Mythology & Folklore

The Figwort

by Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic) traditional; collected in the Highlands and Islands 1855–1899

Translated by Alexander Carmichael (1900) · From Carmina Gadelica, vol. II (1900): Incantations

Mythology & Folklore

I will pluck the figwort,
With the fulness of sea and land,
At the flow, not the ebb of the tide.
By thine hand, gentle Mary.

The kindly Colum directing me,
The holy Oran protecting me.
Whilst Bride of women beneficent
Shall put fruitage in the kine.

As the King of kings ordained.
To put milk in breast and gland.
As the Being of life ordained.
To put sap in udder and teat.

In udder of badger,
In udder of reindeer.
In udder of sow(?).
In udder of mare.
In udder of sow (?),
In udder of heifer.
In udder of goat, ewe, and sheep.
Of roe, and of cow.
With milk, with cream, with substance.
With rutting, with begetting, with fruitfulness, .
With female calves excelling.
With progeny, with joyance, with blessing.
Without man of evil wish.
Without woman of evil eye,
Without malice, without envy.
Without one evil.

In name of the apostles twelve,
In name of the Mother of God,
In name of Christ Himself,
And of Patrick.

MLA

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “The Figwort.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/169/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “The Figwort.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/169/.

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