Gaelic Column

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 27, 30 September 1893, Page 12

Gaelic Column

LETTER from a HIGHLANDER,

Sir, —In accordance with your invitation I enclose a translation of the piece on “ The Lark,” with a short criticism in Gaelic. The short poem introduced by the writer is not without merit. It has a quaintness and peculiarity of antiqueness that are lost in the translation ; and even otherwise it is not easy, I might saj T possible, to render its force and significance. I have no doubt it is quite as old as represented. Whether the translation of the verse would interest your English readers, I don’t know ; you will judge. The criticism in Gaelic, I think, will be of some little interest to those who love the Gaelic “ as she* is spoke,” unless yon have a better, which may he, as there must be someone around whose Gaelic is, by use and practice, more apt and less rusty than mine. I am glad that you are able and willing to set apart a column for the entertainment and benefit of the numerous Highlanders scattered about the district. The revival of old memories and the exchange of sentiments will help to promote solidarity and induce a wider interest into their life. I trust they will take advantage of it, which would be .in some sort a return for your generosity and readiness to befriend. Whether or not the Gael believes that “ When beauteous Eve in Paradise First met young Adam’s view, The first word that she’ll spoke till her Was ‘ Cia mar tha sibh ’n diugh?”’ he still loves the old language, and more than he does the old garb and the pipes. Success to the Gaelic column. —Yours, etc., Exleanach.