Gheibhinn cadal math

 

Gheibhinn cadal math le m’ ghaol

Is laighinn sùmhail dlùth ri taobh

O gheibhinn cadal math le m’ ghaol

Ged bhiodh an t-aodach gann oirnn

 

Gum faighinn cadal math le m’luaidh

Ged bhiodh an sneachd ga chur mun chruaich

Gum paisginn thu rim thaic mar uan

Is chumainn bhuait gach aimhleas

 

Do bhroilleach geal mar chanach lòin

Do ghruaidhean fallain, dreach nan ròs

Do mhala chaol mar ite ‘n eòin

Gur biadh is ceòl do chainnt leam

 

Gun d’rinn mi aomadh riut glè òg

Nuair bha mi aotrom, faoin, gun ghò

Tha do chion-falaich nis gam leòn

Gur h-i do phòg a mheall mi

 

Mo chion air cruinneag a’chùil bhàin

Gur i mo roghainn, i thar chàich

Gur eagal leam nach bi mi slàn

Mur faigh mi ghràidh air laimh thu

 

Bidh cuid an geall air earras ‘s maoin

Le crodh is aighean ‘s fearann saor

Gum fòghnadh dhomhs’ am bothan fraoich

Ach thusa ghaoil bhith ann leam

 

Gur ann am Muile nam beann fuar

Thachruinneag a thug dhìom mo shnuadh

Gur e do ghaol dh’fhàg faoin mo shuain

‘S gur truagh nach robh mi thall leat.

 

 

Le Aonghas MacEacharn

(no Dòmhnall MacEachain)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d get a good sleep

 

I’d get a good sleep with my love

And I’d lie quietly close by her side

Oh I’d get a good sleep with my love

Though our clothes would be scarce on us.

 

I’d get a good sleep with my darling

Though the snow would be falling on the peat stack

I’d wrap you up in my arms like a lamb

And keep every harm from you

 

Your white bosom is like the bog cotton

Your healthy cheeks have the hue of the rose

Your slender brow is like a bird’s feather

Your speech is food and drink to me

 

I was seduced by you when very young

When I was silly, foolish and without guile

Your secret love is wounding me now

It was your kiss that deceived me

 

My desire is for the fair haired girl

She is my choice, she above all others

I am afraid that I won’t be alive

If I don’t get you in my hand, darling

 

Some are excessively fond of wealth and riches

With cattle and calves, and free land

The heather bothy would do for me

As long as you, my dear, with in it with me

 

 It is in Mull of the cool bens

That the girl who took my healthy colour from me

It is your love that has made my sleep lonely

And how sad it is that I am not there with you

 

 

By Angus MacKechnie

(or Donald MacEachan)