The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

746
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The Hi^Jdand MontJily.
Bith-sa fialaidh—ach bi glic ;
Bi misneachail—ach bi stold'
Na bi bruidhneach 's na bi balbh ;
Na bi mear no marbh 's tu og.
Bi gleidhteach air do dheadh ainm,
Ach na bi duinte 's na bi fuar ;
Na labhair fos air neach gu h-olc,
'S ged labhrar ort na taisbean fuath.
Na bi gearanach fo chrois,
Falbh socair le cupan Ian.
Chaoidh do 'n olc na tabhair speis
A's le d' bhreid ort, mile failt '
Rev. Dr Stewart (Nether-Lochaber) has given the
following translation :
—
Comely and kerchiefd, blooming, fresh, and fair,
All hail and welcome ! joy and peace be thine,
Of happiness and health a bounteous share
Be shower'd upon thee from the hand divine.
Wearing the matron's coif, thou seem'st to be
Even lovelier now than erst, when fancy free,
Thou in thy beauty's strength did'st steal my heart
from me.
Though young in years thou'rt now a wedded wife,
O seek His guidance who can guide aright
With aid from Him, the rugged path of life
May still be trod with pleasure and delight
For he who made us bids us not forego
A single, sinless pleasure in this world of woe.
Be open handed, but be eident too
Be strong and full of courage, but be staid ;
Aught like unseemly folly still eschew
Be faultless wife as thou wert faultless maid !
Guard against hasty speech and temper violent,
And knowing when to speak, know also to be silent.
Guard thy good name and mine from smallest stain ;
In manner still be kindly, frank, and free !
If thou'rt reviled, revile not thou again ;
In hour of trial, calm and patient be ;
And when thy cup is full walk humbly still,
A careless, proud, rash step the blissful cup may spill.
—
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