1

mk
mm

fglraBfòg
&ouY>x{dd&- /
'X %i
 :

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 mf

JOHN rrM7if
MACKENZIE.1

Glasgow, 4»« 1, 1M1. J

 \'t*4>

fan li I
i
;

..

'Sam lòmhrai
dalgu'n

i
aclii ttj oi

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

||
Livy, Appian, Plutarch, on theCimbrian war,&c.,&c., \c,show what frightful beings fear hud painted
these formidable invaders,
 f

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.

 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.
II
 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 — own, their wives and
their

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. XV11

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
 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
<lu-ky heath, as night spreads around him her raven wings. He sees it, and is glad;

for he knows the hall of the king. There," he says to his companion, " we pass the
night; the door of Fion is always open. The name of his hall is the stranger's home."

The feast is spread — the king wonders that no stranger from the darkly heath is come.

* Maqihersou's Introduction, 190. + I fuair fliuinn, the isle of the cold atmosphere or climate
J Tacitus. 1. DiodoruB, 5.
 INTRODUCTION. XIX

"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 — gates its 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 ; 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.^e 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

* and Highland authorities. t Oina morul.

Welsh, Irish, 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 the 1

west
Wi' mony bow and bran' ;i
;

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 mu^ic.
 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 OX. I

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.

society still existing , allege that they are the descendants, and possess a
1

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 north wart 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

1503. Item to Pate Harper, clarscha,

Item to
....
Alexander Harper, Pate Harper, Pate Harper Clarscha,
to the king, vii s.

xiiij s.

Item to
Hew
Hog
Brabanar and the blind harper, harperis,
the tale-teller,

Item to the Countes of Crawfurdis harper,

.... .
ilk

.
ano,

.
xiiij s.

xiiij s.

xiiij s.

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. XXXVU

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.

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.

The kings
To twa
To ane woman
hieland singing

clarshochar,
women,
....
.

of England, with few exceptions, continued to employ one or more

vi s.

xii s.

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. XÌÌ

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.
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 Con an 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
Hi ghlanders may in general be relied on; some of the a nonymous^ 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. II
Owen's Dictionary.
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." <kc.

It is within the range of our observations to consider our author's opinions a little far-

ther. He brings forward many instances of what he terms defective rhyme, but it is

evident, he was not sufficiently master of his subject, for he errs in supposing that the

final syllables ought to rhyme — it is the penult syllables which do so. He gives four lines

which are certainly as perfect rhymes as could be produced.

" Triath na trom c.hanna.

Briathra bin mbala
Mile mear dhanna
Dlightheach dionginhala.

Mr Davies dwells at considerable length on the sounds of the consonants and their

combinations, according to the Irish table ; but although he notices Shaw's observation
" that the Highland poets, following their example, had also a classification," he does not
let his readers know that the two differed. The sound of ch, by the Irish is accounted
rough ; by the Gael of Alban, it is deemed soft, sprightly, forcible, &c. His objections
therefore to laoich, which he maintains should be laoigh to agree in character with faoin;

fithich, which ought to be the Irish fiaigh ; oigb, and seod, and other words which he
asserts do not rhyme, are therefore groundless. He may have satisfied himself and been
able to persuade others, that the genuine Ossianic poetry is not a production of the
Highlanders, because until late years, they had neither grammars nor dictionaries ; but
surely it will not be gravely maintained, that the grammarian preceded the poet! In-

genious persons would endeavour to reduce to rule, and innovate upon, or improve the

acknowledged, although sometimes rather obscure laws of verse, but they no more formed
those original laws than Shaw formed the language of which he first gave the '
Analysis.'

The Irish poetical letter-table was not thought perfect until little more than 260 years
ago. Mr Davies allows the very ancient rann on the Lia-fail, or palladium of Scotland, to

rhyme very well, although he suspects it to be Irish ; but in truth so much time should not
have been given to the consideration of his objections to the authenticity of these poems,
did not his defiance call for some reply, and the weight of so great an authority require it;
 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."
Miami a Dhaird aosda, p. 16.

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."
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,

'Sfail 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 last air 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.
Sat p. 24,

Tha hid dhuils' aim an Di",

Guir muirneaeh do thiiall,
 ; ,;

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 |
sùrdail, |
'a a ribhld |
chlul àige,

A ciir nan |
smmd dheth [
gu lùthàr binn |

An triiid sam |
bru dheiirg le moran unaich,
|

Re cèileir |
sùnntach |
bù 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.

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
1
'S mile taibhs' a sgreadadn gu dian
Air gaoitb, fhaoin, fhiar nan earn.
1
Ghluais an Righ na 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.

* Rerum Hib. scriptores veteres.

•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. lv

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 ; 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. lvii

" 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,

 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 '
ruler of

the sky,' • 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
1
to their Irish origin.' If any discovery were made to prove this notion, it w ould
r
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 ' poetical blossoms'

display great command of language and considerable genius.*

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 3th 1

* 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 weu i 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. lxì

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. " No,'' quickly rejoined Alastair buidh Mac Ivor,
" but those who patronised them are gone !"
 AN CLAR-INNSIDH.

SILIS MGHEAN MIIIC-RAONAILL.

Marbhrann air Eàs a Fir, ...

Marbhrann do dh' Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne.Garaidh,
TAOBII Dl'ILLKACi
58
59
Tha mi a'm' Chadal, na dùisgaidh mi, . . 60

MALI, MAC-MHUIRICH.

All

Miann a Bhaird Aosda,

BARD AOSDA. Oran do Mhac Mhic.Ailein,
Marbhrann Mhic 'Ic-Ailein,
....
. . .
fi.j

66
Seanachas Sloinnidh na Pioba Bho thiis, . . 67

DOMHNULL MAC-FHIUNXLAIDII HAN DA>

A Chomhacliag, ..... IAIN DUBH MAC

Orando Mbac-Mhic-Ailein,
IAIN IC-

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIR RUAIDII. Marbhrann do Mhac Mhic-Ailein,

Fuaim an t.Saimh,
Oran do dh'
....
Iain, Mac Shir Tòrmod Mhic-Leoid,
Marbhrann do Shir Iain Mac 'Illcain,
Oran nam Fineachan Gàelach,
Cros-Dhanachd Fhirnan Druimncan,

Cumha do Mhac-Leoid, ....

An Talla 'm hu ghnà le Mac-Leoid,

Marbhrann do dh'fhear na Comraich,

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-MHATHAIN.

Cumha Mhic-Leoid, ....

Marbhrann dodh' Iain Garbh Mac 'Ille-Chalnm

....
Oran do'n Iarla Thuathach, . .
.

Marbh-rann dodh' Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne-Garaidh,

.

An Crònan, .....
Luinneag Mhic-Leoid,
AN T-AOSDANA MAC 'lLLEAN.

IAIN LOM. Marbhrann do Shir Lachuinn Mac-f;hillean,

Mort na Ceapach, ....

A' Bhean leasaich an stop dhuinn,
Oran do Lachunn Mor Mac-Ghillean,

LACHUNN MAC TIIEARLAICII.

An Ciaran Mabach, ....

Oran do Shiol Dùghail,

Laiha Inbhir-Lòchaidh, .
Latha siubhal Slèibhe,
Oran do Nighean Fhir Gheambail,
. . . .

Latha Thom-a-Phubail, Sgian Dubh an Sprogain Chaim,

Latha Airde Reanaich, Curara Nam Banntraichean,
Oran air Righ Uilleam agus Bannrigh Mairi,
An Iorram Dharaich.do bhata Sir Seumais, AN CLARSAIR DALL.
Marbhrann do ShirSeuraas Mac.D&mhnuil!,
Marbhrann dodh* Alasdair Dubh Ghlinne.Garaidh, A Chiad Di-luain De'n Raidhe,
Cumha Mhontroise, Oran do dh' Iain Brcac Mac-Leoid,
Cumha do Shir Dòmhnull ShliHbhte,

AN CIARAN MABACH.
Creach na Ciadain,
Oran Mòr Mhic-Leoid,
Cumha do dh-Fhear '1
.

....
.

halaFgair,
. . .

B'annsa Cadal air Fraoch,

Marbh-rann do Shir Seumas Mac-Dhornhnuill,
AM PIOBAIRE DALL.

Beannachadh Baird do Shir Alasdair Mac-C hoinnicb,

DIORBHAIL NIC-A-BHRRTnAINN.

Oran-do dh' Alasdair Mac Cholla,

Dàn Cnmh-Fhurtachd,
Cumha Choir'-an.Fasain, .....
Ixiv CLAlt-INNSlDII.

rAonn-i
ALASDAIR MAC Mil AIGHSTIR

Moladh air an t-seana Chànain Ghàel.ich,

ALASPAIR.

TAOBII Ul'ILLEAO
105
Oran nan Suiridheach,
Am ISruadair, .... .

An Duine Sanntaich agus an Saoghal,

Oran do'n Olla Moiriston,
Moladh Mòraig 1116
Marbhrann do dhithis Mhinistearan,
Oran an t-Samhraidh, .

Marbhrann do Mhaigstir Murchadh

Oran a Gheamhraidh,
Cumha do'n Duine Cheudna, .

Oran nam Fmcachan Gàiilach,

Oran a Gheamhraidh,
Oran air Prionnsa Tearlach,

Allt-an-t-siùcair, ....
Oran Htoghnil a Bhotail,

Oran Luaighe no Fùcaidh,

*S

An
Oran
trom learn an àiridh,
ribhinn àluinn eibhinn òg,
eile do'n' mhaighdein Cheudna,

Briogais Mhic Kuairidh, .

Smeòrach Chloinn.Haonuill,
Oran air sean Fhleasgach, &c,
Oran do Phiionnsa Tearlach,
Oran nan Greisichean beaga,
Oran cile do I'hrionnsa Tearlacli,
Failte na Mor-thir,
lorram Cuain,
A Hhanarach Donn,
.... Oran na Càraide Bige,

Am Boc Glas, ....

Oran a ghamha thochraidh,
.

Oran a ghille mhath Uuaidh,

Oran eadar Prionnsa Tearlach agus na Gàii
Oran Fhaolain,
Am Breacan Ualiach, .

Turus Dhaibhi do dh' Areamh, .

Tearlach Mac Shcumais, .

Oran an ainm dithis nighcan,

Mo Bhobug an Drain, .

Marbhrann Iain Ghrè,

Marbhrann do Pheata Calaman,
Marbhrann Uilleim Mhuillear an Ceard,
Moladh a Chaim-beulaich Dhuibh,
Marbhrann do thriuir Sheann Fhleasgach,
Moladh an Leoghainn,
Marbhrann do dh' Iain Mac Eachunn,
Beannachadh Luinge, .

Marbhrann Eoghainn,
Hainn an da Bhàrd,
IAIN' MAC-CODRUM.

Smfòrach Chlann-Domhnuill, DONNACHADH CAN.

Caraid agus namhaid an Uisgc-liheatha,

A' Chomh-Strl, ....

Di-moladh Plob' Dhòmhnuill Bhàin

Oran do Shir Scnmas MacDhomhnuill,

Oran do Bhlàr na h-Eaglaise
Oran do 'n Mhusg,
Moladh Beinn-dòrain,
.
Brice,
. .

Marbhrann do Shir Seumas, CoireCheathaich,

Moladh Chlann-Dòmhnuìll, .
Oran Nic-Coiseam,
Oran do'n Teasaich, Oran seacharan Seilg,
Oran na h-Aoise, Cead Deireannach nam Beann,

EACIIUNN MAC-LEOID.
Cumha
Oran Gaoil, ....
Choire-Cheathaich,

Moladh do Choileach Smeoraich,

Moladh Kas Mor-thir, .
An Nighean Donn
Mairi Bhan òg,
Oran do Leanabh Altrom,
og,
...
....
. .

Moladh Collie Chroii,

Oran do'n t-seann Fhreiceadan Ghàt-lach
An Taisbean,
Oran (ihlinn.Urchaidh,
Moladh Dhun-eideann,
GILLEASPUIG NA CIOTAIG. Oran Dùtcha,
Marbhrann do dir
Aiscirigh Iain liuaidh, ....
Iain Ituadh Plobair. . 163
)(H
Oran do dh' Iarla Bhrald. Albann,
Iain Caimbeul a' Bhanca,

Banais Chiostal Odhair, ....

Oran Cnaidcil do'n Olla Leodach,

DUGIIALI. ANNAN.
. . IR5
10(>
Cumbadh
Cumha'
larla Bhraid.
Chailein Ghllnn-lubhair,
(Iran an t-Samraidh,
Albann,

....
1IOCII Oran na Briogsa,

Latha' Bbrettheuaia,
An Claigeann, ...... 17n
175
Oran do'n Eideadh Ghàelach,
Oran a Bhotail,

Am ISruadair,
An Geamhradh,
.

.....
DAIIIIIIDH MAC-EALA1U.
. . . . 17s
17!)
Oran a' Bhraundai,
Alasdair nan Stop,
Nighean Dubh Kaineach, .
Bann Gearradh.Arm, .

Oran Euaidh,
Latddh Mlilc-Ealalr lsi
Aolr an taileir, .

Aoir Anna
noit DONN.
Aoir Uisdean Phlobair',
Oran do I'hrionnsa Tearlach . . .189 Aoir Iain l'hauchaig,
Oran nan Caeagan Dubha,
Iseabail Nic-Aoidh, ..... . . . IS})

I'M
Bann Ecannanachd,
Marbh.rann do Cbù,
Plobaireachd Ilean Aoldh,
Bann air Long Buiplunu, ....
. . . 1<)2

193
liaiin Co-dhunaidh,

Marbhrann an I'ghdair dha fcin,

 CLAR-INNSIDH. Ixv

BARD LOCII-XAX-EALA.
FEAR SRATn-MHAISIDH. TAOBH.DUILLBIG
Oran do dh' Fhionnla Marsanta, . . .311
TAOBn.OlIM.LEIG
Bi'dh form oirre daonnan, . . . .'Hi
Curaha dodh'Eobhon Mac Phearson, . . .200
Oran do Bhonipart, .313
.. . .

Coraunn an uisge-bheatha, . . 261

.
Duanag do Mac-an t-Saoir Ghlinne-riogha, . 314
A
A
bhanais bhàn,
Bhrigis Lachdunn, ... 863
2G3 SEUMAS MAC-GHRIOGAIR.

IAIN RUADH STIUBIIART.

An
An
Soisgenl,
Gearan,
.

......

......
. . . .317
319

I.atha Chuilodair 865

An Aiseirigh,
Air foghlum nan Gael, .... 320
3i0
Oran eiltf do latha Chuilodair,
Urnaigh Iain Ruaidh, .... . . . 266
268
EOBHONN MAC-LACIIU1XX.
Cumha do Bhaintigheama Mhic-an-Tòisich,

COINNEACH MAC-CHOINNICH.
. 269 An Samhradh,
Am Foghar,
An Geamhradh,
.

.....
.

.
.

.
.

.
.

.
.328

.331
329

Ant-Earrach, 33.J

Moladh na Luinge,
Am Feile Preasach.
.

.... . ,
. .271
272
Marbhrann, do Mr Seumaa Beaitie,

.....
Smeòrach Ghloinn-Lachuinn, .
.

.
.

.
. 335
33fi

Mairearad MholacIWlhln
An Te Dhubh
Dròbhar nan Caileagan, .
273
274
274
Ealaidh Ghaoir,
Rann do'n Leisg, .....
Clach.Chuimhne, Ghlinnc-garadh, . . .
"33
338
339

ALASDAIR MAC-IOXMHUINN.
UILLEAM ROS.

Oran do Mharcus nan Greumach,

Oran an t-Samhraidh,
Oran air blàr na h.F.iphit,
Oran air blàr na h-Olaind, .
....
Oran air dol air tlr amis an Eipheit, .

.
.

.
341
312
:U4
An Dubh-Ghleannach, . . .346
Oran air gaol na h.òighe do Chailean, .

Marhhrann do Phrionnsa Tearlach, AM BARD- CON ANACH.

....
.

Miami an òganaich Ghàelich,

Miann na b-òige Gàelich,
Oran air aiseadh an fhearuinn, &:<.
Fcasgar I.uain, .
Oran do Bhonipart,
Oran d'a Leannan, .....
AM BARD SGIATHAXACH.
348
3j0

Moladh a Bhàird air a thlr fèin.

....
.

Oran a rinneadh arm an Dun.eideann, Oran do Reiseamaid Mhic-Shimidh, . . 3.i2

Mo run an Cailin, .
Smeòrach nan Leòdhach, 354
Moladh an Uisge-Bheatha,
BARD LOCH-FINE.
Mac na Bracha,
Moladh na h-òighe Gàelich,
An Ladie Dubh,
. r.och-Aic, ....
Rannan air Bàs Bannacharard, .
.

.
.

.
3.',7

3.'>8

Cumhadh a' Bhaird air son a Le nnai Duanag Ghaoil, 358

Cuachag nan Craobh, . .

Caileach mhilleadh-nan-dàn, .

Brughaichean Ghlinne-Braon,
Oran Cumhaidh,
Oran Cumhaldh ei!e, AIREAMH TAGIITA.

AILEAN DALL. Moladh Chabair.feidh, . ,*W0

Mali Chruinn Donn, 362

Oran do Mhac 'Ic-Alasdnir, Calum a Ghlinne, 365
Oran do na Ciobairean Gallda, Mali Bheag òg, 387
Oran Leannanachd, Màiri Laghach {original Srt\ . 3fi8

Duanag do'n Uisge-Eheath3, . Màiri Laghach {second set), 3f.9

Oran do 'n Mhisg, f'uir a chun dlleas {original set], 370

Smeòraich Chloinn-Dùghaill, Cuir a chun dlleas {modern set), 371
Trod mna-an-taighe ri fear, A nochd gur faoin mo chadal dhomh, 372
E-san a' Labhairt air a shon fcin, Oran Ailein {afragment), . 37S
Gcaran na mnatha an aghaidh a' fir, Cumha Phrionnsa, 37:-;

Oran na Caillich, . Mo run geal og, * 373

 — ! ; ;

SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH

THE BEAUTIES OF GAELIC POETEY, &c.

MORDUBH.
A' Cheud Earran* Tha ghrian a' critheadh 's an iar. 26
D'fhosgail eilean Fhlaitheis sa' chuan,
Am beil thus' air sgiathan do luathais, Tri uairean dorsan nan nial,
A ghaoth, gu triall le t-uile neart ? A glaodhaich, " Dean cabhag thar a chuain
Thig le cairdeas dh'ionnsuidh m' aois Le d' chuach-fhalt àluitin, a ghrian."
Thoir sgriob aotrom thar mo chraig. Tha neoildubh siubblach na h-oidhche,
Co-aois m' oige ghlac an t-aog, Gun aoibhneas air chùl nan tonn ;

'S uaigneach m' aigne n uamh mo bhròin 'S trie iad ag amharc do thriall,

'S mòr mo Icon fo lamh na h-aois. A ghnuis àluinn tha 'g astar o'n ear.
Osag tha 'g astar o thuath, Ach 'r sgiathan o'n chuan,
eiribh le
Na dean tuasaid rium, 's mi lag. A dhorch nan iomadh gruaim.
neoil

Bha mi uair gu'n robh mo cheum Tha sgàilean nan sonn o shean,
Cho aotrom riut fein, a ghaoth ; Tabhairt cuireadh do'n ghrein gu flath- innis.*
IMo neartmar chraig a Chruaidh-mhill,
'S iomadh cath 's na bhuail mi beum ; Beannachd le ribhinn chiuin do ruin,
'S trie taibhse mo naimhdean ag astar, Buaidh le d' shaigheid air gach beinn,
Le ceum lag, o bheinn gu beinn. A shealgair, tha tabhairt dhomh treòir,
Ach thig àm do bhroin-sa, ghaoth, 'Smi leointe fo laimh na h-aois'
'N uair dhlreas tu 'n t-aonach gu mall. Ach suidh thusa ann am uaimh,
Cha'n imrich thu neoil thar coill, A's eisdri tuasaid ghaoth a's chrag

'S cha lùb a choille fo d' laimh, Innsidh mi dhut sgeul is mor brigh,
'S cha gheill am fraoch anfhann fein. Air suinn tha sinte fo'n lie :

Ach togaidh gach geug an ceann. 'S taitneach na smaointean a thriall ;

Bi-sa baigheil rium-s', a ghaoth, 'S miannach dreach nam bliadhna dh-flialbh !

Oir tha 'n aois ort fein ro theann. Pill thusa, m' oige, le t-uile ghniomh,
A's fetich do m' anam bliadhn' mo neirt
Cuir lasair ri geug do'n ghallan, Feuch gach cath 's na bhuail mi beum,
A shealgair coire 's aille snuadh.
A's airm nan laoch bha treubhach borb,
Tha 'n oidhche siubhal o'n ear, Thugaibh suil o neoil 'ur suain.
'Fheara bha cruaidh arms gach cath,
» The Author of this Poem, whose name is Douthal,
Cluiuiiidh 'ur clann fuaim 'ur cliù,
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 » The Sun was supposed to sleep in Flath. innis, the Isle
3*
in Gillies' Collection, fn two Parts, consisting of the First, of Heroes, in the western ocean. The human mind has
jncTnearly half the Second Part It is now given in three been in every age ambitious of obtaining a happy here,
Parts entire and differs not materially from the Transla-
; after. The Kelts, indulging in this pleasantpresentiment,
—
tion given in " Clark's Caledonian Bards" a small Volume sent the ghosts of their departed friends to this imaginary
published in the last ceutury. paradise.
 ; ;

2 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

'S thig sileadh an sùl gu làr. Thug mi fein am òig air buaidh.
Tha m' auam a soillscachadh legniomh, Ge fanil ml'n diugh aims a chath,
Nam bliadhna dh-fhalbh, a's inch pill. Bha mi'n sin gu neartar crtiaidh.
" Ni in' beil a d' neart, no d' cbrnadal femn."

Dh-fhalaich a ghealach a ceaiin, Thuirt Mac-Corbhui bu bheag cliù,

Bha eadal reulltan air chul neoil; " '8 treoo meamnach, Sunar o thuath.
Cabliag ghaoth a's chuan o cbian, Tha gathan ua grcine a leum
Bu gharbh an cath 'blia edar stuaidh, Mu'n cuairt a dh' eideadh an t-seoid.
A's sileadh ghailbheach nan speur, Tha suiiiu gharbh neartar ri thaobh,
N uair dh' eirich co-shamhla Shailmhoir,* Is ard a choille tha liibadh fo chasan.
O leabaidh fhuair sa gharbh chnan 1

;
Tha creagan Thir-mhoir beag fo cheuin,
A siubhal air bharraibh nan stuagh, 'S trom colgar, gailbheach righ Lochluinn,
'S a ghaoth' cur mcanbh chath mu'n cuairt, 'S cha toir Siol Alb' air buaidh."
Dh' eirich mac an aoig air sgiath
Nah-osaig, gu gruaidh Chraigmhoir Ciabh-Chlas.
'S bha anail fhiadhaich nan nial,
Ag eiridh ma slileagh gun ghuin. " Imich thus' a ghealtaire chlaoin
Ag amharc annas o leabaiilh fhuair, Gu aiseiridh shàmhach nam ban.
Bu mhòr a bridh a bha 'na ghuth :
Tha t' anam air chrith mar dhuille uaine,
" Duisgibh ! chlann Alba nam buadh, A ghluaiseas roimh anail nan speur,
'S garbh colg " ur naimhdean o tbuatli ;
Mar thuiteas i roi' fhuaehd a gbeambraidh,
A' gluasad air bharraibh nan tonn, Teich thusa o na naimhdean borb :

Tha clanna Lochluinnf nan lorn long. Ach is ioma' craobh gharbh sa bheinn so

Eiribh chlann Alba nam buadh,

!
A sheasas 'n uair is gailbheach sian.
'S mor neart ur naimhdean o thuath."
Is trie thainig naimhdean o thuath,
Air sgiatli na h-osaige fuair' Ach buannachd cha tug iad riamh.
Dh-fhalbh mac na h-oidhche gu loath. Imich thuse mhic gun chliù,
Lub an darach garbh fo chasan, Gu aiseiridh chuil nan daoine crion'.
'S chrith gach gallan roi' fheirg.
Mur biodh aige-sau tha gun chliù,
" Tionailibh mo shuinn o'n t-seilg," Naimhdean nach bu mho na thu,
Thubbairt Ceann-feadhna na h-Alba, B' aohhar eagail nach b' fhiù dha
" Soillsichibh srad air Druim-Feinne, Airm a vusgadh sa chath.

A's thig mo laoich o ghruaidh gach beiiinc." A feith air Clainn Lochluinn o thuath,
Labhair Mordubh, Righ nan srath, Bi 'n cruaidh lannan fuilteach o'u taobh.

'S lionar crag tha 'g innseadh sgeil.

Chualas t' fhacail bu bheag stà,

Chuala claim a chath am fonn, A mhic an ardain tog do ghuth."

A's leum iomadh lann ghlas amach.
Dh' eirich a mhadainn san ear,
Dh' dà slileagh gu h-àrd
eirich —
A's dh' iarr i air sian gailbheach gluasad.
Bha rusgadh lann air gach taobh.
Dhuisg anis neart na h-Alba,
B' àluiun, maiseach, fiamh na grcine
Tigh'nn amach gu ciùin o'n chuan ;
Chum garbh chath thabhairt dh'i fein :

'
Boillsgeadh a gathan air airin
Ach, thainig sgiath laidir an t-sluaigh,
Kigh .ilninn Albainn a nuas,
Nan laoch mùr-bhuadhach aims gach cath.
Le corruich mhor, 's le trom ghruaim,
Air adhart dh' eirich Ciabh-ghlas treun, Dh' amhairce air na stiinn làn fuath.
A's iomadh sleagh air chul Cheann-aird. Bha shuil gu liadhaich ag siubhal,
C; n dubhaob o fhear gu fear
Tha Treunmor a tional a shluaigh ;
;

'S c'uim'am hi Mordal air dheireadh.

Air eagal gu tuiteadh an sluagh,
Labhair Ciabh-ghlas, bu mlinr anis, Borb luath ag imeachd bha ghuth :

" Co chunuaic Sunar o thuath ? "Na ruisgeadh lann a chloiun na fairge,

Am beil e togail iomadh sleagh ?

Xa canaibfa gu leag wbh una.
Is trie dh' eirich sleagh ur 'n athraiche ;

* Tradition says that Salmor was drowned In passing Is lionar an cill air ar tràigh ;
frum the mainland to hit own house in one of the Hebtldet,
on hearing tb.it his wins was taken prltoner, ami ins landi
Ach 's aoibhinn duibh.s', a chlann Lochluinn,
laid waste by Tutlnnar, a Chief of Norway, whose father Leagar Alba le h-airm fein !"
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.
Lào maslaidh bho
Shiubhail na laoich a dhuisg an
fheirg an righ,
stri
m
 — — ——;

ìft 7
MORDUBH.

Mar dbà n«d tha siubhal air earn, Bheir sinne buaidh fathasd,
'Nuair shiubhlaa a ghrian air mìn dhriuchd : Ged' tha sinn a nochd fo leòn.
Dubhacb bha na glinn roi 'n ceum,
Ag amharc an tighinn an deoir nan speur. An Dara h-Earranv.
Cha 'n fbiù leo an cnocan crion,
Tha triall chum gruaidh Ard-chraig. Tri uairean chrath an oidhche
Mar sin a shiubhlas na suinn, A sgiath dubh, cheòthac-h, 's an ear ;

An coinneamh a naimhdean borb. Tri uairean sheall na reulltan,

Air adhart tha ceum righ Alba, Mar neoil ghruamach nan speur.

Mar gharbh cbraig an aghaidh tuinn mhoir, Bha osnadh thamailtc nan laoch,

'N uair chruinnicheas na stuaidh, 'S a ghaoith ag astar nan earn ;

A tabhairt garbh chath do thullte. Bha co-shamhla nan sonn o shean,

Le corruich ag siubhal nam beann.
Mar ghaoth oidhchc shiubhlas air speur, Chualas trom osnaidh nam marbh,
Thainig clann Lochluinn nan sleagh ;
'S b' anfhann an guth 's na neoil;
Cha siubhail osag na h-aonar, Chuimhnich sinne gaisg' an lamh,
'S ann comhla tha dubh ghruaim nan sian. A's ghabh sinn tamailte mhòr.
Uh' eirich airm Albainn gu h-ard,
Mar thairneanach tha gairm nan c.noc; Air ard-chraig dh' amhairc an righ,
Mar thuiteas dà chlach o bheinn aird, 'S lionar gaisgeach bha fo ghruaim ;

'S iad tachairt air ùrlar a ghlinn', Bha 'n smaointean soillear dha fein,

Mar sin bha toiseach garbh a chath', A's labhair e le briathraibh cruaidh.
Js iomadh nàmh a thuit leinn. Air cuis 'n uair laidheas gruaim,
Bha uamhann a bhlair air an fhraoch Theid fuadach an cridhe crion,
Bha tuilte fala mu shleagh Cheann-ard ; 'S theid fir fhann gu luath fo dhion ;

B' iomadh creubhag a lot Mordal Togaidh an calma cheann roi 'ghailleann;
Bu chruaidh, borb, flathail, gach fear. 'S cha bhi fiamh na ghnuis.
taise

Ach co b' urrainn seasadh roi' cheud ? Tha ceuman nan sian 's an doire,
Chunnaic an High ar ceum air ais; 'S cha liib an darach a ghlùn.

Las anam a ghaisgich le feirg, Abraibh sibhse Chinn-fheadhna,

'S àllt dearg a leanailt a shleagha ; An tainig sinn o dhaoine crion !

Bha taibhsean a naimhdean mu'n cua>it, An ann do gheuga farm ar sleagh ?

Ach fad' uaith fein bha na laoich. O dharach Alba nam mor ghniomh,
Thainig e mu dheireadh nan deigh, 'S trie thainig naimhdean o thuath,
Mar thonn a tuiteain o'n chreig ; 'S c'uin a theich ar sinnsir gun bhuaidh ?

'S trie a dh' iarr an fhairg air direailh — An geill sibhse do chloinn na fairge,
S trie a thilg an stuadh e bho bhonn ; Far am b' àbhaist taibhse nan naimhdean
Tha gàraich a chomh-stri garg, Leum bho osaig gu h-osaig,
'S am barr glas briseadh 's a ghaoith, Le trom osnadh bhròin nam marbh ?
Tha chlach ud le mòintich liath
C uime tha thu gruamach 's an iar, A cumail cuimhne air treun laoich,
A ghrian àluinn ag astar nan nial ? Ag radh, " Cha do theich ar n' athraiche r
!"
Cha b' anfhann na suinn Fhearanh leanaibh dian an lorg
Cha do theich sinn roi 'n mbeata.
'S trie chuir neoil dhorch smal ort fein, Ag eisdeachd ri briathran an righ,
An aimsir ghailbheach nan sian. Bu dubhach bha na suinn mu'n cuairt.
Ach 'n uair theid fògradh air a ghaoith, Ag amharc claidheamh, sgiath, a's sleagh,
•S theid caonnag nan speur gu taobh ; 'S le facail gun bhrigh ann a chluais.
'X uair bheir thu smachd air na neoil,
'S a ghlaeas a ghaoth air do laimh Sheas Morcheann, Triath Allt-duibh,
'N uair sheallas tu oirne nuas, Tri uairean chrath e sgiath,
'S dochuach fhalt àluinn a sniomh ; Tri uairean bhuail e an darach ;

'N uair bhios fiamh ghàir air do ghnuis, " Ainmic bha mo bhuillean fann.
'S mòr aoibhneas 'g èideadh gach cnuic Ainmic fhuair mo naimhdean buaidh ;

'S aighearach leinn do bhuaidh 's na speuran, 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 'S chrath gach doir' an ciabh le fàilte.

I,e oigear flat hail nan (leas hum, Bba sleibhtean gòrm gu ceolmbor, binn,
Bha rheum air adhart sa cbatta :
Lecathadh mi:i bho cheanii ar bare.
Ach d' fhaillig gach caraid mu 'n cuairt. Be Duuairm ceann-uighe nan coigreach,
Bin lomadfa namhaid na stri A's shin an Ceannard gasd' a lainli.

'S thuit an laoch rol' mhile sluaigh." 'S e beatha claim Lochluinn an Albainn,
" Beannachd" ars 'an righ, " do'n laoch, 'N uair bhios meirg tiochaidh air an lamb,
Ach na aonar ni 'm faod e falbh ; \S lionar ar feidh, a's Ian ar sligean ;

Theid Ceann-feadhna nochd na lorg ;

'S tha cliù a's misueach 'n ar sgeul

'S dorofa do choigrich tamh nam nuirbh." 'S c'uime chitear gruaim air coigreach ?
Chaidh surd le solas air cuirm ;

Ghlac Ogan Mac-Chorbuidh a sgiath, B' aoibhinn leinn còmhradh ar sith ;

An dioinliainn duitm gu eiridh grein' *S bheannaich sinn naimhdean ar tir ! [^

Nan' dean sihh feat ham h da'r luchd mi ruin ? fl
An sin do labhair Ceannard treun, Mar ghath greine air madainn chiuin,
'S trie thug siol Albainn an t-slige chiuin ; 'N uair chromjir le driuchd gach geug,
Ach c' uin a thainig has air coigrich, Bha Min-bhas an talla na mùirn, (ty*
'N uair a thachair lad le mùirn ? A's iomadh laoch toirt suil na deigh ;
\S
Is treubhach, maiseach, linn Lochluinn, Ach, thug i a run do Mhorfhalt.
A's buinig sinn fòs ar cliù. Agam cha robh sliabh no suinn ;
{
Ciod uime thuiteamaid mar neul, Bha mi am aonar sa chath, "j »

/y
'1'hig le sgleo bho liime bhuirn, Thuit naimhdean Lochluinn le m' laimh—
A snamh as air bharraibh nam beann, Thuit, 's cha d' eirich mo chliù.
'N uair cbaidhleaa a ghealach fo shuain, Imich tbusa, ars' an oigh,
'S a chrathas gailionn clachan trom', Gu cathaibh righrean ccin ;

'S fiamh eagail air rionnag nan sian ? Lireadh do chliù-sa fad as,
Crathaidh mhadainn a ceann 's an ear, A's cluinnidh Min-bhas an sgeul.
'S eiridh a ghrian le cuach-fhalt ciuin ; Raineas righ Eirinn nan sleagh,
Biodfa solus a gath' air gach sgiath, A's thuit a naimhdean le m' lainn ;

'S bus a gearradh airm gach suinn. Shelnn am bard, as tad' thar chuan
Chualas m' iomradh gu fial.
A cur air sgiath Dhunairm, B' fhaoilidh oighean Innse-fail,
Deir Morfhalt,* fanaibh gach laoch, Le 'n lamhan min-gheala caoin,
Air an tog lamb mhin-gheal leac, Romhain gu furanach fial,
Ach laidhidh mise nochd air fraoch. Ach ni 'n d' fhuair a h-aon mo ghradh.
Cha blii deoir air gruaidh am dheigh 'N tra thraoigh fearg, 's a phill sith,
Cha 'n eirich clach le mo chliù — Phill mi gu òigh nam has min.
Cha 'n abair athair " mo mhac," — 'N uair dh' eirich Dunairm gu h-ard,
No gruagach — " mo chreach, mo ruin !"
Bha ghrian na tamh an cluain seamh,
Lot mo shaighead uchd na ribhinn, 'S a ghealach a siubhal gu loath
Bba tlaihdar thar mhile mna. O nial gu nial le baoisge geal—
Bha fuil mo chairdeao ag cur smùid, Thainig guth air osaig na h oidhiche,
Dheth na h-airm dhu'-ghorm 'n am lainili ;
() chirb an doire ud thall,
Bu naimhdean a dh'-Alba, m'athraiche, Mar ghuth na maidne cubhraidh.
Aig High Lochluinn, b' ainmeil iad. Air aiseag gu m' cblnaia gu min mall
B'aite learn liubha] na fairge, " Imich, 's ma thuiteas tu ghraidh,
Thog sia gaisgich hhorb mo bin rid.
Mo shuilean bi'dh silteach gach trà."
Thainig gaoth le cabhaig o thuath, Cbritfa m'anam le eagal am cliabh,
'S thog na stuaidh le fiiig an druim ;
Mar nach robh e roimhe riamh.
Bha meanbh chathadh g-eiridh mu'n cuairt,
Chunnacas Min-bhas nan gaol
S ncoil ghruamach ag astar os-cinn.
Le drmuiin gasda ri taobh.
I 'li' eirich Albainn air bharr tuinn,
Lùb mi 'n tiubhar, ag radh
" A shaighead rtiig cridhe na ceilg"
* Mnrflialt was Scandinavian. His history, as given
Nior rachadh an laoch an cein,
by himself, is lull of the mo^t affecting incidents. Hi*
character is distinguished by valour in the highest degree, A bhuidhean cliù do i-hridhe 'n ardain.
.iiul UDlhaken fidelity, to the CMef Of llunarm, whnto Uainig an guin nimhe a taobh,
hospitably received him on binding in Scotland, and to
whom he occasioned the greatest iniafortui.e— the loss of A's cblaon an oigh-mbin air torn.
his family Bha cuach-fhalt dearg le fuil,

<io-
%(,
r,
.
^u
_ ,
m
-^
MOItDUBH.
 Wi
SAR-OBAIll NAM BAUD GAELACII.
Bu ladalr an lamb a liobh Ach bha nighean Aonair uaithe cian.
An t-slengh so .1 th' again fhein ;
Thainig tonn bàiteach thar sgeir,
Ach tha e coimbead an taibbae, 'S na dheigh cha chualas a h-eigh.
A threig uaith air raon na nial. D'fhagadh na còdaibh-eun,
i

'S an toir a naimhde buaidh, 'N tra threig a bhuinn' an sgeir ;

Air alhair an la] a shean aois ? Tri trathan dh'i bhi mar neul,
C'ha loir
— 's na chiabhan liath,
e Air aigeal na mara ud shios.
O righ, 'n tra thogam-sa shleagh.
Ach
ni'n tearmunn dhut gu bràtb,
A's tog e a laoich le buaidh, A Ghuineid, do bhrathair baoth.
Arsa Ceannard bu mhòr oliù, Thuit an laoch le 'm gheur lanil,
Ach, eisd ri truaighean is mò. Ged' dbion e mi aon uair sa cbath,
Blia mo thuireadh sa faraon, Laimh ris ann an suram suain,
Airaon Ainnir a chaldb aog ; Laidb thusa a b' uabhraiche gniomh ;
Ach ni'n toir acain, no bròn, Is minig an aisling na h-oidhche,
Air ais dhuinn an dream tha ion flnxl. Thig do thaibhse le droch fhiamh.
Bu mhaiseach air sliabh Culaluinn, Ach a Chuil-àill an fhuilt duibli,
Ainnir nan lamh geala, caoin ;
Is ionmhuinn learn thus' am shuain !

Dubh mar fhitheach bha a fait, Thig thu gun chith, gun cbolg,
'S liha brolach mar eal' air caol. 'S cha sheun fear cuairt do chùmhnaidh,
Thigeadh smal air dearsadh, gacb òigh', 'N tra dh' eireas gealach gun smal.
An lathair nigh'n Shonmhoir nan rath Is minig a chluinnear do ghutli.
Gu'm b' iluinn matliair mo chloinne ! Itoi' thighinn na doiuionna ghairbh'.
A bha fonnar an talla a chiùl. Cluinnidh am maraich' an aigh,
Thainig nighean Aonair nan Sleagh, A's gabbaidh tamh fo sgeith na creige ;

Da'n robh mo run an tùs m' oige ; A coimhead nan tonn gun bheud,
'S ghabh a suil bu mhor goin, Is caomh leis eigh nam boghanuan,
Culàluinn, am maise nana. Ged' eircadh iad ard san duibhre !

Na h-aonar fhuair mo run, i Aiiihuil a thuit mo chaomh, a lAIhorthuilt,

A's labhair i rithe am foil ;
A's dh' eirich mo shleagh le buaidh ;

Nacfa ionmhuinn BÌubbal' an It), Cha mhaireaun aon ghràdh air thalamli,
'S cubbraidh' Cbuilàluinn am beith. A's leagar mor ghaisgeach sail uaigh.
Tha fir na seilg air beanntaibh cian ;

Thràigh a mhuir fada null, Dh' aithris Ceannard sgeula bhròin,

Fagail a carraige sa ghaoitb bhlàth. 'S am feaclid bha tosdach trom !

A nighean Shailmhoir nam has min Bhrùchadh osnaidh a' chleibh,

Racbamaid siar gun dàil. 'N tra dh' aithris e sgeula na truaighe.
Chaidh iad tro choille nan crann, 'San doire dhaillreach bha thamh,
VS fo eharraig àird ma'n iadh an cuan, Cha d' ghluais an osag am fraocb min ;
Chaidil Culàluìnn hu gheal snudh- Cha do shiubhail na neoil thar bheinu,
CheangaU a ghuineid mhnà 'S ni 'n robh sian an ciabh nan crag ;
A fait amlagach grinn, Bha gach crann a's lus an sith,
Na dhuail ri feamainn nan tonn ;
A's laidb a gbaotb a sios gu grad.
As thill i uaipe, cridhe bà! Clod tha dearsadh san ear,
Le h-atgbcar mu gniomh nacb àdh. Faoin chruth le fiite gàire?
Thain an fhairgc tonn air thonn, Tha ghealach na cadal gu seamb,
A's dhuiag Culàlulnn à suain, 'S ni'm beil a ghrian a tighin air (aire.
A's b' idghna' lea ceangal a gruaige. 'S i oighe an uchd chreuchda'uh a th' aim,
U fnaagail mo leadan, a ghraidh ? Le mile solas tighin' na ileaun.
Nach truagh leaf fhein mi, òigh ! Mln-bhaa gu Mborfhalt an tir chein,

C uiine liliuin thu limn clio ha, A tha giulau sgeith a h-athar.
'S mo mhacain aillidh am dheigh !
Ni'ni beil a h-imeachd am feirg,

Fbreagair mac talla nan creug, Is oaomh i air an leirg gu haul.

Cuir fnadaofa amalan na h-oidhche,
fo
been observed liere by Moralt Abandoned to despair, he
probably regarded his spear as of no further ute to him ;
Tha *reull na maidne na dearna ;

ami, as the only prool he eould give of Ins affection for the A tighin' mar dhearsadh am moch tbrà,
deceased, who so unfortunately fell by his hand, he laid
Toirt fioa duinn mu eiridh na greine.
it in her grave. Duuarm, being weak through age, gave
inm his own spear, and made him his adopted son. * Moidenrg-n

u fa
 ; ; —

fil
MOItDUBH.

Le gaoth luath a's nialta fliuch,

C' uime tha t-imeachd cho luath,
nam beann,
A tuirlinn o ghruaidhean
Ainnir shuairce 's gile gnùis ?
Nuas air aonach, ghlinn, a's shloohd
Ach dh-fhag thu mhadainn òg 'na t-àite,
Sunar shuinn.
chvuth Mar sin thainig le
Is caomh leth-dheàlrach do ;

Bha 'n sgiathan mar nialaibh na h-oidhche—

Thar bhadan ceathaich na leirge,
Bha aghaidh mar reulltan a' lasadh,
'n
A dh-fhalbhas ro' eiridh na greine.
'S na plathanaibh duibhreach, nialach.

An Treas Earran. Chaidh neart na h-Alba air adhart,

Mar ghaillbheann thonn le gàir,

Bha briseadh na fàire 's an ear,
luathais Tha g' imeachd an neart nan sian,
theich duibhre air sgiathan
:
•S
Tha gluasad o chian gu h-àrd.
Dh' imich na reulltan fad as ;

Cluinnidh am maraiche an toirm,

'S bha ghrian a togail a
cinn aidb,
'S le fiamh theid e na dhàil,
'N tra thog am bàrd a ghuth.
O nach urr' e nis a sheachnadh,
Tha 'g iomairt air aghaidh na bhàrc.
Chuir Sunar, Ceann-feadhna nan
laoch,

Tha treun mar charraig nan tonn,

Cia mar dh'aithriseam fein
Mar chnoc air thir-mor nach gluaisear, Gniomhan euchdach 'ur n-arm ?
Mise thugaibh, shiol nam beann.
A shealgair Choirre-nan-stuc,
Tha fhireun air sgiathan ro threun ; Mor-chreag—
Chunna' do shuil
'S tha sheobhaig ma cheum gu
luath ;
A tha togail a chinn gu h-àrd,
Bha fhithich ma loma long !

'S a gabhail nan nial na chiabh,

Air imeachd nan cuaintean mòr.
O mhulach tha tòirleum a nuas,
An tabhair ceannard na tir' Le tailmrich o ghruaidh na craig,
A shuinn dhaibh mar chlosaich ?
tha siubhal gu luath,
Sruth laidir,
Na 'n tuit e sios do'n
ghaisgeach,
Gu cuan, o aonach a's ghleann,
tabhairt feidh a shleibhtean ard
?
Ag 'S a tuasaid ri buinne na fairge
Uaibhse, theich o'n chath, ghaire, a shealgair, an trod.
Ach bu
Tha Siol Lochluinn nan sleagh geur',
Ag iairaidh freagairt gu grad.
Mar lùbas a chuiseag fhann,

Shunar gun ag, Fo dhoinionn na h-àibheis ftiair',

'S ard guth
'N uair bhios buaireas thaibhse dian,
Fhilidh dhàn nan ciabhan liatha :

'S na siantan uile fo ghruaim.

Tha bhriathran labhar neo-mheat',
Lùb Siol Lochluinn gu luath
A nach eil a naimhdean lionmhor.
chionn
Roimh Righ Alba nan sluagh àir.
Chunnaic Sunar e tighin—
Ach, suidh thus' air an fhraoch,
A's chrath e tri uairean a shleagh.
A mhacain nam fonn is binn' ;
Ach crathaidh tu gu faoin, i

A's theid an t-slige làn mn'n cuairt

nam fonn; A mhie Lochluinn a ghuth aird.
Cha 'n eil ar fuath air claim
Mar charraig dhoineann garbh,
roi'
A's a rithisd, gu foil,
pill
Tha ceann-feadhna na h-Alba an tràs.
Gu Righ Lochluinn, a ghlòir nach àdh ;

Am buinne tha neartar, mear,

Innis dha gu'm beil eunlaidh nan sliabh,
Teichidh roimh aghaidh gun chail.
Air sgiath an deis an creich fein.
Thigeadh e le mhiltean sloigh ;
" Ach an do theich mise riamh,"
Tha neart n'ar cridhe-ne 'ta mòr
'S e labhair Righ Lochluinn nan cliar.

" Mar dhoinionn an adhair mo laimh,

Chual bard briathran an Righ,
am
Cha seas na beanntan fein le'n coill,
A's dh-fhalbh e 'n ardan a chri :

'S le'n stacaibh cragach, am lathair.

Bha aithris nan taibhse na chuairt,
Air an fhairge thug mi buaidh,
O'n chunnaic e 'n sluagh a thuit.*
'N uair le feirge do sgaoil an cuan,
Mar thig an doireann bho thuath,
Mu fhearann a's fhonn, ag eigheach,
Isbheum gach rutha, a's sgeir bheucach.
* The bard, leaving the adverse host, reflected on the thu, chuain,
Ach 's faoin a labhair
high spirit of either army, and inferred the effects that
would naturally ensue. Being inspired with such thoughts, Bhuirb nan stuadh-ghlasa baoth ?
he looked forward with a prophetic eye, and pronounced Nach tug mi fein ort roimhe buaidh ?
the fall of the people. Hence often the ground of belief ?"
'S an seas Ceannard ant-sluaighsorim' thaobh
in the second sight.

LU too
 6% 7*4

SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Sin samhuil do bhriathraibh an laoich.
Is mor a ghreis a thug na seoid,
Ach, chrithniefa an talamh mu'n cuairt,
'S na sloigh a coimhead an eiiohdan
;
'N tra thog iad an sleaghan ard Ach chlaon
; iad araon air an fhraoch,
Thuit eraobhan le ni' freumharh buaint',
'S fuil chraobbach a ruith o'n creuchdaibh.
'S chritb creagan fo chasan nan treun?
A's leum iad o'n leabaidh thaimh.
Sin labhair Morfliolt na mor ghniomh,
'S lomadb cruaidh a bha à truaill,
Cha'n eirich mo sbleagh ni 's mò ;
A's saighcad a siubhal a h-iubbar.
'S cha ruisgear mo chruaidh 's a chath.
Bba seoid ag amharc an stri, Tha aon bhrathair agam fòs,
'S dà i igh a gleac' gu borb.
Mas' a beò e, Solbha treun,
Thuit sgiath Shunair gu lar, Sealgair an fheidh air Bunar :

'S thar a shloigh thuige le fiamh Ma thuiteas tu leis gheibh thu cliu—
;

Thog Mordubh a sbleagh gu h-ard, Oir cha tnù an t-òg gun mheang.
Ach chun' e uchd a nàimh gun sgiath.
Bha smaointean air gniomhan èuchd, An do thog mi mo lamb, 's mo hum,
A's ghleidh e laimh air ais. A Mborfhuilt, a t-aghaidh, mo bhrathair?
A sheol an tùs dhomh cleasau lugh
Bha Morfhalt air aghaidh 's a chath— Ach, ni 'n t-sleagh ni
;

's mò.
Leis thuit laoch air gach buille Fàram lamh mo bhrathair chaoimh,
Sheas Ceann-feadhna bho thuath an cein 'Sgu 'n càram an so e ri m' thaobh.
;

Bha airde mar chraoibh fo blà. Theid sinn le cheile air chuairt,
Dh'aom claim Alba air an ais, Gu teach ar n' athraichean thug buaidh
O sgeith laidir mar stuadh o charraig, Biodh ar leabaidh 's an nial,
;

Amhuil darag aosda nan àrd, An ionadan sian nan taibhse.

'S na siantan ri comhstri dhian.
Ach togaidh tu do cheann le buaidh
Chual an sluagh balbh a ghloir,
Tha maiseach, gun bheud o'n stoirin : 'Sbu mbor am bròn air son an laoich.
Ma d' thimcheall tha dion gach uair
; Theich Siol Lochluinn g' an cabhlach,
'S thig an sealgair o'n fhuachd a d' dhlùtb A's shil deoir Mhordhuibh mar bhraon
A's gheibh e dion o'n iunnrais fhuair : ;
Thill e air ais a shuinn
Mar sin tha sgiath
an laoich da shluagh. Thog iad leac-lighe
gu h-ard,
Thog Morfholt a shleagh gu euchd,
A's sheinn am bàrd cliù an t-seiod.
A'» ghabh e'n còdhail a ghaisgich,
Tha darag aosda na choir,
'S bu ghàbhaidh còmhrag nam fear borb 'S na mheuraibh mòr tha sranna
;
gbaoth—
Fhreagair mac-talla nan creag
Tha dealan an adhair mu'n cuair,
Do dh' fhuaim an lannan glas' gèura— 'S aha tig fear turais na dhàil—
Cbnir iad coill a's fraoch a bun,
Seachnaidh e 'n t iuil nach àdh,
Le 'to casan air uilinn an t-sleibhe-
An aimsir nan reulltan cian—
A's chrithnich clanna nan crion,
Tha dà thaibhse mu'n cuairt an còmhnaidb,
Ag coimhead ri gnionih nan trcun-fhear

W
Le acain bhròn tha siubhal air siantaibh.

I*v
 ;

COLLATH.

COLLATE.

fein an diugli.
h threin,
th!
do nàmh,
Iealldubh
ùigh,

3 (Tc<^4&>-*-*tj? (ffld^L^
n cheòl,
ochd,
il.

i gu leir !

"iri

lidfa ?

t'hois,

na cluanaibh.
i^^ ^(^(y^^MjUUL^ 's

O^i $ *j*~ ì^oL ™^

lh am dhi
liliu,

h-oige.
threuna,

+vi iluas.
eine,

-y^ny^f tc+~ <*yt+yt-*st r/f la i„„,

thrt-ig,

AA^£*
(• 11 eug?
in adh,

£ T^e^o £</A/vyA^vvic< 6y <h^\ Cc^fa^vx^ r- ^tfr-tS^-c'c

 6%o 7^
SAR-0BA1II NAM BARD GAELACH.
Sin samhuil Jo bhriathraibh an laolch. Is mor a ghreis a thug na seoid,
Ach, chrithnich an talamh mu'n cuairt, 'S na sloigh a coimhead an cuchdan ;
'N tra thog iad an sleaghan aid ; Ach chlaon iad araon air an fhraoch,
Thuit cnoblan le na' freumhach boaint', 'S fail chraobbach a ruilh on creuehclaibh.
'S chrith creagan fo chasan nan treuu?
A's leum iad o'n lcabaidh thaii.ih. klwla TVI — OL.
'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
'Sbu 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
 COLLATH.

COLLATE.
Tha acain am aisling neo-chaoin !• Tha tuilte dol tharuinn gu dlù,
An cadal do Laogh, athair ? A c' ait' am m' annsachd fein an diugb.
beil

Is eagal leamsa doinionn chraidh ;

Gu b' ionmhuinn thu Oglaoich threin,
Tha toivm gun àdh air iia flathaibh. Mo lcanabh fein a
b' aille cruth !

Bha thu farm roimh imeachd do nàmh,

Ciod e, Chollaith, fà t- acain ? 'S an triall mar thoran thar Mealldubh ;
Arsa Aosar a ghuth bbinn. A's thig an là gun teach, gun ùigh,
Gun talla, gun fhlathaibh, gun cheòl,
Chunnacas, deir e-san, slige gu h-òl, 'S am bi Siol Armuinn fo sprochd,
Do fhuil nàmh o dhortadh latin. Mar fhaileas ruiteach tro' neoil.
B' uamhann do m' anam an gniomh !
Ach 's diomhain mo thuireadh gu leir !

Ciod e bhrigh, a sbiol nan rami ? Ciod so 'm fà mu'm beil mo chri
Fo bhruaillean le aisling chruaidh ?
A gu
Ach
Is faoin
s faoin so aisling

neo-bhuan gach
na suain
uile ni.
?
Mar
bualladli critheach,
dhuilleach roi dhoinionn
gun fhois,
's na cluanaibh. ^
Tuitidb an gaisgeach treun na threis,
A's àillteaehd gach cruth gu crion. Fhreagair mi fhein gu seamh,
Mar shruthas blà na coill— A's tioma bhròin ga 'm chlaoi !

Mar thig neul daillreach air a ghrein—

Is amhuil sin beatlia nam beo !
" Am
fanam.sa so am thamh,'
Cha choigil 's cha chaomhain sinn seud. Thuirt Oglaoch, " 's mo ghradh am dhi ?

Ach, an comhnuidh dhomhs' am thamh ? Cha chaill mi, ars' e-san, mo chliu,
A mhic Chollaith, mo ghraidh, ca' beil thu/ Ann am madainn chaomh na h-oige.
Aona mhic mo chcile chaoimh !
B' eug-samhuil na h-armuinn threuna,
A t-aonar am beil thu air lear ?
M' athraiche feile, gun ghiomh :

Fair an larin ud air an eallachainn, 'S ni'm fanamsa so gun àdh,

Mac-samhailt do dhealan nan cath. Mar gheug gun duille gun bhlà ;
Thog Oglaoch an lann so g'a liobh— Bheir mi buaidh air ardan fein,
I.aim m' athraichean an gniomh nan rath. Neo theid mi eug, 's e chual

Is iomadh cath a's còmhrag cruaidh Mi, as tartar a cheum

Is cuimhne learn a bhi le buaidh. A ruighinn gu h-eutrom mo chluas.
Tha cruth caoin mar dheo greine,
'

Fhreagair an sin Aosar nan dàn, 'S deirge beul no bilibh ròis ;

A churaidh, a Chollaith nam buadh,

Tha h-anail ni's cubhraidh na'n sùtb,

C'uime — ma bitheadh t-inntinn fo phràmh — 'S a guth binn mar inneal ceoil

Bha Oglaoch mar athraichean 'S i 's aille dealbh de'n t-sluagh,
treun,
Curaidh treubhach e'sa chath, Bheireamsa buaidh da trid !

A' mosgladh air faiche nan cruaidh. Aite.il sùl is gl&ine snuadh,

'S e bheireadh buaidh thar mhilc flath. Ainnir shuairce 's igheann righ.
Mar torchair mi 'n oigh le m' lainn,
A's aosda lag mi nis fo bhròn, Ni mi còdhail rithe thall.
Thuirt Collath, 's a dheoir a ruith !
Mo chridhe tha 'g eiridh neo-throm,
A leumnaich le aiteas am chom !

* Fonar, the Author of this Poem, belonged to the O thaibhse nan treun fhear, a threig,
illustrious and once powerful family of Collath. He ac-
companied his young fiiend, in his last expedition, to res.
C ait an comhnuidh dhuibh o'n eug?
cue Annir, the betrothed bride of Oglach, and only child An comhnuidh d' ur anma an àdh,
n'
of Rutha, whom Ardan, a chief of a distant isle, carried Gun cheò na Lanna, no blàr ?
off in the absence of her friends. Her exquisite beauty Gach fiùran le òigh gun smal,
gained her many admirers. She preferred the Son of
Collath. By their maniage the two most powerful Neo-ionan a's sine ri gal."
families of Caledonia would have been united. But these Thog e ri crannaibh na seoil,
hopes were never to be realised. The Poem opens with a
A's dhomhlaich uime a shluaigh ;
vision ol Collath, and concludes with a lament of the fall of
the race of Collath, chief of Carrig. It is partly dramatic. Hi eomh-stri ghailbheach nan tonn,
V
/f f

HC T^c^o
6
 — —, —— ;

&7

10 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

B!ia form a ghaoil aun a bheaL Togadh oirbh, mear, leumnach, garg,
C'ha mheata, am feaad, a ohri, Mor — uaibhreach — borb,
A's Ainnir da dhi 's an i nil j Be uamhann citb agua colg !

'S an oidhche fhearthuinneach gu lò, l'heid gathaibb leoin tre 'n cridbe;
Ag udal cuain an aghaidh shian, (Is aoibliinn fulang nan treun !)
" Fagamaid acaìn a's bròn," Buirbe nan gaisgeach 's an stri,
Thuirt Oglaoeh, ''gu clanna nan crion, Coigil a d' chleibh a's a d' shuain.
Taosgar gacli boinnc de in' fhuil. Lamb nan treun gu rath biodh leat,
Mu'n leigeaT leo an òigh." 'S an àrach fo laiuh gu sguab.
Db' eiricb leinne cairdean treun, 'N tra thraoghas gailbheinn na h-aibheis,
Thar lear a thorchar cliu Mar an t-ànrach claoite sgith ;

Dh" eiricb leinn Eilean nan lamb Seallaidh gnuis an iunrais caoin,
Db' eirich leinn Fraoch a's a shluagh. Amhuil laoich n' tra philleas shh.
A chaitheadh ar sligbe 's a chuan, Ach e-san a thuiteas le buaidb,
Gbabli sinn'an sin duan mu seach ;
Tha e faighiim caochladh nuadh ;

Sin sheinn duinn filidh nam form, A mhealtuinn ionmhas nan saoidh,
'S a ghuth bha aid thar tuinn as lear. Nach ionmhuinn a chaoi, a chomlinuidh !

Biodh anam àidb ag taomadh, Thaillig tioma air mo chri,

Mar cbaochan aim an nnalan ciuil Ri cuimhne na chunna' mi fhein !

m' chluas an torraghan trom

Is eibbinn le Gualann-chatba nach bu tim,
Mar cbabhlach nan caomh fo shinil. Flathaibh fuileach bha ri m' linn.
Is ion' le ra' chri an t-aiteas ard. Nach eil a h-aon diu am shean aois?
Tha 'g eiridh àdhmhor a steach ! Nach b' eibbinn a bhi leo scach leinn ?
Mar cblaraibh an talla nam form, Chunnacas sonn mor nam buadh,
Mar chuileant) an sonn nach meat, Curaidh uaibhreach nan gniomh garg:
Mar fhlath-innis mhile bard, Lubadh nan catban fo lainn,
Biodh smaointe graidb a chri ! 'N uair a mbosgladh e am feirg.
Ionmhuinn gach sile, gach braon, 'S e aigne an laoich a bha ard
Ionmhuin maraou a's Beul-bi, Bha bhoile mar chaoiribh chruach.
Caoin chruth geal nan ioma dual, Cha robh e riamh aim an sitb,
O sliiol na cathraicbe nnaidb, 'N uair ruisgeadh na lannan san stri
Càir gbeal a chambair a cneas, Bha imeaclid marthoran tro gbleann,
'S a leaca min mar na ròis ;
Mar dhealan an adhair bha dheanu.
Amliuil i 's an t-sobhrach bbàn, Ach threig an gaisgeach o chiau,
Reull nan ioma b' àille snuadb ;
Carraig-chatha a cbridhe filial ;

Bha i mar aitcal na greine, 'S chaidh mar aon ris iomadh còmhlan,
\S a nibadaiim ag eiridh gun ghruaim. Cha n-c mo shòlas nach eil e buan.
Ach tuitidh fathaad luibh an raoln ;
Ach teirigidh sinn uile fa-dheoidh,
Seargatdh a caoin ohrath 's a dreach ;
A's chi an lò sinn smal' san uaigb.*
" Sruthaidb a blàthan gun bhuain,"
'S e deir Mac Nuaith is geire beacbd. Ach mairidh gu sutbain 's an dan,
Gniomban alloil aidh nan saoidh :

Thug i ceisd, a's a gaol trom 'N uair chrionas a cbolluinn gu smùr,
Do Shonn òg a chaidh thar lear ;
Mar an ùir an còmhdach criadb ;

A's db'eirich doiuioun nan latin Mar cheathach tra nòin air an t-sliabll,
Mu oigb chaoin gheal nan cleachd, 'i'riallaidb an deò Bg imeaclid uainn,
Tha aigne 'n laoich mar aiteal ipetir, Far nach teirig grian, no gr.-idh

No lasair dbein air aonach ard ;

Fat a maireann àdh nan sonn.
Co thraoghas a bhuirb ghàir ?

Ach, Oglaoich, is deacair trom,

A chlauna fial nan armunn tiuidhidh, Scan aois a chromas an t-àrd,
Eiribh gu duthaich fad as, A cliaochaileas crutb nam Hath,
Gu taomadh oirn mar dhoinionn gbairl)b,
Ni h-aoibhinn an fheiig a tlia las'. * Fonar, who was a warrior as well as a bard, recites past
Ach mairidh cliu nan saoidh gach ial, events, in which he, together with the aped chief, whose

A ghleachdai rl truaigheau gun mheath. mind is toothed with a recital of the deeds of former days,
ICted a put: and his own state frequently and naturally
A laocbraidh nan sleagh liobhaidli geuX, occurs to him.

"I
^
 ;

\tfU

COLLATH. ìl

'S a dhallas fradharc chail nam bàrd. Ach dh-fhailig mor mhais' a ghaoil,
Cia mar sheinneas mi dhut ceòl, Chaochail cruth àillidh gu h-aog
'
!

A laoich oig, am chiabhan liatli ? 'N uair bhuail lann Chonnlaoich uohd Dhonna-
'S e labhair mi fein ris an t-saoidh, ghaill,

Ceannard òg nam mile cliar. 'S a ruith fhuil na thonnan blà !

Chlaon e air uilinn an t-armunn,

Chunnacas rcull bu dealrach drpach, An gath nimhe chaidh tro' airnean ;

A soillse tro' dhuibhre na h-oidhuhe ;

Gath geur guineach nan tri cholg,

^ A's shoillsich a ghealach a ris, Os ceann imleig shàth na bholg.

'Sna neoil ag imeacbd gii luath. Bha tosga tiugha nam beum luatha,
" Mar aiteal nan reull ud gu h-ard, A reubadh feoil, a's cnai' ga'm bruasgadh.
Tha maise Ainnir," are' an laoch, Gach lann, mar dhealan an adhair,
" A lionadh m' annm do ghradh ; Mar fhalaisg air sliabh na lasair,

Ged' tha thusa balbh ad' dheoir !

Dh'aom na tiathaibh fo rnhaoim :

Com is meuchaire, mhine, ghile,

Bu dearg gach sruthan. san raon.
Thuit e mu throma ghridh na h-oiyhe !

Tanmadh mar dbearea na h-òidhche

gaoil !'

Mar chobhar sruth bha fhuil a dortadh,

A lionadh anam de shòlais.
'S a ruith
— 's e fuil a chridhe bh' aim,
Is binne guth no fuaim nan clar,
A brucadh tro' chreuchdan nan latm.
Is àille dreacli no cruth cubhraidh,
An noinein bhàin fo dhealt nan speur.
Uaith sin, chluinte caoiran na h-oigh' : —
" Och, mo dhorainn, agus in' acain !

Is anmhor an t-aiteas so am chliabh !

Nach deachaidh mi eug o chian,

Ciod so an solas diamhair,
Mu'n d'fhuair aon fhleasgach mo ghaol !

A tha ga'm lionadh gun fhoghnadh ?

Thuit mo roghainn, thuit mo run,
Tha m' aigneadh a' leumnaich a ghna,
Ach ma thuit e, fhuair e chliu.
Le buaidh a's mor ghradh na h-oighe.
Och nach robh sinn, ruin ghil còmhla,
!

Air an t-sleagh so arm am laimh,

Fo'n fhòd ghròm a gabhail comhnaidh !

Pillidh sinn on àr le buaidh !

Theireadh iad, an sin n'an tàmh,

Pillidh,no tuitidh le cliù,
Tha òg-fhlath nam buadh, 's a ghradh,
Air son an ruin a tha bhuainn.
An ceangal buan, an glais a bhàis.
Pillidhmar aon a gaol Thuit iad mar luibhean an raoin,
Ro chaoin, mar ri caochladh cath. Le'n uile bhlà, 's a mhadainn chulihraidh,
Tha m' aigneadh a' leumnaich gu comhrag. an dealt a boillsgeadh
'S le gath grtine."
Is ionmhuinn le oighean mac rath.

Mar sin, thàr sinn chuige gu sèamh ;

Aithris dhuinn fhilidh nan dan,
Bha ar caoimh a tighin' san duibhre ;
Thuirt mi fhein am briathraibh ciuin,
Thamh sinn car ghreis air an leirg,
I\Iar bha oigh na h-iomair bhaigh, Gu briseadb faire na maidne.
Rè a latha an reull iuil. Bha'n cuan siar mar lainnir,
Beul-bi,* solus mhile cri, Le soillse àdhmhor on ear ;

IMaise mnà a bhil bhi A's dealt nan speur air gach blà,
Ighean ghaoil bu bhlasda ceol, Gu foineil tlà mar an lear.
A fait mar ihitheach, dubh mar smeoir. Chaidh sinn far n' armaibh gu leir ;

Bha maise as gradh le cheil' na sealladh, 'S chaidhmosgladh fa eilean nan stuadh.
A mala crom mar ite 'n loin ; " Rachadh, thuirt Oglaoch, ard, mear,
A com seamh, finealta, f'uasgailt', Romhainn a nis' teachdair luath."
Cha lubadh a ceum am feoirnean. Chuir sinn romhainn Lùghmhor òg,
Bu ehruth ionmholt an ribhinn ; Le fios gu Ardan, gun àdh !

Ach ciod am fà mu'n robh sa 'g radh ? " E chur chugainn Ainnir na mais',
Gach aona bhuaidh do bhi air finne, 'S gu'm pilleadh ar feachd ga'n cabhlach."
Bha sud air dunach nan laoch, 'S e thuirt Ardan a chridhe bhuirb,
A thuit mar ghallan nan gleann, " Sinn fein a philleadh gu grad,
Mar sgathar iiùran nan crann. Air neo gu sguabadh e gach saoidh
Gu lear, mar fhaileas roi'n ghaoith

* The history of Eclvi introduced here with great

is Gu lubadh e Oglaoch fo lann,
propriety. The injured are apt to think their own case Alar mheangan an doire nan crann."
without a parallel, and the burden of the afflicted becomes
lighter, when they are assured that others suffer the like,
Dhomhlaich an sin na sloigh
or greater hardships. Air an fhaiche gu h-ard,

O-i/O. sjy
 2?%-

12 SAR-OBA1R NAM
 ——
;

4^
COLLATH. 13

Anns a cheitein ùrar, bhlà, A nis a tuireadh gu truagh.

Bhiod dreach is àill' air gach slios. Thar sinn mar so leis an oidhche,
Is gorm badanach am fiaoch, Gun aoidh, gun chuilm, gun cheol
Am faigheadh na saoidh an suain ; Laidh smal air gach fonn a's feur,

'S gur deacair, diamhair, cluain au fheidh, A's dhorchaich na reulltan fo bhròn.

'S am biodh Collath treun, 's a shluagh. 'S faoin carraig Chollaitb a nochd
Bha 'n t-àm sin, arsa an Ceannard fein, Is faoin tha Innis la sprochd,

Mar là grein gbil, cubhraidh, caoin ! Leth dhoilleir ameasg nan nial,

Ach thainig feasgar an là sin ro luath, A's saoidh nan rath air ànradh cian.
A's threig mo shluagh, mar dhealt to grein, Thainig cu* le bural bròin,
'S uair thainig dù'-ncoil o na speur, Bha'n gaothar tiamhaidh truagh !

'S a h-òr-fhalt feinbha sgaoilt' gu h-ard, Nach cianail a nis am bruth,

Sguabadh gu h-am-lubach air falbh, As Kutha nan stùc aim an gruaim !

'S cha robh a dealbh air cnoc no sliabh. Gun laoch aig baile ni sealg ;

Ach, ghrian, thig là do bhroin,

'
Gun chuilm, gun mhùirn, gun choin.
N uair iiach laidh thu le ceòl 'san iar,

S nach eirich thu 's an ear le treoir, Slan leibh a bheannaibh mo ghaoil,
Ach mall mar mis', am chiabhan liath." Anns am mang a's damh
faighinn ;

Bhiodh cneas Bhrai-shealla ri grein Soraidh le Armuinn a threig,

Shamhraidh, fo gach feur a's cneamh ; Ni h-eibhinn nan deigh ar seal.

An ealabhuidh 's an noinean ban, " Tha binneas," arsa Collath, "a d' bhròn,
'S an t-sobhrach an gleann fas nan luibh ; 'N tra dhuisgeas tu smaoin mu'r n-òig' le gean.
Anns am faigheadh an leighe liath,* Beaunachd leibh uile gu lò
Furtachd nach do chreuchd a's leòn ! 'San còdhail sinn thall o'n eug,
Olla shiol nan sieaghan geur, Far nach liobh gaisgeach a lann,
Da'n roiii h nidi! o cheiu an t-Sroin. Far an dealrach òigh gun fheall.
'S traugh nach robh e san àr, 'Sam biodh Oglaoch a's Ainnir
'N uair thàr sinn gu tràigh fad as !
Mar reulltan soillseach nan speur
'S bheireadh e na saoidh o'n bhàs, An anna ag lasadh le gaol,

'S bhiodhmaid mar bu ghndth air leàr. Mar dheo grein' an aghaidh gun smal,
'S iomadh iomart bha ri m' linn, Mar so biodh aisling mo shean aois,
Cruai' bheumach air chinnt gach uair; 'N uair dh'eireas mo gbuth gu bròn bìnn !

A's shileadh ar deoir mar fliras nan speur, 'S nach dirich mi Creubhbheiuu an fheidh,
'N tra thuiteadh gaisgich threun nam buadh. Ach mall air larach a gblinn'.
Beannachd a's ciad soraidh slan
'S aim mar sin, a Chollaitb, bha sinn, Le beanntaibh mo ghraidh 's mo ruin,
Ri linn na threig a's nach pill, O'n sgar au aois sinn san am,
'N uair thuit do chòlan treun, 'S mi gun sleagh, gun lann, gun lùgh.
Ceannard Kutha, nach bu tiom. Biodh tuireadh na h-eala 'na m' bheul,
Thuit an craim a b' ùrar fas, A's i 'san leig an deis a leun !

A faillean mo gràidh san fhonn ; Air a fagail faoin lea fein,

Mar mbaoim sleibh, no dealan speur, 'S e sud m' acaiu, t-igh mo bhroin !

Leagadh Ceann-feadhna nan cath.;

An dh-fhag e ach am meanglan òg? Dh-fliailig mo spionnadh 's mo threis,
Ainnir nach beò lcinn an nochd !
Chaochail mo mhothach 's mo bhlas,
'S ami o d' fhreumhach fein a bha iad, Ni 'm beil e ionmhuinn na their,
'S iii in beil a lathair dhiu mac null. Tha in' inthin gun cha.il, air meath,
Tha in' eibhneas uileadh air falbh
Goiridh a chomhachag à creig, Le blianaibh calma na h-òige.
A's freagraidh guth airt-neul a h-uaimh ; Is ciannail fuireach air traigh
Mar sin ar guileag bhròin ro lag, Sean aois, gun m' aiseag a null ;

'S mo thògradh ga m' gbreasad gu luath,

* The belief was common among
the Caledonians, that
Gu Flath-inuis shuas gu bràth."
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 — » The riog, of all animals the most sagacious and
application of whiuh would cure it attached mourns the absence 01 death of his mailer.

(ffb ?ok
11 Ml W.N A BHAIRO AOSDA.

MIANN A BIIAIRD AOSDA.

() càraibh mi ri taobh nan allt, jMu'ii cuairtdo bhroaehaibh àrd mo glilinn',
A shiubhlas mall le ceiimaibh ciùin, Blodh lùbadh gh£llg a's oira blà ;

I'd Bgàil a bharraieh leag mo cheann, 'S claim bheag nam preaa a' tabhairt seiiin,

'S bi thus' a ghriati ro-chairdeil rium, Do cbreagaìbh aosd' le òran gràtdh.

2,
Gu socair sin 's an fheur mo thaobh, I>riseadh tro chreag nan eidbeanu dlù,

Air bruaich nan ditbean 's nan gaoth tl;i, Am fuaran ùr le torramam trom,
'Smo chas ga sliobadh 's a' bhraon mhaoth, 'S freagraidh mac-talla gach dull,

'S e lùbadh tharais caoin tro'n bhlàr. Do dh' fhuaim srutha did nan toiin.
*ì
I
Biodh BÒbfaraoh bhàn is aillidh snuadb, I-reagraidh gach cnoc, agus gach sliabb,

M'an cuairt do'm thulaich is uain' fo' dbiiùchd, Le binn-fhuaim geur nan aigbean mear ;

'S an neòinean beag 's mo lamh air cluain, 'N sin cluinnidh mise mile geurn,
'S an ealabhuidh' aig mo chluais gu h-ùr. A' riuth man cuairt dumb 'n iar sail ear.

impossible, at this day, to decide with let me hear the hunter's step, with the sound of his
• Perhaps it is

any certainty to what part of the Highlands the Agro Baud darts and the noise of his dogs upon the wide-extended
belonged, or at what time he flourished. Mrs (irant of heath then youth shall beam on my cheek, when the
;

Lagga'n, who has given a metrical version of the above voice of hunting the deer shall arise.
poem, says, " It was composed in Skye," though upon wliat The marrow of my bones shall awake when I hear the
authority she has net said. The poem itself seems to {fit.
noise of horns, of dogs, and of bow-strings ; and when the
nisli Wme evidence that at least the scene of it is laid in
cry is heard, " The stag is fallen," my heels shall leap in
Lochaber. Treig* is mentioned as having afforded drink joy aloiig the heights of the mountains.
to the hinders. Now Loch Treig is in the braes of Loch-
aber. We know of no mountain which is now called Ben- Then methinks I see the hound that attended me early
and late, the hills which I was fond of haunting, and the
aid or Scur.eilt. Perhaps Ben-ard is another name for
Ken-nevis. The great waterfall, mentioned near the end rocks which were wont to re-echo the lofty horn.

of the poem, may have been Eas-bhà, near Kinloch.leven 1 sec the cave that often hospitably received our steps

in Lochaber. The following is almost a literal translation from night cheerfulness awaked at the warmth of her
;

of the above poem :— trees;* and in the joys of her cups there was much mirth.

Then the smoke of the feast of deer arose our drink ;

THE AGED BARD'S WISH. from Treig, and the wave our music though ghosts should
;

near the brooks, which slowly move with

me shriek, and mountains roar, reclined in the cave, undis-
O place
gentle steps under the shade of the shooting branches
;
turbed was our rest.

lay my head, and be thou, O sun, in kindness with me. 1 see Ben-ard of beautiful curve, chief of a thousand
At ease side on the grass, upon the bank of
lay my hills; the dreams of stags are in his locks, his head is the
flowers and soft zephyrs— ray feet bathed ill the wandering bed of Clouds
stream that slowly winds along the plain. I seeSrur-eilt on the brow of the glen, where the cuckoo
Let the primrose pale, of grateful hue, and the little first raises her tuneful voice; and the beautiful green
daisy surround my hillock, greenest when bedewed; my hill of the thousand firs, of herbs, of roes, and of elks.
hand gently inclined, and the ealtli f at my car In its fresh- Let joyous ducklings swim swiftly on the pool of tall
ness. pines. A strath of green tirs is at its head, bending the
Around the loftybrow of my glen let there he bending red rowans over its banks.

boughs in full bloom, and the children of the bushes mak- Let the lieauteousswan of the snowy bosom glide on the
ing the aged rock re-echo their songs of love. tops of the waves. When she soars on high among the
Let the new-born gurgling fountain gush from the ivy- clouds she will be unencumbered.
covered rock and let all-melodious echo respond to the
;
She travels oft over the sea to the cold region of foaming
sound of the stream of ever-successive waves. billows,where a sail shall never be spread out to a mast,
Lei the voice of every hill and mountain re-echo the nor an oaken prow divide a wave.
tweet sound of the joyous herd; then shall a thousand thou by the summits of the mountains, the mourn-
lie
lowing! be heard all around. ful taleof thy love in thy mouth, O swan, who hast tra.
the frisking of calves be in my view, by the side of
I,, t
reliedfrom the land of waves; and may 1 listen to thy
a stream, or on the aclivity of a bill and let the wanton ;
music in the heights of heaven.
kid, tired of its gambols, rest with its innocence on my Up with thy gentle song; pour out the doleful tidings
bosom. of thy sorrow and let all-melodious echo take up the
;

Poured on the wing of the gentle breeze, the plea- let strain from thy mouth.
dant voiee of Iambi BOtne to my ear; then shall the ewes
Spread nut thy wing over the main. Add to thy swift-
answer when they heir their young running towards them. ness from the strength of the wind. Pleasant to my ear
arc the cchoings of thy wounded heart— the song of
love.

h.-rlj e.illiM Si Juiur, i • Allusion is here made to a fire of wood.

 ;

Vc cn^Y

SAIt-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII. 15

M'an
£**
cuairt bioJh lù-chleas nan laogh, Chi mi Beinn-ard is àillidh fiamli,
*i
"

Ri taobh nan smth., no air an leirg. Ceann-feadhna air mhile beann,

'Sam minnean beag de'n ehdmhraìg sgith, Bha aisling nan damh na ciabh.
'N am achlais a' cadal gu'n cheilg. 'S i leabaidh nan nial a ceanu.

7 * /r
Sruthadh air sgeith na h-osaig mhin, Chi mi Sgorr-eild' air bruach a ghlinn'
Glaodhan maoth nan crò mu'm chluais, An goir a chuach gu binn au tòs.
'N sin f'reagraidh a mheanmh-sprcigh, A's gorm mheall-àild' na mile giubhns
'Nuair chluinn, an gineil, is iad a ruitli a nuas. Nan luban, nan earba, 's nan Ion.

/6
A ceum an t-sealgair
t-se/al ri mo chluais ! Biodh tuinn òg a snàmh le sunnd,
Le sranna ghàth, a's chon teagh sleibh, Thar linnc 's mine giubhas, gu luath.
'N sin dearsaidh an òig air mo ghruaidh, trath ghiubhais uain' aig a ceann,
'N uair dh-eireas toirm air sealg an fhcidh, A' lubadh chaoran dearg air bruaich.

lo 'J
Dùisgidh smior am chnaimh, 'nuair chluinn, Biodh eal' àluinn an uchd bhàin,
Mi tailmrich dhos a's chon a's shreang, A snimh le spreigh air bharr nan tonn,
—
Nuair ghlaodhar " Thuit an damh !" 'Nuair thogas i sgiath an àird,
Tha mo hh uinn, a' leum gu beò ri àrd nam beann. A measg nan nial cha'n fhàs i tròm.

'N sin chi mi, air leam, an gadhar, S trie i g astar thar a chuain,
A leanadh mi an-moch a's moch ;
Gu asraidh fhuar nan ioma' ronn,
'S na sleibh bu inhiaunach leam thaghall. '
Far nach togar breid ri crann,
'S na creagan a' freagairt do'n dòs. 'S nach sgoilt sròn dharaich tonn.

Chi mi 'n uamh

/^
a ghabh gu fial, Bi thusa ri dosan nan torn,
<^*V^L, h
'S gu trie ar ceumaibh roi 'n oidhch' Is cumha' do ghaol arm ad bheul,
Dhuisgeadh ar sunnd le blathas a crann, Eala thriall o thir nan tonn
'

'S an solas chuach a bha mòr aoibhneas. 'S tu seiun dhomh ciùil an aird nan speur.
'

?* Jto
Bha ceò air fleagh bhàrr an fheidh O! eirich thus' le t-òran ciùin,
An deoch à Treig 's an tonn ar ceòl, 'S cuir naigheachd bhochd do bhròin an ceill
Ge d' sheinneadh tàisg 's ge d' rànadh slèibh, 'S glacaidh mac-talla gach ciuil,
Sinnte 's an uaimh bu sheamh ar iieoil. An gùth tùrsa sin o d' bheul.

From what land blows the wind that bears the voice of Happiness without end to the lovely pair, who have
thy sorrow from the rock, O youth, who wentest on thy awaked in my soul a gleam of that happy joy that shall
journey from us, who hast left my hoary locks forlorn. not return Happiness to thy soul, lovely virgin of the
!

curling locks.
Are the tears in thine eyes, O thou virgin most modest
and beauteous, and of the whitest hand. Joy without end Hast thou forsaken me, O pleasant dream? Return
tn the smooth cheek that shall never move from the nar- yet— one little glimpse return thou will not hear me,
:

row bed. alas! I am sad. O beloved mountains, farewell.

Say, since mine eye has failed, O wind, where grows the
reed with its mournful sound ? by its side the little fishes Farewell, lovely company of youths ! and you, O beau-
whose wings never felt the winds' soft breath, maintain tiful virgin, farewell. I cannot see you. Yours is the joy
their sportive conflict. of summer ; my winter is everlasting.

Tiaise me with a strong hand, and place my head under O place me within hearing of the great waterfall, with
the fresh birch when the sun is at high noon let its green
; itsmurmuring sound, descending from the rock let a ;

shield be above mine eyes. harp and a shell be by my side, and the shield that de-
fended my forefathers in battle.
Then shalt thou O gentle dream, who swiftly
come,
walkest among the stars; let my night-work be in thy music,
Come with friendship over the sea, O soft blast that
bringing back the days of my joy to my recollection.
slowly movest ; bear my shade on the wind of thy swift-
See. O my soul, the young virgin under the shade of the ness, and travel quickly to the Isle of Heroes,
oak, king of the forest her hand of snow is among her
!

locks of gold, and her mildly rolling eye on the youth of Where those who went of old are in deep slumber, deaf
her love. to the sound of music. Open the hall where dwell Ossian
and Daol. The night shall come, and the bard shall not
He sings by her side— She is silent. Her heart par.ts, be found.
and swims in his music ; love flies from eye to eye; deers
stop thtir course on the extended heath. But ah before it come, a little while ere my shade
!

retire the dwelling of bards upon Ardven, from

to
N'ow the sound has ceased her smooth white breast
; '
whence there is no return, give me the harp and my
heaves to the breast of her love ; and her lips, fresh as the shell for the road, and then, my beloved harp and shell,
unstained rose, are pressed close to the lips of her love. I farewell.
 IG MIANX A BHAIUD AOSDA.
Tog do
"S^
sgiath
StT-
gu h-àrd thar chuan, Slàn le comunn caomh na
^— h-òige,
Glao do luathas liliu ncart na gaoith, A's oigheannan liòidheach, slàu leibh,
S cibhinn ami um cbluais am fuaim, Cha leir dhouib sibh, dhuibhse tha samhradh,
O'd chridhe leòint' — an t-òraii gaoil. Ach dbomsa geamhradh a chaoidb,

Co an tir on gluais a' gliaoth, O ! cuir mo chluas ri fuaim Eas-mòr

'I'ha giulan glaoidh do bliroin on chreig ? Le chrùnan a' tearnadh on chreig.
Oigeir a chaidh uain a thriall, Bi'dh cruit agus slige ri'm thaobh,
'Sa dhfhàg mo chiabh ghlas gu'n taic, 'S an ggiath a dhian mo shinnsir sa' cbath.

B'eil deòir do ruisg O ! thusa ribbinn,

^ ,
Thig le cairdeas thar a chuain,
M
Is mine raais' 's a's gile làmh? Osag mhin a ghluais gu mall,
Solas gu'n chrioch don ghruaidh mhaoith, Tog mo cheò air sgiath do luathais,
A chaoidb nach gluais on leabaidli chaoil. 'S imich grad gu eilean fhlaitheis.

3 5-
Innsibh, o threig mo sliuil, a ghaotb', lar'm beil na laoich a dh-fhulbh o shean,
C àit' am beil a chuil' a fàs, An cadal trom gun dol le ceòl,
Le glaodhan bròin 's na brie r'a taobh, Fosglaibh-sa thalla Oisein a's Dhaoil,
Le sgiath gun deò a cumail blàir. Thig an oidhche 's cha bhi'ni hard air bbrath.

Togaibh mi— càraibh * ».

Ach o m an . .

tig
3 6man
seal mo
le'r laimh threin, l trial 1 cheò,
'S cuiril)b mo cheann bharrach ùr,
fo Gu man hard, air àr-bheinn as nach pill.
teach
'N uair dh'eireas a' ghrian gu h-ard, Fair cruit 's mo shlige dh-iunnsaidh 'n ròid,
Biodb a sgiath uain' os-ceanu mo sbùl. An sin mo chruit, 'smo shlige ghraidh, slan leibh.
;

Z.6 Note.—Thisis a curious and valuable relic nf antiquity.

It affords internal evidence that the doctrines of Clirn.
An sin thig thu O! aisling ohiùin, tianity were either wholly unknown to the poet, or had
no
Tha 'g astar dlu measg reull na h-òidhch', place in his creed. The Elysium of bards upon Ardven,
Biodb grioimb m' oidhebe ami ad cbeòl 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
Toirt aimsir mo mhùirn gu'm cbuimhn'. 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
O ! m'anam faic an ribbinn òg, the times of Ossian, is evident from the change which the
Fo sgèith an daraicb, righ nam flath, manners of the Caledonians had in the interim undergone;
for in the poems of that bard there is scarcely an allusion
'S a larnh shneachd '
measg ;i eiabhan òir, to the pastoral state. At any rate, the art of taming and
'Sa meall-shuil ebiùin air òg a gràidb. breeding cattle was certainly not practised bv the Fingal-
ians. Hunting and war seem to have been their sole
occu-
pations. Our aged bard, however, lived in the pastoral
E-san a' seinn ri taobh 's i balbh, state of society; a state which many poets have made the
Le cridhe leum, a snàmh' na cheòl,
's subject of that species of poetry denominated pastoral.

An gaol bho sbuil

Our bard exhibits tender senses, and describes hapnj
gu suil a falbh, situations. He paints the beauties of nature with the hand
Cuir stad air fcidh nan sleibhtean mòr. 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 :
Nis threig am fuaim, 's tha cliabh geal mln, and true taste will recognise his composition as thegenuine
Ri uchd 's ri cridhe gaoil a' f.is, offspring of nature —
as real poetry.
'S a bilibh ùr mar The poet has enumerated those rural occupations which
gun smal,
ròs
afforded him delight in the rigoui of life, lie lias arranged
Ma bheoJ a gaoil gu dlu an sàs. and drawn forth to view rural objects, attended by such
circumstances as had made the most pleasurable and last,
"bo ing impression upon his own mind; and he seems, at the
Solas gun chrioch do'n chomunn chaomh, same time, to have been highly sensible of the beauties of
A dhùiag dhomh m' aobhneaa àit nach pill,
nature, and capable of producing those strokes of fancy
which evince poetic merit.
A's beannachd do t-anams' a rùin,
This poem shows that men leading a pastoral life are
A nigheaii chiiiin nan eiiaeh-chiabh grinn. 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
'N do threig thu mi aisling nam buadh ? had not perhaps been heard of by the Caledonians and ;

Pill fathast — aon cheum beag — pill !

that they were of opinion that the soul was an airy substance
Capable of existing in a state of separation from the body,
Cha ehlainn iibh mi Ooholn ! 's mi truagh. and of enjoying, in the region of the clouds, those agree,
A bheamiaibb mo ghraidh — shin hilili. able occupations which had given it pleasure upon earth.
C~uyL

3 /C^^fo z>.sS* ^
^^^W^ 2-5 ^£ ^

a^^p--LjL^jt-

m
1/
o™,
'I i-i^-t^^^ir ^--y , *^,^ ^ ^^

cL^€^x^<n^

^
Vj^c^^M^- Tie, Sr -'ty
^Wr G^ tA^. *b~d- l^
'/ ^— t^u ul^ 'H-te^
6****ju ,u~e*«4-
30f~" ^c^^L^y^^^

e^U2 a^-^-v^ fj rt^a^wr*] OCer^t, >u/^- /«^^ ****

{/o^yvA^, %^ //-/57/
&Luji. S~*z*~+ <//—£ <** ^^ *-fr~" ^ j

/\/£* /l-£ B **^^ ^itr^>> O^ , ^^^ (^T^tjJZtr^^^c^

 17
A' CHOMHACHAG.

A' CHOMHACHAG.*
Bu lionmhor'cogadh a's creachadh,
A Chomhachag bhochd na Sròine,
Bha'u an Lochabar 'san uair sin
A nochd is brònach do leabaidh,
C'aite 'rn biodh tusa ga t-fhalach,
Ma bha thu ann ri linn Donnaghaiil,
Eoin bhig na mala gruamaich.
Chan ioghnadh ge trom leat t-aigneadh.
" 'S ann a bha cuid mhor de m' slimnsir,
" 'S co'-aoise mise do'n daraig,
faillean aim sa' choinntich,
Eadar an Innse a's an Fhearsaid,
Bha na
'S iomadh linn a chuir mi romham, Bha cuid eile dhiu' ma'n Diaghthaigh ;

mi comhachag bhochd na Sròine. Bhiodh iad ag eigheach 'sa'n fheasgar.

'S gur
trWL /|

Kise bho na thà thu aosda,

'N uair a chith innse dol seachad,
Na creacb.au agus am fuathas,
Dean-sa t-t'haosaid lis an t-shagart,
Bheirinn car beag far an rathaid,
Agus innis dhà gun èuradh,
'S bhithinn grathunu sa' Chreig-ghuanaich."
Gach aon sgeula ga'm beil agad.

" Cha d' rinn mise braid' no breugan, Creag mo chridhe-s' a Chreag ghuanach,

Cladh na tearmann a bhristeadh Chreag an dh-fhuair mi greis de m' àrach.

Creag nan aighean 's nan damh siùbhlach,
Air m' fhear tein cha d' roinn mi iomluas,
Gur cailleach bhochd iouraig mise. A chreag ùrail, aighearaeh, ianach.

Chunnacas mac a Bhritheimh chalma, Chreag ma'n iathadh an fhaoghait,

Bu mhiann learn a bhi ga taghal,
Agus Feargus mor an gaisgeach,
As Torradan liath na Sròine, 'N uair bu bhinn guth gallain gaodhair,
A' cur graidh gu gabhail chumhainn.
Sin na laoich bha domhail, taiceil."

thu seanachas, 'S binn na h-iolairean ma bruachan,

Bbo 'na thòisich ri
'S binn a cuachan, 's binn a h-eala,
A's èigin do leanmhuinn ni's faide,
A's biune na sin am blaoghan,
Gu 'n robh 'n triuir bha sin air foghnadh. ballach.
Ni an laoghan meana-bhreac,
Ma 'n robh Donnaghall ann san Fhearsaid.
7 trWL I f
" Chunnaic mi Alasdair Carrach, A's binn learn toraman na'n dòs,
Ri uilinn nan corra-bheann cas,
An duin' is allaile bha 'n Albainn,
'S an eilid bhiorach is caol cos,
'S minig a bha mi ga èisteachd,
Ni fois to dhuilleich ri teas.
'S e aig reiteach nan torn sealga.
li
Chunnaic mi Aonghas na dheigh, Gun de cheil aic' ach an damh,
'S e 's muime dh'i feur a's cneamh,
Cha b' e sin raghainn bu tàire,
Mathair an laoigh mheana-bhric mhir,
'S ann 's an Fhearsaid a bha thuinidh,
Bean an t'hir mhall-rosgaich ghlain.
'S rinn e muiilean air Allt-Larach,"

and decrepit with age, his " crooked rib" seems to take
* This poem is attributed to Donald Macdnnald
better
than respect
a pleasure in tormenting them. Fear, rather
known by the cognomen of Dbmhnull mac Fhiullaidh nan
Dàn—ì celebrated hunter and poet. Ke was a native of might possibly protect Donald himself, but she neither
feared nor respected the poor dog. On the contrary, she
Lochaber and flourished before the invention of fire-arms. maltreating him.
According to tradition, he was the most expert archer of
his took every opportunity of beating and
" was aye in the
At the time in which he lived, wolves were very In fact, " like the goodman's mother," he
day.
way." Their ingenious tormentor one day found an old
troublesome, especially in Lochaber, but Donald is
said to
and feeble owl, which she seems to have thought would
have killed so many of them, that previous to his death, his dog; and
make a tit comi.aniou for the old man and
there was only one left alive in Scotland, which was
shortly
is in the form ot
woman. He composed accordingly brought it home. The poem
after killed in Strathglass by a owl. It is very un.
chase and a dialogue between Donald and the
these verses when old, and unable to follow the ;

^sop, yet he contrives to

one of his compositions which has been likely that he had ever heard of
it is the only
make an owl speak, and that to good purpose. On
the
handed down to us.
and perhaps has no
it is an ingenious performance
The occasion of the poem was this He had married a
: whole
made to his
kind in the language. Allusion is
young woman in his old age, who as might have been rival of its

expected, proved a very unmeet helpmate. When he

and " half marrow," in the 57th stanza.

Ins dog were both worn

down with the toils of the chase,

?/; 'A<_/ £f H^ 9v\c\l Ht'c, 9i ^CClyK.lL^CU-o/i^-

f
£p.?Z-L{ 7i^^i,c (P/~vsv^u\
•/57/
 iS
SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

'S siùbhlach a dh'-l'halbhas e raon,

Cha do chuir fai duil san iasgach,
Cadal oba dean e sa'n Sroùir,
Bhi ga iarraidh leis a mbadhar,
B' ffaearr It-is na plaide fo' thaobh,
'S mor gu'm b' annsa learn am
Bàrr an fiadbacb,
fbraoicfa bhadanaich ùir. 'S bhi air falbh nan sliabh aa-t-fhagbar.

Gur alumn sgeamh an daimh dhuinn,

'S eibhinn an obair an t-shealg,
'Thearnaa o shireadh nam beano,
S àit a cuairt an aird gu beachd,
Mac na h-eilde lis an t-shonn, Gur binne a h-aighear 's a fonn
Nach do chrom le spid a cheann. Na long a's i dol tb bheairt.

Eilid bhinneach, mheargant, bliallacb,

3|
Fad 'sa bhithinn beò no maireann,
Odhar, eangach, uchd reidh àrd,
Deò dhe 'n anain an am chorp,
Damh togalach, croic-cheannaeh, sgiamhaih,
Dh-fhanainn am fochar an fhcidh.
Crònanach, ceann-riabhar.h, deartr. Sin an spreidh an robh mo thoirt.
Lo
Gnr gasd' a ruitheadfa tu suas,
3*-
an cualas ceòl bu bhinne,
C'àit'
Ri leachduiiin chruaidh a's i cas,
Na mothar gadhair mhoir a' teachd,
Moladh gach aon neacfa an cù,
Daimh sheannga na' ruith le gleann,
Ach molams' 'n trùp tha dol as.
Miol-choin a dol annt a's asf.
Xi
Creag mo chride-sa chreag mhor,
S truagh an diugh nach beò an fheoghainn,
'S ionmhuinn an Ion tha fo ceaim, Gun ami ach an ceò de'n bhuidheann,
'S aims' an lag a tb' air a cul,
Leis 'm bu mhiannach gloir nan gadhar,
Na machair a's mùr nati gall.
Gun mheoghail, gun òl, gun bhruidhiun.

M' a^nsachd beinn sheasgaich nam 3*

fuaran, Bratach Alasdair nan Gleann,
An riasgach o'n dean an damh rànan, A sròl fathrumach ri crann,
Chulreadb gadhar is glan nuallan,
Suaicheantas shoilleir shiol Chuinn,
Feidh na'n roaig gu Inbhir-Mheorain.
Nach do chuir suim an claim ghall
2<
,
>
B' annsa' learn na riùrdan bodaich,
'S ann an Cinn-Ghiubhsaich na laidhe,
Os ccann leic ri eararudh all,
Tha nàmhaid na graidhe deirge,
B-ùirean an daimh 'in bi ghnè dhuinnead, Lamb dheas a mharbhadh a bhradain,
Air leacann beinne 's e ri sin.
Bu mhath e 'n sabaid na feirge.
'N uair bbùras damh Beinne-bige, u
Dh-fhag mi san Ruaidhe so sbios,
'S a bhèucas damh Beinn-na-craige, Am fear a b' ole dhoms' a bhàs,
Freagraidh na daimh ud da cheile;
'S trie a chuir e thagradh an cruathas,
'

'S thig feidh a' Coirre-na-snaige.

Ann cluais an daimh chabraich an sag

Bha mi o'n rugadh mi riabh, V

Raonull Mac-Dhomhnuill ghlais,
Ann an caidridh I'hiadh a's earb',
Fear a fbuair fòghlum gu deas,
Ch'an fhaca mi (lath air bian,
Deagh Mhac-Dhomhnuill a chuil chais,
Ach bufdbe, riabhach. a's dearir.
Ni'm beò neach a chòmhraig leis.
Cha mhi-fhin a sgaoil an comunn, 3V
Alasdair cridhe nan gleann,
A bha eadar mi 'sa Chrcag-ghuanach,
Gun e bhi ann mor
a' ch reach,
Ach an aois ga'r toirt o chèile,
'S trie a leag thu air an torn,
Gnr grathunn an fhc'-il* a fhuaras.
Sliochd nan soim leis a chu ghlas.

S i creag mo
chridhe-s' a Chreag-ghunnach,
'?
Alasdair mac Ailein mhòir,
A chreag dhuilleach, bhiolaireach, bhraonach,
'S trie a mharbh sa' bheinn na feidh,
Na 'n tulach àrd, àluinn, fiarach,
'S a leanadh fad air an tòir,
Gur cian a ghabh i o'n mhaorach. Mo dhoigh gur Domhnullach trcun.
Vr 4©
( ha mhlnig a bha mi 'g cisdcachd, A's Domhnullach thu gun mhearachd,
Re aeideadh na muice-mara,
Gur tu buinne geal na cruaghach,
Ach 's trie a cbuala mi mòran, Gur càìrdeacfa thu do Chlann-Chatain,
l)e chrdnanaich an daimh allaidh. S gur he dalt thu do'n Chreig-ghuanaich.
 A' CHOMHACHAG. 10

Ma dh-fhàgadh Domhnull a muigh, 'S buan an

J5
comunn gun bhristeadh,
Na aonar a' taigh na' fleagh, Bha eadar inise 's an t-uisge ;

S gearr a bhios gucag air bhuil, Sugli nam mor bheann gun inhisgc,
Luclid a chruidh bi'dh iad a staigh. 'S mise ga òl gun trasgadh.
^^
Mi'm shuidh air sìth-bhruth nam beanr 'S ann a bha n communn
ìa 'n cor bristcach,
A coimhead air ceann Locha-Trèig, Eadar mise 's a Chreag-sheilich,
Creag ghuanach am biodh an t-shealg, Mise gu bràth cha dil'icb,
Giianan ard am biodh na fèidh. Ise gu dilinn cha tcirinn.

Chi mi na Dù-lochain bliuam, On labhair mi umaibh gu lèir,

Chi mi Chruach, a's Beinne-bhreac, Gabhaidh mi fhèin dibfa mo chead,
Chi mi Srath-Oisein nam Fiann, Dearmad cha dean mi s an àm,
Chi mi ghrian air Meall-nan-leac. Air riadhach gbleann nam beann beag.

*7 ri
Chi mi Beinn-Neamhais gu h-àrd, Cead is truaighe ghabhadh riabh,
Agus an càrn-dearg ri bun, Do 'n fhiadhaich bu mhòr mo thoil,
A's coire beag eiie ri taobh, Cha 'n bogha fo m' sgèith,
fhalbh le

Chit' as monadh faoin a's muir. 'S gu là-bhràth cha leig mi coin.

hi' r;
Gur rìmheach an coire dearg, Tha biaidh mo bhogha 'n am uchd,
Far 'm bu mhiannach leinn bhi sealg, Le agh maol, odhar is àit,
Coirre nan tulaichean fraoich, Ise ceanalt 's mise gruamach,
Innis nan laogh 's nan damh garbh. 'S cruaigh an diugh nach buan an t-s'ilat.

Chi mi braidh Bhtdi-an-nan-dos, Mis' a's tusa ghiidhair bhàin, ^VLiWij»W«H-<

'N taobh so bhos do Sgnrra-lìdh, 'S tùrsach air turas do 'n eilean,
Sgurra-chòinntich nan damh seang— Chaill sinn an tathunn a's an dàn,
Ionmhuinn learn an diugh na chì. Ge d' bha sinn grathunn ri ceanal.

Chi mi Srath farsuinn a chruidh, Thug a choille dhiot-s' an earb',

Far an labhar guth nan sònn, 'S thug an t-ard dbiom-sa na foidh,
A's Coire creagach a mhaim, Cha n eil nàire dhuinn a laoich,
A' minig a thug mo làmh toll. O'n laidh an aois oirnn le cheil'.

6»
Chi mi Garbn-bheinn nan damh donn, 'Nuair a bha mi air an da chois,
S/i,,(y«*K
Agus Slat-bheinn nan torn sith, 'S moch a shiubblain bhos a's thall,
Mar sin agus an Leitir dhulih, Ach a nis on fhuair mi tri,
'S an trie a rinn mi fuil na' frith. Cha ghluais mi ach gu min, mall.

Soraidh gu Beinn-allta bhuam, Aois cha n'eil thu dhunn meachair

O'n 's ì fhuair urram nam beann, Ge nach feudal* leinn do shpachnadh,
Gu slios Loch- Earrachd an fheidh, Cromaidh tu 'n duine direach,
Gu'm b'ionmhuinn leam fèin bhi ann. A dh' fhàs gu mileanta gàsda.

Thoir soraidh uam thun an Loch', Giorraichidh tu air a shaoghal,

Far am t'aicte 'bhos a's tliall, Agus caochlaidhidh tu chasan, '

Gu uisgt Leamhna nan lach, Fagaidh tu cheann gun deudach,

Muime nan laogh breac 's nam meann. 'S ni thu eudann a chasadh.
57
'S e loch mo chridhse an loch, A Shinead chas-aodannach, pheallach,
An loch, air am biodh an lach. A sbream-shuileach, odhar, eitidh,
Agus iomadli eala bhàn, Cia ma 'n leiginn leat a lobhair ?

'S bh'idh iad a snàmh air ma seach, Mo bhogha toirt dhiom air eiginn.

Olaidh mi a' Treig mo theann-shàth, O'n 's mi-fhin a b' fhearr an airidh,
Na dheidh cha bhi mi fo mhulad, Air mo bhogha ro-math iubhair,
Uisge glan nam fuaran fallan, No thusa aois bhothar, sgallach,
O'n seang am fiadh a ni 'n langan. Bhios aig an teallach ad shuidhe.
 ;

20 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Labhair an aois a nthist Cha leiginn mo bhogba leatsa,

" 'Smo 's raighinn tba tlm leantali Do mhathas no d' ar, eigin.

Ris a bbogha sin a ghiùlan,

'S gur mòr bu cbuibhe dhal bàta." " S iomadh laoch a b' fhearr no thusa,
'

Db-fbàg misc gu tuisleach anfhann,

Gabh thusa bhuainsa 'in bàta, 'N dcis fbaobhacbadb as a Bheaaamh,
Aois grànda chairtidh na plèidu, Bba riomhe na fhleasgach meamnacb."

24^ à\u

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIR RUAIDH.

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, '
Siol Tòrmoid nan sgiath foirmealach fial,
M" iuil air a mhòr luachach sin, Dh' eireadh do shluagh luath-lamhach ;

Bu choir dhomh gum bi m' eòlas san tir Deàlradh nam pios, tòrman nam piob,
Leòdach, mar pill cruadal mi, 'S dearbh gu'm bu leibh 'n dualachas ;
Siubhlaidh mi 'n iarr, tro dhùlaclid nan sian, Thainig teachdair do'n tir gu macanta mln,
Do'n tùr g'am bi triall thuath.cheathairn -.
'S ait leam gach ni chualas learn,
On chualas an sgeul buadhach gun bhreug, O Dhun.bheagan nan steud 's am freagair luchd-theud,
Kinn acain mo chleibh fhuadachadh. Bheir greis air gach sgeul buaidh-ghloireach.

Chi mi Mac-Leòid 's priseil an t-òg, '

'N'uair chuireadh na laoich loingheas air chaol,
Rìmheach gu mòr buadhalach, Turas ri gaoith ghluaiste leibh,
Bho Ollaghairnan lann chuireadh sròlaibh ri crat O bharraibh nan crann gu tarruinn nam ball,
'S Leòdaich an dream uamharra. Teannachadh teann suas rithe,
Eiridh na fuinn ghleusd air na suinn, Iomairt gu leoir mar ri Mac-Leoid,
'S feumail ri am cruadail iad, Charaich fo shròl uain-dhait' i,
'Na fiuranaibh gharg an am rusgadh nan arm, Bho àrois an fhion gu talla nam pics,
'S cliutach an t-ainm fhuaras leibh. 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.
 MA1RI NIGHEAN ALASDAIIt RUAIDH. 25

Creaeh nid an t-seobhaic, Gu'n eireadh na t-aobhar

Air a sgatha ri aon uair. Claiin-Raonuill, 's Claim- Dòinhnuill,
Agus taigh Mhic 'Illeain,
Ach a Chlann an fhir allail, Bha daingheann 'n-ur seòrsa,
Bu neo mhalartaich' beusan, Agus fir Ghlinne-Garaidh,
Ann an Lunnuinn, 's am Paris, Nail tharais a Cnò'deart,
Thug sibh barr air na ceudan, Mar sud, a's Clann Chama-Shroin,
Chaidli n-ur cliù tharais O champ Inbhir-Lòchaidh.
Thar talamh na h-Eiphit,
Cheann uidhe luchd ealaidh, 'S beag an t-ionghnadh Clann-Choinnich,
'S a leannan na feileachd, Dheanadh eiridh ri d' ghuailean,
'S gu'n robh thu na'm fineachd,
Ach a fhriamhaich nan curaidh, Air t-fhilleadh tri uairean,
'S a chuilein nan leoghan, 'S emo chreach gu'n do Chinneadh
A's ogha an dà sheanar, Bhi ma chruinneachadh t-uaghach,
Bu chaithreamaich' loistean ;
No glaoilh do mhna muinntir
C'àit' an robh e ri fhaotuinn 'S nach cluinutear, 's an uairs' i.

Air an taobhs' an lloinn- liorpa,

Cha b" fhurrasd ri fhaighinn Tha mo an oighre,
cheist air

Anns gach rathad, bu dòigh dhuibh. Th'a stoidhle 's na h-Earadh,

Ged nach deach' thu san tuam' ud,
Ach a Ituairidh mhic Iain, Far bo dual dut o d' sheanair.
'S goirt leam fhaighinn an sgeul-s' ort,
Gur iomadh fuil uaibhreach,
'S e mo chreach-sa mac t-athar,
A dh-fhuairich ad bhallaibh,
Bhi na laidhe gun eiridh,
De shloinncadh nan righrean,
Agus Tòrmod a mhac-sa, Leis na chiosaicheadh Mauainn.
A thasgaidh mo chcille !

'S e mo ghaols' an sliochd foirmeil,

Gur e aobhar mo ghearain,
Bh'air sliochd Ollaghair, a's Ochraidh,
Gu'n chailleadh le chèil' iad.
O bhaile na Boirbhe,

Nach mòr an 'Sann a stoidhleadh thu'u tòiseach ;

sgeul sgriobhaidh,
S nach ionghnadh leibh fcin Gur ioma fuil mhorgha,
e,

Duilleach na craoibhe, Bha reota sa chorp ud,

Nach do sgaoileadh am meanglan,
De shliochd armunn Chinntire,
An robh cliu, agus onair,
Iarl' IP, agus Rois thu.
Agus moladh air deagh-bheairt,
Mhic Iain Stiubhairt* na h-Apunn,
Gu daonachdach, cartliannach,
Ged a's gasd' an duin' òg thu,
Beannachdach, ceutach.
Ged tha Stiubhartaich beachdail,
lad tapaidh 'n àm foirneart,
Ge goirt leam an naidheachd,
Na ghabhsa meanmadh, no aiteas,
Tha mi faighinn air Ituairidh,
A's an staid ud, nach còir dhut,
Gun do chorp a bhi 'san Dùthaich,
Cha toir thu dhaindeoin,
i
Anns an tuama bu dual dut ;
'S cha'n fhaigh thu le deòin i.
Sgeul eile nach fusadh,
Tha mi claistinn san uair so,
C'uim' an tigeadh fear coigreach
Ged nach toir mi dha creideas,
A thagradh ur'n Oighreachd ;
Gur beag orm ri luaidh e.
Ged nach eil e ro dhearbhta,
Gur searbh e ri eisdeachd,
Gur ro bheag a shaoil mi,
Ged tha sinn' air ar creachadh
Rimo shaoghal gu'n eisdinn, Mu chloinn mhae an fhir fheilidh,
Gun cluinneamaid Leòdaich, Sliochd Ituairidh mhoir allail,
Bhi ga'm fogradh o'n òighreachd,
'S gur airidh iad fein oir.
'S a'n còraichean glana,
'S a'm fearann gun dcigh air * Stewart of Appin was mlrried to a daughter of Mac-
Leod of Dunvegan, which made the Mac-Leods afraid
'S ar ranntanan farsuinn,
that he should claim a right to the estate, on account of
Na'n rach-te 'n am feum jud. MacLeod having left no male heir.
26 SAR-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Cbuir mi'n ciste nan teud,
MARBH-RANN Dhiult an gobha dhotnfa glcus,
DO DH-FUBAB NA COMBAICH.
Dhiult Mid mi 's gach leighe
Th;i mise air lenghadh le brim, 'S chaidh m'ouair, 's mo righ dh'eug thu.
O'n là dh-eng tbu 's nach beò,
Mu in' fhiuran faighidneach, còir, Thuit a chraobh thun a bhlàir,
Uasal, aighearach, òg, Uois an graine gu làr,
'S uaisle shuidhe mu bhùrd, Lot thu n cinneadh a's chràdh,
Mo cbreach t-fhaiginn gu'n treòir eiridh. Air an robh thu mar bharr,
Ga'n dionadh gach là,
'S tu'n laoch gun laigse, gun leòn, 'S mo chreach ! bhuinig am has treun ort.
Mac an min-geal gun sgleò,
B' fhearail, Rnealt an t-òg, 'N am suidbe na d' sheomar,
De sbliochd nam lear mòr, Chaidh do bhuiilhean an urdiigh,
D'a bu dual a bhi còir, Cha b'ann mu aighear do phòsaidb,
'S gu'm b'lhiu faiteal do bheoil eisdeachd. Le nighean larla Chlann- Dòmhnuill,
As do dheigh mar bu choir dh'i,
'S tu chlann na h-ireinn a b'fhearr,
'Sann chaidh do thasgaidh sari t-sròl ghle-gheal.
Glau an riamh as an d'fhàs,
Cairdeas righ as gach ball, Ach gur mis' tha bochd truagh,
Bha sud sgriobt' leat am bainn, Fiamh a ghuil air mo ghruaidh,
Fo laimh duine gun inheang, 'S goirt an gradan a fhuair,
Ach thu liou-te de dh-ardan euchdach. Marcach deas nan each luath,
Sàr Cheannard air sluagh,
A ruairidh aigeantalcb aird,
O Chomraich ghreadhnaich an àidh,
Mo chreach, t-fhagail ri uair m'fheime.

Mliic an f'hir bu inhor gàir,

Ach fhuair mi m'àilleagan òg,
Nan l.uin guineach, cruaidh, garg,
Mar nach b'abhaist gun cheòl,
Ort cba d'fhuaradh riamh cearb,
Saoir ri caradh do bliòrd,
lar-ogha Uilleam nan long breid-gheal.
Mnai ri spionadh an Iheòir,
Fhuair mi in' àilleagan ùr, Fir gun tàilisg, gun cheòl,

'S e gun smal air gun smùr, Gur bochd t'ulang mo sgeòil eisdeachd.

Bu bhreac mill dearg do gbnuis,

'Nuair a thionail an sluagh,
Bu ghorm laoghach do shuil,
'S aim bha'n tioma-sgaradh cruaidh,
Bu ghlan sliasaid, a's glun,
Mar ghàir sheilleau am bruaich,
Bu deas, daingbean, a lub gbleust thu.
An deigh na meala thoirt oath,
A lub abhoil nam buadh, 'S aim bha'n t-eireadh bochd truagh,
'S mairg a tharladh ort uair, ma cheannas an t-sluaigh threubhaicb.
'S iad

Mu ghlaic Fbionnlaidh so shuas,

Air each crodhanta luath,
Namhaid romhad na ruaig,
Air dhaibh buille cba b'uair cis e.
MARBIIRANN DO DO' IAIN GAKBH
MAC'II.LKCHAI.I'M It AltSAIDH.*
Ach fhir a's curranta lamh,
Mo bheud, 's mo chridh,
Thug gach duine gu cràdh,
Mar dh'-eirich dha
'S truagb naob d'fbuiriub thu slan,
'N fhear ghleusda, ghraidh,
Hi uair cumaisg no blair,
Hlia treun sail Bpàirn,
A thoirt cis dheth do nàmh,
'S nach faicear gu luàth thu' n Rnrsa.
Bu leat urram an la cheudaich.

Bu tu'n Bgolleir gun dtobradh, Bu tu 'm fear curanta, mor,

giinne
Bu mhath cumadh, a's treòir,
Meoir a's ui sgrioliliailli,
() t' uilcan gu d' dhòrii,
lasal faighidneach, cinnteach,
Bu an taigli sgriohhaidh,
d' mhullach gu d' bhròig,
leat lagli
nach muchadh an
Mhlc Muire mo leon,
'S tu fhirinii,
Sgeul mo chreiche ! so shil do cbreuehdan.
Thu bhi 'n inuis nan run,
'S nach faighear thu.
Stad air m'aighcar an dè I
» Thlt celebrated hero was drowned while on a voyage
Dh'fhalbh mo mhaicanta Itin, ;
between Stornoway and Haass.
 ; : ;

MAIRI NIGHEAN ALASDAIlt RUAIDH. 27

'S math lùbadh tu pic

O chul-thaobh do chinn, CHUMHA MHIC-LEOID.
'Nam rusgadh a ghill,
Le ionnsaidh nach pill, Cha surd cadail,

'S air mo laimh gu'm bucinnteach saighead uat. An runs air m'aigneadh,
Mo shuil I'rasach,
Gun sùrd macnais,
Bu tu sealgair a gheoidh,
Lamh gun dearmad, gun leon,
'S a' chùirt a chleachd mi : —
Sgeul ur ait ri eisdeachd.
Air 'm bu shuaracii an t-òr
Thoil't a bhuanaclid a cheòil,
'S trom an cùdthrom so dhrù'ulh,
'S gu'n d't'huair thu na 's leoir,

'S na chaitlieadh tu.

Dh-t'hag mo chuslein gun lugh,
'S trie snigh' mo shuil,
A tuiteam gu dlù
Bu tu sealgair an fheidh,
;

Chail mi iuchair mo chuil

Leis an deargta na bein ;
Ann a cuideachd luchd.-ciu.il,
Bhiodh coin earbsach air èill
Cha teid mi.
Aig an Albanach threun ;

C'ait' am faca mi f'ein

Mo neart, 's mo threoir,
Aon duine to 'n ghrein,
Fo thasgaidh bhòrd,
A dheanadh riut euchd nathasach.
Sàr mhac 'Jc-Leòid,
Nan bratach sròil,
Spealp nach dibreadh,
Bu phailt' man òr,
An cath, nan stri thu,
Bu bhinn-caismeachd sgeoil
Casan direach, fad' finealt,
Aig luehd-astair
Mo chreach dhiobhail
A's ceòil na h-Eireann.
Chaidh thu dhith oirn, le neart sine,
Lamh nach dibreadh caitheadh orr'.
Co neach ga'n eòl,
Fear t-t'hasain beò,
'S e dh-t'hag silteach mo shuil,
Am blasdachd beoil,
Faicinn t' t'hearainn gun surd,
'Sam maise neoil,
'S do bhaile gun smùid
An gaisgeglois,
Fo charraig nan sùgh,
An ceart san còir ;
Dheagh mhic Chalum nan tùr a Itarsa.
Gun airceas na sgleò fèile.

Och m' fheudail bhuam,

!
Dh-fhalbh mo solas,
Gun sgeul sa' chuan, Marbh mo Leodach,
Bu ghlè mhath snuadh, Calama, cròdha,
Hi grein, 's ri i'uachd,
Meànamnach rò-ghlic,
'S e chlaoidh do shluagh,
Dhearbh mo sgeoil-sa,
Nach d' fheud thu 'n uair a ghabhail orr'.
Seanachas eolais
Gun chearb foghluim,
Mo bhèud, 's mo bhròn, Dealbhach rò-ghlan t-eagaisg.
Mar dh' eirich dbò
Muir beucach, inor,
An treas la de'n Mhàirt,
Ag leum mu d' bhòrd, Dh' fiialbh m'aighear gu bràth,
Thu fein, 's do sheòid Bi sùd saighead mo chraidh,
'Nuair reub 'ur seòil,
Bhi 'g amharc do bhàis,
Nach d't'liaod sibh treòir
A ghuuis t'hlathasach àilt ;
A chaitheadh orr. A dheagh mhic rathail,
An àrmuinn euchdaich.
'Sean sgeul' crai teach
Do'n mhnaoi a d'fhag thu, Mac Ruairidh reachd-mhoir,
'S do t-aon bhrathair, Uaibhreich, bheachdail,
A shuidh na t'aite, Bu bhuaidh leatsa,
Diluain Caisge, Dualchas t'arsuinn,
Chaidh tonn bait ort, Snuadh-ghlaine peavsa ;
Craobh a b' aird' de 'n abhal thu. Cruadail 's smaclid gun eucoir.
28 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

'Uaill a's aiteis,

MAI III NIGHEAN
30 SAli-OBAlR NAM 13 A LID GAEL AC II.

Bunghach am mac,
AN CRONAN. Uasal an t-slat,

Dha'n dual a bhi ceart,

An naigheachd so 'n dè
Cruadalach [milt,
Aighearach i,
Duais-mhur am beachd
IWoladh do 'n lèigb,
Ruaineach an neart Leddaeh
Thug maileart d'am cheil
Ruaineach an neart, &c.
'Nis teannaidh mi lein ri crònan,
Nis teannaidh &c.
Fiùran a chluain,
Beannaclid do 'n bheul, Duisg san deagh uair,
Dh-aithrla an sgeul '8 ilndhut dol suas,
Cha ghearain mi fein 'N cliù 's aim am buaidh,

Na chailleadb na dh-eug
's 'S dùchas do'm luaidh,
'S mo Ieanabh na dheidh comh-shlan Bhidh gu fiughantach suaire ceol-bhiun
'Smo Ieanabh, &c, Bhidh gu tiughantaeh suaire, &c.

Nam biodh agamsa fion

Gum b'àit learn a dhiol, Fasan bu dual,
Air slainnte do thighinn, Fantalach buan,
Gud chairdean 's gud thir, Socrach ri tuath,
IMhic àrmninn mo ghaoil, Cosgail ri cuairt,

13e m' ardan 's mo phrifl, Cosunta cruaidh,

Alach mo righ thogbhail A'm brosuachadh sluaidh,
Alach mo righ, &c. A mosgladh an uair foirneart.
A mosgladh an uair, &c.
'S fàth mire dliuinn fein,

'S do'n chinneadfa gu leir, Leansa 's na treig,

Do philleadii on eug, Cleachdadh a's beus,
'S milis an sgeul, T-aiteam gu leir,
'S binne no gleus òrgain, Macanta si-imh,
'S binne no glus, &c. Pailt ri luchd tin' ml,
Gaisgeil am feuin,
m' aiteas gu dearbh,
'S e
Neart-mhor an deigh tòircachd
Gu'n glacair grad sbealbh,
Neart-mhor an deigh, &c.
An caisteal nan arm
Leis a mhacan da'n ainm Tòrmod,
Siochd Ollaghair nan lann,
Leis a mhacan, &c.
Thogadh sroiltean ri crami,
Nuaira thoisich iad aim,
Tha modhuils'ann an Dia,
Cha bu lionsgaradh gann,
Guir muirneach do thriall,
Fir a b' fhiriuneach bann,
Gu Dun ud nan cliar, Priseil an dream,
Far bu duthchas do 'm thriath,
Rioghail gun chall còrach.
Bhiodh gu tìughantaeh tiall foirmeil,
Rioghail gun chall, &c.
Bhiodh gu hugheautach tiall, &c.

Gu Dun turaideach àrd, Tog colg ort a ghaol,

Bi ro-chalma 's gu'm faod,
Be sud innis nam bard,
'S nam tilidh ri dàn,
Gur dearbhta dhut laoicb,
Dheth na chinneadfa nach faoin,
Far bu mill nig an tàmh,
Thig ort as gach taobh gad chòuadh,
Cha b'ionad gu'n bhlàs daibh sud,
Thig ort as gach taobh, &c.
Cha b'ionad gu'n bhlathas, &c.

Gu àros nach crion Uasal an treud,

Am bidh gàiaich nam piob Deas, cruadalach, treun,
'S nan elarsach a lis Tha'n dual'chas dhut lein,

Le deariadh nam ploa Tlu'id ma d' ghuaillibh ri t-fheum,

A' cuir taradb am fion De ibliochd Ruairi mhòir fheil,
'S ga leigeadh an gniomh òr-cheaird, (uii- ta suas a Mhic Dhe an t-og Righ,
'S ga leigeadh an gnoomh, &e. Cuir sa suas a, &c.
 MAIItl N1GHEAN ALASDA1K RUAIDH 31

Ths na Gàeil gu leir, Gun a thaigheadeas suas.

Cho cairdeach dhut f'ein, Bha do cheanghal ris buan,
'S gur feaird thu gu t-fheum, T-ursainn-chatha ri uair deuchainn.
Sir Domhnull à Sleibht, T-ursainn-chatha ri uair, &c.
Ceannard nan ceud,
Ceannsgalach treun rò ghlic, B'iomadh gasan gun chealg,
Ceaimsgalach trcun, &e.
Bu deas faicinn fo arm,
Bheireadh ceartachadb garbh,
Is iad a chlaistinn ort f'earg,
'S math mo bhaireil 's mo bheachd,
Air na fiurain as leat, Eadar Bracadal thai] as Brolas.
Eadar Bracadal, &c.
Gu curanntach ceart,
'S aim de bharrachd do neart,
Tha mi 'g acan mo chall,
Mac-'Ic-Aileiu 'a a mhac
Tad a thachairt gun cheann,
Thig le f'arum am feachd,
Fo chasan nan Gall,
Gud charaid a cliasg t-fhoirneart. Gun do phearsa bhi ann,
Gud charaid a chasg t-fhoirneart, &c.
Mo chruaidh-chas nach gann,
Thu bhi amis an Fhraing air fògradh.
A Gleann Garadh a nuas,
Thu bhi, &c.
Tbig am barantas sluaidh,
Nach mealladh ort uair, A Chrosd cinnich thu fein,
Cha bu churantas fuar An spiunnadh 's an cèill,
Na fir sin bbo chluain Chnòideirt. Gu cinneadail treun,
Na fir sin bho chluain, &c. 'N ionad na dh' tug,
A Mhic an fbir nach d' fhuair bcum,
'Sleat Mac-Shimidh on Aird, 'Sa ghineadh o'n chre iò-ghlan.
'S Mac Choinnich Chinntail, 'Sa ghineadh o'n chrè, &c.
Thèid 'nad t-iomairt gun dail,
Le h-iomadaidh gràidh, A High nan gràs,
Cha b'ionghantach dhaibh, Bidh fèin mar gheard,
'S gur lionmhor do phairt dhaibh sin. Air feum mo ghràidh,
'Sgur lionmhor do phairt, &c. Dean oigbne slàn
Do'n Teaghlaich àigh,
'S goirt an naigheachd '6 gur cruaidh, Da'n robh caoimhneas air bharr sòlais,
Mac 'Illean bhi bhuainn, Da'n robh caoimhneas air bharr, inc..
32 SAII-0I3AIU NAM HARD GAELAC1I.

IAIN lom;

JOHN MACDONALP, THE LOCHABER TOET.

as a famous polhtician, was

This celebrated individual, a poet of great merit, as well
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.
Lochaber bard. Of him it might be said,
We know little of the early education of the

"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
His powers and talents soon rendered
him a dis-
manners of those times than ordinary.
and subsequent events made him of importance,
country;
tinguished person in his native

not only there, but likewise in the kingdom.

limits of Lochaber, was the
The first occurrence that made him known beyond the
of the heir of Keppoch: the massacre
active part he took in punishing the murderers
1663. The poet had
was perpetrated by the cousins of the young man, about the year
happened, and had done all he could to
the penetration to have foreseen what had really
from the lawful
prevent He perceived that the minds of the people were alienated
it.
their education dur-
heir in his absence: he and his brother being sent abroad to receive
intrusted to their cousins, who made the best
ing their minority, and their affairs being
establishing themselves by the power and
authority
use thev could of the opportunity in
Although he could not have prevented the fatal deed, he was
thus acquired in the land.
stood single handed in defence of the
right. As he failed in
not a silent witness. He
to a sense of their duty, he
addressed himself to the
his attempt to awaken the people
chieftain Glengarry, who declined interfering with the affairs of
most potent neighbour and
Clann-Ducjhaill ; and there was no other that could
have
a celebrated branch of the great
prospect of success. Thus situated, our poet, firm in his resolution,
aided him with any
In
determined to have the murderers punished.
and bold in the midst of danger, was
his muse, and began to praise
his ire at the reception he met from Glengarry, he invoked

Sir Alexander M'Donald.

of the Highland clans, and of the state
Nothing can give us a better idea of the power
at this period, than this event,
which happened in a family, and among a
of the nation
M'Donald of Keppoch could bring out, on emer-
people, by no means inconsiderable.
as brave and as faithful as
gency, three hundred fighting men of his own people;
have shed the last drop of
ever a chieftain called out or led to battle, that would

..ever had any beard.

* Some »y he was called Iain Lom because ho was bare in the face, and
 !

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,

S
have 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. 35

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 ; 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 Glen-
coe, 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.

IAIN LOM.

MORT NA CEAPACH. Mach o chlainn bbrathair n-athar,

Chaidh 'm bainn an aibhisteir tbrein ;

'S tearc an diugb mo chùia ghàire, Ach mu linn iad blmr lotsa.
Tìgh'n na ràidean so 'mar; 'S trom a rosad dhaibh Fein.
'G ambarc fonn Inbher-làire,
'N deigh a Btràchdadh le siol Tha sibh 'n cadal thaigh duinte,

Tha Cheapacb na fàsach,

Gun smuid doth gun cheò ;

Par 'n <r fhuair sibh 'n garbh dhùsgadh,

Gun aon aird oirre 's finch ;

Tliaobli 'ur chùil a's 'ur beoil

'S leir ri fhaicinn a bhràithrean, ;

Acli na 'in faigbeadh sibh ù'me

Gur trom a bhàrc oirnu an t-sion.
O luchd ur inhi-rùin bhi beo

'S ami oirnne thainig an diombuain, Cha bu bliaile gun surd e,

Biodh air' air mùirii 's air luchd-ccoil.
'Sa 'n iomaghuin gbeur;
JMur tha claidheamh ar finne,
A leithid de mhort cha robh 'n Albuim
Cho minig n' ar deigh ;

Ged bu bhorb iad na 'no beus

Paca Thurcacb gun sireadh,
;

'S bochd an sgeul eadar bhraithr^an,

Bhi a pinneadb ar cleibh ;
E dhol an lathair mhic Dhe ;
Bhi n' ar breacain g' ar tilleadh,
mor
Mur am bàt air an linne,
Measg ar cinne fein.
Ge b'e shireadh na dèigh ;

Cha tain' a leithid do mliilleadh,

'S gearr o chomhairl' na h-aoine,
Air ceann-cinnidh f'o 'n ghrcin.
Dh' fbag a chaoidh sinn f'o sprochd ;

O am na feill-Mìcheil,
Tha mulad air m' inntinn
Ge b'e nith riiin mo lot ;
Bhi 'g innseadh blmr beus
Dli' fliag sud n' ar miol-mhùir sinn
'S ann a ghabii iad am fath oirbh
'S na' r fuigheall spuirt air gacli port
'N uair chuaidh 'ur fagail leibh fein
'Nuair theid gach cinneadh ri cbèile,
'Sa chair sibh cungaidh 'ur cusaibh,
Bidh sinne sg.ioilte mu 'n chuoc.
Ann an Aros na 'n tend ;

'S 'ur buachaillean bàth-chruibh,

'S ann di-sathuirne gearr uainn,
Ann an garadh nam pèur.
Bhuail an t-earrchall orm spot
'S mi caoidh nan corp geala,
ann an sin a bha cinneadh,
'S 'n
Blia call na fala to 'in l.rot ;
Bh' air am milleadh o 'n ceill ;

Bha mo lambansa croabhach, Chaidh a ghlacadh droch spioraid,

'N deigh bhi taosgadh 'ur lot; Ann an ionad fiamfa Dhè ;

Se bhi ga 'r cuir ann an ciste. mu

Sin am fath 'n robh sginean,
Turn as miste mi nochd. Cho lining u ur i

'S a 'neach nach do bhuaileadh,

B' iad mo ghraidh na cuirp chùraidh. Bhi ga bhuain anus a bhrcig.
Anns 'in bu dlù chur na'n sgian ;

\S iad na 'n sineadh air urlar, Ach Chlann-Domhuulll

a Mhoir-fhear
'N seomar ur ga 'n car sins 'S fad do chomhnuidh measg (iliall,
Po chasan shiol Dùghaill Dh' fhag th,i sinne n'ur lueislieh,
Luchd a spuilleadh na 'n cliabh ; Nach do fbreasdaii thu 'n t~am ;

Dh' fhag àlach am liiodag Nach do ^biilb thu na h-itei

I\Iur agàile ruidil 'ur bian. Chaidh gun fh dut air chall
'' '
>

Tha sii corrach as t-aogais,

C aite 'n robh p fo 'n adhar, Mur cholaiun gaoilte gun cheann.
A iheall n'ur bhnthaia gu geur,
Mach tugadh dhuibfa athadh, Gur h-iom' òganacb Bgai teach,
A luchd 'ur labhairt 's 'ur bheua ;
Pub bhachlacb, sgiath chrom ;
 IAIN LOM. 37

Eadar drochaid Allt Eire, Sliochd a ghabbail nan steud thu,

'S Bugha Shleibhte nan tonn ; Dh' t'iias gu fiathasach feile,
A dheanadh leat eiridh Do shioclid gasda Chuinu cheutaich,
Mu 'm biodh do chreuchdail Ian tholl ; 'S a bba taghaich an Eirinn,
'S a rachadli bras aim a t-eirig, Ged a fhuair an claidhe 's an tùug oirbh sgriob.
Dheagh Shir Sheumaia nan long.
Bliiodh an t-iubbar ga lubadh,
Chair Dia oirnn craobfa shio-chaint, Aig do fiileasgaichean ùra,
Bha da 'r dionadh gu leoir ;
Dol a shiubhal nan stùc-bheann,
Da 'in bu choir dbuinn blii striochdadh Ann 'san uighe gun churam,
Fhad 'sa 'n cian bhiodhmaid beò ;
Leis a bhuidheann ro 'n ruisgte na gill.
Mas si rm fhein a cliuir dìth oirr',
B' olc an dioladh sin oirnn ; 'S tha mo dhnil ann 's an Trianaid,
Tuitidh tuagh as na flaitheas, Ged thainig laigsinn air t-fhion thail,
Leis an sgathar na meòir. Slat den cbuillean bha ciatach,
Dh' t'has gu turanch fialaidh,
'N glan fhiuran so bh' againn, Sheasadh duineil air bial-thaobh an righ.
'N taobh so fhlaitheas Mhio Dhe ;

Thainig sgiursadh a bhàis air, 'S an am dhut gluasad o t-aitreamh, '

Chaill sinii thoirt le srachd geur ;

Le agus caismeachd,
d' cheòl cluaìs'

'N t-aon fhiuran a b' àillidh, O thir-uasal nan glas-charn,

Bh' aim 's phairce 'n robh speis ;

Ga'n robh cruadal 's gaisge,
Mur gu 'm buaineadh sibh àilean, Gam bu shuaineas barr gaganach fraoich.
Leis an fhàladair geur.
'Nuarathairte fo luchd i,

Tha lionn-dubli air mo bhualadh, Bhi tarruinn suas air a cupaill,

'N taobh tuathal mo chleibh ;
Bord a fuaraidh 's ruidh chuip air,
'S mu mhaireas e buan aim, Snaiiu air fuathail a lliuch bhuird,
B' fhearr learn nam e mur choud :
'Sruth mu guailibh 's i suchta le gaoith.

Gar an teid mi g'a innseadh,

'S'nuar a chairte fo seòl i,
1'ha mi ciimteaeh a' m' sgeul ;
Le crainn ghasda 's le corcaich,
Luchd dheanadh na sitlme,
Ag iomart chleasan 's ga seoladh,
Blii feadh na tire gun deigh.
I
Aig a eomhlau bu bhoiche,
Seal man togt' oirre ro-sheol o thir.

A BHEAN LEASAICH '

Gu Dun-Tuilm nam fear fallain,

AN STOP DHUI.N-.* Far an greadhnach luchd ealaidh,

A bhean leasaich an stop dhuiun, j

Gabhail failte le caithream,

'S lion an cupa le solas,

As na clarsaichean glana,

Mas a branndai no beoir i, tha mi toileach a h-ol Do mhnaoi aig nan teud banala binn.
'N deochs' air Captain Chlann-Domhnuill,
Sliochd nan cuiridhean talmhaidh,
'S air Sir Alasdair òg thig on chaol.
Leis an do chuireadh cath garabhach,

'M fear nach dùirig a h-òl Fhuair mi urrad gar seannachas,

Gun tuit 'n t-shuil air a bhord as,
Gun robh an turas ad ainmeil,
Tha mo dhùrachd do'n òigear, Gun ro taigh 's leath Alba fo'r cis.
Crann curaidh Chlann-Domhnuill,
'S ioma neach a fhuair coir uaibh,
Righ nan dul bhi gad chònadh fhir chaoimb.
sann àm ud le'r gòraich,
Ann
Greas mu 'n cuairt feagh 'n taigh i,
Ban diu Rothaich 's Ròsaich,
Chum gun gluaisinn le aighear, Mac-Choinnich 's Diùc Gordon,
Le sliochd uaibhreach an athar, Mac-'Illeain o Dreolain 's Mac-Aoidh.

A choisin buaigh leis a chlnidheimh,

Be do shuaicheantas taitneach,
Fior ga ruagadh 's ga 'n caitheamh gu daor.
Long, 's leoghan, 's bradan,
* This snng was composed on account of the laird of Air chuan liobhara an aigeil,
Glengarry refusing his aid in apprehending the Keppoch
murde;er<; and in order to provoke the chief, the poet
A chraobh fhigeis gun ghaiseadh,
began by singing the praises of Sir Alexander M' Donald A chuireadh tion di le pailteas,
of itae, and Sir Jameà his son. Lamh dhearg ro na ghaisgeach nan tin
38 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Nnair bu Bglth de Incbd-thead e, Fail a taosgadh o lotan.

Gheibhte Bioball ga leughadh, Dh-fhaoite tliogail le copan,
Le fior cbreldeamh as rèille, Jluith na caoclian ma bholtaibh am bròg.
Mar a lib' orduich mac Dhè dhuibh, l'uil a taosgadh, &c.
S gheibhte teagasg na Cleir' uaibh le shh.
A Ruailh ropach nam maoda),
Mhic Shir SeumM nam bratach, Ged a ròpadh tu caolain,
bbun Sleiblite nam biadan, Cha n' e do chogadh a shaoil mi theachd orm.
A gblac an fheile 's a mhaise, A rugh ropacli,

O cheann cèile do leapa,

Ocas na binne nach maireann,
Cum do reite air a casan,
Bha 'n sgire Cille-ma-cheallaig,*
Bi gu reusanta, macanta, nùn.
'Nuair a dhit iad an gearran 'sa inbòd.
Sliochd na milidh 's nam fearabh, Cleas a bliinne, &c.
Na sròl 's nam pios 's nan cup geala,
Lagh cho chearr 'sa bha 'm Breatunn,
Tbogadh sioda ri crannaibh,
Riun am mearlach a sheasamh,
Nuair bu riogbal an tarruinn,
Bhi ga thearuadh o leadairt nan cord.
Bliiudh pìob riuiheacb nam meallan da seinn.
Lagli cho, &c.
Gum bu shin 's gum a h-iomlan,
Cleas dan mnaoi a chruiteir,
Gach ni tha mi g-iomradh.
Do theaghlach righ-Fionghall,
Muu ghniomh nàrach rinn musag.
Thug i lamh air a phluiceadh le dòrn.
Oigbre dligbeach Dhun-Tuilm thu
Olar deoch air do chuilm gun bhi sgi.
Cleas dana, &c
A bbean choite gun obadh,
Bu choir a dochair a thogail,
OltAN DO SHIOL DUGHAILL.* Thilg a chinch aims an tobar 's i beo.
A bhean choite, &c.
'S MOM gur eisleanach m' aigne,
's

'N diogh gur feudal- dbomh aideach', 'Nuair bha a bheiad air a buaireadh
O 'n a dh' eigh iad rium cabar 's mi corr. Na cionnta fèin'a i Ian uabhair,
'S ti urn 's gur, &c. Theid an eucoir an uachdar car seoil.

'Nuair bha, &c.

Mi ga m' fhogradh a Clachaig,
'S mi gun mhànus gun aitreabh, Faodar cadal gu seisdeil,
'S nach h-e 'màl a ta fairtleachadh orm. Aig fadal Shir Sheumais,
Mi ga m', &c. Leig an ladarnaa deistneach ud leo.
Faodar, &c.
Mi ga 'm fhogradh a m' dhùthaich,
'S m' fhearann post' aig siol Dughaill, Ach na 'm faicinn do loingpas,
'S iad am barail gu 'n ùraicb iad còir. 'S mi nach bristeadh a choiuneamh,
Mi ga m', &c. Na 'in biodh coiseachd air chomas domh beò.

Ach na 'm, &c.

Mi ga m' fhogradh gun aobhar,
'S nach mi ihalaiob mo sbaobbaidh, Mire shrutha r'a darach,
Mur mbada-galla 'sa chaonnag m'a shroin. Ga cuir an uigheam gu h-aithghcarr,
Mi ga m', &c. Craiunc ghiubhais to sparaibh a seoil.
Mire shrutha, &c.
Mo ni a's m' earuaii feadh monaidh,
'Smi mar ghearr eadar chonabh, * Women were the judges in this case, and a thief who
Gun chead tearoadh measg loinidli no was brought before them lor stealing a horse, was allowed
feoir.
to escape while the horse was condemned to be hanged.
Mo ni a's, &c. The occasion was this —
Some time before the present
:

action was raised, the same culprit had stolen the same
O nach d' fhàl mi 'm fliear morta, horse and was prosecuted but had the good fortune
;

to get off In consequence of its being bis first offence. It

(in bhi mthadh mo ohulrce,
seems, however, the horse had found thethief so much the
Mur bha na cairdean carta 's taigh mhòr. better master that he soon alter " stole himself" away and
O Nach d' l'hàs, &C. 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,
» After the murder of Kcnpoch, the Poet was persecuted they say—" Cha tugadh an CUlcma-cheaUaig breath bu
ty the murderer tliis song was composed on that occasion.
:
chlaoinc."
 ;

IAIN LOM. 3:j

'Nuair a lagadh a ghaoth oirrin, Sldn fo d' thriall, a Cbiarain mhabaich,

Bhiodh seol air pasgadh a h-aodaich, Shiùbbladb sliabh gun bhiadb, gun chadal
'S buidheann ghasda mo ghaoil DÌ cuir bhòd. r'raoch Co d' shin' gun bhòsd, gun bhagradh ;

'Nuair a lagadh, &c. Chuir thu ceò to 'n ròiseal bbradach.

O ro ro sin, fyc.

Raimh mil 'n dunadh na basaibh,

Rinn thu mhoch-eiridh Di-dùmhnaich,
'S iad a lubadh air bhacaibb,
Cha b' arm gu 'a aitreabh a chùmhdach,
Sud a chùrsachd o 'n atadh na leois.
Thoirt a mach nan cas-cheaun dòite,
Raimb, &c.
Chur sradag fo bhraclaich na feòla.
O ro ro sin, fyc.
Buird iir air a totaibb,
'S i na deann thun na cloicbe, Mhoire 's buidheach mis' a Dhia ort,
Mllir dhu-gborm a' sgolltadh m'a bòrd. Cuid de 'n athchuing' bha mi 'g iarraidh,
Buird ùr air, &c. '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,

AN CIARAN MABACH. Le d' bhrataich aird 's do ghillean dubha,
Sgriob Ghilleaspuig Ruaidh a Uithist,
Ged' tba mi m' eun fògraidb san tir-sa, Bhuail e meall 'an ceann na h-uighe.
Air mo ruagadh as na criochan,
O ro ro sin, Sj-c.
Glòir do Dhia 's do dh' Iarla Shi-phort, #
Cha bhi sinn tuille fo 'r binnse. Cha thu bita no long dharaich,
d'iarr
Ri am geamhiaidh 'n tus na gaillinn,
O rò rò seinn, cò nam b'àiì leibh ? Triubhas teann feadh bheann a's bhealach,
O rù rà seìmi, eò nam b'àilì leibh 9 Coiseachd bhonn ge trom. do mhealag.
Call abhar-inn o, calman-codhnil : O ro ro sin, § c.
-

Trom orach as o, cu nam b'àill leibh ?

Ach na'n cuireadh tu gach cùis gu àite,

Seumas nan tùr 's nam baideal,

Sir Mu thu t-itean air sàile,
'n sgaoil

Ghcibh luchd muirne cuirm a' t-aitreabh, 'Nuair dh-eitich thu Inbher-làire,
Ge do rinn thu 'n dùsal cadail, B' fheird do mheas e measg nan Gael.

'S èibhinn learn do dhùsgadh madainn'. O ro ro sin, SfC

O ro ro sin, &-c.
'S aim learn nach bu chruai' an ghaoir ud,
Bh-aig mnaibh galach nam fait sgaoilteach,
* " After the murder of the children of Keppoch Bhi 'gan tarruinn mar bheul-snaoiseiu,
Iain Manntach, the poet, had to flee for his life to Ross-
j
Sealg nam bou mu dhos na noaoilseach.
shite, where he got a place from Seaforth in Glensheal, |

where he and his family might reside till such time as the j
O ro ro sin, IfC.
murderers could be apprehended, as Seaforth, at thp poet's
request, had petitioned government for carrying that point 'S mairg a rinn fhògblum san droch-bheirt,
into effect. This happened in the time of Sir James
'N deigh am plaosgadb fhuair bhur ploicueadh,
M' Donald, sixteenth baron of Slate, anno 16f>3.
"The government finding it impracticable to bring those Claigneann 'g am faoisgneadh a copar,
robbers to justice in a legal way, sent a most ample com- Mar chinn laoigh 'an deigh am plotadh.
mission of fire and sword (as it was then called) to Sir
O ro ro sin, fcc.
James M'Donald, signed by the duke of Hamilton, mar-
quis 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
ORAN AIR CRUNADH
RIGH TEAKEACH
:
II.
some of them he put to death, and actually dispersed the
rest to the satisfaction of the whole court, which contri-
buted greatly to the civility of those parts.
Mi 'n so air m' uilinn,
" Immediately thereafter, by order of the ministry, he An ard ghleann munaidh,
got a letter of thanks from the earl of Kothes, then Lord 'S mor fath mo shulas ri gàire.
',

High Treasurer and Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland,

full of acknowledgments for the singular service he had
Mi 'n so air, &c.
done the country, and assuring him that it should not pass I

unrewarded, with many other clauses much to Sir James' 'S ge fad am thosd mi,
honour. Ma 's e 's olc leibh,
"This letter is dated the 15th day of December, 1665,
and signed Uothes. Sir James died anno 1673. "—Extracted Thig an sop à m' bhraghad.
from an unpublished Historical MS. of Ike M'Dcmatds. 'S ge fad, &c.
ill SAR-OBAllt NAM BAUD GAELACH.
() 'n bha theanna' orinn chluinntinn, Cha robh uidbir nan cairtean,
Ged bu te.iim a bha ehuing oirnn ; Nach robh tionnda' mi-cheart on-',
Gu 11 do thioiidai' a ebuibbie mar b'aill leinn. Bba inn shuileun ga in laicinii an trath ud.
O n bha, &C Cha robh, b-c.

An ceum so air choiseachd, 'S olc an leaaan diciadain,

I.e m' libata's le m' phoca, Mar a furtaich thu Dhia air,
'Sa 'n lamb ga stopadb guaar-mhath. A ta feitheamh an larla neo bhaidheil.
An ceum, &e. 'S olc an leaaan, &c.

Gnr hole an nith dhuinn, 'N am ru.sgadh a cholair,

Bhi Btad am priosan, Theid an ceann deth o cboluinn,
'N am theachd an rìgh g'a àite. Glòir agus moladh do 'n ard-Righ.
Gur h-olc, &e. 'N am, fee

Thug Dia dhuinn furtachd, Le maighdeinn sgorr-shuileach smachdall,

As na cliabhaa druidte, Db' ihagaa giallan gun mheartuinn,
'Nuair dh' iarr sinn iuchair a gharaidh. Dhuineas fiairaa a Mharcuia mhi-chairdelL
Thug Dia dhuinn, &c. Le maighdeann, &c.

'Sa Thearlaich oig Stiubhairt,

'S ged 's e thus cha 'n e dheireadh,
Ma chaidhe an cran ort,
Do luchd dhusgadh an teine,
Dia na fhear atiuiridh air t-fhardaich,
'S mar mo run do 'n chuid eile da chairdean.
'Sa Thearlaich, fee
'S ged 's e, &c.

Ma chaidfa thu 'sa chathair,

Mur bha Lusifer tamull,
Gun aon bhuille claidbeimh,
'N deigh air thus bhi na Aingeal,
'N ainm an athar 'a an ard Righ.
Chaidh Bgùraa' le au-iochd a Phàrais.*
Ma chuaidh, fee.
Mur bha, &c.

'S thu thlgh'n dhachaigh gu d' rioghachd

Bidh tu nis aim ad dheomhain,
Mur a b' oil le d' luchd mi-ruin
mile ciad
i Dol timchioll an domhain,
'N coinneamh ri lailte.

'S thu thigh'n, &c. j

Bhrigh coltais toirt comh-fhillteachd dhasau.
Bidh tu nis, &c.
'S ioma Subseig mhor mhisgeach,
'S meusa run dut na mise, 'Smor a b' fhearr dhut na moran,
Tha culr ataigh am petisean an drasda, No na ehruinnich thu stòras,
'S ioma, &c. Bhi tional an otraich gu d' ghàradh.
'S mor a b' fhearr, &c.
Luchd nan torra-chaisteal Hatha,
Air an stormadh le iaiuim, Na thu fhein 's do gheard misgeacb,

B' olc na Iorgalrean riamh aim do gheard iad. Bhi 'n àit as nach tig sibh,
Luchd na 'n, &c. Mur Bgaile phictuir 'sa 'n sgathan,
Na thu fhein, &c.
Cha b' fhaa' an dùsgadh cadal, ;i

Na madadh-ruadh chuir a braclaloh, Na farabhalaich bhreaca,

'Nuair a fhuaradh thu lag, ach bhi t-aicheadh
Bha tarruinn uainn arcuid beartais,
Cha b' fhas, &c.
Chutr an rlgh mach a Whitehall dhuinn.
Na farablialaich, &c.
Na mearlatch uile chuaidh dh' aon-taobh,
Ghearr muineal Mholr-fhear Ilunndaidh,
* This poet was of the Roman catholic porauasion. It
'S math choiainn le bunndaiad am pàigheadh.
|l Mid that iie could not read himself; but that lie wa«
Na mearlaieb, &c acquainted with the whole of the historical parts of Scrip,
lure, his poems are a clear demonstration.

Leam is eibhinn mur thachalr,

Mm- dh' eirlch do 'n bhraicb ml,
Bha gach ceann d' i na bachlagan bana.
Leam is, &c.
 IAIN LOM. 41

'N latha sin shaoil lco dbol leotha,

LATH A INBHER-LOCIIAIDII.* 'S aim bha laoich ga 'n ruith air reothadh,
'S ioma slaodanach mor odliar,
LUINNEAG.
Bha na shineadh air ach'-an-tothair.
Hi rim h-o-rò, h-ò-rò hatha, Hi rim, $c.
H-i rim h-o-rò, h-ò-rù lealha,
H-i rim h-o-rù, h-ù-rò leat/ia, Ge be dhireadh Tom-na-h-aire,
Cltaidh an latha le Clann-Dùmhnuill. Bu Honor spog ur ami air dhroch shailleadh,
Neul mai'bh air an suil gun anam,
As cuala' sibhse 'n tionudadh duineil, 'N deigh an sgiùrsadh le lannan.
Thug an camp bha 'n Cille-Chuimein ;
H-i rim, 8,-c.
'S fad chaidh ainm air an iomairt,
Thug iad as an naimhdean iomain. Thug ma Lochaidh,
sibh toiteal teith
Hi rim, fye. Bhi ga 'm bualadhma na siòiian,
Bu claidheamh clais-ghorm comhnard,
lion'or
Dhirieh mi moch madaìnn dhòmhnaich,
Bha bualadh an lamhan Chlann-Dòmhnuill.
Gu burr caisteil Inbher-Lochaidh,
H-i rim, fyc.
Chunna' mi 'n t-arm a dol an ordugh,
'Sbha buaidli an là le Claim- Dòmhnuill.
Sin 'nuair chruinnichmor dhragh na fhalachd,
Hi rim, $c.
'N am rusgadh na 'n greidlein tana,
Direadh a mach glun Chuil-eachaidh, Bha iongnan nan Duimhneaeh ri talamh,
Dh' aitlinich mi oirbh sùrd 'ur tapaidh; An deigh an luithean a ghearradh.
Ged bha mo dhuthaich na lasair, H-i rim, 8,0.
'S èirig air a chùs mar thachair.
Hi rim, fyc.
'S lionmhor corp nochte gun aodach,
Tha na 'n sineadh air chnocain fhraoiche,
Ged bhiodh Iarlachd a bhraghaid, O 'n bhlar an greaste na saoidhean,
An seachd bliadhna so mar tha e, Gu ceann Leitir blar a Chaorainn.
Gun chur, gun chliathadh, no gun àiteach, H-i rim, Sfc.
'S math an riadh bho 'm beil sinn paighte.
H-i rim, 8yc. Dh' innsinn sgeul eile le firinn,
Cho math 'sa ni cleireach a sgriobhadh ;
Air do laimhse Thighearna Lathair, Chaidh na laoich ud gu 'n dicheall
Ge mor do bhosd as do chlaidheamh ; 'S chuir iad maoim air luchd am mi-ruiu.
'S ioma oglaoch chinne t-athar,
H-i rim, fyc.
Tha 'n Inbher-Lochaidh na laidhe.
Hi rim, 8yc. Iain Mhuideartaich nan seol soilleir,
Sheoladh an cuan ri la doillear,
'Sioma fearr goirseid agus pillcin, Ort cha d' ihuaradh briste coinnidh,
Cho math 'sa bha riamh dheth d' chinneadh, 'S ait' learn Barra-brcac fo d' chomas.
Nach d' f'hoad a bhotaim thoirt tioram, H-i rim, 4 c. -

Ach faoghlum snàmh air Bun-Neiuuheis.f

H-i rim, fyc. Cha
b' e sud an siubhal cearbach,

A thug Alasdair do dh' Albainn,

S','eul a b' aite 'nuair a thigeadh,
Creachadh, losgadh, agus marbhadh
Air Caim-beulaich nam beul sligneach, ;

'S leagadh leis coileach Strath-bhalgaidh.

H-uile dream dhiu mur a thigeadh,
H-i rim, 4-c.
Le bualadh lann an ceann ga 'm bristeadh.
H-i rim, ifc. An t-eun dona chaill a cheutaidh,
An Sasunn, an Albainn, 's 'n Eirinn,
* This battle was fought between the M' Donalds and
Is it e a curr na sgeithe,
the Campbells, on Sunday, February 2, lfilj.
+ When the Campbells were routed, they endeavoured Cha miste learn ged a gheill e.
to cross the river at the above-mentioned ford. To their H-i rim, 3'C.
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 Alasdair nan a geur lann sgaiteach,
event delighted and amused the poet and, in order to
; Gheall thu dè a bhi cuir as daibh,
'n
make it at the same time ludicrous in itself, and galling to Chuir thu
the poor Campbells, he began to address them as follows
an caisteal,
'n retreuta seach
— "A Dhuimhiuacha Dhuimhncacha, cuìmfinicìùbh 'ur boin-
:
Seoladh gle mhath air an leantuinn.
eidcan." H-i rim, Sj-c.
42 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAKU GAELACH.
j

IAIN
•J" 4
SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.
IAIN LOM. 45
 —

4<J SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Cleas eud bean a rhruiteir, 'N ar fhaloear laogh oàraid,

Fhuair a cunadfa 'n sgàth gàratdh ;
Nuas gu lar as a pora.
Thog iad airsau mar uii'Mrcul, Clia blii 'n sean fhacail claoite,
Gu 'ndo mhurt e dhearbh-bhrathair. Air neo 's claon theid a thogail ;

Hi-rinn, \c. Tlia 'n dà shant 's an droch mhnaoi ud,

'S annsadh * * * le no bòban.
Gu 'm bu ghrannda na sgeoil sin, Hi-rinn, <\c.

Thog na deoxnbain ga dhlbeirt!

'S nach b' urr' iad ga dhearbhadb, Ach na 'n tigeadli an righ sin,
Aoh mar bhuille searbh da 'n luchd mi-ruin 'S a mhac dileas air aidmheil,
Gu 'n cuirte ispan a clilamliain, Ged' a theireadh prionns Drains,
An nead clannach an fhiruoin ;
Nach h-i choir a bhi Bgainn,
Mac muice a bhalaich, Cha bu mho orra L'illcam,
Shalcha fala nan righrean. Air sràid Lunnainn an Sasunn,
Hi-rinn, £c. 'N ceann fhuadach deth mhuineal,
Na cluais cuilein an radain.
'S mairg righ a rinn cleamhnas, Hi rinn, Qc.
Ri Dùitseach shantach gun trocair ;

Clia b'e 'n onair bu ghnàs da, Prionns Orains a mhi-rath,

Ged' 's tu brathair-mathair an rògair. Mas' toil le Righ thoirt gu creideamh,
Ged' a thug thu dha Màiri 'S còir an duilleag so thiondadh,
Air laimh, chum a pòsaidh, Air a bhan-righ nach creid e.

Ghabh e t-oighreachd a t-an-toil Ma shaoil am bith-shanntach sanntach

Thar do chcann, a's thu d' bheo-shlaint. Na mhac-samhla ga ghoid sud ;

Hi-rinn, $e. Na a ruitheachd le lamian,

Air nighean Seanultiir Huifsein.
Bha mac aig righ Daibhidh, Hi-rinn, <§c
'S bu deas àill air ceann sluaigh e,
Cbaidh e 'n aghaidh an athar, 13'fhearr gu 'm buaileadh e'n staiilse,
S am tear nach cii'ir da bhuaircadh ;
Tus a bluiidse bu choir dha,
'N uair a sgaoileadh am blàr sin, Nam bu tuiteam 'sa jihla'gh dhuiun,
Thug Dia pàigheadh na dhuais da ;
Mar fhuair righ l'hàro, 's a slieorsa ;

'S o'n bu drocfa dhuine cloinn e, Mar bha chomhairle bhreige,

Chroch a choill air a ghruaig e. Chuir righ Seunias air fògradh ;
Hi-rinn, Src, Aithris cleas nan droch righrean,
Leis 'n do dhìteadh Righ-boam.*
Ach buaidh an droch sgeoil sin, Hi-rinn, C^c.

Do phrionns Grains gun diadhachd,

Ged' a rachadh do bhathadh, Sgeul buan e do'n mhearcaid.

Cha b' ionann has dut 'sa dh' iarrainn 'S nach tog a mac a cuid oighreachd ;
;

Ach mo suilean bhi t-fhaicinn, 'S ion dith ciirain a ghabhail,

Edar caehabh ga d' stialladh ;

Mu'n dùinear cathair na soills' orr ;

Dol a d' amaladh 's an adbar, Thoill i mallachd a h-athar,

Mar laaitbe dhaigte ga oriathradh.
O'n ghabh an t-aibbisteir grcim dh'i ;

Hi-rinn, $c. 'S olc an dùchas a lean rith,

Chuinnt a seanair na throiteir.
Sgrios gun iarmad, gun duilleach, Hi-rinn, $c
Cha 'n iarruinn tuille am dhan duibh ;
'S math an toiseach ar seannsa,
Gun sliochd a dh-iathadh mu t' uilimi,
Ma rinn am Frangach a thajiadh
Do ghniomh broinne droch Mhairi;
Ma ghlacadh leis Mtmtai,
Ged' a gblacadfa na theum e,
Cha sgeul tuni-sgeul ach ceartas,
'S farsuinn benl a mhic-lamhaich ;
Bu mhatb gll'm biodh an aiibhansa,
A ihean staoile bhi 'n eunnarl,
Air a tiondadh gu Saattnn
Aig na rinn thu thrusadh a craincig.
;

Na gu faicte an cunntar,
Hi-rinn, £c.
Cho ghrad ri tionda nan cairtcan.
Hi-rinn, §c.
Ach semi gun tuisleadh air M.'iiri,
'S olc an Ian tlia na tOguid ;
* Reaaboam, poetically.
 —

IAIN LOM. 47

Ach ma stad air an dìùe sin, 'Nuair a shuidheadh fear stiuir oir',

'S nach e a run tigh'n ni's fhaide ;

'N àm bin fagail na duthr.ha,
Leig e cadal do'n chirein Bu mhear riuth a chuain dii-gh!ais fo h-earrlinn.

Stad a sgriob mar a chleachd e ;

Bu mhear riuth a chuain, &c.
Ma leig gach saigbdear a ghleus deth :

'N uair tha leigheart mu"n chaisteal, Cha b' iad na Luch-armainn mheanbha,

B'fhearr gu'm faicinn an coileach, Bhiodh m'a cupuill ag eileadh,

No, gu'n gnireadh a chaismeachd. 'Nuair a dh'eireadh mor shoirbheas le buirlinn.

Hi-rinn, <Jc.
'Nuair a dh'eireadh, &c.

Mu tha e'n dàn dhut teachd dhachaigh, Ach na fuirbirnich threubhach,

'S nàr dhut t-fhaicinn gun speurad 'S deis a dh'iomradh, 's a dh'eigheadh,
;

Ged' a fhuair thu pairt leonaidh, Bheireadh tulg an tùs cle air ramh braghad.
Ri àm fògraidh rìgh Sheumais Bheireadh tulg an tùs clè, &c.
;

Ala tha thu cruaidh air an raipeir,

Seall air slachdan a ghlcusaidh, 'Nuair a d'fhalaichte na buird d'i,

Leis an do spionadh mo sgròban, 'S nach faigbte Ian siuil d'i,

Ma's fior Tùmas an Jlèumair. Bhiodh luchd taghaich sior lùbadh nar àlach.

Hi-rinn, §c. Bhiodh luchd taghaich, &c.

'S iad gu'n eagal gun euslain,

Ach ag freagradh dh'a chèile,
AN IORRAM DHARAICH. 'Nuair thigeadh muir beucach 's gach aird orr'.
DO BHATA SIR SEUMAIS MHIC-DOMHNIULL. 'Nuair thigeadh muir beucach, &c.

Moch, 's mi 'g eirigh sa mhadainn,

Dol tiomchioll Rugha na Caillich,
'S trom euslainteach m'aigne,
nam Bu ro mhath siubhal a daraich,
'S nach eighear mi'n caidreamh braithrcan,
Gearradh shrutha gu cairidh Chaoil-Acuin.
'S nach eighear mi'n, &c.
Gearradh shrutha gu cairidh, &c.
Leam is aith-ghearr a cheilidb,
Dol gu uidhe chuain fhiadhaich,
Rinneas mar ris an t-Seumas,
Ris na dhealaich mi'n dè moch la Càisge.
Mar bu chubhaidh leinn iarraidh,

Ris na dhealaich mi'n dè, &c. Gu Uist bheag riabhach nan cràgh-gheadh.
Gu Uist bhe;ig riabhach, &c.

Dia na stiùir air an darach,

A dh' fhalbh air tùs an t-siuil mhara,
Cha bu bhruchag air meirg' i,

Seal mu'n tug e cheud bhoinne de thràghadh. Fhuair a treachladb le li-eirbheirt,

'Nuair a thigeadh mor shoirbheas le gàhhadb.

Seal mu'n tug e cheud bhoinne, &c.
'Nuair a thigeadh mor shoirbheas, &c.

Ge b'e àm cur a choirc e,

Ach an Dubh-Chnoideartach, riabhach,
'S mi nach pilleadh o stoc uat,
Luchd-mhor, ard-ghuailleach dhionach,
'S ann a shuiilhinn an toiseach do bhàta.
'S arm a shuidhinn an toiseach, &c.
Gur lionmhor lann iaruinn m'a h-earraich.
Gur lionmhor lann iaruinn, &c.

'Nuair bhiodh each cur ri gniomhadh,

Cha bu chrann-lach air muir i,
Bhiodh mo chuid-sa dheth diomhain,
Shiubhal ghleann gun bhi curaidh,
G' ol nag ucagan fion' air a fàradh.
'S buill chainbe ri fulagan àrda.
G' ol na gucagan lion, &c.
Buill chaineaba ri, &c.

Cha bu mharcach eich leumnaich, Bha Domhnull an Duin innt,

A bhuin'geadh geall reis ort,
Do mhac oighre 's mor cùram,
'Nuair a thogadh tu breid osceann sàile. 'S e do stoile fhuair cliù measg nan Gael.
'Nuair a thogadh tu breid, &c. 'S e do stoile fhuair cliù, &c.

'Nuair a thogadh tu tonnag, Do mhac Uisteach gle-mhor,

Air chuan meanmach nan dronnag, Dh'am bu chubhaidh bhi'n Sleibhte,
'S ioma gleann ris an cromadh h-earrach. i O'n Rugha d'an eighte Dun-sgathaich.
'S ioma gleann ris an cromadh, &c. O'n Rugha dan eighte, &c.
48 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH
Og misnearhail trcun thu, I

Tha do bliaile gun speis,

('S blatl) na brie ort srui eudainn) Gun eich ga "in modhadh le srein,
Mar mist' thu ro mhead 's a do nài Dh-fbalbb gach fas.ui le Seumas òg.

Mur mist' thu ro mheud, &c. 'I'ba do bbaile, be,

Gur mor mo chion fein ort,

'Nuair a racbadh tu stri,
Ged nach cuir mi an ceill e, Ann an armailt an rig)),
Mliic an fhir leis an eireadh na liraigheich. Bliiodh do dhiollaid air mil-each gorm.
Mbic an fhir leis an eireadh, &c. Nuair a racha', &c.

Ceist nam ban' o Loch-Treig thu, 'Nuair a racbadh tu mach,

'So Shrath Oisein nan reidhlean, B' ard a chluiiiute do smachd,
Gheibhte broic, agus feidh air a h-aruinn. Bhiodh Iain Muideartach leat 's Mac-Lcoid.
Gheibhte broic, agus feidh, &c. Nuair a, cic.

Dh'eireadh buidhean o Ruaidh leat,

'S leat Mac Pharlain na 'n cliar,
Lubadh iubhar mu'n guaillean,
Bh-aig fir riamh,
t-ait-sa
Thig o Bhrughaichean f'uar Cliarn-na-Làirge. Mac-an Aba le chiad na dhò.
Thig o Bhrugbaichean fuar, &c. Fear chann, &c.

Dream eile dhe d' chinneadh,

Clann lain a nuas,
Clann lain o'n Einnean,
'S fir a bhraighe so shuas,
'S iad a racbadh Ban iomairt neo-sgàtharh.
'S Mac Ghriogairo Ruadh-sliruth chn
'S iad a rachadh san iomairt, &c.
Chlainn 1 .in. &c.

'S iomadh òganach treubhach,

'S glac-crom air chill sgeith air
Clann Cham-Shroin a nail,
Thig a steach leat o sgcith meall-na- Lairge. O bhraighe nan gleann,
Thig a steach leat, &c. Chuireadh iubhar le srann am feoil.

Clainn, &c
'S a fhreagradh do t-nigheach,
Gun eagal, gun easlain, 'S leat Mac-Dhomhnuill a ris.

'Nuair chlulnneadh iad fein do chrois-tàra.* Na 'm bratach 's na 'm plob,
'Nuair a chluinneadh iad fein, &<•.
Crunair gasda na 'n rìgh bhrat sròìl.

'S leat, &c.

Gu 'm faiceadh mo Dhia,

MARBIIRANN Do mhac air an t-sliabh,
no SHIR SEUMAS MAC-DHONUII.!,.
Ann an dutbaich nan cliar 's mi beò.
Gu 'm faiceadh, &c.
Gun. fad tha mi 'm tbamh,
Thuit mo chridhe gu lar, Thig a Atholl a nios,
Righ ! 's deacair dhomh tàmh 's mi bco. Comblan ghasda gun sgios,
Gur fad tha, &c. Ceannard rompa s e finealt eg.
Thig a Atholl, &c.
'Se do tburas do 'n Dun,
Dh-fhag snith' air mo shùil,
Coinnlean geala de 'n cheir,
'Sa bhi faicinn do thùr gun cheò. 'S iad an lasadhgu geur,
'Se do, &c. Urlar farsuinn mu 'n eights 'n t-òl.
Coinnlean, &c.
» " Crois-tdra," or " crann-tàra," was a piece of wood,
half burnt and dipt in blood, sent by a special messenger
M a signal of distress or alaim. The person to whom it Bhiodh do ghillean mu seach,
was sent, Immediately despatched another person with it A lionadh dibhe b' fhearr bias,
to some one else; and thus was intelligence passed from
Fion Spainnteach dearg ac agus beoir.
one to another over immense distances in an incredibly
ihorl time. One of the latest instances of its being U»ed, Bhiodh do, &c.
was in H 15, by lord Breadalbinc, when it went round Loch
Tay, the distance of thirty-two miles, in three hours. The
above method was used only in the day-time; for in the Uisge-beatba na 'm pios,
night, rccuur.-c w.ish.-id to the " Sgorr.thcine," a large fire Racbadh 'n tairgead ga dhiol,
kindled on an eminence. See Ossian's " I'nriig-thura." ""
(.1, I'ibbte 'n gloin e mar ghriog an òir.
The last mentioned signal is spoken of by Jeremiah lo dc-

note distress, chap. vi. I.

Uisge beatha, &c.
|
 ;

IAIN LOJI. 49

'S atin na shineadh 'sa 'n àllt, Dh' eireadh stuadh an clàr t-aodainn,
Tha deagh cheaiin-taighe an aigh, Le neart feirg agus gaisgidh ;

Ged a thuit e le deannad leo. Sud am phearsa neo-sgithaeh,

'S arm na, &c. 'N t-sùil bu bhlaithe gun ghaiseadh ;

G u in biodh maoim air do naimhdean,

Buidheaun eile mo ghaoil, Ri linn dut spainnteach a ghlacadh.
Ga 'm bu shuaithcheantas fraoch, Ho-ro 'sfada, Qc.
Och mo clireach nach d'-fhaod iad bhi beò.
!

Buidbeann, &c. Fhuair thu 'n cliù sin o thoiseach,

'S cha b' olc e ri innseadh ;

Buidheann eile mo ruin, Craobh chosgairt sa bblàr thu,

Air nach cualas mi-chlìù, Nach gabhadh sgàth roimh luchd phicean ;

Thig le Alasdair sunndach òg. No roi' shaighdeirean dearga,

Buidheann, &c. Ged a b' armailtean righ iad ;

Le 'n ceannardan fuil teach,

Bhiodh mnathan òg an fhuit reidh, 'S le '11gunnaichean cinnteach.
Gabhail dhau diiaibii le 'm beul, Ho-ro 'sfada, (fc.
Ann ad thalla gu 'u eisde ceòl.
Bhiodh, &c. Gur t'arsuinn do ranntaibh,
Ri slieanachas 's ri shloinneadh ;

Fhir a dh' fhuilig am bàs, Gur tu oighre 'n larl llich.

'S a dhoirt t-fhuil air ar sgath, Nach tug cis le gniomh foilleil ;

Na leig mulad gu bràth na 'r coir. JMarcaich aid na '11 each cruitheach,
Fhir a, &c. Nan srian ùr 's na 'n lann soilleir,

Lamh threin aim an cruadal,

Nis on sgithich mo cheann, Ceannard sluaigb a toirt teiue.
Sior thuireadh do rannt, Ho-ro 'sfada, Qc.
Bi'dh mi sgur amis an am is còir.

Nis o 'n sgithich, &c. Fhuair thu onair fir Alba,

Bha meas "s ainm air tear t-lliasain ;

Ann an gliocas 'sa gcire,

An cliù, an ceuaidh 'sa gaisge ;

MARBHRANN Thug Dia gibhtean le buaidh dhut,

Cridhe fuasgailteach farsuinn ;
DO DH" ALASDAIR DU3H GHMNNE-GAU A1DH. Fhir bu chiùine na mhaighdeaun,
Mi 'g eiridh 'sa mhadainn, 'Sbu ghairge na 'n lasair.
Gur beag m' aiteas ri sùgradh, Ho-ro 'sfada, Qc.
O 'n dh' fhalbh uachdran fearail,

Ghlinne-Garaidh air ghiùlan ;

'S goirt an t-earcball a thachair,
'S anil am flaitheas na faille, O 'n chaidh an iomairt so tuathal
Tha ceannard àillidh na dùthcha; O latha blàir Sliabh-an-t-Siorram,
Sàr choirnileir foinnidh, Chaill ar cinneach an uaislean ;

Nach robh folleil do '11 chrun thu. Thionndaidh chuibhl' air Clann-Domhnuil!,
'N treasa conspunn bhi bhuatha ;

Ceann a's colar Chlann- Ràghnuill,

LUINNEAG.
'N i'huil àrd 's gun truailleadb. i

Ho to 's facia 's gur fada, Ho-ro 'sfada, %c.

'S cian fada mo b/trun,

O 'n latha chdradh gu h-iosal, Nis o 'n dh-fhalbh an triùir bhràithrcan ;

Do phearsa phrtseil fo 'n fhùd, Chleachd mar àbhaist bhi suairce;

Tha mo chrid-sa ciùirte, Laoich o Gharaidh nam bradan,
Cha dean mi sùgradh tì m' bheò, Caipteine' smachdail a c.bruadail ;

O 'n dh- fhalbh ceannard na '« uaislea Dh-fhalbh Sir Domhnuill a Sleibhte ;

Oighre dualchas an t-Sròim. Bu mhor reusan a's cruadal ;

Cha gu biàth air Clann-Domhnuil!,

tig
'S mairg a tharladh roi' d' dhaoine, Triuir chounspnnn cho cruaidh riu.
'Nuair thogte fraoch ri do bhrataich ;
Ho ro 's fada, Src.
 ;

50 SAU-OIiAIll NAM BARD GA I'.LA ('II.

Chiiosda dh-fbull!g am baa iln'mii, Tha Sasunnaich 'g ar foireigneadb,

O 'n 's tn ar patron iniiaigh ;
'(> arcreach', 's'garmarbhadb
'g ar mort',
Cum an t-aog o dha bbrathair, (in ghabh ar n- At hair fearg rinn,
11

Phad 'sa li' àill leinn If dùrachd ; Gur dearmad dhuinn, 's gur bochd.
Dheanadh treia do 'ti àlach,
So db-fhag e gun aùilean ;
Mar a lilia cloinn Israel
'Sliochd an t-seobhaig 'sa 'n armuinn, l'o bhruid aig righ na h-Eipbit,
Nach tugadh each an sgiath chuil deth 'I'ha sinn air a chor cheudna,
Ho-ro 'sfada, Ac Cha'n eigh iad linn ach "siuc."

'Nuair threig each an cuid fearainn, Ar righ an deis a chrùnadb,

'S nacb d-fhan iad 'sa 'n rioghachd ;
Mu n gann a leum e ùr-f'has,
'Sheas thusa gu fearail, Na thaistealach bochd, ruiagte,
'Scha b' aim le Bgainnel a shin thu ;
Gun ylizard, gun chiiirt, gun clioisil'.
Chair thu fuaradh na froise,
Seach ar dorsaibli g' 'ar dionadh ; 'G a fharr-fhuadach as àite,
Gu 'n robh t-fhaigsein cho làidii', Gun duine leis deth chàirdean,
Ki leoghaiim aid do 'n fliuil Rioghail. Mar luing air uachdar sàile,

Ho-ro 'sfada, fyc. Gun stiuir, gun ràmh, gun pliort.

Cha robh Iarl ami an Albuitin, Cha tèidmi do Dhun-eideann,

() dhoirteadh fuil a Gbreumaich,
Gheibheadh earbsa na run riut
Gu 'm biodb toiseach gach naidheachd, An leoghann fearail, treubhach,
Gu lamhan a cbuirteir 'G a cheusadh air a chroich.
;

Seobhag firinneach suairce,

15'e sud am fior dliuin nasal,
Choisinii cruailal gach cùise ;
Nach robh de'n linne shuaraich,
Ceannaid mhaithean a's uaislean,
Bu id mbath ruidbe gruadbach,
Aig an t-sluagh 'a ia<l ga ghiulan.
'N àm tarruinn suasgu trod.
Ho ro 'sfada, 8fc.

Deud chaile, bu ro mbath dlùtbadh,

Sgeula b' ait' learn ri inseadh,
Fudh mhala chaoil gun mhugaich,
Sa bhi g' a ieirsinn le 'r sùileati ;
Ge trie do dhàil gam' dhùsgadb,
Do mhac oighr' aim a t-thearaiiii,
Cha ruisg mi chàch e nochd
Mur bu uiliath le luclid dùrachd;
Acli ami neacb lets am b' oil e,
Mhic Neill,*a Asainn chianail,
Luaidhe ghlaa le neart fùdair ;
Na'n glacain aim am lionn thu,
Troimh' 'n cridh' air a fiaradh,
Bhiodh m'fhacal air do bhinn,
Chor s nach iarradh iad tionndadh.
'S cha diobrainn thu o'n chroich.
Ho ro 'sfada, fyc.

* Captain Andrew Muiiro sent instructions to Neil

Macleod, the laird of Assynt, hia brother-in-law, toappre-
head every stranger that might enter his bounds, in the
hope of catching Montrose, for whose apprehension a
CUMIIA MIIONTROISE splendid reward was offered. En consequence of those in.
•tractions, Macleod sent out various parties in quest of
Montrose, but they could not fall in with him. "At last
Mi gabbail Srath Dhruim-uachdair, the laird of Assynt being abroad in .inns with some of his
'S beag m'aigbear anna an uair no, tenants in search of him, lighted on him in a place where
he had continued three 01 four days without meator drink,
Tha'n lath' air dol gu groamachd,
anil only one man in his Company, Assynt had formerly
'S clia'n e ilia Imain mo aprocbd. beei 'id Montrose's own followers, who Immediately
knowing him, and believing to And friendship at Ins hands,
willingly discovered himself; bul Assynt not daring u>
Ge duilich team, '• ge diobhail, conceal him, and being greedy of the teward which was
M'fhear cinnidh math bhi dhith orm, promised to the person who should apprehend him bj the
(lha'n uaa team an igrloba', council nf the estates, immediately seized and disarmed
him."* Montrose offered Macleod a large sum of money
Thaining air an rioghachd bhochd. which he refused to grant Maclend kept
for his liberty,
Montrose and his companion prisoners In the castle of

Tha Alba dol fa chloa-chaln Aird-bhreac, his principal residence, for a few days, lie
was from thence re ved to Skibo castle, where he was
A Farbhalaicb gun fbirinti,
is;
kept two nights, thereafter to the castle of Braan, and
Itliar a chalpa dhirlch thence again to Edinburgh.
'S e cuid de m'dhiobhail ghoiit. • Bi liop U'isliari.
 IAIN LO.U 5J

Nan taehrainns a's tu fein, Mhùch mo mheoghail 's mo mheas,

Ann am boglachan Beinn-Eite Na daoil bhi cladhach bhur fiios,
Bhiodh uisge dubh na feithe, Chaidh mo raoghainn fo lie de leugaibh.
Dol troimh chèile a'3 ploc. Mhùch mo mheoghail, &c.

Thu fein as t-athair cèile Bhuail an t-earrach orm spot,

Fear taighe sin na Leime, 'Strom a dh-fhairich mi lot,
Ged chrochte sibh le cheile Chuir e lughad mo tlioirt 's beag 'm fheum air.

Cha b'eirig air mo lochd. Bhuail an t-earrach, &c.

Bàs Shir Domhnuill bho 'n Chaol,

Craobh rùisgt' de'n Abhall bhreugach,
Chuir mo chomhnaidh fa-sgaoil,
Gun mheas, gun chliù, gun cheutaidli,
Dh'fhag mi 'm aonar sa 'n aois ga 'm leireadh.
Bha riamh ri murt a cheile,
Bas Shir Domhnuill, &c.
'N ar fuigheall bheum, as chore.
'S ann rait a labhrainn mo mhiann,
Marbh-phasg ort a dhi-mheis, Gu dàna ladurna, dian,
Nach ole a reic thu'm firean, Ge do bhithinn da thrian sa 'n eacoir.
Air son na mine Litich Sanii ruit a labhrainn, &c.
A's da trian d'i goirt.*
Tha iomad smuainte bochd truadh,
Teachd air 'm aire 's gach uair.
Bho 'n la chaochail air snuadh fir t-eug,iis.

CU.MH A Tha iommad smuainte, &c.

DO SHIR DOMHIfULL SHLEIBHTE.

Leoghann fìreachail àigh
Miuinte, spioradail, àrd,
'S cian gur fàda mi 'm thàmh,
's Umhail, in'osal, fearraglia, treubhach.
'S trom leam 'm aigne fo phràmh, Leoghann riorachail, &c.
'S nach cadal dhomh seamh 's tim eiridh.
'S cian 's gur fada, &c. Leig nan arm a's nan each,
Reumail, aireil, gun aire,
Laidh an aois orm gach uair, Gheug thu 'n Armadail ghlas nan dèideag.
Dreach an aoig air mo ghruaidh, Leig nan arm is nan each &c.
Is rinn eeudail bhochd thruadh da fein dior
Laidh an aois, &c. Bha do chinneadh fo phràmh,
Do thuath 's do phaighearan mail,
Tha liunn-dubh orm gach là, Uaislean t-fhearainn 's gach làn-1'hear-feusaig.
\S e ga m' theugmhail a ghnà, Bha do chinneadh, &c.
Air mo chùise cha rà-sgpul breig e.

Tha liunn-dubh orm, &c. Bha mhnai bheul-dearg a bhruit.

Ri call an ceille sa'm fuilt,
Tha gach urra dol dhiom, Cach ag eideadh do chuirp air dèile.
Bho faighinn furan le miadh, Bha mhuai bheul-dhearg, &c.
Cuig urrad sa b' fhiach mi dh-eirig.
Tha gach urra dol, &c. Moch sa' mhadaitm dir-daoin,
Thog iad tasgaidh mo gbaoil,
Chaill mi àrmainn mo stuic, Deis a phasgadh gu caol 's na leintean.
Mo sgiath laidair 's mo phruip, Moch sa' mhadainn, &c.
lad ri àiteach an t-sluic a's feur orr'.
Chaill mi àrmainn mo stuic, An ciste ghiubhais nam bòrd,
'N truaill chumhainn na's leoir,
Fàth mo mhire 's mo cholg, 'N deis a dhusgadh bho 'n t-sròl air speicean.
Thaobh gach iomairt so dh'fhalbh, '

'N cisteghiubhais nam, &c.

Luathais air 'n imeachd air lòrg a cheile.
Fàth mo mhire, &c. Gu euglais Siileibhte nan stuadh,
Chosg thu fein ri cuir suas,
» Damaged meal bought in Leith, was given to MT.eod Ge d' nach d'fhuirich thu buan ri sgleutadb.
of Assynt for betraying the duke of Montrose. Gu euglais Shleibhte, &c.
52 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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

AN CIARAN MABACH.

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 agam cù gleusda,

eil

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,
MARBHRANN
DO SHIlt SEL'MAS MAC-DHONUlLi*
'S air bu sliuarach an càl,
'S mise fèin nacli tug fuath dhuibb,
B fhearr am mor ole a chluinntinn.
Ged a b'fbuar am mios Màigh.
Bhrigh iomradh na fhaicinn •

'S trie a dh'fhuilig mi cruadal,

Dhomhsa b' fhurasd' sud iniise,
A's moran fuachd air 'ur sgàth.
Bug air 'm iimtinn trom shac dheth ;

Be mo ghradh-sa fear buidhe,

O 'n is mi bha 'sa 'n fhulang,

Nach dean suidhe mu'n bliùrd,

Bu chruaidh duilicb ri fhaicinn ;

Hainig croma-sgian o 'n aog mi,

Nach iarradh ri cheaimach,
1 'unit leanna na beoir
Cha do shaor i bun aisne.
;

Uisge-beatha math dubailt,

Cha be b'l'hiu leat ri òl, 'S e dh' fhàg fodha dhomh 'n coite,

B't'hearr leat biolair an fhuarain, Aon a mhoichead a dhuisg mi,

A's uisge luaineach an lòin. 'Smi gun fhear air barr again,
Thogadh 'm aigneadh a dùsal ;

B'i mo ghradh-sa a bhean nasal, 'Nuair a bheum an sruth tràigh orm,

Dha nach d'fhuaras rianih louhd, Rug muir bàitht' air a chul sin,
Nach iarradh mar chluasaig, Cha d' thiosraich mi 'm has dut,
Ach nor ghualainn nan cnoc, Gus an dh fhàg mi thu 'u crùiste.
'S nach fuiligeadh an t-sradag,
A lasadh r'i corp, Fath m' acainn 's mo thùrsa,
Och a Mhuire mo chruaidh-chas,
!
Nach duisgear le teud thu,
Nach dh'fhuair mi thu nochd. Na le tòrgan na fidhle,
Mo dhiobhail 's mo leir-chreach ;

Bean a b'aigeantaich ceile, Fhir a chumadh i dionach,

Nam eiridh ri drinchd, Dh' aindeoin siontan ga 'n eiread,

Cfaa'o fhaigheadh tn beud da, Thu 'n diugh fo leacan na h-urach,

'S cha bu leir leis ach thu ;
Guu mo dhuil ri thu dh' eiridh.
Sihh an glacailih a cb£ile,
Am rior eudainn nan stùc, 'S bochd an ealtainns' thug so sgriob mi,
'S ann am eiridh na grèine, Thug dhiom in' earr agus m' fheusag,

Bu glilan leirsinn do shut. ! 'S geur's gur goirt spuir an ràsair,

Thrusas cnàmhan a's feithean ;

'Nuair a thigeadh am toghar, Dh-t'hag sud mise dheth craiteacb,

Bu bhinn do
learn gleadhair chlèibl Dh -aindeoin gu ro chieuchdaeh
dàil ;

Dol a ghalihail a chrònain, Cha dean ballan no sihh dheth,

Air a mhointich bhuig reidh, Mise slàn gus an eug mi.
Dol an coinneamh do lcannain,
Bu ghile teaman a's ceir Ge b' e chuireadh dhomh 'n umhail,
Gur h-i 'n eilid bu hhòiche, Do mhor chumha ga in' leònadh,
A's bu bhrisge loghmhorra mini. Na mo dhosau a liathadh,
Coig bliadhua roimh' 'n ùrdugh ;

Tha mi 'n diugh a toirt pàigbeadb,

—
Note This song was composed in Edinburgh while the A' meud in' àilleas as m' òige,
poet wa» under the care of a surgeon for a sprain in tils
foot. |
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.

 ;

AN CIARAN MAHACH. 5a

Gur h-e " Port Raoghuill uidhir,"* Bhuin an t-eug creacb gun toir dhiom
Mur nach bu dligheach is ceòl dorah. Dh' aindeoin oigridh do dhùthcha;
Dh' fhag e m' aigneadh fo dhòruinn,
'S bochd mo naidheachd r'a b-innse 'S Mm. til e bròg air mo cbuinneadh ;

Ge b' e sgrìobbadh i "n tath-bhuinn ; 'S trom a dh' fhuasgail e deoir dhomh,
'n hi riim thu feum duine, Bu mhor mo choir air an dubladh ;

Gus' n do chuireadh 'sa 'n làr tbu ; Mu cbeann-uighe nan deoiribb,

Bha mo dbeas-lamh dol sios leat. Bin fo bhòrd aim an dunadh,
An cladhan cliche mo chradb-shlad :

'S mor na b' fheudar dhomh fhulang, Bu deas deile mo shior-ruith,

Mo bhuan fbaireacb o in' brathair. 'S gu 'in bu dionach mo chlàraidh ;

Bha mo chala gun diobradh,

'S bochd an ruinnlgil fhuathais, Ga mo dhion as gach sàradh' ;

Rug air uaislean do chairdean, Riamh gus 'n taiuig an dil orm,
'S guirt abhonnag a fhuair ia.il, Dh' fhag mhigheaii gu bràth mi
fo
'N latha gbluaiseadh gu tàmb leat ; 'S ard a dh' èirich an stailc-s' orm,
Ge b'e neach is mo buannachd, Chuir i as domh ma m' àirnean.
'N lorg luathair a bhàis so,
'S mise pearsa 's mo tuairglie, Call gun bhuinig gun bhuannacbd,
'Sa 'nuair so th' air t-aruinn. Bha ga m' ruagadb o 'n truth sin 1
;

Cha b' 'n iomairt gun fhuathas,

i

Cha chuis fharmaid mo lethid ;

Leis '11 do ghluais mi mar chearracli ;

'Saim tha mi 'n deigh mo spuillidh ;

'N cluich a shaoil mi bhi 'm buannachd,
Bhuin an t-eug dhiom gu buileach, Dh' fbaoite ghluasad air tàileasg ;

Barr a's iomall mo chùirte ;

Thainig goin a's cur suas orm,
'S feudar tamailte fhulang, 'S tha fear fuar dhomh na t-àite.
Gun dion buill' air mo chul-thaobh,
Stad mo chlaidheamh na dhuille, O 'u cliaidh maill' air mo fhradharc,
'S bath dhomh fuireach r'a rusgadb. 'S nach taoghail mi 'n ard-bheann ;

Chuir mi cul lis an fhiadhach,

* Rao°h;dl odhar was a There is a story told aliout
piper. Pong cha n' iarr mi air clàrsaich ;

this worthy, to the following purpose:— He was a great Mo cheol laidhe a's eiridh,
coward and being in the exercise of his calling in the
;

battle-field one day along with his clan, he was seized

M' osnadh gheur air bheag tàbhachd ;

with such fear at the sight of the enemy, whom he thought Fad mo rè bidh mi 'g acain,
too many for his party, that he left off playing altogether, Mheud 'sa chleachd mi dheth t-àillea*.
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
;
Ach dleasaidh faighidinn furtachd,
war they did not fail to repeat. When an adult is seen crying
Nach thu chuisle ga luaithead
faic
for some trifling cause, he is said to be singing "Port
;

Raoghnuill uidhir," " Dun Donald's tune :" and when Air fear na teasaich 'sa 'n fhiabhrais,
a Highlander is threatening vengeance for some boisterous 'S gearr mu shioladh a bhruaidleiu ;
and uproarious devilment which has been played ofT upon
him, he will say " Bhtir misort gu seinn thu Port Raog.
:
' Muir a dh' eireas ga bhraisead,
huill uidhir " i e. " I will make you sing
' Dun Ronald's '
Ni fear math beairte dh' i suaineach ;

tune.' " The following are a few of the I

Ach e dh' iomairt gu tapaidh,

" Be so an talamh mi shealbhach !
Ceann da shlait thuig a's uaithe.
Tha gun chladach gun gharbhlach gu'n chòs ;

Anns an rachainn da'm fhalach,

'S sluagh gun athadh a teannadh faisg oirn.
'Nuair a bha mi am ghille,

'S mi 'n ciad iomairt Shir Seumus,

Tha mi tinn leis an eagal,
Tha tni cinnteach gur beag a bhius bee/
Mar ri comhlan dheth m' chinneadh,
Chi mi lasadh anfhiirlair, Seoladh air spinneig do dh' Eirinn ;

Chluinn mi sgailcadh nan du-chlach ri ord .'

'S ann aig I Chalum Chille,

Fhuair mi gunna nach diult mi, Ghabb mi giorrag mu d' dheighinn ;

Fhuair mi claidheamh nach lùb ann am dhòrn, Chaill thu Ian mèise feodair,
Ach ma ni iad mo mharbhadh,
àrmach dhomh-s'? Air do shròin do 'n fhuil ghlè dhearg.
Ciod a feum a ni 'n sin
Tha mi tinn. SjC

Ged do gheibhinn.sa sealbh. Luchd a cbaitheadh nan cuaintean,

Air làn a chaisteal de dh' airgead 's de dh-òr, 'S moch a ghluaiseadh gu surdail,
Oich 'ma ni iad mo mharbhadh !
Le àlach cbalpannan cruaidhe,
!
'n
Ciod a feum a ni 'n t.airgead sin domh-s'?"
Tha mi tinn, #c. Bu bheag roimh' 'n fhuaradh an curam ;
56 SAR-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Bu clioina co dhetb oa b-oaldean, Dbomb-aa b" fhuraad' Bud Innaa

Ghlacadh gluaaad na itiùraefa ; Bu chuid dn m' guoimh o m' aois òige.

'S leer math bearit air a gualainn,
B' in raiini fuaagladb gach cui>e. Bu ro-eibneach 1110 leabaidb,
'S liba mo cbadal j;le rhomlinard,
'
N am i;liiavad tllir dhuinn, Fbad sa lili' fhuirieb thu Rgam,
Bu neo-mhiodhoir ar lòiatean, An caoin cbadal eon fhòtua ;

Cornach, cupanach, fionach, Bu tu mo sgaitb laidìr dbileaa,

Glaineachi lioutaidh a stòpaibh ;
Ga mo dhion o gacb duiaiiiu,
Gu cairteach, taileasgacb, disneacb, 'S e cuid a dli' aobhar mo leitb-truim,
'S taile air uigh na 'in foirnibfa ;
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, ("aschruinneacbadb "n t-sluaigli ri chèile,

Co cburniala no dh' fhagthu 'n Elrfnn, Cha deanar cogadb as t eugals,

Dh' fhag tlm na miltean 'a na ceudan, 'S oha deanar slth gun do li'ite,
\s oba <l' fhag tlm t aon leithid F6ln aim, 'S ged nach l>i na Duimhnich reldh riut,

Calpacrntnn an t-siubhail eutruim, (Ju n robb an rii;li nmr tha mi fein dut.
 —

DIORBHAIL NIC A BIIR1UTHAINN. 57

E-ìiò, hi u hì>, rò hìi eile, Far an tig an long fo h-aodach,

E-ho, hi u ho, 's i ri ri Ù, Far an òlte fion gu greadhnach.
Ho hi à ro, o hò o eile, E-ho i u ho, fc.
Mo dhiobhail dith nan ceai, i-fheadhn
Mhoire 's e mo run an t-òigear,
Mo chruit, mo chlùrsach, a's m' fhiodhall, Fiughantach aigeanntach spòrsail,
Mo tbeud chiùil gach àit am bithinn, 's Ceannard da ceathairne moire,
'Nuair a bha mi òg 's mi 'm uighinn, 'S mise nach diultadh do chòmhradh,

'S e thogadh m' inntinn thu thighinn, Mar ri cuideachd no am onar,

Gheibheadh tu mo phòg gun bhruitbinn, Mhic an fhir o 'n innis cheolar,
'S mar tha mi 'n diugb. 's math do dhligh oirr', O 'n tir am faighte na geoidh-ghlas,
E-ho i if ho, £e. 'S far am faigheadh fir fhalamh stòra;s.
E-ho i u ho, <£c.

Mhoire 's e mo run am firionn,

Cha bhuachaille bhò 'sa *n iimis, Bhuailte creacha's speach mhor leat,

Ceann-feadbna greadhnach gun ghiorraig, 'S cha bhiodh chridhe tigh'n a t-fheoraich,
Marcaich nan steud 's leoir a mhire, Aig a liuthad Iarla a's mùrair,
Bhuidhneadh na crointean d'a ghillean, Thigeadh a thoirt mach do chòracb,
'S nacb seachnadh an toir iomairt, Thig Mac-Shimidh, thig Mac-Leod aim,
Ghaolaich na 'n deanadh tu pilleadh, Thig Mac-Dhonuill duibh o Lochaidh,
Gheibheadh tu na bhiodh tu sireadh, Bidh Sir Seumus aim le mhor fhir,
Ged a chaillinn ris mo chinneacb Bidh na b' annsa Aonghas òg ann,
Pòg o ghruagach dhuinn an fhiricb. 'S t-fhuil ghreadhnach fein bhi ga dortadh,

E-ho i u ho, §c. 'S deas tarruinn nan geur lann gleoiste.
E-ho i ii ho, c^c.
'S truagh nacheil mi mar a b' ait learn,

Ceann Mhic-Cailein aim am achlais, 'S na 'n saoileadh cinneadh t-athar,

Cailein liath 'n deigh a chasgairt, Gu 'n deanadh Granntaich do ghleidheadb,

'S a 'n Crunair an deigh a gblacadh,

'S ioma fear gunna agus claidheamh,
Bu shunndach a glielbhinn cadal, Chotaichean uain' 's bhreacan dhathan,

Ged Dh' eireadh leat da thaobh na h-amhunn,

a b' i chreag chruaidh mo leabaidb.
E-ho i u ho, £c.
Cho lionmhor ri ibht an draighinn.
E-ho i u ho, $c
M' eudail thu dh' fheara' na dllinn,
math
Mhoire 's iad mo run an comunn,
'S 's eol dhomh do shloinneadh innse,
Luchd na 'n cul buidhe a's donna,
*S cha b' aim an cagar fo 's 'n iosal,
Dheanadh an t-iubhar a chromadh,
Tha do dhreach mar dh' òrdaich righ e,
Dh' oladh fion dearg na thonnadh,
Fait am boineid tha sinteach,
Thigeadh steach air mointich Thollaidh,
Sàr mhusg ort no cuilibhear,
'S a thogadh creach o mhuinntir Thomaidh.
Dh'eighte geard an cuirt an righ leat,
E-ho i u ho, $c.
Ceist na 'm ban o 'n Chaisteal Ileach,
Dorn geal mu 'n dean an t-òr sniamhan. Note.— As the air to which this piece is sung is rather
E-ho i n ho, §c.
j

a kind of irregular chant than a tune, the poetess was not

necessitated to make all her stanzas of equal length. We
know of other even good songs in similar style; and, per.
Domhnullaeh gasda mo ghaoil thu,
|

hap9, it is in some measure owing to this circumstance

'Schab'eMac Dhonnchai Ghlinne-Faochain. that the fertility of imagination, and raciness of language,
Na duine bha beò dheth dhaoine, so apparent in the compositions of some of our untutored
bards is to be attributed. Marbhrann lain glmirbh, at page
Mhic an fhir o thùr na faoileachd, I

2(i, is an instance of this.

 N

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 hich she describes
r
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, N ciste cfaaoil 's na saoir 'ga sàbhadh ;

Gun stiuir, gun seol, gun ràmh, gun taoinan. 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,

' 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,
 SIL1S NIGHEAN MH1C RAONA1LL. 59

Bha gun bheum, gun leum, gun ardan ;

liha guth a biieil mar theud na clàrsaich. MARBHRANN

O 's coma ham fInn, §x. DO DH' ALASTAIR DUBH GHLINNE-GAR AIDH.

Ma 's beag learn sud fhuair mi bàrr air AL ASD A R a gleanna-garadh,

I

Ceann mo stuic is pruip nan cairdeaii, Thug thu 'n diugh gal air mo shuilean,
A leag na ceud le bheum 'sua blàraibh, 1

'S beag ioghnadh mi bin trom creuchdach,

Ga chuir fo 'n fhòd le ol na gràisge. Gur trie g'ar reubadh as ùr sinn,
O 's coma' learn fhin, 8fc. 'S deaehdar dhomhsa bhi gun 'n osnaidh,
'S meud an dosgaidh th'air mo chairdean,
Ciod na creaclian a tbug bhuainn thu ? |
Gur trie an t-eug oirn a' gearradh,
Thug do dh' lnbheirnis air chuairt thu, Tagha nan darag is airde.
Dh' òl an fhiona las do ghruaidhean
'S a dh't'hag thu d' chorp gu'n lot gun luaidhe. Chaill sinn ionnan agus còmhla,
O 's coma' Itamfhin, §c.
|
Sir Dòmhnull, a mhac, 'sa bhrathair,
Ciod e 'in feum dhuinn bhi ga ghearan ?
'S mor a tha gun fhios do d' chairdean Dh-fhan Mac-'Ic-Ailein sa bhlàr bhuain,
San tìr inhoir tha null o 'n t-sàile, Chaill sinn darag laidir liath-ghlas,
Thu blii aig na Gaill ga d' chàradh I Bha cumhail dion air a chairdean,
'S do dhuthaich fèin ga mort' le uamhaid. 1

na giubhsaich,
Capull-coille bharr
O 's coma' leamfhin, «|-c. Seobhag sul-ghorm, lugh-mhor, laidir.

Bu tu 'n Curaidh fuilteach, buailteach, Dh-fhalbh ceann na cèille 's na comhairl,

Ceannsgalach, borb, laidir, nasal, Ann 's gaeh gnothach am bi cùram,
Na 'in b' aim am blar no 'n spàirn a bhuailt' thu, Aghaidh shocrach, sholta, thaitneaeh,
Gu 'm biodh do chairdean a' tàir-leum suas orr'. Cridhe flal, farsuinn, mu'n chuineadh ;

O 's coma' learn f /tin, fyc. Bu tu tagha nan sàr-ghaisgeach,

Mo ghualainn thaice-'s, — mo dhiubhail ;

Curaidh gasta, crodha, fumail, Smiorail, fearail, tbineamh, treabhach,

Tionnsgalach, garg, beodha, euchdarh Ceann-feadhna chaill Seumas Stiubhart.

;

'N Coille-chriothnaich 's là an t-sleibhe,

Bu luath do lann 's bu teann do bheumau. Na b' ionnan do chaeh 's do ghoill,

O 's coma' leamfhin, §~c. Mu'n dh-imich an long a mach,

Cha rachadh i rithist air sail,
Mo chreach long nan leoghann garga, Gun 'n fhios cia fath a thug i steach,
Nam brataichean sròil nan dath dearga, 's Ach 'nuair chunaig sibh an tràth sin,
Gur trie an t-eug gu geur g'ur sealg-sa A bhi g àr f'agal air faonthragh,
Leagail bhur crann-siìiil gu fàirge. Bhrist bhur cridheachan le mulad,
O 's coma' learn fhin, 8fc. 'S leir a bhuil cha robh sibh saogh'lach.

Nise bho na dh'fhalbh na braithrean Bu tu'n lasair dhearg g'an losgadh,

'S nach eil ach Uilleam dhiu lathair, 'S bu tu sgoilteadh iad gu'n sailtean,
A righ mhoir, ma 's deonach dàil da, Bu tu gualann chur a chatha,
Gus an diong an t-oighre t-àite. Bu tu'n laoch gun atha laimhe,
O 's coma' learn fhin, §
-
e. Bu tu'm bradan aim sail fhior-uisg,
Fior-eun on ealtainn is airde,
Ach a righ mhoir tog 's an aird iad, Bu tu'n leoghann thar gach beathach,
Mar chraoibh ubhlan, mheulair mhiaghair, 'S bu tu damh leathann na eràice.

Mar ghallan ùr nach lub droch aimsir,

Mar phreasa fiona 's lionmhor leanmbuinn. Bu tu loch nach faighe thaomadh,
O 's coma' learn fhin, §c. I 'S tu tobar faoilidh na slainte,
'S tu Beinn-Neamhais thar gach aonaeh,
O 's e so deireadh 'n t-saoghail bhrionnaich Bu tu chreag nach fhaoite thearnadh,
Aird-righ dean sinn orsta cuimhneach ; ;
Bu tu elach mhullaich a chaistail,
An deigh an latha thig an oidhche '

Bu tu leac leathann na sriide,

'S thig an t-aog air chaochladh Staidltk. Bu tu leig loghmhor nam buadban,
O 's coma' learn fhin, $c. i
Bu tu claeh nasal an tliàine.
60 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Bu tu'n t-iubhair as a choille, 'S gu'n reiteach o Dheòrsa ;

Bu tu'n darach dainghean laidir, Tha mi am chadal 's na dùisgibh mi.

Bu tu'n cuileann bu tu'n dreaghunn, Gur h-ioma bean uasal,
Bu tu'n t-abhall molach blath-mhor, Tha gu h-uaigneach na seomar,
Cha robh incur annad do' chritheanu, Gun aighear gun eibhneas,
Cha robh do dhlighe ri fearna, 'S i 'g eiridh na h-onar,
Cha robh do chairdeas ri leamhan, Sior chaoidh na n uaislean,
Bu tu leaunan nam ban àluinn. A fhuair iad ri phòsadh ;

Tha mi am chadal 's na dùisgibh mi.

Bu tu ceile na mnà priseil,

'S oil learn fhìn ga dith an drasd thu,

Mo thruaighe a chlann,

nach ioiinan dhomhsa

Nach robh gann na 'n curaisde ;
Ge d' is dhi-se
Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi,
'S goirt a tha mi-fhìn ma càradh,
'N am bualadh na 'n latin,
H-uile bean a bhios gun ehuile,
An am na 'in buileanan
Guidheadh i Mac Dhe na àite,
;

Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi.

O 's e 's urrainn bhi ga comhnadb,
Ge d' tha sibh 'sa'n àm,
Anns gach leon a chuireas càs oirr'.
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.
Guidheam do mhac bhi na t-àite,
'An saibhreas an aiteas 's an cùram, 'S e righ na muice,
Alasdair a Gleanna- Garadh, 'S na Cuigse, rìgh Deòrsa ;

Thug thu 'u diugh gal air mo shuilean. Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi,
Mu 'n tig oirnn an t-samhainn,
Bidh amhach 's na còrdaibh ;

THA MI AM CHADAL &c. Tha mi am chadal 's na duisgibh mi;

DO DH' FHEACHD RIGH SEUMAS. Na 'n eireadh sibh suas,

Le cruadal a's duinealachd,
Gur diombach mi 'n iomairt,
£adar islean a's uaislean,
Chuir gach fin' air fògradh ;
Thuath agus chumanta,
Tiia mi am chadal "s na duisgibh mi 'S gu'n sgiursadh sibh uaibh e,
Gun aighear gun eibhneas, Righ fuadain nach buineadh dhuinn ;

t The above four lines are lost. Uheauainu an cadal gu sunndach lcibh.
 ;

N1ALL MAC-MHUIRICH. 61

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 High-

land 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
62 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
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 thisfamous tribe of hards.
Where it is necessary to have some marks to
there are several individuals of the same name,
distinguish them. This has been always attended to by the Gael though in various ways. It is
common to call persons by their patronimics and among clans, where many have the same name
;

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 lie same place, t

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 Mor
signifies great in respect of one's person or mind.
less. Its
literal meaning is is the sense in which it has been applied here.
magnitude, and this But there
is another mark by which was distinguished, namely, by his country, Albanach. or of
this bard
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. Here follow the two first, and also the thirteen last lines

of the poem :
—
A chlanna Cuinn cuimhnichibh, A chuileanan chonfhadach,
am A bheirichean bunanta,
******
Cruas an

Gu
na h-iorghuill.

ur-labhrach, ùr-lamhach neart-mhor,

A leoghainnean lan-ghasta
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,
who pit iui.lv regarded him alread> ..-
1
• t nm
-object, not uclmcu turn. Inn, that justice he expected, he im-
,

mediately 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. 63

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 : 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 ;
gum b'aithne dha athair an t-shean làmh a

leughadh gu math ;
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 men-
tioned, 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, ai^us 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.

RUAIR1DH MAC-NEILL, J.P.

TRANSLATION OF THE ABOVE.

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.

(Signed) LACHLAN x MAC VUIRICH.

RODERICK MAC NIEL, J.P.

ORAN. DO MHAC-MHIC-AILEIN.*

Gur e naigheachd na ciadain, Nàile dhiolainn do bhàs,

Rinii mo chruitheachd a shiaradh. Dheanainn i'eòlach,
Le liunn-dubh, 's le bròn ciaiiail, Nàile dhiolainn, &c.
Gu'n dhrùidh trom air mo chriochaibh,
i i

Mo sgeul duilich nach iarr, Uidhist aighearach, eibhinn,

Mi 'ur còmhradh. Dhubhach, glialanach, dheurach,
Mo sgeul, &c. Nis o rug ort am beum so,

'Sgoirt r'a fhulang ni 's eiginn,

M' uaildh, m' aighear, is m' aiteas, Liuthad fear a tha 'n deigh air
Tha fo bhinn aig fir shasuinn. Mac-Dhomhnuill.
Ar tighearn' òg maiseach, Liuthad fear, &c.
An t-ogh ud Iarla nam bratach,
Mac an fhir thug dbomh fasga Cha 'n è 'n Domhnull sin roimhe,
'Nuair b' òg mi. Ach mac sin Dhomhnuill ogh Iain,
Mac an fhir, &c. Ailean aoibhinn an aigheir,
Urram fèile ; righ flatha,

'S truagh gu'n mise bhi lamh Ceannard meaghreach gu caitheamh

ruit,
'Nuair a leagadh 's bhlàr thu,
Na mòr-chuis.
Ceannard, &c.
Gu cruaidh curanta laidir,
Agus spionuadh nan Gael,
'Nuair a chiaradh am feasgar,

« The bard composed this song when a very old man, on

Gum biodh branndaidh ga losgadh,
hearing that his master was Wounded at Shirriffmuir. Fion Frangach ga chosg leibh,
66 SAIt-OBAUt NAM
 N1ALL MAC-MHUIRICH. c:

Agus sneachd na gèagaìbb,

air Air faighinn an d ordain soirbb,
Ghuil cunlaitfa an t-shleibhe, Agus a ghothaich gu loma Lèir,
O'n là ehual iud gun d' eug thu, Chraobh-sgaoil a chraimaghail mar sin,
A cheann uidhe nan ceud bu mhor prìs. Ri searbhadas agus ri l uchdail.
A cheaim-uidhc nan ceud, &c.
Piob sgreadanach Ian Mhic- Artair,
Gheibht' a d' bhaile ma fheasgar, I\Iar eun curra air dol air ais,
Smùid mhòi', 's cha b' è 'n greadan ;
Lan ronn 's labbar luirgneach,
i

Fir ùr agus fleasgaich, Com galair mar ghuilbneich ghlais

A' losga' fùdair le beadradh, Pìob Dhòmhnuill do cheòl na Cruinne,
Cùirn is cupaichean brcaca, Crannaghail bhreoite 's breun roi' shluaj.h»
Pìosan òir air an dealtradh, Cathadh a mùia tro màla grodaidh,
'S cha b' aim falamfa a gheibht' iad, Bo 'n tuil gbraionde robaich ruaidh :

Ach gach deoch rear bu neart-mhoire brigh. Ball Dhòmhnuill is dos na pioba,
Ach gach mar bu, &c. Da bbeist chursta chlaigeinn mhaoil, '

Seinnidh Corra-ghluineach a ghathuinn

'S iomadh clogaid a's targaid, Fuaim trùileach an tabhainn sheirbh.
Agus claidheamh chinn airgeid,
Bhiodh mar coinneamh Do-cheòl do bhi 'n ifrinn iochdrach,
air ealachuin,
Dhomhsa b' aithne do sheanchas, Faobnar phioban nan dos cruaidh,
Ge do b' fharsuinn ri leanmhuinn, Culaidh a dhùsgadh nan deamhan,
Ann an eachdraidh na h-Alba Liugail do mheoir reamhair ruaidh.
;

Raonuill òig dean beairt ainmeil, Air fheasgar an eariaich min,

0"n bu dual dut oil' leanmhuinn mòrghniomh. War gheum maift caòile teachd gu tlus,
O'n bu dual, &c. Thig sgreadail a chroinn riabhaich,
Mar bhr. . . tòine 'n di duibh.
'S cha bu lothagan cliata, Chuir Venus a bha seal an Ifrinn,
Gheibht' ad stùbuill ga'm biathadh ;
Mar dhearbhachd sgeul gu fir an Domhain.
Ach eich chruidheacha shrianach, Gur h-e corranach bhan is piob ghleadhair,
Bhiodh do mliiol-choin
'S iad a' feitheamh
Ann sua coireanaibh
ri fiadhach,
riabhach,
air iallaibh,
******
Da leannan ciuil cluas nan Deamhan.

* * * # * #
B' è mo chreacha nach do liath tbu, Fàileadh a ch . . dheth na mbàla
M' an tainig teaclidair ga d' iarraidh on righ. 'S fàileadh a mhàla dheth 'n phiobair.
M' an tainig teachdair, &c.
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
SEANACHAS SLOINN1DH 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
NA PIOBA BHO THUS.
tire, when John and Donald M' Arthur, two pipers,
came in, and, sitting down on the bed-stock, began tuneing
Aohroman muice ho hò ! ! their pipes preparatory to playing. The horrid and dis.
Air a sheideadh gu h-ana-nihòr, cordant sound of the pipes joused the bard, who, burst,
ing with indignation, in the true style of his profession,
Acheud mbàla nach robh Linn, began to inveigh against the pipers, in the following
Thainig o thus na dilinn. mock genealogy of the bag-pipe. It would appear from
this, as well as from hints in other poems, that the bag-pipe
Bha seal ri aodromain mhuc,
was never a favourite with the bards but was rather re.
Ga lionadh suas as gach pluic, garded by them as trenching on their province. The poem
;

Craiceann seana mhuilt na dhuigh sin, was evidently intended to resent the intrusion of thepipers
Re searbhadas agus ri dùrdail. on the bard's slumbers. Nor did it fail of the desired effect;
for, the pipers it seems, had intended to make good their
Cha robh 'n uair sin ann sa phiob, quarters for the night but, on hearing the odd and ludi-
;

Ach seannsair agus aon Hop, crous invective against their favourite instrument, entin.
ciated from behind them, they started from their seats
Agus maide chumadh nam fonn, with astonishment looking round for an explanation, liut
Da 'm b'-ainm an sumaire. when the swollen and pocky countenance <f Neil rtlet their
Tamull dai!)h na dheigh sin, view, wrought up we may suppose with no ordinary excite-
ment, terror added wings to their feet, and they fled in the
Do fhuair as-innleachd innleachd,
utmost consternation. Neil's father on hearing the poem
Agus chinnich na tri chroinn innt, to the end exclaimed " Math tint fan a mine, Via mifaicinn
nach bu thnras cailW a thug thu dh' liriin ;" i e. " Well
Fear dhiu fada, leobhar, garbh,
done my son, I see your errand to Ireland has not been
Ri durdan reamfcar ro shearbh. lost."
 68 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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.

ORAN DO MHAC-MHIC-AILEIN.

A Bhliadhna gus an Aimsir so, Gu'm bi fid a gheala-bhratach,

Gu'm b' fholrmeil sinn an Ormaioleit, 'S neo-chearbach an tùs comh-stri i,

'N cùirt an leoghainn mhearcasaich, Tlia elmis ud ar a dhearbhadh leibh,

Ge fe&r-ghalach romhorghalaeh, Aig ro mhiad fearrdba 's cròdhalachd,
Ge Miiarlidail, reachilail calniar' thu, A liutbad òigear barreaideach,
'S ro-anamanta neo morchuiseach, A
bhuaUeadh tailm le stròic-launabh,
Am bùul o'm Mud' thig argamaiil, O Sbeile gblas nan geala-bbradan,
'S tu dhearbbadh le ccart colas i. Gu Iiibhear gainmbich Mor-thire.

Gur h-e fhad 's o'n dh' flialbli thu uairin, Tha Caoa 's Eig a' gèilleacbdainn,
Dh' fhag ime-cheiateach an eomhnaldh sinn, Do 'n treun t'hear ud mar uachdaran,
Gu'm b' fheoiT leiim thu blii sealgaireaehd, O'n s ami leatsa dh' eireas iad,
Air talamfa garbh ua mor. thire, Deun t'cin gacb tread dhiu' bhuacbailleadid,
'J'hu fèln 's do bbuldheann alnmelneaoh, Am fiubhaidh gasda tbreubhacb sin,
Na
n èireadb farragradh fòpa-aan, Niir.h labhar beuirtean truaillidh lco,

Bhiodh ranodacb lughor arm-cleasar.h, An laochraidh tbaitneacb ghear-lannacbj

Sluagh garbh- bhuilleaeh, garg, comhragach. A tlu'id air gbleua gu fuatbaaach.
 AIN DUBH MAC IAIN 'IC-AILEIN. 69

A Uidhist thig na ceudan ort,

Fir bheur' a reubadh chuainteannan, MARBHRANN
Nach gabhadh sgreamh no deistinne,
DO MHAC MHIC-AILECV.
Roimh fhrasan geur a cruaidh-shneachda,
Bhur samhail riabh cha d' èirich dhuibh, A bhliadhna leuma d'ar miileadh,
An làthair feum no cruaidh-chuise, An coig-deug 's a mil' eile,
Gu cnoidheach, lotach, bèumanach, 'S na seachd ceud a roinn imeaciid,
Gu fuilteach, creuchdach, luath-lamhach. Chaill sinn ùr-ros ar finne,
'S geur a leus air ar cinneadh ra'm beò.
'S mor
a bhuaidh 's na tiolaicean, 'S gèur a leus air, &c.
an inntinn ata fuaighte riut,
'S
Tha gràdh gach duine chi thu ort, Mo sgèul cruaidh 's mo chràdh ciidhe,
Cha 'n eòl dlioinh f)iin fear fuatha dhut, Ar triatb Kaonullach dlitheach,
Fear sgipidh, measail, firinneach, Dh-ordaich Dia dhuinn mar thighearn'
Fear sìthmalte, sèamh, suairceil thu, Gu là-bhràth nach dean tighimi,
Fear sunndach, mùirneach, brìodalach, 'S tu 'n Inbhir-Phephri fo' rithe na'm bòrd,
Sàr chùirteir gu'n ghniomh buathanta. 'S tu 'n Inbhir-phephri, &c.

Fear borb rò-gharg do-chaisgt thu, Marcach sunndach nam pillein,

Na'n èireadh strì no tuasaid ort, Air each cruidheach nach pilleadh,
Do bhuirb ri t-fheirg ga miadachadh,
Nach d' ghabh ciiram no giorag,
'S tu 'n leoghanu neìmneach, buan-thosgach,
An àm dùblachaidh 'n teine,

Mar bhuinne reothairt fior bhras thu, Mo sgeul geur bha do spiorad ro-mhor,

Mar thuinn ri tir a bualadh thu, Mo sgeul geur, &c.

Mar bharr na lasrach fior-loisgeach, Cuirtear aigeantach, mileant'

'S tu an dreagan ri linn cruadh-chogaidh.
Muirneach, macnasach, fior-ghlic,
Ga 'n robh cleachdadh gach tire,
Mo chionsa an t-àrmunn prìseil ud, Agus fasan gach rioghachd
Mo sheobhag fìor-ghlan uasal thu, Teanga bhlasda ri inuse gach sgeòil.
An onoir ghleidh do shinnsireachd,
Teanga bhlasda, &c.
'S e miad an gnioinh a fhuair dhaibh i,

Gu'n d' fhdg iad daingheaim sgrìobht agad, Leoghann tartarach, meanmnach,
Fo lamh an rìgh le shuaicheantas, 'S cian 's as fad a chaidh ainm ort,
Bhiodh t-àrd fhear coimheid dìlis air, Beul a labhradh neo-chearbach,
'N uair dh-i'has an rioghachd tuair-shreupach. Bu mhor do mheas aig fir Alba,
'S tu toirt brosnachadh calma do'n t-shlògh.
Curro glan na friamhaichean, 'S tu toirt brosnachadh, &c.
bhuaineadh tu,
'S a fhìon-fhuil as 'n do
Mo Raonullach bras mìleanta, Fiuran gasda, deas, dealbhach,
Cruaidh cinnteach de mhein-chruaghach thu, 'Sgàthan tlachdar na h-Armailt,
Ar caraig dhaighean dhìleas thu, 'N uair a dh eireadh an fhearg ort,
Cha 'n ann gu'n strì' theid gluasad ort, B' ann air ghile 's fiamh dearg oirr,
Ar ceanna-bheairt 's ar sgiath dhìdein thu, Cha ruin pillidh bha meamna 'n laoich òig.
'S ar claidheamh direach buan-sheasach. Cha ruin pillidh, &c.

Bu àm na sìochthaimh thu,
blàth ann Bha thu teom ann 's gach fearra-ghniomh,
'Sbu phrìunnsalach ma t-uaislean thu, Bu tu sgiobair na fàirge,
Air mhiad 's ge 'n cosg thu chìsin ris, Ri là cas 's i tighin gailbheach,
Cha 'n fhaic thu dìth air tuathanach. 'N uair a dheireadh i garbh ort,
Do bhanntraichean 's do dhìleachdain, 'S tu gu'n diobradh an t-anabhar ma bòrd.
Gur h-e do nì-sa dh' fhuasgladh orr', 'S tu gun diobradh, &c.
Deanamaid urnaidh dhìcheallach,
Gu 'n cumadh Criosda suas dhuinn thu. 'N àm siubhal a gharbhlaich.
Bututaghadh an t shealgair,
As do laimh bu mhòr m'earbsa,
Air an fhiadh bu tu 'n cealgair,
'S turoinn gaoith' agus talmhuinn ma shròin.
'S tu roinn gaoith, &c.
 TO SAR-OBAIR NAM HARD GAELACH.

Oirnne dh' [micham faathas, Chunaic raise gu dligheil,

An syrìob so thainig o tbuatfc eirnn, A suilcan ri snitlie,
Tha ar càbaill air fuaagiadb, 'S i 'g àircamh mar mhi-àdh,
Chaidh ar n-eirtbire Bguabadh, Sior Iain da fàgail :

A's sinn mar cbuileanan cuaiue gu'n treòir. Bha dòrainp a cridbe,
A's sinn mar cbuileanan, &c. Cho mòire ga ruighinn,
'S mar gu 'm biodh e air tighinn,
Chaill sinn reulla nan dualamh, O
dhearbb nighean a màtbar :

Cbaidb ar riaghailt a gbluaaadj Gu oronachadb age'ula,

Ar cairt-iuil air falbh uainnt', Bhiodh fada 'na db&gb sin,
Bhrist ar atiuir mo cheud truaighe,
; Thug Mairiread na fcile,
Sinn mar luing aim a' chuan 's i gu'ii Beòl. Spor gheur do'n fhear-dhàna.
Sinn mar luing, &c.
Nach Eongbnadb ri chlàistìn,

Sinn mar llnne gun mhàthair, Gum beil mise o cbeann fada,
Mar threuil gun bhuaebaille gnàthaicht Ann an turcadaich cadail,

Sinnfobhruid aig ar nàmhaid, Agus m' acaid ro-cbraiteach ;

H-uile fear a' toirt tàir dhuinn, Tha encidh air mo ghiùlan,
'S na coin luirge gach là air ar tòir. S mi leisg air a dusgadh,
'S no coin luirg, &c. Air eagal le bùrach, '

Gun dhomb,
ùraich i'm has

Dhuinn Gidheadh cha sgeul -rùine,

neo-shubhach an geamhradh,
's

An ruaig a thug sinn gu Galltachd,

Ach sgeula 's mor cùram,
Sir Iain gu'n dùsgadh,
Cha bu bhuannachd acta call dhuinn,
Nis mar cbolainn gun cheann sinn An dlu chiste chlaraibh ;

O B'e so an fhras chiùraidh,

roinn Raonull a's t-shamhradb uainn falbh.
O roinn Raonull, &c. A mhill ar n-abhall's ar n-uhhlan :

Roinn ar dosgainn a chrùnadb,

A gnnuis a b' àillidh ri sirreadb, Fhroia am riùr bhàrr a ghàraìdh.
An t-shùil bu bhlaithe gu'n tioma,
An leoghann àrd air dheagh-oilean, B'c fèin ar crann dosrach

'Nach d' chnir ùigh an gniomh foUteil, A chomhdaich le choltas

Ach an riogbalachd ahoilleir gu'n leòin, Gur a coilltichin solta

Ach an riogbalachd, &c. 'N dh-fhas toiseach a fhreamha

Gu'n dreadhunn gu'n chrìonaoh,
'S oil loam càradh do cheile, Gun ehrltbeann gu'n chrin-fhiodh,
'S bean na h-aonar a'd' dhèidh i,
Ach geugan ro phriseil,
'N deigb a agaradh o eeud-gradh, Do dh-fhion-fhuil na Spain*,
I\!hic 'Ic-Ailcin o'n dheug tbu, Bha fios aig luchd lcubhaidb,
Fhir a leanadb an fheiad mar bu choir. 'S aig seanachatdhean geura,
Fhir a leanadb, &c. Air ar tcachd o Ghathelus,
As an Euphaid a thdinig,
Ach fhir thug Maois as an Euphaid, Sliochd mhilidhcan trcuna,
'S a sgoilt a mhuir na dAr ividh dhaibh, Fhuair ceanaaa na b-Eireaoa,
Thug an an èigin
triuir as Mar bha fir na fcile,
O bbidagbadh an creuchdan ;
Agus Eirimon dàna.
A High nan rigb na lelg eucoir da'r còir.
A Righ iia'n righ, fce. 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,
MA R B II It A N N Bu leibh ceannaa na fòid sin,
DO SHIR IAIN MAC-ILLEAFX TKIATII DHUBHAIRT. I.e ionaadaidh cdracb,
Agus moran a bhàrr air,
Iomraich mo bbeannacbd, Clad nighean Mhic-Domhnuill,
Gu liainn-tighcariia Thamair, Mar mhairiate pòsda,
Beau 'a am bell barrachd,
B'e n aeanailèir còmhraig,
De charantachd nàduir ; 'N ciad Thòisich a's àrmainn.
 IAIN DUBH MAC IAIN 'IC-AILLTN. 71

*******
72 SAII-015A1R NAM BARD GAELACH.
IAIN DUBH MAC
 ;

SAU-OBA1U NAM HARD GAELAC1I.

An :im dol a bbualadh Cha tugadh an Cillmocheallaig

B' e 'n cruadal 'ur calg, Breath bu chlaoine,*
Bu ghuineacb ur beumao No ni rinn an ceann a b' aird',

'N liair dli' èireadh 'ur fearg. A' màs 'ga dhioladh.
Gabhail do chrios an aois àrsaidh,
Air màs seau-duin',
Nam biodh gach curaidh treun-mhor
am,
'S fada ma'n ionnsaich an gniomh sin
Le cheile sail
Ciall do theangaidh,
lad air aon inntiiiii dhirich
Ge be labhras ris an fhear ud,
Gun fhiaradh, gun chain,
Còir, no ea-coir,
lad cho cinntcach ri aon fhear,
Gabhar air a ghiort' de slracaibh,
'S iad titheach air geall,
Dh' aindeoin mùiaeag nan dù-Gball,
Le ciios ieilidli.
Thig cùi-s tliar an ceanii.
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

CUOSDHANACIID thuigsinn gur h-ann na h-aobhar fèin a lhuair am

màs am mor-ghleusadh sin. Mar deanadh sin a
FIIIH NAN DRUIMNEAN. ciall ni bu mbeasa, cha deanadh e idir ni b'fhearr

i. Uaith sin a dubhradh — " Am fear nach ionn-

Tha bitli ur an tir na Dreollalnn, saich laimh ri ghlitn, cha'n ionnsaich laimh ri

'S coir dliuinn aithris, uilean."

Tha moran deth tigh'n am biochionnt'
A chuideachd da'm bu choir bhi diamhair,
lti gnàs Shasuinn,
'S a ghnà 'in falach,
Ni 'in beil duin' uasal, no iosal,
Cha d'fhagadb da'n dion bho chunnart,
No (ear fearainn,
Sion de dh' earradh,
Leis nach àill, gu moran buiuig,
liba iad .ion uair an lathair tiauais,
Ceird a bharrachd.
An taigh grcusaich.
Tha ceird ur aig fear nan Druimnean,
Dubhairt nighean Sbombairlef
Th' air leinn tha cronail
Le rabbart, sa gnas siomhailt,
B'àill leis fein a dhol an àitti
'S còir gu'm beaunaicb sinn gu saibhear,
Mhaisteir Sgoile,
Cuid gach Criosduidh.
An t-òide sin fein a rinn flioghlum,
B'fhearr learn ge nach eil mi maoineach,
Le gloir LaideaoD)
No luach gearrain,
Ghlacadh leis, gun chead a chairdcan,
Gu'm biodh coltas do thriuir
A cheaird a bli'aige.
Gu turn aig Calum.J
Labhairt — 'S e an t-aobliar a thug do dhaoine Labhairt — 'S e aobbar thug do'n mhuao.
aire thoirt do sbaunt an sgoileir so, 'nuair a mh- bheusaich, cheart, choir, so a radh, a run deagh
laonalcfa se cheaird do bhi aigoide foghluim, nach chneasta, chum gu'm biodh aig a fear fein a
laimhaicheadh e i, mar laimhaicheadh an t-oide leithid, sa bbiodh aig a nabaidhean ; 's nach suil
foghluim fein i. Oir 'nuair a gbabhadb an t-oide ghointe, no lombais, a bh' aic air cuid a coimh-
foghluim air a dhaltachan, 's aim a gbabhadb e earsnaicb. Mar bh'aig Gillebride Mae-an-
air na lcanahanun, acta 's aim a gbabhadb an t-Saoir aim an Uuthaig, an Tirithe, a inhort
aanntacb so air na daoine àrsaidh mar an
sgoileir an ceithir-tichaid cearc le aon bhrum-sula, 's a
ceudua. 'Nuair gbabhadb an t-oide foghluim bhris long mhor nan cuig crannag, a dbaindeoin
air a dhaltachan, ' aim a ghabbadb e air na a cablaicheaii sa b-acraiehean. Uaith a sin a
cioutaich, ach 'sann agbabhadb an Kgoileirsaimt- dubhradh — " Sann de'n cheaird a cbuugddh."
ach air na neo-chioutaich. '8 aim uailh sin a
—
dubhradh " Saoilidb am fear a bhios na thumb,
Tha bith ur an tir na Dreollainn,

gur e fein a's fearr lamb air an stiùir," ach cha A tbog am Baron,

mhò gur Air gach aon fhear a labhras buna-cbainnt,

h-e.
Itusgadh feamain,
Ma sgaoileas air fcadh gach tire,
Cha'n ionnsaich c claim, no leanabain, Am bith thog Tearlach,
Mar bu choir dha,
Gus am hi iad na'n daoin' àrsaidh * See note, page 38. f The shoemaker's, wife.
Vu 'n Ian fheòsaig, t The shoemaker who liad no children.
 —

AN T-AOSUANA MAC-MHATHAIN. 75

'S teann as naeh feudadh ri h-uine, tainer, that he immediately determined to he revenged on
the souter; and, lest he should have the hardihood to
K-I'ein bhi jiaighte.
deny his own words, he took the schoolmaster along with
Ma an gearan so Seumas,
rigeas him. Now, the souter was a regular lickspittle; a mean,
Breitheamh skr-nihath, 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,
man," pointing to the dominie, "that you would make
Ach glag mòr gaire. no more shoes for me till I had paid for the last I
got ?" " Oh no, no, Sir," said the shoemaker, with an air
of surprise, " most willingly would I convert all the
Labhairt — Agus bha aobhar na dlia aig an t- leather in my possession into shoes for your honour. I

Siorramh choir air fair a dbeanadh, tbaobh have but too much time to work fur those who are not so
able to pay me, and am therefore always at your service."
gu'n d'rug fimchioll-gbearradh airsau, lecoimh-
The poor dominie was thunder-struck at the barefaced
earsnachd ban- Spain tich do thachair ris. 'S impudence of the "fause loon;" but, ere he had time to
aim uaith sin a dubhradh, " An duine ni teine utter a word in explanation, the laird had nut only laid
the flattering unction to his own soul, but seizing the
math deanadli e-fciu a gharadh lis. preceptor by the throat, placed his head between his
own knees ill a twinkling, and clutching Crispin's foot-
strop in the one hand, and lifting the dominie's phila-
Note— The laird of Druimin kept an old school- beg with the other, he therewithal plied him on the
master in his house, in the double capacity of tutor to his bare buttocks, so hotly and heavily, that he had well
children and goer of errands. The dominie was one day nigh expended the "wrath" which he had so carefully
Bent to a shoemaker who lived on the laird's grounds, with been "nursing" for the rascally souter. How many
a message ordering a pair of new shoes for his master. stripes the wight received deponent hath not said, but
The souter declined the honour intended him, alleging as true it is, the number far exceeded that prescribed by
a reason that it was a standing rule with him, " never to the law of Moses. Indeed it is doubtful whether " the
make a pair of shoes fur any customer till the last which man of letters" might not have lost his " precious spunk,"
he had got were paid for." But there was another, if if the shoemakei's better-half had not Hown to his rescue.
not rather a piece of the same, reason of the shoemaker's Gentle dame! well have I designated thee thy churlish
unwillingness to make the shoes the laird was a dreach husband's " better-bait I" for though the poor schoolmaster
payer; one, in fact, who would run on an account to any was both disgraced and pained through his default, his
conceivable length without ever thinking it time to settle eyes were blind and his heart hard as the " nether mill-
it. Well, the wielder of the ferula returned, and reported stone." And though it may be that no grey stone points
to his master the ipsissima verba of the son of St Crispin. out the place of thy sepulture, yet has the bard embalmed
The laiid was so exasperated at the insolence of his re- 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.

ORAN DO'N IARLA THUATHACH

TRIATH CHLANN-CHOINNICH.

Deoch slainte'n Iarla thuathaich, Gu'n cumadh Dia bho bhanghal thu,
A thriall an de thai -
chuaintean bhuain, Bho charraid cuain 's bho chaolasao,
Le sgioba laidir luasganach, j
Bho charraig fhuair gun chaomhalachd,
Nach pilleadh cis na t'uathas iad, ;
Seachd beannachd tuath is daonac.hd dhut,
Muir gàireach air gach guallainn dli'i ;
Buaidh làrach ri do shaoghail ort,
Air clar do liiinge luaithe, Fhir ghaoil ga t-fhaicinu biò.
Gabh mi cead dhiot is fhuair mi 'n t-òr.
76 SAlt-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
 N

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-'ILLEAN. 77

A shliochd righ Fionnaghaill,

Ach buaidh a's slàinte an fhir a dh-fhàg tbu,
Nan corn geala-ghlaic 's nan siòl balla-bhreac, Duineil, bràithreil, cinneil, càirdeil,
'M pòr nach cearbach, dol fo 'n armaibh, Gaol bho nàmhaid, gràdh bho chàirdcan,
'N am nan garbh-chath ruaidhneach. A shliochd nan àrmunn uasal.

AN T-AOSDANA MAC-'ILLEAN.
Hector Maclean, commonly Eachann Bacach an t -Aosdàna, lived in the
called
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

TRIATH DHUBH-AIRD.

Thriall ar bunadh gu Phàra, Chaidh do chiste n taigh geamhraidh,

Co b'unrainn da sheanchas? Cha do bhrist thu chno shamhiia,
Mac-Mhuirich,* Mac-Fhearguis,
Misneach fear Innse-Gall thu,
Craobh a thuinich rè aimsir,
'S mor is miste do ranntaidh,
Fhriamhaich bun ann an Alba, Nach do chlisg thu roi' naimhdean,
Chuidich fear dhiu' cath-Gairiach, Fhir bu mheasail an campa Mhontroise.
Fhuair sinn ullaidh fear t-ainme theachd bed. Fhir bu mheasail, &c.
Fhuair sinn, &c.

Fhir bu rioghaile cleachdadh,

Cha chraobh chuire cha phlannta, 'S tu bu bhioganta faicinn,
Cha chnòdh bho'n uraidh o'n d' fhàs thu, A dol sios am blàr machracb,
Cha bhlà chuirte ma bhealltainn, Bhiodh na miltin ma d' bhrataich,
Ach fàs duillich a's meanglain, Chuid bu phriseile 'n eachdraidh,
A miar mullaich so dh' fhàg sinn, Luchd do mhi-ruin na'n caist ort,
Cuir a Chriosd tuilleadh an àite na dh' fhalbh. 'S ann a dh' innste leo t-fhasan,
Cuir a Chriosd, &c. 'Nuair bu sgi leo cuir
sgapaidh na'm feòil.
'Nuair bu sgith, &c.
'S mor puthar an raith-se,
'S trom an dubhadh-sa dh'fhàs oirnn, Cha bhiodh buannachd do d' nàmhaid,
Gur ro cumhann leinn t-ardach, Dol a dh' fhuasgladh bhuat lamhuinn,
'N ciste luthaidh na'n claran, Bha thu buadhach 's gach àite,
'S fad is cuimhne leinne càradh nam bùrd. Cha b'e fuath mhic a mhàile,
'S fad is cuimhne, he. Fear do shnuadh theachd na fhàrdaich,
Cha dath uaiue bu bhlà dhut,
'Nuair a bhuaileadh an t-àrdan ad phòr.
Clerk. Register of Icolumkill. 'Nuair a bhuaileadh, &c.
7H SAil-OBAlR NAM BARD GAELACII.
 AN T-AOSDANA MAC-'ILLEAN. 70

Spàntach làdair, fulangach,

O It A N 'N laimh a churaidh chliùtaich,

'S a 'n sgiath bu trie an taisbeanadh,
nnr.ACHUNN mor mac gilleoi.n Air ghaoirdean deas nan lù-chleas.
A
Lachuinn oig gu 'mfaic mi thu, <£<
TRIATH DHU13H-AIRD.

A lachuinn òig gu'n innsiiin ort,

Mo ghaoil a 'm fear caitr>anach,

Sgeal is binn ri àireamh, A leubh a chairt 's rinn gua! d'i,

Nis o linn e craobh-sgaoileadh, Leis an cireadh na brataichean,

'S na bheil an taobh so dh'fhairge, A 's teach o ghlaic nam fuarbheann,
Tha thu Ian do dh' fhioealtachd, 'N àm dùsgadh as an cadal daibli,
Cho ceart sa dhinnseadh seanchas, Gu'n d' bhuail thu pais ma'n chluais err',

Gur mac Iain Ghairbh da rireamli tha, 'S thilg thu steach an teachdaireachd,
An àm dol sios an garbh-chatb. 'S an ceart air bhachd an guaile.
A Lachuinn oig gu 'mfaic mi thu, Sfc.

A Lachuinn òig gu 'm faic mi tha,

Mar treigcadh Lord na bus mi,
'S iomadh bratarh shuaicheanta,
Gum faic mi fo cheanu bliadhn thu,
'N robh sniuais a's cruas a's cairdeas,
yiar glac amfiabhras àrd mi,
Eadar rutha Chuirteirnis,
A ghnùis sholta, 's am be.nl on sochdrach gùire,
Gu Dubh-airt tbun a Garbh-lead,
Do dheud gun stòir o'm binn thig glair,
Dh' eireadh fir Airrl-ghobhar leat,
O'nfaighinn pòjf a'sfùilte.
Fir fhoghainteach neo-sgàthach,
Dhearbliainn fhin gu'n geileadh dhut,
'S e Ceannard Chlan-'lllcain, Fir ghleusta bho Bhra'-chàrnaig.
Dh'fhàs flatbasach le cruadal, A Lachuinn oig gu 'in faic mi thu, $<,-.

Sgaoil e feadh gach tighearnais,

Gu'n gbleidh thu dligheil t-uaisle,
Ach 's iomadh neach bu shùgradh leis, Ghluaiseadh leat s na h-eileanan,
Crùbadh arm an truaiileachd,
Dream nach ceil an gràdh ort,
Ach rinn thu beairt bu cliùtaiche, Thigeadh ort a mor-Innis,

Air an duchas mar ba dual dhut. A bhratach leòghannt' làidir,

Chìte sid gu follaiseach,
A Lachuinn òig gu 'mfaic mi thu, <j|c.
Fir fhointiidh ami an Aros,

'S ena chuir mi dh'eòlas ort, Na fir ùra nach diùltadh,

Dh' fhàg an ceò ma m' shùilean, Sgiùrs thoirt air an nàmhaid.

Aig a mhiad sa fhuair mi dheth, A Lachuinn oig gu 'mjalc mi thu, §c.

Gu'n leig mi ruaig an tùs ort,
Dh' aithnichinn air an fhaiche thu, Dh' eireadh seòid o'n Mhuidhe leat,
A lùb nan cas-chiabh ur-ghlan, Nach cuiieadh bruthach spàirn orr',
Gu'm b' ursann-ehath air gais^eieh thu, Nan ceanna-bheairtean glana,
Na'n tigeadh creach a d' dhuthaich. Nan lamtan geal 's nan targaid,
A Lachuinn oig gu 'mfaici mi thu, §-c. Nan cuilbheirean caol acuinneach,
Aig gaisgich nan gniomh gailbheach,
B' e sid an gasan leis bu taitneach, A dheauadh luath a chais'eacha,
Picean dait' a lùbadh, 'N uair dh' eireadh srad bho theanachair.
'N t-iubhar nuadh ga lagh gu chluais, A Lachuinn oig gu 'mfaic mi thu, SfC.
'M beatha bhuat bu shiiibhlach,
Ceir a's ròsaid dlù fo t-òrdaig,
Ite an eòin gu h-ur-ghlan, Bratach aig Clann-Dòmhnuill,
Mu chul an fheidh ma'n gearr e leum, 'N a'm biodh ad chòir gu'm b' fheairrde,
Bhidh thu il na leine bruite. Dh' fhàs gu seasmhach, cruadalach,
A Lachuinn oig gu 'm faic mi thu, ^c. 'N uair ghluaiseadh iad na'n armadh,
Ann an gliocas firinneach,
Sid na h-airm a ghlacainn dut, Cho math sa sgriobh an seanachas,
A dhol air sraid an fhùdair : Sid an dream bha innsgineach,
Cuilbhair a ghleis shniamhanaich, Ri 'n innseadh nach robh leanabail.
A bheul o'n cimiteach cuiiiise, A Lachuinn oig gu 'mfaic mi thu, cjc.
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.
 LACHUNN MAC THEARLAICH. 81

LATHA' SIUBHAL SLEIBHE.

M^rbhphaisg ort a mhulaid, " Chaidh sinn do Dhun-Bheagain

Nnch do dh'fhuirich thu nochd uarn A's cha d'iarr sinn cead 'na thùr,
'S nach do leig thu cadal domh, Fhuair sinn, fàilte shuilbheara,
S an òidhche fada, fuar, Lc f'urbailt a's le mùirn :

Ma's ann a dh'iarraidh cunntais orm, Gu'n ghlac e sinn le acarachd

A lunn thu air mo shuain, Mar dhaltachan 'nar triuir,
Bheir mise greis an dràsda dhut A 's thogadh e gach neach againn
Air àireamh na tha bh'uat. Gu macant' air a ghlun.

Latha' siubhal sleibhe dhomh " Fhuair sinn greis 'gar n-àrach,
'S mi falbh learn fein gu did, Aig Mac-Leòid a bha san Dun,
A chuideachd arms an astar sin Greis eile gle shaibheir
Air gunna glaic a's cù, Aig a bhrathair bha'n Dun-Tuilm :"

Gun thachair clann rium ann sa' ghlcann Sin 'nuair labhair fiughantas
A' gal gu fann chion iùil : Dalt uiseil Dhomhnuill ghuirm : —
Air learn gur h-iad a b'àillidh dreach " Bu trie leat a bhi sùgradh rinn,
A chunnacas riamh le m' shuil. 'S cha b' fhasan ùr dhuinn cuirm.

Gu'm b'ioghnadh learn mar thàrladh dhaibh " N am eiridh dhuinn neo-airtneulach
Am fàsach fad air chùl, 'S biadh maidne dhol air bòrd,
Coimeas luchd an aghaidhean Gheibhte gach ni riaghailteach,
Gu'n tagha de cheann iùi!, Bu mhiannach leat ga d' choir ;

Air beannachadh neo-fhiata dlioinh Cha d' chuir thu duil am priobairtich,
Gu'n d'fhiaraich mi :
— " Co sùd ?" Cha b' fhiach leat ach ni mòr ;

'S fhreagair iad gu cianail mi Bu chleachdadh air do dhitheid dhut

A'm briathraibh mine ciùin. Glain' fhiona mar ri ceòl.

" Iochd, a's Gradh, a's Fiughantas, " Am fear a bh' air a Chomraich
'Nar triuir gur h-e ar n-ainm, Bu chall soillear dhuinn a bhàs
Clann nan uaislean cùramach, Ann an cuisibh diulanais,
A choisinn cliu 's gach ball, Cha b' iùdmhail e' measg chàicb
'Nuair phàigh an theile cis d'an Eug Lamh sgapaidh òir, a's airgeid e
'S a chaidh i-tein air chall, Gu'n dearmad air luchd dhàn,
'Na thiomnadh dh'fhag ar n-athair sinn A's mhior.naicheadh na clàrsairean
Aig mathaibh Innse-Gall. Nach e bu tàire lamb.*

" Tòrmod fial an t-shùgraidh,

* Alluding an Irish Harper of the name of Cailran
to
Nach d'fhàs m'a chuinneadh cruaidh,
Comae, who, consequence of a misunderstanding, left
in
A bha gu fearail fiùghantach, his master and Scotland, at that time the saving ark
fled to

chum a dhùthchas suas

'S a ;
of refugees, whether children of prose or verse. During
his peregrinations in the hyperborean regions of Caledonia,
'S ann air a bha ar taghaich,
he visited, according to the custom of the times, many of
O'n thugadh Iain bh'uainn, the Highland Chieftains and families of distinction, whose
'S beag m' fharmad ris na r'eumaich ears were not yet sufficiently refined to disrelish music,
and who, consequently, appreciate! his abilities and per.
O'n a bheum na cluig gu truagh !
formances. Among others in whose families the Hibernian
minstrel was well received, was that of the Laird of Apple,
" Bha'n duin' ud ro fhlathasach, cross. On the day of his departure, Applecross, whose
generosity was worthy of his country and high rank, gave
'S e mathasach le ceill, Cormac a handful of gold pieces out of his right hand, and
Bha e gu fial fiughantach, a similar quantity or silver ones out of his left. Such a
splendid instance of genuine Highland liberality, could not
'S a ghiulan math ga reir ;
but awake sentiments of the most lively gratitude in the
Ge farsuinn eadar Arcamh, naturally feeling bosom of the minstrel who, upon his
;

Cathair Ghlas-cho 's Baile-Bhòid arrival in the Kmerald isle, lost no opportunity of trum-
:

peting forth the praises of his benefactor. The tide of his

Cha d' fhuaras riamh oid-altrum ann, quondam employer's rn^-e having now subsided, and a
Cho pailt' ri teach Mhic-Leòtd. reconciliation having been effected between the parliee,
 "

82 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

" Thug sinn ruaig gu'n RÒradh 'S mi Bmaointeach air Da saoidheann sin
Gu Blao-Choinnicb mòr nan coach, 'S ablii ga'n caoidh gu rruagh,
Be'u duiu' iochd-mhor, teò-chrìdbeacb, 'S amhuil gbeibh mi bbuinig ami,
S bu leogbannt e air sluagh, Bin taghaich air luirg t'huair,
Bha urram uaisl' a's ceatmais aig' An taobh a chaidh iad tharais,
Air fearaibh an taobh-Tuath ; 'S ann tha dachaigh nil' an t-sbl uaigh,
Cha chuirt' as geall a cbailleadb e Dh'eug Iannraic priunsa Shasuinn ;

Ge d' fhalaich oirn e 'n uaigb ! 'S cha dùisg e gu làluain !

" O'n rimi an uaigh 'ìir glasadh orm, Note.— This beautiful and pathetic song was composed
by MacKinnon after the death of some of his relations. It
'S nach faic mi sibh le'm shiiil ;
would appear that while they lived, and while his own cir.
'S cnmhach, cianail, craiteach, mi, cumstanccs continued prosperous, he was much respected
'S neo-ardanach mo shùrd, throughout the country, and was not untrcqnently the
guest and companion of the best gentry in the Highlands.
'S mi cuiinhneachiidh nam braitbrean sin No sooner, however, had death deprived him of hit friends,
A b'aillidh d reach a's gnùis, and misfortune had robbed him of his gear,» than he began
to experience, from the world and his former patrons, the
Gur trie a chum sibh coinnidh rium
bitter indifference and coldness which poverty too often
Aig Coinneacb aims a' Clntil. brings in her train. This he experienced in an especial
manner, when, on a Christmas evening having gone to the
" Ailpeanaich mhath chiar-dhuibh, Castle of Dunvegan, where the rest of the country gentry
were, as usual on such occasions, enjoying the hospitality
'Gam bu dùthchas riabh an Srath, of the chief, poor Mackinnon was not only unnoticed and
D'an tigeadh àirm gu sgiamhach neglected, but repulsed from the hall, where, in worthier
Ge bu riabhach leinn do dhatb, days, and under a worthier laird, he and his fathers were
wont to be welcome guests. In consequence of this un.
Bu lamb a dheanamh fiadhaich thu, handsome treatment, the indignant bard returned instantly
Gu'n dial bu bhiatach math, to Strath. While pursuing his homeward journey through

'S a nise bho na thriall thu bh'uainn, the lonely glen, beneath the towering Culecns, and while
the fever of his resentment still burned within his bosom,
Cha'n iarrair sinn a staigh. he met, or imagined he met, Ucncrusity, Love, and Liber-
ality, outcasts, like himself, from the hearts and halls of
" Bu chuimir glan do cbalpannan, highland lairds, and bitterly inveighing against the tyranny
that thus exiled them, unfed and unclothed, from the
Fo shiiasaid dhealbbaich thruim,
abodes where they were accustomed to reign and revel.
'S math thigeadh breacan cuachach ort, At length having reached his home, he went to bed, pro.
Wu'n cuairt an fhcile chruinii, bably supperless, and gentle sleep not deigning to woo him,
but in its stead the weeping muse, he composed, and, for
'S ro mhath a thigeadh claidheamh dbut,
the first time, sung this song. It was highly esteemed by
Sgiath laghach nam ball gr'mn, the Highland bards and seanachais, the latter of whom
Cha robh cron am fradharc ort, entitled the tune to which it is sung, " Tri.amh Fonn na

'Thaobh t-aghaidh 's cul do chinn.

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
" Nam togail mail do dhiithchannan, was first sung, we may mention that it was a custom of the
old Highlanders, when they could not sleep, to sing on
'S ga 'n dlùthachadfa riut fein ;
their beds, and that loud enough to waken all the inmates
Bbi'dhmaid air 'nar stiubhartan of the house, who, if the song was good, never grudged
'S 'nar triuir gu'm bi'dhmaid rcidh, their slumbers being thus musically broken.

Cha do thog sinn riabh bò Shamhna dbut,

No Bealltaimi cha b'e'r beus,
Cha mhò thug 6ich air tnathanach, ORA N
Bu mho do thruas ri fheum. DO N1GI1KAN Kinii QHBAMBAIL.

Bha'n duin' ud na charald dhomh, Mncii sa' mhadainn mi \s Ian airtncil,

'S cha chàr dhomh' chliù a slu-inn, Tha mi 'g achdain m' iunndrainn,
Mas can each gur masgall e, An aite cadail air mo leabaidh,
Leig tharais e na thim ; Carachndh sa tiunntadh.
Do bhaa a dh>fhàg mi muladach, Na 'm faighinn cead, gun rachainn grad,
'8 aim chlalnnear e '« gaob tir,
Am still gu'n stad, gu'n aon-tamh ;

Cha b'loghna' mi ga t-iondrann, A db' fhioa an àit' am noarach each,

Ann am cuimtais tboirt 's an t-sbuim. Gu in beil mo ghrudh-sa n Geambail.

his ma«ter asked Corm.ic :—" Creitl i '« lamh ha Jhri/r da * Lest this may be mistaken, it is only to be
statement
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

—••Lamh chlith Jhir na Camraich," or the left hand of j
even a very limited competency arising from a paternal
apple s, was the minstrel's prompt and quaint reply. ittatc.
 ;

LACHUNN MAC THEARLAICH. 83

'S ge fad air chuairt, mi 's tamull bh'uam, Ceilliilh, cliutach, beusach, muirneach,
An aisling bhuan so dhuisg mi ; Ceud fear ùr tha 'n deidh ort.
Thu bhi agam, aim am ghlacaibh, Bi'dh airnean bruit aig pairt de 'n chunntais, sin'
Bhean bho 'n tlachd-mhor sùgradh. Dha 'n diult thu caoimhneas ;

A dhainean buinig 's fada m' fhuireacli, Bi'dh slaint' as ùr, le fàilte chillil,

Arm an iomal dùthcha, Aig fear ni lub san roiim ort.

O choin a chiall ! gu 'in be mo mhiann,
Bhi 'n diugh a trial] ga t-iunnsaidh.

Air t-iunnsaidh theid mi 'n uair a dheireas,

Mi gu h-eatrom sunndach ;
SGI AN DUBH
Gach ceum de'n t-3hlij;he, dol ga d' ruidliinn,
AN SPKOGA1N CHAIM.
Bi'dh mo chridhe sùgach
Mo mhiann bhi 'n ceart-uair air bheag cadail
Dh' innsinn sr^ul mu mhalairt duibh,
Ann ad chaidridh greannar ;
Na 'm fanadh sibh gu fòill,
Mo dhuil gun chleith, le durachd mhath,
Mur dh' eirich do 'n chall bhreamais domh,
Gur h-e mo bheatha teann ort.
'Nuair chaidh mi do Dhun-gleòis ;

Air bhi thall an Sgalpa dhomh,

Ach oigh na maise 's òr-bhuidb fait,
Air cuirin aig Lachunn òg ;
'S do ghruaidh air dreach an neionein ;
Fhuair mi bhiodag thubaisteach,
Tha èideadh giinn, mu dheud do chinn, Le a caisein-uchd' bha mòr.
'S do beul bho 'm binn thig òian.
Rosg thana chaoin, fo d' mhala chaoil,
Bu mhath a chuirm a bh'an', an sin,
'S do mheall-shuil, mhin ga seòladli ;

'S mo bheannachd-sa na deigh

'S i'n t-sheirc tha t-eudainn ghreas gu eug mi, ;

'N fhear uddune chunnaic i,

Mar toir cleir dhoinh còir ort.
A dhi-mol gu leir i ;

Ach fhuair mi fhin bloidh biodaig aim

Gu'n choir air t-fheutainn, òigh na feile,
Nach tig an là ni feuin,
Ghreas mi fèin gu an-lamh ;

A's stiallaire mor feòsaig oirr',

Fhuair thu 'n iosad buaidh bho Dhiarmad,*

Tha cuir ciad an geall ort.

Mur fhear d'a seòrsa fhein.

Ciochan geala, air uchd meallaidh,

Miann gach fir 'n am sealltain
Mas oil leibh an afhais ud,
;

Do chion fallaich th' air mo mhealladh, Gu 'n robh i agabh riamh ;

Loinidean a's òghnaichean,
'S e na eallach throm orm.
An cònuidh dhuibh bu hhiadh ;

Ged' dheanadh sibh cruiiineachadh,

Tha ruin nam fear, fo d' ghùn am falach,
Tuilleadh a's coig ciad
Seang chorp, fallain, sunndach ;
;

'S tearc fear gun chaisein-uchd aige,

mar eala, cneas mar chanach,
Slios
Cho gharbhe ri torc-fiadh.
Bho cheann tamull m' iuil ort.
Bho bharr do chinn, gu sail do bhuinn ;

'S tu dhamhsailh giinn air ùrlar ; Chuir an tir so 'n duileachd mi,
Bhi ga t-aireamh 's gu'n tu lathair, 'Nuair chunnaic iad mur bhà ;

Ghreas gu làr mo shugradh. Bha gach neach ga choisrigeadh,

Koimh 'n dos a bh'air 'a barr;

Mo shugradh cheil 's duil ruit mar bhean, Bha sgonn do mhaide seilich innt;
Oigh nan ciabh glan faineach ; Bu gheinneanta rinn fàs ;
T-aon bhroilleach geal, trom-cheist nam fear, Bheireadh saor neo chronail aisde,
'S uasal an t-ion ban-righ. Crosg da'n loinid bhain.
Tha seirc, a's beusan, tlachd, a's ceutaidh,
Mar ri cheile fas riut Chuir Mac-Ionmhuinn bairlinn,
Do ghaol gach lò so rinn mo leòn, An trath so mach sa 'n tir,

Cho mor 's nach eol dhomh aireamb. Chuir e na soachd barranntais,
Gu Donnacha Mac-a-Phi ;

Cha 'n eol domh aireamh, trian de t-ailleachd, Gabhail gu caol Arcaig leo,
Gus do'n bhas gun geill mi ; Mu 'n ghabh i tàmh sa 'n tir,

'Sa muiniitir fein thoirt coiiuie dh' i,

* Bha 'ra " Bad.seirc" ar,n an giuaidnean Dhiarmaid. |

'S gur soilleir i do m' dhith.
84 SA II- OB A I It NAM BAUD GAEL ACM.
Cha 'n ion-mholaidh ghrath-bhat sin, 'S tearc fear gu'n chaisein gaoiseid air,
Thug th u steai'h thar chaol, Bho ameiggn mhaodail sios.
An t-arm a bha gun chaisrigeadh,
'Sa b' olc leant air mo thaobh ;
Xote. —Tlie poet happened to be 01:0 of a party .it the
house Lnchunn 0^,a relative of his own, when, upon the
air am facas
ol"
S inairg sliasaiil i,
company ''getting fou an' unco happy," they fell to
A bhiodag pbaiteacfa mbaol ; playing at a sort of game called lomloid bhioilii". J he

B' iomlaideach air bbòrdaibh i, manner in which it is played is this : —

The lights are ex-
tinguished, and every man casta his dirk under the table.
Sglau dubh a sgòrnaio chaoil,
The dirks are then shuffled with a staff, alter which a
person, having his right hand tied to his side, and a glove
B' i slid an bhiodag rosadach,
on his left, is blindfolded and put under the table to hand
A b' oh- learn air mo chliath', out one by one in rotation to every man who had cast a
'Si ruadh-mheirg uile 's col tag d' i, dirk in : and every body had to kci p the dh k which fell to
him in this way. M'Kinnon's dirk wai bj tar tic best in
Fo dhos de dh' fhionnadh liatli, the whole collection, but he lost it in the lottery, and got
Bha maide reambar geinneach innt' in its stead an old coarse dagger belonging to a Kintail

'S car na b-amhaich fiar man who was present. This person was one of those
termed " Ctann 'Ic liath Mholach." i.e. Hairy M'Kaes.
Cha ghearradh i sgiath cuileige, M'Kinnon was far from pleased with his lot, <uid he com-
Le buille no le riacb. posed this song on the occasion.

'Nuair chaidb mi dh' iarraidh breathana

Cha d' fhuair mi Icithid riamh ;

Sin nuair thuirt an Sàileanach, CURAM NAM BAN ritAlCHEAN.

('Nnair cbàiricb e riuin biasd ;
LUINWSAO.
Mathalt do cbuirc Mhòr-thìrich,
Da'in beil an roibein liath ;
Hug koireann ho-ro hhra-bho,

Duirceall dubh gun t'haobhar, Bi'dh cùram air na bantraichean,

'N am taobbadh ria a bhiadh,) Hùg koireann ho-io /ihra-bho,
Bi'dh cùram air na bantraichean.
" Bu mhath sa bhruthainn chaorainn i,

'Sa'n caonnag nam fear mòr ;

Bidii cùram air na mnathan òga,
'S eFionn thug dh'i an latha sin, 'S mòran air na bantraichean,
An t-ath-bualadh na dhòrn ;
Hug hoireann ho-ro, <§-c.
Tbug e na brath-mhionnan sin,
Bi'dh cùram tim an Earraicb orraj
Nacb dh' fhag daine beò ; i

Gu'n hi 'n t-aran gann aea,

'Snacb robfa neacb ga 'm beanadb i,

Nacb gearradh i' gu' bhròig."

Hug hoireann ho-ro, §c.

Thuirt mi thin cba'n fhior dhut sin, Bi'dh cùram mor a's eagal orra,
'S aim chaill thu d' ciall le aois ; Theagamb nacb bi claim aca,
Coid a uhnhnhne 'a Paid" agad, Hug hoireann ho-ro, ^ c.

On gu bbi maol
stad i ;

'Nuair bhins each gu cuirealdach,

Chaidb mi air m<> ghlun d' i,
Bi'dh iads a cumh 'an t-sheaii-duhif,
Mu 'n do ruisg rium a taobh * i ;

'S thug na seachd sgairtean aisd,

i
Hug hoireann ho-ro, c^c.

Gus 'n tug Mac-Talla glaodh. mireadh riudh',

'Nuair shineas tu air

Bu cheithir bliadbna-fichead d' i, Silidh iad mnr alltanan,

Bbi 'n citsein mhorair-Gall ;

f Hug hoireann ho-ro, $c.

'S fbuair urram cdcaireachd,

i

Bi'dh 'n dosan siar san 'm breidean liar,

Thar moran <le na bh' ami ;

Aircuaian liath nam bantraichean,

Bha Mac-Aoidh ga teacbdaireaohd,
Hug hoireann ho-ro, ijc.
Mu 'n deach e chdmbraig tbeann,
'S fhoirmeal aims a chogadh
b'
i,
Bi'dh dealg a'm bun an fheamain ac,
Sgian dubh an sprògain chaim. 'S breamanacb a dhambsaa iad,

Hug hoireann ho-ro, fyc.

Ged thigeadh Claim Domhnuill,
'S na ifòid B ilia mu thuath,
Ged bhidhinn fhin gun or gu'n spreigh,
Mac Aoidh an ins feachda leo,
Bu bheag mo spèis do sheann te dhubh,
'S garbh bbratacb an taobb taatb ;
Hug hoireann lioro, eye.
'Nuair thig a bbratacb Cheann-Sàlleach;
'S a thairnnear ridhe sua*
Note—This song was composed on M'Kinnon hearing
;

rich old widow.

out ofth + I .oid Caithness, that a friend of his was about to marry a
Pulling it
 —

AN CLARSAIR DALL. 85

AN CLARSAIR DALL.
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
much easier than a Ross-shire Highlander can be made an Irishman.
the Irish channel,
 ! —

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.
 —

AN CLARSAIR DALL. 87

A CIIIAD DI-LUAIN DE'N IIAIDHE.

A chiad di-luain de'n raidhe,* Ge h-eibhinn leam r'a chluinntinn,
Ge d' bhà mi leam fhin, An saoidh a bhidh sl;m,
Cha d' fhuair mi duine an là sin, Sgeul nach taitneach leamsa,
A thainig am ghaoith, Ma dh' iomalaid thu gnàs,
Dh-fhiaraich cia mar bhà mi, Fàth mo ghearain a bhi falamh,
Na'm bail leam dhol sios, 'S mi tumuli o d' laiinh,
AnTota-mòr so fhàgail, " 'S faide 'n fhead ns t-eigbeach,
Nach b' àite dhomh e, 'S an fheusag air fàs."
'Soilleir dhuinne thar chach uile,

Nach robh duin' a's tir, Ge d' fhuiligear gach ni 's feudar,
A chumadh mar chàch mi,
fear 'S neo-èibhinn le m' run,
Mar b' àbhaist dhomh bhi. Thusa bhidh *n clar-sgithe,
'S mi 'n tir air do chùl,
Sin 'nuair chuala Fearachar, Le m' fheòsaig leathuinn leòmaich,
Mi'n dearmad aig each, Gu ròibeineach dlù,
Thàinig e na m' chòdbail, 'S thusa a' giùlan màlaid,
On b' eòl dim mo ghnàs, A ghnà ann san Dun,
Thug e leis air sgòid mi, Fhir bhric bhallaich, meall na bharail,
Gu
seòmar a mhnà, 'M fear a thuirt o thus
Anna lion an stop dhuinn, " 'S fad o'n chridhe cheudna,
'S na sòr oirn' a làn, Na ' cein bho bheachd sùl."
Ge d' tha e falamh 's ro mhath 'n airidh,

'Ghlaine fo thoirt dhà, Ge d' thà mise an dràsda

'S gu'm faigheadh e luchd eòlais, Da m' Arach fad uat,
Na m bioidh a phòca làn. Sloinnidh mi mo phàirt,
Ris gach nàbaidh m'an cuairt,
Labhair a bhean chòir sin, Ma 's beag ma's mor a dh' fheudas mi,
Gu banail eolach glic, Sprèidh A chuir suas,
Fhaic thu 'n t-uan gu'n mhàthair, Bioidh sid fo iochd nan sàr-fhear,
An clarsair gu'n chruit, Nach sàraich am fuachd,
An leabhar gu'n leubhair, Ri là gailliotin an àrd bheannabh,
'S e bheus a bhi druit, 'S iad nach gearain uair,
S' an dorlach gu'n fhuasgladb, 'S trie an siubhal sealbhach,
A suaineach a bhruic, Air shealg do 'n taobh-tuath.
Ge d' tha thu falamh 's ro mhath 'n airidh

Ghlaine so thoirt dhut, Tha fir ghasda bheòghant',

'S gu'n òlamaid a dhà dhiu' Aig Eòghann Loch-iall,
Air slàinte an fhir bhric. f Nach seachnadh an tòireachd,
'N àm tògbhail nan triath,
An ti so thà mi 'g iomradh, Rachadh iad gu'n sòradh,
iomagainn do ghnà,
'S a 'g An cùdhail nan ciad,
Cha cheil mi air do mhuinntir, 'S math am fulang dòrainn,
Gach puing mar atà, 'S tha cròdhachd nan gniomb,
Fir ro ghasda nach 'eil meata,
» The Highlanders had a practice in the olden times that Nach d'fhuair masladh riamh,
is still pans even at the pre-
partially observed in certain
Mhathas mo chuid dhomh- sa,
sent day, and that tended to keep alive and fan those habits
of hospitality and friendly feelings among the inhabitants 'S mi 'n dòchas gur flor.
of particular districts for which they are so justly cele-
brated. The custom to which we allude, was to meet at an 'S iad Clann-Mhic-'Ul-Ainmbaidh,
appointed house, on the first Monday of every quarter, to
'S oirdheirce gniomh,
drink a bumper to the beverage of the succeeding, and
wish it better or no worse than the present. Luch shiubhal a gharblaich,
'S a mharbhadh nam fiadh,
t John Breac Macleod.
88 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.
Cha d' fhuair iad aobhar oilbheum, Dol na choinnidh sa'n la shoilleir,
Mar falbhadh iad sliabh, 'S gu'n iad coimeas cheud,
Cha dean iad a bheag ormsa, B' annsa dol da bhualadh,
'S nach lorgair mi 's fiach, No buaile n fir tbeud.
Mo chreacb ma 'n coinnidh 's i fo'n comraic,
'B'e an comunn mo mhiann,
'S iad sliochd Cholla cliis-mhoir,
Boachailleao mo tlireud,
'N uair nach lèir dliuibh a ghrian.
Da rlreadh a tb' aim,
Nach leigeadh le mùiseag,
Tha sliochd Iain Mhic-Mhàrtainn,* An ciiis thar an ceann,
Gu tàbhachdach treun, Misneach cha do threig sibh,
Raghainu air an naimhdeas, 'N streup chlanna Ghall,
An cairdeas, gu'n bhreug, Cha bu dual daibh mìo-stà'
Cha bhuin iad ri lal-bheairt, No mì-thùrachd ghann,
Mo lamhsa nach spt'is, Na fir churanta fhuair urram,
*'
Far an i.sl' an gàradh, Re h-àm iomairt lann,
Cha ghnà leo a leum," O minig luchd an aobhair,
Na fir ghasda gu'n blii meata, Gu craobhach a call.
'S iad nach seachainn streup,
Le 'n toircar buaidh 's gach spàirne, «
Maille ris gach suairceas,
Ann 's gach àite dha 'n teid.
Bha fuaite ri'r gnè,
Tharrainn sihh mar dhualchas,
Clann-a-Phi | ri' n seanachas,
An uaisle 'n ar cleith,
'S nco-leanabaidh na seòid,
Gu creachadh cha do ghluais sibh,
Buidhean nan sgiath balla-bhreac
Cha cbuala mi e,
A dhearbhadh an gleòis, B' annsa leibh eun cluaise,
'S iad nach seachnadh fuathas,
Thoirt nam le m' thoil fèin,
'N àm bhualadh nan sròn,
Na mo chreacbadh 's an dol seacbad,
Ge b' e chuireadh feaxg orr'
'Smi na m' aire mu'm spreidh,
Cha b' fharmadach dhò,
'S mi gu'n eagal tuairguidh,
'N àm tarrainn nan lann tana,
'S mo bhuaile fo' r mèin.
Caisgear carraid leò,
" Buille 'n corp cha bbuail" iad,
Tha uaisle nam pòr. Tha Gleann-Garadh ceannsgalach,
Connspunnach, cruaidh,
Tha Clann-'Ille-Mhaoil mhùiute, Chumadh ri luchd aimhreit,
Bha cliù orra riamh, A chonnspaid ud suas,
Buidhean tha do-cheannsaieht, Na 'm tharrainn gu sanntaeb,
Is ceannsgalach trial!, An lann as an truaill,
Ri faicinn an naimhdean, Bu mhatb do'r luchd gamhlais,
'S neo-sgàthaeh an triath, San àm ud bhi bhuaibh,
B' annsa leibh ruaig sbutindach, Biodh ceum cri<lheil air reang tri-ear,
No tionntadh le fiamh, Cha gleidb bruinne buaidh,
Laochraidh guineach nan arm fuileach, Aig bùidheann a mhoir cheann-aird,
'Smairg ri 'n bhuin sibh I'iamb, Nach teanu mo cbuid bhuam.
Tha nimh a's neart 'n-ar naimhdeai,
'S 'ur càirdeas gu'n fbiar.
Tha 'n talc Jia laimhe,

Tha aig Colla còmhlaiiin,

An Ceann-tàile so tball,
Fir gbàsda neo sgàthaeh,
Nach oonn-Iapach gleus,
Luchd nam feudan dùbh-ghorm, Ga'm b'àbhaisd bhi teann,

Nach diùltadh ri feum, Ri faicinn a namhaid,

'N-àm na graide dbùsgailh, Nach failinnacb greann,

Gu Is trie a fhuair buaidh làrach,

'n dùbladh bhur leum,
Bha fios aig Ma&an-Tòisich, Le àbhachd ati lann,

Nach sòradh iad cenm, Neart a chlaidhe be air raghainn,

Nach dh-fhia fathast fann,
Dochaaaute men, a very brave little clan at that time. Collie 'a i gu'n ehrionach,
t I.oeharkaig men, followers of I.oelieil. Gur lionmhor a claim.
 AN CLARSAIR BALL. 89

'S iad marcaich na Mòidhe, Thug mi ionnsaidh fhada,

Fir chrò nam buadh, As do dheigh 's mi 'n cladach cruaidh,
'M beil aithn' agus eòlas, Thug mi ionnsaidh bhearraideach,
Nach sòradh an duais, 'S a chamhanaich Di-luain ;

Clann-Choinnich nan rò-seol, Cha d'l'huaras an t-òg aigeantach,

Na'n cròdh' mbìlean sluaidh, Bu mhacauta measg sluaidh,
Na beathraichean beòdha, 'S cha 'n I'haodainn a mhisg àicheadh,
Ga còir a bhi cruaidh, 'S do dheoch-slainte dol m' an cuairt.
Dream gu'n laige ri am troide Their mi ho-ro, Qc.
Ceann a chabraich suas,
Thug mi ionnsaidh sgairteal,
Aig luchd na gorm latin nàimhdeach,
As do dheigh ati cladach doirbh,
Nach sanntaich mo bhuar.
Ged nach tug mi capull learn,
Na agair mi na lorg
Vote. — When the harper composed this song, he was re. Gu 'n robh mo
;

choiseachd adhaiseach,
tiding in Tuta-Mòr, in Glenelg, as a farmer, and the lew
of the clans he alludes to were people that he had good 'S au rathad a bhi dorch,
reason to fear would rob him, or, in other words, carry- Le breisleich mhic-nan-cliathan,*
away his cattle— a very prevalent practice in those days.
As, therefore, he had little or no means of defending him.
'S do lamh filial ga dhioladh orm.
self,he immediately called his harp and his muse to his Their mi ho-ro, $e.
aid, and composed this song, in which those dreaded ene.
mies are invested with all the attributes of honour, honesty, Fhir so tha mi g' iomradh ort,
and good neighbourhood and, as far as the bard was con.
;

cerned, they always acted towards him in the characters

Ga t-ionndrain tha mi bh' uam,
his muse was willing to believe they actually possessed. 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.
ORAN
Beul macanta, ciùin, rabhairtach,
DO DH-IATN BREAC MAC-LLOID. 'N uair tharladh tu 's taigh-òsd,
A dh'fhàs gu seirceil, suairce,
Tha mòran, mòran mulaid Gaol na'm ban, 's nan gruagach òg ;

An deigh tuineachadh am chum, 'S iomadh maighdeann cheutach,

Gur bliadhna learn gach seachduin, A bha deigheil air do phòig,
Bho nach facas lain donn ; Le 'm b' ait bhi cunntadh spreidhe dhut,
Na 'n cluiiininn ged nach faicinn, 'S a deas-lamh fein le deòiii.
Fear do phearsa thigh'nn dò 'n fhono, Their mi ho to, e£c.
Gu'n sgaoileadh mo phràmh 's m' airsrjeul,
aiteamh trom. Cha robh fuath na greathachd ort,
Alar shneachd òg ri
Ri t-amharc bha thu caoin,
Their mi hò-ro ghealla beag, Saighdear foinnidh, flathail,
'
S na hò-ro challan h-i, Air an gabhadh gach neach gaol ;

Their mi ho-ro ghealla beag, Euchdach, treubhach, urramacb,

'
S na hò-ro challan h-i ; Bha 'n curaidh glan gu'n ghaoid,
Challan hi ho hù-rà bfi6, Gu fearail, meanmnach, measail,

'S na hò-ro challan hi, Air nach faighte an tiotal claon.

Gurfada bho na tràthan sin, Their mi ho-ro, <|c
Nach robh mo ghràdh san t'tr,
Saighdear fearail, fuasgailteach,

Fear cruadalach, gu'n mheang,

A luchd comuinn so, na 'n eisdeadh sibh, Ceaun-f'eadhna air thus na brataich e,

Ri cuid de m' sgeul, gu'n mheang, Ga taisbeanadh san Fhraing ;

'S mi caoidh an uasail bheadaraich, Thig airm air reir a phearsa,
Tha bhuam an fheadhs' air chall ;
Air an laoch bu sgairteil greann,
Cha robh cron ri fhaotainn ort, 'Nuair dh' eireadh airde lasrach ort,
Ach tha bhi faoilidh ami, 'S mairg a' chasadh riut san àm.
Bho 'n fhuair mi gu h-iir eibhinn thu, Their mi ho-ro, Qc.
'N Dun-èideann, a measg Gball.
Their mi ho-ro, S[C. * An t-uisge-beatha.
9° SAU-OI3A1R NAM
 ;

AN CLARSAIR DALL. 91

Chaidh an caisead mo bhruthaich, 'S ann air ata n easlaint,

'S mi to chumha da direadh, Nach d' fhiosraich a nàbaidh,
Dol an truimead 's an àirde, 'S cha mho dh' fhairaich e thinneas
An diugh a thainig mo dliiobhail :
Leis 'n do mhilleadh a shlaiute.
Dh' fhalbh mo laitheichean cibhinii,
O'n a threig sibh Clàr-sgìthe, Far 'ndo mhilleadh mo shlaint-s',
Tha mo thaic aim sna h-Earadh 'S aim a tharmaich dhòmh m' easiaint,
'N deigh fhalach 'na aonar. Gu'n d' chuir aimsir na Càisge,
Mi gu bràth fo throm airsneal,
'N deigh fhalach 'na aonar, Gheibh gach neach do na dh' fhàg thu,
Bi'dh e daonnan 'an uaigneas, Rud 'an àite na bh' aca,
Sgeul mu'n gearanach daoine, Ach mis agus Màiri,
'S mnai chaointeach nan luath-bbos, A chuir a bràthair 'an tasgaidb.
'Siad a' co-stri r'a cheile,

Ceol gun eibhiieas seachd truaighe! Chaidh do bhràthair 'an tasgaidh,

Leum mo cbridhe rni apealtaibh, mo chreach-sa gur nor sud,
'Se
M' an chaismeachd 'u uair chualaa. 'Sann an diugh tha mi 'g acain,
Mar tha mhac na mhaol-ciarain,
Gur h-i chaismeachd so chualas, Agus ise bochd brònach,
A luathaiuh orin tioma, 'N deigh a leonadh o'n chiadain,
Dh' fhàg io m' osnaicb fail bhrùite, Thug mo mhaighstir math uamsa,
A' sior-dhruthadh air m' innigli, Leis 'n do bhuaineadh mo phian-bhron.
'S fhaide seacliduin na bliadhna,
O'n a thriall sibh thair liune, Mo phian-bhron a Mhàiri,
Le lìir.mliach na tìalachd, Mar tha thu fo chumha,
Bh'ann san lion-bhrat air fhillèadh, Nach faic thu do Bhràthair,
Mar a b' àbhaist gu subhach,
'S ann san lion-bhrat air fhilleadh,
An sean-fhacal gnàthaichte,
Dh' fhàg mi spionnadh nan anfhann, An diugh 's fior e mar thubhairt : —
" Cha robh meoghail ga miad,
Ceann-uidhe luchd-ealaidh,
Mar ri earras luchd-seanachais.
Nach robh na deigh galach, dubhach."
Agus ulaidh aos-dàna,
Chuir do bhàs iad gu h-imcheist Nach robh na deigh galach, dubhach,

'S o'n a chaidh thu sa chiste,

'Se 'm fear subhach am beairteas,

Cha bu mhis a chilis fhàrmaid.

Cha'n fhaigh piuthar a bràtbair
Ach gheibh bean àluinn leth-leapach,
Thainig àr air an dùthaich,
Cha bu mhis a chùis fharmaid,
Dia a dhùbladh an carta,
Ghabh mi tcarbadh o'n treud sin,
'S ga cumail an uachdar,
Far an robh mi a'm mheanbh-ghair,
'An toiseach aimseir mo cheitein,
Gus am buadhaich do mhac e.
'S ann an deireadh a Charbhais,
A dhearbhadh ar feuchain Gus am buadhaich do mhac e,
Chaill mi 'n ùr-ghibht, a chreach mi,
'N deigh a ghlasadh le gruagaich,
Ann an seachduin na Ccusda. Lan saibhris is sonais,
Ann san onair bu dual dut,

Ann an seachduin na Ceusda, Lean cùis 's na bi lean bail,

Diciadain mo bhristidh,
'S na bidh marbh-ghean air t-uaislean,
Chaill mi iuchair na h-eudail, Cum an coimeas rait fein iad,
Cha mhi aon neach is mist e, 'S na toir beum dha t-ainm Ruairidh.
Gu'n bhrath faighinn gu bràth oirr',
Sgeul a shàraich mo mhisneach ;
Ruairidh reachdar, run meanmach,
*S ann to dhiomhaireachd m' àirnean, Tartach, toirbeartach, teannta,
A tharmaich mo niosgaid. Do shi-seanair o'n tainig,
Cha b'ion do nàmhaid dol teann air,
A tharmaich mo niosgaid, 'S Ruairidh gasda 'na dheigh,
Cha'n fhaidh mise bhi slàn deth, Cha b'e roghainn bu tiire,
'Se fear tinn a chinn-ghalair, 'S an treas Ruairidh fa dheireadh,
A ni'n gearan bochd cràiteach, Cha b'e'n gainneanach fàs e.
 ; —

92 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

An treiis Ruairidh de'n dream sin, Far biodh taghaich nan duan,
A choisinn geall 's cha b' e mi-chliu, Joma' mathas gu'n cliruas, gu'n ch:'is
;

Cha b' e 'n coilleanach garni e, Dh' fhalbh an latha sin bhuaiii,
Ach an ceannsgalach uiileant' 'S tha na taighean gu t'uaraidh fàs.
Ma 's tusa roinn suas,
An ceuthramh Rauiridh, na dearmad, Dh' fhalbh, mac-tall' as an Dun,
Lean ri Biunaireachd t-aiteam, 'N am sgarachdainn diiinn r' ar triath ;

S n a toir masladh dba n ainm sin. 'S aim a thachair e rium,

Air seacharan bheann, san t-shliabh.
Na toir masladh dba "n ainm sin, Labhair e-san air thus
'S cuir leanabas fo d' bhrògan, " Math mo bharail gur tu ma 's nor,
Na biodh daoin' ami am barail, Chunna' mise to' mhuirn,
Ge d' tlia car aig an òig ort, Roi 'n uiridfa an Dun nan cliar."

Bidh gu tiùghantach smaclidail,

Rianai), reachdmhor, 'n triath Ltòdacli, A Mhic-talla, nan tùr,
" Na faic frid an sùil brìdean," '
Se mo bharail gur tusa bhà,
Cha chùis dion do Mhac-Leòid e. Ann an teaghlach an fhiou',
'S tu g-aithris air gniomh mo lamb :

Cha chùis dion do Mhac-Leòid,

" 'S math mo bharail gur mi,

A bhi dùlum 's rud aige, 'S cha b' urasd dhomh bhi mo thumb ;

.Lean an dùthchas bu cliòir dhut, G-eisdeachd brosluim gach ceòil,

'S biodh mòr-chuis na t-aigneadh, Ann am fochar Mhic-Leùid an àigh."

Ach ma leigeas tu dhiot e,

Bi'dh na ciadan ga t-agairt, A Mhic-talla so bha,

'G ràdh gur crann shlatag chriori thu,

Anns a bhaile 'n do thar mi m' iuil ;

'S aim a nis dhuinn as luir,

'N àit' a ghniomharaich bheacbdail.
Gu'm beil mis' a's tu fii'iii air chill.
A reir do cbomais air sgeul,
Maide dh' t'hàs na cliraoibh thoraidii,
O'n 's fear comuinn mi-fèìll a's tu ;
Fo blilà onarach aluinn,
'M do mhuinntearas buan,
beil
Ann an liosnan crann euchdach,
Aig an triath ml, (i.i'ii dual an Dim?
Bha tlacbd nan ceud aim 'a gach àit' air,

Lean an dùthchas bu chathair,

" Tha Mac-talla fo ghruaim,
A mhic an athar a chràidh sinn,
Na bidh ad chrionaich gu'n duilleich,
Anns an talla 'm biodh fuaim a rheòil ;

'S ionad taghaich nan cliar,

Ann 'san ionad 'n do thumb, thu.
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.

ORAN MO It M II I C-LE O 1 D. " 'S mi Mac-talla, bba uair

'G eisdeaibd fatbrum nan duan gu tiugh ;

[EADAR AN CLARSAIR AGfS MAC-TAM.A.] Far bu mhuirneach am bèus,

'N am cromadfa do'n ghrèin san t-sruth.
Miad a mhulaid tha 'm thaghall, Far am b' flioirmeal na seòid,
Dh' fhag treoghaid mo chleibh gu goirt 'S iad gu b-òraiiach, ceolmbor, <lùth ;

Aig na rinn mi ad dlieigliidh, Ged nach laicte mo ghnùis,

Air m' aghairt 's mo thriall gu port. Chluinnt' aca sa'n Dun mo ghuth."
'S aim bba mis' air do thoir,
'S mi meas robh còir agam ort " 'N am eiridfa gu moch,
A dlieagh mhic athar mo ghràidh, Ann san teagblaich, gu'n sproc, gu'n ghruaim I

B tu m' aighear, ' m' àdh, 's m' olc. Cbluinte gleadhraich nan dòs,
'S an cèile na' coia on t-suain :

Chaidh a chuibhle mu'n cuairt, 'Nuair a ghabbadh i Ian,

(iu'n do thiiinndaidh gu fuachd am blàthus, 'S gun cuireadh os n-aird na fhuair;
i

Naile chuna' ml uair, Le meoir fbileanta bhiiin,

Uùii llathail nan cuach a tlnaigh. 'S iad gu ruith-leumacb, dionach, luath."
 AN CLARSAIR DALL. 93

" Bhiodh a rianadair fein,

Cuir an ire gur h-e bhiodh aim ;

'S e g-eiridh na ineasg,

C UMHA
'S an eibhe gu trie na cheann.
Ge d' a b' ard leinn a fuaim, DO DH-FHEAR THALASGAIR.*
Cha tuairgneadh e sinn gu teann ;

Chuireadh tagradh am chluais, Dh-fhalbh solas mo latha,

Le h-aidmheil gu luath, 'a gu mall. Dhòrchaich m' oidhche gu'n aighear,
Cha 'n eil lanntair na m' radhad,
'Nuair a chuirt' i na tàmh, 'S gu'n mo chainnlean a' gabhail,
Le furtaehd na fàrdaieh fein ; Tha luchd 'm foineachd na'n laidhe sa'n uir orr.
Dhomh-sa b' fhurasda ràdh,
Gu'm bu churaideach gair nan tèud. Bàs an Eoin so ma dheireadh,
Le h-iomairt dha lamh, Rinn ar leònadh gu soillear,
A cuir a binneas do chàch an cèill ; Sa chùir ar solas an gainnead,
'S gu'm bu shiubhlach am chluais, Dhùisg e bròn an Eoin eilc,
A moghunn lughar le luasgan mheur. Dh-fhag e doirt-thromach eire mo ghiùlain.

" Ann sa* fheasgar na dheigh, Co chunnaic no chuala,

N am teasa na grein tra nòin ;
Sgeul 's trùime sa 's truaidhe ?
Fir chneatain ri clàir,
Na'm beum guineach so bhuail oirnn,
'S mnai' freagairt a ghnà cuir leò. Sa dh' fhag uile fo ghruaim sinn,
Da chomhairleach ghearr, Eadar isleau a's uaislean do dhùthcha.
A labhairt s gu 'm b'àrd an gloir ;

'S gu'm bu thitheach an guin,

Se siol Leòid an siol dochair,
Air an duine gu'n fhuil, gu'n fheoil."
Siol gu'n solas, gu'n sochair,
Siol a bhroin a's na bochain,
«' Gheibhte fleasgaich gu'n ghrain, Siol gu'n cheòl a's gu'n bhroslium,
Na do thalla gu'n sgràig, gu'n fhuath ;

An siol dorainneach 's goirt a rùg sgiùrs orr.

Mnai' fhionna 'n fhuilt reidh,
Cuir buineis an cèill le 1'uaim.
Se'n clàr-sgìth an clàr ro sgith,
Le ceileireachd beoil,
Clàr na diobhail 's na dòsgainn,
Bhiodh gu h-ealanta, h-ordail, suairc
Clàr gu'n eibhneas lann osnaidh,
Bhiodh fear-bogha 'nan còir,
Clàr nan deur air na rosgaibh,
Ri cuir meo-ghair' a mheùir nan cluai
An clàr geur, an clàr goirt, an clàr tùrsach.

" Thoir teachdaireachd bhuam,

Le deatam, gu Ruaridh òg ; Cneidh air chneidh 'sa chneidh chràiteach,
Agus innis dha fèin, Na seana chneidhean ga 'n arach,
Cuid de chunnard ged 'se Mac-Leòid. Na 'n ùr chnàmhain an dràsta,
£ bhi'g amharc na dheigh, Sgrìob gach latha gar fàsgadh,
Air an Iain* a dh-eug, s' nach beo ; Gur trie taghaich a bhàis a toirt spuill dhinn.
Ge bu shaibhir a chliu,
Cha'n fhàgadh e 'n Dun gu'n cheòl."
Tha mi 'gràite le ceartas,
Thaobh aobharachd m' acaid,
NoteThis song was a favourite with Sir Alexander Nach " fearr e ri chlàislinn
M'Kenzie, of Gairloch, who paid a person to sing it to
him every Christmas night. One of Sir Alexander's ten-
An t-olc cràiteach na fhaicinn,"
ants went to him one day to seek a lease of a certain farm. 'S claon a dh-fhag an sean-fhacal o thus e.

The laird desired him to sit down and 6ing Orun Mòr
Mhic.Leòid till he should write the document. The ten-
ant remarked that he certainly set great value on that with to make room for grooms, gamekeepers, factors,
song. " Yes," was his reply, " and I am sorry that every
dogs, and the various et ceteras of a fashionable English
Highland laird has not the same regard for it." 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
* John Breac M'Leod was one of the last chieftains
this song are purposely omitted, as we think their inser-
that had in his retinue a bard, a harper, a piper, and a
tion would be an outrage on our readers' sense of pro-
fool,— all of them excellently and liberally provided for.
priety.
After his death, Dunvegan Castle was neglected by his son
Roderick, and the services of these functionaries dispensed * 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 sonand 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
96 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

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 iomadh beannachd agus teist,

'S an tì thainig ùr 'n-ur ceann, Th'aig an òigh is glainne slios,

Geug shonna, sholta gheibh cliù, 'S beannachd dba'n ti a thug leia,

'Si buannachd dùthcha 's nach call. Rogha nam ban an guè, sa meas.

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 DAN COMH-FHURTACHD.

Uhiuchd an òigh is taitneich bcus
DO SHIR AI-ASDAUt MAC-DHOMHNUILL SIILE1BI1TE.
'S o'n tuitear Shàileach a ris.
A fhreasdaileadh an righ tia fheum.
[Air dha thighinn dhachaigh Lunnainn do chaisteal
a
Aimadail sa'n Eilean Sgiathanach, agus a Bhain-tigheMm 1
'S bithidh Granndaich uime nach ti
I

I òg mhaiseach a bhi màrbh a staigh, air chinn da tliigliinn.

Bu treubhaich iomairt 's gach ball. 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
O Spc a b' iomadaich linne,
chàill iomadh tri-un a's flath an ceud ghràdh, d'a b'eigin
A 's feidh air tirichean aid, fadheoigh solas a ghlacadh.J

'S aim o na Cinnidhean nach fànn, Beannachd dhut o'n ghabh thu 'n tain,
Thainig aim òigh is glaine ere, O chrich nan Gall gu do thlr,
Gruaidh chorcair, agus rosg mall, Dùthchas tha ri slios a chuain
Mala chaol, cham, 's cul rèidh, 'S trie a choisinn buaigh dba'n righ.

Tha h-aodann geal mar a chaile, Do bheatha gu do thir fein,

'S a corp sneachaidh air dheagh dhealbh, 'Dheagh Mhie-Dhomhnuill nan sèud saor,
Maoth leanabh le gibtean saor, 'S ait le maithibh Innse-Gall,
Air nach facas fraoch no fearg. Do ghluasad a nail thar chaol.

Tha slios mar cala nan srùth, 'S ait le fearaibh an Taobh-tuath,
'S a cruth mar chanach an fheoir, Gu'n bhuannaich thu mar bu choir
Cul cleachdach air dhreach nan teud, Trotairnis all' agus Sleibhte,
No mar aiteal grein air òr. Uidhist nan eun as nan roil.

Bu cheòl-cadail i gu suain, 'S ait le fearaibh an Taobh-deas,

'S bu bhuachatll' i air do-bhètis Gu'n shuidhicheadh tu ceart gu leor,
Cainneal sholais feadh do theach, 'S tu sliochdnan rirean o shean,
A frithealadh gach neach mar fheum. Dha'n robh miagh fainear air ceòl.

Gu meal thu-foin t-ùr bhean òg, Ach 'sann dhomh-sa b'aithne 'm bèus,
A Thrlatfa Ghearr-Locfa nan corn fial Na ghabh rium fein dìu' o thus,
Le toil chairdean as gach tir, Croiim-iubhair le brataichean sròil,

Gu meal thu i '« beannachd Dhia, I>oingeas air chòrs a's ròs-iùil.

Gu meal albb breath, agus buaigh, Ivonga's leoghann a's lamh-dhearg,

Gu meal libit lialll, agus mùirn, Ga'n cuir suas an ainm an righ,
Gu meal sibh gaib beannachd an cèin, Suaicfaeantaa le 'n eireadh neart,
'S mo bbeannachd fein diubh air thus. 'N uair thigeadh 'ur fcachd gu tir.
 — —

A PLOJJAIIIE DALL 97

Na 'n tàrladh dhuibh' bhi air leirg, Cliaill righ Bbreatainn, a's ba bhèud,
Fo mhèirgh' dha'm biodh dearg a's ban A Ieabaidh fèin leug a ghaol
Gu maiseach, faicilleach, treun, 'S o na tharladh sud na char,
Chuireadh sibh ralreut air each. B'eigin dha bhi seal gu'n mlinaoi.

Gu b-àrmach, armailteach, og, Mac-rìgh Sorcha* sgiath nan arm

Neu-ehearbach an tòir nan ruag, Gur h-e h'ainm dba Maighre borb,
'S gach àite 'n croinadh an ceaun, Chaill e gheala-bhean mar ght-iti,

Bu leo na bbiudh aim, 'sa luacb. 'S dii fhurich e-fein na deign beò !

B'aithne dhomh Sir Seumas mòr Chaill r gh na h-Esispailt a bhean,

;

'S b'eòl dhomh Dòmhnull a inliac, An ainnir gheal nigli'n righ Greig,
B'eòl dhomh Dòmhnull eile rìs, 'S gach aon diubh gabiiail a null,
Churnadh to cliis na sldigh ceart. 'S dh'imich o Fhinnn a bhean t'ein.

B'eòl dhomh Dòmbnull nan trì Dòn'ull

On tha'n saoghal-so na cheò,
'S ge b'òg e, l>u mhòr a cliliu,
'S gur doigh dha bhi dol mu'n cuairt ;

Bhi'dh fearaibh Alb' agus Eirinn,

Bidh'maid subbacb annain fèin
A 'g èìrìdb leis aims gach cùis.
'S beanuachd leis gach ni chaidh uainn.

B'eol domh Sir Seumas na ruin,

T-athair-sa mhic-chliùt.iich fèin, * As Myro, son of the king of Sora,* was one day
batque along the Irish coast, he- came
sailing in his little
'S tus a nis an siatliamli gliiii to a bay, remarkable for its beautiful seclusion. As his
Dhordaich High nan dul na'n dèigh. 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 en-
Na'n tuiteadh m' aois cho fad a mach, joying the cool of a fine summer's eve among the waters.
'Sdo mhac-sa theaehd air mo thim For a time, he fancied them mermaids, or daughters of
Be sin dhomh-s' an seacbdamh glùn, the sea, and continued to gaze on them with admiration
and awe; but observing, as he drew nearer, that their
'Tbainig air an Dun ri' in' linn. forms were entirely human, .he made all sail to ascertain
who they were! On observing his approach, they darted
dhomh-sa like lightning to conceal themselves in the crevice of an
'S cha 'n ionghadh b!ii ciion,
adjoining rock, whither fear and modesty compelled them
A's mo chiabhag a bhi liath to seek a hasty retreat. Determined to make captive nf
'S gach aon diu' le cridhe mòr the fairest, whosoever she might be, he moored his skilT,
Toirt dhomh airgeid a's òir riamh.
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
'S gach aon din' ga m' àrach clùth, knees imploied him for liberty,— telling him that her
Thuigeadh iad uam giith nam meur, name was " Fùhie-Suluis," i. e. beam of light, and that
her father wa- king of that pait of Ireland. Unmoved
'S tha iadsa sabhailt an diugh, by her entreaties, he conveyed her to his boat, ai;d bore
Anns a bhruth am b'eil iad t'ein. 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
'S tha mis' air fuireaoh sa'n àr, kindred and of home embittered every hour of her exist-
'S mi cuir a bhlàir mar bba riamh, ence. Goaded to oespair, she formed the resolution of
attempting her escape, and, having sallied forth one day,
'S mo chridhe 'g osuaich na'n deigh,
as had been her custom, to the beach, she observed
3Iar Oisian an deigh, nam Fianu !
Myro's curach afloat, and no one within view, which
she unmoored, and committing herself to the mercy of
Gu meal tha t-oigbreachd, 's do chliù, the elements, nimbly leaped on board. Spieading all sail,
and a favourable breeze having sprung up, she was soon
Dheagh Mbie-Dhonihnuil) nan ruin rèidh, driven upon the coast of Scotland, at a spot where Fiugal
'S ged dh'imich oat t-ùr bhean òg and his attendants were refreshing themselves after the
fatigues of the chase. Her eyes beamed with joy as she
Na biodh ort-sa biòn na dèigti.
recognised the hero. After mutual salutations, she in.
formed the king of Morven of what had happened; and,
'Sa liughad òigh tbaitneach gun di, imploring his protection, as her husband was in pursuit,
she assured him of her determination to die rather than
Tha eadar Clàr-sghh a's Mon.-ròs
return. Fingal promised her his aid; but, haidly had
'S ma dba thaobh Arcamh a cbùain her troubled minù composed itself to rest, when the prince
Deas a's tuath, thall sa biios. 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.
Agus iad ail' ort an dèigh
Bbeireadh dhut iad-fèin s an cuid,
* The island of Sorcha is frequently mentioned in
Oighean taitneach nam beul binn, Ossian. It is uncertain where it lay, but it seems t
Nam mèur grinn, 's nam broiue buig- noted for the cruelty of its inhabitants. Dr Sittiih,
 ;

OS SAU-OBAIII NAM BARD GAELACII.

" 'S e sin mise Coir'-an easan,

'J'lia mi m" sheasaidh mar a b'àbliaist,
CUMHA. CHOIR'-AN-EASAIN. Ma tba thu-sa na Ufhear ealaidh,
Cluinneamaid annas do làimhe."
Ml 'n diugh a' fàgail na tire,

'Siubhal na frith air an leath-taobb,

An àill leat mis' a rùsgadh ceùil dot,

'S e dh'I'hag gun airgeid mo uhòca, 'Smi 'm shuidhe mar chad air bealach,
Ceann mo stòir blii lb' na leacan. Gu'n sjilìs aig duine tlia beò dhioin,
O'n ebaidh an Còirneil to' tlialamh.
'Smi aig bràige 'n alltain riabhaich,
A 'g iarraidh gu beallach na fèatha,
Mo chreaeh ! mo tbùrsa, 's mo thruaighe \

Far am bi damli dearg na cròice,

Ga chair san uair-s' dbomb an ire,

Mbuinntir a ehumadli rium uaisle,

Mu Fheill-an-ròid a dol san damhair.
Blii'n diugli ami san uaigh ga m' dlu-sa.

'Smi 'g iarraidh gu Coir'-an-easain,

Na'n creideadli tu nam a Cboire,
Far a trie a Sgapadh liidar,
Gur li-e doran sud air m' inntinn,
Far am bi'dli mioUchoin ga 'n teirbeirt,
'S cttid mhòr a ghabhail mo ieisgeil,
Cuir mac-na-h-èilde gu dhùbhlan.
Nach urrainn mi seaaamh i i seinu dut.

Coire gu'n easbhuidh gu'n iomrall, " Measar learn gur tu mac Ruairidh,
'S trie a bha Raibeart ma d' chomaraicb, Chunna mi mar ris a chòirneal,
Cha n'eil uair a ni mi t-iomradh, 'N uair a bha e beò na bbeatha
Nach tuit mo chridhe gu troma-chràdh. Bu mhiann leis do leathaid na sheòmar.

Upon which, Gaul, the son of Morni, stepping forth, "Tòrachd a ta orms' air muir,
encountered the stranger. But, valiant as was the arm I.aoch is mor guin air mo lorg,
of Raul, he had well nigh been overpowered. Oscar, Mac righ Sorcha sgiath nan arm,
however, the son of Os^ian, taking advantage of an ex. Triath d'an ainni am Maighre boib."
ception to the Fingalian law, " not to aid either party in I

single combat with the right /lanil," hurled a dart at the 'Sglacam do chomraich a bhean,
young chief of Sora with his/i/r; but which, missing ils Ro aon fhear a th'air do thl
aim, unhappily pierced Fàiiif.Satuis to the heart. Con. 'Sadh* aindeoin a Mhaighre bhuiib,
founded at the sight, Myro became unnerved, and was Bidh tu am bruth Fhinii aig sltli.
overpowered and bound by Gaul. Fàiiie.SuIuis was buriid
where she foil, and the young chief returned to Sora. The Tha talla nan ci eag aig laimh,

episode concerning the Maid of C'raca, in the third book Aite tàimh clanna nam fonn,
of Fingal, is to be regarded as another version of the same Far am laigh an t.annrach bàigb,
story, though perhaps the following poem, entitled " Ca/h A til ig thar bhàrca nan tomi.
M/mighre mhòir mine r)gh Sorcha," is the more correct.
'3ili chunnacas a tighinn' mar steud
There are indeed several editions of this piece, all of
I.aoch a bha mheud thar gach fear,
which are good, but this, in our judgment, is the bett. Jt
A caitheamh na faiige gu dian
furnishes internal evidence of its antiquity.
An taobh ciand' a ghabli a bhean.

Là do Fhionn le beagan sluaigh B' ard a chroinn, bu gheal a shiuil,

Aig Eas-ruadh nan eubha mall, Bu mhire 'n t-iuil na cobhar sruth ;
ChunnacM a' seòladb o'n lear " Tliig a mharcaich nan steud stuadhach
t'urach ceo agus bean ami. Gu I'Uilm Fbinn nam buadh an diugli."
'S b' e sin curach tin mhalh glens Bha chlaidhe trom toirteil nach gann
A' ruith na steud air aghaidh cuain, Gu teann air a shlios gu reidh,
Clot cha d' riuneadh leis no tàmh Sgiath dbrlmneach dbubh air a leis,
Gus an d' rainig e 'n t- Eas-ruadh, 'S e 'g iomairt cbleas air a clO.

*S dh' cirich as maise mnà, Thug Goll mac Morna 'n urchair gheur,
B' innann dealradh dh'i 's do'n ghrcin, As air an treun do thilg e sleagh ;

'Sa h-iichd mar cho'.ihar nan tonii, lì' iurchair bu truiine lieiim,
'n
I.e fliuch-osnaich from a clcilih. D'a Bglitb do rinn si da bhlòidh.

Is sheas sinn nil' air an rami, Dh' cirich Oscar 'a dh' eirich Goil
Na Balthean caoin a'i ml Kin ;
Bhetreadb losga lòm 's gach cath,
A bhean a thalnlg thai lear, 'sdh' eirich lad ulle na siòigh
Bha sinn gu leir roimpc sciinh. A dh'^amharc còmhrag nam Hath.
" 'S mo cbomralch ort ma 's tu Finiin," Sin thilg Oscar le làn-fheirg
I'S e labhaii rulm am maise mni] A chraoaach dhearg le laimh chll,
" '8 d' gbnùU do'n
i inrach a giiri.cn, Do mharbhadh leis lie.m an fhir
'S i do iglatli ceann uighe na bàigh " '3 mor an cion do linncadh l'i.

•S a gheug na maiae b dhrlùchd biòin, Thlodhlalceadh loinn aig an Fas,

Selabhairgu foil mi fheln, Fàlne-Solaii bu gblan llth,
Ma 's urra gorin.lannan do dhion,
'S chulr sinn air harrailih a meòir,
Uidh ar en nach !iom d'an reir. Fàin (lir mar onair gin rlgh.
 A PIOBAIUE DALL.

" Bu lion'ar de mhaithean na h-Eireann, Scamragach, sealbhagach, duilleach,

Thigeadh gu m' reidhlean le h-ealaidii, Min-leucaeh gorm-shleibhteach, gleannach.
Sbeinnead liuairiuh dull dhomh fàilte, Biadhchar, riabhach, riasgaeh, luideacti,
Bhiodb Mac-Aoidh 'sa ehàirdean mar ris." Le 'n diolta cuideachd gun cheannach.

O'n tha thus a' caoidh nan àrmunn, 'S cruiteal learn gabhail do bhraighe,
Leis am b' abhaist bhi ga d' thagball, IJiolaire t-uisge ma t-innsibh,
Gu'n seinn mi ealaidli gu'n duaisdut, Miodar, màghaeh, cnochdaeh cathair,
Ge fada bhuam 'a mi gu'n f brad bare. Gu breac blàth-mhor an uchd mìn-fluoir.

'Slionmhor caochla teachd sa'n t-saogbal, Gu gormanach, tolmanach, àluinn,

Agus aobliar gu bhi dubhach, Lochach, lachach, dosach, crai-ghiaVh,
Ma sheinneadii san uair sin dut tiilte, Gadharach, fagbaideada, biaidheach,
Seiunear an trà so dhut cumha. G-iomain na h-eilde gu uàmfaaid.

" 'S e sin ceòl

is binne thruaighe, Bùireineach, dubharaeh, bruachaeh,
Chualas o linn Mhic-Aoidh Dhòmhnuill, Fradharcach, crùichd-cheaiinach, uallach,
'S fada mliaireas e am chluasan, Feòirneauach uisge nam fuaran,
Am i'uaiin a bh'aig tabhunu do mheòirean. Grad ghaisgeant' air ghii.sgaii cruadhlaich.

" Beannachd dhut agus buaidh-làrach,

Colg-shuileach, fàileanta, biorach,
Ann 's gach àite 'n dean thu seasaidh, Spang-shronach, eangladhrach, corrach,
Air son do phuirt bhlasda, dhionacli, 'S an anmoch is meanbh-luath sireadh,
Sa ghrian a' teaunadh ri feasgar."
Air mbire a' direadh sa Choire.

'S grianach t-ursainu fein a choire, 'Sa mhadainn ag eiridh le'r miol-choin,
\S gun fheidh a' teamadh gu d' bhaile, Gu mùirneuch, maiseach, gasda, gniomhach,
*S iomadh neach da in' b' fbiach do mholadh, I.ubach, leacach, glacach, sgiamhach,
Do cbliath chorraob, bhiadhchar, bhaioneach. Cracach, cabiach, cnagach, fiamhach,

Do chiob, do bhorran, do mhilteach, 'N am da'n ghièin dol air a h-uilinn,

Do slilios a Choire gur lionach, Gu fuilteach, reubach, gleusda, gunnach,
Lubach, luibheach, daite, dionach, Siiapach.arinach, calgach, ullamh,
'S fasgach do chuile 's gur tìarach. Itiachach, uiarbhach, tarbhach, giullach.

Tha t-èideadh uil' air dhreach a cbanaich, 'N am dhuinn bhi' tearnadh gu d* reidhlean,
Cirein do mhullaich cha chrannaich, Tinnteach, cainteaeh, cainnleach, ceireaeh,
Far *m bi' na fèidh gu torrach, Fìonacb, còrnach, ceòlar, teudach,
'G eiridh farumach ma t-fhireach. Ordail, eòlach, 'g òl le rèite

Sleamhuinn slios-thad do shliochd àraich, Sguiridh mi nis' dhiot a Choire,

Gu'n an gart no'n càl mu t-iosal, O'n tha mi toilicht' dheth do seanachas,
Maniigach, màghach, adhach, tearnach, Sguiridh mise shiubhal t-aonaich,
Graidheach, craiceach, fradharc frithe. Gus an tig Mac-Aoidh do dh'Alba

Neòineineach, gucagach, mealach, Ach 's e mo dhùrachd dhut a Choire,

I.onanarh, lusanach, imeach, O'n 's nor mo dhùil ri dol tharad,

'S borcach do gliorm luachair bhealaich, O'n tha siim tuisleach sa mhonadb,
Gu'n t'buacbd ri doinioun ach cidheach. Bi'dh'mid a' teaunadh gu baile.
100 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

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, com- ;

municated to He also told us that in the ensuing summer he was taken from
us this information.
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 little fellow' on the opposite side of the water who, think you, might with greater propriety
l
;

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 men-
tioned 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 all in manuscript
but having pub- ;

lished a collection of Gaelic poetry,

and not meetin with much encouragement
for a s'

second volume, he allowed his MS. to

be destroyed. 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

'S ge h-iomadh cànan,
Do gach caimit fo'n gbrèin,
O linn Bbabel fhuair
Gu ar smuaintean fhàsmhor A'sliochd sin Adhamh,
A phàiiteachadh r'a chèil'
'S
; i Ghà'e'lig a thug buaidh.
Ar n' inntinnean a rusgadh,
Do'n labhradh dbàicluil,
Agus run ar cri,
An t-urrara ard gun tuairms',
Lr 'r gniomh, 's le giùlan,
'r
Gun mheang, gun lhailimi,
Surd chuir air ar dith.
Is urrainn each a luaigh.
'S gu laoidh ar beoil
Bha Ghà'èlig, ullamh,
A dh'iobradfa Dhia tian did, Na glòir fior ghuineach cruaidh,
'S e b-ard chriòch mhòr, Air feadh a cbruinne
Go dòsan
bi toiit cliù.
Man thuilich an Tuil-ruadli.
'S e'n duiue fèin,
Mhair i fòs,
'S aon chreutair reusant ann,
'S'cha tèid a glòir air cball
Gu'n tug toil De dh'a, Dh'ain-deoin gò,
Gibht le bheul bhi cainrit :
A's mi-run mliòr nan Gail.
Gu'n chum e so,
'S i labhair Alba,
O'n-uile bhrùid gu lèir
; 'S Galla-bhodaiehe fein
O ghibht mhòr phrìseil-s' Ar
;

flaith, ar priunnsai,
Dbealbh ua iomhaidh fein !
'S ar diùcannan gun eis.
Na'm beirte balbh e,
An taigh-comhairl' an righ,
S a theanga marbli na clieann,
'Nuair shùidheadh air beinn' a chùii I
B'i n iarguin shearbh e,
'S i Ghàelig lìobhta,
B' fhean bhi marbli no ann.
'Uh' fhuasgladh snaim gach cù:s.
100 SAU-OBA1U NAM BARD GALLACH.

\S i labhair Calum
ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTlIt ALASDAIR. 107
 ; ;

108 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Dh'iobrainn eridbe m<> phrnrsa, Dam chumail o d' phòsadh.

Air nil altair so Mnrag. Do bheul mar an t-sirist,
Gu'n liubhrainn gun aireneul, 'S e milis ri phògadh,
Ag atòlaibh a càa e ; Cho denrg ri blitrmillian,
'S mar gabhadh i tiachd dhlom, Mar bhileagan rùsan :

Clia b' fbada Bin bed mi. Gu'n d'rinn thu mo mhilleadh,
O 'n t-urrani !an t-urram !
Le d' Chujiid d'am bhioradh,
An t-urram ! do Mhòraig! 'S le d'shaighdan caol, biorach,
Cha mhor nach do chair i
; A rinn ciorram fa m' cbòta.
M'fhail nil' as a h-ordugh ;
Tha mi Inn mulaid,
Gu'n drug orradh ceum-tuislidb,
O'n chunnnig mi Mòrag,
Fo iomachd mo chuislean,
Cho trom ri clach-mhuilimi,
Le teas agus murtachd,
Air lunnaii d'a seòladh
O mhoch-thra Di-dòmhnaich,
:

Mac-sainhail na cruinneig,
nan railin,
'S tu reulla Cha'n eil aims a chruinne ;

Làn lainnir gun cheò ort ;

Mo chri air a ghuin lent,
Fior chomhnart gun charraid, O'n chunna' mi t-òr-chul
Gun arral, gun bheòlam ;
Na shlamagan bachallach.
Cho min ri cloidh-eala, Casarlach, còrnach ;

'S cho geal ris a ghaillioim ;

Gu faineagach, cleachdagach,
Do sheang shlios sèamh fallain, Dreach-lubach, glòrmhor ;

Thug barrachd air moral). Na rt-ullagaii cearclach ;

'S tu ban-rìgh nan aiimir, Mar usgraichean dreachmhor,

Cha sgallais an còmhradh ;
Le fudar san fhasan
Aid foinnidb na d' ghallan, Grian-lasda, ciabh òr-bhuidh.
Gun gun mhbr-chuia;
bhaileart,
Do shlios mar an canacb ;
Tha thu coimhliont' na d' bhallabh, Mar chaineal do phògan ;

Gu h-innsgineach atlilainh ;
Hi Pheoiiix cho aiiicamh ;
Caoin, meachair, faraad,
'S glan lainnir do chbta :

Gun fharum, gun ròpal.

Gu mùirninneach banal],
Gun àrdan gun stannart ;

Urlar.
'S i corr aim an ceanal,
gu bithinn sgaoilt'
IJ'fhearr Gun ainnis gun fhòtus.
As na cordamhsa, Na faicte mo leannan
Thug mi tuille gaoil 'S a mhath-sbluagh di-dònaich,
A's bu choir dhomh dhut 15'i coltas an aingenl,
Ciu 'n tig fa dhuiue taoni, Na h-earradh'a na combradh ;

Gu drocb gliniomh bhios claon, A pearsa gun talach

Cuireadh e cruaidh-shmiim Air a gibhtean tha barrachd ;
Air o'n ghoraich sin : A'n, Tì dh' fbàg thu gun aiueamh,
Acli thug so mo chiall,
i A rinn do thalamh rud bold beach,
L'ile bhuam gu trian ;
Urlar.
Cha'n fhaca mi riamb
Tha 'n aaoghal Ian de amaointeannan (Vol
Siunnailt Mòraig-sa,
Mamon bi'dh 'g ar claonadh
Glioid i bhuam mo chi'l,
Le ghoisnichean
bhuam mo chli,
;

'S shlad i

A choluinn bheir oir'n gaol

'S cuiridh i 'aan chill,
Ghabhail gu ro fhaoin,
Fo na fòdaibh mi.
Air striopachas, air craos,
Agus stròthalachd :

Slubhal
Ach cha do chreid mi riamh
Mo cbeist ngus m'lillaiclh (inn do sheas air sliabh,
De'n cbonnaio mi d' aheòre thu, Aon te bha cho ciatach
Le d' bhroilleaefa geal-tharaid, Ri Mbraig-sa
Nam muliaiohean bòidbeaob ; A subhailccan 's a ciall,

Cha'n fhaigb mi de dh'fburaa, Mar gu'm biodh ban-din.

Na ni mionaid ual fuireach, Leagh an cri am chliamh
Ge d' tha bunrach na dunach Le cuid òi rachan.
 ;

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. 109

Siubhal.
A bhi cluich air dam,
Air na tiodhan sin :

Ar comhairle na ceilibh orm.

Dh'òlaimaid ar dram,
Ciod no ni mi ?
eile their
Dh'fhògradh uainn gun taing,
Ma'n ribhinn bu tearc ceileireadh,
Gach ni chuireadh maill
A sheinneadh air an fhideig :
Air bhi miog-chuiseach ;

Cha'n fhaighear k lethid eile so,

Maighdean nan ciabh farm,
Air tir-mor no 'n eileanan ;
Shniamhanach nan claim ;

Cho iomlan, 's clio eireachdail. Mala chaol, dhonn, cham,

Cho teiridneach, 's cho biogail, Channach, fhinealta.
'S ni cinnteacb gur ni deireasach
War ceileir so air Sine, An crunluath.
Mi thuiteatn an gaol leath-phairteacb,
'Smo cherenion ga'm dhiobhail Mo cheann tha làn de sheilleanaibh
Cha'n eil do bhùrn a Seile sid, O dheilich mi ri d'bhriodal ;

No shneachd an Cruacban eilideaeh Mo shròn tha stoipt' à d\i-elebor

Na bheir aon fhionnachd eiiidneach Na deil, le teine dimliis ;

Do'n teine th'ann am innsgin. Mo shuilean tha cho deireasach,

Nach mi gnù gun telespop,
laic
'Nuar chuala mi ceol leadanach
'S ge d'bhiodh meudach beinn' aim,
An fheadain a bh'aig Mòrag,
'S ann theirinn gur h-e frid i.
Rinn m'aigueadh damhsa' beadarach,
Dh'fhalbh mo cheudfaidh còrporra
'S e freagra dha le solas ;
Gu docharach le bruadar,
Sèamh ùrlar, sochrach, leadarra
'N uair shaoil mi fortan thor chain domh,
A puirt, 's a meoir a breabadaich ;
'S mi'm thorroichim air mo chluasaig:
B'e sid an or-fhead eagarra,
Air dusgadh as a chaithream sin
Do bheus nan creaga' mora,
Cha d'fhuair mi ach aon fhaileas d'i,
Ochòin am feadan baill-eughacb,
!

Cruaidh sgal-eughach, glan ceolmhor,

An ionad na maoin bearraideach
Nam binn-phoi't stuirteil, trileanta,
A mheal mi gu seachd uairean.
Ri min-dhionachd, bog rò-chaoin ;
Ach, ciod thug mi gu glan fhaireachadh,
A màrsal comhnard staideil sin, Ach carachadh rinn cluanag :

'S e lùghmhor grasmhor caiseamachd ;

bha Mhòvag ann,
'3 co so, o thus,

Fior chrunluath, brig, spalpara, Ach Sine an or-fhuilt chuachaich ;

Fa clia-lù na bras-chaoiu sporsail. 'Nuair thùr i gu'n do lagaich mi,

Chinn prois,
'Sgu feumainn rag chuir stalcaidh ann,
is stuirt, a's spraichealachd,
Am ghnuis uair bheachdaich gùamag,
Gu'n d'rinn draoidheachd-chadail domh,
i
'n

A seinn an fheadain ioraltaich,

Rinn cruaidh fior rag de m luaidhe.
B'ard iolach arm am chluasan
Bha cleasachd-sa cho innealta,
;

"S cho innleachdach ma'n cua'rrt d'i,

A suain-cheol, sithe mir-anach ;

Mear stoirmeil, pongail, mionaideach

Nach faodainn fhin thaobh si-mhaltachd,
;

Na b' nach sireamaid,

f'hoirmeile
Gun dlighe crion thoirt uam dh'i ;

Air mhiiid h-uchd tuasaid.

ri
Gun thiunndaidh mi gu h-ordail r'i ;

O'n buille meoir bu lomarra, 'S gu'n shaoil mi gu'm b'i Mi rag i
;

Gu pronnadh a phuirt uaimhrich Gun d' aisig mi mo phogan du,

!

'S na h-uilt bu lughmhor cromainean 'S cha robh d'a coir dad uaipe.
Air thollaibh a ehroinn bhuadhaich !

Gun slaod-mheoirich, gun ronnaiieachd, Note. —

This is one of the finest productions of the
Brisg, tioram, sochdair, colaideach Keltic muse. The bard appears to have been really en.
;
amoured, and he pours forth his elegant, rapid, and im-
Geal-lùdag nan gearra-cholluinnean, passioned strains in a torrent of poetry which has never
Na craplù, loinneil, guanach ! 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
Udar.
talked of the marriage ties with the greatest contempt,
Chasgamaid ar n-iot and regretted that he was fettered with the bonds of wed.
lock. This raised a storm, and the bard sacrificed the
Le glan fhion an sin,
mistress to appease the wile, and composed his "Mi.
'S bhualamaid gu dian vthotadh." Here is an instance of his disregard to truth
Air gloir shiomhalta: and common decency, as well as nf moral and poetical jus.
tice. As the praise was exaggerated and extravagant, the
Tuille cha bhiodh aim,
censure was cruel, unmanly, and undeserved. He first
Gus an tigeadh am, 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 A mios breac-uigheach, braonach,
tion, lie suddenly wheels round and overwhelms hi:
goddess with the most slanderous, foul-mouthed and un
Creamhacb, maoth-roaach, Mdh!
feeling abuse. His " Mi.mhuladh Moraii>" is printed n Cbulreaa ageadas neo-thruaillidh,
the Glasgow complete edition oj his work* of 1839. Air gach àite d'a dbuaichncachd ;

A dh'fbograa sneachd le chuid fuachd,

O gheur-ghruaiin nam beann ;.rd ;

'S aig meud eagail roi Phoebus,

Theid's na speuraibb 'na small

OR AN AN T-S AM II R A D1I. I A mios lttsanach, mealacb,

Feurach, (aileanach, bl.'.tli

Air fonn — " Through the wood, laddie."

;

'S e gu gucagach, duilleach,

Luachrach, ditheanach, lurach,
An dèis dhomh diìsgadh 's a'mhadainn, Beacbach, seilleanacb, dearcach,
'S an dealt air a chòill, Ciurach, dealltacb, trom, tbà ;

Ann a madainn ro shoilleir, 'S i mar chtiirneanan ilaimein,

Ann a lagan beag doilleir, Bhr.itach bhoisgeil air làr !

Ci ii'n cualas am f'eadan

Gu leadurra seinn ;
'S moch bhios Phnbus ag òradh
'S mac-talla nan creagan Ceap nam mòr-cruacb 's nam bcann ;

D'a fhreagairt brùn bhìnn.* 'S bi'dh 'san uair sin le solas,
Gach eun binn-fbaclach boidheach.
Bi'dh am beitlie deagh-bhoitrach, C'eumadh metir-btiillean ceòlar,
Urail dosrach nan earn, Feadh phres, ògan, a's gbleann ;

Ri maoth-bblàs dtiùchd ceitean, A cborrtiil chuirteach gun sgreadan,

Mar ri caoin-dhearsadb gri-me, Aig pur is beadarraicb greann !

Bt iuhdadh barraich tro gbeugau,

'S an mhios cheutacb sa Mhàigh :
'S an am tighinn do'n fheasgar,
Co-fhreasgradb ami am,
Am mios breac-laoghach, b nail teach ;
Ni iad co'-aheirm, sbèioab, fhallain,
Bbainneach, bhuaghacb, gu dàir !

Gu bileach, binn-ghobach, allail,

A seinu gu lù-chleaaaoh daigbeaun
Bi'db gach doire dlù uaignidb
A measg ur-mbeaghain nan crann
'S ttusgan uain' amp a' fua ;
;

'S iad t'ein a beucail gu tbirmeil,

Bi'dh an snotharh a direadh
Le toirm nan organ gun niheaiig.
As gach friambach a's isle,
Tro 'na cuislinnean sniombain,
Bi'dh gach creutair do laigid
Gu miadachadh blà :
Dol le suigeart do'n choill ;

Cuach, a's smeòrach 's an flieasgar,

Bi'dh an dreadhat; gu balcant',
Seinn a leadain 'n am bàrr.
Foirmeil, talcorra, bagant',
Sir chuir l'àilt air a mhadaiun,
* We have heard broadly asserted, that the com-
it Le rit'eid mbaisich, bbttig, bbinn ;

mencing stanza of song is a mere translation of the

this
Agus Robin d'a bbeusadh
first stanza of a certain song in " Hamsay's lea Table
Miscellany." That there is a general similarity between Air a gbcig os a cbinn.
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
Gar glan gall-fheadan Richard
Similarity between the two is such as to warrant the con- A seinn na'n cuislinnin grinn,
clusion lliat he must AatWMH </, we cannot allow. As to Am bàrr nam biliehcan blàthor,
its being a translation, if our opinion were asked, we
'S an dos na lom-dbarag ài da,
would say at once " It is not." Bui we subjoin the lines
from the " Miscellany," that the reader may have the Bhiodh 's na glacagan lasaich
better opportunity of judging :
As cubhraidb faile na'm fion ;

" As earlv I wak'd, Le phuirt thriolanta shiubblacb

On the lirst of sweet May, Pbronnaii lùghoi' le dion.
Beneath a steep mountain,
Reside a clear fountain,
I heard a grave lute Sid na puirt a's glan gearradh.
Soft melody play,
'S a's ro ealanda roinn ;
Whilst the echo mounded
The dolorous lay." Cbulreadb m'inntinn gu beadradh,
•Rajiujy't Tin Tabk MtntUanv, fot. f. Clia-lu t-fh'adain ma'n cadradh,
 ; —

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. Ill

'N am do'ii rhrodh bhi g'an leigeadh, 'Nis treigidh coileach à ghucag,
An itmis bhi'itir's a' choill ; 'S caitean brucacb nan craobb,
'S tu d' It- ig air baideil ri oionthar, 'S thèid gu mullach nan sliabh-chnoc',
An grianan aon-chasach cruiuu. Le chin; ghearr-ghobaich riabhaieb,
'S bi'dh'ga suiridb gu eùirteil
Bi'dh bradan seang-mhear an fhìor-uisg', Am pillein cùl-gorma fraoieh :

Gu brisg, slinn-leumnach, luath ; 'S ise freagra le tuchan :

Nam bhuidhnean tarra-ghealach, lannach, " Pì-hù-hù tba thu t'aoin."

Gu b-iteacb, dearg-bhallach, earrach,
Le shoillsean airgeid da earradh, A choilich chraobhaich nan gearr-i
'Smin-bhreac lainnireach tuar ; 'S na falluine dùi',
'S e-fein gu erom-ghobach ullamh, Tha dubh a's geal air am miosgadl
Ceapadh chuileag le cluaiu. Go ro oirdheire na €-itich ;

Muineal lainnireach, sgipi,

A bhealltuinn bhog-bhailceach, ghvianach, L'aine, slis-mhin, 's trie erom !

Lònach, lianach, mo gbràidb, Gob na'n pongannan milis

Bhainneach, fbionn-mheagach, uachdiach, Nach faict' a sileadh nan rorm !

Ombanach, loinideach, chuachach,

Ghruthach, sblamanacb, mhiosrach, Sid an turaraioh ghlan, loinneal,

Mhiodrach, mbiosganach làn, A's ard coilleag air torn,

Uanach, inheannanach, mhaoiiieaeh, 'S iad ri bù-rà-rus seamh, ceutach
Bhocach, mhaoiseach, làn àil !
Ann a feasgar bog ceitean ;

Am bannal geal-sgirteach, uchd-ruadh ;

O ! 's fior èibhinn r'a cbluintinn, Mala ruiteaeh, chaol, ehrom ;

Fann-gheum laoigli aims a chrò 'S iad gu h-uchd-ardach, earra-gheal,

Gu h-ùral, min-bhallach, aluinn ;
Ghiian-dhearsgnaidh, dhruim-dhonn.
Druim-fhionn, gearr-fhionnach, fàili,

Ceann-fhionn, colg-rasgach, cluas-dearg, \'ote.— The poet here uses a redundancy of adjectives,
epithets and alliterations, with more pedantry than be-
Tarra-gheal, guaineiseach, òg, |

comes pastoral poetry: but, with all its faults, the poem
Gu mògach, bog-Iadbrocb, fàsor, contains many beautiful passages. The address to the
'S e leum ri bàraich nam bò ! |
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
A shùbhrach gheala bhui' nam bruarhag, an unlucky and far-fetched conceit.

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 ORAN A GHEA M II R A D H. I

'S c ch falacb an
ri si'il.
Air fonn —" Tweedside."

'S cùraidh fàileadh do mhuineil,

TiiARKUiNNgrian righ nam planad 's nan rèull,
A chrios-Cho-chulainn nan earn !
Gu sign Chancer di-ciadain gu beachd,
Na d' chruinn bbabaidean riabhach, A riaghlas cothrom ma'n crioclmaich e thriall,
Lbineach, fhad-luirgneach, sgiamhacb, Da mhios-deug na bliadhna ma seach ;

Na d'thuim ghiobagach, dreach-mhin,

Ach gur h-e 'n dara, di sathuirn' na dheigh,
Bharr-bliuidh, cbasurlaich, àird ;
A ghrian-stad-shamraidh, aon-deug, an la's laid ;
Timcheall tbulmanan diamhair
'S a sin tiuutaidh e ehùrsa gu seimb,
Ma m bi'm biadh-ianain a fi.s.
Gu seas-ghrian a gheamhraidb gun stad.

'S gum bi froineisean boisgeil 'S o dh'imich e 'nis uainn m'an cuairt,
A thilgeas foineal ni's leoir, Gu'm bi fuachd oir'n gu'm pill e air ais,

Ar gach lu-ghart de neoinein, Bi'dh gach la dol an giorrad gu feum,

'S do bharraibh sheamragan lòmhar ;
'S gach oidhche do reir dol am fad :

Mar sin is leasachan soilleir, Sruthaidb luibhean, a's colli, agus fetir,

De dh-fbeada-coille nan cos, Na fàs-bheodha crion-eugaidh iad as ;

Timcheall bhoganan loinneal, Teichidh snodhach gu friamhaeh nan erann.

A's trie an eilid d'an còir. , Sùighidh glaoghan an sùgb-bheath' a steach.
 ;

L2 SAR-OliAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Seachdaidh geogan glan cubhraidh nan craim, Db.fhalbb am fàileadh, am mvig, a'a am fonn ;

Bha'aan t-aambradfa trom-strac-te le meas, Dh-fhalbb am maiae bharr lombairgach buig ;

Gu'u tbrr-leum an toradh gu làr, Chaidb an eunlaidh gu Raoidhearan troagh,

Gu'n agrioaair am bàrr far gach lios. Liscag, imeòrach, a'a cuach, agus druid.
Guilidh feadain a'a creachainn nam beaun,
Srutbain cbriestail nan gleann le trout sprochd, A fhraoich bbadanaich, ghaganalob, uir,
Caoidh nam fuaran ri meacuinu gu'n uluiun, Dam b'ola's d am b 't'hinlar a nihil,
Deoch-ahunuta nam maoiaeach 's nam boo. B'i bhlàth ghrian do bhaltt't gach uair,
Gu giullachd do ghruaige le sgil ;

Laidbidfa brim air an talamh gu leir, 'S a mhadain iucbair 'nuair bboisgeadb a ghnùis,

Gu'n aognaieh na sleihhtean's na cnuic ;

Air bhuidhinnin driùcbdaoh nan dril,
Grad dubbaidh caoiu uachdar nam blàr, B'fbior chùbbraidb 's gu'm b'eibhinn an smuid

Fal-rùisgte, 's iad fàillinneach bochd So db'eireadb bharr chuirnein gach bil.
Na h-eoin bhuchallacb' bhreac-iteach, ghrinn,
Sheinneadh basganta, binn, am barr dhos, Gu'n theirig suth-talmbuinn nam bruaeb ;

Dh't'halbh an cnuasach le'n trom-lubailh slat,

Gu'n tèid a ghlas-ghiiib ar am beul,
Gun nan Thuit an t-ubhall, an t-siris, 's a phenr,
bhodha, gun teud, 's iad tost.
Chuireadh bodha air a ghèig aims a bhad.
Sguiridh bùirdisich agiathach nan speur, Dh-fhalbh am bainne bho'n eallach air chul,

D'an ceileiribh grianacb car greis,

Ma'm hi leanaba hi ciùehaian bochd ;

'S gu'm pill a grian gu sign Thuurus nam buailh,

Cha seimi iad a' maidnean gu h-ard,
'S treun a bhuadhaicheas, l'uachd, agus gort.
No ftasgaran cliràbbach 's a' phreas ;

Cadal cluthor gu'n dean anus gach cos,

Gabhail fasgaidh am frògamh nan creag ;
Thèid a ghrian air a thurus man cuairt,

'S iad ag ioiindrainn nan gatbanan blàth, Do thropic Chnpricorn gbruamach gun stad,
lihiodh ri dealaradh o agàile do theas. O'n tig tearthuinn chruinn, mheallanach, luath,
Bheir air mullach nan cuairteagan sad ;

Cuirear daltachan srian-bhuidh nan rba Thig tein'-adbair, thig torunn na dhejgh,

Bharr mhin-cbioch nan òr-dhitheati beag, Thig gaillionn, thig cireadh nach lag,

'S inghean gucagach lili nan Ibti, 'S cinnidh uisge na ghlaineacban cruaidh,

Nam flu ran, 's gheal noinein nan eug 'S na ghlas-lcugaibh, min, luarlicneach rag.
;

Cha deogblair le beacban nam brunch,

Crddhaidb fuarachd car cnairt iad na Bgeap ;
A mios nuarranda, garbb-fhrasach dorch',
'S cha mho chruinnicheas seillein a mhal, Shneachdach, cholgarra, stoirm-shionach bith ;

Dhisleach,dhall-ch urach, chat hacb.t'hliuch.cbruii,

'S thar gheal-ùr-ros chroinn garaidh cha streap.
Bhiorach, bhuagharra, 's tuath-ghaotbach citb ,

Dheibheach, lia -rotach,gblib-shleamhaiu gbarbh,

Tearnaidh bradan, a's sgadan, 's gach iasg,
Chuireaa agiobairean fairge nan ruith
O t-iarguinn gu na-ghrunnd nan loch ;
;

Fhliuchach, fhuntninneacb, ghuineach, gun tlàa

'S gu fan air an aigein dù-dhonn,
;

Ann an doimhueachd nam fonn a's nan slochd. Cuiridh t-anail gach càileachd air chrith.

Na brie tharra-ghcalach, earra-ghoblilach shliom,

Leumailh mearagant', vi usgraichean chop, A mios cratanach, casadacb, lbm,
Nan cairtealan geambraldh gu'n lamb, A bhioa trom air an t-sonn-bhrochan dubh ;
Churraiceach, chasagach, lacbdiinn a's dhonn,
Meirbh, sàinhach, o thàmh thu fo'n ghlob.
Bhrisneach,stocaiuneach,choin-ehochlach,thiugh,

Chasa's ghreannaich gach tulach, 's gach tùin, Bhrbgach, mhiotagach, pheiteagach bhàu,
'S dbite lorn chinn gach Breach, '« gach glac J Imeach, aranach, chàiseach. gun ghruth ;

Gu'n d' obhrairh na sithenuau feoir, Le miann bruthaiste, inairt-t'heoil a's càl ;

Ba lusanach, fVoirneanach brat ;

'S ma bhioa Math nach dean tail- air gnù stuth.
Thiormaicb monainean, 'a ruadhalcb gach Fonn ;

Bheuobd an fhalrge 'a to thonn-ghreanaach gart A mios brotagach, toiteanach sòigh

'S gu'n sgreitich an dùlachd gach long, Gbionach, stròitheal, fhior ghedcach gu maic ;

'S thi'id an cabhlach na long phort a stead, d. Liteach, laghanach, chabalsteach chbrr,
Phoiteach, rbmaaacb, ròiceil, gu suit ;

Nculaicli paircean a's miodair gu has, 'S antaobh-muigb ge do thugb sinn ar e! m,

'I'll 1 1 i t gacfa fàaach, 'a gach àite fo bhruid ;
Air an i'hàile gheur-tholitach gun this,
Cbiaraich monadh nan ioaal 'a nan ard ;
'S feudar dram 01 mar lintligeadh cliilih,

Theirig dathanan gràambor gach luig ;

A ghrad fhadaa tein'-eibhinn 'a an uchd.
 — ! ;

MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 113

ALASDAIIl

BL'dh grean'-dubh air cuid mòr de'u Roinneorp, Tha JEolus ag raitinn

O sgeamh òrdha do theas,

lagaich Gu 'seid e rap-ghaoth chruaidh,

Do sholus bu sh'olas ro mhòr, On a'trd an ear ; 's tha Ne/jtun dileas,

Ar fraghavc a's ar loelirann geal deas ;

Gu mineachadb a cbuain.
Ach 'nuair thig e gu Gemini a lis,
'S à lainnir 's gacli rlgheacbd gu'n cuir, 'S hochd ata do chi.irdean
'S buidh soillsein nan coirean'fl nam meall, Aig ro mhead t-fhàrdail uainn ;

'S riochdail fiamh nau ùr-mheall air a uihuir. Mar alach mhaotb gun mhathair ;

No beachainn breac a gharaidh,

'S theid gach salinadair ball-mhaiseach ùr, Ag sionnach 'n duis a fasachd',
Ann an crannaig chraobh-dhlù-dhuillich chais, Air fàiliim (eadh nam bruach.
Le 'n seol i'ein a sheinn laoidh 's a thoirt cliu, Aisig cabhagach le d' chabhlach,
Chimin a phlanaid-s' a chùrsadh air ais ; 'S leighis plàidh do Bhluaigb.
Gu'm bi coisir air leth anus gach gèig,
An dasgaibh eibhinn air ruidh-shlios nan slat, Tha na dee ann an deagh run dut
A toirt lag iobairt le'n ceileir d'an Triath, Greas.ort le surd neo-ir.barbh,
Air chaol chorraibh an sgiath aims gacb glaic. Thar dhronnaig nan tonn dù-ghorm,
Dhruim-robach, bbarr-chas, shiubblacb,
Cha bhi creutair fo chupan nan speur Gbleann-cblaghacb. cheann.gheal, shu'.dhlù,
'N sin nach tiunndaidb ri 'n speurad's ri'n dreach, Na mothar chul-ghlas, ghairbh ;

'S gu'n toir Phoebus le buadhan a bhlais, Na cuan-cboirean, greannach, stuadh-tborthac

Anam-fàs daibh a's càileaclidain ceart 'S crom-bbileach, nnolach, falbb.

Mi iad ais-eiridh choitcheanu on uaigh

Far na mhiotaich am fuachd iad a ateach, Tha muir a's tlr cho-reidh dhut,

'S their iad: guiUag-doro-hidola-haii.il,

Mar deann thu icin a Btarg;

than samhradh air Doirtidb iad na'n ceudan,

Dh-fhalbh angeamhra 's leachd.
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,
ORAN NAM FINEACHAN GAELACH. Na'm beitheiribh gu reubadh ;

Na'n leoghannaibh gu creuchdadh ;

A CHOMBISN rìoghail rùinich, Nan natbraichean grad.leumneach,

umhlaehd thugaibh uaibh,
S.'ir A lotas geur le 'n calg,
Biodh 'ur ruisg gun smùirnean, Le'n gathan t'aobharach, rinn-bheurra
'S gach cri gun treas gun lub aim ; Ni mor eucbd le'n arm.
Deoch-slainte Sheumais Stiubhairt,
Gu muirneach cuir ma'n cuairt! 'N am bhrataichean liin-eideadh,
Ach ma ta giomh air bith 'n 'ur stamaig, Le dealas geur gun chealg,
A chàileis naomh' na truaill. Thig Dnmhnuilaich, nan deigh sin ;

Clio dileas dut ri d'leine ;

Lion deoch.slainte Thearlaich Mar ehoin air fasdadb eile ;

A mheirlich stràic a chuach

!
;
Air chath-chrith geur gu sealg ;

B'i sid an ioc-shlant' àluinn, 'S mairg nimbaid do'n nochd iad fraoch,
Dhath-bheothaicheadh mo cbàileauhd Long, leogbann, craobh, 's laimb-dhearg.
Ge d'a bhiodh am bàs orm,
Gun neart, gun ;'.dh, gun tuar. Gu neartaicb iad do cbàmpa
A Righ nan dùl a chuir do chàbhlach, Na Caim-beulaicb gu dearbh,
Oiru thar sail' le luathas. An Diuc Earraghalach mar cbeaiin oir',

Gu m^rghalach mear prionnsail ;

O ! tog do bhaideil àrda, Ge b'e bheir air iunsaidh,

Chaol, dhionach, shàr-gheal nuadh, B'e sid an tionsgnadh searbh,

Ri d'erannai lb bì-dhearg, làidir, Le Ian nan lotach, dù-ghorm, toirteil,

Gu taisdeal nau toiin gaireach ;

Sgoltadh chorp gu'm balg.
 114 SAH-OBAllt NAM liARD GAELACH.

Gu tarbartach, glan, raiscamachd, Air pbriobloegadh gu cruadal,

Fior thartarach na'n rànc, Gu suaidheadh cheann, is chinas din ;

Thig Claaiaidfa le cbuid I'earsanach, Clio nimheil ris na tigeribh

Gu cuaimda gleusda grad-bheirteach ; Le feachdraidh dian-inhear, d'in',
Le ipainticheaii teann-bheirteacb Chuireas iomad (ear le sgieadail,
'S cruaidh fead ri sgailceadh cheann ; 'S a bhreabadaich gu làr.
Bi'dh fail d'a <K rtadh, 's smuais da spialtadh,
Le sgealpaireachd 'ur lann. Thig a ris na Frisealaich,
Gu sgipi le neart garbh ;

Druididh suas ri d' mheirghe, Na seùchdaibh i'ìor-ghlan, togarrach,

Nach meirbh an am an àir, Le fuathas bblàr nach bogaichcar;
Clann'Jlleoin * naeh meirgich An còmhlan fearradlia, cosgurach,
A inn ri lichd do slieirbheis ;
'S mairg neach do nochd iad f'earg ;

Le'm brataìohean 's snuadh fèirg orra, A spuir ghlas aig dlus an deirich
'8 an leirg mar thairbh gun sgàth Ui'dh nan eilean dearg.
;

A foirne, fearail, nimheal, arrail,

'S builleach, allamh làuah !
Nan gasraidh ghaisgeil, lasgurra,
Thig Lachiinnaich gun chàird ;

Gun thig na fi drain Leòdach ort, Na saighdean dearga puiseanda ;

Mar sheochdain 's eoin fo spàig ;

Gu claidheach, sgiathach, cuinnsearach ;

Na'n tuireamh lann-gliorm, tbinnisneach ;

Gu gunnach dagach, ionnsaichte,
Air chorra-ghleus streup gun tiomachas ;
Gun chunntais ac' air àr ;

An reiseamaid fior iotinalta, Dol nan deannamh 'n aodainn pheileir,

na dàil
'S fàth gioraig dol ;
Teachd o theine chàicb.
Am iomadh bòcbdan fuilteach,
bi foirmeil,
Theid le stoirm gu bàs. Gabhaidh pàirt do t-iorghaills',
Clann-lomnhuinn's oirdheirc càil ;

Thig curaidhnean Chiann-cliam-shroin ort,

Mar thuinn ri tir a sior-bhualadh ;

Theid meaumnach sios na d' spùirn No bile lasrach dian-loisgeach ;

;

An fhoireann ghuineach, chaithreamach, Nan treudan luatha, fior-chonf'ach,

'S nt'o-l'hiamhach an am tarruiune Thoirt griosaich air an niimh ;
;

An lainn ghlas mar lasair dealanaicb, An dream chathach, Mhuileach, Slirathacb

Gu gearradh cheann, a's lamli ;

'S math gu sgathadh chnanih.
'S mar luthas na dreige, 's M'Uthas na ercige,
Cliluinnte sgread nan cnàmh. 'S mùr a bhio's ri corp-rusgadh,
Na'n closaicliean's a bhh'ir,

Gup cinnteach dhuibb d'ar coinueachadb, Fithicb aims a rocadalch

Mac.Choinnich mor Chinn-Tàile: Ag itealaich, 's a cnocaireachd ;

Ciocras air na cosgaraich,

Fir laiflir, dhàna, choimhueala,
Don fhior-cbruaidh air a foinneachadb,
Ag cil's ag ith an sath.
Och's tursach lann a chluinntir moch-thra,
Nach gabh fiamb no somultachd,
No agreamb Ochanaich nan àr !
ro' theine bblàr ;

'S ladgu naradi, fuileach, foinnidb,

Bi'dh fuil is gaor d'a shiiidrcadh aim,
Air bhoil gu dhol na d'chàs.
Le lu-chleasan 'ur lamb ;

Meangar ciim, a's diiirn dhiu ;

Gur foirmeil, prìseil, òrdail,
Gearrar tiilt le smuaisridh ;
Thig Tòiaichean nan rdne,
Ciosoaiobear am biwidh,
Am màrsail stàtoil, cbmbnard ;
D'an dìi-losgadh, "s d'an cnàmh ;

(in plobach, bratacb, srbl-bhul ;

Crùnair le poimp Tearlacb Stiùbfaart ;

Tha rioghalacbd a's nn'>rehuis,

'.S Frederic Prionna lo sbàil.
Gu'n sbradh anns'n dream ;

Daoine laidir, neartmhor, crbdha, Note This address to the Highland clans is a M:itely
'S iad gun ghb, gun mhcang ! poem, where the bard describes the
•pirtt-ttirring martial
various Jacobite clans coming forward In warlike array to
place Charles on the throne, and leave the Hanoverians
Thig Gr'anndaich gu ro thartarach, under his feet The satirist [Aireoch Mhuile) represents
Neo fbad-bbeirteach do d' champ the poet travelling through the country to excite the
Highlanders to arms, and it is probable that this song was
composed on thai occasion. It was well calculated to rouse
• Claim 'lllcaii. the warlike clans to [he approaching conflict
 ALASDAIIt MAC MIIAIGHST1R ALASDA1R. 115

'S binn linn plapraich nam breid bhratach,

Srannraich bras ri m jr-ghaoith,
An glachdaibh gaisgeich nan ceum staiteil,

]s stuirteil, sgairteil, mùision ;

AlR rONX — " Cdle-chraijaidii.^ 'S lannghorm sgaiteach, do shir-shlacau

Geur gu srachdadh shròn' aige,
Tha deagh shoisgeul feadh nan gaibh-ehrioch, Air bac cruachain an fhir bhrataich,
Surd air armaibh c'jmhraig ; Gu cuir tais air fogradh.
Uird ri d'araraich deanamh thargaid
Nan dual ball-chruinn boidheach ;
'S furbaidh tailceant, 's cumta pearsa,
Chaidh ar seargadh le cam earraghloir
Treun-laoch spraiceal, doid-gheal ;

Sluaigh fior chealgach Shùrais,

Piob d' a spalpadh, suas na achlais,
O's sgeul dearbhta thig thar fiiirge.
Mhosglas lasan gleois duinn ;
Neart 10 gharbh d' ar fòirinn. Caismeachd bhras bhinn, bhrodadh aigne,
Gu dian chasgairt slòigh leis ;

Thig tbar lear le gaoith an ear oirn :

Chuireadh torman a phuirt bhaisgeil,
Toradh deal ar d'jchais,
Spioraid bhras 'n 'ar p'uraibh.
Le inhilte fear, 's le armaibh geal,
Prionns' ullamh, mear, 's e dù-chaisgt ;

Bithibh sunndach, lughor, bèumach,

Mac High Seutnas, Tearlach Stiubhart,
Sgriosach, geur, gu feolach,
Oighre chrùin th'air fùgar,
'S bi'dh Mars oreuchdach, cogach, reubach,
Gu'n dean gach Breatuinneach Ian uinhlachd,
Anns 'na speur d' ar seoladh ;
Air an glùn' d'a nihùrachd.
Soirbhichidh gach ni gu leir libit,

Ni na Gàeil bheodha, ghasda,

Ach sibh-fein bhi deonach ;

Màrsailibh gun da.il, gu'n eislein,

Firidh bhras le sròlamh ;

Lughor, eudrom, ceol-mhor.

lad nan ciadan nim' ag ialhadh,
S coltas dian cuir gleois orr' ;

Gu'n t'hiamh 's iad tiata, claidheach, sgiathach, Màrsailibh, gun fheall, gun airsneul,

Gunnach, riaslach, strùiceach, Gach aon bhratach bhoidheach ;

Mar chonfadh leoghauriaibh fiadhaich, Cuideachd shuaicheanta nam breacan,

'S acras diau gu feoil orr'.

'S math gu casg na tbireachd ;

'Nuair a ruisgeas sibh na claisicb

Dèanamh ullamh chum ar turuis, Bi'dh smuis bhreac feadh feòir libh ;

'S bithibh guineach, deònach ;

! Gaor a's eanachuinn na spadul,
So an cumasg, am bi na builean, 'S na liatb-shad feadh mhointich.
An deantar full a dhòrtadh ;

Och a dhuin' is lionmhor curaidh Sliocraich, slacraich, nan cruaidh shlacan,

Is fior sturrail co-stri, Freagra basgur sheannsair ;

A leigir fear eile mar chuileatin, 'Nuair a theid a ruaig gun stad libh
Dh' fhaotainn fuil air Sebras ! Gur ro fad a chluinntear,
Feadraich bhuillean, sgoltadh mhullach,
iomadh neach a theid
'S air ghaisge, Siosgu bun an rumpuill ;

Tha fior lag na dhùchus, Ruaig orr' uile mar mhoim tuile ;

Gus a nochdar standard brat-dhearg, Chaoidh cha 'n urr' iad tiunntadh.
An rlgh cheart-s' tha ùirne,
Ge do bhiodh e na fbior ghealtair, 'S iomadh fear a dh' oladh lionta,

Gur cruaidh rag gu bhròig e.

Slainte an righ-s' tha oirne,

Ceart cho gairge ris an lasair, Spealgadh ghlaineachan aig griosaich,

A losgadh asbhuain eorna. 'S e cur beinn air Seòras ;

Ach 's onaraiche anis an gniomh,

IMhoir is sgairteil, foirmeil, bagant, Na cuig-ceud mile b'ula ;

Gà'èil ghasda, chrodba ;

'S fearr aon siola a dh'fhuil 's an flnith
Gach aon bhratacfa sios do'n bhaiteal No galoin fhlon air bhùrdaibh.
Le 'n gruaidh laisde rùsg-dearg ;

lad gun fhiamh, gun fheall, gun ghaiseadh ;

Dearbhaidh beachdaidh sibh bhi ceart d'a,

Rioghail, beachd-bhorb, pròiseal ;

Eirdh grad le 'r slùghaibh ;
Gu no-lapach ri linn gaisge, Gu'n 'ur mnathan, claim, no beirteas,
Spèiinnteach ghlas nan dòrnaibh. Chuir stad-feachd 'n 'ur duchus;
 ;

116 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GALLACH.

Ach gluasad inntiiineach, luath, cinnteacl Biodh ar cridhachan a damhsa,

Rioghail, llont' de mhùr-chuis ;
Linn an drams' a dliol na thruaill,
Mar an raineach a dnl sios duibli, Mar gu 'in biodhmaid 'a a cbeart am-sa,
Sgriosadh dian luchd clèochdan. Dol do 'n champ a dh'fhaotainn buaidh.
Ho-ro, £c.
'Ur ceathairne ghruamach, nimheil,
Lin do mhire cruadail ; Den dibh' bbridhear neartar bhlasda,
'S misg dhearg (hatha, gu ban rath orr', 'S milse no mil bheacb gu p'uit,

'S craobb dhearg dhath nan gruaidhean ; Lion an soitheach sin amach dhuinn,
lad gun athadh sios le 'n claidheati De 'n stuth hhlasdar ud 'san stop.
Iti sior sgathadh chnuachdan ; Ho-ro, £c.
Lotar dearganaich le *r gat ban,
'S le'r fior chrathadh cruadhach. 'S-ioma fearsta, falachaidh, tlachdmlmr,
Tha 'm mac-na-bracha r'a luaigh ;

'S beagan sluaigh, a 's trie thug buaidh, Rinn sin e na leannan do mhiltean,
An iomairt cbruaidh a chòmhraig ; 'S na mhilsein priseil do'n t-sluagh.
Deanamaid gluasad gu'ii dad uamhuinu, Ho-ro, £c.
'Sna biodh fuathas oirne ;

Doirtidh uaislean an taobh-tuath, Sgaolaidh e ghruaim far a mhuigeiu ;

Mac Shim nan Diuc-Gòrdon

ruag, 's ; Ni e fiughantach fear cruaidh ;

Le mharc-siiluagh is nuarrant gruaim ; Ni e cruadalach fear gealtach,

'S maim aimhi fhuar nam pùramh. 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 ;

ORAN RIOGIIAL A BHOTA1L. 'S fàgaidh e dàn' am fear diùid.

Ho-ro, <|c.

Aift fonn— " Let us be jovial, Jill our plastes."

Ni e piigach am fear àilleant
BiODHMAin subhach, 's Mar deoeh linn,
Nach fuiligeadh cailin 'na choir ;

Osnaich n ar fochar cha tàmh, Sparraidh e damhs' aims na casan,

Na sinaointicheamaid ar bochdainn,
Nach d' rinn riamh aon chàr d' an deoin.
Fhad 's a bios an copan làn. Ho-ro, $c.

LUINNEAG. Fagaidh e neo sbanntach acracb ;

Hò-rò air falbiar-uraidh Toinnidh se cas am fear sliom ;

Ho air m'alldar-ràrhidh rò, Bheir e caitcan air fear slcamhainn ;

Hò-rò air maUdar-raridh 'S ni e spreadhail am fear tiom.

Fàlldar, ralldar, riiraiJh ho. Ho-ro, $C

Olamaid glainneachean làn',

An t-airgead a hha d'a sticleailh,
Air slainte an t-Seumais ata uainn ;
An sporan nan chripleacb riamh,
Bheir e furtachd dba a prioaan,
Cuireamaid da iblaint' an oàraid,
Tosda Thearlahh straie a chuach. Le fuasgladh cruaidh-shnaim nan ii '..

Ho-ro, $C. Ho-ro, $c.

Ma ta ataanac anus a obuideachd, Ni e aoighcal am fear doicbleach ;

Nach dean a chuidsa d' ar mi.iuri, Ni c socharacb fear teann ;

Siapaidb e 'masb as ar carabh, Ni e duin' nasal do'n bbalach;

Mai an carran as an t-shiol. Ni e fathrumach fear faun.
Ho.ro, flo-ro, ,y.
.S'c.

Calreadh ar cupacban tliarsta Ni e bbot cbridbeach fear dulntc,

;

Aisig c.is an corn in'an cuairt 'S faoisididh e run a chri ;

Faloear èibhinneacbd air lasadh, Saoilidh an lag gur h-e 'n laidir,

Le fior sgairt 'n ar beachd, 's 'n ar gruaidh. Gus an dearbh e chàil 'san stri.

Ho-ro, &'c.
Ho-ro, <£c.
 ! !

ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAlIt. nr

Tairrnidh e mulad gu aiteas ; Gur dionnsaireach, spinnsearach, t-fhàileadh,
Tiunndaidh e airsneul gu fonn ; 'S teas-ghradhach do shnàg tro' m' chliabh
Mionach nan sporan gu spiol e Fadadh blàis air feadh mo mhionaich ;
Le ghob biorach chriotiias lorn. Gur ro mhioragach do thriall
Ho-ro, §c. Ho-ro, $C.

Thigeadh meanmna, 's falbhadh airsneul Gurgucagach, coilleagach, brisg-gheal,

\

Air chairstealan uainn do'n Rbimh ;

Bruicheal, neo-mhisgeach do thuar,
Seinneam òrain cheolmor, ghasda, 'Nad' shlabhraidhean
! criostail a dòrtadh,
Shunndach, Mints, nach lapach gloir. Ri binn-chronanaich am chluais.
Ho-ro, c$c
Ho-ro, Qe.

'Nuair bheirear botul a stapul,

Sgaoileamaid o altair Bhachuis:
'S a chromar ri cap a cluas ;
A chleirich taisg a chailis uat ;
'S eibhinn a ghogail la earraich,
Dh-fhalbh ar fuachd ; 's ciod 'ta dhi oirn ?
Cogair searraig ris a chuaich !

Thugamaid bàig' crion do 'n t-suain.

Ho-ro, §c.
Ho-ro, $c.

'S milse no ceilearadh smeòraich,

Le luinneag ceolmlior air gèig,
Ach f'reasdal sinn air ghairm na maidne,
Creatraich shrideagach do sgbrnain
Le t-ioc-shlaint aghmhor Ian bhuadh,
;

'S thoir dhùinn aon ghloic-nid 'n ar leabaidh

Cratan 's bùiche fo 'na ghrèin !

Ho-ro, $c.
A bheir crith-chlaiginn oirn m'an cuairt
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
ALLT-AN-T-SIUCAIR.
'S binne no cluig-cbiuil an Glilascho,
T-fhuaim le bastul dol 's a chbrn
Air fonn —" The Lass of Paties Mill.
;

Sid an fhàilt a ghleusadh m' aigne,

Mac-na-brach a teachd le pùig.
A dol thar AUt-an-t-siùcair,
A' madainn chubhraidh Cheit,
Ho-ro, $* 'S paideirean geal dlù chnap,
De driùchd ghorm air an fheur,
'n
Lion domh suas an t-slige-chreachainn ;
Bha richard
's robin, brù-dhearg
Cha 'n ion a seachnadh gu dram ;
Ri seinn, 's fear dhiù na bheus ;
'S math Ghàelig oirr' an creathann ;
'S goic moit air cuthaig chùl-ghuirm,
An t-slig' a chreach shine a t' ami.
'S gùg-gùg aic' air a gheig.
Ho-ro, $c,

'S binne no ceol coilich choille,

Bha smeòrach cur na smùid dh'i

Bhiodh Air bacan cuil le' fein

ri coilleig air an torn, ;

Durdail a bhotail ri glainne;

An dreadhann-donn gu surdail,
Crùuan 'S a rif'eid chiuil na bheul
loinnteal thoilleadh bonn ;

Ho-ro, $e.
!

Am breacan-beith' a's lùb air,

'S e 'gleusadh lùgh a theud ;

Teicheadh liun-dubh as 'ur comunn ;

An coileach-dubh ri dùrdan ;

Falbhadh gainne ; 's pailt 'ur n-ùr 'S a chearc ri tùchan rèidh.
;

Na biodh spèuclair oirbh gu ganntar,

Fheadh 's a bhio's an dram 'n 'ur srùin. Na brie a gearradh shùrdag,
Ho-ro, $c. Ri plubraich dhlù le chèil',
Taobh-leumnaich mear le lù-chleas,
Biodh 'ur ceann-agaidh uile 'n ceart uair, 'S a bhùrn, le muirn ri grein ;

Cho ruiteach ri d reach nan ròs, Ri ceapadh chuileag siùbhlach,

'Nuair a thèid 'ur fuil air ghabhail, Le 'm briseadh lùghor fein ;
Le beirm laghach Mhic-an-Tòis. Druim-lann-ghorm, 's ball-bhreac giùran :

Ho-ro, §c. 'S an lainnir-chuil mar lèig.

118 SAR-OBAIR NAM
ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIIt ALASDAIR.
 —

120 SAR-OI3AIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

morning. The bard walk* abroad and sees the dew flitter- Sios na fheoirneinean ma d' ghuaillean,
ing on every leaf and Bower—the birds warbling their
Ijeadan cuachagach na h-ainnir:
songs the animals grazing, and the bees collecting ill ir
stores— the tìshes are leaping out of the water, and all Agus ho Mhorag, ijc
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 — Do chùl pèurlach, òr-bhui, Inacbach,
rows low aloud, and the calves answer responsive while — Timcheall do chluasan na chlannaibh.
the dairy-maid is busily engaged at her task. The ground
Agus ho Mhorag, §c.
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 A, Mhorag gu beil do chuailean
!

dancing about its banks. The ships, with all their v. Into Ormsa na bbuaireadh gu'n sgainnear.
sails bent to the gentle breeze, are passing slowly along
the Sound of Mull. The poet selects the BHMt natural, Agus ho Mhorag, 8jp.
lively, and agreeable images in the rural scene. All good
judges admit that there is not a descriptive poem, in 'S ge nach iarr mi tlm ri d' phùsadh,
Gaelic or English, fit to be compared with this exquisite
production.
Gu'm b' e mo ruin a bhi mar riut.
Agus ho Mhorag, Qc.

'S ma thig thu a rithist am lubaibh,

'S e 'n t-èug a ruin ni ar sgaradh.
Agus ho Mhorag, tjc.

Leanaidh mi cho dlù ri d' shàilean,

ORANLUAIGHE NO FUCAIDH. S a ni bairneach ri sgeir mhara.
Agus ho Mhorag, <Jc.
LUDTNEAG.

Agus lib Mhòrag, vo ho-rb, Shiubhail mi cian leat air m' eòlas,
'S no ho-rè-ghealtadh, Agus spailp de'n stroichd ar m' ain-eol.
Agus ho Mhorug, §c.
A Mhòrag chiatach a cliuil dualaich,
Gur h-ù do luaigli a th' air m'ahe. Gu leanainn thu feadh an t-saoghail,
Agus ho Mhorag, <§c. Ach tlmsa gbaoil theachd am fharraid.
Agus ho Mhorag, See.
'S ma db'imich tlm null thar chuain uainn',
Gu ma luath a this; thu thairis. Gu'n chuireadh air mbisg le d' ghaol mi ;

Agus ho Mhorag, §c. aodrum a ghaoir ta m' bhallaibh.

'S inear
Agus ho Mhorag, §e.
'S cnimhnich thoir leat bannal ghruagach,
A luaigheas an clò ruadh gu dainghean. 'S a Mhorag 'g am beil a ghruaidh chiatach :

Agus ho Mhorag, S^c. 'S glan a liaradh thar do mhala.

Agus ho Mhorag, i^c

O cha leiglnn
! thu do'n bhuala,
Do shùil shuilbhear, sbocbdracb, mhòdhar,
Ma salaieh am buachar t-anart.
Mhireagach, chomhnart, 's meallach. i
Agus ho Mhorug, cjj'c.
Agus ho Mhorag, Sc.
De cha leiginn thu gu Cualach ;
Dead cailce shnasda na ribhinn,
Ubair thruaillidh sin nan caileag.
Snaite mar dhìsn' air a gearradh.
Agus ho Mhorag, &c.
Agus ho Mhorag, §c.

Gur h-ì Mòrag gbrtnn mo ghaamng, Maigbdean bhoidheach, na 'm bo's canine,
Aig am beil an cuailean barr-fhionu. 'S iad cho
maoth ri cloidh na h-eala.
Agus ho Mhorag, i^c. Agus ho Mhorag, 8[C.

'S gaganach, baoblagach, caacbacb, Cioohan leaganacb nan gucag,

Ciabhag na gruagaiche glaine. 'S faileadh a mhusga d'a b-anail.
Aijus ho Mhorag, cjc. Agus ho Mhorag, <£c.

Do peuohdach sins na dhualaibh

chtil 'Siomadh oigear a ghabh tlachd dbiot,
Dhalladh e uaialean le lainnir •.
Eadar Mor-tbir agus Mannuinn,
Agus ho Mhorag, j «. Agus ho Mhorag, <S|c.
 ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. •Jl

'S iomadh gaisgeach do ghàel, Dh'èiridh leat a nail o'n Rùdlia,

Nach obadh le in' ghrùdh-sa tarruinn : Anntrum lù'-chleasach nan seang-earh.
Agus ho Mhorag, c£c. Agus ho Mhorag, c^'c.

A reachadh le sgiath, clàidheamh,

's le
Dhruideadh, na Gael gu leir riut,
Air bheag sgà gu bial nan cannon : Ge b' e dh'eireadh leat no dh't'hanadh.
Agus ho Mhorag, §c. Agus ho Mhorag, fie.

Shuath, deich mile dhiu air clè dhuilih,

Chunuardaicheadh dol nan òrdaibh,
An cogadh rì Sèurlus nach maireann.
Thoirt do chòrach, 'mach a dh' ain-deoin.
Agus ho Mhorag, §c.
Agus ho Mhorag, <£c.

'Siomadh clò air 'n tug iad caitean,

'S iomadh àrmunn làsdail, trèubhach, Eadar Cat-taobh agus Anuinn.
Ann an Dun-eideaun, am barail. Agus ho Mhorag, <|c
Agus ho Mhorag, ^c.
Bha each diultadh teachd a luagh dhuibh,
Na faiceadh iad gnè do dhuais ort, 'S chruinnich iad-san sluagh am bannail.
Dheanadh tarruinn suas ri d' charraid. Agus ho Mhorag, i\t.

Agus ho Mhorag, §c.

A ri ! bu mhath 's an luagh-lamh iad,

Mo 'JSuair a thàirrneadh iad na human !

chionn gu'n dheanadh leat eridh,

Do Chaiptin lein Mue-'Ic- Ailein
Agus ho Mhorag, ^c.
:

Agus ho Mhorag, tjc.

H-uile clò a luaigh iad riamh dhuibh,
Dh-fhag iad e gu ciatach daingheann ;
Gu'n theann e roi' ro chàch riut,
Agus ho Mhorag, fie.
'S 11 i e t'asd e, ach thig thairis :

Agus ho Mhorag, S[c. Teann, thigh, daingheann, fite, luaite,

Daite ruadh, air thuar na f'ala.

Gach duine, tha 'n Uidhist a Muideart, Agus ho Mhorag, ice.
'S an Arasaig dhu-ghorm a bharraich ;

Agus ho Mhorag, S[c, Greas thairis le d' mhnathan luaighe,

'S theidna gruagaichean-sa mar riu.
Agus ho Mhorag, S[C.
An Cana, an Eige, 's am Morror ;*
Reiseamaid chorr ud Shiol-Aileiu !

Note. —This songhas been always highly popular, and

Agus ho Mhorag, <^c. is certainly the most spirited and elegant of all nur Jaco.
bite songs. is represented under the similitude of
Charles

'N am Alasdair,f a's Mhontròs',

—
Mòrag a young girl with flowing locks of yellow hair wav.
ing on her shoulders. She had gone away over the seas,
Gu 'm bu bhòchdain iad air Ghallaibh. and the bard invokes her to return with a party of maidens
(i. e. soldiers) to dress the red cloth, in other words, to
Agus ho Mhorag, fie,
beat the English red coats. The allegory is kept with
elegance and spirit, and the poet introduces himself as one
Gu'n d' fhairich là Inbher-Lòcìiaidh, who had followed Mòrag in lands known and unknown,
and was still ready to follow her over the world if required.
Co bu stròicich aim le lannaibh.
Agus ho Mhorag, ijjc.

AmPeairt, anCill-Saoidh,| 's an Allt-Eireann,

Dh-ihag iad Rèubalaich gu'n aiiam.
Agus ho Mhorag, £c.
SMEORACH CHLOINN-RAONU1LL.

Alasdair mor Ghlinne-Cothann, Holaibh o iriag horoll b,

'S bragad coimheach Ghlinne-garadh. Holaibh o iriag hòro ì,

Agus ho Mhorag, S±c. Holaibh o oriag hòroll ò,

Smeorach le Clann- Iiaonuill mi.

Mar sin is an t-Arraunn Slèibhteach,
Ge d' a tha e-fein na leanamh. Gur h-e mis' an smeòrach ohreagaeb,
Agus ho Mhorag, ^c. An dèis leum bharr chuaich mo nidein,
Sholar bidh do'm ianaibh heaga,
Sheinneam ceol air bhàrr gach bidein.
• Mòr.Thìr. + Alasdair Mac Cliolla. X Kilsyth. Holaibh o iriag, fie.
122 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
Smeòrach mise do Chlann-Dòmhnuill, Ach ma thig mo phriunnsa thairis
Dream a dhithicaeadh, *s a leooadh, Cuirear mis' an cliabban lurach,
'S cbuireadh mis' an riochd Da smeòraich 'S bithidh mi canntaireaclid gu buileach
Gu bhi seinn, 'sa cuir ri ceol duibh. 'S ami 'san àrois ni mi fuireacb.
Holaibh o iriag, §c. Holaibh o iriug, <£c.

Sa chreig ghuirm a thogadh mise Madainn cheitean am barr gacb badain

An sgireachd Chaisteil duibh nan cliar Sgaoileadh ciùil o ghlaic mo ghuibeiu,
Tir tha daounaii a' cuir thairis 'S àluiiinmo chruiteach, 's mo gblagan,

Le tuil bhaiiuie, meal', a's rion. Stailceadh mo dha buinn air stuibeaii.
Holaibh o iriug, ^c. Holaibh o iriag, 8re,

Slim-lid nan Eun o'h Chaisteil-thiream, Gur e mise cruit nan cnocan,
S o Eilean-Fhianain nan gallan, Seinn mo leadain air gach bacan,
Moch, a's feasgar togar m'iolach, 'S mo chearc fcin gam' bheusair stocan,
Seiun gu bileach, milis, mealach. 'S glan ar glocan air gach stacan.
Holaibh o iriag, fyc.
Holaibh o iriag, Qc.

Tha mi de'n ghur rioghail, luachach,

Crith chiuil air m'ugan da bhogadh,
'S math eun fhaotainn a Dead, uasal,
mo chom tur uile Ian beadraidh,
'S
Gliineadh mi gun chol, gun truailleadh,
Tein-eibhinn am uchd air fadadh,
Fo sgiathaibh Ailein rnliic Ruairidh.
mi air fàd gu damhs' air leagail.
'S
Holaibh o iriag, §c. Holaibh o iriag, §c.

Cinneadh, glan gun smùr, gun smodan 'Nuair chuirean goic air mo ghogan,
Gun smàl gun luaith ruaidh, no ghrodan, 'S thogain mo shailm air chreagan,
'S iad gun ghiomh, gun t'heall, gun sodau, Sann orm fein a bhiodh am frogan,
'S treum am buill' an thigh nan trodan. Ceol ga thogail, 's bròn ga leagail.
Holaibh o iriag, ^c. Holaibh o iriag, Qc.

Cinneadh rioghail, th'air am buaineadh, Eoin bhuchalach bhreac na coillc,

A meribh meara na cruadhach, Le'n òrganaibh òrdail mar rinn,
'S daoimeiD iad gun spàr gun truailleadh, 'S feadag gblan am beul gach coilich,
Nach gabh stùr, gnè, smal, no ruadh-mheirg. 'S binii tead-ghuil air gheugaibh baraich.
Holaibh o iriag, £ C.
Holaibh o iriag, §c.

Cinneadh mor gun bliòsd gun sparan, 'S mis an t-eunan beag le m'fheadan,
Suairce, siobhalta, gun ràpal, Am madaiuD dhriùcbd am barr gach badain,
('aomhail, cineadail ri'n càirdean, Sheinncadh na puirt glirinn gu'n spreadan,
Fuilteach, faobharach, ri namhaid. 'S ionmliuinn m'fheadag feadb gach lagain.
Holaibh o iriag, gCt Holaibh o iriag. £ft

Kaon ul lakh nan òr chrios taghaih, Togamaid deoch-slainte na li-armailt,

Nan luireach, nan Sgiatb, 's nan clogaid, Dh-eiricb le Tearlacb o'n gbarbhlaich,

A tlu'-id sios gu gunnach, dagach, Na ghasda dheanadh searr- blmain

tir

Nu fir ghasda shunndai-h, chogach, Air f'eoil 's caaimhean nan dearg chot.
Holaibh o iriag, cjc. Holaibh o iriag, £c.

Sud na h-aon d loine th'air m'aire, Olamaid fliuchadh ar slugain,

Naeh dianadh air spùileadli Ol'omadh, 'S cuireamaid mu'n cuairt Ian nogain,
Dhianadh aims an àraich gearradh 'Slainte Sheumais suas le suigeart,
Cinn ga'n sgaradb, oulrp ga'm pronnailh. Tosta Thearlaicb sios lc sogan.
Holaibh o iriag, £c. Holaibh o iriag, §'C.

Ac.h mur tig mo righ-BB dliachaigh Slaint' an teaghlaich rioghail inbheich

Triallaidfa mi do dh-uamhaig hlocalchi Olamaid gu sunndach, geanail.

'S bithidb mi'ii sin ri caoldh, 's ri bàsiaich, 'S Digheamaid ar sgornain ghionaich
Gus am fiiigh mi baa le OBnaicb. Le dram milis, suileach, glaineach.

Holaibh o iriag, $C. Holaibh o iriag, c^c.

124 SAlt-OBAIll NAM BARD GAELACH.
Gur mairg d'an eideadh san là sin,
 Ì2Ò
LASDAIR MAC MHAIGHST1R ALASDA1R.
Boc air daradh timcheall daraig,
'N dt-igh a kannain cheann-deirg.
H-eitirin, §c.
FAILTE NA MOR-THIR.
Searrach bhuicin anns an ruicil,
LUI>TfEAG. 'S e sior cbruiteil dhamhsaidh.
H-eitirin, Qc.
H-eitirin àirinn uirinn oth-h-0-rò,
H-eitirin àirinn h-6-rò. Na meinn bheaga 's iad ri beadradh,

Anns na creagan teann air.

Failt' ort fein a mhòr-thir bhoidheach, H-eitirin, See.
Anns an ùg-mhios bhealltainn.
H-eitirin, fyc. Coilich choille, 's iad ri coilleig,
Anns an doire chranntail.
Grian-thir òr-bhuidh, 's uaine còta, H-eitirin, <|c
'S froinidh ròs ri h-alltaibh.
H-eitirin, §-c. Cnotfaach, caorach, dearcach, braonach,
Glasrach, raonach, aibbneach.
Le biadh 's le dibh a' cuir thairis, H-eitirin, Sgt,

Cha teid Earrach teann orr.

'S deiltreacb, laomach, meiltreach, caoin teach,
H-eitirin, Sfc.
A fuinn mhaoineach, leamhnach.
H-eitirin, §c.
'S ianach, lurach, slios a tulaich,
'S duilleach 'mullach chrann innt. cùbhraidh 'suthan, badach luibhean,
'S 's
H-eitirin, fyc.
ilis a bhrutbainn ann-teas,
H-eitirin, Sfc.
A cboill gu h-uile fo làn-duilleach,
'S i na culaidh-bainnse. 'S feuracb, craobhach, luideach, gaolach.
H-eitirin, 8[C. An tir i'haoilidh sheannsail.
H-eitirin, §c.
'S bainneach, bailceach, braonach glacach,
Bruachan tachdrach, Ailleart. Grian ag èiridh 'gòradh sleibhe,
H-eitirin, §-c. 'S beachan gheug ri sranuraicli.
H-eitirin, <|c
Uisge fallain nan clach geala,
Na do bhaile Geamhraidh. ruadha diogladh chluaran,
Seillein

H-eitirin, §-c. 'S mi) ga buain le dranndan.

H-eitirin, Qc.

'Slionach, slatacli, cuibhleach, breacach,

Breac le sulas leum a bhuinne,
Seile ghlas nan samhnan.
Ruidh nan cuileag greannar.
H-eitirin, Src.
H-eitirin, ^c.

Mor-thir ghlan nam bradan tana gheal,

bhrat gorm-dhearc,
Bàrr gach tolmain fo
'S airgeadach cuir lann orr'.
Air gach borrachan alltain.
H-eitirin, <|c.
H-eitirin, Qc.

Tir Ian sonais, saor o dhonus, Lusan cùbhraidh mach a' brùchdadh,
Gun dad conais drànndain. 'S cuid diubh cùl-ghorm bainn-dearg.
H-eitirin, $e. H-eitirin, <Jc.

Seirceacb, caidreach, gun dad sladachd, 'S ceolar, eibhinn, bàrr gach geige,
Saor o bhraid, 's o anntlachd. 'S an eòin f'ein a damhs' on- '.

H-eitirin, Qc. H-eitirin, §c.

'S àluitin a beinnean, 'sa sraithcan, Crodh air dàir am bàrr an fhàsaich,
'S èibhinn dath a gleanntan. N fhèoir nach d'lhàs gu crainntidh.
H-eitirin, Qc. H-eitirin, §c.

Greidhean dhearg a' tàmh mu fireacli, 'S iad air theas a' ruith le 'm buaraich,
Eiiid bhiorach, 's mang aic. 'S tè le cuaich gan teann-ruith.
H-eitirin, S^c, Heitirin, $c.
126 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
'S miosrach, cuaehach, leabaoh, luachrach, Dubh-ra-dorrha gun dad ghealaich,
Dol gu buaile 's t-sàmhradh. Oir-thir ain-eoil' ard-chreagach.
II-citirin, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

'S òmhnaeh, uachdrach, blàthach.cnuachdach, Gaoth a' seideadh, muir ag eiridh,

Lùn nam buacliaill aimta. 'S tear ag eubhacb ani ghuthach :
—
H-eitirin, Sfc. Tha tii fhearann, Sfc.

'S imeach, gruthaoh, meogach, sruthach, " Sud e' tidhinu 's cba n'ann ruighinn,
An imiricfa shubhaeh, shlambach. Croc-inliuir, friothar, basanacb.
H-eitirin, Sfc. Tha in fhearann, Sfc.

Deoch gun tombas dol far comliair, ''

Cum ceann caol a fiodha direach,
Gun aon ghluthar gainntir. Ri muir diolain, dasunnach."
H-eitirin, kc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

Ach dh'aithnich sinn gun sbeol sinn fada,

A macli san t-samh 's bu ghabhaidh sin.

Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

lORRAM CUAIN. 'S leag sinn a crninn a's a h-aodach,

Gun neo-aoidheil turas faoillich, 'S bu ghniomh dhaoine caileachdach.

Ge d' bhiodh na daoine tàbhachdach. Tha m' fheaiann, Sfc.

Tha m' fhearann saibhir hò-a hò,

'S chuir sinn amach cliathau righne,
Hn-rì hi-rò na b' àile leat mì :
Is bu gbrinn an àlach iad.
Tha m' fhearann saibhir hò-a hò.
Tha m' fhearann. Sfc.

An fhairge molacb, bronnach, torraeh,

'S shuidh orr' ochdnar, theoma, tbroma,
Giobbach, corracli, ràpalacb.
A' sgoillteadh tonnan Btàplainneacb.
Tha m fhearann, Sjc
Tha m' fhearann, £"&
'S cruaidh ri stiuireadh bial-inbuir duldaidli,
Heig air chnagaibh, hug air mbaidean,
Teacbd le bruchdail chàisanach.
'S cogall bbac air t-àbhraiiaibh !

Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

Tlia m' fhearann, Sfc.

Clagh a chulain cba b'e 'n BÙgradh, lad a mOBgladh suas a clicile,
'S e ri bùirein bàchdanach.
'S masgadli treun air sail aca.
Tha m' fhearann, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

An cùlanach fèìn cha n e 's i'asadh, Sginean locbdracb ràmh a Locbluinn,

Agus lasan àrdain air. 'Bualadh bhoc air bh.-iii linnean.
Tha in' fhearann, Sfc. Tha in' fhearann, SjC

Teacbd gu dlù' n deigfae che'ile, lad a' traogfaadb suas na ilile,

Agus geuumaicb dftir orra. Le neart fìoi'gharg gbairdean&n.

Tha m' f hearann, fro. Tha m' f hearann, Sfc.

An fhairge ph&iteacb, 'sa bial farsuiun, Cathadh mara 's marcathd-shine,

Agus acras araidh oiir'. 'S stoirm nan Mini, da 'n sàrachadh.

Tha m' fhearann, Sfc. Tha m fhearann, Sfc.

'Smairg a cboimeas muir ri molntlcb, Lasraicbean srad theine-sbiunnachain,

Ge d' bhiodh mm-shiM-achd st racial orra. Dearg o'n iumradh cbàileachdach.
Tha m' f hearann, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

Neoil a' gealadh oidhobe shalach, lad ag obair as an li'-iutean,

Gun aon ebala sabhailtf. " Ilùg a's thèld 'da ràmh' aca."

Tha m'fhearann, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

 ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDA1R. 127

Iorram ard-bhinn shuas aig Eamun, 'Ghuidh an sgiòba geur na dùilin,

Aun an cluith ràmh bràghada. !
S fhuair an urnaigh gràf'adh dhaibh.
Tha m fhearann, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

Aonghas Mac-Dhonnachaidh da reir sii Smachdaich JEolus na spèuran,

A ri bu treun a thairrneadb e.
! 'S a bhuilg shùidibh àrd-ghaothach.
Tha m fhearann, Sfc. Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.

Donnacha Mac-Uaraig a luagh leo, Gun d'rinn Neptun fairge Idmadh,

'S b' ihada buan a spàlagan. Mar bhiodh glaine sgàthain ami.
Tha m'fhe Tha m f hearann, Sfc.

Bha fuaim aon-mhaide air chleith ac' Sgaoil na neòil bha tònn-ghorm cìar-dhubh,
Bualadh speicean tàbhachdach. 'S shoilsich grian mar b' àbhaist dh'i.

Tha in fhearann, Sfc.

Tha m fhearann, Sfc.

Raimh dam pianadh, 's fir dan spianadh,

'S mhothaich an sgioba do dh' fhearann,
'N glachdaibh iarnaidh àrd-thounacb. 'S ghlac iad cala sàbhailte.

Tha m fhearann, Sfc. Tha in fhearann, Sfc.

Gallain chiatach, leoghar, liaghacb,

Ghabh iad pronn, a's deoch, a's leabaidh,
'S rinn iad cadal samhach orr'.
'S fuirbinean da'n sàrachadh.

Tha m' fhearann, Tha m f hear am, Sfc.

Sfc.

Lunnan mine, 's duirn da'n sineadh,

Seile sios air dhearnainean.

Tha m fhearann, Sfc.

Muir ag osnaich shuas ma toiseach. A BHANARACH DHONN.

Chuip-gheal, choip-gheal, ghùir-bheuchdach.
Tha m' fhearann, Sfc.
LUIN^EAG.

A Bhanarach dhonn a 'chruidh,

Suas le sguradh saoidh ri bùirein,
Chaoin a chruidh, dhonn a chruidh
Le sior dburachd sàr iomaraidli. ,

Cailin deas donn a cruidh,

Tha tn fhearann, Sj'c.
Cuachag an fhàsaich.
Slabhraidh chuirneineach ri duirdail,
Shios bha stiur a t'àgail ami.
A Bhanarach mhiogach,
thug f'o chis mi
'S e do ghaol
Tha in fhearann, Sfc. :
;

S math thig lamhainnean sioda,

Gaoth na deannan 's i ri feannadh, Air do mhìn-bhasan bàna.
Na'n tonn ceann-fhionn ràsanaeli. A Bhanarach dhonn, Sfc.

Tha m fhearann, Sfc. 'S mor bu bhinne blii t-eisteachd,

An am bhi bleothan na spreidhe
Na fir lughmhor an deigh an riisgaidh, ;

N'an smeòrach sa' cheitein,

A' cur smùid dbeth an àlaichean.
Am ban -
goig an am tas-choill.
Tha m fhearann, Sfc.
A Bhanarach dhonn, Sfc.

Chaoidh cha mhiticheadh a misneach, 'Nuair a sheinne tu coilleag,

Na fir sgibidh th.bhachdach. A leigeil mairt arm an coille ;

Tha tn fhearann, Sfc. Thaladli eunlaidh gach doire,

Dh' eisteachd coireall do mhirain.
Righ an eagail, Neptun ceigeach,
— A Bhanarach dhonn, Sfc.
Ri sior sgreadail " bàthar sibli !"
Tha m fhearann, Sfc. Ceol farasda fior-bhinn,
Fonnar, farumach, dionach :

Gu'm b'fhad' uamhuinn muir ri nualraich, A slieinn an caillin donn miogacb,

'S cathadh cuaiu a stràeadh orr', A bheireadh biogadh air m' àirneann.
Tha m' fhearann, Sfc. A Bhanarach dhonn, fyc.
128 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

'S ge b' fhonnar an fbiodhall,

 : ;

ALASDAIR MAC MIIA IGIISTIR ALASDAIR. 129

Gur h-e sin a rinn ar lèireadh,

|
'Nuair a bhios an reubal lubach,
Gur h-e 's feudar dha gu'm tag ; Ri bog chruban feadh nan earn,
Sinn na dhèigh gun airm, gun èideadh, Gu 'm bi sibhs' an caithream cuirte,
Falbh 'n ainm Dhèj ach thig a ghriiidh. Lasdail, lù-chìeasach, Ian àidh.

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 ceum ro'n bliàs
cheile, 's ;
AM BREACAN UALLACH.
Ach soraidh leat a mhic righ Seumas,
Sliùgh mo cheille thig gun chaird.

Hè 'n clù-dubh,
Chaill sinn ar stiuir, 's ar buill-bheairte ;
Hù 'n clo-dubh,
Thugadh uaiun ar n-acair-bais ;
Hè 'n clò-dubh,
Chaill sin ar compaisd 's ar cairtean,
Ar reull-iuil 's ar beachd gaeh là Bfhearr am breacan.
;

Tha ar cuirp gun cbinn, gun chasan,

B' fhearr. learn breacan uallach,
Sintimarr charcaisich gun stàth
Ach gabh thus' a ghràidb do t-astar,
;
Ma m' ghuaillean, 's a chuir fo m' achlais,
Na ged gheibhinn cùta,
Dean gleas tapaidh 's thig gun dail.
De 'n chlò is fearr thig à Sasuinn.

AM PEIONWSA.
He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.

Beannachd gu leir le Claim- Dòmhuuill, Mo laochan fein an t-eideadh,

Sibh a dh' fhoirinn orm na in' chàs, A dh-fheumadh an crios d' a ghlasadh,
Eadar eileanan, a's mhùr-thìr, Cuaicbeauacb an èilidb,
Lean sibh deonach, rium gach trà Deis eiridh gu dol air astar.
;

'S iomadh beinn, a's muir, a's mointeach, He 'n clo-dubh, §-c.

A shiubhail sin air chòrsa bàis ;

Eilidh cruinn nan cuachan,
Ach theasraig Dia sinn air fuar-fhòirneart,
Gur buadhach an t-earradh gaisgeich
Kan con sròn-ghaoth 'bha ri 'r sail.
;

Shiubhlainn leat na fuarain,

Sibh a rinn folaimh na Trianaid, Feadh fhuar-bheann 's bu ghasd' ; air faich tha.

Mis' a dhion o mhi-ruin chiiich ;

He 'n clo-dubh, §-c.

Mo dhearg-iiaimhdean, neartmhor, Uoumhc

Fior chulaidh an t-saighdear,
Chuir an lion feadh ghleann a's aid.
'S neo-ghloiceil ri uchd na caismeachd
A mhiad 's a thaisbean sibh d' ar dilseachd, ;

'S ciatach 's an adbliuns thu,

'S còir nach dì-chuimhnich gu bràth ;

A oharr, gur sibh is luaithe shin rium, Fo shranntraich nam piob 's nam bratacb.

Toic air tir 's an talamh-ard. He 'n clo-dubh, fyc.

Cha mhios aims an dol sios thu,

'Nuair sgriobar a duille claiseach ;

Ochan ! ochan ! cruaidh an dearmad, Fior earradh na ruaige,

Bhi 'g ar tearbadh bhuat gun bhàs; Gu luaths a chuir aims na casan !

B'i '11 fhoir èibhinneachd, 's am beirteas, He 'n clo-dubh, fyc.

Bhi d' a t-fhaicinn gach aou là ;

Bi'dh ar rùisg Ian tim a frasadh Bu mhath gu sealg an fbc-idh thu,

;

Ar crì lag-chùiseach gun chàil,

'N am eridh do 'n ghrein air civachunn ;

Gu 'm pill thus' a ris air tais oirsi, 'S dh-fhalbhainn leat gu lodhar,
Di-dùmhnaich a dol do'n chlachan.
Beannachd leat le neart ar gràidh.
He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.

AM PRIONNSA.
Laidhinn leat gu cearbail,

O ! tiormaichibh a suas 'ur sùilean, 'S mar earbaig gu'm briòsgainn grad leat,

'Chomuiim rùnaich 'fhuair 'ur cràdh, Na b' ullamh m' armachd,

air

BPdh sibh fas, maoiueach, mùirneach, Na dearganach, 's mosgaid ghlagach.

N 'ur gàrd dùbailt' ma Whitehall, He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.
 ;

130 SAR-015A1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

*N am coilich a bhi dùrdan, Ged' spion sibh an Cri asainn,

Air (tùcan am madainn dhealta. 'Sar broilieichean sios a shracadh,

Bu ghasda t-fheum 'sa cliùis sin, Cha toir sibh asainn Tearlacb,
Seach inutan de thrustar casaig. Gu bràth gus an tcid ar tacadh !

He n clo-dubh, £r. He n clo-duhh, § -

c.

Shiiibhlainn leat a phòsadh, R' ar n-anam' tha e fuaighte,

'S bbarr feoirnein cha fhrosainn dealta ; Teann, luaite cho cruaidh ri glasan ;

B' i aid a' t-sunach bhbidheach, 'Suainn cha' n fhaodar fhuasgladh,

An òg-bhean bha moras tlaehd dh'i. Gu 'm buainear am fear ud asainn.
He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc. He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.

B' aigeantach 's a' choill' thu,

Cleas na mnatha-siubhla,
D a in' choireadh )e d' bhlàths 'a le t-fhasgatb,
'Gheibh tuillinn heir mum i' h-asaid :

Bho chathadb, as bho chrion-chur,

An ionad a bhi'n duimbh lis,
Gu 'n diouadh tu mi ri frasachd.
Gun dùbhail d'a fear a lasan.
He 'n clo-dubh, §C.
He 'n clo-dubh, <yc.
Air t-uachdar gur a sgiamhach
A laidheadh a sgiath air a breacadb ;
Ge d' chuir sibh oirne buarach,
'S claidheamh air chrios ciatach, Thiugh, luaighte, gu 'r falbh a bhacadh,
Air fhiaradb oa-ceann do phleatan. Kuithidh siun cho luath,
He u clo-dubh, yc 'S ua 's buaine na fèidh a ghlasraidh.
He 'n clo-dubh, §c
'S deas a tbigeadb cuilbbeir,
Gu suilbhearra leat fa 'n asgaill ;
Tha sinn 's na t-sean nàdar,
'S a dh-aindeoin uisg' a's urchaid,
A bhà sinn ro am an acta
No tuil-bheum gu 'in biodb air fasgath.
Am pearsannan 's an inntinn,
He n clo-dubh, §-c.
'S 'n ar righealachd cha tèid lagadh.
He n clo-dubh, frc.
Bu mhath aims an oldhch' thu ;

Mo loinn tliu mar aodach-leapa ;

B' fhearr learn na 'in brat liu thu, 'S i 'n fhuil blia 'n cuisl' ar sinnsridli,

is priseile thig a Glascho. 'S an innsginn a bha n' an aigne,

He n clo-dubh, ^c. A dh-fhagadh dhuinn' mar dhileab,
Bhi righeil. — O! sin ar paidir !

S'baganta grinn bòidheach, He 'n clo-dubh, $c.

Air banais as air mod am breaean ;

Suas an èileadh-sguaibe, Mallachd air garh sebrsa,

'S deaig-gualainn a' cur air fasdaidh.
Nach deonaicheadb fòa dol leat-sa,
He 'n clo-dubh, $C Co dhiù bhiodh BC8 còmhdach,
No ebmbruiste, lòm gu 'n chraiceann.
Bu mhath an là 's an oidhch' thu.
He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.
Bha loinn ort am bcinn 's an cladach,
Bu mhath am feachd 's an sith thu ;

Cha righ am fear a cbuir as dut Mo chion an t-òg fearragha,

He 'n clo-dubh, Sfc.
Thar fairge chaidh uainn air astar :

Dùracbd blàth do dhùthcha,

Shaoil leisgun do mhaolaicb, so 'S an ùrnaigh gu lean do phearsa.
Faobhar nan G.'c'l tapaidh, Jle 'n clo-dubh, frc.
A eh 's aim a chuir 6 gi'-ur orr',
Ni ' beurra ha deud na h-ealltainn:
'S ge d' fhuair sibh lamb-an-uachdar,
He'n clo-dubh, jfC. Aon uair oirn le seliisa tapaig,

Dh-fliag làn mi-ruin,

An (/onus War ri bheò-sa,
e lad
Ni febladair tuilleadh tapaidh.
Clio ciocraaacb ri coin acrach ;

Jle '« clo-dubh, JTC.

Cha ohaiag deoch an lotadh,
Ge !>' fhion i, ach fior fhuil Shasuinn.
He n clo-dubh, gfc.
 ! —

131
ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR.
Gach uinneng le foineal

A boisgeadh le dearadh,
TEARLACH MAC SHEUMAIS. Le solus nan coillean,
'S deas mhaighdeann d'an sm.'iladh ;

Am rOHN — " Black Jock." 'S gach ni mar a b' araidh.

'G cuir failt' air le puimp !

O ! Tearlaich nihic Sheuinais, Is a cauoiu ri bùirich,

Mhic Sheuinais, mliic Thearlaiih, 'S iad a' sturadh an fh.'iilidh,

Leat shiubhlaiiin gu h-eutrom, A' cuir crith air gach duthaich

N am èubhachd 'bhl màrsal, Le muiseag nan Gael ;

'S cha b' ami leis a pblàigh ud, Agus sinne gu lu'-chleasacli,
A tharmaich o 'n mhuic. Muirneach Ian àrdain,
Bheireadh creideamh a's reusan Am marsail gu miuinte,
Oirn eiridh mar b' àbhaist, Ard-shundach in' a shailean
Leis an ailleagan cheutach, 'S gann bha cudrom 's gach i'ear dhuinn,
'Shliochd eifeachdach Bbàncho; Tri chairsteil a phuinnt
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, MO BHOBUG AN DRAM.
Air iteig le aighear,

Misg-chath, agus shòlais ;

Air fonn —" The bucket you want."
'S caismeachd phiob' mora,
Bras-shròiceadh am puirt.

Ho rò mo bhobug an dràm,
O 'n eibhinneachd ghlùrmhor,
Ho ri mo bhobug an drum,
An t-s'ulais a b' airde !

IIò rò mo bhobug an dram,

G' ar lionadh do spionnadh,
'S e chuireadh an sòdan na »t' cheann.
Air slinneinibh Thearlaicli,
Gu 'n calcadh tu àrdan
An càileachd ar cuirp ; Fhearabh ta'r suidhe ma 'n bh'urd,
Do làthaheachd mhùr-chuiscach, Le 'r glaineachean cridheil n-'ar dòrn,
Dh-fhògradh gach fiiillinn, Na leanamaid ruidhinn air 01,

Gu 'n tiuntadh tu feldar Ma mill sinn ar bruidhinn le bbl.

Gach feola gu stàilinn, Ho ro mo, §-c.

'Nuaìr sheal'maid gu sunndach,
Air fabhra do rùisg. Na tostachan sigeanta fial,
Gu gnùis torrach de chruadal,
'Ga'n aiseag gu ruige mo bhial ;

Ue dh' uaisle, 's de nàire,

Bu mhireagach stuigeadh, a's triall,
Nach taisicheadh fuathas,
Am màrsal le ciogailt tro' m' chliabh.
Ro' luaidhe do nàmhaid ;
Ho ro mo, Sec.
'S mar deanadh fir JShasuinn
Do mhealiadli, 's do thrèigsiiin,
Bhiodh an crùn air a spalpadh,
* The above chorus is not by Macdonald— it belongs to
Le d' thapadh air Sèurlas, an old Uist song. Here are two stanzas of the original :—
A dh-aindeoin na heist'.
Cha tèid mi'n taigh-òsd' tha sud thall,
Leis an d' erich na h-uile. Cha'n fliiach an sincabhar a th' aim,
Ge d' olainn am buideal le srann.
Gu'n giulan rao cliolainn mo cheann.
Gu 'na b' fhoirmeil learn tormau Ho rò mo, &jC
Na 'n brghanan àluinn !

Thuir cho libeasd' sa bh' aim,

'S tein'-eibhinn a lasadh cailleach
'Nuair fhuair i bias air an dram :—
Gu bras-gheal air sràidibh !
" casan a chlann,
()! tairrnibh 'ur
'Sna croisibh ri h i rd-ghaoir, 'S bheir mise mo char air an damlia'."

Mbòir Thearlaich ar Prionne'! Ho rò mo, Sjc.

 ! ;

132 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

'S tu chuireadh an cuireid' san t-sluagh, 'S oil lcam b;'is a Choluim chaoimb,
'N am cogaidh ri aodainn nan ruag, Nach b' auagi'ach gn.'is,

Gun olain.iiil tgailc dhiot gu luath, A thuiteam le madadb d'a 'm beua,
Ma aguidaeawaid Klocain a truaill'. Dòran nan tarn.
Ho to mo, fyc. 'S tu 's truagh linn de bhàs nan ian ;

Mo chr.\dh nach beò,

'S tu dh' fhagadh siiin tapaidh san tùir, Fhir a b' iteagach, miotagach trial],
'N am tarruinn nan glas-lann ri srbia, Ge bu mheirbh do threbir ;

'Nuair thilgte na breacaiu de 'n t-slògh, B' fheumail' do Noah na each,

'S à truaill, bheirt a mach claidhe mùr. 'N am bhareadh nan stuadh,
Ho ro mo, Sj'C. Ba tu 'n teachdair' gun seacharau d' à,

Nuair thraigh an cuan

Ge tu mo leanuan glan ùr, ;

Cha phòg mi gu dilinn thu 'n cuil

A dh' idreachdainn do dh-fhalbh an tuil,

Litir gach fear

Ach phbgainn, a's dheodhlainn thu ruin, ;

Diighall Colum gu'n chuir

is
Nuair thig thu 's Jacobus na d' glinùis :

Deagh Noah thar lear

Ho ro mo, fyc.
;

Ach' chaidh Dùghall air seacharau cuain,

An t-ainm sin is fearr ata ami, 'S cha do phill e riamh ;

Ainm Sheumais a chuir air do cheann ;

Ach phill Colum le iteagaich luath,

'S e thogadh an sogan fo m' chainnt, 'S a fhreagra na bhial.

'S a dh-fhagadh gu blasda mo dhr;nn. Air thus, chad' fhuair e ionad d' a blionn

Ho ro mo, fyc.
An seasadh e ann,
Gus do thiormaich dile nan tonn,
Fadamaid teine beag shios, Thar mullach nam beaun ;

Na lasraieheau ciuin a ni grios, 'S an sin, a litir-san leugh an duine bha glic,

A gharas ar claigeann 's ar ci ì', Gu 'n thiormaich a bhaile,

'Sa dh-fhògras ar n'airteal, 's ar sgios. 'Sgu'm faigheadh a mhuirichinn, cobhair na'n
Ho ro mo, frc. Agus fuasgladh na 'n aire, [teirc,

Le neart cha spùilte do nead,

Gur tu mo ghlaineag ghlan lorn, Ge do thigte dha d' shlad ;

Mo leannan is cannaiche form ;

Bhiodh do chaisteal fo bheai-radh nan creag,
Ged rinneadh thu dh' f'heamain nan tonn, Ann an dainghnichibh rag ;
Gur mòr tha do cheanal na d' chòm. Bha do mhodh siolaich air leatb bho chàch,
Ho ro mo, §'c. Cha togradh tu suas,
Ach a durraghail an taca ri d' ghràdh,
O fair a ghaoil channaicfa do phòg, 'S a cuir cagair 'n a cluais.
Leig clannadh d' a t-anail fo' m' shroii), Cha do chuir thu duil ami airgead no spioidh,
Gur cubhraidh learn fan rial do bheoil, No fèisd am biodh sùgti,
No tùis agus mire na h-Eòrp. Ach spioladh, a's ci iomadh an t-sil lc d' bhòul ;

Ho ro mo, Sfc. 'S ag òl a bhiiirn ;

Aodach, no anart, sioda, no sml,

O aisig a ghlaine do phòg !
Cha cbeannaicheadh tu 'm bùth ;

Cuir speirid n' ar teangaidh gu ceòl ; Bhiodh t-èideadh de mhin-iteacha gorm,

An ioc-shlainte bheaimaichte choir, Air nach drùidheadb an diiuchd ;

A leasaieheas cnàmhan a's feoil Cha do ghabh thu riamh paidir no creud,
Ho ro mo, iyc. A gh id nan diil
11 li ;

Giheadb, cha 'n eil t-anam am pèin

O chaidh tu 'null,
Cha gun chiste no anart
'n e

Bhi comhdach do chrc,

Fu lie aims an ùir,
M A RBH RA NN Tha niise ge cruaidli e, 'g acain gu Icir,

DO PBEATA iai.im.w, a MHAHBHADH Ach do tbuitean le cu.

'S tursach mo sgeul ri luaidh, Note.— This is the best of his smaller pieces, altlioiiRli it
'S gun cbàch gha d' obaoidh, contains more <>f sparkling concept than tenderness or
It is probable that it was composed before he
Ma bhka an fhir bu leanabail' tuar, pathos.
became a member of the Church of Home, as he says that
'S dà mheanbb ga chaoidb. the pigeon never repeated paternoster or Creed,
 J\LASDAIK MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIK. 133

Eisg bhochd, chearbaich, seargaidh mi tur,

Uo theanga chealgach a chearbaire dhuibh,
MOLADH Rinn an t-seaibhag gun chair' a muigh ;

Asad dh' earbinn " cealgaireachd cruidh."

A CHAIM-BEULAICH DHUIBH.
Cha fhior-ragair ge d' bhiodh fearg air
Do 'n d' rinn thus' a dhuin' an t-seai bhag ;

Ge beag orts' an Caim-beulach dubli,

Ach eg faighidneach gun earra-gbloir ;

Gur toigh leams' an Caim-beulach dubb ;

Lan do dh' fearra-ghniomh, dhearbh e le ghuin.
Biodb e dubh, no geal, no gris-thionn,
Gràdh mo chri-s' an Caim-beulach dubh. Bha thu mi-mhoil a toirt dh'a guth ;
Ge h-ainnisgeach air an t-seòrs' thu, Cràg a chobhair gu magradh gruth ;

Na 'm b' aithne dhomsa do phùrsa, Leòbas odhar a ghlaimseadh suth,

Chuirinn moran fios do 'n dò-bheirt, Deis dh'a leaghadh, 's e ruidh, na shi'Qth.
'N an dubh dhlùintibh fhòtusach, tiugh. Cha bu bheudagan gu sabaid
Ach nor leoghauu stolda, staideil,
'Suilean cuirpt' bh' aim an droch chiuth,
Do 'n d' rinn us' an t-oran prabaeh
A fhuair oilbheim do 'n fhear gheal-dhubh,
Ach fior ghaisgeach 's am blàr 'ga chur.
;

Do 'n dream oirdheirc 's foirmeile fail ;

'S duilich tolg a chuir 'n a chruaidh stuth.

Sparram cinnteach ort a ghlas-ghuib ;

'S trie le madraidh bhi ri dealunn,

Losgadh peircill, corcadh, a's cuip
An òidhche reòt' ris a' ghealaich ;
Air son ascaoin chealgach do bhuis ;

B' ionann sin, 's eil'eachd t-ealaidh,

B' f'hearr gu 'm bithinn-sa fagasg dhut.
Air cliù geal a Cbaim-beulaich dhuibh.
Ge do bhiodh tu caineadh ghàel,
Anns gach siorramachd a dh' àirinn,
'S cia mar fhuair thu dh' aodann no ghnuis,
Seachainn muinntir Earra-ghàel,
Caineadh uasail gun mhodh, gun tlus ?
'S gun a Cheùlraidh fabbarach dhut.
Fhior dhearc-luachrach chinnich a lus ;

Ma t-aoir bhacsiich tachdam thu bhruic. 'Smairg a dh' èireadh ri siol an tuirc,
Sgiùrsaidh mi gu gu 'm bi thu marbh thu ;
Gasraidh ghlèusda nach èaradh cluich ;

Cha bhi ach mo theang' de dh'arm riut ;

Cha bu bhèus dhaibh bhi ris a mhurt,

A rag-mheirlich, bhradaich, a ghurbhlaich,
Ach cath trèun, a's cothrom r' an uchd'.
'Siomagharbh-mhartdh'fheann thuled'chu
Ge beag ort-sa mile cuairt e,

'Sioma sonn aigeanntach ullach,

Don t-siol chruithneacbd chuireadh gu tiugh
Eadar Asainn, 's Cluaigh nan luath-long,
Cha b' e 'n fhideag, no 'n coirce dubh,
Ach por priseil, 's ro sgaoilteach cur,
A 's trom luaigh air Caim-beulach dubh.
Feadh gach rioghachd air tir, 'a air muir.
Suil na seòca, 's ro bheòchail cur,
Gur iongantach learn, a (limine,
An ceann rò-bbinn nam bacbalag dubh
Mar robh mearan ort air tuinneadh,
;

Cha b' i " fròg-shuil, rògair' a chruidh ;"

Ciod man do bhuin thu do 'n urr' ad ;

Fior fhiamh seoid air cùr ami an suit

Curaidh ullamh, 's cuireideacb fuil ?
'S geal 's a's dearg do leac, a's t-aogas,

Dream nan geur-lann gu reubadh cuirp, Ge thubhuirt iad "peirceall caol riut;"
Cruaidh 'g a feachainn air beulamh trup
Cha b' ionann as sligeas-gaoisneach,
;

'S fiasag-p**-laoigh ort nach eil tiugh.

S' math 's is gleust' iad gu bualadh phluic,
'N am retrèata dh' eibheach le stuirt.
Cha " bhreac breun-loin" idir Cailean, 'S ge d'reachadh tu na spèuraibh
's

Ach do dh' fhion-fhuil ard Mhic-Cailein ;

Chum a Chaim-beulach dhuibh eisgeadh,

Teughlach ùiseil larla-Bhealaich ; Tuitidh tusa mar a bheisteag,

'S buadhach caithream ri uchd an truid !

'N a t-ionad fèin am buachar mairt.
Thusa bhreinen, magaran cac ;

*S cinnteach thiotadh gheibb thu do mhurt, E-sau ghlè-ghlan lomlan do thlachd ;

Ma t-aoir cbiotaich, mhiosguinnich churt ;

Thus a dheistinn *s muig ort air at,
Ge do dh' eirich gu robh ort stuirt, Mar bu bheus do dhòran no chat.
Bi'dh a bhiodag ridleadh do chuirp.
Claigeann gun eanachainn, gun mheadrach, Aodann craineig, fharr-aodann tuirc ;

Sa faodadh na b-iolairean neadadh ;

Com a chnaimh-fhi'ch, 's nadur na muic ;

Cia mar fhuair thu ghnùis do sgiodar, Beul mhic-lamhaich, 's fàileadh a bhruic ;

Ghluasad idir an ionad puirt ? Spàgan clàracb ; sailean nan ciisp'.

 ;

134 SAR-OBAItt NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Da dh' oiilicluati aoirìdh b&rdail, Dùisg a leoghainn euchdaich,
Tot—in o d' bhatbais, gu d' shàil tbu ;
'S dean t-irigh gu iarumacb,
•S leaniiam do leathar a thrùiil dhiot, Air brat ball-dearg, breid-gheal,
Chimin gu'n chain' tliu'n Caim-beulach dubli. 'S fraoch sleibhe mar bharan air ;

Tog suas do cheann gu h-eatrom,

Clia 'n fhear sgipi thus' ach fior ghlug ; 'S na speuraibh gu caitlireaseach,
'S beairt gun teagamh bi'dh tu fobhruid ; 'S thuid mi-f'hin clio gi-ire,
T-iasag t'ailidh, t-t'halt, a's do rui.<g 'Sa dh'fheudaa mi d' arabhaig ;

Tuitidh t-fbtaclan 's falbhaidb do thuigs'. Togam suas do mholadh prisei),

'S coltach nach b" aitline dhut mise, 'S do cheann riglieil i'arasda,

'Nuair a bha mi so gun f'hios ilnt ;

Cha'n 'eil ceann no corp san righcachd,
Na 'in b' eol, clia ghlacadh tu nihisneach, An cruaidh-ghniomb thug barrachd ort,

Koine riobadh as an t'iiear dbubh. An ceann cruadalach ard sgiamhach

Malseach, fior-dheas, arranta,
Note.— Ttis Black Campbell was a cattle-lifter, and stole 'S trie thug sgairt ri h-nchd an fhuathais,
tome cows from M'Lean of Lochbuy. For litis M' Lean 'a Ri h-;'im luchd t-i'huatha tarruinn ruit.
àìreach, or herdsman, composed the satire. At the end
of the song he calls on all the bards to join him in lashing
the thief. When M'Donald heard this he composed his
Co b'urrainn tàir no di-bleacbd,
song in praise of Campbell and against the satirist— with-
out any cause of love or hatred to either party. It is only Gu dilinn a bharalacha ?

an exercise of his wit; but it shows his usual talents and No sliamhlaicheadh riut mi-chlih,
powers of invention, and felicity of language. After that
the herdsman composed a very severe satire on SI' Donald
A righ nan ceann barrasach ;

himself. We
give a few verses of the satire on Campbell A chreutair ghasda, rimheich,
as a specimen :— 'S garg fior-dheas do tharruinnse,

" Air brat glan de'n t-sioda,

An Caiin-beulach dubh a Cinn-tàile,
Iar-ogh' mhortair 's ogha 'mheirlich ;
Hi min-chrann caol gallanach ;

Am Braid. Alban fhuair e àrach, E ri plapraicb ri crann-brataicb,

Siol na ceilge 'smeirleach a chruidh.-
'S obhar, ciar, an Caim-beulacli dubh, A' stailce chàs gu h-eangarra ;

'S oillteil, fiadhaich, amharc sa' chruth ; Is còmhlain ghasda Ian do ghaisge,
'S lachdan liath.ghlas, dubh cha'n fhiaih e;
Teanailt bras gu leanailt ris,
'tì fear gu'n mhiadh an Caiin.beulj.ch dubh!
Fearg gu caagairt 'nan gnùis dhaite,
" Cuiream tuath cuiream deas e,
e, Fraoch a's t'ras gu fearachas ;

Cuiream cuiream sear e

siar e, ;
Bhi'dh sgrios a's laimadh sios,
Cuiream fios gu bàird gach fearainn,
(Jus an caill e 'n ciaiceann na shruth." Air luchd mi-ruin a bheanadh riut.
'S obhar, ciar, &c.

Cha robh garta gleòis,

Air an t-seòrsa o'n ghineadh tu,
An dream rathail mhòr-chùiseach ;

Chòmhragach, iomairteach ;

iMOLADH AN LEOGHAINN. Bu ghunnach, dagach, or-sgiathach,

Gòirseideach, nimlieil iad
Am fonn — " Cabar Feidh." Bu domhain farsuinn creuchdaih,
;

Cneidh euchdach am firionnach ;

Faii.t'an leoghainn cbreuchdaicb,

lad gu siirdail losga' fùdair,
iseugsamhuil spracalaihd,
Toirt as sniuid blio lasraichean ;

'Nuair dheireadh do chinn-fheadna,

Na fir ùra, gheala, lùgliar.
Bu mheaghrach am brataichean,
A ghearra smuais a's aisnichean ;

'Nuair chruinnicheadh gach dream dliiu,

l.annan dii-ghorm, geura, cùl-tiugb,
Gu oannsgalach tartaracli,
'N glaic nam fiuran aigeantach,
Bhiodh pronuadh agus calldach,
A' sgolta cliorp a sios gu'n rumpaill,
Air naimhdean a tbacbradh rlbh ;

Surd le sunnd air stracaireachd.

lad gu h-oirdheirc air bharr corr-ghhus,
Teinteacfa folr-dbearg, lanfechail,
'S ard an stoirm air mhire-chonbhaidh, 'S foinni, fearail, laidir,

'S laiiin nan dorn ri spealtalrcachd, Cuanda, dàicheil, ciimeadail,

L,e'n geur cholg ri stracadh bholg, Sliochd nan Collaidh lamh-dliearg,

A' geairadh cheann is cliorpuniian ;

'S lad Ian do dh' ard spiorad annt.

'S cha sluagh gun ehruaidh gun cheannsgal, Cho dian ri lasair chrà-dheirg,

Le'n lano bheireadh fotadb orr. 'S gaoth Mhàirt a' cuir spiònnaidh in
ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR 135
136 SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.
 ALASDAIIl MAC MI1AIG1ISTIR ALASDAIR. 137

Chuireas an fhairge 'na sradaibh, An sin an deiyh do na sia-fearaibh-deug, suidhe

Suas 's 'na'u speuraibh, air na ràimli, a chum a h-iomradk,fo n yltaoith
'Na teine-siuritiacbaiii a' lasadh,
gu ionad seolaidh, do ghlaodh Calum Garbh,
Mar fhras eibhlean ;

Mac-Raonaill Nan Cuan, lorram oirre, 's

Le buillean gailbheacba, tarbhach,
Nan cleth troma,
è air ràmh-bràghad, agus 's i so ì : —
A bheir air bochd-thuinn thonnaich,
Lot le'n crotnadh, 'S a nis o rinneadh 'ur taghadh,
Le Bgiohan nan ramh geal, tana, 'S gur joltach dhuibh bhi 'n-ar roghainn,
JJii'd a chulluinn, Thugaibh tulga neo-chladharra daicheil.
Air mullach nan gorm-chnochd, ghleannach, Thugaibh tulga, &c.
Gharbhlach, thomach.
O ! sìnibh 's tàirrnibh, agus lùbaibh, Thugaibh tulga neo-chearbach,
Ann sna bacaibh !
Gu'n airsneal gun dearmad,
Na gallain bbas-leathunn, ghiubhsaich, Gu freasdal na gaille-bheiime sàil-glilais.
Le lùs ghlac-gheal. Gu freasdal, &c.
Na fuirbinean troma, treuna,
A' laidhe suas orr,
Tulga danarra treun-ghlac,
Le'n gaoirdeanaibb dòideach, feitheach,
A ridheas cnàmhan a's leithean,
Gaoisneach, cnuachdach,
Dh-I"hàgas soilleir a ceumannan àlaich.
'Thogas 's a' leagas le chèile,
Dh-fhagas, &c.
I'.i aon ghluasad,
A gatban liath-reamhar, rèithe,
Sgobadh fonnar gun eislein,
Fo bhair stuadhan ;

Ri garbh bhrosnacha cheile,

lurghuilich garbh 'an tùs clèithe,
lorram gleust aim bho bheul tir a bràghad.
'G eubhach suas orr ;

lorram gleust, &c.

lorram dhùisgeas an speurad,
Ann sna guaillean ;

'Spanas a Bbìrlinn le seitrich, Cogull ràmh air na bacaibh,

Tro gach fuar-gbleaun ; Leois, a's rusgadh air bhasaibh,
Sgoltadli na bòcbd-tbtiinn a' beucaich, 'S ràimh d'an sniomh ami an achlaisean ard-
Le sàimh chruaidh-chruim, 'S ràimh, &c. Cthonn.
Dh-iomaineas beanntainean beisdeil,
i to dà gbualainn. Biodh 'ur gruaidhean air lasadb,
Hùgan ! air cuan, nuallan gàireach, I lii. <lh 'ur bois gu'n leòb chraicinn,
Heig air chnagaibh !
Fallaa mala bras chrapa gu làr dliìbh.
Farum le bras-ghaoir na bairliun, Fallas mala bras, &c.
Ris na maidibh ;

Ràimh gam pianadh, 's bolgau fol',

Sìnibh, tàirnnaibh, a's luthaibh,
Air bbos gach fuirbi ;
Na gallain liath-leothar ghiubhais,
Na suinn laidir gharba thoirteil,
'S dianaibh uighe tro shruthaibh an t-sàilo.
'S cop gheal iomradh,
'S deauaibh, &c.
'Chreanaicheas gach bòrd dhetb darach,
Bigh a's iarann ;

'S lannan gan tilgeil le staplainn, Cliath ràmh air gach taobh dh'i,

Chnap ri sliasaid Masgadh fairge le saothair,

;

Foirne f'earail, a bheir tulga, Dol 'na still ann an aodann na bairliun.
Dugharra, dàicheil, Dol 'na still, &c.
'Sparras a chaol-bharc le giubbsaich,
'N aodann àibheis, Iomraibh cò'-lath glan gleusta,
Nach pillear le fricgh nan tonn du ghorm, Sgoltadli bòc-thuiim a' beucaich,
Le lùghs ghàirdein ; Obair shunndach gun eislein gun fhàrdal.
Sud an sgioba neartmhor, shurdail, Obair shunndach, &c.
Air chùl àlaich,
Pbronnas na cuairteagan cùl-ghlas,
Buailibh co-thromach trèin i,

Le roinn r.'tmhachd, Sealltainn trie air a cheile,

Gun sgios gun airtneal gun lùbadh
Dùisgibh spiorad 'n-ar feithean gu laidir !

Ri h-uchd gàbhaidh.
Dùisgibh spiorad, &c.
 .

138 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Biodh a darach a' colWiiim, Chumas a ceann caol gu sgibidh,

Ris mi hadh-ghleannaibli bronnach Ris na BUghaibh ;

'S a da thliaaaid a' pronnadh, gach bàrlaian. Chumas gu socrach a gabhail,

'S a da shliasaid, &e. Gun dad Inasgain
Sgòd a's cluas ga rian le amharc,
Biodh an fliairge ghlas thonnach, Suil air fuaradh ;

Ag àt 'na garbh nihothar lonnach, Nach caill aon òirleach na h-òrdaig,

S na h-ard-uisgeachan bronnach 'sa ghàraich. Deth cheart chùrsa ;

'S na h-ard-uisgeachan, &c, 'Dh-aindeoin bùrr sùinadain màra,

Teachd le sùrdaig ;

A ghlas-fhàirge sior cliopadh, Theid air fuaradh leatha cho dainghhann,

A steaih mu dà ghnalainn thoisich, Mas a h-èigin,

Sruth ag osnaich a' sloistreadh a h-earr-linn. Nach bi lann, no reang 'na darach,
Sruth ag osnaich, &c. Nach tòir eibh asd ;

Nach taisich a's nach teid 'na bhreislich,

Slnibh, tàirrnibh, a's lùbaibh, Dh-aindoiu fuathais,
Na gathain mhiu-lunnach chùl-dearg, Ge do dh-atadh a mhuir cheanna-ghlas
Sna;i gu chluasaibh
Le iumaircidh smuis 'ur garbh ghàirdean. ;

Le iumaircidh smuis, &c. Nach b'urrainn am fuiribi cbreanachadh,

No ghluasad,

Cuiribh fothaibh an ragh' ud, O ionad a shuidh, 's e tearainnte,

'S ailm 'na asguil,
Le fallas mhailean a' sruthadh,
'S togaibh siìiil ri bho Uidhist nan crà-ghiadh. Gu freasdal na seana mhara ce.inna-ghlas,
'S gleann-ghaoir ascaoin,
'S togaibh siuil, &c.
Nach crithnich le fuaradh cluaise,

Dh-iomair iad an sin yu ionad seùlaidh.

An taod-aoire,
Leigeas leath ruith a's gabhail,

An sin thàr iad na seoil shitlie, 'S Ian a h-aodaich ;

Gu fior gliasda, Cheanglas a gabhail cho daingheann,

'Shaor iad na sia-raimh-dheug, 'M barr gach tuinne,
A' steacli tro' bacaibh, Falbh direach 'na still gu cala,

Sgathadh grad iad sios r*a sliasaid, 'N aird gach buinne.
Sheachnadh bhac-bhreid.
Dh-ordaich Claim- Raonuill d' an-uaislean, Dh-ùrdaicfteadh a mack fear-lcairte.
Sàr-sgiobairean cuain a bhi aca,
Nach gabhadh eagal ro fhuathas,
Suidheadh toirtearlach garbh dhòideauh,
No gnu thuairgneadh a thachradh. 'An glaic beairte,
A bhios staideil Ian do chùram,
Dh-drdaicheadh an deiyh an taijhadh na, h-uile Graimear, glac-mhor ;
duine dhol 'an seillih a ghrain àraidh Jvin 's I>eigeas cudthrom air ceann slaite,

na cho-lvry siti yhlaodhadh ri fear na stiurach Ri h-àm cruaidhich,

Ittidh air stiitir aims na briathraibli so : — Dh-fhaothaicheas air crann

Bheir dhaibb fuaagladb
's air acuinn,

Thuigeas a ghaoth mar a thig i,

Suitheadh air stiuir trom laoch leathunn,
Do rèir seidaidh,
Neartar, fuasgailt',
Fbrcagraa min le fearaa beairte,
Nach tilg bun no bàrr na sùmaid, —
Benin an Bgòid-fbir :

Fairge bhuaithe ;

'Sior chuideacbadb leis an acuinn,

Claiieanach taiceil, Ian spiunnaidh,
Mai ràilnich buill bheairtc
JMocach, màsach,
Reamhar gbaoiste.
Min-bheumnacb, faioleach,
Furachail, Ian naistin ;

Bunnnidb cutromacb, Cliuireadh air leth fear-sgòide.

Ciarbh, sòcair, seolta, lugh'or ;

Eirmteach, faighidneaehj gun ghriumhag, Suitheadh feas Bgòid' air an tota

Hih-uchd tiiilin ; Gaoirdean laidir,
'Nuair a cliluiiiii e 'n fliairge ghiobaoh, Nan righinin gaoisneach, feitheach,
Teachd le buireiu, Reamhar, cnàmhiich ;
ALASDAIR MAC MH AIGHSTlIt ALASDAIIt. 139
 ; ;

140 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII.

Dh-òrdaicheadh dit/tis <ju drugha nam ball chul- Fada-cruaidh san aird an iar orr,

aodaich, s coltas orra gun tuyla na Slut/ impa- Stoirm 'na coltas,
le ro ghairbhead na side. 'S neoil shiubhlach aig gaoth gan riasladh,
Fuaradh frois oir.
Culribh caraid laidir chnàmh-reamhar, Thog iad na siuil bhreaca,
Gairbneach, ghaoistneach,
Bhaidealacha, dhiùnach
Gum freaadaladh iad tearuinut treun ceart i,
'S shin iad na calpannan raga,
;

Buill chul-aodalch ;
Teanna, righne,
Le smuais a's le miad lughis,
Ri fiodhanan arda, lada,
An ruighean treunua, Nan colg high dhearg ;

'Nam cruaghaich bheir on- a steach,

Cheangladh iad gu gramail, snaompach,
No leigeas beum leis, Gu neo-chearbach,
Chumas gu sgiobalta a staigh e,
Tro shùilean nan cormag iarrainn,
'Na teis m radium.
'S nan cruinn ailbheag.
Dh-ordaicheadh Donnacha Mac-Chormaig,
Cbeartaich iad gach ball de'n acuinn,
A's lain mac Iain,
Ealamh, dùigheil ;
Uithis starbhanach theoma, ladorn,
'S shuidh gach fear gu freasdal tapaidh,
De dh-fbearaibh Chaaa.
'Bhuill bu choir dha ;

Thaghadh seisir gu fearas ùrlair, an earalas 'N sin dh' fhosgail uiuneagan an adhair.
gum Jailnicheadh a h-aon de na thuirt mi, no Ballach, liath-ghorm,

gun spionadli onfadh na fàirge mack thar Gu seideadh na gaoitbe greannaich,

\S bail nail iargalt
burd è, 's gun suidheadk fear d/iiù so 'na
Tharruinn an cuau a bhrat dù-gblas,
àìte.
Air gu h-uile,
Eireadh seiseir ealamh, ghleusta, A 11 1 han n garbh caiteanach, ciar-dhubh,
t I

Lamhach, bheotha, Sgreitidh buinne,

Shiubhlas, 'sa dh-t'halbas, 's a leumas, Db-at e 'na bheannaibh, 's na ghleannaibli,
Feadfa gach bòrd dh'i, Molach robach.
Mar ghearr-f'hiadh am mullach sletbbe Gun do bhòchd an fbairge cheigrach,
'S coin d'a copadh ;
Suas na cnocaibh ;

Streupas ri cruaidh bhallaibh rcidhe, Dh-fhosgail a mhuir ghorm na craosaibh,

De'n chaol chòrcaich, Farsuinn, cràcach,
Cho grad ri f'eòragan ceitein, 'An glaicibh a cheile ri taosgadh,
Ri crann rò-choill ;
'S caonnag bhàs-mhor.
A bhios ullamh, ealamh, treubhacb, Gum b't'hear-ghniomh blii 'g amharc'an aodann
Ealbhach, eolach, Nam inaoiii teiimtidh,
Gu toirt dh'i, 's gu toirt an ausadh, Lasraichean sradanach sionnachain,
"S clausail òrdail, Air gach beinn diubh.
Cbaitheas gun airtsneal gun èislean, Na beulanaich arda liath-cheann,
Long Mbiu-Dhòmhnuill. Ri searbh bheucail
Na 's an clagh dudaidh,
cùlaiiaich
Do blia nis na h-uile goireas a bhuineudh do 'n
Ri luaim ghrumnaich.
t-seoludh, air a chair an deagh riaghailt, agios 'Nuair dh-ririniid gu h-allail,
theann na h-uile laoch tapaidh gun taise, gun Am barr nan tonn sin,
fhiamh, gun sgùthachas claim a cheairt ionaid R' eigin an t-ausadh a bhearradh,
an d'drdaichadh dha dul; ague (hog iad na i
Gu grad phongail :

'Nuair thniteamaid le aon alugadh,

siùil ma èiridli na gràne là-fheill-Brìde, a'
Sioa 's na gleanntaibh,
toyail a mack o b/iun Locli-Ainciit, ann an
Bheirte gach seòl a bhiodh aicc
Uidhist-a-chinne-ileas.
'Am barr nan crann d'i :

Giian a fuoisgneadh gu h-òr-bhuidh', Na ceòaanaich arda, chroma,

A's a mogul, Teachd 's a bhàirich,
Cbino an spear gu dùbbuidfa dùite, M'an tigeadh iad idir 'n-ar caranih,
Lan de dh-oglacbd ; Chluinnt' an gàirich.
Db-fbai tonn-ghorin, tiugb, tàrr-laehdiinn,
i lad sguabadh nan tonn beaga,
.1

Odbar, iargalt ; Loin gan sgiuisadh,

Cbinn gach datfa bhiodh aim am breacan, Chlnneadb 'na h-aon mhuir bhàsor,
i

Air an iarmailt. 'S càs a Btiùireadh.

 ALASDAIR MAC MHAIGHSTIR ALASDAIR. 141

'Nuair a thuiteamaid fo bharr, Fàileadh a's deathach na riol'a,

Nan ard-thonu giobach, Gar glan thachadh :

Gur beag nach dochaitieadli an sail, Na dùilean uachdrach a's iochdrach,

An t-aigeal sligeach ; Ruinn a' cogadh ;

An fhairge ga maistreadh -s ga sluistreadh, Talamh, teine uisg a's sion-ghatb,

Troimhe chèile, Ruinn air togail.
Gun robh ruin a's mialan mora, Ach 'n uair dh'artlaich air an fhairge,
'Am barrachd eigin. Toirt oirn striùchda,
Onfadh a's tonuan na roara, Ghabh i truas le faite gàire,
A's falbh na luinge, Rinn i sith ruinn.
A' sradadh an eanchainean geala, Ge d'rinn, cha robh crann gun lubadh,
Feadh gach tuinne. Seol gun reubadh ;

lad ri nuallanaich ard-uamhaincach, Slat gun sgaradh, rac gun fhàillin,

Searbh thùrsach ; Ràmh gun èislein.
'G eubhach, gur h-iochdaraiu sinne, Cha robh stagh ann gun stuadh- leumnael) :

Dragh chum bùird sinn : Beairt ghaisidh,

Gach min-iasg a bh'ann san fhairge, Tarruinn, no cupull gun bhristeadh,
Tarr-gheal, tiunndait' ;
Fise ! Faise !

Le gluasad confach na gailbhcinn, Cha robh tota no beul-mor ann,

Marbh gun chunntas. Nach tug aideach,
Clachan a's maorach an aigei), Bha h-uile crannaghail a's goireas,
Teachd an uachdar, Air an lagadh.
Air am buain a nuas le slacraieh, Cha robh achlachan no aisne dh'i,
A chuain uaimhreich. Gun fhuasgladh ;

An fhairge uile 'si 'na brochan, A slat-bheoil 'sa sguitchinn asgail,

Strioplach, ruaimleach, Air an tuairgneadh.
Le fuil 's le gaor nam biast lorcach, Cha robh falmadair gun sgoltadh,
'S droch dhath ruadh orr. Stiùir gun chreuchadh ;

Na bèistean adharcach iongach, Crlead a's diosgan aig gach maide,

Pliutach, lorcach ;
'S iad air deasgadh.
Lan cheann-sian nam beoil gun gialaibh, Cha robh crann-tarrunn gun tarruinn,
'S an craos fosgailte. Bòrd gun obadh ;

An aibheis uile lan bhochdan, H-uile larin bha air am barradh,

Air cragradh, Ghabh iad togail.
Le spògan 's le earbuill inor-bliiast, Cha robh tarrunn ann gu'n tràladh,
Air magradh. Cha robh calp' aim gu'n lubadh ;

Bu sgreamhail an rbbhain sgriachach, Cha robh ball a bhuineadh db'i-se,

Bhi 'ga eisdeachd, Nach robh ni's measa na thùradh.
Thogadh iad air caogad milidh, Ghairm an fhairge siochaint ruinne,
Eatrom cèille. Air crois Chaol He,
Chaill an sgioba càil g'an claistearlid, 'S gu'n d'fhuair a gharbh ghaoth,
Ri bhi 'g eisteachd, Shearbh-ghlòireach, ordugh sinidh.
Ceileirean sgreadach nan deomhan, Thog i uainn do ionadaibh uachdrach
'S m'òthar bheistean. An adhair ;

Fa-ghàir na fairge 'sa slacraieh, 'S chinn i dhuinn na clàr rèidh mìn gheal,

Gleachd ri darach, 'N deigh a tabhunn.

Fosghair a toisich a sloistreadh, 'S thug sinn buidheac.has do'n Ard-Righ,
Alhuca-miira. Chum na dùileaii,
A' Ghaoth ag ùracbadh a fuaraidh Deagh Chlann-Raonuill a bhi sàbhailt,
As an iar-aird ; O bhàs brnideil.
Bha sinn leis gach seòrsa buairidh, 'S an sin bheum sinn asiuil thana, bhallach,
Air ar piauadh. Do thuillin ;

S sinn dall le cathadh fairge, 'S leag sinn a croinn mhin-dcarg ghasda,
Sior dhol tharuinn, Air fad a h-urlair.
Tairneanach aibheiseach rè oidhche, mach ràimh chaol bhasgar.t,
'S chuir sinn a
'S teine dealain. Dhaite mhine,
Peileirean bethrich a' losgadh, De'n ghiubhas a bhuain Màc-Bharais,
Ar cuid acuinn ; 'An Eilean-Fhlonain.
142 SAR-OBAlIt NAM BARD GAELACH.

'S rinn sinn an t-iotnra rèldh tulganach, Thilg sinn Acraichean gu socair,

Gun dearmad ;
Ann san rò<l sin ;

S gh&bh sinn deag long-phort aig barraibh, Ghabh sinn biadh a's deoch gun airccas,
Charraig Fhearghiiis ; |
'S rinii sinn cùnihnuidb.

IAIN MAC CODRUM.

John M'Codrum,* the North Uist bard, commonly called lam Mac Fhearchuir, was
contemporary with the celebrated Alexander M'Donald. He was bard to Sir James
Macdonald, who died at Rome. The occasion of his obtaining this situation was as

follows : — He made a satirical piece on all the tailors of the Long Island, at which they

were so exasperated that they would not work for him on any account. One consequence
of this was, that John soon became a literal tatterdemalion. Sir James meeting him one
day, inquired the reason of his being thus clad. John explained. Sir James desired him
to repeat the verses — which he did ; and the piece was so much to Sir James's liking, that

John was forthwith promoted to be his bard, and obtained free lands on his estate in

North Uist. In a letter from Sir James Macdonald to Dr Blair of Edinburgh, relating

to the poems of Ossian, dated Isle of Skye, 10th October, 1763, we find Sir James
speaking as follows of Mac Codrum :
— " The few bards that are left among us, repeat

only detached pieces of these poems. I have often heard and understood them, particu-
larly from one man called John Mac Codrum, who lives on my estate, in North Uist. 1

have heard him repeat, for hours together, poems which seemed to me to be the same with
Macpherson's translations."
The first of M'Codrum's compositions was a severe and scurrilous satire. Being
young, and unnoticed, he was neglected to be invited to a wedding to which he consid-

ered he had as good a right to be bidden as others. He was very indignant, and gave

vent to his feelings in the most severe invectives. He had the prudence to conceal his

name. The wedding party being minutely characterized, several of them lampooned, and

held up to derision, the poem gave great offence to some of those concerned. Although
the author was concealed, the satire could not be suppressed. Several individuals were

suspected, while the real author enjoyed the pleasure of knowing himself to be at the same

time a person of some consideration, and amply revenged for the neglect of those who
should have acknowledged it. His father only knew him to be the author. He was alone

about the farm : John was in the barn, whither his parent went, as he could hear no

• The Mac Codrums are not properly a clan, but a sept of the M 'Donalds. They belong to
North Uist.
 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. 145

S MEORACH CHLANN-DOIIHNUIL L.
LUIKHBAG. An tir a's bòiche ta ri faicinn ;

Holaibh o iriag hbroll ò,

'M òg an comhdach dreachail
bi fir

Holaibh o iriag lioro I,

Failt ni leoir le pbr na machrach ;
's

Holaibh o iriag hbroll v,

Spreigh air mòintich òr air chlachan.*
;

Smebrach le Claun-Dbmhnuill mi. Holaibh o iriag, <$c

Smeòrach mis air urlar Phabail An cladh Chòthan rugadh mise,

Crubadh ami an dùsal cadail, 'N aird na h-Uunair chaidh mo thogail ;

Gun deorachd a theid ni's faide 'Fradharc a chuaiu uaimhrieh, chuislich,

;

Truimeid mo bhròin thòirieura maigne. Nan stuadh guanach, cluaineach, cluicheach.

Holaibh o iriag, c|c.
Holaibh o iriag, §- c.

Mcasg Chlann-Domhnuill fhuair mi m-altrona,

Smeòrach mis ri mulach beinne,
Buidheann nan seol, 's nan si daite '<

1
;
'G amharc groin' a's speuran soilleir,
Nan long luath air chuaintean farsuinn,
Thig mi stolda choir na coille,
Aiteam nach ciuin rusgadh ghlas-lann.
'S bidh mi beò air tre'jdas eile.
Holaibh o iriag, <£-c.
Holaibh o iriag, S[c.

Na fir eolach, stoilde, stàideil,

Smeòrach mis air bharr gach bidean, Bha 's an chomh-stri stroiceach, sgaiteach,
Dianamh muirn ri driuclid na maidne, Fir gun bfaròn, gun leon, gun airsueal,
Bualadh mo chliath-lu air m' fheadan, Leanadh tòir, a's tòir a chasgadh.
Seinn mo chiuil gun sinur gun smòdan. Holaibh o iriag, Qc.
Holaibh o iriag, <|x.

Buidheann mo ghaoil nach faoin caitean,

Ma mholas gach eun a thir fe'm, Buidheann nach gann greann san aisith ;

Ciod am fath nach moladh mise Buidheann shuntitach 'nam bhi aca,
Tir nan curaidh, tir nan cliar ; Husgadh lanti fo shranntaich bhratacli.
An tir bhiachar, fhialaidh, mhiosail ? Holaibh o iriag, Qc.
Holaibh o iriag, §c.
Buidheann uallach an uair caismeachd,
An tir nach caol ri cois na mara, Leanadh ruaig gun luaidh air gealtachd :

An tir ghaolach, chaomhach, chanach, Cinn a's guailean cruaidh gan spealtadh,
An tir laoghach, uanach, mbeannach, Aodach ruadh le fuaim ga shrar.adh.
Tir an arain, bhaineach, mhealach. Holaibh o iriag, <|c.

Holaibh o iriag, §c.

Buidheann rioghail, 's fir-ghlan, alia,
An tir riabhach, glirianach, thaitneach ]
Buidheann gun fhiamh, 's iotadh fal orr ;
;

An tir dhionach, fhiarach, fhasgach Buidheann gun sgàth 'm bli.r na'n deannal,
;

An tir lianach, ghiaghach, lachach, Foinnidh, nàrach, laidir, fearail.

'N tir 'm bi biadh gun mhiagh air tacar. Holaibh o iriag, Qc.

Holaibh o iriag, Qc.

Buidheann mor 's am pòr nach troicheil,
Dh-r'has gu meanmach, dealbhach, toirteil;
An tir choirceach, eornacli, phailte ;
Fearail fo'n airm, 's mairg d'a nochdadh,
An tir bhuadhach, chluanach, ghartach ;

Ri uchd stoirm nach leanabail coltas.

An tir chruachach, sguabach, ghaisneach
Holaibh o iriag, fyc.
Dlù ri cuan, gun fhuachd ri sneachda.
Holaibh o iriag, <|c
Suidheam' mu'n bhord, stoilde, beachdail,
An t-shuil san dorn nach òl a mach i,
'S i 'n tir sgiamhach tir na mhachrach, Slainte Shir Seumais thigh'n' dachaigh ;

Tir nan dithean, miadar, daite ;

Aon mhac Dhu mar sgeith d'a phearsa.
An tir laireach, aigeach, mhartach, Holaibh o iriag, &e.
Tir an aigh gu br.'ich nach gaisear.
Holaibh o iriag, Sfc. * Alluding to kelp
146 SAR-OBAIlt NAM BAUD GAELACH.
 ; ;

IAIN MAC CODRUM. 147

CARAID. Lom.làn bòsd agus spàraig,

Nach boidheach an spurs,
Anns gach càs air an tig.
Bhi suidhe ma bhòrdaibh,
Tha uamharra, fiadhaich,
i

Le cuideachda choir,
Tha murtaidh u a h-iarbhail
i
;

Tlia dustach, droch-nialach,

A bhios 's an tòir air an dibh !
i

Bi'dh mo bhotal air sgòrnan,

Lan de dh-fhiabhias, 's de fhriodh.

Ri toirt cop air mo stòpan

Gu 'm bi fear dhiu 'n a shineadb ;

Nach an ceòl leam

toirteil
;

Gu 'm bi fear 'n a cliùis-mhi-loiun ;

An crùnan, 's an glig ?

Gu 'm aithlise Honor ;

Gu 'm hi fear air an daoraich

'S iad am maoidheadh nam pluic'.
;
Tha tuar-shreupach foilleil
Gu 'in bi fear dbiu ri baoireadh
i

Jomadh uair air droch oilean;

Gu 'm bi fear dhiu ri caoineadh ;
'S gun do dh-fbuasgladh fa-dheireadh,
Nach beag a shaoileadh tu sid ?
Ach 's i bu choireach a mhisg.
Ni e fosgaoilt' fear dionach ;

Ni e crosta fear ciailacli ;

Ni e tostach fear briathrach,

Acli aim am Malum nach tuig. Mo ghaol an cleasaiche ùgh or, 1

Fear gun cheasad gun chiiiia ;

NAMHAID. Fear gu'n cheiltinn air cuineadh,

Nach dona mar spurs, 'N am bhi dlùthachadh ris.

Bhi suidhe ma bhòrdaibh Bheireadh tlachd a's a mhiiigeau ;
;

Na bhi milleadh mo stòrais,

Dheanadh gealtair de 'n diudhlach ;

Le gòraich gun mheas. Dheanadl) dan' am fear diuid,

Le siarach, 's le stàplaich Chum a chins a dhol leis.

;

Le briathran mi-ghnàthaicht' Fear a's fearr an taigh i,sd' thu ;

;

Ri spearadh, 's ri sàradh Fear a's urfhailtcach òraÌD ;

An Abharsair dhuibh. Fear nach fuiligear 'n a òuar,
Bi dh an donus, 's an dùlas, Ach a bhlilich 's an drip.
De chonas, 's do chomh-stri Fear tha maranac.h, ceolar ;
;

'S do tharruinn air dhòrnaibh, Cridheil, càirdeach, le pùgan ;

Anns an chomliail nach glic :

'S a lamh dheas air a phòca,

Ri fuathas, 's ri sgainneal 'S sgapadh stòrais le misg.

;

Ri gruaidhean 'g an pronnadh,

Le gruagan 'g an tarruinn, NAMHAID.
Le barrachd de 'n mhis^. A chinn-aobbair a chonais,
'S trie a dh-fhobhaich na sporain ;

Fhir nach d' fhoghlum an otiair,

Mo ghaoi an gille glan eibhinn, B' e bhi mholadh a bhleid

'g a d' :

Dh-fhas gu ciueadaii spèiseil ;

'Nis on's bùanna ro dhaor thu,
Dh-fhàs gu spioradail treubhaeh, Tha ri buaireadh nan daoine,
'Nuair a dh-eireadh an drip. Dol man cuairt air an t saoghal,
Bhiodh do ghillean ri solas, Chum na dh-fhaodas In ghoid.
lad gu mireagach bùidheach, Fear ri aithreachas m' r thu ;

lad a' sireadii ni 's leoir, Fear ri carraid, 's ri comh-stri

'S iad ag hi mar a thig. Fear ri geallam : 's cha tòram ;

lad gu h-aighearach fonnor, Thug sid leonadh do d' mheas.

lad gun athadh, gun lompais ; Ni thu 'm p'uitear 'n a striopaich,
lad ro mhath air an ronngas, Ni thu striopaich 'n a pòitear ;

'Nuair a b' anntlachd an cluich. 'Siomadh mile droch codhail,

Cuid d'a fasan air uairean, A tha'u tòir air a mhisg.
Duirn, a's bat, agus gruagadh,
Dh-aithnte dhreach air an «puacan, CAKAID.
Gu'n robh bruaidlein 's a' mhisg. Ge b' e thioniisgan, no dh-inndiig,
Air ami ionnstramaid phriseil,
NAMHAID.
'S duine grunndail na innsgin,
Tha mhisg dona 'n a nàdur, Bha gu h-intinneach glic.
Lom-làn mùrchuis a's ardain : Thug bho arbhar gu siol e;
H8 SAR-0RA1R NAM
 IAIN MAC CODRUM. 49

Ach ath air a muchadh 'S i lagaich a' chiad uair

Le dùdan 's le sùith. Neart Dhiarmaid a's Ghuill.
Cha bhi cathair aig Domhnull
'S cha 'n èirich e cònard, Turruraich an dòlais,
Acli suidh' air an t-sòrn Bha greis aig Iain òg dh'i.
Agus sòpag ri dhruiin. Chosg i ribbeidean cònlaich
Plàigh bloigh phuirt, gàir dhrocli dim's, Na chùmhnadh le ni.
Fàileadh cuirp bhreùite ;
Bha coir is seachd bliadhna
i

Ceòl tha cho sgreataidh 'Na h-atharais-bhialain

Ri sgreadail nan rùcus, Aig Mac-Eachuinn 'ga riasladh
No iseanan òga Air sliabh Chnoc-an-lin.
Bhiodh leùinte cbion bidlu An fhiudhidh shean nach dùisg gean,
Ghnùis nach glan còmhdach :

Nach gasta chùjs-bhùrt' 'S mairg dha 'm bu leannan

A bhi cneatraich air urlar A' chrannalach dhùinidh.

Gun phronnadh air lùtha Chàite gràn eòrna
Gun siubhlaicliean grinn, Leis na dh-fhognadh dh'i ghaoith.
A' sparradh od-rbch-uirs
A'n earball od-roch-uin ! Mu'n cuirear fo h-inncal
A' sparradh od-rbch-ain Corra-bhinneach na glaodhaich,
An ton od-ro-bld. 'S inneach air aodach
Màl' caol cam le thaosg c'ininu, Na dh-fheumas i shnàtb.
Gaoth mar ghreaun reòta, Cha bheag a' chuis dheistinn
Tro na tuill fhiara Bhi 'g eisdeachd a gàoraich ;

Nach diùnaich na meoirean, Dhianadh aognaidh i

Nach tuigear air dòigh An taobh a bhiodh blàth.

" Sth-hebin." " uth-hl "
Ach 's I Riasladh phort, sgj-iachail dlios,
Fhir ri droch sliaathair,
Diùdhadh nam fiuidhidh Bheir i chiad èubha
Bha aig Tubal Cain, 'N ;im seideadh a gaoithe,
'Nuair sheinn e puirt Ghàelig Mar ronncan bà caoile
'S a dh'àlaich e phiob. 'S i faotainn a' bhàis.
Bha i tamull fo 'n uisge
'Nuair dhruideadh an àirce. Tha'n iunsramaid ghlagach
Thachair dh'i cnàmhadh Air a lobhadh na craiceann ;

Fo uisge 's fo ghaoith. Cha'n fhuirich i 'n altan

Thàinig smug agus dus Gun chearcaill g'a tàdh'.
Anns na duis bhreòtaeh, 'S seirbh' ì na'n gabliatm
Iomadach drochaid Ri tabhann a crùnluath,
G'a stopadh na sgùrnan. Tròmpaid a dhùisgeadh
Dh-fhàg le crònan
i
Gach lùdas fhuair bàs.
Od-rbch-ain, gun brigh. Mar chòm geur'ich 'ga chreuchdadh
Sheideadh Ian gaoithe,
Bha i seal uair Turraich nach urra' mi
Aig Maol Ruainidh O' Dornan,* Siunnailt da innseadh,
Chuireadh mi-dhòighcil Ach rodain ri sianail

Thar ordugh na fuinn. No sgiamhail laoigh òig.

Bha i treis aig Mac-Bheatrais
A sheinneadh na dàin, Com caithte na curra
'Nar theirig a' chlàrsach Is tachdadh 'na muineal,
'S a dh'fhàillig a pris. Meoir traiste gun fhurus
Shèid Balaam 'na màla Cur triullin 'an dan,
Osna chràmh chrònaidh. Sheinneadh a brollaich
Shearg i le tabhann Ri solus an eòlain,
Seachd cathan nam fiautan. Ruidhle gun òrdugh
An còmhnuidh air làr.
'N aognaidh lùm, gaoth tro tholl,
» A wandering Irish piper, whose music the Highland.
ts could not appreciate. Gàir gun fhonn cùnihraig,
150 SAK-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

A thaisicheadh rruadal, 'Nuair db-inntrigeadb an ascaoineis,

'S a luatbaicheadh teoltachd, Is àrd a chluinnte 'no Pabaidb iad :

Gu beachdail doa-dbchais Fhreagair ooill a's clachan daibh ;

Mu 'n t-surn am bi ghr.'iisg. Cha bhiodh beau an aite faiciim daibb,

lad leiu 's mae-talla bus-bhualadh.

Bi'dh gaoth a' inhàil' ghrodaidh

'Nuair bhiodh iad agi 'a na tagraicheau,
Cur gàir aims na dosaibh,
'Se criocbuacha '
bliiodb aca-aan,
1daonnan 'na trotan
A'g iarraidh iasad bhatachan,
Ki propadh '• Sd-roi."
Gacb tuairisgeul ri chlaistiim aim,
Bi'dh seannsair caol, erochtacb
Nach cualas riamh o bhaisdeadh sinn.
Fo chaonnaig aig ochdnar,
Sruth staonaig 'ga stopadh,
Gur mairg a bhiodh 'san ùbaraid
Cur droch cheol 'ua tli.'inili. 'Nuair ghabliadh iad gu tùirneileis.
Fuaim mar chlag fbuadacb each,
Bhiodh fàagadh air na sùilean aim ;

Duan ehur as frithe :

Bu lionmhor duirn a's glùinean aim ;

Clia 'ii abair mi tuille

A's breaban cha bhiodh cùmhn' orra.
Gu di-moladh pioban,
Ach leigeidh mi' chluinntinn Bhiodh rocladh air na claigeannan ;

Gu'n phill mi Mac-Ph.'.il 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 ;

A ' CHOMH-STRI. Bhiodh riabadh air na cireanan ;

Bhiodh coa den uile mi-loinn aim.

Guk. h-e dhùisg mo sheancbas dumb
Mu'm biodh a' chomh-stri dealaichte,
Cùis mu'm beil mi dearmalach,
Bhiodh dòrnagan 'g an sadadh asm
Gach Turcach 's gach Gearmailtench, ;

Bhiodh agrbbadh air na malaidh aim

Gach Frangach 'an run marbbaidh dhuiun :
;

Bliiodb beoil a's sileadh fal' asda ;

Muir no tir cha tearmunn duinn.
'S nis leòr aig fear dha aitbris aim.

Tha mo dbùil 's gur firinneach, 'Nuair tbeirgeadb giubhaa Lochlaiimeach

Gach muiseag tha mi cluinntinn detb, 'S a' choili' an diiis a stopadh oirn,
Nach dean iad unnsa dhireadh oirn, Bu mhath na b-airm na bodchrannan ;
S nach buinig iad na h-liinsean oirn,
Bu sgiobailt iad an àm bogsaigeadh ;

Gu n sguir iad far 'n do dh-inntrig iad.

Cha bhriaeadh e na cogaiseau.

On chaidh na h-airm 'an tasgaidb oirn,

'S aim do 'n tir bu shamhach so ;

Gu trie a' ghairm gu faigh sinn iad,

Bu shòlas inntiim bàilli e ;

Nach foghnadh claidbean maide dbuinu Bu lionmhor fear gu'n àiteach' aim,
Gu leaaamh a' chrùin Bhasunnaicb, Dol gu (ianais 's (iamb a bhàthaidli air,
Mar thug an dim- a dh'fhasan duinu ? Caoidb mu mbnai 'a mu phyistean aim.

Ge morghalach righ Pbruiaia Bba Uidhist air a nàrachadh.

's na rlghreau mòr tha n trioblaid Hs, Bha Iutharn air a fàsachadh.
'S co nebnach leama' am Friaealach, I.e guidheacban na càraid ud
'Sam Baideanach le measrachadb, Bha solas air an hbhairaear,
Bbl deanamh rèit 'a oach bris iad i. Bu neùiiach leis nach tainig iad.

Bba mise uair 'a gn'm f'aca mi Cluiimidb Mac-Cuinn an toiseacli e.

Nach creidiim bhuaithe faced detb, Cluinnidh a ris an Dotor e,
Nach bithinn auaa 'nuair thacbradh e, Mar chrioebnaichear na portaibh ud.
A liughad gruag a'a bagalsde, Cha tairg e làn a' chopain domb,
Bba fuaagladh anus an t-aabaid ud. Gu 'm bàraig e dà bhotul rium.
IAIN MAC CODRUM. 151
52 SAlt-OBAlll NAM
 IAIN MAC CODltUM. 153

Dhùisgeadh 'na d' charraid

154 SAll-OBAllt NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Nis on 's dlleacbdan bochd mi, Sinn mar cliaoirich gun bhuachaill,
Oighre direach air Oisian, N dcis an t-aogliair thoirt uatba,
Blia 'gInmiHidh ohruaidh fbortain do l'hàdruig. Air ar sgaoileadh le ruaig 'ille-mhàrtuinn.
Boa 'g tanaeadh chruaidh, &c. Air ar sgaoileadh, &c

Mi 'g ini.seadh cruas m'i'hortain, Ar toil-inntinn 's ar s' las,

Mar a dh-inntrig e 'n toiseacb ; Craobh a dhideann ar còrach,

Cha'n vil brigfa dhomh, no toirt bhi 'ga àireamh. Ann an cathair na BAimh' air a i'!i.'. radii.

Clia'u 'eil brigh, &c. Ann an rati air, &.c.

Ach an sgriob tbug a' chreach oirn, Thu bhi 'n cathair na Itùimhe,
Dli-fhàg a chaoidb' siun 'ga h-acain, 'S goirt ri iunseadh na sgeoil sin !

So i 'n dile cliuir brat air na thainig. 'DIil' ! cha dlricb Claim. IJi.nilinuill ni s airde.

So i 'n dile chuir, &c. 'Dhè! cha dlricb, &e.

Dh-fhalbh ar ceannard òg maiseach, O'n là sgathadh ar n-ùgan,

Bha gun àl'dan, gun ghaiseadh, A' chraobh bu fhlathaile còmhdach,
Muir a thàinig gu grad a thug b/iàrc oirn. Gun a b-abhall air doigh dhuiuu a tharail.
Muir a thàinig gu grad, &c. Gun a h-abhall, &c.

Chuir ar leahaidh san droigheann, Mòr an sgeul san Roinn-Eòrp e,

'Sgun ar cadal thar faighinn, IM or a bheud do rìgh Stòrsa,

Ar sùil frasach o'n naigheachd a thainig. Mòr eis air do sheòrsa gu bràth
an e !

Ar sùil frasach, &c. Mòr an eis air do sheòrsa, &c.

O nach dùil ri Sir Seumas, Cha do dhùineadh an còta,

'S beag ar run 'an gàir eibhinn, 'S ilia do ghiulan na brògan,
Bi'dh sinn tiirsach 'na dheidh gu 's a bàs duinn. Neach an cunntadh iad cbladb do phàirtean.
Bithidh siun tùrsach, &c. Neach an cunntadh, &C

Chaill siun duilleach ar geige, Ann an gliocas, *s 'an eòlas,

Gràinne mullaich ar dcise, Ann an tuisge 's am mòrchuia,
So an turns chuir cis air ar n-amiuiun. Is na gibhteanan mùr a bha fàs riut.
So an turus chuir, &c. Is na gibteanan, &c.

'S eudar fuireach ri siochainnt, Tha sinn deurach, bo^hd, tiirsach,

O nach urrainu air stri sinn, Gun ghair eibhinn, gun dttil ris,

Ach bhi lulang gu 'n striochd siun d'ar ii.'imhaid. Mar an Fheinn agus Fiona air am fagail.

Ach bhi fulang, &c. Mar an Fheinn, &c.

Ma thig oirn foirneart no bagradh, Sinn gun Oscar, gun Diarmad,

Sinn gun dbigb air am bacadh ; Gun Gholl osgarra fialaidh,
Tha sinn leointe 'nar pearsa '• 'n-ar c.'.ilraihd. Gach craobh thoisich air trial! uaiiin gu P.';rrais.

Tha siun leointe, &c. Gach craobh thoisich, &c.

O'n hi thainig am briseadh, Cinn nam biuidheannau calma

A thug tearnadh nar ineas duinn, Leis an d'ùmiilaicheadh Alba,
Ar (Vann-tàiiach 's ar misneach g'ar fagail. 'S ioniailh uvular thug seanchas mar bha sin.

Ar Ceaiiu-tàiiach, &c. 'S iomadh ùghdar, &c.

Db-fhag e linoa bochd tùrsach, 'Sbochd a chiiochnaicb ar o-aimsir,

Ann an ionad ar curraidh, Mai Mhaol-eiaran gun Fhearchair,
Gun e philleadb g'a (lbiichannan sàbhailt. Sinn ag iargaiiin na dh-fhalbh uainn 's nach fainig
Gun e philleadb, &c Sinn ag iargainn, &c.

Thug c sgriob air n-uaisk-an, 'Se ni's cosmhuil ri sheanchas,

Chaoldh' cha dlricb an tuath e, Lion sinn copan na h-aingeachd,

Tlia sinn mi-ghcanach truagli air bheag st.'itha. Gus 'na bhrosnaich sinn fearg an Ti ' àinic.

Tha siun mi-gheanach, fito. Gus 'na bhrosnaich, &c.

 IAIN MAC CODRUM. 155

Se'n Ti phriseil thug uainn e I Claidheamh ruisgt an laimh gach aon fhir,
Chum na rioghachd is buaiue ;
Fearg "nan aodann ' faobhar gleois orr',
O Chriosda, cum suas duiim na bràithrean. lad cho niniheil ris an iolair.

O Chriosda, cum suas, &c. 'S iad cho frioghail ris na lecghainn.

Note The pnet laments the untimely death of five or Cha mhòr a thionnal nan daoin' ud
six of the M' Donalds of Slate. Sir Alexander died, a
young man, and his son, the amiable and accom-
Bha ri fhaotainn san Hoinn Eòrpa.
in 174b";
plished Sir James, died at Home in ITtifi, aged 2b. This Bha iad fearrail 'an am caonnaig,
family prudently avoided committing themselves in the Gu fuileach, faobharrach, Btrbiceach.
rebellion of 17+5; but the bard appears to have been a
thorough Jacobite.
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

MOLADH CHLANN-DOMHNUILL. Bha iad treubhach, fearail, foinnidh,

Gu neo-lomara mu 'n stl ras.

Air fonn— " Oran a ghunna da' b' ainm an spàinteach. Bha iad cunbhalach 'nan gealladh,
Gun Iheall, gun charachd, gun roidean.
Tapadu leat, a Dbo'ill 'Ic-Fhioniilaidh, Ge de dh-iarrta nuas an sinnsir,
Dhùisg thu mi ie pàirt de d' chumhradh. O mhullach an ciun gu'm bri gan,
Air bheagan eùlais san dùthaich, 'N donas cron a bha ri inns' orr',
Tha cunutas gur gille còir thu. Ach an rioghalachd mar sheùrsa.
Chair thu do chomaine romhad,
'S feairde do ghnothach an c'imhnuidh Ach ma mhol thu ar daoin* uaisle,
'S cinnteach gar a leat ar baidse : C'uim nach de luaidh thu Mac-Dhòmhnuill ?

'S leat ar cairdeas 'm tad a's b".ù thu. Aon Mliac Dhè bhi air na hhuachaill'
G'aghleidheadh huan duinn 'na bheù-shlaintc !

Mhol thu ar daoine 's ar fearann, On 's curaidh a choisneas buaidh e,

Ar mnaithean baile, 's bu choir dhut. Leanas ri dhualchas 'an còmhnuidh,

Cha d'rinn thu di-chuimhn' no mearachd ;
Nach deachaidh neach riamh -na thuasaid
Mhol thu gach sean is gach ùg dhiubh. Rinn dad buannachd air an comh-stri.
Mhol thu 'n uaisleau, mhol thu 'n islean.
Dh-fhag thu shios air an aon dùigh iad. C'ait an dh-fhag thu Mac 'Ic- Ailein
Na bheil de 'n ealaiu ri chluinntiun, 'Nuair a thionaileadh e mhùr-shluagh,
Cha chion dicheil a dh-fhag sgòd oirr'. Na fir chrodha bu mbòr alia,
Ri linn Alasdair 's Mhontròis?
Teaunadb ri moladh ar daoine, 'S mairg a dhùisgeadh ruinn bhur n-aisith
Cha robh e saoirbheach air aon d'.igh ;
No thionndadh taobh ascaoin bhur clei.ca,

An gleus, 'an gaisge 's 'an teùmachd, Ge b'e sùil a bhiodh 'gan amharc
Air aon aobhar thig 'nan còdhail Cromadh sios gu abhainn Lòchaidh.
Nochdadb an eudann ri gradan
Cha robh gaiseadh aims a' phùr ud, Ach ma chaidh tu 'nan sealbhaidh,
CI iii a's pailteas, mais' a's tàbbacbd ; C'uim nach de sheanchais thu air choir iad,

Ciod e 'n cas nach faight' air chOir iad ? Teaghlach uasal Ghlinne-garadh
'S nam tìùraiii o ghleannaibh Chnoideart.
Cha bu mhist' thu mise laimh riut, 'S iomadh curaidh laidir uaimhreach
'An am a bhi 'g aireamh nan couuspuun, Sheasadh cruaidh 's a hhuaileadh stròiceaii,
Gu inns' am maise 's an uaisle, O cheann Loch-Uthairn nam fuar-bheanu
An gaissje s an cruadal 'n am togbhail. Gu bun na Stuaidhe am Mòr-thir.
B'iad sud na fir a bha fear ail
'Philleadh an-seasgair 'an tòireachd, An dh-fhag thu teaghlach na Ceapaich
'S a dh'fhagadh salach an araich 'S mòr a' chreach nach 'eil iad cùmhslan,
Nam fanadh an riàinhaid ri 'n cùmhrag. Dh-tireadh leinii suas 'an aisith
Le 'm piob 's le 'm brataicheau sròile.

Ach nam faiceadb tu na fir ud Mac lain a Gleanna-Cothan,

Hi uchd teine 's iad 'an òrdugh, Fir chothanta n am na comh-stri,
Coslas fiadhaich a dol sios orr", Daoine foinnidh, fearail, fearradha

Falbh gu dian air bheagan stòldachd I Rùsgadh arm a's fearg na'n srònan ?
;
156 SAit-OUAllt NAM BARD GAELACH.
Dh-fhag tho Mac Dhùghail a Latliuni,
(Bu mbuirneach gabhail a chòmhlain,)
Cuide ri uaialean Chinntìre,
ORAN DON TEASAICH.
OH Roino llich 's mhaol na )i-()dlia.
Dh-ihag thu Iarl Antrum a Eirinn
Am foNN — " Daibhidh grhsgach crom ciar."
Riiin an t-euchd am blar na Bùine.
'Nuair a dhlùtliaicheailli iad ri cheile,
'S mise chaill air geall na carachd,
Co chunntadh ieich air Claim- Dòmhnuill ?
Bha eaihir mi-fèin sa cliailleach,
Gu'n tug i dhiom brigh mo bharra,
Alba, ge bu mhòr ri iims' c,
Cul mo chiim a cliuir l'i talainti.
lloinn iad i o thuinn gu mòintich.
M' thuil a's in' l'heoil thug i dhiom,
Fbuair an cbir o làimh Chlann-Dumhnuill,
Choir i cròiian am chliabh,
Fbuair iad a ris an ltòta ;
Be 'n droch codhail domh 'bhiasd,
'S ioma currai mhbr bha innte
Gu robh tòireachd ga diol.
Cunntaidh Antrum ge bu mbì r i.
Sgrìot iad as an naimhdean uile, Chuir i boil am cheann is bu mhbr i,

'S thuit Mac Ghuilbinu san tòireachd. Faicinn dhaoine marbh a's beodha,
Coltas Hector inor na Tròidhe,
Bliuinig iad baile 's leth Alba ; S nan gaisgeach bha 'in leachd na Uòimhe.
'S e 'n claidheamh a shealbhaich coir dliaibh. Cailleach dhuathsach, chrotn, chiar,
lihuinig iad latha cliath Gairbbeacli, Bha làn tuaileis a's bhriag,
Uion au argumaid a cbòmhdach. Chuir mi'm bruailean 's gach iall,
Air bbeagan c Jiiaidh gu trioblaid i 'm fuadach mo cliiall.
'S chuir
;

Thug iad am bristeadh a mòran,

Mac'IU-lain ami le chuideachd, 'S bochd a fhuair mi bhuat am foghar,

'S Lachann cutach Mac-an-Tùisich. 'S mi gun luaigh air buain no ceanghal,
Mo cheann iosal a's mi am laidhe,

Nan tigcadh feum

Seumas, air Sir Bruite tinn a's sgios am chnaimhean.
Gun èireadb iad uile cbmhlath Bha mo chnaimhean cho sgith,

O roinn Ghall-thaobh gu roinn 11«, 'S ged do sgathadh iad dhiom,

Gach thug a ahinnsir còir dliaibh.

fear Gu'n robh am padhadh gam chlaoidh,
Thigeadh Mac-Choinnich à Brathainn, 'S gun traighinn abhainn le mhiad.

Mac-Aoidh Strath- Nàbliair 's diùc Gordon,

'S bochd an t-àite leap' am fiabhras,
Thigeadh Barraich, 's thigeadh Bànaich,
Oh-fhagas daoine t'ada, riabhach,
llothaich a's Sailich a's Uùsaich.
Glagaich lag le fada 'n iargainn,
Gann de dh' fhalt a's pailt de dh' fhiasaig
Ar luchd dàimh 's ar cairdeau dileas
Pailt de dh' fhiasaig gun tlachd,
Dh-eiridh leinne a sios 'au comh-stri.
Chuir am bial air droch dhreach,
Tbigeadh uaislean Chloinne-Lean
Dcoch no biadh theid a steach,
Mu'n cuairt cho daingheann ri d' cliòta,
A dha tlnian innte stad.
lad fo gbruaim 'an uair a' chatha
Cruaidh 'nan lamhan sgathadh feòla, Do chota fàs is e gun lianadh,
Tarruinn spàinteach làidir lìobhar T-òsan rocach air dlnoch fhiaradh,
Sgoilteadh dìreach cinn gu brògan. Caol do choise nochdaidb pliathach,
ionan cho fad ri cat fiadhaich.
Bhuidheann fhuilteach, glan nan geui-laun, Caaan pliathadh gun sùgh,
Thigeadh reiseamid nan Leòdach, l'o'n da Bhleaaaid gu'n liigb,

Thigeadh reiseamid nan Niallach Gur pailt liagh dhaibh no lunn,

Le loingheas lìonmhor 's le seòltaibh, Cba bhean liar dhaibh nach lub.
Foirbeiaich 's Frliealaieb dh-èireadh,
'S thigeadh Claim- lteubhair 'an òrdugh. Bidh do mhuinneal fada, feathach,

'Nuair a dhùisgeadh fir na h-lubhraich, 'S taisnic bean mar chabar cleibhe,

Co thigeadh air tùs ach Tbmaa ! ! Eaagadan glagacb gun spèirid,

Gluinean ri tachas a cheile.
arc several li ills in tlie Highland! which
bote— There Gluinean geura guti neat t,
6lill bear tin- all haunted by the
name Tam-mi-h.Iuhhraich, 'S iad cho ciar ris a chairt,
of them is near Strachur, Lochtinc tide;
One
fairies.
Thu cho creubhi ri cat,
another near Inverness. According to popular belief,
Thomas the Rhymer was captain of the fairy troops. B' fhearr an t-eug gad sgath as.
 tAIN MAC CODRUJI. 157

A bhonaid da uiread sa b abhaist, Aois chasadach gharbh,

Air uaclular currachd nach àluinn ;
Cheann-trom. chadalach, bhalbh,
Cluasan gu'n uireasbhaidh fàsa, Ann an ion 's a bhi marbh
Ceann cho lùm ri cri na dearnaidh. Gu'n speirid ;

Cha be 'n còmpanach caomh, Cha ghluais thu ach mall,

Db-fhag cho lorn mi 's cho maol, Agus cuaill' ann du laimh,
Rinn mo chom mar phreas caoil, Dol mu'n cuairt air gach àllt,
Mar mhac-samhla do'n aog. A's fèithe ;

Cha chuir thu gu briith,

'S cha chumhaidh dhut e,

Bidh tu coltach ri fear misge,
Geall ruithè, no snamh,
Gun dad ùl gun aon mhir ithe,
Chionn nach bi lùghs na d' dha iosgaid,
No leuma,

Bidh tu null sa nail mar chlisnich.

Ach fiabhras, a's cradh

Bi'dh tu d' shiaehahe lag,

Ga t-iarraidh gu has,

gun Ni 's lionmhoir' na plàigh

'S ceann do shithe neart,
Ann ad ghniomh cha bhi tlachd, Nah-Eiphit.
Na d' chus mhio-loiuu air fad. Aois chianail ro bhochd,
Hi caoidh na rug ort,
Neo brigheil gun toirt,

Gun speis thu ;

Do luchd comuinn, a's gaoil

ORAN NA H-AOISE. Fo chomhair an aoig,

Gun chomas a h-aon
i fon'.v —" The pearl of the Irish nation. Diu eirigh ;

Dh-thalbh t-earnais, 's do chuid,

Cha tog mise fonn,
Dh-1'halbh slainte do chuirp,
Cha 'n eirich e leain, Thig ort f'aillinne tuigs',
Tha m' aigne ro thrum A's reasain,
Fu easlain' ;
Thig di-chuimhne, thig bà'chd,
Tha 'n cri tha 'na in' chom Thig diomhanas dha,
Mar chloich 's i na dcann,
Thig ini-loinn do chairdeau
'S i tuiteam le gleanu,
Fein ort.
'S cha 'n eirich ;

Tha 'n gaisgeach nach tiom Aois òghar gun bhrigh

Rinn a' cogadh, 's a' stri, Ga t-fhf'gar gu cill,

Cha 'n fhaigh sinn a chauidh Dh-i'hagas bòdhaig a chinn

Bhi reidh ris ; Ro eitidh,
On is treis' e na sinn, Aois bhòdhar nach cluinn,
Thèid leis-an ar claoidh, Gun toighe, gun suim ;

'S cha teasairg aon ni Gun chàr foghainteach stri,

Fo 'n ghrèin sinn ! No streupa,
Aois acaideach thinn
'S cuis thùrsa gu dearbh Gun taice, gun chli,
Bhi 'g ionndrain mar dh-flialbh, Gun ghaisge, gun spid,
Ar cruitheachd, ar dealbh Gun speirid,
'Sar 'n eugasg, Lan airtneal, a's cràidh
Ar spionnadh, 's ar neart, Gun aidmheil bhi sl.'in,
Ar cumadh, 'sar dreach, Gun neach dha'm beil càs
Ar cur an ann gleachd', Dheth t-tigin.
A's streupa ;

Mar a sgaoileas an ceù Aois ghreannach bhochd thruagh,

Air aodainn an fheoir, 'S measa sealladh, a's tuar,
'S a chaochaileas neuil Maol, sgallach, gun ghruaig,
'S na 'n speuran, Gun dèudaich,
Tha 'n auis a' teachd oirn Roc aodainneach, chruaidh,
Cumhach, caointeach, làn bròin, Phreasach, chraicneach, lorn, fhi
'S neo-shocrach ri Icon Chrubach, chrotach,
An te ud. Gun ghluasad cGurea ;
158 SAK-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.
Aois lobhar nan spioc
Bheir n;i subhailcean dhinn,
 eachunn mac-leoid. 159

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.

Moch madainn shamhrai' am mios fàs nam meas, 'Nuair bhios seillean le Ian shòlas
'Nuair bti ro aluinn leinn sgiamh «ach l u s,j Deilleanachd a measg nan dithean,
Bha cuibhrig, air dhreach criostail de 'n dealt, I
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, 'Nuair bhitheas gach àilean, 's gach doire,
'S ro bhoidheach gach tullach fo bhlà, Le blà uaine fo làn toraidh,
A's nuallanach gach uile spreidh, A's meanglain gach craoibh sa'choille
A' geimnich ri chèil' iad fein, 's an cuid àil. Cromadh fo throm nam uieas milis

An ceann leath dara mios an t-samhraidh, Chualas co-sheirm binn, ceolmhoi , -

'Nuair a's grianaich gach aon ardan, Beagan roimh eirigh na greine,
'S gach fiadhair gu mion-bhreac, boidheach, !
Aig coltas coileich na smeòraich,
Le meilbheig, le iiòinean, 's le slàn-lus. I 'S maighstir mac-talla 'g a bheusadh.
 " —

160 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII.

An sin a chualadh mi'n cheileireachd bitm, Bu nuallanach, binn-ghuthach sprèidh,

Bu curaideich seinn, gu cuimir, *s gu lnath, Geimhich, iad t'hein 's an cuid ail,

Air feadan ga m'fhreagradh, gach seilan sa' bhein Mu innis mballaicb an tùir,
Ann an eirigh na greine, sa' mhadaino di-luaiu. Far am bith 'n t-sobin acb a' las.

B'e sin an ceol caoin gun tuchan, gun sgread, 'Nuair thigeadh am buachaiU a mach,
Gun eislean, na slad UB ehliabh, no na ghob, 'S a ghabbadh e mu chul a cbruidb,
Bu mbilse na binueas nan tend air lad, Mu'n cuairt do Bhad-nan-clach-glaa,

'Nuair ghearradh e lead air deireadh gach puirt. A bhuail' air 'in bu trie am bliochd.

Thigeadh banarach na sprcidhe,

'S iad sin na puirt a
bha binn, mion, bras,
Ballag do nighinn chruinn àliiinn.
Socrach gun ochan, gun chnead,
ri 'n seinn,
Fait clannach, fionn-bhuighe, dualach,
Bu glan sgeimh cudaich an coin, ge bu lag,
Mu'n cuairt da guaillcan gu ('àineach.
'San robh urrad de thlachd, na laidh air a uead.

Shealladh i air leadh na spreidhe,

B'annsa learn na fiodhall, a's piob, 'S dh-eubha<ih i " Buigheag, a's Blàrag,
Bhi taniiill dhe m'aimsir na m'shuidh na choir, Niosag a's Donnag a's Guaillionn,
On aig tha na puirt as tior chanaiche raiiin, Brinne 's an t-Agli-ruadh a's Cisag."
'S a's ealanta seinn gun aou bhuile meoir.
Shuigbeadh i gu comhard cruinn,
Bhcirinn comhairle trà air gach nighin, 's mnai, 'S cuman eadar a dà ghlùn,

Gach gach beartach, a's bochd,

laidir, a's lag, 'S ghabbadh i 'n t-òran gu binn :

lad a uiholadh oid-iunnsaich an coin, gu beachd,

" Thoir am bainne a bho dhonn.
Le h-inutinn cheart, gu h-an-moch, 's gu much.
'Nuair thigeadh an sprèidh a lis,

Dh' Acha-Uladail air Ihudar,

B' òranach, ceolar, claim lain,
Nan suidheadh 1'o'n chrodh gam bleodhan.

Bu bhinne na cuachan an t'hàsaich,

Nuallan nan gruagaicbean boidheach,
MOLADH EAS MOR-THIR. Ann', a's Catriona a's Màìri,
Fionnaghal a's Beathag a's Seònaid.
Eas Mhor-thir sòraidh le d' stoirm,
Bu mhorghalach, gleodhraich do thriall, Lionadh iad gach uile shoitheach,
Bu bharra-gheal lliuch dortadh nam bare, 'S cha b' eagal gu'n traghadh an di,
Bha toirleum le braidhe do chleibh. Ged thigeadh an sltlRgfa Ban radhad,
Gheibheadh iad linntcan tin dibhe ;

Na maoth-linntean tha bàlbh, mall,

Far nach bith saobh-shruth a' leuin,
Gu slamanach, finnc-mheogach, ònach,
'S gile 'n cop ri 'n taobh tha tàmh Mulchagach, minsganacb, bhithach,
Na caineichean ; luinn an t-shlèibh, Muigheach, miosracli, miodrach, cuachach,
Gruthach, uaclidrach, sligeach, Bpaineach.

'S a choille tha timcheall do bhruach,

Bu ruideasach gàmhnan agus laoigb,
Bu cheolmhor ceileireadh ian,
Bu mhigeadeach meinn a's uain,
(in 1 urach air bharraibh nan geug,
B' aigionutacli (iadii agua carb,
'N am do ghrein togail o nial.
A' dlreadh 's tearnadb nan uruacb.

As tSamhradh nar thigeadh am blàthas, B' cbhinn an sealladh o'n tràigh

Bu chubhraidh faileadh nan ròs I^oinggeasa' snainh troiinh na caoil ;

A dh-fhaaadh 's na faaaiohean fraelch, Turadh, a's teas aims gach aird,
Tha 'n taobh-s' d'an eas mheadhrach mhòr. 'S an fhàirge na comh-reidh caoin.
c.l.'.r

'San fhobhar aims a choill sin Crois, 'Nuair stadaimid aig a bhaile
Nam biodh tu coiseacbd na measg, An deighe bhi sgith 's a mhonndh,
Cbitheadh tu croit air gach gas, Bliiodli dull againn ri làn giaina
A lubadh fo chudrom a meat. A aearras Màiri Nic-Cholla.
EACHUNN MAC-LEOID. 1 61
162 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Thaioig Ciunn-Dliiiiliiiuill na'n deigh,
•
Bha leoghann diu sin air chreig ghuirm,
Mar chonaibb confacfa gun bhiadh, Dha'm b'ainm lain Muideartach òg,
I

Na'm beathraicbean guineacb, geur, O'u Cliaisteal thiream, 's o Bhbrgh,

Au guailean a chcile gu gniomh. Deshliochd nan Collaidh bu bhorb colg.

B'.'.luinn, dealbhach, am breidsròil

Air a cheangal ri crann
Thog sean leoghann luath a cheann,
caol,
'S a chas rioghail an JDuntuilm,
An robh caisteal, bradan, a's long,
Dh'a'm bu shcan eireachdas riamh,
Lamh dbearg, iolair a's craobh.
buaidb nan sliabh an càs a chrùiiin.

Bha fraoch os ceann sin gu h-artl'

Ceangailt' am ban- a chrainn chaoil, Thainig an treas leogliann diù
Bha sin ami, a*s leogliann dearg, O'n choiU', 's o gharaidh nam bare,
'S cha bake tearmuinu a chraos. A's dh'ordaich iad pairt dhe'n cuid si
Dhol a thiolaiceadh nam marbh.
Thàirnieadh na sloigh air sliabh Fife,
An coinneamh ri cath a chur,
Fhuair iad brosnacbadh tior mbear, Labkairt.~Sa.n au sin a thagh iad oifigich
an-diadhaidh, an-trocaireacli, an-aobhach, an-
Thug eirigh ]e buirbe na'm fuil : — athach, an-iochdmhor. Agus thagh iad cuid-
eaehd de bhorb, bhrothaeh, bhodach, dha'm
" A Chlannaibli milidh mosgailibh,
b'airm chosanta spaidean, agus sluasaidean, gu
Is somalta, ciau 'ur cadal,
tiolacadh nam marbh, agus gu glanadli na
Teannaibh ri dioladli Chuilodair,
I'll at na Gacban so
h-;iraich. Aonghas amharra a Eigneag— Calum
f'ada.
crosdaa Gruluinn— Eoghann Iargalta a Crasa-
Toisichibh gu h-ardanach,
bhaig— Dughall Ballach à Gallabaidh— Niall
Gu bras, rioghail, moralach,
Eangharra a Haimisgearaidh— agus Domhnull
Gu mear, leumnacb, dearg-chneadhach,
Durrgha a Gearas.
Gu luath-lamhach, treun-bhuilleach.
Gu aigneach, innsginneacli,
Gu an-athach, namhaciach, Chunna' mi Gleann soileir nam,
Gu inion-chuimhneach, dioglialtach, An robh eireachdaa thai- gach glinn,
Gu gruamach, fiata, an-tiòcaireach. B'airde cheileirich', cbeolmhoir' fuaim,
Gun tearmunn, gun mhathanas, Glaodhaich nan cuach os a chinn.
Gun ath-thruas, gun bhuigeachas,
Gun innidh, gun eagal, Theid fargradh feadh Bhreatuinn gu loir;
Gun umhail, gun fbaicill. Eirigh gu feachd fir gu leoir,
Gun fhiamh, gun an-mhisneich, Chi sibh na Gàe'il a' triall
Gun chiuam, gun ghealtachd, Le rioghalaehd mar bu còir.
Gun taise, gun f'haiteachas,
Gun saidealtachd, gun uamliann.
Gun eiseamail, gun umlilachd, iVo/c— The poet was a stanch Jacobite. In this Ode
Gun athadli do llàmhaid he describes what he and many Others in Ins day
DON
earnestly desired, and to which they eagerly
Acli a gabhail romhaibh thoirt iubhair looked, not.
withstanding what ihcy suffered at, and after the battle of
A' coaaadh na cath-laralch."
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
Chuonaio mi air leatb o chaefa the
real sentiments entertained on a subject so near
and dear
Tri leogbainn a b'fharsuinne t ranis to the heart, ami so full of danger to all concerned.
He
Thug iad tri sgairtcan cho aid' therefore makes use of the style and metaphors adopted,
that the poem might be intelligible to those alone
'S gu'n sgain creagan aig mead an glaodh. who
contemplated the dark events of futurity.
 GILLEASRUIG NA CI0TA1G. 163

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 ; 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, Chaill an seannsair a chlaisteachd,
Cha'n aobhar meoghail, ach gruaim, Tha'n gleus air a ghrad leigeadh suas,
E-fein fo mbi-ghean, 's fo thrioblaid, On trie a thainig ceòl taitneach,
Ri iarunn cist' do dh' Iain Ruadh.* Ragha caismeachd mo chluais.
Saoir a' locaradh, 'sa' sàbhadh,
Ceol bu bhlasd' a's bu bhinne,
'S a chulaidh bhàis 'ga cuir suas,
'Dhùsgadh spiorad do'n t-sluagh,
Samhach cadal na corra,
Ceol bu tartaraich' siubhal,
Cha chluinnear tuilleadh a fuaim.
Thionndadh tioma gu cruas :
Ceol mar smeorach a ghlinne,
Chaidh na maidean à òrdugh,
Ceol a's binne na cuach ;
Cha'n aithne dhomh-s an cuir suas,
Meoir gun bhraise, gun ghiorradh,
Tha'n gaothair air stopadh,
l)ian ruith-leumnach, luath.
Tha'n dà dhòs na'n trom-shuain.
Bu sgiolta sealleadh do sheannsair,
Air port, 's air crunn-luath, 's air cuairt,
John M'Quithen, a piper in South Uist. He was a
*
great companion and favourite of the bard. This elegy
Pronnadh cnaparra, lùghmhor,
was composed while the piper was living. Caismeachd shunntach 'san ruaig :
^4 SAR-OBAIU NAM
 GILLEASPU1G NA CIOTAIC. 165

Cha bhi dad a dh'eis oirre, Gu' bhiodh sud ort air do thaohh,
Gheibh i gach ni dh'fhcumas i, Claidheamh caol sa ghliogartaich ;

Ni'u lion aodach a matn-seol d'i, Cha'n eil t'alcag thig o'n tràigh,
'S gu'n dean na speicean crann d'i. Nach cuir thu oarr nan iteau d'i.

Ho-ro, Qc. Thugaibh, $c.

Cha'n easbhuidh nacli bi ballaibh ann, Biodag 's an deach an gath-seirg

Gu cuplaicbean, 's gu tarruinuean, Air crios seilg an luidealaich ;

Tha rbpaichean gun ghainn' agaiun, Bha seachd oirlich oirr' a mheirg,
'S gu'n ceangail sinn gu teann iad. Gur mairg an rachadh bruideadh dh'i.

Ho-ro, fyc. Thugaibh, %e.

Cha'u eil in'inntinn gearanach, A bhiodag 's mios' th' amis an tir,

O'u chuir tliu dhiot an galar ud, 'S a beart-chinn air chrith oirre,
'S ann tha do pbiob na deannal, Chnàmh a faobliar leis an t-suith,
A toirt caithream air ceol damhsaidh. 'S cha ghearr i 'n im na dh' itheadh tu.
Ho-ro, <\c. Thugaibh, §c.

Claidheamh, agus sgàbard dearg,

'Nuair bha thu ann san reiseamaid,
S cearbach sud air amadan,
13u sgairtail, tapaidh, treubhach, thu,
'Ghearradh amhaichean nan sgarbh,
Na h-uile fear a leumeadh ort,

Ghreadadh tu gun taing e.

A dh-fhagadb marbh gun anail iad.
Thugaibh, £c.
Ho ro, %c.

Cha nè deoch bhainne, na mheig,

'Nuair bba thu na t-òganach,
'S cinnteach mi rinii ucsa dhiot;
IJu lionmhor kit' am b'eòlach thu,
Ach biadh bu docha leat nan t-im,
Chuuna' mis' an clòsaidean,
Giobainean nan giigachan.
Ag ùl an Amsterdam thu !

Thugaibh, §c.
Ho-ro, 8[c.

'S iomad farspag rinii thu mharbhadh,

A's sùlair garbh a rug thu air,

A bhlianna sin, mu 'n deach thu 'n arm,

Chuir uibhean sgarbh cioch-shlugain ort.
Thugaibh, §c.

'Nuair theid thu na chreig gu h-ard,

ORAN CNAIDE1L Cluinnear gàir nan iseanan ;

'S mu thig am fulamair a d' dhail,

DO If OliLA LEODACH.
Sathaidh tu do bhiodag ann.
Thugaibh, Qc.

Thugaibli, thugaibh, bo ! bo ! bu ! 'Nuair a theid thu sa' Chreig-bhiiin,

An Doctar Lebdach 's biodag ttir, Cha mhòr do stà 'sua sgorrachan ;

Faicill oirbh san taobh sin thall Cha tig na h-eunlaidh a'd' dh.MI,
i\ach toir e 'h ceann a thiota dltibh. Le fàileadh do chuid drogaichean.
Thugaibh, $c.

Nuair bha thu a d'i'hleasgach òg,

'Nuair a theid thu air an rbp,
Bu mhbrchuiseach le claidheamh thu,
A righ bu mtior do cudthrom air ;

Chaidh Ailean Muillear riut a chòmhraig,

Mu thig an cipean a's a ghruiid,
'S leou e le bloidh spealun thu.
Cluinnear plumb 'nuair thuiteas tu.
Taugaibh, Sfc.
Thugaibh, $c.

Bha thu na do bhasbair c'urr, Bu tu theannaicheadh an tsreang

S claidbeamh-mùr an tarruinn ort, Cha'n bhi i faun mur bris thu i,
An saighdear 's measa th'aig rìgh Deòrs', Direadh 's na h-iseanan a d' sgeith.
Chòmhraìgeadh e Alasdair. Air learn gu'm f'etun thu cuideachadii.
Thugaibh, Qc. Thugaibh, £c.
 "

166 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Cliamharbh tlm urrad ri each, 'Nuair a thoitich iad air baillean,

Ge leathan laiilir mogOT thu ;
Cha robh ini-fhin a' cur cuir dhiom,
'S t-àirm eha diau a bheag a st.à, Gus na mhùigh iad air mo mhuiiinea),
Mur igriobar clàr, na praise loo. 'S air duileaag mo shrbine,
Thugaibh, ,\c. A bhanais, $c.

Note Dr M'Lcod, the subject of this song, was a native An sin 'nuair a dh' eiiich an trioblaid,
of St. Kilila. He was some time abroad as surgeon to a Thainig iad far an robh inise,
Highland regiment, and on his return home he used to go
about in his full uniform, in which the poet thought he Thog iad mi mach thun na sìtig',

made rather an odd figure. Tlieab gu'n ithte beò mi.

A bhanais, fj c.

Tliug iad a mach thun nan raointeau,

BANAIS CIlIOSTAL-ODIIAlR. Mar gun reachadh cù ri caotrich,
'Sam fear nach do sgròb iad aodaun,
I.UINNEAU. Blia aodach ga sbròiceadh.

A bhaiiitis a blia'n Ciostul-odhar, A bhanais, c$c

Ann an Ciostal-udhar, odliar,

A bhanais a bha'n Cios/ul-odhar,
'Nuair thoisich iad air a cheile,
Cha robh otliail choir oirre !
Stradadh na fal' amis na spcuran
Blia 'mis' an ; ite gan eisdeachd,
Thainig fear a staigh ga'un ghriobadh,
'S gun b' t'ibhinn an spurs iad.
Dh-innse gu'n tainig am pigidh,
Fhuaraa botul liotiadh slige,
A bhanais, <J'c.

1bhinn glig a's eiòiian.

> 1 1

A bhanais, Qc. Bhuail iad air a chèile chnagadh,

Leig iad air a cheile shadadh.
Thainig fear a nuas le mi-mhodb, Shin iad air aithris na braide,
Gu e-fcin a chair an ire,
'S air cagnadh nan òrdag,
Thùisich e air bleith nan inean, A bhanais, §c.
Gu mi-fhin a sgròbadh.
A bhanaii, <£c.
Fear ri caoineadh, fear ri aighear,

Aeh labhair mise gu fiadhaich :

— Fear na sheasamh, fear na laidhe,
" Mas e mi-stath tha thu 'g iarraidh, Fear a pògadh bean-an-taighe,
Gur dòcha gu'n cuir mi'n fhiacail, Fear a gabhail drain!
Air iochdar do sgbrnain ! A bhanais, §c.

A bhanais, £c.
Cha robh atin ach beagan diblie,
Srnaointicli mi eiridli 'nam sheasamb, Leig iad a dh-iunnaaidh an cridlie,
On bu glm'i learn a bh) 'g eadradh, Bha fear a's fear aea rithist,
Olc na dlie'gli gu'n d'rinn mi leagailh, '

Gun bhriiidhinn gun chumhradh

'S bhuail mi breab san tòin air. A bhanais, i£c.
A bhanais, i^c.

'Nuair a chaidli na fir gu riasladh, Sin 'nuair a labhair am tìdhleir: —

Gu'n robh ceatbrar dhiu sa ghriosaich ••Chuir >>ibh mo phuirt feadh na fidhle-;
Am (ear bu laige blia e'n iochdar, 'S mis am fear gu'n tig an dilinn,
'S thug iad mlrean beò as. Nach toir sgriob air ceòl duibh."
A bhanais, £c. A bhanais, §•«.
 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
 — — ;

168 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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.

 DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 1G9

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
 : —

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.

LAT II A' B II R E I T II E A N A 1 S.

Am feadh 'ta chuid is mo de'n t-saogh'l 'N sin cruiimichidh gas cas in lamb,
Gun ghaol do Chiiosd, gu'n sgionn d'a reachd, Chaidb cbur san àraich t'ad o cheil ;

Gu'n chreideamh ac' gu'n tig e ris, 'S bidh t'arum mor a measg nan cnàmh,

'Thoirt breith na firiuo air gach neach. Gach aon diu' dol 'na àite fein,

An cadal peacaidh 'ta'd nan suain, Mosglaidli na tireanaich an tiis,

A' bruadar pailteas de gach ni Is duisgear iad gu leir o'n suain,

Gu'n umhail ac'n' uair thig am b;s, An anamaibh turlingidh o ghloir,

Nach meal iad Pàrras o'n àrd High. Ga'n còmh'lachadh aig beul na h-uaigh.

Le cumhachd t-fbacail Dhu tog suas, Le eibhneas togaidh iad an ceann,

An sluagh chum aithreaehais na thrà, 'Ta am am t'uasglaidh oi'ra dlù ;

Is beannaicfa an Dim so do gach neach, Ismar chraoibh-mheas to iomlan blàth,

Biieir seachad c-isteachd dha le gràdh. Tha dreach an Slànuit'lieir 'nan gnùis :

Mo smuaintean talmhaidh Dhe tog suas, Tha obair Spiorad naomh nan gràs
'S mo theanga fuasgail aim mo bheul ;
Air glanadh 'n nàduir o 'n taobh steacb ;

A chum gu'n labhrainn mar bu choir, 'Smar thrusgan glan 'ta umhlachd Chiiosd,
Mu ghloir 's mu uamhuun latha Dhe. Ga'n deanamh sgiamhach o'n taobh 'mach.

Air meadhon oidhch' 'nuair bhios an saogh'l, Dùisgrar na h-aingidh suas an dèigh, 'n

Air aomadh tharais aim an suain ; Mar bhuisdibh gairisueach as an t-slochd ;

Grad dhùisgear suas an cinne-daoin', 'S o il'rinn thig an anama truagh ;

Le glaodh na trompaid 's airde f'uaiin. Thoirt coinneamh uamhasach da 'n corp.

Air neul ro aird ni fhoillseach' fein, 'N sin labhraidh 'n t-auam brònach truagh,
Ard aingeal treun le trompaid mboir; R'a choluinn oillteil, uamhar, bhreun,
Is gairmidh air an t-saogh'l gu lèir, " Mo chlaoidh ! clod aim' an d'eirid. thu
lad a ghrad eiridb chum a mhòid : Thoirt peanaa dùbailt oirn le chèil?

" () cluinnilihs ulle chlann nan daoin, " O ! 'n eigin dònihsa dol aria,
Nis thainig ceann an t-saogh'l gu beacbd ; Am priosan neo-ghlan steacb a'd' cine ?

Leumaibh 'nar beatha sibhs 'ta marbh, Mo thruaigbe mi, gu'n d'aontaich riamh,
Oir nis gu dearbh 'ta Ios' air teachd." Le t-anamiaima brùdcil loin !

Is scididh e le sgal cho chruaidh, "O'm faigh mi dealach' riut gu bràtb !

'S gu 'n cuir e sleibhte 's cuan 'nan ruith ; No 'n tig am has am feasd a'd' choir !

(iad chlisgldh na bhioa marbh 'san uaigh, 'N dl'ÙÌgh teine air do chnaimheaii iaiin !

!"
Is na bhios beo le h-uamhiinn crith. No dlbh-fbeirg Dhe an struidh i t-fbebil

Le osaig (lhoinioiiiiaich a bheil, Eiridb na rìghreao 'e daoine mòr,

An iaogb'1 so reubaidh e gu garg, Gun sinachd gun òrdugh aim Ran h'iimh ;

'S mar dbùn an t-wangain dot 'na ghluals, S cbà'n aitlm'car iad a measg an t-sluaidh,
Grad bhiùchdaidh n uaigh a DÌM a mairbli. O '11 duine thruagh bha ac' na thràill.
 ; !

DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 171

'S na daoine uaibhreach leis nacli b' fhiu, Na beanntan iargalt uach tug seach,
Gu umhlaicheadh iad fcin do Dbia
'n ; An stòras riamh de neach d'an deòin,
O faic anis iad air an glim' Ta iad gu fialaidh taosgadh 'mach,
A' deanamfa ùrnuigh ris gach sliabb : — An iùnmhais leaght' mar abhainu mhòir.

" O chreagan tuitibh air ar ceann, Gach neach blia sgriobadh cruirin an oir,
Le sgàirneich ghairbh de cblachan cruaidli, Le sannt, le dò-bheirt, no le fuil ;

Is sgriosaibh sinn à tir nam be», Lean chaisgibh 'nis 'iir 'n iota mòr,
A eh u in s nach faic sinn glJir an Uain." 'S a oaagaidh òlaibh dheth o'n tuil.

A mach ;is uamhaidh gabhaidh 'tbriall O sibhse rinn 'ur bun do'n t-saogh'l,
An diabhol 's a chuid aingle fein, Nach tig sibh 's caoinibh e gu geur,
Ge cruaidh e 'a èigin teachd a làtb'r, 'N uair tha e 'gleacadh ris a bhàs,
A' slaodadh slilàbbraidb a's a dheigh. Mar dhuine l.'.idir dol do'n eug.

'N sin fi'isaidh rutbadh ami san speur A chuisle chleachd bhi fallain fuar,
Mar fhàir na maidne 'g eil'idb dearg ; Iti mireag uaibhreach feadh nan gleann,

Ag innse gu'm beil Iosa fein, 'Tha teas a chleibh 'ga 'n smùidreadh suas,
A' teachd na dèidh Je latha garbh : Le goilibh buaireis feadh nam beann.

Grad fhosglaidh a's a cheil na neòil, Naich faic sibh 'chrith tha air mu'n cuairt,
Mar dhorus seòmair an aid Righ, 'S gach creag a' fuasgladh ann 's gach sliabh,
Is foillsichear am Breitheamh mbr, Nach cluinn sibh osnaich throm a bliàis,
Le glòir is greadhnachas gun chricli. 'S a chridhe sgaineadh stigh 'n a chliabh.

Tha 'm bogha-frois mu'n cuairt da cheann, An cùrtein gorm tha null o'n ghrèin,
'Smar thuil nan gleann tha fuaim a ghuth 'S mu'n cuairt do'n chruinne-che mar chleòc,
'Smar dhealanach tha sealladh sùl, Crupaidh an lasair e r'a cheil,
A' spùtadh a's na neulaibh tiugh. Mar inheilleig air na h-eibhlean beb.

A ghrian àrd-lòcharan nan speur, Tha 'n t-adhar ga thachd' le neula tiugh,
Do ghloir a phearsa geillidh grad ; 'S an toit 'na meallaibh dubh dol suas
An dealradh drillseach tliig oghnuis, 'S an teine millteach spùtadh 'mach,
A solus inùchaidh e air fad. 'Na dhualaibh caisreagach mu'n cuairt.

Cuiridh uimpe culaidh bhròin,

i Timcheall chruinne so gu lèir,
a'

'S bidh 'ghealach mar gun dòirt' oirr' full, Borb-bheucaidh 'n tàirneanach gu bras ;

Is crathar cumhachdan nan speur, 'S bidh 'n lasair lomadh gloir nan speur,
A' tilgeadh nan reull a's am bun. Mar fhaloisg ris na sluibhte càs.

Bidh iad air uideal ann san speur, Is chum an doinionn ata suas,
Mar mheas air geig ri ànradh garbh ;
O cheithir àirdibh gluaisidh 'ghaoth ;

Tuiteam mar bhraonaibh dh-uisge dlù, Ga sgi ìirs' le neart nan aingle treun,
'S an glùir mar shùilean duine mhairbh. Luathach an leir-sgrios o gach taobh.

Air cliarbad teine suidhidh e, Tha obair na sè là rinn Dia,

'S mun cuairt da beucaidh 'n tairneanach, Le lasair dhian ga cuir 'fa sgaòil,
A' dol le ghairm gu criocli na nèamh, Cia mor do shaibhreas Righ na 'in feart,
'S a'reub nan neul gu doinionnach. Nach iunndrain casgradh nihile saogh'l

O chuibhlibh 'charbaid thig amach, 'M feadh tha gach ni 'an glaic an èig,
Sriith inor de theine laist' le feirg ;
'S a chruitbeachd gu Kir dol bun-osceann,
Is sgaoilidh 'n tail' ud air gach taobh, Teannaidh am Breitlieamh oirne dlù,
A' cur an t-saogh'l na lasair dheirg. A chum gach cuis a chur gu ceann.

Leaghaidh na Dùile 'nuas le teas, 'N sin gluaisidh e o àird nan speur,
Ceart mar a leagiias teine ceir ;
Air cathair a Mhòrachd fein a nuas,
Na cnuic 's na sleibhte lasaidh suas, Le greadhnachas nach facas riamh,
'S bidh teas-ghoil air a' chuan gu loir. 'S le dhiadhachd sgeadaichte mun cuairt.
172 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Ta mile tàirneanaeh 'na laimb, 'N sin togaidh aingeal glormbor suas,
A chum a naimhde sgrios am feirg, Aid bhratach Chriosd dan suaich'neas fuil ;

Is fonn-chrith orr' gu dol an greim, A chruinneachadh na ghlaaia ra choir,

Mar choiii air eill ri )i-am na seilg. 'S da fhulangas rinn dbigh a's bun.

Aitigle gun àireamh tha 'na cluiirt, 1)„» ...'ionnsuidh cruinnichibh mo naoinib,
Le 'n -ml. mii suidhicht' air an High, Is tioi ailibh gach aon den dream,
Chum ruith le òrdughsan gun dàil, A rinn gu dileas is gu dlii,

'S na h-uile àit ga'n cur an gniumh. Le creideamh 's iimlachd ceangal learn.

O ludas thig a n is a lathair, 'N sin tionsgnaidh 'in Dreith' air ciiis an là,

'S gach neach rinn bràithreas riut a'd ghniomh A chum a naimhde chur fo bhiun,
An dream a dh'aicheadh creideamh Chriosd, Is fosglaidh e leabhraichean suas,

Na reic e air son ni nach h'fhiach. Far am beil peacadh 'n t-sluai^h air chuimhn'

A shluagh gun chiall thug miann d >'n òr, Fosglaidh e 'n cridhe mar an ceudn',
Roimh ghloir is eihhneas flaitheas De, Air dhoigh 's gur leir de'n h-uile neach,

'Ur malairt ghòrach falcibh nis, Gach uamharrachd bha gabbail lamli,
'S an sgrios a thug sihh oirhh iein. Air feadh an àrois ud a steach :

'S a mhuinntir uaibhreach leis 'm bu nar, 'N uair chi' an sealladh so dhìubb fèin,
Gu cluinnte cr.'.bhadh dhi 'n'ur te^eh ;
'n Is dearbh gur leir dhaibh ceartas Dhia ;

Faicibfa a ghlùir 's na b' ioghnadh leibh, 'S bidh 'n gruaidh a leaghadh as le uair
Ged dhruid e sihh a riogh'chd amach. Nach lugha cràdh na teine dian.

O Herod faic a nis an Righ, Togaidh an trompaid 'lis a fuaim,

D' an tug thu spid is masladh mor, " Na labhradh a's na gluaiseadh neach ;"
Ga sgeadachadh le trusgan ruadh, Air chor gu'n cluinn gach beag a's mor,
Mai sbuai neas sgallais air a ghloir. A bhreith thig air gach se' rs' amach.

Nach faic thu Breitheamh an t-saoghail gu lei " A

dhaoine sanntach thrcig a choir,
'S mar eudach uime 'n lasair dhearg ; 'S a leag 'ur dòchas an 'or toic,
A' teachd thoirt duais do dhaoine còir, A ghlais gu teann 'ur cridhe suas,
'S a sgrios luchd do-bheirt ami am feirg. 'S a dhruid 'ur cluas ri glaodh nam bochd,

Is thusa Philat tog do shuil, " An lomnochd cba do dhion o'n fhunchd,
'S gu*m faic thu nis' a mùthadh mòr ; 'S do'n acrach thraagh cba d'tbug aibh biadb,
An ereid thu gur h-e sud an Ti Ged lion mi fèin 'ur cisd' de Ion,
A rinn thu dhiteadh air do nihòd ? 'S 'ur treuda' chur a'mòd gach bliadhn'.

An creid thu gur e-sud an eearm, " Ni bheil sihh iomchuidh air mo riogh'chd,
Mun d' lath gu teann an sgitheach gear, As eugmhais firinn, iochd, a's graidh ;

Na idir gur i sud a ghnùis, 'S o reub sibh m' iomhaidh dhibh gu lèìr,

Air na thilg na h-liidhaich sile breun !

Agraibh sibh fein 'nar sarins gu bràtb.

'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 ?

" A nathraiche millteach 's oillteil greann,

Cuiridh o aingle 'mach gach taobh,
Cham ceithir ghaothaibh 'n domhnin mhbir, Cba binu learn ceol 'ur sranntaicb àrd,
A cbuairteachadh gach aon do'n t-sluagh, 'S cba 'n eisd o'r teangaidfa ghobblaich cliù,
A steach gu luatfa a dh'ionnsuidfa 'mhbid. Le driùcfad a phuinnsein air a b.'ur.

Gacb neach a dli' àitich coluinn riamh,

" Is siblis' ilnig fuath da in' òrdaigb naomh,
O'n car ' o'n iar tha nise' teachd, Is leis nach bidiniibu'mn caonih mo theach ;
Mar Igaoth de bhcachaibh tigh'n mil glu'ig, Leia 'in bu bhliadhna suidbe u:òv,
An dciilb dhaibh eiridh 'macb o'n sgcap. Am iiros tabbairt cluais do m' reachd.
 DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 173

" Ciomias a mhealas sibh gu bràth, " An claidhe ruisgte bha laist ga dion,
A'm' sheirbhis sabaid shiorruidh bhuan O laimh 'ur sinnsir Adhamh 's Eubh,
Na cionnas bheir 'ur n-anam gràdh, Rinn mise truaill dhe m' chridhe dhii,

De'n ni da'u tug "ur nàdur fuatb ? 'S a lasair bhiith mi le m' fhuil fein.

"'Luchd mi-ruin agus farmaid mh'ir " Fo dosraich ùrair suidhibh sios,
Ua'n doruinn iomlan sonas chàich, Nach searg 's nach crion am feasd a blath ;

Le doilghios gear a' cnànih 'ur cri, 'S mar smeòraichean a measg a geug,
JIu aoii neach oirbh feiu bheir barr. Chum molaidh gleusaibh binn bhur càil.

" Cia mar a dh-fheudas sibh gu bràtb, " Le 'maise sàsaichibh 'ur siiil,

Làn sbouas àiteach ami an glùir ; Is oirbh fo sgàil cha drùigh an teas,

Far am faic sibhse milte dream, O 'duilleach cùraidh ìdaibh slàint ;

Ga'n ardach' os bhur ceaxui gu mJr? Is bith'bh neo-bbàsmhor le a meas.

" Am fad 's bu leir dhuibh feadh mo riogh'chd, " Gach uile mheas tha 'm Pàrrais De,
Neach b' airde inbhe na sibh fein ; Ta nis gu leir neo-thoirmisgt' dhuibh ;

Nach fadadh mì-run 's farmad cuirt, Ithibh gun eagal o gach gèig,
Teiu' ifrino duibh a'm flaitheas Dè ? A nathair nimh cha tèum a chaoidh.

" Is sibhs' 'an slighe na neo-ghloin ghluais, " A's uile mhiaim 'ur n-anraa fe'in,

'Sgu sùnraicht' thruaill an leaba phosd ; Lan shàsaichibh gu leir 'an Dia,
Gacb neach a thug do m' naomhachd t'uath, 'lobar na tìrinn, iochd, a's graidh,
Ga'n tabbairt suas gu toil na feol'. A mhaireas lan gu cian na 'n cian.

" Mar b' ionmhuinn leibh bhi losgadh 'n teas, " jMòr-innleachd ionghantach na slain t,
'Ur n-uabhair, dheasaich mi dhuibh fearg, Sior rannsaichibh air aird 's air leud,
Leaba dearg theth 'san laidh sibh sios, 'S feadh oibriche mo rioghachd mhòir,
Am brachaibh-lin de lasair dheirg. 'L'r n-eòlas cìocrach cuiribh' meud.

"Ged bheirinn sibh gu rioghachd mo ghlòir, " Ur n-eibhneas, mais' 'ur tuigs', 's 'ur gri.di
Mar mhucan steach gu seùmar rìgh ;
Bitheadh gu siorruidh fàs ni 's mò ;

'Ur nàdur neoghlan bhiodh ga chràdh, 'Scha choinnich sibh aon ni gu bràth,
Le'r miannaibh bàsachadh cbion bidh. Bheir air 'ur n-anam cràdh no leùti.

" Gach neach tha iomchuidh air mo riogh'chd, " Cha 'n fhaca sùil, 's cha chuala cluas,
Teannaibh sibhse chum mo dheis, Na thaisg mi suas de shonas duibh,
Is cruinnichibh seachad chum mo cbli, Imichibh, 's biodh 'ur dearbhachd Fèin,
A chrionach o ua crannaibh meas." Sior-innse sgeul duibh air a chaoidh."

'N sin tearbainidh e chum gach taobh, Ach ris a mhuinntir th'air a chli,
Na caoraich o na gobhraibh lom ; O ! labhraidh e 'na dhiogh'ltas cruaidh,
Ceart mar ni'm buachaille an treud, " A chuideachd nach d'thug gradh do Dhia,
'
N uair chuairtaicheas e spreidh air toui. A chum an diabhuil siubhlaibh uam.

'X sin labhraidh e ri luchd a dheis, " 'S mo mhallachd maille ribh gu bràtb,
" Sibhse ta deasaichte le m' ghràs, A chum 'ur critdh 's 'ur cur gu pian,
Thigibhse, sealbhaichibh an rioghachd, Gluaisibhse chum an teine mhùir,
Nach faic a sonas crioch gu brath. Ga'r ròsdadh ann gu cian nan cian."

" Spealg mise 'n geat' bha oirbhse dùinnt', Mar sgàin an talamh a's a cheil,
Le m' ùmhlachd 's m' fbulangas ro-gheur; 'N uair gabh e teaghlach Chòrach steach,
'S dh-fhosgail an t-sleadh gu farsuinn suas, Ceart laimh riu fosglaidh 'n naigfa a beul,
Am leith-tao'uh dorus uuadh dhuibh fèin. 'S i miannanaich air son a creich.

«' Chum craoibh na beath' ta 'm Pàrrais De, Is mar a shluig 'mhuc-mhara mhòr,
Le h-eibhneas teannaibh steach da coir ;
lunas n uair chaidh 'thilgeadh 'mach,
'S a fearta iongantachgu lèir, Ni slugan dubh an dara bàis,

Dearbhadh 'ur n-uile chreuchd 's bhur leòn. A charbad iathadh umpa steach.
174 SAK-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACU.
San uamhaldfa taobfaaidh iad ri ohèil, '
Ach O ! 'n do theirig tiòcair Dhia !

A ghluais nam beath' gu heucorach ;

S am ]iian c mi gu saogh'I nan saogh'I !

Luchd mhionn a's mort as tianuis-bhreig ; Mo shlabhraidh 'n lasaich e gu bratb !

Luchd misg a's reubainn 's adhaltrais. No glas mo lamli an dean e sgaoil !

Mar choalaig dhris an ceangal teann,

" 'M 'm beul a dh-ordaich Dia chum seinn,
bi

An slabhraidh tba gacb dream loo lòin ;

Air feadh gach linn a chliu gun sgios,
'S an comiinn chleachd bhi 'n caidreamh dlù Mar bhalagan-seididh fadadh suas,
Mar bhioran rùisgte dol nan ere. Na lasraich uain' 'an il'rinn shios '.

Mar leoghan garg fo' chuibhreach cruaidh, " Ged chaidh mo thruaighe thar mo ncart,

Le thoscaibh reubadh snas a glilais ;

Gu deimhinn fein a's ceart mo bbinu ;

An slabhraidh cagnaidh iad gu dian, Ach c'fhada bhios mi 'n so ga m' chri dli,

'S gu bràth cha ghearr am fiaclan phrais. Mu'm bi do cheartas sàitheaih dhiom !

Bidh iad gu siorruidh 'n glacaibh 'bhais, " No 'm bi thu dio'lte dhiom gu bràth,
'S an cridh' ga fhàsgadh asd' le brùn, 'N deach lagh an nàduir chuir air cul ?

Ceangailt air cuan de phronnusg laisd' Mo thruaighe mi 'n e so am bàs !

'S a dheatach uaine tachd an svbii. A bhagair thu air Adhamh 'n tùs?

Mar bhàirneach fuaighte ris an sgeir, " Air sg.'i do dhio'ltais 'm bi thu 'sniomh
Tha iad air creagaibh goileaeh teann ; Suàthain mo bheath' gu siorruidh caol ?

Is dibh-fheirg Dhe a' seideadh 'chimin, Nach leoir bhi mile bliadhn' ga m' losg'

Na thonnaibh buaireia thar an ceaun. As leith gach lochd a rinn mi 's t-saogh'l ?

'N tra dhuineas cadal cruaidh an suil, "Ged lean de dhio'ltas mi gu m' chùl,

Teas feirg 's an-dochas dùisgidh iad ; Cha 'n àrdaich e do chliù. a Dho,
A chnuimb nach bàsaich 's eibhle bed, Mhorachd t-t'hearg
'S cha'n l'hiu dò d' a ehosg.
A' cur an dòruinn shiorruidh 'meud. Air combaradh cho bochd rium I'cin.

Air ifrinn 'n uair a gheihh iad sealbh, " O

Dhia! nach sgrios thu mi gu tur ?
S lùn-dearbbah co gu'n loir iad cis, 'S le d'chumhaclid cuir air 'm anam crioch,
Faodaidh sinn pairt d'an gearan truagh, 'S gu staid na neo-ni lilg mi uait,

Chuir aims na briathraibh cruaidh so sios. Far nach 'eil fulang, smuain, no gniomh.

" O staidb na neo-ni 'n robh mi 'm thàmh, " Ach O ! se so mo thoillt'neas fèin

Ciud uime dh-anlaeh Dia mo ceann !

Is ni'm beil eu-coir buntainn rium ;

Mo mhile mallachd aig an la, Oir dhiiiltmi tairgse shaor de Chriosd,

'N do gabh mo mhathair mi' na broinn. 'S nior ghabh mi d'a fhuil phriseil suim.

" Ciod uime fhuair mi tuigse riamh ? " Mo choguis ditidh mi gu bràtb,
No eiall a's reusan chum mo stiuir? An fhianuis bha ga 'm chàineadfa riamh ;

Ciod aim' nach d'rinn thu cuileag dhiom? An-iochd no eu-coir ami mo bhàs,
Na durrag dhlblidfa aim san Mr? Cha leig i chi.radh 'm i'easd air Dia.

" Am mair mi 'n so gu saogh'I nan saogh'I !

" Aitheanta thilg mi air mo rhùl,
'N no caocbiadb orm gu bratb,
tig crioch A's ruith mi dùrachdacb gu'm sgiins,
Am beil mi nis san t-siorr'a<hd bhuan, Is 'fhianuis foin a' m' chridhe mhùch,
A' snàmh a' chuain a ta gun tràigh ! A' druid' mo shùilc roimh mo leas.

" Ged àireamh uile reulllaneimh, " Cia mend an diogh'ltas tha dhomh' dual
Gach fèar a's duilleacb riamh a dh-fhas, A's leith mo nheacaidli iiambor dàn
Mar' ris gach liraon a ta sa' ehuan, Am peac' thug diVlan do dh-fhuil Cbriosd,
'S gach gaineamh chuairticheas an traigh. '.S a dh-fhàg gun cil'cachd brigh a bh is.

" Ged chuirearn mile bliadhna seacb, " Gidheadh nach 'eil de Bhuadhan fein,

As leith gach aim diubh slid gu loir, Neo-chriochanach gu lcir o chian ?

Cha d'imlch Beach de'n t-aiorr'achd mh'ir, 'S an toir mo cbiont air iochd a's gràdh,
Ach mar gu 'n tòisicheadfa 'n do. i Gu'm fas iad ciiochnaicht' aim an Dia?
 ;

DUGHALL BOCIIANNAN. 175

" An comas dut mo thilgeadh uat Gun àille gun dreach,
Far nach cluinn do chluas mo sgread ? Gun aithne gun bheachd ;

'M dorcbadaa an ifrinn fèin

beil Air duine theid seach 'na dlia.il
Far nach bu leir do Dliia mo staid ? Gun fhiacail 'na dheud,
No teanga 'na bheul,
No slugan a ghleusas càil.

Gun ruthadh 'na ghruaidh

'S e ruisgte gun ghruaig ;

" Ge truagh mo ghuidhe cha'n eisder i, Gun eisdeachd 'na chluais do m' dhàn ;

A's fois no Ix'th cha'u fhaidh mi chaoidh' Gun anail na shròin,

Ach beath' neo-bh;ismhor teachd as ur, No àile de'n fhùid,
Gu'm neartach' ghiùlan tuille claoidh." Ach lag far 'in bu chùir bhi àrd.

Ach stad mo rami a's pill air t-ais Gun dealradh 'na shùil,
O shlochd na casgraidh dhein a nios, No rosg uimpe dùn',
Is feuch cionnas a bheir thu seòl No fradharcri h-iuil mar b' abh'sd.
Do'u dream tha beò nach teid iad sios. Ach durragan crom,
A chleachd bhi san, torn,
A leughadair a'm bcil e fior, Air cladhach' da tholl 'nan ait.
Na chair mi cheana sios am dhhn ?
Ma se 's gu'm beil thig s' lub do ghlun Tha n' eanachainn bha 'd chùl,
Le urnuigh 's aithreachas gun dàil :
— Air tionndadh gu smùr,
Gun tionnsgal no surd air t-fheum
" A dh-ionnsuidh Iosa teich gu luath,
;

Gun smuainteach' a'd' dhàil,

A' gabhail grain a's fuath do d' pheac',
Mu philleadh gu bràth,
Le creideamh fior thoir ùmhlachd dhà,
A cheartach' na dh-fhag thu 'd dheidh.
An uile àith'nta naomh a reachd.

" Gabh
Cha 'n innis do ghnùis,
ris na h-oifigibh gu leir,
A nise co thu,
'S ri h-aon diubh na cuir fein do chùl ;
Ma's righ mo ma's diùc thu fein
Mar Fhàidh, mar Shagart, 'us mar High,
'S iouann Alasdair mor,
Chum slàinte, didean, agus iuil.
Is traill a dhì lòin,

" Biodh eiscimpleir am beach do shul, A dh-eug air an òtrach bhreun.

Chum d' uile ghluasachd 'stiùir da reir,
meadhon dh-ordaich e chum Fhir chlaghach na h-uaigh ;
'S gach slàint'
Bi fein g'an gnàthachadh gu leir.
Nach cagair thu 'm chluais,
Co 'n claigeann so fhuair mi 'm laimh ?

" As 'fhireantachd dean bun a mhàin, 'S gu 'n cuirinn ris ceisd,
'S na taic gu bràth ri d' thoill'tneas fein ;
Mu gnàth mu 'n do theasd ;

'S mas àill leat eifeachd bhi na ghràs, Ge nach fregair e' m' feasd mo dhàn.
Na h-altrum peacadh dàimh a'd' chrè.
'M bu mhaighdean deas, thu,
" Mar sin ged robh de chionta mòr, Bha sgiamhach a'd' ghnùis,
Chum glòir do Thighearn' saorar thù, 'S deagh shuidheach' a'd' shùil da reir ?

Js chum de shonais shiorruidh fein, Le d' mhaise mar lion,

Air fead gach rè a' seinn a chliù." A' ribeadh mu chrì',

Gach òganaich chì'dh thu fein.

Tha nise gach àdh,

Bha cosnadh dhut graidh,
AN CLAIGEANN. Air tionndadh gu grain gach neach ;

Marbhaisg air an uaigh,

mi 'm shuigh aig an uaigh,
'S
A chreach thu do'n bhuaidh,
Ag amharc ma bruaich, Bha ceangailt' ri snuadh do dhreach.
Feuch claigeann gun snuadh air làr ;

Js thog mi e suas, No 'm hreitheamh ceart thu,

A' tiomach' gu truagh, Le tuigs' agus iùil,
Ga thionndadh mu 'n cuairt am lùiinh. Bha reiteach gach cuis do'n t-sluagh
i
176 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Gun aomadfa le pàirt', No m' fear thu bha pòit,

Ach diteadh ga bàa, Gu trie 's an taigh òsd,
Na h-eucoir bba daieheil cruaidh ? S tu cridheil ag ùl nan di am ?
Nach larradb dhut fein

No 'n do reic thu a choir, De fhlaitheanas De,

Air ghlacaid de'n òr, Ach beirm a bhi 'g eiridh a' d' cheann ?

ii dream da 'n robh st^ras pailt?

Is bochdaiun an t-sluaigh, Nach iarradh tu 'cheòl,

Fo fhoirneart ro chruaidh, Ach mionnan mu'n bhòrd,
A fulang le cruas na h-airc. Is feuchainn co 'u dùrn bu chruaidh :

Mar bho no mar each,

•S mar robh thusa fior, Gun tuigse, gun bheaclid,
Ann a t-oifig am binn, 'S tu brùchdadh 'sa sgcith mu'n chuaich i

'S gun d'rinn thu an direaeh fiar ;

'S cho chinnteacfa an ol,

Na 'n duiu' thu bha ghluas'd

'N uair thainig do chrioch,

Gu ceanalta suairc,
Gu measara stuam mu d' bhòrd
Gu *n deachaich do dhìt' le Dia.
;

Le miannaibh do chre,
No n' robh thu a'd' leigh, Fo chuibhreachadli geur,
A' leigheas nan creuchd, 'N am suidhe gu feisd 's gu sògh ?

'S a" deanamh gach eugcail slan ?

A t-ioc-shlaintibh mùr, No 'n geòcaire mùr,

A' deanamh do bhòsd, Bha gionach air Ion,

Gu '11 dìbreadh tu chòir o'n bhàs? Mar choin an am feòlach dearg ;

A' toileach' do mhiann,

Mo thruaighe '
gun threig, Bha duilich a liar,

Do leigheas thu fein, 'S tu geilleadh mar Dhia do d' bholg ?

'N uair bha thu fo eugcail chruaidh ;

Gu'n fhognadh gun stà, Tha nise do bhrù,

Am purgaid no m' plàsd, Da 'n robh thu a' lùb',

Gu d' chumail aon trà o'n uaigh.
De ghaineamh 's do dh' ùir gle làn,
'S do dheudach air glas',

No 'n seanalair thù, Mu d' theangaidh gun bhlas,

A choisinn mor chliù, Fo gheimhleachaibh prais a bhais.

Le d' sheoltaehd a stiuireadh airm ?

Air naimhdean toirtbuaidh, No 'm morair ro mhòr,

Ga 'n cur aim san ruaig, A thachair am dhòrn,
'S ga 'm fàgail nan cruachan màrbh. Neach aig an robh còir air tir ;

Bha iochdmhor ri bochd,

'N robh do chlaidheamh gun bheirt, A' cliithach' nan noclid,
No 'n dh-fhàg thu do neart, Rcir pailteas a thoic 's a nlth ?

'N uair choinnicfa thu feachd na h-uaigh

'N uair b' eigin dut geill', No 'n robh thu ro chruaidh,
A dh-aiudeoin do dheud, A' feannadh do thuath,
Do dh' armailt' de bheistean truagh ? 'S a' tanach' an gruaidh le mil ;

Le h-agartas geur
Tha na durraig gu treun, A glacadh an sprcidh
Ri d' clioliiinn' cur scis, 'S am bochdainn ag cigheach dàll ?

'S a' coisneadh ort feisd gach là ;

Is claigeauu do chiun, Gu'n chridh' aig na daoiu',

'Na gbearasdan dlon, lomadh le li-aois,
'Bh'alt'
Aig daolagan dìblidh 'n lamb. Le 'n claigeannan maola truagh ;

ISbi seasamh a' d' choir,

I'.'iirt a' claodhach' do dheud, (inn bhoineld 'nan dòrii,
A steach ann a' d' bheul, Ge d' tholladh gaoth reùt' an cluas.
'S cuid eile ri reub' do chinas ;

Dream eil nan sgùd, Tha nise do thràill,

Tigh'n amach air do ibùil, Gun urram a' d' dhàil,

A' spuinneadh 's a' rusg' do gfaruaidh. Gun ghearsom', gun mhàl, gun mhbd ,'
DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. U7
 ; ;:

178 SAU-OliAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Mu'n tig ort am baa, " ('cart mar an rùs a ta sa' ghàr',
Nach leig thu gu bràtb, Crion seargaidh bhlà 'nuair t held a bhr.ain ;

Air geata nan gras a steacli. 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,
aig an neacb is isle staid.
AM 15RUAUA R.
Is

" Tha 'smùdan fein 6s ceann gach fold

AlR bhith (iliomhsa ami am shuain
A' bruadar diamhain mar tha ci eh, Is dòruinn ceangailt' lis gach math ;

Bhi glacadh sonata o gach i.i Tha'n rbs a );'is air drisean gear,

Is e ga'm dhibreadh ami's gach àit. 'S an taic' a cheil tha nihil sun gath.

Air leain gun tainig neach am eboir, " Ged fhaic thu neacb 'an aaibbreai met
'S gu'n dubh'rt e rium " Gur gòrach mi,
:
— Na meas a sbùlas bhi tbar chach ;

Bhi smuainteach greim a ghlei'db do'n ghaoith, An tobar 's gloine chi do sbùil,
No fos gu'n lion an saogb'l mo chri. Tha gbrùid na ìochdar gabhail tàmh.

" Is diamhain dut bhi 'g iarraidb sàisr.h, " 'S mu chuireas t-anail e 'na ghluais,

'N aon n't' no'n ait air bith 6> 'n ghrtlin ; Le tarruinn chabhaig suas a'd' bheul,
Cba chlos do d' chorp an taobh so 'n uaigh, Diiisgidh an ruaghan dearg a nios,
No t-anam 'n taobb so sfauainabneaa Dc. 'S le gaineamh lionaidh e do dheud.

" An tra dh'ith Adhamh 'a meas an tùs, " 'S ged fhaic thu neach 'an inbhe aird,
Am peacadh dhriiigh e air gach ni Tba e mar nead am bàrr na craoibh ;

Lion na h-uile ni le saoth'r,

e Gach stoirm a bagra' thilgeadh nuas,
Is dh-thug è 'n saogb'l na bbriste eri\ Is e air luasgadh leis gach gaoith.

" Air sonas 'anma cbaill e choir, " An neach is fearr tha 'n saogb'l a liar,
Mar ris gach solas bha'nn sa gharr' Tha fiaradh eiginn aim 'na staid,
O sin ta 'sbliochd nan deoiribb truagh ;
Nach dean a sheùltachd a's a stri,
Mar nun a mearachd air a mhatlrr. Am feast a dhireachadh air fad.

" Hi meilich chruaidh ta'd ruith gach ni, " Mar bhata' fiar an nghaidh oheil,
'An dull gu 'm faigh an inntinn clos ; A ta o shuidheacb' fein do-chur ;

Ach dhaibh tha 'n saogb'l gnti iochd no truas, A reir mar dhireas tu a bbarr,
Mar mhuime coimbeich fhttair gun tlus. 'S cbo chinnteacb ni thu cam a bhim.

"Mar sin tha iad gun fhois no tàmb, '•

Na h-ludhaich thionail bcag no mbr,
Ga 'n ahrach' glacadh faileas breig Do'n Mhana dhòirteadh orra 'nuas ;

'S a' deoth'l toil .inntinn o gach ni, 'N tra chuir gach neach a chuid's a chliir,

Is iad mar cbiochail scasg nam beul. Cha robh air bàrr no dadum uaith.

" Bidh teanndachd eigin ort am feasd, '

Mar sin a ta gach sonas saogh'lt,
'S do dhòchas faiciuii fuasgladb t Iheum, A ta thu faotainn aim a d' làimh,
An còmhnuidh dhut mar (had do l.'iimh ; Fa ehomhair saihhrc.is, 's inbhe cùirt
Ach gu brath clia'n ffaaigh dhetli greim. Tha caitheamh, cùram agus cr.'idh.

" (
'lii teai;ai:;g t-fhctirhain 's dearhhadh thii, " Ged cbàrn thu òr a'd' shlige suas,
() ilhuil is earbsa cbuir sa' bhreig, Fa chombair fasaidh 'n luaith da reir,
A rinn do mhealladh mile uair, Is ge <lo chuir thu innte ringh'ehd,
'S cbo fhada bhuat an diugb san dè. A mheldh cha clinch i na deigb.

" An ni mho
da'n tug thu miann,
bu " Tha ruilihrionn ionichuidh aig gach neach,
Nach dh-fhag mhealtuinn riamb e searbh'
a 'S ged tha thu meas gur tuille b' fhearr ;

Th, tuille lonaia aim an dùil,

i
Cha d' thoir an t-anabliarr tha'nn an sud,
Na tha'nn an crùn le blii na shcilhh. I
Am I'casd an cudrom a's a' chràdh ;
DUGHALL BOCHANNAN. 179
180 SAIt-OBAIIt NAM BARD GAELACH.
Tha na sruthanan craobhaoh,
 DAIBHIDH MAC-EALAIR. 181

'Sma ghoideas e dlù ort, Faic a chuileag 'ga diteadh

Gun do dhuil bhi r'a thighinn ; Le sionntaibh an n:\duir,
*N sin fosglaidh do shùilean, 'S o na dhibhir i 'n seasan,
'S chì thu chùis thar a mithich ; Gur h-eigin d*i bàsach' ;

Bidh do choguis 'ga d' jihianadh, Faic gliocas an t-seangain,

Mar sgian aim a d' thridhe ; Na thional cho tiàthail,
'S co-ionanu a giùlan, 'S dean eiseimpleir leanail,
'3 laidhe ruisgt' aim an sgitheauh. 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.

LAOIDH MHIC-EALA1R.
Moladh do*n Ti 's airde glòir, Rinneadh leat an duine' ris,

An TÌ ' modha no gach neach ; |

A reir t-iomhaidh chum do ghlòir;
Cruithear an t-saoghail gu luir, i Ach oidhreachd ud gun
chaill e 'n luacli
Da'ii cubhaidh dhuinn geill' air fad. 'S cha'n fhuasgalar i le or.

'S tu rinn an domhan 's na th' aim, 'S tu chuir am fradharc na cheann,
Na cuaintean dombain, 's am fonn ;
Chuir thu fait tro chlaigeaim lorn ;

'S chuir thu iasg g'a altrum aim, Thug thu cluas gu eisteachd dha,
'S thug thu ciall gu ghlacadh dhuinn. 'S gluasad a chuirp o na bhoim.

Rinneadh leaf gealach a's grian, Chuir thu Adhamh an cadal trom,
Thogail fianuis air do ghlòir ;
Chaidh leigh nan gràs os a cheann ;

Cha'n aithiis mi a mile trian, 'S de dh-aisinnbho thaobh do rinn

De chruthachadh an Dia is mo. A bhean, o'n do ghin gach clann.
'S tu rinn na reulltan air fad, Chuir thu e 'n giiradh nan send,
A riaghlachadh gu ceart nan tràth; Far an robh èibhneas a ghràidh ;

Gheall thu maraon fuachd a's teas, Dh-ith a bhean an sin a meas,
Foghar ma seach agus Maht. 'S dh-thuilig i 's a sliochd am bus,

'S tu rinn na h-ainglean air fad, Cha robh a teasargain aig neach,
Tha 'n t-abharsair fo d' smachd gu mùr : O'n a chumhnanta rinn i bhris ;

Air slabhruidh laidir aig do Mhae, 'N trà ruisgcadh an sgeudachadh ceart,
Cumail a neart o theachd oirnn'. Dha chuis na h-cagal an sin.
182 SAR-OBAItt NAM
 HOB DOxNN. 183

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 ni'an druid mo shuil le bàs.

ROB DONN.
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."
 —

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. 187

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 ; but the editor himself admits, that many of his pieces are too indelicate

for publication.

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 DONN US,
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 Nach fhaic sibh fein an speis
Dhuinn eiridh atm an sanntachas, A ghabh na s])euran gu bhi 'g umhladh dha ;

An tri-amh lath' air crioohnachadh, 'N uair sheas an reannag Shoillseach,

De dhara mios a' gheamhraidh dhuinn ;
Anns an line an robhsa stiuireadh k-is ;

Dean'maid comuiin fàilteach riut, An comhar' bh' aig ar Slinuighear,

Gu bruidhneach, gàireach, òranach, Ro Theiirlach thigh'n do 'n duthaich so,

Gu butalach, copach, stòpaiiach, 'N uair chaidh na daoine ciallach ud

Le cruit, le ceòl, 's le damhsaireachd. G' a iarraidh gu Jerusalem.

Dean'maid comunn fàilteach A nis, a Theàrlaich Stiùbhairt,

Ris an là thug thun an t-saoghail thu ;

Na 'in biodh an crun a th' air Seòras ort,

Olamaid deoch-sli'.inte nis Bu lionmhor againn euirtearan,

An t-Seumais òig o 'n d' inntrig thu A' caitheamh ghùn is chleoeaichean ;
;

Le taing a thoirt do 'n Ard Righ shuns, Tha m' athchuing ris an Ti sin,
Gu 'n d' fhuair do mhàthair lìobhraigeadh,
Aig am beil gach ni ri òrduchadh.

Dheth h-aou hha do na Gà'èil,

Gn 'n teàrnadh e o 'n cheilg ac' thu,

Mar bha Dàibhidh do chlainn Israeil.

'S gu 'n cuir e 'n seilbh do chùrach thu.

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.

ORAN NAN CASAGAN DUBHA.
Bha daoine measail, miadhail oirnn,
'S bha uracil ni a' sealbhach' oirnn, [A rinu am bàrd 'n uair chual' e gu 'n do bhacadh an
t-èideadli Gàelach le lagh na rloghachd ; agus muinntir
Bha barran troma tir' againn,
a dhùthcha fein bhi uile air taobh righ Deòrsa 's a'
Bha toradh frith' a's fairg' againn. bhliadlma 1745 ]

An diugh, an diugh, gur cuiinhne learn,

Lamh' Dhe leinn, adhaoinc,
Air piling nach còir a dhearmad ort, C uime chaochail sibh fasau,
]\lu bhreith a' phrionnsa riòghail so,
'S nach 'eil agaibh de shaorsa,
Dhe 'n teaghlaich dhirich Albannaich :

Fiù an aodaich a chleachd sibh ;

Togamaid suas ar sùilean ris, mo bharail mu 'n eighe,
'S i

Le ùrnuigh dhlù gun chealgaireachd, Tha 'n aghaidh fhèileadh a's osan,
Ar làmhan na 'm biodh feum orra, Gu 'm beil caraid aig Teàrlach,
Le toil 's le eud 's le earbsalaclid. Ann am Pàrlamaid Shasuinn.

Togamaid fuirm a's meanmnadh ris, Faire ! faire !

'
Righ Deòrsa,
Is aithnichear air ardurachd sinn, 'N ann a spòrs' air do dhilsean,
Le latha chumail sunndach leinn, Deanamh achdachan ura,
As leth a' phrionnsa Stiùbhartaich ;
Gu bhi dùblachadh 'n daorsa ;

Gur cal' an àm na h-eigin e, Ach on 's balaich gun uails' iad,

Ar carraig threun gu stiuireadh air ; 'S fearr am bualadh no 'n caomhna,

Thug burr air cheud am buadhannan, 'S bidh ni 's lugha g'a t-fheitheamh,
'S tha cridhe 'n t-sluaigh air dlùthadh ris. 'N uair thig a leithid a risd oirnn.

Cha 'n ioghn.idh sin, 'n uair smuainichear Ma gheibh do nàmhaid 's do charaid
An dualachas o 'n tàinig e ;
An aon pheanas an Albainn,
'N doimhne bh' aim gu t'oghluimte 'S iad a dh-eirich 'na t-aghaidh,
;

Gun bhonn do dh' eis 'n a nàdur dheth, Rinn an roghainn a b' fhearra dhiubh j
Mar Sholamh, 'n cleachdadh reusanta, Oir tha caraid math cùil ac',
Mar Shamson, treiin an liimhan e, A rinn taobh ris na dh' earb ris,
Mar Absalom, gur sgiamhach e, 'S a' chuid nach d- imich do 'n Fhraingleis,

Gur sgiath 's gur dion d' a chàirdean e. Fhuair iad pension 'nuair dh-fhalbh e.
190 SAR-OBAIR NAM
ROB DONN. 191
192 SAR-OBA1R NAM
 ROB DONN. 193

O 'n tha 'n gaol ac air f?:s mar Fhaoilleach,

BANN AIR LONG RUSPUINN. Na bitheadh stri agaibh ri bhì pòsd',

'A seasnihachd inntinn cha 'n 'eil thu ciunteach,
[Sean long bheag, a bha air a càradh le ceannaiciie, bha Rè fad na h-aon oidhch' gu teacnd an lò ;
'n a shean duine, agus a bhrist ioimlie sin ; chàraich e an
long so, le ipruilleacb luinge chaidh abhriseadh ri stoirm An tè a phairticheas riut a càirdeas,
gta.nhraidli air tràigh t'agus do Kuspunn bha 'n ceann. ; Ged tha 'gràdh sud le caiuut a bebil,
i

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
Fo cheann seachduin, thig caochladh fleasgaich,
ranaich mar luchd a chaidh e leathaair a' cheuri siublial.] 'S cha 'n fhaigh thu facal dh'i rè do bhe5.

Seana mharaich, seana cheannaich, Ach 's mòr an nàire bhi 'g an sàrachadh,
Le seana chaileig, 's iad gun sliochd ; Oir tha pàirt dliiubh de 'n inntinn stùlt',
Gun tuar conaich air a' chual chramiaich, Mach o phàrantan agus chairdean,
Is luath rainich air cheud lue'nd. Bhi milleadh gìiràidh sin tha fas gu h-òg ;

Bha sean acair, gun aon taic innt', 31 ur toir i aicheadh do 'n fhear a's fearr lealh',
Air sean bhacan, ri sean taigh ; Ged robh sud craiteach dh'i fad a beò,
Leig an sean tobha gun aon chobbair, Ni h-athair feargach, a beatha searbh dh'i,
An sean eithear air seana chloioh. 'Sgur fearr leis marbh j, na 'faicinn pòsd'.
Bha triùir ghaisgearh gun neaeh caisrigt',
Air dhroeh eistreadh 'n an caul ruith. Faodaidh reason a bhi, gu treigeadh
Gu long Ruspninn nach pàigh cuspunn, An fbir a 's beusaich' a theid 'n a triall ;

An t-seana chupuill nam plàigh rith'. Ged tha e cairdeach, mur 'eil e pàgach,
'Smòr an eis e do fbear pension, Ud ! millidh pràcas na th' air a mhiaun ;

Bha 's na rancaibh fada muigh, Tha 'ii duine suairce, le barraehd stuamachd,
Bhi air chùl fraighneach air stiùir Sine, A' call a bhuannachd ri tè gun chiall ;

Gun dùil sineadh ri deagh chluich. 'S fear rile 'g eiridh, gun stic ach lèine,

'S e cosnadh geill dh'i mu 'n stad e srian.

Mur stuamachd a' cosnadh gruagaich,

'eil

ORAN NAN SUIRIDHEACH.* Och ciod a' bhuaidh air am beil a geall ?
!

Nach mor an neònachas fear an dbchais so,

Fhraramh òg' leis am miannach pòsadh, Gun bhi cnùdach ni 's modha bonn ;

Nach 'eil na sgeùil so 'g 'ur lagail trom ? Fear eile sineadh le mire 's taosnadh,
Tiia chuid a 's diomhair' tha cur an lin dibh, Le comunn faoilteach, no aigneadh trom,
Cha 'n 'eil an trian diubh a' ruigheachd fuinn. 'S ge math na tri sin gu cosnadh aontachd,
Tha chuid a's 1
faighreachail air an oighreachd s' 7 Cha 'n 'eil a h-aon diubh nach 'eil a' call.
O 'm beil am prise a' dol air chall,
War choirean làidir, cur maill' air pàirtidh, Ma tha e pagach, ma tha e sgathach,
Tha barail chairdean, a's gràdh gun bhonn. Ma tha e iiàrach, ma tha e mear ;

Ma tha e sanntach, ina tha e greannar,

Tha fear a' suiridh an diugh air inighean, Ma tha e cainnteach, a's e gun chron ;

Gun bharail iomraill nach dean e turn ;

Ma tha e bòidheach, ma tha e seolta,
Bha i uair, 'a bu chumha buairidh, Ma tha e còmhnard, ma tha e glan ;

A ghuth d' a cluais, a's a dhreach d' a suil.

Ma tha e diombain, ma tha e gniomhach,
An sean ghaol ciunteach bha aig ar BÌODSÌr',
Ud, ud ! cha 'n fhiach le a h-aon diubh sin !

Nach d'fhuair cead imeachdair feadh na dùthch',

Nach glan a dhearbh i, gu 'n deach' a mharbhadh, Ma tha e piigach, tha e gun naire,
'N uair ni i bàrgan, 'nuair thig fear ur. 'Sma tha e sgathach, cha bheag a' chrois ;

Ma tha e gaol ach, tha e 'n a chaora ;

'S iomadh caochladh thig air an t-saoghal,
'S ma tha e faoilteach, tha e 'n a throsg ;
'S cha chan an fhirinn nach 'eil e crosd',
Ma tha e gniomhach, their cuid, '• Cha'n
fhiach e,
Na h-uile maighdean a ni mar rinn i,
Tha 'in fear ud miodhair, 's e sud a chron ;"
Tha fois a h-inntinn an cunnart feasd.
'S ma tha e failligeach ann an aiteacliadh,
An duine treubhach, mur 'eil e sprèidheacli,
" Cha bhi barr aig', is bi'dh e bochd."
A dh' aindeoin eud, tha e fèin 'g a chosg,
'S le comhairl' ghòraich a h-athair dhùlum,
Cù an t-aon fhear air feadh an t-saoghail,
'G a deanamh deònach le toic, 's le trosg.
A tha nis ciunteach gu 'n dean e turn ;

* For the air, see " The Rev. Patrick M' Donald's Col. ;
'S nach 'eil a h-aon de na tha mi 'g innseadh,
lection of Highland Airi," page 17, N'o. 112. i
Nach 'eil 'n a dhiteadh dha air a chùl.
l J4
l
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, ORAN DO'S OLLA MOIRISTON.
Ma 'n aon nearh bha toirt taing.
LUINNEAG.
Binn si tlijii

Searbfi sin o</,

Binn sin uair-eigin,

Srarbh sin bg i

Binn sin uair-tiyin,

'N comnnn so lilt' fhuaraich,
AN DUINE SANNTACH Air an rcibh etirbull gU dliuuineil,
Ge bu ghuanach a sfirbn.
AOUB AH SAOGHAL, A' OEABAK Allt A CHEILE.
A' bhliadhna na caluinn-s',
JL5u gheur am faobhar a ghearradfa an teud,
Bh 1
eadar Dòmhnull 's am Morair,
S> mi-chomainneach thusa, Shaogliail,
S iad mar aon aim an eomuun 's an gaol
;

*S b' abhaist dhut, Ach cia b' e ni bha 's na cairtean,

'S ole a leanadh tu ri daoine Chaidh e feargach oirnn seachad an de
A leanadh riut 'S cò a 's dacha bhi coireach,
Am fear a cheangail sreang gu teann riut,
Na 'm fear a dh-fhagas am baile leis fein ?
Leis a' ghlut; m -eigin, £<
'Nuair tharruinn gach fear aeheann fein
d*i :

'S es' a thuit. Chunnaic mis' air a' bhòrd thu,

Bhliadhna ghabh Sine Ghòrdon an t-àt,
'S cha chuireadh tu t-aodann
AN SAOGHAL.
Ann at: comunn nach slaodadh tu leal ;

Is sibhse tha mar sin, a dhaoine, Ach 'nuair shaoil leat do shorchan,
'S b' abhaist duibh, Bhi cho laidir ri tulchainn a' gheat',
'S ole a leanadh sibh ri saoghal Shliob na bonna-cbasan reamhar
A leanadh ribh ;
Diieth na loma-leacan slcamhuiuii gun tuic
Ged chuir mise sorchan fodhaibh, Binn sin uair-eigin, ,\c.
'S air gach taobh,
Mas sibh fein tha gabhal teiehidh, Dearbh cha ghabhainn-sa iogbnadb
Soraidh leibh ! As an leac so chuir miltean a muigh,
Dhe na corra-cheaniiaich' bhriosgach,
AN DUINE. Aig am faicte "n dà iosgaid air cbritb;
Ach an trostanach tl'eubhach,
O, na gleidheadh tu mis', a shaogliail,
'n Chuireadh ncart a dha shlci.sd' an an sith.
Bhithinn dba do rèir, Ma thuit es' aig an dolus,
Oir tha na h-uile ni a's toigh learn Cia mar sluasas fear eile 's am bith ?
b'o na ghreiu ; Binn sin uair-eigin, &c.
C aim' an leigeadh tu gu dilinn
l\Ii gu pcin,
'S aim tha ceumanan Frcasdail
'S nach "oil fiaitheaa cho prlaeil dhomh Toirt nan ceudan de Uasanan duinn,
Riut fein. Deanamh iobairt de bheagan,
Gu 'm biodh each air an teagasg r' an linn ;

AN SAOGHAL. Ach ma thuiteas fear ailhghearr,

Le bhi Bealltninn ro bhras os a chinn,
S aim bu ch.'iir dhut bin cur t-eolais Cha 'n 'eil fhios again, aea,
Ni bu dels', Co a 's ciontaich an leac no na buinn.
1

Far am biodh na h-uile solas

Binn sin uair-eigin, c^e.
Ni bu treis',
Ged ni mis' an t-umaidh firach Tha mise fein aim an eagal,
Ri car greit, 'G iarraidh fàsairh no eng do mo sliàil,
'N uair a thogras e fein m' fhagail, Is mi falbh air an leacaich,
Leigeam leis. Air an d' fhuair daoine BPaamhach an s.ir ;
 — ;
;

ROB DONN. 197

Ach tha m' earbsadh tre chunnart, Bhuidhean a b' àirde,

Mo gharbh-chnaimhean ulle bhi elan, A bhiodh do chiich ro fheumail ;

Oir ged a th;'irladh dhomh clibeadh, A bhruidhean a b' f'heàrr

Cha 'n 'eil àird' aig mo smigeid o 'n làr. A' tighinn o 'm beul,
Binn sin uair eigin, §c. 'S an cridheachan lc'tii de reuson ;

Chaidh gibhteachan gràis

An duin' ùg s' tha 'n a leigh,
A mheasgadh 'n an gnàths,
Tha mi clàistinii tba tighinn à 'dbe'igh,
'S bha 'u cneasdachd a' fits d' a reir sin.
Fhuair e leasan o dhithis,
Chum gu'n siùbliladh e suidhicbt' 'n actieum;
Ach mu 'n chùis tha d' a leantuinn, Dithis bha 'n geall

Cuiream cùl ri bhi cantuinn ni 's lèir Air gearradh a. bonn,

;

Ach na 'm biodh brigb na mo chomhaiiT, Gach ain-iochd, gach feall, 'a gach eucoir;

So an t-àm am beil SomhaiiT 'n a team. Dà sholus a dh-lhalbh

Binn sin uair-eigin, §c. A earrannan garbh',

Dh-fh;ig an talamh-sa dorch d' a reir sin ;

Ian Mhic-Uilleim 's an t-Srathan, Ge d' tha e ro chruaidh,

Faodaidh deireadh do lathach'-s' bhi searbh, Gu 'n an uaigh,
deach' iad 's

Ged tha 'n aimsir-s' cho sitbeil, Tha cui<l a gheibh buaidh a's feum dheth ;

'S nach 'eil guth riut mu phris air an tàrbh ;

Mar lis gach aon ni,
Chaidh luchd-fàbhoir a bhriseadh, Dh-aithris iad dhuinn,
Nabha 'n dreuchd eadar Ruspunn's amPàrbh ;
Chaidh 'n gearradh a tim an leughaidh.
Am fear a thig le mùr urram,
Gheibh e ceud mile mallachd 's an fhalbb.*
Dithis a bh' ann,
Binn sin uair-eiffin, S(c.
Bu chomhairl' 's bu cheann,

Note.—Dr Morrison, the hero of this song, was for a

Do phobull fhuair àm g' an eisdeachd ;

long time in high esteem and favour in the family of Lord Dithis, bha in bàs
Reay but at length a misunderstanding arising between
; 'N a bhriseadh do chàch,
them, he found cause to leave the family, reflecting, at
Gidheadh gu 'm b' e 'm fàbhor fein e ;
the same time, on the fluctuating temper and unsteady
favour of the great, and repeating the old Gaelic adage, Cha ladurn gu dearbh,
" Is ileamliuinn an leac a tU'aig dorus an taign' m/wir."
Dhuinn chreidsinn 'nuair dh-fhalbh,
Gu 'n d' fhreagair an earbs' gu ldir iad ;

A dh' aindeoin an aoig,

MARBHRANN, B' e 'n cairide gaoil,

'Nuair sgair e o thir nam breug iad.

[Do dhithis mhinistear ro ainmeil 'nan ddthaich, Mr
Iain Munro, Ministeir Sgire Eadarachaoiais, agus Mr
Dòmhnull Mac-Aoidh, Maighstir-sgoile, sgire Fair.] Tha sgeulan r' a inns'

Am fon.n — " Oran na h-aoise." Mu dheighinn na dith's,

'S e mo bheaehd ort, a bhàis,

A 's feumail a bhi sua ceudan ;

Feudaidh mi ràdh,
Gur bras thu ri pàirt,
Cia teumach am bus,
Gur teachdair' tha laidir, treum, thu ;
Nach tug e ach pairt d' a bheum uainn.
An cogadh no 'm blàr,
Ged thug e le tinn,
Cha toirear do shàr,
An corpa do 'n chill,
Aon duine cha tàr do thrèigsinn ;
Bidh iomradh ro bfainn 'n an deigfa orr'
Thug thu an dràsd
Is iomadh beul cinn,
Dhuinn buille no dhà,
Ag aithris 's gach linn,
Chair eaglaisean ban, a's foghlum ;
Na labhair, na sheinn, 's na leugh iad.
Is 's fhurasd dhomh ràdh,
Gur goirid do dhàil,
'S gur trie a' toirt beam 'n ar Cleir thu. Sinne tha làthair,
Tuig'maid an t-stràchd-s',
Bhuin thu ruinn garbh, Is cleachdamaid trà air reuson ;

ÌNIu 'n di tli is so dh-fhalbh, Nach faic sibh o'n bha,

'Nuair ruith thu air lòrg a chèil' iad ; An lathachan s' geàrr,
C uimc nach d' fhàg thu Gu 'n ruith iad ni b' flie' rr an reis uiJ

'S mac-samliuil dhuinn iad,

* " Hate dogs their flight, and insult mocks their end "
Johnt. /'an. Hum. WUhet. Ged nach 'eil sinn cho aid,
 i —

198 -SAIL-OB Al It NAM BARD GAELACH.

Anns na nitheanaibfa crabhaidh, leughant' ; A chumhachd a tha
Na earb'maid gu bràth, Cur chugaiun a bhàis,
Gii 'n ruig sin an t-àit-s' Gun teagamh nach paighear 'flitiich dha;
iVIur lean sinn ri pairt d' an ceuman. 'I'ha misneachd a'a bono
Aig neacfa a tha 'n geall,

Tha 'n teachdair »' air tòir Air tagradb na gheall do bhenl dha.
Gach neach a tha bed, Oir 's athair do chlanii
'G an glacadh an cbir no *n eucoif :
A dh' fbeitheas a th' aim,
'S fear-taighe do 'n bhantraich fcine
Na gbeibh e *n a din' in, ;

Cha reic e air òir,

'S e'n Cruithear a th' ami,

Ri gul, no ri deoir cha 'n èiad e.

A bheir gu neo-ghann,

Chi mi gur tiù Na thoilleas sinn aims a' chrentair.

Leis tighinn do 'n chùil,

Gu fear th' ami an clad mar cideadh ;

'Sged dheanamaid dun,

Cha cheannaich e dhuinn, MA It B H It AN N,
Aon mhionaid de dh-ùin o 'n eng sin. DO MHAIGHSTIR. MUROHADH MAC-DHOMIIN (II.7..
IM1.MSJKAR SGIRE DHUKINMS
An dithis so chnaidh, AX DUTHAICH MH!e AOIDH.
Cha rachadh cho luatb,
'S e do bhàs, 'Mhaighstir Murchadh,
Na'n gabhadh tu uainn an eirig ;

Cha leig'maid 'n an ditli's Itimi na h-aitean so dborchadh,

lad as an aon mhios, 'S ged chaidh dàil

ami do mharbhrann,
Na 'm b' urradli sinn diol Ie sendan :
Labhraidh balbhaohd ri ccill.
Ach 's teachdair ro dhàu' Na 'm biodh a' Chriosdaidheachd iomlan,
Thn, tighinn o 's àird,
Cha rachadh di-chuimbn' air t-iomrauh,
Buailidh tn atktaibh 's dèircean
No do ghtiiomharan ionalaid,
;

Cha bhacar It; 'pris,

Ach leantadh t-ìomchan-s' gu 16ir;
Air t' ais thu a lis, Gur h-e chràdh mi 'n am mheanmnadh,
'S tu dh'easbhnidh an aoin mu'n ttid thu.
'S ild luchd-gruidh agus leanmbuinn,
Meud do shaothrach mil *a d' lhalbh thu,
'S lugh'd a luirg as do dhe*igfa ;

Glacaidh tu chloinn Bheir cuid kasuuan buadhach,

A macli bho na bliroinn, bhruaich fasanan t-naghach,
JIu 's faic iad ach soills' air Elgin ; Nach tug daiseachan suarach,
Glacaidh tu 'n Òigh, As na chual iad bhuat Icin.
Dol an coinneamh an òig,
Mu 'm feudar am pòsadh ligheachd. Flor mhasgiill chionn pàidhidh,
Ma 's beag, no ma 's in òr, No stad gealtach le gàbhadh,
Ma 's stan, no ma 's òg, Bhrigh mo bheachd-s' aim an d! naibh,
Ma 's cleachdamh dhuinn cbir no eucoir ;
'S mi nach deanadh, 's nach d' linn :

Ma tha sinn 'n nr bed, Ach na 'in bioilli cninain no stà (Unit,
Is anail 'n ar arbin, Ann a t-alladh chur os aird dut,

Cuirear uilc sinn fo na fcich ml. Co ach mis' (In 'm lui chàra,
'S co a b' fheàrr na thu thoill ?

Bhuidhean mholtach-a' a dh-fhàg sinn,

Tha 'm baa os ar ciiin,
Ged nach urr' iad a chlàistimi,
'G ar glacadfa le tiiin,
'S còir bbi 'g aithria am pàirtean,
'S le fradhrac ar cinn eha k'ir e ;

Gun yun fhoill

fhàbhor, 'a ;

Ach tha giaodh aig' cho cruaidb,

Oir 'a buain' a' ehuimhne bheir bi rda,
'S l; i'm faodadh an sluagh,
Air deagh bhuadhannaibh nàduìr,
A chluinntinn le cluasan reusoin. Na 'n sine criiiim sill B <lh fhàg iail,
Nach dearc aibh a chill, Is coxnh-atri chàirdean \ a roinu.
la liar aig' Co iuil,

\S r. M'.iltnimi le 'shnil gu geur air ;

Bha <!<> ghibhtean-aa làidlr,
An diugh ciixl am filth, Air am meaegadh le gràaan,
Nach bidh'mald air gheàrd, Anns a' phearsa bha àluÌIIU,
'S gu 'n bliuiii e ar nàbuidh 'n dc bhuainn. Lom-làu lie na chèill ;
ROB DONN. 199
200 SAR-OBAIK NAM BARD GAELACH.
ROB DONN. 201
202 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
Anna chaol-mhalai b, chioch-cborracb,
ROB DONN. 203
 ! , ; ; ; ; —

204 SAR-OBAIR NAM HARD GAELACH.

Iain Mhic Eachuinn,

Ma s tusa thug leat i,

Char grabadh air peacadfa

BRIOGAIS MHIC RUAIRIDH. 'S air buaireadh leath'
Ma 's tu a thug leat i,

[Rlnneadh an t-òranso leis a' bhàrd aig banais " Iseabail Cha ruigeadh tu leas e,
Nic-Aoidh," Bigbean lain 'Ic-Eacbalnn, air dbl bhipòsda
ri Iain, mac CbotnnichSutharlain. Bhacruinneach: dbana.
Chaidh t-uair-sa seachad
barrach tluaigh air a' bhanais de dh-uaislean na dùthcba ; Mu 'n d' fhuair thu i.

achair do dh-Iain Mac-1'.'achuinn agus am bird cm amacfa An tf' fhidir, $c.

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
Cbaitriona Nigb'n L'illeim,*
dèigh a' phòsaidh, agus Rob Donn ionndrainn, tliubhairt Dean briogais do 'n gliille,
c ri Iain Mac-Eachuinn, gu 'in b' fhearr cuireadh atboirt 'S na cumadh su<l sgrllinn
do 'n bhard 'n a thràih, no gu 'n ciuinnte Egeula mu
'n bhanais lathast. Bha tios aig lain Mac-Eachuinn, nach
A' tluiarasdal ;

tigeadh am bard air 'ailleas-sa, ged chuireadb e bos air. Ciod am fios nach e t-athair,
An sin chuir na h-uaislean uile, 'n an ainm f'ein, bus air, Thug leis i g' a caitheamh,
agus mur tigeadh a leis an teachdaireachd sin, gu 'n
rachadh iad t'ein uile g' a shireadh. Thàinig liob Donn gu Blia feum air a leitbid,
toileach oir bha mòr speis aig do dh-Iain Mac-Eachuinn,
•
'S bha uair dlietli sin.
's d' a theaghlach, ged thainig eadar iad aig an am sin.

Air an t.slighe dh-ionnsuidh taigh na bainnse, dh-fhoigh-

An d' fhidir, $c.
nich 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
Briogais a' chonais,
—
ten aon rud Gu 'n do chaill " Mac Ruaraidh beag," Chaidh chall air a' bhanais,
gille thainig an cois fTiir na bainnse, a bhriogais, Bu Jeoir
Bu liutha fear fanaid
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 Na fuaidbeil oirr'
dèanta; agus cho luath 's a shuidh e, thoisich e uir a Mur do ghltidh Iain Mac-Din mlmuill,
ghabhail.J
Gu pocan do 'n or i,

Cha rnhli an Us-mhòine

LUIHMBA6. Na luaidheadh i.

An <T fhidir, <$c

An d' fhidir, no '« (Tfhoirich,
No '« cuala sibh,
Co idir thug briogais Mur do ghlèidh Iain Mac-Dliònihnuill,
Mliic Ruairidh leis G u pocan do 'n òr i,

Bha bhriogais ud againn Cha robh an Us-mbbine

An am dol a chadal, Na ghluaiseadh i.

'S 'nuair thainig a' mhadainn Mu Uillcam Mac- Phàdruig,

Cha (Tfhuaradh i.
Cha deanadh i stà dlia,
Cha ruigeadh i 'n àird'

Air a' chruarhan dlia.

Cii.wnii bhriogais a stampadb,
Am A„ d\lhtJir^\c.
meadbon na connlaich,
'6 chaidb Uisdean a dhambs',
Leis na gruagaichean ;
Tha duine 'n Usmhòine
'Nuair db-fbàg a cbuid mis^ i
1)' an ainm Iain Mac-Shcòrais,
Gu'n tug e '11 siii brioagadh, 'S gur iongantas dhomhsu
A dh-iarraidb na briogais, Ma ghluais e i

'S cha d' fhuaii- e i. Bha i cho cumhang

An d' fhidir, frs. Mur <u ii -
e i in magha,
Nacb dean ni 's modha i

Na 'm bitheadb tu làimh ris, Na baarach dha.

Gu 'n deanadh tu gftire, An d'fhidir, \r.
Ged bhidbeadh an siatalg
Na d' chruacbanan ; Na leigibh ri bràigh' e,

Na faiceadh tu 'dhronnag, 'M feadh s a bbios e mar tha e,

'Nuair dh-ionndrain e 'pheallag, Air eagal gu 'n sàraich
*S e coimhead '« gach callaid, An laachair e
'S a' Buaitheachan,
An (f fhidir, '\<: * Bean Iain Mhic Eachain.
ROB DONN.
 ;

20G SAR-OBAItt NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Tha truas aig mo chridhe
Hi seasgaicir na h-ighintl,
Nach taigh Mini ami leigbicb,
OH AN NAN GUEISICI1EAN BE AG A. L'huireas dithis ri chèil' diu.

Air rosN —" Crù nan Gobhar."

Tha mi ro bhuidh.ae/i, SjC,

Ciiukna' mi crannanach, Cuirear do 'n eilean iad,

Cuimir ri ceannaireachd, 'S thugar mir feaiainn dhaibh,
'N Acha-na-h-Annaid, 'S bheir iad an air'
Cur feannag a chuile; Air na gearrain 's a' cheitein ;

Sheall mi le annas air, Air eagal am pronnaidfa

'S shin mi ri teannadh ris, Hi fiodh no ri holla,
Thug mi mo bhoineid dhiom, Tha tub aig a' Mhoralr
'S bheannaieh mi fein da. Ni taigh dhaibh le cheile.
Tha mi ro bhuidheach Tha mi ro bhuidheach, §c.
Air chomhairl' nam breithcamhnan,
Dh-'ordaick gach dithis dhiu
Dhi le aon chcilc
Tha agam-sa tuilleadh

Faodaidh sliochd tighinn

De leithid an fhirionnaich-s' ;

'S air chor a's gu'n cluinnear iad,

An deit/h tia buidhinn so,
Scinneam air scis iad ;

Fathast a bhiikeas
W an ioiujantasfeiUe.
Dbmbnull
Air pòsadh an uraidh
beag biorach,
;

'S tha dithis de 'n thine

Chaidh mi air in' aghairt,
Aig a' mhinisteir t'ein diu.
Is shàraich em' fhoighidJiiD,
Tha mi ro bhuidheach, $c.
Feacbainn a lughad
le

C ait' am faighinn da coile :

Fhuair mi n taigh Choinnich i,

Na greisichean beaga,
C uime gu 'ii ceilinn, Oir 's iad is maoir eaglais,

'S a h-apavan deiridfa Tha dùil ac' mo thagradh.

Cho ghoirid r' a fbèileadh-s'. Air son magaidhnean beumarh ;

Tha mi ru bhuidheach, cj-c. Bithidb mise fo eagal,

'Nuair chluinneas mi 'm bagradh,
To mas a's Doinhnnll, () 'n tbachair mi eadar
Seòras a's Alasdair, An sagart 's an clcireach.
'S coltach i) an colluinn Tha mi ro bhuidheach, $c.

A' cbeatbrar r' a chC-ile ;

B' fheàrr learn tè thapaidh

Tha dùil a'm gur dnilich leis
Bhiodh seachad air leth-cheud,
Mis' chur an cunnart,
Na a iaicinn air leth-trath,
*S gu 'n do chaomhain mi *n ruilean,
Aig fear dhiubh mar chcilc.
'S gu 'm bu mbuileach his l'cin e ;

Tha mi ro bh it id hatch, §C.

'S ma chreideas mi 'm ministeir,
An deigh 's na dh-innis c,
Tha iomadh sgeul eile 'S e 'm moncaidh an uiridh,
Tha againn gu barantach, Mu mhire na 'n Grèibhear.
Naidbeacbd 'g a b-aitbris Tha mi ro bhuidheach, £0.
A bailc Dhan-èideann,

Nach 'eil uile cho Hit'

Ann an oibrichibh freasdail, Tha sgeula r' a h-aithris,

Hi Iaicinn nam peasan Mu Bhaile-na-Cille,

A' maitteadh a cbèile. Gu 'n rohh iad fo iomas

'Ilia mi ro hliuidlitdch, c\c. An uiridh le cheile ;

Am bliadhna n an dithis,

Tha mise fo cbaohdao, E-fein 's an cù buidhe,

Nach urradb ml leasacbadb, Gun trial! ac' gu uidhc
Niitli fhaigb mi aon fear dhio Ach 'n an suidh' aig na h-cilihlcau.
Ni maitse do Chcitidh ;
Tha mi ro bhuidheach, Sjfi,
 ;

ROB DONN. 207

'S bòidheach am baganach

Seòras na h-eaglais,
Chualas na creagan
ORA N.
Toirt freagairt d' a 6igheachd ;

Shamhlaich mi 'no fieasgach ud [Do dh' flicar chaidh a ehòrdadh ìi nighin òig, ach cha
Ris a' gharra-ghartan, bhiodh e toilichte mu 'n tochradli, mur tugadh iad dhà
Cho bìogach r' a fhaicinn,
gamhuinn eile bharrachd air na una iad toileach thoirt
seachad agus air so a dhiùltadh dha, tiirèsg e a leannan.
•

'S cho neartmhor J

r' a èisdeach.
Tha mi ro bhuidheach, cj c.
'Sann a bhuail an iorghuilJ,
Air an t-suiridheach tha 'n so shios,
Tha Curstaidh fo chachdan, Chuir e 'ùigh' air ceile,
Mur bhailich mi 'macan, gu 'n do reitich iad 'n an
'S dioa ;

Gu 'n abrainn an garrari, Shaoil mi f'ein n uair till isich iad,

Ri fleasgach cho treun lis Gu 'n còrdadh iad gun s;;ios ;

Seas thtisa fa 'chomhair, Ach chum àsraidh beag do ghamlminn iad,

Isamhairc a chrodhan, Gun cheangal còrr is mios.
'S an tè thug an drcobhan air,
Thomhais i f'ein e. Sin, 'n uair thuirt a' mhaighdean,
Tha ri mo bhuidheach, Qc. 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.

ORAN NA CARAIDE BIGE. Ciia e sin air aghairt,

'Sarin do Shaghair cliaidh e n lus,

Tha Chuir iad fios 'n a dheighidh,

dithis aims an dùthaich-s',
Tha triall gu dhol a phusadb Thigh'nn air aghaidh arm a cliùis;
;

'S gur beag an t-aodach ùr, 'S e roghnaich es' an tàillearachd—

Ni gùn dhoihh a's limine.
'S i b' fheàrr leis na bhi pùsd' ;

O nach d' fhuair e 'n gamhuinn àsraidb,

Hei tha mo rim dut,
Ged fhaigheadh e 'm bàs de 'n strut.

Ilo, tha mo ran dut,

HH tha mo run dut,
Dh-aithnich mi 's an amharc ort,

A ruin ghiV Tia trcig mi.

Gu robh do thomhas gann,
Chutmaic mi air t-iomchuinn,
Gu robh 'n iom-cbombaiiT 'n ad cbeann
;
Dithis a tha òg iad, 'S nach robh do spiorad diomhair,
Dithis a tha boidheach, 'G a do ghrlosadh 's a' cheart am ;

Dithis tha gun òirleach 'Xuair b' fhearr leat gamhuinn caoile,
A chbrr air a cheile. Na do bhean, 's do ghaol, 's do clil.tnn.
Hci, tha mo run duit, Syr.

H-uile fear a cbi thu,

Ma 'G a do dhheadh air do cbùl,

bhios macan buan ac\
'S gu
Ged leasaich sinn an t-airgead dhut,
'n teid e ris an dual'cbas,
Cuiridb e gu luath Mu cheithir mhàrg 's ni 's mò,
'S e their gach filidh facail
An cù-ruadh as an t-saobhnidh. 1 iut,

Ud, tha mo run duit, ,Jc.

Gu spot chur air do chliù,
Gu 'n d' rijin an gamhuinn bacainn,
Do chontract chuir air cùl. '

Ach ma thiiid a chrùsach,

Sgaoilt' air feadfa na dùtbcha, 'S mis a fhuair mo chàradh,
Thèid prospig ris na sùileati, Leis na fearaibh as gacli taobh,
Tha dùil a 'm, mus lèir iad. A' mbeud 's a bha 'g am iarraidh dbinbb,
Hei, tha mo run duit, Qc. 'S nach b' fliiach leam duin' ach tliu ;
208 SAR-OBA1B NAM
 ROB DONN. 209

Na m taiceadh sibh 'm rleasgachau An uair a fhuair Ceitidh scalladh dheth ris,

Tapaidh a th' agaiim, 'S e thubhairt i t'èin a's t'aoilt oirr'.

Ag iomart nan casan Ged nach 'eil mi 'g a fhaicinn

Mu seach air na maidean, Cho sgiobalt ri p.'iirt,
Le 'iteachau innich 'S aim tha e ni 's fearr na shaoil mi.
A' pilleadh 's a' glagartaich, Gu neartaich an seaibh, or.
Cnap aig a' mhuidh,
'S an t-slinn a' feadaireachd. Cha 'n aithne dhomh nighean,
Tha'ugUle math ruadh, £c. No bean air an fhbd,
A bheireadh d' an deòin an gaol da,
O 'n tha e gu siogaideach, rugaideach, marbh,
Cha bhoe, is cha tarbh, ach laos-boc.
Gu neartaich an seaibh, <$v.

Gu'ra beil a' bliean againn'n a laidhe ri làr,

O R A N FIIAOLAIN. 'S i 'g acain gu bràth a caol-druim
[Sgalag a bh'aig a' bhàrd, air an robh Faolan aca roar
Cha chuir dhiiinn tuilleadh
i

leas-ainm. Cha robh Kaolan ach 'n a chieutair fachanta, A' mhin air a' bhùrn ;

agus b' àbhaist do dh' ingheanan a' bhàird a bhi 'g a tail. Ach dheanadh taobh ri Faolan. i

geadh air a chèile mar leanuan.]

Gu neartaich an seaibh, S^c.

Tha bean-an-taigli' againne

Gu neartaich an seaibh, Leth-cbeitd do bhliadhnaibh,

'>></:/ /cat/air//, an seaibh, 'S tha icho liath ri caora,
An t-abhagan màrbft ud, Faolan. 'S ged nach 'eil fiacaill idir 'n a ceann,
Gu neartaich an seaibh, Cha lughad a geall air Faolan.

'S gu leasaich an seaibh, Gu neartaich an seaibh, S,c.

An t-abhagan màrbh ud, Faolan.

Tha Ceitidh a's Curstaidh, gu briosgant' an cùil,

Thig Ealasaid Mhoràidb,

O 'n tha iad an dull ri daoine j

'Nuair bhios mi beartach,

'Nuair chromas a' ghrian,
O 'n eirthir a nios do 'n dithreabh,
Gu 'n toil' mi dh; ibti gùn, .

Na 'n deanadh iad mini air Faolan.

Oil" chual' i 'n a chagaraich' bheaga aig each,
Gil neartaich an seaibh, S^c.
An t-urram blia ghnà aig Faolan.
Gu neartaich an seaibh, <£c.
Comhairl a bheirinn a nis 01 1 a Fhàdaidh,

Thàinig oirnn Iain

O 'n nach 'eil n.'iir 'na t-aodann,
naidbeachd a nuas,
le
'Nuair ni mi 'n ath chrathadh
Cha chreid mi tiach cual' an sgìr' e,
Gun toir mi dhut greim,
Gu 'n deachaidb uainn Curstaidh
Na 'n leigeadh tu br * *in air Faolan.
Le briosgadb do Chlurraig,
Gu neartaich an seaibh, S^c.
Eagal bhi dlù air Faolan.
Gu neartaich an seaibh, §c.
Shaoil leam nach labhradh e
Mun a' bhuntàt',*
Tha Curstaidh a's Deònadh, Ach bidh e ni's paight' no shaoil leis,
A's Ceitidh nigh'n Debrsa, Na'n tigeadh an donas do 'n bhail-s' 'na dheann,
Is Màiri bhuidh' òg nan caorach, Gu tugainn air cheann da Faolan.
'G an deasachadh mòr, gu leasachadh prùis, Gu neartaich an seaibh, S[C.
A fhreasdal 's gu 'm pòs iad Faolan
Gu neartaich an seaibh, $c\ * The bard and Faolan being one day planting potatoes
in a field near a public-house, some acquaintances of
the former came that way, who went in to have ^oine re.
Tha Curstaidh bheag Dhonn, freshmerit, and took him along with them. Faolan also
followed, and got his "shell," but instead of returning
'S a cridhe ro throm,
again to his work, he went home and told the bard's wife
Air eagal nach crom rith' Faolan; that his master had abandoned the potatoe planting and
Tha Màiri ag ràdh nach dean e dh'i sta, went on the spree, and that he could not work by him-
Nach 'eil e ni 's fearr no caolan self. On K«b returning home at night, Faolan's .--tory was
!
related to him. and befoie supper was ready this song was
Gu, neartaich an seaibh, S[c. composed on him.
 —

210 SAK-OBAIU NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Ceann griomach a bhagair,
nam praban,
Sail inbiogacli
Beul biogach nan cagar 's nam breug.
TUUUS DIIAIBHl* DO DH' AUCAMH.
Ceann griomach, &c.
[Bha Dailihidh so 'n a bhuachaille, agus 'n a àireach,
aig iluiii'nasal àraidh, ami am bail' tile, beagan mhlltean 'S ann tha 'n eachdairidh ghàbhaidh,
bho 'àite fern ; agus 'nuair a bha Daibhidh dol dachaigh
leisan Im agus leis a' chaise, gu mhaighstir, I'huair e air
Nis mu ais-eiridh Dhaibhidh,
bàta ceilpe, bha dol an rathad ; ach 's ann chuireadh leis 'S e tighinn dachaigh 'n a stairneauach treun.
an stoirm iad air tlr ami an Arcamh, 's ged a b' ann 's a' 'S ami tha 'u eachdairidh, &c.
ghrunnd a rachadh Daibhidh, cha deanadh na nàbaidh-
nean mòran caoidh air a shon ]
Leis gach deoch a bha blasda,

Nach cruaidh, craiteach, an t-aiseag, Is iomadh biadh nach do chJeachd e,

A Dhaibidh do dh' Arcamh,
i'huair 'S aim is fearr e 'na phearsa mar cheud,
Dh-fhalbh an càise, 's a' cheilp, a's e-fèin. Leis gaoh deoch, &c
Nach cruaidh, &c.
Dh-fhas e stailceanacb, pùinnseach,
O 'n chaidh a bhàs dheanamh cinnteach, 'S a:m is treis' air gach puitig e,
Shuas mu bhraighe Loch-Uinnseard, Cuiribh 'cheist ris a' mnuaoi aige fein.
Gu'm bu ghàireach gùth niinii as a dhi-igh. Dh-fhas e stailceineach, &c.
O 'n chaidh, &c.

Tha mnathan uaisl' aims a' mhachair,

Thubhairt nigh'n Dho'uill'Ic Fhiunnlaidh,
Ris an t-Siorramh neo-shunndach,
O na chual iad mar thachair,
Chuid bu stuama an cleachdaibh 's am beus.
Dearbh cba mhise an t-aon neacli tha ':i eis.
Tha mnathan uaisl' &c.
Thubhairt nigh'n, &c.

Ma chaill thusa t' fhear impidh, A bhiodh deònach gu 'n tachradh,

Chaill mise m' fhear aon-taigh ;
Gnothuch còir aims na cairtean,

Co nis is fear-punndaidh do 'n sprcidh ? Bheireadh oirnn' dol a dh' Arcamh gu leir.

Ma chaill thusa, &c. A bliio.li deònach, &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. OUAN AN AINM D1TIIIS NIGIIEAN

Mach o acaraich thrailleil, IAIN MHIC EACHATNN.
Bhios a' streup mu do cheairde,
Cha bhi creutair gun chràdh as do dheigh, [TO dhiubh air tighinn dachaigh bho tgoil, agus gun
spèis aice nis. na 'm b' fhlor, do'n dùthafch agiu in tS
Mach o acaraich, &<:. j

cile, nach robh riamh o 'n bhaile, a* moladh na dùthcha.J

Ach ma 's b;'is dut mas tig thu,

\S ann bhios deuchaiiin a ghliorais, Cia b' e dheanamh mar rinn mis',

Aig an fhear bhios cur lie ort le spjis. Bu mfaisd se e gu bràtb,

Dhol do 'n bheinn, an aghaidh m' inntinn,
Ach ma 's has, &c.
Mhill e mi mo shlaint' ;

Sgriobhar sins air a braighe Pairt de m' acain, braigheach Mheirceinn,

••
So am ball'* am bcil Daibhidh, 'S àit gun mharcaid e.

A luetic! na b-eucoir, thig bàs oirbh gu leir." Ach >ji;ii ii a's copraich, 's bà-theach fosgailt',

Sgriobhar sios, &c. 'S graine shop ri lkr.

Sgriobhar suaicheantas Dhaibhidh ;

Cha 'n 'eil sebmar aig High Breatainn,
i 'rami gaibhre, a's càbag, \S taitneich' leam na 'n Cam,
Uotach gleadhrach, a's falhdair geur. Oir tha e uaignidheaoh do ghruagaich,
Sgriobhar suaicheantas, &c. 'S ni c fuaim 'nuair 's àill ;
 : ; ;

ROB DONN. 211

Feur a's coille, blà a's duille,

'S iad fo iotnadh neul,

Is ise le echo, mar na teudan,
MARBHRANN IAIN GHRE,
Seirm gach seis a 's fearr.
EOGHAIBD.

Cha b* àite cùmhnuidh leam air Dhbmhnach,

A bhi *B rùig no 'n earn,
[Agus e air caochladh ann an Siorramachd Phcairt, ai
a shlighe dol dachaigh do Chat.taobh ]
Oir, inur robh strianach ami air bhliadlma,
Cha robh riamh ni b' fhearr ; Tha rogairean airtnealach, trom,
Fuaim na beinne, 's gruaim a' gblinne, 'N taobh bhos agus thall do na Ckrasff,
'S fuathach leam a' ghàir ; O 'n chual iad mu 'n cuairt an Ceann-eiiinidb,
O! cràdh mo chridhe, reubadh lighe, Gudo dh-eug e an Siorramachd Pheairt
'n
An t-àit an tighe 'm feur. Dh-aindeoin a dhreachdan 's a chiall
Cha do chreid duine riamh a bha ceart,
Ciod am fath mu 'n tug thu fuatli sin, Aon smid thainig mach air a bheul
Dona bruachaibb aid ? 'S cha mhò chreid e fèin High nam feart.
Nach fhaic thu fein, 'nuair thig an spreidh,
Gur feumail iad le 'n ;il ? Cha 'n aithne dhomh aon ni cho laidir,
Cha chrailh cridhe, air làrach shuidhe,
'S an t-saoghal-s', ri bàa, gu toirt teum ;
Fuaim na lighe lain, 'N t-strac thug e an dràsd' oirnn air aghairt,
Do 'n gnàth bhi claghach roimh a h-aghaidh, Gun do marbh e fear Rogliaird do leum.
Is fear na deighidh a' fàs.
Tha Sàtan ro bhrònach, 's cha 11 ioghnadh,
Ged fhaigheadh e 'n taon-sa dha fèin,
Na bha firinneach dheth t-amhran, Air son nach 'eil fathast air sgeul aig'
'N fhad bha 'n samhradh blath.
's Fear a sheasas dha 'aite 'na dhèigh.
Itinn e tionndadh oidhehe-Shamhna,
'S bheir an geamhradh 'shàr ;
'S fad a bho chunnacas, 's a chualas,
Duille shuidhicht' barr an fhiodha,
Gur teachdaire gruamach am bàs ;

Dh-fàs i buidhe-bhàn, euid bh' ann an daocb

Gidheadh gu'm beil lis,
'S tha mais' 'n t-Srath' air call a dhath,
Toirt rud-eigin gaoil da an dràad' :

Le steall de chathadh-l.'iir.
Tha dùil ac' an Cat-thaobh 's an Gall-thaobb,
Nach urr' iad a mholadh gu bràth,
Gleidhidh 'n talamh thun an t-samhraidh, Air son gur he fèin thug a' cheud char
Sin a chrann e 'n drjsd, A fear thug cùig ceud car à each.
Beath a's calltunn latha-bealltuinn,
Gealltanacb air fas ;
Sibhse tha mòr agus mion,
Bidh gruth a's crathadh air na srathan,
Sibhse tha sean 's a tha òg,
'S tèirgidh "n caitheadb-làir,
Thugaibh cheart air' air a' bhàs,
Nach grinii an sealladh. glinn a' stealladh,
bhur crog
'Nuair is beartaich' 's is làine ;

Laoigh, a's bainne, 's bàrr !

Oir thig e mar mhèirleach 's an oidhcb',
Ged robh sibh uile cruinn mu na bhbrd
'S barail leam-sa gu 'n do cbaill sibh, 'S cha 'n fheudar a mhealladh le foil],
Air na rinn sibh rhàis ; 'S gu 'n do mheall e Ceann-feadhna nan ròg.
Dhol do shliabh, gun cbur, gun chliathadh,
'S nach robh biadh a' fas ; Rinn deamhnan is triùcairean talmhaidh,
B' fhear bhi folluiseach an Goll-thaobh, ! Election mu chealgair bhiodh trnun,
Na bhi *n comunn ghraisg. I
Co bu staraich', bu charaich', 's bu cbeilgeiih',
Air mo dholladh leis an chonnadh, 'S a b' fheàrr chuireadh lith air a' bhruig ;

Laimh ri bolla fail. |

B' e Satan am breitheamh bu shine,
Da 'm b' aithne gach fine fo 'n ghrein ;

S bharail nach fhaigheadh e leithid,

—
Vote. This is a contrast between the pleasures of a town
b' i

and a pastoral life, as if by two young ladies, (daughters Mar robh e 's na Greadhaich iad fein.
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, up- Bu mhath leam an ciontach a bhualadh.
holding the pleasures of rural retirement. The beauties 'S cha leam duin' uasal a shealg
b' alll ;

of the bard's own native strath are delineated in strains so

'S ged chuireas mi gruaim air a' choireach,
sweet that we have only to regret that he did not more
frequently indulge his muse in descriptive poetry. j
Cba gabh an duin' onarach fearg ;
212 SAR-OBAILt NAM BARD GAELACH.
Tha Cai|.tein Rob Grè Bir a dhiùltadh, Cha'n aithne dhomh neacfa feadh na talmhainn-a
Le breitheanas Prionnsa nan cealg ;
A' choiteir, a' shearbhant, no 'thuath,
Rinn coimeaagadb Reothach a ohumadb, Nacli ionndraineadh Uilleam, as aodaim
Gu uuils' agus duinealas gharg. Oir sbiùbhladh e 'n sgire ri uair ;

Nis o 'n a chual iad gu 'n deach' e,

Tha breugan a's cuir air am fagail, Tha rud-eigin smal air daoin' uails',
Air son nach eil neach ac 's a' nihachair,
Do *n fhear a 's feàrr tàlann $' an inns' ;

Cba cheadaich a' cbùis e do BUàtair, A ghlanas taigh-cac no poit t'huail.

Tha ouoir a's àrdan 'n a ghrid ;

Ge comaaach lain a bhràthair,

Cha 'n fhaigh e an dràsd' chion i aois ;

Acli an sin gheibh e obair an t-Sàtain, M A R B HRAN N,

Ceart comh-luath 's is bus ilo fhear Chrai
]10 THRIUIB SHEANT* FHLEASGAC.H.

[CLANX KHIB TAIGH RI'Sl'l'lNN.]

Latin iubhal skiblie dhomh.

'Nan laidhe so gu h-iosal,

M A R B II RA N N, Far na thioilhlaic sinn an triùir,

Bha fallain, làiilir, inntinneach,

UILL1E.M MHU1LLEIK, AH CEAKD.
'Nuair d' inntrig a' bliliadhn' ùr ;

Cha deach' seachad fathast,

() 'nnair 's a chaidh Uilleam fo 'n ùir,
Ach deich latha dh'i o thus ;—
Gur tearc againn sail tha gun deur,
Ciod fhios nach tig an teachdair-s' oirnn,
Do mhuilleir. a bhrachair, no 'chbcair, na ar dùil?
Ni 's braise
No 'mhnathan ila 'n nòa lilii ri sprèidb ;

Cha nihodha na clamhain a's gaotbair,

Am bliadhna tbìm' bha dithis diubh,
Tha subhach 's an fhoghar-s' 'n a dhèigh ;
Air tighinn o 'n aon bhroinn,
Air son gu 'in buin iomall na cloinnc,
Bha iad 'ji an dà chomrad,
Gach ubh a's gach eireag dhaibh fèin.
O choinnich iad "ii an cloinn ;
Clia d' bhris an t-aog an coniunn ud,
'S glan a tha 'n talamhs-s' 'n a fhàsach, Ged bu chomasach dha "n roinn,
O 'nuair chaidh thu bus o cheann mios; Ach gheàrr e snàith'n na beath-s' ac',
Ge maiseach na macain so dh-fhàg thu, Gun dàil ach latha 's oidhch'.
Cha seas iad dhuinn t-àitse *n an dios ;

'S aim a tha acuinn do cheàirdc, Aon duine 's bean o 'n tàinig iad,
Mar rud chaidh 'n an clàraibh 's an diosg ,
Na bràìthrean ud a chuaidh,
An t-òrd a's am balg lis an teine, Bha an aon bhealha thìmeil ac',
An rusp, a's an t-innciu, 'a an t-iosp. 'S bha '11 aodach de 'n aon chlùimh ;

Mu 'naon uair a bhàsaich iad,

'S giorra mo sgil, na mo dhùrachd, 'S bha 'n nhdur d' an aon bhuaitlb ;

Gu innaeadh <1<> chliù mar is còii' :

Chaidh '11 aon siubhal dhaoine lco,
'S minig a dhearc mi <lo chruinn-leum 'S chaidh 'n sineadh 's an aon uaigli.

Do 'n bite 'in liu chinntich' <lo Ion ;

Sgiathan do chùta fo t-achlais, Bu daoine nach d' rinn briseadh iad,

Is neul an tombac' air do shròin ; Le fioaraohadh do chacb ;

Bhiodh gaoir aig na coin 'g a <lo ruitb, 'S cba mhò a rinn iad aon dad,
Agus mir air <ihroch bhruich aim do dhbin. Ris an can an aaoghal graa ;

A.-li ghineadh iad, a'a rugadh lad,

Air fhad 'a a tbèld ciiù ort a leantuinn, Is thogadh iad, a's dh-fhàs —
Cha 'n urrainn mi chantainn gu lebir ; Chaidh stràc de 'n t-saoghal tharais orr',
•6 tudh-fhuineadh,aghuiteadh, 'aachriathradh 'S mu dheireadh fhuair iad has.
'S tu dh-itheadh, ' a dh-iarradh an còir j

'S tu rachadh do t-aruthan a chlisgeadh, Nach 'eil an guth so labbrach,

'n

'Nuair ghabhadh na h uiagean gu Inn :

Ris gach aon neach againn beò ?

Bu choltach rapaa na seilcheig,

i i
Gu h-àraidh risna seann daoine,
An easgann niu thimchcall do bbiòil. Nacli d' ionnsuich an staid phùsd' ;
 ; ——

ROB DONN. 213

Nach gabh na tha 'nan dleasanas, 'S ni tha cirint' gur heart' chunnairt,
A dheasachadh no Ion, Nach dean duine tha aosd' e,

Ach caomhnadh ni gu falair dhaibh, 'S ged a bheirt' de 'n àl òg e,

S a' falach an cuid òir. 'S tearc tha beò fear a chi e.

Cha chaith iad fein na rinn iad, Dearbh cha b' ionann do bheatha,
Agus oighreachan cha dèan, 'S do dh' i'liir tha f'athast an caomhnadh,
Ach ulaidhnean air shliabh ac', Thionail airgead a's fearann,
Bhios a' biadhadh chon a's eun ; 'S bi'dh buidhean file 'g an sgaoileadli ;

Tha iad fo 'n aon diteadh, Bliios iad fèin air an gearradhj
Fo nach robh, 's nach bi mi fhèin, Gun ghuthan caraid g an caoineadh,
Gur duirche, taisgte 'n t-òr ac', Air nach ruig dad do mholadfa,
Na 'nuair bha e 'n tòs 's a mhèinn. "
Ach Seall sibh fearann a dliaor iad."
Barail ghlic an Ard-Righ— Tha iad lagliail gu litreil,
Dh-fhàg e pàirt de bhuidhean gann,
'S 'n an deibhtearan geura,
Gu feuchainn iochd a's oileanachd,
Js iad a' pàidheadh gu moltacb,
D' an dream d' an tug e meall
Na bhios ac' air a chuile ;

C' arson nach tugta po-rsan,

Ach an còrr, theid a thasgaidh,
Dhe 'n cuid stòrais aig gach àm,
Gur cruaiiih a cheiltinn o 'n fhèile,
Do bhochdan an Ti dheònaicheadh,
Is tha 'n sporan 's an sùilean,
An còrr a chur na cheann ?
Cheart cho dùiut' air an fheumach.
An deigh na rinn mi rusgadh dhuibh,
Tha dùil agam gun Iochd, Leis an leth-onoir riataich-s',

'S a liuthad facal tirinneach Tha na ciadan diubh faomadh,

A dhirich mi 'n ur n-uchd, Leis am feàrr bhi to fhiachan,

Tha eagal orm nach eisd sibh, Fad aig Dia na aig daojue ;

Gu bhi feumail do na bhochd ;* Thig fo chall air nach beir iad,

Ni 's mo na rinn na fleasgaich ud, 'S e ceann mu dheireadb an diteadh,
A sheachduin gus a nochd. " C uim nach tug sibh do 'n bhochd,
Am biadh, an deoch, a's an t-aodach ?''

Note. — Two of these bachelors were somewhat remark-

able, having been born together, bi ought up together, and Ach na 'm b' urrainn mi, dhùraighdinn
died within a night of each other. They were buried in Do chliù-s' chur an òrdugh,
the same hour, in the same grave, and by the same com.
Ann an litrichean soilleir,
pany of men. Their whole study, from their youth, was
to hoard up money, and had much of it hid underground, Air chor 's gu 'm beir an t-àl òg' air ;

which they neither had the heart to use themselves, nor Oir tha t-iomradh-s' cho feumail,
to bestow upon their friends, none of which has yet
been found.
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.

MARBHRANN Fhir tha 'n latha 's an comas,

Ma 's àill leat alia tha fiughail,
DO DH' IAIN MAC-EACHL'INN.
So an ti in mu do choiniieamh,
[An duin' uasal, aig an do thogadh am bird, 'n a An còir dhut greimeachadh dlù ris ;

theaghlaich, o 'n bha e 'n a bhalachan og ; agus bu

duin' e a choisinn a leithid achliù, oa luchd-eolaisairfad, Tha thu 'm batal a' bhàis,
's gu 'n d' aidich iad uile, gu 'n rubh am marbhrann so A thug an t-àrmunn-s' do 'n ùir uairm,
gun mhearachd, agus gu h.àraidh na briathran mu dheir.
Glacadh gach fear agaibh 'oifig,
eadh dheth, 's gu 'n abradh gach neach mar an ceudna a
chluinneadh am marbhrann, agus d' am b' eòl Iain Mac. 'S mo làmh-s' gu 'n cothaich i cliù dhuibh.
Eachainn gu'n robh e ceart J

Oir ged tha cuid a bhios fachaid,

Iain lUhic-Eachainn, o dh-eug thu,
Air an neach a tha fialaidb,
C àit an ttSid sinn a dh-fhaotainn
'S i mo bharail-s' gur achdaidh
Duine sheasas 'n ad fliine,
Bu choir an achuing so iarraidh ;
An rathad tionail no sgaoilidh.
Gu 'in bu luath thig na liunean,
» It is said that a wandering beggar called upon them for Ni chuid a's sine dhinn ciallach,
alms seven days previous to their death, whom they re- Nach dean sinn iobairt do bhith-bhuantachd,
fused to relieve, a circumstance at which the bard hints
above.
Air son til fichead de bhliadhnach'.
 — —

214 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

'"S lionmhor neach bha 51111 soeair,

A ohuir thu '11 stoc le <lo dhtilig,

Agus bath-ghioilan gòrach, MARBIIRANN EOGIIA1NN.
Thionail eblaa le t-cisdeachd ;

Dearbh cha 'n aithne dhomh aon Beach J.U1NNEAG.

Mach o ùmaidhneao sprèidhe,
Nach 'eil an inntinii fo cudthrouo, 'S cian /add, ffurfada,
'S ciun /mlii gu I ''/,
Air son do chuid, no do cheile.
O 'n là bha thufo sheac-thinn,
Gun aim u<j ucuin do lihrhin ;

Fhir nach d' ith mir le taitneas, Ma tha 'n ihn air dol seachad,

Na 'in l>' e<M dut acrach 's an t-saoghal, 'S nach d' rinn thu clcachdudh air choir,

Fhir a chitheadb am feumach, Ged nach dàil dut ach scac/nluin,

Gun an eigh' aig' a chluinntinn ;
Dean droch/hasan a Icon.
B' flieàrr leat punnd dheth do chuid bliuat,
Na unnsa cuid-throim air t-inntinn ; 'S thic thu, Bhàis, cur an ceill dhuinn,
Tliilg thu t-aran 's na h-uisgean, Bhi aior eigheachd ar cobhraeh ;

'S gheibh do shliochd iomadh-fillt' e. 'S tba mi 'm barail mu 's stad thu,
Gu 'n toir thu 'm beag a's am mòr leat ;

'S aim o mheadhon an fhoghair,

Chi mi 'n t-aim-beartach uasa), Fhuair shin rabhadh a dh-fhògbnadh,
'S e Ian gruainain a's airtneil, Le do leum as na cùirtean,
'S e gun airgead '11 a phòcaid, Do na chùil am beil Ebghann.
Air an taigh-ùsda dol seachad ; 'S danjttda. gur/ada, <^c
Chi mi bhantratth bhoubd, dheuri
Chi 'n dèirceacb I an acraia, Ach na 'n creideadh Sinn, Aoig, thu,
Chi mi *n dilleachdan ruisgte Cha bbiodh '11 saoghal s' 'g ar dalladh,
Is e falbh aims na ragaibh. 'S nach 'eil h-aon de sblioehd Adbaimb,
Air an tàmailt leat cromadh ;

'S i mo bharail gur fior sud,

Chi mi 'n cpùl-fhear gun mheas air,

Gur àrd 's gur iosal do sbealladh * ;

Call a ghibhtean chion cleachdaidh,

Thug thu Pelhatn a mòrachd,
Chi mi feumach chion comhairP, 'S an d' fhuair thu Ebghann 's a' Pholladb
A' call a ghnothuieh 's a thapadh. 'N ciun /udu, ijurfada, Qc.
Na 'in bitheadh air' agam t'hiarachd,
Ciod e is ciall do mhbr acain-s',
'11
Tba thu tigh'nn air an t-seòrs' ud,
'S e their iad uile gu loir rium : — Mu 'm beil bròn dhaoine mora,
" Och! nach d' eug lain Mac-Eachuini
'S tha thu tighinn air muiuntir,
Mu nach cluiimtear bhi o.ine ;

Cha 'n 'eil aon 's an staid mheadhein,

Chi mi 'n t-iomadaidh aluaigfa so, Tha saor fathast o dbògbruinn,
'N an culaidh-thruaia cbionn '1 nach be Do nach buin a bhi caitbris,
'S ged e '11 call-s' a tba 'n uaehdar, Eadar IVlham a's Eòghann.
Chi mi buaunacbd nan òlacb ;

'Scianjmto,gurjuda,$ù,
O 'n a thaiabean domfa 'm bliadhnaj

lomadb biadhtacfa nach b' eòl dombi

Tha iad tuiteam mu 'n cuairt duinn,
Mar na rcannagaii riallaiilli.
Mar gu 'm buailt' iad le peilear.
An d(Jigb do 'n ghrian a dbol fo orr'.
Dean'maid nllamh, 's am fuaim so,
Ann ar cluasan mar fharum ;

'S trie le marbbrannan moltach, Fhir a 's lugha measg mòrau,

A bhioa cleachdach 's na dùtbchaibh-a',
An cual thu Ebghann to ghalar?
Gu 'in bi coimeaagadh maaguill,
Fhir a 's mo aims na h-àitean-s',
Tigh'nn a ateach aunt' 'n a bhrùchdan An cual thu bàa mhaighstir 1'elham?

Aib ged robh mis' air mo mbionnaii, ',v cianfada, gur /<"/«, fyc.

Don Ti tba riimail nan diiilean,

Cha do luaiilb 11111 'n duine-s',
' " Pallida mnrs B>qUO pulsnt pede pauperum tabernas,
Ach buaidh a chunna' mo ahull air. Rr>{unii|Ut' tunes." lior. tannin, lib. \. i'ormin \v.
 — —

Ach a chuidheachd mo cbridhe, head, who only observed it just in time to avoid it. He
Nacfa toir an dithis-s' oirn sgathadh used, we may believe, the mildest measures to pacify
Ewen's choler. He related the circumstance afterwards
Sinn mar choinneil an lanntair, to some of his friends ; and, though others frequently
'S an da cheanii a' sior cbaitheamb spoke of it as a good joke, the bard could never indulge,
;

we He spoke
C ;'iit an robb anus an t-saoghal,
are told, even in a smile, upon the subject.
of it with solemnity ; and did not desire to hear the cir-
Neaefa a b' ils' na mac t' athar-a' ? cumstance repeated. Ewen's elegy has been frequently
compared to the well known Ode of Horace, " Sulvilur
'S cha robh aon os a cheann-sa,
acrishi.ms," Sec. ; and had Rob Uonn studied Horace, we
Ach an rìgh bh' air a chathair. would doubtless say that he had at least in view the lines,
'8 cianfada, gurjàda, tjc. " Pallida mors lequo puliul pole,'" &c.*— Memoir. ii-'J.

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 RAN N.
manki d in the simultaneous fall of the high and the low,
the rich and the poor. The use made of the circum.
[A rinn bàrd, air madainn, aim an taigh mimstear
am
stances that led to it exhibits a poet's mind. Hob Dunn 'Shleibhte, air an turus bha c san eilean-sgiathanach.
had heard accounts of the death of Mr Felham, the first
Thainig hard de mhuinntir an Eilein do thaigh a' uihinis-
minister of state. The same day when this intelligence
tear, agus iad ri 'm biadh-maidne. Dh.iarr am ministear
reached him, he took a stroll to the neighbouring moun-
air ranr. a dheanamh air j
—
" Sgiath chogaidh, im, muc,
tains of Durness, in search of deer. He was for that day piomb-thombaca, agus Sagart." Rinn am hard Sgiathan-
unsuccessful ; but judging, as a sportsman can on such " 'S
ach so, mar chithear; agus thubhairt Rob Donn,
occasions, that better fortune might attend him the fol-
bochd dh-fhagthu 'n Sagart," agus anil an liotarinne-fein
lowing morning, instead of returning home he determined
a'n rami mu dheireadh.]
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 THl'IRT AM BAUD SGIATHANACH.
arrived. The bleak dreariness of this spot of itself might
present almost to any mind a striking contrast to all that A' mhuc mar bhiadh,
we deem comfortab.e, social, or desirable in life. Here
was a solitary hut (still standing), where the bard was to 'S an sgiath mar bhòi'd,
pass the night. And here was a solitary man, decrepid in 'S an Sagart nach itheadh an t-im,
old age, stretched on his wretched bed of straw, or heath,
Sparrainn a' phìob 'n a tbòin,
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 THORT KOB DO>'N.
Polham's death, called away from the summit of ambi.
tiou and worldly greatness, contrasted with this indivi-
Bhiadhainn an Sagart gu grinn
dual's state, set our author to the invoking of his muse.
Ewen was unable from weakness to converse, or even to Hheirinn dha 'n t-im air a' mhuic :

speak with the bard, who, kindling a fire for himself, sat An targaid air a làimh chli,
down, and the elegy being composed, he was humming it A*s piob-thombaca'n a phluic !

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
* Regarding this elegy, an anecdote is recorded, which exhibits
concluding lines of which may be thus metrically ren-
the estimation in which it was held by the author's countrymen
dered, though we acknowledge not poetically,
best able to judge of poetic merit. Mr Mackay (7am Mac Each'
uinn) happened to be on a visit to Mr Murdoch Macdonald,
*(
Among men's sons where could be found minister of Durness, when on a Sabbath morning the weather
One lowly, poor, like thee ?
became so very boisterous that Mr Macdonald expressed doubts
And where wide round, whether it were proper to go to church, nr to detain the people by
But kings,
iu all this earth's
more high than He ?"
—
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
Marbhrunn Eogliainn?—it will be
church, and sing to them '

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-
 DONNACHADH BAN. 217

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 ' if it was

he that made Ben-dourain ? ' No,' replied the venerable old man, '
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
 ;

218 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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 NA H-EAGLAISE
It B II 1 C E.*
Air FOKN — " Alusdair u Gleanna-Garadh."
Latha dhuinn air machair Alba, Cha d' fhuair sinn facal comand'
Na bha dh-armailt aig a chuigse, A dh-iarraidh ar nàimhdeau a sgathadh ;

Thachair iad oirime na reubail, Ach com. is sgaoileadh feadh an t-saoghail,

'8 bu ueo-eibhinn leinn a chuideachd 'S cuid againn gu'n fhaotain I'hathasd.
;

'Nuair a chair iad an ratreut oirim,

'S iad 'nar deigh a los ar murtadh,
Sin 'nuair thkinig mise dhachaigh
'S mar deaaamaid team le'r casan,
Dh-ionnsuidh Ghilleaspuig o'n Chrannaich,
Cha tug sinne srad le'r musgan.
'Saim a bha e 'n sin cho i'hiata,
Ri broc liath a bhiodh an garraidh
'S a dol an coinneamh a Phrionnsa, ;

Bha e duilich aim san km sin,

Gu'm bu shunudach a bha sinne,
Nach robh ball aige r'a tharruinn,
Shaoil sinn gu'm faigheamaid eùis dheth,
'Smùr an diubhail na bha dhi air,
'S nach ro dhuinn, ach dol g'a sireadh ;
Claidheamh sinnsireachd a sheanar.
'Nuair a bbuail iad air a cheile,
'S ard a leumamaid a pilleadh,
'S ghabh sinn a mach air an abhainn, Mòran iarruinn air bheag faobhair,
'S dol gar n-amhaich aim sail linne. Gu'm be sud aogas a chlaidheiinh ;

'Segu lùbach, leumnach, bearnach,

'N am do dhaoine dol nan cideadh, 'Sbha car cam ann, aim san amhaich ;

Los na reabalaich a philleadh, Dh-fhàg e mo chruachainse brùite

Cha do shaoil sinn, gus na gheill sinn, Bhi 'ga ghiùlan feadh an rathaid,
Gur sinn fèin a bhite 'g iomain ;
'S e cho tròin ri cabar i'earna,
Mar gu'n rachadh cù ri eaoirich, •S mairg a dh-thairdeadh an robh rath air.

'S iad 'nan ruith air aodainn glinne,

'Sarm mar sin aghabh iad sgaoileadh 'Nuair a chruinnich iad nan ceudan
Air an taobh air an robh sinne. 'N là sin air sliabh na h-eaglais,
Bha ratreud air luclid na Beurla,
Sin 'nuair thaiuig each dhearbh iad 'sa
'S aim daibh fein a b' èigin teicheadh ;

Gu'm bu shearbh dhuinn dol nan cuideachd ;

Ged' a chaill mi aim sail am sin

Se'n trup Ghallda g'an robh ehàll sin,
Claidheamh ceannairt Chloinn-an-Leasdair ;
Bha Coluinn gun cheann air cuid diubh :
Claidheamh bearnach a mhi-ihortain,
'Nuair a thachair ribh Clann-Dòmhiiuill,
'S aim bu choltach e ri greidlein.
Chum iad cbmhail air an uchdan,
Dh-fhàg iad creuclidan air an rèubadh,
'S cha leighiseadh leigh an cuislean.
Am ball-teirmeisg a bha meirgeacli,
Nach d'riun seirbheis a bha dleasach ;

'S beag an diùbhail learn r'a chunntadh,

Bha na h-eich gn cruitheach, sriauach,
Girteach, iallach, fìamhaeh, trùpach ;
Ged' a dh-ioimdrain mi mu fheasgar,

'S bha na fir gu h-armach, fògliluimt', An claidheamh dubh nach d'fhuair a sgùradh,
Air an sonnrachadh gu murta. 'S neul an t-suthaidh air a leath-taobh ;

'S beag a b'f'hiù e'se air luhadh,

'Nuair a dh-aom sinn bharr an t-sleibh',
Is mòran feum againn air furtach, 'S gu'm b'e diuthadh a bhuill-deis e.

Na bha beo bha cuid dhiubh leoint',

'S bha sinn brùnach mu 'na thuit ann. An claidheamh braoisgeach, bh'aig na daoine,
Nach d'riun caonnag 's nach tug buillean,
Dh-eirich fuathas ann san ruaig dhuinn, Cha robh eugas air an t-saoghal,
'Nuair a ghluais an sluagh le leathad ;
'S mairg a shaoraich leis an cuimeasg ;

Bha Priouns' Tearlach le ehuid Frangach, An claidheamh dubh air 'n robh an t-almhleas,
'S iad an geall air teachd 'nar rathad :
Gu'n chrios, gun chrambait, gun duille,
Gu'n roinn, gun fhaobhar, gun cheana-bheart,
* This is the author's first song. S mairg a thàrladh leis an cunnait.
220 SAR-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACH.
 DONNACHADH BAN. 221

'S i mo bheanag ghaolach Le chuid seòlaidhean ;

Nach dean mo mhealladh, Gbeibhte sud ri am

Fòghnaidh dhomh daonnau
i Pàdruig anus a' ghleann,
A dheanamh arain ; Gillean a's coin sheang,
Clia bhifTi n n aodaich
i 1 1 i 'S e toirt orduidh dhaibh ;

Orm
no anart, Peileirean nan deann,
'S chaidh cùram an t-saogliail Teine g'an cuir arm,
A nis as m'aire ! Eilidnam beanu àrd,
Theid a leunadh leo.

MOLADH BEINN-DORAIN. 'Si 'n eilid

Bu ghuiniche sraonadh,
bheag, bhinneach,

Air roN.v—f Puòaireaehd. ni

Le cuinnein geur, biorach,
A sireadh na gaoithe,
Gasganach, speireach,
Urlar.
F'eadh chreachainn na beinne,
Ak t-urram thai- gach beiun Le eagal ro' theine,
Aig Beinn-dbrain !
Cha teirinn 'n t-aonach
i
;

Nh chunnaic mi fo 'n ghrein, Ge d' thèid na cabhaig,

i

Si bu bhòiche learn
; Cha ghearain maothan i
;

Monadh fada, rèidh,

Bha siiinsreachd fallain,
Cuile 'm faigbte t'eidh,
'Nuair a shìneadh i h-anail,
Soilleireachd an t-sleibhe
'S toil-inntinn learn tanasg,
Bha mi sònnrachadh ; Ga' lanngan a chluinntiiin,
Doireachan nan geug,
'Si 'g iarraidh a leannain
Coill' anus am bi feur,
'N am darraidh le caoineas,
S Ibineasach an spreidh,
'S e damh a chinn allaidh
Bhios a cbbmbnaidh ami
; Bu gheal-cheireach feamari,
Greadhainn bu gheal ceir,
Gu caparach, ceannard,
Faoghaid air an dèigh,
A b' f'haramach raoiceadh,
'S laghach learn an sreud
'S e chòmhnuidh 'm Beinn-dòrain,
A bha sròineiseach.
'S e eolach m'a fraoinibh.
'S aigeannach tear eutrom,
'S ann am Beiim-dòrain,
Gun mhòrehuis,
Bu mhòr dhomh r'a innseadh
Theid fasanda na eideadh,
A liuthad damh ceannard,
Neo-spòrsail ;
Tha fanntuinn san fhrith ud
Tha mhanntal uime fèin,
;

Eilid chaol, eanngach,

Caidhtiche nach treig,
'S a laoighean 'ga leantuinn,
Bratach dhearg mar cheir
Le 'n gasgana geala,
Bhios mar chòmhdach air
; Ri bealach a direadh,
'S culuidh g'a chuir èug,
Ri fraoidh Choire-chruiteir,
Duin' a dheanailh teuchd,
A chuideachda phiceach
Gunna bu mhath glèus,
;

'Nuair a shìneas i h-iongan

An glac ùganaich :
'S a theid i na' deannaibh,
Spòr anns am biodh beam,
Cha saltradh air thalamh,
Tarran air a ceann,
Ach barran nan inean,
Snap a bhuaileadh teann
Cò b'urrain g'a leantuinn,
Kis na h-ordaibh i;
A dh-fhearaibh na rioghachd ?
Ochd-shlisneach gun fheall,
'S anaideach, farumach,
Stoc de'n fhiodh gun mheang,
Carach air grine,
Lotadh an damh seang,
A chòisridh nach fh::nadh
As a leònadh e.
Gne smal air an inntin,
'S fear a bhiodh mar cheaird, Ach caochlaideach, curaideach.
Riu' sùjinraichte,
Caol-cliasach, ullamh,
Dh-fhùdhnadh dhaibh gun taing, An aois cha chuir truim' orra,
222 SAR-OBAllt NAM 13AHD GAELACH.
 DONNACHADH BAN. 223
Air dheireadh cha bhi e : Bichiontamu'n cuairt,
Leis an eangaig bu chaoile A bhristeas a' ghaoth tuath,
'Seb' eutruime sinteag, 'S nach leig de'. oirre,
Mu chiiocanaibh donna Am fasgadh doire-chrò,
Le ruith dara-tomain, An taice lis an t-sroin,
'S e togairt an coinneamh Am measg nam faillean òga
13ean-chomuinn o's 'n iosal. 'S nan còsagan.
Tha mhaoisleach bheag bhrannga Masgadh 'n i'huarain mhòir,
Sa' ghleannan a chòmhnaidh, 'S e paillte gu leùir,
'S i fuireach san fhireach 'S blasda le' na'm beòr
Le minneinean òga :
Gu bhi pòit orra.
Cluas bhiorach gu clàisteachd, Deoch den t-sruthan uasal
Sùil chorrach gu faicinn, R'a òl aice,
'S i earbsach 'na casan Dh' i'hagas fallain,
Chur seachad na miiintich :
Fuasgailteach, òigeil i :

Ged' thig Caoillte 's Cuchullainn, Grad-charach ri uair,

'S gach duine de'n t-seòrs' ud,
'S eathlamh bheir i cuairt,
Na tha dhaoine 's do dh-eachaibh, 'Nuair thachradh i'n ruaig,
Air fasta rìgh Deòrsa, 'S a bhiodh tòir oirre.
Nan tèarnadh i craiceann 'Smao-bhuidh daitht' a siiuhì;1>,
O luaidhe 's o lasair,
Dearg a dreach sa tuar,
Cha chual' a's cha 'n fhac i
'Sgurro-iomadh buaidh
Na ghlacadh r'a beò i
;
Tha mar chòladh oirr' ;

'S i grad-charach, fad-chasach, Fulangach air t'uachd,

Aigeannaoh, neonach, Is gun chum'
i air luath's ;

Geal-cheireach, gasganach, Urram clàisteachd chluas

Gealtach roi' mhadadh, Na Rinn-eòrpa dh'i.
Air chaisead na leachdainn
Cha saltradh i eòmhnard : Siubhal.
Si noigeanach, groigeasach
Bu ghrinn learn am panual
Gog-cheannach, sòrnach ;
A' tarruinn an òrdugh,
Bior-shuileach, sgur-shuileach,
A' direadh le f'arum
Frionasach, furachair,
Ri carraig na Sròine
A fuireach sa' mhunadh, Eadar sliabh Craobh-na-h-airinis,
;

'Sna thuinicl) a seòrsa.

A's beul Choire-dhainghein,
Bu bhiadhchar greidh cheannard
Urlar.
Nach ceannaich am pòrsan ;

Bi sin a' mhaoisleach luaineach, Da thaobh choire-rannoich

Feadh ùganan ; Mu sgeith sin a' bhealaich,
Biolaichean nam bruach Coire reidh Beinn-Achaladair,
'S àite-còmhnuidh dh'i, A's thairis mu'n chonn-lon s

Duilleagan nan craobh, Air lurgain na Laoidhre

Bileagan an fhraoich Bu ghreadhnach a' chòisri,
Criomagan a gaoil, Mu làrach-na-Feinne
Cha b'e 'm fòtrus. 'S a' Chraig-sheilich 'na dheigh sin,
A h-aigneadh eutrom suairc, Far an cruinnich na h-eildean
Aobhach ait gun ghruaim, Bu neo-spèiseal mu'n fhbghlaicb :

Ceann bu bhraise, ghuanaiche, 'Sgu'm b'e 'n aighear a's an tibhneas

Ghòraiche ; Bhi faicheachd air reidhlein,
A' chrè bu cheanalt' stuaim, 'A comh-mhacnus r'a chèile,
Chalaich i gu buan 'S a' leumnaich feadh mòintich ;

An gleann a' bharraich uaine Ann am pollachaibh daimseir

Bu nòsaire. Le sodradh gu meamnach,
'S trie a ghabh i cluain Gu togarrach mearrachdasach,
Sa' chreig mhòir, Ain-fheasach gbrach.
O'n is miosail Ieatha bhi 'Luan 'S cha bhiodh lot air an teangaidh
A's a Dhòmhnach ann : Taobh shois a' Mhill-teanail,
Fris an dean i suaiu Le fion-uillt na h-Annaid,
224 SAlt-OBAilt NAM BAUD GAELAGH.
Bias meala r'a òl air ;
 DONNACHADH BAN. 225

'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 ; COIRE.CHEATHAICH.
Spor ùr an deis a teannachadh,
Buil' ùird a' sgailceadh dainghean ris,
Cha diùlt an t-srad, 'nuair bheanaa i Se Coire-cheathaieh nan aighean siùbhlach,
Do'n deannaigh a bha neònach :
An coire rùnach, is urar fonn,
Se 'm fùdar tioram tean-abaich
Gu lurach, miadh-fheurach, mìn-gheal, sùghar,
Air cliul an asgairt ghreannanaich, Gach lusan flùiir bu chùbhraidh learn ;

Cuir smùid ri acuinn mheallanaich Gu molach dù-ghorm, torrach luisreagach,

A baraille Nic-Còiseam. Corrach plùireanach, dlù-ghlan grinii ;

B'ionmhuinn le fir cheanalta, Caoin, ballach, dìtheanach, cannacb, mislefinach,

Nach b'aineolach mu spòrsta,

Gleann a' mhìlltich, 'san lionmhor mang.
Bhi timcheall na bealaichean
air
Le na h-òige
fearal.aehd :
Tha falluinn dhùinte, ga daingheaii, dùbailt',

Far am bi na feidh gu farumach, A mhaireas ùinne, mu'n rùisg lorn, i

'S na fir 'nan deigh gu caithriseach, Do'n fheur is cùl-fhinne dh' fhàs na h-uraeh,
Le gunna bu mhath barrandas 'S a bhàrr air lubadh le driùchda trùm,
Thoirt aingil 'nuair bu choir dh'i ;
Mu choire guanach nan torran uaine,
S le cuilean foirmeal togarrach, A' bheil luibh a's luachaira suas g'a cheann ;

'G am biodh a stiùir air bhogadan, 'S am f.sach guamach an càs a bhuanadh,
'S e miol'airteich gu sodanach, Nam b' àite cruidh e, 'm biodh tuath le'n suim
'S nach ob e dol 'nan còdhail ;

'Na fhurbuidh làidir, cosgarrach, Tha trusgan faoilidh air emit an aonaich,
Ko iuntinneach, neo-fhoistinnach, Chuir suit is aoidh air gach taobh a d' chòm,

Gu guineach, sgiamhach, gob-easgaidh, Mìn-fheur chaorach is barraibh bhraonan,

San obair bh'aig a sheòrsa ;
'S gach lus a dh' f'heudadh bhi 'n aodainn thòmi
'S a fhriogan cuilg a' togail air, M'an choir' is aoidheala tha r'a fhaotain,
Gu maildheach, gruamach, doichealach, A chunnaic dao'me an taobh so 'n Fhraitig ;

'S agheanachan cnuasaichd fosgailt', Mnr dean ecaochladh, b' e 'n t-aighear saoghalt'
'Comh-bhogartaich r'an sgJunan, Do ghillean aotrom bhi daonnan ann.
Gum b' araideach a' charachd ud,
'S bu chabhagach cùmhnuidh,
i 'n 'Sann m'anRuadh-aisrigh dh'fhiisnacuairtagan,
'Nuair a shineadh iad na h-iongannan Clùthar, cuaicheanach, cuannar, àrd,
Le h-athghoirid na mòintich ;
Na h-uile cluaineag 's am bàrr air luasgndh,
Na beanntaichean 's na bealaichean 'S a ghaoth 'g an sguabadh a null 'sa nail :

Gu'm freagradh iad mac-talla dhut, Bun na cipe isbar a' inhllltich,
Le fuaim na gairme gallanaich A chuiseag dhireach,an fhiteag cham 's
;

Aig farum a' choin ròmaich : Muran brioghar, 's an grunnasg lionmhor,
'Gan tearnadh as na mullaichean M' an chuilidh dhiomhair, am bi ua suinn.
Gu linnichean nach grunnaich iad,
'S ann a bhith's iad t'eadh na tuinrie ; Tha sliabh na làirig an vobh mac-Bhaidi,
Anns an luineinich 's iad leòiute 'Na mhothar fàsaich, 's na stràchda ti'òm ;

'S na cuileinean gu fulasgach Slios na bàn-leachdainn, cha 'n is tuire, i

'G an cumail air na munealaibh, 'S gur trie a dh' àraich 'n làn damh donn i :

'S nach urrainn iad dol tuilleadli as, 'S na h-aighean dàra nach teid a 'n bhà-thaigh,
Ach fuireach, 's bhi gun deò annt', A bhios le 'n àlach gu h-ard 'nan grunn,
'S ge do thuirt mi began liu, 'S na laoigh gu h-uiseil a là 'sa dh'oidhche,
Mu'n innsinn ail' an dleasnas orra, 'Snah-uireadcruinndiubhairdruimClach-fionn.
Chuireadh iad a' m' bhreislich mi
Le deisimearachd chùmraidh. 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 SA ROB AIR NAM BAUD GAEL ACH.
\S a li-uile mir dhi'tli, o'n bliun is isle Bha eoin an t-sh'ibbe 'nan ealtain gle-ghloin,
Gu h-ionad cirean na crìch' la aim'. A' gabhail bheusan air gheig sa' cboill,
An niseag cheutach, 's a luinneag i'ein nice,

'S rìraheach còta na craige mòire, Feadan gu reidh a seinn

ipèlaei) :

'S clia *n 'ell am fblach a' d'chotr 'sail àm, A rhuar h, 'sa smeJaach, am bar nan ògan,
Aeh mènnan còlnnticb, o s e bu nbsaire, A' gabhail brain gu ceolmhor binn :

Air cbomhdachadh bhos a's thall

a :
'Nualr gboir an manual gu loinneil, guanach,
Na lagain chòmhnard am bun nan srimag, 'S e 's gloin' a chualaa am t'uaim sa' glileann.

Am bi na sòghraiahean, 's naòineìn fann,

Gu bi leach, feòirneineach, milis, roineagach, 'Nuair thig iad còmhla' na bheil a' d' ehòirse
Molaeb, ròmach, gach seòrs' a th' aim. Den h-uile seòrsa bu choir bhi aim ;

Damh na crdiceair sratb na mbintich,

Tha mala ghruamach, de'n bhiolar uaine, 'S e gabhail crònain ledrebcam àrd ;

Mu'n h-uile faaran a th' aim san fhonn ;

A' dol san fheithe gu bras le h-eibhnras,
Is doire shealbag aig bun nan garbh-chlach, A' mire-leumnaich ri eildeig dhuinn ;
S grinneal gainbheieh" gu meanbh-gheal, protin ;
Bi sin an ribhinn a dh'fhas gu mileanta,
'Na ghlugaibh plumbacli air ghoil gun aon teas, Foinneamh, riuealta, direach, seang.
Ach coileach bùirn tighin' ;i gruimd eas lorn,
Gach strutban uasal 'na chuailean cul-ghoi m, Tlia mhaoiseach chùl-bhui air feadb na dus-
A' ruith na sputaibh, 's na lùbaibh steoll. Aig bun nam (ìùran 'gan rìisga* lbm, Lining
'S am hoc gu h-ùtluidh ri leaba chùirteil,
'S e 'ga bùracb le rùdan crbm ;

Tha bradan tarra-gheal sa choire gbarbhlaicb,

'S am miimean riabhach bu luime cliathach,
Tha tig'n o'n thairge bu ghailbheach tonn,
Le chunnein fiata, is riadhaich ceann,
Le luinneis mheamnach a' ceapa mheanbhchuil-
'Na chadal guamach an lagan uaignearh,
Gu nco-chearbach le cham-ghob cròm [eag, :

Fo bbàrr na luachrach na chuairteig chruiun.

Air bhuinne borb, is e leum gu foirmefl,
'Na eideadh colgail bu ghorm-glas druim.
Is lionmhor cnuasaehd a bha mu'n cuairt dut,
Le shòilsean airgeid, gu h-iteacb meaua-bhrcac,
Hi am am buain gum bu luaineach claim,
Gu lannach, dearg-bhallach, carr-gheal sliom.
Ki tional guamach, gu fearail suairce,
'S a' roinn gu h-uasal na fhuair iad .inn ;

•S Coire'-cheathaich an t-aighear priseil, Cèir-bbeacb nacnuacalbb, annead na chuairteig,

'S an t-;iite rioghail mu'm bidht' a' sealg, 'S a mhil 'ga buannachd air cruaidh an mini,
Is bidh fcidh air ghiiilan le làmhach fùdair, Aig seillein riabhach, breaca, siianach,

A' cur luaidbe dhu'-ghorm gu dlu nan calg : Le'n crbnan cianail is fiata srann.
An gunna gleusda, s' an cuilean eutrom,
(in I'uileach, feumanach, treubhach, garg, Bha ens ra' fhaotainn de chnothan caoine,
A ruith gu siùbblach, a gearradh shiirdag, 'S cha b' iad na caochagan aotrom gann,
'S a dol g'a dhùlan ri cursan dearg. Ach bagailt mhaola, bu taine plaoisg,
'
A' toirt brigh a laoghan na maoth -shlait fann :

Gheibhte daonnan mu d' ghlacaibh Canine, j

Sratb nan caochan 'na dbosaibh caorainn.

Na h-aighean maola, na laoigh, 's na maing. 'S na phreasaibb caola, Ian chraobh a's mheang ;

Sud bu mliiaun leinn 'am madainu ghrianaich, Na gallain lira, 's na faillein dhlùtba,
Bhi dol g' an an iarra'nlh, 's a' liadhach bheann, 'Sam barrach dùinte mu chùl nan crann.
Ged thigeadh siontan oiinn' uisg a's dile,

Bha seòl g'ar didean mu'n cbiicli san .'.in, j

Gach àite timcheall nam f.isach iomlan,

An crcagan iosal am bun na Crithe, Màm a's fion-ghleann, '» an tuilm ga choir -
.

S an leabaidh dbiona, 's mi m' shincadh aim. 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

Sa'mbadatnn cbintn-ghil,an àmdhomhdùsgadh,
Aig bun na stùice be 'n sùgradh learn
Gu moch ag oirigh air r&idhlein fe'oir ;

;
GreidbeJn dhearg dhiu air taobh gach leargain,
A' chearc le sgiùran a' gabhail tùebain,
S an coileach cùirteil a dùrdail cròm
Mu 'n Choire gharbblaicb, 'g an ainm an Ceo.
:

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.
 DONNACHAUH BAN. 227

Tbug mi thu do'n fhàs-ghlaic

OR AN DO'N GHUNNA 'Sa Ghleann am bi na làn-daimh,
'S trie a chaidh an iirach
GA 'X AINM MC-COISEAM.
Mu bbraidhe Cloich-an-tuairneir.
LUIXXEAG. Hero wo chuid, <$•«

Horo mo chuid chuideachd lint,

Chaidh mi do dh'Fheadha- chaorainn,
Our mvladach Icam nam tint ; Le aighear Choire-chaolain,
Horo mo cltttid chuideachd tint, Far an robh na daoine,
'6' mi direadh bheann a's uchdanan. A bba 'n gaol air a ghreidh uallaieh.
B'dit learn tltu bid cuidir riinn,
Horo mo chuid, 4'C.
'iS do ch udtltrom air mo tjhukiinu.
Thug mi Bheinne-chaorach thu,
'Nuair chaidh mi do Ghleann-Lòcha, Shireadh bhoc a's mhaoiseacb,
'Sa cheannaich mi Nic-Còiseam, Cha b'eagalgun am faotainn,
'S mise nach robh gòrach, 'S iad daonnan 'sun Tòrr-uaine.
'Nuair chuir mi 'n t-òr ga fuasgladh. Horo mo chuid, 6,c.
Horo mo chuid, 4'C
'Nuair thuid mi ris a mhunadh,
Tbug mi Choire-cheathaich thu, 'S tu mo
roghainn de na guunachaii,
'Nuair bha mi fhdin a taghaicb aim, O'n fliuair thu fein an t-urram sin,
'S trie a chuir mi laidhe leat, Cò nis achumas bhuat e?
Na daimh 's ua h-aidheau ruadha. Horo mo chuid, Sfc.
Horo mo chuid, £c.
Ged' tha mi gann a storas,
Thug mi Bheinn-a-chaistil thu, Gu suidhe leis na pòitearan,
'S do'n fhàsach a tlia 'n taice ri, Ged' thèid mi do 'n taigh-òsda,

Am Màm a's Creag-an-aparrain, Cha 'n òl mi aim an cuaich thu.

Air leaca Beinn-nam-f'uaran. Horo mo chuid, fyc.
Horo mo chuid, 8ps,

Thug mi thu Bheinn-dùrain,

An cinne na daimh chròcach,
•Nuair theannadh iad ri cròtian,
Bu bhùidheach leam an nuallan. ORAN SEACHARAN SE1LG.
Horo ma chuid, Ac.
LUI>TN'EAG.

Thug mi Choire-chruiteir thu, Chunna mi 'n damh dur.n

'6' na
O's àite grianach tlusail e, h-eildean.

Gu biachar, tiarach, lusanach, Direadh a bhealaich le chctle ;

Bhiodh spuirt ami aig daoin'-unillsc\ Chimna' mi 'n damh doim

Horo mo chuid, fyc.
'6'
m h-eildean.

Ghiùlain mi Ghleann-eite thu, 'S mi tearnadh à Coire cheathaich,

Thog mi ris na creisean thu, 'S mòr mo mhighean 's mi gun aighear,
Se mheud 'sa thug mi spuis dut Siubhal i'rìthc rè an latha,

A dh'fhig mo cheum cho luaineach. Thilg mi spraidhe nach d'rinn feum dhotnh.
Horo mo chuid, c\c. Chunna' mi, ò;c

'Smath am Meall-a-bhuiridh thu, Ged' tha bacadh air na b-armaibh,

Cha mhiosa 'm Beitm-a-chrùlaist thu, Ghleidh mi 'n spainteach thuu na seilge,
mi fùdar leat,
'S trie adoisg Ge do rinn i orm de chearbaich,
An Coire-chùl-na-cruaicbe. Nach do mharbh i mac na h-eilde.

Horo mo chuid, Sfc. Clatnna mi, §c.

Thug mi Làirig-ghartain thu, 'Nuair a dh'èirich mi sa' mhadaiun,

O's aluinn an coir-altrum i, Chuir mi innte fùdar Ghlascho,
'S na fèidh a deanamh leapaichean Pealair teann a's tri puist Shasnach,
Air Creachuinn ghlas a bhuachaill. Cuifean asg;iirt air a dhegh sin.

Horo mo chuid, Sfc. Chunna mi. 4'C

228 SAR-OBAllt NAM
 —

'230 SAR-OBAlli NAM BAUD GAELACH.

'S ami a ghabh lad an ratreuta Cha lugha'n t-aobhar mìo-thlarìid,
Seach rèidblean nan lùb. Am fear a obleacbd bhi tiorail,
Cha 'n 'oil pria an ruadh-bhuie, A' tearnadh a's a direadh
An coille na air fuaran, Iti frith nan damli seang.
Nach b' eigin da bhi gluasad
Le ruaig feadh na dùthoh' ; Aeh ma's duine de shliochd Phàdruìg
'S cha' n' eil a nis' man cuairt da, A thùid a nis do'n àite,
Aon spuirt a dheanadh suairrcas, 'S gu 'n cuir e as a làraich
No thai t neadh ri duin-uasal An ti'ich'ran a th' aim ;

Ged' fhuasgladh e chu. Bi'dh 'n coire mar a bha e,

Bi'dh laoigh is aighe'm dàr ann,

Tha choille bh' ann san fhrith ml, Bi'dh daimh a dol san damhair,
Na coislean fada, direach Air fasach nam beaun ;

Air tuiteam a's air crionadh Bi' buic s'na badain blatha,

Sios as an rùsg ;
Na brie san abhainn làimh iiu,

Na preasan a bha brioghar 'S na feidh an srath na liirge

Na dosaibh tiugha lionmhor, Ag' arach na mang ;

Air seachda' mar gu'n spiont' iad Tliig gach uile ni g'a àbhaist,
A nios as an ùir ;
Le aighear a's le àbhachd,
Na faillcanan bu bhòiche, 'Nuair gheibh am Baran bairlinn,
Na slatan a's na h-ògain, Sud fhagail gun taing.
'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. ORAN GAOIL.
Tha uisge srath na dige, A Mhairi bhàn gur barrail tha,
Na shruthladh dubh gun sioladh 'S gur barraicht' air gach seòl tliu,
Le barraig uaine liogh-ghlais O'n thug mi gaol cho daingean dot,
Gu mi-bhlasda grannd ;
'Smi t'fharraid aims gach codhail :

Feur-lochain is tàcbair 'S earbsach mi a'd' cheanaltaa,

An cinn an duileag-bhàite 'S na fhuair mi chean' ad' chòmhradh,
Cha 'n 'eil gnù tuille fàs Nach in rain n each do mhealladh uam
An san kit' ud san àm ;
'N deis do ghealladh dhòmh-sa.
Glumagan a chuthair,
Na ghlugaibh domhain, sàmhach, 'S chuala mi mar shean-fhacal
Cho tiugh ri sughan ciitha, Mu'n darach, gur fiodh core e :

'Na làthaich 'a na phlam ; "'S gur geinn' dhetii fhòin 'ga theannariiadh
Sean bhùrn salach ruadhain A spealtadh e 'na òrdaibh :"

Cha ghloinne ghrunnd na uaohda?, 'S mi 'n dùil, a reir na h-ealaidh sin,
Gur coslach ri muir ruaidh e, Gar math leat mi bhi d' sheùrsa,
Na rnaiinle feadh stanng. Nach treig thu mi, 's gu 'm faigh mi thu
Le bannaibb daingean phùsda.
Tha 'n t-àit an rnbh na fnarain
Air fàs na ehroitean cruaidhe, 'S e chum an
raoir mi m' aireachadli
Gun ibbhracb gu'n sail-chuaieh, An ghabh mi òg dhiòt
speis a ;

Gun lus aaaal air cam Bha amaointean trie air m' airese
An Bllabb an robli na h-eildean, Mu'n ainnir is fliearr fiighluin :

An àite laid he 'a èiridh Cha 'n 'eil Cl'on r'a àireamh ort,
Cho lòna ri cabhsair tèììle, O' d' bhàrr gu sail do bbrbige,
'S am feur ohlnn egann :
Arb oiallach, fiaUidh, (abharach,
Chuir Alasdair le gheisgeil Air fiamh a gbàir' an còmhnuidh.
A ghrafdb ud as a chèlle,
'S air learn gur mòr an eucoir 'S ilo iluil daithte làn-mhaiseach
An fheudail a chall : Mu'n cuairt a'd' bhrhigh' an ordugh,
 ;

DONNACIIADH BAN. 231

Air sniamh, mar thcudan clkrsaiche,

Na fhàineachan glan nòsar :

Gu lidh-dhonn, pleatach, sàr-chleachdach,

Gu dosaeh, fàsmhor, dòmhail,
Gu lùbach, dualach, bachlach, guairsgeach,
AN NIGHEAN DONN OG.
Snasmhor, cauchacb, or-bhuidh.
'iS i nighean mo ghaoU
Tha t-aghaidh nàrach bbanail, An nighean donn òg ,

Dà cliaol mhala mar ite eòin ort ;

Nam biodh tu ri m.' thaobh,

Rosgan r6idhe, fallaine Cha bhithitmfe? bhrbn.

'S da shiiil gborm, mheallach, mhòthar :

'S i nighean mo <j!<aoil

Do ghruai'dh mar chaorann meangain, An nighean donn by.

A tbug barracbd air na ròsan ;

Do dheud geal, d reach mb or, meachair, grinu, 'S i Mairi Nic-Neachdainn

Is dàicheile pearsa,
'S do bheul, o'm binn tbig òran.
Ghabh mis' uiread bbeachd ort
Hi neach a tha beò.
Tba do pbòg mar ùbhlan gàraidb,
'S i nigheun. tips.
'S tha do bbràighe mar an neòinein ;

Do chioehan liontach, mulanacb,

'Nuair sheallas mi t-aodainn,
'S an siod' g an cumail còinhnard :
'Smi 'n coinneamh ri t-f'haotaiim,
Corp seang, geal, gneadhail, furanach,
Gur math learn nam taodainn
Deagh-chumachdail, neo-spòrsail ;
Bhi daonann a'd' choir.
Do clialpa cruinne lùgbara,
'S i nighean, §c.
'S an troigh nach liib am feòirnean.

O'n a thug thu dhomh gealladh,

'S e m fàth mail biodh tu talach orm, 'Sann dutsa nach aithreach,
Gur ro-bheag leat mo stùras ; 'S cha'u fhaic iad thu 'n ath-bhliadhii'
'13ha dà-rud-dheug a tarruinn
1
uam A'd' bhanaraich bbò.
Na thionail mi de phbl'Ban ; 'Si nighean, <5'c.

Bhiodh òl, a's f'uisd, a's banais ann ;

Bha ceùl, a's beus, a's ceannaichcan, Cha teid thu do'n bhuaile,
N' na gibbtean leannanaclid,
fhe'ill, 's A bhleothan cruidh ghuaillfbionn ;

An amaideachd 's an òige. Cha chuir thu ort cuaran,

'S gur uallach do bhròg.
'S a nis nam faighinn mar' rium tha, '.S' i nighean, Qc.

Cha leanainn air an t-seòl sin ;

Dheanainn ;\iteach fearainn, Cha 'n fhòghnadh le m' chruinneig,

A's crodh-bainne chur mu chrò dhut A' bhurach no chuinneag,
Mharbhainn iasg na mara dhut, 'S cha chluinnear gun cumadh tu

'S am fiadh sa' bhealach cheòthar, Cuman a'd' dhòrn.

'S i nighean, 8[C.
Le gunna caol nach mearachdaich,
'S a mhealladh fear na cròice.
Cha d' tbèid thu Bbad-odhar
A leigeadh nan gobhar,
'Smòr an gaol a ghabh mi ort
'S miun bheag as an deodhaigh
Le ro bbeagan a dh-eùlas,
'G an deothal mu'n chrò.
S mi 'n dùil gur tu bu learinan domh,
'5 i nighean, &c.
'S nach mealladh tu mi m' dhòchas :

Ge d' bhiodh am bus an carabh dbomh,

Cha leig mi thu 'n fhireach
Gu'n bharail ri tigh'n bet) uaith,
Thoirt a' cruidh as an inn is
'S e dh'fhàgadh slàn mi n' rìbhinn mhalda.
Air eagal na gillean
Mairi bhàn o Lùch-lairig. Bhi sireadh do phùig
'S i nighean, $c.

Cha taobh thu duin' uasal

'S cha 'n aill leat am buacbaill,
'S cha 'n fhearde fear-fuadainn
Bhi cruaidh air do thoir.
'S i nighean, fyc.
232 SAR-OliAIll NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Cha taobb i fear idir,
DONNACHADH BAN. 233
234 SAU-OBAlll NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Diouach, daingaan,
 DONNACHADH BAN. 235

Gus an tàiii' an là suarach Cha'n fhàg sinn am feasd i,

Thug bhuath' an deas l.'imh. On tha sinn cho dleasanach,

Do na h-àrmuinn bu sheirceile
'S ban-Chaimbeulach dhireach Sheasadh an sreud ;
An ribhinn dheas òg, Na curraidhnean caltna,
Cha striocliadh do dhilsean
G'am buineadh bhi 'n Albainn,
A luchd mi-ruin tha bro ;
Feadh mhonainean garbhlaich
'S gach car tha dol diotsa, A' sealg air na feidh,
Ga d' shir-chur am moid,
Fhuair mis' orra seanachas,
'S thu theaglach an farla
Nach mios' an cois f'airg' iad,
Shliochd Dhiarmaid nan sròl.
Bhi'dh an citcheanan tarbhach
Le marbhadh' an eisg.
Tha Cinneadh do sheanamhar
Mòr ainmeil gu leòir,
Na Cama-ahronaich mheamnarh liuaidh gu brath air na Fleasgaieh,
Bu gharg air an tòir ;
Fhuar an àrach am Breatunn,
'S iomadh àit aims' na dhearbh iad Chaidh air sail' o cheann ghreis uainn,
Le fearra-ghleus an durn, Dhol am freaadal ri f'eum,
Bhi marbhtach le'u armachd An loingeas làidir thug leis iad,
Air dearganaich Dheòrs'. Nach siraicheadh beagan,
Muir a' garrach gan greasa'
'S 'n ainnir bu taitnich' 'S i freagradh dhaibh fèin,
A bh' ac' aim a s'tir, Chuir gach làmh mar bu deise,
A thachair bhi agam Buill de'n chòrcaich bu treise,
'Ga h-altrom le cich ; Ri barr nan crann seasmhacha
'Nuair a sheasas i fatha^t Leth-taobh gach braid,
Air faidhir an rlgh, 'S 'g imeachd air chuaintibh,
Bidh ioma' fear fearainn 'Nuair a dh'eirich gaoth tuath le,

A' faraid,— « Cò i ?" B'ainmeil air luath's i,

'S igluasad gu reidh.
Gruagach gheal, shorn ulta,
Shoilleir gu leòir.
'Nuair a chuir iad na h-àrmuiim
'S i finealta, foinnidh,
Air tir ann an Flànnhras,
Gun chroma', gun sgeòp ;
S iad fada bho'm pàirti,
Calpa deas cosail,
'S o'n àiteachan
A choisicheadh rod,
f'ein,

Bha onoir nan Gael

Troigh chuimir, shocair
An earbsa ran tàbhachd,
Nach dochuinu a' bhròg.
Bha sin mar a b' abhaist
'S math thig dhut 'san fhasan Gun fhàillinn fo.'n g'urein

Gun daithe de'n t-aròl, Tha urram an dràsd

Le staidhs 'ga theannadh Aig gach tir aims an d'fhas iad,

Cho daingeati 's bu choir Le feobhas an àbhaist,

Faiimeachan daoimein An nàduir 'sam beus,

Air roinn gach meùir, Bhi dìleas d'an càirdean,

Bidh rufles a's ribeia

Cur sios air gach nàmhaid,

Air Iseabail dig. 'S iomadh rioghachd an d'l'hag iad,

Fuil bhlath air an fheur.

'S là Fontenoi
Thug onoir gu leòir dhaibh,
ORAN DO'N T-SEANN 'Nuair a chruinnich iad colailh,
'Sa thòisich an streup ;

FHREICEADAN GHAELACH. Bu tartraich ar Coirneal,

Cur ghaisgeach an ordugh,
Deoch Slàinnt' an Fhreiceadain, Na lasgairean òga,
'S kill leinn gun cheist i,
Chaidh deònach na dhèigh,
Si an fhàillte nach beag ointn Na gleachdairean còmhraig
Dhol deisal ar cleibh, Is fearr th'aig' High Deòrsa,
23G SAlt-OBAIR NAM
 : ;

DONNACIIADH BAN. 237

Mo shoraidh do Ghleann-urehaidh
Nan tulchan glasa feòir,

OIIAN GHLINN-UKCIIAIDH. Far am beil na sealgairean,

'S a fhuair iad ainm bhi còrr ;

MuV tig ceann bliadhna

A dbireadh na garbhlaichean,
ris
tuille,
Cha bhi sirtn uile 'n Tora-mhuilt
Ambiodh greidh dhearg na's leòir
'S bhiodh gillean tròm le eallachan
Thèid sinn thar nam bealaiehean,
A dh'fhàgadh tarbbach bold.
Uo'n fhearann an robh 'n tlùs :
#

Far am beil ar dilsean, an uair a thigtc dhachaigh

'S leo.
Ann san tir am beil ar cuid ; Gum b'fhasanta bhur seM,
'S an t-àit an cor dhuinn criochnachadh
A suidhe 'san taigh thàirne,
'S an tiodhlaicear ar cuirp.
'S bhi damhsa mar ri ceùl ;

Cridhealas r'a chcile,

'San Clachan-an-Diseirt, 'S na bèin a bhi 'ga'n ùl ;

Bu ghrinn bhi ann an diugh. 'S cha 'n fhaicte cùis 'na h-cigin
Suidhe 'n eaglais mhiorbhuileach, An am eigheach air an stop.
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.

MOLADII DHL'N-EIDEANN,
Gleannan blàth na tioralachd,
An ro-mhath 'n cinn an stuth 'S e baile mbr Dhun-eideann,
Far am beil na h-iunseagan, A b'eibhirm learn bhi aim,
Am beil an siol an cur: Aite fialaidh farsuinn,
Cinnidh arbhar craobhach ann A bha tlachdmhor anus gach ball
Cho caoin gheal ris a ghruth, Gearasdain a's bataraidh,
Gu reachdmhar, biadhchar, brioghar, A's rampairean gu teann,
Tram, torach, liontach, tiuth.
Taighean mòr a's caisteal,
Anns an trie a stad an c.'.mp.
Bu chridheil blii sa' gheamhradh ann,
Air bainnsean gheibhte spuirt; 'S trie abha càmp Rioghail ann,
Fonn cheol rèidh na piobaireaclid, 'S bu rimheach an luehd-dreuehd ;

'S cha bhiodh sgios mu sgur : Trùp' nan srann-each llonmhor,

Fuaim nan tend aig tidheilrean, Gu dileas air a gheard :

A sheinneadh sios na cuir ;

Bhiodh gach fear cho eMach
'S an luiuneag fiin aig nionagan, 'S na h-uile seòl a b'fhearr,
Bu bhinne mhillse guth. Na fleasgaich bu mhath fòghlum
A dhol an òrdugh blàir.
Gheibhte bradan fior-uisg ann,
'Siomadh fleasgach uasal ann,
A direadh ris gach sruth
Eoin an t-sleibh gu lionmhnr,
;
A
bha gu suairce grinn,
Fùdar air an gruagan,
'S na milltean coileach dubh ;
A suas gu bàrr aim cinn ;
F.arba bheagan sgriobain,
Leadainn dhonna, dhualach
Na minnein chrion 's na buic,
Na chuachagan air sniomh
'S a ghleann am beil na fritheachan,
Bàrr dosach mar an sioda,
;

'S na giomanaich 'n am bun.

'Nuair liogadh e 'le cir.

O'n a thàinig mi do'n fhearann so, 'S mòr a tha do bhain-tighearnan

Cha 'n fhaigh mi pris an eòin, A 'sa nail an t-sraid,
null
'S cha 'n 'eil fàth blii bruidhinn Gùntaichean de'n t-sìoda orr',
Mu'n fhear-bhuidh air 'm bi 'n cròc: Ga'n sliogadh ris a bhlàr;
Cha b'ionnan >s bhi mar b'abhaist dumb, Stùise air na h-ainnirean
Aig bràigh doire-chrò, Ga'n teannachadh gu h-àrd.
Far am bi' na 1,'m-daimh," Buill mhais air eudainn bhòidlieach,
Ni 'n damhair ann sa cheò. Mar thuilleadh spòrsa dhaibh.
238 SAR-0I3A1K NAM
 DONNACHADH BAN. 239

Ged' is cliùteach a Mhachair, 'S e'n t-armunn suairce

Le ciiunradh 's le fasan, A ghluais à Bealach leinn,
Be air dùrachd dol dachaigh, 'Snasàr dhaoin-uaisle
'S blii 'n taice r'ar càirdean : ghualainn mar ris aim
It 'a ;

Hoirionn o ho, <|r. O'n dh'eirich sluagh le

Gu feum 'sa chruadal,
Bhi 'n Clachan-an-Diseirt, A reir do dhualchais
A faieion air dillsean, Bi'dh buaidh a dh'ain-deoin luat.
Gum b'àit leinn an tir sin,
O'n a *
rinn air 'n àrach.
i
Gurdeas am fiùran
Hoirionn o ho, &e. Air thus nan gallan thu,
'Scha ghabh thu curam
Cha be fasan nan daoin' ud,
Ito ghnùis nan aineolach ;
Bhi *n conas na 'n caonnaig, Led' chòmhlain ùra
Ach sotias an t-saoghail, 'S thu fèin ga'n stiùireadh,
'S bhi gaolaeh mar bhràithrcan. A's fir do dhuthcha
Hoirionn o ho, Sfe. Ri d' chùl mar bharantas.

N àm suidhe 's taigh-òsda,

'S tu ceann na riaghailt
Gu luinneagach, ceolmhor
Tha ciallach, carthanacli,
Bu bhinn ar cuid òian,
Na daoin' a thriall leat
'S bhi 'g-òl nan deoch-slàimi
Gu'r briagh am pannal iad
Hoirionn o ho, §c. ;

'S tu thogna ciadan

Luchd dhireadh nan stuicean,
A shliochd nam Fianntan,

Le'n gunnachan du-ghorm,

'S an àm a ghnioinha,

A Bu dian 'sa charraid iad.

loisgeadh am fùdar,
Ri ùdlaiche làn-daimh.
Hoirionn ho, Sfe.
Ma thig na l-'rangaich
A nail do'n fhearann so,

S e bu mhiann leis na inacaibh Bheir sinn tràth dhaibh

Bhi triall leis na slatan, Cion-t'àth an aithreachais

A chuir srian Theid cuid gu has dhiubh,

ris a bhradan,
Cha be fhasan am fàgail. 'S cuid eile bhathadh,

Hoirionn o ho, rt,r. Mu'm faigh iad bàta,

'Smu'm tag iad tharais sinn.
Gu fiadhach a mhunaidh,
No dh' iasgach air buinne, O'n fhuair sinn gunnaehau
Anns gach gniomh a ni duin Gu'r ullamh, ealainh iad,
'S mòr urram nan Gael. 'S cha 'n'eil gin uile dhiubh
// ho, (V<
Nach freagair aingeal dhuinn,
Cha'n fhaic na curraidhean
Dol sios na chunnart dhaibh
'S gur rioghail tirramacb
A dhioladh f'alachd iad.

O RA N 'Nuair tlniid gach treim-fhear

DO DH'-IAKLA BHKAID AI.BANN. Naèididh ceannardach,

Air fuss — "An Tuilear Acuinneac.'i

Le'n armaibh gleusda
Cho geur 's bu mhath leinn iad

DEOCH-slainnt' an Iarla Bithidh iomadh creuchdan

Cuir dian na'r caramh i, Le'm buillean beumach,
'S mo gleibh sinn Ian i, Cha leigheas lcigh iad,
Gu'm tag sinn falamh i ; 'S cha ghleidh e'n t-anam riu.
'Nuair thig i oirnne
Gu'm bi sinn eeblmbor, 'S i sin a garbh bhratach,
'S gu'n gabli sinn brain A dh' fhalbh o'n bhaile leinn,
Ga h-òl gu farumach. 'S iad fir Bhraid- Albann
240 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACII.

Gu dearbh a leaimas i,
 DONNACHADH BAN. 241

Cruidheach, dlu-thairgneach,
 ;

242 SAR-OBAllt NAM BARD GAELACII.

Ann san taigh bn mW r seadh, Bhi 'd chàradh fo 'n chrùn

Leis nach dragfa aithuichean, An àite rigli Del l
>'.

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.

C U M II A D H I A It L A
Be do mhiann a lucbd ealaidh, BIIRAin-AI.nANN.
Piob sgalanta, chruaidh,
Le caithream cho loath, 'Struagh r'a èisdeachd an sgcul
'S a ghearradh na mebir ; Fhuair mi fVin t nil 's luath It-
;
Fuirt shiulaeha, mheara, Rinii an t-eug ceann na cèìlle
Is nor allail car suas, 'S nam beus a thoirt uainn
Ann an talla nam buadh Cha'n 'eil leigh tha fo 'n ghrein,
Bu bharrail uui'n stòr Dheanadh feum ilhut '« an uair:
Cruite ciùil, torman ur,
'S bochd a'd' dheigh sinn gu leir,
Is e gu dlù ruith-leumach, 'S cha 'u'eil feum bhi 'ga luaidh.
Feadain lom, cbruione, dlionn,
Thogadh fonn mireanach, Tha do chairdean I&idir, liomhor
Clàrsach le grinneas, Anns gach tir a tha mu'n cuairt
Bu bhinn-fhaclach fuaim, So na dh-fhag an aigheadb iosal,
'S cha pilleadh tu 'n duais, Do chorp priseil bhi 'san uaigh :
'Nuair a sbireadh tu ceòl. Is iadmar loingeas gun bhi dionach,
Fad o thir air druiin a' chuain ;

'Siomadh àit am beil do charaid, 'S tuaa b'urrainn an toirt sàbhailt,

A t-fharaid mu'n cuairt, Ge do bhiodh an giibhadh cruaidh.

An deas a's an tuath,
Cho dleas'nach 's bu choir 'S ann an diugh a chaidh do chàradh
;

Diùc Earragbaìach ainmeil, 'An ciste chlàr 's ad leabaidh fhuair ;

Ceann armailt' nam buagh, Is muladach a'd' dheigh an trhths'

Leis na dhearbadh làmh chruaidh, A' chuid is airde do d' dhaoin' uails.
Is ris an d'earbadh gu leòir :
Tha gach duin' agad fo phràmh,
An t-Iarla rliùiteach g'an duthchas 'S goirt an càs am bheil an tuath ;

Bhi 'n Tùr Bhealaich, 'S iad do bhochdan a tha craiteach ;

A chair an ruaig le chuid sluaigh, Thugadh an taic' làidir uath'.

Air na f'uar Ghallaich ;

'S iomadh dllleacbdan òg falamh

Mòrair Loudon nan seang-each,
Bha le h-ai mi is air dhroch shnuagh,
Ard sheanalair càimp,
Seann daoine 's banntratahean fauna
Fhuair urratn comannd,
Bha faotainn heathachaidh uair :

Far na lihuidhiu na seùid.

\S ami Ini truaigh a' ghaoir a bh'aea,
'S debir gu fraaaoh air an grnaidh,
Tha iomadh ('.is eile
Caoioeadh cruaidh, a's bualadh bbasao,
Nach ceilinu san uair, 'S bhi toirt pàirt de 'm fait a nuas.
'

Tha tarriiinn ort buaidh,

A mhaireas ri d' bheii ; 'S muladach an nochd do dhùthaich,
I'uil rioghail air laaadh 'Sdubhach tùrsach tha do shluagh :

Amnch ann ad' gliruaidh, Cha 'n ioghnadh sin, 's mòr an dii'ibhail
Cuir t-aigneadh a suas An tionndadb so thigh'n oimn cho luath,
Le aiteas ro-mhòr; Am (car a b'abhaist bhi le dùrachd
Tha bunntam a's K'irsinn, Gabhail cùram dhiuhh gach uair,
(in lèif aim ad' phcarsa, Dh'fhàg iad 'na laidhe 'san ùir e
Fhir shunntaich na (Vile, Far nach dùiag b gu La-luain.
Sgeul èibhinn a b' ait leam,
Na 'm faiclDD a'niàircach 'S aim an tràthaihh na Feill-bride
Le i bhachd 's le mùirn, I
Thàinig crioch air saoidh nam buailh.
 )

DONNACHADH BAN. 243

'S lòm a thug an t-eug an sgriob oirnn, A ghabhail cùram ga chuid f'earainti,

Och ! mo dhith cha deic a luath's, 'S ga chuid daoine sean a's òg.
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 :
C U M HA' CHAILEIN
Bu chul-taic dhaihh arms gach àit thu,
'S tu bha ghnàth 'gan cuinail suns. ghlinn-iubhair.
Cha bu mhianti leat togail ùlainih ;

Sin a' chùis d'an tug thu fuath : Smaointean truagh a th'air m'aigne,
Bha thu t'aotainn gaoil gach duine, Uh' fhàg orm imuairean, a's airsneul,
'S ghlcidh thu'n t-urram sin a fhuair. An àm gluasad am leabaidh,
Cha chadal ach duisg ;

Bha thu leirstoneaefa le suairceas ;

Tha mo ghruaighean air seacadh,
Dh-fhàs a'd' chòui an uaisle mhòr ;
Gun dion uair air mo rasgan,
Ciall a's misneach mar ri cruadal, MlTn sgeul a chualas o'n Apuinn,
Fhuair thu 'a dualehas sin o d' shears'. A ghluais a chaismeai'hd ud dhuin',
Biia thu fiosrach, glic, neo-loaineach ;
Fear Ghliun-iubhair a dhith oirim,
Bha t-inntiun buan aims a' choir. Le puthar luchd mi-ruin,
O'n a thog iad air ghiùlan sluaigli thu, Mo sgeul dubhach r'a innseadh
'S aobhar sin a luathaich deùir. Thu bhi d' shineadh 'san ùir ;

'S truagh gach duine de d' dhllsean,

Chan'eil aoibneas aim am Bealach, O'n a chaidh do chorp priseil,
Cha'n'eil farum aim, no ceòl ;
An ciste chuthainn, chaoil, dhionaich,
Daoine dubhacb, 'g mnathan galach, 'S ami an lìon-anart ùr.
A's iad gun ealaidh ach am bròn ;

O'n a chaidh do ghiulan dachaigh B'e sinn an corp àluinn,

O'n mhachair air mhùthadh seòil, 'Nuair bha thu roimhe so d' shlàinnte,
'N àit' an eididh sin a chleachd thu, Gun chion cumachd no las ort,
Ciste, 's leine, 's brat de'n t-srùl. Gu fqinnidh, dàicheil deas ùr ;

Suairce, foisinneach, fàillteach,

'Nam bu daoine hheireadh dhinn thu, Uasal, iorasal bàidheil,
Dh'èireadh milltean air an tòir, Caoimhneil, cinneadail, càirdeil,
O bheul Tatha gu Lathuirn-iochdrach, Gun chroti r'a ràit' air a clml ;

Sin fo chìs dut agus còr : Làn do ghliùcas, 's do leirsinn,

Far an d'fhàs na gallaiu ihior-ghlan, Gu dana, misneachail, treubhach,
A's iad lionmhor arm gu lròir, Gach àit an sirte gu f'eum thu,
A rachadh togarrach gud' dhioladh, 'S ami leat a dh'eireadh gach cùis ;

Nach obadh dol sios le deòin. B'e do choimeas an drèagan,

No 'n t-sothag 's na speuraibh,
'S aim tha chilis ni's fearr mar tha i, Co bu choltach r'a clicile
Dòchas làidir thu bhi beo Ach iad fein agus thu?
Am measg nan aingeal a tha 'm Phàiras,
Ann an g\irdeachas ro-mhòr : 'S cruaidh an teachdair a thàinig,
Gur e 'n Ti a ghlac
làimh thu, air 'S truagh mar thachair an dràsta,
'Thug dhut còir
'san àite sin Nach do sheachainn thu 'n t-aiie.
Air oighreachd is tearr na dh'fhàg thu, 'N do ghlac am bàs thu air thus ;

'An aros aghuihor High na glùir. Suas o chachaile ghàraidb,

Fhuair thu 'n tacaid a chràidh mi,
Ged' tha 'm fear a thig a' t-àite 'S gun do thaic a bhi làinih riut,
Thall an tràths' tharr chuaintean mòr, 'Nuair ghabh iad fàlh ort o d' chùl,
Guidheam dlu gu'n tig e sàbbailt Air do thaobh 's thu gun ch' mhradli,
(Soirbheas àrd ri cùl gach spoil S'au àm 'n do chaochail an de ;
> bhuat,
A dh' fhautainn seilbh air an t-saibhreas, T-fhuil chraobhach, dhearg, bhòidbeach
'S air an oighreachd sin bu choir; A gabhail dòrtadh 'na biiichd,
244 SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Le gniomh an amadain ghòraich,

 — ;
;

DONNACHADH BAN. 245

An uaigh mu d' choinneamh 'ga 1 èiteach, Gu h-ùrar, dù'-ghorm, àileanta,

'S truagh gach commun thug speis dhut, Le frasan blì.tha, bruaidleanacb.
O'n chaidh tu fein aims an iiir,

'S gun dùil a nis ri thu dh-eiridh, Bi'dh gach frith gu lionntach, feurach ;

'Se dh'fhàg mise fo eu-slainnt, 'Stheid na fèidh 'nan eideadh suaicheanta,

Bhi 'n diugh ag' innseadh do bheusan, Gu h-ullach, binneach, ceumannach,

'S nach tig thu dh-èisdeachd mu cliliù. 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,

ORAN AN T-SAMHRAIDH. 'Nan laidhe mar is còir dhaibh bi'dh ;

Gach damh a's mating cho aighearacb,

'Nuair thig Fill-leathain rbid orra :
'Nuair thig an Sàmhra' geugach oirnii,
Thèid siann nan apeur o'n ghruamaiche, Bu tuille loin a's aaoghail,

Thig tlus a's bias a's aoibhneas Do gach neach a ghabhadh gaol orra,

Thèid gach ni g'a reir am buadhalachd. Bhi trie ag amhaie caol orra

Thig feart le neart na grein' oirnn, 'Sa 'g èisdeachd gaoir an crònanaich.

Ni 'n saoghal gu lèir a chuartaehadh

Bi'dh maoisleach a chinn ghuanaich,
Thig teas o slios 'nuair dh'eireas i

Ni t'eum, 's cha trèigear uainne e.

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 :
Bidh pf>r ann an tìr ghràiseirean,
O'n thàinig blàthas an t-Sàmhraidh oirnn,
Chur sil ann san tint ghnathaiehte ;
Cuiridh si mànntal ruadh oirre,
A' bridh as an ùir nàdurra,
toirt
S tha inntinn ghrinn g'a rèir aice,
O'n bhlàr g'a bhàrr a ghluaiseas e :
Gu fallain, fèitheach, fuasgailteach.
Gu reachdmhor, breae, neo-fhaillineacb,
Trom-chuinleanach, garbli-ghràiueanach, Bi'dh am minnein ùrar meanbh-bhallach,
Gu diasach, riabhach, càileauach, Gros tioram air a ghnuis bu sgcinmeile ;

Gu biadhchar, làn, 'nuair bhuainear e. Gu mireineach, lùghor, anmadail,

Ri slinnean na h-earb an guilleachan,
'S glan fkileadh nan geug liobhara, Bu chlis feadh phreas mu an-moch iad,
Mu ghàradh nan stud lionmhora. Gu trie fo ioclid nam mean'-cliuileag,
Am biodh àileagain glu riomhacha Gu sgrideil, gibeach, gearra-mhasach,
Le blath's a' sir chur snuadh orra ; An sliochd 'g an ainm na ruadhagau.
Gu h-ùbhlach, peurach, ligiseach,
Glan, brioghmhor, diomhair, guamaiseach Bi'dh gach creutair fàillineach,
Gach Braid is àillidh grìneachan, A bha greis an càs na fuaralachd,
Mar Phèalasrìgh r'an cuartachadh, A togail an cinn gu h-àbhachdach,
O'n a thàinig blàth's le buaidh orra:
'S ro-ghreannar gach gleann fior-mhonaidh, Na h-eoin sa' phong a b'àbhaist daibh,
Cur iomhaigh ghrinn an uachdar air Gu ceolmhar, fonnmhor, failteacbail,
Gach lus le bhdrr clio mhior'ailteach, Feadh phreas a's thùm ri gàirdeachas,
A' fàs fo mhile suaicheantas Gun chàs a dh'fhàgadh truaillidh iad.
;

Gu duilleach, lurach, ditheanach,

'S neo-thruaillidh am pùr lionmhor ud,
Glan, rìmheach, lionmhor, cuaicheanach,
'S gur speiseil grinn a ghluaiseas iad
Gu rùpach, dosach, misleanach, ;

Le'm beus a 'seinn mar fhileirean,

Gu millteachail, min uain-nealach.
Gur h-aoibhinn binn ri m' chlusan iad ;

'S glan luinneagach, tior-inntinneach,

Bi'dh fonn air gach neacli nàdurra,
A' chanain chinn thig uathasan ;
Bhiodh sealltainn gach ni gtiàthaichte,
'S iad gobach, sgiathach, clreiueach
Am blàr lorn a' cur dreach fàsaich air, Gu h-iteach, dionach, cluaiueiseach.
Gach là cur stràc neo-thvuaiUidfa air,

Gu molach, torach bliith-mhaiseach, Bi'dh an coileach le thorman tùchanach.

'S na craobhau làn de chruasachdan Air chnocanaibh gorm a dùrdauaicli,
246 SAR-OBAIIl NAM BARD GAELACH.
Puirt fhileanta, cheolmhor, shiùblaeha, Bhiodh mianii bban-bg a's bhain-tighearnari

Le ribheid dlu rhur sel.l orra ;

Na fhardaicb gbreannar, ghuamaisich.
Gob crom nam pongan lugh'ora,
'S a chneas le dreach air a dhublachadh, Is e gu striteach, riabhach, ciar-cheannacb,
Gu slios-dubb, girt-gheal, ùr-bballaoh. Breac, buidh, stiallach, siian-bhallach.
'S dà chirc a sùgradh bùidheaeh lis. Gobach, dubhanach, riasgach, iargalta,

lli gniomh gu dian mar thuatlianacb ;

Thig a chuthag sa' tnhìus cfaèìteÌD oirn, Gu surdail, grunndail, dianadach,

'S bidh riabliag "na seuchdan còmliladh ri, Neo-dhiomhanach 'na uaireanan ;

'S an dreathan a gleusadh sheannsaireaii 'S e fàile lusan fiadbaicbe

Air a glit'ig is aird a mhòtbaiobeas e. Bhi's aige bhiadh 'sa thuarasdal.
Bidh chòill' gu leir *s na gleanntaichean.
Air chrathadh le h-aoibueas canntaireachd, Gach tàin is airde cbruinnicheaa
Aig fuaim a chuuail cbeannsalaich, Do'n àiridh uile ghluaiseas iad ;

Feadh phreas, a'a chrann, a's òganan. Thig bliochd a's dàir gun uireaabbuidh,
Craobh àrd air cuman gruagaiche ;
Na doireachean coill' bu diomhaire, Na h-aighean is òige làidire,
'S na croinn mu'n iadh na smeoraichean Nach d'fhiosraich tràth na buaraichean ;

Theid gach craobh an ciataiehead, Bi'dh luinneag aig ribhinn chul-duinn dhaibh,
Bi'dh caochladb fiamh a's neòil orra ;
'Gam briodal ciùin le duanagan.
Gu meanganach, direach sniomhanach,
Theid cridhe nam friamh an soghaireailid.
'S nor ionmhuinn mu thratfa neùine
Le trusgau ùv g'a mhiadachadh,
Na laoigh òga chòir na buaile sin,
Bar-gue air mhiaraibh nòsara.
Gu tarra-gheal, ball-bhreac, bbtainneacb,
Sgiùthacb, druim-fhionn' sroin-fhioun, gnaill-
Bi'dh am beatha gu cuisleach, fiuranach, [inueach ;

Go faileanach, slatacb, ùr-fhasach ; Is iadgu lith dhonn, ciar-dhubh, caraideach,

Thig snothach fo 'n chairt a's druisealachd, Buidh, gris-fhionn, er.V-dheaig, suaichionta,
Bidh duilleacb a's rùsg mar chòmhdach air ; Seang, slios'ra direach, sàr-chumpach,
Le brutbainn thcid brigh na duslaiu ami Cas, bachlach, bàrr an suainiche.
Am bairaeh dlù nan bgatian'
Gu plhireineach, caoin, maoth-bhlasda, Bi'dh foirm a's colg air creatairean,

Mo roghainn de shnaoisean sròiue e. Gu stoirmeil, gleust' 'g ath-nuadhachaiili ;

Le ('organ torchuirt feudalach,

'S a bhiolaire luidneach, sliom-chluasach, An treud, 's an sprèidh, 's am buachaille :

Ghlas, chruinn-cheannach, chaoin, ghorno- An gleann, barrach, bileaeh, rèidhleanacb,

Is i fas glan, uchd-ard, gilmeineach, [neulach, Creamh, rainneach, rc'isg a's luachaireach,
Fo bìirr-geal, iomlan, sònraichte ;
'S e caoin, cannach, ceutach, mill chruthach,
Air ghlaic, bu taitneacb cearmonta, Fireach, sleibhteaeh, feurach, fuaranach.
Le seamragan 's le neòiiieinoau ;

'S gach lus a dh'fbeudain ainmeacbaidh, Bi'dh mionntain, camomhil, 's sòghraichean,
Cuir anbharra dhreacb bòichead air. Geur bhileach, lònach, luasganach,
Cathair thalmhanta, 's carbhinn chròc-cbean-

caoineil, mileanta, nach,

Gur badanach, |

Gharg, amlach, ròmach, «:hliias-bhiora< li,

Cruinn, mopach, minchruth, mongoineacb.
Suthan-làir, 's faile gbrbiseldean
Fraoeh groganach, dù'-dbonn, grts-dearg,
;

ISair cluigeauach, sinnteacb, gorm-bhileach ;

Làn lilìdh' 's ròsa cuaicbeanach)
Is clann-bheag a trusa leòlaichean,
Gu dosach, gasach, uain-oeulach,
Buain obòrr an cos nam bruaehagan.
Gu cluthor, clualneacb, tolmagach ;

'S a mini 'na fìidar gruaige dha,

Bi'dh 'm blàr fo stràchd le ùraireachd,
'Ga chumail suas an spùrsalachd.
Oidhch iucbair bhruinneach, cheò-bànach,
Gael) sràbb 'sa bàir air lùbadh orra
'S i gruag an deataicb rìmbicfa i.
Le cudthrom an drii'ichd 's le lùdalachd ;

'S mbr a brigh 's is lionmhor buaidh oirre,

Gi'ii-blicacli nan Igeap a cinntiiin oirr', 'Na phaideirean llonmor, cùirneineach,

Guhriogmhor, siighmhor sùlasach,
Beillein breac feadh tuina 'ga chruasachd sud
Culridh ghrian gu dian 'na smùidean e,
Gu cianall, tiamhaidb, srann aige,
nam dianndaiiaich, Le fiamh a gnùis 's an g-mhadainn. ;

Air bhàrr rneas a'

 — ; :

DONNACHADH BAN. 247

'Nuair a dhearsas a gnuis bhaoisgeil,

Ge do bhuadhnuich Umc Uilleam leo
Gu fial, tiathail fiamh, geal, caoitieil oirnn,
Cha'n f'haod sinn bhi suigeartach,
Thig mathas a's gnìomh le sàibhireachd,
O'n chaochail ar culaidh sinn,
Chuir loinn air an Roinn-eùrpa so ;
Cha'n aithnich sinn a cheile
Le aoibneas greine soillseachadh,
La-fcile no cruinneachaidh.
Air an speur gu ruidh a spaoileas i,
'So tha na briogak, §c.
Cuir an ge'il gach feum a rinn i dhuiun,
G'a fhoillseachadh 's g'a mhòideachadh.
'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
ORAN NA BRIOGSA. Do'n phàirti ga'm buinnin-sa ;

'S neo-sheannsar a chulaidh i,

Air fonn— "Sean Triuthais Uilleaclu Gur grannda leinn umainn i,

Cho teann air a cumadh dhuinn,

'So tha na briogak Uath-glas 'S nach b'fheairde leinn tuilleadh i
;

Am bliadkna cuir mulaid oirnn,

Bidh putanan na gluinean,
'S e'n rud nachfhacas riamh oirnn,
A's bucalan ga'n dùnadh,
'S a bhriogais air a dubladh,
'S nach miann leinn a chumail oirnn ;

'S na'm bitheamaid uile dileas

Mu chùl-thaobh a h-uile fir.

'So tha na. briogais, 4'<\

Do'n riffh bha toirt cuireadh dhuinn,
Cha'n fhaicte sinn gu dilinn,
A striochda do'n chulaidh so. Gheibh sinn adan ciar-dhubh,
Chur dian air ar mullaichean,
A's casagan cho shliogta,
'S olc an seòl duinn, am Rrionns òg
'S amhinicheadh muillean iad
A bhi fo mhùran duilichinn, ;

Ged' chumadh sin am fuachd dhinn,

A's Righ Dehrsn a bhi chiimhnaidh,
Cha'n fhag esinn cho uallach,
Far 'm bu choir dha tuineachas ;
'S gu'n toillich e ar n-uaislean,
Tha luchd-eòlais a toirt sgeòil duinn
Ar tuath no ar cummanta ;
Nach robh cùir air Lunnainn aige,
Cha taitinn e gu bràth ruinn,
'S e Hanobhar an robh sheùrsa,
A choiseachd nan gleann-fiisaich,
'S coigreach oirnn an duine sin
'Nuair a rachamaid do dh' àiridh,
'S e'n Righ sin nach buineadh dhuinn,
No dh' àit 'm biodh cruinneagan :
Rinn di'-mheas na dunach oirnn,
Se Dears' a rinn an eucoir,
Mu'n ceannsaich e buileach sinn,
'S ro dhiombach tha mi fèin deth,
B' e'n t-am dol a chumasg ris ;
O'n thug e dhinn ar n 'c-ideadh,
Na rinn e oirnn a dh' ann-tlachd,
'S gach eudach a bhuineadh dhuinn.
A mhi-tlilachd, a's a dh' àimhreit,
'So tha na broigais, §c.
Air n-eudach thoirt gu'n tàing dhinn,
Le ain-neart a chumail ruinn.
'So tha na briogak,
'S bha h-uile h-aon de'n Phàrlamaid
c\r.
Fàllsail le"m fiosrachadh,
'Nuair chuir iad air nà Caimbeulaich
A's ò'n chuir sinn suas a bhriogais, Teanndach nam briogaisean ;

Gur neo-mhiosail leinn a chulaidh ud, 'S gu'r h-iad a rinn am feum dhaibh

Ga'n teanadh ma na h-iosgannan, A bhliadh'n a thàin' an streupag,

Gur trioblaideaoh leinn umainn iad ;
A h-uile h-aon diubh dh'èiridh
'S bha sinn roimhe misneachail, Gu lèir 'am Milisi dhaibh ;

'S na breacain fo na criosan oirnn, 'Sbu cheannsalach duineil iad,

Ged' tha sinn am bichiontas 'S anàm an robh 'n cumasg aim,
A nis a' cuir nan sumag oirnn : Ach 's gann daibh gu'n cluinuear iad
'S air learn gur h-olc an duais A ehàmpacha tuille leis ;

Do na daoine chaidh 'sa chruadal, O'n thug e dhinn an t-eudach,

An eudaichean thoirt uapa 'S a dh' thàg e sinn cho-fhaontra'ch,
248 SAK-OBAIlt NAM BARD GAELACH.
'S aim rinn e oirn na <lh' fheudadh e, liha sinn cho Ian de mhulad,
Sbaoileadh e chuir mulaid oirnn. 'S gu'n d'l'hàs gach duine gu tinn ;

So tha na briogaii, £c, 'S aim a bha 'n càs cho duilich,
'S a thaiuig uile ri'm linn,
'S aim a nis tha fios againn 'Nuair a rinn pàtrti Lunnaiun,
An t-iochd a rinn Diuc Uilleam ruiim, Gach àit a's urrain thuirt dbinn.
'Nuair a dh' fhàg e sinn mar phriosauaich,
Gun bhiodagan, gun ghunnaehan, •S fhada bha 'n onair air cha'll,
Gun chlaidhe, gun chiios tarsuinn oirnn, Is fasan nan GM1 oirnn d ù 1
,

Chan fhaigh sinn pris nan dagachan ;

Còta ruigeadh an t-sàil,

Tha comannd aig Sasunn oirnn, Cha tigeadh e dàicheil dhuinn :

O smachdaich iad gu buileach sinn— Ii'eigin do'n bhrigis blii

aim,
Tha angar a's duilichinu 'Nuair a chaidh ar comannd clio ciùin
'San àm so air iomadh fear, 'S gu'n d'rinneadh gach tinne nan tiuill,
Bha'n Càmpa Dhiuc Uilleam, 'S gach fìreannach fhàgail rùisgt'.
A's nach i'heaird iad gu'n bhuithinu e;
Man tigeadh oirnne Teahlach, Tha sinn anis mar as math leinn,
'S gu'n eireamaid "na chàmpa, 'S gur h-àrd ar caraid 'sa chùiit,
Gheibhte breacain chàirueit, A chuir air na daoin' am fasan,
'S bhiodh aird air na Gunnachan. Kinn parlamaid Shasuinn thoirt' diu'
So tha na briogais> &c. Beannachd gu biàth do'n mharcus,
A thagair an dràst ar cùis ;

Fhuair e gach dlighe air ais dhuinn,

Le ceartas an rlgh 'sa cliruin.

Fhuair dhuinn comas nan arm,

e
ORAN DO'N EIDEAUH GHAELACH. A dheanamh dhuinn sealg nan slue,
'S a ghleidheadh ar daoine 'sa champ,
Le fàgail an oaimhdean bruit.
Fhuair mi naidheachd as ùr,
Tha taitinn ri run mo cridh Thogadh e misneach nan Clann,
Gu faigheamaid fasan na dutheh
Gu iomairt nan lann le sunud,
A Piob, as bratach i i crann,
chleaehd sinn an tùs ar tim.
O'n tha sinn le glaineachan hin, 'S i caiseumachd àrd mo ruin.

A' bruidhinn air màran binn,

Fhuair «inn cothrom an dràst,
So i deoch-slàinnte IVIhontrois,
A thoilicheas gràdh gach dùtheh',
A sheasamh a choir so dhuinn,
Comas ar culaidh chur oirnn,
Gun fharaid de phùr nan Rib :

Chunna' mi 'n diugh an Dun-cideann,

Tha sinn a nis mar is coir,
Comunn na feile cruinn,
A's taitnidh an seòl r'ar sùil ;

Litir an fhortaln thug sgeul,

Chuir sinn' a bhrigis air làr,
Air toiseach an eiblmis dhuinn.
'S cha tig gu bràth a cùil.
i

I'iob gu loiuneil an gleus,

Air soilleireachd reidh an tuim ; Chuir sinn a suas an deise,
Thug sinn am follais ar 'n èideadh, Bhios uallach, fieagarach, dhuinn,
A's cò a their ruubail ruinn '!
Breacan an fheile phreasacb,
A's peiteag de'n eudacfa ur ;

Deich bliadhua fichead a's coir, Cut' a chadadfa nam ball,

Bha casag de'n ohld in'ar druim, Am bitheadh a' cbarnaid dlù.
Fhoalr sinn ad agus cleòc, Osan nach ceangail arceum,
'S cha bhuineadh an seùrs' ud dhuinn : 'S nach ruigeadh mar rc'is an glùn.
Bacail a' dùnadh ar bròg,
'S e 'm barr-iall bu bhùiche leinn ; Togaidh na Gàeil an ceann,
Rinn an droch fhaaan a bh'oirnn', Cha bhi iad an fanng ni's mò,
Na bodaich d'ar 'n òigridli ghrinn. Dh' fbalbh na speirichinn teann
Thug orra blii mall gun lùgli :

Mhill e piiirt d'ar cumachd Slubhlaidb lad fireach nam beann,

O'n bhlàr, gu mullach ar cinn ; A dh'iarraidh dhamh seanng le'o cù ;
 DONNACHADH BAN. 249

S eutrom tlieid iad a dhamhsa,

250 AR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACii.
 —

DONNACHADH BAN. 251

Ged' thuirt Galium brpac Na 'n leig mi dhiom e

Nach robh thti tapaidh riamh, Tuilleadh gu bràth?
Cò a chreideadh sin Ged' thig a marsant
Ach duine bha gun chiall? Le phaca do'n tir,
Alasdair nan stop, §c. Cha 'n fhaigh sinn aon sion
Bhio3 aige air dàil.
'Nuair a thtid mi Ghlascho
'S taitneach learn bhi 'g ol,
Bha mo chuid stòrais
Ann an taigh mo charàid Am phòca cho uallach,
Alasdair nan stop.
'S ged a bhiodh buaile mhavt
Alasdair nan stop, <f'c.
Air mo sgàth ;

'S i rinn an eucoir

A bhèisd a thug uam e,

"S tha mi fo ghruaim

'O mhadainn Di-màiit.

A righ nach robh mearlaich

NIGHEAN DUBH RAINEACH. Na cearua so'n rioghachd,
Anns a mhuir iosail,
AlR FONN "Cuir a chinn dlkas."
Fada bho thràigh ;

Is caile dhubh Raineach

Chujr. nighean dubh Raineach
'S an fheumain an iochdar,
Orm farran a's miothlachd,
Chuideacha bidh
Nach cuir mi dhiom
Do phartan nan spàg.
Le cabhaig an dràst,
Ghoid mo sporan,
i

'S na dollair gu lionmhor,

Bh' again fos n-iosal

Feitheamh ri m' làimfa.

Nam biodh a chail' ud RANN GEARRADH-ARM.

Gu daingeann am priosan,
Rachainn g'a diteadh Chuna' mi 'n diugh a chlach bhuaghai.h,
Dh'ionnsaidh a bhiis ; 'S an li'iig àluinn,
A chionn gu'n do ghoidh i
Ceanglaichean de'n òr mu'n cuairt dh'i
'N rud beag bha sa chlùdan, Na chruinn mhàilleadh ;

Bh' agam sa' chùil Baunan tha daingean air suaicheantas

Nach d' innis mi chàch. Mo chairdean,
A lean gramail ra'n seann dualchas
'S muladach mise
Mar a b' àbhaist.
Gun fhios ciod a ni mi,
O'n a tha mi
I lineal gu imeachd roimh chruadal,
Gun searrach, gun làir,
Le sluagh laidir,
Gun chaora, gun òisg,
Fir nach gabh giorag no fuathas,
Gun ghabhar, gun nihiseach.
Le t'uaim lamhaich ;
Gun a mart min
Fine is minig a ghluais
A chrimeas am bliir. Ann an ruaig namhaid,
Cha robh mi gun airgead Nach sireadh pilleadh gun bhuannachd,
Gus an d' fhalbh e gu nii-mhail, No buaidh làrach.

Leis an te chrion
Nach d'amhairc air mo chàs Bha sibh uair gu giinn a seòladh
;

Rinn mo chreachdadh
i
Air tuinn sàile,

'Sbu pheacach an ni dh'i

Chaiilh tarrunn à aon de bhòrda

Mise chair sios, Druim a bhàta,

Gun i fein chuir an àird, i
Leis a chabhaig apàrr e 'n òrdag
Sios na h-àitp,
Cia mar a cheananicheas mi 'S bhuail e gu teann leis an old i,

Camraig na side? |
'S ceaun dh'i fhàgail.
 252 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

An onoir a fhuair an saor Slcibhteach, Grain ghrinne, bhinne, rah Use

Leis gach treun'tas a dh'fhàs aim, Aig na ribhinuean 'gall gabha
Ghlaidheadh fathasd ga ihliochd fein i, //„ toga, mi, Sfi
A dta'aindeoin eucoraeh gach nàmhaid ;

Na h-airm ghaisge, ghasda, ghluusda, Luinneag ac' air luadh an eudaicb,

Dh' brduigh an High gu leiun dhàsan,] Suuudach, sauthrachail ri mathas.
Clio math 'sa th' aig duine 'n dream threun sin, Ho ro gu'n togainn, Sec.
Sliochd Cholla cheud-chathaich Spaintieh.
Thogamaid fonn gu ccol-mhor, aotrom,
Dorn an claidheamh, a's lamb duin'-uasail Air a' chlò bu daoire dathan.
Le cruis-tàraidh, Ho ro gun togainn, t\c.

lolairean le 'n sgiathan luatha,

Gu cruas gàbhaidh, An clò brionnach, ballach, eitadi,
Long ag imeaclid air druim cliuainteau Triuchanach, stiallagach, gathach ;

Le siùil àrda, Ho ro gun togainn, 4v.

Gearradh arm Mhic-an-t-Shaoir 'o Chruaohàn,
Aonaich uaclidrach Earragha'JL An clò taitneach, basach, bòisgeil,
Laisde, daoimeineach, 's e leathuuu.

Tlia do dhaoine trie air fairge, IIo ro gun togainn, d/B,

Sgiobairean calma, neo-sgathaeh ;

Tlia 'n aogas cumachdail, dealbhaeh, Gu'm bu shin a bhios na caoraich

'S iomadii armailt 'am beil pairt dhiu ;
Air an d' ill as an t-aodach nathail.
Thug iad gaol do shiubhal garbhlaich, Ho ro gun togainn, 8/v.

Modi a's aumoch a sealg fàsaich ;

Cuid eile dhiubh 'nan daoin' uaisle, Beannachd aig an laimh a shniomh e,
*S tha cuid dhiubli 'nan tuatii ri ahead). 'S i linn gniomh na deagh bhean-taighe :

Ho rogun togainn, Sps.

'S rioghail eachdraidh na chualas
Kiauih mu'd pliairti, S ami is coltach ris an t-siod' e,
S lioninhor an taic, na tha suas dhiubh, Dh' fhàg min e, 's rinn math
i i e ;

Na'm biodh càs ort ;

IIo ro gu'n togainn, &e,
Tha gach buaidh eile ga' reir sin,
An Gleann-Nodha feiu an tàmhaclid, Snàth cho rithinn ris na teudan,
l'iob a's bratach a's neairt aig Seumas, 'S e choreidh 'sa dh' t'heudta shnaitheadh :

An Ceatui-cinnidh nach treig gu biàt h siun. 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,

Oil AN LUAIDH. 'S e ni 'n t-airgead air an ratliad
IIo rogun togainn, -\c.
LUINNEAG.

Ho ro gu'n togainn air Iniganfhathasd,

Cha bhi slat a sìos o chriin deth,
IIo rb mu 'n tèid mi
i-o luid/te
Miami gach sùl e aims an fhaidhir.
;

IIo rò gun togaiiin air hiigan fliatltasd.

Ho ro gu'n togaùm, \<\

Togamaiu fonn air luadh a' chlòlain ;

Cha bhi suirighieh' aims an dùthaich

Gabhaidh siun ceol, a's òrain inhatha. Nach bi 'n dull ri pairt deth fhaighhm.
Ho ro gun togainn, SfO. Ho ro gu'n togainn. SfC.

15' fheaird' an clù bhi choir nan gruagach, *Saim a tha 'n toil-iimtinn aodaich
A dheanadfa an luadh le'n lamhau ;
Aig na daoin' a bhios 'ga chaitheadh.
Ho ro gu'n togainn, ,\r. Ho ro gu'n togainu, <V<\

'Nuair a thionndas iad air cltHth e, Thogainn am fonn a dh'iarradh pòitear,

Chluinnte fuaim gach to dhiubh labhairt. A'sluaidhinn an do bu inhiaim le niiiathan.
Ho ro gun togainn, £c. IIo ro gun togainn, 4'C
DONNACHADH BAN.
254 SAR-ORAIR NAM
 ; ;

DONNACHADH BAN. 255

'S ann aice tha beul an sgallais, Ged' thàine' mi ann gun fhios domh,
Gu fanaid a dheanamh air seann-duin', 'S fhearr falbh tràth na fuireach aca :

Nach urrainn a dheanadh feu in dh'i Bana-mhaighsdir a chomuinn bhristich,

Mar a bha fein an geall air i ;
Anna tha ainmeil 'san eachdraidh ;

Chunna' mise latha ghluaisinn Mu gheibh each i mar fhuair mis i,

Leis na gruagaichean mar chairdeas, Cha tig iad gu bràth g'a faicinu.
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 AOIR UISDEAN PHIOBAIR'.
Cha neònach learn blii misgeach, i

'S cùmhnuidh a measg a Bhranndai,

i ii

'S trie a bha 'na broinn gu leùir dheth, Turas a chaidh mi air astar

'S bha tuille 'sa chòir 'na ceann deth. A Chinn-tàile,

Chunna mi daoin-uailse tlachdmhor,
Caoimhneil, pàirteach
Cha 'n'eil a leannan r'a fhaotainn, ;

Bha aon bhallach ann air banais,

Cia mar dh'fhaodar e bhi ann d'i ?
A thug dhomh tàmailt,
Breunag ris ann can' iad gaorsach,
A bha daonann anns na cànipan O'na bha e-san mar sin dòmh-sa,
;

'S ann mar so bhios mise dhà-san.

'Sa bha rithist feadh 'n t-saoghail
A giùlan adhaircean aig ceardan ;

Cha d'fhuair i 'n onoir a shaoil i,

'S ann an sin a thbiaich Uisdean,

'N t-urram fhaotainn air na bàrdau. Mar a ni cù an droch nàduir,

Tabhunaich ri sluadh na duthcha,
'S be run gu'n gearradh e 'n sàiltean
'Smòr an treunntas le Anna,
'S math an còmpanach do'n chù e,
Bhi cho gheur le sgainneil chainnte,
'S dona 'n còmpanach le each e,
'Smairg air 'na thaehair bean bheumach,
Cha chuideachd e bhàrd no phiobair,
Aig am beil am beul gun fhaitheam ;
Aig a mhìomhalachd 'sa dh'fhàs e.
'I\l fear a bheir ise dhachaigh,
'S ann air thig a ch reach 'san calldach,
'Nuair shaoil e gum bu bhean cheart i,
Aidich fhein nach 'eil thu 'd phiobair,

'S ann thaehair e ri bhana-mhaighstir. 'S leig dhiot bhi 'm barail gur bard thu ,

Daoine cridheil iad le cheile,

'S bithidh iad gu leir a tàir ort
A bhana-chleasaiche gun ghrinneas,
Fear ciùil gun bhinneas gun ghrinneas,
'S mairg neasgach a theid na caramb,
Fuadaichidh sinn as ar pàirt e,
'S trie i tuiteam leis na gillean,
Mar a thilgeas iad craobh chrionaich
Ceap tuislidh i do na fearaibh ;
'n fhionan a mach as a ghàradh.
A bhean bhruidhueach, mhisgeach, ghionach,
Ghlearach, lonach, shanntach, shallach,
Roiun gu reubadh air a teangaidh,
Mu chi thusa bard no filidh
No fear dàna,
Coltach ri gath geur na nathrach.
Mu bhios aon diubh 'g iarraidh gille'

Ghiùlan màlaid,
Còmhdach naeh falaich a craiceann, Lean an duine sin le dùrachd,
Leomach gun seùl air cuir leis aim, Los gu'n siùbhla' tu h-uil àite ;

Cha'n 'eil brògan slan mu' casan, 'S mòr an glanadh air do dbiithaich,
Cha'n 'eil c'lta'n-aiid
;
mu leasaibh 1 chuir cùl riut 's thu g'a fagail.
Oirre tha aogas na glaistig,
Neul an aoig 'na h-aodainn preasach, No ma chi thu fear a sheinneas
Closach i air searga' lachdunn, Piob no elkrsach,
'S coltach i ri dealbh na Leisge !
Faodaidh tusa 'n t-inneal ciùil
A ghiùlan dà-san,
Taigh tha làn de mhnathan misgeach, Gus am bi craiceann do dhroma'
'S ole an t-ait an d'rinn mi tachairt, Fàs na bhallaibh loma, bana,
 ;;

25G SAU-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAKLACH.

Mar a chi thu mille' srathrarh Bithidh i coltach ri gaoir chonnsbeach

Air gearran a bhioa ri luteal h. A bhiodfa an cnoe fraoicb a dranndail
An Circeapoll laimh ri Tonga,
Cia mar a dheanadh e òran, A' baigearachd air muinntir bainnse,
Gun tolas, gun tuigse nàduir, Fhuair mise piobaire 'n riiinpuill,
O nach deauadh e air dùigh e, 'S dh'i'hàg mi ami e.

S ami bu dha luireach sàmhach

chì ir ;

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.
AOIR IAIN FAOCHAIGH.
'S sgimealair cheanna na'm bòrd thu,
Far am faigh thu'u t-òl gun phàigheadh Iain Fhaochaig* aim an Sasunn,
Cia mar cliunntas sinn na geòcaìch, 'Smor a nihasladh 'us a mhì-chliù,
I\Iar bi Uisdean òg 'san àireamh ? Chaill e na bh' aige de chairdcan,
Cfaa robh do bhru riamh aig siochadh, 'S tha 'naimhdean air cinntinn lionmhor.
Gus an lìonadh tu bhiadb chàich i : Ge b' fhad' a theich e air astar,
'S mòr an t-òl na chaisgeadh t'-lotadh, Chaidh a ghlacadh, 's tha e ciosnaicht ;

'Nuair chite thu 'a do ghloc pàiteach. Chàraich ìad e fo na glasan,

'S tha 'n iuchair taisgt' aig maor a phrlosain.
'S trie do leab' an lag an òtraich,
No'n cùl g:\raidh, Tha an àite cumhann,
e 'nis'

Bi do cheann air con-tom còinhnard, 'S e '11 a chrùban, dubhach, deurach,

'S ro mhath 'n t-àit e ;
A chaa daingeann aim an iaruna,
Bidb na coin ag iomlaich t'l'he'isaig, 'G a phianadh, a's e 'n a eigin.
A toirt diot a bheoll 'su chàirean, B' fliasa dha 'bhi aims an lhiabhras
Do chraos dreammach toirt phòg salach Na !n iarguin a tha 'n a chrèubhaig ;

'S e 'n sin o cheann cbrr a's bliadbua,

A'd dhearbh bhràithrean.
A h-uile la ag iarraidh reite.
Na'n cluinne' sibh muc a rucail,
Gebidh a's tunnagan a raeail, Ach, a'm faigheadh tusa rè
'S ami mar sin a bha piob Uisdcan, An linn thu 'slieant
na rinn
ig
i'iiig 'sheaiinachaa,

Brònacb muladach a rànaich ;

B'aobhar-misnich do gach heist e
Muiueal gun' aohnann air tùcha, Gu'm faodadh iad lein do leanmhainn
'N ribheid cha'n f'heud bhi làidir, Fear gun seadh, gun lagh, gun rèuaan,
'S e call daonnan air a chùl-thaohh, 'S aims an èucoir a ta t-eaibsa ;

Na gaoith bu choir dol an 'sa mhala. Theatm thu mach o achd na clelre,
'S thug thu bòid nach eisd thu searmoin !

Bha Iurga coin air son gaothair'

A'd chraos farsuiun,
Thug thu di-meas air an Eaglais,
Air a cbreideimb, 's air na h-àintean
*S culaidh sin a thogail plàigh
'S an cnai' air malcadh ;
Chair thu brèugan air an 1 ianaid 1

'S air na h-iarrtasan a dh' fhag iad

Ki.:n e t'anail salach breuD,
;

Tha e 'nis' 'n a ghnothach cosail,

Ma tbèid neacb fo'n Ghrein an taic riut,
'Relr an t soisgeil 'tha mi claistiim,
'S fhearr bhi eadar thu 'sa ghaoth,
Gu'n do chuir thu cùl ri socbftlr
Na seasamh air taohh an fhasga.
Na saors' a choisinn ar Slàn'ear.

Cia mar a ni Uisdcan òg dhttibb bhiddean-baistidh,

Chuir thu cùl ri d'
Ceòl gu damhta,
'S mòr a nihasladh dhut an alcbeadh,
Nuair a chitheadh tu sruth roi.n
Chaill thu 'chùiit 'am biodh an (-cartas,
O'n h-uile toll a bh" air an t-aeannaair :

Roghnaich thu 'in peacadh 'n a h-hitc:

'SgeuJ tha fior a dh'innseas mise,
Ghiei'ih thu 'n riaghalt 'a an geol-stluiridh
Gur h-c dh'fbag e 'nis oho maimtaoh
A bh'aig Iudas, do dhearbh bhrathair ;

Gu'ii tug lad dbeth leiaan t-iioaar

'S sgainncal air do dhùthaich
mòr an
Barr na toanga.
Thusa, bhrùid, gu'n d' rinn thu las iimt.

Bèidldh Uisdcan piob an ronngain,

« John Wilks.
'S niòr a h-anntlachd,
 — ; ! ! — !

DONNACHADH BAN. 25Ì

Ach, ged a sheallte 'h-uile doire, Duine misgeach, biisteach, breugach,

Clia robh coille riamh gun chrionach, Burraidh tha na bheisd 's n'a ainmhidh,
'S tha tics aig an t-saoghal buileach 'S tiioblaid-inntinn, le itheadh dèisiieach,
Nacfa bi 'ehoil! uile clio direach :
Gu trie a' tc-umadh a ehridhe chealgaich.
'S tusa 'chraobh 'tha n deign seacadh,
Gur: chairt, gun mlieangain, gun mheuran, Tha thu sònraicht' ann ad clionan
Gun snomliach, gun sùgh, gun duilleach, A' togail conais 'am measg dhaoine,
Gun rùsg, gun urad nam fieumhaii. Clia chualas roimlie do choimeas
A bhi dhonas air an t-saoghal,
'S tu an t-euti a chaidh 's an deachamh, Ach an nathair an garadh Ddein,
'S e nead creacht' an deachaidh t-fhagail A
; mheall Eubh aig bun na craoibhe,
'S tu 'in ritheach nach d' rinn an ceartas, '
A chonihaii licii gu buain a mbios i,
A chaidh air theachdaireachd o 'n aire ; A dh'fhag ris an einne-daoine.
'S tu 'm madadh-allaidb gun fhiaclan,
S' raairg a dh'iaiTadh 'bhi mar tha thu, Thoisich thu 'n toiseach 's an èucoir
'S tu 'n ceann-cinnidh aig na biastan, Ag innse bhreugau air righ Deòrsa,
'S tlia gach duin' a's tiach a' tàir ort. Cha chreid duine bliuat an sgeul ud,
'S cha toir iad eisdeaehd do d' chùmhradh ;
Cha-n ioghnadh learn thu 'bhi 'd bhalach, 'S beag a dhrùigheas do dhrochdhùrachd,
'S 'bhisaiacb aim ad nàdur,
Air oighr' a' chrùin a's na còrach
O'n a thin tliu lis an duthchas S a liuthad neach a tha, gu toileach,
A bh' aig na sgiursairean o'n tain' thu !
A' toirt onorach d' a mhòrachd.
'S tu 'n t-isean a fhuair an t-umaidh
Ris an t-siùrsaici. air n.i sraidean
Ge beag
:
ortsa Morair Loudain,
'S i 'n droch-bheairt a thog 'ad cbloinn thu, B' aithne dhòmhs' an sonn o'n d' fhàs e,
'S aim 'ad shloightire 'chaidh t-àraeh !
Duin-uasal foisinneach, fonnar,
Cridhe connrar, aigne àrda; —
Thoisich thu 'n toiseach gu h-iseal
Seanalair, air thus na h-armailt,
Air a' chrine bhochdainn
's air a' ;
A bha ainmeil aims san blàiaibh ;

S e 'n donas thug dhut a bhi spòrsail Cha mhisd e madadh air bhaothal
'S aim bu choir dhut bhi 'gad chosnadh.
A bbi tabhannaich an tras' lis.
'S bochd nach d' than thu aig do dhuthchas,
'Ad bin uthair, a' bruich nam poitean, 'S gòrach a labhair thu mòran
A' cumail dibhe ris gach grùdaìr' Air cùl laila Bbòid, an t-armunn,
'Nuair a dhrùigheadii iad na botail. Cùnnspunn onorach, le firinn
A' seasamh na riòghachd gu laidir ;

Bha thu, greis 'ad thim, 'ad bhaigear, S egu h-àrd-urramaeh, priseil
'S laidh tliu '11 Chad sin air na cahdean, Ann an cùirt an righ 's na bàn-righ'n
A bhi oidhche 's gach taigh a's duthaich, A dh' aindeoin na Faochaig 's nam biasdan
A dhuraigeadh cuid an trath' dhut ;
Leis am '
ihiach dol ann am pairt ris.
A mheud 's a blia de dh' ainfbeieb ortsa
Chuir thu cuid nam bochd g' a phàidheadh :
Bhruidhinn thu gu leir mu Albainn,
Ciod e 'iiis' a chuir an stoc thu 'S b' fhearr dhutgu'm fanadh tu samhach,
Ach an robaireachd 's a mhùirle ? Na'n tigeadh tu 'n còir nan Gaibh-chrioch,
Bu mhairg a bhiodh ann ad àite ;

Sliaoil thu gu'm faigheadh tu achain, Bhiodh tu 'm priosan ri do lathan

(Bu mhasladh gu'm biodh i 'd thàirgse) 'Dh 'aindeoin na gliabhadh do phairt-sa ;

Cead suidhe 'am parlamaid Bhreatuinn, 'S an eiiig na rinn thu 'dhroch-bheairt,
Gun cliiall, gun cheartas, 'ad eanchair.ii. Bheirteadh chroich mar gbalar-bais dhut.
Duine dall a chaidh air seachran,
Nach Vil beachdail air na 's fhearra dha, Cha'n ioghnadh dhut bhi fo mhulad,
Le eùmhradh tubaisdeach, tuisleach, Fhuair thu diùinb gach duin' an àl so ;

'S le sir dnieh-thuiteamas cearbach. 'S e sin fein a bha thu 'cosnadh,
'S ereutair crosd thu o'n a dh' l'hks thu ;

Duine gun fhearann, gun oighieachd, 'S lionar mi-run aim ad chuideachd,
Gun nì' gun staoile, gun airgiod, IMallathd na Cuigse 's a' l'hàp ort

Gun bbeus, gun chreidhiinh, gun chreideas, Mallachd an t-saoghail gu leir ort

Gun ghin a chreideas a sheanachas 'Smo mhallachd fein mar ri each ort
258 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

Bha mhaigheach tarsainn na bheul,

Thuit iad le cheil aim an slochd ;

Bha iad bàite bonn ri lionn,

RA N N A's muladach sin learn a nocbd.
•
A 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 ;
RANN CO-DHUNAIDH.
Elrìofa moch Di-domhnuich
Gulic cliomhnairt plilataich,
Tha mise 'm shuidh air an uaigh,
'S thoir leat beannacbd pobuill,
Tha 'n leaba' sin fuar gu leòir,
Agus currachd sagairt ;
Gu'n agam cia fhad an tim,
fhios
Tog sud air a ghualaino.
Gus an teannar mi fhein da còir :

Agus sluasaid mhalde,

Còmhdach flainin 's lèine lin,
Faigh naoi gasan rannich,
A's ciste dhubh dbìonach bhòrd,
Air an gearradh, le tuaigh,
Air mheud 's ga 'n cruinnich mi ill,
A's tri chnaimhean seann-duine,
Sud na thèid learn sics fo'n fhòd.
Air an tarruinn a uaigh ;

Loiag air teine crionaich e,

'S beag ar cùram ro 'n bhàs,
Dean sud gu leir na luath,
'M fad 'sa bhios sinn làidir òg,
Suath sin ra gheala-bhroilleachi
Saoilidh sinn mu gheibh sinn dàtl,
An aghaidb na gaoith tuath ;
Gur e ar 'n àite fuiieach beo ;

'S thèid mise 'n ra 's am barrantas,

Faodaidh sinn fhaicinn air each,
Nach falbh 'm fear ud bhuat. '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 ;

MARBll-RANN DO CHU Tha mi smaoineacha' gu trie,

Liuthad uair a bhrist mi 'n àithn,

A CHA1DH DATHADH'SA MHAIGHEACH TAKSAINN Le miann mo dhroch inntinn fein,
NA BHEUL. l.eis an robh mo chreubhag làn ;

Gun chuimhn air Ughdarras De,

Latha do Phàdruig a sealg,
Le dùrachd am bheul n'am laimb.
'Am fircach nan learg air sliabh,

Thug ghleann Artanaig sgriob,

e Ged' is mòr mo pheaca gniomh,
'S ann thachair e 'm frith nam tiadh. 'S mi 'n cionta ceud pheacaidh Adh'mh,
Leig e na shiubhal an cù, Cheannacha' mi le fail gu daor,
A bha luath, laidir, lùghar, diann, A dhòiite sgaoilteach air a bhlàr;
Cha robh a leithid riamfa san tir ; Tha mo dhiiil, 's cha dbchai faoin,
Ach bran a bh'aig righ nam Flan. Hi iochd fhaotainn air a sgàth,
Gu'n glacar m'anam gu sith,
Gaodhar, bu gharg calg a's fionnadh, Le fulangas Chriosd amhàin :

Cruaidh) colgara, fuil a's malla,

Bu mbath d reach, a's dealbb, a's ctimachd, Tha mo dbòcbaa ann an Crlosd
A cfaurraidh bu gharg sa charvaid, Nach dìobalr e mi gu brath,
Bheirreadh e 'in tiadh dearg a mullnch, 'Nuair a leagar mo cborp sios

'Sam Hoc-earb, a dlutbas a bharraich, Ann an staid iosail fo'n bhlàr ;

B'a fhaaan bbi trial! don mbunadb, Gu'n togar m'anam a suas,
'S cha tain' c riaiiih dhachaigb fallamb. Gu rioghaehd nam buadh 's nan gràs,
(ju'm hi mo leaba fo" dhion
Culaidb leagadb nan damb ddnn, Gois cathrach an Ti is aird.
Air mullach na'n torn 'a nan enoc,
Nambald n'am biaad dubb a's ruadh, Cha bbiodh m'eagal ro' an aog,
'S ami air a bha buaidh nam broc. Ged' tbigeadh e m thaobh gun l.'iil.
 DONNACHADH BAN. 259

Nam bithirm do pheaca saor, Chaidh sin liubhairt do Mhaois ;

'N deigh's a ghaoil a thug ini dha; Rinn Maois an liubhairt do chàch ;

Tiia mo dhi'iil arms an Dia bheo, Nam b'urrain sinue ga'm freagradh,
Gu'n dean e trùcair orm an dràst, Cha b'aobhar eagail am bàs.
Mo thoirt a 'steach a' dh'ionad naomli,
'N cuideaohd Mhaois a's Abraham. Caochladh beatha th' ann 's cha bhàs,
Le beannachadh gràsmhor, buan ;

Gabhaidh mi 'nis mo chead an t-sluagh, Gach neach a ni a chuid is fearr,

Le'n toirt suas daibh ann am' chainnt, 'S math 'n t-àit am i'aigh e dhuais
Fàgaidh mi aca na chnuasaich Cha bhi'n t-anam ann an cis,
Na stuaghan a bh'anu am cheann ; Ged' tha'n corp a' tàmh 's an uaigh,
'Los gu'n abair iad ra' cheile, Gus an latha'n tig am Bràth
" Mar a leugh sinn lein gach rann, 'S an èirich sliochd Adhaimh suas.
Co air an d'thèid sinn ga'n sirreadh ?

'Nis cha'n 'til am Filidh ann." 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,

MARBH-RANN AN UGHDAIR, Dh' t'haotain buaidh le f'uil an Uain.

Gheibh iad buaidh, mar fhuair an siol,

A chinn lionmhor anns an f'hònn ;
Fhir tha 'd shpasamh air mo lie
Cuid deth dh'fhàs gu fallain, direach,
Bha mise mar tha thu'n dràst ;
'S cuid na charran ìosal cròm :
Si mò leaba 'n diugh an uaigh,
Gleidhear a chuid a tha lionntach,
Cha'n'eil smior no smuais a'm' chnàimh :
'Am beil brigh a's torradh tròm ;

Ged' tha thusa laidir, òg,

Caillear a chuid a bhios aotrom,
Cha mh;iir beo, ged' f'huair thu da.il ;
'S leigear leis a ghaoith am moll.
Gabh mo chomhairle 's hi glic,
Cuimhnich trie gu'n tig am bàs. Cha'n'eil bean na duine beo,
Na lànain phòsda nach dealaich ;

Cuimhnich t-anam a's do Shlànuigh'r, Bha iad lionmhor sean a's òg

Cuimhnich Pharras thar gach àit; Ar luchd-eòlais nach 'eil maireann :

Gabh an eotbrom gu bhi sàbhailt Cha b'e sin an t-aobhar bròin

Ann an gàirdeachas gu bràth :
Bhi ga'n cuir fo'n fhòd am falach,
Ged' a thuit sinn anns a ghàradh Nam biodh am has na bhàs glan,
Leis an fbàilling a rinn Adh'mh, Cha Ini chàs talamh air thalamh.
Dh'èirich ar misneach as ur
'Nuair fhuair sinh Cumhnant' nan Gràs. Ghabh mi 'nis mo chead do'n t-saoghal,
'S do na daoine dh'fhuirich ann ;

Cuimhnich daonnan a chur romhad, Fhuair mi greis gu sunndach aotrom,

Gu'n coimhead thu a h-uile àithn', 'S i 'n aois a rinn m' fhàgail farm :

O'se cumhachdan an ard righ Tha mo thàlantan air caochladh,

Rinn am fàgail air dà chlàr ; 'S an t-aog air tighinn 's an àm ;

'S em' achanaich air sgàth m* Fhear-saoraidh,

* The Authoi's Epitaph, by himself. 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.

[AIR DHA TEICHBADH DO 'N FHHAING.]

Gur lionmhor trioblaid shite, Ma ni sinn mar a's leir dhuinn

Ris an linn a chi 'n droch shaoghal so, Cha hlii High na Grein clio feargach ruinn
Tha i'làig' claidheamh 's mi-run aim,
1 , Ach 'se claim nan daoin' a's goir-bieithich,

Ttaa gaol na firinn aotrom ami, S gur fad is eis air Alba sin.

Tha fear na f'oille direadh ann,

Tha 'n cri-aon-fhillt' a' tearnadh aim, O ! is iomadh gaisgeach sàr-bhuilleach,
S ma laaas eas' a rireamh riu A laodaich blàr an cunntais oim,

Gheibh daoine direach aomadh ann. Thug Tearlach a's na fasaichean,

Chaill fuil an dail nan Stiubhartach,
Ged dh'eiiinn le righ Seumas, Nan cadal trom 's na li-àraichean,
Agus dol air ghleua fo m' armachd leis, 'S a'n cùl ri làr 's cha dùisgear iad,
Mar sai.il mi gur hen eu-còir I, Bha croich a's tuagh toirt has orra,
An ni choir gu"n eight' am uhealgair mi '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.
 !

FEAR SHRATH MHATHAIS1DH. 263

Jad a bhi uillc cho liath, Cha Chleirichean 's cha 'n Easbuigean,
Re ciabhag fhir na liainnse. Chum a bharr an t-seisein mi ;

Mo run, 4' ('- Ach a bhrigis leibideach,

Nach deanadh anns na preasau claim !

Labhair fear na bainse fein 'S coma learn, 4'«-'.

Tha dath airgeid oirn' gu leir

Ciod an cron tha oirn fo 'n ghrein Ged tha bhrigis miothlachdar,
Mar dean fear-beurra rami oirn ? Gur feumail aims na ciiochan i,

Mo run, tigs. Giich fear a bhios ri diolanas,

Gu 'n toir i striochdadh air gun taing.
Thuirt Pàdruig Mac-Mhuirich gu foil '«$'
coma learn, SfC.
Agum-sa 'tha bliratacli shròil
Is mar sguir am bàrd d'a sgleò
Ach cuiribh air na mnathan i,
Mar tha mi beo theid sreang air.
'S ami orra 's fearr a laidheas i,
Mo run, <$r.
Gur sgiobalt' air t'eadh taighe i,

Labhair an Cleireach gu dàn'

'S b' e 'n ceol am faigliinn innt a damhi
'S coma leant, c|c
Agam-sa ta ceart thar chàch ;

Theid am Ministeir am' phàirt

'S gun tèid am bàrd sa phrangas. Gur mise bh' ami 'sa 'n eisdeachd,

Mo run, <$"c.
'Sna mnathan 'g radh ri cheile,
Gu 'm b' fhearr leo orra fhein i,
Thuirt am Maighisdir-Sgoile liath Na bhi ceusadh an fhir chaiua
Mu 'se gleus-air-mas a mhiann, 'S coma learn, 4'C.

Mo roghuinn-s' e th'air seachd ciad

'S i cheaird bha riamh cuir aim domh. Cha mhath gu direadh bruthaich i,

Mo run, fc. S cha 'n fhiach leinn thun an t-siubhail

'S cha 'n eil mi idir buidheach,
Thuirt fear bu dàine na each Air an fhear a luthaig i bhi ann.
Again cha'n'eil spèis d'ar dàn, 'S coma leant, <£c.
Eiriuh 's cuimt' an t-ùrlar blà'
'S gu'n lion mo lamh-sa dram tlbuibh. Cha mhath an t-eideadh idir i,

Mo run, §c. 'Nuair theid sinn aims an uisge lea,

'Nuair lubas i m' ar 'n iosgaidean,

Dh'eirich iad uil cho bhras Gu 'a d' thoir i niosgaid air gach ball.
'S aim an sud bha farum chàs, 'S coma learn, c^c.
Mar gu'm bithradh an trùp gMas,
Ag dol am baiteal Frangach. Bhrigis dubh gun sianadh,
Mo run, <S[C.
Chuir as an t-aodach briatha,
Bhiodh fosgailt air ar bialthaobh,
Cha di-chuimhnich mi gu bràth 'S nach iarradh a chumail teaim.
Gus an tèid mi anns an lar
'S coma learn, fyc.
Comunn ciar-dubh glas mo gràidh
A bha sari trà so damhsadh. Chuir i mach do Shasunn sinn,

Mo run, c\c. Le surd a bhi sgairteil oirnn,

'S leig i rithisd dhachaigh sinn,
Gun fhiù a Chaiptein air ar ceann.
'S coma learn, 8p.

Ged thug iad dhuinn 'sa 'n fhasan i,

Cha 'n eil i idir taitneach leinn,

A 13HRIGIS LACHDUNN. 'S truagh a Righ ! nach robh e tachte,

'M fear* a thug an t-achd a nail.

LUINNEAG.
'S coma leant, £c.
'S coma ham a bhrigis lachdunn,
D' annsa ' m feile-beag 'sa m breacan, * Duncan Forbes, of Culloden, was Lord President of
'S beag a gJutbh mi riamh de thlackd, the Court of Session in the eventful period of the Re-
De 'njhasan a bh'aig claim nan Gall. bellion, 1745.
 ;

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. 265

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.

LATHA C H U LODA I I It.

Air Fonm "Murt Qhlinne- Comhann."

O ! gur mor mo chuis mhulaid, Ach gaodh n-iar agus frasan,

'S mi ri caoine na guin a ta 'in thir, Thigh'n a nios oirim bharr machnir nan Gall.*
A righ ! bi laidir 's tu 's urniitm,
Ar naimhdean a chumail to chis
S truagh nach robh sinn an Sasunn,
Oirnne 's laidir diuc Uilleam,
Gun bhi cho teann air ar dachaigh sa bha,
'N rag mheirleach tha guin aige dim inn ;
'S cha do sgaoil sinn cho aithghearr,
B'e sud salchar nan stealing,
Bhiodh ar dicheall ri seasamh n'a b' fhearr ;
Tigh'n an uachdarair chruineachd an fhuinn.
Ach 's droch dhraoidheachd a's drachdan,
Mo chreach Tearlach Ruadh, boidheach, Rinneadh dhuinne mu 'n deachas na 'n dail,

Bhi I'o bhinn aig righ De'ursa nam biasd ;

Air na fiithean eolach do sgap sinn,
B'e sud diteadh na còrach, 'S bu mhi-chomhail gu'n d' fbairtlich iad oirun.

An fhuinn 'sa beul foipe sios ;

Ach a righ mas a deoin leat, Mo chreach mhor na ! cuirp ghle-gheal,

Cuir an rloghachd air seol a chaidh dhinn, Tha na 'n laidh' air na sleibhtean ud thall,

Cuir righ dligheach na còrach,

Ri linn na tha beo os ar cinn.
* Allusion is here made to Nairn, where the Duke of
Wo chreach armailt nam breacan, Cumberland was celebrating his birth. day on the night
preceding the battle. Thither the Highlanders wended
Bhi air sgaoileadh sgapadh 'agach
's air àit, their way, expecting to take him by surprise; but it blew
Aig fior bhalgairean Shasuitm, in their faces a tremendous storm of rain and wind, and
frustrated the attempt, 'the storm continued next day,
Nach no ghnathaich bonn ccartas na 'n dail
and tended materially to discomfit the operations of the
Ged a bhuannaich iad baiteal, mountaineers in the commencement, and ultimately tc
Cha b'anii da 'n cruadal na 'n tapadh a bha, their total and precipitate rout.
2(3() SAU-OBAIU NAM
 :AIN IIUADH ST1UBHART. 2G7

Iarla Chrompa le shlòigh, Dh' fhàs an talamh cho trom,

Agus Bàrasdal òg, Gach fraoch, fearunn a's fonn,
'S Mac-'Ic- Ailein le sheoid nach geilleadh. 'S nach bu chothrom dhuinn lorn an t-sleibhe.
Iarla Chompa, &c. Dh' fhàs an talamb, &c.

Clann-Ghriogair nan Gleann Lasair theine nan Gall,

Buidheann gliiobach nan lann Frasadh pheileir mu *r ceann,
'S iad a thigeadh a nailna 'n eight' iad. Mhill sid eireachdas lann 's bu bheud e.
Claim- Ghriogair, &c. Lasair theine, &c.

Clann-Mlmirich nam baadh, Mas fior an dàna g'a cheann,

lad —.in uile bhi bhuainn, Gu 'n robh Achan* 'sa champ,
Gur li-e m' iomadan truagh r'a leughadh. Dearg mheirleach nan raud 's nam breugan.
Claim Mhuirich, &c. Mas fior an dana, kc.

A Chlann-Domhnuill mo ghaoil, 'S e sin an Seanalair mo

'Ga 'm bu shuaithcheantas fraoch, Grain a' smallachd an t sloigh,
lteic e onoir 'sa choir air eucoir.
Mo chreach uile nach d' fhaod sibh
! eiridh.
A Chlann-Domhnuill, &c. 'S e sinn an, &e,

Thionndaidh choileir 'sa chleòc,

An fhuil uaibhreach gun mheang,
Air son an sporain bu mho,
Bha buan, cruadalach, ami,
Kiun sud dolaidh do sheoid righ Seumas.
Gcd chaidh ur bualadh an am na teugbhail.
Thionnaidh, &c.
An fhuil uaibhreach, &c.

Ach thig cuibhle an fhortain mu 'n cuaiit,

Dream eile mo chreach, Car bho dheas na bho thuath,
Fhuair an laimhseacha' goirt, 'S gheibh ar 'n eas-caraid duais na h-eucuir.
Ga 'n ceann am Frisealach gasda, treubhach.
Ach thig cuibhle, &c.
Dream eile, &c.
'Sgu 'm bl Uilleam Mac Dheòrs',
Clann-Fhiunnlaidh Bhraidh-Mharr, Mur chraoibh gun duilleach fo lean,
Buidheanu ceannsgalach, ard, Gun fhreamh, gun mheangan, gun mheoirean
'Nuair a ghlaoidhte adbhans 's iad dh' eireadh 'S gu 'm bi Uilleam, &.c. [geige.
Clann-Fhiunnlaidh, &c.
Gu ma
lom bhios do leac,
Mo chreach uile 's mo bhron, Gun bhean, gun bhrathair gun mhac,
Na fir ghasd' tha fo leòn, Gun f'huaim clàrsaich, gun lasair cheire.
Claim- Chatain nan srol bhi dhèis-laimh. Gun ma lom, &c.
Mo chreach uile, &c.
Gun solas, sonas, no seanns,
Chaill sinn Domhriull donn, suairc, Ach ilùlas dona mu d' cheannj
O Dhùn Chrompa so shuas, Mur bh' air ginealach Chlann na h-Eiphit.
Mar ri Alasdair ruagh na t'eile. Gun solas sonas, &c.
Chaill sinn Dùinhnull, &c.
A's chi sinn fhathasd do cheann,
Chaill sinn Raibeart an àigh, Dol gun athadh ri crann,
'S chabu ghealtair e' m blàr 'S eoin an adhair gu teann ga rèubadh.
Fear sgathadh nan cnamh 's nam feithean. A's chi sinn, &c.
Chaill sinn Kaibeart, &c.
'S bidh sinn uile fa-dheòidh,
'S ann thuit na rionnagan gasd ;
Araon sean agus òg,
Bu mhath aluinn an dreach, Fo 'n righ dhligheach 'ga 'n coir duinn geilleadh.
Cha bu phàigheadh leinn mairt na 'a èirig. 'S bidh sinn, &c.
'S nun thuit, &c.

* Lord George Murray is here alluded to ; his father

Air thus an latha dol sios,
to preserve his estates whatever the upshot of the conflict
Bha gaodh a cathadh nan sian, might be, sent Lord George to join the Prince, while his
As an adhar bha trian ar leiridh. oldest son took up arms in support of the government
forces— each having instructions to measure their adher-
Air thus an latha, &c.
ence or fidelity according to the probabilities of success.
 — —

268 SAR-OBAIR NAM 13ARD GAELACH.

Ubhaidh eile as hith

nan gràs, Mb aire
'S urrainn creideach dheanadb slan ri nair;
Tha mis' am chreideamh gun teagamh, nun dail,
URNA1GH IAIN RUAIDH.* Gun toir linn air ar naiiiilidean buaidh.

Aio taobh sruthain naahaidhe '«

Sgeul eile 's gur li-oil learn gu'r nor,
e s^itli,
Tha Criosdaldh bochd Iain Ruadh,
ii
Tha 'n drasd anus gach tir mil 'n cuairt,
Gaeli fear gletisda hint feumail do 'n rìgh,
Na cheatharnach fhathaad gun sith,
Sa chas air tuisleadh sa 'n tim gu truagh. Bhi ga 'n ruith feadh gacli frith air an ruaig.

Ma thig Duimhnich no Cataich a'm dliàil, Bodaich dhona gun onair, gun bhrigh,
Mu 'n slanaich mo lùigheannan truagh, Ach gionach gu ni air son duals,
Ged tliig iad clio die a's is hill, Gabhail lath oirnn 's gach ait ami sa*m bi —
ilia chuir iad onn lamb le luatli's. Cuir a chuibhle so' Cliriosda niu'n cuairt !

Ni mi 'n ubhaidhf rinn Peadar do Phàl, Ma thionndaa i deiseal an drhsd,

'S a lùighean air las leum bruaich, 'S gu'm faigh Frangalch am Flannras buai',

Seachd paidir 'nainm Sagairt a's Pàp, Tha 'in earbs' as an targanachd bhn,
Ga cliuir ris na plilasd mu'n cuairt. Gu 'n tig armailt ni stà dhuinn that- cliuan.

* Having sprained liis ankle when under hiding, after the Highlands. The Editor well recollects with what self,
the battle of Culloden, and while resting himself beside a complacency and sangfroid the female Ksculapil of his
cataract, keeping his foot in the water, he composed the native glen used to repeat the'" Kolas sgiucliadh frilhr,"
above piece as a prayer, and the following stanzas in over the hapless nobbier of sprained ankles With the
English both of which he seems to have couched In the
; success or result of the procedure we have nothing to do :

style of language peculiar to the Psalms. 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
JOHN ROY STUART'S PSALM.
;

their proper places during the recitation, the practitioner

never failed to augur favourably of comfort to the patient.
The Lord's my targe, I will be stout, There were similar incantations for all the ills to which
with dirk and trusty blade, human tlesh is heir: the tOOthach, withal] its excruciating
Though Campbells come in flocks about, pain, could not withstand the potency of Highland magic;
1 will not be alraid. dysentery, gout, dysury, &c., had all their appropriate
remedies in the never-failing specifics of incantation. Nor
The Lord's the same as heretofore,
were these cures confined to the skilful hand of the female
he's always good to me,
necromancer alone an order of men, universally known
Though red-coats come a thousand more,
;

by the cognomen of the " Ciiarshcana-chain," were the

afraid I will not be.
legitimate practitioners in the work. Two of these meti ica]
Though they the woods do cut and bum, incantations we may briefly quote as specimens of the
atid drain the waters dry ; whole. The first relates to the cure of worms in the
Nay, though the rocks they overturn, human body and runs thus :

and change the course of Spey :

" Mharbhainn dubhag 's mharbhaimi doirbheag,

Though they mow down both corn and grass, A's naoi naolnear dheth a seòrsa.
and seek me under ground 'S flolarcrion nan casan lionmhor,
liu inhnr pianadh air feadh fcoli," &c
;

Though hundreds guard each road and pass,

John lioy will not be found. Here follows the Other, denominated "Kolns a Clironach.
aid/i," or " Casg Jliuni.Su/a." During its repetition, the
The Lord is just, lo • here's a mark,
and kind, singular operation of filling a bottle with water, was being
he's gracious
While they like fools grop'd in he dark, t
carried on and the incantation was so sung as to chime
;

as moles he struck them blind. With the gurgling of the liquid, as it was poured into the
vessel; thus forming a sort of uncouth harmony, accord-
Though lately straight before their face, ing well with the wild and superstitious reelings of the
they ia« not where stood I
;
necromancers. From the fact that one or two Irish words
The Lord's my shade and hiding-place occur in it, and that the charm was performed in the

lie's tome always good. name of St I'atrick, it is probably ol Irish origin; but we
know I
1

held equally good

at it In the Highlands of Scotland
Let me proclaim, both Tar and near, as it did across the Channel.
o'er allthe earth and lea,
'1
bat all u iih admiration hear, Deanarasa dhutsa, eolas air sul,
how kind the Lord's to me. A uclid 'Ille 1'hadruig naoimh,
Air at amhalch a's st. id earabuill,
Upon the pipe I'll sound his praise. Air naoi conair 's air naoi cunnachair,
and dance upon slumps,
in v As air naoi bean lenng ilth,
A sweet new tune to it I'll raise, Air Bull seanna-glnlle 's sealla seanna.irihiia,
and play it on my trumps. Mas soil irri. Lasadh marbhigh,
.. i

Mas a buil mnath i, i bhi dh'easbhnldh a etch,

+ incantation of great antiquity, handed down tons
An Falcadalr fu*r agua fuarachd da fuil,
friin tlie Clastic era of Homer. It lias si ill its class of Air an ni, 's air adaoine,
Sturdy l.eliiveis ill many remote and pastoral districts of I
Air a crodh, 's air a caoirich fein.
 IAIN ItUADH STIUBHART. 269

Gun toir Portan dha didean le gràs, Mo bheud go brath do sgeula bais,
Mar Mbaois 'nuair a tbraigfa a mhuir ruadh, An taobb ud thall de'n Gheèp,
Sgu'm bidh Deòisa le 'dhrealainibh liàit, Ainnir ghasd' nan gorm-shuil dait,
Mur bha 'n t-amadan Pharaoh 's a shluagh. 'S nan gruaidh air dbreach nan ròs,
'S e do chuir fo lie a chlaoidh mo neart,
'Nuair bba Israel sgith 'san staid ghràis,
'S a dh't'hag mi 'm feasd gun treòir.
Rìnneadh Saul an là sin na righ,

Thug e sgiursadh le miosguiun a's pluigh,

Do chorp geal, seang, mar lili ban,
Orra fein, air an ;.l 's air an ni.
'Se 'n deis' a charadh 'n sròl,

ambuil bha Breatuinn lb bhròn,

A nis a ta gach neach fo chràdb,
Is
'S tu 'n ciste chlàr nam bòrd,
O 'na threig iad a ch'uir 's an righ ;
A gheug nam buadh is aillidh snuadh,
Gbabh flaitheas rinn corruich ro-mhor,
Gur mis tha truagh 's nach beò,
Crom-an-donais ! chaidh 'n seòrsa 'n diasg.
Do chuimhn' air chiuas. ri linn nan sluagh
Gur cìnnte' dh'I'huasglas deùir.
A High shocraich Muire nan gràs,
Crom riumsa le baigb do chluas ;

'S mi 'g umhladh le m' ghlùn air an làr,

Tha Mac-an-Toisich nan each seang,
'S nam bratacb srannmhor siòil,
Gabh achanaicfa araid bhuam.
Gun aobhar gàirdeachais ach cridh,
Cha'n eil sinn a sireadh ach coir, Ma ghiàdh 's nach eil i beò,

Thug Cuigs agus Dbeorsa bhuainn ;

A ribhinn shuairc a b' aillidh snuadh,
'Heir do cheartais thoir neart dbuinn a's treoir, O Chaisteal L'aimh nati corn,

A's cum sinn bho flioirneart sluaigh ! Amen. 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
CUMHA DO BHAINTIGHEARNA return from England, two or three days before his followers
came through Athol and the wilds of Badenoch. M'lntosh
MHIC-ANTOISICH.* 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
Cia iad na dee 's na Duilean treun, the intelligence to Lord Louden, then stationed at Inver-
Tbeid leamsa sa'n sgeul' bhroin ? ness with 5U0 soldiers. His Lordship immediately marched
towards Moy, taking a circuitous route, however, to avoid
Tha ghealacfa fbs, 's na reulltan glan, detection. Intimation was carried to Lady M'lntosh of
'S a gbrlan to smal gach lò, his Lordship's approach— it was a moment of awful and

Gach craobh, gach coill, gach bean 's cloinn, anxious incertitude. She immediately sent for an old
smith, one of M'Intosh's retainers, and a council of war
Dha 'm beil na'm broinn an deò, was held. " There is but one way," said her Ladyship,
Gach luibh, gach fear, gach ni 's gach spreidb, '
" of saving Prince Charles— your own Prince and that is ;

by giving them battle." " Battle 1" exclaimed the smith,

Mu'n ti rinn boisge mòr. " where are our heroes ? alas where to-night are the sons
1
j

of my heart?" It was ultimately arranged that Prince

War choinneal chèir, 's lasadh i treun, Charles should be placed under hiding, and that the son of
Vulcan, with other six old men who were left at home,
Mar eat r na grein ro nòin, j
should give them battle. Armed with claymore, dirk,
Bha na mais, to shiontaibh deas,
reull and guns, together with a bagpipe and old pail (drum), our
octogenarian little army lurked in a dense clump of brush,
A thug frasan mor,
nis
wood until the red-coats came up. It was now night, and
Oir bhris na tuinn 's na tobair bhuinn :
the sound of Lord Louden's men was heard— they
'S le mulad dhruigh na neoil, were within a mile of Moy The smith and his followers,
!

ar n-aigne tinn, as instructed by her Ladyship, fired gun after gun, until
'Se .gate h sinn, s
the six were discharged; he then roared out "Clan
'S gu'n ruith ar eiun le deòir. M' Donald, rush to the right— Cameron, forward in a
double column in the centre— M'lntosh, wheel to theleft,
Mu'n ribhinn kilt nan ioma gràs, and see that none will escape !" This was enough the ;

red-coats heard— stood, and listened— all the clans were

A choisinn gràdh an t-slùigh, 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
* For the Air, see the Rev. Patrick M'D.jnald's Collec- them until they had distanced the smith by miles 1
tion of Highland Airs, page 10— No. 106.
270 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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. 271

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.

MOLADII NA LUING E.

LU1NNEAG. Greis air iomairt, 's greis airstiùir,

'S greis air chul nam ball-acuinn.
'S beagmo shunnt ris an liunn, 'S beag mo shunnt, 4' c -

Moron buirn 's bcagan bracket.

ETannsa Icam caismeackd mo ruin, 'S e mo cheist an capall grinn,

Air cua/i du-gkorm le capull. Hachadh leinn air an aiseag,
'S taobh an fhuaraidh, fos a cinn,

Ge d' a tha mi ann san àm, S muir ri slinii taobh an fhasgaidh,

Air mo chramjmdh le astar, '»S' beag mo skunnt, Qc.

'S trie a thug mi greisean gàrbh,

Uair a bhiodh i fada shins,
Air an fhàirge ga masgadli. 1

mo shunnt, 4'C
Anns an iochdar nach faict i,
'S beag
'S greis eile 'n-aird nam frith,

Greis le beachd a deanamh iùil, S i cuir dh'i air a leath-taobh.

'S greis cuir siuil ann am pasgadfa, 'S beag mo shunnt, t$c.

This happened in the year 179.', in which our author published.

 .

COINNEACH MAC-CHOINN1CH. 2/3

'N am do ghaisgich dol ail' t'eum 'N àile chumainn trod ri naoinear,
Ga'c'il ghast gu sracadh bhèin,
Ged' a dh'aomadh ia<i gu stii
Piob ga spalpadh 's anail reidh, 'S cha leag mi gu bràth le duin' i,
A chuireadli end a's fadadh aunt. On a dh'thas i molach min.
'S efeile preasac
Mo rim, §c.

IV e snd caismeachd iird mt> ruin,

'S truagh nach sinn bha air àiridh,
Crorian gàireach, bàrr gach eiùil,
Air ar fàgail ann leinn fhin,
Brais phuirt mheara, leanadh did,
S chumadh ì bho'n fhuachd mi sàbhailt,
Cliatli gu lùghor grad-mheurach.
'5 e ft
On a dh'fhàs i molach min.
1 1 preasach, fyc.
Mo run, ., .

Nuair a ghlact' san achlais i,

Beus bu taitnieh chuiinu' mi, Ge u' a gheibhinn tàirgse bh" intigli'rn,

Siunnsair pailt-thollach gun di — 'S neo-ar-thaing a bheirinn d'i,

Os cionii a chinn gu f.ul-chrannach. 'S ml r gum b'fherr learn Me-'Ill-Eanndrais,

•S' efeilt
Tha na th'ann d'i molach min.
Mo n
'S i 's boiche dreach 'sa 's tlachdmhor snuagh
Tartrach, sgaiiteil, brais phuirt luath, Buaidhean mo chruinneig cha leir dhomh,
Muineal rrom air uchd nam buagh, An cuir an geill cha dean mi 'n inns',

Chluinnte fuaim 'nuair ragadh i. Thug nàdur dh'i tuigs as reasan,

'S efeile preasach, S[c.
Agus ceill nam beusan fiUlt.
Mo rìin, i e.

A ri ! bu ruith-leumach na meoir,
Dàmhsa brais wu'ii seach gun Icon, Tha i sgeudaichte le h-àilteachd,
Is iad air chrith le mire gleòis, 'S a cairdeas mar ghr.ii air pill,

Chluinnte sròl gu farumach. Seimh, fallain, ùr, 's cumaite dh'fhàs i,

'S efeile preasach, $c. O muiiach gu sail a buinn.

Mo run, etc
Bheireadh i air ais gu form
An cridhe dh'fliàsgu tùrsach, tròm, Leam a h'ait a bhi ga pògadh,
'S chuireadh i spiorad 's gach sonn 13eul on tig an t-òran binn,
Gu am gu spadaireachd.
dol air Gruaidh mar dhearcaig, suil is mòdhair,
'5 efeile preasach, Qc. 'S mor mo bhòsd a glòir à cinn.
Mo ran, <5-c.

Fhuair i 'n t-urram tliar gach ceòl,

Cuiridh i misneach 's gach tcoil, B'annsa leam a bhi ga h-eisdeachd,
Togaidh gu aird nan neoil, i Na smeorach sa Chèitean shll,
Inntinn seoid gu baitealach Na form fidhle nam binn theudan,
'S efeile preasach, £& 'S na tha cheòl 'an Eirinn chri.
Mo rim, |c.

Do Chuilodair gu'n tig gà^gich,

Gillean tapaidh as gach til',

'S bfdh gach fear an geall air fuireach,

MAIREARAD MHOLACH MHIN. Mar ri -Mairearad mholach mhin.

Mo ri .

LUINNEA8. Dbeanainn cur, a's àr, a's buain dh'i,

'S dheanainn cruach gun chiorram dh'i,
Mo run Mairearad mhin mholach,
,
S mo rtui Main arad mh S bheirinn sithinn o uchd fhuar-bheann,
\lach mhin,
\S bheirinn ruaig air cuaintean sgi.
Mo run Mairearad mhin mholach,
'S iomadhfear a tlCair a ft.
Mo run, §c.

'S ioma gillc tapaidh bàrra-gbast, Shiul.hlain latha 's shìublain oidhche,

Eadar Dcalganros nam frith, Is ghleidhinn sàibbreas dh'i gun di,

Sceann Loch- u is nam bradan tarra-gheal, S on is caomli leam Nic-'Ill-Eanndiais,

Tha le imc-iheist air a ti. \S caomh le Nic-'Ill-EaimdraÌG mi.

Mo rim Mo run. S[C.
^74 SAR-OBAIR NAM HAUL) GAELACH.
 ! ;

COINNEACII MAC-CIIOINNICH. 27;

Nam suidhe steaeh, le eibhueas ait, Ge b'è chuireaa dùil aunt'.

Ki cuir ma seacli nan di'amachan, An dùrachd cha'n aithnich è,
Bi'dh cuir nan cinn a'g èiriilh, Ge d' dheanadh i do phògadh,
'S gach tè dhiù ri f'anaid ort 'S ge d' òladh i drama leat,

'S ge d' ghealladh i ledùchas,

Tha na gillcan òga, Gum pòsadh i 'neathrar thu,
Nan dòchas cho amaideach, 'Nliair thionnta' tu do chul-thaobh,
'S iad le'm barail gh orach,
Bi'dh 'n sùilean gan camadh riut.
'An tòir air na caileagan, Mar sud their ise, ged' tus 's glic',
Ach fhad sa bhios an suilean, Gun deanainn trie, nach aitbne dhut,
Clio duinnte, cha'n aithnich iad,
'S ge mor do bheachd, clia racbainn leat,
'S cba 'n fhaic iad Gloc-air-garadh,*
Mar biodh do bheartas màile riut,
Ged' tbarladh i maille riu.
'S mar be dbomh 'n leisg, a bhi am lets,
A chaoidh cba'n fhaic sibh, iad cho ceart,
Cun deanainn reic a's ceannach ort,
Mar gabh sibh beachd le ghlaineachan, 'S 'nuair bhios tu falamh chùinneadh,
'S mus e 's gun dearc sibh, mo 's faisg,
Gum fetich mi cul-thaobh bhaile dhut.
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 ge be ghabhas fàth orr',
'S ceart ionatm 's mar ni ghòraich, Ga biàch bi'ilh air aithreachas,
Air drùbhar nan caileagan. 'S ma dh' fheuchaa i dha cairdeas,
Cha'n fhearr bhios a bharail oirr'
* Aclamorous vain young woman, whose custom was, 'S mo theid e mo is dàna —
when she saw any strangers passing by, to get up on some Thig tàir' agus farrau air,
eminence, and call the hens from the corn, or cry to the
herd to be careful, for no other reason than that she might 'S mo gheibh i e sa ghàradh,
be taken notice of. The cognomen is one of general Cha tàr e dhol tharais air
—
:

application, but the bard had a particular dame in view ;

and we have been told on undoubted authority, when she

Bi'dh e cho glic ri duin' air mhisg,
heard of her new name, that she gave up all concern about 'S biilh each ga mheas mar amadan ;

the hens and the herd-boy, to the great comfort and ease Nuair bhios e glaot' mar ian an snap,
ofboth. Her father, however, suffered by the assumed
modesty of his daughter— the herd-boy slept, the cows 'S nach urr' e chas a tharruinn as ;
followed the hens into the corn fields, and de->troyed them 'S a chaoi le tlachd, cha 'n fhaigh e las,
so much, that the old man was heard to swear if he came
Mur brist e 'n acuitin theannachaidh,
in contact with the poet, he would give him a hearty
flagellation for making his daughter worse than useless to 'S ma se 's nach cuir e bièid oiir',
him at outside work ! '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. 277

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
278 SAR-OBAIR NAM BAUD GAELACH.

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;

AGUS DO'.X E1DEADH-GHAELACH.

Bu trom an t-arsneul a bh'air m'aigne, Mo cheist am firean foinnidh, direach,

Le fadachd 's le mi-gheau, Maigeach, fior-ghlan, ainmeil,
A bbnin mo mo
thkbhachd dhiom,
threoir 's Mo sheobliag sùl-$;horm, amaisgeil,
Cha ghabhadh cèol na màran rium Tha comhant, cliùiteach, bearraideach,
Ach thanig ùr thosgair' da in' iunnsaidh, A b'aird' a leumadh air each-sreine,
'Dhùisg mi as mo shuain, 'M barrachd euchd thai' chàich ;

'Nuair fhuair mi 'n sgeul bba mor ri eigh'd 'S tu bhuinig cuis a bharr gach cùirt,
Gun d'eadromaich mo smuain. 'S a chuir air chùl ar càs !

Is làtha sealbhach, rathail, dealarach,

Alail, ainmeil, àgh-mhor, Air blii air farsan dhomh gach la
A dh'fhuasgail air na h-Albannaich, Gur tus tha ghna air m' iniitinn,
Bho mhachraichean gu garbhlaichean, Mo rùin do'n tir o'n d'imich mi,
Bho uisge-Thuaid* gu Arc.amh-chuain, 'S mo shuil air fad gu pilleadh ri :

Bho Dheasgu Tuath gu leir ;

'Sann thogas orm gu giad mo cliolg

Is binne 'n sranri feadh shrath a's ghleann Le aigne meanmaeh, treun
Na organ gun mheang glèus. Mo chliabh tha gabhail lasadh aigheir,
'S ait mo naigheachd fèin.
A Mharcuis òig nan Grc-umacli,
Bhir ghleust' an aigne rioghail,
Thainig/asan aims an achd
O gu'm a buan air t-aiteam thu,
!

Gu treubhach, buadhach, macauta, A dh'òidaieh pailt am feileadh,

muirneil blath
Tha eiridh air na breacanan
'S tu 'n ùr-shlat aluinn 's

De'n t'hiubhaidh aird nach crion,

Le farum treun neo-lapanaeh,
Bi'dh nighean thapaidh sniomh 'sa dath
Gur trie na Gàeil 'g òl do sblaint',

Gu h-arinunnach air lion.

Gu h-eibhinn, ait, le uaill

Gach aon diù 'g eideadh a' gaoil fein

* The Water of Tweed. 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.
 UILLEAM ROS. 283

'S trom leam m'osnaich anus gach la Cuireamaid soraidh bhuainn gu re"idh
'S trie mo smuaiuteau fad 1
laiinh — Leis na dh'imicheas an cèin,
Cluaill an domliaiti truagh an d àil, Dh'ionnsaidh an it' na laidh an reull,
; k

Gur cobhartacfa gach febil do'u bhàs ! Dh'fliògradh uainn gach gruaim as neul.
Soraidh bhuan S[C. Soraid/t bhuan, \c.

Tha mo chridh' gu briste, faun,

S bitheamaid toilicht' leis na tha,
'S deoir mo shùl a' ruitb mar àllt,
O nach d' fhaod sinn bhi na's fearr,
Ge do cheilin sud air am,
Cha bhi n-ar cuairt an so ach gearr,
Bhrùchd e mach 's cha mhiate leam.
A's leanaidli sin an suaithneas ban,
Soraidh bhuan, i^c.
Soraidh bhuan, Qc.

Bha mi seal am barail chl'UBÌdb,

Gn'n cluinnte caUimeachd nui'n cnairt;
1
Cabhlach Thearlaich thigh'n air chuan,
Ach thrèig an dàil mi gu là-luain,
Soraidh bhiau, $*e.

'S lionmhor laoch a's mili tremi,

MIANN AN OGANAICH GHAEL1CH.
Tlia 'n diugh an Albainn as do dhèidh,
lad fo's n-iosal sileadli dheur,
Kachadb dian leat anus an t-sreup. Air Fonk —" We'll go no more a rovint
Soraidh bhuan, 4'<\

'S gur neo-shubhach, dubhach, sgi,

Tha sud do ghnà air m'inntinn,
Le iompaidii chinnteaeh, rèidh,
Do threud ioumhiiinn arms gach tir,
'S gur fada bho'n bu mhiannach leam,
Buidheann meamnach bu gharg cli,
Gu'n triallamaid dha reir ;
Ulamb, àrm-chleasach 's an t-srì.
'S a nis' bho nach urrainn mi
Soraidh bhuan, S[e.
Ga chumail orm gu leir,

Nis cromaidh na cruitearan binn, Bi'dh mi fadheoidh ag aideachadh

Am barraibb dhòs fo' sprochd an chin, Na th'agam dhut de sptiis.

Gach beò bhiodb ann an srath na'm beinn

A caoidh an co'-dhosgainn ltinn. An sin ireigeamaid am/arson,
Soraidh bhuan, <5'C
'S gum b'/hearr na bhi air chuairt,
Bhi maille ris a" chailin sin,

Lefarasdaehd gun ghruaim.

Tha gach beinn, gach cnoc, 's gach sliabh,
An sin ireigeamaid, 4'c
Air am t'aca sinn thu triall,

Nis air call, an dreach 's am fiamh,

O nach tig thu chaoidh nan ciau. Gach aon a chi mi 's beartaicbe,

Soraidh bhuan, §c. Bithidh spailp orr' as am maoin,

Ach sud cha b'urrainn m' iasgacb-sa,
Bha'n t-àl ùg nach fac thu riamh, Ge d' liathain leis an aois,
'G altrum giaidh dhut agua iniagh, Mo nadur ge d' bhiodh iarratach,
Ach thuit an cridhe nis na'n cliabh, Uha' mhiann 's nach tugainn taobh,
O na chaidil thu gu sior. Le snaim cho dian cha shnasaicbinn,
Soraidh bhuan, <^c. Jilar glacte mi le gaol.

An sin treigeamaid, <$c-

Ach biodh ar n' ùirnigh moch gach là

Ris an Ti is aird' a ta,

Na ged' bu shamhl' an stòras mi,
Gun e dhioladh oirn' gu bràth,
Ge neonach sud leibh fein.
Ar 'n èucoir air an t-suaitheas bhàn.
Dba'n neach is liugh' còraìchean,
Soraidh bhuan, Sps.
Tha 'm Bre<Uuinn mbòr gu leir

Ach's eagal leam ge math a chleir, Ge soiileir inbhe 'n stàta sin,
'S gach sonas gheallair dhuinn le'm beul, Cha tàladh e mi ceum,
Gum faicear sinn a' bileadb dhèur, 'S air mhiltean òir cha lubainn-s'

A choinn an suaithneas ban a tbieig. Ach an taobh dha 'm biodh mo dheidh
Soraidh bhuan, 6,-c. An sin ireigeamaid, 4'c.
 —

284 SAIL OB A III NAM HARD GAELACU.

Gacfa fear dha'm beil na smaointean so, 'S mi fein am nighinn òig,
Bithidh m'aouta dha gu mor, Gun easbhuidh seadh no pàirtean air
Air chum ha gun giuiè theag-rohaladh, Cliii'n air.h'ain e ach foil.
R'n fhaotainn bhi na dhl igh ; Gu'm I)' m n a,
A rùn-sa 'nuair a d'fhlosraichinn,
Na'm meaaainn bhi air uhi>ir, i'V sud an cèile thaghainn-sa,
Gu'm molainn »«11 a diobairt iiha, 'S cha chladhaire neo-threun,
Clio fad si bhioilli e beb. Dha'm biodh Ian nan còbhraichean,
An sin treai amaid, &c. Dhetb *n br 'a gun treòir dha rèir ;

A threudan a' tigh'u' tharais air,

Gu'm b'ait learn cailìn finealta, Le barrachd dhetb gach send,
S' i maiseach, fior-ghlan, ciùin, Cha'n fhagadh saibhreas aoua mi,
Ged' iiach biodh ni, no airgead aic', Gun toilcachas na d hèigll.
Ach dreacfa a'sdealbh air thus Gum V annsa, §&
Ach sud na'n tàrladb aic' a bhi
'S ga rèir bhi pai It* an cliù, Gu'n cumadh Ni-matli bhuam-aa sud J

Cha chreidinn gu'm bu mhìst' i e, Fear gabhaidh, cruaidb, gun chliu,

'6 i loin bhi glic air chill. Na fhionaig dhriopail, gheur-chuisich,
An sin treiycamuid, iSv. Bhioa ieirsinneach le shùil,
Gun tomad a measg dhaoine dheth,
Cha treiginn fein a bharail sin,
Gun ghean, gun fhaoilt, naghnuis,
A dh'uiiideoin 'a na their each,
Gun fhailteachd, chairdeil, fhuranach
Le iomluas gu bhi caochlaidheach,
Gun uirghinll aig a's liù.
mo Gu'm '/ annsa, <""*&
'S nacli aontaicheadh chàil,
Gach mar a'a toileach leis,
fear bi'dh
Gun choireachd bhuam gu bràth, Ach òigear dreachmhor, tabhachdach
gu dicheallach, Neo- .anach
'S a leanaa e
Ehios calma 'nuair as èigin da,
A bheairt a chi e 's fearr.
'S rei'-bheaitach dha leir
An S'H trfiynimai'i, \c. ;

Gun stùras blii tigh'nn tharais air,

Gun aim-bheartaa gu leir,

'S e sud iia'm I'aighiun m'iariatas,
A mhiannaichinn dhomh fein.

Gum V annsa, £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, AH AISEADH AN HHEAHUINN DO NA CINM'HE AI1I1N.-
'Sa 'ih' aindeoin uaill a'a gbraich SA' BHL1AD1INA— I7B&
Nan bighean òga, bàth,
'So sud an leuchd gu dideanadh, LUINNEAO.
An cridheachan gu bràth.
'/' , mi hòro hhyo hoiriunn,
annsa na bhi mbnar,
1

Chfm '/

Mo lamh '.-
moyhaol thoirt nam,
Ho i hìSiriunn hbro,

Their mi K6ro hityo hoiriunn.

Maroon a's lùbadhfarasda,
Le 1 aire.
T11 in; in' inntinn air fad gu beadradb,
Qu'm Vannsa, «',
c.
Mar nach leagadh brbn I.

Na'n deanadh fortan fabhar rium, Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, $c.

'S an dàil sin chuir ma m' choir,

Le òigear maiseach, mileanda Bith'maid gu mhranach, gennacb,
(inn aniiharr, no dlth stbir, Fearail, mar l>u choir dhuinri.
A chuir an taobh a bithinn-sa, Their mi horo huyo hoiriunn, Xr.
 ; ;

UILLEAM ItOS. 285

Cuirt .am b' la breac na tharruinn,

'S glaineachan air Lord dhuinn.
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, frc. FEASGAR LUAIN.

Chuala mi naigheaehd a Sasurm,

Feas^aii Luain, a's mi air chuairt,
liis na las mo shùlas.
Gu'ii cualas fuaim naeh b' fhuathach learn,
Theiv mi horo hugo hoiriunn, S[C,
Ceol nan teud gu h-ùrdail, reidh,
A's eoisir da reir os a chionn ;
Na Suirm a bha 'n iomairt Thearlaiuh,
Thuit mi 'n caochladh leis an ioghnadh,
Thigh'ii' gu dail an còrach.
A dh-aisig mo smaointean a null,
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, Src.
'S chuir mi 'n ceill gu'n imicbinn cèin,

Le m'aigneadb fein, 's e co'-atrèap rium.

'S ge d' tlia cuid diu sud a thriall uainn,
Tha 'n iarmad air fòghnadh. Cbaidh mi steach an ceann na eoisir,
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, &c. An robh òl a's ceòl as dàmhs',
Ribbinnean, a's ileasgaich oga,
Feudaidh mac bodaich a reiste, 'S iad an ordugh grinn gun mheang ;

131ii cuir bleid a stòras. Dbearcas fa leath air na b-òighean,

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, g-e. Le rosg Coil a null 'sa nail,

'S gblacadb mo chridhe, 's mo sbùil cò'ladh,

Cosgamaid bòla de cbuineadb 'S linn an gaol mo lebn air ball !

Nan Suiilll liacll eil beò dhiu.

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, ^c. Dhiuchd mar aingeal, ma mo
cboinneamh,
'N ainnir òg, bu ghrinne snuadb ;

'Seang shlios f'allain air bhlà canaicb,

Tostamaid suas gach ceann-finne, |

Bh'aims an iomairt mhl ir ud.

No mar an eal' air a cbuan ;

Suil ghorm, mheallach, to cbaoil mhala

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, §c.
'S caoin' a sheallas 'g am hare uatb,
Beul tlà, tairis' gun ghnè smalain,
Tostamaid snas luchd ga lcanmhuinn,
Dba'n gnà carthannachd gun uaill.
Gnn dearmad air Decrsa:
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, S[e.
Mar gliath grèin' am madainn cheitein,
Gu'n mbeath mo leirsinn shùl,
i

Sluagh Bhreatuinn agus Eirinn,

'S ceumadb iulair gu reidh, iompaidh,
i

Geilleachdaiun da mhùrachd. Do reir pugannan a c.huiil

Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, <£c Ribbinn mliòdbail, 's fior-ghlan fòghlum,
Dh-fhion-fbuil mhdrghalacb mo ruin,
Ge bu duilich leinn an sgeul ud, Reull nan òigbean, grian gach còisridh,
Mac High Seumas fhògradh. 'S in chiall chèmhraidh, cheòl-bhinn, chiùin.
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, §-c.
'S tearc an sgeula sunnailt t-cugaisg,
Rlii ri f'beatainu san Roinn-Eorp,
Cha'n eil stà a bbi ga iunndran
Tha mais', a's feile, tlachd, a's ceutaidh,
Ge b'e 'm priunnsa eljir e.
Nac.b facas learn fein fa m' choir,
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, <|c.
Gach cliù a' fàs riut mùirn, 's an àillteachd
An sùgradh, 's a màran beoil,
'S gun tig tuisleadh air na righrean 'S gach buaidh a b'ailli, bh' air Diana,
Mar a dhiobras blach, Gu leir mar fbagail, tha aig Mbir,
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, ^c.

'S bachlach, duallach, càs-bhuidh', cuachach,

Fonn an cinnich fior sbiol coirce, Càradh suaiueas gruaig do chinn,
Cinnidli fochan òtraieh ; Gu h-àluinn, bòidheach, faineach, òr-bhuidh',
Their mi horo hugo- hoiriunn, §c. An caraibh seùigbn' 'san Lrdugh grinn,
Gun cbrun a'fàs riut, a dh' fheut' aireamh,
Mar tbng mi gu ceann mo luinneag, () do bbarr gu sail do bhuinn
Sgnir::lli mi gu st'.hia, Dhiuchd na buaidhean, òigh, mu'n euairt dut,
Their mi horo hugo hoiriunn, Qc. Gu meudachdain t-uaill 's gach puing !
28G SAR-OBAIR NAM
UILLEAM ROS. 287
288 SAU-OUAIIt NAM BAUD GAELACH.

Bu tu mochruit, mo cheol, '« mo thalleasg,

 —

UILLEAM. ROS. 2811

Cha' n'eil cleirearh. no pears raglais,

Crabhach, teallsanach, no sagart,

Dha nach toir thu caochladh aigne
Sparra' cèill sari amlilair. MAC-NA-BRACHA.
Ho ro, £&

Cha' n'eil cleasaich amis an rioghachd LIINNKAO.

Dha' m bu leas a dhol a strì riut,
Dh-fhagadh tu e-san na shineadh, 'S toigh liirn drama, Hon aghlaine,
'S pioban as gach ceann detli. (.'air an t-searrag sin in nail;
Ho ro, $c. Mac-ma-bracti an gUle ga$da,
Cha bu rapairean a Mann.
Dh-fhagadh tu fear mosach fialaidh,
Dheana' tu fear tosdacb briathrach, Ge b'e dhi-mol thu le theangaidh.
Chuire' tu sog air fear cianail, B'olc an aithne bha na cheanti.
Le d' shoghraidhean greannar.
Mar tig thu fhathast na charamh,
Ha ro, $e. Gu'm beil mo bharail-sa mealt'.
'ò' toigh Una drama, ijc.
Dh-fhaga' tu cho slàn fear bacach,
'S e gun ich, gun oich, gun acain,
'G eiriilh le suunt air a leth-chois, Na'm b'e duine dha nach b'ecl thu,

Gu spailpeil a dhàmhsa. Dheana' fòirneart ort le cain lit,

Ho ro, Sc.
Cha bhidheamaid fein dha leanmhuinn,
Chionn 's gu'm biodh do shealbh air gann,
Chuire' tu bodaich gu beadradh, \S toigh linn drama, 4'c.

'S na crornaichean sgrogach, sgreagach,

Gu èiridh gu frogail, sa cheigeil, Ach fear a bha greis na d' chomunn,
Ri sgeig air an t-sheann aois, Cha b'e chomain-s' a bh'ann
Ho ro. 4c Bhi cuir mi-chliu air do nadur,
Gur an dha-sa bhios a chall,
Bu tu sùiriclie mo rùin-sa, 'Ò'
toigh linn drama, 4't'.
Ge d' thuirt na mnathan nach b'fhiu thu,
'Nuair a thachras tu sa' chùil riu,
Co dh'àoireadh fear do bheusan ?
Bheir thu cùis gun taing dhhi.
Ge do bheirt' e fein sa'n Fhraing,
Ho ro, 4'f.
No dhi-mholadh stuth na Tòiseachd 'ì

Bu tu cairid an fhir-fhacail, Ach trudar nach Madh dram.

Bheireadh fuasgla' dha gu tapaidh. 'S toigh linn drama, 4<\

Ged nach òl e dhiot ach cairteal,

'S blasmhoirid a chainut e. Stuth glan na Tòiseadh gun truailleadh,

Ho ro, §c. An ioc-shlaiut is uaisle t' aim,
S fearr gu leigheas na gach lighich,
Tha cho liugha buaidh air fàs ort, Bha no bhitheas a measg Giiall.
'S gu là-luain nach faod mi'n aircamh, 'S toigh linn drama, 4'C
Ach 'se sgaoil do chliù 's gach àite,

Na bàird a bhi 'n geall ort.

Cia mar a dheanamaid banais ?
Ho ro, $c Cumhnanta, no ceangal teann ?

Mar bi dram againn do'n Chleireach,

Tho<radh ort nach b'fheairde mis thu,
Bu leibeideach feum a pheann.
Gun ghoid thu mo chuid gun fhios uam
'S toigh linn drama, 4"<-'.

Ach gun taing do luchd do mhiosgainn

Cha chreid mise dranud dheth.
Ho ro. $c * When our author's celebrated preceeding song in
praise of whisky became generally known, Mr John Mac.
Doi.ald, the author of the excellent love-ditty, the sec fid
Bha mi uair,'s bu luach-mhor t-fheumdhomh, set of Mairi Laghach, invoked his muse and composed a
Ge nach tuig mal-shluagh gun clieill e, parody on it systematically overthrowing every thing Koss
IJi/m amabnni, sed quid refert, hadsaidin its praise. Our author having heard ofthis.again
tuned his lyre— sustained the positions he formerly as.
Na gbraisg qua: amanda.
—
sumtd castigated the vilificr of aqua vilce and at still
Ho ro, 4'c greater length celebrated the inspiring qualities of it.
 !

2<J0 SAii-OBAilt NAM 15ARU GAELACH.

Tha luclid cràbbaidb dba do dhiteadb, Ge d' tha na bain-tigheanrifi

Le oùl-chaÌDt a's briodal feall, Gallda, fasanta,
Ge d' nach aidich iad le'm beoil thu, Thug òigh na Gà'èlig,
Olaidh iad thu war an t-allt. Barr am mais' orra,
'.!> toigh linn drama, §c. inir anuir sheòighn i

Gun sgòid ri deare' oirre,

A Chleir fein, ge scunt' an còta, Na h-earradh gk'-mhath
Tba'u sgornanan ort an geall, De dh*eudadh breacanach.
Tha cuid ac' a ghabhas fraoileadh,
Cho math ri saighdear sa' champ,
'A' toigh linn drama, Qc. Gur foinnidh, mileanta
Direach, dreachmhor, i,
An t-OLLA Mac- Iain* le Bheurla,
Cha lùb am feoirnean
Ee 'Laideaun a's 'Ghreugais-chainnt,
Fo bròig 'nuair shallras i

Gun dh-t'hag stuth uaibhreacb nan Gael,

Tha deirge a's gile
Teang' a chànanaich ud mall.
Co-mhire gleaehdanaieh,
'S toigh linn drama, §c.
Na gniiis ghil, eibhiiin,
liiiui ceudan airtneulach.
'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. Rèidh dheud chomhnard
'S toigh linn drama, <5[r. An ordugh innealta,
Fo bhilibh sàr-dhaitht',
Gu'm b'ait leain fein, fhir mo chridhe, Air blath bhermillian ;

Bhi mar ri d' bhuidhean 'a gach am, Tha h-aghaidh nàraeh
'S trie a bha sinn ar dithis Cho làn de ehinealtacbd,
Gun jiliinb, gun fhidheil, a dainhs 'Sgun tug a h-aogas,
'Ò' toigh linn drama, §r. Gach aon an ciomachas.

Gur binne cùmhradh

Na òraid fhileanta,
Tha guth ni's ceùlmhoir',
MOLAUH NA H-OIGHE GAELICH. Na iiigli-cheol binn-fhaclach,
Cha laidheadh bròn oirn,

No no iomadan,
leon,

Am TOW — "Mount your baijgaye. Hi faighinn sgeul duinn

O bheul na fiiine sin.

A Nighean bhnidhear.h
An òr-fbuilt bhachalaich,
'Nuair thig a Bhealltainn,
Nan gorm-shùl mìogach,
'S an Samhradh liisaiiach,
'S nam min bhas sneachda-gheal,
Bi'dh sinn air àiridh,
Gu'n siubhlain reidhleacli
Air àrd nan uchdanan,
A'a sleibhtean Hhreatuinn leat,
Bi'dh cruit nan gleanntan
Fo earradh sgaoilte
Gu canntair, ouirteaaach,
l)e dh'aodach breacain orm,
Gu trie gar dusgudh
Le surd gu moch-eiridh.
'S e sud an t-uideadh
Hi 'n eireadh m'aigne-sa,
'S monighean Ghàelaoh,
'S bi'dh 'n crodh, 's na eaoirich,
Aluinu again aim ;
'S an fbraoch ag inealtradh,
() bheul na h-òidhehe
'S na gobh'raibh bailg-fhionn,
Gil soills' na madainue,
Gu ball-bhreac, bior-shuileach,
Gu'm bait n-ar lUgTBtlb
Bi'dh 'n t-àl 's an leimnieh
Gun dùul cadail oirn.
Gun gun chion orra,
cheill,

Hi gleachd 's ri còmbrag

\S a sndtacfa bhileagan.
 — —

UILLEAM ROS. 291

Bi'dh mise, a's Màiri 'Nu at a chunnaic a blian-dia,-

CÌHch là na glacagan,
's Fear-teampuill cho duire,
No'n doire geugach Gun urrani dh'a maildeachd,
Nan èuiian breac-iteach, Gun mhiagh air a sùgradh,
Bi'dh cuach, a's smebrach, Chuir i 'n dia dalldach,
Ki ceòl 's ri caiseamachd, Beag, feallsac'n, gun suiiean,
'S a gabhail ùrain 'Dh-fheuchain am f'eudadh e,

Le sgòrriain bhlasda dhuini A ghlèusadh gu h-ùrlaim.

Ho ro ladie dhui', <§c.

Note.—" William Ross chiefly delighted in pastoral

poetry, of which he seized the true and genuine spirit 'Nuair dhinchd an dia baothar,
'
Molailh nu h.b/ghe Gaelich' or his ' Praise of the High-
Beag, faoilteach, liui'n cuairt da,
land Maid" is a masterpiece in this species of composition.
It embraces every thir.gthat Ig lovely in a rural scene ; and
Gun tbilg e air saigliead,
the description is couched in the most appropriate lan- O cliailin na bùaile
guage "— BrSLioTiiLCA Scoto-Celtica. Chaidh 'n sagart na lasair,
S cha chuir t as gu là-luain e,

Mar bhitheadh gun gheill e,

Do Iihenus sail uair sin.
Ho ro ladie dhui', SfC.

S b'e aidmheil an Lebhit,

'Nuair a b' eigiii da umhlachd,
Gu 'in b' fheairrde gach buachaille
Gruagaeh a phùsadh,
AN LADIE DUBH. 'S bha cailin na buaile,
Cho buan ann a shuilean,
'S gun robh na aigneadh,
i

LUDTNEAG. Na chadal 's na dhusgadh.

Ho ro ladie dhui', eye.
Ho ro ladie dJiui',
IIò ro eilc.
'S e fàth ghabh an sagart,
Air caidridh na h-òighe,
Hb ro ladie dhui',
Ho ro etfe, Air dha bhi air madainn,
Ho ro ladie dhui', Ga h-aidmheil na sheòmar,
Ho ro eile, A glacadh 'sa leagadh,

Gum b'èihhivn Ir m'nirinradh Air leabaidh bliig chùinhnaird,

An ladie ruCinfeudadh.
'S inu's maitheadh e peacadh,
Bhi tacan ga pògadh.
Ho ro ladie dhui', <J[c.
Nach mireagach Cupid,
'S e sùgradh ri mhathair, Ach tilgidh na Cinnicli,
Dia brionnach gun suiiean, Mar ilisgean oirnne,
An duil gur ceòl-gàir' e, Mar tha sinn cho dèidheil,
A' tilgeadh air thuaiream, Air eihhncas na h-òige
Mu'n cuairt amis gach aite, Luchd-creideimh a's cràbhaidh,
A shaighdean beag, gu'meach, Toirt stràcan gu gòraich,
Mar's iirrainn e'n sàthadh. 'S a bristeadh nan àintean
Ho ro ladie dhui,' Qc. Le barr am buill-dòchais !

Ho ro ladie dhui', $c.

Bha sagavt 's na criochau,
'S bu diaghaidh 'm fear-leughaidh,
Note.— The foregoing cynical song was composed on a
Air duiiadh le creideamh,
rigidly righteous Highland School-master, who, fancying
'S le eagnachd cho eudmhor ; that his ferula and cassock were sufficient to sustain him
'S b'ann a cheann-eagair, in his self- lauded inm cence, was notorious in the country-
side for his scorching tirades against all delinquents
A theagasg bhi beusach especially such as had incurred the rebuke of the kirk,
Gun ofrail a nasgadh session.— Our bard, although free from the grosser immo-
ralities, being a little amorous in his disposition, came once
Aig altairean Bhenuis.
or twice under the lash of this censor.— But alas the !

Ho ro iadie dhui', <^c. instability of human virtues— " holy Willie", hiinsulf
292 SAtt-OBAltt nam
 —— — —

UILLEAM KOS. J93

Ach mosg'leam tharais a mi-gliean Thuit mi le d'ghath, mhill thu mo rath,

'S cuiream dith air mo ghruaim :

Striochd mi le neart dòrain

Beò iii's (aide cha bhi mi Saighdean do ghaoil suit' anus gach taobh,
Gun mo mhin-mhala shliaire! 'Thug dhiom gach caoin co'-lath,

Oig mh'in beir mo shoraidh Mhill thu mo mhais, ghoid thu mo dhreach,

Leat na choirean so shuas, 'S mheudaich thu gal bròin donih ;

Se'mn mo rùin aim sa' ghleannan. 'S mar fuasgail thu trà, le t-t'huran 's le t-fhàilt'

'S tuigidh 'n cailin e bhuat. 'S cuideachd am has dhoiiih-sa!

Seinn cibhiun, S[c.

'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,
CUACHAG NAN CRAOBH." Le smaointiun dochleas,'sdoshùgradh ma seach,
Fo dhuilleach nam preas blath'or.
Chuachag nancraobh,nach trua'leat mr chaòi' 'S milis do bhetil, 's comhnaid do dheud,
'G osnaich ri òidhch' cheòthar — Suilean air lìdh airneig,
Shiubhlainn le'm' ghaol, fo dhubhar nan craobh, 'Ghiùlaineadh brèid, uallac.h gu feill,
Gu'n duin' air an t-saoghal fheòraich, 'S uasal an reull aluinn —
Thogainn ri gaoith am monadh an fhraoich, 'Strua' gun an t-eud tha'n uachdar mo chleibh,
Wo leabaidh ri tuobli dorain Gad bhualadh-s' an ceud àite —
Do chrùtha geal caomh sinte ri m' thaobh, Na faighinn thu reidh pùsd' on a chieir
'S mise ga'd chaoin phùgadh. B'fhasa dhomh-fcin tearnadh.

Cliunna' mi fein aisling, 's cha blireug, 'S tu 'n ainnir tha grinn, mlleanta, binn,
Dh-fhag sin mo chre brònach, Le d' cheileir a sirin òran,
Fear mar ri tè, a pògdh a beul, 'S e blii na do dhàil a dh'òidhche sa là,

A briodal an deigh pjsaidh, Thoilicheadh m' òige : càil

Dh'uraich mo mhiann, dh'ath'rich mo cliiall, Gur gile do bhian na sneachd air an fhiar,
Ghul mi gu dian, dòimeaeh, 'S na canach air sliabh mointich,
Gach cuisle agus feith, o iochdar mo chleibh Nan deanadh tu ruin tarruinn rium dlu'
Thug iad gu leum co'-lath ! Dheanainn gach tùrs' fhògar.

Ort tha mo gheall, chaill mi mo chonn, Càrair gu reidh clach agus ere
Tlia mi fo throm chreuehdan, Ma'm leabaidh-s' a bhrl t-uaisle

Dh'aisigeadh t-fhonn slainte do'm chom, 'S fada mi 'n èis a feitheamh ort fèin
Dhiuchdadh air lorn m' èibhneas, 'S nach togair thu ghèug suas learn,

Thiginn ad dhàil, chuirinn ort fàilt', Na b'thus a bhiodh tinn, dheanainn-sa luim,
Bhithinn a ghraidh reidh riut Mas biodh tu fo chuing truaighe,
M'ulaidh 's mo mhiann, m' aighear 's mo cliiall, Ach 's goirid an da.il gu'm faicear an 1;\,

'S aiunir air fiamh grein' thu! 'M bi pràsgan a' trà'l m'uaigh-sa !

Mallachd an tùs, aig a mhnaoi-ghlùin',

* The poet, crossed in love, suffered such poignancy of
Nach d' adhlaic sa chùil beò mi !

grief that it ultimately brought on a consumption and

he was for sometime bed-ridden. On a fine evening in Mu'n d' fhuair mi ort iiiil ainnir dheas iir,

May, lie rose and walked out through the woods to indulge 'S nach dùirig thu fiù pòg dhomh,
his melancholy alone. —
Arriving at a large tree, he threw
Tìnn gu'n bhi slàn, dùisgt' as mo phràmh,
himself on the green sward beneath its branches, and was
not long in his sequestered sylvan situation ere the cuckoo Cuimhneachach dàn pòsaidh
began to carol above him " The son of song and sorrow" Mo bheannachd ad dheigh, cheannaich thu-fein,
immediately tunes his lyre, and sings an address to the
feathered vocalist. —
He pours out his complaints before Le d' leannanachd gle òg mi.

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.
294 S All- OB A 1 11 NAM
UILLEAM ROS. 295
29(3 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.
'S e gabhail cruit da iiumsaiilh 'S 'n teirc a bha 'n ad ghnùis-ghil,
Le in neal ciùil <la glèusadh, A lub mi gu eugail,
On chair fiiinc 'n diu-chall, 'S nach deann Lighich' si an mi,
Mo ahugradh 's mo bheuaan, Och ! b'fbearr gum b'e 'n t-cug e.

Gu'm bath mi'u guth an org bain,

Ja' toraghan mo spèia dh'i. Is ciomach ami do ghaol mi
liismaointinn bean t-ailteachd,
'Nuair dh'eirich Caftean Cormaic Cha cbadal anus an òidhch' dhotnh,
Air chorra-ghleus gu fàrsan, 'S cha 'n l'hois anus 'an la dhomli,
Gn'n d'fhei raich am fear òg Cha q' fhacaa ri mo re,
An e goraich a dh'fiias ami, mi sgeul gu
'S cha 'n fhaigh bl'àth air
'S a liugbad cailin beul-dhearg, Ni b'annsa' na bhi reith 's tu,
Cbo beuaach 's cho nàrach, A gheug nam has bàna.
A'a nunc a tli'air an flu ill,
A tha feumach air màran. Gur binne learn do cliòmhradh

'Nuair chaal' am Macan-baoth sin,

Na smeorach nan geugan,
Na cuach sa mhadaiun Mhàighe,
'S a ghaol bhi do-mhùchte.
'S na clàrsach na'n teudan,
'S c smaointicb e gu theavbadh,
Na'n t-Easjiuig air la Dòmhuaich
l)hi falbh as a dbùthaicfa
'S a niòr-sliluagli 'ga eisdeacbd,
Ach nocbdadair na b-aobhair,
'.S e 'n caoin ruith le tùrsa,
Na ge do chunnte stòras
Gun Na b-Eorpa gu loir dhomh.
ghlac e cruit a's sheiuii e,

Le biiiu-chebl as ùr e.
Carson nach d' rugadh dall mi,
Bha feiteach air an an òrghan, Gun cliaiunt no gun leirsinn ?
Aig Cormaic ri ard-cbeol, Masfacas t-aghaidh bbaindidb,
Mas biodb an 1'hinne 'n uaehdar, Rinn aimlileas nan ceudan,
Air duan na fuaim clàrsaìch, O'n chunna' mi air thus thu,
Aih cha d fhuair miae1
sgeul Ru chliùteach do blieusau,
Ann am Beui'la no Gàelig, Cha n' fhasa' learn nam bàa
A dh'innseadh dhomli mar d'fbaodai A bhi lathair as t-eugmhais !

An gaol ud a smaladh.
Acb 's truagli ! gu'm beil do rùn-sa,
O ! teirmeasg air a ghnol sin, dùr dha mo leanmhuinn,
Clio
Nach faodainn a threigainn, 'Smo chridhe steach 'ga ghiulan,
A'j gur li-i'' chuir a laoid mi A h-uile taobh dha falbh mi,
Bhi smaointinn bean t-cugais, An cadal domh no dùsgadh
A BÙgradb no seanachas,
resolved, on thefirst opportunity; to fly with hor to Ireland.
Tha Mid da na' raagadb daonnan,
One night, after supper, Cormac tuned his harp, and
played a tune of the name of " Dcucliain.xhleuit' M/iic. 'S mi sgaoilte gun tearmunu !

O'-Chormaic," which liad the power to lull all to sleep

wlm were within hearing of it By this magic music the
whole of Macleod's household fell into a deep slumber.
Acb mi mo dhutliaich
fasgaidh
Corroac then drew a large dagger, which he used to carry Gu 'n diùch'naich mi palrt dheth,
about him, called Madag-achlaiS, to cut Macleod's throat. Ro niheuil sa thug mi run
As he was drawing near the chief with his knife, Mac.
leod's eldest son came in, after returning from his daily
Dha do chul huiilhe, falneach,
mountain and seeing CormaC approaching his
spoils, Air triall dhomli thar m' colas
father with such a dreadful weapon, exclaimed—"Cormac !
A dh'ain-deoin mo chàirdean
Connect what do you intend to do are you mad:-" — Tha aaighead sir mo ghiùlan,
('oniric replied, "Mad, my >oung man! think you so?
1 am not but I have a regard for your fair sister, whom
; A lùbas ;:ii lar mi !

1 am resolved to take with me to Ireland; and as youi

aged father will not gratify my desire, I must sever his

head from his body and clear my way." Cn hearing this, \S a nise bbo'n a thriall thu,
the youth replied, " You had latter not, as you may get 'S nach h' fblach leat mo mhàran,
your choice of a thousand virgins iii Scotland, much
A chionn 's nach robh mi Btorasach,
lalrei tha y sister, without coin mi (ting so cruel a deed."
Cormae said, " You speak truly, my young man band ;
Mm- ami an Btàta,
me my lyre, that 1 may banish the virgin's love with the Ach sud ge d'robb da 'm dhi'-sa,
sound of my harp " The Hard uses tins history as a teal
to the above song, where he complains that Cormac, with
Cha 'n islich mi pairtean ,

the melody of his harp, bad cared Ms lore, while a remedy Tha in' aigne torrach, tior-ghlan,
for his own was never to be found. Nach diobair gu bràth mi.
 UILLEAM ROS. 297

Ac li rail's a trial! gun dail dut,

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. 299

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 possessed merit, say-
: it is

ing too — but there were one or two obscene pieces which we would
little for the like,

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
300 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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.

Air fonn — "Cuir a nail duinn am botal."

LU1NNEAG. Nuair theid thu do 'n mhonadh,

tiidh l'uil air damb dearg ;

Cas a shiubhal an fhirieh,

Faiyh a nuns dhuinn am bottd,
'
Leal 'chinneadh an Usealg.
'.s tin-ill mi deoch so mil ' a cuairif
Faiy'i a iiuas, §c.
I. imi barraeh an copan,
Cum SOC rur/i it r/ninr/i ;

Tosda Choirneil nafèile 'S tu marbhaich' a choilicb,

Lets an ireadh gach buaidh,
i
moch
'S a ghoireas air chrann,
(>i</!nr Cknoidtart << bharraieh, Bhuie bhioralch an t-seilidi
'8 (ildinii garaidh bho thuaih. Agus cilid nam bcann :

'S trie a leag thu na luath's

This ort meaaair a*s adharc, A chaol-ruaghag 's a mining,
Agus tagbadb nan arm, Nuair a rulgeadh do luaidhe
Le d' mliiol-ohoin air lomhaiim, Clia ghlualseadh iad tang. .

'S iad romliad a' falbh : Faigh a ?nias i cjc.

 : ;

AILEAN DALL. 301

'S tnnamhaid na h-eala, Thig do chinneadh' a d' chomhnadh,

Lainh a mhealladh a glieoi<lh ;
A chraobh chùmhraig nau laoch !

B' fhearr leat 'fhaicinn's an adhar,

Faigh a nuas, gu
Na na Iaidhe air ion,
Air iteig ga chaitheamh, Tha fir chalma ro fhearail,
'S luaidhe neimh' air a thoir Ann a 'd fhearannaibh fein,
Bho ghunna beoil chumpaieh. Eadar Cnoideart 's Gleann-Garadh,
'S cha bhiodh ùin' aige beò.
'Theid barraicht' air ghleus :

Faigh a mas, (|c.

'Chuireas cul air an naimhdean ;

Tha 'n ceannard ga 'n reir :

Lean do chruadal, 's do ghaisge, 'S cha ghabh thu bhi ceannsaicht'
'S am fasan bu dual Le Ghranndaich Shrath-Spe.
A bhi colgarra, cosant' Faigh a nuas, $c.
Gu brosnachadh sluaigh :

Gu h-armaiheach, treubliach, 'S leat cairdeas, le durachd

Gu geur laimach, cruaidh ;
Fir ùr Innse- Gall,
'S tu shliochd nam fear tri-uua, Nach gabh giorag na mùiseag,
Nach geilleadh 's an ruaig, 'N àm rusgadh nan lann ;

Faigh a nuas, §-c. Na 'n cluinneadh iad stri riut,

Bhiodh miltean diubh 'nail

Tha 'n naidheachd so fior

Mu 'n leigeadh iad cùs ort
'S iad a dhùbhladh do rcuic.
Aig luchd innse nan dual),
Faigh a nuas, %c.
Gur sgeul e ro ebinnteach,
Air do shirmsir bha buaidh ;
Thig a d' choinneamh le farum
Nach do dhibir an deas-Iamh,
Buidhean bhras nan arm cruaid!)
Ach seasamh 's gach uair,
'S i bhuidhneaiih a chis
A bhuaileadh na buillean
'S a chuireadh an ruaig
Ri uchd stritbe le fuaim.
'Bha gu h-ardanach,reachdmhor,
Faigh a nuas, <|c.
Gu feachd a dol suas
Bho Cheapaich nan craobh,
Ghabh thu tlacbd a's deagh-cheutaidh, 'Dh-fhag na glaoidh 's a ftlhaol-ruaidh.
Do 'n bheus a bh' aig each, Faigh a nuas, &[c.
Luolid bhreacan an fheilidh
A dh' eireadh a' d phairt Bho Chomhann nam bradan,
Toirm fheadan ga 'n gleusadh, Is gasd' thig fo thriall,
Leat is eibhiim an gàir', Claim Iain gun ghealltachd,
Mar ri binneas nan teud, Bha 'neart-san leat riamh,
'S a bhi g' eisdeachd nam bard. Le 'n airm an deagh ordugh,
Faigh a nuas, §c. Lui-hd a leonadh nam fiadh,
'S a dheanadh an tolladh
Tog suas an crann direach, Mu 'n cromadh a ghrain.

'S brat rimheach gun sgith, Faigh a nuas, Sjp.

Le cularaibli rioghail
Co 'th:':irneadh riut riobadh
A dh' iimseas co iad ;

'S cha 'n oh du chuid gillcan

Nuair 'thig nam beil bhuat ?

Dol an iomairt na spàirn,

IaiT Antrum à Eirinn
Leis an eireadh na sluaigh
'S tu fein air an toiseach ;

Mac-Tc- Ailein nan geur lann,

A toirt mosglaidh da 'n call.
Dheanadh euchd air a chuan.
Faigh a nuas, §-c.
Aig am beil na fir ghleusda
'Dhol a reubadh nan stuadh.
Tog colg ort, fhir ghasta,
Faigh a nuas, £c.
Bi gaisgeil 's gu 'm faod ;

Thig marcaieh, a's coisichean Thig iad sid ort le dùthchas

Ort as gach taobh ; Bho thùr nan clach rèidh,
A sheasamh do chòrach, Braithrean Dhomhnuill, CIoinn-DhùghailI,
Claim- Domhuuill an fhraoich ; Marcaieh shunntach nan steud :
302 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Claim an t-Sbaoir bho thaobh Cbruacbaino,

AILEAN
304 SAil-OHAlR NAM 15 A It 13 GAELACH.

Aeh bho thoiseaeh ar sinnsridh, Bu mhath thu air banafo,

"'S tli this; gran
ii i iarraidh, Cia 'r cumail na 'r caithris,

An gaol ague eagal, Nuair bhitheadh luchd-ealaidh

'S gun leith-sgeul an t-iadach.' Iti caithream na 'r cluais.

0! sid i 'n deoch, $c.

Be an stuth neartmhor,
sid
Dh-lhas mistieachail, reaehd-mhor,
Ni saighdear d« 'n ghealltair,

Gu spealtadh nan onuao>

DUANAG DO 'N UISGE- DIIEATII A. O sid '« deoch, tip.
! i

Sùgh brigheil na thirnnc,

Ponn. — " Titan oidhche tiyliinn as mise ham Jin. hho fheadan na praise ;

Tha spioradail, laidir,

An caileachd 's an snuagh.
Tha fàileadh gun fhotas O ! sid 'n deoch, i c]-c.

Hho Y.hneas Mhic-an-Toislch,

Chuireadh blàths' aim am pòrai Ann an coinnidh, 's an codhail,
Là reòt a's gaoth tuath. Bheir daoine gu còmhradh,
'S binn luinneagan orain

01 sid i 'n deoch mhilis Mu bhord ga 'n cuir suas.

Nach jnlleamaid uainn, O .' sid i 'n deoch, tifC.

Chtnreadh Hatha air gach cridhe,

(;< do bhitheadh iadjvar: Tha thu cleachdta 's gaeh dùtbaiòb,
O ' sid i *J! ilnir/i in !i His N àm reiteachadh cumhant,
Such j.i/tea/naid uainn. Ma bhios sinn as t-iu
15i'dh sùgradh tad bhuain.
O! sid i '« dtoch, <$c
15 u taitneach an ceòl
A bhi g' eisdeachd a chrònain,
Tha thu d' Hghfob' nro-thuisleaeh,
Ga leigeadh a stop,
A dh' fhiachaa gach enisle,
A' cuir crdic air a cbuaich.
Gun iarmailt no duslach,
O! sid i 'ii deoch, fye.
Air nach cuir thu ruaig.
O! sid. i n deoch) c\c.

'S e gogail a choilich,

Ga gliooadh rl gloiue, Gun eugail na fàiliim
Ceol inntinneach, luinneil, Tha 'n clannaibb nan Gael]
A thoilleadh an duais ; Naoh toir thu gu alaùit',
O! sid i *n deoch, ijc Agua phaighear dhut dbuais,
! sid i n deoch, <$•>'.

Ma chreidear mo sheanaihas,
linmhath leìan 'bhi sealg ort, Nuair 'shuidheamaid socraoh,
Le h-urchair gun dearmnd, 'S e 'ghlaodhte na bodaicb,
Fras airgeid mil d'chluais. Cha b' ionnan 's am lirochan,
O' sid i 'n deoch, «$r.
Thoir boalach dlu-tb* nuas.

'Nuair chluinnte do ghlogan (> .'

sid i 'n deoch, mhilis
(ia tliarruinn a huideal,
Nach pdleamaid uainn,
I hi mhath le ar slugain
Chuireadh Maths air gach cridhe,
Am fliuchadh gn luatb. Gc do bhitheadh iadfuar :

! sid i 'n deoch, Qc.

' sid ì 'n deoch mhilis
S'aeh jii/lcainaid iiaiuit.
'S tu culaidh an damhia
Nuatr thlgeadh an geamhradb<
A bheireadh air leann-dukia
'Cheann' thogail suas. Note.— We
have printed this long as we took it down
01 sid i 'n deoch, ijc from the poet's own recitation in 13. H.
 A1LEAN DALL. 305

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.
ORAN DO 'N MHISG.
—
Labhair Raonull " Na biodh sprochd oit,

'S theid mi nocbd air t-ionnsuidh,

Air fonn— "An am dvl sios bhi debauch."
1

Gleidhidh mi dhut bean a's tochradh,

Clio coltach 's tba 's dùthaich ;

An Am dhomh gluasad amis a mhadainn, Ge do bhiodh tu gann de stoc,

Cha m' aigneadh sunntach,
'n 'eil Na faicear bochd do ghiulan ;

'S e Mac-na-bracba 'rinn mo leagadli 'S c'arson nach glaodhamaid a'r botul
Ann an leabaidh dhùinte ; Aim an toiseach cumhnant?"
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, SMEORACH CIILOINN-DUGIIAILL.
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', Ho-i, ri na, Jio-ro, /ik-o,

Ach Ràonull a toirt cliù dhomb. Ho-lib ho-i na, i-ri, it-o ;

'S smevraeh mise le Cloinn-Dhghaill

Nuair a ghluais mi gu tigh'nn dachaigh, A seinn cihil, an dluths
1

(/ach gèige.

Lagadli a chion hns mi,

Gun d' fbalbh mo tieart gun leirsinn cheart, Cha dean mi bròn an cos f'alaicb,
Gun chaill mi 'm beachd bha m' shùilean ;
Tha seileir mo loin gun ainnis :

Feadh na h-oidhebe 's mi gun soillseinn Gheibh gach seùrsa se(d air aran,

Air mo shlaoic 'san dùnan ;

'S cha churam dhomhaa 'bhi t'alamh.

Cha robh air chomas domh ach àrusg, Ho-i, ri na, %c.
'S bha mo chairdean diumbach.
Nuair a dh'eireas grian an earraich,
'S leir dhomh 'n diugh gur mor an tàmailt Diridh an ianlaith 's na crannaibh ;
Ckch a bhi ga m' ghiulan, Tha 'm beatha-san diant' air tbalamh
'S mi t'ein an dull gun robh mi laidil' liho 'n laimh gus am bial, 's 10 mbath. i

Gus an d' t'hag mo tbUr mi ;

Ho-i,rina,c]c.
Ge do chuir i 'n èis mo cbolunn,
'S e mo sporan 'dhiubhail Gur a mise a smeirach ghleannach,
Air gniomh na misge 'shlaid gun fbios mi, Sheinnimi ceol air bhàrr gach meangain ;

Mar tig gliocas ùr dhomh. Ribheid ùr an siunnsair t'allain,

'S math mo cha.il, gun sàs air m' anail.

'S ole an ealaidh bhi ga leanailt, Ho-i, ri na, %e.

'S aimideach
an turn 'bhi
'Suidh' air bhord a glaodhaich oil, Madainn cheitein, 'n am dhomh dùsgadh,

'S mo pbòcannan ga 'n tiormdadh, 'Seinn gu h-eibhinn, eutrom, siubhlach ;

A' sgapadh stòrais le meud-mhoir, Dealt nan speur air gheugan curaidh,
Ag iarraidh phòg 's na cùiltean Grian ag eiridh, 's few a' bruchdadh.
;

'S fad sa mhaireadh mo chuid òir,

Ho-i, ri na, 8[C.

Cha cbuireadb ùsdair cùl rium.

Ghineadh mi 's an tir nach coimbeach,
'S coir dhomb nise thoirt Cos' near 'S cbaisginn m' iotadh le brigh Cbomhainn ;

An t-aithreachas a dbubladh, 'lobar ioc-shlainte nach reodhadh,

Mo bhoid gu gramail thoirt a'ià Eala, 'G èiridh 'nios bho 'n dilitm dhomhain.
Dh' t'heuch an lean mo chliù rium ; Ho-i, ri na, 4'C.
306 SAII-OI3A1II NAM BAUD GAELACH.
Air taobh greine, gleaun ir.o chridhe, Cha robb 'm Bruaach na chuia fharmaid,
Ear an robfa eibhneaa mo dhibha ; Ri fbuil cha ehumadb iad rarbaa,
Ge do bhiodh an t-eug a tighiim, Mil 'n do aguir sibh, bha <• aearbh dha,
liheireadh slainnt'do 'm chreubhsa rithist.
*S bu bheag leis a chuid da dh' Alba,
Ho-i, ri na, £e. Ho-i, ri nu, £c. m

'S an lìr àigh do 'ngnà 'bhi cridheil,

Chaidh in' àracb gun fhailliun bidbe, Clmir sibh, Iloibeart an ouil chumliaiiin,
Air in-ad sàbhailte gun snitlie ;
Ghabh e gu fogradh car aiubhail ;

Sgheibhinnblaths'airsgà Ciiloinn Iain. Cha robh dhaoine saor bho phuthar,

Ho-i, ri na, &c. Fad 'a a bha bhur taobh-aa 'buidhinn.
Ho-i, ri ,,a, ^c.
Tha mi nise measg Chloinn-Cliam'roin,
Cinneadii mòr bba 'n seòrs ud ainmeil
;

'N cath 's an còmhail, seòlta, Raima Cha b' iongnadb e 'ghabhail grain din,
;

'Dol gu com h rag, stroiceach, marbhtach. 'S trie a chuir iad cuimart bais air
IIo-i,ri-na,$c. Thug sibh uaithe 'siùl "s am braiade,
'S tha aid an l>un-olla 'lathair.
'S piudhar mi do n chuthaig ahamhraidh, Ho-i, rim,, $c.
Le 'm dheoin clia leid mi gu Galltachd ;

Bho 'n is Ghàelig is cainnt domh,

i

'S i 'n t-sheann atari tha mi gluasad,

'Measg mo chàirdean talar aim mi,
'S naidheachd ùr do 'n (hear nach
Ho-i, ri na, &-c. cual i,

Sgeula fior, ge fada bhuaiihe,

Nuair tbeid fianlach feadh na coille, Gun do sheas an linn ud cruadal.
Crulnnichidh ianlaith gach doire ;
Ho-i, ri na, $e.
Thig gach ian gu nead le coilleig
Sràbfa ga shniomh am bial gaeh coilich.
Buidheann gun fhiamh, nach d' iarr aocair,
Ho-i, ri na, |c.
Kinn iad aou blar-diag a choanadh
;

'S ionnan mar Gus an tainig sgriob na dosgaiun,

sid 's dh'eireaa domhsa ;

Ma phiocas each mi le dòruiilll,

Latha Dail-righ a mhi-fhortaio.
Falbbaidh mis' " an rioebd na smeòrateh," Ho-i, ri na, §c.

'S tlieid mi 'm ghearan far an chv dhomb.

Ho-i, ri na, %c, 'S e bu mhianiiach leis a bhiiidheanii,
I5hi cur aid-raimirchean to 'u uidheam,
Gu Dun nan Cliar thriallainn dàna,
Seoladb aid air bhair nan sruithean,
'Dhol fo sgiathaibh nan triath stàtail ;
Sgoltadb nam bare le car shiubhal.
Ged Dacfa eil Eoin Ciar a lathair,
'S maireann am fear liath as Pàdruig,
Ho-i, ri na, Qc.
Luchd a chaitheamh nan cuan I 1m.
Dùn-olla nan tùireid arda, 'S muir a gairich ri h-aird stoirme ;
Nam fear fuileach, builleaeb, atracach, Bheireadh iad gu aite aoirbfa i,

'Sheaaadh duineil luchd an oairdeia, Dh' aindeoin hair nan sràc-thonn -n

'CfaoJaneadh urram ri uchd namhaid. Ho-i, ri bo, 4-e.
Ho-i, ri na, <$c.

'S smeòrach mi bho chaisteal uaibhreach, Fir mo ghaoil bho thaobh na tragbad.

Nan steud prlasil, rioghail, auajrce, Nach robh claon h-aodann gabhaidh,
ì i

Dream gun spid, bha 'n sinnsir nasal, Nach meataicheadh gaoir an t-aàile,
l!u mbor prig ri linn Haon-Kuaii idh. 'Nuair a agaolleadh iad a h-àlaoh.
Ho-i, rina, $c,
//o-t,« ne, |o.

Dugliallaicb nan geur-lann aistn-arh, Cha d' iimis mi trian da 'r n' àbhaìat,
( " '

beumaeh, peioeach,
,;|1 1
'- igai teach, \S tha mo inliiiiiir.il lidiam tràiagte;
1), in treundaa gaiagidh,
l<-
'Solaidh mi nis' bur deoch-alaiute,
Gary itreup, 'a bha ii leus ri fbaicinn. A shlioclid a Cholla-Chathaich Spalntich,
Ho- \na,&c. Ho-i, ri na, fie.
A1LEAN DALI-. 3 °7
308 SAR-OBAIll NAM
 : ; ; ;

AILEAN DALL. 309

Linnseach, mhaslach air a diibladh,

Leis gach dunadh tuaisgeaira
Shaoil mi bhean gu 'n robh thu bàindi, :

'S ge do bhithinns' air do chul-thaobb,

A's nach bioilh sannt gu tuasaid ort
Air son crùn cha 'n fhuasglainn i.
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 Aib gus an càirear mi 's an ùir,
'S ma dh-fhas thu guiuideach nad' cheann, Cha 'n lhaic do shuil mu m' ghuaillean i,

Gur beau tlia 'n geall air buaireadh thu. 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,
'S ann agam-sa bba'nceannfath,
Cha chomhdaichear leat orm-sa chilis,
Nuair chithinn each a' cluaiueis riut
Nach iuunsaich mi le h-uaibhreaclias.
Chaidh a' chuis bho fhaladhà,
A's cha robh stà bhi d' bhuachailleachd ;

Ged a's mis' a ghlac do lamh, A BHEAN.

Bha te no dlia nach b' fhuathaih leat :
'S cha mhor nach coma learn co dhiù,
'S ma chosg thu riutha do liuiin-tàth, Cha robh do thùrn ach suarach learn :

Tha nis' am fàilt air fuarachadh. 'S an a'r a b' fhearr a bha do shùgradh,
Chunntainnse na h-uaireannan ;

AM FEAR. Chaidleadh tu cho trom gun dusgadh.

Dh-ailhnich thusa sin ort fein, Air mo chul le smuaisirein :

A bheudag dh-fhas thu suarach orm 'S ge do bhiodh mo thaigh 'ga rùsgadh,
:

Chaill thu nise dhiom do speis, Cha robh curam gluasaid ort.

'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 :

moch mhadainn chuir thu 'S bheirinn comhairle gu h.eolach,

'S 'sa 'n ceill domh,
Nach Air gill' og tha fuasgailteach
robli m' eiridh suas agam. ;

E bhi glic ri àm a phòsaidh,

'S laidhe seolta suas ritbe :

'S gun droch cleachdadh thoirt 'g a dheoin,

Is fhir gun stk, gun rath, gun direadh, Do ghoraig nach biodh stuaim innte,
Na hi 'g itinse tuaileas orm :
'S gun fhios nan lagaicheadh a threbir,
Nam bidh tusa dhomhsa dileas,
Nach ordaicbeadh i bhuaithe e.
Cha robh m' inntinn bruailleanach :

Ach 's e bu mhiann leat a bhi briodal,

Kis gach ribhinn chuaileauaich :

'S iomadh ribein agus cir,

Am fear nach dean a threabhadh tràth,
A's deise chinn a fhuair iad bhuat'. '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,
Ach c'aite 'n fhuair thu mi 'sa sgath,

Nri'm faca tu an tuairgneadh mi,

'g
Na stiallan bana, 's luachair air,
A's e-san broinein! a' dol b.'is,
Cha robh mi m' mheirleach cho math,
'S na saibhleau làn aig tuathanaich.
'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,
mach na chuala tu.
'S cha 'n fheud mo threabhadhsa bhi mall,
Ach leig a
S do chall ri dheanadh suas agam ;

Bheir mi oigeich as a' ghleann,

gu teann mu *n guailleannsa
'S theid cuing :

'S ma chuireas tu mi gu m' dhùbhlan, A' Dun-eideann gheibh mi crann,

Bithidh a chuis na 's cruaidhe dhut : 'S e fasan gallda 's usaile leinn ;

Gheibh a' miuisteir an t-umhladh, Ccltar, stailinn, soc, a's bann,

A's theid an lùireacb shuaicheant ort: 'S gach ball bhos ann theid cruaidh orra.
 —

310 SAll-OHAllt NAM BARD GAEL AC II.

Mar ceannaich mi a oba'n fhiaefa mi m fharaid

A leigheaa a cinn, 's i linn a gearan ;
Hi cho math 's do ghealladh dhomhsa,
L'ha dean i rium aiib, ach stri a's carraid,
'S còrdaidh ainn gun duathalaa :
'S ri c'iraii teallaich an comhnuidh.
Bho 'ii tbn ainn cho I'ada icmhla,
hi, oho, £c.
\Snm pùsadh mar ehriiaiilh slinuiin oinin
'S mor gur (Van learn an t-olc -
eolach,
Hhithinn gu hcibhinn, eatrom, aigbearaci),
Na fogarach luasganacfa ;

Aigiouuacb, glt-usda, a' leum 's an Earrwhd,

A's cuiridh ainn ar treia an ordugh,
Na 'n deanadh an t-eog bho cbèil' ar sgarudh,
A'a mar u 'a coir dbulnn gluaisidh sinn.
\S gu 'n earainn am talach lo 'n fhòd i.
V hi, o ha, Sfc.
AM FEAR.
Is thuirt an aean-fhear, 'a cha h'i bhriag, Cha 'n aìrgead, cha 'n òr, cha stòr, cha thrusgan,
Ge d' eireadh sian nan cuartagan :
'Chuir mise air a t' ir i i inoran cùirteia —
" Nach rolih aoirbbeaa laidir dian,
Ach dalladh fo sgleù le aeòrsa buidaea'chd—
Gun fhiath bhi goirid uaithe sin :"
*S aim agamsa tha 'n t-uirageul air Sebnaid,
'S an cogadh bn chfnaidh bh' ami riamh, o ha, 6}c.
hi,
Chaidh crioch le rian air uair-eigin ;

1
'S cuir thusa, bhean, ii d theangaidh arlan, Nuair tliig mi bho 'n ehrann an àm an eurairh,
'S bithidh skh 'ga diana'mh suas againn. mo chall, 'a mi 'n geall mo gharaidh,
Le fuachd air
Clia 'n thaod mi na taiugdol teann air an tealiauh
Mu 'm buail gu h-ealamh i le bròig mi.
Ohi,oha,$e.

Cha dian i dhomh feum, 's cha ghreidh i aran,

Cha 'n araich i feudail, spreidh, no leanamh,
Oil AN NA CAILLICH. A' laidhe 'sa g eiridh 'g eigheach 's a' gearan,
'S gu 'n reicinn gu deimhinn air ghròt i.

Ohi,oha,4-c.
Aik fonn— " m hi ha hà mo l„adh mo leanamh.

Tha cnaimhean cho chruaidh ri cuaille daraich,

Ma tlieid mi gu feil), gu feisd, no banais, A craioeann, 's a tuar cho faar lis a ghaillionn;
Bi'db isc làn eud, 'a i fein aig bails Cha dean baraile guail aon uair a garradh,
'S ma bheirmi le aùgradb suil air caileig, Gun (lusan sac, gearraiti de mhoinc.
Gur diumb a's fàlachd siJ dbomfasa. hi, o ha, 4-c.

Ohiohd,gurcruaidh achailleach,
Gun fhaicaill 'na ceann, 'a car cam 'na peirceal,
Ohl,o ha,gurfuara chailleach,
Nuair thogadh greann an àm an fheasgair
i

I In rè, /m /-,;, 's i ghrain a chaiUeach,

Gu'n teiche' gachclann, gachcrann, 's seisreach,
Dh'jhiuj mise 'nam amadan gòracK,
Aig miad an cagail romh gròigeis !! '

Ma ni mi 'n taigh-òada stop a cheannacb,

No sitiilhe air bòrd 'a gun ol mi drama, O hi, o hà, gur cntaidh a chaffleach,

Tin-id laileadh 'na aròin 'a a dòrn an tarruinn, o hi, o ha,gurfuar a ohailleach,

'S bi'dh muinntir a bhaile ri mod oirnn, lln ri, hn ;•</, 'a i jit
* rain a ehailleaeh,

O hi, o ha, <^c. Dh'fhdij mho 'nam amadan ghraeh.

 BARD LOCll-NAN-EALA. 31

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 ]

Am FONN.- " Alasclair a Cleanna- Garudh."

Cbdmna' mi bruadar air Fionnla, Thuirt e gu 'n robh a chairdcan dileas,

'S chuir e ionghnadh orin r'a fhaicinn, Eadar a Chill 's Allt-na-datha ;

'Sghabh mi iongamlas vo mhor dheth, 15ha cuid air an Dun so shuas diu,
Gu BOnraiebt o n bha mi 'in cbadal ;
'S bha uair a bha iad na bu phailt' aim ;

Tliuii'tan gutli rium dol da iounsaidh, 'S eha 'ii oil mi buidheach a dh' Fhiunnla,
Dh' innse nach e cuis a b' fhasa, Dhol ga 'a dùsgadh as an cadal.
Dol a rusgadh earn nan Druidhneach,
Na 'n car a thoirt a muinntir Ghlascho. 'S chi thusa fhathasd le d' shuilean,
Ma bhios tu 's dùthaieh ri fhaicinn,
Ach dh' fbarraid mi co as a dh' flialbh G u'n tèid an gnothach so dhioladh,
'S fhreagair e le seanachas grad mi, Cho cbiunteacfa 'sa bha *n rrùn an Sasunn.
312 SAU-OBA1R NAM BAUD GAELACII.

'S goilt e 'n stcigh bh' aim an uachdar Sinaointich mi so aim am inntinn,
Cbladhaich e 'n uaigfa fo oa leacan ;
Nach bithinn a diteadh Dbùghaill,
E gun fhioi co -I h'n'i bha innte, Tboirt mi lis gur duine grinn e,
Mac an righ na sliochd a bhaigeir. Dodh' fhuil Righrean nan Stiùbbart,
Tha e fbein na dhoine toileil,
'N noil thu fhein nach robh e dàna, Dheanadh gnothach do dh' fhear duthcha
Marsanta maileid no paca, 'S on bha Fionnla na cfaabhaig,
Dhul a ruagadh an àit-ìobairt, Cha bu mhath leis bhi ga dhiultadh.
'S ioma linn a chuir e seachad ;

'N t-aite 'n robh cnaimhean an t-seann-duin, 'Nuair a dhùisg mi ghabh mi eagal,
'N tinlaiceadh aim o cheann fada ;
'S e na sheasamh air an ùrlar,
Mu 'n Icid an gnothach gu crìch, Dh' fheuch am faighinn reidh air falbh e,
Gur duilghe dha na nach a bhlastidk. Los nach coisninn na lorg dìùmba ;

Tha Ditghall trom air an tombaca,

Ma dh' eireaa mise 's mo luchd leanmhuinn,
'S tha p.iilteas deth sin aig Fionnla
Gu 'm bi gnothauh garbh a's dùthaicb,
mi cho deas
;

'S o 'n a labhair ris,

Theid Mac-'llle-dhuibh a mharhhadh,
Ghabh e pairt de leith-sgeul Dbùghaill.
'S cha dion a chuid airgeid Fionnla,
Leagar an taigh air &a 'li sablial,
'S ami a tha 'n naidheaclid so cinnteach,
Sgriosar am bathar 'sa bhùth air,
Ged shaoileadh sibhse gur bbad a,
'S theid Gilleaspuig ri posta,
Cha 'n innis mi a neach gu brath e,
Agus crocliar mac a chubair. Ach do chuideachd araid eolach ;

Cha robh a leithid rianih ri innse,

Eiridh an tubaist do 'n chìobaìr,
Kadar an Sìthean 's Lag-Chòthain
'S laid he binn air Mac-na- Ceairde,
Co dhiù th' aim breug no firinn,
'S ma dh' brdaieheai e gu h-olc e,
Sin agaibh mur dh' innseadh dhomhs 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, Bl'DH FONN OIRRE DAONNAN

Chuireadh e eagal air bòcaill,
Bhi ga 'n tolladh leis an tora,
'S bhi ga 'n sparradh leis na h-drdan,
BCdhfonn oirre daonnan,
Daoine marbha bhi ga 'n gluasad,
'S lii'dli aoidh out' an cbnaidh,
'S gnothach uamhraidh gu leoir e,
'S /Hi' j
' /iiiiiml/i hi' iiiiitiini Kiilihufh
'S na 'n leauainn e gu grunnd an t-seanchais,
Bhifaicinn t-aodainn bhbidheach,
B' ainmeil e na arm righ Deùrsa.
l.c mhiad s'a thug mighaol </«/,

.IV a itronuu na h-bigc,

'S cha tèid a chorp fbein gu dìlìnn, Mar a dean mi t-fhaotainn,
Thiolaiceadh an aite gràsmhor, Cha a fluid' agkaoil is fob mi'
'S aim theid a losgadh mar iobairt.
Air a dhiteadh leis na faidhean,
Chunna' mise broadar,
'J'heid a loath a clmir le abhuinn,
Dh' fbag loaineach an raoir mi'
'N aite nach fhaighear gu bràth
Bhi' faicinn bean mo ghaoil
i,

'S cha 'n laigh e ach rud a thoill e,

Ili mo thaobh fad' na h oidhche.
Chionti gu 'n d' rinu e gnothach gmineil.
Mi tbunnda' le solas,

Gu pùg tboirt do n mhaighdiim

Ach dh' fhalhh an gutli 's tliug e chul iiun, i
An dull gu'n robh làmh rium, i

Ayus thionntbtidh gu h-ealamh, >•

Ged' bha mi na'm' aonar.
Thutrt e rium gu 'n d' rinn e diocboimhu,
Bi'dh/om, <W'.
'S e ga innse dhomh mtir charaid,
Floi a tboirt dh' lonniBldh Dhnghaill, Ged' do bha mi' m' shualn,
Ciu 'n robh a ghual a's uird ro ealainh, Gu'm bu 1 1 1
.-

1 1 1 1 rinn mi dùsgadh
Dheanadh toraehan do dh. Fhionnla, An duil gu'n robh mo thasgaidh,
Chuir fudair an Dail-a-charra. An cadal air mo chul-thaobh.
BARD LOCH-NAN-EALA. 313
'S na 'm biodh againn mur bu dual duinn, X.i'm b'aitbne dhomh-sa aeanachaa ort,
Lann chino-Ilicb air ar cruachainn, Na leanamhaìnn air do fbriamhaicb,
A' agoltadh nan ceann g'a 'n guaillean, 60 molainn thu gu dicheallacb,
Gii 'in bualadh le Bmuaia nati dòrn. 'S air m'fhacal b'fbiach dbomh dhianaml
A ri .'
gur aotrom, ò c. Fear-a y.

'S tu ceann na teaghlaicb onarjch,

Gum beil Albainn agua Saaunn,
Anguaiilean a oheill' au ceart-uair, A bba'n Gleami-nogba riamh sibb,

Tli.-i iad aig t'u.iiiii an aon fhacail, 'S gu'm meal thu feìn an stoile sin,
Mar ahrad eadar clach a'a òrd. 'S do dheagh mhac oighre liathadb. '

A ril ij'n' aotrom, etc Fear-dubh,fear-dubh,$c.

Cha'n aitbne dhomh 's na criochan so,

Dli' fhalbh thu mar ahlaoightear air chuan,
('S cha mhia' a theid ga t-fbiachain)
Mii amhairc sinne mu '11 cuairt oirim.
'n d'
Aon duiue a chumaa aeanachaa riut,
'S ged thug tìm Fianobhar bhuaiim,
'S gun eh ear b bhi tighinn o d' bhial air.
Ge b' oil leat clia d' fhuair tlm '11 t-òr.
F<!ar-diibli,Jctir-ttn!ih, ^c.
A ri ! gur aatrom, <$"&

Cha gmaoinich iad, 's cha'n urrainn aim

Ach ma gbeibh BÌnn ann an sàs thu, Aon duiue chunnaic riamh thu,
'N dearbli cha 'n fhaigh tlni muran di'ilaeb, Cho deis's a thig na facail ort,
Do chrochadb an la-'r-na-mhàireach, 'S nach fhad' theid thu ga'n iarraidh.
Le fiach cota-bhàin a ròp. Fear-dubh,fear-d hh,%c.
A ri ! gur aotrom, gc.
'Nuair a thain' an t-Olla Saaunnacb,
Ged thig tbu air tìr an Albainn, Thoirt maalaidh 'n aird an Iar so,

'N dòchaa losgaidh agus marbhaidb, Gur tusa phill gu h-ullamh e,

Tha againne suas de dh' armailt, 'S tu b'urrainn dhol g'a dliianamb.
Na ahracaa t eanchainn agus t-fbeoiL Fear-dubh,fear-dubh, .V'.

A ri! gur aòtrom, &c.

Gur luinneagacb am 1
bail agad

'l'ha aaighdeirean Earraghàeil, I.eath-ghairm nan liath-chreag,

Fearacbail, t'oghahiteach, daieheil, A' freagairtt do na amebraichean

'S chuireadh iad eagal a bbàis, Gu milis, ceolar, tiamhaidh.

Air h-uille nàrahaid a tu beò. Fear-dui>h,fear-dubh,#c.

A ri! gur aotrom, See.

Gu siubhlach, àghar, freagarach,
Gun atad, gun agread, gun agriachan,
'Sa mhoch-thra', 'nuair a dhùiageastu,
Air madainn chiùin, 'aa ghrian aim.
Fear-dubKfear-dubh, frc.

'Nuair dhireadh tu na Lalrigean

DU A N A G
Led' ghii.m' ad' laimh, *a le .1' mhiol-choi
Gu'n lelgte fcidli san fhi reach leat,
no MAC-AM T-BAOIR GHLINITE-NOGHA.
'S do ghillean bhi toirt bhian diu.
Fear-dubh.fear-dubh, frc.
LunncBAo.
Ach 's eigin domh so innaeadh dhut,
Fear dubk.fi vr-d , tar luhh 'S o 's fio« c na gabh miotlachd,
Fear-dubh,fmr-dubh,'seliatii-Shla», O'n t-shin thu ris a chiobaireachd
Fear-dubk.feoi I v, //„„/, Gun Irig thu cheaird s' air diochulmbn.
!.• Spiorad gloM gun iargain. Fear-dM,fear-dubh, Sec.

Thoib beannachdan le dùrachd nam, Nam hithinns' aim sa ilu'iiit a nis,

Gabb ram, '« na dean dìochulmhn',
c.
'S gach i-iiis a bhi gum' riaghladh,
A's glulain lad a dh'ionnaaldh 'n fbir, Bhiodh Cruachan le chuid leitirchean
A'a deiae, u'ii brlatharan. A' ti^liinu a ataigh Co d' rhrioclian.
/;,(/ dubhf/ear dubh,
.Jc Feai 1 bh, &c.
 SKU.MAS MAC-GIIUIOGAIll. 315

He sud an rud bha nadura,

316 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD GAELACH.

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

which shrouds itself under the garb of piety — broad, expansive, benevolent piety We blush !

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. 317

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.

'
1
Coiic- Cheathaieh

'Se 'n Soisgeulgràdhacli thug Dia nangrasduiiiu Ach 's ait an sgeul e, air leigheas ceutac.h
A chum ar sftbhaladh d;*n mo ruin : Do dhuin' euslan, fo cbreuchdaibh ciùirt;
Ach 's eblas aid e, air cùisibh àluiun, 'S naigheachd phriseil, bho Dhia na firinn
Nach tuig an nàdur a tha gun iiiil. Do neacli fo dhìteadb, 's e d'iblidh, bruit.
Gurmis'an truaghan 's n'asleòrmancuairtdomh
A' tabhairt cluais da, mar fhuaim nach fiach ;
Do neach fosmuairean, le Dia bhi 'n gruaim ris,
B' e'n guothach cruaidh e nach tuig an sluagh e,
'S a lochdan uamhar 'g a chuartach' dlù
An sgeul as uaisle a chualas riamh.
Gun
;

fhios nach àite dha ifrinn chràiteach,

M'an tig am màireach, s' am has 'na shall
Tha claim nan daoine gu tur to dhaorsa, Do neach a dh'fhoglum o'n Spiorad Naomha,
Aig dia an t-saoghail-s ag aoradh dlià :
Gur sonas baoth bheir an saogh'l so uaith ;

Fo chois am miannan, a tha do-riarach ; Nach eil aim ach sgàil deth 'san àm tha l.'ithair,
Gun fheart, gun iarraidh air Dia nan gray :
'S gu 'm bac am bàs e 's nach fàs e buan.
A' dianamh tàir air gach ni is àill leis.

A' briseadh aintean gach la gun sgios ;

B'e sgeul an àigh e, air beatha 's slàinte,
E fad o'n smuaintibb, 's iad riuth gu luatb uaitli
O los' a bhàsaich 'na ghràdh do dhaoin.
Chum na truaighe ta buan gun chrkh.
'Si 'fhuil am plàsd anus am beil an tàbhachd,
'Nuair thèid a chàradh gu bàigheil, caoin,
Ge mòr an cùram th'aig Dia nan dul diubh, Ri cridhe leòinte, gun ghean, gun solas,
Cha tig iad dlù dba le urnaigh chaoin ;
Ach doilich, brùnach, gun seòl air silh ;

I3u mhòr a' ghràin leo bhi uair 'na làtbair, Le Spiorad uasal nam fearta buadhar,
An caidreamh blàth lis 'na àros naomh :
Nuair thig e nuas air le gluasad min.
lad ruith na gaoithe, 's ag earbsa damnum,
Iti sonas fhaotainn am faoineis bhreug ;
Sud sgeul roaoibhneach, airmaoin'a'soighreachd.
Gun fhios, gun aird ac' air doigh a's fearr dhai
Do diiuine daibhir, gun sgoinn do'n t-saogh'l
Na groiin an dràst air u' a's àill le 'n ere. ;

Air crùn, 's rioghachd a cbaoi nach criochnaich

Gun dragh gun mhiothlachd, ach sith, 's gaol.
Tha 'm barail làidir gur muinntir shlàn iad, Suil sgeul ro ùraidh do dhuine tàireil,
'S nach 'eil ceann-fàth ac' air gràsan Di : Air urram aid aim am l'arras shuas ;

Tha 'n Soisgeul faoin leo, Beach gean an t-saoghail, Le gràdh gun aimbleas, a measg nan ainghlean :

Tha 'n cridhc aotrom, gun ghaol do'n Leigh S cha teirigcai unt dàibh,toirt taing do'n Uan.
'
 a ; ;

318 SAR-OliAlU NAM 15 A III) GAELACH.

Deagfa ageul air fuaagladh, do pbeacach truaillidL Do pbeacaicfa dhiblidh, a bha fo dhlteadh,
() cbionta duaichnidh, nach snail a mheud ; Gu'n diauadh 'fbireantachd didean daibh;
I'ri- 'n chumbaclid bbrioghar a ta an iobairt O chiont an nàduir, 'a o'n locbdaibh gràineil.
An t-S.<gaiit rioghail, ta siobhailt, seamh : 'S o chumhachd Sbàtain bb ri foiil.

'S air reartaibfa gràsmhor, ni cobbair tratb dha,

'Nuair bhios a uamhaid gu luidir, gleuad, Nis aims na h-àrdaibh, tha neart gu bràtfa aig
A' tarruinn teann air chum 'earbs a tbionnda A chum mi's aili It-is thoirt sàbhailt mi is

Tur bun osoeano da, le ionnsuidh tbrèin *U« chum a naimhdean a agriosgun taing dliaibh
DrocbdhaoiuVsaingle,lucbdaiimeai't chraai.
Air gr.'is, a's tròcair, blieir Deart, a's tic' ir dha, Ach thar gach aeòraa na peacaich mbòra
Re fad an ròid diriuiinsuidh glòir an Uain ; Le 'in fuatha. h colas air debin an Triath :

'Sua neamhan ;trd far am pailt an grkdh dhaibh Nach creid an fhirinn, ged tha cinnteach, i

'S cha teirig càil daibh gu bràth g' a luadb. Nach gluais gu dircach, ach sir dhol iiarr.
'S e cliù an sgeòil u<l gur firinn nshòr e,

Gun fhacal mòr-uaill, no sgleb gun bhri Ged bhiodfa an criosduidh 'n a laidh am prinann,
'S e Criosd an cirig as buaine èifeachd,
Gu docrach, iotmhor, gun bbiadb, gun alaint,
An iobairt rèitich, sàr steigh na 81th.
Ni'n soisgeul siorruidh, tie bheaiinachd Iosa
A cbridhe tiorail, le fior ghean gràidh.
Thug an t-Ard-righ ami mhac ghràidh dhuinn,
Ged dhùisga nàmhaidgeurleanmhuiuncrài teach
A ghabb ar nàdur, 'a e bhaiT a rian j

\S an tug e 'n ùmhlaclid, ledeòin, 's le durachd,

Gun aon cheann-fàth air ach gràdh, a's sith ;

Tha cridhe aoibhneach, tha ghnùia ro aoidbeil

Thug dhuinn teacbd dlù do Dbia
còir as in- :

Tha dan 'us laoidh aig' gach oidbch gun dith.

Sàr umblacbd rhiatach do lagh na Trianaid,
Teis an duill' is Dia aim bha riamh ri feum ;

An coslas truagbain de dhninc truaillidh,

E cumail gieachdaidb an aghaidh peacaidh,
'
S a st iiiieadh cbleachdaid h, le beach d air Cl'ioad
i

Acb a b'fhearr, 'a a b' uaisle iia'n sluagh gu leir,

Tha gaol do'n reachd thar gach ni.'us ueach aig •

'S cha
ghabh e tlachd aim an aeacbran Iiarr.
An caraid gaolach a choisinn saorsadh
'Se Dia na tròcair a neart, 's a chòmbnadb,
Do'n chinneadh dhaonnalecaonnaig cbruaidh;
A bbios an còmbnuidh toirt aeòlaidb dbà,
A db'fbuilig tamailt o rug a mhath'r e
Cha lag a dhòchaa cha bheag a sb< las,
Gu là a bhàia aim an àit an t-sluaigh.
Tha aiteaa mdr aig' nach ebl do chàch.
Nuair bu naoidhean òg e, riim Herod fhbgradh
'S e deai'c' an comhnui air d'aigh an t sluaigh.
A Tliighearn, Iosa, gabl) truas de'n rbriosdaclid,
Bha 'bbeatha brònach, am fad 'a bu bbeò e,
'i'ha'n t-còlas ìosal, 's gach criocbmiiti cuairt;
'S e CTUaidh an tbir air gu bheò thoirt uaith.
Is bras a dh' eireas gach mearachd i'itidh

'S is beag an tend th' aig a cliìèir sail uair'.

Oii' b' e bu gbnà dhaibh bhi deanamb tàir'
Dean creidcainh, 's eMas, dean gaol na cbrach,
Air Athair gràdhacb, 's air àititean naomb :

A's pail teas sblaia, a dhòrtadh nuas:

'S bhi deanamb dearmaid air sliiint' an an in a,
Te cleachda garg, a's le h-ana-gnath baoth.
(.in daoin' a philltiun, o'n cleachdaibh ml 11 teach,
1 'S gu naoiuhachd inntinn bhi cinntlnn suas.
Nasagairt uaibhreach, 'a na b-ard dbaoiu uaisle
'Nan naimhdean buan da, le fuath yun chricb :

A' dianamh dicheill, b-iomadh Innleachd,

le

'Us mòrau mi-ruin ga 'shir chur silos.

*Ua Bit a lorg bha na diabhail bborba,

Fo phrlonna' an dorchadais, colgail, cruaidh :
A Dhè na si-chaiui, craobhsgaoil an fhirinn,
Acb '*e bu chràitich an ceartaa àrd bhi Meaag alògh nan tirean, 's nan Innaean clan :

Cur claidhe 'n sis aim. ^uu bhài, gun truas Mar dbaoiu' air cliall, aim an ceò nam beann iad,
Hug mallachd Dbia air air sou na fiachan, An oidhche teann orr, 's iad fatm gun bhiadh.
Bhuin 'Athair fial ris gu fiata garg; Thoir auluaglègblim, thoir ratbad rèidh dhoibb,
Oir rinn e thrcigsiim an àm na h-èigin, 'Us cridhe gleuad a thoirt gèlll do 'n nan !

'Nuair chaidh a chcusadh le cucoir gharbh.

Thoir ageul do ahlàinte, thoir fioadoghrài dhaibh.
Cuir feart do gbràsan nan dàil le buaidh.
Ach 's £earr a' chuairt a bha'm bha an uachdar,
Gu b-aighearr fhaair e a' bhuaidh gu sthn ;

Oir rinn e ciridh 'n trcas latha 'n dèigll Bud,

(in tubhach, trcubhach, chum feum do i hi ch
 SEUMAS MACGRIOGAR. 319

Bha amaideachd a's gòraich

A leantuinn rium m' oij;e,
1
'S b annsa learn gu mòr iad
AN GEAKAN. Na 'n t-eòlas a's fearr.
Nan deanainn leth na còrach
Air. Fonk— l
' Coire gònn anfhàsaic/i Cha chreidinn nach bu leòir e,
S nach tearnadh sud fa-dheòidh mi,
Gun dòigh air tigh'n' gearr.
loam mar tha mi
Is duilich
Ge mòr an t-aobhar sòlais
A' siubhalle mo namhaid, Bhi 'n comunn Rìgh na glòire,
Eas-umhal do na h-àintean, 'S iad b' annsa learn na h-òrain,
'S mo ghràdh dhaibh cho fann. 'S il nan deoch-sl.'iint.
l.lii

" 'S ioinadh fear a bhàrr orm"

1'u dallag mi nach s' radh,
Tha dol a rèir a nàduir
; Bhi cluich air bruaich na doralnn,
'S e 'n lagh tha fulang tàmailt, An Diabhol ga mo threòrach
'Us tàire riach garni. Gu seòlta air laimh.
Riamh o thuiteam Adhaimli,
'Se 'm jiecadh 'n ni a's fearr leinn, Gur mòr a' clneach, 's an diubhail,
'S mi-chneasd a thug shin gràdh dlia. Mo chridhe bhi gun durachd,
'Ga thàlath gacli am. A gabhail Dè nan dul domh,
Cha d'fhuair mi fad mo làithean, JMar Ughdar mo shlàint :

Dad buannachd, no dad stà dheth, 'S e tairgse dhomh 'na chùmhnant,
Ach daonnaii tarrainn sàis orm, A neart a bhi mar chùl domh,
'S 'g am cliàradh am fang.
'S a ghliocas ard gu m' stiùireadh,
Le cùram, 's le gi àdh.
'S e dh'fhàg gach ni a leugh mi,
Tha druidhcachd mo shùilean,
air
Gach searmoin riamh a db' èisd mi, 'Se n rud a ni mo chiùrradh,
'S gach guth a labhair beul rium D' an ruith mo mhiann gu siùbhlach,
Gun I'hcuin dliomh, gun stà. 'S mi lùbadh 'na dhàil.
'S e mhilleas gealiadh Dhè orm, Mo shonas air mo chùl-thaobh,
Nach earb mi lis ach eutrom, Mar anabas nach fiù learn ;
S nach caraiuh mi riutn rein e, 'S in' anam an droch run da,
Gu h-eifeachdach. slàn.
'Ga dhiùltadh le tàir.
'S aim chair e mi an dèis-laimh,
'G am fhàgail ro m'ni ghleusda, 'S mi 'n duin' as truaigh' san t-saoghal,
Gu h-obair uasai, euchdach, Fo chìs aig m' easgar daobhaidh,
'S gu treubhantas ard :
Làn fuath do 'n bheath' a's caoine,
Gu gleachdadh lis an eucoir 'S an gaol air a' bhàs.
A bhios a'm' chridhe 'g èiridh, Cò sheallas rium a'm' dhaorsa?
No chithear aim am bheusaibh, Cò thionndas mi bho chlaonadh ?
Gu h-èitich, 's gu gràiind. Cha'n-aingil, no clann-daoine,
Och b' fliaoin iad sa' chàs.
!

Nam bithinn tairis, dileas, Ach taing do'n Athair naomha,

A leantuinn lis an fbirinn, A dh'ullaich dliomh an t-saorsa,
Bhiodh ise dhomh mar dhidean
Liin tearnadh o gach baoghal,
Nach diobradh gu bràtb. Trid Aon-ghiu a ghràidb.
Ged chuireadh daoine sios mi
A Dhe ta iochdmhor, maoineach,
Le casaidean, '» lc diteadh,
Cia fhad a bhios mi caoiueadh !
Gu'n togadli ise is mi,
i
O greas le d' chobhair chaomh,
'S d hi rin n an aird.
Agus saor mi gun dàil !
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 trie air di-chuimhn,
i

'S nach' eil an creideamh cinn teach

A'm' inntimi u tàmh.
 ; —

Eiridh' bbaintighearua mhaoth,

Eiridh 'n t-amadan baoth,

'S cha bhi dearmad air aosd, no bg.

AN AISEIRIGH.
Eiridhcuidac' gruaim, le

Air fonn — " Tim mise fo ghruaim. Chi iad fearg air an Can,
Chuireas crith orr' a's uamhunn nihòr.
Thig am bàs oirn nau'n cuaii t, Eiridh cuid ac le aoidb,
'S ceart gu 'n laidbinu 's an uaigh, Buidheann uasal nan saoidb,
Acta cha tèid mi le gruaim 'na coir : 'G am bi oighreachd a chaoidh an gluir.

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, AIR FOGI1LUM NAN GAEL.

Dh'ionnsuidh m'anmale fios,
E dbol dhachaigh a clilisg chum glòir.

On a dh'èirich e lis 'n divgh an Dun-eidann."

Sàr Cheann-fhcadhna mo sliith,

Gun e db'fhuireaeb fad shios fo'n fhòd :

'Us gii 'n deachaidh e suas, Bha na Gà'èil ro aineolach dall,

Ghabhail seilbhe d'a sbluagh, Bha ionnsachadh gann nam measg,

Anns na llaitheas, le luathghair mhòir. Bha 'n eolas cho tana 's oho mall,
'S nach b' aithne dhaibh 'n call a mheaa,
Semo chreidimh gun bhieig, Cha chiideadh iad buannachd no stà,

Gu 'n eirich mise. 'na dhcigh, Bhi 'n sgoilearacbd aid da 'n cloinn,
Meaag na buidhne gun bheud, gun ghò :
Ged fheudadh fhaicinn gach là,

'Nuair a dh'fhosglar gach uaigh, Gu'r i thog o 'n làr na Goill.

'S a theid beò aims gach sluagh,
Chum an togail 'a an uair, gu mod. Theid aineolas nis as an tir,
'S gach cleachdadh neo-dhireach crom,
Sud an cumbacbd tha treun, A's niealaidh sinn sonas a's sith,
Sud am fradhare tha geur, Gun fharmad no sti ì 'n ar fonn ;

Chuireaa rithisd gach ere air dòigh ; Theid sgoilean chnir suas aims gach cearn,
Dream cliaidh itheadh le sluagh, Bi'dh leabhraichean Gaclig pailt
Dream chaidb mheasgadh 'n aon uaigli Bi'dh eolas a's diadbacbd a fas,
Dream chaidh losgadh'nanluath 's nan ceò, Thig gach duine gu stà 's gu rath.

'S iomadh colainn bbios aim, Nis " togaidh na Gàeil an ceann,
Tha tad air asdar o 'ceann *S blia bin iad am tang ni's mò" ;

'S thig iad cuideachd 'sau am, gu fòi'.l. Bi'dh aca aid fhoghlum nan Gall,
Thig iad uile 'nan taoni. A's tuigse neo mhall na choir :

As gach clagh tha 'a an t-saogh'I, Theid innleaclulan 'n oibribh air bonn,
'S as gach àraicb, 'b an d' aom na stòiil. Chuireas saibhreas 'n ar fonn gu pailt,

Bithidh 'n diblidh cho laidir ri sonu

Cha'n 'ell àit ga'm beil corp, 'S am bochd cha bhi lorn le aire !

Air anl mhonadh, no cnoc,

Ann am faaach, no ilochd no mi In': Thig na linntean gu cinnteach rami cuairt,

Ann an doimhneachd a' chimin, Tha 'n sgiiobtur a luaidfa thig oirn ;

No 's na h-albhnaioboan buan, 'S an teid Satan a cheangal gu cruaidh,

As nach eirich iad BUM, 's iad bcò. \S nach meall e an sluagh le sgleò;
Bi dh tiriim a's sìochaint a's gaol,

Eiridh 'n dine, 'ns an rlgh, A ceangail chloinn daoin' ri cheil j

Elridh in bochd bha fa chis, Chan fhaicear fear dona mi-naomb,

Elridh gaisgeach an itri, 's an deòr'. Theid ole a's an t-BBOgh'l a's beud.
 EOBIION MAC-LACHUINN. 321

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.

 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-
j

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
 EOBHON MAC-LACHUINN. 323

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 ; 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. 325

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,
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. 327

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 : 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.

AN SAMllllADH.
Air fon'n,— " A> dol sios bki deonac.h.'

Moch 's mi 'g eiridh 'madninn cbèitiin, Am bun os-ceann nan luibh 's nan crann,
'S (Iriùchd air feur nan lùiuteaii ;
'S na'm beil sa' ghleann gan uracil.
Bu shunntach uibhinn call gach creutair,
'Tigh'n leglens a'm frogaibh, Bi'dh bradan seang-mhear, druim-dhiilib, tarr-
Gu blàtlias na grltne 'b'àgh'or eiridh, '8 cleoc nan meanbh-bhall ruadh air, [gheal*
Suas air sgeith nam mòr-bheann lieu, brisg, gun chearb air bhuinne gilrbli,
;

'S è teachd o'n chaan gu dreachor, bUAghacb, O'n lnhuir is gailbhcarh nuallan ;

Rioghail, uasal, or-bhuidh. Gu h-iteach, earr ghobhlach, grad-mheaiunach,

Leum air ghearr-sgiath luatha,
Tha cùirtean ceutacb cian nan speuran, Le cham-ghob ullamh cbeapa chuileag,
Laith-gliorm, rèidh mar cblaraidh, Bhios leadh shruth nan cuairteag.
'S do sgaoil bho chèile neoil a sheideadh
Stoirm nan reub-ghaoth àrda
Gum faicte loma barr gach tomain,
;
Caoirich throma, liontaidh,
Gach dùil ag cigheach iochd a's rèite,
'N teachd a cheud mhios Mhàigh oirnn
Gu ceigeach, bronnach, garbh an tomalt,
;
Rusgach, ollach, min-tiugli
S gn'm b' ur neo-thruaillidh 'n trusgan uain', ;

'S an uanaibh geala, luatha, glana,

Air druim nan cluaintean f'asaich.
III cluaineis nibear a' dian-riiilli,

Bu cnùirteil, prìseil, foìrm gacli eoin,

Le mùilich mhaoth m' an cuairt du'n raon,

An cuantal brdail, g.re<.niiar,

A's pàirt san I'hraoch gan grianadh.
Cuir sios ar sgeòil is blasta gluir,
Air bharr nan òg-mheui' 8am braid h, 'S na tràthan ceart thig driibh nam mart,
Le 'n ribheid chhiil gu fonnar dlù, 'An ordugh steach do'n hhuaile,

Na puirt bu shiublaich ramitachd Le 'n ùithibh làn, gu reamhar, làirceàcb,

;

'S mac-tall' a' freagairt fuaim am feadain, Druim-fhionn, crà-dheàrg, guaillionn ;

Shuas 's na creagan gleanntach. 'S gach gruagach àigh gu crìdheil, gàireaich,
Craicneach, snathach, cuachach ;

Bi 'n ioc-shlaint clilCibh am fior shnith sleibh, Air lorn an tothair, Conn air bleothann,
O gblac nam feur-chpir' arda. Stcall bu bhothar t'uaimrich.

Le turaraich hni'nii th'air bhalbhag min,

A shiubhlas sios tro 'n àilean,
Gur h-ionmhuinn gaoir struth-gheimnich laugh,

Mar airgead glas, 'na choilichlbll cas, Ri leumnaich I'haoin tea 'n àilein,

Iti tòraghan bras gun tàmh orr',

Gu seang-brisg, uallach, eutrom, guanach,

Cuir sùigh gun truaill gacli lliiran uafne,

Pòr is uaisle stràiceis,
's
'S iad dù-ghlas, riabhach, caisfhionn, stiallacb,
'S dlù mu bhruach nam blarabh.
Bailgt'liionn, ciar-dhubh, barr-lom,
'S an eaiblaibh sguabach togte suas,
B' ò m' £Ibhneae riamh 'ntialr db' lirghe grian
A' duibh-ruith nuas gu uiàthair.
Le cheud ghatli tiorail hlath niin,
Blii ci'iim a sios gu beul nam min-shrutli, O Shàmhraidh gheugaich, ghrianaich, cheuta'uh,
'S rèidh ghonu litii mar igàthan, Dhuillich, t'heuraieh, chi. in-ghil !

A' snamh air falbh gu samhach balbh, Bho t-anail fein thig neart a's speurad,
Gu cuantaibli gailbheinn sail ghlais,
Do gach creutair diùidi,
Tro lubaibb cam le straitliibh gbleaiin Bha 'n sàs 'an slabhraidh not a ghcamhraidh,
Tha tilgc greann a Mhàirt din. Ann an àm na dùdlachd,
'S tha nis a'dainbs, f'cadh ghlac a's ghleann,
Air uciid an thior-nisg '| grinn a eh it ear,
M' ad thcachd a nail as ùr oirn.
Oibrean siannta iiàduir,
Dn-neoil nan speur a' falbh o obeli, 'S tu tarbhach reachdor, biacliar, pailt,
Air chruacb nan slcibhtean arda ; Le feart do fhrasan blatha,
Gun taoil an t-sùil gnr h-ann sa gbrunnd, A tbig nan oiuraich mhaoth-bbuig dhriùchd,
Tha dealbh gach ioghnaidh àghoir ; A' dorta suigh gun fhàilliiin,
 EOBIION MAC-LACHUINN. 329

S ann learn is taitneach fiamh do bhrait, M' an innsin sios gach ni bu mbiaun leam,
O fhluraibh dait a ghàraidh Ann am briathran seolta,
Cuir dealra boisgeil reull an daoimein, Cha cliuirinn crioch le dealbh am bliadhn'
'Macfa gu druim nan ard-bheann. Air ceathramh trian de'n b' eol domh,
M' a ghlòir nan speur, 's an t-saogha'l gu lèir,
Gach fluran mais is àillidh dreach, A lion le h-eibhneas mòr mi,
A' fas 'an cleacbdadh ùrdail, 'N uair linn mi uiridh madainn chèitein,
Gu riraheach, taitueach, ciatach, snasmhor, 'S dealt air feur nan lùintean.
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, AM FOG H All.

Ann am bruach nan alltabh,
'S a bliiolair uain taobh nam fuaran,
Fonn' — "Nuair tiiig an Sumfira geugach oirnn.
Gibeach, cluaineach, cam-mheur ;

Thig ròs nam bad is boidhche dreach,

Graii èiridh fonn a's fior-ghleus oirbh,
Na neoil na maidne samhraidh,
Na biodh 'or 'n inntinn smuaireanach
Gu ruiteaeh, dearg-gheal, eearslach. dealbhach,
;

Tha sgeul is ait leam innse dhuibh,

Air roinn mheanbh nam fann-shlat.
Cho binn bho chian cha chuala sibh ;

Tha 'm pòr bu taitneach cinntinn duinn,

An gleann fo bharrach, reisgeach, cannach,
Fo'n reachd is brioghair buaghalachd ;
Feurach, raineach, luachrach,
'S gun teid an saogh<il a riarachadh,
Gu min-bhog, mealach, brighor, bainnear,
Cib, a's eneamh m' an cuairt aim
O dhicheall gniomh nan tuathanach.
;

Bidh lorn a bhlàir is reachdair fàs,

Tha 'm foghar nochda cairdeis duinn,
a'
A' dol fo stràc neo-thruaillidh,
'S e bhuilich am pailteas gnàthaiclit oirn
'S an saoghall a 'gàirdechas le fàillt,
A mhaitheas gu fialaidh pairtichear,
A thaobh gu'n dh' fhag am fuaehd siim. Gun ghainne; gun fhàiline truacantachd ;

Gheibhduiiie'sbrùida shàthachailh
Gur ceann-ghorm loinneil dos gach doire, 'O sheileir na dùsluing nàdurra ;

Bhios sa choille chrbchdaich, Gun' sgaoilear na bùird gu failteachail

Gu sleabhach ard fo iomlan blàth, Ga 'r cuireadh gu liiu ar tuarasdail
O bhnn gu bharr 'n comhdach ;

An snothach sughor thig o'n dùsluing Theid sgraing an acrais bhiasgaich dhinu,
Ann sna tiùrain nòsar, 'S a ghorta chrion gu'm fuadaichear,
A' brùchda meas tro shlios nan geug, Bu ghuineach, sgaiteach, bior-guineach,
A's tlus nan speur ga'n còmhnadh. Geur-ghoint' a ruinn'-ghob uuarranta ;

'S e 'dheìjghladh sùgh nan caolan bhuat,

Gach maoth phreas ùr gu duilleach cùbhraidh, 'Churneulan Aoig mu d' ghruaim-mhala ;

Peurach, ùbhlach, sòghar, Gun teid an tarmasg dioghaltach

Trom thorrach, luisreagach, a' lùbadh, A ghreasad null th' ar chuaintean bhuainn.
Measach, driùchdach, lòdail ;

Le cud-throm ghagan dlù dhonn-dhearg, Bidh coirce strath nan dù-ghleannabh,

A bhios air slait nan cròc-mheur, Fo'n dreach is cùirteil prìseileachd,
'S co milis bias ri mil o'n sgeap, Trom thorach, diasach, cuinnleanach,
Aig seillein breac a chrònain. Ard, luirgneach, suighte, sonraichte ;

'S am pannal ceolmhor, mùirneachail,

Bidh coisridh mhulrneach nan gob lùghor, Gu sunntach, surdail, ordamail.
Ann sgach ùr-dhos uaigneach, Co gleusta, saoithreach, luath-lamliach,
Air gheugaibh dlù nan duilleach ùr-ghorm, 'S am barr ga bhuain 'na dhorlaichean.
Chuireadh sunnt fo'n duanaig ;

Thig smeòrach chuirteil, druid a's bru-dhearg, Gach te gu dileas deannadach,

Uiseag chiùin a's cuachag, Le corran cam-ghorm, geur-fhiaclacb,
Le h-òran cianail, fann-bhog tiamhaidh, Ri farpuis stritheil, dhiorrasaich,

N glacaig dhiomhair uaine. Cuir fuinn a sios fo dhuanagau ;

330 SAR-OHAlR NAM HARD GAELACII.
 EOBIION MAC-LACIIUINN. 331

'Nuair thogar aim sa mhadainn iad L'r-eiiVachd a cbeud gliath

Gu trom-lan, bl'eac le lodalachd, Gu ceiteineach grinn,

Gur sutitach, siubhlach, dhachaigh iad A ni t'eura do gach creutair

Le'n tacar beairteach, sòlasaoh. O èireadh d'an diou.

Gu h-aigeantach, eutrom, inntinneach,

Than a tlà ghatlian blàtb ud
J'ir aighearach, ghleust, air linngeannan,
A b' fhàbfaarach dhuinti
Le saighdean geur nan tri-mheurabh,
Gar fVigail aig nambaid
Air ghallanaibli direach cruaidh shleaghach
Na dh' t'hàsas a h-ùir;
A' sireadh an cisg le duibh-liasaibb,
O na tbriall e roi chriocbaibb
Tbeid seachad na leum air fior-uisge ;
Na Riaghailtf a null
Na mordbachan reubach, dioblialacb,
GÙ Siyn-AdluiTC- Guiblire
Gail tarruinn gu tir air bbruachainiaibh.
Bu duibli-reotach iùil.
'S an oidhobe chiùraìdfa, fhiathail. gum
Hi surd air leois gam pleòiteachadh, Tha àoidbealaclid nàduir
Gum pacar anna na h-urraisgean iad A b' fhàiltiche tuar,
Speailt thioram ur gu h-ordamail : Fad an t-saoghail air caocbladh
Bidh dearg a's cruidh gan giulan ann, 'S a h aogasg fo gbruaim :

Chuir smùid a suas gu beù-losgadh, Tha giùig àir na dùilean

A ruith nam bradan fad-bhronnach, Le t'unntaimv an f'huachd,
Feadfa bhuinne cas nam mor-sbruithean. Fo dhù-liunn trom-thùrsach,
Ri ciucharan truagh.
'S am bradan eutrom, aineasach,
Brisg, grad-chlis, meamnacb, luasganaeh,
Tha 'm Foghar reachdor, nalaidh,
'Na èideadh liath-ghlais, dbearg-bliallaich,
Dii-lannaeb, mean-bhreac, cluaineiseaeh
Bu bhiadh abaieh fàs,
;

Gur gob-cham, sliosmhor, tarr-gheal

Le cruachannaibh cnuac-mheallach,
è,
Sguab-thorauh, làn,
Le stiuir bu shiabach earr-ghobblach,
Air treigsinn a shnuaidb,
Ri lù-chleas bras air gbearr-agiathaibli,
O'n a dh'fhuaraich gach càil,
'An toirmrich gbarbh nan cuairteagan.
Boi'n mhios chruai-gbuinneach, ghruamach
Gun d'fhuair sibb dàn a nise bbuam, 'S neo-tbruacanta bàigh.
Mar thug mi fios a' tòiseachadh,
Mu bbuaidh nam miosan biotailteach, Le stroiceadh na dòilichinn
Tha trom le gibbtean sùlasach, Tboirleum gu làr,
Gu 'm beil da rann thar-fhichead ann Gorm chomlidach nam naòr-chrann
'S o's mist è tuille rbpaireachd, Bu chrùc-eheannach bair,
Gun mi crioch gu timeil air,
cuir Ni fuigh-bheatha sughor
M' am lag mi sgitb le bòilich sibb. Nan ur-fhaillean aid,
Tro fheithean nan geugan
Grad thearnadh gum freumh.

Na h-eòineinean boidheach
òrdamail pong,
Is
Le'n dlu-fheadain shunntach
O'n siubblaiche I'onn
AN GEAMHRADIL Gum fògrar o'n cheòl iad
;

Gu clò-chadal trom ;

AlR foNK — "' S i so 'n aimsir a dhearbhar." 'S ni iad combnuidb 's garb còs
Ann am frògaibh nan toll.

Tha Phcebus s na speuraibh

Thig leir-sgrios air treudan
Ag èiridh na tbriall,
Nam feur-luibhean gorm ;

Roi reulltaichean Genr-shaighcad,*

Di-inbilltear gach dithean
Bheumnaicb nan sian ;
Bu mhin-ghibeach dealbh :

* Sagittarius and Capricorn, two constellations on tlic

Zodiac or Ecliptic. •f Uiaghailt, the Fquinoctial Una
332 SAIi-OliALlt NAM
 EOBHON MAC-LACHUINN. 333

Bi'dh spùtadh na funntaiim

334 SAR-OBAIR NAM 1ÌARD CAKLACII.

An tuainseagaibb geal nam Bur, 'N aimsir ghnathaichte na bliadhna,

Duisgidh iail le h-iochd a bhlàis, Sgapar siol gu biadb san fhearann,
'S measgnaichidh an righle dlù Gathilgeadb Da foraeaibb diona,
'Sa cheitein chiùin nach lot an càil ! 'S na h-iomairean fiara, cama :

Sgalag, a's eich laidir, ghniomhach

Dìrldh snothach suas o'n fhriamhaich Ri straidhlich nan cliatb gan tarruinn ;

Tro cham-chuislibh shnìomhain bhad-ihrann, 'S tiodhlaicear fo'n dusliiing mhin

Gn iuaothbhlasda, mealach, cùbhraidh, An gràinean liontaidb 's brlgh'or toradh.

Sior cbuir sùigh 's nam iìùran shlatach ;

Bi'db an còmhdach gorm a' brùchdadh Sgoiltear ambuntàta cnuachdach

Roì shlois ùr nan dlù-phreas dosrach, Na sgràilleagaibh duasacb, bacblacb ;

Duilleacb, Iàbach, uasal, sgiainhach, Theid an inneir phronn na lòdaibh

Dreach nam meur is rìmheauh coltas. Socach, trom, air chbmhnard achaidh ;

Le treun ghearrain chùbacb, cbàrnach,

Bi'db eoin bheaga bhinn a cbàthair, Chliabhach,spidreach,bhiàideach, shrathrach

A cruinneachadh shràbh gu neadan ;

Sùrd air teachd-an-tir nan Gael,
Togaidh iad 's na geugaibh uaigneach Dli' fbeuch an tàrar e fo'n talamh.

Aitribh chuairteagach ri taice

Laidhidh gu cluthor nan tamh 'Nuair a thogas Phoebus àigh

A blàiteachadh nan cruinn ubh breaca, Mach gu
h-aird nan nial a ceann,

Gus am bris an t-slighe iàn, O sheomar dealrach a chuain

'S au tig an t-àlacb òg a mach dbaibli. air chruach nam beann
Ag òradh ;

Brùchdaidh as gach eearo an tuath,

Thig eiblmeas na bliadlm an tùs, 'Staigh eha'n t'huirieh luatli no mall,
Mu'n crìochnaich an t-ùr-mhìos Màirt ;
Inntrigidli air gniomh nam buadb,
Bbi'ir an spreidh an toradb trom • " Buntàta 's inneir ! suas au cranu !"

Le fosgladh am briinn gu làl' :

Bi-ùchdaidh minn, a's laoigh, a's uain, Theid an inneal-draibb an òrdugh,

Nam mìitibh m'an cuairt do'n bhlàr ; Sean eich laidir mhor a* tarruinn
'S breae-gheal dreach nan raon "s nan stùo, Nan ionnstramaid ghleadrach, rùpach,
Fo chòisridh mheanbh nan hì-chleas bàth ! Beairt 'san lionmhor cord a's amull,
Ailbheagan nan cromag tiara,
Bidh gabhair nan adbaircean cràcach, Socach, coltrach, giadhaeh, langrach ;

Stangach, cam, an aird nan sgealb-chreag ; Glige-ghlaige crainn a's laruinn,

Rob-bhrat iom-dhathach m'an cuairt dail>b, Surd air guiomh o'm biadhchor toradh !

Caitean ciar-dhubh, gruamach, gorm-ghlaa,

S na minneinean taghach, greannar, Hush ! an t-uiairhe 's am bàn-each,
Le meigeadaicb fbann g'an leanmhuinn : Fear air rrann, 's air orann, 'sa cborraig,
'S mireanacb a cbieasachd ghuanaefa Buntàta, 's inneir theith na cliabhaidh
Bhios air pòr beag loath nan gearr-mheann. Ga taomadh san fbiar-chlais cborraich,
Aig bannal clis lùghmhoi' gleusda,
Caoirlch cheig-rùagach fb chòmhdach ; Cridheil,eutrom, brisg gun smalan ;

Sgaoilt air reithlein lòintean-driuohdaoh ; 'S gillean Og a' diol na h-àbhachd,

<A uaineineau eho geal ri cainichcan Briathrach, gàJreach, càirdeil, fearail.
Air chluaintibb nan learg ri lùgradh.
An crodh mòr gu liontaidh làirceaeh, 'Nuair dh' fhalachar san air am pi r,

Ag ionaltradh fbàflach ùr-gborm ; Thig feartan gar ròir o'n àird,

An dream lìth-dbonn, chaisionu, bhan-bhreac, A sgirtean liath-ghlas nan nial,

Gliuaillionn,chra-dhearg, mhàgach,dhùmhail. Frasaidh e gu ciatach blàth,

Silteach, sàmhach, lionmhor, ciùin,
\S inntinneach an ceol ri m' chluais Trom na bhrùchdaibh, ciùbracb, tlàth ;

Fann-gheuxn laogh m'an eoairt do'n chrò, 'S iniorbliuilleach a bhraonach dhlu,
Ri coi'-ruith timcheall nan raon, Iarbhacb maoth-mhin, driuchdacb, seamh
Grail-bhrisg, seang-mhear, aotrom, bt'a ;

Stairirich aig an luli'gnean luath, 'Slionmhor suaicheantas an Earraich,

Sios m'an bhrnaiob gn guanaloh òg ;
Nach comas domh luaidh le (ilearhd ;

'S teach 'ia raach ;i bnalle lain, Raid he 's trie a chaochail earraidh,
'S bras an learn ri bàlrich bbò !
'S ioma car o thus gu dheireadh ;
 !

EOBHON MAC-LACHUINN. 335

Ràidhe'n tig am faoileach feannaidh, i\Iimar ànrach nan cuaintean,

Fuar chlaeh-mbeallain, stoirm nam peileir, A cbailleas astar feadli stuadhan sa cheò ;

Feadag, sguabag, gruaim a Gfaearrain, O'n bhuail teaebdair a bhàis thu,

Crainnti Chailleach is beurra friodhan. A Charaid chaoimh bu neo-fliàilteumacb gl'jir.

'Nuair spùtas gaoth lorn a Mhàirt oirn, A Ghaoil ! a Ghaoil de na fearaibh !

NL 'n t-sid ud an t-àl a chrannadh, 'S fuar a nochd air an darach do chreubh
Mios cabha^ach, oibreach, saoithreach, 'S fuar a nochd air a bord thu,
Nam feasgar slaod-cliianail, reangach : Fbiùrain uasail bu stòild aim ad bhèus!
Acras a' diogladh nam maodal, An lamli gbeal, fhurauuch, chàirdeil,
Blianach, caol-ghlas, aognaidh, greannach ;
Is trie a ghlac mi le fàilte gu 'n phlèid,

Deòghlar trian do t' fhior-liunn-tàth bhuat ;

Iti d' thaobh 's an anairt na sineadh,
'S mar ghad sniomhain tàirnear fad thu. Na meall fuar creadha, to chis aig an eug !

Ràidhe san tig tùs annlainn, A mhiog-shuil donn bu tlk sealladh,

Liteach, càbhrach, làdhan lapach, A nis air tionndadh gun lannair a d' cheann !

Druio-fhionn, cean-fionu, hrucach, riaspach 'S sàmhach binn-gbuth nan ealaidh !

Robach, dreamsglach, riadhach, rapach ;

'S dùint' am beul ud o'm b' anasacb cainnt !

Càl a's feoil, a's cruinn-bhuntata, An cridhe firinneach soillcir,

'S aran corca laidir, reachdmhor: Leis 'm bu spideil duais foille, no sannt ;

Bog no cruaidh, ma chanar biadh ris, A nochd gun phlosg air an deile !

S e nach diult an ciad ni 's faigse. Sian mo dhosgainn, nach breugach an rann.

'N uair thig òg-mbìos chèitein ciùin oirn, Gun smid tha 'n ceann aims na thàrmaich
Bi'dh a bhliadbn an tùs a maise ;
Bladh gach eòlais a b' àird aim am miagh ;

'S llatbail, caoimhneil. soiilse grcine, Gliocas eagnaidh na Grèige,

Mios geal ceutach, speur-ghorin, feartacb, 'S na thuig an Eadailt bu ghenr-fhaclaich brigh !

Flinach, ciùracb, bliochdach, maoineach, 'S balbh fear-rèitich gach teagaimh ;

Uanach, caorach, laoghach, martach, Anns a bheurla chruaidh, spreigearra, ghrinn !

Gruthach, uachdrach' càiseach, sùghmhor, 'N uair bhios luchd-foghluim fo dhubhar,

Mealach, cùbhraidh, drùchdach, dosrach. Co na t-ionads a dh' fhuasglas an t-snuim ?

Nis theid Earrach uaitin air chuairt, 'S balbh an labhraiche pòngail,
'S thig an samhradh ruaig a nail ; Bu tearc r'a fhaotainn a chompanach beoil ;

'S gorm-bhog duilleach geug air choill ; 'Am briathran snaighte, ogèimh-dhealbhach,
Eanlaidh seinn air bharr nan crann ; A chur na h-ealaidh no 'n t-seauchais air neoil ;

Driùchdan air feur gach glinn, Ge b' è bàrd an dàin chèutaich,

S lan-thoil-itintiiui sgiamh nam beann : Mu chian-astar /Eneas o Tbrbidh ;

Theid mi ceum troi 'n lòn a null, 'S firinn cheart nach bu diù leis,
'S tàirneam crìoeh air form mo rami. 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,

M A It B - It ANN
'Samhachthir chbmhnaird no 'n garbhlaich an
DO MR SEUMAS BfcATTIE,
Gach bileag ghorm a tha lubadh, [t-sleibh :

Fo throm eallaich nan diiuchd lis a ghrèin ;

[Fear-teagaisg Cànain, 's nan Eolus nadurra, ann a 'S an riògbachd mheatailtich b' àghor,
Aol.taigh ur-Obairreadhain, a chaochail sa' mhadain Do phurp ag innse dhuinn nàdur gach seud.
diardaoin.anceathramh latha de'n ochdamh mios 1810 ]

'S balbh fear-aithne nan ràidean,

xoviooTo Tira.oTOfn.iQa yoovo !

A shoillsich aingil a's fàidbean o thus ;

Air fonm— "Mort Ghlinne-Comhann." A's soisgcul ghlormhor na slainte,

Thug tios air trùcairean àrd-Rlgh nan dùl :

Och nan och mar a ta mi !

; 'An stèigh gach teagaisg bu ghrasmhoir,
Thrèig mo Bhùgradh, mo mhàran, 'a mo ckeol 'S tearc pears-eaglais thug bàrr ort, a Ruin !

'S trom an aiceid tha 'in cbiàdh-lot, Dochas t-anma bu laidir,

'S goirt am beum a rìnn sgàinteach 'am fheòil ; 'Sailfhuiladhoirteadhgu i'àrras theirt dhuinn.
 ;; —

336 SAH-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

Riaghlaieh t-ròlas 's do gliiulan, '1'hainig dall-bhrat na h-òidhch' oirn,

Modh na foirfeaobd a b' iuil dut 's gach ceum ;
O'n chaidh loihrann na soillse na smal :

Do mhòr-chridh nasal gnu tnùth aun B' e sid an crith-ieothadh cèitein

Gun ghoimh, gun uabhar, gun lùban, gun bhrèug ;
A mhill am lochann bu chcutaiche bàrr !

Cha b' uailse tbolgacb an fhasain,

Cha dealradh saibhreis a dh-atadh do spèis ;
Bu tu craobh-abhull a ghàraidh,
'Si 'n inntinn fhior-ghlan, a b' fhiù leat, A chaoidh cha cblnnich ni's uillidh fo'n ghrèin !

A's foghlum dicbill ga stiùireadh le ccill. D«alt an t-samhiuidh mu blàtliaibh,

Liiisrcadh dbuilleag air ohracaibh, a geug
Mo chrcach lèìr ! an taigh muirncach, Ach thilg dubh-dhoirionn a gheamhraidh,
'S am fuict'aghreadhaiiigusuuiitachniu'n bhòrd, A bheithir tbeinntidh le srann as an spear ;

Dreùs na ceire toirt soillse, Thuit an gallan in; rimheach,

Gach fiou b u taitniclie t'aoileas, fo chròic : 'S uile mhaise ghrad-chiion air an fheur !

Do cbuilm bu chonaltrach, fàilteach,

B' aiseagslainte dbuinn màrao do bbeoil ;
A Thi tha stiùireadh na crainne !

Bu bbinn a tliogail na teis tlm, 'Stuleig d'ar n-ioniisuidh abhuillebha croaidh!

'Sa cbruit fhonnor ga gleusadh gu ceòl. Since cnaill an t-sàr ulaidh,
Neònad prìseil nan lomadaldh buaidb !

"N uair dh' eireadh còisridh bu choinnealt, Dh' fhalbh a chombaisd, 's na siùil oirn,
A dhamhs' gu liighor ri pronnadh nam pong ;
Chaidh an gaisreadh 's an fhiiibhai 'n am bruan,
Gum b' eibhinn cri do mhnà-comuinn, Gach creag 'na cunnart do'n fbiùraich,
Do chrbilein maotb, 's iad gu tomanach, donn ,
O laidh duibhr' air rèull-iùil an taobh-Tuath.
A ghearradh leum air bhòrd loma,
Dol seach achcile mar glioireadh am fonn, Och ! nan och, mar a ta mi !

Ach dh' t'halbh sid uile mar bhruadar, Mo chridhe 'n imjiis bhi Bgàinte le bròn !

" No bristeadh builgein air uachdar nan tonn." Tha 'n caraid-cùirt' an dc l'liàgail,

A sheasadh dùracbdacb dan' air mo choir:

A righ gur cianail mo Bmaointean,
!
Bi'dh sid am chliabh 'na bheum cnàmhaìn,
Ri linn do t-àrois bhi faontrach gun mhiiirn ! Gus an uair aims an tàr mi fo'n fhòd ;

Sguir a chuilm 's an ceol-gàire, Ach 's glic an t-Aon a thug cis dhinn,
Chaidh meogbail ghreadhnach a's màran o'r cùl : 'Sda òrdugh naomh bith'mid striochdta gacli lò.
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 ;
SMEORACH CHLOINN-LACIUTNX.
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, !

Hoiltbh ", iriai/, b iuil, I

'S tionndaidh ascaoin na sine gu tlàths.
Hbilidh o, iriaff, hbrb hi

Hoilibh o, iriag, <> iuil, d;

'S ioma sùil ata silteach,
Snu ùraich a shemn bran mi.
A thaobh ùigli nam fear glic gun bhi buan :

Tha miltean iirnuigh ga d' leaiitainn,

smeòrach mise le chloinn-Lachuino
'S ;

Le miltean diirachd, a's heannachd gu t-uaigli ;

Seinneam ceòl air bharrnan dòsan ;
A liuthad diùlannacb alnnis,
'S trie learn dùsgadh moch am' chadal
A dh' àrdaich t-lonnrachadh aSnneamb guaaill; m'òran maidne 'sheiun frogan.
'S le
'S gach là bhioa-cklrdeaa air faoineacbd,
A Bbeattle chllùitlcb ! bi'dh cuimh'air do loach.
Cha mhl 'm fitbeach gionach, Bg&i teach,
Kinn t-oug linn uile gun solas, Na clamhan a chrom ghiub sbraoaich ;

Thateacb nan Innleachd, "»ah òigridb fo pbràmb ;

'S cian mo linn o' eoin a cliathair
Chaidh Alba'nm butleacb Fo èislean, Chleachd tigh'n' beò air Bàth nan ablach.
Sgur na Ceòlraidhean Grèugacli de'n dan : Iluilil.i: 0, SfC.
 EOHHON MAC-LACIIUINX. 337

'S iiHir gu'm b' amis' an àm blii 'gèiridh 'Sblasda, soilleir uisg am fuaran
Madainn Shambraidfa fhann-bbuig, rhcitein Fallain brisg gun mhisg gun bhruaidlean ;

Diol nan rami gun ghrcann gun eislein, 'S cràcach, gibeac'h, biolair' uaine,
'S toirm an damns' air chrann nan gOiigaii. Fits gu h-ailli laimh ri'm bruachan.
HoUiblt 0, iji', Hoilibh o, $c
I?ha mi n' còmhnuidh 'n tùs mo laithibh 'S labhar fuaim nan sruthan aiùblach,
Aig Peithinn nan seamh-shruth airgeid, Theid thar bhalbhag dlù nan alltan ;

Mcasg nam fliiran drluchdach, tl'itha, Torraicb mhear gach cuailean dh-ghuirm,
Fhuair mi 'n àrach pàirt de m' aimsir. Dol feadh lùb tro làr nan gleanntan.
Hoilibh o, Qc. HoUibh o, §fc.

Tha mi nis an tir gun bhruaidhlean, 'S taitneach, sgiamharh, manth-bhog ùr,
Tir tha feartach, reachdor, buaghail ;
Fas do fhlùr is lionmhor dreach ;

'Slionmbor agh tha fàs air uachdar Mar ghorm rionnagach nan spear,
Tir nan sealbh da'n ainm na Cluainean. Dealbii gach send a sgaoil mu d' bhrat.
HoUibh o, £c. HoUibh o, §c.

Tha na h-eoin is labhar coireall, Brat nan dìtbean driùchdach, guamach,

Feadh na coille 'n dlùths nam bailan ;
Lurach, laachracb, dualach, bachlach,
Buidheann phrniseal, cheolmhor, loinneal, Cuaebacb geal nan neoinean eagach,
Ard an coilleag. — binn an glaigeal. Sid a sgeadach tha mu'd' ghlacaibh.
HoUibh o, i-c. Hoilibh o, 4'C

Tha gach crann gu trom fo chòmhdacli, Do clirodh-laoigh air lorn an àilean,

Duilleach, bailach, meuracb, cròcacb ; Heamhar, sultmhor, liontai, làirceach,
Stràc de 'n mheas cur shlios nan ògan, Caisionn, druimionn, guaillionn, cra-dhearg,
'S eunlaith 'seinn nam fonn an òl'dugb. Bainuear. bliochdach sliochd gun fhaillinn.
Ho'dihh 0, 4'C« HoUibh O, §C.

Coisridli lughor, mùirneaeh, greannar, Baile feartach coirc a's eòrna,

Seolta gluasad t'uaim an seannsar ; 'Sreachmhor fàsar dhaileau còmhnard ;

Pbr gun sgread, gun reasg, gun teanndachd, Be sid bàrr na mile solas
Gleusd' am feadain ; deas an ranntachd. A chuir sgrainng na goirt air fogradh.
HoUibh o, 4-c-. Hoilibh o, 4c.

Grian a'g eiridh dealrach, òr-bhai, Talamh tarbhach trom gu gnaisicb,

Le gath soills' air ghorm nam mor-bbeann Leatromach fo bhàrr buntata,

;

Fàileadh cubhraidh dbriuchd nan lointean, Chirm gu luirgneach, meurach, màgach,

Sileadh meal air bharr gach feòirnean. Cluigeanach le plumbais àillidJl.

Hoilibh o, $c. HoUibh o. $c.

Eoin bheag bhuchlach nam pong ceòlmhor ! 'S trie do phreasan peoracb, ubblach,
Coimh-fhreagraibh learn tèis an brain ;
Groiseideach, trom-dhearcach, dù-dhonn ;

Dreach nan cluainean mar bu choir dhomh Luisreadh sios le gagain driucbdacb,
Dh' innsinn sios am briathran òrdail. 'S buan an t-shlainnt am fàile cùbhraidh.
Hoilibh o, $c. HoUibh o, <£c.

'Sionnmhuinn leam a chulaidh flnaoich Baile coisrigte nam beannachd !

Dh' fhas air taobh nan luirgnean cas, Fraochach, tiiirach, luacbrach, mealach,
Badach, gaganach, caoin, ur, Martach, laoghach, caorach, bainneach,
'S neoil do'n' mhil a smuideadli as. Coillteach, duilleach, geugach, torach.
HoUibh o, &c Hoilibh o, Sec.

'S boidheach treud nan uainean geala Ni*' tha carbad boisgeil Phcebuis
Ruith 'sa rèis feadh chluainean bainnear; A' marcachd an aird nan apeura ;

S caoiricfa bhronnach, throma, cbeigeacb, 'ii rann an cuimae i'aidead,

*S o'n tha
Air 'm bu 8heideach blonag shaile. S tìna' bhi lasachadh nan teudau.
Hoilibh o, $c. Hoilibh o, 4r.
 —

338 SAR-OBAIU NAM BARD GAELACII.

Mar Bhenus a boisgeadh

Thar choiltibh nan ard,
Tha a miog-ahuil ga m' bhuaireadh
EALAIDII GIIAOIL. Le suaii heantas graidli :

Tha bràighe nan setid

Ann an eideadh gach àidh,
Mar ghealach nan s|ieiir
AirfaiUirin, Ulirin, uilìiri,, ,., 'S i cur reulltan fo phràmh.
Air fail I i riu, Ulirin, uUlirin b, AirfaiUirin, Sec.

AirfaiUirin, Ulirin, itillirin i>,

Our boidhcach an count nn, Bi'dh 'n uiseag 's an smeòrach

'Th'a h !
'n t-Sri(ih-iu n Feadb lòintean nan diiùchd,
'Toirt finite le'u òrain

Gun gile mo leannan Do'n òg-mhadainn chiùin ;

Na'n eal' ail an t-shnàmh,

1 Ach tha'n uiseag neo-sheòlta,

Na cobhar na tuinne, *S an amebracb gun sunnt,

'S e tilleadli bho'n tràigli ;
'Nuair '
thoislcheas m' eudail
Na'm blàth-bhaiune buaile, Air gleusadh a ciùil.

'S a chuacli leis fo bhàrr, AirfaUliria, $c.

Na sneaehd nan gieann dosraeh,
'Nuair thig s.imhradh nan noinean
'Ga fhroiseadh mu'n bhlàr
A comhdach nam bruach,
AirfaiUirin, rjc.
'S gach eoinean 'sa chròochoilP
'
A ceòl leis a chuaich,
Tlia cas-fhalt mo rùin-sa
Bi'dli mise gu h-eibhinu
Gu siùbhlaeh a sniomh,
'A leumnaich 's a ruaig,
Mar na bhuidhe lùbas
neoil '

Fo dhlù-mheuraibh egàileach
Air stùcaibh nan slial)li,
Tha '
gTliaidh mar an rbs,
A màran ri m' luaidh,
AirfaiUirin, tjft
'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
ItANN DON LE1SG.
l.ichl. ni's.They wire composed by Mrs M'Kenzie of
Balone, at a time when, by infirmity, she was unable to A leisg reangacb, robach, dhuaiebnidh,
attend the administration of the Lord's Supper in Strath.
more of Lochbroom,— and ran word for word the same
Mallaclld btian blio dhuan nam bàrd tlliut,

except the last two lines of the verse which are slightly 'S bochd an t-shian do'n ti bheir cluas dbut,
altered Our talented author got them and the air 'S dearbh nacfa dual gu'n dean e tàbliachd,
from some of the north country students in Aber-
deen. All the other stanzas, however, are original, and
'S nor an sgeul a sgiiobh rlgh Solamh,
worthy of the poetic mind of Maclachlan, The following " Nacb robh sonas riamh ad ghlacaibh ;"
translation of it by the celebrated author, we subjoin for
A chairbh rag gun sgriil gun fhosgladb,
the gratification of the English reader;
Trom-cheann marbli nacb mosgnil facal,
Not the swan on the lake, or the foam on the shore,
'Sronngach fàrdalach gun ruth-bbalg ;

Can'compare with ill*? charmi of the maid I adore :

Not so white is the new milk that flows o'er the 1'ul, Do sheann chlosach blirurhdai b, lachdunn,
Or the snow that is showVd from the houghs of the vale.
'S miann lcat coimhearsp bhuan an rosaid,
As the cloud's yellow wreath on the mountain's high brow,
The locks of my fair one redundantly (low ;
Dealbh na gorta sgaoil mu t-asdail,
ller ohaeki have the tint that the roe« dlipUy, Thu t'o'n lùirioh na d' cbuail ihnùmhaiili,
When thi-y glittel with dew on tl mining of May.
Reic fliu Fin-mis air son cadail,
As the planet ofVenus that (fleams o'er the prove,
Drein an Aoig na tl' ghrod-chraoa ben rn ach,
II r blue rolling eves ate the symbols of love I
Hei peu i
circled boeom .hi < bi Ighl rays, Do chràg chearr am muing do phap-chinn.
Like the moon, when the tars are be.lhnm'd with her blaze.
Sid an Blliagh thug bith an tùs dut,
The mavis anil lai k, wlu-n they welcome tin' dawn,
A Mi-chùram 's Dith-na-sgoinne
Mai i
., .horns of joy to resound through tie- l.ovn :

Hot tin- mavis is tuneless — the lark strives in v;iin. Slabbraidh theann de phraisich chruaidh art,,
When my beautilul ehaimer renews In r ureal strain.
S dà uheud punnil de'n ltiaidlie d' dheireadh.

While the thru the cut tha bosr'n,

Through tin- w
h ait
I
i

-li.l. v. m.
I
I

I i
i

.oil.
o! f

It.
n

1, ,
i

111 row,
A I.eisg tbroin ga 'm bodhar spad-chluas
And least unretlraind on the sn.lis of my Ion 'S tu 'n gadalche 'shlad na h-aimsir' :
 ; —

A L A S D A I R M A C-IO N M H UI N" N. 339

Ged' bhiodh mile cuip g;id' shlaiseadh Ursann dhian nan comhlati cruaidh,
Cha tig an stadaich a t-earball. Morair Chlann-Dùmhnuill an fhraoich,
Sibhs ann sam beil feum a's direadh, Leoghann nan etichd, craobh nam buadh,
Ruithibb grad an tim gu freagairt Dh-iarr c 's chaidh Dioghailt na leum,
Man cosgrar sibh fo shlait iarainn INIar bheithir bheumnaich nan nial,

Ban-mhaighstear iarnaidii na sgreatachd. 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.
CLACH-CUIMHNE Corr as coig fichead bliadliii' deug
Thrrall nan speur bho dheas gu tuath,
GHLIXXE-GARAIDH AIG TOBAK-NAX-CEANX
Bho 'n ghairmeadh Tobar-nan-Ceank,
Fiiir. astair ! thig faisg a's leubh De'n t-sruthan so 'n cainnt an t-sblua:gh.
Sgeul air ceartas an Dè bhnain ;
Mise 'n Seaehdamh thar dheich glùin
Eisd rina ceilg a dh'fhàg
diol De fhreumh ùiseil an laoicli threin,

A Cheapach na làraich fhuair. Mac-Mhic-AIasdair m'ainm gnàiths,

Sgaoil na milltich lion an èig Flath Chlann-Dòmhnuill nan sàr euchd,
rVI ii bhord èibhinn nam fleagh fial Thog mi chlachs' air lorn an raoin,
'S mheasgnaich iad an sean s na h-òig Faisg air caochan a chliù bhuain,
'S an aon tòrr nam fuil gun ghiomh. Mar mheas do cheann-stuic nan ti iatli,

Mhosgail corruich an t-kid-thriath, '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.
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. 34

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/i V 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.

Aia fonk — "Deoc/t-slainte an larla T/iuathaich."

Ge gun diisgadh mi,

fada an dràst An t-ochdamh grian do 'n Mhàirt againi
Clia chadal sèimh bu shùgradh dhomh, A nochdadh ar cuid bhàtaichean,
Ach gun liighs annta,
ragaid chiiàmh Bu choltach seòlta an Cahhlaoh iad,
Air leabaidh-lair gun chuirteanan, Na 'n trotan mar a b' àbhaist dbaibh,
Gun chaidreamh bho luchd dùthchs, 'S na Breatuinnich na 'm burr orra,
'S mi gun charaid-rùin am choir. Le 'n cliathan ràmh sari reòt'.

Gun chaidreamh, &<i. 'S na Breatiunnich, &c.

Cha 'n Vil fear a thàirneas rium, Gu 'n chuir air tlr na saighdearan,
Na tliuigeas an deagh Gbàelig mi, Na fir gun fhiamli, gun r'hoill annta,
Nach innis mi gu'n d' rainig mi, Le 'n eireadh grian gu boisgeanta,
'N uair dir imich sinn do 'n àite sin, !!i lain ti ir an lann foileasach,
Gu 'in b' aobliar giorag nàmhaid sinn, 'S an ceannard fèin ga 'n soillseacbadh,

Le 'r luingeas àrd fo sheùil. War dhaoimein a measg òir.

Gu'm b' aobhar, &e. 'S an ceanuard, &c.

342 SAR-OliAIR NAM DAIil) GAELACH.

An darag dhileaa dharaich ud, N am dlùtbadb ria an araich,

Nach dh'fhàg 'aan linn so samhail da, '6 tnmi a dbrùigh ar laid na 'm l'còil.

An leògbann rìogbail, amaisgeach, 'N am dlùthadb, &c

An cliù 's am fiiinii cheannasach,
Tli a do ghaol mar anam dhuinn, 'N uair Bgaoileadh bh'uainn 's gach àitc iad,
Aii teannachadh na 'r feòil. Alar chaoirich 's gille-màrtainn annt',
Ilia Ja gbaol, &c. 'S trie a chite tall oirbh,
Na ruith a dhi a mhaighsteir,
A dol gu tìr le d' bhrataicheao, L5u lionmhor marcach tàbhachdach,
Air cbeann do mbiltean gaisgealadh,
Le each air traigh gun deò.
Shaoil Fraugaich ghrìmeach, gblas-neulacn,
L5u lionmhor, &c.
Le spid gu 'u ]>illte dh&chaigb sinn,
Gu 'n atriochdadh i&d da 'r lasraicbean,
15u dliiouuilior bras ar Broil.
Bba 'm buidhean rlogbail Gàelach,

Gu 'n striochdadli, &c.

Gu h-inntiuncach, borb, ardanach,
Air thoiseach, mar a b' àbhaist daibh,
Bu ncimheil, Bmearail, dùracbdacb, Gu lotach, piceach, Btailinneach,
Gu danara làn mhùiaeagaob, Mar nathairichean, gun chàirdeas
An canoin aim sa bhiiireinich, Do dh' aon nàmhaid a bha beò.
'S dealanach le fudar dhiu, Mar nathairichean, &c.
Cha bu Ièur an traigh le smùìdreadh,
Dh'fhag na spèuran dùiiini' an ceò. Tha claim nan eilcan aon-sgeulach,
Cha bu lour, &c. Co theireadh gu 'n do chaochail iad ?

'S iadt'èin an dream nach maol-chluasach,

Mar biodh cruaidh losgadh ioinlan aim, 'N uair thàirntc a mire caonnaig iad,
'San uair is luaithe dh' iomraichte, Mar bheithir thana craoslachadh,
Air luchd-cuain a b' ullamh tulgaradb, 15' thior fhaoineia tigh'n' ga 'n còir.
Gfeasadh ri cluais iorghuille, Mar bheithir, &c.
'S na naimhdean dàna tilgeadb oirn,
Mar ghàradh tionicheall òb. Mar mhiol-chion sheang, luath-leumnach,
'S na naimhdean, &c. 'Eangach, iiuach, tuasaideach,
Hi leanailt stri gun fhuarachadh,
Choinnich iad 'san uisge sinn,
Le siubhal 's i a dh' fhuasgail iad,
A gu 'n crioslaichean,
tigh'n' air snamli
I3ha Fraugaich air an ruagadh,
'N uair bheireadh lamhach bristeadh dhuinn
'S iad na 'n ruith mar chuain gun trcòir.
An duil gu 'in bàite an tiota sinn, Bha Fraugaich, &c.
Gu Btàlinneach, làn, misneachail,
Gu sgrios na bliiodh beb.
;'is

Gu stàlinneaeh, &c.
Choinnich ar fir shomalt iad,

Le roinn nam piosan guineideaeb,

Ma 'n d'fbàg an tonn fo 'r buimabh sinn, ORAM
Chaill Biolna Frainge full annta,
'S am bàs bhà iad a cumadfa dhuinn, All: KLAK N.-\ H-EIFHIT,
Fbuair pàirt did dh'fhulang bròin.
'S am bits, kc.
L" arson nach Cisichiim sa Champa,

Chuir buillean lann Far na dli'lhàg mi claim mo gbaoil,

le Buabaireachd,
Tbog sinn taighean Samhraidb aim,
15ho 'n tuinii mar choHltich thaitslidh iad,
Le barrach mbeang nan craobh,
Gach dara crann a tuiteam dhiu,
15u solas uaJbhreach, aeannard,
Na 'n tineadb sios le 'r ouabaireachd,
A bhi gluaaad ii uchd naimhdean ami,
Tbuig Frangaicb nach faun Thurcaicb,
'Sa dh'aiiuleoin luaidhe Fbrangacb,
Le 'u cuid lann a ED hurt an sKigh.
15' aobhar dàmaha bhi ri 'r tiiobh.
Tbuig Fraugaich, fee.

Hi lomairi ghoirt na stàilinne, Cha chualaa ii linn Beanachais,

Bba iomain caa bho'u tràigh una, Ann an cogadh arm na 'n stri,
(in n fhioa co 'in fear bu tàire againn, Cuig mile-diag clio ainmeil ruibh,
A b' ullamh lot !> Baithidbean, A thairuiun airm fo 'n High ;
 ALASDA1R MAC-IONMHUIN. 343

B' aobhar cliù an trèun-fhear Albannach, Bu smaointcan faoin d'a marcaichean,

A ffauair a chuis utl earbsa lis, Nach faiglite daoine ghleachdadh iad,
Nach cùbairean a thearbadh leis, 'S na laoich nach faoite chaisleachadh,
Thoirt gniomh nan arm gu crieh. Ga 'n caol ruith mach air sliabh.

Dh'iarr e moch di-ciadain, Bu trie an cùmhdach casgairt siun,

'S a' cbiad diagachadh de 'n Mhàìrt, Thug sud oirn stad na dhà,
Gach comisari riarachadh, Bhi gun eMas aim san astar sin,
Ar biadh a macli oirn tia 'N dùil mhòr ri gaisge chaich ;
;

Rùm '
bbi air ar cliatbaichean,
Dh' f bench Ralph gach doigh a chleachda leis,

Gu h-ullamh mar a dh' iarramaid, 'S an dian-te sròil a thaisbeanadh,

Nach faodadb iad air chiad-lungaidh, *S a dh' aindeoin seòltachd dh' fhairtlieh oirn,

Dol sios leis ami sa bhlàr. An toirt gu casgairt làmh.

Bha sinn làidir, guineideach,

'S ami air dir-daoin a dh'fh'ig sinn,
Dàna, urranta 'san stri,
Air sàr chablach fad air chùl,
Bha iadsan ràideil, cuireideach,
Na 'in f'aigheadhmaid rian snàmha dhaibli,
Làn thuineachadh 's an tir
Bu làidir iad na 'r cùis ;
;

Ghabh iad àird na monaidhean,

Lean Mac-a-Ghobha* cairdeil ruinn,
Gu 'n dh' fhuair iad kitecothromach,
'S gu 'm b' fhogbai ii teach a bhàtaichean,
'S an dianadh làmhach dolaidh dbuinn,
A dli' aindeoin gleadhraich nàmhaid,
Gu 'n toileachadh r'a Jinn.
Clium e smàladh air an sùil.

Tliairneadh gàradh droma leinn,

Bba ar 'n aid cbeann-feadhna toirteil, Ue armuinn fhonnidh thrèin,
dh'
Ann san àm ga 'r propadh suas, Bho sh.'iil' gu sail' a coinneachadh
Bho dhream gu dream ga 'm brosnachadh, 'N trà chi'omaidh air a ghrein ;

Cha b' aim le moit na ghruaidh ; Bu daingean, làidir, comasach,

Ghlacadh cuibhle 'n fiiortain, A phàirc ga m' fhàl ua bonaidean,
Ann san Iaimh nach tioundadh toisgeal i, Cha bu chadal seimh ga 'n comuiin,
'S a dbiiisgcadh sunnt gu cosnadh dbuinn, 'S each ma 'r coinneamh air a bheinn.
War Fbionn a mosgladh shluaidh.
Stad sinn 1 è na h-oidhche sin,
Thàirneadh na laoich shomalla Gu an cuim nan arm,
leir

Na "n cumhlann throma, bliorb, Bha lean nan fein, gu maighdeatmail,

Bu tàrslach, làmhan, comasacb, Fo sgèith gach saighdear, bàlbh ;

An sradag fhonnidh f'albh ; Na 'n tigeadh feum na faoineachd orr',

A g' iarraidh àite an cromadii iad, 'S gu tugte aobhar bruidhne dhi,
Na 'n tugadh nàmhaid coinneamh dbaibli, Bu neamhail a spcic phuiseanta,
Gu 'm f'ag-te 'n àraeh tonn-fhuileach, Bho 'n bheul bu chinnteaeh sealg.
Le stàiliuu thollach blioig.
Dh' earbadh dion an 'n anmanan,
Bho nacli tionndadli nàinih gu casgairt,
lti Albannaich mo ruin
Fir nach titirnnte cearbaich ona,
Bu dlù lasair air an deigh,
'N uair chuunacas giiùis nam Breatunuach, 'N àm tharruinn arm gu dlù ;

Rinn iad a chaithris armailteach,

B'fhearr casan dhaibli na strèup;
Tliug iad an ciil gu tapaidh ruinn, Gu h-ullamh, ealamh, ealachuinneach,

A sliiubhal gu
'S na 'n deanadh nàmhaid tairgneachadh,
<11 ù astarach,
A sior dliioii an cùl le maicaichean,
Bha has allabharach na 'n gniiis,

Ciium lasachadb na 'in ceum.

Sinn ullamh air ar eonnspagan,
Gu dol san tòir gu dion,
Bha gillean lùghar, sgairteil aim,
An treas madainfi diag a shònraich iad,
Nach d' aom le gealtaclid riamh, Le 'r ceaiinard mòr gu 'n fhiamb;
War dh' fhaodadh iad ga 'n leantain,
An dà rèiseamaid a b' òige againn,
Fhillcadh caogad each le '« guiomh Na Grèamaich agus Gòrdonaich,
A ruith gu dian an còmhdhail,
Sir Sidney Smith, Na bha dortadh leis an t-sliabh,
34 4 SAB DBA1 l\ NAM
 ; — !

ALAS DAI It MAC-IONMIIUINN. 345

N uair ;i dhlù na h-airm ri civile, Gcd' bha na Itioghalaich bho Albainn,

Dhubhadh na speuran le n deathaieh ;
Na fir ainmeil, mheamnach, phriseil,

S r>u lionmhor tear a blia 's an èisdeachd, Fada bhuainn ri uair a gharbh chath,
Nacfa do gliluais leis fein an ath oidhch'. 'S buaidh a b' ainm dhaibh ri uchd mliiltean ;

Ghreas iad air aghaidh gu colgail,

Dh'fhag iad sinne mar a b'annsa, 'N uair a chual iad stoirm nam picean ;

l'o cheannardacbd Mhorair Hunndaidh, Mo creach ! luchd nam breacan balla-bhreac,

An t-ùg smiorail, fearail, naimhdeil, Bbi le lasair marbh na'n sineadh.
N an teaanadh ain-neart ga 'r n-ionnsuidfa :

Le bhrataicheao 1
siod a strannraich, Tha na Fràngaich math air teine,
Iti 'u cuid crann a damns' le muiseag ;
Gus an teannar goirid uapa;
S na fir a toghairt 's na Frangaich, 'San mar sin a i'hrois iad sinne,
B' iad mo riiinse chlann nach diultadh. Ri deich mionaidean na h-uarach ;

Ach, 'n uair dh't'haod ar laoich gun tioma,

Bha 'n Icoghann colgarra gun ghealtachd, Dhol an àite buille bhualadb,
Le mhile tear Bgairteil la' ruinn ;
Bha roinn nan stailinne biorach,
An Camshronach garg o'n Earrachd, Sàthadh guineideach mu'n tuairmse.
Mar ursaiun chatha 's na blàraibb ;

Dh'aontaich sinn mar aon sa bhaiteal, Gum bi sin an tuairmse smiorail,

Le faobtaar lann sgaiteach stailinn ; Chinnteach, amaiseach, gun dearmad ;

Clia bu ghniomh le *r laoieh gun taise, Thug na leoghainn bhorba, nimheil,

Faoineia air an t'haich' le. làmhaich. Bu cholgail sealladh fo'n armaibh ;

Ri sgiùrsadh naimhdean mar f'halaisg,

Bhruchd na naimhdean le 'n trom làdach, A's driùchdan lallais air gach calg dhiu ;

Air oiuin chàich an àite tcine ; 'S bha Fràngaich a lirùchdadh fala,
W uair tliuair Sasunnaich droch cbàradh, 'S an cul ri talamh sa ghainmhich.
Pbill iad o'n àraich n' ar coinneamb.
Ghlaodh Ralph uaibhreach ri chuid armmm Mar neoil fhuikeach air an riasladh,
Greaaaibh na Gàè'il n' an coinnidh, Le gaoth a b'iargalta sèideadh ;

'S tionndaidh iad an ruaig mar b' àbhaist, Ruith nam baidibh ceigeach, lia'-ghlas,
An dream ardanach, neo-flioileil. An deigh an cliathadh as a chèile:
Chitc na naimhde gun riaghailt,
Grad air an aghairt 's an àraich, Teicheadh gu dian o uchd streupa ;

Ghluais na saighdearan nach pillte ; 'S iad a leagliadh air am bialthaobh,

Mar iolaire guineaeh, gun chaoimlmeas, Mar shneachd am fianais na gièine.
Nach b'fhurasda cblaoidh le mi-mhodh,
Thug iad sgrios na'n gathan boisgeach, Ged' a pbill sinn o ar dùthaich,
Mar dhealauaich bidhche dhilinn ; Cha d' inhill sinn air cliii an crundal
Hi sior iomain romp nan naimhdean, Bha sinn gach latha ga'n sgiursadh,
'S neul na fal' air roinn am picean. Mar chaoirich aig cù ga'n ruagadh.
Dh'aindeoiu an cuid slòigh gun chunntas,
'N uair a dh'ionndrainn a chonnspuinn Tigh'n o'n Fhraing as ùr ga'r bualadh,
Morair Gordon o uchd btiailte ;
Bu leisg ar gaisgich gu tionndadh,
'S a chual iad gu'n robh e leòinte,
'Nuair a chord an Diùc ri'n uaislean.
Dh'ùraich iad le deoin an tuasaid ;

Mar mhaoim do thuil nam beann mora, 'N uair chuireadh am baiteal seachad,
Bruchdadh bho na neoil mu'r guaillean, 'S a dh-àireadh ar gaisgich threubhach,
Lean iad an ruaig le eruaidh spbltach, Bha ioma Gael 's an deachaidh
Gu fuilteach, mor bhuilleach, gruamach. Le miad am braise 's an streupa,
Fuil a ruith air lotaibh frasach,
Bha Camshronaich an tùs a chatha, Bho luchd nam breacauan teilidh,
Air an losgadh mar an cianda ;
\S i sior thaomadh leis na glacan
Leonadh an Ceann-t'eodhna sgairteil, 'S truagh ! nach dh'fhaod ar gaisgich eirigh
Iti còmhraig bhaitealach a liath e;

Gu sonraicht' coltach an dearcag, 'S bochdgun sian orra bho luaighe,

'S an fheoil nach taisicheadh tiamh i On a bha iad eruaidh 'na'n nàdur,
Mu'n chrom a ghrian to cleòc-taisgte, Fulangach gu dhol san tuasaid,
Fhàidb sinn air an ais na fiachan. Guineideach 'nuair ghluaist' an àrdan,
 — — ! — — ;

Cha robli math d'an nàmhaìd gluasad, 'Nnair gbabhaidh i'm fuaradb na siiasaid,
UlTiai ìjii.lli buaidh orra' s na blàraibb, 'S gualla 'n rhaagadh chasadh dian ris,

Cliaill i.iil air an tràigh Beachd uaireati', Ghearradb i'n linn' air a fiaradh,
Tuilleailli "a na bha bhuain 'aan àraich. 'N agbaidb gaoithe, sid a's lionaidh,
Dh' eignich Coiran an diarrais,
i

'Nis o'n cliuir iad s'uin do Shasunn,

'S leum i air itelg mar ian as
Ghabhail ar cairtealan geamhraidh,
&"*« Pubh-GMeannach, <yc.
Far am faigh sinn leann am pailteaa,
Gcd' tha Mao-na-praisich gann oim
'Nnair gheibheadh i cliathaicfa fo fhars'neacli
Olar leinn deocb-slainte' Mharcuis
Soirbheas na sliasaid ga brosuachd,
Ar gualann thaice 's ar Ceannard ;

Tha sitm cho ullamh's a Sit leis,

Mar shiu'ladh mial-chù bras-aatracb,
Dliion a bhrataichean bho ainneart.
Na ruith air sliabh a's fiadh air thoisench,
1 direadh nan tonn liath 'a ga'n Bgoltadh,

Kale.— Various spurious editions of tliis unrivalled piece

Shnaitheadh iad mar iarunn locrach.
i

have been published in different collections of Gaelic Poems. Si'n Dubh-GhUannach, tifc.
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. Mhionnaicb Neptune agus JEolus,
Bho n' chaidh gaoth a's cuan fo'n òrd ugh,
Nach do mhaslaicbeadh cho mbr iad
Bho linn na h-Airc a bha aig Noah,
Gu robh 'n righ is airde còmhnadh,
AN DUBH-GHLEANNACH. Dion 's a sàbhaladh Chloinn-Dòmhnuill !

iSt'n Dubh-Gkleannack, c.$'C,

Lath a dliomh 's mi 'n e.ois na tràghad
Chuala mi caismeaehd nan Gael,
Bha Neptune agus JEolus eudmhor
Dh' aithn'u-h mi meoir grinn a Bhràthaiuh,
Dh-iarr iad builg nan stoirm a shèideadh
Air siunnsair ùr bu lùghor gàiricb,
Dh-òrdaicb iad gach bòrd dh'i reubadb,
A's thuig mi gu'n a ghluaia an t-àrmunn,
'Sna siùil a stracadb na'm brèidean,
Fear thogai] nan tùr nasal,* Btàtoil.
Le borb-sgread a's lead na reub-ghaoith,
iSTm Dabk-GMeannach a Lh' a
'Cuir siaban thonn na steoll *s na speuran
lib ri> gkeaUadh, na co chuireadh i,
Sfn Dubh-QMeannack, §c.
—Troiii aim 'semn

Bu mhiann learn sunnt nam port eallanta, Thoisìcb ùr-spairn chruaidb mar dh'iarr iad,
Bu chonnabhallach ùrlar a's gearraidhean, Cbruinnicb ueoil dhubha na h-iarmailt,
Dionach, neo-mbearacbdach
luglior, dlù, Na'n trom-lùirichean dlù iargalt',
Tionndadh nan Biubhlaicbean caithreamacb, 'S iad a tins;. dh sùrd 'sa lionadh
Dbùi8geadh lùgh na smuis "s na carraidean, Mar dhbrch smùid a 1'uirneis iaruitm,
Dùtbchaa nan lann dù-ghorm tana dhuibh. Uu bruchadb stoirm bha garbh as fiadhaich-
Sfn Dvòh-tìhleannach, $c. Si'n Dubh-GHeannach, cjc.

Dhirich mi 'no bruthaoh le h-6ibhneas,

'N earalaa fo laimb air gabhaidb
Db'eiadaachd ri fàilte rlgh Seumas,
Chuir sihh an ceann i gu dàna ;
Cbanna' mi'n Druimineacb dhubh, ghleusda,
Gach cupall a's Btagb 's an robh failinu
Cuir fa-agaoi] a b-aodaicb breid-ghil,
Sparradb buill tbaghta n'an àite ;
Air macbair mhìn, Bgiamhach, rèidhleach,
Slabhraidhaan canaoh air taraidh,
Mar Bteud I'.i'uitbcach— 's i' cuir ìvise.
Tbeannaicb sibh gu daingean laidir.
Sfn Dubh-QhleanTiach, $c.
Si'n Vubh-Gl i

Cbanna' mi 'n Druimineaob dhubh, dhealbhach,

Long Alaidair ghlinnicb nan gaibb-chriocb, Bheaitaich lad gach ball neo-chearbach,
Mar Bteud rioghail air bharr fairge, [Jllamh, 'has gu gleachd ri fairge ;

Togail bho thif le sioda balla-bhroac, Tharruinn i le gaoith an earra-dheaa,

Suaicheantai rioghail na li- Alba, G lilac cao) fo' taobh 's bu doirhh e,
i '11

Ghluaiseadb na miltean gu fearra-ghleus, 'Sged bha Neptune saoitbreaob, stoirmeil,

Si'n Dubh-Ghleannaok, $o. Mhaelaich an saohh-shnith 's an dòrcb el
;
Si' it I , S[0.
» 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
Nochd an duhhair gnùis gun chaoimhneas,
Prince Charles Stuart in Gleuflnuan, Sgaoileadb cùirtearan na h-bidhebe ;
 All liAUU CONANACII. 347

Sgioba na h-iubhraich an gainntir Coinnidli bbàigheil bhlàth gach caiaid dhuibh,

On' chiad duil gu cur Dun-aoibhneis Pòg bhur mathar, mhna 'sblmr leannan duibh.
Phaisg iad tiian gaeh siiiil gu teann-chruaidh. Si'n Dubk-GMecmnaoh, $c.
A's las iad ri caii't-iùil nacoinulean.
Si'n Dubh-Ghleunnach, <$r.
Chaidh rigli nan soirbheas gu dhùlan,
Aig niiad na strannaraicli 's na h-upraid ;

Dh-fhosgail na builg air an cùlthaobh,

Iomradh slàn do Cliaiptein Alasdair, l\Jun gai ii a l'huair iad an dùnadb,
Le sgioba tabhachdauh, bearraideauh, Bha Maigbdeann nam Mor-bheaun cuirteil,
Bumfaiann learn fàilt' urcairdean dealaf dhuibh, An acarsaid fo sbrbin na dùthcha !

Calla sèamh bho ghàbbadh mharanan, Si'n Dubh-Gkleannach, §c

AM BARD-CONANACII.
Donald M-Donald, commonly called Am Bàrd-Conanach, or the Strathconnon Bard,

was born in Strathconnon, Ross-shire, in the year 1780. Owing probably to the secluded

situation of his native glen, and the supineness of his parents, who deemed education of no

essential importance to enable a man to get through the world, or, at least, thought one

might weather through tolerably well without it, he got no English education, but could

read Gaelic. The wild and romantic scenery of his birth-place, with its characteristic ex-

uberance of rock, wood, and water, was well calculated to inspire his breast at an early age
with those poetical leanings, which, at a more advanced period, transpired in glowing verse.
Highlanders, especially in his younger days, never dreamed of training their children up to

any useful trade ; the oldest son was invariably recognised as his father's legitimate successor

in his little farm ; — and the other, or junior members of the family, generally got posses-

sion of similar pendicles. Thus they married and got themselves established in the world

— strangers to the promptings of ambition, and free from the cares, turmoils, and solici-

tudes of their more affluent neighbours, the Lowlanders.

Donald M'Donald earned his livelihood as a sawyer ; an employment that probably

suggested itself as being more immediately productive of pecuniary aid than any other

common in his country.

Having spent a number of years at the saw in his native glen, he removed to
the town of Inverness, where he established himself as a regular sawyer. Like
many other sons of genius and song, M'Donald was of a convivial disposition and warm
temperament. He committed some youthful indiscretions which had drawn down upon
him the combined wrath of his fiiends and the Kirk Session, and he has not left us in the

dark as to the measures which were adopted against him. His parents dreading that
he would elope with a young girl, who was reported to be in a state of pregnancy by him,
had recourse to the severe measure of putting him in " durance vile " But, although they

succeeded in frustrating his every attempt to do justice to his paramour, they failed to

improve the morals of their aberrant son. He ultimately married a young girl, a country-
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.

ORAN DO BHONIPART.

Latha snilleir samhraidh dhomh, 'S an tliilg iad air sgeir thràghad thu,
Air cabhaairean Dhun-èideaun, 'S gu'ui bàsaich thu cbioii bcidh aim.
Gu'm r'aca mi na brataichean,
A lasadh ris a ghrèin aim, Ach 's beag loam sud mar phianadh ort-

Cbuala mi na gunnaidhean, 'S a mhiad sa riiin tbu dh' eacòir,

A's dh' fhuirich mi ga'n èiadeachd, Ach l&r-agrioa nan deìch plàighean,

'S mac-talla bh'anna na creagan, A bb' air Pbàroh aims an Eipheid ;

A' toirt' freagairt Jhaibh le eibhneaa. Gu'n laidh iad air do chraiceann,
Gu
do shracadh as a cbeile,
1
'S gu'n cluinnt air falbb deich mil' thu,
'Nuair sheall mi air gach taobh dhiom,
A's mi thin a bbi ga t-òisdeachd.
Feadb na dùthcha fad 'a bu lèir domb,
Bha ceòl 'sua h-uile taigh a lib' aim,
*S tu chaill do nkire, 'nuair
'S tein-aighear air na sleibhtean,
A bba thu aim an dòcbas,
On cbualas aims na Gàsaideau
Gnu leigc ainn do Shaauinn thu,
'S gach àite bbi ga leugbadh ;
Ged' ghlac thu bhuuin Hanòbher,
Gun deach' an ruaig air Bonipart
Ach cuiridh sinne dliachaigb tbu,
S an onair aig a Ghreumach.
S aeachdnar air do thbireachd,
S mar toir thu grad do dhaoine teat
'S llonmhor bratacb Albannach, Cha ruig a h-aon diii beb thu !

Tha ballach, balla-bhreac, boidheach,

Tha eadar a cbrioch Shasunnach, Nacb saol tbu nacb bu ladorn dhut
Gu ruige taigb laiii-Gbròta, Bbi bagalrt air righ Debrsa,
Fir laidir, ihunntadh, tbogarrach, An cual thu fear ohuir aodainn air
Nacb ob a dhol an òrdugh Nacb daor a pbàigh e ghòraich,
Gu dol an coinneamh Bhonipatt, Ge do choÌ8Ìnn ainneart dhut
Gliuir onair air rìgli Sebraa. An Fbràing a cbuir fo t-òrdugh,
'S e t-amhaich a bbcir dioladh aim
C'àitc btodb nah-Albannalch? Le tobha sniobhta còrcaich.
Duiu' uaisle calma, treubhach,
Fit ihunntaob, ibanntacb, thogarrach, 'Nuair thig am morair Sluibbteacb ort,
N.i leòid nacb obadh èiridb, 'S na ceudan de Chlann-Dòmhnuill,
Acta on nacb liù laiinhe leo, Mar sud a's IMac-'Ic- Alasdair,
Do bhàs a thoiit le tn-uii-bhi'irt, Ghlinn-garaidb agua Chndideirt,
A.M 13AHD CONANACH. 349
350 SAR-OBAIR NAM
AM BARD CONANACH. 351
352 SAR-OBA1R NAM BARD GAELACH.

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 Dun vegan.
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.

OltAN DO REISEAMAID MHIC-SHIMIDH,

CBAITO-C1NN1DH NAM riilSKALACH h.V BHLIADHNA, 1810.

An am ùracha' fhacail domh, Is illù illia oa chasai riubh

'S cuimtas tlioilt scaili.id, Tiunndadh le ma&ladh,
Air cliateachadh fhasaln Niùi uine bhi paisgte,
Nan naisgoacli tlia 'n tràthsa l'lir casan aa'n aràicb,
Air tiunndaidh a steach oim,
(>u Iii chleasach, aigeantach, Cha churam dha'n aitribh,

Lùbht' aim am brescatn, An dunohlaich ar Caipteinean,

•8 palate ann an igàrlait; 'S dlù dhaibh an t-aofadaa,
Is cliùteach a bhratach, Bheir casg' as an nàmhaid ;

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
 BAUD LOCH-FINE. 355

'Nuair theid dion air Bgiath gach bealaich, Tha mo chuach na cuairteig mheala,

S lucbd an fhiamha, siaradh tharais, 'S barracb uaine saaineadb tbarum,

Car na'm bial 'us Had na'n teangaidh, Air mo chluasaig 's fuaghte in' anail,

'S liorus riabt' air cias gach fear dhiu. '£> ioinadh dual a luadh le'm theaugaidh,

Ulibkeag i wx i ri, §c. Ulibkeag i na i ri, §&

'N uair thig sgian bho chliabh gach gille, Air mo thaobh an craohh nam mcangan,
A sgoltadb bhlion, 'a dianamb pbinne,
a Cha toirgaoth dhiom m'aodach droma,
Gheibh am fiacail biadh gun sireadb, 'S ma thig naoisg a gheoirich mar rium,
V
S gloiue lionta, an ioc-shla!:it' spioraid. Ni miaoira sgaoileas tan' iad.

Ulibkeag i na i ri, § c. Ulibkeag i na i ri, SfC,

'N uair a chiaradh grian gu calla', 'Siomadh buaidh fo stuaidh mo blialla,

Thigeadh triall naudielt-eacb meara, Chuireadh ruaig air sluagh a caraid,
Srannach, sianach, srianach, staileach, Nach dean gluasad gun ruaim calla,

Ealand', iargalt', lionta an laiiiiiir. Dorainn fuathais a chuain fbala',

Ulibkeag i na i ri, S[C. Ulibkeag i na i ri, e\c.

Gus an Uùri is muirneach caithream, Bratach-sbithe nan tn seallaidh,

Dha'm beil iùil gach cùrsa ceannas, Fasda, dhidein, nan crioch cainis,
Dha'm beil iuntas dlù mar ghaiueamh, Glag an stiobla dha'n striochd ain-ochd,
Nach toir spoil gu cunntas gaiune. Meirghe na firinn gun lit!) sgainneil.
Ulibkeag i na i ri, $c. Ulibkeag i na i ri, S[c.

Far an lionor Hon ga mhalairt, Sliocbd an Ollaghair a bhorb sbeallaidb,

Far an iarrar gniomh rir-eallaidh, IVI io a tholgas le'n gorm Ian nan
l''ar an ciatach iniann gach seallaidh, Kioebd an fbarabbaia nach falbb falamh,
Far a riadhlar ciadan ain-eoil. Cuij> na h-Albun, san dearbh dhaiogbeau.
Ulibkeag i na i ri, $c. Ulibkeag i na i ri, fyc.

Seinneam fonnmhor, pongail, m'ealaidh, Neart Eoiu Tormod cha searg ascall,
As a chom nach trom mar ealach, 'Smaisechrannachar'sgach dearbheacbdrai
Cha tig toi.n ma bhonn mo thalla, 'S pailt na h-armabh na bhalg acu'mn,
Ni mo chall, na ghanutas m'uran, 'S brais a leauambuinn ga sgala shnapadh.
Ulibkeag i na i ri, §c. Ulibkeag i na i ri, £•&

BAUD LOCH-FINE.
i(
Evan M'Coll, better known to his countrymen as the " Mountain Minstrel," or 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
 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,

j
whose 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-soul ed 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 !

LOC II- A I C.

A Loch-aice na gnùis' chaoin Seinnidh e —

" Tha cneas mo ghràidh
Gnuis ghabh gaol air a bhi ciuin, Geal mar ehanach tlà nan glac,
'S air an trie an laidh gath-grèin' 'S t'aileasan a ghaoil '11 a sail
Soilleir mar uchd sèamh mo ruin ! Mar tha nèamh an grunnd Loch-aic !

'Oide-altruim mhaitfa nam breac, C'àit' an taitneach leis an earb'

Gar an leatsa oath nan tonn, Moch a's anamoch 'bhi le 'laogh ?

'S gfd nach d' amaia long fo bhreid C'àit' an trice dorus dearg,
Air t-uclid reidh riamb chur fa bonn. 'Fhir nan garbh-chròc, air do thaobh ?

'S leat an eala 's grinne com C'àit' ach ri taobh loch mo ruin
'S i neo-throm air t-uchd a' snàmh. Far, aig bun nan stùc ud thall,
Eun a's gile cneas na 'ghrian, 'S an robh uair mo chàirdean tiugh
Sueachd nan sliabh, no leannan baird !
Ged tha iad an diùgh air chall !

'S leat bho Lochluinn a's bho 'n t-Suaii () air son a bhi learn ft-in !

An lath bheag is uaine cùl ; 'Siubhal sèimli taobh loch nan sgùrr
'S trie 'ga còir —
's cha n-aun 'ga feum, 'Nuair bhios gath na gealaich chaoin,
Falach-fead a's caogadh shùl. Nuas a' taomadh ort mar òr.

'S leat an luinneag 'sheinneas òigli 'Nuair tha duilleach, fochunn, feur,
'Bleodlian bhò gu trie ri d' thaobh ; Fo 'n og-bhraon a' cromadh flinch
'S leat an duan a thogas òg 'S gun aon ionnag amis an speur
1

'S e g' a còir a measg nan craobh. 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.

MOLADH CHABAIR-FEIDH
LE TORMOD DAN MAC-LE01D.

Dkoch-slainte '
chabair fcidh so Be'n t-amadan fear Fòluis,
Gur h-eibhinn 's gur h-aighearach ; 'Nuair thòisich e cogadh riut;
Ge fada bho thir f'ein e, Kothaich agus Ròsaich —
Mhic Dhe greas g'a fhearann e ; Bu ghòrach na bodaich iad ;
Mo chrochadh a's mo cheusadh, Frisealaich a's Granndaich,
A's m' èideadh nar mheala mi, An càmpa cha stadadh iad ;

Mur ait learn thu bhi 'g eiridh 'S thug Foirbeisich nan teann-ruith,
Le treuu neart gach caraide Gu seann taigh Chuilodair orr'.
Gur mise chunna' sibh gu gunnach, Theich iad uile 's cha dli-fhuirich
Ealamh, ullamh, acuinneach ; An treas duine 'bh'aca-san ;

Huitlinan Ilothach 's math 'ur gnothach, An t-Iarla Catach ruith e dhachaigh
Thug sibh sothadh maidne dhaibh ; Cha do las a dhagachan ;

Cha deach' Cataich air an tapadh, Mac-Aoidh nan creach gun thar e as,
Dh'fhag an neart le eagal iad, 'S aim dh'èigh e 'n t-each a b' aigeannaich
Hi faicinn ceann an fhèidh ort Ri gabhal an ra-treuta,
'Nuair dh'eirich do chabar ort 'Nuair dh-eirich do chabar crt
3Ù0 SAR-OBAIR NAM
 ! —— !! —

A IKE A Mil TAGHTA. 361

Chair tia Rothaich thu air ghnothach, the sheilings, a circumstance which proved very favourable
to the foragers— for they not only took away the cattle, but
Stu an t-amhusg aineolach,
also plundered the sheilings, and thus possessed themselves
'S g«d' thug Clann-Choinnich miadh ort, of a great quantity of butter and cheese. Indignant at the
Cha 'u' fltiach thu 'n treus earraiun detl. 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
Faire ! faire! sbaoghail, invective and bitter sarcasm against the Sutherlanders and
Munroes, who had antecedently made themselves suffi.
Gur caochlaidheach carach tUu, ciently obnoxious to him by their adherence to the Hano-
Chunna mise Si-phort, verian cause in \'Vj.
'Nam pioban cruaidh, sgalanta, That a production teeming with so much withering do.
clamation and piquancy of wit should have told upon its
Nach robh an Alb' a dh'aon-shluagh, hapless subjects, may be reasonably supposed. Munroe
Ged sbineadh Mac-Cailein ris, was particularly sore on the subject, and threatened that
the bard should forfeit his life for his temerity, if ever they
Na chumadh riuts an eudann,
should meet. They were personally unacquainted with
'Nuair dh'eireadh do cbabar ort each other but chance soon brought them face to face.
;

Dh'eireadh leat an còir 'san ceart, Munroe was commonly known by a grey-coloured bonnet
which he wore, and was called " Uilleam a bhunaiduidhir."
Le trian do neart go bagarach,
One day as he entered Ardguy Inn, there sat Norman
Na bh'eadar Asainn, a's fa dheas, M'Leod, on his way to Tain, regaling himself with bread
Gn rtiig Sgalpa c.hraganach, and butter, and cheese and ale. Munroe was ignorant of
the character of the stranger; not so M'Leod— he im.
Gacli fear a glacadb gunna snaip,
mediately knew Achany by the colour of his bonnet
Claidheamh glas, no dagachan, drunk to him with great promptitude, and then offered
Bu leat Sir Dòmhnnll Shlèibhte, him the Aom with the following extemporary salutation :

'Nuair db'èireadb do chabar ort " Aran a's im a's cais,

Mu'n tig am bas air Tnrmod ;
A*s deoch do fhir an rothaid,
Dh'eireadh leat fir Mhùideirt,
•S cha ghabh na Rothaich fearg ris."
'Nuair ruisgte do bhrataichean,
which may be tianslated thus—
Le 'ii lannau daite dù-ghorin, Bread and butter and cheese to me,
Gu'n ciuirte na marcaich lco Ere deatli my mouth shall close :

;
And, traveller, there's a diiuk for thee,
Mac-Alasdair 's Mac-Ionubninn, To please the black Munroes.
Le 'n cuilbbeirean acuinneach ;
Achany was pleased with the address, quaffed the ale,
'Nuair rachadh iad 'sail iorghuill, and when he discovered who the courteous stranger was,
Gu'm b' ioghna mur trodadh iad :
he cordially forgave him, and cherished a friendship for
Bi'dh tu fhathast gabbail aighear, him ever after. Years after the events recorded above,
the poet's son, Angus, then a young licentiate, waited
Ann am Brathuinn bhaidealach, upon Aoiiauy, relative to the tilling up of the vacancy in
Bi'dh cinne t-athair ort a feitheamb, the parish of Hogart "And do you really think. Sir,"
said Achany, "that I would use my influence to get a
Co bhrathadh bagradh ort?
living for your father's son ? Cubar.feidh is not forgotten
Bi'dh fion ga chaitheanih feadh do thaighe, yet." "No! and never will," replied the divine, "but if
'S uisge-beatha feadanauh I get the parish of Rogart, I promise you it shall never
;

be sung or recommended from the pulpit there !" " Thank

'S gur lionmhor piob' ga'n gleusadh,
you thank you !" said Achany, " that is one important
!

'Nuair dh'eireas do chabar ort 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.
Note— Norman M'Leod, the author of the foregoing " Cabar.feidh" is one of the most popular songs in the
popular clan song was a native of Assynt, Sutherlandshire. Gaelic language, and deservedly so. It has been erroneously
Little is known to us of his parentage except that he moved ascribed to Matheson, the familv-bard of Seafotth but ;

in the higher circles of his country, and upon his marriage, now for the first time, it is legitimately patemized, and
rented an extensive farm in his native parish. He had the only correct edition, which has yet appeared, is here
two sons whose status in society shows that he was in given. The song itself bears internal evidence that our
comfortable, if not affluent circumstances one of them — history of its paternity is strictly correct; and our proofs
was Professor Hugh M'Leod of the University of Glasgow ; in corroboration are numerous and decisive. Nothing can
and the other, the Rev. Angus M'Leod, Minister of Kogart surpass the exultation of the bard while he sings the
in the county of Sutherland. Both sons were men of supeiiority of the clan M'Kenzie over those, who have
considerable erudition and brilliant parts,— and Angus's drawn upon themselves the lash of his satire. he line'J

name is still mentioned in the North with feelings of kind- 'Nuair dh'eireadh do chabar ort ! falling in at the end of
ness and respect. some of the stanzas, has an electrifying effect and, al-
;

Norman M'Leod lived long on a footing of intimate though figurative in its language, is so applicable as to
familiarity and friendship with Mr M'Kenzie of Ardloeh transport us beyond ourselves to those feudal times when
whose farm was contiguous to that of our author and ; our mountain warriors rushed to the red field of battle to
" Cabar-feidh" which has single-handed stamped t lie conquer or to die. The music, as well as the poem, is
celebrity of M'Leod, arose out of the following circum- M'Lend's, and forms one of the most spirit-stirring aiis
stance. The earl of Sutherland issued a commission to that can be played on the bagpipe so popular, indeed,
;

William Monroe of Achany, who, with a numerous body has this tunc bewi in many pans of the Highlands, that it
of retainers and clansmen, by virtue of said con, mission, was not danced as a common reel, but as a sort of country.
made a descent on Assynt and carried off a great many dance. We have seen "Cabar.Jciilh" danced in character,
caitle. This predatory excursion was made in the latter and can bear testimony that, for diversified parts, for transi-
end of summer, when, according to the custom of the tions, mazes and evolutions, it yields not, when well per.
country, the cattle were grazing on distant pasturages at formed, to any " Cotillon brent new from France."
302 SAIUOBA1B NAM I5A11D OAELACH.

Na mcòir sin ba'gbile,

Bha còrr air gbrioneas,
MALI CHUUJNN DONN. A's bùiche ni tighe
A's fuaidheal glan reidh
LBS AN CHBISTEAB CHROBACH. ;

Gur cuimir, deas, direach,

A shiubhlas tu'n ridble,
Am fonn—" Carraig Flicarghuix.
'Nuair dhùiagaar gu cridheil
O'n thagaich mi'n rathad, Dhut tìodliall nan tcud :

'8 tu cheumadh gu bòidheach,

Gu'n taghail mi monadh
S an tuiteadh an sneachda, 'Sa thionndadfa gu h-eòlach,
'S a ghaill-shion 'S a fhreagradh gu h-òrdail
gu trom ;

'S an talamh neo-cbaisrigt', Do cheòlan nam incur ;

'S na chaill mi na casan, Tha'n carbag 'sa mhonadh,

Mtt'n d' i-aioig nai'n caistoal

'Smath tearmunn o'n ghaillionn,
'N robh Mali chruinn donn 'Sgur sealbhach do'n fhcar sin
!

'Nuair a ràinig mi doras A ghlacas a ceum.

Gu'n dh'fhàs mi cho toilicht, O mlieacain an t-suaireeis,

'S gu'n d' rinn mi gach dosgainn
'S o Ieasraidh na h-uaisle,
A thogail gu fonn ; lie t-fhasan 's bu dual dut
A's thàmh mi 's an asdail, O'n bhuaineadh do sheois ;
Hha 'n sail beinn an
sneachda t- Gur furanach, pàirteach,
Cho blith ris a chladach Am proas as an dh'l'hàs thu,
lilia m fasgadh nan tonn.
Mar riuneadb do chàradh
O'n An 's o'n t-Srath-mbdr.
Fhir a shiubhlas an rathad, Na'm biodh sibh a làthair,
A dh'ionnsuidh na Dabliaich, 'S an staid mar a b'àill leam,
Uam imirich mo bheannachd Cba reicinn *ur càirdeas
Gu Mali chruinn donn ; Air mnai 'na Roinn-Eorp ;

Tha thuiunidh la' ghleannan, Gu'm beil mi 'n diugh sàbhailt,

Aig alltan a clieannaich', O chunna mi Màiri
S gur daoine gun tabhail Gu'n sheas dbomb i àite,
Nach taghaich am fonn ; Na miithar nach beò !

Imar ionmlias an tasgaidh,

Gun chunnart gun gheasan, Chuir i fasgadh mu'n cuairt domh,
Acli a faotainn gu taitneach, Mar earradh math uachdair,
Dha 'n ('hear rachadh ann Gu'n bbuilicb i uaisle
;

'S gcd lihithinn am Bharon, J.e suairceas glan beòil.

Air dùthaich Chlainn-Eachuinn, Lamb shoilleir neo-spiocacb,

Gu'm foghnadh mar mhaitche, 'S an cridhe neo chrionta,

Leam Mali chruinn donn !
Aig nighean Catriana
'S mo bhrlatbar bu choir!
Tha poarsa cho bòidheach, Ge nach faca mi t-athair,
Tha tlachdmhor na còmhdacb,
i Gu'n cuala mi leithid,
Tha taitneas na cbmhradb, '8 gu'm b'urra mi aithris,

Mar imeòrach nan gleann, Cuid dh' l'hasain an t-seoid : —

Gu'n d' eiltich mo chridhe, Bba e fial ris na mathaibh—
'Nuair rinn i rium brlthinn, C'oaim' chlhir amis cheathairn',

'S bu blieatha dhomh rithist

'S bu dhiobhail mar thachalr

Gu tighinn a nail. Luaths' chaidh e fo'n fhòd.

Bha h-aogasg gun snialan
Bhiodh òl aim, bhiodli ceòl ann,
Bha caoin air a rasgaibh,
Bhlodb furan, bhiodli pbit aim,
15 ha gaol air a thasgaidh,
15hiodh òrain, bhiodh dùcbas
'S a chridhe '
bha na cum :
Mu bhòrd an fhir fheil ;—
Gu'n smaoinich mi again
Bhiodh iasg aim, bhiodh sealg ann,
Nach rai-.hain am mearai-hd,
Bhiodh fiadh, agus earb aim,
Ged theirinn gur piutbar
Bhiodh coileaoh dubh barragheal,
1 dh'Iain goal, donn.
Ga mhai bhadh air gc-ig.
AIREAMH TAGHTA. 303
 — a

() nacta nrra mi mholadh, '• — A.-li .'..line's inisde

An ]>li fhiach urn ri.i.-h dbuinn a leantuin,-.,

onair mar choiainn, > ma .in tiiu 1,-ni mi cnuis ghraiii c,
Mo bheannachd gu meal e ( Iil lln mi Jana <ra thajrar ;

1
,iig mo mhatbair,
Gao eaalainl a chaoidh ! Unr ni (.-ii. HI, nil- 1,. leiihi.l,

Fhlr a shiubhlas an ratbad, S be '-. hi oi. th'ann na phosadh,

ii

•8 a Mil lis .li.li.iis nil RnsaiD,

A <lir ionnauidh na Dabboich, 'tìeaig gach naacu,

[Jam imirich mo bheannachd .

— 'S truagh narh robli nii gun phosadh,
Gu Mali chruinn Donn !

Ull mbodha m' lead) an- a clia.lal,

S mi deigh eoiseaehd an a.uii.h,
'ii

Cli.ull mi eraiceatm nam

Note—The above truly admirable song was composed ini-iiti, t

by William M'Kenzie, the Gairloch and I.ochbroom cate-

Ann 's na brogan "s iail daor dlinnih,
'S rha ilia.ii mi 'n obair air t-aill.-a-,
chist, commonly called An Ceistear Cròbach, owing to a Ge b'i b' fhearr ait- an t-s.n ighsJ
lameness which he had. He was a native of the parish of 'S nach Vil mi 'u sgairt.
Ciairloch. and was born about the year 1070. In bis early
years, M'Kenzie had the reputation of being . — PHii.ih ! air do sheanarhas,
a serious 'S mairg a dh'fnalbb leat thai- aonaicli,
voting man he committed to memory the whole of the
:
'S truagh nach robh mi gun deai-c ort,
questions of the Shorter Catechism in Gaelic, and was Anli mi ilh'fli.iii-iiin an t-sanghail,
subsi quently allowed a small stated salary for going about Le do chrnnia-shlait gun phiseach,
from hamlet to hamlet in the forcmentioned parishes, TVach tig tliuige to'n aodach
catechising the young, and imparting religious instruction 'S mairg a thaiiiair ad rhttidcaclid,
to all whoicbose to attend his meetings. Fliior thrudair nan daone,
It was while em-
'Sa ghlogaidh-hc.th 1
ployed on these missions that he composed the foregoing.
It was the dead of winter: the houses
were Car apart— —A Hi I bii niliisc chuis thruais leat,
tremendous storm came on— and our author, to save his 'S tiio.-h a flmair mi mn tuhaliadli,

life, was compelled to stand in the

Cha bhidli do thoibh.-mi ,-h.i luatfa dhnml
shelter of a rock. In TV. i l.idh tit stu.iime na naracli,
this situation he was fortunately discovered, and conveyed
Dh'fhaodadh tilsa bhl suas lcis,
on horseback to the house of Mr M'Kenzie of Balone, N.i'n deaiiaiu uair ami san raith* e,
where he experienced the greatest kindness, lie forth. "S mise dh'fliuii-eaclras amiaiy,
With invoked his muse, and celebrated the praises of his Thun na h-auis so a lha mi,
host's sister, then a beautiful young
lady, and after-
Gun dol nachar.
wards Mis M'Kenzie of Kernsary, in Uairloch. A -Dh' aithnich mise nit nach li'lhia.-h tin
song of less poetic grandeur and merit might well have 'S gu'm bu shiacbaire bicuii tliu,
immortalized any mountain maid, and established the re- 'S nach robh duine 's na ct-in.-hnn,
putation of the author, and put it beyond the reach of de- Cho measa rian air an flicuin iut, i

traction. Tba mi ilh'.-asi-ltiii.lh dosporsa,

M'Kenzie continued Dh-fhalbh mi phosadh an de hat,
the capacity ofto officiate in
'S mar taigh mi nusii, -acini t.. main- tch,
perambulatory catechist for a period of seven years, and A , Ini-u.lli .ha cli.iraii-hcii- t-i m,l ,,i in,
was then deposed, under circumstances which we shall 'S cha ruig mi leas.
briefly recount, lie happened to be in Strath Oairloch at
a time when the nuptials of one of the native rustics were
M in :i ,
araichsar breid ort,
celebrated; and, contrary to what he might well expect,
l'.li.ii- n.ich nahaitlh dhiit ti.il.hcnin ;

he was left uncalled to the feast. How he felt in conse- 'Nuiir a cliluinn iad mar dli'cii i.-h ;

quence of this indignity, we would probably have been left Ge do ruigeadh In 'in Parson,
in the dark, had not two or three others, who had been (ill 11 .11- sgnr.nlli him eh, -lie ;

slighted like himself, congregated where he lived, having A chaoiuh ilia 'n fhaigh thu clu-.ul j,,,s.i,r, L

with them a bottle of whisky. The glass went round, and 'S c 'n agha'nlh in-ilugh na cleite,
'S nach 'ei] e ci-.o-t.
various witticisms and epigrams were exploded, manifest.
ing the contempt in which they held the newly-married -Inni* tlntsa dhomh 'n fliirinn,

E tuple, at.tl the entire round of their relatives and guests. Na'm I eil feion illinmh lihi liiireaeh,

At length ìs'. i'm heil ei.tiias air t-iniileach.l,

it was propounded to the catechist whether he
Na mi dhiull thu mi l.uilleach,
ought not to commemorate the circumstances in a poem Mas .-sin in r tha fas ort, 1 i

or song, forgetting the sacredness of his office and the (in dn lamb choir sa 'n obair
tenure by which he held his situation, in the buoyancy of l-.in.n.iii mis iini .-in eolaohf
the moment, he sung the following extemporary effusion His ii. i s.-inil tha ris cumanta,
before they separated ; r.ii" .-ii, an fad,

-'7s
ii. a thainig an oidhene,
1 1 1

OBAN EADAR CARAID OG OIDHCHB,'M HAINNSE. S n.i.li nil, h soils' aim aeli dnrrha,
'Sa chaidil an duthaich,
Air fonn— "Oran na Fcannaij." 'S nanh robh iluil ii ltnild falbha,
Air an Obair BJÌ1H shin e,
I-.K.— '8 mithich dhulnns bhl "g eirldb,
•n nan ,i .1 i.'.-i i i, i
, ,i mheanmabxn,
( I'll lh:i sill feillll.nl, air c.ld.ll,
'S theah nach sgnirea.lh e thath.-isil,
Itho na riim sinii n-;ir alpelr,
( lbs 'I- mii sin fain sen as I (side
Lfl ma tli.iitiiiu am liatagan ml
i
His cho math.
M is • in. oh .in . mid leumnalcb,
Iti. ..Hi lad fain ris ku laths, -si" l.'.irr su.l na bin falamh,
An mil sin Ih'agad a .limine,
Ma i hi thu clc. u-li'l. nil! ilti.-tli 'n entuhiiuidh,
•S .in ii, i, in,, ,,-ar mum., mas ami am
'S I. -ul.h.is a tbei.l thu,
(ill I'm- .i till , .

I'll. i diau mi t-i-ilili.'...-li ii i ! ilin!.,

A flh..l a th. u,, ,. -),., .0. i,i , .

i i
,

>B I" I HI II..." II'.O Mill!.' Hill,

This comico.satirical production was soon made public
(in i. mi, i it ,,,,,, ,,„ dibheu •- and the author was lauded by one party, and de.
nounced by another. The ministers of Gairloch and I.ocli.
 ;

A ILEA Mil TAGIITA.

I 305

broom shook their heads— shuddered at the profanity

of the Catechist, and gave intimation from their respective
Gur muladach mi,
pulpits that the catechistic.il labours of our author bad 'Smi 'n deigh nach math leant,
ceased! He was previously dragged before the Presby- Ma dheanadh dliut stà
tery, examined, and cross-examined, as to the extent and
number of his bardic delinquencies. One or two of the Aig each 'ga mhalairt
elders and ministers had the hardihood to espouse his Bi'dh t-athair an comhnuidh
cause while thus arraigned at the Presbytery's bar, and
'G ol le caithreani,
insisted that the reverend judges should hear the song
from his own lips. " I can repeat no song," said the bard, 'S e eolas nan corn
" unless I accompany the words with an air and to sing
;
A dh-fhag mi cho faiamh.
here would be altogether unbecoming." This obstacle
was removed bv consent of the Moderator, and he sung Mo Chailin donn og, §c.
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 Nam bi thin ii a'g òl
M'Kenzie was ever afterwards restored to his situation. Mu bhord na dibhe,
He died at a good old age, and was buried in Creagau- gum faicinn mo mhiann
'S
an-Inblnr of Muckle Greenard, Lochbroom.
'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.
CALUM A GIILINNE. 7l/o Chailin donn og, ${C.

LUINNEAQ
Bi'dh bodaich na duel/
Mo Chailin donn òg, Ri burst 's ri fatiaid,
.v mo nighean dubh thogarach A can tain rium feju
Thogainn ortfonn, Nach geill mi dh-ainnis;
Neo-throm gun togainn, Ged tha mi gun spreidh,
Mo nighean dubh gun iarraidh, Tha teud ri tbarruinri,
Mo hhriathar gun togainn, 'S cha sguir mi de 'n id
S gun innsinn an t-aobhar, Fhad 's is beo mi air thalamh.
Nach eileas 'ga d thogradh„ Mo Chailin donn og, S[o.

Mo Chailin don/t òg.

'S ioma bodachan gnu
Gu'm beil thu gu boidliiae'i,
Nach dùirig m' aithris,
Bainndidh, banail, Lp thional air sproidh
Gun cbron ort to 'n ghrein, 'S iad ga threigsinn a's t-carrach
Gun blieum, gun sgaimiii", Nach cosg aims a bhliadhua
Gur gil' thu to d' leine
Trian a gballain,
Na eiteag na mara, 'S cha toir e fo 'n ùir
'S Iha coir' again t'ein
Na 's mu na bheir Calum.
Gun chèile bhi mar-riut.
Mo Chailin dorm og, §c.
Mo Cliuilin donn og, §c.

* The author of this popular song was Malcolm under any economical system of domestic government, to
M'Lean, a native of Kinlochewe, in lioss-shire. M'Lean have formed her dower y, she was un wooed, unsought, and,
bad enlisted in the army when a young man, and upon for a long time, unmarried. The father, in bis exordium,
obtaining his discharge, was allowed some small pen- portrays the charms and excellent qualities of bis
sion. Having returned to his native country, he mar- daughter, dealing about some excellent side-blows at for-
ried a woman, who, for patience and resignation, was well tune-hunteis, and taking a reasonable share of blame to
worthy of being styled the sister of Job. Malcolm now got himself lor depriving her of the bait necessary to secure a
the occupancy of a small pendicle of land and grazing for good attendance of wooers.
two or three cows in Glensgaith, at the foot of Ben. The song is altogether an excellent one, possessing many
fuathais, in the county of Ross. M'Lean during his mili- strokes of humour and flights of poetic ideality of no
tary career seems to have learned how to drown dull care common order ; while its terseness and comprehensiveness
—
as well as " fight the French" he was a bacchanalian of of expression are such, that one or two standing proverbs or
the first magnitude. He does not, however, appear to adages have been deduced from it. His " Nighean dubh
have carried home any other of the soldier's vices with Thogarrach," and her husband were living in the parish ol
him. Few men have had the good fortune to buy immor- Contin, in the year 1769. Malcolm, so far as we have been
tality at so cheap a rate of literary and poetical labour as able to ascertain, never got free of his tavern propensities,
" Cat um a Ghlinne :" on this single ditty his reputation for which he latterly became so notorious, that when he
shall stand unimpaired as long as Gaelic poetry has any was seen approaching an inn, thelocal topers left their work
admirers in the Highlands of Scotland. and flocked about him. He was a jolly good fellow in every
'the occasion of the song was as follows : M'Lean had sense of the word fond of singing the songs of other poets,
;

an only child, a daughter of uncommon beauty and loveli- for which nature had provided him with an excellent
ness ; but owing to the father's squandering what ought, 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 CL AC II AN GHLINN'-DA-RUAIL.
A dh-òladh drama;
Gum Buidhinu inn 'n bhòrd l.riNM-iAi;.

'S gun tràighinn mo shearrag Mo chaileag Vhian-gheal, mheaU-shwleack,

'S cha tuirt mo bhean riamh rim A dh-fhàs gufaUain,fuasgailf,
Acli— " Dia leata Chalum !'«
Gur tram mo cheum » dhealaich sin*,
'n
Mo Chailin donn og, ojc.
Aig dachan GUmn'-da-ruaU,

Ge tha mi gun stbr,

1 Di-dònaicli linn mi ehòlachadh,
Le òl le iomairt, 'is Bean òg 's mòdhar gluasad,
Air bheagan de ni, Tha'giith mar cheol na smeoraiche,
Le pris ua mine ; 'S mar bliil' an ròis a gruaidhean.
Tha fortan aig Dia, Mo chaileag, $c.
'S e fialaidh uiuie,
'S mo gheibh mi mo shlainte, 'S caoin a seang ihlios furanach,

Gu 'm pàidh mi ua shir mi. Neo-cliuraidh a ceum uallacb ;

Mo Chailin donn or/, eye'.

Tha 'gairdean ban gle chumadail
1
'S deud luracli n a beul guamach.
Ge mor le each Mo chaileag, 8p.

Na iha mi milleadh,
'S ro fliaicilleach 'n a cbmhradh i,
Cha tugainu mo bhòid
(inn sgilm, gun sgleò, no tuaileas
Nach olainn tuilleadb, ;

Gur tlathail coiseachd sliràidean i,

'S e gaol a blii mor
Air bheagan stàit no guaineia.
1 ha in' fheoil a' sireadh
Tha 'n Bgeul ud ri aithris
Mo ckaileug, fyc.

Air Callum a Ghlinue.

Ged bheìreadh Sèòras àite dhomh,
Mo Chailin donn og, Qc.
Cho ard 's a tha measg uaialean ;

Air m' fhacal 's mor a h' flicarr learn,

• The virtue of mildness in his wife was often pot to the A bhi 'n Coir-chuaimh na m' bhuachaill.
te~t. ami found to be equal to the glowing representation
of the poet. Malcolm had occasion
to go to Dingwall on a Mo chaileag, <yr.

Hummer day oatmeal and having experienced

for a boll of ;

the effects of a burning sun and sultry climate, he very O 's truagh nach robh mi 's m' ailleagati
naturally went into a public-house on his way to refresh
Air ail'idh C0Ì8 nam t'uar-bheann !

himself. Here he came In contact with a liadcnoch dro.

ver, who, like himself, did occasional homage at the shrine
Bu shocair, scimh a cbaidlinn, 's i

of the red-eyed god Uur "worthy brace of topers" entered Nan in' achlais, air an luacliair.
into familiar confab gill was called after gill until they
got gloriously happy.
;

Malcolm forgot, or did not choose

Mo chaileag, <yc.

to remember, his meal the drover was equally indifferent

;

about his own proper calling—and thus they sat and drank, Cha sualinhneas uidhch' air leabaidh dhomh,
and roared and ranted, until our poet told his hut sixpence Ga t-l'haiciun ami am bruadar :

(Mi the table. After a pause, and probably revolving the

awkwardness of going home without the meal, " Well,"
'S am Bioball fein cha laimhaich mi.
said Malcolm, " if I had mure money, I would not go Gun t-iomhaigh gh: ,1!, bhuaireadli.
home for some time jet." "That's easily got," replied ;l/o chaileag, <\r.
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 droutliy friend should meet He entered his dwelling,
Our poet did nothing by halves,— he quaffed stoup after and, BS he approached on the Ho >r, he staggered and would
ttoup until his pockets wire emptied a second time. have fallen III the lire, placed gr.iteless in theeentrc of the
" Kg id I" exclaimed MT.ean, making an effort to lift his room, had not his wife Hung her arms affectionately about
head and open his eyes, " I must go now!" " You must, 1 '
him, exclaiming, " Dia leal u Chalum'." " Ah I" replied
rejoined his friend, " but cannot see, for the life of me,
I Malcolm, "why speak llm< softly to me, — have drunk I

h..w you can face your wife." " My wife !" exclaimed the my money and brought home no meal.'' " A heatherbell
bird in astonishment, "pshaw! man, she's the woman for that," said his helpmate, " we will
soon get more money
that never said or will say worse to me than " Dm leal a and meal too." " lint," continued the intoxicated poet,
Chalum'," that is, God bless you Malcolm. " I'll lay you " 1 have also drunk the grey horse!" " What signifies
a bet of the price of ihe horse and the meal that her tem- that, my love," rejoined the excellent woman, " you, your-
per is not so good, and that you will get an entirely differ- self are still alive and mine, and never shall we want-
ent salutation," replied the drover, who had no great faith never shall I have reason to murmur while my Malcolm
" 'Done !' is sound and hearty." It was enough
in the taciturnity of the female six. my re- the drover had to
:

cruit," vociferated the bard, grasping the other eagerly by count down the money, and In a few hours Mrs M' Lean
the hand. Away went MuU'olin and with him the landlord had the pleasure of hailing her husband's return with the
and other two men, to witness and reporl H h it reception horse and meal.
 — — ! ;

'N uair b' fhiloant' brii.r' a mhinisteir, due care, he found her dancing lightly on the green,
singing a Gaelic song, one verse of which we subjoin :
A finsrachadh mu 'r truailleachd ;

13!ia inise coimhead dùrachdacb, l chirnlh cti.'i chaithris I

l chiuidh cha bhi r

N:i seirc tha d' shùil neo-luaineach.
Mo ckaileag, §c.

We beg to translate this for the sake of the English

Ged Bhuìdheas Cleir na tìre leam, reader,
'S mi sgriobhadh dhaibh le luatb-laimh ;
I'll tend uot long thy cattle, man,
'S aim bhios mo smuaiiitean dìoHihaìreacb, I'll tend not long thy bullock ;

I'll tend not long thy cattle, man,

Air Sine dhuinn a chuach-fhullt. My bed is in yon hillock.

Mo chaileag, 8[o.
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
Ach 's eagal leam le m' cheileireacbd, it which has deservedly become very popular. It is from

Gu 'n gabh an seisein gruaim riuin : Mr Fletcher's own pen.

Ged fhogras iad do 'n Olaint nii, ;

Cun Fluas t<j >!'><: irh hhu i

Ri m' bhe'j cha toir mi iiiatli dhut '

Beneath a bushes,
hill 'maiig".birken

Mo chaileay, §e. By a burnie's diinpilt linn,

told my love with artless blushes,
I
To the Lassie o' the Glen.
Note.—TYie above popular song has been attributed to
O'J the birfcen bank sae grairie,
so many reputed poets, that we feel great pleasure in
Hey 1 the burnie's dimpilt linn :

putting the reader right on the subject. The Perth, Dear to ine's the bonnie lassie,
shire people claimed it for the late Kev. Dr Irvine of Living in yon ratliic glen,
Little Dunkeld ; while the others were equally certain
that it was the production of Mr Archibald Currie, Lanely Ruail thy stream sac classic
!

Shall be aye my tav'rite theme

teacher of the Grammar School, Rothesay. To arrive
;

For, on tby banks, my Highland lassi

at a satisfactory conclusion as to its paternity, we have in- First confessed a mutual flame.
stituted the necessary inquiries, and have now the satisfac- I the bit ken, %c.
tion to announce that it is the composition of Mr Angus
Fletcher, parochial schoolmaster of Dunoon. We subjoin What bliss to sit and nane to fash us,
In some sweet wee bow'ry den
Mr Fletcher's letter in reply to our communication: Or fondly stray amang the rashes,
!

" I was born at Coirin-t-shee (Coirinti), a wild, seques-

Wi' the Lassie o' the Glen
tered, and highly romantic spot on the west bank of Loch, 01 the birken, Sfc.
cck, in Cowal, early in June, 1776 ; and was chiefly edu-
cated at the parish school of Kilmodan, Glendaruel. From And though I wander now unhappy,
Glendaruel I went to Bute in 171)1, where I was variously Fur frae scenes we haunted then,
I'll ne'er forget the bank sae grussie,
employed until May, 1801, when I was elected parochial Nor the Lassie if the Glen.
schoolmaster of Dunoon, and that situation I have con- 01 the birken, tjC.
tinued 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 evident- MALI BHEAG OG.
ly 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 Nacii truagb leat mi 's mi 'm priosan,
the office of Session. clerk of the united parish of Dunoon Rio Mhali bheag og,
and Kilmun, which I still hold."
Here, then, the authorship of " Clachan Ghlinn'-daruail"
Do chairdean a' cuir binn' orm,
is settled. It is one of the best and most popular of our Mochuid de 'n t-saogbal thù.
amorous pieces, and, although the talented author says A bhean na mala mine,
that " the heart was not at all concerned" in it, we venture
to remind him that Nature, that excellent schoolmistress,
'm pogan mar na fiiguis,
'S na
had taught him to study her ways. The air to which it is 'S tu nach fagadh sbios mi,
sung is also very popular, and is known in the Lowlands
Le mi-ruin do bheoil.
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 Ui-dòmhnaìch anns a' gbleann dtiinn,
known in the Highlands centuries before Neil was born. Mo Mhali bheag òg
It is called " Ceileireachd na Mnatha S'/th," ox the "Fairy's
'Nuair thoisich mi ri cainnt riut
Carol," and has the following tradition annexed to it. A
certain farmer had engaged a young beautiful female as Mo chuid de'n t-shaogal mhòr.
herd and dairymaid, for a period of twelve months. Du- 'Nuair dh'fhosgail mi mo shuilean,
ring the first days of her servitude, as her character and
history were altogether unknown, it was necessary to have
'S a sbeall mi air mo chul-thaobh ;

a sharp eye after her. On one occasion while her employer Bba marcach an eich chruthaich,
went out to see whether she was tending the cattle with Tigb'n' din air mo llrg.
 •ÒC>8 SAR-OBAIR NAM BARD OAELACH.

'S miae bli'air mo bhuaireadh, to their union were regarded even by themselves, as inaxi
'Jo mend matters, the gallant young Highlander
Mo Mhàli blieag òg, perable.
enlisted, and being a brave soldier and a young man of
'Nnair 'tbaìn an 'aluagh mu'n cuairt duino excellent conduct and character, lie was promoted to tin-
Mo rlbhinn ghlan àr :
rank of an ofticer. After several \ cars' absence, and when.
at the end of a campaign, the army had taken ii|i their
\S truagh nacli aim san unii- ud,
winter quarters, he came home to see her frit mis-- to try
A thuit mo lamli o m' ghaalainn, whether his newly acquired status might not remove the
Mu'n amais mi do bhualadh,
ilh' objections of her friends to their union. She was still tin.
married, and if possible more beautiful than whin he left
Mo Mhàli bheag òg. her— every leature had assumed the highly finished
character of womanhood— her beauty was the universal
Gur bblcbe leam a dh'fhaa thu. theme of admiration. Othello-like, the gallant young
Mhàli bheag òg,
.AIo officer told her of " hair-breadth 'scapes by land and flood"

Na'n lili ami sail fhàsach, and so enraptured the young lady that she readily agreed
to elope with him
i\I<> cheud ghradb 's 1110 rùin :
Having matured their arrangements, they fled on a
Mar aiteal caoin nagrèin 1
Saturday night— probably under the belief that the non-
appearance of the young lady at her father's table on
Ann am madainn cliiùin ag eirigh,
Sabbath morning, would excite no surmises in the huny
Be sud do dbreach a's t-eugais, of going to church. She, indeed, had complained to her
Mo Mhàli bheag òg. father of some slight headach when she reined to rest,
and instructed her maid to say next morning that she was
'S mise a thug an gaol letter, but not disposed to appear at the breakfast table.
Not satisfied with the servant's prevarication, who was
Dha mo Mhàlì bhig ùig,
cognizant of the elopement, the father hurried to his
Nacb dealaich rium sa'n t-saoghal, daughter's bed-room, and, not finding her there, he forcibly
elicited the facts from the girl. He immediately assembled
i\Io nigbean bhoideach thu.
his men, and pursued the fugitive lovers with apeed and
Xba t-f halt air dhreacli nan teudan,
eagerness. After many miles pursuit, they oveitook them
Do gh'ruaidhean mar na coaran ;
in a solitary glen where they had sat down to rest. The
lover, though he had nobody to support him, yet was de-
Do shuiloan, flathail, aobhacb,
termined not to yield up his mistress; and being well
'S do bheul-labhairt ciùin. armed, and an excellent gladiator, he resolved to resent
any attack made upon him. When the pursuers came up.
Shiubhlainn leat an saoghal, and while he was delending himself and her with biSSword,
Mo which nas a very heavy one, and loaded with what is
Mlu'ili bbeag òg ;

{ubhal a' ehlaidheimlr she ran for

called a steel apple, ,

Clio fad a's cùl na grèine, protection behind him. In preparing to give a deadly
A gheug a's ailli gniiis stroke, the point of the weapon accidentally struck his
mistress, then behind him, so violent a blow, that she
Huithiiin Bgua leumainn,
instantly fell and expired at his feet Upon seeing this,
!

Mar fliiadh air bharr nan sleihlitean, he immediately surrendered himself, saying, " That he did
Air gbaol 's gu'm bithiiin 1'eidb 's tu, not wish to live, his earthly treasure being gone !" He was
instantly carried to jail, where he composed this heart-
Mo Mhàli bheag òg. melting song a few days before his execution.
Our neighbours, the Irish, claim this air as one of their
'S truagh a rinn do chàìrdean, own, hut upon what authority we have be. n left in the
Mo Mhàli bbeag dg ! link. Sir John Sinclair establishes its nativity in Scotland,
but falls into a mistake in making an inn the scene of the
'Nuair thoirmisg iad do ghràdh dhomb,
melancholy catastrophe of the lady's death. 'I he song
Mo cluiid de 'n t-saoghal thu :
itself substantiates our version of it. The second stance
Nan tugadli iad do lamh dhomh, was never printed till given by us— the whole is now printed
correctly for the first time. It is one of the most plaintive
(ha bhithinn-'a aim san am so,
and mellow in the Gaelic language— full of pathos and
l'o' lihiini air son mo gliraidh dlitit, melancholy feeling. The distracted lover addresses his
Mo Mb all bheag òg. deceased mistress, as if shewerestill living— a circumstance
that puts the pathetic Character Of the song beyond com-
parison, and amply illustrates the distraction of his own
Ge d' bheirte mi bbo'n bhàa so,
mind—a state of mental confusion, and wild melancholy,
Mo Mhàli bheag òg, verging on madness.
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,
;
MAIKI LAGHACH.
'S na dh'fhàg mi thu ciùirt'. (OBIQIMAL SET.)

Note.—The aiiovo beautiful song was computed by •!

I.K MURCHADH RUADH NAM 130.
young Highland officer) who bad served under King
\\ 1 1
the continent toon after the Revolution, His
1 1 . hi ..,,

blch in idates the song, was thus :— He was the

i

son of a retpectable tenant in the lighlandaof Perthshire, i

Ho, mo MhXri Laghach,
nnii while
youth, cherished a deaperate passion for a
;i .v In mi Mliàirì bhinn ;
beautiful young
lady, the daughter of a neighbouring
landed proprietor, Their love was reciprocal— but such HI, mo MIniiri Laghach,
was the disparity of their circumstances that the ob u lea I
'S la hin Mliàìiì ghrinn ;
 AIREAMII TAUHTA. 3G9

Ho, mo JMliàiri Laghach, Cba'n fhaic mis an ijis iad,

'S O'- mo MAàiri ihinn ; Air sun sèis da'm beoil,
M.'iàiri bhoidheach, lurach, Luinneag Màiri chuauhaeh,
liuijudh amis na glinn. Tha shuas an Gleaiin-ameòil.
Ho, mo Mhcdri, Qc.
Nuaif ;i thig a EheaHtainn,
liiihidh'choillfobhlà,
'S eoin bheaga 'scinn duinn— Note.—The author of the foregoing popular song was
Murdoch M'Kenzie, a Loch-broom Drover, known better
A dh'òidhch a's a là ;
in his native country, by the cognomen of "MurchaM
Gobbair agus caoirich, Ruadh nam Bò," or red-haired Murdoch of the droves.
A's crodh-laoigh le'n àl,
Mr M'Kenzie composed many excellent songs, and had
them taken down in manuscript, preparatory to publication :
'S Màiri bhàn gan saodach', but at the importunity of his brother-in-law, the Rev,
Mach ii aodainu cbàni. Lachlan M'Kenzie, of Lochcarron, he consigned them to
ffo, mo Mhàiri, $c the flames His own daughter, Mairi Laghach, wis the
suhject of the above pastoral. Mr M'Kenzie's maidser-
vant, it appears, had absconded from his service at a time
'Ntiair a thig an Sàmhradh, when her labours were most required in the sheiling or
15'nnsa blii 's na glimi, mountain milk-house, and the parent naturally appreciates
the services of his own daughter, who at a very early age
Ged robb an t-arau gann oirn,
showed great expertness in that department. The air is
lii'db 'n t-ainhlan tri rillt' original, and so truly beautiful that the song has attained
Gheibh sinn gruth a's uachdar, a degree of popularity, which its poetry would never have
entitled it to, if composed to an old, or inferior air. Mr
Buannachd a cbruidh laoigh, M'Kenaie died in 1631.
As lunaid a chiim chuachaich,
Cliuir mu*n cuairt a rahing,
ILj, mo MhàÌTt, <$c.

" A -Pheigi," arsa Seònaid, MAIRI LAGHACH.

" 'S neònacb leam do chàil, — (SECOND StT )
Nach iarradh tu 'sheòmar,
Ach Gleann-smeòil gu bràth." —
" Bi'db nan' dol do'n' bhuaile, //... DIO Mi:,'iiri lililllili-ll,

A's m' flia.lt mu m' chluas a 'fas, 'S tn hid Mhàiri lihiun,

'S bi'dh na tìr a faighneachd, Hò, mo Mhàiri laghacJi,

Maighdean a chùil bhàiu. \S tn inn Mlmiri iilifiiui :

IIo, mo jM/iàiri, fyc. Ho, mo Mhàiri laghach,

'StumoMhàiribhinn
'M fear a thig an rathad.
Mhàiri bJioidheach lurach,
'S math leis tbu bbi ami,
Rvgadh amis na glinn.
Do gbraaidb mar na caorann,
fihios ri taobh nan àllt :
B'òg bha mis' a's Màiri
Tha tbu banail beusach— 'M fasaicbean Glilinn-Smeòil,
Cba leir dhomh do nrtbeang 'Nuair chuir macan-Bbenuis,
;

B annsa bhi ga d'phògadh, Saighead gheur 'n am fheoil ;

Na pòit fion na Fraing. Tharruinn sinn ri cheile,

Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c Ann an eud cho beò,
'S nach robh air an t-.snoghal ;

Na'oi biodh Sebnaid làidir, A thug gaol cho mor.

Chuir a lamb 's an im, Ho, mo Mhàiri, $e.
Peigi ris an àl,
'S trie bha mis' a's Màiri,
A's Màiri mu 'n chrodh-laoigh,-
I-'albli nam fàsacfa fial,
Bhithinnst' gu stàtoil,
Cii'ii smaoiiitean air fàl-bheairf,
Dol gu airidh leibh,
Gu'n cbail gu drocb gbniomh ;
'S cha bhitheamaid fo pbràcas,
Cupid ga n-ar tàladh,
Te nacl) tamhadh linn.
Ann an cairdeas dian ;
Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c.
S barr nan craobh mar sgàil dlntinn,
'Nuair a b' aird' a glirian.
Nuair shnidheas daoiu' uaisle,
Ho, mo Mhàiri, SfC.
Mu'n cuairt air a bhòrd,
'G Eilteachadb ri chèile, Ged bu leamsa Alba'
'S diiigh ac' air bhi ceùl, A h-airgead a's a maohi,
 !

370 SAIt-OBAIlt NAM BAKU GAELACH.

Cia mar bhithinn sona broom, a gentleman of great poetical talents. It is in.
Gu'n do cboraunn gaoil? finitely superior to the original set; and, while Mr
M'Kenzie has the merit of having composed the air, Mr
13' annua bhi gn d' phògadh, M Donald is entitled to the praise of having sung that most
Le doagh choir dhomh lliein, beautiful of airs, in language, which, for purity,
mellow.
Na ged fhalghinn stòr.is, new, and poetry, was never surpassed. Mr M' Donald now
lives In the island of Lewis, where
Na Roinn-Eorp' gu Kir. he is murh respected ;
he is the author of many excellent poems and
tongs, and
Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c in him yet the Highland muse finds a votary
of ardent
devotcdncss,-of nerve, tact, talent, intelligence, and wit
Tha do bhroilleach Bolnia We subjoin a beautiful translation of five stanzas of this
popular song by another gifted Highlander Mr
Làn de abonaa graidh D.
; MTherson, bookseller, London.
Uchd a's gile sheallas,
Na 'ii eal' air an t-snàmh :

Sweet /he rising mountains, red with heallktr ' •">,

Tha do inhin-shlios, fallain, Sweet the bubbling fountains and the ilewy dells,
Mar chanach a cliàir ;
Sweet the snowy btouom of the thorny tie.-
Sweeter is young Mary of Ulens male to mi:
Muineal mar an fhaoilinn
Sweet, O sweet! with Mary o'er the wilds to •trey,
Fo 'n aodainn a's àillt'. When Glensmoleis dress'd in all the pride oi May,—
Ho, mo Mhàiri, Sps. Anil, when weary roving through the greenwood glade
Softly to recline beneath the birkeu shade.
Sweet the rising mountains, A c
Tha t-fhalt bachlach, daalacb,
There to fix my gaze in raptures of delight,
Ma do cliluais a' fàs,
On her eyes of truth, of love, of life, Of light—
Thug nadur gach buaidfa dha, On her bosom purer than the silver tide,

Thar gach gruaig a bha: Sw el the , itains, t c.

Cha 'n Vil dragh, no tuairgne, "'hat weie all the sounds enntriv'd by tuneful men,
'Na chuir suaa gach là ;
To the warbling wild notes of the sylvan glen ?
Here the merry lark ascends on dewy wing,
Chas gach ciabh mun-cuairt dheth, There the mellow mavis and the blackbird sing.
'S e 'na dhuail gu bbarr. Sweet the rising mountains, tyc.

Ho, mo Mkàirì, 8rc. 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;
Tlia do chailc-dlieud Bbnaighte Rosy health dues cunt U8 on Ihe mountain gale.
Burnt the rising mountain*,
Mar ahneachda nan ard ;
d-o.

T-anail mar an caineal Were I offered all the wealth that Albion yields,
;
All her lofty mount. lii.s and Inn- Irnitful fields.
13cul bho'm banail fàilt: With the countless riches of her subject s >s,

1 would scorn the clinnge for blisses such as these

Gruaidh air dhreacli an t-siris ;
Sweet the rising mountains, d-ft
!

Min raiag chinnealt, thlà ;

Mala chaol gu'n ghruaimean,

Gnùis gheal 's cuaeh-fhalt ban.
Ho, mo Mhàiri, $o.

Thug ar n-uabhar barr CUIR A CIIINN DILEIS.

Air àilleas riiflircan inor ;
(original SKT.)
li' iad ar lealiaidh stàta
Duilleach 'a ban- an fhcoir :
luin:vkaq
Flùraichean an fbàsaich
OuiraclimndUeis,
'Toir dhuinn caìl a's treòir,
DUeis, dlUis,
A's sruthain gblan nan ard
Cuir a chimi tìììris,
A chuircadh slaint 's gach pùr.
Tharum do làmh ,
Ho, mo Mhàiri, £c.
Do yhorm-shitil Ihuiris,

Cha rolih iiineal cii.il,

A mhfttllatlli mi miltcan,
A 'S duine (inn cldi,
thuradh riamb fo 'n ghrcin,
A db'-attbrUeadh air chblr,
Nach tttgadk dhnt gràdh.

Gach ceol bhiodh againn fhoin :

Ch \ thinneaa na feacbda,
Uiseag air gach lc'.nan,
'S a mhadaiim so blmal mi :

Smcòrach air each gjlg ;

At-h acaid ro biiau
Cutbag 's gfig gùg alc',
Nacli leigheia gu hràch.
'Madainn oburaidh Chèlt'.
Le sealladh air faichc,
Ho, mo Mhàiri, $c.
De slilait on talgh uasall,
v,r
•
- '
h cond of" MaM
laghach," is the mm.
~-vt Moch-thra di-luain,
poilUon of Mr John M'llor.ald, tacksman, ofScornig, 'S mi 'g nmliarc an
Loch. hi.
 — :

AJ ILEA Mil TAGIITA. 371

Khin deiseid a pearsa, Le goirteas mo chinn,

Nach facas a ttiuarmsa ;
'S cha d' shin i dhomh lamh.
'G imeachd fo'n chuach-chùl, Cuir a chinn dileis,
-

§ c.
Chamagach, tlila.
'S mi 'm shuidh' air an tulaich,
Iilno dealaradh a mais',
Agus lasadli a grnaidhean,
An iomal na cuirte ;

Mis' a ghrad bhualadh,

A' g amharc mo ruin,
'S i 'n ionad ro ard.
Tharaisgu làr.

Cuir a china dileis, <§c.

Thug i le fionnaireachd,
Seal lad h de sùil domh,
Aeh dh' eirieh mi rit hist, 'S thiunndaidh i cul-thaobh,
Le cridhe làn uabhair ;
Seachad air barr.
A's dh' imich mi ruathar, Cuir a chitm dileis, §•<-.

Uuighinn na dàil.
G'a h-iathadh na m' glilacailili, Sheall mi am dheighidh,
Ach smachdaich bhuam sin i Gu fradharc dh'i fhaotainn ;

Ochan ! is truagh ! 'S chuna' mi h-aodami,

A mheatb i mo cfaàil. Farasda, tlà.

Cuir a claim dileis, <$

-
c. Chuna' mi sealladh,

Do dhearo-sbuilean glana,
A mhealladh na miltenn,
'S amaideach mi,
Fo mfaalla gun ghruaimean ;

'S nach faigh mi na pàirt,

'S daigheann a bhuail iad,
Cuir a chinn dileis, $e.
Mise le d' ghràdh.
Do ròs bhilean tana, Tha mais' anti ad bhilean
Seamh, farasda, suairce, Cha 'n aithris luehd-ciuil e,
Cladhaichear na' uaigh
Togaidh tu sunnt,
Mar glac tbu mo làmli.
An tallachan ard.
Cuir a chinn dileis, cj, c.
Leagair leat seachad,

Tar i'uasgail air m' anara Sàr ghaisgich na dùthch' j

On cheanghal is cruaidhe : Le sealladh do shùl,
Cuimhnich air t-uaisle, 'S le giùlan do ghnais.

'S cobhairmo cliàs. Cuir a chinn dileis, <$"C.

Na biodhams' am thraill dut Do bhraghad ni 's gile,

Gu bràch, on aon uair-s' ; Na canach na dige ;

A tiomaich o chruas,
c.li
Chite dol sios,
Do cliridlie gu tlàs. 'M fionn bhaine blàth.
Cuir a claim dileis, §c. S ioma rud cile

Cha'n fhaodar learn cadal, Cha '11 'eil i ri t'aotainn,

Air leabaidh an uaigneas :

Idir san t-saoghal,

'S m' aigne ga bhuairc', Aogais mo ghraidh,

Dh' ùidhche 's a là. Cuir a chinn dileis, c£c.

Ach ainnir is binne, Do chul mar an canach,

'S a's grinne, 's a's suairce ;
T-fhalt clannach 's cùirn air,
Gabh-sa dhinm truas, A chumas an driùchd,
'S bithidh mi slàn !
Gu dlù air a bharr.
Cuir a chùm dileis, Re. Na chuailean air casadh,
Na chleachdan air lùbadh,
'S do-cheannaicht' an crùn,
CUIlt A CHINN DILEIS. Tha giulan a bhlath,
Cuir a chinn dileis, <$r.
(modern set.)

'S mi 'm shuidh' air an uilinn Do ghruaigh mar an corcur,

A tuireadh sa caoine ; LSeul socair o'm binn sgcul
Bhuail aaighead a ghaoil mi, Deud mar na dlsne,
D! reach gu'm shàil. "S finealt a dh' l'hàs.

Dh' fbàs mi cho lag, Do shlios mar an eala,

'S Bach b' una' mi dheadh ;

S do mheall-sliuilean miogach,
372 SAIt-OBAlU NAM
 —

AIRE A Mil TAGHTA 373

() LI AN
DO PHIU IXNSA TEARLACB. CUJIHA DO DIB UILLEAM SISEAL,
Fhir ml tliH thai! ma àiridh nun L'omhaiohean,
B'fhearr leam thin gu'n cinneadh gnotbach leat, FI'.AK UfNS'-WAN-CEAIfN AX 6RATH-GHI.A8
Sh •
iihii laiim Gleanu-laoidh a's Gleann'-comhan A THUIT LATIIA CHUILODAIU.
LE MH.VAOI KEIN.
Da thaobh Loch-iall a's Gleaun'-tadha leat, [leat,

HUlirin ho-ro ho bha hò, Och ! a Thearlaich òig Stiubhairt,

'S na hillirin hò-rò ho lilia hi,

'S e do chuis rinn mo leireadh,

Atf hillirin ftb-rò ho Lha hi,

Thug thu bhuam gach ni bh'agam,
Mo Uann-dulh mbr on chaidh tu dhio.n.
Ann an cogadh na t-aobhar :

Cha chrodh, a's cha chaoirich,

Tha mi caoidb ach mo chèile,
Shùibblainn mocb leat, Bbiabhlainn ana-moch,
Ge do dh'fhàgte mi m'aonar,
Air feadh choilltean, chreagan, a's gharbhluch,
Gun sian 's an t-saoghal acli leine.
O gur h-e mo ruin an sealgair,
!

'S tu mo raghainn do shluagh Alba.

Mo rùn geal òg.

IliUiriii ho-ro ho bha ho, &C.

Co nis 'thogas an claidheamh,
No ni cbathair a lionadfa ?
A Thearlaicb oig a chuilein chiatuich,
'S gann gur h-e tha air m' aire,
Thug mi cha ghaol bliadhna,
gaol dut 's
O nach maireanu mo chiad ghratlh ;
Gaol nach tugainn do dhiuc na dli'iarla,
Ach cia mar gheibhino m' nàdur,
o
B'fhearr leam fhin nach faca mi riamh tliu.
A bhi 'g àicheadh na 's miaim leam,
Hillirin ho-ro ho bha ho, 6jr.
A's mo thogradh clio làidir,

Thoirt gu aite mo ligh math?

Fhleasgaicb ud am beul a Ghlinne, Mo run geal lg.
Le t-fhalt duaiach sios ma d' shlinnean,
B'annsa leam na chuach bu bhinne, Bu tu'm fear mor bu mtiatfa cumadb,
'Nuair dlieanadb tu rium do chòmhradb milis. O d' mhullach gu d' bhrògan,
HtlUrin ho-ro ho bha ho, fc. Bha do mar an eala,
sblios
na meal' air do phdgan
'S bias ;

Bha do phbg mar fhion na frainge, T-fhalt duaiach, donn, lurach,

Bha do gbruaidh mar bhraileig Sbàmhraidb, Mu do nihuineal an ùrdugh,
Suil chorracb ghorm fo'd'mhala ghreannac, 'S e gu cam-lubach, cuimeir,
Do chul duaiach, ruadb, a mheall mi. 'S gach aon toirt arrant d'a bhoichead.
HiUirian ho-ro ho lha ho, 4'C Mo run geal ùg.

A Thearlaich òig a mhic High Setimas, Bu tu 'm fear slinneanach Ieathunn,

Chunna mi toir mhùr an deign ort, Bu chaoile meadhon 's bu dealbhaic'n ;

Iadsan gu subhach a's mise gu deurach, Cha bu tailear gun eòlas,

L is_;e mo cliiim tigh'n' tinn o'm lcirsiim. 'Dheanadh còta math gearra dhut ;

Hillirin ho-ro ho bha ho,

<J
c. Na dheauadh dhut triubhais
Gun bhi cumhann, no gann dut ;

Mharbh iad m'atbair a's mo dhà bhràthair, Mar gheala-bhradan do chasan,

Mhill iad mo chinneadh a's chreaeh iad mo chà- Be d' ghearr osau mu d' chalpa.
[irdean, Mo run geal òg.
S^rios iad mo dhùthaicb rùisg iad mo mhathair,
'S bu laoghaid mo mhulad nan cinneadh le
Bu tu iasgair na h-amhunn —
Hull/in ho-ro ho bha ho, Qc. [Tearlach.
'S trie a thaghaich thu fein i
;

Agus sealgair a mhùnaidh —

Bhiodh do ghunn' air dbeagh ghleuaadh
Xote.— The real author of this favourite ditty is not
known, and though published on the " lips of thousand fair
Bu bhinn leam tabhunn do chuilein,
maidens and fond ailmiiers," this is the first time it has Bheireadh fuil air mac eilde ;

been committed to press. Various MS. copies of it are As do laimli bu mhor m' earlisa
in our possession, the oldest of which is by a Lady and
'S trie a mliarbh thu le chcil iad.
beats the following title. " Miss Flora Macdonald's La.
j

rr.ent for Prince Charles." i\lo run geal òg.

 — —

374 SAU-OUAllt NAM BAUD GAELACII.

Btl tu pòitear na dibhc 'S iomadh bean a tha brbiiaeh,

'N am auldhe '« t&igh csda, Eadar Tròiteirnia 's Sl&bhte,
Ge be dh'oladh 's tu phaidheadfa ;
Agus te tha na bantraieh,
Ged' thuiteadh each mu na bordalbb, Nach d'l'htiuir siimhla da' in cheile ;

Dbi air ml cha 'n o b' fbiu leat, Bha niise Ian sùlais,
Clia do (lh ionnsaich thu òg e, Fhad 'a bu bhed ainn le-chèile,
'S eh. i d' iarr thu riamli cùis, Ach a nis bho na dh'fhalbh thu,
Air to air chul Jo nihna pòsda. Cha ehuia fhàrmaid mi ièin daibh !

Mo rim geal òg. Mo run geal ùg.

Gur mis th'air mo agSradh,

'S ge do chanam, cha bhreng o— No/e.— Christiana Fergusson, the authoress of the above
Cfaaidh mo ahùgradh gu aileadh, elegiac production was a native of the Parish of Contin,
O'n nach pillear bbo'n eug tbu, Ross-shire, where her father was a blacksmith— chiefly
employed in making dirks and other implements of war.
Fear do cheile a's do thuisge, She was married to a brave man of the name of William
Cha robli furaat ri fheutainn, Chisholm, a native of Strnthglas, and a near kinsman of
'S cha <!<> sheas an Cuilodair, the Chief of that name. On the memorable day of Cutioden,
William was flag-bester or banner-man of the clan and ;

Fear do eholtais bu treine. most assuredly the task of preserving the "BraUicti C/ivim/i.
Mo run geal bg. 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
'S ioma baintigliearna phriseil,
;

and led his clansmen again and again to the charge, but
Le'n sioda 's le 'n sròlabh, in vain. A body of the Chisholms ultimately sought
Dan robli mis' am chuis-t'hàrmaid, shelter in a barn, which was soon surrounded by hundreds
of the red-coats who panted for blood. At this awful con-
Chionn gu'n tairgeadh tu pòg dhomh
juncture William literally cut his way through the govt rn-
Ge do bhithinn cho sealbhach, ment forces. He then stood in the barn door, and with
'S gu'm bu learn airgead Ilanoblmr, his trusty blade, high raised, and in proud defiance,
guarded the place. In vain did their spears and bayonets
Bheirinn cnac aims na h-àintean, aim their thrusts at his fearless breast— he hewed down all
Na'n eumadh each simi bho phbsadh ! who came within reach of his sword, and kept a semicircle
of eight feet clear for himself in the teeth of his desperate
Mo run geal òg.
em mies. At length he was shot by some Englishmen,
who climbed up to the top of the barn from behind, where
Och nan och gur mi bochdag,
! !
he fell as a hero would wish to fall, with seven bullets
mi làn osnaich an cùmhnuidh
'S ;
lodged in his body.
His wife forthwith composed the foregoing beautiful and
Cbaill mi (lùil ri thu tbighinn
heart-touching lament, which is altogether worthy of an
limit mo chridhe gu doirteadh ; affectionate woman. She is so full of the idea of her
Cha tog fiodhall, no clàrsacli, noble-soulcd husband, that her own personal hardships nd .

privations find no place in the catalogue of her miseries—

l'iob, no tàileasg, no eeòl e ;
they have but one great radical source, the death of her
Nis o chuir iad thn'n tasgaidh, beloved. Neither does she pour invective on the deuopn.
Cha 1
dùisg caidridh duin òig mi. lators of her country —
no! these were too insignificant
to draw her mind for a moment from her peerless William
Mo run geul òg. Chisholm. With great good taste too, she devotes to
the Prince one solitary expression of sympathetic condol-
Bhu mi grci s ami am barail, ence :—

Gu'm bu mbaireann mo eheile, „1.1 i I

I'urni'h'il BteeL

S gu'n tigeadli tu dhathaigh,

l.e aighear 's le h-eibhneas, and then, with the wings an wail of a matelcst dove,
i

Butters over the mangled carcass of her husband, and

Aeh tha '11 t-àm air dol tharais,
depicts his matchless person and soul in language that
'S cha 'n fbaic mi fear t-eugai*, would melt the sternest heart to sympathy. 'I here are
Gus an teid mi fo'n talamh, several passages ot gnat beauty, pathos and sublimity in
this song; and, apart from the Interesting circumstance
Cha dealaich do apèia rium. possesses the essential properties
that called it forth, it all
RJo run geul òg. or attributes of a first rate production. 'Die air is original.
 ! ;!

GLOSSARY.

Cliaranach, a wandering bard or min I lh'irceall, a half-worn diikor knife

strel, a swordsman, a wrestler Ijtttluinxidudumn, oust, eauli, soil
Ahkachd, a harmless gibing or joking Cluain, attention, retirement, peace,
Abrin, clàmpa, an oar guard, &c. slumber
A./idoidb, certain, self-satished Cnaidcil, scoffing, jeering, derision
Aibheis, the sea, ocean, the horizon Cobliranheou, coders, money-drawers Kalabhuidbc, cnlolilti, St John's wort
Aibheiseack, immense, ethereal, &c Colloid, a contest, a scold, a struggle Eararadh, uraradh, parching corn in
Aimhraluch, vexing, uneasy, galling Comaraich, direction or tendency a pot prc| arator, to grinding
Aimhidh, sour, sulky, sullen, surly forward Ehtreadb, trai^h, a rough stony ebb,
Aisling-chomiaiu, a libidinous dream Come, nil, petition, request, demand a sea beach
An i.i\/ u//t, learn lull, protection Conacb, taibbir, rich, riches
Aol.laigb, university, college i'oe.oror'b. conquerors, victors
Arsniilli, ancient, old, over-aged Cuf.o. ban, lourpence( Western Isles id.)
Ausadhar abhsadh, ajerk, asea phrase, CnibUoolh, hard, well tempered Fucbach, a little insignificant man, a
also the whole canvass of a boat Craiviaghail, implements, apparatus puffin
or i.l)
ip Craobhaitlli, niggardly, mean the aerial expanse, a ru;;;
liiilblie,
Crop. lit, a 111u1ic.1l phrase among pipers Faitcal, a hearty cheerful salute,
Creadimeach, cràìleacb, hurtful, pain- !
friendly talk, &c, &c.
ful, excruciating FuubachadU, act of despoiling, plun-
Baile.na-biihblie, Ucrgen, the former Cnos.co.chnlamn, no lus.co.chiilaivt, dering
capital of Norway an herb called " my lady's belt" Farragradk, provocation, enmity ; re-
Bating, a spruce neat little woman Cioileag, s/oc/id-chartac/i, a kind of port, surmise
Bngnntu, no boganta, tight, compact mortar, a circular stone hollowed Far puis, emulation, strife, rivalry
O:tnc/io, the progenitor of the Stuarts for preparing pot barley or pound- Feuda.coilte, the flowers of wood. sorrel
BàraUgeach, a foolish woman, idiotic in- baik Feara.ghris, hawthorn or briar
Battalach, showy, cheering Croilein clann, a circle of children, &c. Fetagaran, vespers, evening devotions
I! itir, neat, clean, tidy, compact Croiii.an.iloiHiis, blood and wounds Fideag, a stalk of corn, a reed
litailk.ianain, wood-sorrel egad ! sounds Fiudhtur, uncultivated ground, a ley
Hiognr/i, small, diminutive, dwarfish Cuuniial, cuantal, a company of song- land
Hmganta, lively, smart, apt to start sters, a band of musicians Finonn, man (now obsolete), male,
lliosgncli, catching at morsels, greedy Ciian-siiUb, the sea between the Isle masculine
11,'ialmn, gibberish, jargon, senseless of Skye and Lewis Fiubiludh. Jiubbaidb a prince a valiant
talk Coisle-chiitil, a musical vein chief, an arrow, a company
Borrachan, the banks of a bum or CuisL'-shiuuiiittaiit, the winding veins Flrjduin, an apprentice, a pupil
river Foinie, a set of rowers, a crew, a b:i-
Broth, air bhrath, to be found, to the Cur.u-d. 1 isde, a quagmire gadc, a troop
lore, extant Fraig/ie, a scabbard, a sheath, protec-
Breideach, a woman wearing the badge D tion wall, shelter
of marriage ,
Fithiinair,fulmair.a sea-bird peculiar
Brionnach, flattering, coaxing, Kc. Dr.lmheacli, a friend, companion, a I •to St Kilda, a species of petrel
Briot, chit-chat, tattle, small talk stranger
Broslivm, excitement, vigour Daiscackan, low wit ted insipid poets
Biolbach, a hairy rough man, a pimp- Vaochait, gr.iincil, disgusting, un.
led fellow pleasant, loathsome GaSle.bbeiim, a huge billow, a snow
Brollaick, unintelligible disjointed talk, Deal, zealous, keen, earnest storm
unpleasant sounds, jargon Dealachan, zeal, great glee, hilarity, Gall-fheadan, a flageolet, a clarionet
Bnuisgadh, a tearing 111 tatters, or earnestness Game, gainne, an arrow, a dart, shaft
breaking asunder, confusion Deatam, anxiety, eagerness, solicitude Garra-gart, no Gànra.gorl, treau-ri.
Bnalhania, foolish, awkward, clumsy Deideag, rib-grass, a little fair one, a train, a comcraik, quail
in conversation or action darling, a conceit Gaisreadll, gaisrid/i, warlike troops
Huidh, a hero, a champion, an enemy Deilltantichd, the humming of bees, military
Bunudaist, fee, wages, bounty the barking of dogs Gasgan, a green, a parterre
Burarus, warbling or purling noise Deoch-lhunln, decanted drink (ifumbairn, confinement, prison
Dtleaiit, everlasting, profound, inun- Gearsom, entrance money, fee paid for
dating, rainy admission, (Grassum, Sc.)
Dilinn, endless, never, also an inunda- Giamhag, fear panic, sudden alarm
Cairbin, gunna.glaic, a carabine tion or deluge Girhoiit, a St Kildian sausage made
Cairiche, a wrestler, a tumbler Dion, ililus, plural of one ; two of fat from the gullets of fowls
('nsreagacb, wrinkled- or creased Dithcadh, cramming, tilling by force Gloicniil, sgailc-i/ieide, a dram in bed
Calbhar, lonach, greedy, voracious, Diucbd, come to me, approach me before rising in the morning
gluttonous siuc, away begone disperse
! ! Gothach, the reed of a bag-pipe, drone
Ciiluman.ci'dhail, a God-send, a pro- Doinid, extreme cold, hoar frost Greathachd, surliness, morosciiess,
pitious omen clemency churlishness
Caoidhearan, lamentation Doinidh, loathsome, hateful, con- Gr, us. uri-ii, embroidery, needlework,
CaputLcoillf, a capercailzie or moun- temptible tambouiing
tain cock this species of fowls is
; Draige, den. of dr'tie, an ignis fatuus, Gttamag, a neat tidy woman, a tight
now nearly extinct in the Highlands an atmospheric phenomenon dressed girl
of Scotland Duaineil, ridiculous, ludicrous, laugh- Guca, a St Kilda bird, a short-ncrked
Cearslack, abounding in ringlets, able hunchbacked man
round, globular, circular Du.chlach, a flint, also a cabalistic Gu>gul, idle talk, clatter, filth, refuse
Cidbeach, ccafliach, mist, fog, vapour stone
Cln:h, surge, a burying-place, &c Dudaidb, resembling in sound that of a
Cù'iilìumn, ciujeit, fi/iob, sleet horn, deep intonation
Clann.fhalt, luxuriant waving hair Duileaclid, affliction, sorrow lanJwcbninn, a melodious sea-fowl
Qaiuach, a kind of sword, also a Diumhneiich.Ww primitive surname of lliiecan, taunts, nick-names, reflec-
rifle gun C ampbell, Ho Dhiarmad O'Duine tions on one's conduct
 GLOSSARY.

Twtidh, entrails, b Peighinn, a measure of land (not now Stairbhanack athletic well-built
oftheHeb. in use)
n lei, now ccnflm .1 to isleof Skye Pigi.l.'i, brit-dhfarg, robin red-breast Staonng, ronnan, saliva, spittles
Ioinchuinn, conduct, behaviour, de- I'lintliudi. - I . i \ - ! . .
.: ( Ir. id ), wonder
pot tment Prabadh, botching, bungling, spi mug Suchte, tilled, saturated, tightened
/c. .111/1, a patriarchal woman, a dam, Pràbar, the rabble, the refuse of any Sumaire, a coat se cudgel, a lethal wea-
lh •
mother of a race run or seed pon, a beetle
hneach, or oitneach, a rirle gun Prais, praitcach, a pot or pot-metal, a Siutinailt, a likeness, a comparison, a
l,iimhail, .1 fugitive, a coward, a low .ill resemblance
feeble fellow Priobar/aicfi, parsimony, meanness,
lurghuilcacti, a noisy contentious lei-
Ion-. .1 r inter, a bawler a sudden burning or
a '.'A,

Iitilmni. i/iimi, irimt, liell, the abode sense of heat, a twinkling blase Tarbharnach,fuaimneach, noisy, gar-
of demons Pulhar, a wound or hurt, a scar rulous
l'ìi c, bribe, veil, tug c pitic dheth, dm Tafaid, the string ofa bow for throw.
he made nothing of him Ilia; arrows
Taisdeal, a journey, a travel, a march,
Lnngrnc/i, of chains or fetters
full
I. ulna n, doom'8-day, the Ian day a division of a pipe time
Lear, the wide ocean, the main Ranntitnnan, title deeds, deeds of con- Targanac/i, a prognostication, a pro-
/.11,', a small plain or hill, a battle- veyance, chattels
Geld, a green goose R iniuar-btll/l, a confused dance with- Ttal/taiiac/i or fallsanach, a philoso-
Liobtuda, slovenly, untidy, awkward, out system pher, or astronomer
clumsy Rati, a ludicrous appellation made to in season, fit time
1.- ih, a contemptuous name for the signify whisky :,ndi. medicinal,
mouth-piece of a bag-pipe, a thick lip Riastradh, outbreaking, immorality, h..\ i;:;,' the power to cure
IJobliar, polished, burnished eruption . cowardice, cow irdllriess
Loistran, pleasure-boats, lodgings, Rintaich, dlolain, illegitimate Theatd, chaochaU, dh'evg, he died,
tents, or booths Robam, towering waves, swelling roar- theatde
I.iin, an elk, a blackbird, an ouzle ing billows, heavy rains T.i'.i'ui, ba/t,rdp, rope, cable
Lorgair, one that traces or tracks, a Roiseal, the lowest and basest rabble, T11. hi.iiil.a feud, a levying of forces, a
dog that follows bv scent a high swelling wave 1ising in arms
J. fib, a roe (now obsolete) Uo-Si-ul, the highest of a ship's sails, Tiriiilis:it. sensible, prudent, frugal

/.'(• h.àrmnn't, a pigmy, a dwarf top gallants, full sails Toi nl. an attack in battle, u. warlike
Limn, penetrate, .1 heaving-billow, &c. /i'./.nv, pro.-e writing, an eye, eyelids movement, a Bock Of water f.m s
Ruanacii, firm, tierce, steadfast, stony Toilearltic/i , a thick gigantic man, a
M dense column of smoke
7bi "i him, a deep snoring or sleep
1

Mac franir, stilnir, the gannet, a vora- '/'.man,on onset, beginning, prelude
cious fowl or person Samh, surge, the agitation of waves Tosgitir, messenger, ha. Linger, am.
MacJàmhaich, cat.mara, griataich, on thesca-beach, thecrest of whiten-
the fish called a sea-devil ed billows Treabhair, tighean, houses, outhouses,
Maidnean, matins, morning prayers Saoil, a seal, a mark, an impression steadings
or devotions Sàrad/l, a broaching, a distraining, an Tirog/iatd, a stitch in one's side, .\c.
Maighdmnn, a maiden, an instru- arrestment Trndlinn, no trealainn, nonsensical
ment for beheading with Seasdar, rest, repose, comfort, pallet, stuli, doggerel
Maol-ciaran, a child of grief, me- pillow, a place whereon to rest Troghad, ivsg.troghad, soft rolling
lancholy the eipiinortial line
;
.'i'.mv-;:.'w. ii«, e. e full orbed
.

Mìrstt/, màrsmi/t, a march, or march- Si-is,a musical air, the humming of oy, an ancient citv which
ing nf troops bees or flies ..:.! d the united efforts of all Greece
1

Mtitha/t, a blunt sword, knife, or other Seit, one's match or equal, a companion for ten years
weapon Seoighn, rare, superior, out of the ...1, in Sutherlandshire a fool
1

Meardracft, meter, crambo (Irish id.) common order, eccentric Twiiiiicag, a round knob or .small cup
Mealag, belly, protuberance S ol-c 1. an anchorage, a harbour Turaraich, a tattling or rumbling
Msara.casacn, active, nimble, vigorous Sgalaiche, a man ready to raise the hu- noise
Mrtrg/ie, a banner, flag, pennon man civ against his neighbour Turcadaicb, nodding, a sudden jeik
M.iili/icag, mrnlliling, a coin-poppy SgibidA, tight, active, handsome, neat 1 Hi1III.' scn.-atlon of sleep
1 1

Mlla*, $&$, downward, from above S.dtiniidi. a clumsy person, a slattern, Tuilnt, Gen of tulm, a hillock, a
M'gitiinn, sounds of musical instru- 'a female tattler, a young sea gull mound, a knoll
ments Siataig, toini, rheumatism, rheumatic Tuig, a grudge, an upbraiding, puking
Muircardach, female fighter or cham. pains canva . mm storm, a shipped
pion, an undaunted female Siogaidcach, dwarfish, bony, ill-made
Muirichinn, children, inmates, occu- S.tli, a span, a squint, determined klings obsoli te), waves
pants of one house position in standing Tuiriieileas, a striking ol heads against
Mhinuìim, (Irish id.) darling, or be- Siunnachan, bianan, phosphi each othei as ranis, contact, Collision
loved SI an, adel'ence.agarii.soii, a protection
Munadh, a hill or hillock, (u.cd poeti- Sin oil, lieu, of S//111/, Gleann-tmeoil, U
cally for muiiuith) the glen of mist
Si.1. a, the end of an arrow next the Uac/ii/air, ; ,fo farm stock
aachdnir,
under stock
Vena, iicn.s. the gadus or coal fish,
Otnrh, an eunuch, a tumbler, Ac ,.vc stenlock (Sc)
(Undid, hospitality, kindness, bounty ... anecdi tal, jocular,
Omul, ail oration, a Speech, an u-sav littering toys, de- cheet ful in conversation
Onlii. shining like gold, gilded, ex- IlK'llts Urlairm, the countenance, beauty, the
cellent, precious fore part ofa ship
Speach .1 dart, virus, a blow or thrust,
I'llur, division of a pipe tune
SprridA, or tprcigh, velocity, gallant thOWl, all oar pm, a elate
;

movi ment, gliding I 11 •!!>, ,111, inundations, ovei llown.gs,

Sii.iiui, A, a badger, a brock peats (Sc.)

A' ClliHOCII.
••'•••.

>w

8$