THE 



Gaelic Bards 



FROM 1411 TO 1517 





BY THE 

REV. A. MACLEAN SINCLAIR. 




vTfjarlottjtobm: 
HASZARD & MOORE. 

William Drysdai.e & Co., Montrea 
James Thin, Edinburgh. 

1890. 




\ 



111. 




PREFACE. 

'HIS WORK is especially intended for Gaelic- 
speaking Canadians. Sonne of them, it is 
true, take very little interest in the past; they 
forget or ignore their obligations to it. But others 
are of a nobler stamp. They work hard to make 
a comfortable living for themselves ; still they find 
some leisure hours for reading the poetry, legends, 
traditions, and history of their ancestors. They 
are Canadians by birth and are thoroughly loyal to 
their own country ; but they are Kelts by blood, 
and are not ashamed of the poetic, warm-hearted, 
and warlike people from whom they have sprung. 
The Old Highlanders had faults, but they were 
men. 

I have in this work given specimens of the com- 
positions of the best known poets and song-writers 
of the Gaeldom of Scotland from 141 1 to 1517, 
or from the Battle of Harlaw to the Battle of 
Sheriffmuir. I have also given a brief account of 
every author respecting whom it was possible for 
me to obtain any information. I have added 
glossaries and explanatory notes, which I trust may 
be useful in making the poems intelligible. I have 



IV. 



not given as many poems as I would like to have 
given, and for the very good reason that I could 
not afford to pay for a larger work. 

I have departed to some extent from the com- 
mon orthography. I am very far, however, from 
thinking that the mode of spelling I have adopted 
is free from faults. Still I do not suppose that it 
can, as a mere experiment, do any harm. 

I have prepared the first fifteen pages of the 
Introduction for the benefit of English readers who 
speak Gaelic and would like to be able to read it. 
I feel confident that any person of ordinary intelli- 
gence who can read English and speak Gaelic can, 
if he will only try, learn to read Gaelic in a very 

few hours. 

Several of the poems in this work are from Dr. 

Maclean's MS. I feel convinced that it would be 
useful, especially for philological purposes, to pub- 
lish that MS. verbatim et literatim. I shall be 
glad to hand it over to any person or persons who 
will agree to do so. 

The printers of this work do not understand a 
word of Gaelic. I live twenty miles from Char- 
lottetown, and it was inconvenient to send me 
proofs more than once. In consequence of these 
facts there are a few typographical errors. Fortun- 
ately, however, they are not of very much import- 
ance. They can cause no difficulty to any reader. 

A. Maclean Sinclair. 
Belfast, Prince Edward Island, 
October 28th, 1890. 



INTRODUCTION. 

I. 

GAELIC READING AND SPELLING. 



LETTERS AND SOUNDS. 

The letters of the alphabet represent the 
sounds used in speaking. They are thus merely 
signs. We spell a word containing two or more 
sounds by placing two or more letters after one 
another, each representing a sound contained in 
the word. We pronounce a word by joining 
together the sounds represented by the letters in it. 

A perfect alphabet would contain a letter or 
sign for every simple sound used in the language. 
An alphabet of this kind, however, would be some- 
what long and rather difficult to learn. Besides, 
for the ordinary purposes of life it is not really 
needed. When two sounds are fundamentally 
of the same nature, like that of a in far and a in 
fat, the same letter suits well enough to represent 
both sounds. 

The Gaelic alphabet consists of thirteen con- 
sonants, b, c, d, f, g, h, 1, m, n, p, r, s, t ; and 
live vowels a, e, i, o, u. Practically however it 
contains seventeen consonants, 1), c, ch, d, f, g, h, 
1, m, n, ng, p, r, s, t, bh or mh, dh or gh ; and 



VI. 



six vowels, a, e, i, o, u, ao. Ch, ng, bh or mh, dh 
or gh, and ao represent simple sounds, and are to 
be regarded as single letters. Ch is the same 
letter as the Greek chi. Bh and mh stand for v. 
Generally mh is a nasalized v, or a v sounded 
partly through the nose. Dh and gh stand for y. 
There is no word in Gaelic that begins with the 
sound of h, v, or y. 

Ph is always sounded like f; as in phaisg e, 
faiss e, he folded. Th is sounded like h as in 
thilg e, hilg e, he threw. Sh is also sounded like 
h ; as in sheall e, heall e, he looked. Fh is silent, 
as in chan f haca mi, chan aca mi, I did not see. 



THE CONSONANTS. 

The names of the consonants are ba, ca, cha, 
da, fa, ga, ha, la, ma, na, ang, pa, ra, sa, ta, va, 
ya. The correct pronunciation of these names 
will be found in the following words ; — /^at/i-is, 
forehead ; caf/i, battle ; f/iat/i-ich e, he fought ; 
(fat//, dye ; /at/i, a mole ; gat/i, a sting ; ihath-xoh 
e, he frequented ; /a-sir, a flame ; math, good ; 
nath-vc, a serpent ; i-ang, a sheep-pen ; pa-cz-ix a 
peddler ; rath, luck ; Y)\-sath-\\\xr\, Saturday ; 
^a//^-ich, frequent ; a vath-\s, his forehead ; yaih 
e, he dyed. The words or parts of words con- 
taining the names of the letters are printed in 
Italics. 

In explaining the sounds of the consonants it 
will be convenient to treat each of the letters 1, r, 
and n as two letters. The six letters arising from 
this division may be written Ih, 1, rh, r, nh, n. 
Lh, rh, and nh maybe called liquid or soft letters, 
and 1, r, and n hard letters. In using these terms, 
however, it must be distinctly understood that 1, r, 
and n are hard letters only in comparison with lh, 



vn. 



rh, and nh ; not in comparison with other letters 
of the alphabet. 

The difference in sound between Ih and 1, rh 
and r, nh and n will be readily noticed by com- 
paring the sounds of each of these pairs of letters 
in Ihian, a net, and mo lian, my net ; rhamh, 
an oar, and mo ramh, my oar ; nhamh an enemy, 
and mo namh, my enemy. Of course Ihian, 
rhamh, and nhamh are invariably spelt in books 
lian, ramh, and namh. 

The letters p, b, f, v and m are called labials, 
or lip-letters ; and the letters h, c, ch, g, y, t, d, 
Ih, rh, nh, 1, r, n, ng, and s, linguals or tongue- 
letters. As m, n, and ng are sounded partly 
througli the nose they are called nasals, or nose- 
letters. All these letters have two distinct sounds, 
a low or flat sound, and a high or sharp sound. 
In the case of the labials, however, the difference 
between these sounds is of so slight a character 
that it is scarcely worth taking into account. In 
the case of the linguals the difference amounts to 
a good deal. Compare for instance the sound of 
t in tal, an adze, with its sound in tinn, sick. 
The difference between its sounds in these two 
words is almost equal to the difference between 
th in thank and t in tin. 

By the low or flat sound of a consonant is 
meant its sound in union with a low or flat vowel, 
such as a, o, u, or ao ; and by its high or sharp 
sound, its sound in union with a high or sharp 
vowel, such as i. 

It is not to be assumed that the Gaelic con- 
sonants agree in sound with the same consonants 
in English. The fact is that with the exception 
of h and m there is not a consonant in Gaelic that 
has the same sound, and only the same sound, as 
the same consonant or any other consonant in 
English. 



Vlll. 

s 
We can readily learn the difference in sound 

between a Gaelic and an English consonant, by 
consulting, not our ears, but our tongue and lips. 
Our ears may deceive us, but our tongue and lips 
will not. A fiddler cannot produce two sounds 
precisely alike by touching the string in two differ- 
ent places. Neither can we produce two 
sounds similar in every respect by bringing the 
organs of speech into contact at different points. 
Let us compare for instance the sounds of English 
th in lath, Gaelic t in at, swelling, and English t 
in hat. These three sounds are quite different 
from one another. In saying lath the tongue 
strikes the edge of the upper teeth and is almost 
disposed to push itself out past the teeth ; in say- 
ing at, it strikes against the root of the upper 
teeth ; whilst in saying hat, it does not touch the 
teeth at all, but strikes above them. 

How are we to know when 1, r, and n have 
their soft or liquid sound, and when they have 
their hard sound ? 

As an almost invariable rule 1, r, and n have 
their soft sound at the beginning of words. The 
only exceptions to this rule are le, with ; ri or ris, 
to ; riamh, ever ; roimh, before ; and ni, will do, 
as in ni mi sin, I will do that. Reir, according 
to, and ris, again, are only apparent exceptions, 
these words being merely shortened and improper 
forms of a reir and a ris. So far as leibh, with 
jou, ruibh, to you, and romhabh, before you, are 
'concerned, they are simply contracted forms of le 
sibh, ri sibh, and roimh sibh. 

When 1, r, and n have their liquid or soft sound 
in the middle or end of words they are generally 
written double ; as in balla, a wall ; garrach, a 
worthless little fellow ; bonnach, a cake ; call, 
loss ; gearr, a hare ; tonn, a wave. 

We have now to consider another important 



IX. 



question. How can we know when the conson- 
ants b, c, ch, d, g, r, h, Ih, 1, m, nh, n, ng, p, rh, 
r, s, t, V, and y have thek' low or flat sound, and 
when they have their high or sharp sound ? 

When a syllal)le begins with a consonant, the 
consonant has always its low sound before a, o, u, 
or ao ; and its high sound before e or i ; as in sar, 
a hero ; sor, spare ; suil, an eye ; saor, a carpent- 
er ; sen, old ; sith, peace. When a syllable ]>egins 
with a vowel the consonant coming after it has its 
low sound after a, o, u, ao, and e ; and its high 
sound after i; as in as, out of ; osnadh,asigh; uspag, 
a push ; aosmhor, aged ; es, a water-fall ; isban, 
a sausage. 

When a syllable begins and ends with a con- 
sonant, as a general rule the sound of the last 
consonant is determined by the character of the 
vowel ; as in bas, death ; cos, a crevice ; tus, 
beginning ; taod, a hair rope ; ses, stand ; dis, 
soft. When the consonant has its low sound after 
i, the letter o is inserted between it and the i ; as 
in fios, knowledge, which without the o would be 
pronounced fish. Again, when the consonant has 
its high sound the letter i is inserted between it 
and the vowel ; as in braid, a horse-collar ; boid, 
a vow ; tuis, incense ; and taois, dough. Of course 
the o is totally silent in fios, and the i in braid, 
boid, tuis, and taois. 

There are a few exceptions to the general rules 
of pronunciation laid down which re(}uire to be 
pointed out. C at the end of a word of one syl- 
lable, or at the end of an accented syllable, is 
generally pronounced like chc, as in mac, machc, 
a son. Chd, originally cht, is also generally pro- 
nounced like chc, as in smachd, smachc, authority. 
Cn and gn are sometimes sounded like r. Thus 
we hear croc, a bill ; craimh, a bone ; gruis, the 
countenance ; granda, ugly ; and griomh, a deed ; 



in place of cnoc, cnaimh, gnuis, gnada, and 
gniomh. In English the c and g are wholly 
omitted as in knock, know, gnat, gnomon. In 
pronouncing rt, it is a common practice to insert 
s between the r and the t ; as in mart, a cow, cert, 
right, which are pronounced as if written marst, 
cerst. Some insert the s between r and d, as in 
ard, high, ceard, a tinker, which they pronounce 
arsd and cearsd. In pronouncing 1 or r and a 
following b, g, m, or v, it is customary to insert 
the sound of a short u, like that of u in agus, 
between the 1 or r and the succeeding consonant ; 
as in Alba, Aluba, Scotland ; ferg, ferug, wrath ; 
arm, arum, a weapon ; garbh, garubh, stout. The 
same short sound is inserted between n and m or 
V ; as in ainm, ainum, a name ; ainbhach, ainuvach, 
a debt. The sound of nn is frequently omitted 
between a vowel and s ; as in annsachd, a beloved 
person ; oinnsech, a silly woman ; unnsa, an 
ounce ; Innsainech, an Indian. An before Z' is O- 
sounded like ung, as in an cu, ung cu, the dog. 
Fhuair, found, fhein, self, and fhathast, yet, 
are pronounced as if written huair, hein, hathast. 
Thu, thou, is pronounced u, not hu. S after t- is 
silent, as in 'san t-slige, 'san tlige, in the shell, 
S has its high sound in so, this; sud, that; but 
these words might be written seo, siud. S has its 
low sound in is, the verb is, and also and. Y or 
ya is frequently silent in the end of a syllable ; as 
in fiodh-al, a fiddle ; briagh-a, beautiful. V also 
at the end of a syllable is treated by many persons 
as a silent letter ; as in ga, take, for gav or gabh ; 
la, hand, for lav or lamh. 

A few erroneous statements respecting Gaelic 
sounds have found their way into books. It may 
save the student of Gaelic some perplexities to be 
put on his guard against these statements. Gaelic 
t, then, is never sounded like English ch. English 



XI. 



ch stands for tsh, as in tshurtsh or church. 
Gaelic d is never sounded like English j. English 
j stands for dzh, as in dzhig or jig. The man 
who says jirech sin for direch sin, just that, is 
simply mispronouncing the d. The expression 
tha eolas aige, he has knowledge, is not to be 
pronounced as if written tha yeolas aige. Eo 
never takes y before it except after do, to ; as in 
do dh-Eoghan, or do y-Eoghan, to Ewen. Gh in 
laogh, a calf, is not a peculiar and jaw-breaking 
sound. It is simply the consonant y, as can be 
easily seen by saying, first, lao-ya and next lao-y, 
dropping the a. Uh" f h is not an unpronounce- 
able combination of letters. Let us examine it in 
the sentence dh' f hag e mi, he left me. Dh stands 
for y and f h is silent. Surely any one who can 
speak at all can say yag e mi. A duck could almost 
say dh' f hag, or yag. 



THE VOWELS. 

The vowels a, o, u, ao, i, and e are named after 
their sounds in the following words: — a, out of; 
^Ic, evil ; z^rra, a person ; a(?dcich, clothes ; /se, 
she ; (?ch, a horse. A, o, u, and ao may be termed 
broad, low, or flat vowels ; i, a slender, high, or 
sharp vowel ; and e an intermediate vowel. 

A vowel may have two or more short sounds, 
and corresponding long sounds. When a vowel 
is sounded partly through the nose, which takes 
place only when sounded in union with m or n, it 
is said to be' nasalized. 

In giving the various vowel sounds in the 
Gaelic language I will give the short sound in the 
first word and the corresponding long sound in 
the next. 



xu. 



A IS SOUNDED 



1. As in grad, quick ; gradh, love. 

2. As nasalized in mac, a son ; mathair, mother. 

3. As in lagh, law ; ladhran, hoofs, as pronounced 

in Western Argyleshire. 

The sound of a in lagh is the same as that of u 
in lug. Its long form in ladhran can be ascer- 
tained by lengthening that of u in lug. 

IS SOUNDED 

1. As in brod, lid ; cos, a crevice. 

2. As nasalized in cnoc, a hill ; comhradh, con- 

versation. 

3. As in gobhar, a goat ; gobhlag, a fork. 

U IS SOUNDED 

1. As in cus, too much ; cmbach, lame. 

2. As nasalized in muc, a pig ; much, quench. 

3. As in agus, and, or like a in hospital. 

The long form of this sound is represented by a 
as sounded in Inverness-shire in ladhran, hoofs, and 
also by ao as sounded in Inverness-shire in laogh, 
a calf. 

AG IS ALWAYS LONG. IT IS SOUNDED 

1. As in laogh, a calf, in Western Argyleshire. 

2. As in laogh in Inverness-shire. 

1 IS SOUNDED 

1. As in ise, she ; i, an island. 

2. As nasalized in min, meal ; minn, kids. 

3. As in gabhibh, take, or like u in agus. 



XUL 



It is really sounded in three dift'erent ways in an 
unaccented syllable like ibh in gabh-ibh. Some 
say gav-iv, some say gav-uv or ga-uv, and others 
ga-u. Those who say gav-iv sound the i distinctly 
like i in ibh, drink ; those who say gav-uv or gauv 
sound the i like u in agus ; whilst those who say 
ga-u drop the bh or v both in gabh and il>h and 
sound the i like u in ugh, an egg, 

E IS SOUNDED 

1. As in fer, a man ; ferr or fearr, better. 

2. As nasalized in nech, a person ; nebh, heaven. 

3. As in egal, fear, or like a in maple ; as in cem 

or ceim, step, or like a in fame. Many 
sound e in egal like e in fer, 

4. As in fine, a clan, or like u in agus. 

The short sound of e in fer is the same as that 
of e in ferry. The corresponding long sound, or 
that of e in ferr or fearr, does not exist in English, 
Some find it in there and where, but they do so 
by mispronouucing these words, a thing that is 
very comiuonly done. 



DIPHTHONGS. 

A diphthongal sound is formed by the bkndlng 
together of two vowel sounds. Two vowels 
placed side by side do not necessarily form a 
diphthong. If they are both soandeil they con- 
stitute a di])hthong ; if one of them is totally silent 
they are merely a digraph. The (laelic diphthongs 
are ai, oi, ui, aoi, ci ; au, ou, ua ; ia or to, iu ; 
eo, eu. \ 



XIV. 



AI IS SOUNDED 



1. As in saighit, an arrow ; saill, fat. 

2. As nasalized in naidhechd, news ; scraing a 

scowl. 

3. Like aoi, as in aibhnen, rivers, as pronounced 

in some places. 

01 IS SOUNDED 

1. As in roimh, before ; Roimh, Rome. 

2. Like aoi, as in oidhirp, an attempt ; oidhche, 

night. 

UI is sounded as in suip, wisps ; luib, the 
genitive case of lub, a bend. 

• AOI is always long, and is sounded as in aoibh- 
nes, joy. 

EI is sounded as in beinn, a mountain. 



AU IS SOUNDED 

1. As in aubhin, as pronounced in Western 

Arg}deshire ; as in daull, blind. 

2. As nasalized in laumhan, hands, in Western 

Argyleshire ; as nasalized in maull, slow. 

OU is sounded as in foughar, autumn, in parts of 
of Argyleshire ; as in toull, a hole. 

UA IS ALWAYS LONG, AND IS SOUNDED 

1. As in ruadh, reddish. 

2. As nasalized in nuadh, new. 

3. As in fuar, as pronounced in Athole. 



XV. 



lA OR lO IS ALWAYS LONG, AND IS SOUNDED 



1. As in diar, tear ; fion, wino. 

2. As in tiar, crooked ; fior, true. 



lU IS SOUNDED 



1. As in tiugh, thick ; cliu, praise. 

2. As nasalized in os-ciunn, overhead, or above. 



EO OR EA IS SOUNDED 

1. As in Seoc, Jock ; leon, a wound. 

2. As in leabhar, a book ; teoma, skilful, teagh- 

lach, a family. 

EU is sounded as in geumhtach, short and thick ; 
ceunn, head. 

In some parts of Argyleshire the sounds repre- 
sented by au, ou, and eu are not used. Dall, 
tonn, anj ceann are pronounced as these words 
are spelt, the a, o, and e being lengthened to 
some extent. According to the present mode of 
spelling, io is frequently a digraph, ea and ei are 
generally digraphs, whilst eu is always a digraph. 
There are no triphthongs either in Gaelic or English. 



THE ACCENTS. 

In pronouncing a word of two or more syllables 
we lay a certain pressure or stress of voice upon 
one of the syllables. This stress is callctl the 
accent, and the syllable upon which it falls the 
accented syllable. In (iaelic the accent invariably 
falls upon the hrst syllable of a word, except when 
that syllable happens to be a prefex, as in las-ir, 



XVI, 



a flame. It never falls upon a prefix tliat is known 
and felt to be such. In the word co-chruinn-ech- 
adh, a collection, no one would ever think of put- 
ting the accent upon co. Any one would put it 
upon chruinn, which is the main part or root of 
the word. 



SYLLABICATION. 

With regard to syllabication, or the division 
of words into syllables the following rules may be 
laid down : — 

1. As a general rule the second syllable of a 
word begins with a vowel, and also the third 
syllable ; as in benn-ach-adh, a blessing. The 
tendency is to end a syllable with a consonant. 

2. Ch, th, bh and mh, dh and gh, 11,. rr, and nn 
must always be joined to the vowel before them ; 
as in clach-air, a mason ; Leth-an-ach, a Maclean ; 
clobh-a, a pair of tongs ; samh-ach, quiet ; claidh- 
ebh, a sword ; bragh-ad, the neck ; dnill-ech,. 
foliage ; dann-arr-a, stubl)orn. 

3. In the case of compound words the syllabic 
division must always take place between the twa 
words that form the compound ; as in gnath- 
f hacal, a comnion saying or proverb. 

4. Prefixes and suffixes always form distinct 
syllables, as in do-leighes, incurable ; coill-tech„ 
one who lives in the woods. 



THE USE OF THE APOSTROPHE. 

When a word is contracted by omitting one or 
more letters generally used in pronouncing it, the 
omission should be indicated by an apostrophe, 
as in bhuailt' e for bhuailtedh e, he would be 



XVll. 

struck. Again, when a word generally used and 
necessary to make a sentence intelligil^le has Ijeen 
omitted ttie omission should be indicated l)y an 
apostrophe, as in an te 'bh' ann san taigh for an te 
a bha ann san taigh, the woman that was in the 
' house. 

As no one ever says an bhen, the woman, gu 
am faod mi, that I may, gu an deid mi, that I will 
go, na an rachadh e, if he would go, na am faicedh 
e, if he would see, we should not write a' bhen, 
gu'm faod mi, gu'n deid mi, na 'n rachadh e, na 'm 
faicedh e ; but a bhen, gum faod mi, gun deid mi, 
nan rachadh e, nam faicedh e. It may be replied 
that some one said an bhen and gu an deid mi 
long ago. What of that ? We do not write to 
instruct people in anti(juarian matters or the 
original forms of words, but to convey our ideas to 
them. As a matter of fact no one ever said gu an 
deid, except perhaps in singing a line which 
lacked a syllable of the number required. 



THE ORIGIN OF CERTAIN WORDS 
AND LETTERS. 

The word thanic is from do and anac or ananca, 
which is from the Indo-Keltic root nak, to reach. 
To write d' thanic instead of danic or d' anic would 
be equivalent to writing do do-bhuail instead of 
do bhuail. As the verb anac or anic is never used 
by itself, there is no necessity for writing d'anic. 
Ranic, reached, is from ro and anac, or anic, the 
form of the word always used by early writers in 
the third person singular. Thic, will come, is from 
do and ic ; and theid, will go, from do and eit. 
Thuc, gave, is from do and uc ; and thoir, give, is 
from do and bheir. A bheil thu, are you ? is for 
am feil thu. Is, and, is a diftercnt word from agus. 



XVIU. 



and. It is therefore improper to write it a's or 'us, 
as if it were a contracted form of agus. It is at 
the present day invariably pronounced us, and 
might be written us. Is is generally used to con- 
nect nouns, and agus to connect the clauses of a 
sentence. Ged a is from ge do, and is still used in 
that way, as in ge do bha mi, although I was. Mo, 
my, and do, thy, are generally changed after ann, 
in, to am and ad, as in ann am laimh, in my hand, 
ann ad laimh, in thy hand. In expressions of this 
kind the preposition is frequently omitted. We 
say simply 'am laimh, 'ad laimh. Aig, at or by, 
originally oc, has been cut up into more shapes 
than any other word in the language. We find it 
not only in its proper form aig, but also in such 
forms as aic, ag, 'g, a, ga. Its various forms will be 
found in the following expressions : aig Mari, in 
possession of Mary ; aic-e, in her possession ; ag 
ol, at drinking ; 'g ithedh, at eating ; a buladh, at 
striking ; ga a-bhualadh, contracted to go 'bhua- 
ladh, at his-striking, or striking him. A-bhualadh 
is dealt with as one word. In the expression, thig 
gam ionnsidh, come to me, ga is not for aig, but 
for do, to. The correct form is thig dom ionnsidh. 
In the expression gach sceula ga bheil agad, every 
story that you have, ga stands for de na. The 
original form of the article was sind. Sind was 
first changed into in or int, and next into an or ant. 
We still use the last form of it, as in the expres- 
sion ant ech, the horse. As, however, in pro- 
nouncing this form of the article, we invariably 
separate the t from the article and prefix it to the 
noun, we should \\Tite not ant ech, but an t-ech. The 
original form of the preposition ann, or an, was in. It 
was changed from in to ann or an. The s that we 
find attached to it in such an expression as anns an 
taigh, in the house, does not properly belong to it. 
It is the s of the article in its original form, sind. 
For anns an taigh, then, we may write ann san 



XIX. 



taigh, or an san taigh, which is probably the most 
common form of the expression. In the expression 
thoir sin do dh-Iain, give that to John, dh is not a 
Repetition of the preposition do, but simply a 
sound thrown in to render the pronunciation more 
agreeable. It is easier to say do dh-Iain than it is 
to say do Iain. We should write, not do dh' Iain, 
but do dh-Iain. 



THE RULE OF LETHANN RI LETHANN 
AND CAOL RI CAOL. 

The earliest Irish writers followed a natural and 
correct method of spelling. In course of time, 
however, the rule of lethann ri lethann and caol ri 
caol was framed and adopted, and is still in full 
force. According to this rule, if the last vowel in 
a syllable be a broad or low vowel, the first vowel 
of the syllable following it must also be a broad or 
low vowel ; and if the last vowel of a syllable be a 
slender or high vowel, the first vowel of the syllable 
following it must also be a slender or high vowel. 
In the word slanich, heal, from the stem slan and 
the suffix ich, a is a broad or low vowel. It may 
therefore be followed by a, o or u, but not by e or 
i. We may write slanaich or slanuich, but not 
slanich. Of course the a in aich leads to a false 
pronunciation. The u in uich is equally useless, 
and also leads to a false i)ronunciation. Why then 
insert either a or u before ich ? Simply to preserve 
the rule of lethann ri lethann for the benefit of the 
eye. The word baighail, kind, is formed from 
the stem baigh and the suffix ail, a contraction for 
amail or amhail, like. As i, the last vowel in 
baigh, belongs to the class of slentler or high 
vowels, we must take good care not to put a, o, or 



XX. 



u after it ; it must be followed by e or i. Conse- 
quently we change ail to eil, and write baigheil. 
Of course nobody thinks of saying baigheil ; every 
one says baighail. But what of that ? The rule 
of caol ri caol is preserved for the satisfaction of 
the eye. After the rule of lethann ri lethann and 
caol ri caol had become fashionable in Ireland, it 
was introduced into Scotland, and rigorously ap- 
plied to the Scottish Gaelic. 

To the rule of lethann ri lethann and caol ri 
caol there are severl objections. In the first 
place, it is not needed, and can not serve any 
useful purpose. It is impossible to point out 
anything gained by it. In the second place, it 
tends to produce a false pronunciation. If we 
pronounce the word Mairi as it is spelt we must 
evidently say Myry. In the third place, it tends 
to put the student of languages off the right 
track. We are told that ea in fear, a man, is a 
diphthong, and that it is made up of the sounds of 
e and u rapidly joined together. No man would 
maintain this absurd notion except a man who was 
influenced by the rule of lethann ri lethann and 
caol ri caol. We are told that fear was originally 
feras, and that the a was so powerful that it forced 
its way back between the e and the r. It is a 
well-known fact that when a vowel forces itself 
back in a word, it does not do so to be a silent 
letter and thus destroy itself. There is not a man 
living that ever heard the a in fear sounded even 
in the faintest manner. But fer was not originally 
feras, but feros. We are told that the rule of 
lethann ri lethann and caol ri caol, or of broad 
vowel to broad vowel and slender vowel to 
slender vowel, is the same as the law of vocalic 
harmony in the Finnish and other Ural-Altaic 
languages. The two rules are not the same. The 
Finn pronounces his words as he spells them ; the 
Highlander does not. The Finn's law is founded 



XXI. 



upon the nature of his language; the Highlander's 
law is founded simply upf)n the lively fancy of 
Irish scribes of a comparatively late period. The 
Finn's law is a reality ; the Highlander's law is 
a fiction. I^robahly we shall he told by and by 
that the law of lethann ri lethann and caol ri caol 
clearly proves that the Highlanders and Irish are 
to a large extent descended from some small 
yellow savages who spoke a language allied to 
the Finnish, and imposed its laws upon the Ciaelic. 
In the fourth place, the law in question is an utter 
ajjsurdity. It exists in books ; but the spoken 
language refuses to submit to it, just as a sane 
man would rel)el against being put in a straight- 
jacket. 



PHONETIC SPELLING. 

That the current niethod of spelling Gaelic 
is exceedingly imperfect no one can deny. The 
same letters or combinations of letters are used to 
represent several distinct sounds ; the same sounds 
are represented in ditferent ways ; simple sounds 
are represented by two letters ; letters ^d com- 
binations are sometimes used to represent sounds 
that do not properly belong to them ; and letters 
are frequently written, but not pronounced. Some 
of these things are not merely theoretical imper- 
fections, but positive evils. These evils should 
be removed. That they could be removed is just 
as certain as that they exist. They could be 
removed by spelling the language phonetically; 
that is, by spelling every word as it is pronounced, 
and by always using the same sign to denote the 
same sound. But is it desirable to spell wcjrds in 
this way? \'cs, from every point of view in 
which the matter can be looked at. 



XXll. 



Every one knows that it is a very laborious 
work to learn to read English. This arises from 
the fact that one has to learn not only the names 
of the letters, but the names of thousands of words 
as well. Who would ever think of calling cough, 
coff, and plough, plow, unless he had l^een taught 
to do so? The present mode of spelling is utterly 
vicious and absurd. It is simply a disgrace to the 
British and Americans, especially when we con- 
sider how these peoples ridicule the old-fashioned 
notions of the Chinese and boast of their own 
intelligence and progressive spirit. We all profess 
to take a deep interest in the welfare of the young 
people who are growing up and soon to take our 
place in the world. Is it becoming then on our 
part — is it kindness or justice — to be compelling 
children to waste years of valuable time learning 
to read their mother-tongue, when, if it was spelt 
properly, they could learn to read it in a few 
months ? 

It may be imagined by some that the introduc- 
tion of phonetic spelling would tend to obscure 
the roots of words. This is merely a groundless 
supposition. Those who have carefully considered 
the matter, and whose opinions are worth listen- 
ing to, think very differently. Max Muller says : — 
"The pronunciation of languages changes accord- 
ing to fixed laws, the spelling has changed in the 
most arbitrary manner, so that if our spelling 
followed the pronunciation of words, it would in 
reality be a greater help to the critical student 
of language than the present uncertain and unsci- 
entific mode of \\ntmg."~Sc/ence of Latiguage, 
Vol. II, page III. Prof. Whitney, the highest 
authority in America, says :— "Our words as we 
write them are full of silent and ambiguous signs 
of every class, unremoved ruins of an overthrown 
phonetic structure. And our sense of the fitness 
of things has become so debauched by our training 



xxni. 



in the midst of these vicious suToundings that it 
seems to us natural and proper that the same 
sounds sJiould be written in many different ways. 
It is natural and praiseworthy that we should be 
strongly attached to a time-honored institution, 
but this feeling becomes a mere blind prejudice, 
and justly open to ridicule, when it puts on airs, 
proclaims itself the defender of a great principle, 
regaids inherited modes of spelling as sacred, and 
frowns upon the phonetist as one who would fain 
mar the essential beauty and value of a language. — 
Language and the Study of Language, pages g^ 
and 468. Prof. Sayce says : — "The objection that 
a reformed spelling would destroy the continuity 
of a language or conceal the etymology of words 
is raised only by ignorance and superticiality." — 
Introduction to the Science of I^anguage, Vol. If. 

It may be urged against phonetic spelling that 
by having the same sound always indicated by the 
same sign we may have two words of different 
significations spelt in the same way. What of 
that ? It will of course be replied that we will 
have no means of determining what is meant. 
It is not perhaps desirable that two nouns having 
different meanings, or two adjectives, or two verbs 
or two prepositions, or two adverbs, or two con- 
junctions should be spelt in the same way, but 
this is a thing of very rare occurence. The old 
Kelts and Goths could not build railroads and 
steamboats, but they knew how to build up a 
language just as well as we do, and probably a 
great deal better. They took good care not to 
make two words belonging to the same part of 
speech precisely alike. Cas, the leg, and cas, 
steep, are spelt and pronounced in the same way. 
Ghearr mi mo chas means I cut my foot, and tha 
e cas, it is steep. Is it conceivable that any man 
would understand by ghearr mi mo chas, I cut my 
steep ? 



XXIV. 



It is especially desirable that the Gaelic lan- 
guage should Vje spelt phonetically. There are 
at the present day thousands of persons in the 
world who can speak Gaelic and read English, 
but who cannot read Gaelic. This is surely a 
state of things that should not be allowed to con- 
tinue. If Gaelic were only spelt phonetically any 
one who understands it, and who can read English 
could learn to read it in a few hours. That the 
ability to read it would be an intellectual gain to 
one no man who is possessed of sound sense 
will be disposed to deny. We are told over and 
over that Gaelic is a dying language. Probably 
it is. At the same time it does not follow that it 
is as near its end as its foes imagine. There can 
be no doubt that among the things helping to kill 
it, at least in this country, is the inability of those 
who speak it to read it. By spelling it in a 
natural and proper manner this source of injury 
to it would be removed, and its life prolonged. 
The man who can read and enjoy its song and 
stories will never think of letting it die. Others 
may kick it and try to kill it, but he will stand 
by it. He loves it, not simply l)ecause his ances- 
tors spoke it, not merely because it was the 
language of good, and great, and brave men, but 
for its naturalness, beauty, and strength, for its 
inherent excellence. 

The following statements by Prof. Sayce, 
deserve earnest consideration : — 

"The inadequacy of English spelling is ex- 
ceeded only by that of Gaelic, and in the com- 
parative condition of the Irish and Scottish Gaels 
on the one side and the Welsh Kymry on the 
other, we may read a lesson of the practical effects 
of disregarding the warnings of science. Welsh 
is phonetically spelt, the result being that the 
Welsh, as a rule, are well educated and indus- 
trious, and that their language is maintained in 



XXV. 



full vigor, so that ci Welsh child has his wits 
sharpened and his mind opened by being able to 
speak two languages. In Ireland and Scotland 
on the contrary, the old language is fast perishing ; 
and the people can neither read nor write unless 
it be in English." — Introduction to the Science of 
Language, Vol. II, page 34J. 

Whilst the first and supreme rule in spelling 
words is that we spell them as they are pronounced 
there is another rule to which we should also 
attend. When we know the original form of a 
word we should in spelling it preserve that form 
as far as the present mode of pronouncing it will 
permit us to do. Claidhebh, a sword, naobh, 
holy, deagh, excellent, tiaigh, the foot, and laighe, 
lying down, were originally spelt claideb, noeb, 
deg, traig, laige. So far as the present pronun- 
ciation of these words is concerned claidhemh, 
naomh, deadh, traidh, and laidhe suit just as well 
as claidhebh, naobh, deagh, traigh, and laighe. 
Inasmuch however as the latter mode preserves 
the original consonants, whilst the former does not, 
the latter mode is to be preferred. The older the 
form in which we have a word the more likely w^e are 
to find out its origin and true meaning. It is per- 
fectly true that it is not the business of spelling to 
preserve or suggest etymologies. At the same 
time we should not utterly disregard the etymol- 
ogy of a word when there is no real necessity for 



doing so. 



X 



XXVI. 



II. 

THE STRUCTURE OF GAELIC POETRY. 

There are certain rules of composition to 
which every poet or song-writer must attend. 
These rules are very simple, and can be thoroughly 
understood and practised by any one who will try. 
The following are the principal rules : — 

1. Every line of a poem must be of a certain 
length, that is, it must contain a certain number 
of syllables. 

2. Certain lines, which may be called corres- 
ponding lines, must be of the same length. 

3. The accent must fall at regular intervals ; 
in other words, the accented syllables must occupy 
a certain position. 

4. The end-words of certain lines must rhyme 
together ; that is, they must contain the same 
vowel sound. It is not necessary in Gaelic that 
the consonants should have the same sound. Two 
words rhyme perfectly when their vowel sounds 
are the same, as beo and ceo. Two words rhyme 
imperfectly when the vowel sounds are not pre- 
cisely the same, as torr and meoir. Imperfect 
rhymes are allowable. They should not however 
appear only as occassional exceptions, 

5. In certain cases a word within a line must 
rhyme with the last word of the preceding line. 
This in-rhyme, or middle rhyme as it is generally 
called is neither required nor used in English. 
In Gaelic poetry it is almost a matter of necessity. 



xxvn. 

We may have poetry without it, ')ut we cannot 
have poetry thatv will please the ear without it. 
It may not give strength to a poem ; it unquestion- 
ably gives beauty to it. The want of it is a serious 
defect in our present metrical version of the Psalms. 

6. In songs, or poems intended to be sung, 
all the verses must be of the same length. Of 
course this rule does not apply to poems composed 
in the same style as Beinn-Dorainn, which con- 
tains several parts, each to be sung to an air suit- 
able to itself. 

In order to understand the full meaning of these 
rules it will be necessary to examine the structure 
of a few verses. Let us begin with the following 
verse : 

Cha robh na Gaidhil f«/linnech ; 
B' e 'm beus 'bhi sesmhach, trt:bhachdach, 
'Bhi bechdail, rechdmhor, ardanach, 
'Bhi' dan a dol 'san tuasaid. 

CHORUS 

Deoch-slainte htchd-na}n-hrecanan ; 
'S e \iir nut '« aiairt a />' aite leinn ; 
'6" guit olatnid gti scairtail i 
Air lascairen a chruadail. 

The first line, Cha robh na Gaidh-il fail-inn-ech, 
contains eight syllables. The second and third 
lines are of the same length. The fourth line, 
Air, las-cair-en a chruad-ail, contains seven syl- 
lables. In the first line the accent falls upon robh, 
Gaidh, and fail, or upon the second, fourth and 
sixth syllables. In the second and third lines, and 
also in the fourth, it falls u]:)on the same syllables. 
The end-rhyme comes in at fail, or the sixth syl- 
lable. It conies in in the same syllable in the 
second and third lines. Ffli/linnech, tabhachdach, 



XXVIU. 



and ardanach rhyme together. The in-rhyme, or 
middle rhyme, comes in in the second syllable of 
the fourth line. D^n a dol rhymes with ardanach. 
The chorus is constructed according to the same 
general plan as the first verse, and is of course to 
be sung with it. When we take the verse and 
the chorus together we find that the two closing 
M'ords, tuasaid and chruadail, agree in rhyme. 
But the chorus is to be sung after every verse in 
the poem. It follows then that the closing word 
of every verse must be a word with which chru- 
adail will rhyme. The first verse contains thirty- 
one syllables. Every verse in the poem contains 
the same number. 

Let us look at another verse : 

Thuit gu lar an crann mwllich, 

Craobh a b' aluinne dz/illech 

Fer neo-scathach 'sa chzmnart 

'vShesadh dan anns gach cz^masc ; 

Bha thu laz'dir mar chz/ridh 

'Chur na staiiinn gu fzdang ; — 

Bu tu 'n t-armunn d' am bz/inedh 'bhi mor. 

The sixth syllables of all the lines agree in 
sound. This was necessary. But the third syl- 
lables of all the lines also agree in sound. It was 
not necessary that all the the third syllables should 
rhyme together. Still, the fact that they do so 
adds to the melody of the verse. The verse closes 
with the accented syllable mor. Every verse in 
the poem ends with a syllable that rhymes with 
mor. 

Let us now consider the structure of the fol- 
lowing verse : 

Thanic dith air an ardrich 

'Nuair a dh' eirich muir-b^zthte fo chr^z'c ; 



XXIX. 



Thuit craobh-ubhall mo gharrklh, 

'S gun do f hroisedh am blath fedh an {heoir ; 

Chaidh mo choinnel a smaladh, 

'Bu ghlan solus a dmrrsadh mu 'n bhcrd ; 

Bhrist an gloine 'bha 'm scathan, 

'S dh 'f halbh an daoimen a m' f hamne glan oiT. 

The first line contains seven syllables and the 
second nine. The two together contain sixteen 
syllables. The third and fourth lines, the fifth 
and sixth lines, and the seventh and eighth lines 
contain the same number. The verse is thus 
formed by putting two lines after two lines until 
the eight lines required in it are made up. The 
sixth syllable of every second line rhymes with the 
sixth syllable of every first line. Then the end- 
syllables of all the second lines, as chroic, f heoir, 
bhord, and oir, rhyme together. This adds to the 
melody of the verse, and makes it more easily 
remembered. All that was absolutely necessary 
however was that the end-syllable of the fourth 
line should rhyme with the end-syllable of the 
second line, and the end syllable of the eighth 
line with the end -syllable of the sixth line. The 
agreement in sound of ardrich, gharridh, smaladh, 
and scathan is purely accidental. Ardrach, or 
ard-ramhach, means an oared galley, and is not to 
l)e confounded with fardach, a dwelling. 

The number of lines in a stanza, the length of 
each line, the position of the accent, and the words 
that must rhyme together depend upon the 
measure in which a poem is composed. 

We may find the plainest laws of prosody 
violated in some old poems. We must remember, 
however, that some of the old poets could not 
write, and that even those among them who were 
good scholars did not write down their poems. 
Thus errors of composition might easily escape 
their notice. We must remember also that the men 



XXX. 



who handed down poems by memory from one 
generation to another were likely to introduce 
defects of various kinds into them. They might 
change words unintentionally, they might forget 
words and substitute words of their own, or they 
might join parts of two stanzas together. 

We are not to rush to the conclusion that those 
bards who could neither read nor write, such as 
Rob Donn and Duncan Ban, were uneducated 
men, and therefore totally unacquainted with the 
laws of prosody. It does not follow that a man 
who cannot read is an uneducated man, that is, a 
man destitute of mental training. The old bards 
were all educated men. They could speak their 
mother-tongue correctly, and were intimately 
acquainted with the history, traditions, and poetry 
of their country. So far as prosody is concerned 
they made a careful study of its laws. 

Among the abominations to be avoided in 
poetic compositions are contractions. A termina- 
tion that is invariably used in prose should not 
be lopped off in poetry. Neither should vowels 
be thrown away. Consonants are very good in 
their place, they are the bones of a language, but 
there is very little music in them, 






XXXI. 



AN CLAR-INNSE. 



- , . ,, TAOBH-DUILLEIG 

1. Lachiiin Mor Mac-Mhiiirich, i 

2. Isebal nigh'n Mhic-Cailain, 2 

3. Mac-Cailain, , 

4. Tigherna Chola, . 

5. Domhiiall Mac Fhionnlaidh nan Dan, 8 

6. Bean Ghriogair Mhic-Griogair, 18 

7. Mor Nic-Faidain, 21 

8. Am Bard Mac Mhurchidli Mhic Iain Ruaidh, 24 

9. Bean Mluirchidh Mhic Annla, 27 
10. Murchadh Mor Mac Mhic Mhurchidh, 28 
II Diorbhuil Nic-a-Bhriuthain, 31 

12. Pol Crubach, 3- 

13. Mari nigh'n Alastair Ruaidh, 39 

14. Echann Bacach. 

A shir Lachinn na feile, ^i 

'S ann Diciadin, a shair, 44 
A chno Shamhna, 
Blar lonarcheitain. 



45 
50 



Gur bochd naidhechd do dhuthcha 55 

Is beg aobhar nio shugridh 57 

15. Griogair Og Mac-Griogair, 58 

16. Nighean Uhonihnill Ghlais, 62 

17. An Ciaran Mabach, 65 

18. Iain Lom. 

Blar lonar-Lochidh, 68 

Cuid de dh-aobhar mo ~herain, 72 

Mort na Cepich, ja 

S mi m shuidh' air bruaich torrain, 82 

Moch 'sa mhadinn 's mi 'g eirigh, 84 

Cha b' e tuaineal a chnatain, 87 

An ainm an aigh ni mi tus, go 

19. (Jillesbic na Cepich, g^ 

20. Nighen Mhic-Gillechaluim Raarsaidh, 95 

21. Donnachaiih Mac-an-I)iibhshuilich, 97 



XXXll. 



„„ X> 71 c • i_ TAOBH-DUILI.EIG 

22. Raonall na Sceithe, 

23. Mac Iain Luim, ^^.^ 

24. Alastair Bhath-Fhiunntinn. 

Bho 'n lughigedh 'thug Dia dhomh, „, 

Sechdain dalach bho Fheill-Patric nf 

25. Domhnall Donn Mac Fhir Bhath-Fhiunntinn. 

Cha taobh mi na srathan, jj6 

Beir an t-soridh so bhuam, uo 

Mile mallachd do 'n ol, ^2^ 

26. Lachinn Mac Mhic Iain. 

Marbhaise air an t-saoghal chruaidh, X2z 

Ghillesbic, ni 'm molim ri m' bheo, i^fi 

27. Catnona Nic-Gilleain. 

'S ann Di-sathairn' a chualas, 128 

Ged a dh' f hag thu ri port mi, i^i 

An sceul 'thanic do 'n duthich, 1^4 

Tha mi Yalbh an cois tuinne, j^t 

28. Bard Mhic- Ic-Iain, ^^7 

29. Mr Iain Peutan, '^^ 

30. An Clarsair Dall, ji 

31. Mr Aonghus Mac-Gillemhoire. '^ 

Ged a tha mo choirc an cunnart, ic6 

Di-domhnich 's tu 'siubhal lergan, icg 

Ochadan, mor tha thu 'n diugh, xfir* 

32. Lachmn Mac Thearlich Oig, ,^ 

33. Aonghus Odhar, ^' '^ 

34. Sile na Cepich, ^?| 

35. Iain Mac Ailain. ^ 

.o.^n^ "^^h d' fhaodadh mo thogail 'suas, 172 

GhiUesbic, mo bhennachd ri m' bheo, 174, 

Air sceith na madne 's luaithe, ^-1 

Mu 'n sceul so a chualas, jlg 

Tha mi 'm chadal s gur tim dhomh duscadh, 180 

b an Dreallmn tha air iomad fath, 180 

lomchair mo bhennachd, jox 

Beir an t-soridh so bhuamsa, iq. 

Ellam an eich bhain, j^* 

Air leam fein gur truagh do dhaoine, iqq 

Ihi chumhachdich nan cumhachdan, 202: 



BROSNACHADH-CATHA CHLANN- 
DOMHNILL. 

LE LACHINN MOR MAC-MHUIRICH. 

A Chlanna Chuinn, cuimhnichibh 

Cruas an am na h-iorghuill, — 

Gu airnech, gu arronnach, 

Gu arach, gu allanta, 

Gu.athlainh, gu arronta, 

Gu allmhara, gu arahdach, 

Gu anmhorach, gu aon-innt'nechy 

Gu ar-meinech, gu anamanta, 

Gu ascaoinech, gu airfidech, 

Gu allta, gii anabarrach, 

Gu ann-meinnech, gu an-glonnach, 

Gu ainnertach, gu ainsgenach, 

Gu aintesach, gu anmhurrach, 

Gu arm-leonach, gu acf huinnech, 

Gu arm-chreuchdach, gu aigentach, 

Gu ailghesach, gu agarach, 

Gu aghmhor, gu abarach, 

Gu airbhertach, gu ath-bhuillech, 

Gu an-dlighech, gu ath-mhillech, 

Gu ainmail, gu allail, 

Gu ardanach, gu ath-shellach, 

Gu aon-ghuthach, aon-chridhech, 

Aon-ghneithech, all-bhuadhach. 

Gu urranta, gu ur-mhaisech 

Gu ur-chlesach, gu uaibhreach, 

Gu uil'-f hergach, gu uaill-f heartach, 

Gu urchoidech, gu uamhasach, 

Gu urrasach, gu urramach, 

Gu ur-loiscech, gu uachdarach, 



2 



Gu ur-mhaillech, gu uchd-ardach, 

Gu uidhimicht', gu ughdarach, 

Gu upairnech, gu ur-ghleusach, 

Gu ur-bhuillech, gu ur-spellach, 

Gu ur-labhrach, ur-lamhach, ur-nertmhor, 

Gu cosnadh na cath-larich 

Ri bruinne bhur biuthidh. — 

A Chlanna Chuinn Cheutchathich, 

'S i 'n nis uair bhur n-aithnechidh. 

A chuilainen conf hadhach, 

A bheithrichen bunanta, 

A leoghannan lan-ghasta, 

Onchonabh iorghuillech, 

De lacchridh chrodha churanta 

De Chlannabh Chuinn Cheutchathich, 

A Chlanna Chuinn, cuimhnichibh 

Cruas an am na h-iorghuill. 



Bruinne, the breast, front. Biuthidh, a formidable foe. 
Conf hadhach, furious. Bunanta, strong. Onchu, a wolf. 

Mac Mhuirich's brosnachadh-catha contains in all 
seventeen stanzas, or a stanza for every letter in the Gaelic 
alphabet except h. It was addressed to the Macdonalds 
when about to engage in the battle of Harlaw, July 24th, 
141 1. We have given only the first stanza and the last. 
The other stanzas contain nothing but adjectives preceded 
by gu, and thus turned into adverbs. 



ISEBAL NIGH'N MHIC-CAILAIN. 

Isabel Campbell, the poetess, was a daughter of Archi- 
bald, second Earl of Argyll, Gillesbic Ruadh. She was 
married to Gilbert Kennedy, second Earl of Cassilis. Her 
husband was assassinated at Prestwick, near Ayr, by Hugh 
Campbell, Sheriff of Ayrshire, in 1527. Gilbert, her eldest 
son, vvho was born in 1515, succeeded his father as Earl of 
Cassilis. Quentin, her fourth son, was the last abbot of 
Crossraguel. 



3 

IS MAIRG DO'N GALAR AN GRADH. 

LE ISEBAI. NIGH'N MHIC-CAILAIN. 

Is mairg do 'n galar an gradh, 
Ge b' e fath fo 'n abrim e ; 
'S decir scarachdinn r' a phairt, 
'S truagh an cas 'sa bheil mi-fein 

Leis a ghradh 'thug mi gun f hios, 
On 's e mo les gim a luaidh, 
Mur a faigh mi furtachd trath, 
Bidh mo bhlath gu tana, truagh, 

Am fer sin d'an dug mi gradh 
Is nach faod mi 'radh os n-aird, 
Chuir e mis' am boinn nach geill. 
Mo chrech! domh fein is ceut mairg. 



DUANAG GHAOIL. 
Vo nighin Mhic-Dhomhnill Dhun-naobhaig. 

LE MAC-CAILAIN. 

Mairenn uain gu Dun-nan-naobh gel, 
Aol-chlach eibhinn nan sruth honn ; 
Cuirten righ is cuan nan glan thraigh, 
'S e 'm brugh eibhinn, 's bantrachd ann, U. 

'S tursach leinne 'bhi ga t' f hagail, 
'Arois nan cuach amalach oir ; 
Osnadh, gu d' ruighechd o d' mhor mhais, 
Bheirar uainn le frasabh dheoir, U. 

'N cuimhne Ictsa, 'bheil-deirg mhalda. 
Mo riochd fein, uait no 'ad ghar .-' 



Mar shamhilt brain air ghlan leig, 

A ghr&idh, gun aon bhreig, riut ni'n scar, O. 

Mi ga t' f heithemh air srath sen chuain, 
Gun iul puirt, gun chal 'bhi fo 'm, 
'M buinne fairge tonn thar thaobh oirnn, 
Clar mo luinge bheirar uam, O. 

'S eibhinn dhuit-s', a mhadidh brie, O, 

Mo run riut 's na h-abair e, — 

Far an caidil thu gun toir ort, 

A thi, 'nuair nach caidlinn fein, O. 

'S eibhinn dhuit 'n trath laighes each, O, 
A bhi 'n eaidremh mna nan rose mall ; 
Ged a chuirtedh mi ri eroich, O, 
'S truagh an nochd nach mis' a bh' ann, O. 

Gu dun nam buadh is an t-sonis 
Thoir uamsa soridh nc dho, 
Gu ribhinn shuairc a ehaoin ehaidrimh, 
'S a ehuaeh-f huilt fhada gu broig, O. 



Brugh, a grand house, a royal residence. Samhilt like- 
ness, image. Bran, a raven. Leug, a pearl. 'Ad ghar, 
near thee, beside thee. Buinne, a wave, a stream. 

It is probable that the Mac-Cailain v/ho composed Mair- 
enn Uainn, was Archibald, fourth Earl of Argyll. He suc- 
ceeded his father in 1530, and died in 1580. 



X 



TIGHERNA CHOLA. 



Hector Maclean, fourth of Coll, was a good man, and 
an excellent scholar. He was known as An Cleirech Beg 
or the Little Clerk. He composed a few pieces of poetry 
in Latin. He succeeded his brother as Laird of Coll, in 
J558, He was then well advanced in years. 



5 

CAISMECHD AILAIN NAN SUl'. 

LE TIGHERNA CHOLA. 

'S mithich dhviinne mar bhun umhlachd 
Dan burdain a chascairi dhuit, 
A f hlescich bhrioghiiihoir 'fhliuchas piosan 
Le d' dhibh spiosair, nertmhorich. 

'N nochd nar cheilledh fion na Frainge 
'Nad thech menmnach, niasgalach, 
A shil uaibhrich nach biodh uaignech 
'S o 'm biodh sluagh gu cadallach. 

'S iomad geocach ann ad choi.sin. 
Agus deoiridh aigentach 
'N uair 'leigedh iat am mach am barca 
Thar an cabul ro ghasda. 

Cenglar uimpe mar bhur n-abhaist, 
Cuan a b' aird' do chascairt leo, 
'S nitar sin a reir a cheile 
Gun f heum 'bhi air ath dheanamh, 

Beirt choal righin, lionmhor, chainbe. 
Gun aon snaim marcachd oirr', 
'N cengal ri failbhegabh iarinn, 
Droineb'nach iarr acarachd. 

Sin air dheanamh hithach laidir, 
Le spionnadh ard 'sa chert uair sin, 
Gus an dugadh air a crannabh claonadh 
Taobh na gaoith a chert-eigin. 

'N uair 'shuidhedh iat air a crann-ceille 

Gach fer fein ri drepairechd, 

A liuthad sodar muir onfhaidh, 

'S e gu ceannghel, gorm, caitainach. 



A bristedh gach taobh de 'brannradh, 
'S e 'n coi-ruith ri 'baidalaljh, 
Fad bhur fad-f hradhairc 'sna neulabh, 
'Slad o 'beul r' a f haicin leo. * 



A dol timchioll sruth' no sailain, 

'S i gu lenabhail, tartarach, 

'S iomad luirech an cengal ri 'h-earrich, 

'S bogha derg Sasunach, 

Crainn air an locradh o roinn gu dosabh 
Le 'n cinn dhoidech fhad-ghainech. — 
'N uair a chunnaoadar am fad bhuait 
Na criochan ris an robh fuath acasan, 

Glacadar na fuirbi righne 
'Nan doidibh min', ladarna ; 
Rinn iad an t-iomram teann teth 
Tobhtach, laidir, eolach, acuinnech. 

Thug iad cutrom air na liaghibh, 
'S raimh gam pianadh acasan ; 
Chuir iad a beoil mhor ri cheile, 
"S a da chleith an taice sin. 



Burdan, a jest, a criticism, a jibe ; a humming noise, 
a sing-song ; also perhaps burdoon. The Irish burdoon 
was a species of harmonic accompaniment. It was the same 
kind of singing as the French faux bourdon, and the Italian 
falso bordone. When a song was sung with the burdoon, 
three or more voices took part in the suiging, one represent- 
ing the tenor, the others successive!)- repeating the words 
of the song in a higher pitch, so as to form accords. E. 0.' 
Curry's Manners and Customs of the Ancieut Irish, vol. i., 
page 607. Dan burdain may then mean a song sung in 
the burdoon manner. Probably however the meaning of 
the expression in this poem is a bantering song, a song 
composed in good humour, but containimg some gentle 



touches of sarcasm. Pics, a silver cup. Masgalach, flat- 
tering. Droineb, tackling. Acarachd, moderation, gentle- 
ness. Luthach, strong, well-jointed. Crann-ceille, helm. 
Sodar, a trotting, a trotting horse, a wave trotting or rush- 
mg on. Onfhadh. a blast, a storm. Caitainech, rough, 
surly. Brannrahd, a prop, a support, as tand. Baidal, the 
upper part of a sail, an ensign, a tower. Slad, fagging, 
making havoc, plundering. Sailain. a little inlet, gulf, or 
arm of the sea. Tartarach, noisy, clamorous, bold. Doidech, 
strong. Fad-ghainech, long-darted. Doid, the hand, 
grasp. Tobhtach, furnished with benches for rowers. 
Liagh, the blade of an oar. Cliath, or cliath-ramh, a set of 
oars. 



l>achainn Catanach Maclean of Duart married Marion, 
daughter of John, first Maclean of Treisinnis, by whom he 
had two sons, Hector Mor his successor and Allan, known 
as Ailain nan Sop. It is stated in some works that Allan 
was a natural son. The statement is not correct. 

Ailain nan Sop was a man of courage and ability He 
got a small fleet under his command and made plundering 
excursions to Ireland, the Lowlands, and parts of the High- 
lands. He got the name Ailain nan Sop from the fact that 
he frequently set wisps of burning straw to the buildings of 
the districts invaded by him, and reduced them to ashes. 
He killed the Laird of Lethir and took possession of his 
lands. He killed Malcolm Macneill of Oigha in 1530, and 
seized his estate. The K)arl of Argyll secured his non- 
interference by a gift of the lands of Cille-Charmaig in 
Knapdale, and Macdonald of Islay by a gift of Tarbert 
Castle. He died in 1551, and was buried In lona. He had 
two natural sons. Hector and John. They were both legi- 
timated. Angust 30, 1547. 

According to tradition. Hector Maclean, the Bard, after- 
wards Laird of Coll, made scjnie remarks about Ailain nan 
Sop's conduct that were not very complimentary. Allan, 
provoked by these remarks, went to Coll, seized the poet, 
and took him away as a prisoner to Tarbert Castle. The 
bard composed a poem about Allan, which pleased him so 
much that he set his prisoner at liberty, with a friendly 
warning to be more guarded about his tongue for the future. 
Dr. ^Maclean states that Caismechd Ailain nan Sop was 
composed about the year 15^7. It is in all probability the 
very poem which procured his liberty for the scholarly 
bard of Coll, ' 



8 



DOMHNALL MAC FHIONNLAIDH 
NAN DAN. 

Domhnall Mac Fhionnlaidh was a Macdonald. According 
to tradition his father, Finlay Macdonald lived in Glencoe, 
and was banner-man to Mac Mhic Iain, as Macdonald of 
Glencoe was invariably called. His mother was a native 
of Lochaber, and the daughter of a poet and deer-stalker 
who lived at Creg-guanach. Donald was brought up with 
his grandfather in Lochaber. After his father's death he 
returned to his native district, but owing to a disagreement 
with his chief, Macdonald of Glencoe, he remained there 
only a short time. He returned to Lochaber, the home of 
his 5'outh. He succeeded his grandfather as bard and chief 
deer-stalker to Macdonald of Keppoch. He lived at Fersit, 
An Fhersaid Riabhach, at the lower end of Loch-treig, but 
passed the greater part of the summer at Creig-guanach, 
which is at the upper end of that loch. He was married but 
his wife lived only a few years. Mary his only daughter, 
kept house for him in his old age. 

When Domhnall Mac Fhionnlaidh was an old man, and 
unable to hunt the deer, the young laird of Keppoch 
Raonall Gorach invited his principal followers to an enter- 
tainment at Taigh-nam-fledh. The aged bard was not in- 
vited, but started of his own accord, and .vent as far as 
Taigh-na-fuine on his way to Taigh-nam-fledh. Finding 
however that he was not wanted at the entertainment, he 
turned home. On his way back he heard an owl in the 
woods of Strone. His Oran na comhachaig, in which he 
addresses the owl as old and lonely like himself, was then 
begun. 

Domhnall Mac Fhionnlaidh was a very old man at the 
time of his death. He is buried in Cille-Chaorail in 
Lochaber. 



ORAN NA COMHACHAIG. 

LE DOMHNALL MAC FHIONNLAIDH. 

AM BARD. 

A Chomhachag bhochd na Sroine, 
An nochd is bronach do leba, 
Ma bha thu ann ri linn Dhonnghail, 
Chan ionghnadh ge trom let t'aignedh. 



A CHOMHACHAG. 



'S co-aoise mise do 'n daraig, 
'Bha 'na faillein ann sa choinich, 
'S iomad linn a chuir mi romham, 
'S gur mi comhachag bhochd na Sroine. 



AM BARD. 



An nise on tha thu aosda, 
Deansa t' f haosit ris an t-sacairt, 
Agus innis dha gun euradh, 
Gach aon sgeula ga bheil agad. 



A CHOMHACHAG. 



Cha d'rinn mise braid no breugan, 
Cladh na tearmun a bhristedh ; 
Air ni' f her f hein cha d'rinn mi imnadh, 
Gur caillech bhochd ionnric mise. 



AM BARD. 



Chunnacas mac a lihrithimh chalma, 
Agus Ferghas mor an gaisgech, 
Agus Torradan Hath na Sroine; — 
Sin na laoich 'bha domhail taicail. 



AM BARD. 

On a thoishich thu ri senachas, 
'S eigin do lenmhuin na's faide 
Gun robh an triuir sin air foghnadh, 
Mun robh Donnghal ann san Fhersit. 

A CHOMHACHAG. 

Chunnic mi Alastair Carrach, 
An duine 'b'allaile 'bha 'n Albin, 
'S minic a bha mi ga eistechd, 
'S e aig reitech nan tom selga. 



lO 



Chunnic mi Aonghus 'na dheghidh, 
Cha b' e sin raghain 'bu taire, 
'S ann san Fhersit a bha 'thuinedh, 
'S rinn e muilenn air AUt-larach. 



AM BARD. 



Bu lionmhor cogadh is crechadh, 
Bha 'n Lochabar ann san uair sin, 
Cait am biodh tusa ga t' f halach, 
Eoin bhig na mala gruamich? 

A CHOMHACHAG. 

Is ann a bha 'chuid mhor de m' shinnsredh, 
Etar an Innse 's an Fhersit ; Jl^ 
Bha cuid eile dhiubh mu 'n DeubTiadh, 
'S bhiodh iat ag eighech 'san f hescar. 

'N uair a chidhinn-sa 'dol sechad 
Na crechan agus am fuathas, 
Bheirinn car beg bharr an rathid, 
'S bhidhinn grathun an Creg-guanaph. 

AM BARD. 

Creg mo chridh-sa Creg-guanach, 
'Chreg an d' fhuair mi greis de m'arach, 
Creg nan aighen 's nan damh siubhlach, 
A chreg urail, f hiarach, aghmhor.. 

A chreg mu'n iathadh an f haghit, 
Bu mhiann lem a bhi ga tadhal 
'N uair bu bhinn guth gallan gadhair. 
A cur greidh' gu gabhal chumhinn. 

'S binn na h-iolairen mu 'bruachabh, 
'S binn a cuachan, 's binn a h-ela, 
Is binne na sin am blaoghan 
A ni'n laoghan men-bhreac ballach. 



It 



Is binn lem torman nan dos, 
Ri uilin nan corra-bheann cas, 
'S an eilid Vjhiorach a "s coal cos, 
'Ni fois fo dhuillech ri tes. 

Gun de cheil' aic' ach an damh, 
'S e 's muime dhi feur is cremh, 
Mathair an laoigh mhenbh-bhric mhir, 
Ben an f hir mhall-rc^scich ghlain. 

'S siubhlach a dh' fhalbhas e raon, 
Cadal cha dean e sa'n smur, 
B' f hearr leis na plaide fo 'thaobb, 
Barr an f hraoich bhadanich uir. 

Gur h-alin sceimh an daimh dhuinn, 
'Thearnas o shiredh nam beann, 
Mac-na-h-eilde 's ainm do 'n t-shonn 
Nach do chrom le spid a cheann. 

Eilid bhinnech, mhergant', bhallach, 
Odhar, engach, uchd reidh, ard, 
Damh togalach, croic-chennach, sgiamhach, 
Cronanach, ceann-riabhach, derg. 

Gur gasda a ruithedh tu suas, 
Ri lecuinn chruaidh is i cas ; 
Moladh gach aon nech an cu, 
Ach molim-s' an trup' tha' dol as. 

Creg mo chridh-sa, 'chreg-mhor 
'S ionmhuin an Ion 'tha fo 'ceann ; 
'S anns' an lag 'tha air a cul, 
Na machair is mur nan Gall. 

M' annsachd beinn shescair nam fuaran, 
'N riascach o'n dean an tlamh ranan ; 
Chuiredh gadhair a's glan nuallan, 
Feidh 'nan ruaig gu Inbhir-mheoirain. 



12 



B' annsa lem na dnrdan bodich, 
Os cionn lie ag eraradh sil, 
Buirain an daimh 'm bi gne dhuinnid, 
Air lecuinn beinne 's e ri sin, 

'N uair 'bhuires damh Beinne-bige, 
'S a bheices damh Beinn-na-creige, 
Fregridh na daimh ud d 'a cheile ; 
'S thig feidh a' Coire-na-snaige. 

Bha mi on rugadh mi riamh, 
Ann an caidribh f hiadh is earb', 
'S chan f haca mi dath air am bian, 
Ach buidhe, riabhach, is derg. 

Cha mhi-f hin a scaoil an comun, 
A bha etar mi 's Creg-guanach, 
Ach an aois ga'r toirt o cheile ; 
Gur grathun an f heill a f huaras. 

'S i creg mo chridhe-sa Creg-guanach, 
A chreg dhuillech, bhi(jlairech, bhraonach. 
Nan tulach ard, alin, fiarach, 
Gur cian a ghabh i o 'n mhaorach. 

Cha mhinic a bha mi 'g eistechd 
Ri seitrich na muice-mara ; 
Ach 's trie a chuala mi moran, 
D€ chronanich an daimh allidh. 

Cha do chuir mi duil san iascach, 
'Bhi ga iartidh leis a mhaghar; 
'^S mor gum b' annsa lem am fiadhach^ 
' 'S a bhi 'falbh nan sliabh a's t-f hoghar. 

'S eibhin an obair an t-selg, 
'^S ait a cuairt an aird' gu bechd ; 
Gur binne a h-aidher 's a fonn. 
Na long is i 'dol fo 'beirt. 



ly 



Fhad 's a bhidhinn beo no mairenn 
'S deo dhe 'n anail ann am chorp, 
Dh' fhaninn am fochair an f heidh ; 
Sin an spreidh 'an robh mo ihoirt. 

Cait an cualas ceol 'bu bhinne, 
Na mothar gadhair mhoir a techd ; 
Daimh shenga 'nan ruith le gleann, 
Miolchoin a del annta 's ast.' 

'Nuair a bha mi air an da chois, 
'S moch a shiubhiinn bhos is thall, 
Ach an nis on f huair mi tri, 
Cha ghluis mi ach gu min, malL 

Tha blath mo bhogh' ann am uchd, 
Le agh moal odhar is ait, 
Ise genail 's mise gruamach, 
'S cruaidh an diu nach buan an t-s]at. 

'S truagh an diu nach beo an f hedhain, 
Gun ann ach an ceo de'n bhuidhin, 
Leis 'm bu mhiannach gloir nan gadhar, 
Gun mheoghail, gun ol, gun bhruidhin. 

Bratach Alastair nan gleann, 
An srol faramach ri crann, 
vSuaichentas soilleir Shiol-Chuinn, 
Nach d' chuir suim an clannabh Ghall. 

'S ann an Cinn-ghiubhsich "na laighe 
'Tha namhit na greighe deirge ; 
Lamh dhes a mharbhadh a bhradain, 
Ku mhath e 'n sabaid na feirge. 

Dh' f hag mi 'san ruighe so shios, 
Am fer a b' olc dhomhs' a l)has ; 
Is trie 'chuir e 'thagradh an cruas, 
An cluais an daimh chabrich an sas. 



14 



Raonull Mac Dhomhnaill Ghlais 
Fer a fhuair foghluni gu ties, 
Deagh Mhac- Dhomhnaill a chuil chais 
Ni'm beo nech a chomhraig leis. 

Alastair cridhe nan gleann, 
Gun e bhi ann nior a chrech, 
'S trie a leg e air an torn, 
An damh donn leis a chu ghlas. 

Alastair mac Ailain mhoir, 
'S trie a mharbh 'sa bheinn na feidh, 
'S a lenadh fad air an toir, 
Mo dhoigh gur Domhnallach treun. 

Is Domhnallach thu gun mherachd, 
Gur tu buinne gel na cruadhach, 
Gur cairdech thu do Chlann-Chatain, 
Is gur dalt thu do Chreg-guanach. 

Ma dh' f hagadh Domhnall am muigh, 
'Na aonar an taigh-nam-fledh, 
'S gearr a bhios gucag air bhuil, 
Luchd a chruidh bidh iat a staigh. 

Bu mhath mo Ijhuachaille cruidh, 
B'e sid uasal nan fer ; 
Bu decair dhomh tarmus air t' f hull, 
Cha bu dubh, ach aobharrach glan. 

Bu mhath mo bharanta cogidh, 
Ged a thogair mi tigh'n uaithe ; 
Gur h-e Eoin a Taigh-na-creige, 
On a bhagair e mo bhualadh. 

'S on a bhagair e mi gu teann, 
Cho fad 's a mhaires crann no clach, 
Cha tog mi uige mo thriall, 
Ni mo dh' iarrinn dol 'na thech. 



IS 



Soridh nam gu Coire-na-claich', 
All coire 'm bu toigh lem 'bhi 'tamh ; 
'S gu Uisge-labhir nan faobh, 
Cuilidh nan agh maol 's nam mang. 

Soridh eile gu Bac-nan-craobh, 
Gu da thaobh Belach-nan- scurr ; 
'S 'dh-f hios an Etar-bhelich mhoir, 
Far nach cluinner gloir nan Gall. 

Mi 'm shuidh' air sith-bhruth nam beann, 
A coimhed aig ceann Loch-treig 
Creg-guanach 'm biodh an t-selg, 
Grianan ard 'am biodh na feidh. 

Chi mi an Dubh-lochan uam, 
Chi mi Chruach is Beinne-brec, 
Chi mi Srath Oisain nam Fiann, 
Chi mi 'ghrian air Meall-nan-lec. 

Chi mi Beinn-Nibhais gu h-ard, 
Agus an earn derg r 'a bun, 
Is coire beg eile r 'a taobh ; 
Chi mi monadh faoin is muir. 

Gur riomhach an Coire-derg, 
Far 'm bu mhiannach leinn bhi selg, 
Coire nan tulachanan fraoich, 
Innis nan laogh 's nan danih garbh. 

Chi mi braigh Bhidein nan dos, 
'N taobh so 'bhos de scurra-lith ; 
Scurra-choinich nan damh seng, 
'S ionmhuin lem an diu na chi. 

Chi mi srath farsuinn a chruidh, 
Far an labhar guth nan sonn, 
Is coire cregach a Mhaim-bhain 
'Am minic an dug mo lamh toll, 



16 



Chi mi Garbh-bheinn nan damh donn, 
Agus Lap-bheinn nan torn sith, 
Mar sin agus an Leitir-dhubh, 
'S trie a rinn mi fuil 'na frith, 

vSoridh gu Beinn-eolair uam, 
On 's i 'f huair urram nam beann ; 
'S gu slios Loch-eirechd an f heidh, 
Gum b' ionmhuin lem fein bhi ann. 

Thoir soridh uam thun an Loch, 
Far am faictedh bhos is thall, 
'S gu uisge Leamhna nan lach, 
Muime nan laogh brec 's nam meann. 

'S e loch mo chridhe-sa an loch. 
An loch, air am biodh an lach, 
Agus iomad ela bhan ; 
'S bhiodh iat a snamh air mu sech. 

Olidh mi a Treig mo theann-shath, 
'Na deidh cha bhi mi fo mhulad ; 
Uisce glan nam fuaran fallain, 
O'n seng am fiadh a ni 'n langan. 

'S buan an comun gvm bhristedh, 
'Bha etar mise 's ?n t-uisce, 
Sugh nam mor bheann gun mhisce, 
Mise ga ol gun trascadh. 

'S ann a bha 'n comun bristech, 
Etar mise *s a Chreg-sheilich ; 
Mise gu brath cha dirich, 
'S ise gu dilinn cha teirin. 

On labhair mi umibh gu leir, 
Gabhidh mi-fhein dibh mo ched ; 
Dermad cha dean mi 'san am, 
Air fiadhach ghleann nam Beann beg. 



17 



Ced a's truaighe 'ghabh mi riamh, 
De n fhiadhach bu mhor mo thoil, 
Cha 'n fhalbh mi le bogha fo m' sgeith, 
'S gu la-bhrath cha leig mi coin. 

Mise 's tusa, 'ghadhair bhain, 
'S tursach ar turas do 'n eilain, 
Chain sinn an tathunn 's an dan, 
Ged bha sinn grathun ri cenal. 

Thug a choille dhiots' an erb', 
'S thug an t-ard dhiomsa na feidh, 
Chan fheil naire dhuinn a laoich, 
On laigh an aois oirnn le cheil'. 

'Aois chan fheil thu mechair, 
Ge nach feudar leinn do shechnadh, 
Cromidh tu an duine direch, 
A dh' f has gu milanta gasda. 

Giorrichidh tu air' a shaoghal. 
Is caolichidh tu a chasan, 
Fagidh tu 'cheann gun deutach, 
'S ni thu eutan a chasadh, 

'Aois chas-aodnach, phellach, 
A shrem-shuileeh, odhar, eitidh, 
Cuim' an leiginn let a lobhair, 
Mo bhogha 'thoirt dhiom air eigin'. 

On 's mi-fhin a b' fhearr an airidh, 
Air mo lihogha ro mhath iubhair 
Na thusa, 'aois bhothar, sgallach, 
'Bhios aig an tellach a' d' shuidhe, 

Labhair an aois, a rithist, 
'S mo 's righin 'tha thu 'lentuin 
Ris a bhogha sin a ghiulan 
'S gur mo 'bu chuibhe dhuit bata. 



18 



Gabh thusa uams' am bata, 
'Aois ghnada chairtidh na pleide, 
Cha leiginn mo bhogha letsa, 
De d' mhathas no air eigin. 

'S iomad laoch a b' f hearr na thusa, 
'Dh fhag mise gu tuislech anf hann, 
'N deidh f haobhachadh as a shesamh, 
'Bha roimhe 'na f hlescach menmnach. 



Faosit, confession. Tathunn or tathfan, the barking of 
a dog. Blaoghan, the cry of the fawn. Tearniun, a 
sanctuary. Cremh, wild garlic. Eraradh, a parching of 
corn preparatory to grinding it. Mothair, a loud noise. 
Laoghan, or laoighan, a little calf. Tarmus, dislike. 
Galan, a noise. Cuilidh, a hollow. Faobhich, despoil, 
strip. Imnadh, tribulation, distress. Maghar, bait for 
catching fish. Duinned, degree of brownness. A's t- 
f hoghar, a violent and undesirable contraction for anns an 
f hoghar, or rather for an sant f hoghar, in the fall. 



Alastair Carrach, the founder of the house of Keppoch. 
Aonghus na Feirte, the son and successor of Alastair 
Carrach. Raonall Mac Dhomhnaill Ghlais, Raonall Mor 
na Cepich, who vvas executed at Elgin in 1547. Alastair 
nan gleann, Alastair Bhoth-Fhloinn, who died at Kingussie. 
Eoin a Taigh-na-Creige, Macdonald of Glencoe. 



CUMHA GHRIOGAIR MHIC-GRIOGAIR. 

LE A MHN'AOI. 

Moch 'sa mhatuin air la Lunisd 
Bha mi 'sugradh niar-ri m' ghradh, 
Ach mun danic medhon latha 
Bha mo chridhe air a chradh. 



19 



Ochain, ochain, ochain uiridh, 

''S goirt /no chridhe, dJieth^ a laoigh; 

Ochain, ochain, ochain tciridh, 

Cha chill inn f atliair ar cruaidh chaoidh. 

Mallachd aig maithibh 's aig cairdibh 
'Chuir an cratlh mi air an doigh s', 
'Thanic gun f hios air mo ghradh-sa 
'S a thug fo smachd e le foill. 

Nan robh da-fher-dheug de 'chinnedhann, 
'S mo Ghriogair air an ceann, 
Cha bhiodh mo shuil a' siledh 'dheur, 
No mo lenabh fein gun daimh. 

Chuir iat a cheann air ploc darich, 
Agus dhoirt iat 'fhuil mu 'n lar; 
Nan robh agam-s'an sin cupan, 
Dh' olinn de 'n fhuil sin mo shath. 

'S truagh nach robh m' athair an galar, 
Agus Cailain ann am plaigh, 
Ged a bhiodh nighen an Ruadhainich 
A sior shuathadh bhas is lamh. 

Chuirinn Cailain liath fo ghlasabh, 
Agus Donnachadh Dubh an laimh, 
'S gach Caimbeulach a ta 'm Belach 
Gu bhi 'giulan nan glas-lamh. 

Ranic mise reidhlain Hhelich, 

Ach cha d' fhuair mi an sin tamh; 

Cha d' fhag mi roin tie m' fhalt gun tarruinn, 

No gel chraicenn air mo laimh. 

'S truagh nach robh mi 'n riochd na h-uisaig, 
Spionnadh Ghriogair ann am laimh, 
'S i 'chlach a b' aird' ann sa chaistal 
A chlach a li' f haisge do 'n bhlar. 



20 



^S truagh rach robh Fionnlairig 'na lasafr, 

Agus Belach Mor 'na smal, 

'S Griogair ban nam basan gela 

A bhi etar mo dha laimh. 

Tha mi 'n diugh gun ubhlan agam, 
Agus ubhlan uil' aig each; 
'S ann tha m' ubhal cubhrigh grinn-sa 
Agus cul a chinn ri lar. 

Ged bhios mnathan chaich aig baile, 
'Nan laighe 's 'nan cadal seimh, 
'S ann bhios mis' aig bruaich mo lepa^ 
'S mi a bualadh mo dha laimh. 

'S mor a b' annsa 'bhi aig Griogair 
Air fedh coille agus fraoich, 
Na aig Baran crion na Dalach 
An taigh claiche agus aoil. 

• 

'S mor a b' annsa 'bhi aig Griogair 
'Cur a chruidh a suas do 'n ghleann^ 
Na aig Baran crion na Dalach, 
'S a bhi 'g ol air fion 's air leann. 

'S mor a b' annsa 'bhi aig Griogair 
Fo bhrat ribach robach roin,' 
Na aig Baran crion na Dalach, 
'S mi a' giulan siod' is sroil. 



Ged bhiodh cur ann agus cathadh, 
Agus latha nan sechd sion, 
Gheibhedh Griogair dhomhsa cragan. 
Ann san caidleamid fo dhion, 

Ba ku ba ho, asrain bhig thul 
Chan fheil th2i fhathast ach tlathy 
^ S egal leant nach dig an latha, 
''San dial thit f athair, gn brath. 



21 



Asran, a forlorn object, a destitute wanderer. Cragan 
or cregan, a little rock. 



The wife of Gregor Macgregor was a Campbell. Her 
father desired to have her married to the liaron of Dall, on 
the south side of Loch Tay ; but she loved Macgregor, ran 
away with him, and was married to him. Her husband and 
her herself were under the necessity of wandering from 
place to place to escape the vengeance of her father and his 
friends. They were at last captured by their pursuers, and 
carried off to Taymouth Castle, Caisteal Bhelaich. Gregor 
was beheaded, and his wife compelled to witness his 
execution. 

Sir Colin Campbell became laird of Glenurchy in 1550. 
He was a bitter and relentless foe to all the Macgregors. 
He caused Gregor Macgregor of Glenstrae to be put to 
death at Kenmore in 1570. He is evidently the Cailain 
Hath of the poem. He was married to a daughter of Lord 
Ruthven, "niglien an Ruadhainich." He died in 1583. 
He had four sons, and four daughters. He was succeeded 
by his eldest son, Duncan, Donnachadh Dubh a churric, 
or Black Duncan of the cowl. Duncan was married in 
1574, and died in 1631. 

It is probable that Gregor Macgregor of Glenstrae, 
executed in 1570, is the Gregor of the lament. But who 
was Gregor's wife ? It is held by some that she was a 
daughter of Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurchy, and a sister 
of Donnachadh Dubh a' churric. It is held by others that 
she was a daughter of Duncan Campbell of Glenlyon, 
Donnachadh Ruadh na Feilachd. The traditions of 
Glenlyon favor the latter view. 



CUMHA NEILL OIG. 

LE MOIR NIC-FAIDAIN, A LENNAN. 

(iiir a niise 'th 'air mo churadh, 
Thug mi geHatlh do 'n chuirtair, 
Is cha leig mi fo rum e na's mo. 
Gur a mis' etc. 

Tha mi 'm muigh ann san f hescar, 

'S gun ilo chuspair ga chcjiadh, 

'S mheudich sugradh nam flescach dhomh bron. 



22 



Tha mi 'feithemh na faiche, 
'S fir an ordagh 'dol sechad 
Ach fer t' aogisc chan f haic mi gan coir. 

Bu duin' uasal treun, tapidh, 

Fiuran gasda ro bhechdal, 

Am fer hal dha 'n do bhaist iat Niall og. 

Ach nam b' aithne dhomh t' airemh. 

B' ur a' choill as an d' f has thu, 

'Shil nam faillainan ard' 'bu mhor stoirm. 

Mac-Gilleain air thus let, 

Agus oighre na Cuile, 

'S let Mac-Fhionghain bho dhluth choille chno. 

'S let Mac-Cuimilein uailihrech, 

Is larl" Antrum mu 'n cualas, 

'S Lachainn 'thuit ann am bualadh nan sron, 

Gur a math 'thigedh feiledh 

Air an ioscaid nach b' eitidh, 

'Nuair a scioblaichedh m 'eudail gu.falbh. 

Cha bu mhes' 'thigedh boinaid 
Air chul fainnech nan donnag, 
Bu tu 'n gaisgech des foinnidh, gun gho. 

Selgair feidh air an druchd thu, 
Bhiodh e lot-te le t' fhudar, 
'Call na fala 's do chu air a lorg. 

Bu tu 'n cearrach mor, prisail, 

Air na cairtan 's na disnen, 

'S tu gum buidh' nedh a chis ann san toirm. 

Agus cearrach air feoirne, 

Air an tailesg 'gan steornadh ; 

'S tu nach h- iarradh 's nach soradh an t- or. 



28 

Bu tu ceann do luchd-muinntir, 
Nach robh geur ann an cainnt orr' 
Ann an eirechdas cunntais no moid' 

An la 'thanic thu 'dh-Albain, 

]^u lanih shonrichte airm thu ; 

Tha sud tirinech derbhte gun bhosd. 

'Ruin, nam bidhedh tu mairenn, 
Bu tu mo raghain de dh-f herabh, 
Leiginn Eoghan is Ailain air falbh. 

A mhic Neill 'bu mhor gaisge, 

'Fhuair a stialadh mu 'n Chlachan, 

'Se do bhas 'chuir am fadal mor s 'oirnn. 

Chunna mi do cheann-cinnidh, 
'S each ga d' ghiulan gu innis ; 
'S gun robh surd ann air tioma gu leoir, 

Bha gruaim mhor air do dh-alta, 

'Nam an uaigh bhi ga trechailt ; 

Gun robh uair nach bu mhasladh sud dho. 

Tha thu 'd chomhnaidh 'sa chaibal, 
'S tu gun chomhradh, gun chaidremh, 
Is gun chomhfhurtachd lepa ach bord. 



Curadh, severe distress ; not to be confounded with 
ciiirradh, a hurt. Churadh, distressed. Cearrach, a game, 
ster, a dexterous player of games. 



Neil Maclean, known as Niall Mor Mac Mhic Iain, 
was tutor to Lachlan sixth Maclean of Cull, during the 
minority of the latter, he was a distinguished warrior, and 
an upright man. About 1590, Sir I^chlan Mor of Duart 
sent an armed force to Coll to compel the .Macleans of that 
island to follow him in all his wars. Niall Mor marched 



24 



out in great haste to meet the invaders. On his way to the 
encounter he found that the flag had been forgotten. This 
caused him a good deal of annoyance. An old warrior, 
known as Domhnal Mugach, seeing the perplexity of his 
leader stepped forward, took off his bonnet, and pointing to 
his bald head, exclaimed, " This will do for a standard, and 
I promise that it will not go back a foot to-day." The two 
parties met at Sruthan nan Ceann in Totaranald. The 
invaders were defeated with great slaughter. Sir Lachlan 
Mor sent a more numerous force shortly afterwards. The 
result was that he became master of Coll. Niall Mor had 
to flee for his life. Sir Lachlan's men were constantly in 
pursuit of him. At last twenty-four of them came upon him 
by surprise at Clachan Duibh in the northern part of Mull 
and slew him. The spot at which he was killed is known 
as Torran Neill. Niall Og was a son of Niall Mor. 

The twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth verses are not 
in the MS. from which the poem has been copied. They 
are taken from a version published in the Gael for 1872, at 
page 179. If they really belong to the poem, Niall Og 
must have fled from Scotland, probably to Ireland, after 
his father had been murderedl An la 'thunic thu 'dh- 
Albain will then refer to his return. 

The late lamented J. F. Campbell, of Islay, got hold of 
curious, but interesting account of Niall Mor. It shows 
the manner in which legends are formed from actual facts. 
It is published in the Gael for 1873, at page 138. 



AM BARD MAC MHURCIDH MHIC IAIN 
RUAIDH. 

The poet known as am Bard Mac Mhurchaidh Mhic 
Iain Ruaidh was a Macrae. His name was either John or 
Alexander, probably the latter. He resided at Mamag, in 
Glencilchaig, Kintail. 

Murdoch Macrae, Murchadh Mac Alastair, was the 
seventh son of Alexander Macrae of Inverinatre, chief of 
Macraes. In the beginning of the winter of 1620, he went 
on a hunting excursion to the upper parts of Gleann-Lic. 
As he did not return when expected his friends became 
alarmed about him. After a search of fifteen days they 
found his lifeless body at the foot of a large rock. He may 
have been killed by falling over the rock ; but the common 
belief was that he had been thrown over it, by a wicked 
wretch that he had found stealing his goats. The poet was 
a herdsman with Murdock Macrae's brother. 



25 



CUMHA. 

Do Mhnrchadh Mac- Rath, a CJiailledh an 
Gleann-Lic 'sa bhliadhna 1620. 

LEIS a' BHARD mac MHURCHIUH MHIC IAIN RUAIDH. 

Och nan ochan 's mi scith, 
'Falbh nan cnoc so ri sion ; 
Gur neo-shocrach an scriob 'tha 's duthich. 

Cha b' e t' f hasach gun ni, 

No t' f herann-aitich 'chion sil, 

Ach sceul ro chraitech a mhill ar sugradh ; 

Thu bhi, 'Mhurchidh, air chall, 

Gun aon chuimse cia 'm ball ; 

Sud an urchair 'bha cailltech dhuinne. 

'S beirt nach guidhinn de m' dheoin, 

Ach 's ni 'lughaig Dia oirnn, 

Do chul buidhe bhi 'choir na h-urach. 

'S cruaidh an cas 'sa bheil sinn, 

Is goirt craitech gach cridh', 

'S cha chuir cairden an ire dhuinn e. 

Och, mo chlisgedh 's mo chas, 

Gun thu 'n ciste chaoil chlar, 

Le derbh f hios aig do chairden ciuirt' air. 

Bu chall ceiir agus baigh' 

'vS gum bu mhisde mo chad, 

Mur a tuigt' air mo dhan gum b' f hiu thu. 

'Nuair a shuidhedh tu, 'sheoid, 

Mar-ri Iniidhinn ag ol, 

Mar bu chubhidh bhiodh ceol mu 'n turlach. 

Slan le treubhantas seoid, 

Slan le gleusdachd duin' oig, 

'N uair nach d' fheud thu bhi beo gun churam. 



Slan le gliocas 's le ceill, 
'S a bhi mesail ort f hein, 
'S nach h-'eil fios ciod e 'n t-eug a chiurr thu. 

Slan le binnes nam bard, 

Slan le grinnes nan lamh, 

Co 'ni mire ri d' mhnaoi, no sugradh ? 

Slan le grinnes nam meur, 

Slan le binnes luchd-theud, 

'Nuair a sheinnedh tu 'm beul gun tuchan. 

Slan le uaisle na 's leoir, 

'S tu bhi suairce gun bhron, 

Bho nach d' f huaras tu, 'sheoid, gu h-urail. 

Slan le fiadhach nam beann, 

Slan le iasgach nan allt ; 

Co chuir iarunn an crann cho cliutech-? 

Do luchd-fair' tha gun f hiamh, 

Bhon bha t'air' orra riamh ; 

'N nochd cha gherain am fiadh a churam. 

'S ait le binnich nan allt, 

'Chor 's gun cinnich an clann. 

Gun do mhilledh na bh' ann de dh-f hudar. 

Faodidh 'n erbag an nochd, 

Etar mhaoislech is bhoc, 

Cadal samhach air cnoc gun churam. 

Faodidh ise bhi slan, 

'Siubhal iosal is aird 

Bhon a chailledh an t-armun cliutech. 



In the line, Do luchd-faire tha gun f hiamh, the reference 
is to the red deer. Binnich nan allt, the roe deer. Turlach, 
a large fire. 



27 

CUMHA. 

Do dh-Iain Ruadh Mac DhughailL 

LE A MHATHAIR. 

'S daor a chennich mi 'm fiadhach 
A rinn Iain I)i-ciadain ; 
Rinn an t-eilain dubh riabhach mo leon. 
'S daor a chennich, etc. 

Bu domhain an linne 

'San robh fir ga do shiredh, 

Ann san d' f huair iat mo chion 's gun e beo. 

'N uair a thug iat a stech thu 

Jjha iX^ ghruaidhen air secadh ; 

Och 's e m' eudail a bh' aca gun deo ! 

A Dhomhnaill Mhic Iain, 

An nochd 's cruaidh let mo naidhechd ; 

'S ann a tha iat gun aigher 'san Strom. 

Gur h-e mis' 'th' air mo chrechadh, 

'Dol a dh-ionnsidh do lepadh, 

'S gun mo lamh air do chraicenn gel og. 

Tha do phethrichen truagh dheth, 

Air dhroch chengal tha'n gruagabh ; 

On 's e 'n losgadh a f huair iat 's an leon ! 

Is gur h-iomad duin' uasal 

Leis 'm bu duilich mar chual iat, 

Bho an Teist gun am buail iat an Strom. 

Cas a shiubhal nam fuar bheann, 

Ghabh thu raghain 'bha uasal, 

'S tu gun trebhadh no buailten air doigh. 

Gur a h-iomad bian beiste 

'Chunnic inise mu d' reidhlein 

'S e mo chrech nach do dh-fhcud thu 'bhi beo 



28 

Gum bu lionmhor dhuit carid 

Etar Leodhas 's na Herradh 

Fir nach treigedh am barail le 'n deoin. 



Murdoch Macaulay, a grandson of the celebrated 
Donald Cam, lived at Valtos in the parish of Uig in Lewis. 
He married Elizabeth Macpherson from the Isle of Skye, 
by whom he had John, Zachary, and other children. John 
who was known as Iain Ruadh MacDhughaill was only in 
his fifteenth year when his father died. He grew up to be 
an athletic and handsome man, and was celebrated as a 
hunter. He was drowned in Loch Langabhat whilst 
swimming to an island in the middle of that lake, an t-Eilain 
Dubh. A large stone marks the spot on which his body 
was laid after it was taken out of the water. His bereaved 
mother used to visit this spot on almost every Wednesday 
of the year. He was born about the year 1600. 



X 



FEAR AICHALIDH. 

Murchadh Mor mac mhic Mhurchidh was the fifth 
Mackenzie of Aichilty in Ross-shire. He lived a long time 
in Lewis. He was factor in that island for the Earl of 
Seaforth. He was a clear-headed and well informed man. 
He composed several poems. 



AN LAIR DHONN: 
Oran molidh do shoithech a bha aige. 

LE FER AICHALIDH. 

Tha mise fo ghruaim 
'S gun mi 'n caidremh a chuain, 
Cha chaidil mi uair air choir 
Tha mise fo ghruaim, etc. 

Ge socrach mo ghleus 

Air capul 'na leum, 

Cha chaisger lem m' f heum le treoir. 



Loth phellagach bhreun, 
Fo phillein 's fo shrcin ; 
Aon ghille 'na deidh bu lod. 

Cha dugadh i 'n cein 

Ach duine 's i-fein, 

'S gun cuiredh i feum air Ion. 

Nan eighedh i scios, 

'S e b' f heudar 'dhol sios 

'S a treigsin, ge b' fhiamh an toir. 

Cha b' ionnan 's mo lair, 

Air linge nam bare, 

Ag imechd a ghnath le treoir. 

Bu mhaisech a loinn, 
Ri grinnes na gaoith. 
Gun bhioran ri 'taobh, 's i 'falbh. 

'S i 'b' f heraile ceum 

De 'm faca mi-fein, 

'S cha bu gheran d'i feum air Ion. 

lubhrach shocrach a chuain 

Dha 'n cliu toisech dol 'suas, 

'vS giuthas dosrach nam buadh fo sheol, 

Air bharrabh nan stuadh 

'Cur darich 'na luaths, 

'S buill tharruinn nan ilual 'san dorn. 

'Reubadh mara gu dluth, 

Fo bhcul sgar agus suigh, 

'N deidh a barradh gu h-ur bho 'n ord. 

Ruith chuip air a clar, 

'S i druidte fo 'sail, 

Bu chruit leinn a gair fo sheol. 



30 • 

Chluinntedh faram nan ramh, 

Bho 'n charric a snamh, 

'S bhiodh barant an laimh gach seoid. 

Chan iarradh i moll, 

No fodar no pronn, 

Ach sadadh nan tonn ri 'sroin, 

B' e sud m' aigher 's mo mhiann 

Ged a ghlasich mo chiabh, 

'S cha bu shlat agus srian a' m' dhorn. 

Ged thigedh an ruaig 

Le caithemh a chuain, 

Cha laighedh oirnn fuachd no leon. 

'N uair a ghabhtedh gu tamh 

Ann an cala puirt sheimh, 

Cha b' fhallain bho m' laimh-s'an ron. 

'S bhiodh eilid nam beann 

Ga h-imain le gleann, 

'S mo pheileir gu teann 'na lorg. 

Ga fennadh air luib, 

Fo mhellabh na stuic, 

Gum b' fhallain mo shunnd 's gach doigh. 

Ar scennan bhiodh geur 

Gu fennadh an fheidh, 

'S cha b' annas an gleus sin oirnn. 

'Fhir a dh' imiches 'n iar, 

Bho nach cinntech mo thriall, 

Bi 'g innsedh gur bliadhn' gach lo. 

Beir an t-soridh so 'null, 
Air fad chuan an fhuinn. 
Far am faightedh na suinn ag ol. 



31 

Gu eilain an fheidh, 

Gu eirthir an eisc, 

Far nach paighamid feich air Ion. 

Gu comunn mo ruin 

Nach cromadh an t-suil 

'N am tromachadh dhuinn am poit 

Gun ardan, gun strith, 

Gun airemh air ni, 

Ach 'cur saridh am fion 's ga ol. 

Bhiodh ceol fidhle ri 'r cluais. 
Bho 'n Eoin fhinalt'gun ghrugim, 
Fer bu rioghail cur dhuan air falbh. 



The poet went to England with a drove of cattle. While 
waiting for an opportunity to sell the cattle, he hired a horse 
and gig and visited several places. It was whilst on this 
excursion that he composed the above song. He would 
rather be in Lewes than in England, and would prefer a sail 
in his own vessel to a ride in a gig. 



DIORBHAIL NIC-A'-BHRIUTHAINN. 

Dorothy Brown, Diorbhail Nic-A'-Bhriuthainn, lived in 
the Island of Luing in Argyleshire. It is evident that she 
possessed poetic talents of a high order. There is only one 
of her poems e.xtant, "Alastair a laoigh mo Cheille." It was 
composed about the year 1647. 



ALASTAIR A LAOIGH MO CHEILLE; 
Oran do dh- Alastair Mac C holla. 

LE DIORBHAIL NIC-A-BHRIUTHAINN. 

Alastair, a laoigh mo cheille, 

Co 'chunnic no 'tlh' fhag thu 'n Eirinn? 

Dh' fhag thu na miiten 's na ceutan, 



'S cha d' f hag thu t-aon leithid fein ann ;— 

Calpa cruinn an t-siubhail eutruim, 

Cas 'chruinnechadh an t-sluaigh ri 'cheile ; 

Cha deanar cogadh as t' eugais, 

'S cha deanar sith gun do reite ; 

'S gar am bi na Duibhnich reidh riut ; 

Gun robh 'n ris[h mar tha mi fein dhuit. 



't>" 



E ho, hi u ho, ro ho eile, 

E ho, hi u ho, 's i ri ri u. 

Ho hi u o, ro ho eile. 

Mo dhiobhail dith nan ceann-feadhna. 

Mo chruit, mo chlarsach, is m' fhiodhul, 

Mo theud chiuil 's gach ait am bidhinn ; 

'N uair a bha mi og a' m' nighin, 

'S e 'thogadh m' inntin thu 'thighin ; 

Ciheibhedh tu mo phog gun bhruidhin, 

'S mar tha mi 'n diugh 's math do dhligh' oirr'. 

'Mhoire 's e mo run am firionn ; 
Cha bhuachaille bho 'san innis, 
Ceann-feadhna greadhnach gun ghiorag, 
Marcich' nan steut a 's leoir mire, 
'Bhuidh' nedh na cruinten d'a ghillen, 
'S nach sechnadh an torachd iomairt : 
'Ghaolich nan deanadh tu tilledh, 
Gheibhedh tu na bhiodh tu 'siredh, 
Ge do chaillinn ris mo chinnech, 
Pog o ghruagich dhuinn an fhirich. 

'S truagh nach h-'eil mi mar a b' ait lem, 
Ceann Mhic-Cailain ann am achlais, 
Cailain liath an deidh a chascairt, 
'S an crunair an deidh a ghlacail ; 
Bu shunndach a gheibhinn cadal, 
Ged a b' i a 'chreg mo leba. 

M' eudail thu 'dh-fherabh na dilin, 

'S math 's aithne dhomh do shloinnedh innsedh, 



as 

'S cha b' ann an cagar os 'n iosal ; 

Tha do dhrech mor dh' iarradh righ e, 

Fait am boinaid is e sintech, 

Is sar mhusc ort no cuilibhair ; 

Dh' eightedh geard an cuirt an righ let, 

Ceist nam ban o'n Chaistal Ilech, 

Dorn gel mu 'n dean an t-or sniamhan. 

Domhnallach gasda mo ghaoil thu, 

'S cha b' e Mach Dhonnachidh Ghlinne-Faoch- 

ainn, 
No duine 'bha beo de 'dhaoine ; 
'Mhic an fhir o thur na faoilechd, 
Far an dig an long fo 'h-aodach, 
'S far an oiltedh fion gu greadhnach, 

'Mhoire 's e mo run an t-oiger, 
Fiughantach, aigentach, sporsail, 
Cennard na cethairne moire ; 
'S mise nach diultadh do chomhradh 
Mar-ri cuidechd no a'm' onar, 
Mhic an I hir o 'n innis cheolmhoir, 
O'n tir 'am faightedh na geoidh-ghlas, 
'Sam faighedh fir fhalamh storas. 

Bhuailtedh crech agus spech mhor let, 

'S cha bhiodh 'chridhe tigh'n ga t' f heorich, 

Aig a liuthad iarl is mor-f her 

'Thigedh 'thoirt am mach do chorach, 

Thig Mac-Shimi, thig Mac-Leoid ann, 

Thig Mac-Dhomhnaiil-Duibh o Lochidh, 

Bidh Sir Seumas ann le mhor fhir, 

Bidh na b' annsa Aonghus og ann, 

'S t' fhuil ghreadhnach fein bhi' ga dortadh, 

'S des tarruin nan geur lann gorma. 

Is nan saoiledh cinnedh t' athar 

Gu 'n deanadh (iranntich do ghleidhedh, 

'S iomad fer gunn' agus claidhibh, 



34 



Cotain uaine 's brecain dhathail, 

'Dh' eiredh let da thaobh na h-abhunn, 

Cho lionmhor ri it an dredhain. 

Ged tha mis' a'm' phaisde suarach, 

Thall 's a bhos mu uisg' a chuain so, 

Nam biodh mo chrodh air na buailten, 

Mo ghreigh a tadhal nam fuaran, 

'S mo chaorich ghela gan cuartach', 

Ribainan a cengal mo ghruaige, 

Gur lionmhor fer 'bhiodht' a luaidh rium. 

'Mhoire 's iat mo run an comunn, 
Luchd nan cul buidhe 's donna, 
'Dheanadh an t- iubhar a chromadh, 
'I)h' oladh fion derg 'na thonnabh, 
'Thigedh 'stech air mointich Thollidh, 
'S a thogadh crech o mhuinnter Thomidh. 



John Mor Tanaistear, fifth son of the first Lord of the 
Isles, received from his father i,6oo acres of land in Islay 
and 3,600 acres in Kintyre. He married Maigery Bisset 
about the year 1399, and obtained the Glens of Antrim with 
her. He was succeeded bj- his son Donald Ballach. Donald 
Ballach married a daughter of Conn O'Neill. He defeated 
the royal army at Inverlochy in 1431. He died about the 
year 1480. John Mor, his son and successor, married 
Sabina, daughter of Felim O'Neill, and had by her John 
Cathanach, so called from having been fostered with the 
O'Cahans. John Cathanach married Cecilia Savage. He 
was executed in Edinburgh in 1498. Alexander, his son 
and successor, married a daughter of John Macdonald of 
Ardnamurchan, by whom he had six sons, James, Angus, 
Coll, Alastair og, Donald Gorm, and Sorley Buy, Somhairle 
Buidhe. James married Agnes, daughter of Colin, then 
Earl of Argyle. He died in 1565, and was succeeded by 
his son Angus. Angus married Mary, daughter of Hector 
Og Maclean of Duart. He died about 1512, and was suc- 
ceeded by his son James, who died in London without issue 
in 1626. James was the last of the Lords of Islay and 
Kintyre. Coll, the third son of Alastair Mac Iain Chath- 
analch resided at Kinbaan in Ireland* He married Eveleen, 



36 



daughter of Macquillan of Dunluce, l)y whom he had two 
sons, Gillespie and Randal. He diet! in May 1558. (iillespic 
married the daughter of a man named 0\)uinn, by whom 
he had one son, Colla Ciotach. He was killed, shortly after 
his marriage, by an infuriated bull. Sorley Buy, the 
youngest of Aiastair Maclain Chaihanach's sons, was born 
about 1505. He was a man of very great ability. He 
succeeded in retaining possession of the Autrain estates. 
He married Mary, daughter of Conn O'Neill, first Earl of 
Tyrone, and had by her five sons, Donald, Alexander, 
James, Randal, and Angus. Randal was created Earl of 
Antrim in 1620. 

Colla Ciotach was born at Loughlinch, Loch Leith- 
innis, in 1570. He was removed at a very early age to the 
island of Colonsay, where he resided until 1639. He had 
three sons, Gillespie, Alexander, and Angus. He was 
hanged near Dunstaffnage in 1647. I'wo of his sons, 
Gillespie and Angus were put to death at the same time. 

Alexander, second son of Colla Ciotach was born in 
Colonsay. He left Ireland for Scotland at the head of 
1500 men, June 27th, 1644. He distinguished himself as a 
warrior in battle after battle under Montrose. He returned 
to Ireland in May 1647. He was killed at the battle of 
Cnocnanos, in the county of Cork, November 13th, 1647. 
He was married, and left two sons, Coll'-a- Mhuilinn, and 
Gillespie. 



lORRAM NA TRUAIGHE; 

Curnha do dh-Iain MacLeoid, a Chaochail 
''sa hhliadhna i64g. 

LE POL CRUBACH. 

Gur h-i iorram na truaighe 

Tha ga h-eil)hc'ch aig sluagh san am s'. 

Is a liuthad glaodh lionia 

Gun bhinnes r'a e istechd leinn. 

Tha ar lighcrna tlulhcha 

Ann .sa chiste chaoil dhuinte theann : 

Gach cuis chruidh 'sam bit)dh cunnarl 

'S tu a b'urrainn a reilech* dhuinn. 



36 

Chunnic raise Sir vSeumas 

Ga do threigsin s cha b' ann de 'dheoin ; 

Bha a dher shuilen glana 

'S iat ri siledh nam milten 'dheoir 

Nam b' ann le nert lannan 

Bhiodh do cholun a caochladh neoil^ 

Chitedh iomad laoch ferail 

'Bualadh faraim 's a reubadh feoil. 

Gum bu lionmhor srol ballach 

Bhiodh ga nochdadh ri slinntibh chrann ^ 

'S gum bu lionmhor treun ghaisgech, 

Ri faicin nam maoth shrol fann, 

'Bhiodh air ghluasad gun f huirech 

Do na chumasg gu stroicedh cheann ; 

'S a chur lunnan air braighden, 

'S iat a' faighnechd, 'n e 'm has a th' ann ^ 

'Siomad clogaide cruadhach 
'Bhiodh a falach nan gruag '^ nan sron ; 
'Siomad cuilbhair a chitedh 
A toirt teine le cinnt ri ord 
'S iomad fiubhaidh chaol erra 
Bhiodh gam falach gu'n ceir am feoil ; 
'S gum bu lionmhor pic-mhellach 
Bhiodh ga tarruinn bho chluais gu dorn. 

Nam bu chiontainan dhaoine 

A bu bhaogh'l do bhetha Mhic-Leoid^ 

Gur a lionmhor tuir shuairce 

A ghluaisedh gu h-allanta borb, 

Is a bheiredh ruaig mhadne 

Gun an oidhch' a chadal air choir, 

'S mnathan bruite ag eighech 

Mu bhi 'rusgadh nan geur lann gorm.. 

Gur a mor an tein'-adhair 

'Thug an spredhadh 'bha trom 'n ar mesg ; 

Thuit ar n-aignedh an islid, 

Is ar cridhe 'nar eliabh gu 'n do chlisg : 



37 

Gur a h-iomad ben bhreid-ghel 
Bha a h-enchainn a leum fo 'sic, 
Mu dheagh Iain Mac Ruari 
Bhi an eclais nan stuadh fo lie. 

Gur a mor an sruth traghidh 

So a bharc air Hr Innse-Ciall ; 

Ri amharc a' cheile 

Gur a soilleir dhaibh fein an call. 

Fer do choimais cha leir dhonih, 

Bu tu 'n curidh an streup nan lann, 

Le do 'n chlaidhibh cruaidh beumnach 

Ann ad dhes laimh gu speicedh cheann. 

A ghnuis shoilleir ne feile, 

Nach breugichadh t'f hacal san uair 

Bu tu ceann-uidhe nan deoraidh 

Is nan airclach gun Ireoir 's nan truagh. 

Bu tu cearrach na tice 

Aig 'm bu trie a bhiodh airemh sluaigh 

'S fer na fialaidhachd dhubailt 

Nach do chlechd 'bhi ri cunntas cruaidh. 

A dheagh Iain mhhic Ruari, 

'Fhir nach gluaistedh le niuiseg fiat, 

'Fhir nach gabhadh l)onn cgail, 

Ach a shesadh 's gach cuis gun f hiamh, 

Cha 'n f hacas do ghillen 

An tir eile ga spuinnedh riamh, 

'8 cha robh feum air luchd-faire 

Ann ad bhaile 'san oidhch' mar dhion. 

Aig ro f heodhas an achda 

So a chlechd thu 'nad thir niu 'n cuairt, 

Cha do dh-iarr thu riamh clachair 

Gu do chaistal a dhion roindi shluagh, 

Cha bhiodh droll air do chomhla 

Mu thrath noine gu teann le gruaim, 

Ach thu 'n cathair na fcilo, 

Is tu leughadh a cheirt tlha d' shluagh. 



38 

Gum b'e m' aigher an t- Iain 

So 'chaochail air matuin Di-mairt; 

Ceann a reitech' gach facail 

Gus 'n uair an dech stad air do chainnt. 

Bha do chairden trom tursach, 

'S fath an curaim an aite teann, 

A sior choimhed a' t' aotan 

Is gun chomas do dhioghailt ann. 

Tri Uiadhn' agus fiched 

Bha thu 'n gliocas 'na t' aile fein, 

Gun bheud is gun mhulad, 

Gus 'n do thromich am has 'bu Ireun. 

Mar gun digedh trom fhras oirnn 

A ghrad chaisgedh bhuainn soills' nan speur, 

Thanic smal air do dhuthich, 

Dh' f halbh ar surgradh gu brath 'nad dheidh. 



According to some writers, Olave the Black, the Nor- 
wegian sub-king of Man had six sons, Harold, Reginald, 
Magnus, Leod, progenitor of the Macleods, Guin, progenitor 
of the Gunns and Leandruis, progenitor of the Gillanders. 
That he had Harold, Reginald, and Magnus Ls a historic 
fact; but that he also had Leod, Guin, and Leandruis Ls merely 
a supposition. 

Leod possessed two-thirds of Glenelg, the district of 
Harris, and probably Lewis. He married the daughter of 
Mac-Raild, the most influential man in Skj-e, and obtained 
about two-thirds of that island with her. He had two sons, 
Tormod, progenitor of the Macleods of Glenelg, Harris and 
Dunyegan; and Torquil progenitor of the Macleods of 
Lewis, Watermish, Assynt, Coigach Gairloch and Raasay. 

Roderick Macleod of Dunvegan, known as Ruari Mor, 
married Isabel, daughter of Donald Macdonald, eighth of 
Glengarrj', and had five sons by her, John his successor, 
Sir Roderick of Talisker, Sir Norman of Bernera, William 
of Hamer, and Donald of Greshornish. He died in 1626. 
John Macleod of Dunvegan was a man of great size and 
strength, and was known as Iain Mor. He was an excellent 
chief. He exerted himself to the utmost to improve the 
morals of his people. He married Sibella, daughter of 
Kenneth, first Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, and had by her 



the following issue: Roderick his successor ; John Hrec 
who succeeded Roderick; Mary, second wife of Sir James 
Macdcmald of Sleat ; Marion, .vife of Donald Macdonald of 
Moidart ; Julian, wife of Sir Allan Maclean of Duart; 
Sibella, wife of Thomas Fraser of Heaufurt ; and Margaret, 
wife of Sir James Campbell of Lawyers. He died in Sep- 
tember, 1649. Ailain Muidartach, Sir John Maclean of 
Duart and Lord Lovat, were grandsons of John Mor, 



MARI NIGHEN ALASTAIR RUAIDH. 

Mary Macleod, Mari nighen Alastair Ruaidh, was born 
in Roudal, in Harris, about the year 1590. She composed 
a great number of excellent poems, but only a few of them 
have been preserved. She was an ardent admirer of Sir 
Norman Macleod of Bernera, and was constantly singing 
his praises. Rory the witty, who succeeded his father, 
Iain Mor, as chief of the Clan-Leod in 1649, was displeased 
with her for bestowing so much praise upon his distinguished 
uncle, and banished her to the island of Mull. Rory died 
in 1664. He was succeeded by his brother, John, Iain 
Brec. John, who was an exceedingly popular chief, recalled 
the poetess from Mull. She is said to have died in 1693, al 
the advanced age of 103 years. 



O, MO CIIRADH-GHAL BOCHD, 
Ciiniha do Shir Tor maid Mac-Leoid, 

LE MARI NIGHEN ALASTAIR RUAIDH. 

O, mo chradh-ghal bochd, 

Mar a tha mi an nochd, 

'S mi gun tamh, gun fhois, gun sunnd. 

Mi gun surd orm ri stath, 

Is gun duil ri bhi slan, 

Chaidh mo shugradh gu brath air chul. 

Chain mo shusbaint a cail, 

Tha mi tursach gach la, 

'S mi sior ursgeul air gnaths mo ruin, 



40 

Deagh Mhac Ruari nan long, 

Lamh a liobhrigedh bhonn, 

'S a bha mesail air fonn luchd-ciuil. 

'S e bhi smaointechadh ort, 

A throm chraidh mi a' m' chorp 

Is a chnamh dhiom na raise fo m' shuil, 

Bhi ri smaointin bochd, truagh, 

Is ri iomradh baoth, buan, 

'S mi ga t' ionndrain-sa bhuam, 's tu b fhiu. 

'Gionndrain Leodach mo ghaoil 

Bhi' 'san t-srol-a'nart chad, 

'S e gun chomhdach ri 'thaobh ach buird. 

O'n la ghlasadh do bheul, 
Gun dech aire air luchd-theud, 
'Fhir a sgapadh gu reidh na cruin. 

Thug na filidh ort sgeul, 
Fhad 's a dh' imich an ceum, 
Nach fac iat na b' fheile gnuis. 

Gun robh mais' ann ad f hiamh, 

Agus tlachd ort 'mesg chiat 

Rud nach cuala mi riamh air triuir. 

Tha Mac-Leoid s' th' air ar ceann, 

'S e fo thursa nach gann ; 

'S beg an t-ionghnadh, 'se 'chaill an stiuir. 

Chain e aodhair' a threud, 
'San robh fradharc nan ceut, 
Agus taghadh na deagh chairt-iuil. 

Deagh shelgair am frith 

'Bha gun cheilg do thaigh righ. 

Agus seirbhaisech diles cruin. 



41 



Tha do chinnedh fo ghruaim, 

'S gach aon f hine mu 'n cuairt, 

O 'n la ghrinnichedh t' uaigh 'sa chruist ; 

Mu 'n t- sar ghaiscech dhes, threun, 

Ann am bailal nan ceut ; 

Cha bu lapach 'san leum ud thu. 

Lamh churanta, chruaidh, 
Ann an iomairt le buaidh ; 
Dhuibh a bhuinedh an uaisle, 'ruin. 

Tha do thalla fo ghruaim, 
'S e gun aigher gun uaill, 
Far 'm bu mhinic an d 'f huair sinn cuirm. 



Sir Norman Macleod was the third son of Ruari 
Mor, thirteenth of Dunvegan. He was born about the 
year 1600. He commanded the Macleods at the battle 
of Worcester in 1651. He was knighted in i66o. He was 
the progenitor of the Macleods of Bernera. 



ECHANN BACACH. 

Hector Maclean, known as Echann Bacach an t- 
Aosdana, lived in Mull. It is said that he had a small 
annuity from Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart. He was a 
very able poet. 



10 R RAM. 

Do Shir Lachinn Mac-Gilleain. 

LE ECHANN BACACH. 

A shir Lachinn na feile, 

Nan ech cruilhech 's nan geur lann, 

Is tu m' aigher is m' eudail, 's mo threoir. 



42 

Gres an nail uginn dhachidh, 

Oighre dhlighich na h-aitribh, 

Is nan pioban 's nam bratichen sroil. 

An Duneiden nan caistal, 

Tha triath gleust na mor aitim ; 

'Sann de d' bheus a bhi sgapadh an oir, 

'S gann gum b' urrain do dhuthich 

'Chur a'd' lamhabh de chuinedh, 

'Mheud 's a chosgadh tu 'chruintibh mu'n bhord. 

Gur a buidhech gu leir dhiot jF 

Do chuid uaislen 'nan eidedh, 

Leat gun guidh iat buaidh threun anns gach toir. 

'Chuid de 'n chleir s' a chaidh sechad, 

Mu do reidhlein gum faight' iat 

'S fad 's is cian 'thug luchd-astair ort sgeoil. 

Crann gun doichel, gun euradh, 

'S trie a chosgas na ceutan, 

Dha 'm bi dorsairechd feile trath noin. 

Bhiodh fir Mhuile mu d' bratich, 
Mu do ghuaillibh gu 'm faict' iat ; 
Bu ni duilich a glacadh 's do leon. 

'S luath a chruinnichedh aig t' f hacal 

Na fior churidhnen gasda, 

'Bheiredh fuil 'nuair a chastedh ri 'n sroin. 

Bhiodh ac' boghachan dathte 

A chuil bhuidh' thig a Sasunn, 

'Ghabhadh lubadh 's nach speltadh san dorn ; 

Fiubhidh chinntech, chruaidh, fhallain, 

'S i gun f hiaradh, 's gach gel laimh, 

'Dheanadh reubadh 'nuair 'bhenadh i 'dh-fheoil ; 



43 



De na gallain 'bu daoire 

Cruaidh, sgalanta, caoinail, 

Glac earr' oirr' 's ceann ladhrach o'n ord ; 

Is pic dhirech nam mellan. 
Mar a ghrian 's i gun smal oi'rr,' 
'Chuiredh naimhden gu talamh fo leon. 

'S math do bharantan daoine, 

'S iat gan aiseg thar chaoilten, 

Clann barail, des, aobhidh Mhic-Leoid. 

Deagh Mhac-Coinnich bu let e, 

Bha e diles dha d' phersa ; 

Bha sud scribht' ann an cairt Chlann-Ghilleoin. 



Sir Lachlan Maclean of Diiart was the second son of 
Hector Og of Duart by his first wife, a daughter of Macken- 
zie of Kintail. He succeeded his brother Hector Mor, as 
Lord of Duart and chief of his Clan in 1626. He was 
created a baronet by Charles I., September 30, 1631. Leav- 
ing his brother, Donald of Brolas, to raise his followers, he 
made haste with thirty of his kinsmen to join Montrose. 
He arrived just in time to take part in the battle of Inver- 
lochy, February 2, 1645. He had 1,100 men, 750 being 
Macleans and 350 Macquarries, Macneills and others, at the 
battle of Kilsyth, August 15th, 1645. His brother Donald 
Domhnall Mac Echinn Oig, was Lieutenant-Colonel 
under him. General David Leslie and Argyll invaded Mull 
with a force of 5,000 men in 1647, -1"^ ravaged a great part 
of the island. In the same year Argyll bought up all the 
debts both public and private, that he could find against 
Sir Lachlan, seized himself and imprisoned him in the castle 
of Carrick. He was in prison about a year. He lived only 
a few months after his liberation. He died at Duart castle, 
April i8th, 1648. He was buried at lona. By his wife, 
Mary, daughter of Sir Roderick Mor Macleod of Dunvegan, 
he left two sons. Hector Roj' and Allan. 



44. 

ORAN. 
Do Shir Lachinn Mac-GUieain. 

LE ECHANN BACACH. 

"S ann Diciadain, a shair, 

'Ghabh mi ced dhiot air traigh ; 

'Righ, gum faicim thu slan neo-airsnelach. 

A Shir Lachinn nam bare, 
'Chuiredh luinges air sail', 
Leis an togar an cabhlach acuinnech. 

Gur tu oighr' Echinn Oig. 

Leis an eiredh na sloigh ; 

'N uair a leumadh do shron cha b' airclech thu. 

Clann-Ghilleain cha tlath 

'Dhol an cogadh nan arm ; 

'S trie a bhuannich sibh blar, 's e b' f hasan duibh. 

'S fada 'chluinntedh 'ur foirm 

Agus faram bhur gleois 

'Togail chrech o na ehro 's a ghlasanach. 

'N uair a spreigedh sibh piob 

'S fuaim bhur creich' ga cur sios. 

Gum biodh crith air an tir 'san tachradh sibh. 

'N uair a nochdadh sibh srol 
Ris na caol-chrannabh stoir, 
'S mairg a thachradh g'a dheoin roimh 'r lasrichen. 

An duirn laochridh gun leon 

Bhiodh caol ehuilbhairen gorm, 

Agus sradag nan ord 'toirt lasain daibh. 

Fhad 's a bhidhes tu beo 

Cum an stiuir ann ad dhorn. 

Is na melladh fer-sgoid no beirte thu. 



48 



Chluinnt' ad thalla fuaim theud 

An am laighe do 'n ghrein, 

'S mnathan grinne 'cur greis air fasanan. 

'S mi bhiodh cinntech a t' fheum 

Ann am beanntahh na seilg 

'S do choin erbsach air eill roimh 'n chamhanich, 

Namhit eilid nan gleann 

Agus bradain nan allt ; 

Sgibair fairg' thu 's muir and 's an langanich. 

Slan gun till thu a rithist, 

Air reothart an lionidh, 

(lu Dubhairt 'bu rioghail aigenach 

Ochain, ochain, mo chradh, 

'Chloinn-'Illeain nam bare. 

"S e mo chrech mar 'tha 'n traghadh sechad oirbh. 



A CHNO SHAMHNA ; 

Marbhrann do Shir Lachinn Mac-Gilleain, 

Triath Dhiibhairt, a chaochail 'sa 

hldiadhna^ 164S. 

LE F.CHAN N BACACH. 

Thriall ar bunadh gu Paras ; 

Co a b'urrain a shcnachas 

Ach Mac-Mliuirich mac Fherghais 

Craobh a thuinicii re aimsir, 

'Fhriamhich bun ann an Albinn ; 

Chuiilich fcr dhiu Cath (ihairbhaich ; 

Fhuair sinn ulaidh fer-ainm' a thechd beo. 

Fhuair sinn ulaidh, etc. 



4,6 



Cha chraobh chura, cha phlannta, 

Cha chno 'n uiridh o'n d 'fhas thu, 

Cha bhlath chuirtedh mu bhealltain, 

Ach fas duillich is mhenglan, 

Am meur mullich so 'dh' fhag sinn: 

Criosd 'chur tuilledh an aite na dh' fhalbh. 

Is mor puthar an raidhe s', 

'S trom an dubhadh so 'dh f has oirnn, 

Gur a cumhann leinn t' f hardach, 

Leba luthidh nan claran ;-¦— 

'S fad is cuimhne leinn caradh nam bord. 

Cha do bhrist thu 'chno shamhna, 

Chaidh do chist' an taigh-geamhridh, 

Misnech fir Innse Gall thu ; 

'S mor a 's misde do ranntabh 

Nach clisg thu roimh armailt ; 

'Righ, bu mhesail thu 'n campa Mhontrois. 

'Fhir 'bu rioghaile clechdadh, 
'S tu 'bu bhioganta faicin ; 
A dol 'sios ann am machair 
Bhiodh let mile mu d' bhratich, 
'Chuid 'bu phrisail' de 'n echridh ; 
Luchd do mhiruin nan caist' ort, 
'S ann a dh' innstedh leo t' f hasan 
'Nuair 'bu sgith leo cur sgapidh 'nam feoil. 

Cha bu bhuannachd dha d' namhid 

'Thigh'n a dh' fhuasgladh uait lamhain ; 

Bha thu buadhach 's gach aite ; 

Cha b' e fuath mhic a' mhaile 

Fer do shnuaidh 'thigh'n do dh-fhardich ; 

Cha dath uaine 'bu bhlath dhuit 

Nuair a bhuailedh an t-ardan do phor. 

Cha b'e sin mo luan-caisge 
'Nuair a bhual do ghath bais thu ; 



47 

.'S truagh a dh 'fhag thu do chairden ; 
Mar ghair sheillen an garadh, 
'N deidh am mealanan fhagail. 
No uain earrich gun nihathair, 
'S fad a chluinaer an gairich mu 'n chro. 

Bl^iinedh dhinne 'n a ur ros, 

Fer ar taighe 's ar crun-f her ; 

Ghabh e'n rathad air ihus uainn ; 

'S iomad latha r'a chunntas, 

A bh' aig maithibh do dhuthcha, 

Mend an aighir 's am muirne ; 

Bha mi tathaich do chuirle 

Sel mu 'm b'urrain mi 'n t-urlar aic' f halbh. 

Thug larl' Ogilbhi 's Eirli, 

S' gaiscich eile nach geilledh, 

Ann ad thaigh-sa ag eirigh, 

Thug iad gelladh gu h-eudmhor 

Bhi ro chert do righ Seurlas 's do'n choir. 

Cnmi b' aithriseeh t' f heum-s' dha, 

'Nam na crannan a bheumadh, 

'Chum an dennal a sheidedh ; 

Bhiodh lann thana, chruaidh, ghcur ort, 

'S tu fad la air an t-seirm sin, 

'S cha bhiodh lag bhuille mheirbh o do dhorn. 

Till ri t' fhochal, a Dhebhi, 

Tha i 'nis 'na clar reidh dhuit, 

O nach mairenn l' f her-streupa ; 

Dh' imich Alastair fhcin bhuainn, 

'Thuil le baran an I'irinn, 

'Scha b'e mala na reit' e ; 

Do dh-f herabh Dhunciilin, 

No 'Mhac-Cailain cha gheilldh r' a bheo. 

Naile chunnic mi aimsir, 
'S tu ri siubhal na selga, 



48 

Nach bu chuith ort an garbhlach ;• 
Pic de 'n iubhar cha d' f has i 
'Chuiredh pudhar no spairn ort ; 
Cha bhiodh fuidhel nach tairntedh,. 
Nam biodh luthadh 'na crann-ghail 
'Chuiredh siubhal fo earr-it' an eoin. 



I 



Glac chomhnard an caradh 

Am bian roinech na h-erba, 

Cinn storach o 'n cheardich ; 

Cha bhiodh oirlech gun bhathadh, 

Etar smeoirn agus gaine, 

Le nert corcich a Flanras ; 

Cha bhiodh feolach an tearmad 

Air an seoladh tu 'n crann sin ad dheoin, 

B'eol dhomh innsedh na bh' aca ; — 

B' ann de bheusabh Shir Lachinn 

'Bhi 'g ol fion an taigh farsuinn, 

Mnathan riomhach ri fasain 

A cur siod' agus pasmuin, 

Gloir bhinn agus macnuSj 

Ann san am 'sam bu chlechd leibh 'bhi poit^ 

Gum bu mhath do dhiol fresdail. 

An taigh mor am bial fescair, 

Uisge-betha nam iedan 

Bhiodh am piosan ga leigeil, 

Sin 's a chlarsach ga spreigedh ri ceol. 

'N am do 'n f haire bhi 'glasadh 

Bhiodh a chlarsach ga orechadh ; 

Cha bhiodh ceol innt' an tasgidh 

Ach na meoir ga thoirt aiste, 

Gun leon laimhe, gun laigse, 

Gus 'm bu mhiannach leibh cadal gu foiL 

Cnaip na h-araich ri braise, 
lomairt tailisg mu sech orr',. 



49 

Fir feoirne ri tartrich, 

Toirm is niathadh air chairten ; 

Dolair Spaintech is tastain 

Bhiodh gan dioladh gun lasan 'nan lorg. 

Thug each teist air do bheusan 
Nach robh ceist ort mar threun f her ; 
Bha aoidh deisechd is deilbh ort, 
Bha fath scire' aig do cheil' ort, 
Bha gradh is egal Mhic De ort ; 
Bhiodh an scriohtair ga leughadh 
Ann ad thalla mun eiredh do bhord. 

Gcd bu lionmhor ort frasachd. 
Chum thu direch do d' mhae e, 
Breid dionaeh gun sracadh, 
Cha do dhiobair ceann-slait' thu. 
On "s e Criosd a b' f her-beirt dhuit. 
Sin an Ti a leig let an taod-sgoid. 

'Mhic, ma ghlaeas tu 'n stiuir so, 

Cha bu f hlathas gun duthchas 

Dhuit bhi grathun air t-urnigh, 

Cuir g'a eailhemh an triuir so, 

Cuir an t-Athair air thus ann, 

Biodh am Mac mar f her-iuil oirr', 

'S an Spiorad Naobha ga stiuiredh gu nos. 



Mac-Mhuirich mac Fherghais, the registrar of the 
monastery' of lona. Fer-ainme ; Hector Roy of Duart 
fought at Harlaw in 1411. Sir Lachlan's heir was also 
called Hector Roy. Debhi ; General David Leslie. Alas- 
tair, the famous Alastair Alac Cholla fer tholladh nan 
taighan. 

Hunadh, the stock of a tree ; applied here to a chief a?; 
the stock which supported the branches of the clan. Uladh, 
a treasure. Pudhar, loss, damage, hurt. Fuath, a spectre, 
a scarecrow. Luan-caisge, Easter Monday. Cuith, a 
snow bank. Crann-ghail, a bow. Smeoirn, the eiul of the 



50 

arrow next the bow-string. Gaine, an arrow, a dart. 
Fochall, dirt. Cnaip na h-araich n braise is in Ranald 
Mardonald's version, Bhiodh na cearrich ri braise. Fer- 
feoirne, a chessman. Flathas, dominion, the position of a 
chief. Nos, custom, correct habit. 



BLAR INBHIRCHEITAIN. 

LE ECHANN BACACH. 

LUINNAG. 

Fail il an u, hil an u, hil an o ro ; 
Fail il an u, hil an u, hil an o ro ; 
Fail il an u, hil an u, hil an o ro ; 
Fail il an o, ho 's och nan och mar tha sin. 

Gur a h-oil leani an sceula so 
A dh-^eist mi Di-domhnich ; 
Gun bhi tuilledh ga fhaighnechd, 
Gur h-e 'n f hoill so 'chaith Hobron, 
Dh' f hag iat shios Mac-Gilleain 
'Cur a chatha 'na onar, 
'S theich iat f hein troimh a cheile, 
'S bha ratreut ann mar ordagh. 

'S mor bha 'dh-uiresbhidh lamh ort, 

Ged thug ardan ort fuirech, 

Agus tuilledh 's an t- anabarr 

'Thechd an nail air an luinges. 

'S mise 'chuiredh an geall sin 

Mur biodh ann ach na h-urad, » 

Nach buailedh iad banga 

Ann sa champa le sulas 

Chuir thu grabhailte cruadhach ort, 
Air ghruag nan ciabh amlach, 
Claidhibh tan' air a liobhadh, 
Is e direch gu 'bharr-dheis, 



31 



Sciath dhaingenn nan cruaidh shnaim, 
Agus dual nam brec menmnach, 
'S paidhir dhagachan sgriosaii 
Air chrios nam ball airgit. 

Cha bu shlachdan aig oinid 
Culidh chomhraig a ghaiscich ; 
'Dol an coinnimh do namhit 
Cha chrith-nihanntain a ghlac thu. 
'Nuair a bhuail thu bcuni-sceithe 
'I)h iarridh cede co-chath' riut, 
Is a thug thu 'nan comhail 
Theich Hobron 's a mharc-shluagh. 

'Sann a thug thu do dhualchas 
O'n f her 'bhuailedh an Gruinnart ; 
Cha robh'n imairt gun f huathas, 
Cha robh 'bhuannachd gun chunnart. 
Gun robh torrun an lamhich 
Agus tairnenach ghunna, 
Ri des laimh mo ghraidh-sa 
'Cur a chairden gu fulang. 

Cha b' i ruaig ud fir Mhuile 
Gu traigh Ghruinnart a chrech sinn ; 
Gur h-e mheudich mo mhulad 
Sar mhac urrant Shir Lachinn 
'Bhi fo bhinn aig luchd-lieurla, 
'S nach do dh-f heud e dol as orr'. 
B' e sin connspun na troide 
'Chpir an cogadh an clcchdadh. 

'Nuair a thogtcdh let liratach 
Gheibht' fir ghasd air a mharg let ; 
'Mhoire, 's iomad ben baile 
Dh 'f hag sud taniul 'na banntraich, 
Agus lenal)h beg ciche 
'Na dhillechdan anfhann. 
Ach ge duilich do mhuinntir, 
Chan ann ump' 'tha air dermail. 



Gur a h-iomadh laoch dorn-ghel 
'Chaidh an ordagh rau d' bhratich, 
Agus oganach sgiamhach 
Bha ga riasladh fo echabh. 
Agus spailp de dh-f her taighe 
Nach dug athadh dha phersa, 
'Toirt a phlaidhibh a duille 
Chert cho guinech ri eltuinn. 

'Nuair a thogamid fechdan, 

Gum bu ghasd ar ceann-armailt ; 

Ge b'e thigedh air echdridh, 

Ghabh iat tlachd dhiot air 'Ghalltachd. 

Bha thu 'd' charid do 'n Mharcus 

A bha 'n Sasunn gun cheann air ; 

'S bu tu co-ainm Echinn 

Leis 'n do ghlacadh an cabhlach. 

/C 'Nuair a thug e 'nan cinnsal 
Leg e dinnair an larla ; 
Ghlacadh luinges an righ leis, • 
'S rinn e diobhail air bianabh. 
Air techd dha an deidh sin 
Chuir e crioch air na dh' iarr e ; 
'S thug e turas a rioghachd 
Gus 'n do striochd Baile-Cliath dha. 

'S fad on dh' imich am fer ud, 

'S cha 'n ann ga gheran a tha sinn ; 

Ach ma dh 'f hagadh gun selladh 

Suil mhellach an armuin. 

Och, — gum maith an t-aon Dia dhuinn, — 

Gur h-e 'iargain a chraidh sinn ; 

Gun robb aoidh fir an domhain 

'Na co-sheis a fas riut. 

« 

Ge b' i 'thug an cion falich, 
'Cur gu h-elanta litrech, 
Ged b' i nighen Mhic-Cailain, 
Bu diol mairiste dh' is' thu 

i^4^tu^t*^ ^ ^ ^^* ^^l^-^ /i^o ^>^ 



S3 

C'lUr a inairg i thug gaol dhuit 
Ma chaochlas i 'nis e, 
Is nach faic i air thalamh 
Do mhac samhilt am misnich. 

Mu dheiredh an t-samhridh 

Cha rohh mennin no deagh sceul oirnn ; 

'S beg an t-ionghnadh do ranntachd 

Bhi fo champar as t' eugnihis, 

Agus muinntir do dhuthcha 

Bhi fo churani niu d' dheibhinn ; 

Gun rol)h'n l-aobhar sud aca 

Gu ruige les agus creubhaig. 

• 

Tha ionndrichin bhuainne 
'S cha bu shuarach an call e ; 
Gum bu mhor an luach-taisgeil. 
Ma tha 'n taisgeladh derbhte, 
A bheiredh daoin' uaisle 
As an uachdaran ainmail, 
As ar tigherna smachdail, — 
'8 cha bu lapach an ceanntard. 

Gait an robh e air thalamh 
Boinne fala a 1)' aille 
Na oighre sin Dhubhairt, 
Da'ni l)u chubhidh bhi statail ; 
Ciur a h- iomad ben bhcul-derg 
A bha 'breid air dhroch caradh, 
'Nuair a f huair iat bechd sceula 
Gun do chreuchdadh 'sa bhlar thu. 

Tha do phairc air a dunadh, 
lonad-luchairt nan (iaidhal. 
Gur a dfcair sud innscdh, 
Aig ro dhillsechd do phairtidh ; 
Tha a chraolih a h' f hearr ubhlan 
Air a rusgadh an drast diu. 



S4 

Och, a Mhoire, mo dhiubhail, 
Chaidh am flur bharr a gharidh ! 

Ach ma 's duine 'chaidh dhinn e, 
Guidhibh Criosd leis na th' agibh 
Thoiril)h aire mar 's coir dhuibh 
Do chainnt lob mu na macabh ; 
Agus liubhribh e 'n Aon-f her, 
Ma 'se chuibhrech an caistal ; 
No ma gherradh a lailhan, 
'S ann fo raidh-san a thachair. 



This poem was composed immediately after the news of 
the sad result of the battle of Inverkeithing had reached 
Mull. It is evident from several expressions in it, especially 
from the last verse, that the author had a faint hope that 
Sir Hector, though severely wounded and a prisoner, was 
not dead. 

The chief referred to in the tenth verse is Echann 
Ruadh nan Cath, who was killed at the battle of Harlaw 
in 141 1. The saying by Job about his sons, to which refer- 
ence is made in the last verse, is this : — "Naked came I out 
of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither, the 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the 
name of the Lord." 

The sixth and tenth verses are now published for the first 
time. In a note in his collection John Maclean says : — 
"Tha ant-oran so ann an co-chruinnechadh Raonaill Dhom- 
nallich, agus 's e 'thug dhomhsa, 'chur san f her so gun d' 
f huair mi da rann deth nach h-'eil ann san leobhar sin." 

The Marquis referred to in the ninth verse is James, 
third Marquis and first Duke of Hamilton. His mother 
Anne Cunningham was a daughter of James, seventh Earl 
of Glencairn. Sir Lachlan Mor's mother was a daughter 
of William, sixth Earl of Glencairn. Thus Sir Lachlan 
Mor and Anne Cunningham were first cousins. Hector 
Roy was the great-grandson of Sir Lachlan Mor. The 
Duke of Hamilton was beheaded in London on Friday, 
March 9th, 1649. 

The battle of Inverkeithing was fought July 20th, 1651. 
Lambert, Cromwell's general, had 4,000 men, and his 
opponent, Holburn of Menstne, about 3,500. Holburn's 
force consisted of 1000 horse under his own immediate 
command, 1500 Highland infantry under Sir Hector 



38 



Maclean of Duart, and about looo Lowland infantry under 
Sir John P.rown of Fordei. Of the Highland infantry 800 
were followers of Sir Hector, and 700 followers of Sir George 
P.uchanan, chief of his clan. The followers of Sir Hector 
were nearly all Macleans. They were all killed except 
forty. We have no admiration for Sir Hector. He simply 
acted the part of a mad man. It is true that he was brave, 
but it is just as true that he lacked common sense. By 
foolishly continuing the unequal fight, he nearly ruined his 
clan. 

A few of the 800 men who followed Sir Hector must have 
been Macquarries. Donald Macquarrie, twelfth of Ulva, 
married Christy, daughter of Lachlan Og, first of Torloisk, 
and had Allan, his successor. Hector of Ormaig, Lachlan 
of Laggan, and John of Baile-ghartain. Allan was killed 
at Inverkeithing. 



GUR BOCIII) NAIDHACHD AR 
DUTIICHA; 

OraJi do Shir Echann Mac-Gilleain, a mharhh- 
adh ann an Inbhir-Cheitain. 

LE ECHANN BACACH. 

Gur bochcl naidhechd ar duthcha 
'S chan e taighen gan spuinnedh ; 
Ach Mac-Gilleain, mo churadh, gun eirigh. 
Ciur bochd etc. 

Gu bheil niaithen do thire 
Ann sa mhachair 'nan sinedh _ 
Fo chasan nam milten ech eitidh. 

IV f hiu a ghibht a bha bhuatha, 

Cha b' e deiredh na cuaine, 

Ach an t-aillegan uasal, ard, euchdach. 

Bu tu 'n t-oighre 's an t-armun, 

Is a marcich' des, daichal, 

Is an t-aillegan alinn, ur, eibhin. 



S6 



Bu tu scathan na glaine, 

'N airde 'n lar riut gun tennadh 

An am cruinnechadh gu carraid nan geur-lann. 

Bu tu seobhag na h-uaisle, 

'S ceann-senachis gach duanachd, 

'Bheiredh trusgan is duais do luchd-theudan. 

}kIoch sa mhaduin 'sna gluais thu, 
Rinn thu iomral bu chruaidh lem, 
Nach do chuimhnich thu uaislen na Feinne. 

Thanic Cromwel ad choinnimh, 
Dh 'at do chridhe le corruich, 
'S leum thu staigh le d' lainn sholuis do'n teug- 
bhail. 

Mac-Mhic-Eoghin na h- Airde, 

Agus Tigherna Ghearrloch, 

Rinn iat fuirech 'san nadar 'bu bheus daibh, 

Bha Mac-Cailain fo aites 

Nach do thill thu gu d' dhachidh ; 

Gun robh uilenn 'sa nihacan ghel, threubhach. 

Gun robh taigh is leith He, 

Am bann dainginn dhuit scriobhte, 

^S bha-na ferinn sin striochdte gu reidh dhuit. 

Bho thir-unga sin Bhretail 

Thun na carrthagh 's cha bheg i, 

Bha na ferinn sin egnidh fo d' staoiledh. 



Egnldh Is explained in a note as "cinntech no derbhte." 
Tir-unga, literallj' ounce-land, unga being from tbe Latin 
word unkia. 



87 
IS BEG AOBHAR MO SIIUGRIDH. 

LE ECHANN BACACH. 

Is beg aol)har mo shugriilh, 

'S chan fheil sunnd orni ri macnus, 

'N diu cha tadhail mi 'n Fhadhail, 
Ged 's i mheoghail a chlechd mi. 

Tha mi scalltain air Dubhairt, 
Leam is dubhach a faicin. 

Gur a minic a bha mi 

'Na taighibh ard' ann sa mhaduin. 

'S mi ri sealltain Erraghaidhal 
'S barr derg air a h- ailril)h 

Gait am faic mi ri m' shaoghal 
Fer aogisg Shir Lachinn ? 

'Dol an coinnimh do namhit 
Bu neo-ratanach, bras thu. 

'Togail suas am bragaade 
Bu neo-scalhach air ech thu. 

Ge b' e chithcdh do dhaoine, 
'Righ, bu ghrcodhnach am faicin. 

Le 'm muscaidan cUd)h-gh()nn, 
'S iat gun suidh orr', gun ilctach. 

De na ghraljhaihc shoillcir. 
Nach bu doillcir r'a fhaicin. 

Thug sibh tlatlias na h-eirenn 
Leibh air eigin Ic lapachd. 



38 

Ged a dh-f hag mi mo bhraithren 
Ann san araich gan cascairt, 

Chan e sud 'tha mi 'g airemh, 
Ach sar mhac Shir Lachinn, 

A bhi 'n laimh aig luchd-Beurla, 
Is nach d' f heud e dhol as orr'; 

Sar chonspun nan coigrech, 
'Chuir an cogadh an clechdadh. 



ORAN. 
Do Shir Lachmn Mor Mac-Fhionghin. 

LE GRIOGAIR OG MAC-GRIOGAIR. 

'S cian 's gur fad' 'tha mi 'm thamh, 
Gun bhi 'triall air do dhail 
A Lachinn bho'n airde tuath. 
'S cian 's gur fad, etc. 



Nam biodh snechda nan gleann 

'Na ruith leis gach allt, 

'S gun cailledh gach beann a ghruaim ; 



Nan dubhadh an sliabh, 

Is gun cromadh a ghrian, 

Learn bu mhiannach 'bhi triall air chuairt. 

Cha b' i machair nan Gall 

A ghlacinn fo m' cheann 

Ach braighe nan gleann so shuas. 

Thoir mo shoridh thar caol, 

Bho nach cluinn iat mo ghlaodh, 

Gu buidhin gun f hraoch, gun ghruaim ; 



39 

Gu ceann-feadlina mo ruin, 
Chaidh an t-ainm lul air chiiu 
Chert cho fad 's a ta Ruta bhuainn ; 

Gu talla 'n f hir f heill 

'Am biodh tathich nan ceut, 

Cill-Moire ri sceith a chuain. 

Dhomhsa b' aithne do bheus, 
An am cromadh do 'n ghrein 
Gum biodh faram nan teud ad chluais. 

A ghnuis 'dhiult a bhi bochd, 

'S nach d' chuir cul ri fer nochd, 

Len thu 'n duthchas 's an stochd 'bu dual. 

Cha b' e 'n clechdadh 'bh' aig each, 

A ghlac thusa mar ghnaths, 

A bhi smachdail mu'n mhal air tuath. 

Fhuair tlni seud bho Shiol-Leoid 

Nam bratichen sroil, 

Nan cupa, nan eorn, 's nan cuach. 

Ghlac thu 'n euchdag mar mhnaoi, 

Cha robh 'n leirsin ud claon, 

'S glan do cheile ri d' thaobh 's gur suairc. 

Beul a's binn 'thogadh fonn, 

Slios mar ela nan tonn, 

Caol mhala nach crom fe gruaim. 

Gur tu 'n t- Ailpaine'ch glan 
De 'n f huil rioghail bho shen, 
Ite tir-eoin nach men ri 'luaidh. 

Is nan eiredh ort strith 
Gum biodh sud let gu dian, 
Clann-Ghriogair nam piob 's nan ruag ; 



60 



Agus Granntich bho Spe, 
Na fir cheann-laidir, threun, 
'Dheanadh gniorah ann san teugbhail 
chruaidh. 

Sud a bhuidhen nach fann, 

'Thogadh giubhas ri crann 

'Thairnedh iubhar nam meall bho 'n cluais. 

Bhiodh an f hiubhidh chaol, reidh. 
Am bian dubh-ghlas an f heidh, 
Ga giulan air eiledh cuaich'. 



SIOL AILPAIN. 

The Macgregors, the Grants, the Macaulays of Ardui- 
caple, the Mackinnons, the Macquarries, and the Macnabs, 
constitute the Siol Ailpain, or descendants of Alpin. 

Alpin, king of Dalriada, had at least two sons, Kenneth, 
who became King of Scotland in 843, and '©onald who suc- 
ceeded Kenneth in 860. According to tradition he had a third 
son named Gregor. Gregor it is said had two sons, 
Donnghal and Gualre. It is also said that Donnghal had 
a son named Fingon. Gregor was the progenitor of the 
Macgregors ; Guaire the progenitor of the Macquarries, 
and Fingon the progenitor of the Mackinnons, or Clan- 
Fingon. 

The Alpinian origin of the Macgrpgors, Grants, Mac- 
aulays, Macquarries, Mackinnons, antJ'^Iacnabs cannot be 
proved. There is no evidence to supj^t it. It seems not 
to have been heard of until after 1467. It is impossible to 
depend upon the correctness of any clan genealogy farther 
back than A. D. 1000. 6*ut whilst it cannot be proved that 
the Macgregors, Macquarries, Mackinnons and Macnabs, 
are descended from King Alpin, it is almost certain that 
they had a common origin. Their own traditions and the 
MS. of 1467 favor this opinion. The Grants maintain that 
they are descended from Gregor Mor, second son of one of 
the chiefs of the Clan-Gregor. The Macaulays of Ardin- 
caple were undoubtedly a sept of the Clan-Gregor. 

The Mackinnons, Clan-Fingon, or Clann-Fhionghin, 
make their first appearance in authentic historj- in 1354. 
They possessed MLshnLsh in Mull and Strathsvvordale and 



61 



Strathaird in Skye. Their earliest possession seems to have 
been (iriljan in Mull. 'J'hey exchanged this district with 
one of the Lords of the Isles for Mishnish. According to 
a MS. family history, their chiefs down to the time of 
Lachinn Dubh were the following : — Fingon, Donald, 
Cormac, Lachlan, Lachlan, Kenneth, Donald, Lachlan, 
Ewen, Alpin, Lachlan, Donald, Ewen, Lachinn Fogarrach, 
Lachinn na h- lomlaid, Nial Duidhe, Lachinn I'an, Nial 
Ban and Ewen. Nial Ban was chief in 1517. Ewen, the 
last chief named, was succeeded by Lachinn Dubh. 
Lachinn Dubh was chief from 1570 to 1580. He had at 
least three sons, Lachinn Og his successor, Ewen, and 
Neil. Lachinn Og had three sons. Sir Lachlan, his suc- 
cessor ; Teariach Scithenach, ancestor of the Mackinnons 
of Corrie ; and John Og, ancestor of the Mackinnons of 
Kyle. Sir Lachlan was chief from 1601 to 1634. He was 
succeeded by his son, John IJalbhan, who in 1627 married 
Catherine, eldest daughter of Lachlan, sixth Maclean of 
Coll, and had by her at least one son, Lachlan Mor. 
Lachlan Mor fought at the battle of Worcester in 1651. He 
was married twice. By his first wife, ALary, daughter of 
Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart, he had one son, John Og. 
By his second wife, who was a niece of Macleod of Dunveg- 
an, he had no male issue. He had a natural son, named 
Donald, who is mentioned in a document of 1688. John Og 
died before his father, leaving an only son, John Dubh. 
John Dubh succeeded his grandfather, Lachlan Mor. He 
was born in 1680. He fought at Sheriffmuir in 1715, aiid 
gave all the assistance in his power to Prince Charles in 
1745. He had three sons, John, Charles, and Lachlan. 
John died without male issue in 1737. Lachlan died with- 
out issue. John Dubh died in 1755. He was succeeded by 
his second son, Charles. Charles sold the estate. He had 
one son, John, who died unmarried in 1808. 

The Mackinnons are at present without any recognized 
chief. I'here are two or three claimants to the position ; 
but as yet no one has established a clear claim to it. 



CUMHA 



Do dh-Alastair '. do Raonullynic Dhomhnaill 

Ghlais na Cepkh, a chaidh a mhort 

'sa bhliadhna 1663. 

LE AM I'lUTHlR. 

Dh' eirich mi moch maduin Dhomhnich, 

I ri u, ho ro ! ,1, -i 

'S chunnic mi 'tighin am chomhail, 
Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

'S chunnic ni tighin am chomhail, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Prasgan fherabh le falbh mcdhar, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Prasgan fherabh, le falbh modhar, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Cha do f hregair iat mo chomradh, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho, ro ! 

Cha do f hregair iat mo chomhradh, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Ranig mi Cepach na doruin, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Ranic mi cepach na doruin, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Gu tur ard 's cha b' ann gu m' sholas, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Gu tur ard 's cha b' ann gu m' sholas, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Chunnic mi an taigh gun chomhla, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro 1 



68 

Chunnic mi an taigh gun chomhla, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Gun smuid, gun detich gun cheo dheth, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Gun smuid, gun detich gun cheo dheth, 
I ri u, ho ro ! 

'S shuidh mi air an tulich hhoidhich, 
Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro I 

'S leig mi air an tuiredh bhronach, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Uh' f hosgail mi dorus an t-seombair, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Dh' fhosgail mi dorus an t-seombair, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Ruigedh i barr-iall mo bhrogan, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Ruigedh i barr-iall mo bhrogan, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Full an cridhechan a dortadh, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Fuil an cridhechan a dortadh 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
'S teann nach d'ol mi f hin mo leoir dhi, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro. 

'S teann nach d'ol mi-f hin mo leoir dhi, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Fuil Kaonuill am fer a b' oige, 

Fath nio leann-duibh, ho ro! 

Fuil Kaonuill am fer a b' oige, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
'S fuil Alastair an ledain bhoidhich, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 



64 

Fuil Alastair an ledain bhoidhich, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Fer flathail 's e lethan domhail, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Fer flathail 'se lethan domhail, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Beir fios bhuamsa gu Mac-Dhomhnaill 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Beir fios bhuamsa gu Mac-Dhomhnpill, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Gu Mac-Mhic Alastair Chnoidart, 

Fath mo leann duibh, ho ro ! 

Gu Mac-Mhic- Alastair Chnoidart, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
'S gu Mac-Mhic- Ailain o 'n mhor chuan, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Gu Mac-Mhic- Ailain o 'n mhor chuan, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Mar a dh' f hagadh na fir oga, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Mar a dh' 1 hagadh na fir oga, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Tha m' erbsa an Righ na gloire, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro! 

Tha m' erbsa an Righ na gloire, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Gun len sibh gu dian an torachd, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

Gun len sibh gu dian an torachd, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
'S cairden dhuibh-f hein, 's braithren dhomhs' iat, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 



63 

'S cairden dhuibh f hein, 's braithren dhomhs' iat, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Diol na muice duiblie doite, 

Falh nio leann-(luil)h, ho m I 

Diol na muice duibhe doite, 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
'S na circe fo lainih a chocair', 

Fath mo leann-duibh, ho ro ! 

'S na circe fo laimh a chocair', 

I ri u, ho ro ! 
Air gach aon a dh' iath mu'n f heolach, 

Fath mo leann-duibh, h<»ed by 
the old Highlanders. Ga<'har, a lurcher dog, a jfrey hound. 
Faghit, a chase, a hunt, a hunting party. Between the 
head of Loch Seaforth and Rudha Chrioiiaig lies the Park 
or Forest of Lewis. 

The poet having injured his foot sc\ercly went to Filin- 
burgh to consult the doctors there. It was whilst under the 
hands of the doctors that he composed the poem- 



68 



IAIN LOM. 

John Macdonald, commonly called Iain Lom or Iain 
Manntach, was a native of Lochaber. He was the son of 
Donald, son of John, son of Donald, son of Iain Alinn, 
fourth I\Iacdonald of Keppoch. He was a Roman Catholic 
and a Jacobite. He shows an intimate acquaintance with 
the historical portions of the Kible, with Scottish history in 
general, and with all the political plans and events of his 
daj'. He was a man of strong convictions and intense 
earnestness. He .vas evidently an honest man. He wielded 
a vast amount of influence over the Jacobite chiefs of his 
time. It is supposed by some that he received a good 
education, but the probability is that he could neither read 
nor write. It is not certain that he was married; but he 
had a son who possessed a fair share of his own poetic 
powers. He was a poet of unquestionable ability. So far 
as the political school of Gaelic bards is concerned, he 
stands unequalled. 

Iain Lom was born about the year 1620. He was present 
at the battle of Stron-a- Chlachain, where his father was 
killed, in r64D. He was a prominent man in 1645, the 3'ear 
in which the battle of Inverlochy was fought. He died in 
1709. He is buried at Dun-Aingel in the Braes of Lochaber. 
A handsome monument was erected over his grave a few 
years ago. 



X 



BLAR INBHIR-LOCHIDH ; 

LE IAIN LOM. 

LUINNEG. 

Faobh ho ro ho, choisin co beg, 
Faobh ho ro ho, choisin co beg, 
Faobh ho ro ho, choisin co beg; 
Seinnibh sin air co so b' aill leibh. 

'N cuala sibh an turas ainmail 
'Thug Alastair mac Cholla 'dh-albinn ? 
Rinnedh leis pronnadh is marbhadh, 
'S legadh leis coilech Strath-Bhalgidh, 



69 

An t-eun dona 'chaill a cheutidh 
An Sasiinn, an AIi)inn, 'san Eirinn ; 
Is ite e a curr na sceithe ; 
Cha mhisde leam ged a gheill e. 

'N cuala sil)h an tiunndadh duinail 
''Thug an camp' a Cille-chuimain. 
'S fada 'chaidh ainm air bhur n-urras ; 
'Thug siljh as bhur naimhden iomain. 

Dh' aithnich mi bhur surd air tapadh 
A diredh am mach glun Chuil-echidh. 
""S ged tha mo dhuthich 'na lasair, 
'S eiric air a chuis mar thachair. 

Ged a bhiodh oighrerhd a Bhraighe 
Gu ceann shechd bliadhna mar tha i, 
Gun chur, gut] chliathadh, gun aitech, 
'S math an riadh gu bheil sinn paighte. 

Dhirich mi moch maduin cheorich 
Gu braigh' caistal Inbhir-Lochidh ; 
Chunnic mi 'n t-arm a dol an ordagh, 
'S bha buaidh a bhlair le Clann-DomhnaiU. 

'Alastair nan geur-lann scaitech 
Thoisich thu 'n de ri cur as daibh ; 
Chuir thu ratreut sech an caistal, 
Agus surd gle mhath ga lentail. 

Alastair nan geur-lann guinech 

Nam biodh agad t' armuin uile, 

B' f heudar do na dh' f halbh diu fuirech, 

S ratreut air prabar an duilisc 

Alastair mhic Cholla ghasda 
Lamh dhes a scoltadh nan caistal ; 
Chuir thu 'n ruaig air Ghallabh glasa 
'S ma dh' ol iat cal chuir thu ast' c. 



70 



Thug sibh toital teth mo Lochidh 

A toirt bhuillen mu na sronabh ; 

Bu lionmhor claidhibh clais-ghorm comhnard 

Gambualadh an lamhan Chlann-Domhnaill. 

Dh 'innsinn sceul eile le firinn 

Cho math 's a ni cleirech a scriobhadh ; — 

Chaidh na laoich ud gus an dichioll, 

'S chuir iat maoim air luchd am mi-ruin. 

Is mairg a dhuisgedh bhur n-aniochd 
'N am rusgadh nan greidlein tana ; 
Bha ingnen nan Duibhnech ri talamh 
An deidh an luithen a gherradh. 

'N la a shaoil iat a dhol leotha 
Bha na laoich gan ruith air reothadh ; 
S iomad slaodanach mor odhar 
'Bh' air aodan Achadh-an-todhair. 

S iomad fer aid' agus pior-bhuic 
Agus cuilbhair chaoil dhirich, 
'Bha 'n Inbher-Lochidh 'na shinedh, 
'S bha luaidh nam ban a Cinntire ann. 

'S iomad corp nochdte gun aodach 
'Bha 'call fal' air lotabh caola, 
Etar 'n t-ait 'an d' rinn iat maomadh 
Is ceann Leitir Blar-a-Chaorin. 

'S iomad spog ur air dhroch shailledh 
Thall 's a bhos mu Thom na n-Aire, 
An deidh an reubadh le claidhibh, 
Neul mhairbh air an suil 's iat gun anam. 

Chuala sibh mu'n Ghoirtain odhar, 
Tha e 'm bliadhn' aginn 'na thodhar, 
Gun inneir chaorach no ghobhar 
Ach fuil nan Duibhnech air reothadh. 



71 



Scrios orm ma's truagh Icam bhur gairich 
No anshocair bhur cuid phaisden ; 
Donnalich bhan Erraghaidhal 
'Caoidh nam fer a dh Than 'san araich. 

Air do laimhsa Thigherna Lathair, 
Ge mor do bhosd as do chlaidhibh, 
'S iomad fer mor 'chinnedh t' athar 
'Bha 'n Inbir-Lochidh 'na laighe. 

'S iomad fer cleoc' agus bioraid, 

Cho math 's a bha beo dhe d' chinnedh, 

Nach dug a bhotuinnen tiorani 

A foghlura snamh' air bun Nibhais. 

Iain Mhuidartich nan seol soilleir 
A sheolailh a chuain ri la doilleir, 
Ort cha d' f huaradh bristedh coinnimh ; 
'S ait leam Barra-Brec fo d' chomrich. 

Thug thu gu d' dhubhlan a leigedh 
Air Caiml)alich chiar nam beul sHgnech ; 
Gaor is enchinn 'dol 'nan stigel, 
Slachdrich lann 's an ceann 'gam bristedh. 



Urras, boldness, audacity. Curr, a corner. Todhar, a 
field manured by folding cattle upon it. Conirich or 
comarich, protection, obligation, favour, mercy; fod' 
chomrich, at thy mercy. 

The Marquis of Montrose defeated the Covenanters at 
Tippermuir on Sunday, September ist, 1644. He won a 
second victory over tliem at Aberdeen, September 12th, 
1644. They were commanded at the latter battle by Lord 
Iiurleigh, Lord Lewis Gordon, third son of the Marquis of 
Huntly, being second in command. 'I'he line, "Cha mhisde 
leam ged a gheill e" evidently refers to the defeat of Lord 
Lewis at Aberdeen. From the 13th of December, 164.J, 
until near the end of January following, Montrose, Alastair 
Mac Cholla and John Muidartach traversed the county of 



T2 



Argyll in different directions, burning, wcisting, and destroy- 
ing everything that came within their reach. A little 
before theend of January, 1645, Montrose collected his men 
together and marched towards Inverness. When he was. 
at Cille-Chuimain, or Fort Augustus, John Lorn came tp 
him in great haste with the information that the Marquis 
of Arg>Tl had entered Lochaber with an army of 3000 men, 
that he was burning and laying waste the country, and that 
his head-quarters were at Inverlochy. It is to Argyll's 
depredations that the line, "Ged tha mo dhuthich 'n a 
lasair," refers. Montrose marched back with all possible 
speed to attack Argyll. He arrived in Glen-Nevis on the 
evening of February ist. The battle of Inverlochy began 
shortly after sunrise on Sunday, February 2nd, 1645. 
Argyll's army was made up of his own followers and 1,000 
Lowlanders. It was commanded by Sir Donald Campbell 
of Auchinbreck, a very brave man. Argyll prudently with- 
drew from the scene of action the night before the battle. 
Montrose won a complete victory. He lost only three men. 
Of the army brought to the field by Argyll fourteen barons 
of his own Clan, and 1,500 soldiers were killed. Among 
the prisoners taken by Montrose was Campbell of Barbreck. 
The expression, " Gu braigh' Caistal Inbhir-Lochidh," does, 
not mean that Iain Lom ascended to the top of the castle, 
but that he climbed up to some high spot from which he 
could see the castle and the battle. The poet was no more 
of a fighter than Argyll himself. When Alastair Mac 
Cholla asked him to take part with him. in the battle his 
reply substantially was, "Cathichedh sibhse 's innsidh. 
mise.." 



lORRAM. 
Do Mhac-Gilleam Dhnhhairt. 

LE IAIN LOM. 

Cuid de dh-aobhar mo gherain 

'N ti 'tha 'n laimh ann sa Charric 

Gus an trialladh luchd-elain o 'n f heill. 

B'e sin grianan nan Gaidhal 

Agus uaisle fir Alba, 

Mac-(iilleain nan arm gasd', cruaidh, geur. 



73 



Ann an toisech do ranntachd 

Thig Mac-Leoid o Chaol-Acuinn 

Is siol Thormaid 's neo-scalhach 'nan gleus. 

Gun dig siulachadh Uisdain 

Bho Dhun-Scathich an t-siuil sin, 

Dha 'm bi 'n t-iubhar ga rusgadh ri feuni. 

Thig Clann-Domhnaill Ghlinn-Garadh 

Agus uaislen Loch-aircaig, 

Dha 'm bi fiuthidhen fada, caol, reidh ; 

Air am biodh na cinn ghlasa, 

'N deidh an egailh gu drechmhor, 

'Dhol an creubhaig le tart' rich nam meur. 

Gum bi spailpedh air pioban 

Is sluagh ri faichechd gu lionnihor, — 

Luchd nam brecan a 's riomhaiche ceum. 

'S lionnihor clogad ann 's luirech, 
'S sciath chearr air laimh diumhlich, 
Is sar ghunna nach diuhadh ri feum. 

Gum bi 'm fechd so 'dol thairis 

Gu duthich Mhic-Cailain, 

'S gum bi smudan is dennal 'nan dcidh. 

'S lionnihor clesiche 's clarsair 
'Triall gu cathair nan Gaidhal, 
Bhon 's ceann-uidhe dhaibh Aros nan ceut. 

Gum bi 'n t-sreth so 'dol sechad 

Air na grainegan glasa ; 

Fledh an f hion' a's or-lasta 'na dciilh. 

Bidh luchd-glodail a falbh bhuainn, 

Bho nach cuibhe Icinn ann iat ; 

'S gum bi na biodagan derga 'nan ere ; 



74 



A bioradh sliochd Dhiarmid, 

Prasgan salach an iasgich, 

Bho nach bi sinn am bliadhna do 'n reir. 



Giodal, flattering; luchd-giodail, flatterers. Orlasta, 
shining like gold. 

Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart was seized at Inverary 
by the Marquis of Argyll and imprisoned in the castle of 
Carrick, in 1647. 



MORT NA CEPICH. 

LE IAIN LOM. 

'S terc an diugh mo chuis ghaire, 
'Tigh 'n na raiden so 'n iar ; 
'G amharc fonn lonar-laire 
'N deidh a stracadh le siol. 
Ged tha Chepach 'na fasach 
Gun aon aird' oirre 's fiach, 
Gum faicedh Dia, 'bhraithren, 
Gur trom a bharc oirnn an t-sion. 

'S fad' bhios cuimhn' air an Aoine 

'Dh' f hag a chaoidh sinn fo sprochd, 

Ann an am na Feill-Micheil, 

'S cha bu ni 'chall air flod ; 

Ach bhi 'n diugh 'n ar cuis-bhurta 

Mar mhiol-buirn air gach loch ; 

'N uair 'theid gach cinnedh a dh-aon taobh, 

Bidh sinne scaoilt' mu 'n chnoc. 

'S ann Di-sathuirne gearr bhuainn 
Bhuail an t-erchali orm goirt, 
'S mi os-cionn nan corp gela 
'Bha 'call fala fo 'n bhrot : 



73 

Bha mo lamhan-sa craobh-dherg 
'N deidh bhi taoscadh bhur lot ; 
'S e bhi 'gur cur ann sa chiste 
Turn a's misde mo thoirt. 

B' iat mo ghaol na cuirp chul-bhuidh' 

'Sam bu dluth cuir nan scian ; 

'S iat 'nan sinedh air urlar 

'N seomar ur gan cur sios, 

Fo chasan Shiol Dughaill, 

Luchd a spuilledh nan cliar ; 

Dh' f hag ailedh nam biodag 

Mar scaile ruidil bhur bian. 

Bhur taigh cadi) tha duinte, 

'S e gun smuid deth, gun cheo, 

Far an d' f huair sibh 'n garbh rusgadh 

'Thaobh 'ur cuil is 'ur beoil. 

Ach nam faighedh sibh uine 

Bho luchd 'ur mi-ruin bhi beo, 

Cha bu bhaile gun surd e, 

Bhiodh aigher, muirn ann, is ceol 

'S fuar caidremh taigh-tabhairn, 

'San robh gairich is cosd, 

Far nach cluinner guth clarsich 

Ach gaoir chraitech nam bochd ; 

'N diugh mar thailesg fo dhaoin' 

Tha t' f herann scaoilte 's e nochd ; 

Tilger urchair na disne 

'S chi gach ti am meur goint'. , 

Oirnne thanic an dimbuaidh 
Is an iomagain gheur, 
Mar bha claidhibh ar fine 
Cho minic 'nar deidh ; 
Paca Thiircach gun siredh 
A bhi pinnedh bhur cleibh, 



76 

Bhi 'nur brecain 'gur filledh 
'Mesc 'ur cinnidh mhoir 1 hein. 

'Leith'd de mhort cha robh 'n Albinn, 
Ged bu bhorbar' a gleus ; 
'S cha bu laghail an t-selg e 
'Chosnadh selbh rioghachd Dhe. 
Ge b' e 'm fath mu 'n robh 'n scionadh 
'Chaoidh chan innis mi 'n sceul ; 
Cha dan' a leithid de mhilledh 
Air ceann-cinnidh fo 'n ghrein. 

Ghabh sibh roimhe so fath oirnn, 
Dh' f heuch bhur cairdes ruinn geur ; 
Chaidh sibh 'staigh ann san fhasach 
'N uair a thar sibh bhi reidh ; 
Chuir sibh cungidh a' chaise 
'Staigh an aros nan teud, 
'S cuid de 'm buailaichen ba-chruidh 
Ann an garadh nam peur. 

Gait an robh e fo 'n adhar 

'Sheall 'nur bathais gu geur, 

Nach dugadh dhuibh athadh, 

A luchd 'ur labhirt 's 'ur beus', 

Mach bho chlann bhrath 'r 'ur n-athar, 

'Mheall an t-aibhistair treun ? 

Ach ged rinn iat bhur lot-sa, 

'S trom an rosad dhaibh fein. 

Tha leann-dubh 'na chas cruaidh orm, 
'Tigh 'n an uaignes mo chleibh ; 
Leis mar dh 'f has e 'na chuan orm 
B' f hearr leam bhuam e mar cheut- 
Ciamar dh' f haodas mi diredh 
Gun ite dhiles 'nam sceith ; 
'S luchd a dheanamh na sithne 
Bhi fedh na tire gun deidh. 



77 

'S og a bha sibh cle bliliadhnaljh, 
Ghlac an ciatadh sibh luath ; 
'S glan a nochd sibh bhur ciall 
Gu cur bhur riaghaihen \suas. 
Ge b'e ghal)ha(lh rium fiabhras 
Bhi 'gur n-iargain 's sibh bhuam, 
Bidh mi 'caoidh mu 'ur riasladh 
Gus an liath air mo ghruaig. 

Chuir Dia oirnn mac oighre 

Gu bhi 'na choinnleir roimh chach, 

'Chum gun soillsichedh 'sholus 

Mar phres-toridh fo bhlath. 

'S mi gum fregradh do chaismechd 

Air fraoch-bhratich gun cherb, 

Delbh do bradain, do dhobhrain, 

Do luing', leoghin 's laimh dheirg. 

Dh' ordich Dia dhuinn craobh-shiochaint 
'Chumadh dion oirnn le treoir, 
Do 'm bu choir dhuinn bhi striochdadh 
Fhad 's an cian 'bhiomid beo. 
Ma 's sinn f hin a chuir dith oirr' 
Chan f liearr a chriochd a thig oirnn ; 
Tuitidh tuagh as na flaithes 
Leis an scathar na meoir. 

An glan f hiuran so 'bh' aginn 
'N taobh so f hlaithes Mhic Dhe, 
An t-aon f hiuran a b' aillidh' 
'Bh' ann sa pliairc an rolih speis, 
Thanic sciursadh a bhais air 
'Thug gu lar e 'dh-aon bheum, 
Mar gum buainedh sibh ailain 
Leis an f haladair ghcur. 

'S math is toilltinnech sinne 
'Bhi gu minic am pein, 



78 

Ehon a ghlac sinn fal spiorad 
Ann an ionad fiamh Dhe. 
Mar luirg bhrist' air ?n linge, 
Ged bu mhilis am beul, 
Bha na daoine dha 'm buinedh 
A bhi umabh mar sceilh. 

Tha mulad air m' inntin 
A bhi 'g innsedh bhur beus' : 
'S ann a ghabh iat am fath oirbh 
N uair chaidh 'ur fagail leibh fein. 
'S bochd an sceul etar bhraithren 
E 'dhol an lalhair ]Mhic Dhe, 
Mar a chrechadh na hurain 
Leis na h-Iudasich bhreun. 

Cha b'e sud 'bha mi 'g ionndrain, 
Ge do phkanndrig iat sibh, _ 
Ach na h-oganich chul-bhuidh' 
Air an lubadh 'san lion. 
'S e 'chuir stad air mo shugradh 
'S 'dh-f hag mo shuilen gun dion, 
Sibh bhi sint' ann sa chruisle 
'S graisc na duthcha gun f hiamh, 

Gun selladh Dia oirnn le 'ghrasan 
Ge b'e la 'thig ar crioch, 
Bhon is mallicht' an t-al sinn 
'S gur mairg a dh-arich ar trian ; 
Is gne Thurcach gun bhaigh sinn 
Ach nach d' aichidh sinn Criosd ; 
Fagidh muir air an traigh sinn 
Mar chuHdh-bhaite gun dion. 

'Bheil an stoc as an d' f has sibh, 
'Cur bhur bais an neo-shuim, 
'S uir-luch riabhach na pairce 
'Gabhail saith fo fhal-fuinn? 



79 

Ciamar 'dh 'f huilinges tu fein siul, 
Gun t' fhuil a dh' eirigh fo thuinn, 
'S gur tu 'ihog iat 'nan oige, 
'Staigh mu d' bhrrd an Uun-tuilm ? 

Ach a Mhorair Chloinn-Donihnaill 
'S fad' do chomhnidh 'niesc Ghall ; 
Dh' f hag thu sinn' ann am breislich 
Nach do f hresdail ihu n t-am : 
Cha mho ghleidh thu na gibhten 
'Chaidh gun fhios duit air chall ; 
Tha sinn corrach as t' aegis, 
Mar cholinn scaoilte gun cheann. 

'S iomad oganach treubhach 
'Shiubhledh reidh is glaic chrom, 
Etar ceann Drochaid Eirenn 
'S Rudha Shleite nan tonn, 
Leis 'm bu mhiann 'bhi 'diol t' eiric 
Nan robh do chreubhag Ian tholl, 
'Sa ghrad dheanadh a eirigh, 
'Dheagh Shir Seumas nan long. 

A Mhic Moire 's a Chriosda 
'Dh' f huiling pian nan coic creuchd, 
Faic mar ihoill iat an ditedh 
Gach aon ti 'bha mu 'n eug ; 
Ma tha toradh 'san diogh'Uns 
'Ghur do rioghachd an Icud, 
Gaoir na fala tha 'dhith orm 
Gu ruige sith f hlalhas De. 



Strac, to fill to the hrini. Flod. float inp; ; air flod, or 
air phlod, a float. Erchall, loss, jieneially loss of cattle. 
Miol, originally mil, a general name for every aminal. -Miol- 
chu, a greyhound. Miol-buirn or mio l-inhara, a whale. 
Louse means destroyer. In daelic this "crawlin ferhe is 
simply called miol, a bea-st. lirot or brat, a bed-covermg- 
Toirt value, respect. Ailedh, mark, unpresMon. laigh. 



80 



tabhairn, a house of entertainment. Nochd, naked, bare, 
exposed. Sgionadh or sgenadh, knifing. Rosad, mischief, 
misfortunate. Faladair, speal, a scythe. Uir-luch, a mole. 
Fal-fuinn, a hoe. Reidh, a plain, a level place. Glaic or 
glac, a hollow, a short narrow valley. 



THE MACDONALDS OF KEPPOCH. 

Alastair Carrach, sixth son of John, first Lord of the Isles, 
was the founder of the family of Keppoch. He was suc- 
ceeded by his son, Aonghus na Feirte. Aonghus na Feirte 
had two sons, Donald, his successor, and Alexander, father 
of Domhnall Glas. Donald, Domhnall Mac Aonghus, was 
killed in battle in 1497. He was succeeded bj' his son, Iain 
Alinn. Iain Alinn was deposed by his clan, and his first 
cousin, Domhnall Glas, chosen chief in his place. Iain 
Almn was the progenitor of the Macdonalds of Murlagan. 
Iain Lom was descended from him. Domhnall Glas was 
succeeded by his son, Raonall Mor. Raonall Mor had two 
sons b}^ his v/ife, Alastair Bhoth-Fhloinn, and Raonall Og. 
He had also a son, Iain Dubh, by a daughter of Lachlan 
Cameron, Lachinn Mor jVlac a Bhaird. Iain Dubh was 
the pr<:)genitor of the Macdonalds of Kohuntin. Raonall 
Mor was executed at Elgin in 1547. He was succeeded by 
his eldest son, Alastair Bhoth-Fhloinn, who died without 
issue, and was succeeded by his brother Raonall Og. 
Raonall Og, sometimes called Raonall Gorach, had three 
sons, Alastair nan Cles, his successor, Raonall Innse, and 
Domhnall na Feirte. Alastair nan Cles seized in a treach- 
erous manner three of Iain Dubh's sons, and caused them 
to be put to death by drowning. He was a greedy man, 
and wanted to get possession of their lands. He had three 
sons, Raonall Og, Domhnall Glas, and Alastair Buidhe. 
He died some time after 1620. Raonall Og succeeded his 
father. He murdered his uncle, Raonall Innse at Glac-an- 
Domhnich in Achadh-an-Doire. It is said that he died in 
London. He was succeeded by his only son, Angus, 
Aonghus Mac Raonaill Oig. Angus was killed at the fight 
of Stron-a-Chlachain in 1640. He left a young family. His 
eldest son, Aonghus Og, was the progenitor of the Mac- 
donalds of Achadhnancoichan. He was succeeded by his 
uncle, Domhnall Glas. Domhnall Glas married a daughter 
of Forrester of Kilbaggie in Clackmanan-Shire. He had 
two sons and two daughters. His sons were Alastair Mor, 
his successor, and Raonall Og. Alastair Mor was a good 
man, and was fully resolved to drive all thieves and plund- 
erers out of Keppoch. 



81 



Alaslair Huidhe, third son of Alastair nan Cles, was 
an ambitious and unscrupulous man. He acted for a 
niiniher of years as tutor of Keppoch. He had five sons, 
Ailain Derg, Giilesbic na Cepich, Alexander, Domhnall 
(.lorm Chlianaig, and Raonall na Dalach. The Siol iJugh- 
aill were Macdonalds. They came from Moidart to 
I.ochaber about the year 1547. It is said that they had to 
leave Moidart owing to a murder they had committed. 
.\lastair Ruadh Mac-Dhughaill was the principal man 
among them in Alastair Huidhe's time. He lived at lonar- 
laire, and had six sons. Alastair Buidhe, anxious to secure 
thechiefship of the Macdonalds of Keppoch for himself, 
resolved to get rid, by assassination, of his two nephe>vs, 
Alastair Mor and Raonall Og. His horrible purpose was 
carried into effect, in September, 1663, by two of his own 
sons, Ailain Derg, and Domhnall Gorm Chlianaig, and by 
Alastair Ruadh Mac Dhughaill and his six sons. Of this 
band Ailain Derg was the worst and Domhnall Gorm 
Chlianaig probably the best. But they were all villainous 
niurdeiers. Alastiiir Buidhe was now chief of the Mac- 
donalds of Keppoch. Alaslair Derg, his heir, was killed 
accidentally about two months after the murder. He left a 
natural son, who settled in Badenoch. Alastair Buidhe was 
drowned in the river Spean about the year 1665. He was 
succeeded by his son, Archibald. Archibald, Giilesbic na 
Cepich, had four sons and four daughters. Coll, his suc- 
cessor, Raonall Mor Thir-na-Drise, Aonghus Odhar, 
Alastair Odhar, Mor, Seonaid, Catriona and Sile na Cepich, 
the poetess. He died in 16S2, Coll defeated the Mackin- 
toshes at the battle of .Mulroy in 1688. He married Barbara, 
daughter of Sir Donald Macdonald, tenth of Sleat, by 
whom he had Alexander, his successor, and Donald. He 
died about 1723. Alexander had a natural son named 
Angus, Aonghus Ban Innse, He married Jessie, daughter 
of Robert Stewart of .\ppin, and had two sons by her. 
Raonall Og, and Alexander, am Maidsar Mor. He was 
killed at Culloden in 1746. His brother, Donald, who fell 
in the same disastrous battle, left no i.ssue. Raonall Og 
succeeded his father as chief of the Macdonalds of Keppoch. 
He was a lieutenant in the 78th regiment, or Fraser's High- 
landers. He fought under Wolfe at (Juebec in 1759. His 
brother Alexander, am Muidsar Mor, came to Prince Edward 
Island, about the year 1803. 



82 



CUMHA 



Do Mhac-Mhic-Raonaill iia Cepich agus a 

bhrathair , a chaidh a mhort ''sa 

bhliadhna, i66j. 

LE IAIN LOjM. 

'S mi am shuidh' air bruaich terrain 
Mu 'n cuairt do Choire-na-cleithe ; 

Ged nach h- 'eil mo chas crubach, 
Tha lot na's mu orm fo m' leine ; 

Ged nach h- 'eile mo bhian sracte, 
Tha fo m' aisne mo chreuchdan ; 

'S chan e curam na h-imrich, 
No iomagain na spreidhe ; 

No bhi gam chur do Cheann-taile, 

'S gun f hios cia 'n t-aite do 'n deid mi ; 

Ach bhi 'n nochd gun cheann-cinnidh ; 
'S trie 's gur minic leam fein sin ; 

Ceann-cinnidh nam Braighech 
'Chuiredh scath air luchd-Beurla. 

Tha mo choill air a maoladh, 
Ni a shaoil leatti nach eiredh. 

Tha mo chnothan air faoiscnedh, 
'S cha bu chaoch iat ri 'm feuchinn. 

Chan f heil ann diu ach tuailas, 

Dh' fhan iat bhuam am barr gheugan. 

Cha b'e fuaim do ghreigh lodain 
'Gheibht' a sodrich gu feillten ; 

No geum do bha tomain 

'Dol an coinnimh a ceut la.oigh ; 



88 

No uisce nan sluasid 
Bharr druablas na feitlie. 

'S e l)u nihiann le d' luchd-tai^he, 
'Bhi gan talhich Ic bcusan ; 

Mu dha thaobh Garbh-a-chonnidh, 
Far 'ni biodh na sonnanich gle mhor. 

Le am morgha geur, scaitech, 
Frith bhacach, garbh leumnach. 

'S beg an t-ionghnadh learn t' uaisle 
Thigh'n an uachdar ort 'eudail ; 

Is a liuthad sruth uaibhrech 

As 'n do bhuainedh thu'n ceut uair. 

Ceist nam fer thu bho'n Fhersit 
Is bho Chepich nam peuran ; 

Bho Loch-treig an f heoir dhosrich, 
'S bho Shralh-Oisain nan reidhlen, 

'S bho cheann Daile-na-mine 
Gu Sron-na-h-iolaire leithe. 

Sliochd an Alastair Charrich 
'Rachadh allail 'na eidedh ; 

Sar mhac an larl Ilich 
Cennard mhilten is cheutan. 

'S ro nihath shloinninn do shinnsredh, 
Fuil dhirech Chuinn Cheut-chathich ; 

Bho mhac an righ Spaintich 
A rinn tamh ann an Eirinn. 

Siol Mhilidh nan cathan 
A bha grathun 'san Eiphait. 



84 



B'e mo chrech ismo ghonadh 

Nach d'f huair thu cothram na Feinne- 

Gun tigh"n ort 's tu 'nad chadal 
Ann an leba gun eirigh, 

'S ann air maduin Di-domhnaich 
'Rinn na meirlich do reubadh ; 

Da mhac brathair t' athar, 
Gum bu scrathail learn fein sud. 

Agus sechd de shiol Dughaill 
Luchd a spuilledh nan ceutan, 

Ach thig Sir Seumas nam bratach, 

'S bheir e 'm mach dhuinn bhur n-eiric ;. 

Agus Aonghus bho Ghairidh, 
Leoghan fathramach gleusta ; 

^S gun a choimas air thalamh 
An am tarruinn nan geur-lann. 

Thig na cinn dibh a chonabh, 

'S ann learn 'bu toilicht' an sceula. 



lORRAM 
Do Shir Seumas mor Mac-Dhovihnaill. 

LE IAIN LOM. 

Moch 's mi 'g eirigh 'sa mhaduin, 

'S trom eisleinech m' aignedh, 

'S nach eigher mi 'n caidremh nam braithren. 

Leam is aithgherr a cheilidh 

'Rinn mi mar-ris an t-Seumas 

Ris 'n do dhelich mi 'n de roimh la caisce 



85 



Dia 'na stiuir air an darach 

'I)h' f halbh air thus an t-siuil mhara 

Sel mun dug e 'cheut bhoinne de thraghadh. 

A chrom chranntairnech riabhach, 
Luchdmhor, laidir, saidh-dhionach, 
Learn a b' ait 'bhi 'g ol fion' air a clarabh. 

("ha bu luharcich' ech sreine 

A chumadh geall reis riut 

'N uair a thogtedh do bhreid os-cionn sailc. 

'N uair a chairtedh riut tonnag 
Air chuan iargalt nan dronnng, 
'S iomad gleann leis an crf)niadh i 'h-earrlinn. 

'N uair a shuidhedh fer stiuir ort 

An am fagail do dhuthcha, 

Bu mher-shruthach cuan dubh-ghlas fo d' shail-sa, 

Cha b'iat na luschrubain mhenbha 

'Bhiodh niu d' chupil ag eiledh, 

'N uair a dh' eiredh mor shoirbhas le barcadh 

Ach na fuirl)inncn treuna, 

'S math a dh' iomradh 's a dh' eighedh, 

'S bheiredh tulg an tus cleith air ramh braghad. 

'N uair a dh' fhalichtcdh fo uisc' i, 

'S nach faictedh Ian suidh dh' i, 

Bhiodh luchd-a-taighe 'sior-Iubadh a h-alaich. 

'S iat gun egal, gun eislein, 

A sior f hregairt d' a cheile 

'N uair a thigedh muir l)cucach, cas, ard orr * 

'Dol timchioll Rudha na Caillich. 

Bu mhalh siubha] a darich 

'Cierradh astair gu caithrem Chaoil-acuinn ; 



86 



'Cascairt tuinn a chuain f hiadhich, 

Mar bu chuibhe dhuinn iarridh, 

'Mach gu Uibhist bhig,riabhich,nan cradh-gheadh. 

Cha bu bhruchag air meirg' i, 

'Fhuair a trechailt le 'h-eirbheirt, 

'Nuair a thigedh oirr' doirbh shion le gabhadh. 

Gum b' ard-shranntach air muir i, 
A siubhal ghleann gun bhi currtha, 
'S buill chainbe troimh 'dulagabh arda. 

Sar Mhac-Dhomhnaill an Duin oirr', 

'S do mhac oighre 's mor curam, 

'S i do cheir 'fhuair an cliu "mesg nan Gaidhel. 

Do mhac Uibhistech, Sleitech, 

D' am bu chubhidh bhi steudmhor 

'Mach o'n rugha d'an eightedh Dun-Sgathich. 

An t-og misnechail, treubhach, 

'Sliochd nam Milidh a Eirinn, 

A bha gleust' air chul sceith' ann sna blarabh. 

Gur a mor mo chion fein ort, 

Ged nach bi mi ga eighech, 

'Mhic an f hir leis an eiredh na Braighich. 

Ceist nam ban o Loch-treig thu, 
'S o Shrath Oisain na Feinne ; — 
Gheibhtedh bruic agus feidh air a h-arinn. 

Dh' eiredh buidhenn a Ruaidh let, 

'Lubadh iubhar mu 'n guaillibh, 

'Thig o bruthichen fuar' Charn-na-lairge. 

Dreai-n eile dhe d' chinnedh 

Clann-Iain o 'n Innain 

'S iat a rachadh 'san iomairt, neo-scathach. 



87 



'S iomad oganach treubhach, 

Is glac chrom air chul sceith' air, 

'Thig gu d' bratich, a threun laoich nan (iaidhel 

Is a f hregradh dha t' eighech, 

Nan cuiredh tu feum orr', 

'Nuair a chluinnedh iat fein do chrois-tara. 

Ged b'e Mart cur a choirc' e, 

'S mi nach tilledh o stoc bhuait, 

'S ana a bhidhinn an toisech a bhata. 

'N uair 'bhiodh each deanamh gniomha 

Bhiodh mo chuid-sa dheth difjmhain, 

'G ol mo ghuscaig 's mi 'm shinedh air faradh. 



Earrlin, keel, stern-post. Lus-chrubain, weak fellows 
like a drooping weed. Alach, a set or bank of oars. 
Bruchag, a leaky boat. Eirbheirt, moving, stirring. 
Currtha, fatigued. Arinn, a deer forest. Glac, the hollow 
of the hand. Guscag, a bumper. 



lUAINAL A CI-INATAIN; 
Oran do Shir Eoghan Loch-iall. 

lA IAIN LO.M. 

Cha b' e tuainal a chnatain 

A chuir mi 'm dhusgadh 'sa nihaduin, 

Ach an tuchan 's 'tha 'marcachd air m' f hcilhibh. 

Fer do cheille bhi 'n Sasunn, 

Gun f hios nach b'eignech a bheirt e 

Ma thig eug ort an taice righ Seurlas. 



88 



A chraobh stailinn chruaidh, chuilinn, 

'Chaidh bhuainn air saile do Lunnainn ; 

'S terc mo ghair' gus an cluinnim deagh sceul ort. 

Do thigh'n fallain, slan, bhuaithe, 
Mar ruaig falisc bharr cruadhlich, 
No bho gharadh a ghuail 's nam balg-seididh. 

Dh' f halbh Mac-Cailain, fer- buairidh, 

Le sac gearrain de thuailas, 

'Chur a' gherain an cluasabh Righ Seurlas. 

Ged a scriobtedh let Muile, 

Bhiodh tu 'g iarridh gu tuilledh, 

Cha robh 'm bliadhna 's an uiridh cho reidh dhuit. 

'S iomad taighedas orail, 

Muirnech, aigherach, ceolmhor, 

A ghres t' athair gu foirinn na deirce ; 

Dh 'an robh bethachadh boidhach, 

'Tha 'n diugh ga chaithemh mu d' bhord sa ; 

Cles na fatha 'cur fo a chert eigin. 

Cles a bhaigair mhoir laidir 

'Rinn a shaidsech a charadh, 

Leis gach baidreig a thathadh ri cheile. 

Ach b'ait learn Duibhnich 'san dranndail, 

'Bhi fo dhruim an Tuir Fhrangich, 

Agus cuibhrech ro theann air am feithibh. 

A mhaighden dubh-riabhach smachdail, 
Dh 'f hag i 'n t-Iarla gun mhersuinn, 
Thug i 'm fiabhras a Marcus Err'-ghaidhel. 

Caiptin caol Loch-nan-ela, 

Thug le foill as a bhail' e 

Ged a chaochail e talla 'nam eirigh. 



89 

'S mairg a dhuisgeilh a chadal 

'N laoch nach niuchadh le hai^radh 

'S e borb, ardanach acuinnech, gleusta, 

Ghabh thu 'bhraid air do nihuinal, 
Nach galjhadh each orra 'chunnart, 
'Thoirt do chairden a tonnabh na fcilhe, 

'Eoghin oig Thorr- a- chaistail, 
Rinn thu choir mar mo bhechd-sa, 
Thog thu cro agus geta nach leum iat. 

Thog thu bard ann an Dubhairt, 

Strep thu 'm barr croinne giul^his. 

Let bu mhiann a bhi 'n cruithechd an dreugairu 

Thog thu 'n\-sroI-bhratach bhuidhe 

Os-cionn stol nam pic iubhair ; 

Caol chorcach an siubhal gach te dhiubh. 

Nam biodh a chuis mar a theirinn, 

Bhiodh tu d' Dhiuc thar nan Eilain, 

Let bu mhiann a bhi d' speiraig 'sna speurabh. 

Is ann latha Sron-nimhais, 
Bu droch cocaire gill' thu ; 

Chuir thu spogan air bhiorabh, 's dhroch-ghreidh 
thu. 

Thug thu fairigedh fairge 

Do luchd nam falluinnen derga ; 

Bha ruilh fala agus tarra-dherg mu'n sleisdibh. 

Fhuair thu garl^h-bhaia cuilinn, 
'Cheut la dherbh thu bhi 'd dhuine, 
Mun d' fhas calg ort de dh-f hionnadh no Mh- 
f heusaig. 

Cha bu shugradh do shena-choin 

An cnaimh smuais 'ihoirt a il' dhrcm-chraos, 

Nuair a thennadh tu tcnchair do dhcudich. 



90 



Cha bu shugradh do sgoilair 

Dol a dhranndan ri d' choilair, 

Nuair a thionndadh tu chorr-f hiacail gheur ris. 

Le luchd nam fedanan dubh-ghorm, 

D' am bu f hregarrach fudar, 

'Nuair a spreigedh na h-uird ri spuir gheura ; 

'Bheiredh dusgadh le an-iochd 

Air udliche 'n langain, 

Garbh, stucach, mor, engach, an t-sleibhe. 

Bhiodh an t-suil, air neo 'n t-enchinn, 
Mu dheiredh drughadh bhur n-enrich : 
Cha bhi mise ga shenchas na's leir dhomh. 



Falasg, a moor-burning. Foirinn, aid, help. Path, a 
mole. A mhaighden, the maiden, an instrument for behead- 
ing. Mersuin, strength. Braid, a collar. Bard, a dyke, 
or fence, a garrison. Saidsech, a beggar's mantle. 



RAON-RUARI. 

LE IAIN LOM. 

An ainm an aigh ni mi tus, 

Air a mhenm so 'tha 'm run, 

Chan i so 'n aimsir mu'n duin an ceitein oirnn. 

Nach f haic sibh loinges an righ 

Cur an spionnidh gu tir, 

Chan e'n t-Uillam 'tha mi cho deidhail air. 

Ach Righ Seumas 's a shiol 

A dh'ordich Dia gus ar dion ; 

Cha righ iasid d'am fiach dhuinn geillechdinn. 



91 



Ach mar dig thu air ball 

'S do leinten criosa gan call, 

Is cent misde learn thall 'san Eiphait thu. 

An comunn ciogailtech, tlath, 

'Shuidh an ionad nan stait 

Mar cho-mheta chuir Satan seula riu. 

Paca sliogach nan celg 

D'?ni bu dlighech a niheirg, 

Dhubh am tithech le salchar eucoir sibh. 

Cha b'e 'm brathadair coir 

'Bha cur gal)hail Ib'n f hoid, 

Ach fer an taigh' nach bu choir 'bu pheucan daibh. 

Ann sa bheithe bheg og 

'Bha fo bhaile Mhic-Dheors', 

Gur a h-iomad fer sroil 'bha reubte ann. 

'S iomad biorraid is gruag 

'Bha gan speltadh mu'n cnuac, 

Bha fuil dhathte'na stuaidh air feur am muigh. 

Fhuair sibh dennal 'sa choill 
Bho chruaidh lannabh Shiol-Chuinn, 
'Chuir 'nur dennabh thar tuim trom-chreuchdach 
sibh. 

An Raon-Ruari nam bad 

'S lionmhor uaigh is corp rag, 

Mile sluasid is caib' gan leidigedh, 

A shar Chleibhirs nan ech, 

Bu cheann-feadhn' thu air fechd. 

Mo chrech leir an tus glechd mar dh'cirich dhuit. 

Bu lasair theine dhaibh t' f herg, 

Gus an d'eirich mi-shelbh ; 

Bhuail am peileir fo errbal It' eididh thu. 



Bu mhor cosgradh do lamh 

Fo aon chlogide ban, 

'S do chorp nochdidh, gel, dan, gun eidedh air. 

Cha robh escarid suas 

Etar Arcamh is Tuaid, 

Mur bhi 'n tacaid a bhuail san eudun thu. 

'Nuair bhruchd t' uaislen am mach, 

Cha scaoth bhuachaillen nihart, 

Ach luchd-bualadh nan cnap gu speiredail ; 

Air a bhruthach a stad 

Os-cionn dubhar nam bad, 

Luchd cur 'nan siubhal gu grad nan eucorach. 

Clann-Domhnaill an aigh, 

Luchd a chonnsach' gach blair ; 

Cha do ghabh iat riamh scath roimh reul)altich. 

Is lionmhor spalpaire dian 

T3ha fo d' bhratich 'dol sios, 

Cha b' ascard ach lion do reisamaid. 

Is iomad fiuran des og 

Gun Ian duirn air de dh-f heoill, 

'Gherradh claignen is smois, is feithannan. 

Mo ghaol an Domhnall Gorm og 

Bho'n tur Shleitech 's bho'n Ord ; 

Fhuair thu deuchain 's bu mhor an sceula sin^ 

Mo ghaol an Tainistair ur, 
B' og am planntas mo run, 
'S cha b'e 'n campair air chul na sceithe e. 

Mo ghradh an t-Alastair Dubh, 

Bho Ard-Gharidh nan sruth, 

'Chuir 'nan siubhal gu tiugh an reubaltich. 



93 



'S bha 'bhrathair eil' ann, Iain Og, 

'S dh' aoniich peilair troiinh Theoil, 

'S caol a therinn e beo bho 'n speileirechd. 

Tha an cogadh so serbh, 

Air a thogail gu garg ; 

Ge ceann nathrach bidh earrball peucaic air. 

'Se Prionns' Uillam 's a shluagh 
'Dh' fhag an duthich so truagh, 
'Nuair a chuir iatthar cuan righ Seumas bhuainn. 

Guidhem scrios orra 's plaigh, 

'S gort is raioscuin is bas 

Air an sliochd mar bh 'air al na h-Eiphaite ; 

Gach aon latha dol sios, 

Caignedh claidhibh tromh 'm V>ian, 

'S coin a caithemh an diol air sleibhtichibh. 

Thig am Frangach a stech 
Le treun champa 'chuid ech, 
'S bidh do bhangaid 's do bhrec-staoig greidhte 
dhuit. 

Theid thu 'Ilanobher air ais, 

Thig an cot dhiot an cais', 

'S i sean choir a choin ghlais a b 'fheumaile. 



Brathadair, a match, kindling. Peucan a beacon. 
Leideigedh, leading, convojdng. Coscradh, slaughtering. 
Speiredail, energetic. Cainpair, acamp-niaster. Speileirechd, 
sliding, skating. Sliogach, sly. Ciogailtcch, unsteady, 
ticklish. 



94 



GILLESBIC NA CEPICH. 

Archibald Macdonald, Gillesbic na Cepich, was the 
second son of Alastair Buidhe of Keppoch. He was edu- 
cated at Forres. He was a poet of fair abilitj'. He suc- 
ceeded his father about 1665. In September, 1675, he 
joined Glengarry and Lochiel in a voyage to Mull to assist 
the Macleans against the earl of Argyll. He married ]Mary, 
daughter of Macmartin of Letterfinlay, by whom he had 
four sons and four daughters, Coll his successor, Raonall 
Mor Thir-na-Drise, Aonghus Odhar, Alastair Odhar, Mor, 
Jennet, Catherine and Cecilia. He died in 1682. Iain 
Lorn composed an elegy about him, in which he speaks very 
highly of him. 



MOLADH NA PIOBA. 

LE GILLESBIC NA CEPICH. 

'S mairg do dhimol ceol is caismechd, 
Brosnadh sloigh gu gaisgechd threun ; 
Mor phiol) leis an duisger gach misnech, 
A torman moid is misde beum. 

Mo ghaol clarsach, ro ghaol piob ; 
Mithlachd leam an ti do chain ; 
Olc an duais d'a ceol droch comain 
'M bonnabh chluas aig ollamh ri dan. 

Cha bhi mi diomoiadh an dain ; 
Ach 's ann bu mhath an dan 'san 't-sith ; 
Air an namhit cha dechidh 'n dan 
Riamh cho dana 's a chaidh i. 

Nam faicedh tu fir air leirg 
Fo mheirghe 'm bi derg is ban, 
B 'f hearr leam speltadh dh' i re uair 
Na na bheil gu tuaim de dhain. 

Bu bhinn leam torman a dos, 

'S i 'cruinnechadh airm fo sciort. 

'N dan nan digedh fo 'brat 

Gu cert b' f hearr leth' e 'bhi 'n Irt. 



95 



A bhen hhinn-f haclach nach breun stuirt, 
Chiuin, chiuin-f haclach, 's nior bhreug sin ; 
A labhras gu seimh air gach modh, 
'S a breid air slinnainibh tir. 



Brosnadh, brosnachadh, encouragement, a spurring on. 
Lerg, a plain, a little eminence. Meirghe, a banner. 



NIGHEN MHIC-GILLECHALtriM 
RAARSAIDH. 

Alexander, fourth Macleod of Raasay, had two sons, 
Alexander his successor, and John. Alexander, fifth of 
Raasay, succeeded his father in 1643. He had three sons 
and two daughters. He was succeeded by John (iarbh his 
eldest son, in 1648. John Garbh was distinguished for his 
handsome person, and extraordinary strength, and was 
exceedingly popular. He married Janet, daughter of Sir 
Roderick ^lacleod of Dunvegan. He was drowned on the 
north coast of Skye during a severe storm. He was only 
twenty-one years of age at the time of his death. He left 
no issue. In 16S8 his sisters, Janet and Julia, were served 
heirs to their father. In 1692 they made over the estate to 
their cousin Alexander, son of John, second son of Alex- 
ander, fourth of Raasay. Janet was married to Duncan 
Macrae of Inverinate, Donnachadh nam Pios. Julia died 
unmarried. Which of the two sisters composed John 
Garbh's elegy we do not know. We are inclined, however, 
to think that it was Julia. 



CUM 1 1 A. 

Do dh-Iain Garbh Mac Ghille-chaluim. 

LE A rmUTHIR. 

'S mi 'nam shuidh' air an fhaoilinn, 
Gun fhaoilte, gun f huran, 
Cha tog mi fonn aotrom, 
O Dhi-h-aoiije mo dhunach. 



96 

Hi-il o, ho bha ho, 
Hi-il o, ho bha ho, 
Hi il o, ho bha ho, 
Hi-il o, ro ho bha eiie. 

Cha tog mi fonn aotrom, 

O Dhi-h-aoine mo dhunach ; 

On a chailledh am bata. 

Air 'n do bhathadh an curidh. 

Gille-Calum a b' oige, 

'S Iain mor, mo sceul duihch ! 

'Si do ghuala 'bha laidir, 
Ged a sharich a mhuir thu. 

f 

Chan f heil aon ann an Albmn 
Nach doir ainm air do spionnadh. 

'S ann an clachan na traghad 
Tha mo ghradh-sa bhon uridh ; 

Gun siod air do chluasaic, 
Fo lie uaine na tuinne. 

'S tu gun bhoinn air do leine ; 
Chan f heil feum air a cumadh. 

Chan iarr thu gu 'fuaghal 
Ben-uasal no cruinnac. 

Tha do chlaidhibh 'na dhunadh 
Fo dhruchdadh nan uinnac. 

Co is urrin g'a f huascladh, 
'S nach gluais thu e tuilledh. 



97 

Do chuid chon air an iallabh, 
'S cha triall iat do 'n mhunaclh ; 

Do f hrith nam beann arda, 
No gu ard bheinn a chuilinn. 

'S mi 'nam shuidh' air an f hoilinn 
Gun f haoilte, gun fhuran. 



Faoileniij an exposed place beside the shore covered witk 
^;mall white stones ; a sea-gulL 

There is a tradition among the people of Raasay that 
John Garbh was a natural son. According to the tales of 
superstition, the storm which occasi()ned his death was 
raised by a witch. His step-mother was anxious to get rid 
of John Garbh and make room for her own son ; so she 
hired the witch to set the winds and waves in motion. The 
witch raised the storm by boiling water in a pot over the 
fire. She had a small dish of some kind in the pot. When 
she saw that this dish upset, she knew that Iain Garbh 
and his men were drowned. All at once she repented and 
exclaimed, Tha mo chrech deante. 



DONNACHADH MAC-AN-DUBHSHUILICH, 

The Dubhshuiiich, or men of the dark e>xs, were 
Stewarts. They came to Lochaber from Appin about the 
year 1560. They were the hereditary standard-bearers o( 
the Macdonalds of Keppoch. Duncan Stewart, the author 
of the following historical poem, was one of them. He was 
like his clansman, John Roy Stewart, a warrior as well a.s 
a poet. He fought at the battle of Mulroy. 



98 



LATHA NA MAOILE-RUAIDHE. 

Le Donnachadh Mac-an-Dubhshuilich, fer-hratich 
C holla na Cepich. 

FONN, — "Gur h-e Latha Raon-Ruari." 

Ho fairegan o ho, 
Ho ro no co letha, 
Gur h-e Colla 'n ceann-feadhna 
'Ghlechd niu 'n lorn a bh' aig athair. 
'S iomad spailp de dhuin'-uasal 
'Bha mu 'n cuairt dhuit an la ud 
'B' f hearr na clogaide cruadhach 
'Bhi mu d' ghuaillibh 's mu t' amhich. 

Chaidh na Tuathich gu proisail 
Ann an ordagh a chatha ; 
Ach bha Colla ro sheolta, 
Dh' f han e stolta gu latha. 
'S iomad cumha le storas 
'Gheibhedh Toisech na Maighe ; 
Ach le uabhar is gloir-mhiann, 
Chaidh e 'chordadh le 'chlaidhibh. 

Sud an cordadh gun ghliocas 
'Rinn thu 'n nis ann ad an-toil ; 

Fhuair Colla fo chis thu 

Chert cho min ris an lamhinn, 

'S iomad cradh-leba 's litir 

'Chaidh 'dh-Inbhirnis le do chairdibh. 

'S bochd nach d' fhuair thu diseursadh 

'Bhliadhn' a phaighedh am mal dhuit. 

'S iomad muscaid 's pic iubhair 
A bha 'n cuidechd a mhirath ; 
'S iat a tilgedh cho fada 
Ri cairtal a mhile. 



99 

Cha do shanntich sil)h teichedh, 
A luchd nam fedanan cinniech, 
Ach 'bhi sathadh 'nam broillech, 
Sud an colhrom a mhill ial, 

Bha thus', a Chcdla, ro ihapidh, 
'Mhic Ohillesbic na niorchuis ; 
Leig thu uc' na coin scaitech, 
'S cha robh cadal air doigh dhaibh. 
Ged a b' inghnech na ait cait, 
Cha robh 'chridh' aca .scrol)adh ; 
'N uair a scaoil thu do lion riu 
Thug thu 'mhiagail a 'n sronabh. 

Cha b' e scobadh an t-sengain, 
No mar gum l)enadh dhuit dergann, 
A bha 'm buillen nan gaisgech 
'Chlechd na glas lainn mar armachd. 
'S ann a leigtedh an smer ris 
Far am benadh cruaidh dherg dha, 
Is bhiodh enchinn nam mullach 
'Tigh'n mu mhuineil gan salachadh. 

Dh' innsinn cuid de bhur beusan, 
Bha sibh ireun ann san torachd ; 
Is bha 'bhuil air Clann-Chatain 
Gum l)'e fasan Chloinn-I )()mhnaill 
A bhi cruaidli air chul claidhibh 
'N uair a chaithedh sibh lod orr, 
'S etar f hearaiih is ghillen 
'Bhi le scinnibh 'nan scornain. 

'Nuair a ranic thu 'n larach 
An rol)h abhaist do shenar 
Bha Clann-Chatain 'sa ghairich 
'Ci iarridh fabhair da 'n anam. 
An sin gheibhedh tu t' ailghas 
'Chur am paipeir an cengal ; 



lOO 

'S ged tha Chepach 'na fasach 
Tha i paighte le cennabh, 

Ged a ghlaodh iat ruibh'n anaghlas 

Mu anmoch an f hescair, 

Chuir sibh scapadh a mhenbh-chruidh 

An luchd mamadh a pheice, 

Gan ruith 'fedh nam l)ruachan 

Is gan cuartachadh dhachidh, 

Is gam paighedh 'nam fiachan, — 

Ach dh-ionndrinn iat Lachinn. 

Bha Mac-Coinnich ceann airm leo, 
'S bu mhor earbsa a mhathas, 
Le a shaighdairibh faoghluimte 
Fo 'n aodichibh dathar. 
'Nuair 'bha 'dhag air a seursadh 
Sheall e geur ann san amharc ; 
Sin n' uair 'phaighedh an t-eudach 
''Bha mu earrball na mnatha. 

Gur h-e Aonghus bho 'n Tulich, 
An sar churidh nach diobradh, 
'Bha air aodan an duin ud, 
Is bu chunnart e cinntech. 
An am cruadail no gaisce, 
Chan ann tais a bhiodh t' inntinn ; 
'Nuair a chaidh thu ga bhualadh 
Gun d' f huair thu fo chis e. 

Bha Mac-Coinnich 'na laighe, 
'S rinn e 'chlaidhebh a shinedh ; 
Bha buaidh aig an Tulach 
Mar a bhuinedh dha shinnsredh, 
Cha robh 'n Lochidh no 'n Spiathairt 
Fer a dh' iarradh gu strith riut ; 
A laoich ghleusta gun ghiorag, 
'^S tu nach tilledh fo mhichliu. 



lOl 

'S tu nach lilledh fo thaniailt, 
Bha thu dana 'sau ioniairt ; 
'S tu a choisinn huaiilh-larach, 
'S nach d' rinn parladh a shiredh, 
Ach ceum air adhart le cruadal, 
Mar bu dual dhuit o d' chinncdh ; 
Chair thu inaoim air na Tualhich, 
'S ann let fliuair iat am milledh. 

Thoir mo shoridh le duthrachd • 

'Dh-fhios na triuir 'tha 'sa P>hraighe ; 
Gu Colla, an lamh threubhach, 
Ef hein 's a dha bhrathair ; 
Na fir chalm' 'f huair an toisech 
Ann an toital nan claidhen ; 
Gun robh agaljh mar sceith dhuibh 
Ainglen De anns gach aite. 

Nam bu mhis' a b' f her seolidh 

Air na seoid ud an drasia, 

Bhiodh fer air gach uilinn 

'Chor 's nach legt' an aon bhlar iat. 

Cha robh egal no giorag 

Air sar ghillen na tabhachd ; 

'S ann a bha iat 'sa chumasc 

Mar sceith chunnairt roimh 'n cairden, 

'S e, a Cholla mo dhuthrachd, 
'S tha mo dhuil ri e 'thachairt, 
Thu bhi 't uachdaran duthcha 
Etar Dunan 's a Chepach, 
Etar Ruthain is Spiathain 
'S Cill-mo-niobhaig a chladich, 
Ann am paighnechas scriobhte, 
'S lamh an righ ris a chairt ud. 

Cuim' nach cuirinn-sa cuairt 

Air Gleann-ruaidh 'san robh 'm baital. 



102 

Etar monadh Dhrulm-uachdair, 
Cnoc-a-chuaille 's an Tegail, 
(iun aon mhir a bhi bhuait dheth 
Ach cnuac Choir-an-esa, — 
Ferann duthchis Mhic-Mhartuin, 
'S bu neonadara 'bhegadh. 



Lion, flax, a linen cloth, but in the poem a flag. Gloir- 
mhiann, ambition. Painechas, security, insurance. 

Lachlan Mackintosh, chief of the Clan-Chattan, had a 
legal claim to the lands of the Macdonalds of Keppoch. 
Coll of Keppoch refused to acknowledge this claim, and 
would not pay the rents demanded of him. Mackintosh 
resolved to enforce his claim with the sword. In 1688, and 
a*bout the month of August, he entered Lochaber with a 
strong force, consisting of his own immediate followers, 
and a company of government troops under the command 
of captain Kenneth Mackenzie of Suddie. He had at least 
a thousand men with him. On arriving at Keppoch House 
he found it deserted. In the course of a day or two he 
learned that Coll was posted on the heiglits of Alulroy, hav- 
with him his own followers, the Macmartins of Letterfinlay, 
and a body of the Macdonells of Glengarry, in all about 
four hundred men. At daybreak, on the morning after 
receiving this intelligence, he marched against his opponent. 
As his force was so numerous he felt confident of obtaining 
an easy victory, even though the Macdonalds and the Mac- 
martins had the advantage of being on higher ground. The 
result, however, was that he was defeated and taken 
prisoner. About forty of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, 
commanded by Aonghus Mac Alastair Ruaidh, were on 
their way to assist their kinsmen. They were too late for 
the battle, but took an active part in the pursuit. As cap- 
tain Mackenzie, a brave but rash man, was rushing with his 
pike against Angus Macdonald of Tulloch, the latter hurled 
his empty pistol against his head with such force that his 
skull was fractured. Mackenzie died whilst being carried 
by his soldiers to Inverness. The battle of Mulroy lasted 
a little over an hour. It was happily the last clan fight 
that took place in Scotland. 



X 



loa 



RAONALL NA SCEITHE. 

Ranald Macdonald, Raonall na Sceithe, was a son of 
Allan Macdonald of Achatriochadan in (ilencoe. He dis- 
tinguished himself as a soldier under Montrose and Dundee. 
He was killed in the horrible massacre i^f Glencoe, February 
13th, 1692. He was at the time of his death an rdd man. 
He left two sons, Donald and Alexander. -Camp6e//s' Lan- 
guage, Poetry, and Music of the Highland Clans, page 
226. 



LATHA RAON-RUAKI. 

LE RAONALL NA SCEITHE. 

'Se do la, a Raon-Ruari 

A dh' f hag luainech mo dhuscadh, 

Mu na thuit de Chlann- Domhnaill, 

'wS cha bu leon o'n taol)h cuil ilaibh, 

'Toirt am mach an ra-lreuta 

'Choisin ceutadh le diubhail ; 

'S ged bu thearnadh gn leir dhaibh 

Bha bas Chleibhers r 'a chunntadh. 

Leoghan fulangach, rioghail, 
Nach d' rinn f hirin a mhuthadh ; 
Cha robh failinn a'd' chruadal 
'N aite cruaidh-chas no curim ; 
Cha dug or ort no egal 
Gun sesamh le duthrachd, 
'S gcd a ihuit thu le onair 
B' ann de dhonas na cuis' e. 

Seobhag firinnech suairc thu, 

'S bu shar bhuachaill' air trend thu, 

Gu'n cumail o ghabhadh 

'S a thoirt ait dhaibh is reidhleinn. 

'S tu nach cuiiedh ri ball' iat 

'Thoirt an dainginn air eigin ; 

Dh' innis latha Dhun- Chaillinn 

Nach robh 'n t-anam a' il' chrcubhaig. 



'¦i 



104 

'N am 'bhi tarruinn nan Gaidhel 
Gu h-ard air a bhruthach, 
'Dhol an coinnimh an namhit, 
Bu neo-scathach a bhuidhen. 
'Mheud 's a bha aig Mac-Aidh 
B' iat luchd a chail is a bhrudhaist ; 
'N uair a nochd sibh 'ur claidhen, 
Sud am prabar 'nan siubhal. 

Bha gach inntin Ian shocrichte 

Air cosnadh 's air cniadal, 

A dol air bhur n-adhart 

Ann an aghidh an f huathais. 

Cha do shanntich sibh tilledh, 

Bho nach slinnain bu dual dhuibh : — 

Bha an cluiche sin cailltech, 

'S iat ag radh gum bu bhuaidh e 

Gum bu lionmhor ad shracte 
'Bha mu ghlacabh Raon-Ruari, 
Agus Gaidhel gun bhrecan 
'Ruith fir casaige ruaidhe. 
'vS iat nach dugadh droch bhuille 
'Dh' f hagadh nech 'na dhiol truaighe, 
Ach 'toirt nan ceann dhiu gu sciobalt', 
No gan scath gu 'n cnaimh-tuaighe, 

Gur h-e 'mheudich mo champar 
'Liuthad banntrach 'tha 'm dhuthich, 
Agus oganach treubhach 
Nach do dh-eighedh am pusadh, 
'Thuit le luaidhe 'san am ud 
'Bualadh lann, 's cha bu shugradh, 
'Toirt am mach an adbhannsa, 
'S cha do shanntich iat cubadh. 

A Dhomhnaill nan Domhnall, 
'S og a f huair thu do dheuchin, 



103 

'S iomad ben a l)ha bronach 
Etar Trotairnis 's Sleite, 
Mu chinnedh mor t' athar 
'Bhi nan laighe gun eirigh, 
Luchd a bhualadh nam builleau 
'Bhi air fuirech 'san teugbhail. 

'B ann diu Raonall is Scumas 
Nach d' rinn eirigh o'n chumasc ; 
B'e mo chrech iat le cheile, 
Fir na feile 's an f hurain. 
Dhaibh 'bu dual a bhi treun 
O'n athair f hein thar gach duine ; 
Sceul bu dona 'na dheidh sud, 
Ri leighes leigh cha d' rinn fuirech. 

A thighern' oig Ghlinne-Ciaradh 
Laigh smal air do shugradh ; 
'S mor do chall ri righ Seumas 
Ged a dh-eighedh e 'd dhiuc thu ; 
Bha Domhnall Gorm gaolach 
Is f huil chraobhach a bruchdadh. 
'S eigin f hulang na thanic 
Dh' f halbh do bhrathair na ur-f has. 

Bu duin' urranta, seolta, 

Bu chraobh chomhraig roimh cheut e, 

De dh-f her mor 'bu mhath cumadh 

'Bh aig gach duine mar speuclair : 

Gur h-e ro mheud do nadair, 

Braise 's ardan le cheile, 

Dh' f hag gun athadh dha d' phers' thu, 

Oig-f hir ghasda na feile. 

Cha robh fuascladh 'san tim ud 
Dhuit aig dillsibh no cairdibh ; 
Ged bha bron air gach iluine 
Ni gun chumadh, gun airemli. 



106 

'S ann roimh d' f hraoch a bha 'n curam, 
Ged bha diubhail is call ann ; 
Fhuair thu 'n t-eralas cliutech, 
Ort do dhubladh na rancan. 

'S truagh nach robh let 'san uair sin 

Na bha bhuait dhe do chairdibh, 

Air an tarruinn mu'n comhair, 

Fir Ghlinn-Comhunn 's a Bhraighe. 

'N tus an latha ghil sholuis 

Chit' am follais gach failinn ; 

'S na bheil beo de shliochd Cholla 

'Dhioladh pronnadh ar cairden. 

Caiptin mesail Chloinn-Raonuill, 
Ge nach h-'eil ach 'na lenabh, 
'S glan a gheibht' an aois oig' e 
Aig fir dhuthchis a sheanar. 
Sud na Domhnallich threubhach 
Do nach d' eirich riamh bremas ; 
Bhon ghin Somhairl' air tus iat 
Cha d' f huaras daibh scainnel. 

Thuit mac Dhomhnaill mhic Dhomhnaill, 
'S bu mhor 'n ionndrain a thir e ; 
Flescach uasal, caomh, cenail, 
Is b' f hior f herail 'na thim e. 
'S mi 'tha 'g iargain nan daoine 
'Thuit 'san aobhar 'dol sios duinn ; 
Bha triuir iar-ogh' Mhic-Raonuill 
Air an taobh 's gum b' e 'n dibhail. 

Mo chrech mhor nan tri truaighen, 
Caradh uaislen Chinntire ; 
'Thighem oig sin na Lerginn, 
Is gur serbh a bhi 'g innsedh, 
Mu do Thaoitair math ciallach, — 
Is cuis iargain a chaoidh e, 



107 

Gun do thuit e 'san doruin, 
'S bu duin 'og 'san dol sios e. 

Oiin do mhac bhi 'na t' aite, 

'S gun ad brathair ach Icnabh, 

'S gun aon duine 'bhi 'n lathair 

De na thanic o 'd shenair. 

Sud an taigh a bha uasal, 

Do nach 'd f huaradh riamh merachd, 

'Sa bha fiughantach, rioghail, 

Air dol 'sios mar an rainech. 

A Shir Eoghinn o 'n Chorpich 
'S e do dhochun nach iarrinn ; 
'Si chneidh fein thar gach duine ; 
'Bhios sinn uile ag iargain, 
'Mheud 's a bhuilich an righ ort 
Cha bu ni e gun f hiachan, 
Is ged f haighedh tu barr air, 
'S daor a phaigh thu e 'm bliadhna. 

Chain thu ragha do dhaoine 
Ann an aobhar a l)hrathar. 
Bho t' oige gu d' shine 
Chum thu 'n iomairt gun f haiUnn. 
'S iomad sonn de dhuin' uasal, 
'San robh cruadal is tabhachd, 
A chaidh sios let de d' chinnedh 
Bho 'n la ghinedh gu ait thu. 

O 'n la "ghlac thu 'n cent chlaidhibh, 

Gun aon athadh do d' namhit, 

Bu mhath do chuis thionnscail 

'N aghidh Chromwel is Lambeirt. 

Nan sesadh Alb' uile 

Mar rinn thusa gun f hailinn, 

'S derbh gun cailledh righ Uillam, 

'S cha bhuidh'nedh Mac-Aidh air. 



108 

Ach f hir Airde-Seile, 
'S mor do dheiras le 'm fecabh ; 
Chain thu brathair math ciatach 
Is diol larla de mhacabh. 
Sibh fein 's fir a Bhraighe 
Bha 'g ur sarach 'ri caistal, 
Sibh a dhibhail comanndair, _ 
'S gun ur naimhden r'am faicin. 

Tha Taoitair na h-Apunn 
Fo airsnal an comhnuidh ; 
Tha leann-dubh air a drughadh 
Fo dhunadh a chota, 
'^S e ag iargain mu 'bhraithribh, 
'S b' iat na h-aillegain bhoidhach, 
Ged thug lughad an athidh 
Orra 'n la ud 'bhi gorach. 

Chain thu Tanaistair ferainn, 
'S gum b'e 'n t-Alastair suairc e ; 
'S mor a bhearn thu a d' dhuthich, 
'S iat ga t' ionndraichinn bhuatha. 
Cha b' aithne dhomh cuis 
A bheiredh cliu do dhuin' uasal, 
Nach robh fuaighte riut daingen, 
Aig a bhair agus uaithe. 

Bha thu urranta, dana, 

Bha thu aillidh, des, treubhach ; 

Bha thu cinnedail, cairdail, 

Bha thu garbh ri am feuma. 

Nan d' f huirich an luaidhe 

Gun do bhualadh 'san leum ud, 

'S mairg fer do mhi-ruine 

Air am bruchdadh lann t' f heirge. 

Cha b' ann leis na claidhen, 
'Fhuair ar n-armuin an leonadh^ 



109 

Aig Dunchaillinn a chascridh, 
No 1l- gaisc' an luclul-coiuhstrith : 
'S mairg a chunnic na saoidhen, 
Ann an iorghuil na doruinn, 
Gan sior leigcdh Ic luaidho, 
'S gun tilg buachaillcn hho i. 

'S tniagh nach sinne 'bh' air talamh 
Gun aon bhalla, gun hhruachan, 
Sinn f liin 's luchd ar mi-ruin', 
Bhiomaid cinnt de ar cruadal. 
Chit' an sin co 'hu chliutich, 
Ann an imairt nan cruaidh lann, 
Fior bhodich na machrach 
Na fir ghaisgail nam fuar bheann. 

Gait a ])heil de dh-f huil dhiles 
Ann san rioghachd an ccrl uair. 
An taobh so 'Chlann-Donihnaill, 
Da 'm bu nos a bin tapidh, 
Ach Clann-Ghamshroin o Lochidh, 
Clann-Ghilleoin is Clann-Nechdain, 
Fir Atholl 's Clann-Fhiunnlaidh, 
'S Mac-Iain-Stiubhart na h-Apunn'. 



The battle of Killiecrankie was fought on Saturday, July 
27th, 1689. On Wednesday, August 21st, the Highlanders 
attacked Dunkeld, but were repulsed with the loss of 300 
men. Their opponents being well protected by stone walls 
lost only a few. The repulse at Dunkeld was a sore dis- 
appointment to them. As Cannon, their new commander, 
was responsible for the attack, and for the loss sastained in 
consequence of it, they lost all confidence in him. 



no 



MAC IAIN LUIM. 



John Lom's son fought under Dundee at the battle of 
Killiecrankie in 1689. It is said that he was a captain. He 
was killed in a duel, by Domhnall Donn, Mac Fhir Bhoth- 
f hiunntain about the year 1690. The duel was fought at 
High Bridge, eight miles from Fort William. 



LATHA RAON-RUARI. 

LE MAC IAIN LUIM. 

An Raon-Ruari so 'bh' ann 

B' lionmhor ceann is colunn gu lar ; 

Moran Ghaidhel is Ghall 

Bh" air chall 's an uilenn ri blar. 

'N uair thanic a Chlann 

'Nan deann an deiredh an la, 

Cha b' e tilledh gun chall 

A shanntich gillen mo ghraidh. 

Bha an t-Alastair Ciar 

Gu dian le bhratichen f hein ; 

Ann an am doi a sios 

Cha b' mhiann leis fuirech nan deidh. 

Cha bu chlaidhebh no sciath 

Bu dion do 'n churidh 'bha treun ; 

Co a chumadh ris strith, 

'S an Righ mar spionnadh d'a sceith ? 

Is bha Domhnall nan Dun 
Gu dluth air uilinn a bhlair ; 
Bha chuid ghillen ri 'chul, 
'S cha sechnadh iat cuis le dail. 
Bha rir ghasda mo ruin 
'G 'ur lenailt gu dluth mu'r sail, 
Is mar bhuinedh da'n cliu, 
Ri cascairt le luths nan lamh. 



Ill 

Bha na Lethanich ami, 

An dream 'bha fuilc-clidach riamh ; 

Leam is duilich an call, 

'S gum b'ainmeil 's gach am an gniomh. 

Ach ged tha iat gun cheann 

Bidh e ann 'n uair 's toilech le Dia, 

Is thig Muile "na dheann 

An nail o luchd nam bcul fiar'. 

A Chlann-Raonuill o'n chuan 

Ged f huair sibh bristeclh gu leoir, 

Gun ath-eirich sibh 'suas 

Le 'r sluagh gun laigse, gun leon. 

Ged a tha sibh fo ghruain, 

'S bhur naimhden ri uaill gach lo, 

'N uair thig Ailain iiho 'chuairt 

Bidh 'f herann gu buan fo 'scod. 

Gu bheil fer an Gleann-ruaidh 
Nach d' f huair air 'f herann de choir, 
Ach ro chalmachd a shluaigh 
'Theid suas le fed chinn a mheoir, 
Thanic fechd o 'n taobh tuath 
'Chur gerasdain f huair mu 'r sroin, 
Ach s' e 'f huair iat mar dhuais 
'N cur dhachidh gu luath fo leoin. 

Thug thu latha 'sa Mhaoil, 
A Cholla, 's tu aotrom, og, 
Le do bhratichen fraoich 
A thairnedh na laoich 'nan lorg. 
Tha mi 'guidhe nach aom 
An t-aog le 'ghath ann ad choir, 
Gus am faigh thu de dh-aois 
A Chepach 'bhi saor fo d' scod. 



112 



At the battle of Killiecrankie, Dundee's men were ranged 
in one line, and in the following order from right to left : 
the Macleans, Colonel Cannon's Irish regiment, the Mac- 
donalds of Moydart, the Macdonells of Glengarry, the 
cavalry, the Camerons, a battalion under Sir Alexander 
Maclean, and the Macdonalds of Skye. The Grants of 
Glenmoriston were with the Macdonells of Glengarry. 
Dundee had about 2,500 men, and Mackayal>out 4000. The 
battle began about seven o'clock in the evening, or half an 
hour before sunset. The Highlanders, whilst moving down 
the hill, received three successive volleys from Mackay's 
line. When they got to close quartets, and drew their 
broad swords, the battle lasted only a few minutes. They 
gained as complete a victory as could be won. Still it was 
a very dear victory to them ; about eight hundred of them 
were slain. Besides, they lost their commander, the only 
man who could keep them together and lead them to 
another victory. Of Mackay's men two thousand were 
either killed or taken prisoners. Well might the poet say, 
Bu lionmhor ceann is colunn gu lar. 



X 



ALASTAIR BHOTH-FHIUNNTAIN. 

John Dubh, natural son of Raonall Mor na Cepich, was 
the first Macdonald of Bohuntin. His descendants are 
known as Shliocd-an-taighe, and also as Sliochd-na- 
banfhighiche. He married a daughter of Donald Glas 
Mackintosh, with issue five sons, Alexander, his successor, 
Donald, John, Ranald and Angus. He had also a natural 
son, Gillecalum Mor. Donald, John, and Ranald were 
put to death by the unprincipled Alastair nan Cles of Keppoch. 
Alexander, second of Bohuntin, married a daughter of 
Macdonald of Glencoe, by whom he had one son, Aonghus 
Mor. Aonghus Mor, third of Bohuntin, married a daughter 
of Cameron of Strone, and had three sons, John, his suc- 
cessor, Aonghus a Bhocain, and Alastair na Rianich. 
John, fourth of Bohuntin, married a daughter of Cameron 
of Glenmalie, by whom he had Alexander, his successor, 
Domhnall Donn, and Domhnall Gruamach, all men of good 
poetic talents. Alexander, fifth of Bohuntin, had five sons, 
Angus, Alexander, Ranald, Iain Og, his successor, and 
Domhnall Glas. Angus, Alexander, and Ranald died of 
pleurisy within a few days of one another, about the year 
1720. Angus and Alexander were married. John Og, 
sixth of Bohuntin and Domhnall Glas, his brother, were 
transported to North Carolina for taking part in the unfor- 



118 



tunate rebellion of 1745. They were both married and left 
issue. Probably some of their descendants are still in the 
United States. 

Alexander of Bohuntin was the author of several short 
poems. But they have nearly all perished. 



CUMHA NAM MAC. 

LE ALASTAIR BHOTH-FHIUNNTAIN. 

Bhon lughaigedh 'thug Dia dhomh, 
'S mo mhath a bhi ga iarridh, 
Gum faic gach duine liath mi ; 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 

Cha dirich mi ri fuar bheinn 
An f hirich 'sam bi 'n ruadh bhoc ; 
Tha m' anail goirid luath dhomh ; 
'S ann 'tha mi trom, trom. 

Gum faca each an uair sin 
A mharbhtedh brec air Ruaidh leam ; 
An diugh cha doir mi luaidh dhail)h ; 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 

Na fiurain "'san robh 'n uaisle, 
\S a b' abhaist bhi mu m' ghuaillen, 
Bhon chairich mi 'san uaigh iat, 
'S ann thu mi trom, trom. 

Na gaisgich 'san robh chailechd 
'S a chlechd mi f haicinn lamh ruim, 
Bu taice sibh d' ur cairden ; — 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 

Ach Aonghuis thug mi gaol dhuit 
Thar uile chlann nan daoine, 
'S bhon tha mi nis as t' aonais, 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 



114, 

Do ghnuis bha fiallidh, faoilidh ; 

'S trie t' iomhigh 'tigh'n 'nam smaointinn, 

Is dh' f hag sud neul an aoig orm ; 

'S ann tha mi trom, trom, 

'Alastair 's tu m' abhachd ; 
B 'e sud an gaisgech stathail 
Bhon chuir mi ann sna clair thu, 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 

Rao'll am fer a 'b oige, 
B'e sud am flescach stolta ; 
Bho 'n chairich mi fo 'n f hoid thu, 
'S ann tha mi trom, trom. 

Scuiridh mi 's mi craitech, 
Ach tha mi 'n dochas laidir. 
Gum faic mi sibh am Paras, 
Ged tha mi trom, trom. 

Mo dhuil gu bheil sibh sabhailt 
Troimh f hulangas bhur Slanighair ; 
Cha dean ni eile stath dhuinn 
'N uair 'bhios sinn trom, trom. 



Lughaigedh, luighigedh, or lughasachadh, allowance, 
permission, decree. 



CUMHA EILE D'A MHIC. 

LE ALASTAIR BHOTH-FHIUNNTAIN. 

Sechdain dalach bho Fheill Patric, 
Sceula craitech, dh 'f halbh na braithren, 
'Thug scuab-larach air na cairden 
'Bhios gu brath 'n ar cuimhne. 
Bhios gu brath, etc. 



IIB 



Dh' f hnlhh na h-armuin 'dheanadh stath dhuinn, 
'Bu mhor taljhachd ri uchd gahhidh ; 
Och, mo chradh-lot 's goirt a tha mi, 
Uh 'f hag sid m' airnean bruite. 

Cha sceul solais dhuit e, 'Dhomhnaill, 
'Th 'ann an Cnoidart, chaill thu comhlain 
'Shesadh comhl'-riut ann an ordagh 
Nam biodh foirnert cuis ort. , 

Fiuirain ghasta na gruaidh dhathte, 
Nan deut snasta 's nan cul clechdte, 
'Bha gun ghcltachd, 's Ijudes faicinn 
Ann am fechd na duthcha. 

'S goirt an sceula 'f huair 'ur ceile 
'N tus a cheitein ^n uair bu bheus dhui]:)h 
'Bhi 'n 'ur n-eidedh, 's gu moch eirigh, 
'S dol a dh' eistechd durdain. 

'N am tigh'n dachaidh dhuil^h le 'r tacar 
B' ann de 'r clechdadh muirn is macnus, 
'S comhradh tlachdmhor gun spad-f hacal ; 
Sut^mar chlechd sibh 'n uine. 

Cha b' ann de 'r beusan cles nan eiscen 
'Blii 'toirt beum' do chach a cheile ; 
Ach modh is reusan 's egal Dc oirbh 
Anns gach ceum de 'r giulan. 



DOMHNALL BONN MAC FHIR BHOTH 
FHIUNNTAIN. 

Domhnall Donn was the second son of John Macdoiiald, 
fourth of Kohuiitin. His mother was a daughter of Cam- 
eron of Glenmalie. He was, like several of his contem- 
poraries, a crechadair or raider. He was in love with a 
daughter of the chief of the Grants. Grant, who at the time 
to which we refer, was living at his seat in Glenurquhart, was 



lie 



anwilling to give him his daughter. The girl, however^ 
made up her mind to run away with him. Donald hid him- 
self in a cave near Reidhlac Ghoirridh on the north side 
of Lochness, where he intended to remain until the young 
lady should be able to join him. Unfortunately his hiding- 
place became known. The Grants succeeded in decoying 
him, by means of a pretended message from the object 
of his affections, to a house in the neighborhood of her 
father's residence. In this house he was prevailed upon by 
his treacherous host to drink to excess, and also to sleep in 
the barn. Whenever he fell asleep his sword and target 
were quietly removed. Shortly afterwards the Grants 
came forward to apprehend him. He had his gun with him, 
but it missed fire. He was seized and thrown into prison. 
He naturally expected that his clan would interfere in his 
behalf. He was not however on friendly terms with his. 
chieftain. Coll of Keppoch, or with John Lom, whose only 
son he had killed in a duel. Consequently there was na 
effort put forth to rescue him. After lying in prison for 
some time, he was led forth and executed. He had a son 
by a girl in Sutherlandshire, "An nighen donn a bha'n 
Cataobh." He had a daughter by another girl. His 
daughter paid him a visit whilst in prison. It is to her that 
he addresses the poem, "Is truagh, a righ mo nighen donn." 
His sister, Kate, was present at hLs execution. Tradition 
tells us that as his head was being separated from his body 
by the axe, his tongue uttered the words, A Cheit, tog an 
ceann. Domhnall Donn was a handsome man, a brave 
warrior, and a good poet. It is said that he was also an 
excellent harper. He was put to death about the year 1691. 



X 



CHA TAOBH MI NA S'RATHAN. 

Le JJainhnall Donn, mac Fhir Bhoth 
Fhiuntitain. 

Cha toabn 1111 na srathan, 
Cha bhi mi gan tathich 
Fhad's a chumas fir Atholl am mod. 
Cha taobh mi, etc. 

Mi aig sail oemn Muc-Duibhe, 

'S neo-shociach mo shuidhe, 

'S mi coimhed .strath dubh uisce 'n coin. 



117 

Chi mi thall ud fo m' shuilen 

Beinn Hhethain, heinn Bhurnain, 

'S beinn Artair mu 'n duinedh an ceo. 

Chi mi duthich nan Rothach, 

'S fada bhuam i mu m' chomhair ; 

'S trie a thug mi na lothan air falbh. 

Agus machair nan Dubh Ghall, ' 

Dh' f hag mi thall air mo chulaobh ; 

'S trie a mharcich mi curs-ech cruinn gorm. 

'S mairg a mhuidhedh a mheirl' orrn, 
Fhad 's a dh' f huirinn bho m chairden, 
Airson loth thoirt o ard bheinn a cheo. 

'S ro mhath b' aithne dhomh Farar, 

Far an rachinn ann thairis, 

Uisce'n Loin agus Garaidh dhubh mhor. 

Strathghlais a chruidh chenn-f hionn, 
Far an robh mi car tamuil. 
•'S ro mhath b' eol dhomh Gleann-canach an 
f heoir. 

'Dol air Moiresdan thairis 

Fo Chenna-chnochd a bharrich, 

'S trie a f hliuch mi ann gerra chasan 's brog, 

Chi mi thall ud na h- aighen, 

lat a tighin 'nan gredhan, 

'S damh mor a eh inn lethin 'nan coir. 

Greigh astaraeh uail)hrech, 

Nan gasganan guanach, 

Buidhen aigcnnaeh uallaeh nan croc. 

Tha Beinn Uathai;> bhuam taniul, 

Bellaeh -mor etar hhcnnabh ; 

'S trie a thug mi as daimh is crodh og. 



118 

'Nuair a dheaninn am malairt, 

Rachinn scriob do 'n taigh lenna, 

'S cha bhiodh cunntas air cennach nan corn, 

Bhiodh na stopanan dubailt 
Air Domhnall gan cunntas, 
Gus an d' rinn iat mo spuilledh 's mi falbh. 

Tha mo bhrecan air siledh 
Gus na dhruigh air da f hilledh, 
Uisce ruith as na's mire na 'n Ion. 

Mo dheoch mhadn' air a fuaired, 

Uisce 's biolair an f huarain, 

'S biodh an eilid air uairibh ga choir. 

'Righ, bu mhath mo bhen ruin i, 

Ged a chithedh a sail mi, 

'S i nach cuiredh orm ouis 'san taigh mhoid. 

Ach, 'ille, bi gluasad, 

Fios gu Isebal bhuamsa 

Gu bheil mi le fuachd air mo leon. 

Mar do rinn ise muthadh, 

Mar rinn moran 'na duthich, 

'Se mo bharail nach diult i dhomh stop. 



After the Earl of Argyll escaped to Holland, from the 
sentence pronounced against him in 1681, the Marquis of 
Athol was appointed Lord-Lieutenant over the county of 
Argyll, and held his court at Inverary. The Marquis and 
his followers seem to have kept withm bounds until Argyll 
was caught and beheaded in 1685. Afterward they plun- 
dered the Campbells and their followers of every thing that 
they could lay hold of. The poem was evidently composed 
whilst the Marquis of Athol was Lord-Lieutenant of Argyle- 
shire. Archibald Brown's Memorials of Argyleshire, page 
448. 



ORAN. 

LE DOMHNALL DONN BHOTH-FHIUNNTAIN. 

Beir an t-soridh so bhuam 

Do Ghleann-Ruaidh le fer eigin ; 

Gu buidhin mo ghaoil,^ 

'S iat nach saoilinn 'mhe41adh orm ; 

Hugoran one ho, 
I ri ri hiag o, 
Hiigan lail o. 
No ho i ri ri ho ro. 

Gu buidhinn mo ghaoil, 
'S iat nach saoilinn 'mhelladh orm ; 
'S truagh nach robh coic ceut 
Air aon sreud 'sa bhaile so. 

'S truagh nach robh coic ceut 
Air aon sreud 'sa bhaile so. 
Gum biodh saighderan an righ 
'S da-thrian a gal dhiu ann. 

Gum biodh saighderan an righ 
'S da-thrian a gal dhiu ann. 
Chailledh an salan a phris, 
'S cha bhiodh miadh air anartan. 

Chailledh an salan a phris, 

'S cha bhiodh miadh air anartan, 

Ach a Ruari Mhic-Leoid, 

An Righ 'thoirt a bhennachd ort. 

Ach a Ruari Mhic-Leoid 
An Righ 'thoirt a l)hennachd ort ; 
Leam is duilich an sceul 
'Thug an de do 'n bhaile 's thu. 



120 

Learn is duilich an sceul 

'Thug an de do 'n bhaile s' thu ; 

Do bhrathair des ur 

Air do chul gun charachadh. 

Do bhrathair des ur 
Air do chul gun charachadh, 
An ciste chumhinn nam bord, 
'S an t-ord ga tennachadh. 

An ciste chumhinn nam bord, 
'S an t-ord ga tennachadh ; 
'S daor a chennich thu 'chaise, 
Lot is chraidh an t-errach thu. 

'S daor a chennich thu 'chaise, 
Lot is chraidh an t-errach thu. 
Chain thu selgair a gheoidh. 
An roin 's na h-ela ris. 

Chain thu selgair a gheoidh, 
An roin 's na h-ela ris, 
'S a choillich duibh air a gheig, — 
Gur tu-f hein a mhelladh e. 

'S a choilich duibh air a gheig, 
Gur tu-f hein a mhelladh e ; 
Agus lach a chinn ghuirm, 
Cha bhiod t' urchair merachdach. 



MILE MALLACHD DO'N OL. 

LE DOMHNALL DONN, MAC FHIR BHOTH-FHIUNNTAIN. 

Mile mallachd do 'n ol, 
'S mairg a dheanadh dheth poit, 
'S e mo mhelladh gu mor a f huair mi. 
Mile mallachd, etc. 



121 



Mile marbhphaisc do 'n dram 

'Chuir an daorach a' m' chcann, 

'N uair a ghlac iat 'san airde tuath mi. 

Mun d' fhuair mi 'bhi 'm mach, 

'S a bhi 'm armabh gu cert, 

Ella rag mheirlech nan cere mu'n ciiairt dhomh, 

Bha tri-fichet 's a triuir 

Ga mo ruith feadh nan lub, 

Gus 'n do bhuin iat mo kith 's mo luaths bhuara. 

Bha Seumas Dubh ann air thus, 

'Righ, bu laidir a dhiiirn ; 

'S chuir mi Uillam gu 'ghlun 'san fhuaran. 

'Righ, gur mise 'bha nar, 

'N uair a ghlac iat mi slan, 

Is nach dug mi fer ban no ruadh dhiu. 

Bidh mo mhallachd gu brath 

Aig a ghunna mar arm, 

An deidh a mhellidh 's na tair' a fhuair mi. 

Ged a gheil)hinn dhomh fein 

Lan buaile de spreidh, 

B' annsa claidhebh le sceith 'san uair ud, 

Iain Duibh, tog am mach, 

Thoir na dh' f haoilas lu let, 

Agus cuimhnich a bheirt 'bu dual dhuit. 

Na seall air do ni 

Faic t' f huil a do! diot. 

Is na bi na do chileig shuarich. 

Nam biodh tusa fo ghlais 

Agus mise 'bhi as, 

Naile chuminn mo chas gle luainech. 



122 

Bhiodh an t-osan gle ghearr, 

Is am feile gle ard, 

'S balgan pellach os cionn a chruachain. 

Nam biodh fios mi bhi 'n sas 

Gun duil ri fuascladh gu brath, 

'S lionmhor 'ghabhadh mo phairt san uair so. 

'S iomad maighden dhes, ur, 
A chluinntedh farum a guin, 
A chuiredh na cruin gam f huasgladh. 

Gu bheil te dhiu 'n Strath-spe, 

'S nam biodh fios aice fein, 

Naile, chuiredh i cent gu luath ann. 



LACHINN MAC-MHIC-IAIN. 

Lachlan Maclean, known as Lachinn mac-Mhic-Iain, 
was of the family of Cull. He was probably a grandson of 
John Garbh, seventh of Coll. 



CUMHA. 



Do Lachinn Mac-Gilleain, Triath Cholla, a 
bhathadh 'sa hhliadhna, idSy. 

LE LACHINN MAC-MHIC-IAIN. 

Marbhphaisc air an t-saoghal chruaidh, 
'S laidir buan an carich' e ; 
Chan f heil mionaid ann san uair 
Nach bi 'ghluasad merachdach ; 
Aig f hebhas 's a bhios a sceimh 
Bheir luchd-bleid an aire dha ; 
'S gun d' aithnich mis' orm fein 
Gum bu bhreug a ghellichen. 



123 

'N ni sin shaoiles tu hhi M laimh, 

'S e gun dail, gun niherachtl ann, 

•Ma 's ni glaiste san taigh stuir, 

Ge b'e or no ellach e, 

No duine mascullach og 

'San cuir thu dochas barantais, 

Sud e sechad mar am feur, 

'S ochain ! threig mo bharail mi. 

Tha fer 'sa chaibal so shuas 

'D' f hag mcj shnuadh-sa nialartach. 

A righ, bu drechmhur do ghruaidh 

'N am hhi 'bualadli chrannanan 

Bu ghlan do rughadh 's do ghris 

Ri ol fion' an tallachan ; 

Gheibhinn do chaidremh 's do run, 

'S gun d'fhall)h mo shunnd bho'n chailledh thu. 

Cha bhi mi tighechd air do bheus, 
Bho nach gniomhan ballich iat ; 
Cha robh thu taisceil air send, 
'S thus- kichil-teud an aire dhuit. 
Bha thu macanta ri mnaoi, 
'S ri aos-dana carthannach ; 
'S ged Ini chruadalach do lamh, 
'Righ, bu tlath ri lenabh thu. 

Bu mhath laimhsiched tu pic, 

Cennard piob' is l)ratich thu ; 

Bha thu 'd mharbhadair air feidh, 

'S b' f her dha 'n geilledh bradan thu : 

Bha thu W mharcich' ann sa chuirt 

Air ech cruithcch, aigennach, 

'S bha thu 'd sciobair onf haidh f huair, 

Bu trie 'sa chuan Shas'nach thu. 

Ni mi do shloinnedh gu foil, 
Cha bhi stro no barrachd ann ; 



124 

Thanic thu bho Lachinn Mor 



r 



' r 



Mac-Gilleoin a b' allaile ; 
'S do shloinnedh direch r'a lorg 
Gu Sir Eoin Mac Ailein so ; 
^S an am comhairle no gleois 
Gun thu bhi beo gum fairich iat. 

Thanic thu air sliochd Iain Mhoir, 

'"S bho Mheubh oig 'bu bhanaile ; 

An t- larla sin a bh' air an Rut' 

Bha e dluth 'na charid dhuit. 

Car thu Dhomhnall Gorm bho "n tur^ 

^Choscadh cruin gu scairepach, 

'S do dh- Iain Muidertach nan ceut, 

A thug ceile clannail dhuit. 

'S car thu Dhughall og nan steud, 

A dhiult beum kichd-elanta, 

'Rinn do phairt ri Morair Mar 

'Thaobh na mna bha 'n cengal ris, 

Seonaid mathair Lachinn Mhoir, 

'S nigh'n Mhic-Leoid na Herradh ud ;. 

Bhon thanic thus' as an ere 

Chuir sin an cleith Mhic-Cailain thu. 

Mac-Leoid 'sa chinnedh gu leir 

Tha gu geur gad gheran-sa ; 

Chain iat itich as an sceith 

Bho 'n la threig an anail thu. 

Bho 'n Chaistal Tioram 'san Aird 

Thoisich am pairt barantail, 

'S bha 'n cairdes sin druim air dhruim. 

'Tigh 'n air linn gun charachadh. 

Nan tuitedh tus' ann am blar, 
No'n comhraig ghairbh ri fer-eigin,. 
Le Mac- coinnich is Mac-Neill 
Dheantedh eirigh bherraidech ; 



125 

Mac-Mhic-Alastair bho 'n Troim 
Dheanailh torachd elanih ort ; 
'S bhiodh Mac-an-Toisich 's a rann 
'Bualadh lann gu farumach. 

« 

A Thi 'chruthich e bho thus 
'Sa thug ilhuinn an selladh s' dheth, 
Dean sinn umhal dha d' thoil f hein 
Anns gach gleus 'am l)ean Thu ruinn, 
Bhon thig am bas air gach feoil, 
'S theid an f hoid 'chur thairis orr' 
'San spiorad a dh-ionnsaidh Dhe 
Bhon 's E-fein a chennaich e. 



EUach, cattle of any kind, a burden. Malartach, vari- 
able, changeable. Gris, a reddish look. 

Lachlan, eighth Maclean of Coll, was a brave soldier, 
and a kind man. He served several years under tieneral 
Mackay in Holland. He was married to Marion, daughter 
of John AAcdonald, captain of the Clanranald. He was 
drowned in the water of Lochy in Lochaber, in August, 
1687. 

Hector, fourth Maclean of Coll, married .M eve, daughter 
of Alexander .Macdunald of Islay and the Cileiis, and sister 
of Somhairle Buidhe, father of the first Earl of Antrim. She 
was descended from Iain Mor Tanaisteer, son of the first 
Lord of the Isles. Hector's son, Hector Roy, married 
Marion, daughter of Hector Og of Duart, and grand- 
daughter of the Earl of Argyll. Hector Roy's son, L:ich- 
lanj married Florence, daughter of Norman .Macleod of 
Harris, and grand-daughter of the Earl of .\rgyll. Sicil- 
ian's son, John (iarbh, married Florence, daughter of Sir 
Dugall Campbell of Achanambrec by his wife, Nlary 
ICrskine, daughter of the Earl of Mar. John (iarbh's son. 
Hector Roy, married Marion, daughter of Hector of Tor- 
loisk, son of Lachinn Og, of Torloi.sk, son of the celebrated 
Lachinn Mor Dhubhuirt, son of Hector Og of Duart, by 
his wife, Seonaid nighen Mhic-Cailain. Hector Roy died 
before his father. Lachlan, the subject of the lament, was 
his son. 



126 
DI-MOLADH NA PIOBA. 

LE LACHINN MAC-MHIC-IAIN. 

'Ghillesbic, ni 'm molim ri m' bheo 

Fer aithris do ghniomh', 

'Chionn de na chual thu de cheol 

Gun dug thu 'n t- uram do 'n phiob. 

Mur cuala luchd-teud scainnel do bheoil, 

'S tu 'bu dona gu'n diol ; 

Gum b' f hearr thu 'dhith arain is mharag is f heol', 

A bhallich nach b' f hiach. 

'S iomad iarl' ann an Albin an nochd 

N'a leba, tha tios, 

An deidh a bhru 'lionadh le cabhrich a poit, 

'Se 'tionndadh gu trie, 

Nan digedh i teann orra anmoch no moch, 

A ghlagaid gun mhes, 

A bheiredh mar dhuais do 'n f her 'bhiodh 'na cois. 

Na coin a chur ris. 

Ge b' e glagaire 'thoisich an toisech ri ceol 

A thoirt as a bian. 

'S derbh gun robh bruadar is breislech ro mhor 

'Na chlaigenn re cian ; 

Cha dig ceol iorahach driothlunach luath 

A tollabh a miar ; 

'S ann a bhios i ri stadail 's ri glagail gun f honn, 

Mar ghagail nan giadh. 

A cliu air glagarsaich mhoir 

Is fad on a chual, 

Ga tarruinn am mach a t' achlais gun doigh, 

A mhaiderlach thruagh. 

Cuiridh i smaointinnen taisechd is geltachd gu 

leoir 
An aignedh ga chruas ; 



127 



Gum 1)' f hearr i mar chlach-hhalg 'chur nach ech 

bharr an f heoir 
Na bhrosnachadh sluaigh. 

Gur h-e 's beus d'i na breugan le 'ncrt, 

'S breun i 'na t' uchd ; 

Ged bhiodh tu ga seidedh gus-am b' eigin dhuit 

stad 
Cha sheinn i dhuit puirt ; 
liu cho math 'bhi cur salain is t' anail a stech 
An goile na muic', 

'S mi nach h-iarradh gu bralh a dhol faisc 
Air earradh a cuirp. 

'S fad on a f huair sinn taisl^enadh sul 

Gum bu gheltach a gnaths ; 

Ri am dol 'nam braise gu tapadh do shhiagh, 

'S ann a dheanadh i tamh. 

Aig Sliabh-an-t-Siorra beg dona so shuas, 

An cuala sibh e? 

Thug i leum air muin gille bhig rupidh, 

Gu teichedh o 'n bhlar. 

An t-urram de na chunnic mo shuil, 

Ciu cur fras cail, 

Do Chonnduili 'bha 'm Muile ann an cuil, 

'S gu aire 'thoirt da. 

Aiii Mac-Leoid a bha'n duine Mac-Cruimein a 

chiuil, 
Bha ainm air 's gach ait ; 
Ach l\itric is Iain mac Uilleim na niuisc, 
Da sclimech nan cart ! 



When the firiiiR hegan at the battle of Sherifrmiiir the 
boy that carried Conduli's pipe got frightened and ran away. 
He took the pipe with him. 



128 



CATRIONA NIC-GILLEAIN. 

Catherine Maclean lived in Coll. She was known as 
Catriona nighen Eoghinn mhic Lachinn. It is probable that 
she belonged to the Coll branch of the Macleans. Her 
poems show much tenderness of feeling. 



CUM HA, 



Do Lachinn Mac-Gilleain, Triath Chola^ a 

chaidh a hliatliadh an abhinn Lochaidh 

sa bhliadhna i68y. 

LE CATRIONA NIC-GILLEAIN. 

'S anil Di-sathairne 'chualas 

Sceul an f huathais nach gann ; 

Gun robh mnathan gam ])uairedh 

'S fir gan gualadh gu teann ; 

Bu bheg an t-ionghnadh dhaibh fein sud, 

B' uran eudail a bh 'ann ; 

Lamh a ghlacadh na milten 

An am ruscadh nan lann. 

'S moch a chiiala mi 'n t-eighech, 
'S cha b e teiriui mu 'n mhal ; 
Ach m' aites is m' eibhnes 
A thigh 'nn 'na eidedh gu bagh. 
Tha mi cinntech a m' sceula, 
Gun robh do cheile ga cradh, 
'Dol a dh-amharc na gibhte 
'Bh' ann an ciste nan clar, 

Ach a Lachinn mhic Echinn, 
Nam bratach 's nam piob, 
Gur a trom leam do shachd-sa, 
Is nach h-acain thu scios 
Thanic iuchair a ghaiscich 
Fo ghlasabh do 'n tir ; 



129 

Crann gun tiomadh, gun tais 'thu, 
'S tu gun caisceclh gach scios. 

Gu bhcil maithon'clij ilhullichu 
Fo throm churam an drast, 
Mu 'n uachdaran chliutuch, 
Marcich ur nan steud ard ; 
Chaidh thu tamull do dh-Kirinn, 
Do 'n Eiphait 's do 'n Spainn ; 
'S nuair a chaidh thu do Lunnain, 
Fhuair thu 'n t-urram thar chach. 

Cait an robh ann an A I bin 
Bechd-menmna mo ruin ? 
Laoch gasta, des, dell)hach, 
'S trie a dherbh thu do chliu. 
Corp bu ghile na maghar 
Bha fo 'n aghidh gun snnir ; 
'S e dh-f hag mise fo letrom 
Am ball-seirce 'bha 'd ghnuis. 

Cait an robh e r' a innsedh 
'N taobh so 'chrich Innsc-Clall, 
Aon oighrc 'Ini phriseile ? 
Gur dith leinn do chall. 
Bu tu 'n cennachadair fior ghlic 
De 'n f hionn-f hull gun nihciig 
Leis an deant' an t-ol farsuinn 
Ann am bailten nan Gall. 

Bu tu 'n cennachadair sar mhalh, 
'S trie a phaigh thu na buinn, 
\S bu tu sciobair a bhata 
'S trie a sharich na croinn. 
Bu let ragha gach ardrich 
'Chur a h-earrlinn air tuinn, 
Ged a rinnedh do bliathadh 
Leis an radh air a bhurn. 



ISO 



Tha an t-oighre s' 'th' air Dubhairt 

Fo phudhar gu leoir ; 

Tha Clann-Domhnaill fo athall 

Agus mailhen Mhic-Leoid. 

Bu let cairdes Mhic-Cailain 

Bho charric nan seol, 

Gur a h-iomad full phrisail 

A bha diredh mu d' shroin. 

Gur h-e mis' tha gun aigher, 

Tha do thaighen gun aird, 

Bhon a f hroisedh an t-abhall, 

Is a chrathadh a bharr, 

'Chraobh a b' uire de 'n f hion-f hull, 

'Bha 'cumail dion' oirnn is blaiths. 

Gur a bron leis gach tighern 

Thu bhi tighinn gu bagh. 

'Dheagh Mhic-Iain o 'n Chorpich 

Gur a fad 'tha thu bhuainn. 

Do dhream shesadh nio larach 

Ann an aite gle chriiaidh. 

'S ann diu Iain is Domhnall, 

'Tha 'n diugh bronach, bochd, truagh ; 

'Righ nan dul is nan aingel 

Cum am persannan 'suas. 



Mac-Iain o 'n chorpaich, or Mac-Iain-Abnch is a term 
frequently applied to the laird of Coll. Lachlan ^^^.s suc- 
ceeded by hi^^only son, John. The next heir was Donald 
Lachlan's brother. Hence the earnest wish expressed for 
the preservation of John and Donald. 



131 

GED A DH'FHAG TIIU RI 
PORT MI. . 

Dhy/iag Domhnali Mac-Gilieaifi, Ti^hcrna C/tola, 

a bhaua-bhard ri port an ann Tirithedh. 

"" Nuair a ranic efein an null chitir c a 

bhata agiis a ghillen ga h-iarraidh-se 

Mini do thill am bata b/ia '« t- 

oran so aice air a dheanainh. 

LE CATRIONA NIC-GILLEAIN. 

Ged a dh' f hag thu ri port mi, 

Chan f heil mi dheth socrach no slan ; 

'S chan e curam an aisig so 

A chum mi gun chadal, gim tamh ; 

Ach nach grunnich mo chasan, 

Is nach d' f hoghluim mi 'n toisech an snamh, 

Gus an ruiginn an talla 

Far an trie am biodh caithrcm nam l)ard. 

A Thighern Oig, tha mo run ort, 

Criosd gad choimhcd bho thuirUng nan stuadh ; 

Ged a dh' f hag thu ri port mi, 

Chan f heil mi dha d' chorp ann am fuath. 

liha mo chridhe ga thaladh 

'Nuair a chunnic mi 'm l)ata 'dol 'suas, 

Fo a h-uidhim gu socrach, 

Is mi guiilhe dhuit fortain is buaidh. 

Gu bheil lanain na feile 

'Nan laighe le chcil' ann san tur ; 

Gun d' f huair sihh gu 'r n-iarrtas, 

Cuid de dh-aigher 's de mhiannabh 'ur sul. 

Gur h-e chobhartach aghmhor 

Air a biiHadhna st) ihanic 'nar hiib, 

Mac-Gilleain 's a cheile 

A bhi caithemh na feusda le niuirn. 



132 

Ged a b' f had' as an t-eilain 

Chan f haca mi gainn' air 'ur cul ; 

Gum faight ann at f hardieh 

Fion dathte na Spainn' air na biiird,. 

Aran cruinnechd gel, soghar, 

Ga charadh an ordagh gu dkith ; — 

Sar bhiadhannan gasta 

Mar gun tarladh tu 'n taice ri buth. 

Is a Thighern oig Chola, 

'S tu m' eudail, is m' anam,^ 's mo run ; 

Cuim' nach bi mi gad mholadh, 

'S gum bu mhiann let mu d' choinnimh luchd- 

ciuil ? 
Bu tu 'n curidh sar ghasta, 
Air mo laimh-sa gun scapadh tu cruin. 
B' i do cheile 'n seud ainmeil 
Is a bhen dha 'm bu toirbheirtech cliu.. 

''S beg an t-ionghnadh mor cheutachd 

Bhi air ogha Shir vSeumas o "n tur ; 

I bhi furbhailtech, fialaidh, 

'Sin a b' fhasan d' i riamh is bu du. 

Fhuair i urram nan Leodach, 

Ann am misnich, am morchuis, 's an cliu, 

Chaidh an naidhechd sin fad' ort 

Aig gach aon a ghabh l)echd air do ghnuis.. 

Nighen Ruari nam bratach, 

Gur a maisech r'a faicinn 'mesc mhna. 

'Bhen dha'n robh i mar asait 

Aice f hein a bha 'n tachlasan aigh. 

Gur h-i baintigherna Chola 

Ris am faca mi 'n sonas a fas ; 

'S fhuair i mairiste prisail 

Leis am buannichtedh sith agus baigh. 

A Dhomhnaill Mhic Echinn 

Gun guidhinn-sa letsa deagh bhuaidh,; 



133 

A mhic dalta nio shenar, 

A f huair urram, 's tu 'd' lenal)h, air sluagh, 

Latha buadhach sin Lochidh, 

'Sea b' urrainn an torachd a ruag ; 

Le a luaidhe 's le lannahh 

Gum liiodh airemh air chennabh gu uaigh. 

Tha mi giiidli' air an Ard-Righ 

Gun cumadh e 'n t-alach so 'suas, 

Do mhac oighre 'bhi 't aite, 

Mar ])u chubhidh, 'na aillegan sluaigh, 

'Bhi 'na shuidh' ann at ionad 

Ri toirt suidhechidh inich d' a thuath, 

Gu socrach 'na theoghlach, 

Is e 'fresdal nam feomach 's nan truagh. 

Is trie aobhar mo mhulaid. 

Is chan f heil mi dheth ullamh an drast, 

Bhon a dhelich ruinn Lachinn 

'Bheiredh dhomhsa feum ferinn gun mhal, 

An sar churidh 'bha 'n Lochidh 

'Chaidh le aigher nam bord air an t-snamh. 

Is da Lachinn 'san Innis, 

Is air learn nach robh 'n imairt-san cearr, 

Deanibh fuirech i)eg f hathast 

Agus bithedh ur Hiigidinn ciuin, 

'S gun ag gheibh sibh deagh latha, 

Ge nach biodh dhibh air f haighinn ach triuir, 

O gun deanadh sibh eirigh 

Mar ehaoin aital na grein' air an driuchd ; 

'S 'nuair a bhruchdas bhur snodhach, 

Gun grad chuir sibh sluagh coimhech an cuil. 



134 



ORAN. 



Do dh-Echann Mac-Gilleain, Tigherna CJiola, 

agus na Caimhalkh a siiidhechadh fearointi 

Mh ic- Gh illeain Dhubhairt. 

LE CATRIONA NIC-GILLEAIN. 

An sceul 'thanic do 'n duthich 
'Sea dhurich dhomh nudad, 
Gun robh uachdarain ura 
'Cumail cuirt ann am Muile, 
'S iat ri ropinn 's ri eighech 
Co a's gleusta 'ni buidhinn, 
'S na fir dhlighech air fogradh, 
'S iat gxm choir, gun ched fuirech. 

Chan e duthchas bhur n-athar 

'Tha sibh a labhirt 'san am air, 

No oighrechd bhur senar 

Tha sibh a cengal mu Chaingis, 

Ach staid dheagh Mhic-Gilleain 

A tha grathun air chall bhuainn ; — 

'S sinne chren air bhi rioghail 

'N nis bhon striochd sinn gar n-antoil. 

Chan e cumha fer lie 
'Tha mi-f hin a sior acainn ; 
No chuir smal air mo shugradh 
No chuir mo shuilen gu frasachd ; 
Ach an naidhechd so 'f huair mi 
'Nam dhuit gkiasad air mharcachd, 
Nach do dh-iarr iat 'nan cuirt thu, — 
'S cha b' e 'n cubire 'bh' aca. 

Cha bu scrubire clair thu 
'N tus paighidh no imairt, 
Ach fer misnechail suairce, 
A bha uasal ri shiredh. 



133 

Is fer ceannscalach, dan, ihu, 
'Is tu laidir an spionnadh ; 
'Dol an coinnimh do namhit 
Cha bu tlath thu ri d' thilledh. 

Taing do Dhia mar a tha thu, 

Nach do tharl thu 'nam frcsdal, 

Gu bheil Col' agus Cuimhnis 

Fo do chuimse gu begnich. 

Is Rum rialjhach na sithne 

Ri a diredh 'bu chrcgach ; 

'S gur a trie air a h-ard chnoic, 

'Dh' f hag thu 'n lan-damh fo letrom. 

Is gum b' airidh air tuilledh 

An duin' 'tha mi 'g raitinn, 

Da bheil morchuis is misnech, 

Moran gltocis is ardain. 

Gu bheil seirc a'd' ghnuis aobhidh, 

'S moran gaoil air do chairden ; 

'S b' f hearr dhaibh falbh na l)hi fuirech, 

Sel mu 'ni buidhinn am bas thu. 

A dheagh Thigherna Chola, 

Fhuair thu onair 's bu dual ilhuit, 

'S tu a shliochd nam fer gasta, 

Nach bu tais an am cruadail. 

Cha dug or ort no egal 

Gun thu shesamh ri d' dhualchas ; 

Gloir do Chriosd mar a thachair 

Nach h-f heil smachd aig luchd-fuath' ort. 

Gur tu 'n t-uachdaran cliutech, 
Cha b' f her spuinnidh air tualh thu ; 
Tha thu faighidnech, iochdmhor, 
'S tha thu mesail aig uaislen. 
'S tu ceann-uidhe nan deoridh 
'Thoirt an loin air i^heg duais dhaibh ; 
'S ann an ccMiiunn nan aingel 
Bidh aig t-anam-sa suaimhncs. 



136 

'S i mo cheist do ghnuis shiobhalt 
A 's glan fiamhachd is faicinn ; 
Gmaidh dherg mar na caoran, 
Suil air aogasc na dercaig ; 
Deut air chuma na disne, 
'S beul o'n cinntiche facal ; 
'N uair a bhiodh tu 's taigh-bhinne, 
'S tu gu'n innsedh an certas. 

Gur a mor a chuis uallich 
'Th' air mo luaidh-sa mar churam ; 
'S ann d'i clann Mhic-Gilleain, 
'Chain an aigher 'san sugradh ; 
Clann an t-saoidh sin, Fer Bhrolais 
'Tha fo 'n f hoid gun ched tiunndadh ; 
Is clann Mhurchidh na Maighe, 
Cuis gun aigher sud dhuinne. 

'S iomad aon 'tha fo aimhel 

'S Mac-Gillean as aite ; 

'S ann diu oighre na Cuile, 

'S iat bhi 'n tus de shliochd bhraithren. 

Chaidh an saoghal air chuibhlibh, 

Bonn os-cionn a nis tha e ; 

Ach, a Righ 'th' ann sa chathair, 

Cuir caoin dhrech ann ad ghradh air. 

'N drech 'bu mhiann leam air f haicinn 

Sel mu'n glacadh am bas mi, 

Mo mhuinntir a thilledh 

As gach ionad 'sna thamh iat, 

Na h-oganich ghasta 

Chul-chlechdach, dhes, dhaichail, 

'S iat a thabhirt ruaig mhanidh 

Far an ainid le each e. 



Manadh, chance, luck. Ainid, vexing, galling. 



137 



ORAN. 



Do Chutriona Ni&-Gineani>i, uighen Fliir Bhrolais^ 

a bha fosta aii:[ Lachinu Mac Thighearna 

Chola, air dli i a bhi ^)ia laig/ie ^san 

/nnis atn Muile. 

LE CATKIONA NIC-GILI.EAI N. 

Tha mi 'falbh an cois tuinne, 

'S tha mo shuil air na grunnabh 

'Dh-f heuch an faicer learn culidh fo sheol, 

Tha mi falbh, ete. 

'Bheir dhomh sceul air mo lenabh, 

Ben chiuin nan rose malla, 

Suil (Ihul)h-ghorm 's glan selladh gun scleo. 

Beul min-derg an f hosidh 
Fo 'n inntin 'tha socrach ; 
Cha 1)U duthchas dhuit broSgal no bosd. 

Gruaidh mar ros air a thanruiijn 

Tha fo chaoile na mala ; 

Deiit dluth a 's math gerradh gim scod. 

Thu bhi 'd laigho 'san Innis, 
Ged is duthchasach t' ionad, 
'Chuir mo shuilen a shiledh nan deoir. 

Nighen Dhomhnaill mhic Lachinn, 

A tha mise 'n diu 'g acainn, 

'S ogha Dhomhnaill mhic Kchinn nan srol. 

Nighen athair mo ruin-sa 

Craobh dhion' d'a luchd-muinntir, 

'S e nach Icigcdh an cuis dhcth gun loir. 

Chuala mis' iat ag raitinn, 

'Nuair a bha thu sna blarabh, 

Gum b' f her misncchail, dan, thu le foirm. 



138 

Ged bha comharra a'd' shiubhal 

Rinn thu beud na bu liutha, ' 

'S dh' f hag thu luchd nan ad dubha fo leon. 

Dhuinne dh-eirich an dimbuaidh, 
Gun do dh-fhalbh ar ceann-cinnidh, 
Gun do thaoitair 'bhi t^ ionad 'nad lorg. 

Tha do mhuinntir fo imcheist, 

'S do mhac f hathast og lenabail, 

Bho dhubh shechdain na Caingis so 'dh'-f halbh. 



The wife of Lachlan, son and heir of Maclean of Coll, 
was a daughter of Donald Maclean, third of Brolas. Donald 
received two severe wounds on the head in the battle of 
Sheriffmuir. It is to his wounds that the expression, "ged 
bha 'n comharr' a' d' shiubhal," refers. His grandfather, 
Domhnall Mac Eachinn Oig, was a son of Hector Og of 
Duart, and a grandson of Sir Lachlan Mor. He died in 1725. 



BARD MHIC-IC-IAIN. 

Bard Mhic-Ic-Iain, the family bard of Macdonald of 
Glencoe, possessed poetic ability of a high order. His poem 
on the massacre of Glencoe is very beautiful. He was a 
Macdonald and a native of Glencoe. After the massacre he 
went to live in the island of Muck. He is consequently 
generally spoken of as Am Bard !Mucanach. 



MORT GHLINNE-COMHANN. 

' LE BARD MHIC-IC-IAIN. 

Lomh Dhe leinn, a shaoghail! 

Tha thu carach mar chaochladh nan sion ; 

An ni nach guidhemid 'f haotinn 

Mar na sruthabh ag aomadh an nios ; 



139 

'S i 'chncidh fcin thar gach aohhar 
'Bhios gach cluine a caoiiicdh 's e tinn ; 
Breith niic shamhan air saoidhen, 
Tigh'n a ghlec ruinn a thaobh cul ar cinn. 

A Righ f hertich na grcine, 

A tha 'n cathir na feile, dean sith 

Ri clann an f hir a l)ha ceutach, 

Nach hu choltach ri feilcdh fir chrion. 

'N uair a thogtedh let I)ratach, 

Crann caol is fraoch datht' agus piol), 

Bhiodh ninai gaoil, Ic fuaim hhas, 

A caoidh laoich nan arm scaitech 'san strith. 

Gun robh aignedh duin' uasil 

Aig a' bhail' agus uaith' ann ad choir ; 

Cha bu gheire gun tuigse 

'Bha 'sa bheul 'bu neo-thuisliche gloir. 

Ceann na ceill' is na cuidechd 

Ged rinn eucorich cuspair dhe 't f heoil ; 

Cha b' e m brcugaire 'mhurtadh 

Le luchd sheidedh nam pluicen air stol. 

Ach for nior 'bu mhath cuniadh ; 

Bu neo-scathach an curidh gun ghiamh ; 

Cha robh l)arr aig mac chiin' ort 

Ann an aillechd 's an uiriglcdh cinn. 

Ann sa bhlar Ini mhath t' f huirech 

'Cosnadh laraich is urrami do'n righ. 

Mo scriob chraitech am fulachd 

'Bha 's taigh chlaridh 'm biodh furan nam pios. 

Cha robh do chridhc mar dhreugan, 

'Tarruinn slighe na h-eucoir' a'd' churs', 

'S tu le d' chlaidhcmh ag cirigh 

As leith t' athar 's ligh Scumas a chruin. 

Taid an All)inn 's an Eirinn 

Luchd a thagirt 'sa reitech do chuis', 



140 

'S bidh la eile ann mu 'deibhinn, 

'S na fir choirech 'gan eighech gu cuirt, 

Thrus do chinnedh ri 'cheile 

'Dheanamh coinnimh an de ann san Dun ; 

Ach cha d'aithris thu sceul dai])h, 

'Fhir a b' urrainn a reitech gach cuis ; 

Ite dhaingen an sceith thu. 

Is am baranta treun air an cul, — 

I'ath mo mhulaid 's mo leiridh, 

Tha bhi druidte fo dheilibh 'san uir. 

Cha robh gnothach aig leigh ruibh, 

'Tigh'n a leighes nan creuchd 'san robh 'n cradh ; 

'Call na fala fo 'n leintibh 

Bha na fir 'bu mhor fell' ri luchd-dhan. 

Nam b' e cothrom na Feinne 

A bhiodh etar sibh fein 's Clanna-Gall, 

Bhiodh coin mhollach an t-sleiljhe 

'Gairsinn salach air chreubhagan chaich, 

Cha b'e cniadal an cridhe 

'Thug dhaibh buannachd air buidhinn mo ruin, 

'Tilgedh luaidhe 'na cithibh, 

'S sibh, mo thruaighe, gun f hios air a chuis. 

Etar uaislen is mhit;hen 

Gun robh 'n uair ud a ruith oirnn o thus ; 

On si 'n uaigh ar ceann-uidhe, 

Bidh na sluaisden a' fritheladh dhuinn ! 

Cha b' i sud an f huil shalach 

'Bha ga dortadh le falachd 'sa ghleann, 

'S iomad umpidh mar ghearran 

'Bha 'cur fudair 'na dheannabh mu 'r ceann. 

A Righ dhulich nan aingel, 

Gabhsa curam d' ar n-amam, 's sibh thall ;. 

Chaidh ar cunntas an tained 

Le garbh dhusgadh na malirt a bh' ann. 



141 

On la thoisich an imairt 

Chain Clann-Donihnaill ccann-finc no dha ; 

'S cha Inv ohorr-chcnnan {^iorig, 

'Cuniail comhnarcl an slinncin roimh chach. 

'N gleacair og ar ceann-cmnidh 

'Chuir a dhochas an smiorabh a chnamli ; 

Gheibhedh cocaire biora 

Rogha spoltich o spionnadh a lamh. 

Cha bu scathairen gealtach 

'Bhiodh a moidhedh an gaisce gach la, 

'Tha san Eilain 'nan cadal 

Is nach duisc gus am faicer am brath. 

Luchd a dhircdh nan eit-bheann 

Le 'n cuilbheiribh gleusta 'nan laimh ; 

'S lionmhor fer nach d' rinn eirigh 

'Bha 'na ghiomanach treun aig an earr, 

Luchd a thraghadh nam buidel, 

'Bheiredh earrach air ruban de'n fhion ; 

'N uair a tharladh sibh cuidechd 

Bu neo-bhruideil mu 'n chupan ud sibh. 

'G iomairt thailesc is chluichen 

Air a chlar bu neo-thuislech bhur gniomh ; 

'S cha bu cheaird an tes truid sil)h, 

An am paighedh na cuidechd 's gan diol. 

Gu l)heil mise fo mhulad 

A bhi 'g amharc air gunna air steill. 

Bu shar ghiomanich uliamh, 

Leis an cinnedh an f huil ann sa bhcinn, 

Ann am fritli nan damh niullich, 

Na fir fhiachail dha 'm buinncdh an f hcil'. 

Ged bu iric sibh gan rusgadh, 

Cha do dh-iarr sibh riamh cunntas a 'm beinn. 

A ta mise Ian airtncil 

Ri am a bhi faicinn bhur beann, 



142 

Is cha lugha mo churam 

Ri bhi cuimhnech' bhur duthchannan thall. 

Mur a bhi dhomh mar thachir 

Is ann leamsa gum b'ait a dhol ann. 

Och ! 's ann thanic a chrech oirnn 

Mar gun tuitedh a chlach leis a ghleann. 

'S iomad aon 'tha 'toirt scainneil 

Do'n tighern og 'th'air an f herann so thai], 

Etar ceann Locha-Rainech, 

Rugha Shleite 's bun C^haraidh nam beann. 

Bha thu 'm feichibh gle dhaingenn 

Far an eisdtedh ri d' thenga an cainnt, 

Mar earball peucaig ga tarruinn, 

'S mar ghath reubach na nathrach gu call. 

Leum an stiuir bharr a claiginn 

Le muir-suigh, 's gun sinn athchainntech dho ; 

Dh' f halbh na croinn 's na buill-bheirte 

'S leig sinn uallach na slait' air an scod. 

'S bochd an dusgadh sa mhaduinn 

So a f huair sinn gu grad a thechd oirnn ; 

Ma gheibh sinn uine ri 'f haicinn, 

Bheir sinn fucadh mu sech air a chloth. 



Samh, a savage. Mic shamhan, sons of savages. Ful- 
achd, a feud, a secret grudge. Spoltach, a joint of meat. 

William, Prince of Orange, a man of ability and deter- 
mination, landed in England, November 5th, 1688. The 
death of Dundee at Killiecrankie, Jul^- 27th, 1689, crushed 
the hopes of the followers of King James in Scotland. On 
the 30th of January, 1690, a number of Highland chiefs met 
John Campbell, Earl of Breadalbane, at Achallaster in 
Glenuichy. Breadalbane, who had received about ^12,000 
from the goverimient, tried to buy their allegiance. Owing 
however, to his anxiety to keep the greater part of the 
money for himself, the negotiations came to nothing. Some 
very sharp words passed between himself and Macdonald 
of Glencoe. In August, 1691 the Government issued a 



148 



proclamation, offering a full pardon to all who had taken part in 
the risingninder Dundee, on condition that they would lake 
the oath of allegiance to William and Mary on or hefurc the 
3i.st of December. All the chiefs submitted within the pre- 
scribed term, except Macdonald of (ilencoe. This chief 
foolishly delayed taking the oath, as long as possible. On 
the 3st of December he went to Fort William, expecting 
that Col. Hill would accept his oath. This Hill could not 
do, as he was not a magistrate. Macdonald then went to 
Inverary, where he took the prescribed oath January 6th, 
1692, before Sir Colin Campbell of .\rdkinglas. Sheriff of 
Argyll, a sensiljle and humane man. Sir Colin -ent a full 
statement of all the facts to the Privy Council. This state- 
ment, however, was never submitted to the Council ; it was 
suppressed throu~h the influence of John Dalrymple, Mas- 
ter of Stair, Secretary of State for Scotland. On the i^)th 
of January, King William sent the following order to Sir 
Thomas Livingstone, Commander-in-chief for .Scotland : — 
"As for Mac Ian of Clencoe and that tribe, if they can be 
well distinguished from the rest of the Highlanders, it will 
be proper for the vindication of public ju>tice to extirpate 
that sect of thieves." It is altogether probable that William 
knew what he was signing. At the same time it is certain 
that he looked upon Macdonald of Glencoe as the head of 
a band of robbers, and as a -.tubborn rebel who refu-ed to 
take the oath of allegiance. Of course the fart that Mac- 
donald did take the oath, although too late, had been care- 
fully concealed from him. On the day on which he trans- 
mitted the king's order to Livingstone, the Master of Stair 
wrote to Col. Hill urging him to root 3Ut the people of 
Glencoe. and assuring him "that the earls of Argyll and 
Breadalbane had promised that they should have no retreat 
within their bounds." Livingstone transmitted his orders to 
Col. Hill ; whilst Hill sent them to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hamilton. Hamilton instructed Major Duncanson to destroy 
the people of (Ilencoe. Major Duncanson sent Captain 
Robert Campbell of Glenlyon with a detachment of 120 men 
of Argyll's regiment, to carry out the king's instructions. 
The soldiers under him were mostly Campbells, and had a 
personal spite against the Macdonalds. Glenlyon and his 
men entered Glencoe on the ist of February. They told 
the Macdonalds that they had come as friends, and intended 
to remain only a few weel*. They were received with open 
arms, and treated with great kindness. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton fixed upon five o'clvomen 
and a boy, were slain. When Duncanson arrived at eleven 
o'clock, he found only one Macdonald alive in the glen, an 
old man of about eighty years of age. Enraged that so 
many had made their escape, this brutal officer seized the 
old man and killed him. After setting fire to the houses 
and barns, the government cut-throats returned to Fort 
William, taking with them all the herds and flocks of the 
glen. 

The inhabitants of Glencoe numbered about 350 souls. 
Of these thirty-nine, including the chief and his wife, were 
murdered Of those who escaped, quite a number must 
have perished in the snow. There were in the glen about 
900 cows, 200 horses, and sheep and goats in proportion. 
John Macdonald, the murdered chief, was a man of majestic 
appearance, and was distinguished for his energy, courage, 
and sagacity. He was present under Dundee at the battle 
of Killiecrankie. His two sons, John and Alexander, 
escaped the massacre. 

There can be no doubt that the Earl of Breadalbane was 
one of the chief instigators of the massacre of Glencoe. It 
is also certain that the Earl of Argj'le knew that it was 
going to take place. But of all those concerned in it the 
guiltiest was the Master of Stair. Only for him it would 
never have been committed. 



THA lONGHNADH AIR AN DREALLINN. 

LE MAR IAIN PEUTAN. 

Tha ionghnadh air an Dreallinn 
Mu'n t-seol .so 'th air tachirt dhaibh ; 
Chan ionnan mar a tha i 
'S mar b' abhist d'a clechdinnibh ; 
Gun mheodhail, gun mhanran ; 
Gun ghaire, gun lachanich ; 
'S gun an aran lathail 
Ach daibhir a tachirt riu. 

I gun stoirm, gun stata, 

Ach am failinn ga thaisbenadh ; 



14.S 

Gun bhuaillen, gun tainten 

Mar bh'aig an dream a 1)' aiteni dhnilih ; 

Gun ghrcdhinn air ailain, 

Ciun saibhires echridh ac'; 

Ach tighin bho'n inblie 's airde 

Gu bhi nios an cas nam baigeiren. 

Cosmhuil ri nech araid 

A gheibhcdh bas an drepalachd, 

A bhiodh ainbhfhiach air fas air 

Is each a tighin ga thagirt air ; 

Ropinn air gach ^airdin 

Ue'n dh' fhag e gun mhechannas, 

A h-uile fer 'cur saridh ann 

A dh' fheuch co 'b' airde ''phasadh e; 

No mar luing air fal-chor 
Fo anradh nan cladichen, 
'S cosmhalas muir l;aiie oirre 
'Il-uile la ga thaisbenadh ; 
Cun chulidh gu 'sal^haladh, 
Gun chabul, gun achdrichen ; 
Ach mar gun tilgt' air traigh i 
Na h-abhar gaire is Ajchaide. 

Chaidh teirce air an ianlaith, 

Ri 'n iarridh chan f haicer iat ; 

Bhon ghabh am tireun fogradh 

Rinn sin na h-eoin a mhetachadh. 

Nach faic thu na socainn, 

Ge boidheach an elta sin, 

Gun d' theich iat Tedh nan sliabh bhuainn, 

'S eoin f hiadhain na h-apannan. 

Tha 'n drasta Cianna-Milidh 
Fo mhimhes an caitchentas ; 
Gun chruadal an sinnsir 
'S an tim so ga thaisbenadh ; 



i 



146 

Na leoghinn a bha uaireigin 

Buadhach 's na machrichibh, 

Tha 'nis air fas cho maol 

'S gun doir na caorich an caitse dhiu. 

Nan tilledh a chuibhle 

Bharr iomrall a secharain, 

'S gun gluaisedh i' reir nadair, 

Mar tha daoine 'g radh 'thachair e, | 

'S iomad nech an drasta " 

'Tha 'fulang taire is tailceise, 

A bhiodh ri am na comh-stri I 

Mar bhocain dha 'n escairden. 

Tha Ti ann sna neabhan 

Ga bheil baigh ris na lag-lamhich, 

A stiuires iat 'na ghradh 

Is nach fag fo luchd-sechrain iat. 

An ni nitar gu h-uaignech 

Air gach duathar gun taisbein E. 

Is gheibh gach nech a dhuais 

'Reir a ghluasid 's a chlechdinnen. 

Is anabarrach ri 'raitin, 

Ged bu Phaganich 'nan aidmheil iat, 

Am fer 'tha 'g inns' mu shlaint' dhaibh, 

'S gan toirt bho chas an secharain, 

Gun chiont' aige, gun abhar, 

Ach air radh U3.vi\fa<:tara7i, 

'N deidh seirbheis na Sabaid, 

'Bhi gun f hios cid 'n t-aite 'n caidil e. 

Tha 'mhisnech-sa ro laidir 
Tha Maighistir nertmhor aig', 
Nach fulaing 'na nadar 
'Bhi deanamh tair' no tailceis air ; 
'N uair 'chi E an t-am araidh 
Gus an t-abhar so chertachadh 



147 

'S a thig KVlh'iarridh paicjhidh 
Chan f ht'il aim lamh a Miacas K, 

Nan tuigemid gu sar ghlic, 

'N ceann-fath 'th'aig air ar n-achmhnsan, 

'S ann aginn f hin 'tha ahhar 

A h-uile gnaiths 'tha 'lachirt dhuinn. 

'Nuair 'chuala Kigh nan neahhan 

An gat a bh' aig ar pecannan, 

Thug E an t-slat 'nan laimh-san 

'Thoirt paighidh dhuinn 'n ar n-es' umhlachd. 

A bhuidhen 'tha cho buadhach 

'S a bhi 'n uachdar 'sa chert uair so, 

Dh' imiredh hichd an ceille 

An cainnses fein a chertachadh. 

Ni seirljheisech des suairce 

Urlar bualidh maisechail, 

Ach 's e 's deiredh do 'n t-slait scuabidh 

Gun deanar luath 's an lasair dh' i. 



Tain, cattle. Aitem, people. Gredhuinn, a convivial 
party, a group of persons. Mechannas, lenity, indulgence, 
Saradh, an arrestment for debt. Socan, a fieldfare. Elta, 
a convoy, flock, herd. Clanna .Milidh, the children or 
descendants of :\Iilesius, including both the Scottish and 
Irish Gael. Tailces, contempt, scorn. Duathar, dubhar, 
shade. Gat, an evil propensity in one's nature. Caitse, the 
English word catch. Fal-chor, a drift. 

It is evident that the above poem was composed some- 
time during the reign of William III, or between 1688 and 
1702. Dr. Maclean describes the subject of it as "the 
revolution of 1688, and the silencing of the Episcopalian 
ministers in Mull." Of the author, the Rev. John Heaton, 
we know nothing. The Rev. John Heaton was the last 
family historian of the Macleans of Duart. The Rev. John 
Heaton was settled in the parish of Kilninian in Mull in 
1689, ''"J deposed in 1700. It is possible that the author 
of the poem, the family historian of the .Macleans, and the 
minister of Kilninian are one and the same person. 



14.8 



AN CLARSAIR BALL. 

The name Morrison, Mac-Gillemhoire, means son of the 
servant of Marj-. It was spelt Morison, which is the most 
correct form, until about the year 1800. The original home 
of the Morrisons was the northern part of Lewis. Their 
chiefs were hereditary judges of that island, and resided at 
Habost. John, the last chief who was judge, the last 
Brithimh Leodhasach, had five sons, Malcolm, Allan, 
Donald, Kenneth and Angus. Allan had two sons, Mur- 
doch and Angus. Murdoch was tacksman of Gress in 1653. 
He had three sons, John, tacksman of Bragar, Allan, and 
Murdoch. 

John of Bragar was in very comfortable circumstances. 
He possessed administrative abihty of a high order. He 
was full of wit, and had some poetic talent. He called on 
a certain occasion on the Earl of Seaforth. He was assailed 
at the door by a savage dog. He struck the dog on the 
nose with his staff and sent him away howling. A servant 
came out and began abusing him for his treatment of the 
dog. He gave the impertinent servant a rap with his staff 
across the jaws. Seaforth, hearing the noise came to the 
door, and asked what was the cause of the wrangling and 
noise. Mr. Morison's reply was : — 

"Balach is balgaire tigherna, 
Dithis nach coir leigeil leo ; 
Buail am balach air a charbad, 
'S buail am. balgaire 'san t-sroin." 

John of Bragar had four sons : Roderick, An Clarsair 
Dall, Angus, a clerg^'man and poet, John, and Murdoch. 
John was a clergyman. He was licensed to preach in 1698, 
and settled in Glenelg in 1699. He died minister of Urray 
in 1747. Murdoch was a blacksmith, and was a man of 
uncommon strength. 

Roderick Morison, an Clarsair Dall, was born about the 
year 1656. He was sent to Inverness to be educated. Whilst 
there he lost his eyesight from an attack of small-pox. As 
he was incapacitated for the church his father gave him the 
highest education as a musician that could be given. He 
spent some time in Ireland learning to play on the harp. 
Shortly- after his return from that country-, John Brec 
Macleod met him in Edinburgh, and engaged him as his 
harper. He gave him the farm of Totamor in Glenelg, free 
of rent, as a means of living. After the death of the good- 
hearted John Brec in 1693, Roderick, his son and successor, 
a man utterly unlike his father, ejected the harper from 
Totamor. Ruari Dall returned to the isle of Lewis, 
where he died at a good old age. He was an excellent 
harper, and a good poet. 



ORAN MOR MHIC-LEOII). 

LEIS A CHLAKSAIR UAl.I.. 

j4m Bard. Chaidh mo mhulad am miad, 

'S dh' fhagadh treothid am chliabh gu goirt 

Le bhi 'd dheoghidh gu dian, 

Mi air m' aghart 's mo thrbll gu port. 

'S e chuir mis air do thoir 

A bhi 'mes gun robh coir a'am ort ; 

A mhic athar mo ghraidh, 

Bu tu m' aigher, is m' agh, is m' olc. 

Chaidh a chuil)hle mu 'n cuairt, 

Gun do thionndaidh gu fuachd am Maths ; 

Naile, chunnic mi uair 

An Dun flathail nan cuach a thraigh, 

'S bhiodh ann tathich nan duan, 

'S iomacl mathas gun chruas, gun chas ; — 

Dh' f halbh an latha sin bhuainn, 

'S tba na taighen gu fuaraidh, fas. 

Tha Mac-talla fo ghruaim, 

Dh' fhag e 'm bail' 'am biodh fuaim a cheoil ; 

lonad tathich nan cliar 

Tha gun aigher, gun mhiagh, gun doigh, 

Tha gun mhire, gun mhuirn, 

Tha gun imrachadh dluth nan corn, 

(iun chuirm j^ailtis ri dainih. 

Is gun mhacnus, gun mhanran beoil. 

Dh' f halbh Mac-tall' as an Dun 
An am scarachduinn duinn ri 'r triath ; 
'S ann a thachair e rium 
'Se air sechran feadh stuc is shliabh. 
Labhair esan air thus ; — 
Mac'Talla. Math mo bharail gur tu, ma 's fior, 
'Chunnic mise fo mhuirn 
Roimh an uiridh an Dun nan clia». 



ISO 

Am Bard. A Mhic-talla nan tur, 

'S e mo bharail gur tus' a bha 

Ann an teoghlach an f hion' 

'S tu 'g ath-aithris air gniomh mo lamh. 
Mac-Talla. 'S math mo bharail gur mi, 

Is cha 'b f harasd' dhomh bhi 'nam thamh 

'G eistechd brosluim gach ceoil 

Ann am fochair Mhic-Leoid an aigh. 

'S mi Mac-talla 'bha uair 

'G eistechd fathruim nan duan gu tiugh, 

Far 'm bu mhuirnech am beus 

An am dubhradh do'n ghrein 'san t-sruth. 

Far am b' f hoirmail na seoid, 

'S iat gu h-oranach ceolmhar, cllith ; 

Ged nach faictedh mo ghnuis, 

Chluinntedh aca 'san Dun mo ghuth. 

An am eirigh gu moch 

Ann san teoghlach gun sproc, gun ghruaim, 

Chluinntedh piob nam min dhos, 

Is a ceile 'na cois o'n t-suain. 

'N uair a ghabhadh i 'Ian, 

'S i gun cuiredh os'n aird na f huair, 

Le meoir f hilanta bhinn, 

'S iat gu ruith-leumnach, dionach, luath. 

Bhiodh a rianadair fein 

Cur an ire gur h-e 'bhiodh ann ; 

'S e ag eirigh nam mesc 

Is an eighe gu trie 'na cheann. 

Ged a b' ard leinn a fuaim 

Cha tuairgnedh e sinn gu teann ; 

Chuirtedh tagradh am chluais 

Le h-aidmheil gu luath 's gu mall. 

'N uair a chuirt' i 'na tamh, 

A chum furtachd 'na fardich fein, 



• 181 

Dhonihsa h' fharasda 'radh 

Gum l)u chuireidech gair nan teud, 

Le dian iniairt dha lamh 

'Cur am hinnis do chach an ccill, 

'S gum l)u shiuhhlach am chluais 

Moclhar luthar le luasgan niheur. 

Ann san f heascar an deidh 

Am tesa na grein' trath-noin 

Bhiodh fir-chnepan ri clair 

'S ninai a fregairt a ghnath 'cur leo. 

Da chomhairlech neo-chearr 

Bhiodh a lal)hirt 's gum b' ard an gloir, 

Is bu thithech an guin 

Air na daoine gun f huil, gun f heoil. 

Gheibhtedh flescich 'bu ghrinn 

Ann san talla gun scraing, gun f huath, 

Is mnai fhionna 'n f built reidh 

A cur binnis an ccill le fuaim, 

Le dluth chcileiribh beoil 

A bhiodh elanta, ordail, suairc ; 

'S bhiodh fer-bogha 'nan coir 

'Chuiredh meoghail a mheoir am chluais. 

Am Bard. A Mhic-talla so 'Uha 

Ann sa bhaile 'n do thar mi m' iul, 

'S ann an nis duinn a's Icir 

Gu bheil mise 's tu-fein air chul, 

'Reir do chomis air sceul, 

On's fir-chomuinn mi-fcin is lu, 

'Bheil do mhuinnteras buan 

Aig an triath ud dha'n dual an Dun ? 

Mac-Talla. Bho linn nan linnten bha mi 
'S mi mar aon duinne 'tamh 'sa chuirl ; 
'S theiredh iomad Mac-Leoid 
Nach robh uiresbhidh eolis duinn ; 



132 • 

Ach chan f haca mi riamh, 
Gun taoitair no triath an Dun, 
'Se 'na f hasach gun fheum, 
Gus na laithen so fein bho thus. 

Am Bard. Bhon a thanic ort aois 

Tha ri 'radh gur a baoth do gloir ; 

Chan e fasach a th' ann, 

Ged a tha e san am gun lod ; 

Is air taoitair 's beg 'fheum, 

Is og thigherna f hein 'na lorg, 

'S e ri fhaotuinn gun f heall 

'Cur ri baoithe an ceann luchd-chleoc. 

An nis tillim gu d' chainnt 
Bhon a b' f hiosrach mi anns gach sion. 
Gur trie a chunnacas gill' og 
'Bhiodh gan uiresbhidh stoir no ni, 
'S bhiodh am bechd aige f hein, 
Bhon a chennichedh e feudail saor, 
'Dh-aindeoin caithemhachd dha 
Nach bu chunnart da lamh nam moar. 

'S ionnan sin 's mar a tha 
Cuid de dh-uachdarain ard' an diugh ; 
Bhon nach leir dhaibh an call 
Meud an deidh air cuirt Ghall cha scuir 
Gus an deid iat do 'n Fhraing, 
'S gur a solleir ri am a bhuil ; 
Bidh droch ghalar gan cnamh, 
S theid an storas a 'n laimh 'na shruth. 

Faic am fer ud gu ba 

Air ech cruithech a's gairmhor srann, 

Diollid lastail fo 'mhas, 

'S mor gun b' f heairrd e srian oir 'na laimh. 

Fichet gini chan f hiach 

Gun deid sud a chur sios an geall ; 



188 

Cha dig peighinn dha f hcin 

'S bonn cha ghleidher an deidh a chall. 

Theid luach niairt no na's mo 

An da stocain de 'n t-seors' a's fearr ; 

Sud na gartain a suas 

'S paidhir thasdan de luach 'nam harr ; 

Ducait diuca no 'n corr 

Theid a chur an da hhroig bhonn ard, 

'S clachan criostail 's math snuadh 

Ann am bucail mu'n cuairt le straic. 

Is coic coicen de 'n or 

Gun deid sud airson cord do 'n aid ; 

'S urad eil' oirre f hein ; — 

'S math gun tegamh a feum gu spaid. 

'S a ghrabhat a's glan li 

Theid punnd Sasunnach innl' gun siad ; 

Ach 's beg sud as a mhal, 

Theid a chunntadh air clar gu grad. 

Thig e 'm mach as a bhuth 

Leis an f hasan a's uir' "san Fhraing, 

'S an t-aodach gasta bha 'n de 

Mu a phersa le speis nach gann, 

Theid a thilgedh an cuil, 

Fasan don' air 's cha 'n f hiu e plang ; 

Air uial baile no dha 

Glacar peann 's cuiren lamh ri boinn. 

Cha bhi pheids' ann am mes 
Mur bi eidedh am fasan chaich ; 
Ged bhiodh e gini an t- slat 
Gheibher sud air son mart no dha. 
Casag riomhach gun scod 
Theid a chennach do dh-og an aigh ; 
'S briogais l)hel!)heit bhuig mhin 
'Bhios a ruighcchd a sios gu 'shail. 



I 



154. 



'N uair a thig e air scriob 

A dh' amharc a thire fein, 

'N deidh na milten 'chur suas 

Gum bi gaoir aig an t-sluagh mu 'n spreidh, 

Ach ged thogar na mairt, i 

'S ged a niter- an reic aig feill, 

Bidh na fiachan ag at, 

'S theid am faighnechd de 'mhac 'na dheidh 

Theid Uillam Martuinn am mach 
'S e gu sraideil air ech a triall, 
Is cha lughid a bhechd 
Na na h-armuinn a chlechd sud riamh. 
Chan f heil cuinihn' air a' chrann, 
Cas chaibe 'na laimh cha b' f hiach, 
'S e chert cho spaideil ri diuc, 
Ged bha 'athair ri burach riamh. 

Thoir-sa techdairechd bhuam 

Le detam gii Ruari og, 

Agus innis dha fein 

Cuid de 'chunnart ged 's e Mac-Leoid ; 

Biodh e 'g amharc 'na dheidh 

Air an Iain 'b' f hearr beus 's gach doigh ; 

Ged bu shaibhir a chHu 

Riamh chan f hagadh e 'n Dun gun cheol. 

A Mhic-talla so bha '' 

Ann sa bhaile 'n robh gradh nan cliar, 

An triath tighernal teann, 

Is an cridhe guu f heall na chliabh, 

Ghabh e tlachd de 'thir f hein, 

'S cha do chlechd e Duneidenn riamh ; 

Dh' f hag e 'm bonnach gun bhearn, 

'S b' f hearr gun aithrisedh each a chiall. 



155 



Treothit a stitch in one's side. l{ro.->liiini, excitement. 
Cluth or cloth, noble, brave, generous. .Modhar, tlie sound 
of a bag pipe, or any other musical instrument. 

Probably Uillam Martuinn represents the factor that 
grows rich whilst his master is squandering his money away 
from home. The poem was composed about 1694. 



AONGHUS DUBH MAC-GILLE-MHOIRE. 

The Rev. Angus Morison, son of John Morison of 
Bragar in Lewis, was born in 1660. He was a brother of 
Roderick Morison, an Clarsair Dall. We copy the follow- 
ing account of him from Scott's Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae, 
Part v., p>age 293: — "Angus Morison, A. M., a native 
of Lewis, entered as a student at King's College, Aberdeen, 
in 1679, '"I'i graduated at the university of Edinburgh, March 
28th, 1683 ; he was admitted minister of Contin in the Pres- 
bytery of Dingwall previous to 1689, and deposed June 12th, 
1716, for taking part in the late rebellion. He is last 
mentioned, August 22nd, 1739, ^^ officiating minister within 
a mile or so of his former charge. He was a person of great 
wit and benevolence, joined to pietj- and simplicity, who 
suffered severely for the maintenance of his Jacobite prin- 
ciples, being reduced to extreme poverty. He died at 
Castle Leod. A daughter, Mrs. Saint Clair, was generous 
enough to bequeath a legacy of i^8o, for the support of the 
poor, to the parish of Fodderty, where her father took 
shelter." 

Mr. Morison, Maighstir Aonghus as the Highlanders 
would say, was commonly spoken of as Aonghus Dubh. 
He was a man of unciuestionable ability. As a poet he was 
at least equal to his brother. An Clarsair Dall. He died in 
1740. 

It IS somewhat strange to find a man deposed from the 
ministry for taking an active part in the rebellion of 1715, — 
a very ridiculous rebellion we admit. Mr. Morison had 
unquestionably as much right to be in favor of the Stewarts 
as others had to be in favor of the (ieorgcs. The truth is 
that neither the Stewarts, descended fn-nj Marj- Queen 
of Scots, nor the tieorges were worth fighting for. There 
was not a man among them all fit to rule over a nation. 
Indeed the world could get along very well without any 
hereditary ruler.s. 



156 

GED A THA MO CHOIRC AN 
CUNNART. 

L.EIS AN URRAMACH AONGHUS MAC GILLEMHOIRR. 

Thachair air foghar araidh gun robh an coirce 
aig Mr Aonghus cho abich 's gun do ghabhe e gal 
nan digedh stoirm gum froisedh e. Uime sin 
chaidh e-fein air maduinn Di-sathairne a 
thional a luchd-eistechd gus a bhuain. Ghairm e 
aig taigh brebadair, duine cruaidh, feineil do 'm b' 
ainm Daibhidh, 's dh' f heorich e dheth an rachadh 
e ga chuidechadh. Thubhirt am bodach, agus 
farum aig air a bheirt, nach rachadh. 'N uair a 
chuala Mr Aonghus so, shes e ri taobh, na beirte, 
phaisc e a dha laimh ri 'chelle, agus sheinn e na 
rannan a lenas : — 

Ged a tha mo choirce 'n cunnart 

'Bhi air a f hroisedh gu builech, 

Tha Daibhidh ag radh e dh' f hulang, 

Nash dig e dhe 'n bheirt an diugh dhomh. 

Daibhidh greosgach, crom, ciar, 

'S gile 'n rocas na bhian ; 

Bha mi eolach air riamh ^ 

Fer bu ghreoiliche fiamh, 

A Dhaibhidh an deid thu 'bhuain, 
'S sheibh thu paidhedh Di-luain ? 
"Cha deid," arsa Daibhidh. 
'Nuair thogadh tu ridhe h-aotach, 
'S a lionadh tu balg na gaoithe, 
Cha bhiodh crann gun ropan caol ris, 
'Toirt abhsaidh o thaobh gu taobh dh' i, 

Gur h-e 'm buamasdair blar, 

'Bheiredh ruaig air an spal, 

Fer bu luaininche lamh 

Timchioll chuach am biodh snath. 



187 



A Dhaibhidh an deid ihu hhuain, 
'S gheil)h tlui paif^licdh di-Iuain ? 

"Cha dcid," arsa Daihhidh 's c toirt cnag air 
an spal. 

Thuirt Mr Aonghus — 

Cha do chuimhnich mi do bhoinaid, 
Air 'n do charaich tlui 'm breid soilleir, 
Air a' chul a tha neo-loinncil, 
'Dh' f has 'na ghadmuin gartach, goirid. 

O ! brogan ard mo ghaol ! 

Da chois stabhach 's iat caol, 

'B e sud meirlech nam faobh, 

Ceann nan cnamh a dh' f has faoin. 
A Dhail)hidh 'n deid thu l)huain, 
'S gheibh thu paighedh di luain ? 

Bha Daibhidh a caochladh datha an nis, ach 
ghlaodh e "Cha deid"— 

Chan iarradh tu sokis gu d' shuipeir, 
Ach sathadh crom mar a mhuc innt ! 
Bu leathan do lorg ann sa bhutar : 
Bhiodh/^rr nan cuic miar ga phutadh. 

O ! f hir nach iarradh an scian, 

Gu dh' ol siobhalt 'san im, 

Gum b' e 'n ordag do mhiann, 

'Cur greim geocach gu d' bhial. 
A Dhaibhidh 'n deid tlui hhuain, 
'S gheibh thu paighedh di-luain ? 

M' feadh a bha 'n rann so ga sheinn, scuir 
Daibhidh dhe na bheirt, 's thoisich e air scriobatlh 
a chinn, gidhedh dh' eigh e cho cruaidh 's a 
b'urruin e — " Cha deid" — 
An f heusag a b' f haide gim bherradh, 
Chan f hagadh an siabun glan i, 
Chan f heil (hiine l)eo air thalamh, 
A dh' f haodailh sesamh ri t' anail 



158 

Leis an tochd bha de 'n bheisd, 

Fuil is feoil agus creis, 

'Fhir bu chailtich' air spreidh, 

'Tuitem sios air a chleith. 
A Dhaibhidh an teid thu bhuain, 
'S gheibh thu paighedh di-luain ? 

Cha robh e'n comas do Dhaibhidh cumail air fein 
na b' f haide 's leum a dhe 'n bheirt, 's ghlaodh e, 
"Theid I theid ! 's mi theid', a bhen cait a bheil 
mo chorran. 'S truagh nach mi chaidh ann air 
a cheut f hocal ; ach tha mi 'n dochas nach ckiinn 
duine 'm fesd smid dhe sud, a Mhaighstir Aonghuis. " 

Ranic Daibhidh an raon comhla ri each, 's cha 
robh aon an sin^a's mo chuir e-fein uige na e ; 
oir bha e'n nis ro dheidheil gim dugadh e barrachd 
orr' uile, chum 's nam bu chomasach e, gum 
fuadichedh e air falbh gach droch bharail a bha 
Maighstir Aonghus ag eiridnechadh 'na aghidh 
'thaobh a resgachd 'sa mhaduinn. ' Nuair a chrioch- 
naichedh a bhuain, gle anmoch, chaidh na bh* 
aice gu taigh a mhinistir gu biadh, 's air dhaibh 
biadh is deoch am pailtes a ghabhail ghlac Daib- 
hidh misnech, 's thuirt e, "'Nis a Mhaighstir 
Aonghuis on dh' oibrich mi cho math an diugh, cha 
chreid mi nach f hiach mi oran molidh a dheanamh 
dhomh." " 'S f hiach, 's fhiach, arsa Mhaighstir 
Aonghus, 's tu 's fhiach, agus so agad e." — 

Di-domhnich 's tu 'siubhal leargan, 
'Nuair a bha each ann san t-serman, 
Chaidh muc is tore riut a sheanachas ; 
Creididh clann gur seeula dearbht' e. 

A leoghain euchdich mo ghaoil, 

'Chuir na beisden ud aog, 

Leis a' bheigeileid ehaoil, 

Cluinner sceul ort 's gach taobh ! 
A Dhaibhidh o n chaidh thu bhuain, 
Gheibh thu dan agus duais. 



A 'hhliadhna' chaidh an crodh an hhcinii ort, 
'S a chain na gohhair na minn ort, 
Lionadh tu 'phoit chum a chuibhrig, 
De chal is de dh' uiscc 'n uilltc 

Chaite 'n f hcisd air an lar, 

Cha bhiodh speis ac de chlar, 

H-uile fer aig nach biodh spain 

Bheiredh e slig' as an traigh. 
A Dhaibhidh on chaidh ihu bhuain, 
Gheibh thu dan agus duals. 

Chan f hac mi riamh do cho-ionnan, 
Gu biadh a chur air bialthaoljh duine, 
Cha b'e cuag de bhonnach tioram, 
Ach truinsar crom is sconn im' air, 

An eigh an sin air a chais' 

An te bu tighe 's a b' f hearr ; 

Cha b'e scian dubh an droch f haobhir, 

'Bheiredh caob aiste gun blilaths. 
A Dhaibhidh on chaidh thu bhuain, 
Gheibh thu dan agus duais. 

Cha robh ceaird 'san d' f huair thu t' fhoghUim, 

'San tugadh duin' eile corr ort ; 

Bu mhath thu gu sniomh na cloimhe, 

Ga h-armadh le im 's le eolan, 

'S bu mhin bog oigheil do lamh, 

'N am a sinedh do chach. 

Am boinne falluis le do mhala, 

'S an lec-thellich fo do shail ; 
A Dhaibhidh on chaidh thu bhuain, 
Gheibh thu dan agus duais. 

Cha b' urrainn do Dhaibhidh cuniail air fcin na 
b' f*iaide, 's leig e 'n eigh — "Stad, statl, a .\lhai- 
ghstir Aonghuis, chan f heil mi 'n dull nach co ^ 
math an di-moladh fein ris a sin ; is lliar e 
dhachidh. 



160 

MR AONGHUS AIR LEBIDH 
A BHAIS. 

N uair a bha Mr Aonghus Mac-Gillemhoire 
air lebidh a bhais, bha a bhen *aige f hein agus 
fer de na h-eildeiren ri 'thaobh. Bha a bhen a 
sior thuramanich 's ag osnich, 's ag radh gun stad, 
"Ochadan mar tha mi 'n diugh. " Mu dheiredh 
thuirt Mr Aonghus agus e ann 'san lebidh : — 

Ochadan mar tha thu 'n diugh, 
'S Aonghus Dubh a dol gu bas ; 
Cha dean e posadh no baistedh, 
Is chan f haigh thu dad bho chach. 

Labhair an t-eildeir an sin agus thubhirt e, A 
Mhaighstir Aonghuis, a Mhaighstir Aonghuis, nach 
h-'eil an tim dhuibhse scur de 'leithid sin, agus e 
ro choltach gu bheil sibh gu delachadh ris an t- 
saoghal an uine gle ghearr. Fhregair am fer a 
bha 'san leb air ball e : — 

Delichidh sinn ris an t-saoghal, 

'S delichidh an saoghal ruinn ; 

'S ged bheir thu 'n t-aodach dhe na ghar- 

man, 
Lenidh armadh ris an t-slinn. 



LACHINN MAC THEARLICH OIG. 

Lachinn Dubh was chief of the Clan Fingan, or Mackin- 
nons, from 1570 to 1580. He had two sons, Lachinn Ogand 
Ewen. Lachinn Og had four sons, Sir Lachlan, Tearlach 
Scithenach, John Og, and Neil. He died about 1600. Sir 
Lachlan had a son, John Balbhan, who had a son, Lachinij 
Mor. He died in 1634. 



161 



Tearlach Scitheiiach had a son named I^chlan. He wjls 
known as Lachinn Kuailh, and lived at (•aniLK.-ll. We meet 
with him as tutor or guardian of Lachinn Mor in 1634. He 
had two sons, Lachinn Og of ( Jamheil, and Tcarlai h f )« of 
Kenuachdrach. Lacliinn O;; married a dauuhter of Mac- 
kenzie of Applccross, l)y whom he had Lachlan, first Mac- 
kinnon of Coire-Chatachain. 

Donald < jlas Macleod, first of Drj'noch, was a distin- 
guished ivarrior in his day. He was killed in a skirmish at 
Carinish. John, his son and successor, married Catherine 
Campbell, by whom he had one son and five daughters. 
John died in 1688. One of his daughters was married to 
Alexander Macleod, 4th of Raasay ; one to Ranald, loth 
of (ilengarry, by whom she had Alastair Dubh; one to 
William Macleod, 2nd of Hamer ; one to Roderick Mac- 
donald of Camuscross ; and one to Charles Og Mackinnon 
of Kenuachdrach. 

Lachlan Mackinnon, the poet, was a son of Charles Og 
Mackinnon of Kenuachdrach, Isle of Skye, and Mary, 
daughter of John Macleod of Drynoch. He was born in 
the year 1665. He began to compose verses when quite 
young. At the age of eight he possessed a vigor of mind, 
and a vivacity of imagination rarely to be met with in lx)ys 
of double his age. He received the rudiments of his educa- 
tion, under a tutor in his fathers family. At the age of 
sixteen he was sent to the Academy or high school of 
Nairn. He was a diligent student, and made rapid pro- 
gress. He was by far the best Latin and ('• reek scholar at 
the Academy. Whilst in Nairn he composed several short 
poems in English, which possessed a good deal of merit. 

When in his twenty-third year the poet married P"l-, 
eldest daughter of Sir Lachlan Mackinnon of Straih, bv 
whom he had John, his suc:cess<3r, Magnus, and Is;ib«;l. 
John, 2nd of Talisker, married Janet, only child »f Alex- 
ander Macleod of Grishornish, by whom he had Donald, 
and two daughters. He is the subject of the lament. The 
first two verses refer to the loss sustained by the death of 
John Brec of Dunvegan in 1693, and the accession of his 
son Roderick, to the chiefship. The poem was composed 
sometime between 1693 and 1699, the year in which 
Roderick of Dunvegan died. 



AONGHUS ODHAR. 

Angus Macdonald, commonly called Aonghus Odhar, 
was a son of Gillesbic na Cepich. He was fully equal to 
his father as a poet. He seems indeed to have l>een superior 
to him. 



THUGAS CKIST UU .M11N.\< »I <.IlAsI\: 

LK AONGHUS OUHAK. 

Thugas ceist do mhnaoi ghasta 

A's glan Ifchd is a ciU mar an t-oi ; 

Cul cam-lubach, barr-bhachlach, 

Gruaidh dherg dhathte, s' dcut snaightc mar nds ; 



166 

Suil chorrach mar chriostal, 

'S binnes theud ann am briotal a beoil ; 

Aghidh shoilleir an co-strith 

Co a's allidh' an neoinein no 'n ros. 

Tha do mhuinal mar chanach, 

Chit' ag iathadh ann glaine de 'n f hion ; 

Tha t' uchd mar an ela, 

Tuir mhin ghela 's am barannan 'sios ; 

Tha do shHos mar thuinn mara, 

'Nuair a dh-eiredh mor ghaillen nan sion ; 

Ged is dan e ri 'labhirt, 

B'e, air 'n aille, bhi mar-riut mo mhiann. 

Chan f heil ort cron cumidh 
Ri t' amharc bho d' mhullach gu d' bhonn ; 
Dh 'f has thu 'd scaile roimh 'n chruinne 
A reir nadair 'chum urram thoirt oirnn. 
A gheug aithneil, chiuin, thaitnech, 
Ghrinn, ghasta, 's binn bhlasta guth beoil, 
Air scath 'ghaoil 'tha 'nam phersa 
Na smaointich cur as dhomh na's mo. 

Cait am facas dhuit coimes, 

A gheug sholuis a's grinne na ghrian ; 

Cha robh Diana ri faicinn 

Ann an cohas ri d' phersa mar thrian ; 

A thaobh geinmnechd chan f heudtedh 

A coimas ri geig nan glan chiabh ; 

Air 'm f hacal 's tu 's ceutich' 

A chunnacas le m' leirsinn-sa riamh. 

Tha do choltas ri venus, 
Philomela cha choimes ri m' run ; 
Fabhradh ghast' mu do leirsinn, 
'S a cho-aithris ri feirrein fo'n druchd. 
'S nearachd fer a bheir geill dhuit, 
Aig feobhas do bheusabh 's do chliu ; 



167 

Thug thu dhachidh le d' theomachd 

Gach aon chlechdadh a h' eol dhaihh 'sa chuirt. 

Sliasid ghlan a's math cumadh, 

Des chalija 's troigh chuiniir am l)r()ig ; 

Thugas gaol dhuit bho 'n uiridh 

'I)h' f hag mi 'm scaile mar dhuine gun trcoir, 

Ni a bheil i 'shiol Adhamh 

Te a chumas aon raidhe mi beo, 

(km an ti 's 'tha mi 'g airemh 

Fhresdal orm 's a ihoirt slaint dhomh Ic 'gh^ir. 

Ach ma ni thu mo dhiobairt, 

A dhes ribhinn le 'n d' rinnedh mo chron, 

An deidh dhomh dhuit striochdadh 

Fo chis is mi sinte 'nam ghoin, 

Bheirinn mionnan a Bhio])il, 

Ge bu learn le coir scriobhte 'n tir shoir, 

Chum 's gun glaisedh tu 'n sith rium ^ 

Gun deaninn a h-iobradh dha d' thoil. 

Ma's a beg let mar phecadh 
Meud dubh-bhroin mo phersa an tus, 
'S farasd' mise a thaladh let 
'Smo chreubhac a charadh 'san uir. 
Ach 's olc an ciall do mhnaoi ghasta 
D' am feudar dol dachidh an null, 
Nach h-'eil fer a bheir gradh dhi 
Nach ludhig i 'm bas da ga chionn. 

Air bruaich reidh mo lepa 

Chunnacas spailp de mhnaoi ghasta 'na suidh', 

Nach tuig doruinn mo phersa 

Ged a dh-f haninn le pramh ann am laigh', 

'S a cuid shaighden geur, scaitcch, 

Gu dian a dol Irasta 'nam chridh' ; 

Dhomhs' cha bheg e mar phecadh 

Ma niter mo chascairt le mnaoi. 



168 

Dh' f hag thu mise fo mhulad, 

'S trie mo shuilen a' cruinnechadh dheoir ; 

Lagich solus mo leirsin, 

Chlaoidh mo phersa le eigentas mor. 

B' annsa spailp de mhnaoi mhin-deirg 

A chumadh le 'briodal mi beo ; 

'Bheiredh cail agus luths dhomh, 

Ged a bhithedh mo shuilen fo scleo. 

Cait an d' amhirc i 'n scathan, 

Boinne fala 'thug barr ort fo 'n speur, 

A thaobh gilid is aillechd 

Chitedh t' f hailas mar dhealradh de'n ghrein. 

'Cheist a thugas os 'n aird dhuit 

Bidh i 'm aire gach la gus an eug ; 

Is ma leiges tu bas mi, 

'S mairg fer eile 'bheir gradh dhuit a' m' dheidh. 



SILE NA CEPICH. 

Juliet Macdonald, Sile na Cepich was a daughter of 
Archibald Macdonald of Keppoch, Gillesbic na Cepich. 
She was married to a Fraser. Her husband fought at the 
battles of Killiecrankie and Sheriffmuir. She composed 
several hymns in her old age. The date of her death is 
uncertain. We know that she was living in 1724, the year 
in which Alastair Dubh of Glengarr>' died. We know also 
that she survived Lachinn Mac Thearlaich Oig, the poet, 
who is said to have died in 1734. Her husband died several 
years before her. 



ORAN DO DH-FHECHD MHORAIR MAR 
'SA BHLIADHNA 1715. 

LE SILE NIGHEN MHIC-'iC-RAOMLL. 

Tha mulad, tha gruaim orm, tha bron, 
On dh' imich mo chairden air falbh ; 
On chaidh iat air astar, 



169 

Gun chinnt' mu 'n techd dhachidh, 
Tha m' inntinn fo airtnal gu leoir. 

Mo ghuidhe gun cluinner sceul hinn 

Mu'n bhuidhinn a dh' imich o'n tir, 

Gun crun sibh an vSasunn 

'N righ dlighech le 'r gaisce, 

'S gum piller leibh dhachidh gun dith. 

Beir soridh gu Domhnall o'n Dun, 
Gu vSeumas 's gu Uillani 'nan triuir ; 
'Nuair a chruinniches uaislen 
Do chinnidh mu 'n cuairl duit 
Ghlac an t-urram a f huair thu le cliu. 

Beir soridh gu Alastair liath, 

A d' chruadal gun erbinn deagh ghniomh ; 

Nuair a theid thu gu buillen, 

'S do naimhden a dh' f huirech, 

Gu cinntech bidh fuil air am bian. 

Beir soridh gu Ailain o'n chuan, 

'Bha greis ann san Fhraing bhuainn air chuairt ; 

'S e ro mheud do ghaisce 

'Chum gun oighre do phcrsa, 

Craobh chascairt air fechd nan ann cruaidh. 

Beir soridh an deoghidh nan laoch 

A dh' imich bho Chepich mo ghaoil ; 

Gu cennard a Bhraighe 

'S 'chuid eile de m' chairden, 

Buaidh shithe 's buaidh larich leibh 'chaoidh. 

Tha urachadh buidhinn tigh'nn ornn, 

Mac-Coinnich, Mac-Shimi, 's Mac-Leoid, 

Mac-Fhionghinn vStrath-Chuailtc, 

'S an Siosalach suairce, — 

'S e mo bharail gum buailer leo stroic 



170 

Gig-gig thuirt an coilech 's e 'n sas, 

Tha mo scoileiren ullamh gu blar, 

Am fuidse nach coisinn 

Cuiribh 'cheann ann sa phoca, 

'S chan f bin dhuinn bhi 'g osnich mu 'bhas, 

Crath do chirein, do choileir, 's do chluas, 

Cuir scairt ort ri fechd an taoibh tuath, 

Cuir spuir ort 's bi gleusta 

Gu d' naimhden a ra.ibadh, 

'S cuir mac-Cailain fo gheill mar bu dual. 

'Thigherna Shruthain o Ghiubhsich nan beann. 

Thug thu tamull a feithemh 'san Fhraing ; 

So an t-am dhuit bhi scairtail. 

Tog do phiob is do bratach, 

'S cuir na Caimbalich dhachidh 'nan deann. 

'Righ, 's buidhech mi 'Mhorair sin Mhar, 

Leis a dh-eiredh a bhuidhenn gun f heall ; 

^S iomad Foirbeisech gasta 

'Tha 'g iathadh mu 'bhratich, 

"S b' f hiach do Sheumas an glacadh air laimh- 

Tha mo ghruaim ris a bhmdhinn ud thall, 

A luaithed 's a mhuth iat an t-sreing ; 

Tha mi cinntech a' m' aignedh 

Gum bu mhiann leo T^hi aginn 

Mur bhi Chuigse bhi aca mar cheann. 



A Dhonnachidh ma dh' imich thu 'null 

Tha do chiabhan air glasadh fo chliu ; 

Gun cluinnim 's gum faicim 

Do thilledh-sa dhachidh, 

'S do chinnedh cha stad air do chul. 

'Nuair ruiges sibh cuide-ri each, 
Ciamar Chumas a Chuigse ruibhblar? 



51 



171 

Cia 'n t-ait 'bheil fir aca. 
An Alhinn no 'n Sasunn, 
Nach gerradh sihh as mar an cal ? 

¦"Nuair a ruiges sihh Lunninn nan clcoc, 

'S a hheir sihh an f haistinnechd bco, 

Bidh sihh 'tomhas an t-sioda, 

Le 'r boghachan rionihach, 

Air an drochaid is milten fo 'r scod. 



Domhnall o'n Dun : Doraliiiall a chogidh, eleventh of 
Sleat. Seiinias and Uillam were his brother^. Ala.sxair 
Jiath : Alastair Dubh of OlenK'arry. AUain on chuan : 
Allan Macdonald of Moydari. J<"huair an curidh calnia so 
leon ann am hiar, a dh' aobharich nach biodh sliochd aige. 
Chaidh a mharbhadh an Sliabh-an-t-sioira. An Coilech: 
the Duke of Gordon, the Cock of the North. A bhuidhcnn 
ud thall : the Frasers. Lord Lovat, though a Jacobite at 
heart, supported the goN'eriunent party in 1715. Dounach- 
adh : Duncan Macpherson of CJuny. 



IAIN ALAC AILAIN. 

John Madean, commonly called Iain Mac Ailain, and 
sometimes Iain Alac Ailain Mhic Iain Mhic KoRhin, be- 
longed to the Ardgour Ijcanch of the Macleans. Ewen, 6th 
Maclean of Ardgour, Koghan na h- Itaige, married a 
daughter of Stewart of Appiii, and bad two sons by her, 
Allan, his successor, and John. He was living in 1587. 
John, his second son, had a son named Allan. This .Allan 
was the poet's father, Iain Muic Ailain was thus a great- 
grandson of Eoghan na h- I targe. 

Iain Mac Ailain lived in -Mull. His jdace of residence 
seems to have been near Aros. He was a full-grown man 
in 1689, the y^ear in which the Ixittle of Killiecrankie was 
fought. We may assume then that he was born at lea-st as 
early as 1665. He was married, and lived to be an old 
man. Dr. Johnson, who visited the Western Islands in 
1773, speaks of him as a famous Mull barti, who had died 
only a few years before that date. Ho a.\M3 says that he 
couJd neither read or write. We arc iucLiuod to thiiik ihiU 



« 



172 



the poet must have died before the stirring events of 1745. 
At any rate there is no reference in any of his poems to 
those events. Besides, he would be at least eighty years 
of age in 1745. The latest event to which he refers in his 
poems occured in 1738. All that we can confidently assert 
then regarding the time of his death is that it took place 
some time after 1738. 

Iain Mac Ailain was evidently an intelligent, good- 
natured, and well-informed man. He was intimately ac- 
quainted with the history of his own clan, and possessed a 
good knowledge of the history of the Highland clans in 
general. He was an ardent Jacobite, and was thoroughly 
familiar with the political events of his own day. He was 
well versed in the Bible. He seems to have been a man 
of genuine piety. He was a true poet, a man who described 
in poetic language men and things just as he saw them. 
He is fairly entitled to a high rank among the bards of the 
Highlands and Islands of Scotland. 



ORAN GAOIL. 

LE IAIN MAC AILAIN. 



Bha dithisd nighen a labhirt mu 'n Bhard. 
Bha te dhiu ga dhi-moladh 's ag radh nach robh 
ard-f hoghlum aige. Bha 'n te eile ga mholadh, 
's ag radh gun robh ni a b' f hearr aige, moran de 
thuigse nadair. 

LUINNEG. 

Faill il 7'0, faill il 0^ 
Faill il ro, faill il o, 
Faill il ro, hiil il ro, 
Faill il ro, fail il o. 

Is ged nach d' f haodadh mo thogail suas, 
Ach tegasc nadair 'thoirt dhomh le buaidh ; 
An te 'tha 'gratinn gu bheil mi traillail 
Chan f heil mi 'g aichedh nach faigh i m' f huath. 

Is mor an caochladh a rinn a cridh' 

Mur h-e 's gun d' thoill mise bhuaip' an gniomh : 



178 

An cailin daonta d' an rol)h mo shaor-ghradh 
Gum faic an saoghal mar toil learn i. 

Och, och, a dhaoine nach creid sibh bhuam, 
'S mi 'toirt mar f haosit dhuibh anns gach uair, 
Nach mo mo ghaol air a chailin shaor so 
Na gaol an f haol-choin air fuil an uain. 

Ged theiredh each gum bu toil leam thu, 
Is fada tha sud o bhi 'nam run : 
Tha mi cho sechantach air thus' f haicinn 
'S a tha 'm bradan air linge bhuirn. 

'N uair a bhios each ann an cadal seimh 
Gur trie le m' aigncdh 'bhi rium ag radh 
Nach mo mo thlaehd air a dhol na fascadh 
Na th' aig an lach air a dhol air snamh. 

A chailin mhodhar a's moitail delbh, 
Ged tha do ghruaidh mar an corcur derg, 
Tha mi cho suarach mu d' ghaol 's cho fuathach 
'S tha eat na luatha air luch a shelg. 

A chailin bhaintidh a labhradh eiuin 

Ge fada cam-bhuidhe reidh do chul, 

Chan f heil mo gheall-sa air t' uaignes cainnte 

Ach mar tha n dall air a leirsinn shul. 

Ma their mi 'n f hirinn am brigh mo sceoil, 
'Thaobh t' eol is t' uaisle 's do shuairces beoil, 
Chan f heil mi 'n trom-chion, a ghniagach dhonn 

ort, 
Ach mar tha 'n drongair air bhi ag ol. 

'S ann 'bha mo chairden am barail diom 
Gum b' e do ghradh-sa mo namhit ehlaoidh : 
Do phog Ic failte cha dean i stath dhomh 
Ach mar ni 'n t-slainte do 'n duine thinn. 



174 

MOLADH. 

Do Ghillesbic na Cepich 's do '« Phioh. 

LE IAIN MAC AII-AIN. 

'Ghillesbic, mo bhennachd ri m' bheo, 
Do dh-f her aithris do ghniomh', 
'Bhrigh os cionn na chual' thu de cheol 
Gun dug thu 'n t-urram do 'n phiob. 
Cha chuala luchd-teud scainnal do bheoil, 
'S tu bu ro mhath gu 'n diol, 
Ach b' f hearr let culidh a bhrosnichedh toir 
Na sochair gach sith'. 

'S iomad iarl ann an Albinn an nochd, 

'S derbhte learn sud, 

Ri am togail armailt air chois, 

'Na oirches, tha fios, 

A chionn a cluinntinn anmoch is moch, 

Bean chaidrech am mes, 

'Bheiredh mar dhuais do dhararich a dos 

Airgiod gun f hios. 

Is derbh gun robh stuider gu trom, 

Is susbainte ghiar, 

'San f hear a rinn piob nan dos lom 

Gus f hortan do dhean, 

'S gach lanphort gan cumail fo f honn, 

Gun smid as a bhial, 

Ach gan gerradh, gach siolladh is pong, 

Le buillibh a mhiar. 

A cliu airson abuchadh gleois 

Is fada do chuaidh ; 

Sar ionnsramaid mhaiden nach mor, 

Is coitchionta buaidh ! 

Cuiridh i smaointinnen gaisce gu leoir 

An gealtair 'ga thruas ; 

Thogadh a crenluath le bras bhuillibh mheoir. 

Aignedh gach sluaigh. 



178 

Gur h-e 's hens cl' i cirigh Ic cert. 

Is eibhinn a stuirt, 

An tus teughhail cighidh i scairt, 

Nach breugich a puirt. 

Le seideig de dh-anail a stech 

An earracli a cuirp, 

Cuirer ceol binn, iorallach, ait, 

An ribheid a stuic. 

'S fada bhon f huair sinn taisbanadh shul 

Nach geltach a gnaths ; 

Gu l)heil mi derbh nach rachadh i 'n cuil 

Ga fallach gu brath. 

'N tus gach cath' bidh fer brath' air a cul, 

'Deanamh fabhir do chach ; 

Laoch borb agus gaisce 'na run. 

Is bratach 'na laimh. 

'N t-urram de na chunnic mo shuil 

Tha 'm Muile dhiu 'n drast ; 

Ach airson Mhic-Cruimein on bhuidhinn c cliu, 

Leig do 'n duinne sin tamh ; 

De 'n airemh ConnchUli air thus, 

Iain Mac Uillaim a dha, 

Agus Patric an tres duin' an triuir 

Nach uiresach lamh. 



Niall Mor Mac-Mhuirich composed a poem a^inst ihr 
bag-pipe. Gillesbic na Cepich comfxi^ed a jKjcni in praise 
of it, which is given on page ninety -four. Iain Mac Ail.iin 
composed the above poem in praise of (iillcsbic rja Cepich 
and the pipe. Lachinn Mac .\lhic-Iain composed a \Kx-m 
in reply, which will be found on page 126. It is not to be sup- 
posed that he had any unpleasant recollection of Giliobic 
na Cepich or any unkind feelings towards lain Mac .\ibiii ; 
he was merely exercising his powers of siitiri/ini{. Iain 
Mac Ailain and himself seem to have been on vcr>' friendly 
terms. 



176 

ORAN. 

Do dh-Fher Thalascair. 

LE IAIN MAC AILAIN. 

FONN. — * ' Cahar feidh. " 

Air sceith na madne 's luaithe 

Gu tuath thoir mo bhennachd bhuam 

A dh-ionnsidh 'n f hir nach fuath learn 

Gu uaisle, Fer Thalascair. 

'S e mheudich dhomh mo ghradh ort 

Do ghnaths 'dhol ri t' athairelachd ; 

'S gum faic do mhuinntir fein, 

Ann am dheidh-s', thu bhi uiairennach. 

Gheibht' at f hardich muirn is manran 

'S piob da laimh ga callanach ; 

Flath is feusda 's ol d'a reir sin 

Aig luchd feum is aithnichen. 

Bhiodh gleodhrich stop ri lionadh chorn 

Is fion ga ol a serragabh ; 

Re sel dhuinn air a ghleus sin 

Bhiodh dith ceill air ferigainn. 

Bhiodhmid mar sud, bhiodhmid mar sud, 

Bhiodhmid mar sud is deimhinn learn ; 

Ag ol gu trie, ag ol gu trie 

Gun ol, gun mhisc, gun mherichinn 

Gun scainnel bhreug ga chur an ceill, 

Gun chomradh breun no ballachail ; 

'S bu trie a' liubhirt phog iat 

Le ro ghradh 's le carthannachd. 

Fhuair thu ragha ceile 

Do d' reir fein 's gur math learn sin 

Ann sa bheil bechd is geire 

Le ceill is le banalachd 

Cha dean mi facal breige 

B' e m' eudach is m' anart i 

Is f had 's a rinn mi cuairt let 



177 

A gruaman clia d' f hairich lui. 
Cki bheil ihu glic air ioinaci hcchd, 
Chan fhaocl mi nihcs j^ur h-ainid thu ; 
Tha thu baighail, caoimhnail, cairclail, 
Tlusnihor, (.hiinihail, carlhaiinach. 
Beud no lochd chan airim ort, 
'S gur airidh bhochd is bhcnnachd thu ; 
'S gur cridhail ri am fcum' thu 
Gu feusd' 'thoirt do dh-aithnichcn. 
Bhiodhmid mar sud, etc. 

Tha mulad mor no dha orm 
Tha fath dhomh "bhi geranach ; 
Tha mi gun long, gun bhata, 
Gun ardrich bheir thairis mi. 
Nam biodh a chuis mar b' f hearr learn 
'S mo chur 'san ait 'bu mhath learn 'bhi, 
Gum faicinn bho thrath noine 
An Domhnall sin 's lennan dhomh. 
Is ann san am 's an ruiginn thall 
Gun cuirinn geall 's cha chaillinn e, 
'N uair rachinn suas do 'n t-seombar uachdrach 
An deidh fuachd is allabain. 
Gun doirtedh lamh air l)olull Ian 
A dh' f hagadh blath gu h-elamh mi ; 
Chan f haictedh nech fo mhuig 
An laigh muirnech Fer Thalascair. 
Bhiodhmid mar sud, etc. 

Dh' f hag mi ann san aite sin 

Plannta de lenabh beg ; 

'S gur trie a's smaointinn broin dhomh 

A ghloir an am dclachadh. 

Mur h-eil breug 'nam f haistnechd 

Bidh jiairten a shenar ann ; 

'S ma 's a duine beo e 

Ni 'n seol sin fer ainnimh dhcth. 

Tha uaisle 'bheus a cur an ceill 



178 

Gar cruinnechd deise ro mhath e 
Gun robh a sheors' fo mhes ro mhor 
'wS gach aite coir 'am fanadh iat 
'N uair 'bha iat thall an cviirt na Frainge 
Ann an am na carraide ; 
'wS dherbh iat do righ Tearlach 
An gradh 'n uair a len iat e. 
Bhiodhmid mar sud, etc. 



Sir Roderick Macleod, first of Talisker, fought in behalf 
of Charles II., at the battle of Worcester in 1651. He was 
succeeded by his sun John, and John by his son Donald. 
Donald, third of Talisker, married Christina, second 
daughter of John Macleod, second of Kernera and first 
of Contullich. He is the Fer Thalascair of the poem. 
John, his eldest son and successor, was born in 1718, and is. 
probably the lenabh beg referred to. 



X 



FREGIRT EOIN GHAIRNELAIR DO 
DH-EOIN BALBHAN. 

LE IAIN MAC AILAIN. 

Mu 'n sceul so a chualas 
Ga luaidh air Eoin Manntach, 
'S mu 'n f hregirt a f huair e 
Ann am bruadar a bhalbhain. 
Ged nach digedh le m' gheire-sa 
'N tuigse threun sin a lenmhuinn. 
'S feairde sceula ga threised 
Moran teistis is derbhidh. 

Chi mi 'n saoghal air chuibhlibh 
'S gun e aig aon chor a fuirech ;. 
Ach a diredh 's a ternadh 
Mar roth amhuiltech muilinn. 



i7y 

Am fer a thachir 'na airdc 

'S e 's mo ahhar gu mulad ; 

\S gum faod misc 'th' air Icainadh 

'Bhi 'na aite mun scuir c. 

Gu de 'n gliocas no 'n tabhachd 
'Th' ann do ghairnelair eolach 
Craobh thoracli a gliarridh 
'Dhol le ailghes ga 'fogradh, 
Gu craobh ur 'chur 'na h-aite 
'S gun c mu 'nadar leth-colach, 
'S a mheud 's a gheiljh e ga h-arach 
Sel mun tar e deagh phor dhi ? 

Ach an crann s' bho chionn tamuill 

'Bha fo thoradh gun esbhuidh, 

'S cian bhon chraobh-scaoil a chomain 

Air gach comunn am Brctunn, 

Ged a rachadh cail dhuathair 

Air a chnuasachd re treise 

'S mairg a loiscedh a thiomban 

Ris a mhuinntir a chrcic e. 

Is beg m' ionghnadh an dream sin 
'Bha gun daimh ris ga threigsinn ; 
'S gum 1/ e 'n abhar thun f hogradh 
'Thaobh nach l)'aim de 'm por fcin e ; 
Ach Alba Ijheg dhona 
'Bha gun onair fo 'n ghrein aic,' 
'N uair a chaidh i ga 'f hagail, 
'vS gum b'e arach a geig e. 

B'e bhur gliocas 'san abhar s' 
Ann 'sna casana])h ceutna, 
A bhi carthannach, cairdail, 
Is mar brath'ren d'a cheile ; 
An righ sin 'bh' air mhairenn 
'Chumail slan mar a dh' f heudteilh. 



ISO 

'S gun do clh-ordich ar Slanaigher 
Dhuinn a chain 'thoirt do Cheusar. 

Ach 's e 'n ni 'tha mi 'raghinn 
Gun dol air m' aghidh na 's daine, 
Bhon tha 'n t-ath so cho domhin 
Is nach tomhis cas ghearr e. 
Ach an Righ dha bheil fertan, 
'S a ni gach beirt mar a's aill leis, 
'Chur na corach 'na suidhe 
Mar a's cubhidh 's gach aite. 



This poem is a reply to the one on page 144. The poet 
himself is Eoin Gairnelair, or John the Gardener, and Mr. 
Beaton, Eoin Balbhan, or John the Dumb. Mr. Beaton is 
called by this name owing to the fact that he had been 
silenced or deposed. A chraobh thorach is King James, 
and a chraobh ur, King William. 



ORAN 

A rinn am Bard air dha a chluinntinn gun robh 
Sir Iain Mac-Gilleain ri fuirech ann san Fhraing. 

LE IAIN MAC AILAIN. 

FONN. — Thir a bhata no ho ro eile. 

Tha mi am chadal 's gur tim dhomh duscadh 
Mu Shir Iain nan lann 's nan luirech ; 
Gu bheil do chairden fo mhoran curim 
Nach faic iat sabhailt air lar do dhuthch' thu. 

Faill ill ro, tha sinn fo inhttlad, 

Tha ar cridhe 77iar hiaidh air trtiimed ; 

Fath ar calP is ar campir idle 

An stad s'iha thall bhuainn air ccann nam Muilech, 



181 

'S truagh an sceul so tha daoine 'g raitinn, 
'vS a bhruchd an nail oirnn le pcann is paipair, — 
Gun danic finid air gnii)nih to araid, 
Air cinnedh rioghail, fieg lenna 
'N cois an aingil air cibhlibh ; 
'S iat gun chonuinn, gun choisir, 
Ach ga ol air a cheile. 

Beiridh ise air an scathan, 
'S theid i lamh-ris an uinneig, 



196 

'S a cocup air a charadh 

'Chert cho ard 's a tha 'n Lunninn. 

Beiridh e-san air leobhar, 

'S beg a thoghidh d'a ghunna ; * 

'S 'n uair a thic air a namhit 5 

'S soirbh dha 'lamh 'chur 'na mhuinal. i 

'N uair a bhios a luchd-fuatha | 

A tigh'nn cruaidh air le eucoir, | 

'S e gun duine r'a ghuallinn •> 

Ach aon ]:)huachaille spreidhe, I 

Their e, 's dorran ga 'chaithemh, ^ 

*'Bu ghlic m'athair 's mo mhathair, • 
Chuir iat uigh 'san luchd-taighe 
Sel mum faighedh nech fath orr'. 

Ach a bhaintigheman ura, 1 

Bu mhath 'n cHu dhuibh sar ghliocas ; 

'S gun 'chur air earball bhur cota 

'N rud bu choir dhuibh 'bhi 'g ithedh ; 

Gun 'chur an satin, no 'n ta/'i, 

No 'm faine, no 'n ribin 

'N rud a chuiredh bhur ferann 

Ann am barrachd de thrioblaid. 

Na gabhabh iomadidh sannta 
Air 'bhi Gallta bhon dh' f heudas, 
'S na biodh bhur duil ris gach seorsa 
'Bhios air bhordabh Dhuneidenn. 
Ma bhios bias mel, air gach aon mhir, 
'S gach aon deoch d'a reir sin, 
'S gann nach faicer gun toghidh 
Gum bi 'n t-ogha air on deiric. 



It is almost certain that the poet meant by Bard Ruadh 
Thota-Raonill is Lachinn Mac-Mhic-Iain. This makes it 
probable that Lachinn Mac-Mhic-Iain was a son of John 
Roy of Totaranald, second son of John Garbh, seventh 
of Coll. 



197 
EALLAIN AN KICK BHAIN. 

I,E IAIN MAC AII-AIN. 

AM BARD, 

Gu de bheir dhuit 'bhi 'fall.h gagach, 

Eich bhain, 'nuair bhios sinn air choisechd ? 

C arson nach cum thu mi samhach 

'S gun dean began spairn mo dhochann ? 

'S mise gad bhethachadh sasta, 

'Cumail a lom-lan ad chorpan, 

Nam foghnadh feur fada fasich, 

'S gun aon duine 'chach ga 'dhoichell. 

AN T-ECH. 

'S ann ort f hein 'bu choir dhuit arach, 
Aon sarachadh 'rinn mi ort-sa. 
Cha chum thu mar echabh chaich mi, 
'S gur sar-mhath 'tha mi ga 'chosnadh ; 
Cha chum thu rud fo m' dha spagaig 
Gu m' shabhaladh bho na clachabh, 
'S gum foghnadh dhaibh leud a bhraisde, 
'Chithedh^u aig paisd' a bhrochain. 

AM BARD. 

Ma 's e sin do ghearan air m' f hailinn 
Chain thu do naire 'san droch-uair ; 
Nach faic thu mo phoc' gun fhairdinn 
Ghleidedh dhomh m' f hardich gun choicheid ! 
'Se 'n ni 'tha mo thuath ag raitinn 
'Tha 'toirt lathail dhomh n\o phortion, 
Nach bu diochd leo mi-f hin arach, 
Gun draiih an eich bhain mar ghocan. 

AN T-EACH. 

Cha bhi sin aca ri raitinn. 
Air egal naire 'ciiuir ort-sa ; 



198 

Dell' aidh raise riut am mairech, 

'S chan f hag sin do chas-sa socrach. 

Ma gheibh thu ech geltach scathach 

Nach tuig an f hailinn a tha ort-sa, 

'S ro bheg a bhuille de spagabh j 

Le 'm faod e t' f hagail ad thoitain. '^ 

AM BARD. i 

'Fhir chridhe, cha dell' inn gu brath riut, i 

Mur bhi each bhi 'cur orm coicheid, ' 

'Graitinn gu bheil thusa dana * 
'S nach ball sar-mhath dhuine bhochd thu, 

Gum brist thu cuith agus garradh ' 

'G iarridh gach ni 's fearr dha d' chorpan, ; 

'S air an rathad am mesc nabidh 1 

Nach h-aill let gun bhi air thoisech. 5 

AN T-ECH. I 

'S mairg mis' 'tha fuirech 'san aite \ 

An deantar orm tair le fochaid, 5 

B' olc an urrinn fer mo chnamhan " 

'Dhol roimh echabh chaich air thoisech ; 
Ach air egal thus' bhi traillail, 
'S gun iatsan a gabhail toirt dhiot, 
Dheaninn dhuit mo dhichioll daonnan 
Dh' f heuch am faodinn bhi 'nam fochair. 

Tha 'm ministir 'na dhuine sar mhath 
Gu la brath' chan iarr gu droch-bheirt ; 
'S trie a thug e erail laidir 
Air pein a bhais gun mo dhochann. 
'Nuair chuirt' do 'n mhuilenn le gran mi 
Mur falbhinn gu sar mhath 'm throtan, 
Gheibhtedh do shlat air mo mhasabh 
Le deanadas Iain Bhain na poit. 

AM BARD. 

'Mhic chridhe, fuirich mar tha thu 

Dhe mhiad 's gan dean each de d' dhoichioll ; 



199 

Cha dirich mis' uchd no ardan 

Aig an f hailinn a tha 'm chaisain. 

Rinn sinn an so chena 'dhanachd 

Na chuir ar naire fo 'r casan ; 

Chaidh dhuinn mar a chaidh do 'n sceul sin, 

Mar a du'irt an te mu 'n t-sopan. 



AN SEAN DUINE. 

LE lAIiN MAC AILAIN. 

Air leam fein gur truagh do dhaoine 

'Bhi 'g iarridh gu aois an-mhoir, 

'S a liughad car agus caochladh 

A thig ri aois 's ri anmhuinn. 

'N nech a bhiodh ri nert a threine 

loniad te ga 'lenmhuinn 

'S eig'nach a bheir a bhen-phosd' d'a 

Bias a poig 'na shean duin', 

Nach faic thu 'chlann mhac is nighen, 
Ge dlighail an dream iat, 
Dha 'n dugadh e 'chrodh 's a chapill 
'S na bhiodh age 'dh-airgiod, 
'N uair a chaoliches a chasan, 
Is casadich ga 'lenmhuinn, 
Cuiridh iat le casadh fiacill 
Miothlachd air an t-sean duin ? 

'N uair 'bhios a mhac an deidh posadh 

Ri cailinn bhoidhich, bhaindidh, 

A bhios fresdalach 'na f hcum dha 

'S anam fein an geall oirr', 

Their e rithe, 'ghaoil mo ghraidh thu, 

Tha aiceid a bhais teann air, 

Is bidh sinne subhach, samhach, 

'N uair is bas do 'n t-sean duin'. 



200 

'N uair 'bhios e treis an deidh posadh 

Is nos da gum bi clann aig'; 

Bidh moran soin agus gaoil aige 

Do dh-aobhachd an cainnte, 

'S their e b' f hearr leam eistechd tacan 

Ri acain mo lenabain ' 

Na na chluinninn etar dha Dhomhnach 

De ghloir bosd on t-sean duin'. 

'Nuair 'theid e 'bhaile 'chinn-chinnidh 
'S iomad fer 'bheir dreang air, 
'S iat ag radh le gaire lachainn 
Gur h-e bata 's arm dha. 
Deir an tigherna, mo thruaighe ! 
Bha uair a bha e greannar, 
Ordichidh mi 'chur do 'n chitsin, 
Ni mi iochd ri scan duin'. 

I 
'Nuair 'chluinnea an sean duin' 'ghloir sm. * 

'S nos da a bhi fergach ; | 

Gun deid moran 'sios de 'ghibhten 

De 'mhisnich 's de 'mhenmna. — 

'Nuair a bha mise mar-ri t' athir 

A cur catha le m' armabh, 

Theiredh e nach ann 's a chitsin 

Gheibhinn mes am shean duin'. 



Fasidh an tigema fiata 

Ri briathrabh an t-sean duin'; 

'S deir e ris, "a dhuine thruaigh 

'S ro bheg mo luaidh de d' shenachas ; 

Airson mar a bha sibhse 'gluasad 

Le uabhar 's le anameinn, 

'S iomad fer caption 's an uair so 

Gam ruagadh-s' mu 'n ainbhfhiach." 

Fregridh an sean duin 'le misnich, 
'S trie leo 'bhi neo-thaingeil, 



1 



201 



Cur h-e 'chuir an t-ainbhf biach u^-^' ort 

Mcud do clhuil de 'n <^h^^l^^;^^;, ' . 
A rhoit bheg M,hi 'n cms an iclhch 

'S bias mcla air a h-ennch 

A cose an ni le 'n cumadh t alhw. 

Luchd-taighe le'n armabh. 

'S e 'ghloir sin a thuitem bhuaithe 
Car tuathal an t-sean duin , 
Cilrar maor air fedh na duthcha 
Ga cur fo umhladh cailUe, 
Gun nech a Ihoirt bidh, no Icpa, 

No caidrimh, no cainnte 
Nosionadh'fhaodasabhiaca 

Do chlaigenn an t-sean cUun. 

'N uair a theid e do 'n taigh-osda 

'Thoiscchadh ri dram ol, 

'H uile flescach, barrad. Inndhach 

Le 'sporan oir IS airgid, 

De dherbh chairdcn ddes, debdh, 

'Bha anam an geall orr 

Cuiridh ial gu ceann na h-iundh 

Uilenn ann san t-sean duin . 

'N uair a theid e 'thaigh-na-curtach 
'N deidh a spuinnedh le anacert,- 
'S mar thagU donas dha'ge>r.gh, 

Chan i 'Bheurla 's cainnt da,- 

Thig scoilair a's domhm nnn.adh 

Alacumbidhnolamhraig, 

S bheir e Ic feobhas a ghiu lain ^ 

Cert na cuis' bho 'n t-sean .Unn. 

An sin 'n uair 'chi e le 'shuiUbh 
'Ni dha feum ri anncheist. 



202 



Fasidh e toilech air gluasad 
Le buaidh do 'n taigh ghemhridh, 
Far am faigh e Maighstir pailt 
A bheir dha cert gun airgiod. 



Lamhrag, a slovenly woman. 
X 

LAOIDH. 

LE IAIN MAC AILAIN. 

'Thi chumhachdich nan cumhdachdan, 

'vS a Chruathadair 'tha shuas, 

Tha do shuilen mion-eolach 

Mu f hinechan nan sluagh, 

An nech ris am bi t' esontas 

Cha bhi e fada buan, 

S gii bheil t' armailt agus t' f hechdan 

Air an nertachadh le 'buaidh. 

Is nearachd nech air secharan 
A thachradh riut 'sa chluain, 
^S a chithedh meud na maiselachd 
'Tha air do chert 's do bhuaidh. 
'S e sin 'bu daingenn taitnech dha, 
'Nuair 'bhiodh e 'n aire no 'n cruas, 
Do ghairdain-sa 'bhi faisce dha, 
'S fer-taic Thu anns gach guais, 

Tha cian nan cian on bhechdichedh, 
Air stapuinnen do bhuaidh, 
Nach h-'eil ann cruithair fertach 
Ach 'n triuir phersa 'tha r'a luaidh, 
'Rinn beinn is coill' is machrichen, 
'Rinn cuan is clach is cruas, 
'S a dhioghail mort nam macanabh 
'S an Eiphait fad o 'n uair. 



208 



'Na aodhir treucV mar dh' innsedh dhvunn 

liha 'n ti 'f huair orda^h hhuait, 

(hi l)hi 'na chcannlail smachdalach 

Air uil)hir pailt de shluagli. 

Thug Thu Aron mar dheagh shagjrt da 

Gun lapachas, gun luas, 

'S chuir Thu brigh 's an t-slataic sm 

'Bhiodh 'na nathir iomad uair. 

Dh' f hoghnadh do ghniomh miorV.huilK-ch 

A dh-innse miad do bhuaidh, 

'N uair' thug thu pobuU Israel 

Bho chisibh troimh 'n Mhuir K^ai^jh- 

A bhuidhenn 'bu kichd-strithc dhad)h 

Le miorun is le fuath, 

Cha d' f han a h-aon an lathir dm 

Gun bhathadh ann sa chuan. 

'Nuair 'bha Maois 's an f hasach 
Is e 'cumail t' abhair suas, ^ 

'S iat cumhachdan do ghairdam-s . 
'Bha ga 'shabhaladh gach uair 
Thuc Thu burn thun fcumalachtl 
A eudann creige cruaidh, . 

^ chuir Thu brigh 'san nathir phraisich 
Gu slanachadh an t-sluaigh. 

Chuir Thu reull gu 'n sabhaladh 
'S an speur a b' airde shuas, 
Gu'n stuiradh ann sna ccarmchibh 
'Bu stathaile de'n chluam. 
Mar iul aig cumhachd ard ghhoca.s, 
No stiuir air ardnch cuain, 
Bhiodh meall teine 'na aite sin 
'S an oidhch' dha 'n gnath 'bhi fuar. 

'S iomad ait 'san d' fhairich iat 
Do charthannachd gun f huath, 



204 

'S an d' rinn Thu fresdal ath'rail dhaibh 

Ri 'n ainnis is ri 'n cruas. 

'N uair a dhiult an talamh dhaibh 

Blath no tenal scuaib, 

'S Tus' a dhoirt am mana orr' 

Bho nebh nan aingel shuas. 

Airson an f hresdil shaibhir sin 

Thug iatsan mar dhroch dhuais 

Aoradh an De 'shabhail iat 

Do dh-iomhaigh ghrabhailt' thruaigh. 

Chuir thu lagh gu 'n sabhaladh 

O'n bhcinn a b' airde shuas, 

'S thaisbain Thu le t' aithne dhaibh 

Do thoil 's gach cas 'san gkiais. 

Luchd t' esontais chan ardich ort, 

Chan f haigh 'sna blarabh buaidh ; 

An triuir sin 'rinn le danadas 

A chennairc ghrainail 'suas 

Tha 'm breithanas a tharlaidh dhaibh 

'Na scathan soilleir buan ; 

Do shkiig an talamh fasail iat, 

'S bi lorg an sail' an uaigh. 

Chunnic an righ Paganach 
Aisling araid uair, 
Is b' aill leis daoine 'bhasachadh 
Mur h-innst' i dha 's a buaidh. 
Thaisbain Thus' a Dhaniel i, 
Bhon 's e 'nad ghradh a ghluais, 
Is mhol e le mor thaingalachd 
Am maighistir bho 'n d' f huair. 

Bha righ Nebuchadnesar 
TNf a chridhe f hein cho cruaidh 
Is nach b' f hiach leis geillechdinn 
Do Thriath nan nebhan shuas ; 



203 



Chuir e 'n triuir dha 'n r<,l>h 'n sar-chr-i.l-.nh 

An amhinn teine ^uail, 

Is deidh Thusa g\x sabhailt-iat, 

Gun bholadh dalht' dhe 'n gruaig. 

Chaidh lona mar ^ hear-techdirechd 
'S mar f haidh des-f haclach bhumt , 
'Nuair 'dh' f has a chrcidemh fadmnech 
Rug anradh air 'sa chuan. 
Dh' uidhimich Thu mor-mhiol dha 
Gu 'shUigadh beo gun ghuais, 
Is liubhir i air t' ordagh-s e 
Air a chorsa bharr 'n do ghluais. 

Ghabh e ferg gu morchuisech 

T e ardan gorach truagh, 

f^Monn fa' -bheirt a bhi M throcir-sa 

Riiompidhfhoildoshhiaigh 
Air tulich far 'n do chomhnich e, 
'Sna thuit air seorsa suam, 
Thog e bothag eugsamhil 
Gu 'dhion o ghrem 's o f huachd. 

A mhic an duin' 'tha ^r^^^^^f;' 
Cia 'n t-abhar mu bhed I ua 11 ? 
'S gur h-ann de dh-uir gun chadechd 
'Vha do scail air 'dhcanamh suas^ 
Ciodab'fhiachthu'n Ard-Kigh, 

'Nuair a ghabh e 't abhar truas, 
'S^n dug e 'mhac gu'r sabhaladh 
O bhruid an amhghir chruaidh ! 

A Bhith nam bith 'th' air t' ardachadh 

M^r nach eol do chach tho.rt suas 

'Tha gun tus, giui chnch, gun da.bhres, 

Is a mhaires lathail, l>"^"' 

'S co-sholus oidhche 's la dhuit. 

Is ni araid sin r'a luaidh ; 



206 

Tha ianlith 's iasc gan arach let, 
Ged nach dean iat Mart no buain. 

Mo chutrom uile ort fagidh mi, 
'Thi shabhail mi gach uair, 
'S a rinn fresdal saibhir dhomh 
'Nuair 'bha mi 'n cas no 'n cruas ; 
O gleidh, a Chruithair ghrasmhoir mi, 
Gu la mo bhais 's gum uaigh ; 
An onair an Ti 'shabhail mi 
Cum cunnart shatain bhuam. 



Is nearachid nech, happy is the one. 



X 



APPENDIX. 

THE BOOK OF DEER. 

The book of Deer belonged to the Culdee Monastery 
of Deer, in Arberdeenshire. It is chiefly in Latin, but 
contains several entries in Gaelic. The Gaelic portion of it 
was written about the year iioo. It was published in 1869. 
We give the following sentence from it : — Columcille acus- 
dtostan mac cosgreg adalta tangator ahi marroalseg dia 
doib gonic abbordoboir acusbede crtithnec robomormaer 
buchan araginn acusesse rothidnaig doib ingathraig sain 
insaere gobraith omormaer acusothosec. It may be thus 
rendered into modern Gaelic : — Calumcille agus Drostan 
mac Chosgraich, a dhalta, thainig a I, mar a dh' fhoillich 
Dia dhaibh, gu ruig Abar-dobhair, agus (is e) Bede, Crui- 
thneach, a bu Mhor-mhaor Bhuchain air an cionn, agus is 
e a thiodhlaic dhaibh a chathair sin an saorsa gu brath o 
Mhor-mhaor agus o Thoiseach. The meaning may be 
given in English as follows : — Columcille and Drostan, son 
of Cosgrach, his pupil came from I, as God had revealed to 
them, unto Aberdour, and Bede, a Pict, was Great Steward 
of Buchan when they came, and it was he that gifted to 
them that town in freedom forever from Great Steward 
and Leader. 



207 



GAELIC AS WRITTEN IN iioo A I) 

The extract from the liook of Deer shows to some extent 
the changes that have taken place both in the pronunciation 
and spelling of Gaelic words since the year iio'thitig. 
She talks sensibly, and is the first person I have found thai 
can translate Gaelic poetry literally." 

Miss Maclean, Mari nigh'n an Dotair, was lx>rn and bred 
in Glasgow. She had not learnt Gael c in her childhood; it 
was after she had come to Mull that she acquired it. Witli 
all her accomplishments her life was an unfortunate one. 
She fell in love with a man named Duncan Mackenzie, who 
was in every respect her inferior. Rather than displease her 
father she remained single a long time. Hut shortly after 
his death, June 6th, 1786, she became the wife of the man 
she loved. They lived in Tobermory, and were in poor cir- 
cumstances. Mackenzie died in 1800. After his death 
Mary was supported by Alexander Maclean of Coll. She 
died in 1826. She was buried at Kilmore, about seven miles 
from Tobermory, but no stone marks her grave. She had 
no children. 

Mary Maclean took good care of her father's collection of 
Gaelic poetrj'. It is evident that several poems at the end 
of it were written down by herself. She gave the collection 
to John Maclean, the poet, about the year 1818. She told 
him that she had been anxious to publish it, but had been 
too poor to pay the cost. She expressed a hope that it 
would be published some day. She must have been at that 
time over seventy years of age. John Maclean brought the 
collection with him to Nova Scotia in 1819. 



The following are the contents, word for word and letter 
for letter of the first page of Dr. Maclean's MS.: — 



Orain le Iain Mc /loin ami Muil, Moi Alain 
Mc liain Mc A Hen. 

ORAN DON SEAUNDUINE. 



Hoir leam fein gur truodh do dhaon 
Bhi giaridh go aois anbharich, 
'S leubhad car agus caochladh 
Thig re aois 's re anmhenn. 
Neach a bheadh re iieart a threin 
lomaodh te ga lenamhainn 
Seignach i bheir bhean phosd 
Bias a poig don teaunduin. 



210 



Nach faic thu chlaun mhac is inghin 
Ga dlighail an draum iad, 
Ga dugaodh e chrodh si chaplail 
'Sna bhiadh aig dhairgaid, 
Nuir a chaolichis chasan 
Is casadich ga leanmhuinn 
Cuirich iad le casaodh fiocall 
Mihlach air in teaunduin. 



Nuir bhios mhac indeigh posigh 

Ri calin bogheaoch baint, 

Bhies fresdalaoch na fern dha 

Is anum fein an geul ora, 

Her e ri ghaol mo ghraidh 

Tha aichaid a bhas teun air, 

'S beedh sinn fein gu sudhach samhoch 

Nuir 's bas don teaunduin. 



Nuir bhios e treus an deigh posigb 

Snos da gu mbi claun aig ; 

Bugh nioran son is gaoil aig 

Aobhichd an caint, 

'S deir e bearleum eistachd taccan 

Re aden mo lenubain 

Na na chluinin eder dha dhomhnach 

Du ghloir bhosd teaunduin. 



Nuair heid e bhaile chinn chinich 
Simaodh fear bher dreang air 
Siad aig rah le gaire lachan 
Gur bata is arm dha. 
Dear in Tighurna mo thruaidhe, 
Bha uair bha e greunair, 
Orduegh mi chur don chisten 
Ni mi iochc re seunduin. 



Nuir chleuin seunduin ghloir sin 
Snos da bhi feargaoch ; 
Gun deuid moran sios da ghiften, 
Da mhisnich s da mhenmna. 



211 



Nuair bha mis mari tather 
Cnr cah le marmaobh 
Deiraogh e iiach aun si cheisten 
Gheubhin meas am seaunduin. 

7- 

Fasigh an tighearn fiate 

Ri briathraobh an teaunduin, 

Deir e ris duine thruaidh 

Sro bheg mo luodh dod heanachas, 

Air son mar bha shibhis gluosod 

Le uabher sle anamein, 

Sheamaodh fer captian si nur sho 

Cam ruogaodhs mo nainmhaoch. 

8. 

Freagridh e sheunduin le misnich, 
Strc leo bhi neo haingel, 
Gur e chuiran tainmhaoch iiirs ort 
Meud do dhuil don Ghaultachd 
I phoit bheg bhi 'n cois teallich 
Is bias meal air a henraich, 
A cosg ni le cumaodh tatheir 
Luchd tagha le narmabh. 



THE MODE OF SPELLING FOLLOWED IN 
THIS WORK. 

We have been guided in spelling by the folio \ving rules :^ 

1. Spell every word as it is pronounced. There are 
several violations of this rule ; as Caimbeulach on page 19, 
urchair on page 25, and chennaich on page 125, in place of 
Caimbalach, urchir, and chennich. 

2. When you can use either bh or mh, as in naobh or 
naomh, gh or dh, as in paighedh or paidhedh, follow the 
oldest form or the spelling required by the root. Of course 
this rule cannot be carried out as it should be until a Gaelic 
dictionary on the same plan as Skeat's Etymological Dic- 
tionary of the English Language be published. 

3. Spell the same word in the same way. There are 
a few violations of this rule. We find Nimhais in one place 
and Nibhais in two or three places. We should have written 
Nimhais or Nimheis everywhere. Again we find giuthas 
in one place and giubhas and giubhsach in other places. 
We should have written giuthas or giuas everywhere, and 



212 



giusach in place of giubhsach. The oldest form of the word 
that we can find is giuis. Sid occurs in two or three places 
for sud or siod, and cha'n in one or two places for chan ; but 
these are mere slips. 

4. Let eu always represent the long sound of e in feum. 

5. Let ea always represent the long sound of e in fearr, 
ceann. We notice a few violations of this rule ; as in feadh 
on page 149, and ann san f heascar on page 151, which 
should be fedh and ann san fhescar. 

6. Let the short sounds of e be represented simply by 
e, as in fer, fed, for fear, fead. 

7. In adding terminations beginning with ea or a write 
e after i, and a after e, a, o, u : as in tir-en, cas-an ; firinn- 
ech, ardan-ach ; mill-edh, bual-adh ; naidh-echd, marc-achd. 
In an unaccented syllable e and a have the same sound. 

We are not in favor of this rule. It is just the rule of 
lethann ri lethann and caol ri caol. We think it would be 
better to use a in every position. Perhaps un might be used 
to form the plural, and an simply to form diminutives. This 
would give us tir-un, cas-un ; bior-an, fer-an. 

8. In forming the dative plural write ibh after i, and 
abh after e, a, o, u ; as in cir-ibh ; fer-abh, lach-abh, bord- 
abh, lunn-abh. Why not write cir-abh, and thus have uni- 
formity ? Because we believe that whilst the great majority 
of those who sound the bh say cir-ubh, a few of them give 
the i its proper sound, and say cir-ibh. 

9. Change sg everywhere into sc. In behalf of this 
change it may be urged, first, that Latin, Greek, English, 
and other Indo-Keltic languages use sc or sk, and that we 
should follow the same mode of spelling unless compelled 
by necessity to depart from it ; secondly, that Gaelic scholars 
in the palmiest days of our language invariably used sc ; 
and, thirdly, that those who are taught in school in English 
would find it easier to learn to read Gaelic if we used sc. 
Against the change it may be urged that to those who know 
the sound of Gaelic g, sc represents the pronunciation with 
perfect accuracy. We admit that from a phonetic point of 
view there is no objection to sg. We do not say that the 
change of sg to sc is desirable. It may or may not. 

10. In words in which d or g has taken the place of an 
original t or c, restore the original letter. We have applied 
this rule regularly only in a few words, such as iad, eadar, 
ciad, coig, Gilleasbuig, which we have written iat, etar, 
ciat, coic, GiUesbic. 

11. As n after u or i, in an unaccented syllable, has 
invariably its liquid sound, it is not necessary to write nn. 
Under the influence of this labor-saving rule we have written 
aodun, comun, 'tighin, alin, in place of aodunn, comunn, 
'tighinn, alinn. We disapprove of this rule. We abandoned 
it before we came to the end of the work. 



213 



12. Throw away all useless apostrophes. 

We may state that this work was written out in the 
current ortliography, and that in changing it we omitte- irregular in 
versification as given in that work. We have made several 
changes in the words used ; but none, so far as we know, 
in the ideas expressed. 

On p. 41, He commanded, etc. should be He was 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the MacLeod regiment. 

P. 47. — Tne stanza beginning Thug larl' Ogilbhi 's 
Eirli, should be deleted. We find that we have not given 
it correctly. It is very obscure in the MS. 

P. 56. Probably tigherna Ghearrloch should be tighern' 
Chinn-Cihearrloch. There can be no doubt that the person 
meant is Maclean of Kingerloch. 

P. 65. — Archibald Macdonald etc. should be Archibald 
Macdonald, An Ciaran Mabach, was a natural son of Donald 
Gorm Og, eighth baron of Sleat. 

On p. 91, line 7, sliogach should be slighech. Slighech 
means sly, cunning, full of stratagems. 

P. 116. — Cha taobh mi na Srathan. This poem 
was written down by a man who has it by heart and sent to 
us in 1888. We have given it word for word as we got it, 
except Beinn Muic'-Duibhe, which was lieinn Mac-Duibhe. 
A version of it appeared in the "Oban Tinies " of September 
27th, 1890. The person who sent it to that paper says that 
the poem was composed by MacArthair Beinn-thuirc, in 
1685. He has Beinn-an-luighe where wc have Beinn Muic' 
Duibhe, Beinn-mheadhoin where we have Beinn Bheathain, 
and Beinn-bhurlaich where we have Beinn Mhurnain. 
Beinn-thuirc is in Cilenfyne, Argj-leshire. 

P. 156. — GeD a tha iMO CHOIRC' AN CUNNART. The 

first eleven lines should have been printed at follows : — 

Ged a tha mo choirc' an cunnart 

'Bhi air a f hroisedh gu builech, 

Tha Daibhidh ag radh e 'dh-f Wilang, 

Nach dig e dhe 'n bheirt an tliugh dhomh. 

Daibhidh greosgach, crom, ciar, 

'S gilc n rocas no 'bhian ; 

Bha mi eolach air riamh, 

Fer 'bu ghreoiliche fiamh. 
A Dhaibhidh an deid thu bhuain, 
, 'S gheibh thu paighedh Di-luain? 

Cha deid, ar.s;i Daibhidh. 



216 



The first four lines have been lost. Those given by us 
have been merely inserted to make up the stanza. 

A few stanzas of this work will be found in Gillies's col- 
lection, at page 138. The first stanza in that work is as 
follows : — 

Thoir fios gu brebadair no beirte, 
'Thuirt rium gun do bhris mi 'aitrebh, 
Gum faigh e paighedh air an f haiche 
Le tri chuairt de mhaide secidh. 

Comh-thoirm laidir do 'n chu 

'Thug a bhairlinn ud dhuinn ; 

Sud am paighedh 's math lium, 

Thu 'bhi 'fagail na duthch'. 

P. 176.— Delete Fonn,— "Cabar feidh." 

P. 194. — Air fogradh nan cocups. Cocups is evi- 
dently for cock-ups. Semincleit is in the MS. ceminclet. 
Tabi is from the English word tabby, a kind of rich, waved 
silk. 



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