The Old Ways

Celtic · Carmina Gadelica · 166 of 216

166. St Columba's Plant

Alexander Carmichael, 1900

BUAINIDH mi mo choinneachan, Mar choinneamh ri mo naomh, Chasga fuath nam fear foille, Agus boile nam ban baoth.

Buainidh mi m' achlasan, Mar achainidh ri m' Righ, Gur liom-sa buaidh an achlasain, Thar gach neach a chi.

Buainim an duille gu h-ard, Mar a dh' orduich an t-Ard Righ, An ainm Tri Naomh nan agh, Agus Moire, Mathair Chriosd.

I WILL pluck what I meet, As in communion with my saint, To stop the wiles of wily men, And the arts of foolish women.

I will pluck my Columba plant, As a prayer to my King, That mine be the power of Columba's plant, Over every one I see.

I will pluck the leaf above, As ordained of the High King, In name of the Three of glory, And of Mary, Mother of Christ.