Mythology & Folklore

The Ditch of Mary

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

Ditch of Mary.
Ditch of Mary :
Heron legs,
Heron legs ;
Ditch of Mary,
Ditch of Mary ;
Heron legs under you.
Bridge of warranty before you.

Mary placed a wand in it,
Bride placed a hand in it,
Columba placed a foot in it,
Patrick placed a cold stone.
Ditch of Mary,
Ditch of Mary ;
Heron legs,
Heron legs ;
Ditch of Mary.
Ditch of Mary ;
Heron legs under you,
Bridge of warranty before you.
Muriel placed myrrh in it,
Uriel placed honey in it,
Muirinn placed wine in it,
And Michael placed in it power.
Ditch of Mary,
Ditch of Mary ;
Heron legs.
Heron legs ;
Ditch of Mary,
Ditch of Mary ;
Heron legs under you,
Bridge of warranty before you.

MLA

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “The Ditch of Mary.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/195/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “The Ditch of Mary.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/195/.

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