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Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by Brian Merriman |
Cuid a Dó: An Ainnir
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Part Two: The Young Woman
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| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
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Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Trí
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On To Part Three
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Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page