/
lip
Qa^. J-SI
DUAIN GHAELIC
UILLEAM MAC DHUMEIBHE,
Ugbilar '-Tagradli nan Gaedheal," EacUdnudh na li-Alba," &c.
A BRIEF SKETCH
PltOVIXG TUE
AUTHENTICITY OF OSSIAN'S POEMS.
EDINBURGH: MACLAGHLAN & STEWART, 64 SOUTH BRIDGE
GLASGOW: DUNCAN CAMPBELL, 143 BUCHANAN STREET:
Wm. GILCHRIST, 145 ARGYLE STREET.
1858.
DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS
THE GLASGOW CELTIC SOCIETY,
THESE POEMS,
WITH A
§nef .^hetc^ probing t^e giitt^^ntidtg of ©ssian's ^ocms,
ARE MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BT
THEIR MOST OESDIENT SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.
Dale Strekt, 1
cow. 24th June. lSo«. /
CLAE INNSIDH,
Cath Mhonadh Bhraca,
Blar Dhail Righ,
Cath Allt a Bliannaich,
Cuimhneachan Bhraghaid Alba
Duan-Geal], ...
Rann Cruinueachadh Coraunn nam Fiann,
Suisde Chonain,
Mocheirigli Fhinn, ,..
Bran,
Oran do Dliomhnull MacDliiarmaid,
Craobli Sheanacliais Clilann Diarmaid, . . .
Oran do Artt MacLacliainn,
Bantighearn' Ellerslie,
Failte Mhairi Nic Neachtain,
Eoghan gu buaidh, . . .
Catli Thorn Ealachaidh,
A Mhaighdean Ileach,
Iain Eorna,
A brief sketch, proving the Authenticity of the
Ossian,
PAGE.
1
33
53
58
63
67
69
72
76
81
84
90
92
95
100
102
MEARACIIDAN A CHLODH-BHUALAIDH.
PAGE.
6.
Cuinneadh Icugh cluinneadh.
16.
Thiit leugh thu.
19.
Amliair leugh amhairc.
28.
29, 30.
Neamli leugh neimh.
30.
Creich leugh creach.
43.
Alb leugh Aba.
63.
Garblach leugh garbhlach.
64.
Geannuaire leugh geannaire.
65.
Beann leugh Peann.
81.
Do'n leugh de'n.
35.
Leumidh leugh leumaidh.
120.
Grull-Fiann leugh GruU-Fhinn,
CATH MHONADH BHEACA
EADAR NA
GAE'IL ALBANACH AGUS FEACHD NA ROIMH.
ANNS A BHLIADHN' 85.
'NuAiR a sgaoil na speuran, cloilleir neoil,
M'an cuairt;
Luidli an slogh, air lorn an raoin,
'Na'n suain,
Air min-fheur, tolmain choillteach,
Choir an uclid ;
'S na freiceaclain air leth gach taobh,
A' dion an f heachd.
Dheirich an Eigh,* le iomgain gheur,
O'n torran ghlas ;
A'm braiglie' glilinn, aig bun na stuadli,
Fo'n d'iarr e fois;
* Galgacas.
Ghluais e gu foil, air bruacban
Reidb an uillt,
A' cnuasacbd, diubbail eaceart ar
Nan oillt.
A bba 'casadb ris, air tir
'S air muir;
Us' mbeoraich e mar so, air
Teinn a cbor :
Ainneart, foirgneadb, leir-sgrios,
Eug, us' creacb,
A' teacbd, gun stad 'gar claoidb, 's cba'n ann
M'a seacb;
Se bliadbn', tba armailt fbiat
A' namb;
A' slad, mo riogb'cbd, 's gun duil ri
Criocb, na tamb.
O cbasgradb claidbeamb, foirneart,
Teine, 's mort.
Tba milteau marbb, 's na dbfbuiiicb beo —
A' dion mo cbeart;
An iarr mi sitb, 's an d-toir mi
Albin bbuam,
Mo Cbrun, 's mo gbaisreadb ard, le'n
Trice buadb.
Na aoii fheachd, fo bhratacli Rigb,
'Thabeo:
'S an earbs' mar bba, nacb geill mi cboidlicb,
Gun tiiiteam leo.
Tbug a' nambaid, fuileacb, taisg ar
Biotailt bbuainn;
A mbagb tbip tboracb, bladb ar fainn,
Us' cal' a cbuain;
Gblac a pblod, gacb 6b, us' caolas,
Uig, us' locb,
'Sa tba armailt leamb, nan sgaoth,
Gacb taobb amacb.
Ar sraitbean tiorail creacbt', us' beul
Gacb gbnn,
Fo cbeauusal, bbuidbnean borb, a' to-'airt
Nan garbb-cbriocb dbinn.
An cuan gun cbeann, ri'r ciil us'
'Slogb nan Gall,
'Ga'r toracbd feadb nan coilltean dlutb,
Le gah^g us' feall.
Mo sbeise seolta,* gaisgeil, air mo lorg,
Gun f bois :
'An duil, ri m' cbiomacbas, gun dail,
Na tuiteam leis.
* Agricola.
O Charrnaich,* a laoicli, an d-tug an t-eug
Ort buaidli,
Thu sint', gun diog, gun clidil, fo ghlas
Na li-uaigh ;
A chomlilain, riogbail, churrant,
Dhana, glilic,
Co' sheasas, learn 's an araich dheirg, 's tliu
Balbh fo'n lie ;
Clia ebluinn tbu osag trompaid, air
An fhaieb ni's mo,
Na srannail, steudan bras, a' leum
'Am builsgein sloigb :
ISfi stairn nan sleagb, air maillieb liatb,
Nan sparrag dlutli;
Tinnean tatbt' bu trie, a sgoilt fo d' lann,
Le liitli :
Do ridbe treun, le'n d-f buair tbu
Urram gaisge Rigb,
Anis fuar' an leaba dboreb nan daol, fo
Smaebd gun cbli.
B'e teibbneas, mo Leogban dearg, air
Dualadb sroil,
' Carranach Kiijh nam Piocach, a mharbhadh goirid
roimhe sin.
Us' gair nan clann, a' riisgadh cruaidh gii
Stri nan spoil.
Cha'n fhaic tliii tuilleadh, seoid nam beann
Fo'n airm;
Na grunn nan Sar, mar aon
A' freagairt gairm ;
Gu faicbe Bhraca, far an sgaoilear
Cuirm a bliais,
'S am brist, na Dee bhith-bhuan, dhinn
Cuing ar cas.
Mar so le ceuman mall, us'
Osnaicli throm,
Tliill an t-anrach riogbail, 'suas gu
Sgail nan torn,
O'n d'imieb e gun fhios do chach, 's an
Duibbr' amach;
'S luidh e' rithist 'sios, 's cha b'eoil
Do neach.
Bruadar.
Dhfhurain sambchair, cbiuin, us'
Bbriodail fois,
An sonu, gu sealan taimli, aig
SgiiiT an eas,
Bha urla glilan, fo mheachain f huair,
Na h-oiteig blieur;
A' seideadh air an leitir nochd,
A' riicban speur.
Air dus a duthchais, luidh a chre
'Na clo :
Ged' blirist neo-bhasmhoireachd, a gheimheal
De'n spiorad bheo.
Aisling, Rigb Alba, bragh nach
H-uraich locbd,
Le sriut fil'eacbd, caont mar' tbug
A cbeoh'aidb reacbd :
Gu'n cuinneadh Gae'il, sgeul nan
Linn a dbfbalbh,
'S gu'm biodb iad fbatbast mar bu dual,
'An tir an sealbb,
Gu'n gleidbeadli iad, an cliu 's an gne,
O linn gu linn,
0 tlmii, nam foirgneach fiar, nach
H-aontaich leinn.
Bhruadair an Kigli', blii 'mach air
Aonacli cas;
Air monadb ard; 's an sealladh cian
Gil deas :
Cliunnaic e Coirb, fad as aig cuairt
Nan speur;
Ag amharc tuath, le fraoch, 's i
A' bagradli leir.
Tir-mor a' caoidb, gun liitb le 'smaig
Gun iocbd :
'S deis-tbir Bbreatain, striocbdt' fo
Cbolbb a smacbd :
Cbunnaic e i 'sgaoileadb eangacb
Trast an f buinn :
Air oil' na b- Alba ; sint o tbumn
Gil tiiinn.
Lion iarnaidb dearg, 's a dbreacb mar dbreos
Nan cair;
A' slugan siiirn, a' sputadb dian 'an
Goil am bair :
Cbunnaic e Atbaicb lasracb aig
Gacb ceann;
'Ga Dbragbadb, tbar iosal sbratb, us'
Airde bbeann.
8
Gach duine, 's beathach, caisteal dion,
Us teach;
Sguab e leis gach aon, maraon, 's gach aoii
Ma seach.
Chunnaic e' teachd' na dheigh, 's an dath mar
Dhearg-las shion :
Glamaich theine 'shliiig a suas, na
Dhf hag an lion :
Dhnisg e le allsa gioraig,
Ghlac e' ah^m,
'S dhiarr e' Ghille caimp, Mac Suinn
Gu grad a ghairm,
'S triall chaismeachd, a sheirni do'n t-slogh
Gun dail,
'S na maithean, a choinneachadh an Eigh
Aig leac an ail.
M'an d'eirich grian air Turleum ard
A cheo,
Us bruchdanaich na maidne glas, a'
Sgaradh ne6il ;
Ghluais laoich na h-Alb, o chuiUdh dhorch'
Ghlinn tairbh,
Air taobh m'a dheas an t-sleibh gu
Leac na' marbli.
Ma'n gann a tbog iad uchdach shlios
Na mac;
Thug fuaim na diidaich, ordugli stad
Do'n f heaclid ;
Gu'n robli na Roimliich dliith aig bun
Xafridb;
Cluinneadb na Gaedbeil ; tairrnibb 'suas
Gu stri.
Faic anis gacb ceann catb,
A' ceartachadb, rian nan sreath ;
Albanaicb, a b' uambar citb,
'Nan reangan dluth, fo bharrain ghatb.
Catb bbuidbnean, laocbail nan clann,
'Na miltean a' combdacb fuinn,
Gaisgicb f beusagacb nam beann,
A' dol an ordugb, nos nan sonn.
Armailt, neartmbor nan treubb,
Sealladli gairs'neacb, do' namb,
Gae'il tbreun nam buadban trie,
Do-cbiosaicbt' an stri nan gleacbd,
Biutbaidb mboralacb na' Mac
A' nocbdadb an eucbd mar cbleacbd.
10
Beinge gliris nan sleaglian glas'
A' maomadh, gu reubadh clineas,
Chit' am briosgardaich, fad as,
Mar ghoil cbutbaich, greann gaoir tbeas.
Barraibb nan lann bas'or cruaidb,
A' fritb cbritb, le gluasad sloigb,
A' teacbd a dbiogbladb foh-neadb g(^ur,
Nacb coisgt' acb le streup nan leon.
Far an d-tug gaisge' buaidb,
Air an-seilbb, le cruadail cborr,
Armailt fbineacbail nan laocb,
Gae'il sbaor 'na'n airm, fo'n t-srol.
A dbiilanaicb, gu stri na feirg,
Feacbd lionmbor, nan Roimbacb garg,
Gu folacbd, nacb lasacbadb cor,
Gun aon diubb' gbeilleadb, gu tur.
An uidbe, eadar na sloigb,
A' boillsgeadb, le gleo nan lann,
A gbrab dan 'nuair' roinn i'm fonn,
A tboirt duinn, fa leitb gacb gniomb a bb'ann,
'Nuair bbrosnaicb i stri nan calg,
lorgbuill cbreucbd, us' bas, us' mairg,
Torraibb na' niarbb, ag at'
'S na beotbaibb a' diogbladb na tbuit,
11
Le fiubhaidh, o'n iubhar air laight,
A' caitlieadh frasan eig, us lot'.
ThaiTiiing au da f lieachd 'an dluth's,
Mar 'dhaithris biuthas o cliian,
Gach taobh air bhoil le conbhadh air,
A' greasadh gii spairn nam pian,
Suinn gharbh nan ean^adli breac,
Le faobhair ruisgte 's gach glaie,
A spealg le gaisge gun glieilt,
Cuing do-fhulang, neart thar cbeart,
*An ruathar, casgradh, nan cradh,
Bhuail 'na'n dail, na Koimhich cliruaidb,
Tuisg iarain, uile-bheist na' mort,
A cbiosaich an domhain le neart,
Crioslaicht' an liiirichean teann,
'Ga 'n dion, o bhathais gu bonn,
Cbomhlaich iad sleaghan nan Clann
Stiocall trom 'na niiltean roinn
A teacbd mar bbainidh onfhadh thonn.
Co cboisgeadh an tuil cbreuchdacb,
Sruth loinnreach nan gatlian reubach,
A sguab na Roimbicli air an ais,
'An spairneaclid deotbaich na greis,
'S an fhaicbe le smiiidrich lot,
12
Mar dheatacli o bhrolluinn hraight;
Tie treoir neo-liglite nam fear feaclid,
A dbfhag mar dhileab da'n slioclid;
'S gun cliothrom, acli lend am bonn,
A' misneacb, mborach 's fad an lann ;
Sgeiil casgradb, nan Roimbacb fuileacb,
'Nuair 'bbuail an ucbd bbeartaicb' am broill-
Sreatban nan Albannacb aracb, [eacb ;
Tbarrumo; milidb nan sleao-b,
'An ordugb, catb 'na'n riombal tiugb;
'S ged nacb, d' aidicb na Gae'il eigin,
B'e sud, greim teanacbdais an Leogbain ;
A gbleidb an laracb a' gleacbd ;
Gus an d' eug, le ar gun iocbd ;
Deicb mile ficbead de'n da fbeacbd.
Ma'n do sgaoil na speuran, doilleir neoil
M'an cuaii't:
A sgar na sloigb, gun aon diubb
'Dbfbaotainn buaidb !
BLAE DHAIL EIGH
EAD&R
HIGH REABART BRUCE AGUS IAIN TRIATH
CHLANN DUGHAILL,
ANNS A BLIADHNA 1306.
COMHRADH EADAR AM BARD 'S A CHEOLRAIDH.
AM BARD.
C ait anis a clilis an luasgain?
Cha' chum baile tir na cuan riut —
Shlaocl thu mi deas us' tuath leat —
Dlifhag thu gun liith gun snuadh mi,
O'n Eoinn Ilich gus an Troisach,
Cha chkiinneadh tii mu chreach na torachd.
Sean daingneach carragh na blar-coraig,
Seanachaidh Bard na fear-oran.
Nach slaodadh tu mi air mhuineal,
14
A dlieoin na dhain'eoin thuu an t-siubhail,
Faic an t-ait ud; faic an duin ud;
'S na gabli suim do ghrain an turuis,
Do ghruaim an t-sainnt na sgraing gun f liuran .
A CHEOLRAIDH.
Thug mise dhuit mar glieall mi,
Sealladli air glinn aigli 's air beanntan,
Air coirean fraoich, 's air raoinaibh alltach,
'S locliain nacli traoigh air gacli meall diubh
Muim' altrum nan geadli 's nan lacb,
Far am faigb am fiadb a dheocb,
'S a Ion gu fial air leirg amacb,
De' mhiltibh lus ri grein gu moch,
Air aonacb farsuing nan Eas-caoirgeal,
A' steall-ruith troimh cblaisaibb craobhach,
A' mire leum' nan ceudaibh caocban,
Nacb do tbruailleadb riamb 's nacb caochail,
Cuisbbb nam beann, beath' a chomhnaird :
A' cuir cli fais an cail nam poraibh,
A tbeid 's an diisbiing mar a dhorduicb,
Ugbdar Bitb-bbuan na cruitbeacbd,
A'n aim'sir an tsil cbur Earracb,
15
Eoimli 'n t-samhradh aluln Righ nan duilleach
'S criin na bliadhn' am Fogliar torach,
Rinn tliu gearan air mo luasgan,
'S gii'n d'iomain mi deas us' tuath thu,
Naire dhiiits' a cliuir uait mi,
Gus an do Hath thu 'toirt fuath dhomh,
Na'm biodh tu dileas 'n a t'oige,
Nuair 'a thairg mi'n tus do phosadh,
Sheasain do chilis anns gach dolas,
'S bhearrainn feiisagan luchd-foirneart.
AM BARD.
Ma's sean' chuimhneachan is ceol duit,
Cha'n'eil mi' 'g iarraidh do chomradh,
Na t-fhuran an cuideachd na'n comhail,
Cha d'-teid mise e fad' an toir ort,
A dhroUach leisg tog de'd' dhroch mhein,
Na cas fiacail 's na druid rosg rium,
'S fad o' chualas ma 'n bheul thosdach,
Gu'r seirbh' a mhiiig na teang' a bhrosgail
'S iomadh bliadhn' o nach d'fhuair mi;
Oran, lorram, Rann, na Duan bhuait,
Eirich gu grad 's bitheadh buaidh leat,
16
Labhair a macli mar bii dual duit,
Thoir Mac Tall a' creagan cruaidb,
A' spreigeadb le Gaelic 'an cluasan,
Nan oigfbear fbathast nacb cuala.
Mu Bblar Dbail Rigli nan eiicbd ainmeil.
A cbuir Rigb Reabart an' cas anama.
A CHEOLRAIDH.
Cha cbuis mboit a ni nacb eigin,
A'n e sunnt na h-oig a gliluais gu seis tbut'
'S clarsacb nam beann gun speiiid,
Gheibb tbu do tlioil acb bi gleusta,
Suidh a nail 's ni sinn reite,
Glacaidb sinn lamlian a cbeile,
'S gu la bbais cba d' toir mi beum dlmit,
Gabb air t-agbaidb mar do dbiiracbd,
A' toirt sgeul air feacbd Mbic-Dbugbaill,
A cbuir Rigb Reabart 'ga dbiibblan,
' S mar' tbug e gun taing a cbul riu,
Air faicbe cbiar-dbubb Sbratb-Faolain,
Tba gus an diugb 'na culaidb aosd',
A' falacb duslacb cuirp nan laocb,
Fo f boidibb glas air sliabb na comb-stri ;
Stadaidb mi 'nis, 's dean tbus 'an corr dbetli.
17
AM BARD.
Rainig teachdaireachd Mac-Dliughaill,
Gu'n robh Rigli Reabart le bhiiii,
Fo dhubhar nan coilltean 'ga fhalach,
A'm brnaclian fiadhaicb Linne-Cbadoir,*
'S na'n d'tigte gu grad air a tboracbd,
Gn'n glac'te db' a am'eoin beo e,
Gu'n an robb Fir Leambn'f air an ruagadb,
'S an lar-fhlatb gun aon de' sbluagb leis,
'Na f bogarracb mar bha Reabart,
Gu'n teacb gu'n daoine gun fbearann,
Eireadb clann-Dugbaill gu treun dalma,
'S tbigibb le'r feacbd gu Druim Albin,
Tba clann-an-Aba nacb diobair,
'S na tba 'm Bragb'd Alba de'r dislibb,
Ail' an t-sHabh 'na'n airm 's nan eideadb,
An' sud' ga'r feitbeamb sin mo sgeula,
Ciod a tba'n ceann-catb ag radb rium,
S' gu'n tillin gu luatb mar a tbainig.
MAC-DHUGHAILL.
Fbir luatb mar shoiseX nan corag,
• Loch-lo-ioman f I enuox. \ Dreag chorag nam Fiann.
B
18
Co cliuir cliugams' a thoirt sgeoil tlm,
Co tliii fein, na co do dbaoine,
Ainmicli co' cbuir tlm 'u taobli so,
A'n e comhnadh daimh a tha tliu 'g iarraidh ;
No'n traoit-fhear tlm o Rigli Dan laltag,
Ma's fior do sgeul', tha' nis' na cbruban,
Fo sgorraibb fasail Inbbeir-Dbuglais.
AN GILLE-RUITH.
Dbinnis mi dbuit cbean' an t-aobbar,
Us' cluinn anis co' cbuir mi'n taobli so,
An de bba Maitbean Bbragb'd Alba,
'S gacb ceann — catb' tba feadb nan Garbb-
cbriocb,
0 Uaimb* nan craobli gu Cinn-Alla,
Aig combairl' an Tur Mbic-an-Aba,
Flmair mise brigb na cbaidli a labbairt,
Le mionnan air faobbar claidbeamb,
Gu'n dtugainn duitse mar a cbual tbu,
'S m'ainm cba'n aicbeidb mi uair €,
Tbeirear Gille-Micbeil luatli rium,
Bba mi uair a'm feaclid Mbic-Cailean,
'S is mi' nis Fear-ruin Mbic-an-Aba,
* Weem.
19
Sin dnltjciil a slieula
Le f hull air broilleacli mo leine,
Combara dirseachd a Mliic rath ud,
Co daiiigean ri bunait Bbeinn La-ur,
Sin mo bbarrant co' bbeir dubblan,
Ambair an so 's creid do sbuilean.
MAC-DHUGHAILL.
Gu leoir. Tba'n ruaglacb ud an rib' a gblac-
Us boidicb'ms' air crois nam feartan, [idh,
Nacb falaicb mouadb coill na glac e,
'S a dbain'eoin na' bbeil beo' ga leanmbuinn,
Gu'r cumbann leis a roinn de db-Albin,
Ma'n dears tri grianaibb air Atbar,
Bitbidb sgiws nan colg aig Locb Tatba
Leis na tba'n Latburna de' m' fbior fbuil,
'S bas na biiaidb snuimcbruaidbmosbinnsear
Cba'n fbuasgail Reabart gu la Bbratb i;
Faiceam ri siubbal a cbrois Tara,
Tein' eigin air gacb meall us' tulacb,
Brataicbean sgaoilt' air gacb tuireid,
Suaicbeantais nan laocbaibb currant,
A dbf balbb do'n t-saoo:bal as nacb cluinnear
20
8iol Chuinn a' freagairt do'n gliairm,
Le sgal Piob 's le gleadhraicli arm,
Biodli gach fear 'ma 'n am so' maireach.
'Na airm air Leitir Mhuc-Carna,
Mar cliomhar' air tionnsguadli searbli,
A thoirt do Reabart coinne gliarbh,
Nach f haod e' sbeaclinadh na' bhuannachd.
Ach 's i' lann urras 's cha theab ruaig e,
Cha'n eadh air m'onoir ach Laoch crodh',
An treas lamh — chlaidheamh 's an Eoinn
[Eorpa.
Tlmg teacbdairean an Righ dba sgeiila,
Gii'n robh feacbd nam beann air eirigb,
Coig ceud deug aig ceann an uidbe,
Campaicbt' air faicb an t-suidbe,
Ailein a' meadbon Gbbnn Docbairt,
Far na gbeall an laocbraidb tacbairt,
Fo aon bbratacb mar a cbualas,
Fir tba2:bta fo iuil an uaislean.
Gbhiais Reabart troimb' Gbleann-falach,
A db'iarraidb combnadb Mbic-Cailein,
A bba gleidbeadb ratbad cbarn an droma,
Le feacbd garbb na meirgbe soilleir,
21
Air an sloiuntear Earra-Ghaedheal,
'San Dun Aoracli teach nan armunn.
'Nuair 'rainaig an Righ faiche Shraithaibli,
Us' e 'n dull gun seaclmadh 'e choinneamh.
Chualas sgal piob-mhor a' seinn,
'S tormau sloigli a' teachd 'na 'n deann,
Gach ursann cliatli air ceann an conspunn,
Fraocli catli 'na'n gruaidhibh 's cruaidh'
'na'n dornaibh.
AN CATH.
Chomhlaich na laoich lann ri lann,
'An goil an air fo shrannraich slirol,
Torrunn comliraig fad an raoin,
'S fuaim stoc a' tucliadh gaoir nan leon,
Milidh 'ga 'n spoltadh air feadli,
Reubadh lann us' bruansoail slileao:b,
O dheas gu cli 'na 'm plodraicb tbiugh,
Na Dugblaicb da 'n dligbe 'n lamb dbeas,
A' grad-lionadli bealacb an sgrios,
Suaicbeantais bball'-bbreac nan Clann,
An smuidricb dbeirg; de' fbuil nan sonn
22
0 Albin gliaoil co' thug do sliitli bhuait,
Mallachd biian do' d' lucbd-miruin,
Tir nan cumbnantan 's nan gaisgeacb,
Nan tuil, nam beann, 's nan creacbain fasgacb
A'n iad so do mbic 's an ar-fbaicb fbuileacb
Nacb d' fbannaicb 'an gaoir nam buillean.
Sud mar cbite streup nam fear,
Air fad an raoin 's am bbir 'ga cbur,
Na Duo-blaicb air barraibb nam friodb,
A spairneacbd troimb'n cballaid sbleagb,
'Bba dion an Kigb air gacb laimb,
Air cost fion-fbnil a luchd daimb,
A b'eigin striocbdadb do'n bbuidbinn,
Da 'nsuaicbeantas an lodb-cbraobb* ruigbin
Nacb searg le teas na le gainionn,f
Nacb marbb aois 's nacb caocbail datban,
A loisgeas fo'n uisge gun mbucbadb,
'S nacb cnamb le fiacail an riudain,J
()'n d'tig an dearcag iocsbbiint neonacb,
A dbfbasas air cruacb 's air cdmlniard.
'Nuair cbunnaic a sbaigbdfbearan gnu
Stadb a cbruin fo gbiall a bbais,
•Cypress. fPliny fTournefort
23
Bhruclid iad m'a thiomclioU 's an streup,
Mar thuinn gliorm bliileacli 'ni bene air traigli
Bha Duglilas treun nach d'f hulling smachd,
A'n deannal nan creuclid 's e 'gleachd,
A'ni biiilsgein cath-bhuidhinn na' Mac,
Da 'n dutbcbas cinn Alia nan cnoc,
Sreath cbasgraidh nan Abach 's bu mhairg,
A thacbair riu 'm boil catb air leirg,
Full uaibbreacli sbiol Chuinn nan colg,
Mar sbrutb na Cona-thiiil an goil feirg,
Le 'm biodagan claiseach cul tiugb,
A' sgreadail air frioUainean luireacb,
Lan cbinn-Ileacli le neart gbairdein,
Us' sleagban reubacb nan speic craiteach,
A' dian cbasgairt nan rioghalacb bras,
'An iomart ghabhaidh nan cleas,
'S CO? 'nambaid a b' urrainn dol as,
Ach fineacban crodli' an taobb deas,
Da nach bu dutbcbas ceum air an ais,
Laoicb mbor Ardanacb o Chaill^*
Steidb dbion na li-Alba riamb gun f boill,
Fo'n fbacal aonacbd gun bbaigb,
* Kyle.
24
"A'n guaillaibh a clieil' " o'n bheul gun sgath,
Fear mor gun atliadh na fola brais,
'Bha tonnadh troimb lotaibb a cbneis,
Nacb d' aidicb geill do neacb a bbos,
An Rigbdire Seumas Du'gblas,
Da 'm b' oigbreacbd Gleaun Anain nan lios,
Lamb dbeas an Rigb 'ga dbion o cbron,
S' leis anns gacb cruaidb — cbas riamb a
db'fban,
A' firein treun gun cbeilg o sbean,
A tbug sgrios a bbais air clann nan con^
Sasgbunaicb cblombacb nan tar brugacb,
^' Gun eagal Dia gun gbradb duine."
'Nuair cbunnaic an Eigb gu'n d' cbiall e
bbuaidb,
'S an t-eug m'a 'n cuairt 'na mbiltean dbreacb
Cbuir e 'n spuir airgid 'bu gblan litb,
Ri Muing-geal sliogaidb mar a cbleacbd,
Mar Ian damb aillidb bras nan croc,
An cutbacb leim ri doirbnn cbais,
As iorgbuill sgriosacb nam plan,
Tbug e fuirbidb nan cliu cian amacb,
Ghrad sbeid e diidacb nam bene searbb,
Cam adharc f bar suing mhor an tairbh.
Cbual am feacbd i mar bii nos,
'S fhreagair na bba beo da' gairm,
Caisgibb mar dbfbeudas an toir,
Gleidbibb ordugb 's teicbibb dian,
Tba'n latha caillte sgeul a cbluinnear,
Gu'n do gbabb sin an ruaig o'n chumasg.
OATH ALLT A BHANNAICH
EADAR
NA GAE'IL ALBANNACH AGUS FEACHD
SHASGHUN,
ANNS A BHLTADHNA 1314.
Alladh nan curaidli a dlifbalbh,
Sgeula searbli do sliiolach Gball,
A tbuit le gaisge nam fear treun,
Albannaicb 'bii niiara mein,
'An catb cosgracb a bbrist cuing,
Foirneart iarmad ebon,
Le smacbdacbadb nam faobbar glan.
Air faicbe na buaidb.
Mar 'cbiiala 's a clumneas gacb c41.
Eisd a Gbae'il oig is morail gne,
Fbiurain gbloin o'n fbreumb gun gbaoid,
A cbinn 's an ir' a dbriraicb riamb,
Laoicb alloil na' miadb corr,
27
A glileidli a clliain'eoin gacli namb,
Na dhfhag iad dliuinne mar choir,
An lath' a chuir iad an cath cruaidh,
Aig Allt a Bhannaich le buaidh.
'Nuair 'shoillsich lochran an la,
Air turaibh ard na Struith-liath^^
Grhlac na Gae'il an airm,
Le deoin a' freagairt do'n ghairm,
Gu' "bas na buaidh." Tha' namhaid' dluth'
Deich miltean le lutli steud,
A' bruchdadh troimh'n Chaol-ghleann o
Gu sruth ainmeil nam bruachan cas, [dheas
Far an cualas gair nan Clann,
Le deineas a' tarruing an lann,
'Nuair' thainig an Kigli na eideadh,
'Bu bhoillsgeil lith. Luireach throm,
Thinneach m'a chom an t-seoid,
A' tilgeadh lannair ri grein,
Us' tuadh Abrach nan creuchd 'na dhoid.
Tharruing na fineachan a suas,
'An ordugh cath mar' bu dual,
* Striveling.
28
Fir mhor gun choimeas a blios,
Fo earraidli a b'eagsamliail datli,
Suaithcheantais gacli treiibli fa leitb,
Air cbonbbadb 's an dealas mar aon,
A dbiogbladb eaceart us' tiiir.
'Nuair' sbeid trompaidean na' namb,
Gairm-cbatba 's an geoin* gu fuil,
Shleucbd na Gae'il a sios,
Ag aslacbadb combnadb neanib,
Aoradb duracbdacb nan treubb,
Gacb Clann 'am focbar a cbeil,
Loinn sgatbaidb 'na'n duirn,
Us' Dia 'na'ni beul.
Tbuirt sladaicb nan ronnf ri fear ruin,
A sbeas dlutb dba' freagairt d'a tboil,
" Tba na daoin ud ag iarraidb sitb,
Striocbta le b-eagal 's leinne' bbuaidb.
Fbreagair an sgreunaire fiat,
" Tba'n iarrtas gu b- Atbair na gloir,
A' guidbe airson an ciontan fein,
Cha' gbeill iad duits' is iad beo."
• Gionachas. f Edward.
29
'S mar tliuirt b'ionnau a b' fliior,
Dheirich na milidh gun sgath,
Le iolacli fo shrolaibli gris-dliearg,
A b' ailliclh sniiadh air an leirg,
Combar bais nam borb' bha' teachd,
' Xa' naoi catb-bhuidhnean .
'Seacbd mile deug 's gacb aon,
De' rogba sluaigh,
Se cinnicb 'an comb-bboinn,
A bboidicb saors' na h-Alb' a mbort,
'Sa maoin a roinn.
Tboisicb na Sasgbunaicb a gbreis,
Le' marc-sbluagb lionmbor garg,
'Na'm buidlniean trom.
'Nacb d'iaiT 's nacb d'fhuair,
Fatbamas acb an sgrios a tboill,
Air barraibb sleagban gaisgicb Cbaill/
'An toiteal dearg an air,
Us cumbacbd neamb 'ga'n dion,
Sbeas na fir mbor 'an goil na bair,
Mar ailbbin 'a meadbon cuain,
Fo onfbadb duile nan stuadb,
• Kyle.
30
B' ionnan na h-Albanaicli gharbh,
'An duiseal tliuadli us' laiiii,
Us' steudan nam beart-gatliach,
A' leum' na'n dail le cutbach combraig.
Far an cluinnte stoirm na cruaidb,
A' torcbiiir mbarc us' fbear,
Albin le colg neart a gnatb,
A' sgoltadb claigin nan daoi,
A dbfbasaicb i 's a mbort a cUu,
Re ocbd bbadbn' deug,
Gun iocbd gun bbaigb,
A'n sud le dearbb reacbd neamb,
'S le treoh' a' Mac gun taing, gun taing,
A' cosnadb buaidb an aigb.
A tbug do'n fbitbeacb rocacb cuirm,
Air closaicbean na neogblan fiar,
Nacb togadb tuilleadb airm,
An agbaidb sgiurs na dbfban,
Gu' bbi 'n'an ereicb do'n eug,
'Nuair' tboisicb iad ri gleacbd as ur,
Gun suim do'n bbuil,
Ag iadbadb m'an bbuidbin laocb,
A bbailc am faobbah' 'na'm fuil,
31
Claoidht'ach lionmhor 's laist le ^oil,
Mallachd fein-sgrios us tair,
Nacli falaich tiom 's nacb ciiir,
Lior nam bolla-cheann diubh,
Co fad 's a dhearsas grian,
Na mliaireas bith nan dull,
Dbatb bbrosnaicb iad le grunsglaicb,
Confbadb muii^t an cleacbdadb riamb,
Bu bbeag a dbiong e'n siid,
'S na sninn gun fbiamb,
Fo Mbeh'gb' an Lcogbain deirg,
'S am fuil air gboil le cuimbne,
Sgrios na mah'g, a dbitbicb ceud mile,
' S coiT le claidbeamb, croicb us' gort,
0 na cbaidb Rigb Alastair fo'n iiir,
'S a nis na naimbdean borb,
Air teacbd as ur. A tboirt
A bbuille bbais,
Do cbinneacb uaibbreacb nacb d'f bulling
Gaol do na curaidbean feacbd, [cuing,
A dbearbb an sgeul ud dbuinn.
Dombnullaicb o' He sbean an lagb,
Da'n coir reacbd Rigb,
32
Tir thuini^dli laoch a b' aillidli snuaclli,
S b' airde gniomli,
Deicli mile dliiubh fo'n t-srol.
Fir ardanacli o eirtbir cuain,
Air lamb dbeas an f beacbd,
Borr flatbail nan ceudan catb,
Fo lasadh maim,
Nan seacbd suaitbcbeantais* is airde meas.
Mar' ruitbeas tonn air tbonn,
Le anradh doirbb gii traigb, [barr,
A bristeadb le' neart feiu o'ni bonn gu'm
Air babbunn eriocban smacbd a cbuain,
Sgain miltean Sbasgbunn air grab,
Nam faobbar gris 'na'm feoil,
'S tuil dbearg o'n cairbbean a' ruitb,
'An claisean caol nan cluain,
O lotan leon. Nan gearradb,
Nacb druideadb sgil 's nacb d'iarr,
Atb-sbaoi'tbr nan diogb'ltacb treun,
Ambaom o dbeas gu cli,
'Am broilleacb na' naimbdean borb,
• Leoghan, Caisteal, Bradan, Craobhfhige, Fraoch, Long,
us Liimh-dhearg.
33
An raon chritheach fo'm buinn,
A' comhfhreagaii't do'n ail,
Os an ceann. A' triobhualadh le,
Gail' cliath 's cliabh-ghoil steud,
A' sitheadh air babbuin sbleagb,
'Am boil an air,
Far nacb d'fbidricb atbar a mbac,
Na fear ruin a cbaraid ucbd,
Ocbanaicb nan leont us' gleadbar arm,
A' bodbradb na' milidb a sbeas,
'An stoirm nam faobbar. Gus' na tbacbdadh
An gleann 's an abbainn,
Le cruacban mbarbb,
Sgiurta le cutbacb nair us' tnu,
Diombuaidb us' mallacbd neimb,
Tbeicb na bolgairean gun uin,
A cbaoidb an letb-cbeud mile fear,
A luidb gun deo,
Air aracb nan iomradb gun chrioch,
Ma'n cualas gu leoir.
CUIMHNEACHAN BHEAGHAID ALBA.
Athalamh drd nan coilltean uaine,
'S nan Srutli fior-uisg,
Cuislean bras nan lochan domhain,
Nach gabb diobradh,
Caochain gblan na doimbne moir',
A' ruitb air uachdar,
Do bbeanntan gorm a tbir nan curaidh,
'S nam ban stuama,
Xeoil gblas m'a bharraibb stiic a' snagad h
Us' feidh nan langan,
Ri creachain a' direadb 's a tearnadh,
Le liitb eangan,
Coilicb nan cneas dubb a' tuiTaraicb,
Air do tbolmain,
Us' miltean lus a' fas 'na maise,
Le brigb talambainn.
Do gbraiseirean iosal coireacb,
Ire tboracb,
35
'S fasgach t-innseagan liirach,
Tomach gleannach,
Earbag chlis na claisteaclid neonadi,
Feadli do chluaineag,
'Ga falacli, fo dhubhar ro-chrann,
Leis an ruadhaig,
A' cumail a cluas ris an aile,
Fo sgail na coille,
Na h-earalas le buaidhean naduir,
Air brath-foille,
An t-sealg-fhear ag ealadh dluth dli' i
'Sbas 'n ghlaic leis,
Cuilbbeir teine 's gadbair lutb 'or,
Cu cuir as d'i,
Leumidb tu tbar bruacban dilionn,
Us' stacan garbblaicb,
A'm boil gioraig nacb gabh innseadh,
Le purp seanacbais,
'S iogbnadb an' obair nam feart,
Do liiatb's 's do neart,
'S nacb urrainn Teallsanaicb nan ceist.
Am breatbnacbadb ceart,
Cha d-fbuair tbu spidlan millidb,
Na Tuisg reubaidb,
36
'S ann 'tlia glaine 's maise 's cutliach,
Comhluath d' chreiibhaig,
Fagaidh mi thii' measg nam preas,
Do thearmunn fasail,
'S tearnaidli mi 'sios an t-eas,
A dbeisdeachd bairicb,
Nam buar adbarcacb air faicbe,
S' luinneag oigbean,
A' bleogban na taiu air reidblein,
' S an al m'a cbrodbean,
'Niiair db-f hosgail an Gleanna'm sbealladb,
'S an spreidb air ailein,
Dbealaidb mi dhitb do'n bbuaile,
Us' sbuidb mi samba cb,
Fo dbubbar darag cbeudan sambradb,
An' lagan boidbeacb,
'S tbug an oiteag cbiuingum' cblaisteacbd,
Seist nan oigbean.
OR AN NA BUAILE.
Cbaidb gruaim nan sianntan a cbadal,
'S tba featb air talamb 's air cuan,
'S cboisg gaotb fbuaraidb na gailHonn,
Gil sitb a b-anail o tbuatb,
37
Tha neoil sholleir na li-iarmailt,
A' sgaoileadli cian air au cuairt,
'S a pogadli gatlian na greine,
'Cliuir blath's a cheitein a nuas.
Thainig fosgladh nam blaithean,
'S tha liisan aillidli nan raon,
Ag eideadh ditlireabli nam beann,
Us' sraithean ghleann air gach taobh
Tha bheo chruitheachd 'na maise,
'S buair air faichean le'n laoigh,
'S gach tulach uain' air an comhdach,
Le breacnaich neoinein fo bhraon.
'S aobhar ioghnaidh an sealladh,
M'an cuairt air lagan a chro,
Doire ciibhraidh na meangan,
M'a 'n iadh 's a mhaidinn an ceo,
Le braonachd cheitein 'ga criaradh,
O chirbean liath-ghlas na' neoil,
Us' eiridh lochran na soillse,
'Cuir gean air maighdean nam bo.
A dhfhaicinn truscan an fhasaich,
' S bruthain aigh a' dol suas,
38
Taisgeacli beath' o na duilean,
Falluin smuidreacli nan cluain,
Anail tlilus'or na h-aile,
Treoir cinneis' namliaid an fliuachd,
'S gloii' an Aeir na h-eideadli,
A' direadh treun air a cuairt.
Ceorach blilatli o na speiiran,
A fliucbadh reidblein us' cbruacb,
'Sa cub- neart fais auns an duslumg,
'Nuau' tbilleas uin' air a cuairt,
Adhaiseag feartan na grelne,
Nacb urrainn eacoir' tboirt uamn,
Ged dbf bogradblaocbraidb nan garbb-cbriocb
Le fobnieart searbb tbar a cbuain.
Cbomb fbreagair am Bard fo 'n daraig,
Le bras-cbaoin Gaedbeil,
Dbeiricb e'n coinneamb na maigbdin,
'S tbab'g e failte,
Bbeacbdaicb e le fiamb duin' uasail,
Air gnuis na seirc,
Lan banndacbd us' motbacbadb tearc,
Gun stuirt mairc,
39
A rinn air innis nan earc,
A bheatha gun aire
Gu pubull fosgailte na li-Airidh,
Aig fiarag lagain,
Strachdta le Liagaire* 's Lus Bachair, f
Us' og mheangain,
A bheithe chubhraidh fo lod braoin,
'S na h-ealtan sgiathach,
A' comh-sheirm le ponean gaoil,
Do'n og-bhean sgiamhaeh,
lomhaigh an duine maise daonnaehd,
Leug na h-annsaehd,
A' neoehiontachd dig' us' faoileachd,
Agh na eeannsachd,
Sin duit modh us' gne na Finne,
Us' tuigear uatba,
Beusan digbean na Gaelie,
Mar a ehualas,
Acb ma tba Filidb na fear suaire,
An' run faigbneacbd,
M'a dbiitbcbas niaighdean na buaile,
Na CO o'n sloinntear,
• The Herb Loveage. f Ladies Glove.
40
Ainnir mo Dhuain fo 'n riochd so,
Naisg thu caoimhneas,
Do nighean Mliic an Aba,
De' shliochd Mhic an Ab' oigbre.
Rainig am Filidh biith na frithe,
Le dealas laiste,
'Sa Cheolraidh 'ga stuigeadh gu diomhair,
Le run faicinn,
Fo gheugan uain' an fhasgaidli fhasail.
Bean uasal,
An' earradh a duthchais,
Tir nan Gaedbeal.
CKUTH BEAN GHAEDHLACH.
Cbunnaic e' bbean Gbaedbealacb mbaiseach,
Air bruacb casHgb* alltain Easlocb,
A' baogasg modliar ceanalt stuama,
A' nocbdadb tabbacbd neo-tbruaillte,
Na fol'a 's glain' air cuairt na cruinne,
Neo-mbeasgta gun mbeang fainne, f
Miltean bbadbn' an Riogbacbd nam Breacan,
* strut h bras ath. f Laige.
41
'S i 'n diugh mar'bha an call 's an cleacbduinn
B' ion eibhneis air leirg a clioinne,
Ri mathair mhac de'n ard Fliine,
Fo chulaidh de Blireacan nan Aback,
Da'n duthcbas Cinne-Alla cborracb,
Lie us' Fionn-Lairig cboilleacb,
Cill-Fbinn us' Bualtacban gleannacb.
Bba riocbd-fleasg de' dbanart mar sbneaebd,
Aii^ fait amlagaeb nan tlaebd,
Combara neo-ebiontais us' ioebd,
Naeb dion tair 's naeb araicb Ioebd,
Earasaid bbasaeb nan datb seas'acb,
Au' uaebdar an earraidb ebneasaieb,
Braisde boillsgeil mar leig feaebd,
A' dunadb an da oir m' 'a b-ucbd,
Caiman us' beitbir 'na mbeadbon,
Grabbalta le teomaebd ealaidbein,
Brataeb gbreadbnaeb Cblann Donnaebaidb,
Miann sgeidaicbean Bbard us ebar-sbea-
naebaidb,
Bba gasan Rainieb o stuadb nan dos,
A'm boiebead ur-fbais 'na laimb dbeis,
Suaitbcbeantas nan laoeb o Shruthan
Naeb d'fbuiling euing 's naeb d'iarr ratlian.
42
Beannaclid dhuit 's urram do shinnsear'
Rath ort 's gu'ma buan a dbinnsear
Coinne' Bhaird fo sgail na daraig,
Ri ceile ruin Mhic an Aba.
Fhir dbileis na h-innsgin uaibbreacb
'S glan an ir' o 'n do bbuaineadb,
Na mibdb cburranta bbuadbacb,
An t-sinnsearachd tbreun o'n d'fbuaradh,
Mac an Aba.
Chuir iad Dail-righ le dearras laocbail,
'S catb Bbualtacbain le deannal fbaobhar,
Fo mbeirgbe nan datban fraocbail,
A tbog seacbd fineacban an aobbar,
Mbic an Aba.
Bba mi roimb' an gainntir doruinn,
'S m' fbuil air gboil le teasacb loini,
Rainig tu uiridb mo leonaidb,
Us' sheas thu 'd stadh neart ga'm chombnadh,
A Mbic an Aba.
Rainig tu leab' a cbruaidh cbais,
Dbiult thu teach mear an luath-ghair,
43
Us' an iargain loisgeacli ga'm bhualadh,
" Bu trie agam 's b' annamh uam tliu,"
A Mbic an Alb.
'S gearr aoibbneas an duin' aig fbeabbas,
Mar a cbualas,
Mairg us' feirg us' neo-sbeambas,
'Ga sbior-ruagadb,
'S trom an eailacb gaol dutbcba,
'S foh'neart ain'eoin,
Biotbanaicb allmbaracb 'gar spuinneadh,
'S gun dion againn.
O sbliocbd nan treun nacb d'f bulling tair,
So am bbur diobraidb,
Ainneart 'g'ar ruagadb gu cas,
'S gur a mbiruin,
Ga'r f ogradb gu tir aineoil,
Tball tbar cbuantan,
Bragb'd-Alba le ganlas foilleil,
Air a sguabadb,
'Sglambaicbe gun iocbd 'ga 'rusgadb,
'Na lom-fbasacb,
'S a mic laocbail fad o'n dutbcbas,
A' caoidb na db-fbas; iad.
44
Eisdeamid sgeul nan sonn,
An rian bardachd,
0 sheanf hear aosda ceann nan cliar,
Le fuaim clarsaicli.
CUMHA A CHLARSAIR.
Cuimliue na bba,
'Gliluais mi gu Dan,
'S sinn claoidhta le cradh foirneart,
'Ga'r sgiursadli le smacbd,
Fo'n smaig nacli do cbleacbd,
'Us' sinn gun dutbaicb
Fo reacbd fograidb,
O tbir tbuinnidb nan clann,
Da'n dual iomairt nan lann,
A tbog mulad gun clieann dombsa,
Greadbuinn neo-gblan a sgrios,
A f buair sinne fo cbois,
'S sinn gun teanacbdas,
Gun f bois gun fbardacb,
Far an d'araicbeadb riamb,
Na trein nacb aidicbeadb fiamh,
Do neacb acb an Dia ratbain,
Na Dubb Albanaicb dbian,
45
A ghread na Roimhich o chiaii,
An' deannal nam pian basmhor,
Air monadh Bhraca nan euchd,
Dhf hag sibli cuimhne nach treig,
Fhad 's a mhaireas 'na'r deigh Gaedheil,
Air bearradli Cball-Duin nan gas,
Fhnair na fitbicb an los,
'S air leirg Dbealgain an Roiss dhf bag sibb,
Bein nam biotbannach cruaidh,
A db-fbeucb bbur saors' a tboirt uaibb,
'Na'm plodraicb fuar 's an arfbaicb',
Aig Dail-ranaicb nan tolm,
Fbuair n^ feitbeidean cuirm,
Air cairbhean na'm buirh sgldmhach.
Leomhan disgir nam beann,
Meirgbe mbordba nan clann,
Le braise neart-mbor gacb am buadbacb,
O staoin cborracb an fbeidb,
Gu sratb tiorall nan reidb,
Gbleidb e' dban^eoin dba fein na fbuair.
Alb' an seun tbu mo gblaodb,
Nacb duisg tbu' Mbatbair mo gbaoil,
Ma'n d-toir mallacbd na daorsa buaidb ort,
46
Na sean fhineachan treun,
Air an sgapadh an cein,
Sliochd nan saoidh da'm bu blieus cruadail,
An tallaclian Ian de' Eanntag nan earn,
Gu h-ullartacli fas fuaraidli,
Chitliear cliumliachag broin,
Us' laltag nam frog,
Gun eagal 'an comlinuidh dliuaichnidh,
Far an d'araicheadh laoich,
Sliochd nan Criosdiiidhean saor,
'Tha nis feadli an t-saogbail fuadaicbt',
Le magaicb gbreannacb tnu,
Lior nan garracbain bru,
'S nan crain sKopacb gun cbliu,
O'n dfbas iad.
For salacb na foill,
Ris an du'irt ar n-atbraicbean Goill,
'S trom acain na roinn a db-fbag iad.
Cba'n'eil atb'cbuin na ceol,
A' moladb Trianaid na gloir,
Acb balbb mbuLad nan torr f asail,
Far an cluinnte gu mocb,
Aoradb molaidb 's gacb teacb,
47
Tha cuirn clioinich 's gun neach,
'Ga 'n aiteacb,
A laochraidli ghaisgeil nam feachd,
B'e sud bliur u-urram us' chleachd,
Sibh smaclid firinn us' reachd crabhaidh,
Stiuir neambaidb bbur rian,
A sbliocbd crodba nam Fiann,
Mo cbreacb dbubbacb 'ur cian sganradh,
A' measg almbarrach tball,
Far nacb measar 'ur call,
'S nacb goirear dbibb clann Gbaedbeal,
'An eideadb colgail nam buadb,
Urram fblaitbean us' sluaigb,
O'n Fbiann cbatbarra 'nuas,
Us CO 's urrainn a luaidb,
'An rian seanacbais na Dbuan,
Alba riogbail ri uau' gabbaidb,
Innsgin tbeinteacb do mbac,
A' nuair a tbogadb tu t-f beacbd,
Cba robb de' dbeambam 's an t-slocbd,
Le gui^ Sbasgbun fo'n smacbd,
Na cbuir do sbaorsa fo reacbd nambaid.
Tbaisg an clarsair aosd' a Cbruit,
48
'S a dheoir a' fi\asadh,
Grain foirneadli 'na tein' iunsgin,
A' dian lasadh,
Durachd aichblieil coir an duine,
'An nair f hcuma,
Tiodhlaclid neimli 's colbh ceartais,
A cliosg eacoir.
TIOMXADH IAIN MHOIR.
Ma 'n gann' blia gutli na clarsaich balbh,
'S am Filidli aosd' fo bhron a falbh,
Chualas air bearradh an eas,
Sgalaracbd deanachdach dhos,
Ard sheirm Piob-mbor a'seinn,
Caismeacbd cbombraig sbiol Chuinn,
Na ruaig Rigb us' cid air Ghullaibh^
Crun-luatb feachd-cheum nan sonn ullamh,
Nacb facas a' soradb coinneamb,
Ri uambaid a ruisg claidheamb.
Tri cbeud deug us leth cbeud eile,
Aois craobb-sbeanacbais Treitb Dbun-Olla,
Fir dbeacbdair 'bu cbian alladh,
An treas meui^ de' sbliocbd nan tri Cholla,
49
A' comh-fhreagairt do'n t-seirm luinneacli,
Sheas gu stold am Filidli rannach,
A' dearcadh gacli taobli de'n fhireach,
Ear an cualas an torman catliach,
O dhuis tuairneacli nam pone foirmeil,
Triall cliaismeaclid nan Duglilach ainraeil.
Gheibli leanaltas a dliuais mur' failnicli,
'S b' ionnan a thaehair da'n Aos-dana,
'Nuair' dliirich e staoin na earraige,
Chunnaic e air lom na leirge,
Le tuar neart a' teachd 'na cliomhail,
Sean fliear mor 'an eulaidli Ghaedheal.
Bha airde mar Fliianuach sreine,
Mhie Cumhail fo chrann Dlieo-greine,
Nochd a mhodli uaisl' us' gean,
Us' misneaeh sar ehuraidh 'na sluiil ghlain,
Bha' labhairt flathail duineil suairce,
Trohnh'n tuigte grad treoir neo-thruaillte,
Connspunn treun de'n fhiue Dhugh'llach,
Da'n dual eug na buaidh-larach,
Dh-fhailtich e le seh'c an Seanachaidh,
'S dheisd e' sgeul le stoldachd iomchuidh,
D'fheoraich an taos-dan' am briathraibh
suairce, d
50
Co'm fear ard a sheas ri guaillin,
An t-sean laoieh. A dliearbh riochd,
A dheachd tiir naduir gii'm b'e mliac.
Fear mor calma deas direacb,
A thagliadli feiim a sheasamli coracli.
'S b'ionnau a tbacbair mar a leanas,
Thionndaidb lain-Mor le dian dbealas,
Gblac e' mbac 'na laimb cbli,
'S lann cbriiaidb nau stii 'u laimb dbeis,
Tbionndaidb e'm faobbar an aird,
Us labbair e gu crabbacb ris.
An Dia o'n dfbuan- mi mo bbitb,
Us' tvisa mar gbibbt le reacbd gnatb,
Biodb an diugb 'na fbianuis dliion,
Air m'atbcbuiuge le firinn d'a,
Faiceadb Atliair nan dul,
Da'n leir gacli cuis a tbig m'an cuairt,
Foirneart mo bbraitbrean gaoil,
Gun teanacbdas an taobb so'n uaigb,
'S gur fuatb le m'anam an diol,
Ged' tba mi fann le stri na b-aois.
51
Tog do Idmh us gabh mo ghuidhe,
Purp na chual tliu trie uam roimhe,
Seas us' coisg an tuaileas graineil,
'Tha' mort an fliuigheal bhig a dlifliagadli.
Gaedheil mo Ghaoil fo bliinn eeilge,
Aeh gu sonruieht Suinn Bhragli'd Alba.
Dion an Canain 's an eleachdain,
'An agbaidh mirun tnu us' trioehdan,
Nam bolgairean gun ehliu gun mhaitbeas,
A gbeur-leanas iad an taobh so' fblaitheas.
Sin seadb do bboid. Gleidli i' mbic,
Us faic am Bard le seire fo'n lie.
52
THE PRIZE GAELIC POEMS.
To the Editor of the Daily Bulletin and News.
Dear Sir, — The Glasgow Celtic Society having an-
nounced, through the newspapers and otherwise, that
prizes of £o 5s., and of £3 3s., would be given " for the
l>est Gaelic poem (not to exceed 100 lines) on the military
services of the Highland Regiments during the late war,"
I have now great pleasure in annexing a copy of the
award of the judges, viz.. Rev. D. M'Lean, Glenorchy ;
Rev. Dr Smith, Inverary ; Rev. Duncan M'Nab, F.C.
Glasgow.
" Inverary, 26th Nov., 1857.
"After a most careful consideration of twenty-five
poems, submitted to us by the Glasgow Celtic Society,
we agree in awarding the first place, in point of merit,
to No. 16, signed William Livingston; and the second
place to No. 19, with the motto, ^Lochaher.'
" We also agree in respectfully recommending the
poems No. 14, dated Newcastle-on-Tyne, and No. 8,
with the motto, ' An La a chi's, nach f haic,' to the favour-
able consideration of the Society; also No. 9, signed
' Ciaran,' which though unequal, shows high poetical
merit, as also No. 15.
(Signed) " Dun. M'Lean.
" Colin Smith, D.D.
" Duncan M'Nab."
Bhuidhia an Rann so' leanas a cheud Gheall 0 chomunn
Gaedhealach Ghlaschu, a.d. 1857.
DUAX-CtEALL.
Air euchdan nan Gaedheal Albannach, anns a Chrimea fv
stiuradh, a cheannaird ainmeil Cailein Caimbeal anns a
bhliadhna, 1854.
BLAR ALMA.
Cliuala mi tiiair' sgeiil oillteil,
A's troni bhagradh
Dhirich mi'ii de Druim Alb'
A dh'fbaotainn sealladh,
Cbunnaic mi fo aon mbeirgb'
An tuatb tbir Eorpacb
'S miltean 'na'n airm gbaisg'
Ag iarraidb Coraig.
Na Rusianicb air mullacb Alma
Cogacb deacair beacbdail dalma,
54
'Na'n sreathan coisichean 's marcaich
'An rian coraig air an uclidaich,
Na naimli'dean shuas. An creaclian di-lionn,
P'huair na Gaedheil ordugh direadh,
O bliearradli nan liatli-clireag carrach,
Tliaomadh fras nan sgrios 'n 'am broilleacli,
A'm builsgein dubh-neoil a chasgraidb,
Leum na b-armuinn gun gbealtacbd,
Bbeuc an Leomban " Buaidb a dbain'eoin,"
Tbarruing sbocbd nam Fiann an lannan.
Mar tbuil Cbluaidb cbuisleacb le gleann,
Luatb's mire srutb ah'gid Eas-Linn,
B'ionnan sud braise nan sonn,
A'maomadb do'n arfbaicb 'na'n deann.
Fo'n t-srol gbreadbnacb nacb da cbiosaicb
Is aosmbor diu 's i ur mar bba, [namb,
Le lannan leatban nan ceann ais'nacb,
Dbfbag sibb creucbdan sgrios us' osnaicb,
Eucbdan nan curaidb gun smal,
D'an dutbaicb tir nam beann's nan tuib
O airde cbreagacb nam bac,
Cbur sibb ruaig air feacbd an t-sneacbd,
Cbritb'nicb iad le oillt roimb sgraiug,
An Leombain deirg 'nuair cbratb e'mbuing.
55
Ga'n sganradli le brutbach gun taing.
Bii gbarg a sbracbd e'm bein 's an cUing,
Gniomh o'r cuimbne nacb sgarar,
Fhad's a mbaireas cuan a's talamb.
BALACLABHA.
Le gleadbraicb arm a's torrunn lambaicb,
Air learga cbiar Bbalaclabba,
Cbunnaic mi spairte ri crann,
lolair spuUacb an da cbinn,
Feitbeid ifrinn gun cblos.
A'reubadb creicbe tuatb a's deas,
Miltean a'freagairt da' smacbd,
Foill's fuil a's ar' na'm beacbd,
Dudacb nan ran searbb a' beucbdaicb.
Steiidan Coraig 'a leumnicb,
Buidbeann bborb nan cocbull lacbduinn,
'Na'n sreatban dlutb air an leacbduinn,
Gbkiais iad o aird' an f buinn,
'Na'm beinge tbrom gu lar a gbUnn,
Lannan reubaidb 's gacb glaic,
'S am facal combraig bas gun iocbd.
56
:na gaedheil.
Chunuaic mi air lorn na fliicbe,
'San eaiTadh flinch le braoii na moicbe,
'Na'n staiug dliion's a bliealacli cbnmbanny
Fir dbireacb ard nam broilleacb leatban,
Meirgbe na b-Alba sgaoilte,
Suaitbcbeantas a Moracbd adsd',
Osceann reang na milidb uaibbreacb,
Ga'n stuigeadb gu toiteal a bbualaidh,
Cba b'ion-air-eigin ach toil,
An fhuil ard gun tioma ri ncbd goil,
A bbrosnacbadb gu b-eucbd an sinnsear,
So an SQ;eul mar a dbinnseadb.
Bbrucbd a marc sbluagb an coinneamb,
Na'n Gaedbeal na'n cois 's iad annamb,
Deicb ma'n aon air an aodann,
'S gun cbul-taic acb gleacbd 'na'n aonar,
Cliu nacb teirig do na gaisgicb,
Mar lasair dbeirg a' ambuiini loisgicb,
O fbeadain gborni nan cuilbbeir cinnteacb,
Cbunnaic mi na caoirean teinnteacb,
An gleann 'na bbuidealaicb strianacb,
Mar bbruaillein doireann 's an iarmailt,
Na dealan-ghobhlach a' sputadh,
A' bolg neoil na' fillean dubhlaidh,
Cuimbneaclian buaidb a's gabbaidb,
Au" Albiii gbaoil 's air clannaibh Gbaidbeal.
A dbearbb iad an siid a dbain'eoin,
'Nuair fbuair iad mar fbad an lannan
Chuala mi sgread nan Ian cbeann Ileacb,
Ga'n tarruing a truaillean riombacb,
Stad an teine 's tboisicb spealtadb,
Marcaicbean gnu ga'n sgoltadb,
Luiricbean sbgneacb nan alt,
A bruansgail le beumaibb neart,
Conspuinn na'm "Breacan an Eileadb."
A dbion a cboir 's a cbeannsaicb eacoir,
Fo iuil a cbeannaird do-cbiosaicbt'
Cailein Caimbeal mac an Ibcb.
'S cian sgaoilteacb do cbliu a nocbd,
A lamb dbeas na' miltean feacbd,
Gbrios mi Fionn' le Mac an Luin,
A bbi ri d' tbaobb an gaoir nan guin,
'Nuair bbuail tbu'm builsgein a gbabbaidb,
Sbeas tbu 'd cbliu do t'ainm 's do d' Bban-
Sbeas tbu 't-uambas do d'nambaid [rigb'n,
Tbug tbu buaidb' us sguab tbu 'n aracb.
Um CRUINNEACHADH COMUNN MM FIANN;
Ann an Glascho : air a chcud latha de'n Bhliadhna, 1858.
Sonas us' meas, mar a dhiarrainn ;
Do Cliomunn anmadail, nam Fiamitan;
O'n tir tliiiathacli, cbluaiueach bheannach;
Garbli clirioclian, nan creaclian corrach,
Aisridh chas, nan dian shrutli steallach :
Caill spionndach, nan allt easach linneach.
'S iongantach, eagsamliuil, aluin:
T' aodann stucach, ghlinn us' Lairig,
'S an cuan mu'd cliladach a' gairich,
Cluinnear nuallan, stuadlian saile,
Le toirm gun chrioch ; ri d' tliir a' barcadh ;
A mhatbair laocli, as' uaigli gach namhaid :
A dbfheuch ri d'sbaors' a cbuir an cunnart,
Le gairge, le mirun, na le ainneart :
A Bban-rigb'n nan riogb'cbd, is aird urram ;
A sheinn na Baird ; le buaidli cbaitkream :
59
^S a tha' nis do mhic: rathail laochail,
A' dion, mar urram nacli caochail,
Canain us' culaidli; Fhiann 's an cuimhne
'S mar a sine, 's ann is doimbne;
A f lireumhaiclieas ; an aigneadh Ghaedheal,
Na' ni, 's na tlieirear, aig gach comhail :
'S an cruinnicli, armuinn de' gach Fine,
'An caidreamli brath'reil : Seadli an coinne.
Thig Alpeinicli shean, Freumh ar Righ'rean,
Us Stiubliartaich fblatliail; de'm fior-fbuil
DombnuUaicb ain-tbeasacb sar-fbir
0 eileinean cuain 's o mbor-tbir.
Clann Lacbainn treun uasal riogbail :
Taisgeach mhuirneachfoghlum Ghaedheal.
Duibbnicb gaisgeil stolda, cinnteacb,
'S Frisealaicb, na b-innsgin tbeinnteacb:
Cam'ronaicb cbruaidb nan eucbd minic,
A cboisin cKu bbuan nacb teirig.
Clann Gbriogair cbatbarra nan combrag,
'S miorbbuil teasruiginn, na's beo dbibb :
Uaill gacb Fine, cbu bbur cruadail,
Dbubblanaicb sibb sgrios 's bba buaidb leibb.
60
Claim Laomaiiiaiumeil,le'ii reachd sonruiclit'
" Na brist gealladh 's iia guidli namhaid."
Leathanaich uaibhreach, dian smacbdail ;
Dhearbh sibb riamb, bbiir gaisge riocbdaib
Clann an Aba; cogacb staitail,
Fir mbor dbeacbdair, mbodbail uiseil :
O linn nam Fiann 'an teng-bboil lannan,
'S gann a tbainig, bbur comb-ionnan,
Clann Neacbtain; o Leitir Cbolg-Fbinn,
Cba' n'eil Fine 'sine 'an Albin,
Deanacbadb, laocbail, 's beagan bruidbne,
Buaidbean urramacb bbnr cuimbne.
Clann Donnacbaidb armninn nan Ian ruisgte,
'S iogbnadb bbnr Seanacbas do na dbeisd e,
Bbur Meirgbe gun cboimbeas f batbast ;
Cba'n fliaeas riamb 's cba dtig a ritbist;
A'm bratacb treubb, na Fine eile :
Columan, us' Beitbir nimbe,
Riocbd sgrios; 's teacbdaire neambaidb
Urras gaoil, us' diogb'ltas gabbaidb.
Clann Cboinnicb ailleal, toirteil, treubbacb,
Lasgarra, fiall, cuirteil treoracb,
61
Neartmhor mar' blia'n call 'san inntinn ;
Teisteas a blia sibh riamli a' toilltinn.
Clann lonmhiiin iochdmor, biiadhach dileas,
Thug feartan duibh tuigs' ard mar dhutbchas,
Suinn cbalma, reacbdmhor o f breumb Gbri-
lonmbuinn, gacb am a'freagah*: [ogair,
Sibb ainm na seirc. Uaill 'ur bratb' reaii,
'S gacb ait 'am bbeil sibb : fo na speuran.
Aon fbacal do db-uaislean a cbomuinn,
'S a cbeob'aidb a' briodal a leannain,
Cba mbearacbd dbuibb ; na sgeul gun sireadb
Ged' tba roiun a Bbaird gii deireadb.
Eisdibb : seirm pongan dbos ;
'S tartaraicb aon cbeiimacb cbas,
Fariim triall, Siol Cbuinn a' teacbd :
Sgeul a dbinnseas mic bbur mac; [bail,
Cuimbn' 'ur combail, 's teacbd Cblann Dug-
Gu cuirm glireadbnacb : coisri' Gbaedbeal.
Foirm Piob-mbor, a' reubadb Aeir,
Reang laocb, a' freagairt le comb-fbogbar,
Lannan tairngt' 'an laimb gacb curaidb ;
Sliocbd crodba, nan Sonn airidb ;
62
O'n dfhuair sinn canain gun choimeas,
'S a chliu a's ard' a bha na bhitheas; [dean :
'S ar n' earradli buadhacli; oillt ar naimh'-
Fo'n aithnicli gach sluagli, Gaedheil Albin ;
Air feadh gach riogb'clid, air fad na Cruinne :
'S a leanas ruinn mur fannaich sinne.
STJISDE CHONAIN.
Latha' blia seanachaidli nan cnoc,
A' siublial airdean us' glilac,
Garblach bheanntan us' shlochd,
Gun chuimlin air matb na air lochd,
Cha dfhag e Caibeal earn na carragh,
Eadar Diinsuinn 'sann Roinn Ghallach,
Air leitir air leana na air staca,
Nach do sgriob e leis' na phoca,
B'e sud cual na' miltean seorsa,
'Bh' air dronnag a cbrubaicli neonaich,
'S e seinn piobaireacbd Mhic Mhatb,
Gbeibh mi na chi' ' Thoir dhomb tboir dbomh, '
0 bbeinn gu magb 's o sbratb gu b-aonach,
Air feadb cbarn us' uamban frogacb,
'An doimbneacbd gbleann us' cladbacb cuain
Ag iarraidb airneis nam Fiann,
Bu cboingeis leis greimiebe na ladar,
Criadliar, budbal, mias, na meadar,
64
Cloblia bior-teallaich na slabliraidh,
Eallag, Cruisgein, na Crann ainibreidh,
Geaniiuaire fairiche na Croiran,
Suisde Rallsa na Corr-sbugan,
Cbabb-spidricb Corran na Sgian-bbarrain,
Cas-cbrom carn-slaodaidb na Curran,
Bior-glantacbain Caibe na Greallag,
Na fiodbracb crainn o 'bbonn gu corrag,
Pleadbag IMatag na Cnotag,
Lair-cbaibe Torra-sgian na Caiteag,
Na'n saoilte gii'm fac iad Fionn,
Bbiodb sud aig Croman nan rann.
Coma latba de' na laitbean,
A sbuidh e' toa'irt fois da' luigbean,
Cbunnaic e tball air bearradb,
An cumbradb a bba e riamb a' sireadb,
Ars easan ris fbe',
Gacb fear is f bearr'an cinnseal gnotbuicb,
Us' mac na socbaraicb g'a' mbitbicb,
Bitbidb fear diuid gun ni gun fbonn,
Lamb m'a cbiil cinn na tba'nn,
Bitbidb so leam dbaebaidb airmo dbruim,
Latba mo ratb " bun na cuise,"
Storas nacb dfbuair duin' 'an al so,
65
Luchaii't ^Mliic Cumliail 's na' h-innte,
" Mis 's mi f be' " 's gun tuilleadh cainntej
Spiod e'n graid' amacli air sgroig,
A poca bauu an eilidh bbig,
Beann bioracb buadbacb Mbic Alpein,
Paruic nan cliar cliambain Oisein,
Tboisicb e gu lambar sunntacb,
Ealamb gleusta siiileacb cinnteach,
A' gabbail cunntas 's 'n airicbd,
Gun suil ri cocaid na ri toracbd,
Gus an cual e starum cbas,
A' tigliin gu suigeartacb clis,
"Failte fear fuatb 'a meadbon feisde,"
Conan a' coinealacbadb a sbuisde
'S e' trog-bboil a suas am brutbacb,
Gu 'n deanadb easan gi-abadb gnotbuicb
'S b'ionnan a tbacbair mar a tbuirt.
Gun fbuireacb li' gabbail na li to'aiii:,
Tbilgeadb a mbailed ri talamb,
So:eul nan creacb mairs; na coinneamb,
'S amacb bba 'n crubacb leis an leatbad,
Gun ambarc air cas-cbeum na Mtb r'ad,
Tbuo- e troimb o:acb lod us eass^a,
Feur-locban leoig us' beul uisge,
E
66
Gus an dfhuair e'n cuil nan ceirsach,*
An taobh sliuas do dh-Artt 'an ceann na
2:riosach.
MOCHEIEIGH FHINK
Tha coig ceud deug us' deicli tri fichead,
'S da bliliadn' eil air dol seachad,
On a chaidil Fiona 'na airm chois'eart,
'Na leaba sheilg air bruaclian Dochairt*
An la' roimhe 'nuair' dliuisg e gu moch
Dlieirich e 's dliamhairc e' mach,
Glilaoidli e air Oisein is air Goll,
Cba d'fbreagair aon bha'n Fheinn air chall,
Gbrad thug e as ris a bbeinn,
Ag iarraidh Aongbas Cbill-Fhinn,
Cba do dbiricb e fad' an t'ucbd,
'Nuair' cbunnaic e' lamb dbeas a' teacbd,
Us' eallacb a dbrom' air a mbuin,
De' gacb iogbnadb' bba o sbean,
Sgiatb Cburaicb 's clogad Mbanuis,
Cuigeal us Fearsaid Eambair Aluin,
Sleagb Dbiarmad 's Crios-muineal Bbran,
Crami-arm Fbinn us' Mac an Luin,
• Abhainn Dochairt lamh ri cill Fhina 'am Biagh'd Alba.
68
Dearbh flireumlian fior Chraobli Loduinn,
Breacan Oscair 's boglia Threin-mhoir,
'S Bratach seachd cathan na Feinne,
'S mar sin' sios ma 's fior am Filidh,
A chuireadh na' rann moran tuilleadh,
Mur bitheadh Mac an Aba,
Mur b'abhaist a labbairt gu modhail duineil
staitail.
Le cead bbur Moracbd a Mhic Cumbail,
Ciod a b'aill leibb 's mocb ur' siubbal.
Stad a laocbain arsa Fionn,
Gus an roinn mi oirbb na tba'nn,
So dhuitsa mo chrios us' Mac an Luin*
Mo cbrann-arm 's crios-muineil Bbran,
SleagbMbicoDuibbn' do Cbailein Gbrianaig,
Sgiath Cburaicb do dh-Artt dileas fialaidh,
Breacan Oscair 's biodag Fhaolain,
Do Dhomhnull nan corn an ceann-feadhna,
Sin duibh mo dhileab Beannacbd buan leibh,
'S gbrad sparr e' n Crun air Creag Uaine.
* Ainm Claidheamh Fhinn.
'S iad na rannan so' leanas ceud oidhirp an ughdair,
'Nuair abha e na bhalachan a' gleidheadh cruidh, aig
Iain Mac a Bhriutliain tuathanach measail, ann an Losaid
na Kanna an He, bha 'm, Buachaille 's an am dluth air
ceitheir bliadhna deug, de' dh-aois b'e Donnachadh a tlia
'n so air ainmeachadh, mac mor an tuathanaich.
BEAK
Thus^ a Bhran mo chuilein boidheach,
Tha thu laoghach sporsail suairc,
Cba bhi thu tabbann ri daoine,
Na cuir nan caoracb anns an riiaig,
Cba dteid tbu' uunn air Dun-gbairseig,
A dbol 'ga 'n sgdnradb feadb nam bruacb,
Cba b'ionnan is Collie Iain,
Dbitb e' sbaitb dbiubb iomadb uair.
Tba tbu leumneacb lutb'or,
Mireagacb surdail 's tbu luatb,
Bbeir mi roinn duit de 'na gbeibb,
'S cumaidb tu na bodaicb bbuam,
70
'Nuair a tliig an Sac ban 's a Chaointeach,
'S na tba'n Gleann Mac Ao dliiubh'uuas,
Bbeir iad Donnacbadb do 'n Bbrutb leo,
Gleidb tbus' Uilleam 's gbeibb tbu duals.
Tbeid mi do 'n lodan a m' fbalcadb,
'S bitbidb a gblaisrig air bbruaicb,
'S nuair a gblaodbas mi '' cul cbas" riut,
Cba' bbi an tatb-sealladb db'i sbuas,
Bitbidb mi' n sin a seinn an fbeadain,
'S tusa beiceis m' an cuairt,
'S tu ag ambarc an d-toir mi cead duit,
A sgrogadb speirean an daimb ruaidb.
Cba'n iarr tbu snaoisein na Tombaca,
Cba bbrist tbu glas 's cba bbi tbu'g 61,
'S fbearr leat a bbi' ruitb nam feitbeid,
'S bbi learns' a' gleidbeadb nam bo,
Seasaidb tu air Creag an f bitbicb,
A db-fbaicinn am bi mis a 'd cboir,
'Nuair' bbitb's an Fbeannag 's na speuran,
A' magadb ort le b6ul nan groc,
Bbeir mise dbuit teisteas sgriobbta,
Tbu 'bbi dileas air mo cbiil,
71
'S nach innis thu gu 'm bi mi' cadal,
Na' 'g iarraidh nead air an Dun,
Tlia thu sleamhain dubh 's do chluasag,
A lubadh annas m'ad' sliuil,
'S adhain'eoin na their luchd an tuaileis,
'S companach duin' uasail thu.
ORAN DO DHOMHNULL MAC DHURMAID,
GILLE OG ILEA.CH.
A Dhomhnuill oig gu'm faic sinn slan thu,
Beannaclid bhuainn gu luath le f ailte,
Gheibh thu craobh-sheanachais do sbinnsear
O sheachduinn na dile mar 'dhfbas iad.
A Dbombnuill oig, Sec,
Bba mi ^n so a'm' cbreolain cbrubacb,
Uair air leaba 's uair air urlar,
'Nuair' cbiiala mi fear sgairteil luth^or,
A' teachd le cabbaig dlutb 's e 'g radhtin,
A Dbombnuill oig, &c.
An ann an so 'tba Mac Dbun-Leibbe,
Cba'n'eil latba tba mi 'g emdb,
Gun litir o fbear na o tbe dba,
'S iongantacb learn fbe' na tba diubb.
A Dbombnuill oig, &c.
73
Tha cuid diubh a' Maninn 's a' Eirin,
Cuid a' Sasghun 's a' Duneidin,
Le gearradh arm gach fir ^s a sheula,
'S bithidh aon o Dhubh-sleibh dha' maireach.
A Dhomlmuill oig, &c.
Cha d' aithnich mi'n lamh-sgriobhaidh ghasta
Gus an d'fhosgail mi'n seula naisgte,
'Nuau-' chunnaic mi'n Gaedheal a phaisg i,
Thoisicb na facail so ri tathadh.
A Dhomhnuill oig, &c.
Leugh mi' mach i gun iarraidh,
'S bu mhodhaU snasmbor a briatb'ran,
Nuair' rainig mi Dombnull Mac Dbiarmaid,
Dhfhalbb m' iargain 's rinn mi gaire.
A Dhomhnuill oig, &c.
Thuirt bean an tighe 's mairig a shoradh,
Cuir an t-seanachais an ordugh,
Thoir tus us' deireadh an sgeoil da,
'S iomraiteach am p6r o'n dfhas e.
A Dhomhnuill oig, &c.
74
So a dliuine tog do mhisneach,
'S cruaidh an cuibhreacli nach gabh bristeadh
*S cuis olc nach fhacas ni 's miosa,
Cha deanadas neo-gblic a chraidh thu.
A Dhomlmuill oig, &c.
Ged' tha thu leasganach crubach,
Chunnaic mis' thu dana luth'or,
Tha mi mar' bha o thus duit,
'S is laidir ar cura nach failnich.
A Dhomhnuill oig, &c.
Toisich gabh an dail an Fhrancaich,
'S mar leughas tu eadar-theangaich,
Cha chost an duais-sgriobhaidh plane dhuit,
Foghnaidh dhomhsa rann mar chach bhuait.
A Dhomhnuill oig, &c.
Gabhaidh mise Wynton foghlumt',
Chi sinn an dean iad cordadh,
*S theid Mac Dhiarmaid a thorachd,
Gun bun na craobh 's is leoir a h-ailleachd.
A Dhomhnuill oig. &c.
75
Dhf liosgail i bosdan glaiste,
'S am bheil seorsachan 'an tasgaidh,
Fhuair i it 'a gbeoidh gblais ann,
'S cbaidh i air tbapadb mar b' abbaist.
A Dhombnuill oig, &c.
Thug i'n t-seircag sgaiteach liobbaidh,
A' truaill bheag nan oracbd riombach,
A bba coig linntean aig a sinnsf bir,
'An gleann tiorail fad o'n t-saile.
A Dbombnuill oig, &c.
Gbearr i gu sgeannail seolta,
An it o' barr m'a letb oirlicb,
Le sgoltadb cbo caol ri roineag,
Guibein glan 'bu bboidb'cb a tbairr'neadb.
A Dbombnuill oig, &c.
Na cruthanan maiseach neonacb,
,Ei taobb a cbeil' an deagb ordugb^
Na 'n sreatban snasmbor direacb doigbeil,
M' eibbneas sonruicbt' an lamb ud.
A Dbombnuill oig, &c.
76
ORAOBH SHEANACHAIS CHLANN DIAKMAID-
UlLLEAM CaIMBEAL AN TrIATH AoRACU. MDCCCLVI.
Mac Iain,
Mac Iain,
Mac Iain,
Mac GJiiUeaspuic,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Chailein,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Chailein,
Mac Chailein,
Mac Chailein,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Neill,
Mac Chaileinmhoir,
Mac Dhonachaidh,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Chailein,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Ghilleaspuic,
Mac Phol,
Mac Dhonachaidh-an-aigh,
Mac NeiUmhoir,
Mac Mheirbimhoir,
■ Mac Eoghain Riabhaich,
Mac Raoine Ghairbh,
Mac Dhiarmaid,
^lac 0 Duibhne,
77
Mac Chatha Fanan,
Mac Cholla Meann,
Mac Eochaidh Dubhl^n,* Rigli Eirin.
Fiachadli SreabMliuine, Rigli Eirin.
Facha-Airgeach, Rigt Eirin.
Cairbre-Liffeachair, Righ Eirin.
Eochaidh-Gunait, Righ Eirin.
Cormaic-Ulfada, Righ Eirin.
Fearghas-Dubh-fhiaclach, Righ Eirin.
Lughaidh-Mac Conn, Righ Eirin.
Airtt-Aonf Mr, Righ Eirin.
Conar Mac Conn, Righ Eirin.
CoNNCETJD Chatuach, Righ Eirin.
Cathaire-mor, Rigti Eirin.
Feidhlimhidh-Reachtmhor, Righ Eirin.
Tuathal Teachtmhor, Rigli Eirin.
Eilim Mac Conrach, Righ Eirin.
Cairbre Ceann-Cait, Rigli Eirin.
Fiachadh-Fionoluidh, Righ Eirin.
Fiach-Fion Mac Daire, Righ Eirin.
Fearaidhach-Fionfachtnach, Righ Eirin.
Crioman-]Sriathnar,t Righ Eirin.
Conar- Abhraidh-ruadh,:}: Righ Eirin.
Lughaidh-Riabdhearg, Rigli Eirin.
Fineamhnas, I^igt Eirin.
Conar Mac Eidirsgeoil, Righ Eirin.
Nuadha-Neacht, Righ Eirin.
Eidir-sgeoil, Righ Eirin.
Eochaidh-Aireamh, E.igli Eirin.
Finn Mac Filocha, Righ Eirin.
FinlochaMac Roighnein-Riiadh,Righ Eirin.
* Bha o'n duine so dliiubh air an ais na'n Righrean Eirin mar a
leanas faicgu h-ard.
f- Air uairaibh Criomihan. ^ a.m. 4G00.
78
Easamhuin Eamhna,* Eigli Eirin.
Blachta Mac Lablira Luirc, Rigli Eirin.
Labhra-Luirc, ^ E,igh Eirin.
Eochaidh-Feidhlioch, Rigli Eirin.
Fachtna Fathach, High Eiiin.
Duacli Dalta,t Righ Eirin.
Conall-Claireinach, Righ Eirin.
Lughaidh Luaghne, Righ Eirin.
Breisal,! Rigli Eirin.
Lonadbmliair,§ Righ Eirin.
Ruairidh Mor, Rigb Eirin.
Ruairidh Sitridh, Righ Eirin.
Criomtliancosgrach, Righ Eirin.
Eandaigneach, Righ Eirin.
Niadhseadhmhuin, Righ Eirin.
Conallcallamhrach, Righ Eirin.
Aonghastuirmheach, Righ Eirin.
Fearghasfortmhuill, Righ Eirin.
Eochaidhfoltleathan, Righ Eirin.
Admharfoltcaoin, Righ Eirin.
Oillioll,|l Righ Eirin.
Fearcorb, Righ Eirin.
Conta,ir Righ Eirm.
Aonghasollomh, Righ Eirin.
Modhcorb,** Righ Eirin.
Meilge,t+ Righ Eirin.
Labhraloinsgeach, Righ Eirin.
COBHTACHGADBREAQH, Righ Eiriu.
Laoghaire Lore, Righ Eiriu.
Bad-chudh, Righ Eirin.
Ugaine Mor, Righ Eirin.
' Mac Labhra-Luirc. f Air uairabh Duach-Dalta-Deaghadh.
] Breisal-Bo-dliiabh. § Mac Niasain. || Casf hiaclach.
^ Mac iaran Glo fathach. ** Mac Cobbtach-Caoinli.
ff Mao Cobhtach-Gaol-breagh.
79
Eochaidhbuadhaig,
Keachd-taice,*
Machadhmungruadh,
Conbaothmacfioiitain,
Diotliorba,t
Aodh ruadh,
Lughaidli-Laigh,
Duach Laighrach,
Sior Lamh,
Seaman Breac,
Seadlina lonaraice,
Fionn Mac Bratha,
Eochaidh Ap-thach,
Nuadh Fionn-Fail,
Airt imleach,
Giallachadh Mac Olchaoin,
Eithna Mac Rotheachta,
Aillin Mac Rotheachta,
Siorna Saoghalach Mac Dein,
Dein Mac Eotheachta,
OiUioU Mac SlanoU,
Beam Gall,
Fiachadh Mac Fionachta,
Geide-Oll-gothach,
Slan Oil,
Fionachta,
011am Fodhla,
Aild-dearg- oidh,
Muin-cean-choin,
Fiachadh- Fan-gothach,
Rathcuachain,
Maoin- Mac Aonghuis,|
" Corr uair Reachd-taice-Righ-dearg.
I Ollmuchach.
Righ Eirin»
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirim.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin,
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
Righ Eirin.
f Mac Dioniain
80
Rotheachta Mac Maoin, E,igli Eirin.
Eadan Airgtheach, Rigli Eirin.
Aonghas-Ollmhucliacli, Righ Eirin.
Eocliaidh Mumha, Righ Eirin.
Eiacliadli Labhruine, Rigti Eirin.
Smior Guil, Righ Eirin.
Ean-bothadh, Righ Eirin.
Eochaidh Faobharglas, Righ Eirin.
Cearmna, Righ Eirin.
Eochaidh-Fadsgothach, Righ Eirin.
Tighear-mhais, Righ Eirin.
Follain, Righ Eirin.
Conn-maol, Rigb Eirin.
Eiriall, Rig^i Eirin.
Irial-Faidh, Righ Eirin.
Earmon Mac Righ Eirin.
MiLEAG ESPAINE CeUD,* RiGH EiRIN
Extracted fromCount 0' Kelly's Essay and other Milesian
records.
ORAN DO ARTT MAC LACHAIXX,
duin' uasal earea-ghaedhealach.
FONN.
Slainte bhuan do Artt Mac Lachaiun,
Cuimlineaclian do'n uasal ghast ud ;
Togaibh cliii le fonu na seist,
'S clia'n innisgbreig acb sgeula ceart e.
Db-fbeudainn labbairt a'm' oran,
Air uaislean 's air ursannan coraig;
Air Teallsanaicb 's air ard lucbd-fogbliini :
S ann do'n t-seors' ud Artt Mac Lacbainii.
Slainte, &c.
An Cill-a-Bbrid' Earra-Gbaidbeal,
Gbeibbear craobb-sbeanacbaise ua bba dbibb ;
A's ged a mbill sgrioblom an fbardacb,
Gun taingdb'i dbfbagadb Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
F
82
Fhir dig a thig a' tir nan Ard-bheann,
Air t'aineoil 's tu gun ni gun cbairdean;
Ma tha thu saor de' mlii-mlieas taireil :
Gheibh tbu baigb o Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
Ma's duin'uasal tbu d'ar-rigbribb,
Macanta, suairce, dileas;
A gbleidb an ratb'd ard le firinn ;
Lean tbu direach Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
Ma's duin' tbu le stiuradb naduir,
Tba'n comainn na tuigs' a db-f bas leat ;
A's tbu guidbe gu'm faigb tbu do kin d'i,
Kuig do bbratbair Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
Ma's fear tbu, le beusan stold', [cbuis;
A db-fbogair gruaim 'sa db-fbuatbaicb mor-
'Sa bbristeas gun fbiamb giall an fboirneart,
Tba do dboigb aig Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
83
'Nuair cliaidh slioclid nam Fiannan ordiigh,
A ghleidheadh cuimhne Bard Bheinn-Dor-
B'e tus a's deireadh an cdmhraidh, [ain,
'S cliu d'ar combail Artt Mac Lacliainn.
Slainte, &c.
Mairidli a chuimhne fad' an deigh so,
An dion-seanacliais nan linn a dh'eireas ;
'S gach fear a' feoraich d'a ceil'
An cual thu sgeul air Artt Mac Lachainn.
Slainte, &c.
Bithidh iomradh ard ort, le deagh dburachd,
Aig Gaidheil 'n uair bhith's tu' d' smurach ;
'S e'n gaol a thug thuriamh do d'dhutliaich,
A dh-fhagas iir dhoibh Artt Mac Lacbainn.
Slainte, &c.
COMHRADH MAR GU M BIODH E EADER
BANTIGHEARF ELLERSLIE AGUS THOMAS LEARMONT,
Auair a theich UinLEAM Wallace an deigh dha Seillne
a mharbhadh.
BANTIGHEARNA.
O amhgbair c'ait an stad,
Do l3liuillean goirt,
Na'n dtig criocli air ar nan deiii\
Na c'uiii a tliogas t' uallach,
Dliinn us' diobradli leir,
O thus' a Righ na gloir,
O'n dfhuair sinn bitli,
Gleidli na dlifliuiricli beo,
Nach leoir na tbuit,
Mar iobairt chasgraidh,
Do 'nauibaid borb nach sguir,
A thoracbd mo mhic gbaoil,
Air faondradh feadh choilltean fas,
'S 'am frogan uaigneach bbeann.
85
'S a tlieachd an tir,
De' fhaobli nam briiidean allt,
Na luibhean searbb na fiidh,
'S nacb eoil donih 'm bheil e tinn,
Na slan na tbeagamb marbh le dith,
S nacb cluinn mi tulleadb,
C'ait an tuit e'n lamb an eig,
'S na naimbdean fuileacb,
Air a tboir a dbf beudas teacbd 'na dbail,
'Nuair' dbfbaibiicbeas a tbreoir,
'S e fann 's nacb aobbar eagail,
Do na daoidb a lamb na lann,
Nacb do tbuit mo cboimpir uasal treun,
Atbair reubt' le iomadb lot,
Fo sbleagban bas'or Gball,
'S ar mac gun deo ri' tbaobb,
'An catb mo cbreacb,
A tbug iad nam araon.
O Uile cbumbacbd da'n leir gacb ni,
'Tbug t-ainm gloirmbor do gacb al,
Mar Atbair gaoil us' sitb,
Dean furtacbd air mo cbas,
A Rigb nan Eigb.
86
THOIVIAS.
Co'r son a tha thu' caoidli,
'S nacli eil 'an so ach seal,
Mar bhoinn' an doimbn' a chuain,
Tha uin' an duin' a bhos,
'An coimeas ris a bbith gun cbriocb,
A bbeir caocbladb beatba dhuinn,
'An Riogb'chd na bitb-bbuantacbd,
Far am faigb sinn gras gu gras,
Us' gloir gu gloir,
Gu siorruidb a' fas 's a fas,
M's mo 's ni's mo,
'An eolas gaoil us' sitb,
An Ti da'm buin gacb cHu,
A ta 'gar smacbdacbadb an diugb,
Mar chinneacb ciontacb,
Nach do lean a ghutb,
Ged' shaor e sinn co trie,
O'r naimbdean laidii' fiat,
A bba fad air tith ar sgrios,
Nacb dfbuair an toil mar 'dbiarr,
Us bbeir e' ritbist air a b-ais,
An t-saors' a tbugadb bbuainn,
87
Bi cinnteach thig an la,
*S am faigh sinn fois mar 'fhiiair.
Co'r son a tlia tliu a' caoidli?
'S do bhron co trom,
A'n e do mhac 'blii 'mach,
Fo mlieacliain choill us' bheann.
Gun fhurtachd acli a shaors',
A cliridhe treun 's a lann.
Co'r son a tha thu a' caoidh ?
Ged 'tha e' nis 'an cas,
Us rolla Freasdail duint',
Bi cinnteach thig an la,
'S am faicear dgh nam fear ^
A triall le greadhnachas nan Clann,
Gu h-iomairt chruaidh nan lann,
Bi cinnteach thig an la,
' S an cluinnear anns gach tir.
Us' mairidh gu la 'bhrath,
Air feadh gach linn 'ga luaidh,
A ghibt a f huair do mhac,
Nach ceannaich or na luach,
A chuir gu Cinueach claoidht.
88
Fo amlagliar sgiurs gun iochd,
Nam borb 'bha riamli ri Iochd,
Co'r son a tha thu' caoidh,
Tha 'n latba tarruing dluth,
'S an tionndaidli smachd a bhais,
Air cinn nam foirneartach gun bhaigh.
Co'r son a tba thu' caoidh,
Bi cinnteach thig an la,
'S am faicear Albin saor,
A dhain'eoin fuath us' treis^,
Na chuir i 'n amhgliar geur,
S a tha fhathast to'airt fuath,
Do mhac rath nam buadh,
Co'r son a tha thu' caoidh,
O's garbh a dhiogh'lar fath,
Do bhroin a bhean,
Bi cinnteach thig an la,
'S an sgoilt an stailin glas,
Goillean na' mugach allt,
'S an gialan a spreadadh au* feur,
Le deannal nan cruadh laun beurr.
89
Co'r sou a tha tliu' caoidh,
Faic drillseiii dearg air barr gach sleibh,
'S crois Tara 'ruith,
A' tioual nam fear mor,
Connspuinn euchdacli nan cas dearg,
Neart mhar Leoghanaibh fridh,
Fo bhrataichean iomaclh dathach gu biiaidh,
A tho'airt aii' ais duiun,
Na tha bhuainn, sonas us' sith.
FAILTE MHAIEI NIC NEACHTAIN,
BEAN UASAL ANN AN GLASCHO.
Sgeul a dhfhagas mi do cbach,
Cuimlineacban na tlia 's mar 'fhuair,
Mi'n te mhaiseacli is fbearr gne,
Matbair mbac us ceil 'an f bir mboir,
M' an cualas' na ait,
Ri guaillin an t-sean laoicb,
Air fireacb nam boid.*
Is iogbnadb ordugb gacb ni,
'An oibir an Ti' tbug o sbean,
Mar cboimpire do'n duine 'na fbeum,
Roinn detb fein da'n goirear bean,
Saoileam nacb fiaradb o'n eboir,
Ged a sbonruicb mise 'na' measg,
Aon le subbailcean drd,
Nacb b-urrainn mi 'n tratb s' a mbeas.
* Faic cuimhneacban Bhragli'd Alba.
91
Beannachd dhuit annsaclid na seirc,
Stolda daonnachdail ciuin,
'S trie thu 'furtachd na h-airc,
Le gean us' le toil t'fhear riiin,
'S barrant air sonas gun cbrioch,
Macantacbd dilseacbd us' truas,
Us' tuigse tbar moran beo,
A fbuair tbu mar tbiodblacbd gu feum,
Nan ainnis fo leon.
Leanaidb sud riut fad do re,
Guidbe nam feumacb 's deagb-gbean cbaicb,
'S tba 'n gealladb gu 'n ruig e do sbliocbd,
'S nacb dicbuimbnicb ciira nam bocbd,
Lucbd teanacbdais nan dibleacb fann,
A bbitb's 'na Dbia 's na sgiatb,
Dboibb sud 's da 'n clann.
Beannacbd us' failte 'na dbeigb,
Gu ceil' an fbu- cbalma dbeas,
Us' dutbcbas duibb araon da Dbun,
Olla na miiirn us' da Eamh,
'S bitbidb mise 's an Tur,
Dba'm buin mi fbe.
UILLEAM MAC DHUN-LEIBH,
AM BAED.
EANN DO EOGHAN MAC CUIEEICH,
Fear teagaisg Gaelic ami am Baile Ath Clialh
A dliiiiii' uasail fboghlumt mhiiirmch,
Ged' blia mo cbeolradli 's an smuraich,
CoiT us' fichead bliadlma dliuisg i,
'Nuair cliual i ainm an fhir chliuiticli.
Eogban gu biiaidli.
Eirin uaine tog do cheann,
'S na bi ni 's mo fo ghlasaibh teanu,
Do chainnt oirdheirc oil do d' chlann,
A tliogas cliu le gloir neo-fhann,
Air Eoglian gu buaidh.
Canain aosda cblamia Milidh,
A bha'nns an t-saoghal riamh 's nacli dibir,
Cha' chuir ganlas nambaid' sios i,
'S i' nis 'an lamban a fear didein.
Eogban gu buaidb.
93
Canain aigh nam buadhan oirdheirc,
A b' fharsuing cliu air feadli na Eorpa,
Bithidli i fhathast mar a thoisicb,
Osceann gach cainnt na b-iucbair eolais.
Aig Eogban gu buaidb.
Tha tir nam beann 's nan tail 'an gaol ort,
Sean Albin cbruaidb na' Moracbd aosda,
'Toh't furan duit le lamban sgaoilte,
A dbain' eoin co' tbeir uacb faod i.
Eoigbain gu buaidb.
Cba Cbrois-Tara na Rosg-catba,
Cba gaoir bais 'an gabbadb cblaidbean,
Acb combradb soluis nam flaitbean,
A tba 'an Innis Pbail' na'n luidbe-
'Tba'ig Eogban gu buaidb.
Tba laoicb nam Breacan a' cuir f ailt ort,
Le fuaim stuic 's le caitbream clarsaicb,
A' labbairt riut a nunn tbar saile,
Le seire fuil uaibbreacb nan Gaedbeal.
Eoigbain gu buaidb.
94
'S eoil doibh Seanachas na h-Eirean,
Anns na linnibli cian a tlireig sinn,
'S ni iad gu deonacli a leugliadli,
'Nuair 'tliig i o mheoir a clileirich.
Eoghan gu buaidh.
'S eoil doibh Eachdraidh nan armunn,
Oilliollollam 's Connal cearnacb,
Conn-buadbadi us' Logblunn laidir,
Brian bo roimhe 's na tba dbiubh,
Aig Eogban gu buaidh.
Guidheamaid 'dhuit chu us' slainte,
Urram us' meas anns gach aite,
'S com' nach bi mise mar' tha each dhuit,
Huru mire mo Ghridh Righ na Gaehe.
Eoghan gu buaidh.
CATH THOM EALACHAIDH
EADAR NA
GAE'IL ALBANNACH AGUS NA SASGHUNAICH
ANNS A BLIADHNA 1302.
0 Albin co'r 'son nach,
Faic thu'n diugli air choir,
Dilseaclid nau Airidhean feachd,
A dbfhuiling air do sgath,
Cruadail bas us' gleacbd.
Co'r son nach bi thu mar a bba,
Nacb tog thu'n aird do cheann,
Nach seas thu' rithist mar bu nos,
Aig toiseach Riogh'chdan na h-Eorp,
An d-toir gur neo-ghlan,
Nan garr mucach bhuait do chiall,
Do mhaoin do choir us' do Dhia,
Eirich a sheana Mhathair bhuadhach,
Rioghail dhoirbh,
Ardanach aintheasach threorach gharbh,
96
Tliig ainach le d' Mhorachd o sliean,
'S cluiuneadh do mliic,
Le seirm nam Bard co'r son.
'Nuair' rainig an sgeul na laoicli,
Nach obadh stri,
Gu'n robli na naimhdean a' teachd,
Air titli an glacadli beo,
Ruith na h-Albannaicli do'n choill,
'S an cridheachan mor,
Laiste le innsgin duthcbais,
Nam fear treun le 'm b' anns',
An t-eug na mallaclid cuing,
A cliuir eaceart air muineal cinneacli saor,
A bbrist i gun taing,
Co acb Albannaich le treoir,
A sambuil nacli cualas riamh,
A slieasadli 'an duiseal nan speic,
Treubbach an gniomli,
An fbicbead fear a b' f bearr,
A tbarruing cruaidb,
O na dbfbosgail Adbaimb a sbuil,
A tbug catb do tbri cbeud,
Fear garg cleacbta ri ar,
97
Fiata mar Thuirc a' clion,
An garaiclli cuil 'ana brocluinn,
Arc! nail stuc.
B' ionnan na luinsicliean ciar,
A' riiitli 'an coinneamli nan sonn,
'Am bealacli an doire ghuirm,
Far an do sheas,
UiLLEAM Ualas le naoi fir dlieug,
A to'airt dublilan do' nanib,
A luidh 'an snd mar cbuirm.
Do bhruidean na fridh,
M'an deacbaidb grian,
Fo dbubbar na b-oidhcbe 's an iar,
'Nuair' dblutbaich na naimbdean,
Air na koicb,
Cba' d'fbuah' iad an cotbrom a sbaoil,
Bba 'm bealacb cumbang le stacan cbrag,
'S an cuibonn deilgneach gorm,
'Ga 'n dion m'an cuairt,
Staing riocbd nan sonn 'bu gbaiibbeacb nuar
A tbng coinne sgreataidb do na daoidb,
Le lannan leatban geiir,
A bbuail mar dbealain air sroin,
Nan laoicean gun gbras,
98
A ruitli do ghialan a bbais,
Fo bhviillean nan treun,
A bha spreadadh 'na'n cabbadh dearg,
Claigain smuais us' feitb'n,
Na tbainig a steach air bealacb,
Coisrigt' a cbitbear o linn gu linn.
Far an d' itealaicb an t-Aingeal dion,
Os ceann nan Gaedbeal' na'n aire,
A' fritbealadli neart do'n bhuidbinn bhig,
Claoidbta le ionnsaidb nan sgaotb,
Bba' spairneacbd troimb'n gblaic,
Le cutbaeb fuatli us' geilt,
Roimb bbuillean an dara Samsoin^
Gaol namfirein naeb do stad,
Duais foille na namb,
'An sud as ur 'an eas,
Ged dbfbalbh na daoi le sgreamb,
Us nacb b' eoil doibb staid nan laocb,
Bba cuid diubb leonta fann,
'S am fuil mboralacb a' ruitb,
'Na caocbain bbras 's gun doigb,
Fliatbast air dol as mar' tbill,
Na buirb 'na'n tri buidbnean,
"An run bristeadb a steacb,
99
Air doire nan iomradh cian,
Far an do chuireadh an cath dian,
A mhair lath 's oidhche,
Gus an do sgaoil falluing neoil,
A sgiort a sgar a chonnspaid,
Mar a dhorduich Righ bithbhuan,
Nan gras a bhith.
Ghabh na Gae'il an sanas,
Us' dhfhalbh iad fo'n chitli.
A MHAIGHDEAK ILEACH,
EADARTHEANGATCIIT o'n BHEURLA LE UGHDAR NAN DUAN SO.
Aig ciian nuallanacli uam bras sliruth,
'S griaii ag oradli nan tonn atmlior,
Air ckiasag fheoir 's an Ion 'na mhaise,
Bu trie a rinn onracbd m' altrom.
Air oiteag glilan na mara seideadh,
Chluiunt an t-oran gaoil so 'm' blieul, -
'S cronan an uillt troimb'n reidblein,
Le borbbanaicb cbiuin 'ga m' bbeusadh.
Ruitbeadb uin air sgiatbaibb dicbuimbn,
'Xuair tbogain ceol do'n Mbaigbdean IHcb,
'S a mais a' fadadb teine diombair,
'Na lasair gbaoil 's nacb faodainn innseadb.
Ged' bbiodb doirionn cuain a' seideadb,
'S dealanacb feadb neoil 'ga'n reubadb,
'S torunn tairneinicb a' beucaicb,
Bbeireadb cuimbne t'iombaigb ceill donili,
101
Dlifhalbh sibh gu brath do'n t-siorr'aclid,
A laithean mo sholais fior-ghlan,
Na h-uairean a tliombais g'ar crich sibb,
Cba till sibb a dbaiseag sitb dbomb.
'S mi 'seubbas air faicli a' m' onracbd,
Ag eisdeacbd tlionn ri tir a' combrag,
'S cuimbneacbau na dbfbalbb 'ga m' leonadh
Tbeicb sibb 'nam 's mi' so gun docbas.
IAIN EOENA,
EADARTHEANGAICHTE O BHEURLA REABAIRT BURNS
LE UQHDAR NAN DUAN SO.
Bha tri Righ'rean, aims an eai\
Tri Rigli'rean, morail ard,
Us' thug iad, mionnan gu'm bu choir,
lam Eorii' a chuir gu has.
Ghabh iad crann, us' threabh iad 'sios e,
Fo na sgrioban garbh,
Us bhoidich iad, le mionnan mor,
Gu'n robh, Iain Eorna marbh.
Thainig an T-earrach, beo a steach,
Thuit frasan, air o'n aird,
'S ghabh iad iongantas ro mhor,
Gu'n robh Ian Eorn' a fas.
Thainig grianaibhteith an t-samhraidhbhlath
Us chinn e laidir garbh,
Bha' cheann fo airm le sleaghaibh geur,
'S CO dhfheudadh beud dha' thairgs.
JOHN BAELEYCOEN.
There were three kings into the east,
Three kings both great and high,
An' they hae sworn a solemn oath,
John Barleycorn should die.
They took a plough and plough' d him down,
Put clods upon his head;
And they hae sworn a solemn oath
John Barleycorn was dead.
But the cheerful spring came kindly on,
And showers began to fall;
John Barleycorn got up again,
And sore surprised them all.
The sultry suns of summer came,
And he grew thick and strong.
His head well armed wi' pointed spears,
That no one should him wron^.
104
Tliainig am fogliar aigh a steach,
Us' chinn e toracli glas,
Thug altaibh seact' air giorra shaogh'l,
Us' cliaochail e gu grad.
Blia' dhreacli ro clioltach ris an aog,
'Niiair' thug an aois air searg,
An sin thoisich a naimhdean gu leir,
Ri cuir an geill am fearg.
Ghabh iad arm 'bha fada geur,
A ghearr m'a'n ghlun e' sios,
Us' clieangail iad e air feun gu dluth,
Mar shamhlar cuineadli Eigh.
An sin leag iad e air a dhruim gu luath,
Us' bhuail iad e gu goirt,
Us' chrioch iad e 's an doinion gharbh,
'Ga' thionndadh thall 's a bhos.
An sin lion iad slociid' bha ogluidh dorch'
Le h-uisg gu ruig' am beul,
'S chuir iad Iain Eorn' a sios gun dail,
'S e 'shnamh ann na' dhol eua:.
105
The sober autumn entered mild,
When he grew wan and pale;
His bending joints and drooping head
Show'd he began to fail.
His colour sicken' d more and more,
He faded into age,
And then his enemies began
To show their deadly rage.
They've taen a weapon long and sharp,
And cut him by the knee;
Then tied him fast upon a cart.
Like a rogue for forgerie.
They laid him down upon his back,
And cudgelled him full sore ;
They hung him up before the storm,
And turned him o'er and o'er.
They filled up a darksome pit
With water to the brim ;
They heaved in John Barleycorn,
There let him sink or swim.
106
Leag iad e air urlar criiaidh,
'S b' e Slid an tiniaigh 'bu mho,
'S luaisg iad e 'sios us' a suas,
Oir b' fhuath beo e' bhi beo.
Le lasair loisgeach smior a cbuamh,
Air uacbdar aith gu'n d' loisg,
'S bha' Muilleir an iochdmhor thar chach,
Rinn e smal deth le da chloicb.
Fior fhuil a cbridhe ghabh na seoid,
'Ga h-61 m'an cuaiii; 's man cuairt,
Us mar bu mho a rinn iad ol,
Chaidh cainnt am beoil 'an crua'dhs.
Iain Eorna tha na laoch ro dhan,
Neo sgathach Ikn de' dhuails,
Ma dhfheuchas tu ach fhuil le d' bhlas,
Cha' ghealtair thu 's an uair.
Bheir e air duine truagh gun sgoinn,
A bhi gu h-aoibhneach gast,
'S bheir e air bantrach a bhroin,
A bhi 'seinn gu ceolar ait.
107
They laid him out upon the floor,
To work him further woe,
And still as signs of life appeared.
They toss'd him to and fro.
They wasted, o'er a scorching flame,
The marrow of his bones ;
But a miller used him worst of aU,
For he crushed him between two stones.
And they hae taen his heart's blood,
And drank it round and round ;
And still the more and more they drank,
Their joy did more abound.
John Barleycorn was a hero bold.
Of noble enterprise;
For if you do but taste his blood,
^ Twill make your courage rise.
'Twill make a man forget his woes;
'Twill heighten all his joy:
'Twill make the widow's heart to sing.
Though the tear were in her eye.
108
Bithidh slioclid 'au Alba sbean gu buan,
Aig Iain Eorna nan cruaidh gbleacbd,
Us' olaidb sinn ni'an cuairt a sblaint,
Us' cuacb 'an lamb gacb neacb.
109
Then let us toast John Barleycorn,
Each man a glass in hand ;
And may his great posterity,
Ne'er fail in old Scotland 1
A BRIEF SKETCH
PROVING THE
AUTHENTICITY
OF
THE POEMS OF OSSIAN,
Addressed to the Scottish Public.
My Counteymek,
I hope you will not be disappointed
if you will find, in tlie course of these pages, little of
ceremony and false courtesy, as our subject requires for
its motto — " no compromise," and therefore all flattery
must be discarded, as the subject to be treated of is a
national one, and that consequently the reader is respec-
fully requested to give a fair perusal to these sheets ere
he will pass his verdict, admitting that the cruelty of
men to their fellows chiefly consists of envy, oppression,
and insolence, to which evils all others may be traced,
and that as these are as universal as the human family,
it is the less to be wondered at that animosity between
nations must be equally general, considering that the
usurping and ambitious are continually seeking to ruin
112
the object of their hatred, while the latter, if worthy of
being called men, cannot but resist. Had it been our
fate, as a nation, to have been conquered some ages past,
there might be some excuse for our present apathy under
the frequent buffetting we receive from our home neigh-
bours. Had we been subdued at any past period, some
palliation might be pleaded to quash the least murmur,
however daring an insolent foe might inflict contempt,
or whatever else might be the domineering propensities
of supposed superiority. No doubt hard blows must be
dealt before hardened thieves are made to restore what
they would unjustly hold, and before a dormant people
be brought to see the crime of casting away a primitive
language, and the still extant monuments of its litera-
ture, for innovations despicable below description.
It were bad enough to have an endless warfare with
the English, bad enough to combat our hereditary foes,
without being under the necessity to fight their Eerish
auxiliaries also. Hence there is little use in half mea-
sures, little use in stopping short of searching to the
foundation of this subject, and as that can only be ac-
complished by the guidance of antiquity, the sooner we
take that veteran for our leader the better.
It was once a maxim in Scottish law, that the cha-
racter of witnesses was investigated before they would
be admitted as such; and if found to be under bad fame
or influences, by prejudice against the panel at the bar,
justice demanded their immediate prohibition from bear-
ing evidence, &c. We must take our stand upon this
118
fundamental principle, and very briefly announce to both
Irish and English, that they have no right to be admitted
as evidence in this case, inasmuch as that the former are
cowardly renegades, who sold their right to heaven and
earth upwards of seven centuries ago; and the latter
despicable upstarts, unworthy of no more notice than to
be marked out as a warning to mankind to beware of
lies and false pretences.
That what is more immediately connected with our
present undertaking, and what ought to be specially
noticed, is, that the " Irish" and their English " 2:>7^ovos'
are too long in the company of each other to learn
honour or honesty, too long in the way of evil to desire
separation, or dissolve that league by which they think
to be able, by perseverance in the art of lying, to become
masters of what it is expected this Sketch will prove to
be not theirs, but the undoubted right of the Scottish
nation. That however criminal the poor upstart Nor-
mans are in their attempt to make themselves som.ething
at the expense of others — having nothing of their own
— it cannot for a moment be admitted that there is any
degree of comparison between them and the Irish; for
who can allow that a youth, whatever his guilt may be,
can be compared with the hoary-headed rascal by whom
he is taught to steal and lie. That in like manner the
English can be in a great measure exculpated, when we
contrast them with their " Irish'' allies. That the his-
tory of so conspicuous a character as Ossian, whose fame
and poems survived the vicissitudes of time for nearly
H
114
sixteen centuries, sliould receive a lasting tribute of
honour from the Scottish nation, whose ancestors he
frequently led in battle, and whose feats he sung in those
inimitable strains still in the hands of their descendants
as he left them; and especially that these poems represent
the manners, customs, refinement, and valour of our pro-
genitors at the period of which they treat, and that there-
fore a subject of so much importance ought to be rescued
from the aspersions of foreign impostors, who cannot
read nor understand one word of the language of the
Caledonian Minstrel.
That the English reader will be pleased to notice that
the terms necessarily presented to him as we proceed are
not so difficult to pronounce as may be supposed; that
where the term Fionn, the name of the Fingalian leader,
will occur, pronounce it Fyunu, and the same term in the
genitive singular (^Fhinii) can be pronounced like een
in green, &c. That as the many localities about to be
mentioned derive their appellatives from Fionn or
Fionnghael, Fianyi, Fiannach, and Fianntan, it will be
observed that these terms simply signify that Fionn got
his name from his fair hair; that he is frequently also
called Fionn-ghael, i.e. Fionn of the Celts; that Fiann
and Fiayintan signify Fingalians; and Fiannach, a Fin-
galian soldier.
LOCAL EVIDENCE PROVING THE FINGALIANS TO BE
SCOTTISH, AND NOT IRISQ.
1. There is, in the shire of Angus and parish of Oath-
115
law, an elevation of about 1500 feet above the level of
the sea, called Fionribhemn, or the mount of Fingal.
2. There is, in the county of Banff and parish of Rath-
ven, a place called Fianndachie, i.e. the home of the
Fingalians. It is now anglicised Findochie or Fiu-
dochtie.
3. There is, in the shire of Kincardine, at the Girdle -
ness promontory, the eastern termination of the Gram-
pians, a beautiful elevation called Fionn Dun, or the
fort of Fingal.
4. There is, in the shire of Inverness, at the head
of Loch-shiel, Fiann Ain, or the river of the Fingalians,
running through Gleann Fiannan, or the vaUey of the
Fingalians. Here the clans first unfurled the standard
of Prince Charles Stuart (a d. 1745).
5. There is, partly running through the counties of
Inverness, Nairn, and Moray, the water of Fion7iroinn,
i.e. Fingal's division, the name of that wild impetuous
stream dividing the hills of Stratherrick and Strathearn
of M'Intosh. The village of Findhorn or Findhern, on
the Moray Firth, is a barbarous imitation of the original,
as above.
6. There is, in the county of Aberdeen, the parish
of Fionntrath, or Fingal's luncheon, a very appropriate
appellation, as few spots can present a finer variety of
heights and levels, or more fertile for both game and
crops. Especially on the banks of the Don the soil is
excellent.
7. There is, in the shire of Angus, a rividet called
116
Fiannuidhe, pronounced Fiann-uie, i.e. the Fingalians
rest. It joins the Lunan somewhere near Kin ell.
8. There is, in the shire of Lanark, the parish of
Biddein Fhiann, pronounced Bijen lann. It is no«^
anglicised Pettinian, another example of how admirable
we are progressing. The above appellation is derived
from some hiowes in the parish, and signifies the cones
of the Fingalians.
9. There is, in the county of Aberdeen, the parish of
Bath Fhiann, pronounced Rd lann, or the cemetery of the
Fingalians; and there are still several Tumuli and erect
stones there. It is now anglicised Eayne, and some-
times Rain.
10. There is also, in the shire of Angus, and parish
of Kirriemuir, a river originally called Prois-Fhiann,
]>ronounced Prosh-Iann, i.e the pride of the Fingalians.
It is now anglicised Prosen, and sometimes Prossin.
1 1 . There is, in the same place, a valley called Pj-os
Fhinn, or Fingal's pride, near Kirriemuir.
12. There is, in the share of Roxburgh, a hill called
Bun BViiami, or the Fingalian's fort, 1031 feet above
the level of the sea.
13. There is, at the north end of the Ochills, where
they terminate in Strathearn, county of Perth, another
Bun Fhiann, which gives name to that parish and village.
It is now anglicised Dunning. The Gaelic population of
western fctrathearn and of Braed-Aibin has still pre-
served the original appellation.
14. There is, in West Lothian, about 17 miles from
117
Edinburgh, Tor-faich Fhinn, now Torpichen or Torphi-
chen. The elevation so called is about 1600 feet above
the level of the sea. It gives name to the parish of
Torphichen. It is sometimes designated Cairn Naple,
but for what reason I do not know, nor is it worth
while to enquire, as the last appellation has no connection
with the original, and much less with our subject. It
is enough to state that the name is derived from Torr,
height or heap ; and Faiclie, field ; and Fionn, Fingal.
Few spots on the earth can boast of such military honours
as Torphichen, as, not only being a review field of the
Fingalians in the third century, but for being also the
residence of the valiant Templars for a long period.
Surely the brave successors had the best right to the
honour and prowess of their predecessors.
15. In the shire of Aberdeen, and district of Buchan,
there is Stri-fhaich- Fhinn, pronounced Sti^ee-aich-E en,i.€.
Fingal's field of strife ; anglicised Strichen, now the name
of a parish about fifteen miles from Peterhead.
16. There is, in the shire of Renfrew, the parish of
Innis Fhiannan, situated on the banks of the White
Cart and Gryfe. It is pronounced Inish lanan, and
signifies the shelling of theFingaUans; it is now anglicised
Inchinnan.
17. There is, at Loch Earn Side, parish of Comrie,
and county of Perth, a farm called Fionn Ghleann, or
the valley of Fingal
18. There is also, in the said parish, on the east side of
Glenartney, another Fionn Ghleann, whicli extends nearly
118
five miles between Glenartney and the braes of Doune.
19. There is, in Dumbartonshire, at Loch Long-head,
and parish of Arrochar, one of the most noted localities
that we know of, illustrative of this subject. The
tourist will observe that, on landing at Loch Long-head
and going towards Loch Lomond, the highway runs
through a valley or pass of about two miles in length,
between Loch Lomond and Loch Long. That in ascend-
ing the brae immediately above the present inn of
Arrochar, you will come to a steep narrow pass called
Bruach na Fair Fliiann, i.e. the bank of the Fingalian
sentinels. That a few yards to the back of this brow
or bank, there is Tigh Mhaca Dana, ie. the house of
bold sons or swains. That about half-way between this
hollow and Tarbet of Loch Lomond, there is BaiU
Shean Fhinn, pronounced Bale hen Fen, i.e. the town
of old Fingal.
20. There is, in Glencoe, Argyleshire, Ossian's native
place, the lofty peak called Scur na' Fiann, or the
cone of the Fingalians ; and, also, the mountain of
MeaUmor, so frequently mentioned in his poems.
21. There is, likewise Fiann Ghleann, or the valley
of Fingal, in the same district.
22. There is, in the island of Jura, a place called
Aird Fhinn, or the height of Fingal, where now stands
the mansion of the proprietor.
23. There is, in the neighbouring island of Islay, at the
south-east angle of the parish of Kildalton, a farm called
Creag Fhinn, another rock for our hero.
119
24. There is, within a mile of the village of Port-
Ellen, the farm Fairich Fhinn, i.e. Fingal beware.
25. And immediately adjacent, presiding over the
pass of Fairich Fhinn, there is Meall Fairich Fhinn, or
the height of Fingal's watching.
26. There is, in the same place, Faodhail Fhinn, pro-
nounced Faoail Fen, a very safe creek for landing.
27. There is, in the said parish, four miles north of
this locality, a place called Lagh-fhair-Fhinn, pronounced
vulgarly Laoirinn, i.e. Fingal's law of watching. Hence
the fact, that there must have been a depot of sentinels
at that place, as we find immediately adjacent, on the
shore of Lagan Bay, a green eminence, still called Cnocan
Ghael, or the knoll of the Celts, where the sentinels who
guarded the adjacent coast, south of the central depot at
Laoirinn, used to be reviewed, and each ordered to his
post. And, accordingly, about a mile and a half south
of Laoirinn, we find Bailebheachdair, pronounced Bale-
vaechkair, that is, the town of strict watching. This spot
is situated at the bay Kilnachtan, and would command the
isthmus between the former and the bay of Lagan.
Within a quarter of a mile east of BalevaecTcctir, we find a
steep pass, commanding a view of the channel to the
shore of Kintyre and of the adjacent harbour, within
three-quarters of a mile of it, known now by the name
of Port-Ellen, but formerly Leodamas, a term by no
means easy defined. This pass of old was both steep
and rugged, and, from the circumstances of which we
are treating, was called Bealach-nan-Sdth Uchd, pro-
120
nouuced ByalacIi-nun-Sa Udik, compounded of Bealach,
pass; and Sdth, to thrust; and Uchd, breast, i.e. to thrust
into the breasts of hostile intruders who would attempt
to force the ravine with impunity.
27. About three-quarters of a mile to the north-east
of this pass we find Tighcorag-am-Fhinn, pronounced
Tay-corag-am-Een, i.e the house of Fingal's strife, or
the house of strife in the time of Fingal.
28. There is, in the parish of Kilchoman, and in the
said island, a district of old called A ird Fliinn, but was
in after ages, and is so now, known by the name of
Sean A ird Fliinn, importing that it anciently, by way
of eminence, was designated the high station of Fingal.
It is now anglicised Sunderland.
29. There is also, in the said parish, another place
called Grull Fiann — vulgarly, Gruilein — i.e. Fingal's
circle, where the Fingalians used to be drilled in the
circular phalanx, here expressed by one of the most
primitive roots in the language,* although, in compara-
tively modern times, this hoary military phrase was
changed into Seol tarruing, and latterly into the sujDposed
braid Scottish word Shiltron, a term which we are sure
our southern friends have long ago erased from the pages
of their dictionaries of the " Heenglish Leanguage."
What do you think, brother Sawney % It was by the
circular phalanx that the infantry trained by Sir WiUiam
• Mr Neill M' Alpine, a native of this island, and author of the
Pronouncing Gaelic Dictionary, defines Grull, with its compound
termination, viz., GruUagan, by 1st, a constellation or circle;
and 2nd. , a ring ot people.
121
Wallace so often defeated the English cavalry, as mtness
the battles of Biggar, Stirling, &c., &c.
30. There is, in the island of Arran, and parish of
Kilmorie, a round small hill, called Ai' Fhiann, or A?'
Fhinn, from which that interesting island is named.
The said knoU is situated in the midst of a plain field,
called Faiche nci Fiann, or the field of the Fingalians ;
and as the former of these appellations signifies slaugh-
ter by the Fingalians, or by Finga], no doubt both
got their name from the same event, as likewise the
whole island. The reverend and learned John I.anne
Buchanan, in his Defence, collected the following proofs
to the same purpose. His able and now scarce work,
was published a.d. 1799, and, perhaps, it will answer as
well, to let them run in numerical order with the rest;
wherefore, his first is the thirty-first in this catalogue.
31. " There is, at the head of Loch Tay, in a narrow
valley, the castle of Finlarig, one of the Earl of Bread
Albin's principal seats, well known to belong to the
Fiannaich or Fingalians, and perhaps to Fingal himself.
32. " There is, in the same district, the village of Killin,
which gives name to that parish, and where it is said
Fingal is buried
33. " In passing southward from Strath-Fillan, one
passes into Glertfalloch or Glen Fian-Laoch, in English,
the valley of the alarming hero. Such a man is called
Famhair, or strong man on guard. This Fiann defended
the pass that leads towards Loch-Lomond, in the county
of Lennox.
122
35. " In the parish of Callander, Perthshire, we meet
with Gleann Fiann Chlais, a beautiful rich valley, in-
habited by the marchers — who protected the counties of
Monteith and Strath Lannie from depredators.
36. " In the adjoining, Strath Gartney, there is Drip
Fiann, vulgarly called Drepan — active or stirring.
37. " Loch Finn, properly called Loch Fiann, received
its name from the same source.
38. " And in Cowal, further south, towards the end of
the Garhhcliriochan, or rough marches, we find the castle
of Fiann Nab. Nabi was, and is still, the term for a
neighbour, through all the Hebrides : perhaps it is more
probable that this gentleman had a few assistants, to
whom this familiar term was applied in time of need.
39. " Fiann Chruach, in the vicinity of Glenurchy,
Argyleshire, is well known ; and we might follow the
watchers in the same order much farther to the west, as
we did in the east ; and could easily mention several
vestiges belonging to these chieftains, who were seated in
their regular order to command the peace of the kingdom.
40. " On the north of Campsie hills, the country ad-
jacent is called Fian Tir, now Fintry — and the very
parish is so named.
4L "In Ayrshire, not far from Kilmarnock, another
district is named Fianeach or Finnich.
42. " There is also, in Dumbartonshire, Bo Fianan — a
place occupied by the guards.
43. " There is, in Bothwell parish, Lanarkshire, Cathair
Fiann, corruptedly, Carfin.
123
44 . " Hard by Muthill, Perthshire, is to be found Fiann
Tullich.
45. "There is another i^ian^w7Z«c/anGlenlednog, Comrie
parish.
46. " There is also Fiann Glassie in Fife.
47. " There is in Mid-Lothian, the parish of Cor-Stor
Fiann — now Corstorphine. There is moreover, Fian Gas-
kin : this last quality added to Fiann represents the
human mind, with the idea of a brave hero.
48. " In Harris, Inverness-shire, there is Fiannhha.
49. " Between north and south Uist stands conspicuous
Creag nam Fiannachan.
50. " There is Loch nam Fiann, near Dun Gainich
Benhecula.
51. " And immediately adjacent there is Coire nam
Fiann.
52. " There is on the south-west of Lannie Castle,
Drip Fiann — as above, signifying activity or action.
53. " There is near Loch-Earn, Cuil iar Fionn, or the
west corner of Fingal.
54. " There is, in Sutherlandshire, parish of Kildonan,
a hill called C7ioc Fionn, or Fingal' s hiU.
55. " There is, in the island of Staffa, a spacious cave,
called the cave of Fingal.
5G. " In Loch Duich, Ross-shire, there is Dicn Fionn, or
the fort of Fingal.
57. " There is another of the same name in Strathearn,
Perthshire.
58. "Near Lannie, Stirhngshire, there is Airi £o Fiann.
124
59. " In the isle of Skye, there is Baile nam Fiann, i.e.
the town of the Fingalians.
60. ^' While the surface of Lewis and Harris is covered
with immense cairns of stones called Bar Fiann.''''
61. There is in Kintyre, at Saltpans, a place called
Machir Fhiannachan, or the field of the Fingalians,
where, a few years ago, human bones were dug up.
62. There is in the parish of Duill, and county of
Perth, Caisteal Fhinn, or Fingal's fort, with other fifteen
primitive edifices immediately adjacent.
63. There is also, on the hill of Cnoc Fallairig, parish
of Fodderty, and county of Ross, a vitrified fort called
Dun Fhinn.
64. There is, in the jDarish of Morven, Argyleshire, the
far famed Fionn Airidh — " Eirich agus Tiugaino "
Thus we find abundance of proofs that Fionn and the
Fianntan were native Caledonians; and that their memory
is rivetted in the above districts with immortal tenacity
for near sixteen centuries, nor is it to be supposed that the
foregoing are all the places named after them : far from
it. There is scarcely a parish in the counties of Argyle,
Perth, Inverness, Sutherland, Ross, Caithness, Cromarty, .
Dumbarton, Bute, Aberdeen and Moray, without some
river, glen, rock, mountain, or field, bearing the name of
Fingal and the Fianntan. That with regard to the me-
morials of Fingal in the Pictish territories, and mentioned
above, there are but two ways of accounting for them: —
that either Fingal was so much revered by the southern
Caledonians or Picts, that so many places within their
125
dominions were named after him ; which indubitably
proves that the inhabitants of those parts had the same
language, the same military ardour, and the same re-
spect for Fingal and the Fianntan that his own country-
men of the north had. Or if it be alleged that the said
rivers, mountains, rocks, and fields, in the southern coun-
ties, were so named after the subversion of the Pictish
kingdom, early in the ninth century, it proves that Fin-
gal's history was so indelibly stamped on the memory of
the Scots, from age to age, that they could not forsake
the practice of naming those places in their newly acquired
territories to preserve his memory, and those of the
brave men of whom he was the leader; and that the in-
habitants of every district vied with each other to hand
down his name to future ages.
Having thus proved that Fingal and the Fingalians
were Caledonians, or original Scots, we must in the next
place reckon with Irish adventurers. It is undeniable
that criminal forbearance on our part have already and
do now render the said Eerishry more insolent and more
daring in their piracy.
If Fingal, Ossian, and the Fianntan, were Irishmen,
where are we to look for such memorials of them in that
country as we have given in the preceding list ? It will
avail nothing to report of us, as the " Irish" are in the
habit of doing of their English friends, that ignorance
of their language is the cause of their being always mis-
represented, because the latter cannot have thorough
" knowledge of their laws, and of their political economy
126
before the conquest, but through the medium of the
language in which those laws were written." That this
is partly true, we know. But it is also true, that the
less the Norman invaders would know of the laws and
literature of Erin the better ; for, had they never dis-
covered that those laws were good, they would not be so
keen to destroy the records which contained them, and
through streams of blood to establish their own on the
ruins of an independent and learned nation, as the
Milesians undoubtedly were before they fell under their
yoke.
That while we are well aware that the Xormans are
guilty in all these respects, and that every true Scotsman
ought and do detest them for it — because all such are
never behind to drag them to the bar of the world, for
destroying the literature of every people where they may
have power, and especially that of Ireland — yet it is true,
that with all the virulence that the Normans practised
in the green isle, there never were of them more vene-
mousdefamersthanO'Iialloran, O'Kelly, and many more,
who, with that eagerness peculiar to lying cowards,
attacked Scotland and her people ; and that their pres-
ent followers in that country are just as willing to repeat
it as they may have opportunity. Hence, in reality we
have a more serious charge against the " Irish" than
even the English themselves. Yes, we know the devils
well enough ; and that there is much more aggravation
in their indictment than the English could, or can com-
mit, with all their evil intention. For however base the
127
latter are, the world knows that they cannot help it —
being providentially doomed to wallow in their own
pitiful mire of ignorance, and hostile to all the world; so
that they are shut up under the immovable bars of a
barbarous and self-invented jargon, by which they are
isolated from the rest of mankind, and disqualified to
learn or to improve. That under these circumstances,
there ought to be a clear and distinct difference made
between them and the Uireanachs, in whose behalf no
such apologies can be offered. That whereas both are
l.agued for many years back to do us all the injury they
can, they have no just cause of complaint though we, in
our turn, treat them with their own. There is no En-
glishman in his native state, that can be sensible that he
is in the wrong, whatever he may propagate against this
country or any other, for he cannot rise above the crav-
ings of his stomach ; and his hostility to mankind (put
him where you will) if he once comes to the years of ma-
turity in the land of his birth ; after that he may tread
till he is worn out on the memorials of even the Fin-
galians, without as much knowledge or generosity as to
know or enquire " what is that ?"
It is not so with you, Irishmen : — you know our
language, and all connected with this subject, and our
undoubted right to the Caledonian Bard. You know tlie
shires, parishes and districts, where these mountains,
rivers, valleys, rocks, and fields, named after Fingal
and the Fianntan, are ; and yet, in place of acknowledg-
ing your fault, you are excited the more to lie and to
128
steal — and that certainly not with the comparative in-
nocence of your Nornnn coadjutors — we suppose that
you might be content with your own "Brian bo rii" and
others such like, without coming here to seek what is
not yours ; withal, bearing in mind that your claim of
right to Fiugal and Ossian, ought to be something simi-
lar to the above list, before you can obtain a hearing from
the world. — Try how many districts, rivers, or moun-
tains, you can find in " Iroland," bearing the names of
these interesting men, with whom you would claim con-
nection. But if the answer is left to you, the decision
will soon be that there are many such ; and because that
there are hardly any, you will make them as you need
them, and then, as usual, you will face about and tell
us, that total ignorance of the " Irish" is the cause of our
not finding them there No, that is not the cause, for
we know "Ireland" in its most accurate extent — with its
mountains, rivers, divisions, clans, territorie-i, districts,
and localities, before and after the Danish invasions —
before and after the Norman conquest of your country —
before and after you sold yourselves to be extirpated by
Ehzabeth — before and after your once pure and primitive
language became so corrupted that it is not worth the
studying — ^yes, and long before you became the would-be
impostors you now are.
It is therefore utter vanity for the most anxious
antiquary, historian, poet, or tourist, to look for such
proofs in " Ireland," as we have given above, of the Fin-
galians to have been Caledonians, and having not the
129
least connection with the Mo Chrees in any way or other,
except a race kindred always acknowledged by our na-
tional historians.
INTERNAL EVIDENCES OF THE POEMS OF OSSIAN PROVING
THEM TO BE SCOTTISH, AND NOT IRISH.
That there are abundance of internal evidence in these
poems proving them to be Scottish, can be easily dis-
covered if due attention is paid to the fact, that the
"■ Irish" O is not prefixed to the names of the many
individuals mentioned in the extensive and varied pieces
of these venerable productions of the muse of Ossian.
1. There are in "Cath LodcC 680 lines, with many con-
spicuous characters mentioned, but all of them without
the " Irish" O.
2. There are in ^'FingaV 3185 lines, but the " Irish"
O is not once seen.
3. There are in ^'Temora'' 4080 lines, and all without
the " Irish" O.
4. There are in the Duan of "Dargd" 530 lines, but
the 0 is absent in them aU.
5. There are in "Conlaocli"' 180 lines, without one
name therein graced with the O.
6. There are in "Carric-Thurra'' 590 lines, but not
one green islander known by their circular badge.
7. There are in ^'CaHhon" 340 lines, but no " Irish"
Os.
8. There are in "Oigh nam Jfor Skid" 170 lines, with
many names, but no " Eerish" grandsons among them all.
I
130
9. There are in " Caornli Mhala'' 235 lines, but they
all disown the " Irish" O.
10. ^'■Tiomna-GhuilV consists of 400 lines, with the
misfortune of being an obstinate Caledonian, without the
least connection with the Os.
11. There are in ^^Dan an Du ThuinrC 37a lines,
without any Os.
12. There are in "Cromghleann' 80 lines, but equally
unfavourable to the Os.
13. There are in "Evir-Aluin" 112 lines, without one
of the green prefixes in its ranks.
14. The ^'Finc/alians Great Distress" consists of 12G
lines, and is of the same unpropitious character with the
preceding.
15. The '^Banners of the Fin(/aUans" consists of 87
lines, where the Fianntan are marshalled in seven divi-
sions, each under its own standard, and yet there is not
among them all one chief or soldier with the unenviable
nothing attached to his name.
16. ^^Cuchulliri'' in his chariot consists of o(j lines,
without any of the Os.
17. The Duan of the "Heads" consists of 51 lines, and
of the same order.
18. The "Black Dog" consists of GO lines, but not
an " Irish" O in its contents.
19. There are in the poem of the " Wandering Maiden"
108 lines, and equally unfavourable to the distinguished
patronimic of the " Irish "
20. There are in the "Death of Oscar" 190 lines, and
131
although the destructive battle, in which he fought and
fell, is celebrated by his father, Ossian, and his fellow-
minstrel Fergus the Bard, and we being, moreover, as-
sured that 30,000 of both Scot and " Irish" perished
on the field, our good friends on the other side of the
channel may recount their share just as they think propei-,
and by what names they please, always recollecting that
the Caledonian bards do not for once mention among
their countrymen any of the O'Brackens, O'Brannagans,
O'Brennans, O'Breslans, O'Brics, O'Bergins, O'Brodees,
O'Brogans, O'Connaghtans, O'Coltarans, O'Coigleys,
0'Cosgrys,0'Criochans,0'Crowleys,0'Cuires and O'Con-
nels, with hundreds more to be seen in the Annals of Done-
gal, O'Kelly's essay, MacGeoghagan's history, and every
other Irish production of that kind. In short, there is nut
in the contents of the three current volumes of these poems,
all preserved in this country since the third century, any
names like the above, nor, in fact, any other internal
evidence nor comparison with "Irish" names; and it
ought to be specially marked, that the purity of the style
of these poems put it beyond doubt that they have no
connection whatever with the corrupted jargon called
" Irish," and that it is vain for the " Irish" to attempt to
deceive, so long as men on this side the water are botli
able and willing to confront them, when and where they
like, to prove that the best specimens of the " Irish" are
not of the genuine Celtic language, as it is here spoken
and written, few and extirpated as we are.
That to doubt of the Milesians to have had written laAvs
132
and literature of their own from remote antiquity, and
far back in tlie pagan times, is downright madness; but
that they can produce any specimens of the primitive
language in which those records were first written, is a
weak and pitiful imposition, nor are the reasons unknown.
On their own admission, those ancient records met their
fate as follows. There is an entry in the Annals of Done-
gal, under a.d. 438, worthy of notice "a.d, 438. —
The tenth year of Laoghaire, the Seanachies and Fein-
eachan of Eirin, i.e. the bards and historians of ' Ireland'
were purified, the old books having been collected and
brought to a place at the request of St. Patrick.
These were the nine supporting props by whom this was
done: Laoghaire, Core, and Daire, the three kings;
Patrick, Benen, and Cairneach, the three saints; Poss,
Dubhthach, and Fergus, the three antiquaries." That
in this entry he is called Patrick of Good Latin, showing
that the man here mentioned was not the real Patrick
from the Clyde side, but some other of the three spurious
gentlemen so-called, and all the fruits of " Irish" lies and
imposition, so far as the green islanders' attempt to make
one Patrick three when it suits their purposes; but letting
that pass for the present, there is enough extant in the
" Irish" records to convince honesty that, when good or
bad Latin prevailed over the ruins of the Celtic, then
" Ireland" appeared and Eirin disappeared, the reader
observing at the same time that between the landing of
the Normans in that wretched island (a.d. 1171) and
to this day, no shift was left untried by the bloody foes
133
of the Milesians to destroy every vestige of the nationality
of that people, and especially their language and litera-
ture; that the consequence of that crusade Avas, that the
original written elements of the Celtic language in " Ire-
land" were lost, totally lost. That amidst this ruin, four
Milesian antiquaries, viz., Bernard, O'Clery, Peregrine,
O'Clery, and other two gentlemen of the name of Maol-
conery (a.d. 1632) commenced to compile the Annals of
Donegal from the wrecks of the national language, and
they undoubtedly succeeded in rescuing a great deal of
the history of Eiriu from the impending destruction; but
withal admitted into the contents of that work many
fables, by which the rest is tarnished and rendered des-
picable. No man with a spark of sense can peruse this
extensive work, without regret that those men did not
apply to Scotland for some competent person or persons,
to guide them in the orthography of the language, before
they committed themselves and their countrymen to
lasting scorn, although modern impostors — alias the
" Irish"— in our day are incapable of giving so little
justice to Scotsmen, who are of all mankind the most
anxious to reclaim them. Neither is it difficult to pre-
sent to the reader a clear and simple contrast of the
" Irish," as it was written by the Four Masters, so called
from the circumstance above mentioned, and the genuine
orthography of the language as it was written in this
kingdom from time immemorial. Wherefore the follow-
ing specimen from the literature of the land of glory, as
given in a tract by Peter Burne, and published by Arthur,
Hall, «fe Co., Paternoster ll'jw, London, 1848, wherein
the writer is showing the " advanced state" of the Nor-
mans ten years ago, will, I think, help the English reader
to see the difference between " Irish" imposition and
Scottish reality, in what is called theOssianic controversy.
an english epistle.
My deer Kussin,
i rite to eenform u that auU of
hour famley is yervy Disyrus as u shud bee att heer on
the 22 day of nekst Mimth we ar aull vcrry Wei and
ope lire Famle}' ar in gud clth. Allso mi bigg wensh
Is gooin to mary Soft Yed that day i thinck u nown
him hees A gud lukin ladd hee font wi oud Limpers
oudest sun last krismas day and likt him. We shal
hav plente of drinck i shal stand the wensh afe a baril
of yale and Soft Yed as oddered afe a bai il of Potar an
sum likkurr i konna sa heny mure at prcssant as i had
to rite to a lot utlier frends an akwaintansis u nown to
mutch studdy is hinguryus onely gust tel the nuspapper
man to incurt a line for that da in the wedins about hour
Kits marige.
i remain ures rispekfuly &c.*
The English reader will admit that there is some
difference between the above specimen of English civilisa-
tion and the style and orthography of Herve}' and Walker,
but that there is just as much between the style and
orthography of the Scottish original of the poems oi
Ossian, compared with the " Irish," is equally certain,
whether we take the pretended fragments of the effusions
• Burne's Age that's coming, p. 18.
135
of the Caledonian Bard, said by the Hibernians to be in
their possession for a long period back, or any other
specimen really " Irish," that they had or may have of
any book, old or new — they are all base and barbarous
compared with the genuine standard of the Gaelic
language, spoken and written here. Nor is it to be
supposed that Dublin scribes are capable of mending their
ways, considering the buffettings they had to endure from
Scotsmen since they and their Norman allies managed
to give the subject under review the name of " contro-
versy." One would suppose that after being handled by
Dr. MTherson, of Sleat, in the manner they were, that
it might cure them of their lies and fraud for a generation
or two.* But no; their ^^swaeC' revenge must be gratified,
and not certainly at the expense of the honour and good
name of the " Irish," for that would be more strange
than any human event since Adam opened his eyes.
It will be asked, why are the Fingalians so frequently
mentioned as being in Ireland, if they had no connection
with that country ? The answer is, that there is no
intelligent Scot but can answer that question, (First,)
simply by asking another, viz.: — Why is it always stated
in the Ossianic Poems that the Fingalians went from
Scotland to Ireland on those expeditions? Or why is it .
that Ossian continually speaks of Scotland as his and
the Fingalians' native country, but never of Ireland as
such ? Or why is it that there are none of those expedi-
tions recorded by Ossian, without giving the causes,
• See M'Pberson's Crit. Dissert., Scots and Picts, p. 69, <fcc.
1S6
their successes, or their reverses, and always their return
to Morven as their peculiar place of abode? Second,
Overlooking the fact that these Poems are historical,
there are abundance of evidence furnished by the ''Irish "
themselves, that the Scots had extensive territories in
the north of Erin before the Christian era. Nor are we
left to conjecture who they were, or from what parts of
Caledonia those early settlers removed from this to the
sister island. There is nothing more conspicuous in the
annals of Erin, than the frequent statements relative to those
early settlers from Scotland to that country. Any one
who may be at the trouble of perusing the part of the
Annals of Donegal, published at Dublin by Brian
Geraghty, a.d. 18-46, with copious annotations by Owen
Connellan, Esq., and Philip M'Dermott, M.D., can find
as much as any reasonable man can wish, illustrative of
the fact that those remote colonists from Scotland were
both numerous and politically potent in the north of
Erin, and sometimes dethroned and slew the Milesian
monarchs, and set up their own colonial princes as
kings of the whole country. That, till of late years,
the historians of Erin called them Athaich-Tuathach, or
northern giants; Latinized, Attacottii. This is the name
always given them by the men of Erin, till the Dubhn
scribes contracted their infamous partnership with their
Norman masters, to sell their own honour for the unnatural
gratification of having it in their power to create lies, world
without end, against Scotland and Scotsmen. That for the
last century, and especially since the " Irish " rebellion,
137
during wHcli two raw militia regiments of Highlanders
defeated thousands of cropies in all parts of Ireland, the
^^Mo Chrees'' of Dublin can set no limits to their spleen
against this country. But, not to digress, the point in
question is, how do they attempt to obscure the notorious
fact that the valiant progenitors of those very Highland-
ers were their hardest scourge from the remotest times 1
That, in order to give " Irishmen " the full benefit of
their own, we shall here submit to the reader a passage
or two proving that, on the admission of the " Irish "
themselves, those early colonists from Albin were too
conspicuous — too powerful to be forgotten at any period
by the historians of that country. And here we again
refer, not only to the annotators already mentioned, but
also to Dr. O'Donovan's late edition of the said Annals
of Donegal, or the Four Masters, also published in
Dublin, where various entries in that extensive work
proves that those early settlers from Scotland, consistent
with their native energy in all ages, made the green isle
again and again shake from shore to shore, from the
first till the middle of the third century, when Fingal
was the viceroy of the principality.
IRISH PEOOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF THAT SCOTTISH
COLONY ARE ABUNDANT, BUT THE FOLLOWING MAY
SUFFICE FOR THE PRESENT:
ConneUan and M'Dermott say, " That a colony of
the Cruthnians or Picts, from north Britain, settled in
Ulster in early times, and are often mentioned from thQ
1S8
first till the nintli century. Tliey resided chiefly in
Dalradia and Tyrone, or parts of Down, Antrim, and
Derry. Tlie Caledonians, or first inhabitants of Scotland,
are considered to have been the same as the Picts. The
country was called by the Irish Alb' or Albin, and they
became mixed by intermarriages with the old Irish of
the Irian race, and were ruled by their own princes and
chiefs. And some of those Picts also settled in Con-
naught, in the county of Roscommon. The Cruthniaus
or Picts, called by the Irish Cruithnidh, and Latinized
Crutheni, sent colonies from Scotland to Ireland about
a century before the Christian era; and these Cruthenians
were located chiefly in Dalradia, and several kings and
chiefs of these Irish Picts are mentioned by the old
annalists."*
According to the above quotations — and there are
also many more of these notices throughout that volume,
as likewise in the text and annotations of O'Donovan's
edition of the Annals of Donegal, lately published at
Dublin — there were plenty of Scotchmen in Erin, and
held territorial possessions in it, from a century before
the Christian era till the ninth age of that epoch.
At first siglit one woidd think that there could be no
fraud, no design of direct imposition in this, though it
is really true that there is much of "Irish" knavery hid
in the folds of these passages.
It is much to be regretted that men of sense and
* Annot ul Supra, p.p. 3G7, 416, &c.
13&
learning here would remain passive at hearing their
ancestors vilified by "■ Irish " slaves. And that it is
unaccountable thatj after centuries of mutual hatred,
bloodshed, and treachery, almost unparalleled in the
history of man, these Eireanaich are so void of shame
as not to walk consistent with their everlasting com-
plaints of their Norman scourge, and that they would
be the last on earth to join the southrons in their piracies
of the antiquity and literature of the Scottish nation ;
and that they not only embraced all the fallacies invented
by their English partners, since these Poems were brought
before the public at large, but that the '-'Irish" are
fully as eager to propagate their lies as the latter. To
prove this, let the reader cast his eye again on the
foregoing passages, where he will see a very fair repre-
sentation of " Irish " trickery, and the way and manner
that Dublinian scriveners took, to reserve for themselves,
material to back the lies of Lhudd, who first propagated,
in A.D. 1572, that the kingdom of the Scots in Albin
was commenced by an " Irish " colony, a.d. 503; but it
is to be specially remarked in this case, as well as in
the contents of the genuine Poems of Ossian, composed
two centuries before the arrival of the fictitious colony,
that there were not, since that date, any family, or clan,
or chief, in all Scotland that had or have the big " Irish "
O prefixed to their names, which could not possibly be
had they arrived here as late as the year 503 ; so that
it is of no use for the Mo Chrees of Dublin to call those
early colonists from Scotland Picts, and not their true
140
name, Albannaich, to make room for the Dalriads, that
being the design of forging Picts when there were no
men underneath the clouds bearing that designation.
But we must come closer on the inventors, to teach them
better manners in times to come. Even if it could be
proved that Csesar was really the author of those notices
in his work, where he speaks of the Britons to have been
painted with the juice of the plant called woad, the next
question is, what connection had the woad smuired
Britons with the inhabitants of this country at any time 1
Again it is alleged, that Caesar makes mention of the
ancient Britons as being painted and tattooed — hence, it
is concluded, that they were Picts. This gratuitous false-
hood must return the way it came, when it is considered
that Csesar, who flourished the most part of a century
before the Christian era, could not have any knowledge of
the title Picts, four hundred years before it was heard of
in the world — seeing that Ammianus Marcellinus, who
flourished a.d. 380, and Claudian a.d. 399, are the first
writers who applied that designation to the southern
Caledonians
We therefore hereby offer a challenge to the Dublin
Picts cadgers, to prove that Cassar wrote these notices of
tattooing and painting at all, and that they are not bare-
faced lies foisted into his work, to serve a purpose to
which " Oyrland" cannot apply them, viz., that Picts
and painted Britons signify the same. Or let them
show, if they can, that as soon as Coesar saw the painted
and tattooed Britons, he at once on the wings of the
141
south wind scented the Scottish colonists in the counties
of Down and Antrim, to be the Mth and hin of the tat-
tooed and painted Britons, and so made them Picts four
hundred years before the designation Picts was heard
of. But no matter, Dublin scribes will compel the Scot-
tish colonists in Ireland, and that in the first century to
be Picts, right or wrong, in order to convince the Scutch
that they hate them with a sivaet revenge. We conceive
that they should have their request long before now; and
that what makes this Pictish mania still more ridiculous,
that there is not on the face of the earth any lexico-
grapher or critic, that can define that mystical term, and
that whereas it does not appear in history till the fourth
age, it had no analogy till that period — that is one hun-
dred and nineteen years after the celebrated Fingal him-
self was numbered with the dead ; for, on the admission
of the Milesian annalists themselves, he was killed a.d.
283.*
It is therefore plain to the meanest capacity, that all
this ado about Picts is nothing else than an ill-contrived
plot to get rid of the Albannaich, to make room for the
lies of Lhudd, and that of the " Irish" rascals Stainhurst
and his nephew Usher — who first introduced into Ireland
the English fable, that the Scottish kingdom began by an
* Here is the passage in the original of the Four Matei-s : —
" Ro bi Fin ba ghabh 'gundiach guin do all aichleach mac
Duibhdrend a cheann do mhac Mochtamuin."
In English thus : — Finn was killed with darts — lamentable
wounds. Aichleach, son of Duibh-dreann, cut off the head of
Mochtamuin.
142
Irish colony a.d. 503, to put Scotsmen on a level with
the Anglo-Saxons, who entered south Britain a.d. 449.
We have partly seen already, that sheer spite at Scottish
reaUties is the sole foundation of all that we have stated;
but there is another side on this subject that must not
be neglected. It is well known that Scotsmen, in all ages,
proved a lasting scourge to such as attempted to do them
injury, and that the British Scots were as much the
terror of their enemies here, as the colonial branch of
them in Ireland frequently proved almost the ruin of their
adversaries there. What says the standard chronicles of
that country ? — it is the fact, that between a.d. 76 and
A.D. 106 — that is, in the course of the thirty years of the
reign of Tuathal Teachtmhor, the Athaich Tuathach, i.r,
the northern giants, or the Attacottii, or those colonists
from Scotland, fought 133 battles with the Milesian
natives.
That any one at all acquainted with the history of
Erin, cannot but see that the said Scottish colonists lived
independent in that country for nearly a thousand years;
nor is it less conspicious the groans of the contemporary
historians, relating the severe chastisements which the
natives received from them. If the reader will examine
the map of Ptolemy, he will find that the Attacoltii in-
habited from Ardlamont, in Cowal, to Dunbretton, and
were called by the old historians of Erin Firbolg or
Archers, owing to their proficiency in the use of the
bow. Every intelligent Scot is aware that the colony in
the north of Erin were chiefly of this tribe. What says
143
the spirited and learned Irvine ? — " The MacSuains in-
habited Knapdale, a country in Argyle ; and that a
colony of theirs, which keep their ancient name,
MacSuaine, commonly McSwyne, with their bow and
sword possessed themselves of the Boylach and Bannach,
in Tyre-Connell, in Ulster, where yet their i^osterity re-
main !"'"
That the Milesian monarchs always considered them
as intruders, and consequently left no shift untried to
exile them, or bring them under subjection, which oc-
casioned the frequent contentions recorded to have taken
place on that account. The first attempt on the part of
the Eireanaich to bring them under tribute, was accord-
ing to the above annotators, and they quote Giolla
MacLiag, secretary and historian to Brian ho ru as
their authorityt — that a.d. 1 0, the Firbolgs invited many
of the Milesian chiefs to a banquet, and massacred them
at a place called Magh Cru, near Loch Con, in Mayo;
and placed one Cairbre Ceann Cait on the throne of Erin,
and that he reigned five years. Tliat, in about thirty
years thereafter, the Firbolgs again attacked the Milesians
at a place called Magh Bolg, or the field of Archers,
where Fiacha-Fionoladh, the monarch, and a great num-
ber ol his troops, were slain. The Annals of Donegal give
this event under a.d. 5Q. I hope that the reader will
* Irvine's Historial Scoticse Nomenclatura, p. 129. Glasgow
Ed. 1819.
f There is a specimen of this Seanaehie's hand writing given in
Bctham's researches of the Ant. of Ireland.
144
excuse me for this apparent digression, because there is
no intention of that kind in it ; and that what is chiefly
designed by this sketch, is to show the designing and low
fraud of the Eireanaich in their attempts to deceive, in
making Picts of our countrymen several centuries before
that appellation was heard of ; and all for fear of giving
them their true name, Albannaich : for had they done
so, the Dalriadan fabric would fall about their ears —
and so farewell the lies of Lhudd, &c.
That secondly, it is presumed that from a careful per-
usal of these facts, it will fully appear that the painted
Picts of the fourth century had no connection whatever
with those early colonists in Ireland, nor, in fact, with
anything else known of their history.
That lastly, it is certain that were we deprived of every
resource on earth but the Ossianic poems, we could prove
from their contents, that the Fingalians were Scotsmen,
frequently employed in defending the principality in the
north of Erin from the encroachments of the Lagenians,
in " Irish" Leighlin, that is Leinster — men foolishly in
modern times transformed it into Lochlanaich, i.e. Danes,
or Scandinavians; hence the vulgar notion that the
Fingalians contended with the North-men; whereas, in
truth, the above Eireanaich were their fierce and restless
rivals during the whole period of contention historically
treated of in the poems of Ossian. That, on the whole,
it is expected that these few brief remarks, with what is
formerly submitted to the reader in the local evidences
of the Fingalians being Scotsmen, wiU prove sufficient for
145
that purpose. And we may remark further, on the
internal evidence of these poems, that there is no scenery
in Ireland to compare with that exhibited in the poems
of Ossian ; neither is there any part or portion of the
" Irish" extant that could give expression to his senti-
ments— even allowing that there were "Irishmen" created
in any age or period that had the energy of the Caledo-
nian Bard : no, there is nothing in that barbarous and
corrupted jargon called " Irish," fuU of half-Romanised
Scandinavian and Norman phrases, that could give
utterance to the sentiments of Ossian, no more than the
lowest cant among London thieves could express the
eloquence of Chalmers. Our good friends on the other
side of the water will no doubt fume at this, but they
may rest assured that every Scotsman of ordinary in-
telligence knows the difference just as well as they do
themselves, and that none here can be gulled by their
extoUing of the " Irish," unless that the Dublin scribes
will rescue their cause from contempt, by immediately
availing themselves of the genuine Celtic, as it is yet to
be found among the few remains of Scottish descent in
Ulster, and in the island of RachHn, near their coast.
It is therefore certain, that no man could give utterance
to the sentiments of Ossian, in any other language but
that pure, natural, and energetic Celtic of the Scottish
Gaeil, much less can any " Irishman" imitate them,
although many attempts were tried by the Uilein^ makers
* Uilein — the vulgar fragments of the poems of Ossian floating
among the inhabitants of Ulster, all of Scottish descent, on which
146
of Dublin to do so, since the poems of Ossian, here pre-
served uncoutaminated, became of European notoriety.
Equally defective will be found the comparison of "Irish"
orthograpy, already exposed and left at the doors of the
pretenders of " Celtic Literature," and of Picts manu-
factures, viz., the Joint Stock Company in DubHn, who
have more need of strait jackets than of Scottish rebukes.
From what has been said in the foregoing remarks, it
is obvious that no sophistry can rescue the " Irish" from
their own snares. No shifts can shelter them from mun-
dane contempt for their Picts making, while they are to
be judged, not by themselves, but by an impartial
public, although no doubt they would like very well,
not only to escape due punishment, while they exhibit
the " Irish" as the model of perfection, and themselves
as mirrors of " Irish" lore, of which we have volumes
upon volumes, noted and loaded with Norman malice
and "Irish" cowardice; smuired Picts "intermarrying
with the Irian kings of Ireland," with as little care of
being branded with infamy as the " Irish" always are.
Seeing that Scotsmen must be at the trouble of sending
the " Irian kings of Ireland," and their tattooed con-
nexions, to London a second time, to be auctioned at the
Camhrensis 3fart, where " swate ould Ireland" will flour-
ish once more as the land of cannibals, before " the
faithful" Normans were sent to civilise them.
James Maopherson made some remarks in his notes to bis trans-
lation of the said poems. That from that simple circumstance, he
is ever suice the mark of Iriah spleen.
147
Kind reader, •will this suffice to show that there were
Scotsmen in Ireland from a century before the christian
era, and that it is but a pitiful fable to attempt to make
Picts of them 1 and that for no other reason but to prop
the lies of Humphry Lhudd, who in 1572, for the first
time, published that the Scottish monarchy was founded
by an Irish colony, a.d. 503. Will it not prove that
those colonists — on the admission of the Irish themselves
— lived independent in that country from the first till
the ninth century, and that they contended for that length
of time with the monarchs of Ireland 1 Is it not proved
to a certainty in the above remarks, that none of the
Scottish clans nor chiefs could be the descendants of
an Irish colony in the sixth century ? because there is
no similarity between the names of these clans and chiefs
with anything of the kind in Ireland since that period,
and consequently that our histories are true, which main-
tain an uninterrupted succession of monarchs from two
or three centuries before the christian era, &c.; and that
there is nothing more essential to prove all this than the
Ossianic poems, so far as they go in casting light on the
period of which they treat. That the poems of Ossian
are historical, needs no comment ; and that Fingal,
Ossian, and the Fingalians, lived in the third century,
admits of no doubt, if contemporary evidences are of
any avail to prove it. In the passage already given from
the Annals of Donegal, under a.d. 283, Fingal perished
that year. Again, in the said chronicle, the battle of
Gaura is given a.d. 284, and on the admission of the
148
Irish themselves, " the Fenians of Albin" fought there,
and other Britons also ; that according to Connellan and
MacDermott, already referred to, thirty thousand men
were slain, and with the rest Oscar, the warlike son of
Ossian, whose fall, and the circumstances attending it,
are pathetically described by his father in his poem, en-
titled the Death of Oscar, and Hkewise by Fergus the
Bard, his contemporary. Ossian does not relate the
number slain in the whole battle, but he gives us better.
That the Fingalians went from Albin and landed
in the north of Eirin, to give battle to the monarch
Cairbre, for encroaching on their territories, viz.,
the principality, which cost so dear to the Milesians
long before that sanguinary action, which was but
one of the series. Adding to this the fact that
there is abundance of evidence in these poems that Fin-
gal fought the Romans on the banks of the Carron,*
which must have happened after the ijivasion of Severus,
because we are assured that the Caledonions were for-
midable enough towards the middle of the third century.*
Even English Gibbon was compelled, by the force of
these facts, to confess that, " according to every hypo-
thesis, the poems of Ossian were composed by a Cale-
donian, and the era of that Caledonian was the third
century," Mr Gibbon, vdih your leave, it is no hypo-
thesis that the poems of Ossian were comjDOsed by a
Caledonian, but a truth that no one can deny, but on a
* See this emphatically described in the poem of Caomh Mkala,
Edinburgh Edition, 1818. Vida Dion Lib. IV., 664.
149
principle, or rather no principle, which can deny anything;
nor are we in need to go far to seek many illustrations.
Baile-Chluaidh, anglicised Balclutha, and sometimes Ail-
cluith, is not only by Highlanders, but by everybody
else who saw it in print, understood to mean Dumhar-
to7i; but when any one points it out as such in the poems
of Ossian, it is at once marked down by the Irish and
their Norman chums as obscure and uncertain ; because,
that it is one of the pillars of the internal evidence of the
poems of Ossian, that their author was a Caledonian, and
that every writer of antiquity, Bede not excepted, calls
that ancient place by the Ossianic name. Car-Oin, or
the winding river, a water in Stirlingshire, is well known
to all; but, when Ossian speaks of it by that name, it is
at once obscure and uncertain whether he means the
the Stirlingshire Carron or not; and all this because the
poem, already referred to, describes the expedition of
Fingal to the river, where he fought the " hosts of the
king of the world," viz., the Roman army, and returned
triumphant : this is the secret of denying the connection
of the winding Carron with the muse of the Caledonian
Bard. Ardtornish, parish of Morven, and county of
Argyle, is a place of great antiquity, as its ruinous castle
shows: it is known to the world by the above name, till
it is heard of in the mouth of Ossian, where it is at once
turned into a myth, for fear of acknowledging the son of
Fingal as a Caledonian. The water of Balvag, in Perth-
shire, parish of Balquhidder, which connects the three
lakes, Lochdonie, Lochrail, and Lochlubnaig, is well
150
known to geographers ; but, the moment that Ossian
speaks of it, it is at once put in the catalogue of "Irish"
and Norman mysteries, for fear it may lead to the con-
viction that Ossian, the son of Fingal, was a Scottish
Highlander, and the author of the dreaded poems under
review. These are some of the despicable shifts taken
to deny that Ossian was a Caledonian, and whereby the
world can judge of the credit due to the " Irish," when
they advert to such grovelling means to tarnish the honour
of a people so far their superiors — so transcendently
brave, that a mere handful of them taken off their
heather, chased thousands of " Irish" cropies from vine-
gar hills, and lastly out of the " great bog of Ireland"
itself — where Fat (as usual) took to his haels, and can
only since breath his rage through his " own Gradh mo
Chrees' of Dublin. Comparatively speaking, there is
hardly a district in Scotland without memorials of the
Fingalians. There is in Glencoe the stream of Cothan,
anglicised Cona, so often mentioned by Ossian, and the
mountains of Meallmor, and Con Fionn — the one on
north, and the other on the south side of that celebrated
valley, and Sgurnara Fiann; and also Grianan Dearduil,
literally the sunny lawn of Darthula — the plaintive
" Helen" of Nathos.
LITERARY PROOFS OF THE POEMS OF OSSIAN BEING AB-
SOLUTELY SCOTTISH, AND OF THEIR BEING BOTH
WRITTEN AND RECITED IN THIS KINGDOM MANY AGES
BACK.
It will be recollected, that since Samuel Johnson was
151
sent on his infamous tour througli the Highlands, a.d.
1773 — that, on his return to England, he, according to
his instructions, published his libel, entitled "Johnson's
Tour to the Hebrides," wherein he again and again main-
tains, in the most positive language, that there were not
any Gaelic MSS. then in existence above two centuries
old, &c. That that was responded to by his countrymen,
wlio paid him well for his falsehoods, need not be re-
peated here, as all are aware of it. That Johnson's evil
report was proved the height of untruth at the time is
equally well known, in the many able confutations which
he had the chagrin of seeing before he departed, loaded
with that infamy which he so well merited.* That
Scotsmen should never forget that the concocting, the
sending, and the paying of that base man was j ust what
might be expected from the nation of liars called
"English," the people who had and have the audacity to
claim for a fictitious character, named by them Shake-
speare, and that never had a being, the work of Archibald
Armstrong, who accompanied James the Sixth to London,
and who, by his wit, tormented Bishop Laud and the
rest of that set at court so much, that he was obliged to
leave his royal master, and hide himself in a garret in
the metropolis of England, where he composed a great
deal of what English impostors are now claiming for a
man who never lived. That, while in that solitary abode,
Armstrong employed an English mountebank, whose
* M'Nichol's Remarks on Johnson's Tour.
152
iiame perished with himself, to recite through the streets
of London, and wherever else he could find an audience,
those pieces then composed, caricaturing the knaves by
whose influence he was expelled. That, for the most
part, the work of Armstrong (Shakespeare) is founded
on the dying confessions of hanged English malefactors ;
but that since many additions have been made to it, and
that the most recent of these are by the late Henry
Dundas, (Lord Melville, ^^Hielan Harrie") That all the
English impostors that have hitherto attempted to forge
examples, signatures, &c., of "Shakespeare's" hand-
writing, were completely detected by Scotsmen these two
ways : — 1. By proving that those specimens were not
penned by Shakespeare, nor by anybody else, but were
the impressions of types forged for the purpose. 2. By
an analysis of the ink used by the forgers, whereby it is
proved that the ingredients used in the manufacture of
that liquid at the alleged period of Shakespeare, were
not those of the ink used by English scoundrels in their
deliberate imposition, deifying a nonentity.
That, bad as their attempts of depriving Scotland of
that work is, there is another case still more aggravating,
viz., their efforts in swindhng and giving to a London
malefactor, called by them John Milton, " Paradise Lost,"
the work of Sir Richard Maitland (Lord Lethington),
near two centuries before Milton was created. That,
taking these facts into consideration, it cannot at all
appear surprising that the now exposed, confuted, and
ridiculed lies of Samuel Johnson, that there were no
153
Gaelic MSS. in existence above two centuries old, would
proceed from the same quarter ; and that the people who
personated Lord Lethington and his work by a London
felon — who had no more to do with the composing of
" Paradise Lost" than Noah had —could say, and do any-
thing that they could, to spread their tales of defamation,
seeing that at the very time that Johnson pubHshed his
stories about the Gaelic MSS., the whole design was to
cast discredit on the poems ofOssian — at that very time
first laid before the public, in MacPherson's attempt of a
translation of them.
That, although they are again and again refuted, con-
founded, and contemned, their propensity to lie is so in-
delibly stamped on their hearts that they cannot reform.
One would think, that after the examples made of them
for their former tales of the non-existeoice of Gaelic
MSS., some consideration or other might induce them to
reflect and conform to common shame, so far as to hold
their tongues. Let the reader consult " Browne's History
of the Highlands" (Edinburgh edition, FuUarton & Co.,
1849), where he will see that, at the above date, there
were in the possession of the Highland Society of Scot-
land upwards of forty Gaelic MSS., and some of them large
volumes, all of which Johnson and his paymasters knew
of at the very time that they would swear there were
none. And we see that it was not because these interest-
ing relics of Scottish literature were not — which was their
wish — but because they were and are extant, not because
that it was a past dream, but because their existence wa,s
154
undeniable and real, tliat caused Johnson and other Eng-
lish impostors to rage and rail for several years, as they
did. That with these few introductory notices before the
reader, he will be pleased to foUow the subject for a
little, bearing in mind the vulgar talk — alias the dregs
of English fibs set afloat at the time of which we are
treating — that there were no written copies of the Poems
of Ossian before MacPherson published his translation,
and that the said James MacPherson forged them. This
is the doctrine of Englishmen when Johnson published
his Tour, and is so still, because they wish it to be true.
It is probable, however, that the oldest written copy of
these Poems, now extant in Britain, is the one in No. 6
of the catalogue of the Highland Society's collection,
written in the ninth century, and not only containing
the Poems of Ossian, but also those of his contemporaries,
Fergus and Caoilte MacRonan. This shows that they
were written sometime before MacPherson had any-
thing to do with them. The next that contains these
Poems is No. 16 in the said collection. This MS. was
written by one of the Bards, MacVurich, late in the
thirteenth century, a very considerable time before James
MacPherson. There are many other detached pieces of
these Poems through other varied and interesting pro-
ductions of the said Clann Mhuirich, who were a suc-
cession of bards and historians from the thirteenth till
the middle of the seventeenth century.
We shall now follow the various collectors of these
poems, and see how each of them got the contents of their
155
versions of them, and by wliom supplied. The first of
these was Mr Jerome Stone, teacher at Dunkeld, who
collected in that vicinity, and published some translations
in the JScots Magazine, 1756. The next was James Mac-
Pherson, a native of Badenoch, who procured his in the
following manner : in 1760 or 1761 he made his High-
land tour.
" At Scalpa, September 5, 1800.
" Malcolm MacPhekson, residenter in the parish of
Portree, Isle of Skye, and county of Inverness, a married
man, aged sixty years, and son of Dougald MacPherson,
late tenant in Beenfuter, Troternish, who was in his
time an eminent bard, being called upon, appeared before
us, two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for this
County, and made the following declaration upon oath: —
" That he had a brother named Alexander, by pro-
fession a smith, who died in February, one thousand
seven hundred and eighty, and who could read and
write both Gaelic and English ; that he was noted in the
country for his knowledge of the poems of Ossian, of
which he, the declarant, heard him repeat many ; that
the declarant was informed by his brother, and he heard
also from others, that when the late James MacPherson,
from Badenoch, was in this country, collecting the poems
of Ossian, he was for four days at Portree, in taking
down a variety of them from the recitation of the de-
clarant's brother; that the said declarant farther declares
that his said brother had a Gaelic manuscript, in quarto,
which wholly regarded the Fians or Fiangalians; that
the said volume was about an inch and a quarter thick;
that Mr James MacDonald then landlord at Portree,
having informed Mr MacPherson that the declarant's
brother had such a manuscript in his possession, Mr
156
MacPherson requested to see it; — farther declares, that
before Mr MacPherson parted with declarant's brother,
the said Mr ]MacPherson observed, that as the declarant's
brother would repeat the whole of the poems, contained
in the manuscript, he would oblige him if he would give
it to him; for which he might expect his friendship and
future reward ; that his said brother informed the de-
clarant he had accordingly given the said manuscript to
Mr ^MacPherson, who carried it with him since ; which
time the declarant never heard of it. Farther declares,
that he heard his father often reprimand his brother for
answering the frequent calls upon him to the house of
Portree to repeat the Poems of Ossian to gentlemen who
had a taste for that poetry; and that he recollects giving
him a severe reprimand for spending so much of his time
with Mr MacPherson; that his brother pled his excuse —
that he found Mr MacPherson so very kind, and being a
namesake, that he could not resist his solicitations;
farther declares, that his brother procured the said manu-
script while an apprentice at Loch Carron ; and the late
Eev. Mr Donald M 'Queen, ]\Iinister of Kilmuir, was
the person who pointed out his brother to Mr MacPherson.
(Signed) " Noeman MacLeod, J.P.
"A. MacDonald, J.P.
"David Garment, Clerk."
See a similar declaration made by Ewan MacPherson,
at Knock, in Sleit, Isle of Skye, September 11, 1800.
See page 95 of the Report, we have the following de-
cisive proofs, besides MacPherson's own declaration,
given a little ago:
"That in the year 1760, having come to this country
(Skye) from the opposite coast of Kjioydart, to pay
157
a visit to tlie late Dr John MacPherson, then mini-
ster of this parish, he happened there to meet his old
acquaintance Mr James MacPherson, who was then em-
ployed in collecting the Poems of Ossian, the son of
Fingal. That as MacPherson did not know the Gaelic
orthograpy so well as the declarant, who could read the
Gaelic character which was anciently used by the Scotch
and Irish Gael, the Doctor and Mr MacPherson urged
the declarant very much to accompany them to the Long
Island. That on that excursion they were one or two
nights at the house of the elder Clanronald, at Ormiglade;
and about a week at the house of the younger, at Ben-
becula; and at Mr MacNeil's, minister, in South Uist,
where he became acquainted with MacMhurich, the re-
presentative of the celebrated bards of that name ; but
who was not a man of any note in that way. From this
man, the declarant got for MacPherson. a book, of the
size of a New Testament, and of the nature of a common-
place book, which contained some accounts of the families
of the MacDonalds, and the exploits of the " Great Mon-
trose," together with some of the poems of Ossian ; and
that Mr MacPherson obtained, at the same time, an
order from Clanronald, Sen., on a Lieutenant Donald
MacDonald, for a Gaelic manuscript belonging to the
family, which was called the Leabhar Dearg; and con-
tained, as the declarant heard Clanronald say, and him-
self believed, some of the poems of Ossian. That the
said book was not the Leabhar Dearg, and that he never
saw it, and is uncertain whether MacPherson got it.
Farther declares, that he took down some of the poems
of Ossian from the recitation of several individuals,
which he gave to MacPherson, who was seldom present
when they were taken, &c., &c. That the declarant
understood from Mr MacPherson, that he had collected
the bulk of his materials in the shires of Inverness,
158
Perth, and Argyle ; but that he was still anxious to
collect additional matter, and various editions of these
poems. That the declarant recollects to have very often
heard poems of Ossian, relative to the Fingalians, re-
peated in his youth; and that in general, the people of
any taste, with whom he was acquainted in his younger
days, and had advanced in years, made their entertain-
ment in the winter nights to repeat the poems of Ossian,
or hear them repeated to them; and his profession made
him reside in different parts of the Highlands, He
found the same taste to prevail for Ossian's poems among
all classes of the people. That the persons whose recita-
tions he took down were generally advanced in life ; is
uncertain whether any of them is alive at this distance
of forty years; and the relish for jDoetry has decayed
greatly with the discouragement of the bards ; but that
he never heard the authenticity of the poems of Ossian
called in question by any Highlander ; and has no doubt
of their being the production of Ossian, as firmly as he
believes in the authenticity of any other poems, or in
the originality of any other work, ancient or modern ;
and he does not believe it would be possible for men
who understood Gaelic well to have any doubt on this
subject. That the declarant has no doubt that the Fin-
galians were Scottish Gaeil; but looks upon all dis^Jutes
regarding the era, and the particular scenes of actions,
to be completely independent of the authenticity of the
poems, which he believes to have come down from re-
mote antiquity, as firmly as he believes in his own
existence. That he recollects to have read the transla-
tion of Fingal, in a copy presented to him at Edinburgh,
by Mr James MacPherson, subsequent to these trans-
actions, and, as far as he could recollect the substance
of the original, that the translation was well executed;
tliat the ablest that ever existed, in his opinion, could
159
not equal tte original Gaelic, by any translation. He
was farther asked whether he thought MacPherson capa-
ble of composing such poems as those of Ossian ? De-
clares, most explicitly and positively, that he is certain
Mr MacPherson was as unequal to such compositions
as the declarant himself, who could no more make them
than take wings and fly; that he firmly believes no man,
excepting Ossian himself, was ever capable of making
such Gaelic poetry as Ossian's, which has a sublimity
and nervousness that cannot be equalled, nor successfully
imitated; nor can the Gaelic of Ossian be rendered by
the ablest translator into any other language, with an
elegance suitable to the grandeur of the original.
(Signed) " Ewan MacPherson.
" Norman MacLeod, J. P.
" A. M'DONALD, J.P.
" Alexander Neilson, Clk."
You would now wish to be informed whether Mac-
Pherson got the " Eed Book;" though it is certain that
the volume mentioned by Mr Ewan MacPherson, who
made the above declaration, was not it. That point is
easily settled.
Declaration o/Lauchlan MacMhtjrich, made at Torlum
in Barra, 9th August, 1800.
In the house of Patrick Mcolson, at Torlum, near
Castle Burgh, in the shire of Inverness, on the 9th day
of August, compeared, in the fifty-ninth year of his age,
Lauchlan, son of Niel, son of Donald, son of Lauchlan,
son of Niel 3Ior, son of Donald, of the surname of Mac-
Mhuirich, before Roderick MacNeil, Esquire, of Barra,
and declared, That, according to the best of his know-
ledge, he is the eighteenth in descent from Muireach,
160
whose posterity had oflBciated as bards to the family of
Clanronald, and they had from that time, as the salary
of their office, the farm of Staoilgary, and four pennies
of Drimisdale, during fifteen generations; that the seven-
teenth descendant retained the farm of Staoilgary for
nineteen years of his life; that there was a right given
them over these lands, as long as there would be any of
the posterity of Muireach, to preserve and continue the
genealogy and the history of the MacDonalds, on condi-
tion that the bard, failing of male issue, was to educate
his brother's son, or representative, in order to preserve
their title to the said lands; and that it was in pursuance
of this custom that his father Neil had been taught to
read and write history and poetry by Donald, son of
Neil, son of Donald, his father's brother. He remem-
bers well that the Works of Ossian, written in parch-
ment, were in the custody of his father, as received from
his predecessors; that some parchments were made up
in the form of books, and that they were bound and
separate which contained the works of Ossian and other
bards. He remembers that his father had a work called
the " Red Book," which he had from his predecessors,
and which contained a good deal of the history of the High-
land Clans, together with part of the works of Ossian.
That none of these books are to be found at this day, be-
cause, when his family were deprived of their lauds, they
lost their alacrity and zeal. That he remembered well
that Clanronald made his father give the Red Book to James
MacPherson, from Badenoch ; that it was nearly as thick
as a Bible; but that it was longer and broader, though
not so thick in the cover ; that the other parchments
and the Red Book, were written in the hand in which
the Gaelic used to be written of old both in Scot-
land and Ireland, before people began to use the
English characters ; that his father could read the
161
Gaelic characters well ; and that he himself had some of
the manuscripts after his father's death. Farther declared,
that the Eed Book was not written by one man, but that
it was compiled from age to ^age by the family of Clan
Mhuirich, who were preserving the records and continu-
ing the history of the MacDonalds, and of other lieads of
the Highland clans. That he is not certain what became
of the other parchments, but thinks that some of them
were carried away by Alexander MacDonald,'^"" son of the
Rev. Alexander MacDonald, and others by Eonald, his
son, <kc. After the above declaration was taken down,
it was read to him, and he ackno\\ ledged it was right, in
presence of Donald MacDonald, of Balronald ; James
MacDonald, of Garyhelich ; Ewan MacDonald, of Grim-
minish ; Alexander MacLean, of Hoster ; Mr Alexander
Nicolson, minister of Beubecula ; and Mr Allan MacQueen,
minister of North Uist, who wrote this declaration.
The reader will find the MacMhuirich declaration, in
both languages, at pages 278 and 279 of the " Report of
the Highland Society." The above gentlemen were wit-
nesses. It is signed by the declarant, Lachlan Mac-
Mhuirich, and by Roderick MacNeil, Esq. of Barra, J. P.
In addition, it is enough to remark that MacPherson,
after he went to London, was sent by our implacable
foes there on his pilfering tour to the Highlands, and
that he, according to his instructions, collected all that
he could lay his hands on of the manuscripts of these
poems, and other documents of antiquity ; that, as long
as he lived, he feloniously deceived the proprietors of those
manuscripts, by his continual promise of restoring them ;
* The Learned Poet.
162
that, finally, wheu he departed, MacKenzie — a pupil of
the same school — did not, nor would not tell where they
were deposited. But, in case that the above may not
satisfy some who are determined to repeat the English
spleen because we have already proved our point, I shall now
add the testimony of Lachlan MacPherson, Esq., of
Strathmashie, who assisted the other MacPherson in ac-
complishing his translation of those poems. The follow-
ing letter from that learned gentleman and poet to Dr
Blair, of Edinburgh, preserved in the said Keport, is
quite sufficient of itself to explode for ever the villany
perpetrated in that English tragedy, for murdering our
literature : —
Strathmashie, 22d October, 1763.
Sir, — As I hear you have made application in this
country for testimonies concerning the authenticity of
Ossian's Poems, I make bold to send you this, of which
you may make what use you please : — In the year
1760, I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend, Mr
MacPherson, during some part of his journey in search
of the poems of Ossian, through the Highlands. I as-
sisted him in collecting them from oral traditions ; and
transcribed from old Manuscripts, by far the greatest
number of those parts he has published. Since the pub-
lication, I have carefully compared the translation with
the copies of the originals in my hands, and find it amaz-
ingly literal. I need not aver, Sir, that these poems are
taken in this country to be of the utmost antiquity.
This is notorious to almost all those who speak Gaelic in
Scotland. In the Highlands, the scene of every action
is pointed out to this day ; and the historical poems of
Ossian have been for ages the winter evenings' amuse-
163
ment of the Clans. Some of the hereditary bards retained
by the chiefs, committed very early to writing some of
the works of Ossian. One manuscript, in particular,
was written as far back as the year 1110, which I saw
in MacPherson's possession. Permit me, sir, as a High-
lander, to make use of this opportunity to thank you for
the pains you have taken to illustrate the beauties, and
establish the reputation of the poems of Ossian, which
do so much honour to the ancient genius of our country.
I am, with great esteem. Sir, your most obedient
Servant,
Lachlan MacPherson.
I need not remind you of what objections the ignorant
may start, because there is mention made by this gentle-
man of some of these poems having been written from
oral recitations. The reason is given in the above affi-
davit of Ewan MacPherson. That after the collector,
James MacPherson, amassed all the manuscripts he could
find in the shires of Inverness, Perth, and ArgyU, his ,
next object was, according to that gentleman's opinion,
to gather as much as he possibly could in order to pro-
cure different versions, which was a poor, lame subter-
fuge on the part of the spoliator — at least it will appear
so now; but his real object was that, if he should not
succeed in pUfering the manuscripts — as he had done
under English instructions — that he could, on his own
account, from the oral version of these poems, either
give his intended translation, and render the whole aiSFair
exposed to the brutal objections, at the time pre-arranged
by his bribers and our enemies, or make it appear pro-
164
bable that he was himself the author, at least in part;
and indeed had it not been that the Highland Society so
honourably published the particulars here related, there
is no doubt but that sacrilegious fama might have been
established, even among men from whom better things
might be expected, as it is now current amongst the wor-
king cattle, of which your humble servant is one, though,
at the same time, no Highlander could give any credit to
such nonsense. Besides, MacPherson's own declaration,
in his letter to the Rev. James MacLaggan, minister of
Amalree, is decisive. You mind what he says : — " I
have met with a number of old manuscripts in my travels,
the poetical part of them I have endeavoured to secure."
And again, " I have been lucky enough to lay my hands
on a pretty complete poem, and truly epic, concerning
Fingal," &c. This happened in the year 1760, when he
was in the heat of collecting his ill-gotten gear. " The
.truly epic poem, pretty complete," was no other than
the manuscript poem, good-naturedly given to him by
Alexander MacPherson, at Portree, as declared by the
said Alexander's brother upon oath, as above stated, in
his affidavit. Add to that the positive declaration of
his assistant in the translation of these poems, Mr Mao-
Pherson, of Strathmashie, who tells you positively, that
he " took down from oral recitation, as well as trans-
cribed from old manuscripts, by far the greatest part
of those pieces published by the other MacPherson, This
will show at once that James MacPherson was in reality
but a secondary party in the undertaking, in comparison
165
to the other learned gentleman and poet. Bear in mind,
moroever, that the fact of some of these poems being
taken from the tongues of those who could repeat them,
is an immortal proof, if I may use the expression, that
they were universally known in the country; and to such
as can peruse the manuscript versions of some of them
published in the Eeport, and various other printed copies
now in the hands of the Gaeil, it is trifling the difference
between the recited poems, and those written many ages
bygone. Lastly, none but the wilfully malicious can
think it objectionable, or to give it in the language of the
destroyers of our fame: " How impossible," say they,
^'that these poems could be preserved for many ages by
oral recitation." As little they were; and I hope that you
are now prepared to buffet any scoundrel in England who
says so. But, say you, our argument on this point, or
rather the truth of these assertions, is established by that
very circumstance, when it is duly considered that manu-
script copies of the poems, and other valuable histori-
cal and genealogical writings, were preserved in abundance
throughout the Highlands, as already demonstrated.
Neverthelesss, the disadvantage was, that although from
the resources of our literature, the light of Europe was
kept burning for many ages ; yet, it is a lamentable fact
that it was among the last languages in Europe that was
printed ;* and that, when the rest of Britain, for the last
two centuries and upwards, had their language printed,
• We may thank our connection with England for that.
166
the Gaelic was neglected in that particular ; so that when
the Lowlandman could read his on the page of the book,
the common people in the Highlands had their poetry,
and other productions of that kind, recited by the few
who had access to the preserved manuscripts, so that the
one learned the other in that way. In short, the original
Scots, in particular, remained, we may say, till within
the last century, just as all mankind were before the in-
vention of printing — that is, the learned few had recourse
to the written works, while the many wholly depended
on oral teaching in everything.
You will now ask, is it not surprising that the neigh-
bouring nation, who first dragged MacPherson into their
capital, when he appeared under the name of a collector
of the remaining fragments of a warlike and ancient
peojile's history, should afterwards persecute the cause
which they ardently stimulated him to undertake; for it
is a fact, that not only the savages of them, who had the
name of learned, and made letters their profession, did
so, but the British parliament acted in like manner. The
letters of the Kev. Dr Carlyle, to William MacDonald,
Esq , Secretary to the Highland Society, dated Mussel-
burgh, 9th January, 1802: it is to be found at pp. 66-7
of the report. We shall give the particulars of it im-
mediately to the point : —
" On the 2nd of October, 1759, I happened to know
the date exactly, I came from Dumfries to Moffat in the
morning, and finding John Home, the author of Douglas,
there, I resolved to stay all night with him. In the
167
course of conversation, he told me that he had at last
found what he had been long wishing for — a person who
could make him acquainted with ancient Highland poetry,
of which he had heard so much. This was Mr James
MacPherson, who was then tutor to Mr Graham, of Bal-
gowan, whom he had, with much solicitation and diffi-
cult}^, prevailed on to translate some specimens of that
poetry which he had by heart, to which he said he could
not do justice in an English translation. Mr Home had '
been highly delighted with them, and when he showed
them to me / was 'perfectly astonished at the poetical genius
displayed in them. We agreed that it was a precious
discovery, and that as soon as possible it should be pub-
lished to the world. Mr Home carried the manuscript
with him to Edinburgh; and having shown it to Dr Blair
and other judges, they were so much pleased that they
encouraged Mr MacPherson to publish them without
delay, which he did early in 1760, with the title of
Fragments of Ancient Poetry collected in the Highlands,
In a preface prefixed to this publication, Mr Mac-
Pherson announced that there was a great deal of poetry
of the same kind still to be found in the Highlands, and
islands in particular ; that there was a work of consid-
erable length, styled An Heroic Poem, which might be
recovered and translated, if encouragement was given to
such an undertaking. A subscription was immediately
set about in the Parliament House, and a sum sufficient
to make such an important search was soon collected.
Mr MacPherson made two journeys through the High-
lands, on one of which Mr Home accompanied him, and
the result was the publication, at London, first of Fingal,
and then of Temora. I have only to add, that during
my intimacy with Mr MacPherson, for two winters, in
London, in 1769 and 1770, where I saw him daily, and
lived in intimacy with him for four months in each of
168
those seasons, I never was able to discover, in his most
ungarded moments, that he was any other than the col-
lector and translator of the works of Ossian, or assumed
any other than might be derived from thence : but I
have heard him express the greatest contempt for those
who thought him the fabricator of them. If there was
any person who asserted that MacPherson had owned it
to himself, even that would not shake my ftiith ; for I
■ knew him to be of a temper, when he was teased and
fretted, to carry his indignation that far. This is all I
have to say on the subject. If you think it of importance
to establish your proof, you wiU communicate it to the
Society ; if not, be so good as to commit it to the flames.
I have the honour to be, dear Sir, with respect, yours,
&c.
Alexander Carlyle."
General Observatiojis by Captain Morrison, of Greenock.
Was intimately acquainted with Mr James MacPherson's
abilities and knowledge of the Gaelic language. Admits
that he had much merit in collecting, arranging, and
translating; but that he was no poet, nor thoroughly con-
versant in GaeHc literature. So far from composing
such poems as were translated, that he (Captain Morrison)
often assisted him in understanding some words and
suggested some improvements. That MacPherson could
as well compose the Prophecies of Isaiah, or create the
isle of Skye, as compose a poem like one of Ossian's.
That there are many other such poems which MacPherson
did not collect, and collected some which he did not
translate; but made his choice with proper taste. That
169
the Address to the Sun, in the poem of Carthon, wanted
two lines, which neither Mr MacPherson nor anybody-
else could supply ; nay, supply anything like them.
Captain Morrison adds farther — That, amidst all the
poetry he saw or heard of, he could as easly distinguish
Ossian's poems from that of others, by specific marks, as
he could Virgil's from Ovid or Horace. That the poetry
of the Highlands can be traced back hundreds of years,
and every species, as well as every period, distinguished
from one another ; so that no diflaculty can remain in
assigning his own station and era to Ossian.
Greenock, 7th January, 1801.
In the replies to the questions of the Honourable
the Highland Society of Scotland, respecting the Poems
of Ossian, and other ancient Poems relative to Fingal
and others, in these general observations, I declare
what I know to be true, and now aver the same be-
fore these gentlemen, Mr Donald Martin, Merchant,
and Mr Donald Shaw, Ship Chandler, Greenock; as
also that I have given the Rev. Mr Irvine a true and
faithful copy of Ossian's "Address to the Sun" in the
original, and some other fragments of Ossian's.
Witness whereof, Alexander Morrison.
D. Martin, Witness.
Donald Shaw, Witness.
In summing up the above evidences, it is only neces-
sary to remark, for the sake of those of my fellow-working-
men who are interested in the honour of Scotland, that
none of the scribblers hired to defame our country are
170
ignorant of these facts, and a great deal more, contained
in the host of ancient documents and chronicles stolen
by the agents of England, and smothered in order to
strangle our nationality. You will therefore observe
that it is not at all a matter of conjecture the charge
against MacPherson for his persevering villany in the affair
of the manuscripts collected by him. See his own
letter to the Kev. Mr MacLaggan, Minister of Amalree,
and that he had some before he came to the house of Mr
Gallic, Minister of Kincardine, as amply testified by
that gentleman and his wife ;* that no means could pre-
vail on MacPherson to restore those manuscripts during
his life, seeingthat the British Parliament, who encouraged
and paid him for collecting and swindling, were no doubt
bound to protect him at all hazards. In short, caU to
your recollection the facts already given, independent of
his confession altogether. Mr MacNeil, Minister of
Hovermore, South Uist,t positively says in his letter, that
he saw the bard MacMhuirich give to MacPherson, either
four or five manuscripts, and that the latter bound him-
self, " by a missive under his signature, to restore them."
In like manner, Mr MacPherson of Strathmashie, in his
letter above given, and as yet preserved in the Report,
says — " I assisted in collecting, and took down from
oral tradition, and transcribed from old manuscripts,
by far the greater part of those pieces published." And
he adds — *' Some of the hereditary bards committed very
* See Report, p. 153. f Vide Report.
171
early to writing the works of Ossian. One manuscript,
in particular, was written as far back as the year 1110,
which I saw in Mr MacPherson's possession." In fact,
Mr MacPherson of Strathmashie was the principal party
in accomplishing the translation, while, in reality, James
MacPherson was only the agent of the English to secure
the parchments. In like manner, Captain Morrison of
Greenock, in that excellent testimony of his, declares
that he had access to MacPherson's papers, even in Lon-
don ;* that he saw in his possession there many manu-
scripts containing some of the poems translated, which
they found difficult to read, owing to their being written
in the old Gaelic character. This was another gentleman,
as you have been already informed in his own declaration,
who was no passive spectator of the work, but translated
some of the poems for Mr MacPherson, <fec. You will
hence perceive the absolute wickedness of the miscreants,
who, after paying MacPherson for his infamous agency
in that affair, would afterwards muster the whole strength
of their nation, armed with that malice for which they
are noted above all men, to make the world believe that
there were no written copies of these poems, and that
MacPherson himself was the author of them, when, in
truth, he had but a very small share in the translation of
them. That was their creed at the outset ; but shortly
thereafter they saw that they had committed themselves
in that too, for, as the reverend and learned Dr Mac-
* See Appendix of Report, No. 13.
172
l^icol of Lismore, the scourge of Johnson, observed,
" The moment that Ossian is deprived of the poems,
MacPherson is the author of them, therefore the merit
of the production is national after all." Undoubtedly
from this remark the English saw that their former
treachery would not avail them, seeing that the produc-
tion was Scottish, and that in course of time MacPherson's
name might occupy the same position that Ossian's
memory now does. Alarming enough ! How much
privy councilling was performed ere they invented the
next story is not easy ascertained, only the result is no
secret. The next English report, which is still partly
believed by you, my fellow- workingmen, was that some
Lowland Muse composed the Poems of Ossian, and that
MacPherson neither composed nor collected them. I
need scarcely tell you that all this, and a great deal more,
of that gross nonsense, is not heeded by the well-in-
formed in either country, and that now many of the
English themselves, verily think shame of the crusade
set on foot against these matchless relics of antiquity ;
but though that is the case with a very few individuals,
the venom of that people, through their pupils, the
Highland landholders, will only be exhausted, if permitted
of God, when the utter destruction of our race and
language is completed.
173
OTHER COLLECTIONS,
Proving that these Poems were recited in all parts of the
Highlands, long after IfacPhei^son's translation, as they
were from time immemorial hefore he appeared.
Duncan Kennedy, teacher, Craignish, Argyleshire,
made his collection between a.d. 1774 and 1783. The
following are the names of the individuals from whose
oral recitation he wrote them : —
1. Donald MacTaggart, at Culgalast near Tarbert,
Kintyre.
2. John Morrison, Kilclusglan, near Lochgilphead,
Glasrie.
3. Alex. Ferguson, Achaushelich, near Kilmichael,
commonly called Alastir Gasta.
4. Alex. MacLardy, Coranbeg, Craiginish, known by
the name of Alastir Maclain.
5. Nicol Mac Int}Te, Polunduich, Lorn, near Kilninver.
6. John MacDougall, Duniarain, Lochavaich, and his
brother, Alein Ban, parish of Dalavaich.
7. John MacPhail, Bragleen-mor, parish of Kilninver.
8. Malcolm MacPhail, parish of Kilmelford.
9. MacPhee, from Glenforsa, in Mull, residing in the
island of Belnahua, near Easdale.
10. John MacLean, from the island of Eigg, a stroUing
beggar, nick-named Prionns an Lin.
11. Donald MacPhee, in Glenforsa, in the island of
Mull.
12. Hugh MacCallum, smith, island of Belnahua.
13. Neil Ban MacLardy, fiddler in Craignish, formerly
from the island of Luing.
174
14. Gilbert Mac Arthur, Kilmichael, Glasrie.
15. John MacLean, Dusgie, Ardgour, near Fort-
william.
16. John Cameron, commonly called Iain MacAlein,
near Fortwilliam
17. Mary Cameron, or Mairi Nighan Eoghain, near
Highbridge.
And many other persons that Duncan Kennedy met
with on different journeys through Morven, Suanart, and
Lochaber, whose names he does not now recollect, they
being old and obscure ; and, from their age, he thinks
few are at this time in life.
Contents of Duncan Kennedy's Collection.
Luachair Leothaid, Sgiathan MacSgairbh, An Gruagach
Rochd Sithallan, Mur Bheura, Tiomban Sealg na Cluana,
Gleann Cruadhach Urnuigh Gisein, Earragan, resembling
MacPherson's Battle of Lora, Manus, Maighre Borb,
Maid of Craca, Cath Seisear, Sliabh nam Beann Fionn,
Bas Ghairbh, Bas Cliuinn, Righ Liuir, Sealg na Leana,
Dun an Oir, An Gu Duhh, Gleann Diamhair, Conal, Bas
Chonlaoich, Diarmid, Carril, Bas Ghuill, Garadh, Bas
Oscair, Tuiridh nam Fiann, and Bas Oisein.
Duncan Kennedy.
— Report of Higliland Society, printed at the University
Press of Edinburgh, 1805,
The next was the reverend and learned Dr John
Smith, of Campbelton, who collected and published his
collection much about the same time. Dr Smith's vol-
ume was published at Edinburgh, and dedicated to the
Highland Society of London, 1787.
The next and last collectors were brothers Hugh and
175
John MacCallum, travelling merchants or packmen. The
MacCallums being intelligent and persevering men, and
indignant at the lies of Laing, and many other scoundrels
who joined in the crusade against the authenticity of
these poems, manfully persevered in their efforts, and at
last got their volume printed in Montrose, at The Review
newspaper ofl&ce, 1816. The following are the contents
of the work, and the names of the persons from whom
they were obtained: —
1. "Dargo, the Son of Druidin," obtained from Dun-
can Mathison, parish of Snizoi-t, isle of Skye — Rev.
Malcolm MacLeod, minister.
2. " Crom-Glen," from Hector MacPhail, parish of
Torosa, isle of Mull — Eev. Alexander Fraser, minister.
3. " Evir-Aluin," from the papers of Donald Mac-
Innes, schoolmaster, Griban, isle of Mull, parish of Kil-
uinian — Mr MacArthur, minister.
4. " The Fingalians' Great Distress," from the papers
of the Rev. Donald MacDonald, D.D. of Killean; also
another version from Malcolm MacCallum in said parish;
another from Duncan Maclntyre, Glenlyon, Perthshire;
and one from Archibald MacPherson, Assint. Dr Mac-
Donald thought proper that this poem should be inserted
in this work, although formerly published by Mr Gillies.
The Dr. announces that the poem before us is of a de-
cided preference to that published by Mr Gillies.
0. " The Banners of the Fingalians," from the papers
of Mr D. Maclnnes, already quoted.
6. " Cuchullin in his Chariot," from Alexander Mac-
Donald, South Uist — Rev. George Munro, minister.
7. " The Duan of the Heads," from Archibald Mac-
Callum, late of Auchaglas, and from Malcolm MacCallum,
176
both in the parish of Killean; also from D. MacTntyre
and A. MacPherson, ah'eady quoted.
8. •' The Black Dog," from Dr. MacDonald's papers,
and from A. MacCallum, already quoted; from Neil
Fletcher, farmer, Scalestlebeg, isle of Mull ; and from
Neil MacQueen, isle of Islay — Rev. James Macintosh,
minister.
9. " Fingal's Panegyric on Gaul, Colguil, and Trathal,"
from the papers of J. Maclntyre, Arichastie, Glenurciiy
— Rev Joseph MacTntyre, D.D. minister — and from the
papers of Mr D. Maclnnes, already quoted.
10. " Fingal's Address to Oscar," from Mr Nicol, sen.
Arichastie, Glenurchy, aged 95 years, who could repeat
the same when 12 years old; and from Mr D. Maclnnes's
papers, already quoted.
12. "The Death of Oscar," from Mr D. Maclnnes's
papers, already quoted.
13. " The Virgins or Nymphs," from Dr MacDonald's
papers, already quoted; and from William Cameron,
Highbridge, by Fortwilliam, parish of Kilmonivaig —
Rev. Thomas Ross, minister.
14. " Conlaoch," from D. Maclnnes's papers, and
from Neil MacQueen, both already quoted.
15. " Ciuhach," from George MacKenzie, Gruinnart,
parish of Lochbroom — Rev. Thomas Ross, LL.D., mini-
ster.
16. Ossian's Address to the Rising and Setting
Sun, translated into Latin by Ewan MacLachlan, Esq.
Rector, Old Aberdeen.
17. " Mor-Glan and Min Onn."
18. " The Death of Dermid," from Dr. MacDonald,
already quoted.
19. " The Combat of Fingal and Garv," from John
MacLardy, late of Arinanuan, parish of Killean — Rev.
D. MacDonald, D.D. minister.
177
20. "The Fingaliaas' Greatest Hunting," from the
papers of Dr. MacDonald and from Archibald MacCallum,
both already quoted.
21. " Conullgulbuin," from Archibald MacPherson,
Assint, already quoted.
22. " Ossian's Distress," from the Inverness Journal,
23. " Oina Moral/' from the writings of the Eev. A.
MacDonald, late of Liverpool.
24 " The Society of True Highlanders," composed by
Mr Ewen MacLachlan, of Old Aberdeen.
At Edinburgh, the nineteenth day of January, one
thousand eight hundred and one years, in presence of
Archibald Menzies, Esq., one of the Justices of Peace
for the county of Edinburgh, compeared Archibald
Fletcher, residenter in Achalader, Glenurchy, and county
of Argyle, who declares, that as he understood the High-
land Society of Edinburgh have been making inquiries
concerning ancient Gaelic Poems, particularly those
ascribed to Ossian, he has deposited, with the Deputy-
Secretary of the Society, a collection of Gaelic Poems,
many of which relate to the achievements of the race of
Fingal, or the Fianntaibh, as they are named in the
Gaehc language, of which Poems the declarant got
copies written in the country from his own oral recitation.
Declares that he is about sixty-six years of age, and
that he has heard the song called "Eann no Duan na
h-ighin " recited by several persons in Glenurchy, above
forty j^'ears ago, and about thirty years ago he learned it
by heart from John MacNicol, tenant in Arievean, in
Glenurchy, who had got the same from Duncan Mac-
Mcol, tenant in the same place, his grandfather. That
John MacNicol died about twenty years ago, and was
above sixty at his death ; and that the said Duncan
MacNicol, his grandfather, lived about fifty years ago, and
178
"W'as, he believes, about eighty years of age at his death.
That the MacNicols, of Arievean, who had been there
for ages, were celebrated for reciting songs and poems,
particularly the songs or histories of the Fingalian race.
That in former times, in the declarant's first remembrance,
and, he believes, long before his time, it was the con-
stant amusement of the Highlanders, in the winter time,
to go by turns to each other's houses, in every village, to
recite and hear recited, or sung, the Poems of Ossian,
and other songs and poems, which was particularly the
practice of the MacNicols in Arievean; but that, for
thirty years back, this practice has been gradually wear-
ing out in Glenurchy, and in every other part of the
Highlands with which he is acquainted, so that it
scarcely now exists at all anywhere.
He further declares, that when James MacPherson
was collecting the Poems of Ossian, he applied to the
said John MacNicol; but what songs or poems he got
from MacNicol the declarant does not know; and' he
recollects seeing MacPherson, on that occasion, at the
house of Mr M'Vean, the minister of Glenurchy.
Fletcher further declares, that he heard the poem
called " Teanntachd mor na Feinne " repeated by many
persons in the Highlands as far back as he can remember
anything, and that some time ago he learned it from
John Robertson, in Tullochean, Loch Tayside, in Braed-
albin, Perthshire, from whom he got a written copy of
it. He declares, that the poem called " Tigh Farabirne
no Farmail " he heard recited by many people in the
country above fifty years ago, and as far back as he can
remember anything ; and he is sure he heard it before
MacPherson went about to collect the Poems of Ossian
in the country of Glenurchy. That he learned this poem
some time ago from Janet MacKenrick or Henderson,
now residing in Glenfalloch, and that she got it from
179
the said MacMcols, of Arievean. He further declares,
that the poem called "Duan a Ghairbh mhic Stairn" he
heard recited in the country, by many persons, above
forty years ago, and particularly by Finlay IMacKenrick
or Henderson, now residing in Croitandeoir, in Glen-
dochart, in Perthshire — a very old man — from whom, or
from John MacKenrick, his uncle, in Glenurchy, the
said Finlay learned the poem ; and that, some time ago,
the declarant himself learned it from John Maclntyre,
in Stronmialachan, in Glenurchy — a man of about sixty
years of age — who had it from Duncan Maclntyre, who
resided near Bunau, Argyleshire. Declares, that he is
certain he heard the poem of "Garbh Mac Stairn"
recited by many persons, as above, long before Mac-
Pherson went about collecting the Poems of Ossian.
Declares, that the poem called "Eachdraidh air Con-
achair Righ Eirin agus triuir mhac Righ Barachoil," an
edition of which MacPherson has published, under the
name of "Darthula," and which is commonly called in
the country, " Clann Uisneachain, or the sons of XJsno,"
he heard recited about fifty years ago by many persons
in Glenurchy, particularly by Nicol MacNicol, in Arie-
vean, who resided sometime in Achaladar ; and this, he
thinks, was about ten years before MacPherson went
about collecting the Poems of Ossian. Declares, that
in the collection which he has now deposited with the
Society, there are several other poems, some of which —
relating to the actions of the Fianntaibh, or Fingalians —
he likewise heard recited very long ago ; and declares,
that the whole collection of poems, now left with the
Society, consists of one hundred and ninety-four pages.
All which is truth, as the declarant shall answer to God.
Alexander Fletchee.
Archibald Menzies, J. P.
180
Sworn before me, the nineteenth of January, eighteen
hundred and one ; and I further attest, that the said
Archibald Fletcher, who, although he cannot write his
name, was not able to read the manuscript, recited orally
in my presence the whole of the poem called " Clann
Uisneachain, or Darthula," and part of the first poem
called "Rann, or Duan na h-ighin," which, as I un-
derstand the Gaelic, I compared with the manuscript,
and found to agree. And he declared that he was able
and willing to recite, orally, the whole of the poems
particularly specified in his declaration. And I further
attest, that the above mentioned manuscript collection
of poems is marked by the declarant and me, of this date.
Archibald Menzies, J. P.
— Report of Highland Society, j). 273.
Note from the Report of the Highland Society, p. 17.
From the preface of Bishop Carswell's Prayer Book,
printed at Edinburgh, 1567: —
''But there is one great disadvantage which we, the Gaeil
of Scotland and Ireland, labour under beyond the rest of
the world, that the Gaelic language has never yet been
printed, as the language of every race of men has been.
And we labour under a disadvantage which is still
greater than every other disadvantage, that we have not
the Holy Bible printed in Gaelic, as it has been printed
in Latin and in English, and in every other language ;
and also, that we have never yet had any account printed
of the antiquities of our country or of our ancestors; for,
though we have some accounts of the Gaeil of Scotland
and Ireland contained in manuscripts, and in the gene-
alogies of bards and historiographers, yet there is great
labour in writing them over with the hand; whereas the
181
work that is printed, be it ever so great, is speedily
finished. And great is the blindness and sinful dark-
ness, and ignorance and evil design of such men as teach,
and write, and cultivate the Gaelic language; that with
the view of obtaining for themselves vain rewards of
this world, they are more desirous and more accustomed
to compose worldly histories, concerning the Tuath de
dannan, and Fingal, the son of Cumhal,"" with his heroes,
and concerning many others which I will not at present
enumerate or mention, in order to maintain or reprove;
than to write, and teach, and maintain the faithful words
of God and of the perfect truth."
Extract of a letter from the Rev. Dr John MacPherson,
Minister of Sleat, isle of Skye, to Dr Blair of Edinburgh,
then collecting material for his dissertation on these
poems. It is dated manse of Sleat, 27th November,
1763, and is recorded page 9, &c., of the Report.
What I have to say myself, in answer to your ques-
tions, after having made all the researches in my power,
is in substance as follows : That I have perused a Gaelic
manuscript, containing all the poems translated by Mr
^lacPherson, or a considerable part of them. I am not
able to say, but can honestly affirm, that I have seen a
Gaelic manuscript in the hands of an old bard, who
travelled about through the Highlands and Isles about
thirty years ago, out of which he read in my hearing, and
before thousands yet alive, the exploits of Cuchullin,
Fingal, Oscar, Ossian, Cual, Diarmid, and the other
heroes celebrated in Mr MacPherson's book.
This bard was descended of a race of ancestors who had
* This shows that the poems of Ossian were recited 2 03 year
before MacPherson was born.
182
served the family of Clanronald for about three hundred
year3, in quality of bards and genealogists, and whose
predecessors had been employed in the same office by
the Lords of the Isles, long before the family of Clan-
ronald existed. The name of the tribe which produced
these hereditary bards and seanachies was MacMhidrich.
The last man of the tribe, who sustained these two
characters with any dignity, I knew personally, and
conversed with him more than once. He was a man of
some letters, like all or most of his predecessors in that
office, and had, to my certain knowledge, some manu-
scripts— in verse as well as prose — in his possession.
Whether these manuscripts are now extant I cannot say,
as I live at a great distance from that part of the country
where the MacMhuirichs were settled. That the poems
contained in the manuscripts, belonging to the Mac-
Mhuirichs, were identical with those published by Mr
MacPherson, or nearly so, seems to be abundantly pro-
bable. One reason that induces me to entertain this
opinion is, that I have conversed with many different
persons, who had frequently rehearsed, from memory,
several parts of the poems translated by that gentleman
long before he was an author. And I can affirm that
these several parts, together with many more of the
same kind, and in the same manner, were rehearsed by
the MacMhuirichs times without number. So much in
answer to your first question.
I have, in obedience to your request, made inquiry
for all persons around me who were able to rehearse,
from memory, any parts of the poems published by Mr
MacPherson, and have made them rehearse, in my
hearing, the several fragments or detached pieces of these
poems which they were able to repeat. This done, I
compared them, with great care, with Mr MacPherson's
translation. These fragments are as follows : —
183
The description of "Cuchallin's Chariot," (Fingal,
book first, p. 11,) the rehearsers are John MacDonald,
of Breackish, in Strath, isle of Skye ; Martin MacGilivray,
tenant, in Slate ; and Allan MacCascle, farmer, Glenelg.
The episode relating to "Faine solais," (Fingal, book
third, p. 45,) the rehearsers are, among many more,
John MacDonald, of Breackish ; Alexander MacDonald,
merchant, in Slate ; John Downie cowherd there ;
and John MacLean, carpenter, in the parish of Strath.
The action of Ossian at the lake of Lago, and his court-
ship of Everallin, (Fingal, book fourth, p. 50,) the
rehearsers are Alexander MacDonald, merchant, in Slate ;
Nicol MacKenzie, in the parish of Strath. Together
with the originals in the Gaelic characters, used in both
countries from time immemorial.
Extract of a letter from Mr MacDiarmid, Minister of
Weem, 9th April, 1807 to the committee of the Society.
Enclosed you have a translation of the Gaelic pieces
which I sent you last week. It is as literal as possible;
I made it so on purpose, without any regard to the
English idiom, that you might understand the better.
Every one knows at what disadvantage a translation of
this kind must appear from one language into another;
but more especially when the idioms and genius of the
two languages differ so widely as those of the Gaelic an d
English. As I have not a copy of Mr MacPherson's
translation, I could not compare it with the original, nor
point out wherein he has departed from it, Mr MacKenzie
will easily see that, by comparing his translation with
mine. I got the copy of these poems about thirty years
ago, from an old man in Glenlyon, I took it and several
other fragments, now I fear irrecoverably lost, from the
man's mouth. He had learned them in his youth from
184
people in the same glen, whicli must have been long
before MacPherson was born. I had at one time a con-
siderable number of old poems, some of them part of
what MacPherson has translated ; but by lending them
from hand to hand, I cannot now possibly trace them.
The truth is, I lost in a great decree that enthusiasm
which I was very early possessed with, when I went into
Angus-shire with the view to settle there for life. At
that time I gave away most of the pieces I had collected.
The two pieces sent by Mr MacDiarmid to the committee,
were Ossian's Address to the Sun, both rising and set-
ting, with an exact literal translation of each.
J. List of the Gentlemen who contributed information j
maiiuscrijyts, and other documents, to the Committee of
the Highland Society, while drawing up their Report.
Rev. Mr Anderson, minister of Kingussie; Rev. Mr Mac-
Laggan, of Blair; Rev. Mr MacDiarmid, of Weems; Rev.
Dr. Smith, of Campbelton ; Rev. Mr MacDonald, of
Anstruther; Rev. Mr Irvine, of Rannoch; Captain Morri-
son, of Greenock; Mr George Chalmers, of London;
Major MacLachlan, of Kilbride ; Rev. Mr Stuart, of
Craignish; and the Rev. Mr MacLeod, of Harries; besides
several members of the Committee procured MSS., and
other materials of importance, particularly Lord Banna-
tyne, Sir George IMackenzie, Sir John Sinclair, and Mr
MacDonald, of Staffa.
Note. — Mr Jerome Stone, of Dunkeld, collected a
number of these poems, a.d. 1754-5, and published one
of them translated, as well as he could do it, in Scot's
Magazine, a.d. 1756
Next, after MacPherson, was Miss Brooke, an Irish
lady, who collected a number of these poems in Ireland.
185
In winding up these proofs, it is expected that the
reader is satisfied that the main point required is clearly
demonstrated, viz., that the poems of Ossian were pre-
served in written documents many centuries back, and
were recited in all parts of the Highlands time out of
mind, and continued to be so down to 1816, as the con-
tents of the last collection given above amply show.
That some of the individuals were in the remote islands;
others in various localities of the mainland, and for the
most part illiterate persons, who had no other means of
procuring them but by the prevailing practice of learning
them from others, who possessed them in the same man-
ner. That a people so tenacious of the customs of their
progenitors, and naturally so accute as the original Scots
are, cannot be estimated by a comparison with any other
grade or section in the land of the millions of thieves
called "England," nor yet with the Normanised "Irish."
We do not mean the real Milesian of that country, among
whom are a few we respect with profound admiration,
not only as gentlemen, but also as ornaments of the Cel-
tic name and literature. That the learned and candid
Dr O'Donovan, of Dublin, is one who has done more for
the advancement of the Celtic language than any other
in his native land for several centuries, in his unwearied
efforts to leave a lasting memorial to the honour of the
primitive speech to which he applied his admirable capa-
city with success. It is questionable if his labours are
equalled by any in this generation. Many more might
be added, and certainly not the least of them is Dr Mac-
Ilheran, the " iron flail" of the times.
MACPHERSON'S TRMSLATION NOT GENUINE.
Tlie following compai-ison hy the Kev. Dr. Patbick
Geaham, of Aheifoyle, will show the difference.
TEMORA, Book vii.
O Linne doir-chcille na Lego,
Air uair, eiridli ceo taobli-ghorm nan tonn :
'Nuair a dliuineas, dorsa na h' oicLe,
Air iulair-shuil greine nan speur.
Domhail mu Lara nan sruth,
Thaomas duibh neul, as doirclie gruaim,
Mar ghlas sgiath, roinili thaomadh nan nial,
Snamh seachad tha gealacli na li' oiche.
Le so eididli taibhsean o shean,
MR MACPHEIlSO^ S
From the wood-skirted waters of Lego, ascend at times,
gray bosomed mists, when the gates of the west are closed
on the sun's eagle-eye. Wide, over Lara's stream is
187
LITERALLY TRANSLATED.
From tlie pool of wood-skirted Lego,
At times, ascend the blue-sided mist of the waves :
WTien closed are the gates of night.
On the eagle-eye of the skies.
Swelling around Lara of streams.
Pour black clouds of darkest gloom :
Like a gray shield, before the bursting of the clouds,
Swims along the moon of night.
With this invest the ghosts, of old.
TRANSLATION.
poured the vapour, dark and deep. The moon, like a
dim shield, is swimming through its folds. With this
clothe the spirits of old
188
An dlu-ghleus* araeasg na gaoitli. 10
Siad a leumnicli o' osnadh,
Air dubli agliaidli oiche nan sian.
Ann taobh oiteig, gu paluinn nan seod,
Taomaidh iad ceathacli nan speur ;
Gorm-thalla do thannais nach beo, 15
Gu am eiridh fonn marbhrann nan tend.
Tlia torman am machair nan crann :
MR MACPHERSON S
their sudden gesture on the wind, when they strike
from blast to blast, along the dusky night, often
blend with the gale, to some warrior's grave, they roll
* Besides remarking in Mr Macpherson's translation of the
above passage, that though he, upon the whole, renders the sense
of the original with tolerable fidelity, he, at the same time, loses,
and, from apparent hurry, suppresses many elegant images, I must
observe, particularl}', that the expression, "sudden gestures," by
which he translates "dlughleus,"' is as devoid of meaning, as it
is foreign to the sense of the original. The expression in the ori-
ginal, evidently alludes to a mythology, (for there is a mythology
in Ossian of a very appropriate kind,) which was well known to
;Mr MacPhcrson, but of which, in this instance, he loses sight.
189
Their close-gathered forms,* amidst tlie winds, 10
As they pass (leap) from blast to blast,
On the dusky countenance of the stormy night,
On the skirt of the gale, to the dwelling of the brave,
They pour the vapour of the skies :
A blue mansion to the shades of the deceased, 1 5
Till the season that the death song rises on the strings.
There is a rustling sound in the field of trees :
TRANSLATION.
the mist, a grey dwelling to his ghost, until the songs
arise.
A sound came from the desert.
The ghosts, or shades, of the deceased are uniformly represented,
by Ossian, as thin and feeble forms, which were liable to be tossed
about by the blast, and even to have their substance, at times,
torn and dispersed by the winds ; an example of which occurs im-
mediately below, at verse 23. It became necessary for them,
therefore, to guard against such accidents, and to gather their un-
substantial forms into close array. Having this well known
mythology in our eye, the expression, " close gathered forms,"
suggests a precious and appropriate idea. See below Mr Mac-
Pherson's translation of verse 53.
190
\Se Connar rigli Eirin a t' ann,
A taomadli ceo taniiais gu dlutli,
Air Faolan, aig Lubbar nan srutb. 20
Muladacb, suidbe fo bbron,
Dhaom an taibbs ann ceatbacb an loin.
Tbaom osnadb easan annTein ;
Acb pbill an cruth aluin gu dian ;
Pbill e le cbrom sbealladb, mall, 25
Le ceo leadain, mar sbiubbal nan sian.
'S doilleir so !
Ata na sloigb nan suain; san am,
MR MACPHERSOH'3
It was Connor, king of Inisfail. He poured tbe mist on
Fillan,* at blue winding Lubar. Dark and mournful sat the
gbost, in his grey ridge of smoke. The blast at times rol-
• Fillan, the son of Fingal, had been lately killed. See liook
VI.
f We have here a fine example of the mythology alluded to in
a preceding note. The ghost of Fillan had been rolled together
by the blast, but soon resumed its form. Should it gratify any
191
It is Connor, king of Erin,
Pouring thick the mist of ghosts,
On Fillan,* at streamy Lubar. 20
Sad, sitting in grief,
Decended the ghost, in the mist of the vale (meadow)
The blast rolled him together ;
But the noble form quickly returned into itself; t
It returned slowly, with downcast look, lb
With locks of mist, like the course of storms.
It is dark !
The hosts, meantime, are sunk in sleep.
TRANSLATION.
led him together: but the form returned again ;t it return-
ed with bending knees, and dark- winding locks of mist.
It is dark ! The sleeping hosts were stiU
critic to have a similar image pointed out in another poet, I should
refer him to Milton :
-" But the etherial substance closed,
'Not long divisible.'
Paradise Lo$t, Book vi ver 303.
GLOSSARY.
Bragh — Burst, explosion.
Braight — The great annual of fire the Druids. •
BroUuinn — Steam, smoke, rising from intense heat.
Caont — Private.
Coirb — A female fury.
Dearg-las — Nebula .
Dr^os — The glare of sparks rising from a furnace.
Eangach— A drag net.
Earc — A cow.
G lamaich — Devourers.
laltag— The bat.
Mairc — Objection.
N.B. — The reader can be at no loss to find all the terms which
may appear obscure in the cuiTcnt lexicons of the language.
* See MacAlpine's Gaelic Dictionary.
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