The Old Ways

Celtic · Carmina Gadelica · 158 of 216

158. The Tree-entwining Ivy

Alexander Carmichael, 1900

BUAINIDH mis an eidheann-mu-chrann, Mar a bhuain Moire le a leth-laimh, Mar a dh' orduich Righ nan dul, Bainne chur an uth 's an ar, Le laoigh bhreaca, bhoirionn, bhailgneach, Mar a thubhradh anns an dailgneachd, Air an laraich seo gu ceann la 's bliadhna, A uchd Dia nan dul 's nan cursa comhla.

I WILL pluck the tree-entwining ivy, As Mary plucked with her one hand, As the King of life has ordained, To put milk in udder and gland, With speckled fair female calves, As was spoken in the prophecy, On this foundation for a year and a day, Through the bosom of the God of life, and of all the powers.