with historical and critical notes, and a comprehensive glossary

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SAE-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH 

THE BEAUTIES OF GAELIC POETRY 

LIVES OF THE HIGHLAND BAUDS; 

HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL NOTES, 

A COMPREHENSIVE GLOSSARY OF PROVINCIAL WORDS. 

BY JOHN MACKENZIE, ESQ., 

Honorary Member of the Ossianic Society of Glasgow, the Gaelic Society of London, tfcc, Ac. 

HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION 

(' iNTAINIV; AN ACCMl'N 1' .IP 

THE MANNERS, HABITS, &c, OF THE ANCIENT CALEDONIANS. 

BY JAMES LOGAN, ESQ., F.S.A.S., 

Corresponding Member 6. Ant., Normandy, Auth .r of the Scottish Gael, &C, Ac. 

GLASGOW: 

MACGREGOR, POLSON, & CO., 75, ARGYLL STREET, 

1J, LOTHIAN STREET, EDINBURGH; 10, UPPER ABBEY STREET, DUBLIN; 

and 71, YORK STREET, BELFAST. 

MDCCCXLI. 

:

GLASGOW: 

EDWARD KniILL, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY, DPNI.OP STREET.

PREFACE. 

In presenting the " Beautie9 of Gaelic Poetry" to the public, I find myself in a posi- 

tion which demands some explanation of the motives that induced me to undertake this 

arduous task, and the principles that guided me throughout its execution. I would pre- 

mise, however, that although they are called, and, I trust not inappropriately, Beauties, 

it is not to be expected that every line, or stanza, or even poem, of the Collection, could 

be of itself beautiful. The name under which the work is ushered into the world does 

not warrant so high an anticipation. It is merely intended to signify, that the richest 

and most valuable gems of the Keltic Muse combine to form this constellation of our 

country's minstrelsy ; and, in instances where poems may not be so brilliant in poetical 

genius or grandeur, they will be found to throw a stream of light on many of the manners 

and customs of our ancestors. 

In the compilation of such a work as this, however, it is impossible to meet the wishes 

of every reader ; 

and, indeed, until the public agree among themselves on points of literary 

taste, it will be impossible for the most skilful and sagacious compiler to gratify every 

palate. Enough, however, it is hoped, has been collated to make the work as generally 

acceptable as possible. 

Regarding the cause which induced me to undertake a task so arduous, no one, who 

knows me, will question my veracity when I say, that, veneration for the productions of my 

country's talented sons and daughters, and an honest desire to preserve them in the most 

imperishable form, were the impelling motives. Inthe morningof my days, it was my happy 

lot to inhale the mountain air of a sequestered spot, whose inhabitants may well be de- 

signated the children of Song ; and, in a state of society, whose manners were but little 

removed from that of primitive simplicity, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing 

the influence of poetry over the mind, and uniformly found, that cheerfulness and song, 

music and morality, walked almost always, hand in hand. Thus nurtured, and thus tutor- 

ed, the intrinsic excellence of the poetry which I was accustomed to hear in my younger 

days, made such an impression on my mind, that neither time, distance, nor cir- 

cumstances, have been able to obliterate. I was therefore bred with an enthusiasm which 

impelled me, as I advanced in life, to dig deeper and deeper into the invaluable mine, 

until, having obtained a view of the whole available materials, my admiration became 

fixed, and my resolution to rear the present monument was immovably formed. 

The compilers who have preceded me, either from the irresistible pressure of circum-

PREFACE. 

stance?, or, from prejudices resulting from geographical considerations, have interspersed 

their collections with a preponderating amount of doggerel and inferior rhymes ; nay, 

many of their best pieces are given in an imperfect, or garbled form ; while not a single 

a: tempt has been made to explain obscure phrases, or to develop the real and legitimate 

meaning of doubtful idioms and passages. The task thus left for the future gleaner, although 

no doubt considerably facilitated, was still great ; and it was not until I had completely 

traversed the Highlands, and secured a variety of old manuscripts, that I ascertained the 

nature of the labour I had imposed upon myself, in appreciating the character and quality 

of the materials. 

It is not for me to say with what success I have brought my labours to a close. 

Without, however, arrogating to myself any exclusive means of information, or any thing 

beyond ordinary abilities, I should hope, at least, that credit for indefatigable perse- 

verance, and diligent untiring research will be awarded to me ; and that, while the 

transcribed part of the work will be found superior to productions of the same nature, the 

amount of original and curious matter which it contains will bear ample testimony to the 

extensiveness of the inquiries I have instituted. 

Some small items of self-interest are ever apt to be interwoven, even with our most 

patriotic actions ; and, therefore, to steer wholly clear of all personal considerations, in 

whatever we undertake, requires more virtue than is possessed by the generality of men. 

Yet I sincerely trust that purity of motives will be a sufficient shield from the aspersions 

and insinuations which have been levelled at me, by individuals who measure their neigh- 

bours' actions by their own. These, however, I shall contentedly bear, provided I can only 

be the means of wreathing one laurel more for the brow of departed genius. 1 would gladly 

be spared the pain of animadverting upon a class of men, whose assistance I had a right 

to expect in so national an undertaking,— I mean our clergymen and schoolmasters. Those 

gentlemen who hurl their invectives against the high-minded, patriotic, and talented 

Dr M'Leod, for his unwearied efforts to enlighten his countrymen, and to exalt them 

to a higher status of moral and intellectual excellence, will very naturally be as forward in 

discouraging my endeavours to preserve from oblivion the songs of our native country. 

An indiscriminate charge, however, would be as ungenerous, as it would be unjust ; 

and, therefore, with great pleasure 1 record, among both classes, many honourable excep- 

tions ; and, to them I take this opportunity of conveying my heartfelt thanks. 

I may here notice a few deviations from what is generally recognised as the standard 

of Gaelic orthography, that have been made in the following pages. Had I been writing 

prose, where no inflections could offend the ear, or destroy the smoothness or harmony of 

a sentence, these emendations, however justifiable in themselves, would not have been in- 

troduced. But in poetry it is far otherwise. Indeed, to do justice to the harmony of 

the versification, no acknowledged rules will apply. A north-country poet uniformly 

writes ion, where one belonging to Argyle sings cun ; both taking care that the accordant 

word chimes with their peculiar orthoepy. How murderous, then, would it have been 

to the cadence and clink of the bard, were either of these words made to conform to the 

stiffness of established rules ! This is but a solitary instance where thousands might be

produced, of anomalies and provincial phraseologies which render a sameness of orthogra- 

phy impossible in poetical composition. 

The difference of termination in the nominative plural of nouns ending in a, and the dative 

in aib/t, has been done away with here ; 

and both cases, which, correctly speaking, are the 

same, have been made to terminate in an or can as the case may be—except where, for 

the sake of harmony, their retention, in the vulgar terminations, has been indispensable. 

This, however, has seldom been the case ; for, such terminations do not belong to Scottish 

Gaelic. No Highlander would say Fo na h-eachaibh (eich). Bho na marbhaibh (mairb/l), 

Air do chasaibh (chasan). With the learned translator of Ossian's poems, I am anxious 

to yield the credit of such discoveries to the monks of Ireland, who, regardless of the only 

legitimate source of correctness, the language as spoken by the Aborigines, have tortured 

their vernacular tongue into a similarity with the Latin ! And strangely enough, our 

grammarians are endeavouring to perpetuate the error, notwithstanding that any old 

woman in the Highlands could put them right on the subject ; for 

" These rules of old discover' J, not devised, 

Are Nature still, but Nature methodized." 

I have also thrown out the Irish wordsfitidn, luidhe, tigh, and dhoibh, and supplied their 

place by their correct Gaelic synonymies fo, laidhe, taigh, and dhaibh— which are conso- 

nant with the orthoepy in every part of the Highlands ; nor am I aware of any reason why 

these words should be spoken in one way and written in another. The letter t, which 

should always be used for the possessive pronoun, has been restored in the following 

pages, in contradistinction to the " Revisers" of the Gaelic Bible, who have excluded it, as 

in d'athair, instead of t-athair, which is evidently the most eligible, the word being a con- 

traction of tu athair (thy father). With these slight innovations, if such they can le 

called, the orthography throughout will be found to accord with the recognised standards. 

Before leaving this point, I may quote the words of Owen Connellan, Esq., Irish Histo- 

riographer to her Majesty. " I regret," says he, " to be compelled to observe, that it has 

been but too common among Irish scholars, to display extreme jealousy of each other 

each appearing to wish that he should be looked up to as the sole expositor and oracle of 

this neglected dialect ; and, prompted by a desire of exhibiting his own superior know- 

ledge, he is ever ready to find fault with every other Irish production whatever." Now, 

had Mr Connellan been a Scottish Gaelic writer, he would have had to complain, not of 

the " exhibition of superior knowledge," but of the dogged tenacity of many of our pretend- 

ing Gaelic scholars, and, that too, on a matter subject to so many anomalies and inflections 

which often derive their caste from provincialism, where it is perhaps impossible that 

harmony of opinion should exist, even among competent scholars. But the evil is, that, 

instead of co-operating to establish a grammatical system of uniformity, our literati have 

thought fit to render no higher services to their country, than to play a game of cross- 

purposes on the subject. 

In a land of song, like the Highlands of Scotland, where every strath, glen, and ham- 

let, had its bard, and, possibly, every bard his host of admirers, some obscure votary of 

;

Vl PREFACE. 

the Muses may have escaped our notice ; and, a few day-dreamers have been designedly 

passed over in silence. In the first case, the charge of intentional neglect does not apply 

to me ; and, with regard to the second class, I could mention the names of man)' poet- 

asters, who have not been admitted into our galaxy of Keltic minstrels ; and, for this 

obvious reason that they were not worthy of the enviable position. Their friends, 

therefore, will pardon in me the oversight of not mentioning names that could not otherwise 

be noticed. 

The lives of the Bards form, perhaps, the most interesting part of the work. Biography 

has always been found a useful study ; and, although these sketches are necessarily con- 

densed, they will be found to extend in length, and in minuteness of circumstantial detail, in 

proportion to the claims of the subject of the memoir. The Highland bards filled a most 

important station in society ; and I know no better mirror than their works, to shadow 

forth the moral and intellectual picture of the community among whom they lived. In 

collecting materials for lives of which no written records, not even, perhaps, the date of 

their natal day was kept, I experienced considerable difficulty. Frecpiently have I blushed 

to find among my countrymen, individuals who could learnedly tell me of Virgil's bashful, 

ness, and the length of Ovid's nose, with as much precision as if they had measured it by 

rule and compass, and put me right as to the cut and colour of Homer's coat when he 

was a ballad-singer; but who knew nothing of our own poets—simply because they were 

their own countrymen, and sang in their vernacular language! 

These memoirs are generally commingled or followed by short critiques on the productions 

of the bard under notice. My opinions, in this respect, are freely given, and if they should 

run counter to the prepossessed notions of any one, it is submitied whether, perhaps, we 

shall not agree on a reconsideration of the subject. I am aware how firmly early prepos- 

sessions and local partialities lay hold of our esteem, and how difficult it is for us, in after 

years, to exercise our judgment unfettered by first impressions ; but I can say with perfect 

truth, that I have divested myself of every vestige of partiality when adjudging laurels to 

the Highland bards. If, therefore, I have bestowed more florid encomiums on any one 

than he merited— if I have anywhere taken a lower estimate than the reader would be 

disposed to do— if I have been unjust in the distribution of praises or animadversions, I 

hope it will be attributed, as it ought to be, to an error in judgment, and not to prejudice, 

partiality, or evil intention. In writing them, much more attention has been paid to 

simple and authentic detail, than to illustrative or excursive comments. 

In the arrangement of the poets, due regard was had, as far as practicable, to seniority, 

that being the most unobjectionable mode that could be adopted ; and the same rule 

was observed in the classification of the poems. 

It may he deemed out of place, in a prefatory notice, to allude to my list of subscribers ; 

but I feel sograteful on this subject, and so proud of their number, respectability and intelli- 

that I cannot help adverting to it. Their literary taste and discrimination afford 

in'- the best assurance that the nature of my labours will be fully appreciated. From the 

plan 1 have adopted, those who were accustomed to see the poems occupy so much space 

in other works, may be apt to think that they have undergone curtailment — a perusal

PREFACE. 

of them, however, will not only obviate this misconception, but convince the reader that 

they are given at greater length and in a more improved form than they ever appeared 

before. Where spurious verses and monastic interpolations had intruded themselves, 

they have, of course, been thrown out. The same system of ejectment has been carried 

to indecent phrases and objectionable passages ; and, while nothing of the fire, or grandeur, 

or general beauty has been lost, the utmost vigilance has been exercised that nothing 

should be allowed to creep in, which could offend the most delicate, or afford ground of 

complaint to the most fastidious. 

The idea of this undertaking was first suggested to me by a worthy friend, who is now 

no more, James Robertson, Esq., Collector of Customs, Stornoway. Mr Robertson, himself 

a gentleman of high poetic talent, possessed a fund of curious information about the bards, 

and several written documents, to which he obligingly gave me free access, and from 

which, some of the anecdotes with which this work is interspersed, have been extracted. 

After having collected all the materials which I deemed necessary for the completion 

of the work, I met with so little encouragement, that I was on the eve of abandoning my 

design, when Mr Donald M'Pherson, Bookseller, London, with an enthusiasm and high 

patriotic feeling that do honour to his heart, entered into my projects, and, by his warmly 

exercised influence, put me into a position in which I soon enjoyed the pleasing assurance of 

being able to carry my intentions into execution. 

With equal gratitude I have to record the disinterested kindness of Archibald M'Neil, 

Esq., W.S., Edinburgh—a gentleman whose name carries along with it associations of all 

that is noble-minded and generous. To this gentleman I owe much. His exertions to 

further my views were characterized by a warmth of zeal, and promptitude of action, in 

the way of urging others to give the work their support, for which no words of mine can 

sufficiently thank him. 

I feel myself also deeply indebted to another gentleman, the mention of whose name 

is sufficient to convince the reader of the sincerity of my feelings— I allude to Mr 

Lachlan M'Lean, Merchant, Glasgow, author of the "History of the Gaelic Language," 

&c, who, in the most handsome manner, gave me the use of his library, and exerted himself 

with his wonted enthusiasm to enlist public sympathy and support in favour of the under- 

taking. 

There are other favourable circumstances and kind friends that might well elicit from me 

the tribute of grateful acknowledgment but as I am more inclined to be concise than 

ceremonious, my devoirs must be expressed in general terms ; and I therefore assure 

all such, that I shall fondly cherish the recollection of their kindness until the latest hour 

of my existence. 

It is customary in a notice of this kind to take the precaution of disarming the critics,— 

a custom I would gladly honour in my own case. That errors have crept in, and that 

imperfections may appear to the eye of critical acumen, is readily conceded ; but these 

will form no greater defalcation than candour will allow it was impossible to eschew. If 

I am afterwards convinced of any unintentional errors—convinced, as I have a right to 

demand, by the force of argument and the power of philological reasoning, I will be as ready

PREFACE, 

to acknowledge my mistakes, as I shall be imperturbable at the innocuous shafts of ill- 

natured pedantic invective and declamation. 

And now, Reader, having conducted you to the threshold of the palladium of the High- 

land Minstrels, let me crave your leisure hours to the study and contemplation of their 

works. We speak of by-gone ages in terms which seem to imply that we are morally, 

intellectually, and religiously superior to our ancestors. Would that it were so! We 

exult in the progress of civilization, improvement and scientific knowledge ; but we are 

retrograding in another point of view. Time was, when the hours which arc now so 

assiduously devoted to the propagation of gossip, to circumvention, scandal and chicanery, 

were spent in singing songs, and reciting legends in the innocent comfort and simplicity 

of unsophisticated manners. But the Bards have ceased to lash the backbiter, the drunkard, 

and the moral delinquent ; and as snails shoot out their horns in a calm, so the human owlets 

of our country have multiplied in a fearful degree ! 

Reader, farewell !—but ere I pronounce that doleful word, allow me, in the sincerity of a 

warm Highland heart, to wish you the innocence, beauty, and simplicity of the mountain 

maid—the prowess and patriotism of the plaided warrior— the lofty talent of the Keltic 

bard—the age of our Apollo, silvery-locked Ossian—and the death-bed of one who is 

conscious of nothing worse than having read and studied and sung the " Beauties or 

Gaelic Poethy." 

University Printing Office,! Iniui mf1rrM7if 

Glasgow, 4»« 1, 1M1. JOHN MACKENZIE. 

J

fan li I 

.. 

'Sam lòmhrai 

dalgu'n 

\'t*4> 

; 

i 

innoci 

i aclii ttj oi

II 

a -

INTRODUCTION. 

Those who compose the poems and melodies which stimulate or mollify the passions ci' 

mankind, possess a much greater influence in society than can be readily conceived. 

If national airs, in ages of refinement and artificial feeling, are found to have so strong 

a power over the mind, as in the " Ranz des vaches," or " Erin gu brath," how much 

more forcibly must the bold chanting of heroic verse—the plaintive tones of injured inno- 

cence—the impressive notes of impassioned exhortation, or the keen touch of satiric spirit, 

have affected a people like the Gael, imbued with all the fervour of unaffected nature, and 

who paid ardent devotion at the shrine of freedom ? How highly must an order have 

oeen venerated, which possessed an influence, the effects of which were so deeply and so 

universally felt, and how greatly must the general applause have fanned the flame which 

burned so ardently in the poet's heart ? The deference paid to the professors of poetry 

and music, was prompted by a sense of the utility of their labours, and by enthusiastic 

approbation. 

The retention of the Celtic Language and Manners by the unmixed descendants of the 

most ancient people of Europe, is a singular phenomenon in the history of mankind ; and 

not the least remarkable trait in the character of the race, is their genius for the sister 

arts of poetry and music. The patriarchal system, as incompatible with an altered state of 

society, has been broken up, and much indeed of national characteristic has been lost since 

its abolition. The different condition of the Highland population has lowered the Bardic 

profession from its former high standing. The powerful stimulus of "the man of song," 

is no longer required to animate the clansmen lor the battle field, or to preserve by his 

captivating recitations, the memory of the days cf old. His useful services as the Laureat, 

moral preceptor, and historical instructor, are not now rewarded by the free possession of 

a good farm, and other rights, but the innate love of poetry has still preserved the un- 

broken generation of Bards. The people yet highly appreciate the poet's lays, and the feel- 

ings of unabated delight with which the Highlander continues to cherish the Song, show 

that the ancient spirit has not decayed. 

The numerous collections of Gaelic pieces which have from time to time appeared, 

evince the national taste, and display the poetical acquirements of the writers, but how

INTRODUCTION. 

small a proportion these bear to the stores yet floating in oral record, selections from which 

are now submitted to the public ! The 

following pieces will give natives a more extended 

idea of the value of poetic treasure in their rugged and romantic country, while to the 

reader who is a stranger to the language in which the immortal Bard of Selma formed his 

imperishable compositions, the varied lives of so many remarkable and talented individuals, 

must prove an interesting novelty. 

An appropriate introduction to the Beauties of the Gaelic Poets, appears to be a brief 

account of that long descended race, which so justly demands regard, and of which they 

ever formed so important a class. Connected with this is a demonstration that the lan- 

guage in which the following poems appear, is that handed down to their authors from 

ancestors the most remote. 

The Celtic race were the first known inhabitants of Europe, which was occupied 

throughout by various tribes or clans. The appropriate name which this remarkable 

people gave themselves was Celtse, but the terms Calatae, Galatse, or Gallatians, and Galli, 

or Gauls, were adopted by the Greeks and Romans, and were the appellations by which 

in later ages they were usually distinguished.* 

Various etymological conjectures are advanced as explanatory of these designations. A 

name descriptive of locality does not appear reasonably applicable to nations spread over 

an extensive continent and its numerous islands ; they could neither be described as living 

in woods, nor on the hills, nor beside the waters, with any propriety, either by themselves 

or by others. t A more probable derivation is from the fair complexion by which the 

ancients characterized the race. This is the etymon given by Greek scholars, as if the 

body was " Galactoi," milky coloured; and as G and C are commutable letters, it must be 

confessed that the Gaelic Gealta or Cealta, has the closest possible resemblance to Celta. 

The original seat of the human race was undoubtedly the fertile plains of Asia, but 

when the Celtic stream first rolled from that productive storehouse of nations, is never 

likely to become known .J Successive waves of migratory hordes must have flowed from 

the east, impelled by a want of food or a thirst for conquest, long before the Trojan war, 

when the Keltoi were first known to the Greeks, or when Herodotus, the father of history, 

informs us they inhabited to the farthest wcst.S Their daring enterprise and mighty con- 

quests had shaken the well-settled empires of Greece and Rome, when these nations were 

yet unacquainted with the regions whence issued the overwhelming hosts, and scarcely 

knew their terrific foes, save through the disturbed vision of a frightened imagination.il 

Various sections of the dense population of western Europe came alternately under 

historical notice, as their power and influence brought them more prominently into view. 

The Cimmerii, or Cimbri, the Getu.' or Goths, the Seythse or Celto-Scyths, the Germanni, 

* Appian. Pausaniae. 

f A holt of origins] writers, British and foreign, Iiavo exercised their ingenuity to give this word a 

satisfactory signification. 

£ Prichard demonstrates their eastern origin from the language. See many curious analogies with the 

Hebrew &c, in Maclean's Hist, of the Celtic Language- 1840. 

§ Book J V. c. 8. he nourished 600 years, A. C. 

|| 

Livy, Appian, Plutarch, on theCimbrian war,&c.,&c., \c,show what frightful beings fear hud painted 

these formidable invaders,

NTRODUCTION. 

the Teutoni, and the three divisions of Gallia proper ; the Celts, Belgs, and Aquitains, 

successively occupy a predominant share in the eventful page of history. From the testi- 

mony of numerous ancient authorities, these appear rather subdivisions of an identic race, 

than different nations. If Celtae gave place to Galli, Scythse became Germanni, &c. The 

name Lochlin and Lychlin was applied by the British tribes to Germany, and they con- 

sidered it the same country as Gaul." 

There can be no doubt, that local position, commerce, and other circumstances, will, 

in process of time, occasion so much difference between branches of an original race, that 

they will appear, and may be justly considered different nations. Thus, the Greeks and 

Barbarians so closely resembled each other, previous to the time of Homer, that no dis- 

tinction in manners or language appears to have then existed. 

When continental Europe had become fully peopled, emigration to the British isles 

must have speedily taken place, and the obvious route was from the opposite coast of 

Gaul, to South Britain, but at what period the first adventurers arrived, can only be 

matter of conjecture. Some part of the maritime population were known to the Romans 

as mercantile settlers from the continent, but those who inhabited the interior, had lost 

all tradition of their origin, and, like their Gaulish ancestors, believed themselves the 

indigenous possessors of the island. % To the early Greeks and Romans it was unknown, 

but the assertion has been reiterated that the Phoenicians had established a commercial 

relation with the natives upwards of 2,800 years ago, and carried on a lucrative trade 

with them in lead and tin.§ 

The author of the Argonautica, writing nearly 600 years before our era, speaks of Iernis, 

which, signifying the western island, [Iar-innis,] would apply to either Britain or Ireland, 

and Aristotle, who flourished two centuries and a half later, calls the former both Albium 

and Brettania. These and other scanty notices of a certain island opposite Gaul, are 

more curious than satisfactory or important ; the fact of an early colonization is proved 

by the numerous population at the period of the Roman advent, 55, A. C.,|| and the 

whole was composed of various tribes represented as arriving at different times from the 

continent, forcing back the previous settlers and presenting those great divisions, in the 

illustration of whose descent, historians have so laboriously employed themselves. 

The Welsh or Cumri, from their general appellation of Ancient Britons, are considered 

as the original inhabitants,** but it is admitted by their own antiquaries, and shown by 

others, that the Gael, or in their own lingual form, the Gwyddel must have preceded 

them.f f The Welsh authorities preserve the names of other colonies which arrived at 

uncertain periods. The Lloegrws came from Gwasgwn or Gascony, and were the pro- 

genitors of those who possessed England, and the Bry thon, from Lhydaw or Bretagne, who 

it is said gave name to the island, both being of Cuinraeg descent. tt 

* Welsh authorities, and the Highland Society's Report on the Poems of Ossian, App. 309. 

+ Thucydides. J G'sesar, of the Gallic wars, book. V. chap. 12. 

§ The Cassiterides, or Tin islands, are believed to be the Scillies. See various authorities cited " Scottish 

Gael," 1. 34. 

|| Csesar, Diodorus Siculus. ** Welsh Triads and other authorities, 

ft Edw. Lhvvd, &.c. t+ Tallieseu. Whittaker. 

f

II 

INTRODUCTION. 

The Romans found the southern coasts occupied by tribes of Belgic origin, who are 

supposed to have arrived three or four centuries before the birth of Christ. Successive 

emigrations forced the inhabitants westward, and to the north, but certainly nothing is 

recorded to warrant the belief, that the whole were not of Gaulic origin.* Scotland was 

possessed by a Celtic people, divided into twenty-one tribes, some of whom became at 

times conspicuous from more daringly contending with their ambitious foes, or being 

chosen to direct the national confederations, but the collective inhabitants were, as they 

have ever been, denominated by themselves and their brethren in Ireland, Albanich, 

Albanians ; natives of Alban or Albion, a name of which they still are justly proud, thus 

vindicating their claim to be considered the primordial race. 

Several of the great divisions lost their names in the fluctuations of a predatory and 

unsettled state of society and were ultimately incorporated with more powerful neigh- 

bours. The Mu3ataj, (Magh-aiiich,) dwellers on the plain, whose situation between the 

prsetentures, a sort of debateable land, exposed them more particularly to the devastations 

of war, but gave ample scope for the acquisition of military renown, lost their prominence 

when the Romans succeeded in forming their territories into the province of Valentia, 

and when the legions were finally compelled to leave the island, the Meats, losing their 

consequence, were quickly amalgamated with the general body. The Caledonii who 

were the ruling tribe in the great confederation which Galgaeus led to battle at the Gram- 

pians, ceded their warlike pre-eminence to other branches who came into power. The 

term by which they were distinguished, whatever may be its precise meaning, displays in its 

composition Cael or Gael, the appropriate name of the most ancient inhabitants of both 

Albion and Erin, and it still subsists, if not the native, yet the classical appellation.! The 

redoubted Picts themselves were at last embodied with their more successful countrymen 

the Scots, but long retained the evidence of their descent in the designation of Gaelwe- 

dians, and Galloway is still applied to a greatly reduced portion of their ancient kingdom. 

No more prolific subject of literary contention has offered itself to the national contro- 

versialists, than the lineage of the Pietish nation, that powerful division which so long 

shared the sovereignty of the kingdom. A prevailing tradition from most early ages, 

held them as the original inhabitants ;J the Roman writers identified them with the 

Caledonians,^ and in later ages they were recognised as Scots. || One 

opinion has many 

able advocates : it is that they were a Cuinraeg nation, using that branch of the Celtic lan- 

guage, but were expelled by the Ga» : l. Certainly we look in vain for a proof of this in the 

names which remain, even in the territories of the Strathclyde Welsh, which arc believed 

to have extended to Cumberland—all are Gaelic.^ But reverting to another opinion 

not less keenly supported : were the Picts of Gothic extract ? It is not probable, that at 

BO early an epoch, the Scandinavian wastes could furnish such a force as would be sufficient 

to expel the Celts and supplant their language, for except there was a very considerable 

number of colonists, the strangers would inevitably lose their own tongue in mixture with 

the natives. Language, like manners, is liable to change from many operating causes, 

* Chalmers' Caledonia. I. 1' OjrwardB of twenty etymologies are given of this name. 

X Bede. Sue the arguments of [nnes. ("i it. Eaaay. S Eumenius, &c. H Ualfridus Monumutensis. 

U Pinkerton,— Betham.

INTRODUCTION. 

and differences in one which is widely spread, especially when unwritten, will greatly in- 

crease by the long estrangement of the branches, who own a common descent. Gram- 

marians raise the polished structures, but the simple vocables attest the kindred alliance. 

The affinity of languages most certainly evinces the ancient connexion of nations, that in 

course of time become very widely separated. The Greek and Gothic have satisfactorily 

displayed to the learned their common parentage, and we know that Gallic words pre- 

dominated in the Latin, derived through that most ancient Celtic race, the Umbri, who 

were the aborigines of Italy, and this classic tongue in grammatical construction, bore 

close resemblance to the Gaelic* 

The assertion has been confidently repeated, that the Belgic portion of the British 

tribes, Gothic as the Picts, like them, obtruded a different language, which in the form of 

Saxon and English has superseded in the greater portion of Britain, the primeval tongue. 

How far this argument can be supported, it will be satisfactory to inquire. Do the 

names applied to natural objects on record, and as yet preserved in those parts which the 

two nations inhabited, favour the assumption, or do the Roman historians, our only guides, 

afford their evidence in its favour ? Caesar describes the South Britons as being in all 

respects like the people of Gaul, from which country he says they were.f Tacitus in- 

forms us, the Gothinian was the Gaelic, and he particularizes two distinguished Belgic 

tribes, the Cimbri and /Estii, as using the proper British language.^ 

The Gothic tribes came to the west of Europe, long after the Celtic migrations had 

spread population over the land, but the Getae were Scyths, and these retained the name 

of Celto-Scyths.§ when their ancient brethren and precursors, the Keltse, had fixed 

themselves far distant in the west. The Gothic first prevailed in England, and a striking 

evidence of the progressive change of language among nations of dissimilar pursuits, is the 

fact related in the Sagas, that widely different as the present English is from the northern 

tongues, a Saxon could converse so easily with a Scandinavian, in the 10th century, that 

lie could not discover him to be a foreigner. || The 

Gothic did not become the language of 

the low country of Scotland, until comparatively recent times. The whole inhabitants were 

originally of one race, whatever shades of difference may have been observable in separate 

districts, of which a clear demonstration is afforded by the entire coincidence of local 

names, personal appellations, similar modes of interment, and relics of superstition 

throughout the whole extent of the country ; that this race was Celtic, is satisfactorily 

proved by the terms being significant in the Gaelic language, and in no other. In the years 

547 and G50, the kings of Northumberland ravaged the southern districts, and seizing the 

country between the Forth and Tweed, filled the province with their Anglo-Saxon vassals, 

thus first inducing the adoption of the Anglo-Saxon language ; and the events of the 

Norman conquest, 1066, when the royal family, the nobility and their followers were com- 

pelled to seek the protection of Malcolm III., mightily assisted in the introduction ; for the 

kingdom became so filled with them, that there was not a farm-house or cottage in the south, 

which did not contain English men and women servants !1f The refugees were located 

* Quintilian. Appendix to Report on the Poems of Ossian. 263. + De Bello Gallico. 

X De moribus Gennanoram. § Aristotle, Stiabo, Plutarch. || Gunlaug saga, &c. 

TI Simeon Dunelmensis, L. II. c. 34.

INTRODUCTION. 

on the borders and east coast by the policy of our kings, as a good means of defence against 

the English and Danes, and it may not have been so practicable to plant them in the in- 

land, the Highlanders bearing such intruders no good will. Moreover, the enterprise of the 

Saxons led them to prefer the east coast, where the powerful stimulus of commercial ad- 

vantage, hastened the adoption of their speech ; finally, the Scottish kings, from Malcolm 

Cean-mor to Alexander II., spent part of their lives in England, where they acquired the 

language, and married princesses of that country, and when the seat of government was 

removed from the Highlands, theirs became the court language, which gradually extended 

in the maritime parts. In the heights and distant isles, the pastoral and agricultural 

population clung with increased tenacity to their original tongue, the patriarchal institu- 

tions of Clanship being peculiarly calculated to prevent any disturbance of their social state. 

Another portion of the inhabitants remains to be noticed, which had the fortune to 

preserve its appropriate name, and impart it to the whole. The appellation Scoti or 

rather Scuite, is apparently a modification of Scyth, the name by which the great unsettled 

branch of the continental Celts were distinguished, and is descriptive of the wandering 

life which a large portion of the inhabitants led through their predatory habits, and for 

the easy pasturage of their numerous flocks.* Those who had store of herds, possessed 

the only riches of the pastoral state. In Ireland, which was inhabited by the Britons, f 

who were forced over, as we are told, on the arrival of the Belgs in England,:): the Scots 

were the dominant and noble class, the natives or aborigines being considered an inferior 

order. § The epithet was adopted by the monkish writers, but does not appear to have 

been acknowledged by the Gael, at least in Scotland, where they have stedfastly adhered 

to their national distinction. 

In Erin as in Albion, the Scotic people were named the Pictish, and were known also 

as Cruthenich, a name indicative of peculiar habits. || 

The close connexion between the 

Scots of both countries, was such as became nations owning a common origin, in which they 

had an equal pride. The Dalriadic Kinglet, which the county of Antrim nearly represents, 

was long subject to the Scottish line, but at last the regal seat was removed to Argyle, 

and from this little sovereignty came the race of princes who crushed the vigorous inde- 

pendence of the Pictish throne, and so long ruled over the united Giiel. This transfer of 

the dynasty, whatever may have been the motives which swayed the minds of those 

who favoured it, was not accomplished without a display of " the high hand. "II 

Did the Dalriadic colony, as a different people, bring to Scotland their own language, 

and become the first disseminators of the Gaelic, vulgarly called Erse ? This has been 

rashly asserted, but after what has been said on the subject of language, it seems unne- 

cessary to devote more time in disproving an evident absurdity.** The Gaelic, the pri- 

mordial tongue used by the whole inhabitants of both countries, has gradually given way 

* " Tin; wandering nation" of the Beanaehiei and " restless wanderers" of Ossian. Ammianus, Dio, &c. 

attest the vagrant habits of the Scots; Herodotus, Horace, Ammiauus, &c, of the Scvths. 

+ Diodoms Hie, Dionysius Periegetei. J Heard. Cirencestrensis. § Bede. 

" Haters of com." MacPherson. It is not Improbable that this is the term Dhraonich, Agriculturists. 

|| 

Grant's Thoughts on the Gael. H The Allanic Duan. 

** See the authorities quoted. Kitson's Annals of the Scots, l'icts, &C

INTRODUCTION. IX 

on the south and east sides of Scotland. In Carrick it was only lately extinguished: in 

Galloway it was spoken in the reign of Queen Mary 1542— 1566,* and during the same 

reign we find it the common language in the Gariach district of Aberdeenshire, from the 

upper parts of which it has receded in our own memory.t This much is to be observed, 

that within the Garbh-Criochan, or boundaries of the Highlands, where the recession of 

the Gaelic has not been in consequence of Saxon settlements, the manners of the people 

are essentially Gaelic, and they retain at home and abroad the predilections of their 

birth, particularly cherishing a just admiration of the bardic art, and possessing the char- 

acteristic taste for national melody. 

The foregoing opinions are not newly formed : the writer of these pages having in 

another publication, some years ago, gone at greater length into the subject, is happy to 

find that his views are now generally adopted. 

The Celts, from whom it was reluctantly acknowledged by both Greeks and Romans, 

that they had derived many of the useful arts and sciences, nay, even their philosophy, 

were distinguished by very remarkable habits and customs, many of which still charac- 

terize their descendants ; and their personal appearance offered a striking contrast to that 

of the inhabitants of Italy and Greece. To whatever cause is to be attributed the general 

mixture of dark-complexioned individuals among the Gael, inducing the assertion, so often 

repeated, that they display the genuine Celtic hue, nothing is more particularly noticed 

than the fairness of skin, the blue eyes and the yellow hair of all branches of the race. 

So anxious were the Gauls to improve the glowing brightness of their flowing locks, that 

in the desire to heighten, by frequent washing and other artificial means, its natural 

colour, they hit on the manufacture of soap.§ The general appearance of the Celts must 

have been very peculiar to excite the notice of so many writers,|| and their aspect must 

have been a matter of ostentation, when its preservation was an object of national care.*[[ 

The bardic effusions have always extolled the golden ringlets as imparting beauty to both 

sexes, comparing them to the gracefulness of flowing gold—to the loveliness of the golden- 

haired sun; while one of an opposite colour is alluded to as an exception. The Welsh 

are perhaps the darkest of the race, for they called the others Gwyddil coch, the red- 

haired Gael. The careful arrangement of the hair, was one of the most particular 

duties of a Celtic toilet, and the practice of trimming or " glibbing" it, was put down 

in Ireland as an anti-English practice, by act of Parliament. 

The comeliness and great stature of the Celts were acknowledged ; the Britons and 

Caledonians, particularly exhibiting that stately appearance which in early society 

would be an object of pride, and a favourite theme for bardic compliment. The com- 

manding figures of the Fingalian heroes, and those of later date, are always kept in view. 

The dispositions of a people are however more worthy of consideration, personal ap- 

pearance being dependent on physical causes, while the mental affections and moral feel- 

ings are influenced by other circumstances. 

* Buchanan, &c. + Chalmers' Caledonia, vol. 1. X Diogenes Laertius. § Pliny, xxviii. 12. 

|| Herodotus, Ciesar, Straho, Lucan, Livy, Silius, Diodorus, Tacitus, Pliny, Isidorus, &c, all describe 

the Celts as fair. Ti Amm. Marc, xxvii. 1. Tacitus, &c. 

+

INTRODUCTION. 

On the ministers of religion devolve the care of forming the morals, and on legislators 

the regulation of society by the enaction of laws, the coercion of the wicked, and en- 

couragement of the virtuous. These two important functions, so naturally allied, were 

combined in one individual among the early Celts. That highly interesting and venerable 

order the Druids, who presided over a religion the most ancient, included the singularly 

important class, the Bards, the disseminators of knowledge, or rather as some maintain, 

they were in truth the body, of which the Druids formed a p;irt, if more exalted in rank, 

certainly not a more numerous nor popular division. 

Britain seems to have been the hyperborean island alluded to by Ilecatanis, a very 

ancient writer, who describes it as lying opposite to Gaul, and being as large as Sicily. 

The inhabitants led the most happy lives, spending great part of their time in playing on 

the harp, and worshipping the gods in groves and circular temples.* It is certain that in 

Britain was the grand seminary for Druidic learning, to which the youth from Gaul re- 

sorted to complete their course of education, and to which reference was made in all cases of 

controversy or doubt. In the southern province, therefore, we find the wondrous remains of 

the stupendous works of Avebury and Stonehenge, with many other circular erections of 

the Clachan mor of less note throughout England and Wales. In Anglcsea was the 

sacred fane and last retreat of the British druids, while seeking to escape the Roman 

sword. In Ireland the great Feis, or bardic convention, was held on the hill of Tara, 

(Teamhair) in Meath, and the science studied in different seminaries. In Scotland, besides 

other consecrated precincts, was Elian Druinieh, now Iona, the isle wherein the chief 

establishment of bards was placed, which the celebrated Columor Columba supplanted by 

a college of the scarcely less famous Christian order of Culdees, as he did with that sacred 

grove where now stands the town of Derry in Ireland, t To this latter country the 

bards are supposed to have been first introduced by the colony of Danas, and the name, 

believed to have come from Dan a song, is noticed as a corroborative proof. They 

would no doubt accompany the first Celtic settlers, and in all probability held their appro- 

priate place among the Milesian adventurers. 

Legislation—the services of religion, and the poetic art, were blended in primitive 

society, and the united duties performed by one person ; the priests, the historians, and 

the lawgivers, were consequently of the bardic order. Although it cannot be admitted as 

true that " poetry preceded prose," yet it is not paradoxical to assert that verse was an- 

terior to prose as the medium of record. It was used in intercession with the Deity, and 

was the vehicle ol all praise. The ethics of antiquity were delivered and orally preserved 

in pithy rhymes ; in this way, the earlier decrees of Greece were promulgated, and re- 

mained for ages ere they were engraven on tablets in the public ways, and even then the 

metrical form was not abandoned, nor did the people find another word for law than verse.t 

Strong indeed was the attachment to oral record, but still stronger was the predilection 

for rhyme ; even after writing had come into use, the form of versification was fondly 

retained. The Brehons or Gaelic judges delivered their decrees in sententious poetry, and 

* Diodorus. + Hence the name, from Danu-li, an oak. 

% Wood on the genius of Homer. The Spartans would not permit thoix laws to he written.

INTRODUCTION. 

Columba, who is himself believed to have been of the bardic order, and other early 

ecclesiastics delivered their moral precepts, as no doubt was the common practice, in 

impressive verse.* It was in this style of composition, that the Gaelic genealogies of the 

Scottish kings, repeated by the seanachies at coronations were formed.-)- In Wales, 

numerous moral triplets are confidently ascribed to the Druids : 

in the Highlands, many 

such apothegms, handed down from the Sean'ir, or men of antiquity, are of similar origin. 

The Druids, like the Pythagoreans, a similar sect, were most careful to exercise the 

memory, and it was a positive law that there should be no written record; the first devia« 

tion from which appears to have been, as far as respected religion, but the poems were too 

mystical to be understood, save by the initiated, and it was not permitted to speak openly 

of the ceremonials or secrets of their profession ; to sing in heroic verse the praises of 

illustrious men, was the unrestricted and most congenial duty of the bard. How admi- 

rably fitted for the assistance of recollection was the use of poetry—how well adapted for 

diffusing throughout the community, a knowledge of the laws by which foreign and inter- 

nal relations were directed ; of the misfortunes which depressed, or the successes which 

brightened the national prospects ;—the song kept alive the memory of transactions 

which gained the friendship of neighbours, or exalted military renown— it transmitted to 

succeeding generations the oistory of illustrious individuals—the woes and calamities of 

the unfortunate ! How little even now, are the people in general indebted for their 

acquaintance with events, to the pages of the historian ? It is the record of vocal song 

which so long preserves among the illiterate the remembrance of bygone transactions. 

There is much truth in what has been observed on this sort of vehicle for the convey- 

ance of opinion ; " songs are more operative than statutes, and it matters little who are 

the legislators of a country, compared with the writers of its popular ballads." With the 

Celts the statutes were really poems, and the observation of Macpherson is just : " The 

moral character of our ancestors owed more to the compositions of the bard, than to the 

precepts of the Druids. "+ The druidic injunction for cultivating the power of recollection, 

long affected the national character, and in the Highland districts, it cannot be said to 

have altogether ceased as a popular object. The Gael frequently met for the purpose of 

friendly contest in the repetition and singing of their ancient poems, and poetic talent 

was one of the most respected accomplishments. In Wales, its possession elevated one 

to rank. A Highland amusement which Johnson describes, is illustrative of the poetic 

spirit. A person enveloped in a skin enters the house, when the company affecting to be 

frightened, rush forth; the door is then closed, and 'before they are admitted, for the 

honour of poetry, says the doctor, each must repeat, at least a verse. The young men 

who celebrate the festival of Colain, or bringing in of the new year, are obliged to re- 

cite an extempore rhyme before they are admitted to any house. The Dronn, or rump, 

was called the bard's portion ; whoever received it, was obliged to compose a verse ; and 

many a humorous couplet has the present elicited. This is called Beanneachadh Bhaird, 

* Dr Macpherson's Dissertation, 21.5. 

+ The last repetition of a Gaelic genealogy was at the coronation of Alexander III., in 1249. 

J Introduction to the Hist, of Britain.

INTRODUCTION. 

or the Bard's Blessing, and it was customary to give a metrical salutation as a mark of 

respect ; a composition in praise of one whose kindness or hospitality had been experienced, 

was an equally common effort of the muses. Dr Donald Smith, speaking of MS. poems of 

Ossian, and those collected by Duncan Kennedy, which scarcely differed, observes, " The 

test which such an agreement affords at a distance of almost three hundred years, of the 

fidelity of tradition, cannot but seem curious to such as have not had an opportunity of 

observing the strength which memory can attain, when unassisted by writing, and 

prompted to exertion by the love of poetry and song."* 

The Fear Sgeulachd or reciter of tales in Ireland, although now perhaps reduced to 

an itinerant mendicant, was formerly a personage whose entertaining and instructive 

rehearsals always procured becoming respect. These men were walking chronicles, the 

depositaries of what was old, and the disseminators of passing novelties. A favourite 

pastime among the Gael was recitations of the old poems in manner of dramas, for 

which they were excellently adapted, if not originally so intended. 

The chief object of the Celts in the nurture and education of their children, being to 

promote hardiness of constitution and corporeal strength, and to instil into the mind a 

sense of justice, and the highest notions of freedom and of warlike renown, their institu- 

tions were of a serious and martial cast.t The population were stimulated by the bardic 

exhortations from early childhood, to contemn inglorious ease and death itself, and to 

emulate the heroic virtues for which their ancestors were so highly extolled, as the only 

means by which they could attain distinction here and happiness hereafter. The labours 

of those national preceptors were eminently successful, and the bloody and protracted 

wars which they so intrepidly sustained in Gaul, against the conquerors of the world, 

tarnishing their arms, before unsullied,ì bear ample testimony to the love of freedom. 

In our own country, was the influence of those patriots less strong ? " Neither by 

Romans, Saxons, Danes nor Normans, could they ever be conquered, either in Britain or 

Ireland; but as they could not successfully resist the overwhelming numbers, and superior 

discipline of their enemies in the plain country, they retreated with the highest spirited 

and most intractable of their countrymen, into the mountains, where they successfully 

defied the legions of the Roman and Saxon barbarians. For more than a thousand years 

they maintained their country's independence in the mountains of Wales and Scotland, 

whence they constantly made incursions upon their enemies. Here it was, where, with 

their native wild and beautiful music, and in poetry which woidd not disgrace a Homer, 

being the production of passion not of art, their venerable Druids deplored their country's 

misfortunes, or excited their heroes to the fight." These are the words of a Saxon 

writer, who made the history of the Druids, and their mysterious religion, subjects of the 

most profound research. 

§ 

An order which possessed the power of inflaming their countrymen to the fiercest re- 

sistance of invasion, and uncxtinguishable passion for liberty, was subjected to the direst 

* Report of the Committee of the Highland Society of Scotland, on the authenticity of Ossian, p. 302. 

+ Tacitus, fee J [bid. C 53. Amm. Marc. c. xxxi. Lucan. 

§ Higgina' History of tlie Celtic Druidi, 4to. p, 276.

INTRODUCTION. 

persecution of their implacable enemies. The cruelty with which the Romans accom- 

plished the slaughter of the British Druids, even in the sacred isle of Mona, had only a 

parallel in the massacre of the Welsh bards, by Edward the first of England. The 

indomitable spirit of resistance to aggression, which these illustrious patriots so effectually 

cherished in their countrymen, aroused the sanguinary vengeance of their ambitious foes, 

and the same policy, with a subdued severity, animated Queen Elizabeth, and Henry the 

Eighth, in their proscriptive legislation for the natives of Ireland. 

Many instances are on record of the extraordinary power of music, which was always 

in ancient times an accompaniment to the song. Tyrtaeus, by the chanting of his heroic 

verses, so inspirited the sinking Lacedemonians, that, rallying, they gained a triumphant 

victory, and saved the state. Terpander succeeded in appeasing a seditious outbreak, by 

singing an appropriate composition to the sound of his lyre, and Alcasus rescued his 

country by the same means. The bards not only inflamed the martial zeal of the people, 

rousing them to arms in defence of all they held dear, but they accompanied the armies 

to the field, and their persons being held inviolable by friend and foe, they employed 

themselves in moving about, sustaining the courage of the troops in the heat of battle 

charging them to acquit themselves like men, and thereby obtain the approbation of their 

country, assuring them of ample fame on earth, and a joyful existence hereafter, should 

they bravely fall. 

" Ye bards, raise high the praise of heroes, that my soul may settle 

on their fame !" was an appropriate Celtic ejaculation. To die without this fame was a 

misfortune felt beyond the grave ; the spirit rested not, when nothing had been done on 

earth to ensure its posthumous meed of praise. 

The bards were also the heralds who summoned the clans to the strife of arms, a duty 

which was afterwards effected by the fleet bearers of the Crann taradh, and that important 

official in the establishment of a chief, the Piobair-mor. An instance occurs in the poem 

of Temora where a bard performs the ceremony ; he proceeds to the hall of Shells, where 

the chiefs were assembled, and raising aloud the song of war, he calls on the spirits to 

come on their clouds, and be witness to the heroism of their descendants. The bards 

were in fact called upon by the leaders, as those on whose well-directed exertions rested 

the fate of battle, to rehearse the glorious exploits of former heroes, and by urging 

every motive to exertion, endeavour to carry the day by esprit du corps, not unlike the 

way in modern times of calling on the pipers 

— 

seid suas, play up ? But they stood in no 

need of command ; they acted in their vocation con amore, and they could excite or 

appease the warlike passions at their will ; nay, with such awe were these men of song 

regarded, that they would step between armies which had drawn swords and levelled 

spears for immediate action ; and the ireful combatants, as if their fury had been tamed 

by a charm, instantly dropt their arms.* The shaking of the " Chain of silence" by the 

Irish bards, produced the same effect, t 

Their prophetic character added greatly to their influence ; 

for they professed to foretell 

the fate of wars, and the destiny of individuals. So nearly allied are the gifts of poetry. 

t Walker's Hist. Ir. Bards. 

;

] INTRODUCTION. 

and prophecy, that the same individuals were professors of both, and henee it is that we 

find the Romans using the terms indiscriminately, especially with reference to those in 

their Gaulish provinces. Of the prophecies of the Gauls, many instances are related ; they 

were hold in much estimation for their auguries and predictions, and were consulted by 

even the emperors of Rome. Those soldiers who were in their armies, perhaps from 

their national gravity, and dark and figurative manner of expression,* compared with their 

Italian comrades, were looked on as seeing more clearly into futurity than others. The 

spirit descended on their successors in the British isles. In the Principality, the faculty 

in the bardic order was tacitly acknowledged, and Irish history affords many proofs 

of the conjunction, whilst among the Scottish Gael, the ability to prognosticate unerr- 

ingly, was repeatedly claimed, and respectfully conceded. Fingal himself, by concurrent 

tradition, is allowed, with other attributes of one so illustrious, to have possessed in an 

eminent degree, the ability to predict corning events. The court poets, about 1323, 

delivered a prophecy respecting King David, which was fully credited.! 

Numerous proofs of the unabated influence of bardie exhortations on individuals, clans, 

and confederated armies, could be adduced. When the orator, standing on a cairn or 

other eminence, harangued the assembled host, in energetic verse, descanting in glowing 

terms on the well earned glories of the race—their heroism and other virtues, reminding 

them that on present exertions depended their country's fate—their own, their wives and 

children's safety ; that the freedom which their sires bequeathed, it was for them to 

maintain and faithfully transmit to following generations ; and when he warned them that 

the shades of their noble ancestors hovered near to witness their prowess, and bear them 

to the realms of bliss, if they bravely fell, the climax was attained, and in the paroxysm 

of generous resolution, with a simultaneous shout, the whole rushed forward to the melèe. 

Those who survived, were welcomed by the fair with the songs of praise; the bards ex- 

tolling their exploits in the most laudatory strains. 

The War Song of Gaul in the fourth book of Fingal, shows the usual style of the 

Prosnachadh cath, which is the name applied to it, corresponding to the Irish Kosgacath, 

and the Welsh Arymes prydain.ì The address of that intrepid chief of the Caledonian 

confederation, Galgacus, delivered to his troops previous to the great battle of the Gram- 

pians, is highly interesting for its antiquity, the eloquence it displays, and the light it 

throws on the sentiments of that unconquerable race, to whom the Britons of the south 

alleged the gods themselves were scarcely equal. The famed Caractacus would animate 

his forces in a similar manner ; and it is probable both delivered their harangues in 

verse, and may indeed have been of the bardic order. The strife was truly "kindled by 

the songs of the bards." "Go Ullin— go my aged bard! remind the mighty Gaul of 

battle— remind him of his fathers—support the yielding fight; for the song enlivens war," 

says the king of Morven. 

It is unnecessary to multiply examples : the practice was retained as long as clanship 

was entire. The Brosnachadh cath Gariach, composed by Lachlan Mac Mhuireach, the 

* Diod. Marcel. t Fonlun, xiii. 5. £ Cambrian Register.

INTRODUCTION. XV 

bard of Donald of the isles, at the bloody field of Harlaw in 141 1, is a specimen, curious 

for the subject and the strict alliteration in its composition. It has been observed as 

scarcely credible, that a bard could compose and deliver such lengthened exhortations in 

the battle field, and impossible to preserve such effusions afterwards, except he was 

" attended by a secretary !" These, and many similar objections to the authenticity of 

the ancient remains of Gaelic bards, have been offered by the late Rev. Edward Davies, 

author of " Celtic researches," in a very rare work, entitled, " The claims of Ossian 

considered." This writer, whose remarks we shall have occasion again to allude to, is the 

most severe assailant of the venerable bard who has yet appeared, and it is to be regret- 

ted, that the asperity, promoted by ignorance of the subject, which is evinced throughout 

his inquiry, tarnishes much the fame he acquired by his other learned productions. The 

bards doubtless studied the subject of their compositions, previous to rehearsal, and 

polished or perfected them afterwards. Ossian was as capable of composing Fingal and 

Temora, as Homer was to form the Iliad, and the deep misfortune, of being " blind, 

palsied, destitute, broken-hearted and illiterate," p. 53. and the last of his race, was 

rather favourable to his poetic genius, while it imparted a melancholy spirit. He might 

not be provided with an "amanuensis," but he had zealous admirers, and attentive auditors 

to his frequent repetitions ; and although Malvina might be 80 years of age, by Mr 

Davies' chronology, she could well store her memory, less disturbed by the passions of 

youth, with those affecting songs, which it delighted the hoary bard to repeat. 

A striking instance of the irresistible impression of these vigilant monitors occurs in 

Irish history. The primate of Ireland, in a conference with Fitzgerald, succeeded in 

convincing him of the folly and the guilt of a contemplated rebellion, when Nelan, the 

bard, lifting up his voice with his harp, poured forth a touching effusion, commemorative 

of the heroism of that noble's ancestors— of their wrongs and the inestimable value of 

freedom, and evoking quick revenge ; 

the gallant Thomas rushed forth and flew to arms. 

When aid was sought from neighbouring clans, the bard was the fitting messenger to 

arouse the sympathy of friends. In late and altered times, the poets exercised, by means 

of their compositions, a power scarcely inferior to that of their predecessors, in the days 

of Druidism. If they could not command the favour of a chief, they could neutralize his 

efforts by their songs, which took the desired effect on the less politic clansmen. Iain 

Loin and others performed wonders by the power of verse, and respect for their profes- 

sion. Rob Donn was more useful by the effect of his cutting poems, in favour of Prince 

Charles, than his chief was prejudicial in his operations with an unwilling clan. 

It is necessary here to notice, with attention, the religious tenets maintained by the 

Druids, that celebrated priesthood, which held unlimited power over a mighty race 

which instilled for many centuries of uninterrupted sway, those generous precepts, that 

not only operated on the mental faculties of the bard, himself so important a member of 

the community, but formed a national character, which is not even yet effaced. The pro- 

gress and fall of a system are to be traced, which became like other institutions, corrupt 

and injurious, through the venality of the professors of poetry, who had survived the re- 

ligion whence they emanated, which had long been abandoned by the human race, but 

—

INTRODUCTION. 

which left much, long- entwined with the holy faith we now maintain, strongly imbuing 

the poetic genius of the Gaelic bards. The wild imaginations of the enthusiastic Celts, 

led them to indulge in many superstitious ideas, but if, like other Pagans, they openly and 

emblematically admitted a plurality of Gods ; 

the belief in one supreme disposer of human 

events was the fundamental creed of the bardic hierarchy ; and if the people were 

persuaded of the truth of metempsychosis, or transmigration of spirits into other bodies, 

the more enlightened portion believed the immortality of the soul, in a state of happiness 

or misery. In the work of that intelligent Roman soldier and historian, Marcellinus, who 

was well acquainted with the Gauls, he thus speaks : "the Druidae of a higher polish and 

imagination, as the authority of Pythagoras decreed, being formed into societies or fellow- 

ships, were addicted wholly to the consideration of matters of divine and hidden import, 

and despising all human things, they confidently affirmed that the souls of men were im- 

mortal."* The simple and sublime doctrines, if it is permitted so to designate them, 

which the Druids taught, were to reverence the Deity— to abstain from evil, and to be- 

have with bravery; and they enforced their observance with unremitting energy. To the 

Almighty being, they paid adoration under the open canopy of heaven, esteeming it un- 

becoming to confine within a covered edifice, the worship of Him who created all things. 

At His mysterious shrine—circular, as the type of eternal duration,—they invoked divine 

favour, under the striking symbol of the resplendent sun, the apparent source of universal 

life. The appellations, Be 'il and Grian, or Granais were applied to the glorious lumi- 

nary, and they are still used by the Gael, although they do not attach to them those 

unchristian ideas, which darkened the mind of his ancestors, or perhaps being at all aware 

of the origin of terms formerly repeated with feelings of gratitude and veneration.f Many 

superstitions which yet maintain a hold on his imagination, are traceable to the mysterious 

dogmas of Druidism. Feelings carried along from ages the most remote, imbued the 

minds of the Gaelic poets who indulged the fond persuasion, that the aerial spirits of 

departed friends hovered near their earthly relatives, rejoicing in their success and happi- 

ness, warning them of impending misfortunes, and ready when meeting death, to bear their 

spirits on clouds to a happier region. This cannot be called a debasing belief. 

The only names which the Gael yet apply to Heaven and Hell, proclaim their origin 

in days of Paganism. The ideas concerning Flath-innis, the island of the brave or noble, 

which was supposed to lie far distant in the Western Ocean, and Ifrinn, the cold and dis- 

mal isle in which the wicked were doomed to wander, in chilling solitude, so inconsistent 

with, and diametrically opposed to the Christian faith, could never have been imbibed 

from the sacred records of divine will. The numerous imaginary beings, with which the 

Celts filled earth, air, and water, were admirable accessories to the poetic machinery ; 

they were perhaps originally deified, and although not yet discarded from popular belief, 

they are reduced to the less awful forms of phoeas, fairies, beansiths, Glasligs, &c. 

By all people, heaven has been pictured as an indescribable refinement, of all that im- 

parts pleasure to the inhabitants of earth; and it is otherwise impossible to form any idea 

* Book xv. eh. !l. + The Komnns, or Romanized Celts, niiseil ultars to them.

NTRODUCTION. 

of the joys awaiting the righteous, the reality of which "it hath not entered the heart of 

man to conceive." With the Gael, all the amusements in which they took delight, whilst 

dwellers in the lower world, were pursued without alloy in their aerial abode. All descrip- 

tions of the Celtic paradise, must fall short of their own conception of its glories, but the 

following effort of an ancient bard to impart some notion of its imaginary excellence, is 

highly interesting, abounding as it does in that hyperbolic style, which is impressed on 

all similar compositions. It gives also a curious picture of one of the Celtic sages. "In 

former days, there lived in Skerr, a Druid of high renown. The blast of wind waited 

for his commands at the gate ; he rode the tempest, and the troubled wave offered itself as 

a pillow for his repose. His eye followed the sun by day ; his thoughts travelled from 

star to star in the season of night. He thirsted after things unseen— he sighed over the 

narrow circle which surrounded his days. He often sat in silence beneath the sound of 

his groves ; and he blamed the careless billows that rolled between him and the green 

Isle of the west." One day as he sat thoughtful upon a rock, a storm arose on the sea: a 

cloud, under whose squally skirts the foaming waters complained, rushed suddenly into 

the bay ; and from its dark womb at once issued forth a boat, with its white sails bent to 

the wind, and around were a hundred moving oars : but it was void of mariners ; itself 

seeming to live and move. An unusual terror seized the aged Druid : he heard a voice, 

though he saw no human form. " Arise ! behold the boat of the heroes—arise, and see 

the green Isle of those who have passed away !" He felt a strange force on his limbs ; he 

saw no person ; but he moved to the boat. The wind immediately changed—in the bosom 

of the cloud he sailed away. Seven days gleamed faintly round him; seven nights added 

their gloom to his darkness. His ears were stunned with shrill voices. The dull mur- 

mur of winds passed him on either side. He slept not, but his eyes were not heavy : he 

ate not, but he was not hungry. On the eighth day, the waves swelled into mountains ; 

the boat rolled violently from side to side— the darkness thickened around him, when a 

thousand voices at once cried aloud,— " The Isle, the Isle!" "The billows opened wide 

before him ; the calm land of the departed rushed in light on his eyes. It was not a light 

that dazzled, but a pure, distinguishing, and placid light, which called forth every object 

to view in its most perfect form. The Isle spread large before him, like a pleasing 

dream of the soul ; where distance fades not on the sight—where nearness fatigues not 

the eye. It had its gently sloping hills of green; nor did they wholly want their clouds : 

but the clouds were bright and transparent, and each involved in its bosom, the source 

of a stream ; a beauteous stream, which wandering down the steep, waj like the faint 

notes of the half-touched harp to the distant ear. The valleys were open and free to the 

ocean; trees loaded with leaves, which scarcely waved to the light breeze, were scattered 

on the green declivities and rising grounds. The rude winds walked not on the moun- 

tain ; no storm took its course through the sky. All was calm and bright ; the pure 

sun of autumn shone from his blue sky on the fields. He hastened not to the west for 

repose ; nor was he seen to rise from the east. He sits in his mid-day height, and looks 

obliquely on the Noble Isle. In each valley is its slow-moving stream. The pure waters 

swell over its banks, yet abstain from the fields. The showers disturb them not ; nor are 

XV11

INTRODUCTION. 

they lessened by the heat of the sun. On the rising hill, are the halls of the departed— 

the high-roofed dwellings of the heroes of old."* 

There is here none of the barbarous ideas which distinguished the Scandinavians. The 

Celts never dreamt of such joys as were found in Odin's Hall, or of carrying vindictive 

feelings beyond the grave— no quaffing beverage from the skulls of enemies, and other 

marks of ferocious minds. There is here no purgatorial state— no such horrid passage, 

as led to the Elysium of the Greeks—the transit of the spirit from earth, is on clouds 

accompanied by those of relatives long before removed. There was indeed an intermediate 

position, occupied by the shades of those who had escaped the more awful penalty, but 

had no position in the abode of the virtuous. So difficult is it to control the vicious pro- 

pensities of mankind, that the Druids not only were empowered to pass a sentence, of the 

most strict excommunication, rendering it highly criminal in any to show the smallest 

favour to the proscribed, but they carried their pretensions farther, and debarred them 

from entering Flath-innis. For those who were guilty of venial crimes, or had shown 

" the little soul," by coming short of the standard of goodness, through cowardice, in- 

justice, &c, which did not incur the severer ban, it was impossible ever to reach the 

island of the brave. Their sluggish spirits heard no song of praise ; they were doomed 

to hover in miserable solitude, beside fens and marshes, tormented by unavailing 

regrets. 

To a northern people, as warmth is of all sensations the most desirable, so cold is the 

most to be avoided. Exposure to chilling winds, and a state of intense and continued 

frigidity, is a calamity, which those who were ill clad, must have dreaded even more than 

the want of food. It was therefore with them a natural imagination, that the place of 

final punishment should be wrapt in an atmosphere of everlasting frosts. Ifrinnf was 

therefore contemplated with feelings of horror, and the dread of being consigned for ever- 

more to its indescribable rigour, operated as a powerful check on the unworthy passions, j 

Besides piety to the objects of their worship, and unflinching bravery in the battle field, 

Druidic morality required the exercise of other duties, to merit the beatitude of the Isle 

of the exalted. The profession of bardism ensured a becoming degree of respect and 

awe, towards itself; while the patriarchal feelings of clanship bound closely the followers 

to their natural chiefs and protectors. 

Hospitality is a virtue of primitive society— its exercise was a positive law among the 

Gauls and Germans of old. J It continued unrestricted among the Gael, while their 

ancient system remained entire, and it is now only cooled, where modern civilization and 

refinement have intruded on the unsophisticated manners of an open-hearted race. " The 

red oak is in a blaze ; the spire of its flame is high. The traveller sees its light on the 

INTRODUCTION. 

"I will listen," says lie, "if I may hear their wandering steps. He goes. An aged bard 

meets him at the door."* This paragraph is from the fall of Tura, and on it Dr Smith 

remarks, that "hospitality is one of those virtues which lose ground, in proportion as 

civilization advances. It still subsists to a high degree in the highlands ; though vanish- 

ing so fast, that in some years hence, its existence in some parts may be as much doubted, 

as that of some other virtues ascribed by Ossian to his heroes. It is not many years, 

since it was the general practice to look out every evening, whether any stranger ap- 

peared, before the doors were shut. When any had cast up, the host had manifestly 

more pleasure in giving, than the guest in receiving the entertainment."* The Gauls 

never closed the doors of their houses, lest they should miss the opportunity of entertain- 

ing strangers.f Cean uai na dai, the point to which the way of the stranger leads, was 

the poetical appellation of the house of a chief. In the praise of this virtue thebardsever 

indulged, and these portions may well be ranked among the beauties of their compositions. 

" Hospitality stood at the outer gate, and with the finger of invitation, waved to the 

traveller as he passed on his way."+ " Turlach lived at Lubar of the streams. Stran- 

gers knew the way to his hall ; in the broad path there grew no mountain-grass—no door 

had he to his gate. ' Why,' he said, 'should the wanderer see it shut?' "§ So a Cum- 

raeg bard exclaims, " Cup-bearer! fill the horn with joy; bear it to Rhys in the court of 

the hero of treasure—the court of Owain, that is ever supported by spoils taken from the 

foe. It supports a thousand—its gates are ever open."|| But the entertainment of 

strangers and travellers was not left to individual feeling. In the Highlands, were 

numerous spidals (Hospitia) which like the Irish Fonnteach, were provided for at the 

public expense by Brehon appointment, and directed by the Bruighe or farmer of the 

open house. 

Lest the Gael might have an enemy under the roof, to whom they were equally bound 

by the honour and the rules of hospitality, the name and business of a stranger were not 

required, until after a considerable sojourn ; 

XIX 

a year and day was often suffered to elapse, 

ere a question on the subject was put—an extraordinary effort with a people so naturally 

inquisitive. 

The Druids would doubtless show an example of benevolence and condescension, which 

the extreme deference they received, could enable them to do without lowering their 

dignity. Had their rule been otherwise than benign, it would have been impossible for 

them to have maintained their undiminished influence so very long, among a people pro- 

verbially impatient of severity and coercion, yet more power was vested in them, than 

even in their princes ; it was to them as to magistrates that the settlement of all disputes 

was referred, whence they obtained the name of Co' retich, peace-makers, the Curetes 

of the Romans. Being physicians also, their aid would be frequently required; and 

their kind offices were cheerfully afforded. The promptitude with which they threw their 

protection over the distressed, is commemorated in a saying yet current in the 

Highlands : 

* Gallic Autiiuitiej, 317. t Agathias, I. ]?,. t Cave of Creyla. § Finan and Lorraa. 

II Cyveiliog, Prince of Powis 11. 1 1 (JO.

INTRODUCTION. 

" Ge fagus clach do làr, 

" S faig.ê na sin oobhaii Choibhi." 

*• The stone lies not closer to the earth, than the help of Coivi is to those in distress." 

This personage was no other than the Ard Druid, or chief Druid. Coivi is supposed to 

have been the title of the primate ; it is that given to the one who attended a coun- 

cil called by Edwin of Northumberland, when about to renounce paganism. Of their 

prescriptions, one is preserved in tradition, the observance of which would much con- 

duce to health. " Bi gu sugradh, geanmnaidh mocheir 'each." Be cheerful, temperate, 

and rise early, or take exercise. 

As those who entered the order were obliged to bear an unblemished character,* they 

were eminent in the practice of the virtues they sedulously inculcated. " Within this 

bosom there is a voice— it comes not to other ears— it bids Ossian help the helpless, in 

their hour of need." In the same poem, the bard shows the impropriety of sons re- 

viving the quarrels of their fathers ; had his excellent advice been attended to, in later 

times, it would have prevented many unfortunate feuds which were unhappily fomented, 

often for sinister purposes : 

" your fathers have been foes— forget their rage ye warriors, 

it was the cloud of other years !"f It was a high compliment to say that, " none ever 

went sad from Fingal," and proudly might a Celtic hero declare:— " my hand never in- 

jured the weak, nor did my steel touch the feeble in arms. O Oscar! bend the strong 

in arms, but spare the feeble hand. Be thou a storm of many tides against the foes of 

thy people ; but like the gale that moves the grass, to those who ask thine aid. So 

Trenmor lived—so Trathal was—such has Fingal been. My arm was the support of the 

injured ; the weak rested behind the lightning of my steel. "f More examples could be 

given of these just and generous sentiments of the bards, who, while they could determine 

war, had also authority to command peace, and denounce its disturbers. Deeds of cruelty, 

or the indulgence in a spirit of revenge was abhorrent to bardie principle, at least before 

the profession became mercenary, and parasitical. 

" If we allow a Celt to have been formed of the same materials with a Gicek and 

Roman, his religion ought certainly to have made him a better man, and a greater hero." 

Some have maintained, that there were no Druidesses/ Among the Gael, celibacy was 

certainly not a rule; for we hear of the bards having wives,— Ossian among others. The 

Isle of Sena, now Isle do Sain[ts], off the coast of France, contained a college of Druid- 

esses, who, like him of Skerr, had power over the winds, which they were in the practice 

of selling to credulous mariners. These unfortunate damsels fell at last victims to the 

sanguinary system of persecution, to which the votaries of bardism were every where sub- 

jected. Conan, Duke of Bretagne, in the fervour of his zeal, committed them to the flames.} 

Those who acted so conspicuous a part, when in desperation they defended themselves 

against Suetonius and his legions in Anglesea, were most probably the wives of the 

British Druids. Arrayed in black garments, they ran wildly to and fro, with dishevelled 

* Welsh, Irish, and Highland authorities. t Oina morul. J Lena. 

§ Kojoux. Dues de Bretagno. I. 135.

INTRODUCTION. 

hair and drawn swords, forcing back, like the Cimbric females of old, those who were 

retreating. " They are for this looked upon with detestation by those who at Eton, or 

Westminster, imbibe the notion that every thing is good which a Greek or Roman could 

do ; who triumph with iEneas over the unfortunate Turnus, or glory with the Romans 

over the fall of Carthage. But if those women had been Roman matrons defending the 

capitol, we should never have heard the last of their gallantry and patriotism."* 

Old poems show that the bard had no partiality for a single life ; and the Irish, by the 

ilbreacht laws, regulated the price of his wife's, as well as his own dress . in fact the 

succession was hereditary. 

Before dismissing the subject of religious belief, which gave so peculiar a character of 

wild sublimity to their poetical compositions, the settled conviction that the spirits of 

their ancestors "came to the ear of rest," and frequently appeared to men, acting as guar- 

dian angels, must be noticed as having had a strong effect on the sensitive mind, and fur- 

nishing to the bards a subject of the grandest description. It was a topic not to be over- 

looked by bard nor druid, in addressing themselves to their countrymen. The system of 

morality was adapted for this world, and, to please the great, and secure the approbation of 

their immortal countrymen, was all else they expected. The appearance of Crugal, with 

his melancholy presages, is an extraordinary effort of the poet. " Dim and in tears he 

stood, and stretched his pale hand over the hero. Faintly he raised his feeble voice, like 

the gale of the reedy Lego. My ghost, O Connal ! is on my native hills, but my corse 

is on the sands of Ullin. Thou shalt never talk with Crugal, or find his lone steps in the 

heath. I am light as the blast of Cromla, and I move like the shadow of mist. Connal, 

son of Colgar, I see the dark cloud of death. It hovers over the plain of Lena. The 

sons of green Erin shall fall,—remove from the field of ghosts :" This was hot a dream, 

but the supposed actual appearance of the fallen warrior. At times their appearance was 

wishfully invoked ; 

for the Celts seemed to have had no feelings of dislike to such meet- 

ings. How sturdily Cuchullin steeled himself against the argument of Calmar, who had 

appeared to give him a friendly warning, against the perils of the approaching war ! He 

would not be persuaded by him ; but, in rejecting the admonition, he gave him the ever 

grateful meed of praise, which sent him off in his blast with joy. Departed bards were 

pleased with earthly music, and would come to listen, while the harpers were performing. 

Agandecca, before the engagement with Swaran, mourns the approaching death of the 

people, a circumstance which coincides with the wailing of the Bean-sith, so well known 

to give presage of family bereavements, in Ireland, where its existence is not doubted. 

The entertaining Mrs Grant of Laggan gives in her Superstitions of the Highlanders, 

many interesting and affecting anecdotes of their belief in supernatural appearances. 

So highly esteemed was the profession of a bard, that those most distinguished for 

rank were proud to be enrolled in the fraternity ; 

sometimes, even those of royal lineage 

were found in it. The possession of poetical genius entitled one to claim the daughter 

of nobility as his consort, and the alliance was deemed honourable among Celts and 

Scandinavians, f Some of the continental Celtic kings are mentioned as poets. In 

* Higgins' Celtic Druids. + Torfieus.

INTRODUCTION. 

Wales, we find Anourin, a prince of the Ottadini, Llywarch lien, and many others, who 

gloried perhaps more in their hardic qualifications, than in their nobility of birth. 

Among the Gael, Ossian stands conspicuous ; Fingal is celebrated for his poetical talent, 

and more of the chiefs might be enumerated, as exercising the bardic spirit : 

indeed, the 

national taste led the Celts to deliver themselves, especially on matters of serious import, 

in a magniloquent and poetic strain. * The bards were, it is true, like other professions, 

hereditary; but this rule must have been modified by circumstances. One with no ear 

for music, or soul for poetry, could not take the place of his father ; and we know besides, 

that aspirants were admitted. We are assured, that an irreproachable character was in- 

dispensable, and a personal defect would incapacitate one from entering the fraternity ; 

hence they were a class of superior appearance, while their consciousness of importance 

gave them a commanding air. 

Extraordinary honours were paid to the bards, and they enjoyed many important privi- 

leges. They were exempted from all tax and tribute, and were not compelled to serve 

in the army, although not prevented if they chose to do so; their persons were inviola- 

ble, their houses were sanctuaries, and their lands and docks were carefully protected, even 

amid the ravages of war. In the latter ages of their prosperity, ample farms were given 

to many in perfect freehold, and they were entitled to live, almost solely at the public 

expense. The Welsh laws of Hwyll Dda gave the bards and their disciples, liberty 

and free maintenance. The various privileges and immunities, enjoyed by the different 

classes, were strictly regulated by the Irish, who divided the order into seven grada- 

tions. The first was entitled when travelling, to a horse and a greyhound, and two 

raen as attendants for five days ; he was then entitled to be kept for one day, where 

he might stop, be supplied with all necessaries, and rewarded by a gift of two heifers 

or a large cow, for his recitations or other duties. The second was entertained in 

like manner, for three days, and was furnished with three attendants when travelling. 

As a gratuity, he received three cows. The third had four attendants provided for him 

on a journey, and his reward was from one to five cows, according to the character of his 

recitations or compositions. The fourth was allowed six attendants to accompany him, 

for eight days. The fifth, accompanied by eight students in poetry, was entertained for 

ten days, and was rewarded by five cows, and ten heifers. The sixth was entertained 

for fifteen days, having a retinue of twelve students; and twenty cows were his reward. 

The seventh, or Ollamh, was entitled to be freely and amply entertained for a month, 

and bad on all occasions twenty-four attendants— his reward for the services he might 

render, was twenty cows. The last four, we are told, were specially protected. Con- 

sidering their number, and the erratic lives they led, the contributions they levied wero 

by no means light. Keating says, that by law they were empowered to live six months 

at the public expense, and it was therefore the custom to quarter themselves throughout 

the country, from All hallow tide until May, from which they were designated as Cleir 

na shcan chain, the songsters of the ancient tax. A wandering life seems to have been 

congenial to their feelings, from a desire to disseminate their works, as well as provide

INTRODUCTION. 

for themselves, and they believed that their public utility fully justified this practice of 

• sorning' which was afterwards so grave a charge against them. " The world," says an 

ancient bard, "is the country, and mankind the relations of every genuine poet." The 

northern Scalds were held in equal esteem, and enjoyed extraordinary privileges. Among 

the Welsh, the institutions of bardism became ultimately much refined and complicated, 

although there were originally only the three primitive classes as in Gaul ; and they re- 

gulated the duties and immunities of the different individuals with great precision, by 

express laws which existed from an unknown age, but were first imbodied in a written 

code, by the famous Hwyll Dda in the 10th century. Besides enjoying the same privi- 

leges, as those among the Gael, respecting their persons, property, and domiciles, and 

being permitted to solicit a largess or gift, by an appropriate poem, tendered without 

troublesome importunity, which no doubt was often successful, the following perquisites 

were allowed them.—The Court bard who was the eighth officer in the Royal household, 

and sat at festivals next to the comptroller, received on his appointment, a harp and other 

presents from their majesties ; the King provided him with a horse, and all his apparel 

which was formed of wool ; the Queen supplying him with that which was of linen. In 

war, he received the most valuable animal of the spoil, after the leader had got his share,- 

and this was for singing the accustomed war-song to rouse the courage of the troops 

when in battle. At the Christmas, Easter, and Whitsunday banquets, he received from 

the Queen the harp on which he performed, and had the comptroller's garment as his 

fee. On making his Clera or professional tour, he was entitled to double fees. Whoever 

did him an injury was mulcted in six cows and 120 pence; and for his slaughter, 120 

cows were exacted. He paid as Gabr merch, the fine on the marriage of his daughter, 

120 pence; for her Cowyll or nuptial gift, one pound and 120 pence; and for her eyweddi 

or dowry, three pounds. His mortuary or heriot was three pounds. 

The chief bard of the district was the tenth officer in the household, and sat next the 

judge of the palace. An insult offered to him, subjected the offender to a fine of six 

cows and 120 pence, and 126 cows were the expiation of his death. When a musician 

had advanced so far in his art, as to drop his Telyn rawn, or hair-strung harp, he paid 

this chief bard twenty-four pence ; and every woman on her first marriage, gave a like 

sum. His daughter's marriage fine was 120 pence, and his heriot was as much. These 

were the only two bards who performed before the sovereign ; when desired, the latter 

was to give two songs,— one in praise of the Almighty, the other extolling the king's vir- 

tues and exploits, recounting all the famous deeds of his ancestors ; the former then sang 

a third. 

In 1100, Gruffudd ap Cynan, or Gryffyth ap Conan, finding the establishment rather 

disorganized, called a congress of bards to which those of Ireland were invited ; and 

with their assistance, he not only improved the music of the principality, but reformed 

the order, and introduced many judicious alterations in the rules of government. By 

these " statute privileges for the profession of vocal song, and for instrumental music of 

the harp and of the crwth," the bard was to enjoy five free acres ; and the chief district 

bard was to receive at each of the three great festivals, and on occasion of royal nuptials,

XXIV 1 N Till) D UCTI O N. 

forty pence and a suitable gift ; at weddings the fee was settled at twenty-four pence. 

The bard next in gradation had also forty pence for the festivals and royal marriage, 

but only twelve pence for attendance at weddings of others. The next in degree was 

allowed twenty-four pence on the first two occasions, and eightpence for the latter; while 

the two lower had twelve pence, and sixpence on the first occasion ; and the lowest in the 

profession did not officiate at weddings, but his immediate superior did so, and received 

sixpence. The genealogist got but twopence for a pedigree, except he accompanied 

the bardic cavalcade on the triennial circuit, when the fee was doubled. The Clerwr, or 

itinerant bards were allowed a penny from every plough-land in the district, and this 

humble income was secured to them, by a power to distrain for payment. There was a 

peculiar amusement afforded by the bards of Wales to the company assembled at their 

great meetings, which was a source of some honourable emolument to an individual. The 

most witty and satiric of the first order was appointed to an office called Cyff-cler, in 

which he was to be the butt of all the jests and sarcasms of the others, which he was 

patiently to hear, and afterwards reply to in extemporaneous verses, without betraying 

any heat or loss of temper. For supporting this rather unpleasant character, he was re- 

warded by a gratuity of eighty pence, and the doublet next to the best which a bridegroom 

possessed. 

The heavy eric or compensation exacted for the manslaughter of a bard, and for insult- 

ing or wronging him, is an indication of the regard in which he was held.* It would in- 

deed have been reckoned a grievous crime, to put one of these public monitors to death 

whatever his offence might have been, and some individuals have had their names carried 

down with the stigma of having avenged themselves on members of this privileged class. 

In the "Fall of Tura," is an affecting tale, which shows, that the most savage disposition 

would relax its fury, in the case of a bard. It is thus given in translation by the talented 

compiler. " The bard with his harp goes trembling to the door. His steps are like 

the warrior of many years, when he bears, mournful to the tomb, the son of his son. The 

threshold is slippery with Crigal's wandering blood—across it the aged falls. The spear 

of Duarma over him is raised, but the dying Crigal tells,— it is the bard." So infuriated 

was the chief, that on a passing dog he wreaked the vengeance he intended for a human 

being, had he not been the " voice of song."t 

The English settlers sometimes massacred the Irish clergy; but it does not appear that 

they committed the same atrocities on the bards. One of the Triads commemorates the 

three heinous strokes of the battle-axe; they fell on the heads of Aneurin and Colydhan, 

who were bards, and on Avaon, who was the son of the famed Taliesen. 

The estimation in which the bards were held, was equally the cause and effect of their 

extraordinary influence. They were the indispensable followers of a Celtic army, and 

members of the establishment of Celtic nobility at home and abroad. Struck with this 

fact, they were viewed by many as insatiable parasites, rather than necessary attendants. 

Their utility was extensive, and as in the pastoral and predator; state of society, there 

* The Weaigothl esteemed it a foui-i'uld greater crime to strike a laid than any other ] ergon. 

+ Smith's liallic Antiquities.

NTRODUCTION. 

were alternate seasons for active exertion and inactivity, the bard was not less useful in 

solacing his master in the hours of retirement, and entertaining his company at tlieir 

assemblies, than in aiding the military efforts of the clan in war. He conveyed infor- 

mation of warlike movements over the land, and laboured as hard with his poetic weapons 

to vanquish an enemy, as others with their sword ; and his was the grateful task to extol 

the heroes of victory, singing loudly to his harp at the head of the returning host. 

Their eager spirits often urged them to mix in the battle ; but they were usually sta- 

tioned where their war songs could be most advantageously poured out, and where they 

could best observe the gallant bearing of their friends. Care was always taken so to place 

the Scalds; and should the fight have been one at sea, which was of frequent occurrence 

with these "sons of the waves," they looked attentively from the land, protected by a 

guard, and qualifying themselves to perpetuate in song, the prowess of the warriors. It 

was no slight stimulus for such men to know, that their deeds were marked by the bard 

who was to chronicle their valour in lasting verse, and thus convey their names with 

fame to late posterity. 

When Iain Lorn stood on the battlements of Inverlochy castle, marking the circum- 

stances of the battle raging below, he was taunted by Montrose for having avoided parti- 

cipation in the conflict. " Had I," says he, with somewhat of the pride of profession, 

" mixed in the engagement, how could I have marked the many deeds of valour so no- 

bly achieved, and had I fallen, who would have sung your praise V The heroic Bruce 

carried with him his bard to celebrate the heroism of the Scots at Bannockburn ; and 

Edward of England likewise took with him a rhyming monk of Scarborough, in the same 

capacity, that he might delight the nation with the glorious account of the annihilation 

of the rebel Scots. The issue of that dire collision would probably have left us no spe- 

cimen of his talents, had he not fallen into the victor's hands, who made the poet sing the 

praise of those whose fall he never dreamt of mourning for. Boor Richard Bastwick did 

his best in the doggerel Latin of the times, which has been rendered into English of a simi- 

lar cast. Dolefully did the bard invoke the nine. 

" With barren verse, this rhyme I make, 

Bewailing, whilst this theme I take," &c. 

He nevertheless describes in graphic, though uncouth language, the deeds of strength 

and valour, which he had witnessed. 

Another bard with more congenial feeling, celebrated the whole acts and deeds of his 

sovereign the Bruce, in verse elegant for the age. Archdeacon Barbour of Aberdeen, 

no doubt, had the feeling of a Celtic bard, and had in his eye the Gaelic duans ; for he 

was well acquainted with the exploits of " Fin Mac Cowl" and his compatriots. 

The above mishap at Bannockburn, is similar to what befell the Earl of Argyle at 

Aultacholachan, when he took the field in 1597, against the Catholic lords. In con- 

fidence of success, and greatly pleased with his bard's prophecy, that he should play his 

harp in the castle of Slains ere the victorious army returned, he was proudly taken 

alon? when

INTRODUCTION. 

" Mac CaUam-mor went fra 1 

the west 

Wi' mony ;i bow and bran' ; 

An' vow'd to Waste as lie thought best, 

The Earl o' Huntly's Ian.' 

On his defeat, however, tlic bard was made prisoner, and verified his claim to the 

faculty of fore-knowledge, much to the delight of the confederates ami Lord Errol, who 

gladly afforded him the opportunity. 

Before the chiefs in the Highlands began to think it unnecessary to number a bard 

among their personal retainers, either from a consideration that their actions no longer 

required the tribute of so antiquated a recorder, or by an unavoidable departure from the 

former simplicity of living, finding it expedient to add the bard's farm, like that of the 

piper and other hereditary officers in their establishment, to the rent roll, he was one of 

the most respected in the number. The chiefs of Clan- Ranald retained a bard until about a 

hundred years ago, when Lachlan Mac Nial Mhuireach, the 17th in regular descent, lost 

his farm, and naturally dropt, as useless, the profession by which he and his ancestors had 

so long held it. Iain Breac MacLeod of Dunvegan, who died in 1G93, was perhaps the 

last chief who upheld the ancient state by numbering in his retinue, bard, harper, piper, 

jester, and the full number of what has been with an attempt at wit, designated the tail. 

Dr Mac Pherson mentions one who kept two bards, and they held a seminary for the 

instruction of students. About 1G90, John Glass and John Macdonald, the bards of two 

lairds in different parts of the country, met by appointment in Lochaber, to vindicate in 

a poetical contest their own excellence and their chief's honour ; but the result of this 

duel is not related. Such challenges were not unfrequent, and it was a well-known 

practice for the Highlanders to make small bets as to who could repeat the most of the 

Sean dana, or old poems. 

The bards who exercised so beneficial an influence on their countrymen while alive, 

rendered the necessary and becoming services to the dead. The mode of sepulture is well 

known ; "the grey stones of the dead," half hid in the moss of ages, and the funeral 

hillocks and cairns appear on all sides, where the industry of man has not laid the heath 

under the operation of the plough—the striking monuments of ages far distant, but now 

the useless record of those who were honoured in their day and generation. The stones 

of memorial were raised amid the united voices of all around, and the plaintive music of 

the harpers who gave out the funeral chant. 

" Bend forward from your clouds, ghosts of my fathers, bend! lay by the red terror 

of your course and receive the falling chief; let his robe of mist be near, his spear that is 

formed of a cloud. Place a half-extinguished meteor by his side, in the form of the 

hero's sword. And O ! let his countenance be lovely, that his friends may delight in 

his presence. Bend from your clouds, ghosts of my fathers, bend !" In the same poem is 

the affecting lament for the beauteous Darthula. " Daughter of Colla, thou art low!" said 

Cairbar's hundred bards; "silence is at the blue streams of Sehna, for Trathul's race have 

failed. When wilt thou rise in thy beauty, first of Erin's maids ? Thy sleep is long in 

the tomb, and the morning distant far. The sun shall not come to thy bed, and say, 

"

INTRODUCTION. 

awake Darthula ! awake thou first of women ! the wind of spring is abroad. The flowers 

shake their heads on the green hills, the woods wave their opening leaves. Retire, O 

sun, the daughter of Colla is asleep, she will not come forth in her beauty, she will not 

move in the steps of her loveliness." 

The duty of performing the obsequies of a hero seems to have been imperative, 

although his life might not have offered those traits of character which so well suited the 

bard's eulogium. They however did justice to his memory, neither suppressing any allu- 

sion to his vices, nor refusing the praise he might deserve. A chief had broken his 

oath. " His tomb was raised, but what could the bards say ? Manos remembered not 

his words. When asked what he had done with his oaths ? ' Alas ! he said, where I 

found, I left them.' Manos, thou wert generous, but wrathful and bloody was thy dark- 

ened soul." 

It has already been noticed, that without the funeral dirge, the spirit would be sub- 

jected to wander in forlorn suffering about the place where the body had been laid: it 

was therefore a matter of the utmost solicitude, that this should be performed, and the 

ceremonial was observed in the Highlands to the days of our fathers. It is now discon- 

tinued as a vocal tribute, but the ' Lament' of the piper played in front of the funeral 

procession, is a most characteristic substitute. Many remains of the Coronach music are be- 

lieved to be still preserved, and it is reasonably supposed, that the species of piobaireachd 

appropriate to the melancholy event, has in many cases retained in the urlar or ground- 

work, the spirit of the original dirge.* 

The following detail of the ceremonial at the interment of an old Celtic hero, as given 

by the Irish authorities, is conformable to what is otherwise related. The Druid first 

performed those rites which may be called religious ; the Senachie then repeated the 

eulogium of the hero departed, detailing the illustrious descent and personal titles of the 

deceased. He was followed by the Filea, who recited the Caoine or funeral song, which 

having been adapted to music by the Oirfidighe or musician, was sung by the Racaraide 

or rhapsodist, who was joined by the wailing notes of all present, f 

The practice of Caoining at funerals is still practised by the native Irish, but since the 

suppression and neglect of the order of bards, the mourners in Ireland have been merce- 

nary females, generally of advanced years, and their hackneyed or extemporaneous lamenta- 

tions are not particularly creditable to the art. They, however, tenaciously hold to this 

rite, whether in Ireland, or elsewhere, and it is evident that there is no Christianity in it. 

Take a specimen. 

" O son of Connal, why didst thou die? royal, noble, learned youth ; 

valiant, active, warlike, eloquent ! why didst thou die? Oigh ! oin-oigh !" Here follows 

the Uilaluia or chorus, first gone half through, poured forth in the wildest notes of 

extreme grief, being indeed the chief part of the performance, and as may be supposed 

not the most regular nor musical. " Alas ! alas ! he who sprung from nobles of the race 

of Heber, warlike chief! O men of Connal. O noble youth, why didst thou die ? Alas ! 

* Pat. Macdonald on the influence of poetry and music on the Highlanders, prefixed to his admirahle 

collection of their vocal music. 

f The hards compose poems which the Rhapsodists repeat. Buchanan. 

d

XXV1U INTRODUCTION. 

alas!" The semi-chorus again is given, and thun the full oryoll. " Alas! alas! he who 

was in possession of flowery meads, verdant hills, lowing herds, fruitful fields, Bowing 

rivers and grazing flocks— rich— gallant. Lord of the golden vale, why did lie die? 

Alas! alas!'' Uilaluia, &c. " Alas! alas! why didst thou die, O son of Connal, before the 

spoils of victory by thy warlike arm were brought into the hall of the nobles, and thy 

shield with the ancients? Alas ! alas! Uila— luia, luia, luia, hi, lu, ucht o ong," &c, all 

which had the most thrilling effect. After the interment, the bard was formerly accus- 

tomed to perforin the Elegy or Connthal sitting on the grave, which mark of affectionate 

respect like the Christian services for the dead in the Romish Church, was repeated at 

the new and full moon, for several months.* The Scriptural lamentations, as that over 

Saul and Jonathan, are of no whit more religious character. 

Adverting to the classification of the members of the bardic brotherhood, it will be seen 

at first, simple and vigorous ; subsequently undergoing alterations and subdivisions. The 

Druidical order was originally divided into three classes, which are distinguished as the 

Druids proper, who were the priests and legislators ; the Yates, Ovates, Euvates or 

Eubages and the Bards. The duties of the first have been briefly referred to, and a 

general view of the bardic office has been presented, but scanty as our knowledge respect- 

ing it is, a few more particulars may be given to improve a picture, unfortunately but 

meagre. 

The Vates have been considered by some writers, an order inferior to the bards, and by 

others to have held an intermediate place in the triad, but many regard the term as sim- 

ply denoting a more advanced noviciate. "The Euvates," says Marcellinus, "more 

deeply considering nature, made attempts to discover the highest arcana, and lay open 

its most secret workings, and amongst these the Druids," from which it would seem 

that they were bardic aspirants for druidic preferment. Lucan classes them with the 

bards, but allows them superiority to a simple poet. It is very probable that a claim to a 

prophetic spirit was the cause of distinction. All three were accustomed to compose and 

to sing, but all did not claim the faculty of foreknowledge. Vates, which in Latin is a 

prophet or interpreter, is a word no doubt borrowed from the 'barbarians,' and the Gaelic 

Eaid signifying the same, appears to be the original word. Dr Smith however thinks 

Euvates may be Eu-phaisde, promising youths. 

To ascertain the etymology of names, often clears up the obscurity which envelopes a 

subject: on this occasion, the attempt is more curious than useful. The general opinion 

is, that the appellation Druid is derived from the name of the oak tree, which in Greek is 

Drus, Derw in Welsh, Duir in Irish, Dair in Gaelic, Druith in the Cornish. Considering 

the similarity of these words, the estimation which the Druids, like others, had for the oak, 

and the veneration they paid to the Misletoe, the All-heal which grew thereon, it has 

appeared a satisfactory origin for their name, and the Welsh bards of later days have on 

the tree-system, raised a very ingenious allegory. The letters dd, having the sound of 

th, form a common termination, so Dcrwydd, is the trunk of an oak ; bardd, from bar, 

* Deauford. Trans--, of the Irish Academy, Vol. IV. where the whole is eel to muîc.

INTRODUCTION. 

the top, is significant of the full grown branches, and Ovydd, from ov, raw, pure, indi- 

cates the saplings. Sir Samuel Meyrick gives less fanciful derivations— Der, superior ; 

wydd, instructor; and o-wydd, subordinate instructor. In Whiter's method of determining 

the affinity of words, by the consonants as radices, we see the same consonants running 

through these words ; the tr, pervading a series of terms, indicates activity, industry, im- 

provement; and dr or tr were connected with the mystical T, a Druidical and Pythagorean 

symbol. The above laborious and profound etymologist, alluding to the Gaelic "draonaich" 

so well illustrated by Coiremonadh,* as intimating a diligent cultivator, pronounces Druid 

to signify a teacher. t The appellation is undoubtedly Celtic, originating with that peo- 

ple, and not imposed by Greeks or others. The sense in which it is still used is that of 

an artist, a learned person, or vulgarly a magician, and it is the word in the Scripture 

translation for the wise men or priests. It is equally applied in Teutonic languages to 

denote a dexterous individual or enchanter. 

The word Bard has been pronounced insoluble. It is uncertain whether the peculiar 

chant, called barditus, is the origin of the term, or its derivative. Bardachd in Gaelic is 

poetry and history, literally the bard's work ; barddae-th in Welsh is also bardism. 

The profession has given names to many localities, as Monadh-bhaird, ach na' in bard, 

Tulloch-bardin, &c, and respectable families may trace their origin to those distinguished 

poets. There are many ancient charters in which different individuals are designated, 

le bard and le harper; the Bards, Bairds, MacBhairds, and Wards are their descendants ; 

in Ireland and Argyle are the Mac Faids, and Mac Faidzeans. Throughout the princi- 

pality are numerous names indicating the residences and haunts of the different branches, 

as Tre'r Beirdd, the bard's villages. Croes y Beirdd, the bard's cross. Tre'r and Bod 

Drudan, the villages, and the houses of the Druids. Bod-Ovyr, the Ovyd's dwelling, 

&c. &c. The Baile-bhairds in the Highlands and Harper's lands in the low-country, are 

memorials of the golden age of Celtic minstrelsy. 

A sketch of the personal appearance of the different characters, seems an appropriate 

accessory to a detail of their duties. Bodily imperfection being sufficient for exclusion 

from the order, it gave an imposing specimen of the Gaulish race, and their dignities 

were marked by suitable distinctions in dress. Their garments differed from others in 

amplitude : they were " the wearers of long robes." The costume, as may be supposed, 

was of a peculiar form, calculated for the attraction of notice, as well as the becoming 

denotation of rank. The beard which the Celtic nations always shaved, the Druidic 

officials wore long, and the hair of the head they cut close. The robes flowing to the 

heel ; whilst those of the commonalty, and even of the nobles, fell only to the knee, as 

sufficiently distinguished the superiority of the order, as the episcopal costume marks 

the sacerdotal degree. White, denoting purity and truth, was the appropriate colour of 

the druid's robes. 

In Cathlava one of the poems translated by Dr Smith, is a picture of Sean'ear, a 

druid, then a subject of persecution, but believed to possess supernatural acquirements, 

and consulted as an oracle by those, who, like the Roman general, might be disposed to 

* Thoughts on the Gaul, &c, by James Grant, Escj. t Etymologicon magnum.

I NT HO DUCT I OX. 

Bay, " I scorn tlicm, yet they awe me." Under the awful shade of his oak. he finds him, 

leaning on his own trembling staff. His head of age stoops to the ground, his grey beard 

hangs down on his breast, and his dim eyes are fixed on the earth. But his soul is mixed 

with the spirits of air, and his converse is with ghosts. ' What seest thou of my love,' 

said Ronan, ' what seest thou of Sulmina :'" The figure was that of a solitary and pro- 

scribed anchorite, who submitted to his evil destiny, doubtless for his conscience' sake, 

like many fellow devotees. In the original, the description is singularly striking. 

" An crith-thaice ri luirg fein, 

Fui' gheug dhoilleir dliaraicli, 

Lan ogluidheachd :—a chrom aomadh, 

'S fheasag aosda sios mu lihrollach. 

-air lar tha slmil a dearcadh 

Ai-h anam aim co' radii thaildise." 

The figurative and laconic reply is very characteristic. 

" Macao an fas criiaidli, 

Barca, thar cuan, na dean ; 

Slmihnliinc ! 's cruaidh leam do glaodh, 

A 'taomadh air tiunn gun flmrtachd !"* 

In happier ages, the raiment was an object of careful attention among the Celtic peo- 

ple, with whom every thing was precisely regulated ; even the colours of the robes were 

apportioned by invariable law. In Wales, the bards wore a dress of sky-blue, the emblem 

of peace and fidelity, and that of the Ovydd was a vivid green, the prevailing colour of 

verdant nature. The Awenydd, or disciple, showed in his vestment, as an escutcheon of 

pretence, the three colours, white, blue, and green. When officiating at religious cere- 

monies, the bard had a cowl attached to the cloak, like that worn by the Capuchin friars; 

it was called Barddgwccwll, and is the bardo-cucullus of the Romans. The Druidesses 

are described by Strabo, as arrayed in white garments, fastened with girdles and brazen 

clasps. Among the Gael, a very remarkable difference prevailed with respect to the 

vesture. A variety of colours was introduced, and the number which the gradations in 

society were permitted to display, was regulated by a prevailing rule. It was a striking 

mark of the estimation in which the bards were held, that they were allowed six colours, 

being two more than the nobility, and only one less than royalty itself. This was the 

well known law in Ireland, and there can be no doubt it was equally observed by the 

Gael of Albion. In Mcyrick's splendid work on British Costume, coloured prints of the 

various classes are given, among which we remark the two figures found near Autun, one 

of which carries the "slat an drui' achd," or ensign of authority, and the other bears the 

" cornan," or crescent, emblematic of the " cead rai re ;" the first quarter of the moon.f 

The robe is fastened by a brooch on the left .shoulder. 

Sumptuary laws were not forgotten in the Brehon code. In A. D. 192, as Irish 

Annals inform us, such enactments settled among other matters, the value of a budt:m 

* (iallic Ant. .".:!.">, from the Druid's appearance, it is generally called "the song of the grey man." 

f Pliny says of the ('cits, 'ante omnia sezta hum.'

INTRODUCTION. XXXi 

of refined silver for the king or a bard at thirty heifers. The clothes of a poet and his 

wife cost three milch cows, and the raiment of an Ollamh, and of an Anshruith, the nest 

in rank, five cows. 

Some proof is found that the Cochal or upper garment which was evidently, from the 

name, of coarse texture, was fringed and ornamented with needle-work.* The full dress 

is described as consisting of the Cathanas, cota or body covering, and the Triuse, the 

gathered or girded up portion. 

The shoes were wooden, and of a pentagonal form,f and an Ollamh was entitled to wear 

the barred or cap of honour. Thus in all respects did the bardic order appear strikingly 

different from others. On the extinction of druidism, it is probable that the peculiarity 

of costume was abandoned, the Christian missionaries naturally discouraging a distinction, 

which was calculated to prolong a reverence for the professors of a pagan creed. 

The course of bardic study was long and arduous. So rigid was the term of probation, 

that the education of a student in the science of druidism, was not completed in a shorter 

period than perhaps twenty years, during which time he was obliged to commit to mem- 

ory, a prodigious number of verses ; twenty thousand by the lowest computation, but 

Chambray the Celtic professor at Paris, says the number for those of the highest class 

was not less than sixty thousand. 

In later ages, as we learn rom Irish authorities, the time occupied in acquiring the 

necessary bardic instruction was twelve years, three of which were devoted to each of 

the four principal branches of poetry. Another writer gives them sixteen or twenty 

years to complete their education, and he tells us he has " seen them where they kept 

schools, ten in some one chamber, grovelling upon 6traw, their books at their noses ;" 

and although their seminary was thus rude, those men were well grounded in the classics, 

and invoked the muses with great success. The accommodation, it is presumed, was not 

in all cases so homely. We can scarcely suppose that the practice described by Martin, 

adopted by some in the Highlands to produce inspiration, was very usual. They would 

shut both doors and windows, wrap their plaids about their heads, and lie with their eyes 

closed, and a large stone on their bellies, for a whole day !J Poets are sometimes suffi- 

ciently eccentric. 

If a vassal obtained permission from his lord to exercise a poetical or musical talent, he 

would, according to his genius, obtain rank by the courtesy of Cambria, but no one, what- 

ever his merit might be, was classed among the bards, except he went through the regular 

curriculum. There were three individuals of no little celebrity otherwise, who were in 

this way unqualified :— the great kings Arthur and Cadwalon, and Rhyhawd ap 

Morgant. 

It is much to be regretted, that the Scottish Gael adhered so faithfully to the druidic 

injunction, not to commit their knowledge to writing. Those of the sister island were 

haply less obstinate, and have preserved many of the Breith-neimhe or laws of their 

native judges. Those which relate to the bards have been collected with praiseworthy 

* Beauford. t Dr Smith. J Description of the Western Isles.

INTRODUCTION-. 

care, and given to the world ; and although the}' are likely to show considerable innova- 

tion on the primitive institutions, upon the whole, we may believe the regulations in both 

countries were not materially different. 

The order presented three principal classes, in which were several gradations, viz. : 

The Ollamh re dan, graduate of song, or bard properly so called ; the Seanaehadh, or 

historian and genealogist ; and the Brehon, Brcith, or judge, which last, in the eleventh 

century, was separated from the bardic establishment. 

The following were the gradations in the order of Fileas or bards, and the qualifica- 

tions required in each. 

The Fochlucan, the youngest student, was required to be able to repeat twenty poems, 

or historical tales. 

The Mac Fuirme was required to have forty tales, any of which he should be able to 

repeat when desired. 

The Dos was qualified by being perfect in fifty poems or stories. 

The Canaith, although a degree higher, was not obliged to learn more than the Dos. 

The Cli, whose duties are not given in the authority we have consulted. 

The Anra, or Anshruith, had to commit to memory one hundred and seventy-five com- 

positions on different subjects. 

Lastly, the Ollamh or Doctor, who was the bard, the others being noviciates. He was 

required to possess a perfect knowledge of the four principal branches of poetry, and be 

able to repeat three hundred and fifty pieces.* 

The Aois dana preceded even the Ollamh, and sat with the chiefs in the circle. This 

class, however, does not appear earlier than the seventeenth century. 

The Welsh had a division of bards no less complicated ; the department of each class 

being pointed out with tedious minuteness, a comparatively modem alteration. f With 

them there were six classes of bards, three being poets, and three musicians. 

The poetical bards were first, historical or antiquarian, who sometimes mixed prophecy 

with their effusions. Their duty was to sing in praise of virtue—to censure vice and 

immorality, and it was specially permitted them to address the clergy and married ladies, 

upon fitting subjects and in becoming language. 

The second class, who were domestic bards, exhorted the people to a strict practice of 

the social virtues, and celebrated those who were patterns to others for their upright con- 

duct and patriotism. 

The third order, who were denominated the Cleirwr Arwyddvcirdd, or heraldic bards, 

with their other duties, were assigned the composition of poems on amusing and jocular 

subjects. 

After passing through the gradations of the A wen, or muse, the title of bard was con- 

ferred, and, retaining the ancient claim of superiority, the addition of 'Ynnys Trydaiu 

was always given. 

• Walker. Several of these terms ara of uncertain etymology; anshruith may be from an, good; irath 

knowing. Ollav will strike the Bcholai as resembling the Heb. Aluf, a prince. 

•( Borlaae. 

—

INTRODUCTION. XXXlll 

The activity of Welsh genius led them to remodel and refine the bardic institutions, 

with the same care as they have cultivated their language, so that in modern times it 

must exhibit a very different aspect from what it originally displayed. There were eight 

orders of musicians; four of which only were admitted to be bards; the Harper, Crwthcr, 

and Singer, were regularly invested poets, the Pencerdd being their chief. The four 

inferior orders were, the Piper, the Taborer, the Juggler, and the performers on the 

humble Crwth with three strings ; the fee of these minstrels was a penny each, and they 

were to stand during their performance. 

The Irish Oirfidigh, or musical order, was in like manner classified, taking their 

appellations from the instruments on which they performed, of which there were a con- 

siderable variety. The following enumeration is given. 

The Ollamh re ceol, or Doctor of music, presided over the band consisting of the 

Crutairaigh who played on the cruit or fiddle. The Ciotairigh. The Tiomponaich, who 

played on the horn ; 

and the Cuilleanach. 

These musicians were of much consequence as a constituent portion of the Fileaeht, 

and being good vocalists, after the introduction of Christianity, they added much to the 

effect of the band of choristers for which many abbeys were famed in both islands. It 

may be observed, that as the Welsh held the harp to be the indispensable instrument of 

a gentleman, so we find many instances of bishops and abbots excelling in their skilful 

playing. We have a curious intimation in the venerable Bede anent the harp ; he 

describes an individual, who at an entertainment being unable to perform on the instrument 

which was always handed round, slunk away ashamed of his deficiency. Want of a 

musical taste was accounted an indication of a bad disposition. 

The decline and fall of an institution which existed so long, was so widely diffused, 

and, after the cessation of its direct influence, left so deep an impression on the national 

character, is a subject of much interest, and affords ample matter for reflection. Like all 

human establishments, it is seen to advance from simplicity and usefulness, to refinement, 

corruption and decay. The epoch of Christianity was the commencement of druidic 

decadence; but with the pertinacity which animates the professors of proscribed opinions, 

the ancient system was clung to for several subsequent centuries, and indeed where full 

conversion was found impossible, the apostles and missionaries accepted the profession of 

the Christian faith, with the retention of many of the established superstitions, wisely 

considering it better to accomplish the great end by judicious conciliation of long-rivetted 

prejudices. When the Pagan priesthood was annihilated, the bardic branch, as an order 

of acknowledged utility, retained its place in Celtic society. Many who were touched 

with zealous fervour in the true religion, became clergymen, and were not the less pious, 

in that they continued to exercise their poetic talents, and solace themselves with the 

melody of the harp.* So long were the Welsh in abandoning the institutes of druidism, 

that Prince Hwell, who died in 1171, invokes the Deity to protect his worship in the 

groves and circles. This is sufficiently curious; but it is still more so to find that a small 

* In Wales, tie bardic clergy sonx-tiir.es accompanied the chantirg of the service with tl.e !:arn.

XXXIV INTRODUCTION. 

1 

society still existing , allege that they are the descendants, and possess a knowledge of 

the ancient mysteries of the druids, which has been transmitted purely, by a succession of 

the initiated, who could explain many of the mysterious triads, &c., were they at liberty 

to divulge their knowledge.* 

The Highland traditions are copious on the subject of the fall of the druids, which, 

from the particulars related, was not a sacrifice to the cause of Christianity. The fre- 

quent wars in which the Scottish tribes were engaged, increased the power of the 

Fcargubreith, while it lessened that of the druid, who had long been the arbiter of all 

transactions. Treunrnor, grandfather of Fin Mac Cumhal, was appointed commander of 

the Caledonian forces by general election, on which the druids sent Garmal Mac Tarno 

requiring the chief to lay down his office, with which order he had the fortitude to refuse 

compliance. On this a civil war immediately ensued, which after much bloodshed, ended 

in the discomfiture of the druids, whose resistance was so obstinate, that few survived 

the desperate contest. The bards, who it may be readily believed were prone to flatter 

the powerful, and avenge real or imaginary wrongs by the sharpness of invective, being 

no longer under the salutary control of their superiors, the druids, became exceedingly 

presumptuous, abusing their ample privileges, and drawing on themselves severe chastise- 

ment. The Irish legends detail the circumstances of their expulsion twice before the 

celebrated council of Drumceat, held in 580, where the whole order was doomed to pro- 

scription for their oppressive exactions, having gone so far as to demand the golden 

brooch which fastened the plaid or cloak of Aodh, the king of Ulster ! The good 

Columba, the apostle of the Highlands, left his charge in the college of Ii, for the pur- 

pose of interposing his influence to avert the destruction of an order, which, under proper 

regulations, was so well suited to the genius of his countrymen, and he was successful in 

softening very materially the severity of their sentence. The bards were on this occasion 

reduced to the number of 200, one only being allowed to each of the provincial kings, 

and lord of a cantred, and he was enjoined for no cause to prostitute his talents in flatter- 

ing the vanity of the great, or covering vice by adulatory strains. He was to compose 

and sing to the glory of God, honour of the country, praise of heroes and females, and 

exaltation of his patron and followers. There was evident necessity for restriction ; the 

numbers having so greatly increased, that they were estimated at no less than one third of 

the population ! The 

propensity which those who were so highly favoured, and possessed 

such influence, had, like most others, to exceed moderation, required a check. Cupidity, 

it has been observed, is an inherent passion ; and the possession of much, begets a desire 

for more. The bards subjected themselves to much obloquy and dislike by their arro- 

gance and neglect of their proper duties, which eventually led to sundry curtailments of 

their personal immunities. 

In Wales, they were not less inclined to abuse their privileges. Several regulations 

had been passed previous to the time of Gruffudd al) ('yuan, who, much concerned to 

find the bardic profession in disorder, held a congress of all who had any knowledge of

INTRODUCTION. 

the science throughout Wales and Ireland, when a great reformation was accomplished 

the three classes of poets, heralds and musicians, being then instituted, whereas the offices 

were formerly held by one individual, and they were forbidden to demand the prince's 

horse, hawk, or greyhound, or any property from others above a reasonable value. 

There is a curious account of this notable convention given in an ancient MS. pre- 

served in the library of the Welsh school, London, from which it appears there were four 

chief judges who decided, with the approbation of the audience, as to forming the song, 

preserving it in memory, and performing it correctly. The names of the four were Alban 

ab Cynan, Rhydderch the bald, Matholvvch the Gwythclian (Gael) and Alav the songster, 

Mwrchan, Lord of Ireland, was umpire, and by his power confirmed the proceedings at 

Glen Achlach.* The judicious improvements introduced at this time, were the means 

of restoring bardism to a sound and flourishing state, which continued until the death 

of Llewelyn the last prince in 1282. From the strictness of these coercive laws, it is 

evident the bards were a little unruly at times. If any one left a party for which he 

had been engaged, offered an insult to a female, &c, he was fined, imprisoned, and his 

circuit fees for a proportionate time, were forfeited to the church. In fine, although 

Edward the First actually carried a harper with him to the Holy Land, he subsequently 

considered the bards a dangerous body ; and although they were retained at the courts of 

his successors, along with minstrels, whose proper occupation was originally that of his- 

torians, yet they certainly gave at times great offence by their freedom and assumption : 

hence such enactments were passed as one in 1315, to restrain them from resorting in 

unreasonable numbers to the houses of the great ; and another by Edward III., which 

provided that bards who perverted the imagination by romantic tales, and those who were 

tale-tellers, and seduced the lieges by false reports, should not be entertained in the man- 

sions of the great, or harboured by the people. This is like the decree passed to repress 

the insatiable curiosity of the ancient Gauls, who were the greatest known encouragers of 

those who could amuse them with stories—compelling strangers to stop even on the high- 

ways, and entertain them with some recital, in consequence of which they were misled 

by the mendacious tales to which their importunity gave so much encouragement. 

Long after the maintenance of a bard as a retainer in a Celtic establishment was con- 

fined to these portions of the kingdom, their services continued in partial requisition 

elsewhere; but from the advancing change in society, this neglected class, with difficulty 

maintained a degree of respectability, but were obliged to itinerate in considerable num- 

bers, and trust for their support to casual employment, by those who made their efforts to 

please a subject of rude jest. The following no doubt excited a laugh at the expense of 

the Gael : it is a curious allusion to their manners by a lowland poet 

" Then cried Mahoun for a hieland padzean, 

Syn ran a feyiid to fetch Makfadzean, 

Far northwart in a nuke 

Be he the coronach had shout, 

Earse men so gatherit him about, 

In hell grit rowm they tuke : 

* About 1100. The harji and style of its music were on this occasion introduced from Ireland. 

; 

— 

;

INTRODUCTION. 

That tarmagants in tag and tatter, 

Full loud in Kurse begoud to clatter, 

An' rowp like ravin rowk ; 

The deil sae deivit was \vi thcr yell, 

That in the dupes! pot of hell 

lie smorit them wf smouk."* 

In Saxonized England and Scotland, the bards and minstrels were denounced as idlers 

who lived on the useful and industrious, levying their contributions on an unwilling peo- 

ple. In the reign of James II., 1449, an act was passed, which declared that "gif there 

be onie that makis them fiules, and are bairdes, thay be put in the kingis waird, or in his 

irons for thair trespasses, as lang as thay have onie gudes of thair awin to live upon, that 

thair ears be nailed to the trone, or till ane uther tree, and thair eare cutted off, and ban- 

ished the cuntrie." By a statute of Jas. VI., in 1579, those who were sangsters, tale- 

tellers, &c, and not in the special service of Lords of Parliament or boroughs as their 

common minstrels, were to be scourged and burnt through the ear with a hot iron. 

When the court of the Scottish kingdom was Gaelic, the ancient usages were closely 

observed, and the class whose history is now under investigation, continued, at least occa- 

sional services, for ages afterwards. At coronations, a Highland bard attended in his her- 

aldic capacity, to repeat a poem on the royal genealogy. His attendance at the enthrone- 

ment of Malcolm II., 1056, and the oration then delivered, are recorded, and the same duty 

was performed to Alexander III., in 1249, when the poet, we are informed, was clad in a 

scarlet dress. Various notices are found in the Lord Treasurer's accounts, of the ser- 

vices of seanachies and minstrels at royal entertainments, an extract from which will not 

be thought uninteresting. Blind Harry, the author of the metrical life of Sir William 

Wallace, sang his compositions to the king and nobility,t and received frequent gratuities. 

In 1490, and 1491, he was paid eighteen shillings. In the former year, " Martin Clare- 

schaw and ye todcr Ersche Clareschaw, at ye kingis command," were paid eighteen shil- 

lings, and shortly afterwards the same payment was made "till ane ersche harper." In 

149G are these entries: 

— 

April. Giffin to James Mytson, the harpar at the kingis command, xiii s. iiij d. 

June. To twa wetnen that sang to the king, . . xiii s. 

Aug. 1. That same day giffin to the harpar with the ae hand, ix s. 

That samyn day, to a man that playit on the clarscha to the king, vii s. 

xiiij s. 

Item to Alexander Harper, Pate Harper, Pate Harper Clarscha, 

Hew Brabanar and the blind harper, harperis, ilk ano, 

Item to Hog the tale-teller, .... xiiij s. 

xiiij s. 

Item to the Countes of Crawfurdis harper, . . . xiiij s. 

1503. Item to Pate Harper, clarscha, .... 

In this year there were also sundry payments to minstrels: eight of which were English, 

and four Italian. In 1507, there was paid xiiij to the " crukit vicar of Dumfriese that 

sang to the king." 

* The Daunce. Ramsay's Evergreen, I. \>. 246. + Major, Lib. Lv,

INTRODUCTION. 

In 1512, gevin till ane barde wife called Agnes Carkell, xlii s. 

Item, to O Donelis (Irlandnian) harpar quhilk past away with him, vii L. 

XXXVU 

In the household book of the Countess of Mar, under the dates 1638— 1642, we find: 

To ane blind singer, who sang the time of dinner, . xii s. 

To twa hieland singing women, . vi s. 

To ane woman clarshochar, .... xii s. 

The kings of England, with few exceptions, continued to employ one or more Welsh 

harpers in the royal establishment. The marriage of Catherine, widow of Henry V., 

with Sir Owen Tudor, a nobleman of Mona or Anglesea, from whom Henry VII. was 

descended, brought the bards into more notice, and the title of the eldest son of the 

reigning monarch, offered a sufficient reason for compliment to so worthy a portion of 

the British subjects. When James VI. succeeded to the English throne, Henry, Prince 

of Wales, appointed one Jones as his bard. The author of the work, whence so many 

curious particulars of this class have been transcribed, Edward Jones of Henblas, was 

the talented bard to the last of our princes who bore the title. 

That the bardic institutions have been so entirely neglected in the Highlands, is only 

to be accounted for by the very different position of the two countries. Wales has been 

for many centuries a province of England ; 

their wars of independence have long ceased, 

and even internal dissensions have for a great length of time been unknown. In peace 

and tranquillity, the natives could therefore cultivate their poetry and music as an 

agreeable source of rational amusement, and if they continued to chant forth their 

ancient martial lays, it was a pleasing solace to have reflection drawn to departed renown. 

An indulgence in reminiscences of a state which no more can be reverted to, is some 

slight alleviation of regret. 

The Gael, on the contrary, who had ever to struggle for national independence, were 

between energetic resistance of the common enemy; the civil wars in which they were 

involved, and the clannish feuds which were fomented by designing foes, at last plunged 

into a state of sanguinary turmoil, which was but ill calculated for the fosterage of such a 

system as their happier brethren were permitted to cherish in peace. In these inau- 

spicious circumstances, the soft and melting strains of the clarsach might be well suited 

for the enlivenment of their entertainments, and as an accompaniment for the grateful 

themes of love, and pastoral pursuits; but the utmost fervour of the harper's efforts, would 

fail to rouse the vengeful ardour of the Gaelic heroes. It was the piobaireachd's shrill 

summons, thrilling in their ears the sad tale of their devastated glens, and their houseless 

friends, which gathered them for the war, by notes which had often sounded to hard- 

earned victory ; speaking in strains which made their blood boil with glowing emulation, 

as they marched to the foe, and which pealing to survivors of the battle-field in notes re- 

echoed by the frowning crags, drowning by its piercing tones, the loud wailings of the 

bereaved, and the woful shrieks of the despairing women, called in a maddening voice 

for speedy and unsparing retribution. 

The pipes supplanted the harp as the instrument for war among the Gaelic tribes. 

The potency of bagpipe-music as a stimulus to heroism was acknowledged by the Irish,

INTRODUCTION. 

who always used pipes in their warlike operations. »• As others with the sound of trum- 

pet*, so those with the sound of the pipes, are inspired with ardour for the fight." 

Derrick likewise alludes to its martial use, and in the representations of buttles, we ob- 

serve the pipers in a prominent position, but do not perceive a harper. The great pipe 

has survived, an equally national instrument, which is* much better adapted for an accom- 

paniment at the festive board. The exhilarating but loud-toned Piob is less suited to 

appear in place of the bard at the feast of Shells, who by his sweet-sounding harp and 

vocal melody, afforded a double gratification. 

These remaiks are by no means to be taken as in disparagement of the professors of 

this admirable instrument, the sound of which strikes so surely a responding chord in a 

Scotsman's heart. It is matter of delight to perceive its use so nobly upheld, and its 

music preserved with so much patriotic zeal. The frequent "competitions" of performers 

in different parts of Scotland, present a becoming counterpart to the means so successfully 

pursued in Wales and Ireland, for the preservation of their poetry and music ; and this 

ancient regulation, especially in the former country, is so peculiar, bearing as it does on 

the subject, that it cannot with any propriety be omitted. 

It appears that king Cadwaladdr, about 670, presided in a meeting assembled for the 

purpose of hearing the bards recite old compositions and their own productions. Those 

meetings were called Eisteddvodau, and were like the Clera or circuits, held triennially. 

Prince Gruft'udd, who, with the approbation of his Gaelic friends, did so much for 

the repression of abuse and introduction of improvement in poetry and music, laid 

down express rules for the guidance of these meetings, regulating the mode of competi- 

tion, qualification of candidates, &c, the chief object being "to extinguish falsehood, and 

establish certainty in the relation of events," the proper observance of which excellent 

practice served so well to perpetuate the true history of transactions. Invention, or pro- 

pagation of falsehood was declared punishable by imprisonment and fine, and the like penalty 

was exacted for mockery, derision, or undeserved censure. Rhys a]) Gruft'udd, Prince of 

South Wales, gave a magnificent entertainment in the manner of the country, to King 

Henry II., when a large assemblage of bards attended, and received a confirmation of all 

their franchises. Similar meetings have been held at various times and places, some- 

times by royal summons; at others, under the auspices of the nobility. Henry VIII. issued 

a commission for one to be held at Caerwys in Flintshire, 1523, " for the purpose of 

instituting order and government among the professors of poetry and music, and regulat- 

ing their art and profession, according to the old statute of Gruft'udd ap Cynan, Prince 

of Abe-fraw." Queen Elizabeth appointed another to assemble at the same place in 

1508, and those who were not found worthy to hold so honourable a calling, were charged 

to betake themselves to honest labour, on pain of punishment as vagabonds. On the 22d 

September, 1792, "a congress of the bards of the Isle of Britain," was held on Primrose 

hill in a suburb of London, with the view of " recovering druidical mythology and bardic 

learning."* Since then, the Cymrodorion society has given frequent Eisteddvods in the 

* Gentleman's Mag, LXH

INTRODUCTION. 

metropolis, and they are held periodically throughout Wales. The kindred people of 

Bas Bretagne have been desirous of a similar convention being held there, and we have 

heard some literati of the Principality observe, that a gathering of bards on the same 

principle in Iona, where, in the days of persecution, the Cumraeg druids found refuge 

with their Gaelic brethren of the same order, would be a highly interesting and appro- 

priate commemoration, and productive of much advantage to the bardic cause. Some 

degree of literary character was at first given to the competitions in pipe-music, when 

prizes were awarded for poetic compositions, and when the admirable Donchadh-Ban nan 

orain was accustomed to present the Comunn Gaelach na h-Alba, with a complimentary 

effusion in his happiest style. If the idea of the liberal-minded archdeacon Williams, 

rector of the Edinburgh Academy, and several other gentlemen of literary character and 

respectability, is ever matured, we shall have a grand union of the three divisions still 

remaining unmixed in these realms—the Gael of both islands and the Cumri, "jointly and 

severally," engaged in the prosecution of Celtic literature, of which the bards were from 

unsearchable antiquity the only conservators. 

The Irish, less affected by those unpropitious circumstances which operated on the 

Highlanders, have retained the use of the harp and its appropriate melodies. 

They however had their golden age of bardism, to which the iron naturally succeeded. 

They escaped the visitation of Roman persecution; but from the time of Henry II., it 

was an object of solicitude with the invaders, to repress the order as seriously inimical to 

English designs. Taking advantage of their privileges, they mixed with the enemy and 

acted as spies, while they excited their countrymen to unceasing opposition. In the sta- 

tutes of Kilkenny, 1309, it was attempted to abolish the influence they possessed by 

Celtic usage, but with little effect. In the 13th of Henry VI., 1434, it being found that 

Clarsaghours, Tympanours, Crowthores, Kerraghers,* Rymours, Skellaghes,t Bardes, 

and others, contrary to that statute, were constantly passing between the armies, exer- 

cising their ' minstrelsies' and other arts, and carrying all information to the Irish camp, 

means were taken in order to repress so dangerous a practice. The mercenary spirit 

was but in few cases sufficiently strong to extinguish the patriotic; yet if any of these bards 

would officiate in the same vocation on the English side, he was taken under protection, 

and amply provided for. A precept occurs in the 49th, Edward 1 1 1. ,1375, for the remunera- 

tion of Dowenald O Moghane, a bard, who did great service to the English in this way.J 

Henry VIII. received with much satisfaction, 'a Breviate' of certain regulations for the 

good of the country, by Lord Finglass, in which it is recommended, that no Irish min- 

strels, Rymers. Shannaghes,§ nor Bards be " messengers to desire any goods of any man 

dwelling within the English pale, upon pain of forfeiture of all their goods, and their 

bodies to be imprisoned at the king's will."j| Their habits were no wise changed in the 

succeeding reign. An act was passed in 1563, for reformation of the enormities which 

arose in Limerick, Kerry and Cork, by certain idle men of lewd demeanour, called 

Rymers, Bards and Carraghs, who, under pretence of their travail, carried intelligence 

* Players at chess, gamesters. f Tellers of tales. + Rotul. Patentium, 253, 94. 

§ Sheanachiea. || Harris' edition of Wares' Hibernia, 98.

xl INTRODUCTION. 

between the malefactors inhabiting these countries, to the great destruction of true sub- 

jects ; it was therefore ordered that none of these sects be suffered to travail within these 

territories, against the statutes. " And for that these Rymers do by their ditties and 

rhymes to lords and gentlemen, in commemoration and praise of extorsion, rebellion, &e. &c, 

encourage those lords and gentlemen rather to follow those vices than to leave them, and 

that for making of such rhymes rewards are given, &c, for abolishing so heinous an abuse, 

orders be taken, that none of them, from henceforth, do give any manner of reward for 

any such lewd rhymes, and he that shall offend to pay to the Queen's majesty, double the 

value of that he shall so pay, and the Kymer that shall make any such rhymes or ditties, 

shall make fine according to the discretiance of commissioners, and that proclamation 

be made accordingly." • That 

a bard should vent his indignation on occasion of such a 

stigma, is not to be wondered at. The Hibernian warmth is natural : 

" When England would a land enthral, 

She doomed the muses' sons to tall, 

Lest Virtue's hand should string the lyre, 

And feed with sons; the patriot's lire. 

Lo ! Cambria's hards her fury feel ; 

And Erin mourns the hloody steel.'' 

The ' factions' which have continued to agitate the Irish peasantry so unhappily to the 

present day, had an injurious effect on the poetical character, the bards becoming mer- 

cenary and sycophantic followers of the great. The poet Spenser, who otherwise had a 

proper respect for the profession, gives a quaint and curious, but on the whole we may 

believe, a just picture of the bards. 

" They were brought up idly," he says, " without awe of parents, without precepts of 

masters, and without fear of offence . . . for little reward or the share of a stolen cow, 

they wax most insolent, and half-mad with love of themselves. As of a most notorious 

thief and wicked outlaw, which had lived all his lifetime by spoils and robberies, one of 

their bards will say that he was none of the idle milk-sops brought up by the fireside, but 

that most of his days he spent in arms and valiant enterprises ; that he did never eat his 

meat, before he had won it with his sword : that he lay not all night slugging in a cabin 

under his mantle ; but used commonly to keep others waking to defend their lives, and 

diil light his candle at the flame of their houses to lead him in the darkness; that the day 

was his night, and the night his day ; that his music was not the harp, nor lays of love, 

but the cries of people, the clashing of arms, and ' finally,' that he died, not bewailed of 

many, but making many wail when he died, that dearly bought his death." Such a song, 

he adds, might be purchased for 40 crowns.* 

Many who could not themselves compose, acted the rhapsodist, which Buchanan notices 

as a practice in the Highlands also, and sang the poems of others as a profession. In fact, 

the bards in Ireland became a public annoyance, and frequent petitions were made for 

their suppression. 

Most part were extremely profligate, and consequently poor, but some became affluent. 

* View of the state of Ireland.

INTRODUCTION. 

and renounced a profession become disreputable.* A genuine bardic feeling animated 

Richard Roberts, a poor harper, who performed at a late Eisteddvod at Caernarvon, 

who, on receiving his fee, observed, "this money has been of service for my wants, but it 

has spoiled my music, for I never play so well for hire, as from my love of the art, and 

desire to please." 

Oral poetry, the only medium through which the Celtae preserved the memory of all 

transactions, was in no wise so feeble an instrument as a late Essayist considered it.t A 

poem of the bard Taliesen, who lived, anno 540, described the death of King Arthur, 

and the place of his interment, which being repeated before Henry II., about the year 

1 1ST, the king ordered search to be made for his tomb in the churchyard of Glastonbury, 

and there it was found. A similar discovery was made by the recitation of the duan of 

Cath-Gabhra by an old harper, in which an account is given of the burial of King Conan. 

The Irish academy, to verify the correctness of the bardic record, had the spot excavated, 

when the grave was found as described in the song 

It is unfortunate that the Greeks and Romans did not consider the compositions of the 

Celts worthy of preservation. They may not indeed have been very important, except 

as relics of extreme antiquity ; but the glimpses of ancient manners which they would 

have afforded, and their curiosity as productions of ages so remote, render their loss 

matter of much regret. It is certain from the few intimations which are given on the 

subject, that there were many in existence of very distant origin. Some of the Celt- 

iberians asserted that they had poems, containing their laws and history, six thousand 

years old. So long a duration may well be doubted, but if it was only a moderate frac- 

tion of such a number, it would be confessedly great, and there is no question, but that 

other tribes made equal claims. The German poems, which formed their national annals, 

were ancient in the days of Tacitus, who flourished in the first century, and he mentions 

some composed in his own time ;+ their remains were extant seven hundred years after- 

wards. One of the pursuits in which Charlemagne took great delight, was, searching for 

those decaying relies of poetic antiquity and committing them to memory. It was a 

similar practice with the great Alfred. There is one fragment which may be given 

as the oldest specimen of the bardic genius of an ancient Celt. Luernius, king of the 

Arverni, was wont to court popularity by extraordinary munificence. A poet once 

arriving long after the others, saluted the prince with a poem extolling his virtues and 

his benevolence, but lamented his misfortune in being too late to receive his bounty. The 

song procured the gift of a purse of gold, to the happy bard, who then chanted loudly, 

saying that Luernius' chariot-wheels as they rolled along, scattered wealth and blessings 

among the children of men.§ 

Although not disposed to go beyond an era of probability in the belief of the alleged 

antiquity of many British remains, yet as the inhabitants were found by the Romans, in 

most parts which they explored, as far advanced in civilization as the Gauls, and were 

* In the book of Fermoy is a collection of mercenary rhapsodies. Lawless. 

f The late John Anderson, Esq., W.S. 

J One in praise of Arminras (Armin.) a celebrated chief, is mentioned in the Annals. 

§ Posidonius apnd Ritson. lie flourished about 30 years before Christ. 

! 

XÌÌ

xlii INTRODUCTION. 

much their superiors in bardic knowledge ; not to advert to the general supposition that 

the famed chief-druid Abaris, who visited Greece clad in a tartan robe, must have been a 

Caledonian, and other points which would serve to show considerable civilization in early 

times ; there seems good reason to admit that the Britons had also preserved historical 

poems which may have reached a high antiquity. From certain dark and figurative verses, 

the early chroniclers probably drew their materials, which, incorporated in their works 

without sufficiently comprehending the meaning, led to erroneous constructions, and the 

fabulous narrations which mark the productions of the early writers. Gildas and Ncnnius 

or Neniaw, 550 and 608, who were bards, compiled their histories from such authorities: 

and the former deplores the destruction of many old records by the enemy, and loss 

of others carried away by those who were driven from the country by the inroads of the 

northern tribes. Many Cumraèg MSS., were at one time in the Tower of London, 

either the spoils of war, or carried there by Welsh captives, taken in the Saxon and 

Norman invasions. They are supposed to have been poetical ; but whatever they were, 

with a policy which subsequently actuated English monarchs with respect to the national 

songs and records of the sister kingdoms, they were committed to the flames. Owain 

Glendwr's rebellion, 1400, led to the destruction of most of the remaining bardic com- 

positions which had been committed to writing ; 

William of Salisbury says on his defeat, 

not one that could be found was saved ! The Llyvr du o Caerfyrddyn, lilackbook of 

Caerniarthen, is supposed to be the most ancient British manuscript in existence ; it con- 

tains the works of bards of the 6th century.* 

Among the more ancient remains of bardic science are those of Merddin, or Merlin the 

Caledonian, who flourished in 470. He was born at Caerwerthevin, near the forest of 

Celyddon, supposed to be Dunkeld, where he was protected by Gwenddolau ap Ceidio, 

wi'th whom his mother, a nun, had sought refuge : having through accident killed his 

nephew in battle, he became subject to insanity, whence he was called the Wild, and 

his effusions were accounted prophetic. He received a tract of fertile land from this 

prince, which he lost in the wars with Rhedderch, King of Strathclyde. A poem which 

he composed on this gift, praising it under the name of an orchard, is a fair specimen of 

this bard's abilities. The verses have an unequal number of lines, but in each the final 

syllables rhyme. A verse or two are thus translated :— 

AFAI.LENAU MYKDDIN. 

" Sweet apple tree, growing in the lonely glade ! fervent valour shall keep thee secure 

from the stern lords of Rhydderch. Bare is the ground about thee, trodden by mighty 

warriors ; their heroic forms strike their foes with terror. * * * * Death relieves all, 

why does he not visit me? for after Gwenddolau no prince honours me; I am not 

soothed with diversion. I am no longer visited by the fair: yet in the battle of Arderydd, 

I wore the golden torques, though I am now despised by her who is fair as the snowy 

swan. 

" Sweet apple tree, loaded with the sweetest fruit, growing in the lonely wilds of the 

* Jones' poetical relics of the W. bafde.

INTRODUCTION. xliii 

woods of Celyddon ! all seek thee for the sake of thy produce, but in vain ; until Cad- 

waladr comes to the conference of the ford of Itheon, and Conan advances to oppose the 

Saxons in their career, &c."* 

There are some pretty similes here, and the Celtic character is impressed on the com- 

position, but how far short it comes of the Gaelic poems of antiquity ! 

The Welsh having so sedulously maintained the science in all its peculiarities, a refer- 

ence to their history could not with propriety be avoided. From the kingdom of the 

Strathclyde Britons, through that of Cumbria, which extended to the marches of North 

Wales, the tribes appear to have for some time formed the link between the Cumri and 

the Gael ; the intercourse therefore which appears to have subsisted between the two 

people in early ages, will justify a frequent allusion to those who at first thought might 

appear quite disconnected with the Gaelic bards. 

From the beginning cf the 5th century there were numerous bards, the remains of 

whose works are still extant. The antiquaries of Wales enrol in their list the nan.es 

of several who are assigned an antiquity so remote, that a degree of scepticism is ex- 

cited as to their existence, but the Iris h writers quite s urpasg_lhe_m ; for they lay claim to 

national poetry three thousand years oldlf It is impossible, without a great stretch of 

credulity, to believe that any relic anterior to the Christian era has reached our times. 

Fingin and Fergus of the 2d century, and others, may be real personages, and the authors 

of poems ascribed to them ; 

without questioning the truth of the legends concerning the 

more ancient personages, it may be sufficient to say, that from the advent of our Saviour, 

downwards, the numerous individuals distinguished in the science are recorded by the 

bardo-monkish chronicles in precise detail. We find among those most noted in the 5th 

century, Torna and Dubthach who is said to have written a poem in which the rights of 

the bards are enumerated. He subsequently became a convert to Christianity, and in this 

class are to be ranked Feich, Cronan, Columcille, Adamnan, Dalian, Seanclian, Angus, 

Amergin, &c. These primitive Christians, being of the privileged class, by the old insti- 

tutions, did not fail to set forth in a favourable light, the glorious state of ancient poetry, 

thinking it an enhancement of the national honour, to show that Ireland was the cele- 

brated land of bards before it acquired the more exalted title of that of saints. The 

powerful exhortations of St Patrick and his successors, induced numerous bards to betake 

themselves to the services of religion, many acnuiring dignities in the church, and con- 

siderable celebrity. In 884, died Maolmhuradh—his contemporary Flann was accounted 

the Virgil of Ireland ; Donagh O Daly, Abbat of Boyle, who died in 1244, was called 

the Ovid. 

We rind, from what is recorded of the bardic system in Ireland, that like the Welsh, 

they had triennial conventions, and the Iomarba, or contests, were professional competi- 

tions. The practice in Ireland must be held to be the same as was observed by the Gael 

* By the Orchard, Merddin perhaps means the asylum he found in Athol, Ahhal or Adhul, which is 

believed by many etymologists to acquire its name from fmitfukeis in alhlau, apple-trees. The poet thpre- 

fore seems to play on the JfaUunau, or apple-tree garden. 

f Dr O'Connor. 

/

xlÌV INTRODUCTION. 

of Scotland. The Minister bardic Sessions which were held so late as the beginning of 

last century, were suppressed by penal statute.* Attempts have been made to restore in 

some measure the ancient practice of the harp and vocal melody, as a means of preserving 

the poetry and music so rapidly on the decline. A Mr Dungan offered four prizes 

of seven, five, three, and two guineas to the best performers on the harp, in a meeting 

held at Granard, in 1781, at which eight or ten performers attended. In 1792, a meeting 

of the harpers, as the descendants and representatives of the ancient bards, was called at 

Belfast, by a number of gentlemen who raised funds for the purpose of reviving and per- 

petuating the old " music, poetry, and oral traditions," at which ten harpers attended. 

The Belfast Harp Society, for supporting a professor and students, was established in 1807. 

An institution worthy of the descendants of the ancient Dalriadic Scots deserved a more 

extended existence: it only survived until 1813.t 

Returning to the bards of Caledonia, to whose history this essay is more particularly 

devoted, it must be confessed that they have not met with the ready chroniclers who 

have celebrated the others ; but they have left a more splendid monument, in their own 

inimitable works. . 

Who were the "bards of old," whose poems were alluded to by the renowned Ossian, 

or in what age did they exist ? The expression carries the mind back to a distant and 

indeterminate era, and it proves that there were poems well known in his day, which were 

then reckoned ancient. " Thou shalt endure, said the bard of ancient clai/s, after the 

moss of time shall grow in Temora ; after the blast of years shall roar in Selma." Fer- 

gus, Ullin, Orain, Daol, were his contemporaries, but we know not who was the author 

of the " Tain bo, Cualgne," a poem co-eval with the epoch of redemption. The Duan 

Albanach, repeated at the coronation 1056, was formed from some similar record, of much 

higher antiquity. 

The era of Ossian is fixed by concurring opinion, formed from the evidence contained 

in the poems, in the third century. The compositions of several who lived in his own 

time, as well as the immediately succeeding ages, have come down to our own times ; 

owing their preservation to that peculiar beauty which characterizes the works which 

preceded the full establishment of Christianity. Collections of the Sean-dana have been 

published under the general affiliation to those ancient bards; but as it cannot in the case 

of several pieces be with certainty shown whether it was the ' voice of Cona,' which gave 

them being, or the others, the descriptive appellation of Ossianic poetry seems an appro- 

priate designation. At the same time it must be observed, that the judgment of the 

Highlanders may in general be relied on; some of the anonymous^ poems given in the 

following collection, although evidently formed by those who had not embraced Christian- 

ity, and compositions of acknowledged merit, are nevertheless so far from the nc ]>lus 

ultra of the acknowledged standard of excellence, that they are never ascribed to Ossian 

* Walker, who quotes memoirs of Clan Ricard, 17-7. See Hanlinian's Irish minstrelsy for a copious 

List of Bards and Seanaehies and poetical ecclesiastics, From tho identity of language and similarity of 

names, our Irish neighbours have laid claim to several hards, who ought assuredly to be placed in the 

Albanic list. 

f Bunting on Irish music, 1840 

|

INTRODUCTION. xlv 

Mac Fhinn.* The authors of some of those ancient compositions are known, as of 

Mordobh and Colkttr, but many others are anonym ous, or of uncertain authorship. 

It will scarcely be expected that the question of the authenticity of the poems of Ossian 

which so long agitated the literary world, shall be resumed in the pages of this short essay. 

The ample proofs of the existence of those poems in the oral record of the unlettered 

Highlanders, as well as in several MSS., long before MacPherson undertook the labour 

of collecting and translating them, obtained by the searching investigation of the High- 

land Society, and of individuals, have, we should think, settled the controversy to the satis- 

faction of the unprejudiced. The evidences which the poems were supposed to exhibit of 

their recent composition, as urged by Laing and others ignorant of the language, have 

been happily overthrown by natives of the country who well understood the originals, while 

the correspondence of the chronology of those compositions with the events in Scottish 

history, is an extraordinary proof of their being the genuine production of antiquity. 

" The history of the bards, is perhaps of all others the most extraordinary," is the ex- 

pression of an eminent writer on poetry and music ;t and another has said, that " on the 

construction of the old Celtic poetry we want much information. "Ì Since this wish was 

expressed, the subject has been treated by writers qualified by a competent knowledge of 

the language. The Triads, which form so curious a record, commemorate Tydain, who 

first made an order and regulation for the record of vocal song; and it is laid down that 

there are three requisites for a poetical genius—an eye that can see nature, a heart that 

can feel it, and boldness that dares to follow it. In Ireland, Ceanfaela (who flourished 

about 500,) we are told, wrote or revised what is called the "uraicepht na neagir," or 

rules for poets, a very useful work, since we find there were upwards of 100 kinds of 

poetical construction. In ' Anglia Sacra,' mention is made of a Scot who was acquainted 

with 100 different sorts of verse, with the modulation of words and syllables to music, 

to which letters, figures, poetic feet, tone, and time, were necessary. 

The Triads are a sort of oracular stanzas, composed with much art in three lines. 

This triplet form was not unknown to the Highlanders, but it was more peculiarly Welsh, 

and appears to be, as is uniformly asserted, the favourite druidic style. It is generally 

termed Enelyn Milwr, the warrior's song, which points to its use as the " cerdd voliant 

prosnachadh," or stimulating address which animated the troops in war. It was in this 

measure, doubtless, that the famed Unbeniaeth Prydain, or heroic poem called the Monarchy 

of Britain, was composed. This is now lost; but it had a wonderful effect on the hearers, 

referring to the pristine glories of the Britons when they held the sovereignty of the 

island. It was Eydeyrn, the golden-tongued, in the reign of Gruffudd, Prince of Aber- 

fraw 1258-82 who made an analysis of the metres of vocal song, " to be as a record and 

a code."|| Those who wish farther information respecting the Welsh bards will be amply 

gratified by consulting the elaborate works of Jones and Evans ; it may be sufficient to 

* There were otliers of the name. Those poems in which matters relative to Christianity are introduced, 

which are current in Ireland, were in all prohahility the composition of that Ossian, who hecame St 

Patrick's disciple. 

\ Dt Brown. J Pinkerton "the Gcth." 

§ II. p. 2\'.j. 

Owen's Dictionary. 

II 

§

xlri INTRODUCTION. 

say, that the three divisions of Englyn, Cywydd, Awdl, close, parallel and lyric metre, 

were divided into twenty-tour, the last of which was " the masterpiece." 

The poetical genius of the Highlanders has been often subject of remark. Pastoral 

occupations and an Alpine situation are congenial to it. The mountains of Bceotia were 

the favourite abode of the Muses, and the Arcadians, who were the Highlanders of Pelo- 

ponnesus, became famous in the most early ages for their poetry and music. The modes 

of Gaelic versification are various, but on a close examination are not so numerous as at 

first would appear ; it is evident, however, that the ancient poets did not cramp their gcniii3 

by adherence to any rule, although there was an attention to rhyme and cadence. In later 

times, the system was rendered intricate and complicated by a curious classification of the 

letters, in which the Irish particularly distinguished themselves. The Gaelic language is 

well adapted for poetry, but it cannot we think, except in a few cases, be successfully 

scanned according to the rules of latinists, although this has been attempted.* 

In the scarce work of Mr Davies before referred to, this learned Cambrian—endeavour- 

ing to prove that the poems of Ossian, if allowed to be older than the days of our fathers, 

are the productions of an age long posterior to their believed era— enters very particularly 

into the systems of versification, which his elaborate ' Celtic Researches' and intimate 

acquaintance with such matters, enabled him to do with great critical acumen; nevertheless 

most of his dicta may be very confidently repelled. ' Rhime,' he admits, 'was peculiarly 

known to the Celtte,' and with alliteration it formed the true mark of antique composition ; 

with which observations we readily agree. He subsequently says that alliteration was a 

more recent invention than rhyme, and that rhyming verses are the nearest resemblance 

to the style of versification used by the druids. The Welsh were ignorant of alternate 

rhymes or quatrains, their poetry being usually of such a form as the following: 

Mor vw gwael gweled, 

Cvinwro cynnircil, 

Brathau a brithred, 

Brithwyr ar gerdded. 

It is rather surprising that this people should not have this style of versification 

in their heroic pieces, for which Dryden recommends it as most suited, and in which 

style the Ossianic poems are, generally composed. Mr Davies' object is to test the anti- 

quity of this poetry, but he does so by a comparison with the Irish system which he 

allows to be so full of art, and BO fanciful, that it could not be of ancient origin, nor the 

manner " of any Celtic tribe' whatever !" 

The sy-tem, as Gaelic scholars know, is by a complex and arbitrary classification of 

the letters, and the strict application of the rule of "caol ri caol, agus leathan ri leatlian," 

short to short, and broad to broad. Mr Davies acknowledges that their table must have 

been the work offline, and says, the oldest specimen in which he found it in full force, 

was of the' time of Queen Elizabeth: certainly the oldest Gaelic poetry does not exhibit 

this feature. If ' both nations versified on the same principle,' is there not some incon- 

* I)r Armstrong in his excellent Dictionary, and Mr Munro in his Grammar, have reduced the WJie 

works to tli i s classical mode of testing their merit.

INTRODUCTION. 

X *VU 

sistency in saying that the Highlanders were bungling copyists of the Irish ? The rough- 

ness of this charge is indeed a little smoothed down by the subsequent admission, that 

whatever they copied they much improved, having, he confesses with unexpected candour, 

a genius for poetry ! 

The war-song of Goll he accounts a fair specimen of the poetry of the age of Ossian. 

lie takes it from an Irish version, and a short specimen will be quite sufficient for a 

Gaelic scholar to determine whether the Hibernian or Caledonian displays the finest 

genius, or bears the strongest marks of antiquity. 

" Goll mear mileata Laoeh gu Ian ndealbhnaig 

Ceap na crodhachta Reim an richuraibh 

Laimh filial arachta Leomhan luatharmach 

Mian na mordhasa A leonadh biodhbhaidh 

Mur leim lanteinne Ton ag tream tuarguin 

Fraoch nach bhfuarthear Goll nan gnath iorguil."

dvàii INTRODUCTION. 

the subject at the same time being so appropriate to that in hand. Roth nations versified 

on the same principle, and as few countries produce a Homer or an Ossian, it is not sur- 

prising that there should be contending- claims for the honour of their birthplace. It 

no doubt astonished the antiquaries of other countries, to find that such extraordinary 

compositions should be the production of " a people who had never boasted of their liter- 

ary treasures," but our learned objector could not find many, except among the hope- 

lessly prejudiced, to believe that " the Scotch poems arc the trivial songs of the illiterate 

peasant in the reign of George III." ! To close these remarks, we are happy to insert 

Mr Davies' own opinion of the same poems, which doubtless was not hastily formed, 

being expressed in more elegant language than we could readily command, or becomingly 

use for ourselves. 

"The Fingal and Temora, upon subjects so interwoven with the feelings of the people, 

set this corner of the island far above poetic competition, not only with any Celtic tribe, 

but we may almost say with any nation in Europe. What people now existing can boast 

of epic poems, so interesting, so original, so replete with generous sentiment, and at the 

same time so nationally appropriate ? The man who believes himself descended from 

Fingal, from either of his heroes, or even from the nation which produced such characters, 

must be a degenerate wretch indeed, if he can do otherwise than think nobly and act 

honourably."* 

Previous to displaying more particularly the beauties of the Gaelic bards, their system of 

versification requires to be more fully developed ; but it is a difficult task to convey a clear 

idea of that which is so much " sui generis," and constructed on principles in many cases 

at entire variance with the laws which govern in other languages. The variety of measure 

in Gaelic poetry, is not more remarkable than its complication of rhythm and cadence, 

often presenting a wild excellence, which to those unacquainted with the language, ap- 

pears to be a perfectly lawless arrangement of lines. Some of the early productions of 

untutored bards, and even portions of the Ossianic poetry, are in verse so irregular, as to 

present the aspect of disjointed prose. The natural How of the passions is not restrained 

by attention to measure or adherence to rule, and events which produce strong mental 

agitation, are not likely to be commemorated, in soft, flowing and well adjusted lines. 

The ancient bards do not appear to have composed under any fixed laws of versification, 

yet the wildest effusions were not without a certain rule ; their poems, although in 

blank verse, had a peculiar adjustment of cadence and feet, easily discoverable to a prac- 

tical car. 

Polyinctra, or verses of different measures, employed according to the poet's taste or 

feeling, — a style, capable of being rendered extremely effective, is held to lie the first form 

of composition, and has been frequently used by both tin- ancient and modern Gael. It 

was adopted by other nations, and successfully practised by the French and Spaniards 

—in England, it is first seen in the works of Ben Johnson.t 

* Beaidi era! and versified translations in English, the Poems of Ossian Lava appeared in 

Latin, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Danish, Swedish, &c. 

+ .See Transactions of Irish Academy,

INTRODUCTION. 

xlix 

Much of the Gaelic poetry might be scanned; but a great deal of it cannot be properly 

subjected to this classical test by the most ingenious; and yet a Celtic ear will tell that it 

is good. We are of opinion that the rules for scanning, by which Latin verses are governed, 

are alien to the Gaelic, which certainly does not owe the art of poetry to the Romans. 

The concord does not always depend on the coincidence of final words; but rests on some 

radical vowel in corresponding words, and these not terminal alone, but recurring in 

several places throughout the verse, which will be best understood from examples. 

Muir, cuir; each, creach ; 

gleann, beann, &c, are quite perfect, but in fios, gion; lilmh, 

bàs ; feidh, sleibh ; beul, speur, &c, the rhyme is in the corresponding vowels. In the 

same poem, especially if ancient, we frequently meet with good regular versification, 

and portions in which there is no rhyme at all: indeed in one piece, there are often various 

sorts of verse. 

Rhyming lines, which are thought to be the nearest resemblance to the style of versi- 

fication used by the Druids, are common. 

" Bha geal-làmh air clàrsach thall ; 

Cliunnaic mi a gorm-shuil mall 

Mar ghlau thaiblis an iomairt a' triall 

Le cheilte an cearb nan dubh niall." 

Tighmora, Duan IV. Vol. III. p. .V2. 

Here is a specimen of alternate rhymes, which exemplifies their independence of the 

final consonants. The cadence in the middle of the line is also observable. 

" O ! ra' anam faic an ribhinn òg, 

Fo sgeith an daraich, righ nam flath, 

'S na lamh shneachd meisg a ciabhan òir, 

'S a meall-shuil chiuin air òg a gràidh. 

" Esan a' seinn ri taobh 's i balbh, 

Le cridhe leum, 'sa snamh 'na chOol, 

An gaol bho shuil gu sùil a falbh, 

Cuir stad air feidh nan sleibhtean mor." 

Heroic verse is usually of seven, eight, nine, or more syllables. 

Latha do Phadruic na mhui 

Gun sailm air uigh ach ag 51 

Chaidh e thigh Oi=ein 'ic Fhinn 

On san leij bu bhinn a gluir. 

Osian 

Na h-eoineanan boidheach a's ordamail ponng. 

Stu marceach nan srànneach a's farrumach ceum." 

Miami a Dhaird aosda, p. 16. 

MacLachlan. 

Some modes of versification are very singular, having a curious concord of vowels, 

without alliteration, running through the whole, and occurring in different parts of the 

lines, forming compound rhymes : for example :

INTRODUCTION. 

" Sin fhuil bhan cùisl' ar SINNSKAB, 

s iii [NNSOINN a bha n.ui 

A dh' fhagadh dhùiim mar DHILIB, 

Bin RIOGHAIL : be sin am PuiWir." p. 130. 

" Is mor a ghreis a thug na SEOIO 

'Sna SL0I8B a coimbead an such Ian ; 

Ach cUSon iad araon air an fiiraocu, 

'S fail CHRAObbach a ruitli o' n craucAdaibb."' 

Mm-duth. 

Besides the regular rhymes, there is a sort of melodious cadence pervading the verse, 

which of course is more or less beautiful according to the genius of the poet. The follow- 

ing anonymous composition shows the harmonious adaptation of the language for versifi- 

cation ; it seems to flow with the greatest facility in the happiest agreement of rhythm 

' and measure. It is usually sung to the fine old air of Johnny's grey breeks.' 

" A nighean donn na bf/rcile 

Gam bbeil an gltcasad fARusda, 

Gun tug mi gaol co buan duit, 

'Snach glunis e air an EARrach so 

Mheall thu mi le d' shugradh 

Le d' bhriodal a' le d' chuine, 

Lùb thu mi mar fhiùran, 

'S cba dùcbas domh bhi ÌALLain uaith." 

Here is another specimen of a similar style : 

— 

Fhuair mi Sgeula mocli dicèdin 

Air laimh fheuma bha gu creùchdacli, 

'S leor a gheurad anns An leumsa 

Anal on trend bha buagh&r, 

O Dhun Garanach ur allail 

Na'n trup meàra' s na'n'steud seànga, 

Na'n gleus gliina s' ceutnch seulladh, 

Beichdail àllaidh waibhreach. 

Mary MacLeod, better known as Nighean A lastair ruadb, the daughter of red Alex- 

ander, had so fine a genius, that she appears to have struck out some new measures. 

Here are two specimens of a very plaintive cast. 

Righ | gur mnladacb 'thS mi, 

'S mi gun inhiic gun luhfmran, 

Anns an talla 'in bu gna le Mao-Leoid, 

High gur, \c. 

Taigh mor macnaeacb, meagbracb, 

Nam macaibh 'a nam maigbdean, 

! 'ar 'm bu tartarach gleadbraicb nan corn, 

Taigb mn', &c. 

Tha hid dhuils' aim an Di", 

Guir muirneaeh do thiiall, 

; 

Sat p. 24,

INTRODUCTION. 

Gu Dim ud nan cliar, 

Far bu duthchas do' m thriath, 

Bhiodh gu fiughantach fia.ll fuirmeil, 

BModh gu, &c. 

See p. 30. 

Tlie following variety is by the celebrated John MacDonald, not Iain Lorn, but Iain 

dubh Mac Iain 'ic Ailein ; the Eigg bard. 

Si so 'n aimsir an dearbhar 

An targanacli dhuinn, 

'S bras meinmnach fir Alba 

Fon armaibh air thus 

Nuair dh' eireas gach treun-laoch 

Na' n eideadh ghlan ur, 

Lo run feirg agus gairge 

Ge seirbhis a chruin. 

Donchadh Ban, or Duncan Maclntyre, the boldness and originality of whose concep- 

tions, clothed in poetry of the most genuine excellence, unassisted by the slightest educa- 

tion, have obtained for him a comparison with Ossian himself, offers many a beauty scattered 

profusely throughout his numerous works. In that admirable poem called Beinn Dou- 

rain, he has adapted the verses to the piobaireachd notes, commencing with the urlar, the 

groundwork or air : the second part is the suibhal, or quickening, arranged in a different 

measure, to which succeeds the crun-luath, swifter running music, to which a suitable 

measure is likewise adapted. It is a curious effort, and his model seems to have been an 

older piece which accompanied Moladh Mairi, the praise of Mary, otherwise the Mac- 

Lachlan's salute. 

His lines are extremely mellifluous, and his compositions show a great poetical versa- 

tility. Let us present a verse of his Coirre-Cheathaich, scanned according to Dr Arm- 

strong. 

'S à' mhàdainn chiuin gheal, iinn am dhomh dusgadh, 

| | | 

'AIg bun na stiuce b en sùgràdh leam 

| | | 

A cheàrc le sgifican a gabhàil tuchain, 

| [ | 

'San coileach cùirtèil Sg dit?-dail trom. 

| | | 

An dreathan | 

A ciir nan smmd | 

An triiid sam | 

Re cèileir sùnntach bù | | 

; 

, ; 

sùrdail, 'a a ribhld chlul àige, 

| | 

dheth gu lùthàr binn 

| 

[ 

bru dheiirg le moran unaich, 

| 

sbiitbhlach | rann. 

The measure is repeated at every second line. It will be observed, that there is an 

agreement in sound between the first syllable of the second and third foot ; in the second 

and third lines, between the first syllable of the second, and the middle of the third foot. 

His beautiful song to Mairi bhàn òg, fair young Mary " so often imitated, but never 

equalled," is another captivating beauty in the composition of 'Fair Duncan of the songs.' 

In the fourth book of Fingal is the war song, prosnachadh, or exhortation, which the bard 

chanted to inspirit the renowned Gaul, when engaged in the h'eat of a desperate battle. 

So expressive is the language, and with such skill did the bard compose his address, that 

the very sound echoes the sense; it could never, we apprehend, be mistaken, even by one

lii INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION. liiì 

The Duan Albanach is on a subject which did not admit of any copious introduction 

of the graces of poetry; a portion of it will nevertheless be thought curious, as exhibiting 

a production of the middle age, presuming, that the bard who repeated it in 105G was the 

author, in Gaelic of an orthography now rather obsolete. There are 27 verses, of which 

the following are the rirst and last. 

A eolcha Alban uile, 

A shluagh fcta folt bhuidhe, 

Cia ceud ghabhail an eol duibh, 

Ro ghabhustar Alban bhruigh. 

Da Righ for chaogad, cluine, 

Go mac Donncha dreacb ruire, 

Do sbiol Eric ardgloin a noir, 

Ghabhsad Albain, a eolaigh.* 

One of the most curious alliterative poems is that composed by Lachlan mòr Mac 

Mhuireach, bard to MacDonald of the Isles, to animate his troops at the battle of Har- 

law, fought 1411. The bard gives a part for every letter of the alphabet, and each con- 

tains the most felicitous collection of epithets under the respective letter. Towards the 

end, the strict alliteration is abandoned, and the piece concludes as usual in heroic poems, 

with the opening lines, which call on the children of Conn, " of the hundred battles," to 

behave with becoming hardihood in the day of strife. t A portion will be found, p. G2. 

Another selection from ** the voice of Cona," will exemplify the freedom with which 

the ancient bards versified, presenting events in the most impressive language, without 

restraining the flow of the muse for the mere sake of making the lines ' clink,' as Burns 

would say. 

* Rerum Hib. scriptores veteres. 

Mar cheud gaotb an daraig Mhoirbheinn, 

Mar cbeud sruth o thorr nan aonacb, 

Mar neoil a' curadh gu dubhlaihh, 

Mar cbuan mor air traigb a' taoiuadb, 

Cho leathean, beucacb, dorcba, borb, 

Thachair laoicb fo cholg air Lena. 

Bha gairm an t-sluaigh air cruach nam beam:, 

Mar thorruun an oiùhch' nan sian, 

'N uair bhriseas nial Chona nan gleann 

'S mile taibhs' a 1 

sgreadadn gu dian 

Air gaoitb, fhaoin, fhiar nan earn. 

Ghluais an Righ na 1 

neart gu luatb, 

Mar thannas Threinmboir, fuath gun bhaigh, 

'N uair thig e' n crom-osag nan stuadb 

Gu Morbheinn, tir sinns're a ghraidh. 

•f" The farm, heretofore Muir of Harlaw, is on the north side of the river Urie, about 17 English miles 

from Aberdeen. It is in the Gariach or rough district, whence the battle is called by the Highlanders, 

cuth gariach. On the field of conflict were to be seen the sepulchral cairns of the slain—MacLean, M'Intosh, 

&c, but the industrious utilitarian now raises his crops on the soil which enwraps the undistinguished re- 

mains of the gallant warriors, who fell in that well-contested field.

1ÌV INTRODUCTION. 

Here in some parts the final syllables rhyme extremely well ; in others, there appears 

no such agreement. The 5th and 1 lth lines prove how truly Mr MacLean speaks in his 

" History of the Celtic Language," when he says it is the voice of nature,—an echo, re- 

flection, or vocal painting, so to speak, of passion and action. Celtic versification is 

indeed one of the most venerable remains of European literature, and its correspondence 

with the Hebrew style indicates the most remote antiquity. 

This extract is truly one of the bardic beauties, but no translation can do it justice. 

MacPherson was certainly deeply imbued with the spirit which animated those who com- 

posed the poems he rendered into English, and although not always strictly literal, they 

are undoubtedly the most happy attempts to convey in one language the feelings displayed 

in another. He thus translates the passage. 

" As a hundred winds on Morven ; as the streams of a hundred hills ; as clouds fly 

successive over heaven ; as the dark ocean assails the shore of the desert : so roaring, so 

vast, so terrible, the armies mixed on Lena's echoing heath. The groan of the people 

spread over the hills : it was like the thunder of night, when the clouds burst on Cona, 

and a thousand ghosts shriek at once on the hollow wind. Fingal rushed on in his 

strength, terrible as the spirit of Treunmor, when in a whirlwind he comes to Morven, to 

see the children of his pride."*' 

How much has the Celtic poet here made of a simple battle—what striking accessories 

he has introduced, and what grandeur of simile he has employed, to impart a conception 

of the fiercest of fights in which his hero appears so conspicuously! In "revolving a 

slender stock of ideas," how admirably he has here availed himself of his scanty imagery! 

It would certainly be impossible to preserve in any translation, the native simplicity, 

force and beauty of Gaelic poetry. To those acquainted with the language, the represen- 

tations are highly graphic and often sublime; but the feeling and felicity of description 

could not be clothed in an English dress without lamentable deterioration. Could Mac- 

Donald's Iorram for instance be translated so as to carry all its force of expression with 

it? Language is used to convey ideas and express action and feeling. In a primitive 

tongue it docs so emphatically to a natural mind : when society becomes artificial, language 

undergoes a similar change. It is to be regretted, that to the English reader, the beauties 

in this work will be almost unknown, except from the instances submitted in this introduc- 

tion, and they arc merely sufficient to convey a general idea of the peculiar merit of Celtic 

poetry. The language is no doubt happily adapted for metrical composition, but the 

people possess a poetical genius, in no inconsiderable degree diffused throughout the com- 

munity ; for it is a fact that numerous bards were perfectly illiterate ; some of the sweetest 

being ignorant of the ABC. Duncan Maclntyre is a celebrated instance, and a long 

* A translator may lose the spirit and sense of an author if too metaplastic : we shall however ho for- 

given for making a few remarks on the above, presuming it was the original from which the translation was 

made. The oaks of Morven are forgotten in the first line; Ikirh is more correctly fare— dorcha, darkening 

is omitted. The gairm was not a groan or cry of affright, hut the ImttU'-shont of defiance. For the 'hollow 

wind,' the 1 lth line ' would he more literally on the idle, eddying wind of the cairn.' It is curious to find 

BÌnns're, ancestors, instead of progeny! These unimportant criticisms can never deteriorate from the just 

fame of MacPherSOn, and are by no means penned in a spirit of detraction.

INTRODUCTION. 

list of others who lived in comparative obscurity could be given, many of thcin in the 

humblest walks of life. The feeling which animated these plebeian composers was recip- 

rocated by the taste of their countrymen, and many a popular song is the work of 

obscure or unknown peasants and seafaring men. Such are Fhir a bhata, Air mo run 

geal òg, and numerous others. The Rebellions, particularly that conducted by Tcarlach 

6g Stiuart, 1745, inspired many an individual of both sexes with poetic fervour, who never, 

before or after, felt the same irresistible impulse to invoke the muse. 

The Gaelic poetry and music are usually of a melancholy cast, and this has been attri- 

buted to the atrabilious temperament of a depressed people. Such a character is surely 

unsuitable to a people who have been characterized as high-spirited, proud and pugnacious. 

Yet the tender and affecting poems of the ancient bards, and the titles of popular air3, 

have been considered as satisfactory proofs of the justice of the assertion.* The unhappy 

situation of Ossian will fully account for the plaintive character of most of his pieces, 

but, admitting that the muses are most frequently invoked in seasons of trouble and ad- 

versity, and that in general the poems are of that gloomy and sorrowful cast, it will 

show undoubtedly a keenness of sensibility towards affliction, yet it will not follow that 

the Highlanders are naturally a querulous, dejected people. Poems, commemorative of 

calamity and distress, took stronger hold on the memory, and more powerfully excited the 

feelings than those of an opposite character, according well with a grave and reflective 

race. Dr Beattie speaks thus on the subject : " The Highlands are a picturesque, but 

in general a melancholy country. Long tracts of mountain desert, covered with dark heath, 

and often obscured by misty weather ; narrow valleys thinly inhabited and bounded by 

precipices, resounding with the fall of torrents ; a soil so rugged, and climate so dreary, as 

in many parts to admit neither the amusements of pasturage, nor the labours of agricul- 

ture ; the mournful dashing of waves along the friths and lakes that intersect the country; 

the portentous noises which every change of the wind, and every increase or diminution 

of the waters, is apt to raise in a lonely region, full of echoes and rocks and caverns; the 

grotesque and ghastly appearance of such a landscape by the light of the moon ; 

lv 

objects 

like these diffuse a gloom over the fancy, which may be compatible enough with occa- 

sional and social merriment, but cannot fail to tincture the thoughts of a native in the 

hour of silence and solitude. What then would it be reasonable to expect from the fan- 

ciful tribe, from the musicians and poets of such a region ? strains expressive of joy, tran- 

quillity, or the softer passions? No : their style must have been better suited to their 

circumstances ; and so we find in fact, that their music is. The wildest irregularity ap- 

pears in its composition ; the expression is warlike and melancholy, and approaches even 

to the terrible." 

No doubt there is much truth in this, but it will not account for a similar character in 

the compositions of the Irish, whose country is comparatively champaign, and who arc 

blessed with a genial climate and fruitful soil. Whence also the plaintive and tender 

melodies of the low country and southern counties of Scotland ? Both people were im- 

* Dauney—Ancient Scottish Melodies ; a curious and valuaule work.

LVÌ ÌXTUODL'CTION. 

bued with the same feelings—they used the same musical scale to poetry constructed on 

the same principle. 

The prevalence of poems which detail the calamities of war, deaths of heroes, dis- 

appointments of lovers, ravages of storms, disasters at sea, &c , 

with melodies suitable to 

such lamentable subjects, shows, that tragic events leave a deep and enduring impression ; 

while convivial, humorous and satiric effusions, are usually forgotten with the persons or 

incidents from which they arose.* The bards sought not to avoid the melancholy vein 

they rather gave way to the feeling, and in this mood, many of their best productions 

were executed. " Pleasant is the joy of grief! it is like the shower of spring when it 

softens the branch of the oak, and the young leaf lifts its green head." That mind must 

be little susceptible of the softer feelings of human nature, which docs not sympathize 

with the poet in the recital of a moving tale of wo. The sensitive bards arc represented 

as at times bedewing the harp-strings with their tears, while repeating the sad story which 

the sterner chiefs could not listen to unmoved. A bard of Wales, about 1450, describes 

a similar effect. 

"The harper blest with lofty muse, 

His harp iu briny flood imbrues." 

'•' Cease the lightly trembling sound. The joy of grief belongs to Ossian, amid his 

dark -brown years. Green thorn of the hill of ghosts that shakest thy head to nightly 

winds ; I hear no sound in thee ; Is there no spirit's windy skirt now rustling in thy 

leaves ? Often are the steps of the dead in the dark-eddying blasts ; when the moon, a 

dun shield from the east is rolled along the sky."t Beautifully does the bard again ex- 

press himself. " I am alone at Lutha. My voice is like the last sound of the wind, 

when it forsakes the woods. But Ossian shall not be long alone. lie sees the mist that 

shall receive his ghost— he beholds the cloud that shall form his robe, when he appears 

on his hills. The sons of feeble men shall behold me, and admire the stature of the chiefs 

of old ; they shall creep to their cavcs."J The closing portion of the aged bard's wish is 

of a similar cast. Sec page 15. 

The generous sentiments which animated the Caledonian heroes, arc worthy of the 

brightest age of chivalry. 

"Fuil Hid n.'tinh cha d' iaraa riamh 

Nam 1m mhiann leis trial] an sith." 

" The blood of my foe I never sought if he chose to depart in peace." 

Female beauty was a very congenial subject for bardic eulogium. The berries of the 

mountain-ash ufforded a simile for the complexion of health, and snow, or the Canach, the 

white, Hussy down of a plant which grows in moors and marshy ground, with the pill- 

: the 

Swan, for the fairness of the skin. 

* It mu tri] Indent in the poetry of the Highlanders, aa remarkable, thai it exhibits much more 

to indicate the state of hunters, than of shepherds or agriculturists, 

+ Tighmora, 404. J Berr&thoh. 

—

INTRODUCTION. 

" Bu gliile bian na canacb sleibhte, 

Xu ur-sneachd ail bharra gheuga."* 

" The star of Gormluba was fair. White were the rows within her lips, and like the 

flown of the mountain under her new robe was her skin. Circle on circle formed her fair- 

est neck. Like hills beneath their soft snowy fleeces, rose her two breasts of love. The 

melody of music was in her voice. The rose beside her lip was not red ; nor white be- 

side her hand, the foam of streams. Maid of Gormluba, who can describe thy beauty ! 

Thy eyebrows, mild and narrow, were of a darkish hue ; thy cheeks were like the red 

berry of the mountain-ash. Around them were scattered the blossoming flowers on the 

bough of the spring. The yellow hair of Civadona was like the gilded top of a moun- 

tain, when golden clouds look down upon its green head after the sun has retired. Her 

eyes were bright as sunbeams ; and altogether perfect was the form of the fair. Heroes 

beheld and blessed her." 

What a poetical picture of a vessel in a gale does Alexander MacDonald, in his Pros- 

nachadh Fairge or stimulus to a Biorlin's crew, give us : the imagined bellowing and roaring 

of the monsters of the deep, whose brains were scattered on every wave by the prow, the 

boat being damaged in the furious collision ! &o., evince a truly imaginative genius. 

The old bards called Echo, " the son of the rock"—Maclntyre's "ghost of sound,'' is 

much more poetical. 

There is fortunately less necessity for extending the number of examples, inasmuch as 

the bardic " beauties" are so liberally spread before the reader in the succeeding pages 

yet before closing our extracts, it will not be accounted a digression, to give a short spe- 

cimen from the compositions of the Sister-kingdom. ' The Songs of Deardra,' are held 

by the Irish to be of equal, if not greater antiquity than those of Selma. As the poetry 

of a kindred people, it is similar in character; but those who are conversant with the sub- 

ject of ancient Gaelic versification and its peculiar idioms, will be able to say whether it 

carries the mark of so remote an era as is claimed for it. 

Soraidb soir go b Albain uaim, Iarla maithe Albanu ag ol, 

Faith maith radbarc cuan is gleaiin, Is claim Uisneach dar coir cion 

Fare clann Uisneacb a seilg, Dingean tbiarna Dhua na Ttreoin, 

Aobbinn sughe os leirg a mbeaun. Gn thig Xaoi^c pog gan fliios, >kc. 

" Farewell for ever, fair coasts of Albion, your bays and vales shall no more delight 

me. There oft I sat upon the hill, with Usno's sons, and viewed the chase below. 

The chiefs of Albion met at the banquet. The valiant sons of Usno were there, and 

Naesa gave a kiss in secret to the fair daughter of the chief of Duntroon. He sent her a 

hind from the hill, and a young fawn running beside it. Returning from the hosts of 

Inverness, he visited her by the way. My heart was filled with jealousy when I 

* Bas Airt 'ic Ardair. Smitb's Antiquities, MO, 

; 

lvii

INTRODUCTION. 

heard the news. I took my bout and rushed upon the sea, regardless whether I should 

live or die," &c.* This is the ' Clan Uisneachan' of the Highlanders. 

A few passages, too, from Cumraeg poets, will serve for comparison with their brother- 

bards among the Gael. David ap Guilym, who is called the Welsh Ovid, flourished about 

1370. His Ode to the Sun is a feeble effort compared with that of Ossian, and is less 

striking than those by Milton or Thomson. The allusions are commonplace, as 

the sky,' 

' ruler of 

• ornament of summer,' « looking on the manly race of Cambrians,' &c, David ap 

Edmwnt, about 1450, composed a Monody on Sion Eos, a bard who was executed for man- 

slaughter. The poet makes good use of the epithet Eos, nightingale, which was given 

for his mellifluous strains, and he sorely laments that the unfortunate man was not tried 

by the impartial laws of Howel the Good, which would have found the act justifiable. 

" A man," says David, " punished for an act in his own defence ! Let misfortune fall on 

such as fail therein—of evils the lesser the better. Is the soul of the slain made happier, 

or his ghost appeased by life for life as an atonement ? * * * Neither the passions 

of man, nor the virtue of angels was unmoved by the melody of his harp, which whirled 

the soul upon wings of ecstasy. * * * What have I said ? they deprived him of life : 

he has life— their verdict only changed the scene of mortality for that of immortality. 

Their wilful judgment will have no effect in that court of equity, which is held at the 

gates of heaven. He now sings before the throne of mercy with an incorruptible harp." 

&c. It seems the weight of John the Nightingale in gold was offered for his ransom, 

but the days were long gone, when the law would be satisfied with an eric of any amount 

for such a crime. 

Sion Tudor, who lived about 1580, is the author of an elegy on the death of twenty 

poets and musicians who departed this life in his own time. He names each individual 

with varied terms of praise and regret. The-expressions are peculiarly bardic, and approxi- 

mate to those of a much older generation. " It was God's pleasure," he observes, " to 

send for these men to hold a feast with him in heaven; may their souls enjoy the celestial 

mansion ! Peace to their shades; their like will never more be seen. They are gone lo 

their heavenly abode ; let us hasten to follow."f 

There is a decidedly Celtic and pleasing vein in these compositions, but there is not 

wild grandeur and elevated sentiment, that originality of conception and nervous expres- 

sion, which characterize the works of the Gaelic bards. 

The Celtic poems were framed by the bard to suit the melody of the harp, the instru- 

ment sacred to the order ; and to its music they were sung,— a music simple and natural, 

which long preceded the artificial and complicated. The peculiarity of the Scottish scale is 

well known as the enharmonic, consisting of six notes in the key of C, with C D E G A 

C, corresponding to the black keys in a piano. Defective as this scale may appear to be, 

it is admirably suited to express the passions in the effective tones of nature, the harmony 

of which is felt long previous to the adoption of scientific rules, and it strengthens our 

arguments for the unity of the ancient inhabitants of Scotland, that the melodies of the 

* Nalson, Introduction to thu Irish language— 180ft. Another version is given liy Gillies. 

f Jones. One of those commemorated, is David ap llywell Grigor.

.NTRODUCTION. ÌÌX 

high and low countrj- arc invariably formed on the same scale, and possess the same char- 

acter. The larger harp was strung with wire, and was the clarsach of the Gael, the 

lesser being the cruit. 

Cambrensis describes the Irish performances on this Celtic instrument in terms of great 

praise; and, had he visited North Britain, he would have had no reason to speak other- 

wise of the Scottish harping. 

" The attention of this people to musical instruments, I find worthy of commendation ; 

(he was a bard himself,) in which their skill is beyond till comparison superior to any 

nation I have ever seen," &c. And he then describes the music as being quick, 

not slow and solemn as that of Britain, yet at the same time sweet and pleasing. 

Girald entertained a strong dislike to the Irish, which adds to the value of his favourable 

testimony. Major, the Scottish historian, who was rather willing to underrate his 

" upthrough" countrymen, in speaking of the musical acquirements of James I., says, in 

performing on the harp, he excelled the Hibernians or Highlanders, who were the best 

of all players on it.* Roderick Morrison, better known as Rorie da.ll, being blind, was 

the last professional harper in the Highlands. He lived about 140 years ago, was of a 

respectable family, and well educated, three brothers being clergymen.-^- 

The Ossianic class of poetry is usually sung or chanted in a kind of recitative, executed 

with the gravity due to such revered compositions. An old Highlander considered it 

becoming to take off his bonnet when reciting them, and the term laoidh, hymn, by 

which many are distinguished, indicates the veneration with which they were regarded. 

The Highlanders were accustomed to sing at all their employments, and it was an excel- 

lent stimulus, serving also to relieve the irksomeness of labour. Those Highlanders of 

Greece, the Arcadians, were remarkable for a similar practice, and it is thus very ration- 

ally accounted for by an ancient historian, whose observations are strikingly applicable to 

the Gael. " Singing is useful to all men, but truly necessary to the Arcadii, who undergo 

great hardships ; for as the country is rugged, their seasons inclement, and their pastoral 

life hard, they have only this way of rendering nature mild and bearable ; therefore they 

train up their children from their very infancy, until they are at least thirty years of age, 

to sing hymns in honour of gods and heroes. It is no disgrace to them to be unacquainted 

with other sciences, but to be ignorant of music is a great reproach, &c."+ We have a 

very curious account of the vocal attainments of the people by Giraldus, from which it 

appears they understood counterpoint! "In the northern parts of Britain, the inhabitants 

* Book VI. Hibcmienses aut sylvestres Scotos. The sylvestrian Scots were the Ccarnaech a choile, the 

Highlanders of the woods, a term formerly applied to these active warriors. Hardiman, a compiler of Irish 

poetry who delivers himself with sufficient confidence en matters extremely doubtful, says, " Ireland gave 

its music to Scotland !" with equal justice the assertion may he made in the exact reverse, but would it 

prove the fact ? Speaking of the liarp mentioned in the ancient poem which had passed through so many 

hands ; " this," says Mr H., like every other research connected with the natives of the Highlands, leads 

to their Irish origin.' 1 

If any discovery were made to prove this notion, it w r ould save authors from filling 

their pages with much unmeaning observation, and groundless and illiberal conceit. If we thought the 

acerbity of feeling in Mr Davies unbecoming, how could we have grappled with O'Reilly, whose work on 

the same sore subject, displays so transcendent a share of national prejudice ! 

f See Guim's able work on the use of the harp in the Highlands. 

% lVvbius IV. 

A

Jx INTRODUCTION. 

use, in singing, less variety than the Welsh. They sing in two parts, one murmuring in 

the bass, the other warbling in the treble. Neither of the two nations acquired this by 

art, but by long habit which has made it familiar and national, and it is now unusual to 

hear a simple and single melody well sung, and what is more wonderful, their children 

from infancy sing in the same manner !" 

There is nothing more remarkable in the Gaelic mode of singing, than the repetitious 

of a verse, one or two lines, or sometimes a part of one in chorus, which adds much to the 

effect, and is a great means of diffusing a knowledge of songs, since by repeatedly joining 

in them, the whole must soon be impressed on the memory. These tunes or Luinigs are 

simple and touching, and the effect in a harvest-field is particularly pleasing. The per- 

son who sings leaves the chorus to the others, who all join, the leader taking up each 

succeeding verse. 

The Iorrams or boat-songs are those by which seafaring men likewise alleviated 

the labour of rowing and managing the vessel, keeping time by the motion of the oars, 

and relieving the singer by carrying out the chorus. When at home, and at social enter- 

tainments, the whole company join hands or modulate time by plaids and handkerchiefs 

passed from one to another. All these songs were formed for the harp or the voice 

alone—there could be no vocal accompaniment to the bagpipe. 

There is a very curious method of singing peculiar to the Welsh. It is called Penillion, 

and consists in adapting verses to the harper's tunes while performing, without any pre- 

vious knowledge of the order in which they will follow, and it is thus performed, as we 

.lave observed at a bardic Eisteddvod. A harper is brought forward, and around him are 

seated several persons who are the Penill singers. He commences playing, when one of 

the party joins him by a song— the harper presently changes the tune ; the other as 

promptly alters his verse, and when he chooses to stop, another takes up the air, and so 

it goes round. But the true penillion is the extemporary production of a verse or verses 

to the tune, and it is remarkable that this improvisitorial feat is frequently accomplished 

with astonishing success, by persons quite illiterate. Many of those 

display great command of language and considerable genius.* 

' poetical blossoms' 

After the period when Ossian, Or.iin, Ullin, Fergus, Fonar, Douthal, and other un- 

known bards flourished, which reaches to the union of the Pictish and Scottish kingdoms, 

there seems to have been for a long time few poets of any note. About the end of the 1 3th 

* Walter in Dissert, do Bardis, gives a couplet which he pronounces graml 

c 

Tan a dwr yn ymwriaw, 

Yw'r taranau dreigiau draw.' 

The roaring thunder, dreadful in it> Ire, 

Is water waning with aerial fire. 

Many of these epigrammatic stanzas are preserved. The following on a silkworm is curious as heing 

formed without a consonant. 

O'i wiw wy i weu e A, aia weuau 

O'i wyau y wrnia ; 

E weua ei wfi aia, 

A*i, weuau yw ienau i;i 

I perish hy my art ; dig my own grave ; I spin my thread of life ; my death I weave ! 

!

INTRODUCTION. 

century, a revival took place; and, since then, numerous bards of acknowledged excellence 

have from time to time appeared, besides those of lesser note whose songs were of too 

local and circumscribed a range for general popularity. Had any compositions of suffi- 

cient worth been produced in this dark interval in the history of Highland bardism, they 

would no doubt have been handed down, like those of older date. 

In this essay, to illustrate that distinguished order in Celtic society, the bards— the 

system under which they so long flourished, beneficially exerting their accorded power, a 

picture has been given, rather of that which formerly existed, than what could have been 

witnessed in many by-gone generations. It was among the Gael, that the primitive 

manners and usages were preserved, when elsewhere they were suppressed or amalga- 

mated with those of the conquerors. Under pretence of abolishing a mischievous super- 

stition, the Emperors prohibited the practice of druidism; but although the 'Romans 

carried their gods as far as they did their eagle, they were not able to extend the one or 

the other over the mountains of Caledonia.' Little, however, it has been seen, is to be 

found here or elsewhere concerning this religious belief. Most of the historians, who 

allude to druidism, flourished when the phenomenon had nearly disappeared, and * all that 

they have done, serves only to excite our curiosity without satisfying it, and to make us 

regret the want of a history, which seems to have been replete with instruction and 

entertainment.' 

If the age of bardism, in its primary sense, is gone, it is satisfactory to preserve a 

memorial of what it was, and evidence of its present state. In the following pages are 

the flowers and blossoms of Gaelic poetry, culled with careful discrimination, and without 

the encumbrance of redundant stems and foliage. 

The piper is now held in the same esteem as the harper of old, and his performance is 

a noble substitute for the softer strains of the clarsach; but would not a bard in his multi- 

farious office, combining poet, historian, genealogist, &c, be a useful and becoming per- 

sonage in the train of a chief? At a Highland banquet about fifty years ago, a call was 

made for the bards to be brought to the upper end of the room. "The bards are extinct," 

observed Mac Nicail of Scoirebreac. 

" but those who patronised them are gone !" 

lxì 

" No,'' quickly rejoined Alastair buidh Mac Ivor,

Miann a Bhaird Aosda, 

All BARD AOSDA. 

DOMHNULL MAC-FHIUNXLAIDII HAN DA> 

A Chomhacliag, ..... 

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIR RUAIDII. 

Fuaim an t.Saimh, .... 

Oran do dh' Iain, Mac Shir Tòrmod Mhic-Leoid, 

An Talla 'm hu ghnà le Mac-Leoid, 

Cumha do Mhac-Leoid, .... 

Marbhrann do dh'fhear na Comraich, 

Marbhrann dodh' Iain Garbh Mac 'Ille-Chalnm 

Cumha Mhic-Leoid, .... 

Luinneag Mhic-Leoid, .... 

An Crònan, ..... 

IAIN LOM. 

Mort na Ceapach, .... 

A' Bhean leasaich an stop dhuinn, 

Oran do Shiol Dùghail, 

An Ciaran Mabach, .... 

Laiha Inbhir-Lòchaidh, . 

Latha Thom-a-Phubail, 

Latha Airde Reanaich, 

Oran air Righ Uilleam agus Bannrigh Mairi, 

An Iorram Dharaich.do bhata Sir Seumais, 

Marbhrann do ShirSeuraas Mac.D&mhnuil!, 

Marbhrann dodh* Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne.Garaidh, 

Cumha Mhontroise, 

Cumha do Shir Dòmhnull ShliHbhte, 

AN CIARAN MABACH. 

B'annsa Cadal air Fraoch, 

Marbh-rann do Shir Seumas Mac-Dhornhnuill, 

DIORBHAIL NIC-A-BHRRTnAINN. 

Oran-do dh' Alasdair Mac Cholla, 

AN CLAR-INNSIDH. 

SILIS MGHEAN MIIIC-RAONAILL. 

TAOBII Dl'ILLKACi 

Marbhrann air Eàs a Fir, ... 58 

Marbhrann do dh' Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne.Garaidh, 59 

Tha mi a'm' Chadal, na dùisgaidh mi, . . 60 

MALI, MAC-MHUIRICH. 

Oran do Mhac Mhic.Ailein, .... fi.j 

Marbhrann Mhic 'Ic-Ailein, . . . 66 

Seanachas Sloinnidh na Pioba Bho thiis, . . 67 

IAIN DUBH MAC IAIN IC- 

Orando Mbac-Mhic-Ailein, 

Marbhrann do Mhac Mhic-Ailein, 

Marbhrann do Shir Iain Mac 'Illcain, 

Oran nam Fineachan Gàelach, 

Cros-Dhanachd Fhirnan Druimncan, 

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-MHATHAIN. 

Oran do'n Iarla Thuathach, . . . . 

Marbh-rann dodh' Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne-Garaidh, 

AN T-AOSDANA MAC 'lLLEAN. 

Marbhrann do Shir Lachuinn Mac-f;hillean, 

Oran do Lachunn Mor Mac-Ghillean, 

LACHUNN MAC TIIEARLAICII. 

Latha siubhal Slèibhe, . . . . 

Oran do Nighean Fhir Gheambail, 

Sgian Dubh an Sprogain Chaim, 

Curara Nam Banntraichean, 

AN CLARSAIR DALL. 

A Chiad Di-luain De'n Raidhe, 

Oran do dh' Iain Brcac Mac-Leoid, 

Creach na Ciadain, . . . . . 

Oran Mòr Mhic-Leoid, .... 

Cumha do dh-Fhear '1 halaFgair, 

AM PIOBAIRE DALL. 

Beannachadh Baird do Shir Alasdair Mac-C hoinnicb, 

Dàn Cnmh-Fhurtachd, . 

Cumha Choir'-an.Fasain, ....

Ixiv CLAlt-INNSlDII. 

rAonn-i 

ALASDAIR MAC Mil AIGHSTIR ALASPAIR. 

Oran nan Suiridheach, . 

Am ISruadair, .... 

TAOBII Ul'ILLEAO 

An Duine Sanntaich agus an Saoghal, 

105 

Oran do'n Olla Moiriston, 

1116 

Marbhrann do dhithis Mhinistearan, 

Marbhrann do Mhaigstir Murchadh 

Cumha do'n Duine Cheudna, . 

Oran a Gheamhraidh, 

Moladh air an t-seana Chànain Ghàel.ich, 

Moladh Mòraig 

Oran an t-Samhraidh, . 

Oran a Gheamhraidh, 

Oran nam Fmcachan Gàiilach, 

Oran air Prionnsa Tearlach, 

Oran Htoghnil a Bhotail, 

Allt-an-t-siùcair, .... 

Oran Luaighe no Fùcaidh, 

Smeòrach Chloinn.Haonuill, 

Oran do Phiionnsa Tearlach, 

Oran cile do I'hrionnsa Tearlacli, 

Failte na Mor-thir, 

lorram Cuain, .... 

A Hhanarach Donn, 

Oran eadar Prionnsa Tearlach agus na Gàii 

Am Breacan Ualiach, . 

Tearlach Mac Shcumais, . 

Mo Bhobug an Drain, . 

Marbhrann do Pheata Calaman, 

Moladh a Chaim-beulaich Dhuibh, 

Moladh an Leoghainn, 

Beannachadh Luinge, . 

IAIN' MAC-CODRUM. 

Smfòrach Chlann-Domhnuill, 

Caraid agus namhaid an Uisgc-liheatha, 

Di-moladh Plob' Dhòmhnuill Bhàin 

A' Chomh-Strl, .... 

Oran do Shir Scnmas MacDhomhnuill, 

Marbhrann do Shir Seumas, 

Moladh Chlann-Dòmhnuìll, . 

Oran do'n Teasaich, 

Oran na h-Aoise, 

EACIIUNN MAC-LEOID. 

Moladh do Choileach Smeoraich, 

Moladh Kas Mor-thir, . 

Moladh Collie Chroii, 

An Taisbean, .... 

GILLEASPUIG NA CIOTAIG. 

Marbhrann do dir Iain Ituadh Plobair. . 163 

Aiscirigh Iain liuaidh, .... )(H 

Oran Cnaidcil do'n Olla Leodach, . . IR5 

Banais Chiostal Odhair, .... 10(> 

DUGIIALI. 1IOCII ANNAN. 

Latddh Mlilc-Ealalr lsi 

noit DONN. 

I'M 

193 

Oran do I'hrionnsa Tearlach . . .189 

Oran nan Caeagan Dubha, . . . IS}) 

Iseabail Nic-Aoidh, ..... 

Plobaireachd Ilean Aoldh, . . . 1

FEAR SRATn-MHAISIDH. 

CLAR-INNSIDH. 

TAOBn.OlIM.LEIG 

Curaha dodh'Eobhon Mac Phearson, . . .200 

Coraunn an uisge-bheatha, . . 

A bhanais bhàn, 

A Bhrigis Lachdunn, ... 

. 261 

863 

2G3 

Mairearad MholacIWlhln 273 

An Te Dhubh 274 

Dròbhar nan Caileagan, . 274 

UILLEAM ROS. 

Oran do Mharcus nan Greumach, 

Oran an t-Samhraidh, 

Oran air gaol na h.òighe do Chailean, 

Marhhrann do Phrionnsa Tearlach, . 

Miami an òganaich Ghàelich, 

Miann na b-òige Gàelich, 

Oran air aiseadh an fhearuinn, &:

SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH 

THE BEAUTIES OF GAELIC POETEY, &c. 

A' Cheud Earran* 

Am beil thus' air sgiathan do luathais, 

A ghaoth, gu triall le t-uile neart ? 

Thig le cairdeas dh'ionnsuidh m' aois 

Thoir sgriob aotrom thar mo chraig. 

Co-aois m' oige ghlac an t-aog, 

— 

'S uaigneach m' aigne n uamh mo bhròin 

'S mòr mo Icon fo lamh na h-aois. 

Osag tha 'g astar o thuath, 

Na dean tuasaid rium, 's mi lag. 

Bha mi uair gu'n robh mo cheum 

Cho aotrom riut fein, a ghaoth ; 

IMo neart mar chraig a Chruaidh-mhill, 

'S iomadh cath 's na bhuail mi beum ; 

'S trie taibhse mo naimhdean ag astar, 

Le ceum lag, o bheinn gu beinn. 

Ach thig àm do bhroin-sa, ghaoth, 

'N uair dhlreas tu 'n t-aonach gu mall. 

Cha'n imrich thu neoil thar coill, 

'S cha lùb a choille fo d' laimh, 

'S cha gheill am fraoch anfhann fein. 

Ach togaidh gach geug an ceann. 

Bi-sa baigheil rium-s', a ghaoth, 

Oir tha 'n aois ort fein ro theann. 

Cuir lasair ri geug do'n ghallan, 

A shealgair coire 's aille snuadh. 

Tha 'n oidhche siubhal o'n ear, 

MORDUBH. 

» The Author of this Poem, whose name is Douthal, 

was both a Chief and a Bard of great repute. The accounts 

which tradition gives of him are various ; but the most 

probable makes him the Poet of Mordubh, King of the 

Caledonians A fragment of this Poem has been published 

in Gillies' Collection, fn two Parts, consisting of the First, 

jncTnearly half the Second Part It is now given in three 

Parts entire ; and differs not materially from the Translation 

given in " Clark's Caledonian Bards"—a small Volume 

published in the last ceutury. 

Tha ghrian a' critheadh 's an iar. 

D'fhosgail eilean Fhlaitheis sa' chuan, 

Tri uairean dorsan nan nial, 

A glaodhaich, " Dean cabhag thar a chuain 

Le d' chuach-fhalt àluitin, a ghrian." 

Tha neoil dubh siubblach na h-oidhche, 

Gun aoibhneas air chùl nan tonn ; 

'S trie iad ag amharc do thriall, 

A ghnuis àluinn tha 'g astar o'n ear. 

Ach eiribh le 'r sgiathan o'n chuan, 

A neoil dhorch nan iomadh gruaim. 

Tha sgàilean nan sonn o shean, 

Tabhairt cuireadh do'n ghrein gu flath- innis.* 

Beannachd le ribhinn chiuin do ruin, 

Buaidh le d' shaigheid air gach beinn, 

A shealgair, tha tabhairt dhomh treòir, 

'S mi leointe fo laimh na h-aois' 

Ach suidh thusa ann am uaimh, 

A's eisd ri tuasaid ghaoth a's chrag 

Innsidh mi dhut sgeul is mor brigh, 

Air suinn tha sinte fo'n lie : 

'S taitneach na smaointean a thriall ; 

'S miannach dreach nam bliadhna dh-flialbh ! 

Pill thusa, m' oige, le t-uile ghniomh, 

A's fetich do m' anam bliadhn' mo neirt 

Feuch gach cath 's na bhuail mi beum, 

A's airm nan laoch bha treubhach borb, 

Thugaibh suil o neoil 'ur suain. 

'Fheara bha cruaidh arms gach cath, 

Cluiuiiidh 'ur clann fuaim 'ur cliù, 

» The Sun was supposed to sleep in Flath. innis, the Isle 

of Heroes, in the western ocean. The human mind has 

been in every age ambitious of obtaining a happy here, 

after. The Kelts, indulging in this pleasantpresentiment, 

sent the ghosts of their departed friends to this imaginary 

paradise. 

! 

; 

; 

26 

3*

2 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

'S thig sileadh an sùl gu làr. 

Tha m' auam a soillscachadh le gniomh, 

Nam bliadhna dh-fhalbh, a's inch pill. 

Dh-fhalaich a ghealach a ceaiin, 

Bha eadal reulltan air chul neoil; 

Cabliag ghaoth a's chuan o cbian, 

Bu gharbh an cath 'blia edar stuaidh, 

A's sileadh ghailbheach nan speur, 

N uair dh' eirich co-shamhla Shailmhoir,* 

O leabaidh fhuair sa 1 

gharbh chnan ; 

A siubhal air bharraibh nan stuagh, 

'S a ghaoth' cur mcanbh chath mu'n cuairt, 

Dh' eirich mac an aoig air sgiath 

Nah-osaig, gu gruaidh Chraigmhoir 

'S bha anail fhiadhaich nan nial, 

Ag eiridh ma slileagh gun ghuin. 

Ag amharc annas o leabaiilh fhuair, 

Bu mhòr a bridh a bha 'na ghuth : 

" Duisgibh ! 

chlann Alba nam buadh, 

'S garbh colg " ur naimhdean o tbuatli ; 

A' gluasad air bharraibh nan tonn, 

Tha clanna Lochluinnf nan lorn long. 

Eiribh ! chlann Alba nam buadh, 

'S mor neart ur naimhdean o thuath." 

Air sgiatli na h-osaige fuair' 

Dh-fhalbh mac na h-oidhche gu loath. 

Lub an darach garbh fo chasan, 

'S chrith gach gallan roi' fheirg. 

" Tionailibh mo shuinn o'n t-seilg," 

Thubbairt Ceann-feadhna na h-Alba, 

" Soillsichibh srad air Druim-Feinne, 

A's thig mo laoich o ghruaidh gach beiiinc." 

Labhair Mordubh, Righ nan srath, 

'S lionar crag tha 'g innseadh sgeil. 

Chuala claim a chath am fonn, 

A's leum iomadh lann ghlas amach. 

Dh' eirich a mhadainn san ear, 

A's dh' iarr i air sian gailbheach gluasad. 

B' àluiun, maiseach, fiamh na grcine 

Tigh'nn amach gu ciùin o'n chuan ; 

' Boillsgeadh a gathan air airin 

Nan laoch mùr-bhuadhach aims gach cath. 

Air adhart dh' eirich Ciabh-ghlas treun, 

A's iomadh sleagh air chul Cheann-aird. 

Tha Treunmor a tional a shluaigh ; 

'S c'uim'am hi Mordal air dheireadh. 

Labhair Ciabh-ghlas, bu mlinr anis, 

" Co chunuaic Sunar o thuath ? 

Am beil e togail iomadh sleagh ? 

* Tradition says that Salmor was drowned In passing 

frum the mainland to hit own house in one ofthe Hebtldet, 

on hearing tb.it his wins was taken prltoner, ami ins landi 

laid waste by Tutlnnar, a Chief of Norway, whose father 

Salmor is said to have killed in battle. 

t The I.ochlins, |ignif> in (iaelic The Descendant of 

the Ocean, and comprehend all the Northern Nations who 

invaded the Caledonians. 

; 

Thug mi fein am òig air buaidh. 

Ge fanil ml'n diugh aims a chath, 

Bha mi'n sin gu neartar crtiaidh. 

" Ni in' beil a d' neart, no d' cbrnadal femn." 

Thuirt Mac-Corbhui bu bheag cliù, 

" '8 treoo meamnach, Sunar o thuath. 

Tha gathan ua grcine a leum 

Mu'n cuairt a dh' eideadh an t-seoid. 

Tha suiiiu gharbh neartar ri thaobh, 

Is ard a choille tha liibadh fo chasan. 

Tha creagan Thir-mhoir beag fo cheuin, 

'S trom colgar, gailbheach righ Lochluinn, 

'S cha toir Siol Alb' air buaidh." 

Ciabh-Chlas. 

" Imich thus' a ghealtaire chlaoin 

Gu aiseiridh shàmhach nam ban. 

Tha t' anam air chrith mar dhuille uaine, 

A ghluaiseas roimh anail nan speur, 

Mar thuiteas i roi' fhuaehd a gbeambraidh, 

Teich thusa o na naimhdean borb : 

Ach is ioma' craobh gharbh sa bheinn so 

A sheasas 'n uair is gailbheach sian. 

Is trie thainig naimhdean o thuath, 

Ach buannachd cha tug iad riamh. 

Imich thuse mhic gun chliù, 

Gu aiseiridh chuil nan daoine crion'. 

Mur biodh aige-sau tha gun chliù, 

Naimhdean nach bu mho na thu, 

B' aohhar eagail nach b' fhiù dha 

Airm a vusgadh sa chath. 

A feith air Clainn Lochluinn o thuath, 

Bi 'n cruaidh lannan fuilteach o'u taobh. 

Chualas t' fhacail bu bheag stà, 

A mhic an ardain tog do ghuth." 

Dh' eirich dà slileagh gu h-àrd— 

Bha rusgadh lann air gach taobh. 

Dhuisg anis neart na h-Alba, 

Chum garbh chath thabhairt dh'i fein : 

Ach, thainig sgiath laidir an t-sluaigh, 

Kigh .ilninn Albainn a nuas, 

Le corruich mhor, 's le trom ghruaim, 

Dh' amhairce air na stiinn làn fuath. 

Bha shuil gu liadhaich ag siubhal, 

C; n dubhaob o fhear gu fear ; 

Air eagal gu tuiteadh an sluagh, 

Borb luath ag imeachd bha ghuth : 

" Na ruisgeadh lann a chloiun na fairge, 

Xa canaibfa gu leag wbh una. 

Is trie dh' eirich sleagh ur 'n athraiche ; 

Is lionar an cill air ar tràigh ; 

Ach 's aoibhinn duibh.s', a chlann Lochluinn, 

Leagar Alba le h-airm fein !" 

Lào maslaidh bho fheirg an righ, 

Shiubhail na laoich a dhuisg an stri 

; 

m

ìft 7 

Mar dbà n«d tha siubhal air earn, 

'Nuair shiubhlaa a ghrian air mìn dhriuchd : 

Dubhacb bha na glinn roi 'n ceum, 

Ag amharc an tighinn an deoir nan speur. 

Cha 'n fbiù leo an cnocan crion, 

Tha triall chum gruaidh Ard-chraig. 

Mar sin a shiubhlas na suinn, 

An coinneamh a naimhdean borb. 

Air adhart tha ceum righ Alba, 

Mar gharbh cbraig an aghaidh tuinn mhoir, 

'N uair chruinnicheas na stuaidh, 

A tabhairt garbh chath do thullte. 

Mar ghaoth oidhchc shiubhlas air speur, 

Thainig clann Lochluinn nan sleagh ; 

Cha siubhail osag na h-aonar, 

'S ann comhla tha dubh ghruaim nan sian. 

Uh' eirich airm Albainn gu h-ard, 

Mar thairneanach tha gairm nan c.noc; 

Mar thuiteas dà chlach o bheinn aird, 

— 

'S iad tachairt air ùrlar a ghlinn', 

Mar sin bha toiseach garbh a chath', 

— ; — 

Js iomadh nàmh a thuit leinn. 

Bha uamhann a bhlair air an fhraoch 

Bha tuilte fala mu shleagh Cheann-ard ; 

B' iomadh creubhag a lot Mordal 

Bu chruaidh, borb, flathail, gach fear. 

Ach co b' urrainn seasadh roi' cheud ? 

Chunnaic an High ar ceum air ais; 

Las anam a ghaisgich le feirg, 

'S àllt dearg a leanailt a shleagha ; 

Bha taibhsean a naimhdean mu'n cua>it, 

Ach fad' uaith fein bha na laoich. 

Thainig e mu dheireadh nan deigh, 

Mar thonn a tuiteain o'n chreig ; 

'S trie a dh' iarr an fhairg air direailh — 

S trie a thilg an stuadh e bho bhonn ; 

Tha gàraich a chomh-stri garg, 

'S am barr glas briseadh 's a ghaoith, 

C uime tha thu gruamach 's an iar, 

A ghrian àluinn ag astar nan nial ? 

Cha b' anfhann na suinn 

Cha do theich sinn roi 'n mbeata. 

'S trie chuir neoil dhorch smal ort fein, 

An aimsir ghailbheach nan sian. 

Ach 'n uair theid fògradh air a ghaoith, 

•S theid caonnag nan speur gu taobh ; 

'X uair bheir thu smachd air na neoil, 

'S a ghlaeas a ghaoth air do laimh 

'N uair sheallas tu oirne nuas, 

'S do chuach fhalt àluinn a sniomh ; 

'N uair bhios fiamh ghàir air do ghnuis, 

MORDUBH. 

Bheir sinne buaidh fathasd, 

Ged' tha sinn a nochd fo leòn. 

An Dara h-Earranv. 

Tri uairean chrath an oidhche 

A sgiath dubh, cheòthac-h, 's an ear ; 

Tri uairean sheall na reulltan, 

Mar neoil ghruamach nan speur. 

Bha osnadh thamailtc nan laoch, 

'S a ghaoith ag astar nan earn ; 

Bha co-shamhla nan sonn o shean, 

Le corruich ag siubhal nam beann. 

Chualas trom osnaidh nam marbh, 

'S b' anfhann an guth 's na neoil; 

Chuimhnich sinne gaisg' an lamh, 

A's ghabh sinn tamailte mhòr. 

Air ard-chraig dh' amhairc an righ, 

'S lionar gaisgeach bha fo ghruaim ; 

Bha 'n smaointean soillear dha fein, 

A's labhair e le briathraibh cruaidh. 

Air cuis 'n uair laidheas gruaim, 

Theid fuadach an cridhe crion, 

'S theid fir fhann gu luath fo dhion ; 

Togaidh an calma cheann roi 'ghailleann; 

'S cha bhi fiamh taise na ghnuis. 

Tha ceuman nan sian 's an doire, 

'S cha liib an darach a ghlùn. 

Abraibh sibhse Chinn-fheadhna, 

An tainig sinn o dhaoine crion ! 

An ann do gheuga farm ar sleagh ? 

O dharach Alba nam mor ghniomh, 

'S trie thainig naimhdean o thuath, 

'S c'uin a theich ar sinnsir gun bhuaidh ? 

An geill sibhse do chloinn na fairge, 

Far am b' àbhaist taibhse nan naimhdean 

Leum bho osaig gu h-osaig, 

Le trom osnadh bhròin nam marbh ? 

Tha chlach ud le mòintich liath 

A cumail cuimhne air treun laoich, 

Ag radh, " Cha do theich ar n' athraiche r 

Fhearanh leanaibh dian an lorg !" 

Ag eisdeachd ri briathran an righ, 

Bu dubhach bha na suinn mu'n cuairt. 

Ag amharc claidheamh, sgiath, a's sleagh, 

'S le facail gun bhrigh ann a chluais. 

Sheas Morcheann, Triath Allt-duibh, 

Tri uairean chrath e sgiath, 

Tri uairean bhuail e an darach ; 

" Ainmic bha mo bhuillean fann. 

'S mòr aoibhneas 'g èideadh gach cnuic 

'S aighearach leinn do bhuaidh 's na speuran, 

Ainmic fhuair mo naimhdean buaidh ; 

Ge d' thug bliadhn' air falbh mo neart, 

A's beannaichidh sinn do ghathan, a ghrian. Ni 'm beil gealtachd am ghruaidh. 

Imich gu d' leabaidh le eeòl, 

Shaoil learn gu'n togadh mo mhac 

Thusa tha measg nan reulltan mòr ; 

Mo leac, 's gu càireadb e mo cheann. 

lo u

! 

l n SAH-OBAlll NAM BAUD GaELACH. 

Chaoidh ni 'n togar sgiath, no leac 

I,e oigear flat hail nan (leas hum, 

Bha rheum air adhart sa cbatta : 

Ach d' fhaillig gach caraid mu 'n cuairt. 

Bin lomadfa namhaid na stri 

'S thuit an laoch rol' mhile sluaigh." 

" Beannachd" ars 'an righ, " do'n laoch, 

Ach na aonar ni 'm faod e falbh ; 

Theid Ceann-feadhna nochd na lorg ; 

'S dorofa do choigrich tamh nam nuirbh." 

Ghlac Ogan Mac-Chorbuidh a sgiath, 

An dioinliainn duitm gu eiridh grein' 

Nan' dean sihh feat ham h da'r luchd mi ruin ? 

An sin do labhair Ceannard treun, 

'S trie thug siol Albainn an t-slige chiuin ; 

Ach c' uin a thainig has air coigrich, 

'N uair a thachair lad le mùirn ? 

Is treubhach, maiseach, linn Lochluinn, 

A's buinig sinn fòs ar cliù. 

Ciod uime thuiteamaid mar neul, 

'1'hig le sgleo bho liime bhuirn, 

A snamh as air bharraibh nam beann, 

'N uair cbaidhleaa a ghealach fo shuain, 

'S a chrathas gailionn clachan trom', 

'S fiamh eagail air rionnag nan sian ? 

Crathaidh mhadainn a ceann 's an ear, 

'S eiridh a ghrian le cuach-fhalt ciuin ; 

Biodfa solus a gath' air gach sgiath, 

'S bus a gearradh airm gach suinn. 

A cur air sgiath Dhunairm, 

Deir Morfhalt,* fanaibh gach laoch, 

Air an tog lamb mhin-gheal leac, 

Ach laidhidh mise nochd air fraoch. 

Cha blii deoir air gruaidh am dheigh 

Cha 'n eirich clach le mo chliù— 

Cha 'n abair athair— " mo mhac," 

No gruagach— " mo chreach, mo ruin !" 

Lot mo shaighead uchd na ribhinn, 

Bba tlaihdar thar mhile mna. 

Bha fuil mo chairdeao ag cur smùid, 

Dheth na h-airm dhu'-ghorm 'n am lainili ; 

Bu naimhdean a dh'-Alba, m'athraiche, 

Aig High Lochluinn, b' ainmeil iad. 

B'aite learn liubha] na fairge, 

Thog sia gaisgich hhorb mo bin rid. 

Thainig gaoth le cabhaig o thuath, 

'S thog na stuaidh le fiiig an druim ; 

Bha meanbh chathadh g-eiridh mu'n cuairt, 

S ncoil ghruamach ag astar os-cinn. 

I 'li' eirich Albainn air bharr tuinn, 

* Mnrflialt was Scandinavian. His history, as given 

by himself, is lull of the mo^t affecting incidents. Hi* 

character is distinguished by valour in the highest degree, 

.iiul UDlhaken fidelity, to the CMef Of llunarm, whnto 

hospitably received him on binding in Scotland, and to 

whom he occasioned the greatest iniafortui.e— the loss of 

his family 

, 

û m 

. _ , -^ 

MOItDUBH.

Wi 

Bu ladalr an lamb a liobh 

An t-slengh so .1 th' again fhein ; 

Ach tha e coimbead an taibbae, 

A threig uaith air raon na nial. 

'S an toir a naimhde buaidh, 

Air alhair an la] a shean aois ? 

C'ha loir — 's e na chiabhan liath, 

O righ, 'n tra thogam-sa shleagh. 

A's tog e a laoich le buaidh, 

Arsa Ceannard bu mhòr oliù, 

Ach, eisd ri truaighean is mò. 

Blia mo thuireadh sa faraon, 

Airaon Ainnir a chaldb aog ; 

Ach ni'n toir acain, no bròn, 

Air ais dhuinn an dream tha ion flnxl. 

Bu mhaiseach air sliabh Culaluinn, 

Ainnir nan lamh geala, caoin ; 

Dubh mar fhitheach bha a fait, 

'S liha brolach mar eal' air caol. 

Thigeadh smal air dearsadh, gacb òigh', 

An lathair nigh'n Shonmhoir nan rath 

Gu'm b' iluinn matliair mo chloinne ! 

A bha fonnar an talla a chiùl. 

Thainig nighean Aonair nan Sleagh, 

Da'n robh mo run an tùs m' oige ; 

'S ghabh a suil bu mhor goin, 

Culàluinn, am maise nana. 

Na h-aonar fhuair i mo run, 

A's labhair i rithe am foil ; 

Nacfa ionmhuinn BÌubbal' an It), 

'S cubbraidh' Cbuilàluinn am beith. 

Tha fir na seilg air beanntaibh cian ; 

Thràigh a mhuir fada null, 

Fagail a carraige sa ghaoitb bhlàth. 

A nighean Shailmhoir nam has min 

Racbamaid siar gun dàil. 

Chaidh iad tro choille nan crann, 

VS fo eharraig àird ma'n iadh an cuan, 

Chaidil Culàluìnn hu gheal snudh- 

CheangaU a ghuineid mhnà 

A fait amlagach grinn, 

Na dhuail ri feamainn nan tonn ; 

As thill i uaipe, cridhe bà! 

Le h-atgbcar mu gniomh nacb àdh. 

Thain an fhairgc tonn air thonn, 

A's dhuiag Culàlulnn à suain, 

A's b' idghna' lea ceangal a gruaige. 

U fnaagail mo leadan, a ghraidh ? 

Nach truagh leaf fhein mi, òigh ! 

C uiine liliuin thu limn clio ha, 

'S mo mhacain aillidh am dheigh ! 

Fbreagair mac talla nan creug, 

been observed liere by Moralt Abandoned to despair, he 

probably regarded his spear as of no further ute to him ; 

ami, as the only prool he eould give of Ins affection for the 

deceased, who so unfortunately fell by his hand, he laid 

it in her grave. Duuarm, being weak through age, gave 

inm his own spear, and made him his adopted son. 

SAR-OBAIll NAM BAUD GAELACII. 

Ach bha nighean Aonair uaithe cian. 

Thainig tonn bàiteach thar sgeir, 

'S na dheigh cha chualas a h-eigh. 

D'fhagadh i na còdaibh-eun, 

'N tra threig a bhuinn' an sgeir ; 

Tri trathan dh'i bhi mar neul, 

Air aigeal na mara ud shios. 

Ach ni'n tearmunn dhut gu bràtb, 

A Ghuineid, do bhrathair baoth. 

Thuit an laoch le 'm gheur lanil, 

Ged' dbion e mi aon uair sa cbath, 

Laimh ris ann an suram suain, 

Laidb thusa a b' uabhraiche gniomh ; 

Is minig an aisling na h-oidhche, 

Thig do thaibhse le droch fhiamh. 

Ach a Chuil-àill an fhuilt duibli, 

Is ionmhuinn learn thus' am shuain ! 

Thig thu gun chith, gun cbolg, 

'S cha sheun fear cuairt do chùmhnaidh, 

'N tra dh' eireas gealach gun smal. 

Is minig a chluinnear do ghutli. 

Itoi' thighinn na doiuionna ghairbh'. 

Cluinnidh am maraich' an aigh, 

A's gabbaidh tamh fo sgeith na creige ; 

A coimhead nan tonn gun bheud, 

Is caomh leis eigh nam boghanuan, 

Ged' eircadh iad ard san duibhre ! 

Aiiihuil a thuit mo chaomh, a lAIhorthuilt, 

A's dh' eirich mo shleagh le buaidh ; 

Cha mhaireaun aon ghràdh air thalamli, 

A's leagar mor ghaisgeach sail uaigh. 

Dh' aithris Ceannard sgeula bhròin, 

'S am feaclid bha tosdach trom ! 

Bhrùchadh osnaidh a' chleibh, 

'N tra dh' aithris e sgeula na truaighe. 

'San doire dhaillreach bha thamh, 

Cha d' ghluais an osag am fraocb min ; 

Cha do shiubhail na neoil thar bheinu, 

'S ni 'n robh sian an ciabh nan crag ; 

Bha gach crann a's lus an sith, 

A's laidb a gbaotb a sios gu grad. 

Clod tha dearsadh san ear, 

Faoin chruth le fiite gàire? 

Tha ghealach na cadal gu seamb, 

'S ni'm beil a ghrian a tighin air (aire. 

'S i oighe an uchd chreuchda'uh a th' aim, 

Le mile solas tighin' na ileaun. 

Mln-bhaa gu Mborfhalt an tir chein, 

A tha giulau sgeith a h-athar. 

Ni'ni beil a h-imeachd am feirg, 

Is oaomh i air an leirg gu haul. 

Cuir fnadaofa fo amalan na h-oidhche, 

Tha *reull na maidne na dearna ; 

A tighin' mar dhearsadh am moch tbrà, 

Toirt fioa duinn mu eiridh na greine. 

* Moidenrg-n 

u fa

fil 

C' uime tha t-imeachd cho luath, 

Ainnir shuairce 's gile gnùis ? 

Ach dh-fhag thu mhadainn òg 'na t-àite, 

Is caomh leth-dheàlrach do chvuth ; 

Thar bhadan ceathaich na leirge, 

A dh-fhalbhas ro' eiridh na greine. 

An Treas Earran. 

Bha briseadh na fàire 's an ear, 

•S theich duibhre air sgiathan luathais : 

Dh' imich na reulltan fad as ; 

'S bha ghrian a togail a cinn aidb, 

'N tra thog am bàrd a ghuth. 

Chuir Sunar, Ceann-feadhna nan laoch, 

Tha treun mar charraig nan tonn, 

Mar chnoc air thir-mor nach gluaisear, 

Mise thugaibh, shiol nam beann. 

Tha fhireun air sgiathan ro threun ; 

'S tha sheobhaig ma cheum gu luath ; 

Bha fhithich ma loma long ! 

Air imeachd nan cuaintean mòr. 

An tabhair ceannard na tir' 

A shuinn dhaibh mar chlosaich ? 

Na 'n tuit e sios do'n ghaisgeach, 

Ag tabhairt feidh a shleibhtean ard ? 

Uaibhse, theich o'n chath, 

Tha Siol Lochluinn nan sleagh geur', 

Ag iairaidh freagairt gu grad. 

'S ard guth Shunar gun ag, 

Fhilidh dhàn nan ciabhan liatha : 

Tha bhriathran labhar neo-mheat', 

A chionn nach eil a naimhdean lionmhor. 

Ach, suidh thus' air an fhraoch, 

A mhacain nam fonn is binn' ; 

A's theid an t-slige làn mn'n cuairt 

Cha 'n eil ar fuath air claim nam fonn; 

A's pill a rithisd, gu foil, 

Gu Righ Lochluinn, a ghlòir nach àdh ; 

Innis dha gu'm beil eunlaidh nan sliabh, 

Air sgiath an deis an creich fein. 

Thigeadh e le mhiltean sloigh ; 

Tha neart n'ar cridhe-ne 'ta mòr 

Chual am bard briathran an Righ, 

A's dh-fhalbh e 'n ardan a chri : 

Bha aithris nan taibhse na chuairt, 

O'n chunnaic e 'n sluagh a thuit.* 

Mar thig an doireann bho thuath, 

; 

MOItDUBH. 

* The bard, leaving the adverse host, reflected on the 

high spirit of either army, and inferred the effects that 

would naturally ensue. Being inspired with such thoughts, 

he looked forward with a prophetic eye, and pronounced 

the fall of the people. Hence often the ground of belief 

in the second sight. 

Le gaoth luath a's nialta fliuch, 

A tuirlinn o ghruaidhean nam beann, 

Nuas air aonach, ghlinn, a's shloohd 

Mar sin thainig Sunar le shuinn. 

Bha 'n sgiathan mar nialaibh na h-oidhche— 

Bha 'n aghaidh mar reulltan a' lasadh, 

— 

'S na plathanaibh duibhreach, nialach. 

Chaidh neart na h-Alba air adhart, 

Mar ghaillbheann thonn le gàir, 

Tha g' imeachd an neart nan sian, 

Tha gluasad o chian gu h-àrd. 

Cluinnidh am maraiche an toirm, 

'S le fiamh theid e na dhàil, 

O nach urr' e nis a sheachnadh, 

Tha 'g iomairt air aghaidh na bhàrc. 

Cia mar dh'aithriseam fein 

Gniomhan euchdach 'ur n-arm ? 

A shealgair Choirre-nan-stuc, 

Chunna' do shuil Mor-chreag— 

A tha togail a chinn gu h-àrd, 

'S a gabhail nan nial na chiabh, 

O mhulach tha tòirleum a nuas, 

Le tailmrich o ghruaidh na craig, 

Sruth laidir, tha siubhal gu luath, 

Gu cuan, o aonach a's ghleann, 

'S a tuasaid ri buinne na fairge 

Ach bu ghaire, a shealgair, an trod. 

Mar lùbas a chuiseag fhann, 

Fo dhoinionn na h-àibheis ftiair', 

'N uair bhios buaireas thaibhse dian, 

'S na siantan uile fo ghruaim. 

Lùb Siol Lochluinn gu luath 

Roimh Righ Alba nan sluagh àir. 

Chunnaic Sunar e tighin— 

A's chrath e tri uairean a shleagh. 

Ach crathaidh tu i gu faoin, 

A mhie Lochluinn a ghuth aird. 

Mar charraig roi' dhoineann garbh, 

Tha ceann-feadhna na h-Alba an tràs. 

Am buinne tha neartar, mear, 

Teichidh roimh aghaidh gun chail. 

" Ach an do theich mise riamh," 

'S e labhair Righ Lochluinn nan cliar. 

" Mar dhoinionn an adhair mo laimh, 

Cha seas na beanntan fein le'n coill, 

'S le'n stacaibh cragach, am lathair. 

Air an fhairge thug mi buaidh, 

'N uair le feirge do sgaoil an cuan, 

Mu fhearann a's fhonn, ag eigheach, 

Is bheum gach rutha, a's sgeir bheucach. 

Ach 's faoin a labhair thu, chuain, 

Bhuirb nan stuadh-ghlasa baoth ? 

Nach tug mi fein ort roimhe buaidh ? 

'S an seas Ceannard ant-sluaighsorim' thaobh ?" 

LU too 

;

I*v 

6% 7*4 

Sin samhuil do bhriathraibh an laoich. 

Ach, chrithniefa an talamh mu'n cuairt, 

'N tra thog iad an sleaghan ard ; 

Thuit eraobhan le ni' freumharh buaint', 

'S chritb creagan fo chasan nan treun? 

A's leum iad o'n leabaidh thaimh. 

'S lomadb cruaidh a bha à truaill, 

A's saighcad a siubhal a h-iubbar. 

Bba seoid ag amharc an stri, 

'S dà i igh a gleac' gu borb. 

Thuit sgiath Shunair gu lar, 

'S thar a shloigh thuige le fiamh ; 

Thog Mordubh a sbleagh gu h-ard, 

Ach chun' e uchd a nàimh gun sgiath. 

Bha smaointean air gniomhan èuchd, 

A's ghleidh e laimh air ais. 

Bha Morfhalt air aghaidh 's a chath— 

Leis thuit laoch air gach buille 

Sheas Ceann-feadhna bho thuath an cein ; 

Bha airde mar chraoibh fo blà. 

Dh'aom claim Alba air an ais, 

O sgeith laidir mar stuadh o charraig, 

Amhuil darag aosda nan àrd, 

'S na siantan ri comhstri dhian. 

Ach togaidh tu do cheann le buaidh 

Tha maiseach, gun bheud o'n stoirin : 

Ma d' thimcheall tha dion gach uair ; 

'S thig an sealgair o'n fhuachd a d' dhlùtb 

A's gheibh e dion o'n iunnrais fhuair : 

Mar sin tha sgiath an laoich da shluagh. 

Thog Morfholt a shleagh gu euchd, 

A'» ghabh e'n còdhail a ghaisgich, 

'S bu ghàbhaidh còmhrag nam fear borb ; 

Fhreagair mac-talla nan creag 

Do dh' fhuaim an lannan glas' gèura— 

Cbnir iad coill a's fraoch a bun, 

Le 'to casan air uilinn an t-sleibhe- 

A's chrithnich clanna nan crion, 

Ag coimhead ri gnionih nan trcun-fhear 

SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Is mor a ghreis a thug na seoid, 

'S na sloigh a coimhead an eiiohdan ; 

Ach chlaon iad araon air an fhraoch, 

'S fuil chraobbach a ruith o'n creuchdaibh. 

Sin labhair Morfliolt na mor ghniomh, 

Cha'n eirich mo sbleagh ni 's mò ; 

'S cha ruisgear mo chruaidh 's a chath. 

Tha aon bhrathair agam fòs, 

Mas' a beò e, Solbha treun, 

Sealgair an fheidh air Bunar : 

Ma thuiteas tu leis gheibh thu cliu— 

Oir cha tnù an t-òg gun mheang. 

An do thog mi mo lamb, 's mo hum, 

A Mborfhuilt, a t-aghaidh, mo bhrathair? 

A sheol an tùs dhomh cleasau lugh ; 

Ach, ni 'n t-sleagh ni 's mò. 

Fàram lamh mo bhrathair chaoimh, 

'S gu 'n càram an so e ri m' thaobh. 

Theid sinn le cheile air chuairt, 

Gu teach ar n' athraichean thug buaidh ; 

Biodh ar leabaidh 's an nial, 

An ionadan sian nan taibhse. 

Chual an sluagh balbh a ghloir, 

'S bu mbor am bròn air son an laoich. 

Theich Siol Lochluinn g' an cabhlach, 

A's shil deoir Mhordhuibh mar bhraon ; 

Thill e air ais a shuinn 

Thog iad leac-lighe gu h-ard, 

A's sheinn am bàrd cliù an t-seiod. 

Tha darag aosda na choir, 

'S na mheuraibh mòr tha sranna gbaoth— 

Tha dealan an adhair mu'n cuair, 

'S aha tig fear turais na dhàil— 

Seachnaidh e 'n t iuil nach àdh, 

An aimsir nan reulltan cian— 

Tha dà thaibhse Wmu'n cuairt an còmhnaidb, 

Le acain bhròn tha siubhal air siantaibh.

COLLATH. 

COLLATE. 

3 (Tc-*-*tj? (ffld^L^ 

i^^ ^(^(y^^MjUUL^ 

4 

Oî $ *j*~ ìôL ^ 

fein an diugli. 

h threin, 

th! 

do nàmh, 

Iealldubh 

ùigh, 

n cheòl, 

ochd, 

il. 

i gu leir ! 

"iri 

lidfa ? 

t'hois, 

's na cluanaibh. 

lh am dhi 

liliu, 

h-oige. 

threuna, 

+vi iluas. 

eine, 

-y^ny^f tc+~

6%o 7^ 

Sin samhuil Jo bhriathraibh an laolch. 

Ach, chrithnich an talamh mu'n cuairt, 

'N tra thog iad an sleaghan aid ; 

Thuit cnoblan le na' freumhach boaint', 

'S chrith creagan fo chasan nan treuu? 

A's leum iad o'n lcabaidh thaii.ih. 

'S iomadh ciu.ii.l Ii 

A's saighead a siti'n 

Bha seoid ag amhai 

S da rigb m gleac' g 

Thuit sgiath Shuiu 

'S thar a shloigh th 

Thog Mordubh a si 

Ach chun' e uchd a 

Bha smaointean air 

A's ghleidh e laimh 

Bha Morfhalt air 

Leis thuit laoch air 

Sheas Ceann-t'eadhr 

Bha airde mar ehra 

Dh'aom clann Alba 

O sgeith laidir mar 

Ainhuil darag aosdr 

'S na siantan ri coir, 

Ach togaidh tu do c 

Tha maiseach, gun 

Mu d' thimcheall th 

'S thig an sealgair o 

A's gheibh e dion o' 

Mar sin tha sgiath ; 

Thog Morfholt a ah 

A's ghabh e'n oòdha 

'S bu ghàbhaidh còn 

Fhreagair mac-talla 

Do dh' ff)uaim an la 

Chair iad coil] a's fi 

Le 'ti casan air uilin 

A's chrithnich clanr 

Ag coimhead ri gnic 

SAR-0BA1II NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Is mor a ghreis a thug na seoid, 

'S na sloigh a coimhead an cuchdan ; 

Ach chlaon iad araon air an fhraoch, 

'S fail chraobbach a ruilh on creuehclaibh. 

klwla TVI—OL.

Tha acain am aisling neo-chaoin !• 

An cadal do Laogh, athair ? 

Is eagal leamsa doinionn chraidh ; 

Tha toivm gun àdh air iia flathaibh. 

Ciod e, Chollaith, fà t- acain ? 

Arsa Aosar a ghuth bbinn. 

Chunnacas, deir e-san, slige gu h-òl, 

Do fhuil nàmh o dhortadh latin. 

B' uamhann do m' anam an gniomh ! 

Ciod e bhrigh, a sbiol nan rami ? 

Ach s faoin so aisling na suain ? 

Is faoin neo-bhuan gach uile ni. 

Tuitidb an gaisgeach treun na threis, 

A's àillteaehd gach cruth gu crion. 

Mar shruthas blà na coill— 

Mar thig neul daillreach air a ghrein— 

Is amhuil sin beatlia nam beo ! 

Cha choigil 's cha chaomhain sinn seud. 

Ach, an comhnuidh dhomhs' am thamh ? 

A mhic Chollaith, mo ghraidh, ca' beil thu/ 

Aona mhic mo chcile chaoimh ! 

A t-aonar am beil thu air lear ? 

Fair an larin ud air an eallachainn, 

Mac-samhailt do dhealan nan cath. 

Thog Oglaoch an lann so g'a liobh— 

I.aim m' athraichean an gniomh nan rath. 

Is iomadh cath a's còmhrag cruaidh 

Is cuimhne learn a bhi le buaidh. 

Fhreagair an sin Aosar nan dàn, 

A churaidh, a Chollaith nam buadh, 

C'uime—ma bitheadh t-inntinn fo phràmh— 

Bha Oglaoch mar athraichean treun, 

Curaidh treubhach e'sa chath, 

A' mosgladh air faiche nan cruaidh. 

'S e bheireadh buaidh thar mhilc flath. 

A's aosda lag mi nis fo bhròn, 

Thuirt Collath, 's a dheoir a ruith ! 

* Fonar, the Author of this Poem, belonged to the 

illustrious and once powerful family of Collath. He accompanied 

his young fiiend, in his last expedition, to res. 

cue Annir, the betrothed bride of Oglach, and only child 

of Rutha, whom Ardan, a chief of a distant isle, carried 

off in the absence of her friends. Her exquisite beauty 

gained her many admirers. She preferred the Son of 

Collath. By their maniage the two most powerful 

families of Caledonia would have been united. But these 

hopes were never to be realised. The Poem opens with a 

vision ol Collath, and concludes with a lament of the fall of 

the race of Collath, chief of Carrig. It is partly dramatic. 

/f f 

HC T^cô 

COLLATH. 

COLLATE. 

Tha tuilte dol tharuinn gu dlù, 

A c' ait' am beil m' annsachd fein an diugb. 

Gu b' ionmhuinn thu Oglaoich threin, 

Mo lcanabh fein a b' aille cruth ! 

Bha thu farm roimh imeachd do nàmh, 

'S an triall mar thoran thar Mealldubh ; 

A's thig an là gun teach, gun ùigh, 

Gun talla, gun fhlathaibh, gun cheòl, 

'S am bi Siol Armuinn fo sprochd, 

Mar fhaileas ruiteach tro' neoil. 

Ach 's diomhain mo thuireadh gu leir ! 

Ciod so 'm fà mu'm beil mo chri 

Fo bhruaillean le aisling chruaidh ? 

A bualladli gu critheach, gun fhois, 

Mar dhuilleach roi dhoinionn 's na cluanaibh. 

Fhreagair mi fhein gu seamh, 

A's tioma bhròin ga 'm chlaoi ! 

" Am fanam.sa so am thamh,' 

Thuirt Oglaoch, " 's mo ghradh am dhi ? 

Cha chaill mi, ars' e-san, mo chliu, 

Ann am madainn chaomh na h-oige. 

B' eug-samhuil na h-armuinn threuna, 

M' athraiche feile, gun ghiomh : 

'S ni 'm fanamsa so gun àdh, 

Mar gheug gun duille gun bhlà ; 

Bheir mi buaidh air ardan fein, 

Neo theid mi eug, 's e chual 

Mi, as tartar a cheum 

A ruighinn gu h-eutrom mo chluas. 

Tha ' cruth caoin mar dheo greine, 

'S deirge beul no bilibh ròis ; 

Tha h-anail ni's cubhraidh na'n sùtb, 

'S a guth binn mar inneal ceoil 

'S i 's aille dealbh de'n t-sluagh, 

Bheireamsa buaidh da trid ! 

Aite.il sùl is gl&ine snuadh, 

Ainnir shuairce 's igheann righ. 

Mar torchair mi 'n oigh le m' lainn, 

Ni mi còdhail rithe thall. 

Mo chridhe tha 'g eiridh neo-throm, 

A leumnaich le aiteas am chom ! 

O thaibhse nan treun fhear, a threig, 

C ait an comhnuidh dhuibh o'n eug? 

An comhnuidh d' ur n' anma an àdh, 

Gun cheò na Lanna, no blàr ? 

Gach fiùran le òigh gun smal, 

Neo-ionan a's sine ri gal." 

Thog e ri crannaibh na seoil, 

A's dhomhlaich uime a shluaigh ; 

Hi eomh-stri ghailbheach nan tonn, 

6 

^ 

V

&7 

— 


B!ia form a ghaoil aun a bheaL 

C'ha mheata, am feaad, a ohri, 

A's Ainnir da dhi 's an i nil j 

— , 

'S an oidhche fhearthuinneach gu lò, 

Ag udal cuain an aghaidh shian, 

" Fagamaid acaìn a's bròn," 

Thuirt Oglaoeh, ''gu clanna nan crion, 

Taosgar gacli boinnc de in' fhuil. 

Mu'n leigeaT leo an òigh." 

Db' eiricb leinne cairdean treun, 

Thar lear a thorchar cliu 

Dh" eiricb leinn Eilean nan lamb 

Db' eirich leinn Fraoch a's a shluagh. 

A chaitheadh ar sligbe 's a chuan, 

Gbabli sinn'an sin duan mu seach ; 

Sin sheinn duinn filidh nam form, 

'S a ghuth bha aid thar tuinn as lear. 

Biodh anam àidb ag taomadh, 

Mar cbaochan aim an nnalan ciuil 

Is eibbinn le m' chluas an torraghan trom 

Mar cbabhlach nan caomh fo shinil. 

Is ion' le ra' chri an t-aiteas ard. 

Tha 'g eiridh àdhmhor a steach ! 

Mar cblaraibh an talla nam form, 

Mar chuileant) an sonn nach meat, 

Mar fhlath-innis mhile bard, 

Biodh smaointe graidb a chri ! 

Ionmhuinn gach sile, gach braon, 

Ionmhuin maraou a's Beul-bi, 

Caoin chruth geal nan ioma dual, 

O sliiol na cathraicbe nnaidb, 

Càir gbeal a chambair a cneas, 

'S a leaca min mar na ròis ; 

Amliuil i 's an t-sobhrach bbàn, 

Reull nan ioma b' àille snuadb ; 

Bha i mar aitcal na greine, 

\S a nibadaiim ag eiridh gun ghruaim. 

Ach tuitidh fathaad luibh an raoln ; 

Seargatdh a caoin ohrath 's a dreach ; 

" Sruthaidb a blàthan gun bhuain," 

'S e deir Mac Nuaith is geire beacbd. 

Thug i ceisd, a's a gaol trom 

Do Shonn òg a chaidh thar lear ; 

A's db'eirich doiuioun nan latin 

Mu oigb chaoin gheal nan cleachd, 

Tha aigne 'n laoich mar aiteal ipetir, 

No lasair dbein air aonach ard ; 

Co thraoghas a bhuirb ghàir ? 

A chlauna fial nan armunn tiuidhidh, 

Eiribh gu duthaich fad as, 

Gu taomadh oirn mar dhoinionn gbairl)b, 

Ni h-aoibhinn an fheiig a tlia las'. 

Ach mairidh cliu nan saoidh gach ial, 

A ghleachdai rl truaigheau gun mheath. 

A laocbraidh nan sleagh liobhaidli geuX, 

Togadh oirbh, mear, leumnach, garg, 

Mor— uaibhreach—borb, 

Be uamhann citb agua colg ! 

l'heid gathaibb leoin tre 'n cridbe; 

(Is aoibliinn fulang nan treun !) 

Buirbe nan gaisgeach 's an stri, 

Coigil a d' chleibh a's a d' shuain. 

Lamb nan treun gu rath biodh leat, 

'S an àrach fo laiuh gu sguab. 

'N tra thraoghas gailbheinn na h-aibheis, 

Mar an t-ànrach claoite sgith ; 

Seallaidh gnuis an iunrais caoin, 

Amhuil laoich n' tra philleas shh. 

Ach e-san a thuiteas le buaidb, 

Tha e faighiim caochladh nuadh ; 

A mhealtuinn ionmhas nan saoidh, 

Nach ionmhuinn a chaoi, a chomlinuidh ! 

Thaillig tioma air mo chri, 

Ri cuimhne na chunna' mi fhein ! 

Gualann-chatba nach bu tim, 

— — 

Flathaibh fuileach bha ri m' linn. 

Nach eil a h-aon diu am shean aois? 

Nach b' eibbinn a bhi leo scach leinn ? 

Chunnacas sonn mor nam buadh, 

Curaidh uaibhreach nan gniomh garg: 

Lubadh nan catban fo lainn, 

'N uair a mbosgladh e am feirg. 

'S e aigne an laoich a bha ard 

Bha bhoile mar chaoiribh chruach. 

Cha robh e riamh aim an sitb, 

'N uair ruisgeadh na lannan san stri 

Bha imeaclid marthoran tro gbleann, 

Mar dhealan an adhair bha dheanu. 

Ach threig an gaisgeach o chiau, 

Carraig-chatha a cbridhe filial ; 

'S chaidh mar aon ris iomadh còmhlan, 

Cha n-c mo shòlas nach eil e buan. 

Ach teirigidh sinn uile fa-dheoidh, 

A's chi an lò sinn smal' san uaigb.* 

Ach mairidh gu sutbain 's an dan, 

Gniomban alloil aidh nan saoidh : 

'N uair chrionas a cbolluinn gu smùr, 

Mar an ùir an còmhdach criadb ; 

Mar cheathach tra nòin air an t-sliabll, 

'i'riallaidb an deò Bg imeaclid uainn, 

Far nach teirig grian, no gr.-idh 

Fat a maireann àdh nan sonn. 

Ach, Oglaoich, is deacair trom, 

Scan aois a chromas an t-àrd, 

A cliaochaileas crutb nam Hath, 

* Fonar, who was a warrior as well as a bard, recites past 

events, in which he, together with the aped chief, whose 

mind is toothed with a recital of the deeds of former days, 

ICted a put: and his own state frequently and naturally 

occurs to him. 

"I ^ 

;

\tfU 

'S a dhallas fradharc chail nam bàrd. 

Cia mar sheinneas mi dhut ceòl, 

A laoich oig, am chiabhan liatli ? 

'S e labhair mi fein ris an t-saoidh, 

Ceannard òg nam mile cliar. 

Chunnacas rcull bu dealrach drpach, 

A soillse tro' dhuibhre na h-oidhuhe ; 

^ A's shoillsich a ghealach a ris, 

'S na neoil ag imeacbd gii luath. 

" Mar aiteal nan reull ud gu h-ard, 

Tha maise Ainnir," are' an laoch, 

" A lionadh m' annm do ghradh ; 

Ged' tha thusa balbh ad' dheoir ! 

Com is meuchaire, mhine, ghile, 

Tanmadh gaoil mar dbearea na h-òidhche !' 

A lionadh anam de shòlais. 

Is binne guth no fuaim nan clar, 

Is àille dreacli no cruth cubhraidh, 

An noinein bhàin fo dhealt nan speur. 

Is anmhor an t-aiteas so am chliabh ! 

Ciod so an solas diamhair, 

A tha ga'm lionadh gun fhoghnadh ? 

Tha m' aigneadh a' leumnaich a ghna, 

Le buaidh a's mor ghradh na h-oighe. 

Air an t-sleagh so arm am laimh, 

Pillidh sinn on àr le buaidh ! 

Pillidh, no tuitidh le cliù, 

Air son an ruin a tha bhuainn. 

Pillidh mar aon a gaol 

Ro chaoin, mar ri caochladh cath. 

Tha m' aigneadh a' leumnaich gu comhrag. 

Is ionmhuinn le oighean mac rath. 

Aithris dhuinn fhilidh nan dan, 

Thuirt mi fhein am briathraibh ciuin, 

I\Iar bha oigh na h-iomair bhaigh, 

Rè a latha an reull iuil. 

Beul-bi,* solus mhile cri, 

IMaise mnà a bhil bhi 

Ighean ghaoil bu bhlasda ceol, 

A fait mar ihitheach, dubh mar smeoir. 

Bha maise as gradh le cheil' na sealladh, 

A mala crom mar ite 'n loin ; 

A com seamh, finealta, f'uasgailt', 

Cha lubadh a ceum am feoirnean. 

Bu ehruth ionmholt an ribhinn ; 

Ach ciod am fà mu'n robh sa 'g radh ? 

Gach aona bhuaidh do bhi air finne, 

Bha sud air dunach nan laoch, 

A thuit mar ghallan nan gleann, 

Mar sgathar iiùran nan crann. 

; 

COLLATH. 

* The history of Eclvi is introduced here with great 

propriety. The injured are apt to think their own case 

without a parallel, and the burden of the afflicted becomes 

lighter, when they are assured that others suffer the like, 

or greater hardships. 

O-i/O. 

Ach dh-fhailig mor mhais' a ghaoil, 

Chaochail ' cruth àillidh gu h-aog ! 

'N uair bhuail lann Chonnlaoich uohd Dhonna- 

ghaill, 

'S a ruith fhuil na thonnan blà ! 

Chlaon e air uilinn an t-armunn, 

An gath nimhe chaidh tro' airnean ; 

Gath geur guineach nan tri cholg, 

Os ceann imleig shàth na bholg. 

Bha tosga tiugha nam beum luatha, 

A reubadh feoil, a's cnai' ga'm bruasgadh. 

Gach lann, mar dhealan an adhair, 

Mar fhalaisg air sliabh na lasair, 

Dh'aom na tiathaibh fo rnhaoim : 

Bu dearg gach sruthan. san raon. 

Thuit e mu throma ghridh na h-oiyhe ! 

Mar chobhar sruth bha fhuil a dortadh, 

'S a ruith — 's e fuil a chridhe bh' aim, 

A brucadh tro' chreuchdan nan latm. 

Uaith sin, chluinte caoiran na h-oigh' :— 

" Och, mo dhorainn, agus in' acain ! 

Nach deachaidh mi eug o chian, 

Mu'n d'fhuair aon fhleasgach mo ghaol ! 

Thuit mo roghainn, thuit mo run, 

Ach ma thuit e, fhuair e chliu. 

Och ! nach robh sinn, ruin ghil còmhla, 

Fo'n fhòd ghròm a gabhail comhnaidh ! 

Theireadh iad, an sin n'an tàmh, 

Tha òg-fhlath nam buadh, 's a ghradh, 

An ceangal buan, an glais a bhàis. 

Thuit iad mar luibhean an raoin, 

Le'n uile bhlà, 's a mhadainn chulihraidh, 

'S an dealt a boillsgeadh le gath grtine." 

Mar sin, thàr sinn chuige gu sèamh ; 

Bha ar caoimh a tighin' san duibhre ; 

Thamh sinn car ghreis air an leirg, 

Gu briseadb faire na maidne. 

Bha'n cuan siar mar lainnir, 

Le soillse àdhmhor on ear ; 

A's dealt nan speur air gach blà, 

Gu foineil tlà mar an lear. 

Chaidh sinn far n' armaibh gu leir ; 

'S chaidh mosgladh fa eilean nan stuadh. 

" Rachadh, thuirt Oglaoch, ard, mear, 

Romhainn a nis' teachdair luath." 

Chuir sinn romhainn Lùghmhor òg, 

Le fios gu Ardan, gun àdh ! 

" E chur chugainn Ainnir na mais', 

'S gu'm pilleadh ar feachd ga'n cabhlach." 

'S e thuirt Ardan a chridhe bhuirb, 

" Sinn fein a philleadh gu grad, 

Air neo gu sguabadh e gach saoidh 

Gu lear, mar fhaileas roi'n ghaoith 

Gu lubadh e Oglaoch fo lann, 

Alar mheangan an doire nan crann." 

Dhomhlaich an sin na sloigh 

Air an fhaiche gu h-ard, 

sjy 

ìl

2?%- 

12 SAR-OBA1R NAM

4^ 

Anns a cheitein ùrar, bhlà, 

Bhiod dreach is àill' air gach slios. 

Is gorm badanach am fiaoch, 

Am faigheadh na saoidh an suain ; 

'S gur deacair, diamhair, cluain au fheidh, 

'S am biodh Collath treun, 's a shluagh. 

Bha 'n t-àm sin, arsa an Ceannard fein, 

Mar là grein gbil, cubhraidh, caoin ! 

Ach thainig feasgar an là sin ro luath, 

A's threig mo shluagh, mar dhealt to grein, 

'S uair thainig dù'-ncoil o na speur, 

'S a h-òr-fhalt fein bha sgaoilt' gu h-ard, 

Sguabadh gu h-am-lubach air falbh, 

'S cha robh a dealbh air cnoc no sliabh. 

Ach, ' ghrian, thig là do bhroin, 

N uair iiach laidh thu le ceòl 'san iar, 

S nach eirich thu 's an ear le treoir, 

Ach mall mar mis', am chiabhan liath." 

Bhiodh cneas Bhrai-shealla ri grein 

Shamhraidh, fo gach feur a's cneamh ; 

An ealabhuidh 's an noinean ban, 

'S an t-sobhrach an gleann fas nan luibh ; 

Anns am faigheadh an leighe liath,* 

Furtachd nach do chreuchd a's leòn ! 

Olla shiol nan sieaghan geur, 

Da'n roiii h nidi! o cheiu an t-Sroin. 

'S traugh nach robh e san àr, 

'N uair thàr sinn gu tràigh fad as ! 

'S bheireadh e na saoidh o'n bhàs, 

'S bhiodhmaid mar bu ghndth air leàr. 

'S iomadh iomart bha ri m' linn, 

Cruai' bheumach air chinnt gach uair; 

A's shileadh ar deoir mar fliras nan speur, 

'N tra thuiteadh gaisgich threun nam buadh. 

'S aim mar sin, a Chollaitb, bha sinn, 

Ri linn na threig a's nach pill, 

'N uair thuit do chòlan treun, 

Ceannard Kutha, nach bu tiom. 

Thuit an craim a b' ùrar fas, 

A faillean mo gràidh san fhonn ; 

Mar mbaoim sleibh, no dealan speur, 

Leagadh Ceann-feadhna nan cath.; 

An dh-fhag e ach am meanglan òg? 

Ainnir nach beò lcinn an nochd ! 

'S ami o d' fhreumhach fein a bha iad, 

'S iii in beil a lathair dhiu mac null. 

Goiridh a chomhachag à creig, 

A's freagraidh guth airt-neul a h-uaimh ; 

Mar sin ar guileag bhròin ro lag, 

COLLATH. 

* The belief was common among the Caledonians, that 

for all the diseases to whicn mankind is liable, there 

grows an herb somewhere, and generally not far from the 

locality where the paiticular disease prevails— the proper 

application of whiuh would cure it 

A nis a tuireadh gu truagh. 

Thar sinn mar so leis an oidhche, 

Gun aoidh, gun chuilm, gun cheol 

Laidh smal air gach fonn a's feur, 

A's dhorchaich na reulltan fo bhròn. 

'S faoin carraig Chollaitb a nochd 

Is faoin tha Innis la sprochd, 

Leth dhoilleir ameasg nan nial, 

— ; 

A's saoidh nan rath air ànradh cian. 

Thainig cu* le bural bròin, 

Bha'n gaothar tiamhaidh truagh ! 

Nach cianail a nis am bruth, 

As Kutha nan stùc aim an gruaim ! 

Gun laoch aig baile ni sealg ; 

Gun chuilm, gun mhùirn, gun choin. 

Slan leibh a bheannaibh mo ghaoil, 

Anns am faighinn mang a's damh ; 

Soraidh le Armuinn a threig, 

Ni h-eibhinn nan deigh ar seal. 

" Tha binneas," arsa Collath, "a d' bhròn, 

13 

'N tra dhuisgeas tu smaoin mu'r n-òig' le gean. 

Beaunachd leibh uile gu lò 

'San còdhail sinn thall o'n eug, 

Far nach liobh gaisgeach a lann, 

Far an dealrach òigh gun fheall. 

'Sam biodh Oglaoch a's Ainnir 

Mar reulltan soillseach nan speur 

An anna ag lasadh le gaol, 

Mar dheo grein' an aghaidh gun smal, 

Mar so biodh aisling mo shean aois, 

'N uair dh'eireas mo gbuth gu bròn bìnn ! 

'S nach dirich mi Creubhbheiuu an fheidh, 

Ach mall air larach a gblinn'. 

Beannachd a's ciad soraidh slan 

Le beanntaibh mo ghraidh 's mo ruin, 

O'n sgar au aois sinn san am, 

'S mi gun sleagh, gun lann, gun lùgh. 

Biodh tuireadh na h-eala 'na m' bheul, 

A's i 'san leig an deis a leun ! 

Air a fagail faoin lea fein, 

'S e sud m' acaiu, t-igh mo bhroin ! 

Dh-fliailig mo spionnadh 's mo threis, 

Chaochail mo mhothach 's mo bhlas, 

Ni 'm beil e ionmhuinn na their, 

Tha in' inthin gun cha.il, air meath, 

Tha in' eibhneas uileadh air falbh 

Le blianaibh calma na h-òige. 

Is ciannail fuireach air traigh 

Sean aois, gun m' aiseag a null ; 

'S mo thògradh ga m' gbreasad gu luath, 

Gu Flath-inuis shuas gu bràth." 

(ffb ?ok 

» The riog, of all animals the most sagacious and 

attached mourns the absence 01 death of his mailer.

11 Ml W.N A BHAIRO AOSDA. 

() càraibh mi ri taobh nan allt, 

A shiubhlas mall le ceiimaibh ciùin, 

I'd Bgàil a bharraieh leag mo cheann, 

'S bi thus' a ghriati ro-chairdeil rium, 

MIANN A BIIAIRD AOSDA. 

2, 

Gu socair sin 's an fheur mo thaobh, 

Air bruaich nan ditbean 's nan gaoth tl;i, 

'Smo chas ga sliobadh 's a' bhraon mhaoth, 

'S e lùbadh tharais caoin tro'n bhlàr. 

*ì 

Biodh BÒbfaraoh bhàn is aillidh snuadb, 

M'an cuairt do'm thulaich is uain' fo' dbiiùchd, 

'S an neòinean beag 's mo lamh air cluain, 

'S an ealabhuidh' aig mo chluais gu h-ùr. 

• Perhaps it is impossible, at this day, to decide with 

any certainty to what part of the Highlands the Agro Baud 

belonged, or at what time he flourished. Mrs (irant of 

Lagga'n, who has given a metrical version of the above 

poem, says, " It was composed in Skye," though upon wliat 

authority she has net said. The poem itself seems to {fit. 

nisli Wme evidence that at least the scene of it is laid in 

Lochaber. Treig* is mentioned as having afforded drink 

to the hinders. Now Loch Treig is in the braes of Lochaber. 

We know of no mountain which is now called Benaid 

or Scur.eilt. Perhaps Ben-ard is another name for 

Ken-nevis. The great waterfall, mentioned near the end 

of the poem, may have been Eas-bhà, near Kinloch.leven 

in Lochaber. The following is almost a literal translation 

of the above poem :— 

THE AGED BARD'S WISH. 

O place me near the brooks, which slowly move with 

gentle steps ; under the shade of the shooting branches 

lay my head, and be thou, O sun, in kindness with me. 

At ease lay my side on the grass, upon the bank of 

flowers and soft zephyrs—ray feet bathed ill the wandering 

stream that slowly winds along the plain. 

Let the primrose pale, of grateful hue, and the little 

daisy surround my hillock, greenest when bedewed; my 

hand gently inclined, and the ealtli f at my car In its fresh- 

ness. 

Around the lofty brow of my glen let there he bending 

boughs in full bloom, and the children of the bushes making 

the aged rock re-echo their songs of love. 

Let the new-born gurgling fountain gush from the ivycovered 

rock ; and let all-melodious echo respond to the 

sound of the stream of ever-successive waves. 

Lei the voice of every hill and mountain re-echo the 

tweet sound of the joyous herd; then shall a thousand 

lowing! be heard all around. 

I,, t the frisking of calves be in my view, by the side of 

a stream, or on the aclivity of a bill ; and let the wanton 

kid, tired of its gambols, rest with its innocence on my 

bosom. 

Poured on the wing of the gentle breeze, let the pleadant 

voiee of Iambi BOtne to my ear; then shall the ewes 

answer when they heir their young running towards them. 

h.-rlj e.illiM Si Juiur, i 

jMu'ii cuairt do bhroaehaibh àrd mo glilinn', 

Blodh lùbadh gh£llg a's oira blà ; 

'S claim bheag nam preaa a' tabhairt seiiin, 

Do cbreagaìbh aosd' le òran gràtdh. 

I>riseadh tro chreag nan eidbeanu dlù, 

Am fuaran ùr le torramam trom, 

'S freagraidh mac-talla gach dull, 

Do dh' fhuaim srutha did nan toiin. 

I 

I-reagraidh gach cnoc, agus gach sliabb, 

Le binn-fhuaim geur nan aigbean mear ; 

'N sin cluinnidh mise mile geurn, 

A' riuth man cuairt dumb 'n iar sail ear. 

let me hear the hunter's step, with the sound of his 

darts and the noise of his dogs upon the wide-extended 

heath ; then youth shall beam on my cheek, when the 

voice of hunting the deer shall arise. 

The marrow of my bones shall awake when I hear the 

noise of horns, of dogs, and of bow-strings ; and when the 

cry is heard, " The stag is fallen," my heels shall leap in 

joy aloiig the heights of the mountains. 

Then methinks I see the hound that attended me early 

and late, the hills which I was fond of haunting, and the 

rocks which were wont to re-echo the lofty horn. 

1 sec the cave that often hospitably received our steps 

from night ; cheerfulness awaked at the warmth of her 

trees;* and in the joys of her cups there was much mirth. 

Then the smoke of the feast of deer arose ; our drink 

from Treig, and the wave our music ; though ghosts should 

shriek, and mountains roar, reclined in the cave, undis- 

turbed was our rest. 

1 see Ben-ard of beautiful curve, chief of a thousand 

hills; the dreams of stags are in his locks, his head is the 

bed of Clouds 

I seeSrur-eilt on the brow of the glen, where the cuckoo 

first raises her tuneful voice; and the beautiful green 

hill of the thousand firs, of herbs, of roes, and of elks. 

Let joyous ducklings swim swiftly on the pool of tall 

pines. A strath of green tirs is at its head, bending the 

red rowans over its banks. 

Let the lieauteousswan of the snowy bosom glide on the 

tops of the waves. When she soars on high among the 

clouds she will be unencumbered. 

She travels oft over the sea to the cold region of foaming 

billows, where a sail shall never be spread out to a mast, 

nor an oaken prow divide a wave. 

lie thou by the summits of the mountains, the mourn- 

ful tale of thy love in thy mouth, O swan, who hast tra. 

relied from the land of waves; and may 1 listen to thy 

music in the heights of heaven. 

Up with thy gentle song; pour out the doleful tidings 

of thy sorrow ; and let all-melodious echo take up the 

strain from thy mouth. 

Spread nut thy wing over the main. Add to thy swiftness 

from the strength of the wind. Pleasant to my ear 

arc the cchoings of thy wounded heart— the song of 

love. 

• Allusion is here made to a fire of wood.

Vc 

£** 

cn^Y 

M'an cuairt bioJh lù-chleas nan laogh, 

Ri taobh nan smth., no air an leirg. 

'S am minnean beag de'n ehdmhraìg sgith, 

'N am achlais a' cadal gu'n cheilg. 

7 * 

Sruthadh air sgeith na h-osaig mhin, 

Glaodhan maoth nan crò mu'm chluais, 

'N sin f'reagraidh a mheanmh-sprcigh, 

'Nuair chluinn, an gineil, is iad a ruitli a nuas. 

A ceum an t-se/al t-sealgair ri mo chluais ! 

Le sranna ghàth, a's chon teagh sleibh, 

'N sin dearsaidh an òig air mo ghruaidh, 

'N uair dh-eireas toirm air sealg an fhcidh, 

lo 

Dùisgidh smior am chnaimh, 'nuair chluinn, 

Mi tailmrich dhos a's chon a's shreang, 

Nuair ghlaodhar— " Thuit an damh !" 

Tha mo hh uinn, a' leum gu beò ri àrd nam beann. 

'N sin chi mi, air leam, an gadhar, 

A leanadh mi an-moch a's moch ; 

'S na sleibh bu inhiaunach leam ' thaghall. 

'S na creagan a' freagairt do'n dòs. 

/^ 

Chi mi 'n uamh a ghabh gu fial, 

'S gu trie ar ceumaibh roi 'n oidhch' 

Dhuisgeadh ar sunnd le blathas a crann, 

'S an solas chuach a bha mòr aoibhneas. 

Bha ceò air fleagh bhàrr an fheidh 

An deoch à Treig 's an tonn ar ceòl, 

Ge d' sheinneadh tàisg 's ge d' rànadh slèibh, 

Sinnte 's an uaimh bu sheamh ar iieoil. 

From what land blows the wind that bears the voice of 

thy sorrow from the rock, O youth, who wentest on thy 

journey from us, who hast left my hoary locks forlorn. 

Are the tears in thine eyes, O thou virgin most modest 

and beauteous, and of the whitest hand. Joy without end 

tn the smooth cheek that shall never move from the narrow 

bed. 

Say, since mine eye has failed, O wind, where grows the 

reed with its mournful sound ? by its side the little fishes 

whose wings never felt the winds' soft breath, maintain 

their sportive conflict. 

Tiaise me with a strong hand, and place my head under 

the fresh birch ; when the sun is at high noon let its green 

shield be above mine eyes. 

Then shalt thou come, O gentle dream, who swiftly 

walkest among the stars; let my night-work be in thy music, 

bringing back the days of my joy to my recollection. 

See. O my soul, the young virgin under the shade of the 

oak, king of the forest ! her hand of snow is among her 

locks of gold, and her mildly rolling eye on the youth of 

her love. 

He sings by her side—She is silent. Her heart par.ts, 

and swims in his music ; love flies from eye to eye; deers 

stop thtir course on the extended heath. 

N'ow the sound has ceased ; 

her smooth white breast ' 

heaves to the breast of her love ; and her lips, fresh as the 

unstained rose, are pressed close to the lips of her love. I 

; 

SAIt-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII. 15 

*i 

Chi mi Beinn-ard is àillidh fiamli, 

Ceann-feadhna air mhile beann, 

Bha aisling nan damh na ciabh. 

'S i leabaidh nan nial a ceanu. 

/r 

Chi mi Sgorr-eild' air bruach a ghlinn' 

An goir a chuach gu binn au tòs. 

A's gorm mheall-àild' na mile giubhns 

Nan luban, nan earba, 's nan Ion. 

/6 

Biodh tuinn òg a snàmh le sunnd, 

Thar linnc 's mine giubhas, gu luath. 

trath ghiubhais uain' aig a ceann, 

A' lubadh chaoran dearg air bruaich. 

'J 

Biodh eal' àluinn an uchd bhàin, 

A snimh le spreigh air bharr nan tonn, 

'Nuair thogas i sgiath an àird, 

A measg nan nial cha'n fhàs i tròm. 

S trie i g astar thar a chuain, 

Gu asraidh fhuar nan ioma' ronn, 

Far nach togar breid ri crann, 

'S nach sgoilt sròn dharaich tonn. 

Bi thusa ri dosan nan torn, 

Is cumha' do ghaol arm ad bheul, 

Eala ' thriall o thir nan tonn 

'S tu seiun dhomh ciùil an aird nan speur. 

' 

?* Jto 

O! eirich thus' le t-òran ciùin, 

'S cuir naigheachd bhochd do bhròin an ceill 

'S glacaidh mac-talla gach ciuil, 

An gùth tùrsa sin o d' bheul. 

" 

IG 

"S^ 

StT- 

Tog do sgiath gu h-àrd thar chuan, 

Glao do luathas liliu ncart na gaoith, 

S cibhinn ami um cbluais am fuaim, 

O'd chridhe leòint'—an t-òraii gaoil. 

Co an tir on gluais a' gliaoth, 

'I'ha giulan glaoidh do bliroin on chreig ? 

Oigeir a chaidh uain a thriall, 

'Sa dhfhàg mo chiabh ghlas gu'n taic, 

B'eil deòir do ruisg O ! thusa ribbinn, 

Is mine raais' 's a's gile làmh? 

Solas gu'n chrioch don ghruaidh mhaoith, 

A chaoidb nach gluais on leabaidli chaoil. 

Innsibh, o threig mo sliuil, a ghaotb', 

C àit' am beil a chuil' a fàs, 

Le glaodhan bròin 's na brie r'a taobh, 

Le sgiath gun deò a cumail blàir. 

Togaibh mi—càraibh le'r laimh threin, 

'S cuiril)b mo cheann fo bharrach ùr, 

'N uair dh'eireas a' ghrian gu h-ard, 

Biodb a sgiath uain' os-ceanu mo sbùl. 

Z.6 

An sin thig thu O! aisling ohiùin, 

Tha 'g astar dlu measg reull na h-òidhch', 

Biodb grioimb m' oidhebe ami ad cbeòl ; 

Toirt aimsir mo mhùirn gu'm cbuimhn'. 

O ! m'anam faic an ribbinn òg, 

Fo sgèith an daraicb, righ nam flath, 

'S a larnh shneachd ' measg ;i eiabhan òir, 

'Sa meall-shuil ebiùin air òg a gràidb. 

E-san a' seinn ri taobh 's i balbh, 

Le cridhe leum, 's a snàmh' na cheòl, 

An gaol bho sbuil gu suil a falbh, 

Cuir stad air fcidh nan sleibhtean mòr. 

Nis threig am fuaim, 's tha cliabh geal mln, 

Ri uchd 's ri cridhe gaoil a' f.is, 

'S a bilibh ùr mar ròs gun smal, 

Ma bheoJ a gaoil gu dlu an sàs. 

"bo 

Solas gun chrioch do'n chomunn chaomh, 

A dhùiag dhomh m' aobhneaa àit nach pill, 

A's beannachd do t-anams' a rùin, 

A nigheaii chiiiin nan eiiaeh-chiabh grinn. 

'N do threig thu mi aisling nam buadh ? 

Pill fathast—aon cheum beag— pill ! 

Cha ehlainn iibh mi Ooholn ! 's mi truagh. 

A bheamiaibb mo ghraidh—shin hilili. 

^— 

Slàn le comunn caomh na h-òige, 

MIANX A BHAIUD AOSDA. 

A's oigheannan liòidheach, slàu leibh, 

Cha leir dhouib sibh, dhuibhse tha samhradh, 

Ach dbomsa geamhradh a chaoidb, 

O ! cuir mo chluas ri fuaim Eas-mòr 

Le chrùnan a' tearnadh on chreig. 

Bi'dh cruit agus slige ri'm thaobh, 

'S an ggiath a dhian mo shinnsir sa' cbath. 

^ , 

Thig le cairdeas thar a chuain, 

Osag mhin a ghluais gu mall, 

Tog mo cheò air sgiath do luathais, 

M 

'S imich grad gu eilean fhlaitheis. 

3 5lar'm 

beil na laoich a dh-fhulbh o shean, 

An cadal trom gun dol le ceòl, 

Fosglaibh-sa thalla Oisein a's Dhaoil, 

Thig an oidhche 's cha bhi'ni hard air bbrath. 

6 

* ». . . Ach 3 o m an tig l seal man trial 1 mo cheò, 

Gu teach man hard, air àr-bheinn as nach pill. 

Fair cruit 's mo shlige dh-iunnsaidh 'n ròid, 

An sin ; mo chruit, 'smo shlige ghraidh, slan leibh. 

Note.—This is a curious and valuable relic nf antiquity. 

It affords internal evidence that the doctrines of Clirn. 

tianity were either wholly unknown to the poet, or had no 

place in his creed. The Elysium of bards upon Ardven, 

the departure of the poet's shad,- to the hall of Ossian and 

D.iol, his last wish of laying by his side a harp, a shell full 

of liquor, and his ancestors' shield, are incompatible with 

the Christian doctrine of a future state. 

ihat it is a composition, however, long subsequent to 

the times of Ossian, is evident from the change which the 

manners of the Caledonians had in the interim undergone; 

for in the poems of that bard there is scarcely an allusion 

to the pastoral state. At any rate, the art of taming and 

breeding cattle was certainly not practised bv the Fingalians. 

Hunting and war seem to have been their sole occupations. 

Our aged bard, however, lived in the pastoral 

state of society; a state which many poets have made the 

subject of that species of poetry denominated pastoral. 

Our bard exhibits tender senses, and describes hapnj 

situations. He paints the beauties of nature with the hand 

of a master, and expresses the warmth of bis feelings in 

glowing numbers. 1 1 is style is nervous, his manner chaste. 

His fancy wears the native garb of purity and simplicity : 

and true taste will recognise his composition as thegenuine 

offspring of nature— as real poetry. 

The poet has enumerated those rural occupations which 

afforded him delight in the rigoui of life, lie lias arranged 

and drawn forth to view rural objects, attended by such 

circumstances as had made the most pleasurable and last, 

ing impression upon his own mind; and he seems, at the 

same time, to have been highly sensible of the beauties of 

nature, and capable of producing those strokes of fancy 

which evince poetic merit. 

This poem shows that men leading a pastoral life are 

capable of relined feelings and delicate sentiments, and 

may be actuated by the best affections of the heart; that 

long posterior to the days of Ossian, the Christian religion 

had not perhaps been heard of by the Caledonians ; and 

that they were of opinion that the soul was an airy substance 

Capable of existing in a state of separation from the body, 

and of enjoying, in the region of the clouds, those agree, 

able occupations which had given it pleasure upon earth.

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A Chomhachag bhochd na Sròine, 

A nochd is brònach do leabaidh, 

Ma bha thu ann ri linn Donnaghaiil, 

Chan ioghnadh ge trom leat t-aigneadh. 

" 'S co'-aoise mise do'n daraig, 

Bha na faillean aim sa' choinntich, 

'S iomadh linn a chuir mi romham, 

'S gur mi comhachag bhochd na Sròine. 

Kise bho na thà thu aosda, 

Dean-sa t-t'haosaid lis an t-shagart, 

Agus innis dhà gun èuradh, 

Gach aon sgeula ga'm beil agad. 

" Cha d' rinn mise braid' no breugan, 

Cladh na tearmann a bhristeadh 

Air m' fhear tein cha d' roinn mi iomluas, 

Gur cailleach bhochd iouraig mise. 

Chunnacas mac a Bhritheimh chalma, 

Agus Feargus mor an gaisgeach, 

As Torradan liath na Sròine, 

Sin na laoich bha domhail, taiceil." 

Bbo 'na thòisich thu ri seanachas, 

A's èigin do leanmhuinn ni's faide, 

Gu 'n robh 'n triuir bha sin air foghnadh. 

Ma 'n robh Donnaghall ann san Fhearsaid. 

7 trWL 

" Chunnaic mi Alasdair Carrach, 

An duin' is allaile bha 'n Albainn, 

'S minig a bha mi ga èisteachd, 

'S e aig reiteach nan torn sealga. 

Chunnaic mi Aonghas na dheigh, 

Cha b' e sin raghainn bu tàire, 

'S ann 's an Fhearsaid a bha thuinidh, 

'S rinn e muiilean air Allt-Larach," 

A' CHOMHACHAG. 

A' CHOMHACHAG.* 

Bu lionmhor'cogadh a's creachadh, 

Bha'u an Lochabar 'san uair sin 

C'aite 'rn biodh tusa ga t-fhalach, 

Eoin bhig na mala gruamaich. 

" 'S ann a bha cuid mhor de m' slimnsir, 

Eadar an Innse a's an Fhearsaid, 

Bha cuid eile dhiu' ma'n Diaghthaigh ; 

Bhiodh iad ag eigheach 'sa'n fheasgar. 

trWL /| 

'N uair a chith innse dol seachad, 

Na creacb.au agus am fuathas, 

Bheirinn car beag far an rathaid, 

'S bhithinn grathunu sa' Chreig-ghuanaich." 

Creag mo chridhe-s' a Chreag ghuanach, 

Chreag an dh-fhuair mi greis de m' àrach. 

Creag nan aighean 's nan damh siùbhlach, 

A chreag ùrail, aighearaeh, ianach. 

Chreag ma'n iathadh an fhaoghait, 

Bu mhiann learn a bhi ga taghal, 

'N uair bu bhinn guth gallain gaodhair, 

A' cur graidh gu gabhail chumhainn. 

'S binn na h-iolairean ma bruachan, 

'S binn a cuachan, 's binn a h-eala, 

A's biune na sin am blaoghan, 

Ni an laoghan meana-bhreac, ballach. 

I f 

A's binn learn toraman na'n dòs, 

Ri uilinn nan corra-bheann cas, 

'S an eilid bhiorach is caol cos, 

Ni fois to dhuilleich ri teas. 

li 

Gun de cheil aic' ach an damh, 

'S e 's muime dh'i feur a's cneamh, 

Mathair an laoigh mheana-bhric mhir, 

Bean an t'hir mhall-rosgaich ghlain. 

* This poem is attributed to Donald Macdnnald better and decrepit with age, his " crooked rib" seems to take 

known by the cognomen of Dbmhnull mac Fhiullaidh nan a pleasure in tormenting them. Fear, rather than respect 

Dàn—ì celebrated hunter and poet. Ke was a native of might possibly protect Donald himself, but she neither 

Lochaber and flourished before the invention of fire-arms. feared nor respected the poor dog. On the contrary, she 

According to tradition, he was the most expert archer of his took every opportunity of beating and maltreating him. 

day. At the time in which he lived, wolves were very In fact, 

troublesome, especially in Lochaber, but Donald is said to 

have killed so many of them, that previous to his death, 

there was only one left alive in Scotland, which was shortly 

after killed in Strathglass by a woman. He composed 

these verses when old, and unable to follow the chase and 

; 

it is the only one of his compositions which has been 

handed down to us. 

The occasion of the poem was this : He had married a 

young woman in his old age, who as might have been 

expected, proved a very unmeet helpmate. When he and 

Ins dog were both worn down with the toils of the chase, 

" like the goodman's mother," he " was aye in the 

way." Their ingenious tormentor one day found an old 

and feeble owl, which she seems to have thought would 

make a tit comi.aniou for the old man and his dog; and 

accordingly brought it home. The poem is in the form ot 

a dialogue between Donald and the owl. It is very un. 

likely that he had ever heard of ^sop, yet he contrives to 

make an owl speak, and that to good purpose. On the 

whole it is an ingenious performance and perhaps has no 

rival of its kind in the language. Allusion is made to his 

" half marrow," in the 57th stanza. 

?/; 'A

iS 

'S siùbhlach a dh'-l'halbhas e raon, 

Cadal oba dean e sa'n Sroùir, 

B' ffaearr It-is na plaide fo' thaobh, 

Bàrr an fbraoicfa bhadanaich ùir. 

Gur alumn sgeamh an daimh dhuinn, 

'Thearnaa o shireadh nam beano, 

Mac na h-eilde lis an t-shonn, 

Nach do chrom le spid a cheann. 

Eilid bhinneach, mheargant, bliallacb, 

Odhar, eangach, uchd reidh àrd, 

Damh togalach, croic-cheannaeh, sgiamhaih, 

Crònanach, ceann-riabhar.h, deartr. 

Lo 

Gnr gasd' a ruitheadfa tu suas, 

Ri leachduiiin chruaidh a's i cas, 

Moladh gach aon neacfa an cù, 

Ach molams' 'n trùp tha dol as. 

Xi 

Creag mo chride-sa chreag mhor, 

'S ionmhuinn an Ion tha fo ceaim, 

'S aims' an lag a tb' air a cul, 

Na machair a's mùr nati gall. 

M' a^nsachd beinn sheasgaich nam fuaran, 

An riasgach o'n dean an damh rànan, 

Chulreadb gadhar is glan nuallan, 

Feidh na'n roaig gu Inbhir-Mheorain. 

2< > 

, 

B' annsa' learn na riùrdan bodaich, 

Os ccann leic ri eararudh all, 

B-ùirean an daimh 'in bi ghnè dhuinnead, 

Air leacann beinne 's e ri sin. 

'N uair bbùras damh Beinne-bige, 

'S a bhèucas damh Beinn-na-craige, 

Freagraidh na daimh ud da cheile; 

'S thig feidh a' Coirre-na-snaige. 

Bha mi o'n rugadh mi riabh, 

Ann an caidridh I'hiadh a's earb', 

Ch'an fhaca mi (lath air bian, 

Ach bufdbe, riabhach. a's dearir. 

Cha mhi-fhin a sgaoil an comunn, 

A bha eadar mi 'sa Chrcag-ghuanach, 

Ach an aois ga'r toirt o chèile, 

Gnr grathunn an fhc'-il* a fhuaras. 

S i creag mo chridhe-s' a Chreag-ghunnach, 

A chreag dhuilleach, bhiolaireach, bhraonach, 

Na 'n tulach àrd, àluinn, fiarach, 

Gur cian a ghabh i o'n mhaorach. 

Vr 

( ha mhlnig a bha mi 'g cisdcachd, 

Re aeideadh na muice-mara, 

Ach 's trie a cbuala mi mòran, 

l)e chrdnanaich an daimh allaidh. 

SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Cha do chuir fai duil san iasgach, 

Bhi ga iarraidh leis a mbadhar, 

'S mor gu'm b' annsa learn am fiadbacb, 

'S bhi air falbh nan sliabh aa-t-fhagbar. 

'S eibhinn an obair an t-shealg, 

S àit a cuairt an aird gu beachd, 

Gur binne a h-aighear 's a fonn 

Na long a's i dol tb bheairt. 

3| 

Fad 'sa bhithinn beò no maireann, 

Deò dhe 'n anain an am chorp, 

Dh-fhanainn am fochar an fhcidh. 

Sin an spreidh an robh mo thoirt. 

3*- 

C'àit' an cualas ceòl bu bhinne, 

Na mothar gadhair mhoir a' teachd, 

Daimh sheannga na' ruith le gleann, 

Miol-choin a dol annt a's asf. 

S truagh an diugh nach beò an fheoghainn, 

Gun ami ach an ceò de'n bhuidheann, 

Leis 'm bu mhiannach gloir nan gadhar, 

Gun mheoghail, gun òl, gun bhruidhiun. 

3* 

Bratach Alasdair nan Gleann, 

A sròl fathrumach ri crann, 

Suaicheantas shoilleir shiol Chuinn, 

Nach do chuir suim an claim ghall 

'S ann an Cinn-Ghiubhsaich na laidhe, 

Tha nàmhaid na graidhe deirge, 

Lamb dheas a mharbhadh a bhradain, 

Bu mhath e 'n sabaid na feirge. 

u 

Dh-fhag mi san Ruaidhe so sbios, 

Am fear a b' ole dhoms' a bhàs, 

'S trie a chuir e ' thagradh an cruathas, 

Ann cluais an daimh chabraich an sag 

V 

Raonull Mac-Dhomhnuill ghlais, 

Fear a fbuair fòghlum gu deas, 

Deagh Mhac-Dhomhnuill a chuil chais, 

Ni'm beò neach a chòmhraig leis. 

3V 

Alasdair cridhe nan gleann, 

Gun e bhi ann mor a' ch reach, 

'S trie a leag thu air an torn, 

Sliochd nan soim leis a chu ghlas. 

'? 

Alasdair mac Ailein mhòir, 

'S trie a mharbh sa' bheinn na feidh, 

'S a leanadh fad air an tòir, 

Mo dhoigh gur Domhnullach trcun. 

4© 

A's Domhnullach thu gun mhearachd, 

Gur tu buinne geal na cruaghach, 

Gur càìrdeacfa thu do Chlann-Chatain, 

S gur he dalt thu do'n Chreig-ghuanaich.

Ma dh-fhàgadh Domhnull a muigh, 

Na aonar a' taigh na' fleagh, 

S gearr a bhios gucag air bhuil, 

Luclid a chruidh bi'dh iad a staigh. 

^^ 

Mi'm shuidh air sìth-bhruth nam beanr 

A coimhead air ceann Locha-Trèig, 

Creag ghuanach am biodh an t-shealg, 

Giianan ard am biodh na fèidh. 

Chi mi na Dù-lochain bliuam, 

Chi mi Chruach, a's Beinne-bhreac, 

Chi mi Srath-Oisein nam Fiann, 

Chi mi ghrian air Meall-nan-leac. 

*7 

Chi mi Beinn-Neamhais gu h-àrd, 

Agus an càrn-dearg ri bun, 

A's coire beag eiie ri taobh, 

Chit' as monadh faoin a's muir. 

hi' 

Gur rìmheach an coire dearg, 

Far 'm bu mhiannach leinn bhi sealg, 

Coirre nan tulaichean fraoich, 

Innis nan laogh 's nan damh garbh. 

Chi mi braidh Bhtdi-an-nan-dos, 

'N taobh so bhos do Sgnrra-lìdh, 

Sgurra-chòinntich nan damh seang— 

Ionmhuinn learn an diugh na chì. 

Chi mi Srath farsuinn a chruidh, 

Far an labhar guth nan sònn, 

A's Coire creagach a mhaim, 

A' minig a thug mo làmh toll. 

Chi mi Garbn-bheinn nan damh donn, 

Agus Slat-bheinn nan torn sith, 

Mar sin agus an Leitir dhulih, 

'S an trie a rinn mi fuil na' frith. 

Soraidh gu Beinn-allta bhuam, 

O'n 's ì fhuair urram nam beann, 

Gu slios Loch- Earrachd an fheidh, 

Gu'm b'ionmhuinn leam fèin bhi ann. 

Thoir soraidh uam thun an Loch', 

Far am t'aicte 'bhos a's tliall, 

Gu uisgt Leamhna nan lach, 

Muime nan laogh breac 's nam meann. 

57 

'S e loch mo chridhse an loch, 

An loch, air am biodh an lach. 

Agus iomadli eala bhàn, 

'S bh'idh iad a snàmh air ma seach, 

Olaidh mi a' Treig mo theann-shàth, 

Na dheidh cha bhi mi fo mhulad, 

Uisge glan nam fuaran fallan, 

O'n seang am fiadh a ni 'n langan. 

A' CHOMHACHAG. 10 

J5 

'S buan an comunn gun bhristeadh, 

Bha eadar inise 's an t-uisge ; 

Sugli nam mor bheann gun inhisgc, 

'S mise ga òl gun trasgadh. 

'S ann a bha ìa 'n n cor communn bristcach, 

Eadar mise 's a Chreag-sheilich, 

Mise gu bràth cha dil'icb, 

Ise gu dilinn cha tcirinn. 

On labhair mi umaibh gu lèir, 

Gabhaidh mi fhèin dibfa mo chead, 

Dearmad cha dean mi s an àm, 

Air riadhach gbleann nam beann beag. 

ri 

Cead is truaighe ghabhadh riabh, 

Do 'n fhiadhaich bu mhòr mo thoil, 

Cha 'n fhalbh le bogha fo m' sgèith, 

'S gu là-bhràth cha leig mi coin. 

r ; 

Tha biaidh mo bhogha 'n am uchd, 

Le agh maol, odhar is àit, 

Ise ceanalt 's mise gruamach, 

'S cruaigh an diugh nach buan an t-s'ilat. 

Mis' a's tusa ghiidhair bhàin, 

'S tùrsach air turas do 'n eilean, 

Chaill sinn an tathunn a's an dàn, 

Ge d' bha sinn grathunn ri ceanal. 

Thug a choille dhiot-s' an earb', 

'S thug an t-ard dbiom-sa na foidh, 

Cha n eil nàire dhuinn a laoich, 

O'n laidh an aois oirnn le cheil'. 

6 » 

'Nuair a bha mi air an da chois, 

'S moch a shiubblain bhos a's thall, 

Ach a nis on fhuair mi tri, 

Cha ghluais mi ach gu min, mall. 

Aois cha n'eil thu dhunn meachair 

Ge nach feudal* leinn do shpachnadh, 

Cromaidh tu 'n duine direach, 

A dh' fhàs gu mileanta gàsda. 

Giorraichidh tu air a shaoghal, 

Agus caochlaidhidh tu ' chasan, 

Fagaidh tu cheann gun deudach, 

'S ni thu eudann a chasadh. 

A Shinead chas-aodannach, pheallach, 

A sbream-shuileach, odhar, eitidh, 

Cia ma 'n leiginn leat a lobhair ? 

Mo bhogha toirt dhiom air eiginn. 

O'n 's mi-fhin a b' fhearr an airidh, 

Air mo bhogha ro-math iubhair, 

No thusa aois bhothar, sgallach, 

Bhios aig an teallach ad shuidhe. 

^VLiWij»W«H-< 

S/i,, 

(y«*K


Labhair an aois a nthist 

" 'S mo 's raighinn tba tlm leantali 

Ris a bbogha sin a ghiùlan, 

'S gur mòr bu cbuibhe dhal bàta." 

Gabh thusa bhuainsa 'in bàta, 

Aois grànda chairtidh na plèidu, 

; 

Cha leiginn mo bhogba leatsa, 

Do mhathas no d' ar, eigin. 

" ' S iomadh laoch a b' fhearr no thusa, 

Db-fbàg misc gu tuisleach anfhann, 

'N dcis fbaobhacbadb as a Bheaaamh, 

Bba riomhe na fhleasgach meamnacb." 

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIR RUAIDH. 

24^ à\u 

The real name of this poetess was Mary M'Leod, though she is more generally 

known among her countrymen by the above appellation. She was born in Roudal, in 

Harris, in the year 15G9, and was the daughter of Alexander M'Leod, son of Alasdair 

liuadh, who was a descendant of the chief of that clan* 

It does not appear that Mary had done any thing in the poetic way till she was 

somewhat advanced in life, and employed as nurse in the family of her chief: neither is 

there any evidence that she could write, or even read. Her first production was a song 

made to please the children under her charge. 

"An Talla 'm bu ghnu le Mac- Leo id" was composed on the Laird being sick and 

dying. He playfully asked Mary what kind of a lament she would make for him? 

Flattered by such a question, she replied that it would certainly be a very mournful 

one. " Come nearer me," said the aged and infirm chief, " and let me hear part of it." 

Mary, it is said, readily complied, and sung, ex tempore, that celebrated poem. 

" Hithill uthill ugus hò " was composed on John, a son of Sir Norman, upon his 

presenting her with a snutì'-mull. She sometime after gave publicity to one of her songs, 

which so provoked her patron, M'Leod, that he banished her to the Isle of Mull, under 

the charge of a relative of his own. 

It was (luring hor exile there that she composed "'S mi 'm shuidh' air an Tulaic/i," 

or " Luinneag Mhic-Leòid." On this song coming to M'Leod's ears, he sent a boat 

for her, giving orders to the crew not to take her on board except she should promise to 

make no more songs on her return to Skye. Mary readily agreed to this condition of 

release, and returned with the boat to Dunvegan Castle. 

» There was another, though Inferior poetess, of the family of Alasdair Ruadh, who is some- 

timea confounded with oar authoress. Her name was Flora M'Leod. In Gaelic she is called 

Fionaghal Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh. This poetess lived in Troterness, and was a native of Skye. 

Mir was married, and tome of her descendant! are still in that country. All that we have been 

able to meet with, of Flora's poetry, is a satire on the clan Mao-Martin, and an elegy on M'Leod 

of Dunvegan. We have the authority of several persona of high respectability, and on whose 

testimony we can rely, that Mary M'Leod was the veritable authoress of the poem* attributed to 

her in this work.

jiiiy vr t./- rax; a.m.. A-i .Ajan a i i^-bji a ix»h

20 ' sjlU,o;;.» - \.\ai h \ imu, m, wn 

^

MAIM NIGHEAN ALASDAIR RUAIDH. 21 

Soon after this, a son of the Laird's had been ill, and, on his recovery, Mary com- 

posed a song which is rather an extraordinary composition, and which, like its prede- 

cessors, drew on her devoted head the displeasure of her chief, who remonstrated with 

her for again attempting song-making without his permission. Mary's reply was, " It is 

not a song ; it is only a crònan,"— that is, a hum, or " croon." 

She mentions, in a song which we have heard, but which was never printed, that she 

had nursed five lairds of the M'Lcods, and two of the lairds of Applecross. The song 

ends with an address to Tònnod nan trl Tdrmod.* She died at the advanced age of 

105 years, and is buried in Harris. She used to wear a tartan tonnag, fastened in front 

with a large silver brooch. In her old days she generally carried about with her a 

silver-headed cane, and was much given to gossip, snuff, and whisky. 

Mary M'Leod, the inimitable poetess of the Isles, is the most original of all our poets 

She borrows nothing. Her thoughts, her verse, her rhymes, are all equally her own. 

Her language is simple and elegant ; her diction easy, natural, and unaffected. Her 

thoughts flow freely, and unconstrained. There is no straining to produce effect : no 

search after unintelligible words to conceal the poverty of ideas. Her versification runs 

like a mountain stream over a smooth bed of polished granite. Her rhymes are often 

repeated, yet we do not feel them tiresome nor disagreeable. Her poems are mostly 

composed in praise of the M'Leods ; 

yet they are not the effusions of a mean and mercen- 

ary spirit, but the spontaneous and heart-felt tribute of a faithful and devoted dependant. 

When the pride, or arbitrary dictate of the chief, sent her an exile to the Isle of Mull, 

her thoughts wandered back to " the lofty shading mountains,"—to " the young and 

splendid SirTdrmdd." During her exile she composed one of the finest of her poems: 

the air is wild and beautiful ; and it is no small praise to say that it is worthy of the 

verses. On her passage from Mull to Skye she composed a song, of which only a frag- 

ment can now be procured : we give a few stanzas of it : 

L 

Theid mi le'm dheoin do dhùthaich Mhic.Leòid, 

M" iuil air a mhòr luachach sin, 

Bu choir dhomh gum bi m' eòlas san tir 

Leòdach, mar pill cruadal mi, 

Siubhlaidh mi 'n iarr, tro dhùlaclid nan sian, 

-. 

Do'n tùr g'am bi triall thuath.cheathairn 

On chualas an sgeul buadhach gun bhreug, 

Kinn acain mo chleibh fhuadachadh. 

Chi mi Mac-Leòid 's priseil an t-òg, 

Rìmheach gu mòr buadhalach, 

Bho Ollaghairnan lann chuireadh sròlaibh ri crat 

'S Leòdaich an dream uamharra. 

Eiridh na fuinn ghleusd air na suinn, 

'S feumail ri am cruadail iad, 

'Na fiuranaibh gharg an am rusgadh nan arm, 

'S cliutach an t-ainm fhuaras leibh. 

— 

' Siol Tòrmoid nan sgiath foirmealach fial, 

Dh' eireadh do shluagh luath-lamhach ; 

Deàlradh nam pios, tòrman nam piob, 

'S dearbh gu'm bu leibh 'n dualachas ; 

Thainig teachdair do'n tir gu macanta mln, 

'S ait leam gach ni chualas learn, 

O Dhun.bheagan nan steud 's am freagair luchd-theud, 

Bheir greis air gach sgeul buaidh-ghloireach. 

' 'N'uair chuireadh na laoich loingheas air chaol, 

Turas ri gaoith ghluaiste leibh, 

O bharraibh nan crann gu tarruinn nam ball, 

Teannachadh teann suas rithe, 

Iomairt gu leoir mar ri Mac-Leoid, 

Charaich fo shròl uain-dhait' i, 

Bho àrois an fhion gu talla nam pics, 

Gu'm beannaich mo Righ 'n t-uasal ud." 

* We knew an old man, called Alexander M'Rae, a tailor in Mellen of Gairloch, whom we 

have heard sing many of Mary's songs, not one of which has ever been printed. Some of these 

were excellent, and we had designed to take them down from his recitation, but were prevented by 

his sudden death, which happened in the year 1833. Among these was a rather extraordinary 

piece, resembling M' Donald's " Biillnn," composed upon occasion of John, son of Sir Norman, 

taking her out to get a sail in a new boat.

22 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIll RUAIDII. 23

24 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Creaeh nid an t-seobhaic, 

Air a sgatha ri aon uair. 

Ach a Chlann an fhir allail, 

Bu neo mhalartaich' beusan, 

Ann an Lunnuinn, 's am Paris, 

Thug sibh barr air na ceudan, 

Chaidli n-ur cliù tharais 

Thar talamh na h-Eiphit, 

Cheann uidhe luchd ealaidh, 

'S a leannan na feileachd, 

Ach a fhriamhaich nan curaidh, 

'S a chuilein nan leoghan, 

A's ogha an dà sheanar, 

Bu chaithreamaich' loistean ; 

C'àit' an robh e ri fhaotuinn 

Air an taobhs' an lloinn- liorpa, 

Cha b" fhurrasd ri fhaighinn 

Anns gach rathad, bu dòigh dhuibh. 

Ach a Ituairidh mhic Iain, 

'S goirt leam fhaighinn an sgeul-s' ort, 

'S e mo chreach-sa mac t-athar, 

Bhi na laidhe gun eiridh, 

Agus Tòrmod a mhac-sa, 

A thasgaidh mo chcille ! 

Gur e aobhar mo ghearain, 

Gu'n chailleadh le chèil' iad. 

Nach mòr an sgeul sgriobhaidh, 

S nach ionghnadh leibh fcin e, 

Duilleach na craoibhe, 

Nach do sgaoileadh am meanglan, 

An robh cliu, agus onair, 

Agus moladh air deagh-bheairt, 

Gu daonachdach, cartliannach, 

Beannachdach, ceutach. 

Ge goirt leam an naidheachd, 

Tha mi faighinn air Ituairidh, 

Gun do chorp a bhi 'san Dùthaich, 

Anns an tuama bu dual dut ; 

Sgeul eile nach fusadh, 

Tha mi claistinn san uair so, 

Ged nach toir mi dha creideas, 

Gur beag orm ri luaidh e. 

Gur ro bheag a shaoil mi, 

Ri mo shaoghal gu'n eisdinn, 

Gun cluinneamaid Leòdaich, 

Bhi ga'm fogradh o'n òighreachd, 

'S a'n còraichean glana, 

'S a'm fearann gun dcigh air 

'S ar ranntanan farsuinn, 

Na'n rach-te 'n am feum jud. 

MA1RI NIGHEAN ALASDAIIt RUAIDH. 25 

Gu'n eireadh na t-aobhar 

Claiin-Raonuill, 's Claim- Dòinhnuill, 

Agus taigh Mhic 'Illeain, 

Bha daingheann 'n-ur seòrsa, 

Agus fir Ghlinne-Garaidh, 

Nail tharais a Cnò'deart, 

Mar sud, a's Clann Chama-Shroin, 

O champ Inbhir-Lòchaidh. 

'S beag an t-ionghnadh Clann-Choinnich, 

Dheanadh eiridh ri d' ghuailean, 

'S gu'n robh thu na'm fineachd, 

Air t-fhilleadh tri uairean, 

'S e mo chreach gu'n do Chinneadh 

Bhi ma chruinneachadh t-uaghach, 

No glaoilh do mhna muinntir 

'S nach cluinutear, 's an uairs' i. 

Tha mo cheist air an oighre, 

Th'a stoidhle 's na h-Earadh, 

Ged nach deach' thu san tuam' ud, 

Far bo dual dut o d' sheanair. 

Gur iomadh fuil uaibhreach, 

A dh-fhuairich ad bhallaibh, 

De shloinncadh nan righrean, 

Leis na chiosaicheadh Mauainn. 

'S e mo ghaols' an sliochd foirmeil, 

Bh'air sliochd Ollaghair, a's Ochraidh, 

O bhaile na Boirbhe, 

'S ann a stoidhleadh thu'u tòiseach ; 

Gur ioma fuil mhorgha, 

Bha reota sa chorp ud, 

De shliochd armunn Chinntire, 

Iarl' IP, agus Rois thu. 

Mhic Iain Stiubhairt* na h-Apunn, 

Ged a's gasd' an duin' òg thu, 

Ged tha Stiubhartaich beachdail, 

lad tapaidh 'n àm foirneart, 

Na ghabhsa meanmadh, no aiteas, 

A's an staid ud, nach còir dhut, 

Cha toir thu i dhaindeoin, 

'S cha'n fhaigh thu le deòin i. 

C'uim' an tigeadh fear coigreach 

A thagradh ur'n Oighreachd ; 

Ged nach eil e ro dhearbhta, 

Gur searbh e ri eisdeachd, 

Ged tha sinn' air ar creachadh 

Mu chloinn mhae an fhir fheilidh, 

Sliochd Ituairidh mhoir allail, 

'S gur airidh iad fein oir. 

* Stewart of Appin was mlrried to a daughter of Mac- 

Leod of Dunvegan, which made the Mac-Leods afraid 

that he should claim a right to the estate, on account of 

MacLeod having left no male heir.

26 SAR-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

MARBH-RANN 

DO DH-FUBAB NA COMBAICH. 

Th;i mise air lenghadh le brim, 

O'n là dh-eng tbu 's nach beò, 

Mu in' fhiuran faighidneach, còir, 

Uasal, aighearach, òg, 

'S uaisle shuidhe mu bhùrd, 

Mo cbreach t-fhaiginn gu'n treòir eiridh. 

'S tu'n laoch gun laigse, gun leòn, 

Mac an min-geal gun sgleò, 

B' fhearail, Rnealt an t-òg, 

De sbliochd nam lear mòr, 

D'a bu dual a bhi còir, 

'S gu'm b'lhiu faiteal do bheoil eisdeachd. 

'S tu chlann na h-ireinn a b'fhearr, 

Glau an riamh as an d'fhàs, 

Cairdeas righ as gach ball, 

Bha sud sgriobt' leat am bainn, 

Fo laimh duine gun inheang, 

Ach thu liou-te de dh-ardan euchdach. 

A ruairidh aigeantalcb aird, 

O Chomraich ghreadhnaich an àidh, 

Mliic an f'hir bu inhor gàir, 

Nan l.uin guineach, cruaidh, garg, 

Ort cba d'fhuaradh riamh cearb, 

lar-ogha Uilleam nan long breid-gheal. 

Fhuair mi in' àilleagan ùr, 

'S e gun smal air gun smùr, 

Bu bhreac mill dearg do gbnuis, 

Bu ghorm laoghach do shuil, 

Bu ghlan sliasaid, a's glun, 

Bu deas, daingbean, a lub gbleust thu. 

A lub abhoil nam buadh, 

'S mairg a tharladh ort uair, 

Mu ghlaic Fbionnlaidh so shuas, 

Air each crodhanta luath, 

Namhaid romhad na ruaig, 

Air dhaibh buille cba b'uair cis e. 

Ach fhir a's curranta lamh, 

Thug gach duine gu cràdh, 

'S truagb naob d'fbuiriub thu slan, 

Hi uair cumaisg no blair, 

A thoirt cis dheth do nàmh, 

Bu leat urram an la cheudaich. 

Bu tu'n Bgolleir gun dtobradh, 

Meoir a's giinne ui sgrioliliailli, 

lasal faighidneach, cinnteach, 

Bu leat lagli an taigli sgriohhaidh, 

'S tu nach muchadh an fhirinii, 

Sgeul mo chreiche ! so shil do cbreuehdan. 

Stad air m'aighcar an dè 

Dh'fhalbh mo mhaicanta Itin, 

Cbuir mi'n ciste nan teud, 

Dhiult an gobha dhotnfa glcus, 

Dhiult Mid mi 's gach leighe 

'S chaidh m'ouair, 's mo righ dh'eug thu. 

Thuit a chraobh thun a bhlàir, 

Uois an graine gu làr, 

Lot thu n cinneadh a's chràdh, 

Air an robh thu mar bharr, 

Ga'n dionadh gach là, 

'S mo chreach ! bhuinig am has treun ort. 

'N am suidbe na d' sheomar, 

Chaidh do bhuiilhean an urdiigh, 

Cha b'ann mu aighear do phòsaidb, 

Le nighean larla Chlann- Dòmhnuill, 

As do dheigh mar bu choir dh'i, 

'Sann chaidh do thasgaidh sari t-sròl ghle-gheal. 

Ach gur mis' tha bochd truagh, 

Fiamh a ghuil air mo ghruaidh, 

'S goirt an gradan a fhuair, 

Marcach deas nan each luath, 

Sàr Cheannard air sluagh, 

Mo chreach, t-fhagail ri uair m'fheime. 

Ach fhuair mi m'àilleagan òg, 

Mar nach b'abhaist gun cheòl, 

Saoir ri caradh do bliòrd, 

Mnai ri spionadh an Iheòir, 

Fir gun tàilisg, gun cheòl, 

Gur bochd t'ulang mo sgeòil eisdeachd. 

'Nuair a thionail an sluagh, 

'S aim bha'n tioma-sgaradh cruaidh, 

Mar ghàir sheilleau am bruaich, 

An deigh na meala thoirt oath, 

'S aim bha'n t-eireadh bochd truagh, 

'S iad ma cheannas an t-sluaigh threubhaicb. 

MARBIIRANN DO DO' IAIN GAKBH 

MAC'II.LKCHAI.I'M It AltSAIDH.* 

Mo bheud, 's mo chridh, 

Mar dh'-eirich dha 

'N fhear ghleusda, ghraidh, 

Hlia treun sail Bpàirn, 

'S nach faicear gu luàth thu' n Rnrsa. 

Bu tu 'm fear curanta, mor, 

Bu mhath cumadh, a's treòir, 

() t' uilcan gu d' dhòrii, 

d' mhullach gu d' bhròig, 

Mhlc Muire mo leon, 

Thu bhi 'n inuis nan run, 

'S nach faighear thu. 

I » Thlt celebrated hero was drowned while on a voyage 

between Stornoway ; 

and Haass.

'S math lùbadh tu pic 

O chul-thaobh do chinn, 

'Nam rusgadh a ghill, 

Le ionnsaidh nach pill, 

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIlt RUAIDH. 

'S air mo laimh gu'm bucinnteach saighead uat. 

Bu tu sealgair a gheoidh, 

Lamh gun dearmad, gun leon, 

Air 'm bu shuaracii an t-òr 

Thoil't a bhuanaclid a cheòil, 

'S gu'n d't'huair thu na 's leoir, 

'S na chaitlieadh tu. 

Bu tu sealgair an fheidh, 

Leis an deargta na bein ; 

Bhiodh coin earbsach air èill 

Aig an Albanach threun ; 

C'ait' am faca mi f'ein 

Aon duine to 'n ghrein, 

A dheanadh riut euchd nathasach. 

Spealp nach dibreadh, 

An cath, nan stri thu, 

Casan direach, fad' finealt, 

Mo chreach dhiobhail 

Chaidh thu dhith oirn, le neart sine, 

Lamh nach dibreadh caitheadh orr'. 

'S e dh-t'hag silteach mo shuil, 

Faicinn t' t'hearainn gun surd, 

'S do bhaile gun smùid 

Fo charraig nan sùgh, 

Dheagh mhic Chalum nan tùr a Itarsa. 

Och ! 

m' fheudail bhuam, 

Gun sgeul sa' chuan, 

Bu ghlè mhath snuadh, 

Hi grein, 's ri i'uachd, 

'S e chlaoidh do shluagh, 

Nach d' fheud thu 'n uair a ghabhail orr'. 

Mo bhèud, 's mo bhròn, 

Mar dh' eirich dbò 

Muir beucach, inor, 

Ag leum mu d' bhòrd, 

Thu fein, 's do sheòid 

'Nuair reub 'ur seòil, 

Nach d't'liaod sibh treòir 

A chaitheadh orr. 

'Sean sgeul' crai teach 

Do'n mhnaoi a d'fhag thu, 

'S do t-aon bhrathair, 

A shuidh na t'aite, 

Diluain Caisge, 

Chaidh tonn bait ort, 

Craobh a b' aird' de 'n abhal thu. 

CHUMHA MHIC-LEOID. 

Cha surd cadail, 

An runs air m'aigneadh, 

Mo shuil I'rasach, 

Gun sùrd macnais, 

'S a' chùirt a chleachd mi :— 

Sgeul ur ait ri eisdeachd. 

'S trom an cùdthrom so dhrù'ulh, 

Dh-t'hag mo chuslein gun lugh, 

'S trie snigh' mo shuil, 

A tuiteam gu dlù ; 

: ; 

Chail mi iuchair mo chuil 

Ann a cuideachd luchd.-ciu.il, 

Cha teid mi. 

Mo neart, 's mo threoir, 

Fo thasgaidh bhòrd, 

Sàr mhac 'Jc-Leòid, 

Nan bratach sròil, 

Bu phailt' man òr, 

Bu bhinn-caismeachd sgeoil 

Aig luehd-astair 

A's ceòil na h-Eireann. 

Co neach ga'n eòl, 

Fear t-t'hasain beò, 

Am blasdachd beoil, 

'S am maise neoil, 

An gaisgeglois, 

An ceart san còir ; 

Gun airceas na sgleò fèile. 

Dh-fhalbh mo solas, 

Marbh mo Leodach, 

Calama, cròdha, 

Meànamnach rò-ghlic, 

Dhearbh mo sgeoil-sa, 

Seanachas eolais 

Gun chearb foghluim, 

Dealbhach rò-ghlan t-eagaisg. 

An treas la de'n Mhàirt, 

Dh' fiialbh m'aighear gu bràth, 

Bi sùd saighead mo chraidh, 

Bhi 'g amharc do bhàis, 

A ghuuis t'hlathasach àilt ; 

A dheagh mhic rathail, 

An àrmuinn euchdaich. 

Mac Ruairidh reachd-mhoir, 

Uaibhreich, bheachdail, 

Bu bhuaidh leatsa, 

Dualchas t'arsuinn, 

Snuadh-ghlaine peavsa ; 

; 

Cruadail 's smaclid gun eucoir. 

27


'Uaill a's aiteis,

MAI III NIGHEAN

30 SAli-OBAlR NAM 13 A LID GAEL AC II. 

AN CRONAN. 

An naigheachd so 'n dè 

Aighearach i, 

IWoladh do 'n lèigb, 

Thug maileart d'am cheil 

'Nis teannaidh mi lein ri crònan, 

Nis teannaidh &c. 

Beannaclid do 'n bheul, 

Dh-aithrla an sgeul 

Cha ghearain mi fein 

Na chailleadb 's na dh-eug 

'S mo Ieanabh na dheidh comh-shlan 

'S mo Ieanabh, &c, 

Nam biodh agamsa fion 

Gum b'àit learn a dhiol, 

Air slainnte do thighinn, 

Gud chairdean 's gud thir, 

IMhic àrmninn mo ghaoil, 

13e m' ardan 's mo phrifl, 

Alach mo righ thogbhail 

Alach mo righ, &c. 

'S fàth mire dliuinn fein, 

'S do'n chinneadfa gu leir, 

Do philleadii on eug, 

'S milis an sgeul, 

'S binne no gleus òrgain, 

'S binne no glus, &c. 

'S e m' aiteas gu dearbh, 

Gu'n glacair grad sbealbh, 

An caisteal nan arm 

Leis a mhacan da'n ainm Tòrmod, 

Leis a mhacan, &c. 

Tha modhuils'ann an Dia, 

Guir muirneach do thriall, 

Gu Dun ud nan cliar, 

Far bu duthchas do 'm thriath, 

Bhiodh gu tìughantaeh tiall foirmeil, 

Bhiodh gu hugheautach tiall, &c. 

Gu Dun turaideach àrd, 

Be sud innis nam bard, 

'S nam tilidh ri dàn, 

Far bu mill nig an tàmh, 

Cha b'ionad gu'n bhlàs daibh sud, 

Cha b'ionad gu'n bhlathas, &c. 

Gu àros nach crion 

Am bidh gàiaich nam piob 

'S nan elarsach a lis 

Le deariadh nam ploa 

A' cuir taradb am fion 

'S ga leigeadh an gniomh òr-cheaird, 

'S ga leigeadh an gnoomh, &e. 

Bunghach am mac, 

Uasal an t-slat, 

Dha'n dual a bhi ceart, 

Cruadalach [milt, 

Duais-mhur am beachd 

Ruaineach an neart Leddaeh 

Ruaineach an neart, &c. 

Fiùran a chluain, 

Duisg san deagh uair, 

'8 iln dhut dol suas, 

'N cliù 's aim am buaidh, 

'S dùchas do'm luaidh, 

Bhidh gu fiughantach suaire ceol-bhiun 

Bhidh gu tiughantaeh suaire, &c. 

Fasan bu dual, 

Fantalach buan, 

Socrach ri tuath, 

Cosgail ri cuairt, 

Cosunta cruaidh, 

A'm brosuachadh sluaidh, 

A mosgladh an uair foirneart. 

A mosgladh an uair, &c. 

Leansa 's na treig, 

Cleachdadh a's beus, 

T-aiteam gu leir, 

Macanta si-imh, 

Pailt ri luchd tin' ml, 

Gaisgeil am feuin, 

Neart-mhor an deigh tòircachd 

Neart-mhor an deigh, &c. 

Siochd Ollaghair nan lann, 

Thogadh sroiltean ri crami, 

Nuaira thoisich iad aim, 

Cha bu lionsgaradh gann, 

Fir a b' fhiriuneach bann, 

Priseil an dream, 

Rioghail gun chall còrach. 

Rioghail gun chall, &c. 

Tog colg ort a ghaol, 

Bi ro-chalma 's gu'm faod, 

Gur dearbhta dhut laoicb, 

Dheth na chinneadfa nach faoin, 

Thig ort as gach taobh gad chòuadh, 

Thig ort as gach taobh, &c. 

Uasal an treud, 

Deas, cruadalach, treun, 

Tha'n dual'chas dhut lein, 

Tlu'id ma d' ghuaillibh ri t-fheum, 

De ibliochd Ruairi mhòir fheil, 

(uii- ta suas a Mhic Dhe an t-og Righ, 

Cuir sa suas a, &c.

Ths na Gàeil gu leir, 

Cho cairdeach dhut f'ein, 

'S gur feaird thu gu t-fheum, 

Sir Domhnull à Sleibht, 

Ceannard nan ceud, 

Ceannsgalach treun rò ghlic, 

Ceaimsgalach trcun, &e. 

'S math mo bhaireil 's mo bheachd, 

Air na fiurain as leat, 

Gu curanntach ceart, 

'S aim de bharrachd do neart, 

Mac-'Ic-Aileiu 'a a mhac 

Thig le f'arum am feachd, 

Gud charaid a cliasg t-fhoirneart. 

Gud charaid a chasg t-fhoirneart, &c. 

A Gleann Garadh a nuas, 

Tbig am barantas sluaidh, 

Nach mealladh ort uair, 

Cha bu churantas fuar 

Na fir sin bbo chluain Chnòideirt. 

Na fir sin bho chluain, &c. 

'Sleat Mac-Shimidh on Aird, 

'S Mac Choinnich Chinntail, 

Thèid 'nad t-iomairt gun dail, 

Le h-iomadaidh gràidh, 

Cha b'ionghantach dhaibh, 

'S gur lionmhor do phairt dhaibh sin. 

'S gur lionmhor do phairt, &c. 

'S goirt an naigheachd '6 gur cruaidh, 

Mac 'Illean bhi bhuainn, 

MAIItl N1GHEAN ALASDA1K RUAIDH 

Gun a thaigheadeas suas. 

Bha do cheanghal ris buan, 

T-ursainn-chatha ri uair deuchainn. 

T-ursainn-chatha ri uair, &c. 

B'iomadh gasan gun chealg, 

Bu deas faicinn fo arm, 

Bheireadh ceartachadb garbh, 

Is iad a chlaistinn ort f'earg, 

Eadar Bracadal thai] as Brolas. 

Eadar Bracadal, &c. 

Tha mi 'g acan mo chall, 

Tad a thachairt gun cheann, 

Fo chasan nan Gall, 

Gun do phearsa bhi ann, 

Mo chruaidh-chas nach gann, 

Thu bhi amis an Fhraing air fògradh. 

Thu bhi, &c. 

A Chrosd cinnich thu fein, 

An spiunnadh 's an cèill, 

Gu cinneadail treun, 

'N ionad na dh' tug, 

A Mhic an fbir nach d' fhuair bcum, 

'Sa ghineadh o'n chre iò-ghlan. 

'Sa ghineadh o'n chrè, &c. 

A High nan gràs, 

Bidh fèin mar gheard, 

Air feum mo ghràidh, 

Dean oigbne slàn 

Do'n Teaghlaich àigh, 

Da'n robh caoimhneas air bharr sòlais, 

Da'n robh caoimhneas air bharr, inc.. 

31

32 SAII-0I3AIU NAM HARD GAELAC1I. 

IAIN lom; 

JOHN MACDONALP, THE LOCHABER TOET. 

htician, was 

This celebrated individual, a poet of great merit, as well as a famous pol 

commonly called Iain Lom, literally, bare John ; but so named from his acuteness, and 

severity on some occasions.* He was sometimes called Iain Manntach, from an impedi- 

ment in his speech. He was of the Keppoch family; lived in the reigns of Charles I. 

and II., and died at a very advanced age about the year 1710. 

We know little of the early education of the Lochaber bard. Of him it might be said, 

"poetanascitur nonfit ;" but from his descent from the great family, Clann-Raonaill na 

Ceapach, a sept of the M'Donalds, he must have seen and known more of the men and 

manners of those times than ordinary. His powers and talents soon rendered him a dis- 

tinguished person in his native country; and subsequent events made him of importance, 

not only there, but likewise in the kingdom. 

The first occurrence that made him known beyond the limits of Lochaber, was the 

active part he took in punishing the murderers of the heir of Keppoch: the massacre 

was perpetrated by the cousins of the young man, about the year 1663. The poet had 

the penetration to have foreseen what had really happened, and had done all he could to 

prevent it. He perceived that the minds of the people were alienated from the lawful 

heir in his absence: he and his brother being sent abroad to receive their education dur- 

ing their minority, and their affairs being intrusted to their cousins, who made the best 

use thev could of the opportunity in establishing themselves by the power and authority 

thus acquired in the land. 

Although he could not have prevented the fatal deed, he was 

not a silent witness. He stood single handed in defence of the right. As he failed in 

his attempt to awaken the people to a sense of their duty, he addressed himself to the 

most potent neighbour and chieftain Glengarry, who declined interfering with the affairs of 

a celebrated branch of the great Clann-Ducjhaill ; and there was no other that could have 

aided him with any prospect of success. Thus situated, our poet, firm in his resolution, 

and bold in the midst of danger, was determined to have the murderers punished. In 

his ire at the reception he met from Glengarry, he invoked his muse, and began to praise 

Sir Alexander M'Donald. 

Nothing can give us a better idea of the power of the Highland clans, and of the state 

of the nation at this period, than this event, which happened in a family, and among a 

people, by no means inconsiderable. M'Donald of Keppoch could bring out, on emer- 

gency, three hundred fighting men of his own people; as brave and as faithful as 

ever a chieftain called out or led to battle, that would have shed the last drop of 

* Some »y he was called Iain Lom because ho was bare in the face, and ..ever had any beard.

S have 

JAIN LOM. 33 

their blood in his cause, and yet he had not an inch of land to bestow upon them. The 

M'Donald of Keppoch always appeared at the head of his own men, although only a 

branch of the great clan. He might have got rights, as he had just claims to land for 

signal services : 

but " would he care for titles given on sheep skin ?* he claimed his rights 

and titles by the edge of the sword !" 

The kingdom of Scotland, as well as other nations, often suffered from the calamities 

that have been consequent on minorities. The affairs of Keppoch must have been 

in the most disordered state, when a people, warlike and independent in spirit, were 

trusted to the care, and left under the control of relations— selfish, and, as they proved, 

unworthy of their trust. The innocent, unsuspicious young men were sacrificed to the am- 

bitious usurpation of base and cruel relatives. Our poet alone proved faithful ; and, after 

doing what he could, it was not safe for him to rest there. The cause he espoused was 

honourable; and he was never wanting in zeal. Confiding in the justice of his cause, and 

his own powers of persuasion, (and no man better knew how to touch the spring that 

vibrated through the feelings of a high-spirited and disinterested chieftain,) he succeeded. 

Being favourably received by Sir Alexander M'Donald, he concerted measures for pun- 

ishing the murderers, which met his lordship's approval, and indicated the judgment and 

sagacity of the faithful clansman. 

A person was sent to North Uist with a message to Archibald M'Donald (An Ciaran 

Mabach,) a poet as well as a soldier, commissioning him to take a company of chosen 

men to the mainland, where he would meet with the Lochaber bard, who would guide 

and instruct him in his future proceedings. 

The usurpers were seized and beheaded. They met with the punishment they so richly 

deserved ; 

but the vengeance was taken in the most cruel manner; and the exultation and 

feelings of the man who acted so boldly, and stood so firmly in the defence of the right, 

been too ostentatiously indulged, in verses from which humanity recoils. How dif- 

ferent from his melting strains, so full of sympathy and compassion for the innocent young 

men whose death he avenged 

! 

The atrocious deed has been palpably commemorated, in a manner repugnant to huma- 

nity, by " Tubar nun Cecum." 

Sometime thereafter the poet and Glengarry were reconciled. The chief well knew 

the influence of the " man of song" in the country, and had more policy than to despise 

one so skilled in the politics of the times—who made himself of more than ordinary conse- 

quence by the favour shown him by Sir Alexander M'Donald. No one of his rank could 

command greater defference. There might have been found votaries of the muses that 

poured out sweeter strains, but he was second to none in energy and pathos, in adapting 

his art to the object in view, and in producing the desired effect. He was born for the 

very age in which he lived. To the side he espoused he faithfully stood, and exerted all 

the energies of his mighty mind in behalf of the cause which he adopted. We shall not 

say that he was always in the right : in the one already related, he undoubtedly was ; in 

a subsequent and greater cause he made one of a party. A poet is often led away by 

* Alluding to vellum. 

c

'M SAR-0BA1R NAM J3ARD GAELACH. 

feeling-, by passion and prejudice, when not left to cool reflection, or to the exercise of a 

better judgment. But Jain Loin entered on his enterprise with heart and zeal. A wider 

scene of action opened to his view. Usurpation, family feuds, and intestine troubles, 

gave way to civil war ; and the vigilant seer became an active agent in the wars of 

Montrose. 

One trait in the character of our poet, though not common, yet is not singular, and 

may be worthy of a remark or two. He was no soldier, and yet would set every two by 

the ears. Men of influence in the country, as well as chieftains at a distance, knew this, 

and dreaded him. An instance will put this in clear light. In the active scenes of those 

intestine troubles, a great politician and a famous bard was a person not to be neglected. 

He became an useful agent to his friends, and he received a yearly pension from Charles 

II. as his bard. 

The Lochaber poet was the means of bringing the armies of Montrose and the Argyle- 

shire men together, at Inverlochay, where the bloody battle that ensued proved so fatal 

to so many brave men, the heads of families of the Campbell clan. 

It will be unnecessary to follow here a history so well known. The Argyleshire men, 

on learning the intentions of their enemies to make a second descent on their country, 

marched north in order to divert their course, and save Argyleshire from another devas- 

tation. John M'Donald's eyes were open to all that was passing. He hastened to the 

army of Montrose with the intelligence that the Campbells were in Lochaber. Mr Alex- 

ander M'Donald, (better known by his patronimic, Alasdair Mac Cholla ,) who commanded 

the Irish auxiliaries, took John as guide, and went in search of the Campbells. He, 

after search was made, and finding no trace of them, began to suspect the informer of some 

sinister motive; and declared, " if he deceived him, he would hang him on the first tree 

he met." " Unless," answered the poet, who was well informed of the fact, " you shall find 

the Campbells all here, for certainly they are in the country, before this time to-morrow, 

you may do so." The enemy at length appeared, and they prepared to give them battle. 

" Make ready, John," says the commander to the poet, " you shall march along with me 

to the fight." The poet, as has been asserted of the greatest of orators, was a coward ; 

yet he too well knew his man to have altogether declined the honour he offered him ; 

for Mr Alexander was not the man to be refused. The other was at his wits end. A 

thought arose quicker than speech ; and it was fortunate for him. •' If I go along with 

thee to-day," said the bard, "and fall in battle, who will sing thy praises to-morrow? 

Go thou, Alasdair, and exert thyself as usual, and I shall sing thy feats, and celebrate thy 

prowess in martial strains." " Thou art in the right, John," replied the other ; and left 

him in a safe place to witness the engagement. 

From the castle of Inverlochay, the poet had a full view of the battle, of which he gives 

a graphic description. The poem is entitled The Battle of Inverlochay. The natives 

repeat these heroic verses, as most familiar and recent ones. So true, natural, and 

home-brought is the picture, that all that had happened, seem to be passing before their 

eyes. The spirit of poetry, the language, and boldness of expression, have seldom been 

equalled, perhaps never surpassed; yet, at this distance of time, these martial strains are 

rehearsed with different and opposite feelings.

IAIN LOM. 

The changes which afterwards took place produced no change in the politics of our bard. 

He entered into all the turmoils of the times with his whole heart, and with a boldness 

which no danger could daunt, nor power swerve from what he considered his duty. 

He became a violent opposer of the union, and employed his muse against William and 

Mary. It mattered little to him of what rank or station his opponents were if they 

incurred his resentment. He treated his enemies with the same freedom and boldness 

whether on the throne, at the head of an army, or in the midst of a clan on whose 

fidelity the chief might always depend. But his friends who were of the party which he 

espoused were spared, while he made the nicest distinction between the shades and traits 

of character. How ingeniously he revenged himself on Glengarry in the praises 

bestowed on Sir Alexander M'Donald! Yet, would he suffer a hair of the head of any 

of his clan to be touched ? No truly. 

But how severe was he against a neighbouring clan that was always in opposition to his 

own. The Campbells he always lashed with the sharpest stripes of satire. The marquess 

of Argyle, who, on the score of heroism might have shaken hands with himself, felt the 

influence of the satire and ridicule of the popular bard and politician so much, that he 

offered a considerable reward for his head. The conduct of M'Donald on this occasion, 

indicates well the manner in which the character of a bard was respected and held 

sacred. 

The poet repaired to Inverary, went to the castle, and delivered himself to the mar- 

quess, demanding his reward. We have already given an instance of his cowardly spirit. 

No one would accuse him of rashness ; 

35 

for he proved his prudence, caution, and foresight, 

from the long experience and trials he had in troublesome times. It was, therefore, on 

the safety granted to the office of hardship that he depended. Nor did he trust too much. 

He was perfectly safe in the midst of his enemies; even in the very castle of their chief 

who offered a reward for his head. The marquess received him courteously, and brought 

him through the castle ; and on entering a room hung round with the heads of black 

cocks, his Grace asked John : 

— 

"Am fac thu riamh Iain, an uiread sin de choilich 

dhubha an aon ùitef'—"Chvnnaic," ars Iain. " C'àite?"—"An Inb/ier-Lòc/iaid/i." 

— "A! Iain, Iain, cha sguir thu gu brack de chagnadh nan caimbeulach ?"—"'Se 's 

duilich learn," ars Iain, " nach urradh mi rja slugadh." i. e. " Have you ever seen, John, 

so many black cocks together?" "Yes," replied the undaunted bard. " Where?" 

demanded his grace. " At Inverlochay," returned the poet, alluding to the slaughter 

of the Campbells on that memorable day. " Ah! John," added his grace, "will you 

never cease gnawing the Campbells?" " I am sorry," says the other, " that I could not 

swallow them." 

He was buried in Dun-aingeal in the braes of Lochaber; and his grave was till of late 

pointed out to the curious by the natives. Another bard, Alexander M'Donald of Glencoe, 

composed an elegy to him when standing on his grave, beginning thus :— 

" Na sliineadh an so fo na pluic, 

Tha gaol an leoghainn 's fuath an tuire, &c." 

Iain Lorn composed as many poems as would form a considerable volume, the best of 

which are given in this work.

36 SAR-0BA1R NAM BARD GAELACH. 

MORT NA CEAPACH. 

'S tearc an diugb mo chùia ghàire, 

Tìgh'n na ràidean so 'mar; 

'G ambarc fonn Inbher-làire, 

'N deigh a Btràchdadh le siol 

Tha Cheapacb na fàsach, 

Gun aon aird oirre 's finch ; 

; ; ; 

'S leir ri fhaicinn a bhràithrean, 

Gur trom a bhàrc oirnu an t-sion. 

'S ami oirnne thainig an diombuain, 

'Sa 'n iomaghuin gbeur; 

JMur tha claidheamh ar finne, 

Cho minig n' ar deigh ; 

Paca Thurcacb gun sireadh, 

Bhi a pinneadb ar cleibh ; 

Bhi n' ar breacain g' ar tilleadh, 

Measg ar cinne mor fein. 

'S gearr o chomhairl' na h-aoine, 

Dh' fbag a chaoidh sinn f'o sprochd ; 

O am na feill-Mìcheil, 

Ge b'e nith riiin mo lot ; 

Dli' fliag sud n' ar miol-mhùir sinn 

'S na' r fuigheall spuirt air gacli port 

'Nuair theid gach cinneadh ri cbèile, 

Bidh sinne sg.ioilte mu 'n chuoc. 

'S ann di-sathuirne gearr uainn, 

Bhuail an t-earrchall orm spot 

'S mi caoidh nan corp geala, 

Blia call na fala to 'in l.rot ; 

Bha mo lambansa croabhach, 

'N deigh bhi taosgadh 'ur lot; 

Se bhi ga 'r cuir ann an ciste. 

Turn as miste mi nochd. 

B' iad mo ghraidh na cuirp chùraidh. 

Anns 'in bu dlù chur na'n sgian ; 

\S iad na 'n sineadh air urlar, 

'N seomar ur ga 'n car sins 

Po chasan shiol Dùghaill 

Luchd a spuilleadh na 'n cliabh ; 

Dh' fhag àlach am liiodag 

I\Iur agàile ruidil 'ur bian. 

C aite 'n robh p fo 'n adhar, 

A iheall n'ur bhnthaia gu geur, 

Mach tugadh dhuibfa athadh, 

A luchd 'ur labhairt 's 'ur bheua ; 

; 

IAIN LOM. 

Mach o chlainn bbrathair n-athar, 

Chaidh 'm bainn an aibhisteir tbrein ; 

Ach mu linn iad blmr lotsa. 

'S trom a rosad dhaibh Fein. 

Tha sibh 'n cadal thaigh duinte, 

Gun smuid doth gun cheò ; 

Par 'n

Eadar drochaid Allt Eire, 

'S Bugha Shleibhte nan tonn ; 

A dheanadh leat eiridh 

Mu 'm biodh do chreuchdail Ian tholl ; 

'S a rachadli bras aim a t-eirig, 

Dheagh Shir Sheumaia nan long. 

Chair Dia oirnn craobfa shio-chaint, 

Bha da 'r dionadh gu leoir ; 

Da 'in bu choir dbuinn blii striochdadh 

Fhad 'sa 'n cian bhiodhmaid beò ; 

Mas si rm fhein a cliuir dìth oirr', 

B' olc an dioladh sin oirnn ; 

Tuitidh tuagh as na flaitheas, 

Leis an sgathar na meòir. 

'N glan fhiuran so bh' againn, 

'N taobh so fhlaitheas Mhio Dhe ; 

Thainig sgiursadh a bhàis air, 

Chaill sinii thoirt le srachd geur ; 

'N t-aon fhiuran a b' àillidh, 

Bh' aim 's phairce 'n robh speis ; 

Mur gu 'm buaineadh sibh àilean, 

Leis an fhàladair geur. 

Tha lionn-dubli air mo bhualadh, 

'N taobh tuathal mo chleibh ; 

'S mu mhaireas e buan aim, 

B' fhearr learn nam e mur choud : 

Gar an teid mi g'a innseadh, 

1'ha mi ciimteaeh a' m' sgeul ; 

Luchd dheanadh na sitlme, 

Blii feadh na tire gun deigh. 

A BHEAN LEASAICH 

AN STOP DHUI.N-.* 

A bhean leasaich an stop dhuiun, 

'S lion an cupa le solas, 

Mas a branndai no beoir i, tha mi toileach a h-ol 

'N deochs' air Captain Chlann-Domhnuill, 

'S air Sir Alasdair òg thig on chaol. 

'M fear nach dùirig a h-òl 

Gun tuit 'n t-shuil air a bhord as, 

Tha mo dhùrachd do'n òigear, 

Crann curaidh Chlann-Domhnuill, 

Righ nan dul bhi gad chònadh fhir chaoimb. 

Greas mu 'n cuairt feagh 'n taigh i, 

Chum gun gluaisinn le aighear, 

Le sliochd uaibhreach an athar, 

A choisin buaigh leis a chlnidheimh, 

Fior ga ruagadh 's ga 'n caitheamh gu daor. 

* This snng was composed on account of the laird of 

Glengarry refusing his aid in apprehending the Keppoch 

murde;er

38 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Nnair bu Bglth de Incbd-thead e, 

Gheibhte Bioball ga leughadh, 

Le fior cbreldeamh as rèille, 

Mar a lib' orduich mac Dhè dhuibh, 

S gheibhte teagasg na Cleir' uaibh le shh. 

Mhic Shir SeumM nam bratach, 

bbun Sleiblite nam biadan, 

A gblac an fheile 's a mhaise, 

O cheann cèile do leapa, 

Cum do reite air a casan, 

Bi gu reusanta, macanta, nùn. 

Sliochd na milidh 's nam fearabh, 

Na sròl 's nam pios 's nan cup geala, 

Tbogadh sioda ri crannaibh, 

Nuair bu riogbal an tarruinn, 

Bliiudh pìob riuiheacb nam meallan da seinn. 

Gum bu shin 's gum a h-iomlan, 

Gach ni tha mi g-iomradh. 

Do theaghlach righ-Fionghall, 

Oigbre dligbeach Dhun-Tuilm thu 

Olar deoch air do chuilm gun bhi sgi. 

OltAN DO SHIOL DUGHAILL.* 

'S MOM 's gur eisleanach m' aigne, 

'N diogh gur feudal- dbomh aideach', 

O 'n a dh' eigh iad rium cabar 's mi corr. 

'S ti urn 's gur, &c. 

Mi ga m' fhogradh a Clachaig, 

'S mi gun mhànus gun aitreabh, 

'S nach h-e 'màl a ta fairtleachadh orm. 

Mi ga m', &c. 

Mi ga 'm fhogradh a m' dhùthaich, 

'S m' fhearann post' aig siol Dughaill, 

'S iad am barail gu 'n ùraicb iad còir. 

Mi ga m', &c. 

Mi ga m' fhogradh gun aobhar, 

'S nach mi ihalaiob mo sbaobbaidh, 

Mur mbada-galla 'sa chaonnag m'a shroin. 

Mi ga m', &c. 

Mo ni a's m' earuaii feadh monaidh, 

'S mi mar ghearr eadar chonabh, 

Gun chead tearoadh measg loinidli no feoir. 

Mo ni a's, &c. 

O nach d' fhàl mi 'm fliear morta, 

(in bhi mthadh mo ohulrce, 

Mur bha na cairdean carta 's taigh mhòr. 

O Nach d' l'hàs, &C. 

» After the murder of Kcnpoch, the Poet was persecuted 

ty the murderer : tliis song was composed on that occasion. 

Fail a taosgadh o lotan. 

Dh-fhaoite tliogail le copan, 

Jluith na caoclian ma bholtaibh am bròg. 

l'uil a taosgadh, &c. 

A Ruailh ropach nam maoda), 

Ged a ròpadh tu caolain, 

Cha n' e do chogadh a shaoil mi theachd orm. 

A rugh ropacli, 

Ocas na binne nach maireann, 

Bha 'n sgire Cille-ma-cheallaig,* 

'Nuair a dhit iad an gearran 'sa inbòd. 

Cleas a bliinne, &c. 

Lagh cho chearr 'sa bha 'm Breatunn, 

Riun am mearlach a sheasamh, 

Bhi ga thearuadh o leadairt nan cord. 

Lagli cho, &c. 

Cleas dan mnaoi a chruiteir, 

Muu ghniomh nàrach rinn musag. 

Thug i lamh air a phluiceadh le dòrn. 

Cleas dana, &c 

A bbean choite gun obadh, 

Bu choir a dochair a thogail, 

Thilg a chinch aims an tobar 's i beo. 

A bhean choite, &c. 

'Nuair bha a bheiad air a buaireadh 

Na cionnta fèin'a i Ian uabhair, 

Theid an eucoir an uachdar car seoil. 

'Nuair bha, &c. 

Faodar cadal gu seisdeil, 

Aig fadal Shir Sheumais, 

Leig an ladarnaa deistneach ud leo. 

Faodar, &c. 

Ach na 'm faicinn do loingpas, 

'S mi nach bristeadh a choiuneamh, 

Na 'in biodh coiseachd air chomas domh beò. 

Ach na 'm, &c. 

Mire shrutha r'a darach, 

Ga cuir an uigheam gu h-aithghcarr, 

Craiunc ghiubhais to sparaibh a seoil. 

Mire shrutha, &c. 

* Women were the judges in this case, and a thief who 

was brought before them lor stealing a horse, was allowed 

to escape while the horse was condemned to be hanged. 

The occasion was this :—Some time before the present 

action was raised, the same culprit had stolen the same 

horse and was prosecuted ; but had the good fortune 

to get off In consequence of its being bis first offence. It 

seems, however, the horse had found thethief so much the 

better master that he soon alter " stole himself" away and 

returned, for which, poor fellow he had to sutler the above 

reward. Thll story is often referred to among the High. 

landers « hen luw and justice are evidently different things, 

they say—" Cha tugadh an CUlcma-cheaUaig breath bu 

chlaoinc."

'Nuair a lagadh a ghaoth oirrin, 

Bhiodh seol air pasgadh a h-aodaich, 

'S buidheann ghasda mo ghaoil DÌ cuir bhòd. 

'Nuair a lagadh, &c. 

Raimh mil 'n dunadh na basaibh, 

'S iad a lubadh air bhacaibb, 

Sud a chùrsachd o 'n atadh na leois. 

Raimb, &c. 

Buird iir air a totaibb, 

'S i na deann thun na cloicbe, 

Mllir dhu-gborm a' sgolltadh m'a bòrd. 

Buird ùr air, &c. 


Ged' tba mi m' eun fògraidb san tir-sa, 

Air mo ruagadh as na criochan, 

Glòir do Dhia 's do dh' Iarla Shi-phort, # 

Cha bhi sinn tuille fo 'r binnse. 

O rò rò seinn, cò nam b'àiì leibh ? 

O rù rà seìmi, eò nam b'àilì leibh 9 

Call abhar-inn o, calman-codhnil : 

Trom orach as o, cu nam b'àill leibh ? 

Sir Seumas nan tùr 's nam baideal, 

Ghcibh luchd muirne cuirm a' t-aitreabh, 

Ge do rinn thu 'n dùsal cadail, 

'S èibhinn learn do dhùsgadh madainn'. 

O ro ro sin, &-c. 

* " After the murder of the children of Keppoch 

Iain Manntach, the poet, had to flee for his life to Ross- 

j 

shite, where he got a place from Seaforth in Glensheal, | 

where he and his family might reside till such time as the j 

murderers could be apprehended, as Seaforth, at thp poet's 

request, had petitioned government for carrying that point 

into effect. This happened in the time of Sir James 

M' Donald, sixteenth baron of Slate, anno 16f>3. 

"The government finding it impracticable to bring those 

robbers to justice in a legal way, sent a most ample commission 

of fire and sword (as it was then called) to Sir 

James M'Donald, signed by the duke of Hamilton, marquis 

of Montrose, earl of Eglinton, and other six of the 

Privy Council, with orders and full powers to pursue, 

apprehend, and bring in, dead or alive, all those lawless 

robbers, and their abettors. 

" This, in a very short time, he effectually performed : 

some of them he put to death, and actually dispersed the 

rest to the satisfaction of the whole court, which contributed 

greatly to the civility of those parts. 

" Immediately thereafter, by order of the ministry, he 

IAIN LOM. 

got a letter of thanks from the earl of Kothes, then Lord ', 

High Treasurer and Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, 

full of acknowledgments for the singular service he had 

done the country, and assuring him that it should not pass I 

unrewarded, with many other clauses much to Sir James' 

honour. 

"This letter is dated the 15th day of December, 1665, 

and signed Uothes. Sir James died anno 1673. "—Extracted 

from an unpublished Historical MS. of Ike M'Dcmatds. 

Sldn fo d' thriall, a Cbiarain mhabaich, 

Shiùbbladb sliabh gun bhiadb, gun chadal 

r'raoch Co d' shin' gun bhòsd, gun bhagradh ; 

Chuir thu ceò to 'n ròiseal bbradach. 

O ro ro sin, fyc. 

Rinn thu mhoch-eiridh Di-dùmhnaich, 

Cha b' arm gu 'a aitreabh a chùmhdach, 

Thoirt a mach nan cas-cheaun dòite, 

Chur sradag fo bhraclaich na feòla. 

O ro ro sin, fyc. 

Mhoire 's buidheach mis' a Dhia ort, 

Cuid de 'n athchuing' bha mi 'g iarraidh, 

'N grad spadadh le glas lannaibh liatha, 

Tarruinn ghad air fad am fiacal. 

O ro ro sin, §-c. 

Di-ciadainn a chaidh thu t-uidheam, 

Le d' bhrataich aird 's do ghillean dubha, 

Sgriob Ghilleaspuig Ruaidh a Uithist, 

Bhuail e meall 'an ceann na h-uighe. 

O ro ro sin, Sj-c. 

Cha d'iarr thu bita no long dharaich, 

Ri am geamhiaidh 'n tus na gaillinn, 

Triubhas teann feadh bheann a's bhealach, 

Coiseachd bhonn ge trom. do mhealag. 

- 

O ro ro sin, § c. 

Ach na'n cuireadh tu gach cùis gu àite, 

Mu 'n sgaoil thu t-itean air sàile, 

'Nuair dh-eitich thu Inbher-làire, 

B' fheird do mheas e measg nan Gael. 

O ro ro sin, SfC 

'S aim learn nach bu chruai' an ghaoir ud, 

Bh-aig mnaibh galach nam fait sgaoilteach, 

Bhi 'gan tarruinn mar bheul-snaoiseiu, 

Sealg nam bou mu dhos na noaoilseach. 

O ro ro sin, IfC. 

'S mairg a rinn fhògblum san droch-bheirt, 

'N deigh am plaosgadb fhuair bhur ploicueadh, 

Claigneann 'g am faoisgneadh a copar, 

Mar chinn laoigh 'an deigh am plotadh. 

O ro ro sin, fcc. 

ORAN AIR CRUNADH 

RIGH TEAKEACH II. 

Mi 'n so air m' uilinn, 

An ard ghleann munaidh, 

'S mor fath mo shulas ri gàire. 

Mi 'n so air, &c. 

'S ge fad am thosd mi, 

Ma 's e 's olc leibh, 

Thig an sop à m' bhraghad. 

'S ge fad, &c. 

; 

3:j

ill SAR-OBAllt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

() 'n bha theanna' orinn chluinntinn, 

Ged bu te.iim a bha ehuing oirnn ; 

Gu 11 do thioiidai' a ebuibbie mar b'aill leinn. 

O n bha, &C 

An ceum so air choiseachd, 

I.e m' libata 's le m' phoca, 

'Sa 'n lamb ga stopadb guaar-mhath. 

An ceum, &e. 

Gnr hole an nith dhuinn, 

Bhi Btad am priosan, 

'N am theachd an rìgh g'a àite. 

Gur h-olc, &e. 

Thug Dia dhuinn furtachd, 

As na cliabhaa druidte, 

'Nuair dh' iarr sinn iuchair a gharaidh. 

Thug Dia dhuinn, &c. 

'Sa Thearlaich oig Stiubhairt, 

Ma chaidhe an cran ort, 

Dia na fhear atiuiridh air t-fhardaich, 

'Sa Thearlaich, fee 

Ma chaidfa thu 'sa chathair, 

Gun aon bhuille claidbeimh, 

'N ainm an athar 'a an ard Righ. 

Ma chuaidh, fee. 

'S thu thlgh'n dhachaigh gu d' rioghachd 

Mur a b' oil le d' luchd mi-ruin 

'N coinneamh ri mile ciad lailte. 

'S thu thigh'n, &c. 

'S ioma Subseig mhor mhisgeach, 

'S meusa run dut na mise, 

Tha culr ataigh am petisean an drasda, 

'S ioma, &c. 

Luchd nan torra-chaisteal Hatha, 

Air an stormadh le iaiuim, 

B' olc na Iorgalrean riamh aim do gheard iad. 

Luchd na 'n, &c. 

Cha b' fhaa' an dùsgadh ;i cadal, 

Na madadh-ruadh chuir a braclaloh, 

'Nuair a fhuaradh thu lag, ach bhi t-aicheadh 

Cha b' fhas, &c. 

Na mearlatch uile chuaidh dh' aon-taobh, 

Ghearr muineal Mholr-fhear Ilunndaidh, 

'S math choiainn le bunndaiad am pàigheadh. 

Na mearlaieb, &c 

Leam is eibhinn mur thachalr, 

Mm- dh' eirlch do 'n bhraicb ml, 

Bha gach ceann d' i na bachlagan bana. 

Leam is, &c. 

i 

j 

Cha robh uidbir nan cairtean, 

Nach robh tionnda' mi-cheart on-', 

Bba inn shuileun ga in laicinii an trath ud. 

Cha robh, b-c. 

'S olc an leaaan diciadain, 

Mar a furtaich thu Dhia air, 

A ta feitheamh an larla neo bhaidheil. 

'S olc an leaaan, &c. 

'N am ru.sgadh a cholair, 

Theid an ceann deth o cboluinn, 

Glòir agus moladh do 'n ard-Righ. 

'N am, fee 

Le maighdeinn sgorr-shuileach smachdall, 

Db' ihagaa giallan gun mheartuinn, 

Dhuineas fiairaa a Mharcuia mhi-chairdelL 

Le maighdeann, &c. 

'S ged 's e thus cha 'n e dheireadh, 

Do luchd dhusgadh an teine, 

'S mar mo run do 'n chuid eile da chairdean. 

'S ged 's e, &c. 

Mur bha Lusifer tamull, 

'N deigh air thus bhi na Aingeal, 

Chaidh Bgùraa' le au-iochd a Phàrais.* 

Mur bha, &c. 

Bidh tu nis aim ad dheomhain, 

Dol timchioll an domhain, 

Bhrigh coltais toirt comh-fhillteachd dhasau. 

Bidh tu nis, &c. 

'S mor a b' fhearr dhut na moran, 

No na ehruinnich thu stòras, 

Bhi tional an otraich gu d' ghàradh. 

'S mor a b' fhearr, &c. 

Na thu fhein 's do gheard misgeacb, 

Bhi 'n àit as nach tig sibh, 

Mur Bgaile phictuir 'sa 'n sgathan, 

Na thu fhein, &c. 

Na farabhalaich bhreaca, 

Bha tarruinn uainn arcuid beartais, 

Chutr an rlgh mach a Whitehall dhuinn. 

Na farablialaich, &c. 

* This poet was of the Roman catholic porauasion. It 

|l Mid that iie could not read himself; but that lie wa« 

acquainted with the whole of the historical parts of Scrip, 

lure, his poems are a clear demonstration.

LATH A INBHER-LOCIIAIDII.* 

LUINNEAG. 

Hi rim h-o-rò, h-ò-rò hatha, 

H-i rim h-o-rò, h-ò-rù lealha, 

H-i rim h-o-rù, h-ù-rò leat/ia, 

Cltaidh an latha le Clann-Dùmhnuill. 

As cuala' sibhse 'n tionudadh duineil, 

Thug an camp bha 'n Cille-Chuimein ; 

'S fad chaidh ainm air an iomairt, 

Thug iad as an naimhdean iomain. 

Hi rim, fye. 

Dhirieh mi moch madaìnn dhòmhnaich, 

Gu burr caisteil Inbher-Lochaidh, 

Chunna' mi 'n t-arm a dol an ordugh, 

'S bha buaidli an là le Claim- Dòmhnuill. 

Hi rim, $c. 

Direadh a mach glun Chuil-eachaidh, 

Dh' aitlinich mi oirbh sùrd 'ur tapaidh; 

Ged bha mo dhuthaich na lasair, 

'S èirig air a chùs mar thachair. 

Hi rim, fyc. 

Ged bhiodh Iarlachd a bhraghaid, 

An seachd bliadhna so mar tha e, 

Gun chur, gun chliathadh, no gun àiteach, 

'S math an riadh bho 'm beil sinn paighte. 

H-i rim, 8yc. 

Air do laimhse Thighearna Lathair, 

Ge mor do bhosd as do chlaidheamh ; 

'S ioma oglaoch chinne t-athar, 

Tha 'n Inbher-Lochaidh na laidhe. 

Hi rim, 8yc. 

'S ioma fearr goirseid agus pillcin, 

Cho math 'sa bha riamh dheth d' chinneadh, 

Nach d' f'hoad a bhotaim thoirt tioram, 

Ach faoghlum snàmh air Bun-Neiuuheis.f 

H-i rim, fyc. 

S','eul a b' aite 'nuair a thigeadh, 

Air Caim-beulaich nam beul sligneach, 

H-uile dream dhiu mur a thigeadh, 

Le bualadh lann an ceann ga 'm bristeadh. 

H-i rim, ifc. 

* This battle was fought between the M' Donalds and 

the Campbells, on Sunday, February 2, lfilj. 

+ When the Campbells were routed, they endeavoured 

to cross the river at the above-mentioned ford. To their 

astonishment, however, thetask proved more iiksomethan 

they had anticipated ; for, some of them losing their foot. 

ing, their bonnets were carried down by the current. Tiiis 

event delighted and amused the poet ; and, in order to 

make it at the same time ludicrous in itself, and galling to 

the poor Campbells, he began to address them as follows : 

—"A Dhuimhiuacha Dhuimhncacha, cuìmfinicìùbh 'ur boin- 

eidcan." 

IAIN LOM. 

'N latha sin shaoil lco dbol leotha, 

'S aim bha laoich ga 'n ruith air reothadh, 

'S ioma slaodanach mor odliar, 

Bha na shineadh air ach'-an-tothair. 

Hi rim, $c. 

Ge be dhireadh Tom-na-h-aire, 

Bu Honor spog ur ami air dhroch shailleadh, 

Neul mai'bh air an suil gun anam, 

'N deigh an sgiùrsadh le lannan. 

H-i rim, 8,-c. 

Thug sibh toiteal teith ma Lochaidh, 

Bhi ga 'm bualadh ma na siòiian, 

Bu lion'or claidheamh clais-ghorm comhnard, 

Bha bualadh an lamhan Chlann-Dòmhnuill. 

H-i rim, fyc. 

Sin 'nuair chruinnich mor dhragh na fhalachd, 

'N am rusgadh na 'n greidlein tana, 

Bha iongnan nan Duimhneaeh ri talamh, 

An deigh an luithean a ghearradh. 

H-i rim, 8,0. 

'S lionmhor corp nochte gun aodach, 

Tha na 'n sineadh air chnocain fhraoiche, 

O 'n bhlar an greaste na saoidhean, 

Gu ceann Leitir blar a Chaorainn. 

H-i rim, Sfc. 

Dh' innsinn sgeul eile le firinn, 

Cho math 'sa ni cleireach a sgriobhadh ; 

Chaidh na laoich ud gu 'n dicheall 

'S chuir iad maoim air luchd am mi-ruiu. 

H-i rim, fyc. 

Iain Mhuideartaich nan seol soilleir, 

Sheoladh an cuan ri la doillear, 

Ort cha d' ihuaradh briste coinnidh, 

'S ait' learn Barra-brcac fo d' chomas. 

- 

H-i rim, 4 c. 

Cha b' e sud an siubhal cearbach, 

A thug Alasdair do dh' Albainn, 

Creachadh, losgadh, agus marbhadh ; 

'S leagadh leis coileach Strath-bhalgaidh. 

H-i rim, 4-c. 

An t-eun dona chaill a cheutaidh, 

An Sasunn, an Albainn, 's 'n Eirinn, 

Is it e a curr na sgeithe, 

Cha miste learn ged a gheill e. 

H-i rim, 3'C. 

Alasdair nan a geur lann sgaiteach, 

Gheall thu 'n dè a bhi cuir as daibh, 

Chuir thu 'n retreuta seach an caisteal, 

Seoladh gle mhath air an leantuinn. 

H-i rim, Sj-c. 

41

4 2 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAKU GAELACH.

j 

IAIN

•J"4 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

IAIN LOM. 45

4

Ach ma stad air an dìùe sin, 

'S nach e a run tigh'n ni's fhaide ; 

Leig e cadal do'n chirein 

— 

Stad a sgriob mar a chleachd e ; 

Ma leig gach saigbdear a ghleus deth : 

'N uair tha leigheart mu"n chaisteal, 

B'fhearr gu'm faicinn an coileach, 

No, gu'n gnireadh a chaismeachd. 

Hi-rinn,

48 

Og misnearhail trcun thu, 

('S blatl) na brie ort srui eudainn) 

Mar mist' thu ro mhead 's a do nài 

Mur mist' thu ro mheud, &c. 

Gur mor mo chion fein ort, 

Ged nach cuir mi an ceill e, 

Mliic an fhir leis an eireadh na liraigheich. 

Mbic an fhir leis an eireadh, &c. 

Ceist nam ban' o Loch-Treig thu, 

'So Shrath Oisein nan reidhlean, 

Gheibhte broic, agus feidh air a h-aruinn. 

Gheibhte broic, agus feidh, &c. 

Dh'eireadh buidhean o Ruaidh leat, 

Lubadh iubhar mu'n guaillean, 

Thig o Bhrughaichean f'uar Cliarn-na-Làirge. 

Thig o Bhrugbaichean fuar, &c. 

Dream eile dhe d' chinneadh, 

Clann lain o'n Einnean, 

'S iad a racbadh Ban iomairt neo-sgàtharh. 

'S iad a rachadh san iomairt, &c. 

'S iomadh òganach treubhach, 

'S glac-crom air chill sgeith air 

Thig a steach leat o sgcith meall-na- Lairge. 

Thig a steach leat, &c. 

'S a fhreagradh do t-nigheach, 

Gun eagal, gun easlain, 

'Nuair chlulnneadh iad fein do chrois-tàra.* 

'Nuair a chluinneadh iad fein, &

'S atin na shineadh 'sa 'n àllt, 

Tha deagh cheaiin-taighe an aigh, 

Ged a thuit e le deannad leo. 

'S arm na, &c. 

Buidheaun eile mo ghaoil, 

Ga 'm bu shuaithcheantas fraoch, 

nach d'-fhaod iad bhi beò. 

Och mo clireach ! 

Buidbeann, &c. 

Buidheann eile mo ruin, 

Air nach cualas mi-chlìù, 

Thig le Alasdair sunndach òg. 

Buidheann, &c. 

Bhiodh mnathan òg an fhuit reidh, 

Gabhail dhau diiaibii le 'm beul, 

Ann ad thalla gu 'u eisde ceòl. 

Bhiodh, &c. 

Fhir a dh' fhuilig am bàs, 

'S a dhoirt t-fhuil air ar sgath, 

Na leig mulad gu bràth na 'r coir. 

Fhir a, &c. 

Nis on sgithich mo cheann, 

Sior thuireadh do rannt, 

Bi'dh mi sgur amis an am is còir. 

Nis o 'n sgithich, &c. 

MARBHRANN 

DO DH" ALASDAIR DU3H GHMNNE-GAU A1DH. 

Mi 'g eiridh 'sa mhadainn, 

Gur beag m' aiteas ri sùgradh, 

O 'n dh' fhalbh uachdran fearail, 

Ghlinne-Garaidh air ghiùlan ; 

'S anil am flaitheas na faille, 

Tha ceannard àillidh na dùthcha; 

Sàr choirnileir foinnidh, 

Nach robh folleil do '11 chrun thu. 

LUINNEAG. 

Ho to 's facia 's gur fada, 

'S cian fada mo b/trun, 

O 'n latha chdradh gu h-iosal, 

Do phearsa phrtseil fo 'n fhùd, 

Tha mo chrid-sa ciùirte, 

Cha dean mi sùgradh tì m' bheò, 

O 'n dh- fhalbh ceannard na '« uaislea 

Oighre dualchas an t-Sròim. 

'S mairg a tharladh roi' d' dhaoine, 

'Nuair thogte fraoch ri do bhrataich ; 

IAIN LOJI. 

Dh' eireadh stuadh an clàr t-aodainn, 

Le neart feirg agus gaisgidh ; 

Sud am phearsa neo-sgithaeh, 

'N t-sùil bu bhlaithe gun ghaiseadh ; 

G u in biodh maoim air do naimhdean, 

Ri linn dut spainnteach a ghlacadh. 

Ho-ro 'sfada, Qc. 

Fhuair thu 'n cliù sin o thoiseach, 

'S cha b' olc e ri innseadh ; 

Craobh chosgairt sa bblàr thu, 

Nach gabhadh sgàth roimh luchd phicean ; 

No roi' shaighdeirean dearga, 

Ged a b' armailtean righ iad ; 

Le 'n ceannardan fuil teach, 

'S le '11 gunnaichean cinnteach. 

Ho-ro 'sfada, (fc. 

Gur t'arsuinn do ranntaibh, 

Ri slieanachas 's ri shloinneadh ; 

Gur tu oighre 'n larl llich. 

Nach tug cis le gniomh foilleil ; 

JMarcaich aid na '11 each cruitheach, 

Nan srian ùr 's na 'n lann soilleir, 

Lamh threin aim an cruadal, 

Ceannard sluaigb a toirt teiue. 


Fhuair thu onair fir Alba, 

Bha meas "s ainm air tear t-lliasain ; 

Ann an gliocas 'sa gcire, 

An cliù, an ceuaidh 'sa gaisge ; 

Thug Dia gibhtean le buaidh dhut, 

Cridhe fuasgailteach farsuinn ; 

Fhir bu chiùine na mhaighdeaun, 

'S bu ghairge na 'n lasair. 


'S goirt an t-earcball a thachair, 

O 'n chaidh an iomairt so tuathal 

O latha blàir Sliabh-an-t-Siorram, 

Chaill ar cinneach an uaislean ; 

Thionndaidh chuibhl' air Clann-Domhnuil!, 

'N treasa conspunn bhi bhuatha ; 

Ceann a's colar Chlann- Ràghnuill, 

'N i'huil àrd 's i gun truailleadb. 

Ho-ro 'sfada, %c. 

Nis o 'n dh-fhalbh an triùir bhràithrcan ; 

Chleachd mar àbhaist bhi suairce; 

Laoich o Gharaidh nam bradan, 

Caipteine' smachdail a c.bruadail ; 

Dh-fhalbh Sir Domhnuill a Sleibhte ; 

Bu mhor reusan a's cruadal ; 

Cha tig gu biàth air Clann-Domhnuil!, 

Triuir chounspnnn cho cruaidh riu. 

Ho ro 's fada, Src. 

; 

49

50 SAU-OIiAIll NAM BARD G A I'.LA ('II. 

Chiiosda dh-fbull!g am baa iln'mii, 

O 'n 's tn ar patron iniiaigh ; 

Cum an t-aog o dha bbrathair, 

Phad 'sa li' àill leinn If dùrachd ; 

Dheanadh treia do 'ti àlach, 

So db-fhag e gun aùilean ; 

'Sliochd an t-seobhaig 'sa 'n armuinn, 

Nach tugadh each an sgiath chuil deth 

Ho-ro 'sfada, Ac 

'Nuair threig each an cuid fearainn, 

'S nacb d-fhan iad 'sa 'n rioghachd ; 

'Sheas thusa gu fearail, 

'S cha b' aim le Bgainnel a shin thu ; 

Chair thu fuaradh na froise, 

Seach ar dorsaibli g' 'ar dionadh ; 

Gu 'n robh t-fhaigsein cho làidii', 

Ki leoghaiim aid do 'n fliuil Rioghail. 

Ho-ro 'sfada, fyc. 

Cha robh Iarl ami an Albuitin, 

Gheibheadh earbsa na run riut 

Gu 'm biodb toiseach gach naidheachd, 

Gu lamhan a cbuirteir ; 

Seobhag firinneach suairce, 

Choisinii cruailal gach cùise ; 

Ceannaid mhaithean a's uaislean, 

Aig an t-sluagh 'a ia

Nan taehrainns a's tu fein, 

Ann am boglachan Beinn-Eite 

Bhiodh uisge dubh na feithe, 

Dol troimh chèile a'3 ploc. 

Thu fein as t-athair cèile 

Fear taighe sin na Leime, 

Ged chrochte sibh le cheile 

Cha b'eirig air mo lochd. 

Craobh rùisgt' de'n Abhall bhreugach, 

Gun mheas, gun chliù, gun cheutaidli, 

Bha riamh ri murt a cheile, 

'N ar fuigheall bheum, as chore. 

Marbh-phasg ort a dhi-mheis, 

Nach ole a reic thu'm firean, 

Air son na mine Litich 

A's da trian d'i goirt.* 

CU.MH A 

DO SHIR DOMHIfULL SHLEIBHTE. 

'S cian 's gur fàda mi 'm thàmh, 

'S trom leam 'm aigne fo phràmh, 

'S nach cadal dhomh seamh 's tim eiridh. 

'S cian 's gur fada, &c. 

Laidh an aois orm gach uair, 

Dreach an aoig air mo ghruaidh, 

Is rinn eeudail bhochd thruadh da fein dior 

Laidh an aois, &c. 

Tha liunn-dubh orm gach là, 

\S e ga m' theugmhail a ghnà, 

Air mo chùise cha rà-sgpul breig e. 

Tha liunn-dubh orm, &c. 

Tha gach urra dol dhiom, 

Bho faighinn furan le miadh, 

Cuig urrad sa b' fhiach mi dh-eirig. 

Tha gach urra dol, &c. 

Chaill mi àrmainn mo stuic, 

Mo sgiath laidair 's mo phruip, 

lad ri àiteach an t-sluic a's feur orr'. 

Chaill mi àrmainn mo stuic, 

Fàth mo mhire 's mo cholg, 

Thaobh gach iomairt so dh'fhalbh, ' 

Luathais air 'n imeachd air lòrg a cheile. 

Fàth mo mhire, &c. 

» Damaged meal bought in Leith, was given to MT.eod 

of Assynt for betraying the duke of Montrose. 

IAIN LO.U 5J 

Mhùch mo mheoghail 's mo mheas, 

Na daoil bhi cladhach bhur fiios, 

Chaidh mo raoghainn fo lie de leugaibh. 

Mhùch mo mheoghail, &c. 

Bhuail an t-earrach orm spot, 

'S trom a dh-fhairich mi lot, 

Chuir e lughad mo tlioirt 's beag 'm fheum air. 

Bhuail an t-earrach, &c. 

Bàs Shir Domhnuill bho 'n Chaol, 

Chuir mo chomhnaidh fa-sgaoil, 

Dh'fhag mi 'm aonar sa 'n aois ga 'm leireadh. 

Bas Shir Domhnuill, &c. 

'S ann rait a labhrainn mo mhiann, 

Gu dàna ladurna, dian, 

Ge do bhithinn da thrian sa 'n eacoir. 

Sanii ruit a labhrainn, &c. 

Tha iomad smuainte bochd truadh, 

Teachd air 'm aire 's gach uair. 

Bho 'n la chaochail air snuadh fir t-eug,iis. 

Tha iommad smuainte, &c. 

Leoghann fìreachail àigh 

Miuinte, spioradail, àrd, 

Umhail, in'osal, fearraglia, treubhach. 

Leoghann riorachail, &c. 

Leig nan arm a's nan each, 

Reumail, aireil, gun aire, 

Gheug thu 'n Armadail ghlas nan dèideag. 

Leig nan arm is nan each &c. 

Bha do chinneadh fo phràmh, 

Do thuath 's do phaighearan mail, 

Uaislean t-fhearainn 's gach làn-1'hear-feusaig. 

Bha do chinneadh, &c. 

Bha mhnai bheul-dearg a bhruit. 

Ri call an ceille sa'm fuilt, 

Cach ag eideadh do chuirp air dèile. 

Bha mhuai bheul-dhearg, &c. 

Moch sa' mhadaitm dir-daoin, 

Thog iad tasgaidh mo gbaoil, 

Deis a phasgadh gu caol 's na leintean. 

Moch sa' mhadainn, &c. 

An ciste ghiubhais nam bòrd, 

'N truaill chumhainn na's leoir, 

'N deis a dhusgadh bho 'n t-sròl air speicean. 

'N ciste ghiubhais nam, &c. 

Gu euglais Siileibhte nan stuadh, 

Chosg thu fein ri cuir suas, 

Ge d' nach d'fhuirich thu buan ri sgleutadb. 

Gu euglais Shleibhte, &c.


Dh- fhalbh na spalpain a null, 

Bha tial fai'Miiim nan grunnd, 

Cha b'iad na fachaicb gun rùm gun leud iad. 

Dh-fbalbh na spalpain, &c.

AN CIARAN MABACH. 53 


GILLEASPUIG RUADH MAC-DHOMHNUILL. 

Archibald M'Doxald, commonly called Ciaran Mabach, was an illegitimate son of 

Sir Alexander M'Donald, sixteenth baron of Slate. He was contemporary with Iain 

Lorn, the Lochaber bard, and his coadjutor in punishing the murderers of the lawful heirs 

of Keppoch. 

In no one could his father more properly have confided matters of importance, requir- 

ing sagacity, zeal, and bravery, than in this son. Accordingly he made use of his ser- 

vices when necessary; and put the greatest dependence in his fidelity, prudence, and 

activity. Ciaran Mabach was no doubt amply requitted by his father, who allotted him 

a portion of land in North Uist. Grants of land were in those times commonly given 

to gentlemen of liberal education, but of slender fortune; where amid their rural occupa- 

tions they enjoyed pleasures unknown to those who in similar stations of life were less 

happily located. Of this our bard was very sensible during his stay in Edinburgh, as 

we learn from his poem on that occasion. 

It does not appear that our poet was a voluminous writer; and of his compositions there 

are very few extant. It is to be regretted that so few of his poems have been preserved, 

as his taste, education, and natural powers, entitle him to a high place among the bards 

of his country. Gentlemen of a poetical genius could have resided in no country more 

favourable to poetry than in the Highlands of Scotland, where they led the easy life of 

the sportsman, or the grazier, and had leisure to cultivate their taste for poetry or romance. 

B' ANNSA CADAL AIR FRAOCH. 

Ge socrach mo leabaidh, Agus Uiginnis riabhach, 

B' annsa cadal air fraoch, An trie an d'iarr mi damh-donn, 

Ann an lagan beag uaigneacb, 'S a bhi triall thun nam bodach, 

A*s bad de'n luaehair ri 'in thaobh, Dha'm bu chosnadb cas-chrom. 

'Nuair dh'eirinn sa' mhadaimi, 

Bhi siubhal ghlacagan caol, Cha'n eil agam cù gleusda, 

Na bhi triall thun na h-Abaid, As cha'n eil feum agam dha, 

'G eisdeachd glagraich nan sàor. Cha suidh mi air bachdan, 

Air sliabh fad o chàch, 

'S oil leam càradh na frithe, Cha leig mi mo ghaothar, 

'S mi bhi 'n Lite nan long, Chaidh faogh'd an tuim bàin, 

Eadar ceann Saileas Si-phort, 'S cha sgaoil mi mo luaidhe, 

A's rutha Ghrianaig nan tonn, An Gleann-Ruathain gu bràth.

54 SAU-OBA1R NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

B'i;id mo ghradh-sa a ghratdh uallaob, 

A thogadh suas ris an aird, 

Dh'itheadh biolair an fhuaraio, 

'S air bu sliuarach an càl, 

'S mise fèin nacli tug fuath dhuibb, 

Ged a b'fbuar am mios Màigh. 

'S trie a dh'fhuilig mi cruadal, 

A's moran fuachd air 'ur sgàth. 

Be mo ghradh-sa fear buidhe, 

Nach dean suidhe mu'n bliùrd, 

Nach iarradh ri cheaimach, 

1 'unit leanna na beoir ; 

Uisge-beatha math dubailt, 

Cha be b'l'hiu leat ri òl, 

B't'hearr leat biolair an fhuarain, 

A's uisge luaineach an lòin. 

B'i mo ghradh-sa a bhean nasal, 

Dha nach d'fhuaras rianih louhd, 

Nach iarradh mar chluasaig, 

Ach nor ghualainn nan cnoc, 

'S nach fuiligeadh an t-sradag, 

A lasadh r'i corp, 

Och ! a Mhuire mo chruaidh-chas, 

Nach dh'fhuair mi thu nochd. 

Bean a b'aigeantaich ceile, 

Nam eiridh ri drinchd, 

Cfaa'o fhaigheadh tn beud da, 

'S cha bu leir leis ach thu 

Sihh an glacailih a cb£ile, 

Am rior eudainn nan stùc, 

'S ann am eiridh na grèine, 

Bu glilan leirsinn do shut. 

'Nuair a thigeadh am toghar, 

Bu bhinn learn gleadhair do chlèibl 

Dol a ghalihail a chrònain, 

Air a mhointich bhuig reidh, 

Dol an coinneamh do lcannain, 

Bu ghile teaman a's ceir 

Gur h-i 'n eilid bu hhòiche, 

A's bu bhrisge loghmhorra mini. 

Note —This song was composed in Edinburgh while the 

poet wa» under the care of a surgeon for a sprain in tils 

foot. 

MARBHRANN 

DO SHIlt SEL'MAS MAC-DHONUlLi* 

B fhearr am mor ole a chluinntinn. 

Bhrigh iomradh na fhaicinn • 

Dhomhsa b' fhurasd' sud iniise, 

Bug air 'm iimtinn trom shac dheth ; 

O 'n is mi bha 'sa 'n fhulang, 

Bu chruaidh duilicb ri fhaicinn ; 

Hainig croma-sgian o 'n aog mi, 

Cha do shaor i bun aisne. 

'S e dh' fhàg fodha dhomh 'n coite, 

Aon a mhoichead a dhuisg mi, 

'S mi gun fhear air barr again, 

Thogadh 'm aigneadh a dùsal ; 

'Nuair a bheum an sruth tràigh orm, 

Rug muir bàitht' air a chul sin, 

Cha d' thiosraich mi 'm has dut, 

Gus an dh fhàg mi thu 'u crùiste. 

Fath m' acainn 's mo thùrsa, 

Nach duisgear le teud thu, 

Na le tòrgan na fidhle, 

Mo dhiobhail 's mo leir-chreach ; 

Fhir a chumadh i dionach, 

Dh' aindeoin siontan ga 'n eiread, 

Thu 'n diugh fo leacan na h-urach, 

mo dhuil ri thu dh' eiridh. 

| 

; Guu 

! 'S 

'S bochd an ealtainns' thug so sgriob mi, 

Thug dhiom in' earr agus m' fheusag, 

geur 's gur goirt spuir an ràsair, 

Thrusas cnàmhan a's feithean ; 

Dh-t'hag sud mise dheth craiteacb, 

Dh -aindeoin dàil gu ro chieuchdaeh ; 

Cha dean ballan no sihh dheth, 

Mise slàn gus an eug mi. 

Ge b' e chuireadh dhomh 'n umhail, 

Do mhor chumha ga in' leònadh, 

Na mo dhosau a liathadh, 

Coig bliadhua roimh' 'n ùrdugh ; 

Tha mi 'n diugh a toirt pàigbeadb, 

A' meud in' àilleas as m' òige, 

O 'n rug deireadh do bbhis orm, 

Os cionn cbàich cha b'e m' òrdugh. 

'S fhad tha mi 'm Oisein gun mbeoghail, 

As do dbeaghaidh bochd dòlum, 

: Osnadh fharhairneach, frith ir, 

Tha m' fhcith-chridh' air a leònadb ; 

Leigeam fios thun a bhreitheamh, 

Nach iarr sligbe gu dò-bheart, 

The poet's brother.

Gur h-e " Port Raoghuill uidhir,"* 

Mur nach bu dligheach is ceòl dorah. 

'S bochd mo naidheachd r'a b-innse 

Ge b' e sgrìobbadh i "n tath-bhuinn ; 

'n hi riim thu feum duine, 

Gus' n do chuireadh 'sa 'n làr tbu ; 

Bha mo dbeas-lamh dol sios leat. 

An cladhan cliche mo chradb-shlad : 

'S mor na b' fheudar dhomh fhulang, 

Mo bhuan fbaireacb o in' brathair. 

'S bochd an ruinnlgil fhuathais, 

Rug air uaislean do chairdean, 

'S guirt a bhonnag a fhuair ia.il, 

'N latha gbluaiseadh gu tàmb leat ; 

Ge b'e neach is mo buannachd, 

'N lorg luathair a bhàis so, 

'S mise pearsa 's mo tuairglie, 

'Sa 'nuair so th' air t-aruinn. 

Cha chuis fharmaid mo lethid ; 

'S aim tha mi 'n deigh mo spuillidh ; 

Bhuin an t-eug dhiom gu buileach, 

Barr a's iomall mo chùirte ; 

'S feudar tamailte fhulang, 

Gun dion buill' air mo chul-thaobh, 

Stad mo chlaidheamh na dhuille, 

'S bath dhomh fuireach r'a rusgadb. 

* Rao°h;dl odhar was a piper. There is a story told aliout 

this worthy, to the following purpose:— He was a great 

coward ; and being in the exercise of his calling in the 

battle-field one day along with his clan, he was seized 

with such fear at the sight of the enemy, whom he thought 

too many for his party, that he left off playing altogether, 

and began to sing a most dolorous song to a lachrymose air, 

some stanzas of which had been picked up and preserved 

by his fellow soldiers ; and which, on their return from the 

war they did not fail to repeat. When an adult is seen crying 

for some trifling cause, he is said to be singing "Port 

Raoghnuill uidhir," " Dun Donald's tune :" and when 

a Highlander is threatening vengeance for some boisterous 

and uproarious devilment which has been played ofT upon 

him, he will say " : Bhtir misort gu seinn thu ' Port Raog. 

huill uidhir ' " i e. " ' 

I will make you sing Dun Ronald's 

tune.' " The following are a few of the I 

" Be so an talamh mi shealbhach ! 

Tha gun chladach gun gharbhlach gu'n chòs ; 

Anns an rachainn da'm fhalach, 

'S sluagh gun athadh a teannadh faisg oirn. 

Tha mi tinn leis an eagal, 

Tha tni cinnteach gur beag a bhius bee/ 

Chi mi lasadh anfhiirlair, 

Chluinn mi sgailcadh nan du-chlach ri ord .' 

Fhuair mi gunna nach diult mi, 

Fhuair mi claidheamh nach lùb ann am dhòrn, 

Ach ma ni iad mo mharbhadh, 

Ciod a feum a ni 'n àrmach sin dhomh-s'? 

Tha mi tinn. SjC 

Ged do gheibhinn.sa sealbh. 

Air làn a chaisteal de dh' airgead 's de dh-òr, 

Oich ! 'ma ni iad mo mharbhadh ! 

Ciod a feum a ni 'n t.airgead sin domh-s'?" 

Tha mi tinn, #c. 

AN CIARAN MAHACH. 5a 

Bhuin an t-eug creacb gun toir dhiom 

Dh' aindeoin oigridh do dhùthcha; 

Dh' fhag e m' aigneadh fo dhòruinn, 

'S Mm. til e bròg air mo cbuinneadh ; 

'S trom a dh' fhuasgail e deoir dhomh, 

Bu mhor mo choir air an dubladh ; 

Mu cbeann-uighe nan deoiribb, 

Bin fo bhòrd aim an dunadh, 

Bu deas deile mo shior-ruith, 

'S gu 'in bu dionach mo chlàraidh ; 

Bha mo chala gun diobradh, 

Ga mo dhion as gach sàradh' ; 

Riamh gus 'n taiuig an dil orm, 

Dh' fhag fo mhigheaii gu bràth mi 

'S ard a dh' èirich an stailc-s' orm, 

Chuir i as domh ma m' àirnean. 

Call gun bhuinig gun bhuannacbd, 

Bha ga m' ruagadb 1 

o 'n truth sin ; 

Cha b' i 'n iomairt gun fhuathas, 

Leis '11 do ghluais mi mar chearracli ; 

'N cluich a shaoil mi bhi 'm buannachd, 

Dh' fbaoite ghluasad air tàileasg ; 

Thainig goin a's cur suas orm, 

'S tha fear fuar dhomh na t-àite. 

O 'u cliaidh maill' air mo fhradharc, 

'S nach taoghail mi 'n ard-bheann ; 

Chuir mi cul lis an fhiadhach, 

Pong cha n' iarr mi air clàrsaich ; 

Mo cheol laidhe a's eiridh, 

M' osnadh gheur air bheag tàbhachd ; 

Fad mo rè bidh mi 'g acain, 

Mheud 'sa chleachd mi dheth t-àillea*. 

Ach dleasaidh faighidinn furtachd, 

Nach faic thu chuisle ga luaithead ; 

Air fear na teasaich 'sa 'n fhiabhrais, 

'S gearr mu shioladh a bhruaidleiu ; 

Muir a dh' eireas ga bhraisead, 

Ni fear math beairte dh' i suaineach ; 

Ach e dh' iomairt gu tapaidh, 

Ceann da shlait thuig a's uaithe. 

'Nuair a bha mi am ghille, 

'S mi 'n ciad iomairt Shir Seumus, 

Mar ri comhlan dheth m' chinneadh, 

Seoladh air spinneig do dh' Eirinn ; 

'S ann aig I Chalum Chille, 

Ghabb mi giorrag mu d' dheighinn ; 

Chaill thu Ian mèise feodair, 

Air do shròin do 'n fhuil ghlè dhearg. 

Luchd a cbaitheadh nan cuaintean, 

'S moch a ghluaiseadh gu surdail, 

Le 'n àlach cbalpannan cruaidhe, 

Bu bheag roimh' 'n fhuaradh an curam ; 

;

56 SAR-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Bu clioina co dhetb oa b-oaldean, 

Ghlacadh gluaaad na itiùraefa ; 

'S leer math bearit air a gualainn, 

B' in raiini fuaagladb gach cui>e. 

' N am i;liiavad tllir dhuinn, 

Bu neo-mhiodhoir ar lòiatean, 

Cornach, cupanach, fionach, 

Glaineachi lioutaidh a stòpaibh ; 

Gu cairteach, taileasgacb, disneacb, 

'S taile air uigh na 'in foirnibfa ; 

Dbomb-aa b" fhuraad' Bud Innaa 

Bu chuid dn m' guoimh o m' aois òige. 

Bu ro-eibneach 1110 leabaidb, 

'S liba mo cbadal j;le rhomlinard, 

Fbad sa lili' fhuirieb thu Rgam, 

An caoin cbadal eon fhòtua ; 

Bu tu mo sgaitb laidìr dbileaa, 

Ga mo dhion o gacb duiaiiiu, 

'S e cuid a dli' aobhar mo leitb-truim, 

Blii "n diugb a leaaamh do cbòraeh. 

DIORBHAIL NIC A BHRIUTHAINN; 

DOROTHY BROWN. 

This poetess belonged to Luing, an island, in Argyleshire. It is uncertain when she was 

born; but she was coteinporary with Tain Lorn; like him was a Jacobite, and also em- 

ployed her muse in the bitterest satire against the Campbells. Indeed there must have 

been great pungency in her songs; for, long after her death, one Colin Campbell, a native 

of Luing, being at a funeral in the same burying-ground where she was laid, trampled on her 

grave, imprecating curses on her memory. Duncan Maclachlan, of Kilbride, in Lorn, him- 

self a poet, and of whom the translator of Ossian makes honourable mention as a preserver 

of Gaelic poetry, being present, pulled him off her grave, sent for a gallon of whisky, 

and had it drunk to her memory on the spot. Her song to Alasdair Mac Cholla, was com- 

posed on seeing his birlinn pass through the sound of Luing on an expedition against the 

Campbells, in revenge for the death of his father, whom they had killed some time before. 

She is the only poetess who at all approaches Mairi niyhean Alasdair Ruaidh as a suc- 

cessful votary of the muse. She composed a great many songs, but, not being much known 

out of her native island, perhaps, t he following piece is the only thing of hers now extant. 

A tomb-stone, with a suitable Gaelic inscription, is about to be erected to her memory, in 

Luing, by a countryman of her own, Mr Artt M'l.uchl.in, of Glasgow, a gentleman well 

known for his zeal in every thing tending to promote the honour of Highlanders, and the 

Highlands. 

ORAN DO DIT ALASDAIB -MAC COLl, \. 

Ai kasAM a laolgb mo clu'ille, 

Co cburniala no dh' fhagthu 'n Elrfnn, 

Dh' fhag tlm na miltean 'a na ceudan, 

\s oba i na Duimhnich reldh riut, 

(Ju n robb an rii;li nmr tha mi fein dut.

E-ìiò, hi u hì>, rò hìi eile, 

E-ho, hi u ho, 's i ri ri Ù, 

Ho hi à ro, o hò o eile, 

Mo dhiobhail dith nan ceai, i-fheadhn 

Mo chruit, mo chlùrsach, a's m' fhiodhall, 

Mo tbeud chiùil 's gach àit am bithinn, 

'Nuair a bha mi òg 's mi 'm uighinn, 

'S e thogadh m' inntinn thu thighinn, 

Gheibheadh tu mo phòg gun bhruitbinn, 

DIORBHAIL NIC A BIIR1UTHAINN. 57 

'S mar tha mi 'n diugb. 's math do dhligh oirr', 

E-ho i if ho, £e. 

Mhoire 's e mo run am firionn, 

Cha bhuachaille bhò 'sa *n iimis, 

Ceann-feadbna greadhnach gun ghiorraig, 

Marcaich nan steud 's leoir a mhire, 

Bhuidhneadh na crointean d'a ghillean, 

'S nacb seachnadh an toir iomairt, 

Ghaolaich na 'n deanadh tu pilleadh, 

Gheibheadh tu na bhiodh tu sireadh, 

Ged a chaillinn ris mo chinneacb 

— 

Pòg o ghruagach dhuinn an fhiricb. 

E-ho i u ho, §c. 

'S truagh nach eil mi mar a b' ait learn, 

Ceann Mhic-Cailein aim am achlais, 

Cailein liath 'n deigh a chasgairt, 

'S a 'n Crunair an deigh a gblacadh, 

Bu shunndach a glielbhinn cadal, 

Ged a b' i chreag chruaidh mo leabaidb. 

E-ho i u ho, £c. 

M' eudail thu dh' fheara' na dllinn, 

'S math 's eol dhomh do shloinneadh innse, 

*S cha b' aim an cagar fo 's 'n iosal, 

Tha do dhreach mar dh' òrdaich righ e, 

Fait am boineid tha sinteach, 

Sàr mhusg ort no cuilibhear, 

Dh'eighte geard an cuirt an righ leat, 

Ceist na 'm ban o 'n Chaisteal Ileach, 

Dorn geal mu 'n dean an t-òr sniamhan. 

E-ho i n ho, §c. 

Domhnullaeh gasda mo ghaoil thu, 

'Schab'eMac Dhonnchai Ghlinne-Faochain. 

Na duine bha beò dheth dhaoine, 

Mhic an fhir o thùr na faoileachd, 

Far an tig an long fo h-aodach, 

Far an òlte fion gu greadhnach. 

E-ho i u ho, fc. 

Mhoire 's e mo run an t-òigear, 

Fiughantach aigeanntach spòrsail, 

Ceannard da ceathairne moire, 

'S mise nach diultadh do chòmhradh, 

Mar ri cuideachd no am onar, 

Mhic an fhir o 'n innis cheolar, 

O 'n tir am faighte na geoidh-ghlas, 

'S far am faigheadh fir fhalamh stòra;s. 

E-ho i u ho,

58 SAR-OBAltt NAM BAUD GAELACII. 

SILIS NIGHEAN MHIC RAOÌNAILL. 

Cicely or Julian M'Donald lived from the reign of Charles II. to that of George I. 

She was daughter to Mac Raoijhnaill na Ceapuch, and of the Roman Catholic persuasion. 

Consequently she was an enemy to Protestantism, and hence devoted the earliest efforts 

of her muse against the House of Hanover. It is said that in her young days she was 

very frolicsome. She then composed epigrams, some of which are very clever, and in 

our possession. She was married to a gentleman of the family of Lovat, and lived with 

him in Moraghach Mhic-Shiinidh, a place w r hich she describes in a poem, as bare and 

barren in comparison to her native Lochaber. This celebrated piece begins with, " A 

theanga sin 'sa theanga shrùil," which was the first piece she composed after her marriage. 

During her residence in the North she composed " Slan gu brùch le ccùl na clùrsaich," 

as a lament for Lachlan M'Kinnon the blind harper. This harper was a great favourite 

of our poetess, and used to spend some of his time in her father's family. He was also 

in the habit of paying her a yearly visit to the North, and played on his harp while she 

sung :_ 

" Nuair a ghlacadh tu do chlàrsach, 

Sa bhiodh tu ga gleusadh lamh rium, 

Cha mhath a thuigte le umaidh, 

Do chuir chiul-sa,'s mo ghabhail dhan-sa." 

During her residence in the North she composed several short pieces, among which is an 

answer to a song by Mr M'Kenzie of Gruineard called " An obair nogha." Her husband 

died of a fit of intoxication, while on a visit to Inverness. She composed an elegy on him 

which is here given. The song " Alasdair a Glinne- Garaidh" is truly beautiful, and has 

served as a model for many Gaelic songs. After the death of her husband, she was nearly 

cut off by severe illness ; and upon her recovery, engaged her muse in the composition of 

hymns, some of which are still in use, as appears from a Hymn-book printed at Inverness 

in 1821. She lived to a good old age, but the time of her death is uncertain. 

MA It BUR ANN AIR BAS A Flit. 

'S i so bliadhna 's faid' a chlaoidh ml, 'S i so bliadhn' a cliaisg air m' àilleas, 

Gu'n cheol gu'n aighear gun fhaollteu, Chuir ml fear mo thaighe 'n càradh, 

Mi mar bhàt air truigli air igaoileadh, 

Gun stiuir, gun seol, gun ràmh, gun taoinan. 

N ciste cfaaoil 's na saoir 'ga sàbhadh ; 

O ! 's mis tlia faoln 's mo dbaoin' air in' fliagail. 

O '$ coma hamfhin na co dhiiM sin, ° '* co '""' htm/Um, Ire. 

Mire, no aiyhcar, no xùtjradh, 

' 

N 

diìitjh o shin mi r'a chunntadh, Cliaill mi sin s mo cliiiilcan gr.ulliacb, 

' S e ceann na hladhna (hug riadh dhiom dùbailt. Blia gu loinnidb, fearail, aillidb,

Bha gun bheum, gun leum, gun ardan ; 

liha guth a biieil mar theud na clàrsaich. 

O 's coma ham fInn, §x. 

Ma 's beag learn sud fhuair mi bàrr air 

Ceann mo stuic is pruip nan cairdeaii, 

A leag na ceud le bheum 'sua blàraibh, 

Ga chuir fo 'n fhòd le ol na gràisge. 

O 's coma' learn fhin, 8fc. 

Ciod na creaclian a tbug bhuainn thu ? 

Thug do dh' lnbheirnis air chuairt thu, 

Dh' òl an fhiona las do ghruaidhean 

'S a dh't'hag thu d' chorp gu'n lot gun luaidhe. 

O 's coma' Itamfhin, §c. 

'S mor a tha gun fhios do d' chairdean 

San tìr inhoir tha null o 'n t-sàile, 

Thu blii aig na Gaill ga d' chàradh 

'S do dhuthaich fèin ga mort' le uamhaid. 

O 's coma' leamfhin, «|-c. 

Bu tu 'n Curaidh fuilteach, buailteach, 

SIL1S NIGHEAN MH1C RAONA1LL. 

Ceannsgalach, borb, laidir, nasal, 

Na 'in b' aim am blar no 'n spàirn a bhuailt' thu, 

Gu 'm biodh do chairdean a' tàir-leum suas orr'. 

O 's coma' learn f /tin, fyc. 

Curaidh gasta, crodha, fumail, 

Tionnsgalach, garg, beodha, euchdarh ; 

'N Coille-chriothnaich 's là an t-sleibhe, 

Bu luath do lann 's bu teann do bheumau. 

O 's coma' leamfhin, §~c. 

Mo chreach long nan leoghann garga, 

Nam brataichean sròil 's nan dath dearga, 

Gur trie an t-eug gu geur g'ur sealg-sa 

Leagail bhur crann-siìiil gu fàirge. 

O 's coma' learn fhin, 8fc. 

Nise bho na dh'fhalbh na braithrean 

'S nach eil ach Uilleam dhiu lathair, 

A righ mhoir, ma 's deonach dàil da, 

Gus an diong an t-oighre t-àite. 

- 

O 's coma' learn fhin, § e. 

Ach a righ mhoir tog 's an aird iad, 

Mar chraoibh ubhlan, mheulair mhiaghair, 

Mar ghallan ùr nach lub droch aimsir, 

Mar phreasa fiona 's lionmhor leanmbuinn. 

O 's coma' learn fhin, §c. 

O 's e so deireadh 'n t-saoghail bhrionnaich 

Aird-righ dean sinn orsta cuimhneach ; 

An deigh an latha thig an oidhche 

'S thig an t-aog air chaochladh Staidltk. 

O 's coma' learn fhin, $c. 

| 

| 

1 

I Bha 

1 Capull-coille 

I 'S 

; 

' Bu 

MARBHRANN 

DO DH' ALASTAIR DUBH GHLINNE-GAR AIDH. 

AL ASD A I R a gleanna-garadh, 

Thug thu 'n diugh gal air mo shuilean, 

'S beag ioghnadh mi bin trom creuchdach, 

Gur trie g'ar reubadh as ùr sinn, 

'S deaehdar dhomhsa bhi gun 'n osnaidh, 

'S meud an dosgaidh th'air mo chairdean, 

Gur trie an t-eug oirn a' gearradh, 

Tagha nan darag is airde. 

Chaill sinn ionnan agus còmhla, 

Sir Dòmhnull, a mhac, 'sa bhrathair, 

Ciod e 'in feum dhuinn bhi ga ghearan ? 

Dh-fhan Mac-'Ic-Ailein sa bhlàr bhuain, 

Chaill sinn darag laidir liath-ghlas, 

cumhail dion air a chairdean, 

bharr na giubhsaich, 

Seobhag sul-ghorm, lugh-mhor, laidir. 

Dh-fhalbh ceann na cèille 's na comhairl, 

Ann 's gaeh gnothach am bi cùram, 

Aghaidh shocrach, sholta, thaitneaeh, 

Cridhe flal, farsuinn, mu'n chuineadh ; 

Bu tu tagha nan sàr-ghaisgeach, 

Mo ghualainn thaice-'s,—mo dhiubhail ; 

Smiorail, fearail, tbineamh, treabhach, 

Ceann-feadhna chaill Seumas Stiubhart. 

Na b' ionnan do chaeh 's do ghoill, 

Mu'n dh-imich an long a mach, 

Cha rachadh i rithist air sail, 

Gun 'n fhios cia fath a thug i steach, 

Ach 'nuair chunaig sibh an tràth sin, 

A bhi g àr f'agal air faonthragh, 

Bhrist bhur cridheachan le mulad, 

i 

'S leir a bhuil cha robh sibh saogh'lach. 

Bu tu'n lasair dhearg g'an losgadh, 

'S bu tu sgoilteadh iad gu'n sailtean, 

Bu tu gualann chur a chatha, 

Bu tu'n laoch gun atha laimhe, 

Bu tu'm bradan aim sail fhior-uisg, 

Fior-eun on ealtainn is airde, 

Bu tu'n leoghann thar gach beathach, 

'S bu tu damh leathann na eràice. 

Bu tu loch nach faighe thaomadh, 

tu tobar faoilidh na slainte, 

'S tu Beinn-Neamhais thar gach aonaeh, 

Bu tu chreag nach fhaoite thearnadh, 

Bu tu elach mhullaich a chaistail, 

tu leac leathann na sriide, 

Bu tu leig loghmhor nam buadban, 

Bu tu claeh nasal an tliàine. 

59


Bu tu'n t-iubhair as a choille, 

Bu tu'n darach dainghean laidir, 

Bu tu'n cuileann bu tu'n dreaghunn, 

Bu tu'n t-abhall molach blath-mhor, 

Cha robh incur annad do' chritheanu, 

Cha robh do dhlighe ri fearna, 

Cha robh do chairdeas ri leamhan, 

Bu tu leaunan nam ban àluinn. 

Bu tu ceile na mnà priseil, 

'S oil learn fhìn ga dith an drasd thu, 

Ge d' nach ioiinan dhomhsa is dhi-se 

'S goirt a tha mi-fhìn ma càradh, 

H-uile bean a bhios gun ehuile, 

Guidheadh i Mac Dhe na àite, 

O 's e 's urrainn bhi ga comhnadb, 

Anns gach leon a chuireas càs oirr'. 

Guidheam do mhac bhi na t-àite, 

'An saibhreas an aiteas 's an cùram, 

Alasdair a Gleanna- Garadh, 

Thug thu 'u diugh gal air mo shuilean. 

THA MI AM CHADAL &c. 

DO DH' FHEACHD RIGH SEUMAS. 

Gur diombach mi 'n iomairt, 

Chuir gach fin' air fògradh ; 

Tiia mi am chadal "s na duisgibh mi 

Gun aighear gun eibhneas, 

t The above four lines are lost. 

'S gu'n reiteach o Dheòrsa ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na dùisgibh mi. 

Gur h-ioma bean uasal, 

Tha gu h-uaigneach na seomar, 

Gun aighear gun eibhneas, 

'S i 'g eiridh na h-onar, 

Sior chaoidh na n uaislean, 

A fhuair iad ri phòsadh ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na dùisgibh mi. 

Mo thruaighe a chlann, 

Nach robh gann na 'n curaisde ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi, 

'N am bualadh na 'n latin, 

An am na 'in buileanan ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi. 

Ge d' tha sibh 'sa'n àm, 

Feadh ghleann a's mhunainean, 

Gu nochd sibh 'ur ceann 

'N am teanndachd mar churaidhnean, 

'Nuair thig Seumas a nail, 

'Si bhur lann bhios fuileachdach. 

Tha mi am chadal 'a na duisgibh mi. 

'S e righ na muice, 

'S na Cuigse, rìgh Deòrsa ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi, 

Mu 'n tig oirnn an t-samhainn, 

Bidh amhach 's na còrdaibh ; 

Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi; 

Na 'n eireadh sibh suas, 

Le cruadal a's duinealachd, 

£adar islean a's uaislean, 

Thuath agus chumanta, 

'S gu'n sgiursadh sibh uaibh e, 

Righ fuadain nach buineadh dhuinn ; 

Uheauainu an cadal gu sunndach lcibh.

N1ALL MAC-MHUIRICH. 

NULL MAC-MHUIRICH. 

Neil MacVurich, the family bard and historian of Clanronald, Mac-Dhònuill, Mhic- 

'Ic-Ailein, was born in the beginning of the seventeenth century. He lived in South 

Uist, where he held a possession of land which is known to this day, as marked out and 

designated Baile-bhàird, i. e. the bard's farm. He was of a succession of poets that 

the illustrious family kept to record the history of their ancestors, and to fill the station 

so indispensably requisite in those days, in the halls of chiefs of renown. There 

were several poets of the name of Mac-Mhuirich, lineal descendants of the same man, who 

were distinguished from each other in various ways, as specified in the brief account 

given of Lachunn mor Mac-Mhuirich Albannaich; Neil was simply, if not emphatically, 

called Niall Mac-Mhuirich, Clanronald's Seanachaidh, or family historian. 

He had written, in the Gaelic language, the history of the great clan whose records he 

kept, and the strains in which distinguished individuals were commemorated for their 

talents and prowess. But he satisfied not himself with writing what related to the family 

that honoured him with the office of bard : he likewise had written ancient poetry, and 

the history of past times.— See the Highland Society's account of the lied Book. 

While this celebrated bard was most careful in recording every thing worthy of pre- 

servation, it is to be regretted that so little of his own history and works have been pre- 

served. This has been often the case with men of genius. Very few. Gaelic bards were 

at the trouble of writing their own productions : they trusted too much to memory 

seldom reflected on what might happen in the lapse of time ; never apprehended that 

succeeding generations would be indifferent about what seemed to them to be of the 

greatest moment. Neil M'Vurich, while he adopted the best method of handing down 

to posterity the invaluable relics of antiquity, might not think it worth his trouble to 

write his own poems, or record any anecdotes concerning himself. These, like many 

others, have been lost, with the exception of the two pieces given in this work. He 

lived to a great age, and was an old man in 1715. 

To throw more light on the history of this tribe of poets, we beg to give the following, 

whieh is a copy of the declaration of Lachlan M'Vurich, a son of the bard, written in 

Gaelic, and addressed to Henry M'Kcnzie, Esq., at the time he was writing the Highland 

Society's report of Ossian :— 

Baiika, 9/A August, 1800. 

Ann an taigh Phadruig Mhic-Neacail an Torluim goirid o Chaisteal Bhuirghi ann an 

Siorramachd Inbhernis, a naoidhamh latha de chiad mhios an fhoghair, annsan dà fhichead 

bliadhna agus naoidh-deug d'a aois, thainig Lachlunn mac Nèill, mhic Lachluinn, mhic 

61 

;


Nùill, mliic Dhùnihnuill, mhic Lachuinn, mine Nèill inhòir, mine Laclminn,* nibic Dliòmli- 

nuill, do shloinnc elilaim Mbuilich, aim an latliair Ruairidh Mhic Nèill tiirliearna Bltara, 

thabhairt a chodaich, mar is fiosrach e-san, gnr e fi'in an t-ochdamh glùn dèug o Mhuireach 

a bha leanmbuinn teaghlaich Mliic-'Ic-Ailein, ceannard Chlaiin-Raoiiuill, mar bhanliubh, 

• This is Lachunn mor Mac Mhuiuich Albannaich, or Lachlan mir MacVuirich of Scot- 

land, the second of this famous tribe of hards. 

Where there are several individuals of the same name, it is necessary to have some marks to 

distinguish them. This has been always attended to by the Gael though in various ways. It is 

and among clans, where many have the same name 

common to call persons by their patronimics ; 

and surname, they could not be distinctly called and recognised otherwise: instead of saying 

Alexander M'Donald, where two, three, or four were found of the same name, in t lie same place, 

they called one, Alexander, the son of Allan, the son of John ; another, Alexander, the son of 

Donald, the son of Neil ; and another, the son of Rory, the son of Dugald, &c. 

The Gaelic language being susceptible of describing beings and objects most minutely ; in- 

dividuals are frequently distinguished and described from their appearance, or qualities external 

and internal. Thus our author has been called Lacblann Mòr, in contradistinction to another of 

the same name who was less. Mor signifies great in respect of one's person or mind. Its 

literal meaning is magnitude, and this is the sense in which it has been applied here. But there 

is another mark by which this bard was distinguished, namely, by his country, Albanach. or of 

Scotland. Irish bards, or minstrels, were once no strangers in Scotland, and especially the 

Highlands; for Albaiun, the Gaelic term for Scotland, had been particularly applied to the 

Highlands. The cognomen, Albannach, had been given Lachlan tnòr MacVurich emphatically, 

being the great poet of his day. The language of the two countries being the same, the Scottish 

Highlanders and Irish understood each other ; 

and there was frequent intercourse between them. 

They, in fact, were originally the same people ; and., instead of disputing about the origin of the 

one or the other, historians ought to regard them as one and the same, removing from the one 

kingdom to the other as occasion or necessity required. Of the works of this famous poet, all 

now extant is an extraordinary one—a war song, composed almost wholly of epithets arranged 

in alphabetical order, to rouse the Clan Donuil to the highest pitch of enthusiasm before the 

battle of Harlaw. This poem is entitled in Gaelic:— " Brosnacha-catha Le Lachunn Mòr 

Mac Mhuirich Albannaich Do Dhomhnull a Jle Rìgh-Innse-gall agus Iakla Rois Latha 

Machraich Chath-gairiach."* The piece has a part for every letter in the Gaelic alphabet till 

near the end consisting altogether of three hundred and thirty-eight lines. It would occupy 

to much space to print it in this work. 

of the poem :— 

Here follow the two first, and also the thirteen last lines 

A chlanna Cuinn cuimhnichibh, 

Cruas an am na h-iorghuill. 

****** 

A chuileanan chonfhadach, 

A bheirichean bunanta, 

A leoghainnean lan-ghasta 

Gu ur-labhrach, ùr-lamhach neart-mhor, Aon-chonnaibh iorghuilleach 

Gu coisneadh na cath-lataeh, De laochaibh chrodha, churanta 

Ri bruidhne 'ur biubhaidh, De chlannaibh Chùinn cheud-chathaich 

A chlanna Chuinn cheud-chathaich, A chlanna Chuinn, cuimhnichibh 

'Si nis uair 'ur n'aithnaichidh. Cruas an am na h-iorghuill. 

This poem is very valuable in two respects ;— First, It is the best proof that could be given of a 

language, so copious and abounding in epithets, that the number poured out under each letter 

is almost incomprehensible. What command of language! How well deserved our bard the 

* This battle was fmiRht, anno 1411, at a small villiapo called Harlaw, in the district of fìarioch. within ten miles 

of Aberdeen. The cau-c of it was this :—Waltei Leily, a man nobly bom. succeeded to the h .11 Idem nt lii», n> 

ri^lit of his lady, who was daughter of that house. He had In lur a sou, who succeeded him, and a daughter, who 

was married to the Lord of the Isles. His son married a daughter of the duke of Albany, son of Hubert II., at that 

tune governor of Scotland ; but dying voung, left behind hiln only one child. It is said that she was somewhat de. 

formed, and rendered herself a Kehg.ous From her the guvcnmr easily in cd .1 resignation ul the r.aildom of 

i 

Ho s i„ favour of John earl of Hoolau. his s, , son. to the ,, r . jmhee ot Donald lord of the Isles, who was grand- 

son nf the said I.eslv.and supposed the o.aresl heil He elm Ins right accordingly, but rinding the governor, 

1 who pit iui.lv regarded him alread> ..- t • nm , -object, not uclmcu turn. Inn, that justice he expected, he immediately 

raised an armv ol no less than In ton men within Ins mil isles, and putting luinsell at then bead, made a 

descent 0,1 the continent , and. without oppo-ition, seized tin lauds of Hoss. and after increasing Ins army with the 

Inhabitants, be continued his match from Hoss until ho came 10 Garioch, within ten miles ol Aberdeen, ravaging 

the countri. s tlumigli which lie passed, and threatening to enrich his nun with the wealth of that town. Hut before 

he could reach that place, his career was stopped by Alexander Stewart, the grandson ol liobert 1 1., and earl of 

Marr. For tins brave youth, by orders from the governor, drew together, with gnat expeuilioii, almost all the

•SIALL MAC-MHUIlilCH. 

agus o an am sin gu robh fearann Staoileagairi agus ceithir peighinean do Dhriomasdal 

aca mar dhuais bàrdachd o linn gu linn, feadh chuig ghlùin-dèug : Gun do chaill an 

siathamh-glun dèug ceithir peighinean Dhriomasdail, ach gu do ghleidh an seachdamh gliin 

diu fearann Staoileagairi fad naoi bliadhna de'ug de dh' aimsir, agus gu robh am fearann sin 

air a cheangal dhaibh ann an còir fhad 's a bhiodh fear do Clilann-Mhuirich ann, a chumadh 

suas sloinneadh agus seanchas Chlann-Dòmhnuill ; agus bha e mar fhiachan orra, 'nuair 

nach biodh mac aig a bhàrd, gu tugadh e fòghlum do mhac a bhrathar, no dha oighre, 

chum an còir air an fhearann a ghleidheadh, agus is ann a rèir a chleachdaidh so fhuair 

Niall, athair fèin, ionnsachadh gu leughadh, sgrìobhadh, eachdrai agus bàrdachd, o 

Dhòmhnull mac Nèill mhic Dhòmhnuill, brathair athar. 

Tha cuimhne mhath aige gu robh " Saothair Oisein" sgriobht' ar craicnean ann an 

glèidhteanas athar o shinnsiribh ; gu robh cuid dheth na craicnean air an deanamh suas mar 

leabhraichean, agus cuid eile fuasgailt o chèile, anns an robh cuid do shaothair bhàrd eile, 

bharachd ar " Saothair Oisein." 

Tha cuimhne aige gu rcbh leabhar aig athair ris an canadh iad an "Leabhar dearg," 

de phaipeir, a thainig o shinnsiribh, anns a robh mòran do shean eachdraidh nam fineachan 

Gàèlach, agus cuid de " Shaothair Oisein" mar bha athair ag innseadh dha. Chan eil a h-aon 

de na leabhraichean so r'a fhaotainn an diugh, thaobh is 'nuair a chaill : 

.ad am fearann, gu do 

chaill iad am misneach agus an diirachd. Cha'n eil e cinnteach ciod e thainig ris na 

craicnean, ach gu bheil barail aige gun tug Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair 'Ic-Dhòmh- 

nuill ar falbh cuid diubh, agus Raonull a mhac cuid eile dhiubh; agus gum fac e dha no tri" 

dhiubh aig tàileirean ga 'n gearradh sios gu criosan tomhais : 

63 

Agus tha cuimhne mhath aige 

gu tug Mac-'Ic- Ailein air athair an " Leabhar dearg" a thabhairt seachad do Sheumas Mac 

Mhuirich a Bàideanach ; gu robh e goirid o bhi cho tiugh ri Bioball, ach gu robh e na b' 

/haide agus na bu leatha, ach nach robh ùrad thiughaid sa chòmhdach ; gu robh na 

craicnean agus an " Leabhar dearg" air an sgriobhadh anns an làimh anns an robh Gàelig 

airasgrìobhadh o shean an Albainn agus ann an Eirinn, mu'n doghabh daoine cleachdadh air 

sgriobhadh na Gàèlig anns an làimh Shasunnaich ; 

leughadh gu math ; 

gum b'aithne dha athair an t-shean làmh a 

gu robh cuid de na craicnean aige fein an deigh bàis athar, ach a thaobh 

is nach d' ionnsaich e iad, agus nach robh aobhar meas aig' orra, gu deach' iad ar chall. 

Tha e ag ràdh nach robh h-aon de shinnsiribh air a robh Pall mar ainm, ach gu robh 

dithis dhiubh ris an canadh iad Cathal. 

Tha e 'g ràdh nach ann le h-aon duine a sgriobhadh an " Leabhar dearg," ach gu robh 

adnomen Albanach ! He lived in the fifteenth century. He could not be ignorant of letters. 

He was well acquainted with all the idioms of his native language, and had the greatest command 

over its powers and energies. Nor was he ignorant of the genius of the people whom he addressed. 

Clann-Domhnuill was the most powerful of the clans in his time. They were foremost in battle, 

and entitled to take the right in the field ; which was never disputed, till the battle of Culloden, 

which proved so fatal to many. Our poet, therefore, exhausted the almost exhaustless coj.ia 

verhorum of the language, for the purpose of infusing the spirit of the greatest heroism and love 

of conquest into the breasts of the warriors. 

nobility and gentry between the two rivers Tay and Spey, and with them met the invader at the place above mentioned, 

where a long, ui certain, and bloody battle ensued ; so long, that nothing but the night conid put an end to 

it ; so uncertain, that it was hard to say who had lo-t or gained ihe day ; so bloody, that one family is reported to 

have lost the father and six of his sons. The earl rf Marr's party, who survived, lay all night on the field of battle ; 

while Donald, being rather wearied with action than conquered by force of arms, thought fit to retreat, first to Koss, 

and then to the Isles.— Abe icromby's Hut.

64 SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

e air a sgriobhadh o linn gu linn le teaghlach Chlann-Mhuirich, a bha cumail suas seana- 

chas Chlainn-Dòmhnnill, aiûs ceannardan nam tìneaehan Gàelach eile. 

An deigh so a sgriobhadb, cbaidh a leughadb dlia, agus db-aidich e gu robh e ceart, ann an 

làtliair Dhòmhnuill Mhie-DhGmhnuill, fear Bhaile Raghaill ; Eoghain Mhic-Dbòmhnufl], 

fear Gheara-sheilich; Eoghan Mhic-Dhomlmuill Fear Ghriminis ; Alasdair Mhic-Ghill- 

eain, fear Hoster, Alasdair Mhic-Neacail, ministear Bheinne-bliaoghla ; agus Ailein 

Mhic-Chuinn, ministear Uist-a-Chinne-r«aM, a fear asgriobh a seanachas so. 

(Signed) LACHUNN X MAC-MHUIRICH. 

TRANSLATION OF THE ABOVE. 

RUAIR1DH MAC-NEILL, J.P. 

In tbe house of Patrick Nicolson, at Torlum, near Castle-Burgh, in the shire of Inver- 

ness, on the ninth day of August, compeared in the fifty-ninth year of his age, Lachlan, 

son of Neil, son of Lachlan, son of Neil, son of Donald, son of Lachlan, son of Neil Mar, 

son of Lachlan, son of Donald, of the surname of Mac Vuirich, before Roderick M'Neil, 

laird of Barra, and declared, That, according to the best of his knowledge, he is the 

eighteenth in descent from Muireach, whose posterity had officiated as bards to the family 

of Clanronald ; and that they had from that time, as the salary of their office, the farm 

of Staoiligary and four pennies of Drimisdale during fifteen generations ; that the six- 

teenth descendant lost the four pennies of Drimisdale, but that the seventeenth descend- 

ant retained the farm of Staoiligary for nineteen years of his life. That there was a right 

given them over these lands as long as there should be any of the posterity of Muireach 

to preserve and continue the genealogy and history of the Macdonalds, on condition that 

the bard, failing of male issue, was to educate his brother's son, or representative, in order 

to preserve their title to the lands ; and that it was in pursuance of this custom that his 

own father, Neil, had been taught to read and write history and poetry by Donald, son 

of Neil, son of Donald, his father's brother. 

He remembers well that works of Ossian, written on parchment, were in the custody 

of his father, as received from his predecessors ; that some of the parchments were made 

up in the form of books, and that others were loose and separate, which contained the 

works of other bards besides those of Ossian. 

He remembers that his father had a book which was called the lied liuoh, made of 

paper, which he had from his predecessors, and which, as his father informed him, con- 

tained a good deal of the history of the Highland Clans, together with part of the works 

of Ossian. That none of these books are to be found at this day, because when they (his 

family) were deprived of their lands, they lost their alacrity and zeal. That he is not 

certain what became of the parchments, but thinks that some of them were carried away 

by Alexander, son of the Rev. Alexander Macdonald, and others by Ronald his son ; 

and he saw two or three of them cut down by tailors for measures. That he remembers 

well that Clanronald made his father give up the red book to James Macphcrson from

NIALL MAC-MHUIIUCII. 65 

Badenoch ; that it was near as thick as a Bible, but that it was longer and broader, 

though not so thick in the cover. That the parchments and the red book were written 

in the hand in which the Gaelic used to be written of old both in Scotland and Ireland 

before people began to use the English hand in writing Gaelic ; 

and that his father knew 

well how to read the old hand. That he himself had some of the parchments after his 

father's death, but that because he had not been taught to read them, and had no reason 

to set any value upon them, they were lost. He says that none of his forefathers had the 

name of Paul, but that there were two of them who were called Cathal. 

He says that the red book was not written by one man, but that it was written from age 

to age by the family of Clan Mhuirich, who were preserving and continuing the history 

of the Macdonalds, and of other heads of Highland clans. 

After the above declaration was taken down, it was read to him, and he acknowledged 

it was right, in presence of Donald M'Donald of Balronald, James M' Donald of Gary- 

helich, Ewan Mac Donald of Griminish, Alexander Mac Lean of Hoster, Mr Alexander 

Nicolson, minister of Benbecula, and Mr Allan Mac Queen, minister of North-Uist, who 

wrote this declaration. 

Gur e naigheachd na ciadain, 

(Signed) LACHLAN x MAC VUIRICH. 

ORAN. DO MHAC-MHIC-AILEIN.* 

Rinii mo chruitheachd a shiaradh. 

Le liunn-dubh, 's le bròn ciaiiail, 

Gu'n dhrùidh i trom air mo chriochaibh, i 

Mo sgeul duilich nach iarr, 

Mi 'ur còmhradh. 

Mo sgeul, &c. 

M' uaildh, m' aighear, is m' aiteas, 

Tha fo bhinn aig fir shasuinn. 

Ar tighearn' òg maiseach, 

An t-ogh ud Iarla nam bratach, 

Mac an fhir thug dbomh fasga 

'Nuair b' òg mi. 

Mac an fhir, &c. 

'S truagh gu'n mise bhi lamh ruit, 

'Nuair a leagadh 's bhlàr thu, 

Gu cruaidh curanta laidir, 

Agus spionuadh nan Gael, 

« The bard composed this song when a very old man, on 

hearing that his master was Wounded at Shirriffmuir. 

RODERICK MAC NIEL, J.P. 

Nàile dhiolainn do bhàs, 

Dheanainn i'eòlach, 

Nàile dhiolainn, &c. 

Uidhist aighearach, eibhinn, 

Dhubhach, glialanach, dheurach, 

Nis o rug ort am beum so, 

'Sgoirt r'a fhulang ni 's eiginn, 

Liuthad fear a tha 'n deigh air 

Mac-Dhomhnuill. 

Liuthad fear, &c. 

Cha 'n è 'n Domhnull sin roimhe, 

Ach mac sin Dhomhnuill ogh Iain, 

Ailean aoibhinn an aigheir, 

Urram fèile ; righ flatha, 

Ceannard meaghreach gu caitheamh 

Na mòr-chuis. 

Ceannard, &c. 

'Nuair a chiaradh am feasgar, 

Gum biodh branndaidh ga losgadh, 

Fion Frangach ga chosg leibh,

66 SAIt-OBAUt NAM

Agus sneachd air na gèagaìbb, 

Ghuil cunlaitfa an t-shleibhe, 

O'n là ehual iud gun d' eug thu, 

A cheann uidhe nan ceud bu mhor prìs. 

A cheaim-uidhc nan ceud, &c. 

Gheibht' a d' bhaile ma fheasgar, 

Smùid mhòi', 's cha b' è 'n greadan ; 

Fir ùr agus fleasgaich, 

A' losga' fùdair le beadradh, 

Cùirn is cupaichean brcaca, 

Pìosan òir air an dealtradh, 

'S cha b' aim falamfa a gheibht' iad, 

Ach gach deoch rear bu neart-mhoire brigh. 

Ach gach mar bu, &c. 

'S iomadh clogaid a's targaid, 

Agus claidheamh chinn airgeid, 

Bhiodh mar coinneamh air ealachuin, 

Dhomhsa b' aithne do sheanchas, 

Ge do b' fharsuinn ri leanmhuinn, 

Ann an eachdraidh na h-Alba ; 

Raonuill òig dean beairt ainmeil, 

0"n bu dual dut oil' leanmhuinn mòrghniomh. 

O'n bu dual, &c. 

'S cha bu lothagan cliata, 

Gheibht' ad stùbuill ga'm biathadh ; 

Ach eich chruidheacha shrianach, 

Bhiodh do mliiol-choin air iallaibh, 

'S iad a' feitheamh ri fiadhach, 

Ann sua coireanaibh riabhach, 

B' è mo chreacha nach do liath tbu, 

M' an tainig teaclidair ga d' iarraidh on righ. 

M' an tainig teachdair, &c. 

SEANACHAS SLOINN1DH 

NA PIOBA BHO THUS. 

Aohroman muice ho ! hò ! 

Air a sheideadh gu h-ana-nihòr, 

A cheud mbàla nach robh Linn, 

Thainig o thus na dilinn. 

Bha seal ri aodromain mhuc, 

Ga lionadh suas as gach pluic, 

Craiceann seana mhuilt na dhuigh sin, 

Re searbhadas agus ri dùrdail. 

Cha robh 'n uair sin ann sa phiob, 

Ach seannsair agus aon Hop, 

Agus maide chumadh nam fonn, 

Da 'm b'-ainm an sumaire. 

Tamull dai!)h na dheigh sin, 

Do fhuair as-innleachd innleachd, 

Agus chinnich na tri chroinn innt, 

Fear dhiu fada, leobhar, garbh, 

Ri durdan reamfcar ro shearbh. 

N1ALL MAC-MHUIRICH. c: 

Air faighinn an d ordain soirbb, 

Agus a ghothaich gu loma Lèir, 

Chraobh-sgaoil a chraimaghail mar sin, 

Ri searbhadas agus ri l uchdail. 

Piob sgreadanach Ian Mhic- Artair, 

I\Iar eun curra air dol air ais, 

Lan ronn 's i labbar luirgneach, 

Com galair mar ghuilbneich ghlais 

Pìob Dhòmhnuill do cheòl na Cruinne, 

Crannaghail bhreoite 's breun roi' shluaj.h» 

Cathadh a mùia tro màla grodaidh, 

Bo 'n tuil gbraionde robaich ruaidh : 

Ball Dhòmhnuill is dos na pioba, 

Da bbeist chursta ' chlaigeinn mhaoil, 

Seinnidh Corra-ghluineach a ghathuinn 

Fuaim trùileach an tabhainn sheirbh. 

Do-cheòl do bhi 'n ifrinn iochdrach, 

Faobnar phioban nan dos cruaidh, 

Culaidh a dhùsgadh nan deamhan, 

Liugail do mheoir reamhair ruaidh. 

Air fheasgar an eariaich min, 

War gheum maift caòile teachd gu tlus, 

Thig sgreadail a chroinn riabhaich, 

Mar bhr. . . tòine 'n di duibh. 

Chuir Venus a bha seal an Ifrinn, 

Mar dhearbhachd sgeul gu fir an Domhain. 

Gur h-e corranach bhan is piob ghleadhair, 

Da leannan ciuil cluas nan Deamhan. 

****** 

* * * # * # 

Fàileadh a ch . . dheth na mbàla 

'S fàileadh a mhàla dheth 'n phiobair. 

S'ote—The Author of this piece is NiaH tvir Mac. 

Mhuirick. We have heard the following anecdote, in 

illustration of this poem. Neil had lately returned to his 

father's house from the bards' college, in Ireland, from 

whence, alnng with the stores of genealogical and other 

lore with which lie had stored his head, he had in addition, 

brought over a back-burden of the small-pox, and was lying 

asleep, on a settle bed, at the back of the house near the 

tire, when John and Donald M' Arthur, two pipers, 

came in, and, sitting down on the bed-stock, began tuneing 

their pipes preparatory to playing. The horrid and dis. 

cordant sound of the pipes joused the bard, who, burst, 

ing with indignation, in the true style of his profession, 

began to inveigh against the pipers, in the following 

mock genealogy of the bag-pipe. It would appear from 

this, as well as from hints in other poems, that the bag-pipe 

was never a favourite with the bards ; but was rather re. 

garded by them as trenching on their province. The poem 

was evidently intended to resent the intrusion of thepipers 

on the bard's slumbers. Nor did it fail of the desired effect; 

for, the pipers it seems, had intended to make good their 

quarters for the night ; 

but, on hearing the odd and ludicrous 

invective against their favourite instrument, entin. 

ciated from behind them, they started from their seats 

with astonishment looking round for an explanation, liut 

when the swollen and pocky countenance


IAIN DUBH MAC IAIN IC-AILEIN. 

John M'Donald, commonly Iain Dubh Mac Iain 'Ic-Ailein, i. e. John of black locks, 

son of John, the son of Allan, was a gentleman of the Clanronald family, and was born 

about the year 1GG5. He received all the advantages of education, together with the 

opportunities that the times in which he lived offered to a man of observation. He was 

immediately descended from the Maer family—a great branch of the Clanronalds—of 

whom many individuals were highly distinguished for prowess, wit, and poetical powers. 

He resided in the island of Eig, on the farm of Grulean. 

Mr M'Donald was not a poet by profession, although he was considered by good 

judges not inferior to any bard of his age. He lived in easy circumstances. Amid his 

rural pursuits, he had ample time to woo the muses, or pass his leisure as inclination 

or opportunity occurred. He, therefore, put himself under no restraint, but sung when 

inspired, and made observations on men and manners ; and his remarks were generally 

allowed to be shrewd and just. Few anecdotes can be expected of a man who passed a 

quiet life in such circumstances. He always held a respectable rank in society. His 

poems display taste and elegance, and his compositions, occasional and gratuitous as they 

were, must have been numerous. 

A Bhliadhna gus an Aimsir so, 

Gu'm b' fholrmeil sinn an Ormaioleit, 

'N cùirt an leoghainn mhearcasaich, 

Ge fe&r-ghalach romhorghalaeh, 

Ge Miiarlidail, reachilail calniar' thu, 

'S ro-anamanta neo morchuiseach, 

Am bùul o'm Mud' thig argamaiil, 

'S tu dhearbbadh le ccart colas i. 

Gur h-e fhad 's o'n dh' flialbli thu uairin, 

Dh' fhag ime-cheiateach an eomhnaldh sinn, 

Gu'm b' fheoiT leiim thu blii sealgaireaehd, 

Air talamfa garbh ua mor. thire, 

'J'hu fèln 's do bbuldheann alnmelneaoh, 

Na n èireadb farragradh fòpa-aan, 

Bhiodh ranodacb lughor arm-cleasar.h, 

Sluagh garbh- bhuilleaeh, garg, comhragach. 

ORAN DO MHAC-MHIC-AILEIN. 

Gu'm bi fid a gheala-bhratach, 

'S neo-chearbach an tùs comh-stri i, 

Tlia elmis ud ar a dhearbhadh leibh, 

Aig ro mhiad fearrdba 's cròdhalachd, 

A liutbad òigear barreaideach, 

A bhuaUeadh tailm le stròic-launabh, 

O Sbeile gblas nan geala-bbradan, 

Gu Iiibhear gainmbich Mor-thire. 

Tha Caoa 's Eig a' gèilleacbdainn, 

Do 'n treun t'hear ud mar uachdaran, 

O'n s ami leatsa dh' eireas iad, 

Deun t'cin gacb tread dhiu' bhuacbailleadid, 

Am fiubhaidh gasda tbreubhacb sin, 

Niir.h labhar beuirtean truaillidh lco, 

An laochraidh tbaitneacb ghear-lannacbj 

A tlu'id air gbleua gu fuatbaaach.

A Uidhist thig na ceudan ort, 

Fir bheur' a reubadh chuainteannan, 

Nach gabhadh sgreamh no deistinne, 

Roimh fhrasan geur a cruaidh-shneachda, 

Bhur samhail riabh cha d' èirich dhuibh, 

An làthair feum no cruaidh-chuise, 

Gu cnoidheach, lotach, bèumanach, 

Gu fuilteach, creuchdach, luath-lamhach. 

'S mor a bhuaidh 's na tiolaicean, 

'S an inntinn ata fuaighte riut, 

Tha gràdh gach duine chi thu ort, 

Cha 'n eòl dlioinh f)iin fear fuatha dhut, 

Fear sgipidh, measail, firinneach, 

Fear sìthmalte, sèamh, suairceil thu, 

Fear sunndach, mùirneach, brìodalach, 

Sàr chùirteir gu'n ghniomh buathanta. 

Fear borb rò-gharg do-chaisgt thu, 

Na'n èireadh strì no tuasaid ort, 

Do bhuirb ri t-fheirg ga miadachadh, 

'S tu 'n leoghanu neìmneach, buan-thosgach, 

Mar bhuinne reothairt fior bhras thu, 

Mar thuinn ri tir a bualadh thu, 

Mar bharr na lasrach fior-loisgeach, 

'S tu an dreagan ri linn cruadh-chogaidh. 

Mo chionsa an t-àrmunn prìseil ud, 

Mo sheobhag fìor-ghlan uasal thu, 

An onoir ghleidh do shinnsireachd, 

'S e miad an gnioinh a fhuair dhaibh i, 

Gu'n d' fhdg iad daingheaim sgrìobht agad, 

Fo lamh an rìgh le shuaicheantas, 

Bhiodh t-àrd fhear coimheid dìlis air, 

'N uair dh-i'has an rioghachd tuair-shreupach. 

Curro glan na friamhaichean, 

'S a fhìon-fhuil as 'n do bhuaineadh tu, 

Mo Raonullach bras mìleanta, 

Cruaidh cinnteach de mhein-chruaghach thu, 

Ar caraig dhaighean dhìleas thu, 

Cha 'n ann gu'n strì' theid gluasad ort, 

Ar ceanna-bheairt 's ar sgiath dhìdein thu, 

'S ar claidheamh direach buan-sheasach. 

Bu blàth ann àm na sìochthaimh thu, 

'S bu phrìunnsalach ma t-uaislean thu, 

Air mhiad 's ge 'n cosg thu chìsin ris, 

Cha 'n fhaic thu dìth air tuathanach. 

Do bhanntraichean 's do dhìleachdain, 

Gur h-e do nì-sa dh' fhuasgladh orr', 

Deanamaid urnaidh dhìcheallach, 

Gu 'n cumadh Criosda suas dhuinn thu. 

AIN DUBH MAC IAIN 'IC-AILEIN. 69 

MARBHRANN 

DO MHAC MHIC-AILECV. 

A bhliadhna leuma d'ar miileadh, 

An coig-deug 's a mil' eile, 

'S na seachd ceud a roinn imeaciid, 

Chaill sinn ùr-ros ar finne, 

'S geur a leus air ar cinneadh ra'm beò. 

'S gèur a leus air, &c. 

Mo sgèul cruaidh 's mo chràdh ciidhe, 

Ar triatb Kaonullach dlitheach, 

Dh-ordaich Dia dhuinn mar thighearn' 

Gu là-bhràth nach dean tighimi, 

'S tu 'n Inbhir-Phephri fo' rithe na'm bòrd, 

'S tu 'n Inbhir-phephri, &c. 

Marcach sunndach nam pillein, 

Air each cruidheach nach pilleadh, 

Nach d' ghabh ciiram no giorag, 

An àm dùblachaidh 'n teine, 

Mo sgeul geur bha do spiorad ro-mhor, 

Mo sgeul geur, &c. 

Cuirtear aigeantach, mileant' 

Muirneach, macnasach, fior-ghlic, 

Ga 'n robh cleachdadh gach tire, 

Agus fasan gach rioghachd 

Teanga bhlasda ri inuse gach sgeòil. 

Teanga bhlasda, &c. 

Leoghann tartarach, meanmnach, 

'S cian 's as fad a chaidh ainm ort, 

Beul a labhradh neo-chearbach, 

Bu mhor do mheas aig fir Alba, 

'S tu toirt brosnachadh calma do'n t-shlògh. 

'S tu toirt brosnachadh, &c. 

Fiuran gasda, deas, dealbhach, 

'Sgàthan tlachdar na h-Armailt, 

'N uair a dh eireadh an fhearg ort, 

B' ann air ghile 's fiamh dearg oirr, 

Cha ruin pillidh bha meamna 'n laoich òig. 

Cha ruin pillidh, &c. 

Bha thu teom ann 's gach fearra-ghniomh, 

Bu tu sgiobair na fàirge, 

Ri là cas 's i tighin gailbheach, 

'N uair a dheireadh i garbh ort, 

'S tu gu'n diobradh an t-anabhar ma bòrd. 

'S tu gun diobradh, &c. 

'N àm siubhal a gharbhlaich. 

Bututaghadh an t shealgair, 

As do laimh bu mhòr m'earbsa, 

Air an fhiadh bu tu 'n cealgair, 

'S tu roinn gaoith' agus talmhuinn ma shròin. 

'S tu roinn gaoith, &c.

TO SAR-OBAIR NAM HARD GAELACH. 

Oirnne dh' [micham faathas, 

An syrìob so thainig o tbuatfc eirnn, 

Tha ar càbaill air fuaagiadb, 

Chaidh ar n-eirtbire Bguabadh, 

A's sinn mar cbuileanan cuaiue gu'n treòir. 

A's sinn mar cbuileanan, &c. 

Chaill sinn reulla nan dualamh, 

Cbaidb ar riaghailt a gbluaaadj 

Ar cairt-iuil air falbh uainnt', 

Bhrist ar atiuir ; mo cheud truaighe, 

Sinn mar luing aim a' chuan 's i gu'ii Beòl. 

Sinn mar luing, &c. 

Sinn mar llnne gun mhàthair, 

Mar threuil gun bhuaebaille gnàthaicht 

Sinnfobhruid aig ar nàmhaid, 

H-uile fear a' toirt tàir dhuinn, 

'S na coin luirge gach là air ar tòir. 

'S no coin luirg, &c. 

Dhuinn 's neo-shubhach an geamhradh, 

An ruaig a thug sinn gu Galltachd, 

Cha bu bhuannachd acta call dhuinn, 

Nis mar cbolainn gun cheann sinn 

O roinn Raonull a's t-shamhradb uainn falbh. 

O roinn Raonull, &c. 

A gnnuis a b' àillidh ri sirreadb, 

An t-shùil bu bhlaithe gu'n tioma, 

An leoghann àrd air dheagh-oilean, 

'Nach d' chnir ùigh an gniomh foUteil, 

Ach an riogbalachd ahoilleir gu'n leòin, 

Ach an riogbalachd, &c. 

'S oil loam càradh do cheile, 

'S bean na h-aonar a'd' dhèidh i, 

'N deigb a agaradh o eeud-gradh, 

I\!hic 'Ic-Ailcin o'n dheug tbu, 

Fhir a leanadb an fheiad mar bu choir. 

Fhir a leanadb, &c. 

Ach fhir thug Maois as an Euphaid, 

'S a sgoilt a mhuir na dAr ividh dhaibh, 

Thug an triuir as an èigin 

O bbidagbadh an creuchdan ; 

A High nan rigb na lelg eucoir da'r còir. 

A Righ iia'n righ, fce. 

M A R B II It A N N 

DO SHIR IAIN MAC-ILLEAFX TKIATII DHUBHAIRT. 

Iomraich mo bbeannacbd, 

Gu liainn-tighcariia Thamair, 

Beau 'a am bell barrachd, 

De charantachd nàduir ; 

Chunaic raise gu dligheil, 

A suilcan ri snitlie, 

'S i 'g àircamh mar mhi-àdh, 

Sior Iain da fàgail : 

Bha dòrainp a cridbe, 

Cho mòire ga ruighinn, 

'S mar gu 'm biodh e air tighinn, 

O dhearbb nighean a màtbar : 

Gu oronachadb age'ula, 

Bhiodh fada 'na db&gb sin, 

Thug Mairiread na fcile, 

Spor gheur do'n fhear-dhàna. 

Nach Eongbnadb ri chlàistìn, 

Gum beil mise o cbeann fada, 

Ann an turcadaich cadail, 

Agus m' acaid ro-cbraiteach ; 

Tha encidh air mo ghiùlan, 

S mi leisg air a dusgadh, 

Air eagal le ' bùrach, 

Gun ùraich i'm has dhomb, 

Gidheadh cha sgeul -rùine, 

Ach sgeula 's mor cùram, 

Sir Iain gu'n dùsgadh, 

An dlu chiste chlaraibh ; 

B'e so an fhras chiùraidh, 

A mhill ar n-abhall's ar n-uhhlan : 

Roinn ar dosgainn a chrùnadb, 

Fhroia am riùr bhàrr a ghàraìdh. 

B'c fèin ar crann dosrach 

A chomhdaich le choltas 

Gur a coilltichin solta 

'N dh-fhas toiseach a fhreamha 

Gu'n dreadhunn gu'n chrìonaoh, 

Gun ehrltbeann gu'n chrin-fhiodh, 

Ach geugan ro phriseil, 

Do dh-fhion-fhuil na Spain*, 

Bha fios aig luchd lcubhaidb, 

'S aig seanachatdhean geura, 

Air ar tcachd o Ghathelus, 

As an Euphaid a thdinig, 

Sliochd mhilidhcan trcuna, 

Fhuair ceanaaa na b-Eireaoa, 

Mar bha fir na fcile, 

Agus Eirimon dàna. 

O'n ghln sibh o Scota, 

Bha bbuaidh air bbur cordai, 

A' dearbhadh 's a còrohdach, 

Am pòr as an d' fbàa sibh. 

Far an gabhadh sibh còmhiiaidb, 

Bu leibh ceannaa na fòid sin, 

I.e ionaadaidh cdracb, 

Agus moran a bhàrr air, 

Clad nighean Mhic-Domhnuill, 

Mar mhairiate pòsda, 

B'e n aeanailèir còmhraig, 

'N ciad Thòisich a's àrmainn.

******* 

IAIN DUBH MAC IAIN 'IC-AILLTN. 

71

72 SAII-015A1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

IAIN DUBH MAC

An :im dol a bbualadh 

B' e 'n cruadal 'ur calg, 

Bu ghuineacb ur beumao 

'N liair dli' èireadh 'ur fearg. 

Nam biodh gach curaidh treun-mhor 

Le cheile sail am, 

lad air aon inntiiiii dhirich 

Gun fhiaradh, gun chain, 

lad cho cinntcach ri aon fhear, 

'S iad titheach air geall, 

Dh' aindeoin mùiaeag nan dù-Gball, 

Thig cùi-s tliar an ceanii. 

CUOSDHANACIID 

FIIIH NAN DRUIMNEAN. 

Tha bitli ur an tir na Dreollalnn, 

'S coir dliuinn aithris, 

Tha moran deth tigh'n am biochionnt' 

lti gnàs Shasuinn, 

Ni 'in beil duin' uasal, no iosal, 

No (ear fearainn, 

Leis nach àill, gu moran buiuig, 

Ceird a bharrachd. 

Tha ceird ur aig fear nan Druimnean, 

Th' air leinn tha cronail 

B'àill leis fein a dhol an àitti 

Mhaisteir Sgoile, 

An t-òide sin fein a rinn flioghlum, 

Le gloir LaideaoD) 

Ghlacadh leis, gun chead a chairdcan, 

A cheaird a bli'aige. 

Labhairt— 'S e an t-aobliar a thug do dhaoine 

aire thoirt do sbaunt an sgoileir so, 'nuair a mh- 

laonalcfa se cheaird do bhi aigoide foghluim, nach 

laimhaicheadh e i, mar laimhaicheadh an t-oide 

foghluim fein i. Oir 'nuair a gbabhadb an t-oide 

foghluim air a dhaltachan, 's aim a gbabhadb e 

air na lcanahanun, acta 's aim a gbabhadb an 

sgoileir aanntacb so air na daoine àrsaidh mar an 

ceudua. 'Nuair gbabhadb an t-oide foghluim 

air a dhaltachan, ' aim a ghabbadb e air na 

cioutaich, ach 'sann a gbabhadb an Kgoileirsaimt- 

ach air na neo-chioutaich. '8 aim uailh sin a 

dubhradh— " Saoilidb am fear a bhios na thumb, 

gur e fein a's fearr lamb air an stiùir," ach cha 

mhò gur h-e. 

Cha'n ionnsaich c claim, no leanabain, 

Mar bu choir dha, 

Gus am hi iad na'n daoin' àrsaidh 

Vu 'n Ian fheòsaig, 

; 

SAU-OBA1U NAM HARD GAELAC1I. 

Cha tugadh an Cillmocheallaig 

Breath bu chlaoine,* 

No ni rinn an ceann a b' aird', 

A' màs 'ga dhioladh. 

Gabhail do chrios an aois àrsaidh, 

Air màs seau-duin', 

'S fada ma'n ionnsaich an gniomh sin 

Ciall do theangaidh, 

Ge be labhras ris an fhear ud, 

Còir, no ea-coir, 

Gabhar air a ghiort' de slracaibh, 

Le ciios ieilidli. 

Labhairt— Agus b'fhior do'n duine sin, cha 

d'fhuaireadh riamh rud a dh'ionnsacbadh teanga 

drocb mhuinte, bu mbeasa na gabhail air na 

màsaii aim an aobbar na teanga, agus an teanga 

thuigsinn gur h-ann na h-aobhar fèin a lhuair am 

màs am mor-ghleusadh sin. Mar deanadh sin a 

ciall ni bu mbeasa, cha deanadh e idir ni b'fhearr 

i. Uaith sin a dubhradh— " Am fear nach ionn- 

saich laimh ri ghlitn, cha'n ionnsaich laimh ri 

uilean." 

A chuideachd da'm bu choir bhi diamhair, 

'S a ghnà 'in falach, 

Cha d'fhagadb da'n dion bho chunnart, 

Sion de dh' earradh, 

liba iad .ion uair an lathair tiauais, 

An taigh grcusaich. 

Dubhairt nighean Sbombairlef 

Le rabbart, sa gnas siomhailt, 

'S còir gu'm beaunaicb sinn gu saibhear, 

Cuid gach Criosduidh. 

B'fhearr learn ge nach eil mi maoineach, 

No luach gearrain, 

Gu'm biodh coltas do thriuir 

Gu turn aig Calum.J 

Labhairt— 'S e aobbar thug do'n mhuao. 

bheusaich, cheart, choir, so a radh, a run deagh 

chneasta, chum gu'm biodh aig a fear fein a 

leithid, sa bbiodh aig a nabaidhean ; 's nach suil 

ghointe, no lombais, a bh' aic air cuid a coimhearsnaicb. 

Mar bh'aig Gillebride Mae-an- 

t-Saoir aim an Uuthaig, an Tirithe, a inhort 

an ceithir-tichaid cearc le aon bhrum-sula, 's a 

bhris long mhor nan cuig crannag, a dbaindeoin 

a cablaicheaii sa b-acraiehean. Uaith a sin a 

dubhradh— " Sann de'n cheaird a cbuugddh." 

Tha bith ur an tir na Dreollainn, 

A tbog am Baron, 

Air gach aon fhear a labhras buna-cbainnt, 

Itusgadh feamain, 

Ma sgaoileas air fcadh gach tire, 

Am bith thog Tearlach, 

* See note, page 38. f The shoemaker's, wife. 

t The shoemaker who liad no children.

'S teann as naeh feudadh ri h-uine, 

K-I'ein bhi jiaighte. 

Ma rigeas an gearan so Seumas, 

Breitheamh skr-nihath, 

— 

AN T-AOSUANA MAC-MHATHAIN. 

75 

tainer, that he immediately determined to he revenged on 

the souter; and, lest he should have the hardihood to 

deny his own words, he took the schoolmaster along with 

him. Now, the souter was a regular lickspittle; a mean, 

cringing, fawning, malicious, yet cowardly wictch; for, 

when the laird said to him, " Did you say to this gentle- 

Clia tog e dochair mu dlieibhinn, 

Ach glag mòr gaire. 

man," pointing to the dominie, "that you would make 

no more shoes for me till I had paid for the last I 

got ?" " Oh no, no, Sir," said the shoemaker, with an air 

Labhairt— Agus bha aobhar na dlia aig an t- 

Siorramh choir air fair a dbeanadh, tbaobh 

gu'n d'rug fimchioll-gbearradh airsau, lecoimhearsnachd 

ban- Spain tich do thachair ris. 'S 

of surprise, 

aim uaith sin a dubhradh, " An duine ni teine 

math deanadli e-fciu a gharadh lis. 

Note —The laird of Druimin kept an old schoolmaster 

in his house, in the double capacity of tutor to his 

children and goer of errands. The dominie was one day 

Bent to a shoemaker who lived on the laird's grounds, with 

a message ordering a pair of new shoes for his master. 

The souter declined the honour intended him, alleging as 

a reason that it was a standing rule with him, " never to 

make a pair of shoes fur any customer till the last which 

he had got were paid for." But there was another, if 

not rather a piece of the same, reason of the shoemaker's 

unwillingness to make the shoes the laird was a dreach 

payer; one, in fact, who would run on an account to any 

conceivable length without ever thinking it time to settle 

it. Well, the wielder of the ferula returned, and reported 

to his master the ipsissima verba of the son of St Crispin. 

The laiid was so exasperated at the insolence of his re- 

" most willingly would I convert all the 

leather in my possession into shoes for your honour. I 

have but too much time to work fur those who are not so 

able to pay me, and am therefore always at your service." 

The poor dominie was thunder-struck at the barefaced 

impudence of the "fause loon;" but, ere he had time to 

utter a word in explanation, the laird had nut only laid 

the flattering unction to his own soul, but seizing the 

preceptor by the throat, placed his head between his 

own knees ill a twinkling, and clutching Crispin's footstrop 

in the one hand, and lifting the dominie's philabeg 

with the other, he therewithal plied him on the 

bare buttocks, so hotly and heavily, that he had well 

nigh expended the "wrath" which he had so carefully 

been "nursing" for the rascally souter. How many 

stripes the wight received deponent hath not said, but 

true it is, the number far exceeded that prescribed by 

the law of Moses. Indeed it is doubtful whether " the 

man of letters" might not have lost his " precious spunk," 

if the shoemakei's better-half had not Hown to his rescue. 

Gentle dame! well have I designated thee thy churlish 

husband's " better-bait I" for though the poor schoolmaster 

was both disgraced and pained through his default, his 

eyes were blind and his heart hard as the " nether millstone." 

And though it may be that no grey stone points 

out the place of thy sepulture, yet has the bard embalmed 

thy name in his song. 

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-MHATHAIN. 

This poet flourished in the seventeenth century. He lived in Lochalshe, Ross-sbire, 

where he had free lands from the Earl of Seaforth, and was called his bard. He was a 

poet of great merit, and composed as many poems as would occupy a large volume ; 

but as they were not committed to writing, they suffered the same fate with the 

productions of Nial Mac-Mhurrich, and were lost by being trusted to memory alone. 

The two pieces given here is all that can now be found of his works. " Cubar FC-iyh" 

was not composed by him, as stated by some collectors of poetry. The first song given 

here was composed on the Earl of Seaforth, on his embarking at Dorny, of Kintail, for 

Stornoway. It has been imitated in English by Sir Walter Scott. 

Deoch slainte'n Iarla thuathaich, 

A thriall an de thai - chuaintean bhuain, 

Le sgioba laidir luasganach, 

Nach pilleadh cis na t'uathas iad, 

Muir gàireach air gach guallainn dli'i ; 

Air clar do liiinge luaithe, 

Gabh mi cead dhiot is fhuair mi 'n t-òr. 

ORAN DO'N IARLA THUATHACH 

TRIATH CHLANN-CHOINNICH. 

Gu'n cumadh Dia bho bhanghal thu, 

Bho charraid cuain 's bho chaolasao, 

Bho charraig fhuair gun chaomhalachd, 

j 

Seachd beannachd tuath is daonac.hd dhut, 

; 

Buaidh làrach ri do shaoghail ort, 

Fhir ghaoil ga t-fhaicinu biò.

76 SAlt-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

A shliochd righ Fionnaghaill, 

Nan corn geala-ghlaic 's nan siòl balla-bhreac, 

'M pòr nach cearbach, dol fo 'n armaibh, 

'N am nan garbh-chath ruaidhneach. 

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-'ILLEAN. 77 

Ach buaidh a's slàinte an fhir a dh-fhàg tbu, 

Duineil, bràithreil, cinneil, càirdeil, 

Gaol bho nàmhaid, gràdh bho chàirdcan, 

A shliochd nan àrmunn uasal. 

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-'ILLEAN. 

Hector Maclean, commonly called Eachann Bacach an t -Aosdàna, lived in the 

seventeenth century, and was poet to Sir Lachlan M'Lean, of Duart, from whom he had 

a small annuity. After much inquiry, we have not been able to procure any particulars 

of his life worth publication, or seen any more of his productions than are published in 

this work. The following elegy attracted the particular attention of the late Sir Walter 

Scott, and he has published an imitation, or free translation, which is every way worthy 

of that great bard. 

MARBHRANN DO SHIR LACHUINN MAC-GH1LLEA1 

Thriall ar bunadh gu Phàra, 

Co b'unrainn da sheanchas? 

Mac-Mhuirich,* Mac-Fhearguis, 

Craobh a thuinich rè aimsir, 

Fhriamhaich bun ann an Alba, 

Chuidich fear dhiu' cath-Gairiach, 

Fhuair sinn ullaidh fear t-ainme theachd bed. 

Fhuair sinn, &c. 

Cha chraobh chuire cha phlannta, 

Cha chnòdh bho'n uraidh o'n d' fhàs thu, 

Cha bhlà chuirte ma bhealltainn, 

Ach fàs duillich a's meanglain, 

A miar mullaich so dh' fhàg sinn, 

Cuir a Chriosd tuilleadh an àite na dh' fhalbh. 

Cuir a Chriosd, &c. 

'S mor puthar an raith-se, 

'S trom an dubhadh-sa dh'fhàs oirnn, 

Gur ro cumhann leinn t-ardach, 

'N ciste luthaidh na'n claran, 

'S fad is cuimhne leinne càradh nam bùrd. 

'S fad is cuimhne, he. 

Clerk. Register of Icolumkill. 

TRIATH DHUBH-AIRD. 

Chaidh do chiste n taigh geamhraidh, 

Cha do bhrist thu chno shamhiia, 

Misneach fear Innse-Gall thu, 

'S mor is miste do ranntaidh, 

Nach do chlisg thu roi' naimhdean, 

Fhir bu mheasail an campa Mhontroise. 

Fhir bu mheasail, &c. 

Fhir bu rioghaile cleachdadh, 

'S tu bu bhioganta faicinn, 

A dol sios am blàr machracb, 

Bhiodh na miltin ma d' bhrataich, 

Chuid bu phriseile 'n eachdraidh, 

Luchd do mhi-ruin na'n caist ort, 

'S ann a dh' innste leo t-fhasan, 

'Nuair bu sgi leo cuir sgapaidh na'm feòil. 

'Nuair bu sgith, &c. 

Cha bhiodh buannachd do d' nàmhaid, 

Dol a dh' fhuasgladh bhuat lamhuinn, 

Bha thu buadhach 's gach àite, 

Cha b'e fuath mhic a mhàile, 

Fear do shnuadh theachd na fhàrdaich, 

Cha dath uaiue bu bhlà dhut, 

'Nuair a bhuaileadh an t-àrdan ad phòr. 

'Nuair a bhuaileadh, &c. 

N

7H SAil-OBAlR NAM BARD GAELACII.

O It A N 

nnr.ACHUNN mor mac gilleoi.n 

TRIATH DHU13H-AIRD. 

A lachuinn òig gu'n innsiiin ort, 

Sgeal is binn ri àireamh, 

Nis o linn e craobh-sgaoileadh, 

'S na bheil an taobh so dh'fhairge, 

Tha thu Ian do dh' fhioealtachd, 

Cho ceart sa dhinnseadh seanchas, 

Gur mac Iain Ghairbh da rireamli tha, 

An àm dol sios an garbh-chatb. 

A Lachuinn òig gu 'm faic mi tha, 

Mar treigcadh Lord na bus mi, 

Gum faic mi fo cheanu bliadhn thu, 

yiar glac amfiabhras àrd mi, 

A ghnùis sholta, 's am be.nl on sochdrach gùire, 

Do dheud gun stòir o'm binn thig glair, 

O'nfaighinn pòjf a'sfùilte. 

'S e Ceannard Chlan-'lllcain, 

Dh'fhàs flatbasach le cruadal, 

Sgaoil e feadh gach tighearnais, 

Gu'n gbleidh thu dligheil t-uaisle, 

Ach 's iomadh neach bu shùgradh leis, 

Crùbadh arm an truaiileachd, 

Ach rinn thu beairt bu cliùtaiche, 

Air an duchas mar ba dual dhut. 

A Lachuinn òig gu 'mfaic mi thu,

80 SAR-OBAIIl NAM HARD GAELACII. 

LACHUNN MAC THEARLAICIL 

Lachlan M'Kinnon, alias Lachunn Mac Thearlaich Oig, flourished about the middle of 

the seventeenth century. He was a native of Strath, Isle of Skye, and a lineal descendant 

of the Ceann-taighe of the M'Kinnons of that place. His parents were in comfortable 

circumstances, and although we have no data to ascertain the extent of his scholastic 

acquirements, it is obvious from a cursory glance at his productions that he was not un- 

lettered,—while the purity and critical correctness of his Gaelic, furnishes ample proof 

that he studied and understood the structure of that language. He was an excellent 

musician, and was in the habit, when a young man, of carrying his violin about with him 

from place to place—more for recreation and amusement, than for any sordid considera- 

tions of pecuniary remuneration. The habits and predilections of his countrymen, their 

excessive fondness of poetry, music and dancing, always secured for such gifted indivi- 

duals as M'Kinnon, the warmest grasp of hospitality's right hand wherever he went. He 

seems, however, to have discontinued the practice—in consequence of a low, unmanly 

attack upon his character and motives by a wandering bard of the name of M'Lennan. 

Talents and genius are very seldom bestowed upon any individual without a copious 

mixture of impulses, that too often seek their gratification in improper indulgences. Burns 

and Byron were constituted after this manner. Lachlan M'Kinnon happened at one time 

to be perambulating the Main land, in the district of Lochalsh, where he put up for the 

night in the house of a respectable fanner. After supper, one of the daughters went out 

to prepare a bed for the cherished stranger in an out-house or barn. She was accom- 

panied by a little favourite pug called Coireal, and the poet soon followed. Fairly 

ensconced with the fair and artless maid, and privacy favouring his designs, Lachlan 

yielded to the impulses of his heart, and the result was an illegitimate daughter, who 

seems to have inherited the broad humour and poetic genius of her father. Many of her 

repartees and witticisms have descended to us by oral recitation, but space remonstrates 

against our noticing but one, which may serve as a specimen of the whole. Some time 

after her father married, her stepmother was going from home, and meeting her about the 

door accosted her thus:— " You're my ^first-foot, and pity you if you are not lucky to 

meet with 1" " Ask my father," rejoined the young woman, " and he will tell you that I 

am the most unpropitious omen that could come in your way." " Dear me ! how that ?" 

eagerly inquired the stepmother. "Because," continued the other, " I was the first per- 

son he himself met, while on his way to marry you, and God knows it was the most un- 

lucky journey he ever made!" But we are digressing, and had almost forgot to say, that 

during M'Kinnon's struggle to deflower the farmer's daughter, little Coireal sounded so 

loud an alarm, that he seized it by the hind legs, and dashed out its brains against the 

wall ! This has been made the subject of a very merry song, in which our author comes 

in for a pretty round flagellation. 

Lachlan M'Kinnon died at a good old age, and was buried in his native parish, where 

some of his grandchildren are still living and much respected.

M^rbhphaisg ort a mhulaid, 

Nnch do dh'fhuirich thu nochd uarn 

'S nach do leig thu cadal domh, 

S an òidhche fada, fuar, 

Ma's ann a dh'iarraidh cunntais orm, 

A lunn thu air mo shuain, 

Bheir mise greis an dràsda dhut 

Air àireamh na tha bh'uat. 

Latha' siubhal sleibhe dhomh 

'S mi falbh learn fein gu did, 

A chuideachd arms an astar sin 

Air gunna glaic a's cù, 

Gun thachair clann rium ann sa' ghlcann 

A' gal gu fann chion iùil : 

Air learn gur h-iad a b'àillidh dreach 

A chunnacas riamh le m' shuil. 

Gu'm b'ioghnadh learn mar thàrladh dhaibh 

Am fàsach fad air chùl, 

Coimeas luchd an aghaidhean 

Gu'n tagha de cheann iùi!, 

Air beannachadh neo-fhiata dlioinh 

Gu'n d'fhiaraich mi :— " Co sùd ?" 

'S fhreagair iad gu cianail mi 

A'm briathraibh mine ciùin. 

" Iochd, a's Gradh, a's Fiughantas, 

'Nar triuir gur h-e ar n-ainm, 

Clann nan uaislean cùramach, 

A choisinn cliu 's gach ball, 

'Nuair phàigh an theile cis d'an Eug 

'S a chaidh i-tein air chall, 

'Na thiomnadh dh'fhag ar n-athair sinn 

Aig mathaibh Innse-Gall. 

" Tòrmod fial an t-shùgraidh, 

Nach d'fhàs m'a chuinneadh cruaidh, 

A bha gu fearail fiùghantach, 

'S a chum a dhùthchas suas ; 

'S ann air a bha ar taghaich, 

O'n thugadh Iain bh'uainn, 

'S beag m' fharmad ris na r'eumaich 

O'n a bheum na cluig gu truagh ! 

" Bha'n duin' ud ro fhlathasach, 

'S e mathasach le ceill, 

Bha e gu fial fiughantach, 

'S a ghiulan math ga reir ; 

Ge farsuinn eadar Arcamh, 

Cathair Ghlas-cho 's Baile-Bhòid : 

Cha d' fhuaras riamh oid-altrum ann, 

Cho pailt' ri teach Mhic-Leòtd. 

LACHUNN MAC THEARLAICH. 81 

LATHA' SIUBHAL SLEIBHE. 

" Chaidh sinn do Dhun-Bheagain 

A's cha d'iarr sinn cead 'na thùr, 

Fhuair sinn, fàilte shuilbheara, 

Lc f'urbailt a's le mùirn : 

Gu'n ghlac e sinn le acarachd 

Mar dhaltachan 'nar triuir, 

A 's thogadh e gach neach againn 

Gu macant' air a ghlun. 

" Fhuair sinn greis 'gar n-àrach, 

Aig Mac-Leòid a bha san Dun, 

Greis eile gle shaibheir 

Aig a bhrathair bha'n Dun-Tuilm :" 

Sin 'nuair labhair fiughantas 

Dalt uiseil Dhomhnuill ghuirm :— 

" Bu trie leat a bhi sùgradh rinn, 

'S cha b' fhasan ùr dhuinn cuirm. 

" N am eiridh dhuinn neo-airtneulach 

'S biadh maidne dhol air bòrd, 

Gheibhte gach ni riaghailteach, 

Bu mhiannach leat ga d' choir ; 

Cha d' chuir thu duil am priobairtich, 

Cha b' fhiach leat ach ni mòr ; 

Bu chleachdadh air do dhitheid dhut 

Glain' fhiona mar ri ceòl. 

" Am fear a bh' air a Chomraich 

Bu chall soillear dhuinn a bhàs 

Ann an cuisibh diulanais, 

Cha b' iùdmhail e' measg chàicb 

Lamh sgapaidh òir, a's airgeid e 

Gu'n dearmad air luchd dhàn, 

A's mhior.naicheadh na clàrsairean 

Nach e bu tàire lamb.* 

* Alluding to an Irish Harper of the name of Cailran 

Comae, who, in consequence of a misunderstanding, left 

his master and fled to Scotland, at that time the saving ark 

of refugees, whether children of prose or verse. During 

his peregrinations in the hyperborean regions of Caledonia, 

he visited, according to the custom of the times, many of 

the Highland Chieftains and families of distinction, whose 

ears were not yet sufficiently refined to disrelish music, 

and who, consequently, appreciate! his abilities and per. 

formances. Among others in whose families the Hibernian 

minstrel was well received, was that of the Laird of Apple, 

cross. On the day of his departure, Applecross, whose 

generosity was worthy of his country and high rank, gave 

Cormac a handful of gold pieces out of his right hand, and 

a similar quantity or silver ones out of his left. Such a 

splendid instance of genuine Highland liberality, could not 

but awake sentiments of the most lively gratitude in the 

naturally feeling bosom of the minstrel ; who, upon his 

arrival in the Kmerald isle, lost no opportunity of trumpeting 

forth the praises of his benefactor. The tide of his 

quondam employer's rn^-e having now subsided, and a 

reconciliation having been effected between the parliee,


" Thug sinn ruaig gu'n RÒradh 

Gu Blao-Choinnicb mòr nan coach, 

Be'u duiu' iochd-mhor, teò-chrìdbeacb, 

S bu leogbannt e air sluagh, 

Bha urram uaisl' a's ceatmais aig' 

Air fearaibh an taobh-Tuath ; 

Cha chuirt' as geall a cbailleadb e 

Ge d' fhalaich oirn e 'n uaigb ! 

" O'n rimi an uaigh 'ìir glasadh orm, 

'S nach faic mi sibh le'm shiiil ; 

'S cnmhach, cianail, craiteach, mi, 

'S neo-ardanach mo shùrd, 

'S mi cuiinhneachiidh nam braitbrean sin 

A b'aillidh d reach a's gnùis, 

Gur trie a chum sibh coinnidh rium 

Aig Coinneacb aims a' Clntil. 

" Ailpeanaich mhath chiar-dhuibh, 

'Gam bu dùthchas riabh an Srath, 

D'an tigeadh àirm gu sgiamhach 

Ge bu riabhach leinn do dhatb, 

Bu lamb a dheanamh fiadhaich thu, 

Gu'n dial bu bhiatach math, 

'S a nise bho na thriall thu bh'uainn, 

Cha'n iarrair sinn a staigh. 

" Bu chuimir glan do cbalpannan, 

Fo shiiasaid dhealbbaich thruim, 

'S math thigeadh breacan cuachach ort, 

Wu'n cuairt an fhcile chruinii, 

'S ro mhath a thigeadh claidheamh dbut, 

Sgiath laghach nam ball gr'mn, 

Cha robh cron am fradharc ort, 

'Thaobh t-aghaidh 's cul do chinn. 

" Nam togail mail do dhiithchannan, 

'S ga 'n dlùthachadfa riut fein ; 

Bbi'dhmaid air 'nar stiubhartan 

'S 'nar triuir gu'm bi'dhmaid rcidh, 

Cha do thog sinn riabh bò Shamhna dbut, 

No Bealltaimi cha b'e'r beus, 

Cha mhò thug 6ich air tnathanach, 

Bu mho do thruas ri fheum. 

Bha'n duin' ud na charald dhomh, 

'S cha chàr dhomh' chliù a slu-inn, 

Mas can each gur masgall e, 

Leig tharais e na thim ; 

Do bhaa a dh>fhàg mi muladach, 

'8 aim chlalnnear e '« gaob tir, 

Cha b'loghna' mi ga t-iondrann, 

Ann am cuimtais tboirt 's an t-sbuim. 

" 

'S mi Bmaointeach air Da saoidheann sin 

'S a blii ga'n caoidh gu rruagh, 

'S amhuil gbeibh mi bbuinig ami, 

Bin taghaich air luirg t'huair, 

An taobh a chaidh iad tharais, 

'S ann tha dachaigh nil' an t-sbl uaigh, 

Dh'eug Iannraic priunsa Shasuinn ; 

'S cha dùisg e gu làluain ! 

Note.—This beautiful and pathetic song was composed 

by MacKinnon after the death of some of his relations. It 

would appear that while they lived, and while his own cir. 

cumstanccs continued prosperous, he was much respected 

throughout the country, and was not untrcqnently the 

guest and companion of the best gentry in the Highlands. 

No sooner, however, had death deprived him of hit friends, 

and misfortune had robbed him of his gear,» than he began 

to experience, from the world and his former patrons, the 

bitter indifference and coldness which poverty too often 

brings in her train. This he experienced in an especial 

manner, when, on a Christmas evening having gone to the 

Castle of Dunvegan, where the rest of the country gentry 

were, as usual on such occasions, enjoying the hospitality 

of the chief, poor Mackinnon was not only unnoticed and 

neglected, but repulsed from the hall, where, in worthier 

days, and under a worthier laird, he and his fathers were 

wont to be welcome guests. In consequence of this un. 

handsome treatment, the indignant bard returned instantly 

to Strath. While pursuing his homeward journey through 

the lonely glen, beneath the towering Culecns, and while 

the fever of his resentment still burned within his bosom, 

he met, or imagined he met, Ucncrusity, Love, and Liberality, 

outcasts, like himself, from the hearts and halls of 

highland lairds, and bitterly inveighing against the tyranny 

that thus exiled them, unfed and unclothed, from the 

abodes where they were accustomed to reign and revel. 

At length having reached his home, he went to bed, pro. 

bably supperless, and gentle sleep not deigning to woo him, 

but in its stead the weeping muse, he composed, and, for 

the first time, sung this song. It was highly esteemed by 

the Highland bards and seanachais, the latter of whom 

entitled the tune to which it is sung, " Tri.amh Fonn na 

h-Alba," or the third best air in Scotland;—we have not 

been able to ascertain what airs were considered the first 

and second. In reference to the time and place where it 

was first sung, we may mention that it was a custom of the 

old Highlanders, when they could not sleep, to sing on 

their beds, and that loud enough to waken all the inmates 

of the house, who, if the song was good, never grudged 

their slumbers being thus musically broken. 

O R A N 

DO N1GI1KAN Kinii QHBAMBAIL. 

Mncii sa' mhadainn mi \s Ian airtncil, 

Tha mi 'g achdain m' iunndrainn, 

An aite cadail air mo leabaidh, 

Carachndh sa tiunntadh. 

Na 'm faighinn cead, gun rachainn grad, 

Am still gu'n stad, gu'n aon-tamh ; 

A db' fhioa an àit' am noarach each, 

Gu in beil mo ghrudh-sa n Geambail. 

his ma«ter asked Corm.ic :—" Creitl i '« lamh ha Jhri/r da * Lest this statement may be mistaken, it is only to be 

fhuaii tu'n Albainnf" i. e. which was the most liberal inferred that his predecessors had been obliged to dispose 

hand fOU (bund in Scotland ? To which he replied :— of their lands, but that he still had some of the proceeds 

" La mh dhtat Jhir na Comraich "— I he right hand of upon which he lived ; but funds in cash, even if consider. 

ApplccrOSS.—" Crehti '« ' 

Oth te ?" which was the next? able, were not regardeil in those days so honourable as 

even a very limited competency arising from a paternal 

—••Lamh chlith Jhir na Camraich," or the left hand of j 

apple s, was the minstrel's prompt and quaint reply. ittatc.

'S ge fad air chuairt, mi 's tamull bh'uam, 

An aisling bhuan so dhuisg mi ; 

Thu bhi agam, aim am ghlacaibh, 

Bhean bho 'n tlachd-mhor sùgradh. 

A dhainean buinig 's fada m' fhuireacli, 

Arm an iomal dùthcha, 

gu 'in be mo mhiann, 

Bhi 'n diugh a trial] ga t-iunnsaidh. 

O choin a chiall ! 

Air t-iunnsaidh theid mi 'n uair a dheireas, 

Mi gu h-eatrom sunndach ; 

Gach ceum de'n t-3hlij;he, dol ga d' ruidliinn, 

Bi'dh mo chridhe sùgach 

Mo mhiann bhi 'n ceart-uair air bheag cadail 

Ann ad chaidridh greannar ; 

Mo dhuil gun chleith, le durachd mhath, 

Gur h-e mo bheatha teann ort. 

Ach oigh na maise 's òr-bhuidb fait, 

'S do ghruaidh air dreach an neionein ; 

Tha èideadh giinn, mu dheud do chinn, 

'S do beul bho 'm binn thig òian. 

Rosg thana chaoin, fo d' mhala chaoil, 

'S do mheall-shuil, mhin ga seòladli ; 

'S i'n t-sheirc tha t-eudainn ghreas gu eug mi, 

Mar toir cleir dhoinh còir ort. 

Gu'n choir air t-fheutainn, òigh na feile, 

Ghreas mi fèin gu an-lamh ; 

Fhuair thu 'n iosad buaidh bho Dhiarmad,* 

Tha cuir ciad an geall ort. 

Ciochan geala, air uchd meallaidh, 

Miann gach fir 'n am sealltain ; 

Do chion fallaich th' air mo mhealladh, 

'S e na eallach throm orm. 

Tha ruin nam fear, fo d' ghùn am falach, 

Seang chorp, fallain, sunndach ; 

Slios mar eala, cneas mar chanach, 

Bho cheann tamull m' iuil ort. 

Bho bharr do chinn, gu sail do bhuinn ; 

'S tu dhamhsailh giinn air ùrlar ; 

Bhi ga t-aireamh 's gu'n tu lathair, 

Ghreas gu làr mo shugradh. 

Mo shugradh cheil 's duil ruit mar bhean, 

Oigh nan ciabh glan faineach ; 

T-aon bhroilleach geal, trom-cheist nam fear, 

'S uasal an t-ion ban-righ. 

Tha seirc, a's beusan, tlachd, a's ceutaidh, 

Mar ri cheile fas riut 

Do ghaol gach lò so rinn mo leòn, 

Cho mor 's nach eol dhomh aireamb. 

Cha 'n eol domh aireamh, trian de t-ailleachd, 

Gus do'n bhas gun geill mi ; 

; 

* Bha 'ra " Bad.seirc" ar,n an giuaidnean Dhiarmaid. | 

LACHUNN MAC THEARLAICH. 83 

Ceilliilh, cliutach, beusach, muirneach, 

Ceud fear ùr tha 'n deidh ort. 

Bi'dh airnean bruit aig pairt de 'n chunntais, sin' 

Dha 'n diult thu caoimhneas ; 

Bi'dh slaint' as ùr, le fàilte chillil, 

Aig fear ni lub san roiim ort. 

SGI AN DUBH 

AN SPKOGA1N CHAIM. 

Dh' innsinn srûl mu mhalairt duibh, 

Na 'm fanadh sibh gu fòill, 

Mur dh' eirich do 'n chall bhreamais domh, 

'Nuair chaidh mi do Dhun-gleòis ; 

Air bhi thall an Sgalpa dhomh, 

Air cuirin aig Lachunn òg ; 

Fhuair mi bhiodag thubaisteach, 

Le a caisein-uchd' bha mòr. 

Bu mhath a chuirm a bh'an', an sin, 

'S mo bheannachd-sa na deigh ; 

'N fhear ud dune chunnaic i, 

A dhi-mol i gu leir ; 

Ach fhuair mi fhin bloidh biodaig aim 

Nach tig an là ni feuin, 

A's stiallaire mor feòsaig oirr', 

Mur fhear d'a seòrsa fhein. 

Mas oil leibh an afhais ud, 

Gu 'n robh i agabh riamh ; 

Loinidean a's òghnaichean, 

An cònuidh dhuibh bu hhiadh ; 

Ged' dheanadh sibh cruiiineachadh, 

Tuilleadh a's coig ciad ; 

'S tearc fear gun chaisein-uchd aige, 

Cho gharbhe ri torc-fiadh. 

Chuir an tir so 'n duileachd mi, 

'Nuair chunnaic iad mur bhà ; 

Bha gach neach ga choisrigeadh, 

Koimh 'n dos a bh'air 'a barr; 

Bha sgonn do mhaide seilich innt; 

Bu gheinneanta rinn fàs ; 

Bheireadh saor neo chronail aisde, 

Crosg da'n loinid bhain. 

Chuir Mac-Ionmhuinn bairlinn, 

An trath so mach sa 'n tir, 

Chuir e na soachd barranntais, 

Gu Donnacha Mac-a-Phi ; 

Gabhail gu caol Arcaig leo, 

Mu 'n ghabh i tàmh sa 'n tir, 

'Sa muiniitir fein thoirt coiiuie dh' i, 

'S gur soilleir i do m' dhith.

84 S A II- OB A I It NAM BAUD GAEL ACM. 

Cha 'n ion-mholaidh ghrath-bhat sin, 

Thug th u steai'h thar chaol, 

An t-arm a bha gun chaisrigeadh, 

'Sa b' olc leant air mo thaobh ; 

S inairg sliasaiil air am facas i, 

A bhiodag pbaiteacfa mbaol ; 

B' iomlaideach air bbòrdaibh i, 

Sglau dubh a sgòrnaio chaoil, 

B' i slid an bhiodag rosadach, 

A b' oh- learn air mo chliath', 

'Si ruadh-mheirg uile 's col tag d' i, 

Fo dhos de dh' fhionnadh liatli, 

Bha maide reambar geinneach innt' 

'S car na b-amhaich fiar 

Cha ghearradh i sgiath cuileige, 

Le buille no le riacb. 

'Nuair chaidb mi dh' iarraidh breathana 

Cha d' fhuair mi Icithid riamh ; 

Sin nuair thuirt an Sàileanach, 

('Nnair cbàiricb e riuin biasd ; 

Mathalt do cbuirc Mhòr-thìrich, 

Da'in beil an roibein liath ; 

Duirceall dubh gun t'haobhar, 

'N am taobbadh ria a bhiadh,) 

" Bu mhath sa bhruthainn chaorainn i, 

'Sa'n caonnag nam fear mòr ; 

'S e Fionn thug dh'i an latha sin, 

An t-ath-bualadh na dhòrn ; 

Tbug e na brath-mhionnan sin, 

Nacb dh' fhag i daine beò ; 

'S nacb robfa neacb ga 'm beanadb i, 

Nacb gearradh i' gu' bhròig." 

Thuirt mi thin cba'n fhior dhut sin, 

'S aim chaill thu d' ciall le aois ; 

Coid a uhnhnhne 'a Paid" agad, 

On stad i gu bbi maol ; 

Chaidb mi air m ghlun d' i, 

Mu 'n do ruisg i rium a taobh * 

; 

'S thug i na seachd sgairtean aisd, 

Gus 'n tug Mac-Talla glaodh. 

Bu cheithir bliadbna-fichead d' i, 

Bbi 'n citsein mhorair-Gall ; f 

'S fbuair i urram cdcaireachd, 

Thar moran

AN CLARSAIR DALL. 85 


Roderick Morison, the far-famed harper and poet, commonly called An Clàrsair Dall 

was born in the Island of Lewis*, in the year 1646. His father was an Episcopalian 

Clergyman in that place, a man of great respectability and goodness of heart, and a de- 

scendant of the celebrated Britheamh Leùghasach. He had other two sons, Angus and 

Malcolm. At an early age, the three, who were all designed for the pulpit, were sent 

to Inverness to their education. They were not long there, when the small-pox 

made its appearance in the town with great virulence ; our three pupils were seized with 

it, and although the best medical skill was in requisition, so severe was the malady, that 

Roderick lost his eye-sight, and had his face—otherwise a very fine, open and expressive 

one,—dreadfully disfigured and contracted by it. His brothers were more fortunate, 

they followed up their clerical aspirations, and having gone through the curriculum of 

their order, Angus got a living in the parish of Contin, and Malcolm was appointed to 

the Chapel of Poolewe, in the parish of Gairloch, Ross-shire. Balked in his juvenile 

anticipations, and now incapacitated for any active, civil, military, or other profession, 

Rory directed his attention to the study of music, for which nature had furnished him 

with a first-rate genius. In this divine science he greatly excelled, and although he was 

no mean performer on other musical instruments, the silver-toned harp seems to have been 

his favourite. On this instrument, he left all other Highland amateurs in the rear. 

His superiority as a musician, and his respectable connexions soon served him as a pass- 

port to the best circles in the North. He was caressed and idolized by all who could 

appreciate the excellence of his minstrelsy. Induced by the fair fame of his fellow-harp- 

ers in Ireland, he visited that country, and probably profited by the excursion. On his 

return to Scotland, he called at every baronial residence in his way ; 

— 

the Scotch nobility 

and gentry were at the time at the Court of King James in Holyrood- House— Rory 

* The Messrs Chambers of Edinburgh, in their Journal, Number 451, of Saturday, September 

19th, 1840, say, on the authority of Mr Bunting, that blind Rory was an Irishman. This is in- 

correct. We know how much Journalists are at the mercy uf others, and how easily they are mis- 

led ; but without at all expecting any thing like omniscience in the Messrs Chambers, we think, 

that before lending the weight of their columns to give currency to the mis-statement, they ought 

to have informed themselves of the facts. 

Of Mr Bunting, we know nothing or almost nothing ; but we sympathize with him in his liter- 

ary researches, and attempts to resuscitate the musical spirit and ancient melody of his country. 

We protest, however, against his robbing us of our sweetest minstrel—not for the world would we 

accord to Hibernia the honour of having given birth to Rory Dall—and for this one reason, that 

he was bona fide born and brought up in the Highlands of Scotland ; and, if a man must be born 

a second time, it does not necessarily follow, that that event must take place in Ireland. Mr 

Bunting's blind Rory, goes by the sonorous name of O'Cahan,— we have no objection to this ; 

neither do we lay claim to any of the estates which descended to the said Rory O'Cahan as his 

patrimonial inheritance, but we claim for ourselves the honour of consanguinity with Roderick 

Morison, the blind harper. We have given his birth and parentage ;—we have pointed to the 

manses of his two brothers,— we have given his own history as a poet, harper, and farmer, and 

until these facts are disproved, the Irish historian must rest satisfied with his own Rory, and the 

Messrs Chambers must understand that such things as erroneous statements can be imported over 

the Irish channel, much easier than a Ross-shire Highlander can be made an Irishman.

86 SAR-OBAIR NAM HARD GAELACH. 

wended his way to Edinburgh, where lie met with that sterling model of a Highland 

Chieftain, John Breac M'Leod of Harris, who eagerly engaged him as liis family harper. 

During his stay under the hospitable roof of this gentleman, he composed several beautiful 

tunes and songs, and, among the rest, that fascinating melody 

— 

" JFeillnan Crann," which 

arose out of the following circumstance : Rory, sitting one da}' by the kitchen tiro, had 

chanced to drop the key of his harp in the ashes which he was raking with his fingers, as 

M'Lcod's lady entered and inquired of one of the maids— " Ciod e tha dhith air 

Ruairidh ?" "Mhuire! tha a chrann—chaill e sail luath e," was the reply— " Ma ta 

feumair crann eile 'cAeannach do Ruairidh ;" continued Mrs M'Leod ; and the gifted 

minstrel, availing himself of the forced or extended meaning of the word crann, forth- 

with composed the tune, clothing it in words of side-splitting humour, and representing 

the kitchen maids as ransacking every mercantile booth in the land, to procure him his 

lost implement 

! 

Shortly after this period, wc find our author located as a farmer at Totamòr in 

Glenelg, at that time the property of his liberal patron M'Leod, who gave him the occu- 

pancy of it rent-free. Here he remained during his friend's life, and added largely to the 

stock of his musical and poetical compositions. 

An Ciursair Dall was fondly attached to his patron, whose fame he commemorated in 

strains of unrivalled beauty and excellence. The chieftains of the clan M'Leod possess- 

ed, perhaps, greater nobleness of soul than any other of the Highland gentry; but it must 

be observed, that they were peculiarly successful in enlisting the immortalizing strains of 

the first poets in their favour—our author and their own immortal Mary. Rory's elegy 

on John Breac M'Leod, styled, " Creach nan Ciadan," is one of the most pathetic, 

plaintive and heart-touching productions we have read, during a life half spent amid the 

flowery meadows of our Highland Parnassus. After deploring the transition of M'Leod's 

virtues, manliness and hospitality from the earth, he breaks forth in sombre forebodings 

as to the degeneracy of his heir, and again luxuriates in the highest ingredients of a 

Lament. Oran mor Mhic-Leoid, in which the imaginative powers of the minstrel con- 

jure up scenes of other days, with the vividness of reality, is a master-piece of the kind. 

It comes before us in the form of a duet, in which Echo (the sound of music), now ex- 

cluded like himself from the festive hall of M'Leod, indulges in responsive strains of 

lamentation that finely harmonize with the poignancy of our poet's grief. 

This last song was composed after his ejectment from his farm, and while on his way to 

liis native Isle of Lewis. It is not true, as stated by Mr Bunting, that Rory Dall was a 

wandering minstrel. He indeed occasionally visited gentlemen's houses, but that was 

always under special invitation— he was born a minister's son, and did not require to earn 

his bread by wandering from place to place. Rory Dall was much respected in his age 

and country for those high musical powers which have contributed so much to the plea- 

sure and delight of his countrymen — talents which have obtained for himself the imperish- 

able fame of being one of the sweetest and most talented poets of our country. He died at 

a good old age, and was interred in the burying ground of /, in the Island of Lew is. Peace 

be to his manes ! never we fear, shall the Highlands of Scotland again produce his like.

A chiad di-luain de'n raidhe,* 

Ge d' bhà mi leam fhin, 

Cha d' fhuair mi duine an là sin, 

A thainig am ghaoith, 

Dh-fhiaraich cia mar bhà mi, 

Na'm bail leam dhol sios, 

An Tota-mòr so fhàgail, 

Nach b' àite dhomh e, 

'Soilleir dhuinne thar chach uile, 

Nach robh duin' a's tir, 

A chumadh fear mar chàch mi, 

Mar b' àbhaist dhomh bhi. 

Sin 'nuair chuala Fearachar, 

Mi'n dearmad aig each, 

Thàinig e na m' chòdbail, 

On b' eòl dim mo ghnàs, 

Thug e leis air sgòid mi, 

Gu seòmar a mhnà, 

Anna lion an stop dhuinn, 

'S na sòr oirn' a làn, 

Ge d' tha e falamh 's ro mhath 'n airidh, 

'Ghlaine fo thoirt dhà, 

'S gu'm faigheadh e luchd eòlais, 

Na m bioidh a phòca làn. 

Labhair a bhean chòir sin, 

Gu banail eolach glic, 

Fhaic thu 'n t-uan gu'n mhàthair, 

An clarsair gu'n chruit, 

An leabhar gu'n leubhair, 

'S e bheus a bhi druit, 

S' an dorlach gu'n fhuasgladb, 

A suaineach a bhruic, 

Ge d' tha thu falamh 's ro mhath 'n airidh 

Ghlaine so thoirt dhut, 

'S gu'n òlamaid a dhà dhiu' 

Air slàinte an fhir bhric. f 

An ti so thà mi 'g iomradh, 

'S a 'g iomagainn do ghnà, 

Cha cheil mi air do mhuinntir, 

Gach puing mar atà, 

» The Highlanders had a practice in the olden times that 

is still partially observed in certain pans even at the present 

day, and that tended to keep alive and fan those habits 

of hospitality and friendly feelings among the inhabitants 

of particular districts for which they are so justly celebrated. 

The custom to which we allude, was to meet at an 

appointed house, on the first Monday of every quarter, to 

drink a bumper to the beverage of the succeeding, and 

wish it better or no worse than the present. 

t John Breac Macleod. 


A CIIIAD DI-LUAIN DE'N IIAIDHE. 

Ge h-eibhinn leam r'a chluinntinn, 

An saoidh a bhidh sl;m, 

Sgeul nach taitneach leamsa, 

Ma dh' iomalaid thu gnàs, 

Fàth mo ghearain a bhi falamh, 

'S mi tumuli o d' laiinh, 

" 'S faide 'n fhead ns t-eigbeach, 

'S an fheusag air fàs." 

— 

Ge d' fhuiligear gach ni 's feudar, 

'S neo-èibhinn le m' run, 

Thusa bhidh *n clar-sgithe, 

'S mi 'n tir air do chùl, 

Le m' fheòsaig leathuinn leòmaich, 

Gu ròibeineach dlù, 

'S thusa a' giùlan màlaid, 

A ghnà ann san Dun, 

Fhir bhric bhallaich, meall na bharail, 

'M fear a thuirt o thus 

" 'S fad o'n chridhe cheudna, 

Na ' cein bho bheachd sùl." 

Ge d' thà mise an dràsda 

Da m' Arach fad uat, 

Sloinnidh mi mo phàirt, 

Ris gach nàbaidh m'an cuairt, 

Ma 's beag ma's mor a dh' fheudas mi, 

Sprèidh A chuir suas, 

Bioidh sid fo iochd nan sàr-fhear, 

Nach sàraich am fuachd, 

Ri là gailliotin an àrd bheannabh, 

'S iad nach gearain uair, 

'S trie an siubhal sealbhach, 

Air shealg do 'n taobh-tuath. 

Tha fir ghasda bheòghant', 

Aig Eòghann Loch-iall, 

Nach seachnadh an tòireachd, 

'N àm tògbhail nan triath, 

Rachadh iad gu'n sòradh, 

An cùdhail nan ciad, 

'S math am fulang dòrainn, 

'S tha cròdhachd nan gniomb, 

Fir ro ghasda nach 'eil meata, 

Nach d'fhuair masladh riamh, 

Mhathas mo chuid dhomhsa, 

'S mi 'n dòchas gur flor. 

'S iad Clann-Mhic-'Ul-Ainmbaidh, 

'S oirdheirce gniomh, 

Luch shiubhal a gharblaich, 

'S a mharbhadh nam fiadh,


Cha d' fhuair iad aobhar oilbheum, 

Mar falbhadh iad sliabh, 

Cha dean iad a bheag ormsa, 

'S nach lorgair mi 's fiach, 

Mo chreacb ma 'n coinnidh 's i fo'n comraic, 

'B'e an comunn mo mhiann, 

Boachailleao mo tlireud, 

'N uair nach lèir dliuibh a ghrian. 

Tha sliochd Iain Mhic-Mhàrtainn,* 

Gu tàbhachdach treun, 

Raghainu air an naimhdeas, 

An cairdeas, gu'n bhreug, 

Cha bhuin iad ri lal-bheairt, 

Mo lamhsa nach spt'is, 

*' Far an i.sl' an gàradh, 

Cha ghnà leo a leum," 

Na fir ghasda gu'n blii meata, 

'S iad nach seachainn streup, 

Le 'n toircar buaidh 's gach spàirne, « 

Ann 's gach àite dha 'n teid. 

Clann-a-Phi | ri' n seanachas, 

'S nco-leanabaidh na seòid, 

Buidhean nan sgiath balla-bhreac 

A dhearbhadh an gleòis, 

'S iad nach seachnadh fuathas, 

'N àm bhualadh nan sròn, 

Ge b' e chuireadh feaxg orr' 

Cha b' fharmadach dhò, 

'N àm tarrainn nan lann tana, 

Caisgear carraid leò, 

" Buille 'n corp cha bbuail" iad, 

Tha uaisle nam pòr. 

Tha Clann-'Ille-Mhaoil mhùiute, 

Bha cliù orra riamh, 

Buidhean tha do-cheannsaieht, 

Is ceannsgalach trial!, 

Ri faicinn an naimhdean, 

'S neo-sgàthaeh an triath, 

B' annsa leibh ruaig sbutindach, 

No tionntadh le fiamh, 

Laochraidh guineach nan arm fuileach, 

'Smairg ri 'n bhuin sibh I'iamb, 

Tha nimh a's neart 'n-ar naimhdeai, 

'S 'ur càirdeas gu'n fbiar. 

Tha aig Colla còmhlaiiin, 

Nach oonn-Iapach gleus, 

Luchd nam feudan dùbh-ghorm, 

Nach diùltadh ri feum, 

'N-àm na graide dbùsgailh, 

Gu 'n dùbladh bhur leum, 

Bha fios aig Ma&an-Tòisich, 

Nach sòradh iad cenm, 

Dochaaaute men, a very brave little clan at that time. 

t I.oeharkaig men, followers of I.oelieil. 

Dol na choinnidh sa'n la shoilleir, 

'S gu'n iad coimeas cheud, 

B' annsa dol da bhualadh, 

No buaile n fir tbeud. 

'S iad sliochd Cholla cliis-mhoir, 

Da rlreadh a tb' aim, 

Nach leigeadh le mùiseag, 

An ciiis thar an ceann, 

Misneach cha do threig sibh, 

'N streup chlanna Ghall, 

Cha bu dual daibh mìo-stà' 

No mì-thùrachd ghann, 

Na fir churanta fhuair urram, 

Re h-àm iomairt lann, 

O minig luchd an aobhair, 

Gu craobhach a call. 

Maille ris gach suairceas, 

Bha fuaite ri'r gnè, 

Tharrainn sihh mar dhualchas, 

An uaisle 'n ar cleith, 

Gu creachadh cha do ghluais sibh, 

Cha cbuala mi e, 

B' annsa leibh eun cluaise, 

Thoirt nam le m' thoil fèin, 

Na mo chreacbadh 's an dol seacbad, 

'S mi na m' aire mu'm spreidh, 

'S mi gu'n eagal tuairguidh, 

'S mo bhuaile fo' r mèin. 

Tha Gleann-Garadh ceannsgalach, 

Connspunnach, cruaidh, 

Chumadh ri luchd aimhreit, 

A chonnspaid ud suas, 

Na 'm tharrainn gu sanntaeb, 

An lann as an truaill, 

Bu mhatb do'r luchd gamhlais, 

San àm ud bhi bhuaibh, 

Biodh ceum cri

'S iad marcaich na Mòidhe, 

Fir chrò nam buadh, 

'M beil aithn' agus eòlas, 

Nach sòradh an duais, 

Clann-Choinnich nan rò-seol, 

Na'n cròdh' mbìlean sluaidh, 

Na beathraichean beòdha, 

Ga còir a bhi cruaidh, 

Dream gu'n laige ri am troide 

Ceann a chabraich suas, 

Aig luchd na gorm latin nàimhdeach, 

Nach sanntaich mo bhuar. 

AN CLARSAIR BALL. 

Vote.—When the harper composed this song, he was re. 

tiding in Tuta-Mòr, in Glenelg, as a farmer, and the lew 

of the clans he alludes to were people that he had good 

reason to fear would rob him, or, in other words, carryaway 

his cattle— a very prevalent practice in those days. 

As, therefore, he had little or no means of defending him. 

self, he immediately called his harp and his muse to his 

aid, and composed this song, in which those dreaded ene. 

mies are invested with all the attributes of honour, honesty, 

and good neighbourhood ; and, as far as the bard was con. 

cerned, they always acted towards him in the characters 

his muse was willing to believe they actually possessed. 

O R A N 

DO DH-IATN BREAC MAC-LLOID. 

Tha mòran, mòran mulaid 

An deigh tuineachadh am chum, 

Gur bliadhna learn gach seachduin, 

Bho nach facas lain donn ; 

Na 'n cluiiininn ged nach faicinn, 

Fear do phearsa thigh'nn dò 'n fhono, 

Gu'n sgaoileadh mo phràmh 's m' airsrjeul, 

Alar shneachd òg ri aiteamh trom. 

Their mi hò-ro ghealla beag, 

' S na hò-ro challan h-i, 

Their mi ho-ro ghealla beag, 

' S na hò-ro challan h-i ; 

Challan hi ho hù-rà bfi6, 

'S na hò-ro challan hi, 

Gurfada bho na tràthan sin, 

Nach robh mo ghràdh san t'tr, 

A luchd comuinn so, na 'n eisdeadh sibh, 

Ri cuid de m' sgeul, gu'n mheang, 

'S mi caoidh an uasail bheadaraich, 

Tha bhuam an fheadhs' air chall ; 

Cha robh cron ri fhaotainn ort, 

Ach tha bhi faoilidh ami, 

Bho 'n fhuair mi gu h-iir eibhinn thu, 

'N Dun-èideann, a measg Gball. 

Their mi ho-ro, S[C. 

Thug mi ionnsaidh fhada, 

As do dheigh 's mi 'n cladach cruaidh, 

Thug mi ionnsaidh bhearraideach, 

'S a chamhanaich Di-luain ; 

Cha d'l'huaras an t-òg aigeantach, 

Bu mhacauta measg sluaidh, 

'S cha 'n I'haodainn a mhisg àicheadh, 

'S do dheoch-slainte dol m' an cuairt. 

Their mi ho-ro, Qc. 

Thug mi ionnsaidh sgairteal, 

As do dheigh ati cladach doirbh, 

Ged nach tug mi capull learn, 

Na agair mi na lorg ; 

Gu 'n robh mo choiseachd adhaiseach, 

'S au rathad a bhi dorch, 

Le breisleich mhic-nan-cliathan,* 

'S do lamh filial ga dhioladh orm. 

Their mi ho-ro, $e. 

Fhir so tha mi g' iomradh ort, 

Ga t-ionndrain tha mi bh' uam, 

Sròn ardanach an fhiughantais, 

Cha b' fhiù leat a bhi crion ; 

Na 'n cluinninn f'cin 's gu 'n tigeadh tu, 

Fhir chridhe dhios nan crioch, 

Gu'n òlainn do dheoch-slainte, 

Ga do phàighinn ì, de dh' fhion. 

2'/iet'r mi ho-ro, §c. 

Beul macanta, ciùin, rabhairtach, 

'N uair tharladh tu 's taigh-òsd, 

A dh'fhàs gu seirceil, suairce, 

Gaol na'm ban, 's nan gruagach òg ; 

'S iomadh maighdeann cheutach, 

A bha deigheil air do phòig, 

Le 'm b' ait bhi cunntadh spreidhe dhut, 

'S a deas-lamh fein le deòiii. 

Their mi ho to, e£c. 

Cha robh fuath na greathachd ort, 

Ri t-amharc bha thu caoin, 

Saighdear foinnidh, flathail, 

Air an gabhadh gach neach gaol ; 

Euchdach, treubhach, urramacb, 

Bha 'n curaidh glan gu'n ghaoid, 

Gu fearail, meanmnach, measail, 

Air nach faighte an tiotal claon. 

Their mi ho-ro,

9° SAU-OI3A1R NAM

Chaidh an caisead mo bhruthaich, 

'S mi to chumha da direadh, 

Dol an truimead 's an àirde, 

An diugh a thainig mo dliiobhail : 

Dh' fhalbh mo laitheichean cibhinii, 

O'n a threig sibh Clàr-sgìthe, 

Tha mo thaic aim sna h-Earadh 

'N deigh fhalach 'na aonar. 

'N deigh fhalach 'na aonar, 

Bi'dh e daonnan 'an uaigneas, 

Sgeul mu'n gearanach daoine, 

'S mnai chaointeach nan luath-bbos, 

'Siad a' co-stri r'a cheile, 

Ceol gun eibhiieas seachd truaighe! 

Leum mo cbridhe rni apealtaibh, 

M' an chaismeachd 'u uair chualaa. 

Gur h-i chaismeachd so chualas, 

A luathaiuh orin tioma, 

Dh' fhàg io m' osnaicb fail bhrùite, 

A' sior-dhruthadh air m' innigli, 

'S fhaide seacliduin na bliadhna, 

O'n a thriall sibh thair liune, 

Le lìir.mliach na tìalachd, 

Bh'ann san lion-bhrat air fhillèadh, 

'S ann san lion-bhrat air fhilleadh, 

Dh' fhàg mi spionnadh nan anfhann, 

Ceann-uidhe luchd-ealaidh, 

Mar ri earras luchd-seanachais. 

Agus ulaidh aos-dàna, 

Chuir do bhàs iad gu h-imcheist 

'S o'n a chaidh thu sa chiste, 

Cha bu mhis a chilis fhàrmaid. 

Cha bu mhis a chùis fharmaid, 

Ghabh mi tcarbadh o'n treud sin, 

Far an robh mi a'm mheanbh-ghair, 

'An toiseach aimseir mo cheitein, 

'S ann an deireadh a Charbhais, 

A dhearbhadh ar feuchain 

Chaill mi 'n ùr-ghibht, a chreach mi, 

Ann an seachduin na Ccusda. 

Ann an seachduin na Ceusda, 

Diciadain mo bhristidh, 

Chaill mi iuchair na h-eudail, 

Cha mhi aon neach is mist e, 

Gu'n bhrath faighinn gu bràth oirr', 

Sgeul a shàraich mo mhisneach ; 

*S ann to dhiomhaireachd m' àirnean, 

A tharmaich mo niosgaid. 

A tharmaich mo niosgaid, 

Cha'n fhaidh mise bhi slàn deth, 

'Se fear tinn a chinn-ghalair, 

A ni'n gearan bochd cràiteach, 

; 


'S ann air ata n easlaint, 

Nach d' fhiosraich a nàbaidh, 

'S cha mho dh' fhairaich e thinneas 

Leis 'n do mhilleadh a shlaiute. 

Far 'n do mhilleadh mo shlaint-s', 

'S aim a tharmaich dhòmh m' easiaint, 

Gu'n d' chuir aimsir na Càisge, 

Mi gu bràth fo throm airsneal, 

Gheibh gach neach do na dh' fhàg thu, 

Rud 'an àite na bh' aca, 

Ach mis agus Màiri, 

A chuir a bràthair 'an tasgaidb. 

Chaidh do bhràthair 'an tasgaidh, 

'Se mo chreach-sa gur nor sud, 

'S ann an diugh tha mi 'g acain, 

Mar tha mhac na mhaol-ciarain, 

Agus ise bochd brònach, 

'N deigh a leonadh o'n chiadain, 

Thug mo mhaighstir math uamsa, 

Leis 'n do bhuaineadh mo phian-bhron. 

Mo phian-bhron a Mhàiri, 

Mar tha thu fo chumha, 

Nach faic thu do Bhràthair, 

Mar a b' àbhaist gu subhach, 

An sean-fhacal gnàthaichte, 

An diugh 's fior e mar thubhairt :— 

" Cha robh meoghail ga miad, 

Nach robh na deigh galach, dubhach." 

Nach robh na deigh galach, dubhach, 

'Se 'm fear subhach am beairteas, 

Cha'n fhaigh piuthar a bràtbair 

Ach gheibh bean àluinn leth-leapach, 

Thainig àr air an dùthaich, 

Dia a dhùbladh an carta, 

'S ga cumail an uachdar, 

Gus am buadhaich do mhac e. 

Gus am buadhaich do mhac e, 

'N deigh a ghlasadh le gruagaich, 

Lan saibhris is sonais, 

Ann san onair bu dual dut, 

Lean cùis 's na bi lean bail, 

'S na bidh marbh-ghean air t-uaislean, 

Cum an coimeas rait fein iad, 

'S na toir beum dha t-ainm Ruairidh. 

Ruairidh reachdar, run meanmach, 

Tartach, toirbeartach, teannta, 

Do shi-seanair o'n tainig, 

Cha b'ion do nàmhaid dol teann air, 

'S Ruairidh gasda 'na dheigh, 

Cha b'e roghainn bu tiire, 

'S an treas Ruairidh fa dheireadh, 

Cha b'e'n gainneanach fàs e.

92 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

An treiis Ruairidh de'n dream sin, 

A choisinn geall 's cha b' e mi-chliu, 

Cha b' e 'n coilleanach garni e, 

Ach an ceannsgalach uiileant' 

Ma 's tusa roinn suas, 

An ceuthramh Rauiridh, na dearmad, 

Lean ri Biunaireachd t-aiteam, 

S n a toir masladh dba n ainm sin. 

Na toir masladh dba "n ainm sin, 

'S cuir leanabas fo d' bhrògan, 

Na biodh daoin' ami am barail, 

Ge d' tlia car aig an òig ort, 

Bidh gu tiùghantach smaclidail, 

Rianai), reachdmhor, 'n triath Ltòdacli, 

" Na faic frid an sùil brìdean," 

Cha chùis dion do Mhac-Leòid e. 

Cha chùis dion do Mhac-Leòid, 

A bhi dùlum 's rud aige, 

.Lean an dùthchas bu cliòir dhut, 

'S biodh mòr-chuis na t-aigneadh, 

Ach ma leigeas tu dhiot e, 

Bi'dh na ciadan ga t-agairt, 

'G ràdh gur crann shlatag chriori thu, 

'N àit' a ghniomharaich bheacbdail. 

Maide dh' t'hàs na cliraoibh thoraidii, 

Fo blilà onarach aluinn, 

Ann an lios nan crann euchdach, 

Bha tlacbd nan ceud aim 'a gach àit' air, 

Lean an dùthchas bu chathair, 

A mhic an athar a chràidh sinn, 

Na bidh ad chrionaich gu'n duilleich, 

Ann 'san ionad 'n do thumb, thu. 

O R A N M O It M II I C - L E O 1 D. 

[EADAR AN CLARSAIR AGfS MAC-TAM.A.] 

Miad a mhulaid tha 'm thaghall, 

Dh' fhag treoghaid mo chleibh gu goirt 

Aig na rinn mi ad dlieigliidh, 

Air m' aghairt 's mo thriall gu port. 

'S aim bba mis' air do thoir, 

'S mi meas robh còir agam ort 

A dlieagh mhic athar mo ghràidh, 

B tu m' aighear, ' m' àdh, 's m' olc. 

Chaidh a chuibhle mu'n cuairt, 

(iu'n do thiiinndaidh gu fuachd am blàthus, 

Naile chuna' ml uair, 

Uùii llathail nan cuach a tlnaigh. 

; 

Far biodh taghaich nan duan, 

Joma' mathas gu'n cliruas, gu'n ch:'is 

; 

Dh' fhalbh an latha sin bhuaiii, 

'S tha na taighean gu t'uaraidh fàs. 

Dh' fhalbh, mac-tall' as an Dun, 

'N am sgarachdainn diiinn r' ar triath ; 

'S aim a thachair e rium, 

— 

Air seacharan bheann, san t-shliabh. 

Labhair e-san air thus 

" Math mo bharail gur tu ma 's nor, 

Chunna' mise to' mhuirn, 

Roi 'n uiridfa an Dun nan cliar." 

A Mhic-talla, nan tùr, 

' Se mo bharail gur tusa bhà, 

Ann an teaghlach an fhiou', 

'S tu g-aithris air gniomh mo lamb : 

" 'S math mo bharail gur mi, 

'S cha b' urasd dhomh bhi mo thumb ; 

G-eisdeachd brosluim gach ceòil, 

Ann am fochar Mhic-Leùid an àigh." 

A Mhic-talla so bha, 

Anns a bhaile 'n do thar mi m' iuil ; 

'S aim a nis dhuinn as luir, 

Gu'm beil mis' a's tu fii'iii air chill. 

A reir do cbomais air sgeul, 

O'n 's fear comuinn mi-fèìll a's tu ; 

'M beil do mhuinntearas buan, 

Aig an triath ml, (i.i'ii dual an Dim? 

" Tha Mac-talla fo ghruaim, 

Anns an talla 'm biodh fuaim a rheòil ; 

'S ionad taghaich nan cliar, 

Gu'n aighear, gu'n mhiagh, gu'n pliòit. 

Gu'n mhire, gu'n mhuirn, 

Gu'n iomracha dlù nan corn; 

Gun i-liùirm, gu'n phailteas ri daimh, 

Gu'n mhacnas, gun mbaran beoil. 

" 'S mi Mac-talla, bba uair 

'G eisdeaibd fatbrum nan duan gu tiugh ; 

Far bu mhuirneach am bèus, 

'N am cromadfa do'n ghrèin san t-sruth. 

Far am b' flioirmeal na seòid, 

'S iad gu b-òraiiach, ceolmbor,

" Bhiodh a rianadair fein, 

Cuir an ire gur h-e bhiodh aim ; 

'S e g-eiridh na ineasg, 

'S an eibhe gu trie na cheann. 

Ge d' a b' ard leinn a fuaim, 

Cha tuairgneadh e sinn gu teann ; 

Chuireadh tagradh am chluais, 

Le h-aidmheil gu luath, 'a gu mall. 

'Nuair a chuirt' i na tàmh, 

Le furtaehd na fàrdaieh fein ; 

Dhomh-sa b' fhurasda ràdh, 

Gu'm bu churaideach gair nan tèud. 

Le h-iomairt dha lamh, 

A cuir a binneas do chàch an cèill ; 

'S gu'm bu shiubhlach am chluais, 

A moghunn lughar le luasgan mheur. 

" Ann sa* fheasgar na dheigh, 

N am teasa na grein tra nòin ; 

Fir chneatain ri clàir, 

'S mnai' freagairt a ghnà cuir leò. 

Da chomhairleach ghearr, 

A labhairt s gu 'm b'àrd an gloir ; 

'S gu'm bu thitheach an guin, 

Air an duine gu'n fhuil, gu'n fheoil." 

«' Gheibhte fleasgaich gu'n ghrain, 

Na do thalla gu'n sgràig, gu'n fhuath ; 

Mnai' fhionna 'n fhuilt reidh, 

Cuir buineis an cèill le 1'uaim. 

Le ceileireachd beoil, 

Bhiodh gu h-ealanta, h-ordail, suairc 

Bhiodh fear-bogha 'nan còir, 

Ri cuir meo-ghair' a mheùir nan cluai 

" Thoir teachdaireachd bhuam, 

Le deatam, gu Ruaridh òg ; 

Agus innis dha fèin, 

Cuid de chunnard ged 'se Mac-Leòid. 

£ bhi'g amharc na dheigh, 

Air an Iain* a dh-eug, s' nach beo ; 

Ge bu shaibhir a chliu, 

Cha'n fhàgadh e 'n Dun gu'n cheòl." 


Note This song was a favourite with Sir Alexander 

M'Kenzie, of Gairloch, who paid a person to sing it to 

him every Christmas night. One of Sir Alexander's tenants 

went to him one day to seek a lease of a certain farm. 

The laird desired him to sit down and 6ing Orun Mòr 

Mhic.Leòid till he should write the document. The tenant 

remarked that he certainly set great value on that 

song. " Yes," was his reply, " and I am sorry that every 

Highland laird has not the same regard for it." 

* John Breac M'Leod was one of the last chieftains 

that had in his retinue a bard, a harper, a piper, and a 

fool,— all of them excellently and liberally provided for. 

After his death, Dunvegan Castle was neglected by his son 

Roderick, and the services of these functionaries dispensed 

C U M H A 

DO DH-FHEAR THALASGAIR.* 

Dh-fhalbh solas mo latha, 

Dhòrchaich m' oidhche gu'n aighear, 

Cha 'n eil lanntair na m' radhad, 

'S gu'n mo chainnlean a' gabhail, 

Tha luchd 'm foineachd na'n laidhe sa'n uir orr. 

Bàs an Eoin so ma dheireadh, 

Rinn ar leònadh gu soillear, 

Sa chùir ar solas an gainnead, 

Dhùisg e bròn an Eoin eilc, 

Dh-fhag e doirt-thromach eire mo ghiùlain. 

Co chunnaic no chuala, 

Sgeul 's trùime sa 's truaidhe ? 

Na'm beum guineach so bhuail oirnn, 

Sa dh' fhag uile fo ghruaim sinn, 

Eadar isleau a's uaislean do dhùthcha. 

Se siol Leòid an siol dochair, 

Siol gu'n solas, gu'n sochair, 

Siol a bhroin a's na bochain, 

Siol gu'n cheòl a's gu'n bhroslium, 

An siol dorainneach 's goirt a rùg sgiùrs orr. 

Se'n clàr-sgìth an clàr ro sgith, 

Clàr na diobhail 's na dòsgainn, 

Clàr gu'n eibhneas lann osnaidh, 

Clàr nan deur air na rosgaibh, 

An clàr geur, an clàr goirt, an clàr tùrsach. 

Cneidh air chneidh 'sa chneidh chràiteach, 

Na seana chneidhean ga 'n arach, 

Na 'n ùr chnàmhain an dràsta, 

Sgrìob gach latha gar fàsgadh, 

Gur trie taghaich a bhàis a toirt spuill dhinn. 

Tha mi 'gràite le ceartas, 

Thaobh aobharachd m' acaid, 

Nach " fearr e ri chlàislinn 

An t-olc cràiteach na fhaicinn," 

'S claon a dh-fhag an sean-fhacal o thus e. 

93 

with to make room for grooms, gamekeepers, factors, 

dogs, and the various et ceteras of a fashionable English 

establishment. We here beg the reader to note, that we 

have not said Rory was an English gentleman, but only 

hinted that he aped the manners of one. Eight stansas of 

this song are purposely omitted, as we think their inser- 

tion would be an outrage on our readers' sense of pro- 

priety. 

* Mr John M'Leod, son of Sir Roderick M'Leod.

94 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII. 

AM PIOBAIRE DALL. 

John M'Kay, the celebrated piper and poet was born in the parish of Gairloch, Ross- 

shire, in the year 1666. Like his father, who was a native of Lord Reay's Country, he 

was born blind, but with perhaps the exception of a slight shade on their eyes, it would 

be difficult to the most acute observer to perceive that they had not their sight. When 

John had acquired the first principles or elementary parts of music from his father, he 

was sent to the College of Pipers in Skye, to finish his musical studies under the auspices 

of the celebrated Mac-Criummein. There were at this time no fewer than eleven other 

apprentices studying with this celebrated master-piper ; but in the articles of capacity and 

genius so superior did Iain D all prove himself to his fellow-students, that he outstripped 

them all in a very short time. This superiority, or pre-eminence naturally gained him 

the envy and low-souled ill-will of the others, and many anecdotes have traditionally come 

down to us illustrative of their rivalry and wounded pride. On one occasion as John and 

another apprentice were playing the same tune alternately, in the highest key of rivalry, 

Mac-Criummein reprimandingly asked the other, "why he did not play like Iain Dull f" 

to which the chagrined aspirant replied, " By Mary, I'd do so if my fingers had not 

been after the skate !"— alluding to the conglutinous touch of his fingers on the chanter- 

holes after having forked at some of that fish at dinner. Hence originated the taunt 

which the north country pipers, conscious of their own superiority, are in the habit of 

hurling at pipers of the more Southern districts— " Tha mkedirean as deighe na sgaitf 

Genius is never at a loss for developing itself, and where there is actually no casus, its 

fertility of invention finds abundant materials to work upon. Our youthful piper, it 

appears, was somewhat unfortunate in the appointment of his bed, during the early period 

of his apprenticeship; in short, he was infested with certain marauders, which detracted 

from his comfort and sleep. This circumstance he commemorated in the composition of a 

piobaireachd appropriately called " Protmadh nam Mial" which, although his first effort, 

both as regards its variations and general structure, is ecjual to any thing of the kind. 

One of the Mac-Cruimmeins, a celebrated musician known by the cognomen of Padruig 

Caogach, owing, we suppose, to his inveterate habit of twinkling or winking with his eyes, 

was about the time composing a new pipe tune. Two years had already elapsed since 

the first two measures of it became known and popular; but owing to its unfinished state, 

it was called "Am port Lcalhac/i." Some of the greatest poets have experienced more 

difficulty in supplying a single line or couplet than in the structure and harmonization of 

the entire piece—musicians, too, have experienced similar perplexities— and Padruig Caog- 

ach had fairly stuck. The embryo tune was every where chanted and every where ap- 

plauded, and this measure of public approbation tended to double his anxiety to have it 

finished—but BO I 

the genius of composition seemed to exult at a distance, and to wink at 

Caogach' s perplexity. Tender of his brother's reputation, our blind author set to work, 

and finished the tune which he called, " Lasan Phiidruig C/iaogaich"—thus nobly re.

AM PIOBAIRE DALL 95 

nouncing any share of the laudation which must have flowed upon the completion of the ad- 

mired strain. Patrick, finding his peculiar province usurped by a blind beardless youth, 

became furiously incensed, and bribed the other apprentices to do away with his rival's life! 

This they attempted one day while walking together at Dun-Bhorraraig, where they 

threw their blind friend over a precipice of twenty-four feet in height ! John alighted 

on the soles of his feet, and suffered no material injury : the place over which he was 

precipitated was shown to us, and is yet recognised as Leum an Doill. The completion 

of "Lasaa Phàdmig Chaogaich" procured great praise for our young musician, and gave 

rise to the following well-known proverb-- Chaidh an fhòghluim os-ccann Mhic- 

Cruimein." i. e. " the apprentice outwits the master." 

After being seven years under the tuition of MacCruimmein, he returned to his native 

parish, where he succeeded his father as family-piper to the Laird of Gairloch. He was 

enthusiastically fond of music, and the florid encomiums which every where flowed in 

upon him, gave his inventive powers an ever-recurrent stimulus. During his stay in this 

excellent family, he composed no fewer than twenty-four piobaireachds, besides numberless 

strathspeys, reels and jigs-the most celebrated of which, are « Cailleach a Mhuillear," 

and "Cailleach Liath liasaidh." 

Finding himself ultimately in comfortable circumstances, he married, and had two child- 

ren, a son and a daughter-the former of whom was a handsome man. His name was 

Angus, and he was equal to any of his progenitors in the science of music. When our 

author became advanced in years, he was put on the superannuated list, with a small but 

competent annuity ; and he passed the remaining part of his life in visiting gentlemen's 

houses, where he was always a welcome guest. His visits or excursions were principally 

in the country of Reay and the Isle of Skye. It was during one of these peregrinations, 

that, hearing in the neighbourhood of Tong, of the demise of his patron, Lord Reay he 

composed that beautiful pastoral "CoMan-Eaiain," which of itself might well immortalize 

Ins fame. It is not surpassed by any thing of the kind in the Keltic language-bold ma- 

jestic, and intrepid, it commands admiration at first glance, and seems on a nearer survey 

of the entire magnificent fabric, as the work of some supernatural agent. 

After the death of Sir Alexander M'Donald of Slate, John paid a visit to his old ren- 

dezvous, now occupied by his friend's son. The aged bardic-piper soon experienced the 

verification of the adage-new kings, new laws-instead of being honoured with a seat in 

the tag room as usual, he was ushered into the servants' hall immediately below-,, 

md.gmty he was by no means disposed to pass sub silentio. As the young chief was 

taking dinner, a liveried servant made his appearance in the hall, and addressing John 

said- My master wishes you to play one of those tunes he often heard his father 

praise -« Go back to your master," replied Iain Ball warmly, - and tell him from me, 

that when I used to play to his father it was to charm and delight his ears, and not to 

blow music up in his a !" 

Having returned to Gairloch, he never again went from home. He died in the year 

754, being consequently 98 years of age, and was buried in the same grave with his 

father, Ruairidh Ball, in the clachan of his native parish, Gairloch


BEANNACHADH BAIRD UO SHIR ALASDA1R MAC-CHOI NNICH, 

TR1ATH GHEARR-LOCH; AIR DHA NIGHEAN THIGHEARNA GHHANND A POSADH. 

Gii'm beannaiche Dia an teach 's an 

'S an tì thainig ùr 'n-ur ceann, 

Geug shonna, sholta gheibh cliù, 

'Si buannachd dùthcha 's nach call. 

A gheug a thainig 's an deagh uair, 

Dha 'in buadhach inùirn agus ceòl 

Ogha Choinnich nan rim reidh, 

'S Bharoin Shrath-Spe nam bò. 

() Iarla Shi-pliort an tòs 

Uhiuchd an òigh is taitneich bcus 

'S o'n tuitear Shàileach a ris. 

A fhreasdaileadh an righ tia fheum. 

'S bithidh Granndaich uime nach ti 

Bu treubhaich iomairt 's gach ball. 

O Spc a b' iomadaich linne, 

A 's feidh air tirichean aid, 

'S aim o na Cinnidhean nach fànn, 

Thainig aim òigh is glaine ere, 

Gruaidh chorcair, agus rosg mall, 

Mala chaol, cham, 's cul rèidh, 

Tha h-aodann geal mar a chaile, 

'S a corp sneachaidh air dheagh dhealbh, 

Maoth leanabh le gibtean saor, 

Air nach facas fraoch no fearg. 

Tha slios mar cala nan srùth, 

'S a cruth mar chanach an fheoir, 

Cul cleachdach air dhreach nan teud, 

No mar aiteal grein air òr. 

Bu cheòl-cadail i gu suain, 

'S bu bhuachatll' i air do-bhètis 

Cainneal sholais feadh do theach, 

A frithealadh gach neach mar fheum. 

Gu meal thu-foin t-ùr bhean òg, 

A Thrlatfa Ghearr-Locfa nan corn fial 

Le toil chairdean as gach tir, 

Gu meal thu i '« beannachd Dhia, 

Gu meal albb breath, agus buaigh, 

Gu meal libit lialll, agus mùirn, 

Gu meal sibh gaib beannachd an cèin, 

'S mo bbeannachd fein diubh air thus. 

I 

I òg 

'S iomadh beannachd agus teist, 

Th'aig an òigh is glainne slios, 

'S beannachd dba'n ti a thug leia, 

Rogha nam ban an guè, sa meas. 

DAN COMH-FHURTACHD. 

DO SHIR AI-ASDAUt MAC-DHOMHNUILL SIILE1BI1TE. 

[Air dha thighinn dhachaigh a Lunnainn do chaisteal 

Aimadail sa'n Eilean Sgiathanach, agus a Bhain-tigheMm 1 

mhaiseach a bhi màrbh a staigh, air chinn da tliigliinn. 

Tharladh dha na phlobaire dhal) a bhi staigh aig an àm, 

agus sheinn e 'n dàn a leanas na dhàil, a m chdadh dha gu'n 

chàill iomadh tri-un a's flath an ceud ghràdh, d'a b'eigin 

fadheoigh solas a ghlacadh.J 

Beannachd dhut o'n ghabh thu 'n tain, 

O chrich nan Gall gu do thlr, 

Dùthchas tha ri slios a chuain 

'S trie a choisinn buaigh dba'n righ. 

Do bheatha gu do thir fein, 

'Dheagh Mhie-Dhomhnuill nan sèud saor, 

'S ait le maithibh Innse-Gall, 

Do ghluasad a nail thar chaol. 

'S ait le fearaibh an Taobh-tuath, 

Gu'n bhuannaich thu mar bu choir 

Trotairnis all' agus Sleibhte, 

Uidhist nan eun as nan roil. 

'S ait le fearaibh an Taobh-deas, 

Gu'n shuidhicheadh tu ceart gu leor, 

'S tu sliochd nan rirean o shean, 

Dha'n robh miagh fainear air ceòl. 

Ach 'sann dhomh-sa b'aithne 'm bèus, 

Na ghabh rium fein dìu' o thus, 

Croiim-iubhair le brataichean sròil, 

I>oingeas air chòrs a's ròs-iùil. 

Ivong a's leoghann a's lamh-dhearg, 

Ga'n cuir suas an ainm an righ, 

Suaicfaeantaa le 'n eireadh neart, 

'N uair thigeadh 'ur fcachd gu tir.

Na 'n tàrladh dhuibh' bhi air leirg, 

Fo mhèirgh' dha'm biodh dearg a's ban 

Gu maiseach, faicilleach, treun, 

Chuireadh sibh ralreut air each. 

Gu b-àrmach, armailteach, og, 

Neu-ehearbach an tòir nan ruag, 

'S gach àite 'n croinadh an ceaun, 

Bu leo na bbiudh aim, 'sa luacb. 

B'aithne dhomh Sir Seumas mòr 

'S b'eòl dhomh Dòmhnull a inliac, 

B'eòl dhomh Dòmhnull eile rìs, 

Churnadh to cliis na sldigh ceart. 

B'eòl dhomh Dòmbnull nan trì Dòn'ull 

'S ge b'òg e, l>u mhòr a cliliu, 

Bhi'dh fearaibh Alb' agus Eirinn, 

A 'g èìrìdb leis aims gach cùis. 

B'eol domh Sir Seumas na ruin, 

T-athair-sa mhic-chliùt.iich fèin, 

— 

'S tus a nis an siatliamli gliiii 

Dhordaich High nan dul na'n dèigh. 

Na'n tuiteadh m' aois cho fad a mach, 

'S do mhac-sa theaehd air mo thim 

Be sin dhomh-s' an seacbdamh glùn, 

'Tbainig air an Dun ri' in' linn. 

'S cha 'n ionghadh dhomh-sa b!ii ciion, 

A's mo chiabhag a bhi liath 

'S gach aon diu' le cridhe mòr 

Toirt dhomh airgeid a's òir riamh. 

'S gach aon din' ga m' àrach clùth, 

Thuigeadh iad uam giith nam meur, 

'S tha iadsa sabhailt an diugh, 

Anns a bhruth am b'eil iad t'ein. 

'S tha mis' air fuireaoh sa'n àr, 

'S mi cuir a bhlàir mar bba riamh, 

'S mo chridhe 'g osuaich na'n deigh, 

3Iar Oisian an deigh, nam Fianu ! 

Gu meal tha t-oigbreachd, 's do chliù, 

Dheagh Mbie-Dhonihnuil) nan ruin rèidh, 

'S ged dh'imich oat t-ùr bhean òg 

Na biodh ort-sa biòn na dèigti. 

'Sa liughad òigh tbaitneach gun di, 

Tha eadar Clàr-sghh a's Mon.-ròs 

'S ma dba thaobh Arcamh a cbùain 

Deas a's tuath, thall sa biios. 

Agus iad ail' ort an dèigh 

Bbeireadh dhut iad-fèin s an cuid, 

Oighean taitneach nam beul binn, 

Nam mèur grinn, 's nam broiue buig- 

A PLOJJAIIIE DALL 97 

Cliaill righ Bbreatainn, a's ba bhèud, 

A Ieabaidh fèin leug a ghaol 

'S o na tharladh sud na char, 

B'eigin dha bhi seal gu'n mlinaoi. 

Mac-rìgh Sorcha* sgiath nan arm 

Gur h-e h'ainm dba Maighre borb, 

Chaill e gheala-bhean mar ght-iti, 

'S dii fhurich e-fein na deign beò ! 

Chaill r ; gh na h-Esispailt a bhean, 

An ainnir gheal nigli'n righ Greig, 

'S gach aon diubh gabiiail a null, 

'S dh'imich o Fhinnn a bhean t'ein. 

On tha'n saoghal-so na cheò, 

'S gur doigh dha bhi dol mu'n cuairt ; 

Bidh'maid subbacb annain fèin 

'S beanuachd leis gach ni chaidh uainn. 

* As Myro, son of the king of Sora,* was one day 

sailing in his little batque along the Irish coast, hecame 

to a bay, remarkable for its beautiful seclusion. As his 

eye wandered here and there over every part of the 

smooth expanse, it at length rested on a group of nymphs 

desporting themselves, as they thought unseen, and enjoying 

the cool of a fine summer's eve among the waters. 

For a time, he fancied them mermaids, or daughters of 

the sea, and continued to gaze on them with admiration 

and awe; but observing, as he drew nearer, that their 

forms were entirely human, .he made all sail to ascertain 

who they were! On observing his approach, they darted 

like lightning to conceal themselves in the crevice of an 

adjoining rock, whither fear and modesty compelled them 

to seek a hasty retreat. Determined to make captive nf 

the fairest, whosoever she might be, he moored his skilT, 

and went in pursuit. He soon pounced upon them in 

their concealment, and carried off' the most handsome. 

Awed with terror, and suffused with tears, she on her 

knees imploied him for liberty,— telling him that her 

name was " Fùhie-Suluis," i. e. beam of light, and that 

her father waking of that pait of Ireland. Unmoved 

by her entreaties, he conveyed her to his boat, ai;d bore 

her off" to his own country, where she lived with him 

for sometime, as the partner of his bed. To her, how. 

ever, Sora was a place of torment,— for the thoughts of 

kindred and of home embittered every hour of her existence. 

Goaded to oespair, she formed the resolution of 

attempting her escape, and, having sallied forth one day, 

as had been her custom, to the beach, she observed 

Myro's curach afloat, and no one within view, which 

she unmoored, and committing herself to the mercy of 

the elements, nimbly leaped on board. Spieading all sail, 

and a favourable breeze having sprung up, she was soon 

driven upon the coast of Scotland, at a spot where Fiugal 

and his attendants were refreshing themselves after the 

fatigues of the chase. Her eyes beamed with joy as she 

recognised the hero. After mutual salutations, she in. 

formed the king of Morven of what had happened; and, 

imploring his protection, as her husband was in pursuit, 

she assured him of her determination to die rather than 

return. Fingal promised her his aid; but, haidly had 

her troubled minù composed itself to rest, when the prince 

of Sora landed in the bay, and demanded his wife from 

him. The hero, true to his plighted promise, refused. 

The prince of Sora drew his sword, and menaced defiance. 

* The island of Sorcha is frequently mentioned in 

Ossian. It is uncertain where it lay, but it seems t 

noted for the cruelty of its inhabitants. Dr Sittiih, 

—

OS SAU-OBAIII NAM BARD GAELACII. 

CUMHA. CHOIR'-AN-EASAIN. 

Ml 'n diugh a' fàgail na tire, 

'Siubhal na frith air an leath-taobb, 

'S e dh'I'hag gun airgeid mo uhòca, 

Ceann mo stòir blii lb' na leacan. 

'S mi aig bràige 'n alltain riabhaich, 

A 

'g iarraidh gu beallach na fèatha, 

Far am bi damli dearg na cròice, 

Mu Fheill-an-ròid a dol san damhair. 

'S mi 'g iarraidh gu Coir'-an-easain, 

Far a trie a Sgapadh liidar, 

Far am bi'dli mioUchoin ga 'n teirbeirt, 

Cuir mac-na-h-èilde gu dhùbhlan. 

Coire gu'n easbhuidh gu'n iomrall, 

'S trie a bha Raibeart ma d' chomaraicb, 

Cha n'eil uair a ni mi t-iomradh, 

Nach tuit mo chridhe gu troma-chràdh. 

Upon which, Gaul, the son of Morni, stepping forth, 

encountered the stranger. But, valiant as was the arm 

of Raul, he had well nigh been overpowered. Oscar, 

however, the son of Osîan, taking advantage of an ex. 

ception to the Fingalian law, " not to aid either party in I 

single combat with the right /lanil," hurled a dart at the 

young chief of Sora with his/i/r; but which, missing ils 

aim, unhappily pierced Fàiiif.Satuis to the heart. Con. 

founded at the sight, Myro became unnerved, and was 

overpowered and bound by Gaul. Fàiiie.SuIuis was buriid 

where she foil, and the young chief returned to Sora. The 

episode concerning the Maid of C'raca, in the third book 

of Fingal, is to be regarded as another version of the same 

story, though perhaps the following poem, entitled " Ca/h 

M/mighre mhòir mine r)gh Sorcha," is the more correct. 

There are indeed several editions of this piece, all of 

which are good, but this, in our judgment, is the bett. Jt 

furnishes internal evidence of its antiquity. 

Là do Fhionn le beagan sluaigh 

Aig Eas-ruadh nan eubha mall, 

ChunnacM a' seòladb o'n lear 

t'urach ceo agus bean ami. 

'S b' e sin curach tin mhalh glens 

A' ruith na steud air aghaidh cuain, 

Clot cha d' riuneadh leis no tàmh 

Gus an d' rainig e 'n t- Eas-ruadh, 

*S dh' cirich as maise mnà, 

B' innann dealradh dh'i 's do'n ghrcin, 

'Sa h-iichd mar cho'.ihar nan tonii, 

I.e fliuch-osnaich from a clcilih. 

Is sheas sinn nil' air an rami, 

Na Balthean caoin a'i ml Kin ; 

A bhean a thalnlg thai lear, 

Bha sinn gu leir roimpc sciinh. 

" 'S mo cbomralch ort ma 's tu Finiin," 

I'S e labhaii rulm am maise mni] 

" '8 i d' gbnùU do'n inrach a giiri.cn, 

'S i do iglatli ceann uighe na bàigh " 

•S a gheug na maiae b dhrlùchd biòin, 

Selabhairgu foil mi fheln, 

Ma 's urra gorin.lannan do dhion, 

Uidh ar en nach !iom d'an reir. 

" 'S e sin mise Coir'-an easan, 

'J'lia mi m" sheasaidh mar a b'àbliaist, 

Ma tba thu-sa na Ufhear ealaidh, 

Cluinneamaid annas do làimhe." 

An àill leat mis' a rùsgadh ceùil dot, 

'S mi 'm shuidhe mar chad air bealach, 

Gu'n sjilìs aig duine tlia beò dhioin, 

O'n ebaidh an Còirneil to' tlialamh. 

Mo chreaeh ! mo tbùrsa, 's mo thruaighe \ 

Ga chair san uair-s' dbomb an ire, 

Mbuinntir a ehumadli rium uaisle, 

Blii'n diugli ami san uaigh ga m' dlu-sa. 

Na'n creideadli tu nam a Cboire, 

Gur li-e doran sud air m' inntinn, 

'S cttid mhòr a ghabhail mo ieisgeil, 

Nach urrainn mi seaaamh i i seinu dut. 

" Measar learn gur tu mac Ruairidh, 

Chunna mi mar ris a chòirneal, 

'N uair a bha e beò na bbeatha 

Bu mhiann leis do leathaid na sheòmar. 

"Tòrachd a ta orms' air muir, 

I.aoch is mor guin air mo lorg, 

Mac righ Sorcha sgiath nan arm, 

Triath d'an ainni am Maighre boib." 

'S glacam do chomraich a bhean, 

Ro aon fhear a th'air do thl 

'Sadh* aindeoin a Mhaighre bhuiib, 

Bidh tu am bruth Fhinii aig sltli. 

Tha talla nan ci eag aig laimh, 

Aite tàimh clanna nam fonn, 

Far am laigh an t.annrach bàigb, 

A til ig thar bhàrca nan tomi. 

'3ili chunnacas a tighinn' mar steud 

I.aoch a bha mheud thar gach fear, 

A caitheamh na faiige gu dian 

An taobh ciand' a ghabli a bhean. 

B' ard a chroinn, bu gheal a shiuil, 

Bu mhire 'n t-iuil na cobhar sruth ; 

" Tliig a mharcaich nan steud stuadhach 

Gu I'Uilm Fbinn nam buadh an diugli." 

Bha chlaidhe trom toirteil nach gann 

Gu teann air a shlios gu reidh, 

Sgiath dbrlmneach dbubh air a leis, 

'S e 'g iomairt cbleas air a clO. 

Thug Goll mac Morna 'n urchair gheur, 

As air an treun do thilg e sleagh ; 

lì' i 'n urchair bu truiine lieiim, 

D'a Bglitb do rinn si da bhlòidh. 

Dh' cirich Oscar 'a dh' eirich Goil 

Bhetreadb losga lòm 's gach cath, 

's dh' eirich lad ulle na siòigh 

A dh'âmharc còmhrag nam Hath. 

Sin thilg Oscar le làn-fheirg 

A chraoaach dhearg le laimh chll, 

Do mharbhadh leis lie.m an fhir 

'3 mor an cion do linncadh l'i. 

Thlodhlalceadh loinn aig an Fas, 

Fàlne-Solaii bu gblan llth, 

'S chulr sinn air harrailih a meòir, 

Fàin (lir mar onair gin rlgh. 

;

" Bu lion'ar de mhaithean na h-Eireann, 

Thigeadh gu m' reidhlean le h-ealaidii, 

Sbeinnead liuairiuh dull dhomh fàilte, 

Bhiodb Mac-Aoidh 'sa ehàirdean mar ris." 

O'n tha thus a' caoidh nan àrmunn, 

Leis am b' abhaist bhi ga d' thagball, 

Gu'n seinn mi ealaidli gu'n duaisdut, 

Ge fada bhuam 'a mi gu'n fbrad bare. 

'Slionmhor caochla teachd sa'n t-saogbal, 

Agus aobliar gu bhi dubhach, 

Ma sheinneadii san uair sin dut tiilte, 

Seiunear an trà so dhut cumha. 

" 'S e sin ceòl is binne thruaighe, 

Chualas o linn Mhic-Aoidh Dhòmhnuill, 

'S fada mliaireas e am chluasan, 

Am i'uaiin a bh'aig tabhunu do mheòirean. 

" Beannachd dhut agus buaidh-làrach, 

Ann 's gach àite 'n dean thu seasaidh, 

Air son do phuirt bhlasda, dhionacli, 

Sa ghrian a' teaunadh ri feasgar." 

'S grianach t-ursainu fein a choire, 

\S gun fheidh a' teamadh gu d' bhaile, 

*S iomadh neach da in' b' fbiach do mholadh, 

Do cbliath chorraob, bhiadhchar, bhaioneach. 

Do chiob, do bhorran, do mhilteach, 

Do slilios a Choire gur lionach, 

Lubach, luibheach, daite, dionach, 

'S fasgach do chuile 's gur tìarach. 

Tha t-èideadh uil' air dhreach a cbanaich, 

Cirein do mhullaich cha chrannaich, 

Far *m bi' na fèidh gu torrach, 

'G eiridh farumach ma t-fhireach. 

Sleamhuinn slios-thad do shliochd àraich, 

Gu'n an gart no'n càl mu t-iosal, 

Maniigach, màghach, adhach, tearnach, 

Graidheach, craiceach, fradharc frithe. 

Neòineineach, gucagach, mealach, 

I.onanarh, lusanach, imeach, 

'S borcach do gliorm luachair bhealaich, 

Gu'n t'buacbd ri doinioun ach cidheach. 

A PIOBAIUE DALL. 

Scamragach, sealbhagach, duilleach, 

Min-leucaeh gorm-shleibhteach, gleannach. 

Biadhchar, riabhach, riasgaeh, luideacti, 

Le 'n diolta cuideachd gun cheannach. 

'S cruiteal learn gabhail do bhraighe, 

IJiolaire t-uisge ma t-innsibh, 

Miodar, màghaeh, cnochdaeh cathair, 

Gu breac blàth-mhor an uchd mìn-fluoir. 

Gu gormanach, tolmanach, àluinn, 

Lochach, lachach, dosach, crai-ghiaVh, 

Gadharach, fagbaideada, biaidheach, 

G-iomain na h-eilde gu uàmfaaid. 

Bùireineach, dubharaeh, bruachaeh, 

Fradharcach, crùichd-cheaiinach, uallach, 

Feòirneauach uisge nam fuaran, 

Grad ghaisgeant' air ghii.sgaii cruadhlaich. 

Colg-shuileach, fàileanta, biorach, 

Spang-shronach, eangladhrach, corrach, 

'S an anmoch is meanbh-luath sireadh, 

Air mbire a' direadh sa Choire. 

'Sa mhadainn ag eiridh le'r miol-choin, 

Gu mùirneuch, maiseach, gasda, gniomhach, 

I.ubach, leacach, glacach, sgiamhach, 

Cracach, cabiach, cnagach, fiamhach, 

'N am da'n ghièin dol air a h-uilinn, 

Gu fuilteach, reubach, gleusda, gunnach, 

Siiapach.arinach, calgach, ullamh, 

Itiachach, uiarbhach, tarbhach, giullach. 

'N am dhuinn bhi' tearnadh gu d* reidhlean, 

Tinnteach, cainteaeh, cainnleach, ceireaeh, 

Fìonacb, còrnach, ceòlar, teudach, 

Ordail, eòlach, 'g òl le rèite 

Sguiridh mi nis' dhiot a Choire, 

O'n tha mi toilicht' dheth do seanachas, 

Sguiridh mise shiubhal t-aonaich, 

Gus an tig Mac-Aoidh do dh'Alba 

Ach 's e mo dhùrachd dhut a Choire, 

O'n 's nor mo dhùil ri dol tharad, 

O'n tha siim tuisleach sa mhonadb, 

Bi'dh'mid a' teaunadh gu baile.


ALASDAIR MAC MIIAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 

Alexander M'Donald, commonly called Alasdair Mac Mhaiyhstir Alusdair, \va9 

born in the beginning of the eighteenth century. His father resided at Dalilca, in 

Moidart, and was Episcopalian clergyman at Ardnamurchan. He always travelled on 

foot, there being no roads in that rugged country, in his time, and returned the same 

day. He was a man of great bodily strength, which his weekly labours and travels 

required. His strength was, however, sometimes necessarily exerted on other occa- 

sions. In his time the people of Moidart and Suainart often met at interments in Eilean- 

Fionain, then the common burying-ground of both districts; and, as was the custom in 

former ages, consumed an anchor or two of whisky, and then fought. The presence of 

the clergyman was often required ; and it was not seldom that his strength also was 

exhibited in parting the combatants. His character and prowess were so well-known 

that few men dared dispute his right as umpire. All were obliged to succumb to the 

pacificator ; but the Suainart men alleged that he generally laid a heavy hand on them, 

the Moidart men being his own friends and relatives. 

The Rev. gentleman had a large family of sons and daughters. The latter all died 

of the small-pox, after they had families of their own. An anecdote is still related con- 

cerning them. The small-pox raged in Moidart when his children were young, and Mr 

M'Donald removed with them to Eilean-Fionain, (not the burying-place but another 

island farther up in Loch-Sheil,) that they might escape the contagion that proved fatal 

to so many. And they did then escape. But nothing can more clearly evince our want 

of foresight and utter incompetency to judge of what is best than the result of the Rev. 

gentleman's care—that is, even taking it for granted that it was a consequence ; for his 

daughters all died of the very malady from which he had been so anxious to guard them, 

and that at a time which to superficial thinkers would seem to have rendered the calamity 

awfully more distressing— when their death left several families of motherless children. 

The distress, we are but too apt to think, would have been greatly lessened if they had 

been taken away when their lather consulted their safety by flight. But the ways of 

Providence are inscrutable to our dim vision! 

Four of Mr M'Donald's sons lived to a good old age. Angus, the eldest, and his 

descendants, continued tacksmen of Dalilea for a century. Alexander, the subject of 

this memoir, was the second. His two younger brothers were settled in Uist as tacks- 

men. 

The Clanuonald of that day countenanced young men of merit. He wished young 

Alexander, of whom early hopes were entertained, to be educated for the bar. His 

father wished him to follow his own profession, and gave him a classical education. But

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 101 

our poet, like many a wayward genius, followed his own inclination— and disappointed 

both his chief and his father. His abilities and qualifications fitted him for any calling; 

yet there seems to be a kind of fatuity attending those who woo the Muses, which often 

prevents them from adopting the most prudent and advantageous pursuits. 

When attending college, it is certain, however, that he did not neglect his studies, as 

he was a good classical scholar. His genius was not of that kind which too easily indulges 

in the indolence and inactivity of life. His powers were great ; and his energy of mind 

adequate to any task in which his will inclined him to act. But he was inconsiderate, or 

improvident. He entered into the married state belore he had finished his studies, and 

soon found it necessary to attend to other avocations.* His marriage gave rise to the 

vulgar error, that he was intended to have been made a priest ; but that, disliking the 

office, he disqualified himself by that rash step ; whereas, he was a protestant of the 

English church. 

As teaching is the usual and most proper occupation of students who must do some- 

thing towards their own support, the poet, whose studies had been interrupted by his 

marriage, betook himself to that most useful, but arduous labour. It is said that he 

was at first teacher to the Society for propagating Christian knowledge. 

We find him afterwards parochial schoolmaster of Ardnamurchan, and an elder; 

consequently a presbyterian. He lived on the farm of Cori-Vullin, at the base of 

Ben-Shiante, the highest mountain in that part of the country, and adjacent to the 

noble ruins of Castle Mingarry, a romantic situation on the Sound of Mull, directly 

opposite to Tobermory, whose rural scenery aided the frequent inspirations of the bard ; 

for, while he wielded the ferula, he neglected not the muses. There many a scene 

witnessed their delightful amours. He might have devoted more of his time to them 

than could be well spared from the labours of the farmer, and the duties of the in- 

structor ; yet the poet would have his own way, as well as please his own mind. As 

might have been expected, complaints were preferred against him ; and the Presbytery 

appointed a committee to examine the school. His best friends must have allowed that 

there was just ground of complaint ; yet, the examinators were not inclined to be rigor- 

ous. To give a specimen of the progress the scholars were making, the schoolmaster 

called up a little boy f who had entered the school at the preceding term, and then com- 

menced to learn the alphabet. He read now the Scriptures fluently and intelligibly. 

The Reverend gentlemen were well pleased with the specimen, and gave a favourable 

report of the school. 

* " He was married to Jane M'Donald, of the. family of Dailan-eas, in Glenetive. He com- 

posed a song on her, which is not remarkable for tenderness or affection, but cold and artificial, 

when compared with his lofty and impassioned strains in praise of Mòrag."—Memoir prefixed to 

the Glasgow edition of 1839. 

+ Duncan M'Kenzie, Kilchoan, who lived to the great age of ninety- four ; and, in 1828, communicated 

to us this information. He also told us that in the ensuing summer he was taken from 

school to attend cattle ; 

and that some time thereafter Mr M'Donald left his school and farm and 

joined the Prince. " Poor man,'' added he, " he lost his all." He also mentioned that the country 

was in an unsettled state for some time, and that he lost the opportunity of getting any more 

education.

102 SAR-OI3AIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

A bard was, even in our poet's time, a conspicuous character, and that not only as the 

" man of song :" he was highly esteemed in war and in peace. He was first in council ; 

consulted in all matters of importance as a man of acknowledged talent ; as being 

shrewd, cautious, and intelligent. An anecdote will show the opinion entertained of 

our bard even in the eighteenth century. One day the clergyman and he met. They 

went to have a drink, and some conversation. " There is little public news, and what 

is the private?" enquired the clergyman. " Very little," was the answer. " Have you 

heard of any thing at all in my pariah that is worth relating, or any thing the reverse?" 

" Nothing." " Then," said the minister, " I have a piece of news for you." " We 

shall hear it." " Yes ; and it is, that one of my elders has got his nurse in the family 

way." " Is it possible!" "I understand that it is very true." The poet wondered 

that he had not heard of it. " How can any thing be known in the country, and I 

ignorant of it?" said he to himself. They parted. The poet felt chagrined: could 

not get over it. When he went home, he mentioned to Mrs M' Donald the piece of 

intelligence communicated by the minister, but could not think who the elder was. 

She smiled, and told him it was himself,—she being in the family way, and nursing. 

Of the changes and troubles of the year 1745, our author had his share. He laid 

down the ferula and took up the sword ; abandoned his farm, and lost his all, in a cause 

which to cool reflection must have appeared hopeless. Prince Charles must have esteemed 

him as a highly accomplished scholar and a soldier, enthusiastic in his cause, so much 

attached to his interest, but, above all, as a bard. He was the Tyrtteus of his army. 

His spirit-stirring and soul -inspiring strains roused and inflamed the breasts of his men. 

His warlike songs manifested how heartily he enlisted in, and how sanguine he was in the 

success of the undertaking. He received a commission. 

He not only changed his profession, and put all he had on the chance of the Prince's 

success, but he also changed his religion : he became a Roman Catholic. We need not 

wonder at this, as he was now among his friends and countrymen of that persuasion, 

especially as he was given to changes. He was brought up a member of the Church of 

England ; 

he was a member of the Church of Scotland when parochial schoolmaster and 

elder; and he became a member of the Church of Rome among his own clan and rela- 

tions. The Mull bard, his constant antagonist, hit upon the true cause of his last 

change when he says:— 

" Cha he 'n creideamh Bob am hrosgul, 

Chuir thu ghiolan crois a phàpa." 

After the year 17-45, the hard and his elder brother, Angus, a man of a diminutive 

size, but of extraordinary strength,* escaped the pursuit of their enemies, and concealed 

Some good anecdotes are still current in Moidart about this great little man. He is called 

Aongha* heap Mac Mhaighstir Alasdnir. We deem the following worth preserving: Colli ban 

M' Donald, of Baraadale, came one day toa Cord of the Lochie which he was meaning to cross, 

and found Angus sitting on a stone taking off his shoes and stockings preparatory to going over 

also. The river was considerably swollen at the time, and Baraadale, who was a strong and tall 

man, accosted Angus as follows :— " My little fellow, keep on your shoes and stockings, as they 

— 

—

. ALASDA1R MAC Mil AIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 103 

themselves in the wood and caves of Kinloch-na-nua, above Borradale, in the district of 

Arisaig. Their local knowledge of the country, and the care and attention of friends, 

enabled them to elude all search, surmount difficulties, and endure privations to which 

many fell a sacrifice. 

A well-authenticated anecdote of the poet and his brother demonstrate the courage of 

the soldier and the spirit of the times. One day, as they were removing from one place 

of concealment to another, Angus, observing that his brother's hair was grey, (the side 

of his head next the ground, cold and frozen, became quite grey the night before,) con- 

temptuously declared him an old man. " I should not wonder," replied Alexander, " were 

it not a dwarf that called me ' a poor old man.' " Angus, turning instantly round, dared 

him to repeat his words. They were in imminent danger. The least noise or indication 

of persons concealing themselves might have betrayed the place of concealment, and it 

would not have been safe for them to remain any longer in that part of the country. 

Regardless of the situation and critical circumstances, the poet could not pass over an 

occasion of cracking a joke, and the spirit of the manikin was too high to suffer any con- 

tempt. The fear, however, of provoking the resentment of the redoubtable hero, 

made the bard observe silence. 

After this eventful period, Alexander M' Donald lived poor. He was invited to Edin- 

burgh by Jacobitical friends, residing in the metropolis, to take charge of the education 

of their children, and where he had a better opportunity of finishing the education of his 

own. From Edinburgh he returned to the Highlands, being disappointed of the expected 

encouragement, and took up his residence in Moidart. He and Mr Harrison, the priest, 

lived not on the best terms, and therefore he removed to Knoydart, and resided at 

Inveraoi.* He latterly returned into Arisaig, and resided at Sandaig till his death. 

will make you wade the better, am! make haste come over with me and keep iti my wake ; I will 

break the force of the stream, which will enable you to get over with the greater ease." Angus 

knew him, and thanked him for his goodness ; he did also aa he was bidden. When they were in 

the most rapid part of the stream, Barasdale was like to be overpowered by the current, and was 

for returning; which Angus dared him on his peril to do ; and, placing himself between Coll and 

the stream, dragged him by sheer force to the other side. Then said Angus to him, " You called 

me l little fellow' on the opposite side of the water ; who, think you, might with greater propriety 

be called ' little fellow' on this side ? Take advice : Never call any man little till you have proved 

him ; and always try to form your estimate of a man's character by something more substantial 

than mere appearance. Remember, also, great as you are, that had it not been for a greater man 

than yourself you might have been meat for all the eels in the Lochie." 

* He composed a number of songs after this : and one of them, entitled " Iomraich Alnsdair à 

Eigneig do dh' Inner-aoidh," displaying curious traits of the irritable and discontented temper that 

embittered his life when in Eigneig. While there, he represents all things, animate and in- 

animate, rocks and thorns, thistles and wasps, ghosts and hobgoblins, combining to torment and 

persecute him. He speaks of Mr Harrison as follows :— 

Dheanadh as-caoin.eaglais chruaidh orm, 

Mu'n cluinneadh a chluais tri chasaid." * 

On the other hand, he represents Inveraoi, in Knoydart, a place like paradise,— full of all good 

things, blooming with roses and lilies, and flowing with milk and honey,— free of yltosts, hob- 

goblins, and venomous reptiles. How long he remained in this rocky paradise is not known ; but 

he appears to have lived some time in Morror, as he composed a very elegant song iu praise of that 

country. 

* For this song see the Glasgow edition of 183!), page 88.

104 SAR-OBAIll NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

He died at a good old age, and was gathered to liis fathers in Eilean-Fionain, in Loch- 

Sheil. 

Like most men of genius, who make some noise in the world, Mac-Mhai^hstir Alas- 

dair has been much lauded on the one side by the party whose cause he espoused, and 

as much vilified, and, in some instances, i'alsetied, by the other party. Mr lleid, in his 

book, " Bibliotheca Scoto-Celtica," seems to have had his information from the last mentioned 

source. We have taken our account of him from undoubted authorities. We 

have seen individuals who knew and were intimate with him; and have been acquainted 

with many of his relatives, and some of his descendants. Let us now proceed to his 

works. The first given to the public was his " Gaelic and English Vocabulary," pub- 

lished under the patronage of the Society for propagating Christian knowledge in the 

Highlands and Islands of Scotland,—a work of acknowledged merit and great usefulness 

in the schools, and which is very creditable to the author. It appeared in 1741, and 

was the first Vocabulary or Dictionary of the language ever published in a separate 

form. It is not alphabetically arranged, but divided into subjects. His poems were first 

published at Edinburgh, in 1751, and but for their being in Gaelic must certainly have 

brought on their author the vengeance of the law agents of the crown, for it is scarcely 

possible to conceive of language more violent and rebellious than that of many of his 

pieces. The longest and most extraordinary of his poetical productions is his " Birlinn 

Chlainn Kaonuill." " He has in his ' Birlinn,'" says Mr Reid, " presented us with a 

specimen of poetry which, for subject matter, language, harmony, and strength, is almost 

unequalled in any language." He must have had the greatest command of the Gaelic 

language to have composed on a subject that would exhaust the vocables of the most 

copious. 

From 1725 to 1745 he composed his descriptive poems, 8tc. " Alt-an t-Siucuir" is 

an ignoble stream passing between the farm he occupied and the next to it, which he 

immortalizes in flowing strains. As a descriptive poem, it is perhaps unequalled by any 

in the language. Every object which the scene affords is brought to bear upon, and 

harmonize with, and give effect to the picture with a skill and an adaptation which 

bespeak the master-mind of the artist. Nowhere does poetry seem more nearly allied to 

painting than in this admirable production of our bard. His " Oran an t-Samhraidh* 

or " Ode to Summer," in which he is said to be delightfully redundant in epithets, like the 

season in its productions which he describes, he composed at Glencribisdale, situated on 

the south side of Loch-Suainart, in the parish of Morvcn. He came there on a visit 

the last day of April ; 

and rising early next morning, and viewing the picturesque scenes 

around, was powerfully impressed with the varied beauties of nature, displayed in such 

ample profusion. His " Ode to Winter" is longer, and indicative of even greater powers 

of genius. The reason why this poem is not so popular as the forementioned is probably 

because it contains so many recondite terms and allusions. If it were as generally under- 

stood it would doubtless be as well appreciated. It was composed in Ardnamurchan, 

as well as many others in which scenes and events have been described which enable 

us to point out the locality and relate the circumstances that gave occasion to them. But

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHST1R ALASDAIR. 105 

after leaving Ardnamurcban, a subject presented itself that required all his energy, 

exertion, and enthusiasm,_and he was not wanting in either of them. His powers, both 

bodily and mental, were roused to action. His soul was fired with the prospect in view. 

He invoked the Muse, and she was auspicious. The few that remain of his Jacobite 

poems and songs are known to excel all other productions of this mighty son of song. 

The " Lion's Eulogy" breathes Mars throughout : so does the Jacobite song, sung 

to the tune of « Watdking o the Fa«ld,» beginning "A chomuinn rioghail rùnaich." 

The song entitled " Am Breacan Uallach" is equally spirited and warlike. 

We have good authority for saying that a tenth of these poems and songs have not 

been given to the world. His son Ronald had them 

lished a collection of Gaelic poetry, and not meetin 

second volume, he allowed his MS. to be destroyed. 

all in manuscript ; but having pub- 

s' with much encouragement for a 

Dr. M'Eachen, a friend and con- 

nexion, had the mortification of seeing leaves of them used- for various purposes through 

the house. 

Mr M'Donald could bear no rival. He often selected indifferent subjects to try his 

own powers. For instance, " The Dairy Maid," and '< The Sugar Brook." But, while 

as a poet he merits the highest praise, he is not to be excused for his immoral pieces, 

which of course are excluded from the " Beauties of Gaelic Poetry." 

MOLADII AIR AN T-SEANA CHANAIN GHAELACH. 

Gun h-i 's crioch àraid 

Do gach caimit fo'n gbrèin, 

Gu ar smuaintean fhàsmhor 

A phàiiteachadh r'a chèil' ; 

Ar n' inntinnean a rusgadh, 

Agus run ar cri, 

Lr 'r gniomh, 's le 'r giùlan, 

Surd chuir air ar dith. 

'S gu laoidh ar beoil 

A dh'iobradfa Dhia tian did, 

'S e b-ard chriòch mhòr, 

Go bi toiit dòsan cliù. 

'S e'n duiue fèin, 

'S aon chreutair reusant ann, 

Gu'n tug toil De dh'a, 

Gibht le bheul bhi cainrit : 

Gu'n chum e so, 

O'n-uile bhrùid gu lèir ; 

O ghibht mhòr phrìseil-s' 

Dbealbh ua iomhaidh fein ! 

Na'm beirte balbh e, 

S a theanga marbli na clieann, 

B'i n iarguin shearbh e, 

B' fhean bhi marbli no ann. 

'S ge h-iomadh cànan, 

O linn Bbabel fhuair 

A'sliochd sin Adhamh, 

'S i Ghà'e'lig a thug buaidh. 

Do'n labhradh dbàicluil, 

An t-urrara ard gun tuairms', 

Gun mheang, gun lhailimi, 

Is urrainn each a luaigh. 

Bha Ghà'èlig, ullamh, 

Na glòir fior ghuineach cruaidh, 

Air feadh a cbruinne 

Man thuilich an Tuil-ruadli. 

Mhair i fòs, 

'S'cha tèid a glòir air cball 

Dh'ain-deoin gò, 

A's mi-run mliòr nan Gail. 

'S i labhair Alba, 

'S Galla-bhodaiehe fein ; 

Ar flaith, ar priunnsai, 

'S ar diùcannan gun eis. 

An taigh-comhairl' an righ, 

'Nuair shùidheadh air beinn' a chùii I 

'S i Ghàelig lìobhta, 

'Uh' fhuasgladh snaim gach cù:s.

100 SAU-OBA1U NAM BARD GALLACH. 

\S i labhair Calum

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTlIt ALASDAIR. 107


Dh'iobrainn eridbe m phrnrsa, 

Air nil altair so Mnrag. 

Gu'n liubhrainn gun aireneul, 

Ag atòlaibh a càa e ; 

'S mar gabhadh i tiachd dhlom, 

Clia b' fbada Bin bed mi. 

O 'n t-urrani ! an t-urram ! 

An t-urram ! do Mhòraig! 

Cha mhor nach do chair i 

; 

M'fhail nil' as a h-ordugh ; 

Gu'n drug orradh ceum-tuislidb, 

Fo iomachd mo chuislean, 

Le teas agus murtachd, 

O mhoch-thra Di-dòmhnaich, 

'S tu reulla nan railin, 

Làn lainnir gun cheò ort ; 

Fior chomhnart gun charraid, 

Gun arral, gun bheòlam ; 

Cho min ri cloidh-eala, 

'S cho geal ris a ghaillioim ; 

Do sheang shlios sèamh fallain, 

Thug barrachd air moral). 

'S tu ban-rìgh nan aiimir, 

Cha sgallais an còmhradh ; 

Aid foinnidb na d' ghallan, 

Gun bhaileart, gun mhbr-chuia; 

Tha thu coimhliont' na d' bhallabh, 

Gu h-innsgineach atlilainh ; 

Caoin, meachair, faraad, 

Gun fharum, gun ròpal. 

Urlar. 

IJ'fhearr gu bithinn sgaoilt' 

As na cordamhsa, 

Thug mi tuille gaoil 

A's bu choir dhomh dhut 

Ciu 'n tig fa dhuiue taoni, 

Gu drocb gliniomh bhios claon, 

Cuireadh e cruaidh-shmiim 

Air o'n ghoraich sin : 

Acli thug i so mo chiall, 

L'ile bhuam gu trian ; 

Cha'n fhaca mi riamb 

Siunnailt Mòraig-sa, 

Glioid i bhuam mo chi'l, 

'S shlad i bhuam mo chli, 

'S cuiridh i 'aan chill, 

Fo na fòdaibh mi. 

Slubhal 

Mo cbeist ngus m'lillaiclh 

De'n cbonnaio mi d' aheòre thu, 

Le d' bhroilleaefa geal-tharaid, 

Nam muliaiohean bòidbeaob ; 

Cha'n fhaigb mi de dh'fburaa, 

Na ni mionaid ual fuireach, 

Ge d' tha bunrach na dunach 

; 

Dam chumail o d' phòsadh. 

Do bheul mar an t-sirist, 

'S e milis ri phògadh, 

Cho denrg ri blitrmillian, 

Mar bhileagan rùsan : 

Gu'n d'rinn thu mo mhilleadh, 

Le d' Chujiid d'am bhioradh, 

'S le d'shaighdan caol, biorach, 

A rinn ciorram fa m' cbòta. 

Tha mi Inn mulaid, 

O'n chunnnig mi Mòrag, 

Cho trom ri clach-mhuilimi, 

Air lunnaii d'a seòladh : 

Mac-sainhail na cruinneig, 

Cha'n eil aims a chruinne ; 

Mo chri air a ghuin lent, 

O'n chunna' mi t-òr-chul 

Na shlamagan bachallach. 

Casarlach, còrnach ; 

Gu faineagach, cleachdagach, 

Dreach-lubach, glòrmhor ; 

Na rt-ullagaii cearclach ; 

Mar usgraichean dreachmhor, 

Le fudar san fhasan 

Grian-lasda, ciabh òr-bhuidh. 

Do shlios mar an canacb ; 

Mar chaineal do phògan ; 

Hi Pheoiiix cho aiiicamh ; 

'S glan lainnir do chbta : 

Gu mùirninneach banal], 

Gun àrdan gun stannart ; 

'S i corr aim an ceanal, 

Gun ainnis gun fhòtus. 

Na faicte mo leannan 

; 

'S a mhath-sbluagh di-dònaich, 

15'i coltas an aingenl, 

Na h-earradh'a na combradh ; 

A pearsa gun talach 

Air a gibhtean tha barrachd ; 

A'n, Tì dh' fbàg thu gun aiueamh, 

A rinn do thalamh rud bold beach, 

Urlar. 

Tha 'n aaoghal Ian de amaointeannan (Vol 

Mamon bi'dh 'g ar claonadh 

Le ghoisnichean ; 

A choluinn bheir oir'n gaol 

Ghabhail gu ro fhaoin, 

Air striopachas, air craos, 

Agus stròthalachd : 

Ach cha do chreid mi riamh 

(inn do sheas air sliabh, 

Aon te bha cho ciatach 

Ri Mbraig-sa 

A subhailccan 's a ciall, 

Mar gu'm biodh ban-din. 

Leagh an cri am chliamh 

Le cuid òi rachan.

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. 

Siubhal. 

Ar comhairle na ceilibh orm. 

Ciod eile their no ni mi ? 

Ma'n ribhinn bu tearc ceileireadh, 

A sheinneadh air an fhideig : 

Cha'n fhaighear k lethid eile so, 

Air tir-mor no 'n eileanan ; 

Cho iomlan, 's clio eireachdail. 

Cho teiridneach, 's cho biogail, 

'S ni cinnteacb gur ni deireasach 

War ceileir so air Sine, 

Mi thuiteatn an gaol leath-phairteacb, 

'S mo cherenion ga'm dhiobhail 

Cha'n eil do bhùrn a Seile sid, 

No shneachd an Cruacban eilideaeh 

Na bheir aon fhionnachd eiiidneach 

Do'n teine th'ann am innsgin. 

'Nuar chuala mi ceol leadanach 

An fheadain a bh'aig Mòrag, 

Rinn m'aigueadh damhsa' beadarach, 

'S e freagra dha le solas ; 

Sèamh ùrlar, sochrach, leadarra 

A puirt, 's a meoir a breabadaich ; 

B'e sid an or-fhead eagarra, 

Do bheus nan creaga' mora, 

Ochòin ! am feadan baill-eughacb, 

Cruaidh sgal-eughach, glan ceolmhor, 

Nam binn-phoi't stuirteil, trileanta, 

Ri min-dhionachd, bog rò-chaoin ; 

A màrsal comhnard staideil sin, 

'S e lùghmhor grasmhor caiseamachd ; 

Fior chrunluath, brig, spalpara, 

Fa clia-lù na bras-chaoiu sporsail. 

Chinn prois, is stuirt, a's spraichealachd, 

Am ghnuis 'n uair bheachdaich gùamag, 

A seinn an fheadain ioraltaich, 

B'ard iolach arm am chluasan ; 

A suain-cheol, sithe mir-anach ; 

Mear stoirmeil, pongail, mionaideach ; 

Na b' f'hoirmeile nach sireamaid, 

Air mhiiid ri h-uchd tuasaid. 

O'n buille meoir bu lomarra, 

Gu pronnadh a phuirt uaimhrich ! 

'S na h-uilt bu lughmhor cromainean 

Air thollaibh a ehroinn bhuadhaich ! 

Gun slaod-mheoirich, gun ronnaiieachd, 

Brisg, tioram, sochdair, colaideach ; 

Geal-lùdag nan gearra-cholluinnean, 

Na craplù, loinneil, guanach ! 

Udar. 

Chasgamaid ar n-iot 

Le glan fhion an sin, 

'S bhualamaid gu dian 

Air gloir shiomhalta: 

Tuille cha bhiodh aim, 

Gus an tigeadh am, 

; 

A bhi cluich air dam, 

Air na tiodhan sin : 

Dh'òlaimaid ar dram, 

Dh'fhògradh uainn gun taing, 

Gach ni chuireadh maill 

Air bhi miog-chuiseach ; 

Maighdean nan ciabh farm, 

Shniamhanach nan claim ; 

Mala chaol, dhonn, cham, 

Channach, fhinealta. 

An crunluath. 

Mo cheann tha làn de sheilleanaibh 

O dheilich mi ri d'bhriodal ; 

Mo shròn tha stoipt' à d\i-elebor 

Na deil, le teine dimliis ; 

Mo shuilean tha cho deireasach, 

Nach laic mi gnù gun telespop, 

'S ge d'bhiodh meudach beinn' aim, 

109 

'S ann theirinn gur h-e frid i. 

Dh'fhalbh mo cheudfaidh còrporra 

Gu docharach le bruadar, 

'N uair shaoil mi fortan thor chain domh, 

'S mi'm thorroichim air mo chluasaig: 

Air dusgadh as a chaithream sin 

Cha d'fhuair mi ach aon fhaileas d'i, 

An ionad na maoin bearraideach 

A mheal mi gu seachd uairean. 

Ach, ciod thug mi gu glan fhaireachadh, 

Ach carachadh rinn cluanag : 

'3 co so, o thus, bha Mhòvag ann, 

Ach Sine an or-fhuilt chuachaich ; 

'Nuair thùr i gu'n do lagaich mi, 

'S gu feumainn rag chuir stalcaidh ann, 

Gu'n d'rinn i draoidheachd-chadail domh, 

Rinn cruaidh fior rag de m luaidhe. 

Bha cleasachd-sa cho innealta, 

"S cho innleachdach ma'n cua'rrt d'i, 

Nach faodainn fhin thaobh si-mhaltachd, 

Gun dlighe crion thoirt uam dh'i ; 

Gun thiunndaidh mi gu h-ordail r'i ; 

'S gu'n shaoil mi gu'm b'i Mi rag i 

; 

Gun d' aisig mi mo phogan du, 

'S cha robh d'a coir dad uaipe. 

Note.—This is one of the finest productions of the 

Keltic muse. The bard appears to have been really en. 

amoured, and he pours forth his elegant, rapid, and impassioned 

strains in a torrent of poetry which has never 

been equalled by any of his contemporaries. Mòrag 

was a common country girl ; and it is said that the 

poet's wife became jealous of her rival. The bard had 

talked of the marriage ties with the greatest contempt, 

and regretted that he was fettered with the bonds of wed. 

lock. This raised a storm, and the bard sacrificed the 

mistress to appease the wile, and composed his "Mi. 

vthotadh." Here is an instance of his disregard to truth 

and common decency, as well as nf moral and poetical jus. 

tice. As the praise was exaggerated and extravagant, the 

censure was cruel, unmanly, and undeserved. He first 

raised the object of his admiration to the skies, with the

110 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACil. 

most hyperbolical praise—and tlicn, without any provoca 

tion, lie suddenly wheels round and overwhelms hi: 

goddess with the most slanderous, foul-mouthed and un 

feeling abuse. His " Mi.mhuladh Moraii>" is printed n 

the Glasgow complete edition oj his work* of 1839. 

OR AN AN T-S AM II R A I D1I. 

Air fonn— " Through the wood, laddie." 

An dèis dhomh diìsgadh 's a'mhadainn, 

'S an dealt air a chòill, 

Ann a madainn ro shoilleir, 

Ann a lagan beag doilleir, 

Ci ii'n cualas am f'eadan 

Gu leadurra seinn ; 

'S mac-talla nan creagan 

D'a fhreagairt brùn bhìnn.* 

Bi'dh am beitlie deagh-bhoitrach, 

Urail dosrach nan earn, 

Ri maoth-bblàs dtiùchd ceitean, 

Mar ri caoin-dhearsadb gri-me, 

Bt iuhdadh barraich tro gbeugau, 

'S an mhios cheutacb sa Mhàigh : 

Am mios breac-laoghach, b nail teach ; 

Bbainneach, bhuaghacb, gu dàir ! 

Bi'db gach doire dlù uaignidb 

'S ttusgan uain' amp a' fua ; 

Bi'dh an snotharh a direadh 

As gach friambach a's isle, 

Tro 'na cuislinnean sniombain, 

Gu miadachadh blà : 

Cuach, a's smeòrach 's an flieasgar, 

Seinn a leadain 'n am bàrr. 

* We have heard it broadly asserted, that the commencing 

stanza of this song is a mere translation of the 

first stanza of a certain song in " Hamsay's lea Table 

Miscellany." That there is a general similarity between 

these two stanzas, is admitted at onee: and that M'Dotl. 

aid may have seen the " Miscellany," and also read the 

stanz.i in question, is likewise conceded Hut that the 

Similarity between the two is such as to warrant the conclusion 

lliat he must AatWMH

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. Ill 

'N am do'ii rhrodh bhi g'an leigeadh, 

An itmis bhi'itir's a' choill ; 

'S tu d' It- ig air baideil ri oionthar, 

An grianan aon-chasach cruiuu. 

Bi'dh bradan seang-mhear an fhìor-uisg', 

Gu brisg, slinn-leumnach, luath ; 

Nam bhuidhnean tarra-ghealach, lannach, 

Gu b-iteacb, dearg-bhallach, earrach, 

Le shoillsean airgeid da earradh, 

'S min-bhreac lainnireach tuar ; 

'S e-fein gu erom-ghobach ullamh, 

Ceapadh chuileag le cluaiu. 

A bhealltuinn bhog-bhailceach, ghvianach, 

Lònach, lianach, mo gbràidb, 

Bhainneach, fbionn-mheagach, uachdiach, 

Ombanach, loinideach, chuachach, 

Ghruthach, sblamanacb, mhiosrach, 

Mhiodrach, mbiosganach làn, 

Uanach, inheannanach, mhaoiiieaeh, 

Bhocach, mhaoiseach, làn àil ! 

O ! 's fior èibhinn r'a cbluintinn, 

Fann-gheum laoigli aims a chrò 

Gu h-ùral, min-bhallach, aluinn ; 

Druim-fhionn, gearr-fhionnach, fàili, 

Ceann-fhionn, colg-rasgach, cluas-dearg, 

Tarra-gheal, guaineiseach, òg, 

Gu mògach, bog-Iadbrocb, fàsor, 

'S e leum ri bàraich nam bò ! 

A shùbhrach gheala bhui' nam bruarhag, 

Gur f'anna-gheal, snuaghar, do ghnuis ! 

Chinneas badanach, eluasach, 

Maoth-mhin, baganta luaiueach ; 

Gur tu ròs is t'earr cruadal 

A ni gluasad a h- uir 

Bi'db tu t-eideadh as t-earrach 

'S c ch ri falacb an si'il. 

'S cùraidh fàileadh do mhuineil, 

A chrios-Cho-chulainn nan earn ! 

Na d' chruinn bbabaidean riabhach, 

Lbineach, fhad-luirgneach, sgiamhacb, 

Na d'thuim ghiobagach, dreach-mhin, 

Bharr-bliuidh, cbasurlaich, àird ; 

Timcheall tbulmanan diamhair 

Ma m bi'm biadh-ianain a fi.s. 

'S gum bi froineisean boisgeil 

A thilgeas foineal ni's leoir, 

Ar gach lu-ghart de neoinein, 

'S do bharraibh sheamragan lòmhar ; 

Mar sin is leasachan soilleir, 

De dh-fbeada-coille nan cos, 

Timcheall bhoganan loinneal, 

A's trie an eilid d'an còir. 

; 

'Nis treigidh coileach à ghucag, 

'S caitean brucacb nan craobb, 

'S thèid gu mullach nan sliabh-chnoc', 

Le chin; ghearr-ghobaich riabhaieb, 

'S bi'dh'ga suiridb gu eùirteil 

Am pillein cùl-gorma fraoieh : 

'S ise freagra le tuchan : 

— 

" Pì-hù-hù tba thu t'aoin." 

A choilich chraobhaich nan gearr-i 

'S na falluine dùi', 

Tha dubh a's geal air am miosgadl 

Go ro oirdheire na €-itich ; 

Muineal lainnireach, sgipi, 

L'aine, slis-mhin, 's trie erom ! 

Gob na'n pongannan milis 

Nach faict' a sileadh nan rorm ! 

Sid an turaraioh ghlan, loinneal, 

A's ard coilleag air torn, 

'S iad ri bù-rà-rus seamh, ceutach 

Ann a feasgar bog ceitean ; 

Am bannal geal-sgirteach, uchd-ruadh ; 

Mala ruiteaeh, chaol, ehrom ; 

'S iad gu h-uchd-ardach, earra-gheal, 

Ghiian-dhearsgnaidh, dhruim-dhonn. 

\'ote.—The poet here uses a redundancy of adjectives, 

epithets and alliterations, with more pedantry than | becomes 

pastoral poetry: but, with all its faults, the poem 

contains many beautiful passages. The address to the 

primrose is peculiarly elegant and happy—the description 

| 

of the love of the grouse is also very good—and the address 

to the black cock is lively and graphic, though it ends with 

an unlucky and far-fetched conceit. 

O R A N A G H E A M II R A I D H. 

Air fonn— " Tweedside." 

TiiARKUiNNgrian righ nam planad 's nan rèull, 

Gu sign Chancer di-ciadain gu beachd, 

A riaghlas cothrom ma'n crioclmaich e thriall, 

Da mhios-deug na bliadhna ma seach ; 

Ach gur h-e 'n dara, di sathuirn' na dheigh, 

A ghrian-stad-shamraidh, aon-deug, an la's laid ; 

'S a sin tiuutaidh e ehùrsa gu seimb, 

Gu seas-ghrian a gheamhraidb gun stad. 

'S o dh'imich e 'nis uainn m'an cuairt, 

Gu'm bi fuachd oir'n gu'm pill e air ais, 

Bi'dh gach la dol an giorrad gu feum, 

'S gach oidhche do reir dol am fad : 

Sruthaidb luibhean, a's colli, agus fetir, 

Na fàs-bheodha crion-eugaidh iad as ; 

Teichidh snodhach gu friamhaeh nan erann. 

, Sùighidh glaoghan an sùgb-bheath' a steach.

L2 SAR-OliAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Seachdaidh geogan glan cubhraidh nan craim, 

Bha'aan t-aambradfa trom-strac-te le meas, 

Gu'u tbrr-leum an toradh gu làr, 

Gu'n agrioaair am bàrr far gach lios. 

Guilidh feadain a'a creachainn nam beaun, 

Srutbain cbriestail nan gleann le trout sprochd, 

Caoidh nam fuaran ri meacuinu gu'n uluiun, 

Deoch-ahunuta nam maoiaeach 's nam boo. 

Laidbidfa brim air an talamh gu leir, 

Gu'n aognaieh na sleihhtean's na cnuic ; 

Grad dubbaidh caoiu uachdar nam blàr, 

Fal-rùisgte, 's iad fàillinneach bochd 

Na h-eoin bhuchallacb' bhreac-iteach, ghrinn, 

Sheinneadh basganta, binn, am barr dhos, 

Gu'n tèid a ghlas-ghiiib ar am beul, 

Gun bhodha, gun teud, 's iad nan tost. 

Sguiridh bùirdisich agiathach nan speur, 

D'an ceileiribh grianacb car greis, 

Cha seimi iad a' maidnean gu h-ard, 

No ftasgaran cliràbbach 's a' phreas ; 

Cadal cluthor gu'n dean anus gach cos, 

Gabhail fasgaidh am frògamh nan creag ; 

'S iad ag ioiindrainn nan gatbanan blàth, 

lihiodh ri dealaradh o agàile do theas. 

Cuirear daltachan srian-bhuidh nan rba 

Bharr mhin-cbioch nan òr-dhitheati beag, 

'S inghean gucagach lili nan Ibti, 

Nam flu ran, 's gheal noinein nan eug ; 

Cha deogblair le beacban nam brunch, 

Crddhaidb fuarachd car cnairt iad na Bgeap ; 

'S cha mho chruinnicheas seillein a mhal, 

'S thar gheal-ùr-ros chroinn garaidh cha streap. 

Tearnaidh bradan, a's sgadan, 's gach iasg, 

O t-iarguinn gu na-ghrunnd nan loch ; 

'S gu fan air an aigein dù-dhonn, 

Ann an doimhueachd nam fonn a's nan slochd. 

Na brie tharra-ghcalach, earra-ghoblilach shliom, 

Leumailh mearagant', vi usgraichean chop, 

Nan cairtealan geambraldh gu'n lamb, 

Meirbh, sàinhach, o thàmh thu fo'n ghlob. 

Chasa's ghreannaich gach tulach, 's gach tùin, 

'S dbite lorn chinn gach Breach, '« gach glac J 

Gu'n d' obhrairh na sithenuau feoir, 

Ba lusanach, fVoirneanach brat ; 

Thiormaicb monainean, 'a ruadhalcb gach Fonn ; 

Bheuobd an fhalrge 'a to thonn-ghreanaach gart 

'S gu'n sgreitich an dùlachd gach long, 

'S thi'id an cabhlach na long phort a stead, d. 

Nculaicli paircean a's miodair gu has, 

'I'll 1 1 i t gacfa fàaach, 'a gach àite fo bhruid ; 

Cbiaraich monadh nan ioaal 'a nan ard ; 

Theirig dathanan gràambor gach luig ; 

; 

Db.fhalbb am fàileadh, am mvig, a'a am fonn ; 

Dh-fhalbb am maiae bharr lombairgach buig ; 

Chaidb an eunlaidh gu Raoidhearan troagh, 

Liscag, imeòrach, a'a cuach, agus druid. 

A fhraoich bbadanaich, ghaganalob, uir, 

Dam b'ola's d am b 't'hinlar a nihil, 

B'i bhlàth ghrian do bhaltt't gach uair, 

Gu giullachd do ghruaige le sgil ; 

'S a mhadain iucbair 'nuair bboisgeadb a ghnùis, 

Air bhuidhinnin driùcbdaoh nan dril, 

B'fbior chùbbraidb 's gu'm b'eibhinn an smuid 

So db'eireadb bharr chuirnein gach bil. 

Gu'n theirig suth-talmbuinn nam bruaeb ; 

Dh't'halbh an cnuasach le'n trom-lubailh slat, 

Thuit an t-ubhall, an t-siris, 's a phenr, 

Chuireadh bodha air a ghèig aims a bhad. 

Dh-fhalbh am bainne bho'n eallach air chul, 

Ma'm hi leanaba hi ciùehaian bochd ; 

'S gu'm pill a grian gu sign Thuurus nam buailh, 

'S treun a bhuadhaicheas, l'uachd, agus gort. 

Thèid a ghrian air a thurus man cuairt, 

Do thropic Chnpricorn gbruamach gun stad, 

O'n tig tearthuinn chruinn, mheallanach, luath, 

Bheir air mullach nan cuairteagan sad ; 

Thig tein'-adbair, thig torunn na dhejgh, 

Thig gaillionn, thig cireadh nach lag, 

'S cinnidh uisge na ghlaineacban cruaidh, 

'S na ghlas-lcugaibh, min, luarlicneach rag. 

A mios nuarranda, garbb-fhrasach dorch', 

Shneachdach, cholgarra, stoirm-shionach bith ; 

Dhisleach,dhall-ch urach, chat hacb.t'hliuch.cbruii, 

Bhiorach, bhuagharra, 's tuath-ghaotbach citb , 

Dheibheach, lia -rotach,gblib-shleamhaiu gbarbh, 

Chuireaa agiobairean fairge nan ruith ; 

Fhliuchach, fhuntninneacb, ghuineach, gun tlàa ; 

Cuiridh t-anail gach càileachd air chrith. 

A mios cratanach, casadacb, lbm, 

A bhioa trom air an t-sonn-bhrochan dubh ; 

Churraiceach, chasagach, lacbdiinn a's dhonn, 

Bhrisneach,stocaiuneach,choin-ehochlach,thiugh, 

Bhrbgach, mhiotagach, pheiteagach bhàu, 

Imeach, aranach, chàiseach. gun ghruth ; 

Le miann bruthaiste, inairt-t'heoil a's càl ; 

'S ma bhioa Math nach dean tail- air gnù stuth. 

A mios brotagach, toiteanach sòigh 

Gbionach, stròitheal, fhior ghedcach gu maic ; 

Liteach, laghanach, chabalsteach chbrr, 

Phoiteach, rbmaaacb, ròiceil, gu suit ; 

'S an taobh-muigb ge do thugb sinn ar e! m, 

Air an i'hàile gheur-tholitach gun this, 

'S feudar dram 01 mar lintligeadh cliilih, 

A ghrad fhadaa tein'-eibhinn 'a an uchd.

ALASDAIIl MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 

BL'dh grean'-dubh air cuid mòr de'u Roinneorp, 

O lagaich sgeamh òrdha do theas, 

Do sholus bu sh'olas ro mhòr, 

Ar fraghavc a's ar loelirann geal deas ; 

Ach 'nuair thig e gu Gemini a lis, 

'S à lainnir 's gacli rlgheacbd gu'n cuir, 

'S buidh soillsein nan coirean'fl nam meall, 

'S riochdail fiamh nau ùr-mheall air a uihuir. 

'S theid gach salinadair ball-mhaiseach ùr, 

Ann an crannaig chraobh-dhlù-dhuillich chais, 

Le 'n seol i'ein a sheinn laoidh 's a thoirt cliu, 

Chimin a phlanaid-s' a chùrsadh air ais ; 

Gu'm bi coisir air leth anus gach gèig, 

An dasgaibh eibhinn air ruidh-shlios nan slat, 

A toirt lag iobairt le'n ceileir d'an Triath, 

Air chaol chorraibh an sgiath aims gacb glaic. 

Cha bhi creutair fo chupan nan speur 

'N sin nach tiunndaidb ri 'n speurad's ri'n dreach, 

'S gu'n toir Phoebus le buadhan a bhlais, 

Anam-fàs daibh a's càileaclidain ceart 

Mi iad ais-eiridh choitcheanu on uaigh 

Far na mhiotaich am fuachd iad a ateach, 

'S their iad: 

— 

guiUag-doro-hidola-haii.il, 

Dh-fhalbh angeamhra 's than samhradh air leachd. 

ORAN NAM FINEACHAN GAELACH. 

A CHOMBISN rìoghail rùinich, 

S.'ir umhlaehd thugaibh uaibh, 

Biodh 'ur ruisg gun smùirnean, 

'S gach cri gun treas gun lub aim ; 

Deoch-slainte Sheumais Stiubhairt, 

Gu muirneach cuir ma'n cuairt! 

Ach ma ta giomh air bith 'n 'ur stamaig, 

A chàileis naomh' na truaill. 

Lion deoch.slainte Thearlaich 

A mheirlich ! stràic a chuach ; 

B'i sid an ioc-shlant' àluinn, 

Dhath-bheothaicheadh mo cbàileauhd 

Ge d'a bhiodh am bàs orm, 

Gun neart, gun ;'.dh, gun tuar. 

A Righ nan dùl a chuir do chàbhlach, 

Oiru thar sail' le luathas. 

O ! tog do bhaideil àrda, 

Chaol, dhionach, shàr-gheal nuadh, 

Ri d'erannai lb bì-dhearg, làidir, 

Gu taisdeal nau toiin gaireach ; 

Tha JEolus ag raitinn 

Gu 'seid e rap-ghaoth chruaidh, 

On a'trd an ear ; 's tha Ne/jtun dileas, 

Gu mineachadb a cbuain. 

'S hochd ata do chi.irdean 

Aig ro mhead t-fhàrdail uainn ; 

Mar alach mhaotb gun mhathair ; 

No beachainn breac a gharaidh, 

Ag sionnach 'n duis a fasachd', 

Air fàiliim (eadh nam bruach. 

Aisig cabhagach le d' chabhlach, 

'S leighis plàidh do Bhluaigb. 

Tha na dee ann an deagh run dut 

Greas.ort le surd neo-ir.barbh, 

Thar dhronnaig nan tonn dù-ghorm, 

Dhruim-robach, bbarr-chas, shiubblacb, 

; 

113 

Gbleann-cblaghacb. cheann.gheal, shu'.dhlù, 

Na mothar chul-ghlas, ghairbh ; 

Na cuan-cboirean, greannach, stuadh-tborthac 

'S crom-bbileach, nnolach, falbb. 

Tha muir a's tlr cho-reidh dhut, 

Mar deann thu icin a Btarg; 

Doirtidb iad na'n ceudan, 

Nau laomabb tiugba, trèunna, 

A Breatunn a's a Eirinn, 

Ma ^'standard breid-gbeal dearg ; 

A ghasraidh sgaiteach, gbuineacb, rioghail ; 

Chieuchdach, fbior.luath, gharg 

Thig do chinneadh fcin ort, 

Na treun-fhir laomsgair gharbh, 

Na'm beitheiribh gu reubadh ; 

Na'n leoghannaibh gu creuchdadh ; 

Nan natbraichean grad.leumneach, 

A lotas geur le 'n calg, 

Le'n gathan t'aobharach, rinn-bheurra 

Ni mor eucbd le'n arm. 

'N am bhrataichean liin-eideadh, 

Le dealas geur gun chealg, 

Thig Dnmhnuilaich, nan deigh sin ; 

Clio dileas dut ri d'leine ; 

Mar ehoin air fasdadb eile ; 

Air chath-chrith geur gu sealg ; 

'S mairg ni mbaid do'n nochd iad fraoch, 

Long, leogbann, craobh, 's laimb-dhearg. 

Gu neartaicb iad do cbàmpa 

Na Caim-beulaicb gu dearbh, 

An Diuc Earraghalach mar cbeaiin oir', 

Gu m^rghalach mear prionnsail ; 

Ge b'e bheir air iunsaidh, 

B'e sid an tionsgnadh searbh, 

Le Ian nan lotach, dù-ghorm, toirteil, 

Sgoltadh chorp gu'm balg. 

!

114 SAH-OBAllt NAM liARD GAELACH. 

Gu tarbartach, glan, raiscamachd, 

Fior thartarach na'n rànc, 

Thig Claaiaidfa le cbuid I'earsanach, 

Gu cuaimda gleusda grad-bheirteach ; 

Le ipainticheaii teann-bheirteacb 

'S cruaidh fead ri sgailceadh cheann ; 

Bi'dh fail d'a

ALASDAIIt MAC MIIAIGHST1R ALASDA1R. 115 

AlR rONX— " Cdle-chraijaidii.^ 

Tha deagh shoisgeul feadh nan gaibh-ehrioch, 

Surd air armaibh c'jmhraig ; 

Uird ri d'araraich deanamh thargaid 

Nan dual ball-chruinn boidheach ; 

Chaidh ar seargadh le cam earraghloir 

Sluaigh fior chealgach Shùrais, 

O's sgeul dearbhta thig thar fiiirge. 

Neart 10 gharbh d' ar fòirinn. 

Thig tbar lear le gaoith an ear oirn : 

Toradh deal ar d'jchais, 

Le inhilte fear, 's le armaibh geal, 

Prionns' ullamh, mear, 's e dù-chaisgt ; 

Mac High Seutnas, Tearlach Stiubhart, 

Oighre chrùin th'air fùgar, 

Gu'n dean gach Breatuinneach Ian uinhlachd, 

Air an glùn' d'a nihùrachd. 

Ni na Gàeil bheodha, ghasda, 

Firidh bhras le sròlamh ; 

lad nan ciadan nim' ag ialhadh, 

S coltas dian cuir gleois orr' ; 

Gu'n t'hiamh 's iad tiata, claidheach, sgiathach, 

Gunnach, riaslach, strùiceach, 

Mar chonfadh leoghauriaibh fiadhaich, 

'S acras diau gu feoil orr'. 

Dèanamh ullamh chum ar turuis, 

'S bithibh guineach, deònach ; 

So an cumasg, am bi na builean, 

An deantar full a dhòrtadh ; 

Och a dhuin' is lionmhor curaidh 

Is fior sturrail co-stri, 

A leigir fear eile mar chuileatin, 

Dh' fhaotainn fuil air Sebras ! 

'S iomadh neach a theid air ghaisge, 

Tha fior lag na dhùchus, 

Gus a nochdar standard brat-dhearg, 

An rlgh cheart-s' tha ùirne, 

Ge do bhiodh e na fbior ghealtair, 

Gur cruaidh rag gu bhròig e. 

Ceart cho gairge ris an lasair, 

A losgadh asbhuain eorna. 

IMhoir is sgairteil, foirmeil, bagant, 

Gà'èil ghasda, chrodba ; 

Gach aon bhratacfa sios do'n bhaiteal 

Le 'n gruaidh laisde rùsg-dearg ; 

lad gun fhiamh, gun fheall, gun ghaiseadh ; 

Rioghail, beachd-bhorb, pròiseal ; 

Gu no-lapach ri linn gaisge, 

Spèiinnteach ghlas nan dòrnaibh. 

'S binn linn plapraich nam breid bhratach, 

Srannraich bras ri m jr-ghaoith, 

An glachdaibh gaisgeich nan ceum staiteil, 

]s stuirteil, sgairteil, mùision ; 

'S lann ghorm sgaiteach, do shir-shlacau 

Geur gu srachdadh shròn' aige, 

Air bac cruachain an fhir bhrataich, 

Gu cuir tais air fogradh. 

'S furbaidh tailceant, 's cumta pearsa, 

Treun-laoch spraiceal, doid-gheal ; 

Piob d' a spalpadh, suas na achlais, 

Mhosglas lasan gleois duinn ; 

Caismeachd bhras bhinn, bhrodadh aigne, 

Gu dian chasgairt slòigh leis ; 

Chuireadh torman a phuirt bhaisgeil, 

Spioraid bhras 'n 'ar p'uraibh. 

Bithibh sunndach, lughor, bèumach, 

Sgriosach, geur, gu feolach, 

'S bi'dh Mars oreuchdach, cogach, reubach, 

Anns 'na speur d' ar seoladh ; 

Soirbhichidh gach ni gu leir libit, 

Ach sibh-fein bhi deonach ; 

Màrsailibh gun da.il, gu'n eislein, 

Lughor, eudrom, ceol-mhor. 

Màrsailibh, gun fheall, gun airsneul, 

Gach aon bhratach bhoidheach ; 

Cuideachd shuaicheanta nam breacan, 

'S math gu casg na tbireachd ; 

'Nuair a ruisgeas sibh na claisicb 

Bi'dh smuis bhreac feadh feòir libh ; 

! Gaor a's eanachuinn na spadul, 

'S na liatb-shad feadh mhointich. 

Sliocraich, slacraich, nan cruaidh shlacan, 

Freagra basgur sheannsair ; 

'Nuair a theid a ruaig gun stad libh 

Gur ro fad a chluinntear, 

Feadraich bhuillean, sgoltadh mhullach, 

Sios gu bun an rumpuill ; 

Ruaig orr' uile mar mhoim tuile ; 

Chaoidh cha 'n urr' iad tiunntadh. 

'S iomadh fear a dh' oladh lionta, 

Slainte an righ-s' tha oirne, 

Spealgadh ghlaineachan aig griosaich, 

'S e cur beinn air Seòras ; 

Ach 's onaraiche anis an gniomh, 

Na cuig-ceud mile b'ula ; 

'S fearr aon siola a dh'fhuil 's an flnith 

No galoin fhlon air bhùrdaibh. 

Dearbhaidh beachdaidh sibh bhi ceart d'a, 

Eirdh grad le 'r slùghaibh ; 

Gu'n 'ur mnathan, claim, no beirteas, 

Chuir stad-feachd 'n 'ur duchus;

116 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GALLACH. 

Ach gluasad inntiiineach, luath, cinnteacl 

Rioghail, llont' de mhùr-chuis ; 

Mar an raineach a dnl sios duibli, 

Sgriosadh dian luchd clèochdan. 

'Ur ceathairne ghruamach, nimheil, 

Lin do mhire cruadail ; 

'S misg dhearg (hatha, gu ban rath orr', 

'S craobb dhearg dhath nan gruaidhean ; 

lad gun athadh sios le 'n claidheati 

Iti sior sgathadh chnuachdan ; 

Lotar dearganaich le *r gatban, 

'S le'r fior chrathadh cruadhach. 

'S beagan sluaigh, a 's trie thug buaidh, 

An iomairt cbruaidh a chòmhraig ; 

Deanamaid gluasad gu'ii dad uamhuinu, 

'S na biodh fuathas oirne ; 

Doirtidh uaislean an taobh-tuath, 

Mac Shim nan ruag, 's Diuc-Gòrdon ; 

Le mharc-siiluagh is nuarrant gruaim ; 

'S maim aimhi fhuar nam pùramh. 

ORAN RIOGIIAL A BHOTA1L. 

Aift fonn— " Let us be jovial, Jill our plastes." 

BiODHMAin subhach, 's Mar deoeh linn, 

Osnaich n ar fochar cha tàmh, 

Na sinaointicheamaid ar bochdainn, 

Fhad 's a bios an copan làn. 

LUINNEAG. 

Hò-rò air falbiar-uraidh 

Ho air m'alldar-ràrhidh rò, 

Hò-rò air maUdar-raridh 

Fàlldar, ralldar, riiraiJh ho. 

Olamaid glainneachean làn', 

Air slainte an t-Seumais ata uainn ; 

Cuireamaid da iblaint' an oàraid, 

Tosda Thearlahh straie a chuach. 

Ho-ro, $C. 

Ma ta ataanac anus a obuideachd, 

Nach dean a chuidsa d' ar mi.iuri, 

Siapaidb e 'masb as ar carabh, 

Mai an carran as an t-shiol. 

Ho.ro, .S'c. 

Calreadh ar cupacban tliarsta ; 

Aisig c.is an corn in'an cuairt 

Faloear èibhinneacbd air lasadh, 

Le fior sgairt 'n ar beachd, 's 'n ar gruaidh. 

Ho-ro, &'c. 

; 

Biodh ar cridhachan a damhsa, 

Linn an drams' a dliol na thruaill, 

Mar gu 'in biodhmaid 'a a cbeart am-sa, 

Dol do 'n champ a dh'fhaotainn buaidh. 

Ho-ro, £c. 

Den dibh' bbridhear neartar bhlasda, 

'S milse no mil bheacb gu p'uit, 

Lion an soitheach sin amach dhuinn, 

De 'n stuth hhlasdar ud 'san stop. 

Ho-ro, £c. 

'S-ioma fearsta, falachaidh, tlachdmlmr, 

Tha 'm mac-na-bracha r'a luaigh ; 

Rinn sin e na leannan do mhiltean, 

'S na mhilsein priseil do'n t-sluagh. 

Ho-ro, £c. 

Sgaolaidh e ghruaim far a mhuigeiu ; 

Ni e fiughantach fear cruaidh ; 

Ni e cruadalach fear gealtach, 

Gus an tuid e feachd no 'n ruaig. 

Ho-ro, c^c. 

Ni e cainntcach am fear tostach ; 

Ni e brosgulach fear dur ; 

Ni e suireach am fear nàrach ; 

'S fàgaidh e dàn' am fear diùid. 

Ho-ro,

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAlIt. nr 

Tairrnidh e mulad gu aiteas ; 

Tiunndaidh e airsneul gu fonn ; 

Mionach nan sporan gu spiol e 

Le ghob biorach chriotiias lorn. 

Ho-ro, §c. 

Thigeadh meanmna, 's falbhadh airsneul 

Air chairstealan uainn do'n Rbimh ; 

Seinneam òrain cheolmor, ghasda, 

Shunndach, Mints, nach lapach gloir. 

Ho-ro, c$c 

'Nuair bheirear botul a stapul, 

'S a chromar ri cap a cluas ; 

'S eibhinn a ghogail la earraich, 

Cogair searraig ris a chuaich ! 

Ho-ro, §c. 

'S milse no ceilearadh smeòraich, 

Le luinneag ceolmlior air gèig, 

Creatraich shrideagach do sgbrnain ; 

Cratan 's bùiche fo 'na ghrèin ! 

Ho-ro, $c. 

'S binne na luinneag eoin-bùchainn, 

Bhiodh ri tuchan am barr tlionn. 

Guileag do mhuineil a's giuig ort ; 

Cuisle-chiuil a dhiiisgeadli fonn. 

Ho-ro, $to 

'S binne no cluig-cbiuil an Glilascho, 

T-fhuaim le bastul dol 's a chbrn ; 

Sid an fhàilt a ghleusadh m' aigne, 

Mac-na-brach a teachd le pùig. 

Ho-ro, $* 

Lion domh suas an t-slige-chreachainn ; 

Cha 'n ion a seachnadh gu dram ; 

'S math Ghàelig oirr' an creathann ; 

An t-slig' a chreach shine a t' ami. 

Ho-ro, $c, 

'S binne no ceol coilich choille, 

Bhiodh ri coilleig air an torn, 

Durdail a bhotail ri glainne; 

Crùuan loinnteal thoilleadh bonn ! 

Ho-ro, $e. 

Teicheadh liun-dubh as 'ur comunn ; 

Falbhadh gainne ; 's pailt 'ur n-ùr ; 

Na biodh spèuclair oirbh gu ganntar, 

Fheadh 's a bhio's an dram 'n 'ur srùin. 

Ho-ro, $c. 

Biodh 'ur ceann-agaidh uile 'n ceart uair, 

Cho ruiteach ri d reach nan ròs, 

'Nuair a thèid 'ur fuil air ghabhail, 

Le beirm laghach Mhic-an-Tòis. 

Ho-ro, §c. 

! 

\ 

Gur dionnsaireach, spinnsearach, t-fhàileadh, 

'S teas-ghradhach do shnàg tro' m' chliabh 

Fadadh blàis air feadh mo mhionaich ; 

Gur ro mhioragach do thriall 

Ho-ro, $C. 

Gurgucagach, coilleagach, brisg-gheal, 

Bruicheal, neo-mhisgeach do thuar, 

'Nad' shlabhraidhean criostail a dòrtadh, 

Ri binn-chronanaich am chluais. 

Ho-ro, Qe. 

Sgaoileamaid o altair Bhachuis: 

A chleirich taisg a chailis uat ; 

Dh-fhalbh ar fuachd ; 's ciod 'ta dhi oirn ? 

Thugamaid bàig' crion do 'n t-suain. 

Ho-ro, $c. 

Ach f'reasdal sinn air ghairm na maidne, 

Le t-ioc-shlaint aghmhor Ian bhuadh, 

'S thoir dhùinn aon ghloic-nid 'n ar leabaidh 

A bheir crith-chlaiginn oirn m'an cuairt 

Ho-ro,

118 SAR-OBAIR NAM

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIIt ALASDAIR.

— 

120 SAR-OI3AIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

morning. The bard walk* abroad and sees the dew flittering 

on every leaf and Bower—the birds warbling their 

songs the animals grazing, and the bees collecting ill ir 

stores—the tìshes are leaping out of the water, and all 

nature rejoicing in the return of spring, or the luxuriance 

of mmmerl The very rivulet si ems to partake of the 

common joy, and murmurs a more agreeable sound—the 

rows low aloud, and the calves answer responsive— while 

the dairy-maid is busily engaged at her task. The ground 

is bespangled with flowers of richer hues than the moat 

costly gems. The horses gather together in groups to 

drink of the streamlet, and the kids are sporting and 

dancing about its banks. The ships, with all their v. Into 

sails bent to the gentle breeze, are passing slowly along 

the Sound of Mull. The poet selects the BHMt natural, 

lively, and agreeable images in the rural scene. All good 

judges admit that there is not a descriptive poem, in 

Gaelic or English, fit to be compared with this exquisite 

production. 

ORANLUAIGHE NO FUCAIDH. 

LUDTNEAG. 

Agus lib Mhòrag, vo ho-rb, 

' S no ho-rè-ghealtadh, 

A Mhòrag chiatach a cliuil dualaich, 

Gur h-ù do luaigli a th' air m'ahe. 

Agus ho Mhorag,

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. 

'S iomadh gaisgeach do ghàel, 

Nach obadh le in' ghrùdh-sa tarruinn : 

Agus ho Mhorag, c£c. 

A reachadh le sgiath, 's le clàidheamh, 

Air bheag sgà gu bial nan cannon : 

Agus ho Mhorag, §c. 

Chunuardaicheadh dol nan òrdaibh, 

Thoirt do chòrach, 'mach a dh' ain-deoin. 

Agus ho Mhorag,


Smeòrach mise do Chlann-Dòmhnuill, 

Dream a dhithicaeadh, *s a leooadh, 

'S cbuireadh mis' an riochd Da smeòraich 

Gu bhi seinn, 'sa cuir ri ceol duibh. 

Holaibh o iriag, §c. 

Sa chreig ghuirm a thogadh mise 

An sgireachd Chaisteil duibh nan cliar 

Tir tha daounaii a' cuir thairis 

Le tuil bhaiiuie, meal', a's rion. 

Holaibh o iriug, ^c. 

Slim-lid nan Eun o'h Chaisteil-thiream, 

S o Eilean-Fhianain nan gallan, 

Moch, a's feasgar togar m'iolach, 

Seiun gu bileach, milis, mealach. 

Holaibh o iriag, fyc. 

Tha mi de'n ghur rioghail, luachach, 

'S math eun fhaotainn a Dead, uasal, 

Gliineadh mi gun chol, gun truailleadh, 

Fo sgiathaibh Ailein rnliic Ruairidh. 

Holaibh o iriag, §c. 

Cinneadh, glan gun smùr, gun smodan 

Gun smàl gun luaith ruaidh, no ghrodan, 

'S iad gun ghiomh, gun t'heall, gun sodau, 

'S treum am buill' an thigh nan trodan. 

Holaibh o iriag, ^c. 

Cinneadh rioghail, th'air am buaineadh, 

A meribh meara na cruadhach, 

'S daoimeiD iad gun spàr gun truailleadh, 

Nach gabh stùr, gnè, smal, no ruadh-mheirg. 

Holaibh o iriag, £ C. 

Cinneadh mor gun bliòsd gun sparan, 

Suairce, siobhalta, gun ràpal, 

('aomhail, cineadail ri'n càirdean, 

Fuilteach, faobharach, ri namhaid. 

Holaibh o iriag, gCt 

Kaon ul lakh nan òr chrios taghaih, 

Nan luireach, nan Sgiatb, 's nan clogaid, 

A tlu'-id sios gu gunnach, dagach, 

Nu fir ghasda shunndai-h, chogach, 

Holaibh o iriag, cjc. 

Sud na h-aon d loine th'air m'aire, 

Naeh dianadh air spùileadli Ol'omadh, 

Dhianadh aims an àraich gearradh 

Cinn ga'n sgaradb, oulrp ga'm pronnailh. 

Holaibh o iriag, £c. 

Ac.h mur tig mo righ-BB dliachaigh 

Triallaidfa mi do dh-uamhaig hlocalchi 

'S bithidb mi'ii sin ri caoldh, 's ri bàsiaich, 

Gus am fiiigh mi baa le OBnaicb. 

Holaibh o iriag, $C. 

Ach ma thig mo phriunnsa thairis 

Cuirear mis' an cliabban lurach, 

'S bithidh mi canntaireaclid gu buileach 

'S ami 'san àrois ni mi fuireacb. 

Holaibh o iriug,

124 SAlt-OBAIll NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Gur mairg d'an eideadh san là sin,

LASDAIR MAC MHAIGHST1R ALASDA1R. 

FAILTE NA MOR-THIR. 

LUI>TfEAG. 

H-eitirin àirinn uirinn oth-h-0-rò, 

H-eitirin àirinn h-6-rò. 

Failt' ort fein a mhòr-thir bhoidheach, 

Anns an ùg-mhios bhealltainn. 

H-eitirin, fyc. 

Grian-thir òr-bhuidh, 's uaine còta, 

'S froinidh ròs ri h-alltaibh. 

H-eitirin, §-c. 

Le biadh 's le dibh a' cuir thairis, 

Cha teid Earrach teann orr. 

H-eitirin, Sfc. 

'S ianach, lurach, slios a tulaich, 

'S duilleach 'mullach chrann innt. 

H-eitirin, fyc. 

A cboill gu h-uile fo làn-duilleach, 

'S i na culaidh-bainnse. 

H-eitirin, 8[C. 

'S bainneach, bailceach, braonach glacach, 

Bruachan tachdrach, Ailleart. 


Uisge fallain nan clach geala, 

Na do bhaile Geamhraidh. 


'Slionach, slatacli, cuibhleach, breacach, 

Seile ghlas nan samhnan. 

H-eitirin, Src. 

Mor-thir ghlan nam bradan tana gheal, 

'S airgeadach cuir lann orr'. 

H-eitirin,


'S miosrach, cuaehach, leabaoh, luachrach, 

Dol gu buaile 's t-sàmhradh. 

II-citirin, Sfc. 

'S òmhnaeh, uachdrach, blàthach.cnuachdach, 

Lùn nam buacliaill aimta. 


'S imeach, gruthaoh, meogach, sruthach, 

An imiricfa shubhaeh, shlambach. 


Deoch gun tombas dol far comliair, 

Gun aon ghluthar gainntir. 

H-eitirin, kc. 

lORRAM CUAIN. 

Gun neo-aoidheil turas faoillich, 

Ge d' bhiodh na daoine tàbhachdach. 

Tha m' fhearann saibhir hò-a hò, 

Hn-rì hi-rò na b' àile leat mì : 

Tha m' fhearann saibhir hò-a hò. 

An fhairge molacb, bronnach, torraeh, 

Giobbach, corracli, ràpalacb. 

Tha m fhearann, Sjc 

'S cruaidh ri stiuireadh bial-inbuir duldaidli, 

Teacbd le bruchdail chàisanach. 

Tha m' fhearann, Sfc. 

Clagh a chulain cba b'e 'n BÙgradh, 

'S e ri bùirein bàchdanach. 


An cùlanach fèìn cha n e 's i'asadh, 

Agus lasan àrdain air. 

Tha in' fhearann, Sfc. 

Teacbd gu dlù' n deigfae che'ile, 

Agus geuumaicb dftir orra. 

Tha m' f hearann, fro. 

An fhairge ph&iteacb, 'sa bial farsuiun, 

Agus acras araidh oiir'. 


'S mairg a cboimeas muir ri molntlcb, 

Ge d' bhiodh mm-shiM-achd st racial orra. 

Tha m' f hearann, Sfc. 

Neoil a' gealadh oidhobe shalach, 

Gun aon ebala sabhailtf. 

Tha m'fhearann, Sfc. 

Dubh-ra-dorrha gun dad ghealaich, 

Oir-thir ain-eoil' ard-chreagach. 


Gaoth a' seideadh, muir ag eiridh, 

'S tear ag eubhacb ani ghuthach :— 

Tha tii fhearann, Sfc. 

" Sud e' tidhinu 's cba n'ann ruighinn, 

Croc-inliuir, friothar, basanacb. 

Tha in fhearann, Sfc. 

'' Cum ceann caol a fiodha direach, 

Ri muir diolain, dasunnach." 


Ach dh'aithnich sinn gun sbeol sinn fada, 

A macli san t-samh 's bu ghabhaidh sin. 


'S leag sinn a crninn a's a h-aodach, 

'S bu ghniomh dhaoine caileachdach. 

Tha m' fheaiann, Sfc. 

'S chuir sinn amach cliathau righne, 

Is bu gbrinn an àlach iad. 

Tha m' fhearann. Sfc. 

'S shuidh orr' ochdnar, theoma, tbroma, 

A' sgoillteadh tonnan Btàplainneacb. 

Tha m' fhearann, £"& 

Heig air chnagaibh, hug air mbaidean, 

'S cogall bbac air t-àbhraiiaibh ! 

Tlia m' fhearann, Sfc. 

lad a mOBgladh suas a clicile, 

'S masgadli treun air sail aca. 


Sginean locbdracb ràmh a Locbluinn, 

'Bualadh bhoc air bh.-iii linnean. 

Tha in' fhearann, SjC 

lad a' traogfaadb suas na ilile, 

Le neart fìoi'gharg gbairdean&n. 

Tha m' f hearann, Sfc. 

Cathadh mara 's marcathd-shine, 

'S stoirm nan Mini, da 'n sàrachadh. 

Tha m fhearann, Sfc. 

Lasraicbean srad theine-sbiunnachain, 

Dearg o'n iumradh cbàileachdach. 


lad ag obair as an li'-iutean, 

" Ilùg a's thèld 'da ràmh' aca." 

Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. 127 

Iorram ard-bhinn shuas aig Eamun, 

Aun an cluith ràmh bràghada. 


Aonghas Mac-Dhonnachaidh da reir sii 

A ri ! 

bu treun a thairrneadb e. 


Donnacha Mac-Uaraig a luagh leo, 

'S b' ihada buan a spàlagan. 

Tha m'fhe 

Bha fuaim aon-mhaide air chleith ac' 

Bualadh speicean tàbhachdach. 


Raimh dam pianadh, 's fir dan spianadh, 

'N glachdaibh iarnaidh àrd-thounacb. 


Gallain chiatach, leoghar, liaghacb, 

'S fuirbinean da'n sàrachadh. 


Lunnan mine, 's duirn da'n sineadh, 

Seile sios air dhearnainean. 


Muir ag osnaich shuas ma toiseach. 

Chuip-gheal, choip-gheal, ghùir-bheuchdach. 


Suas le sguradh saoidh ri bùirein, 

Le sior dburachd sàr iomaraidli. 

Tha tn fhearann, Sj'c. 

Slabhraidh chuirneineach ri duirdail, 

Shios bha stiur a t'àgail ami. 


Gaoth na deannan 's i ri feannadh, 

Na'n tonn ceann-fhionn ràsanaeli. 


Na fir lughmhor an deigh an riisgaidh, 

A' cur smùid dbeth an àlaichean. 


Chaoidh cha mhiticheadh a misneach, 

Na fir sgibidh th.bhachdach. 

Tha tn fhearann, Sfc. 

Righ an eagail, Neptun ceigeach, 

Ri sior sgreadail— " bàthar sibli !" 


Gu'm b'fhad' uamhuinn muir ri nualraich, 

'S cathadh cuaiu a stràeadh orr', 


'Ghuidh an sgiòba geur na dùilin, 

! 

S fhuair an urnaigh gràf'adh dhaibh. 


Smachdaich JEolus na spèuran, 

'S a bhuilg shùidibh àrd-ghaothach. 


Gun d' rinn Neptun fairge Idmadh, 

Mar bhiodh glaine sgàthain ami. 

Tha m f hearann, Sfc. 

Sgaoil na neòil bha tònn-ghorm cìar-dhubh, 

'S shoilsich grian mar b' àbhaist dh'i. 


'S mhothaich an sgioba do dh' fhearann, 

'S ghlac iad cala sàbhailte. 


Ghabh iad pronn, a's deoch, a's leabaidh, 

'S rinn iad cadal samhach orr'. 

Tha m f hearam, Sfc. 

A BHANARACH DHONN. 

LUINÊAG. 

A Bhanarach dhonn a 'chruidh, 

Chaoin a chruidh, dhonn a chruidh , 

Cailin deas donn a cruidh, 

Cuachag an fhàsaich. 

A Bhanarach mhiogach, 

'S e do ghaol thug f'o chis mi ; 

: 

S math thig lamhainnean sioda, 

Air do mhìn-bhasan bàna. 

A Bhanarach dhonn, Sfc. 

'S mor bu bhinne blii t-eisteachd, 

An am bhi bleothan na spreidhe ; 

N'an smeòrach sa' cheitein, 

Am ban - goig an am tas-choill. 


'Nuair a sheinne tu coilleag, 

A leigeil mairt arm an coille ; 

Thaladli eunlaidh gach doire, 

Dh' eisteachd coireall do mhirain. 


Ceol farasda fior-bhinn, 

Fonnar, farumach, dionach : 

A slieinn an caillin donn miogacb, 

A bheireadh biogadh air m' àirneann. 

A Bhanarach dhonn, fyc.


'S ge b' fhonnar an fbiodhall,

ALASDAIR MAC MIIA IGIISTIR ALASDAIR. 129 

Gur h-e sin a rinn ar lèireadh, 

Gur h-e 's feudar dha gu'm tag ; 

Sinn na dhèigh gun airm, gun èideadh, 

Falbh 'n ainm Dhèj ach thig a ghriiidh. 

Ar mile beannachd na d' dheigh, 

'S Dia do d' gbleigheadb aims gach kit' 

Muir a's til a blii clio reidh dhut 

M' urnaigh gheur leat fein os àird ; 

'S ge do agar mio-fhortan deurach 

Sinn o cheile, 's ceum ro'n bliàs ; 

Ach soraidh leat a mhic righ Seumas, 

Sliùgh mo cheille thig gun chaird. 

Chaill sinn ar stiuir, 's ar buill-bheairte ; 

Thugadh uaiun ar n-acair-bais ; 

Chaill sin ar compaisd 's ar cairtean, 

Ar reull-iuil 's ar beachd gaeh là ; 

Tha ar cuirp gun cbinn, gun chasan, 

Sinti marr charcaisich gun stàth ; 

Ach gabh thus' a ghràidb do t-astar, 

Dean gleas tapaidh 's thig gun dail. 

AM PEIONWSA. 

Beannachd gu leir le Claim- Dòmhuuill, 

Sibh a dh' fhoirinn orm na in' chàs, 

Eadar eileanan, a's mhùr-thìr, 

Lean sibh deonach, rium gach trà ; 

'S iomadh beinn, a's muir, a's mointeach, 

A shiubhail sin air chòrsa bàis ; 

Ach theasraig Dia sinn air fuar-fhòirneart, 

Kan con sròn-ghaoth 'bha ri 'r sail. 

Sibh a rinn folaimh na Trianaid, 

Mis' a dhion o mhi-ruin chiiich ; 

Mo dhearg-iiaimhdean, neartmhor, Uoumhc 

Chuir an lion feadh ghleann a's aid. 

A mhiad 's a thaisbean sibh d' ar dilseachd, 

'S còir nach dì-chuimhnich gu bràth ; 

A oharr, gur sibh is luaithe shin rium, 

Toic air tir 's an talamh-ard. 

Ochan ! ochan ! cruaidh an dearmad, 

Bhi 'g ar tearbadh bhuat gun bhàs; 

B'i '11 fhoir èibhinneachd, 's am beirteas, 

Bhi d' a t-fhaicinn gach aou là ; 

Bi'dh ar rùisg Ian tim a frasadh ; 

Ar crì lag-chùiseach gun chàil, 

Gu 'm pill thus' a ris air tais oirsi, 

Beannachd leat le neart ar gràidh. 

AM PRIONNSA. 

O ! tiormaichibh a suas 'ur sùilean, 

'Chomuiim rùnaich 'fhuair 'ur cràdh, 

BPdh sibh fas, maoiueach, mùirneach, 

N 'ur gàrd dùbailt' ma Whitehall, 

: 

; 

'Nuair a bhios an reubal lubach, 

| 

Ri bog chruban feadh nan earn, 

Gu 'm bi sibhs' an caithream cuirte, 

Lasdail, lù-chìeasach, Ian àidh. 

AM BREACAN UALLACH. 

Hè 'n clù-dubh, 

Hù 'n clo-dubh, 

Hè 'n clò-dubh, 

Bfhearr am breacan. 

B' fhearr. learn breacan uallach, 

Ma m' ghuaillean, 's a chuir fo m' achlais, 

Na ged gheibhinn cùta, 

De 'n chlò is fearr thig à Sasuinn. 

He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc. 

Mo laochan fein an t-eideadh, 

A dh-fheumadh an crios d' a ghlasadh, 

Cuaicbeauacb an èilidb, 

Deis eiridh gu dol air astar. 

He 'n clo-dubh, §-c. 

Eilidh cruinn nan cuachan, 

Gur buadhach an t-earradh gaisgeich ; 

Shiubhlainn leat na fuarain, 

Feadh fhuar-bheann ; 's bu ghasd' air faich tha. 

He 'n clo-dubh, §-c. 

Fior chulaidh an t-saighdear, 

'S neo-ghloiceil ri uchd na caismeachd ; 

'S ciatach 's an adbliuns thu, 

Fo shranntraich nam piob 's nam bratacb. 

He 'n clo-dubh, fyc. 

Cha mhios aims an dol sios thu, 

'Nuair sgriobar a duille claiseach ; 

Fior earradh na ruaige, 

Gu luaths a chuir aims na casan ! 

He 'n clo-dubh, fyc. 

Bu mhath gu sealg an fbc-idh thu, 

'N am eridh do 'n ghrein air civachunn ; 

'S dh-fhalbhainn leat gu lodhar, 

Di-dùmhnaich a dol do'n chlachan. 


Laidhinn leat gu cearbail, 

'S mar earbaig gu'm briòsgainn grad leat, 

Na b' ullamh air m' armachd, 

Na dearganach, 's mosgaid ghlagach. 

He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.

130 SAR-015A1R NAM BARD GAELACH. 

*N am coilich a bhi dùrdan, 

Air (tùcan am madainn dhealta. 

Bu ghasda t-fheum 'sa cliùis sin, 

Seach inutan de thrustar casaig. 

He n clo-dubh, £r. 

Shiiibhlainn leat a phòsadh, 

'S bbarr feoirnein cha fhrosainn dealta ; 

B' i aid a' t-sunach bhbidheach, 

An òg-bhean bha moras tlaehd dh'i. 


B' aigeantach 's a' choill' thu, 

D a in' choireadh )e d' bhlàths 'a le t-fhasgatb, 

Bho chathadb, as bho chrion-chur, 

Gu 'n diouadh tu mi ri frasachd. 

He 'n clo-dubh, §C. 

Air t-uachdar gur a sgiamhach 

A laidheadh a sgiath air a breacadb ; 

'S claidheamh air chrios ciatach, 

Air fhiaradb oa-ceann do phleatan. 

He u clo-dubh, yc 

'S deas a tbigeadb cuilbbeir, 

Gu suilbhearra leat fa 'n asgaill ; 

'S a dh-aindeoin uisg' a's urchaid, 

No tuil-bheum gu 'in biodb air fasgath. 

He n clo-dubh, §-c. 

Bu mhath aims an oldhch' thu ; 

Mo loinn tliu mar aodach-leapa ; 

B' fhearr learn na 'in brat liu thu, 

is priseile thig a Glascho. 

He n clo-dubh, ^c. 

S' baganta grinn bòidheach, 

Air banais as air mod am breaean ; 

Suas an èileadh-sguaibe, 

'S deaig-gualainn a' cur air fasdaidh. 

He 'n clo-dubh, $C 

Bu mhath an là 's an oidhch' thu. 

Bha loinn ort am bcinn 's an cladach, 

Bu mhath am feachd 's an sith thu ; 

Cha righ am fear a cbuir as dut 


Shaoil leis gun do mhaolaicb, so 

Faobhar nan G.'c'l tapaidh, 

A eh 's aim a chuir 6 gi'-ur orr', 

Ni ' beurra ha deud na h-ealltainn: 

He'n clo-dubh, jfC. 

Dh-fliag e lad làn mi-ruin, 

Clio ciocraaacb ri coin acrach ; 

Cha ohaiag deoch an lotadh, 

Ge !>' fhion i, ach fior fhuil Shasuinn. 

He n clo-dubh, gfc. 

Ged' spion sibh an Cri asainn, 

'Sar broilieichean sios a shracadh, 

Cha toir sibh asainn Tearlacb, 

Gu bràth gus an tcid ar tacadh ! 

- 

He n clo-duhh, c. § 

R' ar n-anam' tha e fuaighte, 

Teann, luaite cho cruaidh ri glasan ; 

'S uainn cha' n fhaodar fhuasgladh, 

Gu 'm buainear am fear ud asainn. 


Cleas na mnatha-siubhla, 

'Gheibh tuillinn mum heir i' h-asaid : 

An ionad a bhi'n duimbh lis, 

Gun dùbhail d'a fear a lasan. 

He 'n clo-dubh,

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 

TEARLACH MAC SHEUMAIS. 

Am rOHN— " Black Jock." 

O ! Tearlaich nihic Sheuinais, 

Mhic Sheuinais, mliic Thearlaiih, 

Leat shiubhlaiiin gu h-eutrom, 

N am èubhachd 'bhl màrsal, 

'S cha b' ami leis a pblàigh ud, 

A tharmaich o 'n mhuic. 

Bheireadh creideamh a's reusan 

Oirn eiridh mar b' àbhaist, 

Leis an ailleagan cheutach, 

'Shliochd eifeachdach Bbàncho; 

Mo ghràdh a ghruaidh aluinii, 

A dhearsadh orm stuirt. 

Thu 'g ioraachd gu sùrdai), 

Air tùs a bhataili, 

Cha t'hrosainn an driùchda, 

'S mi dlù air do shaileau ; 

Mi eadar an talamh 

'S an t-adhar a seòladh, 

Air iteig le aighear, 

Misg-chath, agus shòlais ; 

'S caismeachd phiob' mora, 

Bras-shròiceadh am puirt. 

O 'n eibhinneachd ghlùrmhor, 

An t-s'ulais a b' airde ! 

G' ar lionadh do spionnadh, 

Air slinneinibh Thearlaicli, 

Gu 'n calcadh tu àrdan 

An càileachd ar cuirp ; 

Do làthaheachd mhùr-chuiscach, 

Dh-fhògradh gach fiiillinn, 

Gu 'n tiuntadh tu feldar 

Gach feola gu stàilinn, 

'Nuaìr sheal'maid gu sunndach, 

Air fabhra do rùisg. 

Gu gnùis torrach de chruadal, 

Ue dh' uaisle, 's de nàire, 

Nach taisicheadh fuathas, 

Ro' luaidhe do nàmhaid ; 

'S mar deanadh fir JShasuinn 

Do mhealiadli, 's do thrèigsiiin, 

Bhiodh an crùn air a spalpadh, 

Le d' thapadh air Sèurlas, 

A dh-aindeoin na heist'. 

Leis an d' erich na h-uile. 

Gu 'na b' fhoirmeil learn tormau 

Na 'n brghanan àluinn ! 

'S tein'-eibhinn a lasadh 

Gu bras-gheal air sràidibh ! 

'S na croisibh ri h i rd-ghaoir, 

Mbòir Thearlaich ar Prionne'! 

Gach uinneng le foineal 

A boisgeadh le dearadh, 

Le solus nan coillean, 

'S deas mhaighdeann d'an sm.'iladh ; 

'S gach ni mar a b' araidh. 

'G cuir failt' air le puimp ! 

Is a cauoiu ri bùirich, 

'S iad a' sturadh an fh.'iilidh, 

— 

A' cuir crith air gach duthaich 

Le muiseag nan Gael ; 

Agus sinne gu lu'-chleasacli, 

Muirneach Ian àrdain, 

Am marsail gu miuinte, 

Ard-shundach in' a shailean 

131 

'S gann bha cudrom 's gach i'ear dhuinn, 

Tri chairsteil a phuinnt 

MO BHOBUG AN DRAM. 

Air fonn— " The bucket you want." 

Ho rò mo bhobug an dràm, 

Ho ri mo bhobug an drum, 

IIò rò mo bhobug an dram, 

'S e chuireadh an sòdan na »t' cheann. 

Fhearabh ta'r suidhe ma 'n bh'urd, 

Le 'r glaineachean cridheil n-'ar dòrn, 

Na leanamaid ruidhinn air 01, 

Ma mill sinn ar bruidhinn le bbl. 

Ho ro mo, §-c. 

Na tostachan sigeanta fial, 

'Ga'n aiseag gu ruige mo bhial ; 

Bu mhireagach stuigeadh, a's triall, 

Am màrsal le ciogailt tro' m' chliabh. 

Ho ro mo, Sec. 

* The above chorus is not by Macdonald— it belongs to 

an old Uist song. Here are two stanzas of the original :— 

Cha tèid mi'n taigh-òsd' tha sud thall, 

Cha'n fliiach an sincabhar a th' aim, 

Ge d' olainn am buideal le srann. 

Gu'n giulan rao cliolainn mo cheann. 

Ho rò mo, &jC 

Thuir cailleach cho libeasd' sa bh' aim, 

'Nuair fhuair i bias air an dram :— 

" ()! tairrnibh 'ur casan a chlann, 

'S bheir mise mo char air an damlia'." 

Ho rò mo, Sjc. 

!


'S tu chuireadh an cuireid' san t-sluagh, 

'N am cogaidh ri aodainn nan ruag, 

Gun olain.iiil tgailc dhiot gu luath, 

Ma aguidaeawaid Klocain a truaill'. 

Ho to mo, fyc. 

'S tu dh' fhagadh siiin tapaidh san tùir, 

'N am tarruinn nan glas-lann ri srbia, 

'Nuair thilgte na breacaiu de 'n t-slògh, 

'S à truaill, bheirt a mach claidhe mùr. 

Ho ro mo, Sj'C. 

Ge tu mo leanuan glan ùr, 

Cha phòg mi gu dilinn thu 'n cuil 

Ach phbgainn, a's dheodhlainn thu ruin, 

Nuair thig thu 's Jacobus na d' glinùis : 

Ho ro mo, fyc. 

An t-ainm sin is fearr ata ami, 

Ainm Sheumais a chuir air do cheann ; 

'S e thogadh an sogan fo m' chainnt, 

'S a dh-fhagadh gu blasda mo dhr;nn. 

Ho ro mo, fyc. 

Fadamaid teine beag shios, 

Na lasraieheau ciuin a ni grios, 

A gharas ar claigeann 's ar ci ì', 

'Sa dh-fhògras ar n'airteal, 's ar sgios. 

Ho ro mo, frc. 

Gur tu mo ghlaineag ghlan lorn, 

Mo leannan is cannaiche form ; 

Ged rinneadh thu dh' f'heamain nan tonn, 

Gur mòr tha do cheanal na d' chòm. 

Ho ro mo, §'c. 

O fair a ghaoil channaicfa do phòg, 

Leig clannadh d' a t-anail fo' m' shroii), 

Gur cubhraidh learn fan rial do bheoil, 

No tùis agus mire na h-Eòrp. 

Ho ro mo, Sfc. 

O aisig a ghlaine do phòg ! 

Cuir speirid n' ar teangaidh gu ceòl ; 

An ioc-shlainte bheaimaichte choir, 

A leasaieheas cnàmhan a's feoil 

Ho ro mo, iyc. 

M A R B H R A N N 

DO PBEATA iai.im.w, a MHAHBHADH 

'S tursach mo sgeul ri luaidh, 

'S gun cbàch gha d' obaoidh, 

Ma bhka an fhir bu leanabail' tuar, 

'S dà mheanbb ga chaoidb. 

! 

; 

'S oil lcam b;'is a Choluim chaoimb, 

Nach b' auagi'ach gn.'is, 

A thuiteam le madadb d'a 'm beua, 

Dòran nan tarn. 

'S tu 's truagh linn de bhàs nan ian ; 

Mo chr.\dh nach beò, 

Fhir a b' iteagach, miotagach trial], 

Ge bu mheirbh do threbir ; 

B' fheumail' do Noah na each, 

'N am bhareadh nan stuadh, 

Ba tu 'n teachdair' gun seacharau d' à, 

Nuair thraigh an cuan ; 

A dh' idreachdainn do dh-fhalbh an tuil, 

Litir gach fear ; 

Diighall is Colum gu'n chuir 

Deagh Noah thar lear ; 

Ach' chaidh Dùghall air seacharau cuain, 

'S cha do phill e riamh ; 

Ach phill Colum le iteagaich luath, 

'S a fhreagra na bhial. 

Air thus, chad' fhuair e ionad d' a blionn 

An seasadh e ann, 

Gus do thiormaich dile nan tonn, 

Thar mullach nam beaun ; 

'S an sin, a litir-san leugh an duine bha glic, 

Gu 'n thiormaich a bhaile, 

'S gu'm faigheadh a mhuirichinn, cobhair na'n 

Agus fuasgladh na 'n aire, [teirc, 

Le neart cha spùilte do nead, 

Ge do thigte dha d' shlad ; 

Bhiodh do chaisteal fo bheai-radh nan creag, 

Ann an dainghnichibh rag ; 

Bha do mhodh siolaich air leatb bho chàch, 

Cha togradh tu suas, 

Ach a durraghail an taca ri d' ghràdh, 

'S a cuir cagair 'n a cluais. 

Cha do chuir thu duil ami airgead no spioidh, 

No fèisd am biodh sùgti, 

Ach spioladh, a's ci iomadh an t-sil lc d' bhòul ; 

'S ag òl a bhiiirn ; 

Aodach, no anart, sioda, no sml, 

Cha cbeannaicheadh tu 'm bùth ; 

Bhiodh t-èideadh de mhin-iteacha gorm, 

Air nach drùidheadb an diiuchd ; 

Cha do ghabh thu riamh paidir no creud, 

A gh 11 id li nan diil ; 

Giheadb, cha 'n eil t-anam am pèin 

O chaidh tu 'null, 

Cha 'n e gun chiste no anart 

Bhi comhdach do chrc, 

Fu lie aims an ùir, 

Tha niise ge cruaidli e, 'g acain gu Icir, 

Ach do tbuitean le cu. 

Note.—This is the best of his smaller pieces, altlioiiRli it 

contains more f sparkling concept than tenderness or 

pathos. It is probable that it was composed before he 

became a member of the Church of Home, as he says that 

the pigeon never repeated paternoster or Creed,

J\LASDAIK MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIK. 

MOLADH 

A CHAIM-BEULAICH DHUIBH. 

Ge beag orts' an Caim-beulach dubli, 

Gur toigh leams' an Caim-beulach dubb ; 

Biodb e dubh, no geal, no gris-thionn, 

Gràdh mo chri-s' an Caim-beulach dubh. 

Ge h-ainnisgeach air an t-seòrs' thu, 

Na 'm b' aithne dhomsa do phùrsa, 

Chuirinn moran fios do 'n dò-bheirt, 

'N an dubh dhlùintibh fhòtusach, tiugh. 

'Suilean cuirpt' bh' aim an droch chiuth, 

A fhuair oilbheim do 'n fhear gheal-dhubh, 

Do 'n dream oirdheirc 's foirmeile fail ; 

'S duilich tolg a chuir 'n a chruaidh stuth. 

'S trie le madraidh bhi ri dealunn, 

An òidhche reòt' ris a' ghealaich ; 

B' ionann sin, 's eil'eachd t-ealaidh, 

Air cliù geal a Cbaim-beulaich dhuibh. 

'S cia mar fhuair thu dh' aodann no ghnuis, 

Caineadh uasail gun mhodh, gun tlus ? 

Fhior dhearc-luachrach chinnich a lus ; 

Ma t-aoir bhacsiich tachdam thu bhruic. 

Sgiùrsaidh mi gu gu 'm bi thu marbh thu ; 

Cha bhi ach mo theang' de dh'arm riut ; 

A rag-mheirlich, bhradaich, a ghurbhlaich, 

'Siomagharbh-mhartdh'fheann thuled'chu 

Don t-siol chruithneacbd chuireadh gu tiugh 

Cha b' e 'n fhideag, no 'n coirce dubh, 

Ach por priseil, 's ro sgaoilteach cur, 

Feadh gach rioghachd air tir, 'a air muir. 

Gur iongantach learn, a (limine, 

Mar robh mearan ort air tuinneadh, 

Ciod man do bhuin thu do 'n urr' ad ; 

Curaidh ullamh, 's cuireideacb fuil ? 

Dream nan geur-lann gu reubadh cuirp, 

Cruaidh 'g a feachainn air beulamh trup ; 

S' math 's is gleust' iad gu bualadh phluic, 

'N am retrèata dh' eibheach le stuirt. 

Cha " bhreac breun-loin" idir Cailean, 

Ach do dh' fhion-fhuil ard Mhic-Cailein ; 

Teughlach ùiseil larla-Bhealaich ; 

'S buadhach caithream ri uchd an truid ! 

*S cinnteach thiotadh gheibb thu do mhurt, 

Ma t-aoir cbiotaich, mhiosguinnich churt ; 

Ge do dh' eirich gu robh ort stuirt, 

Bi'dh a bhiodag ridleadh do chuirp. 

Claigeann gun eanachainn, gun mheadrach, 

Sa faodadh na b-iolairean neadadh ; 

Cia mar fhuair thu ghnùis do sgiodar, 

Ghluasad idir an ionad puirt ? 

133 

Eisg bhochd, chearbaich, seargaidh mi tur, 

Uo theanga chealgach a chearbaire dhuibh, 

Rinn an t-seaibhag gun chair' a muigh ; 

Asad dh' earbinn " cealgaireachd cruidh." 

Cha fhior-ragair ge d' bhiodh fearg air 

Do 'n d' rinn thus' a dhuin' an t-seai bhag ; 

Ach eg faighidneach gun earra-gbloir ; 

Lan do dh' fearra-ghniomh, dhearbh e le ghuin. 

Bha thu mi-mhoil a toirt dh'a guth ; 

Cràg a chobhair gu magradh gruth ; 

Leòbas odhar a ghlaimseadh suth, 

Deis dh'a leaghadh, 's e ruidh, na shi'Qth. 

Cha bu bheudagan gu sabaid 

Ach nor leoghauu stolda, staideil, 

Do 'n d' rinn us' an t-oran prabaeh ; 

Ach fior ghaisgeach ; 's am blàr 'ga chur. 

Sparram cinnteach ort a ghlas-ghuib ; 

Losgadh peircill, corcadh, a's cuip 

Air son ascaoin chealgach do bhuis ; 

B' f'hearr gu 'm bithinn-sa fagasg dhut. 

Ge do bhiodh tu caineadh ghàel, 

Anns gach siorramachd a dh' àirinn, 

Seachainn muinntir Earra-ghàel, 

'S gun a Cheùlraidh fabbarach dhut. 

'S mairg a dh' èireadh ri siol an tuirc, 

Gasraidh ghlèusda nach èaradh cluich ; 

Cha bu bhèus dhaibh bhi ris a mhurt, 

Ach cath trèun, a's cothrom r' an uchd'. 

Ge beag ort-sa mile cuairt e, 

'S ioma sonn aigeanntach ullach, 

Eadar Asainn, 's Cluaigh nan luath-long, 

A 's trom luaigh air Caim-beulach dubh. 

Suil na seòca, 's ro bheòchail cur, 

An ceann rò-bbinn nam bacbalag dubh ; 

Cha b' i " fròg-shuil, rògair' a chruidh ;" 

Fior fhiamh seoid air cùr ami an suit 

'S geal 's a's dearg do leac, a's t-aogas, 

Ge thubhuirt iad "peirceall caol riut;" 

Cha b' ionann as sligeas-gaoisneach, 

'S fiasag-p**-laoigh ort nach eil tiugh. 

'S ge d'reachadh tu 's na spèuraibh 

Chum a Chaim-beulach dhuibh eisgeadh, 

Tuitidh tusa mar a bheisteag, 

'N a t-ionad fèin am buachar mairt. 

Thusa bhreinen, magaran cac ; 

E-sau ghlè-ghlan lomlan do thlachd ; 

Thus a dheistinn *s muig ort air at, 

Mar bu bheus do dhòran no chat. 

Aodann craineig, fharr-aodann tuirc ; 

Com a chnaimh-fhi'ch, 's nadur na muic ; 

Beul mhic-lamhaich, 's fàileadh a bhruic ; 

Spàgan clàracb ; 

sailean nan ciisp'.

134 SAR-OBAItt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Da dh' oiilicluati aoirìdh b&rdail, 

Tot—in o d' bhatbais, gu d' shàil tbu ; 

•S leaniiam do leathar a thrùiil dhiot, 

Chimin gu'n chain' tliu'n Caim-beulach dubli. 

Clia 'n fhear sgipi thus' ach fior ghlug ; 

'S beairt gun teagamh bi'dh tu fobhruid ; 

T-iasag t'ailidh, t-t'halt, a's do rui.

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR 135

136 SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Chuireas an fhairge 'na sradaibh, 

Suas 's 'na'u speuraibh, 

'Na teine-siuritiacbaiii a' lasadh, 

Mar fhras eibhlean ; 

Le buillean gailbheacba, tarbhach, 

Nan cleth troma, 

A bheir air bochd-thuinn thonnaich, 

Lot le'n crotnadh, 

Le Bgiohan nan ramh geal, tana, 

JJii'd a chulluinn, 

ALASDAIIl MAC MI1AIG1ISTIR ALASDAIR. 137 

Air mullach nan gorm-chnochd, ghleannach, 

Gharbhlach, thomach. 

O ! sìnibh 's tàirrnibh, agus lùbaibh, 

Ann sna bacaibh ! 

Na gallain bbas-leathunn, ghiubhsaich, 

Le lùs ghlac-gheal. 

Na fuirbinean troma, treuna, 

A' laidhe suas orr, 

Le'n gaoirdeanaibb dòideach, feitheach, 

Gaoisneach, cnuachdach, 

'Thogas 's a' leagas le chèile, 

I'.i aon ghluasad, 

A gatban liath-reamhar, rèithe, 

Fo bhair stuadhan ; 

lurghuilich garbh 'an tùs clèithe, 

'G eubhach suas orr ; 

lorram dhùisgeas an speurad, 

Ann sna guaillean ; 

'Spanas a Bbìrlinn le seitrich, 

Tro gach fuar-gbleaun ; 

Sgoltadli na bòcbd-tbtiinn a' beucaich, 

Le sàimh chruaidh-chruim, 

Dh-iomaineas beanntainean beisdeil, 

i to dà gbualainn. 

Hùgan ! air cuan, nuallan gàireach, 

Heig air chnagaibh ! 

Farum le bras-ghaoir na bairliun, 

Ris na maidibh ; 

Ràimh gam pianadh, 's bolgau fol', 

Air bbos gach fuirbi ; 

Na suinn laidir gharba thoirteil, 

'S cop gheal iomradh, 

'Chreanaicheas gach bòrd dhetb darach, 

Bigh a's iarann ; 

'S lannan gan tilgeil le staplainn, 

Chnap ri sliasaid ; 

Foirne f'earail, a bheir tulga, 

Dugharra, dàicheil, 

'Sparras a chaol-bharc le giubbsaich, 

'N aodann àibheis, 

Nach pillear le fricgh nan tonn du ghorm, 

Le lùghs ghàirdein ; 

Sud an sgioba neartmhor, shurdail, 

Air chùl àlaich, 

Pbronnas na cuairteagan cùl-ghlas, 

Le roinn r.'tmhachd, 

Gun sgios gun airtneal gun lùbadh 

Ri h-uchd gàbhaidh. 

An sin an deiyh do na sia-fearaibh-deug, suidhe 

air na ràimli, a chum a h-iomradk,fo n yltaoith 

gu ionad seolaidh, do ghlaodh Calum Garbh, 

Mac-Raonaill Nan Cuan, lorram oirre, 's 

è air ràmh-bràghad, agus 's i so ì :— 

'S a nis o rinneadh 'ur taghadh, 

'S gur joltach dhuibh bhi 'n-ar roghainn, 

Thugaibh tulga neo-chladharra daicheil. 

Thugaibh tulga, &c. 

Thugaibh tulga neo-chearbach, 

Gu'n airsneal gun dearmad, 

Gu freasdal na gaille-bheiime sàil-glilais. 

Gu freasdal, &c. 

Tulga danarra treun-ghlac, 

A ridheas cnàmhan a's leithean, 

Dh-I"hàgas soilleir a ceumannan àlaich. 

Dh-fhagas, &c. 

Sgobadh fonnar gun eislein, 

Ri garbh bhrosnacha cheile, 

lorram gleust aim bho bheul tir a bràghad. 

lorram gleust, &c. 

Cogull ràmh air na bacaibh, 

Leois, a's rusgadh air bhasaibh, 

'S ràimh d'an sniomh ami an achlaisean ard- 

'S ràimh, &c. Cthonn. 

Biodh 'ur gruaidhean air lasadb, 

I lii.


Biodh a darach a' colWiiim, 

Ris mi hadh-ghleannaibli bronnach 

'S a da thliaaaid a' pronnadh, gach bàrlaian. 

'S a da shliasaid, &e. 

Biodh an fliairge ghlas thonnach, 

Ag àt 'na garbh nihothar lonnach, 

S na h-ard-uisgeachan bronnach 'sa ghàraich. 

'S na h-ard-uisgeachan, &c, 

A ghlas-fhàirge sior cliopadh, 

A steaih mu dà ghnalainn thoisich, 

Sruth ag osnaich a' sloistreadh a h-earr-linn. 

Sruth ag osnaich, &c. 

Slnibh, tàirrnibh, a's lùbaibh, 

Na gathain mhiu-lunnach chùl-dearg, 

Le iumaircidh smuis 'ur garbh ghàirdean. 

Le iumaircidh smuis, &c. 

Cuiribh fothaibh an ragh' ud, 

Le fallas mhailean a' sruthadh, 

'S togaibh siìiil ri bho Uidhist nan crà-ghiadh. 

'S togaibh siuil, &c. 

Dh-iomair iad an sin yu ionad seùlaidh. 

An sin thàr iad na seoil shitlie, 

Gu fior gliasda, 

'Shaor iad na sia-raimh-dheug, 

A' steacli tro' bacaibh, 

Sgathadh grad iad sios r*a sliasaid, 

Sheachnadh bhac-bhreid. 

Dh-ordaich Claim- Raonuill d' an-uaislean, 

Sàr-sgiobairean cuain a bhi aca, 

Nach gabhadh eagal ro fhuathas, 

No gnu thuairgneadh a thachradh. 

Dh-drdaicheadh an deiyh an taijhadh na, h-uile 

duine dhol 'an seillih a ghrain àraidh Jvin 's 

na cho-lvry siti yhlaodhadh ri fear na stiurach 

Ittidh air stiitir aims na briathraibli so :— 

Suitheadh air stiuir trom laoch leathunn, 

Neartar, fuasgailt', 

Nach tilg bun no bàrr na sùmaid, 

Fairge bhuaithe ; 

Claiieanach taiceil, Ian spiunnaidh, 

JMocach, màsach, 

Min-bheumnacb, faioleach, 

Furachail, Ian naistin ; 

Bunnnidb cutromacb, 

Ciarbh, sòcair, seolta, lugh'or ; 

Eirmteach, faighidneaehj gun ghriumhag, 

Hih-uchd tiiilin ; 

'Nuair a cliluiiiii e 'n fliairge ghiobaoh, 

Teachd le buireiu, 

1 Thuigeas 

Chumas a ceann caol gu sgibidh, 

Ris na BUghaibh ; 

Chumas gu socrach a gabhail, 

Gun dad Inasgain 

Sgòd a's cluas ga rian le amharc, 

Suil air fuaradh ; 

Nach caill aon òirleach na h-òrdaig, 

Deth cheart chùrsa ; 

'Dh-aindeoin bùrr sùinadain màra, 

Teachd le sùrdaig ; 

Theid air fuaradh leatha cho dainghhann, 

Mas a h-èigin, 

Nach bi lann, no reang 'na darach, 

Nach tòir eibh asd ; 

Nach taisich a's nach teid 'na bhreislich, 

Dh-aindoiu fuathais, 

Ge do dh-atadh a mhuir cheanna-ghlas 

Sna;i gu chluasaibh ; 

Nach b'urrainn am fuiribi cbreanachadh, 

No ghluasad, 

O ionad a shuidh, 's e tearainnte, 

'S ailm 'na asguil, 

Gu freasdal na seana mhara ce.inna-ghlas, 

'S gleann-ghaoir ascaoin, 

Nach crithnich le fuaradh cluaise, 

An taod-aoire, 

Leigeas leath ruith a's gabhail, 

'S Ian a h-aodaich ; 

Cheanglas a gabhail cho daingheann, 

'M barr gach tuinne, 

Falbh direach 'na still gu cala, 

'N aird gach buinne. 

. 

Dh-ùrdaicfteadh a mack fear-lcairte. 

Suidheadh toirtearlach garbh dhòideauh, 

'An glaic beairte, 

A bhios staideil Ian do chùram, 

Graimear, glac-mhor ; 

I>eigeas cudthrom air ceann slaite, 

Ri h-àm cruaidhich, 

Dh-fhaothaicheas air crann 's air acuinn, 

Bheir dhaibb fuaagladb ; 

a ghaoth mar a thig i, 

Do rèir seidaidh, 

Fbrcagraa min le fearaa beairte, 

Benin an Bgòid-fbir :— 

'Sior chuideacbadb leis an acuinn, 

Mai ràilnich buill bheairtc 

Reamhar gbaoiste. 

Cliuireadh air leth fear-sgòide. 

Suitheadh feas Bgòid' air an tota 

Gaoirdean laidir, 

Nan righinin gaoisneach, feitheach, 

Reamhar, cnàmhiich ;

ALASDAIR MAC MH AIGHSTlIt ALASDAIIt. 139


Dh-òrdaicheadh dit/tis

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 

'Nuair a thuiteamaid fo bharr, 

Nan ard-thonu giobach, 

Gur beag nach dochaitieadli an sail, 

An t-aigeal sligeach ; 

An fhairge ga maistreadh -s ga sluistreadh, 

Troimhe chèile, 

Gun robh ruin a's mialan mora, 

'Am barrachd eigin. 

Onfadh a's tonuan na roara, 

A's falbh na luinge, 

A' sradadh an eanchainean geala, 

Feadh gach tuinne. 

lad ri nuallanaich ard-uamhaincach, 

Searbh thùrsach ; 

'G eubhach, gur h-iochdaraiu sinne, 

Dragh chum bùird sinn : 

Gach min-iasg a bh'ann san fhairge, 

Tarr-gheal, tiunndait' ; 

Le gluasad confach na gailbhcinn, 

Marbh gun chunntas. 

Clachan a's maorach an aigei), 

Teachd an uachdar, 

Air am buain a nuas le slacraieh, 

A chuain uaimhreich. 

An fhairge uile 'si 'na brochan, 

Strioplach, ruaimleach, 

Le fuil 's le gaor nam biast lorcach, 

'S droch dhath ruadh orr. 

Na bèistean adharcach iongach, 

Pliutach, lorcach ; 

Lan cheann-sian nam beoil gun gialaibh, 

'S an craos fosgailte. 

An aibheis uile lan bhochdan, 

Air cragradh, 

Le spògan 's le earbuill inor-bliiast, 

Air magradh. 

Bu sgreamhail an rbbhain sgriachach, 

Bhi 'ga eisdeachd, 

Thogadh iad air caogad milidh, 

Eatrom cèille. 

Chaill an sgioba càil g'an claistearlid, 

Ri bhi 'g eisteachd, 

Ceileirean sgreadach nan deomhan, 

'S m'òthar bheistean. 

Fa-ghàir na fairge 'sa slacraieh, 

Gleachd ri darach, 

Fosghair a toisich a sloistreadh, 

Alhuca-miira. 

A' Ghaoth ag ùracbadh a fuaraidh 

As an iar-aird ; 

Bha sinn leis gach seòrsa buairidh, 

Air ar piauadh. 

S sinn dall le cathadh fairge, 

Sior dhol tharuinn, 

Tairneanach aibheiseach rè oidhche, 

'S teine dealain. 

Peileirean bethrich a' losgadh, 

Ar cuid acuinn ; 

Fàileadh a's deathach na riol'a, 

Gar glan thachadh : 

Na dùilean uachdrach a's iochdrach, 

Ruinn a' cogadh ; 

Talamh, teine uisg a's sion-ghatb, 

Ruinn air togail. 

Ach 'n uair dh'artlaich air an fhairge, 

Toirt oirn striùchda, 

Ghabh i truas le faite gàire, 

Rinn i sith ruinn. 

Ge d'rinn, cha robh crann gun lubadh, 

Seol gun reubadh ; 

Slat gun sgaradh, rac gun fhàillin, 

Ràmh gun èislein. 

Cha robh stagh ann gun stuadh- leumnael) : 

Beairt ghaisidh, 

Tarruinn, no cupull gun bhristeadh, 

Fise ! Faise ! 

Cha robh tota no beul-mor ann, 

Nach tug aideach, 

Bha h-uile crannaghail a's goireas, 

Air an lagadh. 

Cha robh achlachan no aisne dh'i, 

Gun fhuasgladh ; 

A slat-bheoil 'sa sguitchinn asgail, 

Air an tuairgneadh. 

Cha robh falmadair gun sgoltadh, 

Stiùir gun chreuchadh ; 

Crlead a's diosgan aig gach maide, 

'S iad air deasgadh. 

Cha robh crann-tarrunn gun tarruinn, 

Bòrd gun obadh ; 

H-uile larin bha air am barradh, 

Ghabh iad togail. 

Cha robh tarrunn ann gu'n tràladh, 

Cha robh calp' aim gu'n lubadh ; 

Cha robh ball a bhuineadh db'i-se, 

Nach robh ni's measa na thùradh. 

Ghairm an fhairge siochaint ruinne, 

Air crois Chaol He, 

'S gu'n d'fhuair a gharbh ghaoth, 

Shearbh-ghlòireach, ordugh sinidh. 

Thog i uainn do ionadaibh uachdrach 

An adhair ; 

'S chinn i dhuinn na clàr rèidh mìn gheal, 

'N deigh a tabhunn. 

'S thug sinn buidheac.has do'n Ard-Righ, 

Chum na dùileaii, 

Deagh Chlann-Raonuill a bhi sàbhailt, 

O bhàs brnideil. 

'S an sin bheum sinn asiuil thana, bhallach, 

Do thuillin ; 

'S leag sinn a croinn mhin-dcarg ghasda, 

Air fad a h-urlair. 

'S chuir sinn a mach ràimh chaol bhasgar.t, 

Dhaite mhine, 

De'n ghiubhas a bhuain Màc-Bharais, 

'An Eilean-Fhlonain. 

141

142 SAR-OBAlIt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

'S rinn sinn an t-iotnra rèldh tulganach, Thilg sinn Acraichean gu socair, 

Gun dearmad ; 

Ann san rò

IAIN MAC CODRUM. 143 

one thrashing ; but, on approaching nearer, he heard his son rehearsing his poem. He 

admonished him to attend more to his work than to idle songs, and left him, without 

thinking of the verses he had heard till the fame of the satire was spread abroad, and a 

noise was made about it throughout the country. The verses then recurred to his mind, 

and he had no doubt of the real author. He spoke to John most seriously in private. 

He was himself a pious and a respectable man, and was much affected at the thought that 

any of his family should disgrace his fair reputation. He was sensible of the ill-will and 

hatred that John would incur were he known to be the author ; and he, moreover, dis- 

approved of the license taken with the characters of individuals. The young poet 

promised him that he would give him no more occasion of regret on that score ; and he 

kept his word. Respect for his parent's authority restrained him ; for he composed 

no more of the kind while his father lived, nor any so severe afterwards. He must 

have had great command over himself, as well as submission to the will of a parent. 

It is no easy task for a young author, while hearing his compositions recited and 

applauded, not to indicate the interest which he feels. Although unnoticed and un- 

known, while feeling all the flattering suggestions which popularity must have incited 

within him, yet a revered parent's authority checked the progress of the young aspirant 

in the career of fame. 

After his father's death, M'Codrum concealed no longer the flame which he had been 

smothering in his breast. His name became known, and he was acknowledged to be the 

most famous bard in the Long Island since the time of Neil M'Vurich, the family bard of 

Clanronald. John M'Codrum was, like most of the bards, indolent. The activity of the 

body, and the exertion of mental qualities, go not always together. An anecdote will 

better illustrate this part of his character than any description we can give: A gentle- 

man sent for his neighbours to assist in draining a lake. The country people assembled 

in numbers ; and, exerting themselves, soon finished the work, much sooner than the 

poet had expected they would have done : he just came in time to see the last of it. The 

gentleman was determined to punish him for his sluggish and indifferent behaviour. 

When he ordered some provisions and a cask of whisky for the people, he told them to 

sit down, and called on the poet to act as chaplain, and ask a blessing. The bard was 

not regarded as a man of grace. All were attentive, thinking him for once out of place. 

He, however, spoke in a most reverential manner—his grace was brief and pithy, 

couched in verse, and was longer remembered than the sumptuous repast. While he 

expressed gratitude to the bestower of all good gifts, he turned the operations of the day 

into ridicule. 

When Mr M'Pherson was collecting " Ossian's Poems," he landed at Lochmady, 

and proceeded across the moor to Benbecula, the seat of the younger Clanronald. On 

his way thither he fell in with a man, whom he afterwards ascertained to have been Mac 

Codrum, the poet: M'Pherson asked him the question, "Am bail dad agad air an 

Fhèinn ?" by which he meant to inquire whether or not he knew any of the poems of 

Ossian relative to the Fingalians, but that the terms in which the question was asked, 

strictly imported whether or not the Fingalians owed him anything, and Mac Codrum,

144 SAIt-OBAIIl NAM BARD GAELACH. 

being a man of humour, took advantage of the incorrectness or inelegance of the Gaelic in 

which the question was put, answered as follows: 

— 

Chan eil, is gcd do bhitheadh chu 

ruiginn a leas iarraidh ids, i.e. No ; and should I, it is long since proscribed ; which sally 

of Mac Codrum's wit seemed to have hurt M'Pherson's feelings, for he cut short the 

conversation and proceeded to Benbecula. 

We will not attempt to select any parts of the poems of this author. All indicate the 

master-hand of the performer. One trait is striking in his character as a poet—his 

disposition to satire. He is perhaps the first satirist of the modern Gaelic poets. 

M'Donald and M'Intyre attacked like men determined to take a stronghold by open 

force, in defiance of all resistance : Mac 

Codrum held up the object of his animadversion 

in a light that exposed him to ridicule and contempt, and he made others his judges. 

His fame as a poet and wit soon spread, and so delighted Alexander M'Donald that he 

determined to visit him. On meeting Mac Codrum a few yards from his own door, the 

visitor, naturally enough, inquired "An aithne dhut Iain Mac Codrum?" " 'S ailhne 

gn to mhath," replied John. 

" Am beil fliios agad am bheil e'stigh ?" was M'Donald's 

next question, to which the facetious bard answered with an arch smile, " Mu ta bha e 

'etigh nuair a bha mise 's cha drinn mi ach tighinn amach." M'Donald, yet ignorant 

that he was speaking to the individual about whom he was inquiring, proceeded to say, 

" Caithidh mi' n oidhche nochd mar-ris, ma's àbhaist aoidhean a bhiaiga." " Tlia mi 

creidsin," replied the witty John, " nach bi e falamh dhiù sin cuideachd mu bhios na 

cearcana breith {uibhean)."* 

In purity and elegance of language Mac Codrum comes nearest to Macdonald, who 

appears to have been his model. Some of his pieces appear to us as servile copies of 

great originals. When he chooses to think and compose for himself, he appears to more 

advantage ; witty, ingenuous, and original. His satire on "Donald Bain's Bagpipe" is 

a masterpiece of its kind; full of wit and humour, without the filth and servility that disgrace 

the satires of Macdonald and other Keltic poets. His poems on " Old Age" and " Whiskey" 

are excellent. They first appeared in Macdonald's volume, without the author's name ; but 

Mac Codrum's countrymen have claimed them for him. He never published any thing of 

his own, and many of his poems are now lost. In his days the only poets who ventured 

to send their works to the press were Macdonald and Macintyre ; and, it is probable, 

that their great fame prevented our author from entering the lists with such formidable 

competitors. 

* Mao Codrum's skill in the Gaelic was exquisite, and he was in the practice of playing on words 

of doubtful or double meaning, when used by Others. He was once on a voyage, and (be boat put 

into Tobermory, in the island of Mull, when the inhabitants, as usual, gathered on the shore to 

learn from whence the strangers came. One of them asked the crew, " Cin as a thug sibh an 

t-iomradh?" "As na gairdeanaii," answered the hard. Another asked, •• An aim blio thuath a 

huiniif sibh 9" to which Mac Codrum again rejoined, " pàirt bho thuath as pùirt blio thigh*

IAIN MAC CODRUM. 

S MEORACH CHLANN-DOIIHNUIL L. 

LUIKHBAG. 

Holaibh o iriag hbroll ò, 

Holaibh o iriag lioro I, 

Holaibh o iriag hbroll v, 

Smebrach le Claun-Dbmhnuill mi. 

Smeòrach mis air urlar Phabail 

Crubadh ami an dùsal cadail, 

Gun deorachd a theid ni's faide ; 

Truimeid mo bhròin thòirieura maigne. 

Holaibh o iriag, c|c. 

Smeòrach mis ri mulach beinne, 

'G amharc groin' a's speuran soilleir, 

Thig mi stolda choir na coille, 

'S bidh mi beò air tre'jdas eile. 

Holaibh o iriag, S[c. 

Smeòrach mis air bharr gach bidean, 

Dianamh muirn ri driuclid na maidne, 

Bualadh mo chliath-lu air m' fheadan, 

Seinn mo chiuil gun sinur gun smòdan. 

Holaibh o iriag,

146 SAR-OBAIlt NAM BAUD GAELACH.

CARAID. 

Nach boidheach an spurs, 

Bhi suidhe ma bhòrdaibh, 

Le cuideachda choir, 

A bhios 's an tòir air an dibh ! 

Bi'dh mo bhotal air sgòrnan, 

Ri toirt cop air mo stòpan ; 

Nach toirteil an ceòl leam 

An crùnan, 's an glig ? 

Gu 'm hi fear air an daoraich ; 

Gu 'in bi fear dbiu ri baoireadh 

Gu 'm bi fear dhiu ri caoineadh ; 

Nach beag a shaoileadh tu sid ? 

Ni e fosgaoilt' fear dionach ; 

Ni e crosta fear ciailacli ; 

Ni e tostach fear briathrach, 

Acli aim am Malum nach tuig. 

NAMHAID. 

Nach dona mar spurs, 

Bhi suidhe ma bhòrdaibh ; 

Na bhi milleadh mo stòrais, 

Le gòraich gun mheas. 

Le siarach, 's le stàplaich ; 

Le briathran mi-ghnàthaicht' ; 

Ri spearadh, 's ri sàradh 

An Abharsair dhuibh. 

Bi dh an donus, 's an dùlas, 

De chonas, 's do chomh-stri ; 

'S do tharruinn air dhòrnaibh, 

Anns an chomliail nach glic : 

Ri fuathas, 's ri sgainneal ; 

Ri gruaidhean 'g an pronnadh, 

Le gruagan 'g an tarruinn, 

Le barrachd de 'n mhis^. 

Mo ghaoi an gille glan eibhinn, 

Dh-fhas gu ciueadaii spèiseil ; 

Dh-fhàs gu spioradail treubhaeh, 

'Nuair a dh-eireadh an drip. 

Bhiodh do ghillean ri solas, 

lad gu mireagach bùidheach, 

lad a' sireadii ni 's leoir, 

'S iad ag hi mar a thig. 

lad gu h-aighearach fonnor, 

lad gun athadh, gun lompais ; 

lad ro mhath air an ronngas, 

'Nuair a b' anntlachd an cluich. 

Cuid d'a fasan air uairean, 

Duirn, a's bat, agus gruagadh, 

Dh-aithnte dhreach air an «puacan, 

Gu'n robh bruaidlein 's a' mhisg. 

NAMHAID. 

Tha mhisg dona 'n a nàdur, 

Lom-làn mùrchuis a's ardain : 


Lom.làn bòsd agus spàraig, 

Anns gach càs air an tig. 

Tha i uamharra, fiadhaich, 

Tha i murtaidh u a h-iarbhail ; 

Tlia i dustach, droch-nialach, 

Lan de dh-fhiabhias, 's de fhriodh. 

Gu 'm bi fear dhiu 'n a shineadb ; 

Gu 'm bi fear 'n a cliùis-mhi-loiun ; 

Gu 'm aithlise Honor ; 

'S iad am maoidheadh nam pluic'. 

Tha i tuar-shreupach foilleil 

; ; 

Jomadh uair air droch oilean; 

'S gun do dh-fbuasgladh fa-dheireadh, 

Ach 's i bu choireach a mhisg. 

Mo ghaol an cleasaiche 1 ùgh or, 

Fear gun cheasad gun chiiiia ; 

Fear gu'n cheiltinn air cuineadh, 

'N am bhi dlùthachadh ris. 

Bheireadh tlachd a's a mhiiigeau ; 

Dheanadh gealtair de 'n diudhlach ; 

Dheanadl) dan' am fear diuid, 

Chum a chins a dhol leis. 

Fear a's fearr an taigh i,sd' thu ; 

Fear a's urfhailtcach òraÌD ; 

Fear nach fuiligear 'n a òuar, 

Ach a bhlilich 's an drip. 

Fear tha maranac.h, ceolar ; 

Cridheil, càirdeach, le pùgan ; 

'S a lamh dheas air a phòca, 

'S sgapadh stòrais le misg. 

NAMHAID. 

A chinn-aobbair a chonais, 

'S trie a dh-fhobhaich na sporain ; 

Fhir nach d' fhoghlum an otiair, 

B' e bhi 'g a d' mholadh a bhleid : 

'Nis on's bùanna ro dhaor thu, 

Tha ri buaireadh nan daoine, 

Dol man cuairt air an t saoghal, 

Chum na dh-fhaodas In ghoid. 

Fear ri aithreachas m' r thu ; 

Fear ri carraid, 's ri comh-stri 

Fear ri geallam : 's cha tòram ; 

Thug sid leonadh do d' mheas. 

Ni thu 'm p'uitear 'n a striopaich, 

Ni thu striopaich 'n a pòitear ; 

'S iomadh mile droch codhail, 

A tha'u tòir air a mhisg. 

CAKAID. 

Ge b' e thioniisgan, no dh-inndiig, 

Air ami ionnstramaid phriseil, 

'S duine grunndail na innsgin, 

Bha gu h-intinneach glic. 

Thug bho arbhar gu siol e;

H8 SAR-0RA1R NAM

Ach ath air a muchadh 

Le dùdan 's le sùith. 

Cha bhi cathair aig Domhnull 

'S cha 'n èirich e cònard, 

Acli suidh' air an t-sòrn 

Agus sòpag ri dhruiin. 

Plàigh bloigh phuirt, gàir dhrocli dim's, 

Fàileadh cuirp bhreùite ; 

Ceòl tha cho sgreataidh 

Ri sgreadail nan rùcus, 

No iseanan òga 

Bhiodh leùinte cbion bidlu 

Nach gasta chùjs-bhùrt' 

A bhi cneatraich air urlar 

Gun phronnadh air lùtha 

Gun siubhlaicliean grinn, 

A' sparradh od-rbch-uirs 

A'n earball od-roch-uin ! 

A' sparradh od-rbch-ain 

An ton od-ro-bld. 

Màl' caol cam le thaosg c'ininu, 

Gaoth mar ghreaun reòta, 

Tro na tuill fhiara 

Nach diùnaich na meoirean, 

Nach tuigear air dòigh 

Ach " Sth-hebin." 's " uth-hl I " 

Diùdhadh nam fiuidhidh 

Bha aig Tubal Cain, 

'Nuair sheinn e puirt Ghàelig 

'S a dh'àlaich e phiob. 

Bha i tamull fo 'n uisge 

'Nuair dhruideadh an àirce. 

Thachair dh'i cnàmhadh 

Fo uisge 's fo ghaoith. 

Thàinig smug agus dus 

Anns na duis bhreòtaeh, 

Iomadach drochaid 

G'a stopadh na sgùrnan. 

Dh-fhàg i le crònan 

Od-rbch-ain, gun brigh. 

Bha i seal uair 

Aig Maol Ruainidh O' Dornan,* 

Chuireadh mi-dhòighcil 

Thar ordugh na fuinn. 

Bha i treis aig Mac-Bheatrais 

A sheinneadh na dàin, 

'Nar theirig a' chlàrsach 

'S a dh'fhàillig a pris. 

Shèid Balaam 'na màla 

Osna chràmh chrònaidh. 

Shearg i le tabhann 

Seachd cathan nam fiautan. 

» A wandering Irish piper, whose music the Highland. 

ts could not appreciate. 


'S i lagaich a' chiad uair 

Neart Dhiarmaid a's Ghuill. 

Turruraich an dòlais, 

Bha greis aig Iain òg dh'i. 

Chosg i ribbeidean cònlaich 

Na chùmhnadh le ni. 

Bha i coir is seachd bliadhna 

'Na h-atharais-bhialain 

Aig Mac-Eachuinn 'ga riasladh 

Air sliabh Chnoc-an-lin. 

An fhiudhidh shean nach dùisg gean, 

Ghnùis nach glan còmhdach : 

'S mairg dha 'm bu leannan 

A' chrannalach dhùinidh. 

Chàite gràn eòrna 

Leis na dh-fhognadh dh'i ghaoith. 

Mu'n cuirear fo h-inncal 

Corra-bhinneach na glaodhaich, 

'S inneach air aodach 

Na dh-fheumas i shnàtb. 

Cha bheag a' chuis dheistinn 

Bhi 'g eisdeachd a gàoraich ; 

Dhianadh i aognaidh 

An taobh a bhiodh blàth. 

Riasladh phort, sgj-iachail dlios, 

Fhir ri droch sliaathair, 

Bheir i chiad èubha 

'N ;im seideadh a gaoithe, 

Mar ronncan bà caoile 

'S i faotainn a' bhàis. 

Tha'n iunsramaid ghlagach 

Air a lobhadh na craiceann ; 

Cha'n fhuirich i 'n altan 

Gun chearcaill g'a tàdh'. 

'S seirbh' ì na'n gabliatm 

Ri tabhann a crùnluath, 

Tròmpaid a dhùisgeadh 

Gach lùdas fhuair bàs. 

Mar chòm geur'ich 'ga chreuchdadh 

Sheideadh Ian gaoithe, 

Turraich nach urra' mi 

Siunnailt da innseadh, 

Ach rodain ri sianail 

No sgiamhail laoigh òig. 

Com caithte na curra 

Is tachdadh 'na muineal, 

Meoir traiste gun fhurus 

Cur triullin 'an dan, 

Sheinneadh a brollaich 

Ri solus an eòlain, 

Ruidhle gun òrdugh 

An còmhnuidh air làr. 

'N aognaidh lùm, gaoth tro tholl, 

Gàir gun fhonn cùnihraig,

150 SAK-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

A thaisicheadh rruadal, 

'S a luatbaicheadh teoltachd, 

Gu beachdail doa-dbchais 

Mu 'n t-surn am bi ghr.'iisg. 

Bi'dh gaoth a' inhàil' ghrodaidh 

Cur gàir aims na dosaibh, 

1 daonnan 'na trotan 

Ki propadh '• Sd-roi." 

Bi'dh seannsair caol, erochtacb 

Fo chaonnaig aig ochdnar, 

Sruth staonaig 'ga stopadh, 

Cur droch cheol 'ua tli.'inili. 

Fuaim mar chlag fbuadacb each, 

Duan ehur as frithe : 

Clia 'ii abair mi tuille 

Gu di-moladh pioban, 

Ach leigeidh mi' chluinntinn 

Gu'n phill mi Mac-Ph.'.il 

A ' 

CHOMH-STRI. 

Guk. h-e dhùisg mo sheancbas dumb 

Cùis mu'm beil mi dearmalach, 

Gach Turcach 's gach Gearmailtench, 

Gach Frangach 'an run marbbaidh dhuiun : 

Muir no tir cha tearmunn duinn. 

Tha mo dbùil 's gur firinneach, 

Gach muiseag tha mi cluinntinn detb, 

Nach dean iad unnsa dhireadh oirn, 

S nach buinig iad na h-liinsean oirn, 

Gu n sguir iad far 'n do dh-inntrig iad. 

On chaidh na h-airm 'an tasgaidb oirn, 

Gu trie a' ghairm gu faigh sinn iad, 

Nach foghnadh claidbean maide dbuinu 

Gu leaaamh a' chrùin Bhasunnaicb, 

Mar thug an dim- a dh'fhasan duinu ? 

Ge morghalach righ Pbruiaia 

's na rlghreau mòr tha n trioblaid Hs, 

'S co nebnach leama' am Friaealach, 

'S am Baideanach le measrachadb, 

Bbl deanamh rèit 'a oach bris iad i. 

Bba mise uair 'a gn'm f'aca mi 

Nach creidiim bhuaithe faced detb, 

Nach bithinn auaa 'nuair thacbradh e, 

A liughad gruag a'a bagalsde, 

Bba fuaagladh anus an t-aabaid ud. 

'Nuair db-inntrigeadb an ascaoineis, 

Is àrd a chluinnte 'no Pabaidb iad : 

Fhreagair ooill a's clachan daibh ; 

Cha bhiodh beau an aite faiciim daibb, 

lad leiu 's mae-talla bus-bhualadh. 

'Nuair bhiodh iad agi 'a na tagraicheau, 

'Se criocbuacha ' bliiodb aca-aan, 

A'g iarraidh iasad bhatachan, 

Gacb tuairisgeul ri chlaistiim aim, 

Nach cualas riamh o bhaisdeadh sinn. 

Gur mairg a bhiodh 'san ùbaraid 

'Nuair ghabliadh iad gu tùirneileis. 

Bhiodh fàagadh air na sùilean aim ; 

Bu lionmhor duirn a's glùinean aim ; 

A's breaban cha bhiodh cùmhn' orra. 

Bhiodh rocladh air na claigeannan ; 

Bhiodh agòrnanan 'gan tachdadh ann ; 

Bhiodh meoirean air an cagnadh aim ; 

Bhiodh cluasan air an sraeadh ann ; 

Bhiodh spuaicean air an cnapadh aim. 

'Nuair thuiteadh iad gu mi-cheutaidh. 

Bhiodh rùsgadli leis na li-inean aim ; 

Bhiodh piocadb leis na bideagan ; 

Bhiodh riabadh air na cireanan ; 

Bhiodh coa den uile mi-loinn aim. 

Mu'm biodh a' chomh-stri dealaichte, 

Bhiodh dòrnagan 'g an sadadh asm ; 

Bhiodh agrbbadh air na malaidh aim ; 

Bliiodb beoil a's sileadh fal' asda ; 

'S nis leòr aig fear dha aitbris aim. 

'Nuair tbeirgeadb giubhaa Lochlaiimeach 

'S a' choili' an diiis a stopadh oirn, 

Bu mhath na b-airm na bodchrannan ; 

Bu sgiobailt iad an àm bogsaigeadh ; 

Cha bhriaeadh e na cogaiseau. 

'S aim do 'n tir bu shamhach so ; 

Bu shòlas inntiim bàilli e ; 

Bu lionmhor fear gu'n àiteach' aim, 

Dol gu (ianais 's (iamb a bhàthaidli air, 

Caoidb mu mbnai 'a mu phyistean aim. 

Bba Uidhist air a nàrachadh. 

Bha Iutharn air a fàsachadh. 

I.e guidheacban na càraid ud 

Bha solas air an hbhairaear, 

Bu neùiiach leis nach tainig iad. 

Cluiimidb Mac-Cuinn an toiseacli e. 

Cluinnidh a ris an Dotor e, 

Mar chrioebnaichear na portaibh ud. 

Cha tairg e làn a' chopain domb, 

Gu 'm bàraig e dà bhotul rium.

IAIN MAC CODRUM. 151

52 SAlt-OBAlll NAM

Dhùisgeadh 'na d' charraid 

IAIN MAC CODltUM. 153

154 SAll-OBAllt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Nis on 's dlleacbdan bochd mi, 

Oighre direach air Oisian, 

Blia 'g InmiHidh ohruaidh fbortain do l'hàdruig. 

Boa 'g tanaeadh chruaidh, &c. 

Mi 'g ini.seadh cruas m'i'hortain, 

Mar a dh-inntrig e 'n toiseacb ; 

Cha'n vil brigfa dhomh, no toirt bhi 'ga àireamh. 

Clia'u 'eil brigh, &c. 

Ach an sgriob tbug a' chreach oirn, 

Dli-fhàg a chaoidb' siun 'ga h-acain, 

So i 'n dile cliuir brat air na thainig. 

So i 'n dile chuir, &c. 

Dh-fhalbh ar ceannard òg maiseach, 

Bha gun àl'dan, gun ghaiseadh, 

Muir a thàinig gu grad a thug b/iàrc oirn. 

Muir a thàinig gu grad, &c. 

Chuir ar leahaidh san droigheann, 

'S gun ar cadal thar faighinn, 

Ar sùil frasach o'n naigheachd a thainig. 

Ar sùil frasach, &c. 

O nach dùil ri Sir Seumas, 

'S beag ar run 'an gàir eibhinn, 

Bi'dh sinn tiirsach 'na dheidh gu 's a bàs duinn. 

Bithidh siun tùrsach, &c. 

Chaill siun duilleach ar geige, 

Gràinne mullaich ar dcise, 

So an turns chuir cis air ar n-amiuiun. 

So an turus chuir, &c. 

'S eudar fuireach ri siochainnt, 

O nach urrainu air stri sinn, 

Ach bhi lulang gu 'n striochd siun d'ar ii.'imhaid. 

Ach bhi fulang, &c. 

Ma thig oirn foirneart no bagradh, 

Sinn gun dbigb air am bacadh ; 

Tha sinn leointe 'nar pearsa '• 'n-ar c.'.ilraihd. 

Tha siun leointe, &c. 

O'n hi thainig am briseadh, 

A thug tearnadh nar ineas duinn, 

Ar (Vann-tàiiach 's ar misneach g'ar fagail. 

Ar Ceaiiu-tàiiach, &c. 

Db-fhag e linoa bochd tùrsach, 

Ann an ionad ar curraidh, 

Gun e philleadb g'a (lbiichannan sàbhailt. 

Gun e philleadb, &c 

Thug c sgriob air n-uaisk-an, 

Chaoldh' cha dlricb an tuath e, 

Tlia sinn mi-ghcanach truagli air bheag st.'itha. 

Tha siun mi-gheanach, fito. 

Sinn mar cliaoirich gun bhuachaill, 

N dcis an t-aogliair thoirt uatba, 

Air ar sgaoileadh le ruaig 'ille-mhàrtuinn. 

Air ar sgaoileadh, &c 

Ar toil-inntinn 's ar s' las, 

Craobh a dhideann ar còrach, 

Ann an cathair na BAimh' air a i'!i.'. radii. 

Ann an rati air, &.c. 

Thu bhi 'n cathair na Itùimhe, 

'S goirt ri iunseadh na sgeoil sin ! 

'DIil' ! cha 

dlricb Claim. IJi.nilinuill ni s airde. 

'Dhè! cha dlricb, &e. 

O'n là sgathadh ar n-ùgan, 

A' chraobh bu fhlathaile còmhdach, 

Gun a b-abhall air doigh dhuiuu a tharail. 

Gun a h-abhall, &c. 

Mòr an sgeul san Roinn-Eòrp e, 

IM or a bheud do rìgh Stòrsa, 

Mòr an eis air do sheòrsa gu bràth e ! 

Mòr an eis air do sheòrsa, &c. 

Cha do dhùineadh an còta, 

'S ilia do ghiulan na brògan, 

Neach an cunntadh iad cbladb do phàirtean. 

Neach an cunntadh, &C 

Ann an gliocas, *s 'an eòlas, 

Ann an tuisge 's am mòrchuia, 

Is na gibhteanan mùr a bha fàs riut. 

Is na gibteanan, &c. 

Tha sinn deurach, bo^hd, tiirsach, 

Gun ghair eibhinn, gun dttil ris, 

Mar an Fheinn agus Fiona air am fagail. 

Mar an Fheinn, &c. 

Sinn gun Oscar, gun Diarmad, 

Gun Gholl osgarra fialaidh, 

Gach craobh thoisich air trial! uaiiin gu P.';rrais. 

Gach craobh thoisich, &c. 

Cinn nam biuidheannau calma 

Leis an d'ùmiilaicheadh Alba, 

'S ioniailh uvular thug seanchas mar bha sin. 

'S iomadh ùghdar, &c. 

'S bochd a chiiochnaicb ar o-aimsir, 

Mai Mhaol-eiaran gun Fhearchair, 

Sinn ag iargaiiin na dh-fhalbh uainn 's nach fainig 

Sinn ag iargainn, &c. 

'Se ni 's cosmhuil ri sheanchas, 

Lion sinn copan na h-aingeachd, 

Gus 'na bhrosnaich sinn fearg an Ti ' àinic. 

Gus 'na bhrosnaich, &c.

Se'n Ti phriseil thug uainn e 

Chum na rioghachd is buaiue ; 

O Chriosda, cum suas duiim na bràithrean. 

O Chriosda, cum suas, &c. 

IAIN MAC CODRUM. 

Note The pnet laments the untimely death of five or 

six of the M' Donalds of Slate. Sir Alexander died, a 

young man, in 174b"; and his son, the amiable and accomplished 

Sir James, died at Home in ITtifi, aged 2b. This 

family prudently avoided committing themselves in the 

rebellion of 17+5; but the bard appears to have been a 

thorough Jacobite. 

MOLADH CHLANN-DOMHNUILL. 

Air fonn—" Oran a ghunna da' b' ainm an spàinteach. 

Tapadu leat, a Dbo'ill 'Ic-Fhioniilaidh, 

Dhùisg thu mi ie pàirt de d' chumhradh. 

Air bheagan eùlais san dùthaich, 

Tha cunutas gur gille còir thu. 

Chair thu do chomaine romhad, 

'S feairde do ghnothach an c'imhnuidh 

'S cinnteach gar a leat ar baidse : 

'S leat ar cairdeas 'm tad a's b".ù thu. 

Mhol thu ar daoine 's ar fearann, 

Ar mnaithean baile, 's bu choir dhut. 

Cha d'rinn thu di-chuimhn' no mearachd ; 

Mhol thu gach sean is gach ùg dhiubh. 

Mhol thu 'n uaisleau, mhol thu 'n islean. 

Dh-fhag thu shios air an aon dùigh iad. 

Na bheil de 'n ealaiu ri chluinntiun, 

Cha chion dicheil a dh-fhag sgòd oirr'. 

Teaunadb ri moladh ar daoine, 

Cha robh e saoirbheach air aon d'.igh ; 

An gleus, 'an gaisge 's 'an teùmachd, 

Air aon aobhar thig 'nan còdhail 

Nochdadb an eudann ri gradan 

Cha robh gaiseadh aims a' phùr ud, 

CI iii a's pailteas, mais' a's tàbbacbd ; 

Ciod e 'n cas nach faight' air chOir iad ? 

Cha bu mhist' thu mise laimh riut, 

'An am a bhi 'g aireamh nan couuspuun, 

Gu inns' am maise 's an uaisle, 

An gaissje s an cruadal 'n am togbhail. 

B'iad sud na fir a bha fearail 

'Philleadh an-seasgair 'an tòireachd, 

'S a dh'fhagadh salach an araich 

Nam fanadh an riàinhaid ri 'n cùmhrag. 

Ach nam faiceadb tu na fir ud 

Hi uchd teine 's iad 'an òrdugh, 

Coslas fiadhaich a dol sios orr", 

Falbh gu dian air bheagan stòldachd ; 

I Claidheamh ruisgt an laimh gach aon fhir, 

Fearg "nan aodann ' faobhar gleois orr', 

lad cho niniheil ris an iolair. 

'S iad cho frioghail ris na lecghainn. 

Cha mhòr a thionnal nan daoin' ud 

Bha ri fhaotainn san Hoinn Eòrpa. 

Bha iad fearrail 'an am caonnaig, 

Gu fuileach, faobharrach, Btrbiceach. 

Nam faigheadh tu iad 'an gliocas 

Mar bha 'in misneach as am mòrchuis, 

C ait' am feudadh tu aireamh, 

Aon cbinne' b'fhearr na Claim- DeaabnuUL 

Bha iad treubhach, fearail, foinnidh, 

Gu neo-lomara mu 'n stl ras. 

Bha iad cunbhalach 'nan gealladh, 

Gun Iheall, gun charachd, gun roidean. 

Ge de dh-iarrta nuas an sinnsir, 

O mhullach an ciun gu'm bri gan, 

'N donas cron a bha ri inns' orr', 

Ach an rioghalachd mar sheùrsa. 

155 

Ach ma mhol thu ar daoin* uaisle, 

C'uim nach de luaidh thu Mac-Dhòmhnuill ? 

Aon Mliac Dhè bhi air na hhuachaill' 

G'aghleidheadh huan duinn 'na bheù-shlaintc ! 

On 's curaidh a choisneas buaidh e, 

Leanas ri dhualchas 'an còmhnuidh, 

Nach deachaidh neach riamh -na thuasaid 

Rinn dad buannachd air an comh-stri. 

C'ait an dh-fhag thu Mac 'Ic- Ailein 

'Nuair a thionaileadh e mhùr-shluagh, 

Na fir chrodha bu mbòr alia, 

Ri linn Alasdair 's Mhontròis? 

'S mairg a dhùisgeadh ruinn bhur n-aisith 

No thionndadh taobh ascaoin bhur clei.ca, 

Ge b'e sùil a bhiodh 'gan amharc 

Cromadh sios gu abhainn Lòchaidh. 

Ach ma chaidh tu 'nan sealbhaidh, 

C'uim nach de sheanchais thu air choir iad, 

Teaghlach uasal Ghlinne-garadh 

'S nam tìùraiii o ghleannaibh Chnoideart. 

'S iomadh curaidh laidir uaimhreach 

Sheasadh cruaidh 's a hhuaileadh stròiceaii, 

O cheann Loch-Uthairn nam fuar-bheanu 

Gu bun na Stuaidhe am Mòr-thir. 

An dh-fhag thu teaghlach na Ceapaich 

'S mòr a' chreach nach 'eil iad cùmhslan, 

Dh-tireadh leinii suas 'an aisith 

Le 'm piob 's le 'm brataicheau sròile. 

Mac lain a Gleanna-Cothan, 

Fir chothanta n am na comh-stri, 

Daoine foinnidh, fearail, fearradha 

Rùsgadh arm a's fearg na'n srònan ? 

I

156 SAit-OUAllt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Dh-fhag tho Mac Dhùghail a Latliuni, 

( Bu mbuirneach gabhail a chòmhlain,) 

Cuide ri uaialean Chinntìre, 

OH Roino llich 's mhaol na )i-()dlia. 

Dh-ihag thu Iarl Antrum a Eirinn 

Riiin an t-euchd am blar na Bùine. 

'Nuair a dhlùtliaicheailli iad ri cheile, 

Co chunntadh ieich air Claim- Dòmhnuill ? 

Alba, ge bu mhòr ri iims' c, 

lloinn iad i o thuinn gu mòintich. 

Fbuair an cbir o làimh Chlann-Dumhnuill, 

Fbuair iad a ris an ltòta ; 

'S ioma currai mhbr bha innte 

Cunntaidh Antrum ge bu mbì r i. 

Sgrìot iad as an naimhdean uile, 

'S thuit Mac Ghuilbinu san tòireachd. 

Bliuinig iad baile 's leth Alba ; 

'S e 'n claidheamh a shealbhaich coir dliaibh. 

lihuinig iad latha cliath Gairbbeacli, 

Uion au argumaid a cbòmhdach. 

Air bbeagan c ;Jiiaidh gu trioblaid 

Thug iad am bristeadh a mòran, 

Mac'IU-lain ami le chuideachd, 

'S Lachann cutach Mac-an-Tùisich. 

Nan tigcadh feum air Sir Seumas, 

Gun èireadb iad uile cbmhlath 

O roinn Ghall-thaobh gu roinn 11«, 

Gach fear thug a ahinnsir còir dliaibh. 

Thigeadh Mac-Choinnich à Brathainn, 

Mac-Aoidh Strath- Nàbliair 's diùc Gordon, 

Thigeadh Barraich, 's thigeadh Bànaich, 

llothaich a's Sailich a's Uùsaich. 

Ar luchd dàimh 's ar cairdeau dileas 

Dh-eiridh leinne a sios 'au comh-stri. 

Tbigeadh uaislean Chloinne-Lean 

Mu'n cuairt cho daingheann ri d' cliòta, 

lad fo gbruaim 'an uair a' chatha 

Cruaidh 'nan lamhan sgathadh feòla, 

Tarruinn spàinteach làidir lìobhar 

Sgoilteadh dìreach cinn gu brògan. 

Bhuidheann fhuilteach, glan nan geui-laun, 

Thigeadh reiseamid nan Leòdach, 

Thigeadh reiseamid nan Niallach 

Le loingheas lìonmhor 's le seòltaibh, 

Foirbeiaich 's Frliealaieb dh-èireadh, 

'S thigeadh Claim- lteubhair 'an òrdugh. 

'Nuair a dhùisgeadh fir na h-lubhraich, 

Co thigeadh air tùs ach Tbmaa ! ! 

bote—There arc several li ills in tlie Highland! which 

6lill bear tin- name Tam-mi-h.Iuhhraich, all haunted by the 

fairies. One of them is near Strachur, Lochtinc tide; 

another near Inverness. According to popular belief, 

Thomas the Rhymer was captain of the fairy troops. 

ORAN DON TEASAICH. 

Am foNN— " Daibhidh grhsgach crom ciar." 

'S mise chaill air geall na carachd, 

Bha eaihir mi-fèin sa cliailleach, 

Gu'n tug i dhiom brigh mo bharra, 

Cul mo chiim a cliuir l'i talainti. 

M' thuil a's in' l'heoil thug i dhiom, 

Choir i cròiian am chliabh, 

Be 'n droch codhail domh 'bhiasd, 

Gu robh tòireachd ga diol. 

Chuir i boil am cheann is bu mhbr i, 

Faicinn dhaoine marbh a's beodha, 

Coltas Hector inor na Tròidhe, 

S nan gaisgeach bha 'in leachd na Uòimhe. 

Cailleach dhuathsach, chrotn, chiar, 

Bha làn tuaileis a's bhriag, 

Chuir mi'm bruailean 's gach iall, 

'S chuir i 'm fuadach mo cliiall. 

'S bochd a fhuair mi bhuat am foghar, 

'S mi gun luaigh air buain no ceanghal, 

Mo cheann iosal a's mi am laidhe, 

Bruite tinn a's sgios am chnaimhean. 

Bha mo chnaimhean cho sgith, 

'S ged do sgathadh iad dhiom, 

Gu'n robh am padhadh gam chlaoidh, 

'S gun traighinn abhainn le mhiad. 

'S bochd an t-àite leap' am fiabhras, 

Oh-fhagas daoine t'ada, riabhach, 

Glagaich lag le fada 'n iargainn, 

Gann de dh' fhalt a's pailt de dh' fhiasaig 

Pailt de dh' fhiasaig gun tlachd, 

Chuir am bial air droch dhreach, 

Dcoch no biadh theid a steach, 

A dha tlnian innte stad. 

Do chota fàs is e gun lianadh, 

T-òsan rocach air dlnoch fhiaradh, 

Caol do choise nochdaidb pliathach, 

ionan cho fad ri cat fiadhaich. 

Caaan pliathadh gun sùgh, 

l'o'n da Bhleaaaid gu'n liigb, 

Gur pailt liagh dhaibh no lunn, 

Cba bhean liar dhaibh nach lub. 

Bidh do mhuinneal fada, feathach, 

'S taisnic bean mar chabar cleibhe, 

Eaagadan glagacb gun spèirid, 

Gluinean ri tachas a cheile. 

Gluinean geura guti neat t, 

'S iad cho ciar ris a chairt, 

Thu cho creubhi ri cat, 

B' fhearr an t-eug gad sgath as.

A bhonaid da uiread sa b abhaist, 

Air uaclular currachd nach àluinn ; 

Cluasan gu'n uireasbhaidh fàsa, 

Ceann cho lùm ri cri na dearnaidh. 

Cha be 'n còmpanach caomh, 

Db-fhag cho lorn mi 's cho maol, 

Rinn mo chom mar phreas caoil, 

Mar mhac-samhla do'n aog. 

Bidh tu coltach ri fear misge, 

Gun dad ùl gun aon mhir ithe, 

Chionn nach bi lùghs na d' dha iosgaid, 

Bidh tu null sa nail mar chlisnich. 

Bi'dh tu d' shiaehahe lag, 

'S ceann do shithe gun neart, 

Ann ad ghniomh cha bhi tlachd, 

Na d' chus mhio-loiuu air fad. 

ORAN NA H-AOISE. 

i fon'.v—" The pearl of the Irish nation. 

Cha tog mise fonn, 

Cha 'n eirich e leain, 

Tha m' aigne ro thrum 

Fu easlain' ; 

Tha 'n cri tha 'na in' chom 

Mar chloich 's i na dcann, 

'S i tuiteam le gleanu, 

'S cha 'n eirich ; 

Tha 'n gaisgeach nach tiom 

Rinn a' cogadh, 's a' stri, 

Cha 'n fhaigh sinn a chauidh 

Bhi reidh ris ; 

On is treis' e na sinn, 

Thèid leis-an ar claoidh, 

'S cha teasairg aon ni 

Fo 'n ghrèin sinn ! 

'S cuis thùrsa gu dearbh 

Bhi 'g ionndrain mar dh-flialbh, 

Ar cruitheachd, ar dealbh 

'Sar 'n eugasg, 

Ar spionnadh, 's ar neart, 

Ar cumadh, 'sar dreach, 

Ar cur an ann gleachd', 

A's streupa ; 

Mar a sgaoileas an ceù 

Air aodainn an fheoir, 

'S a chaochaileas neuil 

'S na 'n speuran, 

Tha 'n auis a' teachd oirn 

Cumhach, caointeach, làn bròin, 

'S neo-shocrach ri Icon 

An te ud. 

tAIN MAC CODRUJI. 

Aois chasadach gharbh, 

Cheann-trom. chadalach, bhalbh, 

Ann an ion 's a bhi marbh 

Gu'n speirid ; 

Cha ghluais thu ach mall, 

Agus cuaill' ann du laimh, 

Dol mu'n cuairt air gach àllt, 

A's fèithe ; 

Cha chuir thu gu briith, 

'S cha chumhaidh dhut e, 

Geall ruithè, no snamh, 

No leuma, 

Ach fiabhras, a's cradh 

Ga t-iarraidh gu has, 

Ni 's lionmhoir' na plàigh 

Nah-Eiphit. 

Aois chianail ro bhochd, 

Hi caoidh na rug ort, 

Neo brigheil gun toirt, 

Gun speis thu ; 

Do luchd comuinn, a's gaoil 

Fo chomhair an aoig, 

Gun chomas a h-aon 

Diu eirigh ; 

Dh-thalbh t-earnais, 's do chuid, 

Dh-1'halbh slainte do chuirp, 

Thig ort f'aillinne tuigs', 

A's reasain, 

Thig di-chuimhne, thig bà'chd, 

Thig diomhanas dha, 

Thig ini-loinn do chairdeau 

Fein ort. 

Aois òghar gun bhrigh 

Ga t-fhf'gar gu cill, 

Dh-i'hagas bòdhaig a chinn 

Ro eitidh, 

Aois bhòdhar nach cluinn, 

Gun toighe, gun suim ; 

Gun chàr foghainteach stri, 

No streupa, 

Aois acaideach thinn 

Gun taice, gun chli, 

Gun ghaisge, gun spid, 

Gun speirid, 

Lan airtneal, a's cràidh 

Gun aidmheil bhi sl.'in, 

Gun neach dha'm beil càs 

Dheth t-tigin. 

Aois ghreannach bhochd thruagh, 

'S measa sealladh, a's tuar, 

Maol, sgallach, gun ghruaig, 

Gun dèudaich, 

Roc aodainneach, chruaidh, 

Phreasach, chraicneach, lorn, fhi 

Chrubach, chrotach, 

Gun ghluasad cGurea ; 

157

158 SAK-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Aois lobhar nan spioc 

Bheir n;i subhailcean dhinn,

eachunn mac-leoid. 

EACHUNN MAC-LEOID. 

Eachunn Mac-Leoid, or Hector M'Leod, the South Uist bard, lived after the year 

1745, on the main land, chiefly in the districts of Arisaig and Morar. He composed and 

sung as he was moved by those internal powers of which the generality of men appear 

but little sensible. There are some individuals that appear heavy and destitute of parts, 

who are possessed of powers which attract the attention and merit the esteem of those who 

are more intimately acquainted with them : our poet was one of these. What occasioned 

his removal from the Long Island we know not. It is not unlikely that he was sent 

hither to watch and give information of what was going on in those troublesome times. 

He went often to Fort- William, as if doing something of no consequence, while in 

reality he was hearing all the news of the day, which he related to friends who durst not 

appear themselves. Shrewd and intelligent, he concealed those talents from strangers, to 

whom he seemed fooling, which character he could assume as occasion required. As he 

was frequently going and returning the same way, he was suspected and brought as a 

spy before the Governor of the Fort : on being examined and interrogated, he acquitted 

himself so well, under the assumed character, that he was dismissed as a fool. 

MOLADH DO CHOILEACH SMEOItAICH. 

I 

Moch madainn shamhrai' am mios fàs nam meas, 'Nuair bhios seillean le Ian shòlas 

'Nuair bti ro aluinn leinn sgiamh «ach l u j s , Deilleanachd a measg nan dithean, 

Bha cuibhrig, air dhreach criostail de 'n dealt, Cop meala mu ghob a chrònain, 

Na dhlù bhrat a' còmhdach gach cnuic. A' deoghladb nan geugan mine. 

Sin Jim an ns, am molaich le duilleach gach craobh, 

'S ro bhoidheach gach tullach fo bhlà, 

A's nuallanach gach uile spreidh, 

A' geimnich ri chèil' iad fein, 's an cuid àil. 

An ceann leath dara mios an t-samhraidh, 

'Nuair a's grianaich gach aon ardan, 

'S gach fiadhair gu mion-bhreac, boidheach, 

Le meilbheig, le iiòinean, 's le slàn-lus. 

! 

'Nuair bhitheas gach àilean, 's gach doire, 

Le blà uaine fo làn toraidh, 

A's meanglain gach craoibh sa'choille 

Cromadh fo throm nam uieas milis 

Chualas co-sheirm binn, ceolmhoi - 

, 

Beagan roimh eirigh na greine, 

Aig coltas coileich na smeòraich, 

I 'S maighstir mac-talla 'g a bheusadh. 

159


An sin a chualadh mi'n cheileireachd bitm, 

Bu curaideich seinn, gu cuimir, *s gu lnath, 

Air feadan ga m'fhreagradh, gach seilan sa' bhein 

Ann an eirigh na greine, sa' mhadaino di-luaiu. 

B'e sin an ceol caoin gun tuchan, gun sgread, 

Gun eislean, na slad UB ehliabh, no na ghob, 

Bu mbilse na binueas nan tend air lad, 

'Nuair ghearradh e lead air deireadh gach puirt. 

'S iad sin na puirt a bha binn, mion, bras, 

Socrach ri 'n seinn, gun ochan, gun chnead, 

Bu glan sgeimh cudaich an coin, ge bu lag, 

'San robh urrad de thlachd, na laidh air a uead. 

B'annsa learn na fiodhall, a's piob, 

Bhi taniiill dhe m'aimsir na m'shuidh na choir, 

On aig tha na puirt as tior chanaiche raiiin, 

'S a's ealanta seinn gun aou bhuile meoir. 

Bhcirinn comhairle trà air gach nighin, 's mnai, 

Gach laidir, a's lag, gach beartach, a's bochd, 

lad a uiholadh oid-iunnsaich an coin, gu beachd, 

Le h-inutinn cheart, gu h-an-moch, 's gu much. 

MOLADH EAS MOR-THIR. 

Eas Mhor-thir sòraidh le d' stoirm, 

Bu mhorghalach, gleodhraich do thriall, 

Bu bharra-gheal lliuch dortadh nam bare, 

Bha toirleum le braidhe do chleibh. 

Na maoth-linntean tha bàlbh, mall, 

Far nach bith saobh-shruth a' leuin, 

'S gile 'n cop ri 'n taobh tha tàmh 

Na caineichean ; luinn an t-shlèibh, 

'S a choille tha timcheall do bhruach, 

Bu cheolmhor ceileireadh ian, 

(in 1 urach air bharraibh nan geug, 

'N am do ghrein togail o nial. 

As t Samhradh nar thigeadh am blàthas, 

Bu chubhraidh faileadh nan ròs 

A dh-fhaaadh 's na faaaiohean fraelch, 

Tha 'n taobh-s' d'an eas mheadhrach mhòr. 

'San fhobhar aims a choill sin Crois, 

Nam biodh tu coiseacbd na measg, 

Cbitheadh tu croit air gach gas, 

A lubadh fo chudrom a meat. 

Bu nuallanach, binn-ghuthach sprèidh, 

Geimhich, iad t'hein 's an cuid ail, 

Mu innis mballaicb an tùir, 

Far am bith 'n t-sobin acb a' las. 

'Nuair thigeadh am buachaiU a mach, 

'S a ghabbadh e mu chul a cbruidb, 

Mu'n cuairt do Bhad-nan-clach-glaa, 

A bhuail' air 'in bu trie am bliochd. 

Thigeadh banarach na sprcidhe, 

Ballag do nighinn chruinn àliiinn. 

Fait clannach, fionn-bhuighe, dualach, 

Mu'n cuairt da guaillcan gu ('àineach. 

Shealladh i air leadh na spreidhe, 

'S dh-eubha

EACHUNN MAC-LEOID. 1 61


Thaioig Ciunn-Dliiiiliiiuill na'n deigh, 

Mar chonaibb confacfa gun bhiadh, 

Na'm beathraicbean guineacb, geur, 

Au guailean a chcile gu gniomh. 

B'.'.luinn, dealbhach, am breidsròil 

Air a cheangal ri crann caol, 

An robh caisteal, bradan, a's long, 

Lamh dbearg, iolair a's craobh. 

Bha fraoch os ceann sin gu h-artl' 

Ceangailt' am ban- a chrainn chaoil, 

Bha sin ami, a*s leogliann dearg, 

'S cha bake tearmuinu a chraos. 

Thàirnieadh na sloigh air sliabh Fife, 

An coinneamh ri cath a chur, 

Fhuair iad brosnacbadh tior mbear, 

Thug eirigh ]e buirbe na'm fuil :— 

" A Chlannaibli milidh mosgailibh, 

Is somalta, ciau 'ur cadal, 

Teannaibh ri dioladli Chuilodair, 

I'll at na Gacban so f'ada. 

Toisichibh gu h-ardanach, 

Gu bras, rioghail, moralach, 

Gu mear, leumnacb, dearg-chneadhach, 

Gu luath-lamhach, treun-bhuilleach. 

Gu aigneach, innsginneacli, 

Gu an-athach, namhaciach, 

Gu inion-chuimhneach, dioglialtach, 

Gu gruamach, fiata, an-tiòcaireach. 

Gun tearmunn, gun mhathanas, 

Gun ath-thruas, gun bhuigeachas, 

Gun innidh, gun eagal, 

Gun umhail, gun fbaicill. 

Gun fhiamh, gun an-mhisneich, 

Gun chiuam, gun ghealtachd, 

Gun taise, gun f'haiteachas, 

Gun saidealtachd, gun uamliann. 

Gun eiseamail, gun umlilachd, 

Gun athadli do llàmhaid 

Acli a gabhail romhaibh thoirt iubhair 

A' coaaadh na cath-laralch." 

Chuonaio mi air leatb o chaefa 

Tri leogbainn a b'fharsuinne t ranis 

Thug iad tri sgairtcan cho aid' 

'S gu'n sgain creagan aig mead an glaodh. 

• 

I Dha'm 

Bha leoghann diu sin air chreig ghuirm, 

b'ainm lain Muideartach òg, 

O'u Cliaisteal thiream, 's o Bhbrgh, 

Deshliochd nan Collaidh bu bhorb colg. 

Thog sean leoghann luath a cheann, 

'S a chas rioghail an JDuntuilm, 

Dh'a'm bu shcan eireachdas riamh, 

buaidb nan sliabh an càs a chrùiiin. 

Thainig an treas leogliann diù 

O'n choiU', 's o gharaidh nam bare, 

A's dh'ordaich iad pairt dhe'n cuid si 

Dhol a thiolaiceadh nam marbh. 

Labkairt.~Sa.n au sin a thagh iad oifigich 

an-diadhaidh, an-trocaireacli, an-aobhach, an- 

athach, an-iochdmhor. Agus thagh iad cuideaehd 

de bhorb, bhrothaeh, bhodach, dha'm 

b'airm chosanta spaidean, agus sluasaidean, gu 

tiolacadh nam marbh, agus gu glanadli na 

h-;iraich. Aonghas amharra a Eigneag— Calum 

crosdaa Gruluinn— Eoghann Iargalta a Crasabhaig— 

Dughall Ballach à Gallabaidh— Niall 

Eangharra a Haimisgearaidh—agus Domhnull 

Durrgha a Gearas. 

Chunna' mi Gleann soileir nam, 

An robh eireachdaa thai- gach glinn, 

B'airde cheileirich', cbeolmhoir' fuaim, 

Glaodhaich nan cuach os a chinn. 

Theid fargradh feadh Bhreatuinn gu loir; 

Eirigh gu feachd fir gu leoir, 

Chi sibh na Gàe'il a' triall 

Le rioghalaehd mar bu còir. 

iVo/c—The poet was a stanch Jacobite. In this Ode 

he describes what he and many Others in Ins day DON 

earnestly desired, and to which they eagerly looked, not. 

withstanding what ihcy suffered at, and after the battle of 

Culloden. 'the bard gives full scope to his Imagination ; 

poetically describing scenes which his active fancy draws 

before him. It was not safe, in his time, to express the 

real sentiments entertained on a subject so near and dear 

to the heart, ami so full of danger to all concerned. He 

therefore makes use of the style and metaphors adopted, 

that the poem might be intelligible to those alone who 

contemplated the dark events of futurity.

GILLEASRUIG NA CI0TA1G. 

GILLEASPUIG NA CIOTATG 

ARCHIBALD M'DONALD, THE UIST COMIC BARD. 

We know little more of this distinguished poet than the following songs contain, 

one of which was composed to the chief* of the clan Cameron, who resided on his estate 

in Lochaber, when the poet visited that country. Having met with great kindness 

from the chief, the poet made the only return he could have made, and which was con- 

sidered no small requittance in those days—he sung his praise. It was a tribute of 

gratitude. Another was composed to ridicule a vain young man ; who, it is still be- 

lieved, had a better right to the property of Lovat than the person who succeeded to 

it ; but being guilty of murder, was obliged to fly the country. He used to appear in a 

dress which, in his estimation, completed the gentleman ; 

163 

but in the eyes of others made 

him ridiculous. Happening to be at a wedding in his full dress, with his hanger, or dirk, 

dangling at his side in the dance, and buckled shoes, the piper imprudently played the 

tune " Tha biodag air mac Thòmais"—a satire composed by our bard to the identical 

man. He, incensed, drew his dirk, which all supposed he would sheathe in the bag of 

the piper, but, in his fury, mortally wounded him. He escaped to America, and durst 

not appear to claim the estate. His other poems remind us of similar pieces by Burns. 

Men of genius have similar ideas, and make use of the same means to expose such as 

they observe laying themselves open to ridicule. 

\* We omit the poem in praise of Locliiell, as inferior to the bard's humorous pieces. It is in 

"Stewart's Collection," page 103. 

MARBHRANN DO DH» IAIN RUADH PIOBAIR. 

Fhuaib mi sgeula bho'n ghobha, 

Cha'n aobhar meoghail, ach gruaim, 

E-fein fo mbi-ghean, 's fo thrioblaid, 

Ri iarunn cist' do dh' Iain Ruadh.* 

Saoir a' locaradh, 'sa' sàbhadh, 

'S a chulaidh bhàis 'ga cuir suas, 

Samhach cadal na corra, 

Cha chluinnear tuilleadh a fuaim. 

Chaidh na maidean à òrdugh, 

Cha'n aithne dhomh-s an cuir suas, 

Tha'n gaothair air stopadh, 

Tha'n dà dhòs na'n trom-shuain. 

* John M'Quithen, a piper in South Uist. He was a 

great companion and favourite of the bard. This elegy 

was composed while the piper was living. 

Chaill an seannsair a chlaisteachd, 

Tha'n gleus air a ghrad leigeadh suas, 

On trie a thainig ceòl taitneach, 

Ragha caismeachd mo chluais. 

Ceol bu bhlasd' a's bu bhinne, 

'Dhùsgadh spiorad do'n t-sluagh, 

Ceol bu tartaraich' siubhal, 

Thionndadh tioma gu cruas : 

Ceol mar smeorach a ghlinne, 

Ceol a's binne na cuach ; 

Meoir gun bhraise, gun ghiorradh, 

l)ian ruith-leumnach, luath. 

Bu sgiolta sealleadh do sheannsair, 

Air port, 's air crunn-luath, 's air cuairt, 

Pronnadh cnaparra, lùghmhor, 

Caismeachd shunntach 'san ruaig :

^ 4 SAR-OBAIU NAM

Cha bhi dad a dh'eis oirre, 

Gheibh i gach ni dh'fhcumas i, 

Ni'u lion aodach a matn-seol d'i, 

'S gu'n dean na speicean crann d'i. 

Ho-ro, Qc. 

Cha'n easbhuidh nacli bi ballaibh ann, 

Gu cuplaicbean, 's gu tarruinuean, 

Tha rbpaichean gun ghainn' agaiun, 

'S gu'n ceangail sinn gu teann iad. 

Ho-ro, fyc. 

Cha'u eil in'inntinn gearanach, 

O'u chuir tliu dhiot an galar ud, 

'S ann tha do pbiob na deannal, 

A toirt caithream air ceol damhsaidh. 

Ho-ro,


Clia mharbh tlm urrad ri each, 

Ge leathan laiilir mogOT thu ; 

'S t-àirm eha diau a bheag a st.à, 

Mur igriobar clàr, na praise loo. 

Thugaibh, ,\c. 

Note Dr M'Lcod, the subject of this song, was a native 

of St. Kilila. He was some time abroad as surgeon to a 

Highland regiment, and on his return home he used to go 

about in his full uniform, in which the poet thought he 

made rather an odd figure. 

BANAIS CIlIOSTAL-ODIIAlR. 

I.UINNEAU. 

A bhaiiitis a blia'n Ciostul-odhar, 

Ann an Ciostal-udhar, odliar, 

A bhanais a bha'n Cios/ul-odhar, 

Cha robh otliail choir oirre ! 

Thainig fear a staigh ga'un ghriobadh, 

Dh-innse gu'n tainig am pigidh, 

Fhuaraa botul liotiadh slige, 

1 > 1 1 bhinn glig a's eiòiian. 

A bhanais, Qc. 

Thainig fear a nuas le mi-mhodb, 

Gu e-fcin a chair an ire, 

Thùisich e air bleith nan inean, 

Gu mi-fhin a sgròbadh. 

A bhanaii,

DUGIIALL BOCHANNAN. 167 

DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 

Dogald Buchanan was born in the parish of Balquidder, Perthshire, in the year 

1716. His father was a small farmer, who also rented a mill. His mother was an excel- 

lent and pious woman ; but, unfortunately for him, she died when he was only six years 

old. His father gave him such education as he could afford ; and that appears to have 

been more than was commonly taught at country schools at that time. When he was 

only twelve years of age, he was sent to teach in another family, where he did not im- 

prove in his morals, as he learned to curse and swear. When he was farther advanced 

in life, he became loose and immoral, associating with bad company, and apparently 

regardless of the pious example that had been set before him by his mother. When he 

grew up, he was apprenticed to a house-carpenter in Kippen, where he did not continue 

long, till he removed to Dumbarton. Here he continued the same course of profane and 

sinful practice that afterwards caused him much trouble and remorse of conscience during 

many years, until he at last obtained peace with God, and became a sincere and eminent 

Christian. He does not appear to have settled long in any place, till the " Society for 

Propagating Christian Knowledge" appointed him schoolmaster and catechist at Kenloch 

Ranoch, in the year 1755. In this remote place he laboured with great pains and dili- 

gence in his calling during the remainder of his days ; and here he composed those hymns 

which will render his name as lasting as the language in which they are written. Besides 

the hymns, he wrote a diary, which was published in the year 1836, with a memoir of the 

author prefixed. From this memoir we shall copy a short abstract of his labours and 

diligence at Kenloch Ranoch. Although he was not a regular licentiate, he acted as a 

kind of missionary ; and exhorted, preached, catechised, and reproved, till he wrought a 

great reformation on the people in that district :— " Ranoch is an extensive district, in 

the parish of Fortingall. It is situated at a great distance from the church, and the 

clergyman visited it at long intervals. The people, therefore, instead of assembling on 

Sabbath to worship God, generally met to play at foot-ball. Moved with zeal for the 

glory of God, and grieved at the sins he witnessed, he zealously set about reforming the 

people, by convincing them of the sinfulness of their ways. Finding it impossible to 

bring them together for prayer or exhortation, he would follow them to the scene of their 

sinful amusements, and there reason with them about death and judgment to come. By 

the great and disinterested anxiety he manifested for their spiritual welfare, some of them 

were brought to a better observance of the Sabbath, by uniting with him in the worship 

of God. The impression made on the minds of those who came to hear him was such, 

that they persuaded their friends and neighbours to corne also, which gradually drew a 

more numerous attendance. His piety and excellence of character becoming now


generally known, the numbers who flocked from all parts to hear him were so great, that 

the house in which they had hitherto met was insufficient to contain them : he therefore 

adjourned with the people to a rising ground on the banks of the Ranoch. Nor was he 

attended by those only among whom he lived, but by many from other remote parts, 

who were attracted by the fame of his piety. In addressing the people, his meek and 

gentle spirit led him to dwell most on the loftier motives—the more tender appeals with 

which the gospel abounds ; but, to stubborn and determinate sinners, he was severe in 

discipline, encountering them with the terrors of the Lord, that he might win them to 

Christ." 

It is said that Buchanan assisted Mr Stewart of Killin in translating the New Testa- 

ment into the Scottish Gaelic, and that he corrected the work while passing through the 

press at Edinburgh, in the year 17C6. During his stay there he availed himself of the 

opportunity of attending the classes for Natural Philosophy, Anatomy, Astronomy, 8tC, 

which made a great impression upon his mind, and gave him more extensive views of the 

omnipotence and wisdom of the Divinity. He was, during either of these years, intro- 

duced to the celebrated David Hume the historian, who, having been informed of his 

excellent character, received him with great affability, and entered very familiarly into 

conversation with him on various topics. 

While discussing the merits of some authors, Mr Hume observed that it was impossible 

to imagine any thing more sublime than the following lines which he repeated: 

The cloud-capt towers, the gorgeous palaces, 

The solemn temples, the great globe itself, 

Yea, all which it inherits shall dissolve, 

And like the baseless fabric of a vision 

Leave not a wreck behind." 

Buchanan at once admitted the beauty and sublimity of the lines, but said that he had 

a book at home from which lie could produce a passage still more sublime, and repeated 

the following verses :— " And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from 

whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them. 

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God : and the books were opened 

and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out 

of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea 

gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were 

in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." * 

He published his "Hymns" about the year 1707. The demand for this little work 

has continued since, and every year adds to its popularity—a sure proof of its merit. 

There have been at least fifteen editions of it printed ; while of the works of the celebrated 

bards, Macdonald and Macintyre, there have been only four editions. 

Rev. xx. 11—13. 

— 

— 

;


Our author continued his useful and pious labours at Ranoch till his death, which 

happened on the second of June, 1768, when he was seized with fever, which carried 

him off in the fifty-second year of his age. During his illness he was frequently delirious, and 

in that state would sing of the " Lamb in the midst of the throne." In his lucid intervals 

he expressed his full hope in the resurrection of the just, and his desire to depart and be 

with Christ. The people of Ranoch wished his remains to be buried among them, but 

his relations carried the body away to their own country, and ho was buried in the bury- 

ing-ground of the Buchanans at Little Lenny, near Callander. In his person he was 

considerably above the middle size, and rather of a dark complexion, but upon a close 

inspection his countenance beamed affection and benevolence. Among his intimate 

acquaintance he was affable, free, jocular and social, and possessed much interesting 

information and innocent anecdotes, in consequence of which his company was much 

sought after by all the families in the country. In his dress he was plain and simple, 

wearing a blue bonnet and a black dress, over which he generally wore a blue great-coat. 

After his death his widow removed to Ardoch, where she remained till the time of her 

death. He left two sons and two daughters : one of the latter was alive in 1836. 

As a poet, Buchanan ranks in the highest class. Endowed with great power of 

imagination, and full of moral and religious enthusiasm, his poetry is at once fervid, lofty, 

and animated ; and invariably calculated to promote the cause of religion and virtue. 

Those distinguishing qualities have rendered him the most popular poet in the language ; 

and we may safely assert, that his popularity will endure as long as the language in 

which he has written is understood. 

" The Day of Judgment'" is the most popular poem in the language. It displays 

great force of imagination, and fixes the mind on the sublime and awful scenes of a world 

brought to an end, amidst the wreck of elements, and the assemblage of the whole human 

race to judgment. 

" The Scull" is full of good poetry, with appropriate reflections on the vanity of 

mortal enjoyments. It shows the fierce tyrant and the lowly slave—the haughty chief 

and the humble tenant— the mighty warrior and the blooming virgin—the mercenary 

judge and the grasping miser— all reduced to one level, the grave ; to feed the lowly 

worm and the crawling beetle. 

" The Dream" contains useful lessons on the vanity of human pursuits, and the 

unsatisfactory rewards of ambition. The following lines ought to be remembered by 

every one who envies greatness :— 

" Clia '11 Vil neach o thrioblaid saor, 

A 1 

measg a' cliiniie-daoiin' air tad 

'S co lionmhor osna aig an righ, 

Is aijr a neach is isle staid." 

" The Winter" begins with a vivid description of the effects of that season, and the 

preparation of men and animals to provide food and shelter. The poet then draws a 

comparison between the winter and the decline of human life, warning the old man to 

1G9

prepare for his future state, as the husbandman prepares food and fuel for winter—to 

imitate the prudent foresight of the ant and the bee, and not the idle and improvident 

fly, dancing- joyously in the sunbeams till he perishes by the winter's frost. This 

excellent poem is deservedly admired as one of the finest specimens of didactic poetry in 

the Gaelic language. 

Am feadh 'ta chuid is mo de'n t-saogh'l 

Gun ghaol do Chiiosd, gu'n sgionn d'a reachd, 

Gu'n chreideamh ac' gu'n tig e ris, 

'Thoirt breith na firiuo air gach neach. 

An cadal peacaidh 'ta'd nan suain, 

A' bruadar pailteas de gach ni 

Gu'n umhail ac'n' uair thig am b;s, 

Nach meal iad Pàrras o'n àrd High. 

Le cumhachd t-fbacail Dhu tog suas, 

An sluagh chum aithreaehais na thrà, 

Is beannaicfa an Dim so do gach neach, 

Biieir seachad c-isteachd dha le gràdh. 

Mo smuaintean talmhaidh Dhe tog suas, 

'S mo theanga fuasgail aim mo bheul ; 

A chum gu'n labhrainn mar bu choir, 

Mu ghloir 's mu uamhuun latha Dhe. 

Air meadhon oidhch' 'nuair bhios an saogh'l, 

Air aomadh tharais aim an suain ; 

Grad dhùisgear suas an cinne-daoin', 

Le glaodh na trompaid 's airde f'uaiin. 

Air neul ro aird ni fhoillseach' fein, 

Ard aingeal treun le trompaid mboir; 

Is gairmidh air an t-saogh'l gu lèir, 

lad a ghrad eiridb chum a mhòid : 

: 

— 

" () cluinnilihs ulle chlann nan daoin, 

Nis thainig ceann an t-saogh'l gu beacbd ; 

Leumaibh 'nar beatha sibhs 'ta marbh, 

Oir nis gu dearbh 'ta Ios' air teachd." 

Is scididh e le sgal cho chruaidh, 

'S gu 'n cuir e sleibhte 's cuan 'nan ruith ; 

(iad chlisgldh na bhioa marbh 'san uaigh, 

Is na bhios beo le h-uamhiinn crith. 

Le osaig (lhoinioiiiiaich a bheil, 

An iaogb'1 so reubaidh e gu garg, 

'S mar dbùn an t-wangain dot 'na ghluals, 

Grad bhiùchdaidh n uaigh a DÌM a mairbli. 

L A T II A' B II R E I T II E A N A 1 S. 

'N sin cruiimichidh gas cas in lamb, 

Chaidb cbur san àraich t'ad o cheil ; 

'S bidh t'arum mor a measg nan cnàmh, 

Gach aon diu' dol 'na àite fein, 

Mosglaidli na tireanaich an tiis, 

Is duisgear iad gu leir o'n suain, 

An anamaibh turlingidh o ghloir, 

Ga'n còmh'lachadh aig beul na h-uaigh. 

Le eibhneas togaidh iad an ceann, 

'Ta am am t'uasglaidh oi'ra dlù ; 

Is mar chraoibh-mheas to iomlan blàth, 

Tha dreach an Slànuit'lieir 'nan gnùis : 

Tha obair Spiorad naomh nan gràs 

Air glanadh 'n nàduir o 'n taobh steacb ; 

'S mar thrusgan glan 'ta umhlachd Chiiosd, 

Ga'n deanamh sgiamhach o'n taobh 'mach. 

Dùisgrar na h-aingidh suas 'n an dèigh, 

Mar bhuisdibh gairisueach as an t-slochd ; 

'S o il'rinn thig an anama truagh ; 

Thoirt coinneamh uamhasach da 'n corp. 

'N sin labhraidh 'n t-auam brònach truagh, 

R'a choluinn oillteil, uamhar, bhreun, 

" Mo chlaoidh ! clod aim' an d'eirid. thu 

Thoirt peanaa dùbailt oirn le chèil? 

" O ! 'n eigin dònihsa dol aria, 

Am priosan neo-ghlan steacb a'd' cine ? 

Mo thruaigbe mi, gu'n d'aontaich riamh, 

Le t-anamiaima brùdcil loin ! 

" O'm faigh mi dealach' riut gu bràtb ! 

No 'n tig am has am feasd a'd' choir ! 

'N dl'ÙÌgh teine air do chnaimheaii iaiin ! 

No dlbh-fbeirg Dhe an struidh i t-fbebil !" 

Eiridb na rìghreao 'e daoine mòr, 

Gun sinachd gun òrdugh aim Ran h'iimh ; 

S cbà'n aitlm'car iad a measg an t-sluaidh, 

O '11 duine thruagh bha ac' na thràill.

'S na daoine uaibhreach leis nacli b' fhiu, 

Gu 'n umhlaicheadh iad fcin do Dbia ; 

O faic anis iad air an glim' 

A' deanamfa ùrnuigh ris gach sliabb :— 

" O chreagan tuitibh air ar ceann, 

Le sgàirneich ghairbh de cblachan cruaidli, 

Is sgriosaibh sinn à tir nam be», 

A eh u in s nach faic sinn glJir an Uain." 

A mach ;is uamhaidh gabhaidh 'tbriall 

An diabhol 's a chuid aingle fein, 

Ge cruaidh e 'a èigin teachd a làtb'r, 

A' slaodadh slilàbbraidb a's a dheigh. 

'N sin fi'isaidh rutbadh ami san speur 

Mar fhàir na maidne 'g eil'idb dearg ; 

Ag innse gu'm beil Iosa fein, 

A' teachd na dèidh Je latha garbh : 

Grad fhosglaidh a's a cheil na neòil, 

Mar dhorus seòmair an aid Righ, 

Is foillsichear am Breitheamh mbr, 

Le glòir is greadhnachas gun chricli. 

Tha 'm bogha-frois mu'n cuairt da cheann, 

'S mar thuil nan gleann tha fuaim a ghuth 

'S mar dhealanach tha sealladh sùl, 

A' spùtadh a's na neulaibh tiugh. 

A ghrian àrd-lòcharan nan speur, 

Do ghloir a phearsa geillidh grad ; 

An dealradh drillseach tliig oghnuis, 

A solus inùchaidh e air fad. 

Cuiridh i uimpe culaidh bhròin, 

'S bidh 'ghealach mar gun dòirt' oirr' full, 

Is crathar cumhachdan nan speur, 

A' tilgeadh nan reull a's am bun. 

Bidh iad air uideal ann san speur, 

Mar mheas air geig ri ànradh garbh ; 

Tuiteam mar bhraonaibh dh-uisge dlù, 

'S an glùir mar shùilean duine mhairbh. 

Air cliarbad teine suidhidh e, 

'S mun cuairt da beucaidh 'n tairneanach, 

A' dol le ghairm gu criocli na nèamh, 

'S a'reub nan neul gu doinionnach. 

O chuibhlibh 'charbaid thig amach, 

Sriith inor de theine laist' le feirg ; 

Is sgaoilidh 'n tail' ud air gach taobh, 

A' cur an t-saogh'l na lasair dheirg. 

Leaghaidh na Dùile 'nuas le teas, 

Ceart mar a leagiias teine ceir ; 

Na cnuic 's na sleibhte lasaidh suas, 

'S bidh teas-ghoil air a' chuan gu loir. 

; 

DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 171 

Na beanntan iargalt uach tug seach, 

An stòras riamh de neach d'an deòin, 

Ta iad gu fialaidh taosgadh 'mach, 

An iùnmhais leaght' mar abhainu mhòir. 

Gach neach blia sgriobadh cruirin an oir, 

Le sannt, le dò-bheirt, no le fuil ; 

Lean chaisgibh 'nis 'iir 'n iota mòr, 

'S a oaagaidh òlaibh dheth o'n tuil. 

O sibhse rinn 'ur bun do'n t-saogh'l, 

Nach tig sibh 's caoinibh e gu geur, 

'N uair tha e 'gleacadh ris a bhàs, 

Mar dhuine l.'.idir dol do'n eug. 

A chuisle chleachd bhi fallain fuar, 

Iti mireag uaibhreach feadh nan gleann, 

'Tha teas a chleibh 'ga 'n smùidreadh suas, 

Le goilibh buaireis feadh nam beann. 

Naich faic sibh 'chrith tha air mu'n cuairt, 

'S gach creag a' fuasgladh ann 's gach sliabh, 

Nach cluinn sibh osnaich throm a bliàis, 

'S a chridhe sgaineadh stigh 'n a chliabh. 

An cùrtein gorm tha null o'n ghrèin, 

'S mu'n cuairt do'n chruinne-che mar chleòc, 

Crupaidh an lasair e r'a cheil, 

Mar inheilleig air na h-eibhlean beb. 

Tha 'n t-adhar ga thachd' le neula tiugh, 

'S an toit 'na meallaibh dubh dol suas 

'S an teine millteach spùtadh 'mach, 

'Na dhualaibh caisreagach mu'n cuairt. 

Timcheall a' chruinne so gu lèir, 

Borb-bheucaidh 'n tàirneanach gu bras ; 

'S bidh 'n lasair lomadh gloir nan speur, 

Mar fhaloisg ris na sluibhte càs. 

Is chum an doinionn ata suas, 

O cheithir àirdibh gluaisidh 'ghaoth ; 

Ga sgi ìirs' le neart nan aingle treun, 

Luathach an leir-sgrios o gach taobh. 

Tha obair na sè là rinn Dia, 

Le lasair dhian ga cuir 'fa sgaòil, 

Cia mor do shaibhreas Righ na 'in feart, 

Nach iunndrain casgradh nihile saogh'l 

'M feadh tha gach ni 'an glaic an èig, 

'S a chruitbeachd gu Kir dol bun-osceann, 

Teannaidh am Breitlieamh oirne dlù, 

A chum gach cuis a chur gu ceann. 

'N sin gluaisidh e o àird nan speur, 

Air cathair a Mhòrachd fein a nuas, 

Le greadhnachas nach facas riamh, 

'S le dhiadhachd sgeadaichte mun cuairt. 

!


Ta mile tàirneanaeh 'na laimb, 

A chum a naimhde sgrios am feirg, 

Is fonn-chrith orr' gu dol an greim, 

Mar choiii air eill ri )i-am na seilg. 

Aitigle gun àireamh tha 'na cluiirt, 

Le 'n -ml. mii suidhicht' air an High, 

Chum ruith le òrdughsan gun dàil, 

'S na h-uile àit ga'n cur an gniumh. 

O ludas thig a n is a lathair, 

'S gach neach rinn bràithreas riut a'd ghniomh 

An dream a dh'aicheadh creideamh Chriosd, 

Na reic e air son ni nach h'fhiach. 

A shluagh gun chiall thug miann d >'n òr, 

Roimh ghloir is eihhneas flaitheas De, 

'Ur malairt ghòrach falcibh nis, 

'S an sgrios a thug sihh oirhh iein. 

'S a mhuinntir uaibhreach leis 'm bu nar, 

Gu 'n cluinnte cr.'.bhadh dhi 'n'ur teêh ; 

Faicibfa a ghlùir 's na b' ioghnadh leibh, 

Ged dhruid e sihh a riogh'chd amach. 

O Herod faic a nis an Righ, 

D' an tug thu spid is masladh mor, 

Ga sgeadachadh le trusgan ruadh, 

Mai sbuai neas sgallais air a ghloir. 

Nach faic thu Breitheamh an t-saoghail gu lei 

'S mar eudach uime 'n lasair dhearg ; 

A' teachd thoirt duais do dhaoine còir, 

'S a sgrios luchd do-bheirt ami am feirg. 

Is thusa Philat tog do shuil, 

'S gu*m faic thu nis' a mùthadh mòr ; 

An ereid thu gur h-e sud an Ti 

A rinn thu dhiteadh air do nihòd ? 

An creid thu gur e-sud an eearm, 

Mun d' lath gu teann an sgitheach gear, 

Na idir gur i sud a ghnùis, 

Air na thilg na h-liidhaich sile breun ! 

'M bu leoir gu'n theich a ghrian air chiil, 

A' diultadh nanuis thoirt do'n gniomh? 

Ciod aim' nach d'fhuair a chruitheachd lias, 

'N uair cheusadh air a chrann a tiuatii ? 

Cuiridh o aingle 'mach gach taobh, 

Cham ceithir ghaothaibh 'n domhnin mhbir, 

A cbuairteachadh gach aon do'n t-sluagh, 

A steach gu luatfa a dh'ionnsuidfa 'mhbid. 

Gacb neach a dli' àitich coluinn riamh, 

O'n car ' o'n iar tha nise' teachd, 

Mar Igaoth de bhcachaibh tigh'n mil glu'ig, 

An dciilb dhaibh eiridh 'macb o'n sgcap. 

'N sin togaidh aingeal glormbor suas, 

Aid bhratach Chriosd dan suaich'neas fuil ; 

A chruinneachadh na ghlaaia ra choir, 

'S da fhulangas rinn dbigh a's bun. 

1)„» ...'ionnsuidh cruinnichibh mo naoinib, 

Is tioi ailibh gach aon den dream, 

A rinn gu dileas is gu dlii, 

Le creideamh 's iimlachd ceangal learn. 

'N sin tionsgnaidh 'in Dreith' air ciiis an là, 

A chum a naimhde chur fo bhiun, 

Is fosglaidh e leabhraichean suas, 

Far am beil peacadh 'n t-sluai^h air chuimhn' 

Fosglaidh e 'n cridhe mar an ceudn', 

Air dhoigh 's gur leir de'n h-uile neach, 

Gach uamharrachd bha gabbail lamli, 

Air feadh an àrois ud a steach : 

'N uair chi' an sealladh so dhìubb fèin, 

Is dearbh gur leir dhaibh ceartas Dhia ; 

'S bidh 'n gruaidh a leaghadh as le uair 

Nach lugha cràdh na teine dian. 

Togaidh an trompaid 'lis a fuaim, 

" Na labhradh a's na gluaiseadh neach ;" 

Air chor gu'n cluinn gach beag a's mor, 

A bhreith thig air gach se' rs' amach. 

" A dhaoine sanntach thrcig a choir, 

'S a leag 'ur dòchas an 'or toic, 

A ghlais gu teann 'ur cridhe suas, 

'S a dhruid 'ur cluas ri glaodh nam bochd, 

" An lomnochd cba do dhion o'n fhunchd, 

'S do'n acrach thraagh cba d'tbug aibh biadb, 

Ged lion mi fèin 'ur cisd' de Ion, 

'S 'ur treuda' chur a'mòd gach bliadhn'. 

" Ni bheil sihh iomchuidh air mo riogh'chd, 

As eugmhais firinn, iochd, a's graidh ; 

'S o reub sibh m' iomhaidh dhibh gu lèìr, 

Agraibh sibh fein 'nar sarins gu bràtb. 

" A nathraiche millteach 's oillteil greann, 

Cba binu learn ceol 'ur sranntaicb àrd, 

'S cba 'n eisd o'r teangaidfa ghobblaich cliù, 

Le driùcfad a phuinnsein air a b.'ur. 

" Is siblis' ilnig fuath da in' òrdaigb naomh, 

Is leis nach bidiniibu'mn caonih mo theach ; 

Leia 'in bu bhliadhna suidbe u:òv, 

Am iiros tabbairt cluais do m' reachd.

" Ciomias a mhealas sibh gu bràth, 

A'm' sheirbhis sabaid shiorruidh bhuan 

Na cionnas bheir 'ur n-anam gràdh, 

De'n ni da'u tug "ur nàdur fuatb ? 

"'Luchd mi-ruin agus farmaid mh'ir 

Ua'n doruinn iomlan sonas chàich, 

Le doilghios gear a' cnànih 'ur cri, 

JIu aoii neach oirbh feiu bheir barr. 

" Cia mar a dh-fheudas sibh gu bràtb, 

Làn sbouas àiteach ami an glùir ; 

Far am faic sibhse milte dream, 

Ga'n ardach' os bhur ceaxui gu mJr? 

" Am fad 's bu leir dhuibh feadh mo riogh'chd, 

Neach b' airde inbhe na sibh fein ; 

Nach fadadh mì-run 's farmad cuirt, 

Teiu' ifrino duibh a'm flaitheas Dè ? 

" Is sibhs' 'an slighe na neo-ghloin ghluais, 

'S gu sùnraicht' thruaill an leaba phosd ; 

Gacb neach a thug do m' naomhachd t'uath, 

Ga'n tabbairt suas gu toil na feol'. 

" Mar b' ionmhuinn leibh bhi losgadh 'n teas, 

'Ur n-uabhair, dheasaich mi dhuibh fearg, 

Leaba dearg theth 'san laidh sibh sios, 

Am brachaibh-lin de lasair dheirg. 

" Ged bheirinn sibh gu rioghachd mo ghlòir, 

Mar mhucan steach gu seùmar rìgh ; 

'Ur nàdur neoghlan bhiodh ga chràdh, 

Le'r miannaibh bàsachadh cbion bidh. 

" Gach neach tha iomchuidh air mo riogh'chd, 

Teannaibh sibhse chum mo dheis, 

Is cruinnichibh seachad chum mo cbli, 

A chrionach o ua crannaibh meas." 

'N sin tearbainidh e chum gach taobh, 

Na caoraich o na gobhraibh lom ; 

Ceart mar ni'm buachaille an treud, 

' N uair chuairtaicheas e spreidh air toui. 

'X sin labhraidh e ri luchd a dheis, 

" Sibhse ta deasaichte le m' ghràs, 

Thigibhse, sealbhaichibh an rioghachd, 

Nach faic a sonas crioch gu brath. 

" Spealg mise 'n geat' bha oirbhse dùinnt', 

Le m' ùmhlachd 's m' fbulangas ro-gheur; 

'S dh-fhosgail an t-sleadh gu farsuinn suas, 

Am leith-tao'uh dorus uuadh dhuibh fèin. 

«' Chum craoibh na beath' ta 'm Pàrrais De, 

Le h-eibhneas teannaibh steach da coir ; 

'S a fearta iongantach gu lèir, 

Dearbhadh 'ur n-uile chreuchd 's bhur leòn. 


" An claidhe ruisgte bha laist ga dion, 

O laimh 'ur sinnsir Adhamh 's Eubh, 

Rinn mise truaill dhe m' chridhe dhii, 

'S a lasair bhiith mi le m' fhuil fein. 

" Fo dosraich ùrair suidhibh sios, 

Nach searg 's nach crion am feasd a blath ; 

'S mar smeòraichean a measg a geug, 

Chum molaidh gleusaibh binn bhur càil. 

" Le 'maise sàsaichibh 'ur siiil, 

Is oirbh fo sgàil cha drùigh an teas, 

O 'duilleach cùraidh ìdaibh slàint ; 

Is bith'bh neo-bbàsmhor le a meas. 

" Gach uile mheas tha 'm Pàrrais De, 

Ta nis gu leir neo-thoirmisgt' dhuibh ; 

Ithibh gun eagal o gach gèig, 

A nathair nimh cha tèum a chaoidh. 

" A's uile mhiaim 'ur n-anraa fe'in, 

Lan shàsaichibh gu leir 'an Dia, 

'lobar na tìrinn, iochd, a's graidh, 

A mhaireas lan gu cian na 'n cian. 

" jMòr-innleachd ionghantach na slain t, 

Sior rannsaichibh air aird 's air leud, 

'S feadh oibriche mo rioghachd mhòir, 

'L'r n-eòlas cìocrach cuiribh' meud. 

" Ur n-eibhneas, mais' 'ur tuigs', 's 'ur gri.di 

Bitheadh gu siorruidh fàs ni 's mò ; 

'S cha choinnich sibh aon ni gu bràth, 

Bheir air 'ur n-anam cràdh no leùti. 

" Cha 'n fhaca sùil, 's cha chuala cluas, 

Na thaisg mi suas de shonas duibh, 

Imichibh, 's biodh 'ur dearbhachd Fèin, 

Sior-innse sgeul duibh air a chaoidh." 

Ach ris a mhuinntir th'air a chli, 

O ! labhraidh e 'na dhiogh'ltas cruaidh, 

" A chuideachd nach d'thug gradh do Dhia, 

A chum an diabhuil siubhlaibh uam. 

" 'S mo mhallachd maille ribh gu bràtb, 

A chum 'ur critdh 's 'ur cur gu pian, 

Gluaisibhse chum an teine mhùir, 

Ga'r ròsdadh ann gu cian nan cian." 

Mar sgàin an talamh a's a cheil, 

'N uair gabh e teaghlach Chòrach steach, 

Ceart laimh riu fosglaidh 'n naigfa a beul, 

'S i miannanaich air son a creich. 

Is mar a shluig 'mhuc-mhara mhòr, 

lunas n uair chaidh 'thilgeadh 'mach, 

Ni slugan dubh an dara bàis, 

A charbad iathadh umpa steach. 

173

174 SAK-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACU. 

San uamhaldfa taobfaaidh iad ri ohèil, 

A ghluais nam beath' gu heucorach ; 

Luchd mhionn a's mort as tianuis-bhreig ; 

Luchd misg a's reubainn 's adhaltrais. 

Mar choalaig dhris an ceangal teann, 

An slabhraidh tba gacb dream loo lòin ; 

'S an comiinn chleachd bhi 'n caidreamh dlù 

Mar bhioran rùisgte dol nan ere. 

Mar leoghan garg fo' chuibhreach cruaidh, 

Le thoscaibh reubadh snas a glilais ; 

An slabhraidh cagnaidh iad gu dian, 

'S gu bràth cha ghearr am fiaclan phrais. 

Bidh iad gu siorruidh 'n glacaibh 'bhais, 

'S an cridh' ga fhàsgadh asd' le brùn, 

Ceangailt air cuan de phronnusg laisd' 

'S a dheatach uaine tachd an svbii. 

Mar bhàirneach fuaighte ris an sgeir, 

Tha iad air creagaibh goileaeh teann ; 

Is dibh-fheirg Dhe a' seideadh 'chimin, 

Na thonnaibh buaireia thar an ceaun. 

'N tra dhuineas cadal cruaidh an suil, 

Teas feirg 's an-dochas dùisgidh iad ; 

A chnuimb nach bàsaich 's eibhle bed, 

A' cur an dòruinn shiorruidh 'meud. 

Air ifrinn 'n uair a gheihh iad sealbh, 

S lùn-dearbbah co gu'n loir iad cis, 

Faodaidh sinn pairt d'an gearan truagh, 

Chuir aims na briathraibh cruaidh so sios. 

" O staidb na neo-ni 'n robh mi 'm thàmh, 

Ciud uime dh-anlaeh Dia mo ceann ! 

Mo mhile mallachd aig an la, 

'N do gabh mo mhathair mi' na broinn. 

" Ciod uime fhuair mi tuigse riamh ? 

No eiall a's reusan chum mo stiuir? 

Ciod aim' nach d'rinn thu cuileag dhiom? 

Na durrag dhlblidfa aim san Mr? 

" Am mair mi 'n so gu saogh'I nan saogh'I ! 

'N tig crioch no caocbiadb orm gu bratb, 

Am beil mi nis san t-siorr'a

" An comas dut mo thilgeadh uat 

Far nach cluinn do chluas mo sgread ? 

'M beil dorcbadaa an ifrinn fèin 

Far nach bu leir do Dliia mo staid ? 

" Ge truagh mo ghuidhe cha'n eisder i, 

A's fois no Ix'th cha'u fhaidh mi chaoidh' 

Ach beath' neo-bh;ismhor teachd as ur, 

Gu'm neartach' ghiùlan tuille claoidh." 

Ach stad mo rami a's pill air t-ais 

O shlochd na casgraidh dhein a nios, 

Is feuch cionnas a bheir thu seòl 

Do'u dream tha beò nach teid iad sios. 

A leughadair a'm bcil e fior, 

Na chair mi cheana sios am dhhn ? 

Ma se 's gu'm beil thig s' lub do ghlun 

Le urnuigh 's aithreachas gun dàil :— 

" A dh-ionnsuidh Iosa teich gu luath, 

A' gabhail grain a's fuath do d' pheac', 

Le creideamh fior thoir ùmhlachd dhà, 

An uile àith'nta naomh a reachd. 

" Gabh ris na h-oifigibh gu leir, 

'S ri h-aon diubh na cuir fein do chùl ; 

Mar Fhàidh, mar Shagart, 'us mar High, 

Chum slàinte, didean, agus iuil. 

" Biodh eiscimpleir am beach do shul, 

Chum d' uile ghluasachd 'stiùir da reir, 

'S gach meadhon dh-ordaich e chum slàint' 

Bi fein g'an gnàthachadh gu leir. 

" As 'fhireantachd dean bun a mhàin, 

'S na taic gu bràth ri d' thoill'tneas fein ; 

'S mas àill leat eifeachd bhi na ghràs, 

Na h-altrum peacadh dàimh a'd' chrè. 

" Mar sin ged robh de chionta mòr, 

Chum glòir do Thighearn' saorar thù, 

Js chum de shonais shiorruidh fein, 

Air fead gach rè a' seinn a chliù." 

AN CLAIGEANN. 

'S mi 'm shuigh aig an uaigh, 

Ag amharc ma bruaich, 

Feuch claigeann gun snuadh air làr ; 

Js thog mi e suas, 

A' tiomach' gu truagh, 

Ga thionndadh mu 'n cuairt am lùiinh. 

DUGHALL BOCIIANNAN. 175 

Gun àille gun dreach, 

Gun aithne gun bheachd ; 

Air duine theid seach 'na dlia.il 

Gun fhiacail 'na dheud, 

No teanga 'na bheul, 

No slugan a ghleusas càil. 

Gun ruthadh 'na ghruaidh 

'S e ruisgte gun ghruaig ; 

Gun eisdeachd 'na chluais do m' dhàn ; 

Gun anail na shròin, 

No àile de'n fhùid, 

Ach lag far 'in bu chùir bhi àrd. 

Gun dealradh 'na shùil, 

No rosg uimpe dùn', 

No fradharc ri h-iuil mar b' abh'sd. 

Ach durragan crom, 

A chleachd bhi san, torn, 

Air cladhach' da tholl 'nan ait. 

Tha n' eanachainn bha 'd chùl, 

Air tionndadh gu smùr, 

Gun tionnsgal no surd air t-fheum ; 

Gun smuainteach' a'd' dhàil, 

Mu philleadh gu bràth, 

A cheartach' na dh-fhag thu 'd dheidh. 

Cha 'n innis do ghnùis, 

A nise co thu, 

Ma's righ mo ma's diùc thu fein 

'S iouann Alasdair mor, 

Is traill a dhì lòin, 

A dh-eug air an òtrach bhreun. 

Fhir chlaghach na h-uaigh ; 

Nach cagair thu 'm chluais, 

Co 'n claigeann so fhuair mi 'm laimh ? 

'S gu 'n cuirinn ris ceisd, 

Mu gnàth mu 'n do theasd ; 

Ge nach fregair e' m' feasd mo dhàn. 

'M bu mhaighdean deas, thu, 

Bha sgiamhach a'd' ghnùis, 

'S deagh shuidheach' a'd' shùil da reir ? 

Le d' mhaise mar lion, 

A' ribeadh mu chrì', 

Gach òganaich chì'dh thu fein. 

Tha nise gach àdh, 

Bha cosnadh dhut graidh, 

Air tionndadh gu grain gach neach ; 

Marbhaisg air an uaigh, 

A chreach thu do'n bhuaidh, 

Bha ceangailt' ri snuadh do dhreach. 

No 'm hreitheamh ceart thu, 

Le tuigs' agus iùil, 

Bha reiteach gach cuis do'n t-sluagh 

i 

;


Gun aomadfa le pàirt', 

Ach diteadh ga bàa, 

Na h-eucoir bba daieheil cruaidh ? 

No 'n do reic thu a choir, 

Air ghlacaid de'n òr, 

ii dream da 'n robh st^ras pailt? 

Is bochdaiun an t-sluaigh, 

Fo fhoirneart ro chruaidh, 

A fulang le cruas na h-airc. 

•S mar robh thusa fior, 

Ann a t-oifig am binn, 

'S gun d'rinn thu an direaeh fiar ; 

'S cho chinnteacfa an ol, 

'N uair thainig do chrioch, 

Gu *n deachaich do dhìt' le Dia. 

No n' robh thu a'd' leigh, 

A' leigheas nan creuchd, 

'S a" deanamh gach eugcail slan ? 

A t-ioc-shlaintibh mùr, 

A' deanamh do bhòsd, 

Gu '11 dìbreadh tu chòir o'n bhàs? 

Mo thruaighe ' gun threig, 

Do leigheas thu fein, 

'N uair bha thu fo eugcail chruaidh ; 

Gu'n fhognadh gun stà, 

Am purgaid no m' plàsd, 

Gu d' chumail aon trà o'n uaigh. 

No 'n seanalair thù, 

A choisinn mor chliù, 

Le d' sheoltaehd a stiuireadh airm ? 

Air naimhdean toirtbuaidh, 

Ga 'n cur aim san ruaig, 

'S ga 'm fàgail nan cruachan màrbh. 

'N robh do chlaidheamh gun bheirt, 

No 'n dh-fhàg thu do neart, 

'N uair choinnicfa thu feachd na h-uaigh 

'N uair b' eigin dut geill', 

A dh-aiudeoin do dheud, 

Do dh' armailt' de bheistean truagh ? 

Tha na durraig gu treun, 

Ri d' clioliiinn' cur scis, 

'S a' coisneadh ort feisd gach là ; 

Is claigeauu do chiun, 

'Na gbearasdan dlon, 

Aig daolagan dìblidh 'n lamb. 

I'.'iirt a' claodhach' do dheud, 

A steach ann a' d' bheul, 

'S cuid eile ri reub' do chinas ; 

Dream eil nan sgùd, 

Tigh'n amach air do ibùil, 

A' spuinneadh 's a' rusg' do gfaruaidh. 

No m' fear thu bha pòit, 

Gu trie 's an taigh òsd, 

S tu cridheil ag ùl nan di am ? 

Nach larradb dhut fein 

De fhlaitheanas De, 

Ach beirm a bhi 'g eiridh a' d' cheann ? 

Nach iarradh tu 'cheòl, 

Ach mionnan mu'n bhòrd, 

Is feuchainn co 'u dùrn bu chruaidh : 

Mar bho no mar each, 

Gun tuigse, gun bheaclid, 

'S tu brùchdadh 'sa sgcith mu'n chuaich i 

Na 'n duiu' thu bha ghluas'd 

Gu ceanalta suairc, 

Gu measara stuam mu d' bhòrd ; 

Le miannaibh do chre, 

Fo chuibhreachadli geur, 

'N am suidhe gu feisd 's gu sògh ? 

No 'n geòcaire mùr, 

Bha gionach air Ion, 

Mar choin an am feòlach dearg ; 

A' toileach' do mhiann, 

Bha duilich a liar, 

'S tu geilleadh mar Dhia do d' bholg ? 

Tha nise do bhrù, 

Da 'n robh thu a' lùb', 

De ghaineamh 's do dh' ùir gle làn, 

'S do dheudach air glas', 

Mu d' theangaidh gun bhlas, 

Fo gheimhleachaibh prais a bhais. 

No 'm morair ro mhòr, 

A thachair am dhòrn, 

Neach aig an robh còir air tir ; 

Bha iochdmhor ri bochd, 

A' cliithach' nan noclid, 

Rcir pailteas a thoic 's a nlth ? 

No 'n robh thu ro chruaidh, 

A' feannadh do thuath, 

'S a' tanach' an gruaidh le mil ; 

Le h-agartas geur 

A glacadh an sprcidh 

'S am bochdainn ag cigheach dàll ? 

Gu'n chridh' aig na daoiu', 

'Bh'alt' lomadh le li-aois, 

Le 'n claigeannan maola truagh ; 

ISbi seasamh a' d' choir, 

(inn bhoineld 'nan dòrii, 

Ge d' tholladh gaoth reùt' an cluas. 

Tha nise do thràill, 

Gun urram a' d' dhàil, 

Gun ghearsom', gun mhàl, gun mhbd ,'

DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. U7

178 SAU-OliAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Mu'n tig ort am baa, 

Nach leig thu gu bràtb, 

Air geata nan gras a steacli. 

AM 15RUAUA R. 

AlR bhith (iliomhsa ami am shuain 

A' bruadar diamhain mar tha ci eh, 

Bhi glacadh sonata o gach i.i 

Is e ga'm dhibreadh ami's gach àit. 

Air leain gun tainig neach am eboir, 

'S gu'n dubh'rt e rium :— " Gur gòrach mi, 

Bhi smuainteach greim a ghlei'db do'n ghaoith, 

No fos gu'n lion an saogb'l mo chri. 

" Is diamhain dut bhi 'g iarraidb sàisr.h, 

'N aon n't' no'n ait air bith 6> 'n ghrtlin ; 

Cba chlos do d' chorp an taobh so 'n uaigh, 

No t-anam 'n taobb so sfauainabneaa Dc. 

" An tra dh'ith Adhamh 'a meas an tùs, 

Am peacadh dhriiigh e air gach ni 

Lion e na h-uile ni le saoth'r, 

; 

; : 

Is dh-thug è 'n saogb'l na bbriste eri\ 

" Air sonas 'anma cbaill e choir, 

Mar ris gach solas bha'nn sa gharr' 

O sin ta 'sbliochd nan deoiribb truagh ; 

Mar nun a mearachd air a mhatlrr. 

" Hi meilich chruaidh ta'd ruith gach ni, 

'An dull gu 'm faigh an inntinn clos ; 

Ach dhaibh tha 'n saogb'l gnti iochd no truas, 

Mar mhuime coimbeich fhttair gun tlus. 

" Mar sin tha iad gun fhois no tàmb, 

Ga 'n ahrach' glacadh faileas breig 

'S a' deoth'l toil .inntinn o gach ni, 

Is iad mar cbiochail scasg nam beul. 

" Bidh teanndachd eigin ort am feasd, 

'S do dhòchas faiciuii fuasgladb 

t Iheum, 

An còmhnuidh dhut mar (had do l.'iimh ; 

Ach gu brath clia'n ffaaigh dhetli greim. 

" ( 'lii teai;ai:;g t-fhctirhain 's dearhhadh thii, 

() ilhuil is earbsa cbuir sa' bhreig, 

A rinn do mhealladh mile uair, 

'S cbo fhada bhuat an diugb san dè. 

" An ni bu mho da'n tug thu miann, 

Nach dh-fhag a mhealtuinn riamb e searbh' 

Th, i tuille lonaia aim an dùil, 

Na tha'nn an crùn le blii na shcilhh. 

" ('cart mar an rùs a ta sa' ghàr', 

Crion seargaidh bhlà 'nuair t held a bhr.ain ; 

Mu'n gann a gblacas tu e d' l.'.imh, 

Grad tbreigidb fhàileadh e '»a shnuadb. 

" Cba 'n cil neacb o tbrioblaid saor, 

Am meaag a 'chinne daoin' air lad, 

'S co lionmbor osna aig an righ, 

Is aig an neacb is isle staid. 

" Tha 'smùdan fein 6s ceann gach fold 

Is dòruinn ceangailt' lis gach math ; 

Tha'n rbs a );'is air drisean gear, 

'S an taic' a cheil tha nihil sun gath. 

" Ged fhaic thu neacb 'an aaibbreai met 

Na meas a sbùlas bhi tbar chach ; 

An tobar 's gloine chi do sbùil, 

Tha gbrùid na ìochdar gabhail tàmh. 

" 'S mu chuireas t-anail e 'na ghluais, 

Le tarruinn chabhaig suas a'd' bheul, 

Diiisgidh an ruaghan dearg a nios, 

'S le gaineamh lionaidh e do dheud. 

" 'S ged fhaic thu neach 'an inbhe aird, 

Tba e mar nead am bàrr na craoibh ; 

Gach stoirm a bagra' thilgeadh nuas, 

Is e air luasgadh leis gach gaoith. 

" An neach is fearr tha 'n saogb'l a liar, 

Tha fiaradh eiginn aim 'na staid, 

Nach dean a sheùltachd a's a stri, 

Am feast a dhireachadh air fad. 

" Mar bhata' fiar an nghaidh oheil, 

A ta o shuidheacb' fein do-chur ; 

A reir mar dhireas tu a bbarr, 

'S cbo chinnteacb ni thu cam a bhim. 

'• Na h-ludhaich thionail bcag no mbr, 

Do'n Mhana dhòirteadh orra 'nuas ; 

'N tra chuir gach neach a chuid's a chliir, 

Cha robh air bàrr no dadum uaith. 

' Mar sin a ta gach sonas saogh'lt, 

A ta thu faotainn aim a d' làimh, 

Fa ehomhair saihhrc.is, 's inbhe cùirt 

Tha caitheamh, cùram agus cr.'idh. 

" Ged cbàrn thu òr a'd' shlige suas, 

Fa chombair fasaidh 'n luaith da reir, 

Is ge

DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 179

180 SAIt-OBAIIt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Tha na sruthanan craobhaoh,

'S ma ghoideas e dlù ort, 

Gun do dhuil bhi r'a thighinn ; 

*N sin fosglaidh do shùilean, 

'S chì thu chùis thar a mithich ; 

Bidh do choguis 'ga d' jihianadh, 

Mar sgian aim a d' thridhe ; 

'S co-ionanu a giùlan, 

'3 laidhe ruisgt' aim an sgitheauh. 

DAIBHIDH MAC-EALAIR. 181 

Faic a chuileag 'ga diteadh 

Le sionntaibh an n:\duir, 

'S o na dhibhir i 'n seasan, 

Gur h-eigin d*i bàsach' ; 

Faic gliocas an t-seangain, 

Na thional cho tiàthail, 

'S dean eiseimpleir leanail, 

Chum t-anam a shàbhal'. 

DAIBHIDH MAC-EALAIR. 

David Mackellar, commonly called Daibhidh nan Laoidh, was another religious 

poet. The time of his birth is not known. He lived in Glendaruel after the beginning of 

last century. He was blind, and the people in that country still preserve some tradition- 

ary accounts of him and of the manner in which his hymn was composed, the most 

striking of which is that after having composed it his sight was restored. In his 

youth he composed some profane pieces. The time of his death is likewise uncertain, 

but a grand-daughter of his lived in Glasgow not many years ago. This hymn was first 

published in Glasgow about the year 1752. It was so very popular in the Highlands 

that many persons got it by heart that had never seen the printed copy. 

Moladh do*n Ti 's airde glòir, 

An TÌ ' modha no gach neach ; 

Cruithear an t-saoghail gu luir, 

Da'ii cubhaidh dhuinn geill' air fad. 

'S tu rinn an domhan 's na th' aim, 

Na cuaintean dombain, 's am fonn ; 

'S chuir thu iasg g'a altrum aim, 

'S thug thu ciall gu ghlacadh dhuinn. 

Rinneadh leaf gealach a's grian, 

Thogail fianuis air do ghlòir ; 

Cha'n aithiis mi a mile trian, 

De chruthachadh an Dia is mo. 

'S tu rinn na reulltan air fad, 

A riaghlachadh gu ceart nan tràth; 

Gheall thu maraon fuachd a's teas, 

Foghar ma seach agus Maht. 

'S tu rinn na h-ainglean air fad, 

Tha 'n t-abharsair fo d' smachd gu mùr : 

Air slabhruidh laidir aig do Mhae, 

Cumail a neart o theachd oirnn'. 

LAOIDH MHIC-EALA1R. 

| 

i Ach 

Rinneadh leat an duine' ris, 

A reir t-iomhaidh chum do ghlòir; 

chaill e 'n oidhreachd ud gun luacli 

'S cha'n fhuasgalar i le or. 

'S tu chuir am fradharc na cheann, 

Chuir thu fait tro chlaigeaim lorn ; 

Thug thu cluas gu eisteachd dha, 

'S gluasad a chuirp o na bhoim. 

Chuir thu Adhamh an cadal trom, 

Chaidh leigh nan gràs os a cheann ; 

'S de dh-aisinn bho thaobh do rinn 

A bhean, o'n do ghin gach clann. 

Chuir thu e 'n giiradh nan send, 

Far an robh èibhneas a ghràidh ; 

Dh-ith a bhean an sin a meas, 

'S dh-thuilig i 's a sliochd am bus, 

Cha robh a teasargain aig neach, 

O'n a chumhnanta rinn i bhris ; 

'N trà ruisgcadh an sgeudachadh ceart, 

Dha chuis na h-cagal an sin.

182 SAR-OBAItt NAM

HOB DOxNN. 

Latha cha bhi aim na dheigh, M' achanaich lints', air sgàth do mhic, 

Falaichear na reulltan 's a glnian ; Meadaich mo ghliocas le gr.'is ; 

Sgriosar an saogiial gu leir, 'S thoir dhomh mathanas 's gach cùis, 

'S neach cha tèid an toll bho Diiia. I 

Seal 

ROB DONN. 

ni'an druid mo shuil le bàs. 

Robert Mackay, otherwise called Rob Donn, was born in the winter season of the 

year 1714, at Allt-na-Caillich, in the parish of Durness, in the county of Sutherland, 

and in that part of the county, properly enough, till of late, designated by its inhabitants 

and others, " Lord Reay's country," and in the native tongue " Dùthaich Mltic-Aoidh," 

or, " The country of the Mackay." The bard was not the eldest son of his father ; he 

had three brothers, of whom nothing remarkable is remembered. His father, Donald 

Mackay, or Donald Donn, is not remembered to have been of any poetic talent ; but his 

mother's talents of that description are known to have been more than ordinarily high. 

She was remarkable for the recital of Ossian's poems, and the other ancient minstrelsy of 

the land. She lived to a very advanced age ; and we have heard an instance of singular 

female fortitude evinced by her at the age of eighty-two. Having had the misfortune to 

break her leg, while tending her sheep at a considerable distance from home, she bound 

it up, contrived to get home unassisted ; and while afterwards ending the operation of 

setting the fracture, she soothed the pain by crooning a popular air. 

If local scenery could be really imagined conducive in any way to the formation or 

training of poetic genius, of a truth the nursery of our bard might well lay claim to that 

merit— "the emblem of deeds that were done in its clime." The surrounding localities of 

his native spot, we believe, are not surpassed in picturesque grandeur by any other in the 

Highlands of Scotland. 

Rob Donn might say of himself, with Pope, that " he lisped in numbers." Ere he had 

yet but scarcely obtained even the power of lisping, an anecdote is recorded of his infant 

age of no ordinary description, though homely enough in its history. At the wonted 

season of making provision for the winter, according to the country's fashion, by slaugh- 

tering of beeves, our bard's father, on one occasion, happened to slaughter two, one of 

which was found inferior in quality to the other. The small-pox, at the time, was com- 

mitting mournful devastations among the youth of the neighbourhood. While busied in 

the necessary avocation of curing their winter's beef, the father says, " Now, the best of 

this beef is not to be touched till we have seen who survives the small-pox to share it." 

The infant bard, scarcely yet able to articulate or walk, on hearing this, exclaimed, 

u 'S ole (i chuid sin do '« f/icur a dK fhulbhas '" i. e. " He who departs will have a 

bad share of it, then!" "True, my boy," said the father, "and yours will never be a 

bad share, while you remain able to use it." 

183

184 SAR-OIJAIlt NAM BAUD GAELACII. 

The first verse lie is said to have composed, was when he had attained only his third 

year. Its occasion indeed testifies that his age could not have been much more at the 

time. ' It was the country's fashion for children, when they had little more than left the 

nurse's lap, to be dressed in a short frock, or cassock, formed close to the body round the 

waist, and buttoned at the back. A tailor had fitted our youthful author with such an 

habiliment, and next morning the child was anxious to exhibit it; but his mother, and 

the domestics, having been summoned early to some out-door pursuits, Robert became 

anxious to get abroad in his new garb, but found himself quite defeateil in every attempt 

to button it on. He took the alternative of sallying forth in a state of nudity ; when, 

being met by his mother coining towards the house, she chided him for being seen in this 

state. 

Robert's defence was made in the following stanza : 

— 

" 'S math dhnnihsa blii 'n diugh gun aodach, 

Le slaodaireachd Mhurchaidh '1c Neill, 

Mo bhroilleach chur air mo r.hùlthaobh, 

'S gun a dhùnadh again fhein !" 

reproaching the tailor for the trick he had played him, in placing the buttons behind, and 

lamenting his own inability to accommodate the new dress to his person. His next 

exhibition of poetic promise was given in the same year, we are told, in the harvest 

season, when all the inmates of the family were employed in reaping. An old woman, 

who acted as nurse to the children, was on this occasion called to the sickle. She com- 

plained that the more active labourers had jostled her out of her place, and left her only 

to reap the straggling stinted stalks that grew in the border furrow. While muttering 

her disappointment, Robert, scarce able but to creep at his nurse's elbow, endeavoured to 

rally ,h»>r with a verse :— 

" 13i-sa dol a null 's a nail, 

Uus a ruig thu grunnd na elais', 

Cha 'n V-il air, ma tlia e garni, 

Ach na tlia aim a thoirt as." 

At the age of six or seven years, he attracted the particular attention of Mr John 

Mackay, the celebrated Iain Mac-Eachuinn, a gentleman of the family of Sherray, then 

living on the neighbouring farm of Mused. This gentleman, of poetic talents himself, 

prevailed with our author's parents to allow their child to come into his service, or rather 

into his family, at the early age wo have mentioned. In this family our author remained 

a3 a servant from this age till the period of his marriage. Here he experienced liberal 

treatment, and sincere, unvaried kindness, of which he ever retained a lively and grateful 

recollection, especially towards his master ; and it is no trilling praise to both, (hat though 

they once or twice latterly hail a difference) the bard's esteem and affection returned 

when the casual excitement had passed ; and when it lay upon his mind, he was never 

once known to have given it the least utterance in any shape bordering upon disrespect,

ROB DONN. 185 

and after his death the bard composed an admirable elegy to his memory, which combines 

as forcible, energetic description of character and conduct, with as pure poetic power as 

can be found in any poetry of its kind. The bard most feelingly and pathetically con- 

cludes it with a solemn appeal of his having mentioned no virtue or trait of which he was 

not himself a witness. 

A youth of our author's poetic mind could not be expected to remain long a stranger 

to the more tender susceptibilities of his nature. Nor has he left us in ignorance of his 

first love. It is the subject of one of his finest songs :— " 'S Irom learn an àiridh" Sfc. 

Here his passion breathes with an innocent, simple faithfulness, with an ardour and truth 

of poetic recital, that no lays of the kind can perhaps surpass. 

After his marriage, Rob Donn first resided at the place of Bad-na-h-achlais, then 

probably forming a part of his late employer's tenure. It was, we believe, soon after 

this period, that Robert was hired by Lord Reay to the office of a cow-keeper, at that 

time an office, though a humble one, of considerable responsibility and trust. In this 

station he continued for the greater part of his after life-time. We have not been able 

to ascertain dates with precision, to say whether it was before or after having accepted 

this office that our bard enlisted as a private soldier in the first regiment of Sutherland 

Highlanders, which was raised in 1759. He did not enlist so much as a soldier, as he 

was urged by the country gentlemen holding commissions in that corps, and as he him- 

self felt inclined to accompany them. The regiment was reduced in 1763, and our bard 

returned to his home. 

Though we have said that he spent mostly the after period of life, since he entered the 

service of Lord Reay, in that office, it was not without interruption. He left his servitude 

at one time, and we are inclined to think it was then he went into the military service. 

While he had charge of Lord Reay's cattle, and his wife of the dairy, during the summer 

months, it was also his province to look over them during the winter months : and it 

became a part of his duty, or an employment connected with it, to thresh out corn for 

supplying the cattle with fodder. To the laborious exercises of the flail, the bard could 

never submit. He employed servants to perform this part of his duty. That was, how- 

ever, taken amiss, and he was told that he must himself wield the flail or leave the situation. 

He chose the latter alternative ; and removed, with his family, to the place of Achmore, 

in that part of the parish of Durness which borders upon Cape Wrath. Indeed, though 

we have no decided authority for the supposition, we are inclined to believe that the 

difference between him and his noble employer originated in another cause than that 

ostensibly alleged. The bard had been dealing his reproofs rather freely. No feeling 

cf dependance, no awe of superior rank or station, ever restrained him from giving 

utterance to his sentiments, or from enjoying his satire, whenever what he conceived to 

be moral error, or evil example, called for reproof. And this was dealt with the dignity 

that belongs to virtue, refusing, as he always did on such occasions, to compromise that 

dignity by indulging in personal invective. But whatever was the cause of the differ- 

ence that occasioned his removal, he was soon recalled, and left not the service again 

during the life of the chief.

IStì SAR-OBAltt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Robert continued to attend liis usual avocations till within a fortnight of his death, 

which took place on the 5th August, 1778, being then aged fi4 years. The death of the 

bard caused a universal feeling of sadness, not only in his own native corner, but over 

the whole county. It might be said that there was no individual but mourned for him as 

a friend : those only excepted whose continued immoralities and errors had rendered 

them objects on which fell with severity the powerful lash of his satire. 

His stories of wit and humour were inexhaustible ; and, next to superior intelligence 

and acuteness of mind, formed perhaps in his every-day character the most distinguishing 

feature. He had ever a correct and delicate feeling of his own place ; but if any one, 

high or low, superior or equal, drew forth the force of his sarcasm upon themselves, by 

assuming any undue liberty on their part, it was an experiment they seldom desired to 

repeat. His readiness and quickness of repartee often discovered him where he had been 

personally unknown before. At one time, when travelling northward through a part of 

Argyllshire, he met by chance with Mr M'Donald of Achatriochadan, well known in 

his own country as a man of notable humour and distinguished talents. Robert addressed 

to this gentleman some question relative to his way ; and giving a civil answer, Mr 

M'Donald added, " I perceive, rny man, by your dialect, you belong to the north—what 

part there?" " To Lord Reay's country." "O! then, you must know Rob Bonn!" 

" Yes I do, as well as 1 know myself. 1 could point him out to you in a crowd." 

" Pray do inform me, then, what sort of person he is, of whom I have heard so much." 

" A person, I fear, of whom more has been spoken than he well deserves." " You 

think so, do you?" The last answer did not please the inquirer, who was poetic himself, 

thinking he had met with too rigid a censurer of the northern bard, and the conversation 

ceased, while they both proceeded together on their way. After a pause, Mr M'Donald, 

pointing to Ben-Nevis, which now rose in the distance before them, says, " 'Were you 

ever, my man, at the summit of yonder mountain ?" " I never was." " Then you 

never have been so near to heaven." " And have you yourself been there ?" " Indeed 

1 have." " And what a fool you have been to descend !" retorted the bard, "are you 

sure of being ever again so nigh ?" M'Donald had caught a tartar. " I am far deceived," 

said he, "jf thou be not thyself Rob Donn!" The bard did not deny it, and a cordial 

friendship was formed between them. 

To Rob Donn's moral character testimony has already been borne. It was uniformly 

respectable. To those acquainted with what may well be denominated the moral and 

religious statistics of the bard's native country at that time, and happily still, it will 

furnish no inconsiderable test not only of his moral but of his strictly religious demeanour, 

that he was chosen a ruling elder, or member of the Kirk Session of the parish of Dur- 

ness. In that country such an election was never made where the finger of scorn could 

be pointed at a blemish of character. It scarcely requires to be told, that his society was 

courted not alone by his equals, but still more by his superiors in rank. No social party 

almost was esteemed a party without him. No public meeting of the better and the best 

of the land was felt to be a full one, without Rob Donn being there. 

In the bosom of his own humble but respectable family, we have good authority for

ROB DONN. 

Baying that he was a pattern in happiness and in temper. A family of thirteen were 

mostly all spared to rise around him, trained to habits of industry and of virtue. None 

of them became celebrated as inheriting their father's genius ; but some of his daughters 

possessed more or less of the "airy gift ;" and from their attempts at repartee and im- 

promptu, the father used frequently to draw much mutual and harmless enjoyment. His 

wife had a musical ear and voice unrivalled in the country ; and any ordinary pastime of 

their winter evenings was for the family and parents to join their voices in song ; while 

we believe, that when the father's absence did not prevent, they never ceased to ex- 

emplify the most sacred lineaments of the immortal picture in " The Cottar's Saturday 

Night." 

Rob Donn's compositions may be classed into four kinds— Humorous, Satirical, 

Solemn, and Descriptive ; all these severally, with few exceptions, belonging to the 

species of poetry commonly called Lyrical. He was illiterate ; he knew not his alphabet. 

The artificial part of poetry, if poets will grant that expression legitimate, was to him 

utterly unknown. Perhaps he never took more than an hour or two to compose either 

his best or his longest songs. Even the most of the airs to which he composed are 

original, which presents as a single circumstance the resources of his mind to have been 

of no ordinary extent. His works were published in Inverness, with a memoir prefixed, 

in 1830. 

In forming an estimate of the moral and poetical merits of Rob Donn, his biographer 

has been more guided by the opinions and prejudices of his countrymen, than by a just 

and impartial examination of the poet's works. In poetry, as in religion, we may be 

allowed to judge men by their fruits. Rob has been held up as a man of high moral and 

religious worth ; 

for publication. 

187 

but the editor himself admits, that many of his pieces are too indelicate 

Many of his published pieces are such as no good man ought to have produced against 

his fellow creatures. His love of satire was so indiscriminate, that he often attacks persons 

who are not legitimate objects of ridicule. Little men and women are the unceasing 

objects of his satire ; 

and he does not spare the members of his own family. 

He was proud of his own powers of satire, and seemed to enjoy the dread of those who 

feared the exercise of his wit. His satire is not rancorous and vindictive, but playful 

and sportive ; more calculated to annoy than to wound. If he was not invited to a feast 

or wedding, next day he composed a satire, full of mirth and humour, but too indelicate 

to be admitted into his book. He has not the wit and poignancy of Macintyre, who com- 

posed his satires while in a state of irritation to punish his enemies. 

As a writer of elegies, he is more distinguished for sober truth, than poetical embellish- 

ment. He hated flattery ; and, in closing an elegy on the death of a benefactor, he declares 

that he had recorded no virtue that he had not himself observed. 

As a poet he cannot be placed in the highest rank. He is deficient in pathos and in- 

vention. There is little depth of feeling, and very slender powers of description to be 

found in his works; and, when the temporary and local interest wears away, he can never 

be a popular poet.

188 SAIt-OBAllt NAM 13ARD GAELACH. 

Yet, Rob Donn lias been honoured more than any of his brother poets in the Highlands. 

A subscription having been raised among his countrymen for a monument to his memory, 

it is now erected in the parish burying-ground of Durness, over his grave. Its founda- 

tion stone was laid on 12th January, 1829, with masonic honours, and a procession to the 

burving-ground, not only of the whole parish, but joined by numbers from the other 

parishes of " Lord Reay's country," headed by Captain Donald Mackay, of the 21st 

regiment of foot, who has done himself honour worthy of record by his activity and zeal 

in raising the subscription, and bringing, with his other coadjutors, this intention to its 

completion. The monument now stands a record of the bard's fame, and an honourable 

testimony of his countrymen's feelings. It is of polished granite, on a quadrangular 

pedestal of the same enduring material, and bears the following inscriptions : 

[First Side.'} 

IN MEMORY 

OP 

ROB DONN, otherwise ROBERT MACKAY, 

OF DURNESS, 

TIIK REAY GAELIC BARD. 

TUIS TOMB WAS ERECTED AT THE EXPENSE OF A FEW OF HIS COUNTRYMEN, 

ARDENT ADMIRERS OF NATIVE TALENT, 

AND EXTRAORDINARY GENIUS* 

1S29. 

[Second Side.] 

•''POETA NASCITUR NON FIT." 

OUIIT 177i3. 

[Third Side.] 

" BU SHLUAGH BORB SINN GUN BHREITUEANAS, 

NUAIR A DH-FHALBII Till', HUB SOATHADII SUD OIRNN. 

" Aiyai' èXù yug sift' o Kooaùvai tali 

[Fourth Side] 

" SISTE VIATOR, ITER, JACET HIC' SUB CESPITE DONNUS, 

QUI CECINIT PORMA PRJESTANTES RURE PUELLAS; 

QUIQUE NOVOS L.ETO CELEBRAVIT CARMINE SPONSOS; 

QUIQUE BENE MER1TOS LUGl'BRI VOCE DEFLEVIT; 

ET ACRIIER 7ARIIS KOMOBDIX Villi modis."* 

AXATIS 64, 

* The nhove lines, in memory of the bard, were written by the late Hev. Alexander Pope, 

minister of Ueay. 

—

ROB DONN. 189 

OR AN DO PHRIONNSA TEARLACH. 

An diugh, an diugh, gur reusontach 

Dhuinn eiridh atm an sanntachas, 

An tri-amh lath' air crioohnachadh, 

De dhara mios a' gheamhraidh dhuinn ; 

Dean'maid comuiin fàilteach riut, 

Gu bruidhneach, gàireach, òranach, 

Gu butalach, copach, stòpaiiach, 

Le cruit, le ceòl, 's le damhsaireachd. 

Dean'maid comunn fàilteach 

Ris an là thug thun an t-saoghail thu ; 

Olamaid deoch-sli'.inte nis 

An t-Seumais òig o 'n d' inntrig thu ; 

Le taing a thoirt do 'n Ard Righ shuns, 

Gu 'n d' fhuair do mhàthair lìobhraigeadh, 

Dheth h-aou hha do na Gà'èil, 

Mar bha Dàibhidh do chlainn Israeil. 

Tha cupall bhliadhn' a's ràidhe, 

O 'n là thàiuig thu do dh' Alba so ; 

'S bu shoilleir dhuinn o 'n tràth bha sin, 

An fhàilte chuir an aimsir oirnn. 

Bha daoine measail, miadhail oirnn, 

'S bha uracil ni a' sealbhach' oirnn, 

Bha barran troma tir' againn, 

Bha toradh frith' a's fairg' againn. 

An diugh, an diugh, gur cuiinhne learn, 

Air piling nach còir a dhearmad ort, 

]\lu bhreith a' phrionnsa riòghail so, 

Dhe 'n teaghlaich dhirich Albannaich : 

Togamaid suas ar sùilean ris, 

Le ùrnuigh dhlù gun chealgaireachd, 

Ar làmhan na 'm biodh feum orra, 

Le toil 's le eud 's le earbsalaclid. 

Togamaid fuirm a's meanmnadh ris, 

Is aithnichear air ar durachd sinn, 

Le latha chumail sunndach leinn, 

As leth a' phrionnsa Stiùbhartaich ; 

Gur cal' an àm na h-eigin e, 

Ar carraig threun gu stiuireadh air ; 

Thug burr air cheud am buadhannan, 

'S tha cridhe 'n t-sluaigh air dlùthadh ris. 

Cha 'n ioghn.idh sin, 'n uair smuainichear 

An dualachas o 'n tàinig e ; 

'N doimhne bh' aim gu t'oghluimte ; 

Gun bhonn do dh' eis 'n a nàdur dheth, 

Mar Sholamh, 'n cleachdadh reusanta, 

Mar Shamson, treiin an liimhan e, 

Mar Absalom, gur sgiamhach e, 

Gur sgiath 's gur dion d' a chàirdean e. 

Nach fhaic sibh fein an speis 

A ghabh na s])euran gu bhi 'g umhladh dha ; 

'N uair sheas an reannag Shoillseach, 

Anns an line an robhsa stiuireadh k-is ; 

An comhar' bh' aig ar Slinuighear, 

Ro Theiirlach thigh'n do 'n duthaich so, 

'N uair chaidh na daoine ciallach ud 

G' a iarraidh gu Jerusalem. 

A nis, a Theàrlaich Stiùbhairt, 

Na 'in biodh an crun a th' air Seòras ort, 

Bu lionmhor againn euirtearan, 

A' caitheamh ghùn is chleoeaichean ; 

Tha m' athchuing ris an Ti sin, 

Aig am beil gach ni ri òrduchadh. 

Gn 'n teàrnadh e o 'n cheilg ac' thu, 

'S gu 'n cuir e 'n seilbh do chùrach thu. 

ORAN NAN CASAGAN DUBHA. 

[A rinu am bàrd 'n uair chual' e gu 'n do bhacadh an 

t-èideadli Gàelach le lagh na rloghachd ; agus muinntir 

a dhùthcha fein bhi uile air taobh righ Deòrsa 's a' 

bhliadlma 1745 ] 

Lamh' Dhe leinn, adhaoinc, 

C uime chaochail sibh fasau, 

'S nach 'eil agaibh de shaorsa, 

Fiù an aodaich a chleachd sibh ; 

'S i mo bharail mu 'n eighe, 

Tha 'n aghaidh fhèileadh a's osan, 

Gu 'm beil caraid aig Teàrlach, 

Ann am Pàrlamaid Shasuinn. 

' Faire ! faire ! Righ Deòrsa, 

'N ann a spòrs' air do dhilsean, 

Deanamh achdachan ura, 

Gu bhi dùblachadh 'n daorsa ; 

Ach on 's balaich gun uails' iad, 

'S fearr am bualadh no 'n caomhna, 

'S bidh ni 's lugha g'a t-fheitheamh, 

'N uair thig a leithid a risd oirnn. 

Ma gheibh do nàmhaid 's do charaid 

An aon pheanas an Albainn, 

'S iad a dh-eirich 'na t-aghaidh, 

Rinn an roghainn a b' fhearra dhiubh j 

Oir tha caraid math cùil ac', 

A rinn taobh ris na dh' earb ris, 

'S a' chuid nach d- imich do 'n Fhraingleis, 

Fhuair iad pension 'nuair dh-fhalbh e.

190 SAR-OBAIR NAM

ROB DONN. 191

192 SAR-OBA1R NAM

BANN AIR LONG RUSPUINN. 

ROB DONN. 

[Sean long bheag, a bha air a càradh le ceannaiciie, bha 

'n a shean duine, agus a bhrist ioimlie sin ; chàraich e an 

long so, le ipruilleacb luinge chaidh abhriseadh ri stoirm 

gta.nhraidli air tràigh t'agus do Kuspunn ; bha 'n ceann. 

aiche pòtd' ri seann nighin tacan n/n àm sin, 's iad gun 

chlann. 'N uair rinn e suas an long, 's ami le luath 

ranaich mar luchd a chaidh e leathaair a' cheuri siublial.] 

Seana mharaich, seana cheannaich, 

Le seana chaileig, 's iad gun sliochd ; 

Gun tuar conaich air a' chual chramiaich, 

Is luath rainich air cheud lue'nd. 

Bha sean acair, gun aon taic innt', 

Air sean bhacan, ri sean taigh ; 

Leig an sean tobha gun aon chobbair, 

An sean eithear air seana chloioh. 

Bha triùir ghaisgearh gun neaeh caisrigt', 

Air dhroeh eistreadh 'n an caul ruith. 

Gu long Ruspninn nach pàigh cuspunn, 

An t-seana chupuill nam plàigh rith'. 

'S mòr an eis e do fbear pension, 

Bha 's na rancaibh fada muigh, 

Bhi air chùl fraighneach air stiùir Sine, 

Gun dùil sineadh ri deagh chluich. 

ORAN NAN SUIRIDHEACH.* 

Fhraramh òg' leis am miannach pòsadh, 

Nach 'eil na sgeùil so 'g 'ur lagail trom ? 

Tiia chuid a 's diomhair' tha cur an lin dibh, 

Cha 'n 'eil an trian diubh a' ruigheachd fuinn. 

Tha chuid a's faighreachail 1 

air an oighreachd s' 

7 

O 'm beil am prise a' dol air chall, 

War choirean làidir, cur maill' air pàirtidh, 

Tha barail chairdean, a's gràdh gun bhonn. 

Tha fear a' suiridh an diugh air inighean, 

Gun bharail iomraill nach dean e turn ; 

Bha i uair, 'a bu chumha buairidh, 

A ghuth d' a cluais, a's a dhreach d' a suil. 

An sean ghaol ciunteach bha aig ar BÌODSÌr', 

Nach d'fhuair cead imeachdair feadh na dùthch', 

Nach glan a dhearbh i, gu 'n deach' a mharbhadh, 

'N uair ni i bàrgan, 'nuair thig fear ur. 

'S iomadh caochladh thig air an t-saoghal, 

'S cha chan an fhirinn nach 'eil e crosd', 

Na h-uile maighdean a ni mar rinn i, 

Tha fois a h-inntinn an cunnart feasd. 

An duine treubhach, mur 'eil e sprèidheacli, 

A dh' aindeoin eud, tha e fèin 'g a chosg, 

'S le comhairl' ghòraich a h-athair dhùlum, 

'G a deanamh deònach le toic, 's le trosg. 

* For the air, see " The Rev. Patrick M' Donald's Col. 

lection of Highland Airi," page 17, N'o. 112. 

193 

O 'n tha 'n gaol ac air f?:s mar Fhaoilleach, 

Na bitheadh stri agaibh ri bhì pòsd', 

'A seasnihachd inntinn cha 'n 'eil thu ciunteach, 

Rè fad na h-aon oidhch' gu teacnd an lò ; 

An tè a phairticheas riut a càirdeas, 

Ged tha i 'gràdh sud le caiuut a bebil, 

Fo cheann seachduin, thig caochladh fleasgaich, 

'S cha 'n fhaigh thu facal dh'i rè do bhe5. 

Ach 's mòr an nàire bhi 'g an sàrachadh, 

Oir tha pàirt dliiubh de 'n inntinn stùlt', 

Mach o phàrantan agus chairdean, 

Bhi milleadh gìiràidh sin tha fas gu h-òg ; 

31 ur toir i aicheadh do 'n fhear a's fearr lealh', 

Ged robh sud craiteach dh'i fad a beò, 

Ni h-athair feargach, a beatha searbh dh'i, 

'S gur fearr leis marbh j, na 'faicinn pòsd'. 

Faodaidh reason a bhi, gu treigeadh 

An fbir a 's beusaich' a theid 'n a triall ; 

Ged tha e cairdeach, mur 'eil e pàgach, 

Ud ! millidh pràcas na th' air a mhiaun ; 

Tha 'ii duine suairce, le barraehd stuamachd, 

A' call a bhuannachd ri tè gun chiall ; 

'S fear rile 'g eiridh, gun stic ach lèine, 

'S e cosnadh geill dh'i mu 'n stad e srian. 

Mur 'eil stuamachd a' cosnadh gruagaich, 

Och ! ciod a' bhuaidh air am beil a geall ? 

Nach mor an neònachas fear an dbchais so, 

Gun bhi cnùdach ni 's modha bonn ; 

Fear eile sineadh le mire 's taosnadh, 

Le comunn faoilteach, no aigneadh trom, 

'S ge math na tri sin gu cosnadh aontachd, 

Cha 'n 'eil a h-aon diubh nach 'eil a' call. 

Ma tha e pagach, ma tha e sgathach, 

Ma tha e iiàrach, ma tha e mear ; 

Ma tha e sanntach, ina tha e greannar, 

Ma tha e cainnteach, a's e gun chron ; 

Ma tha e bòidheach, ma tha e seolta, 

Ma tha e còmhnard, ma tha e glan ; 

Ma tha e diombain, ma tha e gniomhach, 

Ud, ud ! cha 'n fhiach le a h-aon diubh sin ! 

Ma tha e piigach, tha e gun naire, 

'S ma tha e sgathach, cha bheag a' chrois ; 

Ma tha e gaol ach, tha e 'n a chaora ; 

'S ma tha e faoilteach, tha e 'n a throsg ; 

Ma tha e gniomhach, their cuid, '• Cha'n fhiach e, 

Tha 'in fear ud miodhair, 's e sud a chron ;" 

'S ma tha e failligeach ann an aiteacliadh, 

" Cha bhi barr aig', is bi'dh e bochd." 

Cù an t-aon fhear air feadh an t-saoghail, 

A tha nis ciunteach gu 'n dean e turn ; 

'S nach 'eil a h-aon de na tha mi 'g innseadh, 

; 

Nach 'eil 'n a dhiteadh dha air a chùl. 

i

l l J4 SAR-OBAIK NAM BAUD GAELACH.

HOB DONN. 195

196 SAIl-OBAlll NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Bua na oeadan pears' an sud, 

'N an seasamh aim an rune, 

Sbha casaidean aig mòran dlubh, 

Ma 'n aon nearh bha toirt taing. 

AN DUINE SANNTACH 

AOUB AH SAOGHAL, A' OEABAK Allt A CHEILE. 

S> mi-chomainneach thusa, Shaogliail, 

*S b' abhaist dhut, 

; 

'S ole a leanadh tu ri daoine 

A leanadh riut 

Am fear a cheangail sreang gu teann riut, 

Leis a' ghlut; 

'Nuair tharruinn gach fear aeheann fein d*i : 

'S es' a thuit. 

AN SAOGHAL. 

Is sibhse tha mar sin, a dhaoine, 

'S b' abhaist duibh, 

'S ole a leanadh sibh ri saoghal 

A leanadh ribh ; 

Ged chuir mise sorchan fodhaibh, 

'S air gach taobh, 

Mas sibh fein tha gabhal teiehidh, 

Soraidh leibh ! 

AN DUINE. 

O, na 'n gleidheadh tu mis', a shaogliail, 

Bhithinn dba do rèir, 

Oir tha na h-uile ni a's toigh learn 

b'o na ghreiu ; 

C aim' an leigeadh tu gu dilinn 

l\Ii gu pcin, 

'S nach "oil fiaitheaa cho prlaeil dhomh 

Riut fein. 

AN SAOGHAL. 

S aim bu ch.'iir dhut bin cur t-eolais 

Ni bu dels', 

Far am biodh na h-uile solas 

Ni bu treis', 

Ged ni mis' an t-umaidh firach 

Ri car greit, 

'N uair a thogras e fein m' fhagail, 

Leigeam leis. 

ORAN DO'S OLLA MOIRISTON. 

Binn si 

LUINNEAG. 

tlijii 

Searbfi sin o

Ach tha m' earbsadh tre chunnart, 

Mo gharbh-chnaimhean ulle bhi elan, 

Oir ged a th;'irladh dhomh clibeadh, 

Cha 'n 'eil àird' aig mo smigeid o 'n làr. 

Binn sin uair eigin, §c. 

An duin' ùg s' tha 'n a leigh, 

Tha mi clàistinii tba tighinn à 'dbe'igh, 

Fhuair e leasan o dhithis, 

Chum gu'n siùbliladh e suidhicbt' 'n actieum; 

Ach mu 'n chùis tha d' a leantuinn, 

Cuiream cùl ri bhi cantuinn ni 's lèir ; 

Ach na 'm biodh brigb na mo chomhaiiT, 

— 

So an t-àm am beil SomhaiiT 'n a team. 

Binn sin uair-eigin, §c. 

Ian Mhic-Uilleim 's an t-Srathan, 

Faodaidh deireadh do lathach'-s' bhi searbh, 

Ged tha 'n aimsir-s' cho sitbeil, 

'S nach 'eil guth riut mu phris air an tàrbh ; 

Chaidh luchd-fàbhoir a bhriseadh, 

Nabha 'n dreuchd eadar Ruspunn's amPàrbh ; 

Am fear a thig le mùr urram, 

Gheibh e ceud mile mallachd 's an fhalbb.* 

Binn sin uair-eiffin, S(c. 

Note.—Dr Morrison, the hero of this song, was for a 

long time in high esteem and favour in the family of Lord 

Reay ; but at length a misunderstanding arising between 

them, he found cause to leave the family, reflecting, at 

the same time, on the fluctuating temper and unsteady 

favour of the great, and repeating the old Gaelic adage, 

" Is ileamliuinn an leac a tU'aig dorus an taign' m/wir." 

MARBHRANN, 

[Do dhithis mhinistear ro ainmeil 'nan ddthaich, Mr 

Iain Munro, Ministeir Sgire Eadarachaoiais, agus Mr 

Dòmhnull Mac-Aoidh, Maighstir-sgoile, sgire Fair.] 

Am fon.n— " Oran na h-aoise." 

'S e mo bheaehd ort, a bhàis, 

Gur bras thu ri pàirt, 

Gur teachdair' tha laidir, treum, thu ; 

An cogadh no 'm blàr, 

Cha toirear do shàr, 

Aon duine cha tàr do thrèigsinn ; 

Thug thu an dràsd 

Dhuinn buille no dhà, 

Chair eaglaisean ban, a's foghlum ; 

Is 's fhurasd dhomh ràdh, 

Gur goirid do dhàil, 

'S gur trie a' toirt beam 'n ar Cleir thu. 

Bhuin thu ruinn garbh, 

ÌNIu 'n di tli is so dh-fhalbh, 

'Nuair ruith thu air lòrg a chèil' iad ; 

C uimc nach d' fhàg thu 

* " Hate dogs their flight, and insult mocks their end " 

Johnt. /'an. Hum. WUhet. 

ROB DONN. 197 

Bhuidhean a b' àirde, 

A bhiodh do chiich ro fheumail ; 

A bhruidhean a b' f'heàrr 

A' tighinn o 'm beul, 

'S an cridheachan lc'tii de reuson ; 

Chaidh gibhteachan gràis 

A mheasgadh 'n an gnàths, 

'S bha 'u cneasdachd a' fits d' a reir sin. 

Dithis bha 'n geall 

Air gearradh a. bonn, 

Gach ain-iochd, gach feall, 'a gach eucoir; 

Dà sholus a dh-lhalbh 

A earrannan garbh', 

Dh-fh;ig an talamh-sa dorch d' a reir sin ; 

Ge d' tha e ro chruaidh, 

Gu 'n deach' iad 's an uaigh, 

Tha cui

i 

198 -SAIL-OB Al It NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Anns na nitheanaibfa crabhaidh, leughant' ; 

Na earb'maid gu bràth, 

Gii 'n ruig sin an t-àit-s' 

iVIur lean sinn ri pairt d' an ceuman. 

Tha 'n teachdair »' air tòir 

Gach neach a tha bed, 

'G an glacadh an cbir no *n eucoif : 

Na gbeibh e *n a din' in, 

Cha reic e air òir, 

Ri gul, no ri deoir cha 'n èiad e. 

Chi mi gur tiù 

Leis tighinn do 'n chùil, 

Gu fear th' ami an clad mar cideadh ; 

'Sged dheanamaid dun, 

Cha cheannaich e dhuinn, 

Aon mhionaid de dh-ùin o 'n eng sin. 

An dithis so chnaidh, 

Cha rachadh cho luatb, 

Na'n gabhadh tu uainn an eirig ; 

Cha leig'maid 'n an ditli's 

lad as an aon mhios, 

Na 'm b' urradli sinn diol Ie sendan : 

Ach 's teachdair ro dhàu' 

Thn, tighinn o 's àird, 

Buailidh tn atktaibh 's dèircean ; 

Cha bhacar It; 'pris, 

Air t' ais thu a lis, 

'S tu dh'easbhnidh an aoin mu'n ttid thu. 

Glacaidh tu chloinn 

A macli bho na bliroinn, 

JIu 's faic iad ach soills' air Elgin ; 

Glacaidh tu 'n Òigh, 

Dol an coinneamh an òig, 

Mu 'm feudar am pòsadh ligheachd. 

Ma 's beag, no ma 's in òr, 

Ma 's stan, no ma 's òg, 

Ma 's cleachdamh dhuinn cbir no eucoir ; 

Ma tha sinn 'n nr bed, 

Is anail 'n ar arbin, 

Cuirear uilc sinn fo na fcich ml. 

Tha 'm baa os ar ciiin, 

'G ar glacadfa le tiiin, 

'S le fradhrac ar cinn eha k'ir e ; 

Ach tha giaodh aig' cho cruaidb, 

'S l; i 'm faodadh an sluagh, 

A chluinntinn le cluasan reusoin. 

Nach dearc aibh a chill, 

la liar aig' Co iuil, 

\S r. M'.iltnimi le 'shnil gu geur air ; 

An diugh ciixl am filth, 

Nach bidh'mald air gheàrd, 

'S gu 'n bliuiii e ar nàbuidh 'n dc bhuainn. 

A chumhachd a tha 

Cur chugaiun a bhàis, 

Gun teagamh nach paighear 'flitiich dha; 

'I'ha misneachd a'a bono 

Aig neacfa a tha 'n geall, 

Air tagradb na gheall do bhenl dha. 

Oir 's athair do chlanii 

A dh' fbeitheas a th' aim, 

'S fear-taighe do 'n bhantraich fcine ; 

'S e'n Cruithear a th' ami, 

A bheir gu neo-ghann, 

Na thoilleas sinn aims a' chrentair. 

M A It B H It A N N, 

DO MHAIGHSTIR. MUROHADH MAC-DHOMIIN (II.7.. 

IM1.MSJKAR SGIRE DHUKINMS 

AX DUTHAICH MH!e AOIDH. 

'S e do bhàs, 'Mhaighstir Murchadh, 

Itimi na h-aitean so dborchadh, 

'S ged chaidh dàil ami do mharbhrann, 

Labhraidh balbhaohd ri ccill. 

Na 'm biodh a' Chriosdaidheachd iomlan, 

Cha rachadh di-chuimbn' air t-iomrauh, 

No do ghtiiomharan ionalaid, 

Ach leantadh t-ìomchan-s' gu 16ir; 

Gur h-e chràdh mi 'n am mheanmnadh, 

'S ild luchd-gruidh agus leanmbuinn, 

Meud do shaothrach mil *a d' lhalbh thu, 

'S lugh'd a luirg as do dhe*igfa ; 

Bheir cuid kasuuan buadhach, 

bhruaich fasanan t-naghach, 

Nach tug daiseachan suarach, 

As na chual iad bhuat Icin. 

— 

Flor mhasgiill chionn pàidhidh, 

No stad gealtach le gàbhadh, 

Bhrigh mo bheachd-s' aim an d! naibh, 

'S mi nach deanadh, 's nach d' linn : 

Ach na 'in bioilli cninain no stà (Unit, 

Ann a t-alladh chur os aird dut, 

Co ach mis' (In 'm lui chàra, 

'S co a b' fheàrr na thu thoill ? 

Bhuidhean mholtach-a' a dh-fhàg sinn, 

Ged nach urr' iad a chlàistimi, 

'S còir bbi 'g aithria am pàirtean, 

Gun fhàbhor, 'a yun fhoill ; 

Oir 'a buain' a' ehuimhne bheir bi rda, 

Air deagh bhuadhannaibh nàduìr, 

Na 'n sine criiiim sill B

ROB DONN. 199

200 SAR-OBAIK NAM BARD GAELACH.

ROB DONN. 201


Anna chaol-mhalai b, chioch-cborracb,

ROB DONN. 203

204 SAR-OBAIR NAM HARD GAELACH. 

BRIOGAIS MHIC RUAIRIDH. 

[Rlnneadh an t-òranso leis a' bhàrd aig banais " Iseabail 

Nic-Aoidh," Bigbean lain 'Ic-Eacbalnn, air dbl bhipòsda 

ri Iain,mac CbotnnichSutharlain. Bhacruinneach: dbana. 

barrach tluaigh air a' bhanais de dh-uaislean na dùthcba ; 

achair do dh-Iain Mac-1'.'achuinn agus am bird cm amacfa 

air a chede goirid roimh '11 am sin, cha d' fhuaii am bard 

cuireadh thun na bainnse, ged bba e chòmhnuidh aim an 

àite fagus do laimh. Ach air do Choinneach Sutharlan, 

athair fhir na bainnse, thighinn air an atli mhadainn an 

dèigh a' phòsaidh, agus Rob Donn ionndrainn, tliubhairt 

c ri Iain Mac-Eachuinn, gu 'in b' fhearr cuireadh atboirt 

do 'n bhard 'n a thràih, no gu 'n ciuinnte Egeula mu 

'n bhanais lathast. Bha tios aig lain Mac-Eachuinn, nach 

tigeadh am bard air 'ailleas-sa, ged chuireadb e bos air. 

An sin chuir na h-uaislean uile, 'n an ainm f'ein, bus air, 

agus mur tigeadh a leis an teachdaireachd sin, gu 'n 

rachadh iad t'ein uile g' a shireadh. Thàinig liob Donn gu 

toileach • oir bha mòr speis aig do dh-Iain Mac-Eachuinn, 

's d' a theaghlach, ged thainig eadar iad aig an am sin. 

Air an t.slighe dh-ionnsuidh taigh na bainnse, dh-fhoighnich 

Rob Donn ris an teachdaire thainig d' a iarraidh. 

An do thachair ni àmhuilteach 's am bith 'n am measg o 

thòisich a' bhanais? Thuirt an teachdaire nacli cuale.san 

ten aon rud—Gu 'n do chaill " Mac Ruaraidh beag," 

gille thainig an cois fTiir na bainnse, a bhriogais, Bu Jeoir 

so leis a' bhàrd, agus mu 'n d' rainig e taigh na bainnse, 

ged nach robh ann ach astar dà mhile, bha 'n t-òran 

dèanta; agus cho luath 's a shuidh e, thoisich e uir a 

ghabhail.J 

LUIHMBA6. 

An d' fhidir, no '« (Tfhoirich, 

No '« cuala sibh, 

Co idir thug briogais 

Mliic Ruairidh leis 

Bha bhriogais ud againn 

An am dol a chadal, 

'S 'nuair thainig a' mhadainn 

Cha (Tfhuaradh i. 

Cii.wnii bhriogais a stampadb, 

Am meadbon na connlaich, 

'6 chaidb Uisdean a dhambs', 

Leis na gruagaichean ; 

'Nuair db-fbàg a cbuid mis^ i 

Gu'n tug e '11 siii brioagadh, 

A dh-iarraidb na briogais, 

'S cha d' fhuaii- e i. 

An d' fhidir, frs. 

Na 'm bitheadb tu làimh ris, 

Gu 'n deanadh tu gftire, 

Ged bhidbeadh an siatalg 

Na d' chruacbanan ; 

Na faiceadh tu 'dhronnag, 

'Nuair dh-ionndrain e 'pheallag, 

*S e coimhead '« gach callaid, 

'S a' Buaitheachan, 

An (f fhidir, '\

ROB DONN.

20G SAR-OBAItt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

OH AN NAN GUEISICI1EAN BE AG A. 

Air rosN— " Crù nan Gobhar." 

Ciiukna' mi crannanach, 

Cuimir ri ceannaireachd, 

'N Acha-na-h-Annaid, 

Cur feannag a chuile; 

Sheall mi le annas air, 

'S shin mi ri teannadh ris, 

Thug mi mo bhoineid dhiom, 

'S bheannaieh mi fein da. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach 

Air chomhairl' nam breithcamhnan, 

Dh-'ordaick gach dithis dhiu 

Dhi le aon chcilc 

Faodaidh sliochd tighinn 

An deit/h tia buidhinn so, 

Fathast a bhiikeas 

W an ioiujantasfeiUe. 

Chaidh mi air in' aghairt, 

Is shàraich e m' fhoighidJiiD, 

Feacbainn le a lughad 

C ait' am faighinn da coile : 

Fhuair mi n taigh Choinnich i, 

C uime gu 'ii ceilinn, 

'S a h-apavan deiridfa 

Cho ghoirid r' a fbèileadh-s'. 

Tha mi ru bhuidheach, cj-c. 

To mas a's Doinhnnll, 

Seòras a's Alasdair, 

'S coltach i) an colluinn 

A' cbeatbrar r' a chC-ile ; 

B' fheàrr learn tè thapaidh 

Bhiodh seachad air leth-cheud, 

Na a iaicinn air leth-trath, 

Aig fear dhiubh mar chcilc. 

Tha mi ro bh it idhatch, §C. 

Tha iomadh sgeul eile 

Tha againn gu barantach, 

Naidbeacbd 'g a b-aitbris 

A bailc Dhan-èideann, 

Nach 'eil uile cho Hit' 

Ann an oibrichibh freasdail, 

Hi Iaicinn nam peasan 

A' maitteadh a cbèile. 

'Ilia mi ro hliuidlitdch, c\c. 

Tha mise fo cbaohdao, 

Nach urradb ml leasacbadb, 

Niitli fhaigb mi aon fear dhio 

Ni maitse do Chcitidh ; 

; 

Tha truas aig mo chridhe 

Hi seasgaicir na h-ighintl, 

Nach taigh Mini ami leigbicb, 

L'huireas dithis ri chèil' diu. 

Tha mi ro bhuidh.ae/i, SjC, 

Cuirear do 'n eilean iad, 

'S thugar mir feaiainn dhaibh, 

'S bheir iad an air' 

Air na gearrain 's a' cheitein ; 

Air eagal am pronnaidfa 

Hi fiodh no ri holla, 

Tha tub aig a' Mhoralr 

Ni taigh dhaibh le cheile. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, §c. 

Tha agam-sa tuilleadh 

De leithid an fhirionnaich-s' ; 

'S air chor a's gu'n cluinnear iad, 

Scinneam air scis iad ; 

Dbmbnull beag biorach, 

Air pòsadh an uraidh ; 

'S tha dithis de 'n thine 

Aig a' mhinisteir t'ein diu. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, $c. 

Na greisichean beaga, 

Oir 's iad is maoir eaglais, 

Tha dùil ac' mo thagradh. 

Air son magaidhnean beumarh ; 

Bithidb mise fo eagal, 

'Nuair chluinneas mi 'm bagradh, 

() 'n tbachair mi eadar 

An sagart 's an clcireach. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, $c. 

Tha dùil a'm gur dnilich leis 

Mis' chur an cunnart, 

*S gu 'n do chaomhain mi *n ruilean, 

'S gu 'm bu mbuileach his l'cin e ; 

'S ma chreideas mi 'm ministeir, 

An deigh 's na dh-innis c, 

'S e 'm moncaidh an uiridh, 

Mu mhire na 'n Grèibhear. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, £0. 

Tha sgeula r' a h-aithris, 

Mu Bhaile-na-Cille, 

Gu 'n rohh iad fo iomas 

An uiridh le cheile ; 

Am bliadhna n an dithis, 

E-fein 's an cù buidhe, 

Gun trial! ac' gu uidhc 

Ach 'n an suidh' aig na h-cilihlcau. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, Sjfi,

'S bòidheach am baganach 

Seòras na h-eaglais, 

Chualas na creagan 

Toirt freagairt d' a 6igheachd ; 

Shamhlaich mi 'no fieasgach ud 

Ris a' gharra-ghartan, 

Cho bìogach r' a fhaicinn, 

'S cho neartmhor r' a èisdeach. 

Tha mi ro bhuidheach, cj c. 

Tha Curstaidh fo chachdan, 

Mur bhailich mi 'macan, 

Gu 'n abrainn an garrari, 

Ri fleasgach cho treun lis 

Seas thtisa fa 'chomhair, 

Is amhairc a chrodhan, 

'S an tè thug an drcobhan air, 

Thomhais i f'ein e. 

Tha ri mo bhuidheach, Qc. 

ORAN NA CARAIDE BIGE. 

Tha dithis aims an dùthaich-s', 

Tha triall gu dhol a phusadb ; 

'S gur beag an t-aodach ùr, 

Ni gùn dhoihh a's limine. 

Hei tha mo rim dut, 

Ilo, tha mo ran dut, 

HH tha mo run dut, 

A ruin ghiV Tia trcig mi. 

Dithis a tha òg iad, 

Dithis a tha boidheach, 

Dithis tha gun òirleach 

A chbrr air a cheile. 

Hci, tha mo run duit, Syr. 

Ma bhios macan buan ac\ 

'S gu 'n teid e ris an dual'cbas, 

Cuiridb e gu luath 

An cù-ruadh as an t-saobhnidh. 

Ud, tha mo run duit, ,Jc. 

Ach ma thiiid a chrùsach, 

Sgaoilt' air feadfa na dùtbcha, 

Thèid prospig ris na sùileati, 

Tha dùil a 'm, mus lèir iad. 

Hei, tha mo run duit, Qc. 

; 

ROB DONN. 207 

O R A N. 

[Do dh' flicar chaidh a ehòrdadh ìi nighin òig, ach cha 

bhiodh e toilichte mu 'n tochradli, mur tugadh iad dhà 

gamhuinn eile bharrachd air na una iad toileach thoirt 

seachad • agus 

air so a dhiùltadh dha, tiirèsg e a leannan. J 

'S ann a bhuail an iorghuilJ, 

Air an t-suiridheach tha 'n so shios, 

Chuir e 'ùigh' air ceile, 

'S gu 'n do reitich iad 'n an dioa ; 

Shaoil mi f'ein n uair till isich iad, 

Gu 'n còrdadh iad gun s;;ios ; 

Ach chum àsraidh beag do ghamlminn iad, 

Gun cheangal còrr is mios. 

Sin, 'n uair thuirt a' mhaighdean, 

Nach foighnich sibh rium fior, 

Is innsidh mi a rireadh, 

Gu 'm bu chaochlaideach a rian ; 

Gu robh e cheart cho deònach, 

Ki duin' òg a ci)ualas riamh ; 

'S a nis gu 'n ghabh e bhuar dhiom, 

O nach d' fhuair e 'n gamhuinn ciar. 

Ciia e sin air aghairt, 

'Sarin do Shaghair cliaidh e n lus, 

Chuir iad fios 'n a dheighidh, 

Thigh'nn air aghaidh arm a cliùis; 

'S e roghnaich es' an tàillearachd— 

'S i b' fheàrr leis na bhi pùsd' ; 

O nach d' fhuair e 'n gamhuinn àsraidb, 

Ged fhaigheadh e 'm bàs de 'n strut. 

Dh-aithnich mi 's an amharc ort, 

Gu robh do thomhas gann, 

Chutmaic mi air t-iomchuinn, 

Gu robh 'n iom-cbombaiiT 'n ad cbeann ; 

'S nach robh do spiorad diomhair, 

'G a do ghrlosadh 's a' cheart am ; 

'Xuair b' fhearr leat gamhuinn caoile, 

Na do bhean, 's do ghaol, 's do clil.tnn. 

H-uile fear a cbi thu, 

'G a do dhheadh air do cbùl, 

Ged leasaich sinn an t-airgead dhut, 

Mu cheithir mhàrg 's ni 's mò, 

'S e their gach filidh facail 1 iut, 

Gu spot chur air do chliù, 

Gu 'n d' rijin an gamhuinn bacainn, 

Do chontract ' chuir air cùl. 

'S mis a fhuair mo chàradh, 

Leis na fearaibh as gacli taobh, 

A' mbeud 's a bha 'g am iarraidh dbinbb, 

'S nach b' fliiach leam duin' ach tliu ;

208 SAR-OBA1B NAM

Na m taiceadh sibh 'm rleasgachau 

Tapaidh a th' agaiim, 

Ag iomart nan casan 

Mu seach air na maidean, 

Le 'iteachau innich 

A' pilleadh 's a' glagartaich, 

Cnap aig a' mhuidh, 

'S an t-slinn a' feadaireachd. 

Tha'ugUle math ruadh, £c. 

O R A N FIIAOLAIN. 

[Sgalag a bh'aig a' bhàrd, air an robh Faolan aca roar 

leas-ainm. Cha robh Kaolan ach 'n a chieutair fachanta, 

agus b' àbhaist do dh' ingheanan a' bhàird a bhi 'g a tail. 

geadh air a chèile mar leanuan.] 

Gu neartaich an seaibh, 

'>>

210 SAK-OBAIU NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

TUUUS DIIAIBHl* DO DH' AUCAMH. 

[Bha Dailihidh so 'n a bhuachaille, agus 'n a àireach, 

aig iluiii' nasal àraidh, ami am bail' tile, beagan mhlltean 

bho 'àite fern ; agus 'nuair a bha Daibhidh dol dachaigh 

leis an Im agus leis a' chaise, gu mhaighstir, I'huair e air 

bàta ceilpe, bha dol an rathad ; ach 's ann chuireadh leis 

an stoirm iad air tlr ami an Arcamh, 's ged a b' ann 's a' 

ghrunnd a rachadh Daibhidh, cha deanadh na nàbaidhnean 

mòran caoidh air a shon ] 

Nach cruaidh, craiteach, an t-aiseag, 

A i'huair Dhaibidh do dh' Arcamh, 

Dh-fhalbh an càise, 's a' cheilp, a's e-fèin. 

Nach cruaidh, &c. 

O 'n chaidh a bhàs dheanamh cinnteach, 

Shuas mu bhraighe Loch-Uinnseard, 

Gu'm bu ghàireach gùth niinii as a dhi-igh. 

O 'n chaidh, &c. 

Thubhairt nigh'n Dho'uill'Ic Fhiunnlaidh, 

Ris an t-Siorramh neo-shunndach, 

Dearbh cba mhise an t-aon neacli tha ':i eis. 

Thubhairt nigh'n, &c. 

Ma chaill thusa t' fhear impidh, 

Chaill mise m' fhear aon-taigh ; 

Co nis is fear-punndaidh do 'n sprcidh ? 

Ma chaill thusa, &c. 

Bha do nàbaidhnean toigheach, 

Anns gach bàgh 'g iarraidh naidheachd, 

'Sleisa'chradh bh'orr',cha'nfhaigheadh iad deur 

Bha do nàbaidhnean, &c, 

Ach o 'n chual iad thu philleadh, 

O na cuaintean, gun mhilleadh, 

Shin an sluagh ud air sileadh gu leir. 

Ach o 'n chual iad, &c. 

Mach o acaraich thrailleil, 

Bhios a' streup mu do cheairde, 

Cha bhi creutair gun chràdh as do dheigh, 

Mach o acaraich, &

Feur a's coille, blà a's duille, 

'S iad fo iotnadh neul, 

Is ise le echo, mar na teudan, 

Seirm gach seis a 's fearr. 

Cha b* àite cùmhnuidh leam air Dhbmhnach, 

A bhi *B rùig no 'n earn, 

Oir, inur robh strianach ami air bhliadlma, 

Cha robh riamh ni b' fhearr ; 

Fuaim na beinne, 's gruaim a' gblinne, 

'S fuathach leam a' ghàir ; 

O! cràdh mo chridhe, reubadh lighe, 

An t-àit an tighe 'm feur. 

Ciod am fath mu 'n tug thu fuatli sin, 

Do na bruachaibb aid ? 

Nach fhaic thu fein, 'nuair thig an spreidh, 

Gur feumail iad le 'n ;il ? 

Cha chrailh cridhe, air làrach shuidhe, 

Fuaim na lighe lain, 

Do 'n gnàth bhi claghach roimh a h-aghaidh, 

Is fear na deighidh a' fàs. 

Na bha firinneach dheth t-amhran, 

'N fhad 's bha 'n samhradh blath. 

Itinn e tionndadh oidhehe-Shamhna, 

'S bheir an geamhradh 'shàr ; 

Duille shuidhicht' barr an fhiodha, 

Dh-fàs i buidhe-bhàn, 

'S tha mais' 'n t-Srath' air call a dhath, 

Le steall de chathadh-l.'iir. 

Gleidhidh 'n talamh thun an t-samhraidh, 

Sin a chrann e 'n drjsd, 

Beath a's calltunn latha-bealltuinn, 

Gealltanacb air fas ; 

Bidh gruth a's crathadh air na srathan, 

'S tèirgidh "n caitheadb-làir, 

Nach grinii an sealladh. glinn a' stealladh, 

Laoigh, a's bainne, 's bàrr ! 

'S barail leam-sa gu 'n do cbaill sibh, 

Air na rinn sibh rhàis ; 

Dhol do shliabh, gun cbur, gun chliathadh, 

'S nach robh biadh a' fas ; 

B' fhear bhi folluiseach an Goll-thaobh, 

Na bhi *n comunn ghraisg. 

Air mo dholladh leis an chonnadh, 

Laimh ri bolla fail. 

Vote.—This is a contrast between the pleasures of a town 

and a pastoral life, as if by two young ladies, (daughters 

of the celebrated "Iain Mac-Eachumn,") one of them 

returned from the town of Thurso, where she had been 

sent to srhool, and the other, yet ignorant of town, upholding 

the pleasures of rural retirement. The beauties 

of the bard's own native strath are delineated in strains so 

sweet that we have only to regret that he did not more 

frequently indulge his muse in descriptive poetry. 

ROB DONN. 

| B' 

! Election 

I Co 

j 

MARBHRANN IAIN GHRE, 

EOGHAIBD. 

211 

[Agus e air caochladh ann an Siorramachd Phcairt, ai 

a shlighe dol dachaigh do Chat.taobh ] 

Tha rogairean airtnealach, trom, 

'N taobh bhos agus thall do na Ckrasff, 

O 'n chual iad mu 'n cuairt an Ceann-eiiinidb, 

Gu 'n do dh-eug e an Siorramachd Pheairt 

Dh-aindeoin a dhreachdan 's a chiall 

Cha do chreid duine riamh a bha ceart, 

Aon smid thainig mach air a bheul 

'S cha mhò chreid e fèin High nam feart. 

Cha 'n aithne dhomh aon ni cho laidir, 

'S an t-saoghal-s', ri bàa, gu toirt teum ; 

'N t-strac thug e an dràsd' oirnn air aghairt, 

Gun do marbh e fear Rogliaird do leum. 

Tha Sàtan ro bhrònach, 's cha 11 ioghnadh, 

Ged fhaigheadh e 'n taon-sa dha fèin, 

Air son nach 'eil fathast air sgeul aig' 

Fear a sheasas dha 'aite 'na dhèigh. 

'S fad a bho chunnacas, 's a chualas, 

Gur teachdaire gruamach am bàs ; 

Gidheadh gu'm beil euid bh' ann an daocb lis, 

Toirt rud-eigin gaoil da an dràad' : 

Tha dùil ac' an Cat-thaobh 's an Gall-thaobb, 

Nach urr' iad a mholadh gu bràth, 

Air son gur he fèin thug a' cheud char 

A fear thug cùig ceud car à each. 

Sibhse tha mòr agus mion, 

Sibhse tha sean 's a tha òg, 

Thugaibh cheart air' air a' bhàs, 

'Nuair is beartaich' 's is làine bhur crog ; 

Oir thig e mar mhèirleach 's an oidhcb', 

Ged robh sibh uile cruinn mu na bhbrd 

'S cha 'n fheudar a mhealladh le foil], 

'S gu 'n do mheall e Ceann-feadhna nan ròg. 

Rinn deamhnan is triùcairean talmhaidh, 

mu chealgair bhiodh trnun, 

bu staraich', bu charaich', 's bu cbeilgeiih', 

'S a b' fheàrr chuireadh lith air a' bhruig ; 

e Satan am breitheamh bu shine, 

Da 'm b' aithne gach fine fo 'n ghrein ; 

S b' i bharail nach fhaigheadh e leithid, 

Mar robh e 's na Greadhaich iad fein. 

Bu mhath leam an ciontach a bhualadh. 

'S cha b' alll leam duin' uasal a shealg ; 

'S ged chuireas mi gruaim air a' choireach, 

Cba gabh an duin' onarach fearg ; 

: 

; 

;

212 SAR-OBAILt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Tha Cai|.tein Rob Grè Bir a dhiùltadh, 

Le breitheanas Prionnsa nan cealg ; 

Rinn coimeaagadb Reothach a ohumadb, 

Gu uuils' agus duinealas gharg. 

Tha breugan a's cuir air am fagail, 

Do *n fhear a 's feàrr tàlann $' an inns' ; 

Cba cheadaich a' cbùis e do BUàtair, 

Tha ouoir a's àrdan 'n a ghrid ; 

Ge comaaach lain a bhràthair, 

Cha 'n fhaigh e an dràsd' i chion aois ; 

Acli an sin gheibh e obair an t-Sàtain, 

Ceart comh-luath 's is bus ilo fhear Chrai 

M A R B II R A N N, 

UILL1E.M MHU1LLEIK, AH CEAKD. 

() 'nnair 's a chaidh Uilleam fo 'n ùir, 

Gur tearc againn sail tha gun deur, 

Do mhuilleir. a bhrachair, no 'chbcair, 

No 'mhnathan ila 'n nòa lilii ri sprèidb ; 

Cha nihodha na clamhain a's gaotbair, 

Tha subhach 's an fhoghar-s' 'n a dhèigh ; 

Air son gu 'in buin iomall na cloinnc, 

Gach ubh a's gach eireag dhaibh fèin. 

'S glan a tha 'n talamhs-s' 'n a fhàsach, 

O 'nuair chaidh thu bus o cheann mios; 

Ge maiseach na macain so dh-fhàg thu, 

Cha seas iad dhuinn t-àitse *n an dios ; 

'S aim a tha acuinn do cheàirdc, 

Mar rud chaidh 'n an clàraibh 's an diosg , 

An t-òrd a's am balg lis an teine, 

An rusp, a's an t-innciu, 'a an t-iosp. 

'S giorra mo sgil, na mo dhùrachd, 

Gu innaeadh

Nach gabh na tha 'nan dleasanas, 

A dheasachadh no Ion, 

Ach caomhnadh ni gu falair dhaibh, 

S a' falach an cuid òir. 

Cha chaith iad fein na rinn iad, 

Agus oighreachan cha dèan, 

Ach ulaidhnean air shliabh ac', 

Bhios a' biadhadh chon a's eun ; 

Tha iad fo 'n aon diteadh, 

Fo nach robh, 's nach bi mi fhèin, 

Gur duirche, taisgte 'n t-òr ac', 

Na 'nuair bha e 'n tòs 's a mhèinn. 

Barail ghlic an Ard-Righ— 

Dh-fhàg e pàirt de bhuidhean gann, 

Gu feuchainn iochd a's oileanachd, 

D' an dream d' an tug e meall 

C' arson nach tugta po-rsan, 

Dhe 'n cuid stòrais aig gach àm, 

Do bhochdan an Ti dheònaicheadh, 

An còrr a chur na cheann ? 

An deigh na rinn mi rusgadh dhuibh, 

Tha dùil agam gun Iochd, 

'S a liuthad facal tirinneach 

A dhirich mi 'n ur n-uchd, 

Tha eagal orm nach eisd sibh, 

Gu bhi feumail do na bhochd ;* 

Ni 's mo na rinn na fleasgaich ud, 

A sheachduin gus a nochd. 

; 

ROB DONN. 

Note.—Two of these bachelors were somewhat remarkable, 

having been born together, bi ought up together, and 

died within a night of each other. They were buried in 

the same hour, in the same grave, and by the same com. 

pany of men. Their whole study, from their youth, was 

to hoard up money, and had much of it hid underground, 

which they neither had the heart to use themselves, nor 

to bestow upon their friends, none of which has yet 

been found. 

MARBHRANN 

DO DH' IAIN MAC-EACHL'INN. 

[An duin' uasal, aig an do thogadh am bird, 'n a 

theaghlaich, o 'n bha e 'n a bhalachan og ; agus bu 

duin' e a choisinn a leithid achliù, oa luchd-eolaisairfad, 

's gu 'n d' aidich iad uile, gu 'n rubh am marbhrann so 

gun mhearachd, agus gu h.àraidh na briathran mu dheir. 

eadh dheth, 's gu 'n abradh gach neach mar an ceudna a 

chluinneadh am marbhrann, agus d' am b' eòl Iain Mac. 

Eachainn gu'n robh e ceart J 

Iain lUhic-Eachainn, o dh-eug thu, 

C àit an ttSid sinn a dh-fhaotainn 

Duine sheasas 'n ad fliine, 

An rathad tionail no sgaoilidh. 

» It is said that a wandering beggar called upon them for 

alms seven days previous to their death, whom they refused 

to relieve, a circumstance at which the bard hints 

above. 

'S ni tha cirint' gur heart' chunnairt, 

Nach dean duine tha aosd' e, 

'S ged a bheirt' de 'n àl òg e, 

'S tearc tha beò fear a chi e. 

Dearbh cha b' ionann do bheatha, 

'S do dh' i'liir tha f'athast an caomhnadh, 

Thionail airgead a's fearann, 

'S bi'dh buidhean file 'g an sgaoileadli ; 

Bliios iad fèin air an gearradhj 

Gun ghuth an caraid g an caoineadh, 

Air nach ruig dad do mholadfa, 

Ach " Seall sibh fearann a dliaor iad." 

Tha iad lagliail gu litreil, 

'S 'n an deibhtearan geura, 

Js iad a' pàidheadh gu moltacb, 

Na bhios ac' air a chuile ; 

Ach an còrr, theid a thasgaidh, 

Gur cruaiiih a cheiltinn o 'n fhèile, 

Is tha 'n sporan 's an sùilean, 

Cheart cho dùiut' air an fheumach. 

Leis an leth-onoir riataich-s', 

Tha na ciadan diubh faomadh, 

Leis am feàrr bhi to fhiachan, 

Fad aig Dia na aig daojue ; 

Thig fo chall air nach beir iad, 

'S e ceann mu dheireadb an diteadh, 

" C uim nach tug sibh do 'n bhochd, 

Am biadh, an deoch, a's an t-aodach ?'' 

Ach na 'm b' urrainn mi, dhùraighdinn 

Do chliù-s' chur an òrdugh, 

Ann an litrichean soilleir, 

Air chor 's gu 'm beir an t-àl òg' air ; 

Oir tha t-iomradh-s' cho feumail, 

Do 'n neach a theid aim do rùidean, 

'S a bha do chuid, fiiad 's bu mhaireann, 

Do 'n neach bu ghaiun' ami an storas. 

Fhir tha 'n latha 's an comas, 

Ma 's àill leat alia tha fiughail, 

So an ti in mu do choiniieamh, 

— — 

An còir dhut greimeachadh dlù ris ; 

Tha thu 'm batal a' bhàis, 

A thug an t-àrmunn-s' do 'n ùir uairm, 

Glacadh gach fear agaibh 'oifig, 

'S mo làmh-s' gu 'n cothaich i cliù dhuibh. 

Oir ged tha cuid a bhios fachaid, 

Air an neach a tha fialaidb, 

'S i mo bharail-s' gur achdaidh 

Bu choir an achuing so iarraidh ; 

Gu 'in bu luath thig na liunean, 

Ni chuid a's sine dhinn ciallach, 

Nach dean sinn iobairt do bhith-bhuantachd, 

Air son til fichead de bhliadhnach'. 

213


'"S lionmhor neach bha 51111 soeair, 

A ohuir thu '11 stoc le ' e

Ach a chuidheachd mo cbridhe, 

Nacfa toir an dithis-s' oirn sgathadh 

Sinn mar choinneil an lanntair, 

'S an da cheanii a' sior cbaitheamb ; 

C ;'iit an robb anus an t-saoghal, 

Neaefa a b' ils' na mac t' athar-a' ? 

'S cha robh aon os a cheann-sa, 

Ach an rìgh bh' air a chathair. 

'8 cianfada, gurjàda, tjc. 

Note.—Among Rob Donn's elegies, it would be difficult 

to distinguish the best. But as a test of his own abilities 

as a poet we would at once fix upon Màrbhrann Eoghainn, 

where he makes his subject a general one—the uncertainty 

of time, and the calls to preparation for death sounded to 

manki d in the simultaneous fall of the high and the low, 

the rich and the poor. The use made of the circum. 

stances that led to it exhibits a poet's mind. Hob Dunn 

had heard accounts of the death of Mr Felham, the first 

minister of state. The same day when this intelligence 

reached him, he took a stroll to the neighbouring mountains 

of Durness, in search of deer. He was for that day 

unsuccessful ; but judging, as a sportsman can on such 

occasions, that better fortune might attend him the following 

morning, instead of returning home he determined 

to spend the night, and await the dawn, at a solitary 

house situated at the head of Loch Erribol, that he might 

be the more nigh to surprise his game when morning 

arrived. The bleak dreariness of this spot of itself might 

present almost to any mind a striking contrast to all that 

we deem comfortab.e, social, or desirable in life. Here 

was a solitary hut (still standing), where the bard was to 

pass the night. And here was a solitary man, decrepid in 

old age, stretched on his wretched bed of straw, or heath, 

and so exhausted by a violent attack of asthma, that the 

bard pronounced him, in his own mind, surely in the 

very grasp of the King of Terrors. The idea of Mr 

Polham's death, called away from the summit of ambi. 

tiou and worldly greatness, contrasted with this individual's 

state, set our author to the invoking of his muse. 

Ewen was unable from weakness to converse, or even to 

speak with the bard, who, kindling a fire for himself, sat 

down, and the elegy being composed, he was humming it 

over. He soon found, however, that Ewen had still his 

bodily sense of hearing, and his mental sense of pride. 

When the bard came to the recital of the last verse, the 

concluding lines of which may be thus metrically rendered, 

though we acknowledge not poetically, 

* ( Among men's sons where could be found 

One lowly, poor, like thee ? 

And where iu all this earth's wide round, 

But kings, more high than He ?" 

— 

head, who only observed it just in time to avoid it. He 

used, we may believe, the mildest measures to pacify 

Ewen's choler. He related the circumstance afterwards 

to some of his friends ; and, though others frequently 

spoke of it as a good joke, the bard could never indulge, 

we are told, even in a smile, upon the subject. He spoke 

of it with solemnity ; and did not desire to hear the circumstance 

repeated. Ewen's elegy has been frequently 

compared to the well known Ode of Horace, " Sulvilur 

acrishi.ms," Sec. ; and had Rob Uonn studied Horace, we 

would doubtless say that he had at least in view the lines, 

" Pallida mors lequo puliul pole,'" &c.*— Memoir. ii-'J. 

RAN N. 

[A rinn am bàrd, air madainn, aim an taigh mimstear 

'Shleibhte, air an turus bha c san eilean-sgiathanach. 

Thainig hard de mhuinntir an Eilein do thaigh a' uihinistear, 

agus iad ri 'm biadh-maidne. Dh.iarr am ministear 

air ranr. a dheanamh air j— " Sgiath chogaidh, im, muc, 

piomb-thombaca, agus Sagart." Rinn am hard Sgiathanach 

so, mar chithear; agus thubhairt Rob Donn, " 'S 

bochd dh-fhagthu 'n Sagart," agus anil an liotarinne-fein 

a'n rami mu dheireadh.] 

THl'IRT AM BAUD SGIATHANACH. 

A' mhuc mar bhiadh, 

'S an sgiath mar bhòi'd, 

'S an Sagart nach itheadh an t-im, 

Sparrainn a' phìob 'n a tbòin, 

THORT KOB DO>'N. 

Bhiadhainn an Sagart gu grinn 

— 

Hheirinn dha 'n t-im air a' mhuic : 

An targaid air a làimh chli, 

A*s piob-thombaca'n a phluic ! 

* Regarding this elegy, an anecdote is recorded, which exhibits 

the estimation in which it was held by the author's countrymen 

best able to judge of poetic merit. Mr Mackay (7am Mac Each' 

uinn) happened to be on a visit to Mr Murdoch Macdonald, 

minister of Durness, when on a Sabbath morning the weather 

became so very boisterous that Mr Macdonald expressed doubts 

whether it were proper to go to church, nr to detain the people by 

the usual length of service—expressing a fear, at the same time, 

that if once begun, he might forget himself, and detain them long. 

His guest urged the propriety of not detaining the people—" But 

I will tell you," said he, " what yoo had better do; just go to 

Ewen, summoning the remains of his strength to or.e 

' church, and sing to them Marbhrunn Eogliainn?—it will be 

effort of revenge for the insult in the former two liDes, 

greatly more instructive than any sermon you can give." Mr 

seizing a club, crept out of bed, and was at the full Macdonald's esteem for Ewen's elegy did not go quite so far, as to 

stretch of his withered arm wielding a blow at the bard's caus-.- him to adopt the advice.

216 SAK-OUAIR. NAM BARD GAELACII. 

DONNACHADH BAN. 

Dukcan Macintyke, commonly culled Donnacha Bun nan dran was born at 

Druimliaghart, in Glenorcliay, on the 20th March, 1724. He spent the early part of 

his life in fishing and fowling, in which he always took the greatest pleasure. Although 

he discovered an early inclination to poetry, he produced nothing worthy of being pre- 

served till after the memorable battle of Falkirk, in which he fought, under the command 

of Colonel Campbell, of Carwhin, on the 17th of January, 1746. He engaged as the 

substitute of a Mr Fletcher, of Glenorcliay, for the sum of 300 marks, Scots, to be paid 

on his return. Mr Fletcher gave him his sword, which he unfortunately lost, or rather 

threw away, in the retreat; and as he returned without it, he was refused the stipulated 

pay. It was then, and for that reason, that he composed his poem, entitled " The Battle 

of Falkirk," in which he has given a minute and admirable description of what passed 

under his eye ; and especially of the sword (Claidheamh ctannard Chluinn-an-Leisdcir .) 

He endeavours to excuse himself for his retreat, and more especially for parting with 

such a useless weapon ; and he could have entered the army of the prince with much 

more zeal, had he been among the Jacobites. He, therefore, indulges his inclination in 

the descriptions he gave. The resentment of a bard, was not, in former days, incurred 

with impunity. The poem was known every where, recited in all parts. The famous 

battle of Falkirk was enough to give it publicity ; and the ridicule so ingeniously, 

though indirectly, aimed at the gentleman who refused so paltry a sum of money to one 

who risked his life on his account, was well understood in the whole country. But 

Macintyre was not satisfied with all he said of the useless sword. He complained of 

the injustice done him, to the Earl of Brcadalbane, who obliged Mr Fletcher to pay 

him his wages. 

The first time he saw Macintyre after paying him, was at. a market ; being incensed at 

bin) for daring to complain of him, and more so because of his audacity in lampooning 

him, he stepped up, and taking his staff, struck him, exclaiming, " Go, fellow, and com- 

pose a song to that." The humble poet of nature was obliged to submit in silence, to the 

unworthy treatment, and, shrugging his shoulders, walked away. But the pain he fell was 

momentary; not so the wound of the passionate man, inflicted by the sharp edge of genius. 

It was probed by the disapprobation of all who witnessed his conduct, which recoiled on 

himself as a more severe punishment than he had given to the young poet of rising fame. 

Duncan Macintyre, being a good marksman, was appointed forester to the Farl of 

Braidalbane, in Coire-Cliealhaich, and Beinndòrain; and afterwards to the Duke of 

Argyle, in Buachaill Eile. In these situations he invoked the rural muse, on the scenes 

ol his delightful .-ports, when he described them in the celebrated poems, entitled " Bcinn-


dòain" and " Coire-Cheuthaich" in strains that are inimitable, and have rendered his 

name immortal. Good judges of Gaelic poetry seem to be at a loss to which of these pro- 

ductions to give the preference. The first required powers, and knowledge of the noble 

amusement of the chase, and of the music of the bagpipes, to which few can aspire. And 

while we affirm that he was never equalled in this species except by the celebrated 

M'Donald, in his praise of Mòrag, we must conclude it to be his master-piece. And 

where is any to be compared to the last ? which is indeed unrivalled. 

Public schools were but thinly established in the Highlands of Scotland in his early 

days; and his place of residence was distant from the parochial school, so that our author 

derived no benefit from education. He possessed no advantage in reading the works of 

others, nor had he an opportunity of getting his own productions written. One advan- 

tage he had that was common to all lovers of song—he heard the poetry of his country 

recited; and, so tenacious was his memory, that not a line, or a word, of his own composi- 

tion escaped it, which had only been written when sent to the press. A clergyman trans- 

scribed them from oral recitation. The first edition of his poems and songs was published 

in 1768. He went through the Highlands for subscribers, to defray the expense. During 

his life his work came to three editions, and since then, one edition was printed in Glasgow, 

in 1833. 

He afterwards served in the Earl of Breadalbane's Fencible regiment, during the period 

of six years, (1793— 1799) until it was discharged ; he was a considerable time in the 

city guard of Edinburgh ; and after that lived a retired life, subsisting on what he could 

have saved of the subscriptions of the third edition, which he published in 1804. The 

collection contains lyric, comic, epic, and religious compositions, all of merit, and com- 

posed solely by himself, unassisted in any way but by the direction and power of his own 

genius. His poetical talents, therefore, justly entitle him to rank among the first of the 

modern bards. He died at Edinburgh, in October, 1812. In his younger days he was 

remarkably handsome, and throughout his whole life possessed an agreeable and easy dis- 

position. He was a pleasant and convivial companion ; inoffensive, and never wantonly 

attacked any person ; but, when provoked, he made his enemy feel the power of his re- 

sentment. See his verses to Uisdean and others. Neither he nor M'Donald knew when 

to set bounds to their descriptions, and in their satires went on beyond measure. 

Duncan Macintyre lived to see the last edition of his poems delivered to his subscribers. 

The Rev. Mr M'Callum, of Arisaig, " saw him travelling slowly with his wife. He was 

dressed in the Highland garb, with a checked bonnet, over which a large bushy tail of a 

wild animal hang ; a badger's skin fastened by a belt in front, a hanger by his side, and 

a soldier's wallet was strapped to his shoulders. He was not seen by any present before 

then, but was immediately recognised. A forward young man asked him 

he that made Ben-dourain ? ' No,' replied the venerable old man, 

217 

' if it was 

' Ben-dourain was 

made before you or I was born, but I made a poem in praise of Ben-dourain.' He 

then enquired if any would buy a copy of his book. I told him to call upon me, paid him 

three shillings, and had some conversation with him. He spoke slowly ; he seemed to have 

no high opinion of his own works ; and said little of Gaelic poetry ; but said, that officers in


tlic army used to tell him about the Greek poets ; and Pindar was chiefly admired by 

him." 

Of his works, the poems and songs composed when following the pursuits of his youth- 

ful pleasures, are incomparably the best. It would be endless to attempt to mark the par- 

ticular beauties in them. The reader must peruse them all in their native garb, the 

natural scenes of his darling pursuits are well known, but in his description every thing 

assumes a novel appearance, and in the enchanted scenes that rapidly pass, we wonder 

that we never observed such beauties before in so bewitching colours. His soul was 

poured out in the animating and interesting strains. His language is simple and appro- 

priate ; chaste and copious. He is most felicitous in the choice of words, idioms, and 

expressions. He was a man of observation and thought, and revolved the subject of his 

study often in his mind. M'Donald is learned, and indicates the scholar on all occasions 

he was the pupil of nature. M'Donald could not compose on the spur of the moment, 

a reply impromptu. There is, however, an instance in which Macintyre proved that he 

was not deficient in that manner. When he composed the inimitable panegyric of John 

Campbell of the bank, he waited on that gentleman, repeated the poem, and demanded 

a bard's gift. " No ;" replied Mr Campbell, " what reward do you deserve for telling 

the truth ? You must confess that you could say no less of me ; and, moreover, I doubt 

that you are the author ; of that you are to convince me ; let us hear how you can dis- 

praise me, and then, I shall know, if you have been able to compose what you have 

repeated." Well, Macintyre commenced in the same measure, and continued in flowing 

and ready numbers till the gentleman was glad to stop him by giving him his reward. 

Of his love songs the best is that composed to his wife " Màiri Bhàn òg." It seems 

an inexhaustible subject, in which he pours out the happy thoughts and elevated senti- 

ments of the lover, in similes and comparisons taken from the most delightful scenes of 

nature, and the field of mental enjoyments. The Gth and 7th stanzas are truly beautiful. 

The Lament of Colin Campbell, Esq. of Glenure, would alone immortalize his name. 

The subject was well adapted to awaken melancholy feelings of the most poignant nature. 

Mr Campbell fell the victim of envy and ill-will, arising from ill-founded suspicion. 

What pathos and tenderness! The mournful strains that so eloquently describe the fatal 

events were not those of a mercenary bard ; they were the painful feelings of a foster- 

brother, poured out in the most earnest and pathetic effusions of a mind alive to the senti- 

ments of an unfeigned sympathy. 

His final leave of the mountains, dated 19th September, 1802, is full of tenderness, and 

sentiment, appropriate to his age and reminiscences. 

;

UONNACHADH BAN. 219 

OR AN DO B II LA It NA H-EAGLAISE B II 1 C E.* 

Latha dhuinn air machair Alba, 

Na bha dh-armailt aig a chuigse, 

Thachair iad oirime na reubail, 

'8 bu ueo-eibhinn leinn a chuideachd ; 

'Nuair a chair iad an ratreut oirim, 

'S iad 'nar deigh a los ar murtadh, 

'S mar deaaamaid team le'r casan, 

Cha tug sinne srad le'r musgan. 

'S a dol an coinneamh a Phrionnsa, 

Gu'm bu shunudach a bha sinne, 

Shaoil sinn gu'm faigheamaid eùis dheth, 

'S nach ro dhuinn, ach dol g'a sireadh ; 

'Nuair a bbuail iad air a cheile, 

'S ard a leumamaid a pilleadh, 

'S ghabh sinn a mach air an abhainn, 

'S dol gar n-amhaich aim sail linne. 

'N am do dhaoine dol nan cideadh, 

Los na reabalaich a philleadh, 

Cha do shaoil sinn, gus na gheill sinn, 

Gur sinn fèin a bhite 'g iomain ; 

Mar gu'n rachadh cù ri eaoirich, 

'S iad 'nan ruith air aodainn glinne, 

'S arm mar sin aghabh iad sgaoileadh 

Air an taobh air an robh sinne. 

Sin 'nuair thaiuig each 'sa dhearbh iad 

Gu'm bu shearbh dhuinn dol nan cuideachd ; 

Se'n trup Ghallda g'an robh ehàll sin, 

Bha Coluinn gun cheann air cuid diubh : 

'Nuair a thachair ribh Clann-Dòmhiiuill, 

Chum iad cbmhail air an uchdan, 

Dh-fhàg iad creuclidan air an rèubadh, 

'S cha leighiseadh leigh an cuislean. 

Bha na h-eich gn cruitheach, sriauach, 

Girteach, iallach, fìamhaeh, trùpach ; 

'S bha na fir gu h-armach, fògliluimt', 

Air an sonnrachadh gu murta. 

'Nuair a dh-aom sinn bharr an t-sleibh', 

Is mòran feum againn air furtach, 

Na bha beo bha cuid dhiubh leoint', 

'S bha sinn brùnach mu 'na thuit ann. 

Dh-eirich fuathas ann san ruaig dhuinn, 

'Nuair a ghluais an sluagh le leathad ; 

Bha Priouns' Tearlach le ehuid Frangach, 

'S iad an geall air teachd 'nar rathad : 

* This is the author's first song. 

Air FOKN— " Alusdair u Gleanna-Garadh." 

Cha d' fhuair sinn facal comand' 

A dh-iarraidh ar nàimhdeau a sgathadh ; 

Ach com. is sgaoileadh feadh an t-saoghail, 

'S cuid againn gu'n fhaotain I'hathasd. 

Sin 'nuair thkinig mise dhachaigh 

Dh-ionnsuidh Ghilleaspuig o'n Chrannaich, 

'S aim a bha e 'n sin cho i'hiata, 

Ri broc liath a bhiodh an garraidh ; 

Bha e duilich aim san km sin, 

Nach robh ball aige r'a tharruinn, 

'S mùr an diubhail na bha dhi air, 

Claidheamh sinnsireachd a sheanar. 

Mòran iarruinn air bheag faobhair, 

Gu'm be sud aogas a chlaidheiinh ; 

'Se gu lùbach, leumnach, bearnach, 

'S bha car cam ann, aim san amhaich ; 

Dh-fhàg e mo chruachainse brùite 

Bhi 'ga ghiùlan feadh an rathaid, 

'S e cho tròin ri cabar i'earna, 

•S mairg a dh-thairdeadh an robh rath air. 

'Nuair a chruinnich iad nan ceudan 

'N là sin air sliabh na h-eaglais, 

Bha ratreud air luclid na Beurla, 

'S aim daibh fein a b' èigin teicheadh ; 

Ged' a chaill mi aim sail am sin 

Claidheamh ceannairt Chloinn-an-Leasdair ; 

Claidheamh bearnach a mhi-ihortain, 

'S aim bu choltach e ri greidlein. 

Am ball-teirmeisg a bha meirgeacli, 

Nach d'riun seirbheis a bha dleasach ; 

'S beag an diùbhail learn r'a chunntadh, 

Ged' a dh-ioimdrain mi mu fheasgar, 

An claidheamh dubh nach d'fhuair a sgùradh, 

'S neul an t-suthaidh air a leath-taobh ; 

'S beag a b'f'hiù e'se air luhadh, 

'S gu'm b'e diuthadh a bhuill-deis e. 

An claidheamh braoisgeach, bh'aig na daoine, 

Nach d'riun caonnag 's nach tug buillean, 

Cha robh eugas air an t-saoghal, 

'S mairg a shaoraich leis an cuimeasg ; 

An claidheamh dubh air 'n robh an t-almhleas, 

Gu'n chrios, gun chrambait, gun duille, 

Gu'n roinn, gun fhaobhar, gun cheana-bheart, 

S mairg a thàrladh leis an cunnait.

220 SAR-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACH.

'S i mo bheanag ghaolach 

Nach dean mo mhealladh, 

Fòghnaidh i dhomh daonnau 

A dheanamh arain ; 

Clia bhi fTi i 1 1 i n n aodaich 

Orm no anart, 

'S chaidh cùram an t-saogliail 

A nis as m'aire ! 

MOLADH BEINN-DORAIN. 

Air roN.v—f i Puòaireaehd. n 

Urlar. 

Ak t-urram thai- gach beiun 

Aig Beinn-dbrain ! 

Nh chunnaic mi fo 'n ghrein, 

Si bu bhòiche learn ; 

Monadh fada, rèidh, 

Cuile 'm faigbte t'eidh, 

Soilleireachd an t-sleibhe 

Bha mi sònnrachadh ; 

Doireachan nan geug, 

Coill' anus am bi feur, 

S Ibineasach an spreidh, 

Bhios a cbbmbnaidh ami ; 

Greadhainn bu gheal ceir, 

Faoghaid air an dèigh, 

'S laghach learn an sreud 

A bha sròineiseach. 

'S aigeannach tear eutrom, 

Gun mhòrehuis, 

Theid fasanda na eideadh, 

Neo-spòrsail ; 

Tha mhanntal uime fèin, 

Caidhtiche nach treig, 

Bratach dhearg mar cheir 

Bhios mar chòmhdach air ; 

'S culuidh g'a chuir èug, 

Duin' a dheanailh teuchd, 

Gunna bu mhath glèus, 

An glac ùganaich : 

Spòr anns am biodh beam, 

Tarran air a ceann, 

Snap a bhuaileadh teann 

Kis na h-ordaibh i; 

Ochd-shlisneach gun fheall, 

Stoc de'n fhiodh gun mheang, 

Lotadh an damh seang, 

As a leònadh e. 

'S fear a bhiodh mar cheaird, 

Riu' sùjinraichte, 

Dh-fhùdhnadh dhaibh gun taing, 


Le chuid seòlaidhean ; 

Gbeibhte sud ri am 

Pàdruig anus a' ghleann, 

Gillean a's coin sheang, 

'S e toirt orduidh dhaibh ; 

Peileirean nan deann, 

Teine g'an cuir arm, 

Eilid nam beanu àrd, 

Theid a leunadh leo. 

'Si 'n eilid bheag, bhinneach, 

Bu ghuiniche sraonadh, 

Le cuinnein geur, biorach, 

A sireadh na gaoithe, 

Gasganach, speireach, 

F'eadh chreachainn na beinne, 

Le eagal ro' theine, 

Cha teirinn i 'n t-aonach ; 

Ge d' thèid i na cabhaig, 

Cha ghearain i maothan ; 

Bha siiinsreachd fallain, 

'Nuair a shìneadh i h-anail, 

'S toil-inntinn learn tanasg, 

Ga' lanngan a chluinntiiin, 

'Si 'g iarraidh a leannain 

'N am darraidh le caoineas, 

'S e damh a chinn allaidh 

Bu gheal-cheireach feamari, 

Gu caparach, ceannard, 

A b' f'haramach raoiceadh, 

'S e chòmhnuidh 'm Beinn-dòrain, 

'S e eolach m'a fraoinibh. 

'S ann am Beiim-dòrain, 

Bu mhòr dhomh r'a innseadh 

A liuthad damh ceannard, 

Tha fanntuinn san fhrith ud ; 

Eilid chaol, eanngach, 

'S a laoighean 'ga leantuinn, 

Le 'n gasgana geala, 

Ri bealach a direadh, 

Ri fraoidh Choire-chruiteir, 

A chuideachda phiceach ; 

'Nuair a shìneas i h-iongan 

'S a theid i na' deannaibh, 

Cha saltradh air thalamh, 

Ach barran nan inean, 

Cò b'urrain g'a leantuinn, 

A dh-fhearaibh na rioghachd ? 

'S anaideach, farumach, 

Carach air grine, 

A chòisridh nach fh::nadh 

Gne smal air an inntin, 

Ach caochlaideach, curaideach. 

Caol-cliasach, ullamh, 

An aois cha chuir truim' orra, 

221

222 SAR-OBAllt NAM 13AHD GAELACH.

Air dheireadh cha bhi e : 

Leis an eangaig bu chaoile 

'Seb' eutruime sinteag, 

Mu chiiocanaibh donna 

Le ruith dara-tomain, 

'S e togairt an coinneamh 

13ean-chomuinn o's 'n iosal. 

Tha mhaoisleach bheag bhrannga 

Sa' ghleannan a chòmhnaidh, 

'S i fuireach san fhireach 

Le minneinean òga : 

Cluas bhiorach gu clàisteachd, 

Sùil chorrach gu faicinn, 

'S i earbsach 'na casan 

Chur seachad na miiintich : 

Ged' thig Caoillte 's Cuchullainn, 

'S gach duine de'n t-seòrs' ud, 

Na tha dhaoine 's do dh-eachaibh, 

Air fasta rìgh Deòrsa, 

Nan tèarnadh i craiceann 

O luaidhe 's o lasair, 

Cha chual' a's cha 'n fhac i 

Na ghlacadh r'a beò i 

; 

'S i grad-charach, fad-chasach, 

Aigeannaoh, neonach, 

Geal-cheireach, gasganach, 

Gealtach roi' mhadadh, 

Air chaisead na leachdainn 

Cha saltradh i eòmhnard : 

Si noigeanach, groigeasach 

Gog-cheannach, sòrnach ; 

Bior-shuileach, sgur-shuileach, 

Frionasach, furachair, 

A fuireach sa' mhunadh, 

'Sna thuinicl) a seòrsa. 

Urlar. 

Bi sin a' mhaoisleach luaineach, 

Feadh ùganan ; 

Biolaichean nam bruach 

'S àite-còmhnuidh dh'i, 

Duilleagan nan craobh, 

Bileagan an fhraoich 

Criomagan a gaoil, 

Cha b'e 'm fòtrus. 

A h-aigneadh eutrom suairc, 

Aobhach ait gun ghruaim, 

Ceann bu bhraise, ghuanaiche, 

Ghòraiche ; 

A' chrè bu cheanalt' stuaim, 

Chalaich i gu buan 

An gleann a' bharraich uaine 

Bu nòsaire. 

'S trie a ghabh i cluain 

Sa' chreig mhòir, 

O'n is miosail Ieatha bhi 'Luan 

A's a Dhòmhnach ann : 

Fris an dean i suaiu 

DONNACHADH BAN. 223 

Bichiontamu'n cuairt, 

A bhristeas a' ghaoth tuath, 

'S nach leig de'. oirre, 

Am fasgadh doire-chrò, 

An taice lis an t-sroin, 

Am measg nam faillean òga 

'S nan còsagan. 

Masgadh 'n i'huarain mhòir, 

'S e paillte gu leùir, 

'S blasda le' na'm beòr 

Gu bhi pòit orra. 

Deoch den t-sruthan uasal 

R'a òl aice, 

Dh' i'hagas fallain, 

Fuasgailteach, òigeil i : 

Grad-charach ri uair, 

'S eathlamh bheir i cuairt, 

'Nuair thachradh i'n ruaig, 

'S a bhiodh tòir oirre. 

'S mao-bhuidh daitht' a siiuhì;1>, 

Dearg a dreach sa tuar, 

'S gurro-iomadh buaidh 

Tha mar chòladh oirr' ; 

Fulangach air t'uachd, 

Is i gun chum' air luath's ; 

Urram clàisteachd chluas 

Na Rinn-eòrpa dh'i. 

Siubhal. 

Bu ghrinn learn am panual 

A' tarruinn an òrdugh, 

A' direadh le f'arum 

Ri carraig na Sròine ; 

Eadar sliabh Craobh-na-h-airinis, 

A's beul Choire-dhainghein, 

Bu bhiadhchar greidh cheannard 

Nach ceannaich am pòrsan ; 

Da thaobh choire-rannoich 

Mu sgeith sin a' bhealaich, 

Coire reidh Beinn-Achaladair, 

A's thairis mu'n chonn-lon s 

Air lurgain na Laoidhre 

Bu ghreadhnach a' chòisri, 

Mu làrach-na-Feinne 

'S a' Chraig-sheilich 'na dheigh sin, 

Far an cruinnich na h-eildean 

Bu neo-spèiseal mu'n fhbghlaicb : 

'S gu'm b'e 'n aighear a's an tibhneas 

Bhi faicheachd air reidhlein, 

'A comh-mhacnus r'a chèile, 

'S a' leumnaich feadh mòintich ; 

Ann am pollachaibh daimseir 

Le sodradh gu meamnach, 

Gu togarrach mearrachdasach, 

Ain-fheasach gbrach. 

'S cha bhiodh lot air an teangaidh 

Taobh shois a' Mhill-teanail, 

Le fion-uillt na h-Annaid,

224 SAlt-OBAilt NAM BAUD GAELAGH. 

Bias meala r'a òl air ;

'S a h-aire ri fear-cròice ; 

Bhiodh rudan air an tarruinn 

Leis an lùbt' an t-iarrunn-earra, 

Bhpireadh ionnsai' nacfa bi'dh mearachdach 

Uo'n fhear a bhiodh 'ga seòladh ; 

Spor ùr an deis a teannachadh, 

Buil' ùird a' sgailceadh dainghean ris, 

Cha diùlt an t-srad, 'nuair bheanaa i 

Do'n deannaigh a bha neònach : 

Se 'm fùdar tioram tean-abaich 

Air cliul an asgairt ghreannanaich, 

Cuir smùid ri acuinn mheallanaich 

A baraille Nic-Còiseam. 

B'ionmhuinn le fir cheanalta, 

Nach b'aineolach mu spòrsta, 

Bhi timcheall air na bealaichean 

Le fearal.aehd na h-òige : 

Far am bi na feidh gu farumach, 

'S na fir 'nan deigh gu caithriseach, 

Le gunna bu mhath barrandas 

Thoirt aingil 'nuair bu choir dh'i ; 

S le cuilean foirmeal togarrach, 

'G am biodh a stiùir air bhogadan, 

'S e miol'airteich gu sodanach, 

'S nach ob e dol 'nan còdhail ; 

'Na fhurbuidh làidir, cosgarrach, 

Ko iuntinneach, neo-fhoistinnach, 

Gu guineach, sgiamhach, gob-easgaidh, 

San obair bh'aig a sheòrsa ; 

'S a fhriogan cuilg a' togail air, 

Gu maildheach, gruamach, doichealach, 

'S a gheanachan cnuasaichd fosgailt', 

'Comh-bhogartaich r'an sgJunan, 

Gum b' araideach a' charachd ud, 

'S bu chabhagach i 'n cùmhnuidh, 

'Nuair a shineadh iad na h-iongannan 

Le h-athghoirid na mòintich ; 

Na beanntaichean 's na bealaichean 

Gu'm freagradh iad mac-talla dhut, 

Le fuaim na gairme gallanaich 

Aig farum a' choin ròmaich : 

'Gan tearnadh as na mullaichean 

Gu linnichean nach grunnaich iad, 

'S ann a bhith's iad t'eadh na tuinrie ; 

Anns an luineinich 's iad leòiute 

'S na cuileinean gu fulasgach 

'G an cumail air na munealaibh, 

'S nach urrainn iad dol tuilleadli as, 

Ach fuireach, 's bhi gun deò annt', 

'S ge do thuirt mi began liu, 

Mu'n innsinn ail' an dleasnas orra, 

Chuireadh iad a' m' bhreislich mi 

Le deisimearachd chùmraidh. 


COIRE.CHEATHAICH. 

Se Coire-cheathaieh nan aighean siùbhlach, 

An coire rùnach, is urar fonn, 

Gu lurach, miadh-fheurach, mìn-gheal, sùghar, 

Gach lusan flùiir bu chùbhraidh learn ; 

Gu molach dù-ghorm, torrach luisreagach, 

Corrach plùireanach, dlù-ghlan grinii ; 

Caoin, ballach, dìtheanach, cannacb, mislefinach, 

Gleann a' mhìlltich, 'san lionmhor mang. 

Tha falluinn dhùinte, ga daingheaii, dùbailt', 

A mhaireas ùinne, mu'n rùisg i lorn, 

Do'n fheur is cùl-fhinne dh' fhàs na h-uraeh, 

'S a bhàrr air lubadh le driùchda trùm, 

Mu choire guanach nan torran uaine, 

A' bheil luibh a's luachaira suas g'a cheann ; 

'S am f.sach guamach an càs a bhuanadh, 

Nam b' àite cruidh e, 'm biodh tuath le'n suim 

Tha trusgan faoilidh air emit an aonaich, 

Chuir suit is aoidh air gach taobh a d' chòm, 

Mìn-fheur chaorach is barraibh bhraonan, 

'S gach lus a dh' f'heudadh bhi 'n aodainn thòmi 

M'an choir' is aoidheala tha r'a fhaotain, 

A chunnaic dao'me an taobh so 'n Fhraitig ; 

Mnr dean ecaochladh, b' e 'n t-aighear saoghalt' 

Do ghillean aotrom bhi daonnan ann. 

'Sann m'anRuadh-aisrigh dh'fhiisnacuairtagan, 

Clùthar, cuaicheanach, cuannar, àrd, 

Na h-uile cluaineag 's am bàrr air luasgndh, 

'S a ghaoth 'g an sguabadh a null 'sa nail : 

Bun na cipe is bar a' inhllltich, 

A chuiseag dhireach, 's an fhiteag cham ; 

Muran brioghar, 's an grunnasg lionmhor, 

M' an chuilidh dhiomhair, am bi ua suinn. 

Tha sliabh na làirig an vobh mac-Bhaidi, 

'Na mhothar fàsaich, 's na stràchda ti'òm ; 

Slios na bàn-leachdainn, cha 'n i is tuire, 

'S gur trie a dh' àraich i 'n làn damh donn : 

'S na h-aighean dàra nach teid a 'n bhà-thaigh, 

A bhios le 'n àlach gu h-ard 'nan grunn, 

'S na laoigh gu h-uiseil a là 'sa dh'oidhche, 

'Snah-uireadcruinndiubhairdruimClach-fionn. 

Do leacan ohaoimhneil gu dearcach, braoileagach, 

Breac le foireagan is cruinn dearg ceann 

'N creamh na chaiaichean, am bac nan staidh- 

Stacnn fraoineasach nach bu ghann : [richean, 

Am bearnan-bride, 's a pheighinn rio^hail, 

S an canach min-gheal, 's am mislean ann ;

226 SAROBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

\S a li-uile mir dhi'tli, o'n bliun is isle 

Gu h-ionad cirean na crìch' la aim'. 

'S rìraheach còta na craige mòire, 

'S clia *n 'ell am fblach a' d'chotr 'sail àm, 

Aeh mènnan còlnnticb, o s e bu nbsaire, 

Air a cbomhdachadh bhos a's thall : 

Na lagain chòmhnard am bun nan srimag, 

Am bi na sòghraiahean, 's naòineìn fann, 

Gu bi leach, feòirneineach, milis, roineagach, 

Molaeb, ròmach, gach seòrs' a th' aim. 

Tha mala ghruamach, de'n bhiolar uaine, 

Mu'n h-uile faaran a th' aim san fhonn ; 

Is doire shealbag aig bun nan garbh-chlach, 

S grinneal gainbheieh" gu meanbh-gheal, protin ; 

'Na ghlugaibh plumbacli air ghoil gun aon teas, 

Ach coileach bùirn tighin' ;i gruimd eas lorn, 

Gach strutban uasal 'na chuailean cul-ghoi m, 

A' ruith na sputaibh, 's na lùbaibh steoll. 

Tha bradan tarra-gheal sa choire gbarbhlaicb, 

Tha tig'n o'n thairge bu ghailbheach tonn, 

Le luinneis mheamnach a' ceapa mheanbhchuil- 

Gu nco-chearbach le cham-ghob cròm : [eag, 

Air bhuinne borb, is e leum gu foirmefl, 

'Na eideadh colgail bu ghorm-glas druim. 

Le shòilsean airgeid, gu h-iteacb meaua-bhrcac, 

Gu lannach, dearg-bhallach, carr-gheal sliom. 

•S Coire'-cheathaich an t-aighear priseil, 

'S an t-;iite rioghail mu'm bidht' a' sealg, 

Is bidh fcidh air ghiiilan le làmhach fùdair, 

A' cur luaidbe dhu'-ghorm gu dlu nan calg : 

An gunna gleusda, s' an cuilean eutrom, 

(in I'uileach, feumanach, treubhach, garg, 

A ruith gu siùbblach, a gearradh shiirdag, 

'S a dol g'a dhùlan ri cursan dearg. 

Gheibhte daonnan mu d' ghlacaibh Canine, 

Na h-aighean maola, na laoigh, 's na maing. 

Sud bu mliiaun leinn 'am madainu ghrianaich, 

Bhi dol g' an an iarra'nlh, 's a' liadhach bheann, 

Ged thigeadh siontan oiinn' uisg a's dile, 

Bha seòl g'ar didean mu'n cbiicli san .'.in, 

An crcagan iosal am bun na Crithe, 

S an leabaidh dbiona, 's mi m' shincadh aim. 

Sa'mbadatnn cbintn-ghil,an àmdhomhdùsgadh, 

Aig bun na stùice be 'n sùgradh learn ; 

A' chearc le sgiùran a' gabhail tùebain, 

S an coileach cùirteil a dùrdail cròm : 

An dreathan surdail, 's a rihheid cliiuil aige, 

A' cur nan smùid detb gu lughor binn ; 

An druid s am brii-dhearg, le mòran ùinich, 

Ri ceileir sunndacli bu xhiubhlach rami. 

Bha eoin an t-sh'ibbe 'nan ealtain gle-ghloin, 

A' gabhail bheusan air gheig sa' cboill, 

An niseag cheutach, 's a luinneag i'ein nice, 

Feadan ipèlaei) gu reidh a seinn : 

A rhuar h, 'sa smeJaach, am bar nan ògan, 

A' gabhail brain gu ceolmhor binn : 

'Nualr gboir an manual gu loinneil, guanach, 

'S e 's gloin' a chualaa am t'uaim sa' glileann. 

'Nuair thig iad còmhla' na bheil a' d' ehòirse 

Den h-uile seòrsa bu choir bhi aim ; 

Damh na crdiceair sratb na mbintich, 

'S e gabhail crònain le drebcam àrd ; 

A' dol san fheithe gu bras le h-eibhnras, 

A' mire-leumnaich ri eildeig dhuinn ; 

Bi sin an ribhinn a dh'fhas gu mileanta, 

Foinneamh, riuealta, direach, seang. 

Tlia mhaoiseach chùl-bhui air feadb na dus- 

Aig bun nam (ìùran 'gan rìisga* lbm, Lining 

'S am hoc gu h-ùtluidh ri leaba chùirteil, 

'S e 'ga bùracb le rùdan crbm ; 

'S am miimean riabhach bu luime cliathach, 

Le chunnein fiata, is riadhaich ceann, 

'Na chadal guamach an lagan uaignearh, 

Fo bbàrr na luachrach na chuairteig chruiun. 

Is lionmhor cnuasaehd a bha mu'n cuairt dut, 

Hi am am buain gum bu luaineach claim, 

Ki tional guamach, gu fearail suairce, 

'S a' roinn gu h-uasal na fhuair iad .inn ; 

Cèir-bbeacb nacnuacalbb, annead na chuairteig, 

'S a mhil 'ga buannachd air cruaidh an mini, 

Aig seillein riabhach, breaca, siianach, 

Le'n crbnan cianail is fiata srann. 

Bha ens ra' fhaotainn de chnothan caoine, 

'S cha b' iad na caochagan aotrom gann, 

Ach bagailt mhaola, bu taine plaoisg, 

' A' toirt brigh a laoghan na maoth -shlait fann : 

j 

j 

Sratb nan caochan 'na dbosaibh caorainn. 

'S na phreasaibb caola, Ian chraobh a's mheang ; 

Na gallain lira, 's na faillein dhlùtba, 

'S am barrach dùinte mu chùl nan crann. 

Gach àite timcheall nam f.isach iomlan, 

- 

Màm a's fion-ghleann, '» an tuilm ga choir . 

Meall-tionail làimh ris, gu molacb, tlàtbail, 

B'e obulaidh dh'àracfa an alaicb òig ; 

Na daimh 's na h-èildean a'm madainn cbeitain 

Gu moch ag oirigh air r&idhlein fe'oir ; 

GreidbeJn dhearg dhiu air taobh gach leargain, 

Mu 'n Choire gharbblaicb, 'g an ainm an Ceo.

OR AN DO'N GHUNNA 

GA 'X AINM MC-COISEAM. 

LUIXXEAG. 

Horo mo chuid chuideachd lint, 

Our mvladach Icam nam tint ; 

Horo mo cltttid chuideachd tint, 

'6' mi direadh bheann a's uchdanan. 

B'dit learn tltu bid cuidir riinn, 

'iS do ch udtltrom air mo tjhukiinu. 

'Nuair chaidh mi do Ghleann-Lòcha, 

'Sa cheannaich mi Nic-Còiseam, 

'S mise nach robh gòrach, 

'Nuair chuir mi 'n t-òr ga fuasgladh. 

Horo mo chuid, 4'C 

Tbug mi Choire-cheathaich thu, 

'Nuair bha mi fhdin a taghaicb aim, 

'S trie a chuir mi laidhe leat, 

Na daimh 's ua h-aidheau ruadha. 

Horo mo chuid, £c. 

Thug mi Bheinn-a-chaistil thu, 

'S do'n fhàsach a tlia 'n taice ri, 

Am Màm a's Creag-an-aparrain, 

Air leaca Beinn-nam-f'uaran. 

Horo mo chuid, 8ps, 

Thug mi thu Bheinn-dùrain, 

An cinne na daimh chròcach, 

•Nuair theannadh iad ri cròtian, 

Bu bhùidheach leam an nuallan. 

Horo ma chuid, Ac. 

Thug mi Choire-chruiteir thu, 

O's àite grianach tlusail e, 

Gu biachar, tiarach, lusanach, 

Bhiodh spuirt ami aig daoin'-unillsc\ 

Horo mo chuid, fyc. 

Ghiùlain mi Ghleann-eite thu, 

Thog mi ris na creisean thu, 

Se mheud 'sa thug mi spuis dut 

A dh'fhig mo cheum cho luaineach. 

Horo mo chuid, c\c. 

'Smath am Meall-a-bhuiridh thu, 

Cha mhiosa 'm Beitm-a-chrùlaist thu, 

'S trie adoisg mi fùdar leat, 

An Coire-chùl-na-cruaicbe. 

Horo mo chuid, Sfc. 

Thug mi Làirig-ghartain thu, 

O's aluinn an coir-altrum i, 

'S na fèidh a deanamh leapaichean 

Air Creachuinn ghlas a bhuachaill. 

Horo mo chuid, Sfc. 

DONNACHAUH BAN. 227 

Tbug mi thu do'n fhàs-ghlaic 

'Sa Ghleann am bi na làn-daimh, 

'S trie a chaidh an iirach 

Mu bbraidhe Cloich-an-tuairneir. 

Hero wo chuid, TN'EAG. 

Chunna mi 'n damh dur.n 

'6' na h-eildean. 

Direadh a bhealaich le chctle ; 

Chimna' mi 'n damh doim 

'6' m h-eildean. 

'S mi tearnadh à Coire cheathaich, 

'S mòr mo mhighean 's mi gun aighear, 

Siubhal i'rìthc rè an latha, 

Thilg mi spraidhe nach d'rinn feum dhotnh. 

Chunna' mi, ò;c 

Ged' tha bacadh air na b-armaibh, 

Ghleidh mi 'n spainteach thuu na seilge, 

Ge do rinn i orm de chearbaich, 

Nach do mharbh i mac na h-eilde. 

Clatnna mi, §c. 

'Nuair a dh'èirich mi sa' mhadaiun, 

Chuir mi innte fùdar Ghlascho, 

Pealair teann a's tri puist Shasnach, 

Cuifean asg;iirt air a dhegh sin. 

Chunna mi. 4'C

228 SAR-OBAllt NAM

'230 SAR-OBAlli NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

'S ami a ghabh lad an ratreuta 

Seach rèidblean nan lùb. 

Cha 'n 'oil pria an ruadh-bhuie, 

An coille na air fuaran, 

Nach b' eigin da bhi gluasad 

Le ruaig feadh na dùthoh' ; 

'S cha' n' eil a nis' man cuairt da, 

Aon spuirt a dheanadh suairrcas, 

No thai tneadh ri duin-uasal 

Ged' fhuasgladh e chu. 

Tha choille bh' ann san fhrith ml, 

Na coislean fada, direach 

Air tuiteam a's air crionadh 

Sios as an rùsg ; 

Na preasan a bha brioghar 

Na dosaibh tiugha lionmhor, 

Air seachda' mar gu'n spiont' iad 

A nios as an ùir ; 

Na faillcanan bu bhòiche, 

Na slatan a's na h-ògain, 

'S an t-ait am biodh an smeùracb, 

Gu mbdhar a st'inn ciùil ; 

Tha iad oil* air caochladh, 

Cha d' fhuirich tiodh no fraoeh anr 

Tha mullach bharr gach craoibhe, 

'S am maor 'ga thoirt did. 

Tha uisge srath na dige, 

Na shruthladh dubh gun sioladh 

Le barraig uaine liogh-ghlais 

Gu mi-bhlasda grannd ; 

Feur-lochain is tàcbair 

An cinn an duileag-bhàite 

Cha 'n 'eil gnù tuille fàs 

An san kit' ud san àm ; 

Glumagan a chuthair, 

Na ghlugaibh domhain, sàmhach, 

Cho tiugh ri sughan ciitha, 

'Na làthaich 'a na phlam ; 

Sean bhùrn salach ruadhain 

Cha ghloinne ghrunnd na uaohda?, 

Gur coslach ri muir ruaidh e, 

Na rnaiinle feadh stanng. 

Tha 'n t-àit an rnbh na fnarain 

Air fàs na ehroitean cruaidhe, 

Gun ibbhracb gu'n sail-chuaieh, 

Gun lus aaaal air cam 

An Bllabb an robli na h-eildean, 

An àite laid he 'a èiridh 

Cho lòna ri cabhsair tèììle, 

'S am feur ohlnn egann : 

Chuir Alasdair le gheisgeil 

A ghrafdb ud as a chèlle, 

'S air learn gur mòr an eucoir 

An fheudail a chall : 

Cha lugha'n t-aobhar mìo-thlarìid, 

Am fear a obleacbd bhi tiorail, 

A' tearnadh a's a direadh 

Iti frith nan damli seang. 

Aeh ma's duine de shliochd Phàdruìg 

A thùid a nis do'n àite, 

'S gu 'n cuir e as a làraich 

An ti'ich'ran a th' aim ; 

Bi'dh 'n coire mar a bha e, 

Bi'dh laoigh is aighe'm dàr ann, 

Bi'dh daimh a dol san damhair, 

Air fasach nam beaun ; 

Bi' buic s'na badain blatha, 

Na brie san abhainn làimh iiu, 

'S na feidh an srath na liirge 

Ag' arach na mang ; 

Tliig gach uile ni g'a àbhaist, 

Le aighear a's le àbhachd, 

'Nuair gheibh am Baran bairlinn, 

Sud fhagail gun taing. 

ORAN GAOIL. 

A Mhairi bhàn gur barrail tha, 

'S gur barraicht' air gach seòl tliu, 

O'n thug mi gaol cho daingean dot, 

'S mi t'fharraid aims gach codhail : 

'S earbsach mi a'd' cheanaltaa, 

'S na fhuair mi chean' ad' chòmhradh, 

Nach in rain n each do mhealladh uam 

'N deis do ghealladh dhòmh-sa. 

'S chuala mi mar shean-fhacal 

Mu'n darach, gur fiodh core e : 

"'S gur geinn' dhetii fhòin 'ga theannariiadh 

A spealtadh e 'na òrdaibh :" 

'S mi 'n dùil, a reir na h-ealaidh sin, 

Gar math leat mi bhi d' sheùrsa, 

Nach treig thu mi, 's gu 'm faigh mi thu 

Le bannaibb daingean phùsda. 

— 

'S e chum an raoir mi m' aireachadli 

An speis a ghabh mi òg dhiòt ; 

Bha amaointean trie air m' airese 

Mu'n ainnir is fliearr fiighluin : 

Cha 'n 'eil Cl'on r'a àireamh ort, 

O' d' bhàrr gu sail do bbrbige, 

Arb oiallach, fiaUidh, (abharach, 

Air fiamh a gbàir' an còmhnuidh. 

'S ilo iluil daithte làn-mhaiseach 

Mu'n cuairt a'd' bhrhigh' an ordugh,

Air sniamh, mar thcudan clkrsaiche, 

Na fhàineachan glan nòsar : 

Gu lidh-dhonn, pleatach, sàr-chleachdach, 

Gu dosaeh, fàsmhor, dòmhail, 

Gu lùbach, dualach, bachlach, guairsgeach, 

Snasmhor, cauchacb, or-bhuidh. 

Tha t-aghaidh nàrach bbanail, 

Dà cliaol mhala mar ite eòin ort ; 

Rosgan r6idhe, fallaine 

'S da shiiil gborm, mheallach, mhòthar : 

Do ghruai'dh mar chaorann meangain, 

A tbug barracbd air na ròsan ; 

Do dheud geal, d reachmb or, meachair, grinu, 

'S do bheul, o'm binn tbig òran. 

Tba do pbòg mar ùbhlan gàraidb, 

'S tha do bbràighe mar an neòinein ; 

Do chioehan liontach, mulanacb, 

'S an siod' g an cumail còinhnard : 

Corp seang, geal, gneadhail, furanach, 

Deagh-chumachdail, neo-spòrsail ; 

Do clialpa cruinne lùgbara, 

'S an troigh nach liib am feòirnean. 

'S e m fàth mail biodh tu talach orm, 

Gur ro-bheag leat mo stùras ; 

'13ha dà-rud-dheug a 1 

tarruinn uam 

Na thionail mi de phbl'Ban ; 

Bhiodh òl, a's f'uisd, a's banais ann ; 

Bha ceùl, a's beus, a's ceannaichcan, 

N' fhe'ill, 's na gibbtean leannanaclid, 

An amaideachd 's an òige. 

'S a nis nam faighinn mar' rium tha, 

Cha leanainn air an t-seòl sin ; 

Dheanainn ;\iteach fearainn, 

A's crodh-bainne chur mu chrò dhut 

Mharbhainn iasg na mara dhut, 

'S am fiadh sa' bhealach cheòthar, 

Le gunna caol nach mearachdaich, 

'S a mhealladh fear na cròice. 

'S mòr an gaol a ghabh mi ort 

Le ro bbeagan a dh-eùlas, 

S mi 'n dùil gur tu bu learinan domh, 

'S nach mealladh tu mi m' dhòchas : 

Ge d' bhiodh am bus an carabh dbomh, 

Gu'n bharail ri tigh'n bet) uaith, 

'S e dh'fhàgadh slàn mi n' rìbhinn mhalda. 

Mairi bhàn o Lùch-lairig. 

; 

DONNACIIADH BAN. 231 

AN NIGHEAN DONN OG. 

'iS i nighean mo ghaoU 

An nighean donn òg , 

Nam biodh tu ri m.' thaobh, 

Cha bhithitmfe? bhrbn. 

'S i nighean mo

232 SAR-OliAIll NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Cha taobb i 

fear idir,

DONNACHADH BAN. 233

234 SAU-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Diouach, daingaan,

Gus an tàiii' an là suarach 

Thug bhuath' an deas l.'imh. 

'S ban-Chaimbeulach dhireach 

An ribhinn dheas òg, 

Cha striocliadh do dhilsean 

A luchd mi-ruin tha bro ; 

'S gach car tha dol diotsa, 

Ga d' shir-chur am moid, 

'S thu theaglach an farla 

Shliochd Dhiarmaid nan sròl. 

Tha Cinneadh do sheanamhar 

Mòr ainmeil gu leòir, 

Na Cama-ahronaich mheamnarh 

Bu gharg air an tòir ; 

'S iomadh àit aims' na dhearbh iad 

Le fearra-ghleus an durn, 

Bhi marbhtach le'u armachd 

Air dearganaich Dheòrs'. 

'S 'n ainnir bu taitnich' 

A bh' ac' aim a s'tir, 

A thachair bhi agam 

'Ga h-altrom le cich ; 

'Nuair a sheasas i fatha^t 

Air faidhir an rlgh, 

Bidh ioma' fear fearainn 

A' faraid,—« Cò i ?" 

Gruagach gheal, shorn ulta, 

Shoilleir gu leòir. 

'S i finealta, foinnidh, 

Gun chroma', gun sgeòp ; 

Calpa deas cosail, 

A choisicheadh rod, 

Troigh chuimir, shocair 

Nach dochuinu a' bhròg. 

'S math thig dhut 'san fhasan 

Gun daithe de'n t-aròl, 

Le staidhs 'ga theannadh 

Cho daingeati 's bu choir 

Faiimeachan daoimein 

Air roinn gach meùir, 

Bidh rufles a's ribeia 

Air Iseabail dig. 

ORAN DO'N T-SEANN 

FHREICEADAN GHAELACH. 

Deoch Slàinnt' an Fhreiceadain, 

'S kill leinn gun cheist i, 

Si an fhàillte nach beag ointn 

Dhol deisal ar cleibh, 


Cha'n fhàg sinn am feasd i, 

On tha sinn cho dleasanach, 

Do na h-àrmuinn bu sheirceile 

Sheasadh an sreud ; 

Na curraidhnean caltna, 

G'am buineadh bhi 'n Albainn, 

Feadh mhonainean garbhlaich 

A' sealg air na feidh, 

Fhuair mis' orra seanachas, 

Nach mios' an cois f'airg' iad, 

Bhi'dh an citcheanan tarbhach 

Le marbhadh' an eisg. 

liuaidh gu brath air na Fleasgaieh, 

Fhuar an àrach am Breatunn, 

Chaidh air sail' o cheann ghreis uainn, 

Dhol am freaadal ri f'eum, 

An loingeas làidir thug leis iad, 

Nach siraicheadh beagan, 

Muir a' garrach gan greasa' 

'S i freagradh dhaibh fèin, 

Chuir gach làmh mar bu deise, 

Buill de'n chòrcaich bu treise, 

Ri barr nan crann seasmhacha 

Leth-taobh gach braid, 

'S 'g imeachd air chuaintibh, 

'Nuair a dh'eirich gaoth tuath le, 

B'ainmeil air luath's i, 

'S igluasad gu reidh. 

'Nuair a chuir iad na h-àrmuiim 

Air tir ann an Flànnhras, 

S iad fada bho'm pàirti, 

'S o'n àiteachan f'ein, 

Bha onoir nan Gael 

An earbsa ran tàbhachd, 

Bha sin mar a b' abhaist 

Gun fhàillinn fo.'n g'urein 

Tha urram an dràsd 

Aig gach tir aims an d'fhas iad, 

Le feobhas an àbhaist, 

An nàduir 'sam beus, 

Bhi dìleas d'an càirdean, 

Cur sios air gach nàmhaid, 

'S iomadh rioghachd an d'l'hag iad, 

Fuil bhlath air an fheur. 

'S là Fontenoi 

Thug onoir gu leòir dhaibh, 

'Nuair a chruinnich iad colailh, 

'Sa thòisich an streup ; 

Bu tartraich ar Coirneal, 

Cur ghaisgeach an ordugh, 

Na lasgairean òga, 

Chaidh deònach na dhèigh, 

Na gleachdairean còmhraig 

Is fearr th'aig' High Deòrsa,

23G SAlt-OBAIR NAM

OIIAN GHLINN-UKCIIAIDH. 

MuV tig ceann bliadhna tuille, 

Cha bhi sirtn uile 'n Tora-mhuilt 

Thèid sinn thar nam bealaiehean, 

Uo'n fhearann an robh 'n tlùs : 

Far am beil ar dilsean, 

Ann san tir am beil ar cuid ; 

'S an t-àit an cor dhuinn criochnachadh 

'S an tiodhlaicear ar cuirp. 

'San Clachan-an-Diseirt, 

Bu ghrinn bhi ann an diugh. 

Suidhe 'n eaglais mhiorbhuileach, 

An dasg bu rimheach cur ; 

Ag' eisdeachd ris na dh'irmseadh dhuinn, 

Am fear bu shiobhailt guth ; 

Is e toirt sgeul a Bhiobaill duinn, 

'S a bhrigh a'tig'n gu buil. 

Gleannan blàth na tioralachd, 

An ro-mhath 'n cinn an stuth 

Far am beil na h-iunseagan, 

Am beil an siol an cur: 

Cinnidh arbhar craobhach ann 

Cho caoin gheal ris a ghruth, 

Gu reachdmhar, biadhchar, brioghar, 

Tram, torach, liontach, tiuth. 

Bu chridheil blii sa' gheamhradh ann, 

Air bainnsean gheibhte spuirt; 

Fonn cheol rèidh na piobaireaclid, 

'S cha bhiodh sgios mu sgur : 

Fuaim nan tend aig tidheilrean, 

A sheinneadh sios na cuir ; 

'S an luiuneag fiin aig nionagan, 

Bu bhinne mhillse guth. 

Gheibhte bradan fior-uisg ann, 

A direadh ris gach sruth ; 

Eoin an t-sleibh gu lionmhnr, 

'S na milltean coileach dubh ; 

F.arba bheagan sgriobain, 

Na minnein chrion 's na buic, 

'S a ghleann am beil na fritheachan, 

'S na giomanaich 'n am bun. 

O'n a thàinig mi do'n fhearann so, 

Cha 'n fhaigh mi pris an eòin, 

'S cha 'n 'eil fàth blii bruidhinn 

Mu'n fhear-bhuidh air 'm bi 'n cròc: 

Cha b'ionnan >s bhi mar b'abhaist dumb, 

Aig bràigh doire-chrò, 

Far am bi' na 1,'m-daimh," 

Ni 'n damhair ann sa cheò. 

: 

DONNACIIADH BAN. 237 

Mo shoraidh do Ghleann-urehaidh 

Nan tulchan glasa feòir, 

Far am beil na sealgairean, 

'S a fhuair iad ainm bhi còrr ; 

A dbireadh ris na garbhlaichean, 

Am biodh greidh dhearg na's leòir 

'S bhiodh gillean tròm le eallachan 

A dh'fhàgadh tarbbach bold. # 

'S an uair a thigtc dhachaigh leo. 

Gum b'fhasanta bhur seM, 

A suidhe 'san taigh thàirne, 

'S bhi damhsa mar ri ceùl ; 

Cridhealas r'a chcile, 

'S na bèin a bhi 'ga'n ùl ; 

'S cha 'n fhaicte cùis 'na h-cigin 

An am eigheach air an stop. 

MOLADII DHL'N-EIDEANN, 

'S e baile mbr Dhun-eideann, 

A b'eibhirm learn bhi aim, 

Aite fialaidh farsuinn, 

A bha tlachdmhor anus gach ball 

Gearasdain a's bataraidh, 

A's rampairean gu teann, 

Taighean mòr a's caisteal, 

Anns an trie a stad an c.'.mp. 

'S trie a bha càmp Rioghail ann, 

'S bu rimheach an luehd-dreuehd ; 

Trùp' nan srann-each llonmhor, 

Gu dileas air a gheard : 

Bhiodh gach fear cho eMach 

'S na h-uile seòl a b'fhearr, 

Na fleasgaich bu mhath fòghlum 

A dhol an òrdugh blàir. 

'S iomadh fleasgach uasal ann, 

A bha gu suairce grinn, 

Fùdar air an gruagan, 

A suas gu bàrr aim cinn ; 

Leadainn dhonna, dhualach 

Na chuachagan air sniomh ; 

Bàrr dosach mar an sioda, 

'Nuair liogadh e 'le cir. 

'S mòr a tha do bhain-tighearnan 

A null 'sa nail an t-sraid, 

Gùntaichean de'n t-sìoda orr', 

Ga'n sliogadh ris a bhlàr; 

Stùise air na h-ainnirean 

Ga'n teannachadh gu h-àrd. 

Buill mhais air eudainn bhòidlieach, 

Mar thuilleadh spòrsa dhaibh. 

;

238 SAR-0I3A1K NAM

Ged' is cliùteach a Mhachair, 

Le ciiunradh 's le fasan, 

Be air dùrachd dol dachaigh, 

'S blii 'n taice r'ar càirdean : 

Hoirionn o ho,


Gu dearbh a leaimas i,

Cruidheach, dlu-thairgneach, 


241

242 SAR-OBAllt NAM BARD GAELACII. 

Ann san taigh bn mW r seadh, 

Leis nach dragfa aithuichean, 

Mùirii a's caoin, a bhios air fheadh, 

Cupa 's gloin, Canadian, 

Coinnleirean airgeid, 

'S dreòs dhealracb o cheir, 

Feadh t-aitrcamh gu leir, 

'S iad pailte gu leòir. 

Be do mhiann a lucbd ealaidh, 

Piob sgalanta, chruaidh, 

Le caithream cho loath, 

'S a ghearradh na mebir ; 

Fuirt shiulaeha, mheara, 

Is nor allail car suas, 

Ann an talla nam buadh 

Bu bharrail uui'n stòr 

Cruite ciùil, torman ur, 

Is e gu dlù ruith-leumach, 

Feadain lom, cbruione, dlionn, 

Thogadh fonn mireanach, 

Clàrsach le grinneas, 

Bu bhinn-fhaclach fuaim, 

'S cha pilleadh tu 'n duais, 

'Nuair a sbireadh tu ceòl. 

'S iomadh àit am beil do charaid, 

A t-fharaid mu'n cuairt, 

An deas a's an tuath, 

Cho dleas'nach 's bu choir ; 

Diùc Earragbaìach ainmeil, 

Ceann armailt' nam buagh, 

Leis na dhearbadh làmh chruaidh, 

Is ris an d'earbadh gu leòir : 

An t-Iarla rliùiteach g'an duthchas 

Bhi 'n Tùr Bhealaich, 

A chair an ruaig le chuid sluaigh, 

Air na f'uar Ghallaich ; 

Mòrair Loudon nan seang-each, 

Ard sheanalair càimp, 

Fhuair urratn comannd, 

Far na lihuidhiu na seùid. 

Tha iomadh ('.is eile 

Nach ceilinu san uair, 

' 

Tha tarriiinn ort buaidh, 

A mhaireas ri d' bheii ; 

I'uil rioghail air laaadh 

Amnch ann ad' gliruaidh, 

Cuir t-aigneadh a suas 

Le aiteas ro-mhòr; 

Tha bunntam a's K'irsinn, 

(in lèif aim ad' phcarsa, 

Fhir shunntaich na (Vile, 

Sgeul èibhinn a b' ait leam, 

Na 'm faiclDD a'niàircach 

Le i bhachd 's le mùirn, 

I 

Bhi 'd chàradh fo 'n chrùn 

An àite rigli Del l >'. 

C U M II A D H I A It L A 

BIIRAin-AI.nANN. 

'Struagh r'a èisdeachd an sgcul 

Fhuair mi fVin t nil It- 's luath ; 

Rinii an t-eug ceann na cèìlle 

'S nam beus a thoirt uainn 

Cha'n 'eil leigh tha fo 'n ghrein, 

Dheanadh feum ilhut '« an uair: 

'S bochd a'd' dheigh sinn gu leir, 

'S cha 'u'eil feum bhi 'ga luaidh. 

Tha do chairdean I&idir, liomhor 

Anns gach tir a tha mu'n cuairt 

So na dh-fhag an aigheadb iosal, 

Do chorp priseil bhi 'san uaigh : 

Is iad mar loingeas gun bhi dionach, 

Fad o thir air druiin a' chuain ; 

'S tuaa b'urrainn an toirt sàbhailt, 

Ge do bhiodh an giibhadh cruaidh. 

'S ann an diugh a chaidh do chàradh 

'An ciste chlàr 's ad leabaidh fhuair ; 

Is muladach a'd' dheigh an trhths' 

A' chuid is airde do d' dhaoin' uails. 

Tha gach duin' agad fo phràmh, 

'S goirt an càs am bheil an tuath ; 

'S iad do bhochdan a tha craiteach ; 

Thugadh an taic' làidir uath'. 

'S iomadh dllleacbdan òg falamh 

Bha le h-ai mi is air dhroch shnuagh, 

Seann daoine 's banntratahean fauna 

Bha faotainn heathachaidh uair : 

\S ami Ini truaigh a' ghaoir a bh'aea, 

'S debir gu fraaaoh air an grnaidh, 

Caoioeadh cruaidh, a's bualadh bbasao, 

'S bhi toirt pàirt de 'm fait a nuas. 

'S muladach an nochd do dhùthaich, 

'S dubhach tùrsach tha do shluagh : 

Cha 'n ioghnadh sin, 's mòr an dii'ibhail 

An tionndadb so thigh'n oimn cho luath, 

Am (car a b'abhaist bhi le dùrachd 

Gabhail cùram dhiuhh gach uair, 

Dh'fhàg iad 'na laidhe 'san ùir e 

Far nach dùiag b gu La-luain. 

'S aim an tràthaihh na Feill-bride 

Thàinig crioch air saoidh nam buailh. 

;

'S lòm a thug an t-eug an sgriob oirnn, 

Och ! mo dhith cha deic a luath's, 

Bhuail an gath air tìàth na fiiiuii 

Bha 'gar dìonadh o gach eruaa : 

'S goirid leinn do re 'san àite, 

Ged' their each gun robh thu buan. 

Cha do sheall thu riamh gu h-iosal 

Air ni ebaireadb sios an tuath : 

Bu chul-taic dhaihh arms gach àit thu, 

'S tu bha ghnàth 'gan cuinail suns. 

Cha bu mhianti leat togail ùlainih ; 

Sin a' chùis d'an tug thu fuath : 

Bha thu t'aotainn gaoil gach duine, 

'S ghlcidh thu'n t-urram sin a fhuair. 

Bha thu leirstoneaefa le suairceas ; 

Dh-fhàs a'd' chòui an uaisle mhòr ; 

Ciall a's misneach mar ri cruadal, 

Fhuair thu 'a dualehas sin o d' shears'. 

Biia thu fiosrach, glic, neo-loaineach ; 

Bha t-inntiun buan aims a' choir. 

O'n a thog iad air ghiùlan sluaigli thu, 

'S aobhar sin a luathaich deùir. 

Chan'eil aoibneas aim am Bealach, 

Cha'n'eil farum aim, no ceòl ; 

Daoine dubhacb, 'g mnathan galach, 

A's iad gun ealaidh ach am bròn ; 

O'n a chaidh do ghiulan dachaigh 

O'n mhachair air mhùthadh seòil, 

'N àit' an eididh sin a chleachd thu, 

Ciste, 's leine, 's brat de'n t-srùl. 

'Nam bu daoine hheireadh dhinn thu, 

Dh'èireadh milltean air an tòir, 

O bheul Tatha gu Lathuirn-iochdrach, 

Sin fo chìs dut agus còr : 

Far an d'fhàs na gallaiu ihior-ghlan, 

A's iad lionmhor arm gu lròir, 

A rachadh togarrach gud' dhioladh, 

Nach obadh dol sios le deòin. 

'S aim tha chilis ni's fearr mar tha i, 

Dòchas làidir thu bhi beo 

Am measg nan aingeal a tha 'm Phàiras, 

Ann an g\irdeachas ro-mhòr : 

Gur e 'n Ti a ghlac air làimh thu, 

'Thug 'san àite sin dhut còir 

Air oighreachd is tearr na dh'fhàg thu, 

'An aros aghuihor High na glùir. 

Ged' tha 'm fear a thig a' t-àite 

Thall an tràths' tharr chuaintean mòr, 

Guidheam dlu gu'n tig e sàbbailt 

(Soirbheas àrd ri cùl gach spoil 

A dh' fhautainn seilbh air an t-saibhreas, 

'S air an oighreachd sin bu choir; 

) 


A ghabhail cùram ga chuid f'earainti, 

'S ga chuid daoine sean a's òg. 

C U M HA' CHAILEIN 

ghlinn-iubhair. 

Smaointean truagh a th'air m'aigne, 

Uh' fhàg orm imuairean, a's airsneul, 

An àm gluasad am leabaidh, 

Cha chadal ach duisg ; 

Tha mo ghruaighean air seacadh, 

Gun dion uair air mo rasgan, 

MlTn sgeul a chualas o'n Apuinn, 

A ghluais a chaismeai'hd ud dhuin', 

Fear Ghliun-iubhair a dhith oirim, 

Le puthar luchd mi-ruin, 

Mo sgeul dubhach r'a innseadh 

Thu bhi d' shineadh 'san ùir ; 

'S truagh gach duine de d' dhllsean, 

O'n a chaidh do chorp priseil, 

An ciste chuthainn, chaoil, dhionaich, 

'S ami an lìon-anart ùr. 

B'e sinn an corp àluinn, 

'Nuair bha thu roimhe so d' shlàinnte, 

Gun chion cumachd no las ort, 

Gu fqinnidh, dàicheil deas ùr ; 

Suairce, foisinneach, fàillteach, 

Uasal, iorasal bàidheil, 

Caoimhneil, cinneadail, càirdeil, 

Gun chroti r'a ràit' air a clml ; 

Làn do ghliùcas, 's do leirsinn, 

Gu dana, misneachail, treubhach, 

Gach àit an sirte gu f'eum thu, 

'S ami leat a dh'eireadh gach cùis ; 

B'e do choimeas an drèagan, 

No 'n t-sothag 's na speuraibh, 

Co bu choltach r'a clicile 

Ach iad fein agus thu? 

'S cruaidh an teachdair a thàinig, 

'S truagh mar thachair an dràsta, 

Nach do sheachainn thu 'n t-aiie. 

'N do ghlac am bàs thu air thus ; 

Suas o chachaile ghàraidb, 

Fhuair thu 'n tacaid a chràidh mi, 

'S gun do thaic a bhi làinih riut, 

'Nuair ghabh iad fàlh ort o d' chùl, 

Air do thaobh 's thu gun ch' mhradli, 

S'au àm 'n do chaochail an de ; > bhuat, 

T-fhuil chraobhach, dhearg, bhòidbeach 

A gabhail dòrtadh 'na biiichd,

244 SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Le gniomh an amadain ghòraich,

An uaigh mu d' choinneamh 'ga 1 èiteach, 

'S truagh gach commun thug speis dhut, 

O'n chaidh tu fein aims an iiir, 

'S gun dùil a nis ri thu dh-eiridh, 

'Se dh'fhàg mise fo eu-slainnt, 

Bhi 'n diugh ag' innseadh do bheusan, 

'S nach tig thu dh-èisdeachd mu cliliù. 

ORAN AN T-SAMHRAIDH. 

'Nuair thig an Sàmhra' geugach oirnii, 

Thèid siann nan apeur o'n ghruamaiche, 

Thig tlus a's bias a's aoibhneas 

Thèid gach ni g'a reir am buadhalachd. 

Thig feart le neart na grein' oirnn, 

Ni 'n saoghal gu lèir a chuartaehadh 

— 

Thig teas o slios 'nuair dh'eireas i 

Ni t'eum, 's cha trèigear uainne e. 

Bidh pf>r ann an tìr ghràiseirean, 

Chur sil ann san tint ghnathaiehte ; 

A' toirt bridh as an ùir nàdurra, 

O'n bhlàr g'a bhàrr a ghluaiseas e : 

Gu reachdmhor, breae, neo-fhaillineacb, 

Trom-chuinleanach, garbli-ghràiueanach, 

Gu diasach, riabhach, càileauach, 

Gu biadhchar, làn, 'nuair bhuainear e. 

'S glan fkileadh nan geug liobhara, 

Mu ghàradh nan stud lionmhora. 

Am biodh àileagain glu riomhacha 

Le blath's a' sir chur snuadh orra ; 

Gu h-ùbhlach, peurach, ligiseach, 

Glan, brioghmhor, diomhair, guamaiseach 

Gach Braid is àillidh grìneachan, 

Mar Phèalasrìgh r'an cuartachadh, 

'S ro-ghreannar gach gleann fior-mhonaidh, 

Cur iomhaigh ghrinn an uachdar air 

Gach lus le bhdrr clio mhior'ailteach, 

A' fàs fo mhile suaicheantas ; 

Gu duilleach, lurach, ditheanach, 

Glan, rìmheach, lionmhor, cuaicheanach, 

Gu rùpach, dosach, misleanach, 

Gu millteachail, min uain-nealach. 

; 

Bi'dh fonn air gach neacli nàdurra, 

Bhiodh sealltainn gach ni gtiàthaichte, 

Am blàr lorn a' cur dreach fàsaich air, 

Gach là cur stràc neo-thvuaiUidfa air, 

Gu molach, torach bliith-mhaiseach, 

'S na craobhau làn de chruasachdan 


Gu h-ùrar, dù'-ghorm, àileanta, 

Le frasan blì.tha, bruaidleanacb. 

Bi'dh gach frith gu lionntach, feurach ; 

'Stheid na fèidh 'nan eideadh suaicheanta, 

Gu h-ullach, binneach, ceumannach, 

Grad-leumanach, bior-cliluaiseanach ; 

Gu crocach, cabrach, ceir-ghealach, 

Gu manngach, eangach, èildeagach, 

'Gan grianadh sa' mhios chèiteanacb, 

Air slios an t-sleibh mu'n cuartaich iad. 

Bi'dh laogh ri taobh gach aighe dhiubh, 

'Nan laidhe mar is còir dhaibh ; bi'dh 

Gach damh a's mating cho aighearacb, 

'Nuair thig Fill-leathain rbid orra : 

Bu tuille loin a's aaoghail, 

Do gach neach a ghabhadh gaol orra, 

Bhi trie ag amhaie caol orra 

'Sa 'g èisdeachd gaoir an crònanaich. 

Bi'dh maoisleach a chinn ghuanaich, 

A cur dreach a's snuadh a's tuar oirre, 

'S i tilgeadh cuilg a' gheamhraidh 

A cbuir gurt a's greann a's fuachd oirre : 

O'n thàinig blàthas an t-Sàmhraidh oirnn, 

Cuiridh si mànntal ruadh oirre, 

S tha inntinn ghrinn g'a rèir aice, 

Gu fallain, fèitheach, fuasgailteach. 

Bi'dh am minnein ùrar meanbh-bhallach, 

Gros tioram air a ghnuis bu sgcinmeile ; 

Gu mireineach, lùghor, anmadail, 

Ri slinnean na h-earb an guilleachan, 

Bu chlis feadh phreas mu an-moch iad, 

Gu trie fo ioclid nam mean'-cliuileag, 

Gu sgrideil, gibeach, gearra-mhasach, 

An sliochd 'g an ainm na ruadhagau. 

Bi'dh gach creutair fàillineach, 

A bha greis an càs na fuaralachd, 

A togail an cinn gu h-àbhachdach, 

O'n a thàinig blàth's le buaidh orra: 

Na h-eoin sa' phong a b'àbhaist daibh, 

Gu ceolmhar, fonnmhor, failteacbail, 

Feadh phreas a's thùm ri gàirdeachas, 

Gun chàs a dh'fhàgadh truaillidh iad. 

'S neo-thruaillidh am pùr lionmhor ud, 

'S gur speiseil grinn a ghluaiseas iad ; 

Le'm beus a 'seinn mar fhileirean, 

Gur h-aoibhinn binn ri m' chlusan iad ; 

'S glan luinneagach, tior-inntinneach, 

A' chanain chinn thig uathasan ; 

'S iad gobach, sgiathach, clreiueach 

Gu h-iteach, dionach, cluaiueiseach. 

Bi'dh an coileach le thorman tùchanach. 

Air chnocanaibh gorm a dùrdauaicli, 

245

246 SAR-OBAIIl NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Puirt fhileanta, cheolmhor, shiùblaeha, 

Le ribheid dlu rhur sel.l orra ; 

Gob crom nam pongan lugh'ora, 

'S a chneas le dreach air a dhublachadh, 

Gu slios-dubb, girt-gheal, ùr-bballaoh. 

'S dà chirc a sùgradh bùidheaeh lis. 

Thig a chuthag sa' tnhìus cfaèìteÌD oirn, 

'S bidh riabliag "na seuchdan còmliladh ri, 

'S an dreathan a gleusadh sheannsaireaii 

Air a glit'ig is aird a mhòtbaiobeas e. 

Bidh chòill' gu leir *s na gleanntaichean. 

Air chrathadh le h-aoibueas canntaireachd, 

Aig fuaim a chuuail cbeannsalaich, 

Feadh phreas, a'a chrann, a's òganan. 

Na doireachean coill' bu diomhaire, 

'S na croinn mu'n iadh na smeoraichean 

Theid gach craobh an ciataiehead, 

Bi'dh caochladb fiamh a's neòil orra ; 

Gu meanganach, direach sniomhanach, 

Theid cridhe nam friamh an soghaireailid. 

Le trusgau ùv g'a mhiadachadh, 

Bar-gue air mhiaraibh nòsara. 

Bi'dh am beatha gu cuisleach, fiuranach, 

Go faileanach, slatacb, ùr-fhasach ; 

Thig snothach fo 'n chairt a's druisealachd, 

Bidh duilleacb a's rùsg mar chòmhdach air ; 

Le brutbainn thcid brigh na duslaiu ami 

Am bairaeh dlù nan bgatian' 

Gu plhireineach, caoin, maoth-bhlasda, 

Mo roghainn de shnaoisean sròiue e. 

'S a bhiolaire luidneach, sliom-chluasach, 

Ghlas, chruinn-cheannach, chaoin, ghorno- 

Is i fas glan, uchd-ard, gilmeineach, [neulach, 

Fo bìirr-geal, iomlan, sònraichte ; 

Air ghlaic, bu taitneacb cearmonta, 

Le seamragan 's le neòiiieinoau ; 

'S gach lus a dh'fbeudain ainmeacbaidh, 

Cuir anbharra dhreacb bòichead air. 

Gur badanach, caoineil, mileanta, 

Cruinn, mopach, minchruth, mongoineacb. 

Fraoeh groganach, dù'-dbonn, grts-dearg, 

ISair cluigeauach, sinnteacb, gorm-bhileach ; 

Gu dosach, gasach, uain-oeulach, 

Gu cluthor, clualneacb, tolmagach ; 

'S a mini 'na fìidar gruaige dha, 

'Ga chumail suas an spùrsalachd. 

'S i gruag an deataicb rìmbicfa i. 

'S mbr a brigh 's is lionmhor buaidh oirre, 

Gi'ii-blicacli nan Igeap a cinntiiin oirr', 

Beillein breac feadh tuina 'ga chruasachd sud 

Gu cianall, tiamhaidb, srann aige, 

Air bhàrr nam rneas a' dianndaiiaich, 

Bhiodh mianii bban-bg a's bhain-tighearnari 

Na fhardaicb gbreannar, ghuamaisich. 

Is e gu striteach, riabhach, ciar-cheannacb, 

Breac, buidh, stiallach, siian-bhallach. 

Gobach, dubhanach, riasgach, iargalta, 

lli gniomh gu dian mar thuatlianacb ; 

Gu surdail, grunndail, dianadach, 

Neo-dhiomhanach 'na uaireanan ; 

'S e fàile lusan fiadbaicbe 

Bhi's aige bhiadh 'sa thuarasdal. 

Gach tàin is airde cbruinnicheaa 

Do'n àiridh uile ghluaiseas iad ; 

Thig bliochd a's dàir gun uireaabbuidh, 

Craobh àrd air cuman gruagaiche ; 

Na h-aighean is òige làidire, 

Nach d'fhiosraich tràth na buaraichean ; 

Bi'dh luinneag aig ribhinn chul-duinn dhaibh, 

'Gam briodal ciùin le duanagan. 

'S nor ionmhuinn mu thratfa neùine 

Na laoigh òga chòir na buaile sin, 

Gu tarra-gheal, ball-bhreac, bbtainneacb, 

Sgiùthacb, druim-fhionn' sroin-fhioun, gnaill- 

[inueach ; 

Is iad gu lith dhonn, ciar-dhubh, caraideach, 

Buidh, gris-fhionn, er.V-dheaig, suaichionta, 

Seang, slios'ra direach, sàr-chumpach, 

Cas, bachlach, bàrr an suainiche. 

Bi'dh foirm a's colg air creatairean, 

Gu stoirmeil, gleust' 'g ath-nuadhachaiili ; 

Le ('organ torchuirt feudalach, 

An treud, 's an sprèidh, 's am buachaille : 

An gleann, barrach, bileaeh, rèidhleanacb, 

Creamh, rainneach, rc'isg a's luachaireach, 

'S e caoin, cannach, ceutach, mill chruthach, 

Fireach, sleibhteaeh, feurach, fuaranach. 

Bi'dh mionntain, camomhil, 's sòghraichean, 

Geur bhileach, lònach, luasganach, 

Cathair thalmhanta, 's carbhinn chròc-cbeannach, 

| 

Gharg, amlach, ròmach, «:hliias-bhiora< li, 

Suthan-làir, 's faile gbrbiseldean ; 

Làn lilìdh' 's ròsa cuaicbeanach) 

Is clann-bheag a trusa leòlaichean, 

Buain obòrr an cos nam bruaehagan. 

Bi'dh 'm blàr fo stràchd le ùraireachd, 

Oidhch iucbair bhruinneach, cheò-bànach, 

Gael) sràbb 'sa bàir air lùbadh orra 

Le cudthrom an drii'ichd 's le lùdalachd ; 

'Na phaideirean llonmor, cùirneineach, 

Gu hriogmhor, siighmhor sùlasach, 

Culridh ghrian gu dian 'na smùidean e, 

Le fiamh a gnùis 's an ; g-mhadainn.

'Nuair a dhearsas a gnuis bhaoisgeil, 

Gu fial, tiathail fiamh, geal, caoitieil oirnn, 

Thig mathas a's gnìomh le sàibhireachd, 

Chuir loinn air an Roinn-eùrpa so ; 

Le aoibneas greine soillseachadh, 

Air an speur gu ruidh a spaoileas i, 

Cuir an ge'il gach feum a rinn i dhuiun, 

G'a fhoillseachadh 's g'a mhòideachadh. 

ORAN NA BRIOGSA. 

Air fonn—"Sean Triuthais Uilleaclu 

'So tha na briogak Uath-glas 

Am bliadkna cuir mulaid oirnn, 

'S e'n rud nachfhacas riamh oirnn, 

'S nach miann leinn a chumail oirnn ; 

'S na'm bitheamaid uile dileas 

Do'n riffh bha toirt cuireadh dhuinn, 

Cha'n fhaicte sinn gu dilinn, 

A striochda do'n chulaidh so. 

'S olc an seòl duinn, am Rrionns òg 

A bhi fo mhùran duilichinn, 

A's Righ Dehrsn a bhi chiimhnaidh, 

Far 'm bu choir dha tuineachas ; 

Tha luchd-eòlais a toirt sgeòil duinn 

Nach robh cùir air Lunnainn aige, 

'S e Hanobhar an robh sheùrsa, 

'S coigreach oirnn an duine sin 

— 

'S e'n Righ sin nach buineadh dhuinn, 

Rinn di'-mheas na dunach oirnn, 

Mu'n ceannsaich e buileach sinn, 

B' e'n t-am dol a chumasg ris ; 

Na rinn e oirnn a dh' ann-tlachd, 

A mhi-tlilachd, a's a dh' àimhreit, 

Air n-eudach thoirt gu'n tàing dhinn, 

Le ain-neart a chumail ruinn. 

'So tha na briogak, c\r. 

A's ò'n chuir sinn suas a bhriogais, 

Gur neo-mhiosail leinn a chulaidh ud, 

Ga'n teanadh ma na h-iosgannan, 

Gur trioblaideaoh leinn umainn iad ; 

'S bha sinn roimhe misneachail, 

'S na breacain fo na criosan oirnn, 

Ged' tha sinn am bichiontas 

A nis a' cuir nan sumag oirnn : 

'S air learn gur h-olc an duais 

Do na daoine chaidh 'sa chruadal, 

An eudaichean thoirt uapa 


Ge do bhuadhnuich Umc Uilleam leo 

Cha'n f'haod sinn bhi suigeartach, 

O'n chaochail ar culaidh sinn, 

Cha'n aithnich sinn a cheile 

La-fcile no cruinneachaidh. 

'So tha na briogak, §c. 

'S bha uair-eigin an t-saoghal 

Nach saoilinn gu'n cuirinn orm, 

Briogais air son aodaich, 

'S neo-aoidheil air duine i 

'S ged' tha mi deanamh ùis deth, 

Cha d'rinn mi bonn sùlas 

Ris an deise nach robh dàimheil 

Do'n phàirti ga'm buinnin-sa ; 

'S neo-sheannsar a chulaidh i, 

Gur grannda leinn umainn i, 

Cho teann air a cumadh dhuinn, 

'S nach b'fheairde leinn tuilleadh i ; 

Bidh putanan na gluinean, 

A's bucalan ga'n dùnadh, 

'S a bhriogais air a dubladh, 

Mu chùl-thaobh a h-uile fir. 

'So tha na. briogais, 4'

248 SAK-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

'S aim rinn e oirn na

S eutrom tlieid iad a dhamhsa, 

DONNACHADH BAN. 249

250 AR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACii.

Ged' thuirt Galium brpac 

Nach robh thti tapaidh riamh, 

Cò a chreideadh sin 

Ach duine bha gun chiall? 

Alasdair nan stop, §c. 

'Nuair a thtid mi Ghlascho 

'S taitneach learn bhi 'g ol, 

Ann an taigh mo charàid 

Alasdair nan stop. 

Alasdair nan stop,


An onoir a fhuair an saor Slcibhteach, 

Leis gach treun'tas a dh'fhàs aim, 

Ghlaidheadh fathasd ga ihliochd fein i, 

A dta'aindeoin eucoraeh gach nàmhaid ; 

Na h-airm ghaisge, ghasda, ghluusda, 

Dh' brduigh an High gu leiun dhàsan,] 

Clio math 'sa th' aig duine 'n dream threun sin, 

Sliochd Cholla cheud-chathaich Spaintieh. 

Dorn an claidheamh, a's lamb duin'-uasail 

Le cruis-tàraidh, 

lolairean le 'n sgiathan luatha, 

Gu cruas gàbhaidh, 

Long ag imeaclid air druim cliuainteau 

Le siùil àrda, 

Gearradh arm Mhic-an-t-Shaoir 'o Chruaohàn, 

Aonaich uaclidrach Earragha'JL 

Tlia do dhaoine trie air fairge, 

Sgiobairean calma, neo-sgathaeh ; 

Tlia 'n aogas cumachdail, dealbhaeh, 

'S iomadii armailt 'am beil pairt dhiu ; 

Thug iad gaol do shiubhal garbhlaich, 

Modi a's aumoch a sealg fàsaich ; 

Cuid eile dhiubh 'nan daoin' uaisle, 

*S tha cuid dhiubli 'nan tuatii ri ahead). 

'S rioghail eachdraidh na chualas 

Kiauih mu'd pliairti, 

S lioninhor an taic, na tha suas dhiubh, 

Na'm biodh càs ort ; 

Tha gach buaidh eile ga' reir sin, 

An Gleann-Nodha feiu an tàmhaclid, 

l'iob a's bratach a's neairt aig Seumas, 

An Ceatui-cinnidh nach treig gu biàt h siun. 

Oil AN LUAIDH. 

LUINNEAG. 

Ho ro gu'n togainn air Iniganfhathasd, 

IIo rb i-o mu 'n tèid mi luid/te ; 

IIo rò gun togaiiin air hiigan fliatltasd. 

Togamaiu fonn air luadh a' chlòlain ; 

Gabhaidh siun ceol, a's òrain inhatha. 

Ho ro gun togainn, SfO. 

15' fheaird' an clù bhi choir nan gruagach, 

A dheanadfa an luadh le'n lamhau ; 

Ho ro gu'n togainn, ,\r. 

'Nuair a thionndas iad air cltHth e, 

Chluinnte fuaim gach to dhiubh labhairt. 

Ho ro gun togainn, £c. 

Grain ghrinne, bhinne, rah Use 

Aig na ribhinuean 'gall gabha 

//„ toga, mi, Sfi 

Luinneag ac' air luadh an eudaicb, 

Suuudach, sauthrachail ri mathas. 

Ho ro gu'n togainn, Sec. 

Thogamaid fonn gu ccol-mhor, aotrom, 

Air a' chlò bu daoire dathan. 

Ho ro gun togainn, t\c. 

An clò brionnach, ballach, eitadi, 

Triuchanach, stiallagach, gathach ; 

Ho ro gun togainn, 4v. 

An clò taitneach, basach, bòisgeil, 

Laisde, daoimeineach, 's e leathuuu. 

IIo ro gun togainn, d/B, 

Gu'm bu shin a bhios na caoraich 

Air an d' ill as an t-aodach nathail. 

Ho ro gun togainn, 8/v. 

Beannachd aig an laimh a shniomh e, 

'S i linn gniomh na deagh bhean-taighe : 

Ho rogun togainn, Sps. 

S ami is coltach ris an t-siod' e, 

Dh' fhàg i min e, 's rinn i math e ; 

IIo ro gu'n togainn, &e, 

Snàth cho rithinn ris na teudan, 

'S e choreidh 'sa dh' t'heudta shnaitheadh : 

IIo ro gun togainn, Sre. 

Cha robh plue, no meall, no gaog aim, 

No giog chaol, no sliasaid reamhar. 

IIo ro gu'n togainn, &fC. 

'Nuair a thèìd an dò a'n mhàrgadh, 

'S e ni 'n t-airgead air an ratliad 

IIo rogun togainn, -\c. 

Cha bhi slat a sìos o chriin deth, 

Miami gach sùl e aims an fhaidhir. 

Ho ro gu'n togaùm, \

DONNACHADH BAN.

254 SAR-ORAIR NAM

'S ann aice tha beul an sgallais, 

Gu fanaid a dheanamh air seann-duin', 

Nach urrainn a dheanadh feu in dh'i 

Mar a bha i fein an geall air ; 

Chunna' mise latha ghluaisinn 

Leis na gruagaichean mar chairdeas, 

Dh'aithnich i gun dh'fhalbh an uair sin, 

'S chuir i uaithe mi le angar. 

Innsiiih mi dhuibh teisteas Anna, 

O'n is aithne dhomh 'san am i, 

Bean a dh'òl a peighinn phisich, 

Cha bbeo idir gun an dràm i 

Cha neònach learn i blii misgeach, 

'S i ii cùmhnuidh a measg a Bhranndai, 

'S trie a bha 'na broinn gu leùir dheth, 

'S bha tuille 'sa chòir 'na ceann deth. 

Cha 'n'eil a leannan r'a fhaotainn, 

Cia mar dh'fhaodar e bhi ann d'i ? 

Breunag ris ann can' iad gaorsach, 

A bha daonann anns na cànipan ; 

'Sa bha rithist feadh 'n t-saoghail 

A giùlan adhaircean aig ceardan ; 

Cha d'fhuair i 'n onoir a shaoil i, 

'N t-urram fhaotainn air na bàrdau. 

'S mòr an treunntas le Anna, 

Bhi cho gheur le sgainneil chainnte, 

'S mairg air 'na thaehair bean bheumach, 

Aig am beil am beul gun fhaitheam ; 

'I\l fear a bheir ise dhachaigh, 

'S ann air thig a ch reach 'san calldach, 

'Nuair shaoil e gum bu bhean cheart i, 

'S ann thaehair e ri bhana-mhaighstir. 

A bhana-chleasaiche gun ghrinneas, 

'S mairg neasgach a theid na caramb, 

'S trie i tuiteam leis na gillean, 

Ceap tuislidh i do na fearaibh ; 

A bhean bhruidhueach, mhisgeach, ghionach, 

Ghlearach, lonach, shanntach, shallach, 

Roiun gu reubadh air a teangaidh, 

Coltach ri gath geur na nathrach. 

Còmhdach naeh falaich a craiceann, 

Leomach gun seùl air cuir leis aim, 

Cha'n 'eil brògan slan mu' casan, 

Cha'n 'eil c'lta'n-aiid mu leasaibh ; 

Oirre tha aogas na glaistig, 

Neul an aoig 'na h-aodainn preasach, 

Closach i air searga' lachdunn, 

'S coltach i ri dealbh na Leisge ! 

Taigh tha làn de mhnathan misgeach, 

'S ole an t-ait an d'rinn mi tachairt, 

; 


Ged' thàine' mi ann gun fhios domh, 

'S fhearr falbh tràth na fuireach aca : 

Bana-mhaighsdir a chomuinn bhristich, 

Anna tha ainmeil 'san eachdraidh ; 

Mu gheibh each i mar fhuair mis i, 

Cha tig iad gu bràth g'a faicinu. 

AOIR UISDEAN PHIOBAIR'. 

Turas a chaidh mi air astar 

A Chinn-tàile, 

Chunna mi daoin-uailse tlachdmhor, 

Caoimhneil, pàirteach ; 

Bha aon bhallach ann air banais, 

A thug dhomh tàmailt, 

O'na bha e-san mar sin dòmh-sa, 

'S ann mar so bhios mise dhà-san. 

'S ann an sin a thbiaich Uisdean, 

Mar a ni cù an droch nàduir, 

Tabhunaich ri sluadh na duthcha, 

'S be run gu'n gearradh e 'n sàiltean 

'S math an còmpanach do'n chù e, 

'S dona 'n còmpanach le each e, 

Cha chuideachd e bhàrd no phiobair, 

Aig a mhìomhalachd 'sa dh'fhàs e. 

Aidich fhein nach 'eil thu 'd phiobair, 

'S leig dhiot bhi 'm barail gur bard thu , 

Daoine cridheil iad le cheile, 

'S bithidh iad gu leir a tàir ort 

Fear ciùil gun bhinneas gun ghrinneas, 

Fuadaichidh sinn as ar pàirt e, 

Mar a thilgeas iad craobh chrionaich 

'n fhionan a mach as a ghàradh. 

Mu chi thusa bard no filidh 

No fear dàna, 

Mu bhios aon diubh 'g iarraidh gille' 

Ghiùlan màlaid, 

Lean an duine sin le dùrachd, 

Los gu'n siùbhla' tu h-uil àite ; 

'S mòr an glanadh air do dbiithaich, 

1 chuir cùl riut 's thu g'a fagail. 

No ma chi thu fear a sheinneas 

Piob no elkrsach, 

Faodaidh tusa 'n t-inneal ciùil 

A ghiùlan dà-san, 

Gus am bi craiceann do dhroma' 

Fàs na bhallaibh loma, bana, 

; 

255

25G SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAKLACH. 

Mar a chi thu mille' srathrarh 

Air gearran a bhioa ri luteal h. 

Cia mar a dheanadh e òran, 

Gun tolas, gun tuigse nàduir, 

O nach deauadh e air dùigh e, 

S ami bu chì ir dha luireach sàmhach ; 

Bruidhiiin ghlugach 's cuid di mabach, 

Mòran stadaich aim am p '.irt di, 

Na ni e phlabartaicli chòmhraidb, 

Cha bbeo na thuigeas a Gha'èlig. 

'S sgimealair cheanna na'm bòrd thu, 

Far am faigh thu'u t-òl gun phàigheadh 

Cia mar cliunntas sinn na geòcaìch, 

I\Iar bi Uisdean òg 'san àireamh ? 

Cfaa robh do bhru riamh aig siochadh, 

Gus an lìonadh tu bhiadb chàich i : 

'S mòr an t-òl na chaisgeadh t'-lotadh, 

'Nuair chite thu 'a do ghloc pàiteach. 

'S trie do leab' an lag an òtraich, 

No'n cùl g:\raidh, 

Bi do cheann air con-tom còinhnard, 

'S ro mhath 'n t-àit e ; 

Bidb na coin ag iomlaich t'l'he'isaig, 

A toirt diot a bheoll 'su chàirean, 

Do chraos dreammach toirt phòg salach 

A'd dhearbh bhràithrean. 

Na'n cluinne' sibh muc a rucail, 

Gebidh a's tunnagan a raeail, 

'S ami mar sin a bha piob Uisdcan, 

Brònacb muladach a rànaich ; 

Muiueal gun' aohnann air tùcha, 

'N ribheid cha'n f'heud bhi làidir, 

'S e call daonnan air a chùl-thaohh, 

Na gaoith bu choir dol an 'sa mhala. 

Bha Iurga coin air son gaothair' 

A'd chraos farsuiun, 

*S culaidh sin a thogail plàigh 

'S an cnai' air malcadh ; 

Ki.:n e t'anail salach breuD, 

Ma tbèid neacb fo'n Ghrein an taic riut, 

'S fhearr bhi eadar thu 'sa ghaoth, 

Na seasamh air taohh an fhasga. 

Cia mar a ni Uisdcan òg dhttibb 

Ceòl gu damhta, 

Nuair a chitheadh tu sruth roi.n 

O'n h-uile toll a bh" air an t-aeannaair : 

'SgeuJ tha fior a dh'innseas mise, 

Gur h-c dh'fbag e 'nis oho maimtaoh 

Gu'ii tug lad dbeth leiaan t-iioaar 

Barr na toanga. 

Bèidldh Uisdcan piob an ronngain, 

'S niòr a h-anntlachd, 

Bithidh i coltach ri gaoir chonnsbeach 

A bhiodfa an cnoe fraoicb a dranndail 

An Circeapoll laimh ri Tonga, 

A' baigearachd air muinntir bainnse, 

Fhuair mise piobaire 'n riiinpuill, 

'S dh'i'hàg mi ami e. 

AOIR IAIN FAOCHAIGH. 

Iain Fhaochaig* aim an Sasunn, 

'S mor a nihasladh 'us a mhì-chliù, 

Chaill e na bh' aige de chairdcan, 

; ; 

'S tha 'naimhdean air cinntinn lionmhor. 

Ge b' fhad' a theich e air astar, 

Chaidh a ghlacadh, 's tha e ciosnaicht ; 

Chàraich ìad e fo na glasan, 

'S tha 'n iuchair taisgt' aig maor a phrlosain. 

Tha e 'nis' an àite cumhann, 

'S e '11 a chrùban, dubhach, deurach, 

A chaa daingeann aim an iaruna, 

'G a phianadh, a's e 'n a eigin. 

B' fliasa dha 'bhi aims an lhiabhras 

Na !n iarguin a tha 'n a chrèubhaig ; 

'S e 'n sin o cheann cbrr a's bliadbua, 

A h-uile la ag iarraidh reite. 

Ach, a'm faigheadh tusa rè 

An i'iiig ig na rinn linn thu 'slieant 'sheaiinachaa, 

B'aobhar-misnich do gach heist e 

Gu'm faodadh iad lein do leanmhainn 

Fear gun seadh, gun lagh, gun rèuaan, 

'S aims an èucoir a ta t-eaibsa ; 

Theatm thu mach o achd na clelre, 

'S thug thu bòid nach eisd thu searmoin ! 

Thug thu di-meas air an Eaglais, 

Air a cbreideimb, 's air na h-àintean 

Chair thu brèugan air an 1 1 ianaid 

'S air na h-iarrtasan a dh' fhag iad ; 

Tha e 'nis' 'n a ghnothach cosail, 

'Relr an t soisgeil 'tha mi claistiim, 

Gu'n do chuir thu cùl ri socbftlr 

Na saors' a choisinn ar Slàn'ear. 

Chuir thu cùl ri d' bhiddean-baistidh, 

'S mòr a nihasladh dhut an alcbeadh, 

Chaill thu 'chùiit 'am biodh an (-cartas, 

Roghnaich thu 'in peacadh 'n a h-hitc: 

Ghiei'ih thu 'n riaghalt 'a an geol-stluiridh 

A bh'aig Iudas, do dhearbh bhrathair ; 

'S mòr an sgainncal air do dhùthaich 

Thusa, bhrùid, gu'n d' rinn thu las iimt. 

« John Wilks.

Ach, ged a sheallte 'h-uile doire, 

Clia robh coille riamh gun chrionach, 

'S tha tics aig an t-saoghal buileach 

Nacfa bi 'ehoil! uile clio direach : 

— ; 

'S tusa 'chraobh 'tha n deign seacadh, 

Gur: chairt, gun mlieangain, gun mheuran, 

Gun snomliach, gun sùgh, gun duilleach, 

Gun rùsg, gun urad nam fieumhaii. 

'S tu an t-euti a chaidh 's an deachamh, 

'S e nead creacht' an deachaidh t-fhagail ; 

'S tu 'in ritheach nach d' rinn an ceartas, ' 

A chaidh air theachdaireachd o 'n aire ; 

'S tu 'm madadh-allaidb gun fhiaclan, 

S' raairg a dh'iaiTadh 'bhi mar tha thu, 

'S tu 'n ceann-cinnidh aig na biastan, 

'S tlia gach duin' a's tiach a' tàir ort. 

Cha-n ioghnadh learn thu 'bhi 'd bhalach, 

'S 'bhisaiacb aim ad nàdur, 

O'n a thin tliu lis an duthchas 

A bh' aig na sgiursairean o'n tain' thu ! 

'S tu 'n t-isean a fhuair an t-umaidh 

Ris an t-siùrsaici. air n.i sraidean : 

'S i 'n droch-bheairt a thog 'ad cbloinn thu, 

'S aim 'ad shloightire 'chaidh t-àraeh ! 

Thoisich thu 'n toiseach gu h-iseal 

Air a' chrine 's air a' bhochdainn ; 

S e 'n donas thug dhut a bhi spòrsail 

'S aim bu choir dhut bhi 'gad chosnadh. 

'S bochd nach d' than thu aig do dhuthchas, 

'Ad bin uthair, a' bruich nam poitean, 

A' cumail dibhe ris gach grùdaìr' 

'Nuair a dhrùigheadii iad na botail. 

Bha thu, greis 'ad thim, 'ad bhaigear, 

'S laidh tliu '11 Chad sin air na cahdean, 

A bhi oidhche 's gach taigh a's duthaich, 

A dhuraigeadh cuid an trath' dhut ; 

A mheud 's a blia de dh' ainfbeieb ortsa 

Chuir thu cuid nam bochd g' a phàidheadh : 

Ciod e 'iiis' a chuir an stoc thu 

Ach an robaireachd 's a mhùirle ? 

Sliaoil thu gu'm faigheadh tu achain, 

(Bu mhasladh gu'm biodh i 'd thàirgse) 

Cead suidhe 'am parlamaid Bhreatuinn, 

Gun cliiall, gun cheartas, 'ad eanchair.ii. 

Duine dall a chaidh air seachran, 

Nach Vil beachdail air na 's fhearra dha, 

Le eùmhradh tubaisdeach, tuisleach, 

'S le sir dnieh-thuiteamas cearbach. 

Duine gun fhearann, gun oighieachd, 

Gun nì' gun staoile, gun airgiod, 

Gun bbeus, gun chreidhiinh, gun chreideas, 

Gun ghin a chreideas a sheanachas 

DONNACHADH BAN. 25Ì 

Duine misgeach, biisteach, breugach, 

Burraidh tha na bheisd 's n'a ainmhidh, 

'S tiioblaid-inntinn, le itheadh dèisiieach, 

Gu trie a' tc-umadh a ehridhe chealgaich. 

Tha thu sònraicht' ann ad clionan 

A' togail conais 'am measg dhaoine, 

Clia chualas roimlie do choimeas 

A bhi dhonas air an t-saoghal, 

Ach an nathair an garadh Ddein, 

A mheall Eubh aig bun na craoibhe, 

A chonihaii licii gu buain a mbios i, 

A dh'fhag ris an einne-daoine. 

Thoisich thu 'n toiseach 's an èucoir 

Ag innse bhreugau air righ Deòrsa, 

Cha chreid duine bliuat an sgeul ud, 

'S cha toir iad eisdeaehd do d' chùmhradh ; 

'S beag a dhrùigheas do dhrochdhùrachd, 

Air oighr' a' chrùin a's na còrach 

S a liuthad neach a tha, gu toileach, 

A' toirt onorach d' a mhòrachd. 

Ge beag ortsa Morair Loudain, 

B' aithne dhòmhs' an sonn o'n d' fhàs e, 

Duin-uasal foisinneach, fonnar, 

Cridhe connrar, aigne àrda;— 

Seanalair, air thus na h-armailt, 

A bha ainmeil aims san blàiaibh ; 

Cha mhisd e madadh air bhaothal 

A bbi tabhannaich an tras' lis. 

'S gòrach a labhair thu mòran 

Air cùl laila Bbòid, an t-armunn, 

Cùnnspunn onorach, le firinn 

A' seasamh na riòghachd gu laidir ; 

S egu h-àrd-urramaeh, priseil 

Ann an cùirt an righ 's na bàn-righ'n 

A dh' aindeoin na Faochaig 's nam biasdan 

Leis am ' ihiach dol ann am pairt ris. 

Bhruidhinn thu gu leir mu Albainn, 

'S b' fhearr dhut gu'm fanadh tu samhach, 

Na'n tigeadh tu 'n còir nan Gaibh-chrioch, 

Bu mhairg a bhiodh ann ad àite ; 

Bhiodh tu 'm priosan ri do lathan 

'Dh 'aindeoin na gliabhadh do phairt-sa ; 

'S an eiiig na rinn thu 'dhroch-bheairt, 

Bheirteadh chroich mar gbalar-bais dhut. 

Cha'n ioghnadh dhut bhi fo mhulad, 

Fhuair thu diùinb gach duin' an àl so ; 

'S e sin fein a bha thu 'cosnadh, 

— ! 

'S ereutair crosd thu o'n a dh' l'hks thu ; 

'S lionar mi-run aim ad chuideachd, 

IMallathd na Cuigse 's a' l'hàp ort 

Mallachd an t-saoghail gu leir ort 

! ! 

'S mo mhallachd fein mar ri each ort


• A 

R A N N 

OHABHAS MAIGHDEAN DA I.KANNAN. 

Cha 'n eìdas graidh dhut 

Uisge shràbh na shop, 

Acli gràdh an f'hir thig riut, 

Le blaths a tharruiiiii ort ; 

Elrìofa moch Di-domhnuich 

Gulic cliomhnairt plilataich, 

'S thoir leat beannacbd pobuill, 

Agus currachd sagairt ; 

Tog sud air a ghualaino. 

Agus sluasaid mhalde, 

Faigh naoi gasan rannich, 

Air an gearradh, le tuaigh, 

A's tri chnaimhean seann-duine, 

Air an tarruinn a uaigh ; 

Loiag air teine crionaich e, 

Dean sud gu leir na luath, 

Suath sin ra gheala-bhroilleachi 

An aghaidb na gaoith tuath ; 

'S thèid mise 'n ra 's am barrantas, 

Nach falbh 'm fear ud bhuat. 

MARBll-RANN DO CHU 

A CHA1DH DATHADH'SA MHAIGHEACH TAKSAINN 

NA BHEUL. 

Latha do Phàdruig a sealg, 

'Am fircach nan learg air sliabh, 

Thug e ghleann Artanaig sgriob, 

'S ann thachair e 'm frith nam tiadh. 

Leig e na shiubhal an cù, 

A bha luath, laidir, lùghar, diann, 

Cha robh a leithid riamfa san tir ; 

Ach bran a bh'aig righ nam Flan. 

Gaodhar, bu gharg calg a's fionnadh, 

Cruaidh) colgara, fuil a's malla, 

Bu mbath d reach, a's dealbb, a's ctimachd, 

A cfaurraidh bu gharg sa charvaid, 

Bheirreadh e 'in tiadh dearg a mullnch, 

'Sam Hoc-earb, a dlutbas a bharraich, 

B'a fhaaan bbi trial! don mbunadb, 

'S cha tain' c riaiiih dhachaigb fallamb. 

Culaidb leagadb nan damb ddnn, 

Air mullach na'n torn 'a nan enoc, 

Nambald n'am biaad dubb a's ruadh, 

'S ami air a bha buaidh nam broc. 

Bha mhaigheach tarsainn na bheul, 

Thuit iad le cheil aim an slochd ; 

Bha iad bàite bonn ri lionn, 

A's muladach sin learn a nocbd. 

RANN CO-DHUNAIDH. 

Tha mise 'm shuidh air an uaigh, 

Tha 'n leaba' sin fuar gu leòir, 

Gu'n fhios agam cia fhad an tim, 

Gus an teannar mi fhein da còir : 

Còmhdach flainin 's lèine lin, 

A's ciste dhubh dbìonach bhòrd, 

Air mheud 's ga 'n cruinnich mi ill, 

Sud na thèid learn sics fo'n fhòd. 

'S beag ar cùram ro 'n bhàs, 

'M fad 'sa bhios sinn làidir òg, 

Saoilidh sinn mu gheibh sinn dàtl, 

Gur e ar 'n àite fuiieach beo ; 

Faodaidh sinn fhaicinn air each, 

'S iad g'ar fàgail gach aon 16, 

Gur nadurra dhiiinne gach truth, 

Gum beil am has a' teannadh oirnn. 

Tha mo pheaca-sa ro thrum, 

'S muladach sin learn an drast ; 

Tha mi smaoineacha' gu trie, 

Liuthad uair a bhrist mi 'n àithn, 

Le miann mo dhroch inntinn fein, 

l.eis an robh mo chreubhag làn ; 

Gun chuimhn air Ughdarras De, 

Le dùrachd am bheul n'am laimb. 

Ged' is mòr mo pheaca gniomh, 

'S mi 'n cionta ceud pheacaidh Adh'mh, 

Cheannacha' mi le fail gu daor, 

A dhòiite sgaoilteach air a bhlàr; 

Tha mo dhiiil, 's cha dbchai faoin, 

Hi iochd fhaotainn air a sgàth, 

Gu'n glacar m'anam gu sith, 

Le fulangas Chriosd amhàin : 

Tha mo dbòcbaa ann an Crlosd 

Nach dìobalr e mi gu brath, 

'Nuair a leagar mo cborp sios 

Ann an staid iosail fo'n bhlàr ; 

Gu'n togar m'anam a suas, 

Gu rioghaehd nam buadh 's nan gràs, 

(ju'm hi mo leaba fo" dhion 

Gois cathrach an Ti is aird. 

Cha bbiodh m'eagal ro' an aog, 

Ged' tbigeadh e m thaobh gun l.'iil.

Nam bithirm do pheaca saor, 

'N deigh's a ghaoil a thug ini dha; 

Tiia mo dhi'iil arms an Dia bheo, 

Gu'n dean e trùcair orm an dràst, 

Mo thoirt a 'steach a' dh'ionad naomli, 

'N cuideaohd Mhaois a's Abraham. 

Gabhaidh mi 'nis mo chead an t-sluagh, 

Le'n toirt suas daibh ann am' chainnt, 

Fàgaidh mi aca na chnuasaich 

Na stuaghan a bh'anu am cheann ; 

'Los gu'n abair iad ra' cheile, 

" Mar a leugh sinn lein gach rann, 

Co air an d'thèid sinn ga'n sirreadh ? 

'Nis cha'n 'til am Filidh ann." 

MARBH-RANN AN UGHDAIR, 

Fhir tha 'd shpasamh air mo lie 

Bha mise mar tha thu'n dràst ; 

Si mò leaba 'n diugh an uaigh, 

Cha'n'eil smior no smuais a'm' chnàimh : 

Ged' tha thusa laidir, òg, 

Cha mh;iir beo, ged' f'huair thu da.il ; 

Gabh mo chomhairle 's hi glic, 

Cuimhnich trie gu'n tig am bàs. 

Cuimhnich t-anam a's do Shlànuigh'r, 

Cuimhnich Pharras thar gach àit; 

Gabh an eotbrom gu bhi sàbhailt 

Ann an gàirdeachas gu bràth : 

Ged' a thuit sinn anns a ghàradh 

Leis an fbàilling a rinn Adh'mh, 

Dh'èirich ar misneach as ur 

'Nuair fhuair sinh Cumhnant' nan Gràs. 

Cuimhnich daonnan a chur romhad, 

Gu'n coimhead thu a h-uile àithn', 

O'se cumhachdan an ard righ 

Rinn am fàgail air dà chlàr ; 

* The Authoi's Epitaph, by himself. 


Chaidh sin liubhairt do Mhaois ; 

Rinn Maois an liubhairt do chàch ; 

Nam b'urrain sinue ga'm freagradh, 

Cha b'aobhar eagail am bàs. 

Caochladh beatha th' ann 's cha bhàs, 

Le beannachadh gràsmhor, buan ; 

Gach neach a ni a chuid is fearr, 

'S math 'n t-àit am i'aigh e dhuais 

Cha bhi'n t-anam ann an cis, 

Ged' tha'n corp a' tàmh 's an uaigh, 

Gus an latha'n tig am Bràth 

'S an èirich sliochd Adhaimh suas. 

Seinnear an tròmpaid gu h-àrd, 

Cluinnear 's na h-uile àit' a fuaim ; 

Dùisgear na mairbfa as a bhlàr 

'N do chàràich each iad 'nan suain ; 

'S mheud 'sa chailleadh le an-uair, 

No le annradh f'uar a chuain ; 

Gu sliabh Shioin theid an sluagh, 

Dh' t'haotain buaidh le f'uil an Uain. 

Gheibh iad buaidh, mar fhuair an siol, 

A chinn lionmhor anns an f'hònn ; 

Cuid deth dh'fhàs gu fallain, direach, 

'S cuid na charran ìosal cròm : 

Gleidhear a chuid a tha lionntach, 

'Am beil brigh a's torradh tròm ; 

Caillear a chuid a bhios aotrom, 

'S leigear leis a ghaoith am moll. 

Cha'n'eil bean na duine beo, 

Na lànain phòsda nach dealaich ; 

Bha iad lionmhor sean a's òg 

Ar luchd-eòlais nach 'eil maireann : 

Cha b'e sin an t-aobhar bròin 

Bhi ga'n cuir fo'n fhòd am falach, 

Nam biodh am has na bhàs glan, 

Cha Ini chàs talamh air thalamh. 

Ghabh mi 'nis mo chead do'n t-saoghal, 

'S do na daoine dh'fhuirich ann ; 

Fhuair mi greis gu sunndach aotrom, 

'S i 'n aois a rinn m' fhàgail farm : 

Tha mo thàlantan air caochladh, 

'S an t-aog air tighinn 's an àm ; 

'S e m' achanaich air sgàth m* Fhear-saoraidh, 

Bhi gu math 's an t-saoghal thai I.

2G0 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII. 

FEAR SRATH-MHAISIDir. 

Mb Lauchlas Macpherson, of Strathmasie, was born about the year 1723, and died in the 

latter end of the last century. He was a gentleman and a scholar ; and gave his able assist- 

ance to Mr James M'Pherson in his arduous and successful translations of Ossian's poems. 

His own works have not been printed in a collected form, and the most of them have, there- 

fore, never been committed to press.* Mr Macpherson was not a poet by profession ; he 

invoked his muse only when an object of approbation or animadversion presented itself, and 

attracted his notice : his observations and remarks were made on the customs and manners 

of men ; his humour was directed against, and his ridicule exposed, excesses. lie had 

the felicity of expressing himself in terms most appropriate to the posture and light in 

which men stood, who exposed themselves to censure ; and he never failed in placing 

them in a position in which no one would wish to be found, yet into which many often fall. 

CUMHA DO DH' EOBHON MACPHEA RSON, T1GHEARNA CHLUAINIDII. 

Gur lionmhor trioblaid shite, 

Ris an linn a chi 'n droch shaoghal so, 

Tha i'làig' 1 , claidheamh 's mi-run aim, 

Ttaa gaol na firinn aotrom ami, 

Tha fear na f'oille direadh ann, 

Tha 'n cri-aon-fhillt' a' tearnadh aim, 

S ma laaas eas' a rireamh riu 

Gheibh daoine direach aomadh ann. 

Ged dh'eiiinn le righ Seumas, 

Agus dol air ghleua fo m' armachd leis, 

Mar sai.il mi gur hen eu-còir I, 

An ni choir gu"n eight' am uhealgair mi 

[AIR DHA TEICHBADH DO 'N FHHAING.] 

Ma ni sinn mar a's leir dhuinn 

Cha hlii High na Grein clio feargach ruinn 

Ach 'se claim nan daoin' a's goir-bieithich, 

S gur fad is eis air Alba sin. 

O ! is iomadh gaisgeach sàr-bhuilleach, 

A laodaich blàr an cunntais oim, 

Thug Tearlach a's na fasaichean, 

Chaill fuil an dail nan Stiubhartach, 

Nan cadal trom 's na li-àraichean, 

'S a'n cùl ri làr 's cha dùisgear iad, 

Bha croich a's tuagh toirt has orra, 

'S bha cuid dhiu dh'fhag an Dùthohannan. 

» All (he poems tint wc have ever heard or seen attributed to liim are in the collection, with (he exception of four : 

viz., A Hunting Bong, In the Conn of a dialogue between the sportsman and the mountain deer, in which Prealdent 

I'orbes's Unclothing Act is loudly di claimed against ; The. Advice, In which the poet labours to curb ambition, and 

to modify inordinate worldly desires ; An Amorous Piece, and Aoir nan l.ncli. '1 hese last two we have captured in 

an Old Manuscript, together with the soon we have classed first in his section of this work. We have had consider, 

able difficulty in deciphering it ; but the I.ove ditty wc found partly erased and partly unintelligible, and Aqjh t.ait 

Luch, although not destitute of merit, is not much to our liking.

FEAR. SHRATH MHAISIDII. 261

2(32 SAR-OBAllt NAM BARD GAELACH.

Jad a bhi uillc cho liath, 

Re ciabhag fhir na liainnse. 

Mo run, 4' ( '- 

Labhair fear na bainse fein 

Tha dath airgeid oirn' gu leir 

Ciod an cron tha oirn fo 'n ghrein 

Mar dean fear-beurra rami oirn ? 

Mo run, tigs. 

Thuirt Pàdruig Mac-Mhuirich gu foil 

Agum-sa 'tha bliratacli shròil 

Is mar sguir am bàrd d'a sgleò 

Mar tha mi beo theid sreang air. 

Mo run,

264 SAR-OBAIK NAM BARD GAELACU. 

IAIJN RUADH STIUJUIART. 

John Roy Stuart, not less celebrated for liis invocations of the muse than for his 

prowess in the field of battle, was a native of Kincardine, in Badenoch. Being of the 

middle class, and the son of a respectable tacksman, to whose farm he succeeded, he had 

tlio benefit of a good education. His scholastic advantages, combined with his extraordi- 

nary genius, soon procured him the reputation of a "knowing one." Like many other 

votaries of the muse, lie manifested a strong and early predilection for hunting and fishing, 

which in themselves are a species of poetry. At an early period of his existence he copiously 

imbibed the principles of Jacobinism. These principles grew with his growth, and 

strengthened with his strength ;—and he was always proud to trace his descent from the 

royal family of the Stuarts. We do not mean here to enter on the moral or constitutional 

dissection of a poet ; but history and observation have combined to impress us with the 

fact, that people of colonel Stuart's mental structure are, some how or other, more liable 

to fall into companies than men of solid clay. The continual demands upon his presence 

at the festive board led to some irregularities, upon which censoriousness might animadvert, 

but over which we are disposed to draw the veil of oblivion. This we are the rather in- 

clined to do, as he himself always stood forth as " king's evidence" against his own eruptions 

at the shrine of Bacchus. His genuine sallies of wit have established his reputation 

as an arch wag ; and his more plaintive strains are characterized throughout by origi- 

nality and great pathos. 

Stuart's mind was of that fabric which delights in the jostle of the elements of strife 

and his puissant arm, coolness of courage, and intrepidity of action, trumpeted his fame 

far and near. It is needless here to recount his adventures and " hair breadth 'scapes," 

in the memorable civil war of 17'15,—history already records them. On the first out- 

breaking of that war he was in Flanders, actively engaged in belligerent operations against 

the British government, when the Duke of Cumberland was called home to lead the 

Hanoverian forces against the Prince. Hoy Stuart also hurried to his native country, 

now distracted with intestine broils and civil war ; and when at Culloden, lie signalized 

himself in hewing and cutting down the red-coats, and spreading havoc and death on 

all hands, the Duke, pointing to the subject of our memoir, inquired who he was: 

" Ah !" replied one of his aides-de-camp, "that is John Roy Stuart." "Good God!" 

exclaimed the Duke, "the man I left in Flanders doing the butcheries of ten 

I Is it possible that he could have dogged me here ?" It is told of Colonel Stuart 

that lit; strongly urged for a day's truce before attacking the Government forces at 

Culloden. This, however, Lord George Murray overruled ; and the prognostications 

;

[A IN RUADII STIUBHART. 

of the Colonel were but too fully verified in the result of a precipitate and unequal combat. 

The sombre feelings whose dark current chafed his soul in consequence of the extinguish- 

ment of the Jacobites' hopes on that day, are beautifully embodied in two fine and pathetic 

songs. In one of these he directly charges Lord George with treachery, and pours forth 

torrents of invective and revenge. His martial strains thunder along with the impetuosity 

of the mountain torrent—racy, sinewy, and full of nerve. He was so firm in his 

opinion of his Lordship's sinister motives, that he rushed from rank to rank that he might 

"hew the traitor to pieces." His elegiac muse was also of a very high order; his 

" Lament for Lad// M'Intosh" whose attachment to the Jacobin party is well known, 

is at once lofty in sentiment, poetical in its language, and pathetic in its conceptions. We 

do not mean to ascribe to poetic or military genius all the recklessness which a sober- 

plodding world compliments it with ; and we, therefore, suppress a gossiping story in 

which our warrior-poet figures with the Lady of the Lord Provost of Glasgow. After 

lurking for some time in the caves, woods, and fastnesses of his native country, he escaped 

to France with other faithful adherents of Charles, where he paid the debt of Nature, 

leaving behind him an imperishable fame for the genuine characteristics of a warrior and 

a poet. 

O ! gur mor mo chuis mhulaid, 

'S mi ri caoine na guin a ta 'in thir, 

A righ ! bi laidir 's tu 's urniitm, 

Ar naimhdean a chumail to chis 

Oirnne 's laidir diuc Uilleam, 

'N rag mheirleach tha guin aige dim inn ; 

B'e sud salchar nan stealing, 

Tigh'n an uachdarair chruineachd an fhuinn. 

Mo chreach Tearlach Ruadh, boidheach, 

Bhi I'o bhinn aig righ De'ursa nam biasd ; 

B'e sud diteadh na còrach, 

An fhuinn 'sa beul foipe sios ; 

Ach a righ mas a deoin leat, 

Cuir an rloghachd air seol a chaidh dhinn, 

Cuir righ dligheach na còrach, 

Ri linn na tha beo os ar cinn. 

Wo chreach armailt nam breacan, 

Bhi air sgaoileadh 's air sgapadh 'agach àit, 

Aig fior bhalgairean Shasuitm, 

Nach no ghnathaich bonn ccartas na 'n dail 

Ged a bhuannaich iad baiteal, 

Cha b'anii da 'n cruadal na 'n tapadh a bha, 

; 

LATHA C H U I L O D A I It. 

Air Fonm "Murt Qhlinne- Comhann." 

Ach gaodh n-iar agus frasan, 

265 

Thigh'n a nios oirim bharr machnir nan Gall.* 

S truagh nach robh sinn an Sasunn, 

Gun bhi cho teann air ar dachaigh sa bha, 

'S cha do sgaoil sinn cho aithghearr, 

Bhiodh ar dicheall ri seasamh n'a b' fhearr ; 

Ach 's droch dhraoidheachd a's drachdan, 

Rinneadh dhuinne mu 'n deachas na 'n dail, 

Air na fiithean eolach do sgap sinn, 

'S bu mhi-chomhail gu'n d' fbairtlich iad oirun. 

Mo chreach mhor ! na cuirp ghle-gheal, 

Tha na 'n laidh' air na sleibhtean ud thall, 

* Allusion is here made to Nairn, where the Duke of 

Cumberland was celebrating his birth. day on the night 

preceding the battle. Thither the Highlanders wended 

their way, expecting to take him by surprise; but it blew 

in their faces a tremendous storm of rain and wind, and 

frustrated the attempt, 'the storm continued next day, 

and tended materially to discomfit the operations of the 

mountaineers in the commencement, and ultimately tc 

their total and precipitate rout.

2(3() SAU-OBAIU NAM

Iarla Chrompa le shlòigh, 

Agus Bàrasdal òg, 

'S Mac-'Ic- Ailein le sheoid nach geilleadh. 

Iarla Chompa, &c. 

Clann-Ghriogair nan Gleann 

Buidheann gliiobach nan lann 

'S iad a thigeadh a nail na 'n eight' iad. 

Claim- Ghriogair, &c. 

Clann-Mlmirich nam baadh, 

lad —.in uile bhi bhuainn, 

Gur li-e m' iomadan truagh r'a leughadh. 

Claim Mhuirich, &c. 

A Chlann-Domhnuill mo ghaoil, 

'Ga 'm bu shuaithcheantas fraoch, 

Mo chreach uile ! nach d' fhaod sibh eiridh. 

A Chlann-Domhnuill, &c. 

An fhuil uaibhreach gun mheang, 

Bha buan, cruadalach, ami, 

Gcd chaidh ur bualadh an am na teugbhail. 

An fhuil uaibhreach, &c. 

Dream eile mo chreach, 

Fhuair an laimhseacha' goirt, 

Ga 'n ceann am Frisealach gasda, treubhach. 

Dream eile, &c. 

Clann-Fhiunnlaidh Bhraidh-Mharr, 

Buidheanu ceannsgalach, ard, 

'Nuair a ghlaoidhte adbhans 's iad dh' eireadh 

Clann-Fhiunnlaidh, &c. 

Mo chreach uile 's mo bhron, 

Na fir ghasd' tha fo leòn, 

Claim- Chatain nan srol bhi dhèis-laimh. 

Mo chreach uile, &c. 

Chaill sinn Domhriull donn, suairc, 

O Dhùn Chrompa so shuas, 

Mar ri Alasdair ruagh na t'eile. 

Chaill sinn Dùinhnull, &c. 

Chaill sinn Raibeart an àigh, 

'S cha bu ghealtair e' m blàr 

Fear sgathadh nan cnamh 's nam feithean. 

Chaill sinn Kaibeart, &c. 

'S ann thuit na rionnagan gasd ; 

Bu mhath aluinn an dreach, 

Cha bu phàigheadh leinn mairt na 'a èirig. 

'S nun thuit, &c. 

Air thus an latha dol sios, 

Bha gaodh a cathadh nan sian, 

As an adhar bha trian ar leiridh. 

Air thus an latha, &c. 

:AIN IIUADH ST1UBHART. 2G7 

Dh' fhàs an talamh cho trom, 

Gach fraoch, fearunn a's fonn, 

'S nach bu chothrom dhuinn lorn an t-sleibhe. 

Dh' fhàs an talamb, &c. 

Lasair theine nan Gall, 

Frasadh pheileir mu *r ceann, 

Mhill sid eireachdas lann 's bu bheud e. 

Lasair theine, &c. 

Mas fior an dàna g'a cheann, 

Gu 'n robh Achan* 'sa champ, 

Dearg mheirleach nan raud 's nam breugan. 

Mas fior an dana, kc. 

'S e sin an Seanalair mo 

Grain a' smallachd an t sloigh, 

lteic e onoir 'sa choir air eucoir. 

'S e sinn an, &e, 

Thionndaidh choileir 'sa chleòc, 

Air son an sporain bu mho, 

Kiun sud dolaidh do sheoid righ Seumas. 

Thionnaidh, &c. 

Ach thig cuibhle an fhortain mu 'n cuaiit, 

Car bho dheas na bho thuath, 

'S gheibh ar 'n eas-caraid duais na h-eucuir. 

Ach thig cuibhle, &c. 

'S gu 'm bl Uilleam Mac Dheòrs', 

Mur chraoibh gun duilleach fo lean, 

Gun fhreamh, gun mheangan, gun mheoirean 

'S gu 'm bi Uilleam, &.c. [geige. 

Gu ma lom bhios do leac, 

Gun bhean, gun bhrathair gun mhac, 

Gun f'huaim clàrsaich, gun lasair cheire. 

Gun ma lom, &c. 

Gun solas, sonas, no seanns, 

Ach ilùlas dona mu d' cheannj 

Mur bh' air ginealach Chlann na h-Eiphit. 

Gun solas sonas, &c. 

A's chi sinn fhathasd do cheann, 

Dol gun athadh ri crann, 

'S eoin an adhair gu teann ga rèubadh. 

A's chi sinn, &c. 

'S bidh sinn uile fa-dheòidh, 

Araon sean agus òg, 

Fo 'n righ dhligheach 'ga 'n coir duinn geilleadh. 

'S bidh sinn, &c. 

* Lord George Murray is here alluded to ; his father 

to preserve his estates whatever the upshot of the conflict 

might be, sent Lord George to join the Prince, while his 

oldest son took up arms in support of the government 

forces—each having instructions to measure their adherence 

or fidelity according to the probabilities of success.

268 SAR-OBAIR NAM 13ARD GAELACH. 

URNA1GH IAIN RUAIDH.* 

Aio taobh sruthain naahaidhe '« e sîtli, 

Tha ii Criosdaldh bochd Iain Ruadh, 

Na cheatharnach fhathaad gun sith, 

Sa chas air tuisleadh sa 'n tim gu truagh. 

Ma thig Duimhnich no Cataich a'm dliàil, 

Mu 'n slanaich mo lùigheannan truagh, 

Ged tliig iad clio die a's is hill, 

ilia chuir iad onn lamb le luatli's. 

Ni mi 'n ubhaidhf rinn Peadar do Phàl, 

'S a lùighean air las leum bruaich, 

Seachd paidir 'n ainm Sagairt a's Pàp, 

Ga cliuir ris na plilasd mu'n cuairt. 

* Having sprained liis ankle when under hiding, after 

the battle of Culloden, and while resting himself beside a 

cataract, keeping his foot in the water, he composed the 

above piece as a prayer, and the following stanzas in 

English ; both of which he seems to have couched In the 

style of language peculiar to the Psalms. 

JOHN ROY STUART'S PSALM. 

The Lord's my targe, I will be stout, 

with dirk and trusty blade, 

Though Campbells come in flocks about, 

1 will not be alraid. 

The Lord's the same as heretofore, 

he's always good to me, 

Though red-coats come a thousand more, 

afraid I will not be. 

Though they the woods do cut and bum, 

atid drain the waters dry ; 

Nay, though the rocks they overturn, 

and change the course of Spey : 

Though they mow down both corn and grass, 

and seek me under ground ; 

Though hundreds guard each road and pass, 

John lioy will not be found. 

The Lord is just, lo • here's a mark, 

he's gracious and kind, 

While they like fools grop'd in t he dark, 

as moles he struck them blind. 

Though lately straight before their face, 

they ia« not where I stood ; 

The Lord's my shade and hiding-place 

lie's to me always good. 

Let me proclaim, both Tar and near, 

o'er all the earth and lea, 

'1 bat all u iih admiration hear, 

how kind the Lord's to me. 

Upon the pipe I'll sound his praise. 

and dance upon in v slumps, 

A sweet new tune to it I'll raise, 

and play it on my trumps. 

+ An incantation of great antiquity, handed down tons 

i f r in tlie Clastic era of Homer. It lias si ill its class of 

Sturdy l.eliiveis ill many remote and pastoral districts of I 

— 

Ubhaidh eile as hith Mb aire nan gràs, 

'S urrainn creideach dheanadb slan ri nair; 

Tha mis' am chreideamh gun teagamh, nun dail, 

Gun toir linn air ar naiiiilidean buaidh. 

Sgeul eile 's gur li-oil learn gu'r nor, 

Tha 'n drasd anus gach tir mil 'n cuairt, 

Gaeli fear gletisda hint feumail do 'n rìgh, 

Bhi ga 'n ruith feadh gacli frith air an ruaig. 

Bodaich dhona gun onair, gun bhrigh, 

Ach gionach gu ni air son duals, 

Gabhail lath oirnn 's gach ait ami sa*m bi— 

— 

Cuir a chuibhle so' Cliriosda niu'n cuairt ! 

Ma thionndaa i deiseal an drhsd, 

'S gu'm faigh Frangalch am Flannras buai', 

Tha 'in earbs' as an targanachd bhn, 

Gu 'n tig armailt ni stà dhuinn that- cliuan. 

the Highlands. The Editor well recollects with what self, 

complacency and sangfroid the female Ksculapil of his 

native glen used to repeat the'" Kolas sgiucliadh frilhr," 

over the hapless nobbier of sprained ankles With the 

success or result of the procedure we have nothing to do : 

its elticacy was variously estimated, 'lhe " Cantatmn 

Drum" was a short oration of Crambo, in the vernacular 

language ; and if the dislocated joints did not jump Into 

their proper places during the recitation, the practitioner 

never failed to augur favourably of comfort to the patient. 

There were similar incantations for all the ills to which 

human tlesh is heir: the tOOthach, withal] its excruciating 

pain, could not withstand the potency of Highland magic; 

dysentery, gout, dysury, &c., had all their appropriate 

remedies in the never-failing specifics of incantation. Nor 

were these cures confined to the skilful hand of the female 

necromancer alone ; an order of men, universally known 

by the cognomen of the " Ciiarshcana-chain," were the 

legitimate practitioners in the work. Two of these meti ica] 

incantations we may briefly quote as specimens of the 

whole. The first relates to the cure of worms in the 

human body and runs thus : 

" Mharbhainn dubhag 's mharbhaimi doirbheag, 

A's naoi naolnear dheth a seòrsa. 

'S flolarcrion nan casan lionmhor, 

liu inhnr pianadh air feadh fcoli," &c 

Here follows the Other, denominated "Kolns a Clironach. 

aid/i," or " Casg Jliuni.Su/a." During its repetition, the 

singular operation of filling a bottle with water, was being 

carried on ; and the incantation was so sung as to chime 

With the gurgling of the liquid, as it was poured into the 

vessel; thus forming a sort of uncouth harmony, according 

well with the wild and superstitious reelings of the 

necromancers. From the fact that one or two Irish words 

occur in it, and that the charm was performed in the 

name of St I'atrick, it is probably ol Irish origin; but we 

1 know I at it held equally good In the Highlands of Scotland 

as it did across the Channel. 

Deanarasa dhutsa, eolas air sul, 

A uclid 'Ille 1'hadruig naoimh, 

Air at amhalch a's st. id earabuill, 

Air naoi conair 's air naoi cunnachair, 

As airnaoi bean lenng ilth, 

Air Bull seanna-glnlle 's sealla seanna.irihiia, 

Mas .. soil irri. i Lasadh marbhigh, 

Mas a buil mnath i, i bhi dh'easbhnldh a etch, 

Falcadalr fu*r agua fuarachd da fuil, 

Air an ni, 's air adaoine, 

Air a crodh, 's air a caoirich fein.

Gun toir Portan dha didean le gràs, 

Mar Mbaois 'nuair a tbraigfa a mhuir ruadh, 

Sgu'm bidh Deòisa le 'dhrealainibh liàit, 

Mur bha 'n t-amadan Pharaoh 's a shluagh. 

'Nuair bba Israel sgith 'san staid ghràis, 

Rìnneadh Saul an là sin na righ, 

Thug e sgiursadh le miosguiun a's pluigh, 

Orra fein, air an ;.l 's air an ni. 

Is ambuil bha Breatuinn lb bhròn, 

O 'na threig iad a ch'uir 's an righ ; 

Gbabh flaitheas rinn corruich ro-mhor, 

Crom-an-donais ! chaidh 'n seòrsa 'n diasg. 

A High shocraich Muire nan gràs, 

Crom riumsa le baigb do chluas ; 

'S mi 'g umhladh le m' ghlùn air an làr, 

Gabh achanaicfa araid bhuam. 

Cha'n eil sinn a sireadh ach coir, 

Thug Cuigs agus Dbeorsa bhuainn ; 

'Heir do cheartais thoir neart dbuinn a's treoir, 

Amen. 

A's cum sinn bho flioirneart sluaigh ! 

CUMHA DO BHAINTIGHEARNA 

MHIC-ANTOISICH.* 

Cia iad na dee 's na Duilean treun, 

Tbeid leamsa sa'n sgeul' bhroin ? 

Tha ghealacfa fbs, 's na reulltan glan, 

'S a gbrlan to smal gach lò, 

Gach craobh, gach coill, gach bean 's cloinn, 

Dha 'm beil na'm broinn an deò, 

Gach luibh, gach fear, gach ni 's gach spreidb, 

Mu'n ti rinn boisge mòr. 

War choinneal chèir, 's i lasadh treun, 

Mar eat r na grein ro nòin, 

Bha reull na mais, to shiontaibh deas, 

A nis thug frasan mor, 

Oir bhris na tuinn 's na tobair bhuinn : 

'S le mulad dhruigh na neoil, 

'Se .gate h sinn, s ar n-aigne tinn, 

'S gu'n ruith ar eiun le deòir. 

Mu'n ribhinn kilt nan ioma gràs, 

A choisinn gràdh an t-slùigh, 

* For the Air, see the Rev. Patrick M'D.jnald's Collection 

of Highland Airs, page 10— No. 106. 

IAIN ItUADH STIUBHART. 269 

Mo bheud go brath do sgeula bais, 

An taobb ud thall de'n Gheèp, 

Ainnir ghasd' nan gorm-shuil dait, 

'S nan gruaidh air dbreach nan ròs, 

'S e do chuir fo lie a chlaoidh mo neart, 

'S a dh't'hag mi 'm feasd gun treòir. 

Do chorp geal, seang, mar lili ban, 

'Se 'n deis' a charadh 'n sròl, 

A nis a ta gach neach fo chràdb, 

'S tu 'n ciste chlàr nam bòrd, 

A gheug nam buadh is aillidh snuadh, 

Gur mis tha truagh 's nach beò, 

Do chuimhn' air chiuas. ri linn nan sluagh 

Gur cìnnte' dh'I'huasglas deùir. 

Tha Mac-an-Toisich nan each seang, 

'S nam bratacb srannmhor siòil, 

Gun aobhar gàirdeachais ach cridh, 

Ma ghiàdh 's nach eil i beò, 

A ribhinn shuairc a b' aillidh snuadh, 

O Chaisteal L'aimh nati corn, 

An gallan rèidh o cheannard treun, 

An t-sloinne Mheinnich mhuir. 

Noli' —This lament was composed on the celebrated 

Lady MTntosh of Moyhall, whose firm attachment to the 

Chevalier's interest is well known. A story is told of this 

lady which exhibits her character in a very bold and mas. 

culine light. Prince Charles had arrived at Moy, on his 

return from England, two or three days before his followers 

came through Athol and the wilds of Badenoch. M'lntosh 

and his clan were from home with the other Jacobites, and 

the place was altogether unprotected. Some keen-sighted 

loyalist had seen the Prince, and forthwith communicated 

the intelligence to Lord Louden, then stationed at Inverness 

with 5U0 soldiers. His Lordship immediately marched 

towards Moy, taking a circuitous route, however, to avoid 

detection. Intimation was carried to Lady M'lntosh of 

his Lordship's approach— it was a moment of awful and 

anxious incertitude. She immediately sent for an old 

smith, one of M'Intosh's retainers, and a council of war 

was held. " There is but one way," said her Ladyship, 

' " of saving Prince Charles—your own Prince ; and that is 

j 

by giving them battle." " Battle 1" exclaimed the smith, 

" where are our heroes ? alas 1 where to-night are the sons 

of my heart?" It was ultimately arranged that Prince 

Charles should be placed under hiding, and that the son of 

j 

Vulcan, with other six old men who were left at home, 

should give them battle. Armed with claymore, dirk, 

and guns, together with a bagpipe and old pail (drum), our 

octogenarian little army lurked in a dense clump of brush, 

wood until the red-coats came up. It was now night, and 

the sound of Lord Louden's men was heard— they 

The smith and his followers, 

were within a mile of Moy ! 

as instructed by her Ladyship, fired gun after gun, until 

the six were discharged; he then roared out "Clan 

M' Donald, rush to the right— Cameron, forward in a 

double column in the centre— M'lntosh, wheel to theleft, 

and see that none will escape !" This was enough ; the 

red-coats heard— stood, and listened—all the clans were 

there—so, at least, thought Lord Louden, and away they 

fled in the greatest disorder and confusion, knocking one 

another down in their flight, and not daring to look behind 

them until they had distanced the smith by miles 1


COINNEACH MAC-CIIOIKNICn. 

Kennsth M'Kenzie was born at Caisteal Leauir, near Inverness, in the year 1758. 

His parents were in comfortable circumstances, and gave him the advantages of a good 

education. When he was about seventeen years of age, he was bound an apprentice as 

a sailor, a profession he entered with some degree of enthusiasm. Along with his Bible, 

the gift of an affectionate mother, he stocked his library with other two volumes, namely ; 

the poems of Alexander M'Donald and Duncan M'lntyre. These fascinating produc- 

tions he studied and conned over on " the far blue wave," and they naturally fanned the 

latent flame of poetry which yet lay dormant in his breast. His memory was thus kept 

hovering over the scenes and associations of his childhood ; and, represented through the 

magic vista of poetic genius, every object became possessed of new charms, and so 

entwined his affections around his native country and vernacular tongue, that distance 

tended only to heighten their worth and beauties. 

He composed the most of his songs at sea. His " Pìobairachd na Luingè" is 

an imitation of M'lntyre' s inimitable "Beinn-dòrain," but it possesses no claims to a com- 

parison with that master-piece. We are not prepared to say which is the best school for 

poetic inspiration, or for refining and maturing poetic genius ; but, we venture to assert, 

that the habits of a seafaring man have a deteriorating influence over the youthful feelings. 

This has, perhaps, been amply exemplified in the person of Kenneth M'Kenzie. He was 

evidently born with talents and genius ; but, notwithstanding the size of his published 

volume, we find only four or five pieces in it which have stepped beyond the confines of 

mediocrity : these we give, as in duty bound. 

M'Kenzie returned from sea in the year 1789, and commenced going about taking in 

subscriptions, to enable him to publish his poems. With our own veneration for the 

character of a poet, we strongly repudiate that timber brutality which luxuriates in insult- 

ing a votary of the muses. Men of genius are always, or almost always, men of sensibi- 

lity, and nice and acute feelings; and it appears to us inexplicable how one man can take 

pleasure in showing another indignities, and hurting his feelings. The itinerant subscrip- 

tion-hunting bard, has always been the object of the little ridicule of little men. At him 

the men of mere clay hurl their battering-ram ; and our author appears to have 

experienced his own share of the evil. Having called upon Alexander M'lntosh, of 

Cantray Down, he not only refused him his subscription, but gruffly ordered him to be 

gone from his door ! Certainly a polite refusal would have cost the high-souled gentleman 

M little as this rebuff, and apologie8 of a tolerably feasible nature can now be found for 

almost every failing. Our bard, thus unworthily insulted, retaliates in a satire of great

COINNEACII MAC-CHOINNICH. 

merit. In this cynic production he pours forth periods of fire ; it is an impetuous torrent 

of bitter irony and withering declamation, rich in the essential ingredients of its kind ; 

and M'lntosh, who does not appear to have been impenetrable to the arrows of remoise, 

died, three days after the published satire was in his possession.* Distressed at this 

mournful occurrence, which he well knew the superstition and gossip of his country would 

father upon him, M'Kenzie went again among his subscribers, recalled the books from 

such as could be prevailed upon to give them up, and consigned them to the flames : a 

sufficient indication of his sorrow for his unmerciful, and, as he thought, fatal castigation 

of M'lntosh. This accounts for the scarcity of his books. 

Shortly after this event, his general good character and talents attracted the attention of 

Lord Seaforth and the Earl of Buchan, whose combined influence procured him the rank 

of an officer in the 78th Highlanders. Having left the army, he accepted the situation of 

Postmaster in an Irish provincial town, where he indulged in the genuine hospitality of 

his heart, always keeping an open door and spread table, and literally caressing such of 

his countrymen as chance or business led in his way. We have conversed with an old 

veteran who partook of his liberality so late as the year 1837. 

In personal appearance, Kenneth M'Kenzie was tall, handsome, and strong-built ; fond 

of a joke, and always the soul of any circle where he sat. If his poems do not exhibit 

any great protuberance of genius, they are never flat; his torrent may not always rush 

with impetuosity ; but he never stagnates ; and such as relish easy sailing and a smooth- 

flowing current, may gladly accept an invitation to take a voyage with our sailor-poet. 

LU1NNEAG. 

'S beag mo shunnt ris an liunn, 

Moron buirn 's bcagan bracket. 

ETannsa Icam caismeackd mo ruin, 

Air cua/i du-gkorm le capull. 

Ge d' a tha mi ann san àm, 

Air mo chramjmdh le astar, 

'S trie a thug mi greisean gàrbh, 

Air an fhàirge ga masgadli. 

'S beag mo shunnt, 4'C 

Greis le beachd a deanamh iùil, 

'S greis cuir siuil ann am pasgadfa, 

; 

MOLADII N A L U I N G E. 

Greis air iomairt, 's greis airstiùir, 

'S greis air chul nam ball-acuinn. 

'S beag mo shunnt, 4'c- 

'S e mo cheist an capall grinn, 

Hachadh leinn air an aiseag, 

'S taobh an fhuaraidh, fos a cinn, 

S muir ri slinii taobh an fhasgaidh, 

'»S' beag mo skunnt, Qc. 

Uair a bhiodh i fada shins, 

Anns an iochdar nach faict 1 

i, 

'S greis eile 'n-aird nam frith, 

S i cuir dh'i air a leath-taobh. 

'S beag mo shunnt, t$c. 

This happened in the year 179.', in which our author published. 

271

'N am do ghaisgich dol ail' t'eum 

Ga'c'il ghast gu sracadh bhèin, 

Piob ga spalpadh 's anail reidh, 

A chuireadli end a's fadadh aunt. 

'S efeile preasac 

IV e snd caismeachd iird mt> ruin, 

Crorian gàireach, bàrr gach eiùil, 

Brais phuirt mheara, leanadh did, 

Cliatli gu lùghor grad-mheurach. 

'5 eft 1 1 preasach, fyc. 

Nuair a ghlact' san achlais i, 

Beus bu taitnieh chuiinu' mi, 

Siunnsair pailt-thollach gun di— 

Os cionii a chinn gu f.ul-chrannach. 

•S' efeilt 

'S i 's boiche dreach 'sa 's tlachdmhor snuagh 

Tartrach, sgaiiteil, brais phuirt luath, 

Muineal rrom air uchd nam buagh, 

Chluinnte fuaim 'nuair ragadh i. 

'S efeile preasach, S[c. 

A ri ! bu ruith-leumach na meoir, 

Dàmhsa brais wu'ii seach gun Icon, 

Is iad air chrith le mire gleòis, 

Chluinnte sròl gu farumach. 

'S efeile preasach, $c. 

Bheireadh i air ais gu form 

An cridhe dh'fliàsgu tùrsach, tròm, 

'S chuireadh i spiorad 's gach sonn 

Gu dol air am gu spadaireachd. 

'5 efeile preasach, Qc. 

Fhuair i 'n t-urram tliar gach ceòl, 

Cuiridh i misneach 's gach tcoil, 

Togaidh i gu aird nan neoil, 

Inntinn seoid gu baitealach 

'S efeile preasach, £& 

MAIREARAD MHOLACH MHIN. 

LUINNEA8. 

Mo run Mairearad mhin mholach, 

, 

S mo rtui Main arad mh \lach mhin, 

Mo run Mairearad mhin mholach, 

'S iomadhfear a tlCair a ft. 

'S ioma gillc tapaidh bàrra-gbast, 

Eadar Dcalganros nam frith, 

Sceann Loch- u is nam bradan tarra-gheal, 

Tha le imc-iheist air a ti. 

Mo rim 

. 

COINNEACH MAC-CHOINN1CH. 2/3 

'N àile chumainn trod ri naoinear, 

Ged' a dh'aomadh ia

^74 SAR-OBAIR NAM HAUL) GAELACH.

Nam suidhe steaeh, le eibhueas ait, 

Ki cuir ma seacli nan di'amachan, 

Bi'dh cuir nan cinn a'g èiriilh, 

'S gach tè dhiù ri f'anaid ort 

Tha na gillcan òga, 

Nan dòchas cho amaideach, 

'S iad le'm barail gh orach, 

'An tòir air na caileagan, 

Ach fhad sa bhios an suilean, 

Clio duinnte, cha'n aithnich iad, 

'S cba 'n fhaic iad Gloc-air-garadh,* 

Ged' tbarladh i maille riu. 

A chaoidh cba'n fhaic sibh, iad cho ceart, 

Mar gabh sibh beachd le ghlaineachan, 

'S mus e 's gun dearc sibh, mo 's faisg, 

Gun tig a gliart, san t-eanach dhibh: 

Mar bheathacli bochd, a bhios gun toh't, 

'Naair tbeid a ghoirt a's t-earrach atm, 

'S ceart ionatm 's mar ni ghòraich, 

Air drùbhar nan caileagan. 

* A clamorous vain young woman, whose custom was, 

when she saw any strangers passing by, to get up on some 

eminence, and call the hens from the corn, or cry to the 

herd to be careful, for no other reason than that she might 

be taken notice of. The cognomen is one of general 

application, but the bard had a particular dame in view ; — 

and we have been told on undoubted authority, when she 

heard of her new name, that she gave up all concern about 

the hens and the herd-boy, to the great comfort and ease 

ofboth. Her father, however, suffered by the assumed 

modesty of his daughter—the herd-boy slept, the cows 

followed the hens into the corn fields, and de->troyed them 

so much, that the old man was heard to swear if he came 

in contact with the poet, he would give him a hearty 

flagellation for making his daughter worse than useless to 

him at outside work ! 

! 

COINNEACII MAC-CIIOINNICH. 27; 

Ge b'è chuireaa dùil aunt'. 

An dùrachd cha'n aithnich è, 

Ge d' dheanadh i do phògadh, 

'S ge d' òladh i drama leat, 

'S ge d' ghealladh i ledùchas, 

Gum pòsadh i 'neathrar thu, 

'Nliair thionnta' tu do chul-thaobh, 

Bi'dh 'n sùilean gan camadh riut. 

Mar sud their ise, ged' tus 's glic', 

Gun deanainn trie, nach aitbne dhut, 

'S ge mor do bheachd, clia racbainn leat, 

Mar biodh do bheartas màile riut, 

'S mar be dbomh 'n leisg, a bhi am lets, 

Cun deanainn reic a's ceannach ort, 

'S 'nuair bhios tu falamh chùinneadh, 

Gum fetich mi cul-thaobh bhaile dhut. 

'S ge be ghabhas fàth orr', 

Ga biàch bi'ilh air aithreachas, 

'S ma dh' fheuchaa i dha cairdeas, 

Cha'n fhearr bhios a bharail oirr' 

'S mo theid e mo is dàna— 

Thig tàir' agus farrau air, 

'S mo gheibh i e sa ghàradh, 

Cha tàr e dhol tharais air : 

Bi'dh e cho glic ri duin' air mhisg, 

'S biilh each ga mheas mar amadan ; 

Nuair bhios e glaot' mar ian an snap, 

'S nach urr' e chas a tharruinn as ; 

'S a chaoi le tlachd, cha 'n fhaigh e las, 

Mur brist e 'n acuitin theannachaidh, 

'S ma se 's nach cuir e bièid oiir', 

'S an-eibhinu ri latha dha. 

;

276 SAR-0BA1R NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

UILLEAM ROS. 

William Ross, was born in Broadford, parish of Strath, Isle of Skye, in the year 17G2. 

His ]>arents were respectable, though not opulent. His father, John Ross, was a native 

of Skye, and of an ancient family of that name, whose ancestors had lived in that country 

throughout a long series of generations. His mother was a native of Gairloch, in Ross-shire, 

and daughter of the celebrated blind piper and poet, John Mackay, well known by the 

name of Piobairc Dull. 

It appears that when William was a boy, there was no regular school kept in that part 

of the country : and as his parents were anxious to forward his education, they removed 

with him and a little sister from Skye to Forres. While attending the Grammar school 

of the latter place, he discovered a strong propensity to learning, in which he made such 

rapid advances as to attract the notice and esteem of his master ; and the pupil's sense of 

his obligations was always acknowledged with gratitude and respect. This teacher, we 

are informed, declared, that on comparing young Ross with the many pupils placed under 

his care, he did not remember one who excelled him as a general scholar, even at that 

early period of life. 

After remaining for some years at Forres, his parents removed to the parish of Gairloch, 

where the father of our bard became a pedlar, and travelled through Lewis, and the oth< r 

western Isles— and, though William was then young and of a delicate constitution, he ac- 

companied his father in his travels through the country, more with the view of discovering 

and making himself acquainted with the different dialects of the Gaelic language, than 

from any pecuniary consideration— the desire of becoming perfectly familiar with his 

native tongue, thus strongly occupying his mind even at this early period of life. And 

he has often afterwards been heard to say, that lie found the most pure and genuine dialect 

of the language among the inhabitants of the west side of the Island of Lewis. 

In this manner he passed some years, and afterwards travelled through several parts of 

the Highlands of Perthshire, Breadalbane, and Argyllshire, &c, seeing and observing all 

around him with the eye and discernment of a real poet. At this period, he composed 

many of his valuable songs; but some of these, we are sorry to say, are not now to be found. 

Having returned to Gairloch, he was soon afterwards appointed to the charge of the 

parish school of that place, which he conducted with no ordinary degree of success. From 

the time of his entering upon this charge, it was generally remarked, that he proceeded 

iii ill.' discharge of his duties with unremitting firmness and assiduity, and in a short time 

gained a reputation for skill in the instruction of the young committed to his trust, rarely

UILLEAM UOS. 

known in the former experience of that school. He had a peculiar method and humour 

in his intercourse with his pupils, which amused and endeared the children to him: at the 

same time it proved the most effectual means of impressing the juvenile mind and con- 

veying the instructions of the teacher. Many of those who were under his tuition still 

speak of him with the greatest enthusiasm and veneration. 

In the course of his travels, and while schoolmaster of Gairloch, he contracted an 

intimacy with several respectable families, many of whom afforded him testimonies of 

friendship and esteem. His company was much sought after, not only on account of his 

excellent songs, but also for his intelligence and happy turn of humour. He was a warm 

admirer of the songs of other poets, which he often sung with exquisite pleasure and taste. 

His voice, though not strong, was clear and melodious, and he had a thorough acquaint- 

ance with the science of music. He played on the violin, flute, and several other instru- 

ments, with considerable skill ; and during his incumbency as schoolmaster, he officiated 

as precentor in the parish church. 

In the capacity of schoolmaster he continued till his health began rapidly to decline. 

Asthma and consumption preyed on his constitution, and terminated his mortal life, in 

the year 1790, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. This occurred while he was residing 

at Badachro, Gairloch. His funeral was attended by nearly the whole male population 

of the surrounding country. He was interred in the burying ground of the, Clachun of 

Gairloch, and a simple upright stone, or Clach-chuimhne, with an English inscription, 

marks his "narrow house." 

In personal appearance, Ross was tall and handsome, being nearly six feet high. His 

hair was of a dark brown colour, and his face had the peculiarly open and regular features 

which mark the sons of the mountains ; and, unlike the general tribe of poets, he was 

exceedingly finical and particular in his dress. As a scholar, Ross was highly distin- 

guished. In Latin and Greek he very much excelled ; and it was universally allowed 

that he was the best Gaelic scholar of his day. 

It is not to be wondered at, that a being so highly gifted as was Ross, should be ex- 

tremely susceptible of the influence of the tender passion. Many of his songs bear wit- 

ness that he was so. During his excursions to Lewis, he formed an acquaintance with 

Miss Marion Ross of Stornovvay (afterwards Mrs Clough of Liverpool,) and paid his 

homage at the shrine of her beauty. He sung her charms, and was incessant in his 

addresses, 

— 

" Ever)- night he came 

With music of all sorts, and songs composed 

To her :" 

But still he was rejected by the coy maid ; and the disappointment consequent on this 

unfortunate love affair, was thought to have preyed so much on his mind, as to have im- 

paired his health and constitution, during- the subsequent period of his life. To this young 

lady he composed (before her marriage) that excellent song expressive of his feelings, 

almost bordering on despair, " Feasgar luain as mi air chuairt." 

In the greater number of his lyrics, the bard leads us along with him, and imparts to 

277


us so much of his own tenderness, feeling, and enthusiasm, that our thoughts expand and 

kindle with his sentiments. 

Few of our Highland bards have acquired the celebrity of William Ross—and fewer 

still possess his true poetic powers. In purity of diction, felicity of conception, and 

mellowness of expression, he stands unrivalled— especially in his lyrical pieces. M' Don- 

ald's tire occasionally overheats, and emits sparks which burn and blister, while Ross's 

flame, more tempered and regular in its heat, spreads a fascinating glow over the feelings, 

until we melt before him, and are carried along in a dreamy pleasure through the Arca- 

dian scenes, which his magic pencil conjures up to our astonished gaze. If M'Intyre's 

torrent fills the brooklet to overflowing, the gentler stream of Ross, without tearing 

away the embankment, swells into a smooth-flowing, majestic wave—it descends like the 

summer shower irrigating the meadows, and spreading a balmy sweetness over the entire 

landscape. If it be true that "Sertno est imago animi," the same must hold equally true of 

a song—and judging from such of his songs as have come into our hands, our author's 

mind must have been a very noble one— a mind richly adorned with the finest and 

noblest feelings of humanity—a mind whose structure was too fine for the rude com- 

munion of a frozen-hearted world— a mind whose emanations gush forth, pure as the lim- 

pid crystalline stream on its bed of pebbles. It is difficult to determine in what species 

of poetry William Ross most excelled—so much is he at home in every department. His 

pastoral poem " Oran en t-Scnnhraidh," abounds in imagery of the most delightful kind. 

He has eschewed the sin of M'Intyre's verbosity and M'Donald's anglicisms, and luxu- i 

riates amid scenes, which, for beauty and enchantment, are never surpassed. His objects 

are nicely chosen—his descriptions graphic—his transitions, although we never tire of 

any ohject he chooses to introduce, pleasing. We sit immoveably upon his lips, and are 

allured at the beck of his finger, to feed our eyes on new and hitherto unobserved beau- 

ties. When we have surveyed the whole landscape, its various component parts are so 

distinct and clear, that we feel indignant at our own dulness for not perceiving them 

before—but as a finished picture, the whole becomes too magnificent for our com- 

prehension. 

Ross possessed a rich vein of humour when he chose to be merry ;—few men had a 

keener relish for the ludicrous. His Anacreontic poem "Jlloladh an Uisge-Bheatha," is 

a splendid specimen of this description. How vivid and true his description of the grog- 

shop worthies—not the base and brutalized debauchees—but that class of rural toppers, 

who get Dacchi plains once or twice in the year at a wedding, or on Christmas. This 

was a wise discrimination of the poet : had he introduced the midnight revelry, and j 

baser scenes of the city tavern, his countrymen could neither understand nor relish it. 

But he depicts the less offensive panorama of his country's bacchanals, and so true to 

nature—80 devoid of every trait of settled libertinism, that, while none is ofl'cnded, all 

are electrified— and the poet's own good taste and humour expand over the dinger and 

the entire group of auditors. 

Among his amorous pieces, there arc two of such prominent merit, that they cannot be 

passed over.— " Fcasyur luain ;" so intimately connected with the poet's fate, has been

UILLEAM ROS. 279 

already noticed. Its history like that of its author, is one of love and brevity it was 

composed in a few hours to a young lady, whom he accidentally met at a convivial party 

— and sung, with all its richness of ideality and mellowness of expression, before they 

broke up. " Moladh na h-òirjhe Gài'lich," although not so plaintive or tender, is, per- 

haps, as a poetical composition, far before the other. Never was maiden immortalized in 

such well-chosen and appropriate strains—never did bard's lips pour the incense of adu- 

lation on maiden's head in more captivating and florid language, and never again shall 

mountain maid sit to have her picture drawn by so faithful and powerful a pencil. 

Without going beyond" the bounds of verity, it may be affirmed that his poetry, more 

perhaps than that of most writers, deserves to be styled the poetry of the heart— of a 

heart full to overflowing with noble sentiments, and sublime and tender passions. 

OMAN DO MHARCUS NAN GREUMACH; 

Bu trom an t-arsneul a bh'air m'aigne, 

Le fadachd 's le mi-gheau, 

A bbnin mo threoir 's mo thkbhachd dhiom, 

Cha ghabhadh cèol na màran rium 

Ach thanig ùr thosgair' da in' iunnsaidh, 

'Dhùisg mi as mo shuain, 

'Nuair fhuair mi 'n sgeul bba mor ri eigh'd 

Gun d'eadromaich mo smuain. 

Is làtha sealbhach, rathail, dealarach, 

Alail, ainmeil, àgh-mhor, 

A dh'fhuasgail air na h-Albannaich, 

Bho mhachraichean gu garbhlaichean, 

Bho uisge-Thuaid* gu Arc.amh-chuain, 

Bho Dheasgu Tuath gu leir ; 

Is binne 'n sranri feadh shrath a's ghleann 

Na organ gun mheang glèus. 

A Mharcuis òig nan Grc-umacli, 

Bhir ghleust' an aigne rioghail, 

O ! gu'm a buan air t-aiteam thu, 

Gu treubhach, buadhach, macauta, 

'S tu 'n ùr-shlat aluinn 's muirneil blath 

De'n t'hiubhaidh aird nach crion, 

Gur trie na Gàeil 'g òl do sblaint', 

Gu h-arinunnach air lion. 

* The Water of Tweed. 

AGUS DO'.X E1DEADH-GHAELACH. 

Mo cheist am firean foinnidh, direach, 

Maigeach, fior-ghlan, ainmeil, 

Mo sheobliag sùl-$;horm, amaisgeil, 

Tha comhant, cliùiteach, bearraideach, 

A b'aird' a leumadh air each-sreine, 

'M barrachd euchd thai' chàich ; 

'S tu bhuinig cuis a bharr gach cùirt, 

'S a chuir air chùl ar càs ! 

— 

Air blii air farsan dhomh gach la 

Gur tus tha ghna air m' iniitinn, 

Mo rùin do'n tir o'n d'imich mi, 

'S mo shuil air fad gu pilleadh ri : 

'S ann thogas orm gu giad mo cliolg 

Le aigne meanmaeh, treun 

Mo chliabh tha gabhail lasadh aigheir, 

'S ait mo naigheachd fèin. 

Thainig/asan aims an achd 

A dh'òidaieh pailt am feileadh, 

Tha eiridh air na breacanan 

Le farum treun neo-lapanaeh, 

Bi'dh nighean thapaidh sniomh 'sa dath 

Gu h-eibhinn, ait, le uaill 

Gach aon diù 'g eideadh a' gaoil fein 

Mar 's l èidh leo anns gach uair

2*0 SAlt-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Biodh cogndh ann no sio-cbainnt,

UILLEAM ROS. '^»1

282 SAR-OBAR NAM HARD GAELACII.

'S trom leam m'osnaich anus gach la 

'S trie mo smuaiuteau fad 1 

laiinh— 

Cluaill an domliaiti truagh an d àil, 

Gur cobhartacfa gach febil do'u bhàs ! 

Soraidh bhuan S[C. 

Tha mo chridh' gu briste, faun, 

'S deoir mo shùl a' ruitb mar àllt, 

Ge do cheilin sud air am, 

Bhrùchd e mach 's cha mhiate leam. 

Soraidh bhuan, i^c. 

Bha mi seal am barail chl'UBÌdb, 

Gn'n cluinnte caUimeachd nui'n cnairt; 

Cabhlach Thearlaich thigh'n 1 

air chuan, 

Ach thrèig an dàil mi gu là-luain, 

Soraidh bhiau, $*e. 

'S lionmhor laoch a's mili tremi, 

Tlia 'n diugh an Albainn as do dhèidh, 

lad fo's n-iosal sileadli dheur, 

Kachadb dian leat anus an t-sreup. 

Soraidh bhuan, 4'

284 SAIL OB A III NAM HARD GAELACU. 

Gacfa fear dha'm beil na smaointean so, 

Bithidh m'aouta dha gu mor, 

Air chum ha gun giuiè theag-rohaladh, 

R'n fhaotainn bhi na dhl igh ; 

A rùn-sa 'nuair a d'fhlosraichinn, 

Na'm meaaainn bhi air uhi>ir, 

Gu'm molainn »«11 a diobairt iiha, 

Clio fad si bhioilli e beb. 

An sin treai amaid, &c. 

Gu'm b'ait learn cailìn finealta, 

S' i maiseach, fior-ghlan, ciùin, 

Ged' iiach biodh ni, no airgead aic', 

Ach dreacfa a'sdealbh air thus 

Ach sud na'n tàrladb aic' a bhi 

'S ga rèir bhi pai It* an cliù, 

Cha chreidinn gu'm bu mhìst' i e, 

'6 i loin bhi glic air chill. 

An sin treiycamuid, iSv. 

Cha treiginn fein a bharail sin, 

A dh'uiiideoin 'a na their each, 

Le iomluas gu bhi caochlaidheach, 

'S nacli aontaicheadh mo chàil, 

Gach fear bi'dh mar a'a toileach leis, 

Gun choireachd bhuam gu bràth, 

'S a leanaa e gu dicheallach, 

A bheairt a chi e 's fearr. 

An S'H trfiynimai'i, \c. 

M1ANN NA II-OIGHE GAELIC!!. 

f Aia AN FliONN CHKUDNA.] 

Na'n tarladh dliomh sin fheatainn, 

Cha b'eigin learn no c'is, 

Bhi 'g iomlaid gaoil gun fhadal ris, 

'S gu rcidh ga aidmheil dha, 

'Sa 'ih' aindeoin uaill a'a gbraich 

Nan bighean òga, bàth, 

'So sud an leuchd gu dideanadh, 

An cridheachan gu bràth. 

Chfm '/ annsa na bhi mbnar, 

Mo lamh '.- moyhaol thoirt nam, 

Maroon a's lùbadhfarasda, 

Le 1 

Qu'm Vannsa, «', c. 

aire. 

Na'n deanadh fortan fabhar rium, 

'S an dàil sin chuir ma m' choir, 

Le òigear maiseach, mileanda 

(inn aniiharr, no dlth stbir, 

A chuir an taobh a bithinn-sa, 

'S mi fein am nighinn òig, 

Gun easbhuidh seadh no pàirtean air 

Cliii'n air.h'ain e ach foil. 

Gu'm I)' m n a, 

i'V sud an cèile thaghainn-sa, 

'S cha chladhaire neo-threun, 

Dha'm biodh Ian nan còbhraichean, 

Dhetb *n br 'a gun treòir dha rèir ; 

A threudan a' tigh'u' tharais air, 

Le barrachd dhetb gach send, 

Cha'n fhagadh saibhreas aoua mi, 

Gun toilcachas na d hèigll. 

Gum V annsa, §& 

Gu'n cumadh Ni-matli bhuam-aa sud J 

Fear gabhaidh, cruaidb, gun chliu, 

Na fhionaig dhriopail, gheur-chuisich, 

Bhioa ieirsinneach le shùil, 

Gun tomad a measg dhaoine dheth, 

Gun ghean, gun fhaoilt, naghnuis, 

Gun fhailteachd, chairdeil, fhuranach 

Gun uirghinll aig a's liù. 

Gu'm '/ annsa, u choir dhuinri. 

Their mi horo huyo hoiriunn, Xr. 

—

Cuirt .am b' la breac na tharruinn, 

'S glaineachan air Lord dhuinn. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, frc. 

Chuala mi naigheaehd a Sasurm, 

liis na las mo shùlas. 

Theiv mi horo hugo hoiriunn, S[C, 

Na Suirm a bha 'n iomairt Thearlaiuh, 

Thigh'ii' gu dail an còrach. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, Src. 

'S ge d' tlia cuid diu sud a thriall uainn, 

Tha 'n iarmad air fòghnadh. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, &c. 

Feudaidh mac bodaich a reiste, 

131ii cuir bleid a stòras. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, g-e. 

Cosgamaid bòla de cbuineadb 

Nan Suiilll liacll eil beò dhiu. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, ^c. 

Tostamaid suas gach ceann-finne, 

Bh'aims an iomairt mhl ir ud. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, §c. 

Tostamaid snas luchd ga lcanmhuinn, 

Gnn dearmad air Decrsa: 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, S[e. 

Sluagh Bhreatuinn agus Eirinn, 

Geilleachdaiun da mhùrachd. 

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn,

28G SAR-OBAIR NAM

UILLEAM ROS. 287

288 SAU-OUAIIt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Bu tu mochruit, mo cheol, '« mo thalleasg,

Cha' n'eil cleirearh. no pears raglais, 

Crabhach, teallsanach, no sagart, 

Dha nach toir thu caochladh aigne 

Sparra' cèill sari amlilair. 

Ho ro, £& 

— 

Cha' n'eil cleasaich amis an rioghachd 

Dha' m bu leas a dhol a strì riut, 

Dh-fhagadh tu e-san na shineadh, 

'S pioban as gach ceann detli. 

Ho ro, $c. 

Dh-fhagadh tu fear mosach fialaidh, 

Dheana' tu fear tosdacb briathrach, 

Chuire' tu sog air fear cianail, 

Le d' shoghraidhean greannar. 

Ha ro, $e. 

Dh-fhaga' tu cho slàn fear bacach, 

'S e gun ich, gun oich, gun acain, 

'G eiriilh le suunt air a leth-chois, 

Gu spailpeil a dhàmhsa. 

Ho ro, Sc. 

Chuire' tu bodaich gu beadradh, 

'S na crornaichean sgrogach, sgreagach, 

Gu èiridh gu frogail, sa cheigeil, 

Ri sgeig air an t-sheann aois, 

Ho ro. 4c 

Bu tu sùiriclie mo rùin-sa, 

Ge d' thuirt na mnathan nach b'fhiu thu, 

'Nuair a thachras tu sa' chùil riu, 

Bheir thu cùis gun taing dhhi. 

Ho ro, 4'f. 

Bu tu cairid an fhir-fhacail, 

Bheireadh fuasgla' dha gu tapaidh. 

Ged nach òl e dhiot ach cairteal, 

'S blasmhoirid a chainut e. 

Ho ro, §c. 

Tha cho liugha buaidh air fàs ort, 

'S gu là-luain nach faod mi'n aircamh, 

Ach 'se sgaoil do chliù 's gach àite, 

Na bàird a bhi 'n geall ort. 

Ho ro, $c 

Tho

2 toigh linn drama, §c. 

A Chleir fein, ge scunt' an còta, 

Tba'u sgornanan ort an geall, 

Tha cuid ac' a ghabhas fraoileadh, 

Cho math ri saighdear sa' champ, 

'A' toigh linn drama, Qc. 

An t-OLLA Mac- Iain* le Bheurla, 

Ee 'Laideaun a's 'Ghreugais-chainnt, 

Gun dh-t'hag stuth uaibhreacb nan Gael, 

Teang' a chànanaich ud mall. 

'S toigh linn drama, §c. 

'N uair thug e ruaig air feadh na h-Alba, 

'S air feadh nan garbh-ehrimh ud thall 

Dh-fhag Mae-na-braeh' e gun lide 

Na amadan liutach, dall. 

'S toigh linn drama,

Bi'dh mise, a's Màiri 

CÌHch là 's na glacagan, 

No'n doire geugach 

Nan èuiian breac-iteach, 

Bi'dh cuach, a's smebrach, 

Ki ceòl 's ri caiseamachd, 

'S a gabhail ùrain 

Le sgòrriain bhlasda dhuini 

Note.—" William Ross chiefly delighted in pastoral 

poetry, of which he seized the true and genuine spirit 

' Molailh nu h.b/ghe Gaelich' or ' his Praise of the Highland 

Maid" is a masterpiece in this species of composition. 

It embraces every thir.gthat Ig lovely in a rural scene ; and 

the description is couched in the most appropriate language 

"—BrSLioTiiLCA Scoto-Celtica. 

AN LADIE DUBH. 

LUDTNEAG. 

Ho ro ladie dJiui', 

IIò ro eilc. 

Hb ro ladie dhui', 

Ho ro etfe, 

Ho ro ladie dhui', 

Ho ro eile, 

Gum b'èihhivn Ir m'nirinradh 

An ladie ruCinfeudadh. 

Nach mireagach Cupid, 

'S e sùgradh ri mhathair, 

Dia brionnach gun suiiean, 

An duil gur ceòl-gàir' e, 

A' tilgeadh air thuaiream, 

Mu'n cuairt amis gach aite, 

A shaighdean beag, gu'meach, 

Mar's iirrainn e'n sàthadh. 

Ho ro ladie dhui,' Qc. 

Bha sagavt 's na criochau, 

'S bu diaghaidh 'm fear-leughaidh, 

Air duiiadh le creideamh, 

'S le eagnachd cho eudmhor ; 

'S b'ann a cheann-eagair, 

A theagasg bhi beusach 

Gun ofrail a nasgadh 

Aig altairean Bhenuis. 

Ho ro iadie dhui',

292 SAtt-OBAltt nam

Ach mosg'leam tharais a mi-gliean 

'S cuiream dith air mo ghruaim : 

Beò iii's (aide cha bhi mi 

Gun mo mhin-mhala shliaire! 

Oig mh'in beir mo shoraidh 

Leat na choirean so shuas, 

Se'mn mo rùin aim sa' ghleannan. 

'S tuigidh 'n cailin e bhuat. 

Seinn cibhiun, S[c. 

— — — 

CUACHAG NAN CRAOBH." 

Chuachag nancraobh,nach trua'leat mr chaòi' 

'G osnaich ri òidhch' cheòthar— 

Shiubhlainn le'm' ghaol, fo dhubhar nan craobh, 

Gu'n duin' air an t-saoghal fheòraich, 

Thogainn ri gaoith am monadh an fhraoich, 

Wo leabaidh ri tuobli dorain 

Do chrùtha geal caomh sinte ri m' thaobh, 

'S mise ga'd chaoin phùgadh. 

Cliunna' mi fein aisling, 's cha blireug, 

Dh-fhag sin mo chre brònach, 

Fear mar ri tè, a pògdh a beul, 

A briodal an deigh pjsaidh, 

Dh'uraich mo mhiann, dh'ath'rich mo cliiall, 

Ghul mi gu dian, dòimeaeh, 

Gach cuisle agus feith, o iochdar mo chleibh 

Thug iad gu leum co'-lath ! 

Ort tha mo gheall, chaill mi mo chonn, 

Tlia mi fo throm chreuehdan, 

Dh'aisigeadh t-fhonn slainte do'm chom, 

Dhiuchdadh air lorn m' èibhneas, 

Thiginn ad dhàil, chuirinn ort fàilt', 

Bhithinn a ghraidh reidh riut 

M'ulaidh 's mo mhiann, m' aighear 's mo cliiall, 

'S aiunir air fiamh grein' thu! 

* The poet, crossed in love, suffered such poignancy of 

grief that it ultimately brought on a consumption and 

he was for sometime bed-ridden. On a fine evening in 

May, lie rose and walked out through the woods to indulge 

his melancholy alone.—Arriving at a large tree, he threw 

himself on the green sward beneath its branches, and was 

not long in his sequestered sylvan situation ere the cuckoo 

began to carol above him " The son of song and sorrow" 

immediately tunes his lyre, and sings an address to the 

feathered vocalist.—He pours out his complaints before 

the shy bird, and solicits its sympathies.— Had liurns 

been a Gaelic Scholar, we should have no hesitation in 

accusing him of plagiarism when he sung: 

"How can ye chaunt, ye little birds 

While I'm so wae an' fu' o' care ?" 

But Ross embodies finer feelings and sentiments into his 

fugitive pieces than even the bard of Coila. 

UILLEAM KOS. 

Thuit mi le d'ghath, mhill thu mo rath, 

Striochd mi le neart dòrain 

Saighdean do ghaoil suit' anus gach taobh, 

'Thug dhiom gach caoin co'-lath, 

Mhill thu mo mhais, ghoid thu mo dhreach, 

'S mheudaich thu gal bròin donih ; 

J93 

'S mar fuasgail thu trà, le t-t'huran 's le t-fhàilt' 

'S cuideachd am has dhoiiih-sa! 

'S cama-lubach t-fhalt, faiina-hhui' nan cleachd 

'S fabhrad nan ròsg aliiinii ; 

Gruaidhean mar chaor, broilleach mar aol, 

Anail mar ghaoth gàraidh— 

Gus an cuir iad mi steach, an caol-taigh nan leac 

Bidh mi fo neart crùidh dheth, 

Le smaointiun dochleas,'sdoshùgradh ma seach, 

Fo dhuilleach nam preas blath'or. 

'S milis do bhetil, 's comhnaid do dheud, 

Suilean air lìdh airneig, 

'Ghiùlaineadh brèid, uallac.h gu feill, 

'S uasal an reull aluinn— 

'Strua' gun an t-eud tha'n uachdar mo chleibh, 

Gad bhualadh-s' an ceud àite— 

Na faighinn thu reidh pùsd' on a chieir 

B'fhasa dhomh-fcin tearnadh. 

'S tu 'n ainnir tha grinn, mlleanta, binn, 

Le d' cheileir a sirin òran, 

'S e blii na do dhàil a dh'òidhche sa là, 

Thoilicheadh càil m' òige : 

Gur gile do bhian na sneachd air an fhiar, 

'S na canach air sliabh mointich, 

Nan deanadh tu ruin tarruinn rium dlu' 

Dheanainn gach tùrs' fhògar. 

Càrair gu reidh clach agus ere 

Ma'm leabaidh-s' a bhrl t-uaisle 

— 

'S fada mi 'n èis a feitheamh ort fèin 

'S nach togair thu ghèug suas learn, 

Na b'thus a bhiodh tinn, dheanainn-sa luim, 

Mas biodh tu fo chuing truaighe, 

Ach 's goirid an da.il gu'm faicear an 1;\, 

'M bi pràsgan a' trà'l m'uaigh-sa ! 

Mallachd an tùs, aig a mhnaoi-ghlùin', 

Nach d' adhlaic sa chùil beò mi ! 

Mu'n d' fhuair mi ort iiiil ainnir dheas iir, 

'S nach dùirig thu fiù pòg dhomh, 

Tìnn gu'n bhi slàn, dùisgt' as mo phràmh, 

Cuimhneachach dàn pòsaidh 

Mo bheannachd ad dheigh, cheannaich thu-fein, 

Le d' leannanachd gle òg mi.

294 S All- OB A 1 11 NAM

UILLEAM ROS. 295

29(3 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH. 

'S e gabhail cruit da iiumsaiilh 

Le in neal ciùil

Ac li rail's a trial! gun dail dut, 

UILLEAM ROS. 

297

298 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD 6AELACH. 

AILEAN DALL. 

Allan M'Dougall, better known by the soubriquet of Ailean Dall, or blind Allan, was 

a native of Glencoe, in the county of Argyle. He was born about the year 1750, of 

poor but honest and industrious parents. When a young man, he was bound appren- 

tice to a tailor, who, in conformity with the custom of the time and country, itinerated 

from farm to farm, "plying his needle" in every house where his services were required. 

The excursive nature of this occupation, accorded well with Allan's disposition— the 

house in which they wrought, was literally crammed every night with young and old, 

who passed the time in reciting old legends—tales of love, of war, of the chase—inter- 

mingled occasionally with songs and recitations of ancient poetry. Thus nurtured, Allan 

soon became famed for his fund of legendary lore. His mind became imbued with the 

yet lingering spirit of chivalry, which characterized his countrymen in former times. He 

heard the encomiums bestowed upon the bards, and his youthful breast felt the ardent 

flame of emulation. From the first stages of puerility, he was remarkable for his 

sallies of wit, and quickness of repartee—there was an archness about him, which indi- 

cated future eminence. It is said that as he was sitting one day cross-legged, sewing 

away at his seam, he retorted so keenly and waggishly on a fellow-apprentice, that the 

other, wincing under the lash, thrust his needle into Allan's eye ;—in consequence of this, 

the assailed organ gradually melted away, and the other, as if by sympathy, wore off in 

the course of time. Thus, like Meenides and Milton "wisdom at one entrance was clean 

shut out," from poor Allan. Nature, however, is an excellent compensator—we seldom 

find a man deprived of one faculty, who does not acquire others, in a pre-eminent 

degree. Such was the case with Ailean Dall. He possessed a lively imagination, an 

excursive fancy, and a retentive memory. 

Incapacitated from pursuing his trade, he turned his attention to music, and soon acquir- 

ed a tolerable knowledge of that science as a fiddler. But he never became eminent as a 

musician, and was chiefly employed at country weddings and raffles, and so earned a 

miserable pittance. About the year 1790, he removed with his family to Inverlochy, 

near Fort- William, where he was accommodated with a hovel and a small pendicle of land 

by Mr Stewart, who then held the salmon-fishing on the river Lochy, and the occupancy 

of an extensive farm. The change had materially bettered our bard's circumstances—his 

1'amilv did all necessary agricultural operations, and Allan's fiddle and muse were in 

ceaseless demand, and were occasionally successful in the realization of some little cash, 

or other remuneration.

AILEAN DALL. 

We utterly repudiate the doctrine that hardships and indigence are, or can be fertile 

in the productions of genius ;— difficulties may spur to invention, but it is ease and com- 

fort that can yield time and temper to give a polish to literary or poetic productions. 

The former may let off the whizzing squib of momentary excitation—it is the latter that 

can light up the bright-burning and pellucid torch of genius. During his stay at Inver- 

lochy, he composed the most of his songs—his fame spread, and his reputation as a poet 

became ultimately stamped. His style is fine—his manner taking— his subject popular 

— and his selection of airs exceedingly happy. But while we are prepared to give our 

author a respectable position among the minstrels of our country, we are by no means 

disposed to place him in the first class. 

Induced by the popularity his poems had acquired, Allan bethought him of preparing 

them for publication ; —and with this view, he consulted the late Mr Ewan M'Lachlan, 

of the Grammar School, Aberdeen, who was then employed as a tutor in the neigh- 

bourhood. Mr M'Lachlan, himself an assiduous votary of the muse, entered with his 

characteristic zeal and enthusiasm into the poet's prospects. He took down our author's 

compositions in manuscript, and as they would not of themselves swell even into a 

respectably sized volume, the amanuensis added a few of his own productions, together 

with several other select pieces. The volume thus " got up" soon became exceedingly 

popular—especially in that part of the country : to say that it possessed merit, is say- 

ing too little—but there were one or two obscene pieces which we would like, for the 

sake of moral purity, had been omitted. 

Shortly after the appearance of his poems in a collected form, the far-famed Colonel 

Ronaldson M' Donald of Glengary, took Allan under his patronage, and gave him a 

comfortable cottage and croft near his own residence. And now might the palmy days 

of our minstrel be said to have commenced— he occupied the proud and enviable position 

of family-bard to the most famed Ceann-tuiyhe in the Highlands. He laid aside his blue, 

home-made great-coat, and hat, and was equipped in habiliments suited to his newly 

acquired rank. Never was there a more marvellous transition outwardly ; and we ven- 

ture to presume that the buoyancy of his feelings kept pace with his improved exterior. 

Allan now appeared in Glengary's retinue, clad in tartan trews, plaid, belt and bonnet, 

on all festival days and occasions of public demonstration. His minstrelsy tended to en- 

liven the scene, and to inspire the party with the almost dormant chivalric spirit of their 

country. His panegyrics on Glengary were elaborate and incessant ; and, as poets like 

other mortals, must have some slight ingredient of selfishness about them, if our 

author stepped beyond the bounds of propriety or truth in this respect, he has his equal 

in Robert Southey, the poet-laureate—and this we should think sufficient apology ! He 

annually accompanied his patron to the gymnastic games at Fort- William ; and various 

anecdotes of his ready wit are related by the people of that place. He previously com- 

posed appropriate songs for these exhibitions, and sung them at the games, as if they had 

been strung together on the spur of the moment—always making sure of having his lyre 

tuned by two or three copious draughts, not of Helicon, but of Benevis ! On one occa- 

sion, after the sports of the day were over, Glengary having seen Allan quaff his third 

299


shell, stepped forward and said— " Now, Allan, I will give you the best cow on my 

estate, if you sing the proceedings of this day, without mentioning my name !" The 

bard adroitly and at once replied :— 

" Dlieanainn latha gun ghrian, 

A's muir blian gun 'blii sailt, 

iMu'n gabliainn do na Gàiiil dan, 

Gun fliearmo ghràidh'n aird mo raiim '." 

i. c. I would sooner create daylight without a sun, and call into being a sea of fresh water, 

before I would celebrate a gathering of Highlanders, without Glengarry figuring the first 

in my verse. 

But although Allan became Glengarry's family bard, he did not give up composing 

pieces of general interest— and quite detached from the connexions of his proper calling. 

Indeed many of his productions while with the " proud chieftain," are, if any thing, better 

and more popular than his first. In the year 1828, he travelled the counties of Argyle, 

Ross, and Inverness, taking subscriptions for a new and enlarged edition of his works ; 

and on procuring 1000 names, he went to press in 18-29. But alas ! the book was only 

in progress, when the cold finger of death silenced his harp for ever. He died much 

regretted, and was interred in the burying-ground of Kilfianan. 

In personal appearance, Allan M'Dougall was thin and slender, and somewhat diminutive 

in size. He commonly wore a bluck fillet over his eyes. He was seldom out of humour, 

and very rarely nursed his wrath so long as to lead him to indulge in satire. He was 

amongst tho family bards what Ossian was among the Fingalians— " the last of the race." 

ORAN DO MHAC-'IC-ALASDAIR GI1LINNB-GARAIDI1. 

LU1NNEAG. 

Faiyh a nuns dhuinn am bottd, 

' 

'.s tin-ill mi deoch so mil 

' a cuairif 

I. imi barraeh an copan, 

Cum SOC rur/i it r/ninr/i ; 

Tosda Choirneil nafèile 

Lets an i ireadh gach buaidh, 

(>i

'S tn namhaid na h-eala, 

Lainh a mhealladh a glieoi


Claim an t-Sbaoir bho thaobh Cbruacbaino,

AILEAN

304 SAil-OHAlR NAM 15 A It 13 GAELACH. 

Aeh bho thoiseaeh ar sinnsridh, 

"'S tli ii i this; gran iarraidh, 

An gaol ague eagal, 

'S gun leith-sgeul an t-iadach.' 

DUANAG DO 'N UISGE- DIIEATII A. 

Ponn.—" Titan oidhche tiyliinn as mise ham Jin. 

Tha fàileadh gun fhotas 

Hho Y.hneas Mhic-an-Toislch, 

Chuireadh blàths' aim am pòrai 

Là reòt a's gaoth tuath. 

01 sid i 'n deoch mhilis 

Nach jnlleamaid uainn, 

Chtnreadh Hatha air gach cridhe, 

(;< do bhitheadh iadjvar: 

O ' sid i *J! ilnir/i in !i His 

Such j.i/tea/naid uainn. 

15 u taitneach an ceòl 

A bhi g' eisdeachd a chrònain, 

Ga leigeadh a stop, 

A' cuir crdic air a cbuaich. 

O ! sid i 'ii deoch, fye. 

'S e gogail a choilich, 

Ga gliooadh rl gloiue, 

Ceol inntinneach, luinneil, 

A thoilleadh an duais ; 

O ! sid i *n deoch, ijc 

Ma chreidear mo sheanaihas, 

lin mhath leìan 'bhi sealg ort, 

Le h-urchair gun dearmnd, 

Fras airgeid mil d'chluais. 

O ' sid i 'n deoch, «$r. 

'Nuair chluinnte do ghlogan 

(ia tliarruinn a huideal, 

I hi mhath le ar slugain 

Am fliuchadh gn luatb. 

! sid i 'n deoch, Qc. 

'S tu culaidh an damhia 

Nuatr thlgeadh an geamhradb< 

A bheireadh air leann-dukia 

'Cheann' thogail suas. 

01 sid i 'n deoch, ijc 

Bu mhath thu air banafo, 

Cia 'r cumail na 'r caithris, 

Nuair bhitheadh luchd-ealaidh 

Iti caithream na 'r cluais. 

0! sid i 'n deoch, $c. 

Be sid an stuth neartmhor, 

Dh-lhas mistieachail, reaehd-mhor, 

Ni saighdear d« 'n ghealltair, 

Gu spealtadh nan onuao> 

O ! sid i '« deoch, tip. 

Sùgh brigheil na thirnnc, 

hho fheadan na praise ; 

Tha spioradail, laidir, 

An caileachd 's an snuagh. 

O ! sid i 'n deoch, c]-c. 

Ann an coinnidh, 's an codhail, 

Bheir daoine gu còmhradh, 

'S binn luinneagan orain 

Mu bhord ga 'n cuir suas. 

.' O sid i 'n deoch, tifC. 

Tha thu cleachdta 's gaeh dùtbaiòb, 

N àm reiteachadh cumhant, 

Ma bhios sinn as t-iu 

15i'dh sùgradh tad bhuain. 

O ! sid i '« dtoch, sid i 'n deoch, mhilis 

Nach pdleamaid uainn, 

Chuireadh Maths air gach cridhe, 

Gc do bhitheadh iadfuar : 

' sid ì 'n deoch mhilis 

S'aeh jii/lcainaid iiaiuit. 

Note.—We have printed this long as we took it down 

from the poet's own recitation in 13. H.

ORAN DO 'N MHISG. 

1 

Air fonn—"An am dvl sios bhi debauch." 

An Am dhomh gluasad amis a mhadainn, 

Cha 'n 'eil m' aigneadh sunntach, 

'S e Mac-na-bracba 'rinn mo leagadli 

Ann an leabaidh dhùinte ; 

Mo chliabh na lasair, air a chasadh, 

S airtneulacb mo dhùsgadh, 

'S e sud an gleachdair t'huair to smachd mi, 

'S dh' fhag e m' aisnean bruite. 

Nuair a shuidb sinn san taigh-òsda, 

Chaidh na stoip thar cbunntas, 

Gu trie a tighinn, clia bu ruighinn, 

lad na 'n ruith a m' ionnsuidh, 

Gun iarraidh dàlach a sior phaigheadh 

'G òl deoch-slainte 'Phrionnsa ; 

'S cha 'n iarrainn t'ein a db' aobhar ghàii', 

Ach Ràonull a toirt cliù dhomb. 

Nuair a ghluais mi gu tigh'nn dachaigh, 

Lagadli a chion hns mi, 

Gun d' fbalbh mo tieart gun leirsinn cheart, 

Gun chaill mi 'm beachd bha m' shùilean ; 

Feadh na h-oidhebe 's mi gun soillseinn 

Air mo shlaoic 'san dùnan ; 

Cha robh air chomas domh ach àrusg, 

'S bha mo chairdean diumbach. 

'S leir dhomh 'n diugh gur mor an tàmailt 

Ckch a bhi ga m' ghiulan, 

'S mi t'ein an dull gun robh mi laidil' 

Gus an d' t'hag mo tbUr mi ; 

Ge do chuir i 'n èis mo cbolunn, 

'S e mo sporan 'dhiubhail 

Air gniomh na misge 'shlaid gun fbios mi, 

Mar tig gliocas ùr dhomh. 

'S ole an ealaidh bhi ga leanailt, 

'S aimideach an turn 'bhi 

'Suidh' air bhord a glaodhaich oil, 

'S mo pbòcannan ga 'n tiormdadh, 

A' sgapadh stòrais le meud-mhoir, 

Ag iarraidh phòg 's na cùiltean ; 

'S fad sa mhaireadh mo chuid òir, 

Cha cbuireadb ùsdair cùl rium. 

'S coir dhomb nise thoirt Cos' near 

An t-aithreachas a dbubladh, 

Mo bhoid gu gramail thoirt a'ià Eala, 

Dh' t'heuch an lean mo chliù rium ; 

A1LEAN DALL. 

Cha teid deur a staigh fo m' dheudaich, 

'S feudal tigh'n as i minis ; 

Cha 'n fliaigh tear t'alamh seol air aran 

Acli le t'allas gnuise. 

Labhair Raonull— " Na biodh sprochd oit, 

'S theid mi nocbd air t-ionnsuidh, 

Gleidhidh mi dhut bean a's tochradh, 

Clio coltach 's tba 's dùthaich ; 

Ge do bhiodh tu gann de stoc, 

Na faicear bochd do ghiulan ; 

'S c'arson nach glaodhamaid a'r botul 

Aim an toiseach cumhnant?" 

305 

SMEORACH CIILOINN-DUGIIAILL. 

Ho-i, ri na, Jio-ro, /ik-o, 

Ho-lib ho-i na, i-ri, it-o ; 

'S smevraeh mise le Cloinn-Dhghaill 

A seinn cihil, an dluths 1 

(/ach gèige. 

Cha dean mi bròn an cos f'alaicb, 

Tha seileir mo loin gun ainnis : 

Gheibh gach seùrsa se(d air aran, 

'S cha churam dhomhaa 'bhi t'alamh. 

Ho-i, ri na, %c. 

Nuair a dh'eireas grian an earraich, 

Diridh an ianlaith 's na crannaibh ; 

Tha 'm beatha-san diant' air tbalamh 

liho 'n laimh gus am bial, 's i 10 mbath. 

Ho-i,rina,c]c. 

Gur a mise a smeirach ghleannach, 

Sheinnimi ceol air bhàrr gach meangain ; 

Ribheid ùr an siunnsair t'allain, 

'S math mo cha.il, gun sàs air m' anail. 

Ho-i, ri na, %e. 

Madainn cheitein, 'n am dhomh dùsgadh, 

'Seinn gu h-eibhinn, eutrom, siubhlach ; 

Dealt nan speur air gheugan curaidh, 

Grian ag eiridh, 's few a' bruchdadh. 

Ho-i, ri na, 8[C. 

Ghineadh mi 's an tir nach coimbeach, 

'S cbaisginn m' iotadh le brigh Cbomhainn ; 

'lobar ioc-shlainte nach reodhadh, 

'G èiridh 'nios bho 'n dilitm dhomhain. 

Ho-i, ri na, 4'C.

306 SAII-OI3A1II NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Air taobh greine, gleaun ir.o chridhe, 

Ear an robfa eibhneaa mo dhibha ; 

Ge do bhiodh an t-eug a tighiim, 

liheireadh slainnt'do 'm chreubhsa rithist. 

Ho-i, ri na, £e. 

'S an lìr àigh do 'n gnà 'bhi cridheil, 

Chaidh in' àracb gun fhailliun bidbe, 

Air in-ad sàbhailte gun snitlie ; 

Sgheibhinnblaths'airsgà Ciiloinn Iain. 

Ho-i, ri na, &c. 

Tha mi nise measg Chloinn-Cliam'roin, 

Cinneadii mòr bba 'n seòrs ud ainmeil ; 

'N cath 's an còmhail, seòlta, Raima ; 

'Dol gu com h rag, stroiceach, marbhtach. 

IIo-i,ri-na,$c. 

'S piudhar mi do n chuthaig ahamhraidh, 

Le 'm dheoin clia leid mi gu Galltachd ; 

Bho 'n is i Ghàelig is cainnt domh, 

'Measg mo chàirdean talar aim mi, 

Ho-i, ri na, &-c. 

Nuair tbeid fianlach feadh na coille, 

Crulnnichidh ianlaith gach doire ; 

Thig gach ian gu nead le coilleig 

Sràbfa ga shniomh am bial gaeh coilich. 

Ho-i, ri na, |c. 

'S ionnan sid 's mar dh'eireaa domhsa ; 

Ma phiocas each mi le dòruiilll, 

Falbbaidh mis' " an rioebd na smeòrateh," 

'S tlieid mi 'm ghearan far an chv dhomb. 

Ho-i, ri na, %c, 

Gu Dun nan Cliar thriallainn dàna, 

'Dhol fo sgiathaibh nan triath stàtail ; 

Ged Dacfa eil Eoin Ciar a lathair, 

'S maireann am fear liath as Pàdruig, 

Ho-i, ri na, Qc. 

Dùn-olla nan tùireid arda, 

Nam fear fuileach, builleaeb, atracach, 

'Sheaaadh duineil luchd an oairdeia, 

'CfaoJaneadh urram ri uchd namhaid. 

Ho-i, ri na,

A1LEAN DALI-. 

3 °7

308 SAR-OBAIll NAM

Shaoil mi bhean gu 'n robh thu bàindi, 

A's nach bioilh sannt gu tuasaid ort 

Ge do dh-fhàsainnse cho faun, 

: ; ; 

'S nach tionndainn air do chluasaig riut 

Air learn fein nach eil thu 'n call, 

'8 do chlaun a chuir ri ghuaillibh dhut 

'S ma dh-fhas thu guiuideach nad' cheann, 

Gur beau tlia 'n geall air buaireadh thu. 

'S ann agam-sa bba'nceannfath, 

Nuair chithinn each a' cluaiueis riut 

Chaidh a' chuis bho fhaladhà, 

A's cha robh stà bhi d' bhuachailleachd ; 

Ged a's mis' a ghlac do lamh, 

Bha te no dlia nach b' fhuathaih leat : 

'S ma chosg thu riutha do liuiin-tàth, 

Tha nis' am fàilt air fuarachadh. 

AM FEAR. 

Dh-ailhnich thusa sin ort fein, 

A bheudag dh-fhas thu suarach orm : 

Chaill thu nise dhiom do speis, 

'S cha 'n 'eil do reite buan agam : 

Bho 'n a chaidh mise nis' bho flieum, 

'S e 'n t-eud a riirn do bhualadh-sa : 

'S moch 'sa mhadainn chuir thu 'n ceill domh, 

Nach robli m' eiridh suas agam. 

Is fhir gun stk, gun rath, gun direadh, 

Na hi 'g itinse tuaileas orm : 

Nam bidh tusa dhomhsa dileas, 

Cha robh m' inntinn bruailleanach : 

Ach 's e bu mhiann leat a bhi briodal, 

Kis gach ribhinn chuaileauaich : 

'S iomadh ribein agus cir, 

A's deise chinn a fhuair iad bhuat'. 

Ach c'aite 'n fhuair thu mi 'sa sgath, 

Nri'm faca tu 'g an tuairgneadh mi, 

Cha robh mi m' mheirleach cho math, 

'S nach glaca' tu mi uair-eigin : 

'S ma fhuair thu taisgeuladh no brath, 

'S e 's fhasa chuir a suas orm, 

S tia càraich air a mhuin do chas, 

Ach leig a mach na chuala tu. 

'S ma chuireas tu mi gu m' dhùbhlan, 

Bithidh a chuis na 's cruaidhe dhut : 

Gheibh a' miuisteir an t-umhladh, 

A's theid an lùireacb shuaicheant ort: 

AILEAN DALL. 309 

Linnseach, mhaslach air a diibladh, 

Leis gach dunadh tuaisgeaira : 

'S ge do bhithinns' air do chul-thaobb, 

Air son crùn cha 'n fhuasglainn i. 

Aib gus an càirear mi 's an ùir, 

Cha 'n lhaic do shuil mu m' ghuaillean i, 

S ma thig do naidheachd os ceann bùird, 

Cha chliù dhut a bhi luaidh sin rium; 

A's ge do lasadh t-fhearg le diumb, 

Cho ghrad ri fudar buaireasacb, 

Cha chomhdaichear leat orm-sa chilis, 

Nach iuunsaich mi le h-uaibhreaclias. 

A BHEAN. 

'S cha mhor nach coma learn co dhiù, 

Cha robh do thùrn ach suarach learn : 

'S an a'r a b' fhearr a bha do shùgradh, 

Chunntainnse na h-uaireannan ; 

Chaidleadh tu cho trom gun dusgadh. 

Air mo chul le smuaisirein : 

'S ge do bhiodh mo thaigh 'ga rùsgadh, 

Cha robh curam gluasaid ort. 

'S bheirinn comhairle gu h.eolach, 

Air gill' og tha fuasgailteach ; 

E bhi glic ri àm a phòsaidh, 

'S laidhe seolta suas ritbe : 

'S gun droch cleachdadh thoirt 'g a dheoin, 

Do ghoraig nach biodh stuaim innte, 

'S gun fhios nan lagaicheadh a threbir, 

Nach ordaicbeadh i bhuaithe e. 

Am fear nach dean a threabhadh tràth, 

'S a mhàirt ged bhiodh e fuar aige, 

S culaidh mhagaidh e chion stà, 

'S ri latha bhàth cha bhuain e dias 

Bithidh am fearann aige fàs, 

Na stiallan bana, 's luachair air, 

A's e-san broinein! a' dol b.'is, 

'S na saibhleau làn aig tuathanaich. 

'S cha 'n fheud mo threabhadhsa bhi mall, 

S do chall ri dheanadh suas agam ; 

Bheir mi oigeich as a' ghleann, 

'S theid cuing gu teann mu *n guailleannsa : 

A' Dun-eideann gheibh mi crann, 

'S e fasan gallda 's usaile leinn ; 

Ccltar, stailinn, soc, a's bann, 

'S gach ball bhos ann theid cruaidh orra. 

;

310 SAll-OHAllt NAM BARD GAEL AC II. 

Hi cho math 's do ghealladh dhomhsa, 

'S còrdaidh ainn gun duathalaa : 

Bho 'ii tbn ainn cho I'ada icmhla, 

\S nm pùsadh mar ehriiaiilh slinuiin oinin 

'S mor gur (Van - 

learn an t-olc eolach, 

Na fogarach luasganacfa ; 

A's cuiridh ainn ar treia an ordugh, 

A'a mar u 'a coir dbulnn gluaisidh sinn. 

AM FEAR. 

— 

Is thuirt an aean-fhear, 'a cha h'i bhriag, 

Ge d' eireadh sian nan cuartagan : 

" Nach rolih aoirbbeaa laidir dian, 

Gun fhiath bhi goirid uaithe sin :" 

'S an cogadh bn chfnaidh bh' ami riamh, 

Chaidh crioch le rian air uair-eigin ; 

'S cuir thusa, bhean, ii d 1 

theangaidh arlan, 

'S bithidh skh 'ga diana'mh suas againn. 

Oil AN NA CAILLICH. 

Aik fonn— " m hi ha hà mo l„adh mo leanamh. 

Ma tlieid mi gu feil), gu feisd, no banais, 

Bi'db isc làn eud, 'a i fein aig bails 

'S ma bheirmi le aùgradb suil air caileig, 

Gur diumb a's fàlachd siJ dbomfasa. 

Ohiohd,gurcruaidh achailleach, 

Ohl,o ha,gurfuara chailleach, 

IIn rè, /m /-,;, 's i ghrain a chaiUeach, 

Dh'jhiuj mise 'nam amadan gòracK, 

Ma ni mi 'n taigh-òada stop a cheannacb, 

No sitiilhe air bòrd 'a gun ol mi drama, 

Tin-id laileadh 'na aròin 'a a dòrn an tarruinn, 

'S bi'dh muinntir a bhaile ri mod oirnn, 

O hi, o ha,

BARD LOCll-NAN-EALA. 

BARD LOCH-NAN-EALA. 

Jambs Shaw, or Bàrd Lochnan-Eala, was a native of the island of Mull, where lie was 

born about the year 1758. He latterly resided in the parish of Ardchattan, Argyleshire, 

where he was commonly called the Lochnell poet. Being partly supported by the late 

General Campbell and his lady ; she, it is said, encouraged hiin to publish some of his works, 

for which purpose he went to Glasgow to get them printed. Whether he got a printer 

to undertake the work or failed in the attempt is not known ; for, on his return 

home, he died suddenly on board a Steamboat on his passage to Oban : this happened 

about the year 1828. He lived in a state of idleness and dissipation ; praising those who 

paid him well for it, and composing satires on those who refused him money or liquor. 

A few of his poems were printed in Turner's Collection, and many others are preserved 

in manuscript, but they are chiefly local satires of little merit. " Bi'dh Form oirre 

Daonnan" is his c/iefifceuuie and the only popular piece of all his compositions, except 

in his own country. 

OltAN DO DH' FHIONNLA MARSANTA. 

[ Air son e cliuir as a clièile seanna chuirn agus claclian iobairt, à bh'aig na Draoidhean bho shean ] 

Cbdmna' mi bruadar air Fionnla, 

'S chuir e ionghnadh orin r'a fhaicinn, 

'S ghabh mi iongamlas vo mhor dheth, 

Gu BOnraiebt o n bha mi 'in cbadal ; 

Tliuii't an gutli rium dol da iounsaidh, 

Dh' innse nach e cuis a b' fhasa, 

Dol a rusgadh earn nan Druidhneach, 

Na 'n car a thoirt a muinntir Ghlascho. 

Ach dh' fbarraid mi co as a dh' flialbh 

'S fhreagair e le seanachas grad mi, 

Am FONN.- " Alasclair a Cleanna- Garudh." 

Thuirt e gu 'n robh a chairdcan dileas, 

Eadar a Chill 's Allt-na-datha ; 

15ha cuid air an Dun so shuas diu, 

'S bha uair a bha iad na bu phailt' aim ; 

'S eha 'ii oil mi buidheach a dh' Fhiunnla, 

Dhol ga 'a dùsgadh as an cadal. 

31 

'S chi thusa fhathasd le d' shuilean, 

Ma bhios tu 's dùthaieh ri fhaicinn, 

G u'n tèid an gnothach so dhioladh, 

Cho cbiunteacfa 'sa bha *n rrùn an Sasunn.

312 SAU-OBA1R NAM BAUD GAELACII. 

'S goilt e 'n stcigh bh' aim an uachdar 

Cbladhaich e 'n uaigfa fo oa leacan ; 

E gun fhioi co -I h'n'i bha innte, 

Mac an righ na sliochd a bhaigeir. 

'N noil thu fhein nach robh e dàna, 

Marsanta maileid no paca, 

Dhul a ruagadh an àit-ìobairt, 

'S ioma linn a chuir e seachad ; 

'N t-aite 'n robh cnaimhean an t-seann-duin, 

'N tinlaiceadh aim o cheann fada ; 

Mu 'n Icid an gnothach gu crìch, 

Gur duilghe dha na nach a bhlastidk. 

Ma dh' eireaa mise 's mo luchd leanmhuinn, 

Gu 'm bi gnothauh garbh a's dùthaicb, 

Theid Mac-'llle-dhuibh a mharhhadh, 

'S cha dion a chuid airgeid Fionnla, 

Leagar an taigh air &a 'li sablial, 

Sgriosar am bathar 'sa bhùth air, 

'S theid Gilleaspuig ri posta, 

Agus crocliar mac a chubair. 

Eiridh an tubaist do 'n chìobaìr, 

'S laid he binn air Mac-na- Ceairde, 

'S ma dh' brdaieheai e gu h-olc e, 

'S gnothach neo-ehiontach sud dàsan, 

E na sheirbheiseach aig Fionnla, 

Tuilleadh a null gu Feill-Martuiun, 

'S ma chuireas e nail na leacan, 

Ma bhios meachainu aim sann dasan. 

Bhi cuir fudair aims na creagan, 

Chuireadh e eagal air bòcaill, 

Bhi ga 'n tolladh leis an tora, 

'S bhi ga 'n sparradh leis na h-drdan, 

Daoine marbha bhi ga 'n gluasad, 

'S gnothach uamhraidh gu leoir e, 

'S na 'n leauainn e gu grunnd an t-seanchais, 

B' ainmeil e na arm righ Deùrsa. 

'S cha tèid a chorp fbein gu dìlìnn, 

Thiolaiceadh an aite gràsmhor, 

'S aim theid a losgadh mar iobairt. 

Air a dhiteadh leis na faidhean, 

'J'heid a loath a clmir le abhuinn, 

'N aite nach fhaighear gu bràth i, 

'S cha 'n laigh e ach rud a thoill e, 

Chionti gu 'n d' rinu e gnothach gmineil. 

Ach dh' fhalhh an gutli 's tliug e chul i iiun, 

Ayus thionntbtidh >• gu h-ealamh, 

Thutrt e rium gu 'n d' rinn e diocboimhu, 

'S e ga innse dhomh mtir charaid, 

Floi a tboirt dh' lonniBldh Dhnghaill, 

Ciu 'n robh a ghual a's uird ro ealainh, 

Dheanadh toraehan do dh. Fhionnla, 

Chuir fudair an Dail-a-charra. 

Sinaointich mi so aim am inntinn, 

Nach bithinn a diteadh Dbùghaill, 

Tboirt mi lis gur duine grinn e, 

Dodh' fhuil Righrean nan Stiùbbart, 

Tha e fbein na dhoine toileil, 

Dheanadh gnothach do dh' fhear duthcha 

'S on bha Fionnla na cfaabhaig, 

Cha bu mhath leis bhi ga dhiultadh. 

'Nuair a dhùisg mi ghabh mi eagal, 

'S e na sheasamh air an ùrlar, 

Dh' fheuch am faighinn reidh air falbh e, 

Los nach coisninn na lorg dìùmba ; 

Tha Ditghall trom air an tombaca, 

'S tha p.iilteas deth sin aig Fionnla ; 

'S o 'n a labhair mi cho deas ris, 

Ghabh e pairt de leith-sgeul Dbùghaill. 

'S ami a tha 'n naidheaclid so cinnteach, 

Ged shaoileadh sibhse gur bbad a, 

Cha 'n innis mi a neach gu brath e, 

Ach do chuideachd araid eolach ; 

Cha robh a leithid rianih ri innse, 

Kadar an Sìthean 's Lag-Chòthain 

Co dhiù th' aim breug no firinn, 

Sin agaibh mur dh' innseadh dhomhs e. 

Bl'DH FONN OIRRE DAONNAN 

BCdhfonn oirre daonnan, 

'S lii'dli aoidh out' an cbnaidh, 

j' 'S /Hi' /iiiiiml/i hi' iiiiitiini Kiilihufh 

Bhifaicinn t-aodainn bhbidheach, 

l.c mhiad s'a thug mighaol

BARD LOCH-NAN-EALA. 313

'S na 'm biodh againn mur bu dual duinn, 

Lann chino-Ilicb air ar cruachainn, 

A' agoltadh nan ceann g'a 'n guaillean, 

Gii 'in bualadh le Bmuaia nati dòrn. 

A ri .' gur aotrom, ò c. 

Gum beil Albainn agua Saaunn, 

Anguaiilean a oheill' au ceart-uair, 

Tli.-i iad aig t'u.iiiii an aon fhacail, 

Mar ahrad eadar clach a'a òrd. 

A ril ij'n' aotrom, etc 

Dli' fhalbh thu mar ahlaoightear air chuan, 

Mii 'n d' amhairc sinne mu '11 cuairt oirim. 

'S ged thug tìm Fianobhar bhuaiim, 

Ge b' oil leat clia d' fhuair tlm '11 t-òr. 

A ri ! gur aatrom,

He sud an rud bha nadura, 

SKU.MAS MAC-GIIUIOGAIll. 315


hardships, w hich few men would have undergone, undaunted. The site of Pictou contained 

only one or two houses— it was no easy matter to travel to thenext hamlet through the 

density of woods and unbridged rivulets : marked 

trees, a pocketcompass, or an unin- 

telligible and unintelligent Indian, were his only guides through the solitary and dreary 

wilderness— sleep was frequently a stranger to him for several nights,—a plank was his 

bed,—a potato his fare; yet the expatriated Highlanders around him were in need of the 

gospel ; and that, to Mr M'Gregor, was enough. 

Towards the close of this excellent man's life, he conceived the idea of clothing the 

doctrines of the gospel in versification, that he might unite the best and most wholesome 

instructions with the sweetest and most fascinating melodies. When entering upon the task, 

he wrote to afriend of his at Lochearn-side for a copy of Duncan M'Intyre'sand M'Donald's 

Poems. His mind had been so occupied with the various studies necessary to the full 

and efficient discharge of his ministerial duties, that the airs, to which he wished to sing 

his contemplated hymns or songs, had escaped his memory. The desiderated volumes 

were sent ; 

but, through the officiousness of some of his domestics, the fact of their being 

in the minister's possession became known, and a most unwarrantable, unjust and un- 

generous construction was put upon the circumstance. How short-sighted, illiberal, and 

fanatical it was, to edge out insinuations against the genuineness of Mr M'Grcgor's religious 

principles, simply because the productions of the two most brilliant stars of his native 

country were on the table of his study in a foreign land ! How 

pitiful, that fanaticism 

blush 

which shrouds itself under the garb of piety—broad, expansive, benevolent piety ! We 

for the moral perceptions and enlightenment of our expatriated countrymen, and notice 

these things simply injustice to departed worth. 

Taking advantage of this state of public feeling, almost verging on what is understood 

in ecclesiastical language, as a schism, a stranger intruded himself about this period on 

his labours ; and to the disgrace of many of M'Gre.iror's flock, they forsook the ministry 

of their long-tried friend, and followed the intrusionist. The desertion thus occasioned 

must no doubt have very much imbittered his cup ; but his expansive philosophy— his 

warm philanthropliy—and above all, his genuine religious views, enabled him to bear it 

without a murmur. He proceeded cheerfully with his metrical effusions, until he com- 

posed as many as swelled into a respectable 18mo volume, which has now reached its third 

edition. 

Mr M'Grcgor's Poems are smooth in versification— pleasant in their garb and evan- 

gelical in their doctrines. They are almost all composed alter the model of his country- 

man, Duncan M'Intyre, from whom he borrowed many of his ideas, using sometimes not 

only distichs and couplets, but entire stanzas with some slight alterations. We do not mean, 

however, to insinuate that our author trafficked wholesale in plagiarism, with the intention 

of '< decking himself in another's feathers." No! his poems are but parodies in many 

instances, and as such they are respectable and entitled to favourable consideration. 

When M'Grcgor's character and claims were notified to the Members of the University 

isgow, the senate unanimously agreed to confer upon him the title of D.D., an honour 

which he amply merited by his services and attainments, and which, coining unsolicited

SEUMAS MAC-GIIRIOGAIR. 

from his native country, and from so respectable a literary quarter, must have been soothing 

to his feelings, and have gilded the horizon of the evening shades of his life. 

In the spring of 1828, Dr M'Gregor was seized with a fit of apoplexy ; and at Pictou, 

on the first of March, 1830, at the age of 68, he experienced a return which terminated in 

his death on the third day of that month. His funeral was attended by an immense 

assemblage of deploring friends, who showed their estimate of his character, worth and talents, 

by unfeigned expressions of regret. 

AN SOISGEUL. 

'Se 'n Soisgeulgràdhacli thug Dia nangrasduiiiu 

A chum ar sftbhaladh d;*n mo ruin : 

Ach 's eblas aid e, air cùisibh àluiun, 

Nach tuig an nàdur a tha gun iiiil. 

Gurmis'an truaghan 's n'asleòrmancuairtdomh 

A' tabhairt cluais da, mar fhuaim nach fiach ; 

B' e'n guothach cruaidh e nach tuig an sluagh e, 

An sgeul as uaisle a chualas riamh. 

Tha claim nan daoine gu tur to dhaorsa, 

Aig dia an t-saoghail-s ag aoradh dlià : 

Fo chois am miannan, a tha do-riarach ; 

Gun fheart, gun iarraidh air Dia nan gray : 

A' dianamh tàir air gach ni is àill leis. 

A' briseadh aintean gach la gun sgios ; 

E fad o'n smuaintibb, 's iad riuth gu luatb uaitli 

Chum na truaighe ta buan gun chrkh. 

Ge mòr an cùram th'aig Dia nan dul diubh, 

Cha tig iad dlù dba le urnaigh chaoin ; 

I3u mhòr a' ghràin leo bhi uair 'na làtbair, 

An caidreamh blàth lis 'na àros naomh : 

lad ruith na gaoithe, 's ag earbsa damnum, 

Iti sonas fhaotainn am faoineis bhreug ; 

Gun fhios, gun aird ac' air doigh a's fearr dhai 

Na groiin an dràst air u' a's àill le 'n ere. 

Tha 'm barail làidir gur muinntir shlàn iad, 

'S nach 'eil ceann-fàth ac' air gràsan Di : 

Tha 'n Soisgeul faoin leo, Beach gean an t-saoghail, 

Tha 'n cridhc aotrom, gun ghaol do'n Leigh 

; 

' 

1 Coiic- Cheathaieh 

Ach 's ait an sgeul e, air leigheas ceutac.h 

Do dhuin' euslan, fo cbreuchdaibh ciùirt; 

'S naigheachd phriseil, bho Dhia na firinn 

Do neacli fo dhìteadb, 's e d'iblidh, bruit. 

317 

Do neach fosmuairean, le Dia bhi 'n gruaim ris, 

'S a lochdan uamhar 'g a chuartach' dlù ; 

Gun fhios nach àite dha ifrinn chràiteach, 

M'an tig am màireach, s' am has 'na shall 

Do neach a dh'fhoglum o'n Spiorad Naomha, 

Gur sonas baoth bheir an saogh'l so uaith ; 

Nach eil aim ach sgàil deth 'san àm tha l.'ithair, 

'S gu 'm bac am bàs e 's nach fàs e buan. 

B'e sgeul an àigh e, air beatha 's slàinte, 

O los' a bhàsaich 'na ghràdh do dhaoin. 

'Si 'fhuil am plàsd anus am beil an tàbhachd, 

'Nuair thèid a chàradh gu bàigheil, caoin, 

Ri cridhe leòinte, gun ghean, gun solas, 

Ach doilich, brùnach, gun seòl air silh ; 

Le Spiorad uasal nam fearta buadhar, 

Nuair thig e nuas air le gluasad min. 

Sud sgeul roaoibhneach, airmaoin'a'soighreachd. 

Do diiuine daibhir, gun sgoinn do'n t-saogh'l ; 

Air crùn, 's rioghachd a cbaoi nach criochnaich 

Gun dragh gun mhiothlachd, ach sith, 's gaol. 

Suil sgeul ro ùraidh do dhuine tàireil, 

Air urram aid aim am l'arras shuas ; 

Le gràdh gun aimbleas, a measg nan ainghlean : 

' S cha teirigcai unt dàibh,toirt taing do'n Uan.

318 SAR-OliAlU NAM 15 A III) GAELACH. 

Deagfa ageul air fuaagladh, do pbeacach truaillidL 

() cbionta duaichnidh, nach snail a mheud ; 

I'ri- 'n chumbaclid bbrioghar a ta an iobairt 

An t-S.

AN GEAKAN. 

Air. Fonk— l 

' Coire gònn anfhàsaic/i 

Is duilich loam mar tha mi 

A' siubhal le mo namhaid, 

Eas-umhal do na h-àintean, 

'S mo ghràdh dhaibh cho fann. 

" 'S ioinadh fear a bhàrr orm" 

Tha dol a rèir a nàduir ; 

'S e 'n lagh tha fulang tàmailt, 

'Us tàire riach garni. 

Riamh o thuiteam Adhaimli, 

'Se 'm jiecadh 'n ni a's fearr leinn, 

'S mi-chneasd a thug shin gràdh dlia. 

'Ga thàlath gacli am. 

Cha d'fhuair mi fad mo làithean, 

Dad buannachd, no dad stà dheth, 

Ach daonnaii tarrainn sàis orm, 

'S 'g am cliàradh am fang. 

'S e dh'fhàg gach ni a leugh mi, 

Gach searmoin riamh a db' èisd mi, 

'S gach guth a labhair beul rium 

Gun I'hcuin dliomh, gun stà. 

'S e mhilleas gealiadh Dhè orm, 

Nach earb mi lis ach eutrom, 

S nach caraiuh mi riutn rein e, 

Gu h-eifeachdach. slàn. 

'S aim chair e mi an dèis-laimh, 

'G am fhàgail ro m'ni ghleusda, 

Gu h-obair uasai, euchdach, 

'S gu treubhantas ard : 

Gu gleachdadh lis an eucoir 

A bhios a'm' chridhe 'g èiridh, 

No chithear aim am bheusaibh, 

Gu h-èitich, 's gu gràiind. 

Nam bithinn tairis, dileas, 

A leantuinn lis an fbirinn, 

Bhiodh ise dhomh mar dhidean 

Nach diobradh gu bràtb. 

Ged chuireadh daoine sios mi 

Le casaidean, '» lc diteadh, 

Gu'n togadli ise i is mi, 

'S d hi rin n an aird. 

Cha toilleadh i gu dilinn 

Dad coire dhomh no mi thlachd, 

Tha ceangal ris an t-sith aic*, 

'S is direach a gnà : 

Ach 's mor an call, 's an dith dhomh, 

Gu'm beil i trie air di-chuimhn, 

'S nach' eil an creideamh cinn teach 

A'm' inntimi u tàmh. 

SEUMAS MACGRIOGAR. 319 

Bha amaideachd a's gòraich 

A leantuinn rium m' oij;e, 

'S b 1 

annsa learn gu mòr iad 

Na 'n t-eòlas a's fearr. 

Nan deanainn leth na còrach 

Cha chreidinn nach bu leòir e, 

S nach tearnadh sud fa-dheòidh mi, 

Gun dòigh air tigh'n' gearr. 

Ge mòr an t-aobhar sòlais 

Bhi 'n comunn Rìgh na glòire, 

'S iad b' annsa learn na h-òrain, 

'S l.lii il nan deoch-sl.'iint. 

1'u dallag mi nach s' radh, 

Bhi cluich air bruaich na doralnn, 

An Diabhol ga mo threòrach 

Gu seòlta air laimh. 

Gur mòr a' clneach, 's an diubhail, 

Mo chridhe bhi gun durachd, 

A gabhail Dè nan dul domh, 

JMar Ughdar mo shlàint : 

'S e tairgse dhomh 'na chùmhnant, 

A neart a bhi mar chùl domh, 

'S a ghliocas ard gu m' stiùireadh, 

Le cùram, 's le gi àdh. 

Tha druidhcachd air mo shùilean, 

'Se n rud a ni mo chiùrradh, 

D' an ruith mo mhiann gu siùbhlach, 

'S mi lùbadh 'na dhàil. 

Mo shonas air mo chùl-thaobh, 

Mar anabas nach fiù learn ; 

'S in' anam an droch run da, 

'Ga dhiùltadh le tàir. 

'S mi 'n duin' as truaigh' san t-saoghal, 

Fo chìs aig m' easgar daobhaidh, 

Làn fuath do 'n bheath' a's caoine, 

'S an gaol air a' bhàs. 

Cò sheallas rium a'm' dhaorsa? 

Cò thionndas mi bho chlaonadh ? 

Cha'n-aingil, no clann-daoine, 

Och ! b' fliaoin iad sa' chàs. 

Ach taing do'n Athair naomha, 

A dh'ullaich dliomh an t-saorsa, 

Liin tearnadh o gach baoghal, 

Trid Aon-ghiu a ghràidb. 

A Dhe ta iochdmhor, maoineach, 

Cia fhad a bhios mi caoiueadh ! 

O greas le d' chobhair chaomh, 

Agus saor mi gun dàil !

AN AISEIRIGH. 

Air fonn— " Tim mise fo ghruaim. 

Thig am bàs oirn nau'n cuaii t, 

'S ceart gu 'n laidbinu 's an uaigh, 

Acta cha tèid mi le gruaim 'na coir : 

Oir bha Iosu mo ruin, 

Greis 'na laidhe 's an uir, 

•S r'mii en leabaidh ud cùbhraidh dhòmhs', 

Thug e'n gath as a' bhàs, 

Riun e caraid de m' nàinli, 

A shaoil mo chumail gu bràth fo lebn : 

Teaclidair m' Atbar e nis, 

Dh'ionnsuidh m'anmale fios, 

E dbol dhachaigh a clilisg chum glòir. 

On a dh'èirich e lis 

Sàr Cheann-fhcadhna mo sliith, 

Gun e db'fhuireaeb fad shios fo'n fhòd : 

'Us gii 'n deachaidh e suas, 

Ghabhail seilbhe d'a sbluagh, 

Anns na llaitheas, le luathghair mhòir. 

Se mo chreidimh gun bhieig, 

Gu 'n eirich mise. 'na dhcigh, 

Meaag na buidhne gun bheud, gun ghò : 

'Nuair a dh'fhosglar gach uaigh, 

'S a theid beò aims gach sluagh, 

Chum an togail 'a an uair, gu mod. 

Sud an cumbacbd tha treun, 

Sud am fradhare tha geur, 

Chuireaa rithisd gach ere air dòigh ; 

Dream cliaidh itheadh le sluagh, 

Dream chaidb mheasgadh 'n aon uaigli 

Dream chaidh losgadh'nanluath 's nan ceò, 

'S iomadh colainn bbios aim, 

Tha tad air asdar o 'ceann 

'S thig iad cuideachd 'sau am, gu fòi'.l. 

Thig iad uile 'nan taoni. 

As gach clagh tha 'a an t-saogh'I, 

'S as gach àraicb, 'b an d' aom na stòiil. 

Cha'n 'ell àit ga'm beil corp, 

Air anl mhonadh, no cnoc, 

Ann am faaach, no ilochd no mi In': 

Ann an doimhneachd a' chimin, 

No 's na h-albhnaioboan buan, 

As nach eirich iad BUM, 's iad bcò. 

Eiridh 'n dine, 'ns an rlgh, 

Elridh in bochd bha fa chis, 

Elridh gaisgeach an itri, 's an deòr'. 

Eiridh' bbaintighearua mhaoth, 

Eiridh 'n t-amadan baoth, 

'S cha bhi dearmad air aosd, no bg. 

Eiridhcuidac' le gruaim, 

Chi iad fearg air an Can, 

Chuireas crith orr' a's uamhunn nihòr. 

Eiridh cuid ac le aoidb, 

Buidheann uasal nan saoidb, 

'G am bi oighreachd a chaoidh an gluir. 

AIR FOGI1LUM NAN GAEL. 

'n divgh an Dun-eidann." 

Bha na Gà'èil ro aineolach dall, 

Bha ionnsachadh gann nam measg, 

Bha 'n eolas cho tana 's oho mall, 

'S nach b' aithne dhaibh 'n call a mheaa, 

Cha chiideadh iad buannachd no stà, 

Bhi 'n sgoilearacbd aid da 'n cloinn, 

Ged fheudadh fhaicinn gach là, 

Gu'r i thog o 'n làr na Goill. 

Theid aineolas nis as an tir, 

'S gach cleachdadh neo-dhireach crom, 

A's niealaidh sinn sonas a's sith, 

Gun fharmad no sti ì 'n ar fonn ; 

Theid sgoilean chnir suas aims gach cearn, 

Bi'dh leabhraichean Gaclig pailt 

Bi'dh eolas a's diadbacbd a fas, 

Thig gach duine gu stà 's gu rath. 

Nis " togaidh na Gàeil an ceann, 

*S blia bin iad am tang ni's mò" ; 

Bi'dh aca aid fhoghlum nan Gall, 

A's tuigse neo mhall na choir : 

Theid innleaclulan 'n oibribh air bonn, 

Chuireas saibhreas 'n ar fonn gu pailt, 

Bithidh 'n diblidh cho laidir ri sonu 

'S am bochd cha bhi lorn le aire ! 

Thig na linntean gu cinnteach rami cuairt, 

Tha 'n sgiiobtur a luaidfa thig oirn ; 

; 

— 

'S an teid Satan a cheangal gu cruaidh, 

\S nach meall e an sluagh le sgleò; 

Bi dh tiriim a's sìochaint a's gaol, 

A ceangail chloinn daoin' ri cheil j 

Chan fhaicear fear dona mi-naomb, 

Theid ole a's an t-BBOgh'l a's beud.

EOBIION MAC-LACHUINN. 

EOBHON MAC-LACHUINN. 

Ewen Maclachlan was born at Torracalltuinn, on the farm of Coiruanan, in Locli- 

aber, in the year 1775. Coiruanan was possessed by a family of the name of Mac- 

lachlan for many generations. The forefathers of E. Maclachlan came originally from 

Morven, first to Ardgour and thence to Lochaber, and appear to have been in general, 

men possessed of superior natural gifts. His great grandfather was Dòmhnull-Bàn-Bùrd 

contemporary with Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. That bard's compositions are justly 

admired, particularly his elegy on occasion of the death of that chief. The mother of 

E. Maclachlan was a Mackenzie, descended from a branch of that clan, which had settled 

in Lochaber many generations back. His father, Dòmhnull Mòr, a man of venerable pre- 

sence and patriarchal bearing, was reckoned one of the most elegant speakers of the 

Gaelic language in his day. He was distinguished by the extent and diversity of his 

traditionary and legendary lore, as well as by the appropriate beauty and purity of the 

language, in which he told his tale, or conveyed his sentiments to the admiring listeners, 

who delighted to resort to his humble dwelling. 

Though the father was himself illiterate, he was keenly alive to the benefits of educa- 

tion. Besides the subject of our memoir, he had several sons and daughters. Two of 

the former were afterwards respectable planters in the Island of Jamaica. In the village 

of Fort- William, where his father now resided, the parochial school of Killmalie had been 

situated since the middle of last century, and taught by superior teachers. At this school 

the brothers of Ewen Maclachlan, as well as himself, got the rudiments of their educa- 

tion, which, by their natural abilities and laudable ambition, all of them afterwards ex- 

tended. Ewen was the youngest son of the family, except one. While he excelled his 

very clever brothers in mental abilities, he was their inferior in bodily strength ; the 

physical weakness of limb which disqualified him, in some measure, for the playful exer- 

cises of his fellow-scholars, tended, among other causes, to direct his views to objects 

and pursuits of a more exalted character. 

His first teacher was the Rev. John Gordon, afterwards minister of Alvie ; after him, 

Dr William Singers of Kirkpatrick-Juxta. He did not remain long under the tuition of 

these gentlemen, and on account of his father's poverty, was but very indifferently sup- 

plied with books. His progress, notwithstanding, was great for his years ; it indeed 

excelled that of all others in the school, and in general, his class-fellows were glad to 

grant him the perusal of their books, in consideration of his very efficient help to them in 

learning their lessons. 

321

322 SAR-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACI1. 

Mr Maclachlan, at an early age, went out as tutor into the family of Mr Cameron of 

Camisky, in the parish of Killmonivaig ; there his desire for classical studies received a 

considerable impulse from his intercourse with the father of his host, Cameron of Lian- 

dally, then an old gentleman confined to bed. Liandally, like many of the gentlemen of 

his day in Lochaber, had been well instructed in the knowledge of the Latin tongue, and 

much exercised in the colloquial use of that ancient language in the parochial school of 

Killmalie, taught by a Mr Mac Bean. Mr Maclachlan no doubt derived much benefit 

from his " colloquies" with the venerable classic, who, from his being bed-rid, also 

derived much amusement, as well as pleasure, from his communings with his young 

companion. 

Mr Maclaclilan's next engagement as tutor was, when about fifteen years of age, in 

the family of Mr Cameron of Chines. His pupils were Captain Allan Cameron, now of 

Clunes, and his brother General P. Cameron, H.E.I.C.S. Here Mr Maclachlan made 

great progress in the study of the Greek and Latin languages. It is said, that he even 

travelled on the vacant Saturdays, to Fort- William, (whither his parents had removed,) 

in order to get from his former teacher, an outline of his prospective studies for the sub- 

sequent week. Thus he soon became able to translate, with fluency, the Scriptures of the 

New Testament from the original Greek into his mother-tongue, Gaelic ; 

and frequently 

did he astonish, as well as instruct and delight, the unsophisticated rustics of the place, 

by this singular display of erudition. 

After the lapse of two years, he engaged as tutor in the family of Mr Mac Millan of 

Glenpean, a very remote and romantic situation at the west end of Loch-aircaig. In 

this family, he resided for two years, still devoting his spare hours to the prosecution of 

his classical, and other studies. So great indeed was his ardour in this respect, that his 

worthy hostess often deemed it necessary, to insist on his relaxing his application to his 

books, in order to take healthful exercise in the open air. On such occasions, his favour- 

ite walk was along the banks of the " slow-rolling Peàn," so sweetly celebrated in his 

own ode to that romantic stream, and on whose green borders were composed many of 

his finest juvenile strains. At this time also, our young bard began to show a penchant 

for instrumental music. He constructed a rude violin, on which he took lessons from an 

individual, by profession a piper, who lived in the neighbouring district or "country" of 

Mùror, and came occasionally to Glenpean. This rustic instrument possessed but few, 

if any, of the qualities of a Cremona. An individual, who lived in the family at this 

period, describes it as being no bigger than a ladle— " Cha bu mho i dhuibh na 'fi liadh" 

and he himself in the ode to Pean calls it "Jìdhcall na ràcail," or " dissonant lyre." 

Afterwards, however, our poet became a tolerable performer on the violin, as well as 

some other musical instruments. 

After residing two years in Glenpean, he returned to Clunes, and resumed his former 

office there. Here he remained for six years. In 1705, he fondly cherished the hope of I 

being enabled to enter College, could he be so lucky as procure funds for that pur- 

pose. With the view of obtaining aid from certain wealthy namesakes of his, he and his 

father paid a visit to those gentlemen, and to some humbler persons, relations of his 

j


mother. The latter, " were willing to contribute something ;" but the former met his 

suit with a discouraging refusal, telling his father, that *' he meant to ruin his son by 

putting such idle notions into his head, and that he ought rather to go home, and forth- 

with bind the lad as apprentice to his own trade,—that of a weaver." With heavy 

hearts and weary limbs, they returned home. After anxious and earnest deliberation on 

this important point, by the poet and his parents around their humble ingle, the idea of 

going to college was. for a time, abandoned ; 

323 

and the young man resolved to return next 

day, to the family of Clunes, where he was assured that he should be received with open 

arms. He accordingly set out for that place ; but as he approached it, his earthly career 

was very nearly terminated. In those days, there was no bridge over the river Ar- 

kaig. He found the stream greatly swoln, and hazardous to ford. Night, however, was 

approaching, and therefore he ventured out. He had not proceeded far in the rugged 

channel, when he was carried off his feet, and swept away by the rapid current ; he now 

thought with himself that his golden dreams of literary and philosophic distinction were 

at an end : he committed himself, however, to the care of him who hath said, " when thou 

passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; and through the rivers they shall not 

overflow thee." On this he was providentially thrown on a stone, a part of which was 

still above the waters. After resting here a brief space, he made one desperate effort to 

reach the wished-for bank, and was successful. He there poured out a prayer of gratitude 

to the Most High for his signal deliverance from so great a danger. Forthwith Mr Mac- 

lachlan resumed his labours at Clunes ; at the same time prosecuting his classical studies 

with unremitting ardour, as his time permitted. Here he composed several pieces of 

justly admired Gaelic poetry ; 

several of these and of his former compositions were pub- 

lished about 179S, in a volume printed in Edinburgh, for Allan M'Dougall, alias "Dull" 

musician, then at Inverlochy, afterwards family-bard to the late Glengarry. Among these 

were " Dàin nan Aimsirean," a translation of Pope's Messiah, " Dàn mu Chonaltradh," 

&c, and a translation of part of Horner's Iliad into Gaelic heroic verse. During the 

currency of the year 1796, our poet was introduced by Dr Ross of Killmonivaig to the 

late Glengarry ; and that Chief, ever after, continued his warm friend. He yielded him 

the pecuniary aid which he had in vain solicited from other sources. This kindly aid, 

together with our poet's own little savings out of his salaries, put him in circumstances 

to proceed to the University, whither he was accompanied by his anxious and affection- 

ate father.* Arrived at Aberdeen, he determined to enter the lists as a competitor for a 

bursary at King's College. Here, for the first time, he found himself engaged with 

entire strangers in the arena of literary strife. The various pieces of trial being duly 

executed and given in, the hour for announcing the fate of the champions approached ; 

the anxious expectants were assembled in. the lobby of the great College-Hall, where the 

Professors were still engaged in earnest judicial deliberation. Meantime the rustic 

dress of the young Highlander, his diffident manner, and rather awkward appearance, 

drew upon him the ungenerous gibes and unmerited contempt of several young coxcombs, 

* It is said that lie travelled to Aberdeen, dressed in the mountain garb.

324 SAIt-OBAIK NAM BAKU GAELACH. 

his rivals. It was sneeringly recommended to him to make a speedy retreat to the wilds 

of Lochaber, while he was comforted with the assurance that he had not the slightest 

chance of success. Enduring all this banter, with meek, but firm forbearance, he merely 

advised his assailants not to prejudge his case. The door of the hall was at length opened, 

the names of the successful competitors were announced, and the officer first called 

" Ewen Maclachlan," as being the best scholar, and chief bursar. 

From that moment, he gained and retained the respect and warm regard of his fellow- 

students. He entered on his studies in Aberdeen with his wonted earnestness and dili- 

gence, and greatly distinguished himself in his classes. At the end of the Session, ho 

resumed the charge of his pupils at Clunes ; this he continued to do, during the recess 

annually, whilst he continued in the gown classes. At the end of that period, having 

obtained the degree of A.M., he entered the Divinity-Hall. Through the good offices of 

the Rev. Dr Ross, our student was presented to a Royal bursary in the gift of the Barons 

of Exchequer; and about the same time (anno 1800), he was appointed assistant to Mr 

Gray as librarian of King's College, and teacher of the Grammar School of Old Aberdeen. 

From the date of these appointments, he took up his permanent residence in that town, 

of which, at a subsequent period, he was made a free burgess. He continued to attend 

the Divinity- Hall for eight sessions, and in the enjoyment of the Royal bursary above 

mentioned. He was, during the period last mentioned, custodier of the library attached 

to the Divinity-Hall of Marischal College. From this date, the life of our theologian was 

indeed a life of incessant literary toil and scholastic labour. In addition to the duties of 

the offices to which he had been recently appointed, he devoted several hours every day to 

private teaching, in order to eke out the limited income derived from these offices. 

Many gentlemen, especially from the Highlands, sent to him their sons to be under his 

effective and immediate superintendence. Even in these circumstances, as well as through 

life, he displayed great liberality and affection towards his aged parents and his other 

near relations, by often relieving their wants out of his hard earnings. 

After completing his attendance at the " Hall," and delivering his trial-pieces with 

eclat, he found the bent of his mind, as well as his ambition, directed to a ''Chair," in one 

of the Universities, rather than to the Pulpit. He was encouraged in his aspiration after 

this object, by several friends, but particularly by Professor James Beattie of Marischal 

College. The Professor's death, however, in 1810, was a heavy blow to Mr Maclach- 

lan's hopes. A strong mutual friendship had existed between them, amounting to affec- 

tion. On the melancholy occasion of his friend's death, Mr Maclachlan composed an 

elegy in the Gaelic tongue, which for beauty of language, sincerity of sorrow, and un- 

rivalled elegance of composition, can bear comparison with any thing of the kind ever 

presented to the world. This was not the only composition in which our poet's grateful 

remembrance of Professor Beattie's friendship was commemorated. In his " Metrical 

Effusions," (Aberdeen, 1816,) is printed an elegant Latin ode addressed to that accom- 

plished scholar, during his life, and an English ode, entitled " A dream," being an 

apotheosis on that patron of neglected merit. Some years after his settlement in Aber- 

deen, Mr Maclachlan turned his attention to Oriental literature, as well as to that of the

EOBIION MAC-LACHU1NN. 

languages of modern Europe ; and his acquirements in these he made subservient to the 

critical culture of his mother-tongue. About the same time he undertook the arduous 

task of translating the Iliad of Homer into Gaelic heroic verse. Of this immortal work, 

he finished nearly seven books, which still remain in MS. Besides this, he began to com- 

pile materials for a Dictionary of the Gaelic language spoken in Scotland, and that, (as he 

did every thing else) from his mere regard and affection for every thing tending to promote 

the honour or improvement of his native land. What was then called "the Highland Society 

of Scotland," (having had reference to the mental culture of their Caledonian countrymen, 

instead of as now, unfortunately, to the physical development of the points of the inferior 

animals) had soon after entertained the project of preparing and publishing a Dictionary of 

that ancient language ; and having ascertained the eminent qualifications of Mr Maclachlan, 

and his progress in compiling the said work, they conjoined him with the late Dr Mac- 

leod of Dundonald, in carrying on the national Dictionary, compiled under their patronage. 

The department assigned to Mr Maclachlan was the Gaelic-English, and so important and 

difficult a task could not have been committed to better hands. In the preface to the Dic- 

tionary published by Drs Macleod and Dewar, it is well remarked,— " Mr MacLachlan of 

Aberdeen especially brought to the undertaking great talents, profound learning, habits of 

industry which were almost superhuman, an intimate acquaintance with the Gaelic lan- 

guage, and devoted attachment to the elucidation of its principles." 

The pages of Mr Maclachlan's MS. of this great national work were enriched with 

innumerable vocables and phrases kindred to Gaelic, derived not only from the cognate 

dialects of the Keltic, but also from the Greek and Latin, as well as from the Hebrew, 

Arabic, Chaldaic, Persic, and other Eastern languages. 

In the winter of 1821 and 1822, he was engaged in transcribing this work for the 

press, and he expected to have it completed by the following July ; but alas ! his valuable 

life was not prolonged to see his hopes realized. 

Let us now briefly revert to events somewhat prior in our poet's life. In the Metrical 

Effusions formerly mentioned, there is printed an ode in the Greek language, "on the 

Generation of Light," which had the honour of gaining the prize given by Dr Buchanan 

of Bengal to King's College for the best poetical ode upon the above subject. About this 

period (1816), he, at the request of his friend Lord Bannatyne M'Leod, deciphered several 

old Gaelic MSS., and transcribed them into the ordinary character. A difficult and 

laborious task. In 1819, Mr Gray died, and Mr MacLachlan was then appointed Head- 

Master of the Grammar School of Old Aberdeen, and also principal Session-Clerk and 

Treasurer of the parish of Old Machar. These promotions increased his income, but 

greatly added to his labour. He was likewise secretary to the Highland Society of 

Aberdeen; and in this character, used to wear the full garb of his country when officially 

attending the meetings of the Society, and on other particular occasions. In 1820, the 

office of teacher of the classical department of the Inverness Academy became vacant. 

Many friends and admirers of Mr Maclachlan's great talents made strenuous exertions 

to procure his appointment to that situation. At the head of these friends was his firm 

supporter and original patron, Glengarry Unhappily, the proceedings on that occasion, 

325

326 SAK-OUAIIt NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

instead of being conducted with a single regard to public utility, and the rewarding of 

merit, were mixed up with local politics and causeless prejudices. The result was, that 

after an unprecedented^ keen canvass, and the exercise of every available influence on 

both sides, Mr Maclachlan was excluded by the mere numerical force of the opposing 

party. It is plain from the very handsome document obtained from the Professors of 

Humanity and Greek, at St Andrews, upon the occasion of Mr Maclachlan's being on 

a remit, examined by them, that want of deep scholarship, or talent as a successful 

teacher, was not the cause of his exclusion from a situation which he would have 

adorned. 

Gifted with exquisite sensibility, he deeply felt the unworthy treatment thus experienced 

at the hands of his Norland countrymen; and he frequently expressed himself to the effect, 

that he was resolved never again to expose his peace of mind to the machinations of 

" ambidexter politicians." 

Some short time after this period, his health became affected. His constitution began 

to yield under his incessant toils. He proceeded, however, to Ayrshire, to visit his 

colleague, Dr Macleod. There his health rallied considerably, and he continued in the 

enjoyment of much of that blessing, till the beginning of 1822 ; when again his health 

was most seriously assailed. He lingered till the 29th day of March, when this amiable 

man, and distinguished scholar, departed this life at the age of 47 years. It might be said 

that he died of a gradual decay and debility, induced by professional over-exertion and 

study. His locks had become, years before his death, silver-grey. In him, unquestionably, 

died the first Celtic scholar of his day. His premature death caused much regret in the 

public mind, particularly at Aberdeen, and throughout the Highlands ; and deep sorrow 

among his numerous friends. 

As a general scholar, possessed of varied learning and fine genius, Mr Maclachlan 

stood very high. The department of philology, however, was h'\S: forte, and favourite pur- 

suit. In that respect, it is believed, he had few superiors. He was "cximius apud Scotos 

philologus." His Greek and Latin odes have met with the highest approbation from the 

best critics. The same may be predicated of his Gaelic poems. His Gaelic version of 

the first seven books of the Iliad stands second to the unrivalled original alone. Ilis MS. 

of the national Gaelic-English Dictionary (if preserved) affords ample proof of his un- 

wearied diligence and labour, and of his pre-eminent philological and antiquarian acquire- 

ments ; notwithstanding it did not receive the final polish from his master-hand. With 

the true spirit of genius, his mind descended, with grateful elasticity, from those abstruse 

subjects to the lighter amusements of poetry and music ; cheerful, and often playful con- 

versation. 

As a classical teacher, Mr Maclachlan's success is sufficiently evinced by the circum- 

stance, that his pupils annually carried off the largest proportion of the bursaries competed 

for at (he University. His excellencies as a scholar were equalled by his virtues as a man 

and a Christian. Ilis piety was unfeigned, deep, and, in some respects enthusiastic. He 

was the very soul of honour. None could go before him in moral purity, worth and 

integrity. His manners, withal, displayed the most engaging simplicity. In life, he

EOBIION MAC-LACIIUINN. 

secured the love and respect of all who knew him ; and in death, his memory is by them 

held in tender remembrance. 

Eminently calculated to advance the literature and language of his native land, it is 

deeply to be regretted that he had not been placed through the munificence of individuals, 

or the public patriotism of his countrymen, in a situation of ease and comfort, such as a 

Professorship of Keltic in one of our Universities. There he could have effectually pro- 

moted the objects he so fondly cherished : 

327 

the temperament of his modest nature required 

the supporting arm of a patron, as the limber vine requires the aid of the oak. But his 

was the too frequent lot of kindred spirits, to experience the heart-sickening of " hope 

deferred," and to be allowed to droop and die, the victims of ill-requited toil. 

Mr Maclachlan possessed the friendship, and was the correspondent of several persons 

of distinction— among these might be enumerated, besides the late Glengarry, his Grace 

Alexander Duke of Gordon, Sir John Sinclair, Dr Gregory, and Lord Bannatyne Mac- 

leod. Much of their correspondence, (if collated) would be found very interesting. 

In conformity with the prevailing feature of his character, this "true Highlander," 

on his death-bed directed his body to be laid with the ashes of his fathers at the foot of 

his native mountains; " et dulces moriens reminiscitur Argos." This dying request was 

religiously complied with. At Aberdeen, every mark of respect was paid to his memory. 

With all the solemnities usually observed at the obsequies of a Professor of the University, 

his body was removed from his house to the ancient chapel of King's College, his Alma 

Mater, and laid in the tomb of Bishop Ellington, the founder of this venerable seminary. 

Next morning, a great concourse of the most respectable persons in and around Aberdeen, 

including the Professors of both Universities, the Magistrates of the city and the Highland 

Society of Aberdeen chapterly, met in the College Hall, to pay their last respects to the 

remains of departed worth, and thence accompanied the hearse, bearing those remains, 

some distance out of town, and there bade a long and last adieu. Similar indications of 

respect and sorrow were evinced in all the towns through which the mournful procession 

passed. Glengarry, accompanied by a large number of his clansmen dressed in their 

native garb, paid a tribute of respect to his departed protege, by meeting and escorting 

his remains, while passing through that chief's country. His Lochaber countrymen were 

not behind in exhibiting every proper feeling towards the memory of him whom they 

universally esteemed an honour to belong to their country. All classes of them came 

out to meet the hearse ; so that on entering his native village of Fort-William, the crowd 

was so dense, that the procession advanced with difficulty. Next day, being the 15th of 

April, the mortal remains of Ewen Maclachlan, preceded by the " wild wail" of the 

piubrachd, and accompanied by a larger assemblage than that of the preceding day, were 

conducted to their last resting-place, and laid with those of his fathers, at Killevaodain in 

Ardgour. There, " near the noise of the sounding dirge," sleeps " the waster of the 

midnight oil," without "one gray stone" to mark his grave!

3 28 S.Ml-OliAIIl NAM BARD GAELAC1I. 

Moch 's mi 'g eiridh 'madninn cbèitiin, 

'S (Iriùchd air feur nan lùiuteaii ; 

Bu shunntach uibhinn call gach creutair, 

'Tigh'n le glens a'm frogaibh, 

Gu blàtlias na grltne 'b'àgh'or eiridh, 

Suas air sgeith nam mòr-bheann ; 

'S è teachd o'n chaan gu dreachor, bUAghacb, 

Rioghail, uasal, or-bhuidh. 

Tha cùirtean ceutacb cian nan speuran, 

Laith-gliorm, rèidh mar cblaraidh, 

'S do sgaoil bho chèile neoil a sheideadh 

Stoirm nan reub-ghaoth àrda ; 

Gach dùil ag cigheach iochd a's rèite, 

'N teachd a cheud mhios Mhàigh oirnn ; 

S gn'm b' ur neo-thruaillidh 'n trusgan uain', 

Air druim nan cluaintean f'asaich. 

Bu cnùirteil, prìseil, foìrm gacli eoin, 

An cuantal brdail, g.re

S ann learn is taitneach fiamh do bhrait, 

O fhluraibh dait a ghàraidh 

Cuir dealra boisgeil reull an daoimein, 

'Macfa gu druim nan ard-bheann. 

Gach fluran mais is àillidh dreach, 

A' fas 'an cleacbdadh ùrdail, 

Gu riraheach, taitueach, ciatach, snasmhor, 

Ann s an reachd bu choir dhaibh ; 

An t-seamrag uair.e 's barr-gheal gruag, 

A's buidheann chuachach neoinein, 

Lili gucagach nan cluigean, 

'S mile lus nach eol domli. 

Bi'dh sobhrach luaineach, gheal-bhui, chhiasach, 

Ann am bruach nan alltabh, 

'S a bliiolair uain taobh nam fuaran, 

Gibeach, cluaineach, cam-mheur ; 

Thig ròs nam bad is boidhche dreach, 

Na neoil na maidne samhraidh, 

Gu ruiteaeh, dearg-gheal, eearslach. dealbhach, 

Air roinn mheanbh nam fann-shlat. 

An gleann fo bharrach, reisgeach, cannach, 

Feurach, raineach, luachrach, 

Gu min-bhog, mealach, brighor, bainnear, 

Cib, a's eneamh m' an cuairt aim ; 

Bidh lorn a bhlàir is reachdair fàs, 

A' dol fo stràc neo-thruaillidh, 

'S an saoghall a 'gàirdechas le fàillt, 

A thaobh gu'n dh' fhag am fuaehd siim. 

Gur ceann-ghorm loinneil dos gach doire, 

Bhios sa choille chrbchdaich, 

Gu sleabhach ard fo iomlan blàth, 

O bhnn gu bharr 'n comhdach ; 

An snothach sughor thig o'n dùsluing 

Ann sna tiùrain nòsar, 

A' brùchda meas tro shlios nan geug, 

A's tlus nan speur ga'n còmhnadh. 

Gach maoth phreas ùr gu duilleach cùbhraidh, 

Peurach, ùbhlach, sòghar, 

Trom thorrach, luisreagach, a' lùbadh, 

Measach, driùchdach, lòdail ; 

Le cud-throm ghagan dlù dhonn-dhearg, 

A bhios air slait nan cròc-mheur, 

'S co milis bias ri mil o'n sgeap, 

Aig seillein breac a chrònain. 

Bidh coisridh mhulrneach nan gob lùghor, 

Ann sgach ùr-dhos uaigneach, 

Air gheugaibh dlù nan duilleach ùr-ghorm, 

Chuireadh sunnt fo'n duanaig ; 

Thig smeòrach chuirteil, druid a's bru-dhearg, 

Uiseag chiùin a's cuachag, 

Le h-òran cianail, fann-bhog tiamhaidh, 

N glacaig dhiomhair uaine. 

EOBIION MAC-LACHUINN. 

329 

M' an innsin sios gach ni bu mbiaun leam, 

Ann am briathran seolta, 

Cha cliuirinn crioch le dealbh am bliadhn' 

Air ceathramh trian de'n b' eol domh, 

M' a ghlòir nan speur, 's an t-saogha'l gu lèir, 

A lion le h-eibhneas mòr mi, 

'N uair linn mi uiridh madainn chèitein, 

'S dealt air feur nan lùintean. 

AM FOG H All. 

Fonn'— "Nuair tiiig an Sumfira geugach oirnn. 

Graii èiridh fonn a's fior-ghleus oirbh, 

Na biodh 'or 'n inntinn smuaireanach ; 

Tha sgeul is ait leam innse dhuibh, 

Cho binn bho chian cha chuala sibh ; 

Tha 'm pòr bu taitneach cinntinn duinn, 

Fo'n reachd is brioghair buaghalachd ; 

'S gun teid an saogh

330 SAR-OHAlR NAM HARD GAELACII.

'Nuair thogar aim sa mhadainn iad 

Gu trom-lan, bl'eac le lodalachd, 

Gur sutitach, siubhlach, dhachaigh iad 

Le'n tacar beairteach, sòlasaoh. 

Gu h-aigeantach, eutrom, inntinneach, 

J'ir aighearach, ghleust, air linngeannan, 

Le saighdean geur nan tri-mheurabh, 

Air ghallanaibli direach cruaidh shleaghach 

A' sireadh an cisg le duibh-liasaibb, 

Tbeid seachad na leum air fior-uisge ; 

Na mordbachan reubach, dioblialacb, 

Gail tarruinn gu tir air bbruachainiaibh. 

'S an oidhobe chiùraìdfa, fhiathail. gum 

Hi surd air leois gam pleòiteachadh, 

Gum pacar anna na h-urraisgean iad 

Speailt thioram ur gu h-ordamail : 

Bidh dearg a's cruidh gan giulan ann, 

Chuir smùid a suas gu beù-losgadh, 

A ruith nam bradan fad-bhronnach, 

Feadfa bhuinne cas nam mor-sbruithean. 

'S am bradan eutrom, aineasach, 

Brisg, grad-chlis, meamnacb, luasganaeh, 

'Na èideadh liath-ghlais, dbearg-bliallaich, 

Dii-lannaeb, mean-bhreac, cluaineiseaeh ; 

Gur gob-cham, sliosmhor, tarr-gheal è, 

Le stiuir bu shiabach earr-ghobblach, 

Ri lù-chleas bras air gbearr-agiathaibli, 

'An toirmrich gbarbh nan cuairteagan. 

Gun d'fhuair sibb dàn a nise bbuam, 

Mar thug mi fios a' tòiseachadh, 

Mu bbuaidh nam miosan biotailteach, 

Tha trom le gibbtean sùlasach, 

Gu 'm beil da rann thar-fhichead ann 

'S o's mist è tuille rbpaireachd, 

Gun cuir mi crioch gu timeil air, 

M' am lag mi sgitb le bòilich sibb. 

AN GEAMHRADIL 

AlR foNK—"' S i so 'n aimsir a dhearbhar." 

Tha Phcebus s na speuraibh 

Ag èiridh na tbriall, 

Roi reulltaichean Genr-shaighcad,* 

Bheumnaicb nan sian ; 

* Sagittarius and Capricorn, two constellations on tlic 

Zodiac or Ecliptic. 

EOBIION MAC-LACIIUINN. 

L'r-eiiVachd a cbeud gliath 

Gu ceiteineach grinn, 

A ni t'eura do gach creutair 

O èireadh d'an diou. 

Than a tlà ghatlian blàtb ud 

A b' fhàbfaarach dhuinti 

Gar fVigail aig nambaid 

Na dh' t'hàsas a h-ùir; 

O na tbriall e roi chriocbaibb 

Na Riaghailtf a null 

GÙ Siyn-AdluiTC- Guiblire 

Bu duibli-reotach iùil. 

Tha àoidbealaclid nàduir 

A b' fhàiltiche tuar, 

Fad an t-saoghail air caocbladh 

'S a h aogasg fo gbruaim : 

Tha giùig àir na dùilean 

Le t'unntaimv an f'huachd, 

Fo dhù-liunn trom-thùrsach, 

Ri ciucharan truagh. 

Tha 'm Foghar reachdor, nalaidh, 

Bu bhiadh abaieh fàs, 

Le cruachannaibh cnuac-mheallach, 

Sguab-thorauh, làn, 

331 

Air treigsinn a shnuaidb, 

O'n a dh'fhuaraich gach càil, 

Boi'n mhios chruai-gbuinneach, ghruamach 

'S neo-tbruacanta bàigh. 

Le stroiceadh na dòilichinn 

Tboirleum gu làr, 

Gorm chomlidach nam naòr-chrann 

Bu chrùc-eheannach bair, 

Ni fuigh-bheatha sughor 

Nan ur-fhaillean aid, 

Tro fheithean nan geugan 

Grad thearnadh gum freumh. 

Na h-eòineinean boidheach 

Is òrdamail pong, 

Le'n dlu-fheadain shunntach 

O'n siubblaiche I'onn ; 

Gum fògrar o'n cheòl iad 

Gu clò-chadal trom ; 

'S ni iad combnuidb 's garb còs 

Ann am frògaibh nan toll. 

Thig leir-sgrios air treudan 

Nam feur-luibhean gorm ; 

Di-inbilltear gach dithean 

Bu mhin-ghibeach dealbh : 

•f 

Uiaghailt, the Fquinoctial Una

332 SAIi-OliALlt NAM

Bi'dh spùtadh na funntaiim 


333

334 SAR-OBAIR NAM 1ÌARD CAKLACII. 

An tuainseagaibb geal nam Bur, 

Duisgidh iail le h-iochd a bhlàis, 

'S measgnaichidh an righle dlù 

'Sa cheitein chiùin nach lot an càil ! 

Dìrldh snothach suas o'n fhriamhaich 

Tro cham-chuislibh shnìomhain bhad-ihrann, 

Gn iuaothbhlasda, mealach, cùbhraidh, 

Sior cbuir sùigh 's nam iìùran shlatach ; 

Bi'db an còmhdach gorm a' brùchdadh 

Roì shlois ùr nan dlù-phreas dosrach, 

Duilleacb, Iàbach, uasal, sgiainhach, 

Dreach nam meur is rìmheauh coltas. 

Bi'db eoin bheaga bhinn a cbàthair, 

A cruinneachadh shràbh gu neadan ; 

Togaidh iad 's na geugaibh uaigneach 

Aitribh chuairteagach ri taice 

Laidhidh gu cluthor nan tamh 

A blàiteachadh nan cruinn ubh breaca, 

Gus am bris an t-slighe iàn, 

'S au tig an t-àlacb òg a mach dbaibli. 

Thig eiblmeas na bliadlm an tùs, 

Mu'n crìochnaich an t-ùr-mhìos Màirt ; 

Bbi'ir an spreidh an toradb trom • 

Le fosgladh am briinn gu làl' : 

Bi-ùchdaidh minn, a's laoigh, a's uain, 

Nam mìitibh m'an cuairt do'n bhlàr ; 

'S breae-gheal dreach nan raon "s nan stùo, 

Fo chòisridh mheanbh nan hì-chleas bàth ! 

Bidh gabhair nan adbaircean cràcach, 

Stangach, cam, an aird nan sgealb-chreag ; 

Rob-bhrat iom-dhathach m'an cuairt dail>b, 

Caitean ciar-dhubh, gruamach, gorm-ghlaa, 

S na minneinean taghach, greannar, 

Le meigeadaicb fbann g'an leanmhuinn : 

'S mireanacb a cbieasachd ghuanaefa 

Bhios air pòr beag loath nan gearr-mheann. 

Caoirlch cheig-rùagach fb chòmhdach ; 

Sgaoilt air reithlein lòintean-driuohdaoh ; 

Ràidhe'n tig am faoileach feannaidh, 

Fuar chlaeh-mbeallain, stoirm nam peileir, 

Feadag, sguabag, gruaim a Gfaearrain, 

Crainnti Chailleach is beurra friodhan. 

'Nuair spùtas gaoth lorn a Mhàirt oirn, 

NL 'n t-sid ud an t-àl a chrannadh, 

Mios cabhaâch, oibreach, saoithreach, 

Nam feasgar slaod-cliianail, reangach : 

Acras a' diogladh nam maodal, 

Blianach, caol-ghlas, aognaidh, greannach ; 

Deòghlar trian do t' fhior-liunn-tàth bhuat ; 

'S mar ghad sniomhain tàirnear fad thu. 

Ràidhe san tig tùs annlainn, 

Liteach, càbhrach, làdhan lapach, 

Druio-fhionn, cean-fionu, hrucach, riaspach 

Robach, dreamsglach, riadhach, rapach ; 

Càl a's feoil, a's cruinn-bhuntata, 

'S aran corca laidir, reachdmhor: 

Bog no cruaidh, ma chanar biadh ris, 

S e nach diult an ciad ni 's faigse. 

'N uair thig òg-mbìos chèitein ciùin oirn, 

Bi'dh a bhliadbn an tùs a maise ; 

'S llatbail, caoimhneil. soiilse grcine, 

Mios geal ceutach, speur-ghorin, feartacb, 

Flinach, ciùracb, bliochdach, maoineach, 

Uanach, caorach, laoghach, martach, 

Gruthach, uachdrach' càiseach, sùghmhor, 

Mealach, cùbhraidh, drùchdach, dosrach. 

Nis theid Earrach uaitin air chuairt, 

'S thig an samhradh ruaig a nail ; 

'S gorm-bhog duilleach geug air choill ; 

Eanlaidh seinn air bharr nan crann ; 

Driùchdan air feur gach glinn, 

S lan-thoil-itintiiui sgiamh nam beann : 

Theid mi ceum troi 'n lòn a null, 

'S tàirneam crìoeh air form mo rami. 

M A It B - It A N N 

DO MR SEUMAS BfcATTIE, 

[Fear-teagaisg Cànain, 's nan Eolus nadurra, ann a 

Aol.taigh ur-Obairreadhain, a chaochail sa' mhadain 

diardaoin.anceathramh latha de'n ochdamh mios 1810 ] 

xoviooTo Tira.oTOfn.iQa yoovo ! 

Air fonm—"Mort Ghlinne-Comhann." 

Och nan och ! mar a ta mi ; 

Thrèig mo Bhùgradh, mo mhàran, 'a mo ckeol 

'S trom an aiceid tha 'in cbiàdh-lot, 

'S goirt am beum a rìnn sgàinteach 'am fheòil ; 

! 


335 

i\Ii mar ànrach nan cuaintean, 

A cbailleas astar feadli stuadhan sa cheò ; 

O'n bhuail teaebdair a bhàis thu, 

A Charaid chaoimh bu neo-fliàilteumacb gl'jir. 

A Ghaoil ! a Ghaoil de na fearaibh ! 

'S fuar a nochd air an darach do chreubh 

'S fuar a nochd air a bord thu, 

Fbiùrain uasail bu stòild aim ad bhèus! 

An lamli gbeal, fhurauuch, chàirdeil, 

Is trie a ghlac mi le fàilte gu 'n phlèid, 

Iti d' thaobh 's an anairt na sineadh, 

Na meall fuar creadha, to chis aig an eug ! 

A mhiog-shuil donn bu tlk sealladh, 

A nis air tionndadh gun lannair a d' cheann ! 

'S sàmhach binn-gbuth nan ealaidh ! 

'S dùint' am beul ud o'm b' anasacb cainnt ! 

An cridhe firinneach soillcir, 

Leis 'm bu spideil duais foille, no sannt ; 

A nochd gun phlosg air an deile ! 

Sian mo dhosgainn, nach breugach an rann. 

Gun smid tha 'n ceann aims na thàrmaich 

Bladh gach eòlais a b' àird aim am miagh ; 

Gliocas eagnaidh na Grèige, 

'S na thuig an Eadailt bu ghenr-fhaclaich brigh ! 

'S balbh fear-rèitich gach teagaimh ; 

Anns a bheurla chruaidh, spreigearra, ghrinn ! 

'N uair bhios luchd-foghluim fo dhubhar, 

Co na t-ionads a dh' fhuasglas an t-snuim ? 

'S balbh an labhraiche pòngail, 

Bu tearc r'a fhaotainn a chompanach beoil ; 

'Am briathran snaighte, ogèimh-dhealbhach, 

A chur na h-ealaidh no 'n t-seauchais air neoil ; 

Ge b' è bàrd an dàin chèutaich, 

Mu chian-astar /Eneas o Tbrbidh ; 

'S firinn cheart nach bu diù leis, 

E-fein thoirt mar ùghdair do sgeòil. 

Gun smid tha'n gliocair a b' eolach, 

Air fad na cruitheaehd a dh' òrdaich JMac Dhe ! 

Gach gnè an saoghal na fairge, 

'Samhachthir chbmhnaird no 'n garbhlaich an 

Gach bileag ghorm a tha lubadh, [t-sleibh : 

Fo throm eallaich nan diiuchd lis a ghrèin ; 

'S an riògbachd mheatailtich b' àghor, 

Do phurp ag innse dhuinn nàdur gach seud. 

'S balbh fear-aithne nan ràidean, 

A shoillsich aingil a's fàidbean o thus ; 

A's soisgcul ghlormhor na slainte, 

Thug tios air trùcairean àrd-Rlgh nan dùl : 

'An stèigh gach teagaisg bu ghrasmhoir, 

'S tearc pears-eaglais thug bàrr ort, a Ruin ! 

Dochas t-anma bu laidir, 

'Sailfhuiladhoirteadhgu i'àrras theirt dhuinn.

336 SAH-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Riaghlaieh t-ròlas 's do gliiulan, 

Modh na foirfeaobd a b' iuil dut 's gach ceum ; 

Do mhòr-chridh nasal gnu tnùth aun 

Gun ghoimh, gun uabhar, gun lùban, gun bhrèug ; 

Cha b' uailse tbolgacb an fhasain, 

Cha dealradh saibhreis a dh-atadh do spèis ; 

'Si 'n inntinn fhior-ghlan, a b' fhiù leat, 

A's foghlum dicbill ga stiùireadh le ccill. 

Mo chrcach lèìr ! 

an taigh muirncach, 

'S am fuict'aghreadhaiiigusuuiitachniu'n bhòrd, 

Dreùs na ceire toirt soillse, 

Gach fiou b u taitniclie t'aoileas, fo chròic : 

Do cbuilm bu chonaltrach, fàilteach, 

B' aiseagslainte dbuinn màrao do bbeoil ; 

Bu bbinn a tliogail na teis tlm, 

'Sa cbruit fhonnor ga gleusadh gu ceòl. 

"N uair dh' eireadh còisridh bu choinnealt, 

A dhamhs' gu liighor ri pronnadh nam pong ; 

Gum b' eibhinn cri do mhnà-comuinn, 

Do chrbilein maotb, 's iad gu tomanach, donn , 

A ghearradh leum air bhòrd loma, 

Dol seach achcile mar glioireadh am fonn, 

Ach dh' t'halbh sid uile mar bhruadar, 

" No bristeadh builgein air uachdar nan tonn." 

A righ ! gur cianail mo Bmaointean, 

Ri linn do t-àrois bhi faontrach gun mhiiirn ! 

Sguir a chuilm 's an ceol-gàire, 

Chaidh meogbail ghreadhnach a's màran o'r cùl : 

Cbinn an talla fuar fasail ; 

'S è ebuir mullach na fardoich 'na smiir 

Ceann na didinn, 's na riaghailt, 

A bin sa' cbadal throm shiorruidh nacb diiisg ! 

Do bhanntracb bbocbd mar ian tiamhaidh, 

Ri traagh thùrsa, 'sa sgiathan mu b-àJ ; 

A neadan creacbta, 's i dnineach, 

Mu gaol a sholair an Ion daibb gach truth : 

O'n dh'imicfa Fir-eun na b-ealtainn, 

Tba'n t-aearbh-dhile 'tigbinn thart as gach àird ! 

A Righ nan aingeal ! bi d' dhion daibh, 

'S tionndaidh ascaoin na sine gu tlàths. 

'S ioma sùil ata silteach, 

A thaobh ùigli nam fear glic gun bhi buan : 

Tha miltean iirnuigh ga d' leaiitainn, 

Le miltean diirachd, a's heannachd gu t-uaigli ; 

A liuthad diùlannacb alnnis, 

A dh' àrdaich t-lonnrachadh aSnneamb guaaill; 

'S gach là bhioa-cklrdeaa air faoineacbd, 

A Bbeattle chllùitlcb ! 

bi'dh cuimh'air do loach. 

Kinn t-oug linn uile gun solas, 

Thateacb nan Innleachd, "»ah òigridb fo pbràmb ; 

Chaidh Alba'nm butleacb Fo èislean, 

Sgur na Ceòlraidhean Grèugacli de'n dan : 

'1'hainig dall-bhrat na h-òidhch' oirn, 

O'n chaidh loihrann na soillse na smal : 

B' e sid an crith-ieothadh cèitein 

A mhill am lochann bu chcutaiche bàrr ! 

Bu tu craobh-abhull a ghàraidh, 

A chaoidh cha cblnnich ni's uillidh fo'n ghrèin ! 

D«alt an t-samhiuidh mu blàtliaibh, 

Liiisrcadh dbuilleag air ohracaibh, a geug 

Ach thilg dubh-dhoirionn a gheamhraidh, 

A bheithir tbeinntidh le srann as an spear ; 

Thuit an gallan in; rimheach, 

'S uile mhaise ghrad-chiion air an fheur ! 

A Thi tha stiùireadh na crainne ! 

'Stuleig d'ar n-ioniisuidh abhuillebha croaidh! 

Since cnaill an t-sàr ulaidh, 

Neònad prìseil nan lomadaldh buaidb ! 

Dh' fhalbh a chombaisd, 's na siùil oirn, 

Chaidh an gaisreadh 's an fhiiibhai 'n am bruan, 

Gach creag 'na cunnart do'n fbiùraich, 

O laidh duibhr' air rèull-iùil an taobh-Tuath. 

Och ! nan och, mar a ta mi ! 

Mo chridhe 'n imjiis bhi Bgàinte le bròn ! 

Tha 'n caraid-cùirt' an dc l'liàgail, 

A sheasadh dùracbdacb dan' air mo choir: 

Bi'dh sid am chliabh 'na bheum cnàmhaìn, 

Gus an uair aims an tàr mi fo'n fhòd ; 

Ach 's glic an t-Aon a thug cis dhinn, 

'Sda òrdugh naomh bith'mid striochdta gacli lò. 

SMEORACH CHLOINN-LACIUTNX. 

Hoiltbh ", iriai/, b iuil, I 

Hbilidh o, iriaff, hbrb hi 

; ; 

Hoilibh o, iriag, iuil, d; 

Snu ùraich a shemn bran mi. 

'S smeòrach mise le chloinn-Lachuino ; 

Seinneam ceòl air bharr nan dòsan ; 

'S trie learn dùsgadh moch am' chadal 

'S m'òran maidne 'sheiun le frogan. 

— 

Cha mhl 'm fitbeach gionach, Bg&i teach, 

Na clamhan a chrom ghiub sbraoaich ; 

'S cian mo linn o' eoin a cliathair 

Chleachd tigh'n' beò air Bàth nan ablach. 

Iluilil.i: 0, SfC.

'S iiHir gu'm b' amis' an àm blii 'gèiridh 

Madainn Shambraidfa fhann-bbuig, rhcitein 

Diol nan rami gun ghrcann gun eislein, 

'S toirm an damns' air chrann nan gOiigaii. 

HoUiblt 0, iji', 

I?ha mi n' còmhnuidh 'n tùs mo laithibh 

Aig Peithinn nan seamh-shruth airgeid, 

Mcasg nam fliiran drluchdach, tl'itha, 

Fhuair mi 'n àrach pàirt de m' aimsir. 

Hoilibh o, Qc. 

Tha mi nis an tir gun bhruaidhlean, 

Tir tha feartach, reachdor, buaghail ; 

'S lionmbor agh tha fàs air uachdar 

Tir nan sealbh da'n ainm na Cluainean. 

HoUibh o, £c. 

Tha na h-eoin is labhar coireall, 

Feadh na coille 'n dlùths nam bailan ; 

Buidheann phrniseal, cheolmhor, loinneal, 

Ard an coilleag.—binn an glaigeal. 

HoUibh o, i-c. 

Tha gach crann gu trom fo chòmhdacli, 

Duilleach, bailach, meuracb, cròcacb ; 

Stràc de 'n mheas cur shlios nan ògan, 

'S eunlaith 'seinn nam fonn an òl'dugb. 

Ho'dihh 0, 4'C« 

Coisridli lughor, mùirneaeh, greannar, 

Seolta gluasad t'uaim an seannsar ; 

Pbr gun sgread, gun reasg, gun teanndachd, 

Gleusd' am feadain ; 

HoUibh o, 4-c-. 

EOHHON MAC-LACIIUINX. 

deas an ranntachd. 

Grian a'g eiridh dealrach, òr-bhai, 

Le gath soills' air ghorm nam mor-bbeann ; 

Fàileadh cubhraidh dbriuchd nan lointean, 

Sileadh meal air bharr gach feòirnean. 

Hoilibh o, $c. 

Eoin bheag bhuchlach nam pong ceòlmhor ! 

Coimh-fhreagraibh learn tèis an brain ; 

Dreach nan cluainean mar bu choir dhomh 

Dh' innsinn sios am briathran òrdail. 


'S ionnmhuinn leam a chulaidh flnaoich 

Dh' fhas air taobh nan luirgnean cas, 

Badach, gaganach, caoin, ur, 

'S neoil do'n' mhil a smuideadli as. 

HoUibh o, &c 

'S boidheach treud nan uainean geala 

Ruith 'sa rèis feadh chluainean bainnear; 

S caoiricfa bhronnach, throma, cbeigeacb, 

Air 'm bu 8heideach blonag shaile. 


'Sblasda, soilleir uisg am fuaran 

Fallain brisg gun mhisg gun bhruaidlean ; 

'S cràcach, gibeac'h, biolair' uaine, 

Fits gu h-ailli laimh ri'm bruachan. 

Hoilibh o, $c 

'S labhar fuaim nan sruthan aiùblach, 

Theid thar bhalbhag dlù nan alltan ; 

Torraicb mhear gach cuailean dh-ghuirm, 

Dol feadh lùb tro làr nan gleanntan. 

HoUibh o, §fc. 

'S taitneach, sgiamharh, manth-bhog ùr, 

Fas do fhlùr is lionmhor dreach ; 

Mar ghorm rionnagach nan spear, 

Dealbii gach send a sgaoil mu d' bhrat. 

HoUibh o, §c. 

Brat nan dìtbean driùchdach, guamach, 

Lurach, laachracb, dualach, bachlach, 

Cuaebacb geal nan neoinean eagach, 

Sid a sgeadach tha mu'd' ghlacaibh. 

Hoilibh o, 4'C 

337 

Do clirodh-laoigh air lorn an àilean, 

Heamhar, sultmhor, liontai, làirceach, 

Caisionn, druimionn, guaillionn, cra-dhearg, 

Bainuear. bliochdach sliochd gun fhaillinn. 

HoUibh O, §C. 

Baile feartach coirc a's eòrna, 

'S reachmhor fàsar dhaileau còmhnard ; 

Be sid bàrr na mile solas 

A chuir sgrainng na goirt air fogradh. 

Hoilibh o, 4c. 

Talamh tarbhach trom gu gnaisicb, 

Leatromach fo bhàrr buntata, 

Chirm gu luirgneach, meurach, màgach, 

Cluigeanach le plumbais àillidJl. 

HoUibh o. $c. 

'S trie do phreasan peoracb, ubblach, 

Groiseideach, trom-dhearcach, dù-dhonn ; 

Luisreadh sios le gagain driucbdacb, 

'S buan an t-shlainnt am fàile cùbhraidh. 

HoUibh o,

338 SAR-OBAIU NAM BARD GAELACII. 

EALAIDII GIIAOIL. 

AirfaiUirin, Ulirin, uilìiri,, ,., 

Air fail I i riu, Ulirin, uUlirin b, 

AirfaiUirin, Ulirin, itillirin i>, 

Our boidhcach an count nn, 

'Th'a h 'n t-Sri(ih-iu ! 

n 

Gun gile mo leannan 

Na'n eal' ail 1 an t-shnàmh, 

Na cobhar na tuinne, 

'S e tilleadli bho'n tràigli ; 

Na'm blàth-bhaiune buaile, 

'S a chuacli leis fo bhàrr, 

Na sneaehd nan gieann dosraeh, 

'Ga fhroiseadh mu'n bhlàr 

AirfaiUirin, rjc. 

Tlia cas-fhalt mo rùin-sa 

Gu siùbhlaeh a sniomh, 

Mar na neoil bhuidhe ' lùbas 

Air stùcaibh nan slial)li, 

Tha ' gTliaidh mar an rbs, 

'Nuair a's bòidbche 'bhios fhiamh, 

Fo ùr-dhealt a Ch£itein, 

Mu'n cirich a ghrian. 

AirfaiUirin, \r. 

* The c!iorii3 and first stanza of this song are not Mac 

l.ichl. ni's. They wire composed by Mrs M'Kenzie of 

Balone, at a time when, by infirmity, she was unable to 

attend the administration of the Lord's Supper in Strath. 

more of Lochbroom,—and ran word for word the same 

except the last two lines of the verse which are slightly 

altered Our talented author got them and the air 

from some of the north country students in Aberdeen. 

All the other stanzas, however, are original, and 

worthy of the poetic mind of Maclachlan, The following 

translation of it by the celebrated author, we subjoin for 

the gratification of the English reader; 

Not the swan on the lake, or the foam on the shore, 

Can' compare with ill*? charmi of the maid I adore : 

Not so white is the new milk that flows o'er the 1'ul, 

Or the snow that is showVd from the houghs of the vale. 

As the cloud's yellow wreath on the mountain's high brow, 

The locks of my fair one redundantly (low ; 

ller ohaeki have the tint that the roe« dlipUy, 

When thi-y glittel with dew on tl mining of May. 

As the planet of Venus that (fleams o'er the prove, 

II r blue rolling eves ate the symbols of love I 

i Hei peu circled boeom .hi < bi Ighl rays, 

Like the moon, when the tars are be.lhnm'd with her blaze. 

The mavis anil lai k, wlu-n they welcome tin' dawn, 

i Mai ., .horns of joy to resound through tie- l.ovn : 

Hot tin- mavis is tuneless — the lark strives in v;iin. 

When my beautilul ehaimer renews In r ureal strain. 

While the thru i h ait the 

cut I i o! 

— 

f n i tha 

bosr'n, 

I I I i Through tin- w -li.l. v. m. .oil. It. 1, , 111 row, 

And least unretlraind on the sn.lis of my Ion 

Mar Bhenus a boisgeadh 

Thar choiltibh nan ard, 

Tha a miog-ahuil ga m' bhuaireadh 

Le suaii heantas graidli : 

Tha bràighe nan setid 

Ann an eideadh gach àidh, 

Mar ghealach nan s|ieiir 

'S i cur reulltan fo phràmh. 

AirfaiUirin, Sec. 

Bi'dh 'n uiseag 's an smeòrach 

Feadb lòintean nan diiùchd, 

'Toirt finite le'u òrain 

Do'n òg-mhadainn chiùin ; 

Ach tha'n uiseag neo-sheòlta, 

*S an amebracb gun sunnt, 

'Nuair ' thoislcheas m' eudail 

Air gleusadh a ciùil. 

AirfaUliria, $c. 

'Nuair thig s.imhradh nan noinean 

A comhdach nam bruach, 

'S gach eoinean 'sa chròochoilP 

' A ceòl leis a chuaich, 

Bi'dli mise gu h-eibhinu 

'A leumnaich 's a ruaig, 

Fo dhlù-mheuraibh egàileach 

A màran ri m' luaidh, 

AirfaiUirin, tjft 

ItANN DON LE1SG. 

A leisg reangacb, robach, dhuaiebnidh, 

Mallaclld btian blio dhuan nam bàrd tlliut, 

'S bochd an t-shian do'n ti bheir cluas dbut, 

'S dearbh nacfa dual gu'n dean e tàbliachd, 

'S nor an sgeul a sgiiobh rlgh Solamh, 

" Nacb robh sonas riamh ad ghlacaibh ;" 

A chairbh rag gun sgriil gun fhosgladb, 

Trom-cheann marbli nacb mosgnil facal, 

'S ronngach fàrdalach gun ruth-bbalg ; 

Do sheann chlosach blirurhdai b, lachdunn, 

'S miann lcat coimhearsp bhuan an rosaid, 

Dealbh na gorta sgaoil mu t-asdail, 

Thu t'o'n lùirioh na d' cbuail ihnùmhaiili, 

Reic fliu Fin-mis air son cadail, 

Drein an Aoig na tl' ghrod-chraoa ben rn ach, 

Do chràg chearr am muing do phap-chinn. 

Sid an Blliagh thug bith an tùs dut, 

A Mi-chùram 's Dith-na-sgoinne 

Slabbraidh theann de phraisich chruaidh art,, 

S dà uheud punnil de'n ltiaidlie d' dheireadh. 

A I.eisg tbroin ga 'm bodhar spad-chluas 

'S tu 'n gadalche 'shlad na h-aimsir' :

Ged' bhiodh mile cuip g;id' shlaiseadh 

Cha tig an stadaich a t-earball. 

Sibhs ann sam beil feum a's direadh, 

Ruithibb grad an tim gu freagairt 

Man cosgrar sibh fo shlait iarainn 

Ban-mhaighstear iarnaidii na sgreatachd. 

CLACH-CUIMHNE 

GHLIXXE-GARAIDH AIG TOBAK-NAX-CEANX 

Fiiir. astair ! 

thig faisg a's leubh 

Sgeul air ceartas an Dè bhnain ; 

Eisd ri diol na ceilg a dh'fhàg 

A Cheapach na làraich fhuair. 

Sgaoil na milltich lion an èig 

rVI ii bhord èibhinn nam fleagh fial 

'S mheasgnaich iad an sean s na h-òig 

'S an aon tòrr nam fuil gun ghiomh. 

Mhosgail corruich an t-kid-thriath, 

; 

A L A S D A I R M A C-IO N M H UI N" N. 

Ursann dhian nan comhlati cruaidh, 

Morair Chlann-Dùmhnuill an fhraoich, 

Leoghann nan etichd, craobh nam buadh, 

Dh-iarr c 's chaidh Dioghailt na leum, 

INIar bheithir bheumnaich nan nial, 

Ghlac e'n dream a dheilbh an fhoill, 

'S tl.ug Ian duais mar thoill an gniomh. 

Lamb riut-sa' ghòrm fhuarain ghrinn, 

Dh' ionnlaideadh seachd c.inn nan lùb, 

'S aig casan a ghaisgieh àigh 

Tbilgcadb iad air lar a dhùin. 

Corr as coig fichead bliadliii' deug 

Thrrall nan speur bho dheas gu tuath, 

Bho 'n ghairmeadh Tobar-nan-Ceank, 

De'n t-sruthan so 'n cainnt an t-sblua:gh. 

Mise 'n Seaehdamh thar dheich glùin 

De fhreumh ùiseil an laoicli threin, 

Mac-Mhic-AIasdair m'ainm gnàiths, 

— 

Flath Chlann-Dòmhnuill nan sàr euchd, 

Thog mi chlachs' air lorn an raoin, 

Faisg air caochan a chliù bhuain, 

Mar mheas do cheann-stuic nan ti iatli, 

'S gu'n cuimhnicbt' an gniomh ri luatlis. 

ALASDAIR MAC-IONMHUINN. 

Alexander M'Kinnow was born in Moror, in the district of Arisaig, Inverness-shire, in 

the year 1770, in which farm his father was tacksman. At the age of 24, he enlisted in 

the gallant 92d regiment, in which he served with marked distinction till 1801, when, in 

the famous battle of Alexandria, he received three several wounds, which were the means 

of breaking up his connexion with that corps. After the battle, Corporal M'Kinnon was 

found lying among the wounded and dead, " with his back to the field and his feet to the 

foe," in frozen gore, and on the apparent verge of dissolution. In disposing of the many 

brave fellows who fell on that memorable day, it was found necessary to dig ditches or 

pits in which indiscriminately to inter them ; and such was the seemingly lifeless condition 

of M'Kinnon, that he was ordered to be buried among the others. This order would 

have been executed had not Sergeant M'Lean, a bosom-friend and companion of our bard, 

been prompted by feelings of the purest friendship, to seek him out amid the heaps of 

carnage in which he was entombed. The Sergeant, applying his ear to the poet's breast, 

perceived that everlasting silence had not yet been imposed on his lyre ;— his respirations 

were feeble and slow, but he lived ; and his friend insisted upon having him forthwith 

conveyed to one of the hospital ships. 

339

340 SAILOBAllt NAM BARD GAELACH. 

Upon experiencing- the care and attention his situation required, he gradually recovered 

from his wounds ; and it was during his convalescence on board the hospital ship that 

he composed his truly sublime and admirable poem so descriptive of the battle. M'- 

Kinnon, on arriving in England, was discharged with a pension ; but a life of inactivity 

seemed little to accord with his sanguine temperament,—for he was no sooner able to 

bear arms than he joined the 6th Royal Veteran Battalion, in which he served all the 

remainder of his earthly career. He died at Fort- William, Lochaber, in the year 1814, 

at the age of 44, and was interred with military honours. 

Corporal M'Kinnon was prepossessing in appearance ; he stood about 5 feet 10 inches 

in height ; he was athletic in form and of very fine proportions and symmetry. As a 

poet he ranks very high : his mind, indeed, was of that gigantic order, which, by its own 

propelling powers, could rise equal to any subject he chose to sing. Judging from some 

of his MSS, now before us, he studied the Gaelic language to good purpose ; few have 

been able so completely to master its idiom and to soar on the syren wings of poesy, sus- 

taining throughout such a sublime and uncontaminated diction. We have not been able 

to ascertain what his scholastic acquirements were in English, but we feel warranted in 

supposing these respectable, for he wrote the vernacular tongue with great accuracy, the 

study of which, it must be recollected, formed none of the school-attainments in his juve- 

nile days. 

The four pieces here presented to the reader are of prime quality. They speak for 

themselves, and need no passing encomiums from us. Any poetaster may string stanzas 

together ad infinitum, and at a hand-gallop ; he may infuse something of the spirit of 

poetry into them, but to give metrical composition a high finish— to put so much excel- 

lence into a poem as to ensure its survival, after the interest of the circumstance that 

called it forth has passed away—to do this, has fallen only to the lot of a few gifted 

individuals. 

No one could be more happy in his choice of subjects than M'Kinnon ; and, most as- 

suredly, none could handle his materials better. He was an enthusiastic soldier: he saw 

and admired the prowess of the British arms, and commemorated their feats in strains 

which cannot die. The poet, that chronicled these feats, was worthy of the indomitable 

army that performed them. Ossian's heroes are often put beyond themselves through 

the magnifying vista of poetic description ;—and who has not i'elt how much of the 

prowess of Ajax and Hector owed its existence to the redundancy of Homer's inventive 

powers? M'Kinnon has indulged in no fanciful representations;—he has honestly and 

truthfully recorded such achievements as British valour performed within his ocular cog- 

nizance ; and one characteristic feature of his muse is, that she was always on dull/. 

It would be out of place here to attempt a formal criticism upon the works of this ex- 

cellent poet. His heroics, in which he seems most at home, admit of no comparison. 

We wonder what stuff the poet was made of: the poet, who could wind himself up— yes, 

and inoculate us, too, with the high, patriotic, and impassioned feelings of his soul, to 

the- highest pitch of enthusiasm, and depict, with more than the fidelity of the painter's 

hand, the panorama of the most sanguinary battles that ever drew the belligerent powers

A LAS I) AIR MAC-IONWHUIXN. 

of two mighty empires face to face ! His poem on the battle in Alexandria beginning "Am 

Mios deireannach an F/iog/iair," has all the minuteness of detail of a studied prose narra- 

tive, while the vividness of his description, the freshness of his similes, the sublimity of 

his sentiments, rivet our breathless attention on the various evolutions of the day, from 

the discharge of the first shot until the whole place is strewed with mangled carcasses, and 

the dark wing of night overshadows the gory and groaning plain. 

His "Dubh- G/ilean>iac/i' is a nautical production in which his muse appears to great 

advantage ; and we are told by a friend, not likely to be misinformed on the subject, that 

this was his favourite piece. Mr M'Donald, the proprietor of the yacht, which the poet 

immortalizes, was so well pleased with the poem, that he gave M'Kinnon £5, and this 

sum appeared so enormous in the estimation of a boor, a neighbour of M'Kinnon's, that 

he spoke to him on the subject, saying, " It is a bonny song, to be sure, but faith, 

neighbour, you have been as well paid for it !" " I tell you, sir," replied the poet, " that 

every stanza of it—every timber in the ' Dubh- Ghleannac/iV side— is worth a five-pound 

note !" This retort must be regarded more in the light of a reprimand, than as an empty 

gasconade. Wen of genius, however, cannot be blind to their own merit ; and if they 

ought not to be the trumpeters of their own fame, they are entitled, by the law of self- 

defence, to retaliate on the narrow-souled detractors of their well-earned laurels. Mac- 

Kinnon was neither egotistical nor pedantic: he submitted his pieces to the rigid criticisms 

of his fellow-soldiers, and never hesitated to throw out an idea, a distich, or even a stanza 

at their bidding. This has, perhaps, tended to the critical correctness of his Gaelic and 

the excellence of his productions : we read them and are satisfied : there is nothing want- 

ing, nothing extraneous. 

ORAN AIR DO'N I3HARD A DIIOL AIR TIR ANNS AN EIPHEIT. 

Ge fada an dràst gun diisgadh mi, 

Clia chadal sèimh bu shùgradh dhomh, 

Ach ragaid chiiàmh gun liighs annta, 

Air leabaidh-lair gun chuirteanan, 

Gun chaidreamh bho luchd dùthchs, 

'S mi gun charaid-rùin am choir. 

Gun chaidreamh, &

342 SAR-OliAIR NAM DAIil) GAELACH. 

An darag dhileaa dharaich ud, 

Nach dh'fhàg 'aan linn so samhail da, 

An leògbann rìogbail, amaisgeach, 

An cliù 's am fiiinii cheannasach, 

Tli a do ghaol mar anam dhuinn, 

Aii teannachadh na 'r feòil. 

Ilia Ja gbaol, &c. 

A dol gu tìr le d' bhrataicheao, 

Air cbeann do mbiltean gaisgealadh, 

Shaoil Fraugaich ghrìmeach, gblas-neulacn, 

Le spid gu 'u ]>illte dh&chaigb sinn, 

Gu 'n atriochdadh i&d da 'r lasraicbean, 

15u dliiouuilior bras ar Broil. 

Gu 'n striochdadli, &c. 

Bu ncimheil, Bmearail, dùracbdacb, 

Gu danara làn mhùiaeagaob, 

An canoin aim sa bhiiireinich, 

'S dealanach le fudar dhiu, 

Cha bu Ièur an traigh le smùìdreadh, 

Dh'fhag na spèuran dùiiini' an ceò. 

Cha bu lour, &c. 

Mar biodh cruaidh losgadh ioinlan aim, 

'San uair is luaithe dh' iomraichte, 

Air luchd-cuain a b' ullamh tulgaradb, 

Gfeasadh ri cluais iorghuille, 

'S na naimhdean dàna tilgeadb oirn, 

Mar ghàradh tionicheall òb. 

'S na naimhdean, &c. 

Choinnich iad 'san uisge sinn, 

A tigh'n' air snamli gu 'n crioslaichean, 

'N uair bheireadh lamhach bristeadh dhuinn 

An duil gu 'in bàite an tiota sinn, 

Gu Btàlinneach, làn, misneachail, 

Gu sgrios ;'is na bliiodh beb. 

Gu stàlinneaeh, &c. 

Choinnich ar fir shomalt iad, 

Le roinn nam piosan guineideaeb, 

Ma 'n d'fbàg an tonn fo 'r buimabh sinn, 

Chaill Biol na Frainge full annta, 

'S am bàs bhà iad a cumadfa dhuinn, 

Fbuair pàirt did dh'fhulang bròin. 

'S am bits, kc. 

Chuir buillean lann le Buabaireachd, 

15ho 'n tuinii mar choHltich thaitslidh iad, 

Gach dara crann a tuiteam dhiu, 

Na 'n tineadb sios le 'r ouabaireachd, 

Tbuig Frangaicb nach faun Thurcaicb, 

Le 'u cuid lann a ED hurt an sKigh. 

Tbuig Fraugaich, fee. 

Hi lomairi ghoirt na stàilinne, 

Bba iomain caa bho'u tràigh una, 

(in n fhioa co 'in fear bu tàire againn, 

A b' ullamh lot !> Baithidbean, 

N am dlùtbadb ria an araich, 

'6 tnmi a dbrùigh ar laid na 'm l'còil. 

'N am dlùthadb, &c 

'N uair Bgaoileadh bh'uainn 's gach àitc iad, 

Alar chaoirich 's gille-màrtainn annt', 

'S trie a chite tall oirbh, 

Na ruith a dhi a mhaighsteir, 

L5u lionmhor marcach tàbhachdach, 

Le each air traigh gun deò. 

L5u lionmhor, &c. 

Bba 'm buidhean rlogbail Gàelach, 

Gu h-inntiuncach, borb, ardanach, 

Air thoiseach, mar a b' àbhaist daibh, 

Gu lotach, piceach, Btailinneach, 

Mar nathairichean, gun chàirdeas 

Do dh' aon nàmhaid a bha beò. 

Mar nathairichean, &c. 

Tha claim nan eilcan aon-sgeulach, 

Co theireadh gu 'n do chaochail iad ? 

'S iad t'èin an dream nach maol-chluasach, 

'N uair thàirntc a mire caonnaig iad, 

Mar bheithir thana craoslachadh, 

15' thior fhaoineia tigh'n' ga 'n còir. 

Mar bheithir, &c. 

Mar mhiol-chion sheang, luath-leumnach, 

'Eangach, iiuach, tuasaideach, 

Hi leanailt stri gun fhuarachadh, 

Le siubhal 's i a dh' fhuasgail iad, 

I3ha Fraugaich air an ruagadh, 

'S iad na 'n ruith mar chuain gun trcòir. 

Bha Fraugaich, &c. 

ORAM 

All: KLAK N.-\ H-EIFHIT, 

L" arson nach Cisichiim sa Champa, 

Far na dli'lhàg mi claim mo gbaoil, 

Tbog sinn taighean Samhraidb aim, 

Le barrach mbeang nan craobh, 

15u solas uaJbhreach, aeannard, 

A bhi gluaaad ii uchd naimhdean ami, 

'Sa dh'aiiuleoin luaidhe Fbrangacb, 

15' aobhar dàmaha bhi ri 'r tiiobh. 

Cha chualaa ii linn Beanachais, 

Ann an cogadh arm na 'n stri, 

Cuig mile-diag clio ainmeil ruibh, 

A thairuiun airm fo 'n High ;

B' aobhar cliù an trèun-fhear Albannach, 

A ffauair a chuis utl earbsa lis, 

Nach cùbairean a thearbadh leis, 

Thoirt gniomh nan arm gu crieh. 

Dh'iarr e moch di-ciadain, 

'S a' cbiad diagachadh de 'n Mhàìrt, 

Gach comisari riarachadh, 

Ar biadh a macli oirn tia ; 

' Rùm bbi air ar cliatbaichean, 

Gu h-ullamh mar a dh' iarramaid, 

Nach faodadb iad air chiad-lungaidh, 

Dol sios leis ami sa bhlàr. 

'S ami air dir-daoin a dh'fh'ig sinn, 

Air sàr chablach fad air chùl, 

Na 'in f'aigheadhmaid rian snàmha dhaibli, 

Bu làidir iad na 'r cùis ; 

Lean Mac-a-Ghobha* cairdeil ruinn, 

'S gu 'm b' fhogbai ii teach a bhàtaichean, 

A dli' aindeoin gleadhraich nàmhaid, 

Clium e smàladh air an sùil. 

Bba ar 'n aid cbeann-feadhna toirteil, 

Ann san àm ga 'r propadh suas, 

Bho dhream gu dream ga 'm brosnachadh, 

Cha b' aim le moit na ghruaidh ; 

Ghlacadh cuibhle 'n fiiortain, 

Ann san Iaimh nach tioundadh toisgeal i, 

'S a dbiiisgcadh sunnt gu cosnadh dbuinn, 

War Fbionn a mosgladh shluaidh. 

Thàirneadh na laoich shomalla 

Na "n cumhlann throma, bliorb, 

Bu tàrslach, làmhan, comasacb, 

An sradag fhonnidh f'albh ; 

A g' iarraidh àite an cromadii iad, 

Na 'n tugadh nàmhaid coinneamh dbaibli, 

Gu 'm f'ag-te 'n àraeh tonn-fhuileach, 

Le stàiliuu thollach blioig. 

Bho nacli tionndadli nàinih gu casgairt, 

Bu dlù lasair air an deigh, 

'N uair chuunacas giiùis nam Breatunuach, 

B'fhearr casan dhaibli na strèup; 

Tliug iad an ciil gu tapaidh ruinn, 

A sliiubhal gu

34 4 SAB DBA1 l\ NAM

N uair ;i dhlù na h-airm ri civile, 

Dhubhadh na speuran le n deathaieh ; 

S r>u lionmhor tear a blia 's an èisdeachd, 

Nacfa do gliluais leis fein an ath oidhch'. 

Dh'fhag iad sinne mar a b'annsa, 

l'o cheannardacbd Mhorair Hunndaidh, 

An t-ùg smiorail, fearail, naimhdeil, 

N an teaanadh ain-neart ga 'r n-ionnsuidfa : 

Le bhrataicheao siod 1 

a strannraich, 

Iti 'u cuid crann a damns' le muiseag ; 

S na fir a toghairt 's na Frangaich, 

B' iad mo riiinse chlann nach diultadh. 

Bha 'n Icoghann colgarra gun ghealtachd, 

Le mhile tear Bgairteil la' ruinn ; 

An Camshronach garg o'n Earrachd, 

Mar ursaiun chatha 's na blàraibb ; 

Dh'aontaich sinn mar aon sa bhaiteal, 

Le faobtaar lann sgaiteach stailinn ; 

Clia bu ghniomh le *r laoieh gun taise, 

Faoineia air an t'haich' le. làmhaich. 

Bhruchd na naimhdean le 'n trom làdach, 

Air oiuin chàich an àite tcine ; 

W uair tliuair Sasunnaich droch cbàradh, 

Pbill iad o'n àraich n' ar coinneamb. 

Ghlaodh Ralph uaibhreach ri chuid armmm 

Greaaaibh na Gàè'il n' an coinnidh, 

'S tionndaidh iad an ruaig mar b' àbhaist, 

An dream ardanach, neo-flioileil. 

Grad air an aghairt 's an àraich, 

Ghluais na saighdearan nach pillte ; 

Mar iolaire guineaeh, gun chaoimlmeas, 

Nach b'fhurasda cblaoidh le mi-mhodh, 

Thug iad sgrios na'n gathan boisgeach, 

Mar dhealauaich bidhche dhilinn ; 

Hi sior iomain romp nan naimhdean, 

'S neul na fal' air roinn am picean. 

'N uair a dh'ionndrainn a chonnspuinn 

Morair Gordon o uchd btiailte ; 

'S a chual iad gu'n robh e leòinte, 

Dh'ùraich iad le deoin an tuasaid ; 

Mar mhaoim do thuil nam beann mora, 

Bruchdadh bho na neoil mu'r guaillean, 

Lean iad an ruaig le eruaidh spbltach, 

Gu fuilteach, mor bhuilleach, gruamach. 

Bha Camshronaich an tùs a chatha, 

Air an losgadh mar an cianda ; 

Leonadh an Ceann-t'eodhna sgairteil, 

Iti còmhraig bhaitealach a liath e; 

Gu sonraicht' coltach an dearcag, 

'S an fheoil nach taisicheadh tiamh i 

Mu'n chrom a ghrian to cleòc-taisgte, 

Fhàidb sinn air an ais na fiachan. 

; 

ALAS DAI It MAC-IONMIIUINN. 345 

Gcd' bha na Itioghalaich bho Albainn, 

Na fir ainmeil, mheamnach, phriseil, 

Fada bhuainn ri uair a gharbh chath, 

'S buaidh a b' ainm dhaibh ri uchd mliiltean ; 

Ghreas iad air aghaidh gu colgail, 

'N uair a chual iad stoirm nam picean ; 

Mo creach ! 

Bbi le lasair marbh na'n sineadh. 

luchd nam breacan balla-bhreac, 

Tha na Fràngaich math air teine, 

Gus an teannar goirid uapa; 

'S an mar sin a i'hrois iad sinne, 

Ri deich mionaidean na h-uarach ; 

Ach, 'n uair dh't'haod ar laoich gun tioma, 

Dhol an àite buille bhualadb, 

Bha roinn nan stailinne biorach, 

Sàthadh guineideach mu'n tuairmse. 

Gum bi sin an tuairmse smiorail, 

Chinnteach, amaiseach, gun dearmad ; 

Thug na leoghainn bhorba, nimheil, 

Bu cholgail sealladh fo'n armaibh ; 

Ri sgiùrsadh naimhdean mar f'halaisg, 

A's driùchdan lallais air gach calg dhiu ; 

'S bha Fràngaich a lirùchdadh fala, 

'S an cul ri talamh sa ghainmhich. 

Mar neoil fhuikeach air an riasladh, 

Le gaoth a b'iargalta sèideadh ; 

Ruith nam baidibh ceigeach, lia'-ghlas, 

An deigh an cliathadh as a chèile: 

Chitc na naimhde gun riaghailt, 

Teicheadh gu dian o uchd streupa ; 

'S iad a leagliadh air am bialthaobh, 

Mar shneachd am fianais na gièine. 

Ged' a pbill sinn o ar dùthaich, 

Cha d' inhill sinn air cliii an crundal 

Bha sinn gach latha ga'n sgiursadh, 

Mar chaoirich aig cù ga'n ruagadh. 

Dh'aindeoiu an cuid slòigh gun chunntas, 

Tigh'n o'n Fhraing as ùr ga'r bualadh, 

Bu leisg ar gaisgich gu tionndadh, 

'Nuair a chord an Diùc ri'n uaislean. 

'N uair chuireadh am baiteal seachad, 

'S a dh-àireadh ar gaisgich threubhach, 

Bha ioma Gael 's an deachaidh 

Le miad am braise 's an streupa, 

Fuil a ruith air lotaibh frasach, 

Bho luchd nam breacauan teilidh, 

\S i sior thaomadh leis na glacan 

'S truagh ! 

— 

nach dh'fhaod ar gaisgich eirigh 

'S bochd gun sian orra bho luaighe, 

On a bha iad eruaidh 'na'n nàdur, 

Fulangach gu dhol san tuasaid, 

Guineideach 'nuair ghluaist' an àrdan, 

!

Cha robli math d'an nàmhaìd gluasad, 

UlTiai ìjii.lli buaidh orra' s na blàraibb, 

Cliaill i.iil air an tràigh Beachd uaireati', 

Tuilleailli "a na bha bhuain 'aan àraich. 

'Nis o'n cliuir iad s'uin do Shasunn, 

— 

Ghabhail ar cairtealan geamhraidh, 

Far am faigh sinn leann am pailteaa, 

Gcd' tha Mao-na-praisich gann oim 

Olar leinn deocb-slainte' Mharcuis 

Ar gualann thaice 's ar Ceannard ; 

Tha sitm cho ullamh's a Sit leis, 

Dliion a bhrataichean bho ainneart. 

Kale.— Various spurious editions of tliis unrivalled piece 

have been published in different collections of Gaelic Poems. 

It is now printed genuine, for the first time, from the poet's 

own MS. ; and never, perhaps, did poet's lay commemorate 

prowess ill more graphic and burning language. 

AN DUBH-GHLEANNACH. 

Lath a dliomh 's mi 'n e.ois na tràghad 

Chuala mi caismeaehd nan Gael, 

Dh' aithn'u-h mi meoir grinn a Bhràthaiuh, 

Air siunnsair ùr bu lùghor gàiricb, 

A's thuig mi gu'n a ghluaia an t-àrmunn, 

Fear thogai] nan tùr nasal,* Btàtoil. 

iSTm Dabk-GMeannach a Lh' a 

lib ri> gkeaUadh, na co chuireadh i, 

—Troiii aim 'semn 

Bu mhiann learn sunnt nam port eallanta, 

Bu chonnabhallach ùrlar a's gearraidhean, 

Dionach, luglior, dlù, neo-mbearacbdach 

Tionndadh nan Biubhlaicbean caithreamacb, 

Dbùi8geadh lùgh na smuis "s na carraidean, 

Dùtbchaa nan lann dù-ghorm tana dhuibh. 

Sfn Dvòh-tìhleannach, $c. 

Dhirich mi 'no bruthaoh le h-6ibhneas, 

Db'eiadaachd ri fàilte rlgh Seumas, 

Cbanna' mi'n Druimineacb dhubh, ghleusda, 

Cuir fa-agaoi] a b-aodaicb breid-ghil, 

Air macbair mhìn, Bgiamhach, rèidhleach, 

Mar Bteud I'.i'uitbcach— 's i' cuir ìvise. 

Sfn Dubh-QhleanTiach, $c. 

Cbanna' mi 'n Druimineaob dhubh, dhealbhach, 

Long Alaidair ghlinnicb nan gaibb-chriocb, 

Mar Bteud rioghail air bharr fairge, 

Togail bho thif le sioda balla-bhroac, 

Suaicheantai rioghail na li- Alba, 

Ghluaiseadb na miltean gu fearra-ghleus, 

Si'n Dubh-Ghleannaok, $o. 

» This song v. it composed on the pleasure boat of Alex. 

ander M Donald, Esq., of Olenaladale, who endeared 

himself to his countrj nun by the cenotaph be erected for 

Prince Charles Stuart in Gleuflnuan, 

— 

'Nnair gbabhaidh i'm fuaradb na siiasaid, 

'S gualla 'n rhaagadh chasadh dian ris, 

Ghearradb i'n linn' air a fiaradh, 

'N agbaidb gaoithe, sid a's lionaidh, 

Dh' eignich i Coiran an diarrais, 

'S leum i air itelg mar ian as 

&"*« Pubh-GMeannach,

Sgioba na h-iubhraich an gainntir 

On' chiad duil gu cur Dun-aoibhneis 

Phaisg iad tiian gaeh siiiil gu teann-chruaidh. 

A's las iad ri caii't-iùil nacoinulean. 

Si'n Dubh-Ghleunnach,

348 SAB-OBAIR NAM MAUD GAELACH. 

woman of his own, of tlic name of M'Lcnnan, with whom he enjoyed a great share of 

connubial happiness. 

The first of the two songs we annex to this notice, he composed in Edinburgh, upon 

witnessing the demonstrations of joy which took place upon hearing the result of the 

battle of Alexandria. It is a triumphant piece, and a very respectable effort, exhibiting, as 

it does, no mean poetical talents. The other is equally good in its way. All his poems 

were arranged and taken down in manuscript preparatory to their being printed) but our 

author was seized with Cholera in the year 1832, which terminated his mortal career. The 

intention of publishing was consequently relinquished for the time, nor have we heard 

of any measures having been adopted to resume it. 

M'Donald was of a middle-sized stature—active and cheerful. He was an excellent 

companion, and much liked by his acquaintances. 

Latha snilleir samhraidh dhomh, 

Air cabhaairean Dhun-èideaun, 

Gu'm r'aca mi na brataichean, 

A lasadh ris a ghrèin aim, 

Cbuala mi na gunnaidhean, 

A's dh' fhuirich mi ga'n èiadeachd, 

'S mac-talla bh'anna na creagan, 

A' toirt' freagairt Jhaibh le eibhneaa. 

'Nuair sheall mi air gach taobh dhiom, 

Feadb na dùthcha fad 'a bu lèir domb, 

Bha ceòl 'sua h-uile taigh a lib' aim, 

'S tein-aighear air na sleibhtean, 

On cbualas aims na Gàsaideau 

'S gach àite bbi ga leugbadh ; 

Gun deach' an ruaig air Bonipart 

S an onair aig a Ghreumach. 

'S llonmhor bratacb Albannach, 

Tha ballach, balla-bhreac, boidheach, 

Tha eadar a cbrioch Shasunnach, 

Gu ruige taigb laiii-Gbròta, 

Fir laidir, ihunntadh, tbogarrach, 

Nacb ob a dhol an òrdugh 

Gu dol an coinneamh Bhonipatt, 

Gliuir onair air rìgli Sebraa. 

C'àitc btodb nah-Albannalch? 

Duiu' uaisle calma, treubhach, 

Fit ihunntaob, ibanntacb, thogarrach, 

N.i leòid nacb obadh èiridb, 

Acta on nacb liù laiinhe leo, 

Do bhàs a thoiit le tn-uii-bhi'irt, 

ORAN DO BHONIPART. 

'S an tliilg iad air sgeir thràghad thu, 

'S gu'ui bàsaich thu cbioii bcidh aim. 

Ach 's beag loam sud mar phianadh ort- 

'S a mhiad sa riiin tbu dh' eacòir, 

Ach l&r-agrioa nan deìch plàighean, 

A bb' air Pbàroh aims an Eipheid ; 

Gu'n laidh iad air do chraiceann, 

Gu do shracadh as a cbeile, 

'S gu'n cluinnt 1 

air falbb deich mil' thu, 

A's mi thin a bbi ga t-òisdeachd. 

*S tu chaill do nkire, 'nuair 

A bba thu aim an dòcbas, 

Gnu leigc ainn do Shaauinn thu, 

Ged' ghlac thu bhuuin Hanòbher, 

Ach cuiridh sinne dliachaigb tbu, 

S aeachdnar air do thbireachd, 

S mar toir thu grad do dhaoine teat 

Cha ruig a h-aon diii beb thu ! 

Nacb saol tbu nacb bu ladorn dhut 

Bbi bagalrt air righ Debrsa, 

An cual thu fear ohuir aodainn air 

Nacb daor a pbàigh e ghòraich, 

Ge do choÌ8Ìnn ainneart dhut 

An Fbràing a cbuir fo t-òrdugh, 

'S e t-amhaich a bbcir dioladh aim 

Le tobha sniobhta còrcaich. 

'Nuair thig am morair Sluibbteacb ort, 

'S na ceudan de Chlann-Dòmhnuill, 

Mar sud a's IMac-'Ic- Alasdair, 

Ghlinn-garaidb agua Chndideirt,

A.M 13AHD CONANACH. 349

350 SAR-OBAIR NAM

AM BARD CONANACH. 351


nor society had ripened his judgment, or refined liis taste ; and we are convinced, had lie 

profited by the sage admonition of Pope, and left "his piece for seven years", that the 

character of his book would be far different from what it is. 

Donald M'Leod possesses a fine and delicate musical car, and so fastidious has he 

proved himself in the nice discrimination of sounds, that, to preserve the smoothness, 

cadence and harmony of his pieces, original and select, he actually interpolated them with 

words of no meaning, or, at least, paid no attention to grammatical rules, but took the 

cases, tenses and numbers, as it suited his convenience. 

In the year 1S29, he travelled the Highlands, taking in subscriptions for a new work, 

the prospectus of which is now before us, and promises a " correct history of Calum-Cille, 

Coinneach Od/iar,Am Britheamh Lcòghasach agus an Taoitear-Sàilcach, fromthecradle 

to the grave." But whether he failed in the attempt of publication, or was otherwise 

diverted from his object, we cannot say; but the projected volume never made its appearance. 

This is much to be regretted, for, from the impression made on our minds by M'Leod's 

talents and legendary lore when we saw him in 1828, we are perfectly warranted in saying 

that it would amply recompense a perusal. Few men could speak the Gaelic with greater 

fluency and correctness than our author, and there was an archness about him which set 

off his story and witticism in an admirable light. 

Shortly after the period of which we write, the Skye Bard emigrated to America, and of 

his history or adventures in the western hemisphere, we know nothing. He returned to 

his native country last harvest, and set up as a merchant in Glendale, near Dunvegan. 

His two pieces here given are not destitute of poetic merit. Indeed, they 

possess some genuine strokes of grandeur, which entitle them to a place among the pro- 

ductions of poets of higher pretensions and fame. M'Leod possesses within him the 

elements of true poetic greatness ; and if these are brought into lair play, under auspicious 

circumstances, it is within the compass of possibilities that he may yet take his stand 

amongst the first class of the minstrels of his country. 

An am ùracha' fhacail domh, 

'S cuimtas tlioilt scaili.id, 

Air cliateachadh fhasaln 

Nan naisgoacli tlia 'n tràthsa 

Air tiunndaidh a steach oim, 

(>u Iii chleasach, aigeantach, 

Lùbht' aim am brescatn, 

•8 palate ann an igàrlait; 

OltAN DO REISEAMAID MHIC-SHIMIDH, 

CBAITO-C1NN1DH NAM riilSKALACH h.V BHLIADHNA, 1810. 

Is illù illia oa chasai riubh 

Tiunndadh le ma&ladh, 

Niùi uine bhi paisgte, 

l'lir casan aa'n aràicb, 

Cha churam dha'n aitribh, 

An dunohlaich ar Caipteinean, 

'S dlù dhaibh an t-aofadaa, 

Bheir casg' as an nàmhaid ; 

Is cliùteach a bhratach, 

To'n cunntar air faicbe slbh, 

Le iunnaaidh nam bagraidean, 

Tbolr learn nach bo chaidribb, Fudar na lasraichean, 

Ur tachaird le dàmhair; Llù dhaibh cha'n fhaighear

AM BARD SGIATHANACH.

354 SAIUOBAIU NAM

'Nuair theid dion air Bgiath gach bealaich, 

S lucbd an fhiamha, siaradh tharais, 

Car na'm bial 'us Had na'n teangaidh, 

'S liorus riabt' air cias gach fear dhiu. 

Ulibkeag i wx i ri, §c. 

'N uair thig sgian bho chliabh gach gille, 

A sgoltadb bhlion, 'a a dianamb pbinne, 

Gheibh am fiacail biadh gun sireadb, 

V 

S gloiue lionta, an ioc-shla!:it' spioraid. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, § c. 

'N uair a chiaradh grian gu calla', 

Thigeadh triall naudielt-eacb meara, 

Srannach, sianach, srianach, staileach, 

Ealand', iargalt', lionta an laiiiiiir. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, S[C. 

Gus an Uùri is muirneach caithream, 

Dha'm beil iùil gach cùrsa ceannas, 

Dha'm beil iuntas dlù mar ghaiueamh, 

Nach toir spoil gu cunntas gaiune. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, $c. 

Far an lionor Hon ga mhalairt, 

Far an iarrar gniomh rir-eallaidh, 

l''ar an ciatach iniann gach seallaidh, 

Far a riadhlar ciadan ain-eoil. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, $c. 

Seinneam fonnmhor, pongail, m'ealaidh, 

As a chom nach trom mar ealach, 

Cha tig toi.n ma bhonn mo thalla, 

Ni mo chall, na ghanutas m'uran, 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, §c. 

BAUD LOCH-FINE. 

Tha mo chuach na cuairteig mheala, 

'S barracb uaine saaineadb tbarum, 

Air mo chluasaig 's fuaghte in' anail, 

'£> ioinadh dual a luadh le'm theaugaidh, 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, §& 

Air mo thaobh an craohh nam mcangan, 

Cha toir gaoth dhiom m'aodach droma, 

'S ma thig naoisg a gheoirich mar rium, 

Ni miaoira sgaoileas tan' iad. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, SfC, 

'S iomadh buaidh fo stuaidh mo blialla, 

Chuireadh ruaig air sluagh a caraid, 

Nach dean gluasad gun ruaim calla, 

Dorainn fuathais a chuain fbala', 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, e\c. 

Bratach-sbithe nan tn seallaidh, 

Fasda, dhidein, nan crioch cainis, 

Glag an stiobla dha'n striochd ain-ochd, 

Meirghe na firinn gun lit!) sgainneil. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, S[c. 

Sliocbd an Ollaghair a bhorb sbeallaidb, 

IVI io a tholgas le'n gorm Ian nan 

Kioebd an fbarabbaia nach falbb falamh, 

Cuij> na h-Albun, san dearbh dhaiogbeau. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, fyc. 

355 

Neart Eoiu Tormod cha searg ascall, 

'Smaisechrannachar'sgach dearbheacbdrai 

'S pailt na h-armabh na bhalg acu'mn, 

'S brais a leauambuinn ga sgala shnapadh. 

Ulibkeag i na i ri, £•& 

BAUD LOCH-FINE. 

Evan M'Coll, better known to his countrymen as the " Mountain Minstrel," or i( Clàr- 

sair nam Beann" was born at Kenrnore, Loch-Fync-side, in the year IS 12. His parents, 

although not affluent, were in the enjoyment of more comfort than generally falls to the 

lot of Highland peasants ; and were no less respected for their undeviating moral rectitude 

than distinguished for their hospitality, and the practice of all the other domestic virtues 

that hallow and adorn the Highland hearth. The subject of our memoir was the second 

youngest of a large family of sons and daughters. At a very early age he displayed an 

irresistible thirst for legendary lore and Gaelic poetry ; 

but, from the seclusion of his native 

glen and other disadvantageous circumstances, he had but scanty means for fanning the 

latent flame that lay dormant in his breast. M'Coll, however, greedily devoured every 

volume he could procure, and when the labours of the day were over, woidd often resort

j whose 

356 SAU-OBA1H NAM BARD SAELACIJ. 

to some favourite haunt where, in the enjoyment of that solitude which his father's fire- 

side denied him, he might be found taking advantage of the very moonlight to pore over 

the minstrelsy of his native country, until lassitude or the hour of repose compelled him 

to return home. 

His father, Dugald M'Coll, seems to have been alive to the blessings of education ; for 

as the village school afforded but little or nothing worthy of that name, he, about the time 

that our bard had reached his teens, hired a tutor for his family at an amount of remunera- 

tion which his slender means could scarcely warrant. The tutor's stay was short, yet 

sufficiently long to accomplish one good purpose— that of not only enabling Evan pro- 

perly to read and understand English, but also of awakening in him a taste for English 

literature. A circumstance occurred about this time which tended materially to encourage 

our author's poetic leanings. His father, while transacting business one day in a distant 

part of his native parish, fell in with a Paisley weaver, who, in consequence of the de- 

pression of trade, had made an excursion to the Highlands with a lot of old books for sale. 

M'Coll bought the entire lot, and returned homegroaning under his literary burden, which 

Evan received with transports of delight. Among other valuable works, he was thus put 

in possession of the " Spectator," " Burns' Poems," and the " British Essayists." He 

read them with avidity, and a new world opened on his view: his thoughts now began 

to expand, and his natural love of song received an impetus which no external obstacles 

couid resist. 

Contemporaneous with this literary impulsion, was the artillery of a neighbouring Chloe, 

eyes had done sad havoc among the mental fortifications of our bard : he composed 

his first song in her praise, and, although he had yet scarcely passed the term of boyhood, 

it is a very respectable effort] and was very well received by his co-parishioners. The 

circumstances in which his father was placed, rendered it necessary for him to engage in 

ilie active operations of farming and fishing, and he was thus employed for several years. 

In the year 1837, he threw off the mask of anonymy, and appeared as a contributor 

to the Gaelic Magazine, then published in Glasgow. His contributions excited consider- 

able interest, and a general wish was expressed to have them published in a separate 

form by all Highlanders, with the exception of his own immediate neighbours, who could 

not conceive how a young man, with whom they had been acquainted from his birth, 

should rise superior to themselves in intellectual stature and in public estimation. They 

of course discovered that our youthful bard was possessed of a fearful amount of temerity, 

and the public, at the same time, saw that they were miserably blockaded in their own 

mental timberiam. If native talent is not to be encouraged by fostering it under the 

grateful shade of generous friendship, it ought, at least, to have the common justice of 

being allowed to work a way for itself, unelogged by a solitary fetter— unchillcd by the 

darilping breath of unmerited contempt or discouragement. The high-souled inhabitants 

of [nverary failed to extinguish the Same of M'Coll's lamp ; and now, as they are not 

probably much better engaged, we recommend them to "see themselves as others sec 

them," in our author's retaliative poem, "Sloc/id a Chopair" in which they are Strongly 

mirrored, and the base metal of which they are made powerfully delineated.

HARD LOCH-FINE. 357 

It is well for dependant merit that there are gentlemen who have something ethereal 

in them : much to their honour, Mr Fletcher of Dunans, and Mr Campbell of Islay, 

patronized our author, and through the generously exercised influence of either, or both 

of these gentlemen, M'Coll was appointed to a situation, which he now holds, in the 

Liverpool Custom-house. 

— 

M'Coll ranks very high as a poet. His English pieces, which are out of our way, 

possess great merit. His Gaelic productions are chiefly amorous, and indicate a mind 

of the most tender sensibilities and refined taste. The three poems, annexed to this 

notice, are of a very superior order : one of them comes under that denomination of poetry 

called pastoral or descriptive, and evinces powers of delineation, a felicity of conception, 

and a freshness of ideality not equalled in modern times. The second is an elegiac piece, 

before whose silver, mellifluent tones we melt away, and are glad to enjoy the luxury of 

tears with the weeping muse. The love ditty is a natural gush of youthful affection, 

better calculated to show us the aspirations of the heart than the most elaborate production 

of art. M'Coll imitates no poet ; he has found enough in nature to instruct him—he moves 

majestically in a hitherto untraversed path ; and, if we are not continually in raptures 

with him, we never tire—never think long in his company. But we are reminded that 

praises bestowed on a living author subject us to the imputation of flattery : long may 

it be ere Evan M'Coll is the subject of any posthumous meed of laudation from us ! 

A Loch-aice na gnùis' chaoin 

Gnuis ghabh gaol air a bhi ciuin, 

'S air an trie an laidh gath-grèin' 

Soilleir mar uchd sèamh mo ruin ! 

'Oide-altruim mhaitfa nam breac, 

Gar an leatsa oath nan tonn, 

'S gfd nach d' amaia long fo bhreid 

Air t-uclid reidh riamb chur fa bonn. 

'S leat an eala 's grinne com 

'S i neo-throm air t-uchd a' snàmh. 

Eun a's gile cneas na 'ghrian, 

Sueachd nan sliabh, no leannan baird ! 

'S leat bho Lochluinn a's bho 'n t-Suaii 

An lath bheag is uaine cùl ; 

'S trie 'ga còir— 's cha n-aun 'ga feum, 

Falach-fead a's caogadh shùl. 

'S leat an luinneag 'sheinneas òigli 

'Bleodlian bhò gu trie ri d' thaobh ; 

'S leat an duan a thogas òg 

'S e g' a còir a measg nan craobh. 

LOC II- A I C. 

Seinnidh e— " Tha cneas mo ghràidh 

Geal mar ehanach tlà nan glac, 

'S t'aileasan a ghaoil '11 a sail 

Mar tha nèamh an grunnd Loch-aic ! 

C'àit' an taitneach leis an earb' 

Moch a's anamoch 'bhi le 'laogh ? 

C'àit' an trice dorus dearg, 

'Fhir nan garbh-chròc, air do thaobh ? 

C'àit' ach ri taobh loch mo ruin 

Far, aig bun nan stùc ud thall, 

— 

'S an robh uair mo chàirdean tiugh 

Ged tha iad an diùgh air chall ! 

() air son a bhi learn ft-in ! 

'Siubhal sèimli taobh loch nan sgùrr 

'Nuair bhios gath na gealaich chaoin, 

Nuas a' taomadh ort mar òr. 

'Nuair tha duilleach, fochunn, feur, 

Fo 'n og-bhraon a' cromadh flinch 

'S gun aon 1 ionnag amis an speur 

Nach 'eil ceile dh'i 'na t-uchd.

353 SAR-OBAIR NAM

AIREAMH TAGHTA 

SHAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACIT; 

A CHOICE COLLECTION 

OF 

THE BEAUTIES OF GAELIC POETKY, 

ORIGINAL AND SELECT. 

The following songs and poems are the productions of gentlemen, who invoked 

the muse only on rare occasions, and under the impulse of strong feelings excited by ex- 

traordinary events ;— or, of individuals of whose history little is known to the world, and 

whose works were not sufficiently voluminous to entitle them to a place among the pro- 

fessed or recognised bards. When the tide of chivalry ran high in the Highlands, and 

ere the Gaelic ceased to be spoken in the chiefs hall, it was deemed no disparagement to 

people of the highest rank to imbody their feelings on any subject in Keltic poetry. 

Many of these pieces are of commanding merit, and it is hoped that they will form an 

appropriate and valuable appendage to this work. So far as practicable, the paternity 

of the poem is given, and such historical and illustrative notes are interspersed as the 

full elucidation of the subject seemed to require. 

Dkoch-slainte ' chabair fcidh so 

Gur h-eibhinn 's gur h-aighearach ; 

Ge fada bho thir f'ein e, 

Mhic Dhe greas g'a fhearann e ; 

Mo chrochadh a's mo cheusadh, 

A's m' èideadh nar mheala mi, 

Mur ait learn thu bhi 'g eiridh 

Le treuu neart gach caraide 

Gur mise chunna' sibh gu gunnach, 

Ealamh, ullamh, acuinneach ; 

Huitli nan Ilothach 's math 'ur gnothach, 

Thug sibh sothadh maidne dhaibh ; 

Cha deach' Cataich air an tapadh, 

Dh'fhag an neart le eagal iad, 

Hi faicinn ceann an fhèidh ort 

'Nuair dh'eirich do chabar ort 

! 

! 

MOLADH CHABAIR-FEIDH 

LE TORMOD DAN MAC-LE01D. 

Be'n t-amadan fear Fòluis, 

'Nuair thòisich e cogadh riut; 

Kothaich agus Ròsaich— 

Bu ghòrach na bodaich iad ; 

Frisealaich a's Granndaich, 

An càmpa cha stadadh iad ; 

'S thug Foirbeisich nan teann-ruith, 

Gu seann taigh Chuilodair orr'. 

Theich iad uile 's cha dli-fhuirich 

An treas duine 'bh'aca-san ; 

An t-Iarla Catach ruith e dhachaigh 

Cha do las a dhagachan ; 

Mac-Aoidh nan creach gun thar e as, 

— 

'S aim dh'èigh e 'n t-each a b' aigeannaich 

Ri gabhal an ra-treuta, 

'Nuair dh-eirich do chabar crt 

!

3Ù0 SAR-OBAIR NAM

Chair tia Rothaich thu air ghnothach, 

Stu an t-amhusg aineolach, 

'S g«d' thug Clann-Choinnich miadh ort, 

Cha 'u' fltiach thu 'n treus earraiun detl. 

Faire ! faire! sbaoghail, 

Gur caochlaidheach carach tUu, 

Chunna mise Si-phort, 

'Nam pioban cruaidh, sgalanta, 

Nach robh an Alb' a dh'aon-shluagh, 

Ged sbineadh Mac-Cailein ris, 

Na chumadh riuts an eudann, 

'Nuair dh'eireadh do cbabar ort 

! ! ! 

Dh'eireadh leat an còir 'san ceart, 

Le trian do neart go bagarach, 

Na bh'eadar Asainn, a's fa dheas, 

Gn rtiig Sgalpa c.hraganach, 

Gacli fear a glacadb gunna snaip, 

Claidheamh glas, no dagachan, 

Bu leat Sir Dòmhnnll Shlèibhte, 

'Nuair db'èireadb do chabar ort 

Dh'eireadh leat fir Mhùideirt, 

'Nuair ruisgte do bhrataichean, 

Le 'ii lannau daite dù-ghorin, 

Gu'n ciuirte na marcaich lco ; 

Mac-Alasdair 's Mac-Ionubninn, 

Le 'n cuilbbeirean acuinneach ; 

— — 

'Nuair rachadh iad 'sail iorghuill, 

Gu'm b' ioghna mur trodadh iad : 

Bi'dh tu fhathast gabbail aighear, 

Ann am Brathuinn bhaidealach, 

Bi'dh cinne t-athair ort a feitheamb, 

Co bhrathadh bagradh ort? 

Bi'dh fion ga chaitheanih feadh do thaighe, 

'S uisge-beatha feadanauh ; 

'S gur lionmhor piob' ga'n gleusadh, 

'Nuair dh'eireas do chabar ort 

Note—Norman M'Leod, the author of the foregoing 

popular clan song was a native of Assynt, Sutherlandshire. 

Little is known to us of his parentage except that he moved 

in the higher circles of his country, and upon his marriage, 

rented an extensive farm in his native parish. He had 

two sons whose status in society shows that he was in 

comfortable, if not affluent circumstances—one of them 

was Professor Hugh M'Leod of the University of Glasgow ; 

and the other, the Rev. Angus M'Leod, Minister of Kogart 

in the county of Sutherland. Both sons were men of 

considerable erudition and brilliant parts,—and Angus's 

name is still mentioned in the North with feelings of kindness 

and respect. 

Norman M'Leod lived long on a footing of intimate 

familiarity and friendship with Mr M'Kenzie of Ardloeh 

whose farm was contiguous to that of our author ; and 

" Cabar-feidh" which has single-handed stamped t lie 

celebrity of M'Leod, arose out of the following circum- 

stance. The earl of Sutherland issued a commission to 

William Monroe of Achany, who, with a numerous body 

of retainers and clansmen, by virtue of said con, mission, 

made a descent on Assynt and carried off a great many 

caitle. This predatory excursion was made in the latter 

end of summer, when, according to the custom of the 

country, the cattle were grazing on distant pasturages at 

A IKE A Mil TAGHTA. 

— 

361 

the sheilings, a circumstance which proved very favourable 

to the foragers— for they not only took away the cattle, but 

also plundered the sheilings, and thus possessed themselves 

of a great quantity of butter and cheese. Indignant at the 

baseness and injustice of such cowardly conduct, M'Leod 

invoked the muse and composed " L\tbar-fridh" or the 

clan-song of the M'Kenzies— making it the vehicle of 

invective and bitter sarcasm against the Sutherlanders and 

Munroes, who had antecedently made themselves suffi. 

ciently obnoxious to him by their adherence to the Hanoverian 

cause in \'Vj. 

That a production teeming with so much withering do. 

clamation and piquancy of wit should have told upon its 

hapless subjects, may be reasonably supposed. Munroe 

was particularly sore on the subject, and threatened that 

the bard should forfeit his life for his temerity, if ever they 

should meet. They were personally unacquainted with 

each other ; but chance soon brought them face to face. 

Munroe was commonly known by a grey-coloured bonnet 

which he wore, and was called " Uilleam a bhunaiduidhir." 

One day as he entered Ardguy Inn, there sat Norman 

M'Leod, on his way to Tain, regaling himself with bread 

and butter, and cheese and ale. Munroe was ignorant of 

the character of the stranger; not so M'Leod— he im. 

mediately knew Achany by the colour of his bonnet 

drunk to him with great promptitude, and then offered 

him the Aom with the following extemporary salutation : 

" Aran a's im a's cais, 

Mu'n tig am bas air Tnrmod ; 

A*s deoch do fhir an rothaid, 

•S cha ghabh na Rothaich fearg ris." 

which may be tianslated thus— 

Bread and butter and cheese to me, 

Ere deatli my mouth shall close : 

And, traveller, there's a diiuk for thee, 

To please the black Munroes. 

Achany was pleased with the address, quaffed the ale, 

and when he discovered who the courteous stranger was, 

he cordially forgave him, and cherished a friendship for 

him ever after. Years after the events recorded above, 

the poet's son, Angus, then a young licentiate, waited 

upon Aoiiauy, relative to the tilling up of the vacancy in 

the parish of Hogart "And do you really think. Sir," 

said Achany, "that I would use my influence to get a 

living for your father's son ? Cubar.feidh is not forgotten 

yet." "No! and never will," replied the divine, "but if 

I get the parish of Rogart, I promise you it shall never 

be sung or recommended from the pulpit there !" " Thank 

you ! thank you !" said Achany, " that is one important 

point carried—you are not so bad as your father after all, 

and we must try to get the kirk for you !" He gave him 

a letter to Dunrobin and he got the appointment. 

" Cabar.feidh" is one of the most popular songs in the 

Gaelic language, and deservedly so. It has been erroneously 

ascribed to Matheson, the familv-bard of Seafotth ; but 

now for the first time, it is legitimately patemized, and 

the only correct edition, which has yet appeared, is here 

given. The song itself bears internal evidence that our 

history of its paternity is strictly correct; and our proofs 

in corroboration are numerous and decisive. Nothing can 

surpass the exultation of the bard while he sings the 

supeiiority of the clan M'Kenzie over those, who have 

drawn upon themselves the lash of his satire. 'J he line 

'Nuair dh'eireadh do chabar ort ! falling in at the end of 

some of the stanzas, has an electrifying effect ; and, although 

figurative in its language, is so applicable as to 

transport us beyond ourselves to those feudal times when 

our mountain warriors rushed to the red field of battle to 

conquer or to die. The music, as well as the poem, is 

M'Lend's, and forms one of the most spirit-stirring aiis 

that can be played on the bagpipe ; so popular, indeed, 

has this tunc bewi in many pans of the Highlands, that it 

was not danced as a common reel, but as a sort of country. 

dance. We have seen "Cabar.Jciilh" danced in character, 

and can bear testimony that, for diversified parts, for transi- 

tions, mazes and evolutions, it yields not, when well per. 

formed, to any " Cotillon brent new from France."

302 SAIUOBA1B NAM I5A11D OAELACH. 

MALI CHUUJNN DONN. 

LBS AN CHBISTEAB CHROBACH. 

Am fonn—" Carraig Flicarghuix. 

O'n thagaich mi'n rathad, 

Gu'n taghail mi monadh 

S an tuiteadh an sneachda, 

'S a ghaill-shion gu trom ; 

'S an talamh neo-cbaisrigt', 

'S na chaill mi na casan, 

Mtt'n d' i-aioig nai'n caistoal 

'N robh Mali chruinn donn ! 

'Nuair a ràinig mi doras 

Gu'n dh'fhàs mi cho toilicht, 

'S gu'n d' rinn mi gach dosgainn 

A thogail gu fonn ; 

A's thàmh mi 's an asdail, 

Hha 'n sail beinn an t- sneachda 

Cho blith ris a chladach 

lilia m fasgadh nan tonn. 

Fhir a shiubhlas an rathad, 

A dh'ionnsuidh na Dabliaich, 

Uam imirich mo bheannachd 

Gu Mali chruinn donn ; 

Tha thuiunidh la' ghleannan, 

Aig alltan a clieannaich', 

S gur daoine gun tabhail 

Nach taghaich am fonn ; 

I mar ionmlias an tasgaidh, 

Gun chunnart gun gheasan, 

Acli a faotainn gu taitneach, 

Dha 'n ('hear rachadh ann ; 

'S gcd lihithinn am Bharon, 

Air dùthaich Chlainn-Eachuinn, 

Gu'm foghnadh mar mhaitche, 

Leam Mali chruinn donn ! 

Tha poarsa cho bòidheach, 

Tha i tlachdmhor na còmhdacb, 

Tha taitneas na cbmhradb, 

Mar imeòrach nan gleann, 

Gu'n d' eiltich mo chridhe, 

'Nuair rinn i rium brlthinn, 

'S bu blieatha dhomh rithist 

Gu tighinn a nail. 

Bha h-aogasg gun snialan 

Bha caoin air a rasgaibh, 

15 ha gaol air a thasgaidh, 

'S a chridhe ' bha na cum : 

Gu'n smaoinich mi again 

Nach rai-.hain am mearai-hd, 

Ged theirinn gur piutbar 

1 dh'Iain goal, donn. 

Na mcòir sin ba'gbile, 

Bha còrr air gbrioneas, 

A's bùiche ni tighe 

A's fuaidheal glan reidh ; 

Gur cuimir, deas, direach, 

A shiubhlas tu'n ridble, 

'Nuair dhùiagaar gu cridheil 

Dhut tìodliall nan tcud : 

'8 tu cheumadh gu bòidheach, 

'Sa thionndadfa gu h-eòlach, 

'S a fhreagradh gu h-òrdail 

Do cheòlan nam incur ; 

Tha'n carbag 'sa mhonadh, 

'S math tearmunn o'n ghaillionn, 

'Sgur sealbhach do'n fhcar sin 

A ghlacas a ceum. 

O mlieacain an t-suaireeis, 

'S o Ieasraidh na h-uaisle, 

lie t-fhasan 's bu dual dut 

O'n bhuaineadh do sheois ; 

Gur furanach, pàirteach, 

Am proas as an dh'l'hàs thu, 

Mar riuneadb do chàradh 

O'n An 's o'n t-Srath-mbdr. 

Na'm biodh sibh a làthair, 

'S an staid mar a b'àill leam, 

Cba reicinn *ur càirdeas 

Air mnai 'na Roinn-Eorp ; 

Gu'm beil mi 'n diugh sàbhailt, 

O chunna mi Màiri 

Gu'n sheas i dbomb àite, 

Na miithar nach beò ! 

Chuir i fasgadh mu'n cuairt domh, 

Mar earradh math uachdair, 

Gu'n bbuilicb i uaisle 

J.e suairceas glan beòil. 

Lamb shoilleir neo-spiocacb, 

'S an cridhe neo chrionta, 

Aig nighean Catriana 

'S mo bhrlatbar bu choir! 

Ge nach faca mi t-athair, 

Gu'n cuala mi leithid, 

'8 gu'm b'urra mi aithris, 

Cuid dh' l'hasain an t-seoid : — 

Bba e fial ris na mathaibh— 

C'oaim' chlhir amis cheathairn', 

'S bu dhiobhail mar thachalr 

Luaths' chaidh e fo'n fhòd. 

Bhiodh òl aim, bhiodli ceòl ann, 

Bhlodb furan, bhiodli pbit aim, 

15hiodh òrain, bhiodh dùcbas 

Mu bhòrd an fhir fheil ;— 

Bhiodh iasg aim, bhiodh sealg ann, 

Bhiodh fiadh, agus earb aim, 

Bhiodh coileaoh dubh barragheal, 

Ga mhai bhadh air gc-ig.

AIREAMH TAGHTA. 303

— 

() nacta nrra mi mholadh, 

An onair mar choiainn, 

Mo bheannachd gu meal e 

Gao eaalainl a chaoidh ! 

Fhlr a shiubhlas an ratbad, 

A

oom shook their heads—shuddered at the profanity 

of the Catechist, and gave intimation from their respective 

pulpits that the catechistic.il labours of our author bad 

ceased! He was previously dragged before the Presbytery, 

examined, and cross-examined, as to the extent and 

number of his bardic delinquencies. One or two of the 

elders and ministers had the hardihood to espouse his 

cause while thus arraigned at the Presbytery's bar, and 

insisted that the reverend judges should hear the song 

from his own lips. " I can repeat no song," said the bard, 

" unless I accompany the words with an air ; and to sing 

here would be altogether unbecoming." This obstacle 

was removed bv consent of the Moderator, and he sung 

the song with great glee, while his judges were more 

obliged to their handkerchiefs than to their gravity for 

the suppression of risibility. It does not appear that 

M'Kenzie was ever afterwards restored to his situation. 

He died at a good old age, and was buried in Creagauan-Inblnr 

of Muckle Greenard, Lochbroom. 

CALUM A GIILINNE. 

LUINNEAQ 

Mo Chailin donn òg, 

.v mo nighean dubh thogarach 

Thogainn ortfonn, 

Neo-throm gun togainn, 

Mo nighean dubh gun iarraidh, 

Mo hhriathar gun togainn, 

S gun innsinn an t-aobhar, 

Nach eileas 'ga d thogradh„ 

Mo Chailin don/t òg. 

Gu'm beil thu gu boidliiae'i, 

Bainndidh, banail, 

Gun cbron ort to 'n ghrein, 

Gun blieum, gun sgaimiii", 

Gur gil' thu to d' leine 

Na eiteag na mara, 

'S Iha coir' again t'ein 

Gun chèile bhi mar-riut. 

Mo Cliuilin donn og, §c. 

* The author of this popular song was Malcolm 

M'Lean, a native of Kinlochewe, in lioss-shire. M'Lean 

bad enlisted in the army when a young man, and upon 

obtaining his discharge, was allowed some small pension. 

Having returned to his native country, he married 

a woman, who, for patience and resignation, was well 

worthy of being styled the sister of Job. Malcolm now got 

the occupancy of a small pendicle of land and grazing for 

two or three cows in Glensgaith, at the foot of Ben. 

fuathais, in the county of Ross. M'Lean during his military 

career seems to have learned how to drown dull care 

as well as " fight the French"—he was a bacchanalian of 

the first magnitude. He does not, however, appear to 

have carried home any other of the soldier's vices with 

him. Few men have had the good fortune to buy immortality 

at so cheap a rate of literary and poetical labour as 

" Catum a Ghlinne :" on this single ditty his reputation 

shall stand unimpaired as long as Gaelic poetry has any 

admirers in the Highlands of Scotland. 

'the occasion of the song was as follows : M'Lean had 

an only child, a daughter of uncommon beauty and loveliness 

; but owing to the father's squandering what ought, 

A I ILEA Mil TAGIITA. 305 

Gur muladach mi, 

'S mi 'n deigh nach math leant, 

Ma dheanadh dliut stà 

Aig each 'ga mhalairt 

Bi'dh t-athair an comhnuidh 

'G ol le caithreani, 

'S e eolas nan corn 

A dh-fhag mi cho faiamh. 

Mo Chailin donn og, §c. 

Nam bi thin ii a'g òl 

Mu bhord na dibhe, 

'S gum faicinn mo mhiann 

'S mo chiall a' tigbirin, 

'S e 'n eopan beag donn 

Thogadh form air mo chridhe, 

'S cha tugaiun mo bhriathar 

Nach iarrainn e ritbist. 

7l/o Chailin donn og, ${C. 

Bi'dh bodaich na duel/ 

Ri burst 's ri fatiaid, 

A can tain rium feju 

Nach geill mi dh-ainnis; 

Ged tha mi gun spreidh, 

Tha teud ri tbarruinri, 

'S cha sguir mi de 'n id 

Fhad 's is beo mi air thalamh. 

Mo Chailin donn og, S[o. 

'S ioma bodachan gnu 

Nach dùirig m' aithris, 

Lp thional air sproidh 

'S iad ga threigsinn a's t-carrach 

Nach cosg aims a bhliadhua 

Trian a gballain, 

'S cha toir e fo 'n ùir 

Na 's mu na bheir Calum. 

Mo Chailin dorm og, §c. 

under any economical system of domestic government, to 

have formed her dower y, she was un wooed, unsought, and, 

for a long time, unmarried. The father, in bis exordium, 

portrays the charms and excellent qualities of bis 

daughter, dealing about some excellent side-blows at fortune-hunteis, 

and taking a reasonable share of blame to 

himself lor depriving her of the bait necessary to secure a 

good attendance of wooers. 

The song is altogether an excellent one, possessing many 

strokes of humour and flights of poetic ideality of no 

common order ; while its terseness and comprehensiveness 

of expression are such, that one or two standing proverbs or 

adages have been deduced from it. His " Nighean dubh 

Thogarrach," and her husband were living in the parish ol 

Contin, in the year 1769. Malcolm, so far as we have been 

able to ascertain, never got free of his tavern propensities, 

for which he latterly became so notorious, that when he 

was seen approaching an inn, thelocal topers left their work 

and flocked about him. He was a jolly good fellow in every 

sense of the word ; fond of singing the songs of other poets, 

for which nature had provided him with an excellent 

voice. He diid about the year I76t. 

;

366 SAK-OBA1R NAM BAUD GAELACH. 

Nam bitliinn air Kill, 

'S n.i ceudan mar rium, 

De chiudeachda choir 

A dh-òladh drama; 

Gum Buidhinu inn 'n bhòrd 

'S gun tràighinn mo shearrag 

'S cha tuirt mo bhean riamh rim 

Acli— " Dia leata Chalum !'« 

Mo Chailin donn og, ojc. 

Ge 1 tha mi gun stbr, 

Le òl 'is le iomairt, 

Air bheagan de ni, 

Le pris ua mine ; 

Tha fortan aig Dia, 

'S e fialaidh uiuie, 

'S mo gheibh mi mo shlainte, 

Gu 'm pàidh mi ua shir mi. 

Mo Chailin donn or/, eye'. 

Ge mor le each 

Na iha mi milleadh, 

Cha tugainu mo bhòid 

Nach olainn tuilleadb, 

'S e gaol a blii mor 

— 

1 ha in' fheoil a' sireadh 

Tha 'n Bgeul ud ri aithris 

Air Callum a Ghlinue. 

Mo Chailin donn og, Qc. 

• The virtue of mildness in his wife was often pot to the 

te~t. ami found to be equal to the glowing representation 

of the poet. Malcolm had occasion to go to Dingwall on a 

and having experienced 

Hummer day for a boll of oatmeal ; 

the effects of a burning sun and sultry climate, he very 

naturally went into a public-house on his way to refresh 

himself. Here he came In contact with a liadcnoch dro. 

ver, who, like himself, did occasional homage at the shrine 

of the red-eyed god Uur "worthy brace of topers" entered 

into familiar confab ; gill was called after gill until they 

got gloriously happy. Malcolm forgot, or did not choose 

to remember, his meal ; the drover was equally indifferent 

about his own proper calling—and thus they sat and drank, 

and roared and ranted, until our poet told his hut sixpence 

(Mi the table. After a pause, and probably revolving the 

awkwardness of going home without the meal, " Well," 

said Malcolm, " if I had mure money, I would not go 

home for some time jet." "That's easily got," replied 

his crony, "I'll buy the grey horse from you." J he animal 

speedily changed owners, and another and more deter, 

mined onslaught on "blue ruin" was the consequence. 

Our poet did nothing by halves,— he quaffed stoup after 

ttoup until his pockets wire emptied a second time. 

in the taciturnity of the female six. " 'Done !' my recruit," 

vociferated the bard, grasping the other eagerly by 

the hand. Away went MuU'olin and with him the landlord 

and other two men, to witness and reporl H h it reception 

CL AC II AN GHLINN'-DA-RUAIL. 

l.riNM-iAi;. 

Mo chaileag Vhian-gheal, mheaU-shwleack, 

A dh-fhàs gufaUain,fuasgailf, 

Gur tram mo cheum » 'n dhealaich sin*, 

Aig dachan GUmn'-da-ruaU, 

Di-dònaicli linn mi ehòlachadh, 

Bean òg 's mòdhar gluasad, 

Tha'giith mar cheol na smeoraiche, 

'S mar bliil' an ròis a gruaidhean. 

Mo chaileag, $c. 

'S caoin a seang ihlios furanach, 

Neo-cliuraidh a ceum uallacb ; 

Tha 'gairdean ban gle chumadail 

'S deud luracli n 1 

a beul guamach. 

Mo chaileag, 8p. 

'S ro fliaicilleach 'n a cbmhradh i, 

(inn sgilm, gun sgleò, no tuaileas ; 

Gur tlathail coiseachd sliràidean i, 

Air bheagan stàit no guaineia. 

Mo ckaileug, fyc. 

Ged bheìreadh Sèòras àite dhomh, 

Cho ard 's a tha measg uaialean ; 

Air m' fhacal 's mor a h' flicarr learn, 

A bhi 'n Coir-chuaimh na m' bhuachaill. 

Mo chaileag,

'N uair b' fhiloant' brii.r' a mhinisteir, 

A finsrachadh mu 'r truailleachd ; 

13!ia inise coimhead dùrachdacb, 

N:i seirc tha d' shùil neo-luaineach. 

Mo ckaileag, §c. 

Ged Bhuìdheas Cleir na tìre leam, 

'S mi sgriobhadh dhaibh le luatb-laimh ; 

'S aim bhios mo smuaiiitean dìoHihaìreacb, 

Air Sine dhuinn a chuach-fhullt. 

Mo chaileag, 8[o. 

Ach 's eagal leam le m' cheileireacbd, 

Gu 'n gabh an seisein gruaim riuin : 

Ged fhogras iad do 'n Olaint nii, 

Ri m' bhe'j cha toir mi iiiatli dhut ' 

Mo chaileay, §e. 

Note.—TYie above popular song has been attributed to 

so many reputed poets, that we feel great pleasure in 

putting the reader right on the subject. The Perth, 

shire people claimed it for the late Kev. Dr Irvine of 

Little Dunkeld ; while the others were equally certain 

that it was the production of Mr Archibald Currie, 

teacher of the Grammar School, Rothesay. To arrive 

at a satisfactory conclusion as to its paternity, we have in- 

stituted the necessary inquiries, and have now the satisfaction 

to announce that it is the composition of Mr Angus 

Fletcher, parochial schoolmaster of Dunoon. We subjoin 

Mr Fletcher's letter in reply to our communication: 

" I was born at Coirin-t-shee (Coirinti), a wild, sequestered, 

and highly romantic spot on the west bank of Loch, 

cck, in Cowal, early in June, 1776 ; and was chiefly educated 

at the parish school of Kilmodan, Glendaruel. From 

Glendaruel I went to Bute in 171)1, where I was variously 

employed until May, 1801, when I was elected parochial 

schoolmaster of Dunoon, and that situation I have continued 

to 611 (however unworthily) hitherto. 

" The ' Lassie of the Glen' is my earliest poetical pro. 

duction, and came warm from the heart at the age of l(i 

years. 'Clac/ian Ghlinn'-da-ruail,' I .think, was composed in 

1807, in compliment to a very ' bonnie Hie-lan' lassie,' Miss 

Jean Currie of Coirechnaive, now Mrs 13 n. In this 

song, although I believe the best of the two, the heart was 

' not at all concerned. It appeared first in the Edinburgh 

Weekly Journal,' with my initials, and has been evidently 

copied from that paper into Turner's Collection of 

' Gaelic Songs. The verse beginning Kuair 'shuidhcas 

Cleir na tire leant,' has reference to the situation I then 

held of deputy-clerk to the Presbytery of Dunoon, and to 

the office of Session. clerk of the united parish of Dunoon 

and Kilmun, which I still hold." 

Here, then, the authorship of " Clachan Ghlinn'-daruail" 

is settled. It is one of the best and most popular of our 

amorous pieces, and, although the talented author says 

that " the heart was not at all concerned" in it, we venture 

to remind him that Nature, that excellent schoolmistress, 

had taught him to study her ways. The air to which it is 

sung is also very popular, and is known in the Lowlands 

by the name of Neil Goiv's Strathspey. But, without 

wishing to denude that celebrated violinist of any of his 

laurels, we beg to inform the reader that that air was 

known in the Highlands centuries before Neil was born. 

It is called " Ceileireachd na Mnatha S'/th," ox the "Fairy's 

Carol," and has the following tradition annexed to it. A 

certain farmer had engaged a young beautiful female as 

herd and dairymaid, for a period of twelve months. During 

the first days of her servitude, as her character and 

history were altogether unknown, it was necessary to have 

a sharp eye after her. On one occasion while her employer 

went out to see whether she was tending the cattle with 

— 

— 

due care, he found her dancing lightly on the green, 

singing a Gaelic song, one verse of which we subjoin : 

l chirnlh cti.'i chaithris I 

l chiuidh cha bhi r 

We beg to translate this for the sake of the English 

reader, 

I'll tend uot long thy cattle, man, 

I'll tend not long thy bullock ; 

I'll tend not long thy cattle, man, 

My bed is in yon hillock. 

Put to return to Mr Fletcher, we arc sorry that want of 

room prevents us from giving the " Lassie of the Glen" in 

Gaelic. We annex, however, an English translation of 

it which has deservedly become very popular. It is from 

Mr Fletcher's own pen. 

; Cun Fluas t!'>

•ÒC>8 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD OAELACH. 

'S miae bli'air mo bhuaireadh, 

Mo Mhàli blieag òg, 

'Nnair 'tbaìn an 'aluagh mu'n cuairt duino 

Mo rlbhinn ghlan àr : 

\S truagh nacli aim san unii- ud, 

A thuit mo lamli o m' ghaalainn, 

Mu'n ilh' amais mi do bhualadh, 

Mo Mhàli bheag òg. 

Gur bblcbe leam a dh'fhaa thu. 

.AIo Mhàli bheag òg, 

Na'n lili ami sail fhàsach, 

i\I cheud ghradb 's 1110 rùin : 

Mar aiteal caoin nagrèin 1 

Ann am madainn cliiùin ag eirigh, 

Be sud do dbreach a's t-eugais, 


'S mise a thug an gaol 

Dha mo Mhàlì bhig ùig, 

Nacb dealaich rium sa'n t-saoghal, 

i\Io nigbean bhoideach thu. 

Xba t-fhalt air dhreacli nan teudan, 

Do gh'ruaidhean mar na coaran ; 

Do shuiloan, flathail, aobhacb, 

'S do bheul-labhairt ciùin. 

Shiubhlainn leat an saoghal, 

Mo Mlu'ili bbeag òg ; 

Clio fad a's cùl na grèine, 

A gheug a's ailli gniiis 

Huithiiin Bgua leumainn, 

Mar fliiadh air bharr nan sleihlitean, 

Air gbaol 's gu'm bithiiin 1'eidb 's tu, 


'S truagh a rinn do chàìrdean, 

Mo Mhàli bbeag dg ! 

'Nuair thoirmisg iad do ghràdh dhomb, 

Mo cluiid de 'n t-saoghal thu : 

Nan tugadli iad do lamh dhomh, 

(ha bhithinn-'a aim san am so, 

l'o' lihiini air son mo gliraidh dlitit, 

Mo Mb all bheag òg. 

Ge d' bheirte mi bbo'n bhàa so, 

Mo Mhàli bheag òg, 

Cba 'n iairainn tuille dùlat-h, 

Mo ahead gbradh 's mo ruin . 

li'nnnsa 'n saoghal-s' fhàgail, 

'S gu'm faicinn t-aodann ghradhach ; 

(mi u chuimhn' bhi air an là sin, 

'S na dh'fhàg mi thu ciùirt'. 

Note.—The aiiovo beautiful song was computed by •! 

young Highland officer) who bad served under King 

\\ 1 1 1 1 . hi ..,, the continent toon after the Revolution, His 

blch i in idates the song, was thus :—He was the 

son of a retpectable tenant in the i lighlandaof Perthshire, 

nnii while ;i youth, cherished a deaperate passion for a 

beautiful young lady, the daughter of a neighbouring 

landed proprietor, Their love was reciprocal—but such 

was the disparity of their circumstances that the ob I u lea 

to their union were regarded even by themselves, as inaxi 

perable. 'Jo mend matters, the gallant young Highlander 

enlisted, and being a brave soldier and a young man of 

excellent conduct and character, lie was promoted to tinrank 

of an ofticer. After several \ cars' absence, and when. 

at the end of a campaign, the army had taken ii|i their 

winter quarters, he came home to see her frit mis-- to try 

whether his newly acquired status might not remove the 

objections of her friends to their union. She was still tin. 

married, and if possible more beautiful than whin he left 

her— every leature had assumed the highly finished 

character of womanhood— her beauty was the universal 

theme of admiration. Othello-like, the gallant young 

officer told her of " hair-breadth 'scapes by land and flood" 

and so enraptured the young lady that she readily agreed 

to elope with him 

Having matured their arrangements, they fled on a 

Saturday night—probably under the belief that the nonappearance 

of the young lady at her father's table on 

Sabbath morning, would excite no surmises in the huny 

of going to church. She, indeed, had complained to her 

father of some slight headach when she reined to rest, 

and instructed her maid to say next morning that she was 

letter, but not disposed to appear at the breakfast table. 

Not satisfied with the servant's prevarication, who was 

cognizant of the elopement, the father hurried to his 

daughter's bed-room, and, not finding her there, he forcibly 

elicited the facts from the girl. He immediately assembled 

his men, and pursued the fugitive lovers with apeed and 

eagerness. After many miles pursuit, they oveitook them 

in a solitary glen where they had sat down to rest. The 

lover, though he had nobody to support him, yet was determined 

not to yield up his mistress; and being well 

armed, and an excellent gladiator, he resolved to resent 

any attack made upon him. When the pursuers came up. 

and while he was delending himself and her with biSSword, 

which nas a very heavy one, and loaded with what is 

called a steel apple, {ubhal a' ehlaidheimlr , she ran for 

protection behind him. In preparing to give a deadly 

stroke, the point of the weapon accidentally struck his 

mistress, then behind him, so violent a blow, that she 

instantly fell and expired at his feet ! Upon seeing this, 

he immediately surrendered himself, saying, " That he did 

not wish to live, his earthly treasure being gone !" He was 

instantly carried to jail, where he composed this heartmelting 

song a few days before his execution. 

Our neighbours, the Irish, claim this air as one of their 

own, hut upon what authority we have be. n left in the 

link. Sir John Sinclair establishes its nativity in Scotland, 

but falls into a mistake in making an inn the scene of the 

melancholy catastrophe of the lady's death. 'I he song 

itself substantiates our version of it. The second stance 

was never printed till given by us— the whole is now printed 

correctly for the first time. It is one of the most plaintive 

and mellow in the Gaelic language— full of pathos and 

melancholy feeling. The distracted lover addresses his 

deceased mistress, as if shewerestill living— a circumstance 

that puts the pathetic Character Of the song beyond comparison, 

and amply illustrates the distraction of his own 

mind—a state of mental confusion, and wild melancholy, 

verging on madness. 

MAIKI LAGHACH. 

(OBIQIMAL SET.) 

I.K MURCHADH RUADH NAM 130. 

Ho, mo MhXri Laghach, 

.v In mi Mliàirì bhinn ; 

HI, mo MIniiri Laghach, 

'S la hin Mliàìiì ghrinn ;

Ho, mo JMliàiri Laghach, 

'S O'- mo MAàiri ihinn ; 

M.'iàiri bhoidheach, lurach, 

liuijudh amis na glinn. 

Nuaif ;i thig a EheaHtainn, 

liiihidh'choillfobhlà, 

'S eoin bheaga 'scinn duinn— 

A dh'òidhch a's a là ; 

Gobbair agus caoirich, 

A's crodh-laoigh le'n àl, 

'S Màiri bhàn gan saodach', 

Mach ii aodainu cbàni. 

ffo, mo Mhàiri, $c 

'Ntiair a thig an Sàmhradh, 

15'nnsa blii 's na glimi, 

Ged robb an t-arau gann oirn, 

lii'db 'n t-ainhlan tri rillt' 

Gheibh sinn gruth a's uachdar, 

Buannachd a cbruidh laoigh, 

As lunaid a chiim chuachaich, 

Cliuir mu*n cuairt a rahing, 

ILj, mo MhàÌTt,

370 SAIt-OBAIlt NAM BAKU GAELACH. 

Cia mar bhithinn sona 

Gu'n do cboraunn gaoil? 

13' annua bhi gn d' phògadh, 

Le doagh choir dhomh lliein, 

Na ged fhalghinn stòr.is, 

Na Roinn-Eorp' gu Kir. 

Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c 

Tha do bhroilleach Bolnia 

Làn de abonaa graidh ; 

Uchd a's gile sheallas, 

Na 'ii eal' air an t-snàmh : 

Tha do inhin-shlios, fallain, 

Mar chanach a cliàir ; 

Muineal mar an fhaoilinn 

Fo 'n aodainn a's àillt'. 

Ho, mo Mhàiri, Sps. 

Tha t-fhalt bachlach, daalacb, 

Ma do cliluais a' fàs, 

Thug nadur gach buaidfa dha, 

Thar gach gruaig a bha: 

Cha 'n Vil dragh, no tuairgne, 

'Na chuir suaa gach là ; 

Chas gach ciabh mun-cuairt dheth, 

'S e 'na dhuail gu bbarr. 

Ho, mo Mkàirì, 8rc. 

Tlia do chailc-dlieud Bbnaighte 

Mar ahneachda nan ard ; 

T-anail mar an caineal ; 

13cul bho'm banail fàilt: 

Gruaidh air dhreacli an t-siris ; 

Min raiag chinnealt, thlà ; 

Mala chaol gu'n ghruaimean, 

Gnùis gheal 's cuaeh-fhalt ban. 

Ho, mo Mhàiri, $o. 

Thug ar n-uabhar barr 

Air àilleas riiflircan inor ; 

li' iad ar lealiaidh stàta 

Duilleach 'a ban- an fhcoir : 

Flùraichean an fbàsaich 

'Toir dhuinn caìl a's treòir, 

A's sruthain gblan nan ard 

A chuircadh slaint 's gach pùr. 

Ho, mo Mhàiri, £c. 

Cha rolih iiineal cii.il, 

A thuradh riamb fo 'n ghrcin, 

A db'-attbrUeadh air chblr, 

Gach ceol bhiodh againn fhoin : 

Uiseag air gach lc'.nan, 

Smcòrach air each gjlg ; 

Cutbag 's gfig gùg alc', 

'Madainn oburaidh Chèlt'. 

Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c. 

•v,r - ' h cond ~-vt of" MaM laghach," is the mm. 

poilUon of Mr John M'llor.ald, tacksman, ofScornig, Loch. 

broom, a gentleman of great poetical talents. It is in. 

finitely superior to the original set; and, while Mr 

M'Kenzie has the merit of having composed the air, Mr 

M Donald is entitled to the praise of having sung that most 

beautiful of airs, in language, which, for purity, mellow. 

new, and poetry, was never surpassed. Mr M' Donald now 

lives In the island of Lewis, where he is murh respected ; 

he is the author of many excellent poems and tongs, and 

in him yet the Highland muse finds a votary of ardent 

devotcdncss,-of nerve, tact, talent, intelligence, and wit 

We subjoin a beautiful translation of five stanzas of this 

popular song by another gifted Highlander Mr D. 

MTherson, bookseller, London. 

Sweet /he rising mountains, red with heallktr ' •">, 

Sweet the bubbling fountains and the ilewy dells, 

Sweet the snowy btouom of the thorny tie.- 

Sweeter is young Mary of Ulens male to mi: 

Sweet, O sweet! with Mary o'er the wilds to •trey, 

When Glensmoleis dress'd in all the pride oi May,— 

Anil, when weary roving through the greenwood glade 

Softly to recline beneath the birkeu shade. 

Sweet the rising mountains, A c 

There to fix my gaze in raptures of delight, 

On her eyes of truth, of love, of life, Of light— 

On her bosom purer than the silver tide, 

Sw el the , itains, t c. 

"'hat weie all the sounds enntriv'd by tuneful men, 

To the warbling wild notes of the sylvan glen ? 

Here the merry lark ascends on dewy wing, 

There the mellow mavis and the blackbird sing. 

Sweet the rising mountains, tyc. 

What were all the iplendour of the proud and great, 

To the simple pleasures n; i. iir green retreat? 

Krom the crystal spring fresh vigour we inhale; 

Rosy health dues cunt U8 on Ihe mountain gale. 

Burnt the rising mountain*, d-o. 

Were I offered all the wealth that Albion yields, 

All her lofty mount. lii.s and Inn- Irnitful fields. 

With the countless riches of her subject s >s, 

1 would scorn the clinnge for blisses such as these ! 

Sweet the rising mountains, d-ft 

CUIR A CIIINN DILEIS. 

(original SKT.) 

luin:vkaq 

OuiraclimndUeis, 

DUeis, dlUis, 

Cuir a chimi tìììris, 

Tharum do làmh , 

Do yhorm-shitil Ihuiris, 

A mhfttllatlli mi miltcan, 

'S duine (inn cldi, 

Nach tttgadk dhnt gràdh. 

Ch \ thinneaa na feacbda, 

'S a mhadaiim so blmal mi : 

At-h acaid ro biiau 

Nacli leigheia gu hràch. 

Le sealladh air faichc, 

De slilait on talgh uasall, 

Moch-thra di-luain, 

'S mi 'g nmliarc an hi. 

!

Khin deiseid a pearsa, 

Nach facas a ttiuarmsa ; 

'G imeachd fo'n chuach-chùl, 

Chamagach, tlila. 

Iilno dealaradh a mais', 

Agus lasadli a grnaidhean, 

Mis' a ghrad bhualadh, 

Tharaisgu làr. 

Cuir a china dileis,

372 SAIt-OBAlU NAM

() LI A N 

DO PHIU IXNSA TEARLACB. 

Fhir ml tliH thai! ma àiridh nun L'omhaiohean, 

B'fhearr leam thin gu'n cinneadh gnotbach leat, 

Sh • iihii laiim Gleanu-laoidh a's Gleann'-comhan 

Da thaobh Loch-iall a's Gleaun'-tadha leat, [leat, 

HUlirin ho-ro ho bha hò, 

'S na hillirin hò-rò ho lilia hi, 

Atf hillirin ftb-rò ho Lha hi, 

Mo Uann-dulh mbr on chaidh tu dhio.n. 

Shùibblainn mocb leat, Bbiabhlainn ana-moch, 

Air feadh choilltean, chreagan, a's gharbhluch, 

O ! gur h-e mo ruin an sealgair, 

'S tu mo raghainn do shluagh Alba. 

IliUiriii ho-ro ho bha ho, &C. 

A Thearlaicb oig a chuilein chiatuich, 

Thug mi gaol dut 's cha ghaol bliadhna, 

Gaol nach tugainn do dhiuc na dli'iarla, 

B'fhearr leam fhin nach faca mi riamh tliu. 

Hillirin ho-ro ho bha ho, 6jr. 

Fhleasgaicb ud am beul a Ghlinne, 

Le t-fhalt duaiach sios ma d' shlinnean, 

B'annsa leam na chuach bu bhinne, 

'Nuair dlieanadb tu rium do chòmhradb milis. 

HtlUrin ho-ro ho bha ho, f c. 

Bha do phbg mar fhion na frainge, 

Bha do gbruaidh mar bhraileig Sbàmhraidb, 

Suil chorracb ghorm fo'd'mhala ghreannac, 

Do chul duaiach, ruadb, a mheall mi. 

HiUirian ho-ro ho lha ho, 4'C 

A Thearlaich òig a mhic High Setimas, 

Chunna mi toir mhùr an deign ort, 

Iadsan gu subhach a's mise gu deurach, 

L is_;e mo cliiim tigh'n' tinn o'm lcirsiim. 

Hillirin ho-ro ho bha ho,

— 

374 SAU-OUAllt NAM BAUD GAELACII. 

Btl tu pòitear na dibhc 

'N am auldhe '« t&igh csda, 

Ge be dh'oladh 's tu phaidheadfa ; 

Ged' thuiteadh each mu na bordalbb, 

Dbi air ml cha 'n o b' fbiu leat, 

Clia do (lh ionnsaich thu òg e, 

'S eh. i d' iarr thu riamli cùis, 

Air to air chul Jo nihna pòsda. 

Mo rim geal òg. 

Gur mis th'air mo agSradh, 

'S ge do chanam, cha bhreng o— 

Cfaaidh mo ahùgradh gu aileadh, 

O'n nach pillear bbo'n eug tbu, 

Fear do cheile a's do thuisge, 

Cha robli furaat ri fheutainn, 

'S cha sheas an Cuilodair, 

Fear do eholtais bu treine. 

Mo run geal bg. 

'S ioma baintigliearna phriseil, 

Le'n sioda 's le 'n sròlabh, 

Dan robli mis' am chuis-t'hàrmaid, 

Chionn gu'n tairgeadh tu pòg dhomh 

Ge do bhithinn cho sealbhach, 

'S gu'm bu learn airgead Ilanoblmr, 

Bheirinn cnac aims na h-àintean, 

Na'n eumadh each simi bho phbsadh ! 

Mo run geal òg. 

Och ! nan och ! gur mi bochdag, 

'S mi làn osnaich an cùmhnuidh ; 

Cbaill mi (lùil ri thu tbighinn 

— 

limit mo chridhe gu doirteadh ; 

Cha tog fiodhall, no clàrsacli, 

l'iob, no tàileasg, no eeòl e ; 

Nis o chuir iad thn'n tasgaidh, 

Cha dùisg caidridh duin 1 

òig mi. 

Mo run geul òg. 

Bhu mi grci s ami am barail, 

Gu'm bu mbaireann mo eheile, 

S gu'n tigeadli tu dhathaigh, 

l.e aighear 's le h-eibhneas, 

Aeh tha '11 t-àm air dol tharais, 

'S cha 'n fbaic mi fear t-eugai*, 

Gus an teid mi fo'n talamh, 

Cha dealaich do apèia rium. 

RJo run geul òg. 

'S iomadh bean a tha brbiiaeh, 

Eadar Tròiteirnia 's Sl&bhte, 

Agus te tha na bantraieh, 

Nach d'l'htiuir siimhla da' in cheile ; 

Bha niise Ian sùlais, 

Fhad 'a bu bhed ainn le-chèile, 

Ach a nis bho na dh'fhalbh thu, 

Cha ehuia fhàrmaid mi ièin daibh ! 

Mo run geal ùg. 

No/e.— Christiana Fergusson, the authoress of the above 

elegiac production was a native of the Parish of Contin, 

Ross-shire, where her father was a blacksmith— chiefly 

employed in making dirks and other implements of war. 

She was married to a brave man of the name of William 

Chisholm, a native of Strnthglas, and a near kinsman of 

the Chief of that name. On the memorable day of Cutioden, 

William was flag-bester or banner-man of the clan ; and 

most assuredly the task of preserving the "BraUicti C/ivim/i. 

each" from the disgrace of being struck down, cculd not 

have fallen Into better hands. He fought long, and man. 

fully ; and even after the retreat became general, he rallied 

and led his clansmen again and again to the charge, but 

in vain. A body of the Chisholms ultimately sought 

shelter in a barn, which was soon surrounded by hundreds 

of the red-coats who panted for blood. At this awful conjuncture 

William literally cut his way through the govt rnment 

forces. He then stood in the barn door, and with 

his trusty blade, high raised, and in proud defiance, 

guarded the place. In vain did their spears and bayonets 

aim their thrusts at his fearless breast—he hewed down all 

who came within reach of his sword, and kept a semicircle 

of eight feet clear for himself in the teeth of his desperate 

em mies. At length he was shot by some Englishmen, 

who climbed up to the top of the barn from behind, where 

he fell as a hero would wish to fall, with seven bullets 

lodged in his body. 

His wife forthwith composed the foregoing beautiful and 

heart-touching lament, which is altogether worthy of an 

affectionate woman. She is so full of the idea of her 

noble-soulcd husband, that her own personal hardships . nd 

privations find no place in the catalogue of her miseries— 

they have but one great radical source, the death of her 

beloved. Neither does she pour invective on the deuopn. 

lators of her country—no! these were too insignificant 

to draw her mind for a moment from her peerless William 

Chisholm. With great good taste too, she devotes to 

the Prince one solitary expression of sympathetic condolence 

:— 

„1.1 i I'urni'h'il I BteeL 

and then, with the wings an i wail of a matelcst dove, 

Butters over the mangled carcass of her husband, and 

depicts his matchless person and soul in language that 

would melt the sternest heart to sympathy. 'I here are 

several passages ot gnat beauty, pathos and sublimity in 

this song; and, apart from the Interesting circumstance 

that called it forth, it possesses all the essential properties 

or attributes of a first rate production. 'Die air is original.

Ahkachd, a harmless gibing or joking 

Abrin, clàmpa, an oar guard, &c. 

A./idoidb, certain, self-satished 

Aibheis, the sea, ocean, the horizon 

Aibheiseack, immense, ethereal, &c 

Aimhraluch, vexing, uneasy, galling 

Aimhidh, sour, sulky, sullen, surly 

Aisling-chomiaiu, a libidinous dream 

An i.i\/ u//t, learn lull, protection 

Aol.laigb, university, college 

Arsniilli, ancient, old, over-aged 

Ausadhar abhsadh, ajerk, asea phrase, 

also the whole canvass of a boat 

or i.l) ip 

Baile.na-biihblie, Ucrgen, the former 

capital of Norway 

Bating, a spruce neat little woman 

Bngnntu, no boganta, tight, compact 

O:tnc/io, the progenitor of the Stuarts 

BàraUgeach, a foolish woman, idiotic 

Battalach, showy, cheering 

I! itir, neat, clean, tidy, compact 

litailk.ianain, wood-sorrel 

Hiognr/i, small, diminutive, dwarfish 

Hmganta, lively, smart, apt to start 

lliosgncli, catching at morsels, greedy 

11,'ialmn, gibberish, jargon, senseless 

talk 

Borrachan, the banks of a bum or 

river 

Broth, air bhrath, to be found, to the 

lore, extant 

Breideach, a woman wearing the badge 

of marriage 

Brionnach, flattering, coaxing, Kc. 

Briot, chit-chat, tattle, small talk 

Broslivm, excitement, vigour 

Biolbach, a hairy rough man, a pimpled 

fellow 

Brollaick, unintelligible disjointed talk, 

unpleasant sounds, jargon 

Bnuisgadh, a tearing 111 tatters, or 

breaking asunder, confusion 

Bnalhania, foolish, awkward, clumsy 

in conversation or action 

Huidh, a hero, a champion, an enemy 

Bunudaist, fee, wages, bounty 

Burarus, warbling or purling noise 

Cairbin, gunna.glaic, a carabine 

Cairiche, a wrestler, a tumbler 

('nsreagacb, wrinkled- or creased 

Calbhar, lonach, greedy, voracious, 

gluttonous 

Ciiluman.ci'dhail, a God-send, a propitious 

omen 

Caoidhearan, lamentation 

CaputLcoillf, a capercailzie or mountain 

cock ; this species of fowls is 

now nearly extinct in the Highlands 

of Scotland 

Cearslack, abounding in ringlets, 

round, globular, circular 

Cidbeach, ccafliach, mist, fog, vapour 

Cln:h, surge, a burying-place, &c 

Cù'iilìumn, ciujeit, fi/iob, sleet 

Clann.fhalt, luxuriant waving hair 

Qaiuach, a kind of sword, also a 

rifle gun 

GLOSSARY. 

; ! 

Cliaranach, a wandering bard or min 

strel, a swordsman, a wrestler 

Cluain, attention, retirement, peace, 

slumber 

Cnaidcil, scoffing, jeering, derision 

Cobliranheou, coders, money-drawers 

Colloid, a contest, a scold, a struggle 

Comaraich, direction or tendency 

forward 

Come, nil, petition, request, demand 

Conacb, taibbir, rich, riches 

i'oe.oror'b. conquerors, victors 

Cuf.o. ban, lourpence( Western Isles id.) 

CnibUoolh, hard, well tempered 

Craiviaghail, implements, apparatus 

Craobhaitlli, niggardly, mean 

Crop. lit, a 111u1ic.1l phrase among pipers 

Creadimeach, cràìleacb, hurtful, painful, 

excruciating 

Cnos.co.chnlamn, no lus.co.chiilaivt, 

an herb called " my lady's belt" 

Cioileag, s/oc/id-chartac/i, a kind of 

mortar, a circular stone hollowed 

for preparing pot barley or poundin- 

baik 

Croilein clann, a circle of children, &c. 

Croiii.an.iloiHiis, blood and wounds 

egad ! 

sounds 

! 

Cuuniial, cuantal, a company of songsters, 

a band of musicians 

Ciian-siiUb, the sea between the Isle 

of Skye and Lewis 

Coisle-chiitil, a musical vein 

CuisL'-shiuuiiittaiit, the winding veins 

Cur.u-d. 1 isde, a quagmire 

D 

Dr.lmheacli, a friend, companion, a 

stranger 

Daiscackan, low wit ted insipid poets 

Vaochait, gr.iincil, disgusting, un. 

pleasant, loathsome 

Deal, zealous, keen, earnest 

Dealachan, zeal, great glee, hilarity, 

earnestness 

Deatam, anxiety, eagerness, solicitude 

Deideag, rib-grass, a little fair one, a 

darling, a conceit 

Deilltantichd, the humming of bees, 

the barking of dogs 

Deoch-lhunln, decanted drink 

Dtleaiit, everlasting, profound, inundating, 

rainy 

Dilinn, endless, never, also an inundation 

or deluge 

Dion, ililus, plural of one ; 

two 

Dithcadh, cramming, tilling by force 

Diucbd, come to me, approach me 

siuc, away ! begone ! disperse 

Doinid, extreme cold, hoar frost 

clemency 

Doinidh, loathsome, hateful, contemptible 

Draige, den. of dr'tie, an ignis fatuus, 

an atmospheric phenomenon 

Duaineil, ridiculous, ludicrous, laughable 

Du.chlach, a flint, also a cabalistic 

stone 

Dudaidb, resembling in sound that of a 

horn, deep intonation 

Duileaclid, affliction, sorrow 

Diumhneiich.Ww primitive surname of 

C ampbell, Ho Dhiarmad O'Duine 

! 

, 

I lh'irceall, 

a half-worn diikor knife 

Ijtttluinxidudumn, oust, eauli, soil 

Kalabhuidbc, cnlolilti, St John's wort 

Eararadh, uraradh, parching corn in 

a pot prc| arator, to grinding 

Ehtreadb, trai^h, a rough stony ebb, 

a sea beach 

Fucbach, a little insignificant man, a 

puffin 

liiilblie, the aerial expanse, a ru;;; 

Faitcal, a hearty cheerful salute, 

friendly talk, &c, &c. 

FuubachadU, act of despoiling, plundering 

Farragradk, provocation, enmity ; report, 

surmise 

Farpuis, emulation, strife, rivalry 

Feuda.coilte, the flowers of wood. sorrel 

Feara.ghris, hawthorn or briar 

Fetagaran, vespers, evening devotions 

Fideag, a stalk of corn, a reed 

Fiudhtur, uncultivated ground, a ley 

land 

Finonn, man (now obsolete), male, 

masculine 

Fiubiludh. Jiubbaidb a prince a valiant 

chief, an arrow, a company 

Flrjduin, an apprentice, a pupil 

Foinie, a set of rowers, a crew, a b:igadc, 

a troop 

Fraig/ie, a scabbard, a sheath, protection 

wall, shelter 

Fithiinair,fulmair.a sea-bird peculiar 

St Kilda, a species of petrel 

I • to 

GaSle.bbeiim, a huge billow, a snow 

storm 

Gall-fheadan, a flageolet, a clarionet 

Game, gainne, an arrow, a dart, shaft 

Garra-gart, no Gànra.gorl, treau-ri. 

train, a comcraik, quail 

Gaisreadll, gaisrid/i, warlike troops 

military 

Gasgan, a green, a parterre 

(ifumbairn, confinement, prison 

Gearsom, entrance money, fee paid for 

admission, (Grassum, Sc.) 

Giamhag, fear panic, sudden alarm 

Girhoiit, a St Kildian sausage made 

of fat from the gullets of fowls 

Gloicniil, sgailc-i/ieide, a dram in bed 

before rising in the morning 

Gothach, the reed of a bag-pipe, drone 

Greathachd, surliness, morosciiess, 

churlishness 

Gr, us. uri-ii, embroidery, needlework, 

tambouiing 

Gttamag, a neat tidy woman, a tight 

dressed girl 

Guca, a St Kilda bird, a short-ncrked 

hunchbacked man 

Gu>gul, idle talk, clatter, filth, refuse 

lanJwcbninn, a melodious sea-fowl 

lliiecan, taunts, nick-names, reflections 

on one's conduct

Twtidh, entrails, b 

oftheHeb. 

n lei, now ccnflm .1 to isle of Skye 

Ioinchuinn, conduct, behaviour, depot 

tment 

/c. .111/1, a patriarchal woman, a dam, 

• lh mother 

of a race 

hneach, or oitneach, a rirle gun 

l,i imhail, .1 fugitive, a coward, a low 

feeble fellow 

lurghuilcacti, a noisy contentious lei- 

Ion-. .1 r inter, a bawler 

Iitilmni. i/iimi, irimt, liell, the abode 

of demons 

Lnngrnc/i, full of chains or fetters 

I. ulna n, doom'8-day, the Ian day 

Lear, the wide ocean, the main 

/.11,', a small plain or hill, a battle- 

Geld, a green goose 

Liobtuda, slovenly, untidy, awkward, 

clumsy 

1.- ih, a contemptuous name for the 

mouth-piece of a bag-pipe, a thick lip 

IJobliar, polished, burnished 

Loistran, pleasure-boats, lodgings, 

tents, or booths 

I.iin, an elk, a blackbird, an ouzle 

Lorgair, one that traces or tracks, a 

dog that follows bv scent 

J. fib, a roe (now obsolete) 

/.'(• h.àrmnn't, a pigmy, a dwarf 

Limn, penetrate, .1 heaving-billow, &c. 

M 

Mac franir, stilnir, the gannet, a voracious 

fowl or person 

MacJàmhaich, cat.mara, griataich, 

the fish called a sea-devil 

Maidnean, matins, morning prayers 

or devotions 

Maighdmnn, a maiden, an instrument 

for beheading with 

Maol-ciaran, a child of grief, melancholy 

Mìrstt/, màrsmi/t, a march, or marching 

nf troops 

Mtitha/t, a blunt sword, knife, or other 

weapon 

Meardracft, meter, crambo (Irish id.) 

Mealag, belly, protuberance 

Msara.casacn, active, nimble, vigorous 

Mrtrg/ie, a banner, flag, pennon 

M.iili/icag, mrnlliling, a coin-poppy 

Mlla*, $&$, downward, from above 

M'gitiinn, sounds of musical instruments 

Muircardach, female fighter or cham. 

pion, an undaunted female 

Muirichinn, children, inmates, occupants 

of one house 

Mhinuìim, (Irish id.) darling, or beloved 

Munadh, a hill or hillock, (u.cd poetically 

for muiiuith) 

Otnrh, an eunuch, a tumbler, Ac ,.vc 

(Undid, hospitality, kindness, bounty 

Omul, ail oration, a Speech, an u-sav 

Onlii. shining like gold, gilded, excellent, 

precious 

GLOSSARY. 

Peighinn, a measure of land (not now Stairbhanack 

in use) 

Pigi.l.'i, brit-dhfarg, robin red-breast 

I'lintliudi. - I . i \ - ! . . 

Prabadh, botching, bungling, spi mug 

Pràbar, the rabble, the refuse of any 

run or seed 

Prais, praitcach, a pot or pot-metal, a 

.ill 

Priobar/aicfi, parsimony, meanness, 

a '.'A, a sudden burning or 

sense of heat, a twinkling blase 

Pulhar, a wound or hurt, a scar 

l'ìi c, bribe, veil, dm tug c pitic dheth, 

he made nothing of him 

Ranntitnnan, title deeds, deeds of conveyance, 

chattels 

R iniuar-btll/l, a confused dance without 

system 

Rati, a ludicrous appellation made to 

signify whisky 

Riastradh, outbreaking, immorality, 

eruption 

Rintaich, dlolain, illegitimate 

Robam, towering waves, swelling roaring 

billows, heavy rains 

Roiseal, the lowest and basest rabble, 

a high swelling wave 

Uo-Si-ul, the highest of a ship's sails, 

top gallants, full sails 

/i'./.nv, pro.-e writing, an eye, eyelids 

Ruanacii, firm, tierce, steadfast, stony 

Samh, surge, the agitation of waves 

on thesca-beach, thecrest of whitened 

billows 

Saoil, a seal, a mark, an impression 

Sàrad/l, a broaching, a distraining, an 

arrestment 

Seasdar, rest, repose, comfort, pallet, 

pillow, a place whereon to rest 

.'i'.mv-;:.'w. ; 

ii«, the eipiinortial line 

Si-is, a musical air, the humming of 

bees or flies 

Seit, one's match or equal, a companion 

Seoighn, rare, superior, out of the 

common order, eccentric 

S ol-c 1. an anchorage, a harbour 

Sgalaiche, a man ready to raise the human 

civ against his neighbour 

SgibidA, tight, active, handsome, neat 

S.dtiniidi. a clumsy person, a slattern, 

'a female tattler, a young sea gull 

Siataig, toini, rheumatism, rheumatic 

pains 

Siogaidcach, dwarfish, bony, ill-made 

S.tli, a span, a squint, determined 

position in standing 

Siunnachan, bianan, phosphi 

SI an, adel'ence.agarii.soii, a protection 

Sin oil, lieu, of S//111/, Gleann-tmeoil, 

the glen of mist 

Si. 1. a, the end of an arrow next the 

Speach 

littering toys, de- 

IlK'llts 

.1 dart, virus, a blow or thrust, 

SprridA, or tprcigh, velocity, gallant 

movi ment, gliding 

Sii.iiui, A, a badger, a brock 

A' ClliHOCII. 

athletic well-built 

Staonng, ronnan, saliva, spittles 

.: ( Ir. id ), wonder 

Suchte, tilled, saturated, tightened 

Sumaire, a coat se cudgel, a lethal weapon, 

a beetle 

Siutinailt, a likeness, a comparison, a 

resemblance 

Tarbharnach,fuaimneach, noisy, garrulous 

Tafaid, the string ofa bow for throw. 

Ilia; arrows 

Taisdeal, a journey, a travel, a march, 

a division of a pipe time 

Targanac/i, a prognostication, a pro- 

Ttal/taiiac/i or fallsanach, a philosopher, 

or astronomer 

in season, fit time 

:,ndi. medicinal, 

h..\ i;:;,' the power to cure 

. cowardice, cow irdllriess 

Theatd, chaochaU, dh'evg, he died, 

theatde 

T.i'.i'ui, ba/t,rdp, rope, cable 

T11. hi.iiil. a feud, a levying of forces, a 

1 ising in arms 

Tiriiilis: it. sensible, prudent, frugal 

Toi nl. an attack in battle, u. warlike 

movement, a Bock Of water f.m s 

Toilearltic/i , a thick gigantic man, a 

dense column of smoke 

7bi 1 "i him, a deep snoring or sleep 

'/'.man, on onset, beginning, prelude 

Tosgitir, messenger, ha. Linger, am. 

Treabhair, tighean, houses, outhouses, 

steadings 

Tirog/iatd, a stitch in one's side, .\c. 

Trndlinn, no trealainn, nonsensical 

stuli, doggerel 

Troghad, ivsg.troghad, soft rolling 

e. e . full orbed 

oy, an ancient citv which 

1 ..:.! d the united efforts of all Greece 

for ten years 

...1, 1 in Sutherlandshire a fool 

Twiiiiicag, a round knob or .small cup 

Turaraich, a tattling or rumbling 

noise 

Turcadaicb, nodding, a sudden jeik 

1 1 1 Hi 1 III.' scn.-atlon of sleep 

Tuilnt, Gen of tulm, a hillock, a 

mound, a knoll 

Tuig, a grudge, an upbraiding, puking 

mm storm, a shipped 

canva . 

klings obsoli te), waves 

Tuiriieileas, a striking ol heads against 

each othei as ranis, contact, Collision 

U 

Uac/ii/air, farm stock ; ,fo aachdnir, 

under stock 

Vena, iicn.s. the gadus or coal fish, 

stenlock (Sc) 

... anecdi tal, jocular, 

cheet ful in conversation 

Urlairm, the countenance, beauty, the 

fore part ofa ship 

I'llur, division of a pipe tune 

; thOWl, all oar pm, a elate 

I 11 •!!>, ,111, inundations, ovei llown.gs, 

peats (Sc.)

••'•••. 

>w 

8$

with historical and critical notes, and a comprehensive glossary

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