Celtic Spiritual Verse : Poems of the Western Highlanders from the Gaelic

by McLean, Gordon R.

• ISBN13: 9780829815436
• ISBN10: 0829815430
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-01
• Publisher: Pilgrim Pr

Table of Contents

Introduction	xxiii
Prelude	1	(4)
I. Through the Day	5	(10)
The Kindling	7	(1)
The Creed Prayer	7	(2)
Petition for Protection	9	(1)
Grace before Food	10	(1)
Thanks after Food	10	(1)
A Journey Prayer	11	(1)
Power of Raven	11	(1)
Over the Pass	12	(1)
Smooring Blessing	12	(1)
Undressing Prayer	12	(1)
Night Blessing	13	(1)
Sleep Blessing	13	(1)
Before Sleeping	14	(1)
II. Infancy	15	(8)
Saint Bride the Aid-Woman	17	(1)
The Invitation to the Aid-Mother	17	(1)
The Mothering-Nut of Saint Mary	17	(1)
Mothering-Nut Charm	18	(1)
Lullaby of the Ocean Shore	18	(1)
Fairy Lullaby	18	(1)
Lullaby of the Swan	19	(1)
Baby's Bath	20	(1)
The Wings of a Dove	21	(2)
III. Christmas	23	(16)
The Star-Kindler	25	(1)
A Time there Was	25	(1)
The First Miracle of Christ	26	(1)
The Long Night	27	(1)
Christmas Hail	28	(2)
Christmas Carol	30	(1)
Christmas House-Blessing	31	(1)
The Christmas Gift	32	(1)
Hey the Gift	32	(1)
Christmas Monday	33	(1)
The Virgin and Child	33	(1)
The Night of the Star	34	(1)
The Virgin	35	(1)
Christmas Procession	35	(1)
The Child of Glory	36	(1)
Christmas Fishing	36	(1)
The Little Mother's Song	37	(2)
IV. Sacraments	39	(10)
The Water of the Spirit	41	(1)
Baptism at Birth	41	(1)
The Baptism of the Aid-Mother	41	(1)
A Small Drop of Water	42	(1)
First Baptism	42	(1)
The Prayer of Baptism	43	(1)
The Baptism Blessing	44	(1)
The Trinity Pouring	44	(1)
God's Aid	45	(1)
The Meal	45	(1)
Bed Blessing	45	(1)
Happy Death	46	(1)
Death with Anointing	46	(1)
Blessed Dying	47	(1)
The Gates of the Kingdom	47	(2)
V. Childhood	49	(6)
The Cat	51	(1)
The Dog	51	(1)
The Goldfinch	51	(1)
Pins and Needles	51	(1)
The Fox's Mouth	52	(1)
The Mouse	52	(1)
The Ragwort-Switch	52	(1)
The Oath of the Red Dog	53	(1)
Catch as Catch Can	53	(1)
Killmoluag	53	(2)
VI. Pilgrimage	55	(10)
By Land and Sea	57	(1)
The Soaring of the Soul	57	(1)
The Path of Right	57	(1)
The Pilgrim's Aiding	57	(1)
The Pilgrim's Hope	58	(1)
The Three	58	(1)
Thoughts	59	(1)
Before Me	59	(1)
The Soul's Healer	60	(1)
Protection Prayer	60	(1)
The Pilgrim's Relief	61	(1)
The Travel-Shield of God	62	(1)
The Pilgrim's Nightkeeping	62	(1)
Heavenly Protection	63	(2)
VII. Mull Poems	65	(10)
The Flower of the Flight	67	(1)
He Who so Calmly Rode	67	(2)
Power over Wasting	69	(1)
Charms for the Evil Eye	69	(1)
The Widow's White Cow	70	(1)
Churning	71	(1)
The Gracious Root	72	(1)
The Pearlwort	73	(2)
VIII. Morning	75	(8)
Rising Prayer	77	(1)
Night and Day	77	(1)
Morning Thanksgiving	77	(1)
The Morning Dedication	78	(1)
Petition at Rising	78	(1)
Dressing Prayer	79	(1)
Morning Protection	80	(1)
Prayer this Day	80	(1)
Somerled's Supplication	81	(2)
IX. The Cross	83	(10)
The Aspen	85	(1)
Christ and the Horse	85	(1)
Christ the Priest	85	(1)
He who was Crucified	86	(1)
Blessing of a New House	87	(1)
The Prayer of Distress	87	(1)
The Cross of Christ	88	(1)
The Mote	89	(1)
The Reed	89	(1)
Going to Rest	90	(1)
Bedside Prayer	90	(1)
The Passion-Flower	91	(2)
X. The World	93	(8)
The Mother's Compassing	95	(1)
The Wicked	95	(1)
Winter Evening	96	(1)
Mac Shiamain	97	(1)
Saint Bride	97	(1)
Uist of Old	97	(1)
The Reay Bard	98	(1)
Timber	98	(1)
The Winds	98	(1)
The Rock of Rocks	98	(3)
XI. Protection	101	(10)
The Clasping of God	103	(1)
Prayer to Jesus	103	(2)
Appealing to God	105	(1)
The Encompassing of the Three	106	(1)
The King of Life Compass	106	(1)
The Compassing of God	106	(1)
Jesus the Encompasser	107	(1)
Encompassment	107	(1)
The Protecting Arm	108	(1)
Shield-Prayer	108	(1)
Charm for Protection	109	(1)
Heavenly Love and Affection	110	(1)
The Guarding of the God of Life	110	(1)
The Form of Christ	110	(1)
XII. Fairies	111	(6)
The Chief of Generous Chiefs	113	(1)
Mountain Lullaby	113	(1)
The Spirit Hounds	113	(1)
The Bennan Brownie	114	(1)
The Benmore Calves	114	(1)
Fairy Wisdom	115	(1)
The Blue Flax	115	(1)
It is Mine Own Eye	115	(1)
The Defence of the Holy Ones	116	(1)
XIII. Saints	117	(14)
Love and Protection	119	(1)
Saint Bride Blessing	119	(1)
The Shamrock of Saint Patrick	120	(1)
Saint Magnus	120	(1)
Black Donald's Ploughing	121	(2)
The Feast Day of Saint Mary	123	(1)
A Hail to Saint Mary	123	(1)
Ave Maria	124	(1)
Praise of Saint Mary	124	(3)
The Spell of Purest White	127	(1)
Saint Michael of War	128	(1)
Saint Michael of the Angels	129	(1)
Steed of Saint Michael	129	(1)
Prayer against Consumption	129	(1)
The Holy Spell	130	(1)
The Saints and Angels	130	(1)
XIV. Lochaber Poems	131	(10)
Before Prayer	133	(1)
Morning Prayer	133	(1)
Nativity Prayer	134	(1)
Prayer to Saint Mary the Mother	134	(2)
For the Household	136	(1)
The Protection of the Cross	136	(1)
The Guardian Angel	137	(1)
The Soul Petition	138	(1)
The Soul-Shrine	138	(1)
Resting Supplication	139	(1)
Death beyond Price	139	(2)
XV. The Home	141	(8)
House Blessing	143	(1)
The Hearth-Fire	143	(1)
Family Blessing	143	(1)
The Homestead	144	(1)
The House that is Here	145	(1)
The Peace of God and Men	146	(1)
The Well	146	(1)
Smooring	147	(1)
Rest Benediction	147	(2)
XVI. Love	149	(6)
A Love Charm	151	(1)
The Suitors	151	(1)
The Mount of Mist	152	(1)
The Dart of Love	152	(1)
The Red-Kilted Hunter	153	(1)
Michaelmas Promises	153	(1)
The Trout of the Well	154	(1)
XVII. Graces	155	(10)
The Grace of God	157	(1)
Bridal Song	157	(2)
Invocation of the Graces	159	(3)
God's Grace Distilling	162	(1)
The Young Matron	162	(1)
The Wedding Dance	163	(1)
A Maiden's Face	163	(1)
Grace of Love	164	(1)
The Blessing of God's Grace	164	(1)
XVIII. Wishes	165	(6)
My own Blessing	167	(1)
Each Day be Glad	167	(1)
The Three Rich and Generous	167	(1)
Good Wish	167	(1)
God's Blessing be Thine	168	(1)
A Joyous Life	168	(1)
The Creator's Love	168	(1)
The Creator's Gifts	168	(1)
God's Goodness for Life	169	(1)
Each Day Gladness	169	(1)
Day and Night Blessing	169	(2)
XIX. Chiefs	171	(10)
Chief of Chiefs	173	(1)
Prayer of Power	173	(1)
Macdonald's Bride	174	(1)
Sleep has Forsaken Me	174	(1)
The Lady-Lord	175	(1)
Queen of Grace	176	(1)
A Son of Alpin	177	(1)
The Milk for the Nobles	178	(1)
Give thy Milk	178	(1)
My Brown Heifer	179	(1)
Sleep-Dedication Prayer	180	(1)
XX. The Christ	181	(8)
Saint Mary of Motherhood	183	(1)
The White Spell of Mary	183	(1)
The Two Beetles	184	(1)
Jesus and the Rose-Breast	184	(1)
Blindness	185	(1)
For the Eye	186	(1)
The Yarrow of Counteracting	187	(1)
Toothache Charm	187	(1)
The Red-Stalk of Christ	188	(1)
Christ the Healer	188	(1)
XXI. Poems of the Further Isles	189	(8)
Madonna and Child	191	(1)
Christ and the Rose-Breast	191	(1)
Rose Charm	192	(1)
The Tree-Entwining Ivy	192	(1)
The Missing Herdsman	192	(1)
The Priestly Flower	193	(1)
For Protection	193	(1)
Saint Columba's Yellow Flower	194	(1)
A Curse	194	(1)
The Fairies of the Proud Angel	195	(1)
Wearing the Club-Moss	195	(1)
The Shamrock of Joys	195	(1)
For Grace	196	(1)
XXII. Saint Columba	197	(12)
The Herb of Saint Columba	199	(1)
The White Swan	199	(2)
Saint Columba and the Flounder	201	(1)
The Strangles	201	(1)
The Flower of Saint Columcill	202	(1)
Saint Columba and the Widow's Cow	202	(2)
Saint Columba's Herding	204	(1)
The Surfeit-Swelling	205	(1)
Surfeit	205	(1)
Butter Charm	205	(1)
Saint Columba's Day	206	(1)
Saint Columba's Plant	206	(3)
XXIII. Prayer	209	(8)
The Saint John's Wort	211	(1)
At my Praying Hour	211	(1)
From the Darkness	211	(1)
The Holy Spirit	212	(1)
Oblation	213	(1)
Nightfall	214	(1)
Sleep Consecration	214	(1)
Night Sanctification	215	(1)
The Incense	215	(1)
Death Prayer	216	(1)
The Holy Ghost Distilling	216	(1)
XXIV. The Dairy	217	(14)
My Speckled Cow	217	(2)
My Lovely Cow	219	(1)
Ho Hi Holigan	220	(1)
My Three Heifers	220	(1)
Milking Song	221	(1)
Milking Prayer	222	(1)
Cattle Croon	223	(1)
The Hornless Cow	223	(1)
Milking	224	(1)
The Staff-Churn	225	(1)
The Virgin's Charm	225	(1)
The Churn	226	(2)
Spelling a Beast	228	(1)
Milking Croon	229	(1)
The Figwort of Saint Ternan	229	(2)
XXV. Cattle	231	(10)
The Cattle Grazing	233	(1)
Blessing of the Herd	233	(1)
The Herd	234	(1)
The Herding of God's Son	234	(1)
Driving the Cows	235	(1)
The Driving	235	(1)
The Cattle Away	236	(1)
Herd Charm	237	(1)
Cattle Dyke-Crossing	237	(1)
The Two Bulls	238	(1)
The Cattle-Fold	239	(1)
As I was Going to Rome	239	(2)
XXVI. The Farm	241	(10)
Saint Michael of Victory	243	(1)
The Flocks and Herds	244	(1)
Charm for Farm-Stock	244	(1)
Saint Bride's Charm	245	(1)
The Black Mare	246	(1)
Sheep Saining	246	(1)
Lamb-Marking	246	(1)
Shearing Blessing	247	(1)
The Cow and the Sheep and the Goat	247	(1)
Hatching Blessing	248	(1)
The Catkin-Wool	249	(2)
XXVII. The Crops	251	(8)
The Land	253	(1)
God of the Sea	253	(1)
Come is the Seaweed	253	(1)
Prayer for Seaweed	253	(1)
Seedtime	254	(1)
Silverweed	255	(1)
Reaping	255	(1)
Harvest	256	(1)
Parching	256	(1)
The Quern	257	(1)
The Blessings of Life	257	(2)
XXVIII. Gairloch Poems	259	(6)
Prayer for the Day	261	(1)
Christ and the Swollen Breast	261	(1)
The Pining-Away	261	(1)
Cataract	262	(1)
The Fleshworm	262	(1)
Cattle Surfeit	263	(1)
Peace between Neighbours	263	(2)
XXIX. The Peace of God	265	(8)
The Peace of God to You	267	(1)
For Forgiveness	267	(1)
Life-Consecration	267	(1)
Holy Father of Glory	268	(1)
Blessing and Peace	269	(1)
Confession	270	(1)
Peace for this Life	271	(1)
The Peace of Everlasting	271	(1)
Peace to the End	272	(1)
XXX. Healing	273	(10)
Jesus-Praise	275	(1)
Childlessness	275	(1)
Charm for the Rose Disease	276	(1)
Fionn's Charm	276	(1)
Toothache	277	(1)
For Sprain	277	(1)
The Moving of Chest-Constriction	278	(1)
Against the Wasting-Away	278	(2)
Cough-Wasting	280	(1)
Chest-Conflict	280	(1)
The Chest Disease	281	(1)
The King's Evil	281	(1)
For Rupture	282	(1)
Checking of Blood	282	(1)
XXXI. The Eye	283	(12)
The Eye of God	285	(1)
The Sight	285	(1)
Lifting the Eye	285	(2)
Treading the Eye	287	(1)
An Eye	287	(1)
Evil-Eye Counter	288	(2)
Checking the Evil-Eye	290	(1)
Mote Charm	290	(1)
The Mote in the Eye	291	(1)
Mote Removal	291	(1)
Mote of Nine Motes	292	(1)
I Sing of the Eye	292	(1)
The Eye of the Great God	293	(2)
XXXII. Farriery	295	(8)
The Rough-Throated Heifers	297	(1)
Healing Charm	297	(1)
Udder-Rose	297	(1)
Red-Water Charm	298	(1)
The Gravel Charm	298	(1)
Chew the Cud	299	(1)
Charm for the Surfeit	299	(1)
Bruise Charm	299	(1)
The Black Spaul	300	(1)
Hide-Binding	301	(1)
The Living Charm of Saint Bride	301	(2)
XXXIII. The Calendar	303	(12)
The New Year	305	(1)
The Hogmanay Bag	305	(1)
Hogmanay Carol	305	(1)
Hogmanay Night	306	(1)
The Coming of Spring	307	(1)
The Birth of Spring	307	(1)
The May-Day Blessing	308	(1)
May-Day Prayer	309	(1)
The Shieling-Procession	310	(1)
Michaelmas-Cake	311	(1)
Hymn of the Lord's Day	312	(2)
Sunday Hymn	314	(1)
XXXIV. Clothing	315	(8)
The Warping	317	(1)
The Loom	317	(1)
The Sett	318	(1)
Loom Blessing	319	(1)
Prince Morag	319	(1)
Smoothing the Cloth	320	(1)
Cloth-Folding Blessing	320	(1)
The Consecration of the Cloth	321	(1)
The Gaelic Shoe	321	(1)
The Highland Dress	322	(1)
XXXV. Saint Kilda Poems	323	(8)
God of the Moon	325	(1)
Saint Kilda Duet	325	(2)
And O for the Ocean Calm	327	(1)
The Earl from Islay	328	(1)
The Cliff-Crest	328	(1)
The Orphans	328	(1)
No Crew of Landsmen	328	(1)
The Swan-Wort of Saint John	329	(2)
XXXVI. Travelling	331	(10)
The Roadmaker	333	(1)
Travelling Prayer	333	(1)
Afloat and Afield	333	(1)
The Journey Blessing	334	(1)
Finding the Club-Moss	334	(1)
The Gospel of the God of Life	334	(1)
Christ's Gospel	335	(1)
Protection Charm	335	(1)
Fear by Night	336	(1)
By Upland and Brae	337	(1)
A Mother's Blessing	337	(1)
The Mother's Farewell	337	(1)
Mother Blessing	338	(1)
A Clanranald Farewell	339	(1)
By Mountain and Glen and Plain	339	(2)
XXXVII. Justice	341	(8)
Each Day and Night	343	(1)
For Justice	343	(1)
Prayer for Success	344	(1)
The Justice Purification	344	(1)
Justice Invocation	345	(1)
The Stream Bathing	346	(1)
Against Slander	346	(1)
High-Court Appeal	347	(1)
God my Guide	347	(2)
XXXVIII. Battle	349	(10)
Christ's Safe-Guarding	351	(1)
The Charmed Life	351	(1)
The Son of God in Full Armour	352	(1)
Safe-Keeping	353	(1)
The Aiding	353	(1)
East or West	354	(1)
MacCrimmon's Pipe	354	(1)
The Making of the Bow	354	(1)
The War-Doublets	354	(1)
The Cat-Men	355	(1)
The Prince over the Water	356	(1)
The Son of My King	356	(1)
Battle Prayer	357	(1)
The Might of River	357	(2)
XXXIX. The Sea	359	(14)
The Three Everywhere	361	(1)
The Kindly Lantern	361	(1)
The Lighthouse Prayer	361	(1)
Sea-Prey	361	(1)
The Sea-Cows	362	(1)
The Uist Voyager	362	(1)
The Gospel of Christ	363	(2)
The Ocean Blessing	365	(1)
The Prayer at Sea	366	(1)
Sea Blessing	366	(1)
The Ship	367	(1)
Ship Consecration	367	(2)
A Sailor's Prayer	369	(1)
The Macleods' Imprecation	369	(1)
The Norsemen's Captive	370	(1)
The Angel Warder	370	(1)
The Helmsman	371	(1)
Doxology	371	(2)
XL. The Sky	373	(10)
The Voice of Thunder	375	(1)
Sunrise	375	(1)
The Sun	376	(1)
Sunset	376	(1)
Moon Worship	376	(1)
The White One of Beauty	377	(1)
The Jewel-Moon of Guiding	377	(1)
The New Moon of the God of Life	378	(1)
The Moon of Moons	378	(1)
Rune of the New Moon	379	(1)
The Moon of the Ages	379	(1)
New Moon of the Pastures	379	(1)
The New Moon Up	380	(1)
The Lady Moon	380	(1)
Queen of the Night	381	(1)
Jewel of Virtues	381	(1)
The Lantern of Grace	382	(1)
The New Moon	382	(1)
XLI. Creatures	383	(10)
The Young Hunter	385	(1)
Chase Consecration	386	(1)
The Hind	386	(1)
Ossian's Mother	387	(1)
Fath-Fith	388	(1)
The Spell of the Fox	389	(1)
The Serpent	389	(1)
Little Beetle	390	(1)
Omens	390	(1)
Easter Holidays	390	(3)
XLII. Birds	393	(8)
The Swan-Call	395	(1)
The Swans	395	(1)
Consumption Charm	396	(1)
The Mavis	396	(1)
The Corncrake	397	(1)
The Crow	398	(1)
The Pigeon	398	(1)
The Long-Tailed Duck	398	(2)
The Black-Throated Diver	400	(1)
The Diver and the Rising Water	400	(1)
XLIII. Plants	401	(10)
Saint Mary of the Flowers	403	(1)
The Sure Yarrow	403	(1)
The ``White-Joy'' Plant	403	(1)
The Red-Stalk of Saint Bride	404	(1)
The Figwort	404	(1)
The Figwort Gathering	405	(1)
The Fairy Wort	406	(1)
Saint Columcill's Wort	406	(1)
The Bog-Violet	407	(1)
The Sandwort	407	(1)
The Butterwort	407	(1)
The Catkin-Ring	408	(1)
The Silverweed of Spring	408	(1)
The Primrose	408	(1)
The Mountain-Yew	408	(1)
The Bog-Myrtle	409	(1)
The Double Carrot	409	(1)
The Shamrock	410	(1)
XLIV. Evening	411	(10)
Smooring the Fire	413	(1)
The Compassing of the Smooring	413	(1)
The Night Smooring	413	(1)
Sleeping Prayer	414	(1)
Resting Blessing	414	(1)
The Sleep-Prayer	415	(1)
The Gifts of the Three	415	(1)
Sleep Sanctification	416	(1)
Bed Protection	416	(1)
Night Prayer	417	(1)
Sleep Invocation	417	(1)
The Trinity at Night	418	(1)
Quietude of Sleep	418	(1)
Repose	419	(2)
XLV. Death	421	(10)
The Golden Butterfly	423	(1)
The Rowan-Tree	423	(1)
The Day of Death	423	(1)
A Last Prayer	423	(1)
Death's Ford	424	(1)
The Soul-Leading	424	(1)
The Death-Blessing	424	(1)
Soul-Peace	425	(1)
Passing	426	(1)
The White Purifying	426	(1)
Going Home	426	(1)
Death Dirge	427	(1)
The River Hard to See	428	(1)
Saint Oran	428	(1)
The Judgment Flood	428	(1)
Iona	429	(2)
Epilogue	431	(4)
Notes to Poems	435	(52)
Index of First Lines	487	(14)
Authorities	501