The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

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Gaelic Incantatio,.s. 443
somewhat different tone. He considered himself a very-
respectful man (duine niodhail), and addressed the Deity
as Sibhse (You) instead of the customary 1husa (Thou).
On one occasion when going to sea, danger was anticipated,
and he prayed
" Ud a Thighearna Dhia, Ruin, na 'm biodh Sibh cho
math a's curam a ghabhail do Mhairi 's do Sheonaid ; ach
a' Bhan-Diabhul, nighean Phara Mhic-a'-Phearsain, deanadh
i a roghainn :
na partanan
bithidh fear eile aice ma 's bi mise ichte aig
!"
Translated
" O Lord God, my Beloved, if You would be so good as
to take the care of Mary and Jessie; but that She-Devil,
the daughter of Peter Macpherson, let her take her choice ;
she will have another before I am eaten by the crabs !"
Mary and Jessie were his daughters. Needless to say
the " she-devil" was his wife.
CONCLUSION.
I feel that this paper has extended far beyond the
limits usually allowed, and that no matter how interesting
the subject may be in itself, I must now conclude. In
doing so, I cannot adopt more fitting language than that
used by the Hebridean peasant on finishing the labours of
the day, and before retiring for the night When smooring
the fire he says
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Smalaidh mise 'n nochd an teine.
Mar a smalas Mac Moire ;
Gu'm bu slan an tigh 's an teine,
Gu'm bu slan a' chuideachd uile.
Co bhios air an lar ?
Peadar agus Pal.
Co bhios air an fhaire nochd ?
Moire mhin-gheal 's a Mac.
Bial De a labhras,
Aingeal geal a dh' innseas
Aingeal an dorus gach tighe,
Ga'r comhnadh 's ga'r gleidheadh
Gus an tig an solus geal a maireach.
He then says the following AltachadJi Laidhe,ot Bed-going
Prayer :
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