Translation

Alasdair of Glengarry by Julie Macdonald

You were the red torch who burned, you would split them to their heels, you were the shoulder for the battle, the hero with unflinching hand, you were the salmon in fresh water, the eagle in the highest flight, the lion above all other creatures, you were the broad-antlered stag.

You were the loch that couldn’t be emptied, the generous well of health,

Ben Nevis above other mountains, the cliff that couldn’t be scaled; you were the capstone on the castle, the broad flagstone of the street, the precious jewel of goodness, the proud stone of the ring.

You were the yew above each wood, you were the strong, steadfast oak, you were the holly, you were the blackthorn, the rough-barked, flowering apple; you hadn’t a single twig of aspen, you were not the alder’s due, you had no friendship with the lime-tree,

you were the darling of fine women.

The husband of a dear wife,

I’m sad she now mourns you; though she and I are different, my healing too was painful; every wife without a husband would pray God’s son take his place, since He could give her comfort in every sadness she will face.

I pray your soul be saved, now that you’re laid in earth;

I pray joy for those you’ve left, in your country and your home: I’m glad your son is in your place, with wealth, riches and safekeeping – Alasdair of Glen Garry, you brought tears to my eyes today.