainn. 37 Labhair Mac Chuthail gu fior-ghlic, Cuma’ cháint sin na tosd, Oir cho ’n fhiach ar glóir a h-ath-ra’, ’S leóir dhuibh na th’ agaibh do dh’ olc. 38 Chlathaichadh uaigh do ’n fhear chalma, ’Se Mac Mornna nan gniomh truagh; Am fear a dh’ fhag sprochd air cháirde, Cuireadh e san talmhminn fhuar. I. 21. GARABH. 148 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 131. Advocates’ Library, April 10, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. IN this second version the scribe has polished his language or he has got better versions from other reciters. I give various readings. The rest of the lines are duplicates.—J. F. C. THE DEATH OF GARY AND DESTRUCTION OF DUNSCAICH. THE Story of this Poem is both dismal and tragical. Fingal at this period of his life resided in Dunscaich, in the Isle of Sky, who and his Bands had landed one on the adjacent side upon the Continent for game, and left Gary, the son of Moirne, as a scout at home to watch the Fortress, Wives, and Children. Gary had disobliged the Women in Fingal’s absence, for which they watched an opportunity of being revenged. Gary had lien upon his Bed, fell asleep and snored. The women crowded about him, and wove his hair upon stakes which they fixed in the Earth, and with great acclamation huzza’d three times, and alarmed Gary who left both hair and skin upon the stakes. He finding himself thus cruelly scalped and mocked by the women, had set the Fort on fire and sacrificied all that had been within to the flames, and flew into a distant Cave where he hid himself. Fingal, observing the Fortress of Dunscaich on fire, alarmed his Bands in the chase, who soon assembled, and ran in full carreer towards the shore, and as many as wanted Boats to transport them is said to have leaped upon their spears over the sound, where one of them called Mac Rei was drowned, whereby the sound retains the name of Caol-Rei ever since. At their arrival they saw the conflagration could not be extinguished, neither could they trace out who occasioned the misfortune. Fingal discerned the fact by his magic art which he performed (as traditionary related) by getting one of his Fingers into his mouth and chewing it to a joint, whereby he found out where the Traitor sculked. Gary was apprehended and sentenced to death after the manner he himself would chose, which was to be beheaded by Oscar upon the thigh of Fingal. Fingal’s thigh was buried seven feet under ground and Gary’s head laid perpendicularly theron and behead by Oscar: Fingal’s thigh being desperately cut by the tremendous stroke of Oscar. This deplorable and lamentable accident and the destruction of Dunscaich, intimidated greatly the Fingalians, who accompanied Fingal to Rhome or some distant Kingdom to get his thigh cured. At this Interim Cairbre the Usurper, supreheme King of Ireland, used every means to get Oscar (and as many as remained at home under his command) overthrown in the Battle of Cathcavara. 1 SHUIDHICH sinn air leoghain chatha, Air feidh nam beann an cathain aigh. 2 Feidh nan glac a b’ fhaisge laimh. 3 Mac Riogh Miodhlan nan dual cam; Mar eoin bhinn air barra chrann. 6 Ceud cuilein coileirich, ball-bhreac, Ceud cruit labhrach nan teud binn; Ceud laoch a dhithinich an-fha’ inn, Is ceud bean do bhantrachd Fhinn. 7 Ceud oigh bu ghrinn snuadh, is meur; Ann ’s gach iul mar lasair neul. 8 Ceud sligneach nan luthain cuimite, ’S ceud srian bulgach nan steud àigh. 9 Ceud cloidheamh le amailt airgid, Ceud sleagh creucach nam beum àigh; Ceud craosach bu bhao’ lach imairt, Is ceud tuath rinn iomad àr. 10 Ar ’n or, ar ’n airgead ar ’n eididh, Dh’ fhag sinn gu leir am bruth Fhinn, 14 Mhosgail gair na ban Mac Moirne, Ann caisligidh a chodal trom; Mar dhealaichidh tonn ri ionmhar, Bha fhuil nach b’ ionmhuinn gu bhonn. 15 Dh’ eigh an gaisgeach las a chomhradh, Chlisg a dhochas, dhoirt a chreuchd; Dh’ aithnich e co dhealbh a leon, Bu truagh an gò, ’s bu mhor an sgeul. 16 An deidh sugradh ban na Feinne, Ghluais an treun do ’n choill mu dheas; Spìn e gach crann mar a tharladh, As am bun le ghairdein deas. 17 Chuir e teine ris an oigridh, Dh’ iomaradh ceol an teach nan duan; Dh’ imich an Garabh gu h-uaimh. 19 C’ ait am bheil sibh Fhearad Eireann, Cruinnichibh gu leir o ’n t-sealg; Nach faic sibh ceo tallmhuidh daite, Tigh-teamhra’ na lasair dhearg? 20 Fiann nam flath air srath a ghlinn; 22 ’N deidh do ’n bhannal dol air cul; Chuir sinn ar druim ris a bhathan, ’S chaointe leinn gach ailleag ur. 23 Gun neach beo gu airis sgeil. 25 Theid na ’m fuighinn athchuing araid, Gun chead mo bhais iarruidh uait. 26 Ged’ chuir u àbhachd air cul; 28 Thainig Garabh mor Mac Taige, 29 Dh’ airis dhuinn gach ni mar tharladh, Mar a rinn na mnai’ a leon; A loisg e mar lasair Beinn-Aula, B’ iomad iolach ann, is bron. 32 Threachail iad ’s olc ann san talmhainn, 33 Shìn e uaithe bhraghad dhocair. An eiric air an olc a rinn; 35 Air an tulaich dheurach thruagh; 36 Cumadh ar ’n innseadh na tosd; Oir cho ’n fhiach ar gloir a taghairt. O. 8. LOSGADH FARMAIL. 108 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 36. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 20, 1872. THIS is a very interesting sample. The first part is a version of the same ballad which Fletcher, Kennedy, and other collectors found; the latter part is ‘Ossianic,’ and quite different in every respect. It was got in Mac Pherson’s country 48 years after he had begun to publish Ossian, and one year after the publication of his Gaelic originals. [TD 179] 1 LA chaidh Fionn a shealg le Fhiannaibh, Gu strath Ghuirme an Inse-fail, Chuir e air na leugaibh glasa, Feidh nam beann a b’ fhaisge dha. 2 Dh’ fhag iad Gairi Mac Morna, Na shineadh ann an leaba ùir; Luidh suain gu trom air a rosgaibh, ’S a cheann fo ’n bhrat chosgarna chuin. 3 Dh’ fhag iad aogas nan corn buadhach, Aig oigridh shuairce nan cul seimh, Teudan shinneidh, Gaoth ro ghlinne, Mar eoin chùin air bharr nan crann, 4 Cinn comhairle air bheag ceille, An lo sin aig Banrigh Fhinn; Cheangail si le dealgaibh gasda, Fait an laoich an glacaibh chrann, 5 Thug e turrag ’s turrag eile, ’S e ag taomachadh nan deur Dhealaich an t-sonn ris a chearral, Folt an laoich, bu dearg a chre. 6 ’S ann air guallinn beinn a Feinne, Ghluais an Gallan air cheum deas; Dhun gach dorus mar a thuair e An creann beag aig a ghuaillinn leis. 7 Sul gu ’n tug e thar a’ chuan null, Deagh Mhac Cumhail nan gruaidh dearg, Mhothaich e ceo talma daite, De thigh Fharmail is lasair ard. 8 Druidibh leam a leomhna gasda, Mheud ’s a tha sibh ri m’ linn; Gabhaibh sid mar chuis anama, ’S feuch an teirc sibh bantrach Fhinn, 9 Aig meud an dochais bh’ aig na Laochan. As an sleaghan gan bhi claon; Leum gach fear air bar chrano sleagha, Chaill iad mac Reagha sa’ chaol, 10 Mu ’n d’ thainig iad am baile ’S ann bh’ an talla air dol gu cul, Chur Fionn a dhruim ris a bhalla Is chaointe leis Gairi an tus. 11 Mheud ’s a chaidh losgadh san teach ud, Cha bu dualach dhoibh bhi buan; Bha ceud faighne, ceud cota seang ann, Ceud srian bhuclach nan each ard. 12 Bha ceud diollaid ’n deidh òra ann ’S ceud leabaidh choir nan crann; ’S ceud brat uaineach athach, A sheoladh gaoth air ghathaibh chrann. 13 Bha ceud rimhinn bu ghrinne mear ann, Deich ceud bean ’s Banrigh Fhinn; Bha se ceud Muime nan se ceud mac ann Nach d’ fhuair urram an teach no ’n ti. Bha ceud laoch fo bhrat seang ann, A chosgadh feirg ann arnadh stri. 14 Chuir Fionn a mheur fo dheudh fios, Gabhsa m’ an fhios a fhuair, Leinnibh iorg fir an fholach, ’S gheibh sibh Gairi anns an uamhaidh. 15 Teann a muigh a sin a Ghairi? Dheagh Mhic Morna nan cleas truagh, Mach a so cha teid mi ’n tra so, Gun m’ achuinich araidh fhaotainn auth. 16 Achuinich t-anama na h-iarr i, O ’n tharladh air na Fiannaibh tu; Achuinich tha mi sireadh, ’S cha ’n e m’ anam a leagadh leam, Ach Mac an Luinn chuir an laimh Oscair, ’Se bhi cosgairt diom a chinn. 17 Mo bhragad a chur an giorraid, Air caol sleisde gile Fhinn; Cladhaichibh seachd troidhean dhomhsa San tulaich ghorm sin os ’nr ceann? 18 ’S adhlaicibh mo chas le tethail, Fo fhoid ghlais na talmhainn truim; Nuair ghearr an claidheam a’ chloch, ’S na seachd troidhean os a cinn. Chuir faiteil a’ chuilg nimhe, Fuil daithte gu troidhean Fhinn. 19 ’S daor an ceannach ort a Ghairi, Ar mnai ’s ar talla thoirt dinn; Dh’ fhag thu Fionn gun bhean gun Tearmun, ’S cha do choisinn thu g’ a chionn. This last part is quite different. 20 A Mhalmhin, ’s truagh an sgeul, Braigh soluis fo bhraid a noch; Bha li mar chanach air gruaigh. ’S a deud mar gheal stuagh an slochd. Da shuil mar reultan soillse, Do fhear turuis an oidhche duaichni. 21 ’Sa folt a’ tearnadh mar chrann fo bhlath, ’S an taile gu seamh ga luasgadh; Bu chuin, suairce soimhe re dh’ fhas, Guth a beoil mar theud a’ bhaird; Aoidh mar bhrat Loinn ga chomhdach, ’S a gnuis mar ghrian an lo do ’n ann. 22 Och nan och ’s cruaidh am beum ud, Ruleni dh’ fhalbh le cach; Bha maise mar dhealradh na greine, Bha ceum gu h-aighantach ard. 23 Bra gile co chuma ri comhra, An tuisge an eol an greis no ’n dan: ‘A Mhalmhin is cuimhne leatsa, Beus nam bannal, Tionnaich an deur, Scian ri leanail. Mo ghnuise tha cruaidh mar chlach, Mo shuil cha tiormaich gu fras. Mo chridhe dh’ fhas cruaidh mar chullin, Cha bhris e ged aom an tuite.’ (IRVINE’S NOTE.)—From Charles Robertson, Loch Tayside, who learned it 18 years ago from Helen Mac Lenan, his grandmother. In presence of Mr. Macdonald, Minister of Fortingale, Manse of Fortingale, 24th November, 1808. P. 7. LOSGADH TIOGH FARALA, ’US GUN A ’N FHEINN AIG A BHAILE. 72 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 57. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 21, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS is a very curious sample of the decay of tradition in the hands of scribes. Here are two distinct metrical stories:—The Death of Goll, and the Death of Garaidh, his brother, run into one short prose story, in which lines of the ballads occur in sentences. The language is good Gaelic, written by an educated man, in Mull, about 1800. But, in 1871, an uneducated man, aged 87, repeated the Burning of the House and the Death of the Women to me, and told the story as it was written by Kennedy and Fletcher, about 1774. DHALBH an Fheinn latha don Bheinn th’ sì n’ agus th’ seilga mar bu ghnath leo. Agus dh’ fhàg iad Goll a gleidhidh nan Ban. Bha Goll fuidh thromadas, agus fuidh airsneol, Leag e cheann air Glun a mhna, agus thuit e na chadil, leig a bhean a cheann air làr, agus si chomhairle chinn aica fein, agus aig càch gun ceangladh iad gach dual da fhalt re cipeanibh air an sparradh anns talamh. ’N sin thug na mnathan Gaoir chath asd’ le ’m basibh gam bualidh air a cheila. Mhosgul Goll ann an teas feirge. Ghlais e ’n dorus air na mnathibh ’us chuir e ’n tigh re theina orra, ach gun d’ fhuair aon na dha dhiubh mach us b’ ann do ’n aireamh a thuair as bean Ghuill. Nuair a chunna Goll gun deach an tigh re theina us gun do loisgidh na mnathan, theich e agus dh’ fholuich se e fein ann an uadhich. Air sealltuin do chuid do ’n Fheinn faich-dar Tiogh Fàrala re theinich. Thug gach aon re astar, agus ghabh iad ri siubhal. Rinn ad iad fein cinntich, gun danig namhid eigin air Goll. Rinn iad sealg mhor aobh-ach Ionganntach. O m’ bu Dorn-dhearg Laòch ’us O m’ bu cheann dearg Cù, ’us o m’ bu trom eallach Gille. A fear bu mhoille se bu diombuiche. Thanig iad gu taobh chaol-rathain, ’us leum gach fear air cheann a shlegha, ’us chaillidh Mac Rathin sa chaoil. Stad na fois cha d’ rinn iad gus an d’ ranig iad. Dh’ fhiosruich iad do na mnaibh ciod e chuir an Tiogh re theine. Dh’ innis iad gur e Goll a rinn e. Bha ’n Fheinn fui’ throm fheirg an aghaidh Ghuill, th’ suich iad cuirt agus thugadh binn bais a mach na aghich. Ach bha iad fui’ eagal gun dugadh o Scrios air moran dhu. Se chomhairle chunnachdas doibh gun cumadh iad e ann am priosan gus am biodh e air anannachidh, a dhi bi agus dibha. Bha orda teann o ’n Fheinn gu cuirte gu bas neach sam bith a bheiridh dha biadh na deoch. Bha [TD 180] e la ’n sin sa phriosan, agus bha bhean maille ris, agus thubhairt e. Tha mi ro lag an diugh. O! mo Dhunaich a thanig ormsa ghraidh do na fearibh, us gun a chroidh agam ni sam bith a dheanamh dod chomh-nadh, ach a ghraidh nan deobhla tu mo chiochan, cha deobhail ars eisan. Carson ars ise. Tha ars eisan gu rabh mi lŏs sin a dheanamh mar a h-iarradh tu e. Ach a nois cha ’n fhaod mi do bhrì’ gun do chuir mo mhuime mi fui’ mhionnabh gun aon ni dh’ iarradh Bean orm a dheanamh. Mata ghraidh ars ise nair a bhios tusa marbh, tha mi cinntich nach leig an Fheinn leamsa gun fhear eila phosadh, agus bu mhiann leam fios fhastinn uatsa co fear a Luidheasicha tu dhamh ann ad aite. Se ’m fear a dh’ iaras mis ort a phosadh. Aodh cas machd na Caillich. O! ars ise na Leiga ni math gu sininnsa mo thaobh ri Aodh cas machd na Caillich ann an aite do ghlachda Geala. P. 9. ATHCHUING GHUILL. 24 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 64. Advocates’ Library, February 22, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS is the sequel to the prose story, with one verse of the ballad in it. AIR teachd do ’n la sin anns an rabh Goll re chuir gu bas, Thugadh a mach e chum a mhillidh. Bha e mar Lagh aig an Fhiann, gu fuidhidh gach neach a chuirte gu bas an raoghinn athchuinge. A reir an Lagh sa bha Goll re achuinge fein iarruidh agus fhaotinn a reir an Lagha sin. Mac an Luin a thoirt do dh’ Oscar Achanich a dh’ iaras mi, ’S mo Bhraghid a chur an giorrd, Air bun sleisde gile Fhinn. B’ e ni arid a bha ann run Ghuill; sa bha gu tachirt ann an Lorg na h-achanichs, gu ’n caillidh Fionn an t-sliasaid, agus a chas do bhri nach d’ fhag Oscar fuighill buille riamh. Ach se chomhairle chunnachdas dhoibh gun cuireadh iad naoi Dachdairin do Leathar-liath, agus naoi brebain do dh’ Iarinn Tŭr fuidh amhuich Ghuill, agus air muin sliasuid Fhinn. Thugadh cleidheamh Fhinn, ga ’m b’ ainn Mac an Luin an Laimh Oscair. Bhuail e Bhuile, agus leis a bhuile sin fein chuir e ’n ceann do Gholl, ghear e ’n Leathrach, san t-Iarunn us dh’ fhuilich e air sliasuid Fhinn. THE CATASTROPHE. THE BATTLE OF GABHRA, AND DEATH OF OSCAR. A. 29. 30. C. 4. D. 26. G. 3. H. 29. I. 22. J. 8. K. 3. L. 7. M. 19. 20. N. 6. O. 13. V. 17. X. 12. Y. 9. Z. 6. 7. 8. 45. &c. I HAVE more than twenty large fragments of versions of this old Ballad, collected in Scotland, from Caithness to Dunkeld, Lismore, and Ceantire; between 1512 and 1871. Many people sing it still in the Islands, and the Story is widely known to the uneducated Gaelic population. Kennedy tells it in his quaint English. A few words and phrases show that even he was affected by the Ossianic epidemic of his time, but the main story, which everybody knows now, is told in all versions of the Gaelic Ballads. A great many Irish manuscripts, of last century, contain versions of this Poem. Part of it, certainly, is as old as 1512, and I believe that it was traditionally recited long before part of it was written in Lismore, by Dean Mac Gregor, in the reign of Harry the Eighth. The poem is not known in any older writing so far as I can discover. In 1853, the Dublin Ossianic Society began the Fenian Story with this Catastrophe. A first volume, of 161 pages, tells the story of the last Fenian battle. About 1763, Mac Pherson put the story of Oscar’s death into the first book of Temora, but he so changed the story, and the manner of telling it, as to make the Epic his own. English readers could not believe in a second Gaelic Epic, and would not believe in ‘Ossian.’ Irish scholars were driven to despair: they held the battle to be historical. The Book of Leinster, 1130, contains a short poem, ascribed to Ossin, which mentions the battle. Gabhra is close to Dublin; Teamhra is Tara, the seat of Irish High Kings; Almhuin is not Alba (Scotland), but the Hill of Allen. That pestilent Scotchman had shaken the whole system; to make Caledonian Epics with fragments of the ruin which he made. To smash Stonehenge and build a Parthenon; to hew modern antiques out of the Elgin Marbles; to paint pictures by Zeuxis upon Raffael’s Cartoons; or to write Cunieform Inscriptions on the Book of Kells, could hardly afflict antiquaries more than the publications of Mac Pherson. A comparison of Kennedy’s ‘Arguments,’ now printed, with Mac Pherson’s Arguments of 1762-3, shows the havoc which was made of Scotch Traditions which still survive. At least fourteen Scotch Collectors, who are quoted in this volume, had versions of this Story, which correspond with each other, and to Irish versions; they are all condemned as ‘spurious,’ and they were left unnoticed in their drawer; while the ‘Ossianic controversy’ went wrangling on over one Gaelic manuscript, written by Mac Pherson, revised after his death, and printed as the original of ‘Ossian’s Poems.’ These are facts, and readers of this volume can form opinions for themselves. I cannot find room for twenty versions of one ballad, which filled a whole Irish volume. I reprint the oldest version from ‘the Book of the Dean of Lismore,’ beside other versions selected from unpublished manuscripts, with references to the rest. All are versions of one Gaelic Poem, none are versions of ‘Temora.’ Only five of the Heroes are in this ballad: Fionn, Fergus, Raoidhne, Oisein and Oscar. The Clanna Morna are out of the Story. Garriadh and Goll were slain in their ballads, which I have placed above, in Kennedy’s order. I have nothing about Conan, but no doubt his end was described. Caoireal and Diarmaid were slain in their ballads. I have no account of the end of Caoilte and Faolan. Seven are out of the Scotch version of the Battle of Gabhra. Oscar the eighth and Raoidhne the ninth are slain in this ballad. There remain at the end, Fionn and two of his sons, Fergus the Bard, who tells him the Story, and Oisein, who tells the whole to Padruig on the Mound of Tears, long after the Feinne have passed away. A. 29. CATH ZAWRYCH. 232 lines. A HOUDIR SO SEISS ALLAN M‘ROYRE. THIS I believe to be the oldest written version of this ballad known. I do not believe that Allan Mac Royre made it. I believe that he said it. Lines and verses and long passages and the story can be identified in all later versions known to me. 1 MOR in nocht my chow feyn A halgin a ta zim rair Re smeinten a chaa chroy Huggemir is carbryth cranroy 2 A maksen chormik ochwnni Merga in neyn harlyth fa chung Reith gin chass vin chaath Di churri ris gin zrane royth boe 3 Kailswm gith ollith fame Hwnni inni is clanni keive chwnn Guss wyve sen charbre roye Nir smeine seine olk na anweine 4 Di chan carbryth ranyth loyeth Agus di be in nellith chroye Gir bar less twttwm er mygh Agus in nane la cheille 5 Nassyth reithre wea vir Agus in nane a weith er nerrin Di chan barrin gi prap Cwneich mwkre agis art 6 Fir sinsir huttwm in sin Di wreith fellith ni faynith Cwneich a gessith chroye Is cwneich in non oywir 7 Is nach reym cogeith rame linni Ach na hoggeith vakkowle Ba corle clonni cwne Agus carbre a lay trome 8 Ead feyne a hawrt dar ginni Agus sinni di zochin Gow marreith na zey wleyg Is gin nane a weith in nalwin 9 Is weadeist baiss fa zoem Tra nach bedeis in mir zlee Hug sen gi feich fergich In cathsin cacht zawraa [TD 181] 10 Di hut in nane bonni ri bonni Is reithre olsa errin Ne roygh a nynea nor Gow fodleith earra in doythin 11 In reith nach roygh far smacht Rar linni gwss a chaa sen a halgin. O churre an sen r nar ner Zoive rwneni keiss na kayn 12 Is ne roye ag dwn keith rwn Ach far gwde di zea nerrin Ymmi er fey in doyn worre Nach lar wey ln dey in tloye 13 Ni fonyeith la er lai A huttym la ny cheillith Da deg feith awlwarreith in seu Orrew in nerrin eazlyn 14 Ossin cred a zaneith finni Agus ersemi far nerrin Er a lave a cleyrre chaye Ne royith si vanve vane 15 Beggane di leichre erse Agus ogre gin darve Ga bea reith heyssyth in sin Zoive sai fodleith in nasgeith 16 Gin cath gin nirril gin nawg Gin none gin achassen Churr sin ir techta sor Gow faa mayk vc conni 17 Di hoith orrin nar genni Di zowell reithreith errin Mor in tysin dymith Orweith a reith taureith fa mo torm 18 Twlleith owyr a tug Gow dul di warwa er ollea Ossin innis doive skail Nor chorsew in nirril trane 19 Nor hutyth di waksi si chaa Na drwg tow er er lawryth Oskin mi vee osgir ayen Hanyth miss er curreith in nar a 20 Id tanik keiltyth er sen Oskir a hechtir clynni Hanik in roze boa zar weane Woskin in garrith dyth feyn 21 Drong roe lawrrit or sin Is weith drong ellith gin armyn A cleyrreith na baichil bane Ga bea zeith chewith in toyr 22 Byth vor in troye rar lin Olsa errin di hwttim Ymmeith caithraa codeith keive Ymmi loereith heith her 23 Ymmeith skaith harsi si wygh Agus a trea gin armin Cha dewith sin din tloyg Mirri baale er in roygh boye 24 Cha dwg sin lynni ass a chaa Ach feve reith na ardlacht Sanni a hor mo mi wag feyn Na lea er a wllin claa 25 Is skaa nawriss er in layr Agus a lanni na zess lawe Donnwl allith er gith Lea dea er bley a looreicha 26 Leggwm erla mi ley re lar Is di bi rynis oss a chinni tawe Sminum a healgin er sin Cred a zanvin na zeye 27 Di hillith osgir rwmsyth soss Agus bi lor lam a chross Di hein a hwggm a laave Er wayn er ym choaailli 28 Di zoyve may lawe mi vec feyn Is dyth hoeis ranyth crea Is aon tw sin a lea Char churreis caiss sin teil 29 Hurrt rwmsyth mi wak Farryth agus a nar armyth A woe riss ni dwllw sin Di wesith slane a aythir 30 Ne zanwmsyth zewsytht gaeth Ne roe aggwm fregreith zoe Gin danik keilt worsin Huggin a zeyzin oskir 31 A dowirt mak ronane in nawe Ach keynis tazes a zrawg A tame er oskir mir is dlee Dul a gowar seil awzeive 32 Crachtea sley carbre roye Fa ymlin oskir armroye Lawe cheilt ga wllin Doe reach in greachte nyth sley 33 Sirris keilta a knee er choyr Id toyr a inni na zoee It toyr a zrwme crechti kyn Er a zerre din zorley 34 Skreddis makronane sin Agus tuttis gow talwin Id dowirt keiltyth ym meille trane Er weith zoe er tryle in dyvenail 35 Feirane sen a oskir aile A skarris ranyth wane Is skar raa caath ra fynni Bae in keiss ag seil mor chwne 36 Gerrit a weith zone mir sin A vec alpin a chlerich Gi waka a huggin wo nar Ne roye boea zanew phail 37 Feichit keaid zonyth mir sin Eddr ogre is arse Ne roowe dwne slane dew sin Aggin din neychit cadsin 38 Ach fer ix gonni gi reive Fath low ag gin di chreactew Togmir in tosgir arne Er chrannew sley in nardew 39 Bermoyn e gu tullych zlin Dyth howirt dea a heydyth Lead nyth bossyth zane chorp Cha royve slane wo na alt 40 Na gi ryg a wonyth lar Ach a ygh na hynirrane In nyith sin dwn sin naar Geillingua churp gow laa 41 Gir hogsin clan vc ne finni Er chnokew ard evin Neyr choneith neach a vc fen Nir chein a wrar fa zeyth 42 Re fegsin me vecsi mir sin Kaach wllyth a kenyth oskir Gerrit a wee zown mir sin Er curryth in a churp cheive zil 43 Gow vaka chuggin fa nona Fin m‘kowle vic tranevor Gow dugsidir annsyth nar Drana boe di zanew phal 44 Er fyail clynni boissni neyr Fa chassil chroo sin nirril Di bi roye baekeith ni werri Agus skranil ni meillyth 45 Gow vaggi sin verga finni Re cranni sley voss er gin Hugsaid huggin assin nar Dl hug sin na goail 46 Di vannych sinn ullyth zinni Agis char reggir a sinni Dulli er in tullych na rane Far in rowe oskir armzar 47 Nor a wowych oskir finni Er tocht daa voss a chinni Togissa nye neachla Is bannythchis da hanathir [TD 182] 48 Id dowirt in tosgir in sin Re m‘murnaith sin nor sin Mi chin fest riss in naik Er haggin a inni armzar 49 Troyg a oskir arne A zey vc mo vc syth fen Miss er a zey is fanne Is er dye fane errin 50 Mallych art in r gym moye Sai sa dwe tanyth reym loyith Di leon a orrwm a her Na gi reach ma in noeneith 51 Slane wome a zirril is di zawe Slane di gi keiss di hoikwail Slane di gi math woym in nossa Ach ne waym zin chomso 52 Re clastin kelwein nyth finni A arrwm a hosgir zi ling Di hein a woa in dai lawe Is di zea a rosga rinwlaa 53 Di hynta finni runna a chwle Di hilla deara gow dour Ach fa osgir is fa wranna Cha drin sai dar er talvin 54 Ach missi wane agis fin Ne royve a zayn woss a chin Hug ait tree zayryth sin noyr A class fa errin awoyr 55 Coyk fichit kead x Is deich kead er in goayrren zin fen Wa din nam marve er a wygh Gyn nane dwn za essen 56 A zaa urdill sin is ne goe Is reith errin skail fa moe Wa marve er in teive ellith Di loyg errin armylin 57 Neyn roye finni swllor na saive O hen gow hyig a wass Woyn zloossin ne far da less Reithre wea zi werrin 58 Woyn chath sen cath zawryth Noch cha drone ma tyn nawryth Cha rowe in oor roea na loo Nar leg maa ossni lan wor Mor noch. A. 30. CATH ZAWRYCH. 53 lines. A HOUDIR SO FARRIS FILLI. THIS answers to Kennedy’s 2nd part, and is very like it. It is not composed by Farris Filli. A character in the story questions him, and he answers. It is his speech as much as the speeches spoken by Celts, in Tacitus. 1 INNIS donn a earris Ille feynni errin Kynis tarle zevin In gath zawrych ni beymin 2 Ne math v‘kowle Mo skael o chath zawrich Cha warr oskyr invin Hug mor coskir calm 3 Cha warr seachta vec keilt Na gasre fean alwe Di hut oyk ni feani Inn in eadyth arrych 4 Di marwe m‘lowith Si vi mek sin tathryth Di hut oyk ni halvin Di marwa feyn brettin 5 Di hut mc re lochlin Fa linnyth veith chonyth Bi chre fael farri Bi lawe chalma in gonyth 6 Innis doif a ille Mc mo vec is marrwm Kynis di we oskyr Scolta ni gathwarri 7 Bi zekkir a innis Di bi vor in nobbir Ne royve marve sin gath sen Hut la armow oskyr 8 Ne loyth ess oyvin Na seaywok re eltow Na re vwnni sroyth Na oskyr sin gath sin 9 Weith say ma zerri Mir willith ra trane zeith Na mir chrann voass ewee Si wew gi a nauetee 10 Hug oskyr na chonew Mir harwe twnni traa Mir chonnik sen carbre Di chraa in tlye hantych 11 Gir chur treith a chinnbir Gir bea in couva cadna Ner impoo sin oskyr Gin dranyth re errin 12 Gin dug beym gin deichill Gir zoichin ay garlyn Bollis art mac carbre Er in darna bull 13 Is mi ferris filli Dar hwil gych innis Troyg er essni feynith My skeall re innis. Innis. G. 3. BAS OSGAIR 154 lines. Copied, 1872, by John Dewen, from a manuscript by Mac Diarmaid, 1762-1769. June 27, 1872. Compared with Gillies, p. 313. This has 38 verses; Gillies, 64. It is not a copy because of the orthography. The verses follow in their order, so that the story remains the same, but various readings occur, e.g. 19, 32, 35, which are worth notice. This contains the Introduction, which is commonly repeated with the ballad now, but which is very difficult to explain. See version in Vol. iii. ‘Popular Tales of the West Highlands.’ 1862. Y. BÀS OSGAIR, Or the Death of Osgar, the son of Ossian, and grandson of Fian Macull. Copied from a manuscript wrote by Eovan Mac Diarmaid in the year 1762, & in possession of Mr. John Shaw, miller, Kenlochraineach, in the year 1872. 1 CHO ’n abair mi mo thriath re m cheol, G a b’ oil le Oissin a nochd, Osgar & Cairbre calma Fraothadar uille neath Ghauradh. 2 Ni sleagh nimhe is i n laimh Chairbre, Go n crothte i re uair feirge Theireadh am Fiadhach re goimh Gur ann leadha mhairbhte Osgar. 3 ’S misseadh heireadh e ris fein, Am Fiadhach dubh ma mhicheil. A chuig fhear a tha sibh ma ’n chlar (1) Ach suil fir a bhi ga thachda. 4 Dh’ fharaid sinne a Rath gun cheil Com an tachda air suil fein, Go de a ghoimh a h air air Rosg, Nuair a chaonamaid a chaol Reachda. 5 Gaoraidh am fiadhach moch a maireach Air a ghruaidhsa ann san àroich Ach gus an taining an ’nuaigh An fhaobh sin cho bolc a-hínneal, (2) 6 A Bhaobh anidheas an teudach Deansa dhuinne faisneachd choudna A tuit aon duine dibh linn Na ’n deid sin uille neimhne 7 Marbhair leatsa cuid ceud, Is godhnar leat an Riogh fein Araon sa ’m fear lagh a dheth Air saoghal uille go ’n thainig, (1) About the table. (2) Beauty. [TD 183] 8 Na cluineadh e thu Rosg mac Ruaidh Na duine bhuine ga shluagh Na ’n cluineadh an Fhein thu nochd Ma ’m bi sinn uile go meirsneach. These eight verses correspond nearly to Gillies’ nine. 19 in Gillies. Various. 9 Tomalaid (3) Cinn gun iomalaid Caoin, Beug còrach sud iarruidh oirn Se fath (4) ma ’n iarruidh tu sinn Sinne bhi gun Fhian gun Athair, 10 Ga do bhithe an Fhian is t-Athair ’A là ab fearr bha iad na ’m Beatha Cha buileoir (5) leamsa re ’m linn (6) Gach siod a dhiarruinn ga m faghain 11 Na ’m biodh an Fhian agus m-Athair ’N là ’b fearr bha iad na ’n leath bheatha, Steann air am faghaidh tu ’n sin, Aon leud do throighe ann Eirinn. 24 in Gillies. 12 Briathar buan sin, (7) briathar buan, A Bheireadh an Cairbre ruadh, Go ’n cuireadh e sleagh na ’n seachd siong Edir aradh agus Tomlag. 13 Briathar eille na aghaidh sin Bheireadh an t-Osgar gle chalma, Go ’n cuireadh e sleagh na naodh siong, Ma chumadh fhuilt agus Eidin. 14 ’N oidhche sin dhuine go Lò Mar re mnaoi Teineadh comh-ol, Part of 22 Gillies. Briathar garga leath mar leath Edir Cairbre agus Osgar. 26 in Gillies. 15 Briathar buan sin, briathar buan A Bheireadh an Cairbre ruadh, Go ’n tugadh e sealg is Creach (8) A h-Albuinn an la air na marach. (mharach) 27 in Gillies. 16 Briathar eille na aghaidh sin Bheireadh an t-Osgar gle chalma Go ’n tugadh e Sealg is Creach Do Dh’ Albuinn an la air na mharach. 30 in Gillies. 17 Dh eirg sinn an la air na mharach Agus air Sluagh bilidh, badhach, Thogadh linn a h-Eirinn Creach. Da Chreich-dheug as gach Coig-dhibh. (9) 18 Nuair a ranaig sinn ann, Bealach (10) cumhaing ann Caol ghleann, Lann a bhiodh an Cairbre glan, A Lona maireachd a teachd nar Comhail. 19 Cuig fichid Albannach ard, Than tharr muir chairginigh ghairbh, Thuit sud le laimh Osgair thall, Is e mosgladh re Riogh Eirinn. 20 Cuig fichid fear Chloidheamh ghlaish, Nach deach aon cheim riamh air aish Thuit sud le laimh Osgair thall, Is e mosgladh re Riogh Eirinn. 21 Cuig fichid fear bogha A thainig oirne nar comhair, Thuit sud le laimh Osgair thall, Is e mosgladh re Riogh Eirinn. 22 Cuig fichid fear feachdaidh, (11) Thainig oirne a tìr an t-sneachdaidh, Thuit sud le laimh Osgair thall, Is e mosgladh re Riogh Eirinn. 23 Cuig fichid Caibre ruadh, Thainig no mhaithibh an t-sluaigh, Thuit sud le laimh Osgair thall, Is e mosgladh re Riogh Eirinn. 24 Nuair a chunnairc an Cairbre ruadh, Osgar a snaithe an t-sluaigh An t-sleagh nimhe bha ma laimh Go ’n do leige sin na Chomhail. 25 Thuit Osgar air a ghlun deas ’Sa ’n t-sleagh nimhe roimh a chneas Go ’n chuir e sleagh na naodh siong Ma chumadh Uilt agus Eidin. 26 Eirigh Art is glac do Chloidheamh, Is seasamh aite t-Athar, ’S ma thig thu beo n’ na cathaibh, Go ma Riogh rath thu air Eirinn. 27 Thug e urchair eile a nairsde Air leinn bu leoir a hairde Leagadh leis le meud a chùimeas Art mac Chairbre air an ath urchair. 28 Chuir iad Crùn an Riogh ma cheap. Los go buidhinte leo an Larach, Thog o leachdag chonard chruaidh Bhar na Talmhuin taobh ruaidh, Bhris e Crun an Riogh man Cheap Gniomh ma dheireadh mo dheagh mhic. 29 Togaibh libh mi noise Fhiannaibh Cho do thog sibh roimh riamh mi, Togaith mi go Tnlloch ghlain, Ach go ’m buin sibh dhiom an t-eudach. 30 Marbhaisg ort a mhic na buaidh Ni thu breugau dhuinn an darna h-uair Loingeas mo shean-Athar a h-ann ’S iad a teachd le Cobhair thu gainn 31 Bheannuigh sinn uile do Dh Fhian Ga ta cha do bheannuigh Dhuinn, Gus an dainig e Tulloch na ’n deur, Far an raibh Osgar arm gheur. 32 ’S misseadh mhic a bhiodh tu dheth, Latha Catha Dun-Dealagan, Namha na curthan roinh d chneas, ’Si mo Làmhsc rinn do leigheas. 33 Mo Leigheas cha neil e m-fath, (12) Cha mho dheantar e go bràth, Chur Cairbre sleagh na ’n seachd siong Edir m’ àradh agus m’ iomlag. 34 Chuir mise sleagh na ’naodh siong Ma chumadh fhuilt agus Eudain ’S na ’n ruige mo Dhuirn a chneas, Cho deanadh aon Leigh a leigheas. 35 ’S misseadh Mhic a bhiodh tu dheth Latha Cath Bhein Eudain Namhadh na feidh roimh do chneas Si mo laimhse rinn do Leigheas. 36 Mo leigheas cha n eil e ’m fath, Cha mo dheantar e go brath, Goimh an Donaigh am thaobh dheas, ’S (13) dorride do Leigh mo Leigheas. 37 Mo Laogh fein thu Laogh mo Laoigh, Leanabh mo Leanabh Ghil chaomh, Mo chroidhe leimnigh (14) mar Lon, (15) Go la bhrath cha ’n eirigh Osgar. 38 Cha do chuir Fian dheth crith no grainn O làtha sinn go latha bhrath, Cha ghabhadh is cho b fearra leis, Ach Trian do ’n bheatha ga’d abrain D. 26. CATH GHABHRA NAN BEUMAMANIN. 166 lines. From Mac Nicol’s Collection. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson. Advocates’ Library, May 11, 1872. THIS is a genuine fragmentary version; all its verses are elsewhere, with slight variations. These sometimes explain obscurities, e.g. It seems in most versions that a great number of Cairbres were slain. A genitive, in verse 21, makes the line mean ‘seven score of (the people of) Cairbra ruaidh.’ This version is equivalent to Ken- (3) Exchange. (4) Reason. (5) Not too much. (6) Time. (7) An oath. (8) Booty. (9) Province. (10) A passage. (11) Man of War. (12) Being or Existance. (13) wt more difficulty. (14) Leaping. (15) Eilk. [TD 184] nedy’s First and Third Parts. The only additions that I can see are the two last words ‘An Albin’ = in Scotland. The battle was in Ireland, and they carried Oscar on spears to Fionn’s House, which therefore was not in Scotland, but at Almhuin, which is near the field of battle. 1 SMULLADICH mi ’n deigh Chaoilte ’S nach marthion Luchd mo cho-aois Lion mi lan Gallair as Goirt An Tim scarichdin ri ’m Choilte 2 Be Caoilte mo Choilte ceart San do dhimirin Buar as Brat Be Caoilte mo Leth-chuir Chatha Ri Hardan na ri haoin Athigh 3 Thainig ’n Cairbrigh tabhich lagg Ghlachda leis Erin fo Smachd Chuir Fios oirne gu Teibhridh Gar ’n immirbhuidh mach e Hallabhi Dhianibh griobh bu dullich lein Dhol a bhuintin din air Tighearnais 4 Fhregair shinne an Curidh dana A lion uille do na bha shin Cha roibh shinne ’dfhein ann uille Na choisne dhuin am bith buidh 5 Air an Rathid ghle-gheal chleichdich Oichd Fiochid deug deo Mharcich Huair shin Onnoir huair shin Biadh Mar a huair shin roidh riabh Bha sinn gu subhich a steach Cubhil as Cairbra san Teiridh 6 An La ma dheridh don Oil Huirt an Cairbra na Ghuth mor Imlait Cinn Sleigh a bail leam uaitse Oscair dhuin e Hallabhi 7 Ciod an Imlait Cinn bhigh ort A Chairbra ruaigh nan Long-phort ’S gur leat mi fein as mo Tshleigh An Tim Catha na Coibhrig 8 Cha buillair leom Cios na Cain Na aoin Sheoid a bhigh nar Tir Cha buillair leom rim Linn a bhos Gach sheoid a Ghiarin gun faithin 9 Cha neil Oir na Earras gu fior A dhiarigh oirne an Riodh Gun Tair gun Tailceas duin dheth Nach bu leatsa a Thighearnas 10 Cha buillair liom Imlait Cinn Cha ’n aidichin Caoichlaigh Croinn Imlait Cinn gun Imlait Croinn Begarich shud iarruidh orrum Gur he Fa man Shiridh du shinn Mishe bhi gun Fhian gun athair 11 Gad a bhigh an Fhian as Tathair Mar ’s fear gan ro iad nam Bethidh Cha buillair leom fo na Fianibh Gach aoin ni dhiarrin gun faithin (sheoid) 12 Nan bithidh an Fhian as mathair Mar a bha iad riabh nam Bethidh Cha’naithidh uissa a Riogh, Liad do dha Thraidh an Erin. 13 Bheir mishe dhuit Briathar buan She huirt an Cairbra Crann-ruaigh An Tshleigh shin mu bheil do Laibh Gur hann inte ha do lua Bhas. 14 Bheir mishe dhuit Briathar eille Ars an Toscar Donn e Hallabhi Gun togbhar leom Shealg as Creach ’S gun reichin do Dhallabhi marich 15 Lion Fuarrichd na Laoich laun Ri clasin na Himirbhuidh Bha Briaribh gairbh leth mar leth Edar an Cairbra san Toscar 16 Bha ’n oiche shin duinne gun Doir (Chobhir) Haull & a bhos mun Obhin (River) Bha Doir lan leth mar leth, ’S bha Doirlan mar Edaruin. 17 Hog shin oirn an Larna bharich A lion uille do na bha shin A t-shealg sa dhiaghich har lein Gun fhiarich do Riodh na Herin 18 Bharaibh shin Riogh Luthidh nan Lann Laoich fuillich le Faobhir arm Hog shin ri Sliagh gaoil Creich Gu Cria laoisgirnich luthor. 19 Mungan mac Sheirc a bha ’n Uaidh A choibhrigidh ceud Claithibh cruaidh Huit shud le Laibh hall ’S he mosglidh gu Riogh na Herin 20 Sheichd Fiochid do Chlannibh Riodh Bu bhor Gaisgidh & Gniobh, Huit shud le Laibh Oscair hall She mosglidh gu Riogh na Herin. 21 Sheichd Fiochid Cairbra ruaidh Bha colsach ri Cairba an Tshluadh Huit shud le Laibh Oscair haull ’S he mosgla gu Riogh na Herin 22 Sheichd Fichid do Dhearibh Feachd Hanig e Tir uair an Tshneachd Huit shud le Laibh Oscair hall ’S he mosgla gu Riogh na Herin 23 Sheichd Fiochid Gaigheal (1) garg Thainig fo ’n Tir uaridh ghairibh Huit shud le Laibh Oscair haul She mosgla gu Riogh na Herin 24 Sheichd Fiochid do Dhearibh Bogha Hanig air Cairbra ga chobhir Huit shud le Laibh Oscair haul ’S he mosgla gu Riogh na Herin 25 Chogir ab fhaisge don Riogh Bhairibhe e iad sbu bhor an Gniobh Huit shud le Laibh Oscair haul She mosgla gu Riogh na Herin 26 Nuair a chunnairc an Cairbra ruidh Oscar a snathidh an Tshluaidh A Chraosich nethidh bha na Laibh Leige huiggidh I na Chothail 27 Huit Oscar air a Ghlun deas San Tshleidh nethidh roibh a Chneas Hug e Urchair eill’ a nun As bheiritidh leis Riogh na Herin 28 Erich Airt as glaic do Chlaibh Shesibh ann an Aite Tathar Ma dheibh thu do dhiol Saoghil Saolidh mi gur mac Rath thu 29 An Toscar bu mhoithid Buaidh San bhairibh e Cairbra an Tshluaidh Huit le Oscar gniobh nach cuimisich Art mac Chairbra air an ath Urchair 30 Sluaidh Chairbra bu ghairibh Cleichd Hog iad Cath-Chara mun Cheip . . . . . 31 Oscar mac Ossain an aigh Hog e Leig Chloichidh fo ’n Bhlar Bhrist e ’n Cath-bhara mun Cheip Gniobh mu dheridh mo dheo mhic 32 Mo Laoigh fein thu Laoigh mo Laoidh Leinibh mo Leinibh ghil chaoibh Mo Chriodh a Leimnich mar Loin ’S gn la bhrach cha ’n erich Oscar 33 ’Bhic ’m bu mhissa bha thu dheth Na ’n La hug shin Cath Bein edin Tshnathidh na Coirrin rod Chneas Shi mo Laibhsa reinn do leithis. 34 Chaneil mo Leithis am Fa Schla bho nitar e gu brach Chuir Cairbra Sleigh nan sheichd sheim Eddar Mairnin & Mimleag 35 Hug mishe ’n shin Urchair eille Bhiuthir gu ’m ban air a gainnid Chuir mi sleigh nan nao Sheim Mu Chumidh Fhuilt & Aodin ’S nan rigidh mo Dhuirn a Chneas Cha dianigh na Leigh a lethis. (1) Or gargheal, or gas gheal. [TD 185] 36 Erich Ossain ’sglaic do Ghath Fo ’nach marthion Oscar arramach Cha surd Curridh bhi caoidh mu Chloin Ma ha iad ’s na Cathin huggin 37 Cha dainich orm Duinne riabh Gur Criod Feola a bha ’m Chliabh Ach Criodh mar Cluibhne cuir Air a Chuilbhriche le Stailin. 38 Bha Donnaillich nan Conn rim Thaoibh Agus Ullartich nan Shean Laoich Gal Bannail a caoidh ma sheach Gu ’m be shin a chraidh mo Chriodh. 39 Cha chaoinidh Bean a mac fein Cha chaoinidh Fear a dheara-bhrathair Air an Tullich huas ma dheas Bha shin uille caoinidh Oscair 40 Hog shin lein an Toscar aluin Air Gualibh sair Sleighin airde Hug shin as Imriche grinn Gus an drainig shin Tidh Fhin an Albin. Crioch. H. 29. HOW OSCAR WAS KILLED. 580 lines. Kennedy’s 1st Collection, page 145. Advocates’ Library, December 30, 1871. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL went to Rome for to cure his leg after it was wounded by his grandson Oscar when he beheaded Garbh, and every one of the old Heroes went with him except Fergus the celebrated Bard (Ossian’s brother), they gave the chief command to Oscar above what was left at home of their Army. Cairbar was the King of Ireland then, in the room of the lawful King Cormac. Kings in these days use to keep Counselor or a choise man in wisdom for to direct them how to do any action both in the time of peace and war. Cairbar’s Adviser said to him that he was very foolish when he was a subject to Fingal and his men, when they might be subjects to him; (for Fingal had a man and a dog’s due on every dwelling that was in Ireland and many other tributes besides that, which is too tedious to mention here) and that he was also honoured above Cairbar in every place, that he would get the praise of every action in Wars and not him, and that his reputation would never decay; Cairbar asked then, how they could make the Heroes subject to himself? the Counselor answered and said, Take you the opportunity immediately while you have it since all the Heroes are in Rome, except Oscar and few number of their young men, therefore if you will invite Oscar and his Men to a Feast, and get the shaft of his victorious spear, for the Blade of your own Spear, and then you need not keep them to defend this Kingdom from any brutal force whatsoever no more, and if Oscar will not deliver the spear willingly, take it from him by force and make them subjects as others while you live, and in case Oscar will overcome you, have all thy force ready here before he will come. This pleased the King exceedingly well, and he ordered all his army to be at his court in compleat armour while the festival days would be holden in the Isle of mist (where their House, women and Garabh were ruined,) to the feast. Oscar and his men came. They were feasting, singing and dancing during six days, and at the seventh day Cairbar asked Oscar’s spear, Oscar refused that unless Cairbar would give him his own spear, which he would never do, they cast out that moment, and it is said that Cairbar burnt a great number of Oscar’s men, where they slept that night (but it is not mentioned in the Poem, therefore it is hard to determine whether it is true or not). To-morrow Oscar fled with his men in fear that Cairbar’s numerous Host would find means to overcome him, but when they saw that he fled they pursued him by 360 and 360, and overtook him. Oscar returned to them, and fell into a madness of strife and killed them by 360 and 360 as they were coming. It is not known what his men did at all, for they were all young, and since they were not well prepared for Battle, so few beyond the rest, they were greatly discouraged. They were all slain on both sides, except a few number that fled at the end of the day. Oscar and Cairbar themselves fell at last by each other, and then Arth, Cairbar’s son, when the . . was over, what was alive of Cairbar’s men made Cairbar’s image, and they put the Crown on its head, and set it on the field opposite to where Oscar was almost dead, for to vex him; he lifted a great stone that was under him, he threw it on the image, and broke it into pieces. It is supposed that none of his men escaped, but his uncle, Fergus the Bard, he only was left at home of the old men to compose songs to what deeds they would perform worthy to be remembered till Fingal and the rest would return back from Rome, for they had no Historians at that time, but Bards; they were not taught neither to read nor write. Fergus fled to the Western coast of Ireland, and saw his Father and his attendance coming ashore. The Poem is divided into three parts: First, how the Battle was fought; Secondly, how he told the story by way of episode to his Father when he saw him; and Thirdly, how they discoursed with Oscar himself on the field. They carried him to the Fortress of Alvin, when they burried him; his Father and Grandfather lamented over his grave by way of Epitaph, exquisite bitter. Note that the first part is composed by the Poet when he fled on the way towards the shore; it is not addressed to any one. DAN 28. Compare D. 1 ’S MULADACH mi fad o ’m dhaoine, ’S nach maithrean luchd an coi’-raonte; Na caoimh bha fuileachdach bras, Re h-ám d’ éug-bhail is mor chath. 2 ’S muladach mi’ nois am aonar, Gun Athair gun Mhac gun chaomhach; Gun Bhrathair no coi’-luchd catha, A dh’ ath-dhiolas bás nan cathan. 3 ’S muladach mi ’n deidh Chaoille, ’S nach fhaic mi fear a choi’-aogaisg; Bu luaithe na cathadh mara, ’N uair dh’ eireadh cruas catha. 4 B’ e Ioilainn mo bhrathar cómhraig, Ann ’s gach ionad am biodh comhstridh, Is b’ e Aogh mo leith chur catha, Re h-ardan no re h-ann la. 5 B’ e Daoire mo chamhalte ceart, Leis a dh’ imrinn buaigh is brat, Ciod e ’m fáth dhamh bhi gan ainmach, ’S gun iad bhi ’n lathair Chath-cabhara. 6 ’N uair chualas leo turas Fhinn, Ann ’s gach ionad a bha ’n Eirinn; Lion iad do dh’ éud is do dh’ ann-run, Do na h-ogain úra chalma. 7 ’Sin thuirt Comharlaich ’d Ard-righ, Comhairl chum guin a bhais dhuinn; O! ’s amaidach thusa Chairbnidh, Paidheadh cís do ’n Fhéinn, cia calma. 8 ’N all’ air sgaoileadh fea’ gac áite, ’S ceann no crioch cha d’ thig gu brath or; Thusa mar icidh chaoi’ gun innseadh, Re h-ám cath is cómhrag mhílidh. 9 Cia mar chiosnaichar na garbh laoich, Do radh Cairbnidh fuaridh falachidh; D ream nach do chlaoidheadh an cathaibh, Re gábhadh no ri h-ann latha. 10 An fhea’ sa raibh Fionn air thuras, Cian air chuan gun luaidh air fuireach, Cuir fios air Oacar do dh’ Albinn ’S fuigh crann nan naoi sean do ’n-lann-ghill. 11 Bidh sea-seana deug a ’d lannsa, ’S cho ’n fhuigh buai’ ort sloigh no armaibh; Ceannsaich ann sin Oscar ’s ógain, ’S glaine cruth no gagan shórnach. 12 Gh áirdaich so na mílidh ghruamach, A chuir sinne sios gu truaighe; ’S Cairbnidh fuileach, lámhach bras A ghlac Eirinn fui’ aon smach. 13 Choi-aontaich an cinneach cruaigh; ’S uile dhaoine Chairbnidh ruaigh; Le comhairl’ fear-iúil na mio-loinn, Chum ’s nach fuighte cliú no císe. 14 Chuir iad chugain cuireadh dána, Dh’ Albinn úr an raibh air ’n abhaist; A dheanamh gniomh bu deacair leinn, Bhuntinn ar Tighearnais dhinn. [TD 186] D. 4. 15 Fhreagair sinn an curidh dána, A thug uile guin a bháis dhuinn; Dhol a ghabhail féiste uaithe, Da ’m bu chrioch cradh agus truaighe. 16 Cha raibh sinn ann do ’n Fhéinn uile, Na chomhraigadh an laoch curidh; Air an rathad ghle’ ghlan chleacaidh, Bha ochd míle ’s caogad marcaich. 17 Rainig sinn an dara mháirach, Teaghlach Auna nan sluaigh gáirdach; Is Oscar caomh, calma, suairce, Air ar tús gu h-iom-ard uallach. D. 5. 18 Fhuair sinn urram agus miadh, Ceart mar fhuair sinn roimhe riamh; F ad sea oidhchean is sea ló, Gun easbhuidh air fion no air ceól. 19 ’S ann seachdamh latha dhuinn san ól, Labhair Cairbnidh le guth mór; Iomlaid cinn sleagh b ’ aill leam uait, Oscar nan arm faobhrach cruaidh. 20 Ciod e ’n iomlaid cinn sleagh th’ ort, A Chairbnidh dhuinn nan lóng-phort; ’S gur leat mi fein is mo shleagh, Re h-ám d’ éug-bhail ’s do mhor bhail. 21 Cho bfhulair leam iomlaid cinn, ’S cho ’n aidmhichain caochla’ crainn; Uait Oscair an leadain amalaich, Cho ’n fhuilair leam air a bhall so. 22 Iomlaid cinn gun chaochla’ crainn, B’ ea-corach r’a iarruidh choidhch; S’ e fáth ma ’n iarradh tu ’n ath-chuing, Mise bhi gun Fhiann gun Athair. 23 Ge do bhiodh tu, s d’ Fhiann is d’ Athair, Ceart mar bha iad riamh r’ a ’n latha; Cho b’ fhuilair leamsa gu dheimhinn, Aon séud a dh’ iarrainn gu fuighinn. 24 Na ’m bithinsa ’s ’m Fhiann is ’m Athair, Ceart mar bha sinn riamh r’ ar latha; Cho ’n fhuigheadh tu Chairbnidh dhuinn, Do dh’ Eirinn lead do dh’a bhuinn, 25 Lion fuarachd an laoch lán, Re claisainn na-h-iomar-bháidh; Do dh’ úr Oscar, ionmhuinn, armaicht, Is d’ a oig-fhir shnuaghar chalma. 26 Mar sinn dhuinne gu tra’ neóin, ’G eisteachd ris na suinn bu mhó; Is leith mar leith briathraibh garge, Eidear Oscar agus Cairbnidh. 27 Bheireamsa briathar san uair, Do ra’ an Cairbnidh claon ruagh; An t-sleagh nimh mu’ m bheil do lámh, ’S ann uimpe bhios do lua’-bhas. 28 Bheireamsa briathar eile, Do radh Oscar nan arm teine; Gun tog mi dhiot sealg gun áireamh, Is theid mi dh’ Albinn a máirach. 29 An oidhche sinn duinne gu ló, Eidear mnaithaibh fionn ’s a ’g òl; ’S briathraibh garge fuaridh falachidh, Eidear Oscar agus Cairbnidh. 30 Air madain an dara mhàirach, Do ghluaiseamar gu mor ghàirdach; A thoirt seilg leinn le coi’ éibhneas, ’S cho d’ fhiabhraich sinn Ri ’n h-Eirann. 31 Thog sinn Gleann-caothann nan úr rós, Gu luath, laisgairnach luthmhor; ’S chunnaig sinn a teachd nan tean-ruigh Buidheann fhuilach fhaobhrach chalma, 32 Macsamhailte do bha ’n daor-ruigh, Mar an t-shran-ghaoth teachd thair aonach; No mar fhrois o ’n iar na gathaibh, Roi’ na gaothaibh baoghlach plathach. 33 ’N tra’ chunnaig Oscar na slóighaibh, Dh’ fhás e mar fhiadh-bar air móintich; No mar chú air éill no lothainn, Re h-am teachd do ’n t-sheilg ma chothair. 34 A deir Oscar r’ a luchd seilge, O! chaomh chalmaibh is mai’ eirmais, Tha cluich eile teachd nar caraibh, Ni ’s fhearr no claoidh fhiadh air bharrabh. 35 Tha ar naimhde tigh ’n nan grunnaibh, Chum an t-sleibh gu feithach fuileach; A thoirt sgrios oirnn ann an aon la, Mar strioc sinn gu sior do Chairbnidh. 36 Pilleamaid riu gu déonach, ’S na geillamaid chaoi’ da ’n comhrag, Man di-measaich no man táiraich; Sinn gu sior an dream o ’n d’ thainig. 37 Sin a deir na Luthaich chalma, O! na d’ thugaibh buille dhaibh ’n diu; ’S fhearr dhuinn réite riu is cordamh, No tuiteam uil’ air an lón ud. 38 Fhreagair Oscar Caomha grádhach, ’N ’e sin a deir sibh a lán-laoich B’ fhearr leam tuiteam air na Maghaibh, No teicheamh no geill do bhaile. 39 Sin thuirt Raoinidh aoibheil gáirdach, ’S baoghalach dhuinn dol do ’n ghábha’; Ach ged thuiteas sinn gu h-uillidh, ’S ro alloil gu bráth ar cumha. 40 Mile beannachd dhuitsa Raoinidh, Fhir is fhearr re lím na caobhrach; Do ra Oscar an Ceann catha, ’N curidh calma, armach, gathach. 41 A rís a deir na Luthaich ághor, Re caomh Oscar cosgair, aluin; Cha do thréig sinn riamh na cathaibh, No air cáirdean gradhach gathach. 42 Bha sinn riamh an tús gach gábhadh, F ’ar ’m bu mhinig bulllean lán-laoch; Cha d’ rinn fós am bás a sheachna’, Le meath-chrith no leanbachd mheata. 43 Ach ’n diu’ chi sinn sloigh doth-áiridh, ’S dubhadh shliagh is bheann d’ ar námhaibh; ’S baoghalach dhuinn doll nan caraimh, ’S gun air ’n áireamh dhoibh am fagus. 44 Bheir aon leagamh sinn sa ghábha ’s, Chaoi’ na dheidh nach d’ theid am blára; ’S fhearr dhuinn fheuchain le cuthach, No bhi rís gu sior fui’ Chumha. 45 A cheann-catha ’s farsuing ainmein, Thoir thusa ’n ceann seant’ do Chairbnidh; Oir cho mhaslaich síth re laoich sinn, Gus ’n d’ thig Fionn le chalmaibh gaolach. 46 Ach ma ’s raonaich leats’ imtheachd, Chuca siar gu pian no pilleadh; ’S ullamh thogas sinn ar ’n arma, ’S tric a dheálr’ an dubhra garbh-chath. 47 An sin do ra’ an t-Oscar calma, ’S ’e cath fuileach mor mhiann’ manma; Far an cluinte fuaim nan luinne, Mar thorainn no sreotha’ muinne. 48 A deir e ’n sin r’ a bhuidheann dheálrach, Fhir rathail is cruaidhe ’n gabhadh; ’Sgaoileadh uaibhe meath-chrith chatha, ’S biodh r’ ar féum an gléus nan Cathan. 49 Faiceam uile sibh an órdadh, Aiteam chathach, rathach, lóinreach; ’S gluaiseamaid gn luthar, calma, Mar bu nos leinn ann ’s gach ann la. 50 An sin dh’ imich sinn air an fhraoch, Chum buaidhe no báis maraon; Ar gnúis lóinreach le ar ’n armaibh, Chlaoidheadh fradharc mar ghrian Shamhraidh. 51 B’ fhuaimnaiche sios slios an t-sléibh sinn, No coill Mhorairn’ roi’ ghaoi’ threun-mhor; Na toirm ua’ mhannach na mara, ’Nuair bheucadh i ris gach carraig. [TD 187] 52 Bha ar luas mar fhéidh nan áonach, Bhiodh roi ’n fhaghaid a sior dhaór-ruigh, No ceathach nam beanntaidh árda, ’N uair bheanadh dh’ a neart an fháilidh. 53 Rainig sinn a bhuidheann lónoil, ’S bhuail chugain mar thuinn an damhair; Bhiodh o bosraich gu treun calma, Ris gach Carraig Chruaidh sa Gheamhra. 54 Bhuail sinn orra mar an céudna, Gu luath lamhach, is cho bhréugach; Mar mhor easaieh nan gleanntidh, ’S reothadh sios ro slios nam beanntidh. 55 Choi’-fhreagradh na creagan árda, Do sgreadail ar ’n armaibh dealrach; ’S dheargadh a Magh fui’ ar cosaibh, Le fuil námh is ghrádhach cosgairt. 56 Mar sin dhuinne gu tra’-neóin, Gun fheith gun fhurtachd, ach león; A cosgairt gach buidhne nan dithadh, Mar a b’ fhaigsa dhuinn a thigadh. 57 Faidheoidh thuit sinn air gach láimh, Mach o fhear a theich o ’n ár; ’S cha d’ thainig o ’n ghreis d’ ar Cathain, Ach mis am aonaran galach. 58 Na b’ aithne dhamh féin do ’n t-sluagh, Aiream dhiu na thuit gu h-uaigh; Sin re ra’ d’ ar namha gabhidh, Gun aithris air sluagh Ri’ Pháile. 59 Mogan Mac Seirce bha ’n uaimh, Chomhraigadh céud cloidheamh cruaidh; Thuit sud le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu Righ na h-Eirann. 60 Rígh Loitheann nan iomad lánn, Geur fuileachdach, faobhrach rann; Thuit sud le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu Righ na h-Eirann. 61 Seachd agus ceud mungan maiseach, Le ’n clogaid cinn uallach gaisgach; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 62 Seachd céud do dh’ fheara feachd, Thainig oirnn o thír an t-shneachd; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 63 Seachd ceud Albannach calm’, Thainig thair muir gáidheal garbh; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 64 Seachd céud do dh’ fheara botha, Thainig oirnn, ’s cha b’ ann dar comhair; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 65 Seachd céud do dh’ fheara scairbh, Thainig o ’n tír uasaidh ghairbh; Thuit sin le làimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 66 Seachd céud do chlanna Rígh, Bu mhó gaisgeadh, ’s bu mhor gniomh; Thuit sin air láimh Oscair cheatfaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 67 Seachd céud Cairbnidh ruagh, Bu chosmhuil re Cairbnidh ’n t-sluaigh; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh na h-Eirann. 68 Seachd is míle calma cruaidh, Chosgara’ naoi’ míle sluaigh; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluaigh Rí Eirann. 69 Seachd is fichead míle rís, Do lán ghaisgaich bu mhó gniomh; Thuit sin do náimh Oscair ághoir, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh an Ard-righ. 70 Míle mor-laoch is a dha, Le ’n sleagh chorranach gu cràdh; Thuit sin da láimh Oscair aghoir, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh an Ard-righ. 71 Seachd céud fear tuaighe gu h-ár, A sgath sios sinn ann ’s gach áit; Thuit sin do náimh Oscair ghrádhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluagh an ámghair. 72 Seachd céud Toiseach loinreach, árd; Fhuair urram air magh gach bláir; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair thréibhaich, ’S e mosgladh gu sluaigh Ri’ Eirann. 73 ’N seachd céud eile b’ fhaisge láimh, Le ’n Creathaille cruadhach bán; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair fhéilidh, ’S e mosgladh gu sluaigh Rí’ Eirann. 74 Seachd céud eile is nior ghó, Ge’ d bha sligneach orr mar or; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair áluin, ’S e mosgladh gu Ri’ nan ámhghar. 75 A chuigear a b’ fhaisge do’ n Righ, Bu mhó meas is bu mhór prís; Thuit sin le láimh Oscair ghradhaich, ’S e mosgladh ris na bha láthair. 76 ’N uair a chunnaig Carbnidh ruagh, ’N d’ Oscar a snaitheadh a shluaigh; A Chraosnach nimhe bha na dhornn, Thilg e i chuige le threóir. 77 Thuit Oscar air a ghlun deas, ’S an t-sleagh nimhe roi’ a chneas; Thug e ath’ urchair dh’ i ’n ceud-rod, Is mharbhadh leis Righ na h-Eirann. 78 Art mhic Chairbnidh glac do chloi’ eamh, Is seas fein an áite d’ Athar; Mar toir thu ’n t-éug do na Caithain, Gur leóir dhuit fein mead do rabhaidh. 79 Thuit le Oscar sluagh gun áireamh, Do mhaitheadh ‘s do dhaoine ághor; Agus faidheoidh gniomh gun chuimhne, Art mac Chairbnidh ’n dara urchair. 80 Chuir iad an sin na bha láthair, Camhar Chairbnidh suas san áraich; Chum a león le smuaintidh tiamhidh, Aon laoch Eirann is nam Fianntidh. 81 Dh’ imich an deidh na garg ghreis, Iarmaid an t-sluaigh fhuair gun treis; ’S nan rigeadh mo lámh an cneas, Cho slánaicht’ gu bráth an cneidh, 82 Oscar mac Osian an áigh, Thog e leac chloiche o ’n lár; ’S bhris e ’n cabhar is an ceap, Gniomh mo dheireadh a dhea’ mhic. PAIRT II. This is a version of Ballad A. 30. 83 O! ’s mise Fearadhas filidh, Is chuartaich mi gach innais; A noc an deidh na Feinne, Struagh mo sgeul r’a innis. 84 Innis sgèul Fhearadhais, Fhilidh fiann fear Eirann; Cionnas mar a tharladh, Cath camhara nam béumanna’. 85 Nior mhaith e mhic Chuthail, Mo sgeulas o Cath-camhra; Cha bheó an d’ Oscar ionmhuinn, Achuir mor chosg air chalmaibh. 86 ’S cha bheó a bhrathair eile, Aon laoch fial nan gaisgeach; ’S ann leis a Choran calma, A thorchair am fear sin. 87 ’S mharbhadh fear a Mhantail, ’S leinne do bha chónamh; Tha chroidhe gu fuar fal’ chaidh, ’S a lámh chalm an comhnuidh. 88 ’S mharbhadh na Mic Luthaic, Na sea Mic san d’ Athair; Mharbhadh og Righ Auna, ’S mharbhadh ann Righ Laitheann. [TD 188] 89 Mharbhadh Mugan seirce. Bha air thús nan sloighaibh, ’S mharbhadh luchd nan Tuaghadh, A rinn mór thruaigh’ sa chómhrag. 90 Mharbhadh na sea Cuinn, Na suinn bu mhai’ sa chomstridh; ’S mharbhadh Raoinidh ’s Art, Na laoich bu dáite, loinreach. 91 Mharbhadh Glais is Geamhail, Is seachd mic Chaoilt’ Mhic Ronan, Daoire dearg is Aogh geal, Fead is Faoidh is Mor-lamh. 92 Mharbhadh an Dubh-chuimir, Cruinne ’s Balbh is Gáire; Fir nan créuce calma, ’S iad gu fal’ chaidh fásail. 93 Mharbhadh Oscar Gharidh, Béirnnidh is Fad-lamhach; Is Clann-pháil o Teamhradh, Agus Fearraghuin gradhach. 94 Mharbhudh naoi mic Mhine, Déud-gheal agus Ardan; Mor-ghlan maiseach fialaidh, ’S Connlacoh ciatach áluin. 95 Mharbhadh ann an Tréun fhear. Deó-gréine agus Aillidh; ’S tha Lubhar agus saor-ghlan, Shios r’ a ’n taobh gun mháran. 96 Mharbhadh naoi mic Cholla, Goille ’s na tri Sgáire; Ioghlan is Fionn Breatan, Mac Bhreastail ’s naoi mic Smáile. 97 Cho ’n ionann sa deireamsa, Ach mac mo mhic is manam; Cionnas a bha Oscar A sgoltadh a chatha? 98 Gur deacair sin r’ a innse, Le ro mhead na h-obair; Na thuit sa chath gun áireamh. Le armaibh ’s lámhaibh Oscair. 99 Bu luaithe’ e no Eas omhann, No seobhag trid na h-ealtainn; ’S mar rua’mhuinne sreothadh, Bha Oscar a g’ aiseag. 100 ’S bhitheadh e ’n uair eile, Mar bhile re tréun ghaoith; A lámh air gach fiuidh, ’S a shúil air gach tréun laoch. 101 Chunnaig e Righ Eirann, Shios air lar a chatha; ’S thug e ruathar chuige, Mar Mhuinne re carraig. 102 Mharbhadh leis an tréun laoch, Is an coran uime Mac peath’r a Mhathar, Am fear a chráidh sa ghuin e. 103 ’S Art mac a Chairbnidh, Air an dara buille; Sgoilteadh e na creagan, Le leadairt a luinne. 104 ’Nam biodh beachd mo sgéulsa, An criochaibh na Gréige; Bhiodh Mnathan ann gu túrsach, Is fir air bheagan céille. 105 ’N sin do rádhait ’m Athair, G’ am b’ alle Righ na Féinne ’Struagh anois a tharladh dhamh, Bhi gu bráth an-eibhinn. 106 Tha mi’ nois gu caointeach, An deidh gach cath is comhraig; An deireadh mo láithe, Gun fhir gun mhnái’ gun sólas. 107 Imicheamaid roimhainn, Anois a chosg mo chomhraidh; Far am bheil an t-Oscar, A chuir mor chosg air slóighibh. PAIRT III. 108 Thainig sinn an sin is Fionn, Air an tulach os an chionn; ’S chunnaigh sinn air magh na t-éug-bhail, Ar laoich chaomhe, chalma, cheatfach. 109 Iad marbh gu h-uilidh san áraich, ’San clab ris gach gaoith gun mháran; O! b’ e sin an sealladh deurach, A dh’ fhag sinne chaoi’ an-eibhinn. 110 Fhuaras Oscar mo mhac féin ann, ’S ’e na luigh air uilain thréibhaich; ’Sa shleagh sint air lar lom ruisgte, Is fhuil sios tríd magh a Luireach. 111 ’S mease bhi tu dhe’ a dhea’ mhic, Na latha catha Béinn-eadainn; Ghabham na corrain roi’ d’ mheadhan, ’S fhuareamar arís do leaghas. 112 Mo leaghas cho ’n eil e ’m fáth, ’S cho deanar e gu lá bhráth; Chuir Cairbnidh sleagh nan seachd aghan, Eidear ’m iomlag agus ’m áirnnean. 113 ’N uair thainig Cairbnidh nan lann, Le fheachd a chur cath nach gann; C’ om nach do mharbh thu gun sóradh, E air thús’ ma ’n d’ rinn do leonadh. 114 ’S mise ’m feasd nach guineadh Cairbnidh, Air na bheireadh long thair fairge; Gus an guineadh mi gu neimhail, Sinn clann na deise dearbh pheathrach. 115 Do thug mise urchair bhathast, Mhiodhair ’s g’ a ’m bu leoir a guinne; ’S chuir mi sleagh na naoi saoilean, An cumachd an fhuilt san aodain. 116 Thuit e ’n sin air magh na d’ eug-bhail, Le mor chrádh air muin nan ceude; Bha ionchain a sios gu shúilean, ’S fhuil a taomadh magh a Lúireach. 117 ’S truagh a mhic nach d’ rinn thu trá’ sin, Man d’ thug é am buille báis dhuit; Cha slánaichear thu gu siorruidh, Fhir a b’ aghoire measg mhilidh. 118 Ciod e ’m fath chaoi sin a radhait, ’S nach fhéud duine le mead ághan; Tighain o ’n bhás a fhuar órda’, Ge d’ bhitheadh gach sloigh ga chaonadh. 119 ’N sin thug leinn an t-Oscar áluin, Air bharadh ar sleaghan árda; ’S thug sinn d’ a’ iomchar grinn, Gus an d’ rainig sinn tigh Fhinn. 120 Chruinnaich iad an sin na sluaigh, ’S gu ’m b’ iad sin na buirich thruagh; Cha chaoineadh bean a fear fein, ’S cha ghuileadh a bhrathair e, 121 Cha chaoineadh piuthar a brathair, ’S cha chaoineadh a mac a Mathair; Ach iad uile ann sa phlosgail, A géur chaoineadh mo chaomh Oscar. 122 Donnalaich nan con re ’m thaobh, Agus buirich nan sean laoch; ’S gal gach bannail ann gu snitheach, ’S iad is modha chraidh mo chroidhe. 123 Mar sin dhuinn gus an ath-lo, Fuidh uallach uamhain is bróin; Ag amharc air a chaomh dhochaint, Gus ’n do cháill e ’n deó ra phlosgail. 124 Thug sinn leinn e ’n sin gun ghàir, Air ghuaillean is sleaghean árd; Gus an tnlaich uaine dhosrach, ’S thiodhlaiceadh leinn an sinn Oscar. 125 ’S ann an sin a labhair Fionn, Air an tulaich fhuair gu fánn; Air an amhail so du-bhrónach, ’S dh’ éist sinn uile ra chaoi-chomhradh. [TD 189] 126 Mo laogh fein e, laogh mo laoigh, Leanadh mo leinadh ghil chaoimh; Mo chroidh’ léimnich mar Lon dochaint, Chion gu bráth nach eirich Oscar. Here begins a passage which seems to be modern; compare I. The metre is different. 127 Ach anois sa rís gu brath, Gun treise gun dreach mar thá; Fui lic fhuaraidh chruai’ gun chomhdach, Gun luadh gu la bhrath air comhrag. 128 Bha do chroidh mar ghathaibh gréine, ’S do spiorad mar chanach sléibh; B’ e do nós bhi aoibal fáilteach, Mar na rósaibh air gach fáire. 129 B’ fhearr no sinu do chruth is d’ aogasg, Fhir a b’ áille bh’ ann is d’ shaoghal; Mar a ghrian a teachd roi’ néalaibh, Bha do shnuagh a measg nan tréun-laoch. 130 Bha do ghruaidh cho dearg san caóran, Na ruiteaga suas gu craobhach; ’S bha do rosgaibh du-ghorm calma, Mar an osnaich chiuin is t-shamhradh. 131 Bha do chneas gu finn-gheal deálrach, Mar ghealach uo sneachd an fhásaich; Thug barr air gach neach a móideachd, ’S thug an neart re tím a chómhraig. 132 Bha re h-am cath agus d’ éug-bhail, Mar easaiche bheann ag éabhaich; Is chlaoidheadh e sios gach aiteam, Mar a charraig tuinn na mara. 133 ’S truagh a tharladh crioch mo láithe, Bhi gun Fheinn gun ghean gun abhachd; Thuit mo chroidhe gu lár fui’ shuimneadh, ’S cha tog ceól re ’m bheó as úr e. 134 Cha tog clarsach o an-eibhneas, No Figheal is mire gleus é, Anois no gu brath gu sólas, ’S tiamhaidh a dh’ fhás crioch mo loithe. Here comes in the current ballad. 135 ’S ann an sin a dubhras féinach, ’S mi sior chuimhneacha mo dhea’ Mhic, Cho ’n ann dhamhsa ’s fhearr a tharladh, A bhi chaoi’ gun mhac gnn ábhachd. 136 Chráidh a bhas gu bráth mo chroidhe, ’S an-eibhinn mise ro’ shnitheach; ’S ionmhuinn a neach fui ’n lic ata, ’S tearc laoch air am bheil a radh. 137 O! s truagh nach mise thuit ann, Ann Cath-cabhara gniomh nach gann, ’S bhiodh Oscar a near sa niar, A diol mo bhás air gach Cliar. 138 ’S ge d’ bu tusa thuiteadh ann, An Cath-cabhara gniomh nach gann; Cho chluinneadh neach a chaoi’ osann, No iargain a’ d’ dheis ag Oscar. 139 ’S olc a chreideas mi do radhsa, Nach bitheadh an d’ Oscar grádhach; A dioleadh mo bháis gun chlos aig, Ann ’s gach áite ghná’ a cosgairt. 140 Tha mi lán sháthach ag amharc, Air a lionn a b’ fhearr sna Cathain; Fhuair buaidh air gach neach an cómhrag, Le láimh chalma an-mhor sheolta. 141 Osain glacsa an gath calma, O nach maithrean an d’ Oscar armach; ’S biodh súrd Curidh ort gun tiom-chridh’; ’S na Cathain a teachd mu d’ thiomcheal. 142 Cho d’ fhidir duin ormsa riamh, Croidhe feola bhi am chliabh; Ach croidhe do chuine lán-dáimh, ’N déis a chuibhreach leis an stállin. 143 Se Cath-cabharra mhil gu leir, Sinne ’s air laoich chaomhe thréun; Cairbnidh is Garabh mac Mornna, ’S cho b’ ann dhoibh fein b’ fhearr an leonadh, 144 Na thuit ann an cath nan céud, Innseamsa na thuit oirnn féin; D’ ar fir shnuaghar, chalma, og, Bu luathghaireach mu thra’-noin. 145 Fear air fhichead, s fichead céud, A choi áireamh Fionn san Fhéinn; A dh uighir sin ’s nior ghó, Dh’ oigridh Eirann sgéul is mó. I. 22. BAS OSCAIR. 572 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 137. Advocates’ Library, April 11, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. AT page 143 of the manuscript are stanzas claimed by Kennedy as his own composition. They are to be found elsewhere, and they differ from the rest in clink, rhythm, and metre. Compared with the first version, the passage is found to be recast and greatly improved. Verse 51 mentions ‘Woody Morven,’ which is struck out in the second version. This passage was greatly admired by Dr. Smith. See verses 29 to 58. Admirers of Ballads, we think that it contrasts unfavourably with the rest, e.g. with the second part; and that it is an imitation of the style of Mac Pherson’s English. The verse lacks the usual harmony of vowels and liquid consonants; vowels are cut in half, and the imitation is inferior to the old poetry in many respects.—H. McL. and J. F. C. THE DEATH OF OSCAR. THE ARGUMENT. FINGAL having departed into Rome to cure his thigh, attended by a strong Detachment of the Fingalians, gave Oscar the command of his Bands at home during his absence, which by this time were reduced very low thro’ various misfortunes and disasters. About this time Cairbre found means to make himself supreme King of Ireland in the minority of Cormac the lawful King. [Cairbre was son to Cormac.] He therefore studied to strip Fingal in his absence of all the privileges, properties and Tributes he held and enjoyed for many years in Ireland. To accomplish this design, he sent for Oscar to Scotland to congratulate him in his great success, in order to pick a quarrel with him, and find him utterly overthrown before Fingal should return. Accordingly Oscar arrived and was joyfully received by Cairbre who held feasting and various Music in his Hall for seven days. Cairbre sought as a complement the victorious Spear of Oscar, who would agree upon no terms than an exchange of Spears. Upon the Day following Oscar departed with his small army, in case he should be overpowered seeing Cairbre’s treachery, who was re-inforced from every place. Cairbre pursued and engaged Oscar. Both armies are mostly cut off, and Cairbre is kilt by Oscar, and Oscar is mortally wounded by Cairbre. Arth the son of Cairbre commands the Irish army who is likewise kilt by Oscar after being wounded. Cairbre’s image is errected on the field when his son fell, which Oscar throws down by a stone, which remains in that deplorable condition till the Fingalians’ arrival. We cannot learn by the poem that any of Oscar’s army survived after this dismal battle, but Fergus, the celebrated Bard, who watched the shore, longing for his father’s arrival upon the coast. By and by Fingal arrived who had Intelligence of the action as soon as he landed. The Poem is divided into three Parts. The first part relates the action, and enumerates the number slain upon Cairbre’s side. The second part passes by way of an Episode between Fergus and Fingal when he landed. The third part (called Oscar’s Lament) contains how Fingal and Ossian converse with Oscar on the field, when they had carried him upon their spears to Temora, where he expired, and where Ossian lamented over him in the most tragical and pathetic manner. BAS OSCAIR. 3 LUIMNEACH, leimneach, treun gun athadh, Nuair a dh’ eireadh euchd a chatha. 5 Laoich nach iochda cis do Chairbni’, Gus na dhithinnich làth-cathar iad. 6 Ann ’s gach bail air fea’ nah Eireann; Do na ogain shnuadhar, shamhraidh. 7 Do radh Comhairlich an Ard-riogh, Comhairle gu ’n iul gun àbhachd; ’S mor an sgeul, gun euchd a Chairbni’, Cìs na h-Eireann aig Fiann Albann. [TD 190] 8 Sgaoilt an cliu, is cian ata i, Mar a mhadainn mhoch a dealradh; Thus’ a’ d’ iochdaidh choi’ ch gun eiridh, 9 Cia mar chisnichear na calma, Dream nach do dhithinnich comhrag, A noir no niar, nach d’ fhiar conamh. 10 Cuir fios air Oscar o Albainn, ’S iochdadh e dhuit lann, is barr-ghil. 11 Ghardaich sud a milidh gruamach, A dhithinnich an t-og snuadhar. 13 Dhol a ghabhail feist is dhuana, Sgeul nach b’ eibhinn do ’n Fhinn bhuadhar. 14 Bha ochd ceud is caogad marcaich. 15 Is Oscar caomh calma, buadhar. 16 Fad sia oichean, is sia lo, 23 Do dh’ ur Oscar suguach, armach, Is da oig-fhir cheolmhor chalma. 29 ’S chunnaig sinn cian nan teann-ruigh, Buidheann fhuileach nan arm cam-geur. 30 Bu mhac samhail triall nan laoch ud. 31 Nuair a chunacas leinn na sluaigh, Chaochail Oscar gean is snuadh; 32 A deir Oscar ri luchd seilge, A laoch nan arm glan gun mheirgeadh; Tha iomairt nan calg mar caradh, Is fearr no ruidh fhiadh air bharadh. 33 Tha ar naimhde tcachd nan ceudan, Na suinn ghuithich ghathach, gheura; Gu toirt ar Tighearnais dhinn, Dlighe dea’ Mhic Cumhaill Fhinn. 34 Mun di-measaich ne mun tair oirm, Bhi da ’r dì an Riogh o ’n d’ thainig. 35 Do fhreagair na Luthaich àghor, Rinn laith o chian eagnadh fhagail; Gun bhi dian gu triall ann comhrag, Laoch no miannaich doll nan comhail. 36 Fhreagair Oscar treun gach gàbhadh, Leam is eibhinn triall gu gàirdeach; Ann comhail nan fearadh armach, Geill mo Riogh cho ’n iochd do Chairbni’, 37 Fhreagair Raonaidh loineach, làthair ’S bao’ lach, baoth a chaochail àbhaist; Togaidh mi mo lann gu ’d chonamh, ’S cian ar cliu ge d’ thuit sa chomrag. 39 Do radh rìs na Luthaich àghor, La an àir, air lar a chatha. 42 H. 40 Sheas o thus an tus na t-eug-bhail, Am bu mhinig iomairt geur-lann; Eug nan creuchd an d’ eur e sheachnadh, No beum ceud no threig le meatachd. 43 H. 41 Thuirling an diu sluagh gun àireamh, Fea’ nam beann, ’s gun Fhionn a lathair; ’S bao’ lach Oscair doll nan dàil, ’Stu air oigridh Innse-phail. 44 H. 42 Tha beum nan ceud eughach athach, Choi’ch na dheidh bidh ’n Fheinn air bhadhal; ’S an-iochd feirg, ’s tha buirbe dian, Co ni stri ri tnu gun fhiadh. 43 ’S mor ar tuiteam, ’s mor an t-àr e, ’S cruai’ an sgeul gach re ra chlaistin; Oigridh shaghach armach Fhinn, A sgathadh sios drim air dhrim. 44 Oscair na ’m buadh uaraich, chalma, Toir iomlaid cinn-sleagh do Chairbni’; Cho mhasladh dhuit sith ri laoch, Gus an d’ thig Fionn le chalma’ gaoil. 46 H. 45 ’S ulladh thogas sinn gach arm, Is tric a dhears’ ri la garbh. 46 Far an cluinte toirm ar lann, Mar fhuaim tuinne, no sruth bheann. 47 Duirt arìs an t-Oscar aluinn, Oigridh mheamnach, no biodh sgàthach; Sgaoileadh uaithibh meith-chrith Chatha, ’S biodh gach treun aun gleus nan Cathan. 48 Gluaiseamaid gu luthar ea-trom, Mar bu nòs leinn ann ’s gach t-eug-bhail. 49 Dh’ imich na fir uir an t-sliabh, Chum buaidh no bas, mar ealt ian; An gnuis shoilleir le ’n armaibh caol, ’S cian a dhealradh air an raon. 50 Dh’ imich Oscar air ar tus, Mar mhadainn, no solus ur; A chruth mar ghrian, a leac mar ros, Eitidh, borb, mar cholb an t-sloig; 51 Bha fuaim ar cos ri dos an t-sleibh, Mar a choill roi ’n osaig dhein; No toirm na tuinn air an Tràidh, ’Nuair a bheucadh stoirm an ard. 52 Bha air luas mar fheidh nam beann, Bhiodh roi’ n fhadhaid siar sa ghlean; No ceathach nan sleibhti cian, Ghluaiste le an-fheath na nial. 53 Bhuail chugainn a bhuidheann mhor, Laidir lionmhor, milti’ sloigh; Mar thuinn fui’ fhathrum nan ramh, Shug na ceudan beum gu h-àr. 54 Bhuail sinn orra mar an ceudna, Gu luath-lamhach is cho bhreugach; Mar thoirm nan easaiche dian, Chluint ar slachdraich astar cian. 55 Choi’-fhreagradh Mac talla bheann, Do sgreadail ar ’n arm ’sa ghleann; Dheargadh a magh fui’ ar cosaibh, Le fuil namh ’san araich cosgairt. 56 Mar sin dhuinne gu tra-noin, Gun fheidh sa ghreis ann teas leoin; A’ cosgairt an t-sluaigh nan dithidh, Mar a b’ fhaisge dhuinn san t-slighe, 57 Faidheoidh dhithinich gach taobh, 58 Mar dh’ imich a sios an sluagh. D’ ar naimhde treun euchdach aillidh, Here begin parts of current ballads. 60 Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, 61 Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, 62 Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, 63 Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, 68 Seachd agus ceud calma cruaidh, A dhithinich sin gu truagh; 69 An seachd ceud a b’ euchdail gniomh, Le creathaille chruaidh san stri; 75 H. 70 A chuigear a b’ fhaisge do ’n Riogh, Bu mhor meas is bu mho pris; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair threibhich, ’S e mosgladh gu Riogh na h-Eireann. 71 Thilg e i chuige, ’s na chomhail. 74 Thuit le Oscar nam beum gaidheal, Maithibh Eireann beud do aireamh; 75 Chuir na sluaigh a ghluais gu trai’-uainn. PAIRT II. 81 Cho bheo a bhrathair eile, Aon laoch fial nan creach bheann; ’S ann le Mungan calma, A mharbhadh am fear sin. 87 Fir nan euchda’ calma, 88 Is Beinnidh brionnach, bla’-bhinn; Feargìnn, is Fad-lamhach. 89 Bhu bhinne no choill bhla’ or; Morglan maiseach, ceutach, Deudgeal agus Ardan. 91 Ioghlan, is Fionn Breatail, 97 Mharbhadh leis an Cairbni’, Air an dara buille; [TD 191] 100 An sin do labhair m’ Athair, Mo Riogh air bhadhal ceille; ’S tursach, truagh a tharladh dhamh, Ghluais na lai’ bha eibhinn. 101 Tha mo thim ga deurach, An deidh nan Cathan comhraig; Gu h-aosmhor, an-fhann, cianail, ’S mo laoich nach iarar beo iad. 102 Gluaisemaid o ’n trai’ so, No cluinneadh cach sinn bronach; A dh’ fhaicsinn Oscair chreuchte, A choisg na ceudan sloighe. PAIRT III. This is current stíll. CUMHA OSCAIR. 103 Air tulaich nan deur sa ghleann; Na Cathain chaomh, chalma, cheutfach, 104 Tostach, bolbh, gun cholbh, gun chàradh, An clab ris gach gaoth, gun mhàran; Ochoin, ri luaith, ’s cruadh an sgeul so, Adh’ dh’ fhag sinne choi’ ch an-eibhìnn. 107 Chuir Cairbni’ sleagh nan seachd gainne, 108 Gus an guinte mi os iosal, Gur sinn clann da pheathrach dileas. 109 Do thug mise urachair bhrathast, Chuir mi sleagh na naoi faobhar, 110 Thuit an Triath air magh na t-eug-bhail, Claoidhte crait’ air earr an t-sleibhe; ’S fhuil a’ maomadh magh a luireach. 111 Cho slanaichear u gu dilinn, A laoich mheamnaich, mheighich, mhilidh. 113 ’S cho ghuileadh a bhrathair deur. 116 Mar sin duinne gu tra-non, Gun fheith, gun fhurtachd, ach bron, Ag amharc air mo ghaol Oscar, 117 Thug sinn leinn mo ghaol, an t-armann, Here begins a passage which seems to be modern; compare H. The metre is that of some of the Gaelic Paraphrases. 120 Mar neul a ghluaiseas thair fàir, No cothar cuain air an tràidh; Chaochail do chruth Oscar ur, A laoich! Ni smo cho’ n fhaicear thu. 121 Och a laoigh, cho’ n fhaic do ghradh, Tu teachd o ’n leirg le lua’-ghair; ’S fuar do leac mo chreach! gun chomdach, Gun luaith gn la bhrath air comhrag. 122 Do chroidh caoin mar ghath greine, A laoich meaghaich, mhuirnich, ghle-ghil B’ e do nos bhi aoibheil failteach, Mar na rosaibh air gach fàire, 123 Bu mhor do chruth, is b’ fhearr t-aosgasg, Fhir a b’ aille bh’ ann is t-shaoghal; Mar a ghrian a’ teachd roi’ neul, B’ amhail do thriall, is do neal, 124 Chite ’n laoch mar aiteal ceo, Neartor, luthar eibhinn, òg; Ann comhrag nan Cathan dlu, Mar am feur fui’ n osg chiuin. 125 Bha do chneas mar chothar sruth, Air an trai’ mar chatha cuir; A laoich bu docair san leirg, Nuair a dhuisgt u, choisgte feirg. 126 Cia uime dh’ eireas a ghrian, Air mo chruth mar cheo na nial; Nach an-eibhinn a bhi beo, Tursach deurach ann talla bhron. 127 Co dh’ eireas air teachd an lò, Gu comhrag ceud, ’s ann iomairt sgleò; O nach maithrean Oscar ur, A choisgeadh euchd nan coimheach dhuinn. 128 Co dhiongas ann comhrag sluaigh, Armailt almhai’, eitidh, chruaidh; Onach maithrean Occar àigh, Bu truime beum, ’s bu treine lamh. 129 ’S amhail m’ fhonn ’s an tonn gun chlì A caoi’ nan sonn bu trom ’s an stri; Gun Fheinn gun aidhear, no gun duan, Is mor an sgeul, ’s an t-Oscar uainn. 130 Co ni ceol an teach nan ceud, ’San t-Oscar og fui ’n fhod gach rè; Na milte sgia’ gun triath sa mhur, Is sleaghah geur nan treuna ciuin. 131 Chaochail ceol gu bron gach sonn, Gach cruit is clarsach dh’ fhas i trom; Cho ghluais an t-aosmhor lia’ gu stri’, No ’n t-Oscar og nach beo gu gniomh. 132 ’S ann an sin a dubhras fein, O mhic! a luaidh gur truagh an sgeul; Do leon ag Caothann nan sruth màll, Gun Fhionn, gun Fhaodhlan a bhi ann. 133 Chrai’ do bhas gu brath mo chroidh, ’S an-eibhinn mo laith, gun chli; ’S ionmhuinn an laoch fui’ lic ata, Is tearc laoch air am bheil t-iom ra’. Here comes in the current ballad, but apparently altered and added to. 135 Ge do thuiteadh tusa thall Ann Cath-cabhara gniomh a chalb; Cho chluinneadh neach eigh no osann, No iargainn a d’ dheidh ag Oscar. 136 ’S olc a chreideas mi do sgeul, Nach dioladh an t-Oscar treun; Mo bhas air gach Triath gun chlos, Laogh mo ghraidh cho ’n iaradh fois. 137 Bu mhaiseach mo laogh san leirg, Bao’lach treun, ’nuair dh’ eireadh fheirg; Aluin mar Anna nan leug, Chuireadh crith air bratach cheud. 138 ’S cian is cumhainn leamh do ghniomh A laoich nan arm tana mìn A Bharghil s’ an Driolanach àigh Co ni feum do sheud moghraidh 141 H. 139 Oiseinn glac an cloidheamh calma 141 ’Se cath-cabharra chuir fui dhi, Na laoich chaomh nach oba stri; A ghluaiseadh ’sann iomairt sloigh. Eididh, armach, calma corr. 142 Na thuit aig Caothaun nan leug, 143 A dha uidhir, ’s mile sloigh M. 19. BAS OSCAIR. 256 lines. 1 CHA ’N abair mi mo thriath re m’ cheol, Ge be’ oil le h-Oisein e nochd Oscar agus Cairbre calma’, Tradhar iad an Cath Ghabhra. 2 An t-sleagh nimhe ’s i ’n laimh Chairbre, Gu ’n croithteadh i re uair feirge; Deireadh am fiach ri (1) ghoimh, Gur ann lea’ mhairbhteadh Oscar. 3 ’S measa deireadh e ris fein, Am fiach dubh mu mhi-cheill, A chuigear ata sibh mu ’n chlar Ach fuil fir a bhith ga thachdadh. 4 Dh’ sharai finn, a Rath (2) gun cheil, Cuim an tacdadh ar suil fein; Ciod i ghiomh a th’air ar rosgaibh, Nuair a choineamaid a chaol reachda? 5 Gairidh am fiach moch am maìreach Air do ghrudhsa ann san àr-fhaich, Cuireadar do shuil (3) a gluc, As e sin a thig a thuiread. 6 Is dearg an fhaobh sin ta thu nigheadh, ’S dearg an t-aogas do bhi uirre, Ach gus an d’ thainig an diu’, An fhaobh sin cha b’ olc a h-inneal. (1) Thre. (2) Bhaobh. (3) A shuil. [TD 192] 7 A Bhaobh a nigheas at t-eadach, Deansa dhuinne faisd’ neachd cheudna, An tuit aon duine dhiubh leinn, No ’n d’ theid sinn uile do neo-ni? 8 Marbhas leasta cuig ceud, Is gonar leat an Righ fein, Araon ’s am fear a laghadh (4) dh’e, Bhar saoghal uile gu ’n d’ thainig. 9 Na cluinneadh e thu Rosg Mac Ruaidh, No duinne bhuineadh d’ a shluagh, Na cluinneadh an Fheinn thu nochd, Mu ’m bith sinn uile gun mheisnich. 10 An cuala sibhse turus Fhinn, Nuair ghluais e gu h-Eirinn? Thainig an Cairbre sleaghach garg, ’S ghlac e Eirinn fo aon smachd. 11 Dh’ fhalbh sinne le dian damhair A lion d’ an Fheinn as a bha sinn, Leagadh leinn ar feachd ’s ar sluagh An taobh mu thuabh do dh’ Eirinn. 12 Chuireadh le Cairbre anuas Fios air Oscar cruaidh na Feinne, Dol a dh’ ionnsuidh fleadh na Feinne, ’S gu faigheadh e cìs de reir sin. 13 Ghluais, o nach d’ ob e namh, An t-Oscar aluinn gu leachd an Righ, Triachad fear treun dh’ imich leis, A fhreasdal d’ a thoil ’s da fheim. 14 Fhuair sinn onoir fhuair sinn biadh, Mar a fhuair sinn roimhe riamh, Bha sinn gu sughach as teach, Maille re Cairbre san Teamhraidh. 15 An la mu dheireadh d’ an òl, Thuirt Cairbre le guth mor, Iomlait ceinn sleagha b’ ail leam uait, Oscair dhuinn na h-Albhainn. 16 Creud an iomlait ceinn a bhiodh ort, A Chairbre ruaidh na ’n Long-phort? ’S tric bu leat mi fein ’s mo shleagh, Ann latha catha agus comhraig. 17 Cha b’ uileor leamsa cis no cain, No aon seoid a bhiodh na ’r tir, Cha b’ uileor leam ro m’ linn a bhos, Gach seoid a dh’ iarrain gu ’m faighinn. 18 Cha ’n ’eil òr no earras gu fior, A dh’ iarradh oirne an righ, Gun tair gun tailceas duinn d’ e, Nach bu leatsa Fhighearnas. 19 Ach malairt cinn gun mhalairt crainn B’ ea-corach sud iarraidh oirn, ’S e ’m fath mu ’n iarradh tu oirn e, Mise a bhith gun Fhiann gun athair. 20 Ge do bhiodh an Fhiann is t-athair, Co maith ’s bha iad riamh na ’m beatha. Cha b’ uileor leamsa re m’ linn, Gach seud a dh’ iarrain gu ’m faighinn. 21 Na ’m biodh an Fhiann agus m’ athair, Co maith ’s a bha iad na ’m beatha, Is teann ar am faigheadh tu sinn Leud do thaighe an Eirinn. 22 Lion fuarachd na laoich làn, Re claistin na h-iomar-bhaidh, Bha briathra garbha leath mar leath Eadar an Cairbre ’s an t-Oscar. 23 Bheirin-se briathar buan, ’S e thubhairt an Cairbre ruadh, An t-sleagh sin ata na d’ laimh Gur h-ann innte tha do luath-bhas. 24 Briathar buan sin briathar buan, A bheireadh an Cairbre ruadh Gu ’n cuireadh e sleagh nan seach siong, Eadar airne agus imleag. 25 Briathar eil’ ann aghaidh sin, Bheireadh an t-Oscar calma, Gu ’n cuireadh e sleagh nan naoi siong, Mu chuma’ fhuilt agus eadain. 26 Briathar buan sin briathar buan, A bheireadh an Cairbre ruadh, Gu ’n d’ thugadh e sealg agus creach A h-Albainn an la ’r na mhaireach. 27 Briathar eil’ an aghaidh sin, Bheireadh an t-Oscar calma Gu ’n d’ thugadh e sealg agus creach Do dh’ Albainn an la ’r mhaireach. 28 Bha ’n oiche sin duinne gu ’n chabhair, Thall agus a bhos mu ’n amhainn, Bha doirlinn leath mar leath Bha doirlinn mhor eadar-inn. 29 Chualas Olla le guth tiom, Air chlairsich bhinn ag tuireadh bais; Dh’ eirich Oscar am feirg Is ghlac e airm na dhornaibh aigh. 30 Dh’ eirich sinn an la ’r na mhaireach, Ar sluagh uil’ ann fin na bha dh ’inn, Thogadh sealg agus creach leinn, Gu ’n fhiaraich do Righ Eirinn. 31 Mharbh sinn Righ Luthaidh na ’n lann, Laoch fuileach le faobhar arm, Thog sinn creach re sliabh Goill, Gu luath lois gearnach lu’-mhor. 32 An uair a rainig sinn ann Beallach cumhaing an caoil-ghleann, ’S ann a bhlodh an Cairbre ard, Ag lonmaireachd ag teachd na ’r co-dhail. 33 Cuig fichead Gaidheal garg, Thainig o ’n tir fhuair ghairbh (5) Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 34 Seachd fichead do Chlannaibh Righ, Bu mhor gaisg agus gniomh: Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 35 Mungan Mac Seirc a bha ’n naimh, A chuimhricheadh ceud cloidheamh glas, Thuit sud le lamh Oiscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 36 Cuig fichead fear cloidheamh glais, Nach deach’ aon cheim riamh air ais; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 37 Cuig fichead fear bogha, A thainig air Cairbre d ’a chobhair; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 38 Seachd fichead do dh’ fhearaibh feachd, A thainig a tir an t-sneachd; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 39 Cuig fichead Cairbre ruadh, Bha cos’lach re Cairbre an t-sluaigh; Thuid sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 40 A chuigear a b’ fhaigse d’ an Righ, D’ am bu dual gaisg’ is gniomh; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh re Righ Eirinn. 41 Nuair chunnaic an Cairbre ruadh, Oscar ag snoigheadh an t-sluaigh, A chraoiseach nimhe bha na laimh Gu ’n do leig e i na cho-dhail. 42 Thuit Oscar air a ghlun deas, ’S an t-sleagh nimhe troimh a chneas, Thug e urchaire eile nunn, Is mharbhadh leis Righ nah Eirinn. 43 Eirich Art is glac do chloidh eamh, Is seasamh ann aite t-athar, Is ma gheabh thu do dhiol saoghail, Saoilidh mi gur mac righ thu. (4) Laoidheadh. (5) Cuig fichead Albannach ard, Thainig thair muir chairginich ghairbh. [TD 193] 44 Thug e urchair eile ’n airde, At leinne gu ’m bu leoir a h-airde Leagadh leis aig meud a chuimseadh Art mac Cairbre air an ath urchair. 45 Chuir iad chum an Righ mu cheap, Sluagh Chairbre bu gharbh gleac, Los gu ’m buidh’ nte leo buaidh laraich, Air faicin doibh Oscair gu craiteach. 46 Thog e leacog chonart chruaidh, Bharr na talmhainn taobh-ruaidh, Bhris e ’n Cath-bharra mu ’n cheap, Gniomh mu dheireadh mo dheadh mhic. 47 Togaibh libh mi noise Fhiann Nior thog sibh me roimhe riamh, Thugaibh mi gu tulaich ghlain, Ach gu ’m buin sibh diom an t-eadach. 48 Chualas aig traidh mu Thuath Eimheach sluaigh is fadhar arm’, Chlisg ar gaìsgich gu luath, Mu ’n raibh oscar fadhasd marbh. 49 Marbh’-asg ort a mhic na buaidhe Ni thu breug an darna h-uair dhuinn, Loingis mo shean-athar (6) ata ann. ’S iad ag teachd le cabhair chugainn. 50 Bheanniuch sinn uile do Fhionn, Ge te cha do bheannuich dhuinn, Gus an d’ thainig e tulach nan deur Far an robh oscar na ’n arm geur. 51 ’S measa mhic a bhiodh (7) tu dh’e Latha catha sin Beinn-eadain, Shnamha na corran throimh d’ chneas ’S i mo lamhsa rinn do leigheas. 52 Mo leigheas cha ’n ’eil am fath, (8) ’S cha mho nithear e gu brath; Chuir Cairbre sluagh na ’n seachd siong Eadar m’ airnin agus m’ imleog. 53 Chuir mise sleagh na ’n naoi siong, Mu chuma fhuilt agus eadain, ’S na ’n rigeadh mo dhuirn a chneas, Cha deanadh aon leigh a leigheas. 54 ’S measa mhic a bhiodh tu dh’e Latha catha sin duindealgainn Shnamhadh na geoidh throimh d’ chneas, Is i mo lamhsa rinn do leigheas, 55 Mo leigheas cha ’n ’eil am fath, ’S cha mho dheantar e gu brath, An gath domhainn am thaobh deas, Cha dual do leigh a leigheas. 56 Sin an uair a chaoidh Fionn, Air an tulaich os ar cionn, Shruthadh na deoir sios o rosgaibh, Thiontadh e reinn a chulthaobh. 57 ‘Mo laogh fein thu, laogh mo laoigh Leanabh mo leinibh ghil chaoibh, Mo chridhe leimnich mar lon, Gu là bhràth cha ’n eirch Oscar. 58 ’S truadh nach mise thuiteadh ann An Cath Ghabhradh, gniomh nach gann, Is thusa an Ear ’s an Iar, A bhi roimh na Fiannaidh Oscair’. 59 Cha d ’fhidir duine roimhe riamh, Gur cridhe feola bha ’m chliabh, Ach cridhe do chuimhne cuir Air a chumhdachadh le staillinn. 60 Donnalaich na ’n con re m’ thaobh, Agus buraich na ’n sean laoch, ’S gul a Phannail caoidh mu ’n seach Gur e surahdom eadh chridh’. 61 Thog sinn leinn an t-Oscar aluinn, Air ghuailibh, air sleaghaibb ’arda Thug sinn as iomchara grinn Gus an d’ thainig sinn tigh Fheinn. 62 Cha chaoineadh Bean a mac fein, Cha chaoineadh fear a bhrathair caoin Cia lion ’s a bha sinn mu ’n teach, Bha sinn uil’ caoineadh Oscair. 63 Bas Oscair a chradh mo chridh’, Triath fear Eirinn ’s mor d’ ar di; Cait am facas riamh re d’ linn Fear co cruaidh riut air chul lainn? 64 Nior chuir Fionn d’ e crith is grain, O ’n latha sin gu la bhrath; Cha ghabhadh is cha b’ fheirde leis Trian d ’an bheatha go d’ abrainn. M. 20. MARBH-RANN OSCAIR. 120 lines. This version is so broken that it cannot easily be divided into verses. AN cuala sibhse truas fhinn, 1 ’N uair a ghluais è gu h-innse Eirionn, Cairbhair sleaghach lamhach garga, Ghlac è Eirionn fa aon smachd. 4 Sud sgeul bu duilich leinn, E bhuntainn uain ar Tighearnais. ’S dh’fhalbh finn le dean damhair, A lion do ’n Fheinne uile ’s a bha sinn, 8 Leagadh leinn ar feachd ’s ar sluagh, An taobh mu thuath do dh’ Eirionn. Chuireadh le Cairbhair anuas, Fios air Oscar óg na Féinne; 12 Dhol a dhionsuidh feisd an Righ. ’S gu faigheadh e cìs da rèir. Ghluaìs (o nach d ób e uamh,) An t ’Oscar aluin gu teach an Righ, 16 Tri-chéud fear trein a dh imich leis, A fhreasdal da thoil ’s da fheum, ’S dhás briathra garbh leith mar leith, Eadir Cairbhair agus Oscar, 20 CAIRBHAIR. Malairt sleagh a baill leam uait Oscair dhuinn a’ h-Albuinn: An t-sleagh a bha an talla an Righ, Gur ann dhomh fein bu dual ì, 24 OSCAR. Ciod a mhalairt sleagh a th’ ort, A Chairbhair mhoir n’ an long-phort? ’S tric bu leat mi fein ’s mo sleagh An la cuir catha na comhraig, 28 Ach malairt cinn, na iomloid croinn, B’ eucorach sud iarradh oirn, ’S e am fath mu ’n iart oirn è, Sinn a bhi gun Fheinne gun athair, 32 CAIRBHAIR. Ged a bhitheadh an Fheinne ’s t-athair, Co maith sa bha iad re ’n lathaibh, Cha builear leamsa ro m’ linn Na seoid a dhiaruinn gu ’m fuighinn. 36 (1) ’Na ’m bitheadh an Fheinne agus m’ athair ’Co maith sa bha iad ra ’n laithaibh, Cha ’n fhuigheadh tus a Charbhair Ruai Leud do thraighith do dh’ Eirinn. 40 (2) Ghluais fuarachd na ’n Laoch gach lamh, Ri cluinntin na h-iomairt aca bha, CAIRBHAIR. ’N sin nuair a labhair Chairbhair ruadh, Briathra bheirimse gu m’ uaimh, 44 An t-sleagh sin ann ad laimh, Gur ann uimpe tha luaidh do bhàis. Chualas Orran le guth tiom, Air clarsaich bhinn a tuireadh bais, 48 Dheirich Oscar le mor th’ eirg, ’S è mosgladh gu Righ na h-Eirionn, An t-seisear a b’ fhaisge do ’n Righ, Da ’m bu dual gaisg ’s gniomh, 52 Thuit sud le lamh Oscair thall, ’S è mosgladh gu Righ na h-Eirionn. (6) Shean-’ar. (7) Bhi. (8) An dàn. (1) Oscar speaks. (2) The Bard speaks. [TD 194] Nuair chunnaic an Cairbhair ruadh Oscar asnuigheadh a shluaigh, 56 An t-sleagh neathe bha na laimh Leig è sud na cho-dhail. Chuaidh Oscar air a ghlùn deas, ’S an t-sleagh neathe t-roimh a chneas, 60 Thug e urchair eile nunn— ’S mharbhadh leis Righ na h-Eirionn. CAIRBHAIR. Art mhic Carbhair glac do chlaimh, ’S dean seasamh an aite t-Athar, 64 ’S mar dean an ’t eug do thoirt Diol mo bhas lo meud do ratha, Thuit le Oscar gniomh nach cuimseach Art mac Chairbhair air ’n ath urchair, 68 Sgar è dheth an clogaide, ’s an ceann, Be gniomh mu dheirre mo dheagh-mhic. Chualas aig an traigh mu thuath, Eigheach sluaigh is faoghair arm, 72 Chlisg air gaisgich gu luath, ’S fhuaras Oscar—leith-mharbh. ’Sin nuair thainig oirne Fionn, Air an tulaich os ar ceann, 76 Shileadh na deoir air a rosga, Thiondaidh é ruinn a chul-thaobh, ‘Mo laogh fein thu ’s laogh mo laoigh! ‘Leanamh mo leinimh ghil chaomh! 80 ‘’S é mo chridh th’ air a lot gu trom, ‘’Sgula bhràth cha ’n eirigh Oscar, ‘——’S measa a mhic a bha thu dheth ‘Ann la cur catha beinn Eudain 84 ‘Shnamh na corrain roimh d’ chneas, ‘Si mo lamhsa roinn do leigheas.’ OSCAR. ‘Mo leigheas cha n’ eil è n’ dàn, ‘’S cha mho nithear è gu brath, 88 ‘An gath domhain am thaobh deas, ‘Cha dual do n’ Leigh a leigheas.’ Chuir Carbar sleagh na ’n seachd seang, Eidar m ’airnean agus ’m iomlag 92 Thug mise urchair eill a nunn Mu chumachd fhuilt agus eadain, ’S n’ an ruigeadh mo dhuirn a chneas Cha deanadh Leigh a leigheas. 96 FINGAL. ’S truagh nach mise a thuitheadh ann, An cath ’g árach gniomh nach gann; ’S thus a near ’s a niar. Bhi roimhe na Fiannaidh Oscar! 100 OSCAR. Ge ’d bu tusa thuiteadh ann, An cath ’g àrach gniomh nach gann; Ochoin! a near no niar T’ iarguin cha deanadh Oscar. 104 Cha didir duine riamh, Gur criodhe feola bha am chliabh, Ach criodhe do chuilbhne cuir, Air achomhdacha le stàilinn 108 Tathanntaich n’an con re ’m thaobh, ’S buireadh n’an sean Laoch, ’S gul a pannail ma seach Gur è sud a chraidh mi ’m chridh, 112 Thog sinn oirn an ’t-Oscar aluin, Air ghuailibh n’an sleagh a ’b airde, Thug as iomchar ’s giulan grìnn Gus an d’ thainig sinn Tigh Fhinn, 116 Cha chaoineadh fear a mhac Fein ’S cha mho a chaoineadh fear a bhrathair Cia lion ’s a bha sinn mu ’n teach Bha sinn uile a’ caoineadh Oscair. 120 O. 13. CATH GABHRA’ NO MARBH OSCAIR. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 66. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 23, 1872. THIS makes the whole agree with the Irish story. Cairbre, Cormac’s son, had taken all Ireland, and wished to drive the Feinne out of Almhi (Allen) their possession. The King of Ireland and his troops fell out, and the mutineers were exterminated. This version, got by Dr. Irvine in Glenlyon, about 1800, close to Mac Pherson’s country, and just before the Gaelic of 1807 was published, seems to me conclusive. This traditionary version closely agrees with the version written by Dean Mac Gregor, who was a native of Glenlyon. After an interval of nearly three hundred years, oral tradition had lost something, but nothing was added or altered. In the hands of Kennedy the ballad was lengthened, and polished. In the hands of Mac Pherson it was rolled up in a mist of words, and hidden in the English poem of Temora, which some one translated into Gaelic, as I firmly believe. 1 ’S MEANMNACH tha mise ma Chaoilte, O nach mairrean fear mo cho-aoise; B’ e Chaoilte mo cho aoise ceart, Leis am buighnte buaidh is beachd. (san fheachd) 2 B’ e Caoilte mo leth churruidh chatha, Ri furtachd is ri h-aonnar: An righ bu cheannard dhuinn uille, Ard threun fhlath nan Triath. (al. nam Fiann) 3 An sin do ghluais siubhal Fhinn, Gach slios bhaile bha ’n Eirin; Cairbre luath lamach neo lag, Chuir e Eirin uile fo aon smachd. 4 Chuir e fios oirrnne g’ ar teinn ruidh, G’ ar n’ ioman a mach à Almhi; Dheanamh gniomh bu tursach dhuinne, A bhuintinn dhinn ar Tighearnas. 5 Fhreagair sinn an curruidh dana, A lion ann uile na bha sinn; Cha robh sinn ann dhe ’n Fhinn uile, Na chosnadh a’ phiob bhuaidhe. 6 Air an rod gheal, gle gheal, cleacach, Bha sinn ochd ceud ann sar mharcach Chaidh sinn gu aoibhinn a steach, ’S bha cumha Chairbre an t-oighre. 7 Iomlaid cinn sleagha b’ aill leam uatsa, A dheagh Oscair aluinn; Iomlaid cinn g’an iomlaid crainn, B’ eucoir sid iarraidh orm. 8 Gur e ’m fath m’ an iarradh tu e, Sinne bhi gun Fhiann, gun athair; Ged a bhitheadh am Fiann ’s t-athair, Mar a b’ fhearr a bha riamh nam beatha, Cha b’ uilear leamsa ri m’ linn, Gach seud a dh’ iarradh gu ’m faighinn. 9 Nam bitheadh an Fheinn agus m’ athair, Mar a b’ fhearr a bha nam beatha; Cha bhitheadh agadsa, o righ, Leud do throidhe ann Eirin. 10 Dh’ fharaich fuarachd nan laoch lan, Bhi cluintinn na h-iomar bhaigh (al. maigh) Briathra garbha leth mar leth, Eadar Cairbre fiat ’s Oscair. 11 Gun tugainnse briathra gu nuadh, Arsa an Cairbre crann ruadh; An t-sleagh sin m’a bheil do lamh, Gur ann leatha bhios do luatha bhas. 12 Gu ’n tugainse breathra eile, Arsa an Oscar donn a h-Almhi; Gu ’n togar leam sealg is creach, Gu ’n rachainn do Dh’ almhi a maireach. 13 Oidhche a’ faireach leinn gu là, Mar ri mnathaibh Fhiann Co-ol; (mathaibh) Shuidhich sinn Dour leth marleth, (Doubhir) ’S bha Dour eadaruinn. 14 Thogadh leinn an la air mhaireach, Do Almhi bhitheadh ar ’n ards, Thug sinn ri sliabh Baoisge nan creach, Gu luath laoisgairneach luth-mhor. (laoisginneach) 15 Mogan Mac Seirc a Nuadh, (al. Nuath) Dh’ ionga dhe deich ceud claidhe’ ruadh; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh ri ard righ Eirin. 16 Deich fichead de mhacaibh righ, ’S air leinne gu ’m bu mhor am pris; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh gu h-ard righ Eirin. [TD 195] 17 Deich fichead Cairbre ruadh, Bha cosmhuil ri Cairbre an t-sluaigh; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh ri gu ard righ Eirin. 18 Deich fichead Albannach ard, A thainig a’ tir Ghael gharg; Thuit sud le laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh gu h-ard righ Eirin. 19 A chuigear a b’ fhaisge do ’n righ, G’ a choimhead o dhosgainn ’s o ghniomh; Thuit sud lo laimh Oscair thall, ’S e mosgladh ri ard righ Eirin. 20 ’N uair a chunnaic an Cairbre ruadh, Oscair a’ snaithe an t-slúaigh; An t-sleagh nimhe bha na laimh, Thug e urchoir dhi cho dhail. 21 Thuit Oscair air a ghlun deas, ’S an t-sleagh nimhe troimh a chneas; Thug e urchoir eile null, Is mharbhta leis ard righ Eirin. (thorcha) 22 Art mhic Cairbre glac do chlaidhe, Seasamh daua ’n aite t-athar; ’S mu gheibh thu do dhiol saoghail, ’S aoildh mi gur Mac radh thu. 23 Thug Oscar an t-sleagh air a h-ais. ’S mharbh e Art air an ath-urchair; Sluagh Chairbre garbh an cleachd, Chuir sinn an cath garg mu ’n cheap. 24 Oscair Mac Oisein an aigh, Thog e leac cloiche na laimh; ’S bhris e crun an righ mun cheap, Gniomh mu dheire mo dheagh mhic. 25 Mar Ealtuin air a sgapadh bras, Mar duilleach sguaibte le cruaidh fhras; Mar cheò sgairte briste le pronn ghaoth; ’Sin mar theich shiagh Chairbre as. 26 Bu truagh an gaoir gan tannadh sios, Thiomaich mo chridhe, ’s mo chliabh; Le mi-run Chairbre chlaon. Bha àr a leanachd a dheagh dhaoin. 27 Oscair glac baigh na treig, Tha d’ fhuil fein a strugha comhla; ’S gearr ’se m’ eagal do latha, Tha t-athair a cheana dhe bronach. 28 Mo latha-sa tha buain mar ghrian, Ghleidh mi dion mo chliu san stri; Thuit Cairbre nan cleas fo m’ laimh, Cha bhas ach beatha mo thi. 29 Thuit Oscar air a thaobh, Phill a shluagh mar iom-ghaoth; Fo dhubhar crainn Cuillin tuidh; B’ iomadh suil bha dian a ruidh. 30 Bu mhiosa Mhic bha thu dheth, Latha catha beinn Edinn; Shnamh na Corran tro do chneas, ’S i mo lamh a rinn do leagheas. 31 Mo leigheas cha ’n eil e ’n dan, Cha mho nithear e gu brath; Chuir Cairbre sleagh na nao seang (seamh) Eadar m’ airnean ’s m’ iomlag. 32 Chuir mise sleagh nan seachd seang, Edar cumha fheuilt is eudainn; ’S m’ an ruigeadh mo dhuirn a chneas, Cha deanadh aon leigh ’a leigheas. (na laoich) 33 Sin nuar thainig oirnne Fionn, Air an tulaich as an cleann; (ar) Shil na doir air a rosgaibh; Thionndaidh e ruinn a chul-taobh. 34 Laogh mo leinibh mo laogh fein thu, Laogh mo chuilein ghlain chaomh; Mo chridhe leumartaich mar lor, Gu la bhrath cha ’n eirich Oscar. 35 ’S truagh nach mise a thuit ann, An cath gabhi gniomh nach gann; (gabhra) ’S tusa bhi ’near san iar, Roimh na Fiannaibh Oscair. 36 Nam bu tusa thuiteadh ann, An cath gabhi gniomh nach gann; Cha chluinte ’n ear no ’n iar. Iarguin ma dheimhin aig Oscar. 37 Thogainn thu gu tulaich ghlain, Sguirinn am feasd gad chaoidh; Thogar leinn an t-Oscar calma, Air bharraibh ar sleagha arda. 38 Gus an tulach bha shuas an tigh, ’S bhitheamaid uile caoineadh Oscair; Sgalartaich nan Coin ri m’ thaobh; Agus buruich nan seann laoch. 39 Donnal as shannail nan seach, Gur e sud a chraidh mo chridhe; Leac Oscair a chraidh mu ’m chridh, Treun ri treun san uir rithe 40 ’S iomadh neach gan teirca tabaist, ’S tearc laoch aír a bheil t-iomradh. From—Macintyre, Glenlyon, who can neither read or write. THE DEATH OF FIONN. F. 20. O. 19. THE usual tradition is that Fionn went away, and that he is living somewhere still. Fletcher’s Collection contains a story about the Death of Fionn, of which I have but one other version. Fionn went courting one of the Clann Chuilgeadan, who appear in the Lay of the Heads, and in the ballad of Dun-an-oir. He is challenged to leap, and when he wins he is challenged to leap backwards. He falls, and is beheaded. But the slayers lived near Cape Clear, according to Irish authorities. Taileuchd mac a Chuilgeadan was the man, Gleann Dochart the place, an Island in Loch an Iubhair, near Beinn Mhòr, in Scotland, was the spot, and Fionn was buried at Cill Fhinn, a place near the end of Loch Tay. The slayer was slowly put to death by twisting off his anns and legs. This looks like broken poetry; and it certainly was a current story, because two men got different versions of it. The only Heroes named are Fionn and Oisein: so this comes after the Battle of Gabhra. See Fionn’s Irish Pedigree above for the Irish account of the Death of Fionn. Page 34. F. 20. EACHDRAIDH MAR A CHAIDH FIONN A MHARBHADH. 93 lines broken. Fletcher’s Collection, page 132. Advocates’ Library, January 22, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. AIR bhi do dhuine àraidh d’ an goirte Taileachd-mac-Chuiligeadan, mar ainm, a gabhail tamhachd ann an Eilean Lochan Iubhair laimh ri Beinn-mhòr ann an Gleann Dochart, aig an robh leannan sith, mar Chonaltra san aite sin. Air bhi do Fhionn-mac-Cuthail air faoiteann fiosrachadh mu timchioll, Chaidh è a steach ga faicsinn, agus ghabh e tlachd fuireach comhla ri. Ach fa dheireadh air bhi do Thaileachd air faigheann a mach gu ’n robh Fionn a tachairt tric an rathad a leannan. Air dha ransachadh eatara mu dheibhinn. Thuiteadh leotha le cheile ann an eud co mòr, agus gu ’n rabhadar a’ dol a bhualadh a cheile. Ach a deir ise gu deanamar dhuibh riaghailt, na bitheabh am feirg ri cheile. 1 AM fear a ’s fearr buaidh an leum, is e leannas mi fein le tlachd, Dh’ imich na Laoich an sin a mach a leum, Leum Taileachd o’ n Eilean air tìr tioram, is leum Fionn gu sgiobalt treun ’na dheigh. 2 A deir Taileachd, Leumainse an linne air m’ ais Is mur a leum thusa an cothair do chùil, Biodh agamsa an cliù gu ceart. Leum iad araon air an ais, Ach ’se Taileachd a leum an toiseach; Agus bha è air tìr tioram Eilan, Ach air leum an sin do dh’ Fhionn, Chaidh e foidhe gu Cheann. 3 Agus ghlac Taileachd an sin an Corom bha thaobh cùil air agus bhuin e an ceann do dh’ Fhionn mu ’m burrain e riamh tionndadh ris. [TD 196] Theich Taileachd le h-eagal fuathas na Feinne, agus ceann Fhionn aige Gu ’n d’ rainig e ceann Loch-laoidain, agus air bhi dha’ sgìth ga ghiulan, chuireadh leis air stob è air tom dubh aig àth na h-aimhne d’ an goirear àth Chinn o sin a mach. 4 Agus air do ’n Fheinn corp Fhionn fhaotainn ri taobh an Lochain, Thogadar air Righ ’s ar Triath, Air Ghuailibh briagha nan laoch, Is dh’ amhlaig sinn è air cùl tuim, An uaigh do ’n goirear Cilfhinn mar ainm. Bha an Fheinn uile fodh’ throm fheirg Co dheanadh orra an tàir, Dh’ iomaichidair air toir a chinn, Na suinn mu ’n do Gabh iad Caird. 5 Gus an d’ fhuaras leò ceann an laoich, Air cnoc fraoich an taobh Ath-chinn; Is rinneas toireachd air an laimh, Bha co dana is dol na dhàil. 6 Chuir iad miar foidh dheud fios, Dh’ innseadh dhoibh am fios mur bha; Taileachd a bhi fo fhiamh, Air son a ghniomh am Beinn-all-air. 7 Dh’ fhuaras Taileachd ann san uaigh, Is chuireadar gu cruaidh ris ceist; A Thaileachd an aireach leat Fionn, Is fhreagair gu h-aingidh air ais, Cha ’n aireach mur aireach le Goll nan cleas An ruaig a chuir e air Clann Chuiligeadar. 8 An lamh dheas air son a’ ghniomh, Bhuin sinn do Thaileachd gu fior; Bhuin sinn dheth an lamh eile, Air son gniomh na mòr chionta, Chuir iad ceist an dara h-uair, A Thaileachd an aireach leat Fionn. 9 A d’ thuirt Taileachd, Air mo Riogh nach aireach; Mur aireach le Goll nan cleas, An ruaig a Chuir è air Clann Chuilgeadar. 10 Shniomh sinn an leth chos o ’n toin, Le teannachuir righin chruaidh; Agus phronn sinn a chos eile, Le leachdibh cruaidhe na sceire, A Thaileachd an aireach leat Fionn Dubhairt Taileachd. 11 Air mo Riogh nach aireach leam, Mur aireach le Goll nan cleas; An ruaig a chuir e air Clann Chuiligeadar. 12 An da shuil a bha na Cheann, Loisg sinn le lionn gaoileach garg; A Thaileachd an aireach leat Fionn Dubhairt Taileachd fa dheireadh thall; Air mo riogh nach aireach leam, Mur h-aireach le Goll nan cleas An ruaig a chuir e air Clann Chuiligedar Chuir sinn air sleagha troimh chridhe Thaileachd is mharbh sinn e. O. 19. BAS FHINN LE TAOILEACH. 43 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 108. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. ELAN an uidhir, Leannan sith, 1 Leum mar dhuais graidh Leum Taoileach mach as an Elan, Leum Fionn a mach 4 Leum Taoileach a steach an coinneamh a chuil Leum Fionn, is thuit san uisge. Chuir Taoileach an ceann deth. Dh’ fhalbh leis a’ cheann, is chuir air stob aig 8 Ath Fhinn, aig ceann shuas na cruaich an Ranach. Dh’ fhalbh iad an toir iar Fionn. Cha robh fios co thug an ceann deth; Thachair iad air a cheann. Ma ’s fior a labhair an ceann ’Nuair tharruing iad deud; Thuirt aon dui, se sid guth Fhinn. Guth chinn air a chrann. Thug iad a nuas an ceann. Chuir fear a mheur fo dheud fios, fhuair fios co rinn an gniomh. Thuirt Oisean Mac an Righ. Diolaidh sinn bas Fhinn. No ’s masladh gu brath dhuinn. Dh’ fhalbhas air toir air Taoileach; Fhuaireas e an namh aig ceann shuas Beinn Arlar. Thaoileach an aithreach leat Fionn, Air mo righ, cha ’n aithreach leam; Mar aithreach le Goll nan cleas. An cath ruaig bh’ air Clann Chuilgadan. 16 An lamh dheas a rinn an gniomh. Bheir sinn do Thaoileach gu fior, Bheir sinn deth an lamh eile. Ann an cionta na moir choirre. 20 A Thaoileach, an aithreach leat Fionn, Air mo righ cha ’n aithreach leam. Shniomh sinn deth an leth chos Le Teanchar gramail cruaidh; 24 Phronn sinn a choss eile, Le leacaibh garbh na sgeire; A Thaoileach an aithreach leat Fionn, Air mo righ cha ’n aithreach leam. 28 An da shuil bha na cheann, Loisg sinn le lionn goileach dearg, Bhuin sin an ceann de Thaoileach, An comain an droch ghniomh a rinn e 32 Nan abradh Taoileach gu ’m bu bheud An ceann a thoirt de chom nan ceud, Cuach Fhinn bheiridh beo, Chuireadh an ceann ris a chlo 36 Phill sinn gu bronach tuirseach Ghiulainear leinn ceann Fhinn, Gun t-aite an d’ fhuaireas a choluinn; Ghiulan sinn e gu aluinn, 40 Air chrannaibh sleagh Arda, Dh’ adhlacadh leinn e an cill, Is deirear cill Fhinn ris gu ’n duigh. THE DEATH OF OISEIN. THIS Ballad does not describe the death of Oisein, but is part of his Lament for his comrades. Some marginal writer on the manuscript says that this is equal to anything in the books of Mac Pherson or Dr. Smith. To me it seems to be made up of fragments and mended. Some verses I recognise as in other ballads; others bear the stamp of popular poetry, others do not, according to my opinion. The metre varies. Current tradition sends Oisein off to the Isle of Youth with his mother in the form of a deer, or with a mythical hound. In any case this ends Kennedy’s Second Collection, and leaves Oisein the last of the Heroes alive. An Irish manuscript, called the Book of Lismore, contains a long composition called the Dialogue of the Old Men. In it Caoilte and Oisein converse with Saints and Chiefs, and wander about telling stories in Ireland. I. 23. BAS OISEIN. 140 lines. Kennedy’s 2nd Collection, page 160. Advocates’ Library, April 12, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THE DEATH OF OSSIAN. IT is certain that Ossian survived all the Fingalians, and lived till that Era Christianity was introduced into Ireland by St. Patrick, who is no other than this Son of Alpin he addressed his Poems so frequently to. It is applied till this day to an aged man, who live after all after all his Friends, relations and children. ‘That he is left alone as Ossian after the Fingalians:’ ‘Tha e mar Oiseinn an deidh na Feinne.’ Ossian seems to have lived with an eminent man Conar in Glencathan, or the Glen of Wars, in his latter days. Conar’s wife being a distant relation of Ossian wanted that he should immortalize and flourish the Fame of her own Family beyond that of Fingal’s upon his death bed, but he refused, finding it unparalel and unreasonable. Ossian discovers by this Poem the strength of Fingal’s army when in the height of his glory, and ranges over their actions in war and joy in peace. He regrets in the softest and most pathetic strain, That he is left alone like a bird wounded and benighted in the solitary woods, longing for the dawn to renew his joy and lull his grief. Or to a mouldering oak in the desert which is ready to fall by the least blast, without joy, music, groath or grandeur. Where is my Friend to lament my fall, and rear my Tomb; and who shall dig my grave but cruel Aliens? Where art thou, O Fingal! [TD 197] Oscar and Cailte, with all your hosts my Days are expired. My time is past. My Friends are extinct. My peace and ease is over. My joy is done. My pleasure is gone. The grave is my home, so let me now die and live no more! 1 ’S TIAMHAIDH bhi noc ann Gleann-caothan Gun ghuth gadhair ann gun cheol; Mo chroidhe cho dean e do ’m reir, ’S mi fein an sean fhear gun treoir. 2 ’N uair reachamaid do Ghleann-caothann, Bu bhinn bladhar againn ceol; B’ iomad dea’ fhear dhinn air chint, ’S cho toileamaid diomb d’ ar deoin. 3 ’Nuair thogamaid ri Gleann-caothann, Bu lionmhor fadhaid gach iul; A cosgairt an daimh, ’san fheidh, ’S iomad ceud nach eireadh dhiu. 4 B’ iomad laoch a dh’ eighte mach, A dhireadh gu bras an sliabh; Le shleagh ’s i ruisgte na dhornn, Le cloidheamh mor agus Sgiath. 5 Fionn mo ghaoil caogad Triath, Le cheile air grianan ard; Is Gile-ghreine ri crann. Os a chionn, a bhratach aigh. 6 Bu chian ar sgaoileadh o cheil, Fea’ gach sleibh air barra bhac; Laochrai’ chalma, churant Fhinn, ’S am botha gach tiom nan glaic. 7 ’Nuair a dh’ eireadh seilg an fheidh, Dh’ fhuasgladhmaid na ceuda Cu; ’S ioma’ damh, earb, agus Adh, A thuiteadh sa bhaoil gach iul. 8 Philleamaid le ’r seilg tra-non, Gu Teamhra’ cheolmhor nan teud; Am bu lionmhor cruit is clar ’S ioma’ bard a sheinneadh sgeul. 9 B’ ioma’ slige doll mun cuairt, ’S dana nua ’ga luadh le cheil; A’ caitheamh na feist ’s ann Tur, B’ aluin, ur na Flathaibh Feinn. 10 B’ eibhinn nos na Feinn a ghluais, Ceolmhor, cuannar, snuadhar treun, Fion is fochlas agus feoil, Speis gu leoir, ’s cho b’ eol duinn breug. 11 Na suinn chaomha, chalma, ghraidh, Bu mhor baidh’ ’s bu chian an cliu; Feileachd, furan, ’s a bhi dian, A dhion choitheach, ciau o’ n iul. 12 La a chath air magh na bàir, Co, na b’ fhearr, cho chualas riamh; Chomhraigeamaid fear is ceud, Gach aon fear do ’n Fheinn bu Triath. 13 Cha do ghluais sinn riamh d’ ar deoin, Ach gu foill do chomhrag dian; An t-onrachdan dhion gu treun, ’S an coitheach creuchta f’ ar sgia.’ 14 B’ e ’n t-aireamh a bha ri’ m linn, Ann an Teamhra’ bhinn nan teud; Ceithir mile deug, is caogad, N’ ar cairdean gaoil air bheag beud. 15 Gun luadh air oglaoich Ri’ Phail, Aosmhoir sharaicht, no mnai’ og; No gillean freasdail nan lann, Och! Gur fann tha mi fui’ bhron. 16 Siubhail an domhan mu seach, ’S cho’ n fhuigh u ann neach mar Fhionn; A b’ fhearr eineach agus agh, Cho deachaidh lamh os a cheann. 17 Ghluais na laoich do ’n uaigh gun lo, Sin a dh’ fhag mar cheo mo shuil; Mar aon ean leointe sa choill, Gun solas a’ caoi’ ’sa mhur. 18 Gun leirsinn, ur-fhas, no fonn, Mar an sonn a sguir a dh’ fhàs; No chnu tha sa ghreadhain chrion, Gu tuiteam, ’s cho ’n eiridh dha. 19 ’S neo eibhinn do ’n chroidhe bhroin, Nach nochdar sòlas o chaoimh; Mar fhiadh a bhais tha mo chruth, Dh’ eig mo ghuth le dealt na h-oi’ch. 20 Chaochail mo fhradharc, ’s mo shnuadh, Ach cho choisg an uaigh mo ghradh; O Chailt, is Oscair nam buadh, Is Fhinn uaibhrich dea’ Ri’ Phail. 21 Tha m’ osnaich a teachd gach taobh, Mar ghluaiseas a ghaoth gach nial; Tha mo bhron a teachd amach, Mar uisge bras, no sruth dian. 22 Ailis dhuinne Oiseinn fheil, Gus a bhas o’ n tha thu doll; C’ ait am fac u deas no tuath Teach is mo’ a shluaigh no so. 23 Chunnacas latha teach Fhinn Air an iargain thruim so th’ òrm; Bu lionmhore gile fir feachd, No Conar a’ d’ theach gun stoilbh. 24 C’ ait am bheil na fir mhora, Bhiodh aig Conar gach tra’-noine; Nach d’ thugadh iad an t-Oisein amach, Air caol chas, ’s a chab ’san otrach. 25 Cha bu chubhaidh dheanamh orm, Na thuit u le colg a bhean; ’S laoch mi a rínn iomad àr, Ged’ tha ’nois gun chail gun ghèan. 26 Is mi Oisein, dea’ mhach Fhinn, Bha mi uair, ’s bu ghairdeach leam; Gur mi shuithichidh an t-sealg, ’Nuair a dh’ eireadh fearg air Fionn. 27 ’Nuair a bha mi ann san Fheinn, ’S mi gu treun a measg nam fear; Thigeadh caogad Inghean donn, A dh’ fhalcadh mo chinn a bhean. 28 Cho b’ e failceadh nan ceann caomh, Air do mhaoil bu mhiann leam feinn; Ach beist nimhe Loch-leathean, Reubadh do shean leathair lèi. 29 A laoich nach mol u mo mhur Nan ceudan cu, ’s nan teud mear; ’S ceolmhoire no Teamhra’ bhinn, Anns gach tim bhiodh comhrag fhear. 30 Cha toir cliu do theach fui ’n ghrein, Mar mhur feilidhe Fhinn mo ghraidh; A leithid cho ’n fhacas riamh, A near no niar taobh a bha. 31 Bha mi la bu mhor mo phris, Ann Teamhra’ nan ceuda cliar; Tha i ’n diu ’n h àbhaidh fhuar, Is mise mo thruaigh! gun mhiadh. 32 Mo dhea’ Inghean bha mi uair, Ghlacaim an eilid air chluas cinn; Bheirinn am bior fuinn amach, Ann ’s an oi’ che dhorcha dhaill. 33 Ochoin, is mi ’nois gun treoir, Gun neach beo a ni mo chaoidh; Gun chaomh a thogas mo leac, Is m’ uaigh cho treachail, ach buirb. 34 Gun Chailte gun Oscar, gun Fhionn, Gun fhear m’ osnaich gu tiom truagh; Gun fhear m’ osnaich ann gu fior, ’S mi’ n crann crion a chaill na sluaigh. 35 Ghluais mo re mar sgèul, no sgàil, Ghluais mo chairdean, is mo shith; Ghluais mo sholas, is mo bhaidh, Mar ata mi-Gu brath biom. That the above seven Poems were transcribed or collected by Mr. Duncan Kennedy, as they appear in the preceding pages, is certified by John Macfarlane. Assistant Minister. Kilbrandon, May 1, 1785. [TD 198] THE STORY OF OISEIN: AND FOURTEEN VERSIONS OF A BALLAD. THE traditional Story of Oisein I got from the following people in 1870-1:—Pages 56, 57, 104, 131, 136, 169, &c. MS. 1. A travelling tailor, on board the Dunvegan steamer, between Uist and Barra. Sept. 18, 1871. He lives at Ballymarten, in North Uist. 2. Patrick Smith, South Uist. Sept. 17. 2. John Cameron, Borve, Barra. Sept. 25. 4. Duncan Mac Lellan, Carnan, South Uist. Sept. 27. 5. A boy, unknown, who came in while I was writing. Oct. 6. 6. Hector Mac Isaig, South Uist. Sept. 30. 7. A Lady’s Manuscript, North Uist. Oct. 6. 8. William Robertson, weaver, Tobermoroy, Sept. 16, 1871. page 131. It agrees generally with the story told by Kennedy and Fletcher; and told already in text Y. vol. III. I will tell it in English, when I translate. As a sample of oral collections, I add these notes. They were written in English, while the reciters told what they knew in Gaelic, and very little altered, when written out. William Robertson questioned—‘Why was Oisean so called?’ ‘I will tell you that.’ ‘The sister of Conchullin Mac an Dualtaich laid spells (geasan) upon Fionn that he would marry any female creature that he might chance to meet. Fionn fell in with a deer. . . . Then the deer turned to him, and said, “Now I have two. Come here again, and you will have a son.” Then Fionn put his finger under his wisdom tooth, and he knew that the deer was a woman enchanted. He came to the place at the time, and found a man child, and he had colg an fheidh, deer’s hair, upon his temple; and that is why he was called Oisein. On the corner of the brow here,’ (touching his own temple,) ‘because the deer’s hair was upon his temple, he was called “Corner.” That was “Oisein,” the son of Fionn. His mother was the daughter of the Dualtach, under spells.’ From this, Oisein was Conchullin’s nephew. (137.) ‘When Oisein was old, amongst the Feinne, and his son was dead, Fionn took care of him. He was commander of the world. A pretty woman met Oisein, when he was out walking one day, and saluted him warmly, “Will you not go one day with your mother?” She said, “You have been long enough with the Feinne.” He went away with her. She opened a door in a rock, and they went in. He staid with his mother for a week. But these days were so many hundreds of years. He wanted to go back to the Feinne. “Since you came here,” said his mother, “nor Fionn, nor a man of the Feinne, lives.”’ And here came a long story, of which part only is in the Ballads and Arguments printed above. Mac Isaig, in South Uist, and from others next year, 1871. Reciter.—‘Oisein was the son of Fionn Mac Cumhail. He was born of a hind, (sailearachd fheidh.) His mother was a woman, under spells, (fo gheasibh.) She lived long in the mountains as a deer.’ Instructed Boy.—‘Oisein was suckled by a hind; and that is the true story. His mother was a woman.’ Scribe.—‘You have not got the story at all.’ (Boy departs, snubbed.) Reciter.—‘Most of the old men say that Oisein’s mother was a woman, in the form of a deer. I do not know how it all came about, or how it was, but they say that Fionn also was under spells;’ &c., &c. Scribe.—‘That must have been when he fled, after he got his wisdom tooth, and slew Arc Dubh, at Eas Ruagh, in Eirinn?’ Reciter.—‘Yes. When Oisein was born in the mountains, it was so that if his mother licked him, as deer lick their calves, he was to be a deer, like his mother. If not, he was to be a man, like Fionn, his father. She had so much of the deer’s nature in her, that she begun to lick the child, and she gave one sweep of her tongue to his temple. The deer’s hair (colg an fheidh) grew on the corner of his brow at once. When his mother saw that, she had so much of the woman’s nature left that she wished her son to be a man, she stopped licking him, and he grew up to be a man, and they called him “Oisein.” (Angle, or corner.) He was the best Bard in the world.’ Scribe.—‘Do you know the song that he made to the deer, his mother?’ Reciter.—‘That is Oran Luaidhe, (a fulling song) which the women sing now, when they are fulling clothes. A great many people can sing that song. That’s a woman’s: my wife knows it better than I do, but she is too old and weak to come here.’ After some persuasion, sings as much as he knows; and says that Carmichael, his neighbour, has got it written. Here follows the Song, as I wrote it myself. OISEIN’S SONG TO HIS MOTHER. WRITTEN by J. F. Campbell, from the dictation of Hector Mac Isaig, September 3, 1871, at Carnan Inn, South Uist, and from other versions orally collected in September. The first verse is written at length and fills the tune. The lines are written without the chorus afterwards. In singing songs of this kind one woman sings a line, and all the rest sing chorus, while the whole bevy of women and girls mark time merrily with hands or feet upon their work. I have tried to spell the chorus so as to give it meaning, but no meaning is attached to these words now. They are sounds made musical like instrumental music. At page 76, vol. I., ‘Barzaz Briez,’ Paris, 1846, Villmarqué has treated a similar chorus more boldly. Tan! tan! dir! oh dir! tan! tan! dir ha tan! Tann! tann! tir! ha tonn! tonn! tir ha tann! * O feu! ô feu! ô acier! ô acier! ô feu! ô feu! ô acier et feu! O chêne! ô chêne! ô terre! ô flots! ô flots! ô terre et chêne! I am not sure that we have done right, but we have similar materials in these two Celtic songs, with vocal accompaniment. l *† Tha tùchran beag air m’ anail, Bheir mi ho horo hàw Cha chluinn mo leann an mo guth; Bheir mi ho ro Righ; o hàw; Bheir mi ho ro Righ; o hàw; Eigh! Haogh! ro Righ; bha gh’ òl Bheir mi ho ro ho, tha; Righ! thù. 2 Chu chluinn mo leannan mo guth Ma ’s tu mo mhathair gur fiadh thu. 3 *† Ma ’s tu mo mhathair gur fiadh thu *† Faicail ort o ghniomh nan con. 4 Faicail ort o ghniomh nan con Ma theid thu gu beannibh arda. 5 † Ma theid thu gu beannibh arda Faicail ort o Chlanna MORNA. 6 Faicail ort o Chlanna Morna Clanna Morna ’s an cuid con. 7 Clanna Morna ’s an cuid con ’S da chu dheug air lon aca. 8 ’S da chu dheug air lon aca ’S a chu fhein air laímh gach fir. 9 Ma theid thu gu gleanntibh fòdh Faicail ort o chlann a BHÒ. 10 Faicail ort o Chlann a Bhò Clanna Bhò ’us an cuid con. 11 Clanna Bhò ’us an cuid con ’S da chu dheug air lon aca. 12 ’S da chu dheug air lon aca ’S a chu fhein air laimh gach fir. 13 Ma theid thu gu beannibh arda Faicail ort o Chlann na GRAISGE. Repeat 14. 15. 16. as 10. 11. 12. 17 Ma theid thu gu beannibh ìseal Faicill ort o Chlann na BAOISGE. Repeat 18. 19. 20. 21 Ma theid thu air bheanntaibh arda † Faicill ort o Chlann na CEARDAICH. Repeat 22. 23. 24. as above. Here Mac Isaig stopped and said: ‘I have no more, but that is a long song. When Oisein was out in the Hill the Hind was always coming near him, but he would not follow her. He was ashamed of his Mother, but he made that song.’ (P. 170, &c.) (P. 56). The Tailor said: ‘There is a song about that story. I have very little of it, Carmichael has written it.’ Then he sang it to a very wild tune. The lines which are the same I have marked above *. The rest are added below. [TD 199] 25 Ma theid thu gu gleanntaibh domhain Bheir mi o huro ho. † Faicail ort a chlann a GOBHAIN Bheir mi o huro ho Bheir mi o huro ho Bheir mi hi ri Righ riabhag Ho i ho ro, háw. Repeat 26. 27. 28. as above. October 6, 1871.—Copied at Dunvegan, a version lent by Miss Mac Leod of Mac Leod, written this year in North Uist, by Miss Tolmie, from the repetition of women who used to sing this song at their work, but who have been forbidden to sing any secular music, and have given up the practice as wicked. Lines which are the same are marked † above. The chorus varies a little and indicates a different tune. As the Lady is a musician, probably her version is right, and the tune varies. 1 BHEIR mi hò ri u o hò Tha tucharan beag air m’ anail Bheir mi hò ri u o hò ’S tha sior ghabhail air mo ghuth. Bheir mi hò ri u o hò E ho i ri ri ibh og o ho Ri o hò ho rò. The repetition varies thus:— 29 Ma theid thu air beanntaibh ìseal Bheir mi hò ri u o hò N’ aire dhuit o Chlann na FRITHEADH Bheir mi hò ri u o hò Clann na Fritheadh ’s an cuid con ’S da chu dheug air lon aca ’S a chu fhein air laimh gach fear. Repeat 30. 31. 32. with Chorus as above. The song ends with the Chorus:— Bheir mi hò ri u o hò. In one verse is the line:— ‘Eirich m’ an eirich a ghrian.’ This counsel, according to the story told, was given that the Deer might break the spell which bound her, since the period before Oisein’s birth. The same origin for ‘Oisein’s’ name was given. He had a mole on the side of his face or the corner of it. June, 1872.—Having collected and arranged these fragments myself, and having found three similar verses in Fletcher’s Manuscript at the Advocates’ Library, (F. 6. 11. 12. 13., p. 60 above), I wrote to Mr. Carmichael: who was kind enough to send me the following extracts from the Collection which he has been making during seven years in the Long Island. Taking all these versions together, it is easy to extract the meaning. But it is impossible to convey any idea of this kind of vocal industry without transporting the reader to the scene where women and girls sing songs without words, and dance wildly to their own wild music, as merry and busy as a hive of bees. OISEIN’S WARNING TO HIS MOTHER. TRANSLATED from Mr. Carmichael’s Gaelic Argument, transcribed and collated with other versions, by J. F. Campbell, July 4, 1872. 1. From Donall Mac Phie, smith, Breubhaig, Barra, December 10, 1866. A hind was mother to Oisein. His mother Graidhne, Fionn’s wife and Oisein’s mother) was under spells. Surely it was a fairy sweetheart that put her under spells. They (the fairy sweethearts) used always to be at that kind of work. It was on a pretty little green island, which is called Eillan Sandraigh (or otherwise on a sea rock—sgier) in Loch-nan-ceall, in Arasaig, that Oisein was born. His mother laid her tongue on him, to lick him, above the eyebrow, before he was taken from her. Hair grew upon the place where his mother put her tongue, and because of that they called him ‘Oisein’ by name. Oisein knew that the Feinne wanted to kill her, and he used to warn his mother against the hounds, and tell her the gifts of every hound, and the might of every Hero in the Feinne. It is said that this was the first Lay that Oisein ever made, when he was a suckling little lad (na phroilleachan beag gille). Graidhne was the first wife Fionn had, and mother of Oisein. Oisein was near about as big as he would be before Graidhne got free from the spells. He was giving her warning to beware of the dogs. (Carmichael’s Note). It is curious that O’Curry in his valuable Lectures on the MSS. Materials of Ancient Irish History, page 304, says:—‘Oisin, a word which signifies literally the little fawn.’ There is some similarity between this and the Story of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, who are said to have been suckled by a she-wolf.—A. C. A reference to the Story of Diarmaid and Graidhne will shew how this varies from the story generally told about Fionn and Cormac’s daughter. Nothing is said about any transformation of Graidne anywhere else.—J. F. C. A FRAGMENT OF THE SONG. MAS tu mo mhathair ’s gur a fiadh thu, Bheir mi hoiriou o ŏhoa! Orst an sliabh muin tig an teasach (hunt fever) Bheir mi hoiriou o ŏhoa Shŏ hirir-bheag O na haoi o ro hou Faicil orst romh Chlanna Morna Bheir mi hoiriou o ŏhoa Ehŏ hiri riabhag O na haoi o ro hoa Clanna Morna ’s an cuid cŏn Beir mi hoiriou o o-hoa Da chiad diag a dh-aireamh fhear Bheir, &c. ’S a chu fhein an laimh guch fir ’S a shleagh fein an laimh guch laoich Ma theid thu gu srath-na-h-amhunn Faicail orst romh Chlanna Ghobha Here repeat as above. Ma theid thu do bheannaibh domhain Cuimhnuich an t-saigh earblach dhonn Here this fragment ends. 2. From Aonas Mac Leoid, crofter, Baile Mharstam, Uist, a chinne Tuath, March 26, 1868. MU ’s tu mo mhathair ’s gur fiadh thu, Bheir mi hoireann o a haw! Faicill orst romh ghniomh nan con Bheir, &c. Eho heir ir eubhag Ho-haoi o a ro haw Ma, theid thu (a) bheanntaibh domhain Bheir, &c. Faicill orst romh Chlann a Ghobha Bheir, &c. Eho, &c., Ho, &c., Da chiad diag a dh aireamh fhearaibh, ’S a chu fein an laimh gach aon fhir, ’S iad air eil aig Leide mac Liannain, Here follows a verse as above with the name, Clann-na Ceairde, and two more lines which an old woman in the Island of Baile shear South Uist placed at the end of each verse. ’S fear beag ’ad air sgàth chreagain. ’S eugail leis nach tig ige (thuige?) 3. From Oirig Nic Iain, Tao Loch-euphorst, Uist a Tuath, September 27, 1868. MUS tu mo mhathair Us gur fiadh thu Bheir mi hoirean o haw. Eirich mu ’n eirich grian orst. Bheir, &c., Faicill orst romh ghniamh nan conaibh Ma theid thu romh struth-an-lonain; Faicill orst romh Chlanna Morna Clanna Morna ’s an cuid con. Da chiad diag a dh-aireamh fhearaibh, Fear beag beag ri sgiath creagain ’S a dha-chu-dhiag air lothain aige. Here follow verses with the names, Clanna Ghobha, Clanna Baoisge. 4. From an old woman, met in a shepherd’s house, at Liadal, close to Prince Charles’s Cave at Borrodale, South Uist, May 29, 1868. [TD 200] MA ’s tu mo mhathair ’us gur fiadh thu Bheir mi oirrinn o haw Bi d’ fhaicil romh ghniamh nan conu Bheir, &c., (same as in 2nd version.) Eho, &c., O na, &c., ’S iad eir bheannaibh arda romhad, ’S iad ag innse dhomh nach tig thu. Faicill orst romh Chlann Ghil ’e ain Clann Ghil’ e’ ain san cuid chon. Here follows a verse with the name Chlann ic Phairce, and this note by Carmichael:—‘This old woman said that all the Finneachann (tribes) were mentioned in the song. This I think doubtful. The part of the song mentioning the Clans must have been a later composition, for the rest of the song seems to me old—older than the mediæval time of the Clans. The Parks are nearly extinct here now. I only know one man of that name in the whole of South Uist, where there were many of that name formerly. All names seem to have been represented here. The Long Island seems to have been the Cave of Adullam to which all criminal and political offenders betook themselves.’ 5. From Kenneth Morison, pauper, aged 80. Nisisi na h-Earradh, July 12, 1870. 25 lines, of which the whole are in the next version. 6. OISEIN GA MHATHAIR. 63 lines. Seinnte le Do ’ul Macaphi Gobha Breubhaig Barraidh, 10th December, 1866. 1 MA ’s tu mo mhathair ’s gur a fiadh thu, Bheir mi hoirion o ahaw, Ma ’s tu mo mhathair ’s gur a fiadh thu, Bheir mi hoirion o ahaw, Ehŏ hir-ir ibh-ag ò Na haoi o a ro haw Eirich mu ’n eirich grian orst Bheir mi hoirion o ahaw, &c. Eirich mu ’n eirich grian orst Bheir, &c. Siubhail sliabh mu ’n tig an teasach, 2 Ma ’s tu mu mhathair ’us gur fiadh thu Faicill orst romh ghniamh nan conaibh ’Siad air bheannaibh arda romhad. ’Seachainn Caoilte seachainn Luathas, ’Seachainn Bruchag dhugh nam bruach, ’Seachainn an t-saigh eárblach dhúgh (dùgh) Bran mac Buidheig namh na ’m fiadh, Agus Geolai bheag nan car. 3 Mu theid thu do bheannaibh iosal, Faicill orst romh Chlanna Baoisge, Clann na Baoisgne ’s an cuid con, Da chiad diag a dh’ aireamh fhear, ’Sa shleagh fheinn an laimh gach laoich ’Sa chu fhein an laimh gach fir, ’Siad air eil aig Leide mac Liannain, ’S fear beag, beag ri sga creagain ’S da-chu-dhiag éir lothain aige. 4 Mu theid thu eir / strath an lonain / bheanniabh mora Faicill orst romh Chlanna Morna Clann na Morna ’s an cuid con Da chiad diag a dh’ aireamh fhear ’Sa shleagh fein an laimh gach laoich, ’S iad eir eil aig Leide mac Liannain ’Sa chu fein an laimh gach fir, ’S fear beag, beag ri sga creagain ’S da chu dhiag eir lothain aige 5 Mu theid thu / gu strath na h-athun / romh ghleanna domhain / eir chuanta (chluanta?) domhain Faicill orst romh Chlanna Ghobha, Clanna Ghobha ’s an cuid con Da chiad diag a dh’ aireamh fhéar ’S a shleagh fein an laimh gach laoich, ’Sa chu fein an laimh gach fir ’S iad eir eil aig Leide mac Liannain, ’S fear beag, beag ri sga creagain ’S da chu dhiag eir lothain aige. 6 Mu theid thu do bheannaibh arda Bi d’ fhiacill romh chlann / a chearta / na ceirde / na ceardach Clann na ceairde ’s an cuid con. Da chiad diag a dh’ aireamh fhear ’Sa shleagh fhein an laimh gach laoich ’Sa chu fhein an laimh gach fir ’S iad eir eil ais Leide mar Liannain ’S fear beag beag ri sga creagain ’S da chu dhiag eir lothain aige. 7 Gu ’n gleidh an sealbh thu o ’n t-srannan Mu ’n cluinn do leannan do ghuth, ’Sa dha chu dhiag eir faire mire ’Sa chu fein an laimh gach fir dhiu. Bha mi la ’s bheinn sheilg ’S chunnacas fiadh a chabair aird Gu ’n ghear e torra leum dha ’n loch Mu theid thu romh ghleannaibh domhain Cuimhnich an t-saigh earblach dhonn (Cuimhnich an t-saigh earblach dhonn?) July 4, 1872.—From these six versions gathered by Carmichael, and from my own collection of eight versions, this appears to have been a popular woman’s waulking song all over the Islands. It had never been written or printed so far as I know, and the tune has still to be recovered. Like its class, a very few lines would tell the story. It is a kind of muster-roll of the chief Feinian tribes. The object of this kind of singing is to promote Rhythmical movement, and lighten toil with vocal music. Still this song without words must rank as one of the Celtic Heroic Ballads, upon which later growths were grafted in the 4th version. It would be easy to add any names without interfering with the old Heroes first named, as it is said, by OISEIN THE LAST OF THE FEINNE. PARODIES. THE following are founded upon Heroic Ballads and Traditions, but are not of their age. They prove the antiquity and popularity of the compositions which they caricature or imitate. As they are older than Mac Pherson’s Ossian, they indicate the nature of popular poetry current in Scotland, and ascribed to Oisein before Mac Pherson was born. P. 12. LAOIDH NA SUAIMHNICHE DUIBHE. 35 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 74. Advocates’ Library, February 26, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. AN imaginary dialogue between the Bard and a Black Mantle. It is asked to tell a tale of Eirinn; and tells to whom it belonged, from the reign of Cormac till the Ollamh gave it to the man of strings, (the harper) and the harper, to a hoary Parson. It hopes still to tell a tale from a white book; and now the hopes of the Black Mantle are accomplished. 1 FAILTE dhuise th’ suaimhnich dhubh, Caite ’n d’ fag u do chruth corr, Sgeul na h-Eirinn a thoirt dhuinn ’S dheistamaid gu (1) shùin re d’ Ghloir, 2 Sgeul ’S òg a thaini’ du rem sgeul Nan tuigta leat fein mo dhan 3 ’S òg Sann re linn Chormaig ic Art, A chuiridh re slait mo th’ snàth 4 Sann Bha mi Tamull aig an Riogh Gann Imrachadh air dhruin each 5 Bha mi Ge sean suamhnach mi gun phrìs Chunnachdas òl air fion us creach 6 Ge sean Thani mi (2) malairt an Deirg, Gù Riogh Eirinn meiag an àigh. 7 Thani mi Thani mi m’ dhìlib air Goll, O mhac Dreagmhuinn na fonn sàor (1) sèimh. (2) imlaid. [TD 201] 8 Thani mi Bha mi rist aig Iolluinn greis A coimhead air cleas nan Arm. 9 Bha mi, Bha mi rist aig Oscar òg ’N deidh do mhac morla bhi marbh 10 Bha mi Oscar ualich nan arm gèur Cha ghleidhidh e sèud ach seal 11 Oscar Dhioluich e mise ro am Mhac O Duihhne na lann sean, 12 Dholuch Thug O Duibhne mi da mhac An comaine seachd Lann, 13 Thug Bha mi aig Diarmaid an t’-slòigh Fad so mhair a Ghloir na cheann 14 Bha mi Gus an d’ thanig a sgeul truagh, A mharbhadh leibh th’ suas sa Ghleann 15 Gus an Thug an t-Olla mi n’ fear thèud Thug a fear theud do ’n Bhàrd (Twice) 16 Thug Tha mi nois ann a mor phian Aig a phearsan liath an drast (Twice) 17 Tha ’S bi rìsd mas aill Dia Gabhail sgial a Leabhar Ban. O. 33. AITHRIS AIR ORAIN NAM FIANN. Bonadar. 85 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 145. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. A TAILOR’S Parody on the Feinne, traced back to about 1760, but as old as 1603. The people parodied, are not Mac Pherson’s people, but the people of the Ballads, and of the Stories: the Feinne, the Giants, the Hags, and even the Foxes of the fables. The composer seems to have been a Roman Catholic. 1 AN raoir chunncas aisling, An leaba ’s mi gun dusgadh; Ach ma ’s fior na faidhean, Bha pairt dhi mor na breige. 2 Am fear sin chaidh shiolacadh, O cheann tri cheud bliadhna; A tighinn a dh’ iarraidh deallachadh, ’S bhean air dol am fiadh air. 3 O chunnaic mi na slobanan, ’S na tobraichean air treasga; An fhairge ghlas na h-iomaran, Fo chriuthneachd, ’s fo bhuntata. 4 Na bha ’n sin a dh’ uamh bheathachaibh, A nuallaich air an smagaibh; Ag iarraidh aite gearrasdain, Dh’ fhearann thighearna Ghrannta. 5 Chunnadh neud na curra, is i, Na cuirridh air Mulan arbhair; Is i cor as tri miosan ag innseadh, Mar bha ’n aimsir, 6 An dreadhan donn na shanselar, Fo laimh an righ an Alba; Ag iarraidh aite sheanlair, An iolar eir a meanmh chro. (spreidh) 7 O thachair Fionn Mac Cuthail orm, Is buighinn do na Fiannaibh; Is miol choin aca air iallaibh, Is iad a’ dol air iarghlas. 8 Dh’ aithnich mi na dh’ fheud mi dhiubh, Bha Caoillte ann bha Diarmad; Bha Goll mor ard, bha Ioluin ann, Cha d’ fhuirich mi ri ’n sgeulachd. 9 Direadh ris na uchdanan, Bha cor is dusan mile; Chaidh gach fear na armachd diubh, Mharbhtar mi mar pillteadh. 10 Ach suil a thug mi shealltuin orra, Bha Coll air each gun diallaid; Chaidh mi steach do ghlean bha ’n sin Cha tarla dhomh bhi siamh ann. 11 Bha lan a mhada alluidh ann, Le ’n strathruichibh sle ’n chabhaibh; O thug mi dhoibh mo thombaca math, Is b’ ait a rinn iad sgeulachd. 12 ’G iarraidh pass o ’n chomhairle, Cead gnothuich dol a Ghrianaig; Chaidh mi steach an talla ’n sud, Bha lan caithream chailleach ann. 13 Thug gach aon te riamh dhiu, Lamh a dh’ iarraidh fairce; Ghuidh mi, ma bha ciall aca, Gun seola ’n righ na b’ fhearr dhoibh. 14 Thuirt am Fomhear mor ’se casdaich, Na leag a mach an Tar ghallach; Rug e air a thuaidh mhoir, Is ghluais e chum an urlar. 15 Rug mise air mo rosail, (rosary) ’S gu ’n deanain doigh g ionnsuidh; An sin dh’ aithnich mi gu’ m b’ fhogarach, An t-oglach mor mac Rusgaidh. 16 Ged thachair e measg bhiastan, Gun mhoran riasain annta; Thachair mi air Gille Martain, ’S thug mi straid a chaint ris. 17 Dhi fhaoineachd mi san tra ud, C’ ait a dol fo armaibh; Thuirt gu ’n robh a dh’ iarraidh tagraidh, Air fear an cois na fairge. 18 ’S gu ’m bitheadh esan paighte dheth, Co ceart ris bas a shean mhathair; 19 O chunnadh mise sessaraich, Nan seasamh ri ball cainbe Mhuca mhara cho ghaoisidh, No cearca fraoich no calman. 20 Pass air an Roimh an sud (Rome) An seomar an cois armailt; Slaod Sichaillinn na Cimaisd as a h-earball, 21 O chunnaic mi na Muilearnan, Nan curraidh air an deghau; Ag iarraidh sneachd ’s reota, Teann mhor tbeachd as na speuran. 22 Gur s nn th’ air as sarachadh, A cur nan ald ri cheile; Gleth ar leachd as grotan dhuinn, A steach a chor nan edhlan. Written from Alexander Cameron, tailor, in Easter Druimcharry, who got it 50 years ago from Donald Cameron, tailor there, 1802.—(DR. IRVINE’S Note.) O. 34. AN TAILFHEAR DO NA FIANNAIBH. 68 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 149. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. A TAILOR’S parody on the Fians, of the Ballads and their domestic and family broils. Composed, as appears from the costume, about 1715 to 1745, when the dress of the Highlanders was to be changed by Act of Parliament, and men wore velvet breeches and cassocks of silk. This is very good. The metre is not the metre of the Ballads, but it is near about it. 1 CHAIDH mi turus dheanamh eudaich, Chlanna Baoisge mach a h-Albuin; Cha tug iad a nasgaidh mo shaothair, Gu ’m b’ iad fhein na daoine calma. 2 ’S tric a rinn mi cosag mhaiseach, Do Gholl mhor an aigne mheanmnaich; ’S cha lugha leam na Guini (Guinea) D’ ur shineadh e a lamh dhomh. [TD 202] 3 Chaidh mi tur a dheanamh triuthass, Do Chuchullin an Dun-dealgain; An am dhomh suidh gu chumadh, Thainig Fomhear mor a’ m’ ionnsuidh. 4 Tharruing Cuchullin an claidhe, ’S mairg a tharla air san uair sin; Sgath e na cuig cinn de mhuineal, ’S mise chunnaic bhi g’ am bualadh. 5 Gheibhte forras a’ d’ thigh Righail, Piobaraicheachd is cruit, is clarsach; Gheibhte coin sheang ann air slabhruidh, Iomad spainteach ghlas air alachaig. 6 Fion g ’a aisig, ol g ’a iomairt, Fir ura ag iomairt air thalaisg; Mnathan deud gheall fualadh anairt, Ceur a’ lasadh ann an coinleir. 7 ’S lionar clogaid is ceann bheart, ’S iomadach dearg is uaine; ’S ioma dioghailt as srian bhucallach, Pillan oir is cuipean airgid. 8 ’S lionar sleagh le ’n roinn gheur fhaoir, Bha ’n taic ri laoich a’ d’ thalla; Gheibhte Tombac is sgeulachd, Brandi Eireanach gun airceas. 9 Chuir Fionn teachdaireachd gam shireadh, Dheanamh Briogas da de Bhalbhaid; ‘Dean farsuing e am bac na h-iosgaid, Los gu ’m faigh mi ruidh gu calma.’ 10 ’S mise an duine as luaith a theirte, B’ ann an seachd cathaibh na Feinne; Air a chluais na freagair duin aca, Gus am bi thu ullamh m’ sheirbhis. 11 Thuirt Oscar ’se gabhail mi-thlachd, Ciod an sta dhut bhi ga shireadh; Mar fhaigh mise moch a maireach, Sgudaidh mi ’n cleann dhe mhuineal. 12 Oscar is mise do shean athair, ’S e thachairt agam na shuidh; Gus am bi e ullamh ’m serbhis, Cha dean e greim a dh’ aon duine. 13 Ge bu tu m’ athair ’s mo shean athair Cha bhi mi nis faide ruisgte; Mo chaodan side ri fhuathail, Bheirinn duais chionn a dheanamh. 14 Thuirt Conan ’se dusg a chogaidh, Ge b’ ail le Oscar is le Fionn e; Gheibh sinn cuid ar croinn dhe ’n Tailfhear, Gu eudach bainnse mhic Morna. 15 Dh’ eirich Caoilte, dh’ eirich Diarmad, ’S neonach ciod a chiall th’-agaibh; Stri mu lan puids’ a Thailfhear, Is nach riaraich e air fad sibh. 16 Gabhaibh gu suidh is gu siocha’, ’S ni mi innleachd air an ceart uair; Cuiribh gu foich na Feinne, An Tailfhear m ’an eirich leis breamas. 17 Math do chomhairls’ Dhiarmad, O ’s craobh shiocha dhuinn air fad thu; Cuiribh an Tailfhear as an teaghlaich, Cha mhair a chaonag nis faide. O. 35. LABHAIR DIARMAID. 27 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 152. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. THIS poem was composed about the year 1715 by a Mac Nicol, tailor, in Arimane Glenlocha, the same on whom McIntyre made the satirical song. Taken from Angus Stewart, tailor, Bunrannoch’s recitation, who had it from Donald Dewar, tailor, now dead, at Dalchosnie, Feb. 25, 1801. It mentions King George and King James and the Battle of Sheriff-Muir (Nov. 13, 1715), at which John Duke of Argyll commanded on one side. The tailor says that the Duke of Gordon fled . . Diarmaid wants to know why they did not send for him and his people to drive away the Saxons to Newcastle. 1 LABHAIR Diarmad gu glic soisneach, C’ ait am b’ abhaist domh bhi chomhnuidh; Thuirt mi fhein le briathraibh ailde, Gu ’m b’ abhaist dhomh bhi ’n gleann Locha. 2 Cia mar tha iad mo luchd cinnich, Edar dhuine, Ghille ’s ogan; Cia ma tha ’m Baran ’sa bhrathair, ’S na bheil a lathair an t-sheorta. 3 Nan robh duine aca sna cathair, B’ ac’ air machair Alba; Eadar righ Deorsa ’s righ Seumas, No ma thearuinn iad gun mharbha. 4 Bha mise ann an cath an t-siorra, ’S innsidh mi dhuitse Dhiarmaid; Rinn clann Domhnuil riamh an dlighe, 5 Theich Diuc Gordan as na cianaibh, Mar-aisg oirbh chuideachd an donais; Ciod uime nach do chuir sibh fios oirnne, ’S chairtemid nunn na Sasganaich, Thar a Chastail Notha aon uair. 6 Ma thig an righ air a philleadh, Steach a Shiorrachd na h-Alba; Cuiribh litir bharra g’ar sireadh, ’S gu Diuc o bearrag ’s enrachd. 7 Biodhse ’g imeachd a dh’ Albuin, ’S feuch am faic sibh mo dhaoine; Beir sorruidh uams mo cheud beannachd, Aithris dhoibh gu ’n chaisg mi chaonag. X. 6. LAOIDH AN TRUISEALAICH. 43 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, Jan. 29, 1872. THIS is an imaginary conversation with a great standing Stone in the Ness of Lewis, in the Parish of Barras. It is curious because made up of names, and of single lines of Ballads which are recited entire in the neighbouring Islands and printed above. It is a very good sample of the decay of tradition, a good ending to the Story of Cuchuillin, Deirdre, Fraoch, Fionn, and the Feinne. Murray, the reciter, asserts that it was the custom in his youth to recite this ‘Lay of the Truiseal Stone,’ near the butt of Lewis in Shawbost. 1 EISDIBH beag ma ’s aireamh laoidh, Chailin O! an stiùir thu mi? 2 Sgèula leat a Thruiseal mhòir, Cò na slòigh bh’ ann ri d’ aois; Robh thu ann linn nam Fiann, Am fac thu Fionn, Fial, no Fraoch? 3 Fraoch mac Chumhail nan cuach òir, Lèonadh e gun chomhla an airm; Le biast a ghlinne bho thuath, Thuit mac Chumhail fo chruaidh cheilg. 4 Bu mhòr am beud an fhuil bhaor, Tuiteam le gniomh nam bean baoth; 5 A cheud là a chaidh Fraoch a shnàmh, Lu guth mhneimh thàrladh olc; Thug e làn a bhruit gu tìr, A chaorrainn abuich mìn gun lochd. 6 Sud an lus am bheil mo mhian, A laimh Mhic Chumhail nan ciamh càm Ubhallan na craoibhe a ’s arda dos, Chi mi air an loch ud thall. 7 Labhair Mac Chumhail nan cuach, ’S lasair a dhà ghruaidh mar fhuil Chaidh e shnàmh an loch air uair, ’S an eadh-uair am fuachd ga ghuin. 8 Mothachaidh gach fear fo ’n ghrèin, A bhean féin mu ’n dean i chron; Ma ’s bi iad uile gu leir, Mar tha bhaobh an deigh nan corp. 9 Seachd righrean chuir i gu leàs, Thàrladh sud ’na dàil ’us gum b’ olc; Cearaill, ’us Earaill, ’us Fraoch, ’S Cuchullin a sgoilteadh sgiath, ’S Fear Liath an taoibh ghil, Oissian Mac Shigheigh nan cliar, Nach diult biadh do neach air bith. [TD 203] 10 Bha mise an cath an dè, ’S gu’n robh mi féin an cath cnuic, An cath callan bho ’n taobh tuath; ’S cath carran bho ’n cruaidh trod. 11 Is Truisealach mi an dèigh nam Fiann, ’S fada mo phian an deigh chaich; Air m’ ulain ’san aird an iar, Gu bun mo dhà sgiath an sàs. As recited by an old Lewis-man (Norman Murray, Habost, Ness,) in the Spring of 1867. Given to Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan by Malcolm Macphail. LATER HEROIC BALLADS. THE Story of the Feinne as told by Oisein to Padruig ends here, so far as I have been able to gather. But the story has a sequel. The ‘Lay of the Great Fool,’ according to Fletcher’s version, concerns the last branches of the Feinne. According to Staffa’s version, the Hero was a son of Dearg. The scene is laid at Dun-an-Oir, where Fionn was slain, where Connal avenged the death of Cuchullin, where Caoilte fought his best fight. Padruig and Oisein are out of the story, but the story still goes on. Different minds have been at work on this, but it bears the marks of genuine popular verse. I print, F. O. O. P., all late versions of this ballad, which still is exceedingly popular. I have already printed a version (Y. vol. iii. p. 154.) It is there placed with the story of Fionn’s birth and education, and with part of the Arthurian story of Peredur and Peronnik, the Breton Idiot, who is the equivalent character, as I supposed. In December, 1871, after ten years, I found, p. 166, O’Donovan’s Catalogue, Trin. Coll., Dublin, H. 2. 6., MS. written about 1716. Eachtra an Amadain mhoir. 38 pages of pure Irish prose, supposed to be a translation from Welsh; a story in which King Arthur’s knights are introduced, and necromancers, ‘Gruagacha.’ I conclude that this popular Ballad represents the Fenian story passing into the Arthurian story, and clad in ideas of the date of Arthurian stories of the early age of printed books. This Poem was first printed separately in Glasgow, in 1800, by Thomas Duncan. In 1861 the Dublin Ossianic Society printed a version of 720 lines. In 1862 I printed a version of 256 lines orally collected. In 1813 Turner printed 212 lines. All these are versions of the same poem; and all, as I believe, have been orally preserved ever since wandering bards first begun to recite the ‘Lay of the Great Fool,’ who was of the old Fenian breed, and a Hero true to his word. F. 21. RANN NA DUAN MU ’N AMADAN MHOR, AGUS MU GHRUAGACH DHUN-AN-ÒIR. 238 lines. PAIRT DO ’N DREAM MU DHEIREADH BHA BEÒ DO NA FIANNIBH. Fletcher’s Collection, page 89. 238 lines. Advocates’ Library. January 19, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. 1 CHUALAS sgèul luainneach ’s cha bhreug, Air an Oinid d’ an geill na slòigh; Laoch meamnach air nach dearg àrm, ’S b’ e b’ ainm dha ’n t-Amadan mòr. 2 Smachd an Domhain de ghlac se, Giulla nach d’ fhaod gun bhi bòrb; Cha b’ ann gleachda sgia na lann, Bha neart a bh’ ann ach na dhoid. 3 ’S amhluidh sin do bhitheadh e, ’S iomad triath’ bha fui’ smachd; ’S sgèula gearr na dheireadh thall, Tuig mo rann ’s gu bheil i ceart. 4 Lò g’ an rabh an t-Amadam mòr, Air chriochaibh Lochlain le seòl gaoith; E-fein is aon mhac-o-mnai, ’S ni ’m facas riamh h-ailte mhnaoi. 5 Ann gleann diomhair tharla dhoibh, ’N gleann bu bhoidhche bha fui ’n ghrèin: B’ aile srath ’s bu mhine fonn, Fuaim a thonn ri slios a shlèibh. 6 Sin ’n uair thiurt mac-o-mnai, Fhir is fearr làmh ga bheil ann; Chuairtich mi ’n domhain mu thrid ’S ni facas tir mar tha ’n gleann. 7 ’S chunnacadar a teachd an ròd, An Gruagach bho bu bhreagha brot; Saothach dh’ òr loisgte na dhorn, Coltach ri corn sam biodh deoch. 8 Sin ’nuair ’labhair am fear mòr, Ni ’n rabh mise fòs ri m’ rè; Aon uair bu mhò thart, B’ ait leam a theachd no cò è. 9 Comhairle a bheirinn ort arsa bhean Na h-òl a dheoch ’s na blais a bhiadh; Gus am fiosraicheadh tu ’n gleann, ’S nach rabh thu ann roimhe riamh. 10 Air dhoibh teachd air cheann gach sgeoil, Shuidh an Gruagach bu bhreagha brot; Deansa suidhe Oghlaich mhòir, Na biodh dubhach is òl do dheoch. 11 ’S na commaine ceudna dho, Thuirt an t-amadan le gloir ghlic; ’S e toirt sioca sugha draotha borb, ’S cha d’ fhàg braon sa chorn nach dibh. 12 ’S air imeachd do Ghruagaich a chuirn, Bu neo-buaghar a chuirm r’ a h-òl; Na cosa bho na gluine sios, Bha sid a dhith air an fhear mhòr. 13 Sin ’nuair ’labhair a Mac-o-mnai, ’S truagh a fhlath mar tha thu nocht; ’S tearc do charaid san domhain mhòr, ’S ni ’n oill leo thu bhi gun chos. 14 Sin ’nuair’ thuirt an t-oglach mòr, Biodhsa ribhinn òg a’ d’ thosd; Cha bhi cos air duine a s’ tir, Na gheibh mi rìs mo dha chois. 15 Chualas uatha sa ghleann, Guth a ghaothair bu bhinn ceol; Tog leat mo lann is mo sgiath, Chum an aonaich is fearr doigh. 16 Dh’ imich iad an sin faraon, Bhean ’s an laoch bu gharg san trod, ’S bu luaithe è air a dha ghlun, Na seisear le lugh an cos. 17 Air dhoibh suidhe air an t-sliabh, Chunnacas fiadh shuas Gleann-gorm; Gaodhar geal cluas, dearg na dheigh, Tathunn gu geur air a lòrg. 18 Sin ’nuair thilg an t-oglach mòr, Urchair ghasda le seol geur; ’S chuireadh le neart laimh an laoich, An t-sleagh troidh’ dha-thaobh an fheidh. 19 Ghlaca leis an gaodhar bàn, ’S chuireadh è na laimh air èil; Biodh tu agam deanamh ceoil, Na gu ’n d’ thig duine na toir ad dheidh. 20 ’Se chunnacas a tighinn bho ’n ghleann, An Gruagach gan rabh dealra òir; ’S ann liobhadh air a thaobh clì, A dha shleagh ’s a sgiath na dhorn. 21 Bheannaich an Gruagach deas donn, Do ’n Amadan mhòr is ga mhnaoi; ’S ghabh e sgeula dheth gu beachd, Ciod am ball an do chleachd an t-saoi. 22 Is mise Gruagach a ghaodhair bhàin, Tha air do laimhse Mhaca-mòr; Riddire Curand gu b’ è m’ ainm, ’S anns’ gach bale gu gleithinn buaidh. 23 Bheirinnse mo dhearbha dhuit, Mhacain sin is ailte dreach; Nach bi Gruagach a ghaodhair bhàin, Gu là bhràth r’a radhain ruit. 24 Nach leoir leatsa Mhaca-mòr, Leth-bhreth na dho, air an roinn; An t-sealg uil bhi air do laimh, ’S an gaodhar bàn a leigeal leam. [TD 204] 25 ’S mise féin a rinn an t-sealg, Se thuirt an t-amadan gàrg dian; Ge b’ e againn is treise làmh, Biodh aige an gaodhar bàn ’s am fiadh. 26 Bho thàrladh mo ghaodhar ort, IS po chosa, a bhi d’ dhith; Biadh is aodach fad do rè, Bheirinnse dhuit fein is do d’ mhnaoi. 27 Sin ’nuair’ labhair am Maca-mnai, Bheir thusa ’n gaodhar geal do; Gheibh e sin is an gaodhar breac, N’ am b’ eairde leats’ ni bu mhò. 28 Thog an t-Amadan am fiadh, A lann a sgiath agus a bhean; Agus dh’ imich iad nan triuir, Ann san iul a rinn am fear. 29 ’Se chunnacas uatha sa ghleann, Cathair gan rabh dealra òir; ’S ni ’m facas riamh sealla sùl, Nach faighte annsa chuirt na s leoir. 30 Sin ’nuair labhair am fear mòr, Cò i chathair òir bhui’ ùr; ’S boidhche dealbh s is aile dreach, Na faigh’ sinne breith na h-iul. 31 Dùn-an-òir an dùn am bhuil, Dùn-a-ghuil gu b’ e sid ainm; ’S ni mairtheann a Fhiannaibh fail, Ach mise ’mhàin agus aon bhean. 32 Chuannacas aon bhean anns’ an Dùn, ’S ni ’m facas sealla sùl bu bhreagh; Bu ghile na ’n cabhadh a cneas, ’S guirme rosg sa deud mar bhla, 33 Dh’ fhiosraich an ainnir òg, An tùs an sgeoil da fear féin; Cò i maca-deud-gheal-òg, Is am fear mòr do ’n d’ thug i spèis. 34 ’N-t-Amadan mor gu b’ e ainm, ’S iomadh triath a bha fui’ smachd; Fir an domhain bha ga reir, ’S mise fein gu do gheil do. 35 ’S neònach leam na bheil thu radh ’n, Mhiads air ’n do thar e doigh; Mu chuir e domhain fui’ smachd, Com na leig á chosan leò. 36 Righrean an domhain gun gheil do, A roghainn sin an Ionhoir òir; ’S mur bhi druigheachd a chuirn chrosd, Cha leigeadh e chosan leò. 37 ’S air dhoibh suidhe air an òl, An da mhnaoi òg a b’ fhearr cliù; Bha Gruagach dhùn-an-oir nan treis, Is Amadan mòr nan cleas lùgh. 38 Ach ’s mithich dhamhsa dol a shealg, A Dhùn-deilg ’s do Ghleann-smàil; Gleith mo rath dhamh air mo chùl, Mo chuid òir is gleith mo mhna. 39 ’S ge’ do robh mi fad a mach, Na cadail is na crom do cheann, ’S na leig aon duine a mach, Na duine’ steach ach na bheil ann. 40 Sin ’nuair thuirt an t-òglach mòr, Thigse ribhinn òg fui’ m’ cheann; Tha ’n cadal a teachd am thuar, ’S ni togair leam suain ann Gleann. 41 Ach air bhi dha na chadal trom, Thainig Gaisgeach donn a steach; ’S do mhnaoi a’ Ghruagaich thug e pòg, ’S cha b’ oill leis an òigh a theachd. 42 Ach dh’ eirich an ainnir mheirbh, Is tharruing i gu garbh a cheann; Biodhsa t-fhairreach—oglaich mhoir, Ma rinn thu ’n t-suain cha b’ e ’n t-àm. 43 Mur bithinse am shuain gu leoir, Cha d’ tigeadh iad oirnn a steach; Gu d’ thig Gruagach Dhùn-an-oir, Mu ’n rachadh am beò a mach. 44 Choir an doruis do ghabh è, Ghlacadh leis a sgiath na dhorn; ’S cha d’ bhuail gobha’ ceard na saor, Comhludh bu daingne na ’n laoch borb. 45 Dh’ eirich an Gaisgeach deas donn, ’S a dha shleagh sa sgiath na dhorn; Fàg an doruis oglaich mhoir, Cha bhall coír am bheil tu tàmh. 46 Righ! gu fuilling mis’ am bàs, Bho ghabh mi e tras am cheann; Mu ’n d’ theid aon duine a mach, Na duine steach ach na bheil ann. 47 Gheibhte tu m’ airgead is m’ òr, Mo chulaidh mhath shròil is m’ each; Bu choi-dheas leam muir na tìr, N’an leigeadh tu ’rìs mi mach. 48 Ge do ’s math t-airgead is t-òr, Do chuladh mhath shroil is t-each; Ach gu d’ thig Gruagrch Dhùn-an-òir, Cha racha’ do bheò a mach. 49 Mo chomraich ort oglaich mhòir, Gabh naoi dachunn do dh’ òr glan; Fonn is earras ’s fearann saor, ’S leig mi ’n raon a dùn-nam-ban. 50 Bheirimse briathra na dho, Nach rachadh do bheò a mach; Ach an d’ thig Gruagach an teach-òir, ’S gu dioladh e pòg a mhna. 51 Gheibheadh tu do leth-chos fud, Mar a b’ fhearr gan rabh i riamh; Deir an Gaisgeach a bha glic, Leigse nise dhomh bhi triall. 52 Sin ’nuair thuirt am fear mòr, Dean thusa ort fos gu mall; A chos eile gu ceum cruaigh. Gu d’ thig bh’ uaitsa na do cheann. 53 Mo chomruich ortsa a bhean Didinn mo chorp ’s glac mo lann; Do dhidinn cha neil on bhàs, A mhacan is ailte dreach. 54 Do dhidinn cha neil, &c., A mhacan, &c. Ach a chas eile thoirt do, ’S bi ’g imeachd an ròd a mach. 55 Fhuair thu nis do chosan fud, Mar is fearr gan rabh iad riamh, Deir an Gaisgeach a bha glic, ’S mithich dhomh a nis bhi triall. 56 Na cosan so fhuair mi ceart, Ni ’n leiginn iad leat na leo; ’S ni ’n rachadh tu fos a mach, Ach an d’ thig gruagach an teach òir. 57 ’S mise gruagach ’ghaodhair bhàin, ’S mi chuir ann ’s gach càs thù; ’S mi thug do chosan bh’ uait, Dh’ idreachduinn do luais ’s do lugh. 58 Bho a tharla dhuinn bhi ’n sìth, Thugainn ’n ar dithis dol a mach; Siubhlaidh sinn an oir san iar, Is ann ’s gach tir gu ’n gabh sinn neart. 59 Dh’ imich iad ann sin a mach, Mein air mhein is gràdh air ghràdh; ’S chualas sgeul luaineach ’s cha bhreug, Air an Eoin d’ an geil na sloigh. 60 Laoch meinmach air, &c. Ga b’ aim an t-Amadan mor. O. 11. LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. 146 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 54. 144 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 22, 1872. COMPARED with Fletcher’s version, this shows how a Ballad orally preserved alters. Every verse, almost every line, differs in some degree; but so as to preserve the story, the sequence, and the general sound of the language. In this manner a Ballad might last for centuries, changing with the dialect and the locality in which it is remembered. [TD 205] 1 CHUALAS sgeula luanach gun bhreig; Air Onaid gan gheill na sloigh; Fear meanmhnach air nach dearg arm, ’S e b’ ainm dha un t-amadan mor. 2 La do bhi an t-amadam mor, An crich Lochlin na seol gaoith; E chuideachd air aon mhacan mna, Gum b’ ailde briagh i mar mhnaoi. 3 An gleann diomhar gu’n tharla doibh, Nach romh iad fos ann roi riamh; B’ fhiui shrath ’s b’ ailde fhonn, F uaim a thoun ri slios a shleibh. 4 Chunncas tighinn o’n traigh, Gruagach o’n dealradh brat; Sadhach oir lasta na dorn, Coltach ri corn am bitheadh deoch. 5 Comhairle Bheirinn ort, Na feuch a dheoch, na blais a bhiadh; Ach gu’m fiosraicheadh an gleann, ’S nach robh sinn ann roi riamh. 6 Bheannaich gruagach a bhrait oir, Do’n Amadan mhor ’s do mhnaoi; Na bisa dubhach fhir mhoir, Ach bi-sa subhach ’s ol deoch. 7 An comain nam briathra dha, Ghlac e fein an corn na laimh; Thug e satha draosda borb, Nir dh’ fhag braon sa chorn nach dibh. 8 Dh’ imich gruagach a chuirn, ’S b’ fhuathach a cuilm ri ol (cal cuirm) Na cosan o na gluinibh sios, Bha dhi air an fhear mhor. 9 Sin do’r thuirt a Macan mnà, ’S truagh an cas am bheil thu nochd; ’S tearc do charaid san domhainn mhor, ’S ionmhuinn leo thu bhi gun chos. 10 Thuirt an t-amadan ra mhnaoi. Tog a’ d’ chaoidh ’s bi nad thosd; Cha ’n eil aon chos ann san tir, No gleithidh mi ris mo chos. 11 Dh’ imich iad an sin an dithis, Bhean san laoch bu gharg trod; Bu luaithe esan air a dha ghluin, Na seisar air futh a chos. 12 Chualas faghaid anns a ghleann, Guth gadhair ann bu bhinne ceol; Imrich mo sgiath ’s mo lann, Gu aonach is fearra doigh. 13 Air dhoibh bhi tamull a’ triall Chunncas fiadh a beannaibh borb; Gadhar cluas dearg na dheigh, Taghunn gu geur air a lorg. 14 An sin gun tug an t-oglach mor, An uirchir ghasda le seol gaoith; Chuir e fada lamh an laoich, An t-sleagh ro’ dha thaobh au fheidh. 15 Rug e air a ghabhar bhan, Nn laimh is chuir e grad air eill; Bithidh tu agamsa ri ceol, Aig an tig an toir a’ d’ dheigh. 16 Chunncas tighinn o’n traigh, Gruagach aluinn o’n dealradh òr; Lann min geur air a thaobh chli, Da shleagh is sgiath na dhorn. 17 Bheannaich Gruagach a’ bhruit oir, Don Amadan mhor, ’s d’ a mhnaoi; Ciod i do rioghachd gu beachd, No ’n tir anns na chleachd thu bhi? 18 An Ridire Corcur gur e m’ ainm, Anns gach ball bheirinn buaidh; ’S mi gruagach a ghadhair bhain Ma’ r’ (1) a lamhsa Amadain mhoir. 19 A mhacan is ailde dealbh, Bheirinn fhein mo dhearbh dhuit Nach bi gruagach a ghaidhir bhain, Gu la bhrath ri radha ruit. 20 Cum nach foghna leat fhir mhoir; Leatrom na dha bhi sau roinn? An t-sealg uile bhi air a laimh (al. lann), ’S mo ghadhar ban a leigeadh leam. 21 ’S mise fein a rinn an t-sealg, Arsa an t-amadan garg dian, ’S ge bi againn ’s fearr lamh, (al. lann) ’S leis an gadhar bàn ’s am fiadh. 22 O ’n tharla mo ghadhar ort, ’S do chosan a bhi ga d’ dhith; Biadh is eudach fad do re, (al. gad reir) Bheirinnse dhuit fein ’s do d’ mhnaoi. 23 Sin do labhair Macan mna, Thoirsa an gadhar bun domh? Bheireadh as an gadhar breac, O’n b’ aill leatsa ’s ni bu mho. (al. ge b’ ait leis) 24 Dh’ imich iad an sin nan truir, Anns an iul na ghabh am fear; Thog e air a mhuin am fiadh, Chrannag, a sgiath, is a bhean. 25 Dh’ imich iad an sin a shealg, (2) Air Uamhuinn dearg s air ghleann smail; (2) Amhairc mo chaithir ’s mo chuil, Mo chuid oir ’s caithir mo mhna. 26 Mu caithir tharladh mi ri d’ thaobh, Caithir ann o n dealra òir; Ni ’m faca mo shuilsa riamh, Dath air nach robh air nis leor. 27 Ach gu’n tig mise fhir mhoir, Na luidh, is na crom do cheann; Na leig duine ’nad choir a steach, Na duine mach dene th’ ann. 28 Chois an doruis do shuidhe, Rug e air a sgeth na dhorn; Cha d’ rinn Gobha riamh na saor, (ceard) Comhla ’s dainge nan laoch mor. (borb) 29 Thuirt an gruagach cas don (deas) Is na laimh rug air an sge; Druid as sin Oglaich mhoir; Cha ’n aite coir sna shuidh thu fein. 30 Mar bithinnse am shuain na leoir; Cha tigeadh tu a’ m’ dheoin a steach, O na tharladh mise ann an so, Do bheo cha rachadh mach. 31 ’Nuair bha ’n gruagach na luim, Leum e suas an uchd a mhna; Gabham do chomhrich, a bhean, Amhairc mo chor ’s mo lann. 32 O nach umhail duit am bas, Fhleasgaich tharladh a’ d chas teann; Chas eile gu ceum cruaidh, ’S fearr dhuit uat na do cheann. 33 Ach mo chosan a bhuin diom, Cha leiginn ris leat na leo; Ni mo rachadh tu a mach, Gu’n tig a gruagach na Teach, oir. 34 Buaidh is beannachd ortsa fhir mhoir, ’S mor mo dhoighsa as do run; ’S mi gruagach a ghair bhain, ’S mi choinnich air lamh thu. 35 ’S mise thug do chosan uat, Dh’ fheuchain do luathas ’s do luth; Chaidh iad an sin a mach, A ghabhail beachd air gach uil. 36 Ghlacadh iad cheile air laimh, Muin air mhuin ’s gradh air ghradh; An domhain uile gu beachd, Am fear mor gu smachd fhuair. 37 An aill leibh sgeul luanach (3) gun bhreig, Air an Oin g an geill un sloigh. (1) ir sic in MS. ‘ill.’—M.P. (2) Air uain an deirg an gleann smail.—Robertson, Charles. (3) Ruanach. [TD 206] O. 37. LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. 96 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 154. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 2, 1872. THIS begins about verse 26 of the last version, and varies in the same manner and degree. (See page 205.) SEOL eile ’n a chramaig, is a sgiath, is a bhean. 1 CHUNNCAS uatha sa ghleann, Cathair dhe ’n robh dealbra’ oir; Cha ’n fhacas riama an sealla sul, Nach faca anns a’ chuirt nis leor. 2 Dh’ fhaoineachd a Maca Mor, Co i a chathair oir righ ur: ’S aille dreach ’s is gloine dealbh? Am faigh sinn brath no iul. 3 Dun an oir sin dun a bhuil, Dun a bhuil gur e sid ainn; Ni mairean de fhiannaibh fhail, Ach mise a mhain ’s m’ aon bhean. 4 Chunncas ainnir anns an Dun, Na suidh an cathair uirigh oir; Bu ghile ’n an cathamh a cneas, Bu ghorm a rosg ’s a deud mar bhla. 5 Dh’ fhaoineachd (1) an ainnir og, Toiseach gach sgeoil ga fear feln; Co e am macan deud gheall og, Nam fear mor gu bheil sibh geill. 6 An t-amadan corcara gur e ainm, Anns gach ball gu ’n tug e buaidh; Sluagh an Domhain tha fo smachd, Is mise fein gan ghulla dha. 7 ’S ioghna leam na bheil thu ’g radh, ’S liuthad Triath ’s ’na shar e dhoibh; Mar geill an domhain da air fad, Cum na leig e chosan leo. 8 Bheirinnsa mo dhearbha duit, Ainnir mheirbh mhin a bhrat bhreagh; Mar ri duigheachdan a chuim chrosd, Cha do leig se a chosan leo. 9 Leag iad air iomairt ’s air ol (perhaps ceol) An da mhnaoi og a b’ fhearr cliu, Gruagach Dhuin an oir na treis, Is amadam mor nan cleas luth. 10 ’S mithich dhomhsa dol a shealg, Air uan an Deirg an gleann smail; Glethsa mo rath air mo chul, Gleth mo Dhun oir gleth mo mhnaoi. 11 Ged fhuirich mise fada mach; Na caidil no crom do cheann, Na leig duine air bith a steach. No duine a mach de ’n bheil ann. 12 Sin dor thuirt a Maca Mor, Tair a Righinn oig fom’ cheann; Tha ’n cadal g ’am thoirt air chuairt, Gu ’n togair leam suain sa’ ghleann. 13 Air do bhi na chadal trom, Thain’ an gaisgeach deas donn a steach; Do ’n mhnaoi ghruagaich thug e pog, ’S cha b’ ail leis an oigh a theachd. 14 Sin dor thuirt an ainnir mheirbh, ’S tharruing e gu garb a cheann; Biodhsa a’ d’ fharach, oglaich mhoir, Ma rinn thu ’n t-suain cha b’ e ’n t-am. 15 Mar bithinnsa am shuain gu leór, Cha tigeadh se oirm a steach; ’S gu tig Gruagach Dun-an-oir, Man teid esa an rod a mach. 16 Chois an doruis do ghabh se, An laoch air nach teid gun bhi garg; Cha do bhuail Gobha, ceard, no saor, Comhla ’s daingne n’ an laoch borb. 17 Sin thuirt an gaisgeach deas donn, ’S rug se air a sge na dhorn; Fagsa ’n dorus, Oglaich mhoir, Cha bhall coir sa’ bheil thu ghna. 18 Ach gu’ m faighinnsa am bas, O ’n ghabh mi ’n tra so e’ m cheann; Ma thig aon duine a steach, Na duine a mach ach na bheil ann. 19 Gheibheadh tu m’ airgiod ’s m’ or, Mo chulaidh mhaith shroil, ’s m’ each; ’S co annsa leis muir no tir, ’S leag seachad mi ris a mach, 20 Ge maith d’ airgiod agus d’ or, Do chulaidh mhaith shroil, is t-each; Gun tig Gruagach Dun-an-oir, Mu ’n teid thusa ’n rod a mach. 21 Gabh mo chomraich uam fhir mhoir, Gabh nao dabhichan de ’n or ghlan; Mo chrobh ’s m’ eich ’s m’ fhearann saor, ’S leag dhomh an raon an Dun nam ban. 22 Chuirinnse do leth chas fodhad, Mar a b’ fhearr a bha i riamh; Se thuirt an gaisgeach a bha glic, ’S mithich dhomhs’ anis a bhi triall. 23 Deansa fossa ort gu mall, Thuirt an t-oglach nach robh cli; Chos eile le ceum cruadhas, Bhitheas i uat air neo do cheann. 24 Do dhidin cha ’n eil o ’n bhas, A mhacan is ailde dealbh; Gun a chos eile thoirt dha, (2) ’S gabh sa ’n rod a mach, Crioch Laoidh an Amadain, Air sheol eile. P. 13. LAOIDH AN UMPI. 148 lines. Staffa’s Collection, page 76. Advocates’ Library, Feb. 26, 1872. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. THIS version differs from the others. It is written as a song, in which each couplet is repeated, so as to double the length of the song and fill in the tune of each quatrain. This manner of singing Heroic Ballads survived in Uist in September 1871. Towards the end this is written without any divisions, so I have divided it into quatrains.—J. F. C. DAN COMH-AINM LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHÒIR. 1 SGEUL uainich chualas gun bhreug Air Eoin gan a gheill na sloigh Fear mor meamnach mac an Deirg Ga ’m b’ ainn an t-amadan mòr Fear mor 2 Neart an Domhuin do ghabh se ’N Laoch nach faod gun bhi gu borb Neart 3 Cha do ghlachdadh leis Sciath na Lann Ach a neart a bhi ann a dhòid Cha 4 Latha gan deach n t-amadan mor Do th’ sean Riogh’ chd Lochlunn ceol-eaomh Latha 5 E fein us aona mhachdaibh nna ’S bu leoir a h’ aillichd mar mhnaoi E fein 6 Chasidh leo Gleam Diomhair roid Nach rabh siad ann roimhe riamh Chasidh 7 Do dh’ fiosruich a machdaibh mna Fhir a fearr lamh rabh tu ann Do 8 Th’ siubhail mi ’n Domhan mar thri ’S cha ’n facas tioir mar an Glean Th’ siubhail 9 ’B aill fiodh us feur ’us fonn Us fuaim a thonn ri slios a th’ sleibh B’ aill (1) Dh’ fhiosrachadh. (2) ’S mi chuir anns gach cas thu. [TD 207] 10 Achanich a dhlarrams ort Na h’ ol a dheoch ’us na cath a bhiadh Achanich 11 Gus a fiosruich u cia ’n Gleann Nach rabh u ann roimhe riamh Gus 12 Gu bheil mise fos rem re On la glachd mi Sceith na lann Gu 13 An uair b’ mho bhiodh mo thart Sin an uair bu th’ seachda bearl’ An uair 14 Chunnachadar a teachd san ròd Gruagach ùr o ’m breocha brot Chunnachadar 15 Sa chorn Ialluichte na dhorn Coltach re corn am biodh deoch Sa chorn 16 Bi nad th’ suidhe oglaich mhor Na bu dubhach us òl deoch Bi nad 17 Ruge air a chorn gu brisc borb ’S cha rabh braon sa chorn nach ibh Ruga 18 Nair mhothuich Gruagach a chuirn Nach buadha a chuirm ra h-òl Nair 19 ’N da chois o na Gluinibh sios Bhiodh a dhith air an fhear mhor ’N da 20 Sin nair labhair Gilbhan òg ’S mor a m’ brons thair imeachd ort Sin 21 ’S tearc do charid san Domhan mhor ’S cha n’ òil leo u bhi gun chios ’S tearc 22 Uist a nis a Ghilbhann òg Tog thus ad bhron ’us bi d’ thosd Uist 23 Cha bhi aona chas ann san Tiòr Neo gheibh mi rist mo dha chŏis Cha 24 ’N imraich thu mo Sciath ’s mo Lann, Gu an Inbh us fearr dreach us deal bh ’N iomrich 25 Dhimchidar a sin a raon A Bhean sa a Laoch bu mhor trot Dhimchadar 26 Bu luaithe eisan air a dha Ghlun Na seisar air lus an cŏs Bu 27 Chunnachdadar a teachd san Ròd Gruagach ur fuidhn dearsadh òir Chunn 28 A Lann than’ air a thaobh cli A dha th’ sleadh sa sciath na dhoid A Lann 29 Bheannuich Gruagach a bhruit oir Don Amadan mhor ’s da mhnaoi Bheannuich 30 Us ghadhadh leo sgeula gu beachd Cia ’n t-sliogh as na chleachd an t-saoi Us 31 Riodaire chorcair se m’ ainm As gach ball do bheirinn buaidh Riodaire 32 ’S mi gruagach a Ghadhair Bhàin Air do Laimhsa mhachdaibh mhòir ’S mi 33 Bheira mise dhearbadh dhuit A mhachdaibh ’us fear dreach ’us dealbh Bheira 34 Nach bi gruagach a Ghadhir bhain As a so ri raitin riut Nach 35 Nach foghnadh leatsa mhachdaibh mhoir Leathrom na dho bhi san roinn Nach 36 An t-sealg uile bhi air do laimh Sau Gadhir Bán a leigidh leinn An 37 ’S mise fein a rinn an t-sealg Ars an t-amadan Garg dian ’S mise 38 ’S ge b’ e neach ’us treisa lamh ’S leis an Gadhir Ban sa fiadh ’S ge 39 On tharladh dom Ghadhir ort ’S na cosan a bhi gad dhi—o ’n &c On 40 Biadh agus aodach mar th’ feum Bheirinn sid dhuit fein ’s dod mhnaoi Biadh 41 Sin nair labhair Giolbhann òg Thoir dhosan an Cadhir Ban Sin 42 Gheibhadh e sud san cù breac ’S nam bu leatsa ni bu mho Gheibhadh. 43 Dhimchidar a sin na triuir, Ann san iùl a rinn a fear Thog e air a mhuinn a fiadh An crannagibh sgiath sa Bhean 44 Chunnachdadar a teachd ren taobh Cathir ùr fuidlin dearsadh òir Cha rabh dreach ga faca suil Nach rabh air a chuirt gu leoir. 45 Air chromadh dhuinn anns an Dùn Cha ’n faca suil ni bu bhreoich ’S giola na ’n canach a corp ’S guirme rosg sa deud mar bhla 46 Do dh’ eirich a machaimh òg. Machdaimh Gruagach an dun deirg Cia e machdaimn steud-gheal òg Na ’m fear mor gan dug u Geill 47 Se sud an t-amadan mor Agus Gilabhann mheirbh an rois Righre ’n Domhuin tha na mhèinn ’S mise fein a gheilladh dho 48 ’S ioghnadh leam na bheil thu ’g radh Righre ’n Domhuin bhi fuidh smachd ’S gun leigidh e chasan leo Sa liudhid sloigh a thug dha geill 49 Bheiradh mise deirbha dhuit A mhachdaimh ’us fearr dreach ’us delbh Mar bhi Draoidheachd chuirim chrosd Nach leigidh e chosan leo 50 Bi mis’ a nois falbh a th’ seilg Uadha deirg fuidh ghleann a Smeoir Coimhead thusa Bhrathrin ghraidh Caithir mo mna ’s mo chuid oir 51 ’S air fhad ’us gam bi mise muigh Na deann luidh sna crom do cheann Na leig thusa duine mach Na duine steach gan dig ann 52 Tarinn a ghilabhann fuidh ’m cheann San cadil gan th’ suain gu mor Tharinn i a cheann gu cruaidh Rinn thusa ’n t-suain ’s cha b’ e ’n t’ àm 53 Thanig an Gruagach deas Donn ’S do mhna ghruagaich thug se pòg Lathir an Doruis sann thuigh se ’N Laoch nach faod gun bhi borb 54 ’S cha do chuir Gobhinn na ceard Comhla b’ fearr na ’n Laoch borb [TD 208] 55 Nair bha ’n Gaisgich an cas cruaidh Leum e gu luath ’n uchd na mnà Tha mi cuir chuimric ort Coimhliontachd no chos ’s mo lamh 56 Ach cha ’n eagal duit do ’n bhas Cha nann an cás tharladh tu Gus an dig gruagach dhuin an oir ’S gun dioladh e pog a mhnà 57 Thug mise le ’m Dhraoidheachd fein Do leith chas do ’m luing a steach Gheibha du fuid mar bha u riamh ’S mo leigail sa ròd a mach 58 A chas eila gu ceim cruaidh Bheira du uait na do cheann Gus an dig gruagach dhun an oir ’S gun dioladh e pòg a mhnà. Chrioch. X. 7. IULAIREAN. 61 lines. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh, February 1, 1872. Collected by Donald Mac Pherson, at Lochalsh, now Sub-librarian in the Advocates’ Library. January 1872. THIS is an Arthurian Ballad. There are many of the class in Irish MSS.; but this is the only Scotch one I know. I have a third version, written in Tiree, by John Dewar. IULAIREAN. IULAIREAN ’us horo hì! Là ’chaidh Oscar nan sluagh, Iulair ohon horo chò! Gu tulach nam buadh a shealg; Iulairean ’us horo hì! Gu ’m facas eige ’n ä shuain, Iulair ohon, &c. Ribhinn a b’ fhèarr snuagh na ’ghrian, Iulairean ’us, &c. An fhìor bhealaidh ruadh bha ’n a bun, Iulair ohon, &c. Chunnacas ’an iomall a’ chuain, Iulairean ’us, &c. Iùbhrach nam buadh tigh ’n gu tir, Iulair ohon, &c. Bu lìonmhor innt’ cuach agus cup, Iulairean ’us, &c. Aon bhean innt’ ’an cathair òir, Iulair ohon, &c. Ag iomairt ’s ag òl mu seach, Iulairean ’us, &c. Dh’ fhoighneachd e de ’n mhnaoi oig, Iulair ohon, &c. ‘An àill leat mise mear fhear?’ Iulairean ’us, &c. Labhair ise ’m briathran bò Iulair ohon, &c. ‘Cha-n àill leam thn air son fir,’ Iulairean ’us, &c. A fhleasgaich, ge boidheach do dhreach, Iulair ohon, &c. ’S go briagha leat fhéin do shlios, Iulairean ’us, &c. Tha mi ’nis a’ dol a nach, Iulair ohon, &c. Is sgéula na bheil agaibh orm, Iulairean ’us, &c. Tha sgéula beag agam no dhà Iulair ohon, &c. Air Fionn mac rìgh nan arm, Iulairean ’us, &c. Ruitheam, caisgeam, traogham, d’ fhearg, Iulair ohon, &c. Cuiridh mi dealg ’s an fhear mhòr, Iulairean ’us, &c. Cia mar a dheanadh tu sin, Iulair ohon, &c. ’S nach tu laoch a ’s fèarr ’s an Fhéinn? Iulairean ’us, &c. Goididh mi ’n claidheamh o ’chrios, Iulair ohon, &c. ’S gearraidh mi gun fhios deth ’n ceann! Iulairean ’us, &c. A laoch a thainig a ’s teach, Iulair ohon, &c. ’S ann leat a chinnich an t-euchd:— Iulairean ’us, &c. Mharbh thu dithis de chlann righ Gréig— Iulair ohon, &c. ’S tu fhéin a mharbh an treas fear, Iulairean ’us, &c. Z. 3. RIGH BREATAINN. 46 lines. Orally collected in Islay, by Mr. Hector Mac Lean, 1860. 1 CHUNNA rìgh Breatainn ’na shuain, An aona bhean a b’ fhearr snuadh fo ’n ghréin Gum b’ fhearr leis tuiteam ’n a gean Na còmhradh ’pheathar mhath féin. 2 Labhair Sior Bhoilidh gu fial:— ‘Théid mise g’ a h-iarraidh dhuit; Mi féin, mo ghille, ’s mo chù ’Nar triuir a shireadh na mnài.’ 3 Seachd de sheachduinn ean ’s tri mìosan Bha sinn sgith ri siubhal cuain; Ma ’n d’ fhuaras fearann, na fonn, Ionad an gabhadh long tàmh. 4 Latha throimh iomall a’ chuain ghairbh, Clachan meadha, mìn-geal, gorm; Uinneagan gloine ri stuaigh; Cupaichean a ’s cuaich, a ’s cùirn. 5 Latha dhomh ’seòladh g’ am bun, Thàinig an t-slabhraidh chuir a nuas; Cha do ghabh mi sgreamh na sgaoim; Chaidh mi urra ’m dheaun a suas. 6 Chunnacas a’ bhean dheud-gheal òg ’Na suidhe ’san òr a steach; Sgàthan gloine air a da ghlùin; ’S bheannaich d’ a gnùis ghil. 7 Fhir a thàinig oirnn o ’n chuan, ’S truagh fear beannachaidh an-so; Aig fear na cathrach so féin Nach do dh’ fhidir treun na truaghas. 8 Air do shuidhe-sa, ’bhean mhàld: ’S coìngeis leam a ghràdh na fhuath, Chuir iad Sior Bhoilidh fo chleith, Thàinig a stigh am fear mòr. 9 ‘Ulaidh, ’s a Thasgaidh, ’s a Rùin; ’S mòr an cùram th’ agam dhiòt; An cuir thu do cheann air mo ghlùùi, ’S gun seinninn duit ciuil a ’s cruit?’ 10 Thuit e ’n sin ’na shioram suain An déis ’bhith ’cuartachadh chuain ghaùbh: Thug iad a chlaidheamh o ’chrios, ’S thug iad deth gun fhios na cinn. 11 Cheanghail iad an sluagh gu léir, ’S bha ’bhean féin fo chumha thruim; Fhuair iad gach ni mar a b’ àill, ’S thug iad an lamh do ’n taobh tuath. 12 Gus an tulaich ghuirm ghlais ùir Far am bu lùghuhor cù na fiadh. STORIES IN PROSE AND VERSE ABOUT PERSONS WHO FIGURE LATER IN HISTORY. FROM Cuchullin to St. Patrick covers a period of about 450 years, according to Irish historians. About 464, Conall Gulban, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, was slain. His name is associated with that of Colum Cille (St. Columba), whose ancestor he was. A whole series of prose tales, now current in the Islands, relate to this worthy. A great many versions of these tales are preserved in Irish manuscripts, of which mention is made in Irish catalogues. I printed a version of Conall in Vol. iii. Y., 1802. O’Donovan supposes that these tales were composed about 1400, during the reign of Magic and Knight Errantry. Old copies of this tale are in the Advocates’ Library. [TD 209] O CEINS LEG. THIS Story of Conall Gulban and a whole series of other stories of the same kind were framed in a story about the breaking of a man’s leg. A man now living in Paisley repeated this compound story to Mr. Hector Mac Lean, who wrote it out in 1870. By fusing and mending versions of the tales which are told in this frame, it would be easy to make a larger volume than this one. Samples of the tales in question are in Text Y. Conall Gulban, The Knight of the Red Shield, Murdoch Mac Brian, The Lad of the flapping Gray Garment, The slim swarthy Champion, &c., &c. Modern Irish manuscripts are full of stories of this kind, and several from older writings have been published. Amongst these is the ‘Battle of Clontarff.’ The following ballad is a sample of Gaelic of 1654-5. It is a parody, and consists of catchwords and first lines of stories and recitations, of which many are known to Irish scholars, many are forgotten, and some are in this book. The ‘Battle of Clontarff’ is mentioned at the 12th line. It follows that this composition dates between 1014, the date of the Battle, and 1854, the date of the writing. CATH CHLUAIN TARBH. 69 lines. TRANSCRIBED June, 1872, by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, from No. xxxv. Kilbride. ‘Report on Ossian,’ 2956, No. iii. written in the Irish hand, by Eamonn Mac Lachlain, 1654-55. NAR mhaireann teamhair attuaith 1 Ni fan easa ruaidh na chochd Fionn mac cubhail flath na bhfiann Ab theid go sliabh dha chon Do chonarc mi ceisd dha cur 5 Cia as luaithe anugh no an chearc Do rinne og earannan feall Ar o cconnaing na ceall mbeag (comg) Ni bhfaicionn tu an bràthair bochd Mairg a nochd ata gan arm 10 Innis duinn a bheansa amuigh Nar chuireadh cath chluain tarbh Do thoglach bruighin da dhearg Cuma liom sealg shleibhe crot Iomdha sionnach aslach gua 15 Fada fuar anoidhche anochd Do rinne Fionn eirighe mhoch Ni hionann broc agus fiadh Do bhean na fagthar ar faill Tangadar gaill anath cliath 20 Do fuair mac samhain aghuin Gana ccluin na bidh gan airm Fad liom garaidh is Goll Tainn longh asliabh cairn. Do dhearg mac lughaidh alamh 25 Is iomdha bad ar an Siuir Tarla do chrann air an tsop Druid romham gu ros mac criuinn Do thuit meirge cath cuim Leig don luing teacht attir 30 Mairg na bfan abhbfearann ceall Ait an cuirfinn ceann no linn Math an maraidhe mac leoid Do thoghladh fa dho an traoi. Ni fansa saoghal ach seal 35 Is aithne dhomh fear gun mhnaoi Do chuala mi glaodh sa bpurt Nach ionan muc agus miol Do mharbhadh gaill accluain tarbh Eire aird innis na riogh 40 Seacht mar oninid anochd Tainn long a bport a bháid Do bhi claidheamh ag mac ceacht Is iomdha sgeul air na mnaibh Conall cearnach do mharbh Conn 45 Is aluinn fonn mhuighe ré Do chuaidh an claiceuch ar cuairt Ambaile i Ruairc bhios o neill A bheansa fa ndeanann tu ead Is binn beul na ceol crot 50 Do thuit ean cheann innis fail Na Deana do dhail ga bog Ne hionand cearc agus coir Ad bathadh long asliabh liag Cia don fhein rer ceangladh roc 55 Dail catha idir cearc is miall Mac Subhaltach na sleidh slim Ds chinn ar chach Do mharbhomhair fiadh araon Don taobh thiar don thsliabh bhan. 60 Is mor mo dhonas tar chach Beag nach bfhear am bas ren bheul Iomdha aracht a ghledh ruic Ag sin an cruit ar na ghleas Donncha mha guidhir nar ccreach 65 Fear nach cuirionn cearc air eill Na leigese a choir le cach Na leigamar ail leis fein. Nar mhairiann. THE PRAISE OF CONAL’S SWORD. THE Stories which celebrate the exploits of Conall Gulban and later Heroes are characterised by certain passages, which are called ‘Runs.’ They contain curious obsolete words, and they are repeated so fast that it is exceedingly difficult to take them down. Samples of this kind of recitation are given above at pp. 1, 2. Similar passages abound in Irish manuscripts. The following passage was written by Mr. Carmichael in the Long Island, and I myself heard many such passages recited in various Islands, in 1871:— &c. MOLADH CLAIDHEIMH CHONAILL. Orally collected by Alexander Carmichael. ’S E mac mnatha sìthe a bha ann an Conall Gulbann. Chuir rìgh Lochlainn fo dhraoidheachd e; agus bha e fad trì ràidhean ’s a’ phrumh (bruth?) agus dìul aige nach robh e ann ach aon oidhche. Fhuair Conall an claidheamh o a shean-athair, ain bodach sìth, ’nuair a bha e ann am prumh Bheinn Ghulbann. ’Nuair a rachadh an saoidh ’n a chulaidh chatha chruaidh chomhraig, ’s e bu chulaidh chatha chruaidh chòmhraig dhà, a chrios strìlean, stròlain, a léine shleamhuinn de ’n t-sìoda bhuidhe, ’s a lùireach aigileineach iarruinn, a chlogada clocharra ceanna-bhuidhe gu dìon a mhuineil agus a gheala-bhràghaid, Chuireadh e sgiath bhu caideach, bha caideach mhìn-dearg air a thaobh clì, air am bu lìonmhor dealbh leòmhain, lìobairt, gri-bhìnnich, nathrach bheumnaich losgnaich shlignich. Fin an uair a dheasaicheadh an laoch a Shlachdan geur, cruaidh, curranta claidheimh an déigh a tharruing as a chisdidh chaoil ghuirm ghiumhais. A cheann air a chur ann gu socair, mar chùismhdta, ’s e gu’ fhocal air a lìnntean. ’S e gu lìomha, lìomharra; ’s e gu làidir, fulangach; gu ruighinn, geur, ri iomarachadh; gu so-chur, sàthta, so-bhuailte ’n a làmhuinn Geur, eutrom, iongantach. B’ e sin an claidheamh, Sìosantach, Suasantach. Ghearradh e naoi naoinear a null, agus naoi naoinear a nall, agus ghlacaoth e fhéin anns an làimh cheudna a rithi ’s e; maille ri a dha sgithinn ghuineana, ghoineana, mar arm gheur ghorrag, mar arm ghorm sgian. Sgian a ghearradh ubhal air uisge agus fuiltean foinnearra, fiorghaidh; a bheireadh uisge air stiornannan, agus teine dearg air an earrliun annta air an toiseach agus asta air an deireadh; far am bu tiugh e bu tanae, ’s far am bu tana bu luath-sgaoilteach, bu dùn-mharbhach. Cha ’n fhàgadh e fear innseadh sgeoil na maoidheadh an tuairisgeoil, mar an rachadh e ’n talamh toll na ’n sgellpeannan chreag; ach aon fhear claghann ruadh air leith-shùil, ’s air leith-ghlùin, ’s air leith-chluais; ’s ged a bhiodh deich teangannan fiilidh fìor-ghlic ’n a cheann, ’s ann ag innseadh uilc fhèin agus uilc chàich a bhitheadh e, agus treuntan a’ ghaisgich. Q. 3. CORADH TIAMHAIDH EADAR INGHEAN OIGHRE BHAILACLIATH, AGUS MURCHA MAC BRIAN, RIGH ERIN. 88 lines. THE only version known to me of this beautiful popular ballad is here reprinted from Stewart’s Book, p. 549. The Hero of Clontarff and the Heiress of Dublin are the characters. 1 INNIS dhomh-sa fhir fudh chreuchdaibh, A mhic cheutaich an earraidh uaine, Ciod e ’n leath, na ’n cath o ’n tain’ thu, ’S iad mo bhrathairean mo chuis truaighe. 2 Innis thusa dhomh-sa air thoiseach Aobhar t’osnaich a gheug mhalta, Na ’n robh daimh agad, na caradh, Ri feuraibh nan cridheacha calma. [TD 210] 3 Tri trianan de chloinn mo mhàthar, B’iad mo bhrathairean iad san uair sin, ’S ar leam fein gu ’n robh iad caomhail, ’S a’ naonar ann an earradh uaine. 4 Na ’n tugadh tu dhomh-sa cobhair, Deoch fhuar o thobar ua h-iocshlaint’, Gu ’n innsin duit na comain sgeula Air naonar an earraidh shioda. 5 Sin ghluais a bhean gu suilbhir, Gus i chluinntin sgeul a brathairean, A ’s fhuaras lea ’n tobar tuinn-ghlan, ’S e lomlan an cois na tràighe, 6 Thog i lea làn a cuiache De uisge an fhuarain ’san àm sin, ’S gu ’n tug i dh’ionnsaidh an laoich e, S’ bha ’n sgeul ud faoilidh o ’n bhantraich. 7 A nis o chaisg thu t’iota tharta Innis dhomh-sa pairt de d’ sgeula, Ach a laoich na biodh ort iomghuin, ’S an leam fein gur mor do chreuchdan. 8 Latha dhomh-sa bhi sa bhlàr, Anns an robh na curaidh chalma, Le m’ chlaidheamh geur, a ’s mi m’aonar, Leam a thuit do naonar brathairean. 9 Thuit mo bhrathairean-sa ’n Cath chluaine, ’S air leam fein gur cruaidh an aoidh, Sgal a chuilein chaoin a chualas A ’s mò a rainig riamh mo chridhe. 10 Ach mus cruaidh leat sgal a chuilein, Na bi caoidh cloinne do mhathar, Air ghradh t’einich na ceil orm, Co thu fein, na co e t’athair. 11 Inghean oighre Bhailacliath, Cha cheilinn a thriath nan lann, ’S do ghruagach Eilein nan eun, ’S ann a rug mi fein mo chlann. 12 Mis’ a ’s gruagach a chuirn Cheusda, An triuir macan, a ’s an cu, An t-seisear a b’ailli fudh ’n ghrein, Gus n’ do mhill sin fein ar cliu. 13 A mhacain siu a ghearr na spaoidh, O ’n a thog thu do shleagh ri sion, A nis o thainig mi do d’ fhios, Innis a ris co thu fein. 14 Mise Murcha sin mac Brian, ’S ioma sciath a sgoilt mi ’n cath, Gus an diugh gu ’n diongain ceud, Le m’ chloidheamh geur, a ’s le m’ ghath. 15 Triochad bliadhna thug mi beo, Mar chuilean na chluainean fein, Cha robh bàigh agam ri neach, Ach ag sior thoirt chreach an geill. 16 Latha dhomh-sa bhi san Dùn, ’S ann domh fein bu chruaidh an sgèul, D’fhag mi ’n gruagach, ’s a thriuir mac, Sìnte fudh ’n bhrat shioda, sheamh. 17 ’S air an taobh mu thuath de ’n Bhrugh sin Chunnacas an tobar a b’àluinn’, Bha na bric a’ snamh gu h-eatrom, ’S iad ag leimeadh suas re bhraghad. 18 Na tri bric àluinn, iongantach, Re faicinn sgàile m’aodain-se, Thuit iad fuar ann an tinneanas ’S ann domh-sa a b’aobhar thursaidh sud. 19 ’Nuair a chual’ an cuilean sitheadh, Gu ’n robh mis’ a caoidh na cloinne, Leig se na tri sgalan uaith, ’S thuit se fuar mar neach eile. 20 Chladhaich mi uaigh dhoibh san Innis, O na d’fhalbh iad de ’n aon tinneas; Ach a Mhurcha nan sciath laidir, Sin agad mur d’ fhag mi ’n Innis. 21 Ach a Mhurcha nan gruaidh corcair, O ’s ann leat a lotadh mo dhaoine, Gur e chobh’readh air mo dhochunn, Làn a chopains’ dhe d’fhuil chraobaich. 22 Tog thusa leat làn do chuaiche De ’n fhuil fhuair, a ’s i gun tiomadh, Eineach deighionach ch ’n èuram, Thoir leat mo sgeul, agus imthich. D. 25. MURCHADH MAC BRIAN. 52 lines. Mac Nicol’s Collection. Ossianic Ballad, No. xv. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 7, 1872. AS these old tales decay and the old language becomes difficult, it becomes a feat to be able to recite a particular passage. The man who can ‘put Murdoch Mac Brian in his riding dress’ is famed now. The following is from Mac Nicol’s Collection. I give it, with a parody which I got from a Gentleman, in Tiree, in 1871. He got it somewhere in the east of Scotland from a man who could say it by heart. The Hero of the story was one of the Heroes of the Battle of Clontarff. The composition must therefore date between 1014 and 1750, when Mac Nicol flourished. An old weaver at Tobermory recited a version of this to me in 1870. John Dewar wrote a version in 1869; and generally this pervades Scotland. AN sin do ghabhadar Leinteog shithe sheimh shroil do ’n Shioda bhuithe, on Deilg ghreiste ’n teannta ri ghealachneas. Do dh’ iathas mu ’n Leinteog ud an Coitein caomha, cuannta, ceos-bhla, baobha, cros-mhor, cotharaichte, suainmhor sroldearg, sioda, air uachdar na h-or Leinte sin. Do dh’ iathas mun Choitein sin an scabul fighi, fion-deirgin, orchum, cearnach, coileirich, farsuing, caomh-ghorm, cloch-corraghin, air a chomdach cloch-corra-mhogaill, fuaim cneans da Chudram air taobh an treun scabuill, ioghain mu ’n Chlet-taobh uchd agus aona-bhreth. Do dh’ iathas mun Scabul sin an Luirreach shithe, threun-amalach, thorrun, ghleusta, gharbh, ghabhalach, fhad, eatrom uilleanach, fharsuing, leobhar, Lochlanach, gun fheautas, gun fhotus, gun fheaus-fhotas, air uachdar an treun scabul sin. Do dh’ iathas mu ’n Luirich sin da Chrios amalach, an or Litir daingin, duillich, deo-mhaiseach, suamhain, clar-leathun, an Eugasg samhaillte, don amhaillte, ballach, breac-chlar, buagh-sciamhach air a chomhdach gu Ceard amhail do Chlocha buaghacha, breac-mhaiseach, as a Chath-chrios cho-uchdach, gu dion Cneas a Cha-mhili as na Cathamh creuchdmhor. Ansa Chrios sin do chuirte a Chlaidheamh, clais-leathan, co-shinteach, fir-chruaidh, sgaiteach, gorm- sholluist, baobha, beumchearnach, bleithich, uasal, an t-Ealt Chlaidheamh a luin, orlitrich, do ’n Ghoineachd ghlan, ghorm-sholluist, nungh, aluinn, aon Dorruist. Or-thruaill ga uime dhidin, air taobh cli an treun-churaidh, an aghai na h-Iorraghail ’s gach Iorraghail da iomain. Air sin do ghabhar dho sgia dhonn, dhualach, aon dualach da Ghualain dha thaobh sleagh chudrom, Chro-fharsuing, le seamanabh oir ’s le Fairistibh airgid. An sin do ghabhar a Chath-bharra, chudramach, Chneas-bhuaghach, Chloch co di ga ’m bu choainm Clogaid ann san t-sheanna Ghailic. An sin do dh’ uimicheadh Each dha ga m’ b’ ainm Gorm-steud, ghasta, ghniomh-ealamh, mion forasta, Folt-leamhar, uaibhneach, fhoillseach, iombathach, toiniceach, Tos-luath torunmher, mungaech, meamnach, mor chroidheach, sul-ghorm, seang-ard, scocail, fallain, feolmhor, feadreach, ’n Eugasg Orshrian sitir bhlar do mharcaichidh trid na ’m Ballachan co math sa mharcaichidh e Machair min sgiamhach. EOGHAN O NEILL A CHIUR AIR EACH. From the Revd. John Campbell, Minister, Tiree, September 15, 1871. A Caricature of Murcha Mac Brian, or of some other such person. (From Harry . . . . Beadle of the Strowan Church, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, 1859.) CLIU an Eoghain b’ uaisle, b’ ainneamh, Bi ga mhaoidheadh. Gille uaibhreach ioghnach nan gart gàbhail Ceannas fòilleart, beag an t-ùilleart, Fhuair an t-òig-fhear, gu oighnachd Néill òig más éiginn. Ge iomadh laoch bha ’n latha sin an teach Eoghain, gabhail gu buan ris na bath-chiall, buar an t-anachiall, srath Lathruinn o shlios Teamhraidh, mar bha Fearghus ’s sur Phillimore, Saor Dhunoighre Maos Dhun dealgaidh, ’s gearr an ùine gus am faic sibh rùn nan cludalach latha Dhundealgaidh. Gheill còig còigean nan dàna Mhac-a-Duibhne; ’s ann da b’ umhail neart nacàine, do na daoidhean ’s na daoi-rùine. [TD 211] Dh’ éirich Clann o Biorrachdainn a Borrachdainn a Buidheanaich, Clann a Diomasach a Duamasach, deagh mhearra, deagh mhorra, deagh Dhomanullach, Clanna Righ, ruadh, rud fir air urram, a sheasaich éididh dh’ Eoghan o Néill san uair sin gun uireasbhuidh. Chuir iad an laoch na chaol léine ghréis, innealta, air a dion-chriosadh, ’s a maise gu muincheall. Chuirte ’n taice ris an léine an triùbhsan eutrom, each-darach; Chuirte ’n taice ris an triùbhsan a bhròg chaol dhòreach, ’s a bhròg dhiònach dheagh-chumta, gun a rabhadh ro-mhòr; Chuirte ’n taice ri sin na sà-spuir àillte, innealta, ruighinn, chroda, cheardalach; Chuirte ’n taice ri sin an còta stiomach, taitneach, an-ùracha, an-òracha, an-uilinneach, breac-eangach, sgiamhach, sguamhach, sgobhanta, cnaparra de ’n òr, ro-iasgaidh mun fhuasgladh. Chuirte ’n taic ri sin an claidheamh tana, diasd-gheal, bòdarra, làidir, leadanach, air chumadh bhalgan àiridh, ’s mar bhòrd de ’n uibhar iòchdarach. ’S e bu sgeul ceaird agus bàird ’s luchd filidh, gun robh a dhiòl eididh ás airm d ’s inneil aig Eoghan, nam biodh a dhiòl eich aige; ’S iomadh mùillein indorlach agus ite laoich bha ’n latha sin ann an each Eoghain. Bha trì gnèithean de ghnè na mna ann an each Eoghain, tòn mhòr, meadhon seang, ’s mairsinn buar air a mharcachd; Bha trì gnèithean a ghnè an t-sionnaich ann an each Eoghain, Earball meadhon mòr, car an aghaidh cuir, agus cluas ri cuisdeachd; Bha trì gnèithean de ghnè na gearra ann an each Eoghain, sùil mhòr cholgarra, sròn bhiorach, mhingeanda, muineal reamhar ’s ceann cas; Bha còig gnèithean deug de ghnè na saoidh ann an each Eoghain, bha e gu h-easgaidh, òg, innealta, ciar, gearanta, cluas, mas dhuilleig, uch-d mar ghearran, fad-shreathach, stad-spreathach, mòr-shùileach balg shròineach, na tharbh truisgte, ’s na bheithir bheumnaich, tighinn, bho àite nan ionad gu ionad na h-éiridh ’S e bu sgeul ceaird d ’s bàird d ’s luchd filidh, gun robh a dhìol éididh, d ’s airm, d ’s inneil, d ’s eich aig Eoghan, nam biodh an diollaid air each Eoghain. Fhuaras dha an diòllaid chòmhnard, bhucaideach, thorrach, shneineach, thacaideach, ghlasach, ghiortach, stiorapach, srian o dhruim leathar nan tarbh ’s a thàrr leathar nan aighean, o làimh greusaich a’s gobhainn, air a sparradh an ceann na sruide, ’s meòis bhoga nan saoidh ga sreang-thuigeadh; ’S chaidh e trì uairean tiomchioll an òtraich, ’s ghabh e eagal mòr, ’s phill e. NOTE.—The reciter, if still alive, will be about 60 years old. He said there were only two in the country who knew this piece, himself and another. Both learned it in their youth. B. 7. Upon ARCHIBALD, EARL OF ARGYLL, who was beheaded at Edinburgh, June 30, 1685. 52 lines. Copied from Mac Lean’s Manuscript, 1693, by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. THE series of Historic Ballads which began with Cuchullin is carried to later times in a regular sequence. The following is written in the ‘Irish hand,’ at Ardchonail Castle, in Loch Awe; date, between 1685 and 1693. The inference to be drawn is, that all the rest were first composed about the dates of the events celebrated, and that Heroic Ballads are Metrical Popular History, orally preserved and orally collected. Thus far these Ballads make a consecutive, though broken, series, into which Mac Pherson’s Story does not enter, though his story contains traces of these Romantic Histories. 1 IS maith mo leaba is olc mo shuain An sgeil so chualas osaird Gillaspic buachail a chrun Ar na ghlasadh san tuir fo gheard. 2 Dia cobhur ar ar feidhm Cur tuallas na bréag ar chaird Cur car na consboid mun cúairt Beir consboil na slúagh a baird. 3 Fuasgail e o dhórsuibh báis Rétuidh an ród dho gn deas Ge (2) hóba phrisoil na sluagh Ort ni bfhuil ni cruaidh no cheisd. 4 Do ghairdean laidir na thóir Air gach póir ga faighid an fheill Dhaimh Dheóin a mhí run sa ceilg Gabh na leoghan garg mad smachd 5 Impire Babiloin mhóir Chuir an iomhuigh oir san leirg An eimhuin lasrach na colg Mug aisde na hóighe o fheirg.—— 6 D’ uasgdil thu na geinhla crúaidh Do Pheadar na buagh na fheidhm Charn thu an fhairge súas le sruth Tha ú an deudhgh mar bath- (bha ndé) 7 Fagfuidh a churadh fa dhíon Are na ri aneart Leoghan do lochd smérbe mor Chunarc mi na slóigh fad smachd. 8 Seobhac don ealtuin abfearr O dreim Artuir a ba garg colg On chú chréu re búan na gereac Feinich fearail na mbfeun (1) borb. 9 O Duibhne o Dhún na gcuach Gan tioc fadh na sloigh fa tiochd Bruth sollas ba niamhd bés Mbiadh coimhlion na ced go d 10 Iomdha toiseach trén admhagh Fa lionmhar fleadh agus lann Armuin fo dhidion do sgeith Deiridh le triath Dhundalbheann. 11 Do bhandrachd ad bhaile dérach Gam biodh do theach na thigh stóir Gaisgidh go huaibhreach na gcléus Mar ghuar do bhés tra nòin. 12 Ba chleathach calma do ’n chrúin Libh o thús o lín go lín Bhi ga fhreasdil anns gach buaidh Is ro bheg liom do dhuais da cionn 13 Tuirsach mé tuiribh do bhéis Chraoibh thuinnidh deiradh rath Iosa le mbeirar gach buaidh Tabhair eistachd dom dhu (2) go maith. MYTHICAL BALLADS. BESIDES the Heroic Ballads, of which samples have been given above, certain Mythical Ballads are current. The following are samples. I have another attributed to a Fairy, who wanted to steal a child; but these are foreign to my present subject. Z. 4. GILBHINN. 40 lines. Orally collected, in Islay, by Mr. Hector Mac Lean, in 1860. BHA duine ’chòmhnuidh làmh ri coillidh, agus bha nighean dhreachmhor aige. Chaidh i mach latha, ’s choinnich fear i, agus’s e ’n t-ainm a thug e air fhéin Gilbhinn Thòis ich iad air leannanachd o latha gu latha. Dh’ innis i d’a piuthair e—agus gheall a piuthar nach innseadh i do dhuine ’sam bith e;—gun d’ thigeadh e mach air a glùin ma ’n d’ thigeadh e ’mach air a beul. Ach ma dheireadh dh’ innis a piuthar d’ a muinntir e, ’s chaidh ìse chuibhreachadh a stigh an sin. ’S e leannan sìth a bha ann. Cha robh i fada beò an déigh so;—ach bhàtar ’ga cluinntinn daonnan a neas a bha i beò a’ gabhail an òrain so. GILBHINN. 1 GRAIDHIN Gilbhinn hùgaidh ò. Fonn. Hùgaidh horò hùgaidh ò. Gràidhin Gilbhinn hùgaidh ò Thug thu ’n céile cadail diom. 2 Air an luan na air an luan, Cha d’ théid mise ’chrò nan uan; ’S cha mhò théid mi ’chur an fhrois, O nach bi mi bhos r’ a bhuain. 3 Air a’ bhiolair ’ud ’san t-sruthan, ’S air a’ chuthaig a ni ’n t-seinn; Air a’ choill ud thall ma dhuilleach, Cha d’ fhuair duine riamh mo sgeul. (1) Na Feineborh geors. (2) Dhuan. D. M. P. [TD 212] 4 Chi mi mo thriuir bhràithrean seachad, Air na h-eachaibh loma luath; Sgeanan caol ’bhith throimh an crios, ’S am fuil fhein ’na sitheann fhuar. 5 Chi mi m’ athair air an tràigh;— Gur h-e fear an triubhais bhàin; A righ nach fhaicinn na h-eoin Os cionn a bheoil a’ bigearsaich. 6 A phìùthrag de phiùthragan, ’S ann riut a leig mi mo rùn; Gur luaithe thàinig an sgeul, Air do bheul na air do ghlùn. 7 Ach a nighean ’ud ’san dorus, Gu faicinn triuir air do bhanais, A ni sgoltadh a’ bhradain fhìor-uisg, Eadar do dha chìch ’s do bhroilleach. 8 Cha dèan mi mire ri Macan, Na ri mac an Iarla ruaidh, Gus an cuir am bradan tarra gheal Tri chuir dheth an crò nan uan. 9 Cha deàn mi mire ri Macan, Na ri mac an Iarla ruaidh; Gus an déan fiolair mhòr nan spògan, Leaba chlòimh an druim a’ chuain. 10 ’S a’ chraobh chaorainn ’ud ’s an dorus, ’S ann urra théid mi do ’n chill; Bheir sibh m’ aghaidh air Dun Sealbhain, ’S ni sìbh dhomhsa carbad grinn. X. 4. DUARAN (SUARAN?) AGUS GOLL. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, from materials furnished by the Rev. Dr. Mac Lauchlan, Edinburgh. January 31, 1872. I WROTE a long English version of this Story from the Gaelic dictation of Mac Isaig, in South Uist, in September 1871. There is an Enchanter in the story, whose name is ‘Duaran,’ not Suaran. This was sent to me before 1862, by Mr. Carmichael, who afterwards sent a copy to Dr. Mac Lauchlan. See Vol. xii., Y. 58, MS. 334. I will give my own version with other translations. BHA gaol aig Duaran (Suaran?) agus Goll air an aon nighinn, agus bha namhaideas aca ri cheile leis a sin. Bha fear a ruith, eadar riu ag innseadh an darra fear gu de bha am fear eile ’g radh mu dheighinn. Bha fuas, fuas aig Ian mac Iain ic Eoghain air an laoidh Choidheich so. Ach cha ’n eil cuimhne agumsa ach air beagan fhacal. Cha chuala sibh riamh, riamh na bha aige do bhardachd agus do laoidhean Oisein, agus cha chuala duine beo riamh bardachd bu bhriagha na i. Chumadh e fad na seachduinn gheamhraidh sibh a seinn laoidhean Oisein, agus Ochain! Ochain! ’se fein a sheinneadh iad. Agus aig deireadh na seachduinn cha chuala sibh leth ’s na bha aige. Nis bhiodh an tigh aige dian lan a chuile h-oiche, a cuir a mach air an dorust, agus nach faigheadh sibh suidhe no seasadh ann. Cha ’n eil duine beo ’n diugh aig a bheil laoidhean (bardachd) Oisein mar bha aig Iain mac Iain-ic Eoghain (an Talamh-sgeir). Coinneach Moireastan, (Mac Illemhoire?) ’s an Trithean ’s an Eilean Sgiathanach. Sgriobhta Deiruair (Dec.) 12mh, 1862. 1 THUG an dís an ainnir gaol, Ach air Goll bha gorm shuil chaoin; B’ e fa a h-aislig, e ’s an oiche. ’S fa a broin mu chaothan, no chaoirean, choilltead. 2 ‘A Dhuarain (Shuarain?) cuim a sheas? A Ghoill cuim a thuit? A Dhurain (Shurain?) cuim an cualas-riamh Luaidh air a shliochd? 3 Fhuaireadh an aileag ’s i bronach. ’S beo cha bhuinte bho gaol i, Beul ri beul (ri bheul?) ’us uchd (’s a h-uchd,) ri uchd, Mar fhitheadh slat ri (mu?) stoc aosda. This fragment indicates a lost poem, with part of the Story of Goll in it.—J.F.C. &c. 1. COLLUN GUN CHEANN. 22 lines. A fragment written by Mac Phail, from the recitation of Norman Murray, Habost, Ness, Lewis, 1866. I HAVE no other fragment of this ballad. A headless body comes to the Feinne, and gets her wish. There is something like the story in Vol. iii. Y. 403. No. 86. A hideous creature turns into a beautiful woman, who, in some strange fashion is mixed up with a grayhound, and turns out to be the daughter of the King of the Land under the Waves. I suppose that all these strange mythical legends were told in alternate prose and verse, and that the verse is almost forgotten. 1 LA bha ’n Fheinn ag ’ol, A’ caitheamh ’s ag iomairt lagha, Chunnaic iad collum gum cheann, Direadh o ghleann an dà chlaidh. 2 ‘Mo chomraich oirbh Fhiannaibh maith Eadar mhac righ ’us mhac Fhlath; ’S mo chomraich ort ma ’s tu Fionn, Os an ceann uile gu leir.’ 3 ’Or ’us airgead ’us cuid, Gheibheadh tn sud bh’ uam gnn airc, Ach cha luidhean leat mar fhear, Air na chuir na neimh gu làr, 4 Ni mo a shìnean ri do thaobh, Air a bhi gun mhuaoi gu brath; 5 Fhinn mhic Cumhail a ghin Leigh, Cha robh mi’ feum do chuid òir; Ach thu luidhe leam mar fhear, ’S gun thu ga ehleith air an Fheinn. 6 Labhair Treun mo ghiollan féin Ge do labhair bu bheum laoich; ’Luidhidh mise leat mar fhear, ’S cha chleith mi e air an Fheinn. HEROIC GAELIC POEMS, LIKE MAC PHERSON’S OSSIAN. AMONGST the numerous manuscripts ransacked for Heroic Ballads I have found only the following, which resemble Mac Pherson’s ‘Ossian,’ or form part of it. D. 30. Malvina’s Dream. O. 26. a fragment got from Captain Morrison, who was Mac Pherson’s assistant. It is exceedingly like Mac Pherson’s Ossian, but I do not know the passage if it is in that work. Two addresses to the Sun, in which the sun is masculine, whereas the word is feminine. Goll and Fionn. The Death of Goll by Muchtan. ‘Connlaoch and Cuthon,’ 184 lines of the book, which was printed soon after this MS. collection was made by Dr. Irvine. I print these in order that believers in the antiquity of Mac Pherson’s Ossian may compare quantity, date, and quality. I have no other fragments of Mac Pherson’s Ossian in manuscripts older than 1807. O. 26. TOIR AIR NA TUATHAICH. 44 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 118. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. THIS metre differs from the Ballads, but this looks like original Gaelic composition. Maigh ich: Plain-men, or possibly people of Meath, and Fionn, are the only two names by which to identify this with anypart of the Fenian Story. Apparently it was got from Captain Morrison, who was one of Mac Pherson’s assistants. The writing dates about A.D. 1800. 1 TAOM a Char amhain, taom do shruth, An aoibhneas an diugh siubhail sios; Dh’ fhalbh coigreach b’ airde guth, Cha ’n fhaicear an steud each san t-sliabh. 2 Tha stoirm cogaidh fada thall, Aig Clanna Gall o thuath; Dh’ fhalbh iad mar mar aileas chrann, Ar lamha dearg am fuil Lochlain. 3 C’ ait a nis a bheil thu Eite, C’ ait a bheil do bhreugan dana (granda) An dean iad do chobhair an cruas (cruadhas) An dean iad suas cron do chairdean. [TD 213] 4 Fheara faicibh ’n tuil ag, aomadh, Thar sgeir fhaoin o mheadhon sgairnich; Sid mar ruagais naimhdean scurse (or sairse) O ghleannaibh, so chraobh nam fasach. 5 Lean sinn an ruaig gu diana dana, Chualadh Tuaid guth an air; Glaodh mor thighearn, baighail, baighail, Faic a bhaigh a righ ma ’s fearr. 6 Ciod uime deir Fionn, A threig thu, Lleachd nun ceud fhearan a bha; Ciod uime dh’ airr thu coghna dhaonnan, Chuir tha Fionn ’s a dhaoine o bhlar. 7 Thainig Maighich orm mar thorrunn, Losg mo thighean ’s mo mhna; Ruisg C mo choilltean aobhinn aluinn, ’S dh’ fhag iad mi mar eun gun sta. 8 Chuir mi flos a Lochlainn uabhrach, A philleadh uam neart an air; Tha mi nis mar sgeir ga cuairteach, Le mear thonnaibh buaireach ard. 9 Tha mi nis fo d’ chuim a threun-fhear Faic mo bheud dean rimm baigh; Tog m’ uallach tha trom ri ghiulan, Tha mi cuirte anns gach airc. 10 Tha Fionn mar oiteag a gheamhraidh, Do naimhdean eilan mo ghraidh; Ach caoin mar aiteal an t-samhraidh, Do shliochd aimbeairt thig a’ m’ laimh. 11 ’S leat mo chloidhe, s leat mo laochruidh, Cha ’n fhaoin an iomairt nan lann; Pillidh Lochlan mar thonn na sgeire, ’S bithidh Breatann dhe fathast slan. O. 1. GOLL AGUS FIONN. 104 lines. Dr. Irving’s MS., page 1. Copied by Malcolm Macphail, Edinburgh. March 14, 1872. THIS writing dates from about A.D. 1800. I have tried to divide the quatrains. This is part of the civil wars of the Tribes of Morna and Baoisgne, and seems to be a popular ballad broken and mended. I have no other version. 1 MA shealgachan mor a’ ghlinne, Ma Leitrichein ghlinn Loire; Ma ghleann dubh mu loch mu lach, Ma theach righ Soch righ Suine. 2 Chaidh Fionn gu sliabh maigh Macharach, A chruinneachadh steach na seilge; An nualan mor Glu bhinn glao bhinn, Gur e leig O-baoisg agus Obair ghlic. 3 Chruinneachadar an Fheinn uile, Iar claisdinn doibh na glaoth Feinne; Lomlan a’ d’ fhuil agus a’ d’ fheithibh, Dh’ ionnsuidh na Tulich san robh O-baoisge, 4 ’Se Fionn fein a rinn an t-sealg, Do na Fiannaibh uasal banbhidh; A ’s nir dh’ fhag e san Fheinn, g’ e b’ ioghnadh, Aon (1) laoch deanach no fear dearmad (2) 5 Tus eiridh do na Fiannaibh, Aois Feinne do Mhac Cumhail; Is b’ eigin do Gholl gaosraidh, Tùs uigh na Feinne fhulang. 6 Air do laimhsa Ghuill Mhic Morna, Fhir nam briathra togha, treuna; ’S ann mur sud bhiteas am fiadhach, Ged nach fan thu am fiannachd Eirin. 7 ’Se labhair Goll nan ceuma calma, Dhuitsa Fhinn a bhreitheamh bhaoilich; Dh’ fhagas mi ’m aogh braonach meamnach (3) Gur e dh’ agair Goll air Oisain. 8 A’ gheug a chosnadh dhuinn gach feum, Aisig sinn a near do Albuin; O mo h-Erlin gu mo h-Irlin (4) Gluasadar ’nur longaibh leothra. 9 Is ann ’ur barcaibh fada reamhra, Ann an ait a’ bhreitheamh bhaoilich; Gabhail gloir na gaoithe gaoibha. 10 Thug sinn bliadhna an Dun Erla, Ann an aite gle ghlic tosdach Ar mnathan agus ar clann an Albuin, Is bha ar n-annsachd an Dun Monidh. 11 Ghluasadar an ceart cheann na bliadhna, Ann an trom ghoil dian na dile; Fear nach do chleachd ionmhuin obaich, Deich ceud sgiath bu dearg dealradh. 12 Chruinnich torr (5) nan treun fhear, Chanadar gloir gle bhinn ghaosruidh; Chuir sinn Teachdaire chum nam Flath, Gu ’m b’ e sud na Catha calma. 13 Is neonach a chlanna Morna, As ar tighin foigula do’r (6) n-aois; Teacha dh’ fhuabairt Cath a dh’ Albuin, Gu aibhine chlanna Baoisge. 14 Agus nach b’ ionan coimeasg (7) Gobha, Dhuinne agus dhoibhse; Agus nach b’ ionan cruas do’r sgeinibh, No do’r lannaibh no do’r doidibh. 15 Agus nach b’ ionnan coimeasg catha dhuinne, Agus do chuiridhein O-baoisge (8); O mhac Morna gu Dun Miogha, No o laimh na Sotha Saoiaich. 16 Aobh agus Oscar agus Oisean, Seachda ceud deug agus tri fichead, Fionn agus fine mhic Cumhail, 17 Thainig Mac Iain righ Ianric, Fear nach do chlechad ionmhuin obaich, Deich ceud sgiath bu dearg dealradh. Gu ’m bu bhanbh ri dol san trod iad, 18 Thainig Ioluin nam beumana; Fear nach d’ thugadh geill a nasgaidh, Cabhlach mor de mhaithibh Eighne, Thainig fo’n cath-eididh thugainn; 19 Thainig clann Fhinn uile, Dh’ fhuilingeadh mor cheum docrach, Agus clann na Meara Mora, A’ bhuidhean shogha sheasmhach. 20 Chanadar an sin ri cheile, An comhara bu leoir a ghnogha; A chuireadh Mac Ialla à creagaibh, Is à barcaibh reamhra reithe. 21 Thuit leamsa Duthan, An cios iomain a bhuille; Aobh agus Goll Mac Laghair, Dh’ fhag mi ann iad a thri buillean. (9) 22 Mar thuill a’ ruidh le gleann, Trom bhuirich am measg nun crann; No mar fhiadh ri firach beinne, Is gadhair dian ’na dheigh mar theine. 23 Sid mar theich clanna Morna, Dhearg am feur le fuil nan treun fhear; ’S iomadh creuchda a bha ri chasgadh, 24 Thog am bard an Iolach bhroin. ’S truagh clanna Morna caithte. Bhuail e chlarsach, gu trom, trom, Am fonn tha ’m chluasaibh taisgte, 25 Phill sinne gu dun Fhinn, Le caithream binn a ceumadh faiche; Thainig ar mnathan ’nar comhail, A seinn oran, ‘failte gaisge.’ 26 Tha seachd dorsan air teach Fhinn, Air an eugnadh druim thar dhruim; Caogad luirich shuairce sholuis, Bhitheadh air gualinn gach aon doruis. (1) Aon laoch dionach no fear dearmad. (2) I suspect Tearman is the true reading. (3) Ball bhreac no banbhidh. (4) O Dhun Erlingu Dun Irlin. (5) cor. (6) dol. (7) coimeas. (8) O-bocair. (9) Chaidh dibhail anns an teugmhail, Faraon agus beagan buidhne, Seachd ceud deug tri chathan, Thuit le Maithibh na h-Eirin. [TD 214] 27 Mise agus Diarmad agus Garra, Car sealan am beannaibh ard; Gur e gheibhmaid o Mhac Cumhail, Gur ro mhinic urram seilge. O. 21. BAS GHUILL LE MUCHTAN. 46 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 112. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. THIS was got from a Loch Tayside Fox-hunter, about 1802, according to the Collector’s note. It seems like a verse of a Ballad on which some one has enlarged. The Story is nowhere, but the verse is a vague ejaculatory rhapsody, like ‘Mordubh,’ and a few other Gaelic compositions, which all came from the same neighbourhood. I have no other version of this. 1 ’SE sin Muchtan beag Mac Smail, An diu gheall e teachd a’ m’ dhail; Mar charaid o bhlar na macharach, A’ d’ dhail, tha mi gun fhiamh. 2 Smithich an gniomh a chuimhnicheadh, ’S tu mharbh m’ athair am beinn a Chatain; ’S dioladh tu a bhraise an uair so. G. 3 Tha mi nis aosda liath, Dh’ fhalbh mo thrian fada nunn; Bha mi uair nach geillinn diut, Mhuchtan ga garbh do bheum. 4 Thainim slan as na cathaibh, Ged sann duitsa tha ’n dan mo mharbha; Cha bhi sealbh do threun fhear arm Thionndaidh e aghaidh ris a bhalla, ’S dh’ fhalbh anam ann an ceo. 5 An ceo ged dh’ fhalbh cha lag, An t-anam bh’ aig a ghaisgeach mhor; Bha e ard mar sgeir an aonaich, Bha e aild mar chraobh fo bhla. 6 Bha e ciuin mar oigh na maise, Nuair bhiodh fleagh ma bhord is caird; Bha e garg an trod nan ceud chath, Mar madadh alluidh reuba bha. 7 Tionnail do Gholl cha ’n fhaigheadh, Cha ’n fhacadh, is cha ’n fhaic gu brath; Dh’ fhalbh Fionn ceann na maise, Esan araon air Feinne bi bar. 8 Ach dlu dha tha Goll mor cheum, Och nan och cha bheo thu gradh; Cuime a dh’ fhagadh mi nam aonar, Mar theann darag am faon ghleann. 9 Gun gheig gu fasgadh o ’n don-shion, Ach c grad lubadh nuas a ceann; O co chaireas mi gu uaigneach, San tigh chumhan, dhuchnai, dhall, 10 Far nach cluinn mi guth na teugmhail, ’S nach tig leus cum’ chridhe fann; Ruige mi Oscar Mac mo cheud ghraidh, Ruigidh Ebhir, run Alba. 11 Bithidh sinne subhach anns na neulaibh, Co ’n sin a dh’ iarras baigh; Eutrom bithidh ar n-anam ait, Fhinn thig athair mo ghraidh, 12 Bha mise roimh neartmhor luthar, Ged tha mi ’n diugh ciurte dall. These fragments got from foresaid D. Mc Irvine. In mist, though fled, not weak, the soul of the mighty chief. He was tall as the cliff of the hill; fair as a tree in blossom; mild as the maid of beauty—when round the table went the feast of friendship; fierce in the strife of hundreds, as the wolf tearing the herd. A match for Gaul never can be found, never was seen, and never will be. (Dr. IRVINES’S Note.) MALVINA’S DREAM. D. 29. M. 22. 23. (In Carthon.) A COPY of this fragment is in Mac Nicol’s Collection, of 2,819 lines, of which samples are printed above. It is the only fragment of Ossian’s Poems which I have found in any manuscript written before A.D. 1800. It looked so different from the rest of my collection, that I took some pains to trace this fragment. In 1762, Mac Pherson printed the English of Croma, p. 249. The Gaelic was quoted by Shaw, as an example of Gaelic, in 1778. Edinburgh, 4to. , Shaw’s ‘Analysis.’ Amongst Mac Nicol’s papers I found 56 lines of Gaelic, written in a hand of the period, and marked on the back, ‘Astarruing’ (extract). It is headed, ‘Fragment of a Poem attributed to Ossian,’ and ends with a line of . . . It is corrected in a different hand, with blacker ink, and the second hand has inserted a line. The collector was in correspondence with Mac Pherson, but neither handwriting is Mac Pherson’s. In 1786, Gillies published, at p. 29, and p. 210, two copies of this extract ‘Aisling Mala-Mhin,’ and ‘Mhahline’s Brughdar le Ossain.’ In 1787, p. 46, Dr. Smith printed the fragment in ‘Sean Dana’; 57 lines. The extra line and the corrections are in Gillies; not in Smith. All vary in spelling, e.g., ‘an t-Oscar,’ (the Oscar) of the MS., is printed ‘Thoscair,’ in Gillies; ‘Toscar,’ in Smith. Similar orthography occurs elsewhere, e.g. ‘Aig Tathir,’ (father,) which shows that ‘Oscar’ was meant by the Scribe, not ‘Toscar.’ Avowed translations from English Songs, and ‘Maccaronic Poetry,’ (Gaelic and English mixed) are in Mac Nicol’s MS., and in Gillies. Therefore people could, and did, then translate from English into Gaelic. In Mac Pherson, the Sun is masculine. ‘The flower on which the Sun has looked in his strength.’ In the ‘extract,’ the Sun is also masculine. Nuair sheallas e sios na shoilse (p. 30, Gillies). This manifest error is corrected in later ‘texts,’ but it is the sort of error which a translator might easily make; especially if he were stronger in classics than in Gaelic. This same error runs through the whole of ‘Ossian’s Poems,’ and so marks the composition of one man. In 1807, Croma was published, p. 211, vol. i. of the large edition of Ossian, in Gaelic. It was printed from Mac Pherson’s manuscripts, revised by able vernacular scholars. In 1807 Mac Pherson’s Gaelic Text was translated into Latin. Mac Nicol’s ‘extract’ is there. The worst of the Anglicisms in it, and in Gillies, are struck out or softened. Sentences are recast, words, even lines, are changed. The sense remains as it was in 1762, but the Text is amended. In 1818 the Gratis Ossian, revised from the printed text, contains the extract, but further improved towards modern orthography, and current local idiom. In 1870, Mr. Clerk’s Gaelic text, revised from older printed texts, departs from the oldest known form, which is the ‘extract.’ The editor claims no authority, but his own, for his alterations. Mr. Clerk’s translation of his text differs from Mac Pherson’s English. The question is, which of all these is the ‘original’ of the ‘extract,’ which contrasts so very remarkably with the rest of Mac Nicol’s Collection, and with all older written Gaelic; and which corresponds to Mac Pherson’s sample of Gaelic, printed 1763. I have no doubt that Mac Pherson’s English was ‘the original,’ and that all the Gaelic ‘texts,’ are altered from a first translation. All the successive changes, from the oldest known, tend towards modern provincial dialects of Scotch Gaelic, and depart from the language of Mac Nicol’s Collection, and the rest, which tends towards the language and spelling of Text A., except in this ‘extract.’ Mac Pherson’s original English is idiomatic. The Gaelic equivalents seem to be struggles to express the same ideas in equivalent words. For example, Mac Pherson wrote, in 1762: ‘I feel the fluttering of my soul.’ In 1807 Mac Pherson’s text is:— ‘Tha forum mo chleibha gu h-ard.’ The closest rendering of that line is ‘The noise of my side (or thorax) is above.’ Mr. Clerk says that the line is probably ‘spurious,’ and translates it freely ‘The throbbing of my heart is loud,’ [TD 215] For lack of a Gaelic verb ‘to flutter’ in Mac Pherson’s sense, and because of the fetters of verse, it was necessary to change the image in the Gaelic ‘extract.’ Mac Fherson’s original character felt a fluttering inside. The Gaelic heard a clattering on high. I think that the idea was first clothed in English, in this case, and throughout the fragment. In 1762 Mac Pherson said— ‘When thou didst return from the chase in the day of the sun.’ In the ‘extract’ the line added by another hand is ‘Nuair phill thu flathail o ’n t seilg.’ The line is in Gillies. Something was wanted to lengthen this Gaelic translation and make it scan, so the meaning was enlarged to ‘When thou didst return (NOBLY) from the chace.’ In 1807 ‘nobly’ was taken out, and ‘of the Cairns’ put in, and the construction was altered to ‘Nuair thearnadh leat o sheilg nan carn. ‘Quando descendebatur a te a venatu molium saxearum.’ Mr. Clerk translates the line— ‘When from the mountain chace thou comest down.’ The passage stood in Mac Pherson’s English text thus in 1762, at first, so far as we know, ‘When thou didst return from the chace in the day of the sun.’ A close translation of the last text, 1870, is ‘When thou hadst descended from the chase (OF THE CAIRNS) in the (CALM) day of the (HIGH) sun (IN THE SKIES). I suspect the first idea was ‘When you came hack from the Hill on SUNDAY.’ Translators commonly enlarge on texts. In this case the text, which purports to be Ossian’s of the 3rd century, has grown by additions and alterations from Mac Nicol’s ‘extract’ onwards. I have never seen another bit of Mac Pherson’s text in writing of this period, and the evidence seems to me conclusive. It seems to prove that this ‘extract’ from Mac Pherson’s ‘text’ is a translation from Mac Pherson’s original composition, that he is the author of ‘Malvina’s Dream,’ and of ‘Croma,’ from which Mac Nicol somehow got an ‘extract,’ Dr. Smith another copy, and Shaw a third. Saving these 56 lines of ‘Croma,’ no part of Mac Nicol’s collection of 2,819 lines is in the Gaelic Ossian of 1807. M. 21. MHAHLINE’S BRUGHDAR LE OSSAIN. 57 lines. This will not make verses. ’S E guth anam mo Ruin a tha ’nn! 1 O! ’s ainmach gu aislin Mhalmhin’ thu, Fosgluibh-se talla nan speur, Aithir Oscair nan cruaidh-bheum; Fosgluibh-se doirsa nan nial, 5 Tha ceumma Mhalmhine go dian. Chualam guth a’ m’ aislin fein, Tha fathrum mo chleibh go ard. C’ uime thanic an Ossag a’ m’ dheigh O dhubh-shiubhal na linne od thall? 10 Bha do sgiath fhuaimneach ann gallan an aonaich, Shiubhall aislin Mhalhine go dian, Ach chunnic is’ a run ag aomadh, ’S a cheo-earradh ag aomadh m’ a chliabh: Bha dearsa na greine air thaobh ris, 15 Co boisgeal ri or nan daimh. ’S e guth anaim mo ruin a tha ’nn, O! ’s ainmach gu m’ aislin fein thu. ’S comhnuidh dhuit anam Mhalmhine, Mhic Ossain is treine lamh. 20 Dh ’eirich m’ osna marri dearsa o near, Thaom mo dheoir measg shioladh na h oiche. Bu ghallan Aluin a’ t-fhianais mi Oscair, Le m’ uile gheuga uaine ma m’ thimchiol? Ach thanic do bhas-sa mar Ossaig 25 O ’n fhasach, i dhaom mi fios. Thanic earrach le fioladh nan speur, Cha d’ eirich duill’ uaine dhamh fein; Chunic oigha me samhach ’s an talla, Agus bhuail iad clarsach nan fonn. 30 Bha deoir ag taomadh le gruaidhean Mhalmhine; Chunic oigh me ’s mo thuirladh gu trom. C’ uime am bheil thu co tuirseach, a’ m’ fhianis, Chaomh Ainnir-og Luath-ath nan sruth. An robh e sgiamhach mar dhearsa na greiue? 35 Am bu cho tlachdor a’ shiubhal ’s a chruth? ’S taitneach t-fhonn an cluais Ossain, Nighean Luath-ath nan sruth dian. Thanic guth nam bard nach beo, Am measg t-aislin air aomadh nan sliabh, 40 Nuair thuit codal air do shuilean soirbh, Aig cuan mor -shruth nan ioma fuaim, Nuair phil thu flathail o ’n t-seilg, ’S grian la thu ag sgaolta na bein.—— Chual thu guth nam bard nach beo: 45 ’S glan faiteal do chiuil fein. ’S caoin faiteal nam fonn o Mhalmhine! Ach claonidh iad anam gu deoir; Tha solas ann Tuireadh le sioth, Nuair dh ’aomas cliabh tuirse gu bron; 50 Ach claoidheadh fad-thuirse fiol dorthuin, Fhlath-nighean Oscair nan cruaidh-bheum. ’S ainmach an la gan nial Thuiteas iad, mar chuisag, fo ’n ghrian, Nuair sheallas i sios ’n a soilse, 55 Andeigh do ’n dubh cheathhach siubhal do ’n bheinn, ’S a throm-cheann fo shioladh na h-oiche. THE SUN HYMNS. O. U. 5. 6. GRANT (U.) printed (4) the ‘Address to the Sun,’ in Caricthara, 11 lines, and (5) ‘The Address to the Sun,’ in Carthon, 38 lines. These were got January, 1798, from Donald Grant Ulnish, in the Isle of Skye, who wrote (4) from the dictation of an old gentleman at Vaternish. Older copies exist, and versions vary. The report on Ossian is quoted. The originals were amongst Mac Pherson’s papers, and his assistant, Captain Morrison, gave a copy of No. 4 to the Rev. Mr. Mac Kinnon, of Glendaruel, before 1780, 11 lines. The Rev. Mr. Mac Diarmaid is also quoted. He said, April 9, 1801, that he got these two poems ‘about 30 years ago’ (1771) from an old man in Glenlyon, who learnt them in his youth. In 1760 Mac Pherson began to print translations from Ossian’s Poems; in 1763 he printed his Gaelic. No. 4 was in Mac Pherson’s Gaelic text, 1807. No. 5 is not in the Gaelic Carthon of 1807 and 1818, but Mr. Clerk has placed it in the edition of 1870. After reading passages in Carthon the conclusion seems obvious, ‘They saw battle in his face,’ 1760. ‘An còmhrag a snamh air a ghnuis,’ 1818. The fight; a swimming on his face. ‘Tell him that we are mighty in war,’ 1760. ‘Innis da sa chòmhrag ar brìgh,’ 1818. Tell him in the fight our broth (pith). ‘The tear is on their cheek,’ 1760. ‘Dear a’ siubhal lic bhanail gun ghiomh,’ 1818. Tears a travelling cheeks female without exploits. I set a far better Gaelic scholar than I am, Mr. Mac Lean, to read Carthon for Anglicisms, and we came to the conclusion that we ought to mark the whole Gaelic text; because of language we were satisfied that the Gaelic is really an unfinished translation of the original English, which Mac Pherson composed upon some text. In the first and second editions of the Gaelic Ossian the ‘Sun Hymn’ is omitted. It is added in Clerk’s Ossian, page 220, from ‘The Report of the Highland Society,’ with the Pedigree quoted by Grant, which lands it in Glenlyon, near Mac Pherson, about the date of his first Gaelic publication. [TD 216] The end of the English Carthon never has been found in Gaelic. On a margin of a copy of the first edition of Mac Pherson’s translation of Ossian, which was found at his house, was this note,— ‘Delivered all that could be found of Carthon to Mr. John Mackenzie.’ It has been said that this address is but an imitation of Milton’s, in ‘Paradise Lost,’ and I suppose that it may be a free translation. At all events, ‘Carthon’ and the ‘Sun Hymns’ are very unlike any Gaelic Ballads which are orally preserved. O. 22. FAILTE NO URNUIGH NA GREINE. 38 lines. (IN CARTHON.) Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 93. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. THIS writing dates about A.D. 1800. The poem was got from Mac Diarmaid of Weem, and from Mac Pherson’s assistant, Captain Morrison. It is the equivalent of a passage in Ossian. Judging by the language, I think that this was translated from English. It certainly differs from the popular ballads, and the Sun is masculine, which is a mistake. That the Sun personified in Gaelic verse ought to be a woman, and not a man, is proved by a song written by an Inverary Bard. in 1871, when the Princess Louise came home. He wrote— ‘Bho ’n a dh’ èirich a Ghrian ’S gu ’n do chuir i fo a sgiath na nèoil.’ Because the Sun has arisen; and because she has put the clouds below her wing (or shield). 1 O THUSA fein a shiubhleas shuas. Cruin mar lann sgiath chruaidh nan triath, Cò as tha do dhearsa gun ghruaim, Do sholus tha buan a Ghrian. 2 Thig thu mach nad aille fein, Is follaichidh reill an triall; Theid geallach gun tuar o ’n speur, Ga cletha fein fo stuagh san iar. 3 Tha thusa ann ad astar a mhain, Cò tha dana chi nad choir; Tuitidh darag o ’n chruaich ard, Tuitidh carn fo aois is scoir. 4 Traoghaidh is lionaidh an cuan, Cailear shuas an rè san speur; Thusa a’ d’ aon a chaoidh fo bhuaidh, An aoibhneas do sholuis fein. 5 ’Nuair a dhuthas m’ an Domhain stoirm, Le torrun borb is dealan Berr; Seallaidh tu nad aille ro ’n Toirm, Fiamh gaire ort am bruaillean nan speur. 6 Ach dhomhsa tha do sholus faoin, ’S nach faic a chaoidh do ghnuis, . . . . . . . 7 Sgaoladh cuil as orbhuidh ciabh, Air aghaidh nan neul san ear; No ’nuair chritheas tu san Iar, Aig do dhorsa ciar air lear. 8 ’S maith dh’ fheudta gu bheil thu ’s mise fein, An am gu treun, ’s gun fheum an am, Ar bliadhna tearna o ’n speur, A’ siubhal le cheile gu ’n ceann. 9 Biodh aoibhneas ort fein a ghrian, ’S tu neartmhor a thriath, nad’ oige; ’S dorcha mi-thaitneach an aois, Mar sholus faoin an rè gun chail. 10 ’S i a sealladh o neoil air an raoin, Is liath cheo air taobh nan carn; An oitetag o thuath air an Reth, Fear siubhail fo bheud ’se mall. O. 23. URNUIGH NA GREINE AN CARRAICTHURA. 11 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 115. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, March 30, 1872. BECAUSE the Sun is called ‘a mhic’ (son) whereas the word is feminine, this cannot possibly be an old Gaelic composition: 40 years before 1801 accords with the publication of Mac Pherson’s Fragments 1760, and with Jerome Stone’s translations 1755, and to that date I would attribute this Sun Prayer. The verbatim agreement of all the numerous copies of this composition indicate a common manuscript original. Oral Ballads differ, as shown above. 1 AN d’ fhag thu gorm astar nan speur, A mhic gun bheud, as orbhuidh ciabh; Tha dorsa na h-oidche dhuit fein, (reid) Is pailliun do chlos san iar. 2 Thig na stuaidh mu ’n cuairt gu mall, Choimhead fear is glaine gruaidh; A togail fo eagal an ceann. 3 Ged fhaicinn co alluin na shuain, Theich iadsan gun tuar o d’ thaobh; Gabhsa cadal ann ad chos, A ghrian ìs pill an tos le aoibhneas. Got these two addresses from Mr. Mac Diarmaid, of Weem, July 29, 1801, who says he got them from Duncan Robertson, Craigelig, Glenlyon, upwards of 40 years ago, when a student at College. Compared with two I got from Captain Morrison with which they agree almost verbatim.—Dr. IRVINE’S Note. O. 29. CONNLAOCH AGUS CUTHONN. 181 lines. Dr. Irvine’s MS., page 121. Copied by Malcolm Macphail. Edinburgh, April 1, 1872. See Stewart’s Collection, 1804, page 581. IN this the language savours of the North Country and of the Isle of Skye. Nial, becomes Neul in Stewart’s Book. The printed version has all the seeming of a version revised and corrected by some one whose own ideas of Gaelic differed from those of the scribe or composer. 1800. Irvine’s MSS., O. 181 lines. 1804. Stewart’s Collection, Vol. ii. 581. 184 lines. 1870. See Clerk’s ‘Ossian,’ Vol. ii. 562. 184 lines. This looks like an extract from the manuscript which was printed in 1807. All known copies correspond in all respects, and differ from the Ballads, which vary as shown above. This is printed as written to show the broken irregular metre of ‘Ossian’s Poems.’ CONNLAOCH AGUS CUTHONN. 1 AN cual Oisean gnth neo-fhaoin, N’ an gairm latha fo aoma’ th’ ann? ’S tric mo smuaìn air aimsir nan raon, Mar ghrian fheasgair tha claon an gleann, Nuathchear mor Thorman na seilge, Sleagh fhada na marbh ann am laimh. 2 Is ceart a chual Oisean an guth, Co thusa shiol duilhir na oidhche; Clann gun gniomh an suain fogha, Gaoth a meadhon an talla gun soillse. 3 Tha sgiath an righ a fuaim air am, Ri osag carn is airde gruaim; Sgiath chopanach balla mo thalla, Air an cuir mi car tanull mo lamh. 4 Ceart gu ’n cluinn mi mo chara fein, Is fada guth an treun o luaidh; Cuinn astar air dubh neul gun fheum. 5 A shiol Morna ua beum cruaidh, Sar Oscar neo-bhaoth air cul sgè; Is tric a bha ’n gaisgeach rid’ thaobh, A Chomlaoich an am aoma na sleagh. 6 A bheil cadal air Tais Chonnlaoch mhin ghuth, A meadhon talla fo mhor ghaoth toirm; An cadal tha e Oisean, nan corr ghniomh, Is an ro chuan ma chomhnuidh fo stoirm. 7 Cha’ n’ eil uaigh tha fo leirsinn an Innis, Cia fada bhias sinne gun chliu; 8 A Ri Sheallama ’s fuaimear gleann, ’S truagh Oisean gun mo shuil ort fein (leirsinne) ’S thu suidh gun fheum air do nial, An ceo thu air Lano a threun? [TD 217] 9 No tein adhair gun bheum air sliabh, Co dheth tha cearb do thrusgan baoth? Shiubhail e air osaig de ghaoith, Mar fhaileas fo aom na nial. 10 Thigsa uaithe do bhalla fein, A Chlarsach nan treun le fuaim; Biodh solas na cuimhne air beinn, Ithonn an eirigh a chuain. 11 Faiceamsa mo chairde an gniomh, Chi Oisean gun trian na treuna; Air Innis tha dubh ghorm fo nial, Cos thorma nan sian aig eirigh Air carraig chanuich nan crom chrann. 12 Tha struth a tornan aig a bheul, Tha Toscar a’ Croma’ thar fhuaim; Tha Fearghus fo mhulad ua threun, Cumha thonn nam beus fada shuas. 13 Am bheil gaoth air aoma’ nan tonn? N’ an cluinn mi air chrom an guth? 14 Tha ’n oidhche Thoscar fo ghailinn nan sian, Thuit g ’an trian o chruaich; Tha dubh shiubhal mara fo nial, Tha biacail nan crion thon m ’an cuairt. 15 Thainig tein adhair le beum, Le sealla na fearnaich do threun; (doi) Chunnaic mi Fhearghus gun bheud, An tais de na bha treun an oidhche, Gun fhocal sheas e air bruaich, ’S a thrusgan a’ cuir fuaim air gaoith. 16 Chunnaic mi a dheuran le truaigh, As e ’n duine gun tuar ’se baoth; As a smuainte ga claon an cliabh, ’S e t-athair Feargus, a Thoscar a t’ ann, Tha e faicinn a bhais ma shiol. 17 Mar sin bha choslas san am, ’Nuair thuit Mor Ronan fo nial; 18 Eirin nan cnoc uaine fo fheur, Gur annsa domh fein an gleann; Tha samhchair mu ghorm thuit do bheann, Tha griane air do raon gun bhi mall, A sean fonn do chlarsaich air Sealama. 19 Glan guth do shealgair an Cromla, Tha sinne an Ithonn nan garbh thoirm; Trom is duilich fo mhara bheuc thonn, 20 Na tonna le geal cheannaibh baoth, Leuma thairis air aoma na traigh; Mise crith a meadhon na oidche, 21 C’ ait a shiubhail Toscar anam a bhlair, A dheagh Fhearghus nan leadan liath; Chunnaic mise thu gun eagal o bhas, Do shuilean solus nan sgiath C’ ait a shiubhail anam a bhlair? Cha robh eagal g’ ar saruch riamh. 22 Gluais Coimhead air glas lom nan sal, Thuit a ghaoth le sarachadh sian; Tha crith air na tonnaibh fo fhiamh, Ri crith le grian na stoirm. 23 Gluais a Choimhead a mhoir chuan gu thrian, Tha Mhadainn gu iar, as i liath; Seallaidh solus nan speur o ’n oir, Le morchuis mar fhear, ma shoillse. 24 Sgaol mise mo sheolan le solas, Fo thalla ard Chonlaoich nan triath; Mo thuras gu Innis gun chala, Glan chumh thonn air toir nan ruagh ciar. 25 Chunnaic mi mar dhearsa na soillse, Teine bolg ’se boillsge fo nial, A leadan mar dhu’ chul na oidhche, Air geall Urla ag eiridh gu dian. Is ’g aomadh a tarraing na teud, A ruigh glan air a deigh dol sios. 26 Mar shneachd air Cromla gun bheud, Thigsa gu m’ anam a lamh gheal, A bhan shealgair nan sar Innis faoin, A tha uaire fo dheuraibh gun aireamh. 27 Tha i smuaineach air Conlach neo-bhaoth, C’ ait a bheil do shithsa Oigh? A chumh thonn na mor throm ciabh, Craig ag aoma air sal, Liath chranna fo aois air lo coinich. 28 Na tonna a’ gluasa’ ma thraigh, Air a thaobh Innis bhla nan Ruagh; Oighan nan sealg gu ’n phill o bheinn, Chunnaic e ’n sealla’ air an cul; 29 C’ ait Ighinn Rurmar nam beum? Cha do fhreagair na oighean fo ghruaim, Tha mo shithse iar cruachaibh Mora, A shiol innis na tir fada shuas. 30 Pillidh Toscair an oigh gu sithse fein, Gu talla nan teud aig Contach; A ’s caraid do Thoscair an treun, Bha fleagh do mo reir na mhor thir. 31 Uaigh Eirin air osaig thla, Cuir seola’ o thraigh gu Mora; Air Mora as samchair do ’n oigh bhain, Lai Thoscair a snamh gu doghruinn, 32 Is mise ann on cos fo dhian, Is mi sealla’ air grian an raoin; Tha aiteal nan cranna o nial, Gu cuin a ghlan ainnir neo-fhaoin, Cumh thonn nan saoi le guth broin. 33 As fada o mo chluais an oigh, Ann talla Chonlaoich nan corn fial; B’ e nial, tha Cumh thonn tuiteam orm fein, Tha ’g imracha mo threuna shuas. 34 Tha mi faicinn trusgan gun fheum, Mar liath cheo air astar ma chruaich; Cuin a thuiteas mi a Rurmar threun. Tha mulad mo chleibh gu bas. 35 Cum nach faicinnse Conlaoch na beum, Ma’ n tuit mi gun leus an tigh caol? Chi thusa ghlan oigh, Oisean do run fein, Tha astar an treun air a chaol. 36 Bas Toscair a dorcha ma shleagh, (Thoscair) Tha lot is e dubh na thaobh, Tha e gun tuar aig tonnaibh na h-uaigh, Is e feuchaim a Chruth is e baoth. 37 C’ ait a bheil thu fein le deuraibh, (deoir) Is ard thriath na Mora gu bas; Threig an aisling ghlas mo chliabh, Cha’ n fhaic mi na treatha nis mo. 38 A bhaird nan am neo mhosguil riamh, Cuiribh cuimhn air Conlaoch le deoir, Thuit an gaisgeach so iomall a la, Lion doirche ’thalla le bron. 39 Sheall a mhathair aír a sgiath air balla, Bha ise snamh fala gu coir; B’ aithne dh’ ise gu ’n do thuit thu threun, Chualas a guth fo bheud am Mora. 40 Am bheil thu, oigh gun tuar, gun fheum, Air taobh gaisgich nan beum a Chuth thonn? Tha ’n oidhche tighinn, pillidh ghrian, Gun duine g’ an toirt sios g’ an uaigh. 41 Tha thusa cuir eunla fo fhiamh, Tha do dheuran mar shian mad’ ghruaidh; Tha thu fein mar nial is e glas, Tha ’g eiridh gu fras o lon 42 Thainig siol Sheallama o’ n ear, A fhuair iad Cu’ thonn gun tuar; Is thog iad an uaigh gu leir, Bha fois di ri Conlach nam buadh. 43 Na gluais dom aisling a threun, Fhuair Conlach nam beum a chliu; Cum fad do ghuth om’ thalla, Tuitidh cadal fo fhaileas na oidhche. 44 Truagh nach di-chuimhnichin mo charai, Gus nach fhaicear air aird mo cheum; Gu’ m bithinn le solas nan gara, Gus an cuir mi chairis gun fheum, M’ aois is beud san tigh tha caol. Ceann-finid. [TD 218] These Fragments of Mac “Phersonic” Ossian, when traced back, converge upon the author, his friends, his district, and the date of his early publications. I have placed them last, because I believe them to be later growths, sprung from the older series of traditional, Heroic, Gaelic Ballads, of which I have printed samples. I have arranged these according to their story. That corresponds to romantic Irish History, as written by Keating and others. It does not correspond to the story told by Mac Pherson. He was a great original genius, and master of fiction, as I now believe. TEXT C. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, July, 1872. Collected by the Rev. Alexander Pope, A.M., Minister of Reay, in Caithness, about 1739. He was son of Mr. Hector Paip, Minister of Loth. He took his degree at the University and King’s College, Aberdeen, April 15, 1725. He died March 2, 1782. See Fasti Eccles. Scot., part v., p. 367. A letter from Mr. Pope to the Minister of Thurso, November 15, 1763, is quoted, p. 52, Report on Ossian, 1805. He is mentioned in the Report, at page 25, as ‘well known for his abilities as a scholar, and his great knowledge of the Gaelic language.’ About 24 years before 1763—1739, Mr. Pope, and a gentleman living on Lord Reay’s estate, entered into a project of collecting the old Gaelic poems which they admired. When he heard of Mac Pherson’s translation, 1760, 2, 3, Mr. Pope was curious to see it; and in the summer of 1763 he compared the translations with his own collection. He identified passages: he says, ‘Many of them (the Heroic Ballads) indeed are lost, partly owing to our clergy, who were declared enemies to these poems; so that the rising generation scarcely know anything material of them.’ Many old people could and did sing to peculiar tunes, the ballads which Mr. Pope collected, and which he identified with Mac Pherson’s translation. ‘Duan Dearmot,’ an elegy on the death of that warrior (No. 3, below), was in esteem amongst a tribe of Campbells, who lived in Caithness, and would derive their pedigree from that Hero, as other clans had chosen others of them to be their patriarchs. The Minister of Reay says:— ‘There is an old fellow in this parish that very gravely takes off his bonnet as often as he sings “Duan Dearmot.” I was extremely fond to try if the case was so, and getting him to my house I gave him a bottle of ale, and begged the favour of him to sing “Duan Dearmot;” after some nicety he told me that to oblige his parish minister he would do so, but to my surprise he took off his bonnet. I caused him stop, and would put on his bonnet; he made some excuses; however, as soon as he began, he took off his bonnet, I rose and put it on. At last he was like to swear most horribly, he would sing none, unless I allowed him to be uncovered; I gave him his freedom, and so he sung with great spirit. I then asked him his reason; he told me it was out of regard to the memory of that Hero. I asked him if he thought that the spirit of that Hero was present; he said not; but he thought it well became them who descended from him to honour his memory.’ Mr. Pope’s manuscript was found in a drawer at the Advocates’ Library, in 1872, amongst a mass of papers, all tightly folded in bundles, like old bills. From these I extracted many samples of authentic Gaelic poetry myself, e.g. ‘Fraoch.’ Mr. Mac Phail and Mr. Mac Pherson also found collections; and possibly many more still remain in these bundles, disregarded as worthless rubbish. Mr. Pope’s hand is very small and difficult to read; his orthography is phonetic, and almost as hard to understand as Dean Mac Gregor’s; but it is quite possible to make out the words, and the meaning. I print the whole collection, as it came to me, July 20, 1872. I place it next to fragments of Mac Pherson’s Ossian, orally collected about 1800, traced back to Mac Pherson’s assistants, to his own papers, or to people living in his neighbourhood. Any one who will take the trouble to compare these fragments can form an opinion on ‘The Ossianic Controversy.’ Any one who will travel into the remote districts of the Highlands, as I did in 1871, will find people singing Ballads which the clergy have condemned ever since 1567, when Carswell wrote. These the clergy also collected about 1800, and this book is made of these wicked Ballads which will not be silenced, and which will not be forced out of their natural growth by the publication of printed books. Here follow Gaelic Ballads orally collected in Caithness, about 1739, before Mac Pherson appeared, in which the history is Scoto-Irish, and there is no mention of the Kingdom of Morven. CONTENTS. Lines. 1. Iomachd Nionar 56 2. Iomachd Ochdnar 35 3. Duan Dhiarmaid (Glenshee) 85 4. Duan Düurug 61 5. Duan Lermon 98 6. Duan na Clainn 108 7. Duan na Sealg 92 8. Duan Conlaoch 82 9. Manus. Fragment 16 10. Muirbhurtach 123 Total 756 July 13, 1872.—The whole written very small and almost illegible.—And two lines illegible.—D. M. July 20, 1872.—Manus missing.—J. F. C. C. 1. IOMACHD NIONAR. 56 lines. Rev. Alexander Pope’s MS. Copied by Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. See above, p. 104. 1 SHIAN sin sa Hullaich Er vel mi ndiu’ lan goirt Va mi uair sa bin liom Mi vi maonir ort 2 Mis is mathair is mac Lu’ach N triuir sin leis mo chu’ an tealg Oscair Goul is Caolte Filan Connal is Diarmaid 3 Och er mullin a Phadrich Chuir shin fair er fiu’ach Le nar ni Conn le er ni geuir Le er ni slei’in moir 4 Le er ni claivin glass Bu ghast an tuis gach Coruig 5 Leig shin sinn er cud gai’ir Er fei’il fea na beanta Mharved aün don lim Agus daimh throm no gleuntu’ 6 Nde dhuin serios do n’ alach shin Hunicus mar bavish Na hairm gheal is ghlass Vi gun casu’ eir no fairach 7 Hui shin shinn air an Tullich Is haing huggin steach gari Ghearich ruinn gu humhilt Shiu’ is mac Cuil ai ar 8 Mise Fionn na mbuo s’in Ca be shuis do luath in domhan Mis san huggin ha er nirighiol Ha shin nionar mar er comhair 9 S teinn liom sud ri er nedin Is i liu’ ceud fear calma caslua’ Hanig vo Ri Lochlin Gu’ cosun’ na Herin 10 Er laimh tathar is do sheanar Is air laimh do Leannan huarich Cha diggu’ huggin dar shirru’ Nach duggu shin dhoibh bualu’ 11 Ghimich in Teachtir gu siu’ lach Charich iad iuil ma er comhair Varbh gach fer agin diu seasar Sud mar chrech shin er gnoàch 12 Hug sin shin ruaar daan Go mo lionar gann fear slei Go mo lionar clagin ga skoltu Gor lionur flesgach snoiu’ Gur lioner fear chosu’ geal Frassu’ fall er no triochu 13 Bo mha Goul ntùs gach ca’ Bo mha mathair an is Caolte Co ziu’ do shin nach molain Oh ri bo honne nionar [TD 219] 14 Ndea vi Ca’ n’ an la Ia mai’ us er in diochart Hui shin scha bo dochi Fer ls ochtar in tshian. C. 2. IOMACHD OCHDNAR. 35 lines. Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. See above, page 104. 1 O S’ cui liom Iomachd ochdnar Shi ghag sprog er mo mhermuin Ceud fa nois gni ceilam Is nach eil mi ach anvin 2 Oscar Goul is Caolte Filan agus Diarmad deud ghiall Couignur ghluisi dar n ochnar Mis agus mathair s Ferghus Truir gheal sharbh sin tottal Phadrich mo Chredis du mo sheancus Bo sudaguds ainm mo n’ ochdnar 3 Ranig shin Cuirt ri Sassan Bha ioma glass an gu’ forcum Thuit an ri le ma Cuil O Cuidh liom iomachd ochdnar 4 Bha shin an Carri na halb Biomu ann Fer Calmind Cass lua’ Hug shin dius Cios is cubh O cuibh liom iomach ochdnar 5 Bho Erin nan skia Alpin Gu crioch Lochlin no stru seimh Bho sud agus Maonus o Daiv Va sud fo chain og an ochdnar 6 Glac shin Crom na Cairge Er in n Fhairge min le Oscar Go bu hearc shin er a Bhru’ ich O scuidh liom iomachd Ochdnar 7 Ghlac shin Bale na Beirm Thog shin in term eg ri Lochlin Rein shin sud no bo mhodh O scuidh liom iomachd Ochdnar 8 Phadrich nan clag binn San lett bo mhin no Cleru Thug shin ghachi go ntuasclu Ceud don Uaislu do dh Erin. Finis. IOMACH 8dnar. C. 3. DUAN DIARMID O DUIN. 85 lines. Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. See above, Diarmaid. GLEN shi sho ri er taobh 1 Gur bin an gu’ laoich is loan Gar minig vi an Fhein Eir in tliabh er dei na Conn Glen fo na bhin Guilbin ghoirm 5 Is ard i Tullich fo no ghrein Is er buinnachd er duni go teann G’ ull do healg gu Ri na Fhein Coismachd ni baill len loach Er i chuidachd chaomhs cha Noin 10 Er i bhin Guilbin is er i bheist Mar ghabh e vo ’s laimh an torc Gealad er de ghualin Fhion Errach liom gun drinnis gloc E Er bi gha bhi tamul na hos’t 15 Labhar Fion is holc ri ghra Dhiarmad tomhais in torc Cia mead trei vo hoic gu hail Cha do dhiult e achoneich Fhion O lir gun danig fo hir 20 Tomhsid e ntorc er i dhrim Mac o Duin bo truim treidh Teanta i s tomhais i risd Dhiarmid vol is min in torc Lott in bir neimh gu garg 25 Bon in fhir bo hearbh san trod Vol ha fer rohan do chin Tadha gach slei rin gheur ghort Heante cha ba tarrus aï Agus toisid e on torc 30 Tuidid e shud er i haobh Mac O Duin le trom feile No shint ri taobh in tuirc Rin sud aer ghut mar dheall Er bi dha traoin’ fhul chreach 35 Mac O Duin Ciabh na cleachd Aoin mhaics faitach no fein Er in tullich siar fo lic Sbui do chean agus tault Guirm rask mar vin dearg ceilt 40 Va guirm is glassid do huil Caiss is mass in Cul no n Cleacht Binnid is Glinnid du ghloir Chin sprog er mo dhoi oin dearg bhea (deargbhla) Vo mead is tabhacht an laoich 45 Corp shaoi seimhi fo chrios ban Skeimhach meittar bhaun Mac O Duin bo va buaidh Neis cha throg sin suil Vo cha nuir ehur er i ghruai 50 Si meudad her e er each Fer les in trogad chreach i beais Nar trua leibs mar gun cual Gun huit e le fua i ghlinn. . . . . Seasid air urlar ghaibh 55 Mac O’ Duin grai na scoll Sceul vo utursach na mnaoi Mar ghabh e vos laimh an torc . . . . Se ntorc shi fo rüch borb Go m beid no ngavu er eabh 60 S bo gharbh i huit no no ca bolg Lottid e le chran faraoin Staddid eir so voic Sin tlei vo no Caosh bla O lin gui ha no corp 65 Diarmad mac O Duin eile Mo hurchir les in tuc bheist uice Chur taobh trom lei in vi ga Schur slei an in arm tuirc Tra dhuisg in urlan na truail 70 Nti chossin buai as gach blar Gun varbh mac O Duin in bheist S’ hanig e fein dachi slan Sin lei sprog er Fin no fein Er ullin shiar er i chnoc 75 Mac O Duin cha do dhiult e Se ain dachi slan vo intorc Sgon huigh Fion bo dearge dreach Er bhin ghulbin ghlas san tealg S mo huit Diarmad leis on torc 80 S’ mor an tole rinn a chealg Geisdeach ri conghair no Fion Sin arri shiar tean er cean Gun dhuisg in ulbh bheist e suain S gun dimich voin in glean 85 C. 4. DUAN DURUG. 61 lines. Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. It is impossible to give anything like an accurate copy of this piece.—D. M. ARGUMENT. DUAN DÜRUG, a most entertaining poem, giving account how K. Fin came to Scotland to hunt, and his mighty men with him. In course of their hunting Fin is seized with a profound sleep, and none attending but a young man named Dürug . . . guard that attended the King. In the mean time on M‘Annu’ comes with a body of men to attack King Fin, who had slain his father. After some arguing Dürug and Mac Annu attacked one another, and after fighting most desparately both were slain upon the spot. When Fin wakened and saw Dürug slain before him he lamented sorely, and at last ordered the body of Dürug to be buried in the burying-place of those mighty men. It is really a most moving description.—See above, p. 112. NOACHT hagam er Fin fiorghlic 1 S’ er Diurag on no gealla [TD 220] S’ er vaccan no calp diomsach Hanig hugin sior Brugh Auna Mhic Cuil vic trenvor so shone ha 5 Gun danig e healg do Alb S ann a Erin urghlan ri insin Gesidinamh ri fuaim na struan Is ri gu no neon Bin Gun huit suain nach ro go hedrum 10 . . . . O nac feci shin fionn e slein Se er tullach gorm ghlas dovin Gun Ni Cudrish don Feinn Nioch Diurag don mac i Deir Labhrin in Coura finald 15 Is gun innsin dhut mo sceal Ma se fionn na do chol Na so gin ghul do dheuchin Sai nach insin dut in ceinsin Ach in dül mi bas mathar 20 S bu chaint hered ossin Vi Aunu e glen sleav Bhi du gun chean na fale Le do Chaint Buirb do ro bheag Tra ghluais fearg an da Dhreggan 25 Is do thiodu ad vo cheil Gum baid na glaoh curri Faoich im buillin is am beuman Do ghluais Fionn no slee gavi Do ghul an lathar na fir chalmand 30 Rug e er deas laimh Dhiurug Sa na shint sin gun anmin Hairigid leo na sleün reamh Hargid leo na cloibhin geuru’ Bi Cuirp is cnamhan gan gerru 35 Ach gu riggu aid i cheil Adir Diurag og no gealla Is mac Annu’ e glen Sleave Och er mulins i Dhiurag Na mb eidin do hearnu 40 Thuogm ni maru do mo vahu’ Do mo ghi sdo no chahu Calamund S mor cliu sin le Diurag La vir ris su lavard S liu treun laoch re chau’ 45 Vagads la na halair Ach so lamb nach dibir misin San le maoin no re macunne’ Ach gun danig na seachd strau Hugads vo bruich Annu’ 50 Se so mer bo vin er hedin To no vene bo ro va tigus Cumb bu ghil sbear ionas Gun dach ionalt ruimh in iug Ach trogamid a nis gu alvi 55 S far in Dioligaid in Mo vil beannach vi er tannim Voe soto’ dea vic Alpin Chlerich. C. 5. DUAN LERMON. 98 lines. Advocates’ Library, July, 1872. I cannot guarantee that this is a correct copy. It is so indistinct.—D. M. THE subject of the Poem is to the following purpose. Ossian, sitting upon the eminence where the Palace Royal of King Finn stood, tho’ then it was in ruins, begins with a most moving Lamentation for the loss of his people and nation, and seeing the ruins of the Palace, and from thence takes occasion to point out the time, cause, and original of the downfall and destruction, and he plainly shows that private quarrels generally, and animosities occasioned divisions among them. In particular that one of their mighty men named Lermon deserted them at a very critical juncture when they were invaded by a most numerous fleet from Norway, and after they had assembled warriors and marched to Lermon’s Castle he could not be persuaded to oppose their common enemy. It is true they fought a battle and defeated their enemies tho’ they wanted Lermon. Then from that period they might date their misfortunes for they were no more united, and their own divisions finally terminated in the extinction of their very race. DUAN LERMON. SOME say that King Finn attacked Lermon’s Castle, and killed him and numbers of his followers, as a traitor to his country; and there is a very strong presumption that Lermon aspired at royalty or else meant to crush King Finn’s family as much as he could. See above, p. 106. IS kionol shin Hullaich ard 1 Er i var gu vacuis uair iad Bhuion nach diultu vo neach Cid ha i nochd gun teach gun tuar innt Is ann int ghebt Lermon mhor 5 Mac conil cha ghloir er aish Fhir chuir Alb fa Choimh Le neart i lamh is i threis Int gun tigeadh gach aon lo Imeart amnan sloi is ri 10 Croinnacht is Alb fial Hargid se hor sa fion Cha do veggich sud do mhuirn Hullich uir bu bhrea toir Ach go dainig Carryl e fein 15 Go mac ri Alb na shiain oir Hanig tri Chaan er fein Lo gull ’s na fiein in toir Laoich nach diulta corrug do dheir Iullin mor mac Muirna moir 20 Diarmaid agus Caoilte cruaidh Hannig Clann in Iver ruai Buion dhargu s lua rinn Ca mor er cairdas is er daimh Do huabh fearg is mor bhai 25 Hanic triuir vac chlann Dhuin Hanig er Buoin ser nionos S deich fiaid skia dhearg na gall Diolta gach aon fhear ghiu ceud Ca imu agus er eis 30 Dombralach uir gach sheoil Hanig nis o ca’ gach mei Sho do fil neul i cruai Er egil fuair no vri No no va er mo chin do lua 35 Deich ceud sluaigh le neomhir oir Bu decir na clo an ni ca Do mahu marach ner sloi Hanig sin rua gu brais Hanig sud is Filaon fial 40 Se chaogad ski is cloir glass Bho Dhuine fir ghlic na feine Gu Dun Lermoin nan clais cass Hanig Fiom a ries cheil bui mhoir Agus glasriu o Gach neach 45 Rein biovu as gach trein Er lin gom bo trom er feachd Er bhi dhuinn tamul mu eidim Huncas thir na slei So agin in erei vors 50 Sho buion an treal is fear Co luinas in mol in treol Ach ni mo vaicins do cumih gloir a hear Bha scabbul oir er i gualin Le cean veairt do chlach i Buai 55 Le gui lei ad chil dirich Le cloi Cruai co hirt rish Bo sin laoch fergach fulach Osgir calmund cruai vullach Bo cho rdil leis gach Cai 60 Mac an voir vic na hard la Er bi ga hin gidis doin tli Lein gu Osear nanairm neih Ghluais an ar tarug mor meirat An sin gur an gu lan teilach 65 Heis sin ma na ghil ghrein S deich Caan ea gne erin Van Bhratach uir dhail glan Ma rivin alun in dait i Deich eigins deich mil bargu 70 Hanig steach in trai no doss Sud cluei no gabh iad tar Fannin agus Blas is fois San gu Dun Lermoin nan lann [TD 221] Voi bo lionor ann iomad fer 75 San hig linai nin ian As gach sliar near is niar Imu skià gun shorbtu leis Agus Oros es na haird lan Sioma le lamh is cos 80 Gun gherrin leis agus cean San leis choisgen in loi Mo vaicins oscuir nan Caan Vo chorug Lermon no closs Hug mor go aniov leis gu haov 85 Ghern duit Phadric uir Shall beg edrinn in Dun Le hurpih nio chiu mo chleas Nan marrin fein no Clessin dlu Gur mi Oisin bochd mac Fin 90 San orm legid gach run Scad harlin mi nochd gin ra Sim udar Ca er linn Ghisin duit Phadrik no Bochtu Osdu chunis mo chos gu noi 95 Vo nads cho drin mo laimh lottu S fad liom so nochd sgur Cion. C. 6. DUAN NA CLAINN. 108 lines. Advocates’ Library, July 12, 1872. I HAVE no other version of this Ballad. It ought to come next after those which describe the Battle of Gabhra, and the Death of Oscar. In this, Oisein tells Padruig that he and Caoilte were the only survivors. This Caithness Ballad joins the Scotch system of Heroic Ballads to the Irish system. In early Irish Manuscripts are copies of long dramatic recitations, in which the characters are Oisein, Caoilte, and Padruig; and their subject, the adventures of the Heroes who figure in these Scotch collections, namely, the Feinne and Cormac Mac Art, High King of Ireland.—J. F. C. INIS ghuin Osein eile 1 Vie fin va seach min sceul Ca cah bo truoi leat fein Chuirt le do laoich airm gheur S meirg us dheinich sin diom 5 Phadrick se do mo dhion S-gur e ca bo truai lium La san chuir sin Dir Chloinn Vo cha gaura na slei geur Phadirk na abram breug 10 Nach do lean linn dor fein Ach mis is Caolt di aon vein Hug shin as sin er dios Gu [tigh] te alvi na mor chios Far an bi mnaoi na fein 15 Agus Claunna na Caomh chlev Oir guvaighin vi er Cloin chaomh Phadrick chri chaomh Harlin nach dainig riamh Nar no oru no an ceal 20 Hanig techderacht don tir Vo ri Lochlin gu hanmin Er Kios nockaigh na lamh No ar ni uille agail Chur shin techdire vuain 25 Gu ri Lochlin vor luai Cha dugamid da cios no caimh No ni fo do’ on duaval Ach ca gur ha ardur gundaal Les i Chlan sin va gioman 30 Sud dar hunig i chlan va Curi aid am bol ri lar ’S tilgir vo na Camainan Sud lavir mac Oscar in aig Na leig vo na cha slan 35 Mar bans lin kor aiv No ma in don donval Sud laver mac Cairry e risd Na i e so no cha nios Fer cruit rachis leo sios 40 Mis mait er mor chios Hagaid hugin aid ro mi Churt leo tullach er bal chri Sud hug o mnaoi fein Choit glic s bo gei cheil 45 Gun cha hord san uair Ve ach erin vor luas Na Covid suas chloin slan Gun denmid nein Col-on Charich sin cotan streol 50 Ma ni mionin sionnh saish (?) Na cuirtin bear maish Na scibulin oir er ghleist Le ceanveart chloch int chuain Togimid ris i Clann gun imru 55 Le lanna fo niumui buai Le Crios cru crann vue Togimid sud ri tiv suas Bratach Fin fla na mor lûch 60 Ach gun dranig sin i mbrue Toggar hun in duin Der hunig sin aid uil er lar Chloin gin ta bo lag bo neimnach Tsarlin gur or fearu Phail 65 Agin so chnoc er co’al Mhin shin garb cha sin uaiv In ochd ri Lochlyn no mor luai Chuir sin in treis va trua Dhimid aid uile san aon uair 70 Gun neach do hannu vo bheinn Ach Dearg Dünach nairm gheur Dur hanig mac ri Lochlyn vuai Mar sin cur di er sluai Chuir sin in treis va truai 75 Dümid aid uile san ocu uair Hcnta nderg mac nio va fein Ri mac ri Lochlyn no narom geur Cean da ord dhe Do bhem Currind Cloimh 80 Chuir e slei no tre chrios Na hinsa linn eolvi Noich sin duin fo bhron N alvi gom bi no sloi Geisdach ri gair van go trua 85 Sri Connard mhoir luai Doanalach no con sin rithai Ri gair Bannal na gna fion Hug deir er mo chu nach tim Ha sud no habri er 90 Leg sin Cuainard Fin voir Ghe na slaurün dearg oir S hi’ gach cu er hom pfein Vic Phadric vic Alpin eile Leig sin sin na goir ma seach 95 Am feüld gun aon neach Sealg an la sin ri mo linn Vo rei ist elvin ri aon lo Chlerich cha neic mar sin Sealg an lo sin mar sin chleri 100 Churta er da chul ri cheil Er de no hinnil le ao Ceil Von lo shin cha nac mis Do vac pfear in ard ri Ca be neach chreddi uam 105 Mar hunnig mi uair an Tullach Phadrick leais na sailm Smor mo thruai ri innish C. 7. DUAN NA SEALG. 92 lines. THERE is another version, dated 1813, ‘taken down from the oral recitation of Robert Gunn, from the Parish of Lathecon, Caithness-shire.’ 69 lines. 1 LA do dhfin e shelg ni Cluani Cuir na feild fad vuain Go vacuis tiin do n telg Maidin uir an beart chrodherg 2 Crios du crios du’ er i taobh Crios is ailt cha er mnaoi Va erra oir er chean chrios Sin go mbo decir do heoid ga val [TD 222] 3 Le cullanin seddi uain Er dorn ivhin deis na fer chruai Tamul duin mar sin Shin fuairach err na conn 4 Gur e ghuscir in golan geilrach Tartir in ei bo vor meinmi Vo ntom er ro Paul Gus in ntom er ro Connon 5 Dur leg Connan in giall mor Do chur in ei var i heol Cha ro e ach gerrid na ghail Sud na lei cu Chonain 6 Gunni leig Dermad mac in ri N da Chon dherg hu mha gniomh Ma’ar na cuainn va glinn Dhag na ley cu Illan 7 Go no leg nosu fla na fian Gach cu faa cean sliabh Cha rachu cu ai na ri Gun damh argindach aoni 8 Glacigh mo gha chu ’s i fen S gur i feilt aid heir is hiar Se cu na riin glan Ghramich ris in annir accein? 9 Heis in riin gu dur dur S ghlacci milchu er i mer S gun leiggi gu cumsach ceart Na tri choin da nin loan 10 Beannact ossin er i mheul Agus innis do skeul er chon M Bio’u oribhs erru no airm Dir he i sibh don telg nach lo 11 Cha viu agin in er mor Gun lein sreoil gun da choin Gun chean bheart choichlich oir S gun da lei an dorn gach fir 12 Gun chotun don Tid sheimh Gun luirich malich sheimh ghlain Gun skia uain chosnu buai S gun lann chruai gu skoltu chean 13 Beannach Ossin er u dhei Beannach fos or t’ anam fein Innis duim Ca miad fia Thuit er sliabh na Beann fin 14 La gin rachu Fion do shealg Sgo mbo shealg sin fo bheannu borb Gin vi cudrish don eainn Ach e fein san ni’in òg 15 Sealg in lo sin ri mo linn Vic Alpin in go glinn bla No gu’ na ceol as in chil S me gur bin linn an la 16 Ossian is bin liom do ghloir Beanach fos er anam Fhin Is inis duin ca miad fia Gun huit er sliav na beann fionn 17 Huit er tri mile fiadh ban Gun ari er erb no er ai Gun huit er in trai fo na ghlean Do feivich le Fionn na flea 18 Beanacht Ossin er a bheul Is innis duinn do skeul er choir Bin oirbh erru no airm Nam dol don telg gach lo 19 Cid hiult in doinn ma seach Cha nait neach mar sid ach fionn Fer beur innach is aine Cha do chrai lamh vosa cion 20 Biomu an ard leoch fuilach fial Er ullin sliabh insi Crot Guinnach ialach an i lamh Ghabhas leis vos laimh in torc 21 Sin do gherich Cuain an tuirc Leig sin na huilc er i sheilg Mar biou nar lannan snar lamh Cha chuiri shin far er in telg 22 Leig shin sud deich ceud cu Bo ro va lus is va garg Vorv gach Cu ghiu da ia Mis drug in ein er in lorg 23 Heis in riin gu dur dur Ghlacci milchu er i mer Fer i corug cha ro slan Vo madin aone la. C. 8. DUAN CONLAOCH. 82 lines. Advocates’ Library, July 13, 1872. See above, p. 9. HANIG hugin dhe bar Bivil 1 Curru’ croind Conlaoch Le gissin moir e garbh glinn Vo Dhun scaich do Gherin Dhiarich Cuchullin ri cach 5 Co churramind do ghiss an olich Do dhetin beachd no skeul dhe Sgin teachdir do dhanin voi Gluais Connal buaach brais Do dhetin sceul do na mhacan 10 Go bo mhoir agin sparn in laoich Chealt Connal le Conlaoch Fianis no Fein uile Agus Ri no Currei comhraite Ceud do nar sloi gu ’n cealte leis 15 Bu deacair a sceul ri hinnis Ach Cuchullin no slei slim Nuair hunnig e coirich Chonnail Gluais e le neart trenne lainn Do dhetin sceul dhe no mhacan 20 Comhrug riomse seudir duit No do loinnu dho mar charrid Go do roian do gach cuid Ach cha chuid toighi dhuit mo chomhrag Gissin hug mi no mo Theadh 25 Nach fedin skeul hord do neach Ach na dugu do neach fo no ghrein Ban duitse ghnuis airal Ach verrinse dhuitse mo mhoid smo Briathar No do hoilte mi mar an criathar 30 Nach teanta mi go tealach Fhin Gun ao chean no do loinnu’ Fhir agus fhir Vig Ga do labhair cha baghlin Cha buiral duitse an Fhein ùile 35 S nach deanins mo loinnu ri aon duine Ach na digu Fienu’ Phail Sho chuid be les ghiu ri ghra Chuiru du tainme ri tar Is bedur dhuit do loinnu 40 Ach huggaid shin gu cheil Fo deachin is tha ban gu reitac Macan sin gun duaire ghoinu Agus doltan sin do na chruaidh chubha Leg a uillin er in tom 45 Clubhu all gu ro throm Olaich mhoir ort fein do chroinn Bear do loinnu bho chionn Deanis do loinnu nois gu lua Sna bimid na seid n’ ainmheus 50 O solc dainich leat mise Do mhac seimh sualdach Nuair chrai ’n gu fuar fann ’N tsleidh i ha ort a harlig Inise Connlaoch macce Chonn 55 Eir dliach dhuin Dialbhin Is mi n’ run dhag u mbroin In Dun scaich go mfholam Scachte Blian deug dho sin tir hoir Foghlam goisgiu vo mo mathair 60 . . sin na hurchir sin Cho ro oirn do essi triuir Oh o Dun a mhiic Sheimhe Do heisge dheunin go crioch mfhulig Gul do chorug nios le grain 65 Och o dan nach truadh an turras Do mharbh mi us gun aon lochd [TD 223] S trua’ nach e mo bhas ghiar mi Mis do dhearg mi er do chaomh chorp Ach a Chonlaoch chri 70 ’S merg mi ghirich er do shivil No mbi du meriom cho bhiins no maonir As ma do ghoul sma do gheisi Sma do mhac Culluin chelli Sma dhaimh uile nach an leo huit maon vaccs 75 Bhoc mharvin anne terig Ceud no ceuda da dhaoine Ach ha mi nios e de sar laoch Gun mhac dilis no gun Bhrathar Agus gun Chonlaoch tha is dun 80 Och o dair mo lusi tra’ai Here follows:— ‘Collected by the late Rev. Mr. Alexr. Pope, Minister of Reay, in the county of Caithness.’ (Signed) ‘W. P.’ D. Mac Pherson, July 13, 1872. C. 9. AN DEILGNIACH MHOIR. 16 lines. Advocates’ Library, July 15, 1872. I can find no trace of the beginning.—D. M. ARGUMENT. THIS poem is compleat beyond many of them that are of the same nature and antiquity with it, and contains an account of a Battle fought betwixt Fin mac Cooil, King of the Heroes in Ireland, and Magnus, King of Norway. It appears that this battle was fought near Colrain or Londondery in Ireland, and that it was fought with great valour. . . . N’ Deilginach mhoir, or the Great Hunting at the fall or cataract of Colrain in Ireland. See above, p. 71. Manus. 1 BHO barla du mo ghrasin fein Laimh threune chur mor Cha Skaoili mis u an i tein Is cha doir mi beum er fla 2 Gheibh u’ do rahan e risd Dhul dachi go do thir fein Cardui is Commun is part No do lann hor fo n Fein 3 S’ cha dugin fein gu brach Ne is bhios Ca’l mo Chorp Aon Bhuil a tai aidh i Fhionn Is errach liom no rinnis ort 4 Mis agus m’ ahair is Goul In trnir bu mho gloinn sin Fhein I cid ha mi gun chrislich gun chonn Eisdi mi nochd ri ordu Chleir ndelginach mhoir. C. 10. AMHUIRBHIRTAD. 123 lines. FRAGMENT. Advocates’ Library, July 18, 1872. See above, p. 66. CHA ’n e mharbh I ach an Fhian 1 An drong dheth nach buinear geil S mor nair do Flath Fail Bhi geiligh do luchd aon Eilean Gad bhigh sluagh a domhain uille ann 5 Eidir chumant is Uaislibh Fuath na duine cha rachaghar O Shluagh Fheain aluin alt bhuigh Trogar hugam ms thealagh còir Rith na Hespuin is a Lod 10 Righ Greig Righ Galum glan S gun trogar lein deich mile Baruich Oir trial mis an Iar Trialam agus trialam fos Agus bherins mo mhionan Rith 15 Ma mharbhaigh mo Mhuirirteach mhin Nerin na fhag mi clach Ann Alt nan toran no Fireach Gun trogail ann corain mo long Eruint choimhiunt cho throm 20 Ruinn brebanaich air muir Gu tarrin as a tachair Smor spliagh do Loingeas bhan Dheanaigh Eruin a thogail ’Snach do Loingeas eir bith 25 No throgaigh do Dheruin Coig dhiuth Deich fichid is deieh mile long Throg an Righ sba Rachd bha trom Eir shith Eruin chuir as Eir mhian na Heruin na faraigh 30 Cha ro port na leth phort ann Ann an Coig Coigibh na Heruin Nach robh lan de na Lougeas mhath Ach Birlinin fo Thighearnan Chuir E teachdaireachd gu Flath Fail 35 Muirirteach hium an drast slan Le beorbugh Eruin uille Eidir Mhac Righ is ro dhuine Bhiugh mac Cuil sud Do Righ Lochlain gun diombail 40 Deich ceid skia is Claimh crudaichd Deich ceid uthal den dearg or Deich ceid Sualtar chaol Chath Deich ceid Bratach min daite Deich ceid Saoth nam beigin leis 45 Deic ceid srian ler agus Diaghlaid Gad fhaighigh Ri Lochlain sud Na bha sheoid bhuaghach ann an Erinn Mionaich nach tiligh e sluagh Ach an buigh Eruin na Tor ruagh 50 Fear labhairt a chonrath chiùn Tre mhic Tamhan mhic Treunmhor Bear na siaruigh o thuir gu tuir Air faitur uille eir an aon bhonn Sin dar thuirt Garaidh nan Gleann 55 Ma ghabhas sibh comhairle Finn Bheir air sar eir Flath ’S bith sibh gu brath fo Eanibh Fhogair Julin ’s bu cheim Laoich Gach neach lean e taobh eir thaobh 60 Ga leadraigh chaid on atha ’S min bail lois Neach da fhastagh Stads Iulain mar a ta Se labhair Macuil an-aigh Ga olc iumpith an Irr 65 S ro mha lamh san Irghiol Huird Osgar ’s e gabhail leo Ga be long dhiu ’s aird sheoil Snamhas i fuil eir a druim No cha neil urad nan culunn 70 Gluaisigh Filigh freigirach Finn Git thagraidh gu hiolach Sa labhair gu fir ghlic E Ris an Rith gu neo-ghraite Ga beg libhs an Fhian ann 75 Na seachd cathan cochalmant Bheir sibh air teanc leim tre lann ghlas Oir ni shibh uille air ainleas Breugach do bheachd fhilibh Fhiun Se labhair gu feargach an righ 80 Cha ma na trian na bheil ann sud Ni bheil dh Fhian ann Eirinn Trogar hugain fearg an righ Lan do mheirg s bo dhanrium Nam bolc dhuinn bhi eir a cumi 85 Cha bear dhaibh tiin huggin Rinn iad croth mor air maigh Sluagh Ri Lochlann mu nar timchioll Ach nar serios uille eir an aon bhall Briomaigh sa chroth Mili fear 90 Dhianaigh colg gush choman Bu lionor claigan ri chuir ri lair Agus colann dha maolaigh Briomaigh ann geur lot sleigh Agus Toscair caol rinneach 95 Buma lamh Thrum danair eisamh O Erith Grein gu con Fheasgar Bhar Osgar an tiugh an sluaigh Ceid Fear Sleigh sa chiad uair ’S ceid eille sa Phobuil a risd 100 S e deanamh gus an ard Rith S ceid eile da mhath shluagh na Fear Eir an taobh eille do Rith Lochluin Eidir na saothan ma seach [TD 224] San gheibht an Tosgar gu criatach 105 Ach na mharbhaigh le dithr na sluaigh Ruith air mhiad on arach Dar chunnaig iad gun huit a Rith Aig miad amir san aire Leig le strathaibh gu sàl 110 S bha chor chath eir an iomthan Fichid mille Ri Lochlain do tshluagh Eir ochd Cath Bein Edin re aon uair San deach o aobhair arm as Ach aon mhille gu an Loingeas 115 ’N de tan toir don aire Chite guma chalp a dha Gu rachaigh roi thualagh na sliagh Na Coriun tro Druim Osgar. Nam buigh du an la sin 120 Eir Ochd Cath Beinn Edin Cha chual lethart do ghuin O bhas na Fian a dhaon La. Finid. Here follows a short Sermon in Gaelic, ending with— ‘Is fo dheirigh Codhuinign le fuinn chleachdaith.’ Donald Mac Pherson, Advocates’ Library, July 18, 1872. A very slight study of this Collection shows that it is like the rest, and unlike ‘Ossian’s Poems’ by James Mac Pherson. Monday, July 23, 1872. Niddry Lodge, Kensington.—J. F. CAMPBELL. CRIOCH. NOTE.—August 3, 1872.—Kilmakillogue Harbour, County Kerry, Ireland.—I think it due to Scribes and Printers to note here that these 224 pages of Gaelic were printed with extraordinary accuracy in less than two months, by men who do not understand the language. If any errors be left I have failed to discover them. Gaelic and English are printed as written and spelt in copies carefully made by the Scribes named from the manuscripts quoted. The orthography varies exceedingly, but generally it is the orthography of those who colllected the poetry orally, in Scotland, between 1512 and 1872. LONDON: PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE AND PARLIAMENT STREET