cuirt an mhean oiche - by brian merriman (1780): a translation by noel fahy 1998

Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais

Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by

Brian Merriman

The Life of Brian

We do not know very much about the life of Brian Merriman (or Bryan Merryman, as he is commonly referred to in earlier sources—seemingly, the current spelling became commonplace because of the lack of a native “y” in Irish).

It is thought that he was born around 1747 in eastern Co. Clare. There is speculation that he was born on the wrong side of the blanket, the illegitimate son of a local squire. Some see in the paean to bastardry that make’s up a considerable part of the old man’s speech in the poem evidence of Brian’s feelings about his own origins. It is also suggested that this is where his anglicized name comes from. Although in some later publications, his name is gaelicized to Brian Mac Giolla Meidhre, there is no evidence that he went by anything other than Merriman in his own lifetime.

By 1770, he was in the poverty-stricken and, at the time, backward east-county village of Feakle where he served as a schoolteacher. He was also a small farmer with a holding of twenty acres. Seemingly, he was at least an adequate farmer since there is a record of his having won two prizes from the Royal Dublin Society for his flax crop.

There was no regular schoolhouse in Feakle until 1837 and the arrangements prior to that were pretty ad hoc. In 1825, for instance, there were thirteen “schools” in the parish but a description of the arrangements from a report that year of the Commissioners on Education in Ireland shows the parlousness of the system, if such it can be called.

Four of the so-called schools met in chapels and two in the kitchen of the teacher’s dwelling. Even though the latter were probably nothing to write home about, they were hopefully better than the pitiful setup for the remaining seven, which were said to meet in:

● the mistress’s dwelling—an excavation in a broad bank of earth;

● a barn—a wretched hovel; ● a wretched cabin or cattle shed; ● a temporary cabin;

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● a very wretched cabin; ● a waste barn; ● a barn.

Three schools were reported to have nineteen, twenty and twenty-nine pupils, respectively, but each of the other ten had between 51 and 128 attendees (for a total of 800), astonishing numbers given the nature of the establishments. If Merriman himself is indicative of even the most able products of such schools—and where else would he have gotten his education—we can only marvel at the ability to impart, and the desire to imbibe, knowledge in such unpromising surroundings. It is clear that, however he acquired it, Merriman had an acquaintance with contemporary English and European literature and thought.

In his description of Brian’s life as an introduction to his translation of the Cúirt, Riseárd Ó Foghlú describes the hard life of the teacher:

“Bhí an saol crua go leor ar mhúinteoirí scoile i dTuamhumhain le linn Bhriain agus tamall ina dhiaidh sin: ba chaol an tuarastal do bhí ag dul dóibh ó dhaltaí bochta na háite, i dtreo go mbíodh ar an máistir bannaí, dintiúirí, srl., do scríobh do dhaoine chun cur lena fháltas, agus is minic do b’éigin don bhfear bocht ramhan agus sluasad do tharraingt chuige chun réal do thuilleamh.” (Schoolteachers’ lives in Thomond were quite difficult in Brian’s time and for a while thereafter: they got little in remuneration from the poor children of the area and they had to supplement their income by preparing legal documents for the people, and often the poor teacher had to take shovel or spade in hand to earn the odd sixpence.)

As is made abundantly clear in the final section of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche, Merriman did not marry until later in life and certainly not until after he had authored his famous work. It is likely that he married in the early 1790s—his first child, a daughter named Caitlín (Kathleen), was born in 1795. He had one other child, another daughter, Máire (Mary). His wife, whose name was Cit (Kit), was born in 1767. She was also known as Cit an Mhaighisteara (the master’s Kit) attesting to Brian’s occupation. And she was later remembered as a fine, handsome, trim woman (bean bhreá dhathúil mhaiseach).

At some stage, Brian Merriman had moved from rural Clare to Limerick City where he continued to eke out a seemingly meager existence as a teacher. He died suddenly there on



July 27, 1805 as an entry in the “General Advertiser and Limerick Gazette” of Monday, 29th July, 1795 noted:

“Died.—On Saturday morning, in Old Clare-street, after a few hours’ illness, Mr. Bryan Merryman, teacher of Mathematics, etc.”

A few days later, on Thursday, a death notice appeared in Faulkner’s “Dublin Journal”:

“At Limerick, after a few hours illness, Mr. Bryan Merryman, teacher of mathematics.”

Cúirt an Mheán Oíche is essentially his sole work; only two other short lyrics are attributed to him. He composed it in 1780 and it is the great mystery of his life why he did not follow up on this opus in the twenty-five years of life remaining to him. We simply do not know the answer to that question. Daniel Corkery asked in “The Hidden Ireland”: “Was it the poet’s moving into Limerick City caused the havoc?”—casting an aspersion on that city three quarters of a century before Frank McCourt did it at book length.

Frank O’Connor, in the introduction to his translation of the poem, has similar views of the benighted city:

"There is no tablet in Clare Street to mark where Bryan Merryman, the author of the Midnight Court died, nor is there ever likely to be, for Limerick has a reputation for piety."

But, then, O'Connor casts a no less jaundiced eye on Clare:

"Merryman was born about the middle of the eighteenth century in a part of Ireland which then must have been as barbarous as any in Europe—it isn’t exactly what one would call civilised today."

Merriman’s poem is daring and explicit but that does not seem to have caused its author the type of grief that was visited on Irish authors in later years. In his introduction to the 1912 edition of the work, Piaras Béaslaí notes:

“The poem at once attained popularity. Its freedom from stilted



language and archaism, its welding of the spoken speech into musical lines made it appeal to the educated and illiterate alike. Many manuscript copies were made, many people memorized it.”

Mr. Béaslaí quotes a certain Dr. P. W. Joyce writing in 1879:

“Three years ago I met a man in Kilkee…who actually repeated for me, without the slightest hitch or hesitation, more than half—and if I had not stopped him, would have given me the whole of the Midnight Court.”

Mr. Béaslaí continues:

“It is a fact, however strange, that none of the daring passages in the ‘Cúirt’ drew down upon their author any general outcry or denunciation. His audacious handling of ideas most sacred to the Gael, such as the celibacy of the clergy, does not appear to have made him any enemies. Probably he was protected just as Rabelais was protected by his pose of jester. … His work was probably regarded by many as a kind of naughty joke, a piece of broad ‘risky’ farce, not to be taken seriously.”

Piaras Béaslaí may be barking up the wrong tree here by anachronistically ascribing the sensibilities of his time to an earlier, less straitlaced age. The acceptance of the poem may not have been at all strange. It is highly questionable whether ideas such as celibacy of the clergy—and prudishness about matters sexual, in general—were in any way “sacred to the Gael”.

There is a great deal of evidence that the conservatism in matters religious and sexual were products of the second half of the nineteenth century which continued long into the twentieth and were, in fact, not native nor natural to the race.

Blame, or credit, for its growth has been laid at the feet of imported French Jansenism but perhaps an even more important factor was the cataclysm of the Great Famine of the 1840s. That catastrophe produced two mutually reinforcing influences pushing the people towards such conservatism: the feeling that the indescribable horror of the famine was literally God-awful, a judgment of God on the country; and the fear of bringing large



numbers of children into a crowded, unsustaining environment, an aversion that encouraged delaying marriage until much later in life and fostered premarital celibacy during the prolonged period of batchelorhood/spinsterhood.

In any case, in Merriman’s own time, it seems that his poem was not merely tolerated by the people but heartily embraced. Backward the country may have been but one is dubious of the progress, if progress it was, of the following century and a half when we recall that, in 1945, the censors banned for a while Frank O'Connor's translation of the poem, just the sort of narrow-mindedness that Merriman had anticipatorily parodied long before and that was thereby deliciously, if presumably unwittingly, self-referential in its foolishness but was unfortunately made serious with the power of the nascent—and self-professedly Gaelic—state behind it!

After he finished Cúirt an Mheán Oíche, the poet fell silent and Bryan Merryman went on his way, merry or not as the case may have been.

© 1998: J. Noel Fahey

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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction


Brian Merriman

The Midnight Court

Professor Seán Ó Tuama describes The Midnight Court well:

“The Midnight Court is undoubtedly one of the greatest comic works of literature, and certainly the greatest comic poem ever written in Ireland. … It is a poem of gargantuan energy, moving clearly and pulsatingly along a simple story line, with a middle, a beginning and an end. For a poem of over one thousand lines it has few longeurs. It is full of tumultuous bouts of great good humour, verbal dexterity and rabelesian ribaldry. It is a mammoth readable achievement with little need of gloss.” (Brian Merriman and His Court, Seán Ó Tuama, pg. 158)

Quite simply, as a modern-day publisher might say in promoting a new book: it’s a very good read. Formally, it consists of a Prologue, three dramatic monologues, and an Epilogue. It combines the traditional Irish aisling with the Court of Love poems of medieval Europe.

The aisling, dream or vision, poetry was either amatory or political in which a comely spéirbhean, or sky-woman, appears to the poet in a dream. For instance, in the 10-century Aisling Oneguso, the poet sees a beautiful maiden in a dream, with whom he falls in love and is eventually united.

By the 18th century, although the love-aisling was still in use, the genre was more often devoted to political deliverance where the dream-woman was Ireland personified. By this time, the form had become quite stylized in many ways:

● The poet is out for a ramble, often first thing of a bright summer’s morning; ● He lays down by a stream for a rest and falls asleep; ● A beautiful woman appears in a dream whose allure is described in lavish and

exuberant detail; ● The poet asks in wonder whether she is a Greek goddess or other fantastical figure

(usually several possibilities are listed);

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● She answers that she is no such creature but, instead, Ireland; and usually with a name such as Caitlín Ní hUallacháin, Síle Ní Ghadhra, Róisín Dubh—or simply Éire;

● She laments the state of the country with its leaders dead or in exile and the foreigners in possession of their ancestral land;

● She foretells (in the 18th century) the imminent return of the rightful Stuart king or that help is due to arrive shortly from over the seas from Spain, France or the Pope;

● The poet awakens, sometimes to the bitter realization that, in fact, no salvation is at hand—it was only a dream.

A short example (generally these poems are quite lengthy) is An Aisling by Aodhagán Ó Rathaille (?1670-1729) from the Sliabh Luachra district in County Kerry. Although too short to exhibit the panoply of features just outlined, the poem is interesting in the context of The Midnight Court, since the featured spéirbhean is the same Aoibhill who plays such a major role in Merriman’s work:

Maidin sul smaoin Titan a chosa do luailOne morning before Titan had brought forth first light

Ar mhullach cnoic aird aoibhinn do lódamar suas, On top of a fair hill of considerable height

Tarrastar linn scaoith bhruinnel soilbhir suairc— I met a sweet group of young girls bright

Gasra bhí i Sí Seana solasbhrú thuaidh. A troop in Sí Seana’s north fort of delight.

Fearastar scím dhraíochta nár dhorcha snua, A magic mist spread, which was not grey,

Ó Ghaillimh na líog lígheal go Corcaigh na gcuan; From the harbours of Cork to Galway bay

Barra gach crainn síorchuireas toradh agus cnuas, The clusters of fruit made every tree sway

Meas daire ar gach coill, fírmhil ar chlocha go buan.

Acorns and pure honey everywhere lay.

Lasaidsin trí coinnle go solas nach luaim They lit three candles, casting an ineffable glow

Ar mhullach Chnoic aird Fhírinne Conallach Rua; On Cnoc Firinne’s lofty summint in Conallach Roe

Leanastar linn scaoith na mban gcochall go Tuamhain,

With the group of cloaked women to Thomond I did go

Is fachtaimse dhíobh díograis a n-oifige ar cuairt.Asking about their mission, if they could let me know

D’fhreagair an bhríd Aoibhill nár dhorcha snua,Then answered lady Aoibhill whose face was not grey:

Fachain na dtrí gcoinnle do lasadh ar gach cuan They had lit the three candles above every bay

In ainm an rí dhíograis bheas againn go luath, In the name of the fond king who was on his way



I gceannas na dtrí ríochta*, is dá gcosnamh go buan.

To wear the triple crown** forever and a day

As m’aisling do shlímbhíogas go hachomair suas, Suddenly from my dreamy sleep I sat bolt upright

Is do mheasas gurb fhíor d’Aoibhill gach sonas dár luaigh;

Believing that Aoibhill’s good news must be right

Is amhlaidh bhíos tímchreathach, doilbhir, duairc, But I found I was downcast and shaken with fright

Maidin sul smaoin Titan a chosa do luail.That morning before Titan had brought forth first light

* Sasana, Éire is Alba.

** Of England, Ireland and Scotland.

(Source: Text: Filíocht na nGael, Pádraig Ó Canainn do chuir in eagar, An Press Náisiúnta, Baile Átha Cliath, 1958, lch. 65; My Translation)

(The modern song in English by Tommy Makem, Four Green Fields, has some of the elements of the aisling in updated garb—a woman representing Ireland recounts how the strangers came and ravaged the country and its people, her pain over the continued loss of her lands, the six counties in this instance, but she expresses the hope of winning them back. Another song in English which even more closely resembles the love-aisling is Síle Ní Eidhir.)

As I said, all this had become rather stylized. Daniel Corkery speaks of an “inbreeding” among the poets of the bardic schools—“a disease most incident to academies.”

“That rigid turn of mind which kept their literary medium in a strait-jacket for whole centuries, afraid not so much of growth as the dangers that go with it, kept the doors of the inventive faculties severely sentried, and for the self-same reason. The movement of their minds is swift, precise, and often piercing, but one wishes for livelier contrasts, for richer colour, for readier emotions.” (The Hidden Ireland, pg. 82).

Similarly, Piaras Béaslaí writes:

"Few literatures have been less coloured by the individuality of the writers than Gaelic literature. It had been originally the product of a separate literary caste, confined to certain familes, taught in schools, shackled by conventions, by respect for tradition, by archaism." ("Merriman's Secret: An Interpretation," Piaras Béaslaí, in Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche, Riseard O Foghludha, pg. 1).

Merriman cetrainly broke the mold. Not only was did he write vigorously and expressively


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in the everyday speech of County Clare and call a spade a spade rather than an agricultural implement, he introduced a burlesque element into the aisling form itself. There is not one vision-woman but two: the radiant Aoibheal, the very soul of convention, is teamed with a grotesque doppelgänger, the bailiff-woman—at six or seven yards in height and with features to match, a parody of the beautiful spéirbhean.

In his long opus, he gives only the most cursory treatment, in a harangue in the Prologue that is largely irrelavant to the poem’s major themes, to that staple of the political aisling—the broken-down state of the country because of the disappearance of the native lords and their replacement by foreign hordes:

An uaisle b’fhearr chun fáin mar leaghadar 81 The nobles languish in a foreign land

Is uachtar láimhe ag fáslaigh shaibhre, 82 While the jumped-up rich get the upper hand,

Ag fealladh le fonn is foghail gan féachaint 83 In betrayal ardent, in plunder greedy

D’fheannadh na lobhar is an lom dá léirscrios. 84 Flaying the sick, despoiling the needy.

Is dochrach dubhach mar dhíogha gach daoirse 85 It is blackly baneful and sticks in the craw

Doilbhe dúr i ndúbhcheilt dlíthe 86 That, in darkest despair over the absence of law,

An fann gan feidhm ná faghaidh ó éinne 87 There’s nothing from no one for the purposeless weak

Ach clampar doimhin is luí chum léirscrios, 88 But a depredacious future that is hopelessly bleak,

Falsacht fear dlí is fachtnaí ardnirt, 89 The knavery of lawyers, tyranny on high

Cam is calaois faillí is fabhar, 90 Injustice, fraud and neglect apply

Scamall an dlí agus fíordhath fannchirt, 91 The law is clouded, the scales awry,

Dalladh le bríb, le fee is le falsacht. 92 With all the pull that bribes can buy.

Instead, in Seamus Heaney’s words, Merriman’s concerns are psycho-sexual rather than national-patriotic. The woes of the country are laid mostly at the feet of the young men who refuse to marry (and of the celibate clergy, a subset of the country’s recalcitrant bachelors). The lively discussion of this topic takes up the major part of the poem and is played out in a Court of Love, the work’s second major dramatic vehicle.

Seán Ó Tuama describes in great detail the European antecedants of this artifice, stretching as it does back into medieval continental times and borrowing also from post-Elizabethan sources in England.

“The Midnight Court is, in fact, a Court of Love in the typical West European



mould. Literary parliaments, assemblies and courts were very much in vogue in western Europe between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. One finds courts of love in Provencal, French and Latin as early as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Later one comes on them in German, Italian and English. In English, the genre is found in abundance from the time of Chaucer right down to Elizabethan times.” (Brian Merriman and His Court, Seán Ó Tuama, pg. 150)

In the Midnight Court, in best Marcia Clark-Johnny Cochrane courtroom style, a young woman presents the case for the prosecution, the defense’s rebuttal is in the hands of an old man and the young woman is given the chance for a final re-rebuttal. Aoibheal, the president of the court, then hands down her ruling.

The invective is sharp. The young woman’s opening argument is a tirade about being sexually neglected in spite of her considerable allure. She asks why men marry hags and harridans while she and her contemporaries are left on the shelf. She details the various superstitious rites available to her to attempt to change her fortune:

Níorbh áil liom codladh go socair aon uair díobh 291 I could never sleep peacefully in my bed

Gan lán mo stoca do thorthaí faoi mo chluasa, 292 Without a sockful of fruit under my head;

Is deimhin nárbh obair liom troscadh le cráifeacht,

293 It was no bother to devoutly fast,

Is greim nó blogam ní shlogainn trí trátha, 294 Three canonical hours between each repast;

In aghaidh an tsrutha do thumainn mo léine, 295 Against the current I’d wash my clothes

Ag súil trí mo chodladh le cogar ó mo chéile, 296 In the hopes that a bachelor would propose.

Is minic do chuaigh mé ag scuabadh an staca, 297 Often I would go and sweep out the byre

Ingne is gruaig faoin luaith-ghríos d’fhágainn, 298 And my nails and hair I would throw in the fire;

Chuirinn an tsúiste faoi chúl an ghabhail, 299 The flail I’d hide in the gable’s shade

Chuirinn an rámhainn go ciúin faoin adhairt chugam,

300 By the head of my bed I’d place the spade

Chuirinn an choigeal i gcillín na háithe, 301 I would put my distaff in the lime kiln

Chuirinn mo cheirtlín i dtine aoil Mhic Rághnaill,

302 I’d secrete my yarn-ball in Reynolds’ mill

Chuirinn an ros ar chorp na sráide 303 I’d scatter seed on the crown of the street

Chuirinn san tsop fúm tor cabáiste. 304 I’d stick a head of cabbage beneath the sheet.

She ends her jeremiad by threatening to use black magic if her luck doesn’t soon change.



An old man, memorably christened Snarlygob by Frank O’Connor, then jumps up and fierely asserts that she has only herself and her wanton ways to blame for her lack of a mate. Her airs and graces are only a show; behind the facade, she is at heart just a trollop from beggarly stock.

He goes on to detail how he himself was betrayed when he was seduced into marrying a young woman who was already pregnant by another man and how his life has gone downhill ever since.

When his wife gave birth, the neighbors conspired against him to hide the baby from his scrutiny, asserting the child was sickly because of its premature birth and needed to be kept covered against the cold.

Upon finally seeing the baby after much insistence, however, he discovers that it is a healthy boy. There follows a strange segue where the obvious health and vigor of the child prompts the old man, despite being cuckolded himself, to burst into a rhapsody on the benefits of illegitimate fatherhood and the vibrancy of bastards, born as they are from passionate unions.

Is leathanmhar láidir lánmhear léadmhar 599 Many who are strong and altogether fine

Fairsing le fáil an t-álmhach saor seo. 600 Sprang from an illegitimate line

Is minic a fheicimse bríomhar borrtha 601 For love is a lustier sire than creed

Cumasach líonta i gcroí is i gcóir iad; 602 And produces a healthier, heartier breed

He urges the court to allow couples to mate without the bonds and burdens of matrimony.

Leis-sin ná hiarrse a ríon réilteach 629 Please don’t subject millions, O Queen of the Sky

Milleadh meiriad le riail gan éifeacht! 630 To a stupid rule with which they must comply

Scaoil ó chodladh gan chochall gan chuibhreach 631 Awake to a life without a bond or chain

Síol an bhodaigh is an mhogall-fhuil mhaoiteach, 632 The country’s people, mighty and plain

Scaoil fá chéile de réir nádúra 633 Allow them to be naturally combined

An síolbhach séad is an braon lábúrtha, 634 Couples from the peasantry and the refined.

Fógair go féiltiúil trí na tíortha 635 Throughout the land may a new rule unfold

D’óg is d’aosta saorthoil síolraigh. 636 Of sexual freedom for young and for old.



Cuirfidh an dlí seo gaois sa nGaeil, 637 This new law will make the Irish proud,

Is tiocfaidh an brí mar bhí ina laochra, 638 The new race will once again be endowed

Ceapfaidh sé com is droim is doirne 639 With all the prowess of the heroes of old,

Ag fir an domhain mar Gholl mac Móirne, 640 The likes of Goll mac Móirne the bold.

Gealfaidh an spéir, beidh éisc i líonta, 641 The sky will brighten, the fish will bite

Is talamh an tsléibhe go léir faoi luibhne, 642 The mountainy land will bloom with no blight

Fir is mná go brách dá mhaíomh, 643 Men and women will sing your praise

Ag seinnm do cháil le gairdeas aoibhnis. 644 And in joyful celebration their voices raise.

Once again taking the stand, the young woman reviles Snarlygob for his inability to satisfy his young wife and his niggardly treatment of her. In the most erotic part of the poem, she “reels off an indignant and marvellously specific list of his inadequacies as a lover and of his wife’s attempts to overcome them” (Seamus Heaney).

She then goes down her own unexpected byway—why are there so many fine specimens of men walled off from the likes of her because of priestly celibacy? Girls like her have reason to know (wink, wink) that beneath the clerical facade beat passionate hearts.

Is chonnaic mé taibhseach roinn dá ramsach 801 I’ve seen incontrovertible evidence that many a son

Is uimhir dá gclainn ar shloinnte falsa. 802 Could call a priest a father in more ways than one.

This leads into the Epilogue where Aoibheal hands down her judgment. Most commentators see this as the weakest part of the poem where Merriman seems to run out of gas a bit and has no great answers for the problems he has posed. Aoibheal’s only specific ruling is a rather conventional one for the genre that men who refuse to marry be tied up and beaten up. As for the celibacy of the clergy, she says she has heard a rumor that the Pope will soon relent (fat chance!) and the hierarchy will come around provided the faithful are not too importunate.

To his horror, the bachelor poet is the first condemned under Aoibheal’s decree and the women of the court swarm over him to exact the punishment. He wakes up and, to his relief, realizes that the whole thing was just a nightmare.

In spite of its love-court setting, the idea of romantic love is absent from The Midnight Court. What is celebrated instead is a sort of early version of free love. Gearóid Ó



Crualaoich sees in this another of Merriman’s twists on the aisling form:

“It was not to any merely mortal royal liberator that Merriman looked for deliverance for country and people but to the older supernatural ‘female’ sovereignty of the spirit of the land itself. Thus he seeks to ensure the return and perpetuation of fertility and prosperity for all, not in the restoration of the Stuart or any other line but in the restoration of the primacy of ‘fonn na fola agus fothrom na sláinte’, the basic, healthy, animal, life instincts of the mature, adult, individual man and woman, free from conventional guilt or shame or repression. In effecting this transformation of the Aisling, Merriman liberates Soveignty or Love—in the person of Aoibheal of Craig Liath—from its mythological role and brings it into play on the plane of the psychological and the naturalistic. … Merriman deliberately chooses to move his Aisling away from this heroic plane, not, however, to indulge the affections but to liberate the psyche in a work that is full and fierce and carnal, and that yet is free of all sentimentality or shame.” ("The Vision of Liberation in Cúirt an Mheán Oíche”, Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, pg. 99.)

Ó Crualaoich also attempts an explanation of one of the mysteries of the poem: Why Merriman should see a declining population as one of Ireland’s main problems at a time when the population was burgeoning to unsustainable levels (at least in the laissez faire economic system so mindlessly followed later by Trevalyan during the Great Famine). Ó Crualaoich suggests that the the demographic situation was in the class-colored eye of the beholder:

“[I]t was in the ranks of the landless labourers and the cottiers that evidence is found for the most frequent and earliest marriages. With the emergence of class differentiation and the competition for land and other resources, there was a tendency for farmers, tradesmen, the better-off in general to marry later, and there is a sizeable statistic of non-marriage within these groups at the time. The ‘match’, the arranged marriage with all its attendant dealing and bargaining and with ‘every shilling brought into account’, was starting to become more frequent in the relatively higher social groupings of later eighteenth-century rural Ireland. Merriman, perhaps to be seen as rising socially, certainly moving, at least partially, in the better-off circles would have been aware of this and would have noticed its discouraging effect on young people’s marriage prospects as the increasingly market-oriented and



class-stratified society developed. Such a class-defined mercenary constraint on the easy coupling of the sexes may well be the social reality that lies behind the young woman’s complaint, which is after all the prime matter regarding which the court of Aoibheal sits.” (ibid., pg. 102.)

Perhaps.

We can, of course, analyze The Midnight Court to death. In the end, it stands or falls as a work of the imagination. “Its author ultimately requires no justifications other than those of his own creative impulses for any assertions in the mouths of its characters” (ibid., pg. 102.). That it has for so long given so much pleasure to so many, and continues to do so, is vindication enough.








Brian Merriman

The Current Version of the Midnight Court

Last year, idly paging through a book entitled “1000 Years of Irish Poetry,” I happened on a reprint of Percy Arland Ussher’s translation of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche.

Most Irish school children of my day (and other days, for all I know) learned, in Irish, the first eighteen or so lines of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche by heart. These few lines, anthologized in school poetry collections, were presented to us as a complete stand-alone work, a short lyrical piece about the beauty of nature on a fine summer’s morning (of which Ireland had few enough).

There was never a hint in those classrooms that a thousand more lines followed the measly eighteen we were allowed to glimpse nor, even more so, that stuff in the former was a whole lot more complex and more fun than that in the latter, lyrical though the latter may have been.

In any case, looking at Ussher's translation with the original of those famous eighteen lines still remembered after these many years, it struck me how weakly the English version had captured the original. I had always been particularly struck by the word-picture of two particular lines (7-8):

Ba thaitneamhach aoibhinn suíomh na sléibhte Ag bagairt a gcinn thar dhroim a chéile

Ussher translates this as:

The hills rear their heads on high Over each other's backs to spy

I thought this a disappointingly weak treatment of the original which speaks vigorously of mountains thrusting their heads over each other’s shoulders.

My interest was piqued enough to seek out a copy of the full original poem in Irish

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(which, tellingly, I had never seen) and also others of the several translations I knew existed.

I was surprised at how difficult it was to find a copy of one of the most famous works in the Irish language. Even the many translations seemed no longer to be available in print any more. (At the time, I was unaware of Seamus Heaney’s 1993 translation; I still don’t have a copy of it as I only recently became aware of its existence—and, as it happens, it was a limited edition of only 1,000 copies. Since Heaney titled his translation “The Midnight Verdict”, it did not show up in database searches for “The Midnight Court” and neither did a search on “Merriman” since Heaney, and not Merriman, is identified as the author. Even when I sent an e-mail to Hodges Figgis, Dublin’s premier bookstore, I was told that there was no translation of the work in print. Obviously the respondent from the store was also fooled by the “Midnight Verdict” title since I now know that the book actually shows up in the Hodges Figgis on-line catalogue.)

There are two recently produced Irish version of the text:

● "Cuirt an mhean-oiche" by Brian Merriman, Text and translation by Patrick C. Power, Cork, Mercier, 1986, 2nd ed, 96p., ISBN 1853422443, text in Irish with parallel translation in English.

● "Cuirt an mheon-oiche" le Brian Merriman, Liam P. O Murchu a chuir in eagar, Baile Atha Cliath, An Clochomhar, 1982, 117p, text and old translation from the 1820s.

I have not been able to lay my hand on a copy of either of these.

I thought it a shame that such an intellectually accessible Irish-language work should be so physically or electronically inaccessible. It was something crying for a presence on the World Wide Web where it would be immediately available to anyone connected to that medium.

On the theory that if you want anything done, you may as well do it yourself, I decided why the hell not.

Living in the Washington DC area with the inestimable resources of the Library of Congress at hand, I was able to locate a version of the poem in Irish, edited by Riseárd Ó



Foghlú and published in 1912. The library also had four translations: the Ussher (1926) translation I already had, Frank O'Connor (1945), David Marcus (1953) and Cosslett Ó Cuinn (1979).

In putting the poem on the Internet, one thing I was able to do was to imitate what I understand Patrick Power had done—a translation side-by-side with the original. That way, people with a little, but by no means fluent Irish, could get a feel for the original as they read through the English version.

The first problem in putting this combined Irish/English version of the Midnight Court on the Internet is the fact that the 1912 Irish edition looks quite archaic and forbidding to modern readers of Irish, young ones at least. In the 1950s, the typography and spelling of the language was updated (not necessarily for the better in many people’s eyes). Therefore, in putting the poem on the Internet and making it accessible to modern readers, I needed to update the language.

To get an idea as to what this means, take the single word:

in Ó Foghlú's text (line 177), it being the present tense form of a verb meaning “to go.” The “t” and the “g” in the middle of this word are silent (the dot over each of the letters is called lenition, séimhiú in Irish—stops being transformed into spirants, but you don’t really want to know) and the whole word simplifies down to “imíonn” in the modern version, which looks a lot less formidable (though giving less, nearly no, information about its roots).

For a more extended example and picking a couple of lines at random (not quite at random, in fact, since the selection illustrates a couple of points I want to make), the original lines 683 and 684 look like this:

In the current version, this becomes:



In this endeavor, I was not about to edit Merriman’s text itself. Outside of the spelling modernization and other minor cosmetic changes (such as, for instance, the elimination of a separate form for the dative case which, in most instances, it is no longer used—changing “gríosaigh” to “gríosach” in the quoted lines or filling in the lacunae indicated by the inverted comma above, “comhartha easnaimh,” so that ’s colann becomes is colainn), the text is unchanged.

Translating The Midnight Court

If putting the Irish text and English translation side by side on the web was to be a useful exercise, the translation would have to follow the original quite closely for a reader to be able to follow the original from the translation. None of the four translations I had met that test—for instance, the Ussher translation is about 130 shorter than the original; the O’Cuinn version takes four lines to translate each two of the original, etc.

In short, the exigencies of the project called for a new translation (which had the added and considerable benefit of avoiding copyright problems). And that is what is on this site; not a single line is taken from any of the aforementioned translations—actually, I lifted one line (601) from Ussher: For love is a lustier sire than creed, which seemed so well put, I couldn’t resist.

I worked within a couple of constraints.

The translation imitates the original in that it is in rhyming couplets. Furthermore, as far as possible, I kept a one-to-one correspondence between the Irish and English versions where each line in the English text translated its corresponding line in the Irish. This was not always possible; sometimes within a particular couplet, I found it worked better to flip the first and second lines. However, each couplet corresponds exactly to its opposite number so that each two lines in the English translates the corresponding two lines in the Irish. I followed this constraint strictly and there are no exceptions to it throughout the poem although the translation is more literal in some cases than others, depending on what was needed to get across the sense of the original within the constraints adopted.

One of the things one quickly finds in this exercise, is that Irish is quite an economical


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language in that it can put more ideas in fewer words than English can. Thus, I found that Merriman might have four concepts in a line (in describing a person, for instance) but that I could only get two of them to fit in a line of similar length in English. It was presumably to this fact that Coslett O’Cuinn formally surrendered in basically using twice the number of lines in English for his translation as are in the Irish original. For myself, I put as many ideas of the original as I could fit in the available space and left it at that.

Merriman uses adjectival exuberance in his descriptions of people, whether in praise of the beautiful or in excoriation of the ugly. The head, the face, the neck, the chest, the legs, the fingers and toes, all can become candidates for elaborate, florid description. Sometimes, this becomes the equivalent of a riff in jazz or a cadenza in classical music, parenthetic flourishes where the music of the words counts for more than the meaning they impart. Elaborate alliterative word-play is involved where it is almost impossible, in translation, to convey the effect.

It’s like a set of equations in mathematics: the more constraints you impose, the harder it is to arrive at a solution. Just to translate the poem into rhyming couplets that make sense is a difficult enough chore; to try to introduce alliterative requirements makes it next to impossible.

In fact, I tried it with just one of the passages of this sort:

Mo chuma is mo chrá ba bhreá san éad 749 Bejasus, such jealousy could be understood

Ar lúbaire láidir lánmheas léadmhar 750 In a strapping, stout-hearted, sterling stud

Shantach sháiteach shásta sheasmhach 751 Panting, pushing, pulsing, preening

Ramsach ráflach rábach rabairneach, 752 Roistering, romping, rollicking, riproaring

Lascaire luaimneach, cuardaitheoir cuimseach,

753 A roving rogue, a sensitive searcher

Balcaire buan nó buailteoir bríomhar, 754 A steadfast stalwart, a topnotch thresher

Ach seanduine seanda cranda creimneach, 755 Not in an ossified oldster, a grumpy grunt

Fámaire fann is feam gan féile. 756 An incompetent idler, a reclusive runt.

It can be done but it is an exhausting exercise. One can sympathize with the poets of the bardic schools in Ireland who did this sort of thing for a living and who would lie down in a darkened room for a day and a night striving to come up with the just-right word. Staring at a computer screen rather than into a dark void doesn’t make it any easier.



The Glossary

As a final aid to students of the language, I have included a glossary. It is extensive (860 definitions—what great counting powers computers have!—for a 1,026-line poem, many of them referring to multiple occurrences) but it is not exhaustive. There is no great rhyme or reason to whether I included a word or not (I think that as I went along through the work, I increasingly realized that the glossary might be a valuable aid and, thus, I became more inclusive) but, generally, I think I have included all the more difficult or unusual words.

There are two ways to access the glossary: A single file or a set of files for each letter of the alphabet.

● The single glossary file is large (62K) and thereby slow-loading, even from the cache. If a reader wants to consult the glossary extensively while reading through the poem, it would be advisable to open the glossary in a separate browser window. This can be done in Windows machines, with either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer, by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing N—this is the procedure for version 4 of each of these programs; I’m not sure about earlier versions. The glossary can then be loaded in this new window—it’s located at:

http://www.homesteader.com/merriman/glossary.html

—and the reader can move between the window where the text is and the glossary by holding down the Alt key and pressing the Tab key until the desired window is selected.

● A set of individual files for each letter of the alphabet. This is a more sophisticated dictionary system than the single file, making it easier to find individual words. But while each file is smaller than the large single file, the additional functionality means that, in the aggregate, they are larger—and the files for the letters “c” (31K) and “s” (27K), the two most common initial letters, are quite large in their own right.

That’s it. Enjoy!



http://www.homesteader.com/merriman/glossary.html

Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Brollach


Brian Merriman

Foclóir

Cuid a hAon: An Brollach

Siúlann an file amach leis féin maidin shamhraidh agus castar spéirbhean uafásach air. Sracann sí ina diaidh é tríd an lathach go dtí Cnoc Mhánmhaí áit a bhfuil cúirt á stiúradh ag Aoibheal, ríon álainn na sí.

Glossary

Part One: The Prologue

The poet sets out alone on a summer morning and encounters a fearsome vision woman. She drags him through the mud to Monmoy Hill where a court is sitting presided over by Aoibheal, a beautiful fairy queen.

Ba ghnáth mé ar siúl le ciumhais na habhann 1 Twas my custom to stroll with the river in view

Ar bháinseach úr is an drúcht go trom, 2 Through the fresh meadows covered with dew,

In aice na gcoillte i gcoim an tsléibhe 3 By the edge of the woods on the wild mountain-side

Gan mhairg gan mhoill ar shoilseadh an lae. 4 At the dawn of the day I’d cheerfully stride.

Do ghealadh mo chroí nuair chínn Loch Gréine, 5 My heart would brighten Loch Graney to spy,

An talamh, an tír, is íor na spéire 6 And the country around it, to the edge of the sky.

Ba thaitneamhach aoibhinn suíomh na sléibhte 7 The serried mountains were a delight to the beholder

Ag bagairt a gcinn thar dhroim a chéile. 8 Thrusting their heads over each other’s shoulder.

Ghealfadh an croí bheadh críon le cianta— 9 ’Twould lighten the heart wizened with years—

Caite gan bhrí nó líonta le pianta— 10 Triflingly spent or drenched with tears—

An séithleach searbh gan sealbh gan saibhreas 11 Of the bitter outcast without wealth or goods

D’fhéachfadh tamall thar bharra na gcoillte 12 To catch a glimpse o’er the top of the woods

Ar lachain ina scuain ar chuan gan cheo, 13 Of the ducks paddling by in the pellucid bay,

An eala ar a bhfuaid is í ag gluaiseacht leo, 14 Escorting the swan on her stately way,

Na héisc le meidhir ag éirí anairde 15 Of the fish in joyous arching flight

Péirse i radharc go taibhseach tarrbhreac, 16 And of the perch, a speckled spritely sight,

Dath an locha agus gorm na dtonn 17 Of the blue surging swell on the tinted lake

Ag teacht go tolgach torannach trom, 18 Crashing ashore with a thunderous quake,

Bhíodh éanlaith i gcrann go meidhreach mómhar, 19 Of the birds in the trees merrily singing,

Léimneach eilte i gcoillte im chóngar, 20 While the deer through the woods are nimbly springing,

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http://www.showhouse.com/glossary.html


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#graney

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#graney


Géimneach adharc is radharc ar shlóite, 21 To see the huntsmen with bugles blaring,

Tréanrith gadhar is Reynard rompu. 22 As after Reynard the hounds are tearing

Ar maidin inné bhí an spéir gan cheo, 23 Yesterday morning, no clouds in the sky,

Bhí Cancer, ón ngréin, ina caortha teo 24 Presaged another hot day in July;

Is í gafa chun saothair tar éis na hoíche 25 Up came the sun after a rest for the night,

Is obair an lae sin roimpi sínte. 26 To her day’s work, making all nature bright.

Bhí duilliúr craobh ar ghéaga im thimpeall, 27 With treeleaves rustling overhead

Feorainn is féar ina slaoda taobh liom, 28 And grass and ferns before me spread,

Glasra fáis is bláth is luibheannna 29 The expanse of flowers would cheer the soul

Scaipfeadh le fán dá chráiteacht smaointe. 30 And lighten thoughts however dole.

Do bhí mé cortha is an codladh dom thraochadh, 31 Totally fagged and dying to sleep,

Do shín mé tharam ar cothrom sa bhféar ghlas 32 I lay down where the grass was deep

In aice na gcrann i dteannta trínse, 33 Beside a rill, with trees about

Taca lem cheann is mo hanlaí sínte. 34 A support for my head and my feet stretched out.

Ar cheangal mo shúl go dlúth le chéile, 35 On shutting my eyes to go to sleep,

Greamaithe dúnta i ndúghlas néalta, 36 Locking them tight in slumber deep,

Is m’aghaidh agam folaithe ar chuileanna go sásta

37 My face protected from the flies,

I dtaidhbhreamh d’fhulaing mé an cuilithe cráite 38 A dream caused me to agonize

Do chorraigh do lom do pholl go hae mé 39 To shake, to chafe my psyche deep

Im chodladh go trom gan mheabhair gan éirim. 40 In my senseless, helpless sleep.

Ba ghairid mo shuan nuair chuala, shíl mé, 41 Short was my sleep when I heard, thought I,

An talamh máguaird ar luascadh im thimpeall 42 A violent quaking of the ground nearby

Anfa aduaidh is fuadach fíochmhar 43 A storm from the north violently brewing

Is caladh an chuain ag tuargain tinte; 44 And fire from the harbour luridly spewing;

Siolla de mo shúil dar shamhlaíos uaim 45 In my mind’s eye, a quick survey

Chonnaic mé chugam le ciumhas an chuain 46 Revealed towards me by the bay

An mhásach bholgach tholgach thaibhseach 47 A violent, bulging, big-assed crone

Chnámhach cholgach ghairgeach ghaibhdeach; 48 Her huge bulk hinting at testosterone;

A hairde ceart, má mheas me díreach, 49 Her stature, if I reckoned right,

Sé nó seacht do shlata is fuílleach, 50 Was six or seven yards in height

Péirse beacht dá brat ag sraoilleadh 51 She dragged her cloak for yards behind her

Léi sa tslab le drab is draoibeal. 52 Through the mud and mire and squalor.


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Ba mhór ba mhéadhair ba fiáin le féachaint 53 ’Twas mighty, majestic, wild and horrid

Suas ina héadan créachtach creimeach, 54 To gaze upon her blemished forehead;

Ba anfa ceantair, scanradh saolta, 55 The rictus of her gummy grin

A draid is a drandal mantach méirscreach. 56 Would make you jump out of your skin.

A rí gach má! ba láidir líofa 57 God almighty! In her huge claw

A bíoma láimhe is lánstaf inti 58 Was the biggest staff you ever saw

Comhartha práis ina bharr ar spíce 59 A brass plaque at its spike defined

Is cumhachta báille in airde air scríofa. 60 The bailiff’s powers to her assigned.

Adúirt go dorrga d’fhocla dána:— 61 In a gruff voice these words she spoke:

Múscail! Corraigh! a chodlataigh ghránna; 62 Up! Shake a leg! ya sleepy yoke;

Is dubhach do shlí bheith sínte i do shliasta 63 Shame on you, to be stretched out here

Is cúirt ina suí is na mílte ag triall ann; 64 With court convened and crowds drawing near.

Ní cúirt gan acht gan reacht gan riail 65 It’s not a court without rule or code.

Ná cúirt na gcreach mar chleacht tú riamh 66 Nor a marauding court in your usual mode

An chúirt seo ghluais ó shluaite séimhe— 67 This court is built on a civilized base—

Cúirt na dtrua na mbua is na mbéithe. 68 The court of the weak with a female face.

Is mór le maíomh ar shíolra Éibhir 69 It’s indeed a great boast for Ireland’s seed

Uaisle sí mar shuíodar d’aonghuth 70 That to sit in court the fairy lords agreed

Dhá lá is oíche ar bhinn an tsléibhe 71 For two days and a night holding forth

I bpálás bhuionmhar Bhruíon Mhá Gréine. 72 On top of the mount, in Moy Graney fort.

Is daingean do ghoill sé ar shoilse an rí 73 Intense is the grief of the spectral lord,

Is ar mhaithe a theaghlaigh thaibhsigh sí, 74 Of his spritely household’s noble horde

Is ar uimhir na buíne bhí ina ndáil 75 And all of the others assembled there

Mar d’imigh gach díth ar chríocha Fáil— 76 At the scale of Ireland’s disrepair—

Gan sealbh gan saoirse ag síolrach seanda, 77 The ancient race without wealth or liberty

Ceannas a ndlí ná cíos ná ceannfoirt, 78 No tributes, leaders nor legal autonomy

Scriosadh an tír is níl ina ndiaidh 79 The rape of the land with naught in its train,

In ionad na luibheanna ach flíoch is fiaile; 80 In place of the crops, a weed-rank terrain;

An uaisle b’fhearr chun fáin mar leaghadar 81 The nobles languish in a foreign land

Is uachtar láimhe ag fáslaigh shaibhre, 82 While the jumped-up rich get the upper hand,

Ag fealladh le fonn is foghail gan féachaint 83 In betrayal ardent, in plunder greedy

D’fheannadh na lobhar is an lom dá léirscrios. 84 Flaying the sick, despoiling the needy.

Is dochrach dubhach mar dhíogha gach daoirse 85 It is blackly baneful and sticks in the craw

Doilbhe dúr i ndúbhcheilt dlíthe 86 That, in darkest despair over the absence of law,



An fann gan feidhm ná faghaidh ó éinne 87 There’s nothing from no one for the purposeless weak

Ach clampar doimhin is luí chun léirscrios, 88 But a depredacious future that is hopelessly bleak,

Falsacht fear dlí is fachtnaí ardnirt, 89 The knavery of lawyers, tyranny on high

Cam is calaois faillí is fabhar, 90 Injustice, fraud and neglect apply

Scamall an dlí agus fíordhath fannchirt, 91 The law is clouded, the scales awry,

Dalladh le bríb, le fee is le falsacht. 92 With all the pull that bribes can buy.

Farradh gach fíor, is fuíoll níor fágadh, 93 Along with the rest—and all was debated—

Dearbhadh díble ar Bhíobla an lá san 94 An indictment was entered and that day dated,

Cúis dar ndóigh ná geobhaidh tú saor tríd,— 95 A charge that you cannot easily refute:

Cnú na hóige dá feo le faolras 96 The wizening celibacy among your youth,

Is easnamh daoine suite ar Éire— 97 The consequent lack of people in Ireland

Do mheath led chuimhne an síolrach daonna; 98 And the decline in population on this island;

Is folamh is is tráite fágadh tíortha, 99 The land left empty and in decline

An cogadh is an bás gan spás dá ndíogadh, 100 Wrecked by war, by death and rapine

Uabhar na ríthe is ar imigh thar sáile 101 The kings with gumption who have gone overseas

Nuair ná deineann sibh tuilleadh ina n-áit díobh. 102 Have not been replaced by new inductees.

Is náir d’bhur n-iomad gan siorrach gan síolrach 103 Your race without young ones is sad to see

Is mná ina muirear ar muir is ar tíortha, 104 With women burdening the land and the sea,

Connsaí chorpartha is borracaí óga, 105 Once buxom maids and lasses fresh

Is bonsaí bhrothallach fola agus feola, 106 With boiling blood and sultry flesh

Lóistigh liosta agus leigithí shásta 107 Are now lethargic, relicts debased

Is mórgaigh shioscaithe d’imigh i bhásta; 108 Once trim girls are gone in the waist;

Is trua gan toircheas stollairí den tsort seo, 109 ’Tis a pity that these are without fruit of the womb

Is trua gan tórmach brollaigh is bóta iad, 110 Without swelling breasts and bellies in bloom.

Is minic iad ullamh an focal dá bhfaighidís 111 They just look for the word, please don’t wait

Ag titim dá mogaill is molaimse a bhfoighne. 112 Until they are past their sell-by date.

Is é cinneadh le saoithe i gcríoch na comhairle 113 The solons decided after deliberation long

In ionad na daoirse d’insint dóibh sin:— 114 Not to try the case before the fairy throng:

Duine den bhuíon seo, líon a gcumhachta, 115 But to appoint a plenipotent magistrate



Ar thitim don dísle, suíomh i bhFóla. 116 Who could, with the people, mediate.

Tairgeann Aoibheal croí gan chlaoin-bheart, 117 There was an offer from Aoibheal, with a heart so clean

Cara na Muimhneach, sí-bhean Léithchraig, 118 Munstermen’s friend and Craglea’s queen

Scaradh le saoithe sí na slua seo 119 To the assembled council to bid farewell

Scaitheamh do scaoileadh daoirse i dTuamhumhain.

120 And in the land of Thomond to bide a spell.

Gheall an mhíonla chaoinis chóir seo 121 This gentle upright lady swore

Falsacht dlí do chloí go cumhachtach, 122 To rip out bad laws by their core

Seasamh i dteannta fann is faonlag 123 To stand steadfast beside the poor and weak

Is caithfidh an teann bheith ceansa tláith libh, 124 So the mighty will have to cherish the meek.

Caithfidh an neart gan cheart seo stríocadh 125 The powerful desist from inflicting wrongs

Is caithfidh an ceart ina cheart bheith suite; 126 And justice enthroned where it belongs:

Geallaimse anois nach clis ná cumhachta, 127 I promise now that no power nor lure,

Cairdeas Miss ná Pimp ina comhalta 128 Nor the blandishments of pimp or whore

Shiúlfas tríd an dlí seo de ghnáth 129 Will undermine the dispensation

Is a gcúirt ina suí ag an síolrach neamhdha; 130 Of this tribunal for its duration;

Tá an chúirt seo seasmhach feasta sa bhFiacail, 131 The village of Feakle is where the court is sitting

Siúilse, is freagair í, caithfidh tú triall ann 132 Go and attend it—you’ve got to get cracking

Siúil gan tafann go tapa ar do phriacal, 133 Go quietly or at your peril dire

Siúil! nó stracfad sa lathaigh im dhiaidh thú!” 134 I’ll drag you there through the muck and mire.

Do bhuail sí crúca im chúl san chába 135 With her crook she grabbed the hood of my cape

Is ghluais chun siúil go lúbach láidir, 136 And off she dragged me with no escape

Sciob léi síos mé trí na gleannta, 137 Down through the valleys I was propelled

Cnoc Mhánmhaí is go binn an teampaill. 138 To Moinmoy Hill church where the court was held.

Deireadh leis an mBrollach End of the Prologue

Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Dó On To Part Two

Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#aoibheal

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#aoibheal

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#feakle

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#feakle

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#moinmoy

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#moinmoy

http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court2.htm



Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó


Brian Merriman

Foclóir

Cuid a Dó: An Ainnir

Labhraíonn bean óg le maithe na cúirte i dtaobh a cuid trioblóide: nach bhfuil fir óga na tíre ag pósadh agus, mar sin, go bhfuil sí gan chéile.

Glossary

Part Two: The Young Woman

A young woman there tells the court of her troubles: that she is without a mate because of the refusal of the young men of the country to marry.

Is deimhin go bhfaca mé ar lasadh le tóirsí 139 For sure, I saw there ablaze with light

An teaghlach taitneamhach maiseamhach mórtach

140 What seemed like a stately mansion bright

Soilseach seasmhach lannúil lomrach 141 Sparkling, spacious, tapestried,

Taibhseach taitheacach daingean dea-dhóirseach, 142 Spectral, sturdy, brilliant indeed

Chonnaic mé an tsíbhean mhíonla bhéasach 143 I spied Aoibheal, the fairy wench

Chumais ina suí ar bhínse an tsaoirchirt 144 Seated on the judge’s bench

Chonnaic mé garda láidir luaimneach 145 I saw a strong and nimble guard

Iomadúil arrthach tarraingthe suas léi, 146 Numerously gathered round their ward;

Chonnaic mé láithreach lánteach líonta 147 I saw a household that was jammed

Ó mhullach go lár de mhná is de dhaoine, 148 With men and women inside it crammed.

Chonaic mé spéirbhean mhaorga mhallruisc 149 Then came forward a majestic cailín

Mhilisbhog bhéaltais mhéarlag mhealltach 150 She was soft and comely, of gentle mien

Thaithneamhach shásta tháclach fhionn 151 With tumbling tresses framing her face

Ina seasamh in airde ar chlár na mionn. 152 As on the stand she took her place.

Bhí a gruaig léi scaoilte síos go slaodach 153 Her hair was loose and flowing free

Is buaireamh suite fíor ina féachaint, 154 But her face was the picture of misery

Fuinneamh ina radharc is faghairt ina súile 155 Her eyes were fierce and filled with hate

Is fiuchadh le draighean oilc aighnis fútha; 156 And she worked herself to such a state

A caint dá cosc le loscadh cléibhe; 157 That she moaned and heaved and sobbed and sighed

Gan gíog ina tost acht tocht dá traochadh, 158 But couldn’t speak though hard she tried.

Do b’fhurasta a rá gur bás ba rogha léi 159 You could see from the flood of tears she shed

Is tuile gan tlás ag tál go trom léi,— 160 That she’d much prefer if she were dead

http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court2.html (1 of 8)17/06/2011 13:29



http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#cail�n


Ina seasamh ar lár an chláir ina saighead 161 Than being on the floor facing the stands

Is í ag greadadh na lámh is ag fáscadh a ladhar. 162 Kneading her fists and wringing her hands.

An uair do ghoil sí folcthaí fíochmhar 163 After her protracted jags of crying

Is d’fhuascail osnaí gothaí cainte 164 She cleared her throat, with much sighing

D’imigh an smúit is d’iompaigh snua uirthi 165 The gloom lifted from her tear-stained cheek,

Thriomaigh sí a gnúis is dúirt mar inseoidh mé:—

166 She dried her eyes and started to speak:—

“Míle fáilte is gairdeas cléibh romhat, 167 A thousand welcomes, we guarantee

A Aoibheal, a fháidhbhean ársa on Léithchraig, 168 O Aoibheal, venerable queen of Craiglea,

A soilse an lae is a ré gan choimse, 169 Light of the day, Ray of the sun

A shaibhreas shaolta i ngéibhinn daoirse 170 Worldly wealth for the hard-put-upon

A cheannasach bhuach ó shluaite an aoibhnis, 171 Conquering commander of the hosts of the blessed

Ba easnamh crua thú i dTuamhumhain is i dTír Luirc;

172 In Thomond and Tír Lorc you were sorely missed;

Sé túis mo cháis is fáth mo chaointe 173 The crux of my case, the cause of my woe

Cúis do chráigh mé is d’fhág me claoite 174 The ache that has plagued me and laid me low

Bhain dem threoir mé is sheol gan chiall mé, 175 What knocked me sideways and struck me dumb

Is chaith mar cheo mé dóite i bpianta,— 176 Caused a searing pain that left me numb,—

Na sluaite imíonn gan chríoch gan chaomhnú 177 The finest of maidens wandering around

Ar fud an tsaoil seo d’fhíorscoth béithe 178 Without hope of a husband, a shilling or pound,

Ina gcailleacha dubha gan cumhdach céile 179 Despondent young things without help of a mate

Caite gan clú gan cionnta claoin-bheart. 180 Innocently barred from the matrimonial state.

Is aithnid dom féin sa mhéad seo shiúlas 181 I know these maidens whereof I speak

Bean agus céad nár mhian leo a dhiúltadh 182 One hundred and one for whom prospects are bleak

Is mise in a measc mo chreach mar táimse 183 I list myself among these wrecks:

D’imigh im spaid gan fear gan pháiste. 184 I got my gender but I get no sex

Mo dhochar mo dhó mo bhrón mar bhím 185 At my time of life, ’tis depressing and cold

Gan sochar gan só gan seod gan síth, 186 Doing without luxuries, jewels and gold,

Go doilbhir duaiseach duamhar díothach 187 Gloomy and cheerless is my plight

Gan codladh gan suan gan suairceas oíche, 188 Unable to sleep through the pleasureless night,

Ach maslaithe i mbuairt gan suaimhneas sínte 189 But tossed with worry lying there

Ar leaba leamh-fhuar dár suathadh ag smaointe. 190 On a chilly bed, alone not a pair.


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#craiglea

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#craiglea


A cháidh na Carraige breathain go bíogach 191 O Lady of Craiglea, you must assess

Mná na Banba in anacair suite, 192 The extent of Irish women’s distress,

Ar nós má leanann siad na fir dá bhfuadar 193 How, if the men continue with their ways,

Óch, mo lagar! ach caithfimidne a bhfuadach. 194 Alas, women will have to make the plays

Sé am gur mhian leo céile phósadh 195 By the time the men are disposed to wed

An t-am gur dhéirc le héinne gabháil leo! 196 They’re no longer worth our while to bed

An t-am nár bhfiú bheith fúthu sínte— 197 And it’ll be no fun to lie below

Na seandaigh thamhanda shúite chloíte. 198 Those old men who are so weak and slow.

Dá dtiteadh amach le teas na hóige 199 Even if, with a young man’s fire,

Duine fén seacht ar theacht féasóige 200 One in seven of the beardless were to desire

Ceangal le bean, ní míntais thoghfaidh— 201 To mate with a lass of his own age

Thaitneamhach shuite de shíol ná d’fhoghlaim, 202 He wouldn’t choose the noble or sage

Cló-dheas chaoin nó míonla mhánla 203 With an hour-glass figure and a knockout face

A mb’eól di suí ná teacht do láthair, 204 One who can carry herself with grace

Ach doineantach odhar nó donn doilíosach 205 But an icy, cheerless, catty bitch

Do chruinnigh le doghrainn cabhair nach cuí di! 206 Who used all her guile to make herself rich.

Sé chrá mo chroí is do scaoil gan chiall mé 207 It’s the scourge of my heart and a pain in my head

Is d’fhág mo smaointe is m’intinn traochta 208 And fills my thoughts with a sense of dread

Tráite tinn mar táim, go tréithlag, 209 It’s what has made me sad and sighing

Cráite cloíte ag caí is ag géarghol,— 210 Totally wasted with all this crying,—

Nuair a fheicim preabaire calma croíúil 211 When I see a lad who’s brave and cool

Fuadrach fearúil barrúil bríomhar 212 Who is virile, vigorous and strong as a mule

Stuama feasach seasmhach saoithiúil 213 Who is steadfast, skillful, bright as a pin

Gruaidhdheas greannmhar geanúil gnaoidhúil, 214 Fresh-faced, funny, with a ready grin

Nó buachaill bastallach beachanta bróigdheas 215 Or a boy who is frisky, frolicky, fun

Cruaidhcheart ceanasach ceapaithe córach 216 With a well-built body, second to none

Buaite ceannaithe ceangailte pósta 217 Beaten, bought, bound unawares

Ag fuaid ag cailleach ag amaid nó ag óinmhid, 218 By a hussy who’s extremely light upstairs

Nó ag suairtle salach de chaile gan tionscal, 219 Or a slovenly slattern, a workless wench

Stuacach stalcach aithiseach stangach 220 Who’d make you gag with her noisome stench

Suaiteach sotalach foclach fáidhiúil 221 A prating, prattling, babbling bag

Cuardach codlatach gairgeach gráiniúil. 222 An indolent, irritable, horrible hag.

Mo chreach is mo lot! Tá molt míbhéasach, 223 My God, I hear that an ill-mannered mare



Caile na gcos is folt gan réiteach, 224 With unshod feet and uncombed hair

Dá ceangal anocht is é loisc go léir mé, 225 Is to be hitched tonight which I find really grating;

Is cá bhfuil mo locht nach dtoghfaí mé roimpi? 226 What’s wrong with me that I’m left here waiting?

Créad an t-ábhar ná tabharfaí grá dom 227 What is the reason that no one loves me

Is mé chomh leabhair, chomh modhúil chomh breá seo?

228 And I so lissome, so svelt and so lovely?

Is deas mo bhéal, mo dhéad is mo gháire, 229 My lips so red are made to be kissed

Is geal mo ghné, is tá m’éadan tláth tais, 230 My face so bright it cannot be missed

Is glas mo shúil, tá m’urla scáineach 231 My eyes are green, my locks are flowing

Bachallach búclach cúplach fáinneach, 232 Curly and plaited and healthily glowing

Mo leaca is mo ghúis gan smúit gan máchail 233 My forehead and cheeks are without zits or boils

Tarraingthe cumtha lonrach scáfar 234 A porcelain complexion that nothing spoils.

Mo phíob, mo bhráid, mo lámha, mo mhéara, 235 My neck, my breast, my hand, my finger

Ag síorbhreith barr na háille ó chéile. 236 Each would make a young lad linger.

Féach mo chom! Nach leabhair mo chnámha, 237 Look at my waist, my fine bone frame

Níl mé lom ná crom ná stágach, 238 I’m not crooked or hunched or lame

Seo toll is cosa is colann nach náir liom 239 A butt, a foot, a figure to impress

Is an togha go socair fé chover ná tráchtaim. 240 I’ll not go into what’s beneath my dress.

Ní suairtle caile ná sreangaire mná mé 241 I’m not a hussy, nor yet a drip

Ach stuaire cailce tá taitneamhach breá deas, 242 But a delicate beauty with lots of zip,

Ní sraoill ná slaid ná luid gan fáscadh 243 Not a slovenly, slatternly pig

Ná smíste duirc gan sult gan sásamh, 244 Nor a joyless boorish prig.

Lóisteach lofa ná toice gan éifeacht, 245 Not a lazy laggard with no clout

Ach ógbhean scotha chomh tofa is is féidir. 246 But a choice young woman well turned out

Dá mbeinnse silte mar tuilleadh de mo chomharsana,

247 If I were as worthless as some of my neighbours

Leadhbach liosta gan tuiscint gan eolas, 248 A tiresome tramp who never labours

Gan radharc, gan ghliceas in imirt mo chóra, 249 In the ways of the world without foresight or flair

Mo threighid! cár mhisde mé rith in éadóchas? 250 What would it matter if I fell into despair?

Ní fhacthas fós mé i gcóngar daoine, 251 But it has never been on people’s tongue

Ag faire nó ag tórramh óg ná críona, 252 That, at wake or funeral for old or young,

Ar mhachaire an bháire an ráis nó na rince, 253 In the hall for the dances or at the race track

I bhfarradh na dtáinte ar bánta líonta, 254 On the hurling pitch among the pack



Ach gafa go sámh gan cháim ar domhan 255 I wasn’t dressed from head to toe

I gculaith shásta ó bharr go bonn. 256 In a tasty costume fit for a show.

Beidh a cheart im chúl de phúdar fillte, 257 My hair is powdered to a T

Starch is stiúir i gcúl mo chaidhpe, 258 My starched cap riding jauntily

Húda geal gan ceal ribíní 259 My bright-hued hood with ribbons galore

Gúna breac is a cheart ruffaí leis; 260 A polka dress with a ruffled pinafore

Is annamh go brách gan fásáil aerach 261 And I’m seldom without it, except in bed,

Thaitneamhach bhreá le mo cheárdán craorag, 262 My cardinal cloak of deepest red.

Is an iomaí luibheanna craobh is éanlaith 263 My striped cambric apron is fit for a queen

Ar m’aprún síogach ríoga cambric; 264 Embroidered with a plant and animal scene

Sála cumtha cúnga córach 265 Stiletto heels attached with screws

Arda sleamhaine ar screw faoi mo bhróga, 266 Give a lift to my fashionable shoes

Búclaí is fáinní is láimhne síoda, 267 Gloves of silk and buckles and rings

Fonsaí bráisléidí is lásaí daora. 268 These are a few of my favourite things.

Seachain, ná síl gur sceinnteach scáfar, 269 But beware, don’t think I’m loose a screw

Amaid gan ghaois nó naíondacht náireach 270 A witless fool or quaking ingenue

Eaglach uaigneach uallach fhiáin mé, 271 Who’s timorous, lonesome, whimpering, weak

Gealtach gan ghuais gan stuaim gan téagar; 272 A simpering, cowering, beaten-down freak.

I bhfolach ní rachainnse ó radharc na gcéadta, 273 I will not go and hide from the crowd,

Is ceannasach taibhseach m’aghaidh agus m’éadan,

274 For my face is imperious, noble and proud

Is dearfa bhím dom shíorthaispeánadh 275 And I can assure you I’m always displayed

Ar mhachaire mhín gach fíoriomána, 276 On the level pitch where games are played

Ag rince, ag báire, rás is radaireacht, 277 At dances, races and masquerades

Tinte cnámh is ráfla is ragairne, 278 Round bonfires, at raffles and parades

Ag aonach margadh is Aifreann Domhnaigh, 279 At Sunday Mass and in market squares

Ag éileamh breathnaithe, ag amharc gach togha fir.

280 Sashaying before males, inviting their stares.

Chaitheas mo chiall le fiach gan éifeacht, 281 But I’m at my wits end in the mating mart

Dhalladar riamh mé, d’iaighdear m’ae ionam. 282 I’ve nothing to show for it but a broken heart.

Tar éis mo chumainn, mo thurraing, mo ghrá dóibh,

283 After all that effort, after all my flirtation

Tar éis ar fhulaing mé d’iomad cránais, 284 After all I’ve suffered in aggravation

Tar éis ar chailleas le caitheamh na scálaí, 285 After all the times my fortune was read

Béithe balbha is cailleacha cártaí. 286 By toothless prognosticators looking ahead


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#ceardan

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#ceardan


Níl cleas dá mb’fhéidir léamh ná trácht air 287 There’s not a stroke that can still amaze,

Le teacht na ré nó tar éis bheith lán di, 288 From the waxing moon to its waning phase

Um Inid nó um Shamhain nó ar shiúl na bliana 289 From Shrove Tuesday to All Saints Night,

Ná tuigim gur leamhas bheith ag súil le ciall as. 290 By making sense of my dispiriting plight.

Níorbh áil liom codladh go socair aon uair díobh 291 I could never sleep peacefully in my bed

Gan lán mo stoca de thorthaí faoi mo chluasa, 292 Without a sockful of fruit under my head;

Is deimhin nárbh obair liom troscadh le cráifeacht,

293 ’Twas surely no bother to devoutly fast,

Is greim nó blogam ní shlogainn trí trátha, 294 Three canonical hours between each repast;

In aghaidh an tsrutha do thumainn mo léine, 295 Against the current I’d wash my clothes

Ag súil trí mo chodladh le cogar ó mo chéile, 296 In the hopes that a bachelor would propose.

Is minic do chuaigh mé ag scuabadh an staca, 297 Often I would go and sweep out the byre

Ingne is gruaig faoin luaith-ghríos d’fhágainn, 298 And my nails and hair I would throw in the fire;

Chuirinn an tsúiste faoi chúl an ghabhail, 299 The flail I’d hide in the gable’s shade

Chuirinn an rámhainn go ciúin faoin adhairt chugam,

300 By the head of my bed I’d place the spade

Chuirinn an choigeal i gcillín na háithe, 301 I would put my distaff in the lime kiln

Chuirinn mo cheirtlín i dtine aoil Mhic Rághnaill,

302 I’d secrete my yarn-ball in Reynolds’ mill

Chuirinn an ros ar chorp na sráide 303 I’d scatter seed on the crown of the street

Chuirinn san tsop chugam tor cabáiste. 304 I’d stick a cabbage beneath the sheet.

Níl cleas acu siúd dá ndúras láithreach 305 From my recital it’s clear I don’t miss a trick

Ná hagraíonn cúnamh an deamhain is a bhráthar, 306 To see if I could get help from Old Nick

Sé fáth mo scéil go léir is a bhrí dhuit 307 But the end of my story, the result of my tale

Mar táim gan chéile tar éis mo dhíchill, 308 In spite of my efforts I’ve still got no male.

Fáth mo sheanchais fhada, mo phianchreach, 309 And what’s really painful and makes me gasp

Táim in achrann dhaingean na mblianta, 310 Is how firmly I’m in the calendar’s grasp;

Ag tarraing go tréan ar laethanta liatha 311 With grey old age rushing towards me undaunted

Is eagal liom éag gan éinne dom iarraidh. 312 I’m terrified I’ll die alone and unwanted.

A Phéarla ó Pharrthas screadaim is glaoim ort, 313 Pearl of Paradise, please hear my prayers

Éiric m’anama ort, aitim thú is éim ort, 314 Have mercy, I beg you, and lighten my cares

Seachain ná scaoil mé im shraoill gan aird 315 Be sure not to leave me a ne’er-to-be wife

Nó im chailleach gan chríoch gan bhrí gan bhláth,

316 With a mateless, meaningless, loveless life

Gan chara gan chlann gan chom gan chairde 317 Without friends or family, a roof o’er my head



Ar theallacha draighin gan feidhm gan fáilte. 318 Depending on strangers for my daily bread.

Dar a fuil uimpi tinte is toirneach! 319 By the thunder and the lightning in the sky

Dalladh mé suite maoite im óinmhid, 320 It proves me a fool, my life gone awry

Sealbh gach só ag rogha gach díogha, 321 That, in front of my face, Ireland’s biggest bitches

Is ag ainnibh na Fóla os comhair mo shúl. 322 Are wallowing in wealth and reveling in riches

Tá somach ag Saidhbh go saibhir sámhach, 323 Saive snared a sucker with silver to spare

Muirinn i meidhir is a haghaidh ar a nuachar, 324 Muireann makes merry in her lover’s lair

Mór is Mairsile i macnas múchta, 325 Mór and Mairsile wench wantonly

Is mórchuid magaidh orthu ag fachnaoid fúmsa; 326 And all of them make a mockery of me

Is giodamach sámh í Sláinge, is Síle 327 Slaney and Shiela sparkle and glitter

Sisile is Áine is ál ina dtimpeall, 328 Cecily and Anne each have their litter

Tuilleadh mar tá siad de mhná na tíre 329 There are others like them throughout the land

Is mise mar táim gan tál gan tsíolrach. 330 While milkless and childless before you I stand.

Is fada gan feidhm is foighne domsa é, 331 I’ve been powerless but patient for far too long

Lagar dom leá is mo leigheas im chumhachta 332 I can overcome my weakness and right this wrong:

Maille le luibhne díblí dreoite 333 Potions from dried-up herbs I’ll wring

Is ortha draíochta chloífeas fós dom 334 Over which magic incantations I’ll sing.

Buachaill deas nó gas galánta 335 That should snare a strapping young chap

Bhuaifeas ceart a shearc is a ghrá dhom. 336 Whom, in a web of love, I will trap.

Do chonnaic mé go leor den tsórt dá dhéanamh 337 ’Tis many I have seen who play this game

Is chuirfinn i gcóir na cóngar chéanna; 338 Watch out! I’m about to do the same

Is daingean an cúnamh ag dúbailt daoine 339 It’s a great help for coupling, so they allege

Greamanna d’úlla is púdar luíbhne, 340 To mix crushed apples and powdered veg

Magairlín meidhreach, meill na mbuailte, 341 The purple orchid is an aphrodisiac

Taithigín taibhseach, toill na tuairte, 342 With mandrake’s root I will attack

Mealladh na minseach, claíomh na mbonsach, 343 And other plants that I cannot name

An cumainnín buí is an draíocht chun drúise. 344 I’ll use with great relish in this ballgame

Duilliúr dóite ar nós gur rún é, 345 There’s the top secret about leaves that are burned

Is tuilleadh den tsórt nach cóir a mhúineadh. 346 And other like intrigues that cannot be learned.

Do b’iontas mór i dTuamhumhain le chéile 347 You know it took all Thomond by surprise

An bhruinneall seo thuas ag buachan céile; 348 When a certain old nobody caught her prize


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#cannot_name


Is d’inis sí domsa, ar ndóigh, trí rún, 349 She told me how—in confidence, indeed—

Um Inid is í pósta ó bhord na Samhna 350 That from Shrove to Samhain (when to wed he agreed)

Nár ibh is nár ól ach an feoithneach fionn 351 She had drunk no wine nor ate no bread

Is cuillibh na móna dóite ar lionn. 352 But lived on a diet of burnt spiders instead.

Is fada mé ag foighneamh, faighimse fuascailt, 353 So, I’ve long been waiting; I’m changing my fate

Seachain ar mhoill mé, saighead chun luais é; 354 Don’t try to stop me, when I’m out of the gate.

Muna bhfuil leigheas dom threighid i do chuairtse

355 If, from your visit, a resolution doesn’t appear

Cuirfidh mé faghairt i bhfeidhm má’s crua dom. 356 Then it’s on to Plan B and I’m outta here.

Deireadh do Chuid a Dó End of Part Two

Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Trí On To Part Three





Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí


Brian Merriman

Foclóir

Cuid a Trí: An Seanfhear

Preabann seanfhear anuas le freagra a thabhairt ar an ógbhean. Deir sé gur ar shaol mígheanmnaí na mná óga féin an milleán go bhfuil siad i gcruachás. Cuireann sé síos ar a phósadh féin agus faoi mar a bhí an bhrídeach torrach ó fhear eile i ngan fhios dó. (Dá ainneoin sin, molann sé leanaí tabhartha go hard níos déanaí mar chuid den impí aige ar Aoibheal deireadh a chur leis an bpósadh.)

Glossary

Part Three: The Old Man

Up jumps an old man to answer the young woman. He blames the dissolute life of young women for the predicament in which they find themselves. He recounts the circumstances of his own marriage at the time of which and unknown to him, his bride was pregnant by another. (In spite of this cuckoldry, he later praises bastards highly as part of his plea to Aoibheal to end the institution of marriage.)

Preabann anuas go fuadrach fíochmar 357 Then fiercely jumped up a grey old dodger

Seanduine suarach is fuadach nimhe faoi, 358 There was fire in the eyes of that greasy codger

A bhaill ar luascadh is luas anáile air, 359 His limbs were shaking, his breathing wild

Draighean is duais ar fud a chnámha. 360 It was clear that he was thoroughly riled.

Ba dhearóil an radharc go deimhin don chúirt é 361 He glared at the court with a look inflamed

Ar bord ina thaibhse im éisteacht dúirt sé:— 362 And, in my hearing, he then declaimed:—

Dochair is díobháil is síorchrá cléibhe ort 363 I wish you naught but damage and hurt

A thoice le místaid, a shíol gábha is déirce, 364 You miserable hussy, descended from dirt

Is dóigh nach iontas laigeacht na gréine 365 I suppose it’s no wonder the sun is weak

Is fós gach tubaist dar imigh ar Éire, 366 And that Ireland’s lot is unbelievably bleak

Mar mheath gach ceart gan reacht gan dlí againn, 367 Our rights are gone, the law’s a laugh

Ár mba bhí bleacht gan lacht gan laonna acu, 368 Our cows, once fertile, without milk or calf.

Is dá dtagadh níos mó de mhórscrios tíortha 369 It’s no great surprise about the country’s woes

Is gach faisean dá nuacht ar Mhóir is ar Shíle. 370 With Mór and Síle sporting the latest clothes.

A thoice gan chríoch nach cuimhin le táinte 371 You’re an absolute transcendental bitch

Olcas na síolrach daoine ó dtángais, 372 Everyone knows you were born in a ditch

Gan focal le maíomh ag do shinsear gránna 373 Your ugly ancestors can’t boast of their blood

Ach lopaigh gan bhrí, lucht míre is mála. 374 They’re aimless louts, sprung from the mud.

Is aithnid dúinne an snamhaire is athair duit, 375 Everyone knows your father’s a creep

Gan chara gan chlú gan chúl gan airgead, 376 Without friends or fame, common and cheap





Ina leibide liath gan chiall gan mhúineadh, 377 A grey old yo-yo with no erudition

Gan mheadar gan mhias gan bhia gan anlann, 378 Without cup or bowl, racked with malnutrition,

Gan faic ar a dhroim is a chabhail gan chóta, 379 Not a stitch his back, no coat on his body

Ach gad ar a choim is a bhonn gan bhróga. 380 A súgán for a belt, his footwear shoddy.

Creidigí, a dhaoine, dá ndíoltaí ar aonach 381 Believe me, people, if he was sold at the fair

Eisean is a bhuíon tar éis íoc gach éileamh, 382 Of all of his debts he couldn’t take care

Dar colainn na naoimh ba dícheall mór dó 383 By the saints who are holy, ’twould make the news

Pota maith dí lena fhuíollach d’fhuascailt. 384 If he then could afford a bottle of booze.

Nach mór an t-ábhacht is an gleo i measc daoine 385 It’s a cause of merriment, both loud and deep

Truaire de do shórt gan bhó gan chaoirigh, 386 That a reject like you, with no cows or sheep

Búclaí i do bhróga is clóicín síoda ort, 387 Sports buckles on your shoes, a fancy silk frock

Is ciarsúir póca ag gabháil na gaoithe ort! 388 And a protecting scarf the wind to block.

Do dhallais an saol go léir le do thaibhse, 389 You dazzle the whole world with your face

Is is aithnid dom féin tú i dtaobh le coife 390 But I know for a fact you’re for a bloody disgrace.

Is deacair dom labhairt, do lom is léir dhom, 391 Your mendacity’s so clear, it’s hard to address

Is fada do dhroim gan chabhair ón léine; 392 Your back is a stranger to a decent dress

Is togha drochduine do thuigfeadh ina gá thú 393 But that deficiency, no one believes

Is feabhas do rufa le do mhuinchille cáimric. 394 It’s hidden with ruffs and cambric sleeves.

Tá canbhás saor chun sraod go bhásta 395 Canvas as a waist binder is low in price

Is cá bhfios don tsaol nach stays é do do fháscadh?

396 And maybe it’s stays that’s the flattening device.

Feiceann an tír ort frínse is fáinne 397 The world spies your rings and fringes of gauze

Is ceileann do laímhne gríos is gága. 398 While your gloves cover up the dirt on your paws.

Ach aithris ar bord, nó inseoidh mé féin é,— 399 But tell the court, or I myself will reveal,—

An fada nár ól tú deoir le do bhéile? 400 How long since you’ve had a drink with your meal

A chonnartaigh bhoicht na gcos gan ionladh, 401 You miserable slob with the dirty feet

Dóchas id chorp le Bucks gan anlann 402 Unseasoned Bucks aren’t much of a treat

Is furasta dar liom dod chúl bheith taibhseach, 403 It’s plain to me why you should hang your head

Do chonnac lem shúile an chúil ina luíonn tú; 404 I saw with my own eyes where you make your bed

Garbh nó mín ní síntear fút ann, 405 With no sheet beneath you, either fine or rough

Barrach nó líon dár sníomhadh le tuirne, 406 Spun on a wheel from even the coarsest stuff


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#sugan

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#bucks

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#bucks


Ach mata ina smoirt gan chuilt gan chlúdach, 407 But a dirty mat without a quilt or a spread

Dealbh gan luid gan phluid gan tsúsa, 408 Without a blanket or comforter to cover the bed.

I gcomhar botháin gan áit chun suí ann 409 Your cabin is without a place for a seat

Ach súiche sileáin is púscadh aníos ann, 410 Dripping soot from above; oozing mud from beneath

Fiaile ag teacht go fras gan chuimse 411 Rank weeds flourishing in profusion galore

Is rian na gcearc air trasna scríobtha, 412 And chicken tracks scratched across the floor

Lag ina dhroim is na gabhla ag lúbadh 413 The roofline sagging; the gables leaning

Is clagarnach dhonn go trom ag tuirlingt. 414 The brown rain pouring down through the ceiling.

A chumainn na bhfáidhithe! nach ard do labhair sí!

415 O company of seers, how loud she does shout

Gustalach gálbha gárthach gabhann sí 416 A blustery braggart who goes about

I ndathanna i gcóir is i gclócaí síoda, 417 In colourful clothes and silken cloaks

Faire go deo orthu! fóill, cár fríth é? 418 It is certain the money didn’t come from her folks.

Aithris cá bhfuair tú an radharc seo mhaíonn tú, 419 From where the look of which you crow

Is aithris cár thuill tú an leadhb gan bhrí seo; 420 And how did you earn the necessary dough;

Is deacair a shuíomh gur fríth go cóir iad— 421 It’s hard to believe it’s from an honest stroke

Is gairid ó bhí tú gan síol an orlaigh. 422 It’s not long since you were totally broke

Aithris cá bhfuair tú luach na húda, 423 Where did you get the price of the hoods

Is aithris cá bhfuair tú luach do ghúna, 424 Tell us how you came by the expensive duds.

Ach leagaimid uainn cár ghluais an cóta, 425 I won’t make the cost of your coat my affair

Is aithris cá bhfuair tú luach na mbróga. 426 But how could you afford the fancy footwear?

A Aoibheal cheanasach charthannach chumhachtach,

427 O Aoibheal, peerless, kindly queen

Guím thú, gairim thú, freagair is fóir mé, 428 I beg you, call on you, please intervene

Is fíor gur feasach mé forairí Fóla 429 I know that all in Ireland who reach man’s estate

Suite greamaithe ag sladaithe den tsórt seo. 430 Is firmly hooked by such a reprobate

Dar láimh mo chara! is aithnid dom comharsa 431 One of my friends who lives up the road

Láimh le baile agam, gairid do chóngar, 432 Not very far from my own abode

Buachaill soineanta sruimile saonta 433 Among the nicest boys you ever spied

Ar buaileadh duine acu chuige mar nuachar. 434 Was snared into taking one as his bride

Is searbh lem chroí nuair a fheicim im radharc í— 435 It pains my heart to see her around

A gradam, a críoch, a poimp is a taibhse; 436 Her hauteur, her pomp, her stuck-up frown

Sealbhach bó aici is eorna ag fás di, 437 Cattle in her possession, her barley growing



Airgead póca is ór idir lámha aici. 438 Money in her pocket and gold overflowing.

Do chonnaic mé inné í ar thaobh na sráide, 439 I saw her yesterday on the side of the street

Is cumasach tréan an léire mná í, 440 She was a large woman, in no way petite;

Malpaire másach mágach magúil, 441 She shook her huge hips in a taunting way

Marbh le cámas lán de ladús, 442 With as much impertinence as she could display

Murach gur claon liom éad do mhúscailt, 443 Were it not that I am the soul of discretion

Scannal do scéith nó scéalta scrúdú, 444 Unwilling to comment on any transgression

Do b’fhuras dom insint cruinn mar chuala 445 I could easily tell what I’ve heard told

An chuma na mbíodh sí sraoillte suaite, 446 How she carried on as a harlot bold

Sractha ar lár is gáir ina timpeall, 447 Stretched on the floor, causing a hullabaloo

Sraite ar an sráid nó i stábla sínte. 448 In the street or the stable, her clothing askew.

Mairfidh a tásc is tráchtfar choíche 449 Her story will live, she’ll be the subject of lore

Ar mharthain ar cháil is ar gháir a gníomhartha 450 She will be spoken of for evermore

In Uí Bhreacáin an aráin is an fhíona, 451 In Ibrickane of the bread and wine

I dTír Mhachláin na mbánta míne, 452 In Tirmaclane of the meadows so fine

Ag ísle is ársa Mháinse is Ínse, 453 By Manishmore’s and Ennis’ lowly and quality

Chill Bhreacáin, an Chláir is Chuinche, 454 In Killbracken, in Quin, and in Clareabbey

Ag connsaigh ainmhíche Threadraí an phónra 455 In Tradree of the beans where there are wild young fellows

Is fonsaí falchaí Chreatlaighe an chorda. 456 And in Cratlea where outlaws hang from the gallows

Faire, ba chlaon í, tar éis a ndúirt mé 457 Now, look, that’s all in the past, I know

Ghlacfainn gur saor í faoi na cionta 458 And I might be willing to let it all go

Ach beirim don phláigh í lá mar chím í 459 But the other day I saw her on her ass

Leagaithe láimh le Gárus sínte, 460 Outside of Garus lying on the grass

Caite ar an ród gan orlach fuithi 461 Spread on the ground without a stitch, so bare,

Ag gramasc na móna ar bhóithre Dhubhdhoire. 462 With a bogman from Doora in the County Clare.

M’iontas ann os ceann mo chéille 463 It's a wonder to me, past all comprehension

Is crithim go fann le scanradh an scéil seo,— 464 Just to think of it fills me with hypertension,—

Ise bheith seang nuair theann gach éinne í 465 After fornicating with all, I just don’know

Is druidim le clann nuair shanntaigh féin í. 466 How she didn’t conceive till she wished it so.

Is mór ina grása é ag rá na mbriathar, 467 It’s saying a lot for the power of the word

Nóiméad de spás níor ghá le hiarraidh 468 That not a minute of unnecessary delay was incurred

Ó léadh ar bord os comhair na coinnle 469 From the reading before the candles bright


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#treadree

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#treadree

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#cratlea




An tEgo Vos seo d’ordaigh Íosa 470 Of the Ego Vos of the marriage rite

Gur shéid sí lacht go bleacht ina cíocha 471 Her breasts were bursting with milk, I swear

Ach naoi mí beacht is seachtain go cinnte! 472 After nine months with just a week to spare!

Breathain gur bhaol don té tá scaoilte 473 It’s the greatest peril to the single and sane

Ceangal go héag faoi thaobh den chuing seo, 474 To be tied till death to the ball and chain,

I sealbh gach saoth, is éad dá shuathadh— 475 In the grip of misfortune, jealousy rife,

In aisce, mo léan! mo léann ní bhfuaireas, 476 As I learned for myself at a terrible price.

Is feasach don taobh seo den tsaol mar bhí mé 477 Everyone round here knows how I used be,

Sealad dem réim is dem laethanta roimhe seo, 478 When I was single and gloriously free,

Leitheadach láidir lán de shaibhreas, 479 An important man, much wealth I did own

Feisteas le fáil is fáilte im theaghlach, 480 My door was wide open, my table did groan

Cara i gcúirt is cúnamh dlí agam, 481 A friend at court and the law on my side

Ceannas is clú agus comhar sa saoithe, 482 Dominion and fame, with seers as my guide.

Tathach im chaint is suim is éifeacht, 483 My words with wit and wisdom teemed

Talamh is maoin ag suíomh mo chéille! 484 All the land and wealth of which I dreamed

M’aigne sítheach is m’intinn sásta— 485 My mind at ease, my brain without strife—

Chailleas le bean mo bhrí is mo shláinte! 486 I lost it all when I married my wife!

Ba thaitneamhach leabhair an crobhaire mná í, 487 She was a pleasant and graceful strip of a lass

Bhí seasamh is com is cabhail is cnámha aici, 488 Her posture and presence betokened class

Casadh ina cúl go búclach trilseach, 489 The toss of her head showed off ringlets and curls

Lasadh ina gnúis go lonrach soilseach, 490 And the sheen on her cheeks fairly glowed like pearls,

Cuma na hóige uirthi is só ina gáire, 491 She had the vitality of youth and a smile of bliss

Is cuireadh ina cló chun póige is fáilte! 492 And all her demeanour invited a kiss.

Ach chreathas le fonn gan chonn gan chairde 493 I shook with desire, my mind did reel

Ó bhaithis go bonn go tabhartha i ngrá dhi. 494 I fell besottedly in love, head over heel.

Is dearbh gan dabht ar domhan gur díoltas 495 It’s certain, no doubt, it was retribution

Danartha donn dom thabhairt ar m’aimhleas 496 For all my bad actions, my dissolution

D’fhearthainn go trom ar bhonn mo ghníomhartha

497 Which fell with a vengeance for my transgression

Ó Fhlaitheas le fonn do lom do líon mé. 498 From heaven above with cruel repression.

Do snaidhmeadh go suite snaidhm na cléire, 499 The clergy tied us tightly with the knot

Is ceangladh sinn i gcuing le chéile, 500 In a damnable yoke we were firmly caught,

Ghlanas gan chinnteacht suim gach éileamh 501 I cleared all the debts without demur or delay


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#ego_vos

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#ego_vos


Bhaineas le baois gan ghaois an lae sin. 502 From the extravagant folly of that fateful day

Cothrom go leor, níor chóir mé a cháineadh— 503 Give me due credit, I was able to treat

Stopas an gleo bhí ag cóip na sráide, 504 All of the rabble who came in from the street

Bacaigh go léir, bhí an cléireach sásta, 505 Beggars all, the clerics were sated

An sagart róbhuíoch is b’fhéidir fáth leis! 506 The priest was delighted at how he was feted.

Lasamar tóirsí is comharsana go cruinn ann, 507 With torches lit, the neighbours around

Leagadh ar boird mórchuid bia chugainn 508 The table with all sort of foodstuffs was crowned

Clagarnach cheoil is ól gan chuimse, 509 The music was mighty, much drink was imbibed

Is chaitheadar cóisir mhórtach mhaoiteach. 510 It was a bash on a scale that can’t be described.

Mo dhíth gan easpa nár tachtadh le bia mé 511 But the day I was baptised I wish I had died

An oíche baisteadh nó as sin gur iarras 512 Or some day since then before I had tried

Síneadh ar leaba le hainnis do liath mé 513 To bed with a trollop who turned me gray

Is do scaoil le gealaigh gan chara gan chiall mé. 514 Deprived me of friends, caused my mind to decay.

Is é tásc do gheobhainn ag óg is ag aosta 515 But then I was warned by the young and the old

Gur bhreallán spóirt ag ól is ag glaoch í 516 That she was a drunkard and a constant scold

I mbotháin ósta is boird á bpléascadh, 517 With the rabble in sheebeens she was wont to mingle

Ar lár ina lóiste ag pósta is aonta. 518 And lay on the floor with the married and single

Do b’fhada dá meilt a teist is a tuairisc 519 It took a while before her name was destroyed

Do b’fhada gur chreid mé a bheag nó a mhór de, 520 The stories about her I long could avoid

Do b’eaglach le gach beirt dá gcuala é 521 Everyone kept mum who knew the situation

Go rachainn im pheilt im gheilt gan tuairisc. 522 Afraid I would vanish, naked, in extreme agitation.

Fós ní ghéillfinn, caoch mar bhí mé, 523 I would not listen, too blind to see

Do ghlór gan éifeacht éinne mhaoidh é; 524 To the few who ineffectively told me;

Ach magadh nó greim gan feidhm gan chéill 525 I believed they were only slagging the groom

Gur aithris a broinn dom deimhin gach scéil! 526 Until the whole story was told by her womb.

Níor chúrsaí leamhais ná durdam bréige é, 527 It was not a prank or idle prattle

Ná dúirt bean liom go ndúradh léi é 528 Or a woman engaging in tittle-tattle

Ach labhair an bheart i gceart is in éifeacht— 529 But the deed itself spoke loud and clearly

Do bhronn sí mac i bhfad roimh ré dom! 530 She gave me a son who was way too early!

Mo scanradh scéil gan féith dem chroí air— 531 God almighty, I nearly died of fright

Clann dá dtéamh dom tar éis na hoíche! 532 To find a family at the end of that night!

Callóid anfach ainigí scólta,— 533 There was a mighty commotion around the house



Bunóc ceangailte is bean an tí breoite, 534 With a swaddled child and a retching spouse,

Posóid leagaithe ar smeachóidí teo acu 535 A draught of medicine on the coals being warmed

Cuinneog bhainne dá greadadh le fórsa 536 A can full of cream was being forcefully churned

Is mullach ar lánmhias bánbhia is siúicre 537 A dish heaped high with sugar and goody

Ag Muirinn Ní Cháimliaith báinliaigh an chrúca 538 For the greedy midwife, Muireann Ní Cháimlia

Bhi coiste cruinnithe ag tuilleadh dem chomharsain

539 A group of my other neighbours were gathered

Cois na tine agus siosarnach dhamhsa. 540 Beside the fire where they quietly whispered.

Scaoileann siad cogar i bhfogas dom éisteacht:— 541 One of them said, loud enough to hear:—

Míle moladh le Solas na Soilse! 542 “Praise be to the stars that shine so clear,

Bíodh nach baileach a d’aibigh an chré seo 543 Even though the nipper didn’t wait for the clock

Feicimse an t-athair ina sheasamh ina chéadfa. 544 He looks like he’s a chip cut off the old block.

A bhfeiceann tú, a Shadhbh arú, luigheamh a ghéaga!

545 Don’t you see now, Saiv, how the kid is the image

A dheilbh gan draighean a bhaill is a mhéara! 546 Of the old man’s form, his limbs and his visage!

Cumas na lámh ba dána dóirne! 547 The cut of his hands and those bold fists

Cuma na gcnámh is fás na feola. 548 And look at those legs and arms and wrists.”

Do cheapadar cruinn gur shíolraigh an dúchas 549 They pondered long on the child’s supposed lineage

Maise mo ghné agus íor mo ghnúise, 550 How he looked like me, inherited my image

Filleadh mo shróine is glónra m’éadain, 551 The shape of my nose and how my brow glowed

Deise mo chló, mo shnua agus m’fhéachana, 552 The elegant form which on him I bestowed

Leagadh mo shúl is go fiú mo gháire 553 The lay of my eyes and even my grin

Is as-sin do shiúil ó chúl go sáil é. 554 How he was my very picture from head to shin.

Amharc nó radharc ní bhfaghainn den chréice,— 555 Of course, not hide nor hair did I see of the pup,—

Is baileach gan leigheas do mhillfeadh gaoth é!— 556 They said the draughts would screw him up!—

Ag cuideachta an teaghlaigh i bhfeighil mo chaochta,

557 The crowd in the house kept him out of my sight

Siolla dá laghad di leáfaidh an créatú+B222ir! 558 With their claim that the air would harm the mite.

Do labhras garg is do thagras Íosa, 559 By this time I was mad and breathing fire

Is stollta garbh do bhagras gríosach, 560 I told them the consequences would be dire

D’fhógras fearg le hainbhios cainte, 561 I thundered, I stormed, I blustered, I swore

Is is dóigh gur chreathadar cailleacha an tí romham.

562 Till the women of the house could stand it no more.

De leisce an achrainn leagadar chugam é,— 563 They brought me the boy to settle me down,—



Beir go haireach air, seachain ná brú é, 564 “Take him gently, don’t shake him around

Is fuiris a shuaitheadh, luaisc go réidh é, 565 He’s easily hurt; he’s close to dying

Turraing do fuair sí ruaig roimh ré é; 566 Don’t pick him up, leave him lying

Seachain nó faisc é, fág ina luí é, 567 Since she had a fall that brought on his birth

Is gairid an bás do, is gearr do raghaidh sé; 568 He’s close to death, not too long for this earth

Dá maireadh go lá idir lámha ina chló 569 We hope he’ll survive till the morning at least

Is an sagart ar fáil níorbh fhearr a bheith beo. 570 When we’ll have a chance to call the priest.”

Do bhaineas an tsnaidhm dá chuibhreach cumhdaigh

571 I loosened the confining bands and set him free

Is bhreathain mé cruinn é sínte ar ghlúin liom, 572 I looked at him carefully there on my knee

A Muaireach d’airigh mé tathagach tamhanda é, 573 My God, I saw he was full of vim and vigour

Fuair mé feargach fearradach lúitheach 574 And he looked like he had a healthy figure

Láidir leathan mo leanbh ina ghuaillí, 575 The baby’s shoulders were stout, I declare,

Sála daingeana is an-chuid gruaige air! 576 He was firm in the feet, had a fine head of hair!

Cluasa cruinnithe is ingne fásta, 577 Well-formed ears and nails that were long

Chruadhdar a uillinneacha a chroibh is a chnámha,

578 His hands, his wrists and his elbows were strong

D’aibigh a shúile is fiú a pholláirí, 579 His eyes and his nostrils were both healthily wide

Is d’airigh mé a ghlúine lúfar láidir. 580 I could see from his knees he’d have a powerful stride.

Coileán cumasach cuisleach cóiriúil 581 In short and in closing, it’s all I can say

Folláin fuinneamhach fulaingeach feolmhar. 582 That he was as fine a child as you’d see any day.

Screadaim go hard le gáir na tíre 583 O Aoibheal, I beg you on behalf of my race

Is leagaim dod láthair cás na ndaoine, 584 I place before you the people’s case

Breathain go caoin, is bí truamhéileach, 585 Judge us kindly, show us mercy

Beanna a gcinn is suim a gcéille; 586 We’ve little sense but much jealousy

Athraigh an dlí seo chuinge na cléire 587 Change this law of the clergy’s yoke

Is ainic an bhuíon nár fuarthas sa ngéibheann. 588 And allow his freedom to the unmarried bloke.

Má lagaigh an síolrach díonmahr daonna 589 If the population is on the wane

I dtalamh dath-aoibheann fhíorghlais Éireann, 590 In Ireland’s green and fertile terrain,

Is furasta an tír d’aithlíonadh le laochra 591 Her race of warriors could be reborn yet

D’uireasa eangaí gan bhrí gan éifeacht,— 592 Absent the inanity of the marriage net,—

Cá bhfuil an gá le gáir na bainse, 593 Why do we need those nuptial traditions

Cárta biotáille is pá lucht seinnte, 594 Paying for liqour and for musicians

Somacháin ar bord go fóiseach taibhseach, 595 Idlers eating all of your food



Glugar is gleo acu is ól dá shaighdeadh, 596 Guzzling your malt till thoroughly stewed.

Ó d’aibigh an t-ábhar do bhronn Mac Dé 597 When the Mother of God first conceived

Gan sagart ar domhain dá dtabhairt dá chéile; 598 No priestly blessing was received.

Is leathanmhar láidir lánmhear léadmhar 599 Many who are strong and altogether fine

Fairsing le fáil an t-álmhach saor seo. 600 Sprang from an illegitimate line

Is minic a fheicimse bríomhar borrtha 601 For love is a lustier sire than creed

Cumasach líonta i gcroí is i gcóir iad; 602 And produces a healthier, heartier breed

Creim ní fheicim nó daille nó caoiche 603 The deaf or dumb or lame or blind

I léim ar leithre dár hoileadh ó bhean ar bith; 604 Among love children you generally won’t find;

Is mó is is mire, is is teinne is is tréine 605 They are stronger and faster, more right in the head

A gcló is a gclisteacht ná dlisteanaigh éinne. 606 Than many begotten in a married bed.

Is furasta a luaimse d’fhuascailt go suite 607 I brought with me the proof of my stand

Is duine acu an uair seo ar fud an tí agam! 608 I have here with me one of that band!

A bhfeiceann tú thall go ceansa ciúin é! 609 Do you see him there, so quiet and polite?

Deisigh anall i dteannta an bhoird é. 610 Bring him here so we can see him right.

Breathain go cruinn é, bíodh gurab óg é 611 Look at him carefully, though he’s a youth

Is dearfa suite an píosa feola é, 612 You will see indeed that I tell the truth

Is preabaire i dtoirt i gcorp is i gcnámh é 613 He’s a comely boy in form so grand

Cá bhfuil a locht i gcos nó i lámh de? 614 Can you see a flaw in his foot or hand?

Ní seargach fann ná seandach feosach, 615 He wasn’t sired by a sap with consumption

Leibide cam nó gandal geoiseach, 616 A worthless tramp, a gander without gumption

Meall gan chuma nó sumach gan síneadh é 617 A formless lump who’s riddled with cancer

Ach lansa cumasach buinneamhach bríomhar. 618 But a lively, powerful, active lancer.

Ní deacair a mheas nach spreas gan bhrí 619 It would be such a farce to tie for life

Bheadh ceangailte ar nasc ar tasc ag bean, 620 This sire of his to only one wife

Gan chnámh gan chumas gan chuma gan chom, 621 Shapeless, spineless, waistless, sexless

Gan ghrá gan chumann gan fuinneamh gan fonn, 622 Friendless, mindless, loveless, listless

Do scaipfeadh i mbronn d’aon mhaighre mná 623 To use his seed for only one womb

Le catachas draighin an graíre bhreá 624 When he could be in many a bedroom.

Mar chuireann sé i bhfeidhm gan mhoill gan bhréig

625 This young lad proves without a lie

Le cumas a bhaill is le luigheamh a ghéag 626 With his goodly arms and shapely thigh

Gur crobhaire é cruthaíodh go cothrom gan cháim 627 That he’s a sapling who was the upshot

Le fonn na fola is le fothram na sláinte. 628 Of a fevered coupling when the blood was hot.



Leis-sin ná hiarrse a ríon réilteach 629 So please don’t subject millions, O Queen of the Sky

Milleadh meiriad le riail gan éifeacht! 630 To a stupid rule with which they must comply

Scaoil ó chodladh gan chochall gan chuibhreach 631 Awake to a life without a bond or chain

Síol an bhodaigh is an mhogall-fhuil mhaoiteach, 632 The country’s people, both mighty and plain

Scaoil fá chéile de réir nádúra 633 Allow them to be naturally combined

An síolbhach séad is an braon lábúrtha, 634 Couples from the peasantry and the refined.

Fógair go féiltiúil trí na tíortha 635 Throughout the land may a new rule unfold

D’óg is d’aosta saorthoil síolraigh. 636 Of sexual freedom for young and for old.

Cuirfidh an dlí seo gaois sa nGaeil, 637 This new law will make the Irish proud,

Is tiocfaidh an brí mar bhí ina laochra, 638 The new race will once again be endowed

Ceapfaidh sé com is droim is doirne 639 With all the prowess of the heroes of old,

Ag fir an domhain mar Gholl mac Móirne, 640 The likes of Goll mac Móirne the bold.

Gealfaidh an spéir, beidh éisc i líonta, 641 The sky will brighten, the fish will bite

Is talamh an tsléibhe go léir faoi luibhne, 642 The mountainy land will bloom with no blight

Fir is mná go brách dá mhaíomh, 643 Men and women will sing your praise

Ag seinnm do cháil le gairdeas aoibhnis. 644 And in joyful celebration their voices raise.

Deireadh do Chuid a Trí End of Part Three

Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Ceathair On To Part Four





Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair


Brian Merriman

Foclóir

Cuid a Ceathair: An Ainnir Arís

Tá an ainnir arís ar an mbínse ag magadh an tseanfhir faoin mbealach inar theip air a bhean óg a shásamh. Deir sí go mba chóir iachall a chur ar fhir óga pósadh, is gan eisceacht a dhéanamh do shagairt na tíre.

Glossary

Part Four: The Young Woman Again

The young woman again takes the stand mocking the old man’s inability to satisfy his young wife. She advocates forcing young men to marry with the clergy not being exempt from that edict.

Tar éis bheith tamall don ainnir ag éisteacht 645 After the girl had heard his harangue

Do léim ina seasamh go tapa gan foighne, 646 With great impatience, to her feet she sprang,

Do labhair sí leis agus loise ina súile 647 With fire in her eyes on him she gazed

Is rabhartaí feirge feilce fúithi:— 648 And spoke in a voice that was trembling and crazed:—

Dar Coróin na Carraige murach le géilleadh 649 By Craglea’s Crown, if I wasn't thinking

Dod chló dod ainnis is d’easnamh do chéille 650 How your health is failing, your faculties sinking

Is d’am na hurraime don chuideachta shéimh seo 651 And of the respect that’s due to this court

An ceann lem ingin do sciobfainn ded chaolscroig,

652 With my nails, I’d scratch your face and throat

Do leagfainn anuas de thuairt faoin mbord thú 653 I’d knock you with a mighty crash to the ground

Is is fada le lua gach cuairt dá bhfaighinn ort 654 And it would long be talked of how often you went down

Go stróicfinn sreanga do bheatha le fonn ceart 655 Until I had cut your mortal cord

Is go seolfainn t’anam go Acheron tonnach. 656 So that across Acheron you were being oared..

Ní fiú liom freagra freastail do thabhairt ort, 657 It’s beneath my dignity to answer you straight

A shnamhaire fleascaigh nach aithis do labhartha!

658 You sniveling slimeball, your speech’s inchoate

Ach inseoidh mé feasta do mhaithe na cúirte 659 But I want to inform the worthies of the court

An nós inar cailleadh an ainnir nárbh fhiú thú:— 660 Of the horrible life of one above your sort:—

Bhí sí lag, gan bha gan phuint, 661 She was vulnerable, without cattle or dough

Bhí sí i bhfad gan teas gan clúdadh, 662 Always freezing without heat or a throw

Cortha dhá saol, ar strae dhá seoladh 663 Tired of life, astray without direction

Ó phost go piléar gan ghaol gan chóngas, 664 From pillar to post, with no relative’s affection,




http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#acheron

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#acheron


Gan scíth gan spás de lá nó d’oíche, 665 Without rest or comfort by day or by night

Ag stríocadh an aráin ó mhná nár chuí léi. 666 Having to beg from strangers her daily bite.

Do gheall an fear seo dreas sócúlach di, 667 This man promised her silver and gold

Do gheall an spreas di teas is clúdadh, 668 He promised her heat and shelter from cold,

Cothrom glan is ba le crú di, 669 A fair share of wealth and milk cows purebred

Is codladh fada ar leaba chlúimh di, 670 Comfortable nights on a down-covered bed

Teallaigh teó agus móin a dóthain 671 Warm hearths with turf so she wouldn’t freeze

Fallaí fód gan leoithne gaoithe, 672 Thick sod walls to keep out the breeze,

Fothain is díon ón síon is ón spéir di, 673 Well-secured roofs and doors and windows

Olann is líon le sníomh chun éadaigh. 674 Wool and linen to weave for clothes

Do b’fheasach don tsaol is don phéist seo láithreach

675 ’Twas known to the world and to this worm there

Nach taitneamh ná téamh ná aonphuth ghrá dó 676 That not pleasure or warmth or a love affair

Do cheangail an péarla maorga mná seo 677 Drew this pearl of a woman to that block of ice

Ach easnamh go léir,—ba déirc léi an tsástacht! 678 But that a life of want left her without any choice.

Ba dubhach an fuadar suairceas oíche 679 With him there would be no nights of pleasure

Smúit is ualach duais is líonadh, 680 With this fat load, dropsical beyond measure;

Lúithne luaidhe agus guaillí caol 681 With his leaden sinews and narrow shoulder

Is glúine crua chomh fuar le hoidhre 682 It was hard to see how the night could get colder.

Cosa feoite dóite ón ngríosach 683 Along with knarly knees and decaying feet

Is colainn bhreoite dhreoite chríona. 684 His dry sickly body was no young woman’s treat.

An bhfuil stuaire beo ná feoidhfeadh liath 685 Is there a beauty alive who wouldn’t grow old

Ag cual dá shórt bheith pósta riamh? 686 If she were married to a crock so cold

Nár chuardaigh fós faoi dhó le bliain 687 Who, even twice a year, didn’t have a wish

Cé buachaill óg í, feoil nó iasc? 688 To see if she was a boy, whether flesh or fish?

Is an feóiteach fuar seo suas léi sínte 689 She had this cold bag of bones lying by her side

Dreoite duairc gan bua gan bíogadh. 690 Shriveled and woebegone, impotent, stupefied.

Och! car mhór di bualadh bríomhar 691 Oh! Wouldn’t she have loved just once a night

Ar nós ba dhual de uair san oíche. 692 A little affection as was her conjugal right.

Ní dóigh go dtuigtear gurab ise ba chiontach 693 I don't believe people’ll think she was to blame

Ná fós go gcliseadh ar laige ina tonndacht 694 That she was an icy and frigid dame

An maighre mascalach carthanach ciúntais— 695 This gentle girl with an amorous heart

Is deimhin go bhfaca sí a mhalairt de mhúineadh. 696 It wasn’t in her nature to shirk her part.

Ní labharfadh focal dá mba obair an oíche 697 With a lively lover she wouldn’t have quit


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#sods

http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#sods


Is a thabharfadh cothrom do stollaire bhíomhar. 698 Once she was lighted, you know she’d stay lit.

Go brách ar siúl níor dhiúltaigh riamh é, 699 With the proper partner she’d never take flight

Ar chnámh a cúil is a súile iata. 700 Entranced on her back with her eyes shut tight

Ní thabharfadh preab le stailc mhíchuíosach, 701 She wouldn’t jump with inappropriate fright

Fogha mar chat ná sraic ná scríob air, 702 Attack like a cat or scratch or bite,

Ach í go léir ina slaod cóshínte, 703 But lie with him in embrace combined

Taobh ar thaobh is a géag ina thimpeall, 704 Side by side with legs entwined,

Ó scéal go scéal ag bréagadh smaointe, 705 Exchanging sweet nothings, little white lies

Béal ar bhéal is ag méaraíocht síos air. 706 Lips to lips, fingers stroking his thighs.

Is minic do chuir sí cos taobh anonn de, 707 She’d often throw a leg over him in haste,

Is chuimil a bruis ó chrios go glún de; 708 Caress him with her brush from knee to waist

Do sciobadh an phluid is an chuilt dá ghúnga 709 But with this one here, she’d tear quilt from his body

Ag spriongar is ag sult le moirt gan subhachas. 710 Seeking to play with that cheerless dogsbody

Níor chabhair di coigilt ná cuimilt ná fáscadh, 711 Fondling or embracing didn’t stir that beast

Fogha da hingin, dá huillinn, dá sála. 712 Tickling his feet didn’t help in the least

Is náir dom aithris mar chaitheadh sí an oíche 713 I hate to tell you how she’d spend the night

Ag fáscadh an chnaiste, ag searradh is ag síneadh,

714 Tossing and turning in her hopeless plight

Ag feacadh na ngéag is an t-éadach fúithi, 715 Clasping the linens, to the bed-rail clinging

A baill go léir is a déada ar lúithchrith, 716 Her body shaking and her sweet lips trembling

Go loinnir an lae gan néall go dhúchan uirthi, 717 Till the dawn of the day without a wink of sleep

Ag imirt ó thaobh go taobh is ag únfairt. 718 Rocking to and fro in despair deep.

Nach furasta don lobhar seo labhairt ar mhná 719 This leper speaks of women in casual tones

Is gan fuinneamh ina choim ná cabhair ina chnámha,

720 Without life in his loins or strength in his bones

Má d’imigh an mhodhúil bhí trom ina ghábha 721 If it was a gent with a heavy heart

Is gur deineadh an fhoghail seo gabhaimse a páirt.

722 Who had mounted this attack, I might take his part.

A bhfuil sionnach ar sliabh nó iasc i dtrá, 723 But is there a fox on the hill or a fish in the mere

Nó iolar le fiach nó fia le fán 724 A hunting eagle or a wandering deer

Chom fada gan chiall le bliain nó lá 725 That’s so much without sense for a day or a year

Do chaitheamh gan bia is a bhfiach le fáil? 726 That it’d go hungry when sustenance is near?

An aithnid díbh féin san tsaol seo cá bhfuil 727 Have any of you heard tell, in the west or the east,

An t-ainmhí claon nó an feithid fáin 728 Of any class or breed or kind of a beast



Do phiocfadh an chré an fraoch nó an pháil 729 That would search for food where nothing grows

Is feorainn ina shlaoda is féar le fáil? 730 And ignore the feast beneath its nose?

Aithris gan mhoill, a chladhaire chráite, 731 Answer me, you blackguard, without delay

Freagair mé, faghaimse feidhm id ráite:— 732 I’d like to hear what you have to say:—

Cá bhfuil do dhíth ag suí chun béile? 733 When you sup at an inn, is the food less nutritious

Ar caitheadh le mí aici a dtíos ina féile! 734 If others had found the same menu delicious?

An laigide an chúil nó an lúide an láithreach 735 Is the house weaker, the site less secure

Fiche milliún má shiúil le ráithe ann? 736 If twenty million had inspected it before

Mairg i do cheann a sheandaigh thamhanda, 737 Does it really bother you, you stiff old prude

An eagal leat ganntanas am do dhúile 738 Are you afraid of scarcity when you’re in the mood

An dóigh a ghliogaire buile gur bhaol duit 739 Do you think it possible, were you to try

Ól na Sionainne tirim nó a taoscadh? 740 To drain the Shannon by drinking it dry?

Trá na farraige is tarraingt an tsáile? 741 To ebb a neap tide with a jug?

Is clár na mara do scaipeadh le scála? 742 Or empty the ocean with a mug?

Breathain in am ar leamhas do smaointe 743 Next time, pause before saying what’s best unsaid

Is ceangail do cheann le banda timpeall! 744 Wrap a cold compress around your head

Seachain i dtráth, ná fág do chiall 745 Take a deep breath, don’t lose the rag

Le heagla mná bheith fáilteach fial; 746 At the thought of women who like to shag

Dá gcaitheadh sí an lá le cách do riar 747 If she spent the whole day entertaining all

Bheadh tuilleadh is do sáith-se ar fáil ina ndiaidh. 748 There’d be still enough for you to have a ball.

Mo chumha is mo chrá ba bhreá san éad 749 Bejasus, such jealousy could be understood

Ar lúbaire láidir lánmhear léadmhar 750 In a strapping, stout-hearted, sterling stud

Shantach sháiteach shásta sheasmhach 751 Panting, pushing, pulsing, preening

Ramsach ráflach rábach rabairneach, 752 Roistering, romping, rollicking, riproaring

Lascaire luaimneach, cuardaitheoir cuimseach, 753 A roving rogue, a sensitive searcher

Balcaire buan nó buailteoir bríomhar, 754 A steadfast stalwart, a topnotch thresher

Ach seanduine seanda cranda creimneach, 755 Not in an ossified oldster, a grumpy grunt

Fámaire fann is feam gan féile. 756 An incompetent idler, a reclusive runt.

Is mithid dom chroí bheith líonta de léithe, 757 Now, there’s another matter on my mind

Is m’iontas trí gach smaointe baotha 758 That should give pause to womankind:

Cad a bheireann scaoilte ó chuibhreach céile 759 Why are they free of the married state



In eaglais sinsir suim na cléire. 760 All of those priests of our ancient faith.

Mo chrá gan leigheas, mo threighid dom fháscadh,

761 Granted that I might rightly cry and bawl

Is láidir m’fhoighne is laghad mo ráige, 762 My patience is great, my rage is small

Is méid a mbímid ar díth gan éinne, 763 That, given how much we need a mate,

Is mian ár gcroí faoi shnaidhm na héide. 764 Those heart-throbs are taken off the plate.

Nach bocht an radharc do mhaighdean ghábhair 765 It’s a pathetic sight for a needy maid

Toirt is taibhse a mbaill is a mbreátha, 766 To see how well these priest are made

Bloscadh a n-aghaidh agus soilse a ngáire, 767 Their rosy cheeks, their smiles so bright

Corp is coim is toill ar támhchrith, 768 Their slender waists, their buttocks tight

Úire, áille, bláth agus óige, 769 Their beauteous forms, their youth so fresh

Ramhadas cnámh is meáchan feola, 770 Their straight bones, their well-fed flesh

Martas trom is droim gan suathadh, 771 Their solid torso and steady back

Neart gan dabht is fonn gan fuarú. 772 Their undoubted strength, their love of the craic

Bíonn sealbh gach sú acu ar bhord na saoithe, 773 They’re a welcome guest at the table of the seer

Earra agus ór chun óil is aoibhinis, 774 They’ve got silver and gold for whiskey and beer

Clúmh chun luí acu is saill chun bia acu, 775 Down for their beds and salt for their food

Plúr is milseacht meidhir is fíonta. 776 The best of wine to put them in the mood

Is gnáthach cumasach iomadúil óg iad 777 Mostly they’re not long past their boyhood

Is tá fhios againne gur fuil agus feoil iad. 778 And we girls know that they’re flesh and blood

Cumha ní ghlacfainn le cafairí coillte, 779 If I thought they were angels or sexless saints

Snamhairí galair ná searraigh gan soilse, 780 Or sickly creeps, I’d have no complaints

Ach malra bodacha, stollairí tréana, 781 But they’re lusty youngsters with appetites unsated

I dtámhghail chodlata is obair gan déanamh! 782 In a torpid sleep while maids are unmated!

Creidim gan bhréag gur mhian le roinn díobh 783 Most of these fellows, I truthfully believe,

Filleadh le féile, daor ní bheinnse. 784 Are lonely Adams asking God for an Eve

Cothrom, ní cóir an t-ord le chéile 785 To be fair, it wouldn’t do

Chrochadh le córda, ghabháil nó dhaoradh, 786 To hang the lot because of the few

Bás na droinge, is deimhin, ní ghráfainn 787 Sinking the ship wouldn’t be the right plan,

Lán na loinge chun duine ní bháfainn, 788 Drowning the whole crew to get one man

Cuid acu bíodh gur rícigh riamh 789 Some have always been a right shower

Is cuid eile bhíos gan ríomh gan riail, 790 Who are in the priesthood for the power

Cinntigh chrua gan trua gan tréithe, 791 Tough old buzzards without any heart

Fíochmhar fuar is fuath do bhéithe. 792 Who think every woman is just a tart.



Tuilleadh acu atá níos fearr ná a chéile, 793 But others are from a different race

Tuilte le grá is le grásta féile. 794 Full of love and full of grace.

Is minic a buaitear ba is gréithe 795 Often the well-being of a farm is increased

Cuigeann is cruach de chuairt na cléire. 796 Without just one visit from such a priest.

Is minic lem chuimhne maíodh a dtréithe 797 I can recall well their virtues being lauded

Is iomad dá ngníomhartha fíorghlic féithe, 798 The number of their good works applauded,

Is minic do chuala ar fud na tíre 799 I often heard throughout the land

Siosarnach luath dá luadh go líonmhar, 800 A buzz of appreciation for this band,

Is chonnaic mé taibhseach roinn dá ramsach 801 I’ve seen incontrovertible evidence that many a son

Is uimhir dá gclainn ar shloinnte falsa. 802 Could call a priest a father in more ways than one.

Baineann sé fáscadh as lár mo chléibhse 803 Still, it bothers me greatly at the time

A gcaithtear dá sláinte ar mhná treasaosta 804 They spend on women past their prime,

Is turraing san tír chun díth na mbéithe, 805 While many a woman at best stage in life

Ar cuireadh gan bhrí tsíolrach naofa. 806 Is left husbandless when she could be a wife.

Is dealbh an diachair dianghoirt d’Éire 807 In Ireland it has been demonstrably cruel

Ar chailleamar riamh le riail gan éifeacht! 808 The damage that’s done by this aimless rule.

Fágaim fútsa a chnó na céille 809 The trouble, I assert, O Fount of Wisdom

Fáth na cúise is cumha na cléire. 810 Is that clerical celibacy is the bane of Christendom

Is meallta meillte luí dom dhóighhse. 811 And is nothing if not an abomination.

Is dall gan radharc mé, soilsigh m’eolas, 812 I know I’m blind, I need an explanation

Aithris, ós cuimhin leat, caínt na bhfáithe 813 Tell us, if you know, the prophets’ sayings

Is aspal an Rí ba bhíogach ráite. 814 What were the Lord’s apostles’ teachings

Cá bhfuil na cumhachta d’órdaigh an Dúileamh,—

815 Where is it written that the Creator said

Is calcadh na feola i gcoróin na cumha seo; 816 That the desires of the flesh shouldn’t be fed

Pól dar liom ní dúirt le héinne 817 Paul, in my opinion, never held that a vocation

An pósadh dhiúltú ach drús do shéanadh, 818 Required abnegation of marriage, just fornication

Scaradh led ghaol dá mhéid do ghnaoi 819 To leave your relations and your parents’ house

Is ceangal led shaol is claoí led mhnaoi. 820 And live for life with your wedded spouse.

Is obair gan bhrí do bhean mar táimse 821 Of course, it’s meaningless for a woman like me

Focal den dlí seo suíomh dod láthair, 822 To explain the law to your majesty,

Is cuimhin leat féin a phéarla an taibhse 823 O Spectral Pearl, you remember well



Suíomh gach scéil is léir dhuit soilseach 824 All of the stories that make up the Gospel

Binnghuth buan is bua na mbriathra 825 The meaning of the everlasting word

Is caínt an Uain ná luafar bréagach, 826 The parables of the Lamb you have heard

Dia nárbh áil leis máthair aonta, 827 I give God’s married mother as the beau ideal

Is riail gach fáidh i bhfábhar béithe. 828 And the prophets’:rules promote women’s weal.

Guím go hard tú, a fháidhbhean tsíthe, 829 O Ghostly Seer, to you I plead

A shíolrach neamhda a barr na ríthe, 830 You who’re descended of heavenly seed

A shoilse glóire a choróin na sluaite, 831 O Glorious Light, O Crown of the Throng

Éist lem ghlórsa, fóir is fuaraigh dúinn; 832 Hear my voice and help us along

Meá i do intinn díth na mbéithe 833 Keep women’s plight firmly in your mind

Is práinn na mílte brídeach aonta, 834 The predicament of single womankind.

Is toicí mar tá siad ar bhráid a chéile 835 The number of maids, if this system doesn’t cease,

Ag borradh is ag fás mar ál na ngéanna; 836 Will increase and grow like a flock of geese.

An tál is lú tá ag siúl na sráide, 837 The smallest mite that you see in the street

Gárlaigh dhubha is giúnach gránna, 838 Dirty urchins that are decrepit and not neat

An aga dá laghad má fhaigheann siad a ndóthain 839 You’d see how they’d improve, if they had for a day

Glasraí, meadhg, is briodar borrfaidís; 840 Their fill of vegetables, curds and whey;

D’urchar neimhe le haois gan éifeacht 841 Like a bolt from the blue, all of a sudden

Tiocfaidh na cíocha, scinnfidís, sceithfidís. 842 Their breasts would grow, they’d blossom and strengthen

Scalladh mo chléibh! is baoth mo smaointe! 843 It wounds my heart and raises my ire

Ag tagairt ar chéile i gcaora tinte! 844 And burns my mind with a mass of fire

Is deacair dom súil le subhachas d’fháil 845 To see so little prospect for much fun

Is gan fear in aghaidh triúir sa Mhumhain dá mná.

846 With Munstermen outnumbered three to one.

Ó tharla an ceantar gann seo ghábhair, 847 Since the area is so poor and impotent

Fánlag fann, is an t-am seo práinneach, 848 So utterly weak in this time so urgent

Fóla folamh is fothram ag fiaile, 849 An empty Ireland where wastrels bray

Is óige an phobail ag cromadh is ag liathadh, 850 And the youth of the country growing grey

Aonta fada go dealbh gan foighne 851 A long spinsterhood seems a likelihood.

D’éinne ar talamh is fear éigin faighimse. 852 If I could find a man, either bad or good

Ceangail i dtráth go tláith faoin úim iad, 853 I’ll cart him straight away to the altar

Is as sin go brách fágtar fúinne iad. 854 And tie him for life in a conjugal halter.



Deireadh do Chuid a Ceathair End of Part four

Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Cúig On To Part Five





Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach


Brian Merriman

Foclóir

Cuid a Cúig: An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach

Tugann Aoibheal a breithiúnas ar na fadhbanna a bhí pléite sa chúirt. Tairngríonn sí go mbeidh cead ag na sagairt pósadh go luath agus ceadaíonn sí géarleanúint ar fhir nach bhfuil sásta pósadh. Sé an file an chéad duine a thoghtar le sciúirseáil a dhéanamh air.

Glossary

Part Five: The Judgment and Resolution

Aoibheal issues her judgment on the issues brought before the court. She foretells that priests soon will be allowed to marry and she gives permission for the persecution of recalcitrant bachelors. The poet finds to his horror that he is the first to face the music.

D’éirigh an mhánla ar bharr a bínse, 855 The day was dawning out in the street,

Is do shoilsigh an lá san áit ina timpeall, 856 As Aoibheal rose up from her seat

B’álainn óg a cló is a caoindreach, 857 She had a youthful glow on her form and face

B’ard a glór ba bheo is ba bhíogach. 858 Her voice was strong and full of grace

D’fháisc a dóirne is d’ordaigh deimhneach 859 She clasped her hands and with vehemence

Báille ar bord ag fógairt Silence. 860 Instructed the bailiff to order Silence

Adúirt a béal bhí ag séideadh soilse,— 861 The whole of the court gradually grew quiet

An chúirt go léir go faon ag éisteacht:— 862 And she spoke these words in a voice so bright—

Faghaimse díreach brí chun buaite 863 I find lot’s of merit in the case you bring

Is feidhm id chaíntse a bhrídeach bhuartha. 864 It was a hell of a speech, you poor young thing.

Feicím, is is dóigh gur dóite an radharc liom, 865 I see, and it’s a sight that’s certainly grave,

Síolrach Órfhlaith Mhóire is Mheidhbhe, 866 That the descendants of Orla, Mór and Meave

An seifteoir caol is an créatúr cladhartha, 867 Are now sly connivers and spineless creatures

An ceisteoir claon is an déirceoir daigheartha, 868 Creepy characters and poor alms-seekers

Sú na táire is tál na coimse 869 The lowliest of the low and the fairly well off

Ag súil le sárfhuil sámh na saoithe. 870 Desperately coveting the bloodlines of the toff.

Achtáimid mar dlí do bhéithe 871 These are the laws that will govern from this date:

An seacht faoi thrí gan chuibhreach céile 872 One: He who reaches twenty-one without a mate

Do tharraing ar cheann go teann gan trua 873 Shall be dragged off by the hair of his head

http://www.showhouse.com/epilogue.html (1 of 7)17/06/2011 13:35




Is a cheangal don chrann seo i dteannta an tuama.

874 And tied to a tree there among the dead

Bainigí lom de a chabhail is a chóta, 875 His coat to be taken and he be made to strip

Is feannaigí a dhroim is a choim le córda. 876 And the daylights beaten out of him with a whip.

An chuid acu tharla báite i mblianta 877 Two: Those of the men who are old and sick

Is cheileas go táir an tairne tiarpa, 878 Who shamelessly failed to use their prick

Chuireas amú gan subhachas d’éinne 879 And wasted the best years of their youth

Buile na hútha is lúth a ngéaga, 880 Without giving pleasure however minute

Do mhilleas a gcáil is fáil ar bhean acu 881 With women willing, they could have had a spree

Ag feitheamh gan fáth ar bharr na craoibhe, 882 But hung round like Mad Sweeney in the tree

Fágaim fúibhse tionscal páise 883 The design of their torture to you I entrust,

A mhná na dúile dúbhadh le háilíos; 884 You women of dashed and disappointed lust;

Ceapaigí fír-nimh tinte is tairní, 885 Use female ingenuity to plan the details

Caithigí smaointe is intleacht mhná leis, 886 Of a hell of fire and a rack of nails

Cuirigí bhur gcomhairle i gcomhar le chéile, 887 Put your heads together and stay the course

Is tugaimse cumhachta an fórsa dhéanamh. 888 I’ill give you the power to put it in force

Beirim gan spás díbh páis na gciantach,— 889 You are free to punish the old men at will

Is beag liom bás gan barrghoin pian dóibh. 890 In their case, I don’t care if you torture or kill.

Ní chuirimse i bhfáth de bharr mo chainte 891 In my commission to you, I don’t mind

An foirfeach fálta cás-lag claoite, 892 How you treat the oldsters, blighted and blind

An gabhal gan gotha ná an gola gan geall shuilt, 893 With their bony bodies and grimacing grins

An toll gan toradh ná an tormach falsa, 894 Their lifeless loins and scabrous skins.

Ach ligtear an óige i gcóir chun síolraigh 895 Three: If the young go about the job of copulation

Is déanfaidh an sórt seo clóca is díon dóibh. 896 Then my law will protect them from condemnation.

Is minic a fheicimse rinsigh bhaotha 897 I’m grateful when I see working men, sometimes poor

Ag titim le tíos, is bímse buíoch díobh, 898 Labouring so hard you’d think they’d faint for sure

Gafa le mná de lá agus d’oíche 899 Affectionate with their wives by day and by night

Ag cosaint a gcáil is ar scáth a ngníomhartha; 900 Protecting their good name with all their might

Ag seasamh ina bhfeidhil is bhfeidhm go fálta, 901 Standing by their side because it is right


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#sweeney


A n-ainm ar chlann is bheinnse sásta. 902 To see these guys with kids would be such a delight

Do chuala siolla is do cuireadh i bhásta é— 903 Four: I heard a rumour that I’ve kept under wraps—

Is fuath liom baineannach iomadach ráiteach— 904 I can’t stand women who can’t close their traps—

Labhair go réidh is glaoigh go híseal, 905 Don’t be too loud in spreading it around

Bos ar do bhéal, is baol bheith caínteach! 906 Button the lip, safer to stay underground!

Seachain go fóill na cumhachtaigh íogair 907 Don’t push it too hard with the bishops yet

Is caithfidh siad pósadh fós pé chífeas. 908 That they’ll soon be married is a pretty safe bet.

Tiocfaidh an lá le lánchéad comhairle 909 The day will come if you’re quiet diplomats

Is cuirfidh an Pápa lámh na gcumhacht air, 910 When the Pope will issue the necessary diktats

Suífidh an chuideachta ar thubaiste na tíre, 911 A commission will examine the country’s state

Is scaoilfear chugaibh faoi urchall cuibhrigh 912 And there’ll be released to you, free to mate,

Fiántas fola agus fothram na feola 913 Priests with fire in their blood and pulsing flesh

Is mian bhur dtoile na stollairí teo seo. 914 And the pick of these heart-throbs will fall into your mesh.

Aon duine eile dar hoileadh ó bhean ar bith— 915 Five: Anyone else who is of woman born

Léigh a ndeirim is feicim do bhíogadh; 916 Read him the riot act if he doesn’t reform

Ar shlí mo chumais ná fulaing i gcaoi ar bith 917 Don’t have anything to do with sons of bitches

Sraoill gan urraim nó Muirinn i mbríste, 918 Slovens without honour or Muireanns in britches

Ach lean sa tóir na feoitigh liatha 919 And Six: Keep on the track of the old greybeards

Is glanaigí Fóla ón sórt seo fiaile! 920 And be sure to clear Ireland of all such weeds.

Caithfidh mé gluaiseacht uaibh chun siúil, 921 That’s it, I must get going, I’ve appointments to keep,

Is fada mo chuairtse ar fud na Mumhan; 922 Many a mile to go before I sleep

An turas tá rómham ní fhónann moill do, 923 The journey before me won’t brook delay

Is iomad den ghnó anseo fós gan éisteacht. 924 Unfinished business here will wait a new day

Casfaidh mé arís is is fíor nach fáilteach 925 I’ll be back, which to some is not good news

D’fhir nach díon mé theacht don áit seo; 926 Those to whom I give the blues;

An chuid acu atá go táir ina smaointe, 927 Who burnish their reputations when they spread

Foireann nach foláir leó a gcáil bheith sínte, 928 Stories about girls they’ve had in bed

Mhaígh mé le fothram a gcothrom ar bhéithe, 929 Who noisily boast having their way with maids

Feicfidh an pobal a gcogar is a sméidte. 930 So the public will judge them dashing blades



Is taitneamhach leo is is dóigh gur laochas 931 It gives these poltroons such a rush to the head

Scannal na hóige pósta is aonta, 932 To scandalize the young, both single and wed

Mian a dtoile ní sporann a gcionta, 933 Their motives are not out of concupiscence

Bréantas fola ná borradh na drúise, 934 The desires of the flesh or crazed tumescence

Taitneamh don ghníomh nó fíoch na féithe 935 The pleasure of the act or fire in the veins

Ach magadh na mílte, maíomh a n-éachta. 936 But the notoriety that their conduct attains.

Ní saint dá só bheir beo na céadfa 937 It’s not pursuing enjoyment that excites their senses

Ach caint is gleo agus mórtas laochais, 938 But the general hullabaloo caused by their offences.

Mustar is ábhacht is ráig gan riail, 939 Of course, it’s all ostentation, exhibitionism and show

Is a gcumas go tláth gan tál gan triall, 940 With no more justification than that a chicken should crow

Go tuisleach tárrlag támh ina n-iall, 941 Stumbling, bumbling, impotent, cold

Is cuthach le gá ar a mhná ina ndiaidh. 942 They couldn’t arouse a woman for silver or gold.

Glacfaidh mé go réidh an méid seo láithreach, 943 I’d deal with these miscreants right now, right here

Caithfidh mé géilleadh do mhéid mo phráinneach,

944 But I’m out of time, have to pack my gear

Cuirfidh mé an bhuíon so i gcuing is in úim 945 I’ll throw the lot of them in the hoosegow

Nuair thiocfaidh mé arís sa mhí seo chugainn. 946 When I come back here a month from now.

Do breathain mé cruinn an rí-bhean réilteach, 947 I had observed Aoibheal closely through the night

Is do lagaigh mo chroí le linn bheith réidh dhi, 948 When she finished, I began to feel very uptight

D’airigh mé dásacht ghráinmhear éigin 949 I experienced a profound fit of agitation

Is pairilis bháis im chnámha is im chéadfaí; 950 My body paralyzed, my mind in consternation

Chonnaic mé an tír is an tíos ar luascadh, 951 I thought that the ground and the building were shaking

Is fuinneamh a caínte ag rince im chluasa. 952 And with the import of her words, I was also quaking.

Tagann an bíoma bíogach báille, 953 The giant bailiff woman strides across the hall

Is leath mo líthe ar shíneadh a láimhe; 954 When she stuck out that paw, I thought I’d fall.

Tharraing ar chluais go stuacach storrúil 955 She angrily grabbed me by the lug

Sracaithe suas léi ar uachtar boird mé. 956 And to the front of the room, I was drug.



Preabann an bháb seo chráigh an t-aonta, 957 There was the babe who was bummed at her fate

Greadann a lámha is is ard do léim sí. 958 She clapped her hands, and jumping up straight

Is aibí adúirt—A chrústa chríona 959 She fiercely said: You old bag of slime

Is fada mé ag súil led chúlsa chíoradh, 960 I’ve had my eye on you for a very long time

Is minic do sluíomh thú, a chroí gan daonnacht, 961 It’s often I urged you, you heartless carrion

Is mithid duit stríocadh do dhlí na mbéithe. 962 That it was time for you to think of marrying.

Cosaint cá bhfaighfidh tú in aghaidh na cúise? 963 Who will speak for you against the indictment?

Focal níor thuill tú a leadhb gan lúthchleas. 964 You don’t merit one word, you indolent serpent

Cá bhfuil do shaothar saor le suíochan? 965 Where is the proof of your amorous labours?

Cá bhfuil na béithe buíoch de do ghníomhartha? 966 Where are the women who appreciate your favours?

Breathainse a bhaill seo a mhaighdean mhaorga,—

967 Let’s examine him carefully, O Royal Lady,

Ainimh ní bhfaighimse mhill ar bhéithe é; 968 We won’t find on him a disabling malady

Breathain go cruinn a ghnaoi is a ghéaga 969 Give him a once-over, thorough and complete

Ó bhaitheas a chinn go boinnn a chaolchos. 970 From the top of his head to the soles of his feet.

Bíodh gurab ainimheach anmhíchumtha é 971 Grant you he’s no maiden’s prayer

Feicimse ceangailte a bharra gan diúltú 972 But all the essential bits are there.

A ghile ní ghráfainn, b’fhearr liom buí é, 973 He’s too pale for me; I’d prefer him brown,

Is cuma na gcnámh—ní cháinfinn choíche 974 About the cut of his physique—well, I don’t frown

Duine mbeadh dronn ina dhroim is fánadh— 975 On people who have a hump on their back—

Is minic sin togha fir cromshlinneánach; 976 It’s often the one with a bod out of whack

Ba mhinic sin gambach lansa gníomhach 977 Who is most proficient at wielding the lance

Is ioscaidí cam ag strompa bhríomhar. 978 And bandy legs don't tell what’s in the pants.

Is fáithe folacha uireasach éigin 979 Is there a secret nefarious plan

D’fhág an doirfeach foirfe in aonta, 980 That keeps unmarried this aging man

Is méid a cheana idir mhaithe na tíre,— 981 Given how he’s liked by the lords of the barony

A réim le sealad i gcairdeas daoine, 982 And how he lives with other classes in harmony,

Seinm ar cheolta spórt is aoibhneas 983 His single state lets him sport and play

Imirt is ól ar bhord an saoi, 984 Lets him eat and drink and romp all day

I gcóir na foirne fuineadh as féile, 985 In the quality’s company to dawdle and tarry

An snamhaire ar b’fhuarasta dom urraimse géilleadh.

986 This shirker who could easily marry

Is taibhseach taitneamhach tairbheach tréitheach 987 Merryman seems a name for a merry man


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#merriman


Meidhreach meanmnach a ainm is is aerach. 988 But, in your case, I must say it just doesn’t scan

Ainmhí de do shórt níor ordaigh an Tiarna,— 989 A creature like you is not in God’s design

Geanmnaí fós i gcóngar liaithe! 990 A gray-haired virgin is not at all divine

Creathaim go bonn le fonn do dhaortha, 991 I’m dying to get you in my grip

Is gairid an chabhair do labhartha baotha, 992 Your quick lip won’t let you give me the slip

Is coir módh is díreach suite id éadan— 993 Your crime is stamped in the lines on your forehead—

Deich faoi thrí gan cuibhreach céile. 994 That you are age thirty and still not wed.

Éist liomsa a chlú na bhfoighneach, 995 Listen to me, O fellow sufferers

Faighimse cúnamh i gcúis na maighdne; 996 This guy is one among those who torture us

An crá is an dúladh mhúch gan bhrí mé, 997 The sorrow that has burdened me down,

A mhná na muirne, is rún liom íoc air. 998 Girls, I want to take it out on this clown.

Cúnaigh deirim libh, beir air, tóg é, 999 Help me, I ask you, grab the dope;

A Úna gairim thú is faigh dom córda; 1,000 Úna, hurry, fetch me a rope

Cá bhfuil tú a Áine, ná bí ar iarraidh! 1,001 Anne, where are you, don’t get lost

Ceangailse, a Mháire, a lámha ar dtaobh thiar de! 1,002 Mary, tie his hands to the post

A Mhuirinn, a Mheadhbh, a Shadhbh is a Shíle, 1,003 Muireann, Meave, Shiela and Saiv

Cuirigí i bhfeidhm le daigheartha díograis 1,004 Feel free, go ahead, and skin him alive

Barr gach scólta d’ordaigh an tsíbhean, 1,005 As the fairy lady authorized last night,

Báigí sa bhfeol gach córda snaidhmeach, 1,006 Knot the rope good and tight

Tomhais go fial na pianta is cruatan 1,007 Be generous with the pain that you deal out

Le tóin is le tiarpa Bhriain, gan trua ar bith; 1,008 To the ass of Brian, the heartless lout;

Tóg na lámha is ardaigh an sciúirse, 1,009 Raise your hands high and lay on the whip

Is sampla sámh é a mhná na muirne! 1,010 Use elbow grease to give it some zip

Gearraigí domhain, níor thuill sé fábhar! 1,011 He deserves no less, cut him deep with each blow

Bainigí an leadhb ó rinn go sáil de! 1,012 Flay him evenly from head to toe

Cloistear a chling i gcríocha Éibhir 1,013 Let the crack of the whip be heard throughout Ireland

Is critheadh a gcroí sna críontaigh aonta. 1,014 Put the fear of God in the unmarried band.

Is ciallmhar ceart an t-acht é, sílim, 1,015 This new legislation is such a blast

Bliain an achta seo is ceart a scríobh dúinn:— 1,016 We have to record the year it was passed:—

Réitigh, ceil, nó goid de sceimhle 1,017 Figure: one thousand less one hundred and ten

Céad is deich faoi leith as míle, 1,018 Leaves eight hundred and ninety which when

Dúbail ceart an freastal fuidhlaigh, 1,019 Doubled gives the year Seventeen Eighty


http://www.showhouse.com/notes.html#merriman


Is thúirling Mac an tseachtain roimhe-sin. 1,020 From which we’ll date Year One of our history.

Glacann sí a peann is mo cheannsa suaite 1,021 As she grabbed a pen my head did hang

Ar eagla m’fheannta is scanradh an bhuailte; 1,022 In terror of more torture from that gang;

An feadh do bhí sí ag scríobh an dáta 1,023 While she was writing down the date

Is maithe an tí aici suite ar gárdaí, 1,024 Which the court members round her could corroborate

Do scaras lem néal, do réidheas mo shúile, 1,025 I woke from my sleep, my pit of despair

Is do phreabas de léim ón bpéin dom dhúiseacht! 1,026 And realized with relief—it was just a nightmare.

An Deireadh

The End

This task of editing and translating was completed on February 27, 1998. I bid farewell to the work and wish it well on its journey around the wide world.







Brian Merriman

FOCLÓIR/GLOSSARY A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U

Aábhacht

mirth, pleasure, sportLines: 384, 983

achrann, gs.: -ainntangled growth; tangle, entanglement, grip; quarrelling, strife; leisce an achrainn: seachaint an troda (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 310, 563

achtdlí, reacht (Ó Fóghlú)Lines: 65, 1015

adhairtbolster, pillowLine: 300

aduaidhfrim the northLine: 43

aeliver, fig. the heartLines: 38, 282

againterval, period of timeLine: 839

agair, pres.: agraíonnplead, entreat, invokeLine: 306

aibíripe, mature, quick, clever, livelyLine: 959

http://www.showhouse.com/glossary_full.html (1 of 75)19/06/2011 00:49


aibightéim in aois nó i gcríonnacht; d’a. an chré seo: I develop (Ó Fóghlú)Lines: 543, 579, 597

aighneas, -isargument, discussionLine: 156

áildesire, wish (used with copula & le; is a. liom: I wish)Lines: 291, 827

áilíosdesire, craving, lasciviousness; Line: 884

áillebeautyLine: 236

aimhleasharm, detriment, evilLine: 496

ainbhiosignoranceLine: 561

ainicprotect, saveLine: 588

ainigíurchóideach, tubaisteachLine: 533

ainimhblemish, disfigurementLine: 968

ainimheachdisfiguredLine: 971

airdattention, notice, mention; gan a.: heedlessLine: 315

áith



a fire or kilnLine: 301

aithisslur, reproach, disgrace, náire, tarcuisneLine: 658

aithiseachshameful, abusive, censoriousLine: 220

aithlíonadhlíonadh arísLine: 591

áitighto argue, beseech, persuade, give evidenceLine: 314

állitter, brood; clann, síolrachLines: 328, 836

álmhachbrood, clutch; clannLine: 600

amaidwitch, hag; foolish woman; simpleton, idiotLines: 218, 270

anacairaffliction, calamity, distress (of mind or body)Line: 192

anáilbreathLine: 359

anam, gs.: ~asoul, lifeLines: 314, 656

anfastorm, tempest; stress, terrorLine: 43

anfachstormy, rough, tempestuous, terrible, uafásach



Line: 533 anlann

kitchen, tasty food (e.g. butter, meat, fish; condiment, sauceLines: 378, 402

annlahaunch, legLine: 34

aol, gs.: aoillimeLine: 302

aonta518, 832, 957, duine gan pósadh; 827, 834, 1014, singil, gan pósadh; 851, 980, "single blessedness"Lines: 818, 827, 834, 851, 932, 957, 1014

arrthachtréan (Ó Foghlú)Line: 146

ársaold, ancient, antique; an old man; uasal(?)Line: 451

arúAh!Line: 545

Return to Beginning of Glossary

B

bábbaby, ainnir, cailín, babe!Line: 957

bacachcripple, beggar, trampLine: 505

bachallachcurled, ringletedLine: 232



báighto drown; báigí sa bhfeol gach corda snaidhmeach: sink ye every knotty cord deep into the flesh (Dinneen)Line: 1006

baileachcruinn, ceartLines: 543, 556

báillebailiffLines: 60, 860, 953

baineannachfemale, womanLine: 904

bainisgáir na bainse: an gleo ba choiteann ar phóstaíLine: 593

báinliaigh an chrúcabean chabhartha; midwifeLine: 538

baisteadhto baptize; an oíche baisteadh: the night I was baptized.Line: 512

baithistop, crown of headLine: 494

balbhdumb, mute, dullLine: 286

ball(body) membersLines: 359, 546, 716, 766, 967

bán, pl.: ~talea, grassland, uncultivated landLines: 254, 452

baoisfolly; baois gan ghaois: extravagant follyLine: 502



baothfoolish, vain, giddyLines: 758, 843, 897

barrb. na ríthe: scoth na rítheLine: 830

barrach(of flax or hemp) tow; garbhlíonLine: 406

barrúilgenteel, fine, gay; genial, pleasant, decent, becomingLine: 212

bástawaist, wasteLines: 108, 395, 903

bastallachbombastic, captious; gay, showy, flashyLine: 215

bé, pl. béithecailín, ógbheanLines: 286, 966; pl. 68, 178, 792, 805, 828, 833, 871, 929, 952, 968

beachantawaspish, stinging, fretful; mar do bheadh beach (Ó Foghlú)Line: 215

béaltaiswet-lippedLine: 150

beannpeak, point; 138: binn an teampaill: an falla aonair a bhí ina sheasamh i mbl. a 1780 de sheanteampall Mhochunna sa bhFiacail; 586: na beanna a bhí ar chinn na mban le héad nó formad; horns of jealousyLine: 138

beartproceeding, action, transactionLines: 117, 529

bhásta395: waist; waste: 103, 903



Lines: 103, 395, 903 bíogach

sprightly, vigorous, 814, 953: forceful; 858: vivacious; go b.: with a lively interestLines: 191, 814, 858, 953

bíogadhstart, jumpLines: 690, 916

bíomaa beam, a plank, a tall person; b. láimhe: a very long hand (Dinneen); lámh sármhór (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 58, 953

biotáilleuisce beathaLine: 594

bleacht, gsm. ~; gsf & npl. ~a milk; milch, copiousLines: 368, 471

blogammouthful, sip, supLine: 294

bloscadhblush, radianceLine: 767

bodachchurl; malra bodacha: lusty youth (Dinneen)Lines: 632, 781

bolgachbig-bellied, bulgingLine: 47

bonnbonn mo ghíomhartha: mar phianós anuas orm de dheasca mo ghníomharthaLine: 497

bonsachjavelin, stout rod, switch; b. cailín nó girsí: a slip of a girlLine: 106



borracachógbhean mhór bhog (Ó Foghlú)Line: 105

borradhswelling up, being puffed up; b. na drúise: concupiscenceLines: 836, 934

borraimswell; borrtha: fásta, lánLines: 601, 836, 934

bospalm (of the hand); b. ar do bhéal: éistLine: 906

bótaíochtar na cabhlach (the lower part of the torso) (Ó Foghlú)Line: 110

bráidneck, breast, bust; ar bh. a chéile: ar aon dul, ar chothromLines: 235, 835

bráisléad, pl.: -éid or -éidíbracelet, a garland of flowersLine: 268

breá(tha)beautyLine: 766

breallánblunderer, fool; breallán spóirt: óinseachLine: 516

bréantasrottenness, stench, filthLine: 934

breathnúobservation, examination, judgment; ag éileamh breathnaithe: chun go bhfeicfí mé (Ó Foghlú)Line: 280

brídeachbride; ainnir, ógbheanLines: 834, 864



briodarsour curdled milk; bainne ramharLine: 840

brógshoe, brogue, boot, footwear; bróigdheas: of nicely shaped boot (Dinneen)Line: 215

brollachbreast, bosomLine: 110

brothallachhot, sultryLine: 106

bruinneallfair maiden (cf. broinn, womb, belly, breast and geal, bright)Line: 348

bruisbrushLine: 708

buavictory, triumph; 863, brí chun buaite: winning odds (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 68, 690, 863

buachvictorious, triumphantLine: 863

buaigh, vn. -achanto win, gain, get; defeat, overcome; succeedLines: 336, 348, 795

buailteoirstriker, beater, thresherLine: 754

buaireamhsorrow, vexation (=buairt)Line: 154

bualadh, gs. buailtea striking, beating; scanradh an bhuailte: terror of being beaten (Dinneen)



Line: 1022 Bucks

cineál fataíLine: 402

búclabuckleLine: 267

búclachbuckled (of shoes), ringleted (of hair)Line: 232

builemadness, frenzy; excitementLine: 880

buinneamhachactiveLine: 618

buíonmharfond of company, having a large following; with abundant forcesLine: 72

bunócinfantLine: 534


C

cábacape, cloakLine: 135

cabhailtrunk, torso; the body of a shirt, coat, etc., a woman’s bodice, a camisoleLines: 379, 487, 875

cafairepraterLine: pl. 779



caílamenting, weepingLine: 210

cáidhholy, chaste, pure, famous, excellent; 191: as subst.: an excellent personLine: 191

caidhp, gs.: ~ecoif, lady's bonnet, capLine: 258

cailcchalk; gs. in sense of beautyLine: 242

cailegirl, wench, hussyLines: 219, 241

cailleacha veiled woman, a nun, a celibate woman (cf. caille: a veil); an old woman, a hag; 179: cailleacha dubha: unwed women; 286: c. cártaí: women who tell fortunes with cards (Dinneen), “old maid”, the card game (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 179, 218, 286, 316

cáimfault, blemish; gan ch.: flawlessLines: 255, 627

cáimriccambricLine: 394

cairdeascairdeasLines: 128, 982

calaoisdeceit, fraudLine: 90

calcadhhardeningLine: 816



callóidachrann, gleo; noise, wrangle, quarrelLine: 533

cambent, crooked; distorted, wrong; 90: injustice, unfairness, inequityLines: 90, 616, 978

cámasaffectationLine: 442

cámasact of finding fault, disparagement; affectationLine: 442

canbháscanvasLine: 395

caoicheblindnessLine: 603

caoingentle, mild, tender, kindLine: 203

caoineas, gs. -nissmoothness, gentlenessLine: 121

caomhnúto cherish, preserve, protect; preservation, protectionLine: 177

caorglowing object, flame; c. thine: fire-ball, meteor, thunderbolt, a mass of fireLines: pl. 24, 844

cás-lagweak, spentLine: 892

catachasheat (as in cats, etc.); vigour, passion; catachas draighin; force, venom, fire, fury, wrath



Line: 624 céad

a hundred; céad is deich as míle: 1,000-110=890; 1019: dúbail an freastal fuíollach: 890*2=1780Line: 1018

céadfasenses, mental powersLines: 544, 950

ceanasachaffectionate, esteemedLines: 216, 427

ceangail, pp. ~teto tie, bind (in marriage)Lines: 217, 225, 474, 820, 874

ceannaithebought and paid forLine: 217

ceannasheadship, sovreeignty, authority, command; feidhm, acmhainn (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 78, 482

ceannasachpowerful, commanding; 171: as subst.: commanderLines: 171, 274

ceannfortcommander, leaderLine: 78

ceansagentle, meek, tameLines: 124, 609

ceantar, gs. -airdistrictLines: 55, 847

ceapaithewell-formed; e.g. buachaill ceapaithe: well-built youthLine: 216

ceart



proper, correct; 257, 260: proper share; 529: accuracyLines: 49, 257, 260, 336, 529, 655, 1015, 1016

ceil398: to conceal, cover; 878: deny; 1017: withdraw, subtractLines: 398, 878, 1017

ceirtlínball of yarn, threadLine: 302

ceisteoirduine amhrasachLine: 868

ciabhlock of hair, hair of the headLine: 803

ciantachold, ancient; as subst.: an old man; beirim gan spás díbh páis na gciantach: I now permit you to to persecute the oldsters (Dinneen)Line: 889

ciarsúr(hand)kerchiefLine: 388

cillína little church, cell, hoard, nest-egg, treasureLine: 301

cinnteachfixed, definite; as subst. a covetous, niggardly or mean personLine: pl. 791

cinnteachtstint, stinginessLine: 501

cíoradhto comb, combingLine: 960

cíosrent, tax, tributeLine: 78

cladhartha



villainous, spineless, cowardlyLine: 867

clagarnachclatter; pelting rainLine: 414

claíomha sword; c. na mbonsach: prob. a plant of some sortLine: 342

clamparwrangle, quarrel, commotion, troubleLine: 88

claondeceit, perversity; claon le: partiality to; claonbheart: a deceitful actLines: 117, 180, 443, 457, 728, 867

claonsloping, inclined, inclined or partial to; ainmhí claon: beast of prey, alltaLine: 728

clárclár na mara: the broad oceanLine: 742

cleachtto perform habitually, to practiseLine: 66

cleas or clistrickLine: 127

clingclink, tinkle, ringLine: 1013

clódealbh, aghaidh, form, shape, appearanceLines: 492, 552, 569, 606, 650, 857

cloígh, vn.: cloí, pp.: cloíteto wear down, subdueLine: 122

clúshelter; 995: shelter, support



Lines: 180, 376, 482, 995 clúmh

down, feathersLine: 670

cnaistebed side-rail; cliathán leabaLine: 714

cnónut; fig. choice flower; choice oneLines: 96, 809

cochalleangachLine: 631

cogarwhisperLines: 296, 541, 930

coifecoif, a woman's capLine: 390

coigealdistaffLine: 301

coileánpup, whelp; ógánachLine: 581

coilltegelded, castrated; ruined, destroyedLine: 779

coimcloak, skirt, shelter; fig. relief, succour; 381: waistLines: 317, 381

coimsebounds; gan ch.: thar barr; 869: the middle class; tál na coimse: the off-spring of the fairly well-to-do (Dinneen)Lines: 169, 411, 509, 869

coinneal(marriage) candle



Line: 469 cóip

gang; cóip na sráide: street urchinsLine: 504

coircrime, offence, fault, guiltLine: 993

cóir, gs.: -rajusitice, equity, proper share, due; 417, 602: proper equipment (cóir éadaigh: rig-out); 895: proprietaryLines: 249, 417, 602, 895

cóiriúilsuitable, properLines: 216, 265, 581

coistejuryLine: 539

colgachbearded, bristling, angryLine: 48

coll(?), gs.: cuillhazel tree; a chiefLine: 352

comhaltafoster-brother -sister, fellow, member, class, kindLine: 128

comharco-operation, partnership, companyLines: 409, 482, 887, 985

conartacha rough, large-limbed personLine: 401

cóngarnearness, proximityLine: 432

cóngasnearness, closeness, relationship, relative



Line: 664 conn

ciall, sense, reasonLine: 493

connartacha rough; a large-limbed or greedy personLine: 401

connsach(?)Lines: 105, 455

córachshapely, comely, pleasant, properLines: 216, 265, 581

cordacord, string, ropeLine: 456

corpbody; the main part, the middle; c. na sráide: lár an bhóthairLine: 303

corraighmove, stirLine: 39

corthatuirseachLines: 31, 663

cóshíntear leathadhLine: 703

cothromfair play, fairness, equityLine: 669

cráifeachtpietyLine: 293

cráighagonize, torment, vexLines: 174, 207, 957



cránas, gs.: -isaffliction, vexation, annoyanceLine: 284

crandastunted, weathered, decrepit, old, knarledLine: 755

craoragbright red, crimsonLine: 262

creachforay; booty, plunder, prey; mo chreach: woe is meLines: 66, 183, 223

créachtachgashed, woundedLine: 54

creathannto shakeLines: 493, 562, 991

créicecreaking thing, skeletonLine: 555

creimgnawing, corrosion; a bite, gnawing painLine: 603

creimeachabusive, corrosive, biting, defectiveLine: 54

creimneachcorrosiveLines: 54, 755

críochmeansLine: 436

críoch113: end; 76, 1013: territory; 436: means; 316, 371: prosperity, success, benefit, profit; 177: marriage (cf. cailín a chur i gcr.: to get a girl, daughter, married)



Lines: 76, 113, 316, 371, 436, 1013 críontach

an old personLine: 1014

criosgirdle, belt, waist-bandLine: 708

crithimto tremble, shakeLine: 464

crobhairestrong, able personLines: 487, 627

croitheadhto shakeLine: 627

cromadhact of bending, stoopingLine: 850

crúact of milkingLine: 669

cruachrick, heapLine: 796

crúcahook, crookLine: 135

crústaa crust of bread, of frost; hard, hardy person; close-fisted miser; a clod, a useless personLine: 959

cuairtvisit; 654: round; 922 journeyLines: 355, 654, 796, 922

cualfaggot, bundle, heap; heap of bones



Line: 686 cuardach

wandering, searching, given to wandering from house to houseLine: 222

cuardaitheoira searcherLine: 753

cuibhreachbinding, fetter; trammelLines: 569, 872

cuibhreachbinding, fetter, trammel, restraint, yokeLines: 569, 631, 759, 872, 994

cuigeannchurn, churning, churn contents; im, soitheach lán d’uachtarLine: 796

cúilcorner, nookLine: 404

cuil, pl. ~eannaa flyLine: 37

cuilithecore, bosom, central portionLine: 38

cuiltquiltLine: 408

cuimseachtolerable, moderate, competent, neatLine: 753

cuingyoke; dlí chuinge na cléire: an pósadh Lines: 474,500, 587, 945

cuinneogchurnLine: 536



cuireadhiarraidh, invitationLine: 492

cuisleachveined, strong-armedLine: 581

cúlpoll of hair, crown of the head; 376: backing supporterLines: 135, 257, 258, 299, 376, 554, 700, 960

culaithsuit, dressLine: 256

cumainnín buíprob. a plant of some sortLine: 343

cumannaffection, love; society, club; acquaintance, confidence; effortLines: 283, 415, 622

cumascapability, power; 143-4: an tsíbhean chumais: the powerful fairy womanLines: 144, 547, 621, 626, 917, 940

cumhaanger, sorrow; mo ch.: alasLines: 749, 779, 810; gs. 816

cumhdachcover, protection, shelterLine: 571

cúplachdouble-plaited (of hair), plaited, in foldsLine: 232

cuthachrage, furyLine: 942




D

daighearthaigneous, fiery; stabbing, painfulLines: 868, 1004

dailleblindnessLine: 603

daingeanfortified, solid, strong, steadfast, constant, intenseLines: 73, 142, 310, 339, 576

danarthacruel, barbarousLine: 496

daoirseslavery, bondage, oppression; dearness, costlinessLine: 114

daonnachthumanity, kindness; trua, taiseLine: 961

daorbase, servile; hard, severe; costly, dearLines: 268, 784

daoradhenslaving, convicting, condemningLines: 786, 991

dásachtdaring, audacity, madness, fury, noiseLine: 949

dathaoibheannálainn le feiscintLine: 590

dealbhdestitute, poor, bare, empty, bleakLines: 408, 807, 851

deamhan, gs.: -indemon, the devil



Line: 306 dearfa

attested, proved; sure, certainLines: 275, 612

dearóilfrail, feeble, puny; cold, bleak, chilly; mean, lowlyLine: 361

déirc, gs.: ~echarity, alms-givingLines: 196, 678, 364

déirceoirbochtán, bacachLine: 868

deisighto dress, adorn, improve; d. anall é: bring him hitherLine: 610

diachairpain, affliction, distressLine: 807

díblevile, worthless, mean, worn, withered, destitute; public, common; dearbhadh (go) díble ar bhíobla: public sworn testimony was given (Dinneen)Lines: 94, 333

dicheallsár-iarrachtLine: 383

díogadhtnáthadh, lagú, lagadh (Ó Foghlú)Line: 100

díoghathe worst, the dregs; 85: d. gach daoirse: togha gach donais; rogha gach d.: togha gach gramaisc (rabble or mob) (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 85, 321

díograisfervour, zeal; fervent love; kindred affectionLine: 1004



díoltasvengeanceLine: 495

díonprotection, shelter; d’fhir nach díon: fir gan phósadhLines: 673, 896, 926

díonmharprotectiveLine: 589

díothachwanting, deficient, needy, destituteLine: 187

díthloss, deprivation; mo dhíth: alas; 76: mí-ádh; 511: mo dh.: faríor; 833: práinn; 763: easpaLine: 511

dlisteanachlegitimate childLine: 606

dochrachharmful, hurtful, baneful, perniciousLine: 85

doghrainnaffliction, hardship, difficulty; le d.: with difficulty, harshipLine: 206

dóighhope, trust confidence, 365, 865, is d.: surely; 562, doubtless; 739, an d.: can it be?; ní d.: it cannot be; dom dh.: I imagine Lines: 365, 562, 693, 739, 811, 865

doilbhedarkness, gloom, melancholy, sadnessLine: 86

doilbhirdark, gloomy, cheerless, sadLine: 187

doilíosachsorrowful, remorseful, melancholy



Line: 205 doineantach

cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old personLine: 205

doirfeachsullen, dissatisfied personLine: 980

domhaindeepLines: 88, 1011

donnintensifier: veryLines: 205, 414, 496

dorrgasurly, gruffLine: 61

drabstain, spot; dirt or mud caught up by the dressLine: 52

draidmouth, grin, grimace, grinning visageLine: 56

draigheanblackthorn (stick); bristling, angry appearance; reluctance, boorishnessLines: 156, 318, 360, 624

draíochtmagic; d. na drúise: the love charm (Dinneen)Lines: 334, 344

drandalgum(s), (toothless) mouth, the mouthLine: 56

draoibealmud, mireLine: 52

dreachlook, expression, aspectLine: 857



dreaswhile, tamall, spásLine: 667

dreoitedecayedLines: 333, 684

drongbody of people, group, set, factionLine: 787

dronnhumpLine: 975

drús; gs.: -úisadultery, fornicationLines: 818, g. 934

duaisgloom, dejection, trouble, sorrow, travailLine: 360

duaiseachgloomy, darksome, cheerless, dejected, grimLine: 187

duamhartoilsome, troublesomeLine: 187

dubhachdismal, gloomy, melancholy, sorrowfulLines: 63, 679

dubhcheiltcomplete denialLine: 86

dúchandarkeningLine: 717

dúghlasa firm lock (glas=lock); ag ceangal mo shúl i nd. néallta: locking my eyes firmly in sleep (Dinneen)Line: 36



dúil, gs.: ~edesire, fondness, likingLines: 738, 884

DúileamhCreatorLine: 815

dúladh?melancholy, sadness (cf. dubhlaitheach, melancholy, serious, grave, in Dinneen)Line: 997

dúrrigid, solid, hardy, tough, dour, grim, obstinateLine: 86

durdammurmur, chatter; durdam bréige: racaireacht éitheachLine: 527


E

éachtfeat, exploit, achievementLine: 936

éidehere: sacerdotal vestmentsLine: 764

éigh, pres.: éannto cry out, scream; call upon, beseech, complainLine: 314

éileamhclaim, demandLine: 501

éileamhclaim, demandLines: 382, 501

éiric



compensatory payment for death or injury; reparation, retribution, compensation, rewardLine: 314

éirima course, a riding or faring forth; vigour, ability, faculty, desireLine: 40


F

fabharfavour, influenceLine: 90

fachnaoidderision, mockery; act of chaffing, joking; ag f. faoi dhuine: scoffing at someoneLine: 326

fachtnaípower, tyranny, haughtiness (Ó Foghlú)Line: 89

faghairttemper (metal); fire, fervour, mettle, spirit; (glint of) anger; blade, daggersLines: 155, 356

fáidh, pl. fáitheprophet, seer; fáidhbhean: prophetessLines: 168, 415, 813, 828, 829

fáidhiúilprophetic, wise, sagaciousLine: 221

faillíneglect, negligence, delay, omissionLine: 90

fáinneachringed, ringletedLine: 232



fairea watch, wake; faire!: fie!Lines: 252, 418, 457

falchaíbegrudging, spiteful; mean, paltry; robberLine: 456

falsawrong, falseLines: 802, 894

falsachtfalseness, laziness; deceit, knavery; partiality, wrongsLines: 92, 122

fáltafeebleLines: 892, 901

fámairestroller, idlerLine: 756

fánstraying, wandering; astrayLines: 30, 724; gs. 81, 728

fannweak; as subst. 87, 123Lines: 87, 123, 464, 756, 848

faolraswildness, want of cultivation, wantonness; faoile, ceal saothraithe, ceal pósta (Ó Foghlú) Line: 96

faonsupine, limp, languid, subdued, intentLine: 862

farradhin phr.: i bhf.: in the company of, along with, besideLine: 93

fásáilfacings (of a garment)Line: 261



fáscadhsqueeze, pressing, 243: luid gan f.: an untidy slut; 410: oozing, upspringingLines: 243, 396, 711, 714, 761

fáslachupstartLine: 82

fáthcause, reason, motive, explanation; ní chuirim i bhf. é: I do not take him/it into account (Dinneen)Lines: 891, 979

feacadhact of bendingLine: 715

féachaint, gs.: -anaaspectLine: 552

fealladhbetraying, to prove false toLine: 83

feamtail, stalk, stem, rod; a churlLine: 756

feannto flay, skinLine: 876

feannadhact of flaying, skinningLines: 84, gs. 1022

fearradachstrong, muscularLine: 574

fearthainnto rain; d’fh.: which rained, descendedLine: 497

feasachknowing, knowledgeable; is feasach dom: is eol dom



Lines: 429, 477, 675 feasach

knowing, skillful; is f. dom: I knowLines: 213, 429, 447, 675

feidhm318, 331, 525, 732, 864, substance; 901, usefulness; 356, 625, effect; 1004: executionLines: 318, 331, 356, 525, 625, 732, 864, 1004

feighilact of caring, vigilance, watchfulness, care; i bhf. mo chaochta: with intent to deceive meLines: 557, 901

féiltiúilfestive, regularLine: 635

feisteasaoidheacht, cothúLine: 480

féithvein, nerve; 798, 953: desireLines: 531; gs. 798, 953

feithidinsect, beast, adder or serpentLine: 728

feoidhact of piningLine: 96

feoidhimI pineLine: 685

feoigh, pp. feoiteto decay, witherLines: 96, 683

feoiteachwithered personLine: 689; pl. 919

feoithneach



withered grass ? (Ó Foghlú)Line: 351

feorainngrassy place; creeping bent-grassLines: 28, 730

feosachwithered, bearded, agedLine: 615

fiaile411, weeds; 80, 849, 920, rubbish, wastrelsLines: 80, 411, 849, 920

fiántaswildness, fierceness, wildernessLine: 913

filleadhform, turn; f. le féile: to change over to a life of enjoymentLines: 551, 784

filltereturned, come back; charged, supplied; closely appliedLine: 257

fíochfeud, fight, fury, rage, anger (cf. fíochmhar)Line: 935

fíochmharraging, fierceLines: 43, 163, 357, 792

fíonwineLine: gs. 451; pl. 776

fiuchadhboiling, ebullience, excitementLine: 156

fleascachwretch, rascal, tricksterLine: 658

flíochchickweed, fligweed



Line: 80 foclach

wordy, verbose, loquaciousLine: 221

fógairto shoutLine: 635

foghalunge, attack, an attempt, proximityLines: 541, 702, 712

foghailplundering, pillaging; gadaíochtLines: 83, 722

foighnepatienceLine: 646

fóill!Easy! Gently!Line: 418

fóin, pres. fónannserve, be of use to, avail, benefitLine: 923

foireann, gs. foirnegroup of people, body, companyLines: 928, 985

foirfecomplete, perfect; aged, matureLine: 980

foirfeachaged, mature person, elderLine: 892

fóiseachover-fed, pampered, exuberant; ? sámh, ciúinLine: 595

folachhidden, secretLine: 979



foláir(Used negatively with copula) ní f.: it is necessaryLine: 928

folaithehidden, shadedLine: 37

folcadh, pl.: -cthaíact of bathing, washing, dipping, seeping; weeping, a flood of tearsLine: 163

folláinhealthy, wholesomeLine: 582

folthair, locks, tressesLine: 224

fonnsaíhoops (in women’s dresses), noosesLines: 268, 456

forairebrave man, sentry, guard, watchman, lookoutLine: 429

fórsaforceLines: 536, 888

fothram628, 913: stirring, promptings; 849., 929: blusterLines: 628, 849, 913, 929

frascopious, profuse, abundantLine: 412

freastallot, number; f. fuíollach: remainder after subtractionLine: 1019

frínsefringeLine: 397

fríth



(pf. passive of faighim) was found; to find, get, receive; cár fríoth é?: how came it all?Line: 418

fuadachplundering, carrying off; the severe blowing of a storm, a squall; 358, f. nimhe: a venomous disposition (Dinneen); 194: sciobadh chun siúil (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 43, 194, 358

fuadarrush, hurry, bustle; presage, omen; tendency, inclination; activity; 193: attitude; 679: prospectLines: 193, 679

fuadrachactive, nimble, bustling, vigorousLines: 212, 357

fuaida remnant, a witchLine: 218

fuaraighcomfort, console, relieveLine: 832

fuarúbecoming cool, coolingLine: 772

fuineadhdo fuineadh as féile: who sprang from noble stockLine: 985

fuinneamhenergy, force, vigour, pep, spiritLines: 155, 622, 720, 952

fuíollachremainingLine: 1019


G



gáneed, requirement; danger, perilLines: 468, 593, 942

gábhail196: going; 388: playing; 786: placing under arrestLines: 196, 388, 786

gábhairneedyLines: 765, 847

gabhalforked beams from which to hang cauldron, hip-roof, a forkLines: 299, 413, 893

gadwithe, ropeLine: 380

gágchap, crack in skinLine: 398

gaibhdeachstrong, substantial, stout-calved; an mhásach gh.: the stout-calved woman (Dinneen)Line: 48

gáircry, shoutLine: 447

gairgeachharsh, gruff, surly, irritableLines: 48, 222

galar, gs.: -irdiseaseLine: 780

gálbha? BlusteringLine: 416

gambachlumpy, chunky; (of leg) gammy, game, bowlegged; awkwardLine: 977



gandalganderLine: 616

gannpoorLine: 847

gaoiswisdom; baois gan ghaois: extravagant follyLines: 270, 502, 637

gargacrid, bitter, rude, harsh, rough, fierce; labhairt go g.: to speak roughlyLine: 559

garlachfledgling (bird or fig. Human), child, kid, brat, urchinLine: 838

gárthashouting, clamoringLine: 416

GárusGarus Mills, Co. ClareLine: 460

gasstalk, stem; sprig, shoot, frond; fig. stripling, scionLine: 335

gealachbrightness, light; ag gealaigh: mad, in a white rage, frenziedLine: 513

geallpromise, expectationLine: 893

gealtachcrazed, insaned person; wild, panic-stricken personLine: 273

geanmaíchaste, pureLine: 990

geanúil



loving, lovable, decent, modest, acceptableLine: 214

geoiseachslender, lankyLine: 616

giodamachrestless, unsteadhy, uneasy; giddy, frisky, jauntyLine: 327

giúnachdowny growth (on green, unripe oats, for instance); fig. youngster, immature personLine: 838

glaochi.e. ag gairm is ag éileamh díLine: 516

gliceascleverness, ingenuityLine: 248

glónraglaze, shape, cut; g. m’éadain: the cut of my foreheadLine: 551

glugarcaint díchéilleLine: 596

gnaoibeauty, comeliness; regardLine: 819

gnaoiúilpleasant, delightful, gentle, respectable, handsomeLine: 214

gné or gnaoikind; appearanceLine: 550

gnúisface, mien, countenanceLines: 166, 233, 490, 550

goid



to steal, to snatch awayLine: 1017

goilto weep, to cry (softly)Line: 163

goillto grieve, to feel hurt, to be vexed, afflicted or distressed; used with arLine: 73

goinwound, stab, hurtLine: ?890

golaorificeLine: 893

gotha, pl,: ~íappearance, attitude, gesture, pose, movement, activityLines: 164, 893

gradamesteem, distinction, respect, regardLine: 436

gráiniúilhateful, abhorrentLine: 222

graírestud-horse; warrior or champion, excellent manLine: 624

gramascrabble, mob, low peopleLine: 462

gránnaugly, poor, wretched, unfortunateLines: 62, 373

greadadhbeatingLine: 536

greamaithegripped, fixed, fastened, secured; adhered, stuck



Lines: 36, 430 greim, pl.: greamanna

grip, grasp, hold; a bite; bit, morsel (of food); 525: an itemLines: 294, 340, 525

gréithevaluables, ornaments, trinkets, presentsLine: 795

gríosrash, blotchLine: 398

gríosachhot ashes, embers; tine, loscadhLine: 560

gruaidhcheek; gruaidhdheas: fine-featuredLine: 214

guaisdanger, hazard; enterprise, ambitionLine: 272

gúngaposterior, haunchLine: 709

gustalachwell-to-do, wealthy, resourceful, enterprising, self-importantLine: 416


H

húdahoodLine: 259


I



iaighto close, shut, cover; enclose, encompassLine: 282

iallthong, leash, hideLine: 941

InidShrovetideLines: 289, 350

íogairsensitive, delicate, high-and-mighty; na cumhachtaigh íogair: the higher powers, the clergyLine: 907

iomadúilnumerous, plentiful, abundant, poimpeach, mórchúiseachLines: 146, 777, 904

iomáin, gs.: -anádriving, ball-playing, hurlingLine: 276

ionladhto wash; washing, ablutionsLine: 401

íor or fíoroutline, likeness, imageLines: 6, 550

ioscaidhollow at back of knee, kneeLine: 978

íslelowness, lowlinessLine: 451


L

labhairt, pl. labhartha



act of speaking; pl.: wordsLines: 399, 719; pl. 658, 991

lábúrthabase, vulgar, plebeianLine: 634

ladúsgliocas, foolish talk, impertinence, nonsenseLine: 442

lagarweakness, faintness; 194: mo l.: alasLines: 194, 332

laigideweaker; an laigide an chúil: is a field any the poorer for…Line: 735

láithreachpresent, immediate, without delayLine: 675

lámhainn, npl. ~í or láimhnegloveLines: 267, 398

lannúilspacious, epithet of a mansion, erectLine: 141

lansalance; tall active youth, a lively vigorous personLines: 618, 977

lathachmud, slimeLine: 134

leabhairlissome, svelt, long and gracefulLine: 228487

leadhbstrip, rag; skinLines: 420, 964, 1012

leadhbachtorn in strips, tatters, shabby



Line: 248 leagaithe

stretched outLine: 460

leáigh, pres.: -ánn; fut.: -áfaidh; vn.: leáto dwindle, waste awayLine: 558

leamhas, gs.: -aisinanity, sillinessLines: 290, 527, 743

lean193: to continue; 919: to followLines: 193, 919

léannlearning, experienceLine: 476

leathto spread; do leathain mo líthe: I changed colourLine: 954

leatha side, a district; faoi leith: apart, separately, severallyLine: 1018

leibidecareless, slovenly; softy, foolLines: 377, 616

léighexamineLine: 916

léirclear, lucid, distinct; go l.: wholly, entirely, all, altogetherLines: 225, 391, 678, 704

léireduine mór; a person of sturdy buildLine: 440

léirscriostotal destruction, devastationLines: 84, 88



léithegreyness, hoariness, decay or decline, old age, rot; mo chroí… "my heart filled with the shadows of age" (Dinneen)Line: 758

leitheadachpotent, importantLine: 479

leithreslope, one side; léim ar leithre: a leap to one side; fig. an illegitimate offspringLine: 604

liaithto age, go greyLine: 512

ligitheacha remnant, rejectLine: 107

líonflax, linenLine: 406

líontafullLines: 10, 147, 254, 602, 757

liostaslow, tedious, irksome, tiresome, persistent, importunateLines: 107, 248

lobharleperLine: 719

lochtfaultLines: 226, 614

lofarotten, putrid, corruptedLine: 245

loinnirlight, brightness, brilliance, radiance



Line: 717 loisc, vn.: loscadh

burn, scorch, sear, torment; torture, anxietyLines: 157, 225

loiselight, flareLine: 647

lóisteacha sluggard, lazy person, clownLines: 107, 245, 518

lombare; bareness, povertyLine: 391

lom (vt.)to seize, chafe; 498: which seizedLines: 39, 498

lom (adj.)bare; 875 [go] lomLine: 875

lomrachfleeciness, woolliness; draped, tapestriedLine: 141

lonrachbright, glittering, shinyLines: 239, 490

lopachlout (lopaigh gan bhrí: incapable louts)Line: 374

lothurt, wound, injury, damage; mo l.: O ruin! Alas!Line: 223

luaidheleadLine: 681

luaimneachnimble, restless; aibí, líofa (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 145, 753



luaithashes; luaith-ghríos: luaith nó fuíollach na tine ag us é beo gan múchadh (Ó Foghlú)Line: 298

luascannto rock, moveLine: 565

luathquick, speedyLine: 800

lúbachvigorous, dexterousLine: 136

lúbairecrafty person, twisterLine: 750

lúfaragile, active, athletic; teann, daingeanLine: 580

luídisposition, pronenessLines: 88, 404, 811

luibh, gs. ~e, pl. ~eannaherb, plantLines: 29, 80, 263, 333, 340, 642

luidscrap, tatter, shred, rag; slut, trullLines: 243, 409

lúideless, minus; an lúide an láthair: is a site any the less for…Line: 735

luigheamhshape, formLines: 545, 626

lúithchrithquakingLine: 716



lúitheachsinewy, strongLine: 574

lúithnesinews, tendons, musclesLine: 681

lúthmovement, motion, strength, vigour, activityLine: 880

lúthchleasathletic exerciseLine: 964


M

máplain, territory; rí gach m.: king of all landsLine: 57

máchailblemish, defectLine: 233

macnasplayfulness, dalliance, wantonness, voluptuousness, sensuality, luxuryLine: 325

mágachheavy-footed, clumsyLine: 441

magairlínorchid; m. meidhreach: early purple orchid (Dinneen); also diminutive of magairle: testicleLine: 341

maighresalmon; handsome girl, handsome personLines: 623, 695

maise



adornment, beautyLine: 550

maiseamhachcomely, handsom, elegantLine: 140

málaa sackLine: 374

malpairesturdy, hardy personLine: 441

malracoll.: boys, youngsters, young rabbleLine: 781

mánlagentle, gracious, pleasantLines: 203, 855

mantachgap-toothed, toothlessLine: 56

martasbody, frame, posterior; m. trom is droim gan suathadh: a solid torso and a steady back (Dinneen)Line: 771

marthain, gs.: -anaexistence, lastingness, subsistenceLine: 450

másachhaving or relating to large hips, thighs, or buttocks; one with large hips or thighsLines: 47, 441

mascalachmasculine, manly, brave, sturdyLine: 695

mataa matLine: 407



meabhairmind, sense, memory, consciousness, awarenessLine: 40

meadarwooden drinking-cup; churnLine: 378

méadhairaugust, majestic (Dinneen)Line: 53

meadhgwheyLine: 840

meallball, globe, lump, mass, tumourLine: 617

meallbeguile, charm, entice, delude, deceiveLine: 811

mealladh na minnseachluibh éigin, de réir dealraimh (Ó Foghlú); herb used in witchcraft (Dinneen)Line: 342

méaraíochtfingering, playing withLine: 706

méarlagslender-fingeredLine: 150

meathdecline, decay, fail, deteriorateLines: 98, 367

méidamount, quantity, degreeLine: 763

meill na mbuailteprob. a plant of some sortLine: 341



meiriadmyriad; milleadh m.: destroying myriadsLine: 630

méirscreachscarred, cracked, fissured, chapped, ruggedLine: 56

mianmind; a wish, desire; pleasure, delight; m. a dtoile: their lustLine: 933

miasboard, table; dishLine: 378

míbhéasachill-behaved, ill-mannered, shamelessLine: 223

míchuibheasachunfitting, unseemly, indecorousLine: 701

milisbhogsweetly softLine: 150

milleanndestroy; 968, render inefficientLines: 556, 630, 881, 968

mionnoath; clár na m.: the witness tableLine: 152

mír, gs.: ~e; pl.: ~eannarag, tatterLine: 374

misde(combined form of measa de, used with copula) is misde (do): it matters (to), ní misde… (go): it is no harm to… (that); cár mhiste mé rith in éadóchas: what does it matter if I despairLine: 250

místaid, gs.: ~ebad state, ill condition



Line: 364 mithid

due, convenient, time; is mithid: it is high timeLine: 757

modhmode, manner, system; modh is díreach: pretty apparentLine: 993

modhúilwell-behaved, mannerly, mild, gentle, modest; mild gentle personLine: 721

mogallmesh, husk, shell, fruit-cluster; 112: over-ripe; 632: mogallfhuil: noble blood; Lines: 112, 632

moirtlees, dregs, dead-and-alive person; moirt gan subhachas: a cheerless old fellowLine: 710

molta wether; sulky, morose person; shaggy wench (Ó Foghlú)Line: 223

mórgacha great person, a proud, stately personLine: 108

mórtaspride, haughtiness, boastfulnessLine: 938

múchsmother, suffocate, quench, extinguish, dull, deaden; 325: múchta: sunkLines: 325, 997

muinchillesleeveLine: 394

muirearcharge, encumbrance, burden, loadLine: 104



muirnconfused noise, tumult; affection, endearment, tendernessLine: 998

mustarmuster, assembly, display, ostentation, bluffLine: 939


N

naíondachtchildlike qualities, youthfulness, innocence, beautyLine: 270

náir(Is) n. (le): ashamed, reluctantLines: 103, 239, 713

naomhsaint: dar colainn na ~: on the body of saints?Line: 383

nóiméada minuteLine: 468


O

odharliath, críona (Ó Foghlú)Line: 205

oigheariceLine: 682

óinmhidsimpleton, fool; jester, buffoonLine: 218

orlach



tatterLine: 461

orthaprayer, incantation, spell, charmLine: 334

osna, pl.: ~ísighLine: 164


P

pápá lucht seinnte: íoc do cheoltóiríLine: 594

páil? Pavement (pábháil i nDinneen)Line: 729

pairilisparalysis, palsy, any trembling of the limbs; p. bháis: the paralysis of deathLine: 950

páispassion, sufferingLines: 883, 889

peiltskin, pelt; im ph.: nakedLine: 522

péistreptile, snake, monsterLine: 675

píoba pipe or tube of any kind; the neck or throatLine: 235

pluidblanket



Line: 409 pónsa

Treadraighe an phónsa: Tradree, land of fruitful beansLine: 455

posóidposset, a warm drink, medicinal draughtLine: 535

postó phosta go piléar: from post to pillarLine: 664

práinnhurry, rush, urgent need, exigencyLines: 834, 944

preabairebouncing, dashing personLine: 613

priacalperil, risk; ar do ph.: at your own risk, at your perilLine: 133

púscadhoozing, upspringingLine: 410

puthpuff, whiffLine: 676


R

rabhartaspring tide, floodLine: 648

radaireachtact of ranting; strolling, revelling, flirting, courtingLine: 277

ragairne



act of rambling and revelling at night, roistering, rakishness, dissipationLine: 277

ráigfit, bout, attackLines: 762, 939

ramhadastéagarthachtLine: 770

ramháinnspadeLine: 300

ramsachromping, gamboling, sportiveLine: 801

rémoon; time, periodLines: 168, 288, 530, 566

reachtlaw, statuteLines: 65, 367

réidhto openLine: 1025

réiteachdisentangling, unravelling, fixingLine: 224

riarto entertainLine: 747

ríceachvagabond, wastrelLine: 789

rinnpoint, tip; top, apex; ó r. go sáil: from head to heelLine: 1012

rinseach



? aindeiseoir (Ó Foghlú), i.e. poor, unfortunate personLine: 897

ríomhenumeration; gan r.: nach féidir cur síos orthuLine: 790

roslinseed, flax-seedLine: 303

ruaigto drive, force; do ruaig: do chuir chun siúlLine: 565

rufaruffLine: 394


S

saigheadan arrow; s. chun luais é: corraigh leis an bhfuascailt (Ó Foghlú)Line: 354

saighidto incite, provoke; thrusting, gulpingLine: 596

sáil, pl.: -laheelLines: 265, 554, 1012

saillsalted meat, fat meatLine: 775

sámhsocair, compordach; 870: uasal; 1010: álainn, breá; sampla s.: splendid sampleLines: 255, 327, 870, 1010

saoithiúilskillful, learned, cultured, wise



Line: 213 saolta

worldly, earthly, mundane, temporal; (intensifying) utter: scanradh s.: utter terrorLine: 55

saontanaïve, gullible, innocentLine: 433

saothgalar, mí-ádhLine: 475

sársuperior, excellent; 870: sár-fhuil: gentle blood (Dinneen); noble blood (Ó Foghlú)Line: 870

sástachtsatisfactionLine: 678

scáathshelterLine: 900

scáfarfearful, timed; shady, shadowy; comelyLine: 239

scáineachin skeins or locks (of hair)Line: 231

scaitheamhspace of time, while, spellLine: 120

scálabasin, bowl, cupLines: 742, gpl. 285

scalladhscald, scalding sensationLine: 843

scaoileadh



act of doing away with (Ó Foghlú)Line: 120

scaoileannto sendLines: 207, 315, 514, 541, 912

scaoileann (imp.)to sendLines: 631, 633

scaoiltefree, unwedLine: 473

sceimhlesally, an onset or skirmish; de s.: go hobannLine: 1017

sceinnteachapt to slip or escape; flighty, skittish; one easily frightened; s. scáfar: a timid, flighty person (Dinneen)Line: 269

sceithspew, vomit, oozeLine: 842

scéithact of spreading (as in a rumour)Line: 444

scinnto start, spring, burst forthLine: 842

sciúirsescourgeLine: 1009

scóladhscalding, torment, torture; barr gach scólta: extreme torture (Dinneen)Line: 1005

scóltatormentedLine: 533

scoth, gs.: ~a



flower, blossom; pick, choiceLine: 246

screadto screamLines: 313, 583

scroiglong thin neckLine: 652

scuabadhact of sweepingLine: 297

seacht faoi thríbliain is fiche d’aoisLine: 872

séadvaluable object, jewelLine: 634

sealadturn, while, space of timeLines: 478, 982

seandacha spent old manLines: 198, 615

seangslender, as a maidenLine: 465

searcloveLine: 336

seargacha shrivelled-up person, a consumptiveLine: 615

searracha youngling, a foal, a colt, a child; pl. fig. offspringLines: 103, 779

searradhstretching of limbs



Line: 714 seasmhach

established, fixed, durable, steadfast; 131: permanent; 141, 213, 751: solid, well-setLines: 131, 141, 213, 751

séideadhact of blowing, breathing fast; ag s. soilse: speaking brilliantly (Dinneen)Line: 861

seifteoirprovider, a resourceful person, a makeshift, a frail person; an s. caol: the sly contriver (Dinneen)Line: 867

sílconsider, thinkLine: 269

sileándrippingLine: 410

siltedripped, distilled, poured; unhandy, ineffective, exhausted, spent; dá mbeinnse s. mar thuilleadh de mo chomharsana: were I inefficient like others of my neighbours (Dinneen)Line: 247

síogachstreaky, stripedLine: 264

siolbhachseed, progenyLine: 634

siolla45, a glance; 558, a puff; 903, a syllableLines: 45, 558, 903

síolraighbreed, propagateLine: 549

síon



bad, rough weatherLine: 673

siosarnachwhispering, buzzing, side-chatLines: 540, 800

sioscaithetrim, neatLine: 108

sítheachpeaceful, quiet, at restLine: 485

slabmud, mire, slobLine: 52

sladaí, pl.: -theplunderer, pillager, looterLine: 430

slaida term of opprobrium for a woman; a hussyLine: 243

slaodswath, layer; sraithLines: 28, 703, 730

slaodachin swaths, in layers; flowing (of hair)Line: 153

sliasaid, pl. -stathigh, sideLine: 63

slinneánachbroad-shoulderedLine: 976

slogadhto gulp down, to swallowLine: 294

sluíghto incite



Line: 961 smeachóid

live coal, emberLine: 535

sméideadhwink, glanceLine: 930

smístea pestle, mall, club, bat; anything big or strong; s. duirc: a boorish female (Dinneen)Line: 244

smoirtdirt, dross, refuseLine: 407

smúitsoot, dirt; defect, stain, gloomLines: 165, 233, 680

snaidhmeannto knot, bind, tieLine: 499

snamhairea creeper, crawler; one who cringes or acts slylyLines: 375, 658, 986; pl. 780

snuacountenanceLines: 165, 552

sógreann, satisfaction, enjoymentLines: 186, 491, 937; gs. 341, 773

sócúlacheasy, comfortableLine: 667

soilseachbright, lumious, effulgent; 824, [go] s.: thoroughly, clearlyLines: 151, 490, 824

soilsigh812, to clarify; 856, to shine



Lines: 812, 856 soineanta

séimh, ciúinLine: 433

somachán or somach, pl. somaighan innocent lubberly young manLines: 323, 617, 595

sopwisp, small bundle of strawLine: 304

sotalachproud, arrogant, cock, impudentLine: 221

spaida clod, anything inferior or useless, refuse, a barren person; d’imigh im s. gan fear gan páiste: I who was left for a sorry spinster (Dinneen)Line: 184

spícespikeLine: 59

sporspurLine: 933

sporannspur, incite, provokeLine: 933

spreasdry twig, stick of firewood, effete worthless personLines: 619, 668

spriongaract of playing; imirtLine: 710

sracaimto drag, pullLine: 134

sracthatorn, tossed, battered



Lines: 447, 956 sraic

a pull, tearLine: 702

sraitestretched at full lengthLine: 448

sraodswathe, liningLine: 395

sraoilla ragged, bedraggled person, slovenly personLines: 243, 315, 918

sraoilltepulled, dragged, trailed, untidy, jagged, raggedLine: 446

sreangairea tall, weak, ungainly personLine: 241

sruimilean awkward, untidy personLine: 433

sruth, gs.: ~astream, currentLine: 295

stacaa stackLine: 297

stafstaffLine: 58

stágachclumsy, halty, ricketyLine: 238

stalcachstubborn, sulky; stiff, stodgyLine: 220



stangachpetty, self-willed, rudeLine: 220

stiúirsteering apparatus, rudder; a bend or inclination, attitude; a rakish attitude or appearance; starch is s. i gcúl mo chaidhpe: my coif starched and set at a gallant angle (Dinneen)Line: 258

stocaa stockingLine: 292

stollairebig strong person, stolid stubborn personLines: 109, 698, 781

stolltafíochmharLine: 560

storrúilstrong, sturdy, vigorous, boldLine: 955

stracpull, tearLine: 702

straitestretched out at full lengthLine: 448

stríocadhact of submitting; (?) pulling, dragging in 666Lines: 125, 666, 962

strompastiff, rigid thing; stiff-jointed personLine: 978

stuacachboorish, sulky, ill-temperedLines: 220, 955

stuaimlevel-headedness, self-control; good sense, prudence; ingenuity, skill



Line: 273 stuaire

a beauty, bean álainnLines: 242, 685

stuamapossessing high mental qualities, ingenious, modest, discreet, demure, temperate, dignifiedLine: 213

sújuice, 410, maybe the word should be súgha: soot; 869: product; s. na táire: the product of vileness (Dinneen)Lines: 410, 869

suairceascheerfulness, gaiety, mirthLines: 188, 679

suairtleslatternLines: 219, 241

suaiteacheasily tired, exhaustingLine: 221

suaitheadhact of tiring, troubling, shakingLines: 190, 475, 565, 771

suarachpaltry, pertty, mean, contemptible, miserable, abjectLine: 358

subhachasjoyLines: 710, 845, 879

súichesoot; súiche sileáin: dripping sootLine: 410

suim483: substance, worth; 501: total, reckoning; 586: (small) amount; 760: numberLines: 483, 501, 586, 760



suíochanact of setting, establishing, provingLine: 965

súistea flailLine: 299

súitedried up, saplessLine: 198

sultenjoyment, satisfactionLine: 893

súsablanket, covering, rugLine: 409


T

tabharthago t.: go suaite, go lag (Ó Foghlú)Line: 494

tacaprop, supportLine: 34

tachtadhto chokeLine: 511

táclachfalling in tresses (of hair)Line: 151

tafannbark, complaintLine: 133

tagrannplead, reason, argue, dispute



Line: 559 taibhseach

showy; 74: gorgeousLines: 74, 403, 595, 801, 987; gs. 74

taidhreamha dream, revalation, visionLine: 38

táinherd, flock; large gathering of people, crowd, multitudeLines: 254, 371

táircontempt, disgrace, insult, wickednessLines: 869, 878

tairgto offer, proffer, tenderLine: 117

tairnenail; t. tiarpa: penisLines: 878, 885

taitheacachforceful, sutstantial, vigorous, sturdyLines: 142, 573

taithigíngreat fig-wortLine: 342

tálflow (of milk), yield, act of flowing; fig. yield, grant, bestowal; issueLines: 160, 330, 837, 869, 960

támhsluggish, weak, feeble; támhchrith: shaking (as loose flesh)Lines: 768, 941

tamhandastiff, unwieldyLines: 198, 573, 737

támhghailsluggishness, idleness, laziness, indifference; i dt. chodalta: in a torpid sleep



Line: 782 tarraingthe

drawn, designed, traced, delineated, finished, completed; tidyLine: 234

tasctaskLine: 620

táscstoryLine: 449

tathachvigor, weightLine: 483

tathagachvigorous, sturdyLines: 142, 573

téagarsubstance, stoutness, bulkLine: 272

teaghlachhousehold, family, domestic establishment, a house, a mansionLines: 74, 140, 480, 557

téamhto warm, warmth, passionLines: 531, 676

teannfirm, secure, strong, solid; as subst.: the strongLines: 124, 605, 873

teannaimto hold, embraceLine: 465

teanntastrait, difficulty, predicament, foothold, grip; i dt.: along with, in addition, besideLines: 33, 610, 874

tiarpahump, posterior, buttocks



Lines: 878, 1008 tionscal

industry; 883: act of devisingLines: 219, 883

tíoshousehold, husbandryLines: 734, 898, 951

tláith124, gentle; 230: mild; 853, 940: tameLines: 124, 230, 853, 940

tochtemotional catch, deep emotion, fit of angerLine: 158

togha drochduinea really bad personLine: 393

toicepert girl, hussy, wenchLines: 245, 364, 371, 835

toill na tuairteainm luibhe éigin, de réir dealraimh (Ó Foghlú); plant used as a love charm (Dinneen)Line: 342

toircheaspregnancy; offspringLine: 109

tóirsetorchLine: 139

toirtsize, bulkLines: 613, 766

tolgachstrong, violent, buffetingLine: 47

tollposterior, buttocks



Lines: 239, 894, pl. 768 tonnach

wavy, billowyLine: 656

tonndachtlethargy, slownessLine: 694

torbush, shrub, clump, tuft; t. cabáiste: a head of cabbageLine: 304

toradh, pl.: torthaíresult; produce, fruitLines: 292, 894

tórmachincreasing, gathering, swelling, increase; t. falsa: a female with a false pregnancyLines: 110, 894

tórramha wake or funeralLine: 252

tráigh, pp. -iteto ebb; to abate, subside, recede, decline; tráite: lag, faonLines: 99, 209

traochadhsubjugation, weariness, exhaustion; sárúLines: 31, 158

traochtawearied, exhausted, defeatedLine: 208

tráth294, canonical hour; 745, 853, i dt.: in good timeLines: 294, 745, 853

treighidpang, stitch, tribulation; mo th.: woe, alasLines: 250, 355, 761

triallto journey, travel; 940: having recourse to, testing



Lines: 64, 132, 940 trilseach

tressed, braided, plaited; glittering, brightLine: 487

trinsea trenchLine: 33

troscadhact of fastingLine: 293

truapity, sympathy, compassion; as subs. coll.: the poor, the weakLines: 68, 109, 791, 873, 1008

truairewretch, beggar, miserable/pitiable personLine: 386

truamhéileachclement, pathetic, plaintiveLine: 585

tuairtthud, crash; de thuairt: with a thudLine: 653

tuamaa tombLine: 874

tuargainpound, batter, crush, thump, hammer, beating outLine: 44

tuileflood (of tears)Line: 160

tuillearn, deserveLines: 420, 964, 1011

tuilleadhmore, others; 247: some; 748: t. is: more besidesLines: 102, 247, 329, 346, 539, 748



tuilteflooded, fullLine: 794

tuímto thatch(?), cover(?)Line: 393

túirlingdescend, alight; thúirling Mac an tseachtain roimhe-sin: gur seachtain tar éis na NollagLine: 1020

tuirlingtdescent, landingLine: 415

tuirnespinning wheelLine: 406

tuisleachstumbling, faltering, unsteadyLine: 941

tumdip, steep, immerse, plunge, diveLine: 295

turraingrush, dash, attack, onslaught; 283, 805: an onset; 566: a headlong fallLines: 283, 565, 805


U

uabharpride, arroganceLine: 101

uallachwailing, yelling, howlingLine: 271

úim



harnessLines: 853, 945

úirefreshness, newness; uaisle, folláineLine: 769

uireasachlacking, wantingLine: 979

únfairtrolling, tossing aboutLine: 718

urchallspancelLine: 912

urcharcast, shot, d’u. neimhe: like a bolt from the blueLine: 841

urlalock of hair, forelock, fringe, any long hairLine: 231

urraim, gs.: ~erespect; measLines: 651, 918, 986

úthbreastLine: 880









Brian Merriman

Bibliography

Text

● “Cúirt an Mheadhon Oidhche, Bryan Merrymna cct, Riseárd Ó Foghlú, .i. Fiachra Éilgeach, do chuir in eagar,” Hodges, Figgis & Co. Ltd., Dublin, 1912., 185p. Note: Includes valuable introduction to the poem by Piaras Béaslaí; a biography of Merriman, a glossary and a discussion of sources by Ó Foghludha.

● “Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche le Brian Merriman,” Risteard O Foghludha do chuir in eagar, Dublin, Hodges, Figgis, 1949, 48p.

● “The midnight court = Cuirt an mheadhoin oidhche” by Brian Mac Giolla Meidhre, Dublin, Celtic Press, 1909, 39p., Censored version (!)

Text & Translation

Text and English Translation:

● “Cuirt an mhean-oiche” by Brian Merriman, Text and translation by Patrick C. Power, Cork, Mercier, 1986, 2nd ed, 96p., ISBN 1853422443. Note: text in Irish, parallel translation in English.

● “Cuirt an mheon-oiche” le Brian Merriman, Liam P. O Murchu a chuir in eagar, Baile Atha Cliath, An Clochomhar, 1982, 117p. Note: According to the The Oxford Companion to Irish Literature—“The definitive text, together with Woulf’s translation.” The Woulfe in question is Denis Woulfe (Donnchadh Ulf), another Clareman, who, in the 1820s, was the first to translate the work.

http://www.showhouse.com/bibliography.html (1 of 4)19/06/2011 00:50


Text and German Translation:

● "Brian Merrimans Cúirt an mheadhóin oidhche," Text and German translation (“Der mitternächtige Gerichtshof”) by Ludw. Chr. Stern, Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie, V. Band, herausgegeben von Kuno Meyer und L. Chr. Stern, Halle a.S., M. Niemeyer, 1905, 193-415. Note: Includes extensive introduction, notes on variants, West Munster speech patterns, modern Irish meters, and an exhaustive glossary—but all are in German. "The first adequate edition of the Cuirt," Piaras Béaslaí.

Translation

English:

● “The midnight court and The adventures of a luckless fellow,” Translated from the Gaelic by Percy Arland Ussher with a pref. by W. B. Yeats & woodcuts by Frank W. Peers. Published: [Folcroft, Pa.] Folcroft Library Editions, 1974, 79 p. illus. 23 cm., ISBN: 0841488525, Reprint of the 1926 edition published by Boni and Liveright, New York. Note: This is the first verse translation of the work. The Adventures of a Luckless Fellow referred to in the title is a translation of Eachtra Ghiolla an Amaráin (c. 1750), a lengthy poem by Donncha Rua Mac Conmara (1715-1810). In it, the poet describes his possibly imaginary emigration to Newfoundland. In a bout of seasickness, the goddess Aoibheall of Liath Craig, who plays a central role in the Cúirt, appears to the poet and takes him to Acheron.

● “The midnight court by Bryan Merriman,” Newly translated into English by David Marcus, with cuts by Michael Biggs, Dublin, Dolmen Press, 1967, 43p.

● “The midnight court by Brian Merriman,” a new translation by Cosslett O Cuinn with illustrations by John Verling, The Mercier


http://imbolc.ucc.ie/~mlantry/zcp/zcp1-5.html#zcp5


Press, Dublin & Cork, 1982, 87p., ISBN 0853426570, 0853426589.

● Frank O'Connor (as far as I know, the following are different editions of O'Connor's 1945 translation):

● “The midnight court by Brian Merriman,” Translated by Frank O'Connor illustrated by Brian Bourke, Dublin, O'Brien Press, 1989, 72p. ISBN 0862781892

● “The Midnight Court: A Rhythmical Bacchanalia from the Irish of Bryan Merryman translated by Frank O'Connor,” Haskell House Publishers, Ltd., New York, 1974, 48p., includes eight-page introduction by Frank O'Connor

● “The Midnight Court,” translated by Frank O'Connor, M. Fridberg, London, 1947

● “The Midnight Verdict” by Seamus Heaney, Dublin, Gallery Press, 1993, 42p., ISBN 1852351306. Note: Limited ed. of 1,000 copies, 75 of which are numbered and signed by the author.

Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic):

● “Cùirt a’ Mheadhain-oidhche” le Uilleam Neill, Gairm, aireamhan 130 agus 131, Glaschu, 1985. Nota: Gairm—an ràitheachan Gàidhlig a dh’ fhoillsicheas sgeulachdan goirid, bàrdachd, altan mu chuspairean an latha an-diugh, sgrùdaidhean, orain etc. Co-fhreagairt: Ruaraidh MacThòmais, 29 Sràid Bhatairliu, Glaschu G2 6BZ Alba Tel: 0141-221-1971. (29 Waterloo Street Glasgow, G2 6BZ)

Literary Criticism

● “Merriman’s Secret: An Interpretation,” Piaras Béaslaí, in Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche, Riseard O Foghludha do chuir in eagar, Dublin, Hodges Figgis, 1912.



● “Brian Merriman,” Chapter IX of The Hidden Ireland: A Study of Gaelic Munster in the Eighteenth Century Daniel Corkery, Gill & Son, Dublin & Melbourne, 1924.

● “Cúirt an Mheán Oíche,” Seán Ó Tuama, Studia Hibernica, 4 (1964) 7-27.

● “Brian Merriman and his Court,” Seán Ó Tuama, Irish University Review, II, 1981, pp. 149-164.

● “The Vision of Liberation in Cúirt an Mheán-Oíche,” Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, Folia Gadelica, aistí ó iardhaltai leis a bronnadh ar R.A. Breathnach, M.A., M.R.I.A., i ndeireadh a théarma mar Ollamh le Teanga agus Litríocht na Gaeilge i gColáiste Ollscoile Chorcaí arna gcur in eagar ag Padraig de Brún, Seán Ó Coileáin, Pádraig Ó Riain, Cork University Press, Cork, 1983.

● “Orpheus in Ireland: On Brian Merriman’s The Midnight Court,” Seamus Heaney, The Redress of Poetry, Farrar, Straus and Girouz, New York, 1995.

Anthologized

● “The Midnight Court,” Brian Merriman, translated by Arland Ussher, in 1000 Years of Irish Poetry, Kathleen Hoagland ed., The Universal Library, Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1962.

● “Cúirt an Mheán Oíche,” in An Duanaire: An Irish Anthology—1600-1900: Poems of the Dispossessed, Presented by Seán Ó Tuama with translations into English verse by Thomas Kinsella, The University of Philadelphia Press, Philadelphia, 1981. 372 lines of text and translation.

© 1998: J. Noel Fahey Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page




cuirt an mhean oiche - by brian merriman (1780): a translation by noel fahy 1998

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