LIBRARV 
 
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 University of California. 
 
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 KDMoXSToN ANU DuUGLAS. 
 
 IX)NDON HAMILTON, ADAMS, ANT' 
 
 CAMBBIDdR . MACMILIJkN ANI> 0> 
 
 DUBLIN . . W. RUBKKTSON. 
 
 • ilJ^WiOW . I.\Mt-< MAC'LCIUMI' 
 

 
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THE 
 
 DEAN OF LISMORE'S BOOK 
 
 A SELECTION OF 
 
 ANCIENT GAELIC POETRY 
 
 FROM A MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION MADE BY SIR JAMES M'GREGOR, 
 
 DEAN OF LISMORE, IN THE BEGINNING OF THE 
 
 SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 EDITED WITH A TRANSLATION AND NOTES 
 
 BY THE EEY. THOMAS M'LAUCHLAN 
 
 AND 
 AN INTRODUCTION AND ADDITIONAL NOTES 
 
 BY \YILLIAM F. SKENE Esq. 
 
 EDINBURGH 
 EDI^IONSTON AND DOUGLAS 
 
 1 8G 2. 
 

 
 CONTEXTS. 
 
 FACSIMILES — (I.) Genealogy of M'Grf.oor, by Dougal the Servitor. 
 
 (II.) LixEs BY Countess of Akoyle, . . Frontbpifce 
 
 IXTRODUCTION, BY WILLIAM F. SKENE, Esq., . . page i 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE'S MS., . xci 
 
 FACSIMILES— (I.) Actografh of Dean M'Geegor. 
 
 (II.) Part of Ossian's Ode to Fjxx, . . . xcvi 
 
 ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF POEMS SELECTED FROM IT, 
 
 WITH NOTES, BY THE REV. THOS. M'LAUCHLAN, 1-161 
 
 ORIGINAL TEXT, WITH TRANSLATION INTO MODERN 
 
 SCOTCH GAELIC, BY THE REV. THOS. M'LAUCHLAN, 2, 3 
 
 NOTE BY TRANSLATOR, 129 
 
 ADDITIONAL NOTES, BY WILLIAM F. SKENE, Esq., . .137 
 
 INDEX 153 
 
 219084 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Ix the heart of the Perthshire Highlands, and not far 
 from the northern shore of Loch Tay, there lies a secluded 
 vale of about six miles long. The river Lyon, which 
 issues from the long and narrow valley of Glenlyon 
 through the pass of Chesthill, hardly less l)eautiful than 
 the celebrated pass of Killichranky, meanders thi'ough it. 
 On the east bank of a small stream which fidls into the 
 Lyon about the centre of the vale, is the Clachan or 
 Ku'kton of Fortingall, anciently called Fothergill, from 
 which it takes its name ; and on the west or opposite 
 bank is the mansion of Glenlyon House, anciently called 
 Tullichmullin. 
 
 A stranojer stationed at the clachan or Httle villasfe of 
 Fortingall, would almost fancy that there was neither 
 egress from nor ingress to tliis little district, so secluded 
 and shut in amonoj the surroundinsj mountains does it 
 appear to be. It is a spot where one could well suppose 
 that the traditions of former times, and the remains of a 
 foro;otten oral Hterature, miolit still linwr in the memo- 
 ries of its inhabitants ; while the local names of the 
 b 
 
11 INTKODICTKJN. 
 
 mountains and streams about it are redolent of tlic mythic 
 times of the Feiue. On the west is the glen of Glenlyon, 
 the ancient Cromgleann nan Clach or Crooked Glen of the 
 Stones, associated \\dth many a tradition of the Feine, 
 and where the remains of those rude forts, tcnued 
 Caistealan na Feine, crowTi many a rocky summit ; and 
 the vale is bounded on the south and east by the ridge 
 of Druimf hionn or Finn's Kidge. 
 
 In the latter part of the fifteenth and beginning of the 
 sixteenth centuries, there dwelt here a family of the name 
 of Macgregor. They were descended fi'om a vicar of 
 Fortingall, wh(\ at the time when, during the century 
 preceding the Reformation, the Catholic Church was 
 breaking up, and their benefices passing into the hands of 
 laymen, secured for himself and his descendants the 
 vicarage of Fortingall and a lease of the church lands. 
 
 Of the history of this family we know^ somewhat from 
 an ol^ituary commenced by one of his descendants, and 
 contmued to the year 1570 by the Curate of Fothergill, 
 which is still })reserved. 
 
 Hissitii. wlictluT legitimate or illegitimate we know 
 nut, was l;in Ivewycli, or John the (ul/xlcd. tninrd 
 Makg(!wykar or son (tf the \'iear.^ 
 
 His grandson wasDoiigail Maol. ,.r Dougall tlir I'.ald 
 or Toiisure(l, callecl pati-oiiyiiutally hmiLiall .loliiisun. op 
 the sell (.r .loliii. 
 
 This Doii^all .l(»hiisuii ;ij»iiears in 1 :> 1 I as a iiotaiy- 
 
 > Oliifiih Kiitliciiiu' iii-yii Ayii Wt-yll (iiwxknr mimi.I Ay<hl.v in Mriiso Diwni- 
 K|ioiiKHc JoliiiiiiiiH M'Ayii lUwyi-h Miic- liriMniiiin I><>iiiii)i M vcxlij ('lin)ii. Fi>rt. 
 
INTllODUOTION. Ill 
 
 I»ul)Ii('/ niul dwelt ;it Tiillii'hmiilliii, wliun.* his wife 
 KntlR'rine, daughter of Donald .M'Clawe, alkis Grant, 
 died in 1.'312.^ He is twice mentioned in the obituary 
 or Chronicle of Fortingall; in 1526, as repairing the cross 
 in Inchadin, or the old church of Kenmore, situated on 
 the north bank of the river Tay, nearly opposite Tay- 
 moutli Castle ; and in 1529, as placing a stone cross in 
 Larkinonemerkyth, the name of a pass among the liills 
 wliich leads from Inchadin to the south.^ 
 
 Of Dougall the Bald, the son of John the Grizzled, we 
 have no further mention ; but of his family we know of 
 two sons, James and Duncan. 
 
 James was a Churchman. He appears as a notar}^- 
 pul.)lic, an ofi&ce then held by ecclesiastics, along ^^^[th his 
 father, in the year 1511, and he early attained to honour 
 and influence, through what channel is unknown; for, 
 in 1514, we find him Dean of Lismore,^ an island in 
 Arg}dlshire, lying between the districts of Lorn and Mor- 
 vern, which was at that time the Episcopal seat of the 
 Bishops of Ai'gyll. He was, besides, A^icar of Fortingall 
 and Firmarius or tenant of the church lands ; and died 
 possessed of these benefices in the year 1551, and 
 
 1 Charter Robert Menzies of that ilk Memorainluiu solium crucis iu Inch- 
 to Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchy, adiu composituni fuit per DougiiUum 
 dated at the Isle of Loch Tay, 18th Johnson. Anu9 domini MoV'xxvj". 
 September 1511. Inter test. Dugallo Crux lapidea fuit posita in Lark- 
 Johueson Notario et domino Jacobo monemerkyth iu magno lapide qui alio 
 M'Gregour notario-publico.— Reg. Mag. nomine vocatur claehur . . . per 
 Sig. xsii. 69. DougallumJohnsonprimoOctobrisanno 
 
 ' Obitus Catherine nejni Donyll domini, etc., V'xxix.— Chron. Fort. 
 M'Clawe alias Grant nxoris Dougalli 
 
 Johnson apiid TuUychmolliu x.xij. die ■* Origines Parochiaks, vol. ii. pt. i. 
 
 Julij anno domiui M^V'xj. p. 161. 
 
IV TXTPiODrcTToN. 
 
 was Ituiird in tlu- clioir of the old cliurcli of Incli- 
 adin.^ 
 
 Ill 1552, a year after his death, Gregor Macgregor, son 
 of the deceased Sir James jNIaogregor, Dean of Lismore, 
 as l)ecame the head of a small l)ut independent sept of 
 the ^laegi-egors, and with a due regard to its safety, 
 bound himself to Colin Campbell of Glenurchy and his 
 heirs, " taking him for his chief, in place of the Laird of 
 Macgregor, and giving him his calp." - 
 
 In 1557 Greo-or and Douf^all JMacgrcQ-ors, natural sons 
 of Sir James ]\Iacfrreoror, receive letters of leoritimation ;^ 
 and, in 1574, Dougall Macgi'egor appears as Chancellor of 
 Lismore.^ 
 
 It is unnecessary for our i»urpose to foUow the histoiy 
 of tliis family any further; suffice it to say, that the two 
 l)rothers, James and Duncan,^ members of a chm which, 
 though under the ban of the Government, and exposed 
 to the grasping aggi*ession of their ]>owcrt'ul neighb«»ui>;, 
 the Cami)bells of Glenurchy, considered themselves as 
 peculiarly Highland, and had hiiili i>retensions, as 
 descended from the old Celtic monarchs i»f Scotland — 
 connected with tiie Church, and as such, possessing some 
 
 ' OliituH lioiiiiialiili.-i viii at- iHiinii ^ l'ifci'|>t of lA-jjitiiimtion in nkvoiir of 
 
 V'iri noiiiini .lacobi (M'Cregor) lilii Ortttor nixl DouKnl MncCrfKoix, nntunil 
 
 Doupilli JoliiiKoii ai-(lfcniii lyvsnioreiiKiH sorn* of Sir Junu>N MaiUifnor.— Privy 
 
 Vicnrii dv Fi>rtjr>{iil i-t Firiiiarii dicto Sonl, xxix. M. 
 
 iMiIfKif . . . Woiif iiif iiiorie ill iioctu * Chmti-r liy Dougall Muojfrcgor, 
 
 Kancti' Liirif viiRiiiiH linni . . . jh)*! ('liaiui-llor of LiMiioir, witli coiiHciit of 
 
 iiieriiliciii vl Ki'|.iilliiN ill ijio Liicii' viilo- Sir Colin «'iiiin>lifll of (ilcnuivhy, of thu 
 
 lii'ct . . . Aiiiin I)<<inini M V'lJ*. lantUof An<-)ina>-n<flii-, ilat<><t at ltall(H'h. 
 
 Ill rlioro lie Iiicliailiii.— Clirtiii. Fort. 'i/ilh DitH-niJwr l/l?-*. 
 
 * l>tiiu-An iiicl"owl<« voil vii- F<oync 
 
 ' HIa.li Book ofTa.Mi.outli. ).. I'.Ml lUawy.li. MR., p. S'ia 
 
INTKOIU'CTION. V 
 
 cLiltivatiou of miuduiid sucli literary tastu as Cliui'clnncii 
 at that time had, yet born and reared in the fami-house of 
 Tiilliclimullin, in the sechided vak' of Fortingall, and im- 
 bued with that love of old Highland story and cherished 
 fondness for Highland song, which manifests itself in so 
 many a quiet country Highlander, and wliicli the i?ceneiy 
 and associations ai'ound them were so well calcidated to 
 foster — the one, from his high position in the Church of 
 Argyll, having peculiar facilities for collecting the poetry 
 current in the West Higlilands — the other, though his 
 brother, yet, as w^as not uncommon in those days, his 
 servitor or amanuensis, and himself a poet — and both 
 natives of the Perthshke Higlilands — collected and tran- 
 scribed into a commonplace book Gaelic poetry obtained 
 from all quarters. 
 
 This collection has fortunately been preserved. It is, 
 unquestionably, a native compilation made in the central 
 ^ Highlands, upwards of three hundred years ago. It con- 
 j tains the remains of an otherwise lost literature. In it 
 we find aU that we can now recover of native composi- 
 tions current in the Higlilands prior to the sixteenth 
 century, as well as the means of ascertaining the extent 
 to which the Highlanders were familiar mth the works 
 of Irish poets. 
 
 It is a quarto volume of some 311 pages, and is writ- 
 ten in the current Roman hand of the period. Though 
 much injured by time, the leaves in part Avorn away, and 
 the ink faint, it is still possible to read the greater part 
 of its contents. 
 
VI INTUUDLXTIUN. 
 
 With the exception of a short Latin olntuary, and one 
 or two other short pieces, it coiLsists entirely of a coUec- 
 tioii of Gaelic poetry made by the two brothera. 
 
 At the bottom of the 27th page appears the foUowuig 
 note in Latin: — Liber Dni Jacobi Macgregor DeciUii 
 Lismoren. 
 
 At page 78, there is a chronological list of Scottish 
 kinf]js written in the Scottish lauorua<:(e, which ends thus: — 
 " James the F}^te reignis now in great felicitie." He 
 reigned from 1513 to 1542; and, on page 144, there is a 
 genealogy of the Macgregoi-s, written by the brother 
 Duncan, deducing theii* descent fi-om the old Scottish 
 kings, and he adds a docquet in Gaelic, which may be 
 thus translated: — Duncan the Senator, thesonof Dougall, 
 who was son of John the Grizzled, vrvotc this from the 
 Book of the Histor}^ of the Kings, and it was done in the 
 year 1512.^ 
 
 There can be no question, therefore, that this collection 
 was formed during the Ufetime of the Dean of Lismore, 
 I and a great part of it as early as the year 1.'512. How it 
 was preserved through that and the succeeding century 
 is unknown. In the last century it i)assed into the posses- 
 si(»ri of the Highland Society of L«»ndon, Ity whom it was 
 traiisfcrn-d to the custody of the liighhmd Society of Scot- 
 laiifl, when a coiinnittcc of that Society was engagt'd in ;m 
 iiKjuiry iiilo lli<' jiutliciilicit y of the Poems of Ossiaii. pub 
 ILshed by iMacphei-son. It has now been deposited, along 
 
 I A^iH DiiiK-lia Di'vr.Klyi-li iiicDnwlo /c-nyt Anno Domini 151'J. ms., p. 111. 
 vfc i»ynt' Ilcywicli ili Siir«<yvo mi it Dcyitnlyi'li in I)i»tin>i;la<li, anil i?4 tlin 
 loywmw Biaiu-liycli nyn n«ig n(;iH roN (in<<lir rmiiU'rinK <>rHurvitor. 
 
INTRODUCTION. vii 
 
 with otlior Gaelic MSS. in the possession of that Society, in 
 the Libraiy of the Faculty of Advoc^ates, and fonns part 
 of that collection of Gaelic MSS. which have been brought 
 together within the last few years, and contain nearly all 
 the Gaelic mss. which are known still to exist. "^ 
 
 The Dean's MS. differs from all the other mss. in that 
 collection in tw^o essential particulars. It is not, like the 
 other MSS , ^^Titten in what is called the Irish character, 
 but in the current Eoman character of the early part of 
 the sixteenth century ; and the lang-uage is not Amtteii 
 in the orthography used in writing Irish, and now uni- 
 versally employed in writing Scotch Gaelic, but in a 
 peculiar kind of phonetic orthography, wliich aims at 
 presenting the words in English orthography as they 
 are pronounced. 
 
 The peculiar orthography employed is, however, evi- 
 dently not the mere attempt of a person ignorant of the 
 
 » This collection has been formed and their secretary, John Hall Maxwell, 
 
 within the last few years mainly through Esq., C.B., having at once responded to 
 
 the instrumentality of the writer. When the call, and the fortunate discovery of 
 
 he commenced, the Faculty of Advocates the Kilbride collection, which its pos- 
 
 possessed four Gaelic MSS. The coUec- sessor likewise agreed to deposit, added 
 
 tion now consists of sixty-five. a large number. The remainder con- 
 
 The writer formed the plan of collect- sists of mss. deposited by individual 
 
 ing the remains of the ms. Gaelic litera- possessors, and the collection now em- 
 
 ture of Scotland, which was rapidly dis- braces nearly all the MSS. known or be- 
 
 appearing, into one place, where they lieved still to exist, 
 
 could be preserved, by inducing the pos- It is hoped that, if any Gaelic MS8. 
 
 sessors of Gaelic mss. to deposit them still remain in the hands of individual 
 
 in some public library for preservation; possessors, they will add to the value of 
 
 and as the Faculty of Advocates were this collection by making them known, 
 
 already in the possession of some MSS., and depositing them in the Advocates' 
 
 their library was evidently the nio.st ap- Library for preservation, 
 
 propriate depositoiy for this purpose. The mss. are preserved in a locked 
 
 The valuable mss. belonging to the cabinet, and a general catalogxie of the 
 
 Highland Society of Scotland formed whole has been prepared by the writer, 
 the basis of the collection ; the directors. 
 
viii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 proper orthograpliy to write the worcls iii Eiigli.-sli lettei-s 
 in an arbitraiy manner, so as to present, as nearly as pos- 
 sible, the souikI of the words as they struck his ear when 
 repeated to hiin, but Ijears evident marks of having been 
 a regular and kno^\'n system of orthography, which, 
 although we have few specimens of it left, may not the 
 less have once prevailed in that part of the Higlilands 
 more removed from the influence of Irish teaching. 
 
 It is a peculiarity of all the Celtic dialects, that the 
 consonants suffer a change in the beginning of words, 
 from the influence of the preceding words, or in forming 
 the oblique cases, and hkewise change their sound in the 
 middle of words by being aspirated. 
 
 In the Irish orthography, the original consonant is in- 
 varial)]y preseiTed ; and the change is indicated l)y pre- 
 fixing another consonant when the sound is aflected by 
 eclipsis, or the influence of the preceding word, or by 
 adding the letter h, when it is changed by aspiration. 
 
 In the Welsh dialects, however, and in the Manx, which 
 is a dialect of the Gaelic division of the Celtic languages, 
 a different system of orthogra])hy has tdways prevailed. 
 Instead of retaining tlic original letter, and indieating 
 the change in the sound l>y prrtixing or adding another, 
 a different letter exjtressing simply the new sound, is 
 substitule(l for tlie original letter ; and lienei' the ortho 
 grapliy l)ears more of a phdnetie and less of an eivnio- 
 logi<r character. 
 
 Ilotli systems have their advantages ;ind disidvantages. 
 hi llie une, the uriuinal fui-ni of the word is preser\-ed. 
 
INTKOKirnON. IX 
 
 and till' primary sounds of the letters are retained. Tlif 
 alteration in their sound in inflection is marked by pre- 
 Hxing another letter, or adding the letter h. It is by 
 the application of grammatical rules that the pronuncia- 
 tion of the word is ascei-tained, and that pronunciation 
 may deviate from time to time to a ci't'ater dcfrree from 
 the original standard, while the orthography, always re- 
 maining the same, fails to chronicle it. 
 
 In the other, a new letter is substituted for the original 
 letter, when the sound is changed by inflection, or by the 
 position of the word in a sentence, and the orthography 
 employed expresses the pronunciation of the word in its 
 inflected, without reference to its original form. 
 
 The one presents the language in its etymologic form, 
 without reference to its pronunciation, and is of value in 
 preserving the original form of the written speech. 
 
 The other stereotj^es its sounds as spoken at the time ; 
 it is committed to writing without reference to the ori- 
 ginal form or primary shape of the words ; and is of value 
 in exhibiting the living dialects as spoken by the people. 
 
 An apt illustration of tliis is afforded by the English 
 lauofuao-e and its dialects. 
 
 The English orthography exhibits the language as it 
 once was, but from wdiich it has greatly deviated in pro- 
 nunciation ; and it is hardly possible to frame rules by 
 applpng which, to the orthography, the present pro- 
 nunciation can be deduced. It is obvious that if the 
 words, which are differently pronounced in the Scotch 
 dialect, were spelt according to the English orthography, 
 
X INTKODULTION. 
 
 no clue would Ix' ;il}<>i(l('«l to its jK'culiaiities. (.)ii the 
 other hand, when tlic Srotdi ditdect is spelt phonetically, 
 as is done, f(jr instance, l)y Sir Walter Scott in his Scotch 
 romances, the pecuUarities in the pronunciation of a Hving 
 dialect arc vividly presented, and these elements of the 
 original language, which may have been preserved m this 
 dialect, are made availaljle for i)hilological puiposes. 
 
 The collection of Gaehc poetry made by the Dean of 
 Lismore and his brother is thus ^\Titten in an ortho- 
 gra[)hy of this latter class. It attracted some notice 
 when the Highland Society was engaged in its intpiiry 
 into the authenticity of Ossian's Poems, from its includ- 
 infj amont? its contents some poems attributed to Ossiau. 
 Three of these arc printed in the report, though incor- 
 rectly and imperfectly, but little was known of the other 
 contents of tlie MS. 
 
 A transcrii)t was made of the MS. for the Highland 
 Society by the late Mr. Ewen JM'Laehlan, an accom- 
 plished Gaelic scholar, who was employed to examine 
 their M.S. It, however, passed into tlie i)ossession of the 
 Rev. J. JNIacuityre of Kilmanievaig, who allowed it to l»e 
 examined for a short time by the I'ditors, l)Ut no full or 
 correct Jiccouut was given of the ms, till llic Ivev. T. 
 M'Lauchlaii, oiic of the editors of tiiis work, read an 
 a(count of it to the Socii'ty of Scottish Anti(|uaries 
 ill the year lHr»(), wliich is printetl in tlu-ir jiroceed- 
 ings.^ This account attracted consideral>le notice to 
 the MS., and led to iis \aluc l>eiug more appreciated. 
 . Vni. ,i. i.t. 1. 1.. :c,. 
 
INTRODUCTION. XI 
 
 The present publication has, in coiise(|uence, been under- 
 taken. 
 
 The Dean's ms. has a double value, philological and 
 literary, and is calculated to throw light both on the lan- 
 guage and the literature of the Highlands of Scotland. It 
 has a philological value, because its peculiar orthography 
 
 • presents the language at the time in its aspect and cha- 
 racter as a spoken language, and enables us to ascertain 
 whether many of the peculiarities which now distinguish 
 it were in existence three hundred years ago ; and it has 
 
 t a literary value, because it contains poems attributed to 
 Ossian, and to other poets prior to the sixteenth century, 
 which are not to be found elsewhere ; and thus presents 
 to us specimens of the traditionary poetry current in the 
 Highlands prior to that period, which are above suspi- 
 cion, having been collected upwards of three huncked 
 years ago, and before any controA^ersy on the sulijcct 
 had arisen. 
 
 It has been found impossible to present so large a col- 
 lection entire, but the selection has been made with 
 reference to these two objects. Each poem selected for 
 publi(?atiou has been presented entire. There is a literal 
 translaticni of the poem made by the Kev. T. M'Lauclilan, 
 and appended is the original Gaelic text of the poem in 
 the Dean's orthography, exactly as it appears in the 
 MS. ; and, on the opposite page, the same Gaelic has been 
 transferred by ^Ir. ^I'Lauchlan into the modern ortho- 
 graphy of the Scotch Gaelic, which is nearly the same as 
 that of the Irish, so as to aftbrd tli(^ means of comparing 
 
Xli INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the one ortliognipliy with the other, aii«l the modern 
 sjDokeu dialect in the HighLands with the language of 
 the poems collected by the Dean upwards of three hun- 
 tbed years ago, as well as to furnish a test of the accuracy 
 of the translation, by showing the rendering given to the 
 Dean's lano-uao-e.^ 
 
 The present spcjken language of the Highlands of Scot- 
 land is, as is well known, a dialect^ of that great branch 
 of tlie Celtic languages termed the Gwyddelian or Gaelic, 
 and to which belong also the Irish and ]\Ianx, or spoken 
 language of the Isle of Man. These three dialects of the 
 Gaelic 1 tranch of the Celtic languages, the Irish, the Scotch 
 Gaelic, and the Manx, approach each other so nearly, as 
 to form in fact l)ut one language ; and the pecuharities 
 which distinguish them from one another are not of a 
 nature sutHciently broad or vital to constitute either of 
 them a distinct language. 
 
 The language spoken l)y the Highlandei"s of Scotland 
 is termed ])y them simply GaeUc ; but the name of Erse 
 
 1 It is hardly jjossible to convey to the language with an intelligible exhibition 
 reaik-r an a<le<iuate conception of the of its meaning in English, 
 labour of the task undertaken l»y Mr. U may be as well to take this oppor- 
 M'Lauchlan, or of the courage, pei>e- tunity of stating, that Mr. M-Liiuchlan 
 verancc, and ability with which it has is solely responsible for the selection 
 been overcome. Mr. M'Lauchlan had made from the Dean's MS., the render- 
 Hi-st to reail the Dean's transcript no ing in modern Gaelic, the English trans- 
 ordinary task, when, to a strange ortho- lation, and the notes at the foot of the 
 grapliy, allording no clue to the original page. The writer of this is resi>onsiblo 
 wonl, was added a careless handwriting iinly for the Intro«hution and the a<ldi. 
 of the beginning of the sixteenth cen- tional notes, to which his name is at- 
 tnry, fadeil ink, and tlecayed jiaper. He tached. 
 had then to cnnvert it into the corre- 
 
 spiinding (Saelic in its mudiiii shape ami ■! use the wonl </iW('<7 throiigho\it, in 
 
 orthograjihy, and then to translate it the restricte*! sense of the (ierman woiil 
 
 into English, in which ho had to com- muiulurt, for want «f a better Knglish 
 
 bine the literal rendering of an idionniti"- woitl to express it. 
 
INTltoDrcTlON. Xlll 
 
 lias cKjcusionally been hi'slowcd upon it (luring lliu last 
 few centuries by the Lowlandeis.* As early as the year 
 1690 a short vocalmlary of Scotch Ciaelic words was ap- 
 pended to an edition of Bedel's Irish Bible, to adapt it 
 to the use of the Scotch Highlanders ; and a somewhat 
 fuller vocal )ulaiy, by the same author, was published in 
 Nicolson's Scottish Histoiical Library in 1702. 
 
 In 1741, a more complete vocabulary was published by 
 the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, for the 
 use of their schools in the Highlands. It was compiled 
 l)y Mr. Alexander M 'Donald, schoolmaster at Ardna- 
 nnu'chan. Another vocalmlary was published in 1795 by 
 Kobert M'Farlane ; and, in 1 81 5, a further step in advance 
 was made by the larger vocabulary of Mr. P. M'Farlane. 
 
 In 1825, a large quarto dictionary of the Scotch Gaelic 
 was published by P. A. Ai-mstrong; and in tlu'ee years 
 afterwards the splendid dictionary compiled by the first 
 Gaelic scholars, under the auspices of the Higldand Society 
 of Scotland, appeared. In this dictionary Gaelic words 
 from all quarters are inserted ; but those which belong 
 to the vernacular dialect of the Scotch Highlands are care- 
 fully distinguished. 
 
 The smaU dictionary compiled by M'Alpine, a school- 
 master in Islay, affords a genuine representation of the 
 Gaelic spoken in that island. 
 
 1 This term is.iinknown to the High- plied by the Engrlish to the Scotch in the 
 
 landers, who call themselves Albanaich ; twelfth centurj'. Lanibanle recoiils that, 
 
 and was a term of reproach applied to at the battle of the Standard, when the 
 
 them by the Lowlanders, from their Ian- Scots shouted .1 Ihuiiy, AllHiny ! the Eng- 
 
 giiage being the same as the Irish. It is lish soldiei-s retorted with Yry, Yry ! 
 
 curious that the same reproach was ap- " a temi of great reproach at that time." 
 
XIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Tliu only grammar of the Scotch Gaelic which it is 
 necessary to notice, is the able and philosophic grammar 
 l)y Alexander Stewart, Minister of the Gospel at Ding- 
 wall, the first edition of which was published in 1801, and 
 the second in 1 8 1 2. As a first attempt to reduce the spoken 
 language of the Scotch Highlanders to a grammatical sys- 
 tem, it is a work of rare excellence and fidelity, and all 
 other grammars have been more or less taken from it. 
 
 This grammar, then, and the vocabidaries and diction- 
 aries above refeiTcd to, contain the Gaelic language as 
 spoken, at the time of their compilation, in the Highlands 
 of Scotland, and afford the materials for judging of the 
 character of those peculiarities which distiuguish it fi'om 
 the Irish and Manx Gaelic.^ 
 
 The differences between the spoken language of the 
 Scottish Highlands and the Irish exist partly in the pro- 
 nunciation, where the accentuation of the language is 
 different, where that peculiar change in the initial conso- 
 nant, produced by the influence of the previous wonl, and 
 termed by the Irish grammarians eclipsis, is unknown ex 
 cept in the sibilant, where the vowel sounds are ditfcreiit, 
 
 ■ I ivject from tliis list the f,'rninniar jxise, ami lesoitiil to In-laml, wIh-iv 
 and (lietionary by tlie Kev. Win. Shaw, he manufactun-il his works from Irish 
 inililished in 1778 ami 1780, liecausf, so sources and authorities, adapting tlie 
 liir as they pnritort to he a j^rannnarand Irish grammar to a very imiK-rfeit know- 
 dictionary of the Scotch (Jaelic dialect, ledge of the language, 
 they arc a deception, and not trust- The sidiscrihers coinidainetl of the de- 
 worthy. ce|ition, and refuseil to tnke the work, 
 
 Shaw was a mitive of Arran, where a till comj)elled l>y a process at law. The 
 
 (■orrui>t and Irishised (Jaelic is spoken ; evidence taken in this jinicess is very 
 
 and it is well known that he failed in instructive as to the ]>osition of Sliaw'M 
 
 his attempt to com]iile his dictionary grammar and dictionary, so far as their 
 
 from the sjioken language in the High- Irish element is eoncerne«l, towards the 
 
 hinds, where he made a tour for the jnir- Scotch Oaelic dialect at that period. 
 
INTKODUCTION. XV 
 
 and tlioiv arc even traces of a ((msonaiital iK'rnuitatioii ; 
 partly in the graniniar, where tlie Seoteli (Jaelic prefers 
 the analytic form of the verl), and has no present tense, 
 the old present being now used for the future, and the 
 present formed by the auxiliary verb, where the plural of 
 one class of the nouns is formed in a [)eculiar manner, 
 resembling the Anglo-Saxon, and a different negative is 
 used ; partly in the idioms of the language, where a 
 greater pieference is shown to express the idea by the 
 use of substantives, and the verb is anxiously avoided; 
 and in the vocabulary, which varies to a considerable ex- 
 tent, where words now obsolete in Irish arc still living 
 words, and others are used in a different sense,^ 
 
 The Scotch Gaelic is spoken in its greatest purity in 
 the central districts of the Higlilands, including j\Iull, 
 IMorvern, Ai'dnamurchan, Ardgowar, Appin, Lochaber, 
 and that district termed the Garbli chiiochan, or rough 
 bounds, consisting of Aiisaig, Moydart, j\Ioror, and Ivnoy- 
 dart. The language here spoken is characterized by a 
 closer adherence to grammatical rules, by a fuller and 
 more careful pronunciation of the vowel sounds, by a 
 selection of the best words to express the idea, and by 
 their use in theii* primary sense. 
 
 In the county of Ai'gyll, and the islands which face 
 the coast of Ireland, the language approaches much more 
 nearly to the Ulster dialect of the Irish, there being pro- 
 bably no perceptible difference between the form of the 
 
 1 A more detailed statement of the Gaelic will lie found in the adiiitionnl 
 differences between Scotch and Irish Notes. 
 
XVI INTRODrCTlUN. 
 
 language in Isla and Rachrin, or in Cautyro and tin* 
 opposite coast of Antrim. 
 
 In the Gaelic of Sutherland and Caithness, again, there 
 are marked differences of a different and opposite cha- 
 racter, a native of Sutherland and the southern districts 
 of Arg}"ll having some difficulty in understanding each 
 other ; and in Perthshire, on the other hand, the influ- 
 ence of the English language is apparent, the pronuncia- 
 tion is more careless, the words selected less pure, and 
 the secondaiy senses of many are only used. 
 
 The central districts afford the best t}i)e of that variety 
 of Gaelic which forms the spoken language of the High- 
 lands of Scotland. 
 
 Of this language two views may be taken. The pecu- 
 liarities of the language may have spi-ung up quite re- 
 cently, and the language may, at no very distant period, 
 have been al)solutely identical in form and sound with 
 the Irish, from which it may have become coiTupted by 
 the absence of cultivation, and must be regarded merely 
 as the rude jDcttois of a people whose ignorance of the cul- 
 tivated language has led to their adoption of peculiarities 
 sanctioned by no grammatical rule ; or, on the other hand, 
 these peculiarities may ])artakc ratlici- of the cliaracter of 
 dialectic differences, and I'Utcr more dee}>ly hito the organ- 
 ization of the language, and thus may have characterized 
 it from that reiuotiT period, when geographical separation 
 and political isolation may have leil to tlie formation, in 
 the Highlands of Scotland, of a dialectic variety of the 
 coiuiiioii language. 
 
INTIJUDLCTIOX. X\ll 
 
 Tilt' tii-st i.s the view taken l)y Iiisli grammar iiiiis, 
 ,111(1 it' correct, these differences cannot be considered as 
 of any philological importance. The question has not, 
 however, been treated by them in a candid spirit, or 
 with any grasp of the suliject ; jind their opinion must 
 be based upon a more accurate knowledge of the spoken 
 dialect which is the subject of it, and upon a sounder and 
 more impartial examination of those philologic elements 
 which ought to enter into its consideration, before it can 
 be accepted as conclusive. If the second view is the 
 correct one, then it is obvious that the Scotch Gaelic is 
 well deserving of study, as a distinct variety of the Gaelic 
 lantruao-e which was common to Scotland and Ireland ; 
 and everything that tends to throw light upon it, and 
 upon the existence and origin of these difterences, ac- 
 quires a pliilologic value. 
 
 In the study of language, the spoken dialects are of 
 great value. It is from the study of the living dialects, 
 which are not merely corruptions of the spokeii language, 
 but present dialectic peculiarities, that we arrive at a full 
 perception of the character and tendencies of the mother 
 tongue. 
 
 It is the destiny of all languages, that they no sooner 
 enter upon the domain of history than they begin to 
 alter, decompose, and split into dialects. The forma- 
 tion of the mother tongue belongs to the prehis- 
 toric period ; and it is a process which, carried on in 
 the iufiincy and growth of the social state, is concealed 
 from observation. When its possessors fii'st emerge into 
 c 
 
XVlll INTKODUrnoN. 
 
 view, aud take tlicir place amung tlie history ul" uatiout?, 
 counter influences have akeady been at work, their lan- 
 guage has already entered upon its do\\'nward coui-se, 
 and we can only watch it in its process of decomposition 
 and alteration, and reach its primitive condition, through 
 the medium of its dialects. 
 
 There are two opposing influences by wliii.h all lan- 
 guages are affected — the etymologic and the phonetic. 
 The etymologic principle is all-powerful in the formation 
 and original structure of the language, producing com- 
 binations of sounds demanded by the laws of its compo- 
 sition, Ijut UTCspective altogether of the requirements of 
 harmony, or the tendencies of the human organs of sound. 
 It contains in it, however, the seeds of its own destruc- 
 tion, and has no sooner completed its work of fonnation 
 than a process of modification and decomposition com- 
 mences, caused by the respective idiosyncrasies of its 
 speakers, their craving after harmony of combination and 
 ease of utterance, and the influence of physical situation 
 and surrounding agents upon the organs of speech. 
 
 These phonetic causes enter at once into conflict with 
 the strictly etymologic formations of tlie language, mould- 
 ing its sounds, decomposing its st rue tun', and interchang- 
 ing the organs producing the sounds; jiiid these eflects 
 are perpetuated ]>y eiiciiinstaiiees causing the separation 
 or isolation of the [lenple who have athipted them, while 
 new woi'ds and eonibinatitius aic added to their \«>cal>u- 
 lary l»y new wants arising' in theii- separate stale, hy their 
 advanee in soeial i-onditinn, <.i' hy the |>eeuharit ies of (heir 
 
INTRODUCTION. XIX 
 
 new condition. Thus inmimeraljle dialects spring up. 
 WTienever a difference of situation takes place among the 
 people composing the aggregate by whom the original 
 language was spoken, a diversity of dialect is at once 
 created. In these dialects are presented the bones of the 
 mother tongue ; and it is only by a comparison of these 
 that her full character can be ascertained. 
 
 This tendency of the mother tongaie, to 'break up into 
 as many dialects as there are shades of difference in the 
 position and tendencies of its speakers, is only arrested 
 by the formation of a cultivated dialect, created when 
 the wants of an educated or cultivated class in the com- 
 munity demand a common medium of interchanging their 
 ideas. This cultivated language is usually first formed by 
 poetry, completed by writing, and adopted by education. 
 Its first stage is that of the language in which the songs 
 and poems, the first literature of a iiide people, are re- 
 cited by its bards, its earhest literary class ; and, by the 
 introduction of the art of writing, it passes over into 
 the written speech. It then becomes a common dialect, 
 spoken and written by the cultivated class of the com- 
 munity, and to a knowledge of which a portion of the 
 people are raised by education. 
 
 This cultivated or written language may have been 
 originally one of the numerous dialects spoken by the 
 people composing the community, and which cii-cum- 
 stances have elevated into that position ; or it may have 
 been introduced from another rountiy speaking a sister 
 dialect, which has preceded it in cultivation ; or it may, 
 
XX INTKUDUCTIUN. 
 
 like the Gemiau, have been developed from an unspoken 
 variety of the language created by other causes and for 
 other purposes. In the one case, the language first cul- 
 tivated by poetry passes over into the written language. 
 In the other, it remains an indigenous, cultivated, spoken 
 language, which is antagonistic to, and contends with, 
 the imported written speech till the influence of the latter 
 prevails, and it is either extinguished by it, or remains 
 as popular poetr}' in the vernacular tongue, while eveiy- 
 thing prose is absorbed. 
 
 But however it originates, the spoken dialects still re- 
 main as the vernacular speech of portions of the com- 
 munity. They are not the children or creatures of the 
 written speech, still less corruptions of it, but are equally 
 ancient, and retain much of the elements of the original 
 langiiage which the written speech has rejected. 
 
 The formation of a cultivated or written lanfruaije is 
 always an eclectic process. It selects, it modifies, and it 
 rejects, while the living dialects retain many of the forms 
 and much of the structure modified and rejected by it. 
 Hence, for the study of thccharactci- and formation of the 
 mother tongue, the living sj^okcn ilialects are of tin* first 
 imi)ortance ; and a restrictt'd attention to the written 
 language, and tlu' contcniptuous rejection of cvcrytiiing 
 in the spoken dialects w iiieli vary from it, as barbarisms 
 and eonujtt ions, is simjtly to part with nuieh valuable ma- 
 terial for the study, and to narrow tlie lanm' of iiitjuirv.^ 
 
 ' Pioft'fisor Max MuIUt has tlie follow- lures on tlu- StMi-mc of L«ii{;uaf;e, ji. 40. 
 iti^ excellent reninrk.s in liis recent Ice- "The real nud natuiiil life of langunge is 
 
INTKoDlCTloN. 
 
 XXI 
 
 Perliaps the English langiinirc allonls an illustration of 
 tlieso remarks. As a written and cultivatod langunfrc^^ it 
 
 took its rise in England, but was introdi 
 
 from En 
 
 land into Scotland. 
 
 In England, the provincial dialects have renuiined as 
 the spoken language of the uncultivated class in the re- 
 spective provinces side by side with it ; but their anti- 
 quity and their value for philological purposes is fully 
 acknowledo;ed. No one dreams of viewinf]r them as 
 merely corruptions of the written language, arising from 
 rudeness and ignorance. 
 
 In Scotland, the Enolish lanoruage has been introduced 
 as the written or cultivated language, but a different form 
 
 in its dialects ; and in spite of the 
 tjTanny exercised by the classical or 
 literary idioms, the day is still ver>' far 
 off which is to see the dialects entirely 
 eradicatecL . . . 
 
 " It is a mistake to imagine that dia- 
 lects are everj'where corruptions of the 
 literarj- language. . . . Dialects have 
 always been the feeders rather than tlie 
 channels of a literary language ; any- 
 how, they are parallel streams which 
 existed long before one of them was 
 raised to that temporary eminence which 
 is the result of literary cultivation." 
 The whole of the lect\ire in which this 
 passage occurs is well worthy of perusal, 
 in regard to the proper view and posi- 
 tion of the spoken dialects in the study 
 of language. 
 
 Schleicher takes the same view in his 
 masterly work, "Die Deutsche Sprache." 
 He says, in relation to the Gennan lan- 
 guage, what is e<|ually true of the Gaelic : 
 
 " Die mundarten sinddie natiirlichen 
 nach den Gesetzen der Sprachgeschicht- 
 lichen Veriinderungen gewordenen 
 
 Formen im Gegensatze zu der mehr oder 
 minder geniachten and schulmeisterisch 
 geregelten and zugestutztcn Sprache der 
 Schrift. Sehon hieraus folgt der hohe 
 Werth derselben fiir diewissenschaftliche 
 Erforschung unserer Sprache ; hier ist 
 eine reiche FiillevonWorten und Formen, 
 die, an sich gut und edit, von der 
 Schriftsprache verschmiilit wunlen ; hier 
 linden wir manches, was wir zur Erklar- 
 ung der iilteren Sprachdenkmale, ja 
 zur Erkenntniss der jetzigen Schrift- 
 sprache verwerthen kiinnen, abgesehen 
 von dem Sprachgeschichtlicheu, dem 
 lautphysiologischen Interesse, welches 
 die iiberaus reiche Mannigfaltigkeit 
 unserer Mundarten bietet. 
 
 " Wer einer Mundart kundig ist, der 
 hat beim Studium des altdeutschen ein- 
 en grossen Vorsprung vor demjenigen 
 voraus der nur in der Schriftsprache 
 heimisch ist. 
 
 " Xichts ist thorichler, nichts verriith 
 mehr den Mangel tcahrer Bihlung ala 
 das Verrachlen unserer .)finufarten." — 
 P. 110. 
 
XXU INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of the laiimiaf'e, tlie Broad Scotch, is the vernacular 
 speech of the people, and preceded the English language 
 as the wTitten language of the country in which its 
 earliest literature was contained. Its great value, as an 
 early form of the original Anglic tongue which fonned the 
 language of the country, is so fully acknowledged, that 
 Jamieson's Dictionary of the Scotch language has been 
 called the best dictionary of the English language. It 
 has ceased to be a vehicle for prose composition ; but 
 there exists a baUad literature in the Scotch dialect whit-li 
 has resisted the absorbing influence of the English. 
 So it was also in the Scotch Highlands, where the written 
 
 j and cultivated language did not originate in this countr}', 
 but was brought over from Ireland in the sixth century, 
 
 .' though in this case the analogy is not so great, from the 
 various dialects of the Gaelic having probably at all 
 times approached each other much more nearly than the 
 provincial dialects of England and Scotland, and l)een 
 more greatly influenced by the written language. 
 
 In order to determine the philological position and 
 value of the Scotch Gaelic, it is necessary to form a more 
 accurate conception of the historical position of the people 
 who spoke it, and of the intluences to wliieh they have lurn 
 exposed, and Ity which the language was likely to be 
 affected. 
 
 Two races seem to Ikinc entercil, as oiiginal elenu'Uts, 
 into the |...piilalioii of iivland and (.f the liiglilauds of 
 Scotland. These were the race of the Seot> an<l the 
 peo])le leiiiied by the early Irish authorities the race »tf 
 
INTRODUCTION. .Will 
 
 tlic (.Vuitliiic. The latter appear eveiywliere tu li.ivc 
 preceded tlie toniiei'. 
 
 Prior to the sixth century, the Criiithiie alone seem to 
 have formed the p<^piilation of the Scotch Highlands. 
 In Ireland they formed the original population of Ulster 
 and the north part of Leinster. Connaught, the rest of 
 Leinster, and ^lunster, were Scottish. The east and 
 north of Ireland appear to have l)een most exposed 
 to external influences, and to have suffered the 
 greatest changes in their population. In the south and 
 west it was more permanent ; and from Connaught and 
 Leinster the royal races of the Scots emerged, while 
 their colonies proceeded from south and west to north 
 and east. 
 
 The traditionary history of Ireland records an early 
 settlement -of the Scots among the Cruithne of Ulster, 
 termed from its mythic founder Dalriada, and likewise the 
 fall of the great seat of the C*ruitlmian kingdom, called 
 Emania, before an expedition, led by a scion of the Scot- 
 tish royal race, who established the kingdom of Orgialla 
 on its ruins. It is certain that, while we have reason to 
 believe that the Cruithne formed the original population 
 of the whole of Ulster, we find them in the historic period 
 confined to certain districts in Ulster only, although 
 their kings retained the title of kings of Ulster. 
 
 In the beginning of the sixth century, the Scots, who 
 are frequently recorded by the Roman writere as forming 
 part of the predatory bands who, from time to time, as- 
 sailed the Roman province, and finally overtlu-ew their 
 
XXIV IXTRODUCTIOX. 
 
 empire iu Lritaiii, passed over to the opposite coast of 
 Argyll, and effected a permanent settlement there, which, 
 from its mother tribe, was also called DaMada. This 
 settlement is recorded, by the oldest authority, to lune 
 taken place twenty years after the battle of Ocha, wliich 
 was fought in the year 483, and, therefore, in the year 
 503. The territory occupied by this settlement of the 
 Scots was the south part of Argyllshire, consisting of the 
 districts of Cowall, Kintp-e, Knapdale, Argyll proper, 
 Lorn, and probably part of JMorvern, with the islands of 
 Isla, lona, Arran, and the small islands adjacent. The 
 boundary which separated them from the Cniithne was 
 on the cast, the range of mountains termed Dnimalban, 
 a mountain chain wliich still separates the county of 
 Argyll from that of Perth. On the north, the bound- 
 ary, which probably was not very distinct, and ^•aried 
 from time to time, seems to have been coincident with a 
 line extending from the Island of Colonsay through the 
 Island of ^luU to the centre of the district of ^lorvcrn, 
 tlnough which it passed to the shores of the Luiui' Loch 
 opposite A]»i»iii.' The rest of the lliuhlaiuls was .still 
 
 > In tlie IhIjuiiI of Colonsny tlii-ii' is a which separates the ancient parislies of 
 caini ciillfil Cain cul li Kriii. In Killintui-h and KilUholunikill in Mor- 
 BIi-au'H AthiH, the map of the Islanil vern, aixl Killintach isHuiil, inanohl do- 
 of Mull iiiarkK, on the hijjh nioun- eunu-nt, tol)ein(Jarwnioivnivn,a«listiii't 
 tain which siparateH the north from the whiih exten<li<l as far north as 1.4u«h 
 hiinth of the islainl, two cairns, callnl llonrn, while Killcholumkill issai«l tohe 
 Carncul ri Krin ami C'arn cul ri Alialiyn. in Kinelliadon, which l>elon^e<l to the 
 These seem to murk 8onie ancient houn- ancient kinniloni of Lorn, thei-e seems 
 (lary ; hut as they are exactly in a line much reason to concluilc that this may 
 with lona, which Heenis to have lain so have hecn the line of the honmlary lie- 
 nearly on the hounilary lis tohe claimiHl tween the Dalriad Scots from Krin and 
 l>y hoth races, and also with the line the (.'ruithne of Alhan. 
 
INTHODrcTFON. XXV 
 
 occiipi(>(l ))y iho C'riiithne, who were r;i<;;iiis, while tlir 
 Dalriadic Scots wore Christians. 
 
 In the year 503, an event took phice wliich was des- 
 tined to exercise a powerful inHuenee both on the condition 
 and the language of the population. This was the mission 
 of Saint Colunil)a, a Scot from Ireland, to convert the 
 (."ruithne to the Christian faith, and the consequent foun- 
 dation of the Monastery of lona, which became the seat 
 of learning, and the source of all ecclesiastical authority, 
 both for the Cniitlme and the Dalriadic Scots, from whence 
 innumerable Scottish clergy issued, who spread over the 
 country and founded churches among the Cniithne under 
 its influence and authority. 
 
 The platform occupied by the two populations, em- 
 bracing both Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland, in 
 the sixth century, thus showed in the south and west of 
 Ireland pure Scots ; in the north and east settlements of 
 Scots among the Cruithne, gradually confining the latter 
 to isolated districts ; in Argyll, a Scottish settlement 
 among the Cruithne of Alban ; and in the rest of the High- 
 lands pure Cruithne ; but over both Scots and Cruithne 
 in Alban a Scottish clergy, who brought a cultivated and 
 literary language with them. 
 
 "^ In Ireland the Gaelic spoken in the difterent provinces 
 varies, and probably has always varied fi-om each other. 
 They differ in words, pronunciation, and idiom ; and in 
 grammatical constiaiction and idiom there is a marked 
 difference between the Gaelic of the northern and of the 
 southern half of Ireland. The written lancniaofe resem- 
 
XXVI INTIIODLCTION. 
 
 hies most the hiiiguiige of the soutli and west of 
 Ireland. It seems to have been formed from it, and to 
 have l)ecomc the common hinguage of the literary' and 
 cultivated class, while the other dialects remained as the 
 spoken language of their respective populations. 
 
 This written language was brought over to Scotland 
 in the sixth century by Columba and his clergy, who 
 introduced it, wdth Christianity, among the Cniithne ; 
 where, however, the native dialect must have received 
 some cultivation, as we find that he was opposed by Magi, 
 which impUes a literary class among the Pagan Cruithne. 
 At this time there was so little political separation 
 between the two countries, that the Scots of British 
 Dabiada remained sul>ject to the Irish Dalriada, from 
 which they emerged, till the year 573, when Aedan, son 
 of Gabran, Ijecame king of Scotch Dalriada, and, at the 
 great Council of Drumceat, it was declared inde})endent 
 of Irish Dalriada, and he was crowned as its first inde- 
 pendent monarch. The Cruithne of Ireland, likewise, 
 formed part of that great Ciiiithnian kingdom, wliich had 
 its head-(juart('rs in Scotland, till the reign of Fiaclia 
 mac Baedan, King of Ulster, wlio ruled over the Irish 
 Cruithne from 589 to G2G, and probably in the \v;\r CDS, 
 when tlicy threw ofl' the yoke of tlie Cruitlme (tf Scot 
 
 'I'heCnilthlie;,,,.! ll,,. <.rn\:.n[- hvh.Il.l aild of Seothllld 
 iheli lirst lire.ilii,. sep;il;it e. 1 rri.Ill. aild i IK h'| iell(h'll t of. 
 
 ' Tl.eio wiiv ll.irty kil.^{^. ul il.i- Cniilliiifur All.n iiiul of lliel'ruithm'..f 
 • 'niltJiiit. ;\L>r Kri ami All.ii, viz.. ..f tl... Eri, i.e., of I).il«rni.lhc. They wcrt- fr.Mi. 
 
INT]K)I)1(TIUN. .WVIl 
 
 t'ac'li Other, and a complL'te political separation took phu-c 
 bi'twcoii the two countries. 
 
 'J'he C*riiitlmc of Scotland romained under the infiuenco 
 of the Scottish clergy till the beginning of the eighth cen- 
 tury, wlieu their king, Nectan, adopted the usages of the 
 Komish party, and in 717 expelled the Scottish clergy 
 out of his dominions across the boundary of Drumalban,^ 
 which separated them from the Scots of Daliiada, and a 
 new clerg}^ was introduced into that part of the country, 
 occupied by the Cruithne, from the Anglic kingdom of 
 Northumberland. In 731, we learn from Bede, who then 
 closes his history, that the Scots of Dalriada were still 
 confined within the same limits ; and that no change had 
 uj) to that date taken place in the relative positions of 
 the two popidations, the Cruithne and the Scots. After 
 this date we know little of the history of the population 
 of the Higlilands till the middle of the ninth century, 
 when we find that a great change had, in the interval, 
 taken place in theu* political condition. The two popu- 
 lations had now become united in one kingdom, and a 
 family of undoul)ted Scottish race ruled over the united 
 people. 
 
 Of the events which brought about this gi'eat change, 
 authentic history tells us nothing — of the fact there can be 
 no doubt ; and the question arises of how the Gaelic lan- 
 guage originated in the undalriadic part of the Highlands. 
 
 Olliimhiin to Fiachna mac Baeilain, who a.d. 6(i8. Bass Fiachiach chraich mic 
 
 fettered the hostages of Eri and Alba. Baedaii hi Cruitlmechu.— (Tigh. An.) 
 
 Book of Lecan, as quoted in Irish ' a.d. 717. Expulsio fainilix> le trans 
 
 Nennius, Ixxii. dorsum Britannite a Nectano n-ste. 
 
XXVlll IXTRODrcTKtX. 
 
 riior to this date, it was exclusively occu})ic.'d liy people 
 of the race of the Ciiiithne, first Pagan under native Magi, 
 then Christian, and for 150 years under clergy of Scot- 
 tish race, who were, however, driven out in the year 717. 
 Either then these Cruithne spoke a Gaelic dialect, or, if 
 they spoke a different language, we must suppose that 
 the language of Gaelic Dalriada had, subsequently to the 
 ninth century, spread, with the rule (,)f a Scottish king, 
 over the whole of the Highlands not embraced in that 
 limited territory. We have no materials for determining 
 this question. Tiie latter supposition has always been 
 assumed by the Irish historians, ])ut ^Wthout proof ; and 
 they have never attempted to account for the entire dis- 
 appearance of the previous language, and the expulsion 
 of the previous population of so extensive a district, so 
 mountainous and inaccessible in its character, and so 
 tenacious of the language of its early inhabitants in its 
 topography, which such a theory involves. 
 
 If the first supposition be the correct one, and the 
 Cruithne spoke a Gaelic dialed, we can easily understand 
 how, though ori-iii;illy difrncnt from the Gaelic dialect 
 of Dalriada, it may, by the iiilliinicc of the wi-itteii lan- 
 guage, and its veniaeiilai' use l)\- tlieii' clci-uv t'oi- so ].>iio- 
 a jtei'iod, have heeoiiie iiKxlilied and assimilatftl to it ; 
 and if, as is ]ii-ol)aMe, their (liaj.'.i li;id liecn so far ciil- 
 ti\ateil, as the e.xistenec (.f popiiLir |.ociiy. the lii>r 
 literatiiiv of a rude |ieo|)|c, was caleiiiateil tt» etleet, tlu! 
 influence t.r I he dciLiy would jnobaMv lie antagonistic 
 to such lilei'ature, and be enn)lo\cd to su|i|tress it ; and 
 
INTHODICTIUN. XXIX 
 
 the lano;ungc in which it \v;is conveyed might remain for 
 some time in opposition to the written hinguage, a.s a 
 V(M'naciiIar and popular loini of the language, the type 
 and symbol of the anli-C'hristian i)arty, till it was finally 
 amalgamated with, or assimilated to it as the party 
 itself was ultimately overcome. 
 
 But another event had taken place during this ob- 
 scure period, extending to little more than a century, and 
 in which the union of the two populations under a Scottish 
 royal race had been effected, which must have inter- 
 [)osed an obstacle to the spread of an influence from 
 Ireland into the nondalriadic portion of the Highlands, 
 and greatly counteracted that arising from a dominant 
 royal family of Scottish descent. This was the destruc- 
 tion of lona by the Scandinavian pirates, and their 
 subsequent occupation of the Western Isles and 
 western sea-board of Scotland. Towards the end of 
 the eighth century, these hordes of Vikings or 
 sea robbers, issuing from Norway and Denmark, had 
 appeared in the western sea, ravaging and plunder- 
 ing the coasts and islands, and their course was 
 everywhere marked by the burning and sacking of the 
 monasteries and religious establishments. In 794, the 
 ravaging of the islands and the destruction of lona by 
 these Gentiles, as they were termed, is recorded in the 
 Irish annals. In 802, the Monastery of lona was burnt 
 by them, and in 80 G the community or family of lona, 
 as it was termed, slain, to the number of sixty-eight. In 
 consequence of the insecurity of lona, the abbot even- 
 
XXX INTRODUCTION. 
 
 tually retired to Kells, another foundation of St. C'olumba, 
 and the reliques of St. Colimiba were subsequently taken 
 to Irehuid, when Derry became the head of the Coluni- 
 l)ian houses in Ireland, while a part of the reliques were 
 removed to Dunkeld, which represented the Columbian 
 clergy in Scotland. The influence of lona, as the nucleus 
 and centre of Gaelic learnino-, and of its Scottish clergy 
 upon the population of the Highlands, thus ceased for ever. 
 The islands were, by degrees, occuj^ied by these pirates, 
 till eventually the Norwegian Kingdom of Man and 
 the Isles was formed ; and after they had passed over 
 from Paganism to Christianity, and their power be- 
 came constituted, the bishopric of the Isles became 
 included in the Norwegian diocese of ]\Ian. During 
 this period, wliich lasted till the middle of the 
 twelfth century, while the Western Isles and the western 
 shores of the mainland were in the occupation of the 
 Norwegians, and a royal family of Scottish race was on 
 the throne of the united po}iulation, all that remained 
 intact of the Gaelic i)opulati()n of the Highlands was 
 mainly I'cjjn-scntcd l)y the great ))r(tviii((' of .Ab)ray, 
 which (contained the mainland jtart of tiie modern eoun 
 ties of Inverness antl Ross, and \vhos(> cliiefs or maormoi-s 
 are found, during the \\li<.|e ol" this period, maintaining 
 a struggle for local inde[)end(.'nee against the ruling 
 powers, whether Scottish or Saxon, till they were finally 
 suppressed in llie year 1 l:'.(» by the great battle in whieh 
 Angus, the Celtic I'^arl of Abuay. was defeated and slain 
 by David the First. 
 
INTIJUDUCTIUN. XXXI 
 
 The Norwegian Kingdom of j\Ian and the Isles was 
 now approacliing its fall, and a new power arose on the 
 ruins of that of the Maormors of Moray, which soon 
 became paramount in the Western Highlands, and 
 exercised a very different influence upon its language and 
 population. This was the dynasty of the Celtic kings 
 or Lords of the Isles, which took its rise under Somarled, 
 the founder of the race in the twelfth century, and 
 maintained a powerful sway in the West Highlands 
 till the Lord of the Isles was forfeited at the close of 
 the fifteenth century ; and, after several ineffectual 
 attempts to maintain their ground against the Govern- 
 ment, finally fell in the middle of the succeeding 
 century. 
 
 Whether the race of the Lords of the Isles was of 
 Irish descent or not, is a question which depends upon 
 the precise degree of credibility to be given to a Celtic 
 pedigree which reaches back to the beginning of the 
 fourth centuiy ; but certain it is, that the spuit and ten- 
 dency of the whole race was essentially Irish. The 
 history of Somarled, the founder of the family, who may, 
 from female connexion, have possessed a Norwegian 
 name, is quite incompatible mth the idea of his repre- 
 senting a Norwegian house, or deriving his position by 
 inlieritance from them. The names of his father Gilla- 
 bride, and his grandfather GiUaagamnan, are purely 
 Celtic. The interest of his family was antagonistic to 
 that of the Norwegians ; their efforts were to supplant 
 and drive them out, and to elevate a Gaelic kingdom 
 
XXXll INTIIUUUCTIUN. 
 
 Upon th('ii- ruins. In the foundation of this kingdom, 
 Irish aid and Irish interest entered largely, and the con- 
 nexion ( »f the family with Ireland became always more and 
 more closely connected, — an influence and comiexion 
 extending to the powerful Celtic families who rose under 
 their auspices and owned their sway. 
 
 Somarletl, the founder of the race, first appears in liis- 
 tory as regulus or petty king of Oirii-gaidheal, or, as it is 
 given in tlie Irish form, Airergaidheal, and, in the Latin, 
 Argatlu'Iiti, a name which had sprung up subscipiently 
 to the ninth century, signifying the coast-lands of the 
 Gael, and cniliracing the entire west coast from Cowall 
 to Loch liroom. 
 
 To this district he must have had hereditary claims ; 
 and an ancient sennachy of the race thus details the stejis 
 l»y which he recovered jtossession of it : 
 
 Gilluhride, the son of Gillanj^amnan, the sou and grandson of the 
 Toiseach of Argyll, and descendant of C'i>lla, being amongst his kindred 
 ill Inland, the clan Colla, that is, the IMarguires and Macniahons, hehl 
 a great meeting and assembly in Formanagh, the country of Macguire, 
 regarding the affairs of Gillabride, how they might restore him to his 
 patrimony, from which he had been driven by tlie power of the Locli- 
 lans and Finngalk When Gillabride saw such u large body of men 
 assembled together, he besought them to enibark in his enust>, 
 and to assist the people of Alban, wiio were favoumble to hinj 
 in an attemitt to win back the possession of the country. The 
 people dcL-lared themselves willing to go, and four or five hundred put 
 themstlves under his command. With this company Gillabride pro- 
 ceeded to Alban, and landing there, commencetl a series of skirmishes 
 and sudden assaults, with the assistance of frien<ls, for his name was 
 then very pmverful. The Lochlans po6seiJ.sed the islands from Man to 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxxiii 
 
 the Orknoyfl ; but the Gael retainctl possession of tlio woods and moun- 
 tains in the districts, extending from Dumbarton to Caithm-ss, north of 
 the two oirirs,^ and in Mar. Somarled, the son of Gillabriih', wius now 
 becoming manly and illustrious, and a band attached them.selves to him, 
 who had possession of the hills and woods of Ardgowar and Morvaren. 
 Here he came upon a large anny of Lochlans and Fiugalls, and as- 
 sembled round him all the soldiers he could muster and the people 
 engaged in herding the flocks, and ranged them in order of battle. He 
 practised a great deception on his enemies, for he made the same com- 
 pany pass before them three times, so that it appeared to them as if 
 there were three companies, and then attacked them. The enemy were 
 broken by Somarled and fled, till they reached the north bank of the 
 river Shiell, and part escaped with their king to. the Isles. Somarled 
 did not desist from his efforts till he had cleared the whole west side of 
 Alban from the Lochlans, except the islands of the Fiuulochlans, called 
 lunsegall. 
 
 Having married the daiigliter of Olave tlie EeJ, the 
 Norwegian king of Man and the Isles, he succeeded in 
 1154 in obtaining one-half of the Western Isles for his 
 eldest son DougaU, the ancestor of the M'Dougalls, Lords 
 of Lorn, in right of his mother. The portion of the 
 Isles thus added to the Gaelic kingdom of Oii'ii-gaidheal 
 were those south of the point of Ardnamurchan, includ- 
 ing Mull, Isla, and Jura. Ten years afterwards, in 1164, 
 he showed still further his close relation with Ireland, 
 by placing the Monastery of lona under the Abbacy of 
 Derr}', and in the same year he was slain in Eenfrew, in 
 an attempt which he made to subvert the Scottish throne 
 itself, with Irish assistance. His successors remained in 
 possession of this territory, consisting of Oirirgaidheal, or 
 
 » Tlie two oirirs were the Oirir a tuath district known as Oirir Gaedlieal, or 
 and the Oirir a deas, which make up the Oirir Alban, and in Latin, Argathelia. 
 
 d 
 
XXXIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the westeni districts, from Cowall to Loch Broom, itud 
 the southern half of the Isles, till 1222, when Alexander 
 the Second took possession of Argathelia, and annexed 
 the north part of it to the earldom of Eoss, and the 
 central portion to the district of IMoray, lea^^ng the dis- 
 tricts of ]\Ior\'aren and GarAnnorvaren, and parts of South 
 Argyll, with the south half of the Isles, to the descend- 
 ants of Somarled. On the conquest of the Norwegian 
 kingdom of Man and the Isles by the King of Scotland 
 in 12GG, Skye and Lew^s were annexed to the earldom of 
 Ross, the rest of the Isles went to Somarled's family, their 
 possessions were further increased by grants from Robert 
 Bruce, and in the end of the fourteenth century they 
 inherited the possessions of the earldom of Ross, by which 
 they regained possession of the Oirir a tuath. A petty 
 kingdom was thus formed, consisting of Ai-gathelia, or 
 the western districts, from Cowall to Loch Broom and 
 the Western Isles, nominally suliordinate to the Scottish 
 thi-one, but in reidity all powerful among the popidation 
 of the Highlands ; the clans of the centre and north High- 
 lands, which had once looked u}) to the almost equidly 
 powerful Maormors of Moray, alone representing a ditter- 
 ent interest. 
 
 The marriage of the Lord of the Isles, the he<ul of tliis 
 race, with a daughter of the great Irish house of 0'( 'nthan, 
 princes of an extensive territory in the north i>r Inland, 
 towards the close; of the thirteenth century, still further 
 cemented the coniu'xioii with Iiclmid. 'Pnuliti(»ii re- 
 cords that t went \- lour ianiiliis Inlluwcd this l;i<lv tioni 
 
INTUODUCTION. XXXV 
 
 Ulster to the Scottish llighhiuds, uud foiiiulcd as many 
 liouses there, and, in the subsequent century, a scion of 
 the House of the Isles acquired land in the north of Ire- 
 land, and founded the Antrim family. In all tlie Irish 
 wai^s this race took generally a part, and, in their 
 own wars at home, were rarely without assistance from 
 Ireland. 
 
 The struggle between this great Celtic family and the 
 C*rown assumed an aspect at length which could only 
 terminate in the i-uin of the former or the humiliation of 
 the latter, and at length resulted in the forfeiture of the 
 Lord of the Isles in 1478, and his subsequent submission, 
 when he resigned his hereditary Celtic title, and received 
 in exchange the feudal dignity of Lord of the Isles ; a 
 humiliation which gave deep offence to his subjects, and 
 was not acquiesced in by them, and produced such in- 
 ternal dissensions, that the Crown took advantage of them 
 to enforce the final forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles 
 in the year 1493. A series of insurrections followed in 
 favour of the descendants of the forfeited Lord, which 
 finally terminated in the utter extinction of the kingdom 
 of the Isles in the year 1545. 
 
 During this period, which extends to nearly four cen- 
 turies, there was not only a close political connexion 
 between the Western Highlands and Islands and Ireland, 
 but the literary influence was equally close and strong ; 
 the Irish sennachies and bards were heads of a si-hool 
 which included the West Highlands, and the Highland 
 sennachies were either of Irish descent, or, if of native 
 
XX.WT INTRODFCTION. 
 
 origin, rcsoiixid to bardic schools in Ireland for instruc- 
 tion in the language and the accomphshments of their 
 art. 
 
 The annals of the four masters record the following 
 Irish sennachies as being recognised masters in the High- 
 lands : — 
 
 In 1185 died Maclosa O'Daly, oUav, or chief sage or 
 poet of Erin and Alban ; a man illustrious for his poetr}% 
 hospitality, and nobihty. 
 
 In 1328 died the bhnd O'Carril, chief minstrel of 
 Erin and Alban in his time. 
 
 In 1448 died Tadg og, son of Tadg, son of Giolla- 
 coluim O'Higgin, chief preceptor of the poets of Erin 
 and Alban. 
 
 In 1554 died Tadg, sou of Aodh O'Coffey, chief 
 teacher of poetry in Erin and Alban. 
 
 The oldest of the Gaelic MSS., preserved in tlie Library 
 of the Faculty of Advocates, belong to this period. They 
 are aU WTitten in the Irish character ; the language is the 
 written language of Ireland ; and they contain numerous 
 specimens of the poetry of these Irish masters, espci-ially 
 of Tadg og and the O'Dalys. 
 
 'I'lie Betons, or, as tlicir name was in (Jarlic, .Mac- 
 Itheatlia, who were lu'reditary jjliysicians in Isla and .Mull, 
 and wlio were also scmiacliies of the Alaeleans, were of 
 Irish desi-cnt, being O'Xcills, and are said l>y tradition to 
 be one ol' tile I'aiiiiliis who accompanied ()'( atlians daugh- 
 Icr to S(M)tlau<l ; and many of these Mss. behmgcd to 
 them. Tlie JM'X'iuichs, wJio uriv hereditary senna»-l»ic3 
 
INTRODUCTION. XXXVll 
 
 to C'laiiraiiakl, were likewise of Irish desceut, and arc said 
 " to have received their education in Irish Colleges of 
 poetry and writing." ^ Many of these mss. were com- 
 jiiled by them ; and the earliest arc likewise written in 
 the Irish character and idiom. The sennachies of the 
 other great families, comprised within the dominions of 
 the Lords of the Isles, appear likewise to have all resorted 
 to Ireland for instruction and training in their art. 
 
 A powerful iiiHuence must thus liave been exercised 
 upon the language and literature of the Highlands, which 
 must have become by degrees more and more assimilated 
 to tliat of Ireland ; and it may well be doul:)ted whether, 
 towards the close of this period, there existed the means 
 of acquiring the art of writing the language except in 
 Ireland, or the conception of a written and cultivated 
 Uterature, which was not identified with its language and 
 learning. 
 
 We have no reason, however, to conclude, on that ac- 
 count, that there was not a vernacular Gaelic, wliieli pre- 
 served many of the independent features of a native 
 language, and existed among the people as a spoken 
 dialect ; or that a popular and un\vritten literature may 
 not at the same time have existed in that native and 
 idiomatic Gaelic in the poetry handed down by tradi- 
 tion, or composed by native bards, innocent of all ex- 
 traneous education in the written language of Ireland. 
 It is, in fact, in poetry, or rather in popular ballad 
 poetry, that the nervous and itliomatic vernacular of the 
 
 1 HigliliUid Society's Kepoit, App. p.. 6. 
 
XXXVlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 people is usually prcsen'^ed. Prose readily assimilates 
 itself and succumbs to the influence of a cultivated and 
 written language, but the t}Tanny of rhythm and metre 
 preserves the language in which poetry is composed in 
 its original form and idiom. ^ 
 
 The fall of the great House of the Isles was coincident 
 with another event, destined to eflect a great change in 
 the position of the Highland population and of their 
 literature. This was the Reformation of the sixteenth 
 century and its attendant events, the establishment of a 
 Reformed Church, the introduction of printing, and the 
 translation of the Scriptures and rehgious works for the 
 instruction of the people. 
 
 From this som'ce sprung up a religious literature, 
 which, commencing in the wiitten or Irish Gaeho, gra- 
 dually approached nearer and nearer to the spoken dialect 
 of the country, and, accompanied by the preaching of the 
 clergy in the vernacular dialect, tended to preserve and 
 stereotype the language spoken in the Higlilands in its 
 native form and idiom. 
 
 The first printed book was a translation of the Form of 
 Prayer issued l)y John Knox, whicli was made by John 
 Cai-sewell, the Protestant Bishop of llu' Isles, and printed 
 at "Dunedin darab conihainm Dmnuonaidh," that is, at 
 Duneiliii (M- Edinburgh, «>ther\vise called Dunmonaidh, 
 24th April If) 07. Jiishop Carsewell was a native of 
 
 ' PioHc oiigimilly writtuu in a vcr- Burns, for instiinci", oouUl not lio writ 
 
 naculiir diiiloct readily ailiii>t8 it.si-ll' to ton in English witliotit siioritioing, to a 
 
 the changcH in the lanj,'imK»!, or iiassi-s great exti-nt, tlu< rhynio ami cadence ol 
 
 into a now and t iilli\ated fi>rni of it ; tho vei-ses, and almost entiivly (heir 
 
 liiit not lio ballad iioitry. Tin" iioonm of nt-rve and iiowor. 
 
INTKODUCTION. XXXIX 
 
 Kilmartin, in the southern part of the country of Aigyll. 
 He prefixes to his translation an address, which is written 
 in the Irish orthography, and in the pure Irish or written 
 dialect. In it he says, that " we, the Gael of iVlhan and 
 Erin, have laboured under the want that our dialects of 
 the Gaelic have never been printed ;" and he alludes to 
 the dialects of the language and to the mauusciipt litera- 
 ture then existing, " written in manuscript books in the 
 compositions of poets and oUaos, and in the remains of 
 learned men," and characterizes them not unjustly as full 
 of " lying, worldly stories concerning the Tuatha de 
 Dannan, the sous of jMilesius, the heroes, and Finn 
 mac Cumhal with his Feine." 
 
 The second printed book was a translation of Calvin's 
 Catechism, which was published, along with an English 
 edition, in 1631. This translation seems likewise to have 
 been made in Argyllshire, and is in the Irish orthography 
 and idiom. 
 
 In 1659, the Presbyterian Synod of Argyll took uj) 
 the work of issuing translations into Gaelic of the 
 metrical Psalms and of the Scriptures, and commenced 
 with a portion of the Psalter, which was completed in 
 1694. This also is in the Irish dialect ; but, in 1753, an 
 amended version was published by the Eev. Alexander 
 Macfarlane, minister of Kilninver and Kilmelford, who 
 had previously, in 1750, published a translation into 
 GaeHc of Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, adapted to 
 the Gaelic of the central and north Highlands ; and, in 
 1787, another version was issued by Dr. J. Smith, 
 
xl INTRODUCTION. 
 
 minister of KilhiaiKloii, and aftenviirds of Campbell- 
 town, who liati in 1781 translated Alleine's Alarm into 
 Gaelic, and in this version the north country words 
 and Irishisms were thrown out, and the metre suited 
 to the west country dialect; and, finally, in 1807, an 
 edition of the Psalter was pubhshed by Thomas Eoss 
 for the use of the northern districts, in which the Irish 
 words, unintelligible to them, are explained at the 
 bottom of the page by s}Tionymous words used in that 
 part of the Highlands. 
 
 In 1G90, the first Bible was published fur the use of 
 the Highlands. It was simply an edition of the Irish 
 version of the Bible, ])y the Bev, Robert Kirke, mmister 
 of Balquhidder, to which he appended a short vocabu- 
 lary. 
 
 In 1767, the first translation of the New Testament 
 was published. It was translated by the Rev. James 
 Stewart of Killin. It was then considered as pure 
 Scotch Gaelic, and free from Irish idiom ; and, in 1796, 
 it was revised and altered by his son. Dr. Stewart of 
 Luss. In 1783, a translation of the Old Testament was 
 undertaken by the Society for Propagating Christian 
 Knowledge in Scotland, and completed in 1787, and 
 various editions subse(]Uently ai>[)eared. In ISli;, a 
 memorial was ]»resented to the General Assembly of 
 the Cliitivli, uiuiiig I he necessity of a liiial revision of 
 the GaeJK; Si-riptures, and a committee iA' the best 
 Gaelic scholars appointed to su|ierinteiid it, undiT whose 
 auspices an amended edition was j»ublished of the Old 
 
INTRODUCTION. xli 
 
 Testament in 18li0, and uf the whole Scriptures in 1826, 
 which may now be considered as the standard of the 
 orthograpliy and idiom of the Scotcli Gaelic. 
 
 It will be seen that the earlier printed books emanated 
 entirely from Argyllshire, where the spoken dialect ap- 
 proaches more nearly to the Irish ; and the work of 
 translating and publishing the Psalter and Scriptm-es 
 into Gaelic being a new and difficult task, the translators 
 resorted to Ireland and to the written and cultivated 
 dialect of the Irish as the medium through which to 
 convey it ; but as subsequent editions were issued, they 
 were brought more and more near to the spoken lan- 
 guage of the Scotch Highlands in its purest form and 
 idiom, and the Iiish orthography by degrees adapted to 
 it, till at lenofth the Scotch Gaelic became clothed in that 
 orthography in which w^e now^ find it, and elevated to the 
 position of a written and cultivated lang-uage. 
 
 Throughout the w^hole of this period, however, there 
 existed, side by side with this printed rehgious literature, 
 another literature in the popular poetry of the unculti- 
 vated native bards, removed from the influence of Irish 
 training, whose compositions were expressed in the pure 
 idiom of the spoken dialect ; and in the poems of Ian 
 Lorn, the Lochaber poet of the Wars of Montrose ; Dun- 
 can Ban Macintyi'e, w^hose exquisite poem of Bendoran is 
 a beautiful specimen of pure Gaelic, and whose poems 
 WTre printed in 1778 ; Ailen Buidlie Macdougall, W. 
 Boss, and Allan Dall Macdougall— all natiA-es of the 
 central districts of the Highlands, —we find ample evi 
 
Xlii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 dence of the existence and character of a vernaciUar 
 dialect, in which the people interchanged their homely 
 ideas, and their ftivourite bards composed their poems 
 which found an immediate access to the hearts and ima- 
 gination of the people ; while the language in which theii- 
 scriptures and formularies were conveyed was looked 
 upon as a sort of sacred dialect, through which they re- 
 ceived their religious teaching. 
 
 There was thus, tlu'oughout, a doul)le influence exercised 
 upon the language and literature of the Highlands. One 
 from Ireland, which was associated with the written and 
 cultivated dialect of Gaelic Avliich had there been formed, 
 and brought over with Christianity to Scotland. With 
 it came the Irish orthography. It was mainly connected 
 with learniiiG^ and reho-ious teaehino^, and its influence 
 was most powerful in the western districts and islands, 
 and the territories subject to the power of the Lord of 
 the Isles. The other, indigenous and antagonistic to it, 
 falling back upon a literary influence from the south and 
 east, when not predominant, and associated more with 
 the popular poetiy of the Highlands. Its orthography 
 seems to have resembled that of the other Celtic lan- 
 guages, the Welsh and the Manx ; and its influence pre- 
 vailed in the ceutnd and north lii'^hlands, where the 
 best and purest type of the Scotch Gaelic is still to be 
 found. ^ 
 
 ' Mr. Donald Miiciiitosh, the Kiiper IVniaig has a jiajior Ms., written in tlu" 
 
 of the Highland Society's MSB., in his Ilomun character, and in an or/Aoyni^Ay 
 
 liHt of MSB. then exiHtiiig in Scnthind in /lAr that of tJm Ikan of Lisnwre, con- 
 
 18(l({, nicntiuuH that " Mr. Mathe.son of taining ttoiii^h and liynin.x, some hy 
 
fNTRonrcTioN. xliii 
 
 'J'liL' literary history of t lie Higliiaiids falls into periods 
 as these mfluences respectively prevailed. 
 
 The first period is prior to the seventh century, when 
 there was no political separation between Ireland and 
 Gaelic Scotland. The great di\ isions of the people were 
 regulated by race rather than by geographical distribu- 
 tion. The Cniithne everywdiere were united by common 
 origin and ties of race ; and the Scots, wherever settled, 
 owned the JMilesian Ardiigh in Ireland. The countries 
 were simply viewed as the east and the west, and were 
 kno\\'n as Erin andAlban,and the communication between 
 them was free and unrestrained. The second period com- 
 mences with the separation of the Scotch Dalriada from the 
 Irish in 573, and of the Irish Cruitluie from the present 
 race, some thiity years later, when a political as well as 
 a geographical separation between the Celtic tribes of the 
 two countries took place ; Imt, for upwards of a century 
 afterwards, the church and clergy of the Highlands were 
 Irish, and the "wiitten Irish dialect imported by them 
 must still have remained in use, and exercised its accus- 
 tomed influence on the spoken language. 
 
 After the expulsion of the Scotch clergy in 717, a 
 period of great obscurity in the liistory of Scotland occurs, 
 extending to nearly a century and a half, during wdiicli 
 the ecclesiastical influence exercised was from the south, 
 taking its orisjin from the AuQ-lic kino-dom of Northum- 
 bria ; some revolution also took place, which placed a 
 
 Bishop Carsewell." This MS. has uot ed to Ireland for his prose translation of 
 been recovered ; hut if we had it, we Knox's Liturgy, his original poetrj- was 
 might find that, while the Bishop resort- in a diflerent dialect and orlhogmphy. 
 
xliv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Scottish royal family upon the throne of a kingdom con- 
 sisting of the united tribes situated to the north of the 
 Forth and Clyde. But during the same period another 
 event took place, of gi'cat significimce in the literary his- 
 tory of the country; the Monastery of leholunikill or 
 lona, the time-honoured seat of Gaelic learning, went 
 down amidst the troubled waters of Scandinavian }>irac-v, 
 and its position, as head of the learnino; and reliirion of 
 the country, was gone for ever. 
 
 During the fourth period, which lasted for three hun- 
 dred years, the Norwegian kingdom of ^lan and the 
 Isles, which likewise embraced the western seaboard of 
 the Highlands, interposed itself between the Highlands 
 and Ii'eland ; and the influence from the latter country 
 must for the time have been paralysed, while the indi- 
 genous and native influence maintained itself in the 
 extensive Highland province of Moray. 
 
 At the close of this period we have a hint of tlie 
 existence of an Albanic dialect of Gaelic in the Life of 
 St, Kentigern, first Bishop of Glasgow, by Jocclyn, ilie 
 biographer also of St. Patrick, w h(j wrote in the year 1 1 SO. 
 He says that the name of Kentigern was justly giwii 
 to one who might be called thi-ir diuniiius capitaneus ; 
 "nam ken caput Jjatine, tytrii Albanicc, dominus Latine 
 interpretatur." This is m-arly a ]>honetic orthogra]>hy, 
 and iK.t unlike llial cf lli.- Dean of Li>ni.>ii-'s Ms. In 
 Irish orthogra[)liy the words would be ccud, signifying 
 ca|)ut, or a head ; (ii/criia, ilominus, or lord ; Imt in pro- 
 niineiation the </ in nut/ is (juicst-ent, and the as[>irated 
 
INTRODUCTION. xlv 
 
 g ill tigerna, so that the sound is exactly represented 
 even as now pronounced. Jocelyn seems to recognise 
 the existence of a native dialect designated by Albanice ; 
 and one of the peculiarities of Scotch Gaelic is also 
 present in the omission of the final a from the word 
 tigcnta} 
 
 The fate of the great Celtic earldom of Moray, and 
 the decay of the Norwegian power in the Isles, was fol- 
 lowed by the powerful sway of the Celtic Lords of the 
 Isles, who, during the fifth period, extending from three 
 to fom- centuries, were dominant in the western dis- 
 tricts ; and, as far as their sway extended, the spirit, 
 influence, and Hterature were all Irish, and it was only 
 when the fall of the almost independent kingdom of the 
 Isles, and the Reformation again separated the countiy 
 from Ireland, that a reaction towards the vernacular 
 and spoken Scotch Gaelic took place, which has residted 
 in a clear development of its grammatical rules and 
 constmction, and the establishment of a fixed ortho- 
 graphy. 
 
 It was at the close of the fifth period, during which 
 the Lords of the Isles were all-powerful in the west, 
 and just before the middle of the sixteenth century 
 ushered in the Reformation, that the collection, of which 
 selections are now pubHshed, was made by the Vicar of 
 Fortingal, who was also Dean of Lismore. It is a col- 
 
 1 In the older life of St. Kentigem, cur fir sin, quod sonat Latine utinara 
 
 •ftTitten prior to 1164, it is said that sic esset" In modern Scotch Gaelic the 
 
 Servanus, at Culross, when he heard of phrase would be, .4 dhiu gurfior sin. 
 Kentigern's birth, exclaimed, " A din 
 
xlvi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 lection, fonned upwards of threu hundred years ago, 
 from all quartei-s, and presents to us a specimen of the 
 literature which was current in the Highlands during 
 this period. There are jDoems ])y the Irish bards, whose 
 schools extended also to the Highlands, by the O'Dalys, 
 who lived during the fifteenth century ; In' Teague og 
 O'Higgin, who died in 1448 ; by Dermod O'Hiffemau ; 
 and by Turn 0'J\Ieilchonaii', Ollav of the Sil IMurray, who 
 died in 14(i8. There are poems by Allan I^I'Ruadrie and 
 Gillecallum ]\Iac an OUa, who seem to have been native 
 bards ; by John of Knoydart, who celebrates the murder 
 of the young Lord of the Isles by his Irish harper in 
 1490 ; by Finlay M'Nab, called the Good Poet ; and by 
 the transcriber of the greater part of the manuscript, 
 Duncan, the Dean's brother, who wrote in praise of the 
 M'Gregors. 
 
 The great value of this collection, as regards the lan- 
 guage, arises from the peculiar orthography used, whieh 
 presents it as it must have Ijeen pronounced, and atiords 
 a means of testing one of the chief dift'erenei'S wliidi 
 characterize the different provincial dialects, the vowel 
 and consonantal sounds, and the }>rescnce or absence df 
 ecli])sis and asj)iration. 
 
 It has been found impossible to print the whole of the 
 contenls ol" llic Ms., but the sclectio!i which has bei-n 
 nia(h', chiclly with r< rcivucc to the literature of the High- 
 lands, will also allord a fair si)eciini-n of the shades of 
 dillerence which characicri/ed the laiiguagi' in which the 
 ]»oenis aie wjilteii. Some are in i»ure Irish, and mu>t 
 
INTRODUCTION. xlvii 
 
 liMN'o been transfeiTcd from thu Irish ortliognipliy into 
 that used in the MS. Others are in pure Scotch Gaelic, 
 as the poems of Duncan, son of Dougall Maol, Finlay 
 iM'Nab, the bard roy, and John of Knoydart. Others are 
 in a mixed diidect, in some of which the Irish idiom, 
 ill others the Scotch, predominates. 
 
 In general, it will be found that the language ap- 
 proaches more or less nearly to the Irish, as the writers 
 appear to have had more or less cultivation in the writ- 
 ten language, or were more or less removed from Irish 
 influence ; and the MS. may be viewed as the only known 
 record of those vernacular dialects of Gaelic in the six- 
 teenth century which differed in any degree from the 
 written and cultivated language. 
 
 But while the Dean of Lismore's MS. has in this re- 
 spect a philological value, it has likewise no mean 
 literary value, from the circumstance that it contains no 
 fewer than twenty-eight Ossianic poems, extending to up- 
 wards of 2500 lines, nine directly attril)uted to Ossian, 
 two to Farris or Ferghus Filidh, and one to Caolte 
 M'Ronan, the three bards of the Feine ; two to AUan 
 M'Ruadri, and one to Gillecallum Mac an 011a, bards 
 hitherto unknown ; and eleven poems, Ossianic in their 
 style and subject, to which no author's name is attached. 
 
 The circumstances under which the controversy re- 
 garding the authenticity of the poems of Ossian, pub- 
 lished liy James Macpherson, arose, and the extent to 
 which it for the time agitated the minds of the literati 
 of England and Scotland, are well known. 
 
xlviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In the summer of 1759, Mr. John Homo, the author 
 of Douglas, met ]\Ir. James Maepherson, then a tutor in 
 the family of Graham of Balgowan, at Moffat. Mr. Home 
 had previously been told by Professor Adam Fergusson, 
 a native of Atholl, and acquainted with Gaelic, that 
 there existed in the country some remains of ancient 
 Gaelic poetry. Mr. Home mentioned the circumstance 
 to James ]\lacpherson, also a Highlander, and a native of 
 Badenoch, and was told by him that he had some pieces 
 of ancient Gaehc poetry in his possession. After some 
 difhculty, Mr. Home obtained translations of them fi-om 
 Macpherson, and took them to Edinburgh, and showed 
 the translations to Drs. Blair, Fergusson, and Robertson, 
 by whom they were much admired. Macpherson was 
 importuned to translate all he had, and the translations 
 furnished by him were published in a little volume in 
 June 1760, under the title of "Fragments of Ancient 
 Poetry collected in the Highlands of Scotland." 
 
 There seems little reason to doubt that these transla- 
 tions were made from genuine fragments in ]\lacphersoii's 
 possession. If they existed at all, they were in liis pos- 
 session before any talk had arisen of translating Gaelic 
 poetry. Tliere was no ])retext of going to tin- Highlands 
 to collect them. Tlicic was no idcM, at thr tiiiic the 
 translations were produccil, that such jioctry could have 
 any value in tlie eyes of the lileiaiy world, and there 
 seems no motive lor any (iccti'lioii. Jn tlie frag- 
 ments, or rather short poems, contained in tliis little 
 work, the j)roper names are smoothed down from Uieir 
 
INTRODUCTION. xlix 
 
 orioiiial Gaelic form to suit Eiiglisli ears ; and Mac- 
 plierson had akeady hit upon that happy prose version, 
 tlie conception of which has great merit, and had no litth' 
 share in the popularity which immediately attached to 
 tlieni ; but, in other respects, they have every appearance 
 of having been translations from short Gaelic poems 
 which really existed. The admiration which they ex- 
 cited in the minds of men of the great literaiy reputa- 
 tion of Home, Blair, Fergusson, and Robertson, must 
 have first astonished, and then greatly flattered, a man of 
 the disposition of Macpherson. He was urged to under- 
 take a journey to the Highlands, to collect all that 
 remained of poetry of this description, and a sul^scrip- 
 tion was raised to defray the expense. This proposal 
 must have raised a prospect sufficiently dazzling before 
 the poor Higliland tutor, who seemed hkely to exchange 
 a life of poverty, obscurity, and irksome duty, for one 
 of comparative independence and literaiy fame ; and 
 he acceded to it ^vith afiected reluctance. At that time, 
 anythmg like that spirit of severe and critical anti- 
 quarianism, which attaches the chief value to the relics 
 of past ages from their being genuine fragments of a 
 past literature, and demands a rigid and literal ad- 
 herence to the form and shape in which they are found, 
 was totally unknown. That feeling is the creation of 
 subsequent times. At that time literary excellence was 
 mainly looked to, their authority was usually taken on 
 trust, and it was thought that the claims of such criti- 
 cism were suflicientlv satisfied wlien the remains of the 
 
1 IXTRODUCTI(»N. 
 
 past were woven into an elegant aiul lluwiiii: narrative. 
 With Homer and other classical epics before him, sucli 
 a ])roposal as the pubUcation of the ancient poetry of the 
 Hi^dilands, assuming, as we now know to be the fiict, 
 that Ossianic poetry of some kind did exist, and looking 
 to the high expectations formed, must have at once 
 suggested to him the idea that he should not do justice 
 to the task he had undertaken if he could not like\sase 
 produce a Gaehc epic. This idea seems early to have 
 suggested itself to Macpherson's mind ; it is obscurely 
 hinted at in the preface to the Fragments ; and JMac- 
 pherson seems to have started on liis tour with the pre- 
 conceived dcteiTuination to view any short poems ami 
 fragments he might find as parts of longer poems, and, 
 if possible, by welding them together, to produce a 
 national epic which should do honour to his country, 
 and confii'm his own reputation as its recoverer and 
 translator. He was accompanied, m the earlier part of 
 his journey, l)y a countryman of his own, ]\Ir. Lachlan 
 JMacpherson of Strathmashie, who was a better Gaelic 
 scholar than he was himself, and an excellent Gaelic poet. 
 It is certain that, in this tour, a number of MSs. were 
 collected by tlum, and poetiy taken down from recita- 
 tion ; and that he was joined in it by another Gaelic 
 scholar, Cai)tain Alexander Morrison, wh(» likewise as 
 sistcd him. On his return, he innceeded to r>a(len»>eh, 
 his native place .-md that of L.iehlan iMacpherscn, and 
 here he remaine<| till .lanuaiy 1 7 •", l. engaged, w it h the 
 assistance (.f Laclilan Mac|.hcrst)n and .\lexan<h r Mor- 
 
INTRODUCTION. U 
 
 risoii, in luvpariiig the iiiatoriuls for the next pul)lieati(»n 
 of Osrtian ; and then proceeded to Edinbiu'oli, fiom 
 wlienoe he wnt<.*s to tlie Rev. James j\l'Lagan, in a 
 letter dated IGtli January 17G1, — "I have been lucky 
 enough to lay my hands on a pretty complete poem, 
 
 and truly epic, concerning Fingal I have some 
 
 thoughts of puhlishing tlie original, if it ^\nll not clog 
 the work too much." 
 
 His task, whatever it was, had then been accompHshed ; 
 and after remaining some time in Edmburgh, engaged in 
 preparing the English version for the press, he went to 
 London, and early in 1762 issued a quarto volume, con- 
 taining the epic poem of Fingal, in sLx l)ooks, and sixteen 
 other poems. In the following year another quarto ap- 
 peared, containing another epic poem in eight books, 
 called Temora, and five other poems. This volume also 
 contained what was called " a specimen of the original of 
 Temora," being a Gaelic version of the seventh book, and 
 the only Gaelic bearing to be the original of any of the 
 poems which appeared. 
 
 The EngUsh version, contained in these two c[uartos, 
 possessed the same character as the English of the Frag- 
 ments ; the same accommodation of the Gaelic proper 
 names to the supposed requirements of Enghsh ears, and 
 the prose style, originated by Macpherson, sustained with 
 equal spirit ; the poems, however, were longer, and more 
 elaborate. 
 
 The literary public, who had welcomed the Fragments 
 with admiration, received the volume containmg the 
 
lii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 epic of Fiiigul with startled lait .silent acquiescence, and 
 exploded under the eight books of Temora. It seemed 
 incredible that poems such as these could have been 
 handed down by oral recitation from the supposed age of 
 Ossian ; the refined manners desciibed, and the allusions 
 to the Roman Emperors, awakened suspicion, and a 
 stomi of adverse criticism and questioning incredulity 
 arose, in which Dr. Johnson — at that time in the zenith 
 of his reputation — took the lead. 
 
 Macpherson, who found the fair breeze of flattery and 
 laudation, before which he had been sailing so smootlily 
 on his heavy quartos, without a suspicion that he had not 
 attamed the full success he aimed at, so suddenly changed 
 into an adverse storm of criticism and depreciation, knew 
 not how to meet the crisis. He had not courage to avow 
 the tinith, and state candidly to the world how much of his 
 work was based on originid authority, and to what ex- 
 tent he had carried the process of adapting, inteipolating, 
 and weaving into epic poems. He took refuge fii-st in 
 sulky silence, and eventually seemed to find a sort of 
 compensation for his denunciation, as a detected forger, 
 in the necessary cdternative, the credit of having been a 
 successful coiiqjoser, and by lialf hints enc(»uragcd that 
 view.^ 
 
 The journey \vlii<'li \)\: -btluisdii took to the Urbriiles, 
 
 ' In 1778 and 1780 a collection of Ohm- Lilmiry. Tht'ii> is ni>i>eni1wl to it n list 
 
 nnii' jiooniK, in the oriKiiml Giu-lic, wii8 of tin- j.frsons fioni whose ivcitntions tlio 
 
 iiiJKlebyDiinrun Ki'iiiuMly.sthodlmiisU.r. pDenis weiv tnken ilown. 
 JIIh MS. colliilion wim |(uirlia.se«l liy In 17h<>, I'r. Smith, of C'nniphvllton, 
 
 the Ilighliuiil Sotifly, uml is now in tiie ixililisluul n <|Uiirt<> volnine, entitleil 
 
 collection of mhh. in tht< Ailvinnteft' Oitelic Auti<|uititvi, contninin); veittioni* 
 
iNTUuiJUcTioN. liii 
 
 ill onk'i- to oxaniinc the question, and oi" his .Journal 
 of wliieh, oue passage seems to have adhered to men's 
 recollections almost as pertinaciously as that of Ossian's 
 Adth'ess to the Sun did to the Highland reciters of his 
 poems — the celebrated description of lona — was not likely 
 to do much in the way of solving the question. 
 
 A man of the obstinate prejudices and overbearing 
 temper of Dr. Johnson, with a firm belief that no Ossi- 
 auic poems really existed, and that Gaelic was not a 
 written language, with, an entii-e ignorance of that 
 languiige, and a colossal reputation as a critic, bursting 
 suddenly among the frightened Highland ministei-s, who 
 believed in him, and trembled before him, could hardly 
 return ^^dth any other residt than that he had found no 
 poems of Ossian, and no one bold enough to avow, in his 
 presence, that he believed in theii* existence ; and most 
 men now subsided into the con\action that the whole 
 
 in English of poems attributed to Ossian, all of these collectors of Ossianic poems 
 UUin, etc. ; and in 1787 the originals were showed to be supposed capable of compos- 
 published under the title of Sean Dana. ing them, and thus to acquire literary 
 
 Unhappily, Dr. Smith, instead of pub- credit at the expense of their honesty, laid 
 
 lishing the poems as he got them, with a claim to the authorship of part of them, 
 
 literal English version, was ambitious and furnished the Highland Society with 
 
 of shining, like Macpherson, as an edi- a statement of those parts of the poems 
 
 tor of Ossian, and of sharing in his no- he had really taken down from recitation, 
 
 toriety; but the poems of the latter had and those he claimed to have composed, 
 
 already lost their lustre, and Smith did It is strange tliat the passages he 
 
 not possess the wonderful tact and claimed as his own composition are just 
 
 originality Macpherson really showed those which have been most clearly esta- 
 
 in producing his English version, and Wished to be genuine, 
 
 which alone made them bearable ; his Thus, lines which Kennedy marked 
 
 version was diffuse, hea\7-, and turgid, as his own composition, are found t-erba- 
 
 and his book fell dead from the press. tim in the Dean's MS. 
 
 The Sean Dana showed that he had I believe that there wa.s little or no 
 
 largely made use of Kennedy's coUec- truth in Kennedy's assertion, which was 
 
 tion. dictated by vanity, and that his collec- 
 
 Kcunedy, with the strange desire that tion is, on the whole, genuine. 
 
liv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 thing was an ini[»osture, an opinion fmbodifd an<l L-ia- 
 l)orately worked out by Malcobn Laing. 
 
 This led to the Highhind Society of Scuthmd under- 
 taking an inquiry into the authenticity of the poems of 
 Ossian published by Macpherson, whidi involved the 
 subsidiary inquiry of whether such poems existed in the 
 Highlands iu the original Gaehc. The result of this in- 
 quiry is contained in the elaborate report pre] tared by 
 Heniy Mackenzie, the author of the Man of Feeling, and 
 published in 1806. 
 
 The inquiiy was conducted with much candoui'. The 
 committee were aided by receiving from Mr. John ^lac- 
 kenzie. Secretary of the Higliland Society of London, 
 and executor of ^Ii*. James Macphei-son, all the Gaelic 
 Mss. in his possession, including those which Macphei*son 
 had left behind him ; and they resorted to every means 
 within their reach to obtain information. 
 
 The whole of the materials for forming a judgment 
 which they had collected were placed impartially lu'fore 
 the jmblic ; and the subject, so far as sueh materials then 
 existed or were at their eonnnand, is really I'xhausted by 
 this report. 
 
 Tiie committee were cautious in giving an o}»inion. 
 but the result they arrived at seems to have been— 
 
 \st, 'i'liat the eharaeti'rs introduced into ]\lacphei"Son's 
 poems were not inMiilfd, but were really the subjects of 
 tradition in the Highlands; and that poems cert^unly 
 existed which might be ealled Ossianie.as relating to the 
 peisons and events of that mythic age. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Iv 
 
 2(/, That such poems, tliough usually cither entire 
 poems of uo very great length, or fragments, had been 
 handed do\vn from an unknown period ])y oral recita- 
 tion, and that there existed many persons in the High- 
 hinds who could repeat them. 
 
 3d, That such poems had likewise been committed to 
 ^\Titing, and were to be found to some extent in mss. 
 
 Ath, That Macpherson had used many such poems in 
 his work ; but by joining separated pieces together, and 
 by adding a connecting narrative of liis own, had woven 
 them into longer poems, and into the so-called epics. 
 
 No materitds existed, however, to show the extent to 
 which this process had been carried, and the amount of 
 genuine matter the poems, as published by Macpherson, 
 contained.^ 
 
 • A comparison of the poems in the 
 Fragments, with those in the first 
 quarto, containing the epic of Fingal, 
 shows indications of the mode in whicli 
 Macpherson dealt with his materials. 
 
 There are sixteen poems in the Frag- 
 ments, all short ; and some bearing the 
 usual mark of a complete poem, by the 
 (irst line being repeated at the end. 
 
 Thus, the second fragment begins 
 with the sentence, " I sit by the mossy 
 fountain ; on the top of the hill of 
 winds." And the same expression is 
 introduced at the end — " By the mossy 
 fountain I will sit ; on the top of the 
 hill of winds;" marking a complete 
 poem. 
 
 The first and fourth fragments we 
 find in the quarto volume, containing 
 Fingal, forming part of a longer poem 
 termed Carrickthura, and here they arc 
 joined together by ir.termediate passages 
 of some length, evidently interpolated 
 by Macpherson. 
 
 The sixth and twelfth fragments con- 
 tain dialogues between the poet and the 
 son of Alpine. This was no doubt, in 
 the original, the usual dialogue between 
 Ossian and Patrick, always called in 
 Scotch Gaelic poems Macalpine. The 
 sixth fragment appears also in the 
 tpiarto, in the so-called Epic of Fingal ; 
 but the dialogue is omitted, and the 
 translation greatly altered. 
 
 To the fourteenth fragment there is 
 appended the following note :—" This 
 is the opening of the epic poem men- 
 tioned in the preface. The two follow- 
 ing fragments are parts of some episodes 
 of the same work," and they accordingly 
 appear in the quarto, in the epic poem 
 of Fingal. 
 
 The fonrteeuth fragment, however, 
 relates to Cuchullin alone ; and in those 
 tales and poems which we know to be 
 genuine, Cuchullin and Fingal are 
 never brought together. 
 
 Macj'herson seems, at this stage of 
 
Ivi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Such was the result to which the committee appeare<l 
 to come, and which may fairly he deduced from tliis 
 inquiry ; all intelligent inquirei-s seemed now to adopt 
 this result, and the unbiassed public generally acquiesced 
 in it, — the only difference of opinion being as to the 
 greater or less extent to which ^Maepliei-son canied his 
 process of adaptation and amalgamation. 
 
 The publication in 1806 of what was caUed the 
 original Gaelic of Ossian, did not affect this conclusion, 
 or tend to alter the general acquiescence of the pubUc in 
 it. Instead of consisting of genuine extracts from old 
 Mss., or copies of pieces taken down from oral recitation, 
 it proved to be a complete vei-sion in Gaelic poetry of 
 the English vereion transcribed under Janies Macpher- 
 son's eye, and left by him in a state for publication. It 
 was a smooth and polished vei-sion in Gaelic verse of the 
 entire poems, in the same shape as they were presented 
 in English, and written in the modern Gaelic of that 
 time. 
 
 It is very difficult, however, to believe that this Gaelic 
 N'ersion had been composed subsequently to the iniblica- 
 tion of the English Ossian, and translated from it. 'i\) 
 any one cai)able, from a knowledge of Gaelic, of judg- 
 ing, such a theory seems almost impossible ; and it is 
 difficult to ac(|uiesce in it. A review of all the circum- 
 stances which have been allowed to transpire regarding 
 the proceedings of James J\lacphei*son, seems rather to 
 
 liJN collection, to Imvucoiucivol till' ilka «hulliii ami Kiiifjiil iu tlio saiho trans- 
 uf weaving the hIioK |>orniK into one actioUh, lictriiys its tirtitici.il conjitnic 
 f\>\c ; Jiut hiH iiuNkiiriil junction of t'u- tion. 
 
INTUODUCTIUN. Ivii 
 
 k'tul to the conclusion that thu Gaelic version, in the 
 shape in which it was afterwards i)ublishecl, had Ijeen 
 l)iepaied in Badenoch, during the months JMacpherson 
 passed there, after liis return from his Highland tour, with 
 the assistance of Lachlan ]\Iacpherson of Strathmashie, 
 and Captain Morrison, and that the English translation 
 w as made from it by Macpherson in the same manner in 
 Mliicli lie had translated the fragments, — a conclusion 
 which is the more probable, as, while James Macpherson's 
 acquaintance with the language seems not to have been 
 suthciently complete to qualify him for such a task, 
 there appears to be no doubt of the Laird of Strath- 
 mashie's perfect ability to accomplish it.^ 
 
 But while from this date the controvei-sy in England 
 may be said to have tenninated, \vith the exception of 
 
 ' Some yeai-s ago 1 happened to Ou being pressed to say who tliis 
 
 pass a couple of months in the imme- friend was, he says, " his name was 
 
 diate neighbourhood of Strathmashie, Laclihane Macpherson of Strathmashy. 
 
 and I recollect having lieen informed at He died in 17(>7." 
 
 that time, but by whom I cannot now This Gaelic version seems, therefore, to 
 
 tell, that, after Lachlan Macpherson's have been put together before 1767 ; and 
 
 death, a paper was found in his reposi- if before 1762, it will account for the 
 
 tories containing the Gaelic of the seventh original of the seventh book of Temora 
 
 book of Temora, in his handwriting, having been published in that year, 
 
 with numerous corrections and altera- and also for an advertisement which 
 
 tions, with this title, — " First rude draft appeared soon after the publication 
 
 of the seventh book of Temora." of the second quarto, that the ori- 
 
 Mr.Gallieseut to the Highland Society ginals were lying at the publisher's, 
 
 a part of the Gaelic of Fiugal, which and would be published if a sulHcient 
 
 afterwards appeared in the Gaelic ver- number of subscribers came forward ; 
 
 siou subsequently published. He said but as few subscribers appeared, and 
 
 he had taken it from a Ms. he had re- fewer came to look at them, they were 
 
 covered, written by a friend " who was withdrawn. 
 
 at that time with Mr. Macpherson and The so-called originals were, no doubt, 
 
 me, a gentleman well known for an un- this Gaelic vei-sion, whicii there is every 
 
 common acquaintance with the Gaelic, reason to believe had preceded the Eng- 
 
 and a happy facility for wi'iting it in lish version in its preparation. 
 Roman charactei-s.". 
 
Iviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 an occa.sioiial ivproductioii of old arguments and of 
 criticism long superseded, l)y enthusiastic yoimg High- 
 landers, and occasional discussions at young debating 
 societies, it broke out from a new quarter, and in a 
 different shape. 
 
 The Irish, who had been long mmmuring under the 
 neglect of their claims to literar}- notice, and the ab- 
 sorbing attention obtained by the Highlands, suddenly 
 burst forth with a succession of violent and spasmodic 
 attacks, of which the partial detection of the Ossian of 
 Macpherson afforded a favourable opportunity. 
 
 In 1784 Dr. Young, afterwards Bishop of Clonfert, a 
 good Irish scholar, had made a tour in the Highlands, 
 with the view of collecting Gaelic poems, and ascertain- 
 ing from what materials ]\Iaepherson had constructed his 
 Ossian, He published an account of his journey in the 
 tiist volume of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Aca 
 demy, in which he maintained that any poems that 
 existed were Irish, and that ISIacpherson had founded 
 liLS Ossian on some of these, " retrenching, adding, and 
 altering as he judged proper." 
 
 In 178'J a collcctitm of Irish Ossianic jjoems was pul>- 
 lished by Miss Brooke, termed Reliqu(>s of Irish Poetry. 
 They consisted of short poems, either attril>uted to 
 Ossian or on Ossianic sul>jects, and were accompanied 
 l»\' the original Irisli Ni-rsiou iVdiu which thry were 
 translated. Wlurc that was obtained is not stated. 
 
 In IsoT the huMin (laeli*- Society was lonned, for 
 the pui|>ose of puMishiiiL;- the etilltents of Irish Mss. ; 
 
INTK()1)U<TH)N. lix 
 
 and in the only vnlunu' of transactions j)ul)lisli(Ml, tin- 
 subjoct of Ossiaii was tiikeii up. The prose tale of 
 Deirdre, the original of Macpherson's Dartliiila, inter- 
 spersed with fragments of poetry, is there given ; and 
 the volume likewise contains strictures upon Macpher- 
 son, in which his work is boldly denounced as an entire 
 fabrication and imposture from beginning to end, and 
 tlic assertion made, that no poems of Ossian ever existed 
 in Gaelic except those in Ireland. 
 
 In 1827 the Eoyal Irish Academy offered a prize for 
 the best essay on the poems of Ossian. The subject 
 proposed was " to investigate the authenticity of the 
 poems of Ossian, both as given in Macpherson's trans- 
 lation and as pubhshed in GaeHc (London, 1807), 
 under the sanction of the Highland Society of London." 
 The prize was awarded in 1829 to Dr. Drummond, 
 theh' hbrarian, whose essay is published in the sixteenth 
 volume of their Transactions, In this essay the argii- 
 ments of Dr. Johnson and Malcolm Laing are adopted ; 
 and the assertion of the former is re-echoed, that " there 
 does not exist in the whole Highlands a person who 
 can repeat one poem of Macpherson's Ossian." Another 
 essay, given in by Edward O'Keilly, the author of an 
 Irish dictionary of no great repute, is printed in conti- 
 nuation of Dr. Drummond's, also asserting the modern 
 fabrication of the whole of the poems published l)y 
 Macpherson, and that the GaeHc poems of Macpherson 
 contain in them the substance stolen from Irish poems. 
 
 In 1853 a society was formed in Dul)lin. " whose 
 
Ix INTRODl'CTKJN. 
 
 (.»bject should be tlie publication of Fenian i)Oems, tales, 
 and romances illustrative of the Fenian perioil of Irish 
 history, in the Irish language and character, with literal 
 translations and notes explanatoiy of the text." This 
 society was termed the Ossianic Society, and they have 
 already issued six volumes of Transactions. 
 
 In the fifth volume there is an essay on the poems of 
 Ossian by Macpherson, which may be considered as a 
 summary of the case of Ireland against Scotland as to 
 these poems. 
 
 This essay is, like the others, violent in language and 
 uncandid in spirit. It deals with the controversy as it 
 existed in the last century, and its strength consists in 
 simply ignoring altogether the inquiry made by the High- 
 land Society of Scotland, the whole of the great mass of 
 facts collected by them being passed over in silence, nud 
 ill iiiipiiting to the Scots of the present day the ^^ews 
 and feelings of those of a century back, before the rise 
 of a true spirit of historic inquiry and genuine criticism 
 had led them to a just appreciation of their national 
 history, and of the t-laiius of .Ma<i»hersoii's Ossian to l»i' 
 viewed as an autheiilif work. 
 
 Tlic piil)li(ations of tlic DiibHu Gaehc Society and of 
 tiic Ossianic. Society iiavc, liowcNcr, not merely a.ssailed 
 till! Ossian of Macjiheison as a fabrication, and denied 
 to Scot lii lid I lie possession of any Ossianic poems what- 
 ever ; they have at length given to the world tho.se 
 genuine ()ssianic jmichis allegctl to exist solt-ly in Ireland. 
 
 The lunuer contains the pro>e tale ..f I )eirdre. inter 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixi 
 
 sperscd with short poems. The latter have presented to 
 tlie public a iiiimher of poems in the original Irish, ^vith 
 literal translations. The first volume contains a poem 
 extending to no fewer than 180 quatrains, termed the 
 Battle of Gal>hra, to which is added a short poem 
 termed the Rosg Catha of Oscar son of Ossian ; but, 
 strangely enough, though there is an elaborate intro- 
 duction, no hint is given of where the originals of 
 these poems were obtained. The second volume, be- 
 sides a short poem given in a long and elaborate intro- 
 duction, contains a prose tale called the Festivities of the 
 House of Con an of Ceann-sleibhe ; and in this volume, 
 for the first time, the source from which this tale and the 
 poem in the previous volume was taken is stated. They 
 are from a MS. collection made by a celebrated scribe 
 named Foran, who resided at Portland, in the county of 
 Waterford, in the year 1780, that is, twenty years after 
 Macpherson had published his Ossian. 
 
 The thii'd volume contains a long prose tale, interspersed 
 with poetry, termed the Pui-suit of Diarmaid and 
 Grainne ; another prose tale, termed How Cormac mac 
 Art got his Branch ; and a poem, termed the Lamenta- 
 tion of Oisin after the Feinne. And the sources of these 
 tales are stated to be — 1st, The collection made by 
 Laurence Foran in 1780, termed Bolg an tsalathar ; 
 and 2dly, A closely written quarto of 881 pages, from 
 the pen of Mailan O'Griobhta or Martin GrifKn, an in- 
 teUigent blacksmith of Kilrush, in the county of Clare, 
 1842-43, called an Sgeulaidhe, and containing thirty- 
 
Ixii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 eight Fenian and other legends, some of whicli are said 
 to have been transcribed from mss. of 1749.^ 
 
 The fourth volume contains ten poems, which, with the 
 exception of two, were taken from the collection of 1780, 
 from another collection made in 1 8 1 2 by the Rev. Thomas 
 Hill of Cooreclure, and from the volume of the intellio^eiit 
 blacksmith in 1844. 
 
 The fifth volume contains a long prose tale termed the 
 Proceedings of the Great Bardic Institution, an essay 
 t)n the poems of Ossian, published l>y Macpherson, aiul 
 several short poems wdiich are ancient, but not Ossianic. 
 
 And the sixth and last contains nine Ossianic poems, 
 which are stated to be taken from Foran's collection in 
 1780, from that of Mr. Hill in 1812, and from the intel- 
 ligent blacksmith of 1844. 
 
 No information whatever is given as to the sources from 
 whence these respectable collector obtained their poems ; 
 they are all posterior to the publication of Ossian's poems 
 ])y jNlacpherson ; and, so far as we are yet informed by 
 the Irish editors, the Ossianic poems published l)y them 
 stand in no l)etter position in regard to their antit[uity 
 or authenticity than those of Mac})hei-son,- 
 
 I'rofessor O'Curiy, in his valuable lecturi's on Irish 
 literature, with that scrupulous accuracy which always 
 distinguishes him, admits that there exists in Ireland 
 
 ' In Vdl. iv. p. "i.'iO of tliCHu Tnmsat- I'sivci-iuUy the poem toriiuMl the Bjiltloof 
 
 tioiiH, it irt mliiiitli'd Hint hkiik* of tliu (Salihm, kIiow uviilviil indicntioiis of tlio 
 
 lioeiiiK tniiiHiiilu'<l ill 171!' wort" the i-oni- huiiiv pnu-i'sh of pntohin^ niid <Uivi<tAiliii|; 
 
 positjon of tlio writiT, Miihiifl C'oinyn. tonctlier ofMhortiT p<H'iim which ohanio- 
 
 * ThoHu pDL'iiis pulilinhed by tlic OnsI- tcriw Mm-phi'i>on's Osttinn. 
 niiic; Sooirty which arc of miy lcii(;th,aiiil 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixiii 
 
 only eleven ( )ssiani(' p(xniis piior to the fifteenth century 
 — seveD ascribed t(» Fionu himself, two to hLs son Uisin, 
 one to Fergus Filidh, and one to Caoilte. Most of these 
 are extremely short, and are found piincipally in the 
 hook of Leinster, supposed to be compiled in the twelfth 
 century, and m the book of Lecan in the fifteenth. 
 
 The theory^ that Macpherson stole his poems directly 
 tVoni Ireland, is ol)viously untenable and inconsistent with 
 all that we know of his proceedings, for he never was there, 
 and had apparently no communication with Irishmen, or 
 access to their mss. What he obtained, he got in the 
 Highlands of Scotland, and the collection of poems made 
 by the Dean of Lismore and his brother tends to confirm 
 the result which had been attained by the inquiry made 
 Ijy the Higliland Society of Scotland, for it contains 
 poems attributed dii'ectly to Ossian and others which 
 may be called Ossianic, collected in the Highlands of 
 Scotland upwards of three hundi'cd years ago. The 
 pei-sons named, and the subjects, are of the same character 
 with those in jMacpherson, and such poems must have 
 been handed dowTi by oral recitation, as many of the 
 poems obtained from recitation during the Higliland 
 Society's inquiry are the same as those in this ms. 
 
 Assuming, then, that Ossianic poems existed in the 
 Higlilands of Scotland, and were both preserved by oral 
 tradition, and transcribed in MS. collections, the question 
 arises, What is their real position in the literatiu-e of 
 the Highlands ? and this question leads to a preliminarj' 
 question which will materially aid its solution. 
 
Ixiv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Wli(^ were the FeiiiiK.' of tradition, and to what couiitrv 
 and period are they to be assigned ? 
 
 To tliis question the Irish liistorians give a ready 
 response. 
 
 They were a body of Irish militia, forming a kind of 
 standing army, emphjyed for the pui-pose of defending 
 the coasts of Ireland from the invasion of foreign foes. 
 They were billeted upon the inhabitants during win- 
 ter, and obliged to mamtain themselves by hunting and 
 fishing during summer. Each of the four provinces had 
 its band of these warriors, termed Curaidhe or cham 
 pions. Those of Ulster were teimed the Quaidhe na 
 Craoibh Ruaidlie, or champions of the red brancJi, and 
 were stationed at Eamhain or Eamania, near Ulster. To 
 this body belonged the celebrated Cuchullin and the S(Uis 
 of Uisneach. The militia of Connaught were the Cu- 
 raidhe or champions of Jorras Domnan, otherwise called 
 the Clanna Morna, to which belonged Goll Mac Morn, 
 stationed at Dun Domnan, in Mayo. The militia of 
 Munster were the Curaidhe Calami DeaghatUi, to which 
 belonged Curigh Mac Daire, stationed at Cathair Con- 
 rigli, in Kerry. The militia of Leinster were the Curaighe 
 Clanna Baoisgne, to w liich lteK»nged the renowned Finn 
 Mac Cumhal, his sons, Ossin and Fergus Filidh, his 
 grandson Oscar, an<l his relation, (*aoilte ]\Iac l\onan. 
 Cuchullin lived in the iirsl cculiny, in the reign of 
 Conaire Mac Kidcrsgeoil, Kingof Ireland, and Conchob:ir 
 Mac Nessa, a king of I'lster; and at th(> same |)eriod 
 ii\(Ml( 'ini<_di .M;ic h.iire. \vlio\\;is slain b\- liini. Finn 
 
INTHODirnuN. Ixv 
 
 Mac Cunilial lived in tlu; rcio-u (»f ('(tnnac Mac Ait, 
 wlio ruled from A.D. 227 to 2(;(), and wliose daughter 
 Graine ho marriod, and Goll JMac. Moinia was his cotem 
 porary. Finn was slain in the year 285, his gi-andson 
 Oscar having fallen in tlie battle of GahJjra, fought in 
 the following year. Oissin and Caoilte survived to the 
 time of St. Patrick, whose mission to Ireland fell in the 
 year 432, and related to him the exploits of the Feinne ; 
 one conversation between these aged Feinne and the 
 apostle of Ireland having been preserved, and is termed 
 Agallamh na seanorach or the Dialogue of the Sages. 
 
 Such is the account of the Feinne given by the Irish. 
 
 If this is history, caclit quest io. The ancient Irish 
 militia, like their more modern representatives, could not, 
 it is presumed, be called upon to leave their country, 
 except in case of invasion ; and poems narrating their 
 adventures and exj-jloits must have been as Irish as the 
 heroes which were the subject of them. 
 
 But we cannot accept it as history in any sense of the 
 term. It is as illusory and uncertain as are the dates 
 of St. Patrick, and the narrative of which the one forms 
 a part, is as little to be regarded as a veracious chronicle, 
 as the life of the other can be nccepted as a genuine 
 biography. The chronology of the one is as cpiestionable 
 as the era of the other. 
 
 Prior to the year 483, the Irish have, strictly speaking, 
 no chronological history. The battle of Ocha, fought in 
 that year, which established the dynasty of the Hy'Neills 
 on the Irish throne, and the order of things which 
 
 / 
 
Jxvi INTKOIflCTIOX. 
 
 existed subsequent to that date, is the great ehronolo- 
 gical era which separates the ti-ue from the empirical, 
 the gemiiue annals of the country frcmi an artificially 
 constructed history. 
 
 Prior to that date, we find the reigns of a long suc- 
 cession of monarchs recorded, with a strange mixture of 
 minute detail, chronological exactness, and the wildest 
 fal)le, a wonderful structure of histoiy palpably artificial, 
 and ranging over a period of upwards of 3000 yeai*s. 
 Passing over the arrival of C^asar, Noah's niece, who 
 landed in Ireland forty days before the deluge, on the 
 fifteenth day of the moon, the so-called Irish histoiy 
 records the arrival of four colonies before that of the 
 Milesians. First, that of Partolan and his followei-s, 
 who landed at Inversceine, in the west of ]\Iunster, on 
 the 14th day of May, in the year of the world 2320 or 
 2G80 years B.C., and who all perished by a pestilence in 
 one week to the number of 9000 on the Hill of Howth, 
 thiity years after their arrival. Secondly, the Neme- 
 dians, under their leader Nemedius, thirty years after, 
 who, after remaining 217 yeai-s in the island, left it. in 
 consequence of the tyranny and ()])pressi(>n of the 
 pirates, termed the Fonioiians, in {\nvv bauds,— one 
 going to Thrace, from whom descended the Firbolg ; 
 the second t<» the North of Euro])e or Lochlaii. from 
 wlioiii descended th<' 'I'uatha I )e |);iiiaiiii ; and tlii- third 
 to Alban or Scotland, IVom whom descendcil the liri- 
 tons. Tlie third colony were the Kirbolg, who returned to 
 li-el.-ind L'lT years ;irtei- the arrival of the Neniedians. and 
 
iNTiiomcTioN. Ixvii 
 
 consisted of tlircr tribes, the Firholi;-, tin- FirtloiiuKm, 
 and the Firgailiaii under five leaders, by whom Ireland 
 was divided into five provinces. With Slainge, the 
 eldest of the five brothers, the Irish historians com- 
 mence the monarchy of Ireland and the list of her kings. 
 The fourth colony were the Tuatha De Danann, who 
 went from Lochlan to Alban or Scotland, and from thence 
 to Ireland, where they landed on Monday the 1st of INIay, 
 and drove out the Fii'bolgs, after they had been thirty-six 
 years in Ireland, to he in their turn driven out by the 
 Scots, under the three sons of Milesius, Eremon, Eber, 
 and Ir, who, with their uncle's son Lughadh, the son of 
 Ith, led the fifth and last colony from Spain to Ireland. 
 The island was divided between the two brothers Ere- 
 mon and Eber, the former having the north, and the 
 latter the south half of Ireland ; Ir obtaining Ulster 
 under Eremon, and Lughadh a settlement in Munster 
 under Eber. 
 
 From the sons of Milesius to the reign of Lughadh, 
 who was placed on the thi-one by the battle of Ocha, there 
 proceeded a line of monarchs amounting to 116 in num- 
 ber, and extending over a period of upwards of twenty- 
 one centuries, the descendants of the different sons of 
 Milesius alternating with each other from time to time, 
 and the reign of each given with an exactness of date 
 and minuteness of event which betrays its artificial cha- 
 racter. As part of this narrative is introduced the ex- 
 istence of these bands of Fenian militia, with the dates 
 at which their leaders are said to have lived. 
 
Ixviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Is it possible, lio\vevor,to accept this extraordinary bead 
 roll of shadowy monarchs during Pagan times, with their 
 exact clironolog}', and the strange and almost ludicrous 
 peculiarities by which each are distinguislicd, as serious 
 histor)', or even to attempt to discriminate Ijetween what 
 may be tiiie and what is false ? Are there any materials, 
 or any data upon which we can even fix upon a date, within 
 a reasonable compass of time, and say all before that is 
 fable, all after may be history, till we arrive on firm 
 ground, after the introduction of C^hristianity ? Professor 
 O'CmTy is riglit when he says, in his admiral >le lectures 
 on the MS. materials of ancient Irish histoiy, that he 
 cannot discover any ground on which the annalist 
 Tighemac was aljle to say, "omnia monumenta 8cotonmi 
 usque Cimbaoth (a king of Ulster, who flourished in the 
 seventh century, B.C.) incerta erant." 
 
 From Slainge, the first king of the Fii-bolgs, who began 
 to reign 1934 years B.C., and niledonly one year, or even 
 from Eremon, the first monarch of all Ireland of the 
 Milesian race, who began to reign ITOO years b.c., down 
 to Dathy, who was killed by a Hash of liglitning at tlie 
 foot of tlie Alps in tlic year 42S, and Laogare, liis suc- 
 cessor, who was shiiii by the I'lrnicnts for rcfusiuir olic- 
 dieiK'c to St i'atrick's mission whicli is s;ud to liave taken 
 phicc during liis reign, evciy reign is stam])ed with tlie 
 same charaetei' ; and what lo a(i(|it and \s hat to reject is 
 a problem, for the s(»lution of wliidi the iiistory itself 
 affords no materials. 
 
 if this nai-ratixc is to !.»■ submii l.-d to historic criticism. 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixix 
 
 is the later portion less an ol)ject of sucli critieisni tluiii 
 the earlier ? There seems no reason why we should ac- 
 cept the history of Neill of the nine hostages, who reigned 
 from 379 to 405, and had subjected all Britain and part 
 of France to his sway, and reject that of Ugony More, 
 who reigned 1000 yeai-s earlier, and whose conquests were 
 cipially extensive and equally unknown to European his- 
 tory, or why Ugony 's twenty-five sons are less worthy of 
 credit than the thirty sons of Cathoirmor, who reigned 
 750 years later. Why the division of Ireland into the two 
 great portions of north and south, between Conn of the 
 hundred battles and Modha Nuadhat, in the second cen- 
 tury, is to be accepted in preference to the original divi- 
 sion into the same districts between Eremon and Eber, 
 the sons of Milesius ; or which of the divisions of Ireland 
 into five provinces, that by Tuathal the acceptable, or 
 Eochaddh, called Feidhlioch, from the deep sighs wliich 
 he constantly heaved from his heart, or that by Slainge, 
 the fii'st king of the Fii'bolgs, is to be held to represent 
 the event which produced it. 
 
 Are the conquests in Scotland by Crimthan mor, and 
 Dathy in the fourth and fifth centuries, to be accepted, 
 and these equally detailed battles of Aongus olmucadha 
 and Rechtgidh righ-derg, some centuries earlier, to be 
 rejected because they occupy a difierent place in this 
 succession of unreal monarchs ? Are we to accept the 
 reign of Conchobar Mac Nessa in the first century — to 
 whom the death of Christ upon the cross was revealed 
 by a Druid at the time it linppened, and who became 
 
Ixx INTRODUCTIUN. 
 
 Christiau in consequence, and died from over-exert ion in 
 attacking a forest of trees \vitli his s\V(trd which he mis 
 took for tlie Jews ; and the reign of Cormac ^lac Art, 
 called Ulfada, either from the length of his beard and 
 hair, or because he drove the Uladh or Ultonians far from 
 their country, where, however, they are ever after found 
 notwithstanding; who was also miracuhjusly converted to 
 Christianity two centuries before the supposed arrival of 
 St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, and died by choking 
 upon the bone of an enchanted fish, or, according to 
 other accounts, was strangled by a nunil)er of infernal 
 fiends, — as history, in preference to the reigns of scorcs 
 of okler uKjnarchs, the events of whose reigns cannot be 
 said to be less probable. 
 
 Must we hold that the chronology of Cuchullin and 
 Corroi, of Finn ]\Iac Cundial and Goll ]\lac ]\Iorn, is fixed, 
 because the two former are placed in the reign of C'on- 
 chobar Mac Nessa, and the two latter in that of Cormac 
 Ulfada, or that their Irish character is demonstrated 
 because they are woven into this IMik'sian fable ?' 
 
 ' The following passage is quoted by Attachtuatlia in the insurrection above 
 
 Petiic (/{ound Tmeers, p. 96) I'roni an iifi-rred to ; and it is rvniarkablo tliat 
 
 ancient tract tcrnicd the Senchas nu lie- the nign of Conchobar, in whioli Cu- 
 
 lec, preseix ud in the leabliar lui h'uidhre, chullin iind Curoi are saiil to have Hou- 
 
 a MH. of tlie yiar IKU) :— rished, the era of the occupation of the 
 
 "Cormac Mac Art was the thinl iierson country by tiie Attachtuatlia, the de- 
 
 who had bi'lievfd in Krin before the ar- sccndiints of the ante- Milesian popula- 
 
 rival of St. I'atrick ; t'oncliobur Mac lion, and the reign of Cormac Mac Art, 
 
 Nessa, to whom (Ktno had told concern- in which Finn Mac Cundial and Coll 
 
 ing tlio crucitixion of Christ, was the Mac Morn are said to have liviil and 
 
 first ; Moran, the son of Cairpre ('inn- fought, should bo connoctc<l by the 
 
 cait, was the second ; and Coniuu- wa.s link of a conversion to Christianity, 
 
 the Ihinl." It seems to synchronize these thive i>e- 
 
 Cairprc Cinncail wa.-> the leader of the riods in tradition with each other, and 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixxi 
 
 111 fact, the whole of this history presents a stnictuie 
 so artificiiil, so compact, and so alike in all its features, 
 that it is impossible for any one, like Samson, to with- 
 draw any two pillars without bringing the whole edifice 
 al)out his ears, and crushing the entii-e bead-roll of uu- 
 baptized monarchs beneath its ruins. 
 
 The truth is, that notwithstanding the claims of the 
 Irish to an early cultivation and to a knowledge of 
 letters in Pagan times, the art of ^vriting was unknown 
 in Ireland tiU after the introduction of Christianity, and 
 Amtten histoiy there was none. The only materials that 
 existed for it were poems, legends, historic tales, and 
 pedigrees, handed down by tradition ; and from these, 
 at a subsequent period, when, as in aU countries, the 
 leisure hours of monks and ecclesiastics were employed 
 in constructing a history of ante-Christian times, in imita- 
 tion of more classical histories, a highly artificial system 
 was by degrees constructed, embodying the substance of 
 traditions and myths, real facts and imaginative poems, 
 with bardic and monkish creations, and the whole based 
 upon the classical model, by which the diS*erent ethnological 
 elements which entered into the population of the country 
 were cloaked under an artificial and s^Tnbolical genealogy. 
 
 But it is not chronological history. The dates are 
 quite artificial, and the whole creation melts and re- 
 solves itself into its original elements upon investiga- 
 tion. The pre-Milesian colonies are found existing 
 
 with tlie first introduction of Chris- King Comiac Mac Art "was slain by 
 tianity into Ireland. Siabhras, id est, the TuatliaDe Danann, 
 
 The same tract states, that Ihe mythic for they were called Siabhras." 
 
Ixxii INTRODUCTlUN. 
 
 and <»<(Uiiviiii{ larfje tracts uf the coiintrv down to a 
 late period of the ante-Christian history. The provLn 
 cial kings, when closely examined, lose their Milesian 
 name, and are found ruling over Fii'bolgs, Fii'donman 
 and Cmithne ; and notwithstanding that the Milesians 
 had been for IGOO years in possession of the country, 
 and a flourisliiug monarchy is sujjposed to have ex- 
 isted for so long a period, we find, as late as the second 
 century after Christ, the Attachtuatha, as the descend- 
 ants of the Firbolg, Firdomnan, and Tuatha De Danaun 
 were termed during the Milesian monarchy, in full 
 possession of the country for nearly a century, and in 
 close alliance with the Cruithne of Ulster ; during which 
 time the Milesian kings were in exile, and the process of 
 suljjugating these tribes, supposed to be completed IGOO 
 years before by Eremon and Eber, is again repeated by 
 Tuathal teachtmhar, who arrives with an army from Alban. 
 The descendants of the different sons of iSIilesius Hko- 
 wise assume foreign characteristics. The race of Ir, 
 son of Milesius, who possessed tlie whole of Ulster till 
 the Heremonian settlements almost within the domain 
 of histoiy^, ai-e found calling themselves <.u all .Mra>i(ins 
 Cruilhiic. Thi! descendants (.f llli called themselves 
 Cliiniia lireogan, and oeeupy the territory where i'toK'niv, 
 ill the second etiitmy, ]>laees an ollshoot of JJritish 
 Brigantes, I'hvnion and Kber seem to rejireseiit the 
 northern ami sniiiheiii Scots distinguished b\ jlede. a 
 distinction re|.ro(lue(d in Conn of the hundreil battles, 
 aii.l Mndhii Niia.lh.it. 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixxiii 
 
 The legend of St. Patrick, tdo, in its jji-cscnt shape, is 
 not older than the ninth centuiy ; and, under the influ- 
 ence of an investigation into older authorities, he dissolves 
 into three personages ; Sen-Patricius, whose day in the 
 calendar is the 24th August ; Palladius qui est Patricius, 
 to whom the mission in 432 properly belongs, and who is 
 said to have retired to Alban or Scotland, where he died 
 among the Cruitlme; and Patricius, whose day is the 17th 
 of March, and to whom alone a certain date can be as- 
 signed,-- for he died, in the chronological period, in the 
 year 493, — and from the acts of these three saints the 
 subsequent legend of the great apostle of Ireland was com- 
 piled, imd an arbitrary chronology ajjplied to it. 
 
 The Feine also, when looked at a little more closely, 
 emerge from under the guise of a Milesian militia, and 
 assume the featiures of a distinct race. Cuehullin, Conall 
 cearnach, and the children of Uisneach belong to the 
 race of Ir, and are Cmithne. Goll Mac Morn and 
 his Clanna IMoirne are Firbolg ; Curigh Mac Daire and 
 his Clanna Deaghadh arc Ernai ; and though they 
 are called Heremouiaus in Irish history, yet they are 
 also said to be a Firbolg tribe of the same race with 
 the Clanna Morna ; and in the poem of Maobnura, 
 who died in 884, they are said to be of the race of Ith, 
 and, therefore, probably Britons, — a conjecture singularly 
 corroborated by the fact that there exists, in AVelsh, a 
 poem on the death of Curigh Mac Daii-e ; and, finally, 
 Finn Mac Cumhal and his Clanna Baiosgne, although a 
 Hcremonian pedigree is given to them, it is not the 
 
Ixxiv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 only one known to the old Iii.sli mss. There is a second, 
 deducing him from the Clanna Deaghaidh, the same race 
 with that of C\irigh Mac Daiie ; and a third, and pro- 
 hahly the oldest, states that he was of the Ui Tairsigh, and 
 that they were of the Attachtuatha, as the descendants 
 of the non-]\lilesian tribes were called, a fact coiTohorated 
 by jMaolmura, who says — 
 
 Six tribes not of Breoghau's people 
 ^^^lO hold lands, 
 
 The Gabhraighe Succa, Ui Tairsigh, 
 Galeons of Leinster. 
 
 The fact is, when the fictitious catalogue of jNIilesian 
 kings was extended over so many centuries, and the 
 Milesian monarchy drawn l)aek to so remote a period, 
 it became necessary to account for the appearance of 
 non-Milesian races in the old traditional stories, and 
 they were either clothed with a ]\iik'sian name ;uid 
 pedigree, or some device hit upon to account f(»r their 
 separate existence; and thus the Feinne, a pre-.Milesi;in 
 warrior i-acc they could not account for, a}t]»ear under 
 the somewhat clumsy guise of a standing botly of Milcsinn 
 militiii, having ju-culiar privileges and strange customs. 
 
 Tlic Irish Ossianic j)oems, as well as tliose in tiic 
 Dean's Ms., indicate that the Feinne were not a biuly of 
 troo])s confined to Ireland, but bi-longed, whoever they 
 were, to a much widt r extent «>f territory. 
 
 Thus, the ])ocm on the battle of CJabhra, })ublishcd in 
 the lii-st volume of the Transactions of tlu' O.ssianic 
 Society -a battle in whi.h Oscar tiie son of ( >ssian was 
 
INTRODUCTION. Ixxv 
 
 sltiin, and the Fciiin<> IVuiu all (juai'tcr.s took part— we tiiid 
 the following verses : 
 
 Tlie hands of the Fians of Alhan, 
 
 And the snpremc King of Broatan, 
 
 Belonging to the order of the Feinne of Alhan, 
 
 Joined us in that hattle. 
 
 The Fians of Lochlin were powerful. 
 
 From the chief to the leader of nine men, 
 
 Tliey mustered along with us 
 
 Again — 
 
 Boinne, the son of Breacal, exclaimed, 
 AVitli quickness, fierceness, and valour, — 
 I and the Fians of Breatan, 
 Will be with Oscar of Eamliain. 
 
 There were thus in this battle, besides Feinne of Erin, 
 Feinne of Alban, Breatan, and Locldan. 
 
 AJba or iVlban was Scotland, north of the Firths of 
 Forth and Clyde. 
 
 Breatan was not Wales, but the southern districts of 
 Scotland, of which Dunbreatan, now Dumbarton, was the 
 chief seat. 
 
 Lochlan was the north of Germany, extending from 
 the Ehine to the Elbe ;^ and the name of Lochlauach 
 was originally applied to the ancient traditionary pirates 
 termed the Fomorians. AVlien the Norwegian and Dan- 
 ish pirates appeared in the ninth century, they were like- 
 
 ' A passage in one of the oldest of the Mss., of Italy into the rough laud of Gallia, 
 
 deposited in the Libraiy of the Faculty and the wide and long country of Loch- 
 
 of Advocates, shows that the tenn Loch- lain. For these are one and the same 
 
 lanwasanciently applied to the districts country; but for the interposition of 
 
 ea.st of the Rhine. " Ccosar came with the clear current of the Rhitie, ichich 
 
 some entire legions of the ruthless youth divides and sunders the two lants." 
 
Ixxvi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 wdse called Loclilauac-li ; aii<l the name of" Loelilaii was 
 transferred to Norway and Denmark, from whence they 
 came. There is every reason to believe that the Low 
 German race were preceded, in the more ancient Lochlan, 
 by a Celtic people. 
 
 The Feinne then belonged to the pre-^Iilesian races, 
 and were connected, not only with Erin, but likewise 
 with xVlban, Breatan, and Lochlan. Now, there are just 
 two people mentioned in the Irish records who had 
 settlements in Iieland, and who yet were connected with 
 Alban, Breatan, and Lochlan. These were the |>eople 
 termed the Tuatha De Danann, and the C'mithne. 
 
 The traditionary migration of the Tuatha De Danann 
 brings them from Lochlan, where they possessed fom* 
 cities, to Alban, where they inlial.»ited a district termed 
 Dobhar and Jr Doljhar; and from thence they went to 
 Erin, where they drove out the Eirbolg, to be sul)ilued 
 in their turn by the I\Iilesian Scots. 
 
 The (Vuitlme are likewise l)rouglit from Lochlan to 
 Erin and from Erin to All )an, where they founded a king- 
 dom, which included, till the seventh century, the Cruithne 
 of Ulster, autl which was subverted in tlie ninth century 
 by the Milesian Scots. 
 
 Tiiese I wo tribes were tiius tiie prior race in each 
 counliy. l*>oth nnist have been ])rior to tiie Low (lerman 
 |in|iiil;ili(iii (if Li.ilihiii. Tile Ciuilhlle Were tlir race 
 prior to the Scots in Alban, and tiicTualha de Damian the 
 prior cohuiy to tlie Milesian Seots in I'irin. The Feinne 
 are l.ronulil l)V all llie .-M lu>l.uir lAs inic .l..-.' .•..nlael 
 
iNTi!oj)r("i'i()N. Ixxvii 
 
 with i\\c TiKitlia 1 )r I );iii;iiiii ; a [xirtioii of llit'm wen' 
 avowedly Cruitline ; and if they were, as we have seen, 
 in Eiin, not of the Milesian race, but of the prior popu- 
 lation, and likewise connected with Alban, Breatan, and 
 Loelilan, the inference is obvious, that, whether a deno- 
 mination for an entire people or for a body of warriore, 
 they belonged to the previous population which preceded 
 the Germans in Lochlan and the Scots in Erin and Alban. 
 This view is corroborated by the fact, that in the old 
 poems and tales the Feinne appear, as we have said, in 
 close connexion with the Tuatha De Danann. They are 
 likewise connected with the Cruitline, as in the Lamen- 
 tation of Cuchullin over the body of his son Conlaoch, in 
 Miss Brooke's collection, where he says — 
 
 Alas ! that it was not in the land of the Cruitline 
 Of the Feinne bloody and fierce, 
 That thou didst fall, active youth, 
 Or in the gloomy land of Sorcha. 
 
 While the traditions of the Cruitlme, in narratino- their 
 migration and the names of their leaders, mention, as the 
 mythic poet of their race, a name singularly like that of 
 Ossian — 
 
 Cathmolodar the hardknobbed, 
 
 And Catlnnachan the bright, 
 
 "Were glorious youths ; 
 
 The two valiant sons of Cathluan, 
 
 His hardy puissant champions ; 
 Heavy, stern was their trampling, 
 Cing victorious in his victory. 
 Im, son of Pcrnn, weiv their names ; 
 
Ixxviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Huascin was the iiaiiu' ol' his poet, 
 Who sought out the path of pleasaut^}^ 
 
 In answering, then, the preliminary questions of who were 
 the Feinne ? and to what period do they Ijelong ? we may 
 fairly infer that they were of the population who imme- 
 diately preceded the Scots in Erin and in Alban, and that 
 they jjelong to that period in the liistory of both countries, 
 before a pohtical separation had taken place between 
 them, when they were viewed as parts of one territory, 
 though 2)hysically separated, and when a free and unre- 
 strained intercourse took place between them ; when race 
 and not territory Avas the great bond of association, and 
 the movements of their respective populations from one 
 country to the other were not restrained Ijy any feeling 
 of national separation. 
 
 It was natural that the deeds and events connected 
 with this warrior race, associated as they must have 
 been with the physical features of the country in which 
 they dwelt, should have formed the subject of the early 
 poems and legendary tales of their successors, and that a 
 Ijody of popular poetry shoidd have sprung up in each 
 countiy, whicli occu]»ied itself with ad\entures, expedi- 
 tions, and i'eals oi" l»r;iveiT »>1" (his jd'evioiis race, wliieli 
 were common to both eountries, ami which, attrilaiteil to 
 their mythic ])oets, an<l full of the names of heroes, and of 
 the scenes of tlieii- ex])h>its, woiiM be ;i|»]tropriated bv the 
 bards of each country to their own distriets. Thi' iiimies 
 of tile ])laees connected in tradition with tliese exciits 
 would, as they were hxali/ctl in the icspcel ive eoiililries, 
 
INTItoUUCTlON. Ixxix 
 
 be identitk'd with its scenery niid physical featun-s, niid 
 thus a species of Fenian topography would spring up in 
 each country, which, having a common origin, would 
 bear the same character, and possess a mutual resem- 
 blance. Each country would thus claim the Feinne as 
 their exclusive property, and could point to a body of 
 popular Ossianic poetry in support of their claim, and 
 to the Fenian names of their localities, in proof of the 
 events wliich form the subject of the poems having there 
 occurred. 
 
 The allusions to Fingal in the older Scottish historians 
 who wTote long before Macpherson's Ossian appeared, or 
 the controversy arose, show that stories of the Feinne 
 were current in Scotland, and that they were regarded 
 as belonging to this country as much as to Ireland, while 
 the Fenian names of localities in charters and other docu- 
 ments evince that a Fenian topography likewise existed 
 in Scotland before that period.^ 
 
 * It is unnecessary here to repeat these the composition of Gaelic proper names, 
 
 references. They will be found in the Tims we have Aedgal, Aelgal, Angal, 
 
 Report of the Highland Society, page 21. Ardgal, Artgal, Bodgal, Conrgal, Con- 
 
 Tlie quotation from Barbour shows gal, Doungal, Dubhgal, Dungal, Fear- 
 that the name of Fingal was known long gal, Fingal, Gormgal, Leargal, Maengal, 
 l)efore the time of Macpherson ; and as Riagal, Saergal, Smiorgal. Some also 
 most Gaelic proper names had a corre- take the form of galach ; as Congalach, 
 sponding name in English which resem- Dungalach, Fiangalach, Irgalach. 
 bled it in sound, and was held to repre- Those in which the first syllable e-\- 
 sent it, as Hector for Eachin, or Hugh for presses a colour appear both alone and 
 Aodli, it is m.t unlikely that Fingal may with the affix f/fl/, asDubh and Dubhgal, 
 have been known as the recognised Finn and Finngal, and are really the 
 representative in English of Finn. same name. The annals of the Four 
 
 In fact, Finn and Fingal are both real Mastei-s mention several persons of the 
 
 names, and closely related to each other. name of Finn, and, in 741, Finghal of 
 
 (lal is a syllable of unknown origin Lismore. 
 and meaning, which enters largely into 
 
IXXX l.\TI{(iliI(Tl()N. 
 
 Kiiki', ill his Psalter, imldislied in \uS4, adds tin- ful- 
 lowiiin- address : — 
 
 Imthigli a Dliuilleachan gn dan, 
 
 Le dan glan diaglia duisgiad tliall ; 
 Cuir failte arfonn fial nab fionn, 
 Ar-gliarbh clirinclia is Inscadli Gall. 
 
 That is, — 
 
 Little volume go boldly forth, 
 
 Kouse whom you reach to ])ure and godly stmins ; 
 
 Hail the generous land of the Feinne, 
 
 The Koughliimnds and the Western Isles. 
 
 The pKtughbouiids were the districts from ^Nlorvaren to 
 Ulenelo-, which, with the Isle.'^, are thus called the land of 
 the Feinne. 
 
 The districts in whi(di the Fenian names enter most 
 largely into the topography <->f the Higldaiids are Atholl, 
 Lochaber, Lorn, and JMoi-vareu, Glenelg, aii<l the districts 
 al)oiit Loch Ness ; and the anticpiity of this toi»ograpliy in 
 the Highlands of Scotland is proved by an old gloss to a 
 charter by Alexander the Second to the monks of Kin- 
 loss of the lands of JUirgyn, within the ancient Celtic 
 province of Moray, which is preserved in the C'hartulary 
 of the Bi.sho]iric. Tlic Ix.undary of the lands piisses by a 
 place called 'J'uber na Fein, meaning literally the well of 
 the Feinne, and the gloss is *' or fci/iw, of tlie grett or 
 kcni]Ms men callil //V///.S-, is anc well." 
 
 C-uchnllin was of the race of the Cruilhne, and belongs 
 b.»th to Ulster and to Scotland. In Tlslcr his seat was 
 I hiiKh'algan, and the scene of iiis e.xph.ils the district i»f 
 
1 NTIK ) I ) U LTIO iV. 1 X X X i 
 
 Cufiilgne and the mountains of Slcavc C'liillin ; but even 
 Irish tradition admits that he was reared by Sgathaig, in 
 the Isle of Skye, and here we liave Dunsgathnig and tlie 
 Cuillin Hills. 
 
 The children of Uisneach were likewise Cruithne, and 
 must have preceded the Scots, for the great scene of their 
 Scotch adventures are the districts of Lorn, Loch Aw, and 
 Co wall, afterwards the possessions of the Dalriadic Scots ; 
 thus, in the vicinity of Oban, we have Dun mhic 
 Uisucachan, now coiTuptly called in guide-books Dun 
 mac Sniachan, a fort with vitrified remains ; and here we 
 have on Loch Etive, Glen Uisneach, and Suidhe Deard- 
 huil. The names of the three sons of Uisneach were 
 Ainle, Ardan, and Naoise ; and it is remarkable that 
 Adomnan, in his life of St. Columba, written in the 
 seventh century, appears to mention only three localities 
 in connexion with St. Columba's journey to the palace of 
 the king of the Picts, near Loch Ness, and these are 
 Cainle, Arcardan, and the flumen Nesae. Two vitrified 
 forts in the neighbourhood of Lochness are called Dun- 
 deardhuil.^ 
 
 The hunt of Diarmed O'Duinc after the boar on Ben- 
 gulbam, and his death by measuring his length against 
 the bristles, enters into Scotch topography in three differ- 
 ent localities ; in Glenshee, where there is a hill called 
 Bengulbain, also in Glenroy, where we have also a Bengul- 
 
 ' It is remarkable that the ancient neachan, and Dundheardhnil, are all 
 
 legends of Cuchullin and the sons of vitrified forts, and the latter is a common 
 
 Uisneach connect them with those re- name for them. There is probably a 
 
 markable structures termed vitrified mythic meaning under this, 
 forts. Dun Scathaig, Dun mhic Uis- 
 
Ixxxii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 bain and an Eassroy, and also on the .south bank of Loch 
 Ness. Daire donn, who appears in the Cath Finntragha 
 identified by the Iiisli with Ventry, has also deposited 
 his name on a mountain in Ardgour, close to the west 
 sea, called Meall Dayre donn. 
 
 The mountain streams and lakes in these districts of 
 the Highlands are everywhere redolent of names con- 
 nected with the heroes and actions of the Feinne, and 
 show that a body of popular legends connected with 
 them, whether in poetry or in prose, preserved by oml 
 recitation or committed to wT.'itiug, must have existed in 
 the country ^\'hen this topography sprung up, though it 
 does not follow that the events, though now associated 
 with the scenery of the country, originaUy happened there 
 any more than does the Fenian topography of Ireland. 
 
 These legendary poems and tales seem to have passed 
 through three different stages. 
 
 In the first and oldest form they were pure poems, of 
 more or less excellence, narrating the adventures and 
 deeds of these warrior bands, whose memory still lingeretl 
 in the country ; each poem being complete in itself, and 
 constructed upon a metrical systtMU which brought the aid 
 of alliteration and •»!" rhyme, or correspondence of s(»unds, 
 to assist the memory in ivtaining what liad been received 
 by oral ivcitaf ion, and to render it less easy to forget or 
 lose a ] Kill. These jioems seem geiieially (<• have been 
 attril)uted |o one niydiic i)oet of the race they celebrate. 
 
 Then, as the language in wliicli these poems wen* com- 
 posed became ahcretl m- moililicd, ov as the reciters wt-re 
 
IXTRODUCTTON. Ixxxiii 
 
 ltssa])le to lY'tnin the wliole, tliey would nnrratf, in ordi- 
 nary prose, tlie events of tlic part of the poem tliey had 
 forgotten, and merely recite the poetry of what they re- 
 collected ; and thus they would pass into the second stage 
 of prose tales, iuterspersed with fragments of poetry. 
 
 Bards who were themselves composers as well as re- 
 citers, besides composing poems on the subjects of the 
 day in ^\ liicli they lived, w^ould likewise select the Fenian 
 legends as their themes, and become imitators of the older 
 Ossianic poetr}^ The prose narrative would form the 
 basis of their poem ; and thus would arise the third stage 
 of their poems, in which they were reconstructed from 
 the prose tales, and again appear as long poems, the 
 names and incidents being the same as in the older 
 poems, and the fragments of them preserved in the prose 
 tale, imbedded in the new poem. 
 
 The poems of the first stage were probaltly common 
 to Ireland and to Scotland, and traces of them are to be 
 found wherever the Feinne were supposed to have once 
 existed ; though, in countries where their successors were 
 of a different race, and spoke a diifereut language, the 
 continuity of the tradition would be at once broken. 
 
 Among the ancient poems in the Welsh language which 
 have been preserved, there exists an Ossianic poem called 
 jNIarwnad Coire map Daire, or the death-song of Curoi, 
 son of Daire, the traditionary head, according to Irish 
 histoiy, of the Fenian militia of Munster, but who, as 
 we have seen, appears to belong to the l)ody called the 
 Feinne of Breatan; and the poem, no doubt, belongs to the 
 
Ixxxiv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 northern Cumbrian kingdom, which had Dunbreaton 
 for its chief seat. Curoi is called Chief of the Southern 
 Sea, and the contest between him and Cuchullin is men 
 tioned.' 
 
 Poems of the same character seem also to have been 
 known in the Isle of ]\Ian, as O'Connor, in liis cata- 
 logue of the Stow MS., mentions a MS. containing " Finn 
 and Ossian, — a Manx coronach, w-iih Manx on one side 
 of the page, and Irish on the other." 
 
 The oldest which has been found in any Mss. pre- 
 served in the Highlands is a poem of five cpiatrains, at 
 the end of a glossary contained in a MS. \\Titten prior 
 to the year 1500. It is in old Gaelic, and there is an 
 interliueal gloss, explaining the meaning of the ex]ires- 
 sions in more familiar lanfaiaf!;e. At the end there is a 
 line stating that Ossian was the author of the poem. 
 
 It may be not uninteresting to insert here the text of 
 the ])oem, with its glosses : — 
 
 .i. do clidillailar mo sluiilo 
 
 Tuil.sitlier mo dherca suaiii 
 
 .i. mo Hiengli .i. mo stiiath 
 
 mo ruibliuc mum luibluu' ar !<» 
 
 .i. mo c-linlliiomli iiiii illiorii 
 mo ^'licnam \im dlniais n» bhaoi 
 .i. mu illiorn i'lim (.liluuia 
 
 a<i^us mo dhuais lam o 
 
 •i. ai'.liiip' .i. (arlii 
 
 Adlililiiil lisi ar mo ta 
 
 • i. (Iiir leiirt'H -i. mn clui 
 
 dar ciiiuius go iliaii mo ihuih 
 
 ' TliiH ]ioom, will II tnuiHlntion, itt kIvcii in tlii> Ailditioiial Notox, )>)>. i.|;, i.).). 
 
INTRODUCTION. IxXXV 
 
 .i. ar mimic 
 
 ar criobluiis a It-irg ar art 
 
 .i. anill go fiacuil a carbui 
 
 lb clieird liracht go feic a ciiil 
 
 .i. tliri>igli .i. gim broigh 
 
 'I'rioclia treathan damli gnu uaibli 
 
 .i. go nioing a srona 
 
 iuiia taoibh go a tul moing tiiiuu 
 
 .i. orlailli .i. na fiacuil 
 
 Triocha nena Finn na feic 
 
 .i. a sa cionn amach 
 
 asseicsi tuas re fa tlmiiin 
 
 .i. coinicd re coire gach sul di 
 
 ]\Ieidis re liabliron a dlierc 
 meidis re mes afert fo 
 
 .i. tesgus mo cladhiomh a miiincal 
 
 Sealus mo gheuam a iiiuiii 
 
 •i. mo chu as a cluais 
 
 agus mo chuibli as a ho 
 
 .i. muic 
 
 Criobais mliara Tallaiin tair 
 
 .i ria cloic ris ambcnann tonn 
 
 beuiis ria liail tairges tnu 
 
 .i. mo blioill as coinairce diob neit 
 
 mo leo nam fliaosamh domiiiadh 
 
 •i. ni lag mar tn 
 
 mar tusa ni triatli mar tu 
 
 Oisin ro chan ann sin attraigh mara tallann. 
 ar nia na miiice. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 My eyes slumbered in sleep, 
 My spear was with my shield, 
 :My sword was in my hand, 
 And mv hand under my car. 
 
IXXXVI INTllODUniDN. 
 
 A strauge dreain happened to me, 
 
 I set swiftly my dogs 
 
 On a sow in the plain upon flesk 
 
 She was fat to the tusk in her jaw, 
 
 Thirty feet for me with ni}^ shoes 
 
 In her side to the beard of her snout. 
 
 Thirty inches for Finn in her tusk 
 
 Fat above on her under her hide. 
 
 Large as a caldron \\as each eye. 
 
 Large as a vessel the hollow beneath. 
 
 My sword hewed in her neck. 
 
 And my dogs fixed on her ear. 
 
 Sow of the sea of eastern Tallann, 
 
 Which strikes the rock where the wave touches. 
 
 My limbs were to me a protection to me strong, 
 
 As thyself not weak like thee. 
 
 Ossian sung this at the shore of the sea of Tallann, 
 for the champion of the sow.^ 
 
 The tales of CiichuUiii and Conlaoch, and the tale of the 
 Sons of Uisneacli, are good specimens of the second class. 
 The latter is one of three tales, called the Three AVoes, 
 the two others rehiting to families of the Tuatha IX' 
 Danaiin ; but tli()iiL;]i these talcs m;iy lie hi.sli, and id' this 
 
 'Theficciieof tluH poem is ill Siotlaiul, Tlio text is tlie Kiuue, but the glosso.s a 
 
 the «eu of Tulluiiii beiii;,' Kiiiil to In- in the little iliffeiviit. 
 
 euHt, and it iiiUNt have been written in 1 niny take this op]H-trtunity of cjilltug 
 
 Siotliiiiil, iiH the accent Ih ]ilace(l un the attention to TnileHhor O'Ourni's uduiir- 
 
 tirst xyllable of the inline Oisin. able Lectuivs on the uu. literature of Ire- 
 
 Th« Hij;hl«n<lerH cull u wiiiile mute laud, juxt ]>ublishe«l. They are nioitt 
 
 vthara, and, from the deH(ri|ition, thin iuten-Ntin^' and iiihtruotive, ami for the 
 
 creature a|i|ienrK to have bteii a whale. inaMterly and coin)>lete survey taken of 
 
 On coniiiiunitatinjj thiH curiouH i>oiin the Mibjecl, aK will at* for accurate and 
 
 to I'rofeHHorO't'urry, he inforiiiM me that minute detail, they are ulinoht unex- 
 
 there iH n copy of it in the Book of Iamh- aiupbsl in the aniiaU of literature. Tin y 
 
 Htcr, an MB. of the thirteenth ceiiluiy. will well ivjMiy iK'rusn). 
 
INTRODUCTION. 1 X X X V i i 
 
 period, tlicy contains fragments of poems probably much 
 older, and which may have been derived from another 
 source. One of the poems in the tale of the Children of 
 Uisneach contains such a tender recollection of and 
 touching allusion to Highland scenery, that it is hardly 
 l)ossible to suppose that it Avas not originally composed 
 by a genuine son of Al])an. 
 
 It is the lament of Deirdre or Darthula over iVlban, 
 and the following is a translation : — 
 
 Beloved land that Eastern land, 
 Alba, with its wonders. 
 
 that I might not depart from it. 
 But that I go with Naise. 
 
 Beloved is Dunfidliglia and Dim Finn ; 
 Beloved the Dun above them ; 
 Beloved is Innisdraighende, 
 And beloved Dun Suibhne. 
 
 Coillchuan ! Coillchuan ! 
 "Where Ainnle would, alas ! resoi-t ; 
 Too short, I deem, was then my stay 
 With Ainnle in Oirir Alban. 
 
 Glenlaidlie ! Glenlaidhe ! 
 
 1 used to sleep by its soothing mummr ; 
 Fish, and flesh of wild boar and badger 
 Was my repast in Glenlaidhe. 
 
 Glenmasan ! Glenmasan ; 
 High its herbs, fair its boughs. 
 Solitary was the place of our repose 
 On grassv Invermasan. 
 
Ixxxviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Gleneitclie ! Gleneitche ! 
 There was raised my earliest home. 
 Beautiful its woods on rising, 
 Wlien the sun struck on Gleneitche. 
 
 Glen Urchain ! Glen Urchain ! 
 It was the straight glen of smooth ridges. 
 Not more joyful was a man of his age 
 Thau Naoise in Glen Urchain, 
 
 Glendaruadh 1 Glendaruadh ! 
 
 ]My love each man of its inheritance. 
 
 Sweet the voice of the cuckoo on bending hough, 
 
 On the hill above Glendaruadh. 
 
 Beloved is Draighon and its sounding shore ; 
 Beloved the water o'er pure sand. 
 O that I might not depart from the east, 
 But that I go with my beloved ! ^ 
 
 Tlie tJdid (dass of Ossianic poems belongs principally 
 to that period when, during the sway of the Lords of 
 the Isles, Irish influence was so much felt on the lanQ;uage 
 and literature of the Highlands, and when the Highland 
 bards and sennachies were trained in bardie schools, \nv- 
 sided over by Irisli bards of eminence. It was at this 
 period iii;iiiil\- tli.il \\\r Irisli poems assumed so much the 
 shai)e (d" a dialogue between tiie Ossianie jioets and St. 
 
 • The ..Mist (ci-y of tl.i> lal.-. wlii.li Dun Suil.l.ii.-, Cii.-.tl.' Swrt-n ; Glcn- 
 
 wiiH the fouinliitiini of .Miui>lnTt*oii's luiillic is iiow rnllfd (ili-ulooliy, where 
 
 Dartliiilii, is in tlio (arnniiisitn iin., in is Konluoidhi' ; (atMiniiiMuu still lH>ara 
 
 thccolli'ction ill the Atlvoiiiti's' Liliruiy, the imiiu- ; (Monfitihi', in imothor ropy 
 
 whicli licaiM tliu (liiti- of l'j:W, 1111(1 this i-allcil l^uh Kitiho, iK (aciu'tivo tnul 
 
 tninshition is iimdc from it. IahU Ktivi-; lilciiurchnin istai-niin-hiiy ; 
 
 The Hcenery ia all in Arj;yllsliiri<. nml (ilt'uditnwulh is now lalU-il iJIi-n- 
 
 IniH Draighon is Inistryiutli in Loch-uwc ; daniiiil. 
 
I NTRODUCTI OX. ix XX i X 
 
 Patrick, the apostle of Ireland ; and the Highland bards 
 imitated this form, often adding or prefixing a few sen- 
 tences of such dialogue to older poems, or composing 
 poems in imitation of Ossian in this foiTQ ; but the imi- 
 tation, in this respect, of Irish poems by native bards 
 is ajtparent from this, that Patrick is in the Ii'ish 
 poems correctly called ]\Iac Calphurn or jNPAlphum, his 
 father, according to his own " Coufessio," having been 
 Calphumius, but the Highland bards, to whom Patrick's 
 history was strange, and this epithet unintelligiljle, have 
 substituted the peculiarly Scotch form of Alpine, and 
 styled him Patrick ]\Iac Alpine. 
 
 One of the poems in Macpherson's fragments has been 
 one of these — the sixth fragment, — which begins and ends 
 A\dth a dialogue between Ossian and the son of Alpin. 
 
 It was at the same period that the collection of Gaelic 
 poems was made by the Dean of Lismore, and it includes 
 many poems in wliicli this dialogue occurs, but in most 
 the saint is termed Macalpine, showing its non- Irish 
 source. 
 
 The Ossianic poems in this collection attributed to 
 Ossian, Fergus Filidh, and Caoilte, the three Fenian bards, 
 and those which are either anon}TQOUs or composed by 
 imitators, as Gdlecalum Mac an 011a and Allan Mac 
 Ruadhri, '\;\'ith the other poems which are not Ossianic, 
 aftbrd a fail- sj)ecimen of the poetic literature current in 
 the Highlands of Scotland at the close of this period, 
 and before the fall of the Lords of the Isles, and the 
 Reformation again severed that country from Ireland, 
 
XC INTRODUCTION. 
 
 and ushered in a period of reaction and return towards 
 the native dialect and literature. 
 
 On the whole, then, we fully admit the claims of Ire- 
 land to Fenian legends and tales, and theii' attendant 
 poems, but not to an exclusive possession of them. 
 
 We admit that its Fenian topogi-aphy is authentic, 
 but it is not the only one. 
 
 We admit its claim to an early '\\Tittcn and cultivated 
 speech, but not to the only dialect of Gaelic in which 
 such poems once existed. 
 
 We hold that Scotland possesses likewise Fenian 
 legends and Ossianic poetry derived from an independent 
 source, and a Fenian topography equally genuine ; and we 
 consider her dialect of the common Gaelic tongue not 
 imdeserviug of the attention of pliilologei*s. 
 
 W. F. S. 
 
CONTENTS OF THE DEAN OF LISMOEE'S MS. 
 
 Note.— Tlie figures on the left hand refer to the pages in the original an. ; and those added on 
 the right— to the poems selected for publication— refer to the pages in tliis volume where 
 
 the trauslatiuu and the origiiuil text will be fnuud. 
 
 r. of MS. Eng. 
 
 The first four pages illegible. 
 
 5. Earl Gerald. 6 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 6. Author's name defaced. 38 lines on John, son of Sir Robert 
 
 Stewart. Illegible. 
 
 7. Duncan M'Dougall JIaoil. Quatrain on John, son of Colin 
 
 Campbell. 
 
 8. Anonymous. Obscure — apparently on O'Kuark. 34 lines. 
 
 10. Duncan Campbell. 12 lines. Satire on Women. 
 
 11. Earl Gerald. 6 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 11. Duncan O'Daly. 6 lines. Religious. 
 
 12. fynn O'Daly. 88 lines. Religious. 
 
 15. Anonymous. 20 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 16. Cochondach Mac Thearlaich bhui.lh. 65 lines. On Irish 
 
 Chiefs. 
 19. Muireach Albanach. 14 lines, 157 
 
 19. Do. 8 lines, 158 
 
 20. Muireach Lessiu Dall O'Daly. 60 lines. Counsels to Chiefs. 
 23. Duncan Mor from Lennox. 10 lines, 
 23. Gilchrist Taylor. 32 lines, 
 
 25. Anonymous. Ossianic. 14 lines, ... 
 
 26. Do. 15 lines. Illegible. 
 
 27. Six lines in Latin on the Scotch Kings. 
 27. Scotch. A legal deed. 
 27. Dean's Autograph. Vide Fac-siniilo, inserted at p. xcvi. 
 
 27. Anonymous. A Quatrain. 
 
 28. Duncan M'Dougall Maoil. 9 lines. 
 28. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. On the Macdonald.*. 
 30. Anonymous. 31 lines. An Ursgeul, or Tale. 
 
 93 
 
 68 69 
 
 93 
 
 68 69 
 
 71 
 
 50 51 
 
xcu 
 
 CONTENTS OF THE 
 
 P. of MS. Eng. 
 
 31. Ossian. 8 lines. The household of Finn, ... 1 
 
 32. Anonymous. 36 lines. On M 'Glass M'Gluaire. 
 
 33. Do. 23 lines. Satire on Women. 
 
 35. Dougall. Dialogue with his WedJer. 
 
 36. Anonymous. 33 lines. Eulogy on a Lady. 
 
 37. Duncan M'Cailein. 16 lines. 
 
 38. Scotch. The three perilous days in each season. 
 
 39. M'Eachag. On John M'Leod, 140 
 
 41. John Mor O'Daly. 84 lines. On Tuathal Teathdmhar. 
 
 44. Anonymous. Note on the hanging of Cochrane in 1480. 
 
 45. Do. 14 lines. On Conall M'Scanlan, . 98 
 48. Notes of purchases in Perth, etc., in Scotch. 
 
 48. Lines on Marriage, in Scotch. 
 
 49. Anonymous. 18 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 50. Ossian. A Lament 3 
 
 51. Maoldonaich M'Aonghuis Mhuiiich. 50 lines. To the Virgin 
 
 Mary. 
 
 53. Gorrie Finn O'Daly. 30 lines. In praise of Gormlay. 
 
 54. Giliiepatrick M'Lachhin. A Quatrain. 
 
 55. John of Knoydart. On O'Cuirbar, .... 9'.> 
 
 55. Gormlay Ni Fhlainn. Lament for Nial Ciluiidulh, 100 
 
 56. Nial M'Eoghaiii bhig. A Quatrain. 
 
 57. Gormlay Ni Flilainn. Lament for Nial Glundubli, . iMl 
 
 57. Anonymous. 30 lines. On Tabblisk (Tables). 
 
 58. Do. A Quatrain, 104 
 
 59. Do. 8 lines 102 
 
 59. Phelim M 'Dougall. Aphorisms, 10"2 
 
 60. Anonymous. A Quatrain I<i8 
 
 61. John M'Murrich 108 
 
 62. William M'Lachlan. A Quatrain. 
 
 62. Gormlay Ni Flilainn, .lis 
 
 63. Ossian. " Sliabh nam ban fionn," .4 
 
 64. Duncan M'Dougall Maoil. A Quatrain. 
 
 04. Duncan M'I'herson, 110 
 
 64. Anonymuus. 
 
 65. CJiiloThuirHc O'Sluabhuinn. T)? lin.s. IlhIi^till, t. 
 
 68. Anonymous. AphorisniH, lOl 
 
 68. Earl Gerald. A Satire, lO.') 
 
 69. Andrew M'lntoBh, 106 
 
 70. Tlic IWd M'InO.e, 107 
 
 io6 109 
 
 72 73 
 
 74 75 
 
 74 75 
 
 78 79 
 
 76 77 
 
 76 77 
 
 82 83 
 
 81 i} 
 
 90 91 
 
 4 5 
 
 81 S3 
 
 7« 79 
 
 78 79 
 
 So 81 
 
 80 81 
 
DEAN OF LISMORE S MS. Xflll 
 
 P. <if MS. Eng. Qaclkv 
 
 71. Allan M'Pongall bain. 32 lines. A Satire on Women. 
 73. Astronomical Notes. 
 
 73. Colin Earl of Argjle. 12 lines. Satire on Women. 
 
 74. Notes of purcliases in Duiikeld, etc. 
 
 75. Anonymous. 49 lines. On Muircheartarli, an Ulster Prince. 
 77. Scotch. Satirical. 13 lines. 
 
 77. Two anonymous Quatrains. 
 
 78. List of Scottish Kinf^s, from Bocce. 
 
 84. Eoin M'Dhunchaidh Kuaiilh. 12 lines. TnJistinct. 
 
 85. Anonymous. On Alexander the Great, . . . 110 84 85 
 
 87. Song of the Three Brothers. 32 lines. Moral. 
 
 88. Gerald. 6 lines. A Satire on Women. 
 
 88. Fearchar M'Phadruig Grannd (Grant). G lines. Do. 
 
 88. John M'Murrich. A Quatrain, 112 84 85 
 
 89. Duncan M'Phcrson. 4 lines. On Eoin Riabhaich. 
 
 91. List of Names. Genealogical. Robert " clarsair Leoid," 
 
 "harper of Lude," among them. 
 No number. Fragments on Astrology, etc. 
 
 93. Ossian. " Cath Fionntraigh," 767 
 
 97. Anonymous. 81 lines. On M'Ricard of Connaught. 
 101. Duncan Mor O'Daly. 26 lines. On Cathal's Belt. 
 
 103. Finlay, the red-haired bard. M'Gregor's Horse, . . 112 84 85 
 
 104. Do. do. OnM'Gregor, . . 114 86 87 
 106. Teiigue ug O'Huggin. 49 lines. Religious. 
 
 106. Sir Duncan ^I'Kermont. 20 lines. Satire on Women. 
 
 109. Duncan M'Cailein. On a Miser, 110 88 89 
 
 111. Do. Satire on Donald donn. 14 lines. 
 
 112. Dermod O'HeflFeman. 36 lines. An Eulogy. 
 
 113. Muireach Albanach. A Quatrain. 
 
 114. Ossianic. "Am brat," . . . . . 72 50 51 
 
 115. Eoin Liath M'Aonghuis. 6 lines. 
 
 117, Author's name defaced. 80 lines. Indistinct. On John Lord 
 
 of the Isles. 
 120. Gilchrist Taylor. 48 lines. An Ecclesiastical Legend. 
 122. Duncan Mor O'Daly. 36 lines. Do. 
 124. Gorry finn O'Daly. 44 lines. On O'Brien. 
 126. Ossian. " Feeble this Night," 13 10 11 
 
 128. Earl Gerald. On Death. 27 lines. 
 
 129. Duncan M'Cabe. On the Macdougalls, ... 119 90 91 
 
 130. John M'Ewen M'Eacham. Do. .... 121 91 93 
 
XCIV 
 
 CONTENTS f)F THK 
 
 12 lines. 
 On James, son of John. 
 
 P. of MS. 
 
 133. Caoiltc M'Ronan, .... 
 141. Continuation from page 2 ir>, 
 
 143. Finlay M'Nab. On the Book of Poi-ms, 
 
 144. Earl Gerald. C lines. 
 
 144. Genealogy of Writer, and date 1512, 
 
 145. Fergus the Bard. " Rosg Ghuill," 
 
 147. Allan M'Rory. " Baa Dhiarmaid," 
 
 148. Eafric M'Corquodale. Elegy on M'Niel, 
 
 149. Duncan M'Cailcin. 16 lines. 
 
 150. Muireach Albanach. 81 lines. ITymn to the Virgi 
 153. Gilchrist Bruilingeach, bard an Ljmin. 43 lines. 
 155. Dougall M'Gliille ghlais. 48 lines. On M'Gregor, 
 
 157. Duncan Campbell, the good knight. 
 
 158. Gillepatrick M'Lachlan. 78 lines. 
 
 Indistinct. 
 161. Anonymous. 14 lines. A Lament. 
 161. Do. The Clans 
 
 163. Notes on Adam's Family. 
 
 164. Ossianic. The Expedition of Eight, .... 
 
 165. Gorry finn. 21 lines. Moral. 
 
 166. Teague Og. 72 lines. Religions. 
 
 170. Robert M'Lamont " a Gassgaitr." 16 Hnof. Moral. 
 
 171. Ossianic. " Binn guth," ...... 
 
 171. Date 12th February 1526. Tndiction 15. 4th year of Tope 
 
 Clement vii. 
 
 171. Anonymous. 6 lines. 
 
 172. Ossianic. The Banners of the Feinn, .... 
 174. Do. "Which is the sweetest ^lusic ?" 
 
 174. Do. Finn's Feast 
 
 176. Anonymous. A Quatrain on " Ruaraidh Rodasach." 
 
 177. Do. 20 linen. On a Harp. 
 
 179. Baron Kwin M'C'uniio. On Sickness, .... 
 170. OBsian. " Hero I saw the Ftinn," .... 
 
 181. Fili fugo ebrietatem. 
 
 181. Three Quatrains. Tlio authors of two, .Vmln-w M'Intosh anil 
 
 Gillespick M'Niel. 
 
 182. Latin Genealogy of our Lord. 
 
 183. Scotch. The divisions of Irtilaml. 
 
 184. Yorses in Scotch. 
 
 185. Physiological Notes in Latin. 
 
 Eng. 
 
 Gaelic 
 
 62 
 
 42 43 
 
 
 III 113 
 
 125 
 
 94 95 
 
 161 
 
 1=4 «2S 
 
 43 
 
 28 29 
 
 30 
 
 20 2 1 
 
 126 
 
 96 97 
 
 128 9S 99 
 
 131 100 loi 
 74 r- 53 
 
 80 58 59 
 
 76 
 
 54 
 
 55 
 
 80 
 
 5S 
 
 59 
 
 82 
 
 60 
 
 61 
 
 33 
 
 lOI 
 
 103 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
134 
 
 lOZ 
 
 103 
 
 137 
 
 104 
 
 105 
 
 141 
 
 108 
 
 109 
 
 84 
 
 6i 
 
 63 
 
 17 
 
 IZ 
 
 '3 
 
 143 
 
 no 
 
 II I 
 
 DEAN OF LISMORE S MS. XC\ 
 
 P. of MS. Kng. (Jaelir. 
 
 185. Et ego Jacobus Grcgorii. 
 18<J. Chronicle in Latin, beginning with tho doatli of Malcom 
 
 Kenniore. 
 199. Measurements of Noah's Ark. 
 
 I'.tO. Domhnull liath M'Dhughaill Mhic Grigoir. C'2 lines. Satire. 
 '202. Duncan Campbell, the gooil knight. 20 lines. On Old Age. 
 ■-'04. Author's name wanting. To Archibald Earl of Argyle, 
 
 208. Dunchadh M'Dhughaill Mhaoii. The M'Gregors, 
 
 209. Mac Gille Fhiontaig, the poet. The M'Gregors, . 
 212. Ossianic. Dialogue with St. Patrick, 
 •_'15. Ossian. " Umuidh Oisiain," .... 
 
 216. Finlay, the red-haired bard. On Allan M'Ruarie, 
 
 217. Two Quatrains by Finlay M'Nab. 
 217. Anonymous. On the M'Lcods of Lewis, . . . 146 
 
 219. Latin Notes. 
 
 220. Ossian. " Fainesoluis," 20 
 
 223. Dunchadh M'Dhughaill Mhaoii. 29 lines. Satire. 
 225. Duncan Campbell. 12 lines. Satire on "Women. 
 
 225. Anonymous. 6 lines. 
 
 226. Gillebride beag M'Conmidhe. 85 lines. On M'Eachain. 
 230. Fergus the bard. " Cath Ghabhra," .... 
 232. Allan M'Rory. "Cath Ghabhra," .... 
 236. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. " Bas Chonlaoich," 
 
 239. Duncan Og. The Seven Mortal Sins, 
 
 240. Gilliecallum Mac an Ollaimh. On John Lord of the Isles, 
 242. Genealogy of Malcom Kenmore. 
 244. Gilchrist Bruilingeach, bard an Lymin. 48 lines. On Irish 
 
 Chiefs. 
 246. Turn O'Meilchonor. 84 lines. On Irish Chiefs. 
 
 249. Quatrain by Finlay the red. 
 
 250. Fragments. Two lines on St. Patrick. 
 
 251. Contissa Ergadien, Isabella. 8 lines. 
 
 251. Duncan Campbell, the good knight. On Priests. 
 
 252. Teaguc 6g O'lluggin. 63 lines. On the Cross. 
 255. Muireach Albanach. Ill lines. Do. 
 260. Teague og O'Huggin. 92 lines. Religious. 
 263. Arthur dall M'Gurkich. Attack on Castle Swecn, 
 
 266. The Bard M'Intyre. A Ship on Loch Rannoch. 
 
 267. M'Pberson. 28 lines. 
 269. O'Meilchonor. 51 linos. On Nial frasach. 
 
 48 
 
 3^ 
 
 33 
 
 35 
 
 24 
 
 25 
 
 50 
 
 34 
 
 35 
 
 155 
 
 118 
 
 129 
 
 148 
 
 1 1: 
 
 113 
 
XCVl CONTENTS OF THE LISMORE MS. 
 
 r. ofMS. Eng. Gaelic 
 
 271. Gilclirist Taylor. 3G lines. Moral. 
 271. M'Cailcin mijr, id est, Cailean maith. An Epigram. 
 273. Duncan og Albanacb. 37 lines. A Dream. 
 275. Gilchrist Taylor. 62 lines. On the Host. 
 
 278. Gille glas Mac an Tuileir. 48 lines. On M'Grcgor. 
 
 279. Earl Gerald. 10 lines. 
 
 280. OsBianic. The Greatness of the Feinn, ... .'^7 64 65 
 
 281. Finlay the red. 26 lines. On M'Gregor. 
 
 282. The Bard M'lntyre. 26 lines. 
 
 284. Muireach Albanach. A Prayer, ir>9 122 123 
 
 285. Isabella Ni vie Cailein. 6 lines. 
 
 286. Anonymous. 36 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 287. Ossianic, 88 64 65 
 
 291. Latin. The Ages of the World. 
 
 292. Isabella Ni vie Cailein, l.>5 118 119 
 
 293. Teague 6g O'Huggin. 26 lines. 
 
 294. Ossian. Eulogy on Finn, 26 18 19 
 
 296. Duncan mor O'Daly. 54 lines. To the Virgin. 
 
 301. An caoch O'Cluain. "Fraoch," 54 56 37 
 
 303. Earl Gerald. 20 lines. 
 
 304. Finlay, the red-haired bard. 39 lines. On M'Diaruiad. 
 
 Illegible. 
 
 306. Duncan M'Cailein. 8 lines. 
 
 307. Anonymous. 15 lines. Indistinct. 
 
 307. Muireach Albanach. A Lament. 98 lines. Indistinct. 
 

 r^^ 
 
 CVi 
 
 / 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 3. Q_sf t 
 
 r 
 
 
 

 ^It^i^l^! 
 
 ?' 4 't ^4 ;t ^ 4 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 ! 5 JS-Mv-tMl 
 
 4.11'*^ 
 
THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 The author of this is Ossinn,^ the son of Finn :'■ 
 
 I've seen the househokl of Finn. 
 No men were tliey of coward race. 
 I saw by my side a vision 
 Of the hero's househohl yesterday. 
 
 ' The name of this poet has given rise 
 to some controversy between tlie Scotch 
 and Irish Gael. By tlie latter it is pro- 
 nounced Oixin, the accent falling on the 
 last syllable ; by the fomier it is pro- 
 nounced Os«iV</<, the accent falling on the 
 first. Dean M'Gregor spells the word 
 sometimes Ossan, but usually Ossin. It 
 is manifest from the use of the S5 that he 
 intends the accent to fall upon the first 
 syllable, according to the Scottish mode. 
 The Scottish pronunciation would ap- 
 pear to have been the same in his days 
 as now. This form of the word we have 
 retained in our translation. We do not 
 mean to institute any comparison be- 
 tween the Irish and Scottish mode. The 
 ditfurence clearly arises from the pecu- 
 liarity of each dialect, the Irish almost 
 uniformly, in words of two syllables, 
 laying the accent on the last, and the 
 Scottish upon the first syllable. 
 
 - The Dean's Finn is the Fingal 
 of some writei-s. '•' Fionn." pronounced 
 " Fiughn," genitive, " Fhinn," pro- 
 nounced " Ighn," is the present Scottish 
 and Irish form of the word, and we have 
 preserved this in M'Gregor's own ortho- 
 graphy. Scottish writers have, however, 
 been unjustly accuse<l of manufacturing 
 the term " Fingal." It is not, as somo 
 Irish scholars have maintained, a mo- 
 dern corruption of Fin mac Cuil, but a 
 word known and in use for centuries. 
 John Barbour, who wrote his metrical 
 life of King Robert Bruce in 1375, uses 
 it as a familiar term : — 
 
 " He said, Methinks Martheoke's son 
 Right as Gow-niac-Mom w.is won, 
 To have from Fingal his intnzie." 
 
 It would appear, from the analogies of 
 the Gaelic language, to be the complete 
 form of the word. " Fionn " means/u»>. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 I've seen the househokl^ of Art,- 
 
 He with the brown -liaired son of gentle speech 
 
 No better man 1 ever saw. 
 
 I've seen the househohl of Finn. 
 
 "WHio ever saw what I have seen ? 
 
 I've seen Finn armed with Linio's son.-'^ 
 
 How sad the mournful memory. 
 
 I've seen the household of Fimi. 
 
 Never can I recount the ills 
 
 AMiich now do crown my head. 
 
 Do thou free us for ever from pain. 
 
 I've seen the household of Finn. 
 
 I've seen, etc. 
 
 being in reality an adjective noun ; " Gal " 
 is a common termination of Celtic pro- 
 per names. Hence, " Fionn Glial," or 
 " Fingal," means the " fair-haireil one." 
 In like manner, we have " Dubh," black, 
 "Glial," " Dubhghal," or " Dugald ; " 
 "Donn," brown, " Glial," "Donnglial," 
 iJungal, Donald, tbe brown-haired one. 
 Hence, Fionn is a contraction of the 
 name. It is remarkable a.s an instance 
 of the changes which take place in the 
 use of words, that in modern times 
 " Fionnghal" is the name of a woman, 
 and is usually translated " Flora." 
 
 1 In the original the word translated 
 here, " lionsehold," is " tylyeh," or 
 " teaghlach," a fumiiy. Tlie literal 
 translation would be, "the family of 
 Art." But this would not convey the 
 idea in the original, the Celtic /((wiVi/ in 
 such a case ns this implying the military 
 followers of the head or chief. It seenis 
 probable that these ancient (,'eltic chiefs, 
 like chiefs in more recent times, had 
 their armed followers in constant attend- 
 ance on them. 
 
 * Art was King of Irehunl, acconling 
 to Irish authorities, in the beginning of 
 the third century. Tradition says that 
 lie was the father of (irainne, the wife of 
 
 Finn, whose defection and escape with 
 Dianuad led to the event so famous in 
 ancient Celtic poetry, the death of Diar- 
 mad. A poem relating the event will be 
 found in this collection. 
 
 » " Mac an Loinn," or " Luno's son," 
 was the famous swonl of Fingal, manu- 
 factured by Loinn mac Liobhaidh, the 
 celebrated smith, or "Vulcan," of tlie 
 Celts. The swonl was so effective that 
 in no case was it ever requireil to give a 
 second stroke. The Gaelic wonls are, 
 " Cha d' fh<\g e fuigheall beunia," — It 
 left no remnant for its stroke. We have 
 heard of a remarkable instance of the 
 effective use of this jdirase in the pulpit 
 by a distinguished Highland minister, 
 Mr. Laclilan M'Kenzie of I^Khcarron. 
 Ill illustrating the completeness of the 
 one sacrillee of our Lonl, lie said, and to 
 a Highland audience it was electrifying, 
 "Chuala sibli mu 'n chlaidheanih bh' 
 aig Fionn, naeh d' fliag rianili fuighenll 
 beuma," Yoit htitr htnrd of FingaFs 
 sironl, whiih never needed to i/ive it se- 
 cond hloir. " Loinn mac Liobhaidh," the 
 "Vulcan" of the Celts, is in reality 
 Jiriij/itiiess, (he son of polislting, a fact 
 which would go far to prove the nij'thi- 
 « 111 character of this fiimous artisan. 
 
rilK DKAN OF LlSMOliM 
 
 Till' author of this i.s Ossiim : ' 
 
 Long are the clouds this niglit almvc me ; 
 
 The last was a long night to me. 
 
 This day, although I find it long, 
 
 Vesterdav was longer still. 
 
 Each day that comes is long to nic, 
 
 Such indeed was not my wont. 
 
 Now is no fight, or battle-field, 
 
 No learning noljle feats of anus 
 
 Without maiden, song, or hai|) ; 
 
 No crushing bones or warlike deeds. 
 
 No studious learning any more. 
 
 No hospitable heart or board, 
 
 No soft wooing, and no chase. 
 
 In both of which 1 took delight. 
 
 Without the battle -march or fight, 
 
 Alas ! how sorrowful life's close ; 
 
 No hunting of the hind or stag. 
 
 How different from my heart's desire ! 
 
 No trappings for our hounds, no hounds. 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me. 
 
 No rising up to noble feats, 
 
 No mirthful sport as we would wish. 
 
 No swimming heroes in our lakes. 
 
 ' This piece is extracted and printed genuine compositions of Ossian, there 
 
 in the report on the Poems of Ossian, is sufHcient evidence that the references 
 
 published by the Highland Society. Dr. to the Saint are of more recent introduc- 
 
 Smith, however, who made the extract, tiou, in the fact, that if Ossian saw Art, 
 
 appears not to have read it with much who lived in the opening of the third 
 
 care or accuracy, and the concluding century, as he tells us in the preceding 
 
 portion, from the twentieth line down- fragment, he could hardly hold a dia- 
 
 wards, is suppressed altogether. This logue with St. Patrick, who flourished 
 
 seems to have arisen from a desire to in the fifth. In the present publication 
 
 suppress all the references in those the poems of every kind are given just 
 
 poems to St. Patrick, and thus to estab- as they stand, without any reference to 
 
 lish by all possible means their Scot- the eflfect on existing systems and theo- 
 
 tish origin. If any of the Poems are the ries, Scotch or Irish. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me ; 
 
 hi this great \voild none is like nie, 
 
 So sad, how sad my case 1 
 
 A jjoor old man now dragging stones. 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me, 
 
 The last man of the Feine am I, 
 
 The great Ossian, the son of Finn, 
 
 Listening to the sound of bflls.* 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me. 
 
 Find, Patrick, from thy God 
 What our eternal state shall be. 
 Freed may we ever be from ill. 
 Long are the clouds tliis night above me. 
 
 Long are the clouds, etc. 
 
 The Author of this is Ossian : 
 
 Once on a time when Finn my loved 
 "Went to hunt on the " Fair maids' hill," ' 
 With three thousand nobles of the Feine, 
 Tlieir shields ah ill o'er their heads. 
 
 1 The bells used in Christian worship. which the almost unifom» term for a 
 
 " Patrick of the hells," is a common ap- mountain is •• Beiun," the Knglish 
 
 pellation of St. Patrick in these compo- " Ben." This is one of the marke.1 dif- 
 
 sitions. ferences between Irish and Scottish topo- 
 
 * "Slialih nam lian fionn," orthe "hill jjraphy. The term under consideration 
 
 of the fair-haired wnmeii," is said to he has sometimes been callinl in Scotland 
 
 one of the mountains of Tipperary, in " Sliabh nam beann lionn," "the hill of 
 
 the neighbourhood of Clonmel. It is now the fair hills," a manifest mistake, which 
 
 called " Sliabh nam ban," and has .seve- the meanintjle.ss tautolojjy should be 
 
 ral traditions of the Feine associated with enousjh to prove. Topographical phrases 
 
 it. The writer is not aware of any moun- in the (Jaelic lani^uage arc usually not 
 
 tain of the name in Scotland ; besides, only ^rammaticnlly accurate, but of re- 
 
 although the word "Sliabh" is well nnirkable elej;ance in their structuro. 
 
 known and in common use nmong the The interpretations often put upon them 
 
 Scottish Highlanders, it is seldom found are a monstrous outrage upon this sound 
 
 in tho topography of the country, in and in\ariablo principle. 
 
THE DKAN' OF LISMOUE. 
 
 Ossian ! thy words are sweet to lue, 
 My blessing on the soul of Finn.^ 
 Tell us the number of the deer 
 That fell on the " Fair maids' hill." 
 
 How vigorously we shook our spears, 
 For never hast thou sung the deer 
 Slain on the " Fair maids' hill," 
 By the hand of Finn of the feasts. 
 Tell them the tale in full, 
 My blessing on thy guileless lips. 
 Had you your dress and your armour 
 When you went forth to the chase ? 
 
 We had our dress and our armour 
 
 When we went forth to the chase ; 
 
 There was no Fian amongst us all 
 
 Without his fine soft flaxen shirt, 
 
 Without his under coat of substance soft, 
 
 Without a coat of mail of brightest steel, 
 
 The covering for his head adorned with gems, 
 
 And in his hand he bore two spears. 
 
 Besides a fierce and conquering shield. 
 
 And sword that never failed to cleave the skull. 
 
 Wert thou to search the universe 
 
 Thou would'st not find a liraver man than Finn ; 
 
 Of noblest race and fairest form, 
 
 No arm from him could carry victory. 
 
 As he went forth to try his snow-white hound 
 
 Who 'mongst us all was like to Finn ? 
 
 Westward we went, an ordered band. 
 
 » It is obvious that parts of these com- ness of the work, and can be explained 
 
 positions are dialogues, for the most part upon the supposition, that these portions 
 
 between Ossian and St. Patrick. The were either prefi.xed or ailjoined at an 
 
 dialogue portion in these editions of after period by some other hand to serve 
 
 Dean M'Grcgor's is generally either pre- a purpose. This cannot be said of those 
 
 fixed or added to the body of the poem. poems which are in the foiin of dialogues 
 
 This is quite consistent with the genuine- throughout. 
 
6 THE BOOK OF 
 
 To hunt on the " Fair mauls' hill." 
 
 ratiick, pupil of the church's head, 
 
 Bright "was the .sun above us, 
 
 As in the midst of us sat Finn. 
 
 Eastward and westward s\\eetly rung, 
 
 From hill to hill the voice of hounds, 
 
 Arousing boars and harts. 
 
 Then Finn and Bran ^ did sit alone 
 
 A little while upon the moimtaiu side, 
 
 Each of them pantmg for the chase, 
 
 Their fierceness and their wrath aroused. 
 
 Then did we unloose three thousand hounds 
 
 Of matchless vigour and unequalled strength. 
 
 Each of the hounds brought down two deer. 
 
 Long ere 'twas time to bind them in their thongs. 
 
 That day there fell si.x thousand deer, 
 
 Down in the vale that lies beneath the hill ; 
 
 There never fell so many deer and roe 
 
 In any hunt that e'er till this took place. 
 
 But sad was the chase down to the east, 
 
 Thou cleric of the church and bells, 
 
 Ten hundred of our hounds, with golden chains, 
 
 Fell wounded by ten hunilred boars : 
 
 Then l)y om- hands there fell the boars. 
 
 Which wrought the ill upon the plain. 
 
 And were it not for blades and vigorous arms. 
 
 That chase had been a slaughter. 
 
 () I'aUick of tin- Imly crosier, 
 
 Eastward or westward, luist thou j-ver seen. 
 
 Another chase, in all thy days. 
 
 < Ileal. T than tliat of I'imi ini.l of the Feine ? 
 
 ' IJiiui was the laiiHius lioiiml ol Finn. cdiiiiiumi imiiii's fur stttn'"'"'"!* '•' ''><■' 
 
 Tlie woiil means "a raven," liiit useil us Hinlilamls «t this clay. HefercMie is made 
 
 an ailjective it signifies " lilack." wliirli a few lines l>efi>r»' this to a wliite dop, 
 
 is a|iparentiy the urigin of the name. "achoinnhil," tmuNlatwl "smov-white," 
 
 Another of hitt ilo^s was ralletl " Limth," •' j;enl," imiilyinK the niont intruKo white- 
 
 or " Swift," also an ailjeetivr. T'eseaie iiess. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOKE. 
 
 This then was the huut of Finn, 
 Thou son of Alpin^ of the holy relics, 
 More than thy howling in the church 
 Do I love to tell the ilay. 
 
 Once on a time. etc. 
 
 The author of this is Ossiaii : ^ 
 
 Once on a time as Patrick of the holy crook 
 
 Betook him to liis cell, 
 
 He sought as his companion 
 
 Ossiau of gentle mien. 
 
 Xow let me hear, he said, 
 Ossian, whose courage has made foes retreat. 
 Who of all those whom thou ne'er saug'st. 
 Most vexed the Feine of Finn ? 
 
 Priest of the spotted crook,^ 
 Tliy lifetime it would take 
 
 ' The Irish call this word " Ar- 
 pluinn," in Latin, "Calpliumius." In the 
 Highlands the name is uniformly '" Al- 
 pin,"— " Padruig mac Alpain." 
 
 * This composition the Irish call the 
 battle of " Ventry Harbour," a place in 
 the county of Kerrj' in Ireland. There 
 are, however, Fintrays in Scotland, 
 which are apparently the same name, 
 and Mr. Skene has called the attention 
 of the writer to the fact, that there 
 is a Sguir Dhaire dhuinn, " the hill of 
 Daire donn," in Duror in Argyleshire. 
 Irish Antiquaries say the battle was 
 fought in the third century between the 
 Feine of Ireland and Daire donn, or 
 Daire the brown, King of the world. It 
 will be seen in this copy that Daire is 
 introduced as King of Lochliii or Scan- 
 
 dinavia, although afterwards called King 
 of the world. It is very probable that 
 both to the Scotch and Irish Celt Scan- 
 dinavia was at this period synonymous 
 with the world. This poem is here at- 
 tributed to Ossian, although it is very 
 doubtful whether it is so in the MS. 
 The writing is so indistinct, that it is 
 impossible to read the title correctly. It 
 is hardly necessarj- to remind the reader 
 that the poem is in the fonn of a dia- 
 logue between the bard, whoever he may 
 be, and St. Patrick. The name of- the 
 saint seems to have been a favourite one 
 with the bards, and was used no doubt 
 to give consequence and currency to 
 their compositions. 
 
 3 The crozier of St Patrick. Several 
 ancient Celtic croziens are still in exist- 
 
TH1-: BOOK OF 
 
 To tell ill huinai) speech 
 
 The glory of the Feine of Finn. 
 
 Since without guile thou art, 
 
 And now that they are dead, dost live, 
 
 Watch thou for ever on, 
 
 And tell the deeds done Ly the Feine. 
 
 Should 1 be spared for fifty years, 
 
 Hearing thy music in thy cell 
 
 Till my death's day, I could not tell 
 
 The noble deeds of the Feine of Finn. 
 
 The kingdoms of the earth in all its breadth 
 
 Belonged to us on every side. 
 
 Tribute we rai.sed from all of them for Finn,* 
 
 Else filled them with the shout of war. 
 
 In this wide earth there was not one 
 
 That dared refuse us. 
 
 Not ev'n in Alve^ of the spotted speai-s, 
 
 AVith all its power and its untold renown. 
 
 cuce. Two are well known in Scotland. 
 Que of them is the Quigrich, or orozier of 
 St. Fillan, nowin possession of afamilyof 
 the name of Dewar in Canada, to whose 
 progenitor it was intrusted by Itolicrt 
 Bruce at the liattle of Bannookburn. An 
 interesting notice of this relic has re- 
 cently been published by Dr. D. Wilson 
 of Toronto. Another is the crozier of 
 SI. Munn, now in the Museum of the 
 Society of Antiquaries in Scotland, ami 
 Ion;? in jiossessinn of a family called tin- 
 Barons of Bachul (a rrozin; fix>m the 
 Latin Biiciiliix), in the island of Lismore. 
 A notice of this relic will be found in the 
 transactionH of the Scottish Antii|uarie.i, 
 from the able pen of .Mr. Cosmo Innes. 
 The woni " breac," or spullnl, a]>plied 
 to the cro/ier, must refer to its ornnmeii. 
 lation. The term will bo found olsowhere 
 npjilied to sponrs or swords, 
 
 ' Tins ,-. a .-tirinim ,.,..r,. ,.( H-,nl.. .v 
 
 ai^geration. But there may be some his- 
 tory hidden within its folds. There is 
 sullicient evidence to prove that tho 
 Peine, whoever they were, were not con- 
 lined to Ireland. We have numerous 
 ancient Celtic comjwsitions in which re- 
 ference is made to the Peine of Scotland, 
 and the Peine of Britain, meaning either 
 Wales, or England and Wales together. 
 The truth with reganl to Pinn and his 
 Peine seems even yet to he a long way 
 oir. 
 
 " This is (iaid to be •' Almhuin," or 
 Allen, the residence of Fiiin, nceord- 
 ing to Irish aceounts, in the county of 
 Kildare. The wonl has a strong resem- 
 blance to '• Alba," the ISaelic name for 
 Scotland ; aixl in reading ancient (inelii- 
 MSS., cur«i must be taken ti>distiiig\iish 
 the two. We give the name in the Dean's 
 orthogrnphy, whatever the place nmv 
 be. 
 
TllK DKAN OK LlSMUllE. 
 
 Wculd'st thou but tell tlicin u«>\v, 
 Ossian, of the fierce assaults, 
 Wliich was tlie stoutesf anu 
 Amoug the men that followed Finn. 
 
 Thou sett'st me to a painful task, 
 
 Priest, thou pupil of the heavenly king, 
 
 1 could not till the judgment day. 
 Tell of the Feine, the men and deeds. 
 
 Vet since it so fell out that thou outliv'st them 
 Ossian of sweet and pleasing songs, 
 "WTiich would'st thou chuse of all the Feinn, 
 To stand in battle by thy shield ? 
 
 Oscar and Caoilte and Gaul, 
 
 And Luthy's son, of sharpest swords ; 
 
 Round Cumhal's son,^ they well might stand, ' 
 
 No nobler band in battle fought ; 
 
 Bloody Fargon, son to the king. 
 
 And Carroll with the murderous spear ; 
 
 Dermin, brave and fair, who nothing feared, 
 
 And bore his pointed shield aloft, 
 
 Coll Caoilte's son, so gentle at the feast ; 
 
 Core, a warrior of no tender ])lows ; 
 
 Ryno, son to the king ; — 
 
 A band than which no braver fought. 
 
 The fair-haired Fillan, who was son to Finn, 
 
 And Garry, than whom no bloodier foe ; 
 
 The guileless Dyrin, Doveran's son, 
 
 Hugh, son of Garry of the powerful arm, 
 
 I, myself, and Gaul the son of Small, 
 
 ' Finn was Cunilial's son. Tlie word Coil of Ayrshire. The wiiolc region alu.ut 
 
 is pronounced "Finn mac Cuil," — very the scene of Coil's territory and sepulchre 
 
 much as M'Dougal is pronounced in the has been purely Celtic, and the grave 
 
 speaking of Gaelic. The writer has been itself bears marks of being constructed 
 
 led to think that traces of " Cual " in the early Celtic methoil. 
 (Cumhal) might be found in the King 
 
LO THE BOOK OF 
 
 And DaiiL' oi' oaki-u frame, brave lionan's son ; 
 
 The annourer's tliree sons, men without jruile, 
 
 AVliose ruddy armour gleamed, adorned with gold. 
 
 Now that I tell my tale to thee, 
 
 Cleric that dwell'st at Port-na-minna, 
 
 No man of all the Feine was known to me 
 
 But one, to whom all other men must }iekL 
 
 But, now, do thou be seated in thy chair, 
 
 Take up thy pen, we'll number all the host. 
 
 The host of brave and noble men 
 
 Who came, w^ell-ordered bands, unto the Feiue. 
 
 Across the sea the King of Lochlhi came, 
 
 The brown -haired^ JJaire of famous shield, 
 
 From Conn to wrest the tribute paid l»y Erin, 
 
 A mournful tale i'or us and all our host. 
 
 Our Feinn had friends who came to give tliem aid. 
 
 Men from the sides of eveiy hill, 
 
 Led on by Cairbar of the sine\\-y arm. 
 
 Of these four bands came safe to land. 
 
 Of the Feinn themselves came seven bands, 
 
 Three from the east, the half of Erin lalk-d from Cttnii.' 
 
 The greater number in the l)attle fell. 
 
 But few escaped the bands of Daire donn. 
 
 Down with his fleet lay Daire donn 
 
 Himself and all his host. 
 
 Of these were thirty score ^ 
 
 Who ne'er agam did see their native laud. 
 
 There watched them near tiie shttre 
 
 Conn Crithear of the mcU aimed strokes. 
 
 He seized the men of India there. 
 
 And raised the king's head on tlu> mountain side. 
 
 t As alreiuly ohservi-il, Dnire ilomi, or Imlf, ciilloil fnuii Mo^'lm NuuiUmt, Kiug 
 
 " Diiire the lnowii," is i;allfil Iutc tlu' uf Mimsttr, Imtli in the HivtMul century. 
 Kiii'4 of Lodiliii. " Till' (.Vlts nlwiivs oiunt l>y twenties 
 
 * Iruluiid wii.s (liviiU-d into two (rrunt u]> to IIH>. Wlicn ii lli>;liliin(li-r hpoiiks 
 
 H.Mtions: tho iioitluMii, iiillcii Ia-IIi oI :W0 or :W(i oC aiiytliiiii;, lie uniformly 
 
 Cliuinn, or Conn's half, from Conn of says seventeen wore or eighteen m-oiv. 
 
 the liiimlreil liatlles, Kinjjof I'Uler ; the The numl>eiN jjiven here tin- an inHtniu-e 
 
 s..iitli.ri.. .nllr.l Loth MhoKlm, m M..-I.', ..I the pocti.- license. 
 
TlIK DEAN OF LlSMoKE. 11 
 
 This famous Conn, tlie sou of I'lster's kinjf. 
 
 And Dollir, no less fauit'd for wiiilike deeds, 
 
 We left upon tlie stranil, 
 
 Drowned in mutual clasp beneath the waves. 
 
 Dathach's three sons, no braver men, 
 
 Ascending from the place wliere lay the ships, 
 
 Feartan and Kerkal, he with the large round head, 
 
 We left their boilies naked on the strand. 
 
 Owar,^ the armed daughter of the King of Greece, 
 
 And Forna of the heavy sturdy blows 
 
 We left, a vacant grin upon their faces. 
 
 We knew no son-ow as we left them there. 
 
 Four of the King of Loclilin's sons we left, 
 
 Slain by our fierce, resistless arms. 
 
 The three Balas from Bomn in the east. 
 
 Hardly escaped our murderous IjIows. 
 
 Great as was the king of the world, 
 
 Daire donu, with shield of purest white, 
 
 We left his body, too, upon the strand. 
 
 Slain by the blows of the victorious Feine. 
 
 Of all the world's hosts, brave though they were, 
 
 None did escape the slaughter 
 
 Except the King of France alone, 
 
 ^V^lo, like a swallow as it grasps the air. 
 
 Fled from fear of noble Oscar, 
 
 And even once his sole ne'er touched the earth 
 
 Until he got to Glenabaltan, as men relate ; 
 
 Then and there only did he find him rest. 
 
 It was on Fintray's strand, down at the sea, 
 
 » This daughter of the Kiug of Greece used the Greek letters. This is a remark- 
 is well kuown in Celtic tradition. In Mr. able statement, and one of which too 
 J. F.CAmi>he\Vs Titles of the West High- little use has been made in discussing 
 lands, vol. ii. p. 470, it will be seen that the social condition of the early Gael, 
 traces of her existence are found still in At the same time, we leara from the liis- 
 the island of Barra. Greece was not un- torj- of the Gallic war that the literature 
 known to the ancients. Ca?sar tells us of Gaul was drawn from Britain, at least 
 that the Gauls, although not committing' her priests studied there, which cm\ have 
 their religious mysteries to paper, in com- no other meaning, 
 mon writing which was familiar to them, 
 
THK BOOK OF 
 
 Our people made this slaughter, 
 
 Of these, the kings of all the world, 
 
 And drank our full of vengeance. 
 
 Our fierce and conquering arms 
 
 Laid many a noble warrior low ; 
 
 Many a sword and shield 
 
 Lay shattered on the strand, 
 
 The strand of Fintray of the port ; 
 
 Many dead bodies lay upon the earth, 
 
 Many a hero with a vacant grin. 
 
 Much was the spoil we gathered in the fight. 
 
 Patrick, son of noble Alpin, 
 
 Even of the Feine themselves, none did escape 
 
 The fierce and murderous fight 
 
 Except two ordered bands, 
 
 Xor were their bodies whole. 
 
 The sons of l^oisgne^ made one band of those. 
 
 A race, with hands that knew no tender grasp, 
 
 Then came the sons of Morn,- who with the .sons of Smail 
 
 Made up the second band. 
 
 By thy hand, O noble Priest 
 
 In that sore fight, there perished of our Peine 
 
 Five well-trained bands 
 
 Who left us for the strand. 
 
 Thirty luckless biiiids, 
 
 A thousand score in each. 
 
 We numbered of the men <>f I^aiie iKniii, 
 
 That never reached the waves. 
 
 Were I to answer thee, O Priest. 
 
 As thou desir'st to hear my every tale, 
 
 Down to the time we"' (lawra's battle fought. 
 
 I The race of llie F.inc to wlii.li Finn Tliose are the lii>li aivnunts, and must 
 
 l)elyn}^e<l. Tlie Irish Hay they fwcu- I'f taken a.s ei)«tril>utii>ns to a correct 
 
 jiied Leinster and the eastern part of elMriilatimmf the history of thene events, 
 
 Ulster. if tliey have a real history. 
 
 « The race to which the fan)o\i8 (Janl " A jmeni on this faniouR )>attle will 
 
 ItelonKed. Tliey are naid to have occu- l-e fonnd in n snlweipient part of thio 
 
 |.i.'d r.iiinn\i(,'ht ami the west of Ivelan<l. rolloctinn. 
 
THK DKAN OF LISMORR. 
 
 We never lost our power. 
 
 Then did we seize the ships ; 
 
 We took the heavy silver of the king, 
 
 The gold, the garments, and the other spoil ; 
 
 Each half of Erin had its share. 
 
 Holy Patrick of the relies. 
 
 Shall I meet death within tiiy house of prayer ? 
 
 Cover thou my form with earth, 
 
 Since thou knowest well my tale. 
 
 Ossian, since thou art wearied now, 
 
 Make thy peace, that thou may'st die. 
 
 Take up thy prayer and ask for mercy, 
 
 Early each day call on thy God, 
 
 And w^hen, on the judgment day, thou readiest Sion, 
 
 Where all men shall be gathered. 
 
 May Michael, Mary, and the Son of God 
 
 Take thee kindly by the hand. 
 
 May the Twelve Apostles, with their song of praise, 
 
 Each holy cleric, and each prophet. 
 
 Me save from hell. 
 
 For I've been very sinful in my day. 
 
 Once on a time.' 
 
 The author of this is Ossian : 
 
 Feeble this night is the power of my arm, 
 
 My strength is no more as it was ; 
 
 No wonder though I should mourn, 
 
 Poor old relic that I am ; 
 
 Sad that such should be my lot, 
 
 > It will be seen in this and the pre- cient Celtic Poetry, and is a sure indica- 
 
 vious pieces, that the first few lines are tion that we have reached the end of the 
 
 repeated at the close of every poem. This piece, 
 practice is uniformly followed in all an- 
 
14 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Beyond all men who tread the earth, 
 
 "Wearily dragging stones along 
 
 To the church on the hill of the priest. 
 
 1 have a tale which I woiUd tell 
 
 Regarding our people, Patrick : 
 
 Listen to Finn's prediction. 
 
 Shortly ere thou cani'st, Priest, 
 
 The hero was to Iniild a fort, 
 
 On Cuailgne's^ bare and rounded hill. 
 
 He laid it on the Feine of Fail'^ 
 
 Materials for the work to get. 
 
 Two-thirds of all his famous fort 
 
 He laid upon the sons of Morn ; 
 
 The other third he laid on me. 
 
 And on the other sons of Boisgne. 
 
 I answered, but not aright, 
 
 The son of Cumhal, son of Trenmor. 
 
 I said I woidd cast off his rule. 
 
 And would sulnnit to him no more. 
 
 Tlien for long Finn held his peace, 
 
 The hero hard to vanquish, 
 
 He who knew no guile nor fear, 
 
 AMien my answer he had lieard. 
 
 His words to me were these, 
 
 The words of Finn, prince of the Feine : 
 
 Thou shalt be dragging stones awhile 
 Ere to thy mournful home thou goest. 
 
 • A hill said to be in the county of oneof the (^rnmlest of the Scottish nionn- 
 
 Annnt,'li, cek'l)rfttc<i in the uniient poi-in tains. Tlie person from wlioin Inith this 
 
 of " Tiiin )io ("huuil(?ne," or " The ciittlo ami tlie Irish hills of the nntne were 
 
 spoil of (!iiilinn." It is said to liave callwl, is said to have been (.'tiilionn, a 
 
 l>een here that Ciirhullin resided, whenri' Driiidiial jiriest of great fame. The 
 
 prol>aldy his name, Cu Cliuailfciie, or wonl means also the Holly tri>e, from 
 
 C'uchiillin, the Hoiiiul of t'uillinn. In whence the derivation is Hutliiieutly prt>- 
 
 IriHh History C'uchullin in wnid to liave halde. 
 
 lived a couple of centurien i)revious to * " Fail" is an ancient name for Irc- 
 
 the era of Fingal. land. The word signilles /!/«• ; hence 
 
 The reader may lio reminded that there " hniisfail," or the " Isluntl of fate," or, 
 
 in a mountain in Skye culled C'uilinn, more prolwldy, " the Mcred iaiand." 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOlUv 
 
 Then did I rise up in wrath, 
 From Cumhal's son of bloody sword. 
 There followed me of all the Feine, 
 The fourth battalion, hiirdy and brave. 
 Then was 1 long with tlu- Feino, 
 On all things 1 my judgment gave 
 ^lany were there with me then. 
 But now, alas, I'm feel)le, feeble ; 
 I was comisellor to the Feine, 
 In all emergencies, how feeble. 
 How many men that do not know 
 That on this earth I'm feeble, feeble. 
 This night my body's frame is feeble, 
 Patrick, I believe thy words. 
 My hands, my feet, and head. 
 All of them are feeble, feeble. 
 
 Feeble, etc. 
 
 The author of this is Ossian : 
 
 Here have I seen the Feine, 
 
 I have seen Conan and Gaul, 
 
 Finn, and Oscar my son, 
 
 Rpio, Art, and brown-haii'ed Diarmad,^ 
 
 Brave M'Luy,^ he of noble mien, 
 
 The red-haired Garry,^ also Hugh the less, 
 
 I Diarmad was the Adonis of the dearg. His mother's name was Luigh- 
 
 Feine. He is celebrated for his beauty, each, whence he was called the .son of 
 
 which led finally to his death, as will be Luigheach, pronounced Luy. He was a 
 
 seen in a future iioem. He is said to famous man among the Feine, according 
 
 have been the Ancestor of the clan Camji- to Irish authorities, 
 
 bell, who are hence called " Clann Diar- » There were several among the Feine 
 
 maid," or the "children of Diarmad." of this name. The name is widely known 
 
 The M'Diarmads, as well as some other in the topography of Scotland. There 
 
 subordinate clans, are also said to be of are two Rivers Garrj-, two lochs, and 
 
 the same stock. two large rivers. These are found in 
 
 * A grandson of Finn by his son Daire Inverness-shire and Perthshire. 
 
Ifl THE BO(»K OK 
 
 Hugh dairy's .son, wlio nevor quaile<l, 
 
 The three Finns, and with tht-ni Fead, 
 
 Glass and Gow and Garry, 
 
 The long-haired Galve, and the impetuous ( "onau ; ' 
 
 Gaul and Crooin, Gaul's son, 
 
 Socach, the son of Finn, and Bran ;" 
 
 Caoilte, the son of warlike Konan,^ 
 
 Who swiftest ran, and leaped o'er valleys, 
 
 The readiest to scatter gold, 
 
 One of them of sweetest voice ; 
 
 Bayne, son of Brassil of the swords, 
 
 The sou of Cromchin, son of Small, 
 
 And Oscar, son of powerful Garry ,■* 
 
 The three Balas, and the three Skails. 
 
 Three battalions from Glenstroil, 
 
 Three bands from Monaree ; . 
 
 Caoilte's seven sons best trained to fight ; 
 
 The three named Glass from Glassrananseir ; 
 
 The three Beths from Cnokanduvd, 
 
 Three of unfailing excellence ; 
 
 Deach Fichid's son from Borruinn mor. 
 
 Of them who always conquered. 
 
 Here have I seen the Feine 
 
 Whose liberal hand did music buy,"* 
 
 ' Conan is usually ciillt'd " Coii.iii Rinjihy, goes far to show the close coii- 
 
 inaol," or "Conan the liald," and was nexion of the Feine themselves with that 
 
 known among the Feine for his thought- countiy. 
 
 loss impetuosity. He was, in con.so- ^ Caoilte was one of the most famous 
 
 quence of this jjiculiar temperament, of the Feine. He was tlistinguishetl for 
 
 ever getting into (lilliiulties, and expos- his swiftness, and not without reason, 
 
 ing himself to the ridicule and reprehcii- as is shown in his ehase of Loinn mac 
 
 sion of his comjianions. There are liuth l.i.ilihaidh, the Fenian ldacksmith,whom 
 
 a river and valley in Siotlanil called after he overtook, although he could crona a 
 
 him, the Uiver Conan and Stratiiconan valley at a stride, 
 
 in Rosshire. * This Oscur must Ke distinguished 
 
 * " Uran," the name of Finn's celc- from the famous Oscar, the Poet's son. 
 
 liratedhoumi, is here obviously the name Of the latter he never speaks without 
 
 of a man. There is a "strath" or val- applying to liim some term of endear- 
 
 ley in llosshire which still retains his ment, as "my son." "my own son." 
 
 name, Htralhliran. The extent t.. which etc. 
 
 F< iiian names are found in Scottish topo- * Thin line refer* to the lilterni rewards 
 
THK DKAN OF LISMOIUv 
 
 Iijui<:jud around Ossian and Finn, 
 Tmversiny; valleys to dispense their gold. 
 Fearton and brave Carroll were there, 
 ^\^lo never fought but where they won. 
 I sing them, and generous Felan. 
 All of whom lu'iv ha\c I seen. 
 
 Here have I seen. 
 
 The author of this i.s Ossian, the son of Finii.^ 
 
 Tell us, O Patrick, what honour is ours, 
 
 Do the Feine of Ireland in heaven now dwell? 
 
 In truth 1 can tell thee, thcju Ossian of fame, 
 That no heaven has thy father, Oscar, or Gaul. 
 
 Sad is the tale thou tellest me, Priest, 
 
 I worshipping Clod while the Feine have no heaven. 
 
 Shalt thou not fore well thyself in that city. 
 
 Though ne'er should thy father, Caoilte, and Oscar be there ? 
 
 Little joy would it bring to me to sit in that city, 
 ^Vithout Caoilte, and Oscar, as well as my father. 
 
 Better see the face of heaven's son each day. 
 Than all the gold on earth, were it thine to possess. 
 
 wliich the Bards usually received among 
 the Celts. A eulogy was sometimes re- 
 warded by the Chief with a silver cup. 
 Even poetiy had need to be purchased ; 
 and probably were it not for the hope of 
 reward of some kiud, many of the noblest 
 Poems which have adorned human his- 
 tory would never have seen the light. 
 At a meeting of Skye gentlemen on some 
 public occasion some years ago, the ques- 
 tion was put, " Where are the bards ?" 
 Cue of the company replied, " They are 
 gone." " No," said Nicolson of Scorry- 
 
 breck, "they are still with us; but the 
 men who fostered them are gone." 
 
 ' This piece is what is usually called 
 " Urnuidh Oisiain," or "Ossiau's prayer." 
 There are many such colloquies in the 
 Gaelic, many of them bearing no marks 
 of great antiquity. It will be found that 
 in the Gaelic the poem is divided. This 
 arose from a misplacing of different parts 
 of it in the MS., which was not observed 
 till the first part was i)rinted off. In 
 the English the whole is given conse- 
 cutively. 
 
18 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Tell us, thou Piic'st d the Holy city, the tale ; 
 In return I'll recount thee the battle of Gaunt 
 
 If the tale of that city thou desir'st, old man, 
 No thirst, no hunger, want, reproach are there. 
 
 ^\^lO are heaven's sons ? more noble are the Feinn : 
 Are they hard of heart ? have thou mercy, Cleric ; 
 
 Unlike them are the Feine, unlike them altogether, 
 Never on the green plain did they seek the chase. 
 
 For thy love's sake, Patrick, forsake not the heroes, 
 Unknown to heaven's King, bring thou in the Feinn. 
 
 Though little room you'd take, not one of your race, 
 I"'nknown to heaven's Iving, shall get beneath his irtof 
 
 How different IMac Cumhail, the Feinn's noble king, 
 All men, uninvited, might enter his great house. 
 
 Sad is that, old man, and thy life's close so near. 
 That thou should'st so unj'Tistly judge of my great king. 
 
 Better the fierce conflict uf Finn and his Feinn, 
 Than thy holy master, and thyself together. 
 
 ^Mournful, poor old man, that thou should'st folly si>eak, 
 Better God for a day than all of Erin's Feinn. 
 
 Though few lie my ilays, and my life's close near, 
 Patrick di lanir not the noltlcs of clan Boisgne. 
 
 Thou can'st never tell, Gssian, sou to the Queen, 
 How dilfereiit your nobles fmm those of my Lml. 
 
 Were even Coliaii living, the least of the Feinn, 
 He would Mot suHei- thy insok'ni-e. Gh-rii'. 
 
 Speak not thus, Ossiun, savage are thy wonls, 
 Take thee now thy rest, and guide thee by my nde. 
 
I'llH 1)1;AN of LISMOKK. 
 
 hiil'st thou see the fif^ht, and the iiohh- Iciniicrs, 
 
 Never woiihi'st thou think l)ut of the glory of the Feinn. 
 
 (Issian, Prince's son, 'twill be thy soul's great loss 
 That thou now thiiik'st only of the battles of the Feinn. 
 
 Did'st tliou hear the hounds, and the sounds of the hunt, 
 Thou woidd'st rather be there than in the lioly city. 
 
 Tliat is sad, old man, if the glory of tlie chase 
 
 l>e greater than all wliich Heaven above can yield. 
 
 Say not so, Patrick, empty are thy words, 
 Indeed and in tnith, better Finn and the Feinn. 
 
 By thy hand, Boisgne's son, not empty are my words. 
 Better is one angel than Finn and the Feinn. 
 
 Were I only now as I was at Gaura's fight, 
 
 I w^ould punish thy reproach of Erin's noble Feinn. 
 
 Thy pride is all gone, for all thy future days. 
 None are now left of thy band but thyself. 
 
 Were my men in life I'd not hear thy howling, 
 And I'd make thee to suffer in return for thy talk. 
 
 Though all of these yet lived, and were now joined together, 
 I'd still not speak only of the Feinn's seven bands. 
 
 Seven times the nimiber that thou hast of priests. 
 Fell all in battle by Oscar alone. 
 
 Thou'rt now in thy last days, old and senseless man, 
 Cease now thy speaking, and come away with me ; 
 Did'st thon see the men of cowls, Finn's son, in Alve, 
 Thon would' st not as thou dost reproach the men of heaven. 
 
 No less was our great baud, when we were met in Taura, 
 Reproachful are the words thou speak'st of the great king, 
 I will forgive thee, Cleric, although tliou dost not tell 
 
 Tell. 
 
20 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Tile author of this is Ossiaii.' 
 
 I know a httle tale of Fhin, 
 
 A tale that we should uot despise, 
 
 Of Cumhal's son, the valorous, 
 
 \\liich our memoiy still preserves. 
 
 Once we were a little band, 
 
 At Essaroy,^ of gentle streams, 
 
 Xear the coast was under sail, 
 
 A currach, in which sat a maid ; 
 
 Fifty men stood hy the King, 
 
 Brave in any fight or field, 
 
 Sad for them who faced their right arm. 
 
 For we ruled in every land. 
 
 AH of us rose up in haste, 
 
 Save Finn of the Feine and Gaul, 
 
 To welcome the boat as it sped. 
 
 Cleaving the waves in its course. 
 
 It never ceased its onward way 
 
 Until it reached the wonted port. 
 
 Then when it had touched the land, 
 
 The maid did from her seat arise. 
 
 Fairer than a sunbeam's sheen, 
 
 Of finest mould and gentlest mien. 
 
 ' This c(iiiii>osiU.)ii is known iisiuiUv nf Ituy." Was this the soene of the story 
 
 liy tlie name of " Fainosoluis," or t!ic of Fainesoluis f It may be ohjectetl that 
 
 sunbeam, derived njanifestly from tin- from there the sea lie* at a dintance of 
 
 conijmrisonof thesimlieam inthetwenty- liltien milts. Ou the Karn, near Bally- 
 
 tirst line. In Ireland it is called " I^toidli sh:innon, in the eoiinfy of Donepd, is 
 
 an Mhoi^thre Bhoirb," or "The son;; of " Assaroe," or " F.as Aoidh Uuaiilh," 
 
 M.iyre Borb." The " Mayre" of Ireland '• The waterfall of llunh the red," who 
 
 will be found to bo " Daire" in Siotland. was drowned theiv. This is nearer the 
 
 ■ The toiiojfraphy of these jioems is a sea ; but ut the jieriiHl asiribitl to Os. 
 
 Hubject of very deep interest to the stu- sian, the name eould not have beenpiven 
 
 dent of our national anti<|uitieM. In the to the A]iut, as the death uf Aedh ruadli 
 
 valley of the Roy in Loehuber, so funioUH mue Uadhairn, from whom the oaseadu 
 
 for its ]>iirallel roads, isa wat<'rfall ealliHl was nanie«l, oeeurriHl, aeoonling to the 
 
 " Kus ruaidh," or " trftsaroy," the " fall Four Masters, in .\ M. J.IIS. 
 
IllK DKAN OF LISMOHK. 
 
 Then before this striinger maid, 
 
 We stood and showed courtesy ; 
 
 " Come to the tent of Finn with us." 
 
 With gi'uce she all of us salutes ; 
 
 'Twas Cumhal's son himself replied, 
 
 And salutes her in return. 
 
 Then did the King of noblest mien 
 
 Ask of the maid tjf fairest face, 
 
 " Whence is it thou hast come, fair maid '. 
 
 Give us now in brief thy tale." 
 
 " The King of the land beneath the waves,' 
 
 My father is, such is my fate, 
 
 Through all lands where the sun revolves. 
 
 Thee and thy men I long have sought." 
 
 " Princess, who hast searched each land, 
 
 Youthful maid of beauteous form, 
 
 The reason why thou cam'st so i'ar, 
 
 Tell us now, and tell us all." 
 
 " If thou be Finn, I ask defence," "' 
 
 So now did speak the youthful maid, 
 
 1 Kings among the Celts were, at an 
 early period, persons of m\ich less con- 
 sequeuce than the name would now seem 
 to imply. In Ireland, there were four 
 provincial sovereignties besides the na- 
 tional one. But even this does not give 
 an accurate representation of the Celtic 
 polity. The fact is, every ruler of a dis- 
 trict and leader of an army was called 
 a King. Of this we have ample evi- 
 dence in C«sar's account of the state 
 of Britain at the period of the Roman 
 invasion. In Scotland, tradition points 
 to several kingdoms. In the Western 
 Highlands the Island of Mull is said to 
 have formed a kingdom by itself, called 
 "Rioghachd na Drealluin," " the King- 
 dom of Drealiim," from " dreall," a 
 " bar" or '" sneck," applied to the Sound 
 of Mull, which shuts out all strangers 
 from the Island. Islay was called 
 " Rioghachd Modheadh," or the " South- 
 west Kingdom," from its position. Mor- 
 
 veru was called " lonniaidh," to which fre- 
 quent reference is made both in Scottisli 
 and Irish Celtic tradition. Ardnamur- 
 chan was called " Sorcha," the kingdom 
 of Daire Borb's father, from its moun- 
 tainous character, "Sorcha" meaning 
 " high," whence " sorchan," "a tripod." 
 " Tir bar fo thuinn," or the land be- 
 neath the waves, was Tyree, from the 
 lowness of the land appearing from a 
 distance as if its surface were on a level 
 with the sea. If there be any historical 
 accuracy in these traditions, which have 
 been gathered up from an intelligent old 
 Highlander, skilled in the lore of his 
 country, this story of Fainesoluis is one 
 in which a daughter of the ruler of the 
 Island of Tyree is pui"sued by a son of 
 the ruler of Ardnannirchan. Poetry gives 
 a consequence and magnitude to the 
 event, which in all probability the nake<l 
 reality did not possess. 
 ■ " Mo chomraich ort," " my protcc- 
 
22 THE BOOK OF 
 
 " Thuii of soft speecli, tiiul jiurest i*ace, 
 
 Grant ine protection, grant it now." 
 
 Then spoke the wise and knowing King, 
 
 " Tell us now from wlioni thou Hee'st ; 
 
 Protection I thee grant, fair maid, 
 
 'Gainst every man that dares thee hurt." 
 
 " Tliere comes in ^n■atll across the sea. 
 
 Swift in pursuit, a warrior brave, 
 
 The well-armed son of Sorcha's King, 
 
 He whose name is Daire the fierce.^ 
 
 I laid me under heavy bonds" 
 
 That Finn should from the sea me have, 
 
 But that his wife 1 ne'er should be. 
 
 Though famed his beauty and his deeds." 
 
 Then Oscar spoke, of hasty speech, 
 
 The warlike coutpieror of Kings, 
 
 " Though Finn should not thy pledge sustain. 
 
 Never shalt thou with him wed." 
 
 Then do we see borne by liis steed ^ 
 
 A hero of unequalled size, 
 
 Travelling with speed across the sea, 
 
 Following the maiden in her course ; 
 
 His helmet close about the head 
 
 Of this brave and dauntless man ; 
 
 His right arm bore a round black shield, 
 
 tectiou lie on thee," was an ajiiieal which ■ " Oeasau," '• bomlH." Tlic wonl here 
 
 tlieCfltic warrior coiiltl never reject when appears to mean a simple jilitlge, al- 
 
 niade by tlie weak and heljilesR. In though in most caseti it implies the exer- 
 
 (Jhristian times, the wonl " Comraich" cise of some majjieal power. In tho.se 
 
 eame to )ie a])]ili(;(l ti> the "girths" or eases of metamorphosis so eomnion in 
 
 " sanctuaries" around phices of woi-sliij* Celtic tales, the i>ersons who have been 
 
 and other sacred sjiots, where accused maile to nmlergo the change are said to 
 
 persons might Hee for security. Hence be " foghea.saibh," '• under sih-IIs." The 
 
 the Uaelic name of the i>arish of A]iple- mythidogy of the Celts has much in 
 
 cross in llosshiro, " A Chomraich," or common with that of Kojttern nations. 
 " the Sanctuary," formed round tht< 
 
 churcli dedicated tn St. Malrnbe, i<n " The magical steed of Daire borb was 
 
 early Christian missionary. capable «)f carrying its master over sea 
 
 ' As already observed, this name is in and land. In many ancient (Vltic Tales 
 
 Irish editions of the jioem " Muyre." See we read of ships whii-h could also tra- 
 
 Miss Mrnnks' •• l{.n,,,>f<„nnshl',^lr,l." X.-lsr s. „ ,,.1.1 l;.n.l 
 
I'llK DEAN OK LIS.MOKE. 
 
 The suiface of its back eiigravod ; 
 A heav}', large, broad- bladeil sword, 
 Tightly bound, hiuig by his side ; 
 Ho comes in attitudes of fence, 
 As where we stood he swift approacluMl ; 
 Two javelins, with victoiy rich, 
 Rest on the shoulder of his shield ; 
 For strength, for skill, for bravery, 
 Nowhere could his match be found. 
 A hero's look,-— the eye of a king 
 Shone in that head of nol)lest mould, 
 Kuddy his face, his teeth pearl -^vhite, 
 No stream ran swifter than his steed. 
 Then did his steed bound on the shore, 
 And he in whom we saw no fear. 
 Of us did fifty warriors then 
 Approach him as he came to us ; 
 Fear of the hero as he neared us 
 Filled tlie bravest of them all. 
 Now as he landed from the waves, 
 Our fantous King the question i)ut, 
 " Can'st thou tell me now, fair maid, 
 Is that the man of whom thou spak'st ?" 
 " I know him well, Finn Cundial's son. 
 Nor does his coming bode you good ; 
 Me he will rudely strive to seize. 
 Despite thy strength, noble Finn." 
 Then Oscar and Gaul arose, 
 The fiercest of all in the fight. 
 Near to the men they firmly stood. 
 Between the giant and our chief. 
 The well-formed warrior then approached, 
 In rage sustained by his great strength, 
 The maid he rudely bears away. 
 Though by Finn's shoulder she had stood. 
 The Son of IMorne then hurled his spear, 
 With wonted force, as he bore oft' ; 
 
24 THE BOOK OF 
 
 No gentle cast was that, in truth, 
 The hero's shield was sjilit in twain. 
 The wrathful Oscar then did shake 
 The red-dyed belt from his left arm,* 
 And killed the hero's prancing steed, 
 A deed most worthy of gi-eat fanie. 
 Then, when the steed fell on the plain, 
 , He on us turned in fiercest wrath. 
 And battle does, the onset mad, 
 With all our fifty warriurs brave. 
 On the same side with me and Finn, 
 Tlie fifty stood in front of him : 
 Yet though they oft stood firm in ligiit, 
 His arm did now them force to yield. 
 Two blows, and only two he gave, 
 With vigour to each sep'rate man. 
 When w^e were stretched upon the earth, 
 Each man of us with whom he fought. 
 Three vancpiished nines he tightly bound, 
 Ere from the furious tight he ceased. 
 Firmly the three smalls'" usual tie 
 On each of these he firndy placed. 
 Then did the manly Gaul advance. 
 The conquering hero to assail. 
 ^Vlloe'er he was could see them then, 
 The struggle and the tight were tieree. 
 Then did Mac Morne shiy with his arm 
 The King of Soreha's son, most straugr ! 
 Sad was the coming of the maid, 
 Now that the brave in ti-jht had fallen. 
 
 1 Tlic word ill till.' oiij^iiiiil Iutc is si-ncli," llu- Imnl xvouUl seom to imlii-nte 
 "criHH zcik," the " luil lull." This is, that Uscur wiuslefl-hiiudetl, liku the sons 
 howovt'r, in all proliiihility, ii iiiistiiki' of "I lU'iijuiuin. 
 the Dean'H for " crftoisuach," ii "jave- 
 lin." It is not enny to see wlint uouhl * " Nutncuoil."orthf'thrfe sniftlU," 
 be iiipunt liy the " red lielt " on Oscar's were the net k, the ankles, ami the wristji. 
 left arm. It coiihl hardly signify the I'risoners of war had this tri|de liindin;? 
 slrapH of the shield. If it l>e " craoi applieil to iheni. 
 
THE DKAN OF LISMORF. 25 
 
 And now tliut he had fallen thus, 
 
 Beside the sea, a sad event, 
 
 She of the land beneath the waves, 
 
 With Finn and his Feine remained a year. 
 
 Flann, son of Morne, iu battle brave, 
 
 Was killed, it is a piteous tale ; 
 
 None of lUl our men escaped, 
 
 Whose body was not fidl of wounds, 
 
 Except my noble Father, Finn, 
 
 The generous friend of all distressed. 
 
 And now at last the deed is done. 
 
 (^f Finn this little tale I know. 
 
 I know a little tale i>\' Finn 
 
 As our fifty warriors brave ^ 
 
 Were now subject to his arms, 
 
 Helpless were we in his hands, 
 
 Our precious rights were all now lost. 
 
 His sword without a single check. 
 
 Did hack our bodies and our shields. 
 
 Any fighting like to his. 
 
 In my day never have I seen. 
 
 We buried then close to the foil 
 
 This noble, brave, and powerful man. 
 
 And on each finger's mddy point 
 
 A ring was placed in honour of the King. 
 
 For ten long years his conquering arm.s. 
 
 To the victor did the King forbid ; 
 
 For all that time the son of ^lurue 
 
 Was healing with Finn of the Feine. 
 
 ' These supplementary lines wouM between tlie hundred and twenty-eitrhth 
 
 appear to be either additional lines or and tlie hundred and twenty-ninth lines, 
 
 various readings. There are two given the ]:ist eight to close the poem. Dr. 
 
 in the Gaelic, which are not translated. Smith, in tlie Report on Ossian's Poems 
 
 as being of little consequence, and which given in to the Highland Society, states, 
 
 seem intended to come in between the that the Eilition given in this supplement 
 
 ninety-eighth and ninety-ninth lines. The is inconsistent with that in the body of 
 
 first eight lines of this additional frag- the Poem, and must be held to contain 
 
 mcnt are probably inteudeil to fall in various readings. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Tile author of this is Ossian, the 5^011 *A' Finn.' 
 
 Twas yesterday week 
 I last saw Finn ; 
 Ne'er did I see 
 A Lraver man ; 
 Tei<'e's^ daughter's son, 
 A powerful king ; 
 My fortune, my light, 
 My mind's whule might, 
 Both poet and chief 
 Bi-aver than kings, 
 Firm chief of the Feinii. 
 Lord of all lands, 
 Leviathan at sea, 
 As great on land, 
 Hawk of the air. 
 Foremost always. 
 Generous, .just, 
 Despised a lie. 
 Of vigorous deeds, 
 First in song. 
 A righteous judge. 
 Firm his rule. 
 Polished his mien, 
 Who knew Imt victory. 
 
 • The following Beeius to Imvo lit'eii 
 OsKiau's eulogy on Iijk father Finn. The 
 editor has not met with any Hiniihir coin- 
 jioHition eitlier among Scottish or Irish 
 collections, excejit a few lines extracted 
 by Miss Brooks from a composition whicli 
 Kho calls " Biiillu Oisein," and it is there- 
 fore rescued from oblivion liy liaving 
 been seized by the Dean while lloating 
 on the stream of oral tradition, and 
 treasured in his ndscellany. In Iheori 
 ginal, tlie jioetry is worthy of the name 
 of Ossian, more ho, indeed, than any of 
 
 tlie pieces in this collection. It is (piite 
 imj>ossible to jiroduce in English the ef- 
 fect of tlie rh>-thm and alliteration of the 
 (Saelic ; but the editor has endeavoured, 
 whilogivinganexact rendering, to rvt4iin, 
 in as far as possible, the ]>eculiar measure 
 of the original. The piece is a line tribute 
 of filial love and admiration, nor is tliere 
 much room to doubt its genuineness. 
 
 * Muirne Finn's mother is said tohaxe 
 been a daughter of Teigo, a famous 
 Druid, or, as others say, of n princcl> 
 family of Bivgia, in Menth. 
 
'I'lIK DKAN OK l-ISMOKK. 27 
 
 Wild is like him 
 
 In tight or soiifj ? 
 
 Ko.sists the foe, 
 
 In house or tiekl. 
 
 Marhle his skin, 
 
 The rose liig cheek, 
 
 Bhie was his eye, 
 
 His luiir like <,m->1(1. 
 
 All men's trust, 
 
 Of noble mind. 
 
 Of ready deeds. 
 
 To women mild, 
 
 A giant he, 
 
 The field's delight. 
 
 Best polished spears. 
 
 No Avood like their shafts. 
 
 liich was the King. 
 
 His great green bottle, 
 
 Fidl of sharp wine, 
 
 Of substance rich. 
 
 Excellent he.^ 
 
 Of noble form, 
 
 His people's head, 
 
 His step so firm, 
 
 WTio often warred. 
 
 In beauteous Banva, 
 
 Three hundred battles 
 
 He bravely fought. 
 
 With miser's mind 
 
 From none withheld. 
 
 Anything false 
 
 His lips ne'er spoke. 
 
 He never grudged, 
 
 » Some of the lines in this part of the the forty-fifth, where he has introtlucecl 
 
 original MS. are very much ilefaced from a phrase sufficiently general to prevent 
 
 age and bad usage. The editor has been the charge of in any measure tampering 
 
 obliged in consequence to gness one line with his author. Tlie other words will 
 
 and a few additional words. The line is be seen by referring to the Gaelic. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 No, never Finn ; 
 
 Tlie suii ne'er saw King 
 
 AMio him excelled. 
 
 The monsters in lakes, 
 
 The serpent hy land, 
 
 In Erin of saint?,^ 
 
 Tlie hero slew. 
 
 Ne'er could I tell, 
 
 Though always I \ixvd, 
 
 Ne'er could I tell 
 
 The third of his praise. 
 
 But sad am I now. 
 
 After Finn of the Feinn ! 
 
 Away with the chief, 
 
 My joy is all fled. 
 
 No friends 'mong the great, 
 
 No courtesy. 
 
 No gold, no queen. 
 
 No princes and chiefs. 
 
 Sad am I now. 
 
 Our head ta'en away I 
 
 I'm a shaking tree, 
 
 My leaves all gone. 
 
 An empty nut, 
 
 A reinless horse, 
 
 Sad, sad am 1, 
 
 Afeel.lr kciu. 
 
 Ossian 1, tlic son of Fiuu, 
 
 Strengthless in di'ed. 
 
 ' Tho woiil " naoinili," here triins- 
 lateil " sftints," is not iieceHsiuily nsso- 
 ciitted witli (Jliristiaiiity. Tlie word 
 " iiiKiiiili," /n>ft/, is one lieli»ii;»in^' ((ri^;in- 
 .-.lly ti) the Giielie liiiij,'iiii;;e, lunl iu>t in- 
 troiliiced, like iiiimy eiflesiiiHtinil leriiis, 
 IVoiii the Liitin anil Ciieek. The |>hnihe 
 may he remlorcil " Hiicreil Klin," a 
 I'liaracler liejnn^in^ to the ixlaml, in 
 lMi|iiilar lieiii-r, even inevioim to the 
 
 tMiristian i)erio«l. It is a curions fait, 
 that the feat of ilestroying all tho ver- 
 min in Iivlaiiil was, in a later ii\iv, nt- 
 tril.uteil to St. Patriok. It woi.hl ap- 
 liear that this was Imt a Ininsferenoe 
 of a jiortion of the ^lory of Finn to the 
 Christian Saint, n rcmarkahle inHt^inet* 
 amoiin many of early Christianity hor- 
 rowing, not very wisely, the lanrels of 
 heathenism. 
 
nil-: DKAN OF I,ISM<)|;K. a» 
 
 \Vlicn Finn did live 
 All things were mine. 
 Seven sides had the house 
 Of Cuiuhal's son. 
 Seven score shields 
 On eveiy side. 
 Fifty robes of wool 
 Around the King. 
 Fifty warrioii? 
 Filled the robes. 
 Ten bright cups 
 For drink in his liall. 
 Ten blue flagons, 
 Ten horns of gold. 
 A noble house 
 Was that of I'inn. 
 No grudge nor lust, 
 Babbling nor sham ; 
 Xo man despised 
 Among the Feinn. 
 Tlie tii-st himself, 
 All else like him. 
 Finn was our ehief, 
 Ea.sy liis praise, 
 Xoblest of Kings. 
 Finn ne'er refused 
 To any man, 
 Howe'er unknown ; 
 Ne'er from his house 
 Sent those who came.^ 
 
 ' Hospitality was one of the highest the selfishness peculiar to itself. Even 
 
 qualifications of a Celtic chief. Ossian now, in most part of the Highlands, the 
 
 never fails to sing the generous, open- door of a hut is never closed by day,— 
 
 handed hospitality of his father Finn. a practice said to originate in the uni- 
 
 Till a late period the same feature of char- versal sense of the ready reception due 
 
 acter distinguished the Scottish High- to the waj-farer and the stranger. Is the 
 
 lander, although modem civilisation is seren sides of FinLral'-; h>n\>f :iii orien- 
 
 fast uprooting it, and overlaying the talism ? 
 character of the simple Highlander with 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Good man was Finn, 
 Good man was he. 
 No gifts e'er given 
 Likf liis so free. 
 
 'Twas yesterday week. 
 
 The author of this is Allan ^M'Rorie.^ 
 
 Glenshee,^ the vale that close beside me hes, 
 A\niere sweetest sounds are heard of deer and elk, 
 And where the Feinn did oft pursue the chase, 
 Following their hounds along the lengthening vale. 
 Below the great Ben Gulliin's^ grassy height 
 
 1 This Poet is obviously a Scotchman ; 
 Init judging from anotlier of his conipo- 
 sitious in this voluiue, he was, like the 
 Scottish bards of his time, well acquainted 
 with the bardic literature of Ireland. 
 This arose from the frecjuent intercourse 
 between the two countries during their 
 early history, and the number of Scotch- 
 men e<lucated both in the Medical and 
 Bardic Schools of Ireland. This is one 
 of the circumstances which renders it so 
 difficult now, in the absence of authen- 
 tic historical documents, to extricate 
 much of the social history of the two 
 countries. Hence the rival Scottish and 
 Iri.sh claims to many of our Celtic lite- 
 rary remains. There is no doul>t tiiat 
 the ])oets of both countries interwove 
 with their comiiositions the traditions of 
 the race, without much re^;ard to wliether 
 these were Scotch or Irish. Tiie Irish 
 trace this common literature to the fact 
 of the Irish colonization of Scotland, 
 wliicli thi-y maintain was the origin of 
 the Celtic population of the hitter coun- 
 try ; but it is by no means necessary to 
 go so far back in order to find sutlicient 
 cause for the fact. Christianity seems 
 to liave forme<l the 11 ret solid basis of 
 union between the two countries, and a 
 
 common Christianity was without doubt 
 the means of long maintaining it. This 
 composition is usually called " Has 
 Dhiarniaid," The death of Diammd. 
 
 ' A valley in the eastern part of Perth- 
 shire, where the grave of Diannad is 
 pointed out to this day. M'Rorie ap- 
 pears to have been an inhabitant of the 
 neighbourhood, for he speaks of Glen- 
 shee as being close beside him. The 
 name of Glenshee is derived from the 
 word " Gleann," a valleij, and " sitli," a 
 hill of a peculiar form. This wonl is 
 found in the names of several Scottish 
 liills, as "Sith challain," SchihaUion ; 
 "Beinn shith," lien Hi; "An t-Sith 
 mhor," the ifirutjioiiitol hill. " Sithan," 
 a hillock. Tlie wonl has been often mis- 
 taken for " Sith," pracf, whence the 
 name " Sitheach, sithichean," n /airy, 
 /(lirieji, has been absunlly nndeivd tJie 
 jii'icf/olk; instead of the folk of the hilU, 
 referring to their reputed residence in 
 earthen mouutls. 
 
 '■^ " Ben liulbin," the mountain of the 
 lifitk, lies at tile head of IJienshee. There 
 is a hill with a similar name in Irt-land, 
 whence Cimall tSulbain, one of the kings 
 of Ulster, tot>k his designation. There 
 is a " water of (•uUiin," and a " Torgul- 
 
THE DEAN OF LI8.Mul:E. 
 
 Of fairest knolls that lie beneath the sun, 
 
 Tlio valley winds. Its streams did oil run rcil, 
 
 After a hunt by Finn and by tlie Feinn. 
 
 Listen now while I detail the loss 
 
 Of one, a hero in this gentle band : 
 
 'Tis of Ben Gulbin, and of generous Finn, 
 
 And ^lac O'Duine,^ in truth a piteous tale. 
 
 A mournful limit indeed it was for Finn, 
 
 When ]\rac O'Duiue, he of the niddiest hue. 
 
 Up to Ben C4ulbin went, resolved to hunt 
 
 The boar," whom arms had never yet sul)dued. 
 
 Though ]\rac O'Duine, of brightest burnished anus, 
 
 Did bravely slay the fierce and furious boar. 
 
 Yet Finn's deceit did him induce to yield ; 
 
 bin," in the braes of Lochaber; but the 
 reference to Glenshee fixes the scene of 
 the death of Diarmad in Perthshire. Tliere 
 is, as is common in Highhind topography, 
 a stream called Gulbin, whence a valley 
 of the same name, and then a mountain. 
 The names in similar cases seem to have 
 been primarily attached to the streams, 
 whence they ascended through the val- 
 leys to the hills. We have an instance 
 of this in the River Nevis, Glen Nevis, 
 Ben Nevis, the " neamhais," referring to 
 its impetuosity, having been in all like- 
 lihood originally applied to the stream. 
 
 ' Mac O'Duine is the patronj-mic of 
 Diamiad. Hence the Campbell clau, be- 
 sides being called "Clann Diannaid," 
 Tlie race of Diarmad, are called also 
 ," Clann O'Duiae," or The children of 
 t/Ihtine. 
 
 * The chase of the boar was a favourite 
 employment among the ancient Celts. 
 It is celebrated in many of their talcs. 
 Besides this, the sow enters largely into 
 their ancient mythology. Even in this 
 case the boar was possessed of magical 
 liroperties, as will be seen in the subse- 
 (juent portion of this poem. It is not 
 unlikely that at an early period the Celts 
 woi-shipped the sow like the Egyptians, 
 
 whose worship of it might have been one 
 reason why it was pronounced unclean. 
 Whether the Celts worshipped it or not, 
 it is manifest that it was held in high 
 esteem, for its figure is engraved on most 
 of the ancient sculptured stones of Scot- 
 land. Among the Welsh it is a national 
 emblem, and hence one argument for the 
 ancient Picts being British, as these 
 stones are found confined to the ancient 
 Pictish territorj-. The word " niuc," a soip, 
 enters largely into Scottish topography. 
 We have " Eilean nam muc," the Isle of 
 muck, or St/w isUmd. Tlie ancient name 
 of St Andrews was " Muc ros," the Sow's 
 headland, and we know that the sow is 
 associated with the niemorj- of St. Regu- 
 lus. There is a " Bridge of Turk," or the 
 Boar's bridffe, near the Tiosachs. There 
 is a " Slochd muice," or the iy/w's hollme, 
 near Inverness, on the Highland road, a 
 name derived from a hillock shaped like 
 a sow's back, in the bottom of the chasm 
 a little to the west of where the coach 
 road crosses ; and there is " Sron muice," 
 Tlie Sow's snout, on the north side of 
 Loch Ness, derived from the resemblance 
 of a hill-face to that part of the animal. 
 These two latter names are manifestly 
 derived from natural resemblances, and 
 have nothing to do with mythologj-. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 And this it was that did his giievous hurt. 
 
 W[\o among men was so beloved as he ? 
 
 Brave !Mac O'Duine, beloved of the schools ;' 
 
 AVonien all mourn this sad and piteous tale 
 
 Of him Avho firmly grasped the murderous spear. 
 
 Then bravely did the hero of the Feinn 
 
 liouse from his cover in the moiuitain side, 
 
 The great old Boar, him so well known m Shee, 
 
 The greatest in the Mild boar's haunt e'er seen. 
 
 Glad now was Finn, the man of ruddiest hue. 
 
 Beneath Ben Gulbin's soft and grassy side ; 
 
 For swift the boar now coursed along the heath ; 
 
 Great was the ill came of that dreadfid hunt. 
 
 'Twas when he heard the Feiun's loud ringing shout, 
 
 And saw approach the glittering of their anus, 
 
 The monster waken'd from his hea^y sleep, 
 
 And stately moved before them down the vale. 
 
 First, to distance them he makes attempt, 
 
 The great old boar, his bristles stiff on end, 
 
 These bristles sharper than a pointed spear, 
 
 Their point more piercing than the quiver's shaft. 
 
 Then j\Iac O'Duine with arms well pointed too. 
 
 Answers the horrid beast with ready hand : 
 
 Away from his side there rushed the heavy spear. 
 
 Hard following on the course the boar piu-sued. 
 
 The javelin's shaft fell shivered into three, 
 
 The shaft recuiling from the boar's tough hide. 
 
 The sjjcar hurled liy his warm red- fingered hand 
 
 Ne'er i)enetrated the body of the boar. 
 
 Then from its sheatli he drew bis tliin leaved ' swoitl, 
 
 Of all (he anus most erown'd with \i(tM]\ ; 
 
 > Tlie " Kclioob," referrt'd to fivi|utMit- lati-il in BriUin. The " oglium " oharat"- 
 
 ly in OHKimiie tales, were jirolialily mi- ter, whose nntiipiity is pretty tlioroujjhly 
 
 litary, nltlioiigh tliere can lie no iloulit estahlishetl, is nnotlier evideneo of an- 
 
 tliat there was u learned class anidiij; tlie lient literary cultivation, 
 ancient Celts. C'asar tells us, ns already " The liaelio is '• tnn-lunn," the thin 
 
 olwerved, that the Gauls tiscd the tSreek sintnl. Was this steel or merely hronzo? 
 
 letters, and that their jtriests were eilu- The thinness wouldseenitoindicAtoateel. 
 
TIIK DEAN (»K LISMOIIK. 'M 
 
 Mac O'Duiii." (li.l tliciv tlic in(.iisl<'r kill. 
 
 While lie hinisolf escaped without a wouiul. 
 
 Then on Finn of the Feinn did sadness fall, 
 
 And on the nimuitain side he sat him down ; 
 
 It grieved his soul that generous ^lac ()'l)uin(; 
 
 Should have escaped iniwounded by the boar. 
 
 For long he sat, and never sj)al'Ce a word, 
 
 Then thus he spake, although 't be sad to tell, 
 
 " Measure, Diarinad, the boar down from the snout, 
 
 And tell how many feet 's the bnite in length." 
 
 What Finn did ask he never yet refused ; 
 
 Alas ! that he should never see his home. 
 
 Along the back he measures now the boar, 
 
 Light-footed ]\Iac O'Duine of active step. 
 
 " ^Measure it the other way against the hair. 
 
 And measure, Diarmad, carefully the boar." 
 
 It was indeed for thee a mournful deed, 
 
 Youth of the sharply-pointed piercing arms. 
 
 He went, the errand grievous was and sad, 
 
 And measured for them once again the boar. 
 
 Th' envenomed pointed bristle sharply pierced 
 
 The sole of him,^ the bravest in the field. 
 
 Then fell and lay upon the grassy plain 
 
 The noble Mac O'Duine, whose look spoke truth ; 
 
 lie fell and lay along beside the boar. 
 
 And there you have my mom-nful, saddening tale. 
 
 There does he lie now wounded to the death. 
 
 Brave Mac O'Duine, so skilfid in the fight ; 
 
 ( The most enduring ev'n among the Feinn, 
 
 He lies upon the knoll I see on high. 
 
 The blue -eyed hawk that dwelt at Essaroy,^ 
 
 The conqueror in every sore-fought field, 
 
 1 It is hardly uecessarj' to point out was slain by a boar. Tliere are remark - 
 
 the resemblance here between the sole able analogies between classical an.l 
 
 of Diannad and the heel of Achilles. Celtic tradition. 
 
 Achilles could only be wounded in the ' Essaroy, tnile siipra, \>. 18, n. This 
 
 heel, Diarmad only in the sole of the is manifestly the Essaroy of Scotland, 
 
 foot. The Adonis of the ancient Greeks which is in the heart of cue of the finest 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Slain by the poisoiU'd luistk- fit'thc buar. 
 Now does he lie lull stretched upon the hill, 
 I'rave, noble Diarmad Mac O'Duine : 
 Slain, it is shame 1 victim of jealousy.' 
 Whiter his body tlrnn the sun's bright light, 
 Redder his lips than blossoms tinged Avith red ; 
 Long yellow locks did rest upon his head, 
 His eye was clear beneath the covering brow, 
 Its colour mingled was of blue and grey ; 
 AVaving and gi-aceful were his locks behind, "■^ 
 His speech was elegant and sweetly soft; 
 His hands the w^hitest, fingers tipped with red ; 
 Elegance and power were in his form, 
 His fair soft skin covering a faultless shape, 
 No woman saw him Init he won her love. 
 ;Mac O'Duuie crowned with his countless victoriiv 
 Ne'er shall he raise his eye in courtship more. 
 Or \varriors' wrath give colour to his cheek ; 
 The following of the chase, the prancing steed, 
 Will never move him, nor the search for spoil. 
 He who could bear him well in every fight, 
 Has now us sadly left in that wild vale. 
 
 Glenshee. 
 
 hnnting regions in the world. Nor is it account the Celt gives of himself is 
 
 iit any great distance from either of the somewhat dilferent from that given by 
 
 (rulbiiis. his neighbours, who would paint him ii 
 
 ' Grainne, the wife of Finn, had wiry, thin, black-hairwl, black-eyeil man. 
 
 formed an unlawful attachment to Diar- Tacitus gave a dilferent description ; 
 
 mad. The latter had what is eddied a and any man who travels the Highlands 
 
 " Ball seirce," or henui)/ spot, which no of Perthshire, where, perhaps, we have 
 
 woman could resist. Hence Finn's jt-al- the jmrest Celtic blood in Scotland, will 
 
 ousy and desire ttnlestroy Diarmad. The havo ample evidence of the accuracy of 
 
 word rendereil here " iiaire," shiimc, is llu- Roman historian. With reference 
 
 in the MS. " noor," yuld. If this In- the to the mlmiration of the yellow colour 
 
 accurate reatling, (Jrainne'sdowiMy must among tiie Celts, it is interesting to trace 
 
 have forme<l an element in the conllict. Iu>\v it intermingles itself with the voca- 
 
 * Yellow was the favourite cnlour of bulary of the language ; tlius, ixjint day 
 
 the ancient Celt. " Fait bui<lh," i/flloir is a yiUuw day. The name given to 
 
 huir, is an object of the liighest admiia- Ucltiii day, the opening of summer, is, 
 
 tion, and the longer and more waving the ''la buidlu- Heallteiue," yfUo\r IliUin 
 
 lor|<H, the gieater the admiration. The ilnu ; ami Muythiicj projiilious is called 
 
TlIK DKAN OF LlSMoUM 
 
 'Pile author of this is Alhiu ^M'Ruiy 
 
 To-night my mourning is great, 
 Thou tonsured priest wliom I love, 
 Wliile I reflect on the fight. 
 With red-tree^ Cairhar we fought, 
 Son to great Cormaig O'Cuinn, 
 Woe to the Feinn whom he seized ; 
 A king who ne'er shunntnl the fight, 
 And feared not the face of man. 
 The Feinn to a man did sei-ve, 
 Finn and the good race of Conn, 
 Till the day of Cairhar Eoy ; 
 Nor evil nor weakness fear'd. 
 Brave Cairhar his people addressed, 
 Deceitful indeed was the speech. 
 
 ydlmo, as, " is buidhe dhuit e," it is 
 yellow or prointions for you ; and a man 
 satisfied after a meal is called " huidh- 
 each," yellow or satLified. 
 
 • This is the second composition of 
 M'Roiy's given in the Dean's MS. Tlie 
 present is as purely Irish in its incidents 
 as the former was Scotch, the author 
 having been in all likelihood, as already 
 shown, a Scotchman, but perfectly fami- 
 liar with tjie events of Irish history, and 
 equally so with what is called the Irish 
 dialect, although in the day of the Dean 
 it was common to the literature of both 
 countries, with a few variations. It will 
 be seen, for instance, that in several of 
 these pieces the Irish negative ni and 
 the Scottish dm, are used indifferently. 
 This composition has been published at 
 much greater length than here, under the 
 name of Ossian, but from MSS. appar- 
 ently of no antiquity. This poem is 
 usually called "Cath Ghabhva," "the 
 battle of Gaura," or "BasOsgair," "the 
 death of Oscar." 
 
 * The "red-ti-ee" knights were the 
 
 knights of Emania, or Ulster. Ca'sar 
 mentions the order oiequites, or knights, 
 as one of the three great leading clas.ses 
 into which the Gauls were divided; so 
 that the existence of such an order in 
 Ireland, at an early period, is in no way 
 inconsistent with what historj- relates of 
 ancient Celtic policy. Cairbar was the 
 son of Corniac, son of Art, son of Conn 
 of the hundred battles, Irish kings of 
 the Emanian race. Finn, according to 
 O'Flaherty, was married to a daughter of 
 Connac, so that this battle with Cairbar 
 was in reality with his brother-in-law. 
 It seems to have originated in the Feinn, 
 who are said to have been a species of 
 militia, or rather a standing army in Ire- 
 land, becoming disposed to stretch their 
 prerogative farther than was agreeable 
 to tlie monarch, and that the object of 
 Cairbar in this battle was to put them 
 do\ni. It is said that the Feinn were 
 supported by the provincial king of 
 Munster. This is Irish history, and it 
 is remarkable to find these events sung 
 bv a Scottish Poet. 
 
THE 1500 K OF 
 
 111 Itiitlle Mould he choose to tall. 
 The Feiiiu and he together, 
 Ere even as a King he'd live 
 With Erin beneath the Feiun. 
 liarrin then spoke hoUlly out, 
 
 Kenieniljer Muckrey^ and Art ; 
 How your gi-eat ancestors fell, 
 Resisting the Feiun's deceit ; 
 Uemeniber their cruel bonds, 
 Remember their pride and guile ; 
 And that we ne'er knew of war, 
 r>ut such as was stirr'd by Mac Cuil. 
 
 Then did the race of Conn resolve, 
 In counsel with C'airbar Koy, 
 That they'd at once assail us, 
 And the whole of us destroy.- 
 They'd have days of joy and feasting, 
 Great Alvin cleared of the Feiun. 
 Then would all grief l»e dead. 
 Nor could they a t^a.x demand. 
 Fiercely and bravely we fought. 
 That fight the light of Gaura ; 
 There did tail our noble Feinn, 
 Sole to sole with Ireland's kings. 
 From India far in the east. 
 To Fodb- hcic in the west. 
 
 ' Miuikrey, or " Tlic isliiiKl ol'Swiiu'," iifw cwiit in tlie liistory of tlio Irish 
 
 is :iM iiiiiiL-nt iiaiiif for Iivliiiid, (liTivi-d iiu>iiiii-tlis. 
 
 olivioiisly, in>t as it iiii^lit lit- in iiU)ili>rn * Another nnme for Ireland. O'Fla- 
 
 times, from the ahundance of the ani- liirty says there were live naineji for the 
 
 mal in the country, w]iure it is the siini ishind, and <|uute8 a KoholiaHt of the 
 
 total of tlie family iiossessionR in many name of Fiaih, wlio lived n thousand 
 
 instances, but from the phue wliich the years lu-fore. 'i'lie names are Kre, Fodla, 
 
 80W hehl, as referred to already, in the Hanlia, Fail, and Klj^a. Mijjht we n«»t 
 
 national mytholoj;y. It isohvions from aild to these the mueh-disiiuti-d name of 
 
 the reference in this line to a dilfer Scotia, which our Irish m i>;hliourKclaini, 
 
 ence with the Fcinn, tlint that wiw no yet don't possess. Surdy it is lime now 
 
rilH DKAN OF LISMitHi;. 
 
 The kings did all own our sway, 
 Till till! battle of Ganra was louj,dit. 
 But since that horrid slauji;hter, 
 No tril)uti' nor tax weS'e raised. 
 Nor to us was triljute due. 
 Save hy part of Erin's soil. 
 Many were there on the eartli 
 (^f the folk who felt no <rrief 
 To both sides how great the loss, 
 When we each other did destroy, 
 Should strangers fierce c(jnie over, 
 And seize on beauteous Erin. 
 
 Ossian, what woidd Finn have done 
 Were burdens laid on Erin ? 
 
 By thy liand, most holy I'riest, 
 
 There were uone in all fair Bauva,^ 
 
 Save a few aged heroes, 
 
 And some younger untried men ; 
 
 AMiat king might there plant his fool. 
 
 Could Fodla have for taking. 
 
 No fiu'ht, no conflict he'd need. 
 
 Eastward we sent ambassadors, 
 To Fatha of Con's great son ; 
 
 to nereeive that the only true ami satis- volving the several claim.s of Scotlaml 
 factory solution of the question regard- and Ireland to much of what was com- 
 ing it, is ^lat the name was applied to nion to both. Scotland has suflered more 
 both countries, latterly under the dis- than Ireland from the destruction of her 
 tinctive appellation of Scotia Major and early archives ; but is not the life of 
 Scotia Minor, as the countries of the Columba, so recently given to the world 
 Scots. Surely Scotland was as much a under the able editoi-ship of Dr. Reeves, 
 Scotia as Ireland, and Ireland as much in reality a Scottish work ? 
 as Scotland, in so far as they were both > "Banva" is another name for Iro- 
 occupied by Scottish inhabitants. This land. This is the Gaelic name for a 
 identity of race, language, and at an sucking-i)i<j, so th.it it also is jirobably 
 early period religion, is not sufficiently mythological. It is in all likelihood tli<' 
 allowed for in discussing ipiestious in- same name with our Scottish Danll. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 'J'luit he lui^lit k'ad us on, 
 To seize on Erin's kingdom. 
 
 Great grief had now come on you, 
 From Tara's loud spoken King : 
 Xew reason had ye given 
 AMiy all of you should perish. 
 
 Ossian, tell us now the tale, 
 
 When ye fought that sturdy fight. 
 
 Did thy son in battle die, 
 
 Or had he speech when you him fi)und :' 
 
 I bent me over valiant Oscar, 
 
 Soon as Mas the slaughter o'er ; 
 
 Caoilte too did bend him o'er 
 
 His seven valiant sons ; 
 
 Each living man among the Eeinn 
 
 Bent him o'er his own dear friends. 
 
 Some of them had still their speecli, 
 
 From others life had parted. 
 
 Priest of the crosier white, 
 
 AMioeA^er saw that slaughter, 
 
 'Tis an everlasting grief, 
 
 Erin's nobles thus to die. 
 
 Many were the hard round .shitlds. 
 
 Many jirecious coats of mail. 
 
 And lifeless warriors on the fii'ld. 
 
 Nor would our people grieve for tlii.^ 
 
 Were they not a vancpiished raei'. 
 
 Little from that field was left us. 
 
 Save a king's or ehieftaiii's sixiil. 
 
 There fomid 1 my ow n dear si»n 
 
 Laid, on his left arm resting, 
 
 ills shatti'red .shield beside him, 
 
 NN'hile his hand still gnispi'd his sword ; 
 
 Ills precious blood on eviTV sid«', 
 
TIIK I)I:aN ok MS.\|(MtK. 
 
 Flowed swiftly tliiou<;li his lianiL'ss. 
 My spear I rested on the earth, 
 And o'er him stood as he lay ; 
 Then thought I, tonsured I'riest, 
 What, now lonely, I coukl do. 
 Oscar towards nie now turns, 
 'Twas for me a jfrievous scene ; 
 Forth to me he stretched his hand, 
 Wishing I shoultl him approach. 
 Then my dear son's hand I seized, 
 And cried out with a bitter cry. 
 Forward from that tune till now, 
 In this world I've useless been. 
 Thus to me my own son said. 
 As life was fast departing. 
 
 Thanks to the po^\'ers above, 
 That tliou'st escaped, dear lather. 
 
 Nothing do I tell but truth, 
 A word I could not answer. 
 Then approached the noble Caoilte, 
 Who to visit Oscar came. 
 Oently did ]\Iac IJonain^ say, 
 
 How find'st tlidu tliyself, dear friend 
 
 Just as thou would'st have me be, 
 Going to a better world. 
 
 Cairbar lloy's spear had pierced, 
 'Neath the navel, red- armed Oscar; 
 The arm of Caoilte up to its bend, 
 Followed in its course the spear. 
 Caoilte did deeply search the wound. 
 And well saw how all stood then". 
 The wound was through to the back. 
 
 ' Another iiaiuL' (ov C.iKilti'. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Toni Ijy llu' luuiderous spear. 
 Mac Koiiain <,Mve a loud sliriek, 
 And, iaintinj,', fell to the earth. 
 Then spake Caoilte, the warrior brave, 
 Kecovering from his faint. 
 
 Dear Oscar, no more art thou oui-s ; 
 Thou and the Feinn must ])art, 
 So part must the Feinn with war, 
 Conn's race the tribute shall raise. 
 
 We had been thus a brief space. 
 Thou i)riest, the son of Alpin, 
 When leaving the slaughter we sa\\-. 
 All of Fail's Feinn now living. 
 There were but two thousand men, 
 The old and the young together, 
 And none unwounded returned, 
 Even of these hundred score. 
 Nine wounds them grievously pierced. 
 There were few of them with less. 
 Tiien raised we the noble Oscar, 
 Aloft on the shafts of our spears ; 
 To a fair green knoll we Ijore him. 
 That we his dress might remove. 
 Of his body oni' hand's breadth 
 Wa.s not whole, down from his hair, 
 Till you reached the sole of hi.s font, 
 Save his face, and llial aidiic-. 
 The entrails, the H\cr. the .sj)k'cM, 
 Kach (hainiiig the )»ody till day. 
 The sons ol" the Feinn did then 
 To a fair knoll tluMu betake ; 
 His own son did no man nionrn. 
 Xur .lid he niuuin bis bn.tbei : 
 .\s they saw how hiy my sun. 
 All, all did inMurn for ( ►.sear. 
 
TIIK DKAN OF I.lSMollK. 
 
 Tims wa.s it with us a wliilc, 
 Watching the (air-skiiiucd hero, 
 Wlien we saw approach at noon 
 Finn Mac Ciunliail, mac Treiiivor. 
 From the fierce slaughter escajieil, 
 A third of the Feinu still lived, 
 When they laid the sons of I'oisgne 
 Tjion their biers, the tight being o'er. 
 \\'ith gashed limbs the men were halt, 
 The chiefs a dreadful sight. 
 We saw the standard of Finn 
 liaised on the shaft of a spear, 
 Which from the slaughter they bore ; 
 Gladly to meet it we went. 
 All of us saluted Finn, 
 Uut no salute was returned. 
 As he climbed the warrior's hill, 
 Wliere deadly- armed Oscar lay. 
 AMien by Oscar Finn was seen. 
 As o'er him sadly he bent, 
 He turned to him his face. 
 His grandfother sahiting. 
 Then did my Oscar thus speak 
 To him who was first of us all : 
 
 In death I have my desire, 
 Noble Finn of pointed arms. 
 
 Sad it is, my brave Oscar, 
 Thou good son of my own son ; 
 After thee I'm but feeble. 
 And after Erin's brave Feinn. 
 The heavy curse of Art aenir 
 Is on us to our great grief, 
 From the east it me pursued, 
 Following me along the field. 
 Farewell to battle and fame, 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Farewell to the vict(jr'.s spoils, 
 Farewell to the many joys, 
 Which in this body Fve had. 
 
 When Oscar had heard Finn's wail, 
 Convulsive pangs did him seize, 
 liotli of his hands he stretched forth, 
 And his soft fair eyelid fell. 
 From us then Finn turned away. 
 And shed many bitter teai-s. 
 liut for Oscar and for Bran, 
 Never did he slied a tear. 
 ►There was none but Finn ami 1, 
 Greater than him of the Feinn. 
 Then did tlie men give three shrieks, 
 Which rung through fair Erin all. 
 Five score hundred, ten hundred ami U-n, 
 There were who l)elonged to us, 
 Of the Feinn dead on the field, 
 The number was nothing less. 
 No lie it is that double, 
 With Erin's king, great tale, 
 rerished on the other side, 
 ( )f Erin's well-armed men. 
 Finn clieerful or ])eacefnl never 
 Was from that down to his death ; 
 Since that light it touched him sore 
 That our kings shouhl want their land. 
 Ever since G aura's buttle 
 My s])eeeh has lost all its power. 
 No night or day has e'er pusseil 
 Without a sigh lor each hour.' 
 To ni-rht 
 
 I U limy III- iiitci-f.stin^ to many icikI in tlic >'i>uiily i>| ( ikitliiu-Ks. in tlic 
 
 fi«li> Imvc liiTc.i Hpciiiifiiol'tliiM jMii-iii. ls5»i. h (■oninK'nic.N IIiuh : 
 
 !i« lakfu .lowii IVoni tin- oral ir.ituli..ii |„ ,r„i„ „„ ,„h i,.l ni<> < huiiilnt f.in. 
 
 1)1° H ( 'lirisl inil Kutlivi liUI*l, illi nld woninil (iull^rnnlAih iim linlt. 
 
THK DKAN OF LlSMOlCK. 
 
 The aiitliur of tliirf heiv is Femus the Jiaid. 
 
 High-iniiuU'd (.Jaul,- 
 \Vho combats Finn, 
 A hero Lrave, 
 Bold in assault, 
 
 JSiiiuaineni-hudh a (.-hath chruaidh, 
 Chuir niisi- 'us Cairbar claon niadh, 
 Am niacsa Chorraaie O Chuiiin, 
 Is mairg sinn a tliaradh fu 'Inimli ; 
 Laoch gun ghnUn cha do chuir, 
 Annsa dli' a lainih tuthaidh, etc. 
 Translation :— 
 My mourning is grievous this night, 
 Weeping is my condition. 
 As I think of the fierce fight. 
 Fought with red, squint-eyed Cairbre, 
 Tliat son of Conuac O Cliuinn ; 
 Woe to them fell into his hands. 
 Hero who knew no coward fear, 
 Whose hand took delight in the arrow, etc. 
 
 The composition is very much the same 
 with that of the Dean, but in many por- 
 tions contains lines which the latter 
 wants, and in others is comparatively 
 defective. Althougli frequently superior 
 in force, it is not, upon the whole, so 
 smooth and regular as the Dean's edi- 
 tion. It will be given at greater length 
 in the Appendix to this volume. 
 
 1 Fergus the Bard was one of the sons 
 of Finn, and consequently brother to 
 Ossian. He was, from all we can leam, 
 the chief Poet of the Feinn. Ossian was 
 both warrior and poet ; Fergus was 
 chiefly poet. Fergus was probably some- 
 what like a modern Gaelic Bard, John 
 Macdonell, commonly called Ian Loni, 
 who, on being urged to fight at the 
 battle between Montrose and Argyle at 
 Inverlochy, replied with well-assumed in- 
 dignation, " Cha-n e sin mo ghnothucli, 
 cathaichibh sibhse 'us innsidh niise," 
 that is iwt my business,— Jight you and 
 I'll relate. In one of the odes pre- 
 served in the Dean's MS., Fergus is called 
 
 " Filidh Feinn E'lr'nm," Bard o/the Feimi, 
 u/Erin. 
 
 - Tliis composition is usually called, 
 " Rosg Ghuill," or the Ode to Gaul. 
 Gaul was chief of one branch of the Feinn, 
 the branch d enominated " Claun Moini," 
 or the children of M(yrn, as Finn was 
 chief of the other branch, called " Clann 
 Baoisgne," or the children of Boisfpie. 
 The word "Gall" means a foreigner ; 
 " muirn " means a body of men, or beauty, 
 elegance, in either sense giving a marked 
 significance to the name. This poem re- 
 jiresents a difference between Gaiil and 
 Finn, the cause of which will appear as 
 the poem proceeds. Fergus, as was cus- 
 tomary with the Bards, interposes as 
 peacemaker, and represents to his father, 
 whom he manifestly holds to be in the 
 wrong, the danger of a ditterence with 
 Gaul. Tlie ode is a very remarkable one, 
 having a striking resemblance to Ossian's 
 eulogy on Finn, as given already in this 
 volume. Both bear decided marks of 
 genuineness and antiquity. The lan- 
 guage is peculiar, many of the words 
 being obsolete. Indeed, the phonetic 
 orthography of the Dean, the peculiar 
 handwriting, and the discoloration and 
 bad condition of tlie MS., with the ob- 
 soleteness of many of the words, made 
 it a matter of no little labour to decipher 
 the composition at all. There is an eili- 
 tion of it in Miss Brooks' '' Reliques of 
 Irish Poetry," from which, however, the 
 jircsent differs considerably in many of 
 the lines, besides having several addi- 
 tional lines, and seveml deficient in some 
 part.-;. The peculiar rhythm of the origi- 
 
THE RCXIK OF 
 
 Jlis iKtuiity free. 
 Fierce to destroy. 
 Beloved of all, 
 ( laul, gentle, brave, 
 Son of gi-eat ^Morn ; 
 Hardy in war, 
 His praise of old, 
 A comely man, 
 King, soldierly, free, 
 Of no soft speech. 
 No lack of sense, 
 Cheerful as great : 
 In battle's day 
 He moved a prince ; 
 Though soft his skin. 
 Not soft his deed, 
 Of jiortly nioidd, 
 A fruitful branch, 
 His heart so pure, 
 He trains the young. 
 'Bove mountains high 
 Ivises in victory, 
 AVe ever fear 
 When he assails. 
 1 tell you Finn, 
 Avoid the man, 
 Terror of Gaul 
 Should make you ([uail 
 Sodtlu- iiiui rather. 
 
 mil, with till' nllitfratioiiH nii<l voinlic 
 coiicunlH, give it ruiiiiirknlilc HtiiootliiivKH 
 niitl force. The ihythiii Ims, ns fiir ns 
 poHHihlu, been reliiiiieil in the triiiiMlu- 
 timi. liill heHiiles the liiligiiik^e, the 
 heiiliiiielit 111' the |iie<e ih hlri)ii>{ eviileiuo 
 111 its iiiitiijiiity. ThoHc leiil\ireH of chur- 
 iicter are (■iiiiiiiieii<U-il which have mI\vii>> 
 lieeii ill fiivoiir in a rmle a^e. Umlil) 
 stu'ii;.'.lli, >iiui'a).'e, iiiaiiliiiens, ami hi/.e, 
 
 are dwelt tin with all the wuniith ol an 
 anient ailniirution ; while as much of 
 literary cnltivatioii is )i»inteil out nml 
 coniiiiemleil, as wmihl sluiw thenci|iittiiit 
 uiice of the hem with the tnulilious o( 
 IiIh race. (Suiil i* Nitiit t« have Ihvii 
 " eai;nai<lh a Kt4iir," It^irHot iu lustmy. 
 Tlii.H ami the <Mle to Finn have internal 
 cviileiice i.r lieinn ciini|M>Mti<>iis U'ltin^iii}; 
 l" a \er) leiimte ajje. 
 
TUK DKAN OF I.ISMDIUv 
 
 lietter than tight. 
 Skilful and just, 
 He rules his men, 
 His bounty wide, 
 A bloody man, 
 P'irst in the schools. 
 Of gentle bhjod. 
 And noble race, 
 Liberal, kind, 
 Uiitired in fight. 
 No prince so wise. 
 Brown are his locks, 
 Marble his skin, 
 Perfect his form, 
 All full of grace, 
 Fierce to exact, 
 "\Mien aught is due, 
 In vigour great, 
 Of fairest face. 
 No king like Gaul. 
 I tell thee Finn, 
 His strength as waves 
 In battle's crash. 
 Princely his gait. 
 Comely his form, 
 Gaul's skill'd fence 
 No play when rouseil. 
 Keady to give, 
 Dreadful liis strength. 
 Manly his mould, 
 Soldierly, great. 
 Ne'er coidd I tell 
 His grace and power ; 
 A fearful foe, 
 Eeady his hands, 
 Conceal'd his wrath, 
 A cheerful face. 
 
THE HOOK OF 
 
 Liki- imiiiimiiiim' si-fis, 
 llushcil to tlif fi-^ht, 
 A lion Ijolcl, 
 As great in deed, 
 Powerful liis arm, 
 Clioice amidst kings. 
 Joyful his way, 
 His teeth so white. 
 'Tis he that wounds, 
 Tlie greatest foe. 
 His purpose firm, 
 A victor sure, 
 Desires the fight, 
 In history learn'd. 
 Warrior hold, 
 Sharp is his sword, 
 Contemptuous (Jaul, 
 Plunders at will. 
 A fearless man, 
 Wratld'ul he is, 
 Dreadful in look, 
 Leopard in fight, 
 Fierce as a hound. 
 Of women loved. 
 A circle true 
 E'er ])y him stood. 
 He hurls his dart, 
 No gentle cast. 
 Solt are his cheeks, 
 In blossom rich, 
 (Jf lieauteous form, 
 Unchanged suceess ; 
 No stream so swift 
 As his assault, 
 Mait Morn mmc hravt 
 Than any told, 
 ( )f powerful Hpeeeli, 
 
TflK !)KA\ (JF I.ISMOIIK 
 
 It far resounds, 
 }f e 's truly j^reat, 
 Liberal, just, 
 Does not despise. 
 Yet firm resolves, 
 Gentle, yet brisk, 
 Foi-sakes no friend, 
 In fi«;;ht of kings, 
 No powerless arm. 
 There, fierce his mien. 
 And strong his blow. 
 When roused his wrath, 
 He 's third of the chase. 
 Noble Mac Cumhail, 
 Soothe and promise, 
 Give peace to Gaul, 
 Check yrvath and guile. 
 
 Diu'ing my day, 
 ^Vhate'e^ it be, 
 I'd give without guile, 
 A third of the chase.^ 
 
 Let's hear no more, 
 Soft dost thou speak, 
 Finn's love to Gaul, 
 And third of the hound.*;. 
 
 • It wonld appear from this latter part Hence the contest giving Gaul the ap- 
 
 of the poem, that the difference between pellation of " Fear cogaidh Fliinn," or 
 
 Finn ami Gaul concerned the right tti resister of Finn. Fergus's intervention 
 
 hunt. It would appear that such a cause resulted in Gaul's obtaining from Finn, 
 
 of controversy is no modern affair, but with good will, one-third of the territory 
 
 that game and game-laws had their place called here " fiodh," or irooded territory, 
 
 among human interests and human con- and one-third of the hounds. Tliere is 
 
 tentions from the earliest period of our a curious reference to these hunting 
 
 country's histor)'. Finn seems to have rights in one of the poems in praise of 
 
 claimed the right of cha.se over the whole the M'Gregors, given in an after-p.irt of 
 
 territorj' of the Feinii. Gaul resisted this volume, in which it is saiil that Finn 
 
 and claimed a share for the race of Mom. himself dare not hunt without leave. 
 
TUF. BOOK OF 
 
 Caul, Ifiivc tliy wrath, 
 AVitli us liiive peace, 
 Now without grudge, 
 Thou'st of Finn's forest tliiril. 
 
 That will I take, 
 Fergus, dear friend, 
 My wrath is gone, 
 No more I ask. 
 
 Friend without guile, 
 Li^is thin and red, 
 Bounty and strength. 
 Shall win thee praise. 
 
 ni<di minded (laid. 
 
 The author of this is Fergus tin; Ijiud.' 
 
 Tell us now, Fergus, 
 Bard of Frin's Feinn, 
 How did fare the day 
 In (Jawra's I'urious light. 
 
 Not good, son of Cundiail, 
 The tidings from Gawra's light. 
 Dear Oscar lives no more, 
 He who hravely fought ; 
 Caoilte's seven sons are gone, 
 "With the commons of Alvin's Feinn. 
 The youth of tlie Feinn have fallen, 
 All in their warlike rolies. 
 
 ' Tlii.si.siuiotlicrof tllL•<•.llul..>^itiollH(.( ulivu.ly. M'Koiy's appoiirs to bo tlio 
 
 Kt.M'.{UH, the mill of Finn, and l>ri>llu'r of iimrc iihkUth of tlio two, Ik'niiIcs In'tn^ 
 
 Ohsiim. It wiU 111- f«)uuil to lit* »n iic- inlVrior in nmuy n<i*|>«ntjj to this. Tlu< 
 
 count of tlii'ilfatli of ONciir iit the Imltli' moount tif Ownr'n «li««th given luTi*, in 
 
 <)f(>iiuiii. One fomiioHition on this snli- in tlii> way of r»>|ily to tin ini|uiry of 
 
 jt'ct l>y Aliim M'Hory Iiun licon nivcn Finn. 
 
TIIK DEAN OF LISMORK. 4» 
 
 Mac Luy too is dead, 
 With six of thy father's sons. 
 Fallen are the youth of Alvin, 
 Dead are the Feinn of Britain.^ 
 Lochlin's king's son is dead, 
 Wlio came to give us aid, 
 He of the manly heart. 
 And ann at all times strong. 
 Tell them now, O Bard, 
 My son's son, my delight, 
 How it was that Oscar 
 Hewed the helmets through. 
 It would be hard to tell, 
 'Twould be a hea^y task, 
 To number all that fell. 
 Slain by the arms of Oscar. 
 Xo swifter is a cataract, 
 Or hawk in sweeping stoop. 
 Or rapids rushing fast, 
 Than in that fight was Oscar. 
 You saw him, last of all, 
 Like leaves in windy weather, 
 Or like a noble aspen, 
 "When hewers strike its stem. 
 ^^^len Erin's King he saw. 
 Still living 'midst the fight, 
 Oscar swift approached him, 
 As waves break on the strand. 
 AMien Cairbar this observed, 
 He shook his hungry spear, 
 And through him drove its point. 
 Chiefest of all our griefs ' 
 Yet Oscar did not quail, 
 
 > Here we have in this verj' ancient Feinn belonged to Britain as well as Ire- 
 composition reference to the Feinn of lan.l, they couM not have been a mere 
 Britain, Britain including then a-s now Irish militia. 
 England, Scotland, and Wales. If the 
 
 D 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 But made for Erin's King ; 
 With force lie aimed a IjIow, 
 And smote him witli his sword. 
 Thun Art mac Cairhar fell, 
 Struck with the second blow. 
 So 'twas that Oscar perished, 
 Witli glory, as a King. 
 Fergus the bard am I, 
 I've travelled eveiy land, 
 I grieve after the Feinn, 
 To have my tale to tell. 
 Tell. 
 
 This talc is by Gilliocallum M' an Olave.' 
 
 I have heard a tale of old, 
 A tale that should make us weep ; 
 'Tis time to relate it sadly. 
 Although it should fdl us with grief 
 liuiy's" race of no soft grasp. 
 Children of Connor and Connal ; 
 Bravely their youth did take the field, 
 In Ulster's noble province. 
 None with joy returned home 
 Of Banva's proudest heroes. 
 
 I Tliis is tlie coinpONition of a Poet 
 of whom we know iiotluii^ save wlmt wo 
 fiiiil in tliiH Volume. From a j»oem of 
 his ill i)raiHe of the M'Gregors, he would 
 ttpi.eai- to liave lieeii a Seotclimau. The 
 name Ki;niitieH MaUom, tlie hoii of tlie 
 chief 1.III-.1 or the jihysiiian. It is found 
 Ktill in the form of M'Inally. Thin j.oem 
 in the (Vltii- edition of tlie l'er«i;in tale 
 of Zohrali and UuNtuin. The ineidentH 
 are HO Kiniilar, that the two taleH munt 
 have had a conimon origin. Whether the 
 
 Persians rcoeivc<l the tale from the Ccltj", 
 or the Celtjt fmni the Peisians, or Inith 
 from Kome t>ther and older .soune, it is 
 hai\l to say. The conipoHition is in (Jae- 
 lif, usually called, " lias C'honlaoich," 
 or TltctUnth of VvnUich. 
 
 * t'lann Itu^^hraidh, a |iowerful race, 
 who o.(uiii«'<l the i>ro\inee of I'Ister at 
 an early peri.Kl, arter haviiijt ex]>«dle<l 
 the I'lann DeaKhiiidh. or the UalciLssians, 
 ulterwaixU of Muiixtci. 
 
tup: dfax of ltsmouk. si 
 
 For as they once more tried the li^lii, 
 Riiiy's race did win tlie diiy. 
 There came to us, fierce his mien, 
 The dauntless warrior, Conlacli, 
 To learn of (Uir beauteous land, 
 From Dunscaich^ to Erin. 
 Connor spoke thus to his nu'n, 
 " AVMio 's i)reparcd to meet the youth, 
 And of him to take account ; 
 Who will take no refusal ?" 
 Then the strong-armed Connal went, 
 Of the youth to take account ; 
 The end of their fight was this, 
 Conlach had bound Connal. 
 Yet the hero did'not halt, 
 Conlach, brave and vigorous. 
 He bound a hundred of our men, 
 It is a strange and mournful tale. 
 To the hounds' great chief ^ a message 
 Was sent by Ulster's wise king, 
 To sunny, fair Dundalgin,^ 
 The ohl, wise fort of the Gael, 
 That stronghold of which we read. 
 And the prudent daughter of Forgan.^ 
 From thence came he of ga-eat deeds 
 To see our generous king ; 
 To know of Ulster's great race, 
 There came to us the red branch ^ Cu, 
 
 1 Dunscaich, a stronghold in the Isle another in Ireland. From wliich of these 
 
 of Skye, on the coast of Sleat, of which the name was taken it is dillicult to 
 
 the ruins still e.xist. say. Certainly the Skye mountain is 
 
 * Cuchullin, or the hound of Cullin, by far the more magnificent natural ol)- 
 
 was a famous Celtic warrior, whose fame ject, and Dunscaich is unquestionahly in 
 
 is celebrated both in Scotland and Ire- Skye. 
 
 land. The name is a curious one, and ^ Dundalgiu is said to be the modern 
 
 is thought by some critics to indicate Dundalk. 
 
 the e.xistence of Anubis worship, or the * Cuchullin's wife is said to have been 
 
 woi-ship of the dog, among the ancient unwilling that he should engage Conlach. 
 
 Celts. There is a Cullin in Skye, and * Cii is a dog or hound. The " i-ed 
 
62 THE BOOK OF 
 
 His teeth like pearl, cheeks like berries. 
 
 " Long," said Connor to the Cu, 
 
 " Has been thine aid in coming, 
 
 "While Connal, who loves bold steeds. 
 
 Is bound and a hundred more." 
 
 " Sad for me to be thus bound, 
 
 Friend, ^vho could'st soon unloose me." 
 
 " 1 couldn't encounter his sword, 
 
 And that he has bound brave ConnaL" 
 
 " Kefuse not to attack him, 
 
 Prince of the sharp, blue sword, 
 
 "Whose arm ne'er (piailed in conflict, 
 
 Think of thy patron now in bonds." 
 
 When Cuchullin of the tliin-leaved sword 
 
 Heard the lament of Connal, 
 
 He moved in his arm's great might 
 
 To take of the youth account. 
 
 " Tell us now that I have come, 
 
 Youth who fcarest not the fight. 
 
 Tell us now, and tell at once, 
 
 Thy name, and where 's thy country ?" 
 
 " Ere I left home I had to pledge 
 
 That I should never that relate ; 
 
 "Were I to tell to living man, 
 
 For thy love's sake I'd tell it thee." 
 
 " Then must thou with me battle do. 
 
 Or tell thy tale as a friend. 
 
 Choose for thyself, dear youth. 
 
 But mind, to tight me is a risk. 
 
 Let us not fight, I pniy thee, 
 
 Ihave leoj)ard, ]>ride of Krin, 
 
 l^oldcst in the battle fieUl, 
 
 My name I wduUl tell unbought." 
 
 Then did they ((Uinneiii-e the fight, 
 
 Nor was it the light of women. 
 
 lirancli" lierocH wcro the kiii>;)itti of Ul- tury onlcn*. Ciuliullin ih oHfii cnlM 
 htcr, tlio ino8t fHnioiiK of tlie IriNli iiiili- " C'ii tmn run," or Thr houmi 0/ hitutui*. 
 
THK DKAN OF LISMOlJK. 
 
 The youth received a deadly wound, 
 He oC tlie vij^orous arm. 
 Yet did CuehuUiu of battles, 
 The victory on that day lose. 
 His only son had fallen, slain, 
 That fair, soft branch, so gentle, brave. 
 " Tell us now," said skilful Cu, 
 " Since thou art at our mercy, 
 Thy name and race, tell us in full, 
 Think not to refuse thy tale." 
 " Conlach I, Cuchullin's son, 
 Lawful heir of great Dundalgiu, 
 It was I thou left'st unborn, 
 When in Skiathi thou w^ast learning. 
 Seven years in the east I spent, 
 Gaining knowledge from my mother ; 
 The pass by wdiich I have been slain 
 Was all I needed still to learn." 
 Then does the great Cuchulliu see- 
 His dear son's colour change ; 
 As of his generous heart he thinks. 
 His memory and mind forsake him ; 
 His body's excellency departs, 
 His grief it was destroyed it ; 
 Seeing as he lay on the earth 
 The rightful heir of Duudalgin ; 
 Where shall we find his like, 
 Or how^ detail our grief ? 
 I have. 
 
 * The Isle of Skye. saking her, had laid her plans for secur- 
 
 * The touching incident in this story ing this object, and had sent her son 
 is the death of the son by the hand of into Ireland under vow never to disclose 
 his own father. It is said that Conlach's his name until overconje in battle, 
 mother, in revenge for Cuchullin's for- 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 The author of this is the Blind O'Cloaii.' 
 
 'Tis tlic sigh of a fiieiul from Fiaoch's green muiiiul, 
 
 'Tis the warrior's sigh iroiii his lonely bier,^ 
 
 'Tis a sigh might giieve the manly heart, 
 
 And might make a maid to weep. 
 
 Here to the east the cairn, where lies 
 
 Fraocli Fitheach's son of softest locks, 
 
 ^\^lo noLly strove to favour ]\Iai, 
 
 And from whom Cairn^ Fraoch is named 
 
 In Cruachan east a woman weeps, 
 
 A mournful tale 'tis she laments ; 
 
 Heavy, heavy sighs she gives 
 
 For Fraoch mac Fithich of ancient fame. 
 
 She 'tis, in tmth, who sorely weeps, 
 
 As Fraoch's green mound she visits oft ; 
 
 Maid of the locks that wave so fair, 
 
 Mai's daughter so beloved of men. 
 
 Tliis night Orla's soft- haired (laughter. 
 
 Lies side by side \vith Fraoch mac Fithich. 
 
 ' The .aullior of this composition is 
 altogether unknown, nor is it easy to 
 decipher even the name accurately. In 
 the original it is distinctly " in keich o 
 cloan." Accoi-ding to the Dean's usual 
 orthograi)hy, this should be " An caoch 
 O'Cluain," which means the Idind 0' 
 Cloan, or the bliiut iiutn fnnii the ijicen 
 mound. Some of the readi-i-s of the 
 MS. have made it nut to lie the name 
 of a Woman. Wo have given the form 
 of the name most likely to he accur- 
 ato. The comi>osition itself is usually 
 called "Bis Fhraoich," or the d^nUiof 
 Friutch. 
 
 * "Caiseal chro," usually translate<l 
 bier, is a curious term. " (.'aiseal " means 
 a c<i.itle or xtroni/fuild, " cro," a foitl or 
 Jim; so that the wonl really means the 
 alinw pcn,uv J'oillii,<l /.. /< I imt this 
 
 in all likelihood the stone collin, with 
 which wo are so familiar in ancient Celtic 
 8e)>ulture ? 
 
 • It is not easy identifying the toiw- 
 gniphy of this i)oem. It is generally 
 lielieved in I'eilhshiro that the siene of 
 Fraoch's death was in Oleu Cuaich, a 
 valley lying between those of the Tay 
 and the Almond. \Vu have a Loch 
 Fnioch there, but I have not been able to 
 identify t'arn Fraoich, or Cam Lnimh. 
 ('ruachan is spoken of as lying to the 
 oast, which goes rather in favour of the 
 opinion, that the scene of the |KK-n) wnji 
 in Argyleshire, Hen Cruaelian being to 
 the east of the locality so designated in 
 that part of the country. 1 cannot find 
 any lake in Scotland now ralle<l lA>ch 
 .Mui, although l^>ch FnuK'h nuiy liavo 
 been so called. 
 
Till': DKAN OF LISMOUK. fiS 
 
 Many were the men who loved her. 
 She, of them all, loved Fraoch alone. 
 INIai is filled with bitter liate. 
 As the love of Fraoch she learns. 
 His body got its grievous wounds, 
 Because with her he'd do no wrong ; 
 She doomed him to a bitter death : 
 Judge not of women by her deed. 
 Grief 'twas tliat he should t\ill by :Mai, 
 Yet ril relate it without guile. A sigli.^ 
 
 A rowan tree stood in Loch ]\Iai, 
 
 We see its shore there to the south ; 
 
 Eveiy quarter every month, 
 
 It bore its fair, well-ripened fruit ; 
 
 There stood the tree alone, erect, 
 
 Its fruit tlian honey sweeter far ; 
 
 That precious fruit so riclily red, 
 
 Did suflice for a man's nine meals ; 
 
 A year it added to man's life, — 
 
 The tale I tell is very truth. 
 
 Health to the wounded it could bring, 
 
 Such virtue liad its red- skinned fruit. 
 
 One thing alone was to be feared 
 
 By him who sought men's ills to soothe : 
 
 A monster^ fierce lay at its root, 
 
 AVliich they who sought its fruit must fight. 
 
 A heavy, heavy sickness fell 
 
 On Athach's daughter, of liberal horn ; 
 
 Her messenger she sent for Fraoch, 
 
 "\^^lo asked her what 'twas ailed her now. 
 
 Mai said her health would ne'er return, 
 
 Unless her fair soft palm was filled 
 
 * The introduction of the " sigh," logy between this tale and that of Her- 
 would seem to indicate that a sigh was cules and the garden of the Hesperides. 
 expected at certain i)arts of the poem It will strike any one ac<iuaiiited with 
 from the reciter. the classical story. 
 
 * It is needless to point out the ana- 
 
50 THE BOOK OF 
 
 With bellies iVom the deep cnkl hike, 
 
 Gleaned l)y the hand of none but Fraock 
 
 " Ne'er have I yet request refused," 
 
 Said Fitliich's son of nuhly hue ; 
 
 " AVhate'er the lot of Fraoch may be, 
 
 The berries I -svill pull for Mai." 
 
 The fair-formed Fraoch then moved away 
 
 Down to the lake, prepared to swim. 
 
 He found the monster in deep sleep. 
 
 With head up-pointed to the tree. A sigh. 
 
 Fraoch Fithich's sou of pointed arms, 
 
 Unheard by the monster, then approached. 
 
 He plucked a bunch of red-skinned fruit, 
 
 And brought it to where ^lai did lie. 
 
 " Though what thou did'st thou hast done well," 
 
 Said Mn\, she of form so fair, 
 
 " My purpose nought, brave man, wilt seiTe, 
 
 But that from the root thou'dst tear tlie tree." 
 
 No bolder heart there was than Fraoch's, 
 
 Again the slimy lake he swam ; 
 
 Yet great as was his strength, he couldn't 
 
 Escape the death for him ordained. 
 
 Firm by its top he seized the tree. 
 
 And from the root did tear it U]i : 
 
 With speed again he makes for land. 
 
 But not before the beast awakes. 
 
 Fast he pursues, and, as he swam, 
 
 Seized in liis horrid maw his aim. 
 
 Fnioch by the jaw then grasped the brute. 
 
 'Twas sad for him to want his knife : 
 
 The maid of softest waving hair, 
 
 In liaste l)rought him a knife of gold. 
 
 The monster tore his soft white skin, 
 
 And hacked most grievously his arm. 
 
 Then fell they, sole to soU' ojjposed, 
 
 Down on the southern 8tt)nv stnuul. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOKE. 67 
 
 Fmoch mac Fitliich, he and the beast, 
 'Twere well that they had never fought.' 
 Fierce was the contiict, yet 'twas long, — 
 The monster's head at length he took. 
 When the maid what ha}>pened saw, 
 Upon the strand she fainting fell 
 Then from her trance when she awoke, 
 In her soft hand she seized his hand : 
 " Although for wild birds thou art food, 
 Thy last exploit was nobly done." 
 'Tis from that death wliich he met then. 
 The name is given to Loch Mai ; 
 That name it will for ever bear, 
 Men have called it so till now. A sigh. 
 
 They bear along to Fraoch's green mound 
 The hero's body to its grave. 
 By his name they call the glen, 
 Sad for those he left behind 
 Cairn Laive is the hill beside me, 
 Close by it many a happy day 
 The hero lived, of matchless strength, 
 The bravest heart in battle's day. 
 Lovely those lips with welcomes rich, 
 AVhich woman liked so well to kiss ; 
 Lovely the chief whom men obeyed, 
 Lovely those cheeks like roses red, 
 Tlian mven's hue more dark his hair, 
 Eedder than hero's blood his cheeks ; 
 Softer than froth of streams his skin, 
 Whiter it was than whitest snow ; 
 His hair in curling locks fell down, 
 His eye more blue than bluest ice ; 
 Than rowans red more red his lips, 
 
 • The storj- is simple and intcUigilile. cheaun, or Faiiliead. She accordiugiy 
 Mai loved Fraoch, and became jealous of planned and accomplished Fraoch's de- 
 her own daughter, usually called Geal- &ti uction as related. 
 
58 
 
 THE BOOK OF 
 
 "Wliiter tlian blossoms were his teeth ; 
 Tall was his spear like any mast, 
 Sweeter his voice than souiulinfr chord ; 
 None could better swim than Fraoch, 
 Who ever breasted rimning stream. 
 Broader than any gate his sliield, 
 Joyous he swung it o'er his back ; 
 His arm and sword of equal length, 
 In size he like a ship did luok. 
 Would it had been in warrior's fight 
 That Fraoch, who spared not gold, had died 
 'Twas sad to perish by a Beast, 
 'Tis just as sad he lives not now. 
 
 'Tis the si'di. 
 
 The author of this is Coiiual Coamach M'EJii-skcol. 
 
 These heads, O Connal, are worthless ; 
 Though thou must have blooded thine arms. 
 These heads thou bear'st upon that withe, 
 Can'st tell their owners, now thy spoil ? 
 
 Daughter of Orgill of the steeds. 
 Youthful Evir, so sweet of speech, 
 'Twas to avcnige Cuchullin's death. 
 That I took these numerous heads. 
 
 Whose is that hairy, lihiek, great heatl, 
 With cheeks than any rose mure red. 
 
 ' Tliis JH the most anciunt of all tlm 
 OsKiiinif I'dfts. Ho was coiitoiiiponiry 
 of Cunliiilliii, wlio llo\iri.sIiiMl, ncicnling 
 to Irihli liiHturiaiiH, in tlu' tintt century. 
 Ciictiulliii waH liiH foxtor-Hou, and upon 
 liin \w\nn Hlain, I'oiiall took ViMi;;eaiue 
 ii]ion luH LMRMiieH liy putting tlu'iii all to 
 • luatii. In tliiN pucin he tolJM Kvir, wIid 
 
 was citlifi- the wifo or tho hetrotln'*! of 
 C'uchullin, the uauics of tlioso thus put 
 to (li-atli, and whoso lii-ads lie oarriol on 
 n witlic. The name M'Kdaniooil iM n*- 
 jiruKeiiteil now liy that of O'l)ri.sool ; 
 " C'lailiach" meuUH rictontmji, no that 
 the poot'h name i*. ivally, Tho VictorioUH 
 (.'ouall 0'i>ii»cull. 
 
TlIK DKAN OF I,IS.M()IIK. fiy 
 
 That wliicli hangs nigh<ist thy left arm, 
 The head whose colour has not chani^ed i 
 
 That head the king of swift steeds own'd, 
 Said Cairbar's son of vigorous lance ; 
 In vengeance for my foster son, 
 I took that head and bore it far. 
 
 What head is that I see beyond, 
 Covered with smooth, soft, flowing hair. 
 His eye like grass, his teeth like bloom, 
 His beauty such as none is like ? 
 
 ^Nlanadh, the man that own'd the steeds, 
 Aoife's son, who plunder'd every sea ; 
 I left his trunk 'reft of its head, 
 1 slew his people, every man. 
 
 What head is that I see thee grasp, 
 Great Connal of the gentle streams ; 
 ►Since that Cuchullin^ now is dead, 
 Whom to avenge him did'st thou take ? 
 
 'Tis the head of Mac Fergus of steeds. 
 He in extremity so bold, 
 IMy sister's son from the tall tower. 
 His head I from his body \VTeiiched. 
 
 What fair-haired head is that to the east, 
 "Wliose hand might well have seized the heads ; 
 Well did I know his voice of old. 
 For he and I were friends awhile ? 
 
 ' Cuchullin, or Tfie Hound of Cullin, case. lu the English version it is uni- 
 
 is often spoken of siniplj' as " An Cii," formly translated Cii, as it woulil be ini- 
 
 01- Tlie Jloiaut. In the Gaelic this is pos.sihle to follow intelligibly the varia- 
 
 either " Cu" or " Con," according as the tions of the Gaelic grammar in the cases 
 
 word is in the nominative or genitive of a proper noun. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 I)uM-ii there it was tlie L'u did lull, 
 His body cast in fairest mould ; 
 Cu, sou of Con, of poets' king, 
 Among the last I took his head. 
 
 AVhat two heads are those farthest out, 
 Great Connal of the sweetest voice ; 
 Of thy great love hide not from me 
 The names of them so dark in arms ? 
 
 'Tis Laogliar's head and that of Cuilt, 
 The two who fell pierced by my arms ; 
 One of them had Cuchullin struck. 
 Hence his red blood my weapons dyes. 
 
 AMiat two heads are those to the east, 
 Great Connal of the famous deeds ; 
 Alike tlie colour of their hair, 
 Than hero's blood more red their elieeks ? 
 
 Cullin the handsome, and Cunlad brave, 
 Two who e'er triumphed in their wrath ; 
 Evir, their heads are to the east, 
 I left their bodies streaming red. 
 
 What are those six hideous heads 
 
 I see in front facing the north ; 
 
 P>lue in the face, their hair so black, 
 
 From which thou turn'st thy look, brave Connal ? 
 
 Tliesc are six of Cuchulliu's Wwn, 
 Callideii's sons, who triumphed oft ; 
 These an? now Die senseless six 
 Who all, full an.ird. fell by my hand. 
 
 Great CdJinal, father t<» a king, 
 What is that head, noblest of uU ; 
 
TIIK DKAN OF LISMOltK. 
 
 How Itushy the golden yellow locks, 
 
 Covt'iing it with so much frrace? 
 
 The head of M'Finn, M'lloss the rod, 
 The son of Cniith, slain hy my stroke ; 
 Evir, he was kiiifj, chief of them all, 
 In Leinster of the spotted swords. 
 
 Great Connal, now please change thy tale. 
 Tell us the numher slain by thine arm, 
 Of all the noMe I'anious men, 
 In vengeance for the head of Con ? 
 
 Ten and seven score hundred men, 
 I tell the truth, the number is, 
 That fell by me, all back o'er back, 
 Fruit of my braveiy and power, 
 
 Connal, tell how the women feel 
 
 In Innisfail, the C'u being dead ; 
 
 Do they sadly, sorely mourn. 
 
 Now that like me themselves have grief? 
 
 Evir, what am I to do. 
 Now that my Cu is ta'en away ; 
 My foster-son of fairest form, 
 Now that he 's left me desolate ? 
 
 Connal, lay me in my grave. 
 And raise my stone o'er that of Cu ; 
 In grief I'll soon from this depart. 
 Let my lips touch Cu's lips in death. 
 
 Evir am I, of fairest form. 
 No vengeance can me satisfy ; 
 
62 
 
 THE BOOK (»F 
 
 In tears no pleasure I ean liiid, 
 'Tis sad that 1 am left behind.' 
 (.'c»nnal. 
 
 The author of this is C'aoilte ^\u*- Kdii.ii 
 
 I set me off to rescue Finn, 
 
 To Taura of the joyful streams ; 
 
 With anus sure of victoiy, 
 
 To Cormac, son of Art Aouir.^ 
 
 I will not put forth my strength, 
 
 Though bloody and light of foot, 
 
 Until that with the Feinn of Fail, 
 
 We have reached the shore of Loch Fiylt 
 
 Then did we slay the mighty hero, 
 
 When we had slain Cuireach.'* 
 
 We killed a mighty warrior 
 
 When we had killed their leader. 
 
 1 This poem is usually called " Laoiilh 
 nan ceaini," or 77t€ Lai/ of the Hea(Lt. 
 It bears many marks of genuineness and 
 anti>|uity. It is well known in the High- 
 lands, but the Editor has never seen or 
 heard any reference to its authorship, 
 except in the MS. of the Dean. 
 
 • This is a remarkable composition, 
 deBcrii)tive of an atteni])t of Caoilt to 
 deliver his friend and patron Finn from 
 the hands of Cormac M'Art, King of Ire- 
 land, against whom the Feinn lia<l been 
 Btirring up rebellion. Caoilt, after va- 
 rious strange doings, is told that he can 
 only have Finn's liberty on conilition of 
 bringing to I'ara a pair of all the wilil 
 animals in Irehiml. A ]>oitiiin of the 
 pf>cm has been translated in Ireland, and 
 imblishcl in the Ihtlilin I'liirrisil;/ Ma- 
 ffiizinc for March lS5i, in connexion witli 
 an interesting paper upon the footl of the 
 ancient Irish, and the early zoology of 
 
 their country, by Dr. Wilde. The trans- 
 lation is by that eminent Irish scholar, 
 Mr. E. O'Curry. In that paper the poem 
 is said to be at least a comjiosition of the 
 ninth century. It nnist be of extreme 
 anticjuity, as a reference to tiie language 
 of it presents an amount of ditliculty 
 owing to obsolete words and phrases 
 rarely met with. The E*litor had the 
 ad\aiitage of submitting his work to the 
 review of Mr. O'Curry. For the to|>o- 
 graphy of the poem, which is altogether 
 Irisii, the Editor liius to refer the reader 
 to the notes to the ptti)er in the uumWr 
 of the /hiNin I'liirtrslt!/ Miiifiuiiif, re- 
 fijri-ed to above, which arc very full and 
 very instructive. 
 
 ' Art, King of Ireland, was called 
 " Aonfhir," or The HolHnri/, from his 
 love of solitude. 
 
 * Cuireach was a famous Leinster 
 piince. 
 
THE DKAN OF LISMOUK. 
 
 We bore his head up to the liill, 
 
 Which lies above Ihiadhainair.' 
 
 Thou iiidced I had i)iy triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 For the hero's sake I slew 
 
 A mau in every town'" in Erin. 
 
 Then indeed 1 had my triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 For the hero's sake I brought 
 
 Grief into every house in Erin. 
 
 Then indeed I had my triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 The calves I slew with the cows, 
 
 \\liom I found in all fair Erin. 
 
 Then indeed I had my triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 The doors on which the red wind^ blew, 
 
 I threw them each one widely open. 
 
 Then indeed I had my triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 The lields all ripe throughout the land, 
 
 I set them then a blazing brightly. 
 
 Then indeed I had my triumph, 
 
 For I made a total havoc. 
 
 In my day there won't be seen 
 
 Either mill or kiln in Erin. 
 
 Then it was they loosed against me 
 
 The horse of Albin and of Erin. 
 
 !My fleetuess gave me victory, 
 
 Until I reached Eos illirglass. 
 
 Then I westward took my way 
 
 To Taura, although great the distance ; 
 
 Not one horse of all the troop 
 
 1 Buadhamair, the ancient name of ^ Tlie red wind, a magical wind said 
 
 Cahir, in Tipperary. to blow in Ireland, and to be very de- 
 
 * In Gaelic, a farm is called " baile," strnctise. 
 a town. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Had Taura reached so soon as I dicL 
 
 In Taura then I gave tliat day 
 
 The wife of liim who cared not f(tr Ikm-. 
 
 I gave the wife of him who cared not, 
 
 To him who cared for liis as little ; 
 
 In noble Taura tlu-n I gave 
 
 The wife of Cairbar to Cormac. 
 
 The wife of Cormac also gave, 
 
 Just as I had done, to Cairbar. 
 
 The king's sword then I firmly seized, 
 
 A sword of matchless power and virtue ; 
 
 My own sword, fit for little now, 
 
 I left it in the sheath of Connac. 
 
 Tlien I passed me quickly over. 
 
 And from the door-keeper got his gannent. 
 
 From whence it happened, it is true, 
 
 I became candlestick to Cormac. 
 
 Then did I many strange things do, 
 
 In presence of the King of Erin. 
 
 " Though ye may wonder at my speech, 
 
 Caoilte's two eyes are in my candk'stiek." 
 
 " Say thou not so," said noble Finn, 
 
 The fair-haired prince of all the Ft-inn ; 
 
 "Though I may now thy ])risoner be. 
 
 Cast not reproach ujjon my people, 
 
 Such is not Caoilte's noble nature, 
 
 Nought he does but what is generous. 
 
 lie would not hold a servile candle 
 
 For any gold that earth nuiy yield." 
 
 Then did I draw forth his drink 
 
 For the excellent, manly king. 
 
 Four steps, one after the other, 
 
 1 went along with him to serve him. 
 
 Then 1 betook myself to Ids right, 
 
 'Twas one source of my .sharp sorrow ; 
 
 1 gave him of my »»\vn frei' will 
 
 A dirge so grating, haul, and moiirnfid. 
 
THE DKAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 " Strange that liu .should j^'ivu me this," 
 
 Said the clever, well-foniied kiiij,'. 
 
 "The music smells of Caoilte's own .skin, 
 
 This mournful, unhiirmonious dirge." 
 
 " Do not thou .say so, King," 
 
 Said I, in his sen'ant's garb ; 
 
 " These are boastfid words thou speak'.st. 
 
 'Tis worthy of one loving music." 
 
 " By my hand, most noble Caoilte, 
 
 As Finn has been the Feinn's great chief, 
 
 Though, as I am, no pledge I'll give 
 
 To the men of Alb' or Erin." 
 
 As I plainly saw he knew me, 
 
 I now did boldly ask of Cormac, 
 
 " Thou wilt tell me how I may 
 
 Freedom purchase for my patron." 
 
 " Tliou shalt not have Finn made free, 
 
 I say, on any one condition, 
 
 Save this condition, noble Caoilte, 
 
 One thou never can'st fulfil ; 
 
 That thou should'st obtain for me 
 
 Of all wild animals a pair, 
 
 Then to thee I'd give thy patron, 
 
 So soon as thou such pledge redeem'st." 
 
 I seized upon the pleasing words 
 
 Of Connac Mac Airt Inir, 
 
 That he would freedom give the king 
 
 So soon as I fulfilled such promise. 
 
 AMien I had thus by promise bound 
 
 Erin's noble fair-haired king. 
 
 Though I had a trying task, 
 
 I set oft' to keep th' agreement. 
 
 From Taura I a journey took, 
 
 A journey over all the land. 
 
 I gathered in the flocks of birds, 
 
 Tliough they were so very scattered. 
 
 Two fierce gcilfs I brought along, 
 
TlIK BOOK or 
 
 And two fine tall and long-clawed ospreys 
 
 And ravens IVoni Fee ya von ; 
 
 Two wild ducks from Loch a Sellin, 
 
 Two crows down from Slieve ('ullin, 
 
 Two wild oxen brought from P>orrin, 
 
 Two swans I brought from Dobhran germ, 
 
 Two owls from the wood of Faradrum, 
 
 Two polecats from Coiltie creive, 
 
 On the side of Drunia Dabhran. 
 
 Two otters also I took with them, 
 
 From the rock of Donavan doivin, 
 
 Two gulls from the strand of Loch Lee, 
 
 Two rualls from Poi-t Laii-ge, 
 
 Four woodpeckers from Brosna ban, 
 
 Two plovers from Carrig diman. 
 
 Two caclits from Eachta ard. 
 
 Two thrushes from Letter Lomard, 
 
 Two wrens from Dun Aoife, 
 
 Two gcingcachs from Corrie dim, 
 
 Two herons from Corrin Cleith, 
 
 Two gledes from IMagh a Foyle, 
 
 Two eagles from Carrig nan clach. 
 
 Two hawks from Ceindeach forest, 
 
 Two sows from Loch Meilghe, 
 
 Two water-hens from Loch Earn, 
 
 Two moor-fowls from ^lonadh maith, 
 
 Two spaiTow-hawks IVom Duloclia, 
 
 Two stone-chats from Magh C'ullin, 
 
 Two tomtits from Magh Fualainn, 
 
 Two caachans from (Jlen (Jaibhle, 
 
 Two swallows from the Old Altlda. 
 
 Two cormorants from Dublin, 
 
 Two wolves from Crotta cliath, 
 
 Two lilarkbirds froui Ti-.iigli dha bhaii. 
 
 Two roe from Luadiair Ir, 
 
 'J\vo pigeons IVom Ceis Cliarran, 
 
 Two niLrlitiu-rales from Letter Fin chul, 
 
 i 
 
THE DKAN OF LISMOHK. 
 
 Two pluvers from Ix;tter roy, 
 
 Two starling's fixini Tama the green, 
 
 Two ral)bits from Sith dubli donn, 
 
 Two wild boars from Cluaidh chur, 
 
 Two cuckoos from Drum a daive, 
 
 Two grey birds from Laigheande, 
 
 Two lapwings from Lanan Furricli, 
 
 Two woodcocks from Craobh maidh, 
 
 Two hawks besides from .Sliabh gle, 
 
 Two grey mice from Limerick, 
 
 Two otters from the Boyne, 
 
 Two larks from Monadh mor, 
 
 Two bats from the cave of Cno, 
 
 Two badgers from the lands of Ullanach, 
 
 Two corurails from Shannon valley. 
 
 Two wat^r- wagtails from Bruach Bire, 
 
 Two curlews from the sea of Galway, 
 
 Two hares from ^Nluirtheimhne, 
 
 Two eagles from the wood of Luaraidh, 
 
 Two hinds from Sith Buy, 
 
 Two gciscadacks (peacocks) from Magli Mall, 
 
 Two cith ccnccachs from C'namh choille. 
 
 Two yellow-hammers from Bruach Bru, 
 
 Two eels from the Black Water, 
 
 Two goldfinches from Sliabh da eun. 
 
 Two cat hails from Bray an Turla, 
 
 Two birds of prey from ]Magh builg, 
 
 Two coloured s^^allows from Granard, 
 
 Two fierce ospreys from Gruing, 
 
 Two redbreasts from the Great wood, 
 
 Two hliomchs from Dun nam bare. 
 
 Two rock cod from Cala cairge, 
 
 Two whales from the great sea, 
 
 Two eels from Loch M'Lennan, 
 
 Two gcarrgorts from Magh nan Eilean, 
 
 Two little birds (wrens) from Mias a chuil, 
 
 Two fish (salmon) from Eas M'Moirn, 
 
68 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Two fine roe iroiii (ileii Snioil, 
 
 Two cows lioin Acluulh Maigh Moir, 
 
 Two swift otters from Ix)ch Con, 
 
 Two wild cats from tlie cave of Ci-uacliain, 
 
 Two sheep from Sith Doolan gil, 
 
 Two sows of the sows of ]\rac Lir ; 
 
 A ram and a red nimble sheep 
 
 I brought with me from Ennis. 
 
 1 brought with me a horse and mare 
 
 Of the tine stud of Mananan ; 
 
 A bull and cow in calf from Drumcan. 
 
 These I had from Muirn ^Munchain. 
 
 Ten hoimds of the hounds of the Feimi 
 
 Did Cormaig insolently require. 
 
 "SVliatever thing he asked of me, 
 
 I brought it with me as 1 came. 
 
 When I had them all collected, 
 
 And brought them to one plain, 
 
 And sought to liave them in control, 
 
 Tliey all of them did scatter widely. 
 
 The raven Hew away to the south, 
 
 A cause to me of much vexation ; 
 
 I caught it in CJlen da bhan, 
 
 By the side of deep Loch Lurgan. 
 
 The duck did also me forsake, 
 
 Nor was it easier to take it ; 
 
 Over swift and swollen streams, 
 
 I chased it to Achin dughlas. 
 
 Then I seized it by the neck, 
 
 Although it was not very willing. 
 
 1 UH)k tills duck along with me 
 
 That I might lilterate Finn fi-om Cormaig. 
 
 Of all the ills that I have met, 
 
 During all my life on earth, 
 
 Never shall my heart forget 
 
 I'his, till niy body is in the grave : 
 
 With small birds, and with other birds. 
 
 i 
 
THK DEAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 How I strovo along to drive tlicin, 
 
 TnivolliiiL,' over liills and ditches, 
 
 That witli tlicni I soon might reach liiin ; 
 
 While he still held Finn in bonds, 
 
 And thought tliat I conld never tind them ; 
 
 And if I could hut find him these, 
 
 Tlien was he bound to give him freedom. 
 
 This race that I had swiftly run, 
 
 AVas such as no man ran before me. 
 
 Then 1 brought them all to Taura, 
 
 To the chief who ruled the palace ; 
 
 Then had I further much to suffer, 
 
 That night was to me very grievous. 
 
 Within the town there was a stronghold, 
 
 To Avhich by nine doors there was entrance. 
 
 Cormaig 'twas gave me the house, 
 
 As I now was very wearied. 
 
 Where I saw that they were placed 
 
 In the narrow, horrid dungeon ; 
 
 Tlien came a loud and vigorous scream 
 
 From the throats of all the gathering. 
 
 There was a little ray of light 
 
 Reached them in through fifty openings. 
 
 Eveiy door was closely shut, 
 
 Nor was the case an easy one ; 
 
 They mournfully shut closely up. 
 
 While I as sadly was excluded. 
 
 My heart did now pour out its grief. 
 
 Watching by the doors till morning. 
 
 Though great the evil I had suffered, 
 
 As before they flew so swiftly, 
 
 Not one I suttered to escape 
 
 Till the day rose in the morning. 
 
 The name men gave to this great rabble 
 
 Was " Caoilte's rabble," and no wonder. 
 
 To see them standing side by side, 
 
 Was all the profit got by Cormag. 
 
70 THE BOOK OF 
 
 For wlic'ii Finn did get his freedom, 
 
 All of them did scatter widely ; 
 
 No two nor three of all did go 
 
 From Taura in the same direction. 
 
 ISly own swiftness and Finn's escape 
 
 AVas a mimcle from heaven ; 
 
 The three great things to me whicli happened 
 
 Were these and gathering that host. 
 
 It is security for my fame, 
 
 I believe in Christ, and in this, 
 
 Though great my gathering for Finn, 
 
 I have nought of which to boast. 
 
 Though long my leap to the east, 
 
 In Taura of the Fenian heroes, 
 
 Long was my leap to the west. 
 
 In Taura, twenty hundred feet, 
 
 Agile then was my Iwip, 
 
 "Which amongst strangers I did take, 
 
 A\nnle the point of my foot alone yicdded, 
 
 Slow is now any expedition I make. 
 
 I set me off 
 
 No nutliDr's name oivni.^ 
 
 There lies beneath that mound tn the north 
 
 Mac Cinuluil's son, in battle firm. 
 
 Of Dearg's daughter the white tootliM son, 
 
 In wrath who never harshly si)()ke. 
 
 Tiiere lies beneath that mound to the south 
 
 Mac Conn's son, his skin like bloom, 
 
 Th(! man who lu'ver met his nuiteh. 
 
 ' Tliu I'Viiiiiu i)cotry to w liidi Iho Dcnii to tluiii. .Many of tlu'so jiiv iiiniiifostly of 
 
 liOH ntlmhfd tlie iiamoH of tin- ft\ilhorH, U\v •«une jioiiikI with tlicntliors, nml tlu<y 
 
 in iiowiill givoii. We jirociHMl Willi tlioHc iiiiiy with t'luml luonnuy t>i' iittrit>iit«sl 
 
 whoHf niiUioi-N' iiiiiiicH lire not ;ittniln'.l to Os>iiiiM <>r othi-i> of tlio FiiiiHii h.irds. 
 
 i 
 
THE DEAN OF LI.SMORE. 
 
 Whose anil in fight dealt no soft blows. 
 There lies beneath that mound to the east 
 Oscar, so brave, famous in deeds. 
 Though the Clan Morn were famous men, 
 He counted them of little weight. 
 There lies beneath that mound to the west 
 The man by women thought so fair, 
 M'Piouan for his beauty famed, 
 Beneath the mound to the west he lies. 
 Beneath the mound that is below me 
 Lies he so famed for ugly pate; 
 Conan, in every virtue rich, 
 Beneath the mound below me lies. 
 There lies. 
 
 GoRRY, let us go to Finn, 
 
 A ser^ace which we do not like, 
 
 To ask of him the head of Gaul, 
 
 That we may lay it do\\'n to rest. 
 
 I am unwilling to go. 
 
 Since I hear not aught of the head. 
 
 And that we cannot have revenge. 
 
 For the head of the great ]Mac ]Morn. 
 
 Wliether thou wiliest or not, I will. 
 
 Said the great but foolish Conan ; 
 
 I will slay all the men I can 
 
 In vengeance for the yellow-haired Gaul. 
 
 Let us kill the three princes of the Feinn, 
 
 As we can't slay Finn himself. 
 
 Speak, Goriy, speak quickly out, 
 
 Let us be found at once on their hands. 
 
 Tliou shalt kill gi-eat Ossian !M'Finn, 
 
 I will kill the valorous Oscar, 
 
72 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Dyre shall kill the dauntless Caoilte, 
 Let them have us all assault. 
 I shall show iio foolish softness, 
 Gentleness doesn't suit with Finn ; 
 Thougli in our arms we all should fall, 
 "We will have no help from Gaul ; 
 If Finn is there his strength will be there, 
 Let us send Finn doM'u to his grave. 
 True and guileless are the words 
 "Which to thee I spe^k, Gom-. 
 
 Gorrv. 
 
 The author of this is 
 
 'Twas on a day Finn went to drink 
 In Alve, with his people few ; 
 Six women anil six men were there, 
 The women fair, with whitest skin. 
 Finn was there and guileless Diarmad, 
 Caoilte and Ossian too, and Oscar, 
 Conan the bald, slow in the field. 
 With the wives of these six men ; 
 Maighinis the wife of dauntless Finn, 
 Th(; fair-bosomed maid, my own dear wife, 
 Fair skin Gormlay, of blackest eye, 
 Na(jif, and the daughter of Angus. 
 When drunkenness had tJie women seized, 
 They had a talk among themseh es : 
 Tlu;y said tliat throughout all the earth 
 No six women were so chaste. 
 Then said the maiilen without guile, 
 "The world is a nuuiy sided jieaji ; 
 
 ' This is !i curionH eiiiNoJi- in Feiiiiiii tory. 'I'lio (Inuijhler of Driiy won the 
 history. Miiij^liinciVH wa«thi> wifi'of Finn mother of Os.tiim, iin<l ronsetjiuMitly nn- 
 ttiionling t<i Iiisli wiitcrM on Fenian his- otlier of Finn's \\ iven. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOUK. 
 
 Though pure are ye, they are not teM- 
 Women i[uite as chaste as you." 
 Tliey had been a sliort time thus, 
 Wlien they saw a maid approach, 
 Her covering a single seamless robe, 
 Of spotless white from end to end ; 
 The maiden of the pure white robe 
 Drew near to where M'Cundial sat. 
 She blessed the king of guileless heart. 
 And close beside him there sat down. 
 Finn asks her to give them her tale, 
 The handsome maid of whitest hand : 
 " Maid of the seamless robe, I ask, 
 \Miat virtue 's in thy spotless veil ?" 
 " My seamless robe has this strange power 
 That women, such as are not chaste, 
 Can in its folds no shelter find, — 
 None but the spotless wife it shields." 
 " Give my wife the robe at once," 
 Said the bulky, senseless Conan, 
 " That we may learn what is the truth 
 Of what the women just have said." 
 Then Conan's wife does take the robe. 
 And in vexation pulls it on ; 
 'Twas traly pity it was done, 
 Her fair- skinned breast was all exposed. 
 Tlien when the bald-pate Conan saw 
 How that the robe shrunk into folds, 
 He seized in passion his sharp spear, 
 And with it did the woman slay. 
 Then the loved Diannad's wife 
 The robe from Conan's wife did take ; 
 No better did she fare than she. 
 About her locks it clung in folds. 
 Then Oscar's wife seized on the robe, 
 Which looked so long and softly smooth ; 
 But wide and large as were its wings. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 The robe her middle did not reacli. 
 
 Then lair Maighinis took the robe, 
 
 And i)ut it alsu o'er her head ; 
 
 The rube tlicre creased and folded up, 
 
 And gathered fast about her ears. 
 
 " Give my wife the rube," said Mac Rea. 
 
 " For the result I have no fear, 
 
 That we may sec, without deceit. 
 
 Of her merit further proof." 
 
 " I would pass my word for it, 
 
 Tliough I claim not to be learned, 
 
 Tliat never have I once transgressed, 
 
 I've been faithful aye to thee." 
 
 Mac Ilea's wife now showed her side, 
 
 Tlie robe was then put o'er her head ; 
 
 Her body was covered, feet and hands, 
 
 None of it all was left exposed. 
 
 Her bosoui then one kiss received 
 
 From Mac ()'13uine, from Diarmad ; 
 
 The robe frum her he then unfuld.s. 
 
 From her who thus did stand alone. 
 
 " Women, give me now my robe, 
 
 I am the daughter of Deirg the fierce, 
 
 I have dune nought to cause me shame, 
 
 I only erred with sharp-armed Finn." 
 
 " Bear thou my curse, and quick away," 
 
 These were then the words of Mac ( iiiuli 
 
 On women lie denounced a curse, 
 
 liecause of her wlm came that day. 
 
 'Twas on a da v. 
 
 TiiK t'Xpcdilidii of right I rfiiifmbt' 
 \Vhich oft returns to my mind ; 
 Some of their exploits I'll relate, 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 Tliough now my strength is all gone. 
 Oscar and manly Caoilte were there, 
 And ^Mac Luy of ceaseless praise ; 
 Finn and white-toothed Diarmad, 
 Of the eight heroes these were five. 
 Tliere were myself and Eyno and Caroll, 
 A gentle, matchless band ; 
 Bred were we all in Banva's soil. 
 These were the names of the eight. 
 ^\^len we set forth, true the tale, 
 "ISvas with a proud and manly step. 
 From Mac Cumhal's fort we set out, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 First of all we made for Albaiu, 
 'Twas with a struggle we reached it, 
 There a king fell by ^lac Cumhal, 
 Tlie expedition of eight I remember. 
 We then strove to get to Sasunn,^ 
 Exploits and slayings were there ; 
 Every stronghold was seized by Finn, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 To Italy we then carried the battle, 
 And fiercely fought in its harbours ; 
 Triumphs and treaties we had then, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 In France did we then make war, 
 ■\Miere we had many gieat hardships ; 
 Submission and treaties were made, 
 Tlie expedition of eight I remember. 
 After that we fought in Spain, 
 There we had prey and great spoil ; 
 1 have traversed the earth in my day, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 We next carried war to Britain, 
 *Twas fearful and full of danger ; 
 Yet did we earn a triumph, 
 
 ' Sasunn, " England," after the Saxon invasion. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 We bore along " Crom nan carn,"^ 
 O'er tlie fierce, stormy sea ; 
 Eveiy land made to us submission, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 After it we led the chiefs, 
 Most gentle and holy Patrick, 
 AMio made their submission to Finn, 
 The expedition of eight I remember. 
 Sanctify, I'atrick, my soul, 
 Thou blessed and privileged man. 
 For I have sinned in thy sight, 
 The expedition of eight 1 remember. 
 
 Tlie expedition. 
 
 NlNE^ of us once did bind ourselves 
 To find material for a pup's head, 
 To find material for a dog- pup's head ; 
 Though no attempt was more laborious. 
 We searched the plain of Leny Leirg, 
 And Glen Frenich of bloody swords ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a pup. 
 Then did we search a dark, black glen, 
 A glen of deep corries, full of st(»nes ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a pup. 
 
 ' It iH (lillicult to say what tliin is. forms tlu- editor tluit tlio " Couohean- 
 
 " Croia" was a Celtic tleity. Here the iiaich or Donhomls were an aiuieiit race 
 
 wortl Hceiiis to iiulicutu a Imiiner. Tlie who inhahiteil Magh O'Coin-chiiiii, now 
 
 word "Crom nan cairt;o" will lie found Movgonihy, in Kerry. They were stud 
 
 in tho second volume of the jiuhlications to bo great enemies of Finn. This 
 
 of the Ossianic Society of Ireland, i)|i. poem may really describe an attack 
 
 C3, C8. upon them." One of the Irish kings was 
 
 « Tliis is a curious piece. The doij called "Cairbar Cinn Chait," or('<ii»*<i( 
 
 without doubt entered largely into the of thf Ciit'shmd. The latter juirlion of 
 
 mythology of the ancient Celts. Some the poem, referring to the banners of the 
 
 have supposed that it was an object of Keiiu-, lia.s been preserve*! in trailition, 
 
 w<>i»liip with them. Mr. O'Curry in- although the olitinus of it are various. 
 
THE DtlAX OF LlSMOKK. 77 
 
 We seiuvht'd the JSiaii of Dnnii Cliff, 
 Fair after it seemed the plain of Liff ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a \ni\). 
 We searched in Thurles of liberal hosts, 
 In liregian Tara and 1 )un Dobhran ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 FriHii which we could obtain a pup. 
 We searched, too, through Glen a Cuaich, 
 Looking out for something noble ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a pup. 
 We searched Moylena of slopes, 
 Through Bregian Tara and Kinsale ; 
 True, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a pup. 
 We searched the whole of Eire, 
 ;Men and dogs ranging together ; 
 Tnie, we found not there one hound 
 From which we could obtain a pup. 
 Shortly were we thus engaged. 
 Ourselves, our followers, and friends, 
 When three battalions were seen, 
 Sons to the King of Eualay.^ 
 Cat-headed one battalion was. 
 Dog-headed was the one beside it ; 
 The other behind them was white- backed, 
 Brown the rest, though white the back. 
 Aloft the mighty javelin shone 
 Of Finn, hero of bloody strength ; 
 Above his noble, murderous shield. 
 He bore that spear of hundred fights. 
 Bright M'as the glitter of the spear 
 In the white hand of Finn himself. 
 
 * This seems to have lieeii an iniagiu- lands. At least the Etlitor has not met 
 ary monarch, like many of those in the with the name elsewbev« 
 " Ursgeuls," or prose tales of the High- 
 
78 THE HOOK OF 
 
 Beneatli the shield of cheeiful Caoilte 
 
 Wa.s the javelin, bloody in fight ; 
 
 The javelin glittering below. 
 
 Held by Caoilte of joyful heart. 
 
 Beneath his round and handsome shield 
 
 Cruinchan's son his javelin bore. 
 
 Caoilte gave a loud, for- sounding shout, 
 
 In distant Alvin it was heard, 
 
 And in Magh Lena of shaqj spears, 
 
 In Tavar and in Dun Eeillin. 
 
 Twas answered loud by Gaul ]\Iac Morn, 
 
 The noble chief of Cronwoyn, 
 
 "Where Faolan, son of Finn, is f(jund. 
 
 The Balwas, too, from Borrin. 
 
 'Twas answered by Man woe Breek's t\\u sons. 
 
 And by ]\Iac EUe from Uabrcck, 
 
 Fair Sciath, the son of Daithein Dian, 
 
 And Ceall the brave, of sharp-edged arms. 
 
 Keangach the bold gave answer too, 
 
 And lolunn of the bloody edge, 
 
 And Ceall the brave, of handsome form, 
 
 Who ne'er to scandal's tale gave ear. 
 
 Pleasing the sound of clashing spears, 
 
 Pleasing, too, the hum of warriore. 
 
 Of waving banners sweet the sound, 
 
 As in morn's frosty wind they rose. 
 
 The " Image of the Sun"' we raised, 
 
 The banner of great Fenian Finn, 
 
 Studded all around with gold. 
 
 (Ireat was its ])rici' a.s red it gleana-ii. 
 
 We niiscd " Kulaiii,' Duari"- aldft. 
 
 ' Finn'H hiinner had insiiibt'il uixm t Tlic K«litor lins iicit nttcniptptl to 
 
 it, a.eonling to tliin )>ai«l, " Denll.li tninsluto tlipsc niul gpvernl otheiK of tlie 
 
 Ulin'iiiL'," or Tluimmje of the Sun. TIiIh iMiiMeiiiH of tlio Fciiiiiii lendt-rs. Hchas 
 
 word liiiH been cornipttMl by tradition to ^jivon tho wonls as lu» fmind tluMn, ox- 
 
 " Deo ghivine," naiil to l>o Iht xunlieum, cept whon tlio nieaniii;; was ot)vious and 
 
 thongh upon no authority, "duo" in no nntnio.slioniiMi-. 
 caKc dignifyinjj; " a bcnm.". 
 
 \ 
 
TIIK DEAN OF LI.SMOUK. 79 
 
 The banner of gi-eat Gaul Mac Morn, 
 
 Oft when the javelins Mere in motion, 
 
 'Twas both the first and last to move. 
 
 Aloft we raised the " ]Mineheann Oir," 
 
 Banner of Kyno and his men ; 
 
 Under its folds were bones and heads 
 
 Cloven, and ankles steeped in blood. 
 
 The " C'ineal ehath" we also raised, 
 
 The banner of the oaken Faolan ; 
 
 Finn's son, chief of the Feinn, 
 
 AMio cast with powerful arm his spear. 
 
 Tlien we raised aloft " Dun nimh," 
 
 The banner of Ossian of the brave ; 
 
 The banner of Mac Eonan, " the Eed-hand," ^ 
 
 Whose other side was all adorned. 
 
 " Sguab Ghabhaidh," too, we raised aloft, 
 
 Banner of the well-anned Oscar, 
 
 "NMien the stormy conflict raged. 
 
 Oft was "Sguab Ghabhaidh" waving seen. 
 
 Tlie " Lia Luinneach" aloft we raised, 
 
 Tlie banner of nimble, powerful Diarmaid ; 
 
 Oft when the men began their march, 
 
 'Twas seen to flutter vigorously. 
 
 Then was the " Beam Reubainn" raised. 
 
 Banner of Oscar, no saintly sign ; 
 
 Tlie echo of the glens replied 
 
 To its fierce sounds, waving on high. 
 
 The " Bloody hand" aloft we raised. 
 
 Banner of Mac Luy, and his men ; 
 
 When the Feinn went forth to fight, 
 
 Its place was always in the van. 
 
 Then did we fight a bloody fight, 
 
 As round the noble Finn we stood, 
 
 liound the steel of manly Finn, 
 
 « This 'heraldic emblem of Caoilte aids. It is probably the oldest of the 
 M'Ronan has descended through a long kind in the kingdom, 
 course of ancestors to the modern M'Don- 
 
80 THK BOOK OF 
 
 First of all the valorous Feinn. 
 The whole of the Catheads were killed, 
 The Dogheads we seized to a man ; 
 The whole of the AVhitebacks fell 
 Kouiid dauntless Finn of Alvin. 
 We found a little hill to the south, 
 On which was built a double fort ; 
 There indeed we found a hound 
 From which we could obtain a ]»U}). 
 The whole of Eire we had searched. 
 All of us, both men and dogs. 
 In all its length we could not find 
 A hundred who could match our nine. 
 
 Nine. 
 
 Sweet is man's voice in the land uf goKl. 
 Sweet the sounds the birds produce, 
 Sweet is the murnmr of the crane, 
 Sweet sound the waves at Bun Datreor. 
 Sweet the soft murmuring of the wind, 
 Sweet sounds the cuckoo at Cas a choin. 
 How soft and ]>leasing shines the sun, 
 Sweet the blackl)ird sings his song ; 
 Sweet the eagle's voice of Fa.saroy, 
 Above the sea of great Mac Morn ; 
 Sweet the cuckoo 'mongst the branches, 
 Sweet the silenc*; of the crane. 
 Finn Mac Cundiail i.s my father, 
 Who nobly leads the Feinn's .seven band,-; 
 When he his hounds lets loo.se to hunt, 
 To follow him is truly sweet. 
 
 Sweet. 
 
 A NOBLE tale of sweet^'st nnisic, 
 To Carn V'allar now FU bring ; 
 
THE DKAN OV LISMOKK. 
 
 That whether others hear or not. 
 
 It may be heard by Mac Cumhail. 
 
 ^lac Cumhail once had a feast 
 
 On Ahnhuin's slope, of finest yold ; 
 
 O'er the mnsic he presided, 
 
 Finn who ever graced the feast. 
 
 Brave Oscar and Diarmad were there, 
 
 And good ^lac Liiy, warriore bold ; 
 
 With other two who ne'er shvmned fight, 
 
 Conan himself, and with him Oscar. 
 
 " Tell me now, my warriors brave, 
 
 As at the feast of Finn ye sit, 
 
 Wliich do ye count the sw^eetest music ?" 
 
 " The clang of gaming," Conan said, 
 
 " The sweetest sounds I ever heard." 
 
 Vigorous his arm before the foe, 
 
 Yet ne'er a man who more lacked sense. 
 
 " The sound of swords drawing on the foe," 
 
 Said he who never spared in fight, 
 
 " Cleaving of men's heads and legs," 
 
 The sweetest music Oscar heard. 
 
 " The sounds which ever pleased me most," 
 
 Said Diarmad of slow rolling eye, 
 
 " That I loved most all my life. 
 
 Was woman's voice, as soft she talked." 
 
 " My music, thou son of Morn," 
 
 Said Mac Luy of the glittering arms, 
 
 " Is leaping 'midst the tumult of my dogs. 
 
 As swaft upon the deer they gain." 
 
 " 'Tis this that music is for me," 
 
 Said Finn, the chief of all the host, 
 
 " To have my banner in the wind, 
 
 Heroes ranged by its golden side." 
 
 " When of the bards I had no fear, 
 
 Ossian," he said, as still he spoke ; 
 
 " And when my Feinn were still around me, 
 
 Sw^eet its nmsic in my ears," 
 
82 THE BOOK OF 
 
 A GREAT feast was made by Finn,^ A 
 
 I tell thee now, tousured Priest, I 
 
 Many were the men were there, 
 
 Of the Feine of Alba and Erin. 
 
 The great Mac ^lorn did ask 
 
 Of the queen of whitest liand, 
 
 " Did'st thou see so rich a feast 
 
 Since thou cam'st 'mongst the Feine of Erin ?" 
 
 Finn of the Feine himself replied, 
 
 Chiefest of all both east and west ; 
 
 He said she saw a richer feast 
 
 Tlian any Fenian feast in Erin. 
 
 We then saw coming from the waves 
 
 A wan-ior tall, manly, fair- haired, 
 
 Ko man was with him but himself. 
 
 And a noble man he was. 
 
 AVhen he had come near the Feine, 
 
 Tims did he mildly, wisely say, 
 
 " CVjme, Finn, come along with me. 
 
 And take with thee a hundred men ; 
 
 Thirty sons of the great Morn, 
 
 Let them be the first around thee ; 
 
 One man and eight of thy own sons. 
 
 Take them and Oscar of the Feine's Fians ; 
 
 Let ten of the sons of Smoil be theiv, 
 
 And twenty of the sons of Konan ; 
 
 Let some of Muin's sons be there, 
 
 Other ten, not counting Diarmad ; 
 
 Take with thee Diarmad O'Duine, 
 
 He who could either court or hunt, 
 
 Both him and Caroll in thy ship ; 
 
 1 IlosjiiUlity was the iuokI isIcoiiumI tln-msflves especially, sotMuctl to innko 
 
 foaturu in the character of the (Vltic iii> what they l<»oke«l ujion as a iH-Tfect 
 
 chief. That of Finn is nima with un- rlmracter for their leader. Thexe fea.st.s 
 
 tiring admiration l>y the jmeti*. This were apjisirently affaiits of ^reat moment, 
 
 virtue, with hmvery, n«'"v'"'''*.Vi "»'l "« <•'•" "ke are in ovir own ilay. 
 liberal nivin)?, no douht to tlio poeta 
 
TIIK DKAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 Let there he ten (irnicii and crew, 
 
 Of thy men take with thee nine, 
 
 Of those whom thon'dst most like to liave 
 
 Besicbs them all thyself, Finn, 
 
 Thou dauntless and well-armed man. 
 
 Take o'er the waves a hundred men 
 
 Of those that follow Finn ^Nlac Cumhail, 
 
 A liundred shields with golden studs, 
 
 For Finn INIac Cumhail, jMac Tran(!vor. 
 
 Take now with thee also, Finn, 
 
 The two best hounds that are in Erin ; 
 
 Bran and Scoilean^ take them with thee, 
 
 The swiftest-footed of the pack. 
 
 Have no fear about thee, Finn," 
 
 The tall and cheerfid. warrior said ; 
 
 " Let them all be brought in peace. 
 
 And trouble not our men or ships." 
 
 " Foolish the speech thou now hast made. 
 
 Thou man who cam'st amongst us ; 
 
 AVert thou to approach nearer Finn, 
 
 Thy body soon would M'ant its head." 
 
 " Little care I for what thou say'st. 
 
 Bald headed Conan of the gibes ; 
 
 Pity for thy friends that thou art there, 
 
 Ugly and feeble as thou art." 
 
 " Eise ye up, ye sons of Boisgne," 
 
 Then spoke Conan, so well known ; 
 
 Each man did seize a hero's arms, 
 
 From every side the Fians came fast. 
 
 Then fell there slain a son of Finn, 
 
 One of the stalwart, white-hand Fians, 
 
 A man of J\Iac Morn's followers too, 
 
 A vigorous hand 'midst battle's blows. 
 
 " Fergus, now go rouse thee up. 
 
 And mingle boldly in the fight ; 
 
 Ask whether Gaul has aught to give 
 
 ^ Scoilean was the second favourite lioimd of Finn. 
 
84 TJIK BOOK OF 
 
 To Comui. wliom he knows «.» well." 
 " Let Finn himself then be the judge," 
 Said the great Gaul of mighty blows; 
 " Conan or I shall take his head, 
 Or else his brains we will dash out." 
 Fergus, Caol, and thirty are in the gleii, 
 Who never more shall see this earth, 
 Unknown to all the Feine of Finn. 
 Sad is my tale, tonsured Priest. 
 Much do I weary, valiant Priest, 
 For now I never see the Feine, 
 Hunting, as wont, from glen to glen, 
 "With herds of deer on eveiy side. 
 ;Much loved I Ossian, son of Finn, 
 He only never yet forsook me ; 
 But above all the men I saw, 
 Finn of the f<^asts I loved most. 
 
 A great feast. 
 
 "i'ls sad that the hill of the Feine, 
 Should now by the clerics be held, 
 And that the songs of men of books 
 Should fill the halls of clan Baoisgnc 
 1 myself was once in Kath Cruachan,* 
 Ha]i]»ily beneath thy banks, 
 I little thought I (mt should Ihid 
 A priest upon tliy siiniinit dwelling. 
 There would be luund my shield and spear, 
 
 ' ll:illi Cruiicliiui, as Irisli triulitioii liiivi- " Cniiu-linn Beinup," T/n" /ji7/<x7. 
 
 Bays, was the cliicf Ht'iil ol" lln' l-Viiiii of ujton the moHutain, usiinlly falli-il Bon 
 
 Comiaujjlit, usually lalli-tl tlio Sous of Cruachuii. Tlio wonl "lUtli" ciitiMs 
 
 Moiii. Tlic Wdiil " lljilli" lui-ansa /'«r/, laiyoly into Scottisli t«i>0}jn»jihy, ami 
 
 niul Cruachua an ek'vation inoro tliau asiiunips diflVrt'iit forms in Kn^jlisli, nn 
 
 UHUally Hlyeji. It soiuotiinoH stands u|iiin Ihtlh, IMh, IMhif, Unit, llaiU, ct4;. 
 another hill, as in Arnylcsliirc, when- \vi< 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 85 
 
 My dogs and hounds ultjng thy lidgo, 
 
 Although to-niglit the Fenian liill 
 
 Is under clerics and their crosiers. 
 
 Were the sous of ^lorn alive, 
 
 The priestly order soon must quit ; 
 
 You would find yourselves cut up. 
 
 Ye men of the spotted crooks. 
 
 ^Vere Mac Luy alive, 
 
 With his six heroes bold, 
 
 Ere you had ([uitted the hill 
 
 You'd find your garments curtailed. 
 
 Were the sons of Ceard alive, 
 
 "SMio never hj^ocrisy knew, 
 
 Neither yoiu- l)ells nor crooks 
 
 Would in place of their banners be foimd. 
 
 Were the sons of Muin alive, 
 
 AMio knew no weakness in fight, 
 
 Men woidd not see thy people 
 
 So powerful amidst our hills. 
 
 Were the sons of black Garr}^ alive. 
 
 Or Caoilte, who was ever so brave, 
 
 Neither the sounds of bells or priests 
 
 AVould now be heard in Eath Cruachan. 
 
 Were red-haired llyno alive, 
 
 And brave Caol, son of Eevan, 
 
 Thy books would not be so whole, 
 
 Oh man, who readest the Bible. 
 
 And for all thy hooked crosiers, 
 
 Which have travelled over the earth. 
 
 Thy staves would be in splinters. 
 
 Were only brave Oscar alive. 
 
 Thou of the yellow^ garment, 
 
 \\Tio sittest so nmcli at thine ease, 
 
 'Tis well for thee that Conan is dead, 
 
 I " Yellow " was the favourite colour probably as a iueau.s of conimeiuling 
 of the Celts. It seems that St. Patrick himself and his cause to the good-will of 
 adopted it as the clerical colour, very the people. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Else tliou'dst feel the weight of his fist. 
 
 Were the blue-eyed hero alive, 
 
 Bald Conaii, the son of the Feiue, 
 
 Cleric, though thy office be sacred, 
 
 With his fist he'd strike thee do^\^l. 
 
 Were the son of O'Duine alive, 
 
 Thou man of the crooked staff. 
 
 Thy staff should be all in shivers, 
 
 Smashed at the pillar of stone. 
 
 Thou man of the bell, I do think, 
 
 If Daoruinn were now in life, 
 
 Thy bell would be now in pieces. 
 
 Scattered before the pillar. 
 
 Were the red point seen, old man. 
 
 Of the swift-flying spear of ]\lac Ilonau, 
 
 Thy bell would not be faintly sounding, 
 
 Thou who sing'st the howling song. 
 
 I cannot be joyful now, 
 
 I see not ^Mac Cumhail in Ule, 
 
 I see not Diarmad O'Duine, 
 
 I see not Caoilte ^lac lionaiL 
 
 No wonder though I should be sad, 
 
 As I sit on this mound, Patrick. 
 
 I see not the son of Luy, 
 
 I see not the hero so loved, 
 
 1 see not Fearluth by my side, 
 
 I see not the Fenian Oscar ; 
 
 I see not warlike exercises, 
 
 I see not the noble liounds ; 
 
 I see not tlie sons of Snioil, 
 
 I see not Oaul of great feats, 
 
 I see not llie generous Faolaii. 
 
 I see ni>t with him the Keine. 
 
 J see not Fergus, my luotlier. 
 
 So gentle and worthy of prai.se , 
 
 1 see not Daire of the songs, 
 
 Whose nuisie we always enjoved. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOllE. 87 
 
 I see not Fatlui' Canan, 
 
 Whose presence filled us witli joy ; 
 
 I see not one of our band, 
 
 Wliose noise was like thunder in war. 
 
 I see neither music nor joy, 
 
 I hear not if music there be. 
 
 Ere I was laid in my cave 
 
 Freely I scattered my gold. 
 
 Patrick, I tell thee it now. 
 
 If I chose my knowledge to give, 
 
 That 'tis not in my power to relate 
 
 How much of their joy I have seen. 
 
 I and the mass-book clerics. 
 
 Are two that can never agree. 
 
 Though this night so mournful I an), 
 
 I'm sad for the hill of Feine. 
 
 'Tis sad. 
 
 I NOW will tell thee, O Grainne,- 
 What I have seen with j\Iac Cumhail. 
 The misery I suffer now 
 I cannot much longer endure. 
 I have seen sport and rejoicing 
 'Mongst those who now are despised. 
 I have seen maidens and men, 
 I now will tell thee, Grainne. 
 Courtesy and cheerfulness too, 
 
 < Fatlia Canau appears in several of settled in Scotland, and was progenr- 
 
 these pieces. He appeai-s as Fatha son tor of tlie Canipl)ells. 
 of Mac Con, and Faycanan. He was son 
 
 of Lugb.iidh Mac Con, a King of Ireland, a Grainne was the wife of Finn, and 
 
 of the race of Ith, who flourished in the the poet, whether it be Ossian or some 
 
 middle of the third century. Ilence his other of the Fenian bards, addresses this 
 
 name Fatha Mac Mhic Con, Falhu son description of the glory of Finn and lus 
 
 of Mac Con's son. The Irish say he followers to her. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 I've seeu with feasts, steeds, and shouting. 
 I've seen the violin played, 
 I now wiU tell thee, O Grainne. 
 Great Caoilte and ]Mac Luy, 
 A couple who can't he despised, 
 We oft gained nought by their wrath. 
 I now will tell thee, Grainne. 
 Gaul and Oscar and Ossian, 
 A brood who did nought by halves ; 
 These all loved us well, 
 I now wdll tell thee, Grainne. 
 Finn himself of fearless heart. 
 Whose welcome was always sure, 
 We've seen him cheerful too, 
 I now will tell thee, Grainne. 
 I have in nine battles been. 
 To me no joy is now left. 
 Looking on nought but their graves, 
 I now will tell thee, Grainne. 
 In M'rath we crossed over liiUs, 
 And over Banva's fierce tops ; 
 Then in singing their praise, 
 Employment was found for my lips. 
 We feared for nought in the valleys, 
 I now will tell thee, Grainne. 
 I was both long time and short 
 Traversmg Erin the fair ; 
 AVe were famous and powerful then. 
 1 nuw will tell thee, O Grainni". 
 I n..w will tell. 
 
 Once on a day thfiv \\a^ in 1 )iindalgin,' 
 Cuchullin of tlu' haiidsoiiie t'unn ; 
 
 ' The following piece Reems to be Jiiiulf (il)li>jiii|jtly tiikin tin- ti-oubk- to rxnminu 
 il>nf frnjcmcntK. Mr. O'Ciirn-. who hns it. sii^r^r.-sts that it .•oiitaliis fnipuciit.s 
 
THE DKAN OF LISMORE. 89 
 
 Joy aud iiieniiuent were his, 
 
 All his pcojjlu wuR' with him. 
 
 \\lien from the drinkinti hall we rose, 
 
 We saw the whole of the Feiiie. 
 
 We strove from their hiding-jdacc to raise 
 
 The flocks of birds in the two hills. 
 
 Tlie most loved thing of all we had 
 
 Was the women of Clan Rur}"^ province. 
 
 The valley we were iii was rough, 
 
 We drove the bii-ds to its mouth. 
 
 In hopes that we might find a hero. 
 
 The father of Conlach chased 
 
 The birds with handsome Daoruing, 
 
 The sweet-spoken noble of Coll in Galway. 
 
 The well-formed sling was then used 
 
 With skill by great Cuchullin, 
 
 He with the arm of well-kno\\Ti strength ; 
 
 Tlie birds ^vith speed he kills. 
 
 The game was then divided, 
 
 None was forgotten but Evir.^ 
 
 Evir took wrath for her share, 
 
 'Tis true that pnidence was lacking. 
 
 'Twas promised her in reparation 
 
 That she should have the fii'st birds slain, 
 
 Killed on the moimtain side, 
 
 With the skill of the shot for her fired. 
 
 As they travelled they came to a place 
 
 WTiere poets were wont to resort ; 
 
 of four different pieces : The Irish bardic oured, and the -wTiting so defaced, that 
 
 account of the name of " Srubh Brain," he has had the greatest difficulty in de- 
 
 or the "Raven's snout," at Loch Swilly ; ciphering it at all, and for many of the 
 
 the legend of " Cuchullin's sick-bed ;" words he cannot be answerable except 
 
 the death of Conlaoch ; and a short but as guesses. Mr. M'Lachlan of Abenleen, 
 
 imperfect account of thebattle of Cnucha, who transcribed the gi-eater portion of the 
 
 in which Curahal was killed. The piece MS., did not transcribe this piece; and 
 
 is given as in the MS., and if thus made it is given now merely from the desire to 
 
 up, is just as it was ViTitten in the be- ^\ithhold nothing in it that may be of 
 
 ginning of the sixteenth centurj'. The value or interest. 
 Editor has to state, however, that the 
 leaves which contain it are so discol- ' Evir was the wife of Cuchullin. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Each of theiii wore round his ueck 
 
 A chain of the purest gold. 
 
 The wife of Cuchullin fell in love 
 
 With one of our Ulster Fians, 
 
 With the willing and handsome friend 
 
 Who came from the Ulster ]x)uuds. 
 
 Evir of the weighty locks asks 
 
 Her agreement with Cuchullin, 
 
 That she should now have her biixls, 
 
 Without excuse about them. 
 
 Twice or thrice did he shoot at 
 
 The wild birds, but missed his aim ; 
 
 'Twas a victor's leap as he shot 
 
 Three shots amongst the birds. 
 
 The last blow he had struck ere then 
 
 Had pierced his own dear son. 
 
 Without joy, or women at feasts, 
 
 Had he been, as he sadly mourneil 
 
 For a whole year he did nought 
 
 But grieve for the hero now deatL 
 
 'Twas not tales of the Feiue he sought, 
 
 But to have that tale rehearsed. 
 
 If the story men tell be true, 
 
 The Cu never ceased to giieve ; 
 
 The blossomed branch whom women loved, 
 
 Sad and grievous was liis state. 
 
 It liappened at lengtli of a time, 
 
 A few of the Feine met together. 
 
 Finn himself had joined the hunt, 
 
 And sent us in ])airs to seareli. 
 
 1 myself sat witli CJarry, 
 
 Side by side with tlie King. 
 
 Finn jiut the (jucstion to (iarry, 
 
 As by the King's .side lie sat : 
 
 " Since tliat thou wcit tliere 
 
 J low wius't ye slew C'uiiihal (" 
 
THK DKAX OF LISMOUI'l HI 
 
 " I will now ])ass my wonl,' 
 Since to nie the question thou putt'st, 
 Tliat mine was the jxiwerful arm 
 Which gave the first wound to Cunihal." 
 " That is a cold welcome for me, 
 Ye sons of iNforn, as a follower ; 
 'Tis liard indeed f(jr me to hear, 
 To know that ye slew my father." 
 " If that be a cold welcome for you, 
 Finn, son of Cumlial from Alvin, 
 Put aside pretended love. 
 And show your usual hatred." 
 " Slioidd I now raise my arm, 
 Ye hated children of Llorn, 
 I could do all I chose alone. 
 Without the help of any man." 
 " Ere ever thou liad'st so moved. 
 Walking in the steps of thy father, 
 Lightly could we leap o'er streams. 
 Were it not for the wiles of Cundial. 
 'Twas Cumhal got influence o'er us, 
 'Twas Cumhal oppressed us sore, 
 'Twas Cumlial that banished us far, 
 To the laud of the stranger away. 
 Some he sent to Albin fair, 
 And some to Lochlin the dark, 
 The third band to Greece the white, 
 We all from each other were torn. 
 Sixteen years were we all 
 Severed from Erin ; 'tis truth, 
 No small calamity was this. 
 Never each other to see. 
 
 1 It is lieic that Garry's account of csting to the student of early Celtic liis- 
 the battle of Cnucha commences. The tory. There is interest in the variety, 
 account, as Mr. O'Cuny says, may be irrespective of the (luestion of conipara- 
 iniperfeot ; but tlie gathering together of tive merit as between the different corn- 
 such fragments, and comparing them positions. This may be a Scotch version 
 with one another, cannot but be inter- of an Irish story. 
 
92 THE BOOK OF 
 
 The tirst day we set foot on shore 
 
 III Erin's isle, so much loved, 
 
 We slew, and it is no lie, 
 
 At least sixteen liundred men. 
 
 These all were slain by Clan Morn, 
 
 Their heroes and their chiefs ; 
 
 There was not a man of them all 
 
 But such as their women would mourn. 
 
 With that their castles we seized, 
 
 We, the noble Clan of j\Iorn, 
 
 Our race did bravely then 
 
 Before the men of Erin. 
 
 By thy hand, hero of the Feine, 
 
 There ne'er was seen, east or west, 
 
 One thing to cloud my eye, 
 
 But seeing the slaughter there ; 
 
 My heart became tender and soft 
 
 As I saw the terrible scene. 
 
 AVe all surroimded one house. 
 
 In Mimster of the red towers ; 
 
 But such w^as the strength of the man. 
 
 'Twas easier to find than to kiU. 
 
 They slew on the opposite hill 
 
 All that lived of Cumhal's race. 
 
 We made a joint and rapid rush 
 
 To the house where Cundial still was ; 
 
 Each man of us gave a wound 
 
 With his spear to the body of Cumhal. 
 
 Though it was my lot to be there 
 
 At the time that Cumhal wa.s shiin, 
 
 For tlie deed which tlicn was done. 
 
 Take vengeance now if you will." 
 
TFIE DEAN OF LISMORE. 1>3 
 
 Tlio author of this is iJuiK-an JMor tVoin Leiiiiox.' 
 
 Pity the man who lost liis voice, 
 "NVlien ho is called on to recite, 
 \Mio cannot speak so fost as needs be, 
 And yet 's unwilling to give up. 
 Wlio cannot sing an air or tune. 
 And cannot well recite a lay. 
 Who cannot put aside his harp, 
 Yet cannot sing as he would wish. 
 Pity him ever with his " dring, cbang," 
 Tr}ang his verses to recite, 
 When men can neither hear his harp, 
 Nor understand the songs he sings. 
 Pity the man neglects his health, 
 And strives not his vigour to retain. 
 Pity the man who ever strives 
 To have the fruit he cannot reach. 
 Were I to \nsh to have such fruit, 
 Fruit which I could not reach on high, 
 I'd cut the tree down at the root, 
 Let men be angry if they will. 
 
 Pity. 
 
 The author of this is Gilchiist Taylor.- 
 
 Bless, Trinity, thy household. 
 King of heaven, place of jewels ; 
 
 ' The fragments of Ossianic or Fenian big, from Lenno.K or Dumbartonshire, 
 
 poetrj' in the miscellany of Dean Mac- might be a man of some note in his day, 
 
 gregor are now exhausted. They afford but time has obliterated all knowledge 
 
 some idea of the amount of such poetry of him. His composition is of a class 
 
 in the Highlands at the time he lived. well kno\\'n in his day, and highly popu- 
 
 We now proceed with those pieces which lar, bemg aphoristic. Several coniposi- 
 
 profess to be of a more recent date. tions, consisting of a series of aphorisms, 
 
 These will be found to consist chiefly of will be found in the sequel, 
 compositions of the fourteenth and fif- - There are several pieces by this poet 
 
 teenth centuries. The first short compo- in the Dean's MS., but we know nothing 
 
 sition here given is one by a poet hitherto of his history. He was probably an eccle- 
 
 unknowTi to modern fame. Duncan the siastic. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Black thy family -was not formed, 
 
 All by thyself in wistloni made. 
 
 By thee 'twas Adam's race was shaped 
 
 The cheek like berries richly red ; 
 
 Thou who blessest place and people 
 
 Curse them that 'gainst thee fierce contend. 
 
 There is a pack of cruel hounds, 
 
 Who the king's children sorely gi'ieve ; 
 
 I hear the baying of these dogs, 
 
 Eveiy glen is full of it. 
 
 Such as war on Adam's race, 
 
 Since that they cannot silence keep, 
 
 Joined together in their evil, 
 
 Powers of the king of light them smite ; 
 
 Such as war on Adam's race. 
 
 Of crafty Lucifer the slaves. 
 
 Give them no rest, to them give none, 
 
 King of lights do thou them burn. 
 
 IMounted on two ugly steeds, 
 
 When vicious packs abound the most. 
 
 They furiously commence the hunt, 
 
 Belching out death on every side. 
 
 Curse thou their hunt and devastation. 
 
 Their two steeds so black in hue ; 
 
 Lay them, their backs stretched on the tiirf, 
 
 Scatter the heads of this black band. 
 
 There is a band of cruel hounds 
 
 Harbouring at Inch Aid Ait, 
 
 They're horrid brutes. Thou God forsake them. 
 
 Let bags out of their skins be made. 
 
 Thougli many be the skins of wolves, 
 
 Covering our harjts, both small and givat, 
 
 The cold and cniiity skulls arc many, 
 
 (liven us l)y tliese fierce hounds. 
 
 Father of Cliri.st, with spi-cd them strike 
 
 From Locliabi'r to Ilaon Kranich, 
 
 Soon let the ]>la;4Uc llu'ir boilii's waste ; 
 
TMK DEAN OF LISMOIIE. 
 
 'Tis sad that thus I have to speak. 
 Thoii<;h no reparation for a true hound, 
 For Ivobert's son^ of chi.sterin<f locks. 
 From Loch Venachar of rich glens, 
 Many's the uj^ly head laid low. 
 Though from IJen Gulbin's sunny side. 
 Many the dogs to Tummel's stream, 
 "Who know to hunt along its side. 
 The eye of Christ is on them all. 
 'Twas told me when at Inveniess, 
 That gi'eyhounds were scattering the pack. 
 Pity the man who's seized with fear, 
 'Tis like the falling sickness, sore. 
 l*leasing to witness hounds piu'sue, 
 Them wdio would slay the fine grey steeds. 
 May God's Son with His holy power. 
 Destroy all surly cruel hounds. 
 Smoke every den in Schiehallion, 
 John Stewart of the bounding steeds. 
 Ere I must call a sweet- voiced pack 
 This litter of iigly, snarling curs. 
 By Garry of John Stewart of the white steed. 
 No antlers are seen withoiit the head, 
 AMiile 'mongst the rocky rugged woods, 
 Are seen the grey-skiuned pack of hounds. 
 
 Bless. 
 
 The author of tliis is Gilliecallum Mac an 011a. ' 
 
 There is no joy without the clan Donald, 
 No battle when they are awanting ; 
 
 ' The piece is extremely obscure, but infamous pei-sons whom the poet de- 
 
 the reference to Mac Robert and the nounces are said to have done evil to the 
 
 Athole Stewarts would seem to indicate race of kings. 
 
 that the subjects of the poem were the * Tliis bard has been met with already 
 
 murderei-s of King James the First. The as an imitator of Ossian. He was in all 
 
96 THE BOOK OF 
 
 First of the clans in all the earth, 
 Each man of them is a hundred. 
 The noblest clan which you can find, 
 A race as brave as they are peaceful ; 
 The clan whose praise does fill the lands. 
 Famed for their faith and godliness. 
 The clau so faithful, bold, and brave, 
 The clan so swift amidst the fight, 
 The clan so gentle among men, 
 And yet in battle none so fierce ; 
 The clan most numerous of all 
 \Miose number has been ever known. 
 The clan which never vexed the Church, 
 And ever dreaded its reproach. 
 Of all that dwell in Albiu green, 
 This is the bravest e'er baptized. 
 The third of every land is theirs, 
 Their braveiy is like the falcon's. 
 The clan most numerous and famcjus, 
 Of finest form and fairest mould ; 
 The clan that has the largest hearts. 
 Most patient and most liberal. 
 They, sons of kings, desei-ved no gibe 
 When asked in trouble to give help. 
 Noble were they since the time 
 When there was giving and poor ones. 
 The clan for wine and shelter best, 
 The first in prowess and in strengtli. 
 'Tis sad how short the length extends 
 Given by him who .s])ins your thread. 
 Tliey were not wicked and roiigh, 
 Nor were they gi'UtK' and weak. 
 
 likelihood nn ecclesiastic. Scvcrnl of llio liiu's of this composition with " broii- 
 
 eaily Lords of the Isles were liheml he- tiichd,'7«-.v/(>iri')i./,isoftenliy early IJuelic 
 
 uefactorH to the ("hurcli, and it is not writers applied to monks and hermits, 
 
 unlikely that this lilierality called forth who lived upon tho heneticence of the 
 
 the jiraises of our hard. The wonl wealthy, and hecame llnally enriohwl by 
 
 " hochd," /«»</■, associated in one of llie their gifts. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. W 
 
 111 midst of trial ami hardships, 
 
 Xot harder than them was the rock. 
 
 The clan without pride or misdeeds, 
 
 AVhen the spoil of battle is theirs. 
 
 'Mongst them you'd fiud gentlemen, 
 
 And common people with them. 
 
 Pity him who has lost tlicir defence, 
 
 Pity him who forsakes their protection. 
 
 There is no clan like the clan Donald, 
 
 The noble clan of firmest mind. 
 
 Who is there can number their gifts ? 
 
 Who is there can count their nobles ? 
 
 Without limit, conmiencement or close, 
 
 Of excellencies among their geutiy. 
 
 First of all with the clan Donald, 
 
 There is knowledge which they learn ; 
 
 Last of all, there is among them 
 
 Polish, generosity, and modesty. 
 
 'Tis in son'ow and in giief 
 
 Understanding and learning are got, 
 
 By him who them would have. 
 
 No joy without the clan Donald. 
 
 Loud was the sound of their thunder, 
 
 This race so wise and faithful, 
 
 Though now they be reproached. 
 
 There is no joy without the clan Donald. 
 
 This people so gi-eat in fame, 
 
 In courtesy, mind, and firmness. 
 
 There is no right without them, 
 
 There is no joy without the clan Donald. 
 
 The son of his virgin mother, 
 
 Who hath earned for us freedom from pam. 
 
 Though he be faithful and tnie, 
 
 There is no joy without the clan Donald. 
 
 There is no joy. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the head ^ 
 Wliich belonged to tlie hlue-armed Conull ; 
 The head where understanding was found, 
 Noble it was and most lovely. 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the eye 
 That dwelt in generous Conull's head ; 
 Round which the eyelid wound, 
 Benevolent it w^as and manfuL 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the mouth 
 In which no bard did folly find ; 
 Its lips so thin, like apples red. 
 Sweet as honey the mouth of Conull. 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the hand 
 That Conull Mac Scanlan owned ; 
 The hand of him so brave in battle, 
 The hand of Conull my first beloved. 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the side 
 By which our noble side we laid ; 
 It was a hound from ]Mull that came, 
 John did lie upon his side. 
 Alas ! alas ! this is the foot 
 AVhich ne'er before a warrior fled ; 
 Tlie foot of him in fight most brave. 
 The foot of the shielded son of Scanlan. 
 Alas ! success e'er followed Conull, 
 Wliere'er it was he battle foTight ; 
 But now that my tale is done, 
 This place is the dwelling of ti'ars. 
 Alas : 
 
 • Mr. O'Curry snyH regardiiiR this wliicli the Four Masters say he wft.skilU'il. 
 
 Conull Mac Si;uulan, " I don't know any The olil account says he was ilisahlt^l, 
 
 ])crHon in our history whose name would and disaj>iH>aretl no one knows where. It 
 
 agree with his hut C'ongal (Uaen, son of would he curious if your elegy couhl he 
 
 ScuhImu, I'rince of Ulster, who fought traced up to this hero." 
 tlie l.iittlc of Magh rv4ith in A.n. (i;M, in 
 
TIIK DKAX OF LISMOIM:. 
 
 Tlie author of this is John of Kuoydart/ 
 
 Tliou head of Diaraiad O'Caii'brc,^ 
 Though great be thy trouble and pain, 
 I grudge thee not all thou hast suffered, 
 Although it be painful to tell. 
 I giiulge not though thy ragged locks 
 Be searched by the winds from the glens. 
 I grudge thee not that thou art bound, 
 Thou head of Dianuad O'Cairbre ; 
 Pity the thought e'er filled men's breasts. 
 That thy friendship was not hatred ; 
 Pity, alas ! thou turn'dst not back, 
 Tliou head of Diarinad O'Cairbre ; 
 Thou hast the King of Isla slain, 
 Who freely gave his ^dne and money, 
 Him of the soft and flowing locks. 
 Thou head of Diarmad O'Cairbre ; 
 Isla, king of well filled horns, 
 Wlio with his friends so kindly dealt ; 
 Alas ! who gashed his soft white skin, 
 Thou head of Diarmad O'Cairbre ! 
 Beloved was that liberal hand, 
 "Which never grudged his gold or silver, 
 And which in feast or hunt was fu'st. 
 Thou head of Diarmad O'Cairbre. 
 
 1 Of the author of this fragment we O'Carby, an Irish harper, instigated by 
 have no tradition. All we learn here is M'Kenzie, whose daughter had capti- 
 that he was a Knoydart man, that moun- vated the impressible musician. In the 
 tainous region lying between Loch Houm Irish annals this harper is called Diar- 
 and Morar, on the west coast of Inver- mad. This lay seems to commemorate 
 ness-shire, till lately possessed by the the event by commemorating the punish- 
 Macdonells of Glengarry. ment of the assassin, which was indicted 
 
 2 In a transcript of a MS. history of by drawing him between horses. The 
 the Macdoualds, published in the Trans- lines being composed shortly after the 
 actions of the lona Club, it is said that event, wliich took place about the year 
 Angus Og of Isla, or of the Isles, who 1490, and being taken down by the Dean, 
 fought against his father in the battle of are sufficient. evidence of the historical 
 the Bloody Bay, was assassinated by Art accuracy of the statement. 
 
100 THE BOOK OF 
 
 It is my prayev tu th' Apostles' Kiiifj, 
 He who preserves by His gi'eat power, 
 That He from pain may him e'er keeji, 
 Thou head of Diarmad O'Cairbre. 
 
 Tliou head. 
 
 The author of this is Gormlay, daughter of Flaun.' 
 
 Melanclioly earth upon the breast of Xial, 
 IMelauclioly its depth upon his grave ; 
 Neither nobility nor fame can save. 
 Since that the King of the North is dead. 
 ^Vhose back is turned upon this joyful world, 
 Now that his death-wound he received. 
 He from the noble race of Nial is traced, 
 The men who proudly governed all this land. 
 I, the gentle, kind, Mac Cuilenan,^ did leave. 
 With IMuireagan mor I also jo}'ful lived. 
 AVith Nial I spent a truly happy life ; 
 Bright was my honour as with him I drunk. 
 Of feasts and wine I coidd abundance have ; 
 My gold I freely gave the church. 
 If any there be who heaven reach, 
 How could Nial be without heaven? 
 Never have I seen one like Nial. 
 Fair was he all except the knee, 
 Great were his beauty and his fame. 
 Soft were his locks, and grey his eye. 
 Wrath grew upon the mighty dee]), 
 The wind in strength blew from the east,^ 
 Nial then bent him on his knee, 
 
 ' (lornilay was the wife of Niiil (Jluii- Kiii^^-liisliop of .M\iiistor and Cn.slu'I, to 
 
 <liil)li, ^14(1 of the lihuk Kiii-r, wlin sue- wlmm iM'CJenglmgiui siiys (.ioniiliiy wai* 
 
 <(((lcil to the throne ol Iivlund in KIO. lii-st niarrieil. 
 lie wiiH of the northern O'NeillH. heiuc 
 
 tailed " High TuJiiKgoiirlu," or Kimj of ■ Nial (Jlumlulili \\m killed in Imttlo 
 
 the. jVorth. by the Danes in 1*1!', having |-uigned only 
 
 • The fainoiiHConnae M'Cuilenan, the three years. 
 
 J 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOUE. 101 
 
 Stronger it blew and without fail ; 
 It suflered no happiness nor peace. 
 The wind never ceased its sound, 
 Neither fort nor tree was spared, 
 Since that the courteous king is dead. 
 Since Nial ^ Aidli's son died yesterday, 
 Numbers on numbers sorely mourn ; 
 And though cups and horns are filled, 
 Sore is the blow to Conn's great race. 
 Without him prosperity is joyless, 
 His form my heart with sorrow fills. 
 That I'm till judgment left behind. 
 Is that which fills my heart with grief. 
 
 Melancholy. 
 
 Gormlay, daugliter of Flauii.^ 
 
 Monk, remove thy foot, 
 
 Lift it off the grave of Nial. 
 
 Too long dost thou heap the earth 
 
 On him with whom I fain would lie ; 
 
 Too long dost thou, ]Monk, there 
 
 Heap the earth on noble Nial. 
 
 Thou brown-haii'ed friend, though gentle. 
 
 Press not with thy sole the earth. 
 
 Do not firmly close the grave, 
 
 O Priest, whose office is so sad. 
 
 Raise off the fair, black -kneed Nial, 
 
 Monk, remove thy foot. 
 
 Mac O'Nial of finest gold, 
 
 'Tis not of my will thou'rt bound.^ 
 
 * Nial was son of Aidh Finliath, King yontliful queen. Mr. O'Curry has kindly 
 
 of Ireland. O'Flaherty mentions an elegy furnished the Editor with Irish copies of 
 
 of Gonnlay on her husband, as preserved these two elegiac pieces, which he is 
 
 in the Annals of Donegal. about to publish in a second volume of 
 
 " This is another elegj' of Gormlay, his adniinible Lectures. 
 Queen of Ireland, on her husband, Nial 
 
 Ctlundubh. Tliere is something extreme- ^ Referring, uudoubteiUy, to the mode 
 
 ly mournful in these compositions of the of laying out the dead. 
 
 Of THf 
 
102 
 
 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Leave his stone and his grave. 
 Monk, remove tliy foot. 
 I am Gormlay, who order keeps, 
 Daughter I of Flann the bold ; 
 Stand not thou upon his grave, 
 ^lonk, remove thy foot. 
 
 Monk. 
 
 WouxDED thou hast been, great man,i 
 
 "Whate'er the men were thou hast met ; 
 
 Though thou art truly sad and sick, 
 
 'Tis joy to us that thou'st got fame. 
 
 Ten hundred ships from Greece of the Gael, 
 
 AVhile of them only three were noble. 
 
 Thou didst attack with sharp-edged arms. 
 
 Sore was the strife while life did last ; 
 
 That people with their many spears ; 
 
 They live not now who were so pure. 
 
 Thy six nobles at last they slew, 
 
 IMany tlieir bold deeds at thy side. 
 
 That of thy wounds thou may'st be healed, 
 
 I pray for thee, pray thou thyself. 
 
 To IMaiy, the mother of the poor, 
 
 My I'ater and my Creed's for thee. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 'i'hc author of this is Phclini .M'Doii- 
 
 'Tis not good to travel on Sunday, 
 Wlioever tlie Sabl)ath would keep; 
 
 1 Tlie alliiHion in tliirt rrn^iieiit in not 
 very cli-nr. Celtic i>()elry iH full of re- 
 ference to Greece, whence ii portion of 
 the nice are said to have come ; hut what 
 this l.iittle with Creeks was, the Ivlili.r 
 
 cannot say. These allusinns belong, with- 
 out tlonl.l, to the i>eriiHl when Imth Scot- 
 hiu<l ami Irclaiul wen> Imuight into con- 
 tact with Creek litemtuiv. 
 
 ■ Wc ha\e here a curious 8]<e<-iinen of 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 108 
 
 Not good to be of ill iaiucil race ; 
 . Not good is a dirty wouiaii ; 
 , Not good to write without learning ; 
 
 Not good are gi-apes when sour ; 
 
 Not good is an Earl without English ; 
 
 Not good is a sailor, if old ; 
 
 Not good is a bishop without waiTant ; 
 
 Not good is a blemish on an elder ; 
 
 Not good a priest with but one eye ; 
 
 Not good a parson, if a beggar ; 
 
 Not good is a palace without play ; 
 
 Not good is a handmaid if she's slow ; 
 
 Not good is a lord without a dwelling ; 
 
 Not good is a temple without a burying ground ; 
 A Not good is a woman without shame ; 
 
 Not good is a harper without a string ; 
 
 Not good is fighting without courage ; 
 
 Not good is entering a port without a pilot ; 
 
 Not good is a maiden who backbites ; 
 
 Not good is the poverty of a debtor ; 
 
 Not good is a castle without an heir ; 
 
 Not good is neglectmg the household dogs ; 
 
 Not good is disrespect to a father ; 
 
 Not good is the talk of the drimken ; 
 
 Not good is a knife without an edge ; 
 , Not good is injustice in judging ; 
 \ Not good is the friendship of devils 
 
 For thy son, oh Vii'gin most honoured ; 
 
 Though he has saved the seed of Adam, 
 
 Not good for himself was the cross. 
 
 Not good is a reader without understanding ; 
 
 Not good for a man to want a friend ; 
 ^ Not good is a poet without a subject ; 
 
 Not good is a tower without a hall ; 
 
 aphoristic poetry, the idea borrowed pro- the habits and modes of thought of tho 
 bably from the Proverbs of Solomon. age in which they were produceii 
 These aphorisms throw some light upon 
 
104 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Not good is a web without fulling ; 
 •. Not good is sport without laughter ; 
 iNot good are misdeeds when prosperous ; 
 ^Not good is marriage without consent ; 
 ^ Not good is a crown without supremacy ; 
 
 Not good is ploughing by night ; 
 \ Not good is learning without courtesy ; 
 J Not good is religion without knowledge. 
 
 Not cood. 
 
 I MYSELF, Piobert, went * 
 Yesterday to a monastery, 
 And I was not allowed in, 
 Because my wife was not with me. 
 
 I DISLIKE to journey for a year ;" 
 
 1 dislike the table where a woman sit^ ; 
 
 I dislike sorrow and sadness ; 
 
 I dislike a great house without joy ; 
 
 1 dislike seeing a good man with a bad wife ; 
 
 I dislike a frown upon a prince's face ; 
 
 I dislike weak drink at a high price ; 
 
 I dislikti a noble without courtesy ; 
 
 1 disliki' war wlien it is i)eace. 
 
 When notliing is allowed to pass ; 
 
 I dislike a rough and cruel chief; 
 
 I dislike the nu-u who cannot fight; 
 
 I These lines nro Riven as iiulicnliviMil" * Wo linvo lierc another spwiincn nf 
 
 tlio Ktate of iiiil)lic feeling at the time ai)horistic jioelry. In the original tl)o 
 
 Willi ies]>ect to a great hocial (lueslion. linen are in rhyme. The author's name is 
 
 The writer uf theHe linuH was manifestly not given, though it is [irohaMy riielini 
 
 no friend to monai>tcriu8, and no buliuver .M'Dougall. 
 in theii- purity. 
 
THE DRAX OF LISMORE. 100 
 
 1 dislike being long at a tune ; 
 I dislike the men wlio grudge me food ; 
 I dislike a jealous woman if uncliaste ; 
 I dislike the dog who cannot kill a stag ; 
 I'm loath to go to Erin in the west, 
 Now that Brian of the tunes is dead ; 
 1 dislike a widow who is not cheeifid ; 
 I dislike the man of melancholy mind ; 
 I dislike an ill- favoured old woman, 
 Wliose tongue is sliaq) and rapid too ; 
 I cannot tell to any man 
 AU the things that I dislike. 
 
 I dislike. 
 
 Earl Gerald.1 
 
 Pity the man who overleaps his horse ; 
 
 Let him that likes, my meaning understand, 
 
 That from myself my means have taken flight ; 
 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with. womeiL 
 
 ^lay my curse 'mongst women rest, 
 
 Although for a time I mLxed ^\•ith them ; 
 
 As for men who still are single, 
 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 
 That man who early is on foot, 
 
 Cannot but many evils find ; 
 
 Were I to tell what I have seen, 
 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 
 The man who has got a useless wife, 
 
 Cannot do much before the foe, 
 
 ' The following is the composition of has been thought that one specimen is 
 
 Gerald Fitzgerald, the fourth Earl of sufficient. The Editor thought it desir- 
 
 Desmond. He is known in Ireland as able to give one of those, wth a view to 
 
 Earl Gerald, the poet. There are several a fair representation of the contents of 
 
 of his compositions scattered over the the MS., although there is not much in 
 
 MS. ; but as they are mostly of the same the composition itself to render it worthy 
 
 character— satires on the female sex — it of being rescued from oblivion. 
 
106 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Tlic first milcb cows that liellow loud ; 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 The wife who listens to my speech, 
 "SMio listens to my voice and cry, 
 Just as if wax were in her eai-s ; 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 Her husband she to ^vTath provokes, 
 Different her manner with aU else, 
 For them she lightly steps about ; 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 "Were she to see a weeping eye, 
 AVith any youth of handsome form, 
 To him she would not nm but leap ; 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 AMiere is the young and sprightly maid, 
 VTiio would not quietly give her kiss, 
 To any lips that she might meet ? 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 Though maiTied from th' altar and the church, 
 From the good priest's worthy hand. 
 Still are her way and temper bad ; 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women. 
 'Tis best to have nought to do with women, 
 AVratli and annoyance they provoke ; 
 He who does not this proclaim 
 Is sure to find a woe himself 
 I'itv. 
 
 The author of this is AiidrcM- IMTntosli. 
 
 The co(pietry c»f Duncan from Taiil's daughter, 
 Tlu! most impudent ecHiuctry men have seen, 
 The cucpu'try of the wifi' of David, 
 Co(pu'ttiiig like the wind in her red tailed skirts 
 Men had thought that I was dundt, 
 Whilst I'd three reasons not to speak. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 107 
 
 The author of this is the Bard M'lntyre/ 
 
 AVhat is this ship on Loch Incli,^ 
 Of which wc now may speak ? 
 \Vhat brought this sliip on the loch, 
 AVliich songs cannot o'erlook ? 
 . I Nvoukl like much to ask, 
 Who was it brought that ship, 
 Afloat upon that angry loch, 
 "WTiere changes often come ? 
 The fierce wind from the hills, 
 And bitter storms from the glens. 
 Oft has the vessel from the shore, 
 Stolen upon the dangerous sea. 
 Stranger, who sawest the ship. 
 On the rough and angiy stream, 
 \Vliat should hinder thee to tell 
 About her and about her crew ? 
 An old ship without iron or stern, 
 Never have we seen her like. 
 The vessel all with leather patched. 
 Not even beneath the waves is't tight. 
 Her boards are trifling bits of deals, 
 Black patches dowTi along her sides, 
 Useless nails to fix them on 
 Upon her scanty, stinted ribs. 
 AVhat woman cargo is in the black ship 
 
 1 Nothing is kno^\Ti of tins poet. Tlie satires on women, a kind of composition 
 
 modem M'Intyre, the bard of Gleniu-chy, wonderfully popular, judging from our 
 
 has a place second to none among the MS. at the period. We only give a few 
 
 composers of Gaelic poetry ; but it would specimens of these, but there are several 
 
 appear that there was an older poet of in the miscellany, and some of acharac- 
 
 the name, and one not imkuown to fame. ter which, in modern days, one wonders 
 
 Four hundred years may produce no the Dean could have admitted to his 
 
 little change in the place which not a collection, 
 few men of note in our day hold in the 
 
 temple of fame, and greater stars than ^ The only loch of this name with 
 
 the bard M'lntyre may have tlieir lustre which the Editor is acquainted is Loch 
 
 dimmed by time. He is another writer of Inch, on the Spey, in Badenoch. 
 
108 THE BOOK OF 
 
 riilling lier on betAvixt the waves, 
 Tlie cargo lioartless and senseless too ? 
 AVidows of a foolish mind, 
 A boasting, talkative crew, 
 A load vexatious and bad, 
 Quarrelsome and covetous. 
 Of evil minds and evil deeds. 
 Their ways and conversation bad, 
 A band of well-kno^vn fame. 
 No substance in what they say. 
 Drunken, singing, M'ith levity, 
 A band ill-shapen, mischievous. 
 Who live by both sides of Loch Inch. 
 In spite of thee and of their ship 
 On the stormy sea's dun face. 
 No good woman could take tliat ship. 
 However pressing the constraint. 
 The worst of women go to sea. 
 Others cannot give them help. 
 Let this sliip be driven from the loch, 
 Down to the fierce and roarmg deep. 
 Let the wind pursue the ship, 
 To the old point of Seananach. 
 There will I leave upon the stream, 
 Tlie ill-favoured, ill- doing ship, 
 Of wicked widows full on the sea. 
 Without a psalm or creed e'er said, 
 
 What. 
 
 TllK fame of the house f»f Duiiolly, little favour where thev 
 
 drive a lierd.' 
 This l)rute is much like a dog, greedy aye for stolen Ui'sh, 
 
 I TlicBC Butiriciil linc« on the fniiiily of Miu-iIougnllH of Loni wei-c ii nice ns dis- 
 
 Diiiiolly lint ^;\\^iil^ iih ii N]ii'i'iiiu-n of tito tiii(;uishv<l fur tliu aiiti<|uity of thoir tU'- 
 
 Htriiiii iiuliil(;f(l ill at liiiifs liy tlie hnrtlH, Hcmit, ns for the high chiiiiicter of iiiiuiy 
 
 to (^nilify llii'ir aiiinioHity agiiiiist hoHtilc of tlic niiiiio. 
 < hum. It iiufd lianlly tiu adtU-il, that tho 
 
 I 
 
THE DEAN OF LISiMOUK. 109 
 
 The author of this is John M'Mumch.' 
 
 Sad to me's my fate, 
 Though men don't imderstand, 
 Suffer not, Son of God, 
 Me to have pain to-day. 
 Little thought the school 
 That such should be my fate, 
 The fate which me o'ertook, 
 ' Tis it has me destroyed. 
 The pain in it I have, 
 Is threefold what I 've felt, 
 The trouble I have found 
 Is weighted with a stone. 
 For her who caused my grief, 
 My ^\Tath and rage are great. 
 Her skin like froth of waves, 
 Kuddy and soft her hand. 
 Her lips like berries red, 
 My soul she gently seized. 
 Smce I slept last night. 
 Sad indeed my state. 
 I thought she was beside me, 
 That I saw her smile. 
 She 's not been since the day. 
 When began my grief. 
 She of cm-ling locks. 
 And colour richly red, 
 Five jewels in a knot. 
 In the maiden's name. 
 
 > This John M'Muirich, or M'Vurricli, eight generations by Lachlan, who lived 
 
 was iu all likelihood a member of the in 1800, in Ids declaration, as given in 
 
 family who were so long bards to Clan- the Report of the Highland Society on 
 
 ranald, and who derived their name from Ossian, but it does not embrace this 
 
 their great ancestor in the thirteenth John. Tlie piece is chiefly interesting 
 
 centurj-, Muireach Albanach. A list of from the historical references at the 
 
 the names of these bards is given for close. 
 
110 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Pity she 's not with me, 
 And others have her not. 
 That I myself might get 
 For evermore that friend 
 Were I to suffer from, 
 What other men have felt. 
 The spear of great Cuchullin, 
 The horse of white -steed Teague, 
 The purple shield unbroken, 
 Famous all in war ; 
 The speed of INIac Erc's coursers. 
 Though much it is to say, 
 Alas, more sad for me 
 The trouble I endure. 
 
 Duncan IM'Phcrson.^ 
 
 Alexander, hast thou left thy sadness. 
 
 Or is it so that thou canst not ? 
 
 Hast thou without God passed another year, 
 
 Or dost thou mean to live thus ever ? 
 
 Hast thou not found thy God, 
 
 Now that thou'rt aged and grey ? 
 
 If sadness be prosperity, 
 
 liich are the gifts thou'st got from God. 
 
 Four men met at the grave," 
 The grave of Alexander the great ; 
 They spoke the words of truth, 
 
 » This writer was probably nn eccle- poeiusninilfby UonuM M'ndiialil.s.lux.l- 
 
 HJastic, but nothing is known of him. muster of Kv^g, son of AlfXikinU-r M'Don- 
 
 iihl, the fiimous Skyi' Imnl. .M'l>onahrs 
 
 * This conipoHition is one of tlio few edition was most likely tukemlown fmm 
 
 of the nioro recent fragments in this MS. onil rei-itntion, ami it is remarkable how 
 
 which appear elsewhere. We have a little it ililfers from this of the Dean's, 
 
 copy of it in the collection of (inelic '2M years before. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. Ill 
 
 Over t\w hero of Clreece tlie fair. 
 The first man of them said, 
 " There were yesterday witli tlie king, 
 Tlie world's great hosts, sad the tale. 
 Though to-day he lonely lies." 
 " Yesterday the world's great king 
 Proudly rode upon the cailh ; 
 But to-day it is the earth 
 That rides upon the top of him." 
 Then did the third wise speaker say, 
 " Yesterday Philip's sou owned the world ; 
 But to-day he only ovnis 
 Of it all not seven feet." 
 " Alexander, brave and great, 
 Who won and treasured gold and silver, 
 To-day," the fourth man wdsely said, 
 " The gold it is that treasures him." 
 The palm among trees was Philip's son, 
 The moon among the lesser stars, 
 As gold above the finest gems. 
 As among fish leviathan. 
 The lion amidst carrion. 
 The eagle among other birds. 
 As Sion hill amidst the hills. 
 As Jordan amidst other streams. 
 The polished gem 'mongst common stones, 
 The sea amidst all lesser streams. 
 Noble was the fearless man. 
 The man above all other men. 
 The man above all other men, 
 Save heaven's great and holy King. 
 King he was of herds and boars, 
 Euler of hosts and heroes too. 
 True was the talk these speakers had, 
 As at the great king's grave they met. 
 Unlike to women's empty talk, 
 Were the sayings of the four. 
 Four. 
 
112 THE BOOK OF 
 
 John ]\rMurrich said tliis. 
 
 The men of Albiu, and not tliey alone, 
 Unless that M'Gregor sundved, 
 How much wrath would them destroy ! 
 All excellence in Alexander.^ 
 
 Finlay, the red-hau*cd bard, said this.^ 
 
 Gael-like is eveiy lea}) of the dun horse, 
 
 A Gael she is in truth. 
 
 It is she who conquers and wins, 
 
 In all that I'll now sing. 
 
 The praise of speed to her limbs. 
 
 In every fierce assault. 
 
 JMarked, and famous her strength, 
 
 Wliilc quiet at the house of prayer. 
 
 The birds are they who could, 
 
 Strive with her in the race. 
 
 Not false is the fame of that horse. 
 
 The steed both sturdy and swift, 
 
 Liker she was to Duseivlin,^ 
 
 Than to the beast of Lamacha.'* 
 
 They who would view her size and triinni)lis, 
 
 Can nowhere find her match. 
 
 ' Ale.xanJer was n family name of the gootl poet. He seems to liavo been tlie 
 
 MacgiegorsofGlenstrae. In tlieoliituury family baril of M'lJreiior, the praise of 
 
 contained in this MS. is the following whose horse he here iiroclaims in most 
 
 entry : — \b'16. Obitus Gregorii I'llii Jo- i)oetic strains. 
 
 hannis M'tlregor, alias M'Kvine M'Al- , t^ • .• c ^\ r 
 
 , . , ,., , „„ . ,, . ,. " Duseivlin was one of the fomou.s 
 
 steeds of tlie Feinn. 
 
 lester <le Glenschray. This would indi 
 cato tlie period of Alexander as about 
 the miildle of tlie lifleeuth century. * The beast of Lamaoha, " Aidhre an 
 
 ' This Finlay is the author of several I^imaeha," is entirely unknown to the 
 
 l)ieces in this miscellany, lie is a]>par- Hditor. The animal is called " lU-isd," 
 
 eiitly the Finlay .VI'Nab to whom aiiiitlur a Ix-nxt, in a subseiiuent part of the 
 
 i:omi«isiti()ii is attributeil, and is called poem. It must have been some animal 
 
 in one place "Am banl muitli," T/i<- t:iinoiis in the (•i>uiitry l.>r iU uu'liiiess. 
 
TFIK DEAN OF LISMOIU:. 113 
 
 Just like the wheeling of the mouiitaiii wiiitls, 
 
 Is tlie action of the prancing steed. 
 
 Iliuulrecls admire her paces, 
 
 Like one in frenzy passing. 
 
 Like the point of an aiTOw tliis hoi-se, 
 
 Famous are all her doings. 
 
 Bands of the great witness her course, 
 
 As with speed she ruslu^s. 
 
 Though far before her stands the groom, 
 
 No bhmderer is her rider. 
 
 Few are the words would tell her praise, 
 
 Like birds on wing her movements. 
 
 Her triumphs and paces the same, 
 
 AMiether 'mong rocks or bogs she moves. 
 
 Before that horse all men do fear. 
 
 When she comes in the trappings of war. 
 
 In the troop, the hunt, or the conflict. 
 
 That horse a noble horse is. 
 
 That horse is all full of spirit, 
 
 As fameworthy she follows the banner. 
 
 Tliat wave-like steed, hardy and keen. 
 
 Will win for her rider the praise of men. 
 
 Forth from her stall she takes the lead. 
 
 That gentle, great, and active horse. 
 
 She will triumph in speed and slaughter. 
 
 Till that the day in evening sinks. 
 
 Ready to treasure the girdle of gold,* 
 
 The field with Wolence shakes. 
 
 Startling, rounded, bright, well shod, 
 
 Gentle, broad-backed, coloured well. 
 
 A horse of such great fame as this, 
 
 I long had heard that they possessed. 
 
 Where was ever found her match, 
 
 Not he, the beast of Lamacha. 
 
 Mac Gregor 's the master of that horse, 
 
 * The girdle of gold would .seem to have been the prize conferred upon X]i>- 
 victor in a race. 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Prince of the house to poets free. 
 From Banva men do come to praise. 
 To Albion they do come to seek, 
 The man wlio rol)S from the Saxon, 
 And e'er puts his trust in the Gael. 
 
 Finlay the red-haired l)ard. 
 
 1 am a stranger long to success, 
 
 'Tis time that I should have it. 
 
 'Tis time now to desist, 
 
 From satire justly due. 
 
 The way that I shall take, 
 
 To seek a noble branch, 
 
 Is to the Prince of the CJael, 
 
 AVhere are no wortMess guests. 
 
 To Mac Gregor the brave, 
 
 Head of all the schools ; ^ 
 
 He 's neither cmel nor sparing, 
 
 To praise him is our duty. 
 
 To whom courage is a right ; 
 
 When summer time comes round. 
 
 Peace he never knows, 
 
 He's in the throat of all liis fellows. 
 
 "NVlien men of him do si)eak, 
 
 As (Jregor of the bh)ws, 
 
 'Tis liis deliglit to drive, 
 
 Flocks and licrds before him. 
 
 Of that flock John's- the head, 
 
 I The Nchools of the Imnls. Many nn.\ He was l.uii»-tl in Dysart ((Jlen- 
 
 Higlilinul banlH at this jioriod were iirchy), north of the jjreat altnr, in a 
 
 trained in Irehiml, of which these poems Ktone eollin, njion the 2Cth of May 1515», 
 
 ))par evident marks. on which day there was a (j»"cnt nionni- 
 
 ' In his obituary the Dean enters at Jiik in (•lenunliy. The Kli«il)eth nfter- 
 
 151S», May 21-2C, dentli of Joliu dul>h wanls mentioiie«l was imihaldy the wife 
 
 MactJreKorofCilenstrap, at Slronn)elo(h- of this cliitf. 
 
TIIK DEAN OF MSMOH^:. 115 
 
 The kiiii^f at lil'tiii<; cattle, 
 I myself will shv^, 
 Mouth with mouth at day])reak. 
 "NMien liis sharp -anneil men see, 
 Mac Greffor at the Bealach,^ 
 His way so gently soft, 
 No weight to them their burdens. 
 Tlieu when war arises, 
 Proclaimed in 'enemies' hearts, 
 It is to liim they'd gather, 
 Clothed in martial dress. 
 'T is of ^lac Gregor's fame, 
 When fighting 's left behind. 
 To men not to be cruel, 
 His castle full of mirth ; 
 When victor}" I had left 
 Upon the field of war. 
 When of the fight I spoke, 
 Nought loved my patron more. 
 Though sad, on the stormy lake, 
 To tell men of my grief. 
 To have a crew of mariners, 
 Is best in battle's day. 
 Eemember I'll be with thee, 
 Mac Gregor without stain. 
 In face of any foe, 
 Long, long 's the time. 
 Gentle Elizabeth, 
 Change thou my state ; 
 Woman of softest locks, 
 And of the loftiest brow. 
 I am. 
 
 ■ " Bealach," the modern " Tay- about 1490, when it passed by Royal 
 mouth," was, with the tenitory around, charter into the possession of the Knights 
 in possession of the M'Gregors down to of Glenurchy. 
 
THE ROOK OF 
 
 'riio author of this is Duncan MacCailein, the good knight.^ 
 
 AVlio is now chief of the Leggars, 
 
 Smce the famous man is dead ? 
 
 Tears flow fast for the man, 
 
 For beggary has lost its strength. 
 
 The orphan is in a piteous case, 
 
 Beggary 's gone since Lachlan's death. 
 
 In every homestead this is sad, 
 
 Tliat beggary should want for knowledge. 
 
 If he be dead, I 've never heard, 
 
 Of one that could compare with Laehlaii, 
 
 Since God created man at first ; 
 
 It is a source of bitter grief. 
 
 That without mother or a father, 
 
 Poor beggary should be so weak. 
 
 Since that Bretin's son is dead, 
 
 ^\liy should I not mourn his loss ? 
 
 There is no man now on earth 
 
 Who can beg as he could do. 
 
 Since Lachlau the importunate 's dead, 
 
 Great 's the grief that is in Erin. 
 
 Who will now beg a little pui'se ? 
 
 Who will even beg a needle ? 
 
 Who will beg a worthless coin ? 
 
 Since that rougli-palmed Lachlan's ileail. 
 
 Who will Ix'g a pair of brogues, 
 
 And then will beg a pair of buckles i 
 
 Who will beg a shouliler plaid ? 
 
 Who.se begging now will give us sport? 
 
 « This jHic'l is gi'iicrully siijiposfil, hy tiro reiimriiiilili' for cnustii- luiiiior.r, in- 
 
 UioHe \vho have Kccn Hie Dj-an's MS., to dnlgfil in in si-vurnl cn.scn at tlio vx- 
 
 have IicuiiBir DiuicauC'itiii|il)L<Ilor(ih-ii- |ii<i)so of thi< foiiinlo sex. He ulninst 
 
 uicliy, one of the most (listiiij{uisiuMl of iinifoinily ivecives the title of "An Ui«lir 
 
 tlie iiiiiestois of the present n«)l>U' family mailh," T/if ijihhI Kiiiijht. Tlie present 
 
 of Hreailalltaue. Thi-re are several pieces jtieee is n strange satirie.'d elejjy on a 
 
 ill till' MS. iiltriliiitiMl to liiiii. These miser. 
 
THE DtLVN 01'' LISMOKE. II7 
 
 AVlio will l)eg soles for liis shoes? 
 
 Who will ask a peacock's feather I 
 
 Who will beg an eye for his belt ? 
 
 Wlio will mix in any mischief ? 
 
 Who will beg an old felt hat ? 
 
 AVlio will beg a book to read ? 
 
 Who \\'ill beg an early meal ? 
 
 Who is it wears arms with his dress ? 
 
 Who will beg for boots and spurs ? 
 
 Who is it will beg for bristles ? 
 
 Who will beg for sids and meal ? 
 
 Who wall beg a sheaf of rye ? 
 
 "\\nio will ask a sporran spoon ? 
 
 Who will gather without shame ? 
 
 Since Laehlan the hero is dead. 
 
 Who will now aft'ord us sport ? 
 
 Who will beg for maidens' shifts, 
 
 Since old shoe'd Laehlan is dead ? 
 
 Sad the fate that he should die. 
 
 Who will ask men for a ruUion ? 
 
 Who will steal the servant's feather, 
 
 And who is it can't teU the truth ? 
 
 Who likes to travel in a boat, 
 
 And likes his old friends to visit ? 
 
 Who will beg the hen with her eggs i 
 
 Who will beg a brood of chickens ? 
 
 Who will ask the hen's overplus. 
 
 After a handful of money ? 
 
 Wlio will beg a headless pin ? 
 
 AMio can read as he can do ? 
 
 That Laehlan should leave no heir, 
 
 Is that which moui'nful makes his death. 
 
 Who will beg for a hook and line ? 
 
 Who will seek for open doors ? 
 
 Wlio will beg for unboiled rennet ? 
 
 Who will beg for anything ? 
 
 Who won't give a penny to the poor? 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 And yet e'eu from the naked begs ? 
 
 AMio would oppress the veiy child, 
 
 And is cruel to the infant ? 
 
 "SMio would beg for wool and butt<,'r, 
 
 That they may have it, after Lachlan ? 
 
 AMio would beg a woman's collar ? 
 
 Who is it likes a dirty heap ? 
 
 Who would beg from young wdmen, 
 
 From little dogs and weasels ? 
 
 Wio would take the fire from an infant ^ 
 
 W[\o would steal e'en the dead ? 
 
 AMio is sick when he is well ? 
 
 Vfho on his gruel begs for butter ? 
 
 More sad for me than this man's death, 
 
 Is that he has left no heir. 
 
 For fear that beggary should die, 
 
 And none be found to keep it up. 
 
 Do not ye forget the man, 
 
 Men of the earth, do ye, 
 
 Each of you for himself make rhymes. 
 
 My malison on him that won't. 
 
 If Lachlan died on ]\[onday last, 
 
 Every man wiU joyful be. 
 
 Sad it is that for his death, 
 
 None there is who will lament. 
 
 Who is now. 
 
 ( Joriiilay, ihiiniitrr nl' riaiiii. the l;ui»*1 witr 
 
 Alas! alas! my t)\vn great jiaiii, 
 Alas! that 1 've my beauty lost. 
 To night sore is my wuiuid, 
 Since that Mae O'Nrill is dead. 
 Alas! to want tlic son of Dervail, 
 Alas! mv fate imw left bdiind, 
 
THK 1>KAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 CJiiaiiv's hospitality is nought, 
 Eriii 's a deseit witliniit liiin. 
 Alas ! for the good king of Banva, 
 How fair thy form down to this night, 
 Since he, my life, in battle died, 
 Nought will I say but alas ! alas ! 
 Alas : 
 
 The author of this i.s Duncan M'Cabe.^ 
 
 ^M'Dougall of bright armour, 
 
 A noble chief's thy famous son, 
 
 All that I think is true 
 
 Of thy fair- formed, prudent child. 
 
 'T were better that thy fair head 
 
 Were now exposed than mine, kind friend. 
 
 Duncan Carrach" is his name, 
 
 A name that trimnphed ever. 
 
 Duncan of bravest deeds, 
 
 Eemember thy first honoured name ; 
 
 Son of Allan,^ do not merit, 
 
 Reproach thy race did ne'er deserve. 
 
 Since now that thou art so well known, 
 
 "With every reason to esteem thee. 
 
 To thee is given the foremost place. 
 
 Since thou the favourite art of all. 
 
 1 We kuow nothing of this poet. The "Carrach" means a scald heud, from 
 
 name is a rare one, although still exist- which he seems to have got his name in 
 
 ing in the Highlands. He would appear childhood. The poet refers to his head 
 
 to have been a family bard of the Mac- as now more smooth than his own. 
 dongalls of DunoUy. ^ j^ innes' Orig. Par. vol. ii. part 1, 
 
 * In the Dean's chronicle of deaths, p. 115, it is said, on the authority of 
 
 contained in this MS., is the following the Acts of Council, that, in 1478, Colin 
 
 entry in Latin :— 1512, Jul. 13. The death Earl of Evgile was sued by Alane Sorle- 
 
 of Duncan M 'Dougall, who was slain a.D. sone M 'Cowle for warrandice of the lands 
 
 1512, who was the son and heir of Alex- of Lereage and Wouchtrouch, etc. This 
 
 ander M'Dougall of Dunolly ; and Dun- is probably the Alan referred to by the 
 
 can was liuried in Ardchattan 13th July. bard. 
 
120 THE BOOK OF 
 
 True it is thou art indeed 
 The man to take the ricliest spoiL 
 Like a bull that 's fierce for fight, 
 'Tis thus thou goest to make war. 
 'Tis thou who traversest Cruachan/ 
 Casting thy spear beneatli its knolls. 
 Thy fame is as that of the leoj)ard, 
 Thou art Duncan of Duiinis. 
 Thou quellest quick thy foe, 
 Thou stainest both hands with Ijlood. 
 Thou cheerest us when we are weary. 
 Thou art tlie source of all our joy. 
 He is the man whom 'tis easiest 
 In song like mme to praise, 
 AMiich among heroes I compose, — 
 The generous dragon of Connal.^ 
 Other fame belongs to him, 
 The art that is in his gun. 
 The bravery and skill of Erin 
 Bound firmly up in all his blows. 
 Whatever skill a king's son has, 
 That he has, with no defect. 
 The purest speech has come to him, 
 This will in thy son be found. 
 Now I see thee raise the tax, 
 Truly out of every homestead, 
 Noble king of bravest deeds. 
 Descendant nltliat martial race. 
 Macdougall. 
 
 1 " Ik-iiCniiicliiiii," tlu'liijili.'stim.un- :it tla- nioutli ..f L..,li Ktivo. wlioiv tin- 
 
 tiiiii ill Loiii, tlic imcient tunit-Jiy oftlu' wtream ill tiiiius Ixioiiuv* ik snltwiiter 
 
 rliui Dcm^^iill. lUjiciwK'. Tilt' imiiif ■• I'diiuikl," " C'oii 
 
 ■ Coniml Furry, lli>' rinmrkulili' imiri>w tlnul, " iiiciiiis ii ifiriini >(iy im 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOUE. 121 
 
 The author of this is John M'Ewen M'Eacharn.' 
 
 A inoiiruful cry aniougst Conn's"" race, 
 
 Heavy indeed is now their loss ; 
 
 As every cue now follows John, 
 
 Silent they can't be at his grave. 
 
 "SMiat gi-ief did ever them o'ertake, 
 
 The race of Conn ne'er honour lost. 
 
 For John each man does weep, 
 
 Necessity leads us to his grave ; 
 
 Sad is the land because of thy death, 
 
 Son of the noble race from Allan. 
 
 Great is our grief as thee we moui'n. 
 
 Few are the men that shed not tears. 
 
 Sorely has it touched us all, 
 
 Grievous the tale that John is dead. 
 
 Tidings from the Dun went through the land, 
 
 The stranger now does o'er us nde. 
 
 Changeful the world down till John's death, 
 
 Now they rise not to the fray ; 
 
 Since then indeed thy race is sad. 
 
 This grief now has them sorely wounded. 
 
 'Tis grief to them that thou art thus. 
 
 Clan Dougall mourn for their great chief ; 
 
 The conflict of their grief is long. 
 
 The tale which now is told is grievous ; 
 
 Thou messenger who brought the news, 
 
 God made thee messenger of evil ; 
 
 ' We have no written or traditional ciphered every line with perfect accuracj-, 
 
 account of this poet. He was manifestly but he is pretty well assured of having 
 
 one of the bards of the clan Dougall. caught the raeaningof the poet through- 
 
 The difficulty of deciphering the Dean's out 
 writing is in this case increased by the 
 
 peculiar measure of the composition, • The clan Dougall, as well as the 
 
 which is one of those well known to Irish cognate clan Donald, were held by the 
 
 scholars, and where the accentuation is bards to have descende<i from " Conn 
 
 in accordance with the Irish mwle. Ceud chatlia," Conn nf the hundred 
 
 The Editor does not i>retend to have de- hnttlen. King of Ireland 
 
122 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Ere men thy tidings did recite, 
 Pity they had not lost their ears. 
 The alnindance of my racking giief 
 Has almost my eyesight ta'en away ; 
 No feehle mourning is 't for John, 
 Tears for liim I cannot shed ; 
 Mourning for our buried prince, 
 The death of ]Macdougall of DunoUy. 
 His was the form of Conn's great race, 
 Like a nut kernel, fair and rounded ; 
 His death has been a grievous breach, 
 The veiy waves sing his lament. 
 Above the beach/ since John has died, 
 Xo ceasing is there of men's sorrow ; 
 Men speak not even now of joy, 
 Since that this grief has on them seizeil ; 
 Bitter soitow has them filled. 
 No word of sport, of music none ; 
 That way is called the sacred way. 
 That from the beach leads to the grave. 
 So do men thus mourn their loss, 
 And women too, who loved thee well. 
 Shall I from thy soft locks have honour f 
 In place of it I have but ruin. 
 I mourn as on thy grave I stand, 
 All I see makes me lament ; 
 Women will not leave thy grave, 
 So truly heavy is their sorrow. 
 Kaise ui> a tomb for our fair princ*'. 
 Let it be wide as Cruachan's cell, 
 That men may see by what tiiey do. 
 How heavily on them weighs their grief. 
 The clan with wee]»ing do tliee mourn, 
 Their soul is sail, they cannot slei-p. 
 DougaH's race before thy ileatii. 
 
 • The .Miit'<liiiiKiil|K ol Duiiollv l.unol al tlir <<|.l I'lims ..f AnlcliMlt^ 
 
 • Lw... I,...), Ktiv... 
 
TUK j>i:an of LISMOHE. 123 
 
 Never did tear the fuco of toe. 
 
 Chiertain, tliy death has come on them, 
 
 'Twoiikl be no boast to rule them now. 
 
 Not few the women at Jolin's grave, 
 
 Pouring their tears from day to day ; 
 
 Of women bands even by night, 
 
 With bare heads gathering on the phiin ; 
 
 No wonder is 't that they should mourn, 
 
 Because of John of briglitest fame. 
 
 No day can pass but hearts are full 
 
 Of this sad tale, that wakes our mourning. 
 
 I care not though 't be thus with them, 
 
 Though they should feel what I don't like ; 
 
 Thy death for us is ill to bear. 
 
 Sore the state to which it brings us ; 
 
 I stand amidst the gloom of death, 
 
 No word is there of wonted song ; 
 
 My heart is truly rent in twain, 
 
 As we speak of his departure ; 
 
 Never were we thus before, 
 
 That it is grief to ask, how fares he ; 
 
 'Tis cause of sorrow that he is absent, 
 
 I mourn that he is no more with us ; 
 
 Now that he sleeps in his cold grave, 
 
 'Tis melancholy what men feel to tell ; 
 
 They cannot cease from shedding tears. 
 
 Castle and cottage both in sorrow ; 
 
 The rising tide has swept o'er hills. 
 
 So for John do mourn his comrades ; 
 
 Yet there 's no heaving of the sea. 
 
 Not of the boisterous sea at Connal ; ' 
 
 For thou art mourned, gTeat chief of Conn, 
 
 In all the borders of clan Dougall ; 
 
 The land for thee does seem to weep, 
 
 Loud is the cry, with much distress. 
 
 From the musicians of Dougall's race, 
 
 1 Connal Fern, on Loch Eti\e. 
 
124 THE bOOK OK 
 
 The learned men, and leading l»ard.s. 
 
 On John's gmve lies a heavy stone, 
 
 'Tis grief to me to tell the story ; 
 
 Far otherwise than Neil^ would wish, 
 
 Does every scandal now appear ; 
 
 Have they no care to see his gi-ave, 
 
 Since that John has overcome them i 
 
 The race of Conn are now but few, 
 
 Since death has ta'en away ^Macdougall ; 
 
 No pleasure in the violin's soimds, 
 
 Nor writing poetiy without him ; 
 
 I'oetiy brings no honour now, 
 
 Since death has seized the son of Mary ; 
 
 Few are the mouths that now can tell, 
 
 How commanding is her privilege, 
 
 Now that on their backs are laid, 
 
 Both the heads of the clan Dougall ; 
 
 That John's gi*eat power I do not find 
 
 Soon after losing John his fiither ; 
 
 May God preserv-^e thy noble nature, 
 
 AVlio wisdom learned from thy Isla-' teacla-r ; 
 
 Horses can't insure a triumph, 
 
 Men must leave them, and depart ; 
 
 After the three, our loss is great. 
 
 My heart, in truth, can find no comfort ; 
 
 Muuniful in youth to see such loss, 
 
 Death has seized two Johns and Ak'xander ;'' 
 
 I There is conHidorahle obscurity iihout was wluciitcil, or it may refi-r to tin- 
 
 tliL'se lines. It wouM serve toflncitlate weaiwiis of war for which Ishi was 
 
 the iiieaiiiiig if we knew of any feutl be- fannuis. 
 
 tween tiiis chief and the cUm Neil, tir • Alexaniler was Ijiinl of DunoUy in 
 
 any pei-son of the name of Neil belong- Hl»3; tire^;. High. i>. 83. His son Uuucan 
 
 ing to any other Highland clan. The Carnich was slain young; iX'nn's Obit, 
 
 h/litor has not been able to find any in- CSreg. Va\. In Innes' Orig. Par. vol. ii. 
 
 formation on this subject. i>t. i. )>. lU, we lind that, in Uil. Stew- 
 
 ' The original here is imlistinct. Tlie art Lonl of Lorngrantwl to JdIiii M'Alan 
 
 word " niiid illeich," nnido " an oide of I^irn, calUnl .M'Cowle, and lo John 
 
 Ilich," maybe " uonl Illeich," or "an Keir (" ciar," </(i;X), his eldeNt ^on and 
 
 uir<l Hicli, Tftf lala luiirr, meaning some lieir, etc., twenty-nine nmrklands of the 
 
 I'cdesiiuitical onler in Isla, by whom lie isbiiid .>f <':inivr;iy, etc. These aiv jtn> 
 
THK DKAN OF LISMOltK. 125 
 
 Alexander, Mhoin no restraint could bind, 
 
 That I of liini sluiuld also tell ; 
 
 Thy breast was stout tp the rushiu*,' wave, 
 
 Thy body now ! alas my sorrow ; 
 
 Never do ye seek again 
 
 That John's yount,' heir should go to battle ; 
 
 That he should stand 'midst battle's storm, 
 
 The author of this is Finlay M'Nal). 
 
 The sluggard's Book of Poems,^ 
 If 't were your wish to write in it, 
 Among what they have left you '11 find 
 Enough wherewith to fill it. 
 Though many the men there be, 
 Who cruelly the people oppress. 
 Never will these be found, 
 Honoured in famous songs. 
 Of all the fruits of sluggards, 
 Though there be of them a thousand, 
 The house in which these do meet. 
 They ne'er can by any means reach. 
 They are both gentle and simple. 
 Dressed in their Sunday coats ; 
 And yet of all their productions. 
 It happens we never can hear. 
 I won't their genealogy tell, 
 Of their histoiy nothing I know, 
 
 bably the two Johns and Alexander of nan strangair," for the Dean seems to 
 
 our bard. This holding of the Stewarts have been a most industrious compiler, 
 
 may explain the bard's reference to the This piece of M'Nab's is a satire on lazy 
 
 rule of the stranger. composers or compilers. It is valuable 
 
 as showing that the ancient bards wrote 
 
 * The word " duanaire," here used in their compositions. The number of such 
 
 the original, means " a miscellany of books must have l)een large, although 
 
 poetical compositions." The Dean's MS. during the course of centuries they seem 
 
 is a " duanaire," but not a " duanaire to have perished with few exceptions. 
 
126 THE BOOK OF 
 
 But that they are out at evening, 
 Followed close by their hounds. 
 Dugall, thou art tlieir fellow, 
 John's son of the polished blade, 
 In whom flows the sluggard's Ijlood, 
 "Write thou in the Book of Poems. 
 Write kno^vangly, intelligently, 
 "Write their histoiy and their life ; 
 Don't bring a poem on the earth, 
 To have it read by Mac Cailein. 
 Eemember this my claim on thee, 
 Gregor, as thou liast heard 
 That I have as an oldigation, 
 All thine to put in the Book of Poems. 
 Let there be nothing in this poem 
 Of priests or of tenantiy ; 
 But nothing of this band there is, 
 Which is not in the Book of Poems. 
 
 The author of this is Eafric ^PCVrnjudalc' 
 
 Jewel," who has roused my griei', 
 Beloved hast thou been of me, 
 Beloved that joyous, generous heart, 
 Which thou hadst until this night. 
 Thy death has filled me with grii-f, 
 The hand round which I lived so long. 
 That I hear not of its strength. 
 And that I saw it not depart ; 
 That joyful numth of softest sounds. 
 Well was it known in everv land. 
 
 ' TliiM jiiiett'hH HCoiiiK 1(1 liHvo liifii llic ' Tlio \M>i<l " |>aiilri>iii," di-rivisl fr»ii 
 
 wiffdf till' liiMt M'Ni-il olCiifillc Swi-.Mi. •' rui.lir," Th<- LonCs /V.iyrr, ii-:ill' 
 
 The iiaiiii- M'Oitnululc in coniiiuiu in iiiciuik a iiMttiy. 
 Kintyro. 
 
rriK DKAN OF LISMOUK. 127 
 
 Lion of Mull, with its white; towers, 
 Hawk of Isla, with its smooth plains, 
 Shrewdest of all the men we knew, 
 \Mion) guest ne'er left without a gift. 
 IVince of good men, gentle, kind. 
 Whose mien was that of a king's son, 
 Guests came to thee from Dunanoir,^ 
 Guests from the Boyne- for lordly gifts. 
 Truth it is they often came. 
 Not oftener than gave thee joy. 
 Shapely falcon of Sliabh Gael,^ 
 I*rotection to the bards thou gav'st, 
 Dragon of Lewis of sandy slopes. 
 Glad as the whisper of a stream ; 
 The loss of but a single man 
 Has left me lonely, now^ he 's gone. 
 No sport, no pleasing song, 
 No joy, nor pleasure in the feast ; 
 No man whom I can now love, 
 Of Nial's race down from Nial 6g ;* 
 Among our w^omen there 's no joy, 
 Our men no pleasure have in sport, 
 Just like the winds when it is calm, 
 So without music is Dun Sween." 
 See the palace of a generous race. 
 Vengeance is taken on clan Neil, 
 The cause of many a boastful song, 
 And will till they lay us in the grave ; 
 
 > Dunanoir was a castle on the islaml conferrecl on Colin Earl of Argyle. Be- 
 
 of Cape Clear, on the south-west coast tween these two periods M'Neil would 
 
 of Ireland. See Miscell. of Celt. Soc. p. appear to have died, leaving no lieir in 
 
 143. the direct line. 
 
 2 Tlie river Boj-ne. From Dunanoir to * Castle Sween is an ancieiit strong- 
 
 the Boyne included all Ireland. hold at the mouth of Loch Sween in 
 
 ^ Sliabh Ghaidheael, a range.of hills in Knapdale, said to take its name from 
 
 Kiutyre. Sween of Argyle, who Hourished in the 
 
 * In Innes' Orig. Par. vol. ii. pt. i. p. thirteenth century ; but the Irish au- 
 
 41, we find that Hector M'Torquil Mac nalists make mention of it at a mucli 
 
 Neil was constable of Castle Sween in earlier period. It was probably a strong- 
 
 1472. In 1481 the office and lands were hold of the Dalriadic monarchs. 
 
THE ROOK OF 
 
 And now 'tis hard to l)ear, alas ! 
 That we should lose on every side. 
 Didst thou, son of Adam, crush 
 Any cluster of three nuts, 
 It is to him thou lovest most 
 Tlie largest third of them thou 'dst giva 
 Thus of their husk the topmost nut. 
 Does to clan Neil, ungrudged, belong. 
 The bountiful have often poured 
 Their gifts on the dwelling of clan Neil. 
 The prince, who was the last of all, 
 Is he who me with gloom has filled. 
 In half my purjiose I have failed, 
 Jewel, who has roused my giief. 
 Broken my heart is in my breast, 
 And so 't will be until I die ; 
 Left by that black and noble eyelid, 
 Jewel, who hast roused my grief. 
 ISIary, mother, foster-mother of the king, 
 Protect thou me from every shaft ; 
 And thou, her Son, who all things nuul'st. 
 Jewel, who hast roused my grief. 
 Jewel. 
 
 The author of this is Dougall Mac Gille ghis. 
 
 Bold as a prince is John^ in each gathering, 
 'T W(>re long to sing his race's gloiy ; 
 Of this there is no doubt *mong men, 
 That he is the first of the race of kings. 
 Mac Gregor «>f the luavest dft'ds, 
 
 ' This i>oot waH probnMy a M'CireK'T. tlic Hiiliject of tliis laudatory o<lo. He in 
 
 ' III tliu Dcan'H OliilK, as iilrcady fulled Rrantliioinif Malioliii. Acoonlinjj- 
 
 .|u<.lc-.l, we liiul llial, in If.llt, .lit>.l .IkIhi ly, we timl aiiion^' tin- DeanV Ol.it», that 
 
 Dew M'l'atri. k M'(!reK«>r of Ciciistray, .Maliolm M-Oitvor, m.h ami lieir lo.lolin 
 
 .it Sli<.imicl(.(liuii. Me was ftvpaniitlv M '(Jn.i.'.ir -.1 lUciistlav. .lie.l in 1 4!»S. 
 
I'lIK DI;aN of U8.MUKI:. 129 
 
 Is the l.(.lik-,sf .hicf in any land; 
 Botweou Ills gold ami Saxons' spoil, 
 Well may he live in ease and i)eace. 
 Choice for courage of the Grecian Clael, 
 Whose meed of praise shall ne'er decay, 
 Abounding in charity and love, 
 Known in the lands of the race of kings.^ 
 White-toothed falcon of the three glens,^ 
 With whom we read the bravest deeds, 
 The boldest arm 'midst fight of clans, 
 Best of the chiefs from the race of kings. 
 \Mien on ]\Iac I'hadrick of ruddy checks, 
 Wrath in battle's hour awaked, 
 The men who with him share the fight 
 Are never safe amidst its blows. 
 Grandson to Malcom of bright eyes, 
 WHiom none could leave but felt their loss, 
 The generous, gentle, shapely youth, 
 The readiest hand when aught's to do. 
 The race of Gregor stand round John, 
 Not as a weak one is their blow ; 
 The famous race without a fault, 
 Round him like a fence they stand. 
 Clan Gregor who show no fear, 
 Even when with the king they strive. 
 Though brave Gael may be the foe. 
 That they count of little weight, 
 Gael or Saxon are the same. 
 To these brave men of kingly race. 
 Sons of Gregor bold in fight, 
 Bend not before the fiercest foe. 
 Prince^ of the host of generous men, 
 
 ' The original is " sliochd an row," or "* " Braincaii," the word here tvaiis- 
 
 " an nulha." It is translated as if the lated prince, is the ancient Gaelic form 
 
 word were " righe," kinQS ; but the Edi- of the Welsh " Brenhin," a king. The 
 
 tor is in doiiht if this be the word meant. word is now obsolete in the lligh- 
 
 " Tiie M'Gregor's glens were Glennr- lands, 
 ehay, Glendochaii, and Glenlvon. 
 
130 THE BOOK OF 
 
 To Gregor of golden bricUes, heir, 
 
 Pity the men whom you may spoil. 
 
 Worse for them wlio you pursue. 
 
 Chief of Glen Lyon of the blades, 
 
 Sliield and benefactor of the Church, 
 
 His arm like Oscar's in the fight, 
 
 To whom in all things he is like. 
 
 Kindness mantles on his red cheek, 
 
 Tliy praise he justly wins, ungrudged ; 
 
 Benevolence when to men he shows, 
 
 Horses and gold he freely gives. 
 
 ^lac Gregor of the noble race. 
 
 No wonder though bards shoidd fill thy court 
 
 To his white breast there is no match. 
 
 But he so famous 'mong the Feinn. 
 
 Three fair watches him surround, 
 
 Never as captives were his men ; 
 
 His arm in battle's struggle strong, 
 
 Well did he love to hunt the deer. 
 
 In mien and manners he was like 
 
 The king who ruled amongst the Feinn. 
 
 Mac Gregor of the spoils, his fortune such 
 
 That choicest men do covet it. 
 
 Good and gentle is his blue eye, 
 
 He's like Mac Cumhail of liberal ln>ni, 
 
 Like when giving us his gold, 
 
 Like when bestowing gifts on bards. 
 
 Like in wooing or in hunt. 
 
 To the Cu Caird^ among the Feinn. 
 
 Fortune attends the race of kings, 
 
 Their fame and wisdom botli are great. 
 
 Their bounty, jiruilence, charity. 
 
 Are knit to tliem. the nue of kings, 
 
 ' " Cu ceainl," The artijicfr's diuj, \^ lutirucr t" Kiiin I'lirmiu- ; \vlion>iHHiii lu< 
 
 an old imiiio Tor C'm-lnilliii. It ih Kai<l iiii<U'rt<><>k to wutcli liiniKclf, iiiul hctue 
 
 ill IruliiiKl to liiivu oi'i){inittiMl in Cucliiil- olituiiiol tlic iiaiiio of I'lillin'ii ilog. or 
 
 liii hiiviiinkillfil tin- wiifrh ilojfof Cullin. (.'luliiilliti, also " Cu ccniiil." 
 
TIIK DKAX UK MSMORE. 
 
 Wino iuid wax and lionoy, 
 Tliese, with the sta^f-huiit, their deliglit. 
 Famous the actions of John's clan, 
 Like to the sons of tlie Fenian king ; 
 Jolni himself was like to Finn, 
 First and chief 'mongst all his men. 
 Though many sought to have Finn's power, 
 'Mongst those who fought against the Feinn, 
 On l^itrick's son fortune attends, 
 His enemies he has overcome. 
 Mac Oregor who destroys is he, 
 Bountiful friend of Church and bards. 
 Of handsome form, of women loved, 
 He of Glenstray of generous men. 
 Easy 't is to speak of John, 
 His praise to raise loud in the song. 
 Giving his horses and his gold, 
 Just as a king should freely give. 
 King of Heaven, jMary virgin, 
 Keep me as I should be kept ; 
 To the great city fearless me bring 
 Where dwells the Father of the king. 
 
 Bold. 
 
 FoND^ are men of being high-born. 
 Whatever their wealth may be ; 
 Great scorn of the illegitimate, 
 AMio seek to approach the king. 
 Hear me, though ye may mock. 
 Ye race of commons and gentles. 
 The number of famous chiefs, 
 
 1 This is a ciirious fragment, and is of rlonihnaich, Sen^(3 Domini, was appar- 
 interest from the references in it to the ently the illegitimate son of some man 
 Highland clans. The writer, who to- of note, and was in all likelihood a Mac- 
 wards the close gives his name as Maol- lean. 
 
132 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Who go to make u\> iny iiiinc. 
 I'm of the blood of clan Dougal, 
 A race of unquestioned right ; 
 But brave and bold though they be, 
 'T is not of them I've my all. 
 My kinsman is Mac Chailein, 
 Who freely gives gold to the l.iards ; 
 Why should I be sorrowful, 
 My native place is in Earla.' 
 ^ly native place is in Earla, 
 Clan Donald lie off to the west ; 
 My dwelling is with clan Gillean, 
 Tlie men who in battle can fight. 
 Mac I'hee of Colonsay, 
 No stranger is he to my race, 
 And ]\Iac Niel of Barray, 
 Of pure and gentle descent. 
 , Mac Nee I also remember^ 
 
 And also the powerful Mac Sween, 
 
 Clan Leod and clan Kauald, 
 
 Chiefs from whom I descend. 
 
 Cattanachs and Mac Intoshes, 
 
 They too are among my friends ; 
 
 The Camerons and clan Gregur, 
 
 The men from Breadalbane who cunu'. 
 
 Stewarts, though widely they be 
 
 Scattered throughout the whole earth, 
 
 Old, certain, swift footed the tale, 
 
 That of them was my father's graniimotli«'r. 
 
 In liahpdiidder and Bn-adalbane. 
 
 My friends are numerous found ; 
 
 Kiiully men in bringing aid, 
 
 These are my kintlred true. 
 
 C'lan T..aueldan and i-laii Limoiid, 
 
 Clan Neil, who learn feats of war; 
 
 1 Tlioni iH, bttwci-n TiilKriiitny mi'l nmps Arili'. T\\'\x was jirolmMy tli 
 Aids in Mull, a pliia< iiimki'.l in tlir si.lrme of inir luinl. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 188 
 
 Friends of iniue are (.laii Tavisli, 
 
 '^lidst tlieir green hills and their braes. 
 
 These little vigorous men, 
 
 "Who dwell in the straths of the land, 
 
 I visit M'Dougal of Craignish, 
 
 I've a friend besides in ^lac Ivor, 
 
 Gillean who has come from Mull, 
 
 Woman from the race of mariners, 
 
 Never did compass the earth, 
 
 The man whom she did not attract. 
 
 Faithful and steadfast friend, 
 
 Chief who was kind to Maol Donich, 
 
 In the liking which this man has, 
 
 Xo man more favour could get. 
 
 Fond. 
 
 Long do I feel my lying here, 
 
 My health to me is a stranger ; 
 
 Fain would I pay my health's full price. 
 
 Were mine the numerous spoils. 
 
 A spoil of white-haired, hea^y cows, 
 
 A spoil of cows for drink or feasting, 
 
 I'd give besides the heavy bull. 
 
 If for my cure I had the price. 
 
 The herds and flocks of Mannauan,- 
 
 The swprd and horn of Mac Cumhail, 
 
 The trumpet of jNIanallan^ I'd give, 
 
 ' The Editor has not been able to the Isle of Man takes its name, as well 
 
 identify the author of this poetical com- as the district in Scotland called Sla- 
 
 plaint During the existence of baronies, niannan. 
 with their bailies or local judges, the 
 
 number of barons or baron bailies in the » Tlie Editor has not been able to ob- 
 
 Highlands must have been lai-ge. Of this tain any account of this person. There 
 
 class was most likely our poet. is a contraction over the second a in the 
 
 ' An ancient Celtic hero, from whom MS., which makes the reading doubtful. 
 
THE BUOK <.)F 
 
 Ami tlic (|uivL*r ul' Cuchulliii, 
 Ir, £vir, and Eireaniou/ 
 And were I to possess them, 
 The harp of Curcheoil,- which hid men's giiif, 
 The shield of the King of Golnor." 
 Lomond's^ ship of greatest fame, 
 Had I it upon the strand. 
 All I've seen I'd freely give, 
 Ere as now I'd long remain. 
 Long to me appears the coming 
 Of Alexander ^lac Intosh, 
 That my disease he might chive away, 
 And tliiis I niiglit no longer lie. 
 Lont;. 
 
 No Author. ■* 
 
 For the race of Gael, from the land of Greece 
 
 There is no place where they can rest ; 
 
 Doubtless thou would'st much prefer 
 
 To raise the Gaelic race on high. 
 
 Now that thou risest 'gainst the Saxon. 
 
 Let not thy rising be a soft one ; 
 
 Have your swords with shai-peued bhules, 
 
 ' Till- tlncc sons u( .MiliiUi of Siwiin, tally the occasion of it. It is a.l.lrcssi-,! 
 
 fioiii whoiii the Mik'Hiaii races aiu <U'- to Aicliilmlil, Earl of Argylc. I'hunccllor 
 
 bccikUm], according to Celtic story. of Scotland, who was killed at l\w 
 
 • The Editor can give no acco\nit of hattle of Flodden in 15K5. 'I'lie Saxons 
 those nunies. The traditions respecting iissailed so virulently l>y the jioet an«, 
 them seem to linve perinhed. in all likeliliotxl, not the I.A>wland Scotch 
 
 ' A fanions t'eltic liero, from wlioni l)iit the English, and the ikhmii is iiri>- 
 
 Hen Lonioml antl Loch Luniond arc said Imhiy ii " lirosnachniUi catha," or incite- 
 
 to derive their nnines. inent to the rising of the Scotch, and 
 
 * There is a jiorlion of the beginning jmrticularly the Argyle men, prvvioiiH 
 of thiH ode wanting, and we liave no to the ilisastmus battle of FliHUlen. 
 menntt of knowing who the poet wiui. This invests the tragment with ]>eculiar 
 A reference to the history of the time, liiHtoricnl interest. There seems not to 
 and the names intriMhiced into the he much of the poem wanting, prohnbly 
 p<iem, however, suggest very emphati- only a few lines. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOKE. l:J5 
 
 Lot your six-ars stand by your sides, 
 
 Let us not forsake our country, 
 
 Let us fiercely, bravely fight. 
 
 It is said by the Gael of Banva,^ 
 
 Our fathers did the tale repeat, 
 
 And I ha\'e heard there was a time. 
 
 Long ago, that Innis Aingin" 
 
 Was ruletl l.)y the Fomorian^ race, 
 
 AVHio raised from it a heavy tax. 
 
 Thus for a while the Saxons have 
 
 Our country burdened heavily ; 
 
 And now each clan is full of fear. 
 
 And we are plunged in gi-ievous doubt. 
 
 But now that a gathering 's begun, 
 
 There's need that chiefs should rouse them uj) ; 
 
 For with them, 'tis my opinion. 
 
 We will share a common fate. 
 
 Wlio is the man, whom we can tell, 
 
 Will fi-om the Saxon save the Gael ? 
 
 Wlio in our day has won much fame, 
 
 And whose house is truly noble ? 
 
 Know a man, were he but willing, 
 
 Of whom we readily might tell, 
 
 His power in Banva widely known. 
 
 Men all bound with him to gather. 
 
 Ai'chibald of the pointed head, 
 
 Of thee it is that men now speak. 
 
 Earl of Argyle,* I thee beseech, 
 
 Be as a hero in the conflict ; 
 
 » Ireland. said to be derived from " lo mhuir," 
 
 ^ There was an Innis Aingin, an island under the sea, and is supposed to indi- 
 
 in the Shannon, famous as being the cate their coming from the low sea coasts 
 
 place to which St. Ciaran retired to spend of Holland or Denmark, 
 
 the latter part of his life. It is here * Archibald, Earl of Argyle, Chancel- 
 
 apparently taken to represent a portion lor of Scotland, who was killed at Flod- 
 
 of Ireland. See Mr. O'Curry's Lect. p. den in 1513. He is called larla " Oiithir 
 
 58. GhaitUieal," The sea-coast of the Oacl, 
 
 3 An early race of pirates, said to have which would seem to be the true etynio- 
 
 infested the Irish coasts. The word is logy of " Ai^yle." 
 
THE bOOK OF 
 
 A hero who shall ivign supiviiie 
 O'er Gael from the taiuoiis land ; 
 Noble, liigh-borii prince of the (Jael, 
 Thou 'It in apportioned Albin reigii. 
 Hero, who '11 desert no fight, 
 With sword, so long as right remains, 
 Who for the Gael from Greece, subjection 
 Ne'er suffer would at Saxon's hand. 
 The very roots from whence they grow, 
 Pluck them that thou raay'st us deliver ; 
 Suffer not a Saxon hence to live, 
 After that thou overcom'st them. 
 Burn all tlieir women, ugly in form ; 
 Burn their children, every one ; 
 Burn their black huts, burn them all ; 
 And crush their enmity to us. 
 Drown their warriors in their streams, 
 AVlien their accoutrements are burnt. 
 Cease not, while a Saxon lives. 
 To drown them weakened in their streams, 
 liemember thou, of ruddy cheeks. 
 The claims we on the Saxon have ; 
 Oppression and beggary all thy days, 
 AVhen that their oppression throve. 
 Remember thy own father Colin ;^ 
 liemember Archibald," father to him ; 
 Remember Duncan,^ the prosperous, 
 lie who was liberal and friendly; 
 iJciiii'iiibi'r thou that other Colin ;"' 
 lit iiK ndier Archiliald* as well ; 
 
 ' Colin, socoikI Earl of Ai(,'ylo, niul cnllcil " Dunclmdh an aij»li," or iMnuun 
 
 Chancellor of Kcotlainl, who initrriod of ihmhI fortune. 
 
 iHubella, wecond tlauirhltr of Sti-wart, * ..• r. i- t i > u i .«.. i 
 
 , , ,.', " * Sir Colin of ArgvU'.t'alloil "Cuiloan 
 
 Lord Ol iMYU. . 1 M J .• f y^ I- 11 
 
 .... . I .,,,„.,.,, . , loiiKantach, troiitirrful Cvl»n, anti al.-io 
 
 » Sir Ari-hilial(l, llrKt Earl of ArK'vlo, ,,,.■. .,, .. ,„,. 
 
 II 1 .</>ii • 1. .. .. . ,.,* ., " I aiifan niaitli, whhI Colin. 
 
 calletl " (iilleNimij,' Kumlh, Air/ii/xit,! "^ 
 
 Ifie rfil. » Sir Anhilial.l of ArKylo. ciillol 
 
 * Sir DiiiKiin of .\r(.>\lr, . ..inni..iilv •• <iill(.fti»pui(j in.'.r," .1 *v/m/~//./ ^A- .,.v.i/ 
 
THK I) KAN OF LISMOKK 187 
 
 IJc'inciiilH'r Culiii' first of all. 
 He who was brave ainon^'st tlie (Jael. 
 Keiiieinl)er that they never gave 
 Their tax lioiu terror of the Saxon ; 
 ^lucli more it now belongs to thee 
 To see that thou bear'.st not this tax. 
 Now that there is but thy sire's blooti, 
 Of Gael from the famous land, 
 Let the men together come, 
 Let them fill with fear their foes. 
 Let them attack the Saxon now. 
 Wake thee up then, son of Colin, 
 Golden-haired one, war is begun, 
 'T is not good to sleep too much. 
 
 Great. 
 
 The author of this is Duncan Mac Douo-all ]\Laoil."' 
 
 o 
 
 The history of the secret origin of John Mac Patrick,^ 
 
 "Why should I conceal it ? 
 
 What belongs to his race is not feeble. 
 
 The bearing of that race we love. 
 
 Seldom of a feeble race it is, 
 
 Among the Gael of purest fame. 
 
 That inquiry of their origin is made, 
 
 By the men who read in books. 
 
 Firm the belief to them and me. 
 
 During the evening time so dark, 
 
 1 Sir Colin of Argyle, called " Cailean * This author is oue of the writers of 
 
 6g," young Colin, son of Neil, son of the MS., and a Macgregor. By referring 
 
 Colin, called " Cailean mor," from whom to the genealogy at p. 143 of the MS., 
 
 the family take the patronjnnic of " Mac we find him designating himself as Dun- 
 
 Chailein mhoir," The son o/ great Colin. chadh daoroglach, Mac Dhughaill, Mhic 
 
 Cailean mor was also called " Cailean na Eoin riabbaich — Duncan the appren- 
 
 Sreang," from a mountain between Loch tice, son of Dougall, son of John the 
 
 Awe and Lorn, where he was killed in a grizzled. 
 
 feud with the Macdougalls. (MS. Gen. ^ John dow M'Patrick M'Gregor of 
 
 not. of fam. of Argyle, pen. Ed.) Glenstrae, who died in 1526. 
 
138 THE BOOK OF 
 
 That in the blood of ikjIiIc kings 
 
 AVere tlie rights of true clan Gregor. 
 
 Now that I 'm by thy green dwelling, 
 
 Listen, John, to thy family story : 
 
 A root of the very root we are, 
 
 Of famous kings of noble story. 
 
 Know that I'atrick was thy father, 
 
 Malconi ftither was to I'atrick. 
 
 Son of black John, not black his breaat. 
 
 Him who feasts and chariots owned. 
 
 Another John was black John's father. 
 
 Son of Gregor, son of John the lucky. 
 
 Three they were of liberal heart. 
 
 Three beneficent to the Church. 
 
 The father to that learned John, 
 
 Was ^lalcom, who his wealth ne'er hid, 
 
 Son of Duncan, surly and small, 
 
 AMiose standard never took reproach. 
 
 His father was another Duncan, 
 
 Son of Gillelan of the ambush, 
 
 Noble he was, giving to friends, 
 
 Son of the famous Hugh from Urt[uhay. 
 
 Kennau^ of the pointed spear. 
 
 Of Hugh from Urquhay was the father. 
 
 From Alpin,- of stately mien and fierce, 
 
 Mighty king of weighty blows. 
 
 This is the fourth account that's given 
 
 Of thee, who art the heir of Tatrick. 
 
 Kemember well thy back-bone line, 
 
 Down IVom Aljtin, heir of Dougal. 
 
 Twenty and one, besides thyself, 
 
 I TliiH is iniiiiilVistly a iiiiKliiko for * Alpin, King of the Si-ot«, wiio lUui- 
 
 KeniiL'th. The jierhon nieniit in Kenneth Hulled in the liexinniuK' of the ninth 
 
 M'Alpin, Kinn of Scotluntl. In the in>- eentury. Several i>f the link.s in tlie .Mnr- 
 
 neulogy nivcn in ji. HI of the .MS., this K'l'K""' Roneology nniNt he wnntinn in 
 
 Kennnn is Nuitl to liiive hernhiuli Kingof this jMieni. Kven the tmnie oftJregor, 
 
 Scotlund, to iliHtingniKh him from leNxer fmni whom the t-l.in is eiilled, doe.« not 
 
 chiefN, wliom the ('fit- ■ .ill.il knu-N .ii.|.i'iii nl nil 
 
TIIK I)1:AN of LISMuKt;. 189 
 
 John tilt' l)lack, not Itluek in hcurt. 
 
 Tliy genealogy h'luls us truly 
 
 To the prosijerous Fergus ^M'Erc. 
 
 Of thy race, which wastes not like froth. 
 
 Six generations wore the crown. 
 
 Forty kings tliere were and three, 
 
 Their Llood and origin are known. 
 
 Three there were nortli and three to the south,' 
 
 After the time of Malcom Kenniore. 
 
 Ten of the race did wear the crown. 
 
 From the time of IMalcom up to Alpin. 
 
 From Alpin upwards we do find 
 
 Fourteen kings till we reach Fergus. 
 
 Such is thy genealogy 
 
 To Fergus,"' sou of Ere the prosperous. 
 
 How many are there of thy race, 
 
 ^lust have been from thee to Fergus ! 
 
 Noble the races mix with thy blood, 
 
 Such as now we cannot number. 
 
 The schools^ w^ould weaiy with our tale. 
 
 Numbering the kings from whom thou 'rt sprung. 
 
 The blood of Arthur* is in thy bosom. 
 
 Precious is that which fills thy veins ; 
 
 The blood of Cuan, the blood of Conn,^ 
 
 Two wise men, gloiy of the race. 
 
 The blood of Grant in thy apple-red cheek, 
 
 The blood of Neil, the fierce and mighty. 
 
 Fierce and gentle, at all times. 
 
 Is the story of the royal race. 
 
 The history. 
 
 ' Both sides of Loch Tay, the ancient mast of tlie composers were imdouljt- 
 
 Macgregor territory, are still called edly trained there. Poetry and genealogy 
 
 "Tuai-uith" and "Deasruith," northand were the chief branches studied. 
 
 south sides. . , ,, x-- /.., r.^ ^i i 3 r> • 
 
 o t^- i 1 • r ii T^ 1 ■ 1- ci i •* Arthur, King of the StrathclydeBn- 
 
 2 First king of the Dalriadic Scots. ^ „ . .1 r. 1 n 1 
 
 H T,, , , .... , , ,. , tons, from whom tlie CainpneUs also art' 
 
 '* 1 he schooLs ol the baras which . , . , , , , 
 
 abounded in Scotland and Ireland at 
 
 aid to be descended. 
 
 this period, chiefly in Ireland, as may ' "Conn ceud catha," Cimti of the 
 
 be discovered from this collection, for hundred battles, King of Ireland. 
 
140 Till': BOOK OF 
 
 The aiitlior of this is ^lac Eadiag.^ 
 
 Displeased am I with the south wind, 
 
 AVhich hinders tlie coming of John,'- 
 
 Aud that he is kept away out, 
 
 On his way from tlie north to M'Leod. 
 
 Janet's son, of whitest sails, 
 
 Well would he like to cross the sea ; 
 
 But the south wind will not listen 
 
 To John, AVilliam's sou of swift steeds. 
 
 By night or by day as I sleep, 
 
 From the beach I see to the north. 
 
 The rushing l>ark of whitest sails. 
 
 The hark of liim who stays defeat. 
 
 This is the fame which every man 
 
 Awards to IM'AVilliam from Clar Sgith,^ 
 
 An ardent, white-toothed, ready youth, 
 
 One who for aught he did ne'er mourned. 
 
 This is the eighth day without John, 
 
 Heir to M'Leod of bluest eye ; 
 
 Like he is in mien and strength 
 
 To the great house of liberal heart. 
 
 Cheerful he is, does nought conceal, 
 
 Such is the fame of shari)-arnu'd Jolni. 
 
 In battle's day he takes tlie lead, 
 
 Ever ready fume to win. 
 
 William's son, my foster child, 
 
 Sun In .liuu't, royal her race, 
 
 I 'id 1 hut hear thou cam'st from the north. 
 
 All my gloom would disappear. 
 
 ' This nana' is very in<listiiul in tlm ns to John, if ii smi of this William .Mm- 
 
 MS., iinil cannot l>c ^ivun with ci-r- li'od. Hut William's father was Jdhn, 
 
 tainty. whose father was also in all likelihoiHl a 
 
 a In MS(», William Mmleod of Dun- William; nn.l this Ji.hn, whosv jl,>rr,it 
 
 ve|,'an was killed at the battle of the was early in the tifteenth century, nit|;ht 
 
 Hlooily Hiiy, ami was succeeded l>y his he the jierson here meant, 
 son Alexander, usually called " Alastair • The tdil name for Skye, and thmws 
 
 t^rotach," or /mmjilmcknl ((in-jj. HiKl'- »"••'«' <loul>t on the derivation of the 
 
 ji. 711. The charters fjive no information name " Sjjiathnnach," UMially accepted. 
 
TIIK DKAN OF LIS.MOKH 141 
 
 T\\v autliDi- of this is :Mac Gillindak/ the man of songs. 
 
 Lords have precedence of chiefs, 
 
 It has been so from the beginning ; 
 
 It is commendable in yonng men, 
 
 That each should have knowledge of this. 
 
 The first who was lord of this land 
 
 Was Dimcan beg (little) of the great suiil, 
 
 He who as a legacy has left 
 
 Their braveiy to clan Gregor. 
 
 Duncan, great by many spoils, 
 
 Was the blessed father of Malcom ; 
 
 Grandfather he was to princely John, 
 
 Him who never broke his pledge. 
 
 Gregor, excellent son of Duncan, 
 
 Was son to John, and was his heir ; 
 
 Famous man he was of the country, 
 
 From the bright shore of Loch TuUich,' 
 
 Swarthy John, so pure in speech, 
 
 Princely son of John ^I'Gregor, 
 
 Himter of the well-formed deer, 
 
 He like a king aye led the fight. 
 
 Malcom of unbending truth. 
 
 Know thou John, succeeds his father, 
 
 Southwards in fair Glenurchay, 
 
 Handsome he was amongst its valleys. 
 
 The first place 'mong their ancestors 
 
 Is given by the Saxon to clan Gregor, 
 
 Of whom were three chiefs loved the hunt, 
 
 And were most active in the fight. 
 
 In the days of Conn of hundred battles, 
 
 I heard of something like this, 
 
 1 We have no tradition respecting this ^ Elsewhere translated Loch Tummell. 
 
 poet. But he must have been a bard of " Tolve " is the word in the original, 
 
 the M'Gregoi-s'. The allusion to the Loch TuUich lies at the head of Glen- 
 
 Feinn will be understood by referring to nrchay. 
 the war-song of Gaul. 
 
142 THK BOOK OF 
 
 Of Finn of .spi'ar.s and .sharp swnid, 
 
 Cunilial's son uf famous deeds : 
 
 That of Erin the hunting and lordshii) 
 
 Belonged to ^lac Cunihal of long locks, 
 
 rati-iniony and lordship he had n't 
 
 Over the lands of the race of Gaul. 
 
 Forest right they had all liis life, 
 
 From Kerry north to Cam Valair. 
 
 But he possessed the old rights 
 
 Which previously were his. 
 
 From Hallowmas on to Beltin, 
 
 His Feinn had all the rights. 
 
 The hunting without molestation, 
 
 Was theirs in all the forests. 
 
 Many the tributes I cannot tell, 
 
 Belonged to Finn and his men. 
 
 Tribute in Erin possessed 
 
 By IMac Cumhail from the forest.s. 
 
 A noble's forest right to the Feinn, 
 
 (^n the banks of every stream. 
 
 But ^Malcom's large tril)utes 
 
 Did not belong to ^lac Muirn ;^ 
 
 Finn himself would never liunt 
 
 Without first asking leave. 
 
 The hunting of Scotland, without leave. 
 
 Belongs, with its spoil, to ^lalcom. 
 
 Constant in the hunt together 
 
 Are M'Gregor and his fierce men ; 
 
 No oft^'uer did tln^ l»lood red hounds 
 
 Enti'r the fort of clan Jioisgne. 
 
 A lighting band of chieftains 
 
 Arose with him in liattle's day. 
 
 Men who.se dress sparkled with gold. 
 
 Men who concpiered in llu> light. 
 
 The head of clans and of huntsmen 
 
 1 Tliis iH iiRuiilly Uh- ii;iiiic ..f (iiml, \nd litre it is Finn, whose motlioi's iiKiiie 
 
 WIIH Mllil'll. 
 
Tin; DKAX OF LIS.MOUi:. 14S 
 
 Is the coinuKm taiiu' of liis race. 
 
 Xo trial ol" bravery or skill 
 
 "Will show weakness in iM'Gregor. 
 
 Many in his halls are found tof,'ether, 
 
 Men who carried well -sharped swords, 
 
 Ked gold glittered on their hilts, 
 
 The arms of the lion of Loch Awe. 
 
 Harmonious music among harps, 
 
 Men with dice-Loxes in their hands, 
 
 Those who leave the game of tables, 
 
 CJo and lead forth the hounds. 
 
 ;Mac Gregor of red-pointed palms, 
 
 Son of Dervail, the Saxon's terror. 
 
 No hand like his amidst the fight, 
 
 He 't is that ever victory won. 
 
 Liberal he ever was to bards, 
 
 Gifts which Mac Lamond^ knows to earn. 
 
 Famous for managing his hounds, 
 
 A hand so ready with its gifts. 
 
 Mary, who stands by his side, 
 
 Of noble mind and handsome form, 
 
 Poets unite to give her praise. 
 
 Her with cheeks as berries red. 
 
 Lords. 
 
 The author of this is Finlay, the red-haired bard." 
 
 The one demon of the Gael is dead, 
 A tale 't is well to remember. 
 Fierce ravager of Church and cross. 
 The bald-head, heavy, worthless boar. 
 First of all from hell he came, 
 
 ' Proha1)ly the chief bard of the Mac- we know that the Macnahs countcl them- 
 
 Gregois. selves of the same lineage with the Mac- 
 
 2 It has been suggested to the Editor gregors. There is much in the composi- 
 
 that this poet might have been the chief tion given here, however, to indicate his 
 
 of the Macnabs, the chief of this period being an ecclesiastic, 
 being Finlay Macnab of Boquhan ; and 
 
144 TIIK BOOK OF 
 
 The tiile '.s an ea.sy one to tell, 
 
 Armed with the devil's venoin<ms sjwar. 
 
 IJut he was surely, firmly bound, 
 
 Ya'Q quitting the hlack liouse of hell, 
 
 To the same stronghold to return, 
 
 And leave the Star of Pamdise. 
 
 Then, when came the hlack-skinned Imur, 
 
 Many the devils in his train, 
 
 Each of them with horrid sound. 
 
 Their voices all in one loud strain. 
 
 Lest that he should nothing have. 
 
 It was apportioned by ^lac Ruarie,' 
 
 As a covenant firmly fixed, 
 
 That in hell he 'd live a dog. 
 
 Righteous and just is now the claim 
 
 AVhich Allan has against the devils. 
 
 Whatever share may be their own, 
 
 He, I think, should have much glory. 
 
 'Tis time to cease now from that band. 
 
 Of horrid sounds, and cruel heart. 
 
 Mac Kuarie from the ocean fiir, 
 
 Wealth thou 'st got without an eftbrt. 
 
 'T is a report we can't neglect. 
 
 For with Columba I must meet, 
 
 'T is a report that fills the land, 
 
 Bald-head AUan, thou so faithless, 
 
 That thou hast, not thine only crime, 
 
 I!jivaged I "and Rclig^ Oran. 
 
 Fiercely didst thou then destroy 
 
 Priests' vestments and vessels for the mass. 
 
 ' We K'lirn frimi (JrcK'. Hi^'i. jip. (J.l, rt'coiving n lui>;t< shuri' of the Inxity taken 
 
 rtfl, tliiil Allan .Mii(Kuaii,Kn-iit-Kriui<l'*"ii mi the (xca.sion. Tlic jMH-t .IcscriluvH 
 
 of lliiiiiilil, iiiiil chiflof (lull UaniiM, wum liiiii uh a hatTilffjimis iiiHnitidcr. 
 
 oiiiMif llu- ])iiiiciiml KUiiitoitiTHof AiiKiiK, ' Till- I'lcK-hiiisticai oKtaltlishiiirnt at 
 
 the yniiiiK •'•»■<• "f till* IhK's, at llip l.allii' loim. Tlio lU-formoni liml pmlmlily loss 
 
 rif till! Hlooily Hay ; ami that lu< also lol- to do with the .lixtnution «>f the Imilil- 
 
 lowcd Ahxaiider of Lo.halsh in liiH in- in^"* in lona than is (•menilly thou^lit. 
 
 vasion of KoHH and fromaity in IISM. • The ihnrch of St. (.>rAn in lonn. 
 
tup: dkan of lismoue. i4ff 
 
 Thou art Inche Gall's' great cui-se, 
 
 Ilcr reveiuie aud stronghold spoil'st ; 
 
 Thou art the man whose heart is worst 
 
 Of all who followed have thy chief, 
 
 Save one who stands at his left hand, 
 
 And he, ^lac Ruarie, is thy brother. 
 
 Now thy fight we never liear, 
 
 But from the cross we hear thee cursed ; 
 
 Tlio two are good who are about thee, 
 
 Black indeed they are in form. 
 
 At the time thou first mad'st war, 
 
 There was the Abbot's liorrid corpse, 
 
 Besides that other lawless raid 
 
 Against Finan"' in Glengarry. 
 
 Thine own cruel, hateful deeds. 
 
 Have cursed thy bald-head body, Allan, 
 
 Just as crime will always do. 
 
 Revenge itself on who commits it. 
 
 The country side, with its protest. 
 
 Has stamped mad rage on Allan's face. 
 
 Thine own country and thy friends, 
 
 Thou hast cruelly oppressed. 
 
 The last of thy goodness was lost 
 
 Between the Shell and the Hourn. 
 
 'T is no wonder thou didst keep 
 
 Far away, Allan, from the gallows. 
 
 The fame which men had given thee, 
 
 Extends to thy mother and thy sister. 
 
 Time it is to cease from satire, 
 
 Worthless, cruel son of Ruarie. 
 
 Though learning which helps not manners. 
 
 The sound of thy wailing is pleasant. 
 
 The one demon. 
 
 > The Hebrides were knowni a3"lnnse- * The church of Kilfinan, at the ea>t 
 
 i^aW," or the tslamh of the strangers, pro- end of Loch Lochy, where is still the 
 
 bably since the rise of the kingdom of burying-place of the M'Donells of Glen- 
 
 the Norsemen there. garrv. 
 
146 THE BUUK OF 
 
 The son has been found like Iiis father/ 
 Above all chiefs whom we have known, 
 ^ His bearing, countenance, and mind. 
 
 And with me he dwells in Lewis. 
 The knowledge and mind of a chief, 
 "With which he '11 make prosperous times. 
 I say of this young son we 've got, 
 That he is just another Roderick ;2 
 How like each other are their locks. 
 His father's honour to his ringlets. 
 In battle, too, how like the praise 
 Of Torquil^ and his famous father. 
 Of all that in Torquil's time may come, 
 None of his friends shall suffer luss, 
 Great deeds and victories will be. 
 Such as j\Iac Caiman'* may relate. 
 Many his gifts which we might praise, 
 Torquil of the famous race ; 
 His are a hero's strength and vigour, 
 Which he brings into the fight. 
 I say of him, and say in truth, 
 Since I have come so well to know him, 
 That never was there of his age 
 Better king who ruled in T^wis. 
 To him belonged the " Cairge ndu)rdha," * 
 The richest jewel sailed the sea, 
 Given it was to Mac Yic Torquil, 
 "With which to reach his jjcople's land. 
 
 ' Tlicro is ijo aullioiV iiaiiu< pivtii fur kilkil in the Imttlc of the Blomlj- Bny. 
 
 thiH hiiirited eulogy. The uiithor wns Ttir<|Hil was furfoitod tor hail.ouiiiig 
 
 j.robaljly a family bunl of the Siol Tor- DoiiaM tluhh, »..n of An^Mis Oj; of Ihlay. 
 
 cuil, or M'LeoilH of LcwIk. ((ir»'K'. Hi^'h. p. 73.) 
 
 " Roderick M'Leod of LewiH wan head * Trobably the chief hanl of tlie Sii.I 
 
 of the Siol Tort\iil, or houh of Toniiiil, Torcuil. 
 in H'.ia. (dreg. HiKh. 1>. 73.) • " t'airliho" in a ithip. This waajiro 
 
 ■ Tonjiiil Wtt8 Hccond Hon of Itoderick hiildy tlio name of Toniuil'H H""«'.v, nl- 
 
 M'lAod of LewiH, Ihe cldctit hnviiiK liccn though Niu'lled "luirgo" l>y the iVan. 
 
THK DEAN OF LISMOKE. 147 
 
 Mac Ruarie of cheerful music, 
 
 Had also the old cleaving sword, 
 
 Another jewel of sure effect, 
 
 'T was given him by the King of Aineach.' 
 
 Since he so many presents had, 
 
 'Twas needless for him to go and seek. 
 
 A shield he had cleft in the head, 
 
 Another jewel, sounding loud. 
 
 Without he had a noble herd 
 
 Of horses, with their trappings red ; 
 
 'T would n't suit a man like him 
 
 Not to have many swift-paced steeds. 
 
 His was the Du Seivlin, 
 
 M'Leod's, whom the bards would sing. 
 
 'T was hard for those to take that horse, 
 
 "SVhoe'er they were that might him seek. 
 
 Torquil had many youths 
 
 AVho never trembled in battle, 
 
 "Who for his race seized on all lands, 
 
 A race that aye the conflict loved. 
 
 Not braver of his age was Cuchullin, 
 
 Not hardier was he than Torquil, 
 
 Him of the ready, vigorous arm, 
 
 Who boldly breaks through any breach. 
 
 Beloved though Mac Vic Torquil is, 
 
 I can't enough his beauty praise ; 
 
 He who is fair as he is the brave, 
 
 The key to every woman's heart. 
 
 There is no son of king or chief 
 
 Of whose fame we 've ever heard. 
 
 Though we 've had much to do with such, 
 
 That better are to us than Torquil. 
 
 Catherine," daughter of j\Iac Cailen, 
 
 AVhose soft hand 's worthy of thy race, 
 
 ' " Aineach," a castle of the O'Kanes, -Catharine, daughter of Colin, 2d 
 
 within a few miles of DeiTv. The King Earl of Argyle, who married Torquil 
 of Aineach was chief of the O'Kanes. ^^acleod of the Lewis. 
 
148 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Daughter of the Euii uf Argyk;, 
 Best of the women we have fouii J. 
 To our isle we 've got a woman. 
 Branch of a great and famous tree. 
 Daughter of ^Mac Cailen, young and genth», 
 ^\^lOse locks in flowing ringlets fall. 
 The sun. 
 
 The author of this is Gilliecaluin Mac an onaV( 
 
 The cause of my sorrow is come, 
 
 This year has not prospered with me ; 
 
 Foolish who cannot understand 
 
 How my grief has on me come ; 
 
 He who cannot understand 
 
 How my grief has come at once ; 
 
 Since these wounds my body got, 
 
 Such woimds I 've got I mourn. 
 
 Pleasant now, though bitter too. 
 
 To mourn my sad distress ; 
 
 Sorrow fills my inmost heoi-t. 
 
 Great was my love ibr him who 's gone ; 
 
 My heart is broken in twain, 
 
 No wonder it should be so ; 
 
 My body lias neither flesh nor Ijlood. 
 
 Like a strengthless suflbrer. 
 
 'T is no wondi'r if I so grieve 
 
 For Marguri't's" son who now is gone, 
 
 Ifenu'iiilK-ring all liis virtue.s, 
 
 And that chielless we are left. 
 
 ' IlhuH liecn Huiil in a i>reviouB note Ueuton in 1411. There wore scvoml of 
 
 tliat nothing is known of thiH jioet. But tho family whoso nanio was liilliocal- 
 
 tlio jircHent conijioBition would inilicatc liini. "Mac an Olainih " means «om <>/ 
 
 his heiiig one of the ceU-hrated UcatonH, (hf iifii/sician. 
 
 pliysicianH and sennachie.n to tlic LonlH * Margaret LivinitHtono, ilau);hter of 
 
 of the IslcH. There is a iliarlor of lamlt Sir Alexamler Livinnstone, married to 
 
 in Islay, written in (inelic l.y Ferj^ns Alexamler l.onl of the Ihles. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMOUE. 149 
 
 Sore is the loss that he is gone, 
 Now tliat in the world we're weak, 
 My grief now that thy days are ended, 
 Is the injury done by Angus.^ 
 Though it he hard for me to pai-t 
 With John's" son of sweetest speech, 
 What is worst of all is this, 
 That ne'er to his place he'll return. 
 Though I Avere from happiness far, 
 Pursued by my foes' reproach, 
 Whatever good might me o'ertake, 
 From them never would I buy. 
 No wonder though heavy my heart, 
 As another lord 's seen in thy place, 
 That my whole man should be feeble. 
 Now that my king is dead. 
 Bitter is my pain since he left, 
 'T is easy the tale to relate, 
 'T is hard my great sorrow to bear, 
 For the hero so famous who 's gone. 
 Great is my grief, and no wonder, 
 ]My mourning is true, sincere ; 
 That which sorely has me pained. 
 Is that in Albin we 've no race.^ 
 Now since that I must leave, 
 As others with reproach me load. 
 Since he is dead, I fain would go, 
 Aw^ay from the rough isles of Albin. 
 Yet 't is sore for me to leave, 
 Although I feel that go I must. 
 Now that my beloved is dead. 
 My country I must leave behind. 
 
 1 Angus Og, 6011 of Joliii last Lonl of a Both John niul Angus, 6ons of the 
 
 the Isles, who fouglit the battle of the last Lord of the Isles, died before their 
 
 Bloody Bay against his father. father. He was forfeited, and died in a 
 
 a John, son of Alexander Lord of the monastery in Paisley. 
 Isles. 
 
150 THE HOOK OF 
 
 Last of all, what grieves me is, 
 
 And truly the cause is enough. 
 
 That my beloved will not return. 
 
 To Islay on this side of Innis.^ 
 
 And then, besides, it is so sad. 
 
 That this during his time sliould come. 
 
 Wringing hearts, and bodies rending, 
 
 Without revenge being in our power. 
 
 No men on earth could think 
 
 How ready he was foes to crush, 
 
 'T was notliing both for us and thee 
 
 That champions should come against us. 
 
 But thy foes now have pierced thee. 
 
 Pity we had not with thee died. 
 
 Fair- handed, sweet- voiced son of Mary, 
 
 That we should have none to help. 
 
 He of the fairest countenance, 
 
 Our loss is not to follow him. 
 
 All the fame thou didst enjoy, 
 
 Was such as to thy race belonged, 
 
 They who had the long curled locks, 
 
 "VMiose company men loved much. 
 
 Now their hearts are sore depressed, 
 
 Eveiy comfort ])oor without thee. 
 
 'T would bo hard to find one like me, 
 
 And that from my lord I had. 
 
 The fellowship of priests and poets ; 
 
 lliese are plenty, but his hand absent. 
 
 When othei-s to the banquet go, 
 
 Of the honour my share is this, 
 
 Kvcr to mourn in grief unchang''(i. 
 
 And (if sorrow driidc my till. 
 
 Tis .sad for nu; I do not follow. 
 
 Much his absence do we grieve ; 
 
 I 'riiih wonl ih HpolUvl " Kitlmin," iiikI tlt-i-ide which it iiivnun; pivlialily " I«i»" 
 " KinJN," iiii<l •' Kills." Il ix lijiiihliiti'il ill I'lhtor, whcio tho IxinU of the Isle* 
 Aii;/i'.^ n\\<\ /iiiiis. Hilt It i« <lilli<'ult t» hixl uxtviiKivii poKNCMioiis. 
 
TIIK DCAN OF LISMOUE. 
 
 And tliou uVr tliat which makes me mourn, 
 
 Many the other men wlio weep. 
 
 Many the men before our time, 
 
 "Who by soiTOW were brouglit low ; 
 
 And what 1 've said does find its proof, 
 
 In a tale I 've told before. 
 
 " I 've heard a tale of old," etc.^ 
 
 As follows in another place. 
 
 The fellow of this noble man, 
 
 Foster-son of Caoimh and Conull. 
 
 Blind Arthur Mac Gurkich.' 
 
 The assembled fleet at Castle Sween, 
 
 Pleasant tidings in Innisfail, 
 
 Of all the riders of the waves, 
 
 A finer ship no man e'er owned. 
 
 Tall men did manage the ship, 
 
 Men, I think, to nrge their way ; 
 
 No hand without a champion, 
 
 A slashing, vigorous, noble band. 
 
 With coats of black all were supplied. 
 
 In this bark, noble their race, 
 
 Bands with their brown, broad belts, 
 
 Danes and nobles were they all. 
 
 Chieftains with ivoiy and gold. 
 
 The crew on board this brown-sailed ship, 
 
 ' See above, p. 50. other in the Dean's Mrf. "Broin" is an 
 ' Who this blind poet was the Editor ancient word for a troop or haml, and 
 cannot say. He can Hnd no notice of him " death," "conihlan," " nos," are words 
 anywhere, nor of the attack on Castle for a vjarrior ; but these words are en- 
 Sween, which he describes. He was an tirely obsolete ; so " glantair," as the 
 Irish bard, and composes in the Irish comparison of "glan," is unknown in 
 dialect, making use, like the later Irish the modern language. There is a mani- 
 poets, of language much more difficult to fest attempt in the composition to use 
 understand than the older composers. obsolete words; but the Etlitor trusts 
 The Editor encountered more difficulty the meaning has been correctly ren- 
 in reading this piece, than in reading any dered. 
 
152 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Each with a sheaf of warriors' spears, 
 
 Shields on tlieir liooks liung round the sides. 
 
 "Wide-spread wings, s})eckled sails, 
 
 Bearing puiiile, all of gems ; 
 
 A long, handsome, gentle hand, 
 
 Stood along the stout-made spars. 
 
 The blue sea at the swift ship's prow, 
 
 The ship laden when the tide is full ; 
 
 Wattled baskets full of swords, 
 
 With shields all brought on board the bark. 
 
 Fair women, too, were in the ship, 
 
 Modest, their beds were placed on high, 
 
 Spotted cushions were provided, 
 
 Couches for the nobles' wives. 
 
 Spotted coverings of fine linen, 
 
 Tliis was the covering of the ship ; 
 
 Handsome, ea.sy, as she rocked, 
 
 Purple linen round each mast. 
 
 No hardened hands, no tightened belt. 
 
 Nor roughened by their usual toil ; 
 
 Heroes were there, nor did they labour. 
 
 Bands of men of sweetest lips. 
 
 We heard not of so many nobles. 
 
 Of om- isle from labour free ; 
 
 From Erin princely champions, 
 
 A troop with soft and ruddy hair. 
 
 Not ship of all did she coimt swifter, 
 
 None has there been nor will lie, 
 
 No sigh, no sorrow, and no grief, 
 
 N(n- is there any end of all. 
 
 No ship of ships she counteil swift. 
 
 Full of princely men she is, 
 
 Scattering gold among the bards, 
 
 While round the shij) rcsounils the .>^ea. 
 
 ^lany the men of sword and spear. 
 
 Many men tpiick in light to mix ; 
 
 I>(twii li\ Ihr sea tin- lighting men. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORK. 
 
 Above, the gentle women woiv. 
 ^^^lO is he provides this fleet, 
 At Castle Sween^ of many hills? 
 A vigorous man who fears no blast, 
 His masts upraised, seeking his right. 
 John ^rSwcen," sail thou the ship. 
 On the ocean's fierce-topped back ; 
 Raise aloft the vessel's masts, 
 Let thy bark now test the sea. 
 A leading wind then for them rose, 
 At Kyle Aca^ as rose the tide ; 
 The speckled sails were roundly bellied, 
 As John ran swiftly for the land. 
 We entered the cheerful anchorage 
 In the bay of fruitful Knapdale ;* 
 The noble hero, lordly, shapely, 
 Comely, masted, swift, victorious, 
 He was then near Albin's walls, 
 Helpful, welcoming his men. 
 Fair was then the youthful hero, 
 Abundant dew distilling round. 
 Favourable at Slieve ^Mun's'^ streams, 
 To ^fac Sween, him of Slieve Mis. 
 Speakers then come near to ask, 
 They deal as wnth him of sharpest eye. 
 Branches are laid beneath their knees, 
 To welcome those of valour great 
 Their safety in each harbour nook 
 Suffers from the welcome they give John. 
 The men of Albin's isle^ then come 
 
 ' We can find no trace in our history ^ This cannot be Kyle Akin in Skye, 
 
 of this attack by the Irish Mac Sweenys but is probably the ancient name of the 
 
 on Castle Sween. The event cannot be of entrance to Loch Sween. 
 
 a verj' ancient date, as the Mac Sweenys * Knapdale, on the west coast of Ar- 
 
 are not a very ancient tribe in Ulster. gy'^j south of Criuan. 
 
 * Not known to the E<litor, but is pro- 
 
 » One of the Mac Sweens or Mac bably on the Knapdale side of Loch 
 
 Sweenvs of Slieve Mis in Antrim. Sween. 
 
154 THE BOOK OK 
 
 With welcome from the narrow sea. 
 
 The men who sweetest are that sing, 
 
 Teniold welcomes to him biing. 
 
 For a whUe there was a conflict, 
 
 Between them and our men of song ; 
 
 They come at last to know full well, 
 
 How fair the hill from whence came John. 
 
 Then did we fight at Castle Sween, 
 
 Just as a slender, furious hawk, 
 
 We set us down around that rock, 
 
 Every limb endowed with strength. 
 
 We pierced the bodies of our foes, 
 
 Just as a serpent fiercely wounds ; 
 
 Our thin-bladed, well-edged swords. 
 
 The foreigners' bodies fiercely hacked. 
 
 We raised the cry of great Mac Sween. 
 
 Amidst the rolling of the sea ; 
 
 True it is that roll won't help. 
 
 Broad-backed, long although it be. 
 
 Their javelins have no power to pierce 
 
 The shields which our broA\ai coats protect. 
 
 Rathlin of the sharp rocks, hears 
 
 The nmsic of our ringing swords. 
 
 The thin-bladed sword, in Europe best, 
 
 A spear that swift obeys the wish. 
 
 What shield on earth can it resist ? 
 
 Fierce and fearless Erin's sons. 
 
 John Mac Sween of stratagems. 
 
 With his thin, powerful, cutting sword, 
 
 He whose shielil is spotted brown, 
 
 A blind man found liiui bnive and wise. 
 
 I'he assembled fleet. 
 
 I 
 
THE DliAN OF LISMOKli. \U 
 
 Isabella Ni vie Caileiu. 
 
 Pity whose complaint is love, 
 Whate'er my reason thus to speak, 
 'T is hard to separate from its object, 
 Sad 's the condition I am in. 
 The love which I in secret gave, 
 Of which I 'd better never speak. 
 Unless I quickly get relief, 
 "NVithered and thin I '11 soon become. 
 The man whom I have so loved, 
 A love I never must confess ; 
 Has me put in lasting bonds, 
 For me a hundred times 't is pity. 
 Pity. 
 
 The author of this is Duncan Og.- 
 
 Seven arrows mo assail, 
 Each of the arrows does me wound ; 
 Between me and my God they come, 
 Such of my body is the desire. 
 The first one of these is Pride, 
 Which wounds me under my belt, 
 
 ' This lady is elsewhere called " Con- daughter, who became Countess of Ar- 
 
 tissa Ergadien," the Countess of Argyle. g}'le. She was most likely the authoress 
 
 From the name given her here, she would of these lines, but we have no key to the 
 
 appear to be a daughter of the Earl of piece of domestic history to which they 
 
 Argyle, but she might as countess be refer. 
 
 styled Ni vie Cailein, or the daughter * There is a Duncan Og Albanacb 
 
 of Colin. We know that Sir Colin among the writers of religious poetrj- in 
 
 Campbell of Gleuurchy, was uncle and the MS., who was most likely one of the 
 
 tutor to Archibald, first Earl of Argyle, Mac Vunichs, and the author of these 
 
 and that haviug himself married Mar- lines. It is hardly necessary to say that 
 
 garet, eldest daughter of Stuart last Loi-d the poet refei-s in this composition to 
 
 of Lorn, he arranged a marriage between the seven mortal sins of the Roman 
 
 hi» nephew and Isabella, the second Catholic Church. 
 
156 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Often of a triumph it has me spoiled, 
 
 AVhich otherwise I might ohtain. 
 
 Tlie second arrow is Lust, 
 
 To whose power I 'm such a slave ; 
 
 Since this shaft trait'rously has me pierced, 
 
 I cannot live Leyond its reach. 
 
 The third of these arrows is one 
 
 ^^^lich pierces 'midst my very joints ; 
 
 Laziness, which suffers not 
 
 Tliat I the right way e'er should chuse. 
 
 The fourth arrow is Covetousness, 
 
 God, 't is mournful where it wounds ; 
 
 Deliverance I can never have 
 
 From this load of earth upon my hack. 
 
 The fifth of these sliafts is Gluttony, 
 
 Which has brought me much reproach ; 
 
 Besides that it pains my self-respect, 
 
 From it my body is not free. 
 
 The sixth sore arrow of them all 
 
 Is Anger, which me from men divides ; 
 
 May Mary stay them when they 're shot, 
 
 Otherwise I have no help. 
 
 Tlie seventh shaft does pierce the eye, 
 
 En\'y, whieh grudges others' good ; 
 
 A shaft which, however we may feel. 
 
 Ls one which never does us good. 
 
 When these in his hand the enemy takes, 
 
 Many they are by 's arms destroyed ; 
 
 He never shoots but what he strikes, 
 
 And never strikes but what he kills. 
 
 Son of God, 1 '11 place a pater. 
 
 And tlif a])oslles' creed as well. 
 
 r>('t\\((ii me and these wounding anus, 
 
 Witli live psalms, or si.x or seven. 
 
 Srv.-u 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. l«7 
 
 The author is Murdoch Albanach.* 
 
 'T is time for lue to go to the house of ParaiHse, 
 
 AMiile this wouud 's not easily borne, 
 
 Let me wiu this house, famous, faultless, 
 
 A\Tiile others can tell of us nought else. 
 
 Confess thyself now to the priest, 
 
 Eemember clearly all thy sins ; 
 
 Cany not to the house of the spotless King, 
 
 Aught that may thee expose to charge. 
 
 Conceal not any of thy sins. 
 
 However hateful its evil to tell ; 
 
 Confess what has been done in secret. 
 
 Lest thou expose thyself to wrath. 
 
 IMake thy peace now with the clergy. 
 
 That thou may'st be safe as to thy state ; 
 
 Give up thy sin, deeply repent, 
 
 Lest its guilt be found in thee. 
 
 "Woe to him forsook the Great King's house, 
 
 For love of sin, sad is the deed ; 
 
 The sin a man commits in secret, 
 
 Much is the debt his sin incurs. 
 
 This is a sermon for Adam's race, 
 
 I think I 've nothing said that 's false, 
 
 Though men may death for a time avoid, 
 
 'T is true they can't at length escape. 
 
 1 Murdoch of Scotland was the first of the cross, which appears to have been 
 the great race of Mac\T.irrichs, bards to nioilened on the early Latin hjinns. 
 Macdonald of Clanranald. From all that Murdoch of Scotland, or Muireadhach 
 can be gathered regarding him, he was Albanach, would appear to have lived 
 an ecclesiastic, and, according to the between a.d. IISO and 1220. Mr. Stand- 
 measure of light he possessed, a man of ish H. O'Grady, late President of the 
 earnest and sincere religion. It was not Ossianic Society of Dublin, kindly sent 
 kno^\-n,until this volume of Dean M'Gre- to the writer some years ago a poem, 
 gor's was searched, that any remains of still preserved in Ireland, containing a 
 his compositions existed; iiut here we dialog\ie between Muireadhach and " Ca- 
 find several, all very much of the same thai Crodhearg," the red-handed Cathal 
 character. There is one long poem to O'Connor, King of Connaught, on the 
 
168 
 
 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Thou wliu hast purchased Adam's race, 
 Their l)lood, their body, and their heart. 
 The tilings we cherish niav'st tlion assail, 
 However \ve may them pursue. 
 
 'T is time. 
 
 The above ]\[urdu(,.-li. 
 
 That there should be in God's Son's heart 
 A sinner like me, how great tlie tale. 
 
 occasion of thuir embracing a religious life. Catbal's " floruit " is known to 
 have been between a.d. 1184 and 1225. As the lines are curious, they are in- 
 serted here. 
 
 Cathal croil)lidliearg apus Muireadhach 
 Albanach inaraon iar n-dul anns na braith- 
 ribh dhoibli, cecintrunt :— 
 A Mhuireadhaigli, nicil do sgian, go "lu bear- 
 ram inn do 'n Aird-iigli, 
 Tabhratu go mills ar moid, 'us ar dlii trillis 
 
 do "n Trlanald, 
 Bearrnulh mise do Mhuire, an bhreath so is 
 
 breath 6r-cliridhe, 
 Do Mliuire bearr am burr so, a dhuliic seang, 
 
 siilmhal so. 
 Anarah Icat, a mhaca glilan, sgian tardo blinrr 
 
 do'd bhearradh, 
 Fa mliionca riughaln bbinn bhog, a cireadh a 
 
 oinn thugad. 
 Gach r6 n'ualr do foilcthl dhuinn, us do 
 
 Uhrlan ard bhairr chlndh-Ciir, 
 'Us do fhoilciun unir cile ri stuaidb fhoilt- 
 
 fliiiin Bhuroiiiihc. 
 Do gbrlnn coinb-Hhnamh 'us Ua Cliiiis, air 
 
 Unntlbh fuara Torghals, 
 Air teaclit air tir Ids o'u linn, do ghrinn 'uh 
 
 Ua Chals roinilmbling, 
 An dha sgian so leath airluatli, do nid dhuinn 
 
 Dunt-lmdh Calrl>reacli, 
 Nlor b'fliearr dliA sgian do sglniUi; b.':irr gu 
 
 ndn a Mhulruucllialcb. 
 Melt do rlilaldlii-anili, a Clinthall, choHnoHnni 
 
 Hnnblia braonHgatliaidh, 
 Ni chuala gun nmohiiln dditfarg, a Challmll 
 
 cbuanna, chn'idheirg, 
 Dion air fhuai-lid 'h air alnt«as Inn, a Inghln 
 
 iniHall loachalin, 
 Dciin ur coiinlicad 'n an tir tlieitli, a roglirng 
 
 iiihiu, A .Mliulru. 
 
 A Mhuiroadl.«i.-li 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 Cathal Crodhearg and Murdoch of Scotland, 
 on entering among the bretliren, sung :— 
 Murdoch, whet thy knife, that we may shave 
 
 our crowns to the Great King, 
 Let us sweetly give our vow, aud Oie hair of 
 
 both our heads to the Trinity. 
 I will shave mine to Mary, this is the doing 
 
 of a true heart. 
 To Marj- shave thou these locks, well-formed, 
 
 soft-eyed man. 
 Seldom hast thou had, handsome man, a knife 
 
 on thy hair to sha%e it, 
 Ortcner has a sweet, soft queen, comb'd her 
 
 hair beside thee. 
 Whenever it was that we did bathe, with 
 
 Brian of the well-curled locks, 
 And once on a time that I did Uathe, at tho 
 
 wall of f he fair-hairtil Boruimhe, 
 I strove in swimming with Ua Chnis, on the 
 
 cold wnti-rs of the Fergus. 
 When hf came ashore from the stream, Ua 
 
 ChalN and I Ht^>vo in a race. 
 Tlii'so two knives, one to each, wer« given us 
 
 by Duninn Cairbn-aih, 
 No knives of knives were U'tter, shave gently 
 
 then, Munloeh. 
 Whet your sword, Cathal, which win* the 
 
 fertile Bnnva, 
 Ne'er won tliy wrnOi liearxl without tIghUng, 
 
 brave, rvd'haniU><l Cnthal, 
 Preserve our «havt«l hen>U from cold and from 
 
 heat, gentle daught<<r of Joaehim, 
 rrosrrvc uh in the land of heat, sofleiit branch. 
 
 Mar> 
 
 Muolorh 
 
TllH DEAN OF M^SMOHE. 16» 
 
 And that tliere should t(j me bo given, 
 On my lips to have the cross of Jesus Christ. 
 Jesus Christ, sanctify as thou art wont, 
 ^ly two feet, and my two hands, 
 Sanctify me of thy good will, 
 Kven my blood, ami flesh, and bones. 
 I never cease connnitting sin, 
 Because that my body loves it well ; 
 May consecration come from afar. 
 Upon my head and on my heart. 
 Glorious great One, save thou me 
 From every grief which me has seized, 
 Ere I 'm laid beneath the turf, 
 May my way be plain and smooth. 
 That. 
 
 The author of this is Murdoch Albanach. 
 
 Thou Trinity, do thou me teach, 
 
 Thou Lord, whose praise all men must sing. 
 
 Thou Trinity, come on my tongue, 
 
 Bless it in thy judgment great. 
 
 Holy Trinity in the heavens. 
 
 Strengthen thou my spiritual arms ; 
 
 Come to, and dwell in my heart. 
 
 Thou head of all thy holy race. 
 
 Guide thou my hand, and teach my heart, 
 
 Teach my eye, thou King of truth ; 
 
 Come to my voice, move on my tongue. 
 
 Quicken my ear, and bless my lips. 
 
 This is the mouth which ye have torn, 
 
 "Which checks men's conflicts, nought forgets 
 
 This is the tongue that ne'er spared speech, 
 
 Bless it, Beloved of my soul. 
 
 From thee, Trinitv, alas ! Trinity, 
 
160 THE BOOK OF 
 
 Let liealiug come, epeak thou to me ; 
 
 There is, as in tlie wliito wood oak, 
 
 In me a sinful, corrupt lieart. 
 
 Thougli sinful, I never man destroyed, 
 
 Xe'er did I steal, Son of God ; 
 
 Never did my hand slay man, 
 
 For jMary's love, answer thou me. 
 
 'T is true, I 've made lying refuges, 
 
 Deceived by lies of men of fame. 
 
 Building on others' lie my lie, 
 
 O King, shall I in this succeed ? 
 
 Thou who in me prayer Legett'st, 
 
 'T is no sin to follow thee ; 
 
 'T was neither righteous men nor great, 
 
 l^>ut God a refuge found for me. 
 
 No man in this world can me teach, 
 
 But only thou, Lord, alone. 
 
 None keepeth truth hut heaven's King, 
 
 T(j His wisdom none is like, 
 
 If I am in the way of truth, 
 
 My tonsure vow requires it all ; 
 
 If, Trinity, on a lie I rest. 
 
 Lead me to the way of tmth. 
 
 Earth or clay shall not me cover, 
 
 But waves of judgment, little the wrath 
 
 Nothing else shall he to hide me. 
 
 But, King, hurning red-riamed tire. 
 
 Trinity, thou nuid'st tliis world. 
 
 l}()th of fire and of earth ; 
 
 Of earth and lire all men are made. 
 
 So at the end it will be found. 
 
THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 161 
 
 GENEALOGY OF THE MACGREGORS. 
 
 John son of Patrick, eon of ^lalcom, son of John the black, 
 son of Jolin, son of Clregor, son of John, son of ^lalcom, son of 
 Duncan tlie little, son of Duncan from Srulee, son of Gilelan, 
 son of Hugh of Urchy, son of Kennetli, son of Alpin ; and this 
 Kenneth was head king of Scotland, in truth, at that time ; and 
 tliis John is the eleventh man from Kenneth, of whom I spoke. 
 —And Dimcan the serv itor, son of Dougal, son of John the 
 grizzled, WTote this from the books of the genealogists of the 
 kings ; and it was done in the year of our Lord One thousand 
 five hundred and twelve. 
 
THE OR 10 IX A I. O A EL 10 
 
 THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE 
 
 ^r O D E R X \' E R S I O N. 
 
THE ORIGINAL (JAELlC 
 
 A hoiulir (^ssan ^rFiniia. 
 
 Di clioiiiia mcc tylych finii, is ner vai tylych temc trea, 
 Aggum (li elioiina nice schevc, di voutir in ir in nea 
 Di clionna niec tylych art, far lar vac donna binni 
 Far is farrc nc agga mi. Di chonna nice tylych finn 
 Dane vaga mir a chonna nice, chonna ni'ynlain fa ynna 
 Owcht is mark na vagga ea. Di chonnek mai tylych tinn 
 Goym rcc ni iyg noch gi oik, za vil cr mo chinni. 
 Sin scrra niarrcino o jaynna, dytli chonna ma tylych tinn. 
 Di chonna mcc tylych. 
 
 A lidudir so Ossiii. 
 
 Is fadihi nucli ni mlli liyni, i.s fadda liyiii in iiychcitii ryr 
 
 In lay dew gay liidda zoyth, di bi lor fadda in lay dc 
 
 Fadda Iwinmi gych lay za dik, ne mir sen di clcachta dom 
 
 (iin dcowe gin danyth cath, gin wea fcylini class dlwoth 
 
 (Jin ncnitii gin choill gin chrut, gin fronith crcwi gin znciwi 
 
 g'ray 
 (;iii dcillycli olldiii zur, wea gin ncilli, j^iii oill tltv 
 (iin chin cr Kwrri na cr .sclgi, in da chcrd rcy in myth mc 
 (Jin dwUi in glaow no in gatli, oichanc adi is dcrrich dow 
 (Jin wraitli cr cllit no cr fcyg, nc hawlc sin bi wane lt»ni 
 (Jin locg er chonvert no cr choii, is fadda noch na ncUi fiyni 
 (Jin crrith gaskc gniuitii, gin nimert mir abaill liniii 
 (Jill snaw zar leithrc cr loch, is fathhi, etc. 
 i>in ti'ill mir a ta mcc, is trowig cr bea mir a ta .sinii 
 
.M()|)i:i;n nersjon. 
 
 An t-uglulair Ossiaii mac Fliinii. 
 
 Do chuniiaic mi tcaghlacli Fliimi, 'us iiior bii tcaghlach tioiua tr(jabh, 
 
 Again do (•luiTinaic mi sabli, de mlmiiintir an fhir an d6. 
 
 Do (■liunnaic mi teaghlach Airt, fear Ic'r mhac donna binn, 
 
 Fear is fearr ni faca mi. Do clmnnaic mi tcaghlach Fhiuu. 
 
 Do ni fhae mar a chunnaic mi, chiinnaic mi mac an Luinn fa Fhiiin. 
 
 Och ! is iniiirg na faca c. Do chunnaic mi tcaghhich Fhiiui. 
 
 Do'ni re ni ioghuadh gach olc, dha bheil air mo cheann. 
 
 Sinn saora marruinn o phein. Do chunnaic mi teaghhach Fhinn. 
 
 Do chunnaic mi teaghlach. 
 
 Is e uglidair so Ossiaii. 
 
 Is fad an nochd na neula faim, is fada learn an oidhclie an raoir, 
 
 An la an diugli ge fada dhumh, do bu Icor fada "n la an de, 
 
 Fada learn gach la a thig, ni mar .sin bu chleachdadli leam 
 
 Gun deabhtha gun deanamh catha, gun bhi foghlum deas dlu. 
 
 Gun niglieanaibh, gun chebl, gun chruit, gun phronuadh cnaimli gun 
 
 ghniomh gre. 
 Gun tuilleadh fhoghluim gheire, bhi gun fheill, gun ol fleidh. 
 Gun chion air suiridli, no air sealg, an da cheard ri an robh mi, 
 Gun dol an gleo no an cath, ochan ! ach is deurach domh. 
 Gun bhreith air eilid no air fiadh, lu h'amhuil sin bu ndiiann learn, 
 Gun luaidh air chonbheart no air chon, is fad an nochd na neida faim, 
 Gun eiridh gaisge ghnatliaich, gun imirt mar a b'riill leiiin. 
 Gun 8nkmh d 'ar laochruidh air loch, is fad an nochd na neuhi faim, 
 Do "u t-saoghal mar a ta mi, is truagh ar bith mar a tha sinn, 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Menir a tarniiiig daoli, i.s fiulda, etc. 
 Derri ni feyni far noiss, is nice O-ssin m<>r m'finni, 
 Gesticht re gowow clokki, is failda, etc. 
 Fayc a phatrik zoeiu o zea, fiss in iiini in bca sinni 
 Gith serrir marrien roith locht, is fadfla, I'tc. 
 Is fa.Ma. 
 
 Aiictor hujus ( ).s.sin. 
 
 La zay ileaflia finn nio rayth, ili liolg er sle)'^•c" ny ban finn 
 
 Tri nu'illitli wathyon ny wayn, ne zeaath skaow vass in ginn 
 
 Ossin is vinni Iwmmi ill zloyr, bannicht foiss or aumyn finn 
 
 Agiis innis gay wayd feyg, liwtti cr sley\e ny ban finn. 
 
 Ga nior lewe crathaniar sloe, or ni deatha voylte in loy 
 
 Di liiitti or sleyvc ny ban finn, di zeyith lay fin nyth wlygli 
 
 Tnnis d(jyf roytli gith skaylc, bannith er a waill gin zoytli 
 
 A bayig caddith no erinini, a doll leive a helg gi lay 
 
 Di weitli eaddith agus crnimi, a doll leine a helg niir senni 
 
 Ni weitli feanee zeiwc yni zoe, gin leynith roylle i.s men 
 
 Gin cliottone schec schavc, gin Inrych sparri zeyr zl^nin 
 
 Gill chenvart clooth di chomth, s zay ley in norn gi fer 
 
 Gin skay neynith varryth boye, gin lanni chroye e.skultith 
 
 kciin 
 A ncarryth in doythin fayn .scheath, ne myth nath bi zer no finn 
 Is schca a barri cniclit is awge, ne zeath lav v{us.-<a ehinn 
 Doll in dastill a choyn zill, gi aggin er farri niir finn 
 Cath eggr a choyinir schear, a helg er .sleyve ni ban linn 
 A phatrik ayd chinni ni glar, di balin graiin vass ir ginni 
 Noyr a hwyth finni r gonni da binni seirri agus schear 
 Gow gyir o ehiujk gow cnok, a ineskeith hork is feaygh 
 Di weith finn agus braiin, nane swc selli er in tleywe 
 Gytli fer rewe in nayd helg, no ger eirryth kolg in feark 
 Di leggyiuir tre in cowe, a barri lowe syth way gi garga 
 Warwe gith eowe zewe da eyg selli fa neyd yn eyll na hanl 
 Di hwtti vi ineill feyg bar er a zlann di weitli fane tleyve 
 A haggiis eyg agus arbe ne zarne selgi mir sen reywe 
 GIr bee ileirrith ir selgi iieur, a elarre oy<l ni glar is ni glok 
 Dcich kayd knw fa lawre oyr hntti fa leoii .\ e tork 
 hi huttidir lyne ni twrk, a myiiitli ni helg rr in lerga 
 Mir a weyg r laiiith is r Inwe di verdis air er in teiga 
 A phatrik ni liaichill fear, a wakka tow hrar no liorri 
 Selirii ill l:iv raid liii a waviiew fin bi wovtli no won 
 
MoDHiN.] TriK DKAN or MSMoKi;. 
 
 'Nam shcaiiair a tanuiiiir clilacli, is fad an ikkIkI iia lu-ula faim. 
 Deiroadli iia Fciiiii far iii.s, is mi Ossi-m uh>r mac Fliinii, 
 Ag I'isileaclul ri gutliaibh clilng, Is fad an nodid iia iioula faim. 
 Faigh a Phadruig dliuimi o Dliia, fius an inbhc am l)i sinn, 
 Gu saorar marrainn mimli loilid, is fad an nochd na neula faim. 
 
 Is fad. 
 
 Is (■ n^lulair so Ussiaii. 
 
 La dhe *n deachaidh Fiona mo gliraidli, do sliealg air Sliabh nam ban fiunn, 
 
 Tri mile de ndiaithilili na Foinn, na deagh sgiathan os an c-ionn. 
 
 Ossian is binn loam do glduir, boannaclid fos air anam Fhinn, 
 
 Agus innis cia mend fiadli, tluiit air Sliabli nam ban lionn. 
 
 Cia nior luatli chratham ar sleidli, oir ni deachaidh uait a hiaidh 
 
 Do tluiit air Sliabli nam ban fionn, do lliei<lh le Fionn nam tleadh. 
 
 Innis doibh ruinhad gach sgcul, beaiinachd air a bhcul gnn glio. 
 
 Am bitheadh eideadh no airm, a dol leilih a sliealg gach 16 i 
 
 Do bhitheadh dideadh agus airm, 'dol leinn a shealg mar sin, 
 
 Ni bhitheadh Fian dliiiibh a "m ghuth, gnu le'ine sroil is min, 
 
 Gun chotau 'us i seimh, gun luireach 'us ban- geur glan, 
 
 Gim cheannbheart cloch de cliorr, 's a dha shleagh 'an dorn gach tir, 
 
 Gun sgiath nimhnoach bhcireadh buaidh, gun lann chmaidh a sgoltadli 
 
 cheann, 
 An iarraidli an domhaiu fa seach, ni robh ueach bu gheir uo Fionn, 
 Is e a b'fliearr fhineadh 'us agh, ni dhcachaidh lamh os a chionn, — - 
 Dol an tasdail a clioin gliil, cia againn fear bh^.rr mar Fionn ? 
 Gu h- eagar chaidhmir siar, a shealg air Sliabh nam ban fiunn. 
 A Phadruig oide chiiin na cleir, do b'aluinn gi-ian os ar cionn, 
 'An uair a .shuidli Fionn m'ar coinninih, do binn sear agus siar, 
 Guth gadhar o chuoc gu cnoc, a mosgladh thorc agus ihiadh. 
 Do bhi Fionn agus Bran, 'nan suidh seal air an t-sliabh, 
 Gach fear dhiubh 'an eud seilg, no gui- eireadh colg am feirg. 
 Do leigeamar tri mile cii, a b'fhearr li\th 's a bha garg. 
 Mliarbh gach cu dhiubh sin da fliiadh, seal fa'n deachaidh iall 'an aird. 
 Do thuit se mile feidh barr, air a ghleann do bhi fo 'n t-sliabh. 
 Na th' agaiblise fhiadh agus oarb, ni dheanadh sealg mar sin riamh. 
 Gur b 'e deireadh ar sealg shear, a chleirich oide nan cleir 's nan r\<>g, 
 Dcich ceud cu fo shlabhraidh oir, thuit fo leon deich oeud tore, 
 Do tluiit leinn na tuirc, a rinn na h-uilc air an leirg. 
 Mar bhitheadh ar lann 'us ar lamh, d(» bheirdeas hr air an t-seilg. 
 A Phadruig nam bachuU fior, am faca tu shear no shoir. 
 Sealg an la ri d' linn, o Fhianaibh Fhinn bu mho na sin ! 
 
THE BOOK OF (AXcrFXT. 
 
 Ach sen sc-lga a roiiiith fiiin v'aliiin ni niiuni Mayth 
 CJiir ni ;,'nyHano ansi chcilli', 's\ l>i winni lajnn ane lay 
 
 Lay za (lea<li. 
 
 Actor liujus Ossiii. 
 
 Lay za deach say zai keill, Patr'' zryun ni bachal . . . 
 
 Rug e in tossin less er wuni, gow was aa gi . . . si . . . 
 
 Is di bail awzail uoid, Ossan nan roak uach teym 
 
 Coo in tein iieaafh gin a loyith, smow ehur groym er iVanuw lynn 
 
 A cleryth ni baehill brek, bi wor ym bcaeht zut reid lin 
 
 A cluirri a wrayr a znaatli, ne wai zaw er fanaw fynn 
 
 Onytli harly zut gin noine, a Ossin gin doll nano dey 
 
 Bee say er cliathris gi braa, how gatliris di znaa nyn fant- 
 
 Kegit blyin di bein boa, a geyskyeli n-id choel syth heill 
 
 Ne hyuos.-iit zut g(jw maik, a luit eacht a rin feanow Ijnin 
 
 Fa ranew in doyn traanc, wa agginn feno er gyth . . . 
 
 Keiss ga hokwail gow fane iin, na noe iu tegwail . . . 
 
 Ne reive ansyth si doythiu vor, nach da bi clutr boa na . . . 
 
 Ne reive in nalwe nin lann brek, a darveith . . . 
 
 Da nynnosit zeive in ness, a Ossin nin gress mtcli nuin. 
 
 Coo yn tein neacli bi zar lave, wa sreyith . . . 
 
 Mor in feine, a chnrris orni, a cleyi-rith oyd nytli t . . . 
 
 Ni hynossit gow lay looin, ne way loye . . . 
 
 Onyth harlyth how nane dey, a Ossin tla ilanc . . . 
 
 Coo nyth leieh bar lat niait skay, ri dol din ane ansyth uatli 
 
 Oskir is keilt is gowle, is ni'luwith nyn lanni niaath 
 
 Fa hynirhill v'kowle ayl boyin di bi raa si cliath 
 
 Farzitnt! fullydi ni'yureith is kerrill ri sneive zaath 
 
 iJernun daath alin gyii nawle, re lutr skaath chin l>i waath 
 
 Collyth in'eheilt er wley niynni, kyrkeith eurri nyn genk niaath 
 
 Agus rynnith ni'yureith, luyrychin uar wenyth iu gaath 
 
 Felane foltinn lii wakith iiid, agus garryth in deini narv 
 
 Derring ni'doyrin gyn none aygh in'garryth bi waath law 
 
 Me fene is g. ni'suiail is dyryth darrith ui'ronanc 
 
 Trt! niek nyth kerd gyii rluilk, re iiyr hrutyth di barm yark 
 
 Mir a zaiia uia zut god, a rleryth witr furt nyth inyuui 
 
 Cha Much Itanit dossytii din unuo ueh gith tcr fane a braath a /.ille 
 
 Son id ehaithir is gawe di feinii is wayassi in narui a'i h-r 
 
 (11 fin nea<li ga lii zar laiwc, hanyth «> iliaaitii >;iiss in nane 
 
 llanylh icilli lucldiii iv Iit, dam- dniir skaa by wor guiui 
 
M..I)KI!N.| IIIK DKAN (»F [-lSMui:i;. 
 
 A(.-li sill seulg a vinn Fioiin, iiihic Alpainn nam luionn lihitii, 
 Tliar na .irMan anus a chill, <;iim Ini l.hinuo loams' an la. 
 
 La (lir ail (Icaciiaitlli 
 
 Is (' nnJidiiir so ( )ssi:iii. 
 
 La (le 'n deacliaidh st' do 'u chill, Padiuig grinii a Idiachuill . . . 
 
 Rug e an t-Ossian leis air iiihuirn, gu Idiitheas c . . . 
 
 'Us do b'aill loam fliaghail uait, Ossian nan riiaig nach tioma, (Fhinn ' 
 
 Co an t-aon noaoh gun a luaidh, "s mo chuir do ghniaiiu air Fiannaibh 
 
 A chleirich a l)iia<'lmill Miric, hu ndior am Ix-achd dhuit ri d' linn, 
 
 A chnr aun am luiathrailih gnathaichto, na Mia a dli'agh air Fiannaibh 
 
 U na tharladli dhuit gun on, O-ssian gun dol 'n an dcidli, [Fhinn. 
 
 Bith-sa air chaithris gu biilth, tlnrg aithris niii ghniith nam Feinn. 
 
 Caogad bliadhna na 'm bitliinn beo, ag ^isdear-hd ri d' clieol 's a chill, 
 
 Ni h iniii.siiin dhuit gu m' eug, a liuthad cuchd 'rinn Fianna Fhiiiii. 
 
 Feiirainne an domhain trein, bha againn fein air gach . . . 
 
 Cis 'g a thogail gu Feinn Fhinn, air noo an tcugbhail . . . 
 
 Ni robh anus an doinhan mh.or, neach da 'm bu chuir 
 
 Ni robh ami an Alinha nan lann l)reac, a gharbh . . . 
 
 Da 'n innisid dhoibh a nis, O.-^sian nan greas nach . . . 
 
 Co an t aon neach bu gheiie lamh, bha . . . 
 
 Mor a phein a cluiireas orm, a chle'irich oide . . . 
 
 Ni h-inni.*^inn gu la luain, na bha a luaidh . . . 
 
 na tharlatlh thu 'n an de'idh, Ossian da doanadh . . . 
 
 Co na laoich b" f hcarr leat mu \\ sge'ith, ri dol do 'n Fhi-imi ann.s a chath ? 
 
 Osgar 'us Cr.oilt 'us Gall, us Mac Lughaidh nan lann maith, 
 
 Fa thimchioll Mhic Cumhail aille, buiilheanu do bu reidh 's a chath, 
 
 Fearghon fuileach mac an righ, 'us Caniill r'a 's nimhe gath, 
 
 Diarman dathta aluinn gun umhal, do fhuair sgiath chinn bu mhaitli. 
 
 Collaidh mac Chaoilt air floadh m'liie, Corca curaidh nan geaiig maith, 
 
 Agus Roinn mac an righ, muirichinn nach min "an cath, 
 
 Faolan tblt-fhionn l)U mhac Fhinn, agus Garaidh an diou iihmh, 
 
 Doaruinn mac Dobharaiii gun on, Aodh mac Garaidh bu mhaith Ihmli, 
 
 j\Ii fciii u.s Garaidh mac Small, 'us Daoire darrach mac Ronaiii, 
 
 Tri niic a Cheainl g\m cheilg, ri r thionndadh do 'm b'arni dhearg. 
 
 jMar a dheanadh mi dhuit guth, a chleirich nihor Phuirt na mionna, 
 
 Cha b" aitline dhomh.^a do "u Flieinn, ach gach fear dhiu bh" a broth a gheill 
 
 Suidh 'n ad chaithir 'us gaVtli do phcann, 'usgu faighcas an arm gu loir. 
 
 Gach aon neach do 'm bu gheir lamh, thainig o chathaibh gus an Fheinii. 
 
 Thainig righ Lochlainn air lear, Daire donn sgiatli bu mhor gne, 
 
» THK HUOK OF [ancifxt 
 
 Di wraa keiss errin er koyiie, faue deyrji;!! r sloyg gyth ler 
 
 Han3i;h itli chawr zar wane, twua <h-y Img ass gi kiiok 
 
 Carltryth loaedir l>i waath lawe, iiij rhaytli Blaiie guw port 
 
 Vii caythin luuiik in nane huggar in near o lea cuynni 
 
 Ne . . . sa nyth deacha rir gerrow, oo roe zein slane o zarytli (hvnni 
 
 Is sal waa na ehawlyth long, daryth deowu syth liylyeli fene 
 
 XXX caatli feit di loyith uath dea woyiii dar der feine 
 
 Waa ga weeow er in trae, cown krer bi lawc gin loclit 
 
 Ruk sloyg nyn hynea zeive, is di hog ea kenni rcith er kuok 
 
 Cowu m'reith wUilh nin eacht, agus dollir uan greath troni 
 
 Di zagamir er in traa er yni baytli fo zar toiini 
 
 iij mec doytith ga l)i rane, yth toythit o lar yn long 
 
 Fer tenni is kcrkil a flwk, a zaik sinni a gorp gi lonuni 
 
 Oor arniyth neyn reitli grekga, agus forni nyn beyine tronie 
 
 Di zagamir fa zaar byve, is uer aig synn in vyve fa bmn 
 
 iiij mec reitli lodilin bi a cliasgr sein de ncive arm 
 
 Ne tre balwe one \orrin or, neyn deacha sayd voyn aoh niarg 
 
 Re in doythin ga bi wor, Dare done skayth bi zall gnaa 
 
 Di zaig siiin sin a chorp er trae, er ni lot fo wail nyn nanr 
 
 Di loyew in doythin trane neyn deacha woyii fene sin nar 
 
 Ach reitli ni franki mir hea an lyn say brea er in nail 
 
 Er eggill in oskir wll, eha di leggi ay voyeni er lar 
 
 Gow glen baltan mir ta hcst, is and di zawe ay foss is tawe 
 
 Er traye tintrath ni goyn fer in churri ni sloye in tar 
 
 Er reow in doythin trane, di zoil sein fene er sar 
 
 Di bimmi o reitli r narm, leioh a waa marve er in lar 
 
 Di bimmi clawc agus skayth na I»laya liar er in traye 
 
 Er traye fintraithin nyn jiort, di liimmi aim corp ferraiu 
 
 Di bimmi leich fa zar byve, is di bimmi ami fyve ar 
 
 Phatrik V'Alpin ail, neyn danith zar wane wo rae 
 
 Ach da catli eggr gyn locht is ny roif in gorp slane 
 
 Catli di clanni bisskyni zeive, boein noch char vennyth in law 
 
 Cath di clanni mornyth nyn grath is in dame lay dannow siiiail 
 
 Er fr lawsyth atli halgiii trane, say zaik sin dar wane sin nar 
 
 Coyk cutliin eggr zar sloyig a legga woyn er in tra 
 
 xxxtli ca feizit gin rath, deeclicayd feithyit gith cath zcivt- 
 
 Zarremay loyg zar zuynn, muh dmnik cr toynn a reiss 
 
 A halgin da wrcggrin elar, o baillait dcyni pen gych skail 
 
 (low duk«ai <aa zawiyth nyth glann, noch cha daiiik ken r lay 
 
 Di rynni sin a gawli long, agus argit tromt' in ifitli 
 
 In noor sin eydda sin neycht, in neirrin er gi lea <lce 
 
 A I'hatrik matha ny mynn an id kcilli a waym bass 
 
 Cur fcvn talla her nio knees oss airi^it hav fiss mo t>kail 
 
.Mui.KKN.I TIIK DKAN ol' LISMUKK. 9 
 
 Do blireith els Eirimi air L'hoiiii, fa 11 (U-unwh ar sluagli {,mi K'ir. 
 Tlmiiiig (le clioMiar do 'r I'Viiiii, sluagli ilo tluij,' as gach ciioc, 
 L'airhar loobhar bii luhaith laiiili, (-(Mtliir ratlian slaii gu j)ort, 
 Seaclul t-atlian tliaiiiig ik' '11 Flit'iiiii, tluigar tii an car k-tli Cliuiiiii, 
 Ni nior iiach dcachaiclh glicarradli na robli dliinn slan o Dhaire doiiii. 
 Is c bha 'u a chablilach long, Daire donii *.s a tlioagldach fein, 
 Deicli catli fichead de shluagh, nat-h (k^achaidh uainn do '11 tire fein, 
 Bha ga 'm feitheandi air an triiigh, Conn critlicar bu l?imh gun loclid. 
 Rug sluagh na li-Innia dluiibh, 'us <lo tliog e ccann righ air cnnc, 
 Conn mar righ UHaidh nan euchd, agiis Dollar nan gnionih trom, 
 Do dir f haganiair air an trhigh, air am b.\tliadh fo ghair tonn. 
 Tr\ mic Dubhtaich dlia "in bu tlireun, a tcachd lar an long, 
 Fcartan is Coarcul a phluio, do dh' flihg sinn an cuiip gu loni. 
 Omliar armaioht nigbcan righ Greige, agus Forna nam bcuman tioni. 
 Do dir fhkgamar fo ghaire liaoibh, is nior fhag sin an aoibh fa l)ruii, 
 Ceithir mic righ Lochlainn, a chosgair sinn de nimh arm, 
 Na tri Balaidh 'n Bhon-uinn shoir, ui 'n dcachaidh iad uainn ach mairg, 
 Righ an Domhain ge bu mhor, Daire doiin sgiath bu gheal gnd, 
 Do dh' fhag sinn a chorp air trhigh, air a lot fo bhuille na Feiiin, 
 De shluaghaibh an domhain trt^in, ni 'n deachaidh uainn fein 's an lav 
 Ach righ na Fraincc mar e, ainlimi 's e breith air an ail ; 
 Air eagal an Osgair oill, cha do leig c a Idiuiun air lar, 
 Gu Gleannabaltan mar tha 'theisd, is aun do ghabli e fois 'us t;imh. 
 Air triigh Fionntraigh a c-huain, far na chuir na sloigh an t-air, 
 Air righribh an domhain troin, do dh' ol sinn fein ar sar. 
 Do b' iomadh f iiraoich ar n' arm, laoich a bha marbh air an l?ir. 
 Do b' iomadli daidheamh "us sgiath, 'n am bloighibh shear air an trhigh, 
 Air traigh Fionntraigh nam iiort, do b' iomadh anu coip fhearhn. 
 Do b' iomadh laoich fo gh.Mre baoibh, 'us do b' iomadh ann faoibh hir. 
 A Phadruig mhic Alpain hil, ui 'n d' thainig de 'r Feinu o thrhigh, 
 Ach da chath eagar gun lochd, agus ui 'n robh an oorp slan. 
 Cath de chlannaibh Baoisgne dhiubh, buidheann noch char mhean an L\mh, 
 Cath de chlannaibh Moiriie nan grath, agus an darna le clannaibh Smhil. 
 Air bhur lamhsa a thailginn threino, 's e dh' f hhg sinn de 'r Ft^inn 's an air, 
 Coig cathan eagar de 'r sluagh, a Icigeadh uainn air an traigh, 
 Deich cath fichead gun rath, deich ceud fichead gach cath dhiubh, 
 De dh' hireimh sluaigh Dliaire dhuinn, nacii d' rainig air tonn a ris. 
 A thailginn da freagrann cleir, o b' aill Icat nam fein gach sgcul, 
 Gu tugadh cath Ghabiira nan gleann, noch cha tainig ceaun ar la. 
 Do rinneadh sinn a gabhail long, agus airgiod trom an rigli, 
 An t-^r, 's an eideadh, 's an ui, 'an Eirinn air gach leth di. 
 A Phadruig nihaith nam mionna, aut^ ad chill am faigheani bas ( 
 Cuir fein talamh air mo chneas, o 's agad tha fios mo sgeul. 
 
TIIK BOOK OF lAXClEXT. 
 
 Ossiu o tun tow skeitli, ilaiic a noss di luith gou l»asrs 
 Gail turnigin is ear tlws, is gcw Dea ihdwcIj gi lay 
 Ar slcyve Seyane la luaiii, agiis iii sloye or a lar 
 jMeicliall is iniir is mac Dcy, tly hoyrt fene or an law 
 In da espil doyk si wlay gi oloiych n)ay is gi fayc 
 Edrwmo agis effrin or di wi gi cn)y or niy lay. 
 
 Liiy. 
 
 Auctnr liujus ( )s>('ani- in'tyiiu. 
 
 Anvine in noclit nart mo lawe no oil ml coozeiu or laar 
 
 Is nee onyth zof wan Itronych ym zeliil trog sennoryoh 
 
 Troyg gi neith thoddoytli doif soaoli gi dwn er twno talwoii 
 
 Be tarring olaoh a hallinn gow rolling Imlcliin talzing 
 
 It ta wrskal aggwme ziit or ir zi wuiitir phatrik 
 
 Estitli re astenyth inn schal beg or tocht zin talgin 
 
 Brwin di rinnytli in swnn or sloywe qiioalgoin moolytii Iwinm 
 
 Di churri or feanow phail ywir in ta hunwail 
 
 Da drano din wrwin wroytli oluir finn or dan morn 
 
 Agus in trane olli zoit ormss is or claniKiw bisknoith 
 
 Hngas frogrytli iiar olioyr or ni'oowlo v'tranowoyr 
 
 Hurd naeli boin fada fa smacht is naoli danytli doo gcilK-iclit 
 
 Di wcit Finn fada na host in loioh nac biirras a cosga 
 
 Fer gin noyin gin oggill nor a qiiayl in doo rcgrytli 
 
 Is sea ("oyrra di ra;i rwm Hath oanyth ny vano finn 
 
 Boa toil sohell a tamng clooch ma in deyt how in wcit wnnivtli 
 
 Di zeyrris is sin ra erg soss o vak oowlo a rinzorga 
 
 Sea lenn me din nane awnytli cathrow ohath croychalm 
 
 Fastir miss ag in nane vorrir royssa my wraa foyn 
 
 In hvcht a wa gim hoit ann is da in doit id tamo gi anvin 
 
 Fiui nu-ith in ooythrlyth croo din nano in gath orwnvonyth 
 
 Anvin 
 Ymyth nac gin anytli .inn da in tallytli tanic gytli anvin 
 
 anvin 
 Anvin in iiocht cloy nm rnr]! niddwni di wraor padrik 
 Kddir lawc is iliass is ijicnii, it tamo iiUitli gi anvin anvin 
 
 Anvin. 
 
 .\ liuuilir s<i ( )s.siii. 
 
 In Koo chonnicli maa in nayno, di clionnicli ma cuynan is gnoK 
 Finni is oskir mi vacki rvnith is art is dcrmit dotinc 
 
xii.Dtitx.l TIIK DKAN OF MSMollK. 
 
 Ossiuiii, tli.i tu sgitli, lU'im a iiis do shith '^n IwV, 
 
 Gabli il' i\riiiiigln'an 'us iarr tins, 'us guidli Dia morh j,'afli la, 
 
 Air sliabh Siun la luain, aj^us na sluaij,'Ii air an lar, 
 
 Miclial 'us Muiro "us niai- Dht'" do thoirt IViu air an laiuili. 
 
 An da abstol dcwg; 's a Mdaitli, sach cleircarh niaith "s jiach fa 
 
 Edarani ajjus Ifriouu. oir dn lilii i;u cruaidli air uii> la. 
 
 La. 
 
 I.s (> u^lulair so Os.sioii mac Fliiiui. 
 
 Anmhunn an norhd ncart mo laiudi, ni Itheil mo rhoimh^duii or lar, 
 
 Ls ni ioghnadh dhomh blii bronach, 'am ghiobul truagli seanarafli, 
 
 Truagh gaoh ni cheailaidi domli, seafli gach duine air tuinn t.dndiaiun, 
 
 Bin tarruing cldarh a .shallain, gu relig thulaicli an tailghin, 
 
 Tha ursgeul agam dhnit, air ar dlicadli mhuiimtir, Phadruig, 
 
 Eisd ri fTiistneaohd Fhinn, seal beag air teachd do 'n tailginn. 
 
 Brughainn do rinu an sonu, air sliabh C'huailgne niaola loni, 
 
 Do oliuir air Fianaibh Fail, aobliair ann do tliionail. 
 
 Da thrian de 'n lihrughainn bhreagh, chuir Fionn air Clanna Moini, 
 
 Agus an trian eile dheth ormsa, agus air claunaibh Baoi.sgnc. 
 
 Thuga.s freagradli nar choir, air mac Cunihail mhic Throuiunhoir ; 
 
 Thubhairt naoh bithinn fad fo a sniachd, 's nach doanainn da gt-illeadh. 
 
 Do bha Fionn fada 'n a thosd an laoch, nach b' fhurasd a oho.'^gadh, 
 
 Fear gun on gun eagal, 'n uair a chual an dubh-fhreagradh. 
 
 Is e an comhradh do radh riuni, flath ainbhtheach na Fcinn, Fionn, 
 
 Bithidh tu .';eal a tarruing chlach, ma 'n d' theid thu 'na bhith bhronadi, 
 
 Do dh' eireas sin ri feirg suas, o mhac Cumhail rinn-dhearg, 
 
 Is e lean mi de "n Fheiun aiubhtheach, an ceathramh cath cruaidh-chalm, 
 
 Fasdair niise aig an Fheiun, bheircar roimhse nw bhreth ft'iu, [mhunn. 
 
 An luchd a bha ga 'm shoideadh, ann is do 'n teid, A ta 'm gu h-an- 
 
 Fa mi an comhairleach orodha, do 'n Fheinn an cath eruinnbheum. 
 
 Anmhunn, 
 lomadh neach gun aithnc ann, do' an talamh ta 'm gu h-anudmnn, 
 
 anmhunn, 
 Anmhunn an nochd cliabh mo ehuirp, creideam do bhriathra Phadruig, 
 Eadar IJlnih 'us chos 'us ehcann, a ta 'm uile gu h -anmhunn anndmun. 
 
 Aiuuhunn. 
 
 Is v uolulaiv s(» Ossiaii. 
 
 An so chuunaic mi an Fheinn, do chunnaio mi Conan 'us (Jal 
 Fionn 'us Osgar mo mhac, Roiun, 'us Art, 'us Diarmad donu, 
 
12 THK IJUOK OF [ancikxt. 
 
 M'lowitli kyiikfitli iii galge garrith dc-rk is ey l»c*g 
 
 Is ey ni'carrith iiur hoyinc ni tie Hnni is fed 
 
 Glass is guw is garri galwe iiin gcad is conaiie lirass 
 
 Gole is cwiii m'gwille sokkith iii'fyniii is bran 
 
 Keilt iii'ittnanc ni gatli doywn cuylin is leyni cr gleinni 
 
 Is caeditli a fronitli or is for one woyne var by Ainni 
 
 Baynitli ni'Brassil ni lanni ni'dironu-hin tonni ni'yn sinail 
 
 Agus oskir m'carrith zerve ni tre liahva is ni tre skaill 
 
 Tre boyane zliuni schroill tre rwell o voynith reitli 
 
 vii mic cheilt ni glass tre zla.ssni zlessra uyn ser 
 
 Tre beath ehnoki diirt be veddeis fa wurni znath 
 
 Deaeh ni'eithit vorni vor oissi teacht er boie id tad 
 
 In soo a clionich ma in nane boyine eall di chencliyth koyll 
 
 In dimchill ossin is inn swle zlinni di fronfre or 
 
 Fer loo is kerrill croye di verdeis boye er g5i;li catht 
 
 Fay eanyni is felnne feall di clionnik mi ead in soo 
 
 In soo clionni. 
 
 A liuudir so ossiu nrtinn. 
 
 Innis downe a phadrik nonor a leyvin 
 
 A wil neewa gi liayre ag mathew fane eyrriii 
 
 Veyriss zut a zayvin a ossinn ni glooyn 
 
 Nac wil neewa ag aythyr ag oskyr na ag gooUe 
 
 Acli is troyg ni skayl channis tiiss eleyrry 
 
 Mis danew clirawe is gin neewa ag fane eyrrin 
 
 N:i<' math hit a toneir vee tow si eaythre 
 
 (Jin keilt gin noskyr weith far zutt is taythyr 
 
 Beg a wath Iwmsi wee yni hew si caythree 
 
 Gin keilt gin noskyr weith far rwm is jnaythir 
 
 Is farr gnwss vee neyve re agsin nui am lay 
 
 Na wil doyr si grwnnith vea aggit gi hyndane 
 
 Innis dwne a lialgin skayli ni eaythryth noya 
 
 Yerinsi zut gi hayre st-aylli cath gawrraa 
 
 Ma sea skayli ni i-athrych zeawris tiiss a hannor 
 
 Gin netow gin nagris gin nenkis gin nanehoyvf 
 
 Ku id miintir neyve is oyssil fayue eyrrin 
 
 Vil kroyss na gree na lU-illi sead chyrri 
 
 Ni heynlii is ni fane ni eosswil eayd rce chcyll 
 
 Neir zlass glayrre wea gcyrre sprey 
 
 Kr zraw teniii jdiadrik na fagsi ni demyli 
 
 (.'ill iiis di ri'f imvM bir a steaeh ni favni. 
 
M.,i)KKN.i TiiH i»i:an ok i.isMoui:. i.; 
 
 Mac Lugliaidh geangach nan colg, Garaidh dearg, 'ns Andh beag, 
 'Us Aodh niat^ Garaidh Jiach tioma, na tri Fionna 'us Foad 
 Glas, agus (!ol)li agiis Ganiidli, Galalili nan grail "ns C'onan liras, 
 Goll agn.s Crndliain mac; (rluiill, Snracli miu: Fhinn agn.s Bran, [glinnr, 
 Caoiltc mac Konain nan catli, deagh dhninc cuinihlinn agus leuni air 
 Is e a rlicnd a bhronnadli nir, 'us tear o 'n l)lionn bharr bu bliinno, 
 Baitlioan mac Brasail nan lann, n)ac Croinicbinn dein inic an Sniaill, 
 Agus Osgar mac Garaidh ghairbh, na tri Balbh Mis na tri Sgoil, 
 Tri buidhinn Ghlinno Sruil, tri Kuaill o ndionadli Righ, 
 Soachd niic Chaoilt nan fleas, tri Glasa o CJhlasraidii nan saor, 
 Tri Boatliach chnnie an Duird, do bhitheas fo nduiini a ghnhth, 
 Dcathaih mac Fhichit a Bhoniinn mhnir, os a tcachd air bnaidh a taid. 
 An so cliuunaic mi an Fhoiun, buidheann fiiiall do cheann 'chadh ccol. 
 An timchioll Ossiain 'us Fhinn, siubhail ghleann do bhronnadh njr, 
 Fearluth 'us Caniil criiaidh, <lo bheireadb buaidli air gach cath. 
 Fa canaim 'us Faolan tiall, do chunnaic mi iad 'an so. 
 
 An so chunnaic. 
 
 T.s e ughdaiv so Ossiaii mac Fhinn. 
 
 Innis duinn a Phadruig an onoir is leinn ; 
 
 Am bhcil neandi co h-aighear aig maithibh Feinn Eirinn ? 
 
 Bheirinnse dhuit a dheimhin, O-ssian nan glonn, 
 
 Nach bheil neamli aig d' athair aig Osgar no aig Gall. 
 
 Ach is truagli an .sgeul a chanas tusa chl^irich, 
 
 Mise deanandi thrhbhaidh 's gun noamli aig Feinn Eirinn. 
 
 Nacli maith leat a d' aonar l)hi d' shuidh 's a chaithir 
 
 Gun Chaoilt, gun Osgar bhi marriut 'us d' athair ? 
 
 Is beag am maith leamsa bhi am .shuidh 's a chaithir, 
 
 Gun Chaoilt, gun Osgar, bhi marrium 'us m'athair 
 
 Is foarr giuiis mhic neimh ri fhaicinn rdidh do la 
 
 No na bhcil dc dh' or 's a chruinne bhi agad gu h-iomlan. 
 
 Innis duinn a Thailginn sgeul na cathrach naomha, 
 
 Bheirinnse dhuit co h-aighear sgeul catlia Ghabhra. 
 
 Ma 's e sgeul na cathrach, dh' iarras tusa a sheauair, 
 
 Gun iotadh gun ocras, gun airceas, gun aineamh. 
 
 Ge iad muinntir ncimh, is nasal Feinn Eirinn, 
 
 Am bheil cruas nan cridhe, na dioLsa iad a chleiridi. 
 
 Ni h-ionann 'us na Feinn, ni cosmhuil iad ri cheilc, — 
 
 Ni air ghlas clhr a Iihi ag iarraidh sineidh. 
 
 Air ghrkdh teann a Phadruig na fhgsa na daimlio. 
 
 Gun fhios do righ neimh bcir a steach na Feinn. 
 
THE ISOOK OF [axci£xt. 
 
 A li(»U(lir son Os.seiii. 
 
 Aunit (loif skaylc lie;; cr fiiin, nc skayle nach ciiriviii soyiii 
 
 Er v'fowle fay math goUe, fa covin sen rauie ray 
 
 Di waniyu bcgganc sloyeg, ag cssroyg nyn neggin mawif 
 
 Di choniyn fa hulta yr trae, currych nior is ben ann 
 
 Keigit loich zownych niaue leicli, fa niatli er gneeit er gycli gar 
 
 Fir rar ness is marg a cheith, di gowmist er gi ter nert 
 
 Dcrryuiir wUi gi dane, ach linn c'» wane is gowle 
 
 Dethow cliurrych fa hard keyni wa ua reyni scoltyth nyu doun 
 
 Nc yarnyth tarn in na techt gir zoywe calle si fort yuaii 
 
 Yth techt dey her in ness derre ass in'cayvc ninaa 
 
 Gilli a darli no syth gi-aanne, is scr niayne nussyth dalwec 
 
 In nynin haiiyk in gane, di wayniin feyn ronipyth sorve 
 
 Heg tluiggin gu pupaUl tinn, is banneis gi grin doyth 
 
 Reggir m'kowlc na hciner, in bannow beinn gin toyth 
 
 Darrit in rcith fa math drach, gi hard di neyn dath zhm 
 
 Ca trawe as danith in wan, toywr skaylli gi gar rowne 
 
 Neyn may re heir la hwne, innosit gyth crwn uiy zayll 
 
 Nc elli trawe fa neyin graue nar earis foyn di leich feal 
 
 A reitiiyin hwlle gi royd a neyn oyk is math lUilwe 
 
 In tosga fa daneis an gane tawiris doyth pen gi darve 
 
 Mi choniryth ort mass tow Hnn, di rae mn in makayve mna 
 
 l>aywis towr loyryth is di luye gave mi chomre gi loytli tra 
 
 Dcrricli in reith fa math tiss sloneit a niss ca tcr a hei 
 
 Cloyni rayd chomre a wen er gi far za will in greit 
 
 Tay la feich a techt er murri leich is math gol er mi lorga 
 
 Mak re na Sorchir is gcire erme is do fa anm in Dyr l)orb 
 
 Di churris gessi ne chenn gi bcrre tin may or saylle 
 
 Is nach bein aggi mir wnee gar wath a ynce is awge 
 
 ])i raye osgir gi glor mir far sin di chosk gi reith 
 
 Gin gar for finn di ycss, ne ra(-h tow less mir wneith 
 
 Di chcmyn techt her stead leich si wayd oss gi far 
 
 Sowle ni farga gi dane si nwle chadni /.oyve a wm 
 
 (Jlokgit tenn teygne ma chenni fiir nar heme is M tnii 
 
 Skaa yrwnnych you er a zess a drum liii «-less era daa 
 
 (!la\ve trome tortoyl nac gann gi tenn er teive in ir vor 
 
 A gymirt class assi chind is a techt in gcnn tloye 
 
 Za voneis zasg gi moya a sessow in gawlow skay 
 
 Kr nerter zask er zollc ne t'lle far mir acliay 
 
 Naill Hath is rosk reitii in kenn in ir fa keive crow 
 
 Math in noytli fa gall a /.ayil is loavtli a .stayd ne yi srow 
 
TlIK DKAN OK LISM. iKK. 
 
 Is (' uiL;li(lai:- so Ossiaii. 
 
 Aitliiiiclitc (Idinh >^<ivi\\ lieay air Fionii, ni sgoul iiacli cuiirar an suiin, 
 
 Air Mac Cuiuhail fa niaith goil, fa ruiiiihue sin ri 'ni re. 
 
 Do liha sinii boagaii .sluaigh, aig Easruadh nan oagan mall. 
 
 Do clii sinn fo slicol air trhidli, i-urrach mnr 'us bean ann. 
 
 Caogail laoch guincach niu 'n r'lgli, fa niaith air glinioniii air gadi gart. 
 
 Fir d' ar n-i'is is niairg a cliiti-, do ghabhaniaid air gach tir neart. 
 
 Do circaniar uile gu dion, acli Fioun nam Fiann 'us GjUI, [tonn. 
 
 Do f hcitliHunli a churraicli fa li-airde ocum, blia 'n a rcim a sgoltadli nan 
 
 Ni dlicanadli tandi ann a toaclid, gu 'r ghabh cala 's a phort ghnhth. 
 
 Aig toaclid do tii'ir an eas, do eiricli as niaca mnatha, 
 
 Gilo a dealradh no sitheadh greine, 'us is m'm uos a dcilbh ; 
 
 An ainnir a thainig an coin, do bhamaid fein roimpe soirbh. 
 
 Thig thugainn gu pubull Fliinn, 'us beaimaicheas gu grinu doibh, 
 
 Flireagair Mac Cumliail 'ua aonar, am beannachd binn gam toigh, 
 
 Do fharraid an rigli fa maith dreach, gu h-ard do uighean an dath glilnin, 
 
 Co 'n troabh as an d' thainig a bheau, tlioir sgeul gu geur dhuinn. 
 
 Nighean mi righ thir fo thuinn, innisid gu cruinn mo dhkil, 
 
 Ni bhoil treabli fa 'n iadli grian. nar iarras ft'in do laoich fial, 
 
 A rioghan a shiubhail gach roid, a nighean oig is maith dcalbh, 
 
 An tosga fa thainigeas an coin, tabhaireas doibh fcin gu dearbh. 
 
 Mo chomraich ort ma 's tu Fionn, do radh ruinn am maca mnatha, [trath. 
 
 D' f hcabhas d" urlabhraidli 'us do shluaigh, gabli mo chomraich gu luath 
 
 Deir an righ fa maith fios, sloinii a nis co th" air do thi, 
 
 Gabham ri 'd cliomraich, a bhcan, air gach fear dlia 'm bheil an cridhc. 
 
 Tlia Ic Hoch a tcachd thar muir, laoch is maith goil air mo lorg, 
 
 ilac righ na Sorcha is maith aiinn, 'us do 'n aium an Daire Borb. 
 
 Do chuireas geasjin 'n a chionn, gum beireadh Fionn mi air ski, 
 
 'Us nach bithinn aige mar mhnaoi, ge 'r mhaith a ghniomh 'us 'hgh. 
 
 Do rjidh Osgar ic gloir mhuar, am fear sin a chosg gach righ, 
 
 Gun ge 'r foircadh Fionn do gheas, ni rachadh tu leis mar mhnaoi. 
 
 Do chi sinn teachd thar steud, laoch "s a ndieud os gach fear, 
 
 'Siubhal na fairge gu dian, 's an iul chcudna 'ghabh a bheau, 
 
 Clogaid teann tighinn uui 'cheann, til 'n fhear nar thioma 'us Ini treun, 
 
 Sgiath chruinn dhubh air a dhcas, a druim l?in chlcas air a cleibh, 
 
 Claidlieamh trom toirtcal nach gann, gu teann air taobh an fhir mhnir, 
 
 Ag imirt chleas os a chionn, 'us a teachd an connimh an t-sluaigh, 
 
 A dha mhanais gaisgc le buaidh, a seasamh an gualainn a sge'ith, 
 
 Air neart, air ghaisgc, air ghoilc, ni bheil fear mcar acli c, 
 
 Neul Hath 'us rosg righ, an ceaun an fhir fa caondi cruth, 
 
 Maith a .shnuadli 'us geal a dheud, is luaithe a stcud no gacii sruth, 
 
l6 TIIK BOOK (IF [axcie.nt. 
 
 Tauik in stead sin in deir sin fur nur weine riss in nayno 
 
 Kegit leich weniir ann zonytli ra hynsyth gar nar 
 
 Er eggill in ir is a hoytli ne royve leicla zin gan zrane 
 
 Da twne niir lianik in deir darrit in rcith fa math cln 
 
 In nathin tow feyn a wen in na sad in for a der tow 
 
 Haneyni a v'couUe a ynd is fowir linn a zi tane 
 
 Darg say miss wra less ga math di thress a inn aylle 
 
 Derre oskir agns Gowle bi worbe coskir lonn ni gath 
 
 Nane sessow in gar in tloye eddir in far mor si flaath 
 
 Hanik in leich bi wath tlacht le feicli is lay nart no genn 
 
 Aggis fodflois woyn in wen di we gar a zoliu inn 
 
 Tnk m'Mm-n in tnrcliir dane gi croy na zey din tleyg 
 
 Ner anni in turchir nar hay za sky gin darny da wli 
 
 Di crath oskir fa mor ferg a chrissi ycrg za layve claa 
 
 Aggis marveis stayd in ir mor in teaach a rinyth lai 
 
 Nor hut in stayd er in lerg zimpoo la frrg is la feich 
 
 Agis fokgris borbe in teme corik tr in kegit leich 
 
 In tewe moe zinsyth fene is dinn kegit leich nar heim no zall 
 
 Gar waat in tessow sid drost di zyle in gask la nyth lawe 
 
 Varrit da willi gi marri gi dane di gi far zew sin 
 
 De nemist wlli fa hur mir hu ac coryk lir 
 
 Chaywill tre ncnor gi moy sin nirrill chroy soUi di scur 
 
 Ga croy chaywill ni dre cheill er gi eine dew sin a churr 
 
 Di zrwt gowle in nagni vir gu leddirt in ir in gor roit 
 
 Ga bea chewic eads in sin bi zarve in gell sin gloe 
 
 Ilorchir ni'Morn lai laive m're njlh sorchir skaylle nmr 
 
 Is margk trave in danik in ven fa hut in far in gar roit 
 
 Is er tuttym in ir vor in gar zi choyn croye in ceine 
 
 Di we neyn re heir fa hwne blcygin ac linn ansyth nane 
 
 Flann mOIorn croy in cass hor V)ass fa mor in teaclit 
 
 Ne reive leich a danik ass zeive gin a chneis lane di chreciit 
 
 Mathii-syth fcine Iji wath tlacht neach a wackyth reyve neir cr 
 
 In nis ass dcrri ilyiii ziicitli cr inn is annit <loth skayll. 
 
 Annit dotli sk.iyll. 
 
 Do zawe sea rhiirrc nn o skay Icith na thraa /.i>r royvc ann 
 Na gin dug iiyr m<»r cr ir wane is gin dranik sc a fcyn fynii. 
 
 i\Iir wee kegit leich garwe in daall in narm zo gi loor 
 AVemist gin clioywir fa sniach da goyvys woyn in cor 
 Di wcit in glywe gin tncht a clnyitli churp agus skay 
 Go matli chorik pen a deiss ne aykyth rciss er mi ray 
 Kligir .'iggin ag in c>s fcr bi watli trcssi is gncive 
 
MuDEiiN.I THE DEAN OF LISMOUK. 17 
 
 Tliainig an steiul rfiii air tir, 'h am fear iiar iiihiii lis an Flicinn. 
 Caogad laoch bhitirinaiil ann, a dioinnich a dh' ionnsuidh an I'liir, 
 Air ca<ral an fliir 'us a theachd, ni roUh laoch gun ghrain. 
 Do thuinii mar tliainig air tir, d' fharraid an rigli fa maitli diu, 
 An aitlmicli tlui fi-in a Itlioan, an e sud am fear a deir tu 1 
 Aitlinichcani, Miiic Cuniliail, a Fhiiin, is pfidliar loam d(t d' Flieinn, 
 Tairgidli se mise a bhreitli lois, ge maith do thrrise, Fliinn aill, 
 Do t'irich Osgar agus Gall, bu bliorb cosgair lonn nan catli, 
 'N an seasiimli an goire do 'n t-sloigh, eadar am fear mor 's am flatli, 
 Thainig an laocli bu mhaitli tlachd, le fioch 'us le neart 'n a clieaiin, 
 Agus faigheas uaiiin a bhean, do bha 'n goire do gliualainn Fhiiin, 
 Thug Mac Moirne an t-urchar dian, gu cniaidh 'n a dheigli do 'n t-sleigh, 
 Nior fanu an t-urchar nior e, dhe 'sgt'ith gun d' rinueadh da bhloidh. 
 Do chrath Osgar fii mhir f heirg a chrios dhearg dhe 'lairah chh, 
 Agus marbhas steud an f hir, mor an t-euchd a rinneadh leatha. 
 'N uair thuit an steud air an leirg, dh' iompaich e le feirg 'us le fioch, 
 Agus fbgi-as, borb an taom, comhrag air na caogad laoich. ['u a dhkil, 
 An taobh mo dh' ionnsuidh fein 'us d' Fbinn, caogad laoch nior thiom 
 Ge 'r mhaith an seasamh 's an trosd, do gheill an cosg le a laimh. 
 Bheireadh da bhuille gu mear, gu dian do gach fear dhiubh sin, 
 Do bhitheamaid uile fa h-i\ir, mai- h i\mh ag comhrag fir. 
 Cheangail tri naoincar le buaidh, 's an iorghuill chruaidh siil do sgnir, 
 Gu cruaidh ceangail nan tri chaoil, air gach aon diubh sin a chuir. 
 Do dhmid Gall an aigne mhir, gu leadairt an fhir an goire roimhe, 
 Cia b'e chitheadh iad an sin, bu gharbh an goile 's an gleb ; 
 Thorchair ]\Iac Moirne le a laimh, Mac righ na Sorcha, sgeul mbr ; 
 Is mairg treabh o 'n d' th^nig a bhean, fa thuit am fear an goire romha. 
 'Us air tuiteam an fhir mhMr, an goire do 'u cliuan, cruaidh an ccum, 
 Do bhi nighean rlgh tliir fo tliuinn, bliadhna aig Fionn amis an Fheinn. 
 Flann mac ^loirne cruaidh 'an c;i5, fhuair hhs, bu mhor an t-ouchd, 
 Ni robh a thainig as dhiubh, gun a chneas liln de chreuchd : 
 M' athairse fein bu mhaith tlachd, neach am bochd riaiiih nior eur. 
 'Us nis is deireadh do 'n ghniomh, air Fionn is aithuichte domh sgeul. - 
 
 Aithnichte domh sgeul. 
 
 Mar bha caogad laoch garbh, an dJiil an arm dha gu le^r, 
 Bhitheamaid gun chobhar fo a smachd, do ghabhas uainn a chMr, 
 Do bhitheadh an clairlhearah gun tochd, a claoidh chorp agus sgiath 
 Co maith chomhrag air mo dhcas ni f Iiaca mi ris air mo rdidh. 
 Adiilacar againn aig an eas, fear bu mhaith trcis "us gniomh, 
 2 
 
iS THE BOOK OF , [axciext. 
 
 Currir lay wrayth gi iiioyer fane <jyr in nouor uii reith 
 
 Deytli blcyin zuoUc in nann naye in leith worb nar loyttli in rcitli 
 
 M'Morn fsx di-yiss lamni gai leygiss ag finn ni fleygb. 
 
 Actor luijiis Ossane M'fiun. 
 
 Sai la guss in del oy nach vaga mai finn 
 Clianaka rem rai sai boo zar lym 
 Mak noyn oe heik ree nyth woUych troni 
 Meddi is mo raitb mo cheyl is mo chon 
 Fa filla fa flaa fa ree er girrc 
 Finn fla re no vane fa treach er gycli ter 
 Fa meille raor marre fa lowor er lerg 
 Fa shawok glan gcith fa scitb er gi carde 
 Fa hillanich carda fa mark3i;h nor verve 
 Fa hollow er zueith fa stcith er gi soberm 
 Fa for chart a wrai fa tawicht toye 
 Fa hjTiscith naige fa Itratha er boye 
 Fa hai in techter ard er chalm is er keol 
 Fa dwlta nyri dawf o zaik graig ni glar 
 A kness mir a galk a zroie mir in ross 
 Bi zlan gorm a rosk a holt myr in tor 
 Fa dwle dawf is doouua fa haryth nyn aw 
 Fa hollow er znee fa meine ri mnawe 
 Fa hai nicille mor mak mwrna gi mygli 
 Bar IjTiyth nyn laud an cranna os gych ig 
 Fa say war in rygh a vodla mor zhuss nyth 
 Din zort zar zewe tcrf nooha thra . . . 
 
 brone l>ane 
 
 . . . er nyth tloye fa bi ehroy eliam 
 
 Fa chossnw in grcit fa vanve ni liann 
 
 Gin dng in flath trechaid oath fa chaun 
 
 Er scrattych o zea M'Cowle nor oliail 
 
 Id deir fa zoo ne closs goo na vail 
 
 Ner eame er nach zur air voo ynd 
 
 Clia royvc ach re gnuie re rcyve vass u ohjnin 
 
 Neir aik pest in locht na arrycli in uoef 
 
 Neryn nyn neve ner varve in scr soyve 
 
 Ne hyiiiusse zneve u Ix-ine gin do bra 
 
 Ner ynasse voym tranc a vuyc si waa 
 
 Ach is (ilk id tani in dci iiid ni vane 
 
 l)i ([uliy less in iliith lm math \va na /ci 
 
MDDEKN I I'ilK DKAN OF I.ISMORK. i. 
 
 Ciiirear fa l>iir;ii;,'Ii gacli incur, faimie nir uii inmir iim ii,i,'li, 
 
 Deich bliiullina dliol an airin nimh, an laocli borl) nior Itigiiaitli an r'l^'li 
 
 Mac Moirne fa d' f hios Icani, ga Iciglicas aig Fionn nam floaclli. 
 
 Auctor hujus Ossian ;Mac Fliinii. 
 
 So la gus an d6, o nacli fhaca mi Fionn, 
 
 Cha-n fliaca ri 'm rt', saoi bu gheire leam ; 
 
 Mac nighinu 0' Tlieige, rigJi nam buillean trum. 
 
 M' end 's mo ratli, mo chiall 's mo chon, 
 
 Fa filidli fa flatli, fa righ air gheire, 
 
 Fionn Hath, rigli ua Foinn, fa treabliacli air gach tir, 
 
 Fa miall raur mara, fa leobhar air leirg, 
 
 Fa sheabhag glan gaoithe, fa sith air gach ccairde. 
 
 Fa oileanach ceart, fa mairg nior mhoarbh, 
 
 Fa ullamh air ghniomh, fa steidh air gach seirm, 
 
 Fa fior ceart a bhreth, fa thrahaiche tuaith. 
 
 Fa ionnsaichte 'n a aigh, fa brathach air buaidh, 
 
 Fa h-e an teachdair ard, air chahn 'us air cheol. 
 
 Fa diidtadh nan daindi, o dli' f h?ig greagh na clhr, 
 
 A chncas mar an cailc, a ghruaidh mar an ros, 
 
 Bu ghlan gorm a rosg, 'fholt mar an t-5r. 
 
 Fa diiil daimh 'us daoine, fa aircach nan kgh. 
 
 Fa uUamh air ghniomh, fii miu ri mnathaibh, 
 
 Fa he am miall mhv, mac muirne gach magh, 
 
 B' fhear loinneadh nan lann, an crann os gach fiodh. 
 
 Fa saoibhir an righ, a bhotal mor glas, 
 
 D' f hion ghort ghear gharbh, tairbh noch char threa 
 
 broinn bhJun, 
 
 ... air an t-sluagh, fa bu chruaidh clieum. 
 
 Fa chosnadh an guiomh, f\i Bhaubha bhain. 
 
 Gun d' thug am flath, tricheud cath fa a ceann. 
 
 Air sgraitcach dha, M'Cumhail nior cheil, 
 
 A deir fa a ghb, ni clos gb 'na bheid, 
 
 Ni curadh air ni, fhuair fear o Fhionn, 
 
 Cha robh aca ri gi-ein, righ riamh as a chionn, 
 
 Nior dh' fhhg beist an loch, no nathair an nimh, 
 
 An Eirinn nan naomh, nar mharbh an saor scimh, 
 
 Ni h-innisinn a ghniomh, a bhitlunu gii de bhrhth, 
 
 Nior innisinn nam, trian a bhuaidh 's a mhaith, 
 
 Ach is olc a taim, an doigh Fhiun nani Fciun, 
 
 Do chaidh leis an f hlath, gach maith bha *na dheigh. 
 
THE BOOK OF Ianciext. 
 
 Giu angnow in vor gin annith glau geith 
 Gin nor in mne ree is gin wre ni leich 
 Is tursych id tani in dei cliinni ni gaid 
 Is me in craiiu er creith is me keive er naik 
 Is me clinoo cheith is me in teach gin schrane 
 Acliadane mi nor is me in toath gin treatli 
 Is me ossia m'fpm er trane ym zneitli 
 Nad be voa finn di bi hvm gi neith 
 Vii sliss er y liyg m'kowl gyn blygh 
 vii fythit skae diss er gi sliss deu sen 
 Kegit ymme oole in dymchale mi ree 
 Kegit leich gin ymzwn syth gith ymme zeive 
 x' pley bane na hallith re hoil 
 x' urskir gorm x' corn in noor 
 Ach bi watli in traive a wag finni ni vane 
 Gyn dochil gin drow gyn glw is gyn gley 
 Gyn talkis ind er in err za a\Tie 
 Ag dol cr gi nae di weith each za rar 
 Finn flatli in tloye sothran er a lou 
 Re nyu wile aig roy zwnni ni ner zwlt 
 Ner zwlt finn ree nath ga bi veg a lynn 
 Char churre ass i lieacli nach zor duuyth anu 
 Math in donna finn math in donna ai 
 Noch char helic nath lai zor helic sal. 
 
 Sal. 
 
 A houdir so Allaue M'Eoyree. 
 
 Glennschce in glenn so rame heive, a binn foig agus Ion, 
 
 J\lenik redeis in nane, ar on trath so in doy agon 
 
 A glen so fa wenn Zwlbin zwrm, is liaald tulchi fa zran 
 
 Ner wancw a roytlii gi dark, in dcy liolga o Inn ni vane 
 
 Estith beg ma zalew leitli a cluuUlyciit cheive so woyni 
 
 Er wcnn Zwlbin is cr inn fail, is er M'ezoynn skayl troyg 
 
 fJur lai finn fa troyg in shelgji, er V'ezwn is di-rk lei 
 
 Zwll di wiMin Zwlliiii di liclga, in tnrkgi nach fadin cnu zei 
 
 Lai M'czwnn narni ay, da bay gin dorcliirre in tork 
 
 (Jillir royth ba znill tinn, is sclie assne rin do loclit 
 
 \']v fa harlow a zail, M'oznnn graw nin sgoU 
 
 Ach so in skayll fa tiirsyi-h mnaan, gavr less di layvc an tork. 
 
 Zingywal di huh ni wane, da guni ca uBsi gnok 
 
 [n Hciicnn tork schcc bi garv, di vag liallcrych na iiclvc uiok 
 
MODEUN.I THK DEAN OF LISMORE. 
 
 CJun unghnatli aoin inlinir, gi.n einoadi glan guuitlie, 
 
 Gun or "us uiuatha rigli, '» gun blireith nan laoch. 
 
 Is tuirseacli a taim an th-igh oliinn nan coud, 
 
 Is mi an crann air chritli, 's mo cliiahb do m' flihg, 
 
 Is mi a chno chitli, is mi an teach gun srian, 
 
 Acbadan mi an uair, is mi an tuatli gun trcabli, 
 
 Is mi Ossiau mac Fliinn, air trian do 'm ghniumli, 
 
 An fhad bu blico Fioiui, do bu Icam gach ni, - 
 
 Seachd slios air a tliigh, M'Cumhail co tlcadh 
 
 Seachd fichead sgiath chlcas, ail- gach slios dhiubh .sin, 
 
 Caogad uidhcam ohudli an timchioll mo righ, 
 
 Caogad laoch gun iomagan, anns gach uidheam dhiubh, 
 
 Deich bkidh hhn, 'n a thalla ri 61, 
 
 Deich eascradh gorm, dcich corn de 'n or, 
 
 Ach bu mluiith an treabh, a bh' aig Fionn nam Feiun, 
 
 Gun doichioll gim drath, gun gloois gun gleidh, 
 
 Gun tarchuis aim, air aon f hear dh'a Fheinn, 
 
 Aig dol air gach ni, do bha chch d'a reir, 
 
 Fionn flath an t-sluaigh, sothran air a luaidh, 
 
 Righ nan uile aigh, roimh dhuine nior dhiult, 
 
 Nior dliiult Fionn roimh neach, ge bu bheag a loinn, 
 
 Char chuir as a theach, neach dha 'r thainig ann, 
 
 Maith an duine Fionn, maith an duiue e, 
 
 Noch char thiodhlaic neach, le dha 'r thiodhlaic se. 
 
 Is e iliglidair so Allan Mac Riiaridli. 
 
 Glcannsith an gleann so ri m'thaobh, 's am binne feidh agus loin, 
 
 Is minic a ruitheas an Fheinn, air an t-srath so an deidh an con, 
 
 An gleann so fo Bheinn Ghulbainn ghuirm, a's Mllidh tulaich fo'n ghrein, 
 
 Na struthana a niith gu dearg, an deidh shealg o Fhionn na Feiun. 
 
 Eisdibh beag mar dli' f halbh laoch, a chuideachd chaoimh so nam. 
 
 Air Bheinn Ghulbain 'us air Fionn fial, 'us air Mac O'Dhuinn, sgeul truagh, 
 
 Gur le Fionn bu tniagh an sealg, air Mhac O'Dhuinn a's deirge lith, 
 
 Dhol do Bheinn Ghulbain do shealg, an tuirc nach foodain arm a chaoidh. 
 
 Le Mac O'Dhuinn an airm kigh, do 'm b'e gun torchradh an tore, 
 
 Geillear roimhe bu dh' fhoill Fhinn, is e esan a rinn do lochd. 
 
 Fhear fa tharladh an gaol, Mac O'Dhuinn gnidh nan sgoil, 
 
 Ach so an sgeul fa tur.sach mnathan, gabhar leis do Ihimh an tore, 
 
 Dionghal do laoch na Feinn, do chuir e as a chnoc. 
 
 An seann tore, is e bu ghairbhe, do fhac ballardaich na h-alla-muic. 
 
22 tup: book of [ancient. 
 
 Soeytli film is lUrlc da;uli, fa wcnn Zwlbin zluss in k-l^'a 
 
 Di frc dimit less in tork, mor in tulga a rin a shelga 
 
 Di clasticli cozar ni waiu", nor si uarm teach fa a cann 
 
 &si iu a vest o swoyu, is glossis woyth er a glenn 
 
 Curris ri faggin iiiu Icich, iu slieii tork schee er freich U^rb 
 
 Bi geyr no ganyth sleygh, bi traneiseygh na gatli bolga 
 
 M'ozwiin ni narm geyr, fragor less in na vest oik 
 
 Wa teive reyll trom navjTiyth gay, currir sleygh in dayl in turk 
 
 Brissir an cran less fa tlire, si chran fix reir er in inwk 
 
 In sleygh o wasi waiyerka vlaye, rait less noeheliar hay na (•(•iii 
 
 Targir in tan lann o troyle, di chossin mor loye in narm 
 
 Marviss M'ozunu fest, di hanyth feyn de hess slane 
 
 Tuttis sprocht er Inn ue wane, is soyis sea si gnok 
 
 Makoziuin nar dult day^'c, oik less a hecht slane o tork 
 
 Er weith zoyth faddi no host, a durt gar wolga ri ray 
 
 Tothiss a zermit o hocht, ga maid try sin tork so id taa 
 
 Char zidt ay ae]iunji;h fiun oik leinn gin a heacht da hygh 
 
 Toissi tork er a zrum, M'ozunn nach trome tr^-gh 
 
 Toiss na ye reiss, a yermit gi meine a tore. 
 
 Fa lattis troygh ya chinn, a zil nin narm rind gort 
 
 Ymbeis bi hurrus goye, agus toissi zayve in tork 
 
 Gunne i freich neive garve, Imonu in leich bi zarg in dmd 
 
 Tuttis in sin er in rein, M'O'Zwne nareyve fealle 
 
 Na la di heive in turk, ach sen ayd zut gi dorve 
 
 A ta schai in swn fa creay, M'O'Zwne keawe in gleaoht 
 
 Invakane fullich ni wane, sin tulli so chayme fa art 
 
 Saywic swlzorme essroye, far la berrit boye gi ayr 
 
 In dey a horchirt la tork, fa hulchin a chnokso a tua 
 
 Dermit M'U'Zwue oyill, huttflin tra ead nin noor 
 
 Bi gil a wrai no grano, bu derk a wail no blai k . . . 
 
 Fa hoc innis a alt, fadda rosk barglan fa lesgji 
 
 Gurme agus ghussi na liwle, maissi is lassi gowl ni gUaclit 
 
 Biiini.s is grinnis na zhtyr, gil no zoid varzeik vlaa 
 
 Mayd agis evycht sin hicli, seiig is si-r no kness liayn 
 
 Coytlityc is maaltitr ban, M'O'Zwne bi vor boye 
 
 In turri cliar Img swle, o ehoneich wr er u zroy 
 
 Iminir deit cyde is each, fer in ncygin creucli nar i-harrc 
 
 Gilli a bar gasga is aoith, uch troyg uiir a teich so glenn. 
 
 G'lcimsilue 
 
.M..Di:ux.i Tin: i>i:an of lismoue. 23 
 
 Is suhhacli Fioini ii's (UMr<,'o droacli, fa Blioinii Cihulbaiii glilais an t seilg, 
 l>o frith (riiiiich leis an tore, mhr an t-olc a rinn a slieal^', 
 Ki rlMsdearlul coghhir nam Feinn, 'us an ainn tcachd fa a chcann, 
 Eircius a bliiisd 'shuaiii, 'us gluaiscas uath air a gldoann, 
 Cuiroas ri fhgail nan laocli, an seann tore 'us c air friodh borli, 
 Bu glu'ire no gatli nan sloagh, bu treine a shaigh no gath bulga. 
 Mac O'Dliuinn nan arm gcur, frcagras leis a bhcisd olc, 
 a thaobh thriall troni nimhneach gath, cuirear sleagli an dkil an tuirc, 
 Brisear a craim leis fa thrt, 's i a crann fa rc^ir air a mhuc, 
 An t-slcagh o bhos bhhrdhearg bhhiith, rait leis noch char e 'n a chorp. 
 Tarruingear tan lann & trnaill, do choisinn mor bhuaidh nan arm, 
 Marbhas M'O'Dhuinn a bhdisd, do thainig e fhein as slim. 
 Tuiteas sjn-ochd air Fionn na Feinn, 'us suidheas e 's a chnoc ; 
 Mac O'Dliuinn nach do dhiult daindi, olc leis a thighinn sliin o'n tore. 
 Air l)hi dha fada 'n a thosd, a dubhairt, ge b'ulc ri rhdh, 
 Tomhais, a Dhiarmaid o 'shoe, cia mend troidh 's an tore a ta, 
 Char dhiult e achuinge Fhiiin, olc leiun gim a theaclid d'a thigh, 
 Tomhaisidh an tore air a dhruim, Mac O'Dhuinn nach trbm troidh. 
 Tomhais 'n a aghaidh a r\s, A Dhiarmaid gu min an tore, 
 Fa leat is tniagh dha chinu, a ghille nan arm roinn ghoirt. 
 Imicheas, bu thiirus goimh, agus tomhaisidh dlioibh an tore, 
 Guinidh a fhriogh nimh garbh, bonn an laoich bu gharbh 'an trod. 
 Tuiteas 'an sin air an raon, M'O'Dhuinn nior aoibh feall ; 
 'N a luidh do thaobh an tuirc, ach sin e dhuit gu doirbh ; 
 A ta se an sin fa ehreuehd, INI'O'Dhuinn caomh an gleachd ; 
 Aon mhacan fulangach nam Fiaun, 's an tulach so chi 'm fa ard, 
 Seabhag siMghorm Easniaidh, fear le 'm bcireadh buaidh gach air 
 An deigh a thorchaiit le tore, fa thulchain a chnuie so a ta. 
 Diarmaid INI'O'Dhuinn aibheil, a thuiteam troimh end an bir. 
 Bu ghile a bhn^ no gi'ein, bu deirg a bheid no blhth ... 
 Fa buidhe innis a fholt fod, rosg bar ghlan fa liosg, 
 Guirm 'us glaise 'n a shCiil, niaise 'us caise ei\l nan cleaehd, 
 Binneas 'us grinueas 'n a ghloir, gUe 'n a dhoid bhhr-dhearg bhlJith, 
 Mend agus ^ifeachd 's an laoch, seang 'us s;ior fo a chneas bhn, 
 Cothaieh 'us mealltair bhan, IM'O'Dhuinu bu nihor buaidh, 
 An ti\r cha thog a sliW, chorruich i\r air a ghruaidh, 
 Inunirdieh fhaoghaid 'us each, fear an e'igin chreach nar char, 
 Gillc b' fhcaiT gaisge 'us sith, ach truagh mar a theich 's a ghleann. 
 
 Gleannsith. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 A lioudir so seiss Allan M'Eoyve. 
 
 Mor in uocht my cliow feyu a halgin a ta zim rair 
 
 Re smeiiik-n a cluui cliroy huggcinir is carhryth cranroy 
 
 A maksen chonnik oclnvnni merga in iiayn liarlyth fa cliuiig 
 
 Reith gin chass vin cliaatli di cluirri ris gin zranc roytli boe 
 
 Kailswm gitli ollith fame liwnni inni is clanui keive chwnn 
 
 Guss wyve sen cliarbre roye nil* smeiue seine oik na auweine 
 
 Di chau carbryth ranytli loyeth agus di be in nellitli chroye 
 
 Gir bar less twttwm er mygh agiis in nane la cheille 
 
 Nassytli reitlirc wea vir agus in nane a weitli er nerrin 
 
 Di clian barrin gi prap cwneich mwkre agis art 
 
 Fir sinsir huttwni in sin di wreitli fellith ni fa}nuth 
 
 Cwneich a gessith cliroye is cwneioli in non oywir 
 
 Is nach reym cogeith rame linui ach na hoggeith vakkowie 
 
 Ba corle clonni cwne agus carbre a lay tromc 
 
 Ead fejTie a liawrt dar giiini agus sinni di zochiu 
 
 Gow niarrcith na zey wleyg is gin nane a weitli in nahvin 
 
 Is weadeist baiss fa zoem tra nach bedeis in mir zlee 
 
 Hug sen gi feich fergich in cathsin cailit zawraa 
 
 Di hui, in nane bonni ri bonni is reithre olsa crrin 
 
 Ne roygli o nynca nor gow fodleith earra iu doythin 
 
 In reith nach roygh far sniacht rar linni gwss a chaa sen a lialgin. 
 
 O churre an sen r nar ner zoive rwneni kciss na kayu 
 
 Is ne roye ag dwn keith rwn ach far gwde di zea nerrin 
 
 Ymmi er fey iji dojii worre nach lar wey in dey in tloye 
 
 Ni fonyeitli la er lai a liuttym la ny choillith 
 
 Da deg feith awlwarreith iu sen orrew iu nerrin ea/.lyu 
 
 Ossin cred a zaneith finni agus ersemi far nerrin 
 
 Er a lave a cleyrre chaye ne royith si vanve vane 
 
 lieggane di leichre erse agus ogre gin darve 
 
 Ga bea reith heyssyth in sin zoive sai fodleith in nasgeith 
 
 Gin catli gin nirril giii nawg gin none gin achiiissen 
 
 Churr sin ir techta sorgow fim nniyk v" conni 
 
 Di holth orrin nar genni di zowell reithreith errin 
 
 Mor iu tysin dymith orweith a reitli tiunvilh i\i nio torni 
 
 'rwllcitii owyr a lug gow dul di warwu or olloa 
 
 Ossiu iuuis doive skail nor chorsew iu nirril trane 
 
 Nor luitytli di waksi si chaa lui drwg tow er er liiwrytli 
 
 Oskiii mi vec osgir ayeu hanyth mi^s er <'urrtith in n;ir a 
 
 id tanik keiltyth er sen oskir a lu-clitir clynni 
 
 Hauik in roze bon zar weane woskin in gnrritli dytli Wyii 
 
M..I)EHN.| THK DKAN OK Ll.S.MOKI-L 
 
 An t-ughdair so sios, Allau Mac Ruaraidh. 
 
 Mor an noclid mo cliuinha fi'in a thailginn a tha do 'm r«1ir, 
 
 ll\ smuaintiiin a chatlia tliniaidli tluij,'aniar 'us Carbair rrann ruaidli, 
 
 Am mat- sin CliormaigU'Chuiiiii, mair;,' an fheadhan a tharhulh fo 'cliuing-, 
 
 High gun clihs o 'n chath do chuireadh Icis gun ghrain roindi bcotliaibh, 
 
 Cheangladh sinn gach nile Fiann, tlum Flnnn 'us cluinne caoimh Chuinn, 
 
 (tus do bhi sin Carbair ruadh, nior smuainicb sinn ole no ainmbein. 
 
 Do cban Carlnur ris an t-sbiagh, agais do b 'e an calaidb chioiaidli, 
 
 Gur b" fhearr Icis tuitcam air uiagb, agus tui Fheinn le ch^Ue, 
 
 No ua rigbrc bhi fa Ciir, agus an Fheinn a bhi air Eirinn. 
 
 Do clian Barruinu gii praj), cuimhnich IMuoraidh agus Art, 
 
 Bhur sinnsroadh thuitoani an siu, de bhreitli foill na Feinn, 
 
 Cuindinich na gcasan chruaidh, 'us cuimhnich an on uamhor, 
 
 'Us nach robh aon cliogadh ri 'm linn, ach na thog Mac Cumhad. 
 
 B'e comhairle chlaniia Chiunn, agus Charbair na laimhe tnume, 
 
 lad frin a thabhairt do 'r cinn, agus sinne a dhochainneadh, 
 
 Gu maireadh 'n a dheidh fleadh, 'us gun Fheinn a bhi 'n Ahnhainu, 
 
 'Us bhithcas blis fa dhiomb, an trath nach bitheas ann mar dhlighe. 
 
 Thug sinn gu fiadhaich feargach, an cath sin cath Ghabhra. 
 
 Do thuit an Flieinn bonu ri bonn 'us righre uasal Eirinn. 
 
 Ni robh o 'n Innia an car, gu Fodk iar an domhain, 
 
 Aon righ nach robh fo 'r smachd, r 'ar linn gus a chath sin, a thailginn ; 
 
 chuireadh an sin ar n-kr nior gliabh dhuinn cis no ckin, 
 
 'Us ni robh aig duine cith nuim ach far cuid de dh' iath an Eirinn, 
 
 lomadh l)hi air feadh an dondiain ndioir nach lathair bhi an dcigh an 
 
 Ni faoin lamh air laimh a thuiteam le na che'ile, [t-sloidh, 
 
 Da tig fiadhaich almharaich an sin orra 'an Eirinn iath-ghlan. 
 
 Ossiaiu, creud a dheanadh Fionn, agus iarsma for an Eirinn ? 
 
 Air a laimh a chleirich chaidh, ni robh 's a Bhanbha bhhin, 
 
 Bcagan de laochraidh arsaidh agus oigridh gun dearbhadh ; 
 
 Ge b' e righ a sheasadli an sin gheabhadh se Fodla an nasgaidh. 
 
 Gun chath, gain iorghuill, gun agh, gun on, gun achnihasan. 
 
 Chuir sinn ar teachta saor gu fkih Mac mhic Cuinn. 
 
 Do chaidh uainn 'n ar cinn do ghabhad righre Eii'inu, 
 
 Mor an tigh sin d' imich oir bha righ Teamhra fa mor toirm, 
 
 TuQleadh aobhar a tug gu dol a ndiarbhadh ar n-uUe. 
 
 Ossian, innis doibh sgeul 'u uair chuir sibh an iorghuill threun, 
 
 'N uair thuit do mhac-Sii 's a chath, an do rug thu air a labhradii ? 
 
 Os cionn mo mhic Osgair aine thkinig mis air cur an hir, 
 
 Do thainig Caoilte air sin oscionn a sheachdnar doinne, 
 
 Thainig na robh be<> de 'r Feinn os cionn an cau'deau fein, 
 
26 THE BOOK OF (axcient. 
 
 Drong zoe lawrrit or sin is weith drong ellith giu arinyn 
 A cleyrreith na baichil banc ga bca zeith cbewith iu toyr 
 Bytb vor in troye rar lin olsa errin di bwttim 
 Ymmeith caitbraa codeith kcive ymnii loureitb beith ber 
 Ynimcitb skaitb barsi si wygb agus a trea gin armiu 
 Cba dewith sin din tloyg mirri baale er in roygb boye 
 Cba dwg sin lynui ass a cbaa, acb feve reitli na ardlacbt 
 Sanni a bor mo mi wag feyu ua lea er a wllin cbui 
 Is skaa nawriss er in layr agiis a hmni ua zess lawe 
 Donnwl allitb er gitb lea dea er bley a looreicba 
 Leggwm erla mi ley re lar is di bi ryuis oss a cbinni taw c 
 Sminum a bealgin er sen cred a zanvin na zeye 
 Di billitb osgir rwmsytb soss agus bi lor lam a chross 
 Di beiu a bwggwm a bxave er wayu er ym choaailli 
 Di zoyve may lawe mi vec feyu is d}i;h bocis ranj-tb croa 
 Is aou tw sin a lea cbar cburreis ciiiss sin toil 
 
 Hurrt rwmsytb mi wak farrytb agus a nar armj-tb 
 
 A woe riss ni dwllw sin di wesitb slane a aytbir 
 
 Nc zanwmsytb zewsytbt gaetb ne roe aggwm fregreitb zoe 
 
 Gin danik kcilt worsin buggiu a zoyziu oskir 
 
 A dowirt mak ronane in naAve acb keynis tiues a zrawg 
 
 A tame er oskir mir is dlee dul a gowar sell awzeivc 
 
 Cracbtea sley carbre roye fa ymlin osku- armroye 
 
 Lawe cbeilt ga wllin doe reacb in greacbtc nytb sley 
 
 Sirris keilta a knee er cbojT id toyr a inni na zoce 
 
 It tojT a zrwme crecbti kyn er a zerre din zorley 
 
 Skreddis makronane sin agus tuttis gow talwiu 
 
 Id dowirt keiltytb ym meille trane cr weitb zoe er tryli' in ilyvonail 
 
 Feirane sen a oskir aile a skarris ranytb wane 
 
 Is skar raa ciuitb ra fynni bae in keiss ag sell mor cbwiu' 
 
 Gerrit a weitb zone mir sin a vec i\l]nu a ddericb 
 
 Gi waka a buggin wo nar ne roye boea zauew ])liuil 
 
 Feirbit keaid zonytb mir sin eiUlr ogre is ai-se 
 
 Ne roowc dwne slane dew sin aggin din neyibit cailsin 
 
 Acb fer ix gonni gi reive fatb low ag gin di cbreactew 
 
 Togmir in tosgir arne er cbraiinew sley in nardcw 
 
 Bernioyn c gu tullycb zlin dytli bowirt ilea a beydytb 
 
 Lead nytb bossytb zane cborp cba royvo sbmo wo na alt 
 
 Na gi ryg a wonytb lar acli a ygb na bynirrane 
 
 In nyitb sin dwn sin naar geillingua cburp gow hui 
 
 (I'll- bogsin dan V ne tinni er clm.ikew ard evin 
 
 Ncyr clioneitii iicadi a v" liii nir ciicin a wrar fa zcytb 
 
 Kc ll'gsiu nu- vecsi mir sen kaadi wllstb a kciiylli oskir 
 
M..|)EUN.l TIIK DKAN OF LISMOKK. 27 
 
 Droiii",' (Uiiiilih lal>Iir;i(lar sin 'us Itlii ilr<)iii;L: tilr <^\n anaiiiaiii. 
 
 A c'lili'iricli 11 ItliiK'liuil blihin, gc bitli do cliithcadh an t ar, 
 
 l?ii luhor an truaiglie ri 'r linn uail.so Eirinn do thniteani. 
 
 Ionia<lli cobhra cudat oaonih, ioniadh Iniroach sliitlioach shaor 
 
 lomadli sgiatli tharsna 's a niliagh, a;;ii.s a triatli gun anainain, 
 
 Cha dubliadi sin do 'n t-sluaigh mar a b' M air an robli bnaidli, 
 
 Cha tug sinu leinn as a chath ach faoibh righ no ardlaoich. 
 
 'S ann a fhuair mi mo ndiao fein 'u luidhe air 'uilinn cW, 
 
 A sgiath 'n a bliris air an Ihr, agus a lauu 'n a dlieas laimh, 
 
 Do 'n fluiil aille air gach loth, d'iadh air blaghaibh a luirich, 
 
 Leigeam carrlinn mo shleidh ri Ihr agus rinueas os a chioun thmh, 
 
 Smuaiueam a tliailginn air sin creud a dcanainn 'n a dlieigh, 
 
 Do thill Osgar riumsa suas agus bu k'or leani a chrois, 
 
 Do shin e thugam a Ihrnh air mhiann air mo chomhdhail, 
 
 Do ghabh mi Ihmh mo rahic foin 'us do thugas rhn cruaidh, 
 
 'Us an taobh sin a leth niur chuircas chs 's an t-saoghal, 
 
 Thubhairt riumsa mo mhac feiu fear agus e an oir anamainn, 
 
 Fo ris na dtiilibh sin do bhi-sa slhn a athair, 
 
 Ni dheanaimse innsoadh glib, ni robh agam freagradh tUia, 
 
 Gu 'n taiuig Caoilte mor sin thugainn a dh' f haicinn Osgar. 
 
 A dubhairt Ma<; Ronaiu an aigh, ach cionnus tathas, a ghraidli : 
 
 A tathaim ar' Osgar mar is dlighe 'dol an comhar saoghail aigho, 
 
 Chreuchd sleadh Charbair niaid^i fa imlinn Osgair armniaidh, 
 
 Lamh Chaoilte gu 'uilinn do rach an creuchdaibh na sleigh, 
 
 Sireas Caoilte an cneadh air choir, do fhuair gach ni 'na dhoigh. 
 
 Do fhuair a dhruim creuchta glan air a ghcarradh le 'gheur shleadh. 
 
 Sgroadiis I\Iac Ronaiu an sin agus tuiteas gu talmhainn ; 
 
 Do thubhairt Caoilte am milidh treun air bin dha air triall an dubh neul, 
 
 Firinn sin a Osg-ar ail a sgarras ri na Feinn, 
 
 'Us sgaraidh oath ri Fiannaibh, bithidh an c'ls aig siol mbr Chuinn. 
 
 Goirid a bhi dhuinn mar sin a Mhic Alpaiu, a chleirich, 
 
 Gu facadh thugainn 'n kr na robh heh do Fhiannaibh Fail, 
 
 Fichead ceud dhaoine mar sin eadar oigridh 'us hrsaidh ; 
 
 Nf robh duiue slhu diubh sin againn de 'n f hichead ceud sin, 
 
 Ach fear uaoi guine gu nimh, fath high aig gun de chreuchdadh. 
 
 Togamar an t-Osgar arnaidh, air chrannaibh sleidh an airde, 
 
 Beirminn e gu tulach ghrinn, do thabhairt dheth '«5ideadh ; 
 
 Loud a bhoise dhe 'u clmrp cha robh slan 'fholt, 
 
 No gu ruig a bhuiun \hr acli 'aghaidh 'n a h-aonaran ; 
 
 An iuigh, 's an diun, 's an hra, geilleachdainn d'a chorp gu la, 
 
 Gur thog sinu clann Mhic na Foinn, air chnocnibh ard aoiV>hinii, 
 
 Nior chaoin neach a mhac feiu, nior chaoin a bhrJlthair fa dheoigli, 
 
 Ri faicsinn mo mhacsa mar sin, cKch uile a caoineadh Osgair. 
 
28 THE BOOK OF [a.ncu;xt. 
 
 Gerrit a wee zowii luir siu cr curiytli iu a cliurj) clitive zil 
 
 Gow vaka chuggiu fa nona fin m'kowle vie tranevur 
 
 Gow (lugsidir annsytli nar drane boe di zancw phal 
 
 Er fyail clynui boissui neyr fa cbassil chroo sin nirril 
 
 Di bi roye baekeith ni werri agus skranil ni meillytli 
 
 Gow vaggi sin merga finni re cranni sley voss er gin 
 
 Hugsaid luiggin assin nar di hug sin na goaill 
 
 Di vannych siiin ullyth zinni agis char reggir a sinni 
 
 Dulli cr in tullych na rane far in rowe oskir armzar 
 
 Nor a wowych oskir finni er tocht daa voss a chinni 
 
 Togissa nye neachla is bannythchis da hanathir 
 
 Id dowirt in tosgir in siu re m'niurnaith siu nor sin 
 
 Mi chin fest riss in naik er haggin a inni armzar 
 
 Troyg a oskir arne a zey v'^ mo v*' syth fen 
 
 Miss er a zey is fanne is er dye fane errin 
 
 Mallych art in r gym moye sai sa dwe tanyth reym Itjyith 
 
 Di leon a orrwm a her na gi reach ma in noencith 
 
 Slane wome a zirril is di zawe slane di gi keiss di hoikwail 
 
 Slane di gi math woym in uossa ach ue waym ziu chomso 
 
 Re chistin kelweiu nyth finni a arrwm a hosgir zi ling 
 
 Di hein a woa in (hu hiwe is di zea a rosga rinwhui 
 
 Di hynta finni ruuna a chwle di MUa deara gow dour 
 
 Ach fa osgir is fa wranna cha drin sai dar er talviu 
 
 Ach missi wane agis fiu ne royvc a zayn woss a chin 
 
 Hug ait tree zayryth sin noyr a class fa errin awoyr 
 
 Coyk fichit kead x is deich kead er in goayrren zin fen 
 
 Wa din nam marve er a wygh gyn nane dwn za essen 
 
 A zaa urdill sin is ne goe is reith en'in skail fa moe 
 
 Wa marve er in teive ellith di loyg errin annylin 
 
 Neyn royc finni swllor na saive o hen gow hyig a wass 
 
 Woyn zloossin ne far da less rcithrci wea zi werrin 
 
 Woj^n chath sen cath zawryth noch cha drone ma tyn nawryth 
 
 ( 'lia rowe in oor roea na loo nar leg nuuv ossni Ian wor 
 
 Mor noch. 
 
 A hoiulir so seis Karris tilli. 
 
 Ard agno zwlle, for coggi linn 
 lificli loyvir lodiin, owil ne tiinmi 
 Scir anicli soss, sor huaig lieive 
 Murritli vv sjoyg, goole crowicli keive 
 Mak mornytli marri, fa croitli in goll 
 
MoDKKN.) TFIE DKAN OF LISMORE. 2y 
 
 Goiritl ;i Itlii (lluiiim mar sin, air curaidh a chuirp chaoirah ghil, 
 
 CJu facjulli tliugain fa iinin, Fimin mac Ctimhail mhic Thrcinmhoir. 
 
 Gu tu^'sidear auiis an ar trian lion do dli' Fhiannaihh Fail, 
 
 Air fai^diail rlanna Boisi,qio an iuir fa cliai-soal chro 's an iorglmil ; 
 
 Do bu ro bhaoaoli na fir agus gihinoil na milidli ; 
 
 (tu faoa sinn moirglio Fhinn, ri crann sloidh os ar cionn, 
 
 Tliugsaid tluigainn as an iir ; d(i thug siun 'n a comhdhail, 
 
 Do bheaunaich sinn uilo dh' Fhinn agiis cliar fhreagjiir e sinn, 
 
 'Del air tuhich nan treun, far an robh Osgar armgheur, 
 
 'N uair a ndiothaich Osgar Fionn air teachd da os a chionn, 
 
 Togas an aghaidh neoclihiou, 'us beannaichcas d' a sheanathair. 
 
 A dubhairt an t-Osgar an sin, ri Mac Muirne 's an uair sin, 
 
 Mo chion feasd ris an eug air f haicinn a Fhinn airmgheir, 
 
 Triiagh, a Osgiiir amaidh a dhcadli nihic mo ndiic-s;i fein, 
 
 Mise air a dheigh is ftiun, 'us air deigh Foinn Eirinn, 
 
 Mallach<l ort a fhir co 'm buaidh 's e is duibh thainig ri m' shluagh, 
 
 Do lean c onn o shear, na gu rachadh mi an aonach, 
 
 Slkn uain do iarghuil 's do hgh, slan do gach cis a thogail, 
 
 Shvn do gach niaith nam a nis, ach na faigheam de 'n chom so, 
 
 Ri clhistiun caolmhuiun Fhinu, au arraing Osgar do ling, 
 
 Do shin e uaitli a dha liimh 'us do dh' lath a rosg roinnbhlath. 
 
 Do thionndadh Fionn ruiun a chiM, do shilcadh dheur gu dilr ; 
 
 Ach fa Osgar 'us f\i Bhran, cha d' rinn se dcur air talmhainn, 
 
 Ach mise mhain agus Fionn ni robh de dh' Fheinn os a chionn, 
 
 Thug iad tri ghair 's an uair, a chlos fa Eirinn aghmhor. 
 
 Cuig fichead ceud, deich 'us deicli ceud air an comhaireimh dhinn fein, 
 
 Bha de 'n Fheinn marbh air a mhagh, gun aon duine dheth easbhuidh, 
 
 A dha i\rdail sin 'us ni gh 'us Righ Eirinn sgeul fa mu, 
 
 Bha marbh air an taobh eile, do shluagh Eirinn arm-ghrinn, 
 
 Ni rol)li Fionn suilbhir no seimh, o sin gii theachd a bhhis ; 
 
 'n ghleb sin ni'fearda leis, righrean bin a dhith fearainn. 
 
 'n chath sin cath Ghabhra nocha d' rinn mi treun labhradh, 
 
 Cha robh an uair riamli no lo, nar leig mi osnadh Ian mhor. 
 
 Mbr an uochd. 
 
 Is e ugbclair so sios Ferghiis Filidh. 
 
 Ard aigne Ghuill, fear cogaidh Fhinn, 
 Laoch leobhar lonn, 'fhoghail nach tioma 
 Saor eineach suas, saor snaidheach a thaobh, 
 Murrach air sluagh, Goll cruthach caonih, 
 Mac Moirne mear, fa crodha an goil, 
 
30 THE BOOK OF [vxcient. 
 
 A clew fa scheii, fur goiniioU .sen 
 Reith tiimith fay], ne tiuimi glor 
 Ne seywe a chail, leich eyvo mor 
 Noor lieyd a gaji;h, raynie Hath feicli 
 Ga incine a chuess, nc in tass in ncith 
 A waid ne i niyn, oosi geagi torri 
 Say is glenny gen, eyddi ni skoll 
 Ooss barri beun, errir sen rynn 
 Fa heggill lenn, a hagri hccht rinn 
 Derrini rwt a inn, na diillis noonn 
 Di warr agli zwle, hagni gi tromm 
 Gin clnir ra wath, si cath ne in doc 
 Insoich chaytli, kinselcich sloe 
 A anifh ne min, fullieh in fer 
 Dossi ni skoll, ossil a zen 
 Wnik a loeg, torvirdycli fayll 
 A tlirost caytli is boyn, fo.ss flatli a cliayl 
 Dwn na olt, a wrunni niir chelk 
 Wmlane mi cliorp, londane da hoik 
 Meninycht a weiss, dalweich a znwss 
 Ne elle re ooss gowlc, ne chell ort a inn 
 Tress ni doon, a zasga zrin 
 FlaaoU foss, daytholl a kness 
 Er zoolc ne cless, ne slim er liass 
 Broontych a zale, conv'ych a royr 
 Ferriddi mein, melleddi moyr 
 Da ray til gi braytli, aw agis eith 
 Nawcli ri caytli, lawch a Icich 
 Cl;ui clioiiis woyn, sonnis ni waync 
 Monmurrycht coyn, illericlit danc 
 Loyvin er aw, croytli na grcwith 
 Loyvir a laj'^-c, royg ni rcitli 
 Sonnis ni rowd, soUis a zaid 
 Curris say layve, gycli trayn da wayd 
 Doyn rowni a nir, boy corrik er 
 Leydwich a zolli, cgni in stcrr 
 Lcicli cwnych loonn, noawiiycli la lynn 
 Targissi goole, argissiclit lyniii 
 Lcicli arm mar, fargyclit ra chin 
 Culg convycli cr, oiichon cr zoll 
 Fcr zallc ni gDiin, myt zraw ni ban 
 llcitli dawc gin noii, di znaa na zarr 
 La licuwc rod, a mt nc in llaa 
 
I TlIK I)i:.\N OF USMoUK. 
 
 A chlifi fa scan, fear gcanail .sin 
 
 Rlgh foiniiidh fial, iii tioinu gloir, 
 
 Ni 'n saolili a diiall, Iikk-Ii aoililiidli inur, 
 
 'N uair tlioiil ai) catli, ivim Hath fioch, 
 
 Ge nihi a clmcas, ni "n taise 'an ni, 
 
 A mlicud ni niion, os gcug an toradli, 
 
 'S e is gloinno goan, oidc nau sgoil, 
 
 Os banail)h bhoanu, eircar 's an rauiii 
 
 Deirim riut a Fiiinn, na triallas nunn, 
 
 Do fearr eagal Ghuill, aignc ge tioni, 
 
 Gun chuireas ri luhaith, 's a chatli ni "n dnigli, 
 
 lonnsaidlieadi caidh, ceannsalach sloigl), 
 
 A eincacli ni niion, fuiloach am fear, 
 
 Toiscacli nan sgoil, nasail a gluvan, 
 
 Oirdlicaro a slduagh, toirbheartaoh fiall, 
 
 A throsd catli is buan, os flath a chiall, 
 
 Donn 'n a fholt, a bhronii mar chailc, 
 
 londan m'a chorp, lonilan de sheirc, 
 
 Eire fa chis, bu choir dha chuis, 
 
 Meanmnach a bhithcas, dealbhach a ghnuis, 
 
 Ni bheil righ os Goll, ni oheil ort a Fhinn ; 
 
 Treise nan tonn, a gliaisge ghrinn, 
 
 Fiathail fus, datliail a chneas, 
 
 Air Gholl nan cleas, ni sliom air theas, 
 
 Bronntach a dhhil, confhadliacli a threoir, 
 
 Fearanta min, uiileanta mhr, 
 
 Do rait gii brhth, 'agh agus 'f hioth, 
 
 Niniheacli ri c?ich, l.^mhach an hiocli, 
 
 Cleith chouus bhuan, sona.s 'na nihein, 
 
 Monamarrach cuain, iorghuilcach dian, 
 
 Leondian air agh, crodha 'n a ghniomli 
 
 Leobhar a l<\nih, roghadh nan righ, 
 
 Sonas 'u a rod, solus a dheud, 
 
 Cuireas se le^n, gach treuu dha mheud, 
 
 Buan reim an fhir, buaidh comhraig air, 
 
 Leidndioach a ghoile, eagnaidh a stair, 
 
 Laoeh guineach loim, nimhuearh fa lainn, 
 
 Tarchuiseach Goll, argaiseach leinn, 
 
 Laoch araaidh mear, feargach r'a chion, 
 
 Colg confhadliach air, onchu air ghoil, 
 
 Fearghail nan con, roghadh ghrkidh nam ban, 
 
 Bithidh daimh gun on, do ghnh,th 'n a ghoiiv, 
 
 Le 'm bitheadh an iM, a r^d ni 'n tlhth, 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Meith ui grayth, a zrayth fa bliia 
 Seyor a chrow, awzor a rath 
 Ne ill traiiith shrow, na reym in gaytli 
 Math morn is daiio, fa orryth a zoyl 
 Inuoyr a zloyr, beith woyu a chrayn 
 Trayth luarri nier, fayle ferri a chorri 
 Giu tayr na zcrr, a zaille er forri 
 Mak teadis cheiwe, nach tregi dawe 
 Gin cho^fgi reitli, nar laggi a lay\'e 
 Oowir a cholk, is borbe a zloa 
 Nor eiTis arg, trane shelga zca 
 A v° cowle zrinn, coythwil ess gyle 
 See boynych di zoell, gin uoa gin nawle 
 In ness rame lay, a zuayn zoo 
 Werrin gin chelga, trayn selga zoo 
 Ni twUi a ann, far nass i gor 
 Graw tenui inn, trane clion a zooll 
 Treg heicli a zwle, be scichith ronn 
 Nad ray gin ving, trane feich finn 
 ZoyT\'idsi sinni, arriss a ayll 
 Is skeil mi zroyra, ne wor mi wane 
 Carri gin kelg, bail tanni dorg 
 Anich si low, a clow oss ard. 
 
 Ard agni zwl. 
 
 A houdir so Farris Filli. 
 
 Inuis donn a earris illo fe3'nni enin 
 
 Kynis tarle zevin in gath zawryi-li ni boymin 
 
 Ne math v'kowle mo skael o chatli zawrich 
 
 Clia w.arr oskyr invin luig mor ooskir calm 
 
 Cha warr seachta vec keilt na gasre fean ahve 
 
 Di hut (»yk ni foani inn in catlytli arrych 
 
 Di inarwc m'lowith si vi mok sin tjitliryth 
 
 Di hut oyk ni Iialvin di marwa foyn brcttin 
 
 Di iiut in'-' re lochlin fa linnytli vi-ith chunyth 
 
 Bi chrc fad farri bi lawi- fhabua in gonytli 
 
 Innis doif a ilk' m'" mo vtr is marrwm 
 
 Kynis di we oskyr scolta ni gatliwarri 
 
 lii zekkir a innis di l>i vor in nobbir 
 
 Ne ruyve marve sin gutli sen liut hi armow oskyr 
 
 Ne loyth ana oyviu na seuywok re eltow 
 
M(.DKUN.| I'lII': DKAN OF LISMOUK. 33 
 
 Mcatli 'n a ghruiiiiUi, a ghnwidli fu hhl.'itli, 
 
 Si'angmhor a chnitli, af,'Iiiuhor a nitli, 
 
 Nil! trt'iiie sriitli, no 'iviin an catli, 
 
 RfiK; Moiriie is drine, la nrra a cliuala, 
 
 Luinihuinn a <(liluiro, l»ii bhuan a glireaun, 
 
 Tiiath mora nioar, Hall fior a i-lior. 
 
 Gun tair "n a glioiic, a dliail air foir, 
 
 Mao teadaitlh caomli, naoh tri'igcailh ilaiinh, 
 
 An cogadh rigli, nior lag a \hmh, 
 
 Uanihor a cholg, is borb a ghlc^, 
 
 'N uair dli' cireas 'flioarg trian scalga dh.t. 
 
 A IMliic Cuniliail ghrinn, comliail 'us geall, 
 
 Sith bhuan do Glioll, gun fluiatli gun flicall. 
 
 An nis ri 'm Ih a glieibhinu dhomli, 
 
 Bhcirinn gun chealg, trian scalga dha, 
 
 Ni tuilleadli dhctli ann, fliir an taisc a 'm glioirc 
 
 Gr.\dh tcann Fhinn, trian chon do Ghull. 
 
 Trcig fioch, a Gluiill, bi sithcil ruinn, 
 
 'N ad re gun nilieaug, trian fiodh Fhionn, 
 
 Ghabliaidse sin, a Fherghuis aille, 
 
 Do sgaoil nio ghruaim, ni mair nio mhiann. 
 
 Charaid giui chealg, beul tana dearg, 
 
 'Eincach 's a lugh, a chlifi os aird. 
 
 Ard aigne Ghuill. 
 
 Is i\ghdair so Ferglius Filidli. 
 
 Innis duinn a Fherghuis, fhilidh Feinn Eirinn, 
 Cionnus tharladh dluiinn, an cath Ghablira nam bcuman, 
 Ni maith Mhic Cumhail, mo sgcul chath Ghablira, 
 Cha mhair Osgar ionmhuinn, thug mi)r chosgar chalma, 
 Cha ndiair seachd mhic Chaoilte, no gasraidh Fiann Almhuin, 
 Do thuit oige na Feinn, ann an cideadh airich, 
 Do marbli Mac Luighich, is sd mic sin d' athar. 
 Do thuit oige na h-Almhuin, do marbh Feinn Bhrcatuin, 
 Do thuit Mac righ Lochlainn, fa Icinne a bhi a condinadli, 
 Bha 'chridhe fial fearail, bha 'lamh calm an cbmhnuidh, 
 Innis doibh, a fhilidh, mac mo mhic 'us mo nm, 
 Cionnus do bhi Osgar, 'sgoltadii nan cathbharr. 
 Bu dhcaaxir a innseadh, do bu mhor an obair, 
 Na robh marbh 's a chath sin, a thuit le armail^h Osgair ; 
 Ni luaithe cas aimhne no seabhag ri ealtaibh, 
 3 
 
THE BOOK OF [asciext. 
 
 Na re wrnui sroyth na oskyr sin gath .sin 
 Weith say ma zerri niir willith ra traiie zcith 
 Na mir cliran voass ewee si wew gi a nauetee 
 Hug oskyr na chonew mir liarwe twnui traa 
 Llir chonnik sen carbre di chraa in tlye hantyrh 
 Gir cluir treitli a cliinnliir gir bea in cuuva cadna 
 Ker inipoo sin oskjT gin (Uanyth re errin 
 Gin dug beyni gin deicliill gir zoichin ay garlyn 
 BoUis art mac carbre er in darna bull 
 Sawle a weith in fer sin si winn reith um 
 Is mi ferrls filli dar hwil gych innis 
 Troyg er essni feynitli my skeall re innis. 
 
 Innis. 
 
 Gilcallum iu'}niuollaig in tiu'skail so seiss. 
 
 Di choala ma fad o hen skail di voneis re cowe 
 
 Is traa za haythris gow trouie gata nxir anneiss omnu 
 
 Clanni rowTe ni braa mawle fa chonchor is fa chonuil 
 
 Di bur low oyg err wyg er hurlar chogew ullytlit 
 
 Ga hygh ne hanik ma genn fa idlyth leichre vanva 
 
 Cath ag waall innojT ellyth dar zymone flainiyth rowrc 
 
 Hanik hukkith bnrbe a reith ir giirre croith connleich 
 
 A zis ni mur glarrith griun oo zown skayth gow erriun 
 
 Di lawir conchowr re c:uich ca zoveniyn chon in naglath 
 
 Di wrea beacht nyn skaillith zaa gr toachta la harreith woa 
 
 Glossis connil nar lag lawe di wrea skailleith din vackein 
 
 Er darve torrin din kich cayvelir eonnil laa connlrich 
 
 Ner zoive in leicli ra lawytli connil fivich foiTanych 
 
 Cayd dar sloyg di cawkith less aygnyth is bone ri haythris 
 
 Curreith teachtir canni ni coniii woo liardre ayngneith ullcitji 
 
 Gow down dalgin zraiiyth zlyin sen down gaylitli ni goill 
 
 Woyn down sin di loyr liuni di zangnowne neyn orginn 
 
 Teggowss gneive nyn serrith sange gow nith feiltyth ny warriiin 
 
 Dissrych sloyg ullitli oynnytli tciggowss kow ni creive roye 
 
 Mak dettin o zoyg nur liowe nar ettee teacht tlor gowir 
 
 Fa<ldeith ov clionchowr riss in gon waygliiss gin teacht dar gowir 
 
 Is connil surrych nyn stead niarrytli in gwrych is koada dor sloygli 
 
 Dcakir ztiiss wee ^ ni bred a ir cliurre er eharrit 
 
 No ill raith dole in ayngnyth a laiini si taa lar cliuwlcitii connil 
 
 Na sniein gin dole na zye a re ni gorndann graiiolo 
 
MuDKitN.l TIIF, DEAN OF LISMOFIK. 35 
 
 No niitli liuinnc snitlia, no Os^jiir 's ii cliatli sin. 
 
 BliJi se nui dlioircadli, mar dliuillc ri tronn ghaoith, 
 
 No mar clirann uas oalthaulh, 's a Miitlicadli 'g a shnaigheadh. 
 
 Mar olniiinaic righ Eirinn, lico air l.\r a cluitli, 
 
 Thug O.sgar 'n a choinniinh, luur gliarbh tuinnc traigh, 
 
 JNIar chunnaic sin Cuirbar, ilo chratli an t sleagh shanntacli, 
 
 Gur clmir troindie a clieann bir, giir b'o an cuniha ceiubia. 
 
 Nior ionipaich sin Osgar, gun d' rkinig R\gli Eirinn, 
 
 Gun d' thug bcuni co 'n dichioU, gu 'r dhooliainn e gcurlann ; 
 
 Buahis Art mac Charbair air an (hinia buille, 
 
 Is amliuil a bhi am fear sin, 's a bhinn r'lgh uime. 
 
 Is mi Ferghus Filidh da 'r shiubhail gach innis, 
 
 Truagh tareis ua Fciun, mo sgeul r'a innis. 
 
 Innis. 
 
 Gillccallum ]\Iac an Ollaimli an t-ursgeul so sios. 
 
 Do chuala mi fod shcan, sgeul do bliuineas ri cumlia, 
 
 Is trhth dha 'aitliris gu trom, ge ta mar ainneas oirnne, 
 
 Clann Rughraidh nam breth mall fa Chonchoir 'us fa Chonnuil, 
 
 Do b'lU-laimh oigfhir 's a mhagh air h-urlar Choige UUaidh, 
 
 G'a thigh na thainig le gcan fa \iile laochraidh Bhanblia, 
 
 Cath aig faighail aon uair eile, de 'r db' iomglmin clanna Ritgliraidh. 
 
 Thainig thugainn, borl) a f hraoch, an curaidh crodha Conlaoch, 
 
 A dli' fhios ni m 'ar claraibh grinn, o Dliunsgathaich gu Eirinn. 
 
 Do labhair Conohoir ri ckch, Co a gheibiieamar tlum an oglaich, 
 
 Do bhrcth beachd no sgeul dhcth, gun teachd le euradh uaith 1 
 
 Gluaiseas Conidl nior lag lamh do blireth sgeul de 'n mhacan. 
 
 Air dearbhadh tarruing do'n laoch ceaiigailear ConuU le Conlaoch, 
 
 Nior ghabh an laoch r'a tamhachd, Conlaoch fraochach furanach, 
 
 Ceud de'r sluagh do cheangladh leis, ioghnadh 'us buan ri aithris. 
 
 Cuirear teachdair gu ceann nan con o h-ardrigh eaguaidh UUaidh, 
 
 Gu Dundealgain grianach glan seaun dim ciallach nan Gaidheal, 
 
 O'n di\n sin do leughar leiim do dh' eaugnamh nighean Fhorgainn. 
 
 Thigeas gniomh nan saora seang gu righ faoilteacli na fcarainn, 
 
 Do fhiosrachadh sluaigli UUaidh uaiue, thigeas Cu na craoibhe ruaidh, 
 
 Mac deud-f hionn a ghruaidh mar shiigh nar eiticli tighmn dh 'ar cobhar. 
 
 Fad ars' Conchor ris a choin bhathas gun teachd d' ar cobhar, 
 
 Is Connuil suireach nan steud mear 'an cuibhreach 'us ceud d' ar sluagh. 
 
 Deacair dhorahsa bhi 'am bruid a fhir a chobliaras air caraid, 
 
 Ni 'n reidh dol an eangnamh a la inn 's a ta le 'r chcangladli Comdl. 
 
 Na smuanaich gun dol 'n a aghaidh, a righ nan gormlann graincil, 
 
36 THE ROOK OF [ancient. 
 
 A lawc croy gin lagga re iiaclit .sninyn cr licddyth is a fjwrcitli 
 Cowcluillin iiyu saun lanni sleim iioar a clioala turj-tli connil 
 Di zlossa la tranc a lawe di wraa skaille dyn wackawe 
 Inuis downi er toclit id zailli a raig in tow nar ob ttgwail 
 A liss raa in nawrytli zoe fiss tarni ka di zowcliiss 
 Dym ziiissew er tcacht woni hey gin skaili a zinsi zoew 
 Da ninsin di neach clli id zraith zinsin dare 
 Corrik rymsith is egin diid na skail ainsyth mir charrit 
 Gawsith zi royg a keyv lag ne gail tyigil vin chorrik 
 Ach ua wca gne dighow nargenn a bonchow aw ne berrin 
 A lawe zasga in dowss trot mo clow wea in nasge aggit 
 Hcymon and dyr chon a cbaill ni ta comk a vanvaill 
 Na makan di tor a zwn in daltan croye laj'A-eith 
 CowchiiUin is corrik croye di wee in lay sen fa zemoyc 
 A invak di marwe less in ter lat cbahn coive zlass 
 Innis downni er cowe ni glass o teith fest for uaildeis 
 Tarm is di lonni gi lorn na tcrg a zulchin orrin 
 Is me conlcich ru'' nocon ir zloitli zown dalgin 
 Is me rown dakgis ym bron is tow ag skay di tolhvni 
 Vii l)leyn di waa ma horri fylwm zasga worn war 
 Ni clas.si ler liorcher maa waa zessew a vylwnni uruia 
 Smenis cowchuUin vor maik a v<^ ne in draieh za chow 
 Gur smeinc nar wraik feiltytli in ir a reyk a chwneith si chateive 
 A arrwm re corp no con di chow is lieeg nor skarri 
 Re fagsin a cowlwoe a zlyn gasgeith zownyth dalgin 
 Mak sawalti mor a foyme ne low ym broin it ta orrin. 
 
 Di. 
 
 Auctor linjus in ki'ich Clean. 
 
 Hossna charrit a cloan friicli hossnc leich a ga.?sil chroiv 
 
 Hossua zaneni tnrsytli far agus da gwllin ban oge 
 
 Ag 80 liar in earn fane wil ficirh m'feich in idt woye 
 
 Fer a ryn bwychis byef is voe lontir earn frcicli 
 
 Gwl ein wna in crochin sor troe in skail fa wil a wan 
 
 Is say vcr a hossna gyth tronie Freich m'Fcich nyn golk son 
 
 Is sec in nyn wan di neig in gwlo ag dwle da eias gow doau freicli 
 
 Fynowr in olt chass ail inne voyve ga bead leioht 
 
 Innen orlo is our folt is freich in noclit teive er lieive 
 
 Ga mor far za derge ee neir zrawig so far ach freich 
 
 Foyis mewc mwc foyc cardis.s firich fa far a glcyo 
 
 fiichiiHH fa craichtytii a corp trai ;,'in lucht a zancw zee 
 
M..utii.\.l TllK DKAN OK LIS.MOKK. 37 
 
 A laiiili chniaiilh i,'uu lai<,'e ri noacli simiaiii air d' uule 'iis e'n cuibhreacli. 
 
 Ciuhulain nan scang lann sli<»ni, 'u iiair a clmal' e tuireadh Clionuil, 
 
 Do ^'liluais le trcine a lainilic do blireth sgeil de 'n mhac-an. 
 
 Inuis dhuinn air tcachd a 'd dhhil a ghraidh an tu na 'r ob teugbhail, 
 
 A shlios reidli an abliraid dlmil)li, tios d' ainni, co do dhutlichas ? 
 
 Do 'ni ghoasaibh air teaclid o'ni tliigli, giui sgeul a dh' iunseadh dh' aoidli, 
 
 Da 'n innsinn d<j noarh eile, ad ghradh-sa dli' iunsuin d' jiraidh. 
 
 Comhrag riumsa is t'igiu duit, no sgeul d' innseadh mar cliaraid, 
 
 Gabhsa do roghadh a ehiabh lag, ni ciall tigliinu gu 'm chomhrag. 
 
 Ac-h nior bhi gii tigeadh n'ar ceann a li-oneliu agh na h-Eirinn, 
 
 A landi ghaisge an tils troid mo chliu bhi an nas^aidh agad. 
 
 loraanadar tliun a che'ile ni ta oondirag a bhiinamhuil ; 
 
 Am macan gun d' fhuair a ghuin, an daltan cmaidh lamhach. 
 
 Cucluillain is comhrag cruaidh do bhi an la sin fo dhiombuaiilh, 
 
 A aon mhac do mharbhadh leis, an t-saor shlat chalm chaomhghlas. 
 
 Innis duinn ars' ci\ nan cleas o tathas feasd fo 'r n-ailleas, 
 
 D' ainm 'us do shloinneadh gu lom na teirig a dh' f hokhainn oirnne. 
 
 Is mi Conlaoch mac na con oighre dligheach Dhuin dcalgaiu, 
 
 Is mi an rtm d' fhagas 'am broinn 'us tu aig Sgiath 'g ad fhoghlum, 
 
 Seachd bliadhna do bha mi shoir foglilum ghaisge o'm mhathair, 
 
 Na cleivsa le 'r thorchair mi bha dli' ciisbhuidh an fhoghluim orm. 
 
 Smuaineas Cuchulaiu "u uair a dh' cug, a mhac an dreaoh do clmmhadb, 
 
 Gur smuain, ni lireug, faoilte an f hir, do tlireig a chvumhne 's a cheudfaidh, 
 
 A luram ri coq) na Con a chumha is beag nach do sgar, 
 
 Ri faicinn an culthaobh a ghlinn gaisgeath Dhuu dealgain. 
 
 Mac samhailt mor a fuaim ni luaidh am bron a ta oimne. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Is e uglidair so an Caocli O'Cliiain. 
 
 Osnadli charaid a Cluain Fraoich osnadh laoich a caiseal chro, 
 Osnadli dheanadh tuii-seach fear agus da an guilionn bean bg, 
 Ag so shear an cam far am bheil Fraoch mac Fithich an fhuilt mhaoith, 
 Fear a riim buidheachas do Mhaoibh, 'us o 'u sloinutear cam Fraoich. 
 Irulaoin mhuath o 'n Chruachau shear, tmagh au sgeid fa'm bheil a bhean. 
 Is e bheir osnadh gu trom, trom, Fraoch mac Fithich nan colg scan. 
 Is i an aon bhean do ni an gul ag dol da f hios gu Cluain Fraoich, 
 Ainnir an fhuilt chaise aille, iiighean Mhaoibh ri 'm bithea«lh laoich. 
 Nighean Orla is oir folt 'as Fraoch an nochd taobh air thaobh, 
 Ge mur fear dha 'n d"eirich e nior ghradhaich i fear ach Fraoch. 
 Faighea.s Maoibh mo fuath cairdeas Fhraoich fa fearr a ghn«^^ 
 \ ihuis fa crcuchtadh a chorp troimh gun lochd a dhcanamh rithe , 
 
38 THE BOOK OF (anciext. 
 
 Do cliurre ai gussyth vjuss teif re inrave lu* tuk o nolk 
 
 Mor a fuor a hoyt la nieyf inno.s.sit gyn klielk in noss. Hossiii. 
 
 Kcrin di weith er loch niaie de chemist iu trath za hasa 
 
 Gith rae gach meo torri abl)e de we er 
 
 Sasse bee in kero sin fa uiillsyth na milli a ulae 
 
 De chonkfa a kerin dcrk far gin wey gi kend ix traa 
 
 Bleyn er ht-il gi ir di chiirri sin fa skail garve 
 
 Gi borin di luclit knei.s froth a wess is e derk 
 
 Di wi ainsytli no zoi ga bea ley chawyr in tloye 
 
 Pest ueif zo we no vonni vakki zi oath zol da woyn 
 
 Bein aslaynti throin throm ynnin ayith ni goru seyr 
 
 Di curri lai tiss er freich feisrych kid hane ree 
 
 A durde meyA-e nach be slau mir woe lane i boss meith 
 
 Di cheyrew in loch oyr gin dwneui za wuyna ach freich 
 
 Knossych reyve ne zarni nice er v'feich gi knai zerg 
 
 Ge ger darnis ai er freich rachsit di vonni ker a veyf 
 
 Glossis freifh fa fcr a naye voyue zi nave er in locht. Hossni. 
 
 For a fest is ee na soynna is a kenna soss ris in noss 
 
 Freich mac feich an erma zeiar hanik one fest gin is dee 
 
 Hug a lioidti ker nark ferriii roif meyf zaa tee 
 
 Ach gai math in diiggis latti i durt meyf is gal crow 
 
 Ne oyr mis a Icith loayn ach slat a woyan as a bonni 
 
 Togris freich is ner zilli teymmi naf a riss er in ling vak 
 
 Is ner ead ach ga mor ayze hech one vass in roive chwd 
 
 Gawiss 1 kerin er varri targi a cran as i raif 
 
 Toyrt doe choss zo in der mogrziss zo riss in pest 
 
 Beris er agis ai er snawf is gavis a lawf no chriss}i;h 
 
 Di zave sessin is er chad trow gin a skayn ag freich 
 
 Fyn(jwr in olt chass ail di ran chwggi skan din oyr 
 
 Lcd(h-yth a plicst a kncss bayn is teskith a lawe er looe 
 
 Di hudditcyr bone re bone er trae ni ghu'h cor fo hass 
 
 F'rcich m'feich is in fest troy a zai nur hug in dress 
 
 Ga coyrik nc coyrik car di ruk lass a kanua na lave 
 
 Mar choiiik in ncyn ee di clioy na nail er in trae 
 
 Eris in ncyn oiu; tave gavis in laive bi laive bak 
 
 Ga ta so na cwt nyn naue is mor in teach i rin a voss 
 
 Voyn vass sen di foar in far loch mai go len din loch 
 
 A ta in tarm sen dee gi loan ga z«'rma in noss guss in noss. Hossni. 
 
 Berrir in sen gu doan freich corp in leich gow kassil chroyg 
 
 Er in glan tuggi a anm is mark varris da loo 
 
 Carn lawe in cam so raym hi-ivo a lave n-yth di bcjist sonni 
 
 Fer ner ympoo in dress fer bo zawsi ncrt in drot 
 
 lM\in iiii liail ner oli zawc vm ludilei.s ninan i tnrvirt fook 
 
MoDEKN.i tul: dean of lismoke. 39 
 
 I)i» cluiir i e giis a blu^s, taobb ri mnathaibli ni tug o '11 olo, 
 
 Mt^r a i>liiulliar a thuit Ic Manibh inniscani gun cheilg a nis. Osuadli. 
 
 Caorthainn do bin air Lorh Manibh do chimid an traigh do dhcas, 
 
 Gach a re 'us gaoh a mius toratlh abuich do l)hi air. 
 
 Seasaiuh bha an caora sin, fa millse no mil a bhl.\th, 
 
 Do cbuniadb a canran dearg fwir giin bhiadh gu ccann naoi tr^tli, 
 
 BHatlhna air shaoghal gach fir do ohuir i-in is sgcul dcarbh, 
 
 Gu 'm b' f hoirinn do bichtl chncidli brlgh a mheas 'us e dearg. 
 
 Do bhi imcheist 'n a dheigb ge bith lighich a choldiradh an t-sloigh, 
 
 Eoisd niiuh do bhi 'n a l)hun bh' aca do chath dhol g'a bhuaiu. 
 
 Bhitheaiin an eushiint throni, throni, nigheau Athaich nan com saor, 
 
 Do chuin-adli leath fios air Fraoch ; dh' fhiosraiih ciod 'th^inig rithe. 
 
 A dubliairt Maoibh nach bitlieadh slhn mar bitheadh L\n a boise maoith, 
 
 De chaoraibh an Loch fhuair, gim duiue g'a biuiain ach Fraoch. 
 
 Cnuasachd riamh nior dheanadh mi ars' mac Fithich nan gruaidh dearga, 
 
 Ge gur dlioanas e air Fraoch racham do bhuaiu caor do ]Mhaoibh. 
 
 Gkiaiseas Fraoch fa fear an high uainn gu snkmh air an Loch, 
 
 Fhuair e a bheisd 'us i 'n a suaiu us a ceaun suas ris an dos. Osuadh. 
 
 Fraoch mac Fithich nan arm geur, thainig 'n Bheisd gun fhios d'i, 
 
 Thug e ultach de chaora dearg far an robh Maoibh dh' a ti. 
 
 Ach ge maith na thugas leat, a dubhairt Maoibh is geal cruth, 
 
 Ni fhoghain dhomhsa, laoich luinn, ach slat a bhuain as a bhun. 
 
 Togras Fraoch is nior gille tioma snhmh a ris air an linn bhog, 
 
 'Us nior fhaod e ge mor 'agh, theachd 'n bhhs 's an robh a chui<l, 
 
 Gabhas an caorthuinn air bhhrr, tarruingidh an crann as a fhreumh, 
 
 Toirt a chosan dha air tir mosglas da suas a Bheisd. 
 
 Beireas air 'us e air snhmh 'us gabhas a lh.mh 'n a craos, 
 
 Do ghabh esan ise air ghial, tiniagh gun a scian bhi aig Fraoch. 
 
 Ainuir an flmilt chaise aille do raiuig thuige le sgian de 'u 6ir, 
 
 Leadair a bheisd a chueas ban 'us teasgadh a lamh air luatli. 
 
 Do thuiteadar bonn ri bonn air traigh nan clacha corr fa dheas, 
 
 Fraoch mac Fithich 'us a bheisd truagh a Dhd mar thug an treis. 
 
 Ge comhrag ni comhrag gearr do rug leis a ceann 'n a laimh, 
 
 Mar cluumaic an nighean e do chaidh i 'n a ueul air an traigh, 
 
 Eircas an nighean 'n tJimh gabhas an Ikmh bu Ikmh bog. 
 
 Ge ta so 'n a chuid nan eun, is mor an t-euchd a riun a bhos, 
 
 'n bhJts sin do fhuair am fear. Loch Maoibh do lean air an loch, 
 
 A ta an t-aimu d'i gu luain 'g a ghairm a nuas giis a nis. Osnadh. 
 
 Beirear an bin gu Cluaiu Fraoich corp an laoich gu caiseal chr6, 
 
 Air a ghleann thug e airmi, is mairg a mhaireas da ^is beb. 
 
 Cam Laimh an earn so ri 'm thaobh is laindi rithe do bhitheas sona, 
 
 FetU' nior iompaich an treise, fear a b' annsa uoart an trod. 
 
 lonmhuinu beul nar ob daimh do m' bitheadh mnathan a tabhairt pbog, 
 
40 THE BOOK OF [ancii:nt. 
 
 Invin team njni sloye invin groyc ner zcrk in ross 
 Doigh no feaoh bar a olt dork a zroye no ful leicht 
 Fa meyni ua kowcr schrowe gilli na in snacht kneas freicht 
 Cassi na in kais.snai olt gnrm a rosg na yr lak 
 Dcrk na jjartain a wail gil a zaiil na blai feich 
 Artl a ley na cranna swlc beynni no teyd kwlc a zow 
 Snawe di bar no freich cho di hene a heif re strow 
 Fa lannyth na koillith a skaith invin true ve re dmni 
 CoiHad a land is a lawe launi cholk na clar zi long 
 Troye nacli ann in gorik re leicli di hut freich a fronni oyr 
 Durss sin a huttini la pest troe a zui nach marrin foss. 
 
 Hossni. 
 
 A lioudir so Coniiil carnych ni'eddii-scluil. 
 
 A chonnil cha salve no kinn devin lum gyr zergkis tierm 
 
 No kinn di chw er a zad slontir lat no fir foe fyve 
 
 A neyn orgil nyn nach a ovir oik ne brce biun 
 
 Sanna in ncrik chon ni gloss hugis loym in ncss no kinn 
 
 Ka in kenn mall^'ch zow nior dergkyih nayu ross a zroy glaii 
 
 Is sai is gir zin lee clea a kenn deive ne raa dait 
 
 Kenn ree nice nyn nach loait arse m'earbre nyn goith camni 
 
 In nerik nio zaltan fen hugis Iwm in gaj'n a kenn 
 
 Kai in kenn oid er niye haale go volt fand gi nialle sleiuie 
 
 liosk mir errc dait mir vlait alda no each crwth a kinn 
 
 Manne boe fir nyn nach maknieyf zi zrach gyth coyn 
 
 Dagis a chollin gyn kenna is di hwt wile luni a loye 
 
 Ka in kon so zawis tow id laive a chonnil vor ne bae linn 
 
 nach marrin kow nin gless keid verre how er less a kinn 
 
 Kann v'enis nyn naclit vcrreyth a ccitii gyth gurt 
 
 Mao mo fayr in tur hang di skarris a khenn ra clnvrj) 
 
 Ka in kenn od hear in n<tlt inn da greddyth no kinn go laive * 
 
 Hurris annith er a zt)w g}'n roveddir sal da rar 
 
 Sess a sowd di hwt in kow di rad a chori) fa wrow dass 
 
 (Jow mac conna re nyn rami hugis lam a kenn ter iiiss 
 
 Ka in da ken so is fadde marli a chonnil vor a vniu byig vinii 
 
 Er zraigh tenne na kel orn anym no vcr a zon ne herm 
 
 Kenn leyin'e is clar cwlte in da kenn tli lint lem zunna 
 
 Di zon 8wt cowchullin cliarn swn zt-rgis menu na wuUe 
 
 Kai in da kenn so is fadiie sorre a i-Iionnil vor gi gal znoe 
 
 llnnyn dae er volt ni verr (h-rk in groyc na ful h'Vcli 
 
 CwIIIm liray is cwidit croyc deiss ili v«iTe lioyc lai fcrk 
 
Mi.DKiiN.] TIIK DKAN OF LISMdIlK. 41 
 
 loninliiiinn tijL,Hioaiii ii;m slu.i,i,'li, inniiiliiiiiiu ,i,'ni;iiilii nar »k'ir<,'c an nw, 
 Duilthe no fia«h baiT a flmilt, drirgo a ghruauUi no full laoicli, 
 r.ii niliino no cohliar srntlia, gilo no sneaclul cnoas Fluaoicli, 
 Uaise no an caisoin 'fliolt, giiirme a ro-sg na oidlin; Icac, 
 Deirge no partan a bhcul, gilc a dhcud no blhth Hodh, 
 Ard a sldoagh mar chrann siiMl, binne no tfud ciuil a gliuth, 
 Snamhairhe a b 'fhoarr no Fraoch, ciia do sldn a tliaol)li ri srutli, 
 Uu Icatliainn no comhla a sgiath, ionndiuinn trhth l)hith ri druini, 
 l]u chondifliad a lanih 'us a lann, leathainn a i-liolg no dar luingo, 
 Truagli nach b'ann 'an comhrag ri laoch do tliuit Fraoch a bhronnadh oir, 
 Tuirse sin a thuiteam lo Beisd, truagb a Dhc nacli raairionn fos. 
 
 Osuadh. 
 
 It) e iiglidair so Coimll cearnacli Mac Edarscoil. 
 
 A Chonuill, cha scalbh na ciun, deimhin learn gur dheargas d'airni, 
 
 Na cinn do chi'm air a ghad sloinntear lent na fir fo f haoibh. 
 
 A nighean Fliorghuil nan each, A Eimhcar oigc na brigh biun, 
 
 Is ann an t'iric Chon nan cleas, thugas leain an uios na cinn. 
 
 Co an ceaun mullach donn luor, deirge no'n ri)s a ghniaidh glan, 
 
 Is e a 's goire do 'n leth chli an ccann diubh nach d'atharraich dath ? 
 
 Ccann righ mi nan each luath, ars' i\Iac Cairbair nan goitli cam ; 
 
 An eiric mo dhaltan fein thugas learn an cein an ccann. 
 
 Co an ccann ud air m' aghaidli thall, co folt faun gu mall sliom, 
 
 Rosg mar fhcur, dcud mar bhlhth, ailde no gach cruth a cheann I 
 
 INIanadh b'e fear nan each, IMac an Aoife do chreachadli gach cuan, 
 
 Do fh<\gas a choluinn gun choaun 'us do thuit uile learn a shiuagh. 
 
 Co an ccann so ghabhas tu a'd laindi a Ciu)nuill nilioir nam bjiigh linn, 
 
 nach marrainn Cu nan cleas ciod bhcircadh tu air lca.s a cliinn ? 
 
 Ceann mac Flierghuis nan each, bhcircadh e cith gach gurt, 
 
 Mac mo phcatluir an tnr sheang do sgaras a cheann r'a chorp. 
 
 Co an ceann ud shear an f huilt f hinn d' an greadadh na ciun gu 'Kdnili, 
 
 Fhuaireas aithne air a ghuth gim robhadar seal d'a reir I 
 
 Sios an sud do thuit an Cu do rad a chorp fo bhri\ deas, 
 
 Cu mac coin r gh nan rann thugas learn a cheann tar eis. 
 
 Co an da cheann so is foide mach a Chonuill mlioir a bhreth bu bhimi, 
 
 Air ghrhdh teann na ceil uirnn aiiim nam fear a ghuin na h-airm I 
 
 Ceann Laoghaire 'us clar Cluiilt an da cheann do thuit le'm ghuin, 
 
 Do ghuin sud Cuchullin ceairn, sonn dheargas m'airm 'n a fhuil. 
 
 Co an da cheann so is faide soir, a Chonuill mhoir gach goal ghniomh, 
 
 lounan datli air fult nam fear deirge an gruaidh no fiiil laoicli t 
 
 CuUaiu breadi 'us Cunnlaid cniaidh dithis bheireadh buaidli le feirg. 
 
42 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 A ev}T seiJ sor a kimia dajis a gwrjj fa linna dork 
 
 Ka lie vi kinn so sulk maiue dc chewe ft-yn cr mye hoyth 
 
 Gwrm in nye dwe a volt o hilla rosg connil croye 
 
 Sessir eascardin a chow ohlann cliallidtein a luwe znaie 
 
 Is said Slid in sessir leyve a hut hvin sin nenn no laive 
 
 A chonnil vor aithr ree kajTi in ken od da gallith catht 
 
 Gin or fai treilse wa keyand gyn codytli slcin ghardyth vart 
 
 Keuna v'finn v'rosse roye v'necnee hor bas lara nert 
 
 A evir is se so a cheud ardree layyn nyn land brak 
 
 A chonnil vor nuigh a skail creid a hut lad laive gin locht 
 
 Din tloe eignyth a veil sin a deiltiss kinn na con 
 
 Deachnor is seacht fychid kead derym pe}-n is awyr sloe 
 
 Di hut lomsa drwuae er zruiu di neve mo cwlk cuulaa rag 
 
 A chonnil kynis taidda mnao inssefail dessne ni con 
 
 Cowf v'hawalt haye na veil agga fein ar for 
 
 A evir keid di zarna luai gyn mo kowe ym rer san socht 
 
 Gyn mo zaltan fa mhaa crow a dol vojnu a mugh so n . . . 
 
 A chonnil tuk me sa vert tuk mo lacht oss lacht no con 
 
 Os da cliowe rachfen ayk cwr mo vail re bail no con 
 
 Is mai evyr is keyn dalve ne feine sarve daylta zoive 
 
 Di zerr no cha nul mo spess troe murreich er eiss a chon. 
 
 A chonnil. 
 
 A lioM\lir so Keilt m'runaiie. 
 
 Heyra tosk zoskla fjnin gow tawri ni draivo nevin 
 
 Gow hormy moyr mhorlat ndiirr gow coriuik m'art inir 
 
 Ner deacht me mcitli my zloon ()rss afwllych for cddrwine 
 
 Gi waldei.s fcynyth fail oss word locht a foyall 
 
 Warwcmir in Icich Ian iiiir a waiwcniir in crayc 
 
 Di charnii.'idir Icich fane lay mir a chars.sniir a ray 
 
 Ilugssmir a cann gin chcrri guss a gnok o^^s boyamir 
 
 Di rynis feyn boya tra «li roynis fogryth owlay 
 
 Di warwiss nmn er zlinn fer gi iuwal in ncrriu 
 
 Di roynis.si boya tra di riiynis.si fogryth owlay 
 
 Di raddi.s mini er zlinn gwl gi inte in ncrriu 
 
 Di royni-ssi boya tra di myniss fogryth owlay 
 
 Ni Icith di legin fa boywa doybis hin nerrin awwor 
 
 Di royniHsi boya tra di royniss f«)gryth owlay 
 
 Ni dorrtsii er a bcith a zcith zark a tlo8.slin catl gi hymard 
 
 Di mynisHi boya trim lii roynis.s fogry owlay 
 
 Ni gurt ablic iim liaivon di loskgin catl gu hi.s.sil 
 
MOUKUX.) THK DPLW OF LISMORi:. 43 
 
 A Eimlifiir sud sdir an ciiiii du thagas an ciiiri) fo liniie dearg. 
 Co nil si- ciiin so is olc nii'in do tliithcani foin air in' aghaidli tliuatli, 
 Gonn an a<j;Iiaidh, dubli am folt, o tliillcadli rosL,' Clionuill chruaidh ? 
 Scisir oascairdcan a Clioiii, rlanu Cliailoidin nam l)uaidli f,dinhth, 
 Is iad Slid an scisir laoicli a tliiiit Icam 's an airm 'mo laimh. 
 A Clioimill ndioir atliair rij,'li vo an ccann ud do 'n gcillcadh catli, 
 Gur orbiiuidh trillis 'dieann co 'n comiidach sliom dii' airdo blicart, 
 CVann mliic Fhinn mliic Rois ruaidli mliic na Cnoidh flmair bas lo 'm 
 A Eimhear is e so a clieud, ardr^gh Laiglii'in nan lann breac. [neart, 
 A Chonuill mhoir, mi^gh an sgeul, creu(l a thuit le'd laimh gun lochd, 
 De 'u t-sliiaigli eagnaidh a l)heil sin a dioltas ciun na Con ? 
 Deiehnear 'us soaolid ficliead ceud (k-ireaui ft'in is aircamh sluaigh, 
 Do thuit leamsa druira air dliruim, do nindi mo cholg conhv rag, 
 A Chonuill, cionnus taid nuiathan Innsefail an deigh na Con, 
 Cumha a mhio shamhailt tha na bhoil aca ft'in air foir ] 
 A Eimhear ciod a dheanadii mi gun mo Chu a 'ni reir s' an Soe 
 Gun mo dhaltan fa maitli cruth a del luun 'am miigh an nochd, 
 A Chonuill tog mi 's an fheart, tog mo leac os leac na Con, 
 Os d'a chumhadh rachaim eug, cuir mo bheul ri beul na Con. 
 Is mi Eimhear is caoiue dealbh, ni faigheam searbh dioltadh dhorah, 
 Do dheur uocha n 'ell mo speis, truagh m' fhuireach air (5is a Chon. 
 
 A Chouuill, 
 
 Is e ughdair so Caoilte ^Mac Eonain. 
 
 Chaitlheam tosg a dh' f huasgladh Fhinn, gii Teamhra nan sreabh aoibhinn. 
 
 Go h-airm a 'm faighear' bhorrshlat mhcar, guCorniaig Mac Airt aoin fhir, 
 
 Nior chlcachd uii maidheandi mo ghlonn ger fuileach fior eutrom, 
 
 Gu bhcildeis Fiauua Fail os bhord Locha Feabhuil. 
 
 Mharbhamair an laoch L\n, mar a mhai'bhamair an Cuireach, 
 
 Do chearbmasdair laoch l\i liach, mar a chearbsamair an triath, 
 
 Thugsamair ceann gun choire, gus a chnoc os Buadhamair. 
 
 Do riuneas feiu buaidh trJith, do rinneas fogradh ulhvmli. 
 
 Do mharbhais mun fhoar ghrinn fear gach aon bhaile an Eirinn. 
 
 Do rinneas buaidh triith do rinneas f()gradh ullamh, 
 
 Do radas mu'n fhoar ghrinn gul gacii aon tigh 'an Eirinn, 
 
 Do rinneas buaidh trjith do rinneas fogradh ullamh. 
 
 Na laoigh do leigeann fa buaibh do bhitheas an Eirinn aghmhor. 
 
 Do rinneas buaidh trhtli do rinneas fogradh ullamh. 
 
 Na dorsan air am bitheadh a ghaoth dhearg do fhosglaun iad gu h-iom- 
 
 Du rinneas buaidh tr.\th do rinneas f^gradll ullamh. [ard. 
 
 Na guirt abuich nui thalmhainn, do loisgeaim iad gu lasail. 
 
THK BOOK OF Iancie.nt. 
 
 Di roynisffi boya tra tli royniss fo;,T^th invlay 
 
 Noc'li cliar aggis reim liuii lui na luullin in nerriii 
 
 Insiu di leygL,n<l(lir rwm eech all)in is crriii 
 
 Teyin l.oacli er loyss mi chass gr rant-giss ross illirzlass 
 
 In sin glossimsi schear gow taiini ni witMir chanc 
 
 Ncr liarriu cine each zcivo zca roym in dawra za cssin 
 
 Tiigis in (lawra fa Uua ben in ir chonuni za choilli 
 
 Is ben in r eh(jmLssu nach g^vss in fer commis.so clla 
 
 Tugis in dawTi gi beach ben carbrc zi corniik 
 
 Is ben fliormik cr sin di raddis ec zi charbre 
 
 Tugis Iwni claywa in reith uch fa hay nior a vrree 
 
 Mi clawc feyu fa gin gutti fagwm in droyl chulk chmniik 
 
 In siu di (juhoyis in uwniu is eatUli in dorsser owyiu 
 
 Inn nygyth sin doef gc beacht is me bi kyllor ze chorniik 
 
 Is bert ooklaehis is tci hawle a vaouissi reith errin 
 
 Ga zaynith leve raa mi zloor da Invle cheilt yn kyUnor 
 
 Na habbirsi sen er finn er ardrc ny feyn voltynn 
 
 Ga tamsi in hiyve iil tei na ber tar er my wntir 
 
 Ni hay sin agne eheilt far a will ay in \H)rv\ilty 
 
 Cha mir sen ay connil eliynni er a wU dor er talvinn 
 
 In sin tarnik in tuylli ag in re ro z:vst rawor 
 
 nil choss geym in gcnn ni genu teyni loss a is tee cotkin 
 
 In sin chayis fa zass di bi wlyg ay di maylass 
 
 Aggis tuggis Iwm ym Z(iyn kone esgin ard urwayll 
 
 Eynit hvm in nee riss a ben ers in re fati fuzliiin 
 
 Balli kness cheilti za zoyu di chone cssgin orwoyl 
 
 Na habbirsi sen a re er wiss in ryth a zillin 
 
 Brarrj'th broggodych a den-i corsi hoich er on'idi 
 
 Er a layve a keilt chaylle mir wee finn ttjw eyui 
 
 Gid tani ne hiirfin gyle derrow all)in no errin 
 
 Kr niaiieach do gi beaclit a deatlVytli mis zi rliorniik 
 
 (!awa t(i\v cow thlaa woyme zoskla mytlda 
 
 Nf wanir fin lat id te er ane cliowe er tahvon 
 
 Ath ane chow a keilt chaye da bi toylling tow faywayil 
 
 Da waya a tow zoif re lay lawnoii woada «li gi feyane 
 
 Di zoyve tow lied er gi cart cowe cwnnvill 
 
 Di nasgirt in brar mir cr chorniik m*^ art iiiir 
 
 (Jin Icggi gi ray in re da waya ay ni fcyweill 
 
 Mar nasgis in brar bcynn er re errin ni nwlt inn 
 
 111 dcymsow gar zeggir royve heymsytli ze in dymf 
 
 Glossim turriHS <» liawre fa tun-iss fr gi uiannce 
 
 Do hymsow ni hcltiii gar r<keltylh a «'hwddyclii 
 
 Tuggis Iwm ii zclt zark is ii ziuw igiiytii ym anl 
 
M.-PKUNl TIIF. DKAN OK MSMORK. 45 
 
 Do rinncivs huaitlh tiatli, do rinneas f<Vra(lh ullanili. 
 
 Nocli char fliaicoas ri '111 linn atli n<> nmilcann an Kirinn. 
 
 An sin do Kngcadar riuni eirli All)ainn 'us iMvinn ; 
 
 Teighini boo air luatlias nio clini.se ynr raini;,^'a.s Ros lolair ;,'hlais, 
 
 An sin <iluaiscanisa siar ^11 IVanihra an fiiidireachdainn, 
 
 Nior thehruiiin aon cacli dliiubh d\\v, roniliani in 'iVauilira do csan. 
 
 Tu<:;as in Teanihra fa leth, bean an f iiir choina dh' a clieile, 
 
 'Us bean an f liir choma so gun adid j,^is an flicar chonia so cile. 
 
 Tugas an Toanihra gu bcachd bean Chairbair do Cliormaig, 
 
 'Us bean Chormaig an sin do radais i do Cluirbair. 
 
 Tugas learn claidlieanih an Kigh, Oi;h ! fa h-e m6r a blirlgh, 
 
 j\Io ehlaidheanih fein bha giui chuid fagaim an tniaill cliuilg Chorniaig. 
 
 An sin do cliaidheas a nunn 'us eideadh an dorsair faigheani, 
 
 An oidliche sin donili gu bcai-lid is mi bu clioinnleir do Chorniaig, 
 
 Is beart oglaohais 'us ti h-amhuil am fianuis righ Eirinn, 
 
 Go iognadh leibh rhdh mo ghloir, da shiiil Chaoilte 'am choinnleir. 
 
 Na h-abairsc sin ars' Fiouu ars' ardrigh na Fcinn folt-fhionn, 
 
 Ged thathamsa an Ihimli a'd ti na bcir tair air mo mluiiniitir. 
 
 Ni h-e sin aigne Chaoilte fear a bhcil e 'am mbralachd — 
 
 Clia mar sin e coinneal chain air a blieil d'i)r air talmhainn. 
 
 An sin tjiirngeadh an t-61 aig an righ ro ghasta ro mlior, 
 
 Ceithir chois cheuni an ceann nan ceann, teighim leis 'us ti an coitchionn, 
 
 An sin cliaidheas fa dheas, do bu bhladh e de m' aimhleas, 
 
 Agus tugas learn a'm dheoin caoin (^isginn ard fhuarail, 
 
 Iognadh leam an ni ris a bhean 'ars an righ fead fiorghrimi, 
 
 Boladh cneas Chaoilte do gheibhean de' chaoifj eisginn fhuarail. 
 
 Na h-abairse sin a righ, ars' mise an riochd a ghille, 
 
 Briathran bragaideach a deir thu, gur airidh air oirmhide. 
 
 Air do laimh a Chaoilte chail mar l)hi Fionu flath Fiieinne, 
 
 Ged ta mi ni thoirinn gcill d' fhearaibh Albainn no Eirinn. 
 
 Air m' aithnoach' da gu beachd, do fhcoraieh mis de Chorniaig, 
 
 An gabhadh tu cimiha tliitli nam air fhuasgladh m' oide ? 
 
 Ni bhcirear Fionn leat a'd tlii air aon cliumlia air talmhainn, 
 
 Ach aon chumha, a Chaoilte chaidh, da bu thualainn duit f haiglieal ; 
 
 Da 'm fixigheadh tu dhomh re la, lanamhain uait de gach fiadhnduiin, 
 
 Do gheibheadii tu d' oide air gu ceart an cumha a chumail. 
 
 Do naisgeas am liriathar mear air Cormag Mac Airt aoin f hir, 
 
 Gun leigeadh gu r^idli an righ, da faigheadh e 'na fiadhmhil, 
 
 Mar a naisgeas am briathar binn air righ Eirinn an fhuilt fhinn, 
 
 An tiomsachadh ge dheacair riamh, tliionnsgainn d'a dheanamh. 
 
 Gluaiso.im turns Theanihra, fa turns fir mu' n iath. 
 
 Do thiomsachadh na h-ealtainn ger sgaoilteach a chuideachd, 
 
 Tugas leam da gheilt gharg, 'us da ghriobh ioghnach iomard, 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Aggis fey fy za won ii lach sin hx-h a scyllin 
 
 II hynnith sleyvecwllin ii zaw awlle a buiTin 
 
 II zessivey zowrane zimii ii cliellych fey a farzhrani 
 
 II hyane kylty creive di lattcve zrom zawrcin 
 
 II zdyvrane o lien a niach o cham donnwane doy\ r 
 
 II cillin thrae K-itli lee ii ruUi a port lar^'a 
 
 mi suekfra on vro.stna wane ii anoyk c-har^'a d . . . 
 
 II eaclite one eaclite ard ii smojTycli lettreth loni ard 
 
 II zroyllane downe yvc ii eheiukych ui eorywe 
 
 II chur one chorriu cleytli ii harreich luwe o foyall 
 
 II illir ehargi ni glach ii hawik a keyndyth 
 
 II fess looht melwa ii olierk ussga o locht erne 
 
 II cherk reich one vowna math ii zergin zow locha 
 
 II clircithrane mw cowlin ii wentane my foylliu 
 
 II cheythane a glenn awlle ii zalvon ni sen awle 
 
 II phedda oywrri a claa ii onchon o chmda claach 
 
 II zuyane o thrae za wan ii erboyk loychir yr 
 
 n chnlluin one chess chur ii Ion a letlir tin chwle 
 
 II eddoyk letter roye ii thrudda tawrydi teyve ojt 
 
 II choneyn a schec doe dojnan ii wuk awlde cloyth chur 
 
 II choyag o zrom dave ii anc oywryth layn de 
 
 II yghrgane lanenyth furrith ii chreithir one chreive roye 
 
 II sj)err hawk in swn o cleyve gla ii loch lay o Iwnycht 
 
 II oyr ane one woyn ii ussock on vownych W(»r 
 
 II oynlayk a hon chnoyth ii brok a creich ollonych 
 
 II rynith strayth sinnyth ii zlassoyk o wroch urri 
 
 II chrottych o chonych zawhvc ii well w^on wor hawni 
 
 II earrinnyth philloynych ii awllinnych seith hoygh 
 
 II zassidi one wyg wylle ii chcith chtinckychc clinaw chyle 
 
 II woyiik 00 wiowycii hrn ii nciskin o zowdyr 
 
 II zcrrin o Icyve za ane da chyill wreaiie turlc 
 
 II an nan ar o wy walg ii chonlane zatta o zranard 
 
 II zrin zarrych o zniing ii vronargane (Hi vitr chcyyl 
 
 II wlyrrych o zowne ni harga ii dli zalle on zaltnuuh 
 
 II royin o challuw charga ii wiik war on worarga 
 
 II eskar locht m'lancne ii zarzart my ni iidlane 
 
 II ane vek o wcss a chwle ii cggin ess v'mowni 
 
 II ellit zlinni zlinn snioyl ii woyif o haach mow nior 
 
 II onciioii l<»yath o loch conn ii cychat a hoyw ciiri'vcliiii 
 
 II ciiyriui 8chce zoyvlanc zil ii vuk vwh-ow vlyr 
 
 Rath irt kcr choikrycli chatw tn^^is Iwm o cinniH 
 
 'rii;,'iH lum cm-h a^'iH lar di zrcy vassvrli vanynanc 
 
 'I'arvc is bo zarri o ziwni kciii tii;^is Iwii o wnrn vimh-Iimiic 
 
xiul.UKN.] Till-: DIvVN OF I.ISMOUK. 47 
 
 Agus iitliich Fioilh ilha bheann, da lach sin Loch a Scilleiii, 
 
 Da sliiniiuacli SK'ihh Chuilinn da dhamh allaidh a Burrainn, 
 
 Da clii-is Fiodli dhobluain jihuirm, da cluiillcacli fiodha Faradliniim, 
 
 Da tliaghan Cuillte clirauilih, do li'tlitii()l:h Dhniiiu dlia raoiu, 
 
 Da dhol)liiaiii siu a iiiach, o charaiLf DoiiaMiain dobliair, 
 
 Da fhaolan thrhigh Loclia Li'ith, da Sliruall a Port Lairge. 
 
 Ccithir snag o'n Bhrosua bh?iii, da caiiag Cliarga dilin, 
 
 Da eachta o"ii Eachta «\rd, da snieorach Ix'itir lorn h.n\, 
 
 Da dlireollan o'li Dhn aoibh, da chaingcach o'n Choire dhuildi, 
 
 Da chor o'n Chorrainu cleibli, da earfhiach Magha Fcabhuil, 
 
 Da iolar Chairge nan clacli, da shi'abhag Fiodh Clionnach, 
 
 Da f hois o Locha Meilghe, da choarc uisge o Loch Eirinn, 
 
 Da chearc fraoich o'n Mhuuadh mhaith, da dhearcan Dhubh-locha, 
 
 Da chriochran Maigh Cuillin, da ndiiontan ]\Laigh TuaUainn, 
 
 Da chaoohan o Ghleann Ghaibhle, da ghcalbhan na sean Abhla, 
 
 Da pheata odhar Athcliath, da onohoiii Bhroit diathach, 
 
 Da dhuibheau Thraigh dha bhan, da earbag Luachair Ire 
 
 Da chohim o'n Cheas Chuir, da Ion a Lcitir Fionnchnil, 
 
 Da pheatag Leitir ruaidh, da thruid a Tcandira Taoibh iiainc, 
 
 Da choinein a Sith diibh donn, da mhuc alta Cluaidh Chuir, 
 
 Da chuthag Dhroma Daibh, da eun odhar Lainde, 
 
 Da adharcan Leanain na Furraich, da chreabhair o'n Chraobh ruadh, 
 
 Da speirag an sin Shliabh gU, da ludi liath Luimueach, 
 
 Da dhobhrau o'n Bhuain, da uiseag o'n Mhonadh nihor, 
 
 Da ialltag uaimh Chnuadha, da bhroc o Chrioch Ullanacli, 
 
 Da thraghna Srath Sinne, da ghhisag Bhruach bhiora, 
 
 Da chrotach chuain Ghailimh, da mhiol o'n Mhuirthcimhno, 
 
 Da f herain Fiodh Uiachniich, da thaUan a Sith buidhe, 
 
 Da ghciisadioh o'n Mhagh mhall, da chith cheangach a Chnamh choille, 
 
 Da bhuidhcag o'n Bhruthach bnigh, da ncasgain o Dhubh dnr, 
 
 Da dheargan o Shliabh dha eun, da chatliail Bhraigh an Turla, 
 
 Da eun an ?ir Mhagh bhuilg, da ghobldan daithte Ghranard, 
 
 Da ghriobh garrach Ghruing, da bhroinndheargan on mhhr choille, 
 
 Da bhliorach Dhun nam bhrc, da eala gheala o'n Ghealtraigh, 
 
 Da niadhan Chala Chairge, da mhuc mara o'n mhor fhairge. 
 
 Da easgair Loch M'Leanan, da ghearrghart Maigh nan oilean. 
 
 Da eun bheag Mhios a Chuil, da eagan Eiis jNIhic Muirue, 
 
 Da eilid ghlan Gldinne Smeoil, da bhuaibh Achadli IMaigh jNIoiro, 
 
 Da onchon luath o Loch Con, da fhiadh-chat h-Uaimh Cliruachain, 
 
 Da chaora Sith Dlioibhlain ghil, da mhuc de nduicaibh M'Lir, 
 
 Rcith 'us caora chorcrach chas tugas learn Innis, 
 
 Tugas learn each agus L\r de glircidh mliai.siih Mhananain, 
 
 Tarbh 'us bo dhiiir Dhruim Cain tugas kam u Mhuirn Mhuinchain, 
 
48 THE BOOK OF [anoikxt. 
 
 Do chonni di clioiinrw iii waiK- ili liir i-orinik orriim gi tlain- 
 Gi ueitli zar clmrsin yin clieun tugis Iwm is teym [Teyrii 
 Er ill dyinsycliyth nil doyf f,'i)W lar aiic ew 
 Nor a bailhvmc a inoyow zobhrcdir voyiue acli skoillyrli 
 Di choy in foayoh woym o zess di la wlya di»m awics 
 Di rukgis cr iu glciin da wan o orrir loeh a liirgiu 
 Di quhoy mi lach fa layvc nach chussit faywail 
 Tor scliroyow bcrwe brass gow aych inn zowhiss 
 Di zowis c cr >\Tawit giu ger wala^i lieach banye 
 Tugis Iwm cc lacli gin waclit dosli fin o chormik 
 Ne fooris zolk roya beg vwm nyg ve me boa 
 Cba deyd ass mi cbrec cliiun gin nawlcggir may in dtdvon 
 Lass ane nane Ix'g lassane nane dolle a ehass ymon 
 Er gi tullycb er gi ay oor fa lawe ag lassyn ane 
 I cbonwaillc fynn ag in bxyve er sciltin gin ead wawne 
 Is vin zcyntytb ay sin dc boyrt er a gowe dinn fos-slow zoywayl 
 In dymsycbuw sin niir sin nor toylling fir in doytbin 
 Tugis cad gow taiua Iwm gow mowr a \or liylc 
 Doss gi zokkir a kin o])\nr t-ad in nyiob sin 
 Caytbir a wee si walli er ix dorss fossgillytb 
 Conuik bug zeyve in teaclit niir zoy ym boa gi skei 
 Mir cbonni may za gwrytb sin wrow arsing ill wrunych 
 Legga brudlycbytb gawc vin a guddicbtytb greitbane 
 Huggi ay brow slatzall sollis doyf er cbegit fre zorre 
 Gi in dorris dcyve dowutytb ner way in soyve conil in . . . 
 Eiul sin is tee gi bronycb miss a mwe gi anoyitb 
 Mi cbree cowe connis fa la er gi in dorris 
 Ga mor nolk forris roytb wonytb skeytbow eboolytb 
 Ner leigis ane deyve a maeb gi tra erre in in varricb 
 Anmi ny byrri skeiltytb a cborymrytb keilta 
 Acb a wag sin teyve ra tcyve ne tlor ebormik zai soyve 
 Nor a Icggi finn a madi di skeillidir gi skeiltytbt 
 Cba tb'Ufba deis na tn-ar wo bawra zcive er in . . . 
 Mi rcitb feyn agus reaeb fcnn merrolUi ebenie wa^s mi diinii 
 Ni tre neaebin fa darrytb zoyve ni troytb sin ili bymsiolinw 
 W(' skay zoym er mi elow creddwm in crist is ow 
 Mimircbe iiss in ew inn gar vewwm Iwni ne weym . 
 (Jar wa<lda mi leymsi bar in dawr lot-bra ni wayn. 
 Is fadda in laym rugis ter xx keud try in ilawr 
 In sen fa lowwr mi Icym wagis si viddirein-yn 
 dill acb bar mi t'lit>.s.s a gfill iiiawl gitb tosk or deym. 
 
 Tfvm tosk. 
 
MumcuN.J THE DKAN OF LIHMOUK. 4^ 
 
 L);i clioii (Ic I'lioiiiiibh 11:1 Fiaiui, do shir C'oriniiii,' urm <:n diaii, 
 Garli ni dha 'r cliuir siu a 'm clioann, tugius learn a 's tciglieaiii, 
 Air an tioinsachadh uile doiuli gu lar aon inliai;.cli, 
 'N uair a b'aill loain am niai,i;lioadli dh' ol)aindcar nam gii sgaoilteacli, 
 Do chaidli am fiadi nam o (liieas, do bn l)blagli do 'in aimlilcas, 
 Do rugas air an Clcann da bhan, o oirtliir Locli a Lurgain, 
 Do ohaidh mo lach fa laiiiib, nach nsa faighail, 
 Thar sruthaibli boirbh In-ai.s, gn Acliainn dubh glilais, 
 Do ghabhas i air bhraghaid, gun gur mhaitli Icath theachd thugara, 
 Tugas loam an lach gun ac])d, d' fhuasgladh Fhinn Chormaig. 
 Na fhuaras a dh' olc roimh thig rium am feadh a thauduus mi be^, 
 Cha teid as mo chridhe chionn gun adhlaiccar mi an talndiainn ; 
 Lcis an cun bheag leis an cun, 'dol a chas ioman, 
 Air gach tulaich 'us gach feath, 'cur fa lamh aig leis an cun. 
 E 'cumail Fionn aig an laimh, air sauiltinn gun iail fhaighinn, 
 'Us o'u dh' aontaich sin do thoirt air a chumha d' Fhionn f huasgladli, 
 An tiomsachadh sin mar sin nior tuallaiun fir an domhaiu. 
 Tugas iad gu Teamhra learn gu maor a mhur thalla. 
 Dondisa gu docair a chioun, obair fad ua h-oidhche siu, 
 Caitliir do bhi 's a bhaile «ir naoi dorsaibh fosgailteach ; 
 Cormaig thug dhoibh an teach mar gheibheam bhi gu sgith. 
 Mar chunnaic mi g'an cur, s'a bhrugh f harsuinn uile bhreun, 
 Leigeadli bruaidleanachd garbh o'n a ehuideachd grianach, 
 Thug e brugh slatgheal soluis domh air caogad fri dhorus, 
 Gach aon dorus diubh duinte nior bhi an saoibh . , . 
 lad sin a 's ti gu bronach mis a muigh gu anaobhach ; 
 Mo chridhe cumhadh connais fa leth air an dorus, 
 Ge mor an t-olc fhuaras roimhe ua sgiathaibh chuallaidh 
 Nior leigeas a h-aon diubh a mach gu trhth t'iridh a mharaich. 
 Ainm a chorra sgaoiltich " Corr imirce" Chaoilte, 
 Ach am faiciuu taobh ri taol^h ui 'n d'f huair Cormaig de shoman. 
 'N uair a leigeadh Fionn a mach, do sgaoiloadar gu sgaoilteach, 
 Cha deacliaidh dithis no triar, o Thamhra dhoibh air aon rian. 
 Mo ruith fein agus rath Fhinn miorbhuil chitheam os mo chionn, 
 Na tri nithean fa d'e'iricli dhomh, an trend sin do thiomsachadh. 
 Bu sgiath dhomh air mo chliii, creideam an Criosd, 'us thu, 
 jM'irairce as a mhagh, Fhinn, ge 'r bhitheam lorn ni bhitheam fann, 
 Ge 'r fada mo leumsa shear, an Tarahra laochruidh na Feiun, 
 Is ftid an leum thugas siar, fichead ceud troidh an Tamhra. 
 An sin bu leobhar mo leum, am facas 's a mheidir-cliein 
 Gun ach bhr mo chois a geillt', mall gach tosg air an tcigheara. 
 
 Chaitheam. 
 
THE BOOK OF [asciext. 
 
 Gun ainm U^lidair. 
 
 Ill ta fane hillycli so toye m« vcckowle is groy culk 
 M'dadzail ncyn in dcrk nach tug ra erk Ijrat'ir borb 
 Id ta fane tullych so dess m'vee goyae kness niir wlay 
 Clia dor sai nach fa neith in gross noch char veine yth law- 
 Id ta fa tullych horryth ossg3T bi vath gol is gnee 
 Clan mom gai math ni fir noch char chur sai sen iui bree 
 Id ta fa tullych so har gillyth bi van less n}-th ninawe 
 I\I'ronane dor weyth clar f:\ne tallych soo har id ta 
 Id ta fane tullych so foyme innor vyth von gruik is grane 
 Connan dytli zaf gyth muru fa tullych fume id ta. 
 
 Id ta. 
 
 A ZORRI tryillmyt gow find ighilk ernacht sowih linn 
 Zarre kinn zuUe or in ree gj'n gurmist aye gai kcive deith 
 Is lesk lumsytli zwle anna onacli clwnnwu gr fan chenna 
 Is nach feadniist a zcilt kenna v'morn vor znewe 
 Kail lusse ne is alhvm pen id durd conan mor gyn kcale 
 ]\Iarmy for mach gyth dunna in deilt zwle olt voe 
 Suyth in trur var mon din nane onacli laniyt di zin fen 
 Abbir a zorre is lawr fayr sinni sin troni alio 
 Manx'syth ossin mor m'fyu marve mai in t<isgir nach toymmr 
 Marve dyrre kilte kayo fayir sinni wllo or in lawe 
 IMatht is aggwni ne veis anna cha dik linna movil or tinn 
 Tuttmy ullc .sin alio cha dikgo gowlo dr gowrno 
 Da liyth inni byth le a nort dyth churmist finni za Icacht 
 Is forr nytli l>rar gyn nolle a derssi rwt a zorro. 
 
 A zorro. 
 
 A iH.u.lir s.. 
 
 Ijaa xnnc doaoh Finn di zoill in niilwe is nor yiiunit sloyg 
 SoHKir bann is sossir far lyn zliil is annoir uoht /juill 
 Finn fayn is Donudit gin lui koilt is (is.s;iin is oskir 
 Conan moithi goni ni:ud or niyg agus ninan nin vi loith son 
 Mygin is ban oinn bi zjino is annir uoht zall mi wan foyn 
 (iiirnday aolii is (l<»w rosg noaof is noyn oniioi.ss 
 Niir a ziiyf moska nn mnan tug>siddir in gussi raa 
 
iioUKKN.I TIIK DKAN OK MS.MOUE. 
 
 (inn aimu UulKhiir. 
 
 A ta fo 'n tulacli so tuatli, Mac mhio Cumliail a's cruaidh colg, 
 Mac (Icudghoal iiigliinn au Doirg, nach tug r 'a fhoirg briathar borb. 
 A ta ft) 'ii tulacli so doixs, 'Miw. iiiliic (Juinn, cncas mar bhlJith, 
 Cha d' fbuair se iieach fa ni, 'an grcas iiochar inbiu a Ihmh. 
 A ta fo 'n tulach so slioir, Osgar Ini mhaith goil 'us giiioinh, 
 Clann Moirn ged is maith iia fir, uochar cliuir e sin am brigh. 
 A ta fo 'u tulach so sliiar, gillo l)u mhiann leis na mnathaibh, 
 Mac llonain do fhuair a bhith clKra, fo 'u tulach so shiar a ta. 
 A ta fo 'n tulach so fodham, am fear a bhi o 'n ghruaig is grh,in, 
 Conan do gabh gach nuiirn, fo'n tulach fodham a ta. 
 
 A ta. 
 
 A Ghoratdh, triallamaid gu Fionn a ghilleachd air nach subhach leiun, 
 A dh'iarraidh ciun Ghuill air an righ gun cuirmaid e gu caomh cli. 
 Is Icisg Icamsa dhol aun o nach cluinneam gur fa 'n cheann, 
 Is nach faodmaid a dhiolt, ceann Mliic Moirn mhoir ghnionih. 
 Naile leatsa ni is aill Icam fcin a dubhairt Conan mor gun chiall, 
 Marbhaidh mi air magh gach duine au diolt Ghuill fholt bhuidhe fcin. 
 Suidhichidh an triilr armuin d'an Fhcinn, o nach lamhamaid do Fhinn, 
 Altair a Ghoraiilh 'us labhair faighear sinn 's an trbm aile, 
 Marbhais Ossian mor M'Fliinn marbhaidh mi an t-Osgar nach tioma, 
 Marbhaidh Daoire Caoilte caidh, faighear sinn uilc air an laimh. 
 Maitheas agam ni bhitheas ann, cha tig leinn modhail air Fionn, 
 Tuiteamaid uile 's an ailc, cha tig GoU' gar cobharne. 
 Da beb Fhinn bithidh le a ncart do chuirniaid Fionn d'a Icac, 
 Is fior na briathran gun fhoill a deirsa niit, a Ghoraidh. 
 
 A Ghoraidh. 
 
 An t-iighdair .so , 
 
 La dh' an deachaidh Fionn a dh' ol, an Almha 'us nior ioniadh sluaig 
 Seisir bhan 'us seisir fhear inghin gheal 'us ainnir uchd-gheal, 
 Fionn fcin 'us Diarmad gun on Caoilte 'us Oisian 'us Osgar, 
 Conan maol gu mall air magh, agus mnathan nan s4 laoch sin, 
 Maigheaneas bean Fhinn bu dein, 'us ainnir uchd-gheal mo bhean fc'in, 
 Gormlaidh aoilc is dubha rosg, Naoimh 'us nighean Aonghuis. 
 'N uair a ghabh misge na mnathan, tug.sadar an cuis rcidh, 
 
THE BOOK OF (ancient. 
 
 Nacli royf or in doythin tog .scssir ban in ^'oyth inr}'lk 
 A (lowiit an nynnilt gyn on is Tulych carnich in doythin 
 Ca niaath sewse is ynimith Itan nach drynn fes ach re in ar 
 GiTrid cr ve zawe uiir sen tanik in van dar rochtiu 
 Ein ^\Tata wmpa gin alda agus c na iyni naygh 
 Tanik neyn a wrata inn an vaenissi v'kowle 
 Banichis din re gin nou agis swis na arn-gli 
 Feafryth finn skail zyi din neyn Iwclir lawzill 
 A wan a vrrat gin alda keid a rad ow is tein uaj-gh 
 As giss dym wrat gin alda ban ann ac na ennaygh 
 Nocht chay naygh dein fame wrat ach ben m ir gyn ralocht 
 Tawir ym brat dym wreith feyn do ter conane mor gyn chaele 
 Go westmi«t im brear mir a twg na mnawe wo chanew 
 Gawis ben chonnane ym brat is curris wmpa la rachta 
 Gom bea sen an loyth locht dar lek rys wile a gall ocht 
 Mir a chonnik connan meil ym brat or cassyth fa te}-f 
 Tawris in chrcissyth gin neaf agis marveis in neyn 
 Gavis ben dermoit a zcil ym brat wo WTei chonnan meil 
 Noch char farr a wassi zyi cassi ym brat fa keiyf 
 Gawis ben oskyr na zey ym brad coo adda coyve ray 
 Ga loyvir skayth a wrat inn noch char ally a hymlyn 
 Gawis niyghinis gi aal ym lirad is di cliurri fa cann 
 Di chass is di chwar mir sen ym brat gi loa fa dossew 
 Tawir ym brata er m'raa dym wneissi is no cwss clae 
 Go vestmist in ness gou non tres elli da hpulit dewc 
 Di warynsi l>rair riss agis ne brair eggiss 
 Nach darnis di weiss ri far ach dol dntsi in neiss lencw 
 Nochtis ben vek ree a tecf cnms iimpi ym brat fcr chei . . 
 A sayth eddir chass is lawe na gi ley er a Iwdygnaue 
 Ane phoik doaris in l)raed o wak o zw}ne darmit 
 Di reissi yni brad owm laar mor wea see na hynnirranc 
 Tawrew mi wrat (h)yf a wnaa is me nein in derg zrana 
 Nocli cha dernis di lucht ach fcss ri finn fyvir nodi 
 Ber mo wallych is yniitli woygin si- dcr nrkowlc gin buy 
 A dagis fa niliaalyih cr luiiawc na tyr Iiuggin ane lay. 
 
 Lay. 
 
 CoYA Iwni yniich uclityr chor tocht cr my vcnniyn 
 Cut da nymicli cha dicllwui gin gnr wcllwm gi cahni 
 Oskir is keilt crowith is ni'lowith fa njultyr 
 l''iiin agis Dcrniit dcadzulc ijucgr Icyttyih /ar nuchtyr 
 
MODKiiN-l TMK 1)I:AN of LlSMOllK. 53 
 
 Nadi rolih air an doinliaiii t\ .soisir lihaii aiin clio ioniaic, 
 A ilul)hairt an iiinilt gun on is tulach ccarnacli an domhain, 
 Cic niaith siblise is ioniadli l)oan nacli d' riiin fios aeli ri aon flioar. 
 Goirid air bin ilhoil)h mar sin tliainig a bhean d' ar rochduin ; 
 Aon blirat uinipe gun alt agus e 'n a aon f licadli, 
 Thainig nighean a bhrat fliitm am fiannis Mliic Cundiail, 
 Beannaiclicas do 'n righ gun on agus suidhoas 'n a fliaireadh, 
 Fo^raiclieas Fionn sgcul dliitli, do 'n nighinn li\tlior laniligliil, 
 A bhean a bhrat gun alt ciod a rad tu as d' aon flieadh ? 
 Is goas do "m bhrat gun alt boan ann ach 'n a aon oigh 
 Noch cha-n fhaigh dion fo 'm bhrat ach bean an fhir gun ro lochd. 
 Tabhair am brat do 'm mhnaoi Mu a deir Conau mbr gun cheill, 
 Gun tUsdeamaid am briathar mcar, a thug na muathan a cliianaimh, 
 Gabhas bean Chonain am brat, a chuiroas uimpe le rachd, 
 Gum b'e sin an luath lochd, 'n uair leig ris uilc a geal uchd. 
 lilar a chunnaic Conan maol, am brat air casadh fa taobh, 
 Gabhas a chraoiseach gu uimh, agus marbhas an nighean, 
 Galihas bean Dhiarmaid a ghaoil, am brat mhnaoi Chonain ndiaoil, 
 Noch char fearr a bhasa dhith, casaitlh am brat fa ciabh. 
 Gabhas bean Osgair 'n a deigh, am brat co f hada caomh rdidh, 
 Ge leobhar sgiath am brat fionn, noch char f holaich a h-imlinn, 
 Gabhas Maigheanas gu h-aille, am brat 'us do chuireas fa ccann, 
 Do chas us do chuair mar sin, am brat gu luath fa cluaisibh. 
 Tabhair am brat ars' Mac Rcith, do 'm ndmaoi-sa ni cuis cleith, 
 Gu t'i.sdeamaid a nis gun on, treis eilc d'a h-iomlaid domh. 
 Do bheirinnse briathar ris, agus ni briathar eigis, 
 Nach dearnas de fhios ri fear, ach dol duitse an aois leinibh, 
 Nochdas beau Mhic Reitli a taobh, cuireas umpa am brat fionn, 
 A soigh eadar chos 'us l?imh, na gu leth air a luideineau, 
 Aon ph^g d' f huaireas am braghad INIhac O'Dhuine, Diarmad. 
 Do ruithcas am brat um Ikr mar bhi si 'n a h-aonaran. 
 Tabhrail)h mo bhrat domh a mhnatlian, is mi nighean an Deirg ghraine, 
 Noch clia dearnas dc lochd, ach fios ri Fionn faobhar nochta. 
 Beir mo mhallachd 'us imicli uainn, is e deir Mac Cumhail gom buaidh, 
 A d' f hagas fa mhallachd air mnathaibh, na d' eiiidhse thugainn aon la. 
 
 Aon la. 
 
 CuiMHNE leam imeachd ochdar, a chuir tochd air mo udieanmuin, 
 Cuid de'n imeachd cha cheileam, ged nach bheileam gu calma, 
 Osgar 'us Caoilte crodha 'us Mac Lughaidli a ndioltar, 
 Fionn agus Diarmad dcudgheal, cuigear laoich dc'n n-ochdar. 
 
THE BOOK OF (a.nciext. 
 
 Misse agis r>-iiitli is kerrill keyve in norrin gin lochti 
 Chinniuiyr er chreith banwe gir wea anmyn nochtyr 
 Yniich orrin skaill darwe inni gi calm fane suttill, 
 Daggimir downe vec cowle cowin Iwm ymich ochtyr 
 Zawrmir downe re albin bi chalme dwne a rochtin 
 Hut reith lay m'kowUe, cowin Iwm ymicli ochtyr 
 Er zorttyuiir zwle tagsin ymith class inta is corkir 
 Finni a wade gi brow cowin Iwm ymidi ochtyr 
 Hiiggymir cath sin neddall di fie tegwalle na porteiv 
 Rugimir boye is cowe cowin Iwm ymich ochtyr 
 Hugimir caith ni frankgi o sann di fre gi doggir 
 Zowimir geylle is cowe cowin Iwm ymich ochtyr 
 Hugimir cath ne spane a tantyn is a tochtyrj'n 
 Quhoye r my ray fane doyne cowin Iwna ymich ochtyr 
 Hugimir caith brcttin bi zeglich ay is be doggir 
 Hogg)'mir gaylc doyne cowin Iwm jnnich ochtjT 
 Warrimir Crom ni came er fargi is ay cr ottill 
 Foyrrymir gi tcr owille cowin Iwm ymich ochtyr 
 Na rey harnik ni dossich a phatrik ossil hochmyn 
 Finni wayde er cowe cowin hvm ymich orhtyr 
 Noewe a maumsyth phadrik is hard crawe is sochyr 
 O phakgyth missi id coithr cowin Iwm ymith ochtyr. 
 
 Cowin Iwm. 
 
 Nenor a quhyrac fa chyill, di woyn avr chonni cholin 
 Woyn avr chinni cholin chon ca mo dorin sin doyn 
 Zcarcmir my lenyth Icrga is glon frethnich ni glawe ncrg 
 Is fer iiach forrimir ann maddyth za damis cholin 
 Dcarcmir glen dnnh dow glon /arve zurrith is gl dacho 
 Is fer nach dorrimir ann matldytli /a danmist tliolin 
 Dcarniir schcaiie zrwmnii clywc is fmni wg Ifivc na zei . 
 Is fer nadi dorrimir ann maddytli za danmist rholin 
 Dcarmir (hulls war wail tawyr wry is down /.awraiic 
 Is for nach dnrriniir ann maddyth za danmist cliolyn 
 Dcarmir glen okoythyth fa forrais awr ossill 
 Is fer nach forrimir ann nnuldi za danmist cholin 
 Dcarmir fnini wy niayc tjiwyr wry is kintayllc 
 Is fer nach dorrimir ann nuiddi za danmist chcbn 
 Dcarimir crri wUi eddir clnmnitli is d.mni 
 Is fer nach (luriniir aim maddi /a danmist ch"bn 
 
MODEHN.) TIIK DEAN OF LISMOllK. 55 
 
 Mise agiis Raoinc 'us Caruil, caoinli an fhoruiiin ^'un locli<Ia, 
 Chiiinoainar air chricli I>lianl>lia, gur b'e aiinncan an oclnlar. 
 Inu'ai'Iul uirnnc, sgcul doarlih, fhinc gii calm fo'n sutal, 
 Do flihgainar Diln I\Iliic Cumliail, cniuilme loam iincaclid ochdar. 
 (Ihal)liainar duinn ri Albainn, bu olialm duinn a rodidaiun, 
 Tluiit ligli lo Mac Cumliail, cuimhnc Icam imcachd ochdar. 
 Air gliortamar dol a Sliasunn, iomadli deas ann 'us cosgradh, 
 Fionn gum faigheadli gach brugli, cuindme loam imeachd ochdar. 
 Thugamar cath 's an Eadailt, do bhroth teagbhoil 'n a portaibh, 
 Rugamar buaidli 'us cuudia, cuimhnc loam imcachd ochdar. 
 Thugamar cath na Fraingc o 's ann do bhreth gu docair, 
 Ghabhamar geill 'us cumha, cuimhne Icam imcachd ochdar. 
 Thugamar cath na Spainn, a taintcan 'us a tachdaran, 
 Chaidhcar mo r^ fa 'n domhaiu, cuindine Icam imeachd ochdar. 
 Thugamar cath Bhreatuin, b'cagalach e 'us bu dhocair, — 
 
 Thogamar geall daoiue, cuimhne learn imeachd ochdar. 
 Bheireamar Crom nan cam air foirge 'us e air oitcal, 
 Fhuaircamar gach tir umhal, cuimhnc Icam imcachd ochdar. 
 'N a dhcigh thainig na tuisich, a Phadruig uasail thochdndiuin, 
 Fionn gheibheadh air cumha, cuimhne learn imeachd ochdar. 
 Naomhaich m'anamasa a Phadruig, is airdc cruth us sochair, 
 pheacaich mise a'd chomhar, cuimhne learn imeachd ochdar. 
 
 Cuimhne leam. 
 
 Naoinear chaidheamaid fo cheangail do fhaighinn aobhar chinn chuilein, 
 Fhaighinn ai.>bhar chinn chuilein chon, ged is mo doruinn 's an domhain, 
 Do shireamar Magh Leine leirge 'us Glcann freathnaidi nan claidheamh 
 Is tior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanmaid chuilean. [dearg, 
 Do shireamar gleann dorcha dubh, glcann ghairbh choire 'us gleann cloiche ; 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 Do shireamar Sithean DhruimeCleibh, is Fionn Mhagh Leibh 'n a dhcigh ; 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 Do shireamar Durlas nam fear fial, Tabhar Bhreagh 'us Dun dh(>l)liran ; 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 Do shireamar Gleann a Cuaich fa forthais aobhar uasail, 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 Do .shireamar Fionn mhagh mhaith, Tabhar Bhreagh "us Ceanntaile; 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 Do shireamar Eire uile, eadar chon 'us duine ; 
 Is fior nach d' fhuaircamar ann madadh, de 'n deanamaid chuilean. 
 
56 THE BOCU: OF L^ncisst. 
 
 GerriJ downith mir sen sin feyn piipbiU nuintyr 
 
 Gin wakcamir tre catli nach di clanni roitli ni ruylayth 
 
 Cath catchcnnitb de we anu is cath chouchennith na genu 
 
 Cath drumauich in dey in ncy donn cr chawyr in droni 1) . . . 
 
 In tley a suiltich gi hard er inui feyn in eiugnyth zark 
 
 In noL-lityr ske cheyttyth chay er we in tley . . . gead 
 
 In tleyg soyltich gi chert er inui feyn fa gall a zlak 
 
 Er layr skaye cheilt gyn wroyn wcith in tly z in g. 
 
 In tley a soyltich gi heissil er inui feyn in naguith eywre 
 
 lu noythtjT skae chrwin charre we tley ac mak chrunchan 
 
 Leygis cheiltyth gallan gleith choylis e nalwin da reroiwe 
 
 Iss mygh lenyth nyn lauui in dawr is in down reilliu 
 
 Reggir e gooUe m'morn fajniith keuard cron woyu 
 
 A zleyis felane m'fyuni agis ui balwe a borrin 
 
 Reggir e za mhak mawoe breik is m'elle o noye brek 
 
 Scay bregh m'daythein dayn is keill croith in ucnu rai zeyr 
 
 Reggir e keiukeith uith golg agis illin feywr zerg 
 
 Is keill croith a croyth zrinui nach estith goyth iywriu 
 
 Bi wiuui scheuwranuyth sley agis mowr ni meillith 
 
 Agis raun wrattich schroill ag crri a muddin zcith rueith 
 
 Di hoykgimir dahve zreynith brattich inni vor ni faynith 
 
 Oyr chor sche tennal fa wor chanan cheintle rwe 
 
 Di hoykgimir fulling doyrith brattich zwUe wor v'uiorn 
 
 IMcnkith we gach troylc chroissich derryth agis tossyth foylith 
 
 Di hoykimir in nieuclienith oyrri brattich ryuith gin uyniig sloyeg 
 
 Srodl lay goufee knaw is kcnni, la leygis fwll gow fybrin 
 
 Di hoykimir kynill cliath brattich eillaue darre 
 
 Mak fimii far flath ni waynith gilli lay gurre tromley 
 
 Di hoykimir down neive brattich ossin na grri 
 
 Laywe zarg brattich v'ronanc is oarnay in dcive elle 
 
 Di lioykimir skoyb zawc brattich oskyr in wartfeo 
 
 Re doll in gath na glace mcnkith z;irre skoi)be Ziiwe 
 
 Di hoykimir loith lyuith lirattich zaruiit e zoenith uwyissyth 
 
 Noar hcyth in neanitli wca sche aw/.issyth «u>yrith a mach 
 
 Di hoykimir barue a rcybgin brattich oskyr nar schauith 
 
 Danyth coyharme m'gar zlynni la giirwi' kinni is keuwr 
 
 Di lioykimir creiwe fowllith brattich clonui var vlowich 
 
 Noar a licych iu nanc a mach is sche wea er in dossych 
 
 Di rimimir croith chath in ilymchill iiiui oyrlach 
 
 Ma dutltych linni farri eddi ni wane worcludmith 
 
 Marwcs ni catkcnidi linni agis di jjoyve ni chonchinnich 
 
 llutti ni (Inimanich wile in dymchall inn ahviu 
 
 .Muiiiiich bc'' la dassi znwuilli in nvnwr \\y<>\\ za zownnilli 
 
iiuUKUN.] TIIK DKAN OF LIS.MOKK. 57 
 
 Goirid (luinne mar kIii, .sin fi'iii, jiolmll, imiiiiiitir, 
 
 Gil fiu-amar tri catli j,nui aclul do clihinii High 11a Riuulhlcatli 
 
 Catli cutchcanii ilo blii aim 'us cath cliDnchcaiin 'n an coann, 
 
 Cath drumanach an deiyh an flioiyli, donn air cliobhar an dmni . . . 
 
 An t-sloa-^'li a soillsoacliadh '^n h ard, air Fi(inn ft'in an canj^Tiaich gluiirj,', 
 
 An uacluUir syeith chailltich cliaidh air l)liith an t-sloagli . . . 
 
 An t sleagh soillsoach' gii ceart air Fioiin I'diu fa goal a ghlac, 
 
 Air lathair sgoitli Chaoiltc gun bhrun, bliitb an t-sloagh dhcarg an cath, 
 
 An t-sleagh a soillseach' gu h-iosal air Fionn fcin an aigne niliir. 
 
 An iocbdar sgeith chruinn ch<\ir bhi an t-sleagh aig mac CiiniincLain. 
 
 Leigcas Caoilte galbin gle ; chualas e an Ahuhuin de rireadb, 
 
 'Us Magh Lt'iue nan hum, an Tamhar 'us an Dun Reithk'in, 
 
 Fhreagair e Gall ]\Iac IMoirn, Fiann co;mnard Cronbhuain, 
 
 A ghloidheas Faolau j\Iac Fhinn, agiis ua Balbha a Borruinn. 
 
 Fhreagair e da mliac Maibh bhric, 'us Mac Ealaidh an aghaidh bbric, 
 
 Scaitli breagh Mac Daithciu deine, 'us Caol crodha an airm ro gheir. 
 
 Fhreagair e Gcangacb nan culg agiis lohmn faobhair dheirg, 
 
 'Us Caol crodha a chrutba ghriun nach disd giith ionbliruinn. 
 
 Bu bhinn seanmlioireachd sleigh agus meabhar nam milidh, 
 
 Agus rhn bhratach srbl ag eiridh am maduiun ghauith reodhta. 
 
 Do thogamar Dealbli ghr(^ine, bratach Fhinn mhhir na Feinn, 
 
 Or chiiir se timchioll fa mhor cana cinuealta ruadh. 
 
 Do thogamar Fulang Duaraidh, bratach Ghuill mhoir Mine IMoirn, 
 
 Minic bhi'n gach triall chraoisich, deireadh 'us toiseach fall^h. 
 
 Do thogamar am Mincheann oir, bratach Eaoinc gon ioniadh sluaigh, 
 
 Srol Ic 'u gouadh cnhmh 'us cinn, le leigeas fuil gii aobriuunean. 
 
 Do thogamar Ciucal chath, bratach Fhaolaiu daire, 
 
 IMac Fhinn fear flath na Feinn, gillc Ic 'u cuireadh trom shleagh. 
 
 Do thogamar Dun Nimh, bratach Oisiaiu nan curaidh, 
 
 Lamb dhearg, bratach LIhic Ronain, is oiniidh an taobh eile. 
 
 Do thogamar Sgiiab gliitbhaidh, bratach Osgair am fear fiocli, 
 
 Ri dol au cath nan gleo miuic a dh' Rireadb Sgaiab ghiibhaidh. 
 
 Do thogamar Liath loinueach, bratach Dhiarmaid aigcanaich aibheasaich, 
 
 'N uair a theich an aonach a mach, bhi se aibheasach oirdheirc. 
 
 Do thogamar Beam Reubainn, bratach Osgair nar seaiita, 
 
 Dheanadh cosheirm mac gair ghlinne le garbh cinue is ceannbhrat. 
 
 Do thogamar Craobh fhuileach bratach doinn bhar Mhic Lughaidh ; 
 
 'N uair theich an Fheinn a mach, is e bhitheadh air an toiseach. 
 
 Do rinneamar cruaidh chath, an timchioll Fhinn orfhlath, 
 
 Ma dhuda Fhinn f hearaU, oide ua Feinn moir-chalma. 
 
 IMarbhas na Caitcheanuich Icinn, agus do ghabh na Cuincheaunaich, 
 
 Thuit na Drumanaich uile an timchioll Fhinn xUnduiin. 
 
 Monadh beag fa deas dliuinn, am faighoar brugh dha ilhCin ; 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Is math furriiuir ami maddith za daumist choliu 
 Zearimir erre wile eddir clionni a^ds donni 
 Is noecli cha durremir er a feyg cheaddi ferr o zarve na nenor. 
 
 Nenor a quhymc. 
 
 BiNX gow duui iu tcjT in oyr biiin a ghloyr chanyd nyth hcnyn, 
 Byiin noaillane a nee a quhor bin in tonn a bwn da trcoyr 
 Bynn in fygzir a ne zeye bin gow coyth oass cassyth conn 
 Alynn in delryth a ne gi'eane byn in near fedtlyl nyth Ion 
 Bynn gow illyr esse roye vass kynn coayne v'nioyrnye nior 
 Bynn gow coythaa oyss barrye doss alynn in tost a nee in coir 
 Fyrin mac cowil mayr fani sacht caa ua eaynn gyth grynn 
 In oayr a lykeyst con ra fcayn a garryc no zeye bye wyun. 
 
 Bvnn gow. 
 
 Skaile oiknith er choyle cassil, gow earn wallir berrith nice 
 
 Na clwnnith dwnni za glwnnith gi ghvnnith m'g\veill ee 
 
 JNIakcowle di choill cossir er sliss alwin in nor weine 
 
 Essin OSS in gend nc choU finni in cessew doyr reiwe 
 
 Ossin dein nichticlit is dermit dcy v'lowitli leich nar zann 
 
 Deiss nar leyr cooza coskir conau feyn is oskir ami 
 
 Sloyne a zey leych zawsich di raye fin fer gyth eytli 
 
 Faikgen mir sin er oill inn ca coyll Iciwc is binni er bcitli 
 
 Di raye conan yr we in nymirt eino choyll is bimii Imr feyn 
 
 Math lawe in ir re hcygli eiirwiiith fer sen gr chwnith er cluyll 
 
 Foskgi zi cliwlg in gaith nawit nach in gath iii chuklit ^>a 
 
 A loywe in genu is in gossith koill a bar le o.skir aye 
 
 Koill is loo ruggis zi ryin di rae deoniit ni dcrk maal 
 
 A rozraw gin ga boa zawssith coraa ban is ansith aim 
 
 Sowd mi clioilsi a v'lnurn er m'lowitli ni narm glan 
 
 Leym in glcyw mi clioii gow ere fey ga cliurri iij dcrri zawe 
 
 Sowd in k(»ill is koyle duwfsyth di rae tin lla in tloe 
 
 In neym zeitli l)ayiie ley braddeiche raym iiideich fa atteive oyr 
 
 III tra weime gin eggill iiin neksitli ossin a dnrt fa zoe 
 
 Mi zane is a zoissith in daskgi sjiif rame cloi.ss chistin a diolc. 
 
uc.DKR.N.] THE DKAN OF LISMOUK. 59 
 
 Is luaitli fluiaircuinar aim iiiadadh tllio 'n (k-anaiiiaid cliuilcan. 
 Dhiroainar Eiro uile cadar choii 'us duiiir. 
 
 Is nucha d' fhuaircaiuar air a fcadli, ccud fear a dhearbh iia naoiiiear. 
 
 Naoincar. 
 
 BiNN giith diiinc an tir an Mr, binn a ghluir a chanaid na h-coin, 
 Binn an nuallan a ni a chorr, binn an tonn am Bun da treoir. 
 Binn am fabluir a ni a gliaoth, binn guth cuach os Cas a clioin, 
 Aluinn an dealradh a ni grian, l)inn a nithear feadail nan Ion, 
 Binn guth iohiir Easruaidli, us cionn cuain Mhic Muirnc nioir, 
 Binn guth cuaoh os b?ir dos, aluinn an tosd a ni an corr, 
 Fionn Mac Cumhail m'athair, fa 'n seachd cath Fhiann gii grinn, 
 An uair a leigeas con ri fiadhmhuin, ag ^iridh 'n a dheidli bu bhiun. 
 
 Biim gnth. 
 
 Sgeul oignidh air chebl caislidh, gu Cam Bhalair beiridh mi, 
 Nan chiinncadh duine de 'n cluinneadh, gun chiiunoadh Mac Cumhail e, 
 Mac Cumhail do oheal coisir, air slios Almhuin an oir mliin, 
 Esan OS an ceann 'sa cheul Fionn au cbisir d' f haiglioar riamh, 
 Oisian dian euchdach, 'us Diarmad, deagh Mhic Lughaidh laoch nior 
 Dithis na'r le'r coldiach cosgar, Conan fein 'us Osgar ann. [ghann, 
 
 Sloinn a dheagh laoich dhomhsa, do radh Fionn fior gach cadh, 
 'Faicinn mar sin air bl Fhinn, cia an ceol leibh is biiinc air bith ] 
 Do radh Conan air bhi an iiuirt, aon chenl is binne a fhuair mi fein. 
 Maith lamh an thir ri aghaidh cruiniiich' fior sin gun chuimline air cht'ill. 
 Faosgadh a chuilg an cath namhaid, neach an cath ni choigleadh se, 
 A luaidh an ccann 'us an cos, ceol a b' fhearr le Osgar aigh. 
 Ceol is mo a rugas de roghainn, do rhdh Diarmad nan dearc mall, 
 A ro ghrkidh, gim ge beo dhomhsa, comhradh bhan is annsa ann. — 
 Sud mo cheolsa a Mhic Muirnc, ars' Mac Lughaidh nan arm glan, 
 Leum an gleb mo cIkju gu cridhe feidh 'g an cur an dcireadh dhoibh, 
 Sud an cebl is ccM dhomh fein do rhdh Fionn flath au t-sKtigh, 
 An fheum ghaoith bhitheann le brataich, rcim fionnlaoich foa taol)h oir. 
 An trath bhitheara gun cagal nan eigeas Oisian a dubhairt fadhcoi<lh, 
 i\Io Fheinn 'us i dhomhsa an ta.sgaidh, seimh le'm chluas claistinu a cheoil. 
 
THE BOOK OF (ancient. 
 
 FLFA'on wor riimi lay finiii innoiss dowt a ]ialj,qu 
 Fa hymnii dwu v.c ami dcanow albin is oirm 
 Feari.s in 'morn mor din reane fo gall glor 
 A waktow fleywi zar o hanyth tow weanovr crrin 
 Di reggir sen finui wane fa math wle tor Is tear 
 Dowrt gi wak flt-ywi zar ua gi tley ane reywe in neirin 
 Chongimir Imggiu won tonn leicli mor ayrrichtiih foltimi 
 Gin ane dwn ag acli ay feyu fa math in toglach cssane 
 Mir hanyth shay in gen ni wane a dowTt iu toglaoh f\v keyve keyll 
 Tarsyth lomsith noss inni is ber cayd leich id di lij-mchill 
 Deych mek eichit morne mor ber let in dowss di heuoyll 
 Fer is ocht zet chhnm feyne ber is oskir di zane wane 
 Ber deachnor di clannith snioill is fcichit di clanni ronane 
 Ber di clanni mwin let deachnor clli gin dermit 
 Ber let dermit o dwnith bar ni swr is no sohalge 
 A fe}Ti is kcrrill id Iwng deychnor di zanith is di zorriu 
 Ber nenor do zillew let fii farda how ym bee aggit 
 Agis twss fen a inni a v'awasse erm zrinni 
 Ber C leich let er twnni di zna wnntir inn v'kowle 
 C skay gin m wi nor dinni m'kowle v'tranewor 
 Bcrssi let in nossa inni in da chonni is ferri in neiTin 
 Ber bran is skoillin let lowt di zorrin i gimicht 
 Na beith fadcheis ort a inni di ray in toglach ard cviu 
 Tuggir fa woye id lieith di we er ar sloye is st.iche 
 Glor anwit hare id chenn ogle out hanik chwggin 
 Min fayin tow in weauoss inn di wca di chen gin chollin 
 Di choraa ni churffe in swm a chonaue mcill ni beymin 
 Is mcst in sloye di wee ann id ta tow agrow auwin 
 Errissyth daimi l)iskni ann erss conano in uani 
 Gowis gi neacli zeiwe erm kich tig ni feanith sxss gi ane toiwc 
 Marwar in sen mak di zinn feani gall a Ziissgi zrinn 
 As mak a zilliii m'morn fa math in gatli ohrwnwoynyth 
 Errissytli arriss ann is daniss a wurrill 
 Fraryth yn beinni cwt ag gowle di clmnan in nani 
 Di wciKi a wnia fcyii di zinn di ray gowle mor nim boymin 
 War conan na mess a {liinni na bonfeit ass in tinchin 
 Ferris koill D"" eirhiil in glen er naeh leyr rawe cheith in ferrin 
 Ay gin fiss nyth feanith ag linn tmyg in skaill so halgiu 
 Faddi lommi a halgiii trane naeh wagga ma dunni zi nane 
 Ead a shelgi o zlcnni gow glenn is nitli acwlt nt» dymchol 
 Binvin lorn ossin m'linni na hanich kenn naeh dcaeh zee 
 Ter gi dwni gar royvc ami di binvin leoin finni wley. 
 
 I'lev. 
 
McDKit.v.l THE DKAX OF LISMOIIR. 6i 
 
 Fleadh mlior a rinnoadh le Fionn, innis dhuit a Thailgein, 
 Eu iomadh duinc a blia ami, d' Fhianaibh Alba 'us Eirinn. 
 Feuraichous Mac ^Moirnc inor do 'n rin<,diain bu •^lical ^doir, 
 Am faca tu tioadh ;;hara o thainig tu do Fliiaiiaibh Eirinn ? 
 Do flircagair sin Fionu nam Finnn, bu nihaith uile suir 'us siar, 
 Dubhairt gum faoa fleadh bu gliarra no gach llcadh Fheiun riandi an 
 Chunuamar thugain o'u tonn laoch mor araclidach foltionn, [Eirinn. 
 Gun ann tluine aig ach e fi'in, bu nihaith an t-ogUich esan, 
 Mar thainig se an coann nam Fiann a dubhairt an t-oglach bu chaomh 
 Tarsa leamsa nis, Fhinn, 'us bcir ceud hioi-h a'd thimchioll, [ciall, 
 
 Deich mie fhichid Jloirnc moir, beir leat an tils do tliionaill, 
 Fear 'us ochd dhe'd chlann fi'in, bcir us Osgar do dh' Fhiann Feinn, 
 Beir deiclniear de chlimnaibh Smoil, us fiehcad de cldannaibh Ronain, 
 Beir de chlann Mudhain leat, deichnear eile gun Diarmad, 
 Beir leat Diarmad o Duinn, b'fhcar na suiridh 'us na seilg, 
 E fein 'us Caoruill 'ad long deichnear de dliaoine 'us de dh' fhoruinn. 
 Bcir naoinear de ghillibh leat, a b'fheairde thu a bhi agad, 
 Agus tusa fi-in a Fhinn, a mine aibheasaich, airmghriun, 
 Beir ceud laoch leat air tonn de ghnkth mhuinntir Fhinn Mhic Cumhail, 
 Ceud sgiath gon mionna 'n bir, d' Fhionn Mac Cumhaill mhic Threin- 
 Beirse leat a nis, a Fhinn, an da chon is fearr 'au Eirinn, [mhoir, 
 
 Beir Bran 'us Sgoilean leat, luaithe de dh' fhoruinn ag imeachd. 
 Na bitheadh faitcheas ort, a Fhinn, do radh au t-oglach ard aoibhinn, 
 Tugar fo l)huaidh ad thi do bhi air ar sluaigh 'us soithichibh. 
 Gloir anmhaith tharladh 'ad cheann, oglaich ud a thainig thugainn. 
 Mum fiugheann tu am fianuis Fhinn do bhitheadh do cheaun giui choluinn, 
 Do chomhradh ni chuiream au suim a Chouain mhaoil nam beuman, 
 Is misd an sluagh do bhi ann, a tu tu aghara, anmhuinn, 
 Eiribhse chlanna Baoisgne ann, ars' Conan an anaithne. 
 Gabhas gach neach dhiubh arm laoich, thig na Fianna as gach aou taobh, 
 Marbhar an sin mac do Fhionn, Fiann geal a ghlaca ghriun, 
 As mac de ghillibh Mic Moirne bu mhaith 'n cath Chruiuubhuain, 
 Eireas a Fliearghuis ann 'us deauas au iorghuill, 
 Feoraich am bi a chuid aig GoU do Chonan an anaithne. 
 Do bheirinnse a bhreith fein do Fhionn, do rhdh GoU mbr nam beuman, 
 Bheir Conan 'n a mise a cheann na buinid as an t-eanchain. [fearainn, 
 Ferghus, Caol, deicli thar fhichead an gleann, air nach It'ir riamh chi 
 E gun fhios nam Fiann aig Fionu ; truagh an sgeul so a Thailgein. 
 Fada leam a Thailgein threin, nach fhaic mi daoine de 'n Fheinu, 
 lad a sealg o ghleaun gu gleann, 'us mac eilde 'nan timchioU ; 
 Bionmhuinn leam Oisian j\Iac Fhinn, na h-aon cheann a chaidh dheth ; 
 Thar gach duine de 'n robh ann, do b'ionmhuinn leam Fionn an fhleidh. 
 
 Fleadh. 
 
THE BOOK OF [axciext. 
 
 Troyg \wm twllycli ni foynitli ag ni clercliew fa zoirse 
 
 Is danyth lucht ni billak in nynit flannyth beisknyth 
 
 Dayr missi raa croychin schell fada wroycliow gi swgjrh 
 
 Beg a hellis gi tarfin in talgiu er di wullych 
 
 DajT meith skay is slcy conn is gyir fad walle 
 
 Ga ta nocht knok ni fayni fa chlejTchew is fii wachlew 
 
 Da merra clanni morn ni wee fer nordsi seadtrach 
 
 Di zoyve schew fer grabbil a Iwcht ni baychill breik 
 
 Da merra m'lowyth si \-i curri clialma 
 
 Swl fowkweis in twUych di wee fer cowlyth garrjih 
 
 Da merra clanni carda fir nachir chelggi bayssew 
 
 Ne weitli fer ghvkgi fer bachlaa nynit ni bradtych 
 
 Da merra clanni mayvin fer nach banvin in droddew 
 
 Ni weith di ^\1^ltir a phatrik gi laydyr er ni chnoken 
 
 Da merra clan in dew zerri da merra keilti croych 
 
 Xe weith gayr chloogi is chleyrri ga nestich in raa croycliiu 
 
 Da merra rynne roydda is keilcroy m-'crepin 
 
 Ne weith di loywr la cheyll ir a laywis a bebill 
 
 Is ni Iwrga crwnni di ryn in swll doyne 
 
 Di weith di lorga na brossna da bea osgir er layr 
 
 Ir in trostane woye di ryn in swe swnda 
 
 Math dut naoh marrin connan fa manach dorn data 
 
 Da marrein swlzorm seir conan meil makave ni wmie 
 
 A chleyrre ga mor di zorda di woniu ziit dorn gi dane 
 
 Da marra m' o zoyni er ni Iwi-ga crossi 
 
 Di weith di lorga sue mest a bresta fa chaytlira clooch 
 
 Ir chlwga mir helim da weith dering na woye 
 
 Di weith di chlog na rabba woya fa edin a chaythre 
 
 Ner zarga shmor a dieyth er gayth geith m'roynan 
 
 Na be di chlog gi hanuis ir a wanis a koyllan 
 
 Ni cddwm bi gi sowtliych ne agkwm ni'kowl si woe 
 
 Ne ekkym deariiiit o doywn no ekkym kcilt m'crouan 
 
 Ne hynyth mi way gi ilowyth er in tidlydi so pliatrik 
 
 Ne ekkym m'lowth ne ekim in chwllych zrawclit 
 
 Ne ekkim far loo raym heive lie ekkiin oskir na . . . 
 
 Ne ekkiin in nymirt vor ne ekkim a ehoanirt cheyf 
 
 Ne ekkim clanni smoyl ne ekkim golli mor ni gneyf 
 
 Ne ekkim feillaiie fayill ne ekkim na zey in nayn 
 
 Ne ekkim ferris mi wrayir layr mcytli hiyr woalta 
 
 Nc ekkim dyrri doynielit o woymist knyl gi ni»yir;i 
 
 Ne ekkiin fa kanyn nadi bcchow aggin er ayrn- 
 
 Ne ekkim ane gar wonin di lii wor tiTiin a glar 
 
Moi.KitN.l Tin: DKAN (JF I.ISMORE. 63 
 
 Truach k'lim tulach 11a Fclnii, aij,' na ch'iricliiMi fo dhaoirsc, 
 
 'Us (lana liulid nam billcaj,', an ionad clanna Baoisrpie, 
 
 Do flmiglinir niiso a Kath Cliniacliain, seal fo do Idiruarliail)!! gii sugacli, 
 
 Is heng a shaoiloas f,nui tarfainn an Tailgoau air do nihullacli. 
 
 Do fhaighcar mo sgiatli 'us .sloagli, con 'uh gadliair fa d' lilialla, 
 
 Ge'd tha an norhd cnoc na fVinn, fo chk'irichihli 'us fo bhachlailili. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh clanna Moirnc, ni bliitheadh fear an ordsa scathardha, 
 
 Do gheil)lu>adh sibh 'ur grabail, a luclid na bachuile brice. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh Mac Lughaidh, 's a s6 cuiridh chalma, 
 
 Sol fhkgas an tulach, do bhi bhur culaidh gcarr. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh clanna Ceairdc, fir nach fir cheileadh basa, 
 
 Ni bliitheadh bhiu- duig 's 'ur bachla, an ionad nam bratach. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh clanna Mudhain, fir nach b'anmhuinn an trodaibh, 
 
 Ni bliitheadh do mhuinutir a Phadruig, gu laidir 'n an cnocaibh. [adhach, 
 
 Na 'm maireadh clann an deagli Ghoraidh, na 'm maireadh Caoilte cni- 
 
 Ni bliitheadh gair chlog 'us chleireach, 'g an (5isdcachd an RathChruaohain. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh Raoine ruadha, 'us Gaol crodha mac Rcabhain, 
 
 Ni bhitheadh do leabhar r'a cheile, fhir a leughas am Biobul. 
 
 Agus na luirge cruinne, do rinn an siubliail domhain, 
 
 Do bhitheadh do lorg 'n a bhrosna, na 'm bitheadh Osgar air Ihr. 
 
 Fhir an trostaiu bhuidhe, do rinn an suidh sonda, 
 
 Is maith dhuit nach marruinn Conan, fa bhuineadh dom duit. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh an Sulghorm saor, Conan maol macamh nam Fiann, 
 
 A chleirich ge mbr do dh' ord, do bhuineann duit dom gu dian. 
 
 Na 'm maireadh Mac O'Dhuinn, fhir na luirge croise, 
 
 Do bhitheadh do lorga smiste, briste fo charragh cloiche. 
 
 Fhir a chluig mar shaoilim, na 'm bitheadh Daoruing 'n a bheatha, 
 
 Do bhitheadh do chlog 'n a reubach, uaith fa eudan a charraigh. 
 
 An ior dhearg, a sheauair, da chitheadh air gath gaoith Mhic Ronain, 
 
 Ni bhitheadh do chlog gu h-ainnis, fhir a sheinneas an gMan. 
 
 Ni fhaodam bhi gu subhach, ni f haiceam Mac Cumhail 's a bheatha, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Ditirmad O'Duinn, ni fhaiceam Caoilte Mac Ronain ; 
 
 Ni h-ioghnadh mi bhi gu dubhach, air an tulach so, Phadruig, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Mac Lughaidh, ni fhaiceam an coileach grhdhaichtc ; 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Fear luath u'm thaobh, ni fhaiceam Osgar na Feinn ; 
 
 Ni fhaiceam an imirt mhor ni fhaiceam a ohonairt cliaomh, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam clanna Smoil, ni fhaiceam Gall mor 'an gnioinh. 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Faolan fiall, ni fhaiceam 'n a dheigh an Fheinn, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Fearghus mo bhrhthair, le 'r mithich le 'r mht>lta, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Daoire duanach, o'm faigheamaitl oeol gach uaire, 
 
 Ni fhaiceam Fatha Canan, nach bi thu againn air uaire. 
 
 Ni fhaiceam aicme dhe 'r foruinn da bu mhor torrun air clhr, 
 
64 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Ne ekkim eviiiis iia hoyl nc chniiin in koyl di woe 
 Soil (li ciirri mi mi Iiod di fronfwii fej-n or gi loyit 
 IiLssim zwt a pliadrik da bi zaylhvm hcclit harsta 
 Nauli fayddwm a heilluw a vacoa may zeiviuis agga 
 Missi is clcyrre ni Ijortwis nocha dioyinum ra eliad 
 Ga ta mce nocht gi dowych, Ls troygli Iwm tullych ni fayiie. 
 
 Truyg Iwm. 
 
 Dyth wj'lelyss myschi zraynnyth h-wnggis nayiri w'cowle 
 
 Wee myr it tayme sin nag}'ii is l)crt nach fadyr a wllyiig 
 
 Dyth zhagis clwyclit is coiizar er cbompau zaw neyss tayr 
 
 Dyth zhagis mnau gin gillaa is dyth wilelis mischi a zraynna 
 
 Dyth zhagis niurnd is mcygzcgr cuvrae is groygzin is garae 
 
 Dyth zliagis clwithi fylli is dyth willis myschi a zraynnaa 
 
 Keiltaa mor is m'lowith deyss or nach drwngi taayraa 
 
 In foyth nayr roywaa rynnaa dytli wilelis mischi a zraynna 
 
 Gold is oskyr is osseyne ucma nach corrith partaa 
 
 Dyth byun Wynne leo sen synn}i;h dyth w^lelyss myschi a zraynTia 
 
 Fyun fane in agnaa raawoyr is wnygh zaifmost failtaa 
 
 Dyth zhagis murudnych hec is dyth wilelys mischi a zraynna 
 
 Myr aweyss in noyf chaythi zoyschi ne hewyr zayrraa 
 
 A coyad oywaa byggi dyth wilelis mischi a zraynnau 
 
 It doll ter wennew borrifaa is er wollyth forynnych ban . . . 
 
 Ne mor nach tursych synnaa dyth willolis myschi a zraynnaa 
 
 It doll ter CSS roygh roinyth is beg nar obyr my wayle 
 
 Faa rohwyr geltti glinni di villiss mis.si a zrannyth 
 
 Wayin gi faddi is gi haazar a tastil oyrrin ani 
 
 Is tranc di woyr sen sinni di williss mischi zrany. 
 
 Di williss missi. 
 
 Lay a royth in dundalgin cowchullin ni grow neynti 
 O taid ni gur or a gon gin sloig wlli na ochyr 
 Halli in noil! erin none math si waggiilir in nane wlli 
 Kcltith fckkicli fowich foinc dtych laye za Icctiwe 
 Gwr bci in nansych wllith mnan thogn danni rowre 
 In cor son bi degkir royvo cur ris in naltin ilawail 
 In doychis lawcc loicli attc dr ayllir clioidcicli 
 Ni iioyiini giih-rriiig dalwc scr wiini clmlla in gallcw 
 (J:i\vis in crauii tawill glan cowchullin gi . . . 
 
MODKUN.I THE DKAN oF LISMOKK 
 
 Ni fhfticeam aoibhneas na M, iii clninncam an nM do hlii, 
 Sul do cluiireadh mi am uai<,'li, do Minuinainn fc'iii or gii luath. 
 Innisi'am dimit, a Pliadniig, nam 1>' aillcam tlieachd tharsta, 
 Nach faodam a fliiloadli, na fhaca mi dli' aoiMuu-as aca. 
 Mise "us Cloirich nam portus, mulia tarniin^oam ri cht'ilo, 
 Ge ta mi an uochd fju dubliach ; is truagh Icam tulach na Feinn. 
 
 Tmagh learn. 
 
 Do fhileas mise a Ghrainne, chnnnacas an goire Mhic Cumhail, 
 
 Bin mar a taim 's an «;igin is bcart nach faodar f hulang. 
 
 Do fhhcas cluiehe 'us cogliair air chompan ghabh nise thire, 
 
 Do f liacas mnatlian gon gillibh, is do fhileas mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 Do f hacas mnini 'us meoghar, cuirm 'us greigh ghrinn 'us gaire. 
 
 Do fhaeas cluiohe fidhle, 'us do fhileas mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 Caoilte mor 'us Mac Lughaidh, dithis air nach d'rainig tiiire, 
 
 Air fioch nior ro mhaith niinne, do fhileas mbe a Ghrainne. 
 
 GoU 'us O-sgar 'us Oisian, aicmc nach corra part, 
 
 Do b'ionmhuinn leo sin siune, do fhilea.s mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 Fionn fein an aigne ro mhir, is uaith a gheibheamaid faillte, 
 
 Do fhaca.s muirneach e 'us do fhileas mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 Mar a bhitheas an naoi cathan, dliomh.sa ni h-aobhar ghkire, 
 
 A coimhead uaimhe bhige do fhilciis mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 A dol thar bheaJintaibh borrafjvdh, 'us air mhullach fhormnach l>li?in, 
 
 Ni mor nach tuirseach sinne, do fliileii.s mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 A triall tir eas ruaidh rondiainn, is beag na'r obair mo fhhil, 
 
 Fa niathar geillt glinne, do fhileas mi.se a Ghrainne. 
 
 Bhithoam gu fad 'us gu h-aithghearr a tasdail Eirinn kine. 
 
 Is treun do f haighear sin sinne, do fhileas mise a Ghrainne. 
 
 Do fhileas mi.?e. 
 
 La a robh an Dundealgain, Cuchidain nan cnith dcanta, 
 taid con cur air a ghean, gun sluagh uile 'n a f hochair ; 
 thair an oil air an eiridh math, gum facadar an Fheinn uile, 
 Ceilltach feacach fuathach fon ealta hiidh dha shlcitibh : 
 Gur b'e an annsachd uile, mnatlian Clioige danna Kughraidh, 
 An cuir sin bu dheacair riamh, cur ris an ealtan d'f haiglieail ; 
 An doehas laimh laoich ; aitoailar atliair Chonlaoich, 
 Na h-eoin go Daoirinn dealbhach, saor bhinn Cholla an gallail h 
 Gabhas an crann tabhaill glan Cuchnlain gu . . . 
 5 
 
66 THE BOOK OF [ai 
 
 In lawe bi wath troir cr mor ni hoyiiene gr . . . 
 Ryntyr in ncltych wo uer zarmit umpitli ach a^vy^, 
 Gawis aw-yr racht fane rynu (lap'cinc ner chart a cheive 
 Geltyr wee no errik sin ni kcad oyne elli zayvir 
 Lar durchrith er teivc a chnok la creif ni norcbr nerrik 
 In gen tryle hicgid gow caith za ance gin neigiss noynacli 
 Ni roe fer gin oe orri wt-i slawre or datrych 
 Hug bancheill chongiillin graw dinani di wlliiu 
 Din charrait eintych ayuee lianik a ymill ollanith 
 Agris nyvT in nolt trwmc a cu rith er chongiillin 
 Ni hoyne mir gylle deith gin skail na hyi umjiith 
 Da oyr no tre tilfer leis ni hoyne aldyth sner ainmis 
 Gir leme couf mir a chiir iii wrchir hor ni hannieh 
 In hurchir reyve royve sen zoll di zaltaue gawffee 
 Gin virn er wrane di wlyg ryef ach keym sin allane 
 Re bleygin ni deach zea ach twTss nin nane seach 
 Ne hay ymichtych nin nane is inleut ach in twrskail 
 Mass fer in dathris a woygr nach darn in cow on chref 
 Slat war zall di zrawhe mnaa laywith aig voye a 
 
 rayn fa reawrew beggane . . . 
 
 feyne in tulg chiirr ay deis er gi . . . 
 
 Hw a feyne agus garri teive er heive in nane tr za 
 
 Gin darrith Finn di zan-i er su zoith na arrith 
 
 Or is twss do wee aun kiunis di warve sew cowll 
 
 Di weyr si zwt mi wrarri erbee zwt orm za earre 
 
 Gir heith mi laive laytich loinm chiir in kead za in gowll 
 
 For in caddrew zoiss sin a danni morn mar zilli 
 
 Is wuUing is reawor zoif zess dew mathr a varwi 
 
 Mass for in catdrew Icat sin Inn vec cowill a halwin 
 
 Leig in carri dr bwnskinni is tog in nallydis chatchin 
 
 A dog mis zew lawe a clann morn is nK>r grane 
 
 Fa toylliiig missi wile fur gir gow deith cine dwn 
 
 Mass di zlassi tiissi sin yniichtin or slycht liaithr 
 
 Bith lemenor siiini er linni mir weith cin eillytin chuwale 
 
 Gowal clior sinii in woyew cowle Inic orn mor withwr 
 
 Gowal di zoicliir a mach sinn a greithew ni geitli 
 
 Clior dram zeine in nalbin inn is dram elle in (K)w lochlinn 
 
 In tress dram si zreyg zilli lieddit woe cheyl r . . . 
 
 Wemir scablcyn dcyg a hagwfts errin is ner wrag 
 
 Ner weg in smacii downith sinni gin er dew zagkin 
 
 In kead lay choymir er tt ir zinse errin or weiuiiii 
 
 Warveir deiii is ner wniik a ray xvi e deiii lay 
 
 Di warvirt claiina iimni dan Iciciiew is . . . 
 
MODKHN.] THE DKAN OF LIS.MOUK. 76 
 
 'An laiinli bii inliuith treoir air iiuir im Ii foin giir . . . 
 
 Koinntear an ealtu uatlia, iiii)r dhcaniiaitl uiiii)a acli Eimlujar, 
 
 CJablias Eiinhear rarlid fa '11 roiiiii, (Iciiiiliiii iiior clit'art a cliaoiiiili ; 
 
 Goalladar bliitli 'n a riric sin, na cfud coin eile dii' Einda-ar, 
 
 Le'r toivliradli air taubli a tlmuic \v treiliho nan urclmir an t'iric 
 
 An ceann triall thii,a^a(l gii caitliir da id gun oi;L,d8 dhuanach, 
 
 Ni robli fear gun e ona, blii slabliraidh oir datrach. 
 
 Thug banclioile Choucludain grklh do 'n FInann dc bbeileam, 
 
 Do 'n cbaraid aontacli aine, a thainig a iomall Ullanaich. 
 
 Agras Eindictu" an fhuilt truime a cunradh air Chonchidain, 
 
 Na h -coin mar ghcall dith gun sgeul 'n a h-aghaidh unijM ; 
 
 Da uair no tri tillear leis na li-eoin aid 's nior aniais, 
 
 Gur Icuni cubh mar a chuir tri urchuir thar na h-euuaibh; 
 
 An t-urchuir riamh roindi sin dhol da dlialtan gabhaidh, 
 
 Gun ndiuirn air mhnathan dc bhlagb, riandi ach oaoine 's an allan ; 
 
 Re bliadbna ni dcachaidli dha ach tuirse jin Fhcinu seach, 
 
 Ni h-e imeachdaich nan Fhoinn i.s ion Icat ach an t-ursgeul ; 
 
 Ma 's fior an t-aithris a ghcibhear nach tearuinu an Cu o'n chraoibli, 
 
 Slat bhar-ghcal de ghrhdh mhnatha, le bhi a bhuaidh acli . . . 
 
 min fa dheireadh beagau . . . 
 
 fcin an t-scalg, chuir e dithis air gach aon . . . 
 
 Thu fcin agus Garaidh, taobh air thaol)h an Fheinn . . . 
 
 Gun d'f harraid Fionn de Gharaidh, air suidhe dha 'n a aire ; 
 
 O'n is tusa do bhi ann, Cionnus a luharbh sibh Cundial ? 
 
 Do bheirse dhuit mo bhriathar, air bhi dhuit orm 'g a iarraidh, 
 
 Gur h-i mo lamli shleitcach lorn, chur an ccud ghath 'an (■umhal ; 
 
 Fuar an caidreamh dhomhsa sin, a chlanna IMoirne mar ghille, 
 
 Is fulaugas ro ndior dhomh, dli' fhios duibh m'athair a mharbhadh. 
 
 Ma 's fuar an caidreamh leat sin, Fhinn Mhic Cumhail a h-Almhuin, 
 
 Leig an caratlradh buiusgiou, 'us tog an alltas choitchin. 
 
 An tog mise dhibh lamh, a chlanna Muirn is mbr gi'ain, 
 
 Fa tualaing mise uile, fuair gur cuidich aon duine. 
 
 Mus do glduais thusa sin, imeachdain air slighe d'athar, 
 
 Bu leimeanar sinn air linne mur bhi aon ealadhain Chumhail ; 
 
 Cumhal chuir sinn am buaidhibh, Cumlial thug oirnne mor ruathar, 
 
 Cumhal do dhiochuu" a mach, sinn do chriochaibh nan coindieach, 
 
 Chuir dream dhinn an Albain fhinn, us dream eile 'an dubh Lochlainn, 
 
 An treas dream 's a Ghreig gliile, bithead ch^ile air ioman. 
 
 Bhitheamar se bliadhua dcug a h-cugndiais Eirinn 'us nior bhreug, 
 
 Nior bhcag an smachd duinn, sinn gun fhcar diubh fhaicinn, 
 
 An ceud la chaidheamar air tir dh' Tunis Eiriini o'n bhitheamar, 
 
 INlharbhar dinn 'us nior bhreug, v6 se deug ceiul ri aon la : 
 
 Do mharbhas clanna Moirn de 'n laochaibh . . . 
 
THK UOOK OK lANClENT. 
 
 Chft roif eiue ilwii rew st'u luu-h cow i*aydi di v . . . 
 
 Gonith caiiliino tl;i pUuow ohinni morn inor vanmuitli 
 
 In iiiiini iVyii l>i loytu-h ami a woaniss far norrin 
 
 Kr a lawsi olaili ni wane rha luik^'is horri no har 
 
 Eiuo noith hug lui^k or mi hwie aoh la«rsin a cluvskir 
 
 11 uj; !>!«y toim fame ohuv ro fa-nsin ni sliuttv 
 
 HuiTilimir noin teyj: a orithow mowin mor zorg 
 
 A n>yth gju^gi* in r Kuisitl town owin a warvi 
 
 Ityn iloyvo or in twlli hawlo ynibi woa ihvnni ilanu chwlo 
 
 Koniuiir ivith naoh royvo maulo guss in ty in ruif i\>\vl 
 
 Hugginiir gwn zothin gr tV in gi>ri» ohwjill zor sloywo 
 
 Oir pir ruggi missi anu in nor a wjirvo sho oo\v:Ul 
 
 No gnoivo rv\vm soln^ ma liaa iliolmissi orr wa mor lay. 
 
 Liiy n\ n.>ymir. 
 
 A hinulir sti Puiu-hii mor voo lawouaoht. 
 
 Mark ihvniia a oaylo a zih> agis gj\ vil solm»w di zauna 
 Agus na oad gawal loa is naoh ool woa no hawo 
 Agis naoh synni oorri ua jnu-t is naoh gawo giu locht loyo 
 Agis naoh skurro ili ohrwt voynui is naoh synui mir is meynui 
 As marg naoh skuv da dryng lining agis di n\nn di ray 
 Agis na oluntyr a ohrwt is naoh tviggis a z;iyn 
 As nmrg na toyr toyo da ohaol is naoh oumi a foyu slan 
 As marg a vor tniss gi trv>g ar a voss iia rig a lawo 
 Da K^ nn voan annsyth voss uoaoh foygin a zn\l» g\i harxl 
 Di rootin a oninni ta vonni ga U'a noaoh or a our morg. 
 
 Mark. 
 
 A hoiulii- so giUiocrist tal/.yr. 
 
 Tionnyi-lit di hylyoh a thrx>noito a rtv pharris jn^rt nyn layk 
 Pi hylyoh nor Ziinn dit Z(k^ 1u>w tan «li zjdvo vlli oatl 
 Is dutti di ohon\mi soil nawziH' di zn>y dork or da nyn sow 
 Ir a vonnyoh jHirt is jh>IiIuI malyoh di Iwoht ivggi owlli 
 A ta ohonurt ourst oliwllan ilano.v wlk or olannow n-ioht 
 iiyn ghvnnum ayr ni gonu gunnith is hino gi glonni iloUi toivc 
 A Uuht ov»gg\> or olaujii aw£tH> i» Jiaih ladr \oa nauo diwt 
 Na goltow a ohow m i-haol forton hh' nyn giviu a g»>sk 
 A luoht tH»j{>{e or olan »waiH» di (rv luoifor nyn lul«o 
 
MoDEKX.l THK I>KAN' OF LISMORK. 69 
 
 Nochar n)l>h aon duine dliiubh sin nach cumha cciul . . . 
 
 (n)nailh raslain do glialnaibh, rlaiina Muirno niur ndioaninnach 
 
 An I'innoadli fVin l>u shloitoacli aim am fianuis fhoar an Eirinii. 
 
 Air do laimhse, olaicli na FViun, cha-n fharas shoir no shiar, 
 
 Aon ni thug pasg air mo shnil, ach a faicinn a chosgraidh ; 
 
 Thug so tioma fa \n rhridho ri faicsinn na slionacliaidli, 
 
 Thngamar an aon tigli an orioohailih Mumliain luur dlu-argjx : 
 
 A ro ghaisge an fliir W usiiido dlminn fhaighinn a mharbbadh, 
 
 Gun diubh air an tuhiich thall, am bu bhoo daoinc chlann Cbundiail : 
 
 Rinneaniar ruith narh robh mall, gus an tigh 's an robh Cumhal, 
 
 Thngamar gnin dhomhain g-ach foar, an oorj) t'humhail dh' ar sleaghaibh ; 
 
 Ger ga 'r nig:ulh mise ann, an nair a mharbbadh Cumhal, 
 
 Na guiomharan so ma tha, diolamsa orra, bhamar l.\. 
 
 LkI dh' a robhamar. 
 
 Is e ugluiaiv so Dunchadh mor o Leamhanach. 
 
 Mairg duine a chaill a ghntb, agiis 'g a bhcil sriuth r'a dhcanamh. 
 Agns naeh fhaod gabbail luath, is naoh oil bhi "n a tb?imh, 
 Agus nach seinn cor no port agus nach gabh gun loclul laoidh, 
 Agns nach sguir de chruit bhinn, "us nach scinn mar is mianu, 
 Is mairg nach sgnir dhe dring drang, agns de rami do rklh, 
 Agus nach duinntear a chruit, "us nach tuigt^ar a ilh.\n, 
 Is mairg nach toir toigh d"a duMl, "us nacli cinn e fcin slhn, 
 Is mairg a bheir trcis gu tniagh air a mheas nach niig a l?imh, [h-krd, 
 Na "m bitheadh mo mhiann anns a mheas nach fhaighinn a ghrabadh gn 
 Do ghcarnuiin an crann fa "bhun, ge bith neach air an cuiream fei\rg. 
 
 Mairg. 
 
 Is e iighdair so Gillecluiosd Taillear. 
 
 Beannaich do theaghlach a Thrianaid, a Righ Pharrais port ran Icug, 
 Do theaghlach nior dheau de'd dhubh, thu fciu do dhealbh uilo iad, 
 Is duit do chumadh siol Adhaimh, de ghruaidh dcarg air dath nan s^^gl^ 
 Fhir a bheannaich port 'us pobull. malluich do luchd-cogaidh cilil. 
 A ta conairt cursta chuilean, 'deanamh uilc air clannaibh righ. 
 Gun cluiuucam fabhar n;ui con guineach, is liin gach gleann dilile dhiubh. 
 A luchd cogaidh air clannaibh Adhainih, nach faoilar bhi "u an tosd, 
 'N an geall a chaoidh ri clu'ile, feartan Righ na grinne a chosg. 
 Luchd-cogaidh air clann Adhaimh, de frith Liicifeir nan h^b, 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Na leg foiss na deiu dyii drong soo losk a re nyth solsi sowd 
 Er deess eich c-happil clawych nur is lane djTi ehopmyth chwUe 
 Werrid wpe in nuclit nyth selga leggi bnicht a nielga ukjc 
 Mallieh nyth Eelga is a worloye deess eich kcitlirj'th is clirwe 
 Di chur drwme ra foyd ni foiche skeiltir kiuni a zassre zoe 
 A ta gassre vaddi vasslaie er layr inche aid art 
 Lane tniddyr ead treg a threnoit curseir ead a venoit valk 
 Ga zemmi orakkin chon alta agin wni clarsi is \\m chrute 
 Cha terga dakin foyr fallwe aggin on chonni aalle wlk 
 Yr crisd dan sneicht seachin o loch chabbir gow ryn frevsith 
 Loj-th a gonnil da gorpe knawe orchis oik a raith rweith 
 Gon ga ncrrik sen er scherchew tli vak robert uyn royk tee 
 A lach vcnour ni gleuni gust is lenonr kenn curst er daa 
 A vil vinni zulbin zrenta di vaddrew sooss gu slirow tolve 
 Fissi er selgow sissi a soig derk ayr o christ ulli orve 
 Gi glvNTinym is me in nynvr nissji lueilchon skcilli nyn skonni 
 Marg ma nea balle ni bokueach gon dea gallyr tutmych trommi 
 Scawych connyth elsi is aggait er lucht varve uyn grey glass 
 Mak dey lai chre noy nawelych gj'th sneach a choyu anvych ass 
 Loska gi sywe hay scheith chcllin a cone stewart nyn stead braafe 
 Mas ber woym gir shreyth schranwoor a choyn zranith zranwor uigh 
 Er zarri oyone steadzil stewart cha Icarroith cabbir g}-n chenn 
 Is ead er chollew cass coriych a choyunyth zlassi vougi hoenuL 
 
 Bennych di hylych. 
 
 A houdir so gilliucallum ui'yu olle. 
 
 Ne hep'yiiis gin clyne donil ne coric veith nane naguss 
 
 In eland dyth bar sin groncvyth gir zeve gych done catew 
 
 Clann is ser zor zawe in rowe angnew is awziss 
 
 Clann zar woil ne teiin in rowe creud is crawoe 
 
 Clann cliunlycli chaliiiyth chroyth clann byth loyth in iianini thro«l 
 
 Claim bytli vcnyth in mcsk ben is liytli clialiuytli in gogyth 
 
 Clann byth Icnour onyth di oar aiiytli is ayrcwo 
 
 Clann nar ciiattytli cr cgliss clann lor vcggil in giuiyth 
 
 Gythy anc albin oyn clann in croyc zawe best 
 
 Gane royve tress gyth tcr sawik oil er zasg 
 
 C'lann lii vow is bi vir clann bi zrcnnis bi raith 
 
 Clann di barsingj'tli crci di bar fydin is ft-il 
 
 Mek rt'i nar hoyhi in ncr in royve dyntyth is tronie 
 
 Fir alda olsai one noiir in royv»« brontych is boko 
 
 ('laim di b;ir Icinc is f!iH;iytIi clann di bar ^'asg lawo 
 
MuDEUN.l THE DEAN OF LISMORE. 71 
 
 Na leig fois, iia dean do '» droiug so, loisg a Righ na soillsc 8i\d. 
 Air dliithis eii-li chainiill clamhach, 'n uair is liin dc 'n chuainibh fhi\il, 
 Bheirid uaipe an luhd na scilg, loigcadh l)rilchd am nicilgc nuiigli, 
 Malluich na seilg 'us a ndiortlath, dithis rich ciar "s a clirntli, 
 Do rluir druini ri tnid na faiclio, SLraoiltoar tinn a gha^raidh dhuibh. 
 A ta g:usradli mhadadh udiaslach, air lathair Innso Aid ard, 
 Lan trudair iad, trcig a Thrianaid, cuirear iad a bliinnid bhalg. 
 Ge ioniadh craii-ionn chon alda, agaiun uni (.hlarsaich 'us um chruit, 
 Cha teirc claigionn fuar falamh, againu o'n chon alda iiilc. 
 Athair Cliriosd dean snaigheadh seachuinn Lochabair gu Riion Fraoich, 
 Luath an conuil do'n corp cnjinih, Oith ! is olc a radh ribh. 
 Gun gii'n fiTic sin air saorclui, do Mhac Robaird nan gruaig tigh, 
 Loch Mhenachoir nan gleann giisda, is lionmhor ccann curst air cli. 
 A bhcil Bheinne Ghulbain ghrianta, de mhadraidh suas gu sruth Toilbh, 
 Fios air seidgaibh sios a soigh, dcarc foighcar o Chriosd uile oirbh. 
 Gu cluinneam 'us mi an Inbhiruise, miolchoin a sgaoileadh nan sgonn, 
 Mairg mu'u iadh boile nam boganach, gun diadh galar tuitmeach trom. 
 Sgiamhach con uailse a's agad, air luclul-marbhaidh nan gTcidh glas, 
 Mac De I'a chridhe naomh neamhaidh, gu snaigh a chuain ainbhcach as. 
 Loisggach saobhaidh tba 'n Sith Chailein, a Eoin Stiubhart nan steud breagh, 
 Mas beir nam gu'r sreith srannmhor, a chuain dhreunach ghreannar ribh. 
 Air Gharaidh Eoin steudghil Stiubhart, cha leir dhomh cabar gun chcann, 
 'Us iad air choillibh cas corrach, a chonairt ghlas mhuinge th 'ann. 
 
 Bcanuaich do theaghlach. 
 
 A h-Uglidair so Gillecallum jNIac an OUaimh. 
 
 Ki h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil, ni corahrag bhi 'n an eugmhais, 
 
 A chlann do b' fhearr 's a chniinne, gur dhiubh gach duiue ceud, 
 
 Clann is saoire de 'r gheibh, an robh eangnath agus aghais, 
 
 Clann do 'r mhoil na tirean an robli creidimh 'us criibhadh. 
 
 Clann chunbhalach chalm chrodha, clann bu luaithe an am throd, 
 
 Clann bu mhine am measg bheotha, 'us bu chalma a chog, 
 
 Clann bu lionmhor orra, do f huair aithne 'us aireamh, 
 
 Clann nar chathaich air eaglais, clann le 'r am b'eagal an cMueadh, 
 
 Gach aon an Albainn uaine, a chlann is cmaidli ghabh baisdc. 
 
 Dh' an robh treas gach t:re, seabhag fhial air ghaisge, 
 
 Clann bu mho 'us bu mhear, clann bu ghrinn 'us bu r^idh, 
 
 Clann do 'm b'fharsuiun cridhe, do Ij'fhearr foighidin 's Mle, 
 
 ISOc righ nior thoill an aor an robh diontachd a's troma, 
 
 Fir allda uailse o'n uair, an robh broimtachd "us bochda, 
 
 Clann do 'm b'f hean- fion 'us fa.sgath, clann do 'm b'f hearr gaisge laiudi 
 
THE BOOK OF [ASCIE.NT. 
 
 01k lome g3'rrit eriiyth in vc lar sncj-ve iii suaitbt 
 
 Ner bait iiyth drochir voyr ua iii fir lowore lage 
 
 Re dol iu uanit vole fir nacli croye nyth cragi 
 
 Clann gin nouor gin naikgor nar zove ach eddoil chogge 
 
 Gar vonu}i:li den olsai is gar vonyth boddi 
 
 Mark vor ruggi in nyin mark a zyil rane gaddrew 
 
 Gyn uyne clann uiir clanu donil ser clann iMh chorit agna 
 
 Gyu arew or ytli urdil gyn eoncta or in dossew 
 
 Gyn creiela gyu tuss gyn derra er anyth ag in olsewe 
 
 In dossych clynnyth donil de vee folim ga faynj^th 
 
 Is di wi uane derryth fein is anyth is nar 
 
 Er ^n•one is cr liursa dytli rcyggis tsvgss is folyni 
 
 Gytli inne orclit rcggis ne lieyvenis gin chhiin donil 
 
 Bi trane geith in turrin, fan acuiaa ehrionda eorit, 
 
 Ga tayd iu dew fa zevis, ne lievynis gin chlyuu donil 
 
 Na sloye vor is in gi-inue, yni uuirn si uiyr .si wonyth 
 
 Ne gorith vi na vaguss, ne he\'jnis gin clynn donil 
 
 Makaue lave na wynmiyth dor seryth er gjcli dorin 
 
 Ga ta ai zt)ue delis ne hevyuis gin cliljTin donil. 
 
 Ne heyvynis. 
 
 OcHAGANE is sai so in kenn di we er connil ny gonnlane 
 In kenn za doaryth eiu nwlli, di bo.ssil ay is di binvin 
 Ochagane is sai so in towill di we in kenn connil knossi 
 In towlc uia nea in narvryth di beale ee is boskiiTych 
 Ochagane is a so iu bail er nach doar filli fanskail 
 Bail tani is derkga na nwlle bhiss niallith or bail connil 
 Ochagane is a so in lawe we er connil nuik skanlainn 
 Lawe Hrre bi chrocith in nynizwn lawe clionnil mi cheadinvin 
 Ochagane is a so in teive riss in seinmist ir sliss ser 
 Is sa maddi oo mwlli gow moil o laei ooyu er u hcive 
 Ochagane is e so a duiss nach teycha rooc Icich za uwivyf 
 Cass fini bi chroitli iu gaiew cjls.s vec skanlane ska 
 Oych is sa in raa vee an connil gitli traath mwcht 
 In iincht harrych nvth skail is s;ii liallc nyn ilcar is ni noch 
 
 Ochagane. 
 
 A lioiidii' so siiyaiic ( IiiKtidtliirt. 
 
 A cliiiiii (Icniiit a ccharlirc ga loyr hare agis toyill 
 
 Cliay \sni InyniMii maid di zoUgir ga (rith i groith rcith coyt 
 
MOUKU.N.) TIIK DKAN OK MSM(»|{i;. 73 
 
 Olc Iciiin gii)rni(l oaninidli, :i liliitli lo 'r .siiioinlijidli an siihth, 
 
 Niur b'iad 11a droch lliir ndiiodliar, no na fir liundiara lai,'a, 
 
 Ivi ddl ann an ionadaihli olc, fir nach cniaidlic a (■hrai.l,^ 
 
 Clann ^nin uabhar, gun eucoir, 'n uair glieilili iad i-udail chogaidli, 
 
 G'ar hliuineadh daoino uaiisc, af,ai8 'g ar bliuineadli Ixxluich, 
 
 Mairg o 'r rug an dion mairg a dlicilirh r' an caidrindi, 
 
 Gun aon chlann mar clilann Dondinuil, saor chlann bu (.lionilirad aigne. 
 
 Gun airoamh air an urdail, gun rliuiitadh air an diiai.silili, 
 
 Gun chrioch, gun tl^s, gnu doircadli, air rineadi aig an uailsibli. 
 
 An toisoach chlann Donihnuil, do bhi foglduni 'ga hithncadh, 
 
 Agus do blii 'u an deireadh, fion 'us cincach 'us n.Mre. 
 
 Air blirbn 'us air thursa, do ruigcas tuigse 'us foghlum, 
 
 Gach fhineadh orra ruigcas, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil. 
 
 Bu troun gaoth an torruun, fii 'n aicnic chrionda chorahrad, 
 
 Ge taid an diugh fo dhimcas, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Donihnuil. 
 
 Na sloigh mhor 'us an grcaun, am nuiirn, am mcaghar s am foghaintcachd, 
 
 Ni coire bhi 'n an eugnihais, ui h-auibhueas gun chlann Domhnuil. 
 
 ]Macan laimh a mhuime d'fhuair saoradh air gach doruinn, 
 
 Gc ta e dhuiime diloas, ni h-aoibhneas gun chlann Domhnuil. 
 
 Ni ]i-aoibhnea.s. 
 
 OciiAGAN ! is e so an ceann, do bhi air Conull nan gormlann, 
 An ceann dha 'n d'fhuaradh an iul, a b'uasail e 'us a b'ionmhuinn, 
 Ochagan ! is e so an t-suil do bhi an ceann Chonuill chneasda. 
 An t-suil mu'n iadh an fliablirad, do b'f hiahiidh i 's a b'osgarach. 
 Ochagan ! is e so am beul air nach d'fhuair filidh fann.sgeul, 
 Beul tana a's deirge na 'n ubiial, +)las meala air beul Chonuill, 
 Ochagan ! is e so an lamh, hhii air Conull Mac Scannlain, 
 Lamh tir bu chruaidh an iomghuin, lamh Chonuill mo cheud ioiuuluiin 
 Ochagan ! is e so an taobh, ris an sincamaid ar slios .'^aor, 
 Is e madadh o Muile gu maol luidh Eoin air a thaobh. 
 Ochagan ! is i so a chos nach teicheadh roimh laoich dha bhitheadh, 
 Cas fir bu chruaidh an cathaibh, cas INIhic Scannlain .sgiathach, 
 Oich ! is e an rath bha an Conull gach tr.\th an bhi moch 
 An nochd thcirig mo sgeul is e baile nan deur 'us nan och. 
 
 Ochagan. 
 
 A h-Uglidair so Seathan Clmoideart. 
 
 A chinn Diarmaid O'Charbair, g'a leor aire agus tuaghal, 
 Cha mh^r Icam mend do dhocair, ge ta e cruaidh ri eluiadh. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Cha troyg Iwmmi fad zroyk zrannicht, no geith glennich 
 Chay troyg lorn gae id chaylow a chinn dermit echarbre 
 ]\Iark a smein a veyym brayd iiaeli bee nawa di chardis 
 Oclit is mark nar heilli teaehta a cliiim dennit echarbre 
 Di Willi letti reith eillith far yrairt eine is argit 
 Ga tey in drillis wr eyruich a chinn dermit echarbre 
 Reith eilli nin gorn coj-thoill na chur honor er chartin 
 Mark a chreachta a chness neafzall a chinn dermit echarbre 
 Invin loym a wa^s werri na zoythle oyr no argit 
 Is lar wansich flcy is feyth a cliinn dermit echarbre 
 Ea rom er reith nyn nestill in teith faskis la . . . 
 Duarrticht fast o feanon a chinn dermit echarbre. 
 
 A chiuu dermit. 
 
 Auctor Inijus Gornilyce uee lyiio. 
 
 Dwrsin wr er Invcht a iicill dursin dowyn ir toyth er hoye 
 Gin terf in nolsyth na neif oss marf reith toy.skyrte toye 
 Drwmc re seill ewin in nae mir a zonee a zae wee 
 Wye er lynetf go leyr o dyne naill tayfrith in tcr 
 Daik mce m'cwlenane keif waa me ag mirogane mor 
 Di bcyvin mo hell ag ncell gall mo naeve go ner ag oill 
 Da zeywyn fleygh agus foine di verre crye di gi clar 
 Ma ta seyh in nacild neiwe kcit nach beeow neif ag ueell 
 Nocha naga fer mir neell di bi zale ae aoh a zlownyth 
 Fa math a waysith si naewe tass a cheyve is ghiss a howle 
 Da.s.s freich er in warga vor teik in zeith sin nart da nar 
 Di chrommi in neyl er a zlo\vn logis gin scur erri gin uaell 
 Ni warris sonis na schee ne skurris a zeith za glor 
 Gin na.ssith er chroymg na er chreif o wa.s.s re on wotliirn wor 
 Tre wass v'key in neell inde fa doUe dreym ri.ss in dronig 
 He gai beith coyth agi.s cwni di heill cliwyne h toyle teynn 
 Da essi is follew gi rath is trome mo chrye za chrow 
 Beith no zey giu dcith ymbnuveli tayvir gin ta mir a dow. 
 
 Dwrsin. 
 
 Ber a vanno Ictt di cho.ss tokg in ne.s.s di heyve niiill 
 Is rawor churris di chreo or in tee la leyvlin feynn 
 
 U(» addc a tcitli a viiniic liiir ;i cur crec er naill nar 
 
uoDKHN.l TllK DEAN OF LlSMOIUv 7« 
 
 Cliii tnia.u'li loam fo do ghruaidh ghreannaich, na gaoitlie gloannaicli, 
 Clia tiuagh leain 'gad clicangladli, a cliinn Diarmaid O'Charhair. 
 Mairg an sinuaiu a blia am braghad, uacli bii naimhdcas do diairdcas, 
 Odi is mairg 'n uair shaoileadli teaohd, a chinn Diarmaid 0"Cliarbair. 
 Do mhilloadh leat Righ He, fear imirt fldon 'us airgid, 
 Dlia ta an trillis i\r earnach, a cliiun Diarmaid O'Cliarbair. 
 R\gh Ilo nan corn cuachail, a chuircas onoir air cliairdean, 
 ]\Iairg a chrouclid a dnioas neamhglioal, a chinu Diarmaid O'Charbair. 
 lonndiuinn learn a bhos mliear nach doicldeadh or no argiod, 
 'Us lor IVaniisa floadh 'us fiadhaoh, a chinu Diarmaid O'Charbair. 
 larraui air liigh uau Abstol an ti a phaisgeas Ic a f heartaibh, 
 D'a fhurtachd am feasd o phianaibh, a chiun Diannaid O'Charljair. 
 
 A fhinn Diarmaid. 
 
 Auctor Inijus Gurnilaidh iiie Fhlainn. 
 
 Dursan i\ir air uchd an Neill, dursau doindme fhir tuaith air 'uaigh 
 Gun tairbhe an uailse na niamh, o's marbh righ tuaisgearta tuaith. 
 Druim ri saoghal aoibhin an aigh, mar a ghonadh dha a bhi, 
 Bhi air a shloinneadh gu loir o Chloinn Xoill ta fri an tir. 
 Dli' f hag mi Mac Cuileuain caomh do bha mi aig INIuiroagain rabr, 
 Do b'aoibhin mo shaoghal aig Niall, geal mo niamh gun eur ag bl. 
 Do gheibhinn fleagh agus fion, do bheireadh credh do gach clt^ir, 
 Ma tha so an dail n-aoin, ciod nach bitheadh ueamh aig Niall 1 
 Nocha n'f hac mi fear mar Xiall, do bu gheal e ach a ghlitn, 
 Fa maith a mliaise 's a niamh, taise a chiabh 'us glas a shiiil. 
 Dh' fhhs fraoch air an fhairge rahoir, tig a ghaoth 's a neart de 'n ear. 
 Do chrom an Niall air a ghli\n leigeas gun sgur air gun eala ; 
 Ni bhcirea.s souas no sith, ni sguireas a ghaoth dhe a gloir. 
 Gun casbhuidh air chronag no air chraoibh, o bhhs righ o'n mhuim mhbr ; 
 Troimh bhh.s I\Iliic Aoidh O'Neill an do, fa duilich dream ris an droing, 
 Righ ge b'e cuach agus cuirn, do shiol Chuinn is tuaghal toann ; 
 D'a casbhuidh is falarah gach rath, is trom mo chridhe d'a chruth, 
 Bhi 'n a dheigh gun dith am brkth, an t-aobhar gu tathamar duT)h. 
 
 Dursan. 
 
 Gormlaidh iiic Flilainn. 
 
 Beir, a mhanaich, leat do chos, tog a nis de thaobh an N^ill, 
 Is ro mhor a chuireas do chr^ air an ti le 'n luidhinn fein ; 
 Ro fhada a ta a mhanaich shiar a'cur crd air Niall an kir, 
 
76 THE BOOK OF Iaxciext. 
 
 Go kayn voyt a cliarrc zouii na boiiuy di witniii re lay 
 Na dowin gi daeiii in noye oich a chlejTre troye di boisg 
 Toygga di ncyll zIdwiuIow zall Ijer a waune lat di choss 
 M'eueyll in noyr inn nc djni zoyn a we fa chriss 
 Faykgir a lechta is a ert ber a wanne lat di choss 
 Is mee gormlay chummis ryne uee lyne cliroith . . . 
 Na beith tessew er a lecht ber a wanne lett di choss. 
 
 Ber. 
 
 Creathtith sin a vakkeive vor ga bee sloye ler harli how 
 Ga ta tow gi tursich tinni is doe linni di weith fii clo^^•th 
 X c long a greyg ni gayill is giu di weith acb treai- Siie 
 Di zayssi zoyve naew tarm is lea ymminve nassi ymboe 
 In sloyg sin gin nymit sleyg nc ymboe far weithe eicth. 
 Warwidir di hessir ser hligit id heive yniit oaich 
 Zid turtich er neiw di zonui gAvj'syth ort agis gwe feynn 
 Er murrith waythr ni bocht mi pheddir lat is mo chre 
 
 Creathtih. 
 
 A houdir so so fVvliiii in' dowlo. 
 
 Ne math swille sin donich ga bee chong\is in ter 
 
 Nc math meith clowth a clienich ne math fanimyth mnaei begh 
 
 Nc math screyve gin oylwme ne math coyrin gi gortyth 
 
 Ne matli erle gin Avearle ne math mariych na voddy.h 
 
 Ne math espic gin varrin ne math aueive er hanor 
 
 Ne math saggirt er laithwlli ne math parsone gith derrell 
 
 Ne math longfort gin nimirt m- math innilt gi n»ith les.'^ga 
 
 Ne math earlow gin tcrmiu no math toniiiill gin relik 
 
 Ne math ben gin weith narrich nc far rlarsii-li gin tiad 
 
 Nc math coggitii gin chalmyth ne math gawle jihort gin warrirh 
 
 Ne math mcytlin gith kanticli nc math dcyvris ir anciih 
 
 Ne math ciushmc gin iyr nc math darmit chon teach 
 
 Nc math gin wrrwm daithyr ne math lawirt nc me«iiga 
 
 Ne math skaanc gin yvir ne math dcynith ni bree 
 
 Ne math cardis nin ncwill tlid vak a n-ithin rath our 
 
 Cla zoyrscc scill aw ne math zawsin a chmicliyth 
 
 Nc math Icyor gin twsgsyth nc math dwnni gin charit 
 
 N.' math iillith -in wir nc iimtli .•ilcl.-th -in tallvth 
 
MODEKN.] THE DKAN OV LISMOIJK. 
 
 Gil caoiii uait a chani (Uiuiim, iia Iniiiii'adli ilo Ipliiiiiiii ri lar ; 
 Na duin f^n (lion an \u\\<s}i ucli ! a clileiricli tniaj^di do tlioi.sj,', 
 ToL,' di' >,'iall ,i,diliiiidulili i^lical, bcir, a luliaiiaicli, loat do chos ; 
 Mao O'Xfill an oir fliinn, ni do'iu dliooin o blii fo clirios, 
 Fhgair a loachd 'ns a fliL-art, lioir a inhanaicli Irat do chos ; 
 Is mi Gornilaidli cliinna.s rainn, nic Fldainn chruaidh o Dlihn rois 
 Na bi ad slioasaiuh air a loadid, bi'ir a mhanaioh, leat do chos. 
 
 Bcir a mlianaich. 
 
 Creuchdadii sin, a niliaca ndioir, gc Inth sluagh le'r tliarladii thu, 
 Go ta tu gii tuirscacli tinn, is toil leinn do blii fo cliliu ; 
 Deich ceud long a Greig nan Gaidlieal, is gun do bhi ach triar saor, 
 Do ghablias dhoibh neinih d' arm, 'ns le iomarbhaidh an f had 's am bec) 
 An slnagh sin gon iomadh sleagh, ni am beb fear bhi eaclida, 
 Mharbhadar do sheisir .saoi', thng iad a 'd thaobh iomadh cath ; 
 Dh' ad fhurtaohd air nimh do ghuiuidh, guidlieas ort agus guidh fein, 
 Air Mnire nuithair nan\ boclid, mo ])haidcar leat agus mo chreud. 
 
 Crouch dadh. 
 
 Ts e ughdair so Pheilim Mac Dhughaill. 
 
 Ni maith siubhal 's an domhnaich ; ge bith chumas an t-saor. 
 
 Ni maith micliliu a chinnidh ; ni maith feamachd mnatha beith. 
 
 Ni maith sgriobliadh gim fhoghluim ; ni maith caoruinn gu goirt. 
 
 Ni maith larla gun bheurla ; ni maith maraich 'na bhodach. 
 
 Ni maith caspnig gnn bharun ; ni maith ainimh air sheanair. 
 
 Ni maith sagairt air loth shula ; ni maith parson gu dearoil. 
 
 Ni maith longphort gun imirt ; ni maith inuilt gu ro leisg. 
 
 Ni maith oarfhlaith gun tearrauun ; ni maith teampull gun rcilig. 
 
 Ni maith bean gun bhi naireach ; no fear clarsaich gun tend. 
 
 Ni maith cogadh gun chalmachd ; ni maith gabhail phort gun mharaich. 
 
 Ni maith maighdoau gu cainteach ; ni maith doibhreas fhir ainf lieich. 
 
 Ni maith caslan gun oiglirc ; ni maith dearmad chon teach. 
 
 Ni maith gim urram d 'athair ; ni nuiith labliairt na misge. 
 
 Ni maith sgian gun fhaobliar : ni maith claonadh na broth. 
 
 Ni maith cairdeas nan dialihul ; do 'd nihac a rioghain rath oir, 
 
 Ge dh' fhoir so siol Adhaindi, ni maitli dha.san a clnoicho. 
 
 Ni maith longhair gun tuigse ; ni maitli duine gun charaid. 
 
 Ni maith filidh gun aobhar ; ni maith aoilchludh gun talla. 
 
78 THE BOOK UF [asciest. 
 
 Ne math eadyth gin owkkith ne math sowkgryth gin garrith 
 Ne math meizneive aworrith ne math poissith gin nanyth 
 Ne math corroyn j,an varrith ne math traive siu neich 
 No math eyggiss giu chawis ue math craw gin uenich. 
 
 Ne math. 
 
 Di quhoye missi robert feyn (11 vanistir in ney nwnni 
 
 Agis neir leagow mee is steach o nach royth mo veiini fcr rum. 
 
 FoYACH lam anit a treyl foach lam clar cr jnn beith ben 
 Foyach lam dobl)royn is doith ncill foyach lam balle mor gin zann 
 Foyach lam droch wen ag far math foyach lam flath or ym be groyme 
 Foyach lam docch aunin is he der foyach lam donyth ser gyn stoyme 
 Foyach lam a choggi na lieith nach a leggir a neith mane seacht 
 Foyach lam kaunort garwe chroy foyach lam sloge nach dany cacht 
 Foyach lam beith faddi ri port foyach lam Aveith gi holg fane •weig 
 Foyach lam ben eaddor is ee drow foyach lam con nach marw in fcygh 
 Lesk lam dol in nerrin schear o nach marriu brane ua fonn 
 Foyach lam brantrych gin wea marri foyach lam far is ague tromm 
 Foyach lam caillicht is oik naill agis a tangyth gi bar loith 
 Ne ea dwm a chorri iu geyll gith neith in duggis feyn foath. 
 
 Foath. 
 
 flcvroyd crlc. 
 
 Marga a leymis herr3'th a each tiiggi gi nach less in naaill 
 
 Gin dimeich mi chwddi urm feyn ne ell feym bo riss nyth mnawe 
 
 Mi wallich a mesgi nyth banni ga di weym schalli no in daill 
 
 Mer rew hay gin clicyle no ell foym be ri.ss nyth mnawo 
 
 A zayg a zeyrris gi moch no weitli sohoith gin looht no dale 
 
 Da ganfoit no l)y loyr no ell foym be riss nylli mnawo 
 
 Farro lay hoino wnoitii woiss gin ratii far nach math in do.^ith ni 
 
 Na kead lollioh a noilli goym no oil foym bo riss nyth mnawo 
 
 A weniiith a noith in tostyth dowf a zcstis re gow is ro j;l;uw 
 
 Mar gi l)i na clossew koyr no ell foym bo riss nyth mnawe 
 
 (!arit ache fork or a for koiohlai genn rius gith dawe 
 
MoUKiiN.] TIIK DKAN OV MSMOKK. 79 
 
 Ni uiaith cidulh gun f hucadh ; ni maith silgrailh gim glijlire. 
 Ki maith inighnioinli af,dmihora ; ni mailli posadh gun jiithno ; 
 Ni maith coroiu gun l>hhr ; ni maitli trcabiiadh 's an oidiiche. 
 Ni maitii cigeas gnn chaomhas ; ni maith crabhadh gun aithne. 
 
 Ni maith. 
 
 Do chaidh mise Robart Mn, do mhainisdear an de a nunn, 
 Agiis nior leigcadh mi a stcach, nach robh mo bheau marriuni. 
 
 FuATHAcn Icam bhi annaid a triall ; fuathach Icam clar air am bi bean ; 
 Fuathach loam dobhvun'us dublmcul ; fuatliach learn baile niur gim ghean; 
 Fuathach learn droch bhcan aig fear maitli ; fuathach learn flath air am bi 
 
 gruaim ; 
 Fuathach leam deoch anmhuinn 'us e daor ; fuathach leam duine saor gun 
 Fuathach leam a chogadh 'n a shith ; nach leig a ni mu 'n seach ; [stuaim ; 
 Fuathach ceannard garbh cruaidh ; fuathach leam sluagh nach dean cath ; 
 Fuathach leam bhi fad ri port ; fuathacii leam bhi gu h-olc mu 'n bhiadh ; 
 Fuathach leam bean eudmhor 'us i druth ; fuathach leam ci\ nach marbh 
 Leasg leam dol an Eirinn siar, nach marrainn Brian nam fonn ; [am fiadh ; 
 Fuathach leam bantrachgun bhi mear ; fuathach leam fear 'us 'aigne trom ; 
 Fuathach leam cailleach is olc neul, agus a teangaidh g\\ beur luath ; 
 Ni fhaodam a chur an ceill, gach ni dha 'n tugas fcin fuath. 
 
 Fuathach. 
 
 Gearailt larla. 
 
 Mairg a leumas thar a each, tuigeadh gach neach leis an aill, 
 
 Guu d'imich mo chuid orm fcin, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh. 
 
 Mo mhallachd am measg nam ban, ge do bhitheam seall 'n an dail, 
 
 M' fhearaibh tlui gim cheile, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh. 
 
 A gheug a dh' eirea.s gu mocli, ni bhi sith gun lochd n'a d.\il, 
 
 Da canfaid ni bu leir, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh. [nhmh, 
 
 Fear le h-aon mhnaoi bhitheas gun rath, fear gun ndiaith an toiscach 
 
 Na ceud luUaich a ni geum, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathaibh. 
 
 A bhean a ni an t-{?isdeachd domh, a dh' ei.sdeas ri gutli 'us ri glaodh, 
 
 Mar gum bitheadh 'n a cluasaibh c^ir, ni bheil feum bhi ris na mnathailih. 
 
 Cuiridh si fearg air a fear, caochladh gean ris gach diiimh, 
 
8o THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Curresceith nedrumi a keyme ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe 
 Da wakgit sche sohillith a sowllith di zillanyth or won. . . . 
 Ne zanic sche ruht ach leym ne ell feyni be riss na mnawe 
 Da wakkeith maedin or oygo za in durri poyk gith sjiive 
 Da ymbeith bayl deitli wcith er clar ne ell feym be riss nj'th mnawe 
 Powysytli won altir is woyn clieill a laif in taggirt zrinn zrae 
 DoUe gi liolgith is a mayn ne ell feym be riss nyth mnawe 
 Ne elli feym be riss nyth mnawe is eydde a glayf is a verg 
 Gi neach uach ciu-ri syn a geyll ne heddir nach d feyu is mark. 
 
 ^lurtr. 
 
 Auctor hujus Andro tosschvcli. 
 
 Scoyd neyn dnnche a hayd eine scoyd is mow pleyd sloywg 
 Scoyd ag dae is a wreeith scoyd ni gcith a harbill roy 
 HeUl ni toythin mi vea halve is ni tre hoj-vir gin ran woyme 
 
 Aiictor hujus im 1)ard lu'yiiteir. 
 
 Cred eith in long soo er loch iuchsyth ua veadis a haithrynsyth 
 
 Cred hug in long er in loch is nach feadi ni fwnni a follyeh 
 
 Eaffre de bail lamm ka lar leggi in leythin 
 
 Er in locht fa lane fcrgith gith muth fa dail deveit 
 
 In garve zeith varri benni no in syntcith serve schrowth zlen 
 
 Zoydith in chorwe won daddych er in choyne zarve zoyssidych 
 
 Oglcich chonnik in cliarve er in schrowth oyhorr ag garve 
 
 Keddey a heynyth na hynsyth na I'eyryth za forrinsyth 
 
 Senn long gin nearni gin dcrri ner iddir sinni a sawilt 
 
 Neyn Iwng eith zi laythir lane gou twnini ni haythir imlane 
 
 Bwrdi zi skythow deilloik dowtli o correw sciss na slissew 
 
 Tarni gin oyyme gai foynie cr a woythchin ard inhor 
 
 Cred ec in hnvht oyd sin Iwg zoe ga torrin cddir lumnew 
 
 An Iwcht gin choddrew gin choyll b;mntrych in naknyth awree 
 
 r>oein wroskgilyth wrcwnych lot wr dnnnyth dcchewnych 
 
 •Sclicrryth connissych kcikrych gyn nith donuitli ilrocli zcntych 
 
 Droch lorg is laywryth fa linni coissryth city nanyth cutchin 
 
 Flcsk ill goara gin diooniu nicskytli (•yraiiith cddrwme 
 
 Coissrytli tone zarve nin dollc tec ma za liss lociia liyn.-^ith 
 
 Di boyl lit .sin Iwngi ;;i liyr er zrwnie oyrroe in nagwaill 
 
 Ben waitli ne lawyth .sin Iwng hit a lieagin aggin 
 
 Beith ni nniawcn is mclsith er a viirri fest gin eliaich ga in gowr 
 
MuDKliN.l TIIK DKAN Ol' r.ISMoUK. 
 
 Cuiriilli si an ciKlniiiiii' :i rciuii, iii lilicil renin lilii ris n:i innatliaiiili. 
 DiV fairradli si silcudh an siMa, do ^^liilloan nr o'n . . . 
 Ni dlit>a]iadli si rnitli ach lonni, ni blu-il fmun l)lii lis na ninatliail)li. 
 Da faicoadh niai<;lidoan iV o>f, dlia'n toircadli \)o<^ <,ni sMndi, 
 Da am bi hv\\\ do blii air clhr, ni hlii'il fonni Idii ris na ninatlniiltli. 
 Posadh o'n altar 'ns o'n cliill, ii lainih an t-sa.u;airt ;,dirinn glir?iidli, 
 A dol gn li-olc 'us a niein, ni blioil feuin Mii ris na ninatliaibli. 
 Ni bheil fcuni bhi ris na ninatliaibli, is iad an ^ulaodli 'ns an flicarjr, 
 Gach neach nach cuir sin an ccill, ni li-cudar narh da fi'in is nlair•,^ 
 
 Mairg. 
 
 Is e iiglidair so Anndradli Toiseacli. 
 
 Sgoid nighinn Dundiaidh a Tliaid, aon sgoid is mo pleid shiaigli, 
 Sgoid aig Daibhidh 'us a mlinaoi, sgoid na gaoith ;1 h-earball ruaidli 
 Sliaoil na tuathati mi bin balbh, 'us na tri aobliar giui r?in uani. 
 
 Is e iighdair so am bard ]Mac an t saoir. 
 
 Creud i an long so air Loch Innsc, na (lli' fheudas a aitliris, 
 (.'reud thug an long air an loch, nach faod ua f'uiun a folach. 
 Fee)racli do b'aill leam, cia le 'r leigeadli an lion, 
 Air an loch fa Ihn feirge, gach mugha fa dkil do bhi. 
 An garbli ghaoth bliar beinue, no na sianta searbh sruth ghlinno, 
 Gheibhtcadh a chairbh o'n chladach, air a chuan gharbh ghuaisidcadi. 
 Oglaich, a chunnaic a diairbh, air an t-sruth aghmhora gliarbh, 
 Ciod e a h-ioghiuxdh 'n a innseadh na fluiaircadli d 'a foirinnse 1 
 Seann long gun iarna gun deircadh, nior idir sin a samhailt. 
 An aon long de Icathar l?in, gu tuinn ni tliathar iomlan. 
 Buirde de sgiatliailih deilcig dubh, o coiribh sios 'n a sliosaibh, 
 Tairgnc gun fheuni 'g a ftiitheam, air a fuath chinn ard eauchair. 
 Creud i an luclid oighe 's an long dluibli, 'g a tarruiug cadar thonnaibli, 
 An luchd gun cliaidrimh gun cliiall, bantraich an aigno aibhrigh, 
 Buidhean bhrosgalach bhruidhncach, lod ilr dona dcucliainneach, 
 Sior chonasach, ciocrach, guineach, dona, droch-dheantach ; 
 Drocli lorg 'us labhradh fa leinn, coisridh cleamlianach coitchin, 
 Flca-<g an comliradh gun chom, misgeach, oranach, eudrom ; 
 Coisridli ton-gharbh nan doUaidh, ta ma dha shlios Loch Innsc, 
 Do buailoadh Icatsa an long gu leir, air dhruim odhar an eugbhail ; 
 Beau mhaith ni lamhadh 's an luing, liutliad a h-digin againn, 
 Bithidh na mnathan is niinsa air a nibuir, feasd gun cacli 'g an cobhar. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Royegir iu long ius iu luclit cr in saill sclirowtli zarve swlich 
 Geith in lauviu iii Iwg gow scnu row nyth Siuienych 
 Faik iiiyu er iu sclirow seitlmyth in long zonniolit zroitbzenyeh 
 Si laue di wantrycli ni Imd sin t;uiill gin Siiluiiui gin saale ohread. 
 
 Crcaddyth. 
 
 ToRKisKALLE tyllich zo-wnuolle grass lag wo ni dimnion tread 
 Innin din wroid sin is din waddyth keithkr gow foill wradde ead. 
 
 A lioudir so cone ui'uiurreicli. 
 
 Nawyth zoe in dane da in dwgi each sowd 
 Na lig a vekzcy nice si feane in dew 
 Beg a heyle in skol mi zayn a zoll fowiu 
 A dayn tarle rinn is sclica zi weill meith 
 Is moo wuUe dim zeith riss fiv thre na ee 
 A tegwaill doo zowf di Aveith clooch no skay 
 Air wen in dayn deim is mor meith is merg 
 Kness mir chow er tonn glak chor is . . . 
 Bail er dath nyn sowe trog mo clirow er sehiuv 
 Od chotlysyth in ryir troyg a zea mo churr 
 Di we sehe far rowni er Iwm kin gar royve 
 Gin ee ann o loo di ehoy er wroin doyth 
 Tin neacli feiclit coole russ is trom ri raye 
 Coyk fleska nin sneini it ta in nanm ni mna 
 Troyg gin eie fame wree er ni breo o eha . . . 
 Da wyginsytli feyne gi rar hor iu daw 
 Slygh ehuiichwllin eharn each teyg in teach lianc 
 Skayth corkrych kin zayk fai meith head cr chath 
 Schewle eeche v'crge ga nior sin ra raye 
 Owch is nio fa rcr mo zcith riss in dauc. 
 
 Duiulia uTa pluusdiu'. 
 
 Allex"" ill (li thrcig t\v in /loyinc na in vcad schcw a cur mcyvc cr layr, 
 In dan schcwc in hliyn gin zcy na yni hcith schcvc mir schcn gi hradi 
 Cln-illi ncin doaris di zcn o tcith tow gi schcn Licth 
 Maihb cr zroynie vcis.s in rath is mor hoayr hnw /i wath o zca. 
 
MoDKHX.l TlIK DHAN OF LISMOKE. 83 
 
 Kuagiir an l(in<j; as an loch air an t-shil sruth gharljli siublilacli, 
 (Jaoth an loaiiniliuinn 11a luingo, gu seann rubli nan Seanaiiadj. 
 Fhgaklli mi air an t-siiitli seana, an long gliuincacli (llirochillieantacli, 
 'S u Ihn lie: Miantraii'h nam Ixuil, "s an t-shil gim salma gun sal chrcml. 
 
 Crcud. 
 
 TuAiRiSGEUL tcagblaicli Dhunollaimh, gvha lag na d'ioman trend ; 
 lonanu do 'n bhriMd sin 'us do 'n mhadadh, ciocrach gu fcoil bhradaidh iad. 
 
 Is e uglidair so Eoin Mac ^Mluiirich. 
 
 Nimheach dhorah an d.\n, da an tuig each sud, 
 
 Na Icig a Mliic Dhe, mi 's a idic'in an diugh. 
 
 Beag a sliaoil an sgoil, mo dlikii a dhol fo bhinn 
 
 An dhn tarladli ruiun, is si do mbill mi, 
 
 Is mo a blicil de 'm ghaotli, ris fo tliri na i, 
 
 A teugbliail dubh dliomh, do bhi clocli 'na sgeith. 
 
 Air bhean an diiin tiom, is mor m'fhioch 'us m'fhearg, 
 
 Cneas mar chobhar tonn, glac chorr is dcirge. 
 
 Boul air datli nan siigli, tug mo chrutli air soirthe, 
 
 O'd cliodladsa an raoir, truagh a Dh(^ mo cbor. 
 
 Do bhi si far rium, air learn gun gh,irc robh, 
 
 Gun 1 ann lo, do chaidh air bhr()n domh. 
 
 Dnibh na fitheach a cul, ruis is trom a rhdh, 
 
 Coig floasg 'n an snaim, a ta an ainm na mnath. 
 
 Truagh gun i fo 'm bhrcith, air a breith chach, 
 
 Da f haighinnse ft'in, gu ri'r fhuair an daimh. 
 
 Slcagh Chonchulaiu charna, each Taoigh an eich Villain, 
 
 Sgiath chorcrach gun gli^iig, fa maith h-iad air cliath, 
 
 Siubhal cioh Mhic Eire, ge mor sin ri rjidh, 
 
 Och is mo fa reir, mo ghaoth ris an d.^n. 
 
 Duucha Mac riieaisoin. 
 
 Alastair, an do threig thu a ghruaim, no am fiiod sibh a eur uaitli air l?lr, 
 An d'fhan sibh am bliadhna gun Dhia, no 'm bi sibh mar sin gu brhth, 
 Chaoidh ni 'n d'fhuaireas do ghean, o ta tu gu scan Hath, [0 Dhia. 
 
 Ma 's ann air gruaim a bhitheas an rath, is mur a fhuair thu a mhaitli 
 
84 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Caithrir wcith er oyc in ir cr fcrt allx*" oye roe 
 
 Di chansit brajT reith gin ^\Teyk osskanni ni flath finzrcyk 
 
 Dowirt in kaid er zeyve di wemirin ney fane reith 
 
 Sloye in doythin troyeg in dayll gay id taa in dew na anythrano 
 
 Di weith in ney dey reith in donane dwnne na warkkeich er tuUwon truni: 
 
 Ga zea in tallow id ta in uewe na warkkeich er a wonsiu 
 
 Id dowirt in tress owdir glik weith ym beith in ney ag lu'ijliillip 
 
 In newc ag nocha nell a hcacht troeith zin talwon 
 
 AUex'' muniych raor allexaudir hcsgeith ergit is oyr 
 
 In newe erss in carrew far id ta in toyr gi hasgaissey 
 
 Mak pliillip phelm oss cranncw in rcc oss ni readlaincw 
 
 In toyr oss ni scheadew slane in nieill moyr ossin liraddane 
 
 In loyvin oss charrcw gin blyi in nirwoye ossin nane laithe 
 
 Slcyw sdieioync oss gi sleywe slayne oss gi schrow schrow oyrrelane 
 
 In laik loyor oss ni cloichew in w\irri oss niinroythew 
 
 Sownirrich in warrith gin none ayne erri oss enow tallwou 
 
 Ayne err oss errew tallwon acht reith neyve is neyve halhvone 
 
 Reith teynni nin draid is nin dork kenni nin gaid agus nin ganith 
 
 Choyraa nin nowdir a beir er deaclit er oye in nard reith 
 
 Ne chosswill ra beith zlar hi\um er rhansidir in caitlirir. 
 
 Caitlirir. 
 
 A luAvdir sou ooyno in'iunrrcicli. 
 
 Fir albin is ne cayd a wayne niir marrin in'gregar 
 Kay leine di chorreich a ehossgir luaiss oUi or allestii 
 
 Fiiilay ym bard royj;' sa\' liowird suo. 
 
 Gyllyth gith scith zin each oozr gylli di weithis issi 
 Fo hee woyichis si cliossni gi neith loyis missi 
 Urrwuic a loytlia ga cossew go\v roythir a wreiss 
 Notytliseith neynyth a tressi si chiillitli ga sniwo 
 N(! oonyn sayd da caythwe re yig a reiytli 
 No ym braik torriskall in eaelmin stead loyilthu-h gast 
 In (low seywlin is ray is coswil na iyr in lay niacha 
 Oa zarrik yn» maid sic goasnew ne hor eaid na ir nathna 
 Mir bi kithly geith di knukew mith ni seith in (hiehis 
 ftb>r ciiyd lor awsyeh a Nwil hed mir liawsyth seaehow 
 Ivicli ill ui'c scrrith ri savid a Ljneiwnilh is trranta 
 
MoDicKX.] TIIK DKAN OF IJSMOItK. 85 
 
 Ceathrau l)lii air iiaigli an fliir, air fcart Ahustiiir uaiMiricli, 
 
 Do chaiisaid briathra gim blirei^?, os cioiin an flilatha Fionnghr^igc, 
 
 Dnbhairt an cciul fhoar dliiubh, do bhitlR-aniar an do fa 'n rigli, 
 
 Sluajjh an dondiain, truaLch an dail, ye a ta an diiigli 'na aonaran. 
 
 Do bhi an dt- ri,i,di an dondiain dninn, 'n a ndiarcacli air talndiainn tndnif, 
 
 (Jur c an talandi a ta an diugli, 'n a ndiarcach air a ndiunsan. 
 
 A dubhairt an trcas ughdair glie, bhi am bith an do aig Mao Philiit, 
 
 An (Hugh aige nooha 'n 'oil, ach scachd troidh diic 'n talmbainu. 
 
 Ahistair nmirnoaoh nior, iVlastair thasgadh airgiod 'us or, 
 
 An diugh ars' an ceathraudi foar, a ta an t-br 'g a thasgadlisa. 
 
 Mao Philip a phailm os ohrannaibh, an x6 os na roultanaibh, 
 
 An t-or OS na seudaibh slhn, am mial mor os na bradanaibh. 
 
 An leoghan os chairbhe g;m bhlagh, am fireun os na h'eunhuth, 
 
 Sliabli Shioin os gach sliabh slhn, os gach sruth snith lordain. 
 
 An long liomharra os na olachaibh, a mhuir os na minshruthaibh, 
 
 Sonndiaraoh am fear gun on, aou fhear os foaraibh taUuhaiuu. 
 
 Aon fhear os fearaibh talmhaiun aoh righ neimh is neo thalmhaidli, 
 
 R\gh tiiine nan trend 's nau tore, ceann nan ccud 's nan garaidh. 
 
 Cbmhradh nan ughdair a b 'f hior, air teachd air h-uaigh an airtbrigh, 
 
 Ni cosmhuil ri baotlighloir bhan, a'r chansadar an ceathrar. 
 
 Ceathrar. 
 
 Is e ughdair so Eoin ^Nlac Mlniirieli. 
 
 Fir Albain 'us ui iad a mhhin, mar marrainn ]\Iac Grigoii 
 Cia lion do ehorruioh a chosgair, maise uile air Alastair. 
 
 Fiomiladh am bard ruadli is c thubliairt so. 
 
 Gaidhealach gach sith dhe 'u each odhar, gaidlieal do lihitheas ise, 
 
 Fa h-i a bhuadliaicheas 's a chosnadli, gach ni a luaidhcas miso, 
 
 UiTam a luaithc dh' a cosaibh, gu ruathar a bhris. 
 
 Nodasacli neimhncach a treise, 's a chill ge soithcarali, 
 
 Na h-eoiu siad do cliathadh ri aghaidli a ruith. 
 
 Ni breug tuairisgoul an eich sin, steud luailteach gasd, 
 
 An Dubh-seinddin is rithe is cosmhuil, na aidhre an Lamaeha. 
 
 Co ionraic am meud 's an cosnadli, ni fliuair iad r'a 'r n-eachnc, 
 
 Mar bid caochladh gaoithe do clinocaibh, ruith 'n a sith an teach so 
 
 Mor eeud lo'r annsa a siublial, theid mar amhas seaohaibli, 
 
 Each a ni searrdha ri saighid, a gniondiara is graunta, 
 
86 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Leggis Ijaiin dossli a rcith sin roythwr ma raithis 
 
 Ga foci ill ncacble rompytli ner amieith ym nierkyth 
 
 Ga beg a woUich iu neachsiu a coimuis re altew 
 
 Coy zess a boy sa sowil in groyth syii laytliitli 
 
 Eggill in neych er gi donytli tcgwe in gress chatli 
 
 Ym weacht ym weayin in gomisk is each bray in tcaclisin 
 
 Grainytli er a vor each gi vasgill in genn clior wratty 
 
 Ver in stoyg uUingj'th hogryth urrwmc sloyg za in merkych 
 
 Hed one cliorri di wcith cr liossi in mor each ineiue masklych 
 
 Berre boye rcith agis choslcir ga tcith iu nor cskir 
 
 Gow hassge oorchrLssi AvUew mor crith cr faiche 
 
 Gow beitbga cronni hiyvin crowich meine drumelayn dattyth 
 
 Each fa horriskail an neichsin di cholyth ma agga 
 
 Ca royve sessi Ycy\e fa chommis ne vestyth in layth macha 
 
 M'gregor kennord iu neichsin tranc na zlan pliort i)hilli 
 
 Tigfeit one vauve gai woUith in nalbin ga hirri 
 
 Fer churris argnyth er zallew i.s arbsi ra zyllyth. 
 
 Fiiihiy I'oyg iu bard. 
 
 Fad id tam gin woyg awghall doyth is nieicht 
 Hanith teim hav\'}-th as in ner zleicht 
 Is say connir a hayvin darre shit wir 
 Gow flath rane ni gaywill fer nar ayr Iwth swill 
 Gow m'gregar dcnyth is kenn din nyth skoUow 
 Na bea neweine fallew dleeir zom a wollith 
 Gow fer is trane coorri in dossyth gith sawre 
 Ni in sawth za wee be a nawch gith hawle 
 Ner licyrissaid umuiyth gregorrc na gadcw 
 Bayh a chail ym vogryth gra traa ossui tnulow 
 Gone is kenn diu traitson ri hour creach a zawell 
 Heyris feynyth cnoyll bail re bail sytli cliawar 
 Nor a chco tylych anuc/ar v'gregar ym ballirht 
 Slee vciue na chorrych ne lieni row in nalitht 
 Noor chinnidir a choyrk ga zorim iu givith iiawit 
 Is riss lone di heiwic iu rycht gail is wr-iwit 
 Di waissew v'cregar toor cliaach er u cliowlaw 
 (.Jin dyill re denew is gith mcyr na zowuych 
 Nor zagwm iiu woyg ym ess er hir trot 
 Me giusith mi wwk sjii is milsith la iiiydda 
 Ga zolk in lucha wir mi ztilldiiis iusith 
 Gin claa laui iii lougsith .siv vr lav caitli is milsytl 
 
 i 
 
MoDEiiN.] TIIK I»KAN OK LISMOHK. 87 
 
 Loigoas hann d'liailsilili a ruitli, "s an niatliar mar raclias, 
 
 Go fail an oachlaidh minipo, nior aineiinli a niarcadi, 
 
 Go l)oag a niholadli an t-cach sin, a coinicas ri caltaiUh. 
 
 Co (Ihoas a Iniaidh 's a siublial, an oruaidli 's an latliaicli, 
 
 Ea<;al an ouli air f,Moh tluine, tij,Tadh an grcas catlia. 
 
 Am foaclul, am fiadliain, an ooinioast,', is oacli ])roa<,di an t-cach sin, 
 
 Groann air a nilmr each sin, 'ga mliasguill an ceann oliorr lihrataioli. 
 
 Blioir an stuagli fliulaingcach thograoli, iirram sliiaigh dh'a marcacli, 
 
 Tiioid 'n choiro do hlii air thoisoaeh, am mor each mhi niasgalach. 
 
 Beiridli luaidli niith 'us cliosgair, ge ta an uair f hcasgair, 
 
 Gu tliaisgeadli or-olirios ullamli, mor clirilli air foichc. 
 
 Gu biodhgath, cruinn, leaniliainn, orodiiach, min, druim loatlian, daitc, 
 
 Each fa thuairisgeul an oicli sin, do chuala mi aca, 
 
 Cia robh scis riamh fa choimeas, ni bhcisd an Lamaclia. 
 
 Mac Grigoir ccannard an eich sin, trcun a ghlain pliort filidh, 
 
 Tigead 'n Bhanbha 'g a niholadh, an Albain 'g a shircadh. 
 
 Fear chuircas airgncadh air Ghalhiilih, 'us carbsadh ri 'Ghaidhealailih. 
 
 Fioniiladli niadli am bard. 
 
 Fad a taim gun bhuaidh, 'fhaighcal domh is mitlnch, 
 
 Thainig time thknliach, as an aoradh dhliglieacli, 
 
 Is e conair a theighiim, d' iarraidh sh^it mhir, 
 
 Gu flath treun nan Gaidheal, f\ir nar fhaigliear hichd suaill. 
 
 Gu Mac Grigoir dion, is coann air na sgoilibh, 
 
 Ni bhi neomhin falanih, dlighcar dhonih a mlioladh. 
 
 Gu fear is treun coir, an toiseach gach samliradh, 
 
 Ni an samliach dha bhi, bitliidh an amhaich gach li-amhuil. 
 
 'N uair theireas iad uimo, Grigoir nan ceuda, 
 
 Bithidh a chail am fogradli, gu trhtli os na treudaibh, 
 
 Eoin is ceann do 'n trend sin, righ fluiair creach a ghabhail, 
 
 Theireas ft'in ccol, beul ri bcul 's a chamhar. 
 
 'N uair a chi teaghlacii armgheur, Mhic Grigoir am Bealach, 
 
 Slighe mhin 'n a choire, ni b'eire riu an ealhich. 
 
 'N uair ehinneadar a chomlirag 'g a ghairm an cridhe nandiaid, 
 
 Is ris fdin do thcigheadh, an riochd goile 'us bhrhgliaid. 
 
 De mhaisibh Mhic Grigoir, tothair chath r' a chulthaobh, 
 
 Guu diol ri daoinibli, 'us gach moodhar 'n a dhuna, 
 
 'N uair dh' fhkgam mo bhuaidh, am ^is air ]h- trod, 
 
 Mi ag innseadh rao mhi\c 's c is millse le 'm oide. 
 
 Co hole an loch mhir mo dhcileanas innseadli, 
 
 Gou cliath Ihn loingsich 's c air la oath is millse. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Cwue gym bejan roythit v'gregar gin iiagu 
 Re yig gi troti a dail 8;iyd fadda fadda 
 AUissaid ussill yinijcich my weadda 
 A wen ni geyve bogga ga wanui a clar fadda. 
 
 Fad.la. 
 
 A lioiidir SCO cluncha in'cliallin in riddiii matli. 
 
 Kay din phleydda i.s ken oe o zi testa in dey zwni 
 
 Ta ua deorri er es.s in ir in pldeydda gdn tror ra tagsin 
 
 Ta na delicht ga zolk linn in pleyd er naik zi lochlyn 
 
 Is bayd sin er layr gitli li.ss in pleyd er essew diss 
 
 Ma best ne choil mee layt lochlin er lay 
 
 cbrowicli dca ni denith is cowe ee ear genyth 
 
 E gin wayr gin ayr in pleydd vocht er antieine 
 
 Er nayk v'wretne vind a cretsin ereyd nacb keinfinn 
 
 Nocb cbo nel dwn cr dnytbin do ue in i)leyd a voerythcliia 
 
 Er naik locblin is layft" linn oik in skailsen in norrin 
 
 Ka zearis sporrane vegga ka zoaris no snaydda 
 
 Ka zearis drooh woynn gin dalf o testa lochlin layfhcrf 
 
 Ka zearis l)roik dowe ka zoaris ni bowklin 
 
 Ka zoaris l)reydda brawyd ka er keun pleyd is fannayda 
 
 Ka zearis essit da wroiga ka zearis skayth feicbuk 
 
 Ka zearis cy za cbriss ka noith leaf gi inliss 
 
 Ka zoaris sen adda peillith ka zearis lowr leyin 
 
 Ka zearis deitta gow mowch ka er ym beith eyttow annychl 
 
 Ka zearis botin is spur ka zoaris froygin aitholiur 
 
 Ka zearis nieskan is men ka zearis schosgane schoggill 
 
 Ka zearis spayn in sporrane ka in neith sollar gin nayr 
 
 best locblin loywych ka ness ir noyvir zayr 
 
 Ka zearis loynte ban oyga er ess locblin na son\Toigga 
 
 Da Ciiksrn i.s troyg in dail ka la nonir in ooarane 
 
 Ka zoyddis doss a zillitb ka naoii ubir forrine 
 
 Ka is loaf tiyb' a baada ka zoaris no sonoharda 
 
 Ka zoaris oark Ic iiooow ka zoaris loini koilwoo 
 
 Ka zoaris oorlydit in kork in dey in doriycht argit 
 
 Ka zoaris pronyth gin oiionn ka is for laytin goniis cotchinn 
 
 Gin iyr cr locldin da »'88 dolli na oak re fassiicss 
 
 Ka zoaris dowuno is droif ka zoaris dors-si dosklytb 
 
 Ka zoaris liinit gin wroitb ka lay ^inir gitli iniioitb 
 
 Ka naob doyr poyn di voclit ka zoari.s jioitb «'r tornocbt 
 
 Ka zroiriscs gi groy nyd (■li('i<'Ii ka \vtis.s j;i oniy uiu v luiiii 
 
Mi.DEUx.) Till-: DKAN OF IJSMOUK. S9 
 
 Ciiiiuhiiiih gun liitlieuin nmiluul, iMliic Gn<,'<iir gun agadli, 
 Ivi aghaidli gadi trod an ilail siad fada, fada. 
 Ealasaid uasail ioniiiaich mo ndiouda, 
 A bheau nan ciabh lioga, dh' am Iniin an cl^r fada. 
 
 Fada. 
 
 Is c uglulair so Dunchadli ]\Iac Clmilcin, an IJidir iiiaitli. 
 
 Co de 'u bhlcid is ceann uidh, do theasdadli an dcagli dhuine, 
 
 Tha na dooir air eis an fhir, a bldcid gun trcoir ri fhhgsainii. 
 
 Tha 'n a dileaclul gu h-olo leinn, a bliU-id air cugadh do Laciilaiun, 
 
 'Us beud sin air Ijir gach lies, a bhleid air easbhuidh eblais. 
 
 Ma theasd ui thuala mi, Icithid L»icldainn air letli, 
 
 O chnitliaifh Dia ua daoine, is cumha e air cinneadh, 
 
 E gun udihtliair, giiu atliair, a bldeid bhochd air anmlminn, 
 
 Air n-eug Mine Blircatuaidh bhinn, a chreuchdsau orcud iiacli caoiniiiii. 
 
 Nocha-u 'eil duine air domhaiii, do ni a bhleid a mhiiiriehiiin, 
 
 Air u-cug Laciilaiun is leugliadli leinn, olc an sgcul sin an Eirinn. 
 
 Co dh' iarras sporan blicag, co dli' iarras no snhtliad ? 
 
 Co dh' iaiTiUs droch bhonu gim dcalbh, tlieasd Laehlainn laimh sbeirbli i 
 
 Co dir iarras hrhg dluibli, co dh' iarr;is na bucailean 1 
 
 Co dh' iarnvs brc-id brhgbaid, co air ceann bleid is fanaide ] 
 
 Co dh' iarras asaichte de bhroig, co dh' iarras sgiath pheacoic ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras aedh dh' a chrios, co ni leibh gach ainleas ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras seann ada peillidh, co dh' iarras Icabhar leighin ? 
 
 Co dli' iarras diota gu moch, co air am bith eideadh armaeh ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras botan 'us spuir, co dh' ian-as fraoghau aithghearr I 
 
 Co dh' iarras measgan 'us miu, co dh' iarras seasgan scogaill 1 
 
 Co dh' iarras spaiu an sporran, co a ni solar gun naire ? 
 
 theasd L;iehlaiuu laochach, co uis ar n-aobhar ghaire ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras leinnte bhan oga, air eis Laehlainn na seanbhroige 1 
 
 Da eugsian is tniagh an diiil, co le 'n iarrar an cuaran ] 
 
 Co ghoideas dos a ghillc, co naeh abair firinn ? 
 
 Co is leimh triall am bata, co dh' iarras na seana chairde ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras cearc le h-uibhibh co dh' iarras linn choileach ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras corlaeh na circe, an deigh an dorlach airgid ? 
 
 Co dh' iarras prin gun cheann co is fear leughainn coimeas coitchinn I 
 
 Gun oighre air Liiehlainn da ^is, duilieh a eug r' a fhaistneaehd. 
 
 Co dh' iarras dubhan 'us droimh, co dh' iarras dorsa d'fhos'gladh '? 
 
 Co dh' iarras biunid gun bhniidh, co le 'n sircar gach aou ni i 
 
 Co naeh toir peighiuu do bhochd, co dh' iarrti-s ni air thrnochd i 
 
 Co ghreasas gu cruaidh uide ekhe, co bhitheas gu cruaiilh um ndiac imaiilh ( 
 
90 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Ka zcaris ollin is yiiinii clion a hee iless lorlilin 
 Ka zearis collarytli banni ka lay luayne sollor sjiyllych 
 Ka zearis er mnaew oyga t-on vcga agis nessoga 
 Ka zearis furssiu oyd keich ka la in dnissir gi marve neith 
 Ka zearis loist go •vnroit ka zearis truis tolwoclit 
 Ka weiss gi teiii is ay slayn ka zearis ymmi cr vrochane 
 Dekrj'ch Iwn no eak in ir gin a iyr za essin 
 Deggil na pleyda zwU deyga issnacli feadis ka neith coyvoyt 
 Ne zwme nine in ir daiiew a zenyth in doythin 
 Rann gith nacli a clinr na kann mallacli din uer nach currin 
 Ma liest lacldin lay Ion is swych a weiss gi dowTiith 
 Da eak is bocith gi beith is ne cooyth gr eiucheith. 
 
 Ka din. 
 
 Gormlay iieyii lyne in vvn M'atlit. 
 
 Ochegane myth zallir feyn oclieganc mi skarre roimi skaywe 
 In noclit is delis mo ladda o nach merrin m'eneall 
 Ochegane gin vak derwaill ochegane mo zail da ess 
 Noch char waill gayr naiss boylli fass eiri zac essew 
 Ochegane re banich math gwss in nocht ner zani di chr . . 
 Testoo vanmyn ess cchaith ne abbrnm ach ooh is oych. 
 
 Oche. 
 
 A hoiulir so diiiiclia lu'cayliba. 
 
 A vec dowle tojT accane di loyt leicli in lanvakcanc 
 
 Hay mi zarve accane fer mon zalwe waccane wor wreith 
 
 Is ferri Ink di chensi chew we riss na zoj'ss a vackeyve 
 
 Duncha carrych ga zcrm zea is anm zoo a barryth boe 
 
 A dliuncha ni gor giussgo cwneich anni do ohoadwesti 
 
 A v'allen na twlle feyn tayweyin noch ciiar hoor allein 
 
 "NVo lay sciioe in neiss in ncnyth na hell yvyr ard wlyith 
 
 Gawe in cayd hoyr twss na ross wus.s tow oaddoill gi hawis 
 
 Davin gir a tow reiss fer zaywal ni gerve cheiss 
 
 Mir harvc trodda agis tachir is darwe di hoggir a gayacli 
 
 Is tow tastalych croychane i scliolga sley tin vroychano 
 
 Di clow onchon ga incho is tow duncha duniiissi 
 
 Is tow cluLskgeiss di nawe is to zergis di zallawc 
 
 Is tow zoiris vor skcitlis sin is tow reiss doywnis aggiii 
 
 Is sea fer da bi zussi a riiiii di Icvt caimis.^! 
 
MODEKN.] Tlir. DKAN OF LISMORE. yi 
 
 Co (111' iarrus oluiiin 'iis iin, tluiii a tlTi tl' t'i.s Lulilaiiiii I 
 Co (111' iarras ctjlaiieacli blian, co Ic 'm niiaiin solar salacli ? 
 Co dir iarnis air ninathail)li o<,'a, con bhca^^a 'us ncasagaibh ? 
 Co (111' iarras fursainu oide ciclic, co le 'n trusar j,'ach iiiarlili iii ? 
 Co (111' iarras luisgt gii bliroit, co dli' iarras tiiiia tolbhiiclid 1 
 Co bhithcas gu tinn 'us c slaii, co dh' iarras im air a blinjclian ? 
 Doacaire dlioiuh no eug, an fliir gun oiglire bin dlia (^is(^an, 
 D'cagal iia blcid dhol eug, 'us uacli faigliidcas co ni a coiinhead. 
 Na dicliuiinliiiichibh am fear, deanaibh, a dliaoiiie an doinliain, 
 Raun gach neach a chur 'n a ccann niallachd do 'n fhear nach curainn, 
 Ma tlieasd Lachlainn a la luaiu, is subliach a bhithcas gach duine, 
 Da eug is bochda gu bith, 'us ni cumliar aon a chi. 
 
 Co de 'n bhlcid. 
 
 Gormliiidh iiiglieau Fhlaiim, a bbeaii mliaitli. 
 
 Ochagan mo ghalar f^in, ochagan mo sgaradh ri' m sg^imh, 
 An nochd is dilis mo shlad, o nach marrainn Mac O'Nt'ill, 
 Ochagan gun ]\Ihac Diarbhaill, ocliagan mo dliail da ^is, 
 Nochar fheile Guairc an hs, buaile fhs Eire da casbhuidh, 
 Ochagan righ Bhanbha niaith, gus an nochd nior ghann do chruth, 
 theasdadh m'anam 's a chath, ni abram ach och, agus och. 
 
 Och. 
 
 Is e iighdair so Duncliadh ]Mac Caibe. 
 
 A Mhic Dhnghail a d'^r achdmhuinn, do luath laoch a chlannmhacan, 
 
 Tha mo dhearbhachdainn fior mu 'n dhcalbh mhacan mhoir bhrigh, 
 
 Is fearr thig do cheannsa chaouih, blii ris na dhonilisa a mhacaimh, 
 
 Dunchadh carrach 'g a ghairm da, is ainm dha a b'fhcarr buaidh. 
 
 A Dhunchaidh nan corr gaisge, cuimhnich ainm do clieud bhaisde, 
 
 A Mhic Alh\in na toill ieiu, toibhoum noch char fhuair an linn, 
 
 ta se nis an aithne na h-uile aobhar ard bhlagh, 
 
 Gu bhi an ceud fhuair tiis an arois, o 's tu cudail gu thathas. 
 
 Dcimhin gur a tu ris, fear ghabhail nan garbh chis, 
 
 Mar tharbh trod agus thchair, is dearbh do thogar an cathach. 
 
 Is tu tasdailcach Chmachain, a sealg sleidh fo' bniachan, 
 
 Do chlifi onchoin 'g a innseadh, is tu Dunchadh Diuriiinse. 
 
 Is tu choisgeas do namh, is tu dhcargas do dha lamh, 
 
 Is tu dh' fhoireas o'r sgios sinn, is tu ris d'aoibliiieas againn. 
 
 Is se fear do 'm b' nsa, a riun do luaidh cho musa, 
 
92 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Di nej-m cddir leich inir sin din dreggin cheivc von clionnil 
 
 Is tayd agga di wucir kerd eili na eoyllifir 
 
 Ga.sga agis ennych crrin gin nasga nyn lowveyninie 
 
 Gitli inlycht zleis male reich id tayd ag gin neyneyve 
 
 A zloyr zall zlan riss ga rec lor di zarri in dy wee 
 
 A cheim gi wul a terri keiss lat a.ss gi inwalli 
 
 Rygh orricht ag gneith zlyu id tyicht ym clireif chosgir. 
 
 A vcc. 
 
 Auctor Imjiis Ane m'eoin m'caycliirn. 
 
 Daarj'ch scliayu er sell gwnn ne haarych in nochin 
 
 In dye oync deive a zol seitli no zoye nocli clia dantir 
 
 In sayn fii rowidir reyv finnich chwnn uer chlcacht dcwj'gh 
 
 In dey o}'ne gi arr er gowle da zoye ner an gin ynipow 
 
 Da waass di rcyggi in ter ni'ir noyine wo alien 
 
 Mor ir schayn er gowl di chorri uer layn downytb na gi dear . 
 
 In eorsen lar olkytli zinu bass oj^ne is troyg in torriuym 
 
 Hanik braath o zwnn din chorri fa cluing chaacli di (luliyddir 
 
 Sf'il quhoUyoh zoyss gow liayk oyne nar er adir gi introjT 
 
 Faggis layn da heil wo henui in sayn ne in deive a zaitli 
 
 Ovrr mrone a beith mir sen clynn dowle di zeith in ir 
 
 Quliy barni Jiin sajni re schell sarwe in skail ri skcillych 
 
 A liechticli hug in skail huggin a zea di zroich zaal 
 
 Ni skailla di lawrit leive mawrit ner chayl in glwssin 
 
 Seir zail mi zar tree dawlt di von deim ryn mo rj'irk 
 
 In dey oyne ne anvin a zulli cha naym doyr ra danew 
 
 Turri er in nane sin noe bass v'dowll downoUe 
 
 Anna zye fa clirow chwnn ner zelli enow ra croonith 
 
 Scin vorba brissi no weig menich ehoyn ga cheynicli 
 
 Er arda in trachta er ayk oyne ner aytl altaa won nayr 
 
 L(»y.L,di er evynis noch elm nail in dye aync ynizane 
 
 Ni sloygth ga liraa di wmoii gin loygiit er cryich na er c«>r 
 
 Id (ler riss in raytliid cayth id tejiciit wo toye gi intraa 
 
 Lay turre an iiocchin nwU did da-we a var benchir 
 
 In neik monnor od tolt bog log aggwm na ynnit 
 
 IJci er hert fa zerryth doyf skaywolych nio zcrk a zuwe 
 
 Ni- eddit ninao didli zith woo toye la trwm in tnrsi 
 
 Toggew fert din wanyth wan layd lake cheille croycliin 
 
 Ciar gir annyclii orch di wjui.s a Ian laytronini 
 
 Finiili <lid cowe ga in gar dowe in ere ni eodly 
 
 A I'lilviif d.i\\]i' ';o\v avk ovne ne zavnitli iiach lir iiaw Zii\<> 
 
MoiiEKN.] THE DEAN OF IJSMOKIv < 
 
 Do iiithenin tailar laoicli mar sin, do 'n (lr('aj,'on cliaoiiili o'li Clioiiuil, 
 A taitl aiye ilo bhuaidh air, coainl cilc iia rhuin)hr. 
 Gai.sj;o ajnis einoacli Eirinn, ga "ii nasgadh 'n a luath bhcumaii, 
 Gach inidoailid gldoidlu-as mac liigh, a ta lad aig gun ainciinii. 
 A gliloir glieal gldau ri.s 'g a rcic, Ic 'r do eiriili an deagh inliac. 
 O chithcam gu bhoil a toii-t cis, leat as gach aou bhailc, 
 Righ aireach aig gniomh glirinn, a teachd urn chraoibh chosgair. 
 
 A mhic. 
 
 Is e uylulair sn, Eoin ^lac Eoghain Mliie Kacliaini. 
 
 Dourach sian air siol Chuiiin, ni eircach an dochainn, 
 
 In deigh Eoin doibh a dhol, sith 'n a uaigh noch cha dcantar, 
 
 An sian ta robhadar rianili, fine Chuinn nior chleachd dimbiodli, 
 
 In dt'igh Eoin gach fear air gul, da uaigh nior ann gun iompaidh. 
 
 Da 'bhhs do thruagh an tir, Mac f hir a gliin o Allan. 
 
 Moi- ar sian air g\il do chor, nior lion duine uach gn dourach, 
 
 An cor sin le'r olc dluiinn, bc\s Eoin is truagh an torunn. 
 
 Thainig brath o Dhitn do 'n chor, fo chuing chhch do chaidhidear, 
 
 Siioghal caochlaideach dhomhsa gu h-eug Eoin, nior eireadar gii aintreoir. 
 
 Fagas lilu do shiol o shean, an sian na an doibh a dhochainn, 
 
 Aobhar 'm broin a bhi mar sin, dann Dughail do dhitli an fhir. 
 
 Chaidh barn nan sian re seal, searbh an sgeul ri sgeulacliadh, 
 
 A theachdair a thug an sgeul, thugaiu a Dhd do dliroch dhhil. 
 
 Na sgeul do labhairt Icibh, m'amhra nior chaill an cluasan, 
 
 Saordhail mo gheirc troinih chldilih uile, do l)huin diom roinn mo f hradarc 
 
 An deigh Eoin ni anniliuinn a ghiU, cha-n fhaiglieam deoir ri dheanamh, 
 
 Tuireadh air an Fluan 's an uaigh, biis Mhic Dhughaill Dhunollaimh. 
 
 Ann a aghaidh fa chruth Chuinn, nior gliile cno ri cniinne, 
 
 'S aon bliorb bhriseadh no bhith, mein a chuain 'ga chaoinoadh. 
 
 Air ard an traigh air eug Eoin, nior f haighoad alt o'n athair, 
 
 Luaidh air aoibhneas noch cha-n 'aill, 'n deigh Eoin iomghain. 
 
 Na sloigh 'g am breith de bhron, gim luaidh air crcach no air cbr, 
 
 A deir ris an rathad caidh, a teachd o d' uaigh g\is an traigh, 
 
 Le tuireadh an dochainn null, do'd chumhadh a b'fhear banchaire. 
 
 An tig m'onoir o'd fholt bog, lochd agam 'n a ionad, 
 
 Bhi air 'f heart fa dheurach domh, sgiamhalaoh mo dhearc a ghabli. 
 
 Ni fhaotaid mnathan dol dhi, o d' uaigh le trninie an tuirse, 
 
 Togaibh fcart do 'n Fhian bhhn, lend laga chille Chruachain. 
 
 Gu 'r gur aitlniichte e orra, dp bhks a leth leatroraa, 
 
 Fine do'd chumha go an ghir, dubli an ere ni codalaid. 
 
 A chloinn Dughail gu eug Eoin, ni dheanadh neach fear namh dhoibh, 
 
94 THE BOOK OF [axciest. 
 
 Hauik di waass ir wllich sevif nac-li cliass a chensyth 
 
 Er oye 03110 ne annit ninaw a ilorta dear ge inlay 
 
 Kelle bau garri tra zoych troit or maye giu varriu 
 
 Ni lienyth zoy tiirse tbrom in dey oyne di zallith orrwm 
 
 Nein deig lay nach lane ere in skail far tua ir tursinc 
 
 Cwmmi Iwm ea loo sin creid a zantyth za lesk Iwnime 
 
 Da wass naoh cha sukkir sinn dcgkir in gayss ner chiirriim 
 
 Ym Lessew tlia melgwn er gin lay er ley e zatiere 
 
 Hug ere Iwm na za laa sinn a lae er olwyeh 
 
 Cha dame reyve roye sen doy zein gow dowle e zaffre 
 
 Is y\ir brojTi gin ay ann is doy mee nach merrin 
 
 Dess a choUyth nyth go)i;h noyr mir hay in tor troyg in tyrmmor 
 
 Tra er durri noch cha nil syi in dwn sin dowche 
 
 Lane marr techt liar tulcliew er naik oyne is da choythrrow 
 
 Oanych er in narga ne uU er ard choyn {ii gonvell 
 
 Di chow owch reith raach ch\\Tin si creich so cljiini dowle 
 
 Bltia gal id zey er dowth bee ra heyg gin achroyeh 
 
 Eiss chwill ym clae zowill a egsi si ollonych 
 
 Lookir er teaclit er oye oyne eehtir waeth da nanoyn 
 
 Fadda in neyntoo neilla di cliaith ga cwss tayweyra 
 
 Nach spess deiv in noye zollyth dess oyne in neyntoo 
 
 Terk a hiirri acinay chwun wone lay naoh mar m'dowUe 
 
 Bieith in neyil noch cha null screive eyl na nessow 
 
 Onnor in neyl ne wae er testall di v'niarae 
 
 Is beg a bail dawel deit di raye a honnor vayach 
 
 Na gi dacha drwm er zrwm voym za chcnn clyiini dowl 
 
 Re troyr ooyne ne zyil doyth in dyie oyne aythir 
 
 Gi lyi dea di zalwa ueyf doyr in gligge in noid illoich 
 
 Voo eacliree noch cha woyu baach za deaclie waach is yniza . . . 
 
 In dey in trur troyg in tolk mi chre ne for furtycht 
 
 Troyg na noyge gi chass di choini di wass ii oyne is all . . . 
 
 Aliex"" nach gavin gess in tra man doggir horris 
 
 Toycht er stoyg woynych bryi tli royl ovili mi nonin 
 
 Ni beit ga eanc er dul dyr oyne gow liirrill 
 
 A beit er tor ni trudda ne bcith naoc fa noo adda. 
 
 Auctor liujus liiilay lu'viiiiab. 
 
 Doyninc nyn htiakkiirc da \>\ zail Irif a scrcyve 
 Foyris din ni fagi^irro ne za weadir a It-iiiyth 
 (Ja zemiui ni ha tlL'iiinytli er tcitli milli ni toyth 
 Cha nayir na chniiu'in in reid sin dnyii Imacli 
 
M..i)i:itN.l Till': DKAN OF MSMOHK. g; 
 
 Tliairii;,' du Mihs fliir iiilnillaitli si'iinli, iu)ch clih-s a rhcaiinsadiaiilli. 
 
 Air uai^'Ii Et>iu iii ainiiidli mnatliaii, a duifadli dlu'iir gacli aim la, 
 
 C.Ml Itlian a^' eiridli tiath dlidihli, troidli air luliagli giui Miarraii, 
 
 Ki ii-ii)ghnadli dhoilih tuir.se tlirom, an dri'^h Eoiii do glical urraiii, 
 
 Ni 'n tig la iiacli liuu cridlu', an sgoid fa ta ar tnirsrnc. 
 
 Coma learn go Ico sin, crcud a dlieanadli do k-isg K-ain, 
 
 D'a bhhs nocha socair sinn, dcacair an ch-s 'iia 'r clniiroann. 
 
 A'm sliotusamli tlia nielgtliandi air, gun luaidli air laoidli a ghaldiar, 
 
 Tiiug cridlie dliondi 'n a dlia leth, sinn a luaidh air fhallthaich. 
 
 Cha d'rinueadh riamli roindi sin, doiglio dliuinn dliol d'a f liarraid. 
 
 Is aobhar broiu gun e ann, is doiglie uii o nach niarrainn. 
 
 D'eis e chodladh na uaigh fliuair, mar tha au tir, truagli an toirni, 
 
 Traighcadh air deoir noch dia-n eil, saoth an Diiin 's an duthaich. 
 
 L.\n niara 'tcaclul thar tuloliaibh, air n-eug Eoin 's da cliogliairibh, 
 
 Onfhadh air an ihairg ni bhoil, air ard chuan fa Cliounuill. 
 
 Do chuuiha och 1 righ ratliaicli Cliuiun, 's a clirioch so cliloinn Dughaill, 
 
 Blath gal a'd dhcigh air duthaich, biihidh ri h-digh gon eugchruas. 
 
 Aois chiuil um eliatli Dliughaill, a eigse 's a oUandian ; 
 
 Loafhd air toaolid air uaigh Eoin, eachdair a bhi de 'u aindeoin. 
 
 Fad an iontadli Ncill, do chaidh gach cnis toibhciin, 
 
 Nach spcis doibh an uaigh, dliol d'eis Eoin an ioutadh. 
 
 Teirc a fhuaireadh aicme Chuinn, o'n la nach niair Mac Dhughaill, 
 
 Brlgh an fhiodhuill nocha u-'til, scriobhadh fliilidh 'n a easbhuidh. 
 
 Onoir au fhileadh ni bhi, air teasdail do Mhac Mairidli, 
 
 Is bcag am bcul daimhcil d'i, do radh a h-onoir bhuadhacli. 
 
 Na gun deachaidh druim air dhruim, uam dha cheanu chloinn Dughaill, 
 
 Ri treoir Eoin ni thaghail dondi, an deigh Eoin 'athair. 
 
 Gu gleidheadh Dia do dhealbh niamh, do f huair innleachd an oide Ilich, 
 
 eacliraidh noclia bhitlieann buaidh, dha doaehaidh uath 'us imeachd. 
 
 An deigh au triur truagh an t-olc, mo chridhe ni fhuair furtachd, 
 
 Truagh nan oige go cli?is do chitheam, de bhJis da Eoin 'us Alastair. 
 
 Alastair nach gabhann geis an trath mu 'n tigear thairis, 
 
 D'uehd air stuagh bhuaine brigli do thruaill och ! mo nimhe. 
 
 Ni bhith 'g a iarraidli air dul d' oighre Eoin gu iorghuil, 
 
 A bhith air tir ua troda, ni bhith nach fa'n uaigh fhada. 
 
 Is e ughdair so Fiounladh ]\Iac an Aba. 
 
 Duanair nan strangair, da b'aill leibh a sgriobhadh, 
 Fhuaireas de na fJigair, ni dhe faodar a lionadh. 
 Ge iomadh na tha daoine air ti millidh nan tuath, 
 Cha-n fhaighear 'u a chomau an rud 's an duau buadhacli. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Di wa-ssew niii lorganych gaii gir bcitli voach acb nieile 
 
 In teigli gow be in goyalsi cbo rik eayd ay gi hoytlie 
 
 A ta ossil anussil agki na cbotti killi 
 
 Is ta wessew wca ray ayskcy ga zcyg cba elilwni sinni 
 
 Quho we me ga slonissy cba null aggwmm za scbenchas 
 
 Acb a be si cboueskar agis no kon na lenvyn 
 
 A zowle a cboinpayuc v'oyne nyn laim leyve 
 
 Ga will wile ni lorgauycb (lane in doynirre screyve 
 
 Screyve gi fessytb fer oylycb in scbancbis is a gaer 
 
 Na ber doyni er weitb beillytb ga leyve go m'challun 
 
 Cwne feyn in comyn so a zregar uiir a cboyle 
 
 Gi will aggwn orridsi di cbwt a cbur sin doynirre 
 
 Na bee ansin doyn so di baggirt na zi boyctytb 
 
 Ga vil no na coytbrsi nacb currir ay sin doynirre. 
 
 Do^^lirre. 
 
 A Imjiis Effric neyii cnrgitill. 
 
 A fadrin a zusk mi zair invin mar a weitb ort 
 
 Invin cree faltyth faill gane royf reyve guss a noclit 
 
 Da eag is tursycb a tarn in lawe may bittee gi noyr 
 
 Nacb clunnwm a bee in glee agis nacb vaggum ee woyrne 
 
 Mi creisi is tinn id tail o teic crcicb in lay zowin 
 
 Zerrid a zest ra zlor ra baggillow in noge wr 
 
 Bail ayssitb di beive glor zaynti zoo si gi tor 
 
 Loyvin mwlle ni mour gall sawik eillitb ni niyg nioinc 
 
 Far bi zar moyvir er zane o nacb dcacb dayve gin deill 
 
 Toissycb dygbanicb sork sbawe ag a wayt mane v'reytb 
 
 Dawe a tcacb o z(nvn noyr is dawe one voyn ga olt fay 
 
 Mcnik banik ead fa best no menkytb na loss in rar 
 
 Saywik sclianglane slcyvo geill lar a cbur a kcnn re dar 
 
 Dreggin loyvis nin Icrg gal ayg ag sannis nin scbmwe sjiytb 
 
 A baguss ein donnytb wane anionir a tame za o.s.s 
 
 Gin cblwicb gin cborran kcin gin awycb gin ygbe i geill 
 
 Gin dwniii ris tig mi wane er sleicbt nin neaall o neal oog 
 
 Gin wurn gi weyr ag nmawe gin evinis in dane ym zoog 
 
 Mar bay gcyaw in nwno wein down swenytb di cbonne gin cboill 
 
 Faytb Inngwrt ni war fayl aycbwall ni ncall in nawie 
 
 Cus ir loytliirrytb nianc seadi gws.s a bemid a tcacb nnxwle 
 
 Is nacb fnlgwni in nc.s.s mi nor aggin woynic cr gi ard 
 
 Ma wrissis a v'awcc cr baggit nin tre i-bnoo 
 
 Fa fcr a zawis ir ircvlc di \iinis in tranc bi woo 
 
M..DF.UN.I TIIH DKAN OK MSMOltlv 
 
 l)e ihi(isail)li nan lorgaiiach gun gur l>ii bhuadliadi acli mWv, 
 An tigh gu bitli an conili<lliail;<e, clia ruig iad o go sliitli, 
 A til uasjil, anua.sal age "n a cliota cille, 
 'Us til 'fhiosa blii r^ acnsa ge dhVadh clia chluinn sinne, 
 Cha bin mi 'g an sloinneadhsa, tha-u V'il agani de sheanchas, 
 Ac"h a bin 's a choinfheasgair, agus na von 'n an leannihumn. 
 A Dhughaill, a choinpain, Mliic Eoin nan lann liobhta, 
 Ga bluil uile ua lorganaich, dean an diianaiie a s^Tiubhadh. 
 SgrioV)li gu tiusach fidr colaeh, an seauchas 'us an gartlia, 
 Na beir duan air bliith .shaoghalach 'g a leugliadli gu Mar Chailein 
 C'uimhuii'h feiu an comunn so, a Ghrigoir mar a chuala, 
 (hi bheil agam ortasa do cluiid a cbur 's an duauair. 
 Na bithcadh anns an duan so de shagairt no de thuathach, 
 'G a bheil ni 'n an combairse nach cuirear e 's an duanair. 
 
 Duanair. 
 
 Uglidair so Eafraic nic Corcadail. 
 
 A phaidrein a dhuisg mo ghair, ionmliuinn mar a bin ort, 
 
 lonmhuinn cridhe failteach fial, ga 'n robh riamh gus an nochd, 
 
 D'a eug is tuir.^each a taini, an lamh mu 'm bithte gach uuir, 
 
 Nach cluinneam e bhi an cl'i, agus nach focaim e nam ; 
 
 Mo chridhse is tinn a ta, o tig creach an la dhuinn, 
 
 Goirid a dh' eisd r'a ghlbir, ri focalaibh an oige uir ; 
 
 Beul aithcasach da 'm bu sheimh glbir, dh' aithnichtcadh a ghuth 's 
 
 Leumhau Mhuile nam mi\r geala, seabhag He nam magh m'nie ; [gach tir, 
 
 Fear a b"f hearr meodhar air dhaoine, o nach deachaidh daimh gun diol, 
 
 Toiscach deagh eanach suairc seimh, aig am faighteadh nieiu mliie righ ; 
 
 Daimh a teachd o Dhunanoir, 'us daimh o'n Bhoiun g 'a f holt feidh, 
 
 Minic thainig iad fo theist, ni mince na leis an reir ; 
 
 Seabhag scanglau Sliabh Ghaidheal fear a chur a cheann ri cKir, 
 
 Dreagon Leodhais nan learg geal, agh aig sanas nan sreamh seindi ; 
 
 A h-eiigmhais aoiu duine mhhin, a'm aonar a taim dha e'is, 
 
 Gun chluich gun chanran caoin, gun kbhachd gnu aoibh aig feill ; 
 
 Gun duine ris an tig mo mhiann, air sliochd nan Nial o Nial hg, 
 
 Gun mhuirn gu bhithear aignmaibh, gun aoibhneas an daoine um ghtNig, 
 
 Mar tha gaoithe an nine mhin, Dun Suibhne do chunnaic gun cheM, 
 
 Feuch longphort nam fear fial, aichearahail nan Nial a nail. 
 
 Cuis ar luathghara mu seach, giis am bithmid an teach mall, 
 
 'Us no fuilgeam nis, mo nuar, againn uainne air gach aird ; 
 
 Ma bhriscas, a Mhic Adhaimh, air bagaid nan tri chni\ 
 
 Fa fear a ghabhas ar gaoil, do bhuineas an tiian bu mho ; 
 
98 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Kuoo wiillich A inoggill feyn vonith di clyne ncill gi noa 
 Is trig ryiiith nyth ver fail gow labbi ni neal in noyssa 
 In rygh fa derrig dewe say hug gin mi wreitli in skayll 
 Di skar rwm mi la chwng rown a fadrin ziisg mi zar 
 Is bristith my cree ym keitli agis beith no gin dee mayg 
 Er ess in nawTyth zoe wr a phadrin a zusg my zar 
 Mur wayir inumy in reitli gin rowf gym zein er gi sayd 
 Is i mak a chrowich gi dowle a phadrin a znsg my zar. 
 
 Fadrin. 
 
 A howdir so Dowgall in'ille zlass. 
 
 Reicht zassge yricht ooyne is astrych za zoyn a zreyve 
 
 Nee nach illi nawrycht di chaych foyr in ny rych a saydi reycli 
 
 M'gregar ni greissi gar toLssich is trane er gi ter 
 
 Eddir lioyr is creach zawle is doe a wee gi mawie meine 
 
 Eine ryun zaske zeyil greygga less nor meitht mayd clow 
 
 Fer is ferr aygh is cicht in lawa ter slicht in row 
 
 Shawik dayd zall nin dre zlann lass in leygr giuil gi gncw 
 
 Law is croith in gaaew kinith flaa is corjih zin tlicht reitli 
 
 Er v'fadrik ni groygh derk nor assis ferg in nor aycht 
 
 Ni halych a vcr no deygh noclia slanc in loy caycht 
 
 Oyh vol challini nin derk corri ni skarri ra zor gin dcith 
 
 Gilli dawych sothrych sang in law is ferri urn gich neitli 
 
 Acmich zregar tymchil oyne ne mir caylta in voal si wcin 
 
 Drong wraych er nacli leyr locht is grayth gort mir a liee 
 
 Gianni zregar in dramm nach trayth in namm nach bedis my ra reitli 
 
 Gyill ga fullichtych na fir ne churri scliead sin ym bree 
 
 Ne mow loo geyl no gyill ni ser ir oo choynn in reith 
 
 Acmi zregar ni golga croy o worb sloye ne in gawe sucyve 
 
 Branaue forua ni var faylla yr zregar nyn schrane oyr 
 
 Oik zi dwne er in dane cn-acli mesnit zi neadi heyd na toyr 
 
 Flath zliiini Icivin nin lann skaytli wreour nach g-.mn re clayr 
 
 Law mir (tskir si gich cath is da is co.sswill in Hath fcyn 
 
 Urrwm cnicht da zroy zcig a liuyr gin clulg mir is coyr 
 
 Er zaill cineiiych zi gich nach er hcilllgyth each is oyr 
 
 M'gregar in tylich ziiiin ne licnich linn na cluvrt clayr 
 
 No el (!onnnis da uclit galle acli in fer ga royvc in nane 
 
 Ag sen tri freccythchi finn braitli a gilli ne vayccit reyvo 
 
 Law bi wath irrill in gress di biinviii less fnllich feyg 
 
 (Josslow a weiiic sa woywo risH in icitli ga royvc in iiaiic 
 
 i{c liawLC v'gicgar nin gn'ach vcr niw-r yi nach a wane 
 
MoDKiiN.) TIIK DKAN OF LIH.MOKK. 9 
 
 (!iio inliulIaiLli ;i mliofjuil tViii liliuinoadli do clilniim >.'oil j,'iiii fliiiatli, 
 Is trii- a roiiin n:v fir I'iala, gu loaliaidli nan Isial a mias ; 
 An ri^di fa doireadli diubh, 's c thug gun mu lilirigli an sgail, 
 l)o sgar riuui mo letli rhunga ruin, a ithaidn-in a dhuisg uio gli.Mr, 
 Is briste nio oliridhe a'ni rliioch 'us bitliidh no gun ditli ni'agh, 
 Air t'is an andira dluibli itr, a pliaidroin a dlmisg mo gli^ir ; 
 Mliuiro, mli?itliair, nuiime an righ, gu robli 'gam dliion air gach saigliid 
 Ts a mac a cliruthaich gach diiile. A pliaidreiu a dluiisg mo gh.\ir. 
 
 A phaidrein. 
 
 Is e ugliduir so Dughall INIac Ghille glilais. 
 
 Righ ghaisge eireachd Eoin, is asdaireach do dhuau a dhroing, 
 
 Ni nacli bheil an arahra do chkch, fhuair an fhioradh an sMthe righ. 
 
 ]\Iae Grigoir nan greas geur, toiseach is trcine air gach tir, 
 
 Eadar 5r 'us creach a Ghall, is doigh a blii gu mall m'm ; [ohliii, 
 
 Aon roghainn ghaisge Ghaidheil Ghreige, lois nior meatliaich mcud a 
 
 Fear is fcarr agh 'us iochd, an laimh an tir sliuchd nan righc. 
 
 Seabhag deud gheal nan tri glileann, leis an leughar goil gacli gniomh, 
 
 Lamh is crodha an cathaibh cinnidli, tlath a's coir dhe "n t-.sliochd righ, 
 
 Air ]Mac Phadruig nan gruaidh dearg, 'n uair athfhasas fearg an uair 
 
 Na h-alaich a bheir 'n a dheigh nocha sliln an luadli catli ; [eachd, 
 
 Oglia Mliaoil Chaluim nan dearc corr, ni sgaradh ri hr gun dith, 
 
 Gille daimlieach, sotlirach, seang, an lamh a 's fearr um gach ni ; 
 
 Aicme Ghrigoir timchioll Eoin, ni mar chaillte a bhuille s'a mliMn, 
 
 Droing bhreagh air nach leughar Iochd, is gnatli gort m.ar a thi ; 
 
 Clann Ghrigoir an dream nach treig, an hm nach bitheas rcidh ri righ, 
 
 Gaidheil go fulachdach na fir, ni ciiuiroadh siad sin am br gh ; 
 
 Ni mo leo Gaidheil no Goill, na saoir fliir o chuain an righ ; 
 
 Aicme Glirigoir nan colg cruaidli, o bhorb shluagh ni'n gabli sniomli. 
 
 Brainean foirne nam fear fiala, oiglire Ghrigoir nan srian or, 
 
 01c do dluiine air an deau creach, miosad do ncach theid 'nan toir ; 
 
 Flatli Ghlinne Liobliainn nan lann, sgiath blirighmlior nach gann ri cleir, 
 
 Lamh mar Osgar anns gach cath, is da is cosmhuil am flath ft-in ; 
 
 Urram eanaich d'a ghruaidh dheirg, a f liuair gun cheilg mar is coir, 
 
 Air ghabhail 'einich do gach neach, air tliiolacadh each 'us uir ; 
 
 Mac Grigoir an teaglilaich ghrinn, ni h-ioghnadh leinn 'u a chi\irt cliar, 
 
 Ni bheil coimeas d'a uchd geal, ach am fear dlie 'n robh an Fliiann ; 
 
 Aigesau tri freiceadan fionn, braigh a ghille ni facadh riamh, 
 
 Lamh bu mliaitli iorghuil an gTcas, do b'ionmhuiun his fuilcacii fiadh : 
 
 Cosmhuil a mhMn's a mhodh, ris an righ 'g a robh an Fhiann, 
 
 Ei h-agh i\Ihic Grigoir nan creach, blieir roghadli gach neach am miann ; 
 
THE BOOK OF [axcie.nt. 
 
 Math is cowe a rosg gurm re m'cowle iiin gorii far 
 Iiinin in nour fa din aggis in rowuyth deil clayr 
 lunin in surri sin selga rew is cowe kerd ni wane 
 Id ta in rath er slicht in row is math in clow is a geyl 
 Enych is augnow is icht di cayvlyth er in slicht reyxe 
 Fein is koyr agis niilli a mayne sin la shelgow feygh 
 Fiunyth oyne is gast gnej-AC cadda niir vackow re ni . . 
 Aggis oyne niir in fin faye no chenn er gi dawe a . . . 
 Ga zurrik low flayis finu di cathyth ra linn na vane 
 Is er v'fadrik id ta in rath huryth sehca gi matha . . . 
 M'gregar nin dochir tann canu sochir kawle agis clayr 
 Teyve sang er yra braitli ben o zlann shraa ni ver fayle 
 Corrit zowne braa la oyne is nee ga zoyn di neith 
 A teillygyth each is oyr flxyn scheach niir is coir i reith 
 Rey neive murr oe dlee mir is doe me zein 
 Mi wraa si cathir gin chelt a wull aythir v'in re. 
 
 Keith. 
 
 Kellich zonith er ossil ga di choye schee re feith 
 
 Maggr mor a ze hjnith weith garre zol lar reith 
 
 Estew zeyni dar maggarirh a heil boddich is serreith 
 
 Is a leive kennort baggantich less a bcith lane vath nieithtiii 
 
 FuUul me dyne dowlc boein i.s do well corn 
 
 Ga tayd gi garga gast ue astith zane foynicht 
 
 Coythiltich me m'ehallane ver oyr gi rath rar clarrew 
 
 Cred fa im bein gi mwcknich ta mi zowch in nerli 
 
 Ta mi zowchess in nearli da ear o me elan douil 
 
 Innoo me dyne a layune wearri ne caith corrik 
 
 M'a lieith diolfis.say cha bea foryr mi loynti 
 
 Is m'lidl a l)array glan ossill a rhwt sloutidi i 
 
 M'oncc tanik fame diwnith agis m'suenith faimyth ^ 
 
 Clyne loyt is dyne rynilt nc kiiin igiiith von danio 
 
 Cattanich agis toissidi ga taitl zois-sith na gardow 
 
 Camronaich is dyne zregar ni firsen a braid albin 
 
 Stewartich gai farssing eaid skdllit fane dirown chaw . . . 
 
 Sen skail kintidi citssloyth is dew it! ta senvaitliir maitliir 
 
 In bofuddir i.s in braid albin ta mi diardin ;:i h-nor 
 
 Fir dioyvil a teadi ym duinew beaid win mi loynnitli 
 
 Clann lachlyn is dynt; lyniyn dyne nail ri foylwm ziusg 
 
 Cardin doissi dviie taw.-ssi er wwn is wrai /.la.s.'^ii 
 
M'-DKiiN.l TIIH DKAN or LISMOUK. I 
 
 Miiitli is cuinlia a ro.sjj gorm, ri Mac Cumhail nan corn fiiil, 
 louann an or fa dlniinn, ajjus an riln diolaidh diar ; 
 lonann an suiridh 's an scal^, riu 'us Cu reainl nam Fiann, 
 A ta an rath air slioclul nan nglio, is maith an c-lifi 'us an ciall ; 
 Eiiieai'h 'us eangnath 'us iorhd, do ciieaiigladh air an slioclul rlgh, 
 Fiou 'us CL^ir, agus nicl, am miann sin le scalga fliiadh ; 
 Fine Eoin is gasda gniomli, iad mar ndiacaibh righ na Feinn, 
 Agus Eoiu mar am Fionn fc'in, 'n a clicann air gaoh dainih a . . . ; 
 Go dhfliaclid loo Haitlioas Foinn, do cliatliaich ri linn na Foinn, 
 Is air ]\Iliac Pliadruig a ta an rath, sli?iruioh sc gu maith . . . ; 
 Mac Grigoir nan dochair a t'ann, ccann sochair coall 'us cliar, 
 Taobh soang air am brcith bean, o Gbleannsrath nam fear fial ; 
 Comhrad ilhuitm breith le Eoin, is ni g'a dhot)in do ni, 
 A tiodldacadh each 'us hr, fa 'n seach mar is c6ir do righ ; 
 Rlgh neindi, Mhuirc oigh, dlighe mar is doigh mo dhion, 
 Mo bhreith 's a chaithir gun cheilt, 's a bhcil Atliair Mhic an Righ. 
 
 Rlffh. 
 
 Cail dhulne air nasal, ge'd chaidh so ri feibh, 
 Magaireadh mor do dhiolainich, bhi 'g iarraidh dhol Ihr righ ; 
 Eisdibh dliomh de 'r magairich, a shil bhodach 'us saoire, 
 'Us a liuthad ccannard bagainteach, leis am bu liin bha m'aoin ; 
 Fuileal mi" chlann Dughaill, buidhcan is daimheile coir, 
 Ge taid gu garg gasda, ni asda a dheanainn foghainn. 
 Comhaltach mi do Mhac Chailoin, bhcir hr gu rfulh ri'r cliaraibh, 
 Creud fa am bitliinn gu mucnjich, ta mo dhuthaich an larlaidh. 
 Tha mo dhuchas an larlaidh, do iar nam clann Domhnuil, 
 lodhuaidh mi clann Gliilloathain, bheireadh an cath condirag. 
 Mac a Phi Cholosaidh cha bu foirfhoar mo shloinnto, 
 'Us Mac Ncill a Baraidh, glan nasal a chuid sloinnidh. 
 Mac a Ni thainig fa 'm chuimhne, agus Mac Suibhno feududiach, 
 Clann Leoid 'us clann Raghnailt, ni cinn fheadhna o'n d'thainig. 
 Catanaich 'us Toisich, gu ta iad dhonihsa 'n an Ciiirdibh, 
 Camronaich 'us clann Ghrigoir, na fir sin a Breid All)ainn. 
 Steuardaich go farsuing iad, sgaoilte fcadh a chruinne chcarnach, 
 Sean sgeul ciuuteach cas luath, is diubh ta seanmhathair m'athair. 
 Am Bochuidir 's am Breid Albainn ta mo chairdean gu lionmhor, 
 Fir chaomhal 'teachd am choinnidh, b'iad sin mo shloinneadh. 
 Clann Lachlain 'us clann Laomainn, clann an aill ri foghlum ghaisge, 
 Cairdean domhsa clann Tamhsa, air mhonadh 'us bhrhigh glasa ; 
 
THE BOOK OF 
 
 Na lir veg vaggaiiticli veiss er strath ni ter 
 Ty Iwm ui'cowle zraggin si carrit duth m'cwr 
 Gillane tanik a mwHith ben o clioyHith Iwngiryraa 
 Cha di chortich in cnvnitli diiniiith nach tugi . . . 
 A charri dangin delis niaa is for re meil dwuytli 
 Si elialsi a fwoe in farsen far mor . . . 
 Keliich. 
 
 A hoiulir in barrone ewin m'comie. 
 
 Fadda zawf a loitli.soo almirrioli Imnmi my Ian techt 
 Weariin di loayith leyissitli woyme da l)i Iwnn ni tantith 
 Tayn bach colgin caithrow trom tayu bo tart is boo fleyiss 
 Di weaniu is in tarrith trom da bi Iwm in loyth leyis 
 Gregh is aithre vanynaue clayve is come v'kowle 
 Doytdichy man aUane wearoin is gath bolk chongwllin 
 Oar ewwir is errymone is a wea aggwm im choyrrith 
 Crwt curchoyll a chellith brone skayth reith ni golhior 
 L(jng lymyn nar Iwmmi leitli si bee aggwm er gladdi 
 Di wcariiise a hwlli cheith soil weyme mir so ra fadda 
 Fadda Iwm gin AUex"" m'yn tosscheach a hechta 
 Foddich schee in gallir so nach beith mir so re fad. 
 
 Fadda. 
 
 Er sleycht gcil o zurt greyk ne ol i)nrt er in goo vait 
 
 Gan degow nach bcrda lat sleych geil di churro liairit 
 
 Stoc errc in nye gawlc nach cha doye erre udwalli 
 
 Fyve er claif ranna gath coyr a gaif gi hcyf 
 
 Ri gallew a derrum rwo sol zawiddir ir sowe 
 
 Na lekmit ir dowe (h-yn danmit ard chogga anuieiii 
 
 Ar aithris gcil vano catliris er ir nayirnee 
 
 Di (juhoyl niai gin royf sen oyr egin iniiis incin 
 
 Fa smaclit ac fiiiiia fowrith rath le bil borowef 
 
 Salla di zallew nur sen a g»'ik kcis.s as in dowe 
 
 Di zerna er eggil gych kin mor a ta teggow orriiie 
 
 Gin danyk low terlynn mor veyn dan math dt-ne 
 
 Ar marri) ballir onaet bi wiwh* zoyn a laet 
 
 Ka ness er ayris in nir a zortis geil er zallew 
 
 F{»'r liiiii:i ni'T ;i rjn low trv n kin o hH'Tow 
 
MoDKKN.l Till: DKAN OF MSMOUK. 103 
 
 Na lir Mii.i,' liha;,'aiiti('Ii, bliitlitas air srath iia tiro, 
 
 ra^'liailcaiii Mac DIiu,L,'liaill Cliraij,'iii.s, i luaid doiiili Mac Liniliair ; 
 
 (lillcan a thaini^i; a Muile bean o cliuain loii^'fliairo rciilli, 
 
 ( 'ha do chuartaicli an cruiiiiu', duiiio iiacli tugadli si hreitli. 
 
 A charaid daiiigoaii dilcas, inaitli is fearr ri Maul Domliuuidi, 
 
 "Sa chhilsa a f huair am fear sin, fear . . . 
 
 Cail. 
 
 Is e ughdaii" so am Baron Eoglum 'Mac Coinaidli. 
 
 Fada dhomh a luidh so, allamharach learn mo shlainte, 
 Bheiriun do hiach leighis nam, nam bn learn na tainte ; 
 Tain bo culgf liionn ceathraimh trom, tain bo tart 'us bo fleadhais. 
 Do bheirinn 'us an tarbli trom, da bu Icam an luach Icigliis. 
 Greigh 'us aidhre Mliananain, daidheamh 'us corn I\Iliic Cuuiliail, 
 Dudaiche Manallain bheirinn, 'us gath-bolg Chonchulain. 
 Oir, Eimhear, 'us Eircamoin, 'us e bhi agam a choir, 
 Cruit Churcheoil a clieileadh bron, sglath righ nan Gollnoir. 
 Long Laomaiu nar lom lith, 'us i bhi agam air cla(Uiich, 
 Do l)heirinuse a li-uile a ehi, sol bliitheam mar so re fada. 
 Fadda leam gxm Alasdair, Mac an Toisich a theachda, 
 Dh' fhuadach' an galar so, nach bi mar so r6 fixda. 
 
 Fada. 
 
 Air sliochd Ghaidheal ghurt Gr^ig, ni bheil part air an gabh iad. 
 
 Gun teagamh nach heart Icat, sliochd Ghaidheal a chnr tharad. 
 
 Is tu an eiridh an aghaidh Gliall, noclia doigh (^iridli udndiall. 
 
 Faighcadh ar daidheamh roinn gath, cuiribh na gatlian gu thaobh, 
 
 Ri Gallaibh a deirim ribh, sol gheibheadar ar sitgh, 
 
 Na leigeamaid ar duthaich dinn, deanamaid ard diogadh anmhin, 
 
 Air aithris Gaidheil Bhanbha, caithris air ar n-athairne, 
 
 Do chualamaid gun robh sin, iiaireigin Innis Ainghin, 
 
 Fo smachd aig fine Fomhoraich, rath le bheil boroimlie. 
 
 Seall do Ghallaibh mar sin, ag iochdadh cis as an diitliaich, 
 
 Do dhearnadh air cagail gach ciune, mor a ta teagamh oin-nne. 
 
 Gun tainig luth tarlaidliinn, mor feum do'n mhaith d' c'iridh, 
 
 Ar marbh balair oinid, bu samhail dluiinn a loithid, 
 
 Cia nis air aithris an fliir, a dli' fhoiroas Gaidheil air Ghallaibli l 
 
 Ri'r linn m^r a rinn, luchd t\ a dunnidh o eangaibh. 
 
104 THE BOOK OF Iancilnt. 
 
 Auuit doif da bi zail less douua zeaddeith ta aythris 
 Low er fey no banno cowe der a hynoUe 
 lUespie na zette zar is tow in low fa zerre 
 A erle orreir zeil bey id currey a coysmeye 
 Cuwrre hiirrogirre nor sin ner er zeillew o zurt z\-jtli . . . 
 Cur ser herre ardwir ui gyle nach Ijea er albin achryn 
 Clmr low nar log trote lay chlaive gin chen ch . . . 
 Er fa sinaclit geill greyg uer beitli cleat-lit . . . 
 Ne fraif o willit a faiss deye ead nior a vursbass 
 Is nach fagir gawle boe zit tess na giLsyth anna ra tiath . . . 
 Losk a bantrj'ch nach math man losk in glan vecna anfeinne 
 Is losk a dee dow is cosk zeiu in nangow 
 Bog le husk in loch re sen in dei losk zan dassew 
 Na dan deo chroy o boa gawle a vo vokinte anvin 
 Cwne feyn a zroe mir hoe gyn vill orrin ag gallew 
 An smaeht rad linn agus pled nor chinna gawle sniath 
 Cwnych callen ayr feyn cwneicht gillespik ansen 
 Cwnych duncha na nye in far conchur airdnel 
 Cwnych callen elly ann cwneich gillespik arrin 
 Is callen no keud mor a zle ler zawe gail in za . . . 
 Cwne nach dugit ui fjT wle er oyvne di zallew 
 Cai uiowe fa dugga tussi owla voit in dullesoo 
 O nach marre ach fwil ayr di zeillew yni zurt yni zaif 
 Leggir le cheil na fir is chur hekgil fen er noydeau 
 Saye er zallew naue draa fejnina belt zusk v'lallen 
 Derri coggi a olt mhir hor ne math in cotlc rath mhor. 
 
 .Mor. 
 
 A lioiulir so (hniclia m'dliullc V(»il. 
 
 Aythris raive rown oona makfadrik nar clnod callwyni 
 Na wcyni ga iuni ner anna niaue a kiiino di charsin 
 T<Tka aytliris iuni anna ztilsow gril niii glan zaale 
 Fctclit iii fraive ga ville zi hulit Icava nyii lowr 
 Barrol tlcliss deive is doth fey ard eskar oorcht 
 In nidlc rygh a goyve choyr in nyr zreve zrogg-ar 
 Meith rai rad ross ghuis est oonna rad henohass 
 Rewe zi rave ta inest rcygh sityve sorhest 
 Padrik hayir annit dwt uiilrholhini ayir i)lia(lrik 
 Makaynedoe nar z«iw braye dhvc a churre sa cliraddarr*' 
 Oone ellc ayr oune iloe m'gregar v'onne avvyr 
 ('a tnai ranvcht fa frilla trear tcawrvdit iic tlm-m v\vr 
 
Mni,i;ii.N.| Tin: i>i:an of msmokk IO^ 
 
 Aitliiiiiliti' .iiiilili il:i l'';iill Kis, tliiiiu' :l dli" fli.i.Mlta aitliris, 
 
 Lutli air foatlli na Riiililia, ciuulia daor a tliimial, 
 
 (Iliilk'siiuij,' a j^luid j,'ln'ir, is tu an Ihth fa dli' t-ireadli, 
 
 A laila Oiitliir Gliaitllii-al bitli, a'd cliuraidh a ciiusnaidli. 
 
 C'uraiilh tliuirii,^'ar 'n uair 's an cur, air (Jliaidlioalaihli o jjliiirt Gr(-ij,'o, 
 
 Curaidli .saor ardniliir nan Gaidlieal, nocli l)i air AU^ainn aclmiinn, 
 
 Chur Inth 'n ar liiclid truda, le daidlicandi <,nin cion cliuid, 
 
 Air lath sniachd Gaidhcil Groigc, 'n uair l)u dilcaolidadh . . . 
 
 Na frouniha o blieil iad a f^s, diogli iad, nior a bhorrachas, 
 
 'Us nach fhgar Gall l)eo de d' I'is, na goillse ann ri flaitlieas ; 
 
 Loisg am bantraich nach uiaith nu'in, loisg an clainimhacno an sin, 
 
 'Us loisg an tighean dubh, 'us cuisg dhuinn an eangnath ; 
 
 Hog lo h uisge an laochraidh sin, an deigh losgadh dh'aii deisilih, 
 
 Na dean deochruaidh o beo Ghall, o bhogaintc anndiuinn. 
 
 Cuinihnich ft'in a ghruaidh mar shilgh, gun bheil oirrue aig Gallaibli, 
 
 An sniaclul ri'd linn agus pleid, 'n uair chinnich gabhail smaclid. 
 
 Cuindinifh Cailoan d'athair fein, cuimlinich Gillespuig 'athair-san, 
 
 Cuindiuicli Dunchadh an higl), am fear tonrliubhar cairdeal, 
 
 Cuindinic'h Cailean cile ann, cuimhnich Gillespuig araou, 
 
 Agus Cailean a cheud mhor a ghl<5 le'r ghabh geill an gh . . . 
 
 Cuimhnich nach tiigaid na fir, uladh air uamhainn do Ghallaibh, 
 
 Cia mo fa tugadh tusa, uile uait an t-uladh so. 
 
 naeh maireann ach fuidheall athar, do Ghaidheal o ghurt um ghabhaidh 
 
 Lcigear le chale na fir, 'us cuir cagail feadh ar naindulcan, 
 
 Saghadh air Ghallailth nan trhth fein, bi a'd dhuisg a Mhic Chailein, 
 
 D'eirieh cogadli, a fhuilt mar or, ni maith an eodal ro udibr. 
 
 Mor. 
 
 Is e i\ghdair so Dimcliadh ^lac iJhughaill ^Mliaoil. 
 
 Aithris fhreumh rtina Eoin Mhic Phadruig, no'r creud cheileam, 
 
 Na bhitheann 'g a f hinc nior f hanna, mu'm a chinnidh do char sinn, 
 
 Teirc ri aithris fhine fhanna dh' nailsibh Gaidheai nan glan dhilil, 
 
 Fuclid na freumh gu bheil, do luchd leugliaidh nan leabhar. 
 
 Carail dileas doibh 'us domh, feadh ard an f hcasgair orra. 
 
 An f huil righ an caomh, chur an fhior dhream Ghrigoir ; 
 
 Mi reidh ri d'liros glas, eisd Eoin ri'd sheanchas, 
 
 Riamh de fhreumh tamaid, righ scindi saor-theist. 
 
 Padniig athair, aithne dhuit, Maolcholuim athair Phadruig, 
 
 Mac Eoin duibh na 'r dhulih brhigli, dligheach a chuire 's a chreadradh 
 
 Eoin eile athair Eoin duibh, Mhic Giigoir, Mhic Eoin aghmhoir. 
 
 Ta triar feara fa feile, triar teandiairea<h mu thrcnuhUir. 
 
I06 THE BOOK OF [a.nciest. 
 
 Ayr in one sen oil nach niilchullum nar cheil onyth 
 
 M'conzlie v'nor veg reyni onchonua er naeli deg taweini 
 
 Dunclia el aythir sen m'gillelan oreilli 
 
 Da lier lat nor zour re davc ni'ey our o urquhay 
 
 Connane ni gorre gawc aythir ey urqhuay 
 
 alpen in gargven glau ardre nyu balg veyni breeor 
 
 Soo cathramh toari.s Ls tug umiuit a iyr pliadrik 
 
 Cwuych cartweil laid ehaive droni o alpen iyr dwile 
 
 Far er eichit is tow zee one dow nach doe crei 
 
 Di chart hanchis is sai sen gow ferriss m'erk awyr 
 
 Id kinne nach creiu ri foor sai lein di zave corron 
 
 Da eichit agis trur reyg dleyr in nuile sin ardreve 
 
 Tree toar tre dessirroe in dcy vilchalluni keunmor 
 
 Da choggjT chorroue a clieine o vilchoUum gov\' alpeu 
 
 halpen soss is sai vess xiiii fir gow ferris 
 
 Di chart hanchis issi sen gow ferris m'erk awjT 
 
 Kai lein di hanchiss mir sen reve gow ferris is fedir 
 
 Imniigh feinuoil fai twlle tais nach awrreynior nor arviss 
 
 Di bi skeith skol dan skealloe gi reyg vil fa torrawg 
 
 Fwlli artir fo terla faiuia maclit di chodych di chuslin 
 
 Fwlli choynna fwlli clioouna fad kne^is da hoynua hothrin uin lu^g 
 
 Fwlli ghrantach maid zroy mir ulle fulle neil ueveille nertur 
 
 Gargweine a geyiu si gi gress da reym ardre in naythris. 
 
 Avthris. 
 
 A houdir soo m'eachag. 
 
 Dymmych me zin zeith a decss o nach leggin in stcach coyi\ 
 Is ec er ni wiaa mach er tt)ytht doyth go m'cloyd 
 Mak soonayd nyn soiU gal a bi zail less teach er choyn 
 Chan iiasta zeith a deess oyue m'wllam nin naach loyth 
 Ni chotlwm ejch no layth nach weggym o trayiil so toycht 
 Long lieithwl in twil zil long in ir la bristir royik 
 Ag so in torriskil hwg caith er ni'wlhim oo chir skeith 
 Gil denych deadzal dess far nach ayrryth nach mix neith 
 In toyehtow lay oynyth fjui oync ciryth v'doyd in rosg . . . 
 (Jossloo in augnow sin ncrt re tylych niorritli a voro direith 
 Fer fciltych nach fohliin soyd torriskuil oyne nyn narm . . 
 Fcr licid sin tachchir i-r twss fcr layr churryth a clw 
 ]\l'wllam za dalti'r mcyg v'soynoid er sleicht in rciclit 
 A glwnyni heaclit a toyth di wea mytli zroyui rr dnl dcini. 
 
.Mol)i;ii.v.] Tlir, DKAN OF LISMOHH. 107 
 
 Atliair an Koin sin uiloaiiak-li, iMaolcholuiin 11a 'r clicil a iil, 
 
 Mac Dhmu'liaidh nihuiginir bliig reim, oiicliuiii air iiaih tig toiblunm. 
 
 Diiiicliatlh cile atiiair-.sau i\Ia<- Gillfhaolain oirc-hill, 
 
 Do sliaur leat 'n uair dli' f Imir ri daiinli, Mac Aoidh hr o Urcliaidli. 
 
 Ceanaii nan coir gatlia, atliair Aoidli L'rchaidh, 
 
 Alpain a gharg nilu-iu ghlan, ardrigh nam balg blicum brio,i,diinlii)r. 
 
 So an ceatliranih tuarais;^' as tii>,', uniad a oighre riuulrnig, 
 
 Ciiinihnicli ceart bhcil fa'il cliaonili, dream o Alpain oighre Diiugliaill, 
 
 Fear air f liichead is tu fh&m, Eoin dubh nach dubh crc, 
 
 Do cheart sheanchas is e sin, gu Fearghus Mac Eire aghndioir. 
 
 A'd chiuucadh nach crion ri fodhair, .se linn do ghal>h coron, 
 
 Da fhichead agiis triur righ, dlighear an fhuil 's an ardf hreumh, 
 
 Tri tuathruidh, tri deasruidh, an deigh Mhaolchohiim Chinnmlioir, 
 
 Da choigear choron a chinnidh, Mliaolchohuu gu .Vlpain, 
 
 Alpain suas is e bhitlieas, ceitliir deug fir gii Ferghus, 
 
 Do cheart sheanchas is e sin, gu Fearghus Mac Eire aghmhoir. 
 
 Cia lion de sheanchas mar sin, riamh gu Ferghus faighidir, 
 
 lomadh fine oil fa dfhuil tathas, nach hireamar n'uair hirmhcjis, 
 
 Do bu sg'.tli sgoil d" an sgeulaibh, gach righ a bheil fa d'hr fhreundi. 
 
 Fuil Artuir fii d' urla fanu, maith do chuid 'do chuislean ; 
 
 Fuil Chuain, fail Chuinu fa'd chneas, da shuthain sothrain n'fhine, 
 
 Fuil Ghrantach mad ghruaidh mar ubhal, fuil Xeil nimheil neart-mhoir, 
 
 Garg mhin a ceum 's a gach greas, de reim aid righ an aithris. 
 
 Aithris. 
 
 Is e ughdair so Mac Eaeliaig. 
 
 Diombach mi dhe 'n ghaoith a deas, nach leigionn a steach Eoin, 
 
 'Us e air a bhreith mach air tuath domh gu Mac Leoid ; 
 
 Mac Sheonaid nan seol geala, a b'aill leis teachd air chuan, 
 
 Cha-u ^isd a ghaoth a deas, Eoin Mac Uilleaim nan each luath. 
 
 Ni chodaileam oidche no la, nach f haiceam tliraigh so tuath. 
 
 Long shiubhail an t-siuil ghil, long an f hir le'm bristear niaig. 
 
 Aig so an tuairisgeul thug chch, air Mac Uilleaim o Cliir Sgith, 
 
 Gille dian, deud-gheal, deas, fear nach euradh neacli mu ni. 
 
 An t-ochdamh la uainn fa Eoin, oighre Mhic Leoid an ruisg . . . 
 
 Coslach an eaugnath, 's an neart, ri teaghlach mur a mhoir chridlie 
 
 Fear faoilteach nach folchainn sud, tuairisgeid Eoin nan arm . . . 
 
 Fear theid 's an thchair air tiYs, fear le'r chuireadh cliit . . . 
 
 Mac LTilleaim dha 'n daltair mi, Mac Sheonaid air sliochd an righ, 
 
 A chluinntinn a theachd a tuath. do bhitheadh nin ghruaini air dol diom. 
 
THE BOOK OF Iaxciest. 
 
 A houdir soo m'gilliudak in tardan. 
 
 Boye liearn cr hoissichew itta voo hiiss in gyai 
 
 Ayrrewieli ziii ni okarrcAvich gydi in ar a braa fisshe 
 
 Kcad team in torre so dunclia beg fa mor agne 
 
 Di zag mir chwt delippa ag clynna zreggar in gassga 
 
 Diinca nior za meillczow aythir vcnnycli vilcholluni 
 
 Sennor oone eyiiley ner zyil cwnrith nar chowil 
 
 Gregar deymhak dunclia mak woo oone di bea iyr 
 
 Far awzissych one clioutyth o lofht liejTC liollis tolve 
 
 Oonna dow in gal geilta m'ayrrewych oonna v'gregitr 
 
 Salgre zawe dreytli twss gi coggi zi reytlial 
 
 Mylcolhira ga zei chowal annit oona dess a athjT 
 
 Dessgirt glinni gal urquhai maseith di chaith ma caga 
 
 Itta toisseich noymitiii di clinni zregar oo zallew 
 
 Ga vil trey team l)oye graw soalga is boe gasga 
 
 In nimissir cliooni c-liad tliath di clioala mi vaksawle 
 
 Finn ne zaif o zar lanow m'kowk' iiyn grat calm 
 
 Sealga errin si hoyantis ag m'kidc iiyth guilley 
 
 Evy ni zoe no ternis er crecliow clanni guil 
 
 Dcy ra leyn dane Ickfe o charre gow earn vallirc 
 
 Roytli zawf ne sessre veitli ag no iye 
 
 O liawzoue gow belten bonyth gi teith za canew 
 
 In taiga fa soyve sawkc agga in nynnym in noye 
 
 Imniyg keiss nach arfee ag finua no ag far a harlleo 
 
 Feacliw errin darrm er vakcwle no iye 
 
 Igh vorriddir zcyntew fa vroichew gi a boinna 
 
 Ag sen lie vil ilennirgow voilcliollum ag makunvm 
 
 Ne zernni finn feane sealga gyn sirreich a kedda 
 
 Sealga albin gin eafre ag milcoUum si eliroaclit 
 
 Cunwallicli ni coalialga ni gregar is garg dennyth 
 
 Ner veidcichc con eroarga gow longwrt elynni beskne 
 
 Leinc trotdych di hoissichew orre less in lo euieht 
 
 Fir eyihla er oyr leyow ga liieht tiy sin taehraa 
 
 Kennoss fyniia is feyhonis ciiotkin is clwe zai kin 
 
 Er barn zasga zley zarvis m'gregar graigh ni vill 
 
 Immyg na ehwrt ctileyth selm eowdyth is eoik ton 
 
 Ooyr derk er in doriierhew erm Inyvin loehawe 
 
 Cnyherin edilir darsirhow done in leicht nane luwow 
 
 A luclit tyi wo hayblissw dwl fa zowir gyr 
 
 Mak gregar boss bar ehorkkir lu'derwail boye a zaUew 
 
 Aiie I'harre iiylh calinvtht a lawe lar ranik gyeli ran l)oy« 
 
Mui.KKN.I TIIK DKAN OK |,ls\I(»|;i; 109 
 
 Is ujfluliiir so ]\riK' (jillioiKhiiij: am Fear dan. 
 
 Buaiilh thighcurn air tlioisii-hibli, a ta o thfis an cinuc, 
 
 Airiillieaoh do ua li-oi^' t'liearailih, gach aon fhoar a brcith fiof, 
 
 CVml tiirlifaiii iia tir-sn, DuiK-hadh Itoag fa mor iU'^uo, 
 
 Du dli' flihg mar a cluiid dUil), aig clann CIluijL^oir an gaisgo. 
 
 Dunchadli nior do niliiloadliaihli, atliair boannaiclito Mhaiik-li(iliiiiii 
 
 Soanair Eoin aonfldaith Jiior glioill, cunradh "n uair a chunl.liail. 
 
 Grigoir deagh-ndiac Dlmncliaidh, mac Eoin do h'e uigliro, 
 
 Fear aiblioasach o"n cliontatli, Loch tliaobh sholiii.s Tulaicli.. 
 
 Eoin diibh an goil goillto, mac airoadhach Eoin mhic (Jrigoir, 
 
 Sealgair dbamh lUireaehacli, tils gacli cogadh do flirithcal. 
 
 Maolcholum go dlieagli chunbhal, aithnichte Eoin d'dis a atliar, 
 
 Deisccart glinnc goal Urcliaidh, maiseach do chaidh m 'a cachta, 
 
 A ta toiseach an uibiiiroachd, do chloinne Ghrigoir Ghallaibh, 
 
 'Ga blieil tri tiglioarn beo, gr<\dli sealga, 'us bob gliaisge. 
 
 An aimsir Chuinn cheud chatha, do cliuala rai a nihac sandiail, 
 
 Fioim ni gliabh o gheur lannaibli, Mac Cumhail nan grath calm. 
 
 Sealg Eirinn 's a tbighearnas aig Mac Cmnhail 'n a coillildi 
 
 Aoibh dha no tiglioarn:us, air criochaibh clanna Gliuill. 
 
 D'f hiodh fa linn da 'u leigeadh, o Charaidh gu Cam Bhalair, 
 
 Roimlie gliabh na seisir, bha aig 'n a fhiodha. 
 
 shamhainn gii lioalltainn, bhuineadh gach ti d'a Fhianaibh, 
 
 An t-soalga fa .soimheamh samhadh, aig an inbhc an fhiodha. 
 
 lomadh cis nach airmhear, aig Fionn no aig fear a h,irndiidli, 
 
 Fiacha Eiriuu da roiun, air Mhac Cumhail 'n a f hiodh. 
 
 Fiodh mhoir ridir dh' Fhiantaibh, air bniachaibh gach buinne, 
 
 Aig sin ni bheil diongaircan, IMhaoilcholuim aig Mac Muirne. 
 
 Ni dhcanadh Fionn feiii sealg, gun sireadli a cheada, 
 
 Sealg Albainn giui fharraid aig ]Maolcholum 's a chreacha. 
 
 Cunbhalach 'n an coshcalg Mac Grigoir is garg daoine, 
 
 Nior mliince coin cro-dhearg, gu lougphort cloinne Bhaoisgne. 
 
 Linn trodach de thoisichibh, 6ridh leis an la catha, 
 
 Fir iad air oirleachaibh, 'g a luchd ti 'san thchair. 
 
 Ccannas fion 'us fiiidhantais, coitchinn is dih dh'a chinncadli, 
 
 Air barn ghaisge ghle dhearbhiis, Mac Grigoir grhdh ni bheil. 
 
 lomadh 'n a chuirt coluath, saolaim cuideachd a 's oolg teann, 
 
 Or doarg air an domairibh, airni looghaui Loch Abh. 
 
 Co sheirm eadar clhrsaichibh, ua daoine an l(^ich 'n an landiaibh, 
 
 A luclid ti thaibhlisi])h a dol fiir gheiVihoar gadhar. 
 
 Mac Grigoir bos bhrr chorcuir, JLic Diarbhuil buaidh a Gliallaibh, 
 
 Aon chara na calmachd a lamb, k'"r r.\inig gach rath buaidh. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancifnt. 
 
 Boy fc'il re fillytli a iie v'clymont cossnc 
 Di vuddee a clw kinnaze er heiliga a laif louye 
 Mare mwm oUone teyve mcnzail is math comma 
 Ni clar ga commol corgra groy na sowa. 
 
 Boye hcani. 
 
 A lioudir so ym bard I'oygli finlay. 
 
 Hest ein doyll ni geyll skaile is coyr a chomeitli 
 Way ra der lot chaalle is crossimeil tork maale gin waas 
 A hewrin lianik er dwss ussit a skayle ymbuss 
 Mir haa wea reiss er ball in gae zreiss in deoyll 
 Di naskiddir er fa riuu nor a zaig say teach eyttriu 
 Toycht din downe chadni er assi is cowle ra readli farris 
 Nayr hanik in tork dow bimmy daj'A'iu ga chwnryth 
 Gerwe moeyr gi bestyth gir hein gow hanwe oyl eddyth 
 Er eggill a weith gin nee rinnith zi v'royre 
 A ckiiycht gi honuarych ann an rycht chonna in neiftriii 
 Is coyr in nagrytla hay in deewe ag allanc er in deolew 
 Gar bee faa reit orrith er Icym no heim etrycht 
 Is meith skurri ryth warwne lieniiwythick weicliarne 
 Vek royre on wour a much foyr nee gi"!! low gin lawych 
 Fa chathram a chur in sinne dlewm conyth re colhvm 
 see cathram ter uUc allane weil wyonurre 
 Di rinn tussi is nc he wauenych creach y is rellig ooran 
 Is tow zochin gi borbc ann coychill nyu nord is nyu neiflVin 
 Is tow woyr oik inchczawle is tow vok a keiss si termyn 
 Is tow is geltee noss a mach la lentir foss di hossych 
 Ach ein wille er a law dec di wrayr a v'royree 
 Nc closs di zlo o sin machi si cross wee zid wallichyth 
 Math in dciss faa in will di lane dowsen foyss is dahvyth 
 Woo chcyd tossych di choggc a wrane clossich in abbe 
 Creach cllyth naeh royth sin lygh er fenauc in glen gar 
 Wallich di ncive fertytli fcyne di wcill zalytth a allanc 
 Id taa mil- gith iiciwc clli a dcilt a tirwrryrh 
 Chur dowich la chwiss feyn in cowyih in guwss allane 
 Di her zowich is di loyg di wonit ilcit a cliraw hoygh 
 Lt^ggit dcrri di wurn cddir sdli is sowyrnni 
 Nc henyth a wee a baiicnych fuddyth o liin chroidj alhiiio 
 Na looycwe er layr in ir (iidioy ga wayr is ga fwyr 
 Meith in ncKs skiirri zid tcr a vroyrc annicin 
 Ellein luuh grcss in grcss cathnunc tcsgin is orchcsa. 
 
 H.st. 
 
MoDKitN.) THE UKAX OF LISMOHi:. 
 
 Biiaidh foile ri tilulliiltli, ii iii j\Iac Laoinuinn a ehusiiadli, 
 Do inhadaidh a chliCi ccann-aij,'li, air thiolacadh a lamh hiatli. 
 ]\Iairidh iiuiiine ollamhan, mfuglieal is niaith com, 
 Na cliar 'g a comoladh, t-orcra a fpruaidli no siigh. 
 
 Buaidh thiirhcani. 
 
 Is e uglidair so am bard luadli Fionnladh. 
 
 Theasd aon diabhul nan Gaidheal, sgeiil is coir a chuimhneach, 
 
 Bha ri danr lot chille is chroisc, inaol tore mall gim mhcas ; 
 
 A ifrionn tliainig air tiis, usaide au i<geul iombu.s, 
 
 Mar tha blii ris air ball, an gatliaibh glireas an diabhuil. 
 
 Do nasgaidcar air foraon 'n uair a dh' f hkg se teach ifrinn, 
 
 Teaclid do 'n dun chendna air ais, 'us cul ri reulta Pharrais. 
 
 'N uair a thainig an tore dubh, b'iomadh deamhain 'ga chur, 
 
 Garbh meoghar gach beisd, gur h-aon guth sbcanmh uile iad ; 
 
 Air cagail a bhi gun ni, roiuneadh do Mhac Ruaraidh, 
 
 A cluud gu h-onoireach ann, au rioclid ebon aim an ifrionn. 
 
 Is coir an agradh tha an diugh, aig Allan air na diabhlaibh, 
 
 Ge 'r bith fo ruig orra, ar learn ni tliioni eadrochd. 
 
 Is mithich sgiir ri foirionn, sheanmhadhach nihiochaircanach, 
 
 jNIhic Ruaraidh o'n mhuir a mach, fhuair ni gun luth gun lamhaeli. 
 
 Fa chaithream a chur an suini, dligheam coinnidli ri Calum, 
 
 's e caithream an tir uile, Allan mhaoil a nihionoir, 
 
 Do rinn tusa 'us ni h-e mhhiu, creach I 'us rcilig Grain, 
 
 Is tu dhochainn gu borb ann, cochull nan ord 'us nan aifriouu ; 
 
 Is tu mlior olc Innse Ghall, is tu bhochd a cis 's a tearmunn, 
 
 Is tu is geilte nos a mach, le leantar fbs do thoiseach, 
 
 Ach aon bheil air a laimh chli, do bhrathair a Mhic Ruaraidh, 
 
 Ki clos do ghleo o sin a mach, 's a chrois bhi 'g ad mhallachadh, 
 
 Maith an dithis fa an bheil do Ian, dubh sin fbs is dcalbh, 
 
 cheud thoiseach do chogaidh, a bhreun chlosaich an Aba, 
 
 Creach eile nach robh 's an lagh, air Finan an Gleann Garaidh. 
 
 Mhallaich do uimh fhearta fein, do nihaol dlicalbh, a Allan, 
 
 A ta mar gach nimh eile, a diolt a oirbhireach ; 
 
 Chuir di^thaich le chuis ft'in, an cuthach an gnuis Allain. 
 
 Do shaor dhuthaich 'us do shluagh, do bhuineadli duit a chrlidh thuatli. 
 
 Leigeadh deireadh do mhuira, eadar Seile, agus Subhairn. 
 
 Ni h-ioghnadh a bhi buininn, foda o binn chroiche, Allan, 
 
 Na luaidlie air lathair an fhir, chaidh 'g a mhathair 'us ga phiuthair, 
 
 Mithich a nis sguir dhe d'aoire, a Mhic Ruaraidh ainndiine, 
 
 Oilean nach grcasann greas, caithream d'eisgein is oinhea.-!. 
 
 Th.-asd. 
 
TIIK BOOK OF 
 
 HoARis raak mir in taayr mach er flathew ir neolyes 
 
 A areull a eyg si agna is me ga chaddrew in looyss 
 
 Fess is agna flaa oyra raivth la in dcantir 
 
 Der lat in mak soo foyr uiee gir a bea in royr^e caJna 
 
 Is innyn in dy chooyll is monor za olt fayniytli 
 
 Is innin woltyr in gaew torkild is ayir ayrrewieh 
 
 Da deggew ra linn torkild ni hay lokgi din truuiui zawe 
 
 Di ne za bert is boyu aythris zor v'colnian 
 
 Imnii carde er a multyr turkill in awra cbrcive 
 
 Er low is er lawyth curre a taoht gow dull in c . . . 
 
 Is der me za halle (less ane si eolyss 
 
 Nach danik fer a eiss is farre no re so looyss 
 
 Da bi less a cbarga worwe subayd is sorve hor sal 
 
 Di wronna ni v'corkill da rocbin ter a inua 
 
 Ag m'royere ne mercboU da ym beit in sann cbolg sneitb 
 
 No scbayd elli a ber foynow di wronna so re ennycht 
 
 Skea cbenzaik no sebayd orryk far aiss formit ni wuUe 
 
 Wsslcss ym brwunych no elli ollew in sirri 
 
 Da ym bea in lea mor niatlii zaithew no in dark drwtych 
 
 Ner wunyth farda clachlin gin wcith fa eaelirce dwltych 
 
 Da bi loss in dow seillin m'leoda da in iiytbrin clarri 
 
 Less ni liaksow in teaehsin ga ba a racha da hai-re 
 
 Ta ag torkill ogeanych nach myghieb namm choltke 
 
 Cosga gych terri zi hylycli di loyg monycb gow cokgi 
 
 Ne wari'i no eiss cachulliu na torkill dwlling tentiui 
 
 Lawe is callma si is clista for wreisse gi a boruna 
 
 Gar zinvin ni'v*-' corkill ne wullin ay or ansioht 
 
 Far is tress in noyr awza cwthir zraw zin wratycht 
 
 Ne elle ni re no flaa di wadda rath za goalla 
 
 Ne v'eallen katroino boss woilli aria doiloh . . . 
 
 Inynn oarla orzoill in noywon is farri hoaris 
 
 Horriiuyr bou ir nt'illo di zayk wor zroivo za.st 
 
 Ne v'callon crowich oykwla cowlo niir in cornan cas'^. 
 
 Hoaris. 
 
 A lioudii- so j^Mllt'oaluiii iiivii iKxtlhw. 
 
 Hanic yvyr mi hiuss cha lamm i|idi-'y in N\ly_:;iri son 
 Ne tiigsi zi nach naolit tug mi liurss hot lit mir liaiiic 
 Gai bee ncaoh nach tuggi sin hocht ctiythlano «lim «-how 
 Ni hvti I'iiich om chdium tiirssi na crcachcw n>\(i\vm 
 
M..i,Kiix.i Tur: r)i:AN of li.snk^ue. h 
 
 Fur.viRK.vs mac mar an t-athair, marli tliar <iatliail)h ar n nMais, 
 
 A aiiill 'aghaidli 'us aigiic, 'us mi ^^ a chaiilrimh an Lcuilhus ; 
 
 Fins agus aijriie tlath, uair rathach lo an dcantar, 
 
 Doirini loat am mao s(i fluiair mi, ^'ur a li'o an lluaraiilh ciutliia. 
 
 Is ionann an da chiM, is onoir atliar dh' a Tiiolt fainncadi, 
 
 Is ionann a mliultar an catliailth, Torcuil 'us 'atliair airidheafli. 
 
 D(.''n tij,'oadli li linn Tliorcuil, ni e lot lida do'n trom dliaimh, 
 
 Do ni dha boart 'us buaidhcan, aithris a fluiair Mac Colmain. 
 
 loraatlh ccaird air a mlioltar, Torcuil an andira chraoibli, 
 
 ^Vir IMh 'us air Ihmliach, cuiridh a thaic gii dol an cathailtli. 
 
 A dcir mi dh' a thaobli, d'eis aithne 's a e(')las, 
 
 Nach tainig fear d'a aois is fearr, no rigli so Lcodhais. 
 
 Do bu leis a chairge mhordha, send a's soirbhe a fluiair s.\il, 
 
 De bhronnadh Mac Mhii^ Thorcuil, da roclulainn tir a fhineadh, 
 
 Aig Mac Ruaraidli nam mirchcol, do 'm bitlieadli an soann cliolg snaigh- 
 
 'N a send cilc a b'fliior fuanadh, do bhronnadh se righ Eanalch. [eacli, 
 
 Sgiath chcannghaig 'n a send oirdheirc, fear is farumaich nimheil, 
 
 Usa leis am brouuadh, no a bheil ullamli an sircadh. 
 
 Da am bith an leth m^r maith, dh' cachaibh 'n an dcarg druidhteaeh, 
 
 Nior bhuineadh fear a chleachdainn, gun bhith fo eachraidh diulttich. 
 
 Do bu leis an Dubh Seibhlin, Mac Leoid do 'n ian-ann cliara, 
 
 Leis na th' aigse an teach sin, ge b'e a rachadh d' a iarraidh. 
 
 Tha aig Torcuil bgauaich, nach mcathaich an hm chogaidh, 
 
 Casgadh gach tir dh' a theaghlach, de shluagh miaunach gu cogadh. 
 
 Ni b'fhearr 'u a aois CuchuUaiu, na Torcuil d'fhulang tcanntachd, 
 
 Lamh is calma 's is clisde, fear a bhriseas gach a bearna. 
 
 Ge'r ionmlminn Mac Mine Thorcuil, nior ndiolainn e air annsarhd, 
 
 Fear is treise an uair agha, iuchar ghraidh do 'n bhantrachd. 
 
 Ni bhcil mac righ no tlath, do b'fhaide rath do chualas, 
 
 Gre minic leiuu an rochdaiun, is foarr no Torcuil a fhuairciis. 
 
 Ni Mhic Chailein, Caitriona, bos nihil earlainh dualchas, 
 
 Inghin larla Earaghaidheal, an aon bhean is fearr a f huaircas. 
 
 Fhuaireamar bean ar n ile, do gheug mhor dhroam ghasila, 
 
 Ni Mine Chailein chraobhach ogail, cul mar an coirnean cas. 
 
 Fhuaireas. 
 
 Is e iighdair so Gilliecalum Mac au Ollaiiiili. 
 
 Tiiainig aobhar mo thiiirse, cha learn chaidh a bhliadhna so, 
 Ni tuigse do neach nach tuig, mo thuirse theachd mar thainig, 
 Cia b'e neach nach tuigeadh sin, theachd comhlan do 'm ciuimlia, 
 Na lotsa feuch o'm choni, tuirsc na creuchda ro ghciliheam. 
 
 8 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 Is hevin himui ga dcgkir royf tegwaill er chort ni co . . . 
 
 It ta yin brone gym crayg fa claa is mor mi zrayg zin . . . 
 
 Ha mi crei i;a za la eha neyiiith aa weith breista 
 
 Ha mi choi-p gin uoyill giu nwll mir woclit gin troyr ch . . . 
 
 Cha nojTiitli kow za mayd orrwm in ney v'mciTaiil 
 
 A boith cwnieh er waatli yn ir cha uwlmist flaatli zaks . . . 
 
 Is trwmi zwnith na zwl anwon na zey sin seill 
 
 Mi craw is toyr er zwU a.ss in law foaris wo Eithiiis 
 
 Ga dagkir lanim dcllcw riss m'oone a choarra will . . 
 
 Is mcssi ay gyn willi ass gin way tilli gow heiuis 
 
 Ga fadda weitlim woa mow is mi luch toayllis yni zci 
 
 Di bi zanith mi rayth rinn kcnich cha nearrih orr . . . 
 
 Cha neynith maguith di waith re faggin team clli 
 
 Mi lane gin mi wieith gi tromm o ta mi re gin anw . . . 
 
 Di crawg mi ere za essi skaill is furris a assness 
 
 Cha nelli fwlich er mi wroue di wlygh cwrith mi . . . 
 
 Mor mi wrone is ne henith doith cha twrs.si ta . . . 
 
 Zargin mi creith gi lomm gin slcith in albin aggwn 
 
 Nessi OSS egin doif tryill mi wee ag caith f . . . 
 
 Ra luithsi di banitli zwll a hinsoo aid a alb . . . 
 
 Ga di rylum is degkir hvm ga ta mir eahw orrwm 
 
 Mi town di zluwe a mew cowle reim zowe ym zeygc 
 
 Is sai neit fa dcrri zoif er lamne cha vec in tyvir 
 
 Gin mi zeil a heacht er ass eill er a Icchtisi enis 
 
 Is trwm na aj^g sin a low tanic za amsir 
 
 A cnoo chre si craw cwrp gin slee ag caich ga zeilt 
 
 Ner hcUis dwnni er doithin a wayd a raith er chensichyth 
 
 Gyr falli orn agis ort malli lar horn a hygirt 
 
 sai zonedir a zwU troyg nach awl di waamir 
 
 A v'mur wasszall vinn gin dwn tixsgin aggin 
 
 In nean neach ra ygre zill na gar gin doll na zeyge 
 
 Noch rayey is feddi no sin din wait! vag di wontyr 
 
 Luch catdrcw a chowle ganim er nanich chach a gonuni 
 
 A nagni di chnye it assi troye gi catldn^w as.s taguss 
 
 Da l)i zekgir commis rwmm is di we om liearn aggwui 
 
 Catdrew coyehoill is lawf agni roywor gin an lawe 
 
 Nor hcd caith za dy noyll is sea mi clnvt da nonor 
 
 Weith fa wrone gin dein a mew ag goyll mi zeill di i liowo 
 
 Tym anvin gin dol ter ayss cha nanin oowe ass magwss 
 
 . acli aggi din chowe niee is paltc ni dowe elli 
 
 . ymith neach roythin reyvc di diur cowc fa zemeyg 
 
 . na wonso darvir hiom wi-slcal nar zawe roythiin 
 
 Di (|\dioala n>ee fad o hen — ut sei|uitnr in alio locd etc. 
 
 Mac Kowaiti ni brce binn daltan cliailV is chdnell. 
 
MopEnN.] Till': DI:AN of LISMOUK. 115 
 
 Is aoihliiiiii lortin ge doacair roimhc, tcugbhail uir ghoirt cna . . . 
 
 A ta am bron !,ii 'm chnidhadh fi) 'in chltilth, is nior nio ;,'hrJulh ilo'ii . . . 
 
 Tlia luo tliridlic '11a dha k-th, dia-n ioglinadli c blii bristc, 
 
 Tha mo diorp gun fhcol gun fliuil, mar bhochd gun trcoir . . . 
 
 Chan ioghnadh cumha dli' a nunid, urm an dcigh Mliic Mairirid, 
 
 Ablii cuindineach air ndiaith anfliir,cha-n bhciloamaidHath odh'fl).\g . . . 
 
 Is truinie dhuinne na dliul, anmhuinn 'n a dhcigh 's an t-saoghal, 
 
 ]\Io clirkdh a's d'fhuair air dliol as, an lamliach fliuaircas o Aonghus, 
 
 Gc deacair leani dcalaclf lis, Mac Enin a chomhraidh ndiilis, 
 
 Is uiiosa e gun mhilleadh csa, gun blii tilleadh gii 'innis. 
 
 Ge fivda a bbitheam o m'hgh, us mo lufhd tuaileis a'm dhcigh, 
 
 Do bu dheanadli mo rath ruiun, ceannach cha-n iarradh orra . . . 
 
 Cha-n ioglmadh m'aigne do bhaithte, ri faicsinn tigheam eilc, 
 
 Mi lc\n gun mo bhrigh gu trom, ta mo rigli gun anamain. 
 
 Do chrMhadh mo chridhe d"a ^is, sgeul is furasd a fhaisueas, 
 
 Cha-n eil fulachd air mo bhron, do bhlagh cuiridh . . . 
 
 Mor mo bhrbn 'us ni h-ioghnadh dhomh, cha tuirse . . . 
 
 Dhcargainn mo chridhe gu lom, gun sliochd an Albain againn. 
 
 Xis 's ^igin domh triall, mo bhi aig chch fo . . . 
 
 Ri luidhcse do b'aithnc dliol, & h-innse aid na h-Albaimi. 
 
 Ge do thriallaim is deacair learn, ge ta mar fhiachaibh orm, 
 
 Mo n\n do dldil a m^ghadh, eul re'm dhiithaich a 'm dheigh. 
 
 Is e an ni fa d'cirich dliomh, ar leam cha bheag an t aobhar, 
 
 Gun mo ghaoil a theachd air ais, lie air a leth taobh Innis. 
 
 Is trom na aghaidhsan, a l^th thaiuig dha aimsir, 
 
 A cn^mh' cliridhe 's a crklh' chorp, gun slighe aig each d'a dhiolt. 
 
 Nior shaoileas duinc ar domhainn, a mheud a rath air chcansauhadli, 
 
 Gur falamh oirnn agiis ort, mala le'r h-oirnii a thigeadh. 
 
 's e ghuineadar a dhol, tniagh nach amhuil a bhamar, 
 
 A Mhic Mhuire bhos-gheiU bhinu, gun duinc a d'asgainn againn. 
 
 An aoin neacli r a aghaidh ghile, na gur gun dul 'n a dheigh, 
 
 Noch rath is fada no sin, de'n mheud bha aig do mhuinntir. 
 
 Luchd caidrimh a chuil cam, air n' aithnioh chch an comunn. 
 
 An aigne do chaidli air ais, is truagh gach caidrimh as d'eugmhais. 
 
 Do bu dheacair coimcas rium, 'us do bhi o 'm thigheam agani, 
 
 Caidreamh cochaill 'us daimh, aigne ro rnhhr gun a laimh. 
 
 'X uair theid chch dha do'n bl, is e mo chuid de'n ouoir, 
 
 Bhith fo bhron gun deanamh mfigh, ag ol mo dhiol de chumha. 
 
 Taim anmhuinn gun dol tar eis, cha-n anmhuinn cumha a.s m'eugmhai.-*. 
 
 Cach aig di»'n chumha mi, is pailte na dubha eilc, 
 
 lomadh ueach romhainn riamh, do chur cundia lb dhimliioilli, 
 
 . na bhuin so dearbhar leam, iu"sgeul na'r ghabii romham, — 
 
 Do chuala mi fad o shean, etc. — Ut sequitur in alio loco. 
 
 Mac samhailt na brigh binn, daltan Chaoimh 'us Chonuil. 
 
THE BOOK OF (asciknt. 
 
 Artoiir drtwlc iiiak ^nirkych. 
 
 Dail chawle er chastcl soyne swork in uathre in inni.sfail 
 
 Markeicli ytb rachtych nyth tonnyth glantyr barkyth dune nytli zaw o 
 
 Fir ardytli geggyr nyth longso er lonie loyth lenis cort 
 
 Newe lawyth gin galzaith gast narc scarryth snast swork 
 
 Dyth chottonew is dew zegre yin nyth barg fa chrewe haig 
 
 Dyth chothrew in gress chxr zone h)rldynuych is lUMnyn eaiil 
 
 Dyth clyew gin or is ded eggjT vark nyth brad done 
 
 NaiTe elaith dyth zaithcw galzaith skaith re fraew hiwTych lung 
 
 Er skayth scai er scwddai brakith broo scarryeh chorkryc-h clock nor 
 
 Broythnyth ad keve agis collar er teve nyth slat ro zarrowe 
 
 Geyth gorm in gulnew lowark long gai lenyth nare traith 
 
 Claith hcnd zai gohind dyth cholgew forrin skaith re bordew barg 
 
 Mnaew findniyth in grenanew longsyth lappyth ard ag naynyth vawle 
 
 Pyllyth vrakkyth zawe gane danyth lap ag mnacw ra hauelaith and 
 
 Pyllyth WTakitli royl is tynoU is e sen luchr in long 
 
 Byve hwneuyth syth ror goth dwllych royl chorkir oss gyoh cran 
 
 Gin lawin chruy gin chreiss codyth uar gerve seiss gin chur la clar 
 
 Na said dcrrit and gyn nyniirt dyth clarrcw eland vyn ard vail 
 
 Ner cholis uvdil in nane znr nynoss gyn chur re kard 
 
 Na said or o errin aggylli dyn wronc var hang dattych derk 
 
 Ni low la long zane loigew yni baith na uach is nid boe 
 
 Gin ocht gin von dew gyn wronenyth snee el ter gyn loniyth loe 
 
 Ne heillssyth loa carve zai garrew in lane dynnoss hyntych vuy 
 
 Ag rync or er vardew ra hard zoive carve coyne 
 
 Yniit fer laud is fer lorych ymit fer loith gyth leni caith 
 
 Ra sow nionezone farg farzone ra hard in long banchar blaith 
 
 Ka so la sultyr in cawlych er chaslanc soyne sleive troni 
 
 Fer srengych nacli sechnit sedyth lai chryne scliorryth codeith coy 
 
 One ni'sityiie ^suil yth longsytli er drome yth choyne croy in konu 
 
 Cryne ytli lung doine chur in nard dervit tune in varg . . . 
 
 Geith gyth d( rrych /.uve nane dye ag kcil akkyth deryth trait 
 
 Soil vrakkyth zuve na bulgew uyne id ttrh guw bordew barg 
 
 (tavis cine aggirsaid eviii in niicli thn.ippiddil curg kow . . . 
 
 Nawra vartew d(jnenyt]i dalvych lakrvtli rraiidyth lowyth is 
 
 Lynd ag Ijallichew albin fartych faltych ra horht slionuH . . . 
 
 Alin sin in gorkryeh colane sillytli drochtych luudane lynd 
 
 Faltych ag sruythew sleyve inooiu' re ui'suynyth sieve miss 
 
 Teggyth tantyth daksk nam- nyrvr tlaltyr inir rask ainland ns« 
 
 Leggytli gaiggyth in glownyth tow fartych failtych rar vlaith coil 
 
 McHt slant vtli cuwl gvch ijillytli tn.in.- in Viiltvtli nvc uyne 
 
MoLKiiN.] TIIK I)i:an of LlSMOUi:. 117 
 
 Aituii- .l:ill .Ma<' Gumiicli. 
 
 Diiil i-habhlaioh air Ciiai.stoal Suiblim', suairc au oachdmidh un Iniiisfail, 
 Marcaicli a rachadh nan toiiii, j,'lantair bare an tunn nior <,'liabh. 
 Fir anla ag cagar na liiingsc, air Icani luatli a leanas cuairt, 
 Ni bhitli l?imh gun glialgliath gasd, an aireanih sgarai-Ii, snjisdii, suairc. 
 Do c'hotanailih is (hiil)li dii' cagradli, do na bharc fa cliraobli It'ig, 
 Do clioraighil)h an crios clhr-dhaoine, Lochlanaidi is arnniinn iad. 
 De chleatliaiinh gon or 'us dcnd, eagar bli.\rf nam 1)rcid donn, [long. 
 An aircamli diath dc ghathaibii galghath, sgiatli ri fraigliibh lanihracli 
 Air sgiath sgiothacli air sgud 1)reac, bril sgarach choriTacli, cldotliara, 
 Broin fhad caonih 'us conihlair, air taobh nan slat ro gharlih. [traigli, 
 Gaoth ghorm an guaihiibh an hiath bharc, long 'g a lionadli an eiridh 
 Cliabli tlieanu do cliochuingc de cholgaibh, foirionn sgoith ri bordaibh hhu: 
 Mnatlian fionn an griauaibli 'n longsa, leabaidh ard aig nigheanaibh niliall, 
 Pille blireac dhoibh gun d'fhuaireadh, leap aig ninatliail>h ri eanflilaith 
 Pille blireac de shi'oil is taitlincal, is e sin lothar an long, [ann. 
 
 Baoibh, shonnanacli, 's an raatliar gu dol, 'shroil cborcuir os gach crann. 
 Gun lamhan cbruaidh gun chrios cuide, nar garbh sios gun chur ri cleir, 
 Na seoid d'cirich aim gun iniirt, de cldiaraibli, clann bliinn ard bheil. 
 Nior chualas urduil an Fliiaii, dh 'ur n-innis gun clmir ri ceaird, 
 Na seoid i\r Eirinn aca de'n bbroin l)liar-sheaiig, dathta, dt-arg. 
 Ni luath leatha long dhe 'n longaibli, am bi na iieacli 'us ni 'd beo, 
 Gun och, gun lionn dubli, g.ui bliron, 's ni bheil tcirginn loma leo. 
 Ni shaoileadli si luatb cairbli de cliairbhibh, an \h.n de 'n nos sliint(; 
 Aig roinn br air bhhrdaibh, ri h-hrd dhoibh cairbhe cuaiu. [uaitli, 
 
 lomadh fear lann 'us fear luirich, iomadh fear luath gu leum catha, 
 Ri sitgh muinghin fairg fearghuin, ra h-ard an luing banchair blaith. 
 Cia so le soltar au cabhlach, air chaislean Suil)hne Sleilih troina, 
 Fear sreangach nach seachuadh seidea<lh, le chroinn sireadh chuid coir. 
 ^Jloin Mac Suibhne, seol an longsa, air druim a cliuain, cruai<lh an ceanii, 
 Croinn an luing dean chur an aird, dearbhaid tuinn a bharc sin. . . . 
 Gaoth gun deirich dhoibh 'n au deigh, aig Caol Aca deireadh trhigli, 
 Siuil bhreaca dhoibh 'u am bolgaibh, Eoin a teachd gu bord . . . 
 Gabhas an acaisaid aoibliin, an uchd Chnapadail coirce . . . 
 An amhra mhor, tiugh, donn, dealbhach, ladiarach, crannach, luath 'us . . . 
 Leinn aig ballachaibh Albaiiin, fnrtach failtea<-li ri uchd sloimh . . . 
 Aluinn sin an corcradh comhlan, .sileadh driuchd lomlan luinn. — 
 Failtcach aig .srutha^bh Slcibh JNIuiu, ri Mac Suibhne Sleibh Mis, 
 Tigidh cainntich d'fkogus 'nan eirbhar, daltair mar rosg roinnlan ris. 
 Leigidh geug au glim fn fhairtidh, faillteach ri 'r bldaitii guil, 
 Misde slainte ciil irarh cala. trom am failte an agiiaidh Knin. 
 
Ii8 THE BOOK OF [ancu:.\t. 
 
 Tegge eiss cllin albiu yth farrit faltyth er one t-hone miss 
 Lwch canteith myr vcnour dychnir failtyth o renew riss 
 Graytb wee ymirwae ane ettryth feiiie iu nan choil 
 Annyth mir doesyth dey hr mr liai tullyth lianyth 0}Tie 
 Dyth ueid caitli in gasslaue soyne fa hawik chroithin chr}-n vurb 
 Soyit fa lijincliil in scorsen fynvar neve luslaue lurk 
 Za ley hollis tewe nawit myr neve natliyr gone nyth grand 
 Keil clave o zress ezoyr meilna}T less golnyth gawle 
 Cellar mitt oil v'soyne ra solss in nad clwk dyth choym 
 Is feyr nach deiue din clok in cawor sie deine doltnydi valklang vor 
 Nor nach deine dai Iwrych thrawrc cr skai chuttone na skadow 
 Gavis rachlin sceinezar scarrj'ch mevor clathwan calm cor 
 In tane clai is farryth sin norpe sai is lewrj'ch leuis myne 
 Cai skaith sin doyn nach dingsen treach gyw nojTi clyne erm 
 One m'soyne ny sly godyth lai cholg tane teskbych vawle 
 Sar nach skaith wai skai brak done taris treach dckhurn dawle. 
 
 DaU chawle. 
 
 YssLell lie vkellaii. 
 
 Margi za gallir in grawg ga bee fa fane abbrum ce 
 Degkir skarrichtin ra phart troyg in chayss in vellum feyn 
 In grawg sen tuggis gin ncss oss sai mi less gin a loytli 
 Mir hwc mi furtych traa beeth mi wlaa gi tannyth troyg 
 In fcr sen za duggis graw ys nach feadis rawge oss nard 
 Da gurfee missa boyn gymi do feyu is kayd marg. 
 
 Margi. 
 
 A lioudir so (Uuu-liaa »»i4iia. 
 
 Seachta seyda tcr mo hee ta gach sayada delve gim lot 
 Teachta eddrim :igis dea o say sin is mean lam chorp 
 lleiii dew ta in near ym bey za in goo anmyth crciss 
 Mcnknit waal ay nice in boyt er ne hanyth foss yn neis 
 In darnyth sayda in drwss sin a cliwss da willum dcr 
 Woo lot nyth syda na zoo ne cllwm boa woa a rein 
 In tress dew id taa in naltcw mi craw is stcith 
 Clia lega in Icssga za doyn n»iss kIcc chor cr bcitlit 
 An carrow sayd in tant a zca mark in doyr cc gwn 
 Furtych cha naym rem ray gin reach crea or mo vwn 
 In cogew sayd din zlag chiir dciiiis a ehur rwm gi Iiolk 
 
MODKUN.J TIIK DKAN OF LISMOUK. IIM 
 
 Ti;;itlh aois Eiloiu All)ainii, a farrach fuillte uir o'u tlionii nKi.>. , 
 Liichd caiimte mar liliuincar, deichncar faillte o rannaibh ris. 
 (Jicath blii ioiuarhliaidh ami, cadara fin aim an ccol, 
 Aithue nitlioar doibli 's an doa;;li iiair, mar tlia tulach hint' Euin. 
 Do nithoad cath an Caislean Suibline, fa sheabliag chruidhfin a clirninn 
 Snidlioad fa thinK'hioll an sgor sin, fiDiinnilior niinh hislan Inir;,'. [Idiuirb, 
 Do shk'iL,di tliollas taobh namhaid, mar nindi natliair guinoicli graiiiid, 
 Caul chlaidheaml) o glireiw a fliuair, mcilnichoar Icis ndna (}liall. 
 Coiloarmaid uilo Mliic Suibhno, ri soillse an fluid j,dilug d' an chuaiii, [innr. 
 Is tior nach dean do 'n ghlug an tabhar, 's e dian, diultnach, balglan, 
 Ni'r nach dian doibh luircach tlireibhcir air sgiath cliotan na sjjeith donn, 
 Gablias Reachliun sgian-gheur sgarach, meobiiar claidhcan calma corr. 
 An tan chlaidhcamli is fearr 's an Eorpa, se is Inircach le ua 's miann, 
 L'ia sgiatli 's an domhain nach diongainn, treabhach gun on cluinn Eirinn. 
 Eoin Mac Suibhno na sligheadach, le 'cliulg tan, tcasgach, nihall, [ac]i,dall. 
 Fear uoch 'sgiath bhi sgiath bhreac, dhonn, f huaireas treabhach, dcaghrun- 
 
 Dail chabhlaich. 
 
 Iseabail iii Mliic Cliailein. 
 
 Mairg do 'n galar an grhdh, ge b'e fhth fa 'n abraim e, 
 Deacair sgarachdainn r'a phairt, truagh an chs 's a bheileam fein, 
 An gr.^dh sin thugas gun fhios, o 's e mo leas gun a luaidh, 
 Mar fhaigh mi furtachd trkth, bithidh mo bhlhth gu tana truagh ; 
 Am fear sin do 'n tugas grklh, 'us nach foodas rhdh os n-aird, 
 Da cuiridh mise am buan cliioma, domh fcin is ceud mairg. 
 
 Mairg. 
 
 Is e ughdair so Duncliadh 6g. 
 
 Seachd saighid ta air mo thi, ta gach saighid diubh 'g am lot, 
 
 'Teachd edraim agus Dia, o 's e sin is miann le' m chorp ; 
 
 A h-aou diubh ta an t-uabhar, am bi dha an gath ann mo chrios, 
 
 Minic a mheall e mi am buaidh, air ui thainig fois a nis. 
 
 An dara saighead an drus, sin a chuis do bheileam daor, 
 
 lot ua saighid "u a gho, ni bheileam heh o a rian ; 
 
 An treas diubh a t<a, an altaibh mo chrd a stigh, 
 
 Cha Icig au leisg dhe 'dheoin, mise slighe choir air bitli ; 
 
 An ccathramh saighead an t-sannt, a Dhia mairg au d'fhuair o giiiii, 
 
 Furtachd cha-n fhaighcam ri m t{; gun riochd crc air mo nihuin. 
 
 An cuigeamh saighead an ghimair, dimeas a chuir rium gu hole, 
 
THE BOOK OF [axcie.nt. 
 
 Cut re marruin a dirawg agis o noch slanc mi cburp 
 Zeiwe in tessow sayd garga churris fcrga eddrwm is cayJ 
 M\viTe cba.ska nyn nurchir reym o iiath wewm dein gow brath 
 An seachtow sayd in tuil fonnit is tnow riss gi ncitb 
 Ni sayd gay iu waymot kin iiita .sin cba nil er breitb 
 Zhiksin ille naoh cbojT mor a wilter lossin narm 
 Cbar beilk dwii zeyve nar woyal cbar woul dwni Tcyxe nor wane 
 Cnrnvm pcaddir cin v'dey is rrea nyn nostil gj'tb bcaolit 
 Eddrwm agis gwn nyn arm is v psabn n<i \i no seacbt. 
 
 Seachta. 
 
 Auctor inunvieli albaiuicli. 
 
 Meicb doth treyl gow teigh pbnrris nor a zone gon a sorvc 
 Cossnonie in teyg trane gin cberri gyn skail ag nacb cl orn 
 Dane dy strutb rad baggirt scor cwne gi dlow ymit tolk 
 Na berra a by reitb gyn ag skail is prove ra akre ort 
 Na dan folchan id fekgith ga grane re ynuis a bolk 
 Legga did cbwt a clatb davr mar be angre zayvil ort 
 Dane di he ris in luehd drach ga din ga avezon lad cor 
 Scur rid locht di zul dyn doyn ma ym be oik ri oyn ort 
 Marg a threig teyg in ardre cr zray phckke troy in nco 
 In tolk in ne donna gi devyr ymmi in sin foyzin num zneve 
 Ag so sermon di heil nawzeve mir belim natb vil sohe in brek 
 Fulling a vaissytb schal gow satbin in i'er noch dotbe gin ded 
 Ar a cbenych soil nawzeve dwl a obolle agis da chree 
 Er a rcir gi dany salko gyr ga doine ra yni hcgcn mee. 
 
 Meich. 
 
 Miivrcicli /// sKj^rii. 
 
 Baitli yn ere voc zey i)ekkicb niir a mee nior in skail 
 Meissit ditli di dor in neiss rross eiss crist cr my vail 
 A c'issi crist sayn ditvoss maytb za cboss is mo wi lave 
 Agis saynsi mis id zone a oddir ulli is wd is cbnavo 
 Ncr scurris danew ulk di cliiii voyr mi cbur]) an . . . 
 A choissvoyg gyn rove bawle cr mi chcnn is cr mi cbrcc 
 Iljiith mis a voyr vor vin gi bronc a ma dor li mai 
 Sol fan dacliaa mee fan nod gin rove rnym gycli rod raa. 
 
 liaitli 
 
moI)i;kn.) TIIC L)1:AN of LISMOUK. 12 
 
 Cuidc ri m'urraiii :i ehrhdhailh, agus o mu-h slau mo cliori) ; 
 
 Dliiulih an t-seatliauih sjii^'lioad yliar^', chuiroas fear;,' caflraiiu 'u.s thdi 
 
 Miiire 'ohasgadh nan nrthair riuni, o narh fhaighoani tlion f,ni bn\th ; 
 
 An t-seachdamh saighcad an t-suil, farniatl 'ua tnh ris gach ni, 
 
 Na saigliid 'g am faiglicamaid cion, annta sin cha-n 'cil ar brigh ; 
 
 Cildac sin gillo nacli coir, mor a ndiiltear leis an ann, 
 
 (.'liar tliilgduine dlnnbh nar bliuail, char bhnail duiiic riamh nar ndiarldi. 
 
 Cuiroam paidear aoin mliic Dhe, 'ns oreud nan Abstol gii beachd, 
 
 Eadraim agus gniu nan arm, 'us cuig salm no sd no seaclid. 
 
 Seacbd. 
 
 An t-i\ghdair Muireadhach Albanacb. 
 
 Mithicb donih triall gu tigh Pharais, 'n uair a ghuin giui e soirbh, 
 Cosnaim an tigh treun gun choire, gun sgeul aig neach eile oirnn, 
 Dean do sriuth ri 'd shagairt, 's coir cuinihncach gu dh'i nui d' olc, 
 Na beir do thigh righ gun agh, sgeul is i)rioiuh ri agradh ort. 
 Na dean folchainu a'd pheacadh, ge grain ri inuseadh a h-olc, 
 Leigeadh do chuid an olcith diomhair, mun bi angair gabhail ort,' 
 Dean do shith ris an luchd dreuchd, ge dona, ge anbhuan le'd chor, 
 Sguir ri'd lochd, do ghul dean domhain, nni 'm bi olc ri fhaighinn ort. 
 Mairg a threigeadh tigh an Ardrigh, air ghrhdh peacaidh, truagh an ni, 
 An t-olc ni duine gu diondiair, iomadh an sin fiachan mu'n ghniomh. 
 Aig so searmon do shiol an Adhaindi, mar shaoilim nach Viheil se am 
 Fulang a bhhis seal gu seachaiun, is fior nach deth <:un d'theid, [brcug, 
 Fhir a cheannaich siol au Adhaimh, d' f huil, a cholla, 'us iFa chridhc, 
 Air a rdir gun dcanadh sealga, ge'r gc dian ri'na bitheadh mi. 
 
 Mithich. 
 
 Am Muireadhach ceudiia. 
 
 A bhi an cridhe Mhic Dhe, peacach mar mi mhr an sgeul, 
 Mise d'a gun d'fhuair a nis, crois losa Criosd air mo bheul ; 
 A losa Crio.sd sean de'd mhos, mo dha chos 'ns mo dha Ihmh, 
 Agus seansa mise de'd dheoin, eadar fhuil, 'us shal, 'us chnJindi. 
 Nior sguireas deanamh uilc, do chion mhbr mo chuirp a ni, 
 A chaisrig gun robh thall, air mo cheann 'us air mo chridlie. 
 Rath mis a nihoir fhir bhinn, gach hvhn mu'n dfhuair le mi, 
 Sul fa 'n deachaidh mi f<i 'n fhoid, gun robh romham gach r.\l reitlh. 
 
 A bhi. 
 
TUE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 A houdir soo murreich albaii} ch. 
 
 Dane mi lieggissk a threnoit a hearn in deit in choyl 
 
 Ling er mi hange a tlirenot bennych inn id venot wor 
 
 A tlirenut new er ui neyve nert marm neyve in nos.s 
 
 Ling agis coddill ym chree a chiun ijliojibill nejTve in noss 
 
 Stur my la}n'e teggisk mi chree teggisk mi roskg reith njTi skayle 
 
 Ling er mi zouth gloss ym henge skoutli reim chloos benue mi wayl 
 
 Soo ym bayl leddri leive chaskis cayth chwneiss gi neith 
 
 Soo yn tange nach terg lawryth benne a berk manmi ee 
 
 Ort a threnoit ocht a threnoit ter }ti leyghis lawyr rwmm 
 
 Id ta a will zal chraun darrj^ch cree pekkych sallych yn sown 
 
 Gar zolk maa nar willis denyth ne zarni merlee a v'zey 
 
 ]\Ii law nochar leddar dmiyth fregir er zraw wur mee 
 
 Fer gin danyusi dane breyga er wrega ella awra gorm 
 
 Ne zin Avieyga er wreyga ella re in deyd er ormmae 
 
 Hwss a hug elle in nwm nc hagnyr zoiss zwll reay 
 
 Noch cha UiAve in rik no aaLsi belie dane dawsi aeh dea 
 
 Ne dwni er talwun dim heggi.sk a hearn acb hwss feyn 
 
 Ne far a ne rann ach re neiwe di ne hawle si chre chcyll 
 
 Ma si licht for er a willum eaythe ay mayd moyd inn 
 
 Mass er a wreyg a taym a threnot leyg er layr ner royd inn 
 
 Ner choyr crea na tallow barrum ach toun wraye beg in nerg 
 
 Ner choyr ne elli dim allich a reith ach tennyth zarrych zerga 
 
 Di zalvesi in teyve soo a threnot di hallow is di heuui wee 
 
 Dwnni di beiini is hallown fwnni zy r awli ee. 
 
 The following fragment is continued from pages 12 and 13 of the 
 Gaelic, where the first twenty-two lines of the composition will be foiuid. 
 Having been nusplaced in the ms., the leaf containing tlje following 
 lines wjis only discovered after the rest had been printed oil' : — 
 
 Ga beg a chwli' chionaiiych ni in diid oiic zat zryme 
 Gin nis din re woralych ne rey fa wil a skayo. 
 Ne hay sin di v'cowle re math we sin no faynow, 
 Kacbtcis lir in doythin 'n a thigh wle gin nearri 
 Is troygli Iwiii a lienor is Imw in derri teissi 
 Cjia i-linrvniicii a wra .sin vcr iinw cr mi rci.ssi 
 
► 
 
 MoDKUX.l TIIK DKAN OF LISMOUK. 133 
 
 Is iVj;luluir so ^Muireadlmcli Alltaiiach. 
 
 Dean mo thoagasg a Thrianaitl, a Tlii-licariia d" an tciil an ceM, 
 Ling air nio thoangaidh a Tlirianaid, bcannaicli ann ad bliinne n)liuir, 
 A Tlirianaid naoindi air na noamhaihli, noartaich m' arm naonih a nis, 
 Ling agus codail a'm chridlio, a t-liinn lihobuill nciinli an nois. 
 Stinir mo Ihndi, tcagaisg nio chridlio, toagaisg mo rosg, righ nan 'sgeul, 
 Lingairmoghutlijgluaisa'ni tlieangaidh, sgutli ri m cliluais, beannaich mo 
 So am beul loadradh leibli, cliaisgcas cath, cliiiiinhn 'easgach ui, [bhoul, 
 So an toangaidh naoh tearc labliradli, beaniiaicli a sheirce m 'auamain. 
 Ort a Tlirianaid, och ! a Tlirianaid, toir mo leigheas, labliair rium, 
 A ta amliail gheal clirann daraicli, cridhe peicach salacli an sunn. 
 Ge h-olc mi nior mbillcas daoine, ui dhcanadh mearla, 'I\Iliic Dh^, 
 Mo lamh noch char leadar duine, freagair air ghrkdh Mhuire mi. 
 Fior gnu deanainuse dion breige, air bhrcug cile amhra gorm, 
 Ni dhe 'n bhreug air blireng eile, a righ an teid air orm ; 
 Tliusa a thug cile aniiam, ui h-cucoir dhomhsa dliol reidh, 
 Noch cha lamh ioiiraic no uasal, thiodhlaic diou dhomhsa ach Dia. 
 Ni duiue air thalmhainn do 'm theagasg, a Thigliearua ach thusa ft^in, 
 Ni fear a ui rauu ach Righ neimli, do ni h-amhail 's a chre cheill. 
 Ma 's e slighe fliior air a l)heilcam, gabhaidli e mcud moid inn, 
 Ma 's ail- a bhreug a taim a Tlirianaid, leig air lathair an fliior roid f hinn. 
 Nior chuireas ere na talamh tharam, ach tonu bhraigh, beag an fliearg, 
 Nior chuireas ni eile do 'm f holach, a Righ ach teiue g^ireach dearg ; 
 Do dhealbhassa an taobh so, a Thrianaid, do thahimh 'us de thciue bhi, 
 Duiue de theiue 'us thalrahaiun, fuine gheibhear amhlaiilh e. 
 
 Ge beag a cliul chronauach, ui 'n teid aon ghatli grt^ine, 
 Gun fhios do 'n righ mhoralach 'u a re fo bhil a sgeith. 
 Ni tha sin do Mhac Cumhail, righ maith bhi sin na Fianiia, 
 Rachadas fir au domhain 'u a thigh uile gun iarraidh. 
 Is truagh Icam a shoauair 'us thu an deireadh d' aoise, 
 Cha chothromacli a bhreith sin bheir thu air mo righso. 
 
THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 BiiiT ill (.luitli layddir vcrri fciini ny fayiii 
 
 Na di heariiyth crawe is tow feyn lay dicill 
 
 Bog sin a lienor a ne au coyra holla 
 
 Is far dea re hyiilay na fapie crrin oUa 
 
 Ga taring mi layis is me derri meissi 
 
 Phadrik na toytlir ayhis cr mathew clynni beiskni 
 
 Ne hurrinn zwt aythris o.ssin v<^ in reayne 
 
 Ach uath innyn far mathis agis flathis mi liL-yariii 
 
 Di uiarra agg\vm couaue far mewhiss ni fayni 
 
 Ne legfe layd wuuill di chomis a dej'rri 
 
 Na liabbir sen a ossin is anmein di wrayrri 
 
 Be fest gi fostynich Ls gawe luigit me ryilt 
 
 Da wacca ni caUia is ni braddiche grast 
 
 Ne wee ane reid id tcr ter ach moyir ni fayni 
 
 Ossin v'' ni flaa mest tanmyn a beitliyll 
 
 Na cwne ni oath cha nil ag asling sin seill 
 
 Da glun ni g)-ir is mcith ni shcalga 
 
 Bar hit wee na warri na wea si chaythir noya 
 
 Troyg sill a lienor is moithur ni schelga 
 
 Faychin gi honuor za wil .si cluiythir noa 
 
 Na habbir sin a phadi"ik is fallow di wrayri i 
 
 In deggow sin daynyth barr finu is no fayni 
 
 Er a lawe v<= ewcissui ne fallow mi wrarri 
 
 Is farr angil din di haiiglew na finn is ni faynyth 
 
 Da beany til mir a weissith a gath zawryth ni boymin 
 
 Di zelin in demis ver tow er a)Tie crrin 
 
 Dimmytli di wor zail cr cath di heill 
 
 Ni warriii did choytli lawyth ach how nciss a tenour 
 
 Da marri mi zcnissi ne cstin di choyllaiie 
 
 Is zoywo di liemoo in narrik di choyrra 
 
 Da mankis sin ulli si goynitli ra cheilli 
 
 Ne wea mi holli hve re vii caitlie ni fayni 
 
 Vii fcgthit urrit unit vil tiiss zi clcyrrcw 
 
 Di Imttidcis sin ulli lay oskir na licnyr 
 
 Ta toil in dor di heill a lienor gin ciicyll 
 
 Scur a neiss id wrcysrow is be fcst zim rayr 
 
 Da wacca in Iwclit cogthoill a v'fin in alviii 
 
 Ne raacha za goinor re muiitir ni caytlirc noya 
 
 Aggis ncr low ir dynoyll nor hcg most gow tawri 
 
 Sanossil ni biaythrytii fane woory zi rynis 
 
 Matliwm zwt a clcync di s;,'tiil na hynnis. 
 
 liiiiis down 
 
Mor.F.RN] THK DEAN OF USMORE. 
 
 B' fliearr an cath laidir blieireadh Fionn na Feiuii, 
 
 No do Thifi^hcani cnMiliaidh 'us tu f h(^in Ic chcilf. 
 
 Boohd sin a shcunair a ni nn coniliradh boilo, 
 
 Is fearr Dia re h-aon la no Feinn Eirinn uilo. 
 
 Ge teircc mo laithese 'us mi an dciicadh m' aoisc, 
 
 Phadruig na toir aitheas air maithibh Cloinne Baoisgne. 
 
 Ni li-urrainn dhuit aithris Ossiain Mhic an Kioghain, 
 
 Ach naeh ionann ar maitheso 'us Haithcas mo Thighearna. 
 
 Da marrainn agam Conan fear mi-bhlasd na Feinn, 
 
 Ni leigoadh le d' mlmineal do chomas a chleirich. 
 
 Na li-abair sin a Ossiain 'us ainmeine do bbriathran, 
 
 Bi feasd gu foist inueacb 'us gabb tbugad mo riagbailt. 
 
 Da facadh na catba 'us na l»rataichean greasda, 
 
 Ni bbi aon nul ann d' aire aoli meogbair na Feinn. 
 
 Oisiain, mbic na flatb misd d' anamain a bicbeanta, 
 
 Na cuimbne na catb clia-n eil aig aisling 's an t-saoghail. 
 
 Da cbiinuteadb na gadbair us meogbair na seilge, 
 
 B' fbearr leat bbi 'n a gboire na bbi 's a cbaitbir naoimbe. 
 
 Truagb sin a sbeanair is meogbair na seilge, 
 
 Fa cbionn gacb onoir dha bbeil 's a cbaitbir naoimb. 
 
 Na b-abair sin a Pbadruig, is falamb do bbriatbra. 
 
 An deugaidb 's an deimbin, b' fbearr Fionn 's na Fianna. 
 
 Air a laindi ]\Ibic Baoisgne, ni falamb mo bbriatbra, 
 
 Is fearr aingeal dc na b-ainglibb na Fionn 'us na Fianna. 
 
 Da bitbinn mar a bbitbeas an catb Gbabbra nam beiunan, 
 
 Do dbiolainn an dimoas bbeir tu air Feinn Eirinn. 
 
 Do imicli do ndiurdbail air vh.A\ de d' sbaogbal, 
 
 Ni marrainn de d' cbomblambaicb acb tbu nis a'd aonar. 
 
 Da maireadb mo dbaoinese ni disdinn do gbolan, 
 
 'Us gbeibbeadb tu do iompaidb an (jiric do cbombradb. 
 
 Da mbairdeas sinn uile 's sinn coinneacbadb r' a cheile, 
 
 Ni bbi mo b-uile luaidb, ri seacbd catban na Feinn. 
 
 Seaclid ficbead uiread uiread am bbeil tu.sa di cbleirichibb 
 
 Do tbuitcad<\s sin uile le Osgar 'n a aonar. 
 
 Tha tbu an deireadb do sbaogbail a sbeanair gun cbeill, 
 
 Sguir a nis de'd bbriatbraibb 'us bi feasd do 'm rdir. 
 
 Da fbacadb an lucbd cocbaill a Mhic Fbinn an Almbuinn, 
 
 Ni racbadb do cbomoradb muinntir na catbracb naoimbt-, 
 
 Agus nior lugba ar tionoil 'n uair tbigeamaid gu Tabbnx. 
 
 Is anuasail na briatbran f\i 'n rabbr rigb a rinneas, 
 
 Maitbeam dbuit a cldc'irieb, do sgeul 'n a b-innis. 
 
 Innis duinu. 
 
126 THE BOOK OF [ancient. 
 
 EoNE mak]»ha(lrik vec voylchoUum v'eoin doif vcc cone v'gregor 
 v'eoue v'weillclioUum vcc coiiquhy vcg v'conquly a strwiee v'illelane 
 v'ey urquhaycli v'kennane vcc alpcu agis in kennan sen bee arJree albin 
 gi daywiu ausi nor.siu agis in teone soo an in tcan dwn deyk von 
 kennan so id dowirt me — agis duncha deyroclych m'dowle v'05-ne 
 reywych di skreyve so a lowrow shencliyth nyn reig, agis roo zenyth 
 anno d"' millcsinio qiiiu""^ duodecimo. 
 
MoDEnN.] TlIK DKAN OF LISMOUK. 127 
 
 Eoix Mac Phutlniig, nihic Mliaoilrholuiin, mhic Eoin duihh, inhic 
 E<iin, mliic Grigoir, mhic Eoin, mhic Mhaolchohiim, mhic Dhunchaidh 
 lihig, mhic Dhunchaitlli a Sruilcatlh, mhic Ghillfhaohiin, mhic Aoidh 
 UrchaitUi, mhic Coiunich, mhic Alpain ; agiis an Coinncach sin b'e ar<l- 
 righ All»ain gii deimhin 's an iiair sin ; agiis an t-Eoin so an t-atm 
 duine deug o'n Choinncach so a dubhairt mi. — Agus Dunchadh «laor- 
 oghu'h Mac Dhughaill, mhic Eoin Riabhaich, do sgriobh so d Icabhraibh 
 scanachaidh nan righ ; agiis ro dheanadh Auuo Domini Millcsimo 
 Quingentesimo duodecimo. 
 
NOTE BY TRANSLATOR. 
 
 The Dean's ms. was put into the hands of tlic present trans- 
 lator a few years ago by ^h. Cosmo Junes, with a view to a 
 correct account being givTu of its contents. After a cousider- 
 able time spent on deciphering the difficult handwritmg, and 
 resolving the strange and irregular orthography, he gave a fuller 
 account of it than had been given before, in a paper read before 
 the Society of Scottish Antiquaries. He was aware that a 
 transcript of the ms. had been made by a Gaelic scholar of the 
 highest reputation, the late ^Nlr. ]\rLachlan of Aberdeen ; but 
 that transcript was altogether unknown save by one or two 
 individuals, and was at the time thought to be lost. In Decem- 
 ber 18G0, the publishers proposed to the writer that he should 
 undertake transcribing and translating the MS. with notes, 
 Mr. Skene undertaking to write a historical introduction, with 
 additional notes. There was good reason for reluctance in 
 undertaking such a work. There was immense difficidty in 
 the task itself, consisting very much in an exercise of in- 
 genuity, the results to be tested by comparison, in guessing 
 the meaning of words phonetically spelled ; there was the 
 labour of writing the same thing in three different forms ; 
 and there was in all this large demands upon time otherwise 
 engrossed by the duties of a profession, whose calls the keep- 
 ing of a good conscience, and duty to a Divine Master, would 
 not admit of being neglected or postponed. The work it.self, 
 
 9 
 
130 NOTE I!Y TILWSLATOR. 
 
 however, was very congenial, as contributing somewliat to 
 the literature of the Celtic countrymen of the \vriter, the 
 literature of a period, too, of which few other litei-ary remains 
 of theii-s exist. He therefore uuJeitook to devote his spare 
 liours for a season to the work, which is now laid before the 
 public. 
 
 The difficulties did not become less than was anticipated 
 when they came to be practically dealt with. There was first the 
 transcription of the original. A facsimile specimen of the writing 
 is given m this volume, from which some idea may be formed 
 of its character. The handwriting is the current English hand 
 of the fifteenth centuiy, with a few additional peculiarities 
 borrowed from the Gaelic writing of the same period, as 
 practised both in Scotland and Ireland. As is common in 
 the writing of the period, the same sign is used both for c and 
 t. There is often no distinction between o and c, a and n, or j 
 and s; and in the hurry of writing the Dean often wrote m for 
 n, and vice versa ; and the letter z stands for all the sounds 
 resembling the consonant ?/. Besides, there arc numerous con 
 tractions, the same sign being often used for in, im, and //•, and 
 the Irish dot (•) is often used as a substitute for //. The MS. is 
 in many places much decayed, and the writing in consequence 
 much obscured, while the orthography is by no means (juiti' 
 regular. The transcript has, however, been carefully made fi-om 
 the original, and compared again in i)roof, and the ivader, with 
 the allowance necessary in the circumstances already described, 
 may Iccl assun-d thai in the original, as printed, he hasacorrcct 
 (•(•liy 111' the Dean's work. 
 
 The \\(trk, however, was not beyoml the threshold when the 
 transcription was coniplrte. It was in interpreting the Dean's 
 ]ihonetie (laelic, so as to form the modern (iai-lii- edition, tluil 
 the ehierdilliiiilty arose; and here the translator was left alto 
 gether w illiDiil guide to lead the Wav, eXeejil in the lase til" a few 
 
\()TV. nV THAXSLATOI}. 131 
 
 ul" the O.ssiaiiic iiooin.s. Tlicro were tlirce peculiar diflieulties to 
 be encountered heie, — first, the frequent occurrence of ol)solete 
 words,— words not to be found in any dictionary of the Scottisli 
 Gaelic, — and the meaning of which coidtl only be learned from 
 some acquaintance with the ancient MS. writings of Scottish 
 and Irish scribes ; secondly, there was the introduction into the 
 Dean's grammar of the Irish eclipsis, turning in his orthography 
 / into w, c into//, h into m, and d into n, without any hyphen ; and 
 there was, last of all, the accentuation, which, in a numl)er of 
 the pieces, lays the emphasis on the latter syllable of dissyllabic 
 words, and thus alters to a Scotch reader the whole rhythm of 
 the lines. Many of these pieces will not read as poetry at aU, 
 unless read in accordance with the Irish method of accentua- 
 tion. It was known to all acquainted wdth early Gaelic litera- 
 ture, how much there was that was common to the literature of 
 Scotland and Ireland, This miscellany fully establishes the 
 fact, while it also shows that, in the fifteenth ceutuiy, Scottish 
 Gaelic, as exemplified in some of these compositicms, especially 
 those of Finlay M'Xab, had its own distinctive features. There 
 is nothing more interesting than the weight given in tlie allu- 
 sions in these poems to the existence and influence of the Bardic 
 schools at the period, and the large prizes usually conferred by 
 the wealthy on successful poets. 
 
 The translation into English was, upon the whulo, a less 
 arduous process than the previous one. It might have been 
 otherwise had the attempt been made to translate into English 
 poetry. Tliis, however, has been carefully avoided. The ren- 
 dering has been made so literal as that the meaning of every 
 sentence in Gaelic is conveyed in English, so far as the editor 
 has been able to do it ; and the translation is merely somewhat 
 lightened, and the reading made more agreeable, by having the 
 baldness of mere literality removed, and the lines made some - 
 what smooth and flowimr. 
 
132 NOTE BY TRANSLATOR. 
 
 In some cases the spelling and handwriting together have so 
 obscured the words, that the editor has been quite unable to 
 give anythmg like a satisfactory' rendering ; hence there will be 
 found, in a very few instances, what are apparently different 
 w ords in the original and modern version. Some instances will 
 also be found of words written in the modern version according 
 to the analogy of the Dean's orthography, while the precise 
 word intended has not been identified. The editor has only to 
 say regarding these and any other cases of doubtful rendering, 
 which in such a work must be numerous, that he wiU be hajtpy 
 to receive through the publishers any suggestions from Gaelic 
 scholars which may help to secure greater accui-acy. 
 
 It is only neces.saiy to say forther, that in extending the 
 modem Gaelic version of these poems, it was perfectly im- 
 possible to exclude all the older fonns of the language. In 
 many places to do so would have been to destroy the whole 
 poetical stmcture of the composition. It was essential to retain 
 the "da," if, the " fa," on, or under, and the "co" or "go," with, 
 besides numerous forms of the verb, which it is the practice now 
 to call Irish, but which were common at an early period to the 
 literature of both countries. It was perfectly impossible, with 
 anything like justice to these compositions, to bring them 
 into exact conformity with the rules of modern Scottish (Jaolio. 
 
 The present volume contains every line of Ossianic or Fenian 
 poetry in the Dean's MS. It also contains eveiy composition 
 having reference to Scotland, with the excejjtion of five ; two of 
 these being so much defaced, and so many of the wonls obscured 
 by time and exposure, that it is impossiliU' to give anythiii; 
 like an accurate version of them. Tlie other tliree aiv eulogii - 
 (til tlic clan Grogor chiefs, so much of a piece with those alivady 
 given, (hat tliey would imt (•(tutribute to the litemrv value ol 
 llie wniU. Tlu- i.mvly Irisli pociii.s of the ( )"lluggiljs. til.' 
 ( )'I )aly.s, etc., are not given in (his wdik, whose oliject is to 
 
NOTE l?Y TUANSLATOK. i.^j 
 
 illustratt' tlio laii^nuigu and literature of the Scottish Jli^^hhinds 
 at an early period. A few specimens, such as the laments of 
 Gornday, wife of Nial (Jhmdubh, and dau-fhtcr of Flann Sionna, 
 (^iiecn of Ireland, have heeu transcribed as specimens, which 
 may ho not miinteresting either to the Scottisli or Irish reader. 
 The Irish compositions are, with few exceptions, of a religious 
 character. 
 
 T. ML. 
 Edinburgh, December 1861. 
 
 In a note at p. 43, it is said that an edition of the poem 
 by Allan IM'Rory, there translated, would be given at the 
 close of the work, as taken down from the recitation of an old 
 M'oman, Christina Sutherland, in Caithness, in the year 1854. 
 It is now given, but without a translation, which is not 
 thought necessary. 
 
 DUAN CATHA GHABHRA. 
 
 Is trom an nochd mo chuniha fcin, gnilgcantacli mo riati, 
 Smuaincachadh a cliatha chruaidh, clniir mise 'us Cairbar claoii-ruadh. 
 A mhic 's a Clmnnaig sluiinn, is mairg sin fhuaircadli fo a laiiub, 
 Laoch gun glindn cha do chuir, ana a dlia laindi iutliaidh. 
 Labhairidh Baranta gu prap, cuimhnich JMucanais, cuiinhnicli fathasd, 
 Cuimhidch 'ur siimsreadh, 's 'lu: liun, cuinihnicli na cisean bhitboadh 
 
 cruaidh, 
 Blia aca an Eirinn ri'r linn, gu 'n bbi ag iocadh do Mhac Cumhail. 
 Gu 'm b'fhcarr tuitoam air a mhagb, sinn 'us an Fhcinn Ic cbcile, 
 No bhi air barr a nihaigli, bbi an Flioinn air a mhhr tliir. 
 Chuir sinn ar comhairle chruaidh, sinn 'us an Fhoinn ri aon uair, 
 Fcucbainn an cuireadh garb og aghach, ccangal air . . . 
 An oidhche sin duinu gu It), eadar ndmathan Fhiann 's na Feinn og M, 
 An la sin gu 'm bithoaniaid nuiigb, 'g uiUt air Chairbar 'na Uatli-thcach. 
 
134 ><'<'TE 15Y TllANSLATOU. 
 
 Chuir siiin sin Cath Ghabhra, 'us thuir gu fuathiuli, fiiilcacb, feiirgucb, 
 
 Tliuit an Fhcinu bona li bonn, 'us feara uasjil J]irinn. 
 
 Dcich fichcad agiis fichead ceud, sgeul fior, ni abniim brcug, 
 
 Gun robh sinte au la sin, air a ralia^di gun ananiain, 
 
 Dha uiread cile 'us sin bha ann, aig righ Eirinn, sgeul bu nilin, 
 
 Gun robh sinte air an taubh eilc, de uaislibh Eirinn airm-gliloiu. 
 
 Chuir sinn ar teachdair saor, gu Fatbacanain mac a Cbuin, 
 
 Rachad an teachdair o ar cinn, gu ard tbuhR-b Eirinn. 
 
 Ciod e sin a pidudli a bbuail oirbb, ars' an righ le meud a thoirm, 
 
 Is e mlieud 's a bha annaildiso d'an uabhar, sin a nibill na fir cile. 
 
 Ach iniiis duinn Oisiain fheilc, 'n uair chuir thu gach iurghuill trcun, 
 
 An d'fiiuair thu do mhac anns a cbath, no an d'nig air 'ard labhradb. 
 
 Thaiiiig mi an deigh cur an air, os cionn mo mhic Osgair Jligh, 
 
 Gun d'fhuair mise a sgiath ri liir, 's 's a hum 'u a dbeas luiuih ; 
 
 Chuir mi bonn mo shloagh ri \hr, 'us riun mi os a chionn tilmh, 
 
 Phadruig, snmainich mise an sin, ciod a dheauaiuu ri mo shaoghal ; 
 
 Gum b'e freagairt mo mhicse ft'in, 'n uair bha e au dcireadb auamain, 
 
 " Fo ris ua duilibh, thusa a blii lathair, athar.' 
 
 Ach uior their mise a gho, freagairt cha robh agam dhu, 
 
 Ach an d' thaiuig Caoilte cain, thugams;i dh' Iheuchainn Osgair. 
 
 'N uair dh' f heuch Caoilte gach cncadh air choir, f huivir e gacb aon ni o 
 
 dhmgh, 
 Fhuair e 'chorp creuchdach, glaii, air a sgaraidh le geur sldcaghau ; 
 Sleagh chrithinu a Chuirbair ruaidh, an inuibh Osgair, mo thruaighe ! 
 Bha lamh Chaoilte gu uileann dcas, ann an aite na sleagha, 
 Leud na coise bhhu air 'Iholt, cha robh sin slhn 'u a cborp, 
 Ach an ruigeadh e 'bhonu Ihr, ach 'eudau 'n a b-aonar. 
 Mar bhuinne aindine bha a shnuagh, no sruth rcothairt bha ro luath, 
 Gun robh c 'cuir 'fhola dheth, 'am blaghaibh a luirich. 
 Thog sinn an t-Osgar suas, cbunuucas tochdair mu 'r coinnimb, 
 Fioim mat- Cumhail is o treunmhor, 'us c 'g imcachd iVatlh an t-sloigb, 
 Ag iarraidh mo chorpsa '8 a chath, 'us corp Osgair an aird fhlatha, 
 Corp Cliadilte nach tinn, deixgh mhic a itheathair ionndiuinn. 
 Chunnaic sinn nis Fiimn, 'us o 'g imcachd fcadh an t sloigh, 
 Thog sinn ar slcagha os ar cionn, 'us ruith sinn uilc 'n a ciiondidhail. 
 lihcannaich sinn an sin do Fhionn, 'us cha d'fhrcagair c>an sinn, 
 Acb ruith gu tulacb nan trcun, far am bith Osgar nan ann gour. 
 'N uair chunnaic an t 0.sgar Fionn, 'us c tanuiil os a cliionn, 
 Thog c air an aghaidh aluinn, 'us lilicaniiairh c d'a shcaiiair, 
 Ik'Mgan bu ndiiosa thu na sin, an la Chab an-cudainn, 
 Chilcadh na ncoil tmimh do shlios, 'us dirfhcmlar «lo Icighcas, 
 Jvachad na coircaii air luathainn, trnimh do cliolainn chraobb uallaicb, 
 D'fhuaighcal dli' iarr thu Ic goid, nach d'riaucus air laoch mmliad. 
 
N'OTK r.Y TltANSLAToK. 135 
 
 Mo liM^Oioas c-lia 11 \il aij;- I'.-til, iioclia-n riiai.L^liL'ur c <^n l)i?itli, 
 'ruilloadh vhii-n \-'d agailili do "111 tlioirlilicirt, acli an t-.srcaiigsa do '111 ard 
 
 lal.hradh, 
 Sloadli Cliaibair dirhdli 1110 cliridlic 's gur i sgar mi o 1110 chairdiMi, 
 Cliuir sleadli nan naoi slinn, oadar nriniloag 'us ni'ainican, 
 Rio tliniaiglic sin ! Osi,'air fin'ilo, 's a dhcagli udiic mo ndiicsc fi'in, 
 Clia s<,Miadli na slca^di o do dliniini, 'n am togail cis sliliociid mlior 
 
 Cliuinn, 
 D'cisdcaohd ri briatlnailih Fiiinn, an ainm an Osgair dliuinn, 
 Shiu e uaitli a dlia laindi, us dhiln c an rosg bha ro luhall. 
 Thionndadh Fionn ruinn a ciiiM, 'us sliil a dhcura gu dlfi ; 
 An taobli muigh do Osgar 'us dc Bhran, gun chaoiucadli air iicadi bli'air 
 
 tludamli. 
 Cha chaoineadh duinc a ndiac fcin, 's clia cliaoinoadli c bratliair 'n a 
 
 dh^igh, 
 Bha sinn mar sin uile, 's gach neach a caoincadli Osgair. 
 A mliaiu a(^b mi ft'iu 'us Fioiui, clia robli aon neadi os a cbionn, 
 Nacli tug tri glaodlian nm'n uaigh, cbuir clos air Eirinn ri aon uair. 
 D'(^isdoacbd ri beucaicb nam fear, 'us sgreadail nan coudi-iuhiUdh, 
 Ri faitiini an oig-fbir tbrein, 'us e "n a hiidb 'n a bliaotb-ncul, 
 Ge b'o rigb tbigcadb an sin, gbcibheadb c Ibide gun aoidh, 
 Gun fliuatliacb, gun unddadh, gun dail, gun aobnduisaii, gun iomadan. 
 O'u la chuir mi catb Ghabbra, gu doarbh nu gun trom labhradb, 
 'Us oidbcbc cha robh mi no \o, gun osnadb blia gii lionmbor. 
 
 T. I\I'L. 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 {Ititrodudmi, p. xv.) 
 DIFFERENCES BE'HVEEN IRISH AND SCOTCH GAELIC. 
 
 Dr. 0'Donov^\Js, in Lis Irish Grammar, gives a statement of 
 these differences, ^\ hich is somewhat meagre. lie appears, how- 
 ever, to have had little knowledge of 8eotch Gaelic, except what 
 he gathered from Stewart's Grammar ; and this statement of the 
 diflerences between the two dialects is taken almost icrlatim 
 from a prior statement of them by V. ^I'Eligott, in the Trans- 
 actions of the Gaelic Society, published in 1808, p. 15. 
 
 Dr. O'Donovan, in his account of grammars previously pub- 
 lished, gives Stewart very just praise for the excellence of his 
 Grammar; but throughout his own work he never loses an 
 opportunity of carping at him, and is especially uidignant at 
 him for daring to state that the Scotch Gaelic wants the present 
 tense of the verb, and very disingenuously quotes Shaw's Gram- 
 mar as a superior authority. He likewise attacks Stewart for 
 not producing ancient MSS. to prove it, and for not seeing that 
 the present tense is used by Bishop Carsewell, in 1564. Stew- 
 art, however, was not undertaking a grammar of the ancient 
 Scotch Gaelic, but of the dialect then spoken by the people ; 
 and most unquestionably, in the spoken dialect of Stewart's 
 time, the present tense was not used. Dr. O'Donovan denies 
 this fact, and even charges Stewart with dishonesty. His theorj- 
 is, " that Stewart was induced to reject this tense, in order to 
 establish a striking point of resemblance between the Erse and 
 the Hebrew, which the Irish, supposed to be the mother tongue, 
 had not," — a most unworthy insinuation, and most unphiloso- 
 phical, for O'Donovan ought to have known that the changes 
 
138 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 wliieli take place in the structure of spoken languages proceed 
 from organic laws which cannot he influenced or directed hy 
 grammarians. The will of any single man is powerless to alter 
 the minutest particle in the language ; and the fact that the 
 inflected present tense is not used iu Scotch Gaelic, is evident 
 to any one acc[uainted with the language, or who has come in 
 contact with those who speak it. 
 
 Dr. O'Douovan also finds fault with Stewart for expressing 
 an opinion that, " as the Erse dialect has not the inflections in 
 the termination of its verbs, which characterize the Irish, it is 
 therefore more original than the Irish." This is, no doubt, an 
 eiToneous view ; and O'Donovau correctly states " that the mode 
 of inflection, by varying the termination, is more ancient than 
 the use of particles ;" but he might have recollected that the 
 contrary opinion was vciy generally held when Stewart wrote ; 
 that the sounder principles of ])hik)logy, in this respect, were 
 not known or undei-stood till after the pul»lication of his Gram- 
 mar; and that he could not, with any candour, impute it to him 
 as a fault that he had not anticipated the conclusions of a 
 science which had, so to speak, been created subsequently to 
 his time. That the same peculiarities existed in the language in 
 the last century, is proved by the fact that the Gaelic colonist-s 
 in Canada, who have been separated from the mother country 
 since that period, speak a form of Scotch Gaelic pivcisely simi 
 lar to that now spoken in the Highlands, and jwssessing nil 
 those dialectic peculiarities which distingui.sh it from Irish. 
 Although the i)resent tense of the verb is usually expressed 
 by the auxiliaiy, the Highlanders also use the future tense to 
 express the i)resent. 
 
 The leading (I iHerences between Irish and Siotth Gaelic may 
 be stated generally a.s follows : 
 
 SOUNPS (»K TlIK LANHL'ACi:. 
 
 1. Tin' iiiilial consonants are not affected tt) the same I'xtent 
 as in Iri.sli and W'tlsli ; and in pure Scotch Gaelic (lie ei'lipsis 
 is unknown, cxci pt in llic rase (if the K'tter S. 
 
ADDITIuNAI, NOTKS. 
 
 «39 
 
 Till' following taltlo will show tlirir relative iiositiuu in this 
 M'spect : — 
 
 TARLE SHOWING THE CHANGE IN THE INITIAL CONSONiVNT IN 
 WELSH, HUSH, AND SCOTCH GAELIC. 
 
 
 
 Welsh. 
 
 
 lUI.SII. 
 
 Scotch Oaelic. 
 
 Initial 
 Consoimnts. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Eclii.sis. 
 
 Asiiiratioii. 
 
 Nasal. 
 
 K.-lii)»ls. 
 
 Aspiration. 
 
 EcHiMis. 
 
 Aspiration. 
 
 P 
 
 B 
 
 Ph 
 
 Mh 
 
 ^ 
 
 Ph 
 
 Ph 
 
 c 
 
 G 
 
 Ch 
 
 Ngh 
 
 G 
 
 Cli 
 
 
 Ch 
 
 T 
 
 D 
 
 Th 
 
 Nh 
 
 D 
 
 Til 
 
 
 Th 
 
 B 
 
 1\1 
 
 l]h or F 
 
 
 I\I 
 
 Bh 
 
 
 Bh 
 
 G 
 
 NG 
 
 — 
 
 
 KG 
 
 Gh 
 
 .1° 
 
 Gh 
 
 D 
 
 N 
 
 Dd or Dh 
 
 
 N 
 
 Dh 
 
 rt 
 ^ 
 
 Dh 
 
 LI 
 
 
 L 
 
 
 
 L 
 
 
 L 
 
 M 
 
 
 Mh or F 
 
 
 
 Mh 
 
 
 Mh 
 
 Rh 
 
 
 R 
 
 
 
 R 
 
 
 R 
 
 F 
 
 
 
 
 Bh 
 
 Fli 
 
 
 Fh 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 T 
 
 Sh 
 
 T 
 
 Sh 
 
 2. In Irisli, words beginning with A may take the digaiiinia 
 F, as ((ill, faill, a rock; ata, fata, a plain; iolair, Jiolair, an 
 eagle, etc. The digamma never appears in Scotch Gaelic. 
 
 3. Tlie vowel sounds and U in Irish, pass into A in Scotch 
 Gaelic ; as, oir, Ir., air, Sc. G. ; og, Ir., ag, Sc. G. ; ugadh, Ir., 
 achadh, Sc. G. ; chuaidh, Ir., cliaidh, Sc. G. 
 
 4. The vowel at the end of nouns in Irish, is dropped in 
 Scotch Gaelic ; as, tiglicrna, Ir., tighcarn, Sc. G. 
 
 5. In the consonants the older form is often retained in Scotch 
 Gaelic ; thus, the initial S in Irish, is often D in Scotch Gaelic, 
 which is the older form, as suil, Ir., dull, Sc. G.,— hope. S is 
 sometimes changed to P, as siuthar, Ir., piuthur, Sc. G.,— sister. 
 
140 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 G. Tlie accentuation in Scotcli Gaelic in dissyllables is on 
 tlic first syllable ; in Irish, on the last. 
 
 Grammar. 
 
 1. Article. 
 
 The genitive plural before a labial is nam. 
 
 2. Noun. 
 
 Tlie nominative plural frequently ends like Welsh and Manx 
 in an; as, Slatan, rods ; Maithcan, chiefs. 
 
 3. Verbs. 
 
 The analytic form is alone used, there being no inflections 
 for persons or numbers. 
 
 The Irish present is used as the future, and there is no present 
 tense.^ 
 
 The past-participle is invariably te hard, and is not varied as 
 in IrisL 
 
 There are no consuetudinary tenses. 
 
 4. Adverb. 
 The negative is Cha, instead of Ni, in Irish. 
 
 Vocabulary. 
 There is a considerable difference in the vocabidarj' woixls 
 being now used in Irish, which are imknown in Scutch Gaelic, 
 and vice versa, and a comparison of the lists of idiomatic 
 })hrjises in Irish or Scotch Gaelic shows a very gi'eat difVeivnce 
 in the mode of expressing familiar plnasi-s.^ 
 
 ' III the old form of the veil), iii Ger- ou^ht to l»e retiiiiUHl, but justice to an 
 
 mail, the ]ireseiit tense excreiHed like- c(|unlly iiMc Scutih (;raiiiniarinu seemed 
 
 wise the function of the future. to n'i|uir« them ; niul he may Ik- ftllowe«l 
 
 this »i|iiMirtuiiily of exiuessiiij; his sincere 
 
 « Since this note wiis written, the mlmiratic.n of the fjreiit learning' niul 
 
 writer has Icariu-d with preiit re^'ri<t of knowlcilj^e of that distint;uishe«l Irish 
 
 the deatli of Dr. O'Donovaii, ninl hesi- scholar, uiid his sense of the Iokm which 
 
 tatcil wlifther these strictures on some I'dtic |ihiloloj»y has mi-,I:uiii.1 l.v lus 
 
 <>])inions in hi.n nldo Irish (jraniiiiar laimntcd death. 
 
ADDITIONAL XOTES. 141 
 
 {Introduction, p. Ixxxiv.) 
 
 Tlie Welsli poein alluded to is contained in the Welsh 
 Archa3olog}', vol. i. p. 1G8. Tlie text is, liowever, very corrupt. 
 It has been translated by ^Ir. Stephen in the Archaologia 
 Cnmhrcnsis, new Series, vol. ii. p. 150, who did not, however, 
 see its real character, and very stranf^ely supposes it to refer to 
 the actions of Cuichelm, one of the "West Saxon kin<;s, who died 
 in G3G, and whom he identifies with the Chocholyn of the 
 poem, while of Corroi, son of Dairy, he can give no account. 
 
 The poem is in reality an Ossianic poem referring to the 
 death of Curoi, son of ])aire, by CuchuUin, the celebrated 
 Fenian hero of Ulster. 
 
 Keating gives the following account of the death of Curoi : — 
 " The heroes of the red branch united to plunder an island near 
 Alban, called Manann, where there was a great quantity of gold, 
 silver, jewels, and many other valuable articles, and a lovely 
 marriageable young lady, who suipasscd all the women of her 
 time in exquisite figure and beauty, the daughter of the governor 
 of the island, and her name was Blanaid. AYhen Curigh was 
 informed that the heroes were setting out on this expedition, he 
 transformed himself by magic into a disguised shape, and joined 
 the party ; but when they were on the point of plundering the 
 island, disguised like jugglers, they judged that there would be 
 great difticidty in taking the fortress in the island, in which 
 were secured Blanaid and the valuable treasures of the whole 
 island, on account of its strength and the number of men who 
 defended it. Then Curigh, who was attired in a coarse gi-ey 
 habit, engaged, if he were to get his choice of the treasures, that 
 he would himself take possession of the fort. Cuchullin pro- 
 mises this, and immediately they attacked the castle with the 
 man in the gi-ey habit at their head, who stopped the motion of 
 an enchanted wheel that was placed at the castle gate, and let 
 in all the troops, by whom the fortress was sacked, and Blanaid 
 and all the treasure borne away. They then set out for Ireland, 
 and arrived at Evan ; and on dividing the treasure, the man in 
 the grey habit demands liis choice of the jewels, as was promised 
 
142 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 to him. ' You shall have it/ says Cuchullin. ' Wull, then.' says 
 he, ' Blanaid is the jewel I choose.' ' Take your choice of all 
 the jewels except Blanaid alone,' replies Cuchullin. ' I will not 
 exchange her,' says Curigh, and thereupon he seeks to cany her 
 off by force ; and having surjmsed her unperceived, took her 
 away concealed under an enchanted mask. "When Cuchullin 
 perceived that the lady was missing, he suspected that it was 
 Curigh that stole her off, and pursued them directly to Mnnster, 
 and overtook them at Sulchoid. The champions engage, and a 
 l)rave and well-fought contest ensues ; but at length Cuchullin 
 was overcome by Curigh, who tied him neck and heels, and left 
 him shackled like a captive, after cutting off his hair with his 
 sword, and then carried away ]]lanaid into the west i)f ^lun- 
 ster. Then, however, came up Laugh mac Iiiain of Cal^ira, and 
 unbound Cuchullin, and they set out for the north of Ulster, 
 where they resided near the peaks of Boirche for the space of 
 a year, without appearing in the Council of Ulster, until CuchuU 
 liii's hair grew again ; and at the expiration of the year, happen- 
 ing to be on the peaks of Boirche, he saw a great tlight of biixls 
 coming on the sea to the north, and on their landing upon the 
 shore, he pursues them, and by a feat called Tiurim, killed one 
 of them with his sling in eveiy district he passed through, until 
 the last of them fell at Sruv Bron, in the west of Munster. On 
 his return from the west, he found Blanaid in .solitude near the 
 Finglass, in Keny, where Curigh had a palace at that time. A 
 conversation ensued between them, in which she declared tt» him 
 that there was not on the face of the earth a man she loved moiv, 
 and entreated him to come near Allhallow tide with an armed 
 band, and cany her off with hini by force ; and that he might 
 the more easily accomjilish his disign, she would take care that 
 Curigh should, at that time, have but few soldiers or attend- 
 ants. Cuchullin promises to come to her at the ai)pointed time, 
 anil then takes his leave, and sets out for Ulster, and relates the 
 aiUiiitiiiv to Choncubar. 
 
 In the meantime Bianaiil toUl Curigh that he ought to eix»ct 
 a jialace for himself that should exceeil all the myal ])alaces in 
 the kingdom, and that he \\\\'^\\{ do so by sending the Clauna 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTKS 14? 
 
 Dra^niitl to <;!itliL'raii(l t'ollcct all (lie hw^o uiui^^'lit stones in tlic 
 kinL,'tloni to form this ])aliK'i\ I'lanaiil's reason for this was, 
 that the CLanna Deaf,niid ini^ht h(! dispersoil in distant parts of 
 I ivhmd, far from Ciirigh, at tlie time that Ciicliullin shouhl come 
 to earry her off, Cuchullin, being informed that tlie Channa 
 Deaguid were scattered over the kingdom, sets out privately, 
 and soon arrived at a wood near the seat of Curigh, and sends 
 secretly to inform Blanaid of liis arrival with a large body of 
 troojis along with him. She sends him word that she would 
 steal Curigh's sword ; and then, as a sign of attack, that she 
 would spill a large vessel of new milk that was in the liouse 
 into the rivulet which flowcsd from the castle through the wood 
 where Cuchullin was concealed. Having heard this, in a short 
 time he jierceived the stream white with the milk, when, .sally 
 ing out, they forced into the "[xilace, and sIcm- Curigh, w^ho was 
 alone and unarmed, and took Blanaid away with them to lister." 
 
 WELSH POEM. 
 
 MAKWNAU COllKOI MAK PAIIIV. 
 
 Dy ffyuhawn lydan dyleinw aches 
 Dyddaw dyhepcyr dybris dybrys 
 IMarwnad Corroy am CyflVocs. 
 Ordyviwr garw ci anwydcu 
 A oedd niwy ei ddrwg nis mawr giglou 
 Mab Dairy daloi lyw ar for doliou 
 Datbl oedd ei glod cyn noi adiicu. 
 By ifynhawn lydan deleinw noinieii 
 Byddaw dyhepcyr dybrys dybreu 
 Marwnad Corroy genhyf inhcu. 
 By ffynhawn lydan dylcinw tlyllyr 
 By saeth dychyrcli draetb diwg dybyr 
 Gwr a werescyn mawr ei faranrhos. 
 
 [Line ivaniin</.) 
 A wedy mynaw myned trofydd 
 A ant wy iTres flVa wyuyonydd 
 'I'ra fu viiddugre vore ddugrawr 
 Chwedleu aingwyddir o wir liyd law 
 Cyfranc Corroy a Chocliolyu. 
 
144 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 Lliaws cu terfysg am cu tcrfyn 
 Tarddoi pen amwern gwcrin goadd fwyi 
 Cat'i- y su guhvydd ni gwydd ni gryn 
 Gwyn ai fyd yr cnaid ui harobryn. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 
 THE DEATII-SONG OF CORROY, SON OF DAIRY. 
 
 Thy large fountain fills the river, 
 
 Thy coining will make thy value of little worth, 
 
 The death- song of Corroy agitates me. 
 
 II. • 
 
 If the warrior will come, rough his temper. 
 And his evil was greater than its renown was great, 
 To seize the son of Dairy, lord of the Southern Sea. 
 Celebrated was his praise before she was intrusted to him. 
 
 III. 
 Thy large fountain fills the stream. 
 Thy coming will cause saddling without haste. 
 The doath-.song of Corroi is with me now. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Thy large fountain fills the deep ; 
 
 Thy arrows traverse tlic strand, not frowning or depressed. 
 
 The warrior conquers, great his rank of soldiers, 
 
 {Line uutufhii/.) 
 And at'tiT iiiiittratiiig, enters the towns, 
 And . . . the j)ure stream was i)romptly whitened. 
 Whilst tlie victorious one in tho morning licn]>s larnago, 
 Tales will be known to me from the sky to earth, 
 Of the encounter of rorrt)i and (Mioeholyn. 
 Numerous their tuiiiulls about their bi>rders, 
 Springs the chief o'er the surrounding mead of the .M»me\vh:it 
 
 gentle! wood. 
 A eity then' was, love — tlilVusiiig. not paling, not trembling. 
 Ila|ipy is he wlmse soul is rewardcil. 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTKS. I4< 
 
 Tlif illusions in this \n)v\n aiv to (Juiluilliirs rxjicditiuii In 
 attack Curroi, to Blaiiaid's ^nviii<i; tho si^Mial by fiUin^f the stream 
 with milk from a largo vessel, and to the encounter between 
 Curroi and Cuclmllin, in which the former fell. 
 
 It may not be out of place to insert here a few stanzas of an 
 old Manx historical poem, written between 1504 and 1522, to 
 show the relation of the Manx orthography to the Welsh and 
 to that of the Dean of the same age. 
 
 Dy neaialitagh shin aglnisli my skeayll 
 As dy viiig Ihiclu ayns my chant 
 IMyr share dy voddyras losh my vceal, 
 Yinnin din gcill da 'n Ellau Shccant. 
 
 II. 
 Quoi yn chicd or cc row ricau ce 
 Ny kys ei.sht myr haghyr da 
 Ny kys hug Parick ayns Crccstiaght 
 Ny kys myr haiiik ce gys 8tanhia. 
 
 III. 
 Mauanuau beg va Mac y Leirr, 
 Shen yn chicd er ec row ricau ce, 
 Agh myr share oddyms cur my ncr, 
 Cea row ch hcnc agh an chrecstce. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 If you would listen to ray story, 
 I will pronounce my chant 
 As best I can. I will with my mouth 
 Give you notice of the Holy Island ; 
 Who he was tliat had it first, 
 And then what happened to Iiim ; 
 And how Patrick brought in Christianity, 
 And how it came to Stanley. 
 Manannan beg was son of Leirr, 
 He was the first that ever had it ; 
 But as I can best conceive. 
 He him.self was not a Christian. 
 
146 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 roerns, p. 3. 
 This poem has a strong resemblance in its character and 
 sentiment to the oldest poems in the Cpnmrian dialect 
 
 The oldest known poem in this dialect which has been 
 preserved in its original orthography is a short poem of 
 three stanzas, written in the Irish character in a parchment 
 MS. at Cambridge, containing a paraphrase of the Clospels by 
 luvencus, a Latin poet The writing of this MS. is anterior to 
 the year 700. 
 
 The poem is as follows : — 
 
 I. 
 Ni gviorcosam ncmhcunaur heuoid, 
 Mi telu nit gurmaiir. 
 Mi am frauc daui an calaur. 
 
 II. 
 Ni canu ni guardam ni cusani henoid, 
 Get ibcn mcd nouel 
 Mi am franc dam an patel. 
 
 III. 
 Na niercit im ncjileguenit henoid 
 Is diszur mi coueidid 
 Donn am riccur im guetid. 
 It is the song of a warrior mourning his fate and his ;>oli 
 tilde, and may be tluis translated : — 
 
 Neither repose nor sleep for me this night. 
 My house is no longer great. 
 For me and my servant no caldron more, 
 No songs, no smiles, no kisses this night, 
 As wlicn I drank the fortifying mead. 
 For me and my servant no goblet more, 
 No longer joy for me this night. 
 My supporter is diseouraged ; 
 No one aids me in my disfre-ss. 
 
 The Irish tliaiacler, in which this poem i.s written, is of the 
 eighth century, and ViUemanpie has renuirked upon its re- 
 semblance in sentiment and character to a i)0em of I.lywareh 
 lieu, a Cuudniau Ijanl of the sixth or seveulh century, whose 
 
\I)I)ITIO\AI, \OTKS. 147 
 
 poems are universally admitted to lie genuine, tlie urtlitigniphy 
 of which is much more modern. The poem is in triplets, tlie 
 first line also ending with " heno," and a single stanza or two 
 will show the resemblance :- - 
 
 Y stafol Kyndylan nis esmwytli-heno 
 
 Ar bcnn karec Ilydwyth 
 
 Ileb ner, Ileb nifer, Ilcb aminwyth. 
 
 Istafel kyndylan ys tywyll— licno 
 Heb dan, Hob gerddau 
 Dyg^studd deurudd dagrau. 
 
 The following are a few of the verses : — 
 
 The hall of Kyndylan is not joyous this night, 
 
 On the top of the rock of Hydwyth, 
 
 A\'ithout its lord, without company, without feasts. 
 
 The hall of Kyndylan is gloomy this night, 
 
 Without fire, without songs, 
 
 Tears afilict the cheeks. 
 
 The poem, attributed to Ossian in the Dean's 'Sis., is of the 
 same character : — 
 
 Long arc the clouds this night above me ; 
 The last was a long night to me. 
 This day, although I find it long, 
 Yesterday was longer still. 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me. 
 
 No rising up to noble feats ; 
 
 No mirthful sport as we would wish, 
 
 No swimming heroes on our lakes. 
 
 Long are the clouds this night above me, etc. 
 
 Poem, p. L 
 This is a well-known poem, termed Sliabh nam ban Fiouu. 
 A copy almost identic with this is published by the Ossiauic 
 Society of Dublin in their sixth volume, and a* comparison of 
 the first stanza with that of the Dean will show the relation the 
 orthography of it Ways to liis : — 
 
I4S ADDI'J'IONAL NOTES. 
 
 DEAN. 
 La zay dcacha iinu uio rayth 
 Di holg er slcyve ny ban fiun 
 'I'li incillith wathyon ny wayii 
 No zcaath skaow vass in ginii. 
 
 IKISll. 
 La da n-deachaidli Fioim na bhfiann 
 Do sheilg ar shliabh na m-ban fionn 
 Tri mhilc du nihaithibli na bhfiann 
 Sul n-deachaidh grian os ar g-cionn. 
 It will be observed that the Iriish eclipsLs i.s only partially 
 recognised by tlie Dean. 
 
 There is a copy of this poem in Kennedy's Collection, p. 29. 
 The number of verses is the same, but some variation occurs 
 in the reading of several of them. 
 
 Dr. Smith remarks, in the Highland Suciety's Kcport, that an 
 edition of this poem, under the title of La nior Seilg na Feinne, 
 occurs in the oral recitations communicated by the liev. Francis 
 Stewart of Craignish, and another was written from memory by 
 Archibald M'Callum. 
 
 I'ociii, p. 20. 
 The King (jf Sorcha is here opposed to the daughter of the 
 King of the Tir fo thuinn, or land beneath the waves ; ami in 
 this respect it resembles the Welsh poems, where the King of 
 Annwn and his daughter play so great a part. 
 
 Sorcha is light, in opposition to Dorcha, dark ; and there 
 seems to be a i)oetic contrast between the kingdom of light and 
 the kingdom under the waves. 
 
 Historically the land under tlie wavi-.s wa.s the Kiw lying 
 coast of H(jlland and .(Jcrmany, extending fwm tlu- llhine to 
 the EIIm'. 
 
 Dr. Smith remarks tlial tlii.N poem dilUrs little IVum Ken 
 uedy'.s and ntlier (ual editjdMs in the [(ussessinn of tlu- Soeii'ty. 
 
 /'e-.., p. 2.;. 
 
 There is ail edition nC this poem in one i>l M'N'nrieh's mss, 
 in the eollecli.ui ileiHisit,.,! ill the |'"a<ull\ Lil.rarv. The Ian 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES. ,\., 
 
 i;ua<,'t' is more Irisli tliaii the Dean's. The first vorse may l)c 
 Ljivoii tor the ]>urp(>s(' ol' oomparisoii : — 
 
 DKAN. 
 S;ii lii guss in tlci 
 ()y nacli vaga niai fiiin 
 Chaiiaka rem rai 
 8ai bno yar lym. 
 
 M'VUKirH. 
 Se la gus an de 
 Nach faca nic fionn 
 Ni f haca re mo re 
 Se bndh faide leani. 
 It will be observed that the Dean nses the Scotcli negative 
 Cha, M'liilo ^rVurich has the Irish Ni. 
 
 Poem, p. 30. 
 Dr. Smith states that this poem corresponds in a great 
 measure with one taken down from oral recitation in Sutherland 
 and another in Isla. 
 
 Pocm.% p. 35 and p. 48. 
 This poem is one of the editions of the Cath Gabhra, and, 
 along with the poem by Feargus Filidh on the same subject, 
 fonus part of the long poem called Cath Gabhra, printed by 
 the Ossianic Society of Dublin in their first volume. 
 In this ]ioem it is said — 
 
 Eastward we sent ambassadors. 
 To Fatha of Conn's great son, 
 Or more literally — 
 
 To Fatha. son of Maccon. 
 The expression east or eastward always refers to Alba or Scot- -- 
 
 land, in contradistinction to west, which was Sire, and the 
 allusion here is to one of the mythic colonies from Ireland to 
 Scotland. >-^ 
 
 In addition to the historic colony of Dalriada in the sixth ' 
 centurj', the Irish historians record four colonies in pre-historic 
 times. 
 
150 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 These were — 
 
 1. Dalriads under Cairljre Riada, in tlio third centuiy. 
 
 2. The Clanna Bi-eogan, under the Fathads, sons of Lugad 
 
 Mac Con, King of Ireland, in the third centur}', from mIiohi 
 the Campbells are said to be descended. 
 
 3. Erenlonians, under Colla Uais, King of Ireland, in the 
 
 fourth century, from whom the M'Donalds are said to be 
 descended. 
 
 4. Eberians, under Cairbre Cruithnechan and Elaine Leamhna, 
 
 sons of Core mac Lughadh, in the fourth centuiy, from 
 whom the Maormers of jNIarr and Lennox are said to be 
 descended. 
 
 The second of these colonies, under Fatha Canann, is here 
 connected with the legends of the Feinne. 
 
 Dr. Smith states that this poem agrees, with .some varia- 
 tion in words and arrangement, with one transmitted by Mr. 
 ]\Iaclagan from oral recital. 
 
 The poem on the battle of Gabhra, attributed to Fergus, is 
 obviously the older piece, and some of the stanzas are the same 
 w4th those in the Irish poems. It also refers to the Feinne of 
 Britain and of Lochlan. 
 
 There is an edition of this poem in Kennedy's Collection, 
 p. 148 ; and another, taken down from recitation, was communi - 
 cated to the Highland Society by Mr. Malcolm M'Donald. 
 
 Tlie first stanza of this poem, with the corresponding stanza 
 in the Irish poem, is given for the ]nirpo.se of comparison : — 
 
 DKAN. 
 Imiis ddiui a cairis 
 Illc ftynni erriu 
 Kyuis tarle zevin 
 III gath zawrych ui iKyniin. 
 
 IKI.sii. 
 Iniiis cluiiiii a ( )W\n 
 Ho h'anain h'liianiia lliriduii 
 Cia agailih hii tlinJM' 
 I iS catli (lahlira na ni-liciminnii. 
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES. 151 
 
 It will be aj^ain oltst'iVL-d that tin.' t'clii>si.s is only iturtially 
 recognised. The Dean seems rarely to eni])loy it in the genitive 
 [)lural, where it is rigorously demanded liy tlie rules of Irish 
 grammar. 
 
 Poem, p. oU. 
 
 Dr. Smith remarks that this poem agrees very much with one 
 got from Isla 1>y recitation, and communicated to tlie Society 
 by Eobert Campbell, Esq., Advocate. 
 
 Poem, p. 54. 
 Dr. Smith states that this poem, on the death of Fraoch, diftei-s 
 very little from ^Ir. Jerome Stone's edition, and still less from 
 Mr. Gillies' Collection, page 107. 
 
 Poem, p. 58. 
 
 Dr. Smith remarks that this poem nearly agrees with one in 
 Kennedy's Collection, p. G9. Some of the names are different, 
 and the stanzas not all in the same order. 
 
 The same poem appears, with a few lines more or less, and a 
 slight variation of words and arrangement, in one of the MSS. 
 deposited in the Faculty Library ; and two editions were com- 
 municated to the Highland Society taken do^^^l from oral 
 recitation, one from an old man in Isla, the other from Donald 
 M'Callmn in Kilcalmonell, in Kintyre. 
 
 Poem, p. 72. 
 
 The idea which forms the subject of this poem is common to 
 the Gael and the Welsh. 
 
 Poem hy Gilchrist Taylor, p. 93. 
 
 This poem certainly refers to the taking of the nmrderei-s of 
 James I., by Robert Eeoch Duncanson of Strowan, and John 
 Gorme Stewart of Garth. Eobert Eeoch bears on his seal two 
 greyhounds, and on 15th August 1451 received a charter from 
 James ir. of the barony of Strowan " pro zelo, favore et amore 
 quos gerimus erga dictum Eobertum Duncanson pro captione 
 iniquissimi proditoris quondam Eoberti de Ciraham." 
 
152 ADDITIONAL NOTES. 
 
 John Cloniie Stewart receives in the Kxclu'([n('r Rolls a ]iay- 
 nient " pro aiTcstatione JJoherti Grahanie traditoris et suoruni 
 ci>mpliciuni." 
 
 Poem by John of Knoydart, p. 99. 
 
 In the Annals of Ulster there is the following notice of the 
 murder of Angus Og, son of John, Lord of the Isles : — 
 
 Aois Criost 1490, Mac mic DomuaiU nah-Alpan, .i. Aengus, 
 .i. nee da n-gairti an Tigerna Aacc do marbad a fiU le ferted 
 Erennac, .i. Diarmidt h-ua Cairpri, 7 a n Inhemis do marbad 
 h-e. That is, — Year of Clu-ist 1490, Angus, son of Macdonald 
 of Scotland, who was called the young Lord, was murdered by 
 his Irish hai-per, Dermed O'Cairbre, and at Inverness he was 
 slain. 
 
 The Annals of Ulster are cotempomr}' authority for the event. 
 
 Pncm hj Finlay M'Nah, p. 125. 
 
 The Dougall, son of John, who is here reproached as a slug- 
 gard, and exhorted to write in the Book of Poems, was no doubt 
 the Dean's father, Dougall Johnson. It would appear from this 
 tliat the taste for collecting Gaelic poetry was a family quality. 
 
 The genealogical poems relating to the ]M'Cwregoi's, ^I'Dougalls, 
 and M'Donalds, are curious, but it would be oiit of place to 
 enter here upon the f;iniily history of Iht'si.' rlans. 
 
 ^^^ f. s. 
 
I N D E X. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Note.- The miiiieriUs refer to the Introduction ; the coiuinon llgures to tlie English Tmniilatl. 
 and the ancient flgurea to the corresponding Original Gaelic. 
 
 AcuiLLEs, 33 n. 
 
 Ailomnan, Ixxxi. 
 
 Adonis, 33 n. 
 
 Advocates' Library, Gaelic m38. in, vii., 
 
 xxxvi. 
 AiJh Finliath, 101 n. 
 Aineach, 147, ii2, 113. 
 Alba or Albun, xxv., Ixxv., 82, 60, 61. 
 Albain, 8 n, 03, 44, 45, 65, 44, 45, 75, 54, 
 
 55, 91, 66, 67, 96, 70, 71, 112, 84, 85, 
 114, 86, 87, 149, 114, 115. 
 
 Albanaich (Scottish Highlanders), xiii. 
 
 Alexander 11., xxxiv., Ixxx. 
 
 Alexander the Great, 110, 84, 85. 
 
 Allan of Lorn, 119, 90, 91. 
 
 Alleine's Alarm, Gaelic version of, xl. 
 
 Allen, 8, 6, 7. 
 
 Almhuin, 8 n, 81, 58, 59. 
 
 Almond, 54 n, 84 n. 
 
 Alve, 19, 124, 125, 72, 40, 41. 
 
 Alvin, 36, 24, 25, 48, 32, 33, 78, 56, 57, 80, 
 
 56, 57, 91, 66, 67. 
 
 Alpin, 6, 6, 7, 40, 26, 27, 138, 106, 107. 
 
 Angus, 72, 50, 51. 
 
 Angus, E.irl of Moray, xxx. 
 
 Angus Og of Islay, 146 n, 148 n. 
 
 Antrim family, xxxv. 
 
 Anubis, 51 n. 
 
 Aodh Ruadh, 20 «. 
 
 Aoife, 59, 40, 41. 
 
 Applecross, 22 n. 
 
 Arcardan, Ixxxi. 
 
 Ardchattan, 119h, 122 n. 
 
 Ardgour, Ixxxii. 
 
 Ardnamurchan, 21 71. 
 
 Argathelia, xxxii., xxxiv. 
 
 Argylc, 43 n, 135, 104, 105, 148, 112, 113. 
 
 Argyleshire, 54 n. 
 
 Argyle, Archibald Earl of, 134 n, 135 n, 136, 
 
 104, 105. 
 Argyle, Cailean M5r, 137 71. 
 Argyle, Colin Earl of, 127 n, 136, 104, 105. 
 Argyle, Noil of, 137 n. 
 
 Argyle, Sir Archibald of, 136, 104, 105. 
 
 Argyle, Sir Colin of, 136, 104, 105. 
 
 Argyle, Sir Colin of, 137, 104, 105. 
 
 Ari^yle, Sir Duncan of, 136, 104, 105. 
 
 Argyle, Sween of, 127 n. 
 
 Arile, 132 n. 
 
 Armstrong, R. A., xiii. 
 
 AroH, 132n. 
 
 Arpluinn, 6 n, 8 n. 
 
 Arran, xxiv. 
 
 Art, 1, I, 2, 3», 15, 10, II, 35 n, 36, 50, 34, 
 35, 62, 42, 43, 65, 44, 45. 
 
 Arthur, 139, 106, 107. 
 
 Art O'Carby, 99 n. 
 
 Atliach, 55, 38, 39. 
 
 Atliole Stewarts, 95 n. 
 
 Auchnacroftie, iv. 
 
 Authenticity of Ossian's Poems, inquiry as 
 to, vi., X., xU-iii.-lxiii. 
 
 Authors, names of, in the Lismore Collec- 
 tion of Poems, xlvi., xlvii,, xci.-xcvi. 
 
 Bapexoch, 107 n. 
 
 IJadhairn, Mac, 20 n. 
 
 Bala, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 78, 56, 57. 
 
 Ballad poetry, its influence upon literature, 
 xxxvii. 
 
 Ballyshannon, 20 n. 
 
 Bal(]uhiddcr, 132, 100, loi. 
 
 Banff, 37 H. 
 
 Banners of the Feine, 79, 56, 57. 
 
 Bannockburn, 7 71. 
 
 Banva, 27, 18, 19, 36 n, 37, 24, 25, 50, 34, 
 35, 88, 64, 65, 114, 86, 87, 119, 90, 91, 
 135, 102, 103. 
 I Barbour, the Scottish Poet, Ixxix., 1. 
 I Bards of the Fcinnc, the tliR-o, Ixxix. 
 
 Barra, 11 n, 132, 100, loi. 
 
 Barrin, 36. 
 I Baxter's Call, (iaolic version of, xl. 
 
 iiavne, 16, 12, 13. 
 
 Bi-alach, 115, 86, 87. 
 ' Beatons, physicians in .Mull, xxxvi., 14s «. 
 
156 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Betle, xxxii., Ixxii. 
 
 Bedel, Williaui, xiii. 
 
 Bendoran, a pofin, xli. 
 
 Ben Cruachaii, 54 n, 84 n, 12(1 n. 
 
 Ben Gulbin, Ixxxi., 80, 20, 21, 31, 32, 22, 
 
 23,95, 70, 71. 
 Ben Hi, 30 n. 
 Ben Lomond, 134 ?i. 
 Ben Nevis, 31 11. 
 Beth, 1(3, 12, 13. 
 Bible, first Gaelic, published, xl.; standard 
 
 edition of, xli. 
 Blair, Dr., xlviii. 
 Bleau, atlas of, xxiv. 
 Bloody Bay, 99 n. 
 Boisgne, 12, 8, 9, 14, 10, 11, 19, 12, 13, 41, 
 
 26, 27, 43 71, 84, 62, 63. ^ 
 Books, first printed, their influence on the 
 
 language and literature of the Highlands, 
 
 xlii. 
 Book of Poems, 125, 94, 95. 
 Boquhan, 143 Ji. 
 
 Borrin, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 78, 56, 57. 
 Boyne, 127, 96, 97. 
 Bran, 6, 4, 5, 15, 12, 13, 83, 60, 61. 
 Brassil, 1(5, 12, 13. 
 Breadalbane, 116«, 132, 100, loi. 
 Breatan, Ixxv.-lxxvii. 
 Bregia, 26 n. 
 Brian, 105, 78, 79. 
 Bridge of Turk, 31 «. 
 Britain, 21 n, 49, 34, 35- 
 Britons, 139 m. 
 
 Brooke, Miss, Iviii., Ixxvii., 22 ;(, 26 «. 
 Bruce, King Kobert, 1, In. 
 Buadhaniair, 63, 42, 43. 
 Bun Datreor, 80, 58, 59. 
 Burns, Robert, xxxviii. 
 
 CiESAU, 11 »?, 21 n, 32 7J, 35 n. 
 
 Cahir, 03 n. 
 
 Cainle, Ixxxi. 
 
 Cairbar, 10, 8, 9, 35, 24, 25, 36, 39, 26, 
 
 49, 34, 35- ^y, 40, 4'. «•*, 44, 45 
 ('airn Fraoich, 54, 36, 37. 
 Cairn Lainih, 54 «, 57, 3S, y). 
 Caistealan na Feine, ii. 
 Caithness, 42 ji. 
 Calliden, 60, 42, 43. 
 CnlphurniuH, Ixxxix., Ch. 
 ('alvin, CatochiKm ol, xxxix. 
 Camerons, 132, 100, 101. 
 Canipliells of (ilcnunhv, iii., iv. 
 Campbell, Mr. .1. F., \\ ». 
 Cam|il)<'ll, Sir Duncan, 116 ti. 
 Caol, HI, (jo, ()I, M5, ()2, 63. 
 
 Caoilte, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13, 16, 17, 39, 24. 
 
 25. -18, 32, 33, 64, 44, 45- G5, 72, SO, 51. 
 
 72, 75, 52, 53, 77, 56, 57, 88, 64, 65. 
 Caoilte MacRonan, Ixiv., 62, 42, 43. 
 Cam Vallar, 80, 58, 59, 142, 108, 109. 
 Carroll, 9, 6, 7, 17, 12, 13, 75, 54, 55, 82, 
 
 60,61. 
 Cas a choin, 80, 58, 59. 
 Cashel, 100 n. 
 
 Castle Swcen, 126 n, 127 n, 151. 116, 117. 
 Cath Finntragha, Ixxxii. 
 Catlial Crodhearg, 157 h. 
 Catheads, 80, 56^ 57. 
 Cattanachs, 132, 100, loi. 
 Ceall, 78, 56, 57. 
 Ceard, 85, 62, 63. 
 
 Celts, 21 71, 22 71, 31 72, 32 n, 34 71, 51 «. 85 n. 
 Cliesthill, pass of, i. 
 Ciaran, St., 135 7J. 
 Clan Campbell, 31 7i, 87 ;i. 
 Clan Donald, 96, 70, 71, 132, ICO, lOl. 
 Clan Dougall, 121, 92, 93, 123, 132, 100, 
 
 lOI. 
 
 Clan Cregor, 132, 100, loi, 141, loS, 109. 
 
 Clan Lamond, 132, 100, loi. 
 
 Clan Lauchlan, 132, 100, loi. 
 
 Clan Leod, 132, 100, 10 1. 
 
 Clan Ranald, 132, 100, lOl, 157 »». 
 
 Clann Deaghaidh, 50 71, 51, 34, 35. 
 
 Clanna Breogan, Ixxii. 
 
 Clergy from Northumberland introduced 
 
 among the Cruithne of Scotland, xxvii. 
 Clerg)', Scottish, from lona, intluencc of, on 
 
 the condition and language of the popu- 
 lation, XXV., xxvi. 
 Clonfert, Bishop of, Iviii. 
 Clonmel, 4 n. 
 Cnokandurd, 16, 12, 13. 
 Cnucha, 89 ti, 91 v. 
 Colin, Earl of Ertrilc, 119 ». 
 Coll, 9, 6, 7, 89,64, 65. 
 Colleges of poetry and writing in Ireland, 
 . xxxvi , xxxvii. 
 Colonsav, xxiv, 132. 100, loi. 
 Columba, St., xxv., xxx., 37 n. 144, 1 lO, 1 1 1. 
 Coinyn, Miihael, Ixii. 
 Conail (iulbiii, 30 >i. 
 Conan, 16, 10, il, 18. 124, 125, 71. 50, 51, 
 
 72, HI, 58, 59, 83, 60, 01, 85", 62, 63. 
 Conlaoch, Ixxvii , Ixxxvi., 51, 34,35,53, 36, 
 
 37, 89 H. 
 Conn, 10, 8, 9, 3.5. 24. 25, 36, 101, 74, 75, 
 
 121,02,03, 139, iot>, 107, 141. loS, 109. 
 Conn of the "hundivd battles, 121 n. 
 Connul IVariuich IVl'Ivlintkeol, .'■)8, 40, 41. 
 
 59, 61, 42, 43. 
 Coniuil Ffiry, i20, 92, 93, 123.04. 95- 
 
('(inn.iught, 12/1, l')7 n. 
 Connor, 50, 34, 35, 52, 36, 37. 
 Controversy, Ossiunic, sketch ol llie, xlviii.- 
 
 Ixiii. 
 Conull Mac Scanlun, 98, 72, 73. 
 Core, 9, 6, 7. 
 Cormac, 35, 24, 25, G2, 42, 43, 01, 44. 45, 
 
 65, 130 »». 
 Cowall, xxxii., xxxiv. 
 Craignisli, 133, 102, 103. 
 Crinan, 153 n. 
 Crithear, Conn, 10, 8, 9. 
 Crorachin, 10, 12, 13. 
 Cronigloann nan Clacli, ii. 
 Croni nan cam, 70, 54, 55. 
 Cronwoyn, 78, 56, 57. 
 Crooin, 15, 12, 13. 
 
 Cruachan, 54,36,37, 120, 90, 91, 122,92, 93. 
 Cruinchan, 78, 56, 57. 
 Cruitli, 01, 42, 43. 
 Cruithne, the race so called, xxiii., xxvi. ; 
 
 the Scottish Cruithne become united to 
 
 the Scots, xx^^i. 
 Cu, 51, 34, 35, 52, 53, 61, 42, 43, 90, 66, 67, 
 
 130, 98, 99. 
 Cuailgne, 14, 10, 1 1. 
 Cuan, 139, io6. 107. 
 Cuchullin, Ixxx., 51 11, 52, 36, 37, 53, 58, 
 
 40, 41, 59 n, 88, 64, 65, 89 «, 110, 82, 
 
 83, 130, 98, 99, 134, 102, 103. 
 Cuilt, 60, 40, 41. 
 Cuireach, 62 n. 
 Cullin, 51 n, 60, 40, 41. 
 Cumhal, 9, 6, 7, 14, 10, 11, 21, 14, 15, 29, 
 
 18, 19, 48, 32, 33, 75, 52, 53, 81, 58, 59, 
 
 87, 64, 65, 91, 66, 67, 133, 102, 103, 142, 
 
 108, 109. 
 Cunlad, 60, 40, 41. 
 Curcheoil, 134, 102, 103. 
 Curoi, death-song of, Ixxxiii. 
 
 Daire, 86, 62, 63. 
 
 Daire borb, 20 n, 22 n. 
 
 Daire donn, Ixxxii., 7 71, 10, 8, 9, 11, 12. 
 
 Daithein Dian, 78, 56, 57. 
 
 Dalcassians, 50 n. 
 
 Dalriada, settlement of, among the Cruithne 
 of Ulster, xxiii. ; settlement of the tribe 
 of Dalriadic Scots in Argyle, etc., xxiv. ; 
 Scotch and Irish, xxvi. 
 
 Darthula, tale of, lix., Ixxxvii. 
 
 David the First, xxx. 
 
 Dearg, 70, 50, 51, 72 n. 
 
 Deirdre, prose tale of, lix., Ix. 
 
 Denmark, 135 h. 
 
 Dermin, 9, 6, 7. 
 
 Dervail, 143, 108, 109. 
 
 Desmond, Ido h. 
 
 Dewar, 7 n. 
 
 Deyroclych (Daoroglach), vi., lOI, 126, 127. 
 
 Dialects of the Celtic languages, viii., xii. ; 
 illustrated by t^nglish and it.s dial.;ct«, 
 ix., X. ; affected by etymological and i)h<> 
 netic influences, xviii.-xx. ; illustrated by 
 English and Gemmn, xxi. ; variations in 
 Irish dialect, xxv. 
 
 Dianuad, 15, lo, 1 1, 30 n, 31 /i, 33, 22, 23, 34, 
 73, 50, 51. 81, 58, 59, 80, 62, 63. 
 
 Diarmad U'Cairbre, 99, 72, 73. 
 
 Dogheads, 80, 56, 57. 
 
 Dollir, 11, 8,9. 
 
 Donald, Clan, 90, 70, 71. 
 
 Donegal, 20 n, 101 n. 
 
 Dougall, Clan ; see Clan Dougall. 
 
 Dongall the Bald, ii., iii., vi, 
 
 Doveran, 9, 6, 7. 
 
 Drealluinn, 21 n. 
 
 Druid, 20 n. 
 
 Druimfliionn, ii. 
 j Drum Cleive, 77, ^4, 55. 
 ; Drummond, Dr., lix. 
 
 Dublin Gaelic Society, Iviii., Ix. 
 
 Dublin Ossianic Society, Ix. 
 
 Dumbartonshire, 93 n. 
 
 Dunbn.atan, Ixxv., Ixxxiv, 
 
 Dun Dobhran, 77, 54, 55. 
 
 Dun Reillin, 78, 56, 57. 
 
 Dun Sween, 127, 96, 97. 
 
 Dunanoir, 127, 96, 97. 
 
 Duncan Carrach, 119, 90, 91. 
 
 Duncan Mor, 93, 68, 69. 
 
 Duncan Ug Albanach, 155, n8, 119, 155 «. 
 
 Duncan the Servitor, vi. 
 
 Dundalgin, Ixxx., 51, 34, 35, 53, 36, 37, 88, 
 64, 65. 
 
 Dundeardhnil, Ixxxi. 
 
 Dunolly, 108, 82, 84, 119 ;», 122, 92, 93. 
 
 Dunscaich, 51, 34, 35. 
 
 Dunseivlin, 112, 84, 85, 
 
 Dunvcgan, 140 h. 
 
 Dyrin, 9, 6, 7, 89, 64, 65. 
 
 Dysart, 1 14 n. 
 
 Earl Gerald, 105, 78, 79. 
 
 Earla, 132, lOO, lOl. 
 
 Eassroy, Ixxxii. See Essarov. 
 
 Eigg, llOn. 
 
 Eire, 77, 54, 55, 80, 56, 57. 
 
 Elga, 30 n. 
 
 Emania, the seat of the Cruthniim kingdom 
 
 in Ireland, xxiii., 35 n. 
 England, 8 «, 49 n, 75 «. 
 Ere, 36 n. 
 Erin, 10, 8, 9, 12, 19, 124 123, 37, 24, 25, 
 
158 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 49, 34, 35. 63, 42, 43, 60, 44, 45, 82, 60, 
 61, 88, 64, 65, 92, 66, 67, 105, 78, 79. 
 Essarov, 20, 14, 15, 32, 22, 23, 33 n, 80, 
 
 58. 59 
 Etymology, influence of, on language, xviii. 
 Evir, 58, 40, 41, 61, 42, 43, 89, 66, 67. 
 
 Fail, 14, 10, 11, 36 ». 
 
 Fainesoluis, 20 h. 
 
 Fairhead, 57 n. 
 
 Faolan, 78, 56, 57, 86, 62, 6^. 
 
 Fargon, 9, 6, 7. 
 
 Fatlia Canan, 87, 62, 63. 
 
 Faycanan, 87 n. 
 
 Feail, 15, 12, 13. 
 
 Fearluth, S6, 62, 63. 
 
 Feine, nientiimed in the poems, 4, 4, 5, 7 n, 
 8, 6, 7, 9, 6, 7, 10, 8, 9, 12, 14, 10, 11, 
 15, 17, 12, 13, IS, 20, 14, 15, 26, 18, 19, 
 28, 31, 33, 22, 23, 41, 26, 27, 48, 32, 33, 
 49, 34, 35, 82, 60, 61, 141 n. 
 
 Feinne, the, who they were, and what their 
 country and pcrioil, discussed, Ixiv.- 
 Ixxviii. ; ohjections to the Irish account, 
 Ixv.-lxxi. ; light afforded on these ques- 
 tions by the legendary tales and poems, 
 Ixxiii.-lxxxii. 
 
 Fergusson, Professor Adam, xlviii. 
 
 Festivities of the House of Conan, talc of, 
 Ixi. 
 
 Forau, a celebrated scribe, Ixi. 
 
 Fergus, 43, 28, 29, 48, 32, :is, 83, 60, 61, 
 86, 62, 63, 139, 106, 107. 
 
 Fertan, 11, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13. 
 
 Fiach, 36 n. 
 
 Fian, 5, 4, 5, 82, 60, 61. 
 
 Fillan, 9, 6, 7, 17, 12, 13. 
 
 Fillan, St., 8 n. 
 
 Finan, 145, no, in. 
 
 Finlay, the rcd-haireil bard, 112, 84, 85, 
 114, 86, 87, 14.3, no, III. 
 
 Finlochlans, xxxiii. 
 
 Finn, 1, i, 2, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 8, 9, 6, 7, 14, 10 
 n, 15, 16, 12, 13, 18, li), 20, 14, 15, 22, 
 23, 26, 18, 19, 28, 30, 20, 21, 31, 33, 22, 
 23, 35 n, 37, 24, 25, 40, 26, 27, 41, 4 J, 
 28, 29, 47, 32, 33, 62, 44, 45, 71, 50, 51, 
 77, 54. 55, HO, 58, 59, 81, 141, 108, 109. 
 
 Finngalls, xxxii. 
 
 Firdonman, Ixxii. 
 
 Fithich, 51, 36, 37, 56, 38, 39. 
 
 Fitzgcralil, Cicrald, 105 n. 
 
 Fiann, 102. 
 
 i'"loddcii, 13 J n. 
 
 Fodlu, 36. 
 
 Fomorians, Ixxv., 135, 102, loj. 
 
 Forgan, 51, 34, 35. 
 
 Forna, 11, 8, 9. 
 
 Fortingall (Fothergili), i. 
 
 Fraoch, 54, 36, 37, 65, 38, 39, 56, 57, ." 
 
 40, 41. 
 France, King of, 11, 8, 9. 
 
 Gaelic orthography, viii. ; vocabolarieB and 
 
 grammars, xiii., xiy. ; difierences between 
 
 Scotch and Irish dialects, xiv., xv. 
 Gallie, Mr., Ivii. 
 Galve, 15, 12, 13. 
 Galway, 89, 64, 65. 
 GaiTy, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13, 85, 62, 63, 91 n, 
 
 96, 70, 71. 
 Gaul, <i, 6, 7, 15, 10, n, 17, 12, 13, 20, 14. 
 
 15, 23, 16, 17, 43, 28, 29, 45, 30, 31, 47, 
 
 32, 33- 77, 56, 57, 83, 60, 61. 
 Gauls, 11 n. 
 Gawra, 12, 8, 9, 18, 12, 13, 19, 124. 125, 
 
 35 71, 37, 24, 37, 48, 32, ^;i. 
 Gealcheann, 57 n. 
 Gillaagamnan, xxxi. -xxxiii. 
 (lillabride, xxxi.-xxxiii. 
 Gilliecallum Mac an Oliavc, 50, 34, 35, 95, 
 
 70, 71, 148, 112, 113. 
 Glassrananseir, 16, 12, 13. 
 Glass, 16, 12, 13. 
 Glenabaltan, 11, 8, 9. 
 Glen a Cuaich, 77, 54, 55. 
 Glen Dochart, 129 «. 
 Glenelg, Ixxx. 
 Ghii Frenich, 76, 54, 55. 
 Glengarry, 145, no, ni. 
 Glen Lochy, 129 n. 
 Glen Lyon, i., 130, 98, 99. 
 Glen Nevis, 31 n. 
 (ilenroy, Ixxxi. 
 
 Glenshee, Ixxxi., 30, 20, 21, 31 n, 34. 
 Glenstrae, 114 >i, 128 n, 131, 100, loi. 
 
 137 n. 
 ' Glenslroil, 16, 12, 13. 
 
 (ilenurchy, 107 n, 114 n, 129 m, 141, loS 
 I 109, 155 n. 
 I Golnor, 134, 102, 103. 
 ; Gormlay, 72, 50, 51, 118, 90, 91. 
 Ciorndav, daughter of Klaiin, 100, 74, 7; 
 
 101. ■ 
 
 (iorry, 71, 50, 51. 
 (iiiw, 15, 12, 13. 
 Gulbin, 31 II, 34 »i. 
 Grahams of Bulgowan, xlviii. 
 ( Irainne, 34 n, 87, 64. 65, 88. 
 Grammar nf thr Scotch (.laelio, xiv. 
 Grant, 13".t, 106, 107. 
 (Jri'ciau (.Jael, TJit, 98, 99. 
 (Jreece, 91, 66, 67, 102, 76, 77, 131, H' 
 103. 
 
«S9 
 
 (Jreece, King of, 11 n. 
 Grt'gor, 121), 98, 99. 
 
 Hebrides, 145 n. 
 
 Hercules, 55 /», 109 ». 
 
 Hesncrides, 55 n. 
 
 Hii,'lil;unl Society of I/indon, vi., 25 ?». 
 
 Hijjlilaiiil Society of Scotland, vi., x. 
 
 Highlands of Scollaiul, original races of, xxii.; 
 
 various periods of their literary history, 
 
 xxxviii. 
 Hill, Kev. Thomas, of Cooreclure, Ixii. 
 Historical sketches of the original races of 
 
 Ireland and the Scotch Highlands, and 
 
 the dialects of their language, xxii., 
 
 et seq. 
 nolland, 135 n. 
 Home, Mr. John, xlviii. 
 Hourn, 145, IIO, ill. 
 Hugh, 9, 6,7, 15, 12, 13. 
 
 I, 144, no, III. 
 
 Ian Lom, 43 /(. 
 
 Inch Aid Art, 94, 70, 71. 
 
 Iiiche Gall, 145, no, in. 
 
 India, 3G. 
 
 Innes, ^Ir. Cosmo, 7 n. 
 
 Innis, 150 «. I Zl -n ^ 
 
 Innis Aingin, 135, 102, 103. 
 
 Innisfiul, (31, 42, 43, 151, 116, 117. 
 
 Insegall, xxxiii. 
 
 Inverlochy, 43 n. 
 
 Inverness, 95, 70, 71. 
 
 lolunn, 78, 56, 57. 
 
 lona, xxiv., 144 n; monastery of, xxv., xliv. 
 
 lona Club, 99 n. 
 
 lorruaidh, 21 n. 
 
 Ireland, 17, 12, 13, 21 n, 28 n, 30 n, 36, 
 37 n, 51 7), 53 n. 
 
 Ireland and Highlands of Scotland, the two 
 original races of, xxii. ; records of tradi- 
 tionary history, .\xiii., et seq. ; sketch of 
 their ancient political connexion and liter- 
 ary influence, xxxiv.-xxxvii. 
 
 Irish dialects, viii., xii. ; comparison with the 
 Scotch, xiv., XV. ; differences in, in tho 
 north and the south, xxv. 
 
 Irish sennachics, xxxvi. 
 
 Isla, xxiv., 99, 74, 75, 124, 94, 95, 127, 96, 
 97- 
 
 Islay, 21 re. 
 
 Isle of Muck, 31 7j. 
 
 Isles, kingdom of the, sketch of, xxxi.-xxxv, 
 
 Ith, Lxxii., 87 re. 
 
 Jamieson, Dr., xxii. 
 .Tocelyn, xliv. 
 
 John of Knoydnrt, 99, 72, 73. 
 Johnson, Dr. Samuel, lii., liii., lit 
 John the Grizzled, ii., iii., \i. 
 
 KeU,S, XXX. 
 
 Kennedy, Duncan, lii., liii. 
 
 Kcrkal, 11, 8, 9. 
 
 Kildare, county of, 8 n. 
 
 Kilfinan, 145 n. 
 
 Killichranky, i. 
 
 King James the First, 95 «. 
 
 Kintail, 77, 54, 55. 
 
 Kirke, Uev. Kobert, xl., Ixxx. 
 
 Knapdale, 127 >*, 151, liO, 1 17. 
 
 Knox, John, xxxviii. 
 
 Knoydart, 99, 72, 73. 
 
 Kyle Aca, 153, 116, n7. 
 
 Laino, Malcolm, lix. 
 
 Lamacha, 112. 84, 85, 113, 86, 87. 
 
 Lambarde, xiii. 
 
 Language, Gaelic ; similarity between the 
 
 Irish, Manx, and Scotch Giielic dialects, 
 
 xii. ; vocabularies and grammars, xiii., 
 
 xiv. ; first printed books, xxxviii. -xii. 
 Languages, how influenced by etymology 
 
 antl sound, xviii. ; origin of dialects, xix. ; 
 
 difl'ercnces as spoken and written, xxviii., 
 
 xxix., xxxviii. 
 Laoghar, CO, 40, 41. 
 Lecan, Book of, xxvii. 
 Legendar}' poems and tales, remarks on the 
 
 stages through which they passed, and 
 
 the classes into which they are divisible, 
 
 Ixxxii.-xc. 
 Leinster, 12 n, CI, 42, 43, G2 n. 
 Lennox, 93, 68, 69. 
 Leny Leirg, 70, 54, 55. 
 Lewis, island of, xxxiv., 127, 96, 97, 14(3, 
 
 112, 113. 
 Lismore, Dean of (Sir James ]\Iacgregor), 
 
 notices of his family, ii.-iv. ; remarks on 
 
 his MS. collection of Gaelic poetry, v.-xi., 
 
 xlvi., xlvii. ; its great value, as regards 
 
 the language, xlvi. 
 Literature, books first printed in Gaelic, 
 
 xxxviii. -xii. 
 Literary History of the Highland.^ influences 
 
 exercised on, xiii. ; division into various 
 
 periods, xliii.-xlvi. 
 Livingstone, 148 re. 
 Lochaber, 20 w, 31 n, 94, 70, 71. 
 Lochlan, xxxii., Ixxv. 
 I/)chlin, 10, 8, 9, 11, 8, 9, 91, 66, 67. 
 I^ch Awe, 137 n, 143, 108, 109, 
 Loch Broom, xxxii., xxxiv. 
 LochEtive, 120n, 122 ». 
 
i6o 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Loch Foyle, 02 n. 
 
 Loch Fraoch, 54 n. 
 
 Loch Hourn, 99 n. 
 
 Loch Inch, 107, 8o, 8i. 
 
 Locli Loch J, 145 n. 
 
 Loch Lomond, 134 «. 
 
 Loch Luine, xxiv. 
 
 Loch Mai, 54 n, 54. 
 
 Loch Ness, 31 n. 
 
 Loch Swilly, 89 «. 
 
 Loch Sween, 153 n. 
 
 Loch Tay, i., 139 n. 
 
 Loch Venachar, 95, 70, 71. 
 
 Lomond, 134, 102, 103. 
 
 Lords of ihe Lsles, race of, xxxi., 96 n, 149 n ; 
 influence of their rule on the language 
 and population of the Highlands, xxxi.- 
 XXXV. ; extinction of their kingdom, xxxv., 
 xxxviii. 
 
 Lords of Lorn, xxxiii. 
 
 Lorn, UOn, 137 n, 1,55 _h ; Lords of, xxxiii. 
 
 Luno's son, ^fac an Loinn, 2, 1,2. 
 
 Luthy, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13. 
 
 Lyon, river, i. 
 
 M'Ali'in, Kenneth, 138 n. 
 
 M'Alpine's Gaelic DiclionaiT, xiii. 
 
 Hacbhcatha (the Betons), xxxvi. 
 
 M'Cabe, Duncan, 119, 90, 91. 
 
 M'Cailoin, Duncan, 11(5, 88, 89. 
 
 M'Calman, 14(i, 112, 113. 
 
 MacChailein, 126, 94, 95, 132, 100, loi, 
 
 147 n. 
 MacConn, 70, 50, 51. 
 j\rCi)rquodale, Eafric, 126, 96, 97. 
 Mac Cuilenan, lUO, 74, 75. 
 M 'Donald, Mr. Alexander, teacher, xiii. 
 I\l'Df.iiald, Ronald, 110 71. 
 MacDonalds, 79 n, 99 n. 
 Macdoncll, John, 43 7t. 
 M'Donells, 145 w. 
 M'Donells of Glengarry, 99 h. 
 Macduugall, Ailen Buidhe, xli. 
 Macdougall, Alhin Dall, xli. 
 lyi'Dougall Maoil, Duncan, 137, 104, 105. 
 M'Dougall, riiclini, 1(12, 76, 77. 
 M'Dougalls of Lorn, .\xxiii., 1UH«, 119, 90, 
 
 91, 122, 92, 93, 124, 137, 104, 105. 
 M'Eaciiap, 140, 106, 107. 
 MacKllo, 78, 56, 57. 
 M'Krc, 110, 82, 83, 1.39, 106, 107. 
 M'Kwen M'Kacharn, John, 121, 92, 93. 
 M'Fnrlano, Mr. Koljorl, xiii. 
 M'Farlano, Mr. 1'., xiii. 
 Macfarlane, Ik'v. Alex., of Kilninvcr, xl. 
 M'FergUH, 59, 40, 41. 
 M'Finn, 01, 42, 43. 
 
 Macfiille gUvs, Doiig.ill, 128, 98, 99. 
 
 M'fiillindak, 141, 108, 109. 
 
 M'Gregor, 50 n, 112, 84, 85, 113, 86, 87, 
 
 114, 88, 89, 114 n. 128, 98, 99, 137 n, 141, 
 
 108, 109, 142. 1 See Lisniorc. 
 Macpregors of Fortingall, ii.-iv. 
 MacGurkich, Blind Arthur, 151, 116, 117. 
 il 'In ally, 50 n. 
 
 M'Intosh, Andrew, 106, 80, Si. 
 Macintosh, 132, 100. loi, 134, 102, 103. 
 Macintyrc, Duncan Ban, .xli. 
 Macintyrc, IJev. J., x. 
 M'Intyre, the Bard, 107, 80. 81. 
 Maclvor, 132, 100, loi. 
 IM'Kenzie, 99 n. 
 Mackenzie, Hcniy, liv. 
 .M'Kenzic, Mr. L.ichlan, 2 n. 
 Maclachlan, Mr. Ewen, x. 
 JI'Lagan, Kev. Janie.s, li. 
 M'Lamond, 143, 108, 109. 
 MacLawe, Donald, iii. 
 Macleans, xxxvi. 
 M'Leod, Roderick, 146 ;i. 
 M'Lcods of Lewis, 140, 106, 107, 146 h. 
 MacLir, 68, 46, 47. 
 M'Luy, 48, 32, 33. 49, 75, 52, 53, 81, 58. 59. 
 
 85,62,63,88,64,65. 
 1 MacMorn, 71, 50, 51, 80. 56, 57. 
 M'Murrich, John, 109, 82, 83. 112, 84, 85. 
 M'Nab, Finlay, 12.5, 94, 95, 143 t(. 
 MacNee, 132, 100, loi. 
 M'Xcil, 126 n, 132, 100, loi. 
 M'Xeil, Hector M'Tortinil, 127 m. 
 Mac O'Duine, 31, 20, 21, 32, 22, 23, 33, 31, 
 
 74, 30,51. 
 M'Omic, ]5aron Ewin, 133, 102, 103 
 M'l'hadrick, 129, 98, 99. 
 MacPhee, 132, 100, loi. 
 iVrrherson, Duncan, 1U>, 82, S3. 
 Macpherson, Mr. James, editor of Ossian, vi.. 
 
 xlviii.lxiii. 
 Macpherson, Mr. linchlan, I., Ivii. 
 MacKea, 74, 50, 51. 
 M 'Robert, 95 n. 
 MacRonain, 39, 24 25, 39, 26, 27, 71, -, 
 
 51, 86, 62,63. 
 M'Roric, Allan, 30, 20, 21, 35, 24, 2S. 48 n 
 M'Ross, 61, 42, 43. 
 M'Riiario, Allan, 144, no, 111. 
 MacSwecn, 132, 100, 101, 153, 116, 117. 
 MacSweonys, 153, 116, 117. 
 M'Vurichs, xxxvi., 109 m, 157 n. 
 Ma^h licna, 78, 56, 57. 
 Mai, 54, 36. 37, 55, 38, 39. 50. 
 Maighinis, 72, 50, 51. 
 MaKom Kcnnmro, 139, lo(), 107. 
 Mahub" St., 22 «. 
 
INDKX. 
 
 I6l 
 
 Mull, isle of, 13:i n. 
 
 Man, Norwegiiin kingilom of, xxx. 
 
 Maniulli, 5'.i, 40, 41. 
 
 Miiiiiillan, i;!;J, 102, 103. 
 
 Maiiiirtiiaii, ti8, 46, 47, 133, I02, 103. 
 
 Maiiwoo Breck, 78, 56, 57. 
 
 l^Iaiix dialect, viii., xlii. ; poems in, Ixxxiv. 
 
 MaoMomhiiaicli, 131 n, 133, 102, 103. 
 
 ^laorniors of Moray, xxxi., xxxiv. 
 
 Matlieson, Mr., of Fernaij;, xlii. 
 
 Maxwell, Mr. John Hall, vii. 
 
 Mave, 77, 54, 55. 
 
 Mayre borb, '20 h. 
 
 Meiitii, 2t; n. 
 
 Meiizics, Robert, of that ilk, iii. 
 
 Milesian races, Ixxvi , 134 n. 
 
 Mile.sius, xxxix., Ixxii. 
 
 Milidh of Spain, 134 h. 
 
 Modheadh, 21 n. 
 
 Monaree, 10, 12, 13. 
 
 Monastery of lona, xxv. ; destruction of, and 
 
 its results, xxix. 
 Montrose, 43 n. 
 IMorar, 99 w. 
 
 Jloray, province of, xxx. ; earldom of, xlv. 
 Morn, 12, 8, 9, 14, 10, 11, 23, 15, 16, 43 n, 
 
 44, 28, 29, 46, 32, ii, 71, 50, 51, 81, 58, 
 
 59, 85, 62, 63, 92, 68, 69. 
 Morrison, Captain Alex., 1., Ivii. 
 Morvem, Ixxx., 21 n. 
 Jluckrey, 36. 
 
 Jltiin, 82, 60, 61, 8.5, 62, 63. 
 Muim Munchain, 68, 46, 47. 
 Miiirn, St., 7 n, 26 m, 68, 46, 47, 142, 108, 
 
 109. 
 Mull, xxiv., 21 n, 98, 72, 73, 127, 96, 97, 
 
 132 H., 133, 102, 103. 
 Midler, Professor Max, xx. 
 Miinster, 35 n, 60 n, 91, 68, 69, 100 n. 
 Murdoch Albanach, l»t9 n, 157, 120, 121, 
 
 158, 120, 121, 159, 122, 123. 
 
 Nennius, xxvii. 
 Nesae, flumen, Ixxxi. 
 Nevis, river, 31 71. 
 
 New Testament, first Gaelic translation, xl. 
 Ni vie Cailein, Lsabella, 155, 1 18, 119. 
 Nial, Glundubh, 100 n. 
 Nial Og, 127, 96, 97. 
 Nicolsoii, Bishop, xiii. 
 Nicolson of Scorrybreck, 17 «. 
 Northumberland, Anglic kingdom of, xxvii. 
 Norwegian kingdom "of Man and the Isles, 
 its formation, xxix., xxx. 
 
 O'Cairbre, 99, 72, 73. 
 O'Carril, a minstrel, xxxvi. 
 
 O'Cathan, house of, xxxiv . xxxvi. 
 (K'ha, battle of, xxiv., Ixv. 
 O'Cloun, 54, ^6, 37. 
 
 OV'ntVry, Ao.lh, xxxvi. 
 
 O'Connor, 157 n. 
 
 OCurry, Professor E., Ixii., Ix\iii., Ixxxvi , 
 62 n, 88 n, 91 «, 98 n, 135 n. 
 
 O'Dalys, xxxvi. 
 
 O'Daly, Maclosa, xxxvi. 
 
 O'Diiscoll, 58 H. 
 
 O'Duiiie, 30 m. 
 
 O'Flahertv, 35 n, 36 n, 101 n. 
 
 O'Grady.'S. H., 157 h. 
 
 O'Higgin, Giollacoluim, xx^m. 
 
 Oirir a tuath, xxxiii., xxxiv. 
 
 Oirirgaidheal (Argatlieiia\ xxxii. 
 
 Oirthir Ghaidlieal, 135 n.' 
 
 O'Kanes, 147 n. 
 
 Olave the Red, xxxiii. 
 
 O'NVills, xxxvi., 1(1(1 H. 
 
 O'Ri-illy, Edward, lix. 
 
 Orgill, 58, 40, 41. 
 
 Orgialla, kiiitrdnm of, xxiii. 
 
 Orla, 54, 36, 37. 
 
 Orthography of the Dean of Lismore's us., 
 vii.-x. 
 
 Oscar, 9, 6, 7, 15, 10, 11, 16, 12, 13, 17, 19, 
 21, 14, 15, 23, 16, 17, 39, 26, 27, 40, 41, 
 42, 28, 29, 48, 32, 33, 49, 34, 35, 71, 50, 
 51. 72, 81, 58, 59, 82, 60, 61, 85, 62, 63, 
 86, 88, 64, 05. 
 
 Ossian, 1, i. 2, 3, I, 2, 4, 4, 5, 1.3, 10, 11, 
 16, 12, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 14, 15, 26, iS, 
 19, 28, 39, 24, 25, 70, 50, 51, 71, 50, 51, 
 72, 81, 58, 59, 82, 60, 61, 84, 88, 64, 65, 
 95 n. 
 
 Ossian, poems of, question of their authenti- 
 city, vi. ; circumstances under which the 
 controversy arose, xlvii. ; historical sketch 
 of, xlviii.-Ixiii. 
 
 Ossianic Societv, Ix., Ixxiv. 
 
 Owar, 11, 8, 9." 
 
 Paisley, 149 n. 
 
 Patrick, St., see St. Patrick. 
 
 Persians, 50 n. 
 
 Perthshire, 30 n, 31 n, 54 n. 
 
 Petrie, Ixx. 
 
 Philip, 111, 84, 85. 
 
 Picts, 31 H. 
 
 Popular poetry of the Highlands in the 
 
 spoken dialect, xli. 
 Port-na-minna, 9, 6, 7. 
 Psalms, Gaelic metrical versions o'^, xxxix., 
 
 Publications of Dublin Gaelic Societies, Ix. 
 Ixii. 
 
(^uianicn, 8 w. 
 
 Kaon Fraoidi, 94, 70, 71. 
 
 Rath Cniacban, 84, 62, 63. 
 
 Reeves, Dr., 37 n. 
 
 Reformation of IGth century, its influence on 
 
 the population and literature of the Iligli- 
 
 lands, xxxviii.-xli. 
 Relijr Oran, 144, 100, loi. 
 Reli!:cio"8 literature of the lliglilauJs, 
 
 xxxviii.-xli. 
 Re van, 85, 62, 63. 
 Robert, 104, 78, 79. 
 Robertson, Priucipal, xlviii. 
 Ronan, 9, 6, 7, 15, 12, 13. 
 Ros illirglass, 63, 44, 45. 
 Ross, earldom of, xxxiv. 
 Ross-shire, 2'2 n. 
 
 Ross, Thomas, his edition of the Psalter, xl. 
 Ross.W., xli. 
 Roughbonnd.s, the, Ixxx. 
 Roy, 20 w. 
 
 Royal Irish Academy, lix. 
 Rualeacht, 77, 54, 55. 
 Rury, 50, 34, 35, 51, 89, 64, 65. 
 Rustum, 50 11. 
 Ryiio, 9, 6, 7, 15, 10, 11, 75, 54. 55, 85, 62, 
 
 63- 
 
 Sasdnn, 75, 54, 55. 
 
 Scandinavian pirates, xxix. 
 
 Scanlan, 98, 72, 73. 
 
 Schihallion, 30 n. 
 
 Schiehallion, 95, 70, 71. 
 
 Schleicher, xxi. 
 
 Sciath, 78, 56, 57- 
 
 Scoilcan, 83, 60,61. 
 
 Scotch (Jaelic, vocabularies and grammar of, 
 
 xiii., xiv. ; diflerences from the Irish, xiv. ; 
 
 districts in which it is most purely' spoken, 
 
 XV. ; remarks on its pecidiarities, xvi - 
 
 xviii. 
 Scotia, 36 n. 
 Scotland, 21 n, 30 ?J, 33 n, 37 11, 49 11, 54 «, 
 
 87 11, 1 34 n. 
 Scots, the race ho called, xxii., xxv., xxvi. 
 
 See ("riiilhno. 
 Scott, Sir Walter, x. 
 Sean Dana, liii. 
 Rennachii'H, Irish, xxxvi. 
 ServanuH, xiv. 
 Settlements of the Scots and Cruithnc, xxv., 
 
 Ixiv. Ixxviii. 
 Sgiath, 53, 36, 37. 
 Bgith, ("lar, 14(1, 106, 107. 
 Shannon, 135 n. 
 Sheil. lAU, no, 1 11. 
 
 Si.il Torcull, 140 n. 
 
 Skail, 16, 12, 13. 
 
 Skye, xxxiv., Ixxxi., 17 n, 51 n, 53 n, 140 »>, 
 153 n. 
 
 Sleat, 51 n. 
 
 Sliabh Gael, 127, 96, 97. 
 
 Sliabh nam ban fionn, 4 »i. 
 
 Slieve Mis, 153, 116, 117. 
 
 Slieve Mun, 153, 116, 117. 
 
 Slochd muice, 31 n. 
 
 Smail, 9, 6, 7, 12, 8, 9, 16, 12, 13, 82, 60, 61. 
 
 Smith, Dr. J., of Campbelltown, xl., lii., liii., 
 3n. 
 
 Socach, 15, 12, 13. 
 
 Society for Propagating Christian Know- 
 ledge, xiii., xl. 
 
 Somarled, xxxi., xxxii. 
 
 Sorcha, 21 n, 22. 
 
 Sound, influence of, on language, xviii. 
 
 Spain, 75, 54, 55. 
 
 Spev, 107n. 
 
 Srubh Brain, 89 «. 
 
 Stronmclochan, 128 n. 
 
 St. Andrews, 31 h. 
 
 St. Columba, xxv., xxx., 37 n, 144, no, n i. 
 
 St Fiilan, 8n. 
 
 St. Kentigern, xHv., xiv. 
 
 St. Patrick, 3 n, 4, 4 n, 5 »i, 6, 7 n, 12, S. v, 
 14, 10, n, 18, 12, 13, 19, 28 H, 76, 54, 
 55, 85 n. 
 
 St. Regulus, 31 n. 
 
 Stewarts of Athole, 95 lu 
 
 Stewart, Rev. Alexander, of Dingwall, xiv. 
 
 Stewart, Dr., of Luss, xl. 
 
 Stewart, John, 95, 70, 71. 
 
 Stewart, Rev. James, of Killin, xl. 
 
 Sutherland, Christina, 42 n. 
 
 Tapo og, xxxvi. 
 
 Tuura, 19, 124, 125, 38, 24, 25, 63, 44. 4;;. 
 
 64, 65. 
 Tavnr Vrio, 77, 54, 55. 
 Taylor, OikhriNl, 93, 68,69. 
 Tavmouth, iii., 115 w. 
 'JVligue, 110. 82, S3. 
 Teige. 26, 18, 19. 
 'IVmora, an epic pwm, li. 
 Thurlos, 77, 54, 55. 
 Timu'rary, 4 n, 63 m. 
 'I'obermory, 132 »». 
 Torgulbin, 30 ». 
 T..n|uil M'heod. 146 n. 
 'IVenmoro, 14, 10, n, 40, 28, 29- 
 TrosacliH, 31 ». 
 Tiiathrt de Dannan, the, xxxix., Ixxvi., 
 
 Ixxxvi. 
 Tuathal temhtndiar, Ixxii. 
 
'63 
 
 of, Ixxxi., 1> 
 
 Tuber na Fein, Ixxx. 
 Tullichmullin, i., v. 
 Tumnull, '.to, 70, 71. 
 Tyree, 21 ;.. 
 
 Uabreck, 78, 56, 57. 
 I'isneiich, cbiKlreii 
 
 Ixxxvii. 
 Ulster, 12 n, 30 n, 35 n, 50, 34, 35, 51, 52 «, 
 
 90, 66, 67, 153 n. 
 
 Variations in Irish dialects, xxv. 
 Ventry liarbi>ur, Ixxxii., 7 «, 11, S, 9. 
 Vitrilieil torts, Ixxxi. 
 
 Vocabularies of Scotch Gaelic, xiii. 
 Vikings or sea-robbers, xxix. 
 
 Wales, 8 n, 49 n. 
 Welsh, 31 n, 129 n. 
 Welsh dialects, \iii., xlii. 
 Wilde, Dr , 02 n. 
 Wilson, Dr. 1)., 7 n. 
 WIntobacks, 80, 56, 57. 
 
 YouNQ, Dr., Bishop of Clonfert, Iviii. 
 
 ZuHRAB, 50 n. 
 
 EDINBURGH' T. COX.sTABI.E, 
 PRINTER TO TJIE QUEEN, AND TO THE IMVER-^ITV. 
 
E R R A T A. 
 
 ENGLISH. 
 
 Page 3, line 10, for " No crushiiif:^ bones," read " No giving gold." 
 ,, 5, ,, 18, for " Coat of mail of brightest steel," read "a javelin of Ini^lit 
 
 sharp point." 
 „ 10, ,, 2, for " to whom," etc, read " whose breast was of the purest 
 
 white." 
 „ 12, ,, 27, for " There never was," etc., read " The end of our days we had 
 
 not reached." 
 ,, 16, ,, 14, /or "Deach Fichid's son," read " The thirty sons." 
 ,, 17, ,, 7, /or "is ours," read "T may read." 
 „ 18, ,, 11, for "Though little room," etc., read "Though little the hum 
 
 ming fly, not even a sunbeam." 
 ,, 21, „ 3, for " Come," etc., read " She came to," etc. 
 „ 2G, „ 4, for " A braver man," read " a longer week." 
 II 26, „ 7, /or "fortune," read "patron." 
 „ 26, „ 18, /or "Despised," etc., read "A rider bold." 
 ,, 58, n. deZete "or the betrothed." 
 
 „ 59, ,, 4, /or "Said," read "Ere." 
 ,, 104, „ 5, /or "A crown," etc., read "a sickle without a crop." 
 
 GAELIC. 
 
 Page 3, line 13, for "gun phronnadh cnaimh," read "gun bhronnadh crcdh." 
 
 7, „ 34, for " dhiubh a broitli a gheill," read " fa 'n braigh a ghile." 
 
 13, ,, 17, for " is leinn," read " a lenghainn." 
 
 18, „ 5, /or "zar," read "zad." 
 i9i II 5, /or " saoi bu gheire," read " so a b' fliaidc." 
 
 19, II 7, for " M'cud," read " M' oide." 
 19, ,, 9, for " mairg," read " nianaii h." 
 
 ^5' I) "^2, for " lath," read " Fatha;" for " Ciiinn," r«-<id " Con." 
 
 25, „ 35, for "oir," read "oirbh;" /or "a," rcar/"ttrs'." 
 
 4«i II 18, /or "urs'," read "Ere." 
 
 57i II 18, /or "Cao," read "Caol." 
 
 59. .1 19, /or "Fairibh," read "faicinn." 
 
 79i II 3, /or " Coroiii," read " eorran." 
 
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